Hi friends! Hope you enjoy this one 💘 For a lot of us who moved to NYC, it's not only about creating a better life for ourselves but also for our families too. What does 'living the NYC dream' mean to you?
Ah this resonated so much with me! I moved to Seattle years ago, leaving behind family in Michigan and it was so hard to leave / watch them leave after visits. It’s definitely a different relationship but it’s still a relationship and you find a way to maximize the time you get together (as you said). I’ve since moved back to Michigan BUT my time “away” taught me a lot about what it means to really invest in and develop relationships. The beautiful thing is (when it’s healthy) family is family no matter the distance ❤
Wow this really resonates with me. I always wanted to move out of my home state but sadly never did, now 53yrs old and taking steps to finally do it but with such a heavy heart. My parents are now in their 80’s and I feel I’m being selfish at a time when they’ll begin to need me more. But I would like them to see me happy instead of waiting till they’re gone. It’s a very personal decision and everyone is different but know your mom has to be so proud of you for being so courageous in your life & would want your happiness over anything else. 😊
As a mom of adult children I can tell you there’s nothing I love to see more than my child happy and living their life the way they want, however that may look
I'm a mom of three and I totally agree with you above comment. I always say I'm only as happy as my saddest child. So things are going really well right now 🙂 love love, love your videos and thank you for sharing your mom with us.❤
Totally agree… I’m a mom of a 23 and 21 year old living their best lives (I hope) as creatives in NYC and Boston. It’s not always roses, but however it looks and whatever they choose to do post-college, I will cheer from afar with bells on. And hug them tight when I can
These comments make me feel hopeful. We have 2 kids (4&2 yo) with another coming in April. And it may be bonkers but my husband and I think a lot about our "adult children". We obviously have no idea where they'll go, what they'll do, etc. but we mostly worry about the transition of them leaving and if it'll feel...natural? We've always said we hope to raise empathetic, emotionally intelligent kiddos who chase after what makes them happy/content. But it's a tad scary to think about that phase of life. I suppose you just go back to being in full swing of you and your partner, your interests, your hobbies, etc? And hopefully the kids leaving feels natural? And your adult relationship just continues to develop as they go through new stages in their lives?
Grandma here. Don't overthink the family situation because that really doesn't work. Moms and family are usually happiest when family members are doing well no matter where they are. Facetiming, texting, and a quick phone call may help to keep you in the loop of what's happening with them. It's also surprising how many families live in close proximity and yet don't keep in touch. Live your life, Chelsea, and go with your gut feeling when deciding how to move forward. No one knows you like you know you!😂😂😂
'You will never be completely at home again, because part of your heart always will be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place.”
My son moved away from the Midwest when he was 20 to California. That’s been 24 years. It was his dream and it makes me happy that he followed his heart. We stay in touch several times a week…I fly out when I can and he and his family fly back when they can. ❤️ Live your dreams Chelsea! A parent wants you to live your life on your terms. I am so happy he has the life he chooses. I’m sure your family feels the same way. 🥰
This video struck a chord with me. I don't blame you for keeping your family dynamic private, as it should be. You share what you want to share with us when you want to share. Doing great, btw!
