The New GRACEFULLY AMUSING Project!

Yes, exclamation points in titles! Because it feels good to be back.

As I mentioned in my last post, I've been flailing a bit on the old blog, here. But instead of trying to act like a designer or a guru of anything at all, I'm just going to put my own person out there and chronicle my 
mad attempts at accomplishing grace (while laughing as often as possible!).

I'm in my young twenties, and while balancing full-time work and school, I'm creating my home for the first time. This isn't my first apartment by any means, but it is the first apartment where I feel this...settled. It's been such a fun process of narrowing down what I like, what I don't like, what I want in my space and my life, and how to make it all happen on a budget.

New Project: To improve my life and space, one thing at a time, one day at a time. 

I was struck with this idea while reading my new cookbook, Fresh Flavor Fast. I already try to accomplish one goal for the apartment every week, but why not try a (small) goal everyday? It felt like a Julie & Julia moment: yes, unfortunately, that cliche but true! But I'm not completely crazy, so I will be doing my "me" things five days a week, Monday through Friday.

When to start? Hmm...:) 

The Return...

I've been absent for a while.

Truth is, I lost sight of what I wanted this blog to be about. Or perhaps more accurately, I didn't start with a clear vision and was determined to figure it out as I went, and then it became something that I'm not. Too design heavy, too narrow, too contrived.

I'm not a contrived kind of gal. :)

The name of my blog is what brought me back and gave me a focus once again. Grace and humor are my goals in life, and they're a work in progress. So I think this blog is here to chronicle this fun little journey! And so it shall.

101 in 1001--UPDATE

72) Make time for reading fiction: one novel a month. (2/33)

Back in January, when I made my list of 101 things I wanted to accomplish in 1001 days, I was just coming off a blissful winter break and heading back into a 10-credit semester and a 40+-hour job with a new resolution: get back to reading. As an anthropology major, I do spend a lot of my free time reading, but the majority of what I read is either reference material or non-fiction. To lose myself in fiction was once a non-existent luxury but I've resolved to bring back into my life.

And I couldn't be happier about it! Now I read a chapter every night before I go to bed. It's the best. :)

Last month's novel was The Unnamed by Joshua Ferris.

I saw this bright, beautiful blue book in the store and bought it because of the dust jacket's teaser:

"The Unnamed is a dazzling novel about a marriage and a family and the unseen forces of nature and desire that seem to threaten them both. It is the heartbreaking story of a life taken for granted and what happens when that life is abruptly and irrevocably taken away."

Joshua Ferris really did a great job with this book. The story is so well-written and embodies everything I would want to accomplish, were I to ever publish any of my work. (Not going to happen...probably.) The dust jacket didn't lie: it's heartbreaking, but bearable, and there are plenty of moments that call for smiles.

Talk about grace. I've never encountered a story that is this humorous and tragic at the same time. There's a complete seamless-ness about it. Think of your favorite "wallowing in it" movie (mine is currently Love Happens). There are always distinct moments of laughs, and then there are heart-breaking moments, and then heart-warming moments. This book manages to make all of that happen at the same time without any breaks. Color me jealous, Ferris. Mad skills.

That being said...I would recommend this book but with a bit of a disclaimer, because it is tragic, and it is hard. To be honest, my little fiction luxury is supposed to be my way to escape for 30 minutes, and this book didn't really give me that. But it's still a fantastic book and as long as you aren't in a super blue state (like I was, unfortunately!) and reading about a broken family won't dramatically upset you, this will be a good read.

Promise. :) You can check it out here.

Next on the roster:

JUST FINISHED

Love.

CHECK IT

I keep forgetting about Pier 1 Imports. Which is a real shame, and I might just have to make a trip in the near future to scoop up some of these guys.

Clear glass hurricanes, $4.48 and $3.48

A

Antiqued gold round mirror, $199.95

C

Cobalt Essential Colours Dinnerware, $2.98-$4.98/piece

H

Hammered metal napkin ring, $1.88

Although, to be fair, I've had some good reasons to avoid going into my local store. Reasons like...

For shame, Pier 1. (shakes head) For shame.

I'm a little surprised at myself for wanting the mirror as much as I do...usually I avoid using mirrors, things that are gold, or things that are round in my decor, but this guy might be going onto the wish list.

MONDAY'S BARGAIN

(I really don't like the word "bargain"...am brainstorming a different title to use in the future!)

I have procured an area rug for my living room, for roughly 1/8 the price that I was willing to pay.

It is pet approved.

(I don't have a link for this one, as it was a total score from a clearance end-cap of an aisle. However, Target seems to be hastily getting rid of the old to make room for the new, so check out your local store--you might be surprised at what you find!)

NOT A HAPPY CAMPER

This is not a blog post about design.

Ungh.

Nor is it about lifestyle...unless you're as graceful as I am.

Ow.

To a better, sprain- and kleenex-free tomorrow. :)