Well, it's the last day of a busy weekend. It was nice to sleep in this AM and it's also wonderful knowing that today is still ahead and nothing is on the agenda.
After Mallory and I returned from the beach, we unwound a few hours at the house. Later that night, Drew and I went to a French film at a local, small theater that plays mostly independent and foreign films. The film, Paris, Je T'Aime, is about a dozen short stories of people in Paris. The clips are completely unrelated, except for their common theme- Paris. At the end, some of the characters are tied together, but there are many left apart. I thought the film was beautiful and it made me wish I knew French. Drew liked it also, except for the ending, which he described as "hokey." Ah well, I enjoyed it.
Yesterday, Mal, Drew, and I went to church. It was a beautiful afternoon here.
After church, we came home and bummed for about .5 seconds. Mallory, Drew, and Robby all decided to go to Ikea. Being broke, not especially wanting to shop for hours, and willing to have some time alone, I let them go on their spree. I took advantage of my time alone by working out, repotting some needy plants, and talking to Mike on the phone. :)
It was wonderful, and rare, solitude.
When the three roomies came home, we did some furniture assembling that Robby bought for his room. Then, we had a yummy dinner that Mal made before Drew, Robby, and I went to see Shrek the Third. Honestly, I was disappointed with the movie. It was just a "two and a half stars" from me.
I'm not sure what today holds.
The weekend has been great!
Monday, May 28, 2007
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Three Day Weekend!!
When I left work yesterday, I was floating. Three days ahead of me and nothing planned. How awesome can life get??
Last night Mallory and I went to this season's first "Jazz in the Garden" in the Sculpture Gardens by the Mall. Mal made us a yummy picnic dinner with grilled chicken salad, some grapes, strawberries, and popcorn. We brought a bottle of smooth, summery wine and enjoyed a couple hours on our blanket and some live jazz. Yay. What a way to start Memorial Day weekend!
After our jazz, Mallory and I made our way home and met up with Robby (the new roomy whom we adore!). The three of us watched The Pursuit of Happyness before calling it a night.
Today Mallory and I went to North Beach, Maryland. It's a little more quaint than Rehoboth (DE), where we went last Memorial Day weekend.
The weekend is only halfway over. I'm excited that there is still more time before I have to cash in my reality check on Tuesday.
Last night Mallory and I went to this season's first "Jazz in the Garden" in the Sculpture Gardens by the Mall. Mal made us a yummy picnic dinner with grilled chicken salad, some grapes, strawberries, and popcorn. We brought a bottle of smooth, summery wine and enjoyed a couple hours on our blanket and some live jazz. Yay. What a way to start Memorial Day weekend!
After our jazz, Mallory and I made our way home and met up with Robby (the new roomy whom we adore!). The three of us watched The Pursuit of Happyness before calling it a night.
Today Mallory and I went to North Beach, Maryland. It's a little more quaint than Rehoboth (DE), where we went last Memorial Day weekend.
The weekend is only halfway over. I'm excited that there is still more time before I have to cash in my reality check on Tuesday.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Phew!
Earlier today I had the thought that it was good to be at work. I felt like I was getting a break from running. Isn't that sad? My weekend exhausted me.
Sunday was a little slower, but I still felt drained by the end of the day. There was an awesome sermon at church. I looked at the website and you can listen to messages under the "web cast" section, but the one from last week isn't up yet. It's was titled "the heart" and given by this guest speaker named Dick so-and-so. I didn't catch his last name. Anyways, it was great and really tied into the Mother's Day occasion. Made me wish I could hug my mom!!
Tonight I was able to go to the Pregnancy Center for a couple of hours. It was kind of slow and we only had one of the five scheduled appointments show. To greet the woman, there was one other volunteer (who counsels) and a co-director (who'd stuck around because a couple other counselors called in for various reasons).
Although it was slower, and we only got to meet with one woman, I was happy for the chance to get to know the other volunteer and director better. I also learned more about the Center.
