Angela's Blog

Unofficially, Crohn's is on the rise

2009-01-22T14:45:00.006-05:00

As most of you know, I have been home recovering from my surgery for Crohn's, and I am doing very well. I am pain and meds free and my energy gets better everyday

I am not sure if it is because I am more attune, but it seems that Crohn's is everywhere! A friend's cousin lost a tremendous amount of weight (80 lbs I think) before being diagnosed. He had an emergency surgery. A co-worker's step-sister was diagnosed over the holiday and also had emergency surgery. A friend of my brother's has had symptoms and is being tested for the disease.

Man, what is going on?! Often when I share that I have Crohn's, people know someone with the disease: a co-worker or a cousin etc. But up until now, I have literally only known a couple of people with the disease.

I am thinking of starting a Crohn's blog...what do you think?

I am famous!

2008-10-23T12:37:00.002-05:00

A hysterical video about me

You can make your own and send it your friends: http://www.cnnbcvideo.com

Thanks Moveon.org!

Don't forget to vote on November 4, preferrably Democratic, but voting in general is good I guess.

Guest appearance by Mindydear

2008-10-22T11:32:00.000-05:00

Mindydear emails me on Monday with the subject line “I will be 30 minutes from you tomorrow night.”

Sweet!

Ed and I picked up Mindydear (after a little hotel confusion) and had a great dinner at Bertha’s in Baltimore. We also had some tremendous gelato at this cute shop in Fell’s Point. Baltimore has come a long way in its day, and Ed and I were commenting how we really have not been there in a few years. It is so close, yet so far away. J

So after some persuasion, we got Ed to drive us by Charm City Cakes of Ace of Cakes fame because I love that show. And who else other than Mary Alice was outside smoking a cig.?! I so wanted to open the window and say “hey Mary Alice” because I feel like I know her, but there was dissention to that idea by the other members of the car. I still don’t understand why. She looked like she needed a ride so I just wanted to offer her one.

We also—not really intentionally—drove through the JHU campus, which was the first time I saw the campus (since I go to the DC campus) of where I will get a degree this spring (crossing the fingers).

Mindydear looks great! It was such a fun night! Makes the rest of my week look dull…

Some much needed humor re: the election

2008-09-24T22:26:00.002-05:00

check out Wanda Sykes on the Tonight Show

OMG hysterical...

Where is the world is Angela San Diego? (hint, answer is in the question)

2008-09-17T16:57:00.003-05:00

My blog is back...

I am in San Diego for work!

The weather is great and our hotel is in the Gas Lamp district. I am excited to check out the restaurants and shops! The weather of course is perfect. If I moved anywhere based on weather alone, it would be San Diego.

Meanwhile, I am writing my thesis for school. Too bad I have to work on that while I am out here, but alas, I have no choice as a rough draft is due on Monday.

I do want to watch Project Runway. I am falling behind. I am not sure what time it is on though. It must be 9 like the East Coast. I don't know, though. All I know is that it is 3 pm, and I am ready for dinner!

The new 90210

2008-07-02T20:05:00.003-05:00

There is going to be a new 90210

I am not sure how I feel about this...can it ever be as good as the first time? Was it even that good, or was it just the phase in my life? Is the phase in my life that I want to go untouched, or is it the show itself? Regardless, I have mixed feelings.

Thanks to Meggan for the tip on the new 9-0.

Boo on Metro...

2008-06-11T10:24:00.002-05:00

So I love my commute...at least usually. Public transportation rules. Sure, every once and a while things are delayed or crowded, but man to not have to drive and be able to read my book. So. Worth. It.

However, the last two nights after work, I have left about the same time and been welcomed with a crowded, hot platform of already-disgruntled DC commuters. Last night was the worst, it was packed and no trains came for almost 15 minutes (I am not exagerating when I say that I usually wait about 2--the blessings of living on both the orange and blue line).

Then a train came and it did not stop. By this time, the once packed platform was now like a junior high dance mosh pit, and equally hot. I thought people were going to riot. Another train came a couple minutes later. It was essentially full, but like a clown car, they somehow fit more people. And then another train came, and again it did not stop. I have never experience this not stopping phenomenon before and apparently others hadn't either...again, I feared a riot. People peeled off to take cabs or the bus or whatever, but I was so hot and low-blood sugared at this point, that I was numb with indecision. I stood and waited...and then waited some more... Finally a few more trains came and I was able to get on, and after a few stops I actually finagled a seat, the crown jewel of the Metro commute. I felt like a queen compared to the groundling standers. :)

In other news, I ran into this guy at the grocery store last night who used to work with my dad in the early 70s in Minot at the TV station. Now if that is not a "small world" story; I don't know what is.

Exciting Celebrity Sighting (at least to me)!

2008-06-02T12:57:00.004-05:00

I almost forgot that Ed and I saw Antony and Cleopatra at the Shakespeare Theater this weekend and saw none other than Dixie Carter and Reese (that was his name right?? who I guess is her real life husband). I do love Julia Sugarbaker...remember the episode where she kept running over the magazine stand that was selling smut? or the time she did the catwalk modeling with her skirt stuck in her pantyhose?

Speaking of seeing weekend theater, Cynthia also treated me to Measure for Pleasure at the Woolly Mammoth, which I had never been to before. It was a little lewd and slow at times, but at the end the story came together nicely and some of the actors were pretty hysterical. It was a fun girls night out!

elfa kicks our a** and other news from the homefront

2008-06-02T12:48:00.003-05:00

We attempted to install the ridiculously overpriced, though highly functional elfa shelving from the Container Store. We picked out the shelves on Sat. am, went to the store and almost ordered them, but decided go home first to double check the measurements (a good thing because the ceiling was much shorter than we thought), and then went back to the store only to find that the bad thunderstorms had knocked the power out and ALL the stores in that area were closed. So we drove to the other Container Store (not very close) and got them. One weekend day spent getting shelving. Check.

Sunday, we woke up with delusions of hanging the shelves in about two hours. The sales people made it sound so easy, which it is if don't have a little hidden enemy known as concrete behind one of the walls. Well concrete fought hard, but we won after yet another trip to the CS, two trips to the hardware store, a broken drill bit and the purchasing of various screws and anchors. Finally, at about 6:00 p.m. all shelves were hung and we finally could start putting things away that had been living in boxes since we moved. The shelves are pretty incredible if you ever care to invest, but really, for what you pay they should install themselves...

Sad day...

2008-05-19T10:35:00.003-05:00

Last week was a sad day in our family. Our beloved dog of 14 years had to be put down. She had lost nearly all her strength and could barely stand up. We knew it was coming, but it was a sad day indeed.

Mom and I reminisced last night about the crazy Abby stories--her escapes and jaunts through the neighborhood and us running around like fools trying to coax her back...or the time she got out and went over to the school and was playing with the kids at recess. So many great memories...but it is hard to even write this post and think about her. She truly was a member of the family and like most pets enriched our lives for the better. I hope mom will write a book. We'll see...

pilates reformer

2008-04-14T17:06:00.000-05:00

has anyone done it?

i forgot to post yesterday...this guy in my building is going to start offering classes (and yoga too!) in the building. How great is that?!

anyway, I did the reformer on Sunday and it is incredible. It works muscles like nothing I have ever done--a good deep sore. I love it!!!!!

juror #8

2008-04-14T17:03:00.000-05:00

I was selected for the jury, just call me #8.

the judge thinks it will be over May 8...you've got to be f-ing kidding

but I am not.

at all.

this is going to suck people...royally suck.

i can't talk about the case, so don't ask. ;)

And friends, I won't be my avid email self either. I am going to have to respond to emails at home (obviously won't be by a computer all day), and I am at the height of school work for this all-ready busy semester.

Can someone send me an assistant from India now please?

Trash People

2008-04-11T12:24:00.002-05:00

I went and saw the "trash people" at the National Geographic Building over lunch. The trash people are cool...a little on the quiet side, but you can tell they have personality. I did think it was interesting how the artist focused on alot of American trash--especially Coke.

I accidently hit a trash person with my bag, and the ingrained midwesterner that I am actually said (without thinking obviously)...oh I am sorry. hahahahaha!

What is with jury duty?

2008-04-03T11:38:00.002-05:00

Ed is serving on a jury right now. He can't tell me anything about it, which makes me want to know more. He says it is actually pretty boring, but I still want to know. He can tell me after it is over. His schedule is sweet though. The judge has him report at 11 and he is out at 4:45. Not bad.

Sarah is also on jury duty and has reported on facebook that she is one of the 12 angry men. Which one though?

I have the best jury duty assignment. I may or may not be called to the US District Court. See the cool thing is that they don't really tell you. Nice of them, eh? I have to call in every friggin' day for 2 and half weeks to see if I need to report. I find this utterally annoying on 2 counts a) I am a planner and I like to know what I will be doing the next day and this makes planning hard b) they give you like no notice...so for example I have a couple of meetings planned that I am leading but I litterally will have to call people the night before and be like meeting is off. Now if you are sick or something else unexpected, people deal, but this is weird instance of knowing but not really knowing.

I find it annoying.

Busy days...

2008-03-16T06:07:00.008-05:00

If can't tell by my lack of posting, things have been a little hectic in our lives lately. School is really busy for this semester, work is intense for both of us, and we finally moved! Above are pictures of our condo from our final walk-through. We are officially out of our old place and have been in the new place for a week. It is great! (We're still unpacking and probably will be for months). We have big plans and have already started the shopping. Ed contends that purchasing a new home is spurs the most amount of spending. (He read that somewhere) Friday we went to the Francophonie event at the French Embassy. I have blogged about this before, but it is the event of the year in our book. We ate and drank from all over the world: Congo, Lithuania, France, Monoco, Belgium and others I am forgetting...all under one roof! So much fun!

Also, thanks for all the nice birthday wishes, cards, emails, calls and texts! Way to make a girl feel loved. :) It was a quiet (much needed!) birthday. We went to Agraria, which is a farm-to-table restaurant in Georgetown owned by the North Dakota's farmer's union (I proudly proclaimed my roots to the waiter, who I don' t think gave two sh*ts.). We had Mrs. Carlson's (wife of the ND farmer's union from Glenburn) chicken noodle soup which was phenom. Ed had a mushroom pasta that was out of this world, and I had a chicken pot pie that was good, but not great (it didn't gel right...all the flavors were there but it was hard to eat!). We had been to Agraria once before, and I highly recommend it to all my Washingtonian friends (or those who come for a visit).

