livin la vida java

"He was my cream, and I was his coffee. And when you poured us together, it was something." Josephine Baker
Even after my third trip to New Hampshire, it never ceases to amaze me how different each region of the country is.

After making Jim explain to me (extensively) what each New England state is like- a game which I concluded by making him pick one word to describe each state - I feel I have a decent grasp on the region.

I quickly came to the conclusion that if New England was its own country and the Midwest (also a country) declared war on them, the fastest way to win would be to launch an attack on all Dunkin Donuts. Essentially, it's their lifeline. I must admit, though, that while I'm still a Starbucks lover and I respect Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (holler back for the west coast), I became accustomed to the daily Dunkin Iced Coffee.

Although Starbucks clearly did not originate in Indiana, there are approximately twenty nine within ten miles of my home. Dunkin Donuts in Jim's hometown parallels our Starbucks. Driving from the airport, we saw three of them within a quarter mile.

Although I've already admitted I'm not good with analogies, I think I can safely say that Dunkin : New England as Starbucks : Midwest.

Dunkin is faster and a little grittier, Starbucks is a homier and has some sweeter options. And yet, while they're definitely different (to the point that I almost feel you can't compare them), I'm satisfied with both. I'm happy to be in Dunkin and I was excited when Jim taught me to embrace the chain, yet when I'm in Starbucks, it feels like home.

After ten lovely days in New Hampshire, I left feeling very satisfied. I am so happy that Jim has introduced me to a region of the country that was completely foreign. I feel so blessed to have spent time with his family and to have gotten to know the extended portion. Although I learned that New Hampshire was not the same as Indiana, they quickly made me feel as if I was at home and I was sad to say goodbye.

The trip also piqued my interest in the recent Twitter quiz, "What U.S. state do you belong in?" I was medium (to very) offended that Indiana was not an option, however, I was satisfied with my South Carolina result. Charleston? Yes please. (I felt similarly slighted when I learned of the newish bicoastal coasters, but I got over it).

The vacation also further opened up my heart to new regions of the country. While I dream of someday living a winter-free life, I am much more willing to try some of the colder zones. I have cute coats, and I always love an excuse to shop, so maybe Boston is an option after all. I mean, the Red Sox game was far more exciting than any Braves game I've ever attended.

So, as I enjoy my final days in Atlanta, I realize that I don't know where I'll be next. It might be Indiana. It might be Georgia. It might be New Hampshire. Though no matter where I end up, you can surely find me in a Starbucks...or a Dunkin.

a whole new wardrobe

"Mr Big: We're getting married. Should we get you a diamond?
Carrie: No, non. Just get me a really big closet." Sex and the City: The Movie

When it comes to clothes, I admit that I've been pretty lucky. I have two sisters and a very stylish mom that I've been able to share clothes with my whole life. In college, I was blessed with 120 sorority sisters who maintained an open (closet) door policy. Anytime I wasn't in the mood to wear my own clothes, I took a stroll down the hall to shop in a friend's room.

Now, living solely out of my own closet in Atlanta, I've fallen into a funk. My new skirt? I just wore it. My favorite dress? I wear it every other weekend. That old faithful feel good outfit? Not making me feel so good. I've been so spoiled by having 120 other closets that mine just feels tired (I am three months out...).

However, after this weekend, I'm a new (and now firm) believer that if it were more convenient, the key to a fresh closet is to move.

Even if you keep your closet organized- shoes in clear boxes, sweaters stacked with part of each one showing- you still forget about certain outfits. After moving it all out of my closet (RIP Gables Summer 2k9) I have a new appreciation for the way that blue cardigan looks with that pink skirt. I feel so refreshed that I didn't want to
part with any of it as I began packing it in the car.

Maybe if I just rearranged my drawers and closet every few weeks I'd never be tempted to shop at all...

...maybe, but probably not.

I also have a new appreciation for how much easier it is to move out with the help of your dad and boyfriend. After moving out of Theta all by myself in May (think five flights of stairs), Gables seemed like a breeeeze. Granted I only carried about two loads down while the fellas took care of the rest. But what can I say, I was too busy admiring all my old clothes.

jennifer!

There's no denying the fact that Angelina is a do-gooder. Between she and Brad, they've made amazing improvements to the world.

Just this morning Brad was on the Today Show with Ann Curry talking about his Katrina relief project, the Make It Right Foundation (not only is he rebuilding 150 homes, but it's already the most eco-friendly neighborhood in the nation).
With their high-powered careers, philanthropic endeavors, undeniable good looks, and six babies running around, they've won America over.

But isn't it interesting that even with all of her good deeds, the media still loves Jen just a little bit more than Angelina? She's been on the cover of a major magazine every month this year (if you count international issues for a couple of the months) -- which is far more covers than Angelina. No one was even upset when she posed naked on the cover of GQ.

Maybe that's the beauty of losing your man to the other woman. Or maybe that's just the beauty of looking so good. You can pull it off.

Either way, she looks fab on this month's cover of Elle.

Eunice Shriver

"My mom never ran for office, and she changed the world..." Robert Shriver

Mother of five, champion of the mentally disabled, founder and honorary chairwoman of the Special Olympics, political activist, humanitarian. She used her familial connections and inherent generosity to spread endless love and make miraculous changes. She undoubtedly left the world a better plan than it was when she entered it. RIP Eunice Shriver.