There’s no place like home. Or is there?

“If you can only have one great love, then the city just may be mine.”
–Carrie Bradshaw

The hardest part about moving to Atlanta was probably the task of building a constellation of peers with whom I would spend my time.  I’ve never had trouble making friends. Everywhere I go, I’m always meeting people and camaraderie was often a quick result. It never once occurred to me that when I moved to Atlanta, I’d be leaving behind all of my great friends. Seriously. I never thought, “Oh, I’m not going to have friends up there.” Sure, I had fellow GSU alumni to keep in contact with, but none that were people I would share my most intimate stories with. 

And so I soon realized that I had to fix that. I began reaching out to people I hadn’t spoken to in quite some time. I started going to new restaurants, going to church, joining professional organizations, etc. The more places I went, the more friends I made. The more friends I made, the happier I became. Sure, there are times when I think back on the great times I had in high school and in college. But the truth is, those times don’t compare with the memories I’m making now.

I relate to people here more. Not always as quickly, because my southern draw tends to make people feel I’m unrelatable. But once we get to talking, they realize how much we have in common. There were plenty of “southern” activities I enjoyed when I lived in South Georgia, but none as fulfilling as those I now enjoy. There is always something to do in this city. There are always parks to walk in, trivia nights to attend, concerts to dance at, restaurants to dine at, festivals to attend, museums to visit.

I may not have as many friends as I did at one time, but the friends I do have are amazing.

Young Individualist

“I like my money right where I can see it... hanging in my closet.”
-Carrie Bradshaw

The recent move into a new apartment uncovered that I may or may not be a hoarder.  I wouldn’t say that I’m as bad as the crazy people on television, but I found some old Abercrombie denim skirts from high school. You know the ones I’m speaking of, the ones that you had to change into at a friend’s house because if your dad caught you wearing one he would ground you, if he didn’t die of a heart attack first.

So, I went through the rows and rows of clothes and filled up a couple of boxes to donate to Good Will.  As I was forcing myself to place many expensive items into boxes and contemplating what girl may one day be wearing the clothes that I at one time loved, I realized I could be making room for far more fabulous garments.

Since those Abercrombie days, my fashion sense has been drastically altered. I grew up in a town that had JC Penney and Goody’s. Oh, and Wal-Mart. No one in the entire town knew what looked good.

Moving off to college opened my eyes to names and brands I had never heard of.  For the first time, I truly appreciated high fashion and especially haute couture. I picked up a minor in Fashion Merchandising & Apparel Design while in college, just so I could learn more about this industry that was hidden from me for many years.

Unfortunately, I can’t afford to shop at Neiman’s. I just walk around and salivate over the immaculate fabrics that drape over the mannequins so beautifully.

Will I ever be able to upgrade from the Individualist department to the Savvy department in Nordstrom? Every time I walk by a $600 cocktail dress that I clearly can’t afford, I honestly think to myself, “This isn’t fair.” But, life isn’t fair. Or at least that what my parents always told me.

The truth is it’s hard to save nowadays, what with having to look cute and all. Maybe one day the cost of clothing won’t be an issue, but for now I’m stuck looking for great finds on Urban Outfitters sale racks and in the BP section (I’m almost embarrassed to admit that).

I want more.

“As we drive along this road called life, occasionally a gal will find herself a little lost.

And when that happens, I guess she has to let go of the coulda, shoulda, woulda,

buckle up and just keep going.” – Carrie Bradshaw

The transition to Atlanta resident wasn’t a difficult one. You see, I decided a few years ago that a small town just isn’t for me. Not right now anyway. There are pros and cons to city life, but the pros far outweigh the cons.

I was loving this new city and everything it had to offer. To this day, my absolute favorite thing is riding through the streets at night and staring up into the hundreds of lighted windows that scale the tall buildings. It truly is why I love being here.

Still, I find myself wanting more. This city isn’t nearly as large as I once thought. Yes, there are lots of things to do, but other cities have even more to do!

The fact that I don’t have friends living everywhere in America is probably the only thing that keeps me here. I’m not unhappy, but I do often find myself pondering what other places have to offer. If I can survive here, surely I can survive in Chicago. And if I can survive in Chicago, surely I can survive in San Diego. And if I can make it in San Diego, what’s holding me back from Manhattan?

Really and truly, my family is holding me back. Not because they are telling me not to go, but because I still want to be close enough to be a part of their lives. 240 miles is a long way, but it’s still close enough for me to drive home for my neices’ birthday parties.

One thing is for sure, living here has made me appreciate the time I spend with friends and family. I look forward to those weekends in Savannah with the White’s. And Friday morning breakfast at Jerry J’s with my grandparents.

Right now, I’m comfortable where I am. But who knows, maybe one day I’ll be walking down 44th Street to meet some new friends to see one of my favorite shows at the St. James Theatre- wearing Louboutins, of course.

I’ve got my city girl shoes on.

“So many roads. So many detours. So many choices. So many mistakes.”
- Carrie Bradshaw

I’ve lived in Atlanta, GA for 21 months. What started out as being just a summer internship led to a full-time job and has blossomed into what may or may not be a career (gasp)!

I had plans to crash at my uncle’s house for that first summer after college, but with me graduating at the worst possible time ever, that turned into what seemed like forever. The company I work for wasn’t able to pay me what I believed I needed, but now, finally, I got a raise.

First thing I did was call my best friend Jamie, who agreed to find a place with me. The thing was, this needed to happen quickly. I had 18 days to get my own place because my uncle was moving.

While I got the raise, I’m still not making loads of mula, so this hunt to find a new home was going to be hard. I needed something in a safe area and as close to Buckhead as possible. Is that even achievable? Yes, I could have saved some money by living further out, but this is my chance to live close to my favorite hangout spots and be young, right?

With a new lease, a hefty furniture purchase and several trips to Ikea, I’m happy to announce that I am now a resident of North Buckhead. I’m 3.7 miles from my favorite bar, to be exact.

Although I’ve had quite some time to learn my way around this city, I feel as if I’m just starting out. Yes, I’ve been paying my own bills and making adult decisions for a couple of years now, but I actually get to enjoy life as a young adult.

Atlanta may not be the biggest city in the world, but it’s a far cry from Waycross, GA. I’m ready for this. I’m ready to take this in. I’m ready to have a good time. I’m ready to make mistakes. I’ve got my city girl shoes on.