Wednesday, July 13, 2011

The Good Life




I'm giving you a bonus song to listen to as you read this post!  It's One Republic's newest hit, Good Life.  And it's totally the song of my summer!  I actually listen to it as I walk into work each day as it has such a peppy beat that I love!

Oh, this has gotta be the good life
This has gotta be the good life
This could really be the good life, good life

I say "oh, got this feeling that you can't fight"
Like this city is on fire tonight
This could really be the good life, a good, good life

I moved just over 2 weeks and I can honestly say it has been life changing.  It's more than the fact that I step out my door and have access to miles of beautiful running and biking trails.  It's more than trading in a long commute for a 20 minute walk.  It's more than having access to barbeque grills.  It's more than the fact that I can walk to a grocery store, farmer's market, restaruants, or church. 

It's the fact that for the first time in a very, very long time, I live in a neighborhood that is so "me". 

I'm surrounded by such beauty, so each walk in my neighborhood is a beautiful walk.  I live on the Mississippi, right by the St. Anthony Falls, which are breathtakingly beautiful.  When I talk walks in my neighborhood, I sometimes think - "Do I really live here?" 

Besides Paris, I have never been so enchanted by a neighborhood.

When you're happy like a fool
let it take you over
when everything is out
you gotta take it in

Hopelessly
I'm taking a mental of you now
'cause hopelessly
The hope is we have so much to feel good about

I worked really hard and went through some not-so-great times in the last couple of years to get to the place I am today - both literally and figuratively.  I am just oh so happy that things have really come together this year and that I have found a neighborhood where I feel I belong.

My words can't do it do it justice, though, so I will share a few pics.  I am sure I will be sharing more photos in the weeks to come, but this at least gives you an idea of why I have fallen head-over-heels in love with my neighborhood!

Standing by the Mighty Mississippi with my building behind me (it's the brown building to the left of me).  Please excuse the ridiculously low cut dress.  I usually wear it as a swimsuit cover up but it has been so hot/humid lately, I had to wear something some cool and comfortable.

Looking at the St. Anthony falls as I crossed the Stone Arch Bridge

The St. Anthony Falls with the Stone Arch Bridge in the background
I can't wait to show my place to others, especially my parents and siblings.  I have been so unhappy in my suburban condo for so long, it feel so good to say that I once again love where I live!

What is your favorite part about the area where you live?
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25 comments:

  1. Maris(In Good Taste)July 13, 2011 at 5:01 AM

    I know exactly how you feel. I felt so out of place in New Jersey. When I moved to Chicago,I felt part of the neighborhood, had trees lining my street, store owners that knew me and I finally felt settled. I am so happy for you. Gorgeous photos!

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  2. UnprofessionalJuly 13, 2011 at 5:45 AM

    Aaaaah!!! I love it! I used to run around there all the TIME when I lived on campus! And I loved the cute little row of restaurants on Saint Anthony main! So fun!!

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  3. BeckyJuly 13, 2011 at 5:56 AM

    Yay! So happy for you with this move! Those pictures are gorgeous!

    Right now the favorite part of my apartment is that we're moving out of it - ha!

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  4. RaquelitaJuly 13, 2011 at 7:07 AM

    Great photos! That second one is so dramatic! I'm so glad that you are in love with your new place and neighborhood. Feeling like you belong in your home makes quality of life so much better.

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  5. AshleyJuly 13, 2011 at 7:31 AM

    Your neighborhood looks lovely! I'm so happy you've found a place you love and feel at home in; that's so important! :)

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  6. Kyria @ Travel SpotJuly 13, 2011 at 7:37 AM

    That's a great neighborhood! It sounds like you have everything you want and need...

    I miss living in San Francisco. Like you said, it's a combo of everything which makes it "me". I lived in an old flat with bay windows, within a block from a park and a vibrant neighborhood, with all ethnicities and types of food...with great weather and...a feeling. Just a feeling of belonging. Like you said.

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  7. Lisa-MarieJuly 13, 2011 at 7:41 AM

    Oh Lisa, it is GORGEOUS! It is brilliant that you feel like yourself in you new place, I think to feel truly at home is a really lovely thing.

    p.s, I LOVE THE DRESS, it's lovely.

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  8. LeighJuly 13, 2011 at 9:24 AM

    Your new area where you live looks fabulous! And you sound so, so much happier :)

    I love my area because it's really close to get to the mountains (about an hour) and has mountain views. Can't beat it!

