Happy Tuesday, guys! How was your weekend? And the start to your week, for that matter?Mine was the best mix of work and play! Saturday morning I took my first yoga sculpt class at Corepower Yoga and I’m still sore, not even kidding – definitely going back. A group of us went out to celebrate Sarah’s bachelorette later that night and we had so much fun. Maybe a little too much. 😉 We drank our weight in rosé and danced until the wee hours of the morning and then Sarah, Katie, and I met back up for brunch at Summer House Santa Monica and relived the events from the night before.

As promised, I’m back with another Q&A post today! As long as you guys keep asking, I’ll keep answering. I had quite a few questions roll in about meeting people in a new city and I talked more about that in my first post which you can read here!

What helped you (mentally, emotionally) get through your break up? My friends, my workouts, and my music. I think I’ve had visitors every month so far this year, starting with some of my best friends making the drive up for New Years Eve so I wouldn’t have to spend it alone! Studio Three quickly became my daily escape and the one place where I felt like I could shut it all off and really focus on bettering myself. I’ve always loved music and generally speaking, I don’t do well sitting in silence and it was always reassuring to have that to fall back on. I also allowed myself to fully embrace and work through whatever emotion I was feeling – good or bad. I think this is important no matter what you’re going through in life and it’s still something I practice today!

Then there’s that little thing called time. That helped, too.
Can you share anything about the dating life in Chicago? Oh, man. I’ve only been single in the city for a little over 8 months now, but I feel like I could write a book (admittedly, it would mostly be on what not to do). I still laugh thinking about my first Bumble date who told me he hadn’t eaten all day so that he could save calories for dinner and then asked if I wanted to split something. I’m sure the look on my face said it all.

It probably won’t come as a huge surprise to most of you that I’m the type who isn’t afraid to put it allllll out there. There’s a part of me that wishes everyone could be more like that and then there’s a small sliver of me who’s almost embarrassed by my openness. But why? I would tell you that your feelings matter and you should never have to apologize for who you are. Subsequently, I’ve sat around wondering why I wasn’t worthy of a text back and I’ve questioned my desire to follow my heart when my head knows damn good and well I’m only going to end up hurt in the long run.

All this to say, be open to whatever comes your way. Go on that blind date, say hi to that cute guy sitting next to you on the train, and know that all of the experiences you’re having will eventually lead you to figuring out exactly what you want in a relationship.

I’m having fun and as cliché as it sounds, I remind myself that what is meant to be will always find a way.

How long do you see yourself living in Chicago? (or where do you see yourself in 5 years kind of deal) Before moving to Chicago I lived in Kansas City for a little over four years and if you would have asked me then if I’d ever leave KC, my answer would have been a firm no. I feel the same about Chicago, but I’m working on the whole never say never thing. So, who knows! Ultimately, I want to be living in the place that makes me the happiest.

How about a day in the life post? Or more about your day job? I’ll be sharing a day in the life post soon, promise!When you moved to Chicago was there a set reason, or did you simply feel the itch to go somewhere bigger? Have you ever felt drawn to something that you knew you’d be making a terrible mistake if you didn’t do everything in your power to make it yours? That was me. I knew Chicago was where I was meant to be. I wrote more about my decision to move in this post and while my life looks a lot different than it did just over a year ago, I know in my heart that I’ve made the right decisions along the way.

I know you moved to Chicago and you seem to absolutely love it – I’d love to hear any tips you have for moving to a big city. If you have the desire and the means, make it happen for yourself, and if you don’t have the latter, make a plan to get yourself there! Regret is a terrible, terrible thing and nobody wants to wake up one day wondering, “what if?” I truly believe in feeding your soul what it desires. My #1 tip would be to purge, purge, purge! The less you have to move, the better.

What’s your go-to drink order? It depends on the season! In the summer months I usually gravitate toward a crisp glass of rosé or a vodka and soda with extra lime. Tito’s vodka is my favorite! Come fall/winter I love me a glass of Merlot or Cabernet. I’m also a big craft beer girl! I can only drink one or two before I feel like moving onto something lighter though. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my love for Keystone Light. I haven’t been able to find it anywhere in Chicago. Lucky for me, every time I go back to Kansas City my friends Whitney and Keith have it ready and waiting for me. Class act or cheap date? You be the judge. 😉

If you have more questions for me, ask away! And you can read my first Q&A here.