New Girl and I went to Legal Sea Foods for dinner last night for the best clam chower and a mixed greens salad. We discussed our plans for a weekend in NYC in December and shared stories from Thanksgiving. For the longest time, I had mixed feelings about New Girl, as I’m sure was evident by reading my blog (I know BSG picked up on it). But after our trip to Wisconsin, I really have grown to appreciate her personality and the fact that she can be loud and kinda silly and still be successful. Previously I would only enjoy her outside of work (and even then not all the time), but I am now able to also enjoy working alongside her. I can even handle her talking about her boyfriend constantly. I don’t know if it’s just God’s grace or what, but I’m glad that my feelings have changed.
Tonight I had a happy hour with the President of my company at the Ritz. Then Bible study, which I was excited for – I’ve missed those girls! And then scrubbing the kitchen floor on my hands and knees! Our kitchen floor is disgusting. Let me just say: Swiffer is not acceptable as a sole method of cleaning floors, whether wet Swiffer or dry Swiffer . . it doesn’t cut it. Swiffer is for “Quick! Clean the floor! Someone’s coming over!” not for “We are normal, cleanly people who take proper precautions to make sure that our living conditions portray that we are normal, cleanly people”. I went out and bought a bucket and some floor cleaner last night along with a scrub brush, so that floor is going to shine!
Mom and Farmtown Grandma were on speaker phone tonight as I told the story of The Lobbyist's visit. My cute Grandma asks me if it bothers me that he's a lobbyist (because she's thinking that all lobbyists are Jack Abramoff) and I explain the purpose lobbyists serve and that not all are corrupt. She ends the conversation by saying "Only time will tell . . . You will maybe not mind his receding hairline because you like his personality." Which let's be honest, I don't really care about his age or his hair (or lack thereof). Like Grandma said, "Only time will tell".
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Sunday, November 26, 2006
ManchVegas Thanksgiving
As was to be expected, I had a fabulous time in New Hampshire! It's always hard to leave when you're having quality time with such great people. BF's fiance's family is so hospitable and generous and FUN. The only disappointing part of the trip was not coming up with a way to marry into their family.
BF and her fiance have had a long distance relationship the entire time, so being able to be around them and get to know him has been such a blessing. The first time I met his family I told her, "You HAVE to marry him. His family is so cool!" Not to mention the fact that he is extremely high quality himself. I'm so happy for her and so thankful that God has allowed us to spend so much time together since I've moved.
I'll always cherish the memories we made this week . . laughing so hard we nearly stopped breathing . . sleepovers in the King-sized bed and late-late night talks . . wayyy too many cookies . . Sal's pizza and Back Room tenders . . and seeing my best friend in love.
BF and her fiance have had a long distance relationship the entire time, so being able to be around them and get to know him has been such a blessing. The first time I met his family I told her, "You HAVE to marry him. His family is so cool!" Not to mention the fact that he is extremely high quality himself. I'm so happy for her and so thankful that God has allowed us to spend so much time together since I've moved.
I'll always cherish the memories we made this week . . laughing so hard we nearly stopped breathing . . sleepovers in the King-sized bed and late-late night talks . . wayyy too many cookies . . Sal's pizza and Back Room tenders . . and seeing my best friend in love.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
New Hampsha, here I come
The plan is to leave in two hours for Baltimore in order to miss the worst of rush hour traffic. From there, I will fly to ManchVegas, New Hampshire for Thanksgiving with BF's fiance's family. I just finished baking the pumpkin cookies and feel a little sick. All I've eaten today is banana bread and cookie dough - blech.
I'm so excited to go! The plan is: Day 1: outlet shopping in Maine, Day 2: Thanksgiving, Day 3: Trans-Siberian orchestra, Day 4: BF's fiance's dad's wedding (got that?). Not only do I get to spend another four whole days with BF, but AMC will be there tonight passing through (They're my married couple friends from Omaha who have family in NH).
I doubt I'll post until next week, but I'll be busy taking pictures for you all to see!
Have a great Thanksgiving!
I'm so excited to go! The plan is: Day 1: outlet shopping in Maine, Day 2: Thanksgiving, Day 3: Trans-Siberian orchestra, Day 4: BF's fiance's dad's wedding (got that?). Not only do I get to spend another four whole days with BF, but AMC will be there tonight passing through (They're my married couple friends from Omaha who have family in NH).
I doubt I'll post until next week, but I'll be busy taking pictures for you all to see!
Have a great Thanksgiving!
Sunday, November 19, 2006
What a difference a workout makes
Just to give you a picture of what my weekend has looked like thus far:
I did, in fact, see the new James Bond flick with BSG. I thought it was great and definitely recommend it if you're into that type of movie. We grabbed a bite to eat at Clyde's afterward and, I somehow missed it before, but they have the best fries ever!
Saturday morning, I slept until 11am. Sad. But what's worse is that I then spent a good three hours in my pajamas on the internet. I cleaned out my closet and put a decent sized dent in it so my clothing now barely fits, as opposed to not fitting at all. I did attend the karaoke fundraiser, but no singing for me. Our group of four went on to a couple of other bars and before we knew it, it was after 1am. I got on the internet again and didn't get to sleep until 3am. . .
Which means that I slept until NOON today. NOON. And then spent another two hours in my
pajamas on the internet.
My point is that my weekend has been highly unproductive. Lazy. And a good indication that, in addition to having a shopping addiction, I have also formed a dependency to my computer.
The amazing thing is that once I forced myself into my workout clothes and up the three flights of stairs to the exercise room I felt a sudden burst of energy. After an hour of calorie burning, I went back to my apartment and accomplished more in one hour than I had in the last 48. I finished cleaning my closet, finished emptying out my suitcase (and yes, it's been 6 days since I've been back), made an important phone call to Southwest, and ate a healthy meal.
