Diems to Carpe

Change of Locale

2011-09-23T21:49:00.000-07:00

Boy... when I felt like this summer was going to be a good time to get some things into focus, I had no idea what I was in for.

From this point forward, my new blog is the best place to find me.

DinoBlogs

2011-05-25T09:29:00.001-07:00

I am equally guilty, but I've noticed a sharp decline in blogging of my friends. I miss what you have to say.

I spend far more time on Facebook than I do on my blog (obvious to you, no doubt). But, I got to thinking about what a tragedy it is if we trade our complete thoughts and happenings for 160 character blurbs. Sure, it's nice to be connected to more of the long lost from our lives. It fills a different need in me, though. I still need to think. And, some of you out there are brilliant bloggers who make me think.

Thank you.

Please don't quit.

Summer, Summer - Summertime

2011-05-25T09:12:00.001-07:00

I hope you had a little Will Smith flashback from the title. That was Will Smith, right?

I'm now a week and a half into my summer semester. I recrafted my schedule to include two intensive classes (knocking out a whole 3 credit class condensed into one week of Mon. - Fri. from 8:00am to 4:30pm) and two online courses. I feel a little weight off my shoulders and am grateful for the time and space now to give myself some needed attention.

I don't mean that in a selfish way. I mean... "Man, have I got a lot of work to do on me to get to where I know I can be!!". For far too long, I've been too busy, too stressed, too sad or too distracted to get back to the basics and be the best I can. I don't mean these to be excuses, though I know they are.

What I've been given this summer is a gift of time to focus on aspects I've grown too weak in. I'm using Luke 2:52 as the mantra for it and have laid out a fairly detailed plan of attack for progressing spiritually, physically, socially and academically. I just hope I can have the discipline to stick to it.

It's a work in progress for me to comprehend that big things happen a little at a time. Maybe it's because I lack patience and am somewhat of a perfectionist. I want things to happen NOW. If I can't make it happen now, I decide I simply don't have time for it at all. I've always admired close friends who are much better at achieving big goals through accomplishing little goals, one at a time.

But... this summer... I'm Melinda Mae.

The Space Between

2011-02-21T10:40:00.000-08:00

I have a myriad of thoughts that run through my skull to which my self response is, "You should write a blog entry on it!". Moving and gearing up for (and now actively being in) school again have put my poor blog on the back burner. Be ready for a deluge of reactivity, though.

Back to the issue at hand. Space.

The computer I'm writing this post on is in the library of the university I'm now attending. After class, I came here and waited for a computer to become available (I don't bring my laptop to campus on Mondays). My wait was not long, perhaps 2 minutes. Right after arriving, I noticed a girl beginning to pack up.

I stood behind her, but at what I consider a comfortable distance, so she didn't feel like I was breathing down her neck or trying to rush her. I was probably about 5 feet directly behind her, with my eyes fixed on the chair. At the time I arrived, there were no others looking for an open station. After I was positioned to take the spot of this girl, though, a young man came in and stood right next to her as she was standing to leave. He put his hand on the back of the chair and looked back at me.

He must have read my confused (I sure hope it looked confused and not angry) look, because he nonchalantly asked, "were you waiting for this spot?".

"Yes." I replied. He walked away disappointed.

This happens to me frequently; in line at TJ Max or the self serve line at Kroger, in airport security lines, etc. It's got me really wondering if the problem is me leaving too great a distance between myself and the spot I'm going, or if people, in general, are just becoming less polite or patient. I like to think I'm sufficiently aggressive when needed. I can board a crowded Metro car in DC with ease or fight my way through a crowd. But, in less populated situations,.... am I too timid?

How Do I Know?

2010-10-05T07:27:00.001-07:00

See those? Blurry, I know. But, those are nails. Fingernails. My own.

I started biting my nails in the second grade. I remember one of the fourth grade teachers stopping me in the hall one day and asking why I was biting my nails. She told me that one day, when I was older, I would want them to be pretty for a boy that I loved and I would stop. It was a lovely sentiment, but has thus far turned out to be untrue.

I spent a good 6 years or so with acrylics. This allowed me to have nice hands for a professional life.

BUT, magically, when I began my CNA class, I stopped biting them. It was not a conscious decision. I only discovered it on accident when I realized I needed to trim my nails. Holy cow!

Seven months later..... I have to trim and file them weekly. This is a whole new world to me, but very symbolic of my feelings.

I'll never know why I started biting my nails. I think it's because I saw someone do it and thought I'd give it a try. But, it became a 25-year nervous habit. I didn't FEEL nervous or stressed, but I think in the back of my mind there was a residual wondering if I was on the right path or making the choices to take me to where the Lord wanted me to go in life.

That feeling went away the minute I made actual steps and progress toward nursing. And... the habit stopped all on it's own.

To The Mothers Out There

2010-09-26T15:23:00.000-07:00

I spotted this on Tracie's blog a little while back, and have wanted to share it too ever since. Thanks for finding it, Tracie!

The Invisible Woman, Excerpt By Nicole Johnson  

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness.

It started to happen gradually… 

One day I was walking my son Jake to school. I was holding his hand and we were about to cross the street when the crossing guard said to him, “Who is that with you, young fella?”  

“Nobody,” he shrugged.  

Nobody? The crossing guard and I laughed. My son is only five, but as we crossed the street I thought, oh my goodness, nobody?  

I would walk into a room and no one would notice. I would say something to my family, like “Turn the TV down, please.” And nothing would happen. Nobody would get up, or even make a move for the remote. I would stand there for a minute, and then I would say again, a little louder, “Would someone turn the TV down?” Nothing.  

Just the other night my husband and I were out to a party. We’d been there for about three hours and I was ready to leave. I noticed he was talking to a friend from work. So I walked over, and when there was a break in the conversation, I whispered, “I’m ready to go when you are.” He just kept right on talking.  

That’s when I started putting all the pieces together. I don’t think he can see me. I don’t think anyone can see me.  

I’m invisible.

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I’m on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I’m thinking, “Can’t you see I’m on the phone?” Obviously not. No one can see if I’m on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all.

I’m invisible.

Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more.
Can you fix this?
Can you tie this?
Can you open this?
Some days I’m not a pair of hands; I’m not even a human being.
I’m a clock to ask, “What time is it?”
I’m a satellite guide to answer, “What number is the Disney Channel?”
I’m a car to order, “Right around 5:30, please.”

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude – but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again.

She’s going…she’s going…she’s gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out of style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a banana clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped  package and said, “I brought you this.”

It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn’t exactly sure why she’d given it to me until I read her inscription. “To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.”

In the days ahead I would read, no, devour, the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I would pattern my work:
  • No one can say who built the great Cathedrals—we have no record of their names.
 • These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished.
  • They made great sacrifices and expected no credit.
  • The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, “Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it.”

And the workman replied, “Because God sees.” 

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece just push into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, “I see you Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one else does. No act of kindness you’ve done, no sequin you’ve sewn on, no cupcake you’ve baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can’t see right now what it will become.”

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn, pride.

I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who will show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don’t want my son to tell the friend he’s bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, “My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for 3 hours and presses all the linens for the table.” That would mean I’d built a shrine or monument to myself. I just want him to come home. And then if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, “You’re gonna love it here.”

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we’re doing it right. And one day it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

Calvert St. T-Shirt Designs

2010-09-03T14:19:00.000-07:00

Alright, Calvert Alumni.... thoughts?

A Tale of Pain

2010-08-23T17:18:00.000-07:00

Earlier this summer, I had the distinct pleasure of breaking my first bone. I wish I could say it was while doing something dangerous, heroic or otherwise horrendously amusing. But, the truth is.... it was the result of my flip-flop-clad feet and clumsy nature colliding with the bottom of a ice cream parlor door. OUCH.

I didn't get an immediate picture after the accident. In hindsight, I wish I had. You can imagine my right pinky toe parting from the rest of my foot at a right angle. (it hurt so bad when it happened, I was sure I had ripped the toe completely off and was afraid to look).

After about 36 hours of keeping it taped in place, it looked like this:

The position got better, but the colors starting coming out after that.

Wearing my shoes for work was tough, and heels were totally out of the question for a while. I'm happy to report now, that all is back to normal. Back to running, heels, and living pain free. I'm very grateful home treatment seems to have worked.

These Boots (or Asics) were Made for Jogging

2010-06-08T11:04:00.001-07:00

Too bad it's extremely hard to do from the house.

The weather this week, in combo with a surge in motivation to regain control of my life, is perfect for daily exercise. There's plenty of fresh country air to breathe and abundant neighbors to wave at.

I really miss the days of living in any of my Northern VA apartments, but particularly the Arlington ones where a paved trail was right outside my door, waiting to take me for a scenic stroll along the Potomac or by the monuments.

My street now would be the perfect jogging trail if I could magically cease motor traffic. But, alas, that is beyond my power. Instead, I went out for a jog on our street which is too narrow for the county to legally paint a center line for two lane traffic. Few spots have level grass on the shoulder to ditch out on when a car is coming. The entire time I was out there, I was praying that each of those cars coming along our 45 mph rural road about to pass me contained alert drivers that had their eyes on the road (and me), and not on their iPods or latest text.

Fault or Frustration?

2010-05-14T08:56:00.000-07:00

I'd like your opinion - I'm genuinely confused on whether this is a fault of mine or a legitimate gripe.

I have a hard time asking for help. I tend to run myself into the ground rather than ask for help. (I know this part is a fault)

BUT - It seems in the last few months, there have been several times I've tried to take a few folks up on offers for help, and they are either too busy or don't follow through. This leaves me feeling validated in not asking for help. I am but one person in the throng that is their life, and, at the end of the day, they have too much on their plate.

Now, a couple of these times I might consider my fault because I waited too long and then asked on too short of a notice. Understandable. But for a couple others, it's been over a month, and my need hasn't been met.

I don't think it's fair to anyone I ask for help to explain that I only ask if my very livlihood depends on it. It seems too much pressure to put on someone. BUT - let it be known, that I don't ask for help... nearly ever. And, if I am, it's because I REALLY need it. I'm probably a lot more stressed, worried and drowning than I let on.

So, readership, (however small you may be since I've been lax in posting) is this my fault or a legitimate frustration? How do you handle asking for help, and are you successful?

In Tune

2010-03-05T16:50:00.000-08:00

I can think of no way to say this other than for the first time in a LONG time, I feel like the universe and I are in sync. I've had my share of career adventures and variety. I don't regret any. But, now that I've made steps to follow what my heart was telling me in November - nursing - the confirmation is stronger by the moment. This is the right path.

Orientation for the CNA program was this afternoon. I've never been so excited to meet my textbook. Classes start Monday, and it's a condensed 3 week program. I've done the homework for Monday already and will work on Tues. and Wed. tomorrow. I don't plan to made CNA my career. It's a step on the ladder. As I read through the text and think about the patients and residents ahead, it becomes a more calming, warm and fuzzy step by the minute.

