Well, it seems that I've barely settled in to my east coast coast time zone (or so you would think since my last post). I'm leaving for Vegas in about ten hours. I'm really excited about it. Catching up with the Vegas family will be fun. It's long overdue.
This will be the first time Mal and I won't be traveling there together (boo on her), so the dynamics will be a little different. However, different is not bad! I'm looking forward to some quality time with some other members of my family (and family to be!).
I'll be meeting my aunt's fiance over the long weekend. They've quite a story and it will be beautiful to hear it told from their own lips as I watch them interact. Also, I am going to see a performance of Vagina Monologues, in which my aunt is performing. It should be entertaining and I'll be proud to see her on stage.
I'll be taking my computer and camera with me on my adventure. So, hopefully I can update this while I am out there.
Work has been crazier than normal lately. The team that I am on recently lost a key person. So, I've been trying to learn some new responsibilities when it comes to our website and conferences. It's been challenging, but I'm getting it. Even if some areas are a little slower for the lightbulb to begin burning.
I was told today that I'll be getting a raise, which is encouraging! Also, there's the possibility that I may be able to do some part time work after I move. I'd enjoy it and, from what I can tell, the Council could benefit from it as well.
Well, I'm off to bed. Get to take a quick nap before my alarm goes off at 6 AM. It'll be like "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" tomorrow as I catch a train to Baltimore, a shuttle bus to the airport, and then the plane to Vegas! Good times! :)
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
Back on the East Side
I just returned to DC from CA where I joined Rich at a conference for campus ministers. The weather was beautiful and an inviting break from the icy DC junk we have going on here. It took them about an hour to de-ice our plane. So, as you can imagine, the 50-70 degree weather in CA was amazing.
Most of the time I was in San Juan Capistrano, I was actually working. However, there were a few hours that I had to myself while the sun was still shining. One of the afternoons, I was able to slip away and go exploring on the trails that led through and over some mountains.
It was earlier in the day and I was conversing with some of the conference attendees.
"If you go up to that mountain, you can see the ocean from there," he said while pointing to a ridge about a half mile away.
I stored the nugget of information and knew that seeing the ocean would be my free-time excursion goal.
I had to wait a day, but on Friday I had some time to myself and the sun was high in the early afternoon sky. I put on my shoes, tied my room key to my shoe lace, and departed by myself. I checked my watch and aimed for an hour of hiking/ running. Besides, I hadn't been able to do any running since arriving to CA. It had been rainy and cold the first two days.
I reached the top of the first ridge within 20 minutes or so. As I approached it, I could see a kite flying, but it wasn't until I got to the top that my heart warmed. It was a father and his two young daughters, whom I learned were Sydney and Cameron. Cameron nervously sucked on a water bottle the whole time I talked to her. Sydney was the big sister and steered the kite. I chatted with them about five minutes. We watched the kite dance a little, but it seemed to crash and hug the ground more than anything. I snapped some pictures.
"Can you see the ocean from anywhere on this trail?" I asked.
"Nah," their father replied. "It's just beyond that tall ridge over there," he pointed (westward I'm assuming). The ridge was quite far from where I stood and there was no easy way to get there. I guess he picked up on my dismay. "You know, the trail continues over there," he pointed to some tall grass that hid the path. "If you follow it, you'll go to the top of the other ridge there and it's another great view."
I followed his finger along the pointed trail and saw the other ridge. It did look like it would have a great view. I said goodbye to him and the girls and set off for the next sight.
It was quite a hike. The trail was defined, but the grade was unforgiving. As I hiked, I'd catch the white tails of bunnies before they disappeared from view into the bushes. They were everywhere. Fifteen minutes later, I reached the top and it was worth burning my muscles. The view was pretty and the wind felt invigorating.
To my left I saw two dogs that looked to be retrievers. A second later, their owner approached me. He had come from one of the houses nearby that was tucked onto the mountain.
"Hope they didn't scare you."
I assured him that they hadn't and we chatted about the view. He said, "if you hike to that ridge over there, you can see the ocean." I looked to where he was pointing... just ahead of me and down the trail about 1/4 mile.
His direction and information conflicted with what Sydney and Cameron's dad had shared. He'd pointed to a different ridge.
