My Palette

Thailand- Days One and Two

2012-02-12T11:54:00.002-05:00

It's been a hectic two days as our team has been adjusting to Thailand and specifically Bangkok. Our trip will take place in a trimester of locations: the first being Bangkok for four days, followed by a more remote village to the north west for three days and then the trip will conclude with two more days in Bangkok.

Since arriving, we've been playing tourists and getting a feel for Bangkok. Tomorrow we begin our more hardcore field work where we'll be going to The Well and having orientation about it. Then we'll be going into the brothels and bars to tell the girls about The Well and Christ.

BUT.... that's tomorrow.

Yesterday and today we've been adjusting to time zones, new places and new faces! I should begin with our hotel. Its beautiful! Its style is truly after the name, because it's a fusion of Thai and middle eastern. There are beautiful colors everywhere. One of my favorite features is this wall of notes in the lobby. Past guests have written comments in dozens of languages and they have posted them for current guests to see. Along with the comments are pictures and cards. It's really creative and an effective way of marketing.

On day one, we had a wonderful breakfast, supplied by our hotel, and then followed it with team devotional time where we looked at Matthew 10, a passage in which Christ sent his disciples out with tangible tips for traversing their fields. Tips such as giving freely, accepting hospitality and being "shrewd as snakes, but harmless as doves".

After team devotions and prayer, we went to Ancient Siam, a park in Bangkok that's shaped like Thailand and has all of the provinces represented with a replica of something significant and unique to that province. We each rented a bike and rode around the HUGE park to explore a taste of Thailand. It was really fun and much needed after 25+ hours of traveling in a plane the previous night. We had lunch out there in the replica of the Floating Market. My first lunch in Thailand was pad thai- a must have Thai dish! It was delicious and set the tone for meals to follow.

After Ancient Siam, we came back to the area near the hotel and most of us went out for massages, which was the next best thing for my body after a 25+ hour plane ride. An hour long tissue massage, including tip, was about $14. What??! Can I bring those prices home with me?? After the massage a smaller group of ladies and I took the metro a couple stops to a road recommended by our hotel concierge. All the locals go there and for good reason. The street is lined with food vendors and their carts. It's Anthony Bordai n style! I had a soup dish of dry noodles (meaning: no broth and drained, but seasoned) with fish and shrimp balls. On the side was a fresh smoothie of pineapple, strawberries and banana. For dessert we visited a third cart (the smoothie was from the second cart) where we bought mango sticky rice, which is a very common dessert that's amazing!

After gorging, we returned back to our hotel and crashed.

Day Two: Our team devotional covered Luke 17:11-19, where Jesus heals the ten lepers. I'd heard the story a lot, but was given a new nugget today. The healing began when the lepers left Christ and started walking. Meaning, we don't have to be "ready" before going out into what we've been called to do. We just have to go! In our going, Christ prepares us and heals us.

After devotions, we went to Cori's house, who is a leader at The Well. Several of the women who work and are being helped by The Well were gracious hosts and prepared us a delicious feast for lunch! After lunch, we went to church, which kind of reminded me of NCC. The church meets in a hotel since they are small and growing. I'll have to write more about the message in a separate post because it deserves its own post. The message was awesome and the music brought me to tears. The music was sung in different languages for the different audience members there. Words were on an overhead in all the languages so people could follow along to the music and sing. It was spirit lifting to hear the different tongues and languages singing. All were different, yet all were praising God. I couldn't help but wonder what Jesus was thinking. He had to have been smiling.

After the service we fellowshipped with the parishioners and pastors, which was fun. Then, we boarded taxis and headed across town to dinner... an elaborate outdoor buffet, which was under a HUGE tent. On each table, the server placed a small fire. Patrons of the buffet had to pile up their plates with cooked and non-cooked foods they wanted. Non-cooked meats were added to the fires and cooked in front of their tenders. It was kind of like fondu, but way cooler. We were there for hours just eating and table hopping amongst our group to meet more people. The night was topped of with karaoke, where some of our group members sang. A couple folks even sang a duet in honor of Whitney Houston.

And that was the end of day two. Tomorrow begins early with our first trip to The Well. We'll do orientation and then go out from there. I'm pretty excited and also a bit nervous about what God's called our team to do. But I'm hopeful and praying for brokenness and a softening of spirit, both of which I hope begin with me...

Our Engagement Story

2012-02-01T17:57:00.001-05:00

It's been a while coming, but I thought I'd share it for those who haven't heard "the story"...

I never expected that our quaint picnic lunch wouldturn into the most life-altering, mountain-top experiences of my life. It was the day after Christmas when Mike toldme he wanted to go on a picnic lunch. The weather was really mild for the day and we thought we'd escape thebusy-ness of family gatherings by having some quality time together.

He wouldn't tell me details about where we wouldpicnic until we got in the car. As wedrove, details were revealed as the mountains crept into view. Our destination was Hanging Rock, a localwell-known place in the NC mountains for "easy" hikes and fantasticviews. After stopping for our subsandwiches, we parked the car and began the "easy hike" Mike hadpromised. He'd even told me I didn'tneed to change from my ballet flats. "I think it's paved most of the way to the top," he said. Well, this girl knows better. I took one lookat the mountain and the vertical expectations and slipped into some tennisshoes I had in the car. Good thing too! The paved sidewalk ended at about 200yards. From there, it was a 1.5 mile hiketo the top.

After several pauses to look at scenery (aka, Ihad to catch my breath so I made excuses to look at rocks and trees), wefinally made it to the top. And it wasbreathtaking in its own way! The sky wasclear and we could see for miles.

After taking in the view for a few minutes, wesettled in for lunch. Mike spread outhis jacket for us to sit on and I began unpacking our subs. Normally, Mike is all about the food. So, I was a little surprised when he wasn'thelping me unpack our picnic. In thenext minute, I learned why he was uninterested.

"I have a question to ask you before we eat…"he began with emotion in his voice. Ilooked up from unpacking to see his face and then his hand, which he hadbetween us. In it was a beautifulring. I paused and so did he. Emotion was overcoming him and all he coulddo was smile. I waited while smiling andrealizing this moment was going to alter our lives forever. "…if I can ask it…" he paused againwith twinkling eyes. Eyes full of hope,joy, tenderness and love.

It was then that he asked me to marry him. After celebratory kisses and hugs, he pulledaway and said, "and there's someone special here!" He pointed to my right where my sister wasstanding with camera in hand, snapping our picture! Tipped off by Mike, she had been following usall afternoon, from house to restaurant to mountain-top, in order to captureour special day on film. She had enduredand also survived the 1.5 mile vertical climb I had!!

When I reflect on our engagement, I can't help buthope that it's a metaphor for our marriage. Marriage has ups and downs and is a journey where hand holding isrequired. Like a mountain climb, it mayseem tougher at times and have moments where life gives you pause, but in the endthere are some amazing views if you work together.

Thailand Count-Down

2012-01-21T18:54:00.000-05:00

Our Thailand trip is less than three weeks away. Last weekend, in our team meeting, we heard details of where we will be and what we'll be doing. We'll be spending the first part of our trip in Bangkok and then heading to a more rural region where we will stay in a small village. While in the village, we'll be living with local families and learning more about their daily lives. It's my impression that the villagers make money farming and we will be learning more about their trade.

Mike was in town last weekend and went with me to our team meeting, which was exciting for me. I'm glad he got to meet some of the people with whom I'll be traveling. I was also happy to introduce him to my team since I'm sure I'll be talking about him during our trip.

On Monday night we have our first fundraiser for The Well. The proceeds we make will go directly to The Well and furthering their mission of transforming the lives of women. I'm really impressed by the organization and can't wait to meet more of the people behind it. I'm encouraged by what they've done and how God has moved through their work.

I confessed to my fellow Thailand team last week that I'm not sure what to pray for during this trip. Sure, I am praying for safety and the people at The Well, but I don't know how to pray specifically. I do believe that the holy spirit intercedes for us, praying for us in ways we don't even comprehend. So, when I think about that, it makes me feel a little better.

I'm excited about the trip, learning, becoming closer to my fellow church members and seeing what God has in store. Thanks for praying for us as well!

Two Highlights of the 2012 Year

2012-01-05T01:14:00.001-05:00

On Tuesday, I received my plane ticket details for Thailand.

On Wednesday, I ordered my wedding dress.

The year is rocking so far. Just saying.

Reflections on 2011

2012-01-05T00:45:00.000-05:00

On New Year's Eve my mom did a pretty cool "exercise" at our party. She passed us each a piece of paper with a verse from Isaiah (9:6) on it: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." She then asked us each to reflect about how God had touched our lives in 2011 and shown Himself in one of those names. How had God been a Prince of Peace? A Wonderful Counselor? We didn't have to share, but everyone did. Cuz when people start thinking about how God is working in their lives, people have to talk about it!

A year ago from today I was sitting in pretty different circumstances. I was really unhappy with my living situation. Not many people like to live with four other people in a shabby rental house that's falling apart! I was unhappy and unfulfilled in my job. I didn't feel recognized and knew that my potential was far greater than the role I played. The big 3-0 was around the corner and I felt unprepared. Wasn't I supposed to have it all figured out by 30?

But.. as the year went on, I started to see some changes and looking back I can see God's fingers in them all.

In the spring, I moved. And not only did I move. I moved UP!!! My gracious sister and bro-in-law moved into a brand new, hot off the press house on the NE side of D.C. Guess who got to tag along and live in the basement apartment for a really affordable price? This girl! I think I had perma-grin after moving for about three months.

I also turned 30. Thanks to the organization skills of my dear sister and my friend Marie, I had a fabulous surprise birthday party at Hains Point. My mom and grandma drove up for the weekend and my closest friends in D.C. all braved the cool weather and came out for a cookout. Thirty started off with laughter, fun and great memories with some of the dearest people I know. My parents also gave me the special gift of the diamond necklace that my dad gave my mom as a gift when she had me.

In mid summer there was sadness as love was lost, but joy soon replaced it with THE love of my life. After years of no communication, Mike and I reunited and sparks flew (again!). I still can't believe how awesome God is. For years Mike and I were on separate paths and growing as people. I don't know all the answers as to why God saw it fit for us to grow while also not together, but He definitely brought us back together at the right time. In July, we hit the ground running and started dating again. Tender hearts were soon replaced with full hearts and joy as we watched God at work in our relationship.

In late summer I got a call from a dear friend and mentor who wanted me to come work for him. So I did. Oh, and did I mention that the job is with a team of people that I already knew from my graduate school and that they all love Jesus? Also, my boss sees the potential in me, encourages AND challenges me.

The fall was fun too. I signed up for the mission trip I'd been wanting to go on for over a year. I didn't know in 2010 what trip I wanted to do, but it became apparent as soon as I looked at the options. I've never been to Asia (and honestly it wasn't high on the list of places to explore), but I'm looking forward to the work that we'll be doing in just over a month from now. I'm looking forward to learning.

I also ran in the Marine Corps 10K, which is quite a race! It was inspiring to be running with veterans, military spouses, family and friends of people in the Marines- some of whom wore t-shirts in memory of their loved ones. Some were cheering on someone thousands of miles away. It was a cold day for a run, with ice on the bridges and overpasses, but it was heart-warming.

The winter showed God's handiwork as well. You know that mission trip? Thanks to my dear friends and family, I was able to raise all of the funds for it. I didn't start raising the money until November. By the end of December, all $1950 of it was raised. I am blessed.

And you know that guy I mentioned earlier? The day after Christmas, he and I hiked up Hanging Rock and he made me the most elated woman in the world when he proposed. I still can't believe how God "showed us". His ways aren't our ways, and man... sometimes they are mind-blowing.

So, here I am with another year under my 30-year-old belt. 2011 was fantastic. And it was that way because it truly was a year of "wows" where I got to see God's handiwork. He's truly an artist and I'm pleased to be part of His design.

Women Hold Up Half the Sky

2011-11-21T20:53:00.001-05:00

Derek Bok, the former president of Harvard University once said that, "if you think education is expensive, try ignorance." This is the mentality of our small team heading to Thailand. Our time is short while we're there and one of our main goals is to learn about Thai culture in general, but also learn about the culture specifically related to the red light district. Sure, we'll do mission work and share the love of Jesus, but as I've learned from my 4.5 years of counseling at our local crisis pregnancy center, often the women just want to be heard. There's something special about listening, sharing stories and laughing together. Aren't those qualities that set humans apart from all other creatures on earth?

Our small team met on Sunday as we will be every two weeks to prepare for our trip. We're reading through an amazing book that I promise will change your world if you read it. The book is called Half the Sky and it's part of a larger movement world wide. The book highlights true stories of women entrepreneurs, fighters and survivors who are able to rise above their circumstances (either on their own or through the help of others) to better themselves and those around them. Here's a cool fact about women- they pull others up with them when they rise.

There's an African proverb that says, "You educate a boy and you're educating an individual. You educate a girl and you're educating an entire village." The United Nations and World Bank did studies in the 1990s and their studies were paraphrased this way: "Women's empowerment helps raise economic productivity and reduce infant mortality rate. It contributes to improved health and nutrition. It increases the chances of education for the next generation."

The Well in Bangkok is doing just that. They focus on areas of education, social services and job training to help women who want to get out of the sex industry and make better lives for themselves. These are women who want to be independent and integrate back into society (and often their families). Our team had the opportunity on Sunday to meet two women, Corey and Jupe, who work at The Well who are in town for the Thanksgiving holiday. They shared stories of hope and also told us more of what to expect on our journey, which will take place half in the city of Bangkok and half in the rural region, where we will be exposed to how The Well teaches women how to farm and create income for themselves.

With each meeting and through our readings, I'm becoming more excited about this opportunity to learn. Thanks for your support, encouragement and for listening to my stories as I embark on this journey!

To give or follow my fundraising, check out my page and my teammates' pages as well!

Ms. Moore

2011-09-27T01:21:00.001-04:00

I first saw Ms. Moore last week on my bus. She looked sharply dressed wearing a pale green suit, white dress shoes and a green and blue headband to match her suit. Her purse was also white and sat beside her cane. Her skin was dark and her spine was slightly curved. She had a smile on her face for anyone who met her gaze. She seemed kind, gentle and grandmotherly. I admired her spirit and thought I hope I dress that sharp at her age and give off vibes of kindness. My bus stop approached and I exited, walking past her and leaving any thoughts of her on the bus.

Today was different. Today I met Ms. Moore.

I saw her again this morning, in a baby blue suit and white beret. She was (again) on the bus before me and I could see her a few seats in front of me. She smiled at the oncoming passengers and the baby dozing beside her. I sat there and watched her and thought that if I were closer I'd talk to her. But when my stop came, I exited without a word.

It wasn't until I saw her again at the bus stop this evening, however, that I felt led to introduce myself. It was 9:30 and dark. She walked slowly up the hill to our stop, leaning on the bus sign when she stopped. She was wearing the same outfit as I'd seen on her this morning and I thought she's had a long day. I almost didn't say anything to her, but then realized I was being ridiculous. She's right here. You wanted to talk to her earlier- now's your chance. So, I walked up to her, introduced myself and complimented her attire.

I didn't know those words would be the first that we'd share for the next 1.5 hours.

Ms. Moore is 80 (as of April 2nd) and has lived longer than anyone in her immediate family. She told me this with a grin on her face as she clapped her hands together. When we got on the bus, I noticed that her eyes were a little lighter blue than her suit. She's the only one in her family with blue eyes and blames someone "messing in her cabbage patch", which I translated as a white ancestor in the mix along the way through history. "I have the darkest skin in my family and the lightest eyes. It doesn't matter though. One day, we'll all be the same race. In the Kingdom. One day it won't matter." I nodded.

She'd been at the hospital all day while her doctors examined her heart. All she'd had was some cranberry juice and graham crackers. "Denny's has the best salads. I've been thinking about one all day. They are SO good. Fresh. They have delicious tomatoes and onions. Crisp yellow peppers too." Her sparkling blue eyes were in another place... at a booth at Denny's with a fried chicken salad in front of her.

When I learned that she'd be waiting for a connecting bus to take her home after a full day at a stale hospital, I knew that wouldn't do. This lady needed some Denny's! Call me crazy, but I told her I'd drive her there.

And I did.

Our bus dropped us off, we slowly walked the three blocks to my house (she wouldn't wait at the stop though I offered to come get her) and got in my car shortly after ten p.m. Crazy, right?

Anyway, I learned about her grandchildren, the "mother-in-law from hell" that she had for three years, about her "baby sister" who is a survivor of skin cancer and her church, the first black Lutheran church in DC, which was established by her mother who didn't want to christen her baby (Ms. Moore) in the YWCA where they used to meet. We chatted about Denny's, the waiters and waitresses there who have come to know her and bring stuff by her house. More about her great-granddaughter who looks like a little doll. She told me about "friends and family" day at her church and said she wanted me to come.

She asked me my name again. "I'm related to some Duncans. They intermarried with the Fergusons." She said this like I knew the Fergusons as well. I nodded. Maybe one of my distant relatives messed in her family's cabbage patch? Maybe we were even related.

After Denny's, I had to stop for some gas on the way to my new friend's house. A homeless man approached me and asked to pump my gas for cash. I handed him some cash, dismissed his offer and he walked away. I turned back around and saw that Ms. Moore was standing on her side of the car. She was looking in the direction that he had gone.

"I was going to hit him on his head with my cane if he tried anything," she said solemnly as she met my gaze.

I smiled with raised eyebrows. "You were going to protect me?"

"I'm not really much of a fighter. I prefer to negotiate. But sometimes you have to fight. I was ready." I looked at her face and saw her determination. She could probably mess the wrong person up with her cane!

I dropped her off at her house and made my way home, feeling blessed by her company. We exchanged numbers and she insisted I call when I got home to let her know I'd made it safely (which I did!).

"I want you to meet my grandchildren," she said. "I'm going to call you for friends and family day."

I hope she does.

A Plan for Thailand

2011-09-12T21:35:00.000-04:00

Since the spring I've been looking forward to hearing about the mission opportunities that my church is doing. I love my church and am blessed to be part of one that is so purposeful about community and helping others. Last month the leaders announced all of the trips for the upcoming fall and spring. Check out all the options!!

I have never done a mission trip that's taken me abroad. I've done local ones through the years, but nothing that has taken me truly out of my element and forced me into a completely different world. Before they announced the trip options, I knew that I would be looking for that kind of experience... something raw, totally new and one where I can reach out to those who don't get much love.

I've identified some of my heart cries. And by heart cries, I mean the people, causes and movements in every day life that stir within my being. They make me pay attention and listen and they prick my spirit. My heart cries are for the voiceless, the looked-over and picked-on. The forgotten and abandoned. The poor. The single moms. People suffering from HIV/AIDS. Women. The less educated and the abused. My prayer lately has been for my heart to break at what breaks God's heart. You know what? There's a lot of brokenness out there.

It was by these heart cries that I narrowed down my search for a mission trip and on Sunday I went to the first information meeting about it. My attraction to this trip: brokenness, but the hopefulness of transformation. The trip is to a land where I've had no intentions or desires to ever visit: Thailand. The people we are hoping to reach are the girls and women who are working in clubs and brothels in Bangkok. Our desire is to approach these women as Christ did the woman at the well in John 4- with love, without judgment and with truth. We want to connect them with an organization called The Well, which provides an escape for women who want to get out of the sex industry. The Well provides counseling, education, job training and love to women who dream of a better life.

This 10-day trip basically wraps up all of my heart cries into one amazing opportunity. It seems SUPER intense and even a bit scary. The idea of approaching women in the red light district of Bangkok is not something I would have ever thought to do. Aren't these the women that society tells us to ignore? Yet these are the women God is calling me to. My desire is to share the love of a God who gives second chances (and third and fourth!), to show the love only He can and to provide a glimpse of the mercy that He wants to shine upon them. He's not a God of doubt, disease, addiction, low self-esteem or abandonment. His plan is one of hope and a future, of prosperity and safety.

So, that's my plan: Thailand. I'm really excited about this opportunity and look forward to sharing more details as they unravel. I hope that I will be able to even write about my experiences as they come to fruition.

My Favorite City at Night

2011-08-28T21:07:00.005-04:00

Sometimes I go for rides when I want to clear my head. When I was a teenager, this involved long stretches of back roads and blasting my radio to whatever music was appropriate for my mood. I found myself needing one of those rides this weekend... something to clear my mind.

When the mood hit, however, it was no time to go in search of long stretches of roads in VA or MD. I also knew that I didn't necessarily need those long roads. I've found a lot of therapeutic places in DC. There's something magical about some of the gardens and memorials (or cemeteries!) here. For me, they are peaceful and I usually feel a bit more centered and at ease when I leave them.

It was about 1 AM when I set out... I'd decided to head for the Lincoln, which is my favorite memorial. It's been a while since I drove there. I'm more likely to run or walk since it's not far from my house. Seeing how it was well past midnight, however, the smarter side of me took to my car for the 4 mile journey. I drove, past the regal Capitol and the darkness-piercing Washington Monument with her tall flags waving in the wind. The parking got scarce and the options were limited as I neared the Lincoln. I wouldn't be able to safely park somewhere at that hour and walk to the memorial. So, I kept driving.... around the Lincoln and back down Independence Avenue which parallels the memorials. I drove past the new Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial and felt my hopes of stopping dissipate since there was no parking there either. Argh. Where was I going to park? I really wanted to walk, but not compromise my safety.