We have one more candidate looking at the room tomorrow. He's moving here from CA and seems cool in the emails that we've exchanged.
I'll be happy when this process is done! Grr. We extended an offer to one guy, but he'd found another place. There's another guy that I feel would be a great fit and he's really excited about our place. So, I think he'd take us up on the offer. I've stayed in email contact with him for the past few days. Still, we've promised the guy from CA a chance... so we'll meet him and (hopefully) make a decision by tomorrow night. So, maybe by Wednesday we'll know who our new roomy will be! YAY!!
Well, that's all my news for now. I'm counting my days down until Friday when I get to see my boyfriend again... and my family. ;)
Sunday was a little slower, but I still felt drained by the end of the day. There was an awesome sermon at church. I looked at the website and you can listen to messages under the "web cast" section, but the one from last week isn't up yet. It's was titled "the heart" and given by this guest speaker named Dick so-and-so. I didn't catch his last name. Anyways, it was great and really tied into the Mother's Day occasion. Made me wish I could hug my mom!!
Tonight I was able to go to the Pregnancy Center for a couple of hours. It was kind of slow and we only had one of the five scheduled appointments show. To greet the woman, there was one other volunteer (who counsels) and a co-director (who'd stuck around because a couple other counselors called in for various reasons).
Although it was slower, and we only got to meet with one woman, I was happy for the chance to get to know the other volunteer and director better. I also learned more about the Center.
We have one more candidate looking at the room tomorrow. He's moving here from CA and seems cool in the emails that we've exchanged.
I'll be happy when this process is done! Grr. We extended an offer to one guy, but he'd found another place. There's another guy that I feel would be a great fit and he's really excited about our place. So, I think he'd take us up on the offer. I've stayed in email contact with him for the past few days. Still, we've promised the guy from CA a chance... so we'll meet him and (hopefully) make a decision by tomorrow night. So, maybe by Wednesday we'll know who our new roomy will be! YAY!!
Well, that's all my news for now. I'm counting my days down until Friday when I get to see my boyfriend again... and my family. ;)
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Busy
Everything about the weekend has been different from the norm.
My plan last night was to attend a banquet for the Crisis Pregnancy Center. There was a pro-life speaker that is supposedly really engaging and who gives some "tips" on how to talk to women considering abortion. Also, there were women who shared their stories and how the CPC has helped them.
My plan was just that. It never happened.
I mapquested directions, left in time to get to the church where it was being held. The church was in McLean, VA and quite a ways from DC. I made it to the church (i know tht some of you are surprised I overcame my directionally challenged tendencies). It was the biggest church I have ever seen in my life. It's called McLean Bible Church and it really is ENORMOUS. I'd heard people talk about it, but didn't think it could be that much bigger than Calvary, but it was SO much bigger. I arrived there ten minutes late. I walked in the church and had no idea where the dinner was being held... information that would have been nice to have. I walked around the church for 25 minutes. A few people pointed out some rooms where the banquet could have been, but I never found it. Televisions were mounted on the walls and displayed room numbers and events occuring that day. The banquet was not listed.
Grr... how could no one know about it and there be no information listed??
I was frustrated and upset. Being a little bit late is one thing, but I was thirty five minutes tardy and was still looking for the room.
Angry and too frustrated to keep looking, I left and walked to the car.
"Did you find it?" asked a woman, whom I'd approached earlier about the banquet. I was to the point of crying. I hate when I get that way.
I explained that I had looked everywhere. The TVs were unhelpful. I was just going to leave... I was already too late. I showed her my invitation.
"You are McLean church, right?" Might as well ask. I pointed to the invitation.
"Yeah, but we're McLean Bible," she paused and gave me an 'I'm sorry look'... "not McLean Presbyterian."
Awesome. Wrong church.
She had no idea where the other church was. Defeated and a little embarrassed, I left.
THEN I got lost on my way back into DC. ::sigh:: By the time I made it home, I was just a bitter, upset woman.
