The Beginning

So here it is.  My first post.  I figure the best thing to do is to introduce myself…

I’m Ashley.  Some people who knew me in college still call me Ashkat; either is fine.   I went to college in Atlanta where I met my husband.  He’s my world and partner in every way.  We’re still in our first year of marriage and even though our growing pains can get tough, I can’t image being without him.  Rounding off my little family is our puppy Coco whose purpose in life seems to be making us laugh and reminding us that we should drop more food on the floor.  Our household is pretty small and tote-able which should come in handy since we’re on the cusp of making our biggest move since college.  

For the past five years we’ve been living in the DC area and it’s been… expensive! We love it and I’m from there so I’ll always be a fan.  Being a Redskins fan is even engrained in my DNA for better or worse.  Our careers have also been doing well but as we get older and think about expanding our family, we couldn’t shake the thought of a Southern life.   He’s from the South-- South Carolina to be exact, and I fell in love with Charlotte while still going to school in Atlanta.  I used to meet him there for quick weekend trips when we were home from school in the summer.  So when a job opportunity became available for him in Queen City, I encouraged him to apply.  The dreams of owning a home and being able to afford to shop at Whole Foods seemed pretty appealing.  I was already applying for jobs in Atlanta and we cheered each other on.   We rooted for each other through rounds of interviews and discussed things just like our pre-marriage counseling listed (just at a louder volume!).   We raced each other to the greatest opportunities and hoped that our next move would be our best move. Well a few weeks ago, he won.  He got the job! He called so excited to tell me that I don’t think the shock in my voice even registered with him.  I was happy.  Really happy.  But I was also stumped.  What now?  All of the stress of a dream suddenly being a reality felt like I was falling down really slow.  Where will I work?  Where will we live? The what now?’s  were rushing in through the receiver of the phone.  

After a good happy hour, he calmed me down.  We agreed on the basics like the area being nice, cheaper housing, the idea of taking on a new place together.   These were the things I needed to hear.  I took a vow on our wedding day “Where you go, I go”.  I meant this.  I’m pretty independent, some say very, and even though I’d never lose myself, I’m always open to stepping out of my comfort zone.  A push from him never hurt.  So sooner rather than later I’m going to be become a Charlotte-an.  

But the what now still remains for the time.  I’m a thinker, and a planner.  I couldn’t have made it through life without it.  And my positivity is always a source of strength.  I consider myself a “glass half full” kind of woman.  And when I can’t figure something out, I write about it.  Sometimes it’s post-it lists, sometimes it’s a journal.  This is my what now, my question to the world.  Maybe someone gave you advice, maybe you know where we can make friends, maybe you know the best brewery in the city, maybe you’re going through some of the same things.  This is a place to share!  Welcome to my new home!