A decade in Vegas

This evening marks ten years since I left Canada and moved to Las Vegas. I’ve been vacillating between a lot of different feelings regarding this milestone, but what I mostly gravitate toward is gratitude.

I am grateful that I took a leap of faith for love. I am grateful for my husband taking that same leap with me. I am forever grateful for those of you who helped me adjust to Las Vegas, and—despite how awkward and, frankly, aloof and shy I was in the beginning—made leaving my friends and family not feel like the end of the world: my sister-in-law, Valerie (goodness, I owe you so much more than you could ever imagine), Valerie Larsen, Aundrea, Sabra and Leslie.

I am grateful to the big Italian family I married into, who also welcomed me with open arms despite knowing so little about me. And to the girlfriends I have made since: Jordan, Carolyn, April, Priscilla and Dela (to name a few), thank you for making it easier to stay.

To my husband, the love of my life: Ten years later, and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Cheers to ten years, Las Vegas!

The above picture was taken that first night, ten years ago.

Looking back:

Three Years in Las Vegas

Happy Second Anniversary Vegas

MY FAVORITE BOOKS OF 2020

I didn't talk about books here on the blog much last year. I didn't talk about much of anything, actually. But we know I love books, and so, naturally, I wanted to share some of my favorite books I read in 2020.

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett -- there's a reason this book is as popular as it is. I read The Mothers years ago and loved it, and TVH was even better.

Luster by Raven Leilani -- I loved this book so much, even though it made me cringe often. So glad my twenties are long behind me.

Stray: A Memoir by Stephanie Danler -- I devoured this memoir in something like two sittings the second it arrived in my mailbox. Danler has such a way with words. I read everything she writes.

Beach Read by Emily Henry -- This book was just the fun, light, romantic read that I needed. Such a feel good story.

Writers & Lovers by Lily King -- I absolutely love love loved this book. Read it in March and then again in May.

Apartment by Teddy Wayne -- I didn't want this book to end.

All Adults Here by Emma Straub -- I loved absolutely everything about this book. It's the kind of book that I wish I wrote.

All in all, including the books I read for work, I read 56 books in 2020. This year I'm aiming for 60. I started off the year with The Book of Moods: How I Turned My Worst Emotions Into My Best Life, and am now listening to The Wrong Family on audio.

P.S. This list of books I was going to finish off 2020 with? Didn't read (or re-read any of them. Ha!)