You're so not alone in asking these big family questions. No matter which path we choose, there is always some sort of sacrifice on the opposite side - big or small. There's no "one right way" to live. All you can do is make authentic choices as you go and stay present (easier said than done, obvs). You don't need to decide the rest of your life right now
I am usually a “silent” follower (as an introvert living alone, I love you channel), but I just wanted to let you know, that I can totally relate to your thoughts about living at a distance away from your family. After finishing university in 2001, I moved from Copenhagen (Denmark) to Switzerland, and lived there for almost 20 years, pursuing my professional career dreams, and really just enjoyed life. It was such a wonderful time that I think back on with real joy and happiness, especially considering the experiences and friendships I’ve made during my time living in Switzerland ! However, there was always a “cost” in terms living at distance from my family; I could just not just stop by for dinner, a chat, or a coffee with my parents, sister or childhood friends. Sure, you can stay in contact by other means, and I could also jump on a plane and be back in Copenhagen in around 3 hours, but there is just not that closeness and spontaneity as when you are living around the corner. At a certain point in time - especially as time went by and my parent grew older - the importance of having a closer relationship with my family (especially my parents) just increased successively. And as an opportunity came up, I decided to move back to Copenhagen (that’s 7 years ago now). By doing that I gave up a lifestyle a really enjoyed, but in return I got a much closer relationship with my parents and sister. Sadly, my father got ill a couple of years ago and passed away. It was a tremendously hard time, but I was truly happy about and cherish the fact that I had had the opportunity to enjoy a couple of years of close contact and fun times with my father, doing just the most mundane and trivial things like eating dinner together, having a coffee, stopping by for a chat, going out for a walk or a beer, etc. - those memories are truly, truly precious to me ! More importantly, however, was the fact that I was able to support and help my mother during my father’s illness and after he passed away - it would have been extremely hard to do that if I was living in Switzerland. And when I look back at those hard times, and the time I now spend with my mother, I am really happy about the fact I moved back. In short, I know the feeling and “struggle” with living far away from your family - yes, it is complex, and, yes you feel conflicted. How to handle that situation, and what one should do is impossible to say: It is all about what you feel deep down - but there is no “right” or “wrong”; you just have to trust your instinct ! And please, please, please don’t worry: I am confident that you will (actually, you are) going to handle that situation (should it arise) just fine ! Dealing with the challenges of complexity and decisions that may conflict are just a part of life and living - and life is here to be lived ! So go grab a coffee with a splash of pumpkin spice and enjoy it !
I’m so happy you got to make some beautiful memories with your dad! Time with family is never wasted. I’ve lost both my parents now, I miss them everyday, what I would give just hear thier voice again.
I'm from California and moved to NYC a little over 7 years ago. I am fortunately able to visit my parents a couple times a year, but totally get how each time you see your parents/family, it really becomes clear how time and distance and having multiple places you call home makes you feel all the things. I don't know if I had/have an idea of the NYC dream (think I'm still figuring that out 7 years later lol), but each time I leave NYC, I remember what I love about this city and each time I leave CA, remember what I love about where I came from! Love your vlogs!
You bring up such thought provoking themes in your videos and they always end up making me have a really focused reflection afterwards. Even though you are living a completely different life than me, it's so familiar and heartwarming to feel connection through shared and non-shared experiences.
Hi Chelsea! It's so difficult - you're meant to spread your wings and fly, but you can't be with loved ones at the same time. If only we could be! I'm sure your family are very proud of you and all you've achieved 🩷
I don’t think location is necessarily the answer. I live half a mile from my mom and sister and see them once a month or so, and my dad retired to Florida and we talk once a week on the phone. I think it’s more about the relationship you have with family more than location wise, yes if you were five minutes away it would be much easier to build those relationships but I think it’s more about putting in the time and effort.
Insightful video about building and maintaining relationships with family and friends. The relationship with your mother is probably the most profound and long lasting than any other will be. It’s delightful to see see you and your mother together. And so good you’re get the furbies their surgeries. You’ll all do fine. ❤
This one tugged on my heart strings. I lost my mom when I was 19 and for those 19 years she was my absolute everything. Best friend, gal pal, a wonderful mother. I felt robbed of ever having a real adult relationship with her. I'm such a different person from when she last saw me and I always wondered what our relationship would look like today
What a time you’ve had of late…out dancing and socialising and having your mom to stay, it’s great to see❤. This little cats of yours are really at hime with you these days…so looked after and loved by you, beautiful. Life will,evolve as it should, however, anyone who has lost a parent early in life will always be on high alert about family things. Trust your gift Chelsea, it’s supported you this far ❤❤❤
Thank you for being willing to be vulnerable on your channel. I moved out when I am 18 and I know that my other family members miss me but I am just not the easiest sibling to visit. Keep loving your chosen and blood family and feeling the support from the community you have built here
Hi there! I'm glad to hear you are getting your babies "fixed" soon. I have been fostering kittens for a rescue for years and I can't tell you how many 4 and 5 month old kitties we get that are already pregnant. It's absolutely heart breaking. Your babies will be fine, Gordo won't even act like anything happened and Deli will be a little groggy for a few hours and then over it 😊. Cats are so resilient it's amazing. Sending all mine and my foster babies love your way ❤️!
