A celebration of life

I've been really struggling with this post, but feel that I need to write it.

My friend Daniel Polovich passed away on November 15, 2017 after battling cancer for almost 2 years.

I knew Danny for almost my entire life. We became friends in kindergarten (and quickly escalated that into our kindergarten marriage), and while we didn't always stay close when I moved after that year, we quickly remedied that in our high school German classes. In between all the goofing off, we still managed to actually learn some of the language. I also remember many walks through the University of Michigan Diag, trying to figure out our lives.

We went to very different colleges pretty darn far apart, but still caught up at holidays. Yes, lots of parties at our friend Brian's fraternity house, but also more walks on the Diag, visits at the camp where I worked, and always yummy food.

Danny was diagnosed before I moved out to the East Coast (and we were finally living close together again) so our time together changed a bit. We spent a lot of time just chilling in various locations, coloring, watching Netflix, talking, etc. Of course we still made time for ice cream though! We also did Relay for Life the summer of 2016 and it was very powerful experience. I've been doing it for a long time and was so glad it meant so much to Danny.

After I moved, of course I didn't get to see him as often. And I am notoriously bad at keeping in touch with people until I'm planning a visit. We talked sporadically and I did get to see him one more time in August.

I am so grateful for all who supported him and those who cared for him throughout this time. As his sister said, these last two years are not all he was. He lived for 28 years and had so much more to him than this diagnosis. He loved his people, was passionate about his work and hobbies, and was (rightly) so proud to get a patent this fall.

This weekend I returned to Michigan for his celebration of life, organized by some of his closest friends-who were essentially family. While it was challenging at times, I am so glad I was able to be there.

Sadly, Danny is not the first loved one I have lost to cancer, and I'm sure he won't be the last. I began doing Relay for Life when my friend Meagan was diagnosed when we were just young teens and have done it nearly every year since, often adding another person to the list for whom I am doing it in their honor or memory. I have donated to the American Cancer Society in Danny's name-they are an amazing organization, helping to fund research, supporting those with cancer and their loved ones, and raising awareness of what individuals can do to make a difference in their own and others' lives. Will you join me?

xoxoxo
Emma

Feeling Festive

Hey all! Long time no chat...I've been totally swamped with Christmas stuff at my main job plus working quite a few hours at Athleta, as well as trying to get all my personal Christmas tasks done! I'm essentially done with gifts (I just need a few more stocking stuffers) and have 3 more Christmas cards to write, so I'm in the home stretch.
I had the most festive day this weekend, from Providence to Stoneham. I would highly recommend all the following activities! :)

On Sunday morning, I went with Dad and Georgina to pick out our Christmas tree. Henry's Christmas Tree Farm has a gorgeous selection, both already cut and out in their fields. They also have wreaths and other greenery-we always pick one up for our door!

This time, we decided to take the ride out to the field and pick out our own. We had a great time walking through them all, even if my toes froze a little bit!

When we got home to put it up, I decided (of course) we needed a Christmas movie. We lucked out and Miracle on 34th Street was on TV! It was perfect to have that on while getting the tree settled (and enjoying some desserts, of course).

Later that evening, back in the Boston area, I picked up Elly and we met Michelle at Stone Zoo. They have ZooLights every year, and it is a blast! It's pretty small, but definitely worth the $10 admission. We made friends with a monkey and wondered just how badly we would be mauled should we cuddle the black bears...

I do feel uncomfortable with zoos, particularly ones with small/unnatural enclosures (which this one appeared to have some of), so there was a bit of cognitive dissonance of course.

All in all, though, there's still time for festive things-get out there and take advantage! Just 5 days till Christmas!

xoxoxo
Emma

When in Nashville...

One of my lovely friends Julia turned 35 this year-and wanted to do it up with a big celebration. Y'all know I always love to celebrate the people in my life, so of course I was on board for this! She decided on a girls' trip to Nashville, a place I had never been but have been hearing more and more about in recent years (especially as a bachelorette party destination, but what can you do). I had to do a slightly abbreviated trip, but it was 100% worth it!

I took an Uber directly from the airport to meet the ladies for brunch at Americano. Thank goodness I managed to schedule my flight in time for this all-important meal! I'll do a separate post, of course, on all the food I ate while in Nashville, ha.

We then made our way to Nashville Boot Co., where we all tried on a few pairs and I had to remind myself that it was unlikely I would wear them regularly.

Next up: the Bluebird Cafe. It's been famous for a long time as a small venue with some big-name performers (they stop in on occasion), but the TV show Nashville definitely played a part in upping the long lines. We got there plenty early to ensure we'd get in-a long wait, but worth it in the end. As someone who is not a fan of country music in general, I actually loved it. Not every piece was to my liking, but enough were (those that were more in the folk-bluegrass-country style) that I really enjoyed the music overall.

We went back to our home base to get ready for a night out on the town-I unfortunately had definitely not planned for it in my packing, but the ladies were able to help me out with the loan of a dress and doing my hair for me. We did the touristy thing and went to the Coyote Ugly bar-it is, shall we say, an experience-before wandering around in search of live music. I headed back a little early, as I was wiped out from my early morning flight.

The next morning I got up fairly early and went for a run around Nashville-it's such a great way to see a city, especially on such a beautiful Sunday morning. The view from the pedestrian bridge is just gorgeous.

We then cleared out of our lodging, wandered around the neighborhood a bit, and headed to lunch. Throughout the day people began to head home, whether it was driving or to the airport.