For dessert, we went to Georgetown Cupcake, which just opened and is all the rage. They keep running out of cupcakes, so they had closed at 6:30 and reopened (luckily before we got ther). There were rumblings of them running out again when we were in line, but we did get one each for $2.75. I had red velvet and Ed and chocolate with coconut icing. Both icings were cream-cheese based and very good, but Ed (not a cream-cheese fan) was a little suprised. I thought the cupcakes were good, but not $2.75 good. I guess I am cheap, but for $2.75 I want a) something slightly bigger and b) something that just knocks my socks off. I guess it didn't live up to the anticipation. Maybe if I would have had one of the chocolate varieties I would have felt different. Anyway, it's an adorable place, and I will be back to try some other varieties.

The Social Security Office is on Crack

2008-02-12T09:10:00.001-05:00

Dec. 27, 2007

I go to the SS office and fill out the paper work to change my name.

It is supposed to come in 2 weeks.

Last week, I finally call the 1800 number and she says it was maybe returned, so I should call the office directly.

All I can say is Dis-friggin-aster.

The guy answers and is very nice and asked who I worked with, was it a man or woman? AA or white? Hell if I know, it has been 2 months. Supposedly I can only talk to the person who processed my claim. Um, say what?

I have a record number but he doesn't know how to look that up. Um, why the hell are you answering the phones?

Anyway, we have a 10 minute ridiculously circular conversation that resulted in me finally getting transferred to his supervisor. I got her voicemail and slammed the phone down.

I guess I am going to have to go back in person.

I have honestly never heard of such a thing. They give me a record number as confirmation, but then won’t use it to look up my record to see what the f happened.

Meanwhile someone is applying for citizenship as me because my SS is floating around DC. Wonderful.

Seriously, What is Up with the Dairy Out Here?

2008-01-29T13:31:00.001-05:00

It is confirmed by friend from Wisconsin, an expert in dairy, as well as my used-to-drink-a-gallon-of-milk-a-day brother, the dairy out here is gross/weird/not right.

Not right. I say. Just not right.

The biggest offender: cottage cheese. I love it. I don't care what all you haters say about the texture, cottage cheese is good (when done right, as in created in the Midwest) and is an excellent source of low-fat protein.

Anyhoo, the cottage cheese out here is undeniably disgusting. Except for a few select brands. I have tested, confired and learned the hard way for years as to what brands I can tolerate and which are so gross that I have to ralph my curds. After I thought I knew it all about the brands of cottage cheese out here, I took a chance. I bought a non-store brand of cottage cheese from a grocery store we don't shop often.

Big mistake.

It tastes so weird that I been putting it on my one-hundred calorie pack mini cookies to choke it down. Why did I bother? Well, if I don't eat it, I will be hungry in an hour because it is the main source of protein in my meal. And as an aside, the cookies do an awesome job of masking the taste. But that is beside the point:

It is wrong, people. So. Incredibly. Wrong.

And yet, I feel like people out here don't have any clue how bad it really is. They are unaware or oblivious to their own plight. It could be so much better or at least not gross. And yet, they stand by and let this travesty happen to them, unaware, uncaring or unwilling to take a stand against dairy products that no person should have to suffer through. It is an injustice to humanity to serve that crap and call it dairy, a blessed food group if there ever was one.

The challenges of even thinking about being healthy

2008-01-28T10:03:00.000-05:00

I was looking at some gov. websites for work, and came across this:
http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/

You enter your age, sex, and activity level and it spits out the number of servings of fruits and veggies you need to get.

Easy enough...

BAM, I need 2 cups fruit and 2.5 cups veggies.

Not too bad, I think, that's less than "5/day". Then I read more about what constitutes a cup.

Sample day for me would be:
12 carrots
apple
large banana
1 cup salad
1/2 a sweet potato

I am not saying it's not doable, because I think it is, but that it will take an effort to actually achieve this as in that I will have to actually plan/think about meals.

I am still in the "contemplation" stage of behavior change in regards to see if I am actually going to pursue this (at least this week).

Cosi breakfast bar, you are dead to me

2008-01-24T09:55:00.000-05:00

I forgot to eat breakfast again this a.m., also a day when I hit the pool this a.m. Apparently I am not even awake on the mornings I go to the pool. I did manage to get flip flops in the bag though, so I am making continuous improvement...sigma 6 anyone?...in my packing abilities.

Anyway, I stopped by the overpriced, yet very tasty Marvelous Market (MM) after the pool and found me a "Mojo" bar by cliff. 180 calores and 8 grams of fat and I think 5 or so grams of protein. It was damn good too. Pretzels, dried fruit and an impressive amount of chocolate chips. Forget almost 500 calories for that stupid Cosi breakfast bar. Mojo is my new best-I-forgot-to-eat-breakfast friend.

I also got annoyed at MM when the guy was like, is this all you are having?

Me: Yes

MM guy: are you sure you don't want a coffee

Me: (In my head) "If I wanted one, I think I would have answered that in response to your first question. Why are you making me feel inadequate for purchasing an overpriced granola bar?"

Me: (words actually spoken)..."no, that will be all"

What's with the peer pressure point-of-purchase? (good illertartion, eh?) I hate that!

I really hate it when food lets you down...

2008-01-22T10:18:00.000-05:00

It is rare that I miss breakfast. I am a dedicated and consistent eater of breakfast. In the past year or so, I quit eating cereal which is what I ate for years. I have moved to South Beach Granola bars when I am running late or oatmeal when I have time (so basically I eat South Beach Granola bars).

I did my water areobics this a.m., but walked out the door without some key items including flip flops--don't go writing me emails about some gross fungus I am going to get from the pool, I am fully aware and equalled grossed out--a lock (I found one I had left on the door of locker, wouln't be the first time), and you guessed it: breakfast.

So I was going to go to Cosi on my way in and get the breakfast bar, granolly thinging. I decided to go into work first and unload etc. So about 9:00, I decided to just check the nutritional information online because I was curious.

463calories
24 grams of fat

It's granola and some cranberries and it is not very big.

Sad.

I went to Potbelly's and had some steel cut oatmeal, but I am still filled with sadness knowing that breakfast bar and I have had to part ways. Why did he betray me like that?

Are you waiting to be happy?

2008-01-15T17:32:00.000-05:00

We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married, have a baby, then another. Then we are frustrated that the kids aren't old enough and we'll be more content when they are. After that we're frustrated that we have teenagers to deal with. We will certainly be happy when they are out of that stage. We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act together, when we get a nicer car, get a better job, are able to go on a nice vacation, when we retire.

The truth is, there's no better time to be happy than right now. If not now, when? Your life will always be filled with challenges. It's best to admit this to yourself and decide to be happy anyway. One of my favorite quotes comes from Alfred D Souza. He said, "For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life."

*I am sure someone wrote this and it was not me, but I liked it. :) *

and I would highly recommend this beer

2008-01-14T16:14:00.001-05:00

Afflingem Blonde

It's been a while...

2008-01-14T15:51:00.001-05:00

After several inquiries/requests about my blog, I have decided that I will revive it for my people.

Danny came to town this weekend. We had a splendid time. Friday night we went to Bit's housewarming, and I may or may not have attempted to introduce a friend to a guy who was gay. He was a really nice guy though. And an architect. I was just trying to help a sister out, yah know?

Saturday we got breakfast at Market Lunch and bought some jewelry from this guy who makes things out of nails, forks, screws, and whatnot. Very clever. Whenever I go to EM I think about what I could make and sell. Apparently nothing.

Anyway, we went bummed around Capitol Hill, ran into Donna Brazil who we chatted while she was at a stop sign (very DC experience), went to the Folger Shakespeare Library, but couldn't see the folios because it is closed for a new exhibit. After Ed made Pad Thai (and Danny helped), I took him out the asian grocery store to get supplies. We also stopped by Target so Dan could get some classroom supplies. I lived vicarously. I do love school supplies. :) Dan and then went to Belga for dinner while Ed headed to the Celtics/Wizards game. Belga is really good and really close and yet that was only my 2nd trip there. It's a little spendy, but not outrageous. I will be back for more mussels!

Our recruitment trip (I neglected to tell you that we are recruiting Danny to move to DC next year) concluded with some desserts from Tryst in Adams Morgan. Sunday was a lazy day of crepes, a tour of DC, and getting Dan to bus stop.

Last night I felt like I was getting a cold, but now I feel better. Everyone is sick, so I am afraid that is only a matter of time.

This was from the comments of the previous article

2007-12-10T09:40:00.001-05:00

“People spend money they don’t have, on things they don’t need, to impress people they don’t like”
I love that!

I thought this was an interesting article

2007-12-10T09:22:00.000-05:00

Caveat: I feel like I have a particularly supportive/non-competitive group of friends, but I do know people who really fall prey to peer pressure ala 7th grade. It's from this blog:
http://www.thesimpledollar.com/

Does Peer Pressure Keep Us From Succeeding?
December 6, 2007 @ 2:00 pm - Written by TrentCategories: Getting StartedBookmarks: del.icio.us, reddit

A few years ago, I used to spend a lot of my free time with a small group of friends. We did a lot of things together - road trips, games, and so on - and I had a lot of fun with them. What I later realized after the group broke up, though, is that we were all keeping each other from being successful in life because we constantly imposed a pressure on each other to do things that weren’t leading to success.

Here’s an example: I’ve always been an avid reader of almost anything I could get my hands on. I feel, for a lot of reasons, that reading makes me a better person, yet for a long while I largely gave up reading because of the peer pressure within the group that reading was a bad thing.
Similarly, the group developed a belief that anyone well-dressed was not to be trusted, and dressing well was very much eschewed by the whole group. You wore blue jeans and an ironic tee shirt, or maybe khakis and a golf shirt if golfing was the activity, but anything more than that was a sign of mistrust.

The years I spent hanging out with this group were fun, but they set me back greatly. I spent several years with these guys disdaining things that I saw value in, and eventually it was that conflict (and the start of my own family) that more or less caused me to move on.
This is an obvious case, but I’ve come to observe that in many cases friendships and social interaction prevent us from making good choices.

Here’s another example. Not long ago, I was talking about an automobile purchase with an old chum of mine. During the conversation, he basically made the statement that his primary interest was getting an automobile that would impress “them,” with them referring to people he only vaguely knew in a social context. Reliability? Who cares! Gas mileage? Doesn’t really matter. What matters most is the vague possibility of impressing someone you barely even know.

I notice this trend in younger people as well. One teenage boy that I know is a fantastic and weirdly creative artist - he can draw these little quick sketches that remind me a lot of Edvard Munch. In fact, a few years ago I got him a big book of Impressionist art that he absolutely loved - he spent days poring over it and sketching things.