Agree with this! I foster cats after they are fixed and it won't be nearly as bad as you think! The little lady I just had at my house after her surgery was fine the next day! Still had to take it easy, but she wasn't in distress. You've got this, Chelsea!
I live in Pennsylvania. Around 25 years ago I had this overwhelming urge to move away, so I moved to WV. It was really only 45 min away from where my whole family lived. I ended up only being there for 2 years before I had to move back. My parents were getting older and I hated not being close in case something happened. Now my parents are gone and I'm an empty nester. The urge to go is coming back but I won't go as I have grand children. My point is that I feel like everyone should follow their urges because you can always come back home. Much love ❤
Family can be complicated. When my husband and I got married, we immediately moved out of state for a training he had to go to for a little over a year. It was honestly the best thing that could have happened. While I was a bit homesick, we got to spend our first year creating our own memories and traditions. When we returned, we sort of did things our way, didn’t let our families control everything in our lives. We love our families, but we are adults with our own lives. I see something similar in you. You left to pursue your own life and dreams. It doesn’t mean you love your family any less.
I enjoy your content because it’s relatable. I could less about your location or NYC. Your apartment, grocery hauls and kittens will always get a big #ThumbsUp from me ! Cheers from San Diego, CA ☀️
The BB’s are getting so big. Every video they look bigger! I love seeing them. They’re precious. And Gordo’s tail 😮 it’s gorgeous! It’s so nice that you got to spend some time with your mom and share a bit of your NYC life with her. It’s so sweet that the kitties enjoyed her visit too 🥰
Thanks for opening up this topic, Chelsea! Since I moved away from my home province at 21, I've consciously thought of every time I see my parents as the potential last. But, my parents met each other while travelling, and didn't build their lives near either set of grandparents, so it seems normal for me to live far away. I never felt that my hometown was my destiny. Now, I'm 35, and my dad has metastatic cancer, and I'm grateful for the 14 years of visits we've had ✨ I live with my partner & stepkids in the Toronto area, and see my future here. Every situation is different, but following what feels right in your heart is so important! 💛
You crying at your mum leaving made me emotional for my mum - your mum looks like such a sweet person too! She only lives two hours away from the city but I don't have a car so we don't get to see each other that often. Also, re the sourdough, I used to work in a hatted restaurant (Australia's version of Michelin star) and when we served the sourdough bread we had to explain that the mother was three years old and her name (which I can't remember now). We always had to tell stories of the origin of the food, like how the cows were walked to slaughter in pairs so they didn't get so stressed!
Great job ! I totally appreciate the complexity of family. You share as much or as little as your heart dictates. You're doing fantastic! Give yourself lots of credit. Love from Niagara Falls! ❤
You are so genuine and that's what I like most about you and your content. I loved seeing you with your mum, though! I love love the kitties too. Nice content sweetpie!!! Enjoy your life
Chelsea, everything you mentioned before about family being a complex topic, really resonated with me. It's interesting to see your perspective about the whole idea of moving away from home to grow independently while still harboring feelings of attachment for those closest to you. As a 1st generation American in a South Asian household, living at home well into adulthood is completely normal. Ironically although I've spent my whole life at home here in NYC and never took a chance to "leave the nest" , now in my early 30's I've also started to harbor feelings of nostalgia when thinking about my parents. Both my mom and dad have retired and my older sister lives close by with her own family. Even though my parents and I live together and technically see each other daily, I constantly feel like my working + commuting + adulting leaves me less time to savor with them as they also get older. I'm so glad you and your mom had a chance to connect, I've loved watching your channel grow and I always hope to bump into you IRL! Much love ❤
Hi Chelsea! I am in the reverse situation. My daughter lives in Oregon and I am in So Cal but I only see her twice a year, when my husband and I travel to her (we’re retired) and when she comes down for Xmas. She is truly independent and has created a lovely life for herself in OR for almost 10 years. We try to have monthly Zoom calls with her and our son which helps us keep in touch. Even though I wish we saw her more, I take pride in the fact that we raised two kind and independent kids. Having said that, when you said you cried after your mom left it made me a bit emotional. Indeed we don’t have unlimited time on this earth but I’m sure your mom takes comfort in knowing you are thriving in the place of your dreams.