Today

2010-03-03T18:23:00.001-08:00

"Today is the first day of the rest of your life"

You've heard it before, right? Not like I just did.

When Dad was admitted into the VA hospital in early January to finally get his surgery done, he was so upbeat. He was estatic to have a date set and an end to his hemotoma, Ralph (we had named him) in sight.

On the spartan industrial walls of unit 2F (surgical wing) that he was in awaiting surgery there were white dry erase boards with permanent marker sketching out:

Room #:

Today is:

Your RN is:

Your CNA is:

Anticipated discharge date:

I believe these are called Patient Communications Boards in the private sector. Heck, they could have been called that at the VA as well, except for the little fact that no one ever wrote anything on them. Day after day would go by with no updates. Zero communication.

I never saw any patients question it, but I always felt that if it were me sitting in one of those hospital beds, I would feel an ever greater sense of loss of time and normality to have it continually in front of my face.... blank date, blank discharge date, etc.

One day before Dad's surgery, he lept out of his bed with agility and energy we hadn't seen from him in a few months. He walked over to the blank board on his half of the room and filled in:

Today is: "the first day of the rest of your life."

Days and weeks after Dad had left that room, the words remained. I guess since no one thought to write on them, no one thought to erase them either. I would see them from the hallway, though, as I would walk past heading to or from another of his rooms. In fact, the one day I got to get him out in a wheelchair for a bit, I wheeled him past it on the way back, so he could see it again.

Until tonight, I had totally forgotten about that. Much of the last month, for me, has been reliving in my mind the hard parts of the hospital visit. The sad times. The pitfalls. Even more annoying than having them play over and over, is that I'm generally an optimist and Dad gave me 33 whole years of good stuff to think about. I really, really, don't want to dwell on the last few weeks. On top of those flashes, real life has been hitting pretty hard too. Not working, debt, moving - it's been nearly more than I can bear. Diems have been Carpe-ing me instead of the other way around.

During my drive to Richmond on Saturday, though, I had little thoughts running through my head of little ways to progress, small things I could do to begin digging out from this hole, prayers being answered. Now that it's a few days past that, and I've acted on them, I actually feel pretty good.

A few moments ago, I began preparing for bed. As the thoughts of what I had done today and what was ahead tomorrow passed, I could almost hear Dad's voice clearly say, "Today is the first day of the rest of your life."

Thanks, Pa.

A Give Away! - To Celebrate 1 Week of Cereal

2010-02-24T19:17:00.000-08:00

I've got a Give Away on my Cereal Blog - Visit to enter.

http://30daysofcereal.blogspot.com/2010/02/give-away-to-celebrate-1-week-of-cereal.html

Cry Me a River

2010-02-22T09:10:00.000-08:00

I just brought in his coat and boots from my car. The orange plastic bag with assorted pills, books and picture that stayed in his hand or at this bedside came in too.

My dad's been gone nearly a month, and I only touched them again just now because of necessity in bringing back a load from the Richmond apt. I would have happily driven them around with me forever. I would have happily driven HIM around with me forever.

It snowed so much right after he left. I knew it was the earth helping to slow the pace of life for our family. Today is drizzly, and feel like the heavens are sobbing along side me. All of the emotions at the surface are as fresh as the morning it happened.

I've wanted to write for so long to help process my thoughts. But no words will come. I'm not in denial, but I can't even bear the thought of sitting down to begin something because it makes it even more real.

While in my sweats and under the electric blanket last week, at a time long past when the productive population left their homes for work, I caught the episode of West Wing when Leo dies on Bravo. CJ's quote summed up my feelings perfectly. "Everyone keeps thinking I have something to say, and I really don't."

For Crying Out Loud!

2010-02-21T20:32:00.000-08:00

Can married men please wear wedding rings?

Men, please understand that this request in no way implies I believe that you are unable to keep your marital vows without a band of gold on your left hand. I trust you. I trust your wife.

The shtick I have is being a single woman who respects and values marriage. Do you have any idea how uncomfortable it is for me to meet one of you who is mildly attractive, easy to talk to and in possession of a bare left hand? I might think to myself, "Eh? Not bad. We should talk more often," or maybe even, "I think I'd like to try a dinner with this guy." You probably have no clue those thoughts ever flittered through my mind due to my horrid flirting skills, but they're there.

And then I find out though some other means that you are married, and I feel like the "pus that infects the mucus that cruds up the fungus that feeds on the pond scum". I would never have thought those things about someone who is married. Even if it's Tiger Woods. I don't tread on the sanctity of marriage. But, in my mind... I just did. If you had been wearing a ring, you would have spared me this guilt.

Put it on. If you don't do it for your wife or for yourself, please... do it for me.

It's Official - 30 Days of Cereal

2010-02-17T11:31:00.001-08:00

Check out my new endeavor. Bookmark it. Visit it. Comment on it. :-)

Do I Dare?

2010-02-16T14:02:00.000-08:00

Due to needing to get serious about eating well and returning to my healthy weight (now that the campaign lifestyle is long gone), I've been doing some thinking. And, now... the stars seem to be aligning. I have an idea, and I'd like your input.

My sweet cousin, Angie, sent a box of 70 sample boxes of Whole Grain Total to my dad when he was in the hospital. Today, and additional box of 150 samples of Fiber One arrived. What to do with all this cereal....?

Here's what I'm thinking. Super Size Me!! For 30 days, I would eat one of these high fiber cereals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Although I'm currently planning on just a bowl with either skim milk or soymilk, I reserve the right to use the cereal in other recipes, if the preservation of my sanity demands it. Since this would satisfy my carb and dairy suggestions for each day, I'll use fresh fruits, veggies and proteins for my snacks.

Each day, I'll share how things are going. Thoughts?

Bread for KK

2010-02-06T16:07:00.001-08:00

This is mostly for my sister, but everyone else is welcomed to it. Kayt, this is the recipe I used for dinner tonight.

Avoidance

2010-02-03T12:28:00.000-08:00

While I avoid putting into writing some of the emotions and happenings of the last two weeks, I bring you the world's best spinach dip recipe ala Carol Carlson of Brunswick Co. Virginia. I nearly ate the entire thing on my own at a gathering of republicans a few months ago. I stumbled on the recipe handwritten in my car this week as I as cleaning.

1 Pint - Sour Cream
1 Cup - Mayo
1 Pkg - Knorr Leek Soup
1 Pkg - Frozen Chopped Spinach
1/2 Cup - Chopped Parsley
1/2 Cup - Chopped Onion
1/2 Can - Water Chestnuts
1/2 tsp - Dillweed
1 T - Dried Italian Dressing

Mix all above with hand mixer

Scoop out bread, use scooped pieces for dipping

Insert Away Message

2010-01-23T14:37:00.000-08:00

I haven't forgotten about blogging. I've just been consumed with decisions, changes, family and priorities over the last two months. I hope to have time to write decently soon. In the meantime, if we're facebook friends, most of this is chronicled there. If we aren't - FRIEND ME :-)

Making Christmas

2009-12-28T19:11:00.000-08:00

I spent some time getting to know my sewing tools in preparation for this Christmas. Some was done by hand, some was with the sewing machine I bought a few months ago and have been waiting to use. Here are a few highlights:

Marilyn checking out the sewing machine

Ipod Cover for Baby Sis

My first quilt - made for the Niece

Apron for Middle Sis
BONUS PIC: The Niece in a bath over Christmas break. Again... mine eyes have seen nary a cuter face upon the crust of this earth :-)

Dangerous

2009-12-17T20:37:00.000-08:00

That's what late night television is. Dangerous.

In my non-working interim, I have changed up my old before-bed tv routine. Here's the old routine:

11:30 - Friends on CW
Midnight - Bed

Here's the new:

11:30 - Friends on CW
Midnight - King of Queens on CW
12:30am - The Office on Fox
1:00 am - Law & Order on ABC
2:00 am - Great documentaries about Christ, Peter and Paul on PBS

Told you..... dangerous.

Catching Up #3

2009-12-14T19:14:00.000-08:00

A little cat owner indulgence.

It's been a long time coming that these two get along so well. Marilyn typically likes to maintain her personal space a little more.

These were all taken on different days.

(That is my lap they are both sharing, and I didn't invite either one to climb up there)

(Ok. So, every so often, they still play a little rough - this one to the tune of "Kung Fu Fighting")

Catching Up #2

2009-12-14T19:06:00.000-08:00

A couple other shots I've been holding on to from the chaos that was my late Oct./early Nov.

Best pumpkin I saw this year. It was at Homemade by Suzanne's in Ashland, VA. We had a campaign rally stop there in the final week before the election. Sarah Palin had an event there last year too (I think it's mentioned in her book). Anywho... I thought it was very clever.

Where else do you get Patrick Henry with a megaphone along your marathon route? Gotta love Richmond. :-)

Catching Up #1

2009-12-14T18:21:00.000-08:00

A few moments with me and the neice while the rest of the house was sleeping.

it's That Time Again

2009-12-02T16:56:00.000-08:00

For Poor Man's Toffee!

I'm making this tonight as part of the Thank You gift for the ICU staff that's been w/ Dad for the last week and a half.

Didn't want you to forget it as you navigate this season of Christmas parties :-)

http://diemstocarpe.blogspot.com/2008/12/poor-mans-toffee.html

My Post 11/3 To Do List

2009-10-29T18:48:00.000-07:00

Get a job

Clean my bedroom

Catch up with friends

Rent all previous seasons of Grey's Anatomy and get up to speed

Learn to use my sewing machine

Grocery shop

Take advantage of the gym membership I've been paying for for a year

Spend lots of time with family

Perfect my bread

Think about dating again

See the Richmond sites I haven't been to yet

(Work in progress)

Warms my Heart

2009-10-24T14:57:00.000-07:00

My dad and my niece.

Overheard Tonight in the Call Center

2009-10-21T18:24:00.000-07:00

(8:15pm)

Me:

Good evening Ms. _____. I'm a volunteer... blah blah..... wondering if we can count on your support on Nov. 3 for candidates ____, _____ and _____?

(long pause)

Woman:

Well, I was going to until you called during our dinner.

Me:

Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry. I wish I had a magic cam into everyone's homes so I could tell if they were eating or not. I certainly wouldn't call them during meal time (thinking to self, isn't 8:15 AFTER "dinnertime"?)

(another long pause)

Woman:

Well, people don't like telemarketing calls.

Me:

I totally agree with you. I'm just a volunteer who cares about VA. Didn't mean to interrupt. Have a great night. thiscallwaspaidforby_____

La Doche No Funchona

2009-10-20T07:29:00.000-07:00

(mispelled, I'm sure)

When I went to Italy in 2003, I studied up on Italian beforehand. Turns out most everyone spoke to us in English, and the only time I got to utilize my skills was to request a wake-up call one night when the hotel desk attendant clearly spoke Italian.

HOWEVER, the first phrase I remember learning and the only one I still remember was the above which means, 'The shower doesn't work'.

Ladies and gentlemen.... I bring you this video of my current shower. Since it was taken on Sunday, it has further deteriorated into not releasing any water at all. Good thing I still have my gym membership until it's repaired.

