5.17.2009

life in the fast lane..

It's been a busy weekend around here. My parents came into town over the weekend so we have been busy.

If you've been reading "me" a while then you know that I have only lived here in Illinois for almost 2 years, it'll be 2 years the beginning of July. I'm 34, i've been married almost 11 years, have 3 kids, and since meeting my hubby over 13 years ago, have not lived in one place for more that 5 years.
that's alot of moving.
We started in Vail, Colorado and from there went to San Francisco for 4 years, then back to Colorado...this time outside of Denver for a almost 5....
and now here...outside of Chicago.
I grew up in Southern Cali, so i'm a cali girl at heart.....so moving to San Fran from Colorado after we got married was going to be great. It was.
I love the bay area.
I would move back in a heart beat.
But here we are in the midwest.
The people are fabulous. The city is wonderful. I love my home...love.love.love
but....
i'm out of place.
It's been hard. I'm not going to lie.
so why am i writing all of this?
because you girls make my life here so much more easier...


it doesn't take much to put a smile on my face.
I guess i'm writing this to really just say a little thank you.
a little thank you for letting me be "real" with you...
a little thank you for letting me be funny with you...
a little thank you for letting me into your lives and really
thank you for coming into my life....
xo
{and as i write this..i just found out i'm going to be an auntie.....get out!.....auntie Kasey.......}

58 comments:

Jackie said...

Oh, come back to the Bay Area!! Then we could be neighbors! What a lovely post - you bring lots of smiles and inspiration to everyone who read your blog!! So thank YOU! Congratulations on being Auntie Kasey!!

mrs boo radley said...

Never knew all of this about you, my dear! I started where you are, and ended up where I am, which is sort of where you were...

Congrats on auntiehood. I married into auntiehood and it is lovely. My niece is getting married next month. I have nieces and nephews on my husband's side that are only a few years younger than I am! and I'm already a great-aunt. Times two.

Julie said...

Congrats! That's exciting!

I so enjoy reading your blog. Love it. I can't tell you how many times you've made me smile or laugh just when I needed it most. Thank you!

xo

Amber said...

Congratulations! Well, I'm glad for all your life experiences because I love reading all about them. Totally selfish I know!

Well, with all that moving, you haven't tried the south. I'm telling ya, move down here for a while, you'll never want to leave!

♥ miss.michelle said...

...Kasey, MOVE BACK! So we can be neighbors...that'd be SOOOO cool! Are you planning on moving again? Back to Cali ;)

Your such a sweetheart <3

~michelle.f

J.J. said...

Just a reminder to you that you are as special to us. :) I am enjoying our bloggy friendship, I am sure that you have many others. Thanks for your cleverness...especially your ability to balance grace and humor so beautifully. We are a military family, so I understand the frequent moving. Hugs to you girl, you are not alone.

Almost Always said...

Kasey,i so enjoy reading your blog, & it's such a pleasure getting to know know you through your "realness"...so thank you..for keeping it real!
~congrats on becoming an auntie!!

Backyard Candle Co. said...

How cool that you have lived so many places! You are so sweet, but we should be thanking you for being so wonderful! I look forward to reading your blog each day, and I know I am not the only one you have touched with your fabulous sense of style in home decor and fashion, your humor and honesty! Thanks Kasey and congrats on being an aunt!

Unknown said...

First and foremost...Congrats!
I hear you on the moving around. My hubby is in the military and when they say "Go", we go. Blogging has been a real treat. Getting to know a new group of people from all around the world. Such inspiration and warmth. Each day it brings a smile to my face to see how kind others can be. Great post and "Thank You" for sharing your news with all of us.

{{Hugs}}

Tami said...

Congarts Auntie!!

For the short period of time I have been reading your blog I can say that I have laughed and awed over your creations and pictures!
Thanks for sharing!!

Have a great time with your parents!
Hugs~T

Michelle @ Sweet Something Design said...

Kasey, I really responded to this post, I've only been blogging for a little while...I'm transplanted from my little coastal town in NC to the Midwest (MO.) and I know how you feel...the town I couldn't WAIT to get out of as a teenager, now I think of more and more often...but I think that my decision to live near my husbands parents (both of my parents are gone) is the best for my children. I enjoy reading and following and congrats Auntie!

