Cherry Blossom Season

I wish this weekend was like the last. Gorgeous, not rainy. In addition to hitting up Middleburg for a few hours, I spent a beautiful Sunday afternoon admiring the cherry blossoms . . and weaving my way through thousands of tourists. My fourth spring here, I thought it about time I went to the Mall and saw them up close. As you can see, it was the day of the pink trees AND the pink cardigan. My friend and her adorable poodle came along. (Message to The Girl: Don't scroll down and look at the puppy. You might end up at the pet store this afternoon.)




Isn't it lovely?

Good Friday to You

First of all, I think you need to see some more pictures of Middleburg. The Girl took some good ones. I have to say, I like the one with the old Jag in the background – it really captures the place I think. I am learning to be more patient with my camera. I need to practice slowing down, finding the right shot, setting it up, etc. I think I will get there someday.

And second of all, and most importantly . . . it’s Good Friday! It’s true that I, and perhaps you too, have heard the story of Jesus’ death on a cross a bajillion times. And when you’ve heard something that much, it tends to become familiar – just a bunch of words and a story we forget is TRUE. And it’s the only reason we can have hope in this temporary world.

Praise God that all my sins have been taken from me and borne by Jesus, and I don’t have to carry their guilt into the future. I’m free!

One thing in particular that struck me today as I was reading the Word was how willingly He did it. He wasn’t a helpless victim! To think of how I’ve sometimes felt sorry for myself when suffering pain. But Jesus suffered more than anyone – not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually, too. He understands any pain we feel, because He’s already felt it. And He endured it so that God would be glorified.

And how good is our God to want to make a way for us to be able to be with Him forever?, to remove the barrier of sin that keeps us from Him. It’s a gift of grace and love that has changed my life. And I want to continue changing because of it.

“When the word of the cross breaks into our heart by the power of God's Spirit (I Peter 1:3, 23), and we awaken to the fact that God loves us so much that he takes the life of his own Son in order to bring us under his Shepherd-care and Shepherd-protection and Shepherd-provision and Shepherd-guidance, at that moment we die to the lie of sin. We die to the power of sin's deceit which tries to persuade us that a better future can be had through sin than through righteousness.” – John Piper

1 Peter 2:21-25
“For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.” - Peter writing to Christ followers

Middleburg

Part of the fun that was last weekend included taking an evening trip out to the countryside with The Girl, my former co-worker and good friend. Both Midwesterners and design lovers, we can appreciate an occasional escape from the metropolitan area, especially when it involves cute antique shops like Bella Villa. We both counted the trip a success as we not only left the shop with something in our hands – or trunk, in The Girl’s case – but also enjoyed walking down the main street of this adorable town, even stopping for burgers at a local pub.

I can’t wait for the next excursion! I know of a place in Leesburg . . .

p.s. If you check out the BV website, you can see The Girl's new buffet in the picture on the right!

Company's Coming!

At last, someone is coming to see me again! It's been over a year since anyone has paid me a visit, and I'm excited to show the city to another friend. This friend has visited me twice before, but two years later I'm much more settled into my life here, have new favorite spots and also a core group of friends. I'm disappointed the weather will be a bit cooler than last weekend and rain is in the forecast, too, but hopefully it won't put a damper on any of our plans . . that we haven't made quite yet. Doing tourist stuff is a must here, but in my opinion living here is much more fun. Since she's already seen the must-sees, we can focus on just spending time together doing everyday things.

Having company is a great excuse to clean, but it also reminds me that ugh, I am the only one who ever does! Or at least it feels that way. Fortunately my sweet roommate offered to clean the kitchen floor this time, and I focused on the pretty disgusting bathroom.

I hope she's a little hungry when she arrives, because her favorites - chips and salsa and sparkling water - are waiting, and I'm always up for a snack myself. :)

Pink!

I never should have subscribed to the J. Crew mailing list! They send me emails EVERY DAY! A girl can only take so much. The cargo pants, the sweaters, the constant sales! Last month I finally caved. It was right around Valentine's Day, and I agreed that free shipping pretty much DID equal love, just like they said, only I didn't think the prerequisite should be a $150 purchase, a little high in my opinion. But I still went ahead and purchased this pink cardigan, no free shipping for me. Last weekend it was finally warm enough to wear it. I don't often do pink, but I think it was the perfect choice.

A Favorite Vacation Spot: Branson

I’m sure everyone, including my Branson-regular friends are surprised to see me list this place as a favorite vacation spot.

Since the Traveler asked “Where do you stay and what's your favorite "to do" in Branson?”, I thought I’d share the answer with all of you.

