The Condo!

Many of you have asked to see the pictures of the condo, so I'm posting them! I don't have very many, but you can get a general idea of the place.

It's a 2 bedroom / 2 bathroom flat in a quiet neighborhood. I'm on the top floor (stairs are a good way for me to exercise daily!).

If you have decorating ideas, let me know! My style tends to be contemporary-world-chic (if that's actually a style!). Most of my current decor fits into the black/ red/ sage green color palettes. My bedroom will probably continue to be taupe & chocolate brown, but the complementary color is up for discussion. =)




The living room is the first room through the front door. It connects the sun room, the dining room, and the kitchen. I am excited about the fireplace!



My favorite room is the sun room. It is painted a soft yellow color and will be a lovely place to sit and read! I plan to put my bookshelves and a big comfy chair in there. The porch is off the sun room and connects to the storage closet.






The kitchen is... um... orange! =) It is even a little intense for me, though. I'm considering painting it a light yellow. I like the flooring. It's different. I'll need to replace the refrigerator, but the other appliances are in decent shape.












There are two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Each bedroom has a huge walk-in closet. The bathrooms are tiny, but functional. While the master bedroom might be a little bigger, I think I prefer the second bedroom (not pictured). It has more windows and is on the corner of the house next to the green space.




I'm excited about my new place! I can't wait to have you all come visit! =)

The Steps

Forward, march!

Here are the steps I've taken so far towards becoming a "big girl":
1. Made an offer on the condo! (yikes!)

2. Filled out all the paperwork for a loan by myself

Let's pause for a moment to consider the loan application. Under the section labeled "who will inhabit this dwelling," the loan officer wrote "Single Woman." So now even my LOAN OFFICER is rubbing it in. Good grief. =) I did wonder about that section... why does it matter that I am a single woman? Should it make any difference in the loan? I'm well-educated. I've got a great job. I am a responsible citizen. When I asked my loan officer about it, he chuckled and said lots of women want to know about that label, but he puts "single man" for the single men, too. It's just a label, he said. I told him I thought we should change the label to "Amazing, Independent Woman Who Just Happens to be Single for Now". I think he thinks I'm crazy. =)

3. Accepted the counter-offer (it was VERY reasonable)

When my Realtor called me with the counter-offer, I was at the KMHS football game to cheer on the team (unfortunately, they didn't do so well). My friends Chester and Julie were in town from Athens and they were cheering ME on in the process, as was my co-worker and friend, Sky. Each of them was so encouraging that I got even more excited about the process.















So now I'm well on the way to being a homeowner! It's hard to believe, but it's really happening. (Incroyable, mais vrais!)



To celebrate my steps towards big-girl-dom and to escape the reality for a while, I went to the Clemson University football game yesterday with my best friend Elizabeth. We drove up in the morning and spent the day hanging out at Clemson's Homecoming. It was a beautiful day for a game and we had great seats (thanks, Eric!!) While I was glad that Clemson won the game (70-14, ouch!) and that I got to see the homecoming floats and festivities, I particularly enjoyed spending time with Elizabeth. She encouraged me about the home-buying process - and we even discussed property law! =) (she's in law school) It was a great way to take a few steps backward to look at the situation from a few hours away and recognize that I'm doing a good thing. This is an important move for me, and I'm grateful for all of the people who are supporting me in my endeavors.

Pumpkins and Condos

Fall has always been my favorite season of the year. Part of that must stem from my self-acknowledged nerd-ism since autumn brings the start of school. Another part probably comes from my positive memories of marching band in high school and college. And yet another part connects to the beauty I see in the fiery-toned foliage and my memories of raking leaves in Ohio (all one can really rake in Georgia is pine straw!). To celebrate the arrival of fall, my family annually goes to North Georgia to pick out pumpkins, buy apples, and consume fried apple pies, cider, and boiled peanuts. The yearly trip is one of my favorite family traditions. My goal each year is to find the perfect pumpkin. It's a time-consuming process, but I always end up with a great looking pumpkin.