I asked him not too long ago how his drawing was going and he gave me a rather odd look with just a bit of pain in it. He told me that he loved to draw, but that everyone else - meaning both his family and all of his friends - thought it was kind of pointless. Instead, he took up playing basketball, something he is fairly skilled at but doesn’t have a burning passion for.
Peer pressure can be a dangerous thing, even in a subtle way. You might watch the “big game” on Sunday just so you can talk about it around the water cooler on Monday morning, but deep down football seems boring to you. You might spend way too much on a gadget to impress your friends, but you barely use it other than to show off. You spend hours with your friends shopping for clothes and buying piles of them, but you just yawn and grab whatever’s handy in the morning.

Why do we do this? The easy answer is acceptance. Almost all of us strive to be accepted by others and to have things in common with the people around us - it’s completely healthy and normal and we should strive for this to a certain degree.
The big step, though, is to realize that the only person that you fall asleep with and wake up with every night is you. If you’re making choices that are drowning a passion of yours because of others, stop. If you’re buying things because others are convincing you to buy them, stop. If your image is your most valuable attribute, stop.

Instead, try these things for a while to see how they fit you:
Don’t spend a dime unless you see the purpose in it for you. If you’re out buying a car, pick the car that’s right for you - you’re going to be the one driving it, making the payments, and looking at it far more than anyone else. If you’re going clothes shopping, ask yourself whether you actually need anything new in your closet.

If you’re passionate about something and really want to try it or explore it, go for it! Don’t listen to the people surrounding you who try to poo poo what you’re most passionate about. Explore it, learn about it, and grow in it - don’t bottle it up because of what others say or think. This may lead you to making new friends and going new places, but that’s a good thing - it’s a sign you’re growing and understanding yourself.

Don’t make choices you know don’t fit you because you’re worried about the impression that it gives others. As soon as you do this, you’re starting to pretend to be something you’re not, and the inevitable day when you have to remove that mask will be a painful one. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.

Why my husband is the best

2007-12-04T08:42:00.001-05:00

I always think it is a little weird when people claim their husband/boyfriend (or girlfriend/wife for that matter) is "the best." It just rubs me wrong for some reason...maybe because I feel like it sets the tone of a competition. Or maybe it is because if someone has claimed the role of "best" where does that leave all the other better-than-average, very-good or even acceptable spouses? Best is taken, so everyone else is 2nd best, I guess?? With that said, I will now report why Ed is the best.

Background: Angela rushed out the door at 6:23 (a.m., yes, be impressed) to meet her friend Judy at the pool. Taking into consideration the sidewalk is out on the next block because of new condos being built, it takes about 10 minutes to get to the pool. Angela is flustered. She could barely get out of bed this a.m. She has a potluck today, which sounds good in theory, but is a pain to pull everything together when you are barely awake. For some reason, she is writing in 3rd person.

About 2 blocks for the pool, phone rings. (If this is Judy canceling, I will kill her/rejoice and go back to bed). It's Ed. Doesn't seem quite possible that he is calling since he was literally not awake 5 minutes ago.

Ed: You forgot your suit
Me: Really? (still not fully awake) How did you know I left it?
Ed: I saw both suits (I only have two that are pool-acceptable swimwear) hanging in the bathroom.
Me: Really? I about to say "well, I'll just call Judy and bail" (and go back to bed!!!) when...
Ed: I'll drive it you.
Me: Really?

The boy doesn't normally get up for two more hours (not exagerating). It is like 10 degrees (possibly exagerating now).

So, I got my suit. Had my workout. Metroed to work and thought to myself how truly nice Ed is. Perhaps he is even "the best."

Toothpaste and the Mayor

2007-11-13T15:27:00.000-05:00

I am going to try and blog more often to get in the habit of keeping it up, and because work has slowed a little so I can kill some time.

Last night Ed and I went to the grocery store and bought $55 worth of groceries when we really only went in for a few things. And honestly, I am not sure where that all went...we didn't get very much. Then as we were leaving this guy was getting arrested. On the counter were about 12 tubes of toothpaste--no exageration--that apparently he had stolen. So in essence, our $55 groceries would be $35 anywhere else if people would stop stealing toothpaste.

Mayor Fenty joined Judy and me for aqua jogging at the pool today. Well, not really. He was done when we go there (which was 6:30 a.m.). I hope he noticed that they need new shower curtains in the locker rooms. :)

Start Spreading the News...

2007-11-12T14:46:00.000-05:00

To not see this play if you are ever in New York...

The choices were limited this weekend to say the least due to the stagehands' strike. Mom and Dad were in town, and the plan was to do TKTS 1/2 price tickets, which usually works out swell. With the handers of the stage not at work, though, we found ourselves with basically nothing to see, so we saw The Perfect Crime, which is the longest running play in New York. Sounds like an endorsement...ah no. It's litterally held in the "Snapple" theater, which Danny aptly described as akin to "someone putting on a play in your basement." Anyway, the acting was good, as it should be given the talent pool in New York, but the plot and abrupt ending left something to be desired (such as an explanation).

Otherwise New York was very fun and we ate some great grub! We hit had a great meal at a restaurant called Extra Virgin in the West Village and had a fab brunch at the Eatery. I would highly recommend either if you happen upon the big apple.

Updates

2007-10-18T09:02:00.000-05:00

I feel like I need to catch the peeps up with all the exciting--or not so exciting--happenings of my life.

This past weekend we went to NY to see Danny and Patrick. It was a really fun time. Danny has a great atypical NY apartment (aka its big) that accomodates us well. We have taken to calling it our B &B as Dan whipped up one heck of a round of pancakes on Sat. a.m.

I think we walked like 10 miles on Saturday (isn't Manhatten 10 miles long, so that might be an exageration?). I love just walking around in NY and popping into this little boutique or coffee shop or whatever.

We saw Curtains on broadway, which was really a fun show. David Hyde Pierce was not in it, and rumor has it he has left the show. We had a moment of panic when Dan's friend, Todd, lost his ticket within about 30 seconds of buying it. We were searching through the trash and on the ground. Todd got back in line to see if there was anything he can do, and after about a minute of being in line, a man approached a security guard (SG) saying he had found a ticket. Luckily, Todd had told SG that he had lost it, and (SG) was able to point Todd out. Anyway, the show was very fun. It's a classic musical and I suspect it will be a high school theater department hit in about 10 years.

Tuesday night, Ed's coworker randomly had extra tickets to Maroon 5. Rock concerts are really a great release. I thought I would know like one song, but was suprised how many I did know (more like five...Ed knew like seven). Anyway, that was a good time.

Yesterday morning I fell over on the Metro and crashed into this waif of a girl (no, she didn't break). I got up for my stop and the train was almost stopped and I reached for the pole. I was about a half inch within reach when the train lurched and I total lost my balance and fell onto this girl behind me. I apologized and she was totally nice about it.

Work has been in busy/stressful. I feel like I am in meetings all day long and no time to get my work done. It's hard. Hopefully next week it will settle down. School is going fine. I have taken to skimming my readings which so far has proved to not affect my grades.

Weekend Report

2007-10-08T12:35:00.000-05:00

Ed and I house/dog sat at his coworker's house this weekend. It's quite the gig. We did it for about five days this summer, and really had a good time (see: pool).

B & C joined us for pizza and beers on Friday night. Very fun to catch up with them. Amy Chu was in town with her husband Chris. We got them at the airport Sat., got lunch, Ed gave a Capitol tour, and then they hit the Museum of Natural History. We went home and grabbed some stuff we had forgotten. That's the only challenge with housesitting--it's not your house, so all of your stuff isn't there. :)

We enjoyed Mimi and Philip's engagement party on Sat. night.

Sunday we had Amy and Chris over for brunch and then swam and hung out. We then showed them Arlington National Cemetary before dropping Amy at her conference.

I did zero homework. Oh well...not so much into my classes this semester.

Ed is off today. I am at work. Boo.

Oh a few people have asked about when we get into our new condo. It will not be after the first of the year. The delay has essentially been that in order get the building up to code, they have make sure that not very much water penetrates the building (apparently too much does now). Apparently what they have tried still allows too much penetration, so they are looking at different options. Supposedly the building is bascially all finished, but some of the options require tearing down some of the interior walls. Anyway, we should know more in the next week or two.

Metro happenings

2007-09-21T16:01:00.001-05:00

I had two interesting metro experiences yesterday (the Metro is such a hub of experiences in a city...you really do see it all). Actually none of them had anything to do with the Metro itself, but happened to occure near a Metro stop.

First, when coming off of the Metro, I notice a man wearing a polo-type shirt. That was not interesting. His choice of trousers (what a fun word!), however, was. He was wearing a cordoroy kilt and red knee-high socks. One his way to work...in a skirt. I was like "you go, dude." The great thing is he really looked like Joe Q. Average with a work bag and polo, but then south of the waistline, he was all kinds of daring!

Second (and final) Metro incident was walking by a Metro stop on my way to class. I notice a guy handing out some sort of large flyer. He is dressed oddly, but it doesn't even phase me/register (I am true urbanite I guess). I automatically decline whatever he is passing out with my standard "no thank you" and walk by. Then I realize he has a WETA patch on his arm sleeve. WETA is the pbs station here. Weird. Then I realize the guy (and a girl a few feet away) are dressed in 40's flight gear, and are passing out "newspapers" for THE WAR on PBS, which starts Sunday. How clever!

Honeymoon photos!

2007-09-11T12:09:00.000-05:00

Below you will see the pictures of our honeymoon photos to Thailand and Cambodia! What an awesome trip. If you have any questions, feel free to post a comment, and we will reply.

2007-09-10T21:53:00.001-05:00

2007-09-10T21:43:00.000-05:00

2007-09-10T21:37:00.001-05:00

2007-09-10T21:25:00.000-05:00

2007-09-10T21:16:00.001-05:00

2007-09-10T20:37:00.002-05:00

2007-09-10T19:49:00.001-05:00

Cooking Class in Chang Mai

2007-09-10T19:39:00.001-05:00

2007-09-10T19:30:00.001-05:00

More Cambodia

2007-09-10T19:02:00.001-05:00

Finally...more honeymoon

2007-09-10T18:55:00.000-05:00

more to come...

