A Corner of my Room

Moving is quite expensive! I didn't anticipate the expenses that would arise despite the fact that I seemed to already have everything before the move!

But a shower curtain here, new hangers there, and a few joint expenditures with the roomies, and my bank account is suddenly emptier than anticipated.

The grand plans for my very own bedroom (after sharing one for 3 years) have been put on hold for the time being, and I've decided to make due with what I have for awhile. This will give me time to do a little more daydreaming before decorating and allow me to save my spending money for the two trips I'll be taking this month: Atlanta/Charleston and Blacksburg, Virginia.

I'm learning that making it work with what you have isn't all that painful. No, my room doesn't yet have a color scheme, but it's full of collected things that make me happy.

For example, I finally painted the little bookcase I picked up from Miss Pixie's two years ago. It's previous owners had left it half green/half maroon for some strange reason, and I was previously undecided on a color myself, {on top of being too lazy to paint it}.

Last week I gave it two coats of black semi-gloss and asked a friend to do her best to color coordinate my books when she offered to help me organize. I really like the results!



For now, it is topped with a lovely mirror I picked up at The Lucketts Store during a "design adventure" with The Girl and In The Tweeds back in May. My sweet sister sent me the beautiful card for my birthday, so a favorite picture of us is placed there, as well. Two pretty wrapping papers from The Papery have nowhere else to go - plus I love looking at that butterfly print! - and my Nebraska cheerleader Barbie and a photo album are stored on the other side.

It's temporary, but it's everything I love, and that should tide me over for a bit.

Housewarming

Our house was warmed well this weekend . . with over 60 friends in attendance! Thanks to flash flood warnings, we kept the party indoors but were still able to use our new Weber grill for burgers, dogs, Korean short ribs and chicken, corn on the cob, and veggies.

Everyone raved about the food, the playlist (blaring from the industrial speakers we borrowed), our cute home, and all the fun they had! We were so happy. I was too busy socializing to take many pictures, of course. While my roommates were busy prepping items for the grill, I spent the day purchasing purple pillows for our couch and baking two of my favorite cakes (to remind me of home): angel food cake with a frosting of butter, milk and powdered sugar and triple chocolate bundt cake. I received compliments on both, nearly getting a marriage proposal for the latter. Then he asked what my best dish was, and I had to honestly reply “a scrambled egg sandwich”. Not so good in the kitchen {yet}, folks.

I’m going to begin pushing for another party in October!

Ballgame!

A summer with no ballgames in it is not completely summery if you ask me. That’s why I was so glad to finally be going to a game last Friday. It was my 2^nd game at the new-as-of-last-year Nationals stadium . . and once again, it poured. Fortunately I had plenty of fun prior to the downpour thanks to free tickets to the Beerpen, a $10 food coupon, and 3 free drinks (which included bottled water, thank goodness, although I do love a cold beer every now and then). Gotta love FREE! The only thing that would’ve made the evening better would’ve been losing the obnoxious Brit that was part of our group. So crass! But I did enjoy singing Mary Poppins tunes with him. I mean, he sounded exactly like Bert! So I guess you could say the night was sort of supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! ;) Nerdy, I know, but I couldn't resist.

Looking Forward to Labor Day

Getting cash for your birthday is no fun at all, in my opinion. I never know what to put it toward, and I do miss the fun of wrapping paper. But alas, this is what happens when you get older, and you don’t live close to home. Last year I put all the birthday cash toward a plane ticket to New Hampshire to visit Best Friend and her husband over my birthday, hang out in Boston and quaint towns in Maine and Mass, and spend a couple of nights at her in-laws’ beach house in Salisbury. It was wonderful! This year I’ve decided the cash will be put toward a Labor Day multi-city ticket. I couldn’t say no to free tickets to the Chik-fil-A game in Atlanta, even though it means missing my team’s opening game on pay-per-view at the Pub {tear}. I’ve never been to Atlanta before, and it will give me an opportunity to watch one of our opponents up-close before playing them two weeks later. Virginia Tech (ACC champion) and Alabama will duke it out in what’s sure to be an entertaining showdown on September 5^th. On top of a trip to Atlanta, my roommate, her guy, and I will be flying on to the beach in Charleston, SC for two days of sand and sun in a city I’ve been dying to get back to. I can’t wait! {When I listed Hilton Head, SC on my birthday wish list, I guess I wasn’t too far off!}

Here are some pictures from my last trip to Charleston when I stayed on the gorgeous Kiawah Island.