I’ve visited Branson only three times before, but I’d love to go back again. I used to think of this family-friendly Missouri town as a place only my grandparents would enjoy. In fact, it probably wouldn’t even be hip enough for Uptown Grandma. But I took back those preconceived notions after traveling there with AMC (Awesome Married Couple) a few years ago. But who wouldn’t change their mind when staying at a house overlooking the fabulous Table Rock Lake? Every day, after toast for breakfast, we’d grab our swim gear and drive down to the docks in West Branson, where AMC’s gorgeous boat awaited us. And we’d spend ALL DAY ON THE LAKE. Then into Branson for the evening.

So my favorite “to do” is boating, cliff jumping (although be careful, someone was killed in one spot), jet-skiing, and docking for greasy pizza slices or Danna’s BBQ. Definitely Danna’s BBQ. The BBQ nachos are “highly acclaimed” for a reason. Save room for dessert, too – but it won’t be easy.

Evenings in Branson were always the perfect end to an exhausting day in the sun. The show or two I went to was quite good, though. I also enjoyed putt-putt golf, the rip cord, and stopping at Scottie’s Frozen Custard (which sadly has closed, I believe). What a shame! One thing I never did but heard good things about was dinner on the Showboat. Somewhat pricey, but worth it, or so I’ve heard.

So yes, Branson is great! And before I forget, I should mention a great place to stay if you don’t have friends in the area. Big Cedar Lodge is right on the lake, a cozy place where my friends have stayed before. Their Sunday brunch is delicious, too. We would take long morning boat rides across the lake for it.

I hope the Traveler and his friends have fun on their trip! I’m confident they will.

It's Somebody Special's Birthday

Last week, the girls and I (and Boopa the doll) celebrated our non-birthdays. After all, isn't cake always a little better when there's a candle to blow out?

Today my favorite friend of twelve years plus is celebrating her real birthday. How did 28 come so soon? Weren't we just eating at Applebee's for her 16th?

But no need to dread the late 20s when the coming year promises to be extra special. Best Friend is pregnant! I can't recall if I've written about this before, but I'm thrilled as can be to meet Baby S! I know BF and her husband will be wonderful parents, and hopefully I will be a wonderful auntie.

I wish I could celebrate with her today, bake her a cake, sing her a song (although I doubt I could top the song-and-dance routine she and her hubby did for me on my birthday). She is a dear, sweet friend to me, and I can only hope that we can reunite in the not-too-distant-future for a belated celebration (preferably on a beach somewhere). ;)

Happy Birthday to my beautiful BEST friend.

Meme

I had such a perfect weekend, and I hope to post some pictures soon. But I’ll be lazy instead and leave this fun little meme. You should fill it out, too!

What is your current obsession? Wanting to make this blog prettier! It’s driving me nuts!

Do you use canvas or plastic bags when you go shopping? Depends which store

Do you nap a lot? Never.

Who was the last person you hugged? my guy friend

What’s for dinner? An Amy’s microwave dinner. They are delicious!

What was the last thing you bought? A Florentine wooden tray (actually brought back by the shopowner from Italy!)

What are you listening to right now? Slow Club (thanks to the Lays potato chips commercial)

What is your favorite weather? I love weather warm and sunny enough to get me on the lake and better yet, in it. But if I can’t get in a bathing suit, I love 70 degrees with a nice breeze.

What’s on your bedside table? mini speakers, concordance, PB picture frame

If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you want it to be? Oooooh, this question is too difficult to answer. Part of me wants to be near family of course, but the other says Southern California (lovely weather and not very humid). Either way, I would want a home on a lake – perhaps Craftsman-like with partial stone exterior. Maybe some cedar shake siding, too. It would certainly have exposed beams and a number of other things that remind me of Grandma’s. It would be inviting, full of character - not rustic but more casually elegant. Fresh flowers always, within walking distance to a cute town with fantastic flea and farmers markets.

Favorite vacation spot? Branson, Missouri. I know what you’re thinking, but Table Rock Lake is amazing, and it’s the one place I don’t mind eating at the same restaurants over and over again. Now I’m in the mood for frozen custard, and I miss my friends.

Name the things you can’t live without: Jesus Christ dwelling in me, my family and friends, delicious food, décor magazines, Arm & Hammer baking soda toothpaste, peanut butter

What would you like to have in your hands right now? It’s about to be my Bible for an evening quiet time.

What is your favorite tea flavor? I’m not a tea drinker, but I once almost enjoyed a peach truffle tea at the Willard. And I would pretend to like tea again if it meant going back to Crown & Crumpet in San Francisco.