So get off the internet, Friends! and go work out!
I did, in fact, see the new James Bond flick with BSG. I thought it was great and definitely recommend it if you're into that type of movie. We grabbed a bite to eat at Clyde's afterward and, I somehow missed it before, but they have the best fries ever!
Saturday morning, I slept until 11am. Sad. But what's worse is that I then spent a good three hours in my pajamas on the internet. I cleaned out my closet and put a decent sized dent in it so my clothing now barely fits, as opposed to not fitting at all. I did attend the karaoke fundraiser, but no singing for me. Our group of four went on to a couple of other bars and before we knew it, it was after 1am. I got on the internet again and didn't get to sleep until 3am. . .
Which means that I slept until NOON today. NOON. And then spent another two hours in my
pajamas on the internet.
My point is that my weekend has been highly unproductive. Lazy. And a good indication that, in addition to having a shopping addiction, I have also formed a dependency to my computer.
The amazing thing is that once I forced myself into my workout clothes and up the three flights of stairs to the exercise room I felt a sudden burst of energy. After an hour of calorie burning, I went back to my apartment and accomplished more in one hour than I had in the last 48. I finished cleaning my closet, finished emptying out my suitcase (and yes, it's been 6 days since I've been back), made an important phone call to Southwest, and ate a healthy meal.
So get off the internet, Friends! and go work out!
Saturday, November 18, 2006
The Kids
I don't know how I forgot to post this one. I got to see "the kids" back home. Their older brother (7) was upstairs playing on the computer as usual. He just loves his computer games!
These two are 4 1/2 now, but I started watching them when they were only 3 weeks old! Premature, so tiny, and so adorable.
They gave me big hugs when I came over and had to show me all of their new things and/or new tricks . . like Caroline's somersaults. Visiting them is quite an exercise for the neck, because they are all talking at the same time, vying for my attention, wanting to show me something or tell me something. I miss them!
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
My Name
There are 764,920 people in the U.S. with the first name L.
Statistically the 57th most popular first name.
More than 99.9 percent of people with the first name L are female . . thank goodness!
There are 320,966 people in the U.S. with the last name P.
Statistically the 68th most popular last name.
There are 818 people in the U.S. named L P.
So my name isn't super original. It's a pretty all-American name. But I like it!
Statistically the 57th most popular first name.
More than 99.9 percent of people with the first name L are female . . thank goodness!
There are 320,966 people in the U.S. with the last name P.
Statistically the 68th most popular last name.
There are 818 people in the U.S. named L P.
So my name isn't super original. It's a pretty all-American name. But I like it!
My Trip Home
I wasn’t ready to come back to D.C. . . until I headed to work yesterday morning. I had such a great time at home that I wasn’t quite ready to leave. My second visit home really only confirmed that Nebraska isn’t the right place for me . . not now and probably not ever again, but who knows. I love it there . . not just the people, either, but I really love the place. I just know I wouldn’t be happy there.
My trip home was packed - couldn't have been more packed.
I . .
- had dinner with my family and two grandmas at El Bee’s Mexican
- visited AG and her husband, felt Baby Girl kick!, and ate Valentino’s pizza
- hung out at a new bar with Shae
- visited a cute jewelry store in F-town, had lunch at Runza with Uptown Grandma and Mom
- had a home-cooked breakfast with my parents
- went wedding dress shopping with BF, who by the way, is engaged!
- had dinner at Biaggi’s with BF’s parents
- had a hair appointment and catch-up time with Cousin Joy
- went to my cousin’s wedding and hung out with Mom's side of the family
- had a sleep-over with my sister (which included Ben & Jerry's)at her cute college house
- went to church
- had brunch with my family at Farmhouse (my brother even drove in to see me)
- went to a friend’s baby shower
- visited the twins and their brother (the kids I used to nanny)
- went to Baby Triston’s dedication at church
- had dinner with AMC’s friends and family at Lazlo’s to celebrate the baby dedication and L’s b-day
- had lunch at Charleston’s and went shopping with BF
*Note how excited I was to eat at places I can't eat out here*
My trip home was packed - couldn't have been more packed.
I . .
- had dinner with my family and two grandmas at El Bee’s Mexican
- visited AG and her husband, felt Baby Girl kick!, and ate Valentino’s pizza
- hung out at a new bar with Shae
- visited a cute jewelry store in F-town, had lunch at Runza with Uptown Grandma and Mom
- had a home-cooked breakfast with my parents
- went wedding dress shopping with BF, who by the way, is engaged!
- had dinner at Biaggi’s with BF’s parents
- had a hair appointment and catch-up time with Cousin Joy
- went to my cousin’s wedding and hung out with Mom's side of the family
- had a sleep-over with my sister (which included Ben & Jerry's)at her cute college house
- went to church
- had brunch with my family at Farmhouse (my brother even drove in to see me)
- went to a friend’s baby shower
- visited the twins and their brother (the kids I used to nanny)
- went to Baby Triston’s dedication at church
- had dinner with AMC’s friends and family at Lazlo’s to celebrate the baby dedication and L’s b-day
- had lunch at Charleston’s and went shopping with BF
*Note how excited I was to eat at places I can't eat out here*
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Running on low fuel
*Sigh* I'm home! Back for my cousin's wedding and to see my family and friends.
I pulled an all-nighter on Election Night and hung out with The Lobbyist and a co-worker. I learned how to play craps and blackjack and had some more good conversation with The Lobbyist until he drove me to the aiport at 5am. I think he thinks I think he's too old (based on a few comments he's made). It's not his age that bothers me; I'm just not sure . . don't know if we'll get together back in D.C. or not. We did exchange emails yesterday. We'll see . .
