As one of my bosses will soon leave our company, I realized that I needed something extremely important from her: a letter of recommendation.

While no employers currently need a letter of recommendation from me, I always try to keep recent letters on file. And if you’re applying for jobs, then you should as well.

Quality letters of recommendation and references can make a significant difference in obtaining a job.

For letters of recommendation, ask people who know your work well and will write a glowing letter. You don’t want to provide potential employers with an unenthusiastic letter regarding your work. Offer to give the writer a copy of your latest resume and a list of tasks you’ve completed for them or their company.

For references, you want to list people who know you and your work ethic well. Just like recommendation letters, you want references to speak highly of you. You don’t have to use previous bosses for references, as professors, mentors, and industry acquaintances can also be useful. Regardless of whom you choose, make sure to get their permission to use them. Also ask them what contact information you can list on your reference sheet. Sometimes references may only want to share certain phone numbers or e-mail addresses.

Continually update your references and letters of recommendation to provide employers with relevant information.

Networking is the lifeblood of job hunting. As I’ve written previously, the best way to find out about jobs is word of mouth. Networking involves everyone you know—family, friends, colleagues, mentors, neighbors, etc.—and more.

The “more” are the people you don’t know, but someone in your network knows. The more contacts, the better chance you have of finding a job.

Whether you are currently seeking a job or not, networking is essential. By staying connected to people, you will have numerous contacts when you need a job or simply information.

Aside from your personal contacts, these are some useful resources for networking:
University alumni offices
Professional or trade organizations in your field
Job fairs

Keep in mind that networking takes time and energy. Don’t expect to create a giant network in a short span of time. Attending functions, having lunch meetings and sending e-mails to people in your network require continued dedication over time.

Recent or upcoming college graduates strolled my company’s halls this week attending interviews for internship positions. Seeing them made me remember my interview day here a mere seven months ago. The preliminary stress of perfecting my résumé. The worries about my portfolio’s presentation. And the concerns about my attire.

Yes, your outfit comprises one aspect of an employer’s first impression of you. One intern candidate was way off on her selection: a short (think barely mid-thigh) skirt paired with a tight blouse. Certainly not what I would suggest for an interview here. So what is appropriate interview attire?

That depends from company to company. You need to do background research to learn about the company’s work environment. Look at their website for photographs and talk to any current employees you know.

If everyone wears suits, then clearly that’s what you should do as well. If it’s a casual place, then you’ll look entirely out of place in a full suit. However, it’s always better to air on the formal side.

Still unsure of what to wear? Ask a human resources coordinator or the hiring recruiter about the company’s dress code for a general idea.

It’s arguably the worst time to enter the job market. Not only are companies not hiring, they’re canning employees. Or “letting go” as the corporate world likes to sugar coat it.

CNNMoney recently reported the economy is experiencing the worst job market in over five years. But we don’t need reports to tell us that. How many people do you know that have lost their jobs?

So for recent grads, here’s the food for thought: Is it better to keep searching for a job in this depressed economy or go back to school for further education?

My mentors have given me differing advice. A few think that being in school for a couple years will allow time for the job market to improve. And that beginning the job search at that point with a masters, applicants can jump into a position equally as good as if they had worked nonstop during that time.

On the other hand, some mentors say that it’s better to just take a job in a field not necessarily of your choice. Meaning, if your industry isn’t hiring, then find any open position elsewhere. It may not interest you as much, but it’ll suffice until a preferable opportunity arises.

If you’re dealing with this dilemma currently, then please leave thoughts in the comments section.

E¬-mail makes communication easier than ever. It’s fast, direct, and simple. But those same characteristics can make it problematic.

Ever hit the SEND button accidentally or entered the wrong person’s address? Improper e-mail communication can cause serious problems.

Here are my top three things to remember when typing and sending business e-mails:
1. Keep communication formal. Meaning, don’t use slang or incomplete sentences.
2. Reread your e-mail. Be sure it makes sense and your points come across clearly without double meanings.
3. Be conscious of everything you type. E-mails can easily be forwarded to others. Don’t type anything, especially harsh words, that you wouldn’t want forwarded.

