Happy List

There has seemed to be a lot of happiness in my life this week, none of it resulting from anything major and none of it involving say, I don't know, getting asked out again. But the highlights more than made up for that.

- I started a new book! I know you're all wondering what the big deal is, but I rarely read anymore and when I do, it is only ever Christian spiritual growth books and the Bible, which are very lovely and all, but I would not exactly put them under the category of "entertainment". Also, it is not just any book. It is a huge book that is, quite frankly, pretty intimidating. This biography that I've decided to read covers the history of the United States Senate and the life of "Master of the Senate" Lyndon B. Johnson in a whopping one thousand pages. I spent thirty minutes last night reading ten of them. It's gonna be a long year. But I'm trying to challenge myself to read it as quickly as possible so that I can move on to the next book. At this rate, it will still be a few months.

- I bought new shoes! Not something I was planning to do until my podiatrist informed me that I had tendonitis and needed to stay off of heels for at least another week. Now that I own these, I'm almost glad I hurt my foot. Yeah, that's a lie. It really sucks.

- My lovely bedroommate, Lyn, got us into a cooking class at Sur La Table where we learned to make four dishes created by Chef Ming Tsai. I was truly afraid that I would make a fool of myself, since I don't even know how to properly cut an onion, but we had a great time, and the food was, of course, delicious! I may even try to make one of the dishes again.

- I bought new shampoo, and it's changing my life! Or my hair. Same thing. It's also taken a big chunk out of my checking account, dang! I walked out of Aveda $70 poorer. But my hair is thanking me.

- My friend and I bought tickets to see the Yank.ees play the Oriol.es at Camden Yards in April. They're not in the nosebleed section either. I can't wait!

- I discovered a new cupcake place in George.town: Georget.own Cupcake. What an original name. I hope to try it out tomorrow, although I hear they've been selling out regularly. We'll see how it compares to Magnolia in New York.

- I pigged out, totally pigged out at Magg.iano's tonight to celebrate my friend's new job. We're talking . .

wine, bread, calamari, tomato & mozzarella, chopped salad, beef medallions, chicken marsala, gnocchi, rigatoni, chocolate cake, Boston creme pie, tiramisu, and cheesecake

Obviously it was a family-style deal, but you know I had some of all of the above.

So that is my Happy List for this week. And I'm convinced that I'll be having a happy weekend as well. I hope the same is true for all of you.

Girls Night Out

I.LOVE.MY.FRIENDS.

The Bible Study girls.

Our Portland friend was in town last night, and oh what fun we had. Lasagna, salad, garlic bread, and Sauvignon Blanc at home, followed by dancing and dancing at a couple of bars in George.town. The silliness and laughter were out of control.

I didn't exactly go straight home after the night out either. I made two stops in my own apartment building: my neighbors on the 3rd floor that I'd met last summer and run into at the bar . . and the boys next door who invited me over to play their XBox rock band game. What a blast!

I'm not a big fan of staying up late these days, so the 4am bedtime has really taken its toll today. The girls and I will have plenty of stories to tell tonight while we lay low and watch movies.

I need to be fully recharged for my brunch date tomorrow.

Would be a great excuse for laziness

How can I be so prone to injury? It seems anytime I get excited about an activity or sport, I get hurt.

First, it was snow skiing, then it was a newfound love of volleyball at the gym, last summer it was water-skiing (my fave!) . . and now it's running. You know that half marathon I was training for? Well, I still have every intention of running it in May. The Sunday afternoon 5+ run from my apartment door, along the Potomac, across the Memorial Bridge, past the memorials, next to the Reflecting Pool and back home . . was fantastic. But the pain in my foot an hour later was not fantastic. And that pain has hung around all week and shows no signs of going away. It's been flats and almost-flats for the last four days, and I am dying to do some form of cardio, any form of cardio to keep my butt in shape, but it hurts to even walk on my foot.

