When my work in College Park, Maryland came to a close on September 3rd, a giant mountain of work had been conquered but my health had completely deteriorated. I flew into Atlanta and went straight to my parents’ home in the country for two weeks of much needed R ‘n’ R. My mother fed me wholesome meals and gave me more nutritional advice than I could even absorb; my little brother played chess with me over the coffee table while I lay on the couch. By the time two weeks had passed, I was feeling more like myself and took to the skies again for Illinois.
You know those exclusive luxury apartments no one you know qualifies to live in? Well, this community is the complete opposite end of the spectrum. It has quite a reputation, but has recently undergone renovation and changed management, so here I am to make the magic happen and find this place better occupants than it’s seen in the past. This city is Champaign, IL. Yes, it is pronounced “champagne”, and yes, the name is a little highfalutin in a big college town surrounded by wheat and cornfields.
To my surprise, in spite of the run-down appearance of the place, I fell in love with the apartment I’ll be staying in precisely because it is so old. The paint is cracked and peeling, the apartment has baseboard heating and one a/c window unit, and the floors are original wood from the 1960s. Â And I find myself charmed. The smell of old wood mixed with new paint… sheer nostalgia.
I bought a dozen roses the color of a fiery desert sunset, candles, a wax warmer, wax cubes in heavy masculine fall scents, and a white Casper pumpkin that, for less than $1, was too adorable to leave behind at the grocery store. I spread my royal blue sherpa blanket on the bed and slept peacefully my first night in Illinois.
The rest of the year, I’ll be working hard to recover my health, which means generally making healthy living a priority. Specifically, it means cutting out sugar and most carbs, dairy, and caffeine. I love holiday food, but unfortunately, like you viewing the pictures, I’ll be enjoying the food for its aesthetic value these holidays.
Of course, the holidays are more than just food, and I can’t wait to watch the leaves change and enjoy all the good things fall brings. I couldn’t be more excited.
Still Dauntless,
Bethany