I am in my Celebration Era. You know the one – that period of time when your calendar is filled with events to celebrate your friend’s major life milestones. The one where vacation time is on reserve for destination weddings and weekends are spent traveling from baby showers to housewarming parties.
It can be a lot at times to commit the funds, allocate the PTO, and make your plans revolve around other people's “major qualifying life events.” It’s tough to know when to say “no” and admit when you may have overextended yourself, but honestly, at this phase in my life, I wouldn’t have it any other way. To me, it’s the greatest honor to be invited to celebrate a friend’ special moment no matter the occasion. I want to be there to cheer you on, hype you up, and share in your win with you! While I haven’t always been able to say yes for this reason or that, in my current chapter, attending these events is a major priority to me. I want to be able to show up when asked and enjoy every moment. However, I never could have imagined the impact these celebrations would have on my own journey.
These experiences this summer have opened the door for a lot of self-reflection. They’ve provided a major source of inspiration and some clarity on what I want out of the next chapter of my life. These joyous occasions have brought me to new locations I likely would have never been. So with all that being said, here’s a little recap of my summer and a little insight as to why you haven’t heard from me in a while (whether on this blog or IRL.)
June 15TH - Abby R’s Bachelorette Party | Okoboji, Iowa
Growing up together we’ve experienced so many milestones alongside one another. Abby and her sister have often felt like the little sisters I never had. Now, although older, I find myself in awe of the things Abby has accomplished and the woman she’s grown into.
On this trip, I experienced a truly perfect day. How many times can one confidently say that in their life? It started off with a slow start of waking up surrounded by a room full of friends and debriefing the previous night’s shenanigans. Eventually, it included a beautiful walk to get coffee and breakfast followed by some impromptu window shopping. When in Arnolds Park you can’t pass up an opportunity to ride the classic wooden rollercoaster (which Emma and I road on 2x.) Being at the lake I couldn’t resist a quick and refreshing swim followed by a more lengthy shower and getting ready for an evening out on a boat! When we were considering moving back to the Midwest a year ago, this was the kind of perfect day I envisioned and was afraid of missing out on.
June 23rd - Hayley’s Bachelorette Party | Charleston, South Carolina
Hayley and I met while studying in Italy during a college summer. She might not have been the Italian Lover I dreamed of (LOL) but she was the one I needed. Since meeting abroad, our adventures have carried back and forth to visit one another in whichever new city we’re calling home. I’ve never met a woman so confident, so generous, and passionate about everything life has to offer. From the smallest and simplest moments to the grandest gestures, Hayley knows how to embrace the moment and make those around her feel special.
On her bachelorette trip, I was faced with SO many moments that put life into perspective. My attempt to fly to Charleston humbled me and served as a reminder that life is fleeting. Sometimes things don’t go according to plan but sometimes a little spontaneity can be even more rewarding. A key takeaway I’ll now practice is when going on a trip, if you have the opportunity, always take off one more day than you truly need. Whether the result is you’re stuck somewhere longer than you thought but stress-free or you make it home and have a day to recoup, both are valid and a huge gift.
July 8th - Sara’s Baby Shower | Southern California
Sara only continues to amaze me with her grace. A year ago, I don’t think she couldn’t fathom where she would have been. She has accomplished SO much - I don’t fully have words to describe it. To put it simply she approaches life with this sense of comfort and bliss that I truly admire. Getting to shower her, her husband, and baby Ames (yes, I can confirm Iowa helped inspire his name despite both her parents being SoCal natives…) with love was truly remarkable.
Watching their family and love grow has taught me that it’s OK to not know what’s next. To just trust the process. If you take every day with the same stride and confidence it can only lead to achieving greatness.
July 10th - Work | Los Angeles, California
As much fun as it is to travel for work, I’m so grateful I don’t have to do it on a more routine basis. It makes the moments more special when they’re fewer and far between. I’m so fortunate to have the feeling of one foot still being in LA and one foot back at home. For now, this has been a huge comfort since moving back home
July 21st - Hayley’s Wedding | Mt. Hood Area, Oregon
The same Hayley you heard about earlier… I could always count on her to stand by my side through any adventure and so it was an honor to get to stand by her side on her big day. Even more special was to be able to play a small role in her wedding by sharing painting and design skills with her by designing her wedding stationery suite.
Man did this couple spoil us though! I’m truly not sure we’ll ever attend a wedding like this one! It perfectly showcased how beautiful the blending of family and friends at a wedding can be. They truly curated an unforgettable experience that was a beautiful gift. This couple demonstrates the true value of marriage–it's not about what you may lose as an individual, but rather what you gain from having a life partner.
July 28th - Abby’s 30th Birthday | Ozarks, Missouri
Not the aforementioned Abby, different Abbigail. This one is my ride-or-die. My greatest supporter. She’s a firecracker in every way you can imagine-beautiful, strong and the life of the party. Her 30th celebration was no different. It was full of excitement, love, laughter and adrenaline. She has always taught me to never take life too seriously. She helps to put it into perspective and this weekend was no different. Life is all about perspective, and the ironic comparison between the Ozarks TV show and our weekend in the Ozarks serves as a powerful metaphor. It all comes down to how you shape your outlook on life. it. If you make it out to be stressful, it will deliver. If you let things go with ease, life too can be easy.
August 5th - Pufferbilly Days | Boone, Iowa
August 12th - Abby R’s Wedding | Boone, Iowa
August 20th - Iowa State Fair | Des Moines, Iowa
All of these events were about old friends coming celebrating memories as well as new beginnings. These were experiences I may have taken for granted in the past but through these moments I’ve found a deeper appreciation for my hometown and state. Sometimes a slower-paced lifestyle is enough. Content with contentment is a mantra I’m striving towards.
Abby & Ian’s love inspires me in a similar way. They’re both just so good at being. Being in the moment, being enjoyable no matter who they’re with, but mostly for being able to be themselves. I’ve had the unique opportunity to know them both as individuals as well as as a couple and they’re a shining example of how you can maintain your identity both as an individual and a unit.
August 24 - Slater 7 Reunion | San Diego, California
When I moved into the dorm during my freshmen year at the University of Iowa fully anticipated my life to play out as any movie would. Fortunately for me, it actually did. Four of the first people I met on my floor would soon become my best friends. Fast forward 10 years (I still can’t believe it’s been that long) and we’re still just as close as we were at the height of of our friendship. Since graduating we’ve all moved on to the next stages of life but continue to make it a point to get together and see one another. Shared memories and shared experiences create a powerful bond. but it takes work and commitment to maintain it.
August 28 - Work | Los Angeles, California
By now, the travel fatigue has set in. Maybe for the first time ever... but can you imagine why?? Only two more trips–a week on the East Coast for work and another bachelorette in Nebraska–until travel hiatus. And although I’m already exhausted, I wouldn’t have traded any of it or what’s to come. I’ve witnessed and felt so much love these past few months and that gives me a renewed sense of purpose.
I’ll leave you with this... it might be a stretch to make room in the budget. You might already have a lot going on. But push through that comfort zone. If it’s someone you love, it’ll be worth it. You’ll figure it out on the back end. You’ll make the sacrifice elsewhere. There is nothing like the gift of an experience or a memory. So be a yes-girl, push your boundaries, and embrace the moment as it relates to your own reality.
With love always,
Busy busy girl. Thank for sharing your adventures.
Love Auntie Jo-Ann