Our trip this year (a.k.a. The Great Pumpkin Chase) came the day after I took my family to see the short list of condos I'd chosen. I've been house-hunting for several weeks now and had finally narrowed the list to a few options. Each time I've been out looking with my Realtor, though, I ask to return to a particular neighborhood on the way back. I keep going back to the same location... and I think there is a reason for that.

I realized this weekend that I approach the selection of houses much like I approach the selection of pumpkins. I see the pumpkin I want after a short perusal of the options, but then I have to compare my selected pumpkin against the other pumpkins that might be better. Of course, none of them are better because I knew what I wanted from the beginning. For some reason, though, I still have to cart my chosen pumpkin around and hold it next to the others so I can see how it measures up against the other choices out there. Though the pumpkin I originally picked out is never truly "perfect," it is the one that I am most satisfied with - and I rarely change my mind once I've picked it out. Even so, I must compare it against all the other possibilities - just in case.

The same goes for my potential condo. I have driven through the same neighborhood consistently over the past year and a half, just to see if I still like the area. When visiting condos with my Realtor, I kept comparing them to the one I saw first in the neighborhood I liked. If pumpkins truly are like condos, then I know which condo I want. My pumpkin is a beautiful, fat orange globe with a thick stem, and it looks just lovely on my coffee table (it's the round one with the dark stem next to the cash register in the picture). It may have some minor flaws, but they are ones I chose to ignore when I first picked it up. I think I selected the right pumpkin... maybe I've picked the right condo, too.

Remembering Aunt Mary

I haven't been on the blog for a few months, but I recently wrote something that made me want to share.

Mary J. Yarbrough died March 19, 2007. She had been married to Ben for over 60 years. My siblings and I call them Aunt Mary and Uncle Ben. Though we are not related through blood, they have been dear friends of our family since we moved to Georgia. This week I wrote a card to Uncle Ben at his request. He is collecting people's memories of Aunt Mary. The following is what I wrote as my tribute to Aunt Mary:

It is from Aunt Mary that I learned the important traits of a Southern lady. First, one must always be presentable in public. Aunt Mary was a sharp dresser. She clothed her petite frame in outfits that were quite becoming. Her clothes were always neatly pressed, carefully matching, and nicely accessorized. Accessories are important, too. My favorite accessory of hers was the light blue hat she placed smartly on her always-coiffed hair. She was a beautiful woman and her adornment added to her charm, but it was her inner light I admired most. Of course, a lady must put her best face forward (and a daily application of olive oil was her secret to that!) but she must also shine with inner grace. Aunt Mary’s beautiful soul shined brightly to all who knew her. Even those who happened to pass by her as she was out somewhere must have noticed the sharply dressed petite woman with the blue hat perched smartly on her head and thought, “Now that is a lady!”

I was blessed to know Aunt Mary and I will be blessed each time I remember her.

What I've Learned: A Reflection

"A life-changing experience" is a hackneyed expression to use to describe my trip to England, but it is an accurate description. It is clear to me that God worked through this trip to teach me and prepare me, and though I am not fully sure of the "for what" or the "why" yet, I know those answers will come in time. The knowledge I gained from the professors at Oxford has altered my view of literature and how I will approach teaching it, but it is the knowledge I gained about myself and about life that made this journey even more of a learning experience.

Whether you've only looked at the blog once or you've been a faithful subscriber to my daily thought journal, I appreciate that you've shared in this journey with me. My final reflection on the trip is the list of what I learned while I was away. These thoughts are in no particular order; some of them are humorous, some are serious, and some need more explanation (I invite you to ask me about them if you want!). Thanks for being part of my experience by commenting, emailing, or just keeping me in your thoughts by reading now and then. I've been asked what I will do with this blog now and the answer is that I'm not sure. I have loved writing every day; it is a skill I would like to continue to develop. Sadly, my daily life in Marietta and Kennesaw is not nearly as noteworthy as my adventure in Oxford. Nevertheless, if you check back on occasion, I might have found something worth writing about. =)

Again, thanks for reading and caring.

