This time for Africa.

I've been listening to Waka Waka by Shakira on repeat. Reminds me of Lauryn Hill and how listened to The Miseducation over and over, in love with the sounds and lyrics. Lauryn is absolutely a style icon of mine. Sometimes it's one item, worn seamlessly. Other times, it's layers and layers of eclectic vintage pieces.

Landing in my lap.

The past week has been full of sunny news: Lanvin for H&M on November 23rd, and Zara now has an online store. Lanvin may force me to juggle my Thanksgiving plans, in the name of all things holy, it's probably worth it. The message I'm feeling: Fret not, it is possible to stay fashionable in this town... where Target is far too accessible.

Labor-less day.

My aunt Esther – Wise NC, July 2010

Happy Labor Day weekend. Today, I think I should reflect on summer...

July through August, in between the chaos and change, a few traditions kept my feet on solid ground. Every July since I can remember, my parents took me to visit family in Wise NC. Even now that my dad isn't with us, my mom still arranges the annual trek. It's as country as country gets... a little world made up of 3 main roads, rocking chairs aplenty, and 50 year old traditions behind every door. Everyone is a bit more pure there... uninhibited and at peace. It's also the final resting place of most of my relatives, which is fitting. BUT, after a few days there, I'm itching for a Starbucks and cell phone reception.




Then, there was the big escape. My girls from high school, affectionately "The Great 8," planned a getaway in Newport RI a few months ago. This was planned well before I decided to relocate... and now being 1000 miles away, the vaca wasn't exactly convenient. Somehow, the stars aligned, and I didn't have to cancel! I got to spend a few days with the girls... Heavily intoxicated, on the shore, surrounded by lobster, wealth and leisure.

And finally, there was the 4 days on Seabrook Island... with KJ's mom and stepdad. I learned a lot about the future in-laws and even more about my man. We can vacation together! That's huge for me. A few years ago, my ex-boyfriend and I attempted a vacation together... we had completely different vacation styles. He was up-and-go-go-go. I was more lets-take-a-nap-poolside. At Seabrook, KJ proved that we just fit. We had the same concept of time and I never felt like I was losing a marathon. It was good.

There's been days by the pool, nights on the grill, some strolls downtown, a football tossed here and there... and it's all been truly good. My answer to the most frequently asked question: "How do you like it in Raleigh?" Simply: "So far, I love it." Summer was the best way to start.

Team player.

KJ has tried to prepare me for football season. He thinks it'll test our relationship. He doesn't think I'm "ready" for the obsessive football talk. While I can't imagine anything breaking us, I can predict a ton of annoyance. I'm already sharing him with his 20 other hobbies. Hopefully he'll compensate in other ways.

Mean girls.

Earlier this week, while grabbing a snack at Panera, I gave my number to a girl who I'd love to go shopping with. Who does that... what a creep show. I think I need other relationships, outside of those I've been handed for being KJ's girlfriend.

And while I was trying to make connections here, I forgot to call my best friend, Shannon, on her birthday. Totally forgot. It didn't even cross my mind. I was away from my cell phone all day, preoccupied with whatever... and I blew it. I'll do better.

Stuffed.

When it comes to food, I have huge voids to fill. Once I've found "my favorite this" and "my favorite that," I'm on a desperate mission to replace them. So far, I've found replacements for my favorite Indian, Vietnamese, and Mediterranean food joints! Unreal! My new Vietnamese place is just 5 minutes away from my office, and has a fridge stocked with soybean milk. I thought for a while that I'd forever crave curry from Bacchus in Soho and beef skewers from old faithful: Thai Angel. I'm so satisfied with my meals here... and I'm not blowing up.

Of truth and trust.

When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves. –Victor Frankl

It's been 30 days too long. I'm so torn with this blog. It's hard to be completely honest with the world, the blogosphere, whoever's out there. But I set out to tell a story here (hell, we're still in chapter one.) So, back at it!

As planned, I got a job. Graphic design for a non profit that I love. Working in the South has turned out to be... hard. (I'm at a loss for the right adjectives right now.) It's different. Everything is tiny. Trends that are a part of my vocabulary have yet to even take off here. I'm constantly pushing at limits that I've never had before. In short, I'm not sure what's going to happen... but I have a job.

My friend count here is still pretty low. I forget that everyone is friendlier. Coming from a place where is taboo to smile at a passerby... it's tough to even say hi to someone I admire. Lots of missed opportunities. Am I being too hard on myself? Ah.



Some Gloria Vanderbilt love.