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!

Fun With FaceinHole

The person you marry will be the person you have to get your picture taken with for the rest of your life. What if you don't compliment each other?!? That is terrible, and thanks to FaceInHole, completely avoidable. Let's try some fantasy relationships on for size...

Oh yeah. I'm definitely feeling this. I could do eternity. I'm very good at entertaining myself, so it would take centuries for me to reach a state of depressing boredom. Maybe a little longer with this handsome hunk of vampiric Britishness by my side. I don't really care for RPatz as RPatz, but as Edward.....oh my, irresistible. 

Every night in my dreams, I see you, I feel you, that is how I know that Leonardo DiCaprio and I make a DAAAAANG fine couple. I've known it since I was in the third grade. He's the childhood romance that just won't go away ("I just can't quit chu, Leo!"). Can I just say that my inappropriate smiles in all of these photos is hilarious to me? I literally have no pics of me when I'm not smiling to camera.

Yo ho! Yo ho! A life with Johnny Depp for me! I could do this. I could be a pirate. I could live on a ship and make my living pillaging villages in the Caribbean. I could survive on a liquid diet of rum (hmm, maybe not). This is one of the few instances in life where guyliner is a good thing. Gimme gimme more!

How did this get in here?

Da duh dadum, da duh dadum....Tell me this isn't perfect. Tell me this doesn't look natural and effortless. Tell me my round face is not perfectly complimented by a tiara. That's right! You can't say it because it's all true! Some people were just born with the regal gene. I am clearly one of those people. William, I've said it once, and I'll say it again. Big mistake. Big. Huge. 

Wasn't that fun?? Let's do it again sometime.

Bookies Part III

Last installment....let's roll.

BEST "I READ IT AS A CHILD AND IT NEVER LEFT ME"

Winner - The Wheel on the School, Meindert DeJong. This is officially the only book that I have ever read in one sitting, which is weird because I'm a book freak. I picked it up randomly from the school library one day in the 4th grade, and I just couldn't put it down. My mother was worried about me, I remember. I don't know why it fascinated me so much. It's about these kids in a Dutch fishing village, and they want to bring storks back to the area to nest, so they put wheels on all the buildings. Doesn't that sound bizarre? If you are one of my readers with children, you should get this for your kids. Kids apparently love storks and Dutch fishing villages.

1st Runner-Up - Island of the Blue Dolphins, Scott O'Dell. I read this one for the first time in the 2nd grade, but my fondest memories are from when my 5th grade teach read it to the class. She had an excellent reading voice. Karana, an Indian girl, lives for years all by herself when she is left by her tribe on an island in the Pacific. It's just remarkable. Like Castaway for the little ones. When the dog died.....oh my gosh, I can't stand it, even now. This book is serenity in written word. The island itself is as much a main character as Karana. Epic story. Read it. 

2nd Runner-Up - The Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System. We all remember these books and movies. I can still remember the opening credits. Magic School Bus days were always my favorite days at school, and this was my absolute favorite book. I bet I read it about 50 gagillion times. I'm a bit of an astronomy nerd, and this is where it all began. On each planet, it showed how your weight would change based on the fluctuating gravitational pull. So much mind blowing information for someone so young. You can bet that my children will have these books memorized before they hit pre-school.

MISCELLANEOUS (I couldn't get them to fit in one particular category, but I love them just the same)

Winner - Memoirs of a Geisha, Arthur Golden. I love love love love love this book! I read it over and over again. The imagery here is unparalleled. After reading it, I feel like I've actually walked the streets of pre-War Kyoto. It's the story of a poor young girl from a fishing village who becomes Japan's most celebrated geisha. The glitz and the glamour is countered by the harsh realities of life as an entertainer and, of course, the effects of WWII. And underneath it all, there is a truly touching love story that you don't even realize has been unfolding until the very end. Now, I will say that while I quite enjoyed the movie version, most people do not, so don't base your opinion of the book on the movie. The book is much better. Read it...NOW.

1st Runner-Up - The Gargoyle, Andrew Davidson. This book haunts me. I find myself thinking about it even now, over two years after reading it. It was a bit of a heavy read, so I haven't mustered up the emotional strength to read it again, but it's on the long list. It's a really crazy complicated love story that's speckled with tales from past lives and a heavy influence from Dante's The Inferno. The ending is just so sad an beautiful. Please read it, and don't give up on it after the first few chapters. You'll be glad you hung on.

I'd love to give a 2nd Runner Up, but I'm tired of typing, so that's all you're gonna get! I think I'm done with the Bookies now. Hope you enjoyed =)

Sad Songs Say So Much

I have at least one more installment of The Bookies coming soon, but before that, I have this to share...

Elton John said it best. April has straight up knocked me flat, and I've just about cried out. But, one good thing to come out of it is that I have created the perfect playlist for heartbreak and depression. I call it "Worst Day Ever".  I'm hoping that it's air time will begin to decrease after this week (job interview = possible relocation = clean slate = better times), but since we all have bad days every now and then, I'm going to share.