My night got better though. I walked into the house and was met by a small party. Drew had some people over, half of whom I know and hang with and a couple of new folks. We hung at the house a bit and then went to sing karaoke at a Japanese-style karaoke bar. Basically, you rent your own private room and sing karaoke in it. The walls and doors are really thick so you can't hear any of the other rooms next to your own. It was really fun and I'd never done anything like it before.
We stayed for a couple hours and came home.
Today we met someone who is interested in living in our (now available) room. Christian has decided he wants to move somewhere closer to his work and social circle, so he is moving as soon as we find someone else. Arrg. So, this week we've been searching for a new housemate again.
This evening I went to a ceremony for the National Center for Leadership. Rich's wife is one of the directors there and he asked me if I'd be interested in their mentoring program. Basically, the have a class of about 12 people (fellows) who meet once a week and study leadership skills. It's a Christian organization and teaches scriptural applications alongside other materials on being an effective leader. There are five retreats and the class is pretty intense. Along with the training, a fellow is paired with a mentor who is in his field of interest and in the DC area. I got the impression that most people met with their mentor once a week or every other week. It's a nine month program that begins in September. Tonight was their graduation and banquet. Rich invited me to it so I could get a better idea of the program and see if I'm interested in being a fellow.
I am. I'll probably apply.
Congratulations! You made it to the end... thanks for hanging in there. It's been a busy weekend and it's not even over yet! Thankfully, tomorrow is looking a little slower.
My plan last night was to attend a banquet for the Crisis Pregnancy Center. There was a pro-life speaker that is supposedly really engaging and who gives some "tips" on how to talk to women considering abortion. Also, there were women who shared their stories and how the CPC has helped them.
My plan was just that. It never happened.
I mapquested directions, left in time to get to the church where it was being held. The church was in McLean, VA and quite a ways from DC. I made it to the church (i know tht some of you are surprised I overcame my directionally challenged tendencies). It was the biggest church I have ever seen in my life. It's called McLean Bible Church and it really is ENORMOUS. I'd heard people talk about it, but didn't think it could be that much bigger than Calvary, but it was SO much bigger. I arrived there ten minutes late. I walked in the church and had no idea where the dinner was being held... information that would have been nice to have. I walked around the church for 25 minutes. A few people pointed out some rooms where the banquet could have been, but I never found it. Televisions were mounted on the walls and displayed room numbers and events occuring that day. The banquet was not listed.
Grr... how could no one know about it and there be no information listed??
I was frustrated and upset. Being a little bit late is one thing, but I was thirty five minutes tardy and was still looking for the room.
Angry and too frustrated to keep looking, I left and walked to the car.
"Did you find it?" asked a woman, whom I'd approached earlier about the banquet. I was to the point of crying. I hate when I get that way.
I explained that I had looked everywhere. The TVs were unhelpful. I was just going to leave... I was already too late. I showed her my invitation.
"You are McLean church, right?" Might as well ask. I pointed to the invitation.
"Yeah, but we're McLean Bible," she paused and gave me an 'I'm sorry look'... "not McLean Presbyterian."
Awesome. Wrong church.
She had no idea where the other church was. Defeated and a little embarrassed, I left.
THEN I got lost on my way back into DC. ::sigh:: By the time I made it home, I was just a bitter, upset woman.
My night got better though. I walked into the house and was met by a small party. Drew had some people over, half of whom I know and hang with and a couple of new folks. We hung at the house a bit and then went to sing karaoke at a Japanese-style karaoke bar. Basically, you rent your own private room and sing karaoke in it. The walls and doors are really thick so you can't hear any of the other rooms next to your own. It was really fun and I'd never done anything like it before.
We stayed for a couple hours and came home.
Today we met someone who is interested in living in our (now available) room. Christian has decided he wants to move somewhere closer to his work and social circle, so he is moving as soon as we find someone else. Arrg. So, this week we've been searching for a new housemate again.