Janelle said...

Congrats on becoming an auntie!!!!!

FEDERICA said...

Congratulations Kasey!!!
A lot of moving! It's great to see so many different places!
Have a great Monday!
Federica

Evy said...

Congratulations!

I lived in Colorado before moving overseas, and I loved it there. I grew up overseas, too, so when I moved to Colorado it was a bit awkward for the first few months, but then I loved it. Now we're back overseas, and I really miss CO. My whole family is here, so that is nice, but I find myself craving to be back in Greeley. Was so pretty, we'd go up to Steamboat Springs to visit hubby's parents and I'd want to stay there forever.

I haven't moved as much as you have, but if I had I'd probably hate moving. But I wouldn't mind one last move - you guessed where!

The Kramer Angle said...

Well I think what readers all love about you is your honesty. Too many people we know go around smiling, faking it all the time and no one really knows the authentic person. That's why I read your blog. You share the good, the bad, the ugly!

It's real. Sometimes it's tough but at the end of the day you have to be true to yourself. Moving is hard. I lived that life for the first seven years of my marriage while my husband was active duty: Pensacola, Florida, Corpus Christi, TX, Little Rock, AK, Patuxent River, Maryland, Oklahoma City, OK, Chicago, and back to MD which is where we are now.

It's hard. You miss family. Old friends. You try to fit in. Make connections. Forge bonds quickly. And it doesn't always work.

I hear ya, girl!

Just Be Happy said...

I know how it feels.. I'm from Brazil, so somtimes I really feel out of place.
but that is life, and as you said thank goodness for the friends who make us smile.
:o)

Petit Coterie said...

Oh Kasey, I know the feeling, I have moved all over the country and it is hard. Later you will look at it as a great adventure.
Congrats on becoming an Auntie.

Unknown said...

Hi Kasey,

I can so relate to your post - I know you read my blog so you know my story of moving....and here I sit in the midwest too! I did grow up in Chicago but have not lived in the midwest in 13 years, it is hard to come back. I too am a west coast girl, would give my right arm to move back to Portland. I think it is harder to fit in a find those REALLY good friends as you get older (and yes, I am older that you). One of the reasons I started blogging was that as I read blogs I found a community of women that I could relate to - a kind I had not yet found in "real life" in Minnesota. Thanks for articulating that! Have a great day!!

Wendy said...

Congrats Auntie Kasey!!!! You are definitely one of my favorite bloggy friends!!

Anonymous said...

congratulations auntie! I'm thankful for your blog. Its beautiful, inspiring, and real. and you are just so stinking funny! You bless the blog world and are certainly well loved! I thought this was a really beautiful post. You sweet blogging ladies are like a spoon full of sugar! :)

traci said...

auntie kasey. has a great ring to it. how exciting!! this midwestern girl is glad you're in our neck of the woods. at least for the time being.

Brenna LaPray said...

Yeah for Auntie Kasey and a big YEAH for cousins Mason, Lola, and Finn!

Brandie said...

I just love how we can share with each other here in blog land and are able to be real in a way that we might not always get to be. I am thankful for you too sweetie. Thansk for sharing your world with us.

Congratulations on being an auntie:) How fun!

Elise said...

Congrats on becoming an Auntie and also to the expecting parents!! I am only 2 hours give or take from where I grew up but do get homesick when I go back. However, there is MUCH better shopping where I live now!!
Elise

Honey Bend Vintage said...

At least you have moved. I swore when I graduated from college I would not return home. Well I did I met and married my husband.
I have been out of place for years:) Where have ya been you have not stopped by??
Bristol

a.love said...

CONGRATULATIONS, AUNTIE!!
July 24 will be on my calendar. I think the hus might be doing a shoot that weekend but weeeee for meeeee!!! Oh and I'm so happy you like the cards.

Heidi said...

