Those of you who think you are happy by the ocean, and never need to see another portion of the US or winter climate in your life… I urge you, think again. If seeing my “snowfall in Indy post” a couple months ago wasn’t enough – let me walk you down the time-line of my life over the past month and attempt to share with you the ecstatic-ness that I feel over my recent move to the city of Indianapolis, Indiana.

As I sit in my gorgeous (but small) studio in downtown Indy looking over the Murat building while my home-made dinner is cooking and Pandora magically guesses at and plays my favorite music — I’m sipping a glass of Monogamy – Cabernet Sauvignon (my wine counter-purchase to @danmonaco’s favorite, Ménage a tois), and thinking about how lucky I am that this move has gone swimmingly well for me. I can’t think of a time in my life in the past – that I have felt more adventurous or independent. As my friend Ben always says, your better days are ahead of you. I never knew how true that was until now – because I bet it only goes up from here!

I miss my family and the salty smell of Sunset Cliffs, but I wouldn’t choose to be anywhere other than where I am right now. I think a large part of my ability to appreciate this city is that I have lived sea-side for so much of my life. I had my time to appreciate the countless grains of sand and the white wash.  But I’m finding this city also has so much to offer, and the best part is – I haven’t even seen the tip of the iceberg yet. There is still so much left to discover and experience.

I learned this week from my doorman (who I am slightly obsessed with – have you seen ABC’s Samantha Who?) that Indianapolis has the highest number of Monuments than any other city in the US (outside of Washington DC of course). This city is the second biggest city in the Midwest (next to Chicago) and I think it’s a hidden treasure because it’s #2 on both those lists. I’m so lucky to have found myself in this mini city – and the fact that it goes unnoticed to many California’s and New Yorkers makes me like it that much more.

Another find of mine – Downtown Zionsville, where I work, might as well be a movie set for how quaint and adorable it is. Unique places to lunch, a Bentley dealership, art galleries, friendly faces everywhere, little boutiques and cobblestones streets…

By the time this post is winding down, I’m still nursing my wine, eating my pasta – and sitting on my kitchen counter w/ my laptop (because I don’t exactly have all my furniture purchased yet). I can’t wait until the summer when I can roam downtown without getting in my car, and Saturdays can be spent poolside or at the Rathskeller with friends.

Indy has welcomed me with open arms, and I would gladly get on my knees and beg you to make a change like this in your life. Those of you who have remained in the same city for most of your adult lives, move! Do it. It’s hard, it’s an adjustment, expensive, and scary – and also could be the most rewarding experience you may ever have.