I just scheduled a doctor's appointment for Monday morning, yet I am still hoping that by some great miracle I'll be ok by then. Yeah . . right. How sad!

Anna and Doris

It was about time I did something that involved giving, doing something for others. And painting nails at a nursing home actually sounded fun.

One of the first ladies through the door was 90-year old Anna, pushing her walker, a green knit blanket folded over the front bar and a small heart-shaped balloon taped there. Anna didn't want her nails painted. Someone had done them a couple of weeks ago, and she thought they still looked fine. I exclaimed that they looked fantastic after two whole weeks, and she replied “Well, that’s because I don’t do anything!”

"I used to paint my own nails," she said. "And one day I asked them 'Where are my things? I want to paint my nails.' They told me I couldn't have them anymore because some people here would drink the polish. And I said, 'So I have to suffer because of someone else?' . . . So now they paint my nails . . but they do it on their time, not mine."

She told me life in the nursing home was dull, and "all anyone wants to do is play cards all day". But she knew she needed to be there, and she counted her blessings. She loved her daughter, her three sons and three daughters-in-law, and she teared up when she talked about them.

She told me about life in Brooklyn, New York, growing up in a poor Italian neighborhood, playing music in the street and dancing. "My husband and I were good dancers. We made quite the winnings in our day. Everyone would stop dancing to stand back and watch us." Pretty soon, Anna and I were singing lines from old songs like "Tea for Two" and "The Very Thought of You". Her eyes twinkled.

It wasn't long before Doris came to join us. She appeared to be a young hippie chick in a very old woman's body. She couldn't carry on much of a conversation, but insisted "Whatever you want to do, just do it, that's what I say!". To say Doris loved the mini muffins we brought was an understatement. She couldn't eat enough. The problem was that she literally couldn't eat enough, and most of the muffin was missing her mouth, crumbs falling all over the floor.

Anna had told me what a peaceful person she was. “I’ve never had an enemy. I get along with everyone.” But as soon as Doris left the table, she told me how she really felt. “Doris is a pig. She’s always dropping food everywhere, and I feel like I need to pick up after her. If my foot wasn’t so bad, I would. I just want to hit her in the head.” It was true – she had left an awful mess all over the floor, and she didn’t seem to care.

Minutes later Doris returned. She began to pet Anna’s salt-and-pepper hair, calling her a dear, as Anna sat perfectly still with a look in her eye that only I could understand. I began to giggle, knowing her unspoken thoughts. Doris wasn’t in on the joke. “What are you giggling for?” she asked. “Well, there’s nothing wrong with it,” she answered herself. “The people that giggle have the most fun.”

Anna and I just smiled.

Life can be full of surprises

. . like when your little sister gets engaged at the age of twenty!

I don't know about you, but at age twenty I was in no place to be making vows to anyone. Yet it doesn't frighten me that my baby sister is about to do just that in only four and a half months. Maybe because it's quite possible that she has more maturity, albeit less experience, than I do! (Don't let that go to your head, Kid Sister!) And maybe it's because she really has found the love of her life . . so why wait?

I've gotten a few calls from concerned friends and family who are convinced that I must be devastated. After all, I am the big sister, the oldest child in the family . . and this means I'll be the last to get married. But if I'm sad about anything, it's not that. My life has taken a much different path than I ever thought I wanted, but it's been wonderful, and if God's timing has been right on everything else, then I know it will be right in that area of my life as well.

I think if I'm sad about anything it's that I won't feel needed anymore. And she's never been needy in the first place, or one to want my wise counsel on important matters (such as hair color), but I still felt needed in a special way. And now?, now that damn fiance of hers does such a great job taking care of her that I'm not sure my sisterly services will ever be needed again. She'll never need my warm body to shove her back to her side of the bed during sleepovers at my parents', she'll never need me to smack her butt and tell her it's perfect, and she'll never really need my advice because his will be most important.