The twelve hour travel day wasn't so awful. It's the first time I've been able to sleep well on a plane. I actually slept through the entire take-off twice! The worst part of the day involved TSA (shocker!). The lip gloss that had made it's way past security on my first flight somehow couldn't make it through on the way back. I cried out, "But this is my absolute favorite lip gloss of all time; and it's been discontinued!" (and that's a direct quote). The guy must've thought I was crazy. I turned around and headed to the gift shop for a ziplock bag. The gift shop was closed. I ripped open a plastic utensils bag, threw the lip gloss inside and hurried back to the security line. Not good enough. I turned around again, ran back to the check-in and asked United to please throw my lip gloss into one of my checked bags. Ridiculous.
Back in Nebraska, I met up with my parents, sister, and two grandmothers for my favorite Mexican food, including the best fried ice cream in the world! Today I've had lunch with Uptown Grandma and I'm headed to Omaha to meet up with a few friends (separately) today. I thought I was caught up on sleep but suddenly I'm beginning to feel pretty tired.
I pulled an all-nighter on Election Night and hung out with The Lobbyist and a co-worker. I learned how to play craps and blackjack and had some more good conversation with The Lobbyist until he drove me to the aiport at 5am. I think he thinks I think he's too old (based on a few comments he's made). It's not his age that bothers me; I'm just not sure . . don't know if we'll get together back in D.C. or not. We did exchange emails yesterday. We'll see . .
The twelve hour travel day wasn't so awful. It's the first time I've been able to sleep well on a plane. I actually slept through the entire take-off twice! The worst part of the day involved TSA (shocker!). The lip gloss that had made it's way past security on my first flight somehow couldn't make it through on the way back. I cried out, "But this is my absolute favorite lip gloss of all time; and it's been discontinued!" (and that's a direct quote). The guy must've thought I was crazy. I turned around and headed to the gift shop for a ziplock bag. The gift shop was closed. I ripped open a plastic utensils bag, threw the lip gloss inside and hurried back to the security line. Not good enough. I turned around again, ran back to the check-in and asked United to please throw my lip gloss into one of my checked bags. Ridiculous.
Back in Nebraska, I met up with my parents, sister, and two grandmothers for my favorite Mexican food, including the best fried ice cream in the world! Today I've had lunch with Uptown Grandma and I'm headed to Omaha to meet up with a few friends (separately) today. I thought I was caught up on sleep but suddenly I'm beginning to feel pretty tired.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Hangin' out
I feel kinda bad. I've been hanging out in my hotel room for the past few hours . . instead of "lit dropping" in neighborhoods . . . because hello, everyone is at work and won't be checking their mailbox before voting anyway! I (we, rather) think it's pointless to be rallying more voters today. What's done is done. But I feel bad, because that is why we're here . . to help and we're not doing it (anymore).
Tonight is the party in Green Bay for which I'll be able to get semi-dressed-up. Unfortunately, at this point, I'm too exhausted to care. And I'm dreading my 6am flight tomorrow morning! I'll be flying all the way back to D.C., hanging out at the airport for 4 hours and then catching a flight to Nebraska. (It's complicated, so I won't bother explaining the excess travel.) I'll just be happy once I land in Nebraska tomorrow night!! Only 24 more hours!
Tonight is the party in Green Bay for which I'll be able to get semi-dressed-up. Unfortunately, at this point, I'm too exhausted to care. And I'm dreading my 6am flight tomorrow morning! I'll be flying all the way back to D.C., hanging out at the airport for 4 hours and then catching a flight to Nebraska. (It's complicated, so I won't bother explaining the excess travel.) I'll just be happy once I land in Nebraska tomorrow night!! Only 24 more hours!
Waupaca
I've traveled here (Waupaca, Wisconsin) with 6 other DC folks, one being New Girl. Despite the lack of local volunteers, which leaves us with even more work to do, things have gone well. We've spent our days knocking on doors and reminding our supporters to vote tomorrow. We've called them, too. Our nights have been spent at the local bars, playing fussball, shooting pool, telling stories, and my favorite . . . singing karaoke. One of the many highlights has been New Girl getting hit on by a very large, large man (375 lbs. large) who told her, "I bet I can guess your weight by picking you up". Talented people these Wisconsinites.
As I'm sure you know, tomorrow is Election Day! I'm excited - nervous excited. Don't forget to go out and vote Everyone! . . unless you plan to vote for a Democrat, hehe. I'm not saying that I would never vote for a Democrat. I always take all the issues into consideration. However, Nancy Pelosi scares the crap out of me and there are too many important issues at stake in this election to not vote the party line. Again, so sad I can't vote! If I were actually voting this year (in Nebraska), I would vote for Pete Ricketts - not because I don't like Ben Nelson, but because you can't completely claim to be an independent when you have a D behind your name and you work in D.C. Partisanship is a big deal. Not to mention the fact that Ricketts is a good guy. He has some good ideas, a solid background in business, and the ability to partner with Senator Hagel, a fellow Nebraska Senator, in looking out for our state.
With that, I'm headed to bed.
As I'm sure you know, tomorrow is Election Day! I'm excited - nervous excited. Don't forget to go out and vote Everyone! . . unless you plan to vote for a Democrat, hehe. I'm not saying that I would never vote for a Democrat. I always take all the issues into consideration. However, Nancy Pelosi scares the crap out of me and there are too many important issues at stake in this election to not vote the party line. Again, so sad I can't vote! If I were actually voting this year (in Nebraska), I would vote for Pete Ricketts - not because I don't like Ben Nelson, but because you can't completely claim to be an independent when you have a D behind your name and you work in D.C. Partisanship is a big deal. Not to mention the fact that Ricketts is a good guy. He has some good ideas, a solid background in business, and the ability to partner with Senator Hagel, a fellow Nebraska Senator, in looking out for our state.
