Unsung Heroes

I woke up this morning to find out that my nephew, Stetson, got Prep-Xtra Sophomore of the Year and had a feature article in the newspaper. Needless to say, I was smiling all the way to work. After reading the article as soon as I sat down to my desk, I finally got around to checking my emails and getting started for the day. I got even more good news when I checked my email; I was selected to be a staff writer at thetwentylife.com.

I am thrilled at the opportunity. The more I started thinking about the position, the more thankful I became. Although I would love to think that my new position is due to my superb writing skills, I know better. The chain of events, and people, that shape and mold you into who you are create your opportunities. The most successful people I know are the best at realizing just that.

So today I thank all the people who helped me realize my passion for reading, writing, and the English language: Judy Blume is the first that comes to mind because her novel, Are You There God? It's Me Margaret, is the first novel I ever remember rereading. Little did I know JK Rowling would come around and cause me to get in trouble because I reread her books entirely too many times. Mrs. Connell was my seventh grade English teacher and would not let me settle for simply loving to read. She forced me to analyze poetry and pursue creative writing. I love both now. Finally, my parents are the biggest contributors. I can't tell you how many nights they would stay up and critique my papers. With my mom's formal, editorial style and my dad's creative suggestions, they certainly helped create, inspire, and encourage my writing.

Here's to those who have helped us along the way. May anyone who gets an award, job, whatever, realize and acknowledge those people.

Simple Pleasures

Ah, the first post in a while. Simple pleasures have been on my mind all day today. I have a quote hanging up in my room that says, "Do ONE thing EVERY day that makes YOU happy." When I first saw it, I thought it was brilliant! The more I read it, however, the less brilliant I think it is. One thing? I cannot imagine how unhappy I would be if I only did one thing every day that I enjoyed.

Every single morning I wake up and have milk with my breakfast. I surely have the world's strongest bones. That used to be pleasure enough, but since I came to college and was able to experience all the new-found wonders that come from complete freedom, I took it a step further. I drink milk out of the jug-and I love it! I have an internship this semester that causes me to wake up every morning at 6:30. Despite the early rising, I always make time to go downstairs at 7:00 and take the time to eat breakfast. I sometimes can't help but giggle at how I am sitting in the middle of my kitchen floor smiling because I am chugging milk right from the gallon. What would my mom say?!

That being said, I start off every morning with something that brings me true pleasure. People have asked me in the past why am I always so happy. I was never able to really give an answer other than, "I just am!" Maybe I finally have the answer: I do tons of things every day that make me happy when it seems the rest of the world has to have a sign to remind them just to do one.

I came across this link for the 30 Most Satisfying Simple Pleasures:
http://www.marcandangel.com/2008/03/23/the-30-most-satisfying-simple-pleasures-life-has-to-offer/
I loved those, but in case you need more inspiration, here are ten of my favorite simple pleasures that I would add to the list:

1. Taking my shoes off the second I sit behind my desk to work
2. Driving a little too fast around the curves I know so well leading to my apartment (maybe this one is a little guilty!)
3. Listening to music really loudly
   
4. Using this jumbo pink chapstick from Palmer's that I found in the ethnic section at Wal-Mart. It looks like a giant crayon, and it makes my lips look, feel, and smell great!
5. Reading a book that makes me laugh out loud or gasp with the thrill of surprise or terror. I always have a book on me.
6. Listening to Christmas music no matter the season
7. Learning something new
8. Looking down at my toes and seeing them painted a bright, funky color
9. Walking on the hardwood floor at work in my heels. That sound makes me feel so sassy and powerful.
   
10. Wiggling, shaking, and dancing for the entire duration you microwave something to eat or drink. I read in a magazine a long time ago that this was guaranteed to boost your mood. It sure does. I'm not sure if it's the actual movement that makes me so happy or thinking how funny it would be if someone saw me. Either way, I love it!

ps: If you ever come visit me and want cookies and milk, you were forewarned about my jug-drinking passion :)

Only Prettier

One thing I think every girl from the South can attest to is having another girl be unkind. It's just the way life goes. The difference in the South, however, is that girls are so good at being nice about being mean! It doesn't sound possible, but oh, it's true. It is even such a crafted skill that most guys raised in the South cannot recognize it. When they hear a girl tell another, "You look so cute," they always take it literally and assume they are being nice. In fact, I have told my dad before that a girl was mean to me and he has said, "but I heard her say hi and compliment you!" Being a man, I guess he will just never understand exactly how a mean, Southern girl operates.

Miranda Lambert, one of my favorite singers, recently had a single out called Only Prettier that says:
"I don’t have to be hateful, I can just say bless your heart

And even though I don’t belong with your high life friends
It doesn’t mean we don’t get together and try to make amends
It’s easier can’t you see
Let’s agree to just disagree
We don’t have to like each other but it’s sure fun to pretend

So let’s shake hands and reach across those party lines
You’ve got your friends just like I’ve got mine
We might think a little differently
But we got a lot in common you will see
We’re just like you
Only prettier

Everybody says you’ve gotta know your enemies
Even if they only weigh a hundred pounds and stand five foot three
If you just smile and behave you can always get your way
It’s a universal plan that’ll get you where you can in all societies"

I have never read lyrics more true.

