I can't believe that this month is almost gone. July 1 is this week... then there will be the 4th. Then there will be Mal's party on the 5th. A half week will pass before wedding festivities begin. Before I know it July will be passing into August. I'm not quite sure how June slipped so quickly, but it did.
I got my hair cut on Wednesday, but think it's too short. Boo. I was overly ambitious about getting it cut since it has been a while. My "two inch" request has left me wishing I'd been a bit more conservative in my ask. Ah well. It'll grow.
I wrapped up June by spending the weekend with my dear friend Priya, whom I've known since high school. We alternately visit each other since her Philadelphia is only two hours from my DC. This weekend it was her turn to visit.
We began by grabbing dinner and drinks with some of her other friends in DC. We tried a new (to me) restaurant in a nearby neighborhood, Dupont Circle. The restaurant was Mexican and super cheap (compared to other DC eateries). Afterwards, we called it a semi-early evening and prepared for our busy Saturday. The next morn, we woke up late and I made us pancakes and eggs. Matt and Marie later joined us we we all had brunch together and lounged a bit. Priya hadn't been to Eastern Market before, so we walked there and enjoyed the sights and tastes. I was introduced to a new cheese: parano. It is my new favorite because it's a mix between my old favorite (gouda) and parmesian. Mmm.
We bought some fresh food while at the market and packed a picnic for our Saturday night entertainment: a concert in MD. We caught Thievery Corporation at Maryweather Post Pavilion. What a show! The weather only growled for a bit, which didn't agree with our lawn seats. The quick storm pushed us all under temporary tarps, but the weather just added to the evening's memories.
Today Priya and I stayed in the city and spent a few hours at the Smithsonian's National Gallery of Art. It had been a while since my past visit. We caught a short flick on art from Afghanistan before catching a Sculpture Tour and then perusing the museum on our own. The museum (surprisingly) had tasty food that was affordable by museum standards. While my favorite museum for food is the Native American one, this one was a close second.
As I look to my week, the first part will be rather quiet. Mal rolls in on the 4th. We're going to catch the fireworks from the Mall (yay!). On the 5th, ladies will be coming by for her bachelorette party and bridal shower. I think there will be about 12-14 women in attendance. So, I feel like these next few days will be the calm before the storm.
Here is a link to some pictures I've taken over the past month: June Pics.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
Some Misc. Pics from this Month
Here are some pictures I snapped in Farmington, MN, at Mount Olivet Conference and Retreat Center:
In West Palm Beach, FL, at the National Croquet Center and then another night at dinner:
At Breezy Pointe Beach, MD, with Kat and Marie. Check out those chicks and all those sharks teeth!:
At a dinner to honor Karen Hughes for her work with Muslim/ Western relations. I got to meet her afterwards. The picture that Kat and I are standing near was given to her as a gift. It symbolizes all religions coming together, because they each share similarities.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Jet-Setting
Wow, looks like my posting is going through a time of drought, unlike the rest of the country.
I've been pretty busy with travels lately. When I left Farmington, MN, I was back in DC for a day in a half... long enough to wash some clothes and repack... before heading to Orlando for vacation.
Days by the pool and time spent with family were relaxing, perhaps a bit too much. My head was given hours to think and my heart was reminded of time spent a year ago as I walked those same grounds. It was the first summer in Orlando without Mallory and it was weird! I couldn't help but think that my limited "sister only" time is draining. Not that I am opposed to an incoming brother-in-law... I just know that dynamics will be different now. Times spent sharing a bed and pillow talk are in the past. There will always be another to consider.
My heart is still mending and I was constantly reminded of moments last summer when Mike and I only cared about which park we'd be visiting, how to slip away for a bit by ourselves, and who had the better golf game (we decided his short game and my long were better). Still, I can check Orlando off my list. I met his ghost there, but survived. Next year will be easier.
On a lighter note, we celebrated eighty years of life for my grandma. Wow! Eighty years young and what a woman. Some of my earliest memories of my grandma are all fun. Sneaking creamers past my mom and drinking them, running to back bedrooms where toys and animal crackers awaited on Mal and my beds, beach trips, muffers, butter-dripped grilled cheese sandwiches, and homemade noodles. And that laugh. What a joy! It's never repressed and always contagious. I've learned that bright colors are important. Jade is good luck. Coca-cola is THE soda of choice. Pizza cannot be enjoyed without crushed red peppers. Nor can it be devoured without them. Hugs and kisses are required (and enjoyed). I've laughed in her arms and cried there too. I wear her ruby and diamond ring on my finger everyday and her genetic code makes me who I am. She mothered my father and spoiled me. How blessed I am to have such a grandmother!
