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.

Just Tampax

When I realized I needed tampons today, I took a brisk walk right over the hotel's little convenience shop hoping desperately that they'd have some. Sure enough, there was a little ten-pack hiding in the corner. But when I turned to the checkout counter, I saw that a man would be checking me out. Suddenly I couldn't buy only a box of tampons. I may as well have walked right up to him and said "I just started my period today!" So I looked around to see what else I could buy. Advil? Yes, I happened to be in a little *ahem* pain, as well. Gum? I could always use some of that. So I took the three items and placed them on the counter, hoping he wouldn't notice the tampons.

"That will be $24.95," he said.

"What?! But I only have a $10 Canadian bill. Umm, take out the Advil then."

"Ok, $15.34."

"Seriously?! Fine, then . . take out the gum. How much now?"

"Eight ninety-nine."

"Ok . . *sigh* . .then I'll just take those."

At least I tried.

pretty in pink

Earliest Bedtime Ever, Seriously

I came upstairs to my hotel room a little early tonight. Instead of going to dinner I'm going to bed. Although I got eight hours of sleep last night and a 20 minutes power nap this afternoon, I am still extremely tired. And I have a slight sore throat. Uh oh. It's not even 9 o'clock yet, but I'm out.

Tired of Travel

Is it possible to get tired of traveling and seeing new things? I never thought it would happen! But after ten days of running around Los Angeles and San Francisco, I am ready to go home! Only I can't. I'm in Vancouver for work until Friday. It's a lovely city with a lot to see, yet somehow I don't care . . as much as I normally would. I did force myself to go for a walk and a mini-ferry ride to an island, though. I predict that I'll be locked up in this hotel for the next two days trying not to fall asleep through technical discussions and talking points. There should be fancy dinners at night, though. But wait, I've already spent so much money (including my work per diems) that I don't even care about that anymore. And I know I've been consuming crazy amounts of calories! I wonder if I'll have enough willpower to grab a Subway sandwich and stay in for dinner. I didn't tonight. We all went out for Indian food at an already-tried restaurant. It was the best Indian food I've ever had! Wow! I've had some great Indian food before, but this was just different, giving me new flavors I'd never tried before. But I winced when I got the check. I'm tired of spending money, tired of traveling. I can't wait to go home!

Jam-Packed

My brief time in L.A. could not have been more productive. That's how I like to do it when I'm visiting someplace new.

What I fit in:

- domino Bazaar, where I browsed some home goods, learned how to create two indoor succulent arrangements, and took a plant and organic tote home with me. That organic tote saved my life because my suitcase was already 51 pounds, and we all know it's not getting any lighter after 14 days of travel.
- visiting the beach in Santa Monica at sunset
- walking through the Third Street Promenade, eating a crepe for dinner and a delicious Nutella-filled, white chocolate-covered churro for dessert!
- driving through Hollywood after dark
- a drive to Malibu at sunrise, early brunch on the beach, views from the Pepperdine campus
- church in Bel Air with a friend's friend
- lunch at In-N-Out in Westwood, and an ice cream sandwich at Diddy Riese!, plus a stroll around the UCLA campus
- shopping on Melrose (just missed Scarlett Johannson)
- cupcakes at Sprinkles (peanut butter chocolate chip, red velvet, cinnamon sugar, and chocolate marshmallow)
- a stroll on Rodeo Drive
- a beer and calamari at a local place in Malibu as the sun set out the window behind me, and I made friends with my bartenders
- a fun night in West Hollywood with a new friend
- breakfast outside in Venice and some quiet time on the beach

THE END.

I just arrived in San Francisco, and tonight's dinner, although more expensive than last night's, was delicious and worth it! Scallops, lobster, swordfish, and shrimp sauteed with onions and mushrooms in white wine and garlic on rice, served with penne pasta and vegetables. Followed by vanilla bean ice cream and chocolate sauce. . . followed by a trip to the exercise room!

My view at dinner.
One block from my hotel.

