Renting Is A Struggle

Trying to find a place, renting it and moving is a struggle, y'all. And it is real. In a matter of two days my feelings of moving to a new city have developed into the feelings of moving to new state. That state is the State of Anxiety.

Hit one. After submitting my rental application and dropping my deposit at the post office, I received an email informing me the property was no longer available. Seriously? Why did I go through all the trouble of sending and scanning the application? Why couldn't you have told me you received and application you were going to accept. Not cool, dude.

Let's just say, after receiving this email, I wanted nothing more than to curl back up in my bed and possibly cry. I didn't cry though. Instead, I curled up on the couch for a bit and then began to search for another place. I also contacted the realtor I've been speaking to, with the hopes that he knew of other one bedroom apartments.

Holla! Cory (the realtor) came through! Though where I'm living will turn out to be more expensive (this apartment isn't furnished & cable, electricities and the like aren't included in the monthly rent) there are some positives. I'll be a lot closer to the office. So close, in fact, that I'll be able to walk to work. While the Florida heat may not be favorable for that, I'd feel silly driving when I'll be living half a mile (or a 10 minute walk) away. Another plus! There is a washer and dryer in the unit. I don't know about you guys, but that's practically like gold to me. Reason in being, you can do laundry whenever you want and as someone who likes the option of doing laundry at any hour and wearing old beat up pajamas it's gold. Real gold! However, this is more to this story...

Hit two. General rental applications is a hit to an already bruised ego. I totally get the need for a credit check, but when you know I'm currently unemployed and moving to a new city for work, you'd think you'd get a direct answer to the questions I've asked. Wrong. I've been asking the same questions over and over and receiving little feedback. There's also the emails that include include a suggested solution to keep the process moving froward. Let's pick up the up take, people!

Despite all of this, I'm trying to stay optimistic. Something has to work out, right? Besides, it's only Wednesday and while my hopeful move-in date is quickly approaching, there is still time to light a fire under someone's butt...or call them crying.

I also want to go ahead and apologize now. I feel as if I sound like one of those girls. You know the type. Their Facebook is nothing more than a constant stream of complaints in regard to how their life is so hard and their cry for pity is palpable. I don't want to be one of those girls. I want to be someone who figures things out. I want to be someone who takes the advice of Tim Gun and who "makes it work." So, that's what I'm going to do...or what I've been doing while drafting this blog post — I've been replying to emails from the realtor and asking additional questions.

I'm going to share some GREAT news with you guys soon. I promise. It's the year of Kefi and this problem isn't going to stay a problem!

Sincerely,

Cybill

{GIF Credit//GIF Credit//GIF Credit}

Marco? Polo! I'm Still Here.

Hi everyone! I feel like I've been M.I.A. for a bit and I guess, to a certain extent I have, but with good reason!

Not too long ago I mentioned accepting a job in downtown Orlando and everything I had to do and everywhere I had to go before that started. Update time!

Last weekend I went to New Jersey to pick the majority of my work clothes (which pretty much means most of my pants, jeans and dresses) as well as a good number of my shoes and most of my winter clothes. I've been without a good portion of my wardrobe it almost feels new to me! I won't complain though. A "new" wardrobe at no cost at all...heyyy! Anyways, while I was in New Jersey, I was quickly reminded of how cold the north can get in the winter (and this winter is far worst than it was when I lived there)! I was there for three days and my hands are still dry and recovering, regardless of how much lotion I used to protect them. Clearly, I'm made for a warmer climate.

This past weekend, my parents and I drove to Orlando to apartment hunt. Let me just preface this right now with, "I'm not crazy about apartment hunting." I guess, it's due to the fact that nothing is perfect and I feel like wherever you rest your head and recharge your batteries should be real close to perfect. At the same time, figuring out the numbers with rent and how far you're willing to live in order to find cheaper rent is not that easy for me. All the numbers just start to blur together and I was never good at numbers.

Anyways, with all of that in mind, I've found the place that I'd like to recharge my batteries after a days work. Now, comes the part where I wait for the renter to get back with me. This is like interviewing for a job and waiting to hear back. I never had too much patience (I would discretely unwrap presents and put them back together again before Christmas), but I have no choice...the ball isn't in my court anymore. Hopefully, I'll hear back soon and I won't have to fear being homeless in Orlando. I'll make sure to update all of you as things progress!

Happy Monday!

