Last Tuesday, for the first time in the history of its existence, I missed the Champaign Farmers’ Market. I missed helping with the market heroes childrens’ activities, handing out recipe cards, and putting on temporary tattoos. I missed seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones, and I missed handing out samples of the fruits, vegetables, and other amazing products that can be purchased there. And worst of all, I missed getting all of those good things! (I hear there was romanesco and purple cauliflower — agh!)

Why did I miss all of that good stuff, you ask? I was in Miami from Sunday through Tuesday (if you are ever looking for a cheap flight, I’m telling you Sunday and Tuesday are the days to get a deal!)

I took that short tropical vacation to look for apartments and sign a lease. My best friend and partner was accepted into a PhD program at the University of Miami (congratulations Gus!) and I have decided to accompany him on this new adventure.Sadly, that means that I will have to get used to missing markets on a regular basis, as well as the awesome community activities that we organize, our holiday happy hours, and making ridiculous puns with my coworkers everyday in the office. At the end of July, I’ll be packing up to head south, and say goodbye to all that The Land Connection and Champaign has to offer. I’m sad and scared to leave it all behind, but I am looking forward to the next big adventure in my life. Thank you to all who have made the last 2 years here so amazing! And who knows, maybe I’ll find a market to work at in Miami?… Or if not, maybe I’ll start one!