Wings for Fangs

I realize that the vampire craze is still going strong, and I realize that supernatural romances aimed at tweens and teens are a total cliche, but I have one for your consideration. So, if you loved Twilight, if you get giddy over that whole 'I will love you every day of eternity' thing (like I do), and if you would like to see it from a different angle than vampires and werewolves (because, let's face it, we've seen it just about every way it can be done.), then why not try fallen angels on for size. I give you the Fallen series by Lauren Kate.

I thought that after I read Twilight, no other books in the genre would ever be satisfying, and I'm not saying that these are quite that awesome, but they are the closest I've come. I wish I could give you a little summary of what these books are about, but if I tell you anything, I'll give the whole thing away, so you just have to trust me. The main characters are Daniel and Luce. I will tell you that Daniel is a fallen angel....and he loves Luce A LOT!! But you don't find out why or how much until the end of the first one. I just think Miss Kate put a very interesting twist in these books, and I think that if this is your cup of tea, you will really enjoy this series. So, read up!! 

PS. In case your imagination fails you, I suggest using this guy as your mental Daniel...

Happy Days are Here Again

Bonjour mes amies!! First of all, I just want to say that the viewer response to my video tour in my last post was overwhelming, and if someone had let me know that you guys like videos so much, we could've started this a lot sooner. But, the point is that I appreciate your viewership.

I loooooooove my new job =) I loooooooooooove living in Atlanta. I'm making a few little friends, I found a crazy good church (you know that big pretty church on the side of 75 right before you get to downtown? That's my new church.), and I just put my very first paycheck in the bank this afternoon. Life is just looking so awesome right now. Remember what a sad little girl I was just a few short weeks ago? Doing silly things like making heartbreak playlists on my Ipod? Yeah, I'm not doing that stuff anymore. I feel so far removed from the things in life that were making me miserable. I know that this newfound inner joy could wear off and all the bad stuff could start nagging on me again, but it just feels far away right now. I feel so gumption-y, and that is, of course, the whole point of this thing. So, consider June a successful month in my year's mission.

I went to my very first Sales Meeting this week. It was at Barnsley Gardens in north Georgia, which I must say is one of the cutest little places I've ever been. It looked like how I imagine a Nantucket neighborhood would have looked in the colonial period. I got my very own cabin to stay in for the night, which included this little beauty...

Does that not look so relaxing? I got up super duper early before the meeting on Wednesday so I could take my time and properly soak. It was absolute heaven. Add that to the list of must-haves for when I build my first home.

Now, I'm going to go get my beauty sleep. Because, you know, I have to get up early now....for work....because I'm employed =) Yes, yes, life is good.

Georgia Peachy Keen

Week one on the job is done, and I must say that I think I'm going to love it!! Most of what I did this last week was orientation and training, but I like the people and the company is fun. I've found my grocery store (I'm officially becoming a Publix shopper) and my prime shopping area. Oh, and my apartment is officially done!! On that note, let's move on to today's feature presentation. Enjoy...

So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Goodbye

This is it. My last night as a Daytonian. My final eve as a maiden of Rocky Top. Graduation seems so long ago. I remember thinking that if I was still living at home, unemployed by the end of February, I was going to be in trouble. I remember telling my friends, when they begged me to come on their Spring Break trip in late March, that there was NO WAY that I would still be around by then. Well, February came, then March, and so on and so forth. And here I was, cooling my heels.

At the time, I thought the world was ending, but now that I think about it, I've basically been on vacation for 5 and a half months. I've done nothing but hang out with my friends and let my parents take care of me.   Free as a bird. Living the dream. Now that it has come to an end, I'm realizing just how spectacular this time was.

Let's reflect on some of my favorite memories, as well as the things I'm going to miss most.

SBXI

This was a fabulous two week period. First, my two best ladies come down from classy Lex to visit little old me (and to get the grand tour of Dayton, which, let's face it, is a must see). Then, I jet off with my best gals from home for a week of laying on the beach and memorizing the latest Jason Aldean album. Don't You Wanna Stay Here a Little While? Yes, yes I do. 

SONIC

Yes, I realize that there are Sonics all over the continental US, but nothing compares rollin up at the neighborhood Sonic with my girl Tilly P, ordering a large Diet Coke for her and a small lemonberry slush for me, and writing messages on the windshield with the neon orange duct tape that never leaves my car. It's a great place to bump into people, and it is an excellent jumping off point if you plan to go for a cruise later. However, make sure you only cruise on roadways you are familiar with, because as I found out last night, back roads can be hazardous. Just a quick safety reminder.

ATLAS

The neighborhood gym. As you can see from the above picture, I take my workouts very seriously. I have spent so much time here these last few months. Making time for the gym is so easy when you literally have nothing else on your plate. You go just to staunch the boredom. Anyway, because I always went at the same time of day (10:30 am), I always worked out with the same people, and even though we never really talked, I bonded with these people. There was the two old guys and their blind friend, the 60ish red-headed body builder lady, the guy that stared at me all the time, and the Jewish guy who was obsessed with comparing our running times. Good friends, all.

FAMILY TIME

That's right. I've essentially had two families these past few months. Family #1- Debbie and Stanley, my lovely parents, who are being considered for sainthood for letting me live with them, free of charge, and basically letting me do whatever the heck I wanted. I'm an easy gal to live with, but I'm sure I gave them some headaches along the way, and they still love me!! 