Since I was feeling pretty high from my views, I decided to explore his suggested ridge. I checked my watch. I had another three hours and nothing else to do (besides maybe a nap). So, off I went... in search of the ocean.
My legs were really starting to scream and there were a few moments I was nervous about being alone. However, the trail had seemed relatively populated so far and I figured that it was too cold for snakes to be poking around.
I could see the top of the third ridge... twenty yards... then ten... finally, only a few feet.
I bounded (well, maybe not bounded...) over the ridge with hope and enthusiasm that the ocean was sparkling and beautiful.
To my chagrin, there was no ocean. Only three water towers. haha.
What irony!
I had to smile because the setting sun bounced brightly off their tops, just like it would reflect off an ocean. So, I myself even. I took out my camera and snapped my pretend ocean.
Most of the time I was in San Juan Capistrano, I was actually working. However, there were a few hours that I had to myself while the sun was still shining. One of the afternoons, I was able to slip away and go exploring on the trails that led through and over some mountains.
It was earlier in the day and I was conversing with some of the conference attendees.
"If you go up to that mountain, you can see the ocean from there," he said while pointing to a ridge about a half mile away.
I stored the nugget of information and knew that seeing the ocean would be my free-time excursion goal.
I had to wait a day, but on Friday I had some time to myself and the sun was high in the early afternoon sky. I put on my shoes, tied my room key to my shoe lace, and departed by myself. I checked my watch and aimed for an hour of hiking/ running. Besides, I hadn't been able to do any running since arriving to CA. It had been rainy and cold the first two days.
I reached the top of the first ridge within 20 minutes or so. As I approached it, I could see a kite flying, but it wasn't until I got to the top that my heart warmed. It was a father and his two young daughters, whom I learned were Sydney and Cameron. Cameron nervously sucked on a water bottle the whole time I talked to her. Sydney was the big sister and steered the kite. I chatted with them about five minutes. We watched the kite dance a little, but it seemed to crash and hug the ground more than anything. I snapped some pictures.
"Can you see the ocean from anywhere on this trail?" I asked.
"Nah," their father replied. "It's just beyond that tall ridge over there," he pointed (westward I'm assuming). The ridge was quite far from where I stood and there was no easy way to get there. I guess he picked up on my dismay. "You know, the trail continues over there," he pointed to some tall grass that hid the path. "If you follow it, you'll go to the top of the other ridge there and it's another great view."
I followed his finger along the pointed trail and saw the other ridge. It did look like it would have a great view. I said goodbye to him and the girls and set off for the next sight.
It was quite a hike. The trail was defined, but the grade was unforgiving. As I hiked, I'd catch the white tails of bunnies before they disappeared from view into the bushes. They were everywhere. Fifteen minutes later, I reached the top and it was worth burning my muscles. The view was pretty and the wind felt invigorating.
To my left I saw two dogs that looked to be retrievers. A second later, their owner approached me. He had come from one of the houses nearby that was tucked onto the mountain.
"Hope they didn't scare you."
I assured him that they hadn't and we chatted about the view. He said, "if you hike to that ridge over there, you can see the ocean." I looked to where he was pointing... just ahead of me and down the trail about 1/4 mile.
His direction and information conflicted with what Sydney and Cameron's dad had shared. He'd pointed to a different ridge.
Since I was feeling pretty high from my views, I decided to explore his suggested ridge. I checked my watch. I had another three hours and nothing else to do (besides maybe a nap). So, off I went... in search of the ocean.
My legs were really starting to scream and there were a few moments I was nervous about being alone. However, the trail had seemed relatively populated so far and I figured that it was too cold for snakes to be poking around.
I could see the top of the third ridge... twenty yards... then ten... finally, only a few feet.
I bounded (well, maybe not bounded...) over the ridge with hope and enthusiasm that the ocean was sparkling and beautiful.
To my chagrin, there was no ocean. Only three water towers. haha.
What irony!
I had to smile because the setting sun bounced brightly off their tops, just like it would reflect off an ocean. So, I myself even. I took out my camera and snapped my pretend ocean.
Then, I turned around and went back to the retreat center.
Here are some pictures that I haven't included in my story. I love the purple flowers and the lush trees and plants.
Monday, February 11, 2008
My Valentine Adventures
I had a wonderful weekend being home. It'd been a month since I'd been there. While time flies, sometimes it seems to creep... especially when I'm due for a trip into his arms!