It's the Little Things

2009-10-12T07:36:00.000-07:00

22 days to the election. This means running even more full throttle than before. There are definite moments of wanting to scream, burn a select few in effigy and wishing there were a place to hide until Nov. 4 is upon us. But, there are also the small, seemingly insignificant, cues that I can carry on. I can see this through. They give me a smile and the energy to go another day.

1. Marilyn & Teddy - At the risk of sounding like a crazy cat lady, they have been wonderful lately during my terrible bronchitis and long hours. I snapped this one yesterday morning... I mean... you have to admit, they're cute!

2. Fall, Changing of Leaves and Nature. I pulled over to snap this one on I-64 between Charlottesville and Waynesboro on Saturday night. It was just what I needed to take a deep breath and a 5 minute break to watch the colors fade to navy.

Take 7 Minutes out of your Day

2009-09-22T07:17:00.000-07:00

Seizing a Rare Opportunity to...

2009-08-16T16:38:00.000-07:00

...actually cook a real dinner.

I SO love to cook. Until November 4, though, the moments are rare that I can actually devote time to it. I tried a little something I saw on a PBS segment on Virginia farming tonight. It was so relaxing and comforting, and... left me feeling so much better than eating out. There's just something that feels right about starting with fresh ingredients and making something delicious.

This was a made-from-scratch marinara (blanced and peeled tomatos, garlic, olive oil, fresh basil & mushrooms) over julienned zuchini and brown rice noodles. Yum.

TODAY! - 2009 Dairy Queen Miracle Treat Day

2009-08-13T08:51:00.001-07:00

You need ice cream today anyway, right?

Ta-Da!

2009-08-06T06:28:00.000-07:00

It's Finished!!!

Awaiting the final step of adding straps

Completed Front

Completed Back

(View of the underside)

Project Runway, here I come!

This was a lot of fun. We'll have to see if it actually fits. I have a feeling it will make a good toddler shirt when she's a little older. I just have no idea if the proportions are right.

Domestication

2009-08-03T15:11:00.001-07:00

As I stated previously, a new niece makes me want to do things like crochet, quilt and all other crafty-type things. I'm counting myself lucky that this urge is stronger than shopping (since my budget is tight and I would want to buy every cute thing in sight for her).

This weekend I decided I would sew her a dress. If you really understood what that means, you'd be on the floor laughing. I don't have a sewing machine. I didn't buy a pattern. I just saw these dresses on my old roomie Jan's photography blog and felt inspired.

So.... I stopped off at the fabric store on the way home from work on Friday and got to work.

It's all hand stitched, and it probably won't fit, but I'm really quite proud of how it's coming along. I'll post another picture tomorrow or Wednesday when it's done.

Scatter Sunshine

2009-07-31T13:20:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about this for a long time and am now hoping that putting it publicly into writing will bring it to the forefront of my mind. Maybe I'll actually DO it then.

There are so many small nice things I want to say to people. Some of these people I know. Some, I don't. I want to get a set of small cards (larger than business cards but smaller than notecards) printed up to jot on and leave for these people. I don't want to monogram them, but some sort of personal trademark might be nice.

Then, I could do things like leave notes on people's desks, cars, doors and seats. I could tell them things like, "Your new haircut looks great!", "I always notice your beautiful flowers on my neighborhood walks." and "Your lesson really got me thinking. Thanks for your preparation!".

When do You Give Up on Utopia?

2009-07-30T19:43:00.000-07:00

Most days, lately, I feel trapped between my optimistic childlike self and my slightly more realistic adult self. In thinking about making a move to WA in 2010, I'm left, again, with the realization that I will never have everything all in one geographic location.

My Utopia would be a place where my family, close friends, good employment, romantic potentials and breathtaking nature are all together. It would also have ample cultural resources in close proximity and a healthy dose of classic architecture and history. (In fact, if you want to get into the details, it would also have wide streets, park-like medians, sidewalks and bike paths abounding). That place will never exist, but I think I'm just beginning to come to terms with that.

I know,... I know... you're wondering why this is a big deal to me. You've likely realized such things long ago. Don't get me wrong. I'm very blessed. And, no matter where I've been, I've had elements of my Utopia. A little piece of me has been holding on to the belief that at some point, though, all of those elements would come in line.

I'm sure Facebook is to blame for some of these feelings, too. Reconnecting with old friends can be eye-opening. Two friends from high school have children of their own entering high school this year. Old roommates are on their third child. Taking a look at other lives makes me more aware that I've been living in some sort of parallel universe during the years we've been apart.

As I type this, I'm watching a show on PBS about a modest income family who sails on their 25 boat all around the world with their two kids. Playing with puffins, touching an iceberg, watching the moon rise over the ocean and daydreaming while watching glowing phosphorescence under the water in the middle of the night.... kind of tempting. I loved a quote during it, "when we measure our lives by possessions, we miss who we truly are."

What would be in your Utopia? Or, if you already live in your Utopia, what makes it so?

What's Wrong w/ This Picture?

2009-07-27T06:59:00.001-07:00

I stopped in quickly for a tire gauge. It was hard to capture this without making the cashier aware. (Richmond, Friday 7/24).

As a fun game - please leave your guess for such wackiness in the comment section. :-)

P.S.

2009-07-14T09:47:00.000-07:00

I know this background doesn't match my header at all, but I thought it was so cute that I had to put it up temporarily.

Cute Pictures

2009-07-14T08:21:00.001-07:00

Again stalling putting actual thought and intellect into my posts.... I bring you two very cute pictures.

1. My niece. Just as fair warning, I will continue to brag about her and shamelessly promote her cuteness for years to come. Happy 2 months, Kaelyn!

2. Little Miss Hanover Tomato. (From Hanover Tomato Festival 2009). It is fair and festival season in Virginia, and I'm on the road A LOT. While I miss being home more often, I do enjoy this little slice of Americana ; Arts and Crafts vendors, parades, cotton candy, corn dogs, port-a-potties.... ok, maybe not the port-a-potties so much.

Destined for the Pacific Northwest?

2009-07-06T13:26:00.001-07:00

I could spend several posts explaining what it's like to work on a campaign. The lifestyle is far different from normal jobs (whatever that means in today's society). Each campaign is it's own entity, but most patterns are similar. Rather than go into specifics, I will just generalize by saying hours are long and, more often than not, 7 days a week. Vacation time is an unspoken word. Deadlines, events and voter contact never sleep - and thus... neither do we.

(Insert obligatory plug: If you live in VA, please don't forget to vote for Bill Bolling (Lt. Governor) this November. It will have made this lifestyle more worth if for me. *end plug*)

Anywho, somehow I got the green light to spend a short amount of time with family over Father's Day weekend.

My grandfather passed away in January, but in order to comply with his wishes for no funeral opted to gather in June to honor his life in a location that couldn't have been more ideal. It was the very best combination of mountain, sea and Naval air strip that seemed to be crafted just for celebrating the life of my Naval aviator, Sierra Club (before they went super liberal) hike leader, ship-loving and nature expert of a grandfather. Simply put - PERFECT.

The location? Whidbey Island, more specifically, Deception Pass State Park. And, because my grandmother and three of my mom's siblings now live on the island as well, it made for a great get-away. Truthfully, I can hardly wait to move there.

More thoughts in the future, but for now, some pictures from the trip.

1. The Welcome to Whidbey sign you see in Clinton, right after getting off the ferry.

2. View from the Mukilteo-Clinton Ferry looking at the vessel carrying passengers in the opposite direction.

3. Deception Pass Bridge (from below). This was on our hike to the location we went for Grandpa. Deception Pass is named such because the narrow water connection passing through actually flows in both directions, depending on the tide. Sailors were frequently mistaken about their location because of it.

4. Family pausing for a break along the hike.

5. The home in Oak Harbor that my mom's family lived in (she was age 3, I think) when Grandpa learned how to fly at the Naval base there. Very overgrown now. You can't even get 1/2 way up the steps from the street to the front door because of the vegatation.

6. View of the house from side/rear. These windows are where the dining room was at that time.

7. Another rear view with the view of the Puget Sound and Vancouver Islands in the background. Aunt Susan is explaining where the fire pit that my great grandmother built was in the back yard.

8. Statue in the town of Langley. Very quaint artsy little town.

9. View of the dock in the town of Coupeville (similar to Langley, but a little more friendly and less "uppity") I learned a great deal about Orcas inside this little building waiting for the restroom. I never knew there were resident and migrating species or variations in how carnivorous they are.

10. View of the Coupeville shoreline from the dock.

11. Family on the ferry to Port Townsend.

12. View from the Ferry to Port Townsend (warning: a lot of references to Port Townsend ahead. It wasn't my favorite locality, but it was when I actually used my camera more)

13. Weirdest birds ever. These little guys would sit patiently waiting for the ferry to come along in the water and then dive down. After the ferry passed, they'd pop back up.

14. View from the upper deck of the ferry to the car deck below.

15. Ferry docking ahead in Port Townsend.

16. Seagull perched at the top of the ferry parking poles. I never saw him move. I suspect the State of Washington pays him to sit there and make the arrival more surreal.

17. Barnacles on the bottom of the poles the gull is perched upon.

18. Architecture in Port Townsend.

19. More of the same.

20. And, again (car was timed well - the town did seem to be from a bygone era)

21. Roadside garden in downtown Port Townsend. Flowers grow SO well out there.

Three Days

2009-06-24T10:39:00.001-07:00

I need to do a much longer post on my usage of the 3 annual days of leave I have for attending my Grandfather's ceremony on Whidbey Island. Until I get that up, here's my favorite picture from the weekend.

Truly, there is no cuter face than my new niece. What a little ray of sunshine.

Breakfast Goodness

2009-06-16T10:22:00.000-07:00

In an attempt to build upon the jumpstart of a hectic and very physical State Convention weekend - in moving toward regaining my "pre-campaigning figure", I've returned to my old friend "South Beach Diet" for two weeks.

I actually don't feel very restricted during Phase 1 of South Beach, and I appreciate the addiction-breaking of white flour and sugar. Breakfasts are the only time of day I have a slight challenge.

Aside from eggs, there are not many options on Phase 1. I adapted a recipe I found on a blog, though, and created a new "egg muffin" to keep myself happy in the mornings. By cooking up a batch of these, I not only have a yummy way to start the day, but I can put two in each zip lock baggie, and am covered for the week. No need to break out the skillet every morning!

Step One: Spray your muffin tin with non-stick spray

Step Two: Pile in whatever your heart desires into each muffin indentation. Mine contain: chopped turkey bacon, diced tomatoes, a few fresh spinach leaves, a couple black beans and a sprinkle of 2% sharp cheddar cheese.

Step Three: Beat together 1 dozen eggs in a large bowl. Pour a small amount over each muffin mound.

Step Four: Bake at 375 for ~30 min. (until barely noticing browning on the tops)

Step Five: Let cool for 5 min. Use a butter knife to run around all edges before removing.