I’m 50, I literally died twice in March due to a health condition. I am so glad I lived near my family. No regrets, time with family is something I cherished before and especially after my ordeal! I love my friends, but overall my family is the most important. Hands down…overall I think you gotta do what your heart tells you! Most parents just want us to be happy! No matter what that looks like! ❤
I had tears in my eyes for most of this video! I’m also in NYC and my family is either a 12 hour drive or very expensive flight with a 2 hour drive after away. (Bc they’re in the middle of no where!) I’m very close with them, and they all live close together, so I feel like I miss out on a lot. I’ve been here for 5 years, and love the city and my life here so much, but I frequently fantasize about what it would be like to move somewhere closer to home. Thanks so much for making this video! 💜
TY for putting a voice to this and sharing your experience with it. I’ve been away from home 11 years now, and while I get to spend with family (or friends that have moved away) means so much more now, sometimes it’s hard to reconcile with the journey I know I need to take on my own. (Especially when the “what are you up to?” becomes a low-key “when are you coming back?”) Also that pasta looks AMAZING.
If you are getting ready to get your kitties fixed, I highly, highly recommend getting them each one or two surgical suits. It’s basically a onesie that will keep them from being able to chew on the stitches. These were life changers when I found them, I use them when I got my kitten spayed about a year ago, and my dog neutered about two years ago. Since their stitches were covered as long as I was at home and supervise, they did not need to wear a cone. Then I bought soft cone get and I put those on when I had to go out. It made the entire experience so much better.
Chelsea ! It was great catching up with you ! I can relate because I also live away from my family ! I do know that my family is happy and proud of me for chasing my dreams !
As a kiwi who's lived in France for many years, a stint in Spain, Czechia and now Montréal I totally get the distance thing and the thoughts of being far from those we love. But as you said, in our chosen city or home, our family becomes our friends, and parents and siblings will always be happy as long as we are. Also gives them an excuse to travel :) and we can appreciate each other more when we reconnect. A beautiful thoughtful video.
The one thing parents truly want for their kids is to be happy. Like I tell my kids, now I have places to visit - one in New Jersey one in Puerto Rico and the other one in Japan.❤
Hi Chelsea, I had no idea that you had lost you dad when you were young. At least you still have your mom, sister, and relatives that care about you. I lost my grandpa over the summer. I feel lucky that I still have my family. Whether we live near or far. You certainly made a good choice of starting your life in New York. I’ve been watching your videos for nearly three years and I can tell you’ve accomplished a lot. Great job Chelsea. 🙂👍
Hi Chelsea!!! We missed you but I am so happy you enjoyed your visit with your mom and friends. I lost my mom in my early 20s, and my dad was murdered in 2019. I miss them so much. I wasn't brave when I was younger and left home later than most. Sometimes I wonder how things could have been different but wouldn't change that time as I was able to care for my mom in the end. ❤ I truly love your vlogs Thank you for taking us along with you ❤
I loved this video Chelsea! It’s so nice to hear more about your life and family and those relationships - to the extent you’re comfortable sharing. 😊 I also love how independent you are!
