diary of a 20 something

A continuation of the big changes in my best friend’s life that affect me… 

One month ago, Elli moved to Atlanta to join her now husband and one of my closest friends, Isaac, in their new apartment. 

This past weekend, I flew down to help her get settled in. 

This was the first trip I’ve taken to Atlanta that wasn’t specifically to see my sister (that was my 7th trip in 2 years, I think). Though I did love seeing my Jillybean for a few days. 

The apartment itself is in a great location in a building near the BeltLine, giving them easy access to Atlanta’s pedestrian friendly path that loops around the city. 

We spent Thursday night reorganizing the kitchen. Friday night clearing the desk and organizing her craft supplies and tech. Saturday, we assembled a new cube organizer, and tackled 3 closets. Non-stop organizing. 

Okay well not non-stop. A few coffee breaks, including Perc’s Pride Latte (strawberry milk, Trix flavored syrup and espresso). Sandwich stops. Walks with Jillian and Zach’s new dog, Luna (she’s both angel and devil). And maybe an hour of watching Chappell Roan music videos (icon). We’ve gotten Jillian onboard, she’s now obsessed with Chappell, as she should be. 

After we unpacked, organized, as much as we could, my feet felt like I’d walked miles, and we were sniffling from closet dust and kitty hair, we collapsed into sleep. On Sunday, our weekend culminated in a group brunch before Jake and I flew back to Columbus. 

Walking the 5-min stretch between Jillian and Elli’s apartments felt foreign to me but also reminded me of being 17. Walking to Elli’s house, never being more than 5 minutes away. 

We’re actually states away now, but it doesn’t feel fully real yet.

I wrote this before I went on my visit:  

I haven’t had time to miss you yet 

I’ve been busy since the day you left 

So I don’t have to sit with how it feels 

Without you here 

So I don’t have the highlight reel

How good it is to have you near

Getting back to real life means missing you

You sneak into the cracks of time

Reminding me that you’re gone 

But not for long 

A few days and we start our new normal 

Visiting each other 

The way I’ve visited my sister for 2 years 

Another little hole in my heart 

Maybe someday I’ll live somewhere where people will visit me

But for now, I guess I’ll stay busy

Having them both on the same street, makes a part of me yearn to live right in between. But another part of me feels like even after living in Columbus for the last 3 years, I’m just getting started. 

I say I’m keeping busy, but it’s more. I’m starting to feel like my adult life is unfolding. I’m making friends that I really care about. And I’m still learning new things about myself. Still growing. 

On moving? Not yet for me. 

Moving on? From Elli? Never. But getting used to a new normal.