Family #2 - the Blythes Ferry Homestead, with special mentions for Tilly P, Constance, Stevo, Cam, and the BWBAs (particularly the Cooley-est of them all, and a certain other member that makes me think of peppermint patties). We've had some unforgettable times, and all I can say is that I can't wait for all of them to come visit me. 

PUPPIES

Let's face it, I haven't shut up about these puppies since they arrived, but I think that's just a testament to how much I love them all. It all began with Phoebe, who showed up out of the blue to fill my life with joy. Then, she had four darling little babies. One of which, the one daddy refers to as the "brinley brown" one (whatever that means), or as I named him, Tigger, never really became a part of the family, as his owners decided to keep him. But, the others have become permanent fixtures on my front porch. Darla now has a home with my baby sister, and Rascal and Khloe are bound for a new home soon. I guess Phoebe will always be mine =)

There's more, but I've got to get some shut eye because tomorrow is THE BIG DAY!!! I'll let you know how it goes. Ciao Tennessee =)

T-minus 6 days

Okay, I have officially leased an apartment in Atlanta. Well, actually, it is in Smyrna, GA, but I'm only about 15 minutes from downtown. Did you know that Julia Roberts is from Smyrna?? I am in exceptionally good company. I would post a link to the apartment's website, but I'm cautious enough not to put up my new address for all the world to see. I could pick up a stalker someday, you just never know.

I am just so super excited, you have no idea. After months of being stagnant, I'm finally on the move! Of course, I am a little sad to leave the comforts of home and hometown. There are definitely some people I'm going to miss, most of whom live under the same roof just a short 5 minute drive from my house =) You know who you are. But, I'm putting my big girl face on, and I'm going to do my best not to cry. The bottom line is that it is simply time to get out of dodge.

More things that make me sad....my sister came to visit this weekend, and she and her hubby have decided to adopt one of my Phoebe's puppies. They've chosen Darla, who just happens to be my favorite because she's the smallest and she has sad eyes. I know they will love her and take good care of her, but I've cared for these puppies since the womb, and it breaks my heart to separate the family.

Back to the apartment, it's only a one bed/one bath, but I have a breakfast nook that I'm going to use as a makeshift office space. I'm going to need a Tiffany floor lamp for that, note to self. Also, I have vaulted ceilings, which is just the icing on top of an already delicious cake.

Speaking of cake...I had a dessert to die for at The Back Porch in Destin. It was called, get this, Hello Sunshine Cake. Orange layer cake with white chocolate icing. It sounds so simple, but it was unbelievably delectable. I'm going to make it as soon as I get my new kitchen up and running.

ATLast!!

I'm blogging from the beach this evening! It's okay to be jealous. You should be. I have been a terrible blogger the past few weeks, and it is simply because life has been so exciting and interesting! Would you like to hear the biggest, bestest news of the entire "In Search of Gumption" process? I GOT A JOB!!!! I can scarcely believe it. I had almost resigned myself to being dependent on my parents for the next 10 years, but no! For the first time in my life, I am going to be self-sufficient. Such a great feeling.

I am going to be a "Sales Support Coordinator" at a sports licensing company based in Atlanta. Doesn't that sound like so much fun! That's right. I'm going to be a city girl now. I think I will enjoy the change of pace. I love my small town life, but cities have easier access to gourmet food stores. I've already begun the apartment search (I've got to get a move on because I start in two weeks!!), and just this evening, I purchased the first pieces of my official career woman wardrobe! Thank you Banana Republic for your contributions!

You know, I should get back to enjoying my beach vacation, but I just had to drop in to share the good news! I'm feeling a great big pat on the back from all of my readers right about now. Merci beaucoup!

Hello, Is it me you're looking for?

I have been away for a week, and I apologize for that. It's been a bit of a hectic week, but nothing bad, so don't despair. Headliner for the day: You all might remember that I blogged a few weeks ago that I had a job interview for an unnamed company in Columbus. Well, I went for the interview, and it went well, but I've decided to turn it down. It was just too far away from home, and I didn't feel good about it at all when I left. I think I've finally realized that I have the right to choose family, something I always overlooked before. It's been liberating. Don't worry about me. I've got an interview in Atlanta on Wednesday and a promising prospect in the Chattanooga area, so it's all good.

Guess what! I bought a new purse! Coach, of course. I rarely buy anything else. They make them just the way I like them, simple and sturdy. The new one is a peachy/nudey tote. The color is excellent because it's very close to my skin tone (I'm extremely rosy). I'd put up a pic, but it's in the other room, and I don't want to go get it  =)

This past weekend was my very favorite weekend of the year. All you Daytonians know what I'm talking about. It was the STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL!! There is nothing better than small town festivals, and Dayton does it right with this one. We're talking a whole week of unbelievable hickish events, including a rodeo, a series of pageants, a carnival (which was half broken down this year...a nice touch), and a parade, complete with tractors, horses, bikers, and about a mile of Shriners in various vehicles. It's just a magical weekend. I think all of my readers who are not from the Tennessee Valley (yes, even the ones from Singapore), need to go ahead and mark the second week in May on your calendar next year. It's well worth the trip!!

That might be all for now. I'm feeling happy these days. I haven't listened to the "Worst Day Ever" playlist in at least a week, so life is good!