Job interviews these days are a hot commodity that you may not readily obtain. However think about doing informational interviews.

Informational interviews are simply what the name states: interviews in which you talk to current employees to get more information about a specific position. You can learn whether a job even interests you before going through the entire application process.

By talking to someone within a company, you can gain a better sense of the true work environment and company dynamics, aspects that aren’t printed in brochures or posted online. Plus that individual can tell you her career path in the industry that led to her position.

So how do you arrange an informational interview? I suggest asking your friends, family and mentors about people they know in the specific industry. An individual is more likely to respond to a random e-mail or phone call if you say, “So-and-so gave me your name and contact information.” Also, e-mail is better than a phone call because the person can reply at convenience.

Hopefully the process helps you learn more about different fields and figure out the best job for you.

The real world’s tough. Bills to pay. Groceries to buy. And usually all on a low starting salary for recent grads. What do all these responsibilities amount to?

STRESS.

In a recent USA TODAY snapshot compiled from Booth Research data, a survey showed that young adults are seriously dealing with stress. Here’s the breakdown by percent of adults per age range who said they’re more stressed now than six months ago.
18-24: 64%
25-34: 55%
35-44: 47%
45-54: 46%
55 and older: 37%

I, for one, certainly know my stress levels have increased. Six months ago I was embarking on an overseas trip for pleasure. Nothing stressful about that.

Now the dwindling job prospects have me concerned. If you’re feeling more stressed lately, what’s causing the knots in your neck?

We all know about the economy’s current pitiful state. But who is suffering the most from the financial downfall?

Of course I think my generation, Y that is, has the grimmest situation. Straight out of college we look for a first job. Oh wait, practically no jobs exist. Instead companies are cutting jobs left and right.

Some people have jobs but don’t know for how much longer. One friend of mine worries how she will pay off her home mortgage if her position gets cut.

But look at my parents’ generation, the baby boomers. They not only have home mortgages but families to provide for and kids to put through college. Not to mention that if those Gen Y kids don’t receive jobs, we move back in with Mom and Dad.

Which generation do you think has it the worst right now? Post your reply in the comments section.

Read a recent New York Times article for more thoughts on the subject.

As I arrived home last night to see my house’s interior lights on, I assumed my roommate was home. Not two seconds after I stepped out of my car though, she pulled into the driveway.

She rolled down the window to say hey and I responded, “I thought you were already here since all the lights are on.”

“Oh no, I was here earlier, but have been gone for a few hours,” she said. We simultaneously turned to look at our house lit up like a Christmas tree. I never leave my bedroom lights turned on, and she confirmed that she hadn’t left on the downstairs lights.

Really sketchy. This is really, really sketchy. I thought to myself.

We both were freaked out that someone, possibly a robber, might still be in our house. Of course logically, I figured they would flee out the rear to avoid being caught. Nonetheless neither of us wanted to encounter an intruder.

My roommate called her friend James who happened to be only a few minutes away, and asked him to come investigate with us. A 6’4” burly guy can put up a good fight should there be one.

My dad gave me a Maglite years ago, instructing me it was more for protection than use as a flashlight. Smacking someone upside the head with a Maglite would definitely do some damage. So I grabbed my Maglite from my car before we, James leading the way, entered the garage.

Passing through...

Before the onset of job interviews last year, I made business cards including my name, mailing address, e-mail address and phone number. The homemade cards served their purpose of providing potential employers with my information, but lacked a professional edge.

I coughed up the dough for Office Max to print me cards with raised navy blue lettering to better impress interviewers. Nearly any printer or office supply store can create personalized business cards, but check around for pricing as some offer bulk order discounts.

The one focus I had with both my card designs was simplicity. No frilly fonts, no cute logos, no bright colors allowed. Just a conservative, easy to read card.

Since I’ve moved I have changed my mailing address, and need new cards. I’m leaning toward a card with only my name, e-mail address and phone number. Why? So if I move again, then I won’t have to redo the cards. And no one uses snail mail these days (so sad because I love getting letters the old-fashioned way).