Oh thats what I love about getting connected with you ladies on here! i find it interesting you lived in Vail CO, my husband has two older brothers that live in Glenwood Springs and we absolutely LOVE visiting!! Its got to be different living in Chicago from Vail and San fran but im sure its fun to be a 'city-gal' for a while. Thanks for your blog, so sweet! Have a wonderful week!

tara said...

Ahh that was a sweet post Kasey! I should be thanking you for being so sweet and for keeping me entertained for hours on end! I treasure our friendship AND if you ever want to come back to Cali for a weekend, my door is always open! Thanks for your friendship! XO

Chablis said...

Auntie Kasey! How exciting...congrats!

I totally relate to you. I've been married for 7 years and we've moved 11...yes 11 times! Our longest stay has been 1 yr. and our shortest has been 3 months. We're making it a goal to stay in one place for 3 years...can we do it?? Who knows.

We're so lucky to have this phenomenon of bloggy land. I thrive on the comments and friendship I get there as well. And I'm always so happy after spending time with your blog!

Rebecca said...

auntie kasey...much too cute.
i was born in the bay area...pleasanton ca to be exact...i love it there so much...the feeling there is uncomparable...i miss it terribly.

your blog is one of the first that i started following and so ever grateful tat i found it.
it's been lovely getting to know you.

Laura said...

I have been "out of place" for almost 9 years now.
I think, though, that we will gain something from this.

LuLu said...

Life has many roads... I know. Married to a military guy and it brings moves.... i so get your post! We lived in Monterey and one of my daughters was born there and I would live there in a heart beat, I'm still asking hubby if he can get orders back... wishful thinking on my part. But I'm a dreamer so why not!
LuLu

Kristin said...

Ever Awesome, Amazing you are! Wonderful writer, inspirererereerer of hearts, hope giver, light and smile giver too!!!!! Thank you for you! We in blog land adore you! We just do!

Happy, wonderful day to you Kasey!

hugs, kristin

Unknown said...

Congrats, auntie! :) Love coming here for pretty pictures and sweet thoughts.

Kurstin said...

congrats on being a auntie soon! how fun is that!
I just want to thank YOU!!! all your post are so wonderful! keep inspiring people!

xo -k

Unknown said...

Awwww your so welcome! That's what friends are for....love ya girl!

Tracy ~Seeking Refinement~ said...

LOVE your sweet blog. You're so real, honest and beyond inspirational to me and developing my style!

Just read you're visiting SLO on the 24th. You're going to LOVE Allegra...can't wait to hear ALL about it!

xoxoxo and THANK YOU for blogging.

T

PS - do you just LOVE Allegra's printing!?

Kristin said...

One more thing....I had no idea I was a meet and greet winner from the earlier post. How fun is that!!! That is just lovely for a Monday. You are awesome!

AshleyR said...

How stinkin' lucky are you to get to live in all those great places!!Although, I have to say, moving is my least favorite thing to do, you're a trooper.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, for the resturant gift card. I received it in the mail today. Can't wait to use it!

<3

Teacher Kelly said...

Wow! you've been a bust lady! I'm working on a move right now too! Not too far though, we are staying in the same town! Love that photo of the umbrella in the sky!

Come checkout my latest giveaway!
http://www.sweetaddievintage.blogspot.co

-kelly

Suzanne : : S.HOPtalk said...

You're such a sweetie...it's a pleasure stopping by here and meeting the real and funny you. Just so you know...you are welcome back to Cali ANYTIME. I know of a wonderful older neighborhood you would just love! : )

paperbird said...

Just about 12 years ago we left the beautiful northwest and moved to the state of Utah. I left friends, family, my cute shop and moved to a state I could not appreciate for a long time.
I had to find myself all over again- it was the hardest time of my life so I can sympathize with you.
You are an amazing person with so many talents. I find your blog so enjoyable, inspiring and I am grateful to have found you in this land of blog.

Oh and what snapped me out of my sadness- I got PREGNANT!!!! My youngest then was twelve :)

Michelle, All Home and Love said...

Aww Kasey, that must be hard to feel out of place where you live. Sounds like you are torn since it is nice though. I felt that way (on a smaller scale) in our last house. We were a half hour away from my parents, which doesn't sound like a lot but we were back and forth constantly since my mom doesn't drive. I never felt "settled" there. We moved back to my hometown 2 years ago and I've never felt better. Maybe someday you'll get back to where you feel like you belong.

