It has been a little over a month
since I’ve moved to Charleston and let me tell you, it has definitely been a
whirlwind experience! I’ve had to essentially start my life over and become
accustomed to a place so far away from home. Hands down, Charleston has changed
my life already. Here are few differences from the Candace in Ohio and the
Candace in South Carolina:
I like beer
Maybe it’s because
I’m no longer drinking Natty Ice or Busch Light like I did in college. I use to
never touch beer if it wasn’t necessary. Now, beer is one of my go-to drinks on
a night out. I’ve really started to acquire a taste for Allagash. Sure, my
ultimate go-to is still Captain and Coke, but my taste buds sure have expanded!
I’ve gone swimming in the ocean
For those of you who really know me, you
understand how big of a deal this is! Yes, I’m still nervous walking into the
ocean and I have to be with someone, but still. I’m putting myself right into
the fish environment! Big deal, folks.
I go kickboxing six days a week
Yes. Kickboxing. I LOVE going to the gym every day! It honestly is one of the
things I look forward to the most. There’s something about kicking and punching
a boxing bag that makes me feel extremely in tune with my body. Oh, and the
trainers are all awesome. They know me by name now! So if you look in my trunk,
you’ll see my gloves and hand wraps.
I take protein
Who would have
thought I would be into nutrition like this? Not me! But, I decided I needed to
take better care of my body than I did when I was in college. I did a doozy on
it with all the alcohol and fast food for four years. There needed to be a change. So that's what I did! I have yet to eat any and all types of
fast food since I’ve moved to Charleston. Why waste money and your appetite on
that when you can eat at world-class restaurants? Not me!
One of my favorite Pandora
stations is Luke Bryan
So this means I like country music now. Whoa. BIG change
here! I’m actually listening to it right now. How can you not listen to country
music in the South? But, really. I’ve found it to be relaxing. But don’t be
fooled, Justin Timberlake will forever and always be my man and favorite artist. I
probably listen to his radio station more than any other. Regardless, I now
have a country music station set on my radio in my car!
I like tea
I’ve drank more tea in the last
month than in the last year. You know me, no coffee, tea, pop, anything like
that. I’ve never been a fan. But magically I became a tea advocate after moving
here- weird!
I’m not as much in a rush as I was
before
You know the stereotype, people up North are always in a rush. Yes, I
still am like that most of the time, but when I don’t have to be somewhere at a
specific time I take my time and enjoy the car ride and music.
I only wear makeup or do my hair
maybe two days out of the week-usually on the weekends
OK, maybe this isn’t that much different than in college.
But, with going to the gym every day and the humidity, it would be a waste of
time (and makeup/hair products) to get ready every day. You can usually find me
in workout clothes and gym shoes. Hands down the most comfortable type of
clothing!
Don’t get me wrong, I still like
to veg out and watch Netflix for hours, watch movies and eat out, it’s just
different than when I was back home.
Yes, I'm a beach rat |
People have asked me if I miss
Ohio. And do I? No, absolutely not. But what I do miss are all the people. If I
could uproot all my friends and family and move them down here, my life would
be set. I know that’s not the case, though. That’s why I call my family every
week and have multiple FaceTime sessions and texting conversations with my best
friends. They are still unbelievably supportive of my decision. I really could
not have asked for a better bunch to call my family and friends. They’re the
reason I have been able to start my life here.
Oh, and I joined the Charleston Young Professionals club (funny because I interned with the Columbus Young Professionals club last summer!) and met a friend. It feels so great knowing others are new to Charleston just like me! I have finally began to start my life here. I can even get most places without a GPS anymore...and to me that's a big accomplishment!
Call me selfish, but this move to
South Carolina has been the best decision of my life.