The key is still to have a simple design, regardless of the information presented. Also, I found that Office Max now offers online custom ordering. Be sure to proof the cards before agreeing to the order, as...

To enjoy a new city, you have to immerse yourself in its activities and offerings. Whether you’re a foodie, outdoorsman, or art buff, find places to partake in your favorite interest.

I’m loving my new surroundings but that’s highly in part to my local involvement. With the help of friends (especially a certain few...thanks!), I have a mental list of restaurants for different occasions, trails for afternoon runs, and social gatherings for nearly every night.

If you simply work in a city without exploring it, then you’re bound to become bored or even dislike it. It’s still possible to not be fond of a city after becoming involved, but at least you’ll have a fair assessment.

In case you don’t have friends in your new town, these are some starter websites:
Yelp: reviews on almost everything (dentists, religious organizations, markets, zoos, yoga studios, the list goes on)
Citysearch: local reviews of bars, shops, spas, and more
Chowhound: food lovers provide suggestions on restaurants, menus, and bars

Upon moving to town, I scouted out the local gyms to find where to start a membership. I looked from Gold’s Gym to Riviera Fitness to the YMCA.

Ultimately I opted for the Y as a result of its low rates, various locations, and prolific spin class schedule. My friend Carey Beth never joined a gym when she moved here, simply running on local trails for a workout instead. Our different exercise methods got me to thinking this week as I dismally balanced my checkbook.

Are gym memberships worth the money? Yes because you have access to weights, machines, and classes. No because the great outdoors provide equal opportunities to exercise at no charge.

For me, I think the group exercise classes justify my $40 a moth at the Y. Anyone have other thoughts or suggestions for staying fit, in an economical manner that is?

Friends of mine work in 50-story office towers, seeing nothing more than the elevator walls, drab hallways, and their office every day. While my cube may not be the most exciting workspace, I take solace in my surrounding environment.

My company’s complex includes outdoor walking trails winding through poplars, oaks and pines, seasonal flowerbeds, and two waterfalls. Did I say waterfalls? Oh yes!  Waterfalls that plunge into interconnected manmade lagoons.

Now as the air cools for fall, a walk outside during my lunch break releases any accumulated stress. We have our own botanical garden tucked between office buildings. Literally we do…architects modeled our atrium after the Sibley Center in Callaway Gardens in Georgia.

I’m just worried that if I ever work elsewhere then I’ll be highly disappointed in the work setting.

After a 13-hour and a nine-hour workday back-to-back, my body had been pushed more so than normal. So logically you would think I crashed to sleep by at least 10 p.m. to recuperate.

Quite the contrary. I never want to miss out on an activity or opportunity to hang out with friends. Thus I invited over about eight friends for dinner at my house last night.

Hearing everyone’s latest news and stories provided an enjoyable close to the past two hectic days. However my body hates me now as my energy level teeters near empty.

I don’t drink caffeine often, therefore it stimulates my nervous system when I do. Thankfully the DP (Dr. Pepper that is) kept me going through the afternoon.

However I think I would’ve been better off just going straight to bed last night. That’ll be my goal for this evening. Doubt it will happen though…

Guess I need to try applying some of these healthy sleeping tips.

I served breakfast, lunch and dinner to thirteen people. I sharpened pencils. I taped idea sheets on walls. I filled and refilled ice buckets. I walked at least eight miles up and down stairs around the office. All the while, I sweated and smiled simultaneously. That’s what the past two days consisted of for me.

Not exactly what I thought I’d be using my Bachelor of Arts in Journalism to do. But for the two-day brainstorming session to go smoothly, these tasks needed to be done. So I took it upon myself to do the darn best job of pleasing the New York big wigs in town for the meeting. (Despite the disheartening news that one of them had never eaten barbecue until yesterday at lunch!)

My feet throb even though I wore flats both days. But I’m not complaining. (Except to a select co-worker who shares my pain!) Why not?

Because my boss and her boss both commented on my hard work. I never dreamed that two days of seemingly trivial responsibilities would earn me recognition.

I’m realizing that people want an employee who is a team player…someone who is willing to complete whatever job at hand to benefit the group. I got in there and helped. And when I thought no one was noticing, they really were.