What I've Learned:

When traveling, it is worth a higher ticket price to 1) fly on a bigger plane, and 2) have a direct flight and spend less time in airports!

There is a difference between “English” and “British”

“Don’t hug your water glass” – Dr. Cunningham, after he spilled water on his shirt while lecturing, reminded us of what he learned (but obviously didn’t observe) in a public speaking course.

I am inspired, rather than intimidated, by people who know more than I do

Effective public transportation systems are a great means of travel – and are good for the environment

“Mr. Darcy categorically does NOT have a hairy chest!” – Dr. Byrne, on why the new movie version of Pride and Prejudice is grossly inaccurate.

Politeness goes a long way.

90s music will live forever on British radio stations

Any commonality can bring people together in a foreign country.

I admire Jane Austen's ability to write happy endings, even if she might have felt like her own story did not have one

It is perfectly acceptable to stroll rather than walk with a purpose. In fact, it allows one to notice more, appreciate more, and reflect more.

Itineraries on trips can be helpful

Cute shoes, though worn by the British for walking all over a city, apparently do not fit American feet the same way and are, therefore, not acceptable walking shoes ;+)

God is bigger than a country.

ALWAYS carry an umbrella in England – even if the weather seems perfect!

Conversations with strangers can be enlightening, interesting, and an authentic way to get a better understanding of the people of a country.

I like Charles Dickens! (after reading Great Expectations in 9^th grade, I never thought I would say that phrase, but it is true now)

Skinny jeans look best on skinny people (as do most of the trendy European fashions)

When it comes to the difference in cost at B&B's, the extra money usually gets you an actual address instead of “off ______ road”

I prefer the smaller towns, villages, and countryside of England and Ireland to the capital cities.

Cut off the tags when you buy a new purse unless you want everyone to know how much you spent on it (ask me about that story if you want to know how I learned this!)

Friendships can arise from any encounter with people!

The Harry Potter phenomenon is even bigger in England than it is in the States.

A good friend is someone who will put up with a visitor for over a month (thank you, Jason!)

I like NEW: I enjoy meeting new people, visiting new places, trying new foods, and having new experiences.

I like OLD: I love old buildings, historic homes, ruins of cathedrals and castles, and ancient artifacts.

One thing the Church of England does very well is observe a true awe and reverence for God.

I love the smell of books and I really want a library in my house, even if I have to designate a room as “the library”

Even the best of gel pens can explode on a plane (and leave one’s fingers blue for over a day)

People in Ireland don’t pronounce the “Th” sound in words like Thursday (Tursday) and 4:30 (four turdy).

Don’t get lost in the ritual and forget the reason.

It is much easier to conserve and recycle in a country where everyone does it and effective systems are in place

I DO want a higher degree

It isn’t hard to rekindle a passion for literature – it just takes a few brilliant people talking about it to strike that spark!

Day 33: Going Home (Tuesday)

Tuesday was travel day. Based on the events of the day, I've made some decisions about how I fly from now on: I will spend the extra money if it means a straight shot home! We drove to Dublin from Kildare, dropped off the rental car, and then I got on my plane. I flew from Dublin to Shannon, deplaned in Shannon, went through US customs in Shannon (???), sat in their airport for a while, got back on the same plane, flew to Newark, went through a shortened line at customs there, sat in their airport a while (at least I was finally on US soil!), and finally flew to Atlanta where Mom, Dad, and Norrie were there to meet me! (yay for my family!) When I arrived at my apartment, my friends Julie and Chester met me there with groceries and hugs (you guys are awesome!).

Now that I'm back, I'm going to post a final blog to reflect on my adventure (it'll be Day 34), but until I get that done, I'll leave you with a few more pictures of Ireland.

