From California to…
I’ve been keeping a secret from you guys for a very long time. Of course I wanted to tell you the second I found out, but I had to let my family and friends know first. Then by the time it was appropriate to reveal it on the blog, it seemed better just to wait until it was relevant.
Now that we’re less three weeks away from the big day, I’d say it’s definitely relevant. We’re moving to Georgia!! Athens, to be exact.
Earlier in the year Brandon received a faculty position at the University of Georgia, a goal he’s been working hard to achieve since we first met, almost 12 years ago. It’s kind of a big deal for us and I can’t even begin to explain how proud I am of him.
We just got back from looking for a place to live over the weekend and it was actually my first time visiting Athens. I had a few expectations based on what I researched ahead of time but I have to say, the city exceeded them in every way. It’s rich with culture and they’ve done an excellent job preserving the history through the years.
Then there’s the food! You guys. I am so surprised with how good the local food scene is. There’s a vegetarian place called The Grit that has incredible food and pretty much every restaurant has one if not several meatless options. Athens feels like a little oasis in the heart of Georgia and I’m so excited to be able to call it my new home.
We knew there was a strong chance we would move back east one day to be closer to our families in Florida so we tried our best to make the most of our time here in California. From our many hiking adventures to visiting places like Lake Tahoe, Carmel, Big Sur, Yosemite, Hawaii, and Oregon, I’d say we did a pretty good job of that. The Pacific Coast will always hold a place our hearts and as much as I will miss it, I know we’ll be back one day.
Coco has never flown before so we’re going to take a road trip across the country in a minivan. We’ll be on driving for a over week which means I’ll be away from the kitchen for a minimum of two weeks. I’ve been trying my hardest to work in advance so it doesn’t cause any interruptions around here, but we haven’t even secured a place to live yet so we’ll see how things go.
I’ve had a lot of people ask me if I plan to look for work after we move but as of now my plan is to focus solely on the blog full-time. I’ve been working on this site for almost four years now and my passion for it has only grown stronger with time. Being able to help inspire others to eat healthier means so much to me and I can’t imagine my life without this little community. I’m so grateful for your support and I hope to be able to provide value to you for years to come.
Ahhh welcome to SEC country!! I’ve never been to Athens but we may have to take a road trip from Louisiana. ;) I can’t wait to hear all about your move! Good luck finding a home!
Thanks girly! I’d love for you to come visit me so we can eat all the veggies together! ;)
That is amazing Sarah – congrats! What an incredible opportunity for your husband, and that is so exciting that you are going to focus solely on the blog. I see amazing things in your future! Can’t wait to read more about the move!
Thank you so much, Jana! <3
Welcome home….almost my beautiful daughter! I am so proud of both you and Brandon for all of your accomplishments! And of course I and the whole family are so excited!! Good luck with the house hunting!
Love you, mama! xoxo
Ahhh so so SO excited for you both!! I’m happy you’ll be closer to your families and for Brandon for getting the job he’s been wanting.
Thanks Erin! It’s a big change but we’re looking forward to it! :)
Congratulations! I always felt sorry for you having to move away from FL. Now that I live here, I could not imagine leaving. What a wonderful opportunity for Brandon. And your mother must really be thrilled to have you closer to home!! Good luck with the move!!
Thanks Carolyn. I agree, Florida is a special place. I hope you fared well through the storm!
I’m so excited for you Sarah! Congratulations to Brandon for achieving a really big goal! So glad you will continue your blog. Blessings to you as you prepare for new adventures!
Thank you so much, Nancy! :)
Congratulations!
We’ll be semi- neighbors. I live in Greenville, SC which I highly recommending visiting one day. Athens is a cool little city located near big cities but also with lots of hiking nearby. My hubby and I are also big fans of the local breweries.
Best wishes on the move. I know it’s always stressful.
Oh yes, we definitely have plans to explore South Carolina. I’m dying to visit Charleston but I hadn’t heard much about Greenville. I’ll be sure to add it to my list.
It has been super stressful, mostly because there is little left to rent this time of year in a college town. I’m sure it will all work out though. Thank you for the encouragement, Amanda! :)
O awesome! East Coaster!!
Congratulations :)
Thanks Rebecca! I love the west but I’m an east coast girl at heart. ;)
Ahhhh so exciting!!! And yay for moving closer to me! haha That sounds selfish. :) Hopefully that way we can meet someday! Okay I’m done. It’s Friday and my brain is clearly not fully functioning right now!