Sincerely,

Cybill

Things I Don't Understand (and I Don't Think I Ever Will)

1. Economics. Supply and demand, I understand. Take it beyond that and I'm lost. I took an economics class in high school and again in college. During both occasions, it was an uphill battle. Not only was I simply not interested, I may have also dozed off during a class in college.

2. The need for people to leave comments in the likes of "Go F@#$ Yourself." Really? Why? What's the point of doing that? Do you feel better now? I mean, I totally get the whole "I don't agree with their ideas" but how does that comment change their opinion or help the situation? Please, enlighten me. I'm so lost!

3. How do people know?! This one is pretty general, but ultimately, I want in on this crystal ball everyone seems to have in their back pocket. Seriously! How do people know something is the thing they want to do for the rest of their lives?! How do people know the person they're with is the love of their life? How do people figure these things out?! Someone, please tell me.

4. Wanderlust-less. It's hard for me to understand the "why" behind comments such as, "I don't want to visit _______." I totally get it if you can't travel, but your lack of desire to travel and experience something completely different from your day-to-day is completely foreign to me. How can you look at pictures and read about Petra Jordan, the Holi Festival, Fjordlands National Park, South Island, New Zealand and not want to hop on a plane to experience this all for yourself?!

5. People who don't use their turn singles. I use my turn singles when even when I'm in the turning lane and I always use my turn singles when I change lanes. It's one way to let people know you need to get over to the next lane. It's also a nice way to say, "Hey, can you ease off the gas, I need to get that lane." I don't know about you, but I'll try my best to let people in front of me if they use their turn single.

6. People who speed up when you turn on your turn single. Seriously, dude, come on. I just politely informed you I needed to get over. I basically asked you. What do you do? You speed up. You do know, letting me in front of you doesn't leave you with a silver medal in the "Driving to the Grocery Store" event.

Well, folks, I'm off to go ponder these mysteries of life while I finish up my packing. It's a slow go when it comes to packing and once again, I won't be able to bring everything with me. So it's probably a good thing I don't need my heavy coats in Florida.

If you're up north, stay warm, but have a great week, wherever you are!

Sincerely,

Cybill

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The Different Ways to Say "I Love You"

Happy Valentine's Day! A holiday for the love birds, candy companies, florist and Hallmark greeting cards. But if you as me, I think it's a holiday for everyone and anyone, whether you're in love or not.

I once read there are a number of ways to say "I love you." "Text me when you get home," "Put on your seat belt," "I baked you some cookies," and "Thank you" are just a few examples that I think are right up there with "I love you." And you want to know what else? These words of affection aren't limited to those with whom you share romantic feelings. They can be for anyone and can happen anywhere.

Let's take the Olympics for example. It goes without saying, the Olympics, with all its pomp and circumstance, its triumphs and tribulations, the drama and the daring, there's always a story. A good story. A heart warming story. A story that transcends across countries and across generations. If you boil things down, you'll always notice the essence of love. Whether it's a person's love for their country, their sport or a litter of puppies, you'll see it.

US Slopestyle Skier and Olympic silver medalist, Gus Kenworthy has the power to melt the snow in the mountains of Sochi with his attempts to rescue a litter of puppies. Call him a dog lover and you can just call me in love, because who wouldn't fall in love with these pups after just one look?

Then there is the story of Canadian coach, Justin Wadsworth replacing the broken ski of Russian cross-country skier Anton Gafarov. Wadsworth was quoted saying, "I wanted him to have dignity as he crossed the finish line." There was definitely dignity and of course, compassion, both of which disregarded the boarders dividing countries and teams...something politics forgets.

As we're reaching the one week mark of the 2014 Olympic games, I'm sure more stories that capture the spirit of camaraderie during competition will arise. Hearts will break in defeat, but hopefully spirits in humanity will soar, because there are a million different ways to show someone you care. There are a million different ways to tell someone "I Love You," you just have to listen.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Sincerely, 

Cybill

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The Road Ahead

There is a tide in the affairs of my life, ladies and gentlemen! And I'm taking it at the flood in hopes for good fortune. In short, this girl was offered a position with a PR agency in Orlando and I'm on the move.

In the next few weeks, I have a good bit of traveling, packing and moving to get done. To start things off, I have to fly to New Jersey to collect my clothes. (Quick back story on that one. When I flew home from NJ, I didn't check any bags and limited myself to a carry on. I left all of my winter clothes, jeans, a few blouses, shoes, etc.)