Possibility - Lykke Li

Someone Like You - Adele

Gone - NSYNC

How Can You Mend a Broken Heart - Al Green

Just a Dream - Carrie Underwood

Someone Saved My Life Tonight - Elton John

This Time - Jonathan Rhys Meyers

End of the Road - Boys II Men

My Immortal - Evanescence

Nobody Knows it But Me - Tony Rich Project

Roslyn - Bon Iver and St. Vincent

My Heart Will Go On - Celine Dion

If I Fell - Beatles (for the purposes of this list, I prefer the Evan Rachel Wood version from Across the Universe)

Never Think - Robert Pattinson

Nothing Compares to You - Sinead O'Connor

What Were We Thinking - Joss Stone

Make You Feel My Love - Adele version

Wish I Could - Norah Jones

Someone To Watch Over Me - Renee Olstead version

My Love - Sia

Enjoy.

Bookies Part II

Let's get right back to it.

BEST "MADE ME THINK" STORY

Winner - The Shack, William P. Young. This book is pretty well-known, especially in religious circles. I've talked to a lot of people who have read and it and the reviews are very mixed. It shows God and the Holy Trinity from an entirely new perspective and I think it was a little too much for traditionalists. For me, it was an incredibly comforting idea. No one ever thinks of God in a female form, but in his infinite power, he most certainly could. This book made me re-examine how I learn from tragedy in my own life and how my relationship with God is affected by it. Every time I read it, I pick up a little something else from it.

1st Runner-Up - Life of Pi, Yann Martel. This book blew my mind and that's all there is to it. It's the story of a young Indian boy who is in a shipwreck and he floats across the Atlantic on a life raft with a bunch of zoo animals who all die off until all he has left is a Bengal tiger for company. I realize that sounds strange, but the dynamic between the boy and this tiger is fascinating, and at the end of the book, you're left with your mouth agape, tears in your eyes, and that heavy feeling in your chest because nothing was quite what it seemed. Not enough people have read this book.

2nd Runner-Up - White Noise, Don DeLillo. I had to read this book for an honors class the summer before I started college, and I will say that it is not for the casual reader. This is a book where you have to stop and think about what you've read, really reflect on it, to get the full essence of the author's message. A chemical explosion, a new drug for the fear of death, and a complicated relationship between a man and his wife. What I really loved about this book was the writing. You'd be reading a dialogue, and then out of nowhere,  there'd be a sentence like "The radio is on upstairs." DeLillo is very attentive to even the most mundane aspects of the environment.

BEST HIGH FANTASY

Winner - The Lord of the Rings trilogy, JRR Tolkien. Who didn't see this one coming, right? Tolkien is the last word in high fantasy for a reason. I am very happy to say that I have just recently begun reading the third book in the trilogy, so I'm almost done. (Not decided yet if I'm going to tackle The Hobbit and The Silmarillion yet.) And of course, I'm a bit of a nerd for the movies. But, anyway, here's what I love about these in particular. High fantasy involves the creation of a new world, essentially, and Tolkien was endlessly thorough. Sometimes when I'm reading these books, I come across a person or a place that they don't talk much about, and I get curious. I do a little research, and I can easily find the full history. He literally created an entirely new world, and he fully designed it and mapped out its fate from beginning to end, sparing no details. It's mesmerizing.

1st Runner-Up - Alice in Wonderland/Through the Looking Glass, Lewis Carroll. Everyone knows the story of Alice from the various movie adaptations, but about two years ago, I took the time to actually read the books, and they were absolutely fabulous! I love that they are written for children but the complexity resonates so well with adults. It is completely logic-less, which is both frustrating and refreshing as an adult reader. I feel like this is one of those books that, had I read it when I was 8, I would understand it about as well as I do now.

2nd Runner-Up - The Dark Tower Series, Stephen King. Okay, so I've only read 2/7 of these books, and it is true that I struggle with King's writing, but I have every intention of finishing, (3rd book is on the Kindle now) and when I break it down to the core plotline, I really like where it's going so far. I hurt myself with this one because my dad has already finished all 7, and he told me how they end (I asked). But, I think King would say that these books are about the journey, not the destination, and it was a lifelong effort on his part, so I have a lot of respect for the writing.

**Note for this section. I am considering adding George R R Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire to my reading list. I don't know a whole lot about it, but HBO has a new show out called "Game of Thrones" which is based on the 1st book in the series, and I've been watching it. I definitely recommend it, if this kind of stuff is your thing. I compare it to LOTR except a bit more medieval feeling, and a lot more earthbound.

More to come soon...

Bookies Part I

It's a rainy, stormy, tornado-y afternoon in the Tennessee Valley. The kind of day that's so dark, you have to turn on the end table lamps to be able to see anything, which happen to be some of my favorite days. It's times like these that I most enjoy curling up on the couch with a good book. You all know how much I love to read, as I am always talking about a book I've read or one I'm about to read. People are constantly asking me about my favorite books and for recommendations, so I've decided to create an official list of Book Superlatives! Just like in high school! It's going to be great. Here we go!