So, I parked near the Capitol. It's been about two years since I've gone there late at night. By the time I parked and started walking around it was close to 1:30. In my time of walking the Capitol grounds and visiting the reflecting pool to the west of it, I had barely seen a dozen civilians. It was the first time I'd seen more guards than regular people at the Capitol. I felt safe there and it was peaceful.There's something incredible about walking along and then seeing the Capitol building. And I don't think it ever goes away. I've heard people who have lived here a long time all voice similar thoughts: "I love looking up and seeing the Capitol. I never tire of it." It's so true. It's awe inspiring and beautiful.

As I walked around I couldn't help but be thankful for my freedom to do so. It was almost 3 AM when I left the Capitol grounds for my car. I'd been walking, praying, reflecting, crying and clearing my head for over 1.5 hours. But when I was done, I felt fantastic.
Feeling recharged and lighter, I got in my car and drove the short 2 miles to my front door. There's something special about this city; my rear view mirror framed a small piece of it as I left for home.

Out with the Old and In with the New

2011-08-09T21:49:00.003-04:00

Last Wednesday night I crept back to my office while no one was there. It was time to bid it farewell. The halls were dark and quiet. Not a soul stirred while I organized files, shredded old papers, threw away miscellaneous items and straightened things up for my predecessor.

I was saying goodbye to an era and a transformative time in my life. It was my first "real" job in DC. I wasn't a temp passing my time at the Library of Congress and I'd felt a calling to the work there. I worked my way up from an administrative assistant to a manager with cross-team experience and historical knowledge of the company. I made lifelong friends there and also learned a lot about leadership.

Nearly five years was spent there and I worked for four different bosses. It took me about three hours to organize and pack up my office. Two trips up and down the stairs to empty out trash and recycling bins. And the night ended with one snap of a picture... my abandoned desk.

Cheers, Council... I had a blast.

Harry Potter and a Snuggly Kitty

2011-08-08T23:12:00.000-04:00

I've jumped on the bandwagon that I'd for a long time resisted. Now that all the movies are out, I figured it's high time I checked out the Harry Potter series. Thanks to a "supplier" friend, I've turned into a junkie. I'm rolling through the series and picking up the books during free moments when I'm home.

Sometimes I find an attention-craving, loving kitty in my lap too. Not that I'm complaining.

My Secret Garden, er, Dog Park

2011-07-25T21:52:00.010-04:00

There's a magical place that's only about eight blocks from our house: the Congressional Cemetery. First established in 1807 by private citizens, it now spans 35+ acres, has 14,000 headstones and is the final resting place for 55,000 people. The middle has a quaint, beautiful chapel surrounded by different bushes of flowers. Large trees grace the grounds, some with trunks larger than any I've seen in DC. Oh, and it's also a dog park... which means playful dogs run among the headstones and bring a sense of cheer to the hallowed grounds.

I first visited it about two weeks ago before the heat got oppressive. I went there to clear my head, pray and discover the cemetery I had only passed by while in a car. There were quite a few benches that had called my name last time, but my agenda was one of walking rather than relaxing.

Tonight I returned, this time armed with bug spray and a book. I plopped on a bench that's under one of the largest magnolia trees in the cemetery and read for about an hour with only a few friendly puppies (and their owners) to act as interruptions.

Can you see my reading bench nestled under the tree?

As the evening began to cool (yay!) and the wind picked up a bit, I decided it was time to explore some more. I snapped some pictures with my new camera phone (which apparently doesn't have much better picture quality than my last). Enjoy my new hiding place!

The best last name I came across this evening...

John Smilie (who was also a Congressman from PA)
The most unfortunate name I came across in the cemetery this evening...
Fugitt

The only vice president buried in the cemetery

who was also one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence!
Elbridge Gerry, VP to James Madison

The headstones of Mary Hall and her sister, who were madams of a house where
"elite citizens" and government officials frequented.
Now the Museum for the American Indian sits where their home used to be.
Some beautiful headstones and sculptures...

A fairy?

Random Summer Memories with the Family

2011-07-21T22:00:00.006-04:00

We checked out the new AMC Fork & Screen Theater in Orlando, FL

Universal Studios with Dad and Becky
Butterbeer in Harry Potter land!

Our home away from home... in Orlando Lakes!

We checked out a Winston Salem Dash game, where James is interning over the summer!

Childress Vineyards, Lexington, NC

A Family Affair

2011-07-21T21:02:00.007-04:00

Last weekend was filled with some really lasting memories as mom, grandma and Dean came to visit Mal and me in our new home. Though I was booted from my apartment (aka "bomb shelter") all weekend (where the three of them stayed), I was thrilled to give up my space and host them.

On Friday night, we spent the evening hours at the Marine Parade in Barracks Row, which was very entertaining. Mallory and I have wanted to go since we first arrived in DC. The parade is held every Friday night during the summer and visitors can make free reservations see it. The music was beautiful, the history shared was interesting and the silent drill team was mesmerizing. The parade lasted just over an hour, but the time went so quickly. To top it off, the full moon appeared over the field just as the parade was ending and Taps was playing in the air. Perfect.
Our Saturday was filled with very "touristy" activities. We took a DC Ducks tour around the city. It was my fourth tour, but I still learned new trivia about the city. I really enjoy the Duck tours. Each tour is split into two parts, with the first being a ride around the city filled with facts about the history, memorials and Monument. The latter half of the tour is spent on the water, where the street-friendly vehicle glides gently into the Potomac with only the flip of two buttons. One engages the propeller and the other shifts the transmission. The vehicles were created for WW II and built mostly by women. Our guide, Captain Franklin, shared that the battle on the beaches of Normandy wouldn't have been the same without the Ducks. They supplied 80% of the gear to the soldiers during the fight and were a complete shock to our opponents who had never seen such vehicles.

As a bonus while we were on the Potomac, our guide let anyone who wanted to "drive" the Duck have an opportunity to sit in the driver's seat for photo ops! Mal, grandma and I all took advantage of it!
That evening, after returning from our tour and dinner, we rode to Georgetown where we went to the famous eatery, Georgetown Cupcake. I had never been, but had wanted to try it. Well, apparently we weren't the only ones with the idea to hit up GC. It seemed like all the tourists in DC were there. The line snaked down the block and the quoted wait time when we arrived was 45 minutes. People snapped pictures of themselves in line and of the bakery as we waited. Thankfully, the weather was as perfect as the company and the line moved pretty fast. Plus, the staff was very friendly and even served water to their customers who were waiting outside for their treats. The shop is small inside and smells delicious. Cupcakes call from tiers and their colors are bright. I walked in with my selections in mind and it took all my willpower to only get two. There were so many flavors and they all looked delicious!

We bought our cupcakes and took them home where the evening ended with polished-off glasses of milk and engaging conversation. Sunday morning came quickly and we bid ado to our loved ones. Their visit was fun and went by way too quickly.

Messy Kitty

2011-05-31T23:48:00.005-04:00

I found this mess for me when I got home from zumba class tonight:
As I was taking about the 10th picture of Charlotte and her mess, I thought to myself, "I've become her... a cat lady."

So, what does that say about me now that I've taken the pictures AND posted them to my blog? My only hope is that I don't die alone with more than 100 cats surrounding me.

I exaggerate... I have other hopes.

Who, me?Then Charlotte pranced around the mess and sniffed it like she'd never seen it before.

And walked away from the crime scene...

How can one be too mad at this face?

Another thing I discovered tonight... I'm not a fan of zumba.

My New Digs

2011-05-30T17:41:00.009-04:00

This is now home sweet home. There's still a little work to be done in the bathroom, but most of the other rooms are done. Check out my pics!

The living area:

The "kitchen"/dining area:

The bathroom:
The laundry room:
My bedroom:

Charlotte exploring in a box. She's a good "helper":
The mudroom/my walk-in closet:

Charlotte and Her Happy Place

2011-05-29T19:20:00.003-04:00

Charlotte has been adjusting to the new place. She's limited to the basement (my apartment!) since Dave is allergic to her (aww). She's definitely found her favorite spots in the apartment, most of which include windows. There's also the back of the loveseat and my bed. Otherwise, the windows offer the most entertainment as there's a plethora of birds, squirrels and other fun things to watch out there. When I was piddling around the house today, I snapped these shots of her watching a squirrel outside. If only my camera took video! Imagine a twitchy tail, batting paws and the sounds of her wimpering and talking to me and the squirrel.

The first sighting:

The opponent:

The stand-off:

Posing for me:

After sufficiently scaring it (uh-huh)... she relaxes and thinks about what she'll have for dinner.

Welcome Home!

2011-05-29T17:07:00.005-04:00

Check out these flowers that Drew sent us as a house warming present for our new home!

Lilies and irises... my favorite! Even though they arrived over a week ago, the house still smells fabulous when you walk through the door.

A Concert and Celebratory Picnic

2011-05-13T12:59:00.005-04:00

Last night Mal and I had a lot of fun at the Adele concert at the 9:30 Club. She'd never been to that venue and neither of us had been to an Adele show, so it made for great memories. My friend hooked me up with some tickets that she had won, but was unable to use, so that made it even better- a FREE show!!

Can you see her? She's the little dot right over my head (don't mistake it for a halo)! ;)

Mal closed on her and Dave's house yesterday (woot, woot!). So, after the show, we met Marie there. She surprised us with a picnic on the porch, complete with candles, chocolate cake and champagne. Four fabulous C's!! Once we'd noshed on the cake and sipped on the bubbly, we made our way inside (with Mal's keys... no real estate agent lock box anymore!!) where we finished the picnic and toured the new digs again.

The packing begins when I log offline in a few minutes. The movers are scheduled for tomorrow morning. The deadline for them is tight, but at least we have the liberty of moving over smaller things until the middle of June, which is a nice release.

Mothers

2011-05-08T23:27:00.002-04:00

Newborn babies have terrible vision (not unlike myself without contacts or glasses). In their first couple of months, their sight is limited to about 12 inches. They're legally blind and most of what they can see is blurry... except Mama. Research shows that even 4-day old babies look longer at their mothers' faces than at the faces of others who hold them.

There's an instant bond with our moms that starts even before those four days. As babies in the womb, we hear her voice and heartbeat while the rest of the world hears other things.

Likely, she's the first one who ever told you of your beauty. To her, you're the most beautiful creature in the world. She's the first to have touched you, to have even moved her hand over her belly as you kicked or turned. It's her voice that can calm fears, offer words of wisdom and give pep talks.

I didn't get to see my mom today, but I did get to hear her voice. Her voice twinkles with rays of light. I can picture her smile on the other end of the line. The crinkles at the edge of her eyes dance with joy. I imagine her eyes, full of love and radiating. She's beautiful. I'm so blessed to call her mine.

My mom's hugs are always 100%. They are tight and sometimes involve a slight sway to them. Whether there's a sway or not, however, there are always two arms. And the hugs are long. She knows the perfect length of time to hug me. When she pulls away, she'll often hold my arms and stare into my eyes like she's giving me more to take with me. In case I need to go back to the hug, I remember her eyes. They are a beautiful blue and sometimes glossy with tears. Love tears. Whether they are happy, sad, hopeful or prayerful, those eyes always say the things I know she'd say aloud if she knew what to say. Often, "I love you, Meredith Duncan" is what I'll hear. But her eyes say even more than those words.

I'm so grateful to have a mother as beautiful as mine. She's an encourager and her love for God pours out of her. Whether it's to a stranger in a check-out line or her own mother, my mom treats everyone the same and I admire that about her. I want to be like that... to be like her.

As years go by, my appreciation for my mom has deepened. She's become a true friend. One that occasionally tells me what to do in that mother voice, but still... a friend. ;)

Thanks to all you moms out there for all that you do.

And a special thanks to my mom. My teacher, healer, counselor, peace-maker, comedian, mentor, protector, encourager, play-mate, listener and friend. I love you.

- Your Baby Blue

More Spring Flowers

2011-05-08T23:20:00.001-04:00

God loves mothers. I like to think that the flowers blooming today were from Him to all the mothers out there. Here are some pretty ones I snapped with my camera phone while walking around today.

Happy Mother's Day!!

Spring

2011-05-03T21:48:00.010-04:00

I've felt really good lately. Maybe it's the fresh air or the flowers or the green that's on everything right now. Check out some of these flowers I saw on a recent run (Some of the images are kind of blurry. Flip phone cameras aren't known for their fantastic picture resolution):

There's a joy that sneaking back into my spirit and I imagine that it has something to do with that basement apartment that has my name on it across town. Mal is getting a new home and I'm fortunate enough to be moving in with her. Not into an upstairs room, however. This (newly 30-year-old) is finally moving into my own space! After five years of living in a group house with no fewer than three other roommates (and at most five other), I'm going to call a little corner of the world my own. My own bathroom, bedroom, living area and even mud room!! Hey-yo! Plans are to move within the month and I'm pumped. I'll post some pictures when I arrive.

Other updates (since, my longest hiatus EVER): I turned 30. Oh wait... I wrote that already. I lost weight and blogged about my journey here. I traveled: New York City & Brooklyn, Marco Island (FL), Myrtle Beach (SC), and the Shenandoah Valley (VA). I dove into a Bible study with a new small group at my church and am looking forward to the mission trips announcement. I'm pumped about going on a mission trip in the fall and can't wait to find out where the church is going!

My family and friends helped me ring in my 30th birthday this past weekend. My mom and grandma came up from NC and SC to visit- surprising me on Friday by showing up to the restaurant where I was about to dine! The whole weekend was filled with festivities, laughter and love. On Saturday evening, I Skyped with my dad as he and my mom gave me a meaningful gift that I will treasure. I was given a diamond necklace that he gave my mom the week I was born. She was 30 years old when she had me and my dad gave it to her a few days after my birth. I've always admired it... even "coveted" it as my mom claims! I was so surprised when I opened the box and the necklace I had admired (and never knew the story behind) was given to me and its history shared. The story behind it and the thoughtfulness of giving it to me on MY 30th birthday is priceless. I was moved to tears. Check out my new necklace!

Sunday afternoon was filled with more fun and memories as Mallory and Marie were the masterminds behind my big bash. Though the weather was chilly and slightly rainy, some of my dearest friends in DC came out to Hains Point and celebrated with me. The decor was beautiful and the tent kept us (mostly) dry. Ryan was the grill master and we all just chatted and partied for hours. I loved it!!

The weekend ended with the announcement of bin Laden's death. Though I'm still processing how I feel about "celebrating" the death of such a corrupt man, I am glad that no more deaths will be a direct result of his actions. The White House was featured on the news that night. People were swarming down there in droves. Having the spontaneous family that I do, we (mom, grandma, Mal and I) all hopped in the car and made our way down to the White House around 12:15 a.m. Monday morning. Mal and I went into the heart of the crowd and took pictures. We participated in the chants of "U.S.A." and singing of "God Bless America" that spontaneously erupted every few minutes. The energy in the crowd was unlike any other time I've been there- even the night that Obama was elected can't compare. There was jubilee in the air that paired with the sounds of singing, honking horns and fluttering flags.

Well, that's all I have to share right now. I've missed many opportunities to do so in the past six months, but I promise to do update My Palette more often.

Thanks for checking back in. I hope you'll pick back up with me as I continue this dance of life...

Jury Purgatory: The Final Chapter

2010-11-08T06:55:00.001-05:00

On my fifth and last day of serving duty, I was denied a position on the 16-person jury. As explained to us by Judge Leon, there would be 16 people chosen: 12 regular jurors and four alternates. On the final day, after an estimated 4-5 weeks of service, the alternate jurors would be told their true roles. The other 12 would deliberate and conclude the trial. Judge Leon explained the reasoning behind not letting the jurors know who is "alternate" versus "regular": the alternates will pay as much attention the whole case as their "regular" colleagues. If one knows he is an alternate, then he won't pay as much attention than if he knows he's a regular juror. Ahhh... (nods) makes sense.

In the last two hours I was there, the remaining 75 (approximately) of us still awaiting our fate filed into Judge Leon's courtroom. We sat before the defendants, the prosecution and the defense. The judge sat before all of us, in his elevated and comfy swivel chair. His gavel sat near him and his papers were stacked in front. We were seated by juror number, which wasn't necessarily in any numerical order, in the section of the court where an audience would watch the proceedings. I'm not sure how they "ranked" us, but I was 20 people from the front.

We were told to file into the juror box 16 people at a time. When the box was full, no one else entered it. The remaining jurors to be evaluated stayed in the audience section of the courtroom.

The two sides, the prosecution and the defense, looked at their notes from the past four days and looked at the box of 16 faces. They exchanged notes with one another and then with the opposing side. The purpose was to pick people with whom both sides agreed that they wanted on the jury.

I watched as the people before me were dismissed one by one. The opposing sides would chat and then take some juror numbers to the judge, who would announce the juror(s) that were dismissed. No explanation for dismissals were given. Simply: "Juror number 0249, you are dismissed." The "cut" juror would grab his/her things and leave the courtroom.

Finally, I was called to join the box. I sat down in the cushiony chair that was bolted to the floor and couldn't help but think, "this is the kind of chair you need if you're going to be listening all day."

I looked ahead at the prosecution and the defense. I was one of three white women in my age bracket- you know, the 25-35 block. I felt like my odds were pretty good for being chosen to stay. I was thinking about my high odds when I saw it. One of the attorneys for the prosecution had a juror seating chart in front of him. Even from eight feet away, I could easily see the layout and identified my chair. Number seven. Then, as quickly as I'd identified my chair I saw the strike of his pen. He met my eyes and quickly looked away. I was out.

I watched the prosecution give their notes to the defense. The defense reviewed them and said something in a whisper back to the prosecution before both parties approached the judge.

Judge Leon, after hearing the new numbers, called out two. Mine was the second. I had been dismissed. My chair barely warm, I gathered my things and left the box. I exited the room and walked through the hall, rode down the elevator and breezed out into the sunshine.

While I'll always wonder what life may have been like for those weeks, I am not disappointed that I wasn't picked for the trial. It seems like it may have been emotionally taxing and (at times) boring or overwhelming. I'll follow the news as a verdict is made. I won't hear it announced from a jury box or hear juror arguments in a cramped boardroom behind a judge's chamber. Rather, the verdict will likely be read from the comfort of my home, where I can only guess at what the jurors learned and speculate as to how I may have been changed from it.

(Now that the "picking" is complete and I am not serving on the 16 panel jury, I felt free to do some digging of my own regarding the case that would have been my other full time job for 4-6 weeks. If you're interested in reading a snippet, then you can click here.)

A Second Job: Jury Purgatory

2010-10-26T00:07:00.004-04:00

Last week, when I reported for my federal jury duty summons, I was bright eyed and full of wonder at what I would learn about our judicial system. Turns out, it is pretty incredible. After waiting about an hour, I was whisked away with about 100 other potential jurors, all being vetted for the same case.

We were all shuffled into the federal courtroom that sits in a stone building in the heart of downtown D.C. We filed into the rows where an audience would observe a case. Paintings of robed judges hung on the walls. Besides the paintings, the walls were a pristine and a boring white. They rose high and met the ornate ceiling. We potential jurors were introduced to the lawyers, the clerks, and the defendants. Then, when the intros were complete, the judge entered the room. We rose and watched him saunter to his seat. He read us the basics of the case and reminded us that the accused are innocent until proven guilty.

What a concept. I'm so happy to live in a country where we uphold that basic right.

When we potential jurors had heard the facts of the case and familiarized ourselves with the players, we were then asked to fill out a 20+ page questionnaire pertaining to the case and our opinions about general concepts (think: immigration, gangs, and crime). The judge, lawyers and defendants left us to our questionnaires. Only the clerks remained and in that brief moment I thought how it must be such a pain for the lawyers and judge to come in only for those brief moments. I bet they get sick of those tedious appearances over and over again. Then I remembered their salaries and didn't feel as bad for them.

After completing my questionnaire and handing it to the clerk, I was then given a piece of paper with call back instructions. Little did I know that paper I would become best friends over the next week+.

I left the court and was greeted by the sunshine. I wondered how many people had gone into that building and left with their lives altered completely by a sentence handed to them. Freedom felt really good.

As I walked to the Metro, I passed by an early voting location and cast my ballot, beating most of my fellow DCers to the polls. I watched my ballot go into the machine and noticed that only 14 other people in my precinct had voted prior to me. That was enough to push me over my patriotic edge! Jury duty and voting- all within the same day? It felt good!

Three days later, my Thursday was a different story. I literally sat all day (with the exception of a lunch break) in the jury holding room until they called my number at 4:30. I walked to the counter, where I met the woman who held my fate. Would I be back? Had I been selected? Could I go about my normal life again?

She handed me a paper with a number on it- the same number I'd seen before. She crossed my name off her list with her highlighter while simultaneously saying the same instructions I'd heard her tell the person in front of me, "call this number after 5 tomorrow for your instructions regarding Monday."

Tired from doing nothing and listening to CNN all day, I begrudgingly took the paper and walked myself out of the stale room.

Fast forward again. Today was a little different and way more entertaining. Sure, I spent half the day in jury purgatory. I waited in the room, endured CNN's stories, and knocked out some of my real work via the internet. But then... a break in the monotony! My number was finally called (along with the remaining eight others left in the room that holds about 300+ people). We followed the clerk to the judges chambers, where he left us in a small Board room with no instructions. Everyone was silent, but I could tell that they (like me) were just happy to see another room.

I broke the ice, "well at least we have a change of setting!" That seemed to make a few people chuckle, then everyone settled back into silence. A couple minutes went by with no clerk. Papers and blackberries came out. I pulled out an Express and made it three pages before the clerk returned. He called only my number and I followed him to the courtroom, leaving behind my comrades. I entered and there were all the players again: the lawyers, more clerks, the defendants, and the judge. I was shown where to sit- in the witness box. How exciting!! I felt like a little kid and a foreigner to the process. Keeping myself together, I looked at the judge for an explanation.

