i'm sitting in a nearly empty apartment, watching as my cats wander aimlessly through each room. they seem remarkably calm considering ninety-nine percent of the things they usually like to sit on are now missing; maybe it's the cat sedatives they sampled today.

phew. what a day. with the help of some very generous friends, we loaded up the 14 foot u-haul with room to spare. we have a little more to throw in there, not too much, nothing compared to earlier this morning. so after a few more trips down to the truck, we'll be all set to go. we'll set out early tomorrow morning, making our way east toward the coast.

i will be saying farewell to a city that has brought me incredible joy as well as...well...let's call them "challenges." i've learned a lot, fallen in love and generally had a great time getting to know the most fabulous friends a gal can have. honestly, that is what i'm most nervous about; losing touch with the people who helped me understand myself during the last seven years. i'm going to do my best to avoid that happening.

there's no way to really thank these folks, but i'd like to try...and now, in classic lauren fashion, a list*:

joe b.
mary
gandy
paul b.
kate
shelly
jay
dean
halena
kasey
paulie d.
joe s.
geoff
jen
rachel
luke
oona
tai
kristie
mpt
mary winn
ryan
dina
michael c.
hillary
melissa
hubbell
katie
katy
bill b. (both of you)
jessica
kurt
lacy
lynda
maggie
erinn
ben
heidi
amanda
lisa
sharon
rani
kate
arnie
mack
alex
brennan
laura
ian
marc

thank you.

*if you don't see your name on this list, please, please understand that it is the fault of my tired, slippery brain which is looking forward to some thai food. i love you all.

checklist

☑ moving truck rented
☑ cat sedatives for 13 hour trip across the country
☑ moving boxes
☑ three trips to the brown elephant (and counting)
☑ change of address
☑ nervous and excited about the prospect of imminent change
☐ some serious packing still left
☐ bills set up in new city
☐ seven more days in current city
☐ last goodbyes

we're gonna live here.

yep. here is our new home. crazy.

we're going to live in a friendly little neighborhood in brooklyn. brownstones on all sides, yummy restaurants a few steps away and a city park just down the street.

i'm officially excited.

a dear friend suggested i take up my blogging again in order to stay close to people who might want to know what i'm up to. it warms my heart to think that there are those of you out there. i appreciate your pageviews and your kindness. i hope to get back into the swing of it as i prepare for a new and bold adventure taking me from the middle west to the east coast.

yikes!