This past September I made a big transition in my life by moving out of my hometown to a brand new state. However, let’s rewind for just a minute so you all can get the whole picture. This July I also got engaged to my wonderful fiancé Bryan. Bryan and I met at our yoga teacher training a couple of years ago. We stayed friends and when I started graduate school last year in Maryland where he is from, we reconnected and fell in love. At this point in time I was commuting back and forth to school with a friend from Virginia because our program is only on the weekends. Now, back to this past September. Bryan and I had been talking about moving in together for a little while. I decided to apply to a student ambassador position at the school I am attending ( MUIH). I am happy to say I went through an interview and got the position. Things were beginning to fall into place for a big move! I must say it was a challenge in many ways to go through this process. I was leaving a job I really enjoyed, a small business I had created with wonderful students, and my beloved family. However, I knew it was time for a change, and this was a great opportunity to grow together with my fiancé and grow more into my own self. A big thank you to my mom and dad who helped me pack up the overstuffed u-haul, and thank you Bryan for loving and supporting me through this big change in my life. I also want to thank Bryan’s family for the warm welcome I have received into their family and for making me feel at home. ❤
Fast forward to present day, I have been living in Maryland for a little over 3 months now. The town I moved to is called Sykesville, and in 2016 it was voted “America’s coolest small town.” I have to say I really enjoy living here. Coming from a very small town myself, the friendly atmosphere and community feel are all very heart warming. The downtown area is also incredibly charming, and I sometimes feel like I am living in a hallmark movie.
There are some really adorable stores, one of my favorites is called the Gypsy Systers. The owner is as sweet as can be. They have lots of bohemian type goodies (essential oils, bath bombs, jewelry, clothes, and so much more.) There is also a candle store called Unwined Candles which turns old wine bottles into delicious aromatic wonders. It is such a cute idea, and they make unique gifts. The vine on main has absolutely delectable wine, and Wind River has some of the coziest and comfiest sweaters I have ever worn. There is also the French Twist Cafe which has yummy hot chocolate, and Sweet Simplici-tea tea house/ bakery where you can have a real sit down tea experience and munch on some sweet treats. I haven’t even mentioned that we have not one, but two ice cream stores! Yes, you read that right, two! It is truly an ice cream lovers dream come true and I for one love ice cream. There is Firehouse creamery, and Norwoods which both offer their own unique flavors and I can’t say I have a favorite between them.
There are lots of other cute little businesses and restaurants that I didn’t write about, or possibly have not yet discovered myself. Sykesville is also built right next to railroad tracks, and a beautiful river that is fun to walk along as well. I highly suggest you check out the downtown area if you’re ever around, and have some free time. One last place I would like to highlight is actually a yoga studio I am lucky enough to work at, Branches of Yoga. When I first moved here, I reached out to the owner and she gave me the opportunity to teach a class. It is truly a lovely space, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it. There are various different classes they offer there, and have something for pretty much everyone. They even have yoga with cats! 🙂
I’ve discovered so many new places, and met so many wonderful people in my time here so far. I can only hope to continue to discover all of the possibilities around me, and I’m excited about what I can bring to the community too!
Thank you so much for reading!
Love,
Em
P.S. I love and miss you Mom & Dad! See you soon for Christmas. Virginia will always hold a very special place in my heart.
soultips 