2007-08-28T18:00:00.001-05:00

We're exhausted and going to bed, but we will be sure to publish more honeymoon shots in the next few days and some from the wedding too!

yup we ate that

2007-08-28T17:34:00.000-05:00

Angela says that I have to let people know that this is Ed typing for this entry...
Here are a few pics of a day out on the town in Bangkok (after leaving the sanctuary of our hotel). We started by having a late lunch at the place pictured above. Nothing like some street food and a beer to start the morning. Total cost =$3 (including the beer)

After breakfast we visited the royal palace and the Emerald Buddha. Pretty cool and pretty hot, especially for Angela who was made to wear extra clothing to see the buddha ( a nice sarong) to cover her capri pants.

After the Emerald Buddha, we visited the reclining one. Seen in gold above.

Later that evening we ate at Sirocco, an open air restaurant on the 63rd floor of a hotel/office building. Amazing food and stunning views.

Pictures from the Honeymoon

2007-08-28T17:22:00.000-05:00

These are pictures from our first day at the Peninsula in Bangkok. We spent the morning at the Spa getting massages, having lunch by the pool, and otherwise being pampered. It was a great way to relax after 16 hours of flying!

Titanic Dress from Hell

2007-07-26T08:28:00.000-05:00

Sarah reshared one of the best "wedding nightmare stories" of all time. If you don't have the time or inclination to read the whole thing, just look at the top picture of Kate Winslet and then scroll down to see the mother in law interpretation. You get the idea.

With that said, there isn't alot I am concerned about for the wedding (at least at this very moment in time). Ed and I are doing lists, timelines, binders etc. This is one organized wedding! I hope to get to Minnesota and relax and enjoy everything. It's coming up!

Funny Stuff

2007-07-18T20:45:00.001-05:00

I have attempted a few journals throughout my life, and if you consider a blog a journal, this is the one that I have kept with the longest. However, when Erin and I were in Europe (six summers ago, if you can believe it!) I journaled religiously.

I haven't looked at that journal since I wrote it, and a few nights ago, I discovered it again. I can not believe how much I had forgotten (and I am so happy I had written in such detail).

Last night, I read about the crush I had on Seb, our bike tour host Munich who was a Brit. Half-way through the bike tour, they take you to a beer garden (so Germany!) and Erin and I got drunk and I was trying to use British works like crumpets and the WC to get Seb to notice me, which in retrospect, he probably did but for all the wrong reasons.

Anyway...I am not sure the stories in there are as fun to other people as they are to me, but it's been fun to read them.

did i really just do that?

2007-07-16T12:55:00.000-05:00

I hate it when I am retarded. A high school friend, who I am barely in touch with, sent out a baby picture of the baby she just had to all of her friends, family, co-workers, etc. I am *such an idiot*. I replied all. And it didn't say "CUTE!". It was a couple of sentences about my wedding, talking another high school friend who I had emailed (luckily I didn't say anything bad about her since she was on the email). And the whole thing happened so fast, I didn't even realized I had done it until I was getting "non-deliver" messages. Ahh! Anyway, I felt dumb. Had to share.

Had a very busy weekend. On Friday night we went to the Marine's Marching Band thing with Brad, Cynthia and Cynthia's mom who was in town. There are a few Marine Bands, but you maybe most familiar with the "President's Own" (basically the President has a band...why? because he does, okay). It was very cool (particularily the silent rifle corps...they have no verbal counts and are spinning/throwing rifles all over the place. Nuts!). We saw Jon in Assasins on Sat. and the rest of the weekend we ran errands all over the place (mostly wedding stuff). We finally cleaned our house too, which was embarrassingly overdue.

I'm back

2007-07-12T12:56:00.000-05:00

I figured I would funnel some wedding anxiety--more like energy--into something positive and resume blogging.

I was on the Ann Taylor Loft website and went to buy this dress that was onsale a minute ago and as I went to check out it was gone. I had it in the "cart" already, but someone bought it out from under neath me.

How dare they!

It was a back-up rehearsal dinner dress. I have one already, but every girl needs a back-up.

The cat came back the very next day

2007-05-24T08:21:00.000-05:00

Ed and I were on our way out the door. Ed was headed to the gym, and I was headed to the pool. We were running late (read: I was running late) as the pool closes at 9:00. Anyway, Ed calls back to me: there's a cat out here. I walk up to the door and screech. It was right at the door pawing to get in. This was the second time in a week that I have been freaked out by a cat. Another one crossed our path (bad luck, no?) and I yelped in its presence a few days ago.

Anyway, Ed tried to coax it out of our landing and she would have none of it. Why do I know it is a she? After staring at her belly, I am pretty sure she is pregnant or just gave birth...

Finally a neighbor came by with some cat food. Apparently our friend had been bothering them as well. She left to have a bite.

On the way back from the pool, I do a drive by. No cat, phew. I have no idea where this fear has come from, but I did not want to have to deal with her getting into the house. So I go to CVS and go home. About 10 minutes later I hear the door rattle which scares the sh*t out of me. I soon discover the damn cat is back. Ed is not home. I ask the cat to please leave and go have her babies elsewhere. She does not leave. The porch light is out so it is totally dark. All I see are eyes in the darkness. She seriously freaks me out and I don't know why. I am not scared of any other animals--I love them!

Ed made a comment when driving me to the pool that he had never seen a cat act like that--that he really felt she was in need to approach us like she did. So I started to feel bad for the damn cat and got it some water. Which I sneaked out and quickly shut the door and locked it.

The cat was still there when Ed came home. We decided to just let her be. She was not there in the morning.

She is a pretty cat. I thought about keeping her, even though she freaks me out and I don't like cats. My relationship with our new friend is complicated. We really don't have room for another being in our house though.

I felt for the first time in a long while that I was not at all equiped to be useful in the situation. I wonder if this is what parenting is like.

Anyway, this morning I posted on craiglist about the cat. Hopefully someone will claim her.

2007-05-07T11:40:00.000-05:00

Many of you probably have heard about Eastern Market. So very sad. They had a viewing on Saturday where you could see the damage on the inside. The roof is half gone and there is basically nothing left.

I hope to post some pictures (not that I actually remembered a camera to take some).

The city has committed some money and there are some neighborhood groups who are mobilizing. There is no official word on what caused it, but they think it was a dumpster that caught on fire combined with electrical.

In other news, sorry I have been so out of touch lately! It's been a busy few weeks. School wrapped up, thank God. We had a pre-marriage retreat and then I was at a conference in Atlanta all last week. Next week I head to Minot for a shower. After that, I think it will finally die down (maybe???)

Test your nutrition IQ

2007-04-20T09:18:00.001-05:00

Test your nutrition IQ

Test your nutrition IQ
A new Field Research Corp. poll asked Californians to identify the low calorie, low salt, high fat or high calorie menu items from a list of four choices. Of the people surveyed, 68% failed every question. Think you can do better?
1. Which of the following breakfast items that are served at Denny's do you think has the fewest calories?
A. Ham and cheddar omelet
B. Country-fried steak and eggs
C. 3 slices of French toast with syrup and margarine
D. 3 pancakes with syrup and margarine
2. Which of the following items that are served at Chili's do you think has the least salt?
A. Cajun chicken sandwich
B. Classic combo steak and chicken fajitas
C. Guiltless chicken platter
D. Smoked turkey sandwich
3. Which of the following items that are served at Romano's Macaroni Grill do you think has the most fat?
A. Traditional lasagna
B. Chicken Caesar salad
C. Pasta classico with sausage and peppers
D. BBQ chicken pizza
4. Which of the following items that are served at McDonald's do you think has the most calories?
A. 2 Big Macs
B. 2 Egg McMuffins
C. 1 large chocolate shake
D. 4 regular hamburgers

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.
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.
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Answer Key
1. (B) Country fried steak and eggs (464 calories); 2. (A) Cajun chicken sandwich (2,220 mg sodium); 3. (B) Chicken Caesar salad (69 g fat); 4. (C) 1 large chocolate shake (1,160 calories)

Peep Shows

2007-04-10T08:11:00.000-05:00

You must see these.

The News From Room 405

2007-03-28T15:52:00.000-05:00

As promised, here are the happenings on Danny's class:

from yesterday:
mr. c: anderson, you're pouting again
anderson: no, i'm not...
mr. c: you are, but my question is why...
anderson: mr. carlson you never let me pout..you be actin' like it's bad or something
mr. c: (look at him, befuddled, don't really say anything)
anderson (a look on his face like "ahh ha, i've got it): why would they have invented pouting if people weren't supposed to do it?

maybe he's right, now if i could only figure out who they are.

previous:
1
mr. c: alexis, how's the writing coming?
alexis: good
mr. c: what are you thinkin' about for that first paragraph after your intro?
alexis: (social justice issue for paper is how discrimination is unfair) i think i want to talk about how discrimination doesn't just happen at school...it happens at people's work, in the street, people's houses, etc.
mr. c: okay, that sounds excellent. yeah, i think even talkin' about how discrimination happens in unexpected places, like church for example, would be especially interesting
alexis: mr. carlson (with an 11 year-old condescending look on his face) there isn't discrimination at church-that's god's house, he would never let that happen.

2
fatima: (after hearing a boy classmate burp, shakes her head in disgust, rolls her eyes and says) uugghh, that's so unappropriate...

3
mr. c: durice, get up off the floor (durice is dancing)
durice: ooooohhh, mr. carlson i'm so-sooor- soorrryy (relentlessly trying to apologize)
mr. c: show me you're sorry by not being disruptive
durice: (head down) i don't know what it is "i just get lost in the moment"

4
mr. c: isaiah, what are you learning about poverty?
isaiah: eeh, not much.
mr. c: what do you mean not much? what does poverty mean?
isaiah: eeeh, to not have money...
(10 minutes later)
isaiah: mr. carlson, mr. carlson (frantically waiving his hand in the air) quick come over
mr. c: what's up
isaiah: ((pointing to a statistic he had found, looks up at me with the B-I-G-G-E-S-T smile on his face (he has the widest smile, with the biggest, brightest white teeth)) and says..."i learned that i'm in poverty"

this last one is hard to explain, but it was hard not to chuckle a bit after a cute little african american boy looks you straight in the face, with a sort of proud grin, and proudly boasts "i'm in poverty." gulp.

I still got my mojo

2007-03-27T08:14:00.000-05:00

I was reading a book for class, the Long Tail, on my way back from class on the Metro last night. This guy kept look at what I thought was my book (to see the title). Seriously, though, he was a starer.Then, he winked at me. I was getting off anyway. Clearly he saw my ring? Don't rings repell boys? Maybe he didn't notice (a girl would have for sure--no question) or maybe he didn't care? I got all flustered and starting digging in my bag unnecessarily and not looking at him and generally being awkward. Oh yeah. I have game.