You can bet I’ll be visiting your neck of the woods in the near future! I’d love to meet you and Emma. :)
Oh my goodness Sarah…. that’s huge! Congratulations to Brandon on his faculty position, well earned I’m sure. I’m also delighted to hear that your visit exceeded your expectations and that you will be closer to family (something that I continue to find difficult here in CA).
You sure did make the most of your time in beautiful California, and I want to thank you again for all of your detailed and thoughtful travel posts… so helpful. Oh Sarah, it’s a time of change and I’m sure there are aspects of life that you will miss here but it sounds like a positive move for both of you. Couldn’t be better. I’m already looking forward to your posts from Georgia and environs. All the best with the transition, x.
Thank you so much, Kelly. It is a huge change for us but we are looking forward to this chapter in our lives. I’m so fortunate to have connected with you! <3
Weeeee it’s almost moving time! I’m glad that your first impressions of your new town were positive. A nice veg food scene is always a huge plus!! Enjoy the cross-country move! Are you planning on stopping anywhere cool on the way to the east coast? I really like road trips if I have destinations mapped out, which I feel like you definitely will. And you certainly have taken advantage of west coast living! I’ve strived to do the same :)
We were originally going to drive through the south but I convinced Brandon to head north so we can stop through the Grand Canyon, Utah, Colorado, Missouri, and Tennessee. I was hoping to see fall colors but I think they’ll all be gone by the time we hit the road. Either way, I’m sure it will still be pretty. Keeping Coco comfortable will be the hardest part! ;)
Hooray… HOORAY for you two, setting goals and realizing dreams!! I’m so excited for your new chapter in life and am hoping the best as you two transition to the South! OMG – I’m thrilled to hear the food scene is good and there’s a vegetarian restaurant! Yay!! And…. you’ll be blogging full time!! This is big Sarah!! Such exciting news and am so happy you shared it here! Congratulations!! Yay YOU!!!
Thank you, Traci! It’s an exciting time for us and I feel so lucky to be able to share it with you. xoxo
Ohhhh!!! I’m so excited for you, Sarah! And a huge congratulations to Brandon!! I’ve never been anywhere remotely near that area of the States, but I was always under the impression that it was really rich with culture, and I can’t wait to see more of it through the lens of your camera :)
Thanks lady! I spent a lot of time exploring the southeast as a child but it’s kind of blurry in my memory. I’m looking forward to refreshing it! ;)
Congratulations to all of you as you start a new chapter in your lives! I’m glad that you are driving across the country (rather than flying) so that Coco can be with you every step of the way! I wish you much good luck! :)
Thank you, Jerilyn! There was no way we were about to put Coco on a plane. It’s going to be a long trip but I think it will make for some good memories with her. :)
That doesn’t look like Australia….
Just kidding, I’m stoked for this new venture for you guys- My friend lived there before relocating to Cincinnati and she loved it there! I’m keen to hear how the food scenes expands, she said it was constantly evolving!
Haha! Australia would be nice but it’s a bit far from home. :)
Ahhh so exciting! I’m so pumped you’ll be on the same coast as me, maybe you guys will want to visit Williamsburg I can’t wait to hear all about the move!
I would love to visit you in Williamsburg! :)
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A big congratulations ! That is super exciting ! Can u take your spot in CA?
Lol! Sure! ;)
Wow, that’s a big move! I’ll mis you here in CA, but I wish you two the best on your new, exciting adventure! :)
Thanks girly! I’m going to miss CA like crazy but I’ll try to live vicariously through you. ;)
I was off work (and away from my computer) last week and I missed so much! Yummy pumpkin cookies, and your BIG news!! Congrats to Brandon on his new job and I wish you both all the best in this new chapter of your life. :) So exciting!!!
Lol! Thanks Melissa! We are very excited about the pumpkin cookies and the move. ;)
p.s. I just made another batch of the cookies last night with chocolate chips. SO good!
Congrats to Brandon on the position!!! I’ve never been to Georgia, but I’ve always wanted to visit it (mostly just because of the John Mayer song “Why Georgia” lol!) Good luck with the move! :)
I LOVE Athens! I grew up about 45 minutes away, but I spent all four years of college at UGA! It’s one of my favorite cities, and the Grit is amazing! So happy for you! If you are in need of s good church, Watkinsville First Baptist and Prince Avenue are both awesome.
No way! Such a small world. :)
Thanks for the recommendations, Madelyn! <3