He explained that I had been called to expand on some answers from the original questionnaire I had completed. He held it up and we dove into it. He asked me about three of the questions and I answered. After each answer I gave, the judge nodded and turned to the lawyers to ask if they had "further questions?" There was only one instance where I had to answer another question posed from one of the lawyers. Overall, it was pretty awesome- no lie.

I go back again Tuesday (today) to find out more about my role in this case. Who knows what will happen? I feel like I'm in purgatory- waiting in limbo until I find out if I'll have a second job for the next 4-6 weeks (yes, that's how long the case is estimated to run).

One Story

2010-08-24T22:45:00.006-04:00

It had been a long day and though it was only Tuesday, already the week's activities made it seem more like a Friday. Rachel and I sat facing the empty lobby of the Pregnancy Center. It was 8:30 pm and, likely, no one else would come this evening. The weather was cool; the first break in the summer heat, and often people will skip their appointments when it's not a sauna outside. Similarly, the rain was threatening. When the clientele relies highly on buses, the threat of rain and standing at a stop while buckets drop all around will keep some inside.

It seemed that way tonight. It was dead in the Center. I was mentally wrapping up my day and simultaneously vegging out in the DC Express. Rachel is a natural introvert and I know this about her. Better to let her read (as she was doing) than to force conversation. Sometimes it's nice to just sit with someone and each read. So, we did. Happily.

It was her turn to see the next client, but she'd gotten up to use the restroom and was in there when the bell rang. I closed my Express and listened for Rachel's footsteps. There was only silence.

Guess I am on duty.

I answered the door and in came Marta. Only, I didn't know her name yet. I checked her in and by the time I pulled a new chart Rachel had returned.

Since I'd already greeted Marta and didn't mind one last client before the night ended, Marta and I left Rachel to her book and went to a private room so I could learn just part of her story.

The Pregnancy Center is a nonprofit Christian organization. It offers a plethora of services: classes (parenting and childbirth), counseling (post-abortion and general), education (sexual health), material resources (i.e. items like clothing, diapers, car seats, etc.), Bible studies, and free pregnancy tests. The Center is an organization that gives what it receives. The donations are often given by local churches and neighborhood ambassadors who want to help others in their community. There's nothing fancy about the Center. Once it was a local grocery store, but was converted decades ago into what it is now- an organization that helps women (mostly) and men in need when they fall on hard times. I've been a volunteer there for four years and never hear the same story.

Marta sat across from me. She was articulate and, despite her strong accent, I could tell she'd been in the States for a while. Her English wasn't very broken and there was little "interpretation lag time" where she internally translated my words before responding externally.

She looks tired.

I always try to put my clients at ease early in our conversation and Marta let me. Though she seemed a bit nervous at first, she soon relaxed and we settled into our time together. She wasn't that young. The average age of the clients I see is probably about 22. Marta eclipsed that age by two decades. She was an experienced mother with four children. It was her latest, Marvin, who had been the surprise. He had arrived 11 months earlier and eight years after his closest sibling in age.

Marta is married, which is also not the norm for the women I see. Her wedding ring is simple and gold. I barely see it on her folded finger. You can imagine my (slight) surprise when she tells me that she lives with just her sons.

I pause at this fact, but wait patiently and then dig a little deeper. Within a few minutes I learn that she and her husband, Carlos, are from Honduras. They moved to give their kids a better life. She was a few months pregnant when he was found working illegally and deported back to Honduras. He'd not seen Marta, baby Marvin, or their three other sons since his deportation. Baby Marvin just learned how to walk.

As she shared her story, I found my eyes welling as my heart broke. Yet Marta stayed strong. I guess when it's your story and you're living it, tears aren't always an option- at least not when you're sitting in a foreign place and speaking with a stranger. Marta is proof of that.

Without a job, she'd lost their home and the safe nest that she'd built with her husband. Their house had been foreclosed on because Carlos wasn't there to work and pay their growing family's bills. Marta was pregnant and then raising a newborn alone. Her partner had been stripped of her and her three eldest boys were relying on her. She took them to a shelter, even baby Marvin, when their house was foreclosed. At only a few months old, Marvin was seeing the inside walls of a community shelter, a place that the majority of Americans will never see themselves, let alone live.

There were no painted walls with family pictures hanging on them. No comforting sofa or inviting bed. Only a foreign mattress, empty walls and a community of strangers beyond Marta's small family.

Marta has received help from DC nonprofit organizations similar to the Pregnancy Center and she's found solace at a local Catholic church. The organizations helped her with her health care and given her advice on next steps. Her priest has offered her a shoulder and probably some needed hugs. Still. It's tough and I see it in her eyes. Nothing has been easy and some steps only lead her backwards. Depression has taken its toll on her. She tells me that at least she doesn't cry all day anymore. My heart aches and I share her burden, if only during our time together.

Keep it together, Meredith. I feel my throat tingling. The tears are welling and my face flushes. Listen. She needs someone to listen.

So I do.

She sits before me and tells me of her hope- a class where she can get become certified in nursing and hopefully find a job to support her family. Once certified, the program helps its graduates find work. Ana's eyes light up as she talks about it. I realize it's her ray. It may be her only sunshine right now. Then the clouds return. The class is $200.

It's not much, but the woman is sitting in front of me and hoping I'll give her $12 worth of diapers and some gently used clothes. To her, $200 is unreachable. She pauses and I pry more. The organization will let her begin the three month program in good faith that she'll find a job within the duration and be able to pay. She tells me that she's scrounged up $50 to show them she's committed. Marta sees it as her only option.

Marta will begin her program tomorrow. The program will provide a babysitter for her boys each night as she works on securing their future. While she listens in the classroom, the boys are a few doors down. In better times, the boys would have been at home at that hour and playing in their rooms while Marta and Carlos talked about baby names.

But these aren't those times.

Marta and I wrap up our time together and my mind is racing, my heart is aching and my spirit is mourning what she's lost. We pray together and I take comfort knowing that the Holy Spirit intercedes for me. My words seem like a scratch on the surface.

Marta's story is one of hundreds that I've heard. No two are alike. No stereotype exists within the walls of the Center. Politics fall away as faces and stories prevail. The night ends and the doors are locked until tomorrow when new stories will fill the Center's walls.

I can't leave untouched and I thank God that I'm not.

(*names have been changed for privacy reasons)

New Followers!

2010-07-17T17:26:00.001-04:00

Welcome to McKenzie and Stan!! You guys increased "my followers" by 50% and make me smile! Welcome aboard! Also check out Thirty by the 30th if you get a chance. :)

A Surprise!

2010-07-17T17:20:00.003-04:00

A bouquet of the freshest smelling lilies, a cookie, and a love note.

Ryan sure knows how to spoil a girl.
Love.

Cardio-Kickboxing = Kick in the Butt Exercise

2010-07-16T00:21:00.004-04:00

As I mentioned in previous posts, I've started another blog, Thirty by the 30th.

Last night, Marie and I went to a cardio-kickboxing class that was amazing. Please forgive the cheapness of referencing another post, but I thought you may get a kick (pun intended) out of our experience. Check it!

P.S. If you're following me on here, I'd love you to also follow me on my new blog! (hint, hint)

The butterfly- 918C

2010-07-09T08:00:00.000-04:00

My jaw dropped when I saw some of these pictures. Here's a link to what 918C has become. They gutted all her apartments and turned it into one home. She's beautiful.

I'll always remember 918C fondly as my first DC home. She was quaint, cozy and charming despite her make-shift bathroom, droopy ceilings, a ghetto climbing ladder to reach the drier and the occasional mouse. Sadly, I have no pictures of 918C for comparison when we lived there. I do, however, have memories that will forever be ingrained. It was the location of our first holiday party, Mal and Dave's engagement party, Mal's bachelorette shower and countless get-togethers with friends. 918C's porch was the location of many late night chats, some cries and many jack-o-lanterns. Her steps were creeky and windy, making it impossible for any bed larger than a double to proceed to the second floor. All her windows were drafty and stuffed with plastic bags held in place by duct tape. Still, she offered comfort and ease. I had some of my best naps in that middle bedroom and grew the most I've grown while living in that house.

She's transformed now and is almost unrecognizable, like an old friend after many years. Still, I'll never forget her as she was.

A Feast on the Fourth!

2010-07-05T15:09:00.008-04:00

Happy birthday, America!

We had a festive July 4th party with our friends. The yard was decorated, grill was cookin', and the conversation flowing. Our day began in the yard and ended inside, with a trip to the Mall for fireworks in the middle.

Thirty by the 30th!

2010-07-05T14:34:00.002-04:00

Three posts so far. Check out my "extra" blog. I'll still use My Palette for posting personal updates, but Thirty by the 30th will be my journey to lose weight by my 30th birthday.

Add yourself as a "follower" to both to get updates on when I add new posts. Readers are part of the experience. I love to hear from you all, even when you write and let me know that I am past due on a new post. You're part of my inspiration!

Thanks for following me on My Palette. I hope to also see you on Thirty by the 30th!

New Blog!!

2010-06-30T23:55:00.005-04:00

Something new is brewing in my head and I'm super excited about it. I'm not ready to disclose it yet, but have some big plans up my sleeves and am doing some research.

The motivation: Turning 30

A makeover is in the works- mentally and physically. I'm bringing my new blog along and hope you will enjoy the ride with me...

Graduation!!

2010-06-30T10:06:00.003-04:00

If you'd have asked me back in December how much light I could see in that tunnel, I would have answered, "Where are you? It's dark in here and then... wait, there's going to be light?" This weekend, however, the sun was shining brightly and the all around as we celebrated my Master's graduation.

It was a celebratory weekend as family arrived and a milestone was marked. I felt so blessed to feel the love from family in person and from those who couldn't make it to DC. I celebrated with family throughout the weekend and then on Sunday evening Ryan cooked a feast for all of the friends that came over to celebrate.

Thanks to everyone for all the support and walking with me on my journey through graduate school. It's finished!!

The Gulf Disaster

2010-06-23T16:06:00.002-04:00

So, I promise to get on here real soon and post some personal updates.

In the meantime, I came across this today in the news and thought I would share it. It's a great link that shows in detail the steps (and lack thereof) that BP has made to fix the oil spill in the Gulf. Be sure to check out the "interactive guide" and "mapping the slick" because they offer visual guides to what has happened and what the heck is being done...

Taxation without Representation

2010-05-19T21:28:00.008-04:00

It's been four years in the making, but this city finally got ALL of me. I had a license after year one, but it took me over four years to commit my car to this city. Today I went and filed all my paperwork. It's official, folks. I'm here for a bit longer. My plates (yes, DC has a front and back) now show that I am a DC driver. So, I can't use the NC plates as an excuse for driving slow in DC (cuz I'm likely lost) and I can use the DC plates as an excuse to drive more like a "Yankee" when I go home. You win some, you lose some...

I was pretty psyched today to get my new plates. You're now looking at my fresh parking sticker. Check it:

Birthday Orchids

2010-05-05T00:18:00.003-04:00

Every girl loves to receive flowers. When they are delivered to work and as an early birthday present, they are even better! Ryan did good and I am one lucky girl!

Birthday Fun!

2010-05-04T19:25:00.010-04:00

This year is the last to be included in the decade of my twenties. So, I made sure to celebrate properly! It was a fun weekend which included dear friends and family. On my birthday morning, I went with Ryan and roomy, Danielle, to our local farmer's market that opened on May 1 (just in time, right?!). After we scoped it out and returned home, Mallory, Ryan and I packed our picnic items and began our next adventure: winery tours! The three of us rode out to VA and met some of my other friends for three winery tastings and an afternoon in the sun. We visited Bluemont, Breaux, and Hillsborough vineyards.

Farmer's market flowers.

The weather and company were perfect! We spent quality time at each location- enjoying each other's company, soaking in the sun, sharing laughs, and celebrating. Besides me, three other people in our group had just celebrated a birthday within the last two weeks, so it was fun knowing that it was more of a birthday "season" (as my friend Jenn calls them) than a birth "day" celebration.

Mal is sporting Ryan's hat as we drive TO the wineries.

Guess one can't be too prepared for fun!

After an afternoon of tastings and picnicking, Ryan drove the sun-weary sisters home. We all chilled for a bit (by "chill" I mean that I took a hard nap for about two hours) and then some more friends came over! So, we kept gabbing and celebrating until the wee hours. It was a long, exhausting and funfilled day.

On Sunday, Ryan made brunch (including funfetti chocolate chip pancakes!) for Mal and me. After an afternoon of errands I came home and he then cooked my "birthday dinner" which I had requested for Sunday evening instead of on my Saturday-bday. Dinner was amazing. He's such a talented chef! He made blackened salmon, mushroom risotto, mashed butternut squash and a mozzarella salad. It was delicious! Not only did he make enough for the two of us, but Marie and Mal joined us AND there was anough left over for lunches. It was a feast!!

I feel so blessed and feel that my "29th" got off to a bangin' start. I can't believe I'm 29, but then again who ever feels their age? Enjoy the pics from the weekend!

Spring Sprang Sprung

2010-04-04T22:34:00.002-04:00

I first fell in love with DC in the spring and every year I am reminded why. The blossoms are beautiful, people are emerging from their winter dens, restaurant patios are opening and patrons lounge while catching up with comrades, the sun is shining and the air is warm with promises of fun activities.

The past few weekends have been busy. Three weekends ago, Mallory, Ryan and I went to VA Beach with our friends as some of us participated in the half (Mal and I) and full marathon (our friends!). I thoroughly enjoyed participating in the run with Mal. Ryan was the perfect cheerleader, photographer, and caregiver to us as well. It was a fun weekend and I'm very satisfied with my run time of 2:27:13. My goal was to finish before 2:30:00 and I did it! The next run (yes, you read it right) I'll aim for under 2:20:00. Mallory and I are already eying a run in Myrtle that's in October. Ryan and Marie think they may run in it too. So, we could have a caravan! :)

Last weekend I went to the NC beach to see my college roomy and friend, Melody. She's getting married next month so we went down for the celebratory shower. I also got to see her new house, which is on a beautiful lake. I'm really looking forward to her wedding, which is going to be on the beach. They're renting a huge house on the beach where the ceremony will take place. The wedding party (that includes me!) and family will stay at the house for the weekend. It should be a blast.

This weekend was Easter weekend, one of my favorite times of the year. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom and the weather has been beyond cooperative. It's been gorgeous! I went with Ryan and some of our friends to my first professional soccer game. We watched DC United play last night in RFK stadium. This morning was church and then he and I joined our friends for an Easter feast. It was delicious!

Sprinkled over the past few weeks, I've gotten to see Mal who has been frequenting DC for job interviews. I hope she'll land something soon. Also, I put the final touches on my thesis for school. I submitted the final (YAY!) version to my school on Friday. It's done and now there's just graduation to anticipate.

I'm hoping to put up some pictures I've taken over the past few weeks and definitely want to include some of our 13.1 mile run in VA Beach.

The Countdown

2010-03-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

To my five faithful My Palette followers: Please excuse my neglect. Thanks for your subtle hints that I need to get back on here. I promise to have a fuller report soon. In the meantime, here's the month's review (the skinny version)...

A successful defense of my Master's Thesis... and my happy acceptance of the new title!
The completion of a humongo conference at work, which took place in Atlanta. I also met Dr. Francis Collins, one of my idols!
The budding of a new relationship with Ryan :)
A vacation to Puerto Rico with roomies Marie and Bastian, and our friend Christoph (visiting from Germany)
Participating in one of my long-time friend's wedding
A St. Patty's Day party
The discovery and appreciation of H Street, a street close to our house that has exciting restaurants and places to go for entertainment

Mallory arrives tomorrow evening for our first sister's half marathon, which takes place on Sunday! We'll be riding down in a caravan of other runners and cheerleaders. The run takes place on Sunday morning, but we're leaving on Saturday for VA Beach to pick up our race packets, check into our hotels, and scope out the town a bit. After the 13.1 mile race on Sunday, we'll celebrate our completion and then head to a couple wineries on the way back to DC. It should be a memorable weekend!

Undies Valentine's Run

2010-02-14T18:29:00.003-05:00

I can't believe I missed this undies run-for-a-cause yesterday. Only in DC??

Happy Valentine's Day!

The Winter Olympics

2010-02-14T17:29:00.006-05:00

My blog hiatus has hopefully ended. Life was a bit crazy there for a while. Work has been pretty busy since we're preparing for our huge conference in two weeks. I'll be spending a week in Atlanta at the end of the month.

School work has slowed to almost nothing. I turned in my thesis two weeks ago and my adviser wrote back with only a few suggestions for revisions. I actually defend it on Thursday in front of a small panel. My defense is scheduled for 2 pm, so keep me in your prayers! The defense is basically a 25-35 minute presentation of my paper followed by a 10-15 minute Q & A session (in which I am the one answering the questions).

This week was record breaking for DC and it's been cool (figuratively and literally) living here this winter. We saw record breaking snow fall and the most days on record the Federal Government has closed. DC has had the snowiest winter than all other cities in the United States, second only to Syracuse, NY.

I ventured out yesterday to clear my car from the 3-4 foot snow drifts, clear the front sidewalk for us and pedestrians, and shovel the snow from the driveway so I could get my car into it. It took me over three hours and I couldn't help but think if it as the DC Olympics. There are a lot of sports in which residents took part: car and parking spot clearing, sleddin g, sidewalk cleari ng, dodging cars as they walked in the streets due to buried walkways, and general walking since the Metro was closed and buses weren't running.

Surprisingly, I'm not hurting too much from my three hour adventure and now have a cleared sidewalk, driveway, and car of which to be proud. Here are some pics of the Snowpocalypse as we have lovingly nicknamed out storm:

It's kind of hard to tell, but the snow piles were 3-4 feet high.The picture below was taken before the second storm came and dumped another 15" on the ground.

We helped to push our neighbors out of snow-stuck spots.
This neighbor caught a lucky break as a Caterpillar came by and made the snow-freeing much faster!My car after I cleared off the snow and dug it out of the snow drifts.Another car I found while clearing out the snow.Below: A finished walkway, with the shovel stuck in the snow to show how deep it was.
The snow was about 5-6 inches taller than the top of the shovel.Below: Ryan's (a roomy's) care buried in our driveway.
You can see where I had already started clearing the drive behind it.
Below: The finished product with my car parked in it! Hard to tell from the pictures,
but the drive is about 30 feet long.And Done.

A Boli's Pizza Guy and Marie Moment

2010-01-04T00:41:00.002-05:00

So, every now and then I eat a little humble pie by letting Marie peek through my clothes and pick out ones that I should get rid of (think: I've been holding on to them since the 1990s). To be fair, she's usually right about what I should and shouldn't keep. Sometimes I just need a little prompting to get rid of the skirt I've had hanging there for years with the huge bright pink flowers on it and ribbon belt. It's a given.

However, there were two shirts under her scrutiny that I didn't think were that bad. So, we were in the middle of discussing whether they should go in the Goodwill pile when the pizza guy rang. Here's how the show went...

Marie: "Oh! It's Boli's. I'm gonna ask the pizza guy what he thinks."
Me (laughing): "No!" "Okay, but I want to see his face..."

So, we go down the stairs and she opens the door with the two shirts tucked under her arm. After filling out the credit card receipt she casually slips it in...

"So, can I ask you a question?" The guy pauses and nods.

"If you were to go out with a 28 year old woman, do you think this shirt would be sexy?" She held up the first shirt.

Poor guy. haha. He looked at her and then at me with a huge smile on his face. I could only shake my head and smile. He was on his own.

She prodded, "I mean, do you like this?" She shook it on the hanger.

He assessed the shirt (one I had worn when it was warmer and actually received compliments on!), paused, and answered, "Yeah, I like it. It's cute."

Cute? I'll take it. Nice guy, right?

She looked at him and back at me. I shrugged and said, "See, I told you... it's not bad."

She admitted defeat and gave me the shirt. "Okay," she said as she turned her face to the second one. "But this one..." She held up the second shirt (and one that I will admit to being on its way to retirement). "What about this one?" she asked.

The guy smiled bigger and looked at me again. All I could do was laugh. Marie is hilarious.

He answered, "Yeah. That one's not too bad. I wouldn't throw it away..."

Before I could feel too good about myself, he finished his sentence... "But I wouldn't wear it out."

It's in the Goodwill bag.

A Look Back and Jump Forward

2010-01-03T20:33:00.002-05:00

It's been a great new year so far. It's hard to believe that it's the beginning of a new decade. I covered a lot of firsts in the previous. Years 18 to 28 were pretty big ones. I'm excited about the next ten years and what they will hold. It feels good to be in a place where I know who I am and what I want (for the most part!).

2009 was a good year and I had some "firsts": grad school, Paris, Chicago, discovering the Farmer's Market near my house, potato digging on a farm, eating escargot, missing a flight, attending (and hosting) cupcake parties, and seeing the Blue Man Group perform. Lots of travel: MS, LA, GA, SC, NC, MD, IL, NY, and France. As I looked around my New Year's Eve buddies, I realized that I had met all of them in 2009. Also, I discovered a lot of new music in 2009 (this mostly due to having lived with Milton). Finally, I moved from my first "home" in DC to a new home.