I've always lived close with my parents and was heavily involved with my dad's care before he passed. My sister and I are now involved with helping our 86 yo mom navigate her last years. Along the way my two kiddos gave me 9 grandchildren so to say I'm rooted where I'm at is a bit of an understatement.😉 We all have choices we make in life and most of them aren't inherently right or wrong perse - and life sends us down different roads all the time! Live your life where you're at now and be open to future change - it's all you can do! Love your videos and may you and the fur babies be ever blessed!!❤️
I’m on the other side of the spectrum. I’m 61 but my daughter- about your age- is in TX with her spouse and my 2 grandsons. It’s expensive to see them, but we get to see them about twice a year and often plan trips together. So we make the most of it. I miss them though and pray for them every day and we face time every weekend. Love watching you live your life! I feel like we are friends and then I remember- oh this is a vlog and you have no idea who I am unless you are watching mine - but it’s a lot smaller lol. From Nashville here. Have a good week.
I REALLY resonate with the not having an adult relationship with your fam because you've lived so far away for so long. I'm originally from Colorado and I moved to Seattle when I was 22 and I'm 30 now. I always try and go visit at least once a year but sometimes it just doesn't happen and that is a little scary when I think about it too long lol
This one touched me. I’m on the opposite end of the spectrum. Moved from New England with my husband away from family (including elderly mom and great grandkids). Love the life I have built in NC but always feel the tug (guilt?) of being “the one who moved away “. Not always easy, but I work on remembering that I am worth it and I deserve the opportunity to be happy and fulfilled. Love the channel!
Hi Chelsea! I think in terms of moving back to Portland or closer to your grandma, mom and sister, when and if it happens you will know it’s time. You won’t need to question yourself, you will just know that the time is right. Until then keep in touch with your family when you have a moment, let them know how much you love them and never let anything go unspoken - live with no regret ♥️
I would always say follow your dreams and don’t feel guilty about it. I listened to people close to me ( my mother)in my family when I was in my younger years. I wanted to move from one state to another her in Australia and we stayed put to please them, now years latter they ended up moving away and now we d9nt even talk to each other or know were they live. We have always regretted not moving and think about how our lives could have been different.
4 часа назад
OKAY! Finally home from a draining but okay-is work day. Fed kitties. Organized apartment a smidge. Meal prepped for the MARATHON next week. IM FREAKING OUT!!! Got a hotel w microwave & mini fridge so I can be in complete control of my nutrition. JUST sat down and yer the FIRST person I wanna check in with. Let's GO!
I think as you grow older you realise that time is the most valuable commodity we have. Sometimes that has us questioning our life choices but it should never stop you from making them. I bet the time you spend with those that don’t live close is far more intentional than it would be if they lived close by.
Can totally relate. I moved to the UK from Australia when I was 19… and 15 years later I have missed every new baby, funeral and almost every wedding. I absolutely love the UK so much but I am planning to move back to Australia not only for my parents but also I miss my brothers and sisters ❤ it’s a tough life for sure - Covid was the worst as well with the borders closed. But we do what we gotta do to live our best lives.
My husband and I moved out of state from friends and family too. We are much happier and see everyone twice a year. It’s a much more peaceful life for us no regrets! 🥰❤️❣️yes it gets lonely sometimes for me too!
Chelsea, I think it’s absolutely normal to be in control of what you want to share and what you don’t. Having boundaries is actually a good thing. The internet is a wild place, and sooooo many people bluntly overshare, which can be dangerous in some [extreme] cases. You do the right thing. As always, enjoyed the video!
I am also in the "moving home" process. It's taking much longer than I wished as the push and pull feels heavy on my heart. Just waiting for my partner to secure a job there before making the move back. We spent 3 years away, and it both provided clarity of what we value, as well as giving us the opportunity to do it on our own. I wouldn't have done it any different. But now, it's time to get closer to those I love. Closer to support and closer to friends
I found your channel like a month ago, I’ve binges a lot of your videos. NYC has always been a dream of mine to live , and in September I visited. I now know I want to live there. Although hard as someone from outside the country I know one day I will make it happen
I do understand the push and pull, I moved to the US from Germany 16 years ago and the US is home. I have my husband, 2 cats and a dog and good friends here and could not imagine going back (at least for now). I visit my family once a year and always feel guilty living so far away. Though even when I lived in the same city with them, I was fairly independent and would not see them that often either, though I could have because they lived only 45 minutes away from my house. It will always be a push and pull for sure, it never went away. Love your blogs!