Let's do this in installments so it won't be quite so overwhelming. I've read a lot of books and there are many categories.

BEST LOVE STORY (note this is different from Best Romance)

Winner - Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen. I know this is cliche, but cliches become cliches for a reason, and the reason for this one is that P&P is simply the most perfect love story every written. Now, we all know that Jane Austen was a prude, and she used the words 'propriety' and 'decorum' far too frequently, but the heart of the matter is that the love between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet is perfect in its imperfection. Also, the dynamics of the Bennet family are absolutely hilarious, if you can fully grasp her diction enough to understand it. This book is the go-to read for the sappy romantic. Also, I must implore everyone reading this to see the movie version featuring Kiera Knightley, if you haven't already. Matthew MacFadyen's Darcy is flawless.

1st Runner Up - Outlander, Diana Gabaldon. Some would argue that this should go in the romance category, because it certainly has its fair share of steaminess, but Jamie and Clare go beyond all of that, I think. I love their conversations more than anything, and Jamie's balance of macho manliness, sensitivity, stubbornness, and vulnerability. He is the perfect man. This really is a well-rounded novel. It has elements of science fiction, as well as excellent historical fiction on the Scottish Highlands, which is an area of our world history that we don't hear about every day. 

2nd Runner Up - One Day, David Nicholls. I realize that book doesn't really fit in with the other, timeless, epic love stories. For one thing, it is very contemporary. It just came out last year. I think I loved it so much because I drew some serious real life parallels from it. It's about these two best friends who are so obviously made for each other, but, for one reason or another, they don't act on it. The ending is both beautiful and heartbreaking. I don't think I even realized how much I cared about these characters until the last few chapters when I could barely read the page through uncontrollable sobs. 

BEST SUSPENSE/MYSTERY/THRILLER

Winner - The Millenium Trilogy, Stieg Larsson. These books are all the rage right now, and even old news for those of us who knew how great they were from the very beginning, but there are still too many people who haven't read them, and it cannot stand! Stieg Larsson is a freaking mastermind, and Lisbeth Salander is the greatest fictional character created in this generation of novels. The imagery in these books in incredible. I know very little about Stockholm, but I feel like I've lived there after reading this trilogy. Each book is better than the last, and I haven't met a person yet who read them and wasn't amazed. Again, you need to see the movies. All three have been made into Swedish movies, and they are simply marvelous. The subtitles are not an issue, and I have all three if you would like to borrow. The American version is coming out later this year, but it won't hold a candle to the Swedish. Noomi Rapace is the perfect Lisbeth.

1st Runner-Up - The Eight, Katherine Neville. I came across this book one day while browsing idly in Joseph-Beth's, and it knocked my socks off. It sort of reminds me of The Da Vinci Code. The storyline revolves around....wait for it....the game of chess. I realize that sounds nerdy, but don't let that deter you. This is a smart, epic mystery novel with an almost entirely female cast. It bounces back and forth between the 1970's and the French Revolution, and they intertwine in a surprising way. I love it because I've read it twice now, and it is so complex that I still don't fully understand what happened. That's a good sign.

2nd Runner-Up - The Robert Langdon novels, Dan Brown. Who didn't see this one coming, right? One caveat: I would like to exclude The Lost Symbol from this. I didn't really care for it. I learned a few fun facts, but I feel like the ending was kind of wishy washy. The majority of the praise here, I think, goes to Angels and Demons, which simply had a better storyline. The ending was rock solid and believable, whereas The Da Vinci Code had that "Jesus had a daughter" thing going on as it's climax, which is fine, but I think I'm a little too strong in my Christianity to really fall for it. Anywho, both books get props for how smart they are. I learned so much about so much from reading them, and I appreciate how much research Brown put into each one. The movies kind of tarnished my view of these books. I think without the movies clouding my vision, they would have ranked higher.

This is going to take forever....Part Deux Coming soon!

22 Candles

Today is my birthday =) I would just like to start by thanking all of my wonderful family, friends, and distant acquaintances for the outpouring of well wishes. It's been a very difficult weekend, for reasons that many of my readers will already know, but for the most part I enjoyed my passing into the 22nd year of being.

I don't think I've ever talked much at my faith on here, but it's a big part of my life, and I've really been feeling it this weekend, and not just because it was Easter. I lost a new, and extremely young friend on Friday, and I've spent a lot of time questioning myself and questioning God, which I know you should never do, but it's hard not to in a situation like this one. The conclusions were all good ones. Sometimes you just have to throw up your hands and admit that you don't have and will never find all the answers. The comfort, I guess, is in knowing that God does. I realize that we Christians tend to wear out the whole "God has a plan" thing, but it really is a phenomenal source of comfort when you stop and think about it. I met and bonded with this precious little girl in the last week of her life for a reason. All of the conversations we had happened for a reason, and she was taken for a reason.

