As many of you already know, I made a major move from Alaska to South Carolina last summer on a very short timeline. It was one of the hardest decisions I've ever made, and although it seemed sudden to some people, it was something that I had contemplated for well over a year. Once I [...]
It’s been awhile, friends! I have been quite busy with my new (chaotic) life - getting a new job, moving into a new place, and cultivating some new and old relationships. Things are starting to settle down a bit, so I’m back and hopefully won’t disappear from the blogosphere again anytime soon. Although I have [...]
People have shared deeply personal stories with me for as long as I can remember, and I always thought they expected me to fix something for them. Being a deeply empathetic person, I struggled with being a good friend and feeling responsible to do something. Last year was pretty awful, and I didn’t want anyone [...]
Time dictates most of our lives, and people say “I don’t have time” quite regularly. We all struggle with competing priorities and obligations in our chaotic lives. There are things that we must do that do keep us busy, like work, raising children, and maintaining our homes (aka never-ending chores). Let me tell you something [...]
A month ago, I was looking for a cheaper apartment in Alaska, struggling to find something in my budget and close to my daughter's school. I had decided that I would stay in Alaska for one more year, get the experience from the new job and complete the rest of my Alaska bucket list. I [...]
I celebrated my 32nd birthday this past weekend. There was no lavish party, fancy bows, balloons or cake, but it was hands down one of the best birthdays I’ve ever had. My boyfriend cooked delicious meals for me and let me choose the music and activities all day. My friend surprised me with a beautiful [...]
Anyone who knows me closely understands that I’m a planner. I like details and structure, and when things don’t go according to plan, I tend to get a little anxious. Of course, I had my adult life planned out as a teenager. Despite my efforts to create the perfect life, I didn’t feel happy or [...]
Song writer Mark Knopfler wrote, "Sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes you're the bug." I've heard this quote many times, but never really processed what it means. Over the past couple of weeks, I have definitely felt like the bug, getting pummeled at every turn with work stress, tantrums from my threenager, potty training a stubborn [...]
I find tremendous joy in the small things, like fresh air and warm sunshine on my face, my daughters holding hands in the backseat of the car, and the sound of music and laughter. I love fiercely and openly, and I'm a natural people pleaser, so I get hurt...a lot. I accept unjust blame from others [...]
It's no secret that winters in Alaska are long, dark, and cold. Usually around January and February, people in Fairbanks start to get a little stir crazy so it's a popular time for people to vacation to warmer places. This is my fourth winter in Alaska, and it has been incredibly long, and cold, not [...]
Cultivating Chaos 