It was most certainly a tornado of a year. A little unpredictable and (a lot) messy at times, who’s surprised?! I’m still smiling and I’d put money on the happiest I’ve ever been. Let’s remember attitude is the difference between an ordeal and an adventure!! I work best under pressure. Storms always move on. But this time, GUYS!, these rainbows came with a pot o’ amenities. I can promise you no ones clicking any heels, so let’s celebrate my 1 year KC-versary and I’ll tell you how I ended up with a 3Light address. I know. So fancy. Lace up those Varsity Red J’s and follow me down the red bricks to P&L for this escapade.

I still have those “Do I live here?!” moments a month in. Just when you think you have life all planned out, the universe WILL do what she needs to do to land you right where you need to be. I am not one of those girls that thinks every single thing means something but I am a firm believer some things do happen for a reason. And this construction inconvenience at The Midland was most definitely one of those things.

I was counting down the seconds for this move. Beyond excited to live at The Midland, the history and art deco vibe were love at first sight. I’ve been obsessed with this building since that first morning I walked to Orangetheory last June. It seemed like it was just meant to be. Also being directly across from the salon. I had zero hesitation signing that lease sight unseen. I had most the details, furniture and design choices narrowed down. Finally going to have sunshine and a view.

My year at The Mark can be summed up as luxury solitary confinement. If you’ve ever lived in a cave, or maybe a dungeon, you understand the seriousness of this move. I’m so dramatic but natural light y’all. I highly underestimated the necessity of sunlight in my living space. Add in the noise and the sliver of a wall/parking garage view. I have no idea what I was thinking picking that apartment. But oh the lessons. I have not forgot how it was to live without central heat in the Barling days but the 10+ days with no heat plus no natural light plus paying luxury rent, the math didn’t math and I hated it big from that week on. I’ll find something positive, the shower was pretty nice. But zero amenities and the annoying event center two floors up. 1 out of 10 for my first downtown apartment experience. And that 1 star is only for the two resident events they had cupcakes. Yay for experiences.

You can see why the excitement to get a sneak peek at The Midland was everything I was living for. It was late March when the 12th floor was staged and hard hat tours were open. So fun right!! I loaded Rye up for the adventure, as we have been inconvenienced by and anticipating the completion of this building for months now. So we walk in and y’all. this place is not even 90ish days from people moving in. I tried to be positive and focus on the good. I have zero issue seeing what a space can be. I’m creative and visual and I’ve also watched contractors in the wild, lived through a solid project or two and this is why people have trust issues. The 12th floor were the biggest, most extra apartments. We get to the 11th floor and my shell of an apartment. Meh. Past an amazing corner view, no extra storage, baby closet, let’s not utilize the space, and how about that is not big enough to call a bedroom because it was not. So to say my soul was deflated is an understatement. I didn’t measure anything, the whole purpose of the tour. I was overwhelmed with being underwhelmed. And the one thing I could see through the construction chaos, was my grannies dresser was not fitting.

Honestly when I got that phone call a few Fridays later saying I couldn’t move on June 1, I was so relieved. If anything I had choices now. I just had no idea the swankiest building in downtown would be one.

All my options required moving twice and/or living out of a suitcase for an undisclosed amount of time at the mercy of contractors or move into a studio at 3 Light. Looking back there was no decision to be made but man my little feathers were RUFFLED. Even though I bob and weave like a boss (or fake myself out), I love a good plan and watching it unfold and I was so upset. We’re 3 weeks from moving at this point. I had already bought furniture to fit the new space. {I’m still salty about being forced to sell that window cabinet} And if I did take the 3 Light studio and only move once, I was going to have to sell EVERYTHING. Could I live in 380sf, basically a hotel room and not lose my mind?!

Turns out I can and I’m doing the thing!!! And I flipping LOVE IT!! Who am I to argue with the universe taking a hard right? Selling everything was so freeing. Things I’ve been moving for over 10+ years just because it was my stuff. Bye. There is something to be said for starting fresh, living minimal and being extremely intentional with the things in your space. Floor to ceiling windows and an amazing view of the Crossroads definitely help. Also having outdoor space is a game changer. A patio to coffee and knit will forever enhance your life. If you look up from KC Live! and see the red guitar, that’s probably me knitting. And the pool. Just a humble look over Main Street. It’s not so bad working from a cabana some days and being the most sun-kissed you’ve been in years. I’m not mad.

I guess you can say I’m adjusting. Living at a ‘resort’ is very comfortable. My life is completely different. The networking, social events and friendships in just a quick month are priceless. Cooking classes, birthday dance parties (themed of course) and so much sunshine in my life now. I think the biggest thing I’ve taken from this is, YOU ARE the only person limiting yourself. Why can’t you live there? Get that job? Do that thing?!

You know that feeling something is about to happen/change/level up?! I know it’s on the menu. I’m not being challenged. I’m coasting and it’s so not ok. I took a small risk earlier this year and it didn’t sit well with my soul. It did make me realize how much I love personal training and what good all around healthy means to me. I don’t know what’s next but the opportunities seem to only stop where I limit them. What I do have are a whole lot of amazing people cheering me on and super successful people telling me I’m selling myself short. I believe it. So I think know I’m about to start asking some questions and making a career move.

As I sit here and wrap up this latest chapter, I still can’t believe I’m in KC. Downtown KC. With this view. I was the only thing holding myself back for all that time. And look at what’s happened in just a short little year. I don’t even want to try and guess where this next chapter is going to take me. I think it might be bigger than I know. But how about knowing you’re right where you’re supposed to be. I think I’m about to shock myself. And I’m so here for it.

XO-

Midwest Ging