When I was a senior in high school, I wrote a paper for my English class entitled "The Tapestry." Don't laugh because it was a flawless paper. Even the ultimate critic, Mr. Austin of Rhea County High School couldn't find fault with it. Anyway, in it, I talked about how life is like a tapestry in that when you stand really close to one, it looks like a total mess. You can see each individual thread, all of a different color, and they seem so random. It's not until you back away to see the full picture that you see the perfect image that they come together to create. I think this tragedy is one of those odd threads. Right now, I can't find a place or a meaning for it, but at some point, I'll know why it's there.

Sorry for the serious tone and introspection. I'm just not in the frame of mind to be light hearted.

On a final note, I just finished watching The First Wives Club, which oddly enough has been one of my favorite movies since I was 7 years old and didn't even really know what divorce meant. I suppose I've always loved seeing a woman stand up and take charge of her life. These are the women that I most aspire to be like. Anyway, this movie always leaves me feeling happy and empowered, and it is also relevant to this blog because these women have gumption in droves, so here you go.

Planning Ahead...

I would just like to report to everyone that I've got an interview lined up in Columbus, OH for early May and I'm really excited about it! Like I said before, I think it's bad luck to give specifics, but just know that I am very happy. As was pointed out to me the other day by a new Finnish friend, gumption is a choice and not a destination. I realize that, but I will say that when I started this whole quest thing, getting a job was a big factor in my mind when I pictured the end result of this project. I feel like I'm one step closer to accomplishing something here.

As I was doing my research on the Columbus area, I stumbled upon Easton Town Center, a shopping mall of epic proportions. All I ever really wanted out of life was to live within close range of a Norstroms, and it looks like that dream could possibly be fulfilled. And until the day comes that I am able to afford a seasonal wardrobe from there, I will shop at the nearby H&M, which happens to be one of my favorite stores, and I haven't actually been in one since the France days.

The only thing that would make this any better is if there was a Joseph Beth's. There's not, I already checked, but there is one in Cincinnati, and I can't think of a better reason to make that trip.

(PS. I realize that I do not in fact have a job yet, and that I am getting waaaaay ahead of myself, but I enjoy doing this so much. Humor me.)

As for living arrangements, I am thinking of getting a two bedroom apartment and using the second bedroom as a reading room. This means I have a new space to decorate, and the idea is overwhelming. If you have any suggestions for this room, please share. I've yet to find my inspiration.

You know, just the other day, I said to someone that I was a big believe in the power of location, and I went on to give this big speech about how our location plays such a big role in shaping our futures (I took one semester of the Space, Place, and Culture Honors track at UK. I know my stuff). Anyway, this idea is in the forefront of my mind right now as I ponder moving to a different state. As I was doing my nightly reading in Under the Tuscan Sun,  I came across the following passage:

"Southerners have a gene, as yet undetected in the DNA spirals, that causes them to believe that place is fate. Where you are is who you are. The further inside you the place moves, the more your identity is intertwined with it. Never casual, the choice of place is the choice of something you crave."

Are Frances Mayes and I riding the same brain wave, or what! Is this really just a southern thing? Or is this an everyone thing? I don't know. I just thought is was a strange coincidence and vaguely interesting. I love finding real life parallels in my reading. 

Updates

Time for some housekeeping-style blogging. My last post listed some of my missions for this month. Here's the update...

1. Once again, on the subject of job searching...I have a very promising prospect! Finally, this is one that I actually have some confidence in! It's a wonderful feeling. My resume was sent in on Thursday of last week, and I got a call on Friday. I hate giving details because I feel like it jinxes it, but I will say that I've been looking at living prospects in the Columbus, Ohio area. We shall see. Wish me luck!

2. I have completed the culinary adventures I mentioned last time. The croque monsieur was nothing short of amazing. It was ooey, gooey, cheesy, buttery perfection, and I fully expect to be making one again soon. Gruyere cheese is divine! Also, the lavender ice cream was one of the most interesting flavors I've ever encountered. Once I got over trying to decide what it tasted like (to no avail, it tastes like nothing else), I decided that I absolutely loved it. It was a big hit with mom and dad as well. New adventures I'm considering: chocolate croissants and Julia Child's French onion soup.

3. Haven't cracked open the French books yet, but I did listen to some great French music over the weekend!

4. Gym....well, I've done okay. I was a day short of my goal last week, but there's always this week to make up for it.

5. My Itunes is immaculate! All of my music is now on my Macbaby, organized exactly how I want it. It is heaven!

and on an unrelated note....

Some of you might remember a post from back in early February about my undying love for Bellarom chocolate (only in Europe). You should remember it, because it is far and away my most read blog post. Anyway, I have received a comment from someone in Finland who owns a food export company. After 2 years of searching, I now have a way to get my precious Bellarom chocolate!!! This is a monumental day in my history. I'm having all of my readers over for coffee and chocolate, as soon as I get a job with a steady income to where I can afford to make some frivolous purchases. Well, maybe not all of my readers. The ones from the Palestinian territories might have a hard time making it.  ;-)

April's Mission

I have just returned from a truly delightful weekend in Lexington. I spent early Friday afternoon at Keeneland with my very dearest friend Jessie and her charming manfriend. The weather was absolutely perfect, sunny and luke warm. The only downside was that for the first time in recorded history, I did not win a single penny on a race. Thank goodness I had limited funds to begin with. On my last bet, I wagered two dollars worth in quarters on a horse with 66-1 final odds to win. Obviously, I was desperate, which is never a good mindset to have when you are gambling. 