After birthday celebrations, there was time to honor my dad. Somehow a paper shredder and witty card can't exactly express my thanks and love I have for him. He is a man worthy of respect and admiration. His testimony is one that I love to share. He works hours on end without batting an eye. Tired arms wrap tight around, but have strength to offer a perfect hug. Tight, but with room to move, it comes with a promise. You are mine and I will protect you. I will always be here. No matter who loves you, I am the man who loved you first. I held you from day one. I bought you your first flowers, corsage and car. I took you driving and taught you how to parallel park. I will love you no matter what. You are my flesh and you are my daughter. You are loved. And he is my dad.
My trip to Orlando lasted three days before I headed to West Palm Beach for a conference. The conference was whirlwind and there was quite a bit of fun mixed with business. Sure there were lectures and knowledge shared, but I also did some "free time" activities such as play croquet (for the first time), tour a newspaper headquarters (Palm Beach Atlantic Post) and visit an art gallery (Norton Museum of Art). All in all, not a bad conference!
When I returned home on Saturday, I was exhausted. A creature of habit and routine, I can appreciate my own bed and getting back to some regular exercising and "normal" diet. While I LOVE to travel, it's also nice to crawl back into my own cave for a bit.
I went to the pregnancy center tonight for the first time in a few weeks. I had missed my counselor friend, Helena, and the joy of meeting new people and hearing their stories while sharing what I do have and know.
Tomorrow night will be wonderful- no plans!! Then, Thursday I am going to a dinner to honor Karen Hughes. That should be interesting and certainly "DCish" in nature. Friday will take me back to NC, where I celebrate the marriage of a high school friend and make treasured last memories with my dear friend, Brooke, who thinks Hawaii is calling her name for a permanent spell.
I've been pretty busy with travels lately. When I left Farmington, MN, I was back in DC for a day in a half... long enough to wash some clothes and repack... before heading to Orlando for vacation.
Days by the pool and time spent with family were relaxing, perhaps a bit too much. My head was given hours to think and my heart was reminded of time spent a year ago as I walked those same grounds. It was the first summer in Orlando without Mallory and it was weird! I couldn't help but think that my limited "sister only" time is draining. Not that I am opposed to an incoming brother-in-law... I just know that dynamics will be different now. Times spent sharing a bed and pillow talk are in the past. There will always be another to consider.
My heart is still mending and I was constantly reminded of moments last summer when Mike and I only cared about which park we'd be visiting, how to slip away for a bit by ourselves, and who had the better golf game (we decided his short game and my long were better). Still, I can check Orlando off my list. I met his ghost there, but survived. Next year will be easier.
On a lighter note, we celebrated eighty years of life for my grandma. Wow! Eighty years young and what a woman. Some of my earliest memories of my grandma are all fun. Sneaking creamers past my mom and drinking them, running to back bedrooms where toys and animal crackers awaited on Mal and my beds, beach trips, muffers, butter-dripped grilled cheese sandwiches, and homemade noodles. And that laugh. What a joy! It's never repressed and always contagious. I've learned that bright colors are important. Jade is good luck. Coca-cola is THE soda of choice. Pizza cannot be enjoyed without crushed red peppers. Nor can it be devoured without them. Hugs and kisses are required (and enjoyed). I've laughed in her arms and cried there too. I wear her ruby and diamond ring on my finger everyday and her genetic code makes me who I am. She mothered my father and spoiled me. How blessed I am to have such a grandmother!
After birthday celebrations, there was time to honor my dad. Somehow a paper shredder and witty card can't exactly express my thanks and love I have for him. He is a man worthy of respect and admiration. His testimony is one that I love to share. He works hours on end without batting an eye. Tired arms wrap tight around, but have strength to offer a perfect hug. Tight, but with room to move, it comes with a promise. You are mine and I will protect you. I will always be here. No matter who loves you, I am the man who loved you first. I held you from day one. I bought you your first flowers, corsage and car. I took you driving and taught you how to parallel park. I will love you no matter what. You are my flesh and you are my daughter. You are loved. And he is my dad.
My trip to Orlando lasted three days before I headed to West Palm Beach for a conference. The conference was whirlwind and there was quite a bit of fun mixed with business. Sure there were lectures and knowledge shared, but I also did some "free time" activities such as play croquet (for the first time), tour a newspaper headquarters (Palm Beach Atlantic Post) and visit an art gallery (Norton Museum of Art). All in all, not a bad conference!