The Actual Birthday

I can't think of anything I'd rather do on my birthday than go boating.

The tubing was rough {see leg in air} which means more fun than usual.





And of course there was skiing and wakeboarding and pulled pork sandwiches and sweet potato fries.

There were also cupcakes.



An extra long day on the lake = perfect {actual} birthday.



Believe it or not, the celebration continues this weekend, as my roommates have suggested that our housewarming party double as a birthday party for me. Having just moved in eleven days ago, we're scurrying to get settled and make our place look presentable for our guests.

I've painted two chairs and a bookcase this week, we made a trip to Costco tonight for food to grill, and boxes are being unpacked left and right. Hosting a party is great incentive!

Birthday Weekend Continued . .

When KC suggested 18 holes of early-morning golf on Saturday, I thought it sounded like a fantastic idea. But I soon remembered why I usually stick to 9. I hate golf. No, I love it . . when I'm playing well, which isn't nearly enough to keep me happy for four hours. Miss Positivity was in a bad mood. I would love to take another lesson to hopefully get me back to the level at which I used to play, because, despite the occasional well-played hole, Saturday was pretty painful.



That evening I was able to celebrate by having dinner with ten of my wonderful friends at Indigo Landing, the same restaurant at which I celebrated two years ago. I had hoped to sit out on the deck looking out to the river, but after spending many hours in the sun that day, the A/C was fine by me. And the view could still be seen from inside. I ordered the delicious crab cakes with sweet corn on the side and a glass of Pinot Grigio. As you can see, they brought me not one, but two cakes for dessert . . and I finished both, of course.



I had my heart set on salsa dancing after dinner, and that's exactly what I did on the tiny 2nd floor of . . .



Here I am with my Latin lover Miguel with whom I danced for nearly an hour straight.





When I was dripping with sweat and could merengue no more, I suggested we check out another location . . preferably somewhere cooler!

By the end of the night, we'd worked up quite an appetite again but couldn't decide which sounded better: jumbo slice pizza or empanadas. You know where this is going . .









It was a fun night!

Birthday Weekend

You're only as old as you feel, right? Riiight?? I hope so, because this new number is going to have to grow on me.

My birthday celebration began Friday afternoon when Em and I met up at Cone E. Island on the GW campus, and she treated me to a scoop of honey bun. It might be my new favorite flavor - perfect amount of cinnamon and swirls of dough. I had to smile when I noticed the not-so-subtle "encouragement" to order the largest cone.



That evening, I met up with three of my girlfriends for a Southern meal al fresco. Using the "it's your birthday weekend" excuse to order whatever I wanted, I enjoyed a roasted chicken stuffed with ham, cornbread, and granny smith apples. Mashed potatoes and green beans were served on the side.



It was quite the appropriate meal for a night of country dancing . . and the weekend had only just begun.

Important Paper

Did the body man do a good job? I think so, especially for the price. It isn't a body shop-level repair, but that would've run over $1300 with me paying a chunk for the deductible.

And speaking of the car guy, I threw away his phone number! I'll need him to come back and buff the paint job, as well as put on my new light cover, so tossing the number is NOT GOOD. I appreciate my roommate's suggestion at the gas station that I "throw away all these papers" in my front seat. But last night was the wrong time to do so. Fortunately, as soon as we made it home, I realized what I'd done, and we hurried back to that gas station as soon as we finished our mint Skinny Cows {a guilt-free reward for a hardcore workout}. Just under a few receipts lay THE paper with his number scribbled on the back. I'm so glad no real trash-digging was required.