Having given up new year's resolution-making a few years ago, I am looking forward to some upcoming, foreseeable events in 2010: completing my thesis and graduating from grad school, completing my first half marathon (March), and doing some more traveling (Hawaii, Germany, Iceland and Spain are on my radar). Since grad school will be behind me, I'm anticipating much more spare time to read the books that have collected over the past year. There is also hope to actually watch the Netflix movies I receive rather than let them collect dust for about two months before getting around to watching them.

So, here we go... I'm ready.

Sentimental

2009-12-14T23:15:00.002-05:00

I dialed her number. It was theirs, but now it's hers. The phone rang once... then twice... a third time. I heard the click of the machine. It had been a while since I called and got the machine. I waited, anticipating his voice.

But it was unfamiliar. I listened. I could feel emotion rising. What was it? Who was this?? Anger isn't the right word. Disappointment... no, it's still not the right one. It was a blow.

Where was his voice? Where was The Familiar? Instead it was a random woman trying to sell me gutters or paint or something completely irrelevant.

I called my grandma's cellphone instead. She answered and I asked about the land line. Apparently, I had misdialed the number. I hung up after chatting with her and tried again.

The phone rang once... then twice... a third time. I heard the click of a machine. This machine was different. He was on it.

I miss him.

His voice is higher on the machine. It's a poor reflection of the bass that once rumbled out of him. Still, I took it. His smile flooded through the line. I could picture him recording the message, standing over it wearing some baggy jeans and donning suspenders. The machine's buttons would be no match under his big fingers.

The message has played on the machine for years now.

As I listened, wrapped up in memories of him, the message was over almost as fast as it began. The beep rang out. I was expected to pierce the silence when all I wanted was for his voice to keep playing.

I hung up and dialed again. I listened to him again. And then a third time...

I dialed her number. It was theirs, but now its hers.

Holiday Eating: A Crash Course (or 10)

2009-12-14T16:43:00.002-05:00

It's the season of courses- food courses! We should all review these basics before sitting down (or circling) the table...

10. CARROT STICKS
Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

9. EGGNOG
Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare ... you cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnogoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

8. GRAVY
If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

7. MASHED POTATOES
As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

6. PRE-EATING
Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

5. EXERCISE
Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a ten-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

4. SANTA COOKIES
If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

3. PIES
Same for pies. Apple, pumpkin, mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

2. FRUITCAKE
Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

1. MOTTO
One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.

Remember this motto to live by:

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of
arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather
to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, body thoroughly used up,
totally worn out, and screaming "WOOHOO! What a ride!"

(thanks, Jenn, for those important tips!) ;)

Reflectons of the Season

2009-12-07T12:39:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was filled with new memories. Marie and I brought home a Christmas tree that we purchased. The experience itself was probably humorous to other shoppers at Home Depot. Marie and I had just left church and were in our heels. There's nothing like two women in Sunday attire trying to maneuver a 7' Christmas tree. Sap was all over our hands and branches were batting at our faces. It was probably a pretty entertaining sight as we shouted directions to one another and tried to figure out the best way to lift and shift it in the cart.

Regardless, the tree made it home and it's beautifully decorated now! Marie, Danielle, Catalina, and I set it up and strung the lights. An angel adorns it and there are even some sparse ornaments! Marie and Danielle also put up other lights throughout the house. The rooms smell of fresh Frasier fir and are lit with candles and small lights. It's so festive!

To kick off the season, we had a roomy dinner of crepes and cider. All six (!) of us were home and it made for a fun evening.

I can't help but smile as I think about what the season means. It's a time of love and sharing. Isn't that what the Christmas message is all about? Giving something bigger than yourself and sharing moments with people you love. It's not about consumerism. It's about shared memories. Stolen glances with a loved one. A wink across a dinner table. Laughter filling the air. Warm hugs and endearing kisses. Comfort and warmth that's only found with people who know you almost as well as you know yourself.

It all started with the biggest love offering: the unconditional gift of a baby for the world.

I came across this song in my Christmas playlist and I thought you may enjoy it. Ever wonder what it was like to be in those private moments with baby Jesus? Did he cry often? What was it like to hold the Savior of the world? Did his baby smell trump that of all other babies? What was it like for Joesph, an earthly father fully entrusted by the Heavenly One, to care for Mary and a baby boy? Here's a song by MercyMe called "Joseph's Lullaby" that may be a new favorite. Make sure to check out the lyrics:

Go to sleep my Son
This manger for your bed
You have a long road before You
Rest Your little head

Can You feel the weight of Your glory?
Do You understand the price?
Does the Father guard Your heart for now
So You can sleep tonight?

Go to sleep my Son
Go and chase Your dreams
This world can wait for one more moment
Go and sleep in peace

I believe the glory of Heaven
Is lying in my arms tonight
Lord, I ask that He for just this moment
Simply be my child

Go to sleep my Son
Baby, close Your eyes
Soon enough You'll save the day
But for now, dear Child of mine
Oh my Jesus, Sleep tight

Happy reflecting...

Anxiousness

2009-11-22T15:22:00.003-05:00

What a beautiful day in DC! Despite the late hours I kept last night, I managed to wake and go to church this AM. I was tempted to skip and work on schoolwork or sleep since I know I will be up late tonight and working on it. But, man, I am so glad I didn't. The mile walk to church was refreshing. The weather is crisp today, but by the time I had arrived, my overcoat and scarf had been peeled away and my sleeves were pushed up.

The message was taken from Genesis and focused on Abram. The subject matter was "alters" and my pastor mentioned four kinds that we can make for God: thanksgiving, epiphany, dream, and decision alters. The epiphany ones are those where God reveals something to us. Be careful what you ask God to reveal, because He may reveal something pretty big! Are you ready to take it on? The thanksgiving ones should be built so that we have a place to go back to and offer thanks. Modern thanksgiving alters may be pictures (scrapbooking, anyone?), trinkets from events, and similar items. Thanksgiving alters remind us of where we have been. Dream alters are where God gives us promises. To Abram he promised descendants and land. To us it may be anything: children, a job, a home, a life partner, etc. It's something He places in our hearts and tells us we will have if we trust him. The last one is the decision alter. Are we willing to give up what's most important to us? Are we willing to manage the major decisions we make? It's up to us to place our hopes, dreams, decisions, and promises into God's hands. He knows what's best and provides. All we have to do is trust and work with diligence and thanksgiving.

My anxiousness about school work was appeased when this familiar verse from Philippians 4 was read: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The challenge to us was to turn our worries into prayers. Take each anxious thought and turn into thanksgiving and petition it to God. It's a cool thought to think about people not walking around worried, but walking around prayerful. It also makes for a much lighter mental load.

So, here I go. I'm going to dive in and work on some homework. The sun is shining through my window for a couple more hours. And I am thankful.

Some New Additions to My Palette

2009-11-17T18:01:00.003-05:00

Well, I thought I'd jump on the blog bandwagon and add some new items to My Palette. As you can see, there's a handy new search tool on the left side that you can use to search through older posts. I was excited to see this tool as an option since I was recently looking for a previous post that I wanted to link to a newer one. I failed in my earlier quest, but can now take advantage of the search tool in the future.

A second new item on the left is a "Followers" button. I'm not quite sure if I'll keep this. It depends on the activity that I get, because it's all generated by you, the readers! So, if you sign up as a "follower" then you will appear on the left (hypothetically).

At the bottom, I have added a statistics counter. If you click on it, you will be able to see stats on people who have visited My Palette such as their geographical location, page they linked from, and where they went after visiting here. So, while it may not be that fascinating, it will be fun for me to see where people are from who are reading my blog.

Additionally, there is a "subscribe to" button that you can click to get updates. Again, not sure how popular this will be, so it may be a temporary addition.

Finally, I'm looking into featuring ads on my page. Not sure if I will yet. If you are interested in a product featured in an ad and click on the ad, then I get paid for it! Pretty sweet. If the ads are extremely tacky and I'm not feeling the vibe, then I can remove them at anytime.

OK, that's all I have for now. I've played on my blog enough tonight. I'm off to work on some schoolwork!

Legacy

2009-11-13T15:28:00.003-05:00

Life can be boggling, overwhelming, and mountainous at times. I'm feeling a bit of that lately. School is just beyond nuts. The house is being shaken up again. I feel like I could work 50+ hours at work and not catch up.

I was reminded earlier this week that I am not alone. I was also reminded that it's up to me to make leaps of faith. It's up to me to finish what I start, even if I'm not sure exactly what I'm starting when I begin! I'm also feeling like I'm being prepared for something, but can't put my finger on it. I just faithfully trudge along, with hope that I'll make a difference- even if it's small. Here's a quote I heard earlier this week with which I really identified:

"I'm not sure where I'm going, but I think I hear a call." -David Wilcox

Additionally, here's a song that I love to have stuck in my head (as it is now): "Legacy" by Nichole Nordeman with the lyrics-

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all who's who and so-n-so's that used to be the best
At such'n'such ... it wouldn't matter much

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an 'Atta boy' or 'Atta girl'
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who
blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthly list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon enough destroy

Not well traveled, not well read, not well-to-do or well bred
Just want to hear instead, "Well Done" good and faithful one.

My personal challenge is to seek deeper, ask the tough questions, and be willing to get gritty if I hear the answers.

Life Comes at You Fast

2009-11-09T22:58:00.005-05:00

So, I was pretty slack in my posting during October. What's even more slack is that I almost wrote "March" instead of October. Guess that's a Freudian slip. Where did the time go since March?? We're well into November. The holidays are pressing at the window and I'm still wondering where summer went.

Somewhere in the past month was a trip to Mississippi and Louisiana. I experienced my first solo site visits as I checked out some hotels where we're hoping to host a conference. I saw Mal and Dave's new home. It really is a home now. Their apartment is completely decorated (as only Mal can do) and now full of memories. They're both enjoying their jobs, have made new friends, and are settling into their life as newlyweds in the military. It was quite a different trip than the one I made in August, where Mal was finishing rooms, walls were bare, her job was a big question mark, and not a local friend had been made. It was a joy to go down there again and see smiles and know that they are both content.

Back in DC, I've just begun my final class for grad school. Tonight I met my last professor and reviewed the final syllabus I'll have as a student. There was an electricity in the air as my fellow cohorts and I recognized where we'd arrived. Although the celebration is still in the distance, I can't help but see the light. How has it passed so quickly? Time is really a blink.

As school wraps, I've started training for the half-marathon that I'm doing in March. The 13.1 miles is on the distant horizon, but my training schedule is posted on my bedroom wall. It will be the longest run I've done and I'm looking forward to tackling it. Mal has signed up for it as well. Plus, I have a couple DC friends who are running the full marathon (26.2 miles) that is the same day. I'm looking forward to the change in my body that comes with training for an event. Mentally, there's something that sparks. When the muscles are tired and hot, the brain kicks in and provides the extra drive to make it to the next sign or that hydrant or just past that car. A game begins, with the distance and time being the other players. Can I beat my time? Can I push myself an extra few blocks? Running can be boring, but it's also quite therapeutic. Not as therapeutic as writing, but it's pretty close!

Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to go to the first "adult party" I'd been to in a while. The attendees were a mixture of ages, a "real meal" was served, and there were conversations filled with purpose and aimed at bettering society. My "DC parents" (Rich and Kathy) hosted a party in their home and invited about a dozen of us over to learn about Act One, a writer's and executive training program for people in Hollywood and the film industry. I was invited because of my relationship to the hosts and for my appreciation for film and the arts. I met some really interesting people, such as the writer/director of a film I saw two years ago called As We Forgive, which focuses on healing and forgiveness being done in Rwanda after the genocides. Laura Waters Hinson is a beautiful woman who studied at American University and created the film as a student. She's since graduated and is using it to promote healing and racial reconciliation. Our worlds got smaller as we talked and I realized that she is married to a guy with whom I went to high school! Besides Laura, I also met Ben Lobato, a writer for the show The Unit and a graduate of the Act One program. He spoke extensively about the program and gave some of his life story. He came to know Christ later in life, while doing some time in the military, and has been a Christian in Hollywood. His story is fascinating and it was interesting to hear how God has worked in his life and in Hollywood.

I can't promise that my postings will be more frequent than the rate they were last month, but I can write this: I've at least tied the number! Here's to hoping I'll up it...

Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act

2009-10-06T07:52:00.000-04:00

While I need to update My Palette with personal snippets, I can't help but first write about an issue on my mind this morning. I was able to join a conference call hosted by Dr. Joel Hunter, a pastor at Northland Church in FL, that featured Senator John Kerry. Kerry and Barbara Boxer, both Democratic Senators will have a bill on the Senate floor once the health care bill is tackled (who knows when that will be!).

The Kerry-Boxer bill, known as the "Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act," is a step in the right direction for better emissions controls and better alternative energy programs. You can read a little more about it in the NY Times article if you want.

The bottom line is we're damaging the environment faster than scientists have previously estimated. The Arctic shelf, once estimated to melt by 2030 is now estimated to be gone by 2013. Sea levels are rising. Nations are fighting over decreased water supplies. The earth is warming at alarming rates. The air quality gets worse every year.

Meanwhile... we wait.

The United States is one of the highest carbon emitting countries and we have to start claiming responsibility and DOING something about it. Kerry urged all on the call today to start talking and acting. He claims that many people tell the Senators and House Reps that they are concerned about climate change, but don't act.

So, instead of waiting, ACT!

Look up your Senators and write him/her to urge them them to support the Kerry-Boxer bill when it goes to the floor. For those who are caught up in the we-versus-them, the bill is being crafted by Republicans and Democrats. Besides, don't all labels fall away when it comes to the earth we share? So, click here... it's the page where you can find your Senators. Write a letter (or you can copy and tweak what I have written below) and urge your rep to support this bill. Some action is better than no action.

In the time it took you to read this, you can look up and write your Senator. Let me know if you do, because I'd love to hear about what you're doing! We're all on this earth together and each person plays a part in protecting it. This is just one way that you can!

(What I wrote that you can copy and tweak to fit you):

Dear Senator ,

Thank you so much for your work and service to residents.

As a moderate Republican concerned about our environment, I am writing to urge you to SUPPORT Senators Kerry and Boxer's "Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act" bill that will be on the Senate floor very soon.

We need to increase our efforts when it comes to environmental stewardship and be an example to other nations.

While the bill omits some details, I trust that those details will responsibly be negotiated by the moderate Republicans and Democrats who have are uniting for this cause. I believe that SOME action is better than NO action. This bill is one step forward in the right direction.

Thanks for considering my opinion and representing me.

Sincerely,

September Somethings

2009-09-16T09:24:00.002-04:00

The month is passing quickly. I can't believe it's halfway over. We've had a lot of changes in the house lately. Drew left for New York to pursue his last year of grad school at Columbia. A friend of his from France, Marie, briefly moved in with us until she found a permanent place to live in DC. She's since moved. Her stay was a mere 2.5 weeks. Milton found a job in Raleigh and has moved (mostly) to start his new position. He still has some of his things in our house, which he's promised to get by the end of the month. It was a pretty fast move. When he was offered the job, they asked him to start four days later.

Right now we have two open rooms, one of which we have to fill and the other of which Marie and I are thinking we'll fill to bring in some extra cash (and reduce our rents). It would be great if we could.

We celebrated Marie's bday last week. She wanted to go to dinner and then we came home and had her friends over for games and socializing. Marie had a good time and any excuse to have a party is fine by me!

This Saturday we have plans to join French Marie and her beau, George, for a day at Mt. Vernon. I've lived in DC for over 3.5 years and still have never made it to Mt. Vernon, so it should be a fun day trip. Next weekend the four of us are planning on heading to NYC to visit Drew for the weekend. I'm excited about seeing NYC since I haven't been in well over 14 years.

I'm eying a half marathon in VA Beach in March 2010. I haven't done a long run in a while and this seems like just the race to get me motivated back into shape (and back into some pants I've outgrown). The race is a St. Patty's day theme since it's the week of the holiday. People apparently get dressed up for it- in their best Irish green! It looks like a fun time and a good first half marathon. Mal has agreed to do it with me so we'll make a sisters trip out of it!

Hello, September!

2009-09-01T15:20:00.003-04:00

Fall is in the air in DC. I opened my windows and slept sans A/C last night and it was as wonderful as I imagined it would be. When I was younger, one season always won out when I was asked the question, "What's your favorite season?" Spring was said without any hesitation.

Over the past couple of years I've felt a resistance. Spring is no longer the season that quickly pops into my head when asked that question. What is it about fall that has crept into my soul and won me? The smell? A mixture of aging leaves, chimney smoke, and rain. The feeling of the cool breeze as summer's heat reluctantly loses its grip? The colors of those leaves? Wow. The remainder of a sun-kissed tan? New flowers and plants that spring forgets? Apples make their fall debut!

Sure fall is a preface to winter, a season that definitely is my least favorite, but it's intoxicating while it lasts. Welcome back, my fall friend. I missed you and your glory.

My Morning Adventure

2009-08-18T11:08:00.004-04:00

So, I realized only five seconds after I'd shut my car's trunk that I had also locked my car keys within it. There is nothing quite as humbling as having to call AAA from a friend’s cell and asking them to come and unlock your trunk….

After giving a brief synopsis of my error and need, this is how part of the conversation went:

“Yes, Miss Duncan. Can you give us your AAA number?”

A pause. “Um, it’s in my wallet, which is in my trunk. I don’t know it.”

“OK, no problem, we can search by your name. Can you give us a phone number where we can reach you?”

“I don’t know the phone number I am calling from and my phone is locked in my trunk,” is how I respond. I need coffee is what I am thinking.

Thoughts Regarding the Weekend

2009-08-16T22:02:00.003-04:00

I can't believe that the weekend will be over in a couple of hours! Where did it go? It went by fast and I know it was because it was packed full of good times and people.

On Friday, I got to visit with Priya and her beau, Jeremi. I hadn't seen her for a few months (six maybe?) and it was good to catch up. Thank God for "pick-up friends"- the ones with whom we can just pick-up where we left off last. It's so easy to be Priya's friend, it's a crime. I'm blessed to have her in my life.

Founding Farmers was tasty! The food was delicious and the company was delightful. Priya, Jer, and I met some of their friends there before going dancing. I had met one of the couples before, but it had been a while. The last time I saw them was when we all brought in 2006 together at a New Year's party in Philly. After a delicious dinner, we went to one of my favorite jazz places, 18th Street Lounge. They have a deejay and dance floor on one level and a live jazz band on the upper level of the club. The patrons are typically pretty low key and chill. They can appreciate the music, make suave dance moves, and carry on a conversation. Sometimes even all at once! The night ended with a car trip to DC9, where my friend, Jay, and I met the roomies and other friends.

On Saturday, Marie, Drew and I awoke and went to the beach for a day of fun in the sun. Breezy Point is not too far from DC, so it makes for an easy ride to a not-too-crowded beach. It was nice to darken what was left of my tan from my previous beach trip and hang with Drew and Marie. The beach wasn't as crowded as I'd seen it before and we actually scored a parking spot close to the entrance. It was meant to be! Before rolling out of town, we made our traditional stop at Trader's, a fresh seafood restaurant near the water's edge. It's a bit over-priced, but well worth the cost. Their crab cakes are incredible.

Today was a great end to the weekend. Drew and I went to church, where the message centered around Matthew 25's Parable of the Talents. We were reminded to use our abilities and talents for God's glory. When it's all said and done, we'll be asked how we used them. Did we use them? Do we? At the end of the day it's just as much a crime to not use them. In addition to what the pastor preached, Drew and I also concluded that inaction is just as bad (if not worse) than action. God can use our actions, even if we fail, for His glory as long as our heart is in the right place.

After church, we went to the movie Food, Inc. Everyone should see this movie. The timing of my viewing it was perfect since I am also in the middle of reading Fast Food Nation, a book that came onto the scene a few years ago and began to challenge the way people viewed the fast food industry, among other large industries. I hope that Fast Food Nation and Food, Inc. will do what Sinclair's The Jungle did in the 20th century. The Jungle brought regulations and change to the meat packing industry. It empowered workers and called out the way companies were running their plants.

Food, Inc. is a movie that challenges the viewers to question where their food comes from. Why is it cheaper to buy fast food than quality food in a supermarket? Even deeper... do you know where the supermarket gets its food? Most food travels 1500 miles from "farm" to supermarket. Vegetables are picked before they are ripe and "ripened" with chemicals to make them appealing to the consumer. Four large companies control the meat on our shelves. Four. Cows, chickens, and pigs are fed ground corn because it is cheaper than grass. Animals aren't meant to eat corn, so their bodies can't correctly process the diet they are given. As a result, a strong strain of E. Coli has developed and is quite common in the plants where animals are housed. The hamburgers sold in fast food restaurants are packed with E. Coli killing ammonia, because E. Coli is so rampant on the "farms" where cattle is kept that a patty isn't safe enough to eat without the ammonia. Also, the average package of hamburger meat has meat from over 1000 different cows in it.

Chickens have been genetically coded to grow faster (in 49 days rather than 70) and have larger breasts, making them heavier than chickens in the past. The results are sickening and sad. Their bones can't keep up with the weight so the chickens can only walk a few steps before falling. But no worries... most of them only have the room to walk a step anyway. In most hen houses, they are so tightly packed they couldn't really walk far if they wanted. Forget sunlight. They are kept in the dark because it keeps them subdued so the farmer can go into the cage and easily scoop them when it's time for the slaughter. Perdue and Tyson both refused to grant interviews for Food, Inc. So did Smithfield Farms, which one learns is hardly a farm, but is really a manufacturing plant for cows who spend their life (if you can call it one) five inches deep in their own manure.

