Yesterday marked the end of our first full month in Chicago and I’d be remiss if I didn’t tell you all it was a challenging, trying, exciting, and refreshing month, all wrapped up in one! One of my best girlfriends from college sent me a letter (handwritten notes are the best) with a print that reads, “No matter where,” and the reminder that life is going to continue to bring good days, bad days, and everything in between, but no matter where I find myself, I’ve always got the world’s greatest support system to fall back on. That’s a pretty amazing feeling!
September always seems like the perfect time to regroup and refocus. Not to mention it’s a reminder that if we thought summer flew by, the holidays are going to be here before we know it and then poof, the chances to finish what we set out to accomplish for the year are all but dried up.
With that, I outlined a few things I’m going to hold myself accountable for this month:
Meet three people I’m “friends” with on social media, but haven’t actually met in real life. Okay, so I sort of cheated on this one. First of all, I met Katie over in Wicker Park yesterday morning and we sat and talked for close to two hours on the cute little patio pictured above. It was so, so nice. Secondly, there are a few events on my social calendar this month that will put me in good company (hi, Danielle!), but it’s my job to come out of my shell and engage in meaningful conversations.
Schedule time with a photographer to shoot outfit photos. Pretty straightforward here. I paid a visit to Trunk Club yesterday (couldn’t recommend Karen more!) and I left with a few new pairs of jeans and this dress, which I would go so far to say is my favorite piece of clothing I’ve ever owned!
Read two new books. I’ve had Truly, Madly, Guilty for weeks now and just haven’t devoted the time to reading each night. Instead, I’ve found myself at the bottom of the Instagram rabbit hole. Other titles on my radar include: The Girls, First Comes Love, The Singles Game and The Girl On The Train.
Add a 4 mile run to my weekly workout routine. There have been no shortage of group workouts in my regime but I’m craving the feeling I get after a run in the crisp autumn air. Is there anything better? Back in Kansas City, there was this great neighborhood called Janssen Place I used to run in. One lap around was half a mile and there was no excuse not to get out there because it was literally right in my backyard. I’m missing that something fierce right now! I’m hoping to find somewhere close that isn’t packed with people and also doesn’t have me stopping every block for a traffic light (while simultaneously breathing in fuel exhaust, which would negate the whole fresh air thing).
What’s one thing you’re hoping to accomplish this month?
YAY! It sounds like Chicago has been PERFECT for you!!!!
The Adored Life
Most definitely!
Sounds like you’re adjusting perfectly to that Chi Lyfe! I miss Jansen place too. It’s been so hot and muggy in NYC I’ve been running on the dreaded treadmill. Woof!
It’s been a wild few weeks, but the weather here couldn’t be more perfect right now! Ugh, the dreadmill is the worst. I miss our walk dates!
So happy you are getting settled and liking Chicago, that makes me so happy!! 🙂 These are great goals and totally achievable to do! Looking forward to hanging out this weekend!
xo, Sarah
Likewise! 🙂
I just know you will achieve your goals 100% and I will be supporting you along the way! My main goal for September is to keep focused on my goals and keep my head up! 😉😊😘
Same to you girlfriend! You’ve got a lot on your plate, but if anyone is capable, it’s you!
I’m on week 2 of 12 weeks of personal training now and I really want to hone in on my nutrition this month since it is the first month since March I don’t have to get on a plane!! really wanting to get into a groove for the fall!
As for running in Chicago – I love to run on the paths along the lake 🙂
xo, MAddy
I’ve thought about trying a personal trainer to really kick my rear in gear! Do you like it? Nutrition is by far the hardest thing for me. I love bread, cheese, donuts….oy. I love being down by the lake, it’s just a little crowded at times and isn’t the most accessible where we are located (which usually deters me from working out). Enjoy the long weekend! 🙂
Hi Jess! In so glad you’re enjoying Chicago! I also like your goal of meeting people you are friends with on social media. Wish I could do that more often but being stuck in the middle of the Pacific Ocean makes that challenging 😅 Hope you have a nice weekend! – Jessika x / beautybyjessika.com
Sounds like your adjusting to your new city wonderfully! Congrats!
XO Helen | http://www.KaleidoscopeSpinning.com
Don’t feel bad about not being able to get into Truly, Madly, Guilty. It took me weeks to finish, even though I typically finish a book in a night or two. Just a really long, drawn out book.
I finally finished it! Not my favorite, but I was dying to know what happened at that barbecue lol.
If you ever want to kill two birds with one stone and meet for a run, let me know! I can show you some cute places to run that aren’t super crowded and don’t have a ton of lights 🙂
So happy we finally got to meet and that you are loving Chicago!
So am I! Hopefully it’s not too long before our paths cross again 🙂