In most ways, I’m the same person I was six months ago when I last posted. Same house, same job, same problem spending too much money at Whole Foods. But behind my fading summer tan (it’s been a hot minute since I’ve been to the beach), there has been growth across the board—plus some more surface level “changes.” This is a little long so hold tight…
What’s Changed?
I have new passport stamps + more Southwest points
Since we last spoke I’ve taken four trips. My family and I hopped the pond for 3 days in London (not nearly enough) and 5 days in Ireland. We did mostly touristy things in London—high tea, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Harrods, a red bus tour, both palaces and Big Ben. Go, go, go!
One of my favorite “simple” activities was running through their parks and city streets. The Queen’s Garden (below) was so beautiful! After coming off the red-eye, our three days there were really two awake days and one can’t-keep-your-eyes-open days. That’s how all Americans are in Europe though. I will definitely be back. I will time my trip for a public Royal Family event, too.
We Air Bnb hopped throughout Ireland. You have to rent a car when you go there because you need to see all corners of the country. Ireland was exactly how I imagined it (in a good way). Green hills, friendly people, and lots and lots of pubs. My favorite town was Dingle (west coast). The weather was ehhhh but we had one really nice day and we packed it with a boat ride and hiking.
This photo below was from the Guinness Factory tour in Dublin. I thought it was ironic, given I have celiac disease. 
As for non-international travel, I flew out to California in early August and stayed with my cousin in LA. I took a very similar trip last year so I wanted to refresh my memory and see as many little areas/neighborhoods as possible. I had it the back of my mind that I’d want to live there, but after my first Uber ride of the trip and almost pulling my hair out because of traffic, I threw that idea out. California is still on my radar but not so much LA. Santa Monica was my favorite though. Actually Erewhon market was my favorite. Erewhon is a more expensive Whole Foods, which I didn’t know was possible.
My dad and I visited his family in Pennsylvania over Labor Day for some quiet, quality time and then two weekends later I finally made it to Auburn to see my sister. That was my first time in the state of Alabama and she’s lived there for more than two years. It was time! She has the cutest apartment filled with things that made me laugh/smile. Exhibit A:
I have a new perspective thanks to Irma
The first three weeks of September were Irmageddon in Florida. The entire state was in a panic leading up to it and then in emotional and physical stress after, the latter depending where you live. I went to bed the night before she hit expecting to lose everything and I was oddly ok with that—as long as my family was unharmed. We were completely fine and Tampa dodged a direct hit at the last-minute, but others nearby weren’t as fortunate.
While I’m grateful to have returned to normalcy, I have newfound empathy and a refreshed perspective for what matters in life. I’ve stopped myself from complaining many times over the last few weeks because my annoyances are trivial in the big scheme. Everyone impacted by these disasters (earthquakes, hurricanes, fires) needs our continual help, prayers and action.
I got braces
This was a sudden and unexpected decision. When I got new retainers (my old ones were gross) and my orthodontist said he wasn’t pleased with my bottom teeth. I wear my retainers religiously so it wasn’t my fault, let’s make that clear. He said four months of braces would correct the bottom row so I went for it. I’m still in some pain, namely the rubbing against my bottom lip, but hopefully I’m over the hump.
Fun fact: One of my biggest fears in life is waking up one day and my teeth looking like they did in 6th grade pre-braces. I take VERY good care of them for that reason.
I got a new car
I said goodbye to my beloved 2010 Ford Escape (the year is important because the model changed). It was a pretty sudden decision as well but necessary for safety reasons. I loved my car so much— I cried saying goodbye! I think part of the tears were because now I have a car payment though…
My old car wasn’t fancy at all but it kept me safe for seven years. It was my piece of “home” when I was away at college and was undoubtedly a safe spot for conversation and tears. My new car is awesome in different ways. I’m trying really hard to keep it clean. So far so good.
I’ve loosened up my need for plans
In a few different ways my Type-A self has been forced to do everything BUT follow a plan. In my dream world I would have the path from point A to point B and I would put in the work needed. Yet what happens when you take the “do your best at this moment” path? The one where the end is up for question? I don’t know but I’ll keep you posted.
What’s the same?