After a trip to New Jersey, I'll drive up to Orlando to apartment hunt. I have a few friends in Orlando that have been kind enough to let me bother them with a million and one questions. And can I just say, why is finding an apartment so difficult?! While I lived in an apartment in college, I didn't do much apartment hunting. My friends/roommates, Kallie & Carling hunted and landed our apartment while Colleen and I were in London. (Thank God for those two!) But now that I'm doing this on my own...it's not only not as much fun, it's a bit stressful. Finding, visiting and setting the budget is also overwhelming for this girl who is awful with numbers. (During a few occasions, I have been known to cry while trying to figure out my math homework.)

I'll take all of the nerves though. I mean, this is what I wanted, right? This is the Kefi Spirit I've been channeling since we rang in the new year. This is change and this is good. Scary, but good. But knowing me, I'll be scared (or maybe I should say nervous...yes, I'll be more nervous) about all of it until just before it happens. Then, for ten seconds that come out of no where, I'll be courageous. I'll think I'm bigger than I am and BAM! It'll all be second nature.

Sincerely,

Cybill

Push Back & Make Room

"I want to get more comfortable being uncomfortbale. I want to get more confident being uncertain. I don't want to shrink back just because something isn't easy. I want to push back and make more room in the area between I can't and I can."

— Kristen Armstrong

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My Man Crush Monday

Because today is Monday and we could all use the eye candy and pick me up, I thought I'd share a few of gentlemen who always make my "Man Crush Monday" list (although I've never posted a #MCM photo on my Instagram, Twitter or Facebook — seriously, go check).

In no particular order (okay, maybe the first five are my absolute favorites), I present handsome men of the world. 

1. Sir Henry Cavill. So, he really isn't a "Sir," since he wasn't knighted by the Queen, but he's knighted in my book. Also, I fell for him the moment his face (and his butt) graced my television while I watched The Tudors (I think his character, Charles Brandon, was a knight). This was pre Man of Steel, so everyone can just back off. Fun fact: I wrote a paper about Charles Brandon (the real Charles Brandon), for my history class freshmen year of college. I'm being totally serious. 

2. Mark Wahlberg. Although Marky Mark had a childhood that would otherwise knock anyone else down on my list, for him, I'll make an exception. Besides, his childhood appeals to every woman's desire (though some women refuse to admit they have it) to be the girl that makes the bad boys good.

3. Taylor Kitsch. Perhaps I still miss Friday Night Lights (they had a premature end and I will fight anyone who tells me otherwise) or I'm avoiding the fact that I want to see Lone Survivor, but I don't want to see him die, but my oh my, Taylor Kitsch. He looks every bit the bad boy this girl would like to rebel with.

4. Kyle Chandler. Keeping in line with my love for Friday Night Lights, who didn't love Coach Taylor? His tough love attitude and the way his hair was always disheveled when it took of his baseball hat, sign me up for some Texas football! Connie Britton (and his real wife) are some very lucky ladies. 

5. Gregory Peck. Besides the fact that Mr. Peck is on the older side (and he has passed away, rest in peace), he's so handsome. Old Hollywood had it good when Mr. Peck was around and did you see him as Atticus Finch in To Kill A Mockingbird?!

I hope you enjoy the eye candy!

Sincerely,

Cybill

{Photo Credits: Cavill//Wahlberg//Kitsch//Chandler//Peck}

Random Oddities

1. With northern America dealing with the Polar Vortex Mega Winterpocalypse Snowmageddon KillStorm 2014, endless amount of snow and numbing cold I'm so happy I call Florida home. The summers may be brutal and the heat may get monotonous, but there's something indescribably soothing about the sun warming your shoulders.

2. I miss the days of free yoga classes at the FSU's gym. Yoga in my living room just doesn't feel the same.

3. Some days you're the windshield, some days your the bug...and some days, you're just a small gust of wind away from breaking down. During those days, a nap is non-negotiable.

4. The statement "I like to keep my options open" relates to me on so many levels. Classic characteristic of an ENFP. (I suggest taking a Myers Briggs personality test. It'll provide some understanding to why you do the things you do.)

5. I've fallen in love with James Vincent McMorrow's "We Don't Eat" all over again. I consider it a good, "Relax, and let your worries flow downstream" kind of songs.

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend! 

