Spend an extra $3

. . and give a pretty card.

the job

I've really been loving my job lately - as in this week. I go back and forth between liking it and thinking I'm not cut out for it, but I always land on the reality that God wouldn't place me somewhere I shouldn't be. And I know He was definitely the one who opened this door. This week I've had a speech, a strategic plan, and a contract to put together. Rather than bite my nails all day and procrastinate, I've actually sat down and finished all three . . and enjoyed doing it! Believe me when I say that this is a blessing from above. And it's also been proof to me that when I surrender my personal life to the Lord, the peace overflows into all areas of my life. Not a new revelation, but a great reminder!

Call Me Tex

I can check something else off my list. I shot a handgun last weekend. I've shot a shotgun and actually hit a clay before, but this was new. I was a little nervous to be handling something so dangerous, but now that I've done it, I can't wait to go back. I seriously need to quit adding hobbies to my life!

Silver Bullet

That's what we call this guy. I went two-stepping last night, and I hoped this old man would be there. He spins you dizzy, and he knows what he's doing! I really should make the country bar a regular Friday night thing.

*Again, hair . . awful.

lovely day

Something about the weather yesterday just felt right. It was misty, mid-50s, and overcast, and I was loving it. Rather than catch a cab back to the office from a meeting on Pennsylvania Ave, I decided to walk the eight blocks or so.

I stopped in front of the South Lawn and asked a tourist to take a picture of me. Living here . . it really doesn't ever get old.

*The one negative about the weather? Just look at the hair.

I love Grandma

I was crying to my grandma on the phone last night, and she knew just how to cheer me up.

“Have you bought any new clothes lately?”

As a matter of fact, I have! And I went on to tell her about my animal print scarf, riding boots, wide belt, skinny jeans, and majorly on-sale Theory jean jacket. (So much for only allowing myself two “it” items this Fall.)

She begged me to send her pictures, and I got right on it.

She may be selling my favorite place in the whole wide world, but I’m so glad I still have her!

losing

I'm sad. Puffy, swollen eyes sad.

Loss is hard. Change is hard.

Dreams that won't ever come true. That's a loss, too.

I was afraid of this, but I wasn't. I thought surely the timing would be different. I'd be ready to let go.

It's not a person, it's a place. And I don't feel ready. And I'm sad.

Fall in (love with) Virginia

I can't imagine a more perfect fall weekend . . unless I wasn't fighting off some kind of bug. I haven't felt 100% since Thursday - very draggy, waking up feeling the heaviness in my head, stuffed up, etc. But of course I haven't let it stop my fun. (I may be regretting it tomorrow.)

Saturday morning, Friend and I went to an estate sale, picking up a few vintage finds that we are in love with. I took home two pretty bowls and an old metal cake cover that says 'cake' on it. All for only $10, when originally the cover alone had been $25!

I watched football Saturday afternoon, of course. Go Huskers! That evening was spent with the boating boys and another girl friend around the firepit in their backyard (a forest) making hobo pies (campfire paninis, basically) and eating birthday cake. The cake fell on the ground, COVERED in leaves and dirt, and I attempted to save it by scraping off the top with a knife. Didn't work very well, but it made for a good laugh.
The boys live over an hour away, but I awoke this morning to head back to Virginia for some hiking with them in the mountains at Shenandoah National Park (Appalachian Trail). It was 45 degrees up there, quite chilly compared to the temperatures near D.C., and the trees had begun to lose their leaves at the top of the mountain, but there were still some spectacular views. The mountains are only about 2 1/2 hours from my house, and I've always wanted to visit in the fall!

Sweet Mama

I babysat for the little misses last night. Imagine my surprise when, during our regular sing and dance show, I got this spontaneous performance. Normally we just stick to songs like "Build Me Up Buttercup".