So if I'm crying up there on the altar that day, it won't be because I'm still single.

delicious

Me: "I gave him a hug when he dropped me off."
Mom: "Isn't that a little uncomfortable?"
Me: "No, I don't think so. It wasn't a full-on hug, I mean it was in the car. . . Plus, it gives him a chance to smell my delicious hair."
Mom: "I've never heard hair referred to as delicious."

the night before

I'm up way too late on the night before a date. I need my beauty rest. Especially since I've felt sick lately. But this stupid computer won't let go of my hands.

I'm actually somewhat nervous about this one.
(K, I mentioned him to you when you were here.) Sorry Everyone, I feel like I just whispered a secret in public. How rude.

I've picked out what to wear, but it's not too nice. I have this "thing" about trying too hard, smelling too nice and looking too trendy. I don't do it. Maybe it's about setting the bar too high. Who knows.

I have two zits, and I never get them. Go figure.

Let's hope I can successfully pretend that I haven't read every word on his facebook profile . .

Estate Sale

"Have fun rummaging through dead people's stuff," our friend said. My co-worker and I were off to an estate sale to basically do just that. Like a yard sale only much more expensive, estate sales often have antiques or unique pieces you can't find at a store. The difference is that these items aren't unwanted, they're just . . "unneeded". After all, you can't take anything with you when you die. I found quite a few pieces of furniture I wished I could justify buying, but in the end these are the items I walked away with:
an adorable scarf for my handbag

map to hang above the couch (Although I find it a little boring, empty space is much worse.)

an antique blue bowl

a bundt pan, perfect for making my favorite cake, Triple Chocolate Bundt Cake

an apron, you know for all that time I spend in the kitchen

another pretty scarf that I hope to make into a pillow

*I realize it clashes with the couch.

Let's just say, this won't be the last time I shop an estate sale. We are officially addicted.

Shout Out

I just wanted to take a moment to say a big "hello" to all my friends back in Nebraska! Hiiii! *waving*

Oh and by the way, I didn't wear a coat yesterday.

Or today.

Hope you're enjoying that snow.

Lurve ya, bye.

The Shore

My weekend didn't really involve much child supervision. It did involve a lot of sleep on my very own King-size bed in my very own room with my very own bathroom. That ginormous down comforter was lovely. Friday evening, the kids went directly to bed after the forever-long car ride (thanks to a few missed turns). The girls and I stayed up for hours eating, chatting, and drinking wine.

I was given the car on Saturday morning which allowed me to drive through the cute little town, snap some pictures, and take a walk on the beach. Forty-five degrees felt like negative unbearable with the sea breeze biting my face and hands, but it was still beautiful. I watched a couple of movies after tucking the kids in that night and enjoyed the second half of my ordered-in BBQ chicken cheesesteak and zeppoles (deep-fried cinnamon puffs).

The change of scenery really allowed me to clear my mind and take a different perspective on my life circumstances. I came home Sunday afternoon feeling very refreshed, considerably richer (hehe), and ready to take on my week. I went for a four-mile run along the Potomac, enjoying the sixty degree temps and introducing my new running shoes to pavement for the first time.

The Bible Study girls were hosting a big Super Bowl party, so I went over to hang streamers and be the first to taste test all the delicious snacks. The house was filled with the cheers and boos of over twenty people that came over to watch the game. I'm happy to say I was one of the cheerers!

Although we weren't ON the beach, we were close enough. This is one of two views of the ocean from the deck. It's not a West Coast sunset, but it's still pretty.

I would do anything for a pair of mittens at this point.

How could I not post a picture of this cutie?

not so Super Tuesday

I do NOT want to vote tomorrow. I know I need to be a good American and exercise my wonderful right to have a say in our country's future. And typically I feel very passionately about doing so.

But I don't like a single candidate! On either side!

