WON'T SHUT UP

Like every mom born before 1980, my mom has dozens of photo albums. At any time, I can flip through memories and transport myself to a time I’ve never been with people I’ve never met. I can look back at myself with kinder eyes and realize how great I had it (how skinny I was) when I wish I had more (the lightest I’ve ever weighed because I was a literal child). Since entering my mid-20s, I’ve realized I can follow in my mom’s footsteps. I can print photos instead of letting

Every year, I put an insane amount of pressure on myself to have a “successful summer.” Beach. Pool. Rooftop bar. Farmers Market. Happy Hour. Bus. Club. Another Club. But then reality hits. I’m an adult who works inside an office 40 hours a week at a client-facing, energy-draining job (I love my job, I really do, but wow, I am drained sometimes). I also live in New Jersey, where everything is expensive, there is a random thunderstorm whenever it’s hot (which is all the time

A few months ago, I had a painful realization: I don’t do much. I do a lot, don’t get me wrong. But I don’t go anywhere often. I’m not talking about leaving my apartment and bouncing around town. I have bounced around plenty of towns in New Jersey - even some in New York. That’s the issue. I use excuses to keep things local. To take an easy day trip instead of an overnight adventure someplace over state lines. After a little self-reflection and seeing one too many Anthony Bo