Country Strong

I am a movie buff. I love them. All genres. When I was growing up, I always went to see movies with my parents. Following the movie, it never failed, my dad would ask me these deep, philosophical questions about the movie, the message, characters, and plot. Needless to say, I have learned a lot from movies.

Although I love movies with a profound message that really cause me to think about my life, I am also a huge fan of your typical chick-flick. :) That's what I expected when I went to see Country Strong--a nice, feel-good chick-flick. As it turns out, it does have romance, but it also explores pain, loss, success, and love on the deepest, truest level. The acting was superb, and I liked and learned from all four of the main characters. The other great thing about it: it's based in the South!

Country Strong: exactly what I've always aspired to be... strong enough to choose love over everything else. If you haven't seen it, you really should. It even has a pretty great soundtrack! :)

Keely Less

Ever since I was a little girl, I always knew I would eventually drop my last name when I got married. In fact, I would often substitute a cute guy's last name after Keely just to see how it flowed. Clearly the guy is not going to be right for me if his last name doesn't sound like it's meant to follow the name Keely, right? It turns out many women keep their names even after getting married. This was such a foreign thought to me. I don't know a single woman that didn't adopt her husband's name after the wedding.

Watching an episode of Gilmore Girls with my mom, Loralei Gilmore, one of the main characters, was about to get married and said she was definitely going to keep her own last name. She said that if she wasn't Loralei Gilmore, she might as well be Loralei Gil-LESS! I giggled at the little pun, but I really started considering the idea of losing my last name. I love my last name, and I'm proud of it! When I was campaigning for school elections in the past, it always provided me with excellent slogans: "Me for Moore," "For S'Moore Leadership, Keely for President." I even use it in everyday jokes, as lame as that is. One day my manager at work continued to preach about how "less is more!" I finally said, "No Heath, Moore is more" :)

Even more than my last name, I love my middle name! It's Ranae. I love it because Ray is my dad's, brother's, and both of my nephews' middle name. It turns out when you get married your maiden name essentially replaces your middle name. For the first time, I'm really hesitant about the whole name change issue upon marriage. My husband is going to have to be pretty darn special for me to take his name because at this point in my life, it seems like no matter what, I'll be Keely Less.

So Thankful

Every year at this time I start really thinking about exactly what I am thankful for in my life. I thought I would share them with you:

1. I am extremely thankful for my family. I know I am biased, but I really do think I have the best family I have ever met. My mom loves unconditionally and happens to be the best hostess of all time. My dad is the most generous and understanding father and friend. I have a brother that has a sense of humor to liven any crowd; he got dealt the hand of two sisters and still smiles! My sister is forever young and has somehow managed to stop time. Her figure and dance moves put me to shame! Finally, I am so lucky to have two nephews that I adore. Being an aunt is quite possibly the best gift I have ever been given.

2. When people find out I have been to eleven schools, they always say they are so sorry. Even my mom has said she hopes I forgive her for having to change environments so often during my childhood. The ironic thing is, I wouldn't change it for the world. I have more true friends than anyone I know. Because I moved so often, I was able to make a couple of quality friends in each place. I am so thankful that I moved frequently and was given the opportunity the meet truly special people in each city and school that will be in my life forever.

3. I am thankful for my health, education, and being from the South. Seriously. Not only did I win the lottery by being born healthy and in the United States, but even more so by being born in Tennessee. I have had the luxury of being raised in an area that promotes friendliness, hospitality, traditions, football, fried food, and cowboy boots. Southern charm has been part of my life from the beginning, and I couldn't have asked for anything better.

I hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving!

Stick To Your Roots

"No one comes from the earth like grass...we come like trees...we all have roots"

This is one of my favorite quotes from Maya Angelou. When I recently saw the movie, Everything is Fine, I was reminded of it. In the movie, Robert DeNiro plays a father that has four children all located across the country. Although I felt so sorry for him in the movie because he was so lonely and never got to see his children, I didn't think this was a very plausible situation. It turns out it is. Everywhere but here.

Honestly, the thought of being more than 3 hours away from my parents is almost unacceptable. I can't even imagine living states away. I know I am just naturally extremely family-oriented, but I think it's more than that. It's being raised in an area that believes in sticking to your roots.

I'm not saying I'm scared to branch out or feel obligated to stay close to my family. If I moved far from my family to try and learn and grow into a a better person for life or work or whatever, I firmly believe I would be going backwards rather than forwards. I can't get better as an individual when I'm missing a huge part of who I am--that's my family.

I did come like trees. My roots run deep.