I may like certain things about certain people, where they stand on certain issues. I may like how someone carries himself. I may think someone is a fantastic speaker. Maybe someone even gives me goosebumps. But maybe that person's voting record sucks! Or maybe there is one major, major issue that I just won't compromise on. Maybe they are just posing as a moderate! Or a conservative! Maybe I don't want to cast my vote for any one of them.

The frustration is coming out my ears. I hate not being able to get behind someone and really feel good about supporting them. I hate not feeling optimistic about the next four years.

Hello Friends

I think my roommate thinks I'm crazy. Sometimes I read your blogs, and I just have to share your stories. So I turn to her, and I don't know quite how to start. "This girl . .", I say. And she knows it's a blog. She has that look in her eye like "You're reading blogs again? You always read blogs." And so I start again, "I mean she's my friend" . . and I find myself feeling even more ridiculous.

But you are my friends. I may not have met you all in person, but we know each other, we share stories about our lives . . and more importantly, we care.

Going to the beach in February? I shore am.

It may seem a strange time of year to be doing so, but I’m headed to the Jersey Shore for the weekend. Destination: Stone H.arbor. I’ve never been, but I hear it’s a quaint little town full of trendy boutiques and some of the nicest real estate in southern New Jersey. Cold or not, it sounds great to me! My traveling companions will be K (my cousin’s wife) and the little babes: Walk.er and Michael. We’re meeting up with K’s friend and her 3 year-old daughter, so you know what this means: babysitting. But I’ve been assured that I’ll be fully included in most activities and only have kid duty on Saturday afternoon and evening. Fine by me. After all, am I not obsessed with these children? I’m sure I’ll be snapping pics the entire time. A 2 year-old, a 3 year-old, and an infant is quite a handful, but I couldn’t think of a better place to have that handful than at the beach, fifty degree temps and all.

Cars, Cars, Cars

So I made it to the Washington Auto Show last weekend. Having a dad in the car business, I've always been somewhat knowledgeable about makes and models, what's overpriced and which cars are well made. In fact, I've become quite opinionated on the subject.

This weekend, I spent way too much time on the first floor wondering around amongst the foreign cars, only taking an interest in those I could never afford. I only had a half hour to browse the GM models, many of which I am in love with and could reasonably hope to buy someday. I'll spare you my commentary from the show, but I will share a few of my favorites.

If I look happy in this picture, it's because I'm sitting in my favorite luxury SUV, the Cadillac SRX. It just looks right, doesn't it? I would certainly never need a car of this size, unless I had a few kids in tow. But at this rate, the car will be discontinued long before that happens. Fortunately Cousin J and K have their eye on one, so at least I'll be able to ride around in the backseat every once in awhile.

Next up is the Pontiac Torrent. If I was really in the market for an SUV, this is what I'd pick. Some of my favorite features are the fold-flat front passenger seat, the sliding second row seat, and of course the remote keyless entry. While I'm at it, I might as well get the leather seats, the navigation system to fill that lovely screen on the console, and the six-disc CD changer.

If I'm sticking with a coupe or a sedan, my definite top choice is the Pontiac G6 GT. Check out those curves! Hot! I love cars that can still look sporty with four doors. The GT comes with an eight speaker sound system, including a sub woofer. I'm just sayin'. And I loves the leather-wrapped brake handle. Yes, I will take it with a sunroof and XM radio. Thank ya.

I'd get into the safety features and explain value you get for the money, but I know you'd just get bored with all that.

But if it's a luxury sedan I'm looking for, I'd take either one of these beauties. Acura and Lexus sure do make some very attractive vehicles.

The Acura TL and the Lexus IS250 make me drool.

Must post something before a week goes by!

What kind of soap is in your bathtub?
What a perfect first question, because part of my Christmas gift from Cousin J and his wife K, happened to be fabulously-scented Waterlily soap by Fresh. I particularly love using it when showering after the gym . . because I go from smelling not so amazing to freakin’ amazing.I also use Suave’s Toasted Coconut body wash and Hempz body wash.

Do you have any watermelon in your refrigerator?No. And I probably never will.