The best part of the weekend was the multitude of opportunities to reconnect with all of the people that I have sorely missed during my going on four months of exile in Dayton. It's just the teensiest bit sad to see all of my former peers with jobs, or plans for jobs, or just plans in general, but I know that my time is coming. 

In the meantime, I've decided that I need to live with a bit more purpose for the duration of this month. February and March were a complete waste, and I refuse to go on like that. Here is my plan...

1. On the subject of job searching: Focus more on quality and less on quantity. I've wasted a lot of time doing job submissions that I knew would amount to nothing just because I needed to feel like I was doing something, but I've realized just how correct my professors and advisors were when they tried to impress upon us the importance of networking, networking, networking. I've always known this, but now I need to start practicing it.

2. More culinary adventures: Cooking makes me so happy. More importantly, cooking extravagant things makes me so happy. I don't do it as often these days because I'm sharing a kitchen, and it is a bit time consuming, but it's something that I absolutely love doing, so I'm going to dedicate more time to it for the rest of this month. I've already told you about my croque monsieurs and lavender ice cream plans, but I have some more things in mind. For example, I'm thinking about making myself a birthday cake. How does Persian Love Cake sound?

3. Apprendre le français plus: The French language is divine, and I ashamed to say that my mastery of it has lessened of late. I used to be quite dedicated to my study of it, but after I returned from my time in France, I starting slacking, and now I've stopped thinking and dreaming in French, things I quite enjoyed doing. So, I have decided to start doing daily exercises in my grammar books again, as well as reading my French version of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone again, and listening to Carla Bruni's Comme si de rien n'etait. (Did you know she was a folk singer in addition to being first lady of France?) This was inspired from my dear friend Aimee, by the way, who has just recently returned from her stay in Dijon, where I lived over there. I am jealous of her fluency.

4. The gym: Oh, the gym. I actually enjoy going. My problem here is in the lack of schedule. I never know what day or what time of day I'm going to go, and it stresses me out because I'm constantly thinking If I don't go today, then I have to go tomorrow, but what if I'm busy tomorrow, blah blah blah. So, I'm going to go 4-5 times a week at 10:00am (my favorite time because the old people are there, and they make me feel like I'm very fast and strong!). The days are to be determined on a weekly basis.

5. Organize my Itunes: I realize that this sound silly, but my Itunes is an absolute mess and it really stresses me out. Here's the problem. I have half of my music on my new computer, about a quarter on the Toshiba dinosaur, and the other quarter I got from friends. I cannot sync anything, and its driving me crazy. Also, I prefer using albums to playlists, and my albums are a mess. It is like an Easter Egg Hunt trying to find my favorite workout jams at the gym. So, I'm going to begin the long process of consolidating my music onto my new computer. The stuff I got from friends is just going to have to go. A small price to pay for organization.

I think I'm off to a great start. I'm going to ring in the big 2-2 on the proper note, as a polished young lady who has her stuff together. I feel better already.

Vacation Station

The family and I have been doing a lot of vacation exploration this week. We just want a nice little 4-5 day holiday from life, nothing fancy. We're kind of thinking Myrtle Beach, since I've never been (well, technically I have, but I don't remember it.). If you have any thoughts on this, please share. 

Anyway, planning a vacation always makes me think of past vacations, and I've had some doozies. Hawaii will always be the greatest family vacation we ever take, and the New York/Nantucket vacation of two years ago would've have been wonderful had it not been for extraneous circumstances. But, let's face it, Europe takes the cake on vacations. (Yes, I'm going to talk about Europe AGAIN). I've had it on my mind a lot this week, so much so that I've been reading back through the journal I kept while I was there. I am a master journalist. 

One of my favorite passages is about the few days I spent in Lausanne, Switzerland. I bet many of you have never even heard of it. It's a truly bizarre little town, but it has an exceptional amount of character and natural beauty. Since I love reminiscing about my travels so much, I figured I'd just write up my entry about this town for you. Heck, I'll even include pictures. Read and enjoy....

September 12, 2009

En Lausanne:

At this moment, I am sitting on a bench in a park not far from our hotel in Lausanne. There are children playing and a handful of runners making their rounds. It's sundown. There's a breeze blowing that's starting to give me the chills, and I am physically exhausted from what ended up being a delightful day. 

We started the morning down by Lake Geneva, in a part of town called 'Ouchy,' which I think is a marvelous name. It was so pretty and peaceful; a European version of Cape Cod, if I'm making comparisons. We walked along the lakefront to the Olympic Museum (Lausanne is the Olympic Capital. Who knew?) 