Salmon is still my favorite food, football is still my favorite sport and the Kardashians are still my favorite guilty-pleasure show. I still go to bed early and wake-up before the sun. I still have the sweetest dogs in the world. I’m still so grateful to be with family. And I still really miss writing in this space. That won’t change.
What’s new with you?
Love hearing an update from you Emily! I just got a new car as well and I totally know that pain of now having a car payment. Ugh, but so worth it! Hope you continue to do well :)
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Brooksie Way Half Marathon Race Recap
Hi Brie! I’m so excited for you and your upcoming race. You’ve worked so hard so now it’s time to do a victory lap. Yay for new cars (minus the $$$).
Loved the picture with you and the Lamb. Congratulations on the new car. Great article!
The only thing Olivia wanted to do in Ireland was hold baby lambs. Mission accomplished! Love you!
GIRL….I was so happy to read this post this morning! I haven’t blogged since April…I don’t know if I ever will again. I think about it, but I just don’t have the time. So happy to hear that you are out there traveling and living life and not planning as much. Have a beautiful day! XOXO
I love following you on Instagram because you are living your best life! I’m so happy that you’re in the sunshine too. xoxo
I agree with Mary Ellen the picture of you and the lamb is the best! I loved reading this, you are so talented and I think you are doing a great job with this thing called “life”.
I held that lamb for as long as it took to take a photo and promptly passed him back to his owner haha. He was cute though! Thank you for your support. It means a lot.
Girl, it sounds like you are thriving! Was Ireland really good for safe gluten free food? I have an Irish friend who was telling me the celiac population there is much higher so gluten free foods and trained allergy friendly restaurants are everywhere.
Kristy from Southern In Law recently posted…SIL in Hawaii: The Luxe List – Five Star Dining and Accommodation in Honolulu, Oahu
I was pleasantly surprised by the awareness of celiac disease there! And yes, all allergies in general. Every menu was labeled very thoroughly. We stayed at Air Bnbs so I cooked most of the time but I did have a few good meals out and never had a problem.
Em, I LOVE reading your posts and look forward to them! Youre so talented.
You’re so sweet. Thank you always for your support <3
Love hearing from you <3 and The baby lamb?! Ahh so adorable! What a fun summer you had. I'm glad your family was unharmed during the hurricane but yes it is very eye opening to have things like that hit close to home. Hope to hear from you more often but I understand how life gets in the way!
Hi Heather! It felt really good to write again so I hope I don’t go as long next time. Your two little ones are as cute as ever :)
I’ve missed you my friend! So jealous of your travels (that isn’t going to happen fo rme for a looooooonnnnggggg time, lol) but luckily you and Ellen are traveling so I can drool at your pictures. I’m so glad that your home and you are safe post Irma, and I remember well what it was like after Sandy (just after leaving NYC) and Opal as well as others in GA. I felt disconnected from Harvey, but Irma was something I could relate to. I hope that the rest of the season is peaceful, weatherwise at least. The world doesn’t seem to be able to keep its act together.
As for braces, whatever you’ve got to do to keep those suckers under control. I have a few rogue teeth that are held in place by half of a permanent retainer (the other half broke off, lol) and I have visions of going full on British teeth, lol. Alex, of course, has never had braces or anything of the sort. He did have his front few teeth shattered by a baseball bat… but that is nothing ;D
So glad to hear from you. Love you!
Ummm so what’s new with you? It’s a mystery ;) I’m so excited for you and Alex. Getting braces again ignited the conversation at work about who’s had them and who hasn’t. Crazy how many people escaped!
so glad to see a post from you! sounds like things are going well <3
I just read your post too. It made me smile :)
I had a silver escape AND just got rid of it too! It was a super emotional process – I knew dealing with car salesman and the dealership would be stressful, but it’s hard saying bye to something you’ve had so long. So glad to read this update from you!
Sara @ Oats & Rows recently posted…The Weekender 9/30
No way! It was the best car. I would have kept it forever if it lasted!
Your photos from the UK trips looked amazing! So glad you have been doing well and enjoying life. Congrats on the new wheels too :)
Thanks, Lauren! Fly Eagles Fly.
Yayyy! I loved reading your update Emily. I love how genuine you are.
Hi Hannah,
Thank you for your sweet comment. Hoping to have another post up this week :)