Paging Dr. Horne

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What I’m listening to: Doctor My Eyes by Jackson Browne

It’s official! The PhD is PhDone, I’m now Dr. Horne. After 5 years (I started this journey in January of 2020 so pre-COVID), my thesis is done and defended.

Of course I had to go celebrate, so my family took me out to dinner at Peter Lugers, the famous NYC institution with the gold chocolate coins at the end of the meal.

The next day, I dragged my brother to see some of my favorite places in NYC (he hasn’t been back in ages and I thought he needed a tour). Then we rounded out the day by meeting a friend for lunch.

The best coffee and cookies in the city
Original Jane Austen novels on display!

Peace!

Dr. KJ

Sardinia + Rome

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What I’m listening to: Stumblin’ In by Chris Norman and Suzi Quatro

A few weeks ago I spent the start of summer in Italy, first on the island of Sardinia before flying to Rome to explore. I rented a car internationally for the first time, and that went surprisingly smoothly even though everything on the dash was in Italian and I don’t know what km are in comparison to miles lol. The beaches are beautiful and the island has a wild quality to it that makes you feel you are much further away from the hubbub of Rome than the 30 minute flight it is.

My rental car in Sardinia
Mediterranean blue
The hotel – it looked like a computer wallpaper
Insanely picturesque
Restaurant I went to the first night
I have no idea what that little dish in the corner was – it was good though lol
Earrings are Mignon Faget

That was the end of day 1. The next morning I woke up and basically was entirely unproductive aside from reading an entire novel cover to cover and sitting by the gorgeous pool.

The most delicious continental breakfast
I’m in the cult of Lorna Murray
Last dinner outfit in Sardinia

The next day I was up and headed to the mainland! I landed and checked into the convent I was staying at, take a look at my room below.

Room with a view

Then it was time to explore the Vatican.

Since I was a registered pilgrim I got to walk through the Jubilee doors
Insane

I saw the Basilica and the museums, then headed back to the convent to get ready to see more the next day.

Pastries tied up in paper and string

After my entirely healthy breakfast, it was time to see some of Rome’s most famous landmarks.

My friend told me I had to get gelato from Giolitti’s and she was right, this was amazing!

Day 3 kicked off with a tour of the Spanish steps, followed by tea and a visit to the Keats Shelley memorial.

After lunch I visited the Pantheon, which was a highlight!

Where the Pope gets his socks!
Capuchin Crypt

My final day in Rome saw me head first to the military museum – look at those views!

Circus grounds
Ruins

Cheers to Roma (and Sardinia)!

Bye for now,

KJ

Spain and Austrian Economics

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What I’m Listening to: Upside Down by Diana Ross

I was recently lucky enough to be part of the 8th Annual Madrid Conference on Austrian Economics in Madrid, Spain. It was two days of presentations and panels by some of the leading scholars in Austrian economics currently. I also stayed a day later to go and see Córdoba, which turned out to be one of those rare places that was even prettier than the brochures. Come along with me on my trip through photos 🙂

Ready to talk Econ
Breakfast of Champions
Opening Keynote by Jesús Huerta de Soto
End of Day 1
On the way to the conference dinner
Of course there was jamón
Day two 🙂
Panel time
Austrian drink for Austrian conference
Late night churros with my new Econ book haul
Free day – time to sightsee
Córdoba 🙂
Mosque turned church in Córdoba
Photos really don’t do it justice
Of course I had to get tapas
Marzipan fruit – the perfect souvenir

Adiós,

KJ

Florida (not Georgia) Line Dancing

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What I’m listening to: I Feel the Earth Move by Carole King

If you follow me on Instagram (allow me this one shameless plug) then you already know that I have moved. Yes, moved. No longer am I a Mid-Atlantic gal, I am now in South Florida. Moving in January was probably the best time of year to do so because I left 20 degree weather and arrived to 78 degree weather instead.

Of course, now that I’m here, you know I’ve got to try out all the cool stuff that South Florida has. One of the first items on that list? Line dancing. There’s this famous bar/dance hall/concert venue here that brings in all these legendary country acts and they were doing an all-day line dancing workshop. Have I ever been line dancing? No. Was I going to let that stop me? Of course not.

It was actually amazing. I was very glad I’ve worn the boots I danced in to death, because I would not want to try to break boots in on the dance floor. Line dancing is serious work! But it’s even more fun.

It was such a good experience to kick off exploring this new area, 10/10.