The museum was quite an experience, and I enjoyed it all the more for getting free admission by participating in a video interview. He asked me what I thought about the future of the Olympics. I said I thought we would see higher standards for excellence, given Michael Phelp's success in Beijing. On the fly, it was the best I could do. 

Following a quick lunch at the Swiss equivalent to a hot dog stand, we rode the metro up the hill to the Old Town. We decided to take a walking tour of the city (which I was not properly shoed for), and while we waited for it to start, we bought some chocolate and watched an adorable send off of a couple who'd just been married at the Town Hall. 

The tour was amazing (and free for us, because we're students.) I appreciated the guide's sense of humor. The highlight was the cathedrale. It's at the highest point in the city so there are some terrific views from there.

After the tour, we had an early dinner at an adorable creperie. It looked like the inside of a grandmother's house. Everything was crocheted and lace. We shared 3 crepes: one with tomatoes and some kind of cheese, one with chocolate and bananas, and the last with chocolate and ice cream. There were delectable! It was a very European dining experience, I thought. 

This city is so quiet! It's not as eery as it was last night. I'm actually starting to appreciate the beauty and tranquility of it. I'm definitely glad that we took this trip because I've enjoyed something a little different. I doubt we will have many more experiences like this, as the rest of our destinations will be more commercial. We leave at 1:00 tomorrow, so I think we'll spend the morning on the waterfront. I like it down there.

All the people have gone home, it seems. Now it is especially quiet.

-KC

Gee Whiz! Look At These Apples!

I had an incredible shopping discovery this evening. Two words: Earth Fare. To those of you who don't know what I'm talking about, it's a grocery store similar to Whole Foods and Fresh Market, but in my opinion, this one takes the cake. With the exception of the meat/poultry/fish section, which lacks a bit of diversity and creativity, Earth Fare is my new go-to grocer for my gourmet cooking whims.

On that note, I am now fully stocked to create the next round of culinary adventures. On the menu, croque monsieur and honey lavender ice cream. A croque monsieur is essentially a fancy grilled ham and cheese sandwich, made with gruyere or emmental. I'm going to use gruyere (courtesy of Earth Fare), and I think I'm going to try making some Bechamel sauce to top mine with.

The lavender ice cream is self explanatory, I think. The lavender I purchased (also at EF) is so fresh that it comes in a little zip-lock baggy. Doesn't that sound so exciting?! I've never cooked with lavender before, so who knows.

I also found some rose water. If you'll remember, I made a post about using rose water as a facial toner. Well, my stash ran out about a month and a half ago, and I've been trying to find some to replace it ever since, but all that I was finding was online for over $20. Not cool. EF carries it for less than $10, and it is also culinary grade, so if I ever get a hankering to experiment in Indian-inspired sweets, I'll be covered.

After, the fun at Earth Fare, we figured, while we were at it, we might as well go to Fresh Market, where I found these...

Are these not the biggest apples you've ever seen?!?! I was astounded, and I just had to have some. They are called Gee Whiz apples, and I know why. That is the reaction when you see them in the produce section. I also picked up some delicious sushi for lunch tomorrow. Very productive stop.

Food shopping brings me so much joy. If you live near an Earth Fare (everyone in Chattanooga does, by the way), you really need to go. It is amazing.

Armchair Traveler

I have just purchased Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes on my Kindle, and I am very excited about it. This is a book that has been on my reading list since the movie version came out in 2003, but I would never commit to reading it because I have this thing about nonfiction in any form. I typically don't enjoy it. However, my opinion on the matter completely changed last summer when I read Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat, Pray, Love, a book which has become one of my all time favorites, so much so that I now tend to think of Liz as a close personal friend.

I like the idea of changing your life through travel. It pleases me to think that eating a slice of pizza in Napoli or the simple act of waxing a brick floor to perfection can bring such earth-shattering joy. Maybe it's just the phase of life I'm in right now, but I am so inspired by reading these phenomenal stories of women taking charge of their lives and demanding change. That's what I got out of Gilbert's masterpiece, and I'm hoping that Mayes can offer something similar.

I've though of a new career option. What do you think about restauranteur/head chef? Get ready for a whole slew of Meryl Streep movie references. Anyone ever seen It's Complicated? You know the restaurant she owns in that movie? It's really more of a patisserie. That's what I want to do. I've got a plan. I want to live in Paris for a year (imagine that) while taking classes at Le Cordon Bleu, just like Julia Child (Meryl movie reference #2). Then I want to come back here and open a patisserie/cafe/restaurant. I'm not sure exactly where "here" is yet. I'm not sure how well my plan would go over in Dayton. I could try Chattanooga, but my immediate thought is to take this back to Lexington, if for no other reason than having access to Joseph Beth's again. (For those of you who don't know, Joseph-Beth's is the king of all bookstores, and it is also one of my favorite places on the planet.)