When I returned home on Saturday, I was exhausted. A creature of habit and routine, I can appreciate my own bed and getting back to some regular exercising and "normal" diet. While I LOVE to travel, it's also nice to crawl back into my own cave for a bit.
I went to the pregnancy center tonight for the first time in a few weeks. I had missed my counselor friend, Helena, and the joy of meeting new people and hearing their stories while sharing what I do have and know.
Tomorrow night will be wonderful- no plans!! Then, Thursday I am going to a dinner to honor Karen Hughes. That should be interesting and certainly "DCish" in nature. Friday will take me back to NC, where I celebrate the marriage of a high school friend and make treasured last memories with my dear friend, Brooke, who thinks Hawaii is calling her name for a permanent spell.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Farmington
I arrived yesterday to Minneapolis for business. The Council is hosting a Fellows program and the first meet-n-greet is here in Minnesota. I'm lucky enough to take part and learn more about it. We're staying at a beautiful, rural retreat center. I arrived yesterday before everyone else (who arrive this afternoon around five PM) and had the chance to enjoy the center while no one was here.
There are beautiful nature trails and the facilities are nestled in a slightly wooded area. Where there aren't woods, there are flowers everywhere and the fields are open with dandelions blooming. I saw a wild turkey roaming the property yesterday. As I sit and type, I am staring out a window and have a perfect view of a large bird feeder outside. The feeder is about 5' x 2' x 2' and is filled with a variety of seeds. There's a microphone attached to the feeder and the sounds of activities on there is fed through a PA system and plays on some speakers that are on inside where I'm sitting. So, I can enjoy their sights while also hearing what they're saying. Neat, eh?
This morning I have seen some blue jays, cardinals, a huge crow, some little gray birds and some red-winged blackbirds (which I'd never seen before today). There are also some other birds that I'm trying to identify (via Google), but haven't had luck narrowing my search yet.
There are beautiful nature trails and the facilities are nestled in a slightly wooded area. Where there aren't woods, there are flowers everywhere and the fields are open with dandelions blooming. I saw a wild turkey roaming the property yesterday. As I sit and type, I am staring out a window and have a perfect view of a large bird feeder outside. The feeder is about 5' x 2' x 2' and is filled with a variety of seeds. There's a microphone attached to the feeder and the sounds of activities on there is fed through a PA system and plays on some speakers that are on inside where I'm sitting. So, I can enjoy their sights while also hearing what they're saying. Neat, eh?
Northfield Retreat Center Cannon River
Northfield Cannon River
When I left town and came back to the Center, I debated a swim but psyched myself out because I’d be swimming alone. I’m sure nothing would have happened, but all the horror movies I’ve seen have brainwashed me. I could just see myself swimming and something happening while no one was here. Nothing like coming into work in the morning and finding someone floating in the pool. Eh, I digress.
There are beautiful nature trails and the facilities are nestled in a slightly wooded area. Where there aren't woods, there are flowers everywhere and the fields are open with dandelions blooming. I saw a wild turkey roaming the property yesterday. As I sit and type, I am staring out a window and have a perfect view of a large bird feeder outside. The feeder is about 5' x 2' x 2' and is filled with a variety of seeds. There's a microphone attached to the feeder and the sounds of activities on there is fed through a PA system and plays on some speakers that are on inside where I'm sitting. So, I can enjoy their sights while also hearing what they're saying. Neat, eh?
This morning I have seen some blue jays, cardinals, a huge crow, some little gray birds and some red-winged blackbirds (which I'd never seen before today). There are also some other birds that I'm trying to identify (via Google), but haven't had luck narrowing my search yet.
There are beautiful nature trails and the facilities are nestled in a slightly wooded area. Where there aren't woods, there are flowers everywhere and the fields are open with dandelions blooming. I saw a wild turkey roaming the property yesterday. As I sit and type, I am staring out a window and have a perfect view of a large bird feeder outside. The feeder is about 5' x 2' x 2' and is filled with a variety of seeds. There's a microphone attached to the feeder and the sounds of activities on there is fed through a PA system and plays on some speakers that are on inside where I'm sitting. So, I can enjoy their sights while also hearing what they're saying. Neat, eh?
When I left town and came back to the Center, I debated a swim but psyched myself out because I’d be swimming alone. I’m sure nothing would have happened, but all the horror movies I’ve seen have brainwashed me. I could just see myself swimming and something happening while no one was here. Nothing like coming into work in the morning and finding someone floating in the pool. Eh, I digress.
The Fellows and Resource Team will be arriving in a few hours. From there, the festivities will begin! I’ve brought my camera and have already taken some pictures of the Center. I forgot it while going to town last night. If I go back, I plan on snapping some pics there too.
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