What would you change about your living room?Just about everything, except the square footage, the oak parquet floors and the color on the walls. But I would buy new couches, a larger television, a new tv stand, art for the wall . . you get the picture.

Are the dishes in your dishwasher clean or dirty?I’m betting they are dirty

What is in your refrigerator?Four people’s food, but my contributions are: eggs, apples, hummus, string cheese, leftover spaghetti with homemade chunky tomato sauce, and whole wheat tortillas.

White or wheat bread?Wheat. WHOLE wheat.

What is on top of your refrigerator?Nada.

What color or design is on your shower curtain?I chose a light pinky beige curtain. Nice and neutral.

How many plants are in your home?We have the occasional bouquet of flowers on the entry table. They’re never for me, of course, but I do enjoy them.

Is your bed made right now?No, which is really pathetic because it’s only a matter of flipping the covers up.

Comet or Soft Scrub?Soft Scrub

Is your closet organized?Yes. I like to keep it color-coordinated although it’s not right now. But it’s definitely organized according to type of clothing, etc.

Do you drink out of glass or plastic at home?Glass.

Do you have iced tea made in a pitcher right now?No, because I only drink milk and water. Period.

If you have a garage, is it cluttered?I have a parking space in a garage which only contains my car.

Curtains or blinds?Blinds. Old dusty blinds.

How many pillows do you sleep with?One. I have two: one down and the other, um, not. I alternate which I sleep with.

Do you sleep with any lights on at night?No.

How often do you vacuum?Whenever I can see the dust on the wood floors.

Standard toothbrush or electric?Standard.

What color is your toothbrush?I have three. Green, blue, and pink.

Do you have a welcome mat on your front porch?No.

What is in your oven right now?Nothing at the moment, but I made some delicious Ghirardelli brownies the other night.

Is there anything under your bed?I have two drawers under my IKEA bed that contain my workout clothes and pajamas.

Chore you hate doing the most?Ironing. Ugh.

What retro items are in your home?None.

Do you have a separate room that you use as an office?I use the chair in the living room for an office.

How many mirrors are in your home?Two that aren’t in the bathroom. One that I painted bright red and hung in the hallway, the other hangs over my door in my bedroom.

What color are your walls?Blah blah blah. White. Except for the living room which is a beautiful neutral beige.

Do you keep any kind of protection weapons in your home?No, but if I lived in an actual house, I would certainly exercise my right to bear arms. (FYI: Did you know that in many countries where guns have been banned, the crime rate has actually increased? Because, shock of all shocks, criminals still find a way to carry guns.)

What does your home smell like right now?Whatever Lyn made for dinner last night.

Favorite candle scent?I love these candles from Anthropologie, but I can’t remember their scent. I bought one for my cousin for Christmas, but hesitated because I wondered if she might accidentally burn her house down. (You’d have to know her to understand.) Turns out she went right home and lit it . . and fell asleep for the night. Maybe my gut was right on that.

What kind of pickles (if any) are in your refrigerator right now?None. I never eat them plain anyway, but I like them on sandwiches.

What color is your favorite Bible?Both of my Bibles are black, so I guess that would be my favorite Bible color. Strange question.

Ever been on your roof?Yes. I love it up there! I can see the entire city of Washington D.C. All the monuments, the Capitol, the Pentagon, National Cathedral, the Potomac. Breathtaking.

Do you have a stereo?Actually no. How sad. I have a couple of speakers that I plug my iPod into.

How many TVs do you have?Uno.

Do you have a housekeeper?I wish!

What style do you decorate in?I don’t decorate. How unfortunate. But if I did, it would be kinda TraditionalModernEclectic. Kinda The Antique Store meets West Elm. And they invite Pottery Barn over.

Do you like solid colors in furniture or prints?I’d probably lean toward solids and then spice things up with some fun pillows and window treatments.

Is there a smoke detector in your house?Yes.