Julia, Cheryl, and I were all leaving on Monday-Cheryl and myself at an ungodly early hour and Julia after a relaxing morning-so we spent the night at Julia's hotel pick, the Opryland Hotel. It was astounding and we spent a good amount of time Sunday evening walking around the hotel itself. We were all pretty exhausted from the weekend (and I had to go to work the next day straight from the airport) so we had an early night.

What a weekend-thank you, Julia, for including me, and happy (far belated) birthday!

xoxoxo
Emma

Maybe you can go home again... (Part 2)

The last of my summer vacation in Michigan...

After spending the first part of my week in Ann Arbor and Detroit, I had to head up to Michigania-the Michigan alumni family camp. I grew up going there with my family, as my dad was a faculty speaker for a number of years, and then got to teach horseback riding (and take out lots of trail rides) for three summers and change. I don't know many of the program staff anymore, but two of my closest friends are a part of the administrative team, so I had to get up there to visit them! Plus, camp had a very special family there this year-BJ, who was on staff when I was a kid, came back with her family to direct the riding program this summer.

Honestly, most of my time up there was spent simply relaxing. Obviously my friends had to work a fair amount of the time, so I spent some time just reading and walking around. It had been quite a while since I had no responsibilities and I didn't quite know what to do with myself! It was pretty chilly, so I didn't go in the water-at all-but it was still a wonderful week!

Julia and I got to belatedly celebrate her birthday with a lovely afternoon tea at the Inn at Bay Harbor-and to go to the fair! We didn't do much there, but it's always fun to experience the feel of a classic, small town, county fair.

I also briefly went out with James and the entire crew who was up for Jack & Kelly's wedding the next day-there's a new brewery, Beards, in Petoskey that was pretty good! I was almost persuaded to stay an extra day, but I knew I had to get back to the East Coast.

I also did manage to get in a fair amount of riding. Leslie and Michael (and her family) happened to be camping the same week I was visiting, so we got to do some of this riding together, which was just like old times! She was the director at riding my first summer, which was truly life-changing. She first paired me with Layla, the horse I worked with for the entire time I was at camp. Layla started out bucking when you asked her to canter, and now they can put kids on her! It's pretty awesome to see how she's continued to improve...proud "mama" over here, ha!

It's hard to believe that this was already several months ago...I'm happy to be where I am but reliving this definitely made me miss my home state! Hopefully I'll get to go back in the spring...until then it's all family-related travel with the holidays coming up-and we've all abandoned the Mitten State ;) 

xoxoxo

Emma

Madison Wedding Weekend!

I was lucky to return to Madison so soon after my last trip there-this time to celebrate Caroline and Patrick's wedding! I didn't take a lot of photos there, as there's no way I could compete with the real photographer, but trust me when I say it was beautiful.

I arrived early Saturday morning-and when I say early, I mean 8:30am and nobody else was awake. Thankfully the hotel was able to give me an early check-in, so I swung by Tailgate Coffee (also a clothing shop!) and Dough Baby Bakery to pick up my favorite treats and chill in the room for a bit. I don't nap, unfortunately, so I was going to have to power through from my 3:00am wakeup.

I took a stroll up the street to find a card for the wedding-I knew I'd be able to find a cool one in one of the little shops that line the way to the Capitol. I am now obsessed with Madison Modern Market-but managed not to buy anything other than the card! I was very proud :)

A bunch of us Michigania people, plus Erica and Erik, met up at the alumni bar to watch as much of the game as we could before the welcome dinner. Michigan has not been playing up to expectations, but it's always fun to watch with my people.

I headed back to the hotel to meet up with Leslie and Michael (and snuggle their sweet dog Harley!), then headed over to the welcome party with them at a local park. It was super hot out, but still a good time! We eventually had to make our way to some air-conditioning, so of course went to our favorite piano bar, the Ivory Room, with the rest of the Michigania gang.

The wedding was Sunday afternoon, so Leslie, Michael, and I spent our morning walking around the UW campus area with Harley. We picked up more doughnuts (of course!) and nitro cold brew coffee from Colectivo before strolling over to the UW Memorial Terrace. My brother Lucas met up with us there (he happened to be in town for another wedding the same weekend!) to partake in the doughnuts as our brunch appetizer.

We then drove over to Everly, where we had a delicious-and super trendy-brunch. The matcha latté and summer salad were both gorgeous and delicious. If I lived in Madison, I have a feeling I would end up there a lot-I want everything on the menu!

Finally it was time to get ready for the wedding-which of course involved some sparkling wine! I must say, Leslie and Michael are one of my favorite couples to third-wheel, ha. We took an Uber over to Monona Terrace with Sheila, Cat, and Sam and did our best to stay in the shade until it was time to be seated. A gorgeous view, but boy was it hot-about 90 degrees! After the gorgeous ceremony, we had some drinks and nibbles, and of course our mini photo shoot. Who could pass up these lake views?

The reception was inside and so much fun. As always, I danced the night away, barely taking a break. I may be a terrible dancer, but I like to think that I make everyone comfortable to get on the floor! Caroline and Patrick did a great job of making sure they talked to everybody-and danced with them too!

My flight back wasn't until Monday evening, so I got to walk around Madison some more in the morning, and even meet Erica for lunch! We swung by the food carts then headed back to the UW Terrace to enjoy our food with a view. We even finally managed to get a picture in the chair-an oversized version of the ones all over the Terrace and a classic photo op.

After lunch I wandered some more, got my cheese curd and New Glarus fix at the Tipsy Cow, hit up Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream, and eventually made my way to the airport. Of course this was the time my flight was delayed, but I made it home and even to work the next day. A weekend well worth it-congratulations, Caroline and Patrick! It was an honor to share in your special day.

xoxoxo
Emma