Step Six: Enjoy! (I ate two upon completion and baggied and refridgerated the remaining 10 for breakfasts through the week).

1st Video

2009-05-24T19:40:00.000-07:00

Ok, this video serves two purposes.

1. To share my first video taken with my camera phone. It was a spur of the moment decision. The moment was just too cute.

2. To futilely try to convince myself that my cats are as much fun as I know Megan's new puppy, Jedi must be ;-)

You've got to admit, though... not many cats do this. Keep your eye on the little white stuffed ghost.

More importantly, forgive the post-gift wrapping mess on my floor and my cheesy "kitty voice".

Creative Outlet

2009-05-19T08:24:00.000-07:00

We're 9 days away from the state convention, and I definitely don't have oodles of time to twiddle my thumbs. But, there's something about a newborn niece that makes me want to do nothing but quilt and scrapbook all day long. *Please note, I do not actually do those things. I just want to. *

I did manage to squeeze in two things over the weekend, though.

1. Completing Kaelyn's crocheted blanket. I'm not sure how many of these I've completed in the last 10 years (maybe 12 or so?), but this was one of the most fun, because I only allowed the best of influences while I was working on it. I wanted lots of love and happy thoughts to be packed into it. The following were the background for crocheting it: Anne of Green Gables, Little Women, Chronicles of Narnia and General Conference.

2. Monogram letters for the nursery. (instructions below if you're interested)

Step 1 - Take frames of your choice and remove the glass. I used 8x10's for this project.

Step 2 - (Please note, all affixing for my own project was done with hig- heat hot glue, which made it super fast. You could use any other way you see fit, though). Glue rolled quilting batting to the back of the picture frames - Picture below.

Step 2 - Take your fabric and cut it so you have about 3/4 of an inch or so on each side beyond the frame back. Fold over and pull snugly, glue down.

Step 3 - Put your backing back into the frame (rear picture followed by frontal picture below).

Step 4 - Affix your letters. I used precut and painted letters (for speed sake). At this point, you could use them as table or shelf top decorations utilizing the frames leaning device like below.

Step 5 - Attach ribbon, lace, etc. to back for tying and hanging. I used ribbons in shades found in the fabrics I used and braided them along with a thicker lace. You could do something simpler if you wanted. Voila!

High-Rider

2009-05-19T08:02:00.000-07:00

I grew up in southern NM, home and mecca of low-riders. This, along with so many other reasons, is why I was taken aback by this sight at a gas station in Petersburg on Saturday.

I suppose if I was in peril on a highway and about to be run over, I'd like the approaching vehicle to have this kind of clearance.

On the Day that You were Born....

2009-05-14T13:29:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the world, Kaelyn!!!! Your Auntie Melissa can NOT wait to hold you and cuddle you and give you kisses and whisper that I love you.

Isn't She Lovely?

2009-05-10T21:19:00.000-07:00

Isn't she won-der-ful?

We carped the diem and spent the afternoon of Mother's Day at Monticello. It's been roughly 5 years the family has been meaning to go. The weather was going to be perfect, so we made the decision to quit making excuses.

Mom, Dad and I met up for lunch at Michie's Tavern and enjoyed dining on the terrace. After our fill of fried chicken and colonial fixings, we continued on the Thomas Jefferson Parkway to Monticello.

I know this looks like a stock photo, but it really was from the camera on my phone. The day was THAT perfect.

Dad on the way back up from visiting Jefferson's gravesite.

Mom and Dad as we were walking in the front door for the house tour.

I don't know that I'll ever run out of historical sites I want to see in VA. I'm so glad my family is close enough to join in the adventure.

I'm pretty sure Heavenly Father crafted today with deliberate perfection. The temperature, the low humidity, the fresh lush green trees and bushes and the fragrant flowers made it an appropriate salute to my cute, loving, funny and selfless mom.

I love ya, Momsie!

The Sky is Falling

2009-05-10T21:14:00.000-07:00

I didn't change the color on this shot at all. This was the sight I saw while walking to the video rental store in the neighborhood a couple nights ago. I had to just stop and stare on the sidewalk for a while. It was so strikingly different and beautiful.

Random Things Spotted on Saturday

2009-05-05T08:46:00.001-07:00

While I wait for an evening to catch up on a few other posts, I thought I'd give you the "random things I saw on Saturday" post.

Item #1 - A Verizon Smart Car.

I believe these were in town on some sort of promotional in conjunction with the Nascar race this weekend. It just reminded me that I want one. I've wanted one since 2003 when I first saw them in Italy. (I don't want one with a hardhat, though).

Item #2 - Toy Bling Teeth.

Could the most disturbing thing I've ever witnessed inside a gum machine. Anyone else ever seen these, or is this a product of living where I do?

Friends w/ Skillz

2009-04-28T13:49:00.000-07:00

Aren't these great?

These bracelets were made by my freshman roommate and dear friend's little sister (who somehow became allowed to grow up, get married and have a baby - geesh).

When I first met Britta, she was the cutest 12 year old ever who baked amazing bread and came to visit us at college. She has not gotten any less cute or talented as she's matured into a wonderful missionary, student, wife and mother.

If you're impressed with Britta's mad skillz - check out her store here. Get them cheap while you still can. I'm pretty sure her creations will be hot commodities. :-)

You can also follow her fun craft blog here.

Shad Planking Redeux

2009-04-24T07:36:00.000-07:00

Astute readers will remember my post a year ago on the annual Shad Planking and my first experience with it. It's hard to believe it's been a year already, but last week it came again.

Instead of one long day, I spent 3 long days on it this year (one to load up thousands of signs, one to put them up and one to defend them and manage volunteers). Other differences this year: two ticks, more Home Depot runs, and actually getting to eat at the "famous" Virginia Diner. Aside from the tiredness, it was a blast to be out in the sticks with the rest of the staff.

This video sums the whole thing up the best. Bonus points if you watch for the BOLLING signs and stickers along the way. :-)

Best News of 2009 - So Far

2009-04-21T08:01:00.000-07:00

Giddy. That's what this news made me. Absolutely giddy. Sequels rarely live up to the originals, but if this one comes close, it may end up being my favorite movie ever.

http://www.nightatthemuseummovie.com/ (watch the trailer)

Night at the Museum meets my second most favorite place on earth (The Smithsonian)!

Who wants to see it at an IMAX theatre with me?

Wishing for Easter to Last One More Day

2009-04-12T17:29:00.000-07:00

The last two days have been glorious. I spent 9 solid hours on Saturday scrubbing the kitchen, bathroom, living room and doing 5 loads of laundry. While there is work to be done in the apartment (and my car) still, spring cleaning is definitely good for the soul. Thoughts of rebirth and fresh starts are sure easier to focus on in a newly cleaned space.

Because of my travel schedule and being out of town each of the last several weekends, I opted to stay in Richmond for Easter. I hoped my family would come for the day, but Baby Sis had to work, so they stayed in L-Burg. Being with them would have been ideal, but I made the best out of the day.

First off, I awoke to my Easter Basket from the Easter Bunny. He knows me nearly better than I do ;-). Dove dark chocolate bunny, dark chocolate/almond eggs, malted milk eggs and Starburst jellybeans - all wrapped up in my 1912 antique china that has been waiting for a special occasion to be used. Thanks, Bunny!

Next, I enjoyed my usual Sunday church services. I always look forward to singing, "Christ the Lord is Risen Today" on Easter and was excited to have "All Creatures of Our God and King" as the closing hymn. It was good to see my friends in the Branch that I've been missing while traveling.

I know I spend a great deal of blog space extolling the virtues of my neighborhood, but how can I not do it again when the big "Easter on Parade" annual event happens a block away? I ventured out to experience the festivities.

Crowd shot of Richmonders milling about the "Easter on Parade"

There were street perfomersAnd fun dancers (these with scarves doing what appeared to be an

Eastern European dance - reminded me of BYU Folk Dancers)

These ones had flowing colorful ribbons flowing from their costumes,

yet the dance was with sticks and pretty manly.

And musicians in several locations along Monument Ave.

Most homes along the route decorated their house or yard in Easter themes.

I snapped only a few. Some were so creative.

The parade is known for two things, though. 1). Dogs in costume (I didn't get any photos of these) and 2). Decorated hats. I somehow felt bad taking pictures of people's hats. I didn't want them to think I was making fun of them. I guess the whole point of doing it is to get attention, so I don't know why it bothered me. Anyway, here are a couple of the gems I did manage to snap while the owners were unaware:

(You can't tell from the picture, but those are all Peeps on the underside)

After the parade, I came home to make my Easter Dinner. While preparing and cooking, I loaded up great talks on the Resurrection. I love byub.org!

Since it was just me for dinner, I got to have my favorites. Voila! Peppercorn pork tenderloin, potato, artichoke, strawberries and topped off with sparkling pear cider. Following the lead of the Easter Bunny, I also used china I don't normally break out.

I hope your weekend was as good as mine!!

An Apostle's Easter Thoughts on Christ

2009-04-11T07:33:00.001-07:00

Separation Anxiety

2009-04-02T07:30:00.001-07:00

I dropped Teddy off this morning to have a little "snip snip" procedure done. Since the day he came home with me, he has been at my side, on my lap, curled at my feet or trotting back to me every moment I'm home. I think my heart broke a little leaving him there in his carrier. I'm worried he'll think I left him, and heaven knows the most scared and in pain he's ever been is about to happen. Poor little guy.

While he's on my mind, I thought I'd do a little recap of our time together.

(The first time they could relax near each other. Look how little he still was)

(Drinking out of the kitchen sink. He loves water in motion: very low interest in bowls of water.

He likes things that drip, flow and sprinkle.)

(Always keeps his eyes shut if I use a flash)

(All grown up and more comfortable with each other)

(Just little 'Ol Teddy Roosevelt (formerly Humphrey Bogart and Rhett Butler))

(Soaking up the sun in the backyard last weekend)

Another Reason to Love My Neighborhood

2009-03-29T18:25:00.000-07:00

On Saturday morning 33,000 runners participated in the Monument Avenue 10K. I live a block off the route and went out to see as much as I could before needing to be at the office to prepare for the big campaign kickoff.

I really shouldn't disclose that I cried there on the sidewalk sipping my herbal tea and watching the runners. These events always make me emotional. It's a triumph of the human spirit to train and execute a plan. It's a little slice of America for a neighborhood to gather together on the sidewalks and cheer for others. It just makes me happy.

(first in the chair division coming down the road with other elite runners)

The most fun thing about this race, in particular, is that many people dress up. I wasn't quick enough to snap a photo of a Robert Palmer + back up dancers with inflatable guitars ensamble, but I did one of my very favorite of the morning....

I Knew It!!!

2009-03-19T11:13:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard me tell the story of the day I was approached by a foreign spy in DC, ask me sometime. The paranoid side of me doesn't want to give the details online. But... when I saw this story today, it brought back the memory.