I really feel this so much. I have always had the desire to live a much different lifestyle than the one I came from. Being around nature is important to me although I could see myself also loving NYC because I prefer a more urban lifestyle too. My husband and I moved from Houston TX to SLC UT for an education opportunity for him and he ended up finding a very niche job here that he loves and that doesn’t really exist in Houston. It also checks a lot of boxes for us that Houston doesn’t like proximity to amazing travel destinations and a smaller, safer downtown so we get both the nature and the urban life. And a big one is no hurricanes and much better state infrastructure. I had no idea how much easier life could be. But we rarely see family now since it’s so expensive. We lived in California years ago but didn’t have kids yet so I could travel solo to visit my parents a bunch. Now we have kids and we know life would be better for them here but it’s so hard to miss extended family time. We both have family members with health issues back home and that weighs on me. But after having moved out west once before I know if I go back to TX I will be longing for nature again and next big hurricane I’ll wonder if I made the right choice for my kids. It totally feels like having one thing is giving up another huge thing. I think you are so courageous and I love what you share from the life you’ve built yourself. I could see another version of me enjoying a similar life. I love that you talk about these kinds of things. I’m glad I found your channel. ❤
To make it easier to cut any squash, I stick a fork in it a couple of times and then microwave it for about 5 minutes. Let it cool, and then it’s much easier to cut and scrape out the seeds.
Had a good cry watching this ❤ Thank you for sharing your experience, it was really helpful to hear another perspective. I moved to San Francisco from Ohio in 2012 when I was 23. It was the scariest and best decision of my life. I still struggle with the guilt I feel of moving away, but I’m learning that I’m the main person putting the guilt on myself. I cherish the time I spend with my family (2-3 times year), and have enjoyed becoming friends with them as an adult, while still always being their baby girl ❤ Sending you love, I know this is a complex matter for the heart ❤ Sorry not sorry for all the heart emojis ❤❤❤
This video provoked a lot of thought on my family dynamics. i did do a bit of traveling but i remained very close to both my parents until they died. I always lived very close, and eventually moving in to an an apartment in my mothers house. We all make our choices and hopefully you won't regret yours, because i am happy with mine.
Thank you for sharing Chelsea, this definitely struck a cord. I just recently realized you are such a role model to me, love this community you have created. Take care
I left my home state 10 years ago. I did move back for 1 year. It didn't any longer feel like home to me. After a year I moved back across the country. This is my home. My family is not here but everything else is. I am glad a went back for a year in 2019. I lost my Dad to cancer in 2022. I am so grateful for the memories I created with him in that year. Its tough when living apart from family.
Your Mom looks like such a sweetheart. One of the greatest joys of my life is having strong independent adult children. It's how things are supposed to be. I love seeing my sons but know they need and deserve their own lives. PS: So glad your cats will be fixed soon. Isn't a lazy morning with cats the best!!
I absolutely loved this vlog. It looks like you really enjoyed your friends and family. I'm a big baby when it comes to saying goodbye. too.😊 I get so emotional. Thanks so much for sharing this really great vlog!!
Auntie speak here. Yes, the push-pull is totally normal. I started feeling it in my early 30s. For me, that was when my dad died, so it likely had something to do with his passing. But also, this coincided with the fact that many of the people I had met after moving to the city (for me, that was San Francisco) were starting to settle down, with families of their own, often moving away in the process. Even those who stayed weren’t in my life in the same way. So the fun life I was living as a single gal in the city started to dwindle a bit, and I started to become hyper aware of living in such a chaotic place with no family (it’s hard to set roots in a place like this). I still feel it (in my 50s now) but I’ve worked hard to foster relationships with my biological family (who live a couple of thousand miles away) and relationships with my chosen family here and around the world.