What is your favorite book? Currently my favorite book is “Secrets of the Secret Place”. It’s wonderful.

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go? Grandma’s house

What did you want to become as a child? Many things, but the things that seemed to stick the longest were: mom, teacher, interior designer.

What is your favorite sport to play? Waterskiing, but you don’t exactly “play” that. So I’ll go with golf, but I’d like to get back into tennis.

What was your favorite concert you attended? U2 – which reminds me that tickets just went on sale for their next tour!!

What is your favorite flower? Currently – French tulips

What are the top three things you must have in your carry on? Magazine, iPod, sunglasses

Pretty Breaks

I've decided that I can handle 12 hour days, as long as I can take Pretty Breaks.

Pretty Breaks are quick peeks at some of my favorite blogs in the hopes of seeing something lovely and inspiring, two words which could never describe my place of occupation.

And when I do, I right click save and fill up My Pictures with beautiful images. It's dawned on me recently that I should share these pretty things with you, because it's looking pretty drab around this website, too. So I think my new goal for April will be prettying up this blog, if only by posting a few nice things to look at every now and then.

What I'd really like to do is get a completely different layout. But I'm so non-tech savvy that I wouldn't have the first clue about how to create one for myself that I actually liked. I want it to look Spring-y around here, maybe a little feminine. What I'd really love is a beautiful picture of cherry blossoms on the Mall and a soft colored back drop. If you can lend a hand in making this happen, please let me know. My non-spending month is just about over, you know, so I may consider actually paying for a change.

Uneaten Cookies

Does anyone want to come over and help me polish off my Girl Scout cookies? If you can believe it, I've eaten about five cookies, out of THREE boxes in the past few weeks. I just feel too guilty to indulge. I'm amazed at my own self-control really. I mean, we're talking Girl Scout cookies! I'm afraid they'll actually go bad before I finish them. Yet when given the opportunity to take them over to a gathering of friends, I get selfish, not wanting to share. Because once they're gone, they're gone. And that is probably the real reason I won't eat them. I'm afraid of using them up. It's like my favorite pair of shoes. I won't wear them, because I don't want to wear them out.

Ridiculous, I know. But if you came for a visit, I would definitely share.

Have you finished yours yet? If so, you may need to make your own. I found a couple of recipes over at Baked Perfection, and although I haven't tried them myself, I'm going to take this girl's word for it. I'll just file them away until my cookies go bad and try to recreate the deliciousness in my own kitchen.

Which are your favorite? Samoas? Thin Mints? I'm hoping she'll post a recipe for Tagalongs next. Mmmm. Maybe I'll have just one before bed.

I Love . .

-Caribbean popsicles from Trader Joe's (Caribbean = strawberry-coconut-pineapple)
-cherry blossom season
-Reeses peanut butter eggs
-basketball playoffs
-helping a friend decorate her apartment

Oh, and this:
The picture doesn't do it justice. It looks kind of cheap here, but that's the problem. It's not. I've promised myself I wouldn't buy anything this month (other than food). Nothing. Which is harder than it sounds. Because that means no books, no nail polish, no magazines, no nothing. You try it and see how it goes. And the only thing more fun than bringing home something cute is saving the money and watching your credit card debt disappear. I'm so close, I can taste it. A few months of denying myself will be more than worth it. Not buying makes you realize what you already know is true - true happiness isn't found in things.

Busy Days, Relaxing Nights

"Girl, you're gonna have your hands full," said my new colleague.

I've got twelve hours under my belt in the new position, and so far so . . stressful. Kidding. A little.

I'm not trying to be overly dramatic here. I can be, but I'm not. The busyness is a welcome change to the boredom I've had for the past few weeks. This gig will be a good challenge for me, and I know I'll learn a lot. It's so much different than anything I've done before, and to be honest, I'm still surprised that I even want to do it. We'll see if I'm still saying that in a couple weeks.

The hours will be longer, which is fine. I already feel as though there aren't enough hours in an evening, but perhaps this will give me a new perspective. I've savored the past two evenings, soaking up time with people I love, spending time with my Father, and re-charging my batteries.

I caught up on my favorite night-time drama, "Friday Night Lights", with the girls last night, laughing, sharing sushi, and enjoying a dessert of ice cream sandwich bites covered in berries and whipped cream.

Tonight I baby-sat the little girls I love. We ate moist, delicious two-layer chocolate cake and played with each others' hair.

I feel so blessed.

I Want Brillliant Baubles!