Had a great time in MN. Got some wedding stuff done, saw Juice, Wags, Dr. R, MindyDear, and Natz. FUN TIMES! Wags is going to be out here this weekend with her mama. Hopefully will get to meet up. Danny is coming too.

Danny said we should check out this.

Springtime for Angeler

2007-03-20T17:22:00.000-05:00

It's Spring time in Washington. AAhhh love it.

So not having a job (I have been reffering to myself as unemployed, which is only true for a week) is pretty awesome.

I had an awesome going away happy hour on Friday. Seriously good turn out and we were there until 10:45. Wow. Late.

Went up to NYC this weekend to see Dan. He's doing well. Besides the bus leaving an hour and half late, the weekend was so awesome. I love New York so much. I don't think I could handle living there, but a weekend is just perfect. We hung out around Columbia on Saturday, got some awesome cheap Thai food at Pam Real Thai Food (this place is seriously good and cheap, go if ever are in NYC), and did some shopping. Ed joined late Sat. We then met Ed's brother, Patrick, for perhaps the best brunch I had ever had at the Eatery.

then...

on a whim...

we stood in line for rush tickets...

to...

WICKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and we got...

two tickets...

which was amazing...

because they were front row seats...

and only $25 each...

BUT

there were three people in the group (me, Ed, and Dan). Ed decided he wanted to see the Drowsy Chaperone more. So we stood in line for rush tickets. We were on a roll. Unstoppable. I won this time (Ed won last) and got him a ticket for $25. Dan I saw Wicked, which was pretty f-ing awesome. Ed loved TDC, so everyone was happy. All for $25 each. Amazing.

Sunday afternoon is the way to go for rush tickets.

Note the use of trackbacks (hyperlinks). I am trying to increase my google ranking. Not really, but I did learn about that in one of my classes.

No more complaining?

2007-03-06T09:51:00.001-05:00

Could you give up complaining?

Want to go to Greece?

2007-02-28T10:26:00.000-05:00

I don't have the patience to figure out how to add Alecia to my blogs on my template, so here is the link:

http://alecia-athens.blogspot.com/

Check out her adventures in Greece! It's the cheapest way to get there. :)

Long time

2007-02-21T17:07:00.000-05:00

So I have been at my desk about 5 minutes in the last 3 days. Not really, but I seriously have had two days straight of meetings. AAhhh.

Juice came to town. We had a blast! So much fun! Lot's of laughs. It was great to have her meet my friends and see my world. She was out before, but I really feel settled in DC, so it is different. She slept on the areobed our tiny apartment for four days. Now that's a good friend. :)

I am heading to Ohio this weekend for Cynthia's shower. Should be good times. :)

Babel and Joe's

2007-02-12T16:40:00.000-05:00

For V-day we decided to celebrate on Sat. instead of toughing the crowds on Wed.

We went out for sushi and saw Babel, which I am going to go out on limb and say it gets Best Picture. It has human interaction theme of Crash with even more emotion. Alot of people were upset about Crash vs. Brokeback, but I understand it. Crash was a commentary on our modern world as is Babel. Babel gets it. I am going on record now.

Babel was fantastic, but it was at time upsetting and disturbing. The rawness of human nature is real, and the weaving of the story and the interlacing of who we are is humans is actually brillant.

We were going to get pizza at our favorite place--Joe's, which is a family owned restaurant that has been there for 25 years. We pulled up to the shop on Sunday, and it was closed! Sign down, cleared out close. I guess they were having problems renewing their lease. We did go to their other location which has the pizza and pasta buffet for $7.95 including drink. The old buffet was $4.95 plus drink. They also have gelato. I am not convinced it can be our new Joe's, but it will do for now.

UglyJuice is coming Thurs. Woohoo!

Welcome Jackson

2007-02-05T10:44:00.000-05:00

Congrats to Kim and Mike, Ed's sister and brother in law, on the arrival of Jackson who was born yesterday morning. Ain't he cute!

He's the first baby for any of our siblings so this is big news....BIG!

Protector of the Pool

2007-01-29T09:24:00.000-05:00

So I got into it on my first day of water workouts at our pool.

I hauled my but there at 6:45 a.m. and was feeling pretty good about my new found exercise format.

So I change and get out to the pool...

This guy on the side of the pool is missing a leg and sitting on the edge and working his other leg. He is chatty and talking with alot of people. Obv. a regular. But then he starts chatting with the lifeguard. Immediately my instinct is "you aren't supposed to talk to life guards." Images of the cartoon drawings signs of how you are not supposed to lifeguards pop into my headfrom my childhood days at Roosevelt Pool.

It goes on and he is seriously just talking to him about nothing for serveral minutes.

The pool is busy. It is Olympic size and there is one lifeguard on the stand. I notice a boy about 12 years old in the water next to me.

I tell my self, "Self, if he does it again, say something"

He did it again.

Chatting...chat..chat.. with the life guard.

So I said something to him along the lines of it "you should not be bothering the life guard"

Apparently that was not the best approach because he flipped his sh*t on me, but I seriously didn't care. I answered "the lifeguard's job is to watch the pool and not talk to you" He continues to yell at me and I am not even sure what he said. I just swam away. The pool manager then talked to him (because the dude complained to him that I was something--not sure what) and the manager must have validated me because he stopped talking to the lifeguard.

Sometimes when you get into these situations, which I often do because I have a tendenancy to say exactly how I feel to people I know and don't know alike, I regret it/have a weird riled feeling inside after a confrontation. But this time, I didn't feel that. I really felt that he was wrong and that no one was saying anything.

The people of DC may sleep better tonight knowing that no one will be talking to the lifeguard.

Sibling Iceskating Ice Dancing Couple Shows Promise at DC Debut

2007-01-28T17:13:00.000-05:00

I took water areobics this weekend. I think it might change my life. It is fun; it's a great workout; it's $25 for 5 months (aka basically free). I am so sick of the gym that I could spit. I look forward to trying it on my own at open swim when I can't make it to the pool.

Had a good time with Dan this weekend. He was Victor Potranko and I was Oksana Byull (I basically spelled both of those names phonicically) when a group of us went ice skating at the Sculpture garden's on the National Mall. Dan is a really good skater; I am a little rusty. Before we got on the ice for public skate, Dan told me that there will be at least one show-off in the group. "There is always one." I think that was the understatement of the year. "The Guy" ("TG") had speed skating skates, a mullet and semi-stonewashed jeans. "TG" zipped in and out of skaters, whirled around and reportedly (I did not witness it myself) did a flip on the ice. He was skating about 5 times faster than anyone else out there. All I am saying is watch out for "TG" the next time you go to public skate.

Sunday we had Bran and Cynthia over for brunch. Cynthia starts a very cool new job on Monday. *Props*

Right now I am reading for my digital communications class. I like it actually--the history of blogs and their implications on the future of information sharing and gather. So you can call what I am doing right now "research".

Our Photo Copier is Satan

2007-01-26T16:44:00.000-05:00

So i realized I haven't posted in a month and now it's twice in one day, but seriously I want to kill the photocopier.

Might I start by saying that it is on rare occasion that I have to make any quantity of copies, or any copies at all really. I guess I appreciate that maybe I have moved out of administrative level work, but I guess if you don't use it often, the copier begins to hate you.

Today, I had a client meeting to present a marketing plan that I wrote. I was very excited to present my ideas, but it all went terribly awry. First I printed the wrong version. I reprinted it, and then the copier confirmed it hated me. It would run 2 pages and then say ALL drawers had a jam. WTF? how one can a paper be stuck in multiple places? This went on for like 10 minutes. Of course I was late.

I finally reprinted all 80 pages (20 x 4 copies).

Where did the month go?

2007-01-26T09:34:00.000-05:00

Holy Crap. The month is almost over!

So let's see. Hhhmm. What's new:

I forgot my gloves on the bus this a.m. Damn. It's like the coldest day of the year so far. And I just found those gloves after having been missing them for several months.
I started school last week. So far so good. I am excited about my social marketing class, which is what I really want to get into. I am also taking a digitial communications class, so watch for future evidence of me being a techie. I will be forming a website and creating a del.icio.us site. Also, does anyone use Linked In?
Danny is coming down this weekend
I had a great time in MN over MLK day. Great to see Mindy, Natz, Anna, Gretchen and oh and their SOs: Dave, Justin, Shad, and Matt, respectively. Seriously a great time in the City of Lakes. It was nice to hang out with Mom and Dad too. Mom and I did a couple of water work outs. We also went to the World Market on Lake. That place is cool. They have free latin dance lessons from 12:00 noon-1:00 on Sundays (for MSP people). It's not like partner dancing, more like an areobic dance class. Mom and I jumped in and tried to keep up. It was great though--men and women of all ages and races out there learning the steps. Super fun!
Work is sucking. Too much to do, not enough recognition and same ol' crapola. Oh well.
We had an awesome dinner club at Rob's on the 20th. Rob (Brenda's beau) has totally been holding out on us. While most of us have graduated to single-occupancy dwelling, the trade off has been space. Our apartments are great, but small and lacking in seating are their most common denominator. Rob meanwhile has a great open apartment with wicked high ceilings. The bedroom is a loft with a sprial staircase.Um awesome. AND get this he has count them: 2 counches and 2 chair and a dining room table with four chairs. Oh and he has real art on his walls. As in frames, and it is from all over the world. He can't open his dishwasher fully because of a fridge they put in that was too large, but that is what he gets for having such gd nice apartment. And I have officially talked too long about this. Next...
Wedding plans are trucking along. Look for Save the Dates soon!

February is looking to be a great month:

Bits and Cynthia will turn 22 (jk)
Doris and Ray, two Lion's clubbers are celebrating 60 years of marriage
We may go to NJ to see some of Ed's college friends. I may go there, or to NY, or stay home.
Anna Claus iiiissss cccccooooming to town over Pres Day weekend!
Cynthia's shower is at the end of the month in Ohio

In other news, Ed and I went back to our community pool that is count it--4 blocks--away. Yes. And it is free. And we haven't used it in over a year. It was great to get a workout (let's call it that--i basically jumped around in the water for a half hour) that is not at the gym. I might join a water areobics class to further confirm suspiccions of me being a 45-year old suburban house wife.

Oh and we have new coffee shop that opened across the street from out house. It's name? Coffee Shop. It isn't open past 5 or on Sundays so we are fearing its survival, but...get this...they serve CREPES. For real. Huge awesome warm nutella (and other various other flavors) fille crepes for $2.95

Also, Coffee Shop also turns into "Lounge" (that's its full name). The upstairs is a bar and they put a red carpet and rope line outside. For real. Ed has been. I need to check it out.