In case of fire, what are the items in your house which you'd grab if you could make only one trip?my computers.

TGIF!

T if for tire: Lucky me, I get to replace one of my tires this weekend. Not necessarily something to look forward to, but I always feel so good about myself after I’ve done something responsible. It’s like “By golly, it feels like just yesterday that my mama and daddy was buyin’ my stuff and now I’m all growed up.”

G is for gym: the weekends are when I can really lose track of time at the gym and whip my butt into shape.

I is for I: who I will be attending the Washington Auto Show with, hopefully without wanting to rush out and buy a new car.

F is for fondue: Saturday night is “Fondue Forks and Game Faces” night with the Bible Study girls. I plan to eat lots of food and win whatever game we decide to play.

Day Three

It's only Day Three of my marathon training, and tonight my knee and my ankle hurt . This is a bad sign. Endurance-wise I'm completely fine, but if I can't run three miles without pain, how will I ever do thirteen? I'm hoping I can find some way to stretch or prevent this from being an issue.

What Turns Us Christian Girls On

Co-worker: “I was a little distracted at church last night. J___ didn’t have time to change before he came to service”
Me: “So he wore a suit?!”
Co-worker: “Yes! A suit that he wears, you know, to his really good job where he makes really good money.”
Me: “Oh my gosh!”
Co-worker: “And then he probably got warm, so he took off his jacket and . . . ROLLED UP HIS SLEEVES!”
Me: *Gasp* “Oh wow.”
Co-worker: “And he was all praising Jesus and lifting his hands with the rolled up sleeves.” *Sigh* “I contemplated going and sitting in front of him so I wouldn’t have to watch.”
Me: “Ohmygosh, I don’t even need to see it!-just picturing it-so hot!”

MLK Day

A couple of the Bible Study Girls have registered for a New Jersey half marathon in May and because of my fabulous endurance on the treadmill lately, I’ve begun to wonder if it’s not something I could do. I have already printed out a twelve-week training program, and last night I headed to a runners’ store for some new running shoes. After all, I have been wearing the same pair for four years. I can’t believe they’ve held up so well . . buuut wait, considering the fact that I haven’t spent much time in a gym over the past two years, maybe it’s not so surprising. At any rate, they’ve become completely unbearable to wear, thanks to the horrible bunyan that has appeared on my right foot. Ouch! I knew the store was open until 8pm on weekdays, so imagine my surprise when the door was locked at 6:30. There were still customers inside, but the sign in the window said “Sorry, we’re closed.” Annoyed that I had parked and walked two blocks in the cold, in addition to driving ten minutes, I looked up the number on my Blackberry and gave them a call, while still staring through their front door. “We’ve closed early for the holiday,” the man said. The holiday, I thought? I realize it’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but what?, are you gonna go home and have some cake? If you’re going to observe a holiday, then close for the entire day! Don’t use it as an excuse to leave early! Besides, I have a dream . . to run in this half marathon, and I need some new shoes so I can get started!

I went back tonight, of course. And after trying on several pair, I had to say it. "These are all really comfortable which is obviously most important . . but I don't think any of them are cute." Fortunately he understood and we found a great compromise I think:

. . . so I went to the gym and ran three miles.

Cookies

I heard voices down the hall today.
“Well, what do we have here?”
“ . . I think it’s macadamia nut peanut butter,”.
I impulsively made a motion to leave my chair.
Stop, Laura!, I said to myself.
“We also have oatmeal chocolate chip . . . “
Don’t do it, I repeated as I sat back down in my chair.
I had just eaten a scrumptious steak sandwich with cheese and peppers and some delicious sauce, whatever that was. I could not be treating myself to cookies! Besides, I’d just snacked on what were supposed to be cookies last night. Supposed to be, had I used the right kind of flour. All I had was self-rising. And sure it didn’t sound right, but it did say that it was perfect for baking. I decided to take my chances, and this is what I got:

Maybe I should just avoid the kitchen altogether.