With that, I'm headed to bed.
Friday, November 03, 2006
-ing
Leaving in five minutes. Feeling like crap. Eating chocolate fudge cake for comfort. Missing my per diem check. Bringing two suitcases. Thanking my roommate for driving me to the airport (so I don't have to metro with those two suitcases). Hoping I feel better and have a great time.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Off to Wisconsin
So I currently have FOUR flight itineraries sitting in my inbox. Coincidentally, I have THREE flight itineraries sitting on my credit card. Ouch! Gonna have to take care of that asap . . like by maybe winning the lottery. I couldn’t not buy one of those plane tickets, because #1. I want to see my cousin get married and visit all my friends that I have not seen in almost 5 months, #2. I have to celebrate Thanksgiving with a family even if it’s not my family, and #3. obviously, I have to go home for Christmas. I found a Christmas flight for only $232 which is as cheap as you'll ever get to go home, but when I selected it, it jumped to $536. There is no way! I don’t love my family that much (just kidding, family . . but seriously, I wouldn’t pay that much). Thanks to BSG’s mention of kayak.com, I found the cheapest available flight out of all the travel websites. So for $355, I’m going home for the holidays next month. I sure hope they don’t expect me to bring any Christmas gifts.
My first of four trips is tomorrow as I fly out to lovely Wisconsin to campaign. I was hoping to get my things together last night, but my roommate, sick with mono, went to bed at 7pm so it was lights out . . . and suddenly sharing a room became very inconvenient. Tonight, I hauled to get home before she did to basically call dibs on the room, which means lights on until I was done packing! Did I mention that I am now sick, too? Perfect timing since I’ll be traveling for 11 days. Ugh. I only have 8 ½ days of work left this month, which is insane! My company is so great; they’re giving us the entire week off for Thanksgiving (and Christmas, too). . so between that and my travels this coming week, only two weeks of work in November! Honestly, I think I'm going to feel so lazy not being at work . . but I can handle lazy just this once.
*Hopefully I'll be able to post before I get to Nebraska, but I might be too busy eating cheese (and taking pictures of myself eating cheese) to post these next five days in Wisconsin.
My first of four trips is tomorrow as I fly out to lovely Wisconsin to campaign. I was hoping to get my things together last night, but my roommate, sick with mono, went to bed at 7pm so it was lights out . . . and suddenly sharing a room became very inconvenient. Tonight, I hauled to get home before she did to basically call dibs on the room, which means lights on until I was done packing! Did I mention that I am now sick, too? Perfect timing since I’ll be traveling for 11 days. Ugh. I only have 8 ½ days of work left this month, which is insane! My company is so great; they’re giving us the entire week off for Thanksgiving (and Christmas, too). . so between that and my travels this coming week, only two weeks of work in November! Honestly, I think I'm going to feel so lazy not being at work . . but I can handle lazy just this once.
*Hopefully I'll be able to post before I get to Nebraska, but I might be too busy eating cheese (and taking pictures of myself eating cheese) to post these next five days in Wisconsin.
Fall Weekend Pics
"Bug" (his nickname) dressed as a frog at his 1st birthday party.
Walker roots for the best team in college football! (His dad got him out of that frog costume the first chance he got.)
Me and "the shower" . . yes, the whole thing was attached to him. You can imagine how funny it was when he tried to dance.
Marine Corps Marathon
Iwo Jima (where the marathon ended)
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
LONG weekend update
I had another fantastic weekend . .
Friday night, BSG and I went bowling at Lucky Strike which is everything a bowling alley in the Midwest is not – classy. It’s a bar, it’s a restaurant, and it’s got a dress code. This is my kind of place. My only complaint is that their lanes must’ve needed waxing or something, because my ball went into the gutter way more than usual J
We also went to see “Flags of our Fathers” which was an excellent movie. BSG says that it’s almost as good as the book.
Saturday morning, we headed to a consignment store in Bethesda so BSG could attempt to sell a few items she never wears anymore. I was incredibly impressed with the prices. We spotted a like-new JCrew jacket for only $25! And the designer jeans were priced fabulously too! Looks like this girl has found yet another place to shop . . only a lot cheaper than the stores I usually frequent. I don’t have anything against wearing someone’s hand-me-downs as long as they don’t look like hand-me-downs.
Across the street was a cute little flea market with a few great vendors. I will definitely be going back when I have some extra cash . . and when that time comes, I hope they still have the flea market, because it will probably be a few years from now.
Baby Walker had his 1st birthday party on Saturday, and it was the cutest birthday party I’ve ever been to. It was a costume party for babies! All of his play group friends and his parents’ friends’ kids were there – all 3 years of age and younger – in their adorable little costumes. Walker was a frog. The 3-year olds randomly started playing their recorders as we sang him happy birthday. K had the most delicious appetizers set out for the grown-ups and a few different bottles of wine. The kids had a table of their own with baby finger foods and crayons. All adorable kids, but Walker is still the cutest baby I know!
I attended my own costume party that night, to which I went as a Cornhusker . . not a Cornhusker fan, but an actual Cornhusker . . overalls, a flannel shirt, boots, and corn husks in my pockets. I thought it was a creative (albeit lazy) idea, especially since it was basically FREE (because I am definitely returning that flannel shirt). The best costume by far was a shower! I also enjoyed Johnny from the Karate Kid; the guy looked like he jumped right out of the movie. And Mike Ditka had won a costume party the night before. I met Enrique Iglesias, too . . not really, but he totally looked like him.