And then she proclaimed that she was a gigolo. I had a few words with her dad (my old colleague) that night. :)

My Vote

Tomorrow morning I'm voting for John McCain. Here are just a few reasons why (not necessarily in any particular order):

1. John McCain is a proven patriot. (Being a POW does not qualify you for the Presidency, but it does demonstrate love of country and a passion to win wars and defeat our enemies.)
2. McCain believes that evil exists and must be taken out. (Electing an African-American President with an Islamic name will not suddenly turn our enemies into kind, rational human beings.)
3. McCain won't raise taxes on anyone, a plan that he realizes would hurt our country, especially as we go through this recession.
4. McCain values life whereas Obama clearly does not. (Obama's vote against a bill that would've protected babies surviving late-term abortions is horrendous, as is his vote against a bill that would give unwanted babies surviving abortions and wanted babies born prematurely equal treatment. This is a bill not even NARAL Pro-Choice America opposed. In fact, only 15 House members did. He also supports the Freedom of Choice Act which would destroy limitations on abortion in all states, such as parental notification and waiting periods. He ALSO voted against a law banning partial-birth abortions.)
5. McCain has a better health care plan. His plan will take the most flawed aspect of our current system, the tax break for employers, and give that tax break to us. Obama prefers a plan like Canada's, where provinces are currently trying to ensure that cancer patients are treated within 4 weeks of diagnosis. Among many government-run health care plan flaws, long wait times is one of them. Guess what? The rich still get the best care.
6. McCain wants parents to be able to choose their own schools to see which school fits best for their child. School choice is the best solution for improving schools. This is how we weed out bad teachers.
7. McCain supports the Second Amendment. Obama does not.
8. McCain understands the issue of illegal immigration. He wants our borders to be secured, and he has a plan.
9. He has proven many times that he can bridge the gap of party lines. Obama has not. He has a 96% liberal voting record. His actions just don't match his words.
10. McCain has shown that he is committed to reform and cutting spending, which is exactly what we need. The spending has gotten out of control!
11. McCain wants to let us keep more of our money, all of us. Obama wants to take money from the rich and give it to the poor, just another form of welfare. His "tax cuts" are actually tax credits. He says he'll cut taxes for 95% of America when 30% don't even pay taxes. I'd rather keep my money in the first place than have it taken from me and then given back as some sort of "credit".
I could go on and on . . but it's past my bedtime, and I want to also list reasons I wouldn't vote for Obama in addition to the above.
1. Obama has a shady past. I can't understand how people can so easily dismiss his associations. He wouldn't even be able to get security clearance! (Trust me, I've been through the process.)
2. Obama supported his Muslim cousin in his run for the Presidency in Kenya. He ran against a Christian candidate and lost.
3. Obama's grandmother has been running around Kenya telling people that he was born there, and Obama has reluctantly shown two separate "birth certificates" from Hawaii that look nothing alike. I don't want to believe it's true, but why was he fighting so hard to produce the documents.
4. No one has seen any other documents Obama has produced. What about his school transcripts? What about papers he has written? These are normal things that should be public information.
5. I don't believe Obama wasn't aware of his pastor's anti-American attitude. Yet he was mentored by him, attended for years and years, and also gave him money.
6. Obama said he doesn't support marriage between same sex couples, yet he called California's Prop 8 "divisive". Whether you support Prop 8 or not, that is called a complete contradiction. What do you really believe, Mr. Obama?
7. Obama's comments about rural America were offensive, as were his wife's comments about America.
8. Obama's campaign has been run on a "unity" platform, but writings by his wife back at Princeton reveal her racial mindset/worldview. Scary.
9. Can you name a single accomplishment he has achieved?
10. He's been running for the Presidency ever since he got into the U.S. Senate.

Shoot, I want to keep writing, but it's past 11pm, and I'm waking up at 6am to vote for JOHN McCAIN. Good night. :)

Costume

My costume: microphone, ESPN mic flag, ESPN credentials on lanyard, blonde clip-on hair extensions, business attire.

Everyone seemed to love it, and several people knew who I was right away. Here I am covering a competitive game of beer pong. My reporting revealed a bit of a bias, but the other team really was cheating.