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Russias-Vladimir-Putin-Snapped-In-Disguise-While-Working-As-KGB-Officer-During-Reagan-Visit/Article/200903315244360?lid=ARTICLE_15244360_RussiasVladimirPutinSnappedInDisguiseWhileWorkingAsKGBOfficerDuringReaganVisit&lpos=searchresults

Danny Boy - The Muppets

2009-03-17T15:41:00.001-07:00

You can't go wrong with Beaker and Animal, but this is as good as it gets.

Happy St. Patty's Day!

The Ides of March

2009-03-16T07:20:00.000-07:00

I'm making a very public post to compensate for a very private misstep.

Since September of 1995, I have known that March 15th, the Ides of March, is Megan's birthday. Megan should go into advertising, because she had the brains to link her B-Day to a landmark. Despite her blog post reminding folks, I knew it ahead of time.

I got to see Megan after much too long of a hiatus this past November. I've been looking forward to the Ides to shower a little love her way. When I didnt' get a card off in time, I planned on calling her.

Well, as luck would have it, I spent the day (3/15) preoccupied. By the time the evening rolled around, I was on a two hour drive with two cats just hoping to keep their behavior in check. My hands were used on the wheel and cats, and the phone... well.... let's just say I would have either needed 3 hands, or surely driven off the highway.

And so it passed. The Ides of March, that is.

So, Megan, I'm sorry. I'm not sorry I had so many great thoughts and memories about you this week. But, I am sorry I didn't convey them to YOU.

I'll always be grateful for 2204 Taylor Hall. I'll never forget your witty writing style, your taste in music, your humor and our laughs. Crosstitching and chinking away on glass at ALL hours of the night: adventures in CO: top secret soda runs: dressing up in riduculous things: requesting Starship: finding out that Steve Sharp transcends radio stations: abysmal matchmaking skills ;-): beautiful kids: a smile that lights up a room. I treasure the things I've come to gain a personal testimony of because of knowing you. You really are a light to those around you. I miss ya'!

In Like a Lion

2009-03-01T14:40:00.000-08:00

This is the current view out my living room window. I've noticed through my life that the old adage "in like a lion, out like a lamb" holds true for the month of March.

In NM, March was full of high winds. Dust devils and massive clouds of dirt flying overhead were commonplace. In fact, my elementary school had a rather sparse gravel playground (which allowed our imaginations to fuel our games). Normally in March, we played some sort of "parajumper" where we flared our windbreakers out like wings and allowed the wind to carry us and slam us into the chain link fence. It's really strange to type that now, but I promise... it was fun.

Now, the first decent snow in Richmond is just beginning to fall. We should get somewhere between 2 and 10 inches, depending on which radio or TV station you're paying attention to. It's long overdue. Welcome to town, March.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf - CREATE

2009-02-28T13:14:00.001-08:00

Hat tip to Rachel for alerting me to the YouTube Channel "MormonMessages".

Need a little lift in your day?

2009-02-13T16:29:00.001-08:00

You know you're truly sick when....

2009-02-12T07:34:00.000-08:00

Your boss actually tells you to go home.
Orange juice, applesauce, spagetti-o's - they all taste the same... like nothing
No sense of smell
You spend 6 hours laying in bed alternating between freezing and burning up.
Every joint in your body emits pain..

Thus has been my last few days. Marilyn and Teddy have been good helpers, not asking for much besides their regular mealtimes, and content to snuggle up next to their sickly caretaker.

Read at the Virginia Historical Society

2009-02-03T09:17:00.000-08:00

Ok... I keep having flashbacks for a newspaper snippet I read at the museum over the weekend. It was in the photography exhibit and taken from the Richmond paper's frontpage somewhere in the 1880s, I think (fuzzy on the dates... could be a little off).

Anyway... one colunm featured a sketch of a young woman on a "Missing Person" report. This woman hadn't been seen in a couple months and was from the western part of the state, but was believed to be in or near Richmond.

This is the part I can't get over. In the description, it said that she was 5'5" and weighed 107 lbs. Her figure was "medium with a large waist".

Um.... how can you weigh 107 and have a large waist?

Memo from Me to the Rest of the World

2009-02-01T19:48:00.000-08:00

Cigarette butts count as litter. Please stop covering the streets and sidewalks with them.
Guys with long hair and skinny jeans are not attractive. It's tantmount to a crime against nature. The more I see these types, the more attracted to lumberjacks I become.
Bluetooth sets are great for driving and perhaps while directing large events for thousands of people. They are not so great in grocery stores. I'm growing increasingly tired of apologizing for missing what someone said to me in line, only to spy the tiny device behind their ear. (note, never, during this process have any of these people acknowledged my existense)
Kids (and toddlers in particular) are not adults. When you keep them up until after 10pm while meandering through the Target aisles for 90 minutes, you have no right to yell at them for being fussy. They need sleep and a bedtime (and responsible parents).

2009-01-28T09:36:00.000-08:00

The Measure of a Man

2009-01-18T20:07:00.000-08:00

It's so hard to say goodbye. It's even harder to think it. The hardest thing yet is to have left thoughts unspoken.

Grandpa, I'm sure I said the following many times over the years; Thank you, I love you, What do you think about _____?, Thanks for your thoughts on _____.

I'm not certain I ever said, though; "You have been one of the deepest influences of my life. I have never taken for granted your genuine interest in my hobbies, activities, friends, interests, jobs and accomplishments. I have always admired your appreciation for the workings of the human body and the outdoors. I will always remember your bikes, our camping trips, your wedding day, Christmas and Easter Visits, sitting in the audience at my ballet recitals and your revering my father as a Marine. Thanks for the history tidbits about El Paso, Gila trails, throwing records off of skyscrapers, Naval travels, best friends in uniform, ancestry and Billy the Kid. I have learned SO much.

But, stronger than the individual memories, I remember feeling that you loved me. From the very beginning. From my earliest memories. You always made me feel loved. It shaped me. It gave me strength and confidence. Having you in my life made me a better person, by leaps and bounds. My biggest regret at this juncture, is that my children won't know you in this life.

God be with you till we meet again, Grandpa. I love and miss you so very much."

P.S. I know you didn't tell anyone, but it was HRC's post as Sec. of State that was the last straw for you, wasn't it?

A Healthy Balance Between Fear and Adventure

2009-01-10T19:24:00.000-08:00

This week, I had occassion to travel to a part of Virginia I had not yet been, the Eastern Shore. If you are unfamilar with that region, it is the yellow portion at the bottom of Maryland in the map below. It doesn't physically touch any of the rest of the state. From Richmond, the two choices to get there are to travel north to DC and then all the way down Maryland, or head south to VA Beach and drive over the ocean.

Lest you think I was kidding, you really can drive over the ocean, and I did. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge/Tunnel spans the 17.6 miles (shore to shore) between VA Beach and the Eastern Shore. (picture taken of the map at the first rest stop on the bridge)

If you know me well, you know my biggest fear is being in large bodies of water. I love the beach. I love lakes. I don't so much love being IN them. I can push fear aside enough to enjoy water skiing in a lake, but I'm pretty sure it was a panic attack I had when my boyfriend at the time and I tipped our kayak over 1/2 mile from shore off the coast of Hilton Head, SC. The expansiveness, depth and predators of the ocean terrify me.

Here is my GPS along the bridge drive. Perhaps blue is a color you don't see frequently on yours. This was certainly the first time it was the ONLY color on mine. Nuttin' but water as far as the eye can see....

If you click on this one, you might be able to see the ships.

They were very large ships; cargo, I'm guessing.

Another view out the window.

You can actually grab a bite to eat in the middle of this bridge. I wasn't hungry enough to stay and be seated at the restaurant on the bridge, but I did get a celebratory Diet Dr. Pepper. The locals at the Eastern Shore sang the praises of the fried fish sandwhich at this place.

I'll have to go back. A fun date idea, eh?

_______

All in all, a very cool experience. I opened my sunroof and windows and soaked in the salty air as best I could. I kept my mind off of the fact that the bridge was completed in 1965 and the pillars surely would have done much settling and shifting over the past 43 years (until now, obviously). The trip back was a little more dicey. It was dark, very windy and rainy. Luckily I had Angela on the phone to keep my mind occupied (thanks again, Ang!). If you're ever in VA, I'd put this on your list of things to do.

A Friday Song - Never Go To Work

2009-01-09T08:01:00.001-08:00

I saw that a friend had this posted, and wanted to share as well.

While I can't relate to the lyrics at all (since I seem to work ALL days), I will always love They Might Be Giants. I think I even did my freshman honor's writing project on "Birdhouse in Your Soul".

Enjoy!

NOT Twitterpated

2009-01-05T18:08:00.000-08:00

I don't get Twitter. I mean... I "get" Twitter. I do not get the appeal, though.

This might seem a contradictory statement, since I do blog, and blogging has a few similarities to Twitter. 1. It can be used to update others on your life and 2. It's a way of updating many people at one time.

However, my limited exposure to Twitter is disturbing to me. I've already been perplexed by the people who update their Facebook status several times a day. But, Twitter takes it to a whole new level. The following example is not a big exaggeration of a thread:

_____

6:29am - Good morning world!

6:35am - Hot water a' runnin'. Shower, here I come!

6:38am - Hard to shower and twit, but I'm doing it! P.S. Note to self - buy more shampoo.

7:04am - Dressed. So glad this new skirt fits!

7:06am - Brushing teeth.

7:09am - LISTERINE TIME!!!!!

7:15am - Planning opening statements for 11am meeting while blowdrying hair.

7:21am - Grabbing bags and heading out the door! (and twittering!!)

7:30am - Can't believe the traffic.

7:32am - Still haven't gotten past exit 67!

7:35am - Made it to exit 66!

7:40am - Turning onto rte 537

7:41am - Pier 1 Sale! Must go after work!

7:42am - Only 3 more stoplights to go!

7:43am - DOH! Forgot to pack gym clothes!

7:44am - 2 more lights!

7:45am - Finishing mascara in the rearview mirror (and twittering! such a great multi-tasker!)

7:48am - Pulling into garage

7:48.27 - Scanning badge

7:48.35 - The security arm lifts. Hooray!

7:48.53 - Lookin' for a spot.

7:49 - Found one!

7:53 - Twittering while walking to the elevator.

7:55 - In the elevator

7:56 - Doors opening! I'm at work!

_____

You get my intention. I mean... does anyone really want to know that much about a person's day? It certainly takes the fun and mystery out of stalking I'm sure. It almost seems that more of life is spent on texting about it instead of living it. Agreed?

A New Year - ON PURPOSE

2009-01-02T14:43:00.000-08:00

There seemed to be so many increments of time when I was younger. I miss them. Semesters, Basketball vs. Football cheer seasons, summer break, Nutcracker vs. regular recital dance seasons, school years, pizza-earning book seasons, short distances between visits with grandparents, yes.... even the progression from horrid tryouts to the American Idol finales.

Lately I feel like I measure time only in campaign cycles. It's unhealthy, I tell you. But, I can't help but feel like January 1 is still a chance to "CRTL ALT DEL" if you will. Reboot. Refresh. I'm grateful for the reminder to ponder and reconsider.