The movie also touches on how the companies are putting corn in all our food. Corn syrup is the first or second ingredient in most packaged foods. About 90% of our packaged food has a corn product in it. It's cheap to make, but hurting us in the long run. 1 of 3 children born after 2000 will have diabetes as a child or as an adult. 1 of 2 people in minority populations will. In the long run, this "cheap" food is costing us more.

In Fast Food Nation and Food, Inc. they both touch on what has happened to the American workforce that works in these industries. The farmers are being exploited- squished under laws and thumbs of the large companies that are buying their products. The people who are passing the laws in Washington have had former lives in the very companies who gain from them. Past CEOs, Board members, and VPs of large corporations (like Smithfield) now work for Congress and in other powerful positions. They don't really care about the farmers, employees, and the American people. Their pockets have been padded enough by large corporate money that they turn a blind eye to what their laws are doing.

A law was passed in 1996 to genetically alter the soybean. Farmers were told it would be illegal to keep and replant their best seeds. They had to start using a certain soybean that's been genetically altered to withstand a certain pesticide (Round-Up). The result: in 12 years, 90% of the soybeans are the same. The 10% not genetically altered come from small farmers who could be prosecuted and sued if they are caught not using the genetically altered beans. Why? Because continuing to grow them goes against a patent law nestled in the bill. So, our government now owns the soybean. Does anyone ever stop to think what may happen if a bacteria attacks and begins to kill only these genetically altered beans?

I haven't given away all of the movie, but have only highlighted some of the things I learned. The movie is FULL of great information. It's a spoon-fed version (pun intended) of what Fast Food Nation and similar books contain. Something is seriously wrong with how we're making and packaging food. The challenge is to rethink how you buy it. Buy from local farmers. Buy organic. Demand that animals be treated better so that the food we get is better for us. Resist Genetically Altered Products (be it fattened chickens or milk with hormones in it). Money talks and it's the only thing that these large companies hear. Make your money talk by using it in ways to support quality products from REAL farms and not the farms that are merely painted on glossy cardboard boxes with flashy labels.

The Weekend Plans

2009-08-14T18:20:00.002-04:00

This weekend has some fun adventures in store. Priya is visiting the DC area and we are getting together tonight. Her beau is fairly new to the area so I anticipate seeing her more than I normally do! This evening a group of us are trying a new (to me) restaurant: Founding Farmers. It's downtown and I've heard great reviews about it. I'm sure there will be some after-dinner activities to follow... it's just a matter of where. Hrm??

Tomorrow promises good memories as well. Drew, Marie and I are going to Chesapeake Beach for some sunning and sharks-teeth hunting. My tan from a few weekends ago is fading and in need of a boost.

I'm not sure what Sunday has in store, but it should probably include some homework. heh.

A Morning Chuckle

2009-08-13T10:57:00.002-04:00

One of my friends had posted this video on his page. It's pretty hilarious- or at least I thought so. I'm trying to picture Charlotte in kitten mittens. haha! Make sure you watch until the very end, as the last second is the funniest... enjoy!!

A Reminder

2009-08-12T16:22:00.002-04:00

Sometimes it helps to sing a comforting hymn, that wraps its words around one's soul like a snugly blanket fresh from the dryer. This one has been a great one today. I especially like Chris Rice's version. Also, if you don't know the story behind the following hymn, you should read it. It'll put in perspective any troubles you may be facing.

It Is Well With My Soul

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Refrain:
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life,
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But Lord, 'tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul.

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

Horatio Spafford

A Silent War

2009-08-11T16:13:00.002-04:00

My heart broke as I read this story today. The Afghan people are fighting a war of which we don't hear. I don't really have much to add, but wanted to share this story. The media paints Afghans as terrorists, but they are also victims. It's sad to read of how drugs are taking over some of their villages. How heartbreaking to read of such a high rate of addiction and relapsing. In addition, Satan is creeping in and robbing them of their future generations before they are old enough to have a choice.

KIVA

2009-08-09T22:27:00.002-04:00

I was blown away by this organization when I learned about it at Willow Creek's Leadership Summit! The organization was founded four years ago by a group of friends. It is a micro-financing company that establishes loans for entrepreneurs around the globe who can't get loans from banks. Loans are established between the future business owners and someone willing to finance them and their cause.

For example, take a woman in Peru, Maria, who wants to start a bike shop. She needs $2000 dollars to get her business started, but is denied a loan for whatever reason. She applies to Kiva to be an "Entrepreneur" on their site. Kiva gathers her information and approves her after making sure her request is legitimate. On the other end of the spectrum, John Smith is interested in financing a loan request. He knows of Kiva's great reputation and wants to make a difference, empowering someone by helping him to reach his dream and start a business. John creates a profile through Kiva as a "Lender" and peruses the loans. He sees Maria's profile and connects with her dream. He can then click on her profile and lend her money through Kiva.

ANYONE can finance a loan and can do so for as little as $25. Kiva has a 98.5% success rate when it comes to business owners repaying their loans. Kiva's beta-test group began with three lenders needing a total of $3000 in loan money. Today (just four years later) Kiva has facilitated the lending of $85 million dollars. Wow. What a story.

Jessica Jackley, the co-founder of Kiva, was at the Summit and shared about Kiva. The exciting thing about the company, besides their great reputation, is that it doesn't take much to empower someone you don't even know. Plus, with the way Kiva is designed, Entrepreneurs and Lenders are connected and learn about each other. So, Lenders aren't blindly supporting someone, but see the progress being made and feel good about their financial decision. Entrepreneurs feel supported and motivated by the connections made with their Lender(s). They know that people are cheering for them and the success of their business.

It's brilliant and I am so impressed. I walked away from the session excited and pumped about supporting people across the globe in their business ventures. I also thought, how can I work for them?? Hrm...

Leadership

2009-08-09T21:22:00.012-04:00

I returned on Friday energized from Willow Creek's Leadership Summit, held near Chicago. What a conference! The theme of the conference was "Lead Where You Are" and it was appropriate. The conference had over 7,000 attendees and featured leaders in the Christian and secular community. Some of the bigger names were Tim Keller, Bono (via video), David Gergen, and Tony Blair (via video). There were others as well, but those were the ones most recognized.

The crowd was massive and Willow Creek put on quite a production. Their stage and lighting were on a professional scale. The sound and video system are to be rivaled. They conference was done very well and I was greatly impressed.

I'll confess that I was not thrilled to be going to the conference. In my mind, a leadership conference hosted at a church whispered of hokeyness. I was attending and expecting the worst. Thankfully, I got the best.

The speakers were experts in their fields. Some are in government, such as David Gergen and Tony Blair. Others are in entertainment, such as Bono. Others lead in the Christian community, like Tim Keller and Bill Hybels (pastor of Willow Creek). There were also leaders in business, such as Jessica Jackley (founder of Kiva) and Wess Stafford (founder of Compassion International).

I can't begin to breakdown all of what I learned, but I will try to offer some highlights:

Leaders today must mobilize, connect, and support those who follow them (Gary Hamel)
Organizations are becoming flat and flexible, rather than institutionalized and hierarchical. We must reinvent how we manage and lead to reflect these changes (Gary Hamel)
"The main thing separating you from God is not your sins, but your damnable good deeds" (Tim Keller). Too often we focus on the good works we are doing and begin to think of ourselves more high and mighty than we should. What motivates your good deeds? Keep that in check.
Get out of your huddle and BE the game (Harvey Carey). Carey compared the church to a Superbowl. Imagine you buy tickets and attend the Superbowl. The players come onto the field and get in their huddle, planning for the game. They huddle for five minutes, then ten, then thirty, and eventually for 45 minutes. The crowd watches, getting restless. Finally, the huddle breaks and the players leave the field to go home. That's what many churches are like. The members go to church on Sunday, huddle and pray for their communities and world, but never actually go and play in them. They just huddle. Carey's point was this: stop planning, praying, and talking about making a difference and DO IT.
"Failure is a success to God" (David Gibbons). Our failures are what the world connects with us on. Most of the world doesn't understand success, but all of it understands failure. Don't let your life failures stop you, because God can use them for higher purposes than we can imagine.
Listen to peoples' stories (David Gibbons)
We must advocate TRADE and not AID to Africa (Andrew Rugasira, founder of Good African Coffee in Uganda). What do you think of when you hear the word Africa? More often than not, you think of poverty, disease, and malnutrition. Retrain your brain. Africa is a nation of opportunity, entrepeneurs, consumers, and innovators. If we really want to aid Africa, we must help it change from the inside. No successful country has developed from handouts, so why do we keep trying to do it with Africa? We should buy products from Africa and support businesses from there.
Believe in the potential of one another (Jessica Jackley, co-founder of Kiva)
Leadership without passion and integrity isn't leadership. Leadership is a gift, given to a leader everyday (Wess Stafford, founder of Compassion International)
People don't care what you know until they know why you care. God has given us all a story to be used for Him. We have worth beacuse of who gives us worth, not because of what we do (Wess Stafford)
"Maturity is coming to grips with your great flaws" (David Gergen)
"Who the leader is speaks as loudly as what he says" (David Gergen)
These personal habits were suggested: self-discipline, make time for people you cherish/social relationships, be physically fit, keep regular habits, and make time for reflection (David Gergen)
If you want to see change, BE THE CHANGE you want to see in the world (Gandhi, quoted by Gergen)
Change comes about through buy-in. Big problems can be solved through small solutions (Dan and Chip Heath)
Be honest and lead with a spirit of humility (Bono)
Leadership is a blessing and a gift (Tony Blair)
"Not every reader is a leader, but every leader is a reader" (David Gergen, quoting someone else whose name I didn't catch)

Bill Hybels, pastor of Willow Creek church, closed the Leadership Summit with practical challenges that we can undertake daily:

Make time to meet with God everyday
Commit to reading good books at least 30 minutes a day
Review your replenishment strategy (Romans 8:6)
Say "yes" to God every time the spirit prompts you
Stop complaining about the lack of resources you have and equip with what you do have
Believe in yourself

The conference was one that I will never forget. The highlights above are just nuggets of what was shared. I was spiritually renewed, mentally challenged, and reminded that there is SO much to do out there. Each of us can make a difference and lead where were are. It always starts with one.

Here are some pictures taken after then conference while we were in the airport. Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of my boss, but here are two ladies with whom I work that are both colleagues and friends of mine:

Lisa-Jo and Juliene

Lisa-Jo and I

All Quiet on the Eastern Front

2009-08-04T22:08:00.004-04:00

It's been a nice evening. The weather was perfect for sitting outside on the porch. Chardonnay in hand, I caught up with a friend. Though the mosquitoes are unforgiving, it's worth the battle to take in the fresh air (minus the lingering bug spray) and enjoy the movement of the city street.

The house is quiet. All of my roomies are gone- involved in their own plans. I enjoy it. I wonder how long I will be living in the group home atmosphere. My heart often longs for solitude and a place to call my own, or at least one to call "ours" without referencing more than two people.

I bid my friend farewell and piddled in the kitchen. Dinner called and I had to answer. I listened to the music as loud as I liked. There was no one else to worry or bother. No one else to worry or bother me either.

The clothes are drying and my suitcase remains empty still. I am leaving for Chicago tomorrow afternoon. There's a conference that my team (from work) and I are attending that will go until Friday evening. I am excited to explore Chicago a bit and hope there is some free time to do so. The conference is from 9-5 during the day, which means our evenings are free. On Thursday night, we'll attend the Blue Man Group. We've already bought the tickets and I am anticipating a memorable performance. From the limited exposure I've seen (on television), it looks like an exceptional show.

I fly home in time to still get a weekend. My flight arrives in DC before midnight on Friday. I'm looking forward to some down time the rest of the weekend.

Next week looks pretty slow at work. We're wrapping up some details on our conference planning before things start jumping again. At the end of the week, I'm looking forward to heading to NC to spend some time at home. I haven't been home since Christmas and am WAY past due. A long weekend with my family will do me some good.

The suitcase is calling. I must answer. Chicago beckons louder.

Quickly

2009-07-17T13:29:00.004-04:00

I have caught up on my homework and feel comfortable enough to let it rest for the time being. I am not at my desk, where projects face me. I have a few moments of quiet. Mallory is sleeping in the other room and I am relaxing on her lanai as I begin day two of my vacation in Mississippi and the deep south.

Seems like the pace back in DC has been a little hectic lately. Drew has returned from France and there are now six of us living in the house. The older I get, the more roommates I am acquiring. It seems to go against my nature, but no one ever said that I'd live what I expected. Drew will be with us until the end of August before he moves to NY to finish grad school.

I've had recent vacations to Florida and the NC beach within the past month. Some pictures of Florida have been posted, but the beach pictures won't make it up here until I return from MS and visiting Mal.

Dave is away at bootcamp, so Mallory and I have uninterrupted sister time. Although I love and miss Dave, it's been fun to have my sister to myself. Yesterday I arrived and she gave me a tour of Gulfport, where she is living. I was really surprised to still see a lot of devastation from Katrina. There are many boarded buildings and overgrown lots where people just never returned to their homes or businesses. Signs advertising restaurants and shops stand tall, beatnen by a storm that stole what they represented. In place of the restaurant or store is an empty lot, weeds, and tall grass. Construction is rampant. No neighborhood is immune from Caterpillars, large trucks, and the sound of rebuilding. It's been over five years. I can't imagine what it was like even four years ago.

Besides the tour, we went to a restaurant new to Mallory, but one that she has been wanting to try. It's called Back Bay and it was delicious! We had their shrimp toast, which was slightly toasted bread covered in a creamy white sauce with shrimp, crawfish, red peppers, and mushrooms in it. Mmm. It didn't stand a chance. For our entrees we split pan seared grouper, fried shrimp, sauteed zucchini and squash, and hush puppies. Mal had a glass of wine and I had Abita, which is an amber beer brewed in New Orleans.

After I wake Mal, our plan today is to hit the pool for a little bit. They have a mineral pool in their apartment complex. Don't ask me what all that entails, but Mal seems pretty excited about it. After the pool, we're hitting the road for two days and nights in New Orleans. I am so excited to see Mal in New Orleans and experience the fun city again. New Orleans has always been on my top five places of favorite vacations. I'm excited about experiencing it again after about seven years of having not been there. Mufalettas, Cafe du Monde, Pat O'Brien's, Court of Two Sisters, and Bourbon Street here we come. I can practically smell the coffee and beignets. I can hear the music and taste the sweet hurricane.

Neglect

2009-07-09T11:07:00.002-04:00

According to Merriam-Webster (2009), the word Neglect means two things: 1) to give little attention or respect to and 2) to leave undone or unattended especially through carelessness.

It seems a bit harsh and tough to swallow, but I realize this is what My Palette has been looking like lately. I promise to provide some updates soon to include: A Parisian Visitor, Fourth of July, and Vacation updates. I'll also be providing some pics.

Thanks for keeping tabs on me. I love sharing with you guys (all three of my loyal readers!) ;)

Counting Down

2009-06-03T13:45:00.002-04:00

I am in official countdown mode for several things:

The Scale: I've lost 11 pounds on Master Cleanse so far. Granted, I'll probably gain at least half of it back once I start eating food again, but 11 pounds is a good number to have in nine days.
One.Five days: That's how many days (including today) that I have left on Master Cleanse. The fast is supposed to last at least ten days. Tomorrow will be day ten.
Three days: FOOD! I can eat it on Saturday. Although I go off the fast tomorrow night, I have to ease back into a normal diet so I don't freak out my body. So, Friday I can have orange juice and water. Whoot whoot. I'm looking forward to drinking something other than lemon juice, maple syrup, cayenne pepper, and tea. On Saturday, I'm supposed to only drink broths and orange juice. I think I'll start slipping in some fruits later in the day though. At that point I'll be to the fourth thing I'm in countdown for...
VACATION! My plane lands in FL in the afternoon and I plan on being by the pool pretty soon after that. I can't wait to see my family again!

I wish I'd kept a detailed daily report of my Master Cleanse experience. It's been an interesting ten day journey. I've definitely noticed how much of my life revolves around food. Whether I am going out with people to eat, having people over for coffee or drinks, or just socializing while snacking, food plays a big part in my life.

The cleanse is supposed to purge my body of a lot of "gook" inside my intestines. So, hypothetically, I'm a lot cleaner inside now. I think I'm going to keep it that way as much as possible. This means shaving out fattier foods from my everyday diet, including those high in sugar, sodium, and grease. In addition, I've detoxed from caffeine and plan on reducing it so I don't become addicted again. I think I have a pretty healthy diet compared to some, but I know there's always room for improvement. This cleanse will be the jump start that I need.

One also can't forget exercise! Now that I'm fitting back into the clothes I wore this time last year (when I was running a lot more), it's motivation to begin running again. I love how my body feels now (minus the hunger pangs) and hope to maintain this look and feel.

Supremely DC

2009-05-29T12:50:00.003-04:00

Well, just when the grind gets to seem monotonous, a little bit of DC creeps in unexpectedly. I had the opportunity today to go on a "backstage" tour of the Supreme Court. My boss is friends with one of the Clerks there and he gave us a real look at The Court.

We first went into the library where only the justices are allowed. The Supreme Court building was erected in the 1930s and the library is the only room that has the original ceilings of 24 karat gold. Otherwise, other places in the building have undergone one or two renovations. After the library, we made our way up a staircase to the private gym and basketball court, which sit above The Court chambers. The Clerk who showed us the basketball court says that the inside joke is that the basketball court is actually THE higher court since it sits above the Supreme Court chambers.

Once we left the gym, we made our way to the chambers themselves, where we went beyond where general public tours are conducted... past the bar... and right up to the Judges' platform (where they incidentally have spittoons near their seats)! We stood at the mic where the lawyers plead their cases and it was quite amazing. The Clerk shared a few stories of traditions that they share. For example, before the judges walk into the court, they all put on their robes in an adjacent hall that is hidden behind the curtains (that otherwise appear behind them from the general publics' courtroom view). Once a judge puts on his/her robe, he then walks to each of the other judges and shakes their hands. Once this "ceremony" is complete, they walk into the courtroom. Another example was a tradition of the lawyers who go before the judges and defend a case. Within the great hall (right outside the court), there is a marble and brass statue of a seated John Marshall. It is tradition of the lawyer who is about to defend his case to rub the left shoe of John Marshall. The shoe itself is worn down and the gold colored brass now shows through the otherwise black coating. Pretty interesting!

It is days like today that I pinch myself. I mean... I stood in the Chambers of the highest court in the world! Overall, it's been a great Friday so far!

In other news, we just found a fifth roommate. Our new roomy, Tom, moves in this weekend. We found him through Will. So, we'll have five people in the house for another month before Drew returns from France and lives in our sixth bedroom until the end of August. It will be quite an adjustment to live with five people, let alone six. We'll see how living with four guys is!

I'm on the fourth day of a ten day fast. I'm following in Mallory's and Milton's (other roomy's) footsteps and doing the Master Cleanse fast. The first day was the worst so far and really the only issue on that day was that I seemed hungrier than I have the past three. I made sure to detox from caffeine before starting, so I haven't (yet) experienced any headaches that may be caused from detoxing from caffeine. I remember doing a similar ten day "juice fast" with Mallory over two years ago and having really bad headaches on days two and three due to caffeine withdrawl. So, this time I made sure to go through that earlier! We'll see if I make it to ten...

Celebrations!

2009-05-18T01:08:00.003-04:00

Here are some pictures from the past weekend, where we celebrated Dave's commissioning into the Air Force and his graduation from dental school. It's great to have a dentist and Captain in the family. It's even better when it's the same person!

New House Pictures

2009-04-27T00:49:00.002-04:00

The move went well! We had a beautiful day and many friends who helped. The boxes are still everywhere and there are many things on the "to do" list, but at least I'm sleeping in my new house (and with a new comforter thanks to Mal!). Here are some pictures taken from last weekend and this weekend. I'll also update the picture album as we add to it!

This week's big project at the house: finding a fifth roomy. Updates to come when I have some.

The most ironic thing of the weekend: I now have a car in D.C. It just won't start. The car is parked in my driveway and won't turn over. Ah, the irony...

Catch Ups

2009-04-24T18:06:00.000-04:00

April 2nd was my last blog post and a lot has happened since then. We found a place to live that's not too far from our current house. It's quite an upgrade in terms of size. The location has ups and downs to it. It's definitely closer to a metro (four blocks!), but the neighborhood doesn't seem as secure as our current one. Plus, I won't have my one block commute to work anymore! Boo. No more walking home and napping at lunch. My commute will now include a bus ride to and from the office. On nice evenings I may walk home. It's about 15 blocks from my front doorstep to the office. Still not a shabby commute. The bus ride will take about 5-8 minutes and the bus runs every ten minutes in the mornings and evenings.

The house: HUGE! It has six bedrooms and 2.5 baths. We've decided to turn one of the bedrooms into a large walk-in closet, which is fun. The house has a sun room and large utility closet on the back of it. We have a front porch and yard, which make me very excited. There's a dining room (!) and even private parking in the back. So, I'll have a car once again since there's a free place to park it. I have mixed feelings about having a car in DC. I've adjusted easily to not having one, but I do miss it when the pantry gets low and groceries are calling. So, I know I'll appreciate it for hauling food and hauling home to NC.

Marie and I have spent most of our spare evenings at the new house as we prep it for moving. Mallory has come up a couple weekends to assist in this preparation and moving as well. There are a couple of rooms that are almost done- like the dining and Marie and my bathroom. Mallory and Dave are coming up this evening to help move some more things. Tomorrow is our all-call to the friends. We've rented a truck and are moving the furniture and heavier/bigger items then. I've taken a few pictures and will post them soon. Here is a link to some earlier pictures that Mallory took. Many of the rooms have progressed since these pics, but they will give you an idea of the house.