This evening I went to a ceremony for the National Center for Leadership. Rich's wife is one of the directors there and he asked me if I'd be interested in their mentoring program. Basically, the have a class of about 12 people (fellows) who meet once a week and study leadership skills. It's a Christian organization and teaches scriptural applications alongside other materials on being an effective leader. There are five retreats and the class is pretty intense. Along with the training, a fellow is paired with a mentor who is in his field of interest and in the DC area. I got the impression that most people met with their mentor once a week or every other week. It's a nine month program that begins in September. Tonight was their graduation and banquet. Rich invited me to it so I could get a better idea of the program and see if I'm interested in being a fellow.
I am. I'll probably apply.
Congratulations! You made it to the end... thanks for hanging in there. It's been a busy weekend and it's not even over yet! Thankfully, tomorrow is looking a little slower.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
DC Weekend
This weekend was great. It was nice to have another weekend in town and with nothing on the agenda.
Dave surprised Mal and came down for the weekend. On Friday, the three of us celebrated his semester's completion. We went to dinner and then caught the new Spiderman movie. The movie was pretty good, although it had some hoaky parts that were too sentimental and borderline corny. However, it was fun seeing a flick. What is it about going to the movies that never gets old? The atmosphere, smells, and shared space with strangers (that's strangely not uncomfortable at all) are a combo for greatness.
On Saturday, it was nice to sleep late and relax a bit. I finally watched The Godfather. I think it's a little over rated, but can understand why it's culturally loved.
That night, Drew and I went out to a local club and danced. It was fun and had been too long since we'd been dancing.
Today was DCish in every way. It was beautiful this afternoon. While Mal and Dave were out running around and shopping, Drew and I went to a modern art museum here in town. Then, we met up with Dave and Mal and grabbed dinner in Union Station. I ate some Indian food for the first time in a long time. It was fabulous.
The week ahead isn't too busy yet. We have our last Bible study before we break for the summer. I'm overdue for a visit to the Pregnancy Center. I'd like to get some more observation hours in this week. Also, I gotta give blood.
The Red Cross is stalking me.
Although I'm still not sure, I think I may go to NC next weekend. It kind of depends on mom's schedule (cuz, duh, it's Mother's Day) and Mike's. If either one of them is free, I'll be down there. If not, I'll spend another weekend here! Either way, next weekend is looking good too. :)
Dave surprised Mal and came down for the weekend. On Friday, the three of us celebrated his semester's completion. We went to dinner and then caught the new Spiderman movie. The movie was pretty good, although it had some hoaky parts that were too sentimental and borderline corny. However, it was fun seeing a flick. What is it about going to the movies that never gets old? The atmosphere, smells, and shared space with strangers (that's strangely not uncomfortable at all) are a combo for greatness.
On Saturday, it was nice to sleep late and relax a bit. I finally watched The Godfather. I think it's a little over rated, but can understand why it's culturally loved.
That night, Drew and I went out to a local club and danced. It was fun and had been too long since we'd been dancing.
Today was DCish in every way. It was beautiful this afternoon. While Mal and Dave were out running around and shopping, Drew and I went to a modern art museum here in town. Then, we met up with Dave and Mal and grabbed dinner in Union Station. I ate some Indian food for the first time in a long time. It was fabulous.
The week ahead isn't too busy yet. We have our last Bible study before we break for the summer. I'm overdue for a visit to the Pregnancy Center. I'd like to get some more observation hours in this week. Also, I gotta give blood.
The Red Cross is stalking me.
Although I'm still not sure, I think I may go to NC next weekend. It kind of depends on mom's schedule (cuz, duh, it's Mother's Day) and Mike's. If either one of them is free, I'll be down there. If not, I'll spend another weekend here! Either way, next weekend is looking good too. :)
Friday, May 04, 2007
My birthday!
So, I had the best birthday this year!
My morning started with a text message from my cousin and call from dad.
The weather was beautiful all day. Spring is here! The flowers are blooming and there's a sweet hint of newness in the air.