Peace,

KJ

Alaska

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What I’m Listening to: Lucky Ones by Lana Del Rey

You’ll never guess where I just got back from. I know what you’re thinking – probably some major metropolitan area. Well usually you’d be right (look at you, all clever) but I’m afraid I’ve got the best of you this time. I was in Alaska. Not just Alaska though – I was north of Fairbanks, inside the Arctic Circle, in the wilderness. I’m not just talking no cell service, I’m talking I didn’t see another living soul other than my guide and my pilot for literally the whole time I was out there (four-ish days and three nights for those keeping score at home). It was actually really fun. I have never been anywhere that quiet – you could hear a dragonfly from like 50 feet away, it was pretty amazing. The weather was in our favor too, pretty blue skies and nice cool weather (all the Alaskans swore up and down it was hot, but it was like 75 the whole time).

All packed
After a four hour drive, we have to fly even further north
I wish I could remember exactly which river this was, but it’s escaping me. If you’re an Alaska river expert, let me know!
Setting up our canoe
The pike my guide, Sarah caught
Look at that view
Not apologizing for my fleece
Little bird feet
One pretty campsite
Wolf tracks
Headed back to civilization

Peace,

KJ

Miami

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What I’m listening to: Island in the Sun by Weezer

Miami! No place as brilliantly sparkling, as bright and vivacious as the so-called “Magic City”. The city has it all – if you are looking for a vacation. Delicious food, warm beaches, and serious shopping (yes, I swear I’m not on the tourist board’s payroll). It’s become such a destination you know I had to bring my brightest clothes. Below, flip through my pictures of my trip!

Peace,

KJ

Guinness Time

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What I’m listening to: Sunlight by Hozier

Top ‘o the mornin’ to ye! While Guinness might be the iconic drink of the Emerald Isle, there is one place that can claim it as well: The Guinness Open Gate Brewery, right here in Baltimore, MD.

I had never been before, even though I’ve lived in Maryland for two years now. (I know! I know! But before you get too harsh with me, need I remind you I’ve only been 21+ for a year now.)

They serve more kinds of Guinness than I’ve ever seen, including experimental flavors like mint chocolate. They also serve traditional Irish food, and Baltimore specials (I’ll let you decide which is which).

(Dreaming of more brown bread.) All in all, I really enjoyed it, and would definitely recommend to any Guinness fan!

Cheers!

KJ

Tennis & Tory

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What I’m Listening to: Your Girl by Basia Bulat

You know those friends that you don’t talk to for ages but whenever you finally do, you are immediately reminded why you’re friends with them? Like they are just fun and you’re like why aren’t we closer? That’s my relationship with tennis. A couple times a year as the weather turns from cold to warm or vice versa I go play tennis and it should really be more especially considering I can literally walk to my closest tennis court.

So, this year I decided to get serious about it, though I have to say that decision was deeply encouraged by Tory Burch’s adorable Tory Sport tennis line. (Sports gear with 70’s inspiration and plenty of ruffles? You know I couldn’t resist!)

Peace,

KJ

Buon Compleanno! (Day One)

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What I’m listening to: All Along the Watchtower by Jimi Hendrix

I’m 21!! What better way to celebrate being legal to drink in the United States than to visit a country where I’ve been legal to drink for years?? (No better way imo.) First stop was Milan, where we checked out the outside of the Duomo, then went off to get risotto at Princess Grace’s favorite spot.

It’s inside this amazing outdoor mall that looks more like a museum than a shopping spot.

After an incredible meal it was time to unwind and wander the streets of Milan. We stopped in a cafe along the way back to the hotel for a taste of Milan’s signature drink, the Aperol Spritz. It is delicious in a light, summery way that makes you feel like you are exploring Milan while relaxing with your feet up.

Day one: Complete!

peace,

KJ

Summer Devotional Series: The Anguish of Necessity

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What I’m Listening to: Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue by Crystal Gayle

Before we start discussing this week’s message, it’s important to get one thing out of the way immediately: we are not saved by our works. We’re not. We’re saved by God’s infinite grace:

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–

~Ephesians 2:8 (NIV)

However, knowing that because of our belief we are saved, in spite of anything we could possibly do, should not lull us into a state of complacency. It should not make us shrug our shoulders and think we are doing good enough. Because while we can’t save ourselves or anyone else, our actions can influence others, can help others.

if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

~ Romans 12:8 (NIV)

I’m not saying this in order to make anyone feel like nothing short of quitting their job and becoming a full time missionary is good enough, but rather that it’s important to be open to opportunities to help those in need. To do make the difference we are being called to make.

Prayer Prompt: Ask the Lord to show you places where you can make an impact, not for your own glory, but for God’s.

Peace,

KJ