I liked 2008. A lot, in fact. But, it will go down in the annals of my life as a rather haphazard year. It began in Des Moines and then moved on to Las Vegas, Palm Beach, Minneapolis, Lynchburg and Richmond. It was a "fly by the seat of my pants" year. I spent much more time in drive through windows and lost too much time watching the red light of my blackberry blink in the middle of the night. I put way too many miles on my car (and never have time to empty the junk in it). I grew more out of contact with good friends.

So, this year's resolution, for me, was an easy one. I've phrased it a few different ways.

Living On Purpose
Living With Purpose
Living Deliberately

I'm trying to prepare more. I'm moving away from "merely surviving". Wish me luck.

It's What's for Dinner - Zuppa Toscana

2008-12-29T11:47:00.000-08:00

Last night I made my first dinner for guests in my Richmond apt. Yes, it's been nearly 6 months since I moved here. Don't rub it in.

I thought soup, salad and bread with gingerbread cake for dessert sounded ideal for the winter weather. I didn't account for an unexpected 68 degrees... BUT the food was sure yummy.

If you like Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana, you MUST make this at your earliest convenience. If you haven't tried it, you MUST still make this at your earliest convenience.

(adapted from recipe found at: http://www.tuscanrecipes.com/recipes/olive-garden-zuppa-toscana.html. I used more sausage, potatoes and boullion and left out the bacon and garlic puree (opted for whole cloves chopped up)

Makes: 6-8 servings

INGREDIENTS

2 lbs. Ground Italian Sausage (I used the large link kind and cut them out of their casing)
1½ tsp crushed red peppers (I used the hot sausage and left out the peppers - tasted the same)
1 large diced white onion
4 cloves garlic, diced
12 cups water
7 cubes of chicken bouillon
1 cup heavy cream
2 lb sliced Russet potatoes, or about 4 large potatoes
¼ of a bunch of kale

Sautee Italian sausage and crushed red pepper in pot. Drain excess fat, refrigerate while you prepare other ingredients.

In the same pan, saute onions and garlic for approxiamtly 15 mins. or until the onions are soft.

Mix together the chicken bouillon and water, then add it to the onions and garlic. Cook until boiling.

Add potatoes and cook until soft, about half an hour.

Add heavy cream and cook until thoughouly heated.

Stir in the sausage.

Add kale just before serving. Delicious!

2007 - An Unlikely Christmas Story

2008-12-25T19:00:00.000-08:00

As alluded to previously, a 12 month buffer has enlarged my desire to share the story of last year's Christmas. It is something that is deeply personal, and I didn't want to air it and have it seem trite. I've had a nagging feeling that it might do someone else some good, though. Without taking the time for edits - here it goes...

The beginning of December 2007 was a whirlwind of campaign activity. After wrapping up the Virginia ballot access petition process for Romney, I flew out to NH to drive the Mitt Mobile from Manchester to Des Moines, IA since it and I both needed to report for further duty there in the land of corn and football. I had spent a month earlier in Iowa and looked forward to seeing the team there again. At this point the uncertainty of where my suitcase and I would be for the next several months as the primary battle wore on was an exciting novelty.

The novelty wore thin when I realized that the short time we had off for Christmas (36 hours, since it was a week before the Iowa Caucus) was insufficient to travel to VA to spend the day with my family. I realize most of my readers and the adult world have had Christmases away from their family and the amount of sympathy I may stir is small, but this would be my first.

I was busy enough (understatement) that dwelling on this fact wasn't possible for the first two weeks. After that, though, it was inevitable. As the days wore on and the 25th drew closer, I found myself pitying "poor little me" whenever my mind had time to do so. I thought of my mom's regular line up of homemade cookies and watching old home videos of Christmases past with the whole family. I thought of John Ansted's bread and the faces of my Laurels. All things that I would miss. I hated telling my friends from high school and college who emailed for my mailing address that I wouldn't get their cards this year. But, most of all, I just felt bad for myself for being alone on Christmas.

I let this pity (see also despair, wallowing depression, etc.) sink in good for a few days. I had a few offers to spend Christmas Day with assorted angelic campaign staffers. I always kept my commitment open, half believing there was still a way to get home, and half because I might just want to keep my sour mood to myself. By 22nd, though, something snapped.

It was a Saturday, another long 15 hour day in the office. For some reason, that day, all of the lessons I've had in Sunday School or community organizations which could be summed up with "the best way out of feeling bad for yourself is to help someone else" came flooding back. I wasn't looking for a way out of those feelings. In fact, I think I was coming to relish the late nights alone in the hotel when I could focus on the anguish. But, it was now very clear and inviting. I needed to do something for someone else.

I was in a town I hardly knew. I didn't know where to begin to find someone to help. I did some internet searching for soup kitchens, orphanages, children's hospitals and homeless shelters. I called through several of them looking for a place I could be on Christmas morning to lend a helping hand. Along the way, I was growing more excited. For the past few years, as an individual and as a family, we had been experimenting with ways to bring more meaning and less commercialization to the holiday. But, I was striking out. I couldn't find people who answered the phone, much less needed help. After a while, I refocused my efforts on the campaign needs of the day and my service project idea moved to the bottom of my to-do list and mind.

The next morning was Sunday (the 23rd). I woke up and got ready to make a quick trip to church before needing to be in the office again. As I walked out to the rental car to warm it up and remove the ice, I decided to attend Sacrament meeting in a different building than I had been going to. It was one where I had a few friends from the summer, and I hoped I might run into them. I arrived at the building a few minutes late for the beginning of the service and slipped quietly onto the back row right after the opening prayer.

It only took me a couple seconds to realize I had just walked into a Spanish branch. The speakers, hymns and ordinances were all in Spanish. Yes, I grew up 20 miles from the Mexican border, but that didn't mean my Spanish was up to par. This was not how I planned on spending my Sunday before Christmas. More than ever, I needed the messages and familiar music of the Christmas season. It would be one of the few reliable traditional components of my Christmas this year. Strangely, though, the service calmed me. I loved glancing at the children in the congregation and sharing a smile with them. There might have been a language barrier, but there didn't seem to be any distance between our spirits that day.

Somewhere in the middle of the service I had a very strong impression, and it brought me to tears. Someone in this room could use help this Christmas. It was not a coincidence I went to a different building. It wasn't chance that landed me in a church service that I couldn't even understand. The Lord knew I was looking for a way to help, and He helped me get to where it was needed.

I waited for the service to end with a lump in my throat and a pounding in my chest. It didn't take me long to decide to dedicate whatever money I would have spent this year on gifts for the family on whomever might need help. When the chapel cleared, I approached the Bishop. I really don't remember the words I used. I just remembered his suprised look when I told him basically, "I have $X to spend, and I feel it's needed here. Who needs help?". We talked for a while and decided to combine his ideas with the missionaries serving the Branch. Later that night, by phone, they told me of two elderly women and a family that were struggling. Our plan was devised. I would shop and meet them the next night so they could deliver.

The next morning, Monday (Christmas Eve) I looked forward to the time we would be let out of the office. I knew I would get gift certificates to the local grocery store for the elderly women and would run over to Target to pick up books, puzzles and games for the family. Early in the day I got a phone call from the bishop again. There was one more family that needed help. My budget was already stretched, but I promised I would come through with something.

I sent an email to the office explaining that I was helping out some less fortunate folks with Christmas. But, another family was added and my budget was used. I made a (very nice) pitch for more $ in the mug I put on my desk. I though I may pick up another $50 and get another gift card. I was already on a little high from feeling useful and grateful for a little heavenly help in identifying people who needed help. That high only got higher when to my astonishment, my email request brought in another $160 for this other family. The office was so willing to share. (I love those guys!).

This story is getting much longer than I intended it to be. But, to sum up the rest of it - I got what I needed and met up with the missionaries to hand off the goods. They somehow talked me into going along. I was, at first, uncomfortable with this. The language barrier still existed with the people we'd be visiting, and I certainly wasn't doing this to be seen. But, I did have a rental car with heated seats, and that was a real asset to missionaries serving in an Iowa winter.

The rest of the evening was so wonderful. I might have gotten a tiny taste of what Santa Claus must feel like. And, it really was true - doing something for someone else took away every last bit of sorrow I had felt. I never felt better. The joy in those childen's eyes and the relief in their parent's... the offerings of fresh tamales from the women.... knowing I had walked right into Heavenly Father's plan to help these folks.... it was the best Christmas Eve ever.

I slept soundly that night and had a peaceful day of reading and going to a movie on Christmas. I think it was "The Great Debaters" that I saw. The debate in my head was over though.

(Funky Christmas tree in Richmond - 2008)

Creating a Monster

2008-12-22T12:28:00.000-08:00

I like to read book versions of stories before seeing the movies. Hence, I finally gave in and picked up Twilight this weekend. I started it Saturday afternoon and finished it yesterday. Here is what I now know:

I could not find New Moon fast enough upon completion.
Too long a span between dates + time to actually relax on the couch and read = One massive crush on a fictional teenage vampire.
I'm addicted.

Poor Man's Toffee

2008-12-17T19:56:00.001-08:00

It's that time of year again. When I pay homage to my former roommate, Emily H. She introduced me to this stuff and the recipe comes from her. I've made it about 10 times since then. It never lasts the entire day it's made. It's devoured instantly wherever it's taken. If you need a quick contribution to a holiday party, give it a try.

Ingredients:

2 sleeves of ritz crackers
3/4 cup br. sugar
3/4 cup butter
chocolate chips
chopped nuts/sprinkles

Directions:

Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil, lightly spray with pan spray.
Break crackers in half, or thirds, and place on cookie sheet.
Preheat oven to 350.
Bring sugar and butter to boil for 3 minutes -- Pour mixture over crackers -- toss to evenly coat the crackers.
Bake for 5 minutes -- turn oven off.
Sprinkle chocolate chips over crackers and place back in oven to melt chocolate for 3 minutes.
Once melted, spread chocolate over crackers and top with chopped nuts or sprinkles. Best if cooled completely and then refrigerated and broken up.

Number Of Servings:Lots

Preparation Time:15 minutes?

International Sensations

2008-12-16T13:12:00.000-08:00

What do Starbucks and I have in common? (I'll give you a second to think....)

You're right! We are both international sensations. I mean, have you checked out the map of my site visitors? The old stage-loving performer in me rethinks going private when I have such a worldwide following. What's a girl to do?

Seriously, though... who are you guys?

In the meantime, you should try a little something next time you are driving past a Starbucks. Salted Toffee Hot Chocolate. *sigh* I have not been a fan of their hot chocolate. On the rare occassions I do indulge in overpriced beverages, I get the carmel apple cider. However, I was intrigued by what a little sea salt and english toffee could do to the hot chocolate. I was not disappointed.

Catching Up (Literally and Figuratively)

2008-12-15T15:47:00.000-08:00

A smattering (that's a word, right?) of pictures from this last week.