Sincerely,

Cybill

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Dick Wolf is a Boss

For all of you who know addictive television, I'm sure you've found yourself parked on your couch, watching episode after episode of Law & Order, or my personal preference, Law & Order: SVU. The mastermind behind those addictive television shows is a gentleman by the name of Dick Wolf and he has done it once again with Chicago PD!

NBC premiered their new show, (my must-watch, can't-miss) Chicago PD in January. Since its pilot episode (which caused me to slap my hand over my mouth as I gasped and almost caused me to spill my tea) it hasn't lifted its foot off the gas...not even a little bit. 

For those of you who haven't watched it, I'll stir clear of any spoilers, but tell you now, even if I slipped, you probably won't see it coming. Right off the bat, the audience is lifted by their heels and shaken upside, leaving you hanging for the perfectly timed commercial breaks. Luckily, you can probably watch the first five episodes on demand and skip all the commercials. (I suggest keeping one or two of them in there, as you might need a breather.) Regardless, there is no shortage of action, suspense, gun fire and the nitty-gritty story lines that keep you wanting more.

The story lines of each character provide a depth that intrigues you on its own. It not only sets a concrete foundation for the show — making you feel as if you've stepped into a well established series — but it ignites the ever quiet and ever present human aspect, there is always more than one side to every story.

The depth of the character break downs probably comes as no surprise to those who have watched another of Wolf's work, Chicago Fire. Leading man, Sergeant Hank Voight, played by Jason Beghe, appeared in a couple of episodes of Chicago Fire, allowing for optimum crossovers between the shows. 

Personally, one of my favorite aspects is knowing the wait for another awesome episode produced by Wolf is just 24 hours, compared to a week (or 23 hours if you want to throw Law & Order: SVU into the mix). However, it'll be a little different this go around. With the 2014 Winter Olympics, Chicago Fire and Chicago PD have paused, but on the bright side...it just means you have three weeks to catch up. And besides, people always say it's not good to watch that much television.

I hope you enjoy it! Let me know what you think!

Sincerely, 

Cybill

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In A Past Life

Do you believe in past lives and reincarnation? When I first learned about reincarnation in school, it fascinated me. It's like a second chance, but on a bigger scale. A reset button on life. You've reset and erased. You're back at the starting gate, but you don't know the course of the track. You go on anyways.

Growing up Catholic, I was taught that reincarnation isn't real. It isn't a thing. It's an idea, but it's not ours. However, as the years have come and gone, I can't help but wonder if it's true, even the smallest bit. Perhaps it's not page-by-page from Buddhist teaching, but piece-by-piece.

In the Zac Brown Band's song "Colder Weather," he sings, "you got a gypsy soul to blame and you were born for leaving." It's always been one of my favorite lines and I had jotted it down on a post-it note while working in NYC. (That post-it note hung on the wall next to pictures I ripped out of an STA Travel catalog.) The lines' deep resonation has me thinking I must have been a gypsy in a former life. I must have been a vagabond. I must have always had this need to explore and wander. Whether or not it's true, I won't know until after I die, but until then, I'll go on anyways.

Sincerely, 

Cybill

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Que Sera Sera

There is something to be said about going away and coming back home. It's probably why millions of people do it every day and the novelty will never wear off. There's the renewed appreciation for the familiar. They way your bed fits, just right. The fine balance of your pillows, not too soft, not to sturdy. The comforting smell, that not matter how old you are or where life takes you, the smallest hint of it and you know, home. 

There's also the small and unexplainable way your spirit just comes back rejuvenated. Indescribable, but undeniable. A part of you longs for the foreign adventure, but it's hard to fulling ignore the ease of breathing at home. The way the familiar surroundings break down the stiffness built in your spine. The knowing, where things are and where they belong, including yourself.

In the realm of careers, I'm still trying to find where I belong. Today, I welcomed the week with another Skype interview. It was the same company I spoke with a few weeks ago, but this time around, I didn't wear pajama pants, I wore gym shorts. Am I confident about it? Yes...and no. I'm confident in my answers and in myself, but I'm not confident in their feelings about me. Does that make sense? Ultimately, they weren't easy to read, but hakuna matata, right? I made it to another round. If this were American Idol, I'd have better chances at some air time. Oh well, I'll hope for the best and in regard to the rest, que sera sera, whatever will be, will be... (You have to love that rejuvenated kefi spirit!)


Sincerely,

Cybill