Sunday morning, I went outside to watch the Marine Corps Marathon runners go by my apartment building. When I discovered I had missed all 34,000 of them, I introduced myself to a family who let me tag along and watch the runners at different points in the race. We walked 5 miles to the National Mall and 5 miles back to Iwo Jima which is near my apartment. It was so fun to cheer on the runners, yelling out the names written on their shirts. The family was great! They were cheering on their wife/mom/best friend. They let me borrow their fleece jacket and called me their adopted L, since the daughter’s name was L, too. It’s kinda funny that I’m going to be on their home video documentary!
Friday night, BSG and I went bowling at Lucky Strike which is everything a bowling alley in the Midwest is not – classy. It’s a bar, it’s a restaurant, and it’s got a dress code. This is my kind of place. My only complaint is that their lanes must’ve needed waxing or something, because my ball went into the gutter way more than usual J
We also went to see “Flags of our Fathers” which was an excellent movie. BSG says that it’s almost as good as the book.
Saturday morning, we headed to a consignment store in Bethesda so BSG could attempt to sell a few items she never wears anymore. I was incredibly impressed with the prices. We spotted a like-new JCrew jacket for only $25! And the designer jeans were priced fabulously too! Looks like this girl has found yet another place to shop . . only a lot cheaper than the stores I usually frequent. I don’t have anything against wearing someone’s hand-me-downs as long as they don’t look like hand-me-downs.
Across the street was a cute little flea market with a few great vendors. I will definitely be going back when I have some extra cash . . and when that time comes, I hope they still have the flea market, because it will probably be a few years from now.
Baby Walker had his 1st birthday party on Saturday, and it was the cutest birthday party I’ve ever been to. It was a costume party for babies! All of his play group friends and his parents’ friends’ kids were there – all 3 years of age and younger – in their adorable little costumes. Walker was a frog. The 3-year olds randomly started playing their recorders as we sang him happy birthday. K had the most delicious appetizers set out for the grown-ups and a few different bottles of wine. The kids had a table of their own with baby finger foods and crayons. All adorable kids, but Walker is still the cutest baby I know!
I attended my own costume party that night, to which I went as a Cornhusker . . not a Cornhusker fan, but an actual Cornhusker . . overalls, a flannel shirt, boots, and corn husks in my pockets. I thought it was a creative (albeit lazy) idea, especially since it was basically FREE (because I am definitely returning that flannel shirt). The best costume by far was a shower! I also enjoyed Johnny from the Karate Kid; the guy looked like he jumped right out of the movie. And Mike Ditka had won a costume party the night before. I met Enrique Iglesias, too . . not really, but he totally looked like him.
Sunday morning, I went outside to watch the Marine Corps Marathon runners go by my apartment building. When I discovered I had missed all 34,000 of them, I introduced myself to a family who let me tag along and watch the runners at different points in the race. We walked 5 miles to the National Mall and 5 miles back to Iwo Jima which is near my apartment. It was so fun to cheer on the runners, yelling out the names written on their shirts. The family was great! They were cheering on their wife/mom/best friend. They let me borrow their fleece jacket and called me their adopted L, since the daughter’s name was L, too. It’s kinda funny that I’m going to be on their home video documentary!
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Today
New Girl, on riding with me:
"Your driving kinda fits your personality. Not dangerous but slightly spontaneous."
Me, on mismatched foundation:
New Girl, at the bathroom sink, talking to a maintenance woman: “Is my foundation streaky?”
Me, from the stall: “Yes”.
New Girl, as she sees that it’s me exiting the stall: “Is doesn’t look that bad, does it?”
Me: “Only in the daylight”.
I’m a firm believer that no loyalty to a cosmetic brand should override the need for a better foundation. In fact, I have a couple of friends who need to either fork out more money at the tanning salon or invest in a lighter foundation and some bronzer. My comments to New Girl may seem harsh, but that wasn't the first time we'd talked about it.
On discovering, via my mother, that I can no longer vote in Nebraska:
Me: Well you call them back and tell them that I am NOT a Virginian. They need to send me my absentee ballot.
Mom: In your heart, you’re a Nebraskan. . but in reality, you’re a Virginian. Sorry, but you’re going to have register to vote in Virginia.
It was bad enough having to face the fact that I no longer have a voice in Nebraska . . on top of that, I also realized that I am too late to register to vote here! I cannot vote in the elections! This is a crime . . a crime punishable by a Democratic majority in the House and Senate! This means that if indeed the Dems do regain control in the House (Senate not likely), I will be partially to blame! I can’t carry around guilt like that!
Make sure you do your part and VOTE on election day! If you’re red like me, then cast aside your discouragement with the Republican party and give them a vote of confidence! The thought of higher taxes, weakened national security, and having to fight for good judges in the Supreme Court makes me cringe. I’ve been having nightmares about Nancy Pelosi already.
(I could go on and on, but I don’t want my Democratic readers getting uncomfortable.)
"Your driving kinda fits your personality. Not dangerous but slightly spontaneous."
Me, on mismatched foundation:
New Girl, at the bathroom sink, talking to a maintenance woman: “Is my foundation streaky?”
Me, from the stall: “Yes”.
New Girl, as she sees that it’s me exiting the stall: “Is doesn’t look that bad, does it?”
Me: “Only in the daylight”.