My office allows casual attire for Fridays, but I had yet to partake in the affair until today. The jeans and casual cotton shirts certainly enticed me from the first week. However I didn’t think it was appropriate to wear casual clothes.

I don’t know all my logic behind this but I want to look professional every day despite what might be permitted.

Well I have been in my job for two and a half months now and gave into casual Friday. Clearly everyone else in my office is still professional regardless of wearing jeans on Friday. So my outfit shouldn’t make me appear less capable either.

Plus my new pair of Hudson jeans have garnered me multiple compliments!

In having lunch with a friend last week, we discussed the art of finding jobs. Maybe art isn’t the right word. It’s more so the knack for scouring viable resources for openings.

As Dan pointed out, you must have all feelers out AT ALL TIMES for opportunities. These days job openings are snatched up faster than free foam tomahawks at a Braves game.

We decided that three main avenues exist for the dispersion of job opening information.

First: Word of mouth and inside connections to the position available
Second: Company’s internal job posting Web site
Third: Public job positing Web sites (as I writer I usually search Media Bistro)

The further down the list you go, the greater the likelihood of the position already being filled. Or if nothing else, countless other people already applied prior to you. Meaning, find out about openings in the early stages to have the best chance of receiving an offer.

For 7.5 hours, five days a week, I’m in a cube. Well except for those lucky hours in which I pack boxes and run errands.

Oh and I haven’t mentioned that I was a model last week, a.k.a. I was out of the office most of the day. Yeah, the budget’s so tight around here that I was asked to be in a photo shoot. Turned out to be a fun day aside from my cheeks hurting after too many hours of smiling and fake laughing. I haven’t mastered the art of laughing on cue like my friend and fellow model Allison.

What I’m getting around to saying is that I don’t know if I’m cut out for cube life. I love my position, but a career within a 9-by-9-foot space’s confines may not be for me.

One bit of relief comes from my cube decorations. Taking notes from my friend Rachel’s cube (and graciously accepting some of her pretty scrapbooking paper for part of my décor), I have displayed photos and knickknacks around my desk to brighten the drab scene.

I can’t do anything about the gray walls, so at least covering them with the smiling faces of friends and family can liven my mood. And let’s not forget the entertainment provided by my desktop ceramic hula girl who can sway her hips.

The piles of laundry never cease to exist. The growing stack of paperwork won’t disappear. And the random chores (ironing and cleaning pots being my least favorites) aren’t going to end miraculously.

Those menial, yet essential daily tasks will forever be awaiting me at home. So what’s my solution to escaping them?

Get out of town every other weekend or so. If I’m at home and chores need to be done, then I’ll be doing them. Well, except for those three pairs of pants I haven’t ironed in the past month. Did I mention I hate ironing? My friend Eric says it’s therapeutic. Yeah right. I soon intend to buy him some beer in exchange for ironing my clothes.

Whether you visit a friend or explore a new city, a weekend out of town provides a break from the daily grind of never ending chores. That’s not to say the tasks won’t be waiting for you. It’s simply a respite.  

I’m a travel bug at heart so for me the weekend getaways are necessary for my wellbeing. Rest assured, I gain no pleasure from my jaunts to the beach, farm, SEC school…

The already stinky socks can go another two days before being washed.

I can’t imagine working somewhere that I disliked my coworkers. However I know people do this all the time, frequently because there’s no other option.

I took my current job position without knowing anyone within my division. I knew a couple people at the same company but in different divisions, in distant cubes.

So I started with slight concerns about my coworkers’ personalities. Would we click? Would I talk to them about anything besides work?

Becoming buddy buddy with everyone wasn’t my plan but likewise I didn’t want to be a loner. No friends equals no fun.

Thus I’ve made friendships with a couple people whose offices I can sit in to blab for a few minutes break during the day. The random jokes and e-mails between us always brighten my day. How could an e-mail containing a link to this outfit not get a good laugh?

As a result, my new favorite word is ‘playsuit.’

Money’s tight straight out of college. No way around that unless you land a baller job. One of my friends landed a high-paying position, but she’s living in NYC. Nearly all of that income goes toward living expenses, and she’s still pinching pennies.