In other news, this week is going to be busy with school. I have a pretty big paper and final both due on Wednesday. Before that, I have a group presentation on Monday night. If I can survive through Wednesday night, I have a week off for spring break.

In two weeks I am flying to Atlanta for work. We're prepping for a big conference there in 2010. I'll be meeting with vendors and planning off-site events for folks. I'm happy to be going, but could think of better ways to spend my spring break evenings.

I've been meaning to mention a book that's caught my attention and that I've enjoyed reading: The Shack. The book is about a man (Mac) whose young daughter is murdered by a serial killer. Lost in grief and bound by guilt, he spirals into a depression and questions God. As the book continues, Mac gets an anonymous letter in the mail that asks him to go to the cabin where his daughter was killed. He does. In the cabin Mac meets God in His three parts: an African woman (who is the "father"), an Arab man ("Jesus"), and an Asian woman (the "holy spirit"). The book is AMAZING!! It has very raw dialogue that mirrors my own questions and thoughts about grief, loss, and "bad things" in this world. Plus, I love the portrayal of God as the three characters.

One of my favorite moments is when Mac, who has father issues of his own, asks God (the African woman) why she isn't an old man, with flowing white hair that is the stereotype of what men portray God to be. She smiles and tells him that she knows him (Mac). If she'd come to him as that image, Mac wouldn't have been receptive because of his own "daddy" issues. Basically implying that God always meets us where we are. There are other great questions that are answered: Where is God when bad things happen to innocent people? Why does He allow bad things if He's an all knowing and good God? Besides beautiful dialogue, the book also portrays God as relative, funny, empathetic, and real which can sometimes be lost. Anyways, pick it up- it's a quick, deep, and mind-changing read. You won't regret it.

Whoa!

2009-04-02T20:04:00.004-04:00

Well, it seems today brought some pretty big news.

I opened my email this morning and saw an email from my landlord titled "30 Day Notice." Our lease is up on May 1 and we'd intended on renewing. It would mark the beginning of my fourth year in our home.

Our landlord, it seems, has other plans.

The email did not include details for renewing our lease. Instead, it said that our house is being sold and we need to vacate it by midnight on the 30th of April. Hrm. Definitely didn't see that coming.

I'm still in shock and working my way between denial and acceptance. I've poured over Craigslist ads and scheduled appointments for the weekend. Marie, Milton, and I will go together to look at the houses. It seems that it will be the three of us when we move. We're telling Will the news later tonight and (depending on what he says) we may look for a bigger place (think four bedroom instead of the three bedrooms I've been scheduling for appointments). I anticipate that he'll want to move elsewhere.

I can't believe that I'll be leaving my home for the past three years. I'm trying to stay positive. I know that God may have some pretty awesome plans in store that I've yet to comprehend. Still, it's been a good three years at our place. I will miss the close proximity to my office (one block) and the cheap-o rent. Those days, I fear, are long gone.

Please keep us in your prayers as we search for a new place! Our hope is to find one within a week or two at the latest. This could be really exciting and I'm looking forward to seeing where this new chapter takes me.

Paris

2009-03-20T17:24:00.002-04:00

I can't believe I am already back on U.S. soil. That was one of the fastest five days of my life. Here are a couple links to some albums I have posted on Facebook:

While on my flights back to the States, I wrote in a journal to document all the stories and activities from Paris. My hand was pretty cramped by the time I finished.

I'm planning on turning the journal into a mini scrap book, with tickets, postcards, metro cards, etc. from the trip. Speaking of metro, Paris has the biggest metro rail system I have ever seen. It was quite overwhelming and it wasn't until about the third day when it all began to click together.

My favorite memories of Paris:

The ballet at the Opera House on night one. I didn't need to know the language to interpret dancing. It was beautiful and I can't believe that my first professional ballet experience was in Paris!
The meal at Le Basilic, a restaurant in Montmarte, on night one. Mmm. The meal consisted of rabbit pate with fresh bread as an appetizer, mouth-watering steak and potatoes for the entree, and rich chocolate mousse for dessert. All for 25 euros! Can't forget that kir and red wine either.
The Fat Tire Bike Tour on night three. We rode throughout the city from 6:30 to 11:30, while stopping frequently to learn about various places. There were big names, such as the Louvre and Notre Dame, but there were smaller stops. One of those stops included the best ice cream stand in the world!! My chocolate ice cream was so creamy and fresh. During the latter part of the tour, we parked and locked our bikes and went on a ferry ride down the Siene River, while sipping on red wine. Fabulous!
Club Plaza on night two and into morning three! It was a night/morning of fun memories with Drew and that cutie Frenchman whose name I never caught...
The crepe I ate on night three. Mmm. Nutella chocolate, coconut, Grand Marnier, and cinnamon. A recipe for deliciousness.
Lunch at the falafel place on my "bonus day" aka day five. The falafels were delicious and so was the eye candy there.
Dinner with Drew, Marie, and Mickael on night five. Friends and food are always a great combination!

Though there are many other memories, those are some of my favorites. My regret was not having the time to go to Versailles. Guess I'll have to go back! ;)

Bonjour!

2009-03-11T17:17:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow is the day! I have taken off work even though my plane doesn't leave until 5:30 pm. There are still some bags to be packed and laundry to do. Uncertain of how my internet accessibility will be, I will be taking a journal and pen to capture my memories. When I get a chance, I'll transfer the events to my blog and link pictures to share.

Drew has created a pretty full itinerary for Marie's and my visit. I land at 10:30 in the AM and go until well past midnight on the very first day. We have plans to see a ballet the first night, so I hope I don't get too sleepy from the jet lag! How embarrassing it would be to fall asleep at a French ballet. Lord, give me strength! Apparently, we weren't able to get seats all together, so the four of us will be scattered throughout the opera house. I hope the people I sit near speak English. I can't imagine they'd be too impressed with the French I do know- my numbers 1-10. haha!

Can you imagine... I look to my left and a beautiful French man starts chatting me up. Lost in his face, it doesn't matter that I don't know the language, his words wouldn't register anyway. He waits for me to respond to something he asked. I blink. Twice. I smile big, swallow hard and start counting aloud... I make it to ten. He's clearly confused. I smile again and finish, "Merci."

haha! Let's hope I don't have to do that.

The opera is the only event we have set in stone. There are other activities, but they are more flexible in nature. I am looking forward to European dining. I hope it's warm enough to sit outside at a cafe, drink some wine, eat some bread and cheese (or crepes!), and just watch. Well... and smell, listen, and taste too. Paris... here I come!

Photo Tag (A Tribute to Lindsey and Bryan)

2009-03-10T12:03:00.007-04:00

Here are the rules:

Choose the 4th folder where you store your pictures on the computer
Select the 4th picture in the folder
Explain the picture
Tag 4 people to do the same
No cheating (cropping, editing, etc)

So, I was a bit behind in reading Lindsey and Bryan's blog, but noticed that I was given a shout out and tagged in her posts back in January. So, here we go...

Admittedly, this pic was a bit painful to see, but I'm such a professional I will still play. ::Putting on my professional cap:: This was taken in the fall of 2007. My ex, Mike, was in town and we went down to the DC waterfront for dinner. Thankfully it was cool enough outside that the Potomac wasn't wreaking as it sometimes does in the summer. On our walk by the water, we came across a restaurant with an outdoor bar and patio. The restaurant had strings of lights that surrounded it and the lights danced off the water to the music that was playing across the loudspeakers.

As we stepped onto the patio, we looked to our right and saw this huge wooden frog. I joked that I was going to kiss it and find my prince. So, Mike took my pic kissing the frog. The frog remained in its wooden state after I blew my kiss at it.

Guess I should have planted one directly on it.

Regarding the fourth rule (tagging people)- I don't know four people to tag who follow my blog and blog themselves. So... it's up to you (my three readers). If you want to do this game, you can. If not, you don't have to and can just take this "free bee" as another way to learn about me.

::Taking off my professional cap:: I think I may erase that picture folder now.

March Madness

2009-03-09T16:40:00.002-04:00

It's hard to believe that we are in the second week of March. Time is a flyin'.

We've had a couple changes in the house. Aaron and Carlos have moved and we've two new roomies: welcome Will and Milton! The house has been a bit chaotic with the transitions. Boxes still sit everywhere. Poor Charlotte doesn't know what to think. It's amazing how attuned animals are to changes. She doesn't eat the same and tends to be more reclusive when big changes are happening in the house.

This weekend's weather was a welcomed breath of fresh air after nearly seven inches of snow last week. Spring arrived in DC! I opened all the windows (well, the ones I could) and cleaned the house on Saturday. I also checked out NCC's Saturday evening service at our local coffee shop. It was quite packed and I was impressed and touched by the service. Later, Mal and Dave dropped in after checking out the Air Force memorial. We spent most of Saturday night together. Sunday was spent in the warm weather with a trip to the zoo and eating dinner outside. It was fabulous.

This week should prove to be an exciting one since I leave to visit Drew in France on Thursday! My bags aren't yet packed, but I'm still just as ready. I'm in need of a vacation and one in Europe will do just fine! Marie is flying there on Wednesday so she will beat me by a day. I'll return next Tuesday, so unfortunately my trip isn't that long. I'll take what I can get though.

Paris... here I come!

The Q& D

2009-02-23T23:29:00.002-05:00

As I write, I am taking a break from working on my final for my first class. I can't believe that my first class in graduate school has already concluded. It was a quick five weeks! The class was challenging. I have a new respect for people who go back to grad school, especially those who have children and families. I honestly don't know how they do it. I'm so blessed to be able to go back to school at this moment in my life when I don't have anyone's schedule to consider by my own.

I had the pleasure of attending the Vagina Monologues at George Washington University over the weekend. It was the second time I'd seen the show, the first having been about this time last year when I saw it in Vegas. That was a fun trip! I have my aunt to thank for introducing me to the Vagina Monologues. Each monologue is somehow tied to the (surprise!) vagina. Whether the skit is humorous, serious, performed by one or several actors, they are all done by women. The monologues raise money for women's charities, most of which are related (surprise!) to sexual issues. For example, one of the charities that GW was supporting helped women of domestic abuse. It's great to be entertained, but also know that one's money supports a good cause.

Last week, I took some time to get my library card. I have to admit that it feels pretty good to have my local library be THE library. Today I took the day off work to go to the Library of Congress and work on my paper. I learned more about the LOC in several hours than in the four months that I worked there! Who would have thought?

I'm looking ahead to a much needed vacation. Paris is only 2.5 weeks away! Marie and I are working with Drew to make an agenda. I'll only be there for five days, so I imagine there won't be much time for sleep! When I get back fom Paris, I may take a month or two to recover and then look at going to Vegas or something. I've been itching to get back that way and relax in some warm sunshine...

25 Random Things about Me

2009-02-06T09:20:00.005-05:00

On Facebook, this "25 Random Things about Me" is pretty rampant now. I took the time to fill one out and thought I would post it here as well.

When I was little I wanted to be a writer (and still wonder if I may one day). I was always writing stories, but also had a "book" that I kept in my trapper keeper (old school!) where the adventures of dust-bunnies were transcribed by me. I called them the Woozles. I also illustrated the the stories.
I love the smell of rain.
I love when people say my name. I can't wait to hear God say my name in heaven.
When I am at home, I drink all my beverages out of wine glasses whether they contain alcohol or not.
I get slightly uncomfortable when people use self-deprecating humor because I never know how to properly respond.
I think moving to DC is one of the best decisions I've made in life.
My sister is my best friend and I can't imagine life without her.
I love my family and feel blessed to be close to them.
When I was little, I was too chicken to get my ears pierced at the mall so I pierced them myself. It was a long process, but one I am pretty proud of now. When I got the second holes pierced I went to the mall though! :)
My favorite season is fall. It used to be spring, but in the past few years I love what fall does to my senses. The leaves twirl to the ground before crumbling under my feet. Fireplaces pump smoke into the sky. The air is crisp and there's a hint of holiday cheer.
Two of my favorite sounds are the crunch of snow and gravel under my feet.
I always have a stack of books I'm meaning to read.
One day I want to travel to Ireland.
My favorite color is green.
I can't wait to find that career in life that ignites my soul.
One day I want to be a mom and I think I'll be pretty good at it.
Sometimes I wonder if I should have gone into medicine.
I have two reoccurring dreams: one about tornadoes and the other about losing my teeth. I pretty much hate both of them.
My love language is the sense of touch.
If someone cracks a clever pun in my presence, they get instant points and respect.
I have a horrible memory. I can watch a movie and six months later forget most of it. If it's been over a few years since I've seen it, I can watch it again and it will be almost like new.
One day I'd like to live in a house with a porch.
I love traveling. My top three favorite destinations include: Italy, New Orleans, and St.Thomas. I think because they all had great food and fun hole-in-the-wall venues.
My eyes change color depending on what I wear.
I love to people watch and sometimes make up stories about their lives in my head.

Have a great weekend.

Life Unleashed

2009-02-03T00:29:00.002-05:00

Wow. It's February. When did that happen??

The past four days I was in a conference vacuum. We had our annual Presidents' Conference and I played a pretty big role in the planning and implementation of it. Presidents from our schools around the world flew into DC and attended the conference. There were about 140 of them and some of their spouses. As always, the conference was energy zapping, but I enjoyed it. As a benefit to being one of the directors, I was able to stay at the hotel in a really nice room. It was great to be treated like a VIP from the hotel staff and have a fancy room while I was there. Also, being able to stay at the hotel made life much less complicated.

School is going well. I gave my first presentation in class yesterday. I had to defend a paper that I wrote. Overall, I think I did pretty well. Thanks be to God because my nerves were a little shaky before getting up in front of everyone. My class is pretty diverse and so far no one has dropped out. There are still 16 of us. I'm one of the youngest in the class, but I seem to be respected just as much by my classmates, so that's encouraging. I don't feel intimidated about speaking in class and the atmosphere is friendly and encourages dialogue.

I took the day off to rest from the conference and catch up on school work. I'm a bit behind in my reading and hope this won't be the norm. I realize that keeping up with the reading will be an uphill battle that I won't win until the year is complete. Next week we are going to begin to focus on our thesis. Eek! I have no idea what to focus on and am hoping I'll gain some inspiration real soon. I'm debating a study in my professional field or one with the pregnancy center. Those are my two ideas now, but I may change my mind when it comes down to deciding on something.

Well, there's not much to report here, but I thought I'd share.

I hate that I missed my dad and Mal's birthday. It's weird to not be with family and celebrating when we've always done so in years past. Today is mom's birthday.

My mother is a woman of strength and conviction. Her openness to people and cheerful spirit attract others to her. She gives the best hugs and I love when she says my name. I have a voicemail saved from November where she says my name over and over before declaring her love for me. I'll keep saving and listening to it as long as my phone service allows. She gives of herself wholeheartedly and loves people that some may consider unlovable. She doesn't judge and wraps me up even if I share something about myself that disappoints her. She's a hero to other women. A hero to me. She's a tower, an anchor, and an angel on earth. She's my mom and my friend. Happy birthday to her!

Nothing big... just history being made!

2009-01-21T22:58:00.006-05:00

What a (4-day) weekend! The city was on a high all weekend. I felt like a kid at Christmas. Even the media lovingly called the day before inauguration "Inauguration Eve." Fitting because it felt like Christmas eve. Or maybe the night before prom. Or the night before going to get my drivers license.

D.C. was like a bee hive buzzing with activity. Buses and limousines were everywhere. Darkened cars and motorcades seemed to roll by every few hours. Police and the national guard were on every street, riding on motorcycles and horses. AK-47s were displayed. Snipers patrolled by rooftops.

The energy was everywhere and what was so amazing was that it was even more positive than normal. The energy was what drew me to D.C., yet the feeling in the air over the weekend was like that energy on steroids. Crowds were everywhere!! Traffic was bumper to bumper. People were in suits, donned Obama gear (sweatshirts, hats, scarves, buttons... you name it and it had Obama on it), wore tuxedos and gowns, and were all smiles. I didn't see one fight break out. Despite the congestion and slower pace due to the crowds, no one seemed annoyed. We were a sea of humanity. Languages and accents were everywhere. German, southern, French, northern, Mandarin, Afrikan... it seemed like all ends of the earth were here. Everyone wanted a taste of history.

Wow. To be here in this moment. To feel the comraderie and cheer. The hope and unity. I wouldn't have traded it.

We had a full house on C St. I had some friends from high school, who campaigned for Obama and followed him for a long time, come to visit. Mallory called on Monday, bought a last minute bus ticket and rolled up that evening. Kent, Drew's brother, drove up from NC to take pictures and share the weekend with us. Every room in the inn on C St was booked and it was fabulous!

On the day, a group of five of us made our way in the early morning light to the Mall. It was Mal, Marie, Kent, our friend Zac, and me. We each wore about five layers of clothing and brought our cameras. When we left the house, it was eight. The streets were already crowded with people. As we made our way closer to the Mall, to join the other 3 million people, our hopes of a close spot dwindled. The crowd moved like eddies and currents in rivers. Some circling, other groups stopped, and still others streaming through walls of people. Our group of five kept breaking apart and eventually we were each on our own, with the exception of Mal and I.

The best viewing spot we had was at 3rd and Maryland, a mere 3.5 blocks from the Capitol steps. Still, our dilemma was not having a jumbo-tron to view the ceremony. Sure, we could see the Capitol, with her flags proudly hung, but nothing personal. With 30 minutes until the start of the ceremony Mal and I made the decision to race back to the house where we'd be certain to view and hear the oaths. We made it into the house a minute before Biden made his promise. A song. Then, Obama. Short and sweet, his oath was shorter than Biden's. Jubilation. A poem. Then, his speech. I wasn't as impressed by his speech on Tuesday as I was by the one on election night, but there were some quotes I took from it.

Here are some pictures from the weekend. I'll never forget these days.

Stillness

2009-01-08T23:02:00.003-05:00

The house is quiet. We are all here, but doors are closed as we charge behind them. It seems almost unspoken. I need quiet. Let me stretch and give me peace. There's not a hint of negativity in the air. These nights are far and few between yet I love them when they come. Solace comes from stillness.

The week has been busy and fast. Work was like a tsunami as it engulfed me the first few days. Now it washes back and there's little damage. Some stress still lingers, but it will pass and with its passing comes growth. I've learned a lot this week and it feels good. I was also pretty sick this week. I even took some time away from the office just to sleep. This morning was the first time I was able to actually breathe through my nose for the first time in days. The times that I am sick always make me appreciate those when I'm not. How blessed I am to wake up pain free most days. To not feel like walking death or long solely for covers makes me grateful.

I wish I knew how to play the guitar. It's a thought that has struck me more than once this week. It's a random thought, but I thought I'd share it. Maybe putting it in writing will make me actually do something about this desire. The promise of a guitar mixed with the emotions of a being can come out in a magical way. I guess it's another form of art. Still... sometimes a tone or pitch can express far more than any word. If I had a guitar, I'd be playing it now as I sit alone in my room. Instead, I am listening to someone else through my speakers who has mastered this art and probably plays it on nights like these.

My orientation for school is on Monday. I don't know too much about Monday night except that I am one of 15 in my class. I wonder who I will meet. Will we stay in touch beyond this year? Will I share more of my life with them than moments in a classroom setting? Will they of theirs? Orientation is at six and they're serving us a "light" dinner of salad and pizza. It's then that I will learn of all the books I must buy. Days of being an undergrad flood back as I stood in the book store and looked for any of my books marked "used" on their spines. Ah, the life of a student again! Am I crazy?

I spent time with Kat tonight. She came for dinner and we caught up over canned Indian food and delicious chardonnay. Followed with French-pressed coffee and truffles. It wasn't a shabby meal! I'm so thankful for her friendship.

Tomorrow is Friday. I can't believe it. There isn't too much in store for the weekend. I think we're going out dancing tomorrow night at a much-loved (by us) club here in DC. It's easy to get to by bus and there's an eclectic crowd that's drawn there. On Friday nights they play obscure and up-and-coming international hits. It makes me think of Drew. It also makes me feel pretty hip as the songs hit the club before mainstream America.

Beyond tomorrow night, I have nothing in store. Kat and I talked of going to a bookstore and reading together but separately. A friend nearby and other world in my hand. It's not a bad idea.

Some pictures from Winter of 2008

2009-01-02T03:46:00.003-05:00

The last couple of months have been blurry. Unfortunately, my blog has suffered from the activities. I've posted a couple of albums on Facebook of some events over the past couple of months.

Here they are:

In the first album, there are pictures of Marie and my trip to NC to adopt Charlotte. She's a beautiful cat and has been a very pleasant addition to the house. Her demeanor is calm and she's petite for her age (of about five years). While she prefers to be near the action, she's always content to sit in a nearby chair rather than on someone's lap. I call her "Insta-Purr" because she begins to purr as soon as you pet her. Sometimes she'll just start purring if her name is called.

There are also pictures in Winter Wonders I of our Cocktail party, which we had on December 20th. The house was filled to the max with about 30 guests in total who showed. We had a feast of appetizers, quite a wine variety and other drinks. It was a really fun night that was spent with many of our close friends in DC.

Pictures from Christmas in SC and NC are in the first and second albums. Christmas was pretty restful and it was great to catch up with my family. I also enjoyed seeing my friend Brooke, who moved to HI in July of 2008.

