Woops! It seems that I may have bitten off more than I could chew in May, pushing myself to share a series of NYC memories for each of my last days in Brooklyn, while also planning a wedding, and preparing a semi-cross country move (hey it was over 10 hrs), all while closing things out with the company you had worked for over the last 3 years and saying goodbye to all my dear friends. I mean, I got to day 8, which is a pretty decent run for me! One day I’m sure I’ll go back and fill in the rest.

And so we (I) move forward. 2016 has officially kicked off and I’m already feeling good vibes about the upcoming year. We’ve been living in Charlotte, North Carolina for about seven months and married for about seven months and 5 days. The Queen City is everything that we had hoped it would be. Access to theater, dog friendly activities, space, windows, a dishwasher are all top of our favorites. Of course it is no New York, nothing will ever be New York, but I can tell you that I have never seen cleaner streets before.

Moving to Southend as the daily temperature reached 100 degrees for 3 months straight, we had no choice but to head outside, hiking at Lake Norman (Trixie was the most out of shape) and attending the Cultural Feast in Uptown. Over the holidays we had our family down which gave us the opportunity to show them the city. New Years Day, our best man came into town and we got to show him an entirely different side of the city. From Discovery Place with our nephew one day to the Bar at 316 for a drag show (not with our nephew) the next, we offer tours of all varieties to our guests. With time off work, it was great to get to spend some solid quality time together. We also all slept in our 1br apartment. Charlie-and-the-Chocolate-factory family style. Sort of looked like this:

Now its just back to us and we are hunkering down for the “rough” winter ahead. I mean, at some point they are going to have to close the pool, right? If you ask me, not that you did, I would say yesterday was the first official day of winter. The combination of clear blue skies, freezing temperatures, and unpredictable and brisk gusts of wind are a clear sign that Im going to get more use out of my sweaters than I had thought when we moved south. Fine by me, I just finally attained a semi decent collection!

If you are in Charlotte this weekend and looking for some fun, check out the brand new REID’S located outside of South Park Mall. They are having their Grand Opening and celebrating with a free oyster roast and samplings of their amazing brews and wines.

Wherever you may be, I hope you are protected from the cold, laughing constantly, and looking into 2016 with excitement.

 

Live for Fun, Spread Joy!