Coworkers in front of the Christmas tree in the Homestead foyer (last Saturday).

Coworkers again - Goofy, this time (although the picture doesn't come close to capturing the moment - for instance... Why was Randy patting Carli's head? Where was Matt's imagnation? What was I hoping to hear inside of that box?)

The Italian Store in Arlington (Thursday) - I had to drive right past it between meetings in Northern Virginia, so I stopped for dinner and grabbed a quick stocking stuffer for my little sister. There are many establishments I miss in Arlington, and this is high of the list. It's a shame I didn't have a real camera on me. This might have been a good shot with the neon and rain reflection.

The moon rising over the Shenandoah Valley area (Friday) - a very poor quality grainy camera phone shot of what was otherwise an unbelievably huge and magical moon.

Jess and Brian at the Lewis Ginter bonfire (Saturday) - Again, nearly impossiblee to see, but this is us trying to get warm in the below-freezing outdoor garden holiday festivities.

Jess and Brian Again (Saturday) - This is my favorite shot of the collection. It's a good thing Brian likes cats! I can honestly say, I've never seen Marilyn take to a stranger so quickly. Thanks for visiting guys! When are you coming back?

Time for Christmas

2008-12-11T08:15:00.000-08:00

This photo is so symbolic of my last two Christmases.

If you look closely, you will see my reflection taking in the window. I am literally on the inside looking out. Campaign life is not condusive to the holiday season.

I spent Christmas 2007 in a hotel room in Des Moines. It was my first Christmas without my family, and it ended up, ironically, being wonderful. It's a very personal story that I have kept to myself - but I think I may share it with you in the next week or two.

This Christmas will be abbreviated, but with my family, at least. I can't help but feel twinges of jealousy every time someone mentions Christmas shopping, light looking, Nutcracker viewings, etc. Lucky folks... getting to soak in the season... experiencing it to the fullest. I bet they take it for granted.

2008-12-11T07:53:00.000-08:00

!!!!!!!

2008-12-04T09:58:00.000-08:00

Indiana Planned Parenthood Covers Up Sexual Abuse of 13-year Old - video powered by Metacafe

New Meaning for "Thanksgiving"

2008-11-30T17:44:00.003-08:00

(Marilyn looking out of the window on our return home today. She and Teddy have been boarding at "Grandma and Grandpa's" (my parents) for a few weeks while I've been out so much)

Wow. What a span of two weeks. I mean... wow. I have had many many thoughts and plans over the last bit. I'm wondering if the uncanny (diabolical?) string of occurrences in my life in the last few weeks have helped spur them. I'll post on those thoughts and plans after going private. BUT - before I do, here's what I mean by a new meaning for "Thanksgiving".

I have been very grumpy for roughly 3 days (see causes later). Tonight, I had three full hours to do laundry, dishes, vacuum and clean the bathroom. I feel SO much better. Not whole yet, but less grumpy. And, that is forward progression. This was the first time in three weeks I've been able to do any of the above household maintenance regulars. I realize how much the total chaos and traveling has taken its toll on normality in my life. I've never been so grateful for these three hours tonight. Truly.

It would take too long to write the full story on all of these patience-trying experiences of the last couple weeks. I'm just going to give you the bulleted highlights. If you see me soon, I'm sure the complete versions will have you in laughing fits (I'm hoping they do the same to me in the future)

My Dumb Luck of November

Getting pulled over for speeding 2 miles from home, after driving 5 hours. Finding out from officer that licence had been suspended for failure to resubmit my proof of safety inspection.
Spend $147 on fine to the City of Richmond for the stupid $15 inspection paper (which I had gotten back in Sept.) and another $85 to the State of Virginia to get my license back.
Get rear ended by hit-and-run guy. He tells me (after tailing him for 8 miles while on the phone with the police) that he wasn't sure if I rolled backward or if he rolled forward. Geesh.
Having $7 to my name during my trip out west because of my bank's inconsistency with deposit times. Never assume just because you make a deposit on Friday and your receipt says it will be available on Monday that they are telling the truth.
Missing my first flight out west (because I tried to squeeze a nap in between 2-4am) and making the 2nd by miracle after being trapped in my own neighborhood by the Richmond Marathon. (I arrived at the gate 17 minutes before departure - still need to write thank you note to counter agents),

There are a lot more such happenings. As a cockeyed optimist, I'm hoping all this is just preparing me to be an excellent candidate for The Amazing Race. I'm pretty resourceful!

For Your Eyes Only

2008-11-24T13:26:00.000-08:00

I've always had a disdain for Bond (I know.. I know.. I just can't get past the womanizing aspect of the movies). I have, however, always loved the theme song from For Your Eyes Only.

In that spirit, I have decided to go private with my blog. If you are a friend linked on my sidebar, I will automatically plug your email address in for access. If you are another friend, just send me your email so I can give you access. If you're a friend of a friend of a friend who frequents my blog by following links, I'm fine with that. I'm a blog stalker too. Just send me your email address. Chances are, I've been following your blog too.

I'll be pretty liberal with permission. Just ask.

A Better Woman

2008-11-14T05:55:00.000-08:00

I stumbled across this quiote recently. At any other juncture in my life it might not have rang as true.

"The person who tries to live alone will not succeed as a human being. His heart withers if it does not answer another heart. His mind shrinks away if he hears only the echoes of his own thoughts and finds no other inspiration." - Pearl S. Buck

My life has been so very rich because of the people that have been in it. My family, both immediate and extended, is an excellent foundation. My friends have quite literally made me who I am.

I could never list them all; those who taught me to laugh, chuckle, learn, cartwheel, explore, stand out, crochet, prank, listen... to grow. Now, more than ever, with much more time to myself, I miss their influence. I've really noticed how much more rich my life is when my bestest friends are close.

Although I began this post earlier, I'm finishing it now from DFW, my least favorite airport in the nation. But, I'm enroute to see 3 of my all time favorite people for an abbreviated visit. I can't wait to give them hugs and tell them how much I appreciate them - and their wonderful influence on my life.

School Teacher Browbeats Student over Campaign Support

2008-11-07T13:39:00.001-08:00

What a Day

2008-11-04T13:19:00.000-08:00

(signage at my 2nd duty station of the day)

5:00 am - Wake

5:30 am - Get in Car

5:45 am - Arrive at Tucker High School Polling location. Marvel that the parking lot is already full.

6:00-9:30 am - Hand out sample ballots. Smile. Remind people that their "I Voted Today" sticker gets them free coffee, doughnuts, chicken sandwiches and ice cream today. Regret not wearing heavy coat.

Thus began my Election Day 2008.

(signage at 1st duty station this morning)

Giddy

2008-11-01T19:37:00.000-07:00

Once again, my favorite night of the year is here. Well... perhaps a close second to Christmas Eve, anyway. Daylight Savings!

I don't know why I don't give the rest of the hours in a year the same amount of gratitude I give this one. I wish I could. In fact, maybe I'll start mulling over how to begin doing that. In the meantime, though, I'm going to cherish this night. I'm sitting in bed eating a pomegranate and gearing up to watch the new Veggie Tales movie I just bought.

What did you do with your extra 60 minutes?

Happy Halloween!!!

2008-10-31T08:28:00.000-07:00

In case you were wondering,... yes. I am wearing my costume all day. I wore it to play games with my Seminary kids this morning, I'm wearing it in the campaign office all day (I figure the volunteers sitting at phones for 5 hours could use a little entertainment), and I'm wearing it to two parties tonight.

I only wish I had the abilities of simply singing a song to have my apartment magically clean itself up and commuting by umbrella. I made a giant tapestry bag and have an umbrella on hand just in case.

How Rude!

2008-10-28T09:49:00.000-07:00

I hate to make another departure from my usual attempt to find things "virtuous, lovely, of good report or praiseworthy" to post about. This one will instead consist of two instances in the last 2 days that were bizarre to me. Rude, if you will.

1. The siren of perfect fall weather called my name on Sunday afternoon. I spent a good two hours walking and taking in the sights of fiery red and golden yellow leaves and the smells of fireplaces and damp earth. I went through my neighborhood and to a nearby park. Many other locals were at the park, getting the most out of the day. I saw numerous families, couples, joggers, walkers, dog-walkers and strollers.

Maybe I'm alone in this, but I share sidewalks like I do the road. I stay to the right. I've never really made a conscious decision to do this, it's just natural, I suppose. Well.. about 1/2 way through my walk a man and his dog were coming toward me as we were rounding a side of the pond. I was staying in the same location, hugging the right side of the sidewalk. He, on the other hand, began dodging from side to side the closer he got to me. He started to huff and grumble.

When he got about 10 feet in front of me, he yells, "Hey! Get on the OTHER side! I have to be between you and the DOG!". I was so perplexed that he was yelling at me that I didn't move. I've been a dog lover my whole life. Even big or agressive breeds don't generally make me nervous. This man's spaniel certainly wasn't agitated. The owner, oddly enough, held tightly to the leash and gritted his teeth at me. After passing, I looked over my shoulder in time to lock eyes with the guy one more time. He was still visibly upset with me.

I didn't say it out loud, but I was thinking, "What just happened? Ummm... buddy, you had the ability to put your dog on the other side." I'm all about walking your dog. I get it. But, when did dogs start getting the right of way?

2. (Please don't judge me for a fast food run in the midst of my "get in shape" efforts). Last night, between leaving the office and arriving at the evening event I was attending, I drove through the Arby's window. I needed something small. When it was my turn to order, the conversation went like this:

Me: Hi, can I please have an Arby Melt (from the 5 for $6.95 menu)?
Voice: Do you have a coupon?
Me: No.
Voice: Ok, so you want a Beef and Cheddar. ($4.40 comes up on the screen)
Me: No, I'd like a Melt. (knowing they are smaller (and cheaper))
Voice: You can't get just a melt without a coupon.
Me: So, I can get 5 items for $6.95, but I can't order just one item?
Voice: Right.
Me: Ok... (puzzled).... Can I please have just a Jr. Roast Beef then?
Voice: One Regular Roast Beef Sandwich.
Me: No, a Jr.
Voice: Ok. One Kids Meal.
Me: No, just a Jr. Roast Beef Sandwich.
Voice: You can't get the sandwich without the kids meal.
Me: Ok, nevermind, I'll go somewhere else. Have a good night.

I mean... they WANT people to buy things there, right?

8 Years Ago Today

2008-10-21T12:24:00.001-07:00

I'm sure I finally had this memorized. This is dedicated to Shelly.

Capitol Ill | Funny Jokes at JibJab

These are a Few of my Favorite Things (II)

2008-10-21T08:09:00.000-07:00

Things I have used in the last week to celebrate fall.
________________________

Williams Sonoma Pumpkin Spice Lotion - (description from their own website) Subtle notes of orange and clove mingle with nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla for a warm, spicy fragrance inspired by favorite holiday foods. Ahhh.... it's sitting on my desk at work and provides me a little piece of scent heaven each day. I fell in love with their Winter Forest scent 3 years ago, and predict this new one will be an annual necessity too.
__________________________

Chewy Gingerbread Cookies - I took the cheater way out and used a cake mix I had on hand for pumpkin gingerbread trifle. Instead of following the cake instructions, I added only 1/4 cup hot water and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. I rolled into balls and in sugar before baking. They were perfect and simple.