This week has been busy and some of those pictures are captured in the second album. Drew is still in town. In addition, his friend from France, Mickael, joined us for a few days as he visited the States. We've had some fun dinner parties and went ice skating in the Sculpture Garden on the National Mall. Skating and dinner party pics are seen in the second album.

Finally, there are a few New Year's eve pictures in the Winter Wonders II. For New Year's eve, we had folks over to the house for dinner and champagne toast (with 1993 Dom Parignon!) before we rolled to Fur nightclub. The club was quite a fiasco and my memories of that night will definitely be ones I'll remember the rest of my life. Between losing Mal's friend until the next day, almost being stampeded while trying to get our coats, seeing a girl break her nose after slipping on an icy ramp, and Mickael almost passing out from a panic attack (due to the stampede), it was quite a night.

2008 was a year of great triumphs, a broken heart, new friends, personal goals met (and some new ones made), laughter, tears, and dreams. Thanks for sharing it with me. I have many hopes for 2009 and am excited about seeing what happens.

Happy New Year!

Into the Crystal Ball

2008-12-05T14:56:00.000-05:00

It's been a crazy week getting back into the grind of work. It really went fast!

I got some big news today- I was accepted into Nyack College's graduate school in DC! I'll be starting in January and will earn a Masters of Science in Organizational Leadership (think MBA). I'm pretty psyched as the school is in the Hall of States Building, which is about nine blocks from my house. The program goes for one year and is cohort style, so I'll be with the same group for the entire time. It makes for a good support system and learning style.

Orientation is on January 12th and classes begin on the 19th (Martin Luther King Day!). I was hoping to avoid anything near the Capitol on the 19th since it's the day before inauguration, but it looks like there's no avoiding the action (and tourists).

As for the weekend, Marie and I are renting a car and going to NC for a quick overnight trip to the Chapel Hill area. Marie bought a cat over Thanksgiving, so we're going to pick her up. Our new kitty, Charlotte, will be a fun (hopefully) addition to the house. I haven't been to Chapel Hill in several years, so it'll be good to hit the town tonight when we arrive.

Tomorrow afternoon we'll be back in the car and head for the District. Kat is having a Christmas party tomorrow, which I'll attend. On Sunday evening I am going to the National Cathedral for a presentation of Handel's Messiah. Afterward, we're trying anew restaurant in the NW side of town. Should make for a really festive weekend!

Thankful Thoughts

2008-11-24T22:58:00.004-05:00

In no particular order...

Family, by blood or by bond. Chapstick. Memories. Heat. Taste buds. Chocolate. My literacy. Electric blankets. Men. Laughter. Smiles from people I love. Hellos. Mom and Dad. My metro card. Gloves. Sight. A job. Sunshine. GPS units. Salvation. Watermelons.

Photographs. Girlfriends. Words of wisdom. Air. Indoor plumbing. Touch. Grace. Hand sanitizer. Cell phones. My bed. Gouda cheese and brie. Friendships. Lotion. Music. Deodorant. First kisses.

Hearing my name pass over someone's lips.

Flannel sheets. Grandparents. The holy spirit. Gravity. Crushed red pepper. Patience. My education. Electricity. Contact lenses. Water. Aspirin. My sister. Toothpaste. The right to vote. Red wine. My Doc Martens. Prayer. Tears, but mostly the happy ones. Rain. Stars. Mistakes and learning from them. Love. Trees. Mentors. Democracy. My hearing. Snow.

Being a woman. Vacations. Rainbows. Forgiveness. Art. My health. Calculators. Seasons. Trust. Lunch dates. Margaritas. The ability to reason. Shopping carts. Goodbyes. Pillows. Strength. Hot tubs. The moon. Hugs. Zippers. My voice. Coffee. Creativity. Animals. Skin. Airplanes. Different opinions. Umbrellas. Good neighbors. Stop lights.

Picking up where we left off. Skirts. Civil liberties. Toilet paper. My passport. Brownies. For listening to me. Puns. Spontaneity. The beach. Second chances. Flowers. Washing machines. Hot water.

Life lessons. Humor. Home.

Salute y Bonjour!

2008-11-16T23:45:00.000-05:00

I realized that I forgot to mention anything about Halloween festivities. Here's a link to some pictures that we took. Mallory came up to visit for the weekend, which was an added bonus. Marie went as Joe the Pumber, Mal as Sarah Palin, and I as the crazy McCain rally lady. We handed out candy to the kiddies who stopped by our house before we went to a house party (where most of the pics were taken) and then to Dupont Circle, a neighborhood in the NW side of town. The city was dressed up and everyone was festive. Mallory was even stopped by random people who kept asking to have their picture taken with her. It was a fun evening.

This week was pretty slow as far as weeks go. Most of my evenings were spent in, with the exception of Wednesday night. Marie and I went to an event hosted by Kat's office, at the Buxton Initiative. The topic of discussion was "What role does religion play in conflict resolution?" We were provided dinner and there was a guest speaker with a pretty impressive resume. It was a typical "DC Night."

Friday night was full of new places. I met up with Kat and some of her friends where we finally tried a restaurant I'd been wanting to try for about two years: 2 Amys. It's an Italian restaurant that specializes in pizzas. After one bite, I could tell they knew what they were doing! It was delicious and I hope it's not another 27 years before I visit. Once we were finished at 2 Amys, three of us went to see the new James Bond movie Quantum of Solace in Georgetown. It was pretty good, but not as exciting as Casino Royale, the previous Bond movie in which Daniel Craig plays Bond. Now that is a good looking man! :)

Saturday was spent mostly lounging, with the exception of a gym trip and dinner with Marie and some of her friends in town from NC. It made for a lazy evening of SNL and phone call catch-ups. All in all, a very good Saturday.

Today was quite fun! Carlos has a friend, Jeoffrey, who is visiting from Colombia (his first visit to the US!). Marie, Carlos, Jeoffrey and I had a fun afternoon just chatting. Marie and I took a quick break to visit a local coffee shop for a bit while the guys went grocery shopping. When we returned, Carlos and Jeoffrey began making dinner- a yummy Latin American dish called ceviche. Mmm. It had some of my favorite ingredients: shrimp, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and celantro. The ceviche was spooned over fried rice with garlic. It was amazing! Carlos made fried plantains and we feasted. It was a very delightful meal. Jeoffrey graciously shared the recipe, so I have hopes of making it again.

In the pics below, Jeoffrey is on the left and Carlos is on the right in the first one. Then, there is one of the four of us (Marie, Jeoffrey, Carlos, and me). Aaron (our other roommate) is seated beside Marie in the third picture. In the fourth picture Carlos and Jeoffrey are being super goofy and high fiving each other for a job well done on the meal. In other news, I did make a big purchase this weekend... I bought a plane ticket to Paris!! I am flying out in March, to be joined by Marie and possibly Mallory. Marie bought her ticket immediately after I bought mine. We will be staying with Drew in the middle of Paris. I'm SOO excited!!!

The upcoming week is pretty full already. I'm getting together with two of my favorite friends from the office tomorrow night and we are making tons of cookies. One of them, Jennifer, just bought a magazine with 100 cookie recipes in it. So, the plan is to make three types tomorrow. I don't really know what we are going to do with them all. We haven't really talked about it, but I imagine the office and all of our roommates will be happy that we tried the new recipes. On Tuesday I have the pregnancy center and then on Wednesday I am attending a going away dinner for my friend Christine. It's never a dull moment...

DC Madness

2008-11-05T22:51:00.002-05:00

I was ecstatic to live in DC last night! What better city in the world could I have been taking in the elections? From the start of the day, the air was electric. People were abuzz with talks of voting and plans for watching the results.

Have you voted? What were the lines like? What are you doing later? Which party are you attending? Who do you think will win?

Two years of campaigning, months of advertisement brainwashing, and days of high energy chatter were climaxing. Yesterday was it!

After leaving the pregnancy center last night, I met Marie, Carlos and others in the northwest section of town. We made our way to a party at the Washington Hotel (fitting, eh?) where we met up with about twenty other people and watched the election results pour in. I'm pretty sure everyone at the party voted for Obama, which made it more exciting. Everyone was on the same team and cheering for the same guy.

About thirty minutes after we arrived, VA was declared Obama's. It was then that we knew... this election would go to Obama. Still, we watched as mid-west states were counted. McCain's electoral numbers grew, but seemed weak against Obama's lead. Besides, the deal was pretty much cinched. Knowing that CA has 50 electoral votes and Obama would reach his required 270 with that count, we were all just waiting for the official announcement.

Another thirty minutes... polls close on the west coast. Eleven pm. Two minutes later, CNN announces "Obama!" The party went nuts. Skeptics switched to FOX. Surely, if FOX declares Obama it will be true. The crowd erupted again as FOX declared McCain's defeat. People screamed. Cheered. Cried. Called loved ones. It was bigger than New Years, bigger than any single event I've ever witnessed. It was history! We flooded the balcony. People were yelling from balconies in hotels across the street. Others were walking in the streets and cheering. Cars rode by with horns honking ecstatically.

We came back in to hear the speeches. McCain's speech was gracious and I was impressed. He is a good man and there is no doubt that he's honorable. We waited, anticipating the president to be's words. Champagne was poured. More hugs exchanged and calls made. Pictures were taken. Everyone was taking in the moment. Eyes glued to the set.

Obama's speech was eloquent and well delivered. He is a master orator and I've since learned that he writes many of his speeches. The ease in his delivery is impressive and his promises are inspiring. When he was done speaking and exited the stage one of the women in the room declared, "I could listen to him for hours." I had to agree. He is captivating.

The party cleared out pretty fast. We were all anxious to join our fellow DCers outside. People began flooding the streets with talk of going to the White House. Besides, it was only eight blocks away. How could we not?

Marie and I began the walk. Some people ran. I even saw some skipping. We all moved towards the White House. Cars rode by with screaming passengers. Obama's name was being declared from all around. Cow bells pierced the night. Horns blasted to the syllables of his name. O-ba-ma... O-ba-ma... O-ba-ma. Over and over. High fives were exchanged by all. One guy even ran up to me, picked me up, and carried me a little ways. There was pure elation. Marie and I had perma-grin as we took in everything. This was history and we were in the middle of it!

As we neared the White House, the crowd thickened. People with signs, cut-outs of Obama, and cameras above their heads swarmed to the gates that surrounded the House. People chanted. "Yes we can!" Others sang. Marie and I joined the crowd as we gazed at the White House and sang the national anthem. Everyone was proud to be alive and joyous about being in DC.

What a moment... moments, rather.

I'll never forget last night. I can't believe I was here. I experienced a historic moment in the most watched city of the world last night. And I stood outside the White House.

Some More Pics from October

2008-10-21T00:29:00.000-04:00

Click this link to see some more pics (including the ones in the previous post) from my month of travels.

Reflections

2008-10-19T22:34:00.009-04:00

I took a hiatus from posting any updates, though it wasn't intentional. Life has just been busy.

I went to NC a few weekends back. Hopped the train to VA, where I met Mal, and then we went home for a long weekend. It renewed my spirit to return, especially since my last visit before was for Mal's wedding. It was nice to visit without wedding chaos all around.

Two weekends prior to this, Kat and I drove to SC to visit my grandma in Surfside Beach. Kat had never been anywhere south of VA and it'd been Christmas since I last visited the beach. Even that trip was only about 24 hours. So, it felt good to go back. Plus, it's basically been the only vacation I've taken all year, minus about four days in Orlando in June.

While Kat and I were at the beach, it rained pretty much the whole time. The first day we got about a half day of sun, but even that disappeared in the late afternoon. So, we spent a lot of time indoors, where relaxing was inevitable. We did venture to La Belle Amie winery one day. It was about 45 minutes north of Surfside and made for a great day trip. The winery was quaint and sat on a good bit of land tucked off the highway. Two friendly dogs (Amy and Bella) roamed the grounds. Kat and I tasted just under 10 wines for $5. They also had lots of marinades and goodies that made great souvenirs. We purchased some wine, sat on a porch that overlooked the vineyard and munched on cheese, crackers and grapes. It was delightful.
That evening, Kat and I went with grandma and Joan to a nearby restaurant in Murrells Inlet called Divine Fish House. It was a very fitting name. The fresh seafood was mouth watering and the company made a fine compliment!After bidding farewell to Surfside Beach and family, Kat and I made our way south to an overnight B&B trip in Charleston, SC. I'd never been, but had been wanting to visit the beautiful city for years. What a city! There is so much to do and see there. Twenty four hours was not enough. We squeezed as much into our trip as possible, however. After arriving and checking into our B&B, Kat and I made our way to the downtown area where we took a carriage ride of the city. The Cannonboro Inn, where we were staying, offered a free wine and cheese "mingle" in the late afternoon. So, after our carriage ride, we went back to the B&B and got to know some of the other guests while we swapped stories and sipped on vino. When happy hour at the Cannonboro Inn wrapped, we went to a local restaurant recommended to us, Fleet Landing, where we each tried shrimp and grits for the first time. Mmm. Before the night ended, I went on a ghost tour of the old jail (Kat wasn't feeling well and bowed out of that adventure). Pretty spooky! The next morning, we enjoyed a homemade breakfast of lemon poppy seed waffles with blueberries on top served with a side of sausage, fresh coffee, and juice. Yum. Kat and I then hit the local market before the road called us home.This weekend, Tim came to visit from Philly. On Saturday we enjoyed beautiful weather at the zoo. Plus, all the animals that we went to see were actually out! In the past, they've been hidden away or certain exhibits were closed.We spent several hours there and were exhausted upon our return to the house. A night in was welcomed and needed after walking miles all afternoon. Today the two of us and Marie went to Crumland Farms, where the main attraction was a huge corn maze (a maize maze?). We also slid down a giant slide, drank hot apple cider, and took pics with local farm animals (goat and llamas, anyone?). Oh, and Marie and I did cartwheels. The day was much fun and was topped by a crisp coolness in the air.Fall is here.

Quiet Night...

2008-09-30T19:36:00.001-04:00

It's one of those rare evenings. No one is here and I am relaxing in the house. I have no agenda and am not likely to form one in the little bit. The day at work was rather short in that "I got nothing I wanted to get done today" sense, but long in that it was "I spent over half the day in meetings." I gave a few minutes of thought to going to the gym, but opted instead for a walk while simultaneously checking a trip to the bank off my "to do" list. Plus, it gave me an excuse to listen to my new iTouch, which I heart in every sense. I can understand now how people easily fall in love with Mac products. I have... at least with one of them.

Last weekend was full of good memories. Mallory came up to DC on Friday and arrived in time for the two of us to join Marie for dinner at Bistro. I hadn't been there in a really long time and Marie had never been. It brought back some good feelings walking through their doors. Mal, Marie and I had many laughs as Marie and I told Mal stories of our DC adventures over the past couple of months. Later that night, we caught part of the presidential debate on television. I'm not quite sure what i was expecting, but the debate was a lot more boring than I imagined it to be. The evening wrapped with some home baked brownies and the movie Music from Another Room, which was completely chick-flickish, but really cute!

On Saturday morning, Mal drove Marie and I to the airport where we had rented a car for the rest of the weekend. Mal left for Richmond. Marie and I departed for Philly. The ride was entertaining as Marie and I listened to music and chatted, which was a good thing because the weather left much to be desired. The trip wasn't too long and probably would have been shorter had it not rained most of the way. It was a little under three hours.

Marie dropped me off at my friend Tim's and continued north to visit her brother and his family. Tim and I proceeded to pretty much hop right into his car and drive to Lancaster, where we enjoyed the rest of the afternoon at the Renaissance Fair/Oktoberfest celebration they had. The rain tried to deter the festivities (and actually did cause some events to be canceled), but we still had fun. Here are some pictures I took from the festival. I would have taken more, but had some technical difficulties with the camera (ie. the operator). You can tell as the pictures progress, we got more and more soaked by the rain:After the festival, we rode back to the Philly area and Tim showed me where he worked before we called it a night and went to his house. On Sunday I visited his church with him and we grabbed lunch- Philly steak and cheese sandwiches (yay!)- and relaxed a bit before Marie came through later and scooped me back up again. It was quite fun.

Last night, I joined three of my gals from the my leadership program for dinner. Kat, Caryn, Anna, and I went to Thai Phoon, a yummy Thai place in Pentagon City (VA). It was so good to see and catch up with them. I really cherish my female friends here in DC. I am so blessed to have a roommate who gets me and with whom I "click" and then to have such other good girl friends to share my world.

Carlos came by today to pick up his keys and drop off his rent. He's moving in as soon as he buys some furniture. I think he's going to be a great housemate. He has a lot of energy and zest. It'll bring some more good vibes to the house!

Why'd the chicken cross the road?

2008-09-25T11:55:00.000-04:00

I received this in an email today and thought this was pretty funny...

Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road?

BARACK OBAMA: The chicken crossed the road because it was time for a change! The chicken wanted change!
JOHN MCCAIN: My friends, that chicken crossed the road because he recognized the need to engage in cooperation and dialogue with all the chickens on the other side of the road.
SARAH PALIN: BECAUSE, PRAISE JESUS, I WAS GONNA SHOOT HIS SORRY LIBERAL ASS OFF FOR BLOCKING MY VIEW OF RUSSIA!
HILLARY CLINTON: When I was First Lady, I personally helped that little chicken to cross the road. This experience makes me uniquely qualified to ensure right from Day One that every chicken in this country gets the chance it deserves to cross the road. But then, this really isn't about me.
GEORGE W. BUSH: We don't really care why the chicken crossed the road. We just want to know if the chicken is on our side of the road, or not. The chicken is either against us, or for us. There is no middle ground here.
DICK CHENEY: Where's my gun?
COLIN POWELL: Now to the left of the screen, you can clearly see the satellite image of the chicken crossing the road.
BILL CLINTON: I did not cross the road with that chicken. What is your definition of crossing?
AL GORE: I invented the chicken.
JOHN KERRY: Although I voted to let the chicken cross the road, I am now against it! It was the wrong road to cross, and I was misled about the chicken's intentions. I am not for it now, and will remain against it.
AL SHARPTON: Why are all the chickens white? We need some black chickens.
DR. PHIL: The problem we have here is that this chicken won't realize that he must first deal with the problem on this side of the road before it goes after the problem on the other side of the road. What we need to do is help him realize how stupid he's acting by not taking on his current problems before adding new problems.
OPRAH: Well, I understand that the chicken is having problems, which is why he wants to cross this road so bad. So instead of having the chicken learn from his mistakes and take falls, which is a part of life, I'm going to give this chicken a car so that he can just drive across the road and not live his life like the rest of the chickens.
ANDERSON COOPER, CNN: We have reason to believe there is a chicken, but we have not yet been allowed to have access to the other side of the road.
NANCY GRACE: That chicken crossed the road because he's guilty! You can see it in his eyes and the way he walks.
PAT BUCHANAN: To steal the job of a decent, hardworking American.
MARTHA STEWART: No one called me to warn me which way that chicken was going. I had a standing order at the Farmers Mark et to sell my eggs when the price dropped to a certain level. No little bird gave me any insider information.
DR SEUSS: Did the chicken cross the road? Did he cross it with a toad? Yes, the chicken crossed the road, but why it crossed I've not been told.
ERNEST HEMINGWAY: To die in the rain, alone.
JERRY FALWELL: Because the chicken was gay! Can't you people see the plain truth? That's why they call it the other side. Yes, my friends, that chicken is gay. And if you eat that chicken, you will become gay, too. I say we boycott all chickens until we sort out this abomination that the liberal media whitewashes with seemingly harmless phrases like the other side. That chicken should not be crossing the road. It's as plain and as simple as that.
GRANDPA: In my day we didn't ask why the chicken crossed the road. Somebody told us the chicken crossed the road, and that was good enough.
BARBARA WALTERS: Isn't that interesting? In a few moments, we will be listening to the chicken tell, for the first time, the heart warming story of how it experienced a serious case of molting, and went on to accomplish its lifelong dream of crossing the road.
ARISTOTLE: It is the nature of chickens to cross the road.
JOHN LENNON: Imagine all the chickens in the world crossing roads together, in peace.
BILL GATES: I have just released eChicken2008, which will not only cross roads, but will lay eggs, file your important documents, and balance your checkbook. Internet Explorer is an integral part of eChicken2008. This new platform is much more stable and will never crash.
ALBERT EINSTEIN: Did the chicken really cross the road, or did the road move beneath the chicken?
COLONEL SANDERS: Did I miss one?

My favorites were Al Gore, Grandpa's, and Colonel Sander's.

200 Posts!

2008-09-23T08:07:00.000-04:00

This is the 200th post to my blog. Crazy.

I thought I'd post a few pictures from my weekend. Melody, my college roommate, came to DC for the day on Sunday and I took some pics of us. I met her, her fiance (Jerry), and their friend (Stan) for lunch at La Loma before we set off to see the Air and Space Museum and the Natural History Museum (one of my favs in the city). Here are some pics from our afternoon:
I hadn't seen Melody in about three years. We were able to pick up from our last conversation (which thankfully wasn't three years ago). I was excited to get to know Jerry a bit more and also see her rock in person. Jerry did good!

Earlier in the weekend, Marie and I met her friend, Zak, to see the movie Burn After Reading. I think Marie and I were more impressed by the previews than the actual movie. The movie was filmed in DC so it was entertaining to pick out local spots. They didn't do cheap aerial shots and plug them between scenes, but actually filmed on location, which made it more impressive. I was able to pick out some bridges and some places on The Mall where I've been. It's fun to see my neighborhood on the big screen!

On Saturday, I thoroughly enjoyed myself at the pregnancy center's volunteer brunch. I'd never been to the restaurant, which was located near Chinatown. We had delicious food and were given some nice gifts. I always enjoy the brunches because of the opportunities to meet other folks who work at the center.