Speaking of pennies, I miss penny beer night for ladies in college. Except the best part was that the pennies were provided. The host bar put hundreds of pennies on the bar so technically the beer was free for us. I digress though.

I certainly don’t profess to be the bearer of all money-saving wisdom, but I’ve come across some simple steps for successfully living off a starting salary.

1. Pack a lunch
No, it’s not as fun as eating out. But a loaf of bread and sandwich makings from the grocery store cost much less than daily panini.

2. Plan shopping in advance
The easiest way to get caught buying more than you need is to shop without a list. I went to Target the other week and mindlessly bought laundry detergent and soup, both of which I already had at home and neither of which I needed. Why? Because I hadn’t written down my intended purchases and ambled the aisles trying to remember my necessities.

3. Capitalize on free activities
The advertisements for big-name concerts and nearby river rafting sure are tempting. Nonetheless every town also has countless activities that cost you nothing....

In high school I lived with my parents and brother and had countless close friends. Everyone cared for each other and supported each other’s endeavors. Existing in a bubble wasn’t so bad.

College rolled around during which time I gained over 60 pledge sisters, two becoming my best friends. Those two girls along with my best friends from high school know almost all there is to me. They know when I’m in a crappy mood before I even open my mouth.

Likewise, I’m sure you have had tight friendships through the years. So after these close-knit experiences in high school and college, what can you expect thereafter?
 
If you move back home or to a town with familiar faces, then no worries. But what about being in a new city? Is living away from friends and family difficult?

Countless opportunities exist to meet new friends at work, the gym or some community activity. I feel blessed to already have three close girlfriends in town after less than two months here. Nonetheless, they don’t know all my crazy family stories and bad breakup wounds like old friends. I can’t reference “the accident” without instigating a 30-minute conversation to supply background information.

My solution to this dilemma: make new friends BUT be sure to stay connected with old ones. Communication comes easily when you see people on a regular basis. Go months without seeing each other...

I’ve discussed the importance of never saying ‘no’ to an assignment. Well as a result, some of the tasks aren’t all too glamorous or exciting.

Since I’m at the bottom of the totem pole, there are some aspects to the job that aren’t my favorite. Probably at the top of that list is packing and shipping. I don’t mind it sometimes because the mindlessness of it gives me a break in the day (I probably shouldn’t publicize that though unless I want more appearing on my desk.). But I just don’t exactly feel that my proficiency of bubble wrapping will be the best topic of conversation in a future interview. Wonder if I can put a bubble wrap per minute count on my résumé?

Actually doing some of these unchallenging tasks has helped me know without reservation that I should not pursue certain careers. Number one worst option being to work at a FedEx or UPS packing store.

As I attempted to hold a box shut with one arm yesterday and tape it closed with the other, this scene unfolded.

The packing tape dispenser (you know, those that movers use) screeched this horrible noise as the tape unwound. So much for my attempt to not disturb fellow employees.

“Shhh,” hissed one of them whose office I stood near. Thankfully she was just kidding and laughed at my feeble taping job. I also happened to be sending the package for her so she just...

As the newbie in the office, I’m constantly trying to please the people above me. Whether this means teaching them PowerPoint or running their last minute errand, each task I perform as best I can (not that driving to drop off a package is all that hard). Some tasks can seem trivial but to that person it may be of great importance.

Not only have I found it important to accept all assignments, but accept them with a smile and enthusiasm regardless of the circumstances. Last week, I was asked to complete a 600-word story in just one day, from conception to research to writing. Great assignment. Poor circumstances. A story of similar length and depth I had previously been given two weeks to write. Additionally I had another story to turn in that same day.

But by skipping lunch and working an hour late, I finished the story by deadline. It’s a matter of getting the job done and providing quality work during the allotted time frame. No one wants a task completed late, but then again, who wants a poor product either? When you’re at the bottom of the food chain, you just hope the execution of tasks gets noticed.       