Courtesy: J. Crew

You Never Know

Never say never. But I said it again. When I saw her in the hallway and gave her sympathetic eyes knowing the long hours she was putting in and how hard he was to work for, I said, "I could never do that job".

And then my boss recommended me for it, said I'd be great. I heard him saying nice things about me behind his closed door. He called me in and asked if I'd consider it, moving to a new office, working for a new boss.

I'll find out tomorrow if I get it. My "interview" went well today, and they already said they want me, but it depends on which position is the priority to fill. It was supposed to be temporary, but they're talking permanent. My colleagues say I have to take it, it's too good of a career move, and besides I "never get flustered", and I can handle working for him. Ha, try never show I'm flustered. "Some are worried he'll chew you up and spit you out," my boss said. "But I told them you're tougher than you look."

I know he's right . . but I hope he's right.

Bottom line: Philippians 4:13

Burn and Consume

Oh 60 degrees, are you really going to leave me for another 10 days? Today was so lovely that I'm not sure I can bear to see you go. I only wish I'd spent more time enjoying you today.

Instead of getting outside, I agreed to hit the kickboxing class with a friend. We earned every bit of the queso and Salvadorian food we devoured afterward at Guapo's, too. How does this sound?: a roasted half chicken marinated in Acapulco style sauce, covered with sauteed onions, green peppers, and tomatoes. Oh it was every bit as good as it sounds. And full does not even begin to describe how I feel right now.

On top of tonight's delicious meal, I also tried another new spot this weekend for sushi. Lotus was more of a lounge than a restaurant, but the limited food selection was delicious. I went with a standard rainbow roll, but was able to try out some deep-fried roll ordered by a friend. To be honest, it tasted more like a corndog than raw fish. Once the techno came on, we left for the more casual setting of an Irish pub.

Meanwhile, I kept an eye on the Madness all weekend. I made enchiladas and chocolate chip cookies for the gang on Friday night and watched most of my picks advance, but yesterday and today I've become pretty confident that I won't be winning either of the pools I'm in. At this point, I'd rather lose and watch the Big 12 continue to play well. My brackets don't show too much confidence in my conference, but I hope MO, KS, and OK show the Big East and the ACC that they're not the only ones that can ball. :)

HAPPY SPRING!

I am so happy that greener grass, warmer temperatures, and pretty flowers are on their way!

I’ve been daydreaming about baseball games, runs along the Mall, walks through my favorite neighborhoods, dinners outside, and freshly-painted toenails.

What about you?

Spring is On Its Way

It’s crazy to think that just three years ago, I was living in a new San Diego apartment, just two miles from the beach in Del Mar. And three years ago to the day, I took a jog along that beautiful beach.

There aren’t any beaches within walking distance here, but today I took a jog to the Lincoln Memorial and then past the Arlington Cemetery. It was my second trip to the Memorial today. Only two blocks from my office, I went and sat on its steps in the sunlight with all the tourists this afternoon. The weather was perfection. It may not be San Diego, but I love it here, and I can’t wait for Spring to come and stick around for awhile.

Treat Yourself

Get some. I did.

But I still can't get the Tagalong ice cream from last year out of my head . I didn't spot it at the store. Has anyone seen it this year?

"Shoe Bling"

Although at times creative, I wouldn’t consider myself a “crafty” person, not by any stretch of the imagination. The extent of my DIY interests would be the re-painting of furniture or replacement of knobs – anything relatively simple that doesn’t require a lot of patience. But I may have stumbled upon an idea that could fit nicely into that box. My friend over at In the Tweeds adapted a little project from Martha Stewart that has me quite inspired. I’m betting your crafty juices might begin flowing after reading her post, too.

Measuring Productivity

For the past two weeks, I have had little to nothing to do at work. We're in a bit of a holding place right now, and I'm worried that once things begin to pick up again, I'm going to be all, "What?!, you mean I don't have time to read the ENTIRE Wall Street Journal anymore??" So lately, productivity has been measured on a different scale. And so, I think I could actually consider today to be very productive.

Here are just a few things I did:

- Advised my friend as to which airport she should fly into when visiting me next month

- Paid a few bills

- Learned of a potential replacement for domino and Cottage Living lovers – Canadian House & Home

- Filled out my March Madness bracket, while researching nearly every team before making my picks

- Looked into tennis and photography lessons in the area

- Collected several new recipes online

- Discovered a site full of recommended Biblical commentaries (I’m currently studying 1 Corinthians and 1 Peter)

- Found out about the future of bakeries: bundt cakes

See? Totally productive.