Past Presidents Weekend

2007-01-02T12:50:00.000-05:00

For New Year's Eve we went to Ed's coworker who lives in a farm house that dates back to the mid-1700s. It is supposedly the oldest house in DC: check it out. That was great fun and then we rang in the new year at Stetson's.

Past President Encounter #1: In June of 1800, the house was the site of a large dinner party for President John Adams.
(admittedly weak)

Past President Encounter #2: We went and saw Ford lay in state at the Capitol Rotunda.
(a little better)

Past President Encounter #3: We went to Macy's on New Year's Day to possibly register for some plates. Turns out they don't have the registry there, but as we were leaving...who walks in?...

a little more suspense....

Jimmy Carter!

and his wife Rossalyn.

They had just a couple of people (possibly security detail, but not sure) around him. We just walked up and shook his hand and said hi. It was awesome!

ssshh don't tell anyone

2006-12-28T17:28:00.000-05:00

My family doesn't have their tree so we borrowed one while attending the Pinkerton's Christmas party. Minot was fab. Grandma is in the nursing home but we brought over food and fun on both Christmas Eve and Day. It actually was great fun.

I ran in to JaMie B. (now H.) from high school on Christmas Eve. Last I talked to her three years ago, she was engaged. She now has 2 kids!! I stopped by to see them. Adorable.

Karissa, great to see you. I know you are reading. :)

My teeth

2006-12-21T16:08:00.000-05:00

That is a filling on the first two and the back two are sealants. Fun stuff.

Why Proofreading is Not Copy Editing

2006-12-21T13:57:00.000-05:00

AAAhhh I am so annoyed:

Brochure is basically ready to go out to print. New dude starts this week. Rewrites things/changes words/adds crap that does not need to be in there. Does he find any errors? mistakes? typos? misinformation?No. Does he improve it? Not necessarily. He does mark his territory though. He could have just found a fire hydrant and made my life easier.

I am in the wrong field

2006-12-13T13:16:00.000-05:00

Today I went to the dentist. I hope my mother isn't reading this, but it had been well over a year, which is too long. My mother always emphasized good dental care and we went ever six months on the nose.

Anyhoo, I tried a new dentist who was closer to my work. The other dentist was near my house and she was too chatty for my tastes. So anyway, I call this dentist and make an appointment.

I got the cleaning. The place is nice. They have a computer that you can see your teeth. Anyway, all is going well.

I end up having two cavities. I am not proud of this, but it is not super surprising. I have been drinking more soda lately, and one dentist told me that would really affect your teeth. Plus it had been almost a year and half.

So then the office manager lady comes to talk to me about setting up an appointment for the cavities. No problem.

She is like WITH your insurance it is going to be $165 plus your $50 deductible. Now to some, this isn’t bad, but I have REALLY good dental insurance. At my old dentist, I only paid the deductible for the other cavity I had like two years ago. Or a $30 co-pay. It was not more than $50.

Note: The cost of two cavities without insurance would be $665.

(PS I would like to interrupt myself to note that I did not have one cavity through high school and I think I got one in college (maybe? Not even sure on that), so more or less, my teeth have gone to pot/I am not caring for them like I used to)

Moral of the story: I am changing my dental habits and I am going back to the chatty dentist. I can put up with her chattiness to save $165.

www.highschoolreunion.com

2006-12-11T19:16:00.000-05:00

I feel pretty good about Christmas. I think I am done with shopping, which feels nice. I have to mail some packages and wrap a few, but overall, I am done.

I got a list of high school classmates' contact information (as part of the reunion committee's attempt at soliciting information). Anyhoo, it was fun to scroll through the list and just see the names. Lot's of people who responded are married. I wonder if you are married if you are more likely to respond quickly? I would like to look at the correlation line. Maybe alot of people are just married overall.

I found a friend on there, Christi, who lives in NY. I happen to be going to NY this weekend. I emailed her today. We're going to have lunch on Saturday. She's married and has a one-year old. Her husband is in law school. All that in one email. I haven't seen her in almost 10 years.

I think that the internet is really going to change who and how we stay in touch with people. If I had to track her down through a series of phone calls, it would never happen. One email later, done. That world wide web is amazing. In the words of a member of congress who will remain nameless, it "is the wave of the future."

PS that statement was made like a month ago

One hell of funny story

2006-12-01T10:23:00.000-05:00

Seriously, global warming is real. Don't even try to argue with me. It is going to be 70 today and check it, it's December. wtf? And meanwhile the Midwest is getting pounded. Planet earth is sick.

In other news I would like to relay a story from a classmate of mine. The people in this story are cousins of her sister in law. Characters: Mother, daughter (age 5), son (age 3) and extras who are the random zoo attendees.

Mother, daughter, son are at zoo. Mother goes to buy snacks, turns and son is gone. No where to be found. Zoo shuts down. Everyone who works for the zoo is looking for him. It's a mad all-out search.

Son appears.

In the penguin cage.

No lie. (enter new cast of characters: penguins). He jumped over 2 fences to get in the cage and was literally just playing with them. Mother is mortified and leaves zoo.

Mother, son and daughter are driving home.

Son, "Mommy, I have to tell you something, but I know you are going to be mad."

Mother, "I am already mad, so let's just wait."

A few minutes pass.

Son, "Mommy, I think I really need to tell you something but you might be mad."

Mother, "Okay, what is it?"

Son opens backpack. Out waddles a baby penguin.

No lie.

She then had to call the zoo, which was closed and return the penguin. It had to be quarantined for two weeks. True story from classmates, sister-in-law's cousin. :)

Danny Came to Town

2006-11-14T10:40:00.000-05:00

I forgot to mention that Danny came to DC this weekend in my things that I was looking forward to (per his comment on the previous post). We had a great time! He took our engagement pics at the Capitol. He also joined us at Blob's for some killer polkaing. It was great having him! Good times. He is doing well teaching the children of the nation. I give him major props!! Ed and I plan to go up to NY in Dec. to see him.

Last night we went to see Michael Brown, the former director of FEMA, speak. I was all ready to be unimpressed and annoyed, but I was surprised. He spoke honestly and objectively about what happened. He blamed the bureaucracy and the President, but he took plenty of blame for himself. It was really quite frightening how unprepared we are for any disaster. There was a great line he said about how government has made inconvenience = security.

Finally, as of today, Ed and I have been dating 4 years. I wonder when you quit honoring the dating anniversary. When you get married? What about the day you got engaged? Do you honor that? Confusing.

Speaking of getting married, I found a great bridesmaid dress.

Long Time

2006-11-09T11:20:00.000-05:00

no post.

So Ed has been in Indiana and emerged victorious with Democrat Baron Hill winning IN-9. Go Dems! I just hope that we don't f anything up. That's all. Really though, things are f-ed, but I suppose they could be worse.

Highlights of the almost two weeks that Ed was gone include:

MINDY! She came, we ate, we shopped..we chatted...we chatted some more. We had a blast!

HALLOWEEN: there are about million trick or treaters on Capitol Hill. Met up with Brad and Cynthia, newly back from London, to give the trickers some treats. We ran out in about 10 mins. What a fun holiday though.

Homework. Not a real highlight, but I got alot done without being distracted.

HAPPY HOUR! We had an especially fun Happy Hour last Friday. We ate fried Macaroni and cheese (could there be ANYTHING worse for you) stayed late for us for a Friday: 10:00 p.m. Serious good times though.

BNL! Went to the Barenaked Ladies concert with Sarah on Saturday night. SUCH A GREAT time. I was on a high. They put on a great show and really just have a blast. So much good fun.

This weekend looks like some dinner clubbing as well as (hopefully) some Polkaing at Blob's. WOOHOO.

Cold Weather Wimp

2006-10-24T08:56:00.000-05:00

Last night I was going to do homework. Instead, we went to Kevin's and watched a movie. It was going to be night of the living dead, but I persuaded everyone that Chicken Little was a better choice. It was cute/a little weird. Chicken Little himself was really cute. I liked how the message was about parents giving their kids unconditional love though. That's a good message.

It is cold here. Like 40 or something. My ND blood has weakened. I am a wimp. Officially.

I got my boots shined and re-tipped. They look amazing. I am in love with them again.

Project Runway

2006-10-19T11:05:00.000-05:00

I don't like Jeffrey. I just don't. I think it is great that he is sober and not suicidal and has a kid. All great things. I did not want him to win though and he did.

Michael, Michael, Michael...what was he thinking? Glitz galore. I do love Laura's things and I thought Uli's were great, but niether were cohesive. I did not like Jeffrey's but I do not like him, so I am tainted.

I have watched all three seasons and this is the first year that there was not a clear winner. Overall I thought the talent pool was better this year (especially compared to the first year), but in the end, I wasn't super impressed. Some very nice things, but I wasn't wowed. I think Nina G. and Michael K. felt the same way.

PR has made everyone an armchair fashion critic.

So I will ask again did Jeffrey cheat?

PS Why didn't Jeffrey keep track of his budget better? What the f? Another reason I don't like him...he can't manage his money.

Proud to be a Minotian

2006-10-16T08:56:00.000-05:00

Did everyone catch Extreme Makeover Home Edition last night? I was so proud to be from Minot! I think they captured the essence of what is good about Minot: good people who love their families and would do anything for them. It was awesome! I didn't have Mrs. Bliven, but I remember her being pregnant when I was in 9th grade which I think was with the son who has CP.

Anyway it was awesome. I also caught up on other TV including Grey's and Project Runway. Meredith is a fool; McVet is a better guy. But she loves who she loves. How much $$ did Izzy get? The tape cut off just as pulled out the check. I wonder what she'll do. I am not sure if McTool (Shepard's best friend) is a good addition. I already don't like him.

PR: I had a dream that Laura won. What do people think, did Jeffrey cheat? I can't decide if his reaction was not as expected because he feels defeated or if it is because he is guilty.

Other than that, we had a fun weekend. Went out Friday and were out until midnight...late for us old people. Sunday we went sailing on the Potomac. That was pretty awesome. Ed can rent a boat now that he has finished his lessons. It was a gorgeous day and Ed did a really good job directing. It is harder than I thought--finding the wind etc. It's fun to have a new hobby, especially one that brings you out doors.