One final thing...This blog is entitled "In Search of Gumption" for a reason. I actually am trying to figure out my life this year, and I feel that I should give an update, now that I've had three full months to do work. I would say that I am somewhat improved. That's not to say that I am any closer to fulfillment than I was January 1st, but I think I'm more emotionally stable now. Give it another three months, and I should be ship shape. To my readers across the globe (I mean that literally, you really are everywhere), I appreciate your attention, and I'm going to try to find more entertaining things to tell you about in the future. Promise =)

Jeb

Ever since Phoebe and her pregnant self came along, I've been thinking a lot about getting a puppy. You know, I'm in this awful transition phase of life, I'm on the edge of striking out on my own, and I just think it would be heaven to have a living, breathing, loyal companion to pack along with me. I've never really wanted a dog before, but now I think the time has come. And I know just what I want.

Enter Back Home Farms, based out of Greensburg, KY (the momma's homeland). And what is their specialty breed you ask? Wolves. That's right, wolves. As in 'I was walking alone in the forest and I was attacked by a pack of wolves' wolves. Isn't that so beautifully different? I like different things. I like it when someone says "Only Kacey..." Look at these adorable things!

I just cannot get over it! I took one look at these little darlings, and I just knew that this was the kind of dog I was meant to have. Look at how beautiful they are when they grow up...

It's been decided. As soon as I officially get out of dodge, I'm getting a wolf puppy. I want one of the grey ones because I want it to look authentic. When the neighbors see my dog running around, I want them to fear for their lives! I want animal control calling me on a daily basis. And I want it to be a boy, because the name is the best part. Jacob Ephraim Black II (affectionately known as Jeb). I know, it's perfect, and you're jealous because I thought of it first.

Kacey Henderson, proud owner of her very own werewolf =)

The Return

I'm back from my fabulous Spring Break trip to Daytona with the girls, and I am settled back in, so let the blogging continue!! It was a much-needed break from the monotony, and I got a pretty fierce tan, so I'm all smiles about that. Also, I got to check one more thing off of my bucket list. I rode a slingshot!! You know those things where you sit in the little round thingy and they throw you up really high in the air like reverse bungee jumping? Yeah, I did that. Always wanted to, parents would never let me, parents don't go to Florida, I ride the Slingshot. It was a very good thing.

I got some pretty serious job search disappointments while I was gone, which threatened to kill the mood entirely, but I'm happy to say that I'm about 76.4% over it, and I'm already looking into some other promising ventures. I wonder how many times I'll write a sentence like that in this thing...DEPRESSING!!! moving on

Want to hear the best news of all? THE CATS ARE IN THE FINAL FOUR!!!!!!! I still just cannot get over this, even though it happened days ago. We're going to win the NCAA tournament championship. I hope everyone is prepared for that. I want a Final Four T-shirt so bad, but I'm not buying one yet in the hopes of purchasing a champs shirt next week.

Remember Phoebe? She had her puppies. Didn't see her for a few weeks, and now she's back, turning the neighborhood upside down in search of food. I'm now referring to her as a hussy. I thought she and I had a special bond, and I found out she's been cheating on me. Still love her. But she's a hussy.

I think that's it for now. I'm going to go call Dr. Marcia Fieldstone for my very own segment, entitled Destitute in Dayton. Good night, and good luck.

Busy Busy Busy!!

I'm packing for SBXI this afternoon. I'm taking off with 5 of my best girls to spend the week in Daytona. Funny that I didn't observe Spring Break until after I graduated, but that's fine. Like I told a friend who was teasing me about it, Spring Break is for anyone who is neither taking classes or working during the last half of March. I definitely fit the bill. Here are some of my favorite new buys for this trip...

White eyelet sundress, black cutout sandals, and the full array of multicolored jewelry from Charming Charlie's. I get more and more attached to that store every day. So cheap, and far too many options.

As many of you already know, I had my video interview for the Volkswagen Grad Program this past Wednesday, and it went swimmingly, if I do say so myself. I will find out on Friday if I get to move on to the in-person interview, so I will be a nervous wreck. However, it's better to be a nervous wreck on the beach with my Kindle than to be a nervous wreck at home with nothing to do. Wish me luck!!

I went with my mom to Campbellsville this past Tuesday so she could get her hair did. I hadn't planned to get anything done, but I ended up letting my aunt talk me into getting a feather in my hair. It is so not me, but I must say, I'm liking it. It makes me feel beachy-hippy, if you catch my drift. (Hold while I take a pic to show you.....)

What do you think? Normally you can't see this much of it, but I pulled my hair back to provide a more complete visual. It's actually quite subtle in reality.

As of this afternoon, the Cats have advanced to the Sweet Sixteen, and I'm extremely happy about that. I'm going to miss the rest of the games, so I look to my fabulous friends to keep me updated, please!

I am going to be so tan the next time you see me =) Peace out girl scout

Princess? Yes please (pt.2)

I know it's been a while. I've been enjoying a fabulous weekend with my two best Lexington girls who decided to come pay me a visit. I've been playing tour guide, which is one of my favorite things, even when there is so little material as Dayton has to offer. But, let's get right back into the last 4 of our fabulous single princes!!!