Bye Bye L.A., Hello San Jose

the view from my friends' church in Bel Air

Hollywood Blvd

Malibu, Pacific Coast Hwy

Malibu

Santa Monica, Ocean Ave.

a painful expenditure

Trying hard not to be irritated, as I just spent $35 on so-so salmon and a glass of red wine. My colleagues and I went to dinner, and I was under the impression that I would not be paying. Maybe because one of the gentlemen with us mentioned last week that he would pay for dinners, plural, the nights of our events. He paid last night, but apparently wasn't planning to expense another meal tonight. However, nearly everything on the menu was pricey, so even if I had tried to save money, I would've only saved about $6. Just knowing that I could've had a much better meal for the same price is what bugs me.

alone on the beach

I spent yesterday morning in Venice. A healthy and delicious brunch and a walk on the soft sandy beach. I did not want to leave. Really. I DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE, could've sat there all day doing nothing but breathing in the ocean air. It was so peaceful, so quiet sitting there alone, listening to the huge waves crash against the shore. The weather has been perfect here - just enough breeze and plenty of sun. I'm not sure I've ever enjoyed the ocean as much as I did today. Maybe because I enjoyed it alone. I didn't have to talk to anyone or proclaim how beautiful it was, just delight in God's creation without saying a word.

Today I fly to Silicon Valley. Tomorrow it's up to San Francisco for five days! Then on to Vancouver, BC.

(If you live in the San Fran area, I should be free Wednesday evening to possibly meet up. I'm staying in the Fisherman's Wharf area.)

La La Land

Less than 36 hours in L.A., and I've already fallen in love with the city. It's possible that in another 36 hours I will have fallen out of love, but right now I'm nuts about it. There are a few things I could foresee being an issue if we were to enter into a serious relationship, but I guess this is a just a fling. And what a fun fling it's been so far.

I flew in yesterday, giving me a full 48 hours to discover L.A. before I have to work. I rented a Chevy Equinox (in love with that, too), filled up the tank, and put the GPS to work. Traveling alone certainly has its perks . . for instance, you can do WHATEVER YOU WANT. I'm an extremely social person who likes to share every moment with someone else, but traveling alone doesn't necessarily mean I can't. I get to make friends! And so far, I've made friends on the plane, friends at the beach, friends in line, friends at church, and friends at a bar in Malibu. The one downside to traveling solo is that I have to ask strangers to take ridiculous pictures of me. You know, like pictures of me eating my ice cream and pictures of me at a restaurant, just so I never forget that I ate that or visited that place.

I've just checked into my hotel (after staying with a friend's friend last night), and I'm venturing out to West Hollywood, meeting up with new friends. (My mother won't be able to fall asleep after reading that. She doesn't like me walking outside alone after dark. Ever. Anywhere.)

It feels so good to be in California again.

'Tis the Season

Election season. I'm about to go there. Much more I could say, but I will save it for another day. Aren't you so excited? ;) Either way, I hope you'll still love me. :)

Waiting for a Wedding

My friend recently asked me to be a bridesmaid in her fabulous wedding. I can't believe I have to wait an entire year for this:

“We’re going to have the wedding at sunset with Lake Michigan as the backdrop! So the wedding will be at about 5 ending at about 5:30. Cocktail hour from 5:30 to 7 (but we are going to have to do pictures during that time) with dinner at 7! We haven’t decided the menu yet (of course) but we have decided that we are going to have signature cocktails! So cocktail hour will feature the signature cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in the aquarium (which is tunnel with aquarium all around – floor and ceiling). Then on to the all glass roof-top venue for the reception. It’s going to be black-tie so the dinner will be longish and formalish. Dancing will begin around 8 and during that time we are going to have a wine and cheese pairing/tasting and flights of local beer to try (ode to Wisconsin!). Then at 10 we are going to bring out a dessert buffet with 5-8 different mini-desserts. Then at midnight, when the evening is over, everyone is going to leave with homemade cookies and milk for a “midnight snack.” So hopefully it’ll be the foodie event that we have always talked about!”

Anticipation

Guess who's going to be in L.A. for this?! As if my itinerary wasn't packed enough! But I cannot miss this event. I absolutely love this magazine, pour over its pages about ten times before setting it aside. This event looks fantastic.

Oh man, this California trip ain't gonna be cheap. But I've already scored my first good deal. I reserved a mid-size SUV with GPS, two days for only $108 (including tax)!

It's all I can do to not sit here daydreaming about ten days in California, Southern and Northern. Only ten more days before I'm there!