While I did spend some time with the family, most of it was spent with Mike. Surpising, I know.
We had fun riding in the (loaned) Aston Martin. It had this button on the dash that's used to start the engine. I was quite fun to push and hear the small jet roar to life! Also, the interior was rich with smells of leather and newness.
Below are some pics taken from our weekend together. Mike made some new space for a garden, so much of his Saturday was spent putting in the dirt. Meanwhile, I was attending my cousin Chloe's bday party. After the party, I went to his house and we celebrated an early Valentine's night.
We cooked in and had a scrumptious meal of mashed potatoes, venison steak, peas, and salad. Yummy! It was wonderful being together. I can't wait until I don't have to say goodbye on Sunday night...
While I did spend some time with the family, most of it was spent with Mike. Surpising, I know.
We had fun riding in the (loaned) Aston Martin. It had this button on the dash that's used to start the engine. I was quite fun to push and hear the small jet roar to life! Also, the interior was rich with smells of leather and newness.
Below are some pics taken from our weekend together. Mike made some new space for a garden, so much of his Saturday was spent putting in the dirt. Meanwhile, I was attending my cousin Chloe's bday party. After the party, I went to his house and we celebrated an early Valentine's night.
We cooked in and had a scrumptious meal of mashed potatoes, venison steak, peas, and salad. Yummy! It was wonderful being together. I can't wait until I don't have to say goodbye on Sunday night...
Mike with the DB9:
Our valentine meal. He drew the heart on my plate with the steak sauce:
Attack of the chickens!
For some reason, the pic of the Aston Martin and me won't upload to the blog. Here's a link.
For some reason, the pic of the Aston Martin and me won't upload to the blog. Here's a link.Thursday, February 07, 2008
Big Day of News
Mike was told this AM that he gets to borrow a company car for the weekend. So, he and I will be playing in an Aston Martin all weekend long! For a man who isn't big on riding in the car, I'm sure we'll be making more trips than normal over the next few days.
Also, I just found out this AM that I'll be going to a conference in San Juan Capistrano next week! Holla!!!
Today has been great. Tonight will be even better when I get to see my Love...
Also, I just found out this AM that I'll be going to a conference in San Juan Capistrano next week! Holla!!!
Today has been great. Tonight will be even better when I get to see my Love...
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Complete
We had our all encompassing Presidents Conference over the weekend. Basically, Presidents from different worldwide universities fly in for the Conference. So, it's an "all hands on deck" kind of event. It requires most of the staff to help and can be mentally and physically draining. It was a success over all and a relief to have completed. About half the staff is sick with several different bugs going around DC. I'm sure other places have them too. I think almost everyone I know has been sick lately, including myself.
I'm taking Friday off and am going to NC for a long weekend. It'll be nice to go home. I haven't seen Mike in a month and am looking forward to it.
Tonight's "Super Tuesday" results will be exciting. Personally, I'm hoping the race will come down to Obama and McCain as front runners. It's been an exciting race so far. What a time in history!
Tomorrow night I'm participating in the pre-National Prayer Breakfast festivities. My Fellows Group and I are helping with registration and greeting at the dinners that are hosted tomorrow night in D.C. It should be fun. I'm hoping to shake hands with a few Big-Wigs. We'll see.
As for tonight- I'm gonna take some time and run some errands. A haircut is in order. Also, some "me" time to be out by myself. Then later, I'll go home and watch the results with Emily and Robby.
If I'm feeling really ambitious, I may go for a run. Maybe.
I'm taking Friday off and am going to NC for a long weekend. It'll be nice to go home. I haven't seen Mike in a month and am looking forward to it.
Tonight's "Super Tuesday" results will be exciting. Personally, I'm hoping the race will come down to Obama and McCain as front runners. It's been an exciting race so far. What a time in history!
Tomorrow night I'm participating in the pre-National Prayer Breakfast festivities. My Fellows Group and I are helping with registration and greeting at the dinners that are hosted tomorrow night in D.C. It should be fun. I'm hoping to shake hands with a few Big-Wigs. We'll see.
As for tonight- I'm gonna take some time and run some errands. A haircut is in order. Also, some "me" time to be out by myself. Then later, I'll go home and watch the results with Emily and Robby.
If I'm feeling really ambitious, I may go for a run. Maybe.
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