I’m a firm believer that no loyalty to a cosmetic brand should override the need for a better foundation. In fact, I have a couple of friends who need to either fork out more money at the tanning salon or invest in a lighter foundation and some bronzer. My comments to New Girl may seem harsh, but that wasn't the first time we'd talked about it.
On discovering, via my mother, that I can no longer vote in Nebraska:
Me: Well you call them back and tell them that I am NOT a Virginian. They need to send me my absentee ballot.
Mom: In your heart, you’re a Nebraskan. . but in reality, you’re a Virginian. Sorry, but you’re going to have register to vote in Virginia.
It was bad enough having to face the fact that I no longer have a voice in Nebraska . . on top of that, I also realized that I am too late to register to vote here! I cannot vote in the elections! This is a crime . . a crime punishable by a Democratic majority in the House and Senate! This means that if indeed the Dems do regain control in the House (Senate not likely), I will be partially to blame! I can’t carry around guilt like that!
Make sure you do your part and VOTE on election day! If you’re red like me, then cast aside your discouragement with the Republican party and give them a vote of confidence! The thought of higher taxes, weakened national security, and having to fight for good judges in the Supreme Court makes me cringe. I’ve been having nightmares about Nancy Pelosi already.
(I could go on and on, but I don’t want my Democratic readers getting uncomfortable.)
Gold Cup Pics
They're comfy in the front seat.
I really hate to post such an unflattering picture of myself, but this will give you a good idea of what the ride was like in the back seat. Only I would take a picture of this.
One of the races. I picked #6, Dance with Mia . . for the name, of course.
Isn't the foliage beautiful??
Definitely did not inhale.
I really hate to post such an unflattering picture of myself, but this will give you a good idea of what the ride was like in the back seat. Only I would take a picture of this.
One of the races. I picked #6, Dance with Mia . . for the name, of course.
Isn't the foliage beautiful??
Definitely did not inhale.
Steeplechasers
Don’t ask how horse racing beat out football, but it did . . and it won’t happen again. The party train met up at the Daily Grill downtown for some mimosas (and water for me, even though I love me a bellini every once in a while). I was able to watch the kickoff for the Nebraska/Texas game and let me tell you, it was painful being dragged away after 5 minutes of play. It’s all I could think about all day. The Gold Cup was fun, don’t get me wrong. Fun, like “doing new things is always fun”. Fun, like “getting to see what everyone is wearing fun”. . especially girls going for the “I don’t ride horses, but I like to pretend I do” look. However, I did have a *slightly* equestrian look going on myself with my brown corduroy cuffed capris, brown boots, and wool blazer. One thing that was NOT fun was the 2 hour car ride in traffic on the way there. It was cool with me that I got moved from the Land Rover to the BMW convertible . . until the driver decided we’d drive the entire way with the top down . . in under 65 degree weather. The wool blazer was fine the entire day, except for those two hours . . it just wasn’t enough. Meanwhile, the two front seat riders were taking off their jackets because “Gawd, it’s hot up here.” They didn’t seem to notice the tangled mess that was my hair in the back seat.
Our tickets not only got us into the event, but also allowed us to partake of the food and social hour in one of the members only tents, co-sponsored by my company. I’d attend a similar event again . . but I would NOT choose it over football. On the upside, Anonymous reminded me that we *will* play Texas again this year, which is something that dawned on me at the event, but didn’t make me feel any better at the moment.
. . Pictures coming soon . . as always.
Our tickets not only got us into the event, but also allowed us to partake of the food and social hour in one of the members only tents, co-sponsored by my company. I’d attend a similar event again . . but I would NOT choose it over football. On the upside, Anonymous reminded me that we *will* play Texas again this year, which is something that dawned on me at the event, but didn’t make me feel any better at the moment.
. . Pictures coming soon . . as always.
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Reason #1: Why I Need a Boyfriend
I'm sitting here on my laptop eating a brown rice cake . . an organic brown rice cake . . and dreaming of the delicious chocolate candy that Big Sky Girl just informed me she has the secret family recipe for. I haven't tried said candy yet, but if it's good enough for people to make high dollar offers for the recipe, it must be pretty amazing. So I'm dreaming of the candy . . along with all other consumable substances, because again . . I'm eating a brown rice cake and anything would taste better than this. Dieting sucks.
But, although it sucks, when combined with consistent workouts, I'm hoping it helps me drop a few pounds before I head home in a few weeks. I just can't let my family see me like this! The muffin-topping and the painted-on pants are just too much for my loved ones to have to witness. I'm supposed to come back happy, healthy, and glowing, because life in the District is good . . and the food in the District is really good. If somebody's paying for the filet, you better believe I'm eating the whole thing. And if my roommate wants to make cookies, how could I rudely turn one down . . or two, or three, or more? So now, here I am, embarassed to say that I am totally out of shape, and I mean that in the most literal sense of the phrase. The shape of my body? Not.the.same. Oh, but it will be again. Even if I have to remove desserts from my diet forever . . . except of course when Best Friend and I reunite a few times a year and go for Cold Stone . . because you don't mess with tradition.
Tonight I decided I need a boyfriend. And I'm not gonna lie . . I decide that pretty frequently. It's not a matter of wanting one you see. I'm talking about need. There is logic that has gone into this. And my reasoning tonight would be strictly for safety purposes. I'm 5'2", blonde, and well . . who cares how short or what color my hair is . . I'm a woman! And being a woman in D.C. occasionally presents you with serious transportation issues. All I want to be able to do is visit my friend, chat for as long and 'til as late as my heart desires, and go home. But it's not that easy. How will I get home? Metro? Sorry, don't want to walk or metro in the dark, especially on the weekend. Cab? Sorry, don't often carry cash or want to pay $15-20 to get home (plus New Girl told me she was sexually assaulted by a cab driver once). Drive my car? That would be the best option if parking were available, but it's not.
