A pic and some thoughts...;-)

Hi out there! It's so funny. Now that I've moved, I feel like I'm extra far away. :-) It's June and it's hot! If I could I'd be on a beach every other day. Something about the big, blue ocean that just warms my soul. The sound of the waves, the depth of the sea, the soft, golden sand--if you're lucky! :-)

As I make myself at home here in the ATL, each week I'm discovering little differences between the big city and the quaint south. Even though I grew up in Georgia, so much is foreign to me now, since I left 20 years ago. (Plus, I didn't live in this particular southern city).One major observation is that customer service--so far-- rocks here. It's so refreshing to ask for help in Whole Foods or Target or wherever and be given wholehearted assistance. Not only have the salespeople I've come across in my mere 3.5 weeks here been helpful, they've also been pretty darn cheerful, upbeat and friendly. Upon walking into Bed, Bath & Beyond, about 3 sales folks offered a chipper "hi, how are ya?" Wow. You can't help but smile. It seems so natural.  Not to say in my fun~loving, fantastic years in NYC that I never got a happy "hello" or a warm welcome into a store--once in a while. However, the vibe is a tad different down here. And I think I get what it is. Many folks here seem to be really content with their work/job/gig in life. It doesn't seem to be based on a fancy title or big corner office or anything superficial. From the guy cutting and wrapping up the fish behind the counter at Whole Foods (which I am in love with the Whole Foods here--no line EVER!!!! and some really funky music playing over the sound system) lol, to the furniture store owner who simply loves living in Atlanta and helping customers find a sweet deal in her shop. It's a nice feeling.
It makes sense when you really think about it....Life down here is a little slower. No hustle and no crazy bustle. In fact, I'm still adjusting to walking slower. Stores close earlier. Folks seem to have a real home/family-life balance. Work is work, but family life or whatever it is that one values outside of work is really important too. In fact, even more.
Am I totally settled in yet? Not quite. This gal on the go is still getting the hang of things. I am grateful to have lived in a few different places in my journey thus far. Spices life up a bit! ;-)
In the meantime, I'm embracing being an essential part of a team. That team being marriage. Creating plans together, learning new things together, taking on new challenges together with a terrific partner. May the adventure get better and sweeter as each new day begins!

Sending boatloads of love/laughter/light your way! Tag you're it!