I know what you mean about blogging. I was just saying to my mom yesterday how uplifting it is for the spirits! So many great people here (like you).

~ Michelle

B said...

You're more than welcome; it's a pleasure! I know exactly how you feel though, I just posted something similar (great minds and all that...!) Congrats Auntie Kasey;0)

Charity Watts said...

Congratulations! It's great fun being an Aunt...I just wish I lived closer to my nieces and nephews! So happy to have found your blog...you always seem to lift my spirits :) Thanks for being real, my kind of real...

paige said...

a caligirl...well of course you are!! just another reason to love you.
no,i'm not a caligirl but would love to be when i grow up! wink!!
love love love love my lolabboutiqueblog!!
congrats aunti kasey
xo

Sarah said...

I never knew you moved so much. While I am sure it is thrilling, it can also be hard to lose track of the routine you finally got into place. So glad that blogging and online friendships can stay mobile with you! I moved to WI 6 years ago away from my family and all my friends, the internet was my saving grace for friendships and socialization! I love reading your blog and learning more about you! Have a great day!!! :)

Congratulations on being an auntie, how wonderful!!

blue moss said...

Take care girl and congrats on the auntie thing :)
Michelle

Rue said...

WOW! Congratulations Auntie Kasey!! I love being an aunt :)

About not fitting in... well, this born and raised Cali girl didn't fit in there and after living in Virginia and moving here to Ohio, I can tell you that I don't fit in anywhere LOL The problem is I'm either too California for any other state (all other states hate us) or I'm a dork in California because I don't want to keep up with the rich and famous. That's why I love Blogland... I finally found my people ;)

You're one of the coolest people I "know", so I think they are all just jealous..... I sound like a mom don't I? LOL You are though!

xo,
rue

Farmgirl Paints said...

Oh I feel exactly the same way. I don't know what I would do without my blogging friends!! I moved to Minnesota from Illinois 5 years ago. We lived in the Springfield area. Anyway the adjustment is hard...the people are great, but hard to get to know. It's taken a long time to get one really special everyday friend. Hang in there. You may never feel like you belong, but that doesn't matter. You are a stand out and sometimes that is even better. Love your blog by the way:)

Leah C said...

Oh Kasey, it is we who should thank you! Love, love your blog, your wit, your style:) And congrats on being an Auntie-to-be!

Kris said...

Congrats Auntie Kasey!!

It is so difficult being in a place where you feel out of sorts. I'm glad you can turn to your blog readers and find that comfort zone. I know we are all thankful for your lovely blog.

Kris

P.S. I knew you would like the WM humor!!

Beki - TheRustedChain said...

Congratulations!!

It seems like I've followed your blog for a long time and it's been so fun to watch it grow!
You do a great job.

Sandy and Joe/rhubarb reign said...

Hi Kasey...hmmm...I've always lived in the Midwest, except for a year in France. What do you miss most about California? Just curious. xo -- Sandy/rhubarb reign

truly blessed said...

Congrats on Auntiehood!
It's always fun to pop over here and see what's happening in your corner of the world. I'm glad you're here.

Unknown said...

being an aunt is the best! i remember when my sister had her daughter i loved it! now she's 18! congrats, nothing like a new baby in the family! xo

Epi "curious" Kid said...

I completely understand how you feel. Never quite comfortable where I end up. Always missing old friends wishing I could share certain moments of my day with them. It is not the same but at least we have the ability to share online. Anytime you are feeling lonely, I have a bottle of wine and a comfy porch where you can come and crash.

Anonymous said...

I moved a couple of years ago too- so moving makes you really appreciate your roots- where you're from, what makes you who you are. All those special moments that make you the wonderful person that you are.

Just think, your kids are having those moments right now too..... :) Happy Midwest Moments, when they grow up they are going to have all those happy memories of Chicago- every day is a new little nugget of goodness for them....

Happy Midwest Memories- this is their life....

Take Care,
deb in Peoria