So I was stuck at Big Sky Girl's tonight. And I needed a boyfriend to come pick me up. To drop whatever he's doing and come get me. That is what they're for, isn't it?
Well . . . as we all know, I don't have one of those, because apparently "the time isn't right for me" . . but let me just say that the time felt very right tonight . . and feels very right every time I face a transportation dilemma. As much as I'd like to think I could whoop a mugger's a$$ if confronted or at least properly handle my pepper spray, I'd rather not take my chances.
I was left with only one option tonight . . to call the only boy who would be willing to pick me up. Don't gasp. Don't judge me. I wasn't trying to take advantage of his affection for me . . I just wanted to make it home o.k., and I figured maybe he did, too. Believe me, it was hard to even call and ask. BSG can vouch for the amount of stuttering and silent pauses I went through before I could even ask the favor. And he sighed. And he came. And I wonder if the words "I've never been mad at you a day in my life" would still be an honest description of how he feels about me. But, I'm very thankful. So I'm going to make him some pretty phenomenal cookies that will make him wish he could pick me up all the time if the rewards would always be so sweet. Yes, I'll make him cookies . . . unless BSG wants me to help her make some of that candy she was bragging about . . (BSG, I promise to leave the room for the 'secret step'.)
But, although it sucks, when combined with consistent workouts, I'm hoping it helps me drop a few pounds before I head home in a few weeks. I just can't let my family see me like this! The muffin-topping and the painted-on pants are just too much for my loved ones to have to witness. I'm supposed to come back happy, healthy, and glowing, because life in the District is good . . and the food in the District is really good. If somebody's paying for the filet, you better believe I'm eating the whole thing. And if my roommate wants to make cookies, how could I rudely turn one down . . or two, or three, or more? So now, here I am, embarassed to say that I am totally out of shape, and I mean that in the most literal sense of the phrase. The shape of my body? Not.the.same. Oh, but it will be again. Even if I have to remove desserts from my diet forever . . . except of course when Best Friend and I reunite a few times a year and go for Cold Stone . . because you don't mess with tradition.
Tonight I decided I need a boyfriend. And I'm not gonna lie . . I decide that pretty frequently. It's not a matter of wanting one you see. I'm talking about need. There is logic that has gone into this. And my reasoning tonight would be strictly for safety purposes. I'm 5'2", blonde, and well . . who cares how short or what color my hair is . . I'm a woman! And being a woman in D.C. occasionally presents you with serious transportation issues. All I want to be able to do is visit my friend, chat for as long and 'til as late as my heart desires, and go home. But it's not that easy. How will I get home? Metro? Sorry, don't want to walk or metro in the dark, especially on the weekend. Cab? Sorry, don't often carry cash or want to pay $15-20 to get home (plus New Girl told me she was sexually assaulted by a cab driver once). Drive my car? That would be the best option if parking were available, but it's not.
So I was stuck at Big Sky Girl's tonight. And I needed a boyfriend to come pick me up. To drop whatever he's doing and come get me. That is what they're for, isn't it?
Well . . . as we all know, I don't have one of those, because apparently "the time isn't right for me" . . but let me just say that the time felt very right tonight . . and feels very right every time I face a transportation dilemma. As much as I'd like to think I could whoop a mugger's a$$ if confronted or at least properly handle my pepper spray, I'd rather not take my chances.
I was left with only one option tonight . . to call the only boy who would be willing to pick me up. Don't gasp. Don't judge me. I wasn't trying to take advantage of his affection for me . . I just wanted to make it home o.k., and I figured maybe he did, too. Believe me, it was hard to even call and ask. BSG can vouch for the amount of stuttering and silent pauses I went through before I could even ask the favor. And he sighed. And he came. And I wonder if the words "I've never been mad at you a day in my life" would still be an honest description of how he feels about me. But, I'm very thankful. So I'm going to make him some pretty phenomenal cookies that will make him wish he could pick me up all the time if the rewards would always be so sweet. Yes, I'll make him cookies . . . unless BSG wants me to help her make some of that candy she was bragging about . . (BSG, I promise to leave the room for the 'secret step'.)
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Decisions, decisions
What do I do?
The Nebraska v. Texas game is Saturday, and I’m stoked to watch it with the Nebraska gang at someone’s apartment.
BUT, my cube neighbor just gave me a free ticket to the International Gold Cup for the Steeplechase races the same day! Free!
Hmm, popped collars and brown suede coats or Husker tattoos and bright red t-shirts? I’m leaning towards the latter, but when I get an opportunity to do something out of the ordinary, it’s hard to pass it up.
I know the Huskers will play other games, but they won’t play Texas again in 2006.
I think if Vanderbilt will give me a ride, I’ll go to Gold Cup (I think), but if the Rover is full, I’ll gladly don red on Saturday.
*Note: my cube neighbor says there may be televisions to watch the game at Gold Cup . . ohhh, but it’s not the same!
The Nebraska v. Texas game is Saturday, and I’m stoked to watch it with the Nebraska gang at someone’s apartment.
BUT, my cube neighbor just gave me a free ticket to the International Gold Cup for the Steeplechase races the same day! Free!
Hmm, popped collars and brown suede coats or Husker tattoos and bright red t-shirts? I’m leaning towards the latter, but when I get an opportunity to do something out of the ordinary, it’s hard to pass it up.
I know the Huskers will play other games, but they won’t play Texas again in 2006.
I think if Vanderbilt will give me a ride, I’ll go to Gold Cup (I think), but if the Rover is full, I’ll gladly don red on Saturday.