5. Prince Nicholas, Romania - Oh boy. This guy looks like a 19 year old bassist for a punk band. And, all I know about Romania is that my church frequently sends mission teams there, so I'm not sure if it would be on my top places to live. Being titled "Royal Highness" certainly has its charms, but there's just something about this dude that I don't like. I might be discounting him already, but maybe I'm being too hasty...

6. Prince Felix, Luxembourg - Here's what I like about ole Felix. First of all, his name is Felix. Second, he just looks like a Prince, don't you think? I mean, look at that spiffy outfit he's wearing. It's regal, and I like it. Also, Luxembourg is supposed to be a charming little country, bordered by 3 even more charming countries that I could frequently visit (Belgium, France, and Germany), and Luxembourg has the highest GDP per capita on the planet (according to Jean-Guillaume Ditter at the Burgundy School of Business). Felix has got some heavy ammo in his can.

7. Prince Amedeo, Belguim - I love a man in uniform, especially when part of that uniform includes a crown. Sure, he looks like he might have some mild rosacea, and he's a little frowny, but all I know is that I stood in front of his palace a year and a half ago, and I said out loud that if there was a prince of proper age living there, I'd marry him on the spot. (See, I'm not lying) I could just see us now, sitting on the porch (palaces have porches, right?), swirling hot chocolate sticks in mugs of hot cream. It's magical.

8. King Jigme Khesar, Bhutan - I wasn't going to include this guy in my list. I typically don't go for Asians, and I'm not sure that they would welcome an American queen in Bhutan. But, there are three things that I changed my mind. 1.)Bhutan is the 8th happiest country in the world. 2.)He just looks so peaceful in this picture, probably an effect of #1. 3.)KING!!!! No princess nonsense here. I'd go straight to Queendom, and I am so cool with that.

Now, I know I originally said that there were 9 of these, but really there was only 8 and I miscounted, so the fun ends here. I've thought about it. A lot. I mean, this is a big decision in a girl's life. She's got to take her time and explore all the options. I've mulled it over, and I've reached a decision. And the winner is..................................(drumroll).......................................

PRINCE CARL PHILIP OF SWEDEN!!!!!!!! (from my pt.1)

He's hot. He lives in an awesome country. He's a prince. What more do I need to know? Nothing. I'm sold. Packing up and moving to Sweden. Buh-bye

Princess? Yes please (pt.1)

Everyone knows I'm in the full swing of the job search at the moment. If you could see some of the things I've been applying for, you would see that this once big dreaming girl has become surprisingly earthbound, and that's okay. I think I finally figured out that running a billion dollar corporation in Manhattan probably wouldn't leave that much time for the family, so I'm willing to compromise.

That being said, there is one position I wouldn't turn down, despite the long hours and paparazzi. That, of course, is the role of princess. I don't need to be a Queen, that would just be asking too much. But, a princess? Ummm, yeah. I think I could do that. I watched The Princess Diaries. I even read a few of the books. I'm clearly qualified.

Unless you've been living in a cave for the past 5 years, you are well aware that William is no longer a viable option. I'm cool with that. He wasn't my type, and I personally didn't see the hotness there at all. Fortunately for me, there are other royals out there who are just waiting for a 5'9, raven-haired opportunist with southern charm, a sparkling wit, and a vernacular befitting a woman of noble birth to sweep in and capture their hearts. Readers the world over, I give you the first 4 of my 9 crown-wearing suitors...
(list courtesy of Cosmo)

1. Prince Harry, England - Who didn't see this one coming? Close friends and family will attest that Harry has been my favorite from the beginning. He lacks the boring straight laces of his older brother, and he doesn't have the immense responsibility of running a country in his near future. Great title, no pressure, and a ginger. My heavens, he might just be perfect. But let's don't get too hasty...

2. Prince Carl Philip, Sweden - Sweden has given us some great things. Alexander Skarsgard, the Millenium series, those little gummy fish candies.....and Prince Carl Philip. Look at him. Dark, mysterious, and royal. I think I could do very well in Sweden. They say it's the socialism that works, after all. Not to mention that Stockholm is a very picturesque little town, and I prefer cold weather anyway. There are really no downsides here.

3. Prince Andrea, Monaco - I'm not going to lie, this is not my look. I don't typically go for blondes. However, this young man also happens to be Grace Kelly's grand son, so he gets a free pass. That one simple fact is really all I need to know about Andrea. But, it doesn't hurt that I've been to Monaco, and it might be the single most beautiful place I've ever seen with my naked eyes.

4. Prince Philippos, Greece - I like Greek people. They are just generally good-natured, and they make delicious food that includes a lot of lamb. I wouldn't feel the need to jump off Acropolis Hill if I had to spend the rest of my life eating lamb souvlaki at a table with this baby-faced Georgetown University Grad. Also, I'm sure that the royal palace is a million times better than Hostel Zeus in the Sketchville district of Athens...

(To be continued...)