My biological family (my dad - I lost my mom when I was young) lives in Canada, my chosen family lives in Australia, and my love lives in the US (where I currently am). I feel torn constantly. I just got back from two weeks in Australia visiting my best friend to meet her first and only baby (she's chosen me as his god mom) and I've been sad since I left, so it's really comforting to hear I'm not the only one struggling through this 💜
The push pull never stops. I've been living across the country from my family for 13 years, now. It's so, so hard. It never stops being hard. I'm 43 and my mom has serious health issues so they come out once a year and stay for a few weeks and I go home and work from there once a year for a few weeks. It's a constant battle of not wanting to give up my life and move back to a place I don't want to live and desperately wanting to be with my family. I know that's not helpful or advice, but I at least can commiserate.
I left home at 21. I married and my husband joined the military. I cried the first time I left, but over the years it got much easier. Love you baby girl.
I’ve been there! When I moved to NYC from the Midwest I was 29 and so ready to explore life independently. Then nearly 17 years later I knew it was time to go back and be close to family again. I don’t regret either move , though it was damn difficult to leave New York for good! I’m glad you got to spend some quality time with your mom, Chelsea. And good luck with the new sourdough starter! I hope it stinks up your kitchen for many weeks to come! 🤣❤️ (PS…clink, clink! ☺️)
11 часов назад
Yay a Friday Chelsea Video! I’m at work, but I promise I’ll watch and comment when I get home! Can’t believe I’m gonna be in the city next weekend for the marathon I haven’t been to the city since 2017. I’m terrified.
Thanks for being so transparent. I am not fortunate enough to have my dad either. My mom is incapacitated. Do enjoy the quality time witn your mom, I wish I had.
I am also from Oregon and live in NYC. I usually go back home to Oregon for 4-6 weeks every summer (I also work remote). A little tougher now that you have cats but something to consider! Those plane tickets are expensive so that's why I go longer. Plus summer in NYC is... too humid.
similar scenario to you Chelsea, close in age (32), and I've been living in my current city for over 7 years away from fam. It's what I always wanted to do, create a new life in the city of my dreams, and as ive gotten busier with life and my career, my visits home have dwindled to once a year, not even the same time per year, just when I can afford it. I do love the life I've created but I feel that guilt of not being there for my family and missing out on so much. They've never made me feel bad for it, I think it's part of life, and eventually we learn to slow things down and strike a balance between time for future planning and time with our family. thank you for sharing your thoughts
Sometimes if you have a local bakery, they will sell you a pint or so of starter. That way you can be like “my starter is over 100 years old” then you’re not starting from scratch per se.. but you use that and then keep feeding and growing that “starter” and it becomes yours. It’s all about the microbes in the your environment.
Family is wonderful, but as someone 20+ years older than you, I can say that it is a balance. My kids are grown and still nearby, but I encourage and want them to follow life wherever it takes them. It makes our times together that much more meaningful. As for my parents, my Mom is 85 and lives alone. My dad passed away 2 years ago. I text and FaceTime her regularly, but the visits aren't as frequent as I'd like. She is trying to maintain as much independence as she can, and I honor that. And I can be there in 90 minutes if she does need me in-person. Keep it balanced in a place where you are happy.
Hi Chelsea, happy Saturday! Thanks for the video, it's always a pleasure. 🌟 I never left home. Knowing the price I've paid for that, if there are prices to be paid in either scenario......... well. Yeah. I guess no matter what life moves we make- there will be the questions, I think. Better to have taken the harder, braver, more self-realized road- than not. And as many here are probably saying, your family wouldn't want anything less for you than what life you're creating. You're such an inspiration! I hope one day I can follow my heart and soul, as have you. 💖
You are just having a case of the blues having your Mom and family with brings out those feelings especially when THEY leave it’s almost different when you go home to visit and leave to go home to your apartment…it brings out the feeling of nostalgia being a kid again but I promise if you went home you would likely not be happy not with regards to your family but living life would not be the same as it is now the life youve spent building it means more than you realize…don’t give up what you created for anyone including those you love the most ! It’s costly to visit but the phone calls are always there and maybe longer visits? I think if you give it some time you will get back to your routine which will help it is sad when family visits and leaves it’s normal to feel sad and lonely for a bit virtual hugs !! The kitties will comfort you and if the spade and neuter is what you are doing in November they will be fine my little boy was fine in a day or two playing eating like nothing happened it will be fine and then no worries about having babies….its time and they will be happy!