*Note: my cube neighbor says there may be televisions to watch the game at Gold Cup . . ohhh, but it’s not the same!
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Back in the picture . . for a day
I am officially a terrible person.
I haven’t written about Rochester for a long time, because I was doing the right thing by staying away from him . . for two whole months! Since we can’t be together, why hang out? But I told New Girl I missed him the other day and sure enough, I ran into him at work two minutes later. We talked and smiled and, geez I hope no one was watching, because it would’ve been pretty obvious that we haven’t always been “just friends”.
So that night I fought the urge to call him. But I wasn’t so successful the next day. Long story short, we hung out . . twice in one day . . and he said some pretty sweet and just plain romantic things to me, which made me want to cry, not because it was sweet - well, maybe a little because it was sweet – but mainly because I am a bad person and I am making him hurt. He told me how hard it’s been not hanging out with me and how much he’s missed me . . But, has it been hard for me? Not really. I’ve been filling my life with other things, making friends, staying busy, and knowing that staying away was the right thing to do. Then, out of the blue I start missing him, practice zero self-control by calling, lie to myself by thinking we can maybe kinda be friends again, and convince myself that he couldn’t possibly care anymore. I like to think I’m right about most things, but in this case I was 100% wrong.
So once again, I reiterated the fact that my relationship with the Lord is not a part of my life. It is my life. And I love it! Which means that no, it isn’t good enough to be with someone who is ‘cool’ with that. Not good enough at all! It isn’t good enough to be with someone that ‘lets’ me take the kids to church . . yeah, that’s right, he talked about kids! I can see why he would be confused, because if I’m living this life that is Jesus then I wouldn’t be calling him! I'd be practicing the self-control that God would give me if.I.asked! Gah!
So now I have to stay away again . . for good. And part of me is ok, because I’m used to not hanging out with him. But the other part of me is really sad that it’s over. Our friendship can really only be a “friendship”. Like friendly acquaintances. Like “smile when you walk by but don’t always stop to talk” friends. Like “what are you doing this weekend, but even if you’re free, we’re not hanging out” friends. I know it’s for the best, but it sucks.
He needs to move on and meet someone else and so do I.
*This weekend, I did, for the first time since moving to D.C., meet a cute Christian guy. Short, but cute. I know what you’re thinking, and you’re right. It’s really sad that I’ve visited 5 churches and lived here for 5 months and this is the first time. It’s also really sad that I just made note of the fact that he is short, because I am short – 5’2” short. Now the only reason I know he’s a Christian is because his roommate is and mostly because of Myspace. (I heart MySpace.) I didn’t actually have a conversation with him . . I mean, the Nebraska game was on! I simply shook his hand, made a mental note of his cuteness, and turned back to the game. Maybe I’ll see him again. And maybe I’ll meet someone else who is cute and tall(er). Or maybe I’ll be single for 5 more years, because I apparently like to postpone my chances of meeting the right guy by getting involved with the wrong one.
I haven’t written about Rochester for a long time, because I was doing the right thing by staying away from him . . for two whole months! Since we can’t be together, why hang out? But I told New Girl I missed him the other day and sure enough, I ran into him at work two minutes later. We talked and smiled and, geez I hope no one was watching, because it would’ve been pretty obvious that we haven’t always been “just friends”.
So that night I fought the urge to call him. But I wasn’t so successful the next day. Long story short, we hung out . . twice in one day . . and he said some pretty sweet and just plain romantic things to me, which made me want to cry, not because it was sweet - well, maybe a little because it was sweet – but mainly because I am a bad person and I am making him hurt. He told me how hard it’s been not hanging out with me and how much he’s missed me . . But, has it been hard for me? Not really. I’ve been filling my life with other things, making friends, staying busy, and knowing that staying away was the right thing to do. Then, out of the blue I start missing him, practice zero self-control by calling, lie to myself by thinking we can maybe kinda be friends again, and convince myself that he couldn’t possibly care anymore. I like to think I’m right about most things, but in this case I was 100% wrong.
So once again, I reiterated the fact that my relationship with the Lord is not a part of my life. It is my life. And I love it! Which means that no, it isn’t good enough to be with someone who is ‘cool’ with that. Not good enough at all! It isn’t good enough to be with someone that ‘lets’ me take the kids to church . . yeah, that’s right, he talked about kids! I can see why he would be confused, because if I’m living this life that is Jesus then I wouldn’t be calling him! I'd be practicing the self-control that God would give me if.I.asked! Gah!
So now I have to stay away again . . for good. And part of me is ok, because I’m used to not hanging out with him. But the other part of me is really sad that it’s over. Our friendship can really only be a “friendship”. Like friendly acquaintances. Like “smile when you walk by but don’t always stop to talk” friends. Like “what are you doing this weekend, but even if you’re free, we’re not hanging out” friends. I know it’s for the best, but it sucks.
He needs to move on and meet someone else and so do I.
*This weekend, I did, for the first time since moving to D.C., meet a cute Christian guy. Short, but cute. I know what you’re thinking, and you’re right. It’s really sad that I’ve visited 5 churches and lived here for 5 months and this is the first time. It’s also really sad that I just made note of the fact that he is short, because I am short – 5’2” short. Now the only reason I know he’s a Christian is because his roommate is and mostly because of Myspace. (I heart MySpace.) I didn’t actually have a conversation with him . . I mean, the Nebraska game was on! I simply shook his hand, made a mental note of his cuteness, and turned back to the game. Maybe I’ll see him again. And maybe I’ll meet someone else who is cute and tall(er). Or maybe I’ll be single for 5 more years, because I apparently like to postpone my chances of meeting the right guy by getting involved with the wrong one.
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