You can visit any bar or party in a college town and almost guarantee everyone there is between the ages of 18 and 24, maybe 25. Of course you’ll have the few 26 year olds who graduated but never left town. And then randomly you’ll spot a middle-aged man trying to pick up a cute girl who is the same age as his daughter. But for the most part, everyone is the same age.

The scene outside of a college town is completely different though. The other week I met my girlfriends at Jackson’s Restaurant and Bar and fully proved my case. We were introduced to a table of four girls and three guys. After chatting with one of the guys for a while, I broached the subject of age. (We’ll call the guy Chad.)

“So, Chad, how old are you anyway?”

“I’m 37,” he responded with a straight face.

“No way! I don’t believe you. Not unless you’ve had Botox already,” I said, thinking his firm skin would at least look a little worn at age 37.

“Nope, I’m 37 and haven’t had Botox,” said Chad.

I’m a gullible person, but was having a hard time believing him. He sure didn’t look 37 to me. After arguing over the topic for a minute, Chad confessed he was in fact 28.

But does age really matter? When you’re in elementary school, absolutely! What Webkinz-loving fifth grader wants to read...

“Find a job? I have one” read the e-mail’s subject line.

I opened the e-mail from one of my mentors to find her informing me of a job opening within her company. The details of the position fit almost all the criteria I wanted in a job out of school. Only catch? I already have a great job that I’ve just gotten settled into.

People constantly tell me that obtaining a job is all about good timing and the people you know. As someone who likes to feel my previous work actually serves a purpose, I try to deny this notion.

Yet I probably would have never heard of the opening at my mentor’s company if she didn’t e-mail me. Check on the who you know part. Mentors are very key in establishing a career.

And a definite check on the good timing part. If only this position had become available a few months prior or months down the road. Then I’d be interested. But right now is horrible timing for me.

I still stand by the fact that your work history has a factor. Just because my mentor had this opening, she didn’t have to tell me about it. Hopefully my dedication to top-notch work has been noticed. Now it’s a matter of keeping up with contacts for the future and praying for better timing on the next opportunity.

There’s a growing trend of young adults moving back home with mom and dad post-college to save up some mula (Check out this story). However my older brother and I didn’t return to the nest and both live on our own. Granted, the parents are chipping in at times to make ends meet, but that’s neither here nor there in regards to my story.

I ventured “home” to my parents’ place this past weekend with three friends from my new city. My friends and I wanted to catch a baseball game, do some good shopping, and generally hit the town. I was pumped to be the tour guide (surprise, surprise!) and hostess. Little did I know that I wouldn’t receive as warm a welcome as expected.

When I, the baby, went away to school, my parents definitely underwent empty nest syndrome. They went from attending countless soccer games, parent meetings and social functions to just having their lives to live. (Ask them though, and they’ll probably say it was a relief! But it’s MY story.) Nonetheless four years ago they still had our golden retriever around as a “child.” Bud’s roaming around the house kept the rooms occupied, with fur if nothing else. Buddy Boo passed away and now it’s just Goldie Junior whose presence doesn’t do a lot of house filling, considering he’s stuck in a bowl.

A 7.5-hour day can go by fast or slow, depending on the amount and type of work on my desk. Some days I stay so busy that I don’t even have a second to glance at my cell to read incoming texts. Then others it’s like, please, God, let this day be over.

Whichever day I’m having, there’s one thing that keeps me going. Evening plans. If all I have to think about doing after work is spin class, cooking dinner and doing some writing, then I’d go freakin’ insane. But when there’s 2-for-1 Tuesday or Wednesday night dinner club to attend, I have something fun to look forward to in the evening.

Take yesterday for example, the rain poured from the time my alarm went off at 6:55 and never stopped. (I’m not exaggerating one bit. My pink leather shoes weren’t fond of the puddles!) I’m not a morning person in the first place so the rain only enhanced my desire to stay under the covers. As my day went on, I was plagued with work piling up on my desk. But despite the dreary weather and loaded “to do” list, I stayed peppy because I knew a night full of good times was to come.

A close friend from college just moved to town so we needed to catch up. We could’ve stayed at the restaurant/bar all night people watching. People watching in a new town is like being in an airport…amazingly entertaining.

We saw a girl wearing a black dress with shoulder...