For lunch, I went to eat with some co-workers. They let me chose the location, so I picked my favorite (closest) Japanese restaurant. I had sushi for the for time in a few weeks and it was yummy. Rich gave me a card and let me head out almost an hour early.
When I arrived home, Mal and Drew were acting all weird and I knew that a secret was in store. We hopped in the car and went to Chinatown for dinner. As we arrived at Jaleo, a tapas restaurant I'd never tried, I was greeted by a couple of my friends. Yay for surprise birthday parties! In total, about ten people dropped by to wish me a good one. Some stayed for dinner, some only made it for cake, but their presence was loved regardless of time spent. Even Christian made it!
I was VERY impressed by Mal's coordination and secret keeping.
When the meal was over, our waiter brought out my birthday cake. Mallory had it personalized for our next secret activity. It said- "Baby... oh, sweet baby. Nobody puts Meredith in the corner (especially on her birthday)."
After dinner, Mal had bought herself and me tickets to a special Dirty Dancing showing at one of the theaters in Chinatown. Apparently, it's the "20th Anniversary" year and they had special viewings for two nights. So, the two of us went to the show after dinner.
By the time we got to the theater, the movie has started and was packed! We found two seats together on the front row and watched the next hour's worth with our heads tilted almost completely backwards to see the screen! :) The audience was really involved. There was a lot of clapping, hooting, and hollering at certain parts and lines. When it was done, the lights came on and I glimpsed at my fellow movie-goers. It was an estrogen festival! I think I saw maybe ten men in the whole theater. They were probably poor "first daters" who'd been dragged there or sweet husbands who'd popped some Prozac before the movie.
When the evening was almost over, and we'd left the theater for our car, Mallory topped it off by handing me a present. It was a fun red and white, strapless dress that I had eyed and commented on a week before!
She's good.
Between my awesome sister and incredibly supportive, loving friends and family, this year was an amazing birthday. 26 here I am!
My morning started with a text message from my cousin and call from dad.
The weather was beautiful all day. Spring is here! The flowers are blooming and there's a sweet hint of newness in the air.
For lunch, I went to eat with some co-workers. They let me chose the location, so I picked my favorite (closest) Japanese restaurant. I had sushi for the for time in a few weeks and it was yummy. Rich gave me a card and let me head out almost an hour early.
When I arrived home, Mal and Drew were acting all weird and I knew that a secret was in store. We hopped in the car and went to Chinatown for dinner. As we arrived at Jaleo, a tapas restaurant I'd never tried, I was greeted by a couple of my friends. Yay for surprise birthday parties! In total, about ten people dropped by to wish me a good one. Some stayed for dinner, some only made it for cake, but their presence was loved regardless of time spent. Even Christian made it!
I was VERY impressed by Mal's coordination and secret keeping.
When the meal was over, our waiter brought out my birthday cake. Mallory had it personalized for our next secret activity. It said- "Baby... oh, sweet baby. Nobody puts Meredith in the corner (especially on her birthday)."
After dinner, Mal had bought herself and me tickets to a special Dirty Dancing showing at one of the theaters in Chinatown. Apparently, it's the "20th Anniversary" year and they had special viewings for two nights. So, the two of us went to the show after dinner.
By the time we got to the theater, the movie has started and was packed! We found two seats together on the front row and watched the next hour's worth with our heads tilted almost completely backwards to see the screen! :) The audience was really involved. There was a lot of clapping, hooting, and hollering at certain parts and lines. When it was done, the lights came on and I glimpsed at my fellow movie-goers. It was an estrogen festival! I think I saw maybe ten men in the whole theater. They were probably poor "first daters" who'd been dragged there or sweet husbands who'd popped some Prozac before the movie.
When the evening was almost over, and we'd left the theater for our car, Mallory topped it off by handing me a present. It was a fun red and white, strapless dress that I had eyed and commented on a week before!
She's good.
Between my awesome sister and incredibly supportive, loving friends and family, this year was an amazing birthday. 26 here I am!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)