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  9. missrisJuly 13, 2011 at 9:26 AM

    Those photos are AMAZING! It sounds like you are really and truly happy with where you live, and that can make all the difference in the world.

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  10. AmberJuly 13, 2011 at 9:50 AM

    I tried to comment earlier from my phone but apparently it didn't work.

    Anyhoo, I am so happy for you! I know how hard the last year + has been and hearing how happy you are now is really great. You can really sense the happiness in your words in this post!! I can't wait to see your neighbourhood in person soon!

    I love where we live because it's a smallish city so really easy to get places and it's a good mix of central and rural. I also love the outdoor recreation around here. 20 minute drive in any direction and you're at a lake, 4 hour drive to the pacific ocean, 1-2 hour drive to the mountains. I love it!

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  11. MarlysJuly 13, 2011 at 10:07 AM

    It's so good to hear your excitement about your new home! Things sure fell into place quickly, so I'm glad you can sit back and enjoy it now! I can't wait to see it!

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  12. UnknownJuly 13, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    So happy for you!!!!! You have worked hard to achieve this for yourself!!

    I can hardly wait to take the light rail to come and see you and walk to dinner!

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  13. Kelly (She Wears a Red Sox Cap)July 13, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    Yay, I'm so glad you love your neighborhood so much! You definitely deserve to be in a great place :)

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  14. Nilsa @ SoMi SpeaksJuly 13, 2011 at 1:03 PM

    Can I tell you (again) how great it is to hear how happy you are in your new hood. You have new life infused into your body and it shows. Why not show of the knockers while you're at it! ha.

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  15. MandyJuly 13, 2011 at 2:53 PM

    Its incredibly obvious how much happier you've become since moving. I am glad it all worked out so perfectly for you. I can hear in your voice when we talk how much happier you are. Your neighborhood is gorgeous. Its amazing living along a river, I've always loved living along the OH. This post makes me wish I could hop on a plane to visit you right this second.

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  16. Cherry BlossomsJuly 13, 2011 at 4:10 PM

    I also love that song and your new place is Awesome! Glad you are doing much better as you deserve to be happy!

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  17. Carolina JohnJuly 13, 2011 at 4:17 PM

    Great pics, looks like you landed in a really fun part of town! My fav is that it's exactly a 5 mile run from my house to the capital building downtown, running past the NC State university main campus. The five mile run home after that kind of sucks.

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  18. AJuly 13, 2011 at 6:21 PM

    I love that song! And I totally understand the importance of loving where you live---I moved to a suburb for a while and last summer moved back into the city and am so, so, so much happier. I'm glad you're happy, too, lady!

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  19. Erin from Hey, Soul SisterJuly 13, 2011 at 9:30 PM

    Lis---I'm so happy for you :) This post made me grin from ear to ear!!!!

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  20. Jolene - EverydayFoodieJuly 13, 2011 at 10:26 PM

    I love living close to the big park in my city - it is beautiful and is surrounding a lake.

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  21. Amber @ A Little Pink in the CornfieldsJuly 14, 2011 at 5:41 AM

    I cannot wait to see your place and am SOO happy for you!!!!! :)

    My favorite place about my place is sort of what I hate too. I live waaay out on the edge of West Des Moines - seriously, it's way out there. There are cornfields within throwing distance and farms close by. Even a huge farm with a huge wrought iron American Gothic (seriously, only in Iowa...). I need to post a picture of it.

    Sometimes I think about moving into Des Moines, but then I think I am so close to it (it's only 10 minutes away!) what's the point? I like the space around me. :)

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  22. Amber @ A Little Pink in the CornfieldsJuly 14, 2011 at 5:42 AM

    Ugh, typos. You know what I am saying. I'm up too early.

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  23. crystalJuly 15, 2011 at 11:40 AM

    I love that you are so happy in your new place, it looks so exciting! We just pulled up last night and are now in the process of getting settled. I will email you soon and we should go get coffee or something :)

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  24. AbbyJuly 17, 2011 at 5:58 PM

    This makes me so happy, Lisa!! Yay! Probably my favorite post of yours :)

    I know the feeling (almost)

    I H.A.T.E.D. living in our old house. Hated driving 45 minutes to do ANYTHING. Didn't like the community, surrounding areas, or anything

    Now that we live in a totally different part of town...I feel more at home :)

    LOVE your neighborhood. It's perfect for you!

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  25. Lauren @ Sassy MolassyJuly 18, 2011 at 11:57 AM

    Yay! So exciting for you! I could seriously use some of your Minnesota heat. This grey, drizzly weather is bringing me down. WHere is summer???

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