_________________________

Mugs of herbal mint tea

_______________________

Yankee Candle's "Autumn Wreath" scent in the car.

______________________

London Bridge is Falling Brown" nail polish by OPI. I thought this color was discontinued (much to my dismay), but found it at the nail salon I went to on Saturday (much to my delight!).

_____________________

I didn't mean for this post to be a commercial, but since I rarely get to be outside to enjoy the gorgeous changing of the leaves, I'm apparently compensating.

What are YOU using to help remind you of fall?

Who Says Cats Can't be Girl's Best Friend?

2008-10-20T15:15:00.000-07:00

For the last 10 days or so, I've begun an earnest effort to get back into great shape. I'm eating my fruits and veggies, skipping fast food and got a gym membership.

Marilyn is a very supportive friend. She's even watching her own weight too. See?

(I didn't even stage this. I walked around the corner and saw her sitting there)

Since You've Been Gone

2008-10-10T08:11:00.001-07:00

Great apologies for my lapse in posts. I've been traveling a little more with work, going to bed earlier because of Seminary and battling back the onslaught of fleas that is rampant in my neighborhood (not fun).

In the interim, I do have a couple human behaviors to uncharacteristically whine about. I suppose they could be newly found pet peeves. And, I ask forgiveness prematurely if you fall in one of these categories.

1. I noticed this in Lynchburg and now in Richmond, and suspect it is part of a larger parking lot conspiracy - - - people who park in reverse so they can pull out in "drive" when they exit. This takes far more time to get into a parking spot (usually frustrating a line of people waiting behind while the driver navigates a 7 point turn into the spot). If they are worried about backing out of the spot into blind areas, I send a proverbial question into the wind, "Wouldn't you rather back into a much wider area than the spot you just backed into with your reverse lights on the back of your vehicle then pull out blindly forward with no extra exterior signal on your car?".

2. I've been against most local and state ordinances pertaining to the use of cell phones while driving because I think they are a. nearly impossible to enforce and b. impratical. But, as citizens, we can still make the decision to focus on the road. I am SO tired of coming upon a driver on the freeway that is either going 20 mph below the speed limit in one of the left lanes and causing a back up and people try to get around them or slowly drifting into my lane going 60 mph. WITHOUT FAIL when I look over at them to give them my "I don't appreciate you" glare, they are on their phone.

True story, and not an isolated case in my life - I was driving from Lynchburg to Charlottesville sometime earlier this year. Through my rearview mirror, I noticed the car behind me was closer to my rear bumper than I was comfortable with. I had been using cruise control for a good 20 miles already, but sped up slightly to increase the distance between us. The other car stayed right behind me. (I should interject at this point that we are both in the right lane and the passing lane is wide open). I then tried flashing my brakes a couple times. No change. I sped up again. No change. I slowed down from 60 mph to 30 mph! , figuring they would finally pass me. But, no. By this point, we had driven about 8 miles or so with our cars about 6 ft. apart. I was fuming. I finally slowed to a stop in the middle of 29, with the other car stopping with me. As I prepared to step out of my car the girl looked in her rearview mirror and pulled out around me to pass. She was, of course, on her phone. Turns out she off in la-la land on her phone and spacing out staring at my bumper apparently. She never noticed I had fluctuated my speeds from 70 mph to a stop. Argh.

Rarely Seen

2008-09-23T13:28:00.000-07:00

I've always been a fan of nooks and crannies (aside - For this reason alone, I love Thomas English Muffin's new marketing campaign). I think this affinity stems from watching Goonies thousands of times and it being my favorite movie for the last 26 years. Who wouldn't love exploring caves and finding cool natural water slides and pirate treasure?!?!

Anyway, this love of things out-of-the-way and rarely seen led to find this odd sight tucked away behind the Tredegar Civil War museum.

At first glance, I thought the tree was holding the old train track up. I knew I had to take a closer look. After walking around the outbuildings on the hill, I came to the back and this was the view:

So, the track wasn't totally embedded into the tree, but they are clearly inseparable now. I often wonder what old trees have seen during their lifetime. While this one apparently wasn't here when these tracks carried all the ironworks for the Confederacy from the factory on site to the rest of the South or the burning of the city upon evacuation, I'm sure it's seen much.

(One last footnote: The oxidized Copper roof topper in the background was designed by Latrobe and used to sit on top of the prison just up the hill from this location.)

Rediscovered Original Poetry (II)

2008-09-15T19:19:00.000-07:00

A very jerky iambic pentameter. Hey... Shakespeare might not be the easiest to read, but he sure has stood the test of time.

Restlessness

I restrain myself from viewing the clock
menaced by the hour its face might reveal
while MY face waits for sleep to close these eyes
and the night all my worries to conceal.

My stomach churns. I feel the impression
that the Lord waits on me to lead and bless.
Why bekon me? When will the way appear?
Tonight I embody but restlessness.

~Written by: Me
January 2002 during solo birthday trip to VA Beach (intentionally)

(Insert disclaimer about copyrights, etc. Just please don't cut and paste somewhere else without permission)

Rediscovered Original Poetry (I)

2008-09-14T17:12:00.000-07:00

In the move, I found a couple notebooks that have notes and thoughts from various times over the last 10 years. I thought I'd share a few of my poems. This one is dedicated to Cheryl and writer's block - but.... should have some symbolic meaning for everyone else :-) (bonus points to anyone who can find the one line that is off on the rhythm).

The Novel

Rhythmically the typewriter
lays the letters on a page.
While listening to the keystrokes,
it's the story I try to gauge.

Each letter's as a moment...
and pages like the days.
It's how I choose to shape them
that determines the next phase.

The plot comes in increment
but, in the end, rests on me.
I strive to remain mindful,
a novel someday will be.

~Author - Me -
Written on July 9, 2005 while in Canaan Valley, WV vacationing with friends

(Insert disclaimer about copyrights, etc. Just please don't cut and paste somewhere else without permission)

Why...?

2008-09-12T15:47:00.000-07:00

...are there still hoards of mosquitos in Richmond?

I still have to drench myself with OFF to read outside. Please, can we have a good frost?

(Edited from my 2006 Version)

2008-09-10T20:13:00.000-07:00

"There's another plane lost from radar. They scrambled jets from Andrews. Get out. Get out. Get out".

Those were the words of a Capitol Hill policeman who opened our office door in one of the U.S. House of Representatives office buildings next to the iconic dome of the Capitol building. Our staff had been glued to the TV for the morning watching footage from NY and catching word about the Pentagon. Some of the Capitol Hill offices were closing and leaving, but until those words were spoken, we were still in a "wait and see" mindset. I picked up the phone to call Shelly, my roommate at the time and my carpool, as she worked on the Senate side. I wanted to let her know we were leaving, and I was riding with Geoff, my coworker, who lived close to us in south Arlington. But, the phone lines were already down. I couldn't reach her.

Luckily, I had already called my family, still living in New Mexico. I was able to get through to them to let them know I was ok and we were evacuating, and that I would call again when I could. The next few minutes were a hushed and adrenaline-filled blur as Geoff and I went down the marbled stairs to the parking garage. I remember looking out of the window of Geoff's Pontiac at the Capitol Policemen directing traffic and onlookers as we drove out and down the street away from the Capitol. I think it was the first time in my life I felt the real gravity of someone staying behind in a dangerous situation in order to help me get to safety. For the next two hours or so, we tried to drive the 3 miles to get home, unable to reach Geoff's wife on my cell phone because the lines were all still jammed.

What continues to impress me most about that day 7 years ago is how transparent a person's true character is in a time of crisis. Stories of heroism and generosity abound surrounding 9/11. There are two closest to my heart....

1.) As stated above, I couldn't reach Shelly by phone. We had driven in to work together that morning. We both had a parking spot on our respective sides of Capitol Hill and we alternated weeks of who drove. 9/11/01 fell on Shelly's week to drive. Her car was on the Senate side. I evacuated from the House side. I didn't find out the remainder of the story until later in the day, back at the townhouse the four of us rented. Even through the horrendous traffic, I made it home before Shelly did. Shelly was the last of the four of us to get home. I will never forget the look on her face when she walked through the front door and saw me on the couch or the collective emotional breakdown I felt in our living room.

You see... in those moments of crisis, Shelly's thoughts turned to me. She left her Senate office building and ran across Capitol Hill (not a small distance) to my building in an attempt to get me so we could leave together. She could have just gotten in her car and left, and hoped I figured out a way to get home. But, that's not who she is. She postponed her own exodus to try to find me and take me with her. When she got to my building, she was told it was closed. She couldn't go in. I can only imagine the feelings she must have had at that moment. She turned back towards the Senate side, and eventually got to her car, endured the traffic, and arrived at home: all the while, feeling a deep anxiety and uncertainty over my safety.

Shelly is now married and approaching her 5th anniversary. She has two precious little girls, Ellie and Annie. It's been a long long time since we've really talked about that day, it is hard to do. But tomorrow, we're going together to the overlook on Arlington Ridge Rd. that we stood at to see the Pentagon. I hope someday, when Ellie and Annie are older, they understand what a hero their Mom was on 9/11. She wasn't on CNN. She's not engraved in stone on a memorial. But, she was the perfect example of sacrifice, duty and concern for others. That's who she is. There may not be occasion to exemplify it every day. But, on the day it most mattered, it was the core of her character that was exposed.

2.) I still can't even think, type or talk about United Flight 93 without my throat tightening and my eyes filling with tears. National heroism to take a stand? Sure. But, I've never viewed it like that. It was their heroism that saved ME that day. It was the hardest part about going back to work the next day with a brave face. It changed my world view. I still grapple sometimes with the feeling of indebtedness and a need to live worthy of their sacrifice. So many times over the past years, I've wanted to write to the widows and mothers of Jeremy Glick, Todd Beamer and Mark Bingham. But, I don't even know where to begin. There aren't words to match my feelings. I just hope they know how completely and wholly grateful I am and that they will never be forgotten.

I do hope you find a couple quiet moments today to remember those who were lost on that day, those who were heroes on that day, and all of the goodness you have inside of you, no matter how often you have the chance to let it be seen by others.

Bad Manners

2008-09-08T17:56:00.000-07:00

Despite calling three different animal shelters, two SPCAs, two cat rescue organizations and putting up neon FOUND posters, the kitten who followed me home two weeks ago is still here.

He's gone through a host of name changes. I've finally settled on Rhett Butler, because he's a southern gentleman. He really is a very sweet cat. Marilyn could learn a lot from him, actually. Rhett is vocal, cuddly, playful and passive all rolled into one. I love that he gives kisses like people - he presses his little lips on my cheek.

However, he does have a few strange habits, as evidenced below.