And the story continues . .

Only I

I thought I was just going to the gym last night, but as I circled the parking lot waiting for a spot to open up, I noticed an old Jaguar stayed right on my tail. After doing a u-turn, I saw that he was trying to get my attention.

"Excuse me, miss. I noticed that you need some bodywork done on your car. I can do that for you right now."

Oh believe me, I was skeptical. I told him "no, thanks" and explained that I'd just gotten an estimate from my insurance company and planned to take it into a shop next week. But he insisted I let him demonstrate just some of what he could do. And when he mentioned the price he would do it for, he hit me where I was vulnerable. I did not want to pay that insurance deductible. Not for a car that is ten years old and has numerous little dings and scratches thanks to D.C. parking. And especially not because let's be honest, I'd rather spend it on upcoming trips.

So I consented to parking and allowing him to demonstrate his magic. Meanwhile, I phoned KC inside and asked her to come out for moral support.

Unlike my usual mode of operation, I forgot to call my father for his sage advice on all things car-related, and I went ahead and allowed the gentleman to begin work on my car right there in the gym parking lot. I was totally multi-tasking by doing my own body work in the weight room!

I knew the paint job wouldn't be stellar. What can you expect in one hour outside of a body shop? But at least the dent would be gone, and I'd be able to order my light cover and pass my safety inspection this month.

The story continues as I run around in an attempt to pay the man in cash, but I'll spare you the complex details of that part. I'm just glad KC was along for the ride - or rather, she gave me a ride!

By the end of the evening, I was at CVS purchasing AmEx cash cards for my new mechanic friend and KC was at the grocery store, the one I'd somehow driven past TWICE failing to make the necessary turn into the parking lot.

"Let's bake biscuits," she said over the phone. "Doesn't that sound good?"

Ohmygosh, that sounded so good! Nothing like a comforting snack of biscuits to make you feel better about a rash decision.

So she came over, met my new house, and baked golden brown biscuits. When she left, she said I could save the last two for my roommates.

But you know I ate them myself.

Crush

So I have a crush on this boy. He’s younger, fresh out of a serious relationship, and well, nothing’s ever going to happen between us. In fact, the other day I decided I should just stop crushing altogether – you know, because it’s such hard work thinking someone is nice and cute and fun.

But then he became a fan of Scrabble on facebook.

. . the crush continues . .

All Moved In!

Four girls. Two U-hauls {a 14 footer and a 24 footer} filled to the brim. It's amazing what you can accumulate in just a few years. We're all moved in, and now it's time to unpack. Ugh. Overwhelming, but fun at the same time. Hopefully I can get organized and stay organized in my new space.

Decorating will be an interesting challenge. I have a feeling that two of the girls prefer a more traditional look, whereas I . . well, I painted an antique mirror a bright, glossy red. Here's hoping we can find a good compromise. If nothing else, I have ambitious plans for my bedroom. I think I've already decided on a color scheme, as I may have found the duvet cover. I'll be checking in with you all to hear what you think, I'm sure.

My first home purchase has already been made . . a large kitchen island! Of all things, I spent a wad of cash on a common area piece. But it's very needed, and I'm excited to put it together. I'm not very good at furniture assembly, so we'll see how it goes . .

The island will go on the left:


I'm signing off until our internet is turned on at the new place. Have a great weekend!

It's Moving Day!

It was a late night helping a new roommate pack. Thank goodness for good packing snacks:



Hobo week is over, and {althought it's been really fun having sleepovers with friends} I am ready to move into our {new} house!



I'm especially excited about the tile in my very own bathroom!

Movie on the Mall

Screen on the Green is a fun way to spend a summer evening, especially on a weekday. The perfect treat after finishing a dreaded Monday at work.

Last night, the movie was "On the Waterfront" with Marlon Brando.

My favorite line: "You wanna stick o' gum?" Yes, that is the way to comfort a grieving woman.

I'm glad my friend was able to save such a close-up spot for us . .