When the brunch was finished I wandered around DC for a bit and ducked into a few stores. The weather was gorgeous here and walking outside aimlessly did my soul some good. Trying on shoes helped too!

This week I have been working on my grad school application and should have it done by week's end. I just have to round up a couple of recommendations. So, I should probably know something about whether I'm accepted in a month or two.

This week is pretty quiet. I have the pregnancy center tonight. Wednesday and Thursday are nights to relax. On Friday Mal is coming up for the night. YAY!!! I'm SO excited to see my sister. Then on Saturday, Marie and I are leaving for Philly for an overnight trip. She's going to visit her brother and I'll be hanging out with Tim. Should be good times this weekend.

Busy much?

2008-09-18T08:04:00.002-04:00

Since my last post, I’ve gotten three new piercings on my face. I once heard that people who get tattoos can become addicted to the rush and to getting them. So, maybe it’s true for piercings? Heh… just kidding. I haven’t gotten any more piercings, but I love my nose ring!

We’ve found a new roomy to take Matt’s room when he moves at the end of the month. Carlos is our new “roomy to be” and will move in the last weekend of September. He’s originally from Colombia and moved to the states six months ago. He’s lived in New York and seems like a well-rounded guy. He’s done a lot of traveling and is 30, so I think he’ll be a good addition to the house.

Last weekend was eaten a lot by our roomy search, but I did have some time for fun. On Friday night I joined some friends for a wine and cheese tasting. It was like a Tupperware party (from what I’m told), but it was a tasting to encourage folks to buy wine. There were about 15 of us and we went to my friend Melissa’s house.

On Saturday, Marie and I connected via Skype to Drew in Paris. It was great to see him and chat online. He panned his camera around for us to see his neighborhood. He seems to be happy and is settling in to the French way of things. I think he starts his classes this week.

On Saturday night my friend Tim, from Philly, came down for the evening. Since I was tired from early Skype chatting and roomy interviews afterwards, we just hung out mostly at the house. I made dinner for Tim, Marie and I. Afterwards, Tim whipped us up some brownies and then the three of us played Settlers of Catan with Aaron. It was a really fun night. Tim stayed through Sunday and went to church (which was A-MAZE-ING) and lunch with me before heading back to PA. I have plans to visit him in Philly at the end of the month. Marie’s brother lives there, so we’re renting a car and going up for a couple days.

Mmm... brownie batter.

So, Marie dared me to lick the bottom of the bowl. Lick brownie batter? It wasn't a tough dare.

This week has been pretty busy and I can’t believe that I’m already looking at another weekend. Last night I went to dinner with my other friend Tim, who lives here in VA. We went to a (new to me) Thai restaurant in his neighborhood. It was quite tasty and it was great catching up with Tim, who’s been a friend since high school.

Tonight I am catching a Nat’s game with Dom. It’ll be my fifth game at the new stadium. Hopefully the Nats will win. I’ve yet to see that in the new stadium.

Tomorrow Marie and I are planning on going to an embassy party. I think we are going to the French embassy, where there is going to be loads of food and good music, among other things. Then, on Saturday I am going to a brunch that the pregnancy center is hosting for its volunteers. I have enjoyed past brunches because I get the opportunity to meet other volunteers with whom I never otherwise cross paths.

Quarter Life Crisis?

2008-09-10T00:42:00.002-04:00

Well, the wedding was loads of fun. Jennifer was a beautiful bride and the food was amazing. She really did it right! It started at 5 and my friends and I left around 10:30. It apparently kept going until almost midnight. The weather was awful here on Saturday, but everyone pushed through. I had several interesting Marilyn Monroe moments as the wind played with my easy-to-blow dress. Gladly, I don't think I gave too much of a peep show. I also got the chance to wear the dress I wore to Mal's rehearsal dinner.

Here are some pics from the wedding of my friends from work, Heidi and Jessica, and I. Unfortunately, I don't know how to make them bigger.

From left to right: me, Heidi, and Jessica

In other news, Marie and I both got our noses pierced on Sunday evening. Could it be a quarter life crisis? It's possible. If so, however, I'm enjoying my age!

This was my face as the lady, Erica, was explaining what she was about to do.

Right afterwards- you can see my eyes are still a little teary.

Marie and I showing off our battle scars and bling! That's Erica, who pierced us, in the middle.

My friend, Dom, who joined Marie and me for moral support and snapped pics!

Lots o' news

2008-09-05T00:32:00.000-04:00

So, while posting pics about two weekends ago, it obviously doesn't fill in all details. Things have been shaking around here lately!

Some updates (in chronological order):

Pics from the 23rd were from a weekend of fun with Andrew, his bro Kent, and Marie- it was basically a weekend of nights on the town, a day at Eastern Market (where being a genius that I am I bought a watermelon within ten minutes of being there and then lugged it around for two hours... nice), and then spent some time doing the roomy search for Andrew's room
New roomy, Aaron, was selected after two days of interviews. He's originally from Taiwan and is doing an internship on the Hill for the time being. He's 25.
Then, skip to Labor Day weekend... night out (again) on Friday to celebrate Drew's last weekend in DC. The evening was filled with dancing and then the DC staple of Ben's Chili Bowl. Mmm for cheese fries at 3 am.
Saturday was spent at Chesapeake Beach, that is within an hour of DC and makes for a fun beach to visit. We got there around two and spent a few hours lounging on the sand, searching for shark's teeth (well, that was mostly Marie and my fun), and then splashing in the bay. Once the sun had taken the energy from us, we made our way to a local restaurant that served fresh seafood and was hosting a live band. Love fresh seafood and live music!
Sunday was spent with my new friend, Tim, from Philly. We spent the day out on the town, first with church then to Eastern Market before heading to the National Geographic Museum. Finally, we landed at Oya, a french-japanese fusion restaurant I've been eying for about a year. It was worth the wait and the whole day was very fun. After Tim left for Philly, I joined Marie, Drew, Kent and more friends of Drew's on the town again. Once again, Ben's Chili Bowl sealed the evening.
Labor Day... bittersweet. Drew left for Paris. Marie and I cried. I thought in poetry all evening, but was too slack to jot any down.
Aaron moved in within an hour of Drew's room being empty. We're still all adjusting. I miss Drew's smell and clothes pile in the middle of his room. The pictures, cigarettes, books, and music is gone. A new kid's in town.

I told Drew that besides my dad, he's been the most consistent man in my life for the past 2.5 years. We'd been through a lot... moving, roommates, deaths, new loves and loves lost, jobs, bosses, and arguments. In the mix were the stuffings of life: hugs, rain dancing, crossword puzzles, french movies, dancing, drinking, good food, laughter, bus rides, pun sharing, political discussions, dinners in, road trips, museum hopping, shopping, trash tv, and french pressed coffee.

Marie and I are adjusting. Matt also informed us that he's moving at the end of the month, so our roommate search isn't done. We've another place to fill... or at least we'll attempt it.

The weekend ahead isn't super busy, but I am attending a wedding on Saturday for my dear friend, Jen. It'll be an extravagant event, as it's Italian and should have amazing food. Mmm. I'm looking forward to meeting some new people, eating some fine food, drinking some well made wine, and dancing til my feet hurt. Should be good! :)

On a side note... things are heating up here in DC with the elections looming. It's been interesting attending a DNC party and then also watching the RNC. People's tongues are wagging already and I've taken part in many of interesting political discussions at work. Despite being a Christian organization, the people in my office vary on their views, from being extremely conservative to pretty liberal. So, it makes for interesting chats. I am sitting on the fence, one day being more impressed with Obama and another day with McCain. I agree with different issues that each party is pushing and also disagree with a several on each side. So, I'm anxious to hear the debates. I think the Republicans have been throwing a lot of mud in the RNC, much more than the democrats did at the DNC. Interesting. I was completely turned off by Guiliani's speech. The man makes my skin crawl and spews lies. Ugh. I think Palin delivered an impressive speech and seemed comfortable in her skin. We'll see how she she does while facing Biden.

It's a wonderful time to live in DC. I'm in this amazing city during a time that will make history. Awesome.

Weekend Adventures

2008-08-23T18:35:00.000-04:00

It's been a really fun weekend... check out some pictures. I'll write more later.

Slackness

2008-08-17T13:32:00.003-04:00

Looks like I've been pretty slack in my posting lately. I can't believe it's been two weeks since I dropped some juicy details. My apologies to my three fans out there. ;)

I've been pretty busy lately, with some personal travel and time with the family. Last Friday I attended an Olympic ceremony party. One of my friends was kind enough to host about twenty of us while we watched the opening ceremony and snacked on Chinese and American food. Fun times.

On Saturday, I went with Drew, Marie, and our friend Dave to Atlantic City. We rose early on Saturday and went for an overnight trip. Marie's mom hooked us up with a free place to stay using her Marriott points. It was a nice hotel and close to the strip- not that we spent too much time in the room! When we first arrived, we hit the beach for a couple of hours.

The sea gulls were vicious! Before going to the sand, we stopped on the boardwalk for some snacks to take with us. Drew got fries and I got a slice of pizza. We were immediately stalked and hovered over by the gulls. It reminded me of a few summers ago when Mal, Priya, Mal's friend Karen, and I went to a beach in FL. We had packed a picnic lunch of subs. The gulls were crazy there too as they fluttered and cawed around us. We had just spread our towels out and opened the sandwiches when a gull swooped down, landed first on Karen's head and then stole half of her sub before flying off. It was shocking and hilarious. Well, apparently the same breed of greedy gulls occupies the shore of Atlantic City.

After the beach, we all showered and prepped for our night on the town. We first hit up a restaurant and then some casinos. It was somewhere between the restaurant (on the second floor) and the casino one floor below that I lost my cell phone within a ten minute span of time. Sadness. The loss was softened by my later winning $130- a feat I never manage to do when I visit Vegas.

After a couple casinos and cash spending, we went back to the room to regroup before hitting the boardwalk. :) Dave opted to stay in the room and sleep, but Drew, Marie and I were determined to keep on playing. It was on the boardwalk where we came across a semi-cheesy carnival of sorts complete with rides and steal-your-money for a prize-pencil-games. We found a super thrilling, hair poofing ride called "The Rocket." It it like a giant slingshot. Comprised of a steel ball that seats two people, the ball is connected to bungee-like ropes. The ball is pulled back and released, shooting the passengers and ball high into the air at a speed over 100 mph in 1.5 seconds. It's awesome! I first rode the ride with Drew. When Marie saw that we survived and were all smiles, she then rode it with Drew. It was a really fun ride and a highlight of the trip.

Despite losing my phone, it was a fun trip and we made some great memories.

The week went by pretty fast. I had a great night on Tuesday at the Pregnancy Center. It was the first night in a long time where I was the only counselor, but I wasn't overwhelmed with clients as I have been in the past when by myself. It was an encouraging night and I was blessed by the three clients I met. One I hadn't seen since earlier this year and I enjoyed catching up with her and hearing updates.

Aunt Jody and James came to town on Wednesday afternoon and stayed through yesterday evening. They spent Wednesday afternoon and Thursday pretty much entertaining themselves while I worked, but we did get some quality time together in the evenings. On Thursday night we went to watch the Nats lose to the Mets. Despite the loss, it was still a good game and I enjoyed hanging out with my aunt and cousin. I took Friday off work and we all spent the day together. I took them on one of my favorite tours here in DC- the DC Duck tour. After the tour, we rested before heading to another Nats game, where they played the Rockies. Mallory drove up from Richmond and watched the game with us. The Nats lost that game too (surprise, surprise), but we still enjoyed ourselves. After the game, we came back to the house and Mallory gave James a belated birthday cake and presents, so we had an impromptu party. Always nice! :) Here are some pics from the weekend.

The four of of wrapped up their visit by going to an Ethiopian restaurant that Mal and I enjoy. I think James and Jody liked it. They said they did. Some of their faces would have me believe differently, but we did have some great laughs in the process. Mmm.

We (finally!) got a new dryer yesterday. It had been broken since May. Ugh. Three uncheers for our landlord. So, I've spent some time doing laundry and relaxing since everyone left town last night. The Olympics (and specifically Michael Phelps) have been very entertaining.

Not too much going on this week. I have a couple fun lunch dates this week with coworkers and also Rich. Rich is going to have lunch with my new boss, Mimi, and I later in the week. I'm anxious for her to meet him and learn more about the Council and how she can help carry the torch since his time there. Also, later in the week I have plans to go to Jazz in the Sculpture Garden with some gals from my Leadership Group. Looks like it's going to be a jazz-rock band. Awesome. We're each bringing some picnic items and making an evening out of it.

Some Happenings

2008-08-05T23:40:00.000-04:00

Last weekend was pretty busy. On Friday night I had the opportunity to see a sneak peak of a "rockumentary" that's hitting theaters on October 2nd. The film is called Call+Response and is about the modern day slave trade. It was pretty moving. Unlike some documentaries, which plunge into stories and leave the audience in dismay and overwhelmed, C+R is actually a movement. It began when one musician, Justin Dillon, was moved by what he learned and saw. Knowing that his gift was music, he wanted to use his talent to make a difference. So, he's began. He gathered other musicians (some real big and a few up and coming), celebrities and scholars and made a rockumentary- or a documentary told with music and recorded footage. It was great. When the film was over, Justin answered questions from the audience and shared that it's going to open first in DC before hitting other select cities.

The film is being pushed by underground movements- webpages, blogs, and social networking interfaces like Facebook. So, it's a great cause and the concept is pretty hip. I hope it does well, because the message is undeniable.

On Saturday, I went to my friend Jenn's bridal shower. It was quite fun and she seemed really happy. There was SOOO much food. We also got to preview her wedding cake since she had a smaller one made for the shower. It was Italian Cream Cake and quite delicious. After rolling myself home (well, that's what it felt like I was doing), I was able to relax a bit before going to my friend Dave's party (who went with us to St. Thomas back in the day). He's recently returned to DC after studying in Australia (so he claims he studied). Since Dave is friends with Matt, Marie, Drew and I, it was a roomy-night-out. Quite fun and even more rare.

Sunday was spent relaxing and catching up at the gym a bit.

Yesterday my new boss started. I didn't see her too long- she was buzzing in and out of the office trying to get things set up and fluttering between all of her orientations. She seems to be holding her own and I think we're going to get along great.

I went with Marie to see The Apartment at Screen on the Green last night. It was pretty old school- black and white with young versions of Shirley MacLaine and Jack Lemmon in it. My favorite part of Screen on the Green is watching all the people with their picnics and friends. I also enjoy the HBO dance at the beginning. The movie is sponsored by HBO, which plays their jingle before the movie begins. People in the know (and not too lazy) get up and jump/ hop/ dance around while the theme jingle plays. Good times! I love to hop around and flail my arms like a crazy person. haha. The good thing is everyone (cool) is doing it. ;)

I'm going to see one of my fellow Leadership Group friends tomorrow night. We have plans to grab some dinner in Eastern Market. Should be fun- I haven't seen Carla since graduation.

Return from the Road

2008-07-30T23:34:00.000-04:00

Well, Gettysburg was fast and furious. We departed yesterday morning from the Council, spent the latter half of the day in meetings once we'd arrived and then spent the morning and early afternoon in meetings today before heading back to DC around two.

I did get a chance to go into town last night and was pleasantly surprised by what the downtown area offered. It is quaint and has an old feel to it. I kicked myself for forgetting my camera. If I ever return for an extensive amount of time, I'd like to take advantage of the ghost tours that they offer. I remember really enjoying the ghost tour in New Orleans and imagine that Gettysburg would also have some enchanting stories.

We each got our own hotel room at the Wyndham Hotel. I'd never stayed in one before and was very impressed. The hotel grounds were well kept and there was a nice restaurant and movie theater within walking distance that (I think) partnered with the hotel on some level. My room was quite luxurious with it's king sized bed and flat screen television. The bed had five pillows, three of which wound up in the nearby easy chair and were never used. The little extras in the bathroom added a nice touch and the shower was also quite impressive. I realize that this post may have a "country girl goes to the fancy hotel" air to it. haha. Speaking of ghosts, there may have been one in my room (!). Twice last night, my shower randomly began running for about five seconds while I was quite far from it and sitting at a desk in the main room. Strange!

I'm looking forward to tomorrow being Thursday. I love that traveling for work makes things go a little quicker. I have a "date" with my friend Jennifer tomorrow night. We're each going to get a pedicure. Yay!

My weekend is fairly open. I do have a bridal shower to attend on Saturday (Jennifer's). She's the last wedding I have on my calendar (so far) this year. She's getting married on September 6th.

The cat purchase is on hold for the time being. Matt wasn't too thrilled with the idea and Marie kept getting "signs" (her words) that the timing wasn't quite right. So, we'll wait. I'm sure the possibility will creep up as we transition again in September. When Matt and Drew move, we'll be looking for new roomies, one of which may be four-legged and furry.

Slowing Down

2008-07-26T00:11:00.000-04:00

The past week has been pretty slow by "normal" standards. Compared to last weekend, this weekend's calendar is quite empty. Last weekend was a whirlwind of movies: Mama Mia!, The Dark Knight, and Wall-E (a few days prior with Tim). Wall-E left me in a melancholy mood. It was cute, but compared to other Pixar movies, was definitely lacking in the comedic delivery. Rather, the movie has several sobering messages revolving around the destruction of our environment and the gluttony of America. I'm not saying I disagree with the messages and undertones. Maybe that's why I was left in such a state. I connected with it and was left discouraged and downhearted. Despite the movie, I did enjoy a nice evening with Tim.

Mama Mia! was fabulous, however, and helped pull me from my Hollywood prescribed funk. I saw it last Friday with Mallory and Dave (who were in town the evening before flying from Reagan on Saturday AM to St. Croix). It was fun to see it with Mal. Dave was a good sport and even put up with our dancing and singing afterwards. I think Maryl Streep did a wonderful job (I honestly never knew she could sing) and the main young actress was beautiful and also has a equally stunning voice. The joke of the movie was Pierce Brosnan, who received only laughter and groans from the audience when he opened his mouth to sing. It was pretty funny to be sitting in a packed theater and hearing such a reaction to his singing. I felt an immediate bond with my fellow movie-goers at the expense of Pierce.

And The Dark Knight... wow. So, I have a few friends who said they need therapy after watching it. It's true to the title- it's a dark movie. When one weighs in the sad story of Heath Ledger, who obviously had trouble dealing with his character (Joker) in real life and died from an accidental overdose of sleeping pills, it makes the movie a bit harder to swallow. The stunts and several chase scenes in the movie are incredible. There are also some other scenes, however, that are just disturbing. Overall, I'd say I enjoyed it, but it also messed with me a bit too.

Last Saturday night, I went to Kat's house, where she had made dinner and dessert. She'd also invited her boss and his wife and son along with another older man in her office and his wife. It was a wonderful evening. It took me over an hour to get to her house as I am living car-free now. My metro to bus to walking was quite an ordeal. Although a bit sticky from my long walk (uphill), I arrived in time to chat a bit before we all dived into dinner. It was refreshing to dine with one of my best friends and to chat comfortably with some pretty important folks. Her boss is a former ambassador to South Africa and, from what I gathered of our conversation, the other guy is a former Senator. Their wives are very down to earth (as are the guys) and our evening flew by as we discussed travel, politics, religion and exchanged some life stories. Five bottles of wine and several hours later, we had to say goodbye. It was an extremely fun evening. Plus, my new senator friend and his wife drove me home so I wouldn't have to metro and bus back to my house!

Though my weekend was fast, this week slowed tremendously. At work, we are hoping to launch our new website next month. This website has been a complete pain and was originally set to launch last fall/winter. So, I'll cross my fingers, but you don't see this girl holding her breath.

I officially have a new boss. She starts next week, where she'll be attending some board meetings in PA. Her first day in our office is the following week. I'm happy to finally have a boss again and am hopeful that since we are both new to our particular area we can learn some things together. Next Tuesday, I am riding with three of my coworkers (all male) to Gettysburg, where we will be staying for two days as we help with planning for the Council's International Forum in 2010. I've never been to Gettysburg, so was excited about going. Then I learned that our hotel is in the middle of nowhere and historical Gettysburg is quite a ways from us. I don't anticipate it to be the most exotic Council trip I've taken.

Kat has plans to come over on Monday night. We're going to review our travel options and hopefully decide on some plans. At this point, we're thinking two trips: one to Hawaii and one to South Carolina.

Another thing I am seriously considering: Grad School. I've been encouraged by Rich to look into a program at Nyack College here in DC. Nyack is a school in NY, but also has a campus here in DC. There's a one year cohort program that's an MS in Organizational Leadership. The program meets twice a week here on the Hill. Also, there are a few Saturdays required in the mix. It starts in January and ends one year later. I think it'd be a good fit. My main concern is the money. The idea of taking out more student loans is not appealing. So, as I apply, I'll be thinking heavily about it. If I get accepted (which I probably will), I'll have quite a decision to make. Not only would I be looking at loans, but I would also have to willingly embrace more time in DC. At this chapter in life, I'm not seeing that as a bad thing.

On a really random note- we may be getting a cat soon. We've been talking about it a while and Marie has spearheaded the conversation. It was discussed quite a bit about a month ago, but then discussions tapered. Four nights ago, we discovered that we have a mouse (again!) in the house. So, that brought back the cat idea. Marie has gone to NC for the weekend and may be bringing a Fluffy back with her. Fine by me. An animal in the house (and not a tiny one that eats our food) could be a good thing.