Weddings, Sailing and IVs, of course

2006-09-27T16:51:00.001-05:00

Ed got an invite for a wedding for this Saturday. It came last Sunday. At first it appeared that I wasn't invited, though later clarification proved I was. So i guess we're going to a wedding on Sat. I was telling my co-worker that weddings usually allow for months of mental preparedness: who will be there, what should I wear, what should we buy them etc. However, this impromptu wedding is weird. What am i going to wear??!! Crap.

Ed's family and I got him sailing lessons for his b-day. He completed the last one Sunday. He only hit something once. He is not quite sure he is ready to take me out yet, but I am ready. Why do you think I got him the stupid lessons?! :)

Health update: going to Remicade. Bring on the IVs baby. Good thing my right arm has an awesome vein. They often compliment it. Just like the dentist does with my teeth. I like that. I realize I have no control over either of them, but to be honest, it does help build my esteem. I am not going to lie.

Is that so much to ask?

2006-09-21T08:17:00.000-05:00

Health Update: I had an appointment on Tuesday and they were concerned that the area was still inflammed so they had me go over to the hospital for another CT scan. The doc made it sound like Radiology was basically waiting for me to come. HA! Stupid me. They had to call for a pre-authorization from my insurance I waited forever. My Dr's appointment was at 1:00 and I left Radiology at 6:30 p.m. My patience was paper thin. However, the good news is that they called yesterday and things are in good shape. Abscess is gone and inflamation is down. My regular doc is back Wednesday, so I will see him then.

In other news, this legalized torture thing is extremely distrubing to me. Anyway, Bill Clinton was on NPR this a.m. and had some really good points on how we don't need a law that blanketly gives the right to torture people and how in extreme circumstances they could get authorization if needed. Basically, he made sense. I am not a "rah rah" Clinton fan, but wow was it refreshing to listen to someone who was logical. That's all I ask--a reasonable leader of the free world. Is that so much?

Psycho Brainwashing Camp is in ND

2006-09-19T08:18:00.000-05:00

I think camp is great. I even think church camps can be great. Lots of people loved camp Metigoshe, and while some poked fun at it is a cult that was all in jest. People learned about God. They didn't shower. They made good friends and had fun doing campy type things. This camp is bona fide crrrrrrrraaazzzzyy pants. Seriously, these kids are being brainwashed. I now understand where the psycho neo-Cons came from; they went to these camps. It's all clear now. Check it out: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2006/09/18/video-kids-at-jesus-camp_n_29703.html

and here is the trailer for the documentary:
http://www.apple.com/trailers/magnolia/jesuscamp/trailer/

Thanks to Danny for the tip.

Speaking of Danny--who thinks he needs to transform his Europe blog into "Teaching 5th Graders in the South Bronx: a Chronicle of Hystericalness"? I do. Maybe we can persuade him.

Crappy Week #2

2006-09-18T08:45:00.000-05:00

hhhmmm let's see...where to start. I guess from the beginning. Wednesday I was not feeling well at all and finally called my GI, who was out of town. I then called the on call Doc and he said to just go into the ER. So I did. Two hours later, I got out of the waiting room and into the ER. After some consultation, they decided to admit me. I went to the ER at 11:30 a.m. and was admitted at 9:00 p.m.. Woohoo.

So the ER forgot or didn't want to take my CT scan, so I went to the bottom of the priority list once I was admitted. After reminding the nurse about 1000 times that I needed one (in her defense, she did call several times). I finally had one at 2:30 a.m.

The CT scan revealed an abyss (infection) and inflammation in the area of my Crohn's. I was put on IV antibiotics. They told me I could go home Friday and Friday a.m. I was practically packing my bags, but they didn't discharge me until about 4:00. Nothing moves quickly in the hospital.

The hospital is by far the most boring place on earth. Ed came often and Brenda saved me on Friday. I watched a lot of crap TV. In theory, I would have caught up on reading, done my homework etc. but I had no motivation.

This weekend I took it easy. I am about as well as I did about a week ago--not great, but not in any really pain (pain didn't start until Wednesday). I am just tired. Really really tired. Tomorrow I have a follow up appointment so we'll see what they are going to do as far as treatment.

PS

2006-09-05T11:20:00.000-05:00

A co-worker just pointed out that to have alot of drama when traveling, but it mostly happens after my trip is over (just the return trip). I never posted about this crazy incident coming back from MN/ND in July where Ed and tried to help this woman and her two year old son make a connection to some South American country that I now forget. Looooonnngggg story short: I ran ahead to the gate; Ed carried her luggage; the gate closed; Women collapses with child and sobs; United closed its customer service desk and wasn't helping people with flights or hotels (didn't know that they could do that); eventually figure that she can go to the baggage claim desk; we leave her because there is nothing more we can do; we missed the Metro; we tried to take Super Shuttle but they driver canceled our order; ended up waiting a half hour for another one; We got home at like 1:30 a.m. It was traumatic and I try to forget it.

I can't even really believed this happened

2006-09-05T11:18:00.000-05:00

F-ing Disaster. These are the words I choose to describe what many would find to be a simple task: getting home from the airport. I flew into DCA after a pleasant weekend in Minot. The weather was beautiful; it was relaxing; I was rejuvenated. Anyway, my flight got in at 10 p.m.—late, but not too bad. I flew into the A (aka old) terminal and stupid Northworst had 3 flights using one baggage claim (of course, there is an empty baggage claim right next to it). It was literally like 6-7 people deep all the way around this small carousel. You couldn’t even see. There was so much baggage coming out that it kept getting backed up coming off the conveyer belt. I waited a good 30 minutes for my bags. That was enjoyable.

Okay next step…transportation. Ed is in NY so I was on my own. Cab, no line is too long. Supper Shuttle…no hate them after a traumatic experience at Dulles last month. I was feeling poor so I decided on Metro. Shuttle buses to the Metro were packed. I’ll walk (not a bad walk btw for DC residents). Get to Metro, have to wait a few minutes, but not bad. Feeling good. Looking forward to my bed. Start to fish around for my keys. Should bag. No, not there. Back pack, no not there either. Suit case. NO NO NO. NO keys anywhere. Crap. (or other choice words). Ed’s not home until Tuesday.

Call Tonya.

No answer.

Call Tonya when I get off at Eastern Market.

No answer.

Call again.

Answer.

Thank God.

“Tonya, remember when we traded emergency keys…”

Tonya vaguely remembers getting our key. I know we have hers. Tonya is cooler than me and was out at a bar. I waited for her to come back. I sat at the bus stop. There was one shady dude. Then another. Then another. I think I might head down into the Metro. Good idea. It’s about 11:45 now. Remember my flight got in at 10:00. Tonya shows up. Bless her.

Walk to Tonya’s. Examine some keys. Very confident these are our keys. Walk to my house (about 10 minutes) with three pieces of luggage. Shoulders hurt. I am tired oh so very tired. I dream about my bed. Fanaticize even. Almost there. Once I am home it won’t matter.

Get there. Try keys. Try again. Try again. DAMN IT. Call Tonya. Phone dies. I had talked to Ed for too long when I was around the shady dudes. Tonya heard that I couldn’t get in before the phone died. She starts walking to my place. I start walking to hers. We meet half way. I slept on her aero bed. Ed’s home tonight and hopefully my keys are there.

So there are always bright side moments to think about:

I had a bed. It wasn’t mine, but it was comfortable and inside. As I struggled with my luggage back to Tonya’s I passed a homeless person nestled in a doorway. Though I was wallowing in my own self pity, I had to admit that it could be worse.
Tonya and I are the same size. I had a skirt and borrowed a sweater for work. I like this sweater. That’s because I own it in a different color.
It was not raining.
I actually had my cell phone and it was mostly charged. HUGE for me. HUGE.
I have good friends who live close and will help out in a pinch.
I did not have to go the bathroom (most likely due to the fact that you can not longer bring on water and they only give you like 3.25 ounces once you get on). It does seem when I have put myself in similar predicaments that they are usually further complicated by the fact that I have to pee.

bandaids

2006-08-14T18:09:00.000-05:00

what is with me seeing used bandaids on the ground? There are two in the women's bathroom at work and I swear i have seen like million on the ground lately? What gives? Why is everyone losing their bandaids all of the sudden?

wow it's been a while...

2006-07-31T08:58:00.000-05:00

So the blog got away from me again. We had a fantastic trip in MN/ND. Ed’s mom and aunt came out and it was fun showing them around. Met up with the MN crew which is always fun. We also accomplished a lot as far as wedding details. I feel like we could almost get married next month. I know there will be a lot of small details but for now, the big things are coming together nicely. I found my dress; we made some great headway on bridesmaid dresses; we found a caterer that I think we will go with, and we booked the photographer.

ND was fun! My grandma is in assisted living now though so it is harder for her to get around. My cousin’s wedding was nice. It was a high school blast from the past. It makes me part weary and part excited for our high school reunion next summer. I am not sure if I am going; I haven’t decided. We went to the ND State fair and did all the animal buildings, watched the horse judging, and checked out the 4-H crafts. Ed found a blue-ribbon winning rice krispy bar. I guess it doesn’t take as much talent as one would think to get a blue-ribbon. We also walked in the state fair parade for a family friend who is running for state rep.

Last week was just busy and painful to readjust into the real world. I had two classes instead of one in order to make up the one that I missed. Work was fine, but all week I was just not into it. This weekend was just what I needed. Friday night I met up with a friend who is going through some nasty life stuff, so I felt good that I could be there for her. Sat. was book club and I started finished the book in about four days so I was giving myself some mad props. I did some work on my final paper and felt really good about it mostly because I am not procrastinating.

We were going to meet some friends for dinner on Sat. I decided, hey let’s have them over for a BBQ. We had some meat to use up, and I was feeling like entertaining. So we got the house in shape after it being an absolute pit, picked a little more food at the store, and got the outside ready. We worked feverously for about an hour and half (mostly cleaning and picking up), and finally I sat down about 10 minutes before people were to arrive. I look out the window—it’s down pouring. Damn. We ran outside and grabbed the stuff we set out there. Our apartment is so small that I seriously didn’t know what we were going to do. We decided to bring everything—the table chairs etc. in and somehow it all fit! We had five people and us in tiny, tiny apartment. We ate off of paper plates, drank out of mis-matched glasses, and ate store-bought appetizers, but none of that mattered. Martha Stewart would have balked, but then again she could have never been as relaxed as we were. Everyone had a blast. I appreciate low-maintenance friends. They don’t need to be impressed. Good food, good company. That’s what it is really about.

Yesterday I worked a little more on the paper, and we decided to do an impromptu picnic for dinner which was fun. Kept the table up in our apartment because we kinda like it. It leaves us with literally no floor space, but we’ll see. I got to bed early and woke up rested, which is such a nice feeling!