St. Patrick (located in St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin) / The River Liffey in Dublin / Molly Malone (wheeling her wheelbarrow, through streets broad and narrow, crying 'cockles and mussels alive, alive-o!')

Date: 31 July, 2007
Location: Dublin, Shannon, Newark, Atlanta, Marietta!
Highlights:
- Being HOME!
- seeing friends and family
- figuring out Sudoku puzzles with the guy in the seat next to me on the plane (we were on the runway for about 30 minutes before takeoff)
- sleeping in my own bed
Thought of the day: It's good to be home.

Day 32: Picturesque Sights (and a farm to boot!) Monday

Monday was a lot of time in the car, but beautiful sights. We began with breakfast at the Glebe Farmhouse B&B (she made scones and gave us choices for breakfast!). I opted for the smoked salmon breakfast instead of my 4th Irish breakfast in a row (I can only take so much sausage, eggs, and fried ham before my arteries slam shut!).

We got on the road and drove into the Dingle Peninsula. There was some confusion over what exactly was IN the Dingle Peninsula - it did not have the Cliffs of Moher or the set of ruins that Jason thought were there, but we still enjoyed the rugged beauty of the place. There is a very scenic drive with sharp rocky beaches, sloping mountains, and green countryside, but there is not really anything specific to see there: just the scenery. We stopped at Slea Head at the end of the peninsula to take pictures of the Skellig Rocks from a distance, we hiked up a mountain to get a nice panoramic view of the area, and we walked around the tiny coastal town of Dingle, but that was about it other than lots of driving and stopping at little scenic overlooks.

The drive from Dingle to our B&B that night was long, so we stopped in Limerick only for a short time for dinner. Originally, I thought it would be fun to look around for some poetical inspiration (get it? Limerick?? heh heh) but we were both so tired from the long day thus far that neither of us really cared to explore the city beyond walking around to look for food.

In honor of the brief stop in the city, I have composed my own limerick:

A girl from the States came to town
And turned the city upside down
She searched high and low
But spotted no PO-em
So she left Limerick to write her own

(yeah, I know "own" and "town" don't rhyme... and I know I forced the rhyme with the whole PO-em thing... but like I said, I didn't find any inspiration!) =)

Our B&B near Kildare was almost impossible to find. The "directions" to the Eagle Hill B&B said "5 miles from Kildare". That's it. The roads in that area do not have names, so unless you're a native, you're in trouble! We finally got in touch with the proprietress and she coached us in (to the middle of nowhere!). It was well worth the trouble. Julie, the owner, greeted us with tea when we arrived and showed us around. We were on an actual working farm! There were animals everywhere (sheep, hens, a huge workhorse named Bob, a Vietnamese potbellied pig who had escaped earlier that day, and geese). Julie and I talked while I played with her two year old son, John Paul (a good Catholic name!) and she told me about the workings of their farm. They keep the sheep to sell the lambs because the only money in sheep is in the meat, not the wool. I didn't realise that. She said it costs more to shear the sheep than they get in profit from the wool. So instead they keep about 200 ewes for breeding and 6 rams (those are busy rams!).

After the lovely evening of tea and visiting, I packed my bags and tried to go to sleep. I'm not sure if it was the strange farm noises, the anticipation of going home, or the caffeine from the tea that kept me awake, but I had a terrible time sleeping. The one advantage of not sleeping well is that I was awake before the alarm clock (and the rooster) made me get up. =)

Date: 30 July, 2007
Location: Dingle Peninsula, Limerick, Kildare
Highlights:
- beautiful scenery
- seeing the statue of "Fungi" the dolphin in Dingle ("Fungi the Dolphin in Dingle" sounds like the beginning for an amusing limerick!)
- a lovely end to my time in Ireland at the Eagle Hill B&B
Thought of the Day: I'm finally ready to go home!