My distance to travel down Woodcrest Place read 0.5 mi or 1 min. So when I had traveled 1.5 minutes, I felt assured I had missed my turn onto Southbridge. Frantically trying to find a spot for my U-turn, I cursed at the printout on the eco-friendly, recycled paper. Oh which, by the way, cost me more than the regular stuff. And it’s reused, not like they had to chop more trees. But hey, it makes me feel good inside, just not in the wallet.
 
Anyway, I couldn’t find a safe (read, non-crazy-congested) area to perform my super-illegal maneuver. So I kept driving down Woodcrest trying to decipher the tiny map placed below my web-generated directions. Then it happened. I gave in to the big map.
 
The big map’s the 50-state road atlas, including separate city ones, which I intended for my cross-country adventures. Instead it’s been relegated to my passenger seat companion around town.
 
I yanked into a side street, throwing on the flashers for good measure. Grabbing my companion, I thought to myself, ‘oh really?’ as I looked at the map. No wonder I hadn’t seen Southbridge. I hadn’t passed it yet! The lovely web distance apparently doesn’t calculate for any inaccuracies in time travel.
   
I consider myself navigation savvy, but have relied on computer directions more than ever in my new city. Now the map’s won me over. Or at least until...

After my enthusiastic purchases at the market, I couldn’t resist inviting over some people for a cookout. The habanero pepper jelly (I also bought the less spicy pepper jelly, but the habanero pairs well with grilling flavors.) I spread over cream cheese to be eaten as an app. I combined my fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, squash and bell peppers with some tri-color rotini topped with Italian dressing for a summery salad.

Sadly the market doesn’t have meat, so I resorted to store-bought turkey dogs as our grilling fare. One of the local bakers sold loaves of bread, pies and cakes, but no buns. Yet again, the commercial goods became necessary.

My guy friends used to give me a hard time that I didn’t know how to grill. So fine, I left it up to them. I would cook the sides and prepare the meat, and then let them do the pyromaniacal lighting of the coals, etc.

Well this time I was all on my own. And wasn’t that interesting.

I remembered to do the preparation of scrubbing the cooking grid (I had to look up this term as I was about to write ‘the thing that you place the meat on’) and mounding up the coals. I poured on the lighter fluid liberally as I just imagined my coals not catching fire and ruining my cookout. More heat never hurt a Weber. I let the coals soak thoroughly as I’d been instructed to do.

Uhh, can you soak coals too good? I think mine were...

When I moved to college I already knew people in my new town. So they gave me the scoop on dining destinations…Find the best Southern home cookin’ at Weaver D’s…Hit up Five Points Deli for divine chicken salad….Get a caffeine fix at Jittery Joe’s…the list went on till I didn’t think I’d ever visit everywhere.

Well, loving food like I do, I didn’t miss a one.

Now I’ve settled in a city where I’ve only spent about five days TOTAL prior to my move. I know a few people here, but not the vast numbers like in previous cities. And in one week, I read a not so reassuring fact:

I’m living in the second fattest state in the nation, ranking only 1.7 percent behind the fattest state, according to the CDC survey. My concern about eating options around town increased with this news.

Uh, will I be chowing down on BBQ more regularly than expected? Although, it’s not like I hail from such a nutritious state, which placed at number eight on the list, and I found plenty of delicious and health-conscious places there. So I decided to seek them out in my new surroundings.

While watching Project Runway with some friends, one girl mentioned a farmer’s market held every Saturday during the summer. She raved about the bell peppers for 50 cents. I was sold.

Saturday morning usually consists of ample bed lounging...

I had barely gotten in the door from a spin class, when the bottom fell out. Of the sky, that is. I stood in the kitchen looking at the rain pounding onto the deck, which my roomie had sealed half of the other day. Summer rain is an interesting concept because so frequently it’s still bright and sunny outside while the rain falls. Not on this day. The black clouds hung low and lightning flashed around my house.

Happy to be inside, I pulled out a watermelon (from my grandma, so you know it’s good) for a refreshing snack. No sooner had I cut the first slice than the power went out. Being 7 pm, some natural lighting still came in the windows. Unfazed by the dim lighting, I figured the power would flicker the lights back on in a moment. And it did, but only to go out again five seconds later.