We have officially lost it when it comes to eating

2006-07-10T12:27:00.000-05:00

So I saw the Devil Wears Prada last night with Bits (I thought it was really fun) but was slightly disturbed by the fact that main character was referred to as the fat girl (at a size 6) and then later got accolades for dropping to a size 4. The other girl in the story line didn’t eat. Period. I later came home and watched a story on the half-ton man who could literally not turn over in bed he was so fat. This combined with the fact that I have series of otherwise smart, accomplished friends/acquaintances (grown women, mind you) who all of the suddenly have arms that look like pencils. This has lead me the conclusion that that we have officially lost our wits about food. Half the world is starving and in American we either eat 45 times as much as we need or we refuse to eat the bountiful food we do have in order to be so thin that we make those starving people of the world look good.

I for one am creating a club. It is entitled "Normal Eaters of America." To join: you can't eat everything you want. You can eat most of what you want. You for the most part eat normal portions. You try to get your 5-day and you fail. But you eat. You do it everyday for every meal. Some days you are good. Some days you are bad. Some days you have salad after a bad weekend of junk food. You like food. It is fun. It is fuel. Bottom line: you eat.

The Mystery of the Stuffed Rooster Explained (in photos)

2006-06-25T11:59:00.000-05:00

There was some discussion about the discovery of the mystery stuffed animal that appeared in my last post. Here is a collection of photos that chronicle our discovery...

Gretchen Comes to DC and Ed Gets Inducted as President of His Lions Club

2006-06-22T20:58:00.000-05:00

Gretchen Comes to Town...

Ed and the Lions Club

Pictures from LA and Amy's wedding

2006-06-07T21:58:00.000-05:00

LA was a blast! Here's some pics:

10 fun things I did this weekend

2006-05-29T19:12:00.000-05:00

All weekends should be 3 days. Some highlights:

1. went shopping at BR outlet so Ed doesn't go naked
2. went to Baltimore just for fun and ate in Little Italy. I had tortellini which was fantastic; it came with sausage that I didn't realize when I read the menu. I ate it anyway.
3. went to Joes with Brenda and Kevin for pizza buffet. yum. Joe's is our favorite pizza place--family owned, great pizza, and super cheap. there is a good salad bar too so it could qualify as healthy.
4. craft store = fun. target = dangerous. bought alot of make up, which I do about twice a year
5. went to dave and busters, for a friend's birthday. it is like a big-kid arcade. I liked the motorcycle video games the best. We didn't earn enough tickets to get anything good though.
6. went to the beach on the western shore of maryland. it was actually a really great beach (being from ND, I have low standards). great way to spend a warm day.
7. went to a friend's bbq. ate too much.
8. played croquet on the Mall with Sarah, Kevin, Chris, Brenda and Sarah's friend Rebecca. It was really fun. I think we all need to reccreate more in our lives.
9. ate outside and enjoyed the beautiful backyard that our landlord planted
10. currently watching Hustle and Flow.

Also got to the gym twice, caught up with some friends, cleaned up etc.

It's amazing what you can get done with an extra day.

Pics from the graduation

2006-05-23T20:39:00.000-05:00

New Zealand = My new favorite place

2006-05-23T16:39:00.000-05:00

So Ed got an invite to a BBQ at the New Zealand Embassy last night. It was so fun! First, it was one fancy BBQ with passed hors devoures (sp?!) and rack of lamb. No weenies and burgers here! The food was so amazing. I am going to have Ed email the contact and get the recipe for the blue-cheese stuffed whole mushrooms. They were so yum. Seriously amazing. Anyway, the highlight was talking to Peter who worked at the Embassy. He was so nice and answered all of our random questions about New Zealand and being in the foriegn service. My life isn't all that exciting so I choose to surround myself with people who lead interesting lives. Anyway, I love New Zealand now and of course want to go there. I also like that people from there are called Kiwis. That's fun.

Run Girl, Let Me See Your Body Sweat

2006-05-16T16:24:00.000-05:00

We hit traffic going to the airport yesterday and I got there at 6:00 for my 6:45 flight, which is cutting it close. Self-check-in was a breeze, but I noticed a snaking security line when I walked in. The line was long but was moving quickly. Still when I got through security it was 6:25. Technically, you need to be at your gate 15 minutes before the flight leaves. I grabbed my flip flops from the gray tub and ran like Kenyan to Terminal C. My gate was 23. Gates 1-4 didn’t start until a good way down the terminal. I booked it on the people-movers. The clock in the terminal read 6:27; I think the other ones were fast. Good. Run faster. The people-movers end. I run some more. I look up. C-11. Are you kidding? What is with this terminal? Every gate is about 3 miles apart. I am still running. No signs of a clock. Keep running. Legs hurt. Flip flops were made for the beach, not long-distance sprints. Ahh another people—mover. I can do this. I hope on. Pull out ticket to verify gate is C-23. Look closer. Seat = C-23! Gate = D-5! FFFFFFFFFFFFFF************CCCCCCKKK. Oooh I said that loud. Parents around look at me like I am the devil. I am still on the people-mover. Must get off. Run other way. Run. Run. Run some more. See man with golf-cart not taking anyone. Please sir, can you take me? Please. Please. Please. Can’t because you don’t work for Northwest? Please, please, please….no? really? Fighting back tears. You won’t help me? Minnesota Nice, my ass. Run. Run. Run. Legs really hurt. Finally get to D. D-5 is close. I see it. No one around. S**T (this time I say it in my head and not out loud). Run up to counter. Completely out of breath. Man says I didn’t miss it. I run down the gate. Women shuts door behind me. I walk onto plane. People look up at me because they hear me breathing. Sad. Need to be better about getting to the gym. Make girl move out of my aisle seat. I am sure she thought I wasn’t coming. Have a seat. Touch my shirt and it is wet with sweat. Gross. Takes me 2 hours to decompress.

I am going to have Ed post some pics from Dan’s graduation this weekend. I should really learn to post my own pics, but it seems very complicated to me right now.

good bye jenny

2006-04-30T17:04:00.000-05:00

Sat. morning we got a call that our good friend, Jenny Chang, had passed. Diagnosed at 25, she had a four-year struggle of her life with breast cancer which she handled with a fearlessness and tenacity that proved just how incredibly strong her spirit was. Even though things had been rough for her--especially lately, but it is hard to believe that she is gone. It all seems so unfair and unbelievable. Keep her and her family--especially her loving and devoted husband, Dom, in your prayers.

Other than that, we have had fine weekend. The lady yelling at the guy at dry cleaner over a spot on her dress seemed more than ridiculous. I didn't worry about "what was on my list" It was good to get together with everyone on Sunday for dinner club. It was a beautiful day.

Award? Anyone?

2006-04-26T09:22:00.000-05:00

This week is particularily busy for Ed who is doing double duty for a co-worker who is out for a month for surgery. Hence, we decided to work out this a.m.

And we actually did it.

Shocking.

I really think you should get some sort of award for doing this. I feel like my co-workers should form a Soul Train line and clapfor me and cheer as I enter the office. I feel like maybe I should even get the day off from work for such behavior. I mean a breakfast reception at the least.

I guess my award is having the evening off and getting my workout for the day of the way. Good health blah blah too I guess.

I do feel like I need to drop into conversation frequently that I worked out this morning. Silly. But true.

PS what is it with the additive qualities of beds? I feel like I get up and I feel this need--visceral, deep within my body--to get back in the bed. Do they put some sort of drug in the matress cover? Maybe it is in those tags you aren't supposed to rip off? Aaahh it all makes sense now...

i beg your pardon, i never promised you an herb garden

2006-04-23T21:22:00.000-05:00

After thinking and talking about it for a month, I finally planted an herb garden this weekend. Basil, Cilantro and Oregano for now. We'll see if I can manage it.

We had a nice day enjoying the neighborhood and the nice weather. We worked out, got some Chinese food, ate outside and then walked around and did our errands: the hardware store for copies of keys, CVS for perscriptions, and the local nursery (that I just discovered randomly the other day--it's this huge, wonderfuly nursery and I can't believe i didn't know it was in my neighborhood) for my herbs. Gas is 'spensive here. Walking is good.

I had a freak out that our house was messy. I have one every so often. Ed said that he saw signs of my freakout coming and predicted within the hour (he didn't verbalize the prediction) that I would freakout within the hour? Am I that predicatable? Even when I am about to be irrational?

2006-04-18T08:08:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone had a nice Easter. We did. It was a good time in MA overall. I made a haul on my Easter Basket and consequently have brought in the candy to work. DANGER ZONE.

Ed and I are going to LA for Amy Chu’s wedding. We weren’t sure if we were going to be able to swing it ($$$ and vaca time), but through the magic of the internet, we found some sweet deals on airfare, hotel, and rental car. She is getting married in Pasadena the first weekend in June. I do love my good friend Amy Chu, and I am really happy that it worked out that we can make her wedding. Yay!

addendum

2006-04-10T12:32:00.000-05:00

i just finished my lunch and I can't tell if I am full or not

what does that mean? eat more? wait?

life decisions are difficult

an interesting weekend

2006-04-10T12:25:00.000-05:00

So yesterday Ed and I did some shopping—well mostly Ed did. He has lost a lot of weight and his summer clothes really didn’t fit, a good problem I guess. Anyway, we were leaving the mall and I realized that I had an Ann Taylor Loft gift certificate and I didn’t even go into the store. Anyway, we decided to grab a bite and then Ed went the grocery store and dropped me back at ATL. So I am browsing through the racks (starting at clearance first of course) and am in the back of the store. I notice this guy at the rack next to me out of the corner of my eye. He is really examining the clothes closely and I think “oh that’s nice he is buying something particular for g-fri/wife/mom etc” Ahhh no. Like three minutes later I hear the store manager yell “Sir, Sir…” (in increasing volume as the speed of her walking increases into a run after him out the door). He totally shop lifted, and I was totally oblivious. He did it very nonchalantly as well. Just walked right out. I felt like I was being watched closely after that.

Sat. night we used our tickets and saw The Persians, which is the oldest Western play in history. I really enjoyed—the story wasn’t as good as Don Juan (totally different obviously). The Shakespeare theater is just great! The productions are just a good quality, enjoyable affair. Oh we had book club before that which was a good time as always. I talked everyone into readying Love Medicine because the author is from North Dakota. I haven’t read it myself. Hopefully it will go over well because right now it has been coined the “drum beating chic-book” (we have a 2-1 ration of men to women in our group).