I have an entire family/extended family that was very “do you.” My siblings, cousins, etc, and I have lived around the US, including across the world. And you’re right, it is a privilege that there are opportunities to see each other despite the cost. WITH THAT lol, if you are wanting to move out of NY, back to OR, or even just closer, or just somewhere else besides NY, do it! Do you. Whatever, wherever, this is the time in your life where you are free. Live anywhere you want (that accepts the kitties of course lol). But if you are alluding to leaving the city, family or not, do you, girl. You have the freedom to live anyhow and anywhere you want, do anything you want, do it. 💜💜
Chelsea, it was so fun meeting ur mom on video. I didn't lose my dad super young like u, I was 46. I was super close with him & have a so so relationship with my mom. I've said this before to u, that I admire u doing what u feel is best for u. The farthest I moved for college was 10hr drive from San Francisco to San Diego. Now my dad moved from MI to CA to marry my mom which is where he stayed. We only saw my dad's parents every other year. I'm sure it was hard on my grandparents. I struggle wanting to move away now bcuz my mom is 89. I never married or had kids & really want to get the hell out a dodge. I have total faith you'll figure things out, but unfortunately it is a push & pull decision...
Everything looks great all you needed to do was use an immersion blender or throw those tomatoes in the blender after they were cooked with some olive oil and liquid and it would turn it into the best marinara and use a deeper sauce pan and use an immersion blender fresh tomato sauce. It comes out amazing that way and yeah you could leave the skins on
Living in New York City was part of your dream, the other part is what you create while in NYC. Like you, I moved away and stayed away from the age of 17, and yes there were times when I missed my family so much it hurt. However, still remembering those times, if I had not moved away and created my life away from my family, I probably would have regretted not doing what I've done. When your family knows that you are happy, healthy, and enjoying life - that's more important than anything. I believe we all have to live our own lives - whether that's close to family or on the other side of the globe. If there's something you cannot stop thinking about every day - that's what you should do....just my opinion.💜
Totally agree with simplifying the sourdough. People are overthinking it WAY too much. I think of mine as a kind of a pet. Feed it the amount of food it needs and enough water - and it will thrive and be happy. Fail to do so and it will become hangry and turn sour on you. :p I usually keep just half a tea spoon of mine when baking and adding a lot of flour to let it eat from for a long time.. and do not listen to all those "you have to do this and that". I use normal flour, stir with whatever available and it allways turns out ok. Sometimes I measure, sometimes I don't - and that is fine too - but have found that if I have a ratio with a LOT more flour and water - that is way better than only feeding 1:1:1 or 1:2:2.
As an New York Native is very expensive to be living here I have three roommates with me. As far as the future we are saving to move over at Pennsylvania for a brand new start. But I will always remember the rich nostalgic beautiful upbringing 😊
I regret not staying more with my parents. I didn’t stay for Thanksgiving on year and decided to go travel. My mom got sick in February and passed away in March. I could never get those last two holidays back. Now father is gone as well. I didn’t visit him very often because I thought well he’s with my sister and I call. Now I have no parents, no grandparents aunts or uncles. I’m glad I had two children or I’d be totally an orphan. My siblings live in 21:44 Different states. Can’t turn back time. Can only move forward and hopefully do better. My daughter doesn’t understand the value of a mom. I try to have the conversation about how important it is to establish that relationship. But adult children will live their lives as they should. Only you can balance what is most important. Life can be different looking for each of us. But one thing for certain. This is not a dress rehearsal. There’s no do over. Hugs
When it comes to family time - Quality not quantity works great for me personally. (Despite my mom guilt tripping me for moving 15 hours away by car.) Also, FaceTime makes it seem like we aren’t missing out too much :) Great video 🍝
Happy anniversary! We live in such a nomadic society I believe many of us face the "missing family" dilemma. Altho I never wanted to live in my tiny home town... I enjoyed your vlog!