I waited thirty minutes for the power to kick back in, reading all the cookbooks to plan my dinner. Forty-five minutes later, I decided the outage was more serious than I’d hoped and ate some beef jerky and a tomato. I feared opening the fridge and letting out the cold air.

I had no clue where to begin looking for a flashlight in my new abode. My perch in the kitchen was reasonably lit, but the rest of the house has fewer windows, all of which are covered by plantation shutters. If I could only make it upstairs, then surely I had a flashlight in my room. Not all the boxes were unpacked, but I felt positive I must have brought...

I started my new job oddly on a Thursday. Yeah, not like a normal person would do on a Monday. But that’s what worked for my schedule. I had wanted Monday through Wednesday to get moved into my new home. That wasn’t successful though as I didn’t have a bed till a few days ago.

So I started on Thursday, and the first two days passed quickly. Probably the biggest challenges were the tax forms. No wonder accountants make good money…I can’t understand all the clauses any more than I understand Chinese.

The weekend rolled around for chill time with my two best girl friends from back home. Then Dad called.

One of my paternal great uncles had passed away. Not even twelve hours later, more rough news arrived. From Mom this time: one of my maternal great aunts had passed away. Losing two family members in one day puts a serious emotional drain on the body. Additionally I had the stress of contemplating what to do about the funeral services.

Of course, I wanted to attend. But how in the world could I ask for a day off when I literally just started work? When is too early to take time off? And is short notice time off allowed? And if it’s allowed, will it be frowned upon?

The roomie came in handy on this dilemma. As a fellow employee, she assured me that my boss would be understanding and gladly give me whatever time off I needed. I couldn’t picture it panning out so...

After a semester of e-mailing out my resume, meeting for interviews and promoting all my positive qualities, I landed a job. Not just any job, but one I really wanted.

Needless to say, the first day of work had me anxious. Not nervous, but that excited kind of anxious when you’re just ready to start. Would the staff be welcoming? Is this position all I hoped? And the ultimate: what do I wear?

You see, guys have the whole business attire so freakin’ easy. A pair of slacks, a button-down shirt and a tie and jacket if needed for meetings. That also happens to be what Southern boys wear for a nice date, making their wardrobe even more simplified. Meanwhile the spectrum of women’s work clothes spans endlessly. For summer, let’s see, there’s skirts, dresses, pants and capris. Then pair them with blouses, tanks, button-downs and cover with cardigans, sweaters and shawls. Not to mention the various fabrics available for each item.    

I pulled out all the possible outfits that said, ‘I’m the professional, but yet enjoyable new staffer.’ Fresh outta college, I worried about being taken seriously in a work environment with seasoned employees. Yet wearing a pantsuit wouldn’t earn more respect, just odd looks, since my workplace favors fashionable skirts and dresses.

In my closet…
Outfit one: belted, tan Anne Klein dress with tortoise shell...

I usually love trying new and unexpected things. But college potluck wasn’t a gamble that sounded the least bit enticing to me.

Yes, please, put me in a 10-by-15 foot room with a complete stranger and see which one of us kills the other first.

So I took the safe way out when entering college. I roomed with a friend of a friend, who I talked to on the phone multiple times to ensure some commonalities. Back in the dark ages of 2004, Facebook had just hit the scene, and I couldn’t check out my potential roomie.

As I took my first out-of-college job, I faced the task of finding housing in a city where none of my friends were moving. Thankfully my company provided a housing list with local apartment complexes and employees who have houses, apartments or rooms for rent. I felt like it was college potluck all over again. Except this time with no possibility of requesting a housemate swap.

After reading and rereading the listings countless times, I settled on a few to pursue. Finally one panned out…a two-story house where I’d be living with a young female employee of my company. I’d have my own bed and bath and simply share the common space. Sounds good. Now for the important part, what would my housemate be like?

I arrived around 2 in the afternoon. Good timing since she was at work and had left a key out for me. My new roomie (Although, I guess technically not a roomie. But...