Ok so I've decided to stop playing my new Nintendo DS Lite long enough to blog about our Christmas vacation. :)
The theme of this year's Christmas was babies - for everyone playing along at home. Holy crap, there were a lot of babies. They were all well-behaved a majority of the time, except for a few freakouts brought on by over-stimulation. When they were being really sweet, my baby fever definitley got worse. Luckily, the spit-up and meltdowns tempered it pretty effectively. I also learned Nicholas and I are the perfect baby yin-yang. I prefer the little ones that sleep a lot. He prefers the bigger ones who need constant entertainment.
The first few days we finished up our shopping and got in all our favorite ATL food (Athens Pizza and the Varsity). Christmas Eve and Christmas Day we basically just sat around eating ourselves into a stuper - interrupted by spurts of present opening.
Plus, after only about six years, I'm really starting to get used to these in-laws of mine. I realized I think of them as my family now, instead of Nicholas's. IN FACT, I think I might even choose to hang out with a them if I wasn't required!
...
(At least of couple of them anyway) ;)
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Monday, December 25, 2006
Merry Christmas ya'll!!!
The very first day we got back from Thanksgiving I began decorating for Christmas. I would have started at midnight on Thanksgiving if possible so to soak every last second out of the holidays. For those of you who don't know me AT ALL, I (heart) Christmas.
For example, as I was decorating my tree, my friend Dylan expressed surprise at my multiple boxes of ornaments and the fact that I have so many decorations at such a young age. (I have two boxes and would guess around 70+ ornaments.)
As way of explaination, I thought I would offer pictures of my mother's house so that everyone can fully understand that I really have no choice. Christmas has always been a huge deal at my house. It's partly because I am an only child and partly because my parents love the holiday. (Although when I was little, my stepfather tried repeatedly to convince me Christmas was cancelled.)
It's not just that my mother decorates - its more of an explosion. No room or surface is left untouched. I used to say it looked like Santa Claus threw up all over our house.
We have two beautiful trees (not counting the one outside). A ton of nativity scenes. angels, lights, and Santa Claus's. She has THREE sets of everyday Christmas dishes and one set of fine Christmas china. The bathroom is covered. The extra bedrooms have themes. Even the phone stand is covered.
But you know what's really sad? The pictures from this year are low key. She has boxes and boxes left untouched.
Who am I kidding though? I love it. It makes every holiday so much more special. And what I've noticed from watching other people is that it's a lot easier to go with the Christmas tidal wave then to fight it :)
So Merry Christmas everyone - I hope your holiday is filled with friends, family, food and a crapload of decorations!
For example, as I was decorating my tree, my friend Dylan expressed surprise at my multiple boxes of ornaments and the fact that I have so many decorations at such a young age. (I have two boxes and would guess around 70+ ornaments.)
As way of explaination, I thought I would offer pictures of my mother's house so that everyone can fully understand that I really have no choice. Christmas has always been a huge deal at my house. It's partly because I am an only child and partly because my parents love the holiday. (Although when I was little, my stepfather tried repeatedly to convince me Christmas was cancelled.)
It's not just that my mother decorates - its more of an explosion. No room or surface is left untouched. I used to say it looked like Santa Claus threw up all over our house.
We have two beautiful trees (not counting the one outside). A ton of nativity scenes. angels, lights, and Santa Claus's. She has THREE sets of everyday Christmas dishes and one set of fine Christmas china. The bathroom is covered. The extra bedrooms have themes. Even the phone stand is covered.
But you know what's really sad? The pictures from this year are low key. She has boxes and boxes left untouched.
Who am I kidding though? I love it. It makes every holiday so much more special. And what I've noticed from watching other people is that it's a lot easier to go with the Christmas tidal wave then to fight it :)
So Merry Christmas everyone - I hope your holiday is filled with friends, family, food and a crapload of decorations!
New Spot
Remember when I was worried about Maggie not finding a new spot in the new house. Apparently that was misplaced...she found a new spot and a new friend ;)
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
You learn something new everyday
You learn something new everydayr on Vimeo
For instance, yesterday we learned that Maggie HATES yo-yos and wants to kill them.
Generations
I just got back from Kentucky. I flew into Louisville Wednesday night and spent the next two days visiting with my old roommate Erin and shopping for the rest of my Christmas presents.
On Friday, I drove to Paducah and spent the weekend with my family. It was really nice, especially Sunday afternoon after eating lunch (or supper in these parts) with my great aunts and uncle, my grandmother, and Ron. My great-aunt is without a doubt the family historian and where I get my photo-taking, scrapbooking, pack-ratting genes from.
Ever since putting the photo collage together for my dad's 50th birthday, I've wanted to get some photos from my mom's side of the famiy so I could put together a display. Well, I hit the jackpot with Carolyn. I got pictures, pictures, and more pictures.
Beautiful pictures of my grandmother when she graduated from high school. Pictures of my great-grandmother in what my grandmother informed me was a "go-to-hell" hat. A school picture my great-aunt had written a little love note to my great-uncle on.
However, the most amazing pictures are the ones of my great-great grandmother and her family. Her name was Ruby and she died when my great-grandmother was three or four. I've heard the story several times before because it is cited as the reason the women in my family aren't big nurturers. The theory goes that my great-grandmother was raised by her stepmother who took very good care of her but never treated her as her own child, and therefore she never had that super-nurturing model. I've always loved that my mother was the "walk it off - you'll be fine" mother. It made me the independent person I am today so it was pretty intense to look at the woman whose death shaped my life.
It got me thinking so much that when I got home I signed onto ancestry.com and started working on my family tree. Well, SIX hours later I'd gotten several generations back. The best part was when I was showing Erin what I had done once I got back to Louisville I did a search that plugged me into another tree people work on together. I was able to trace back to 1259 Scotland! Pretty crazy.
It's so fascinating to see who and where you came from. I know it sounds cheesy but both sides of my family have been in Kentucky for generations, which makes me feel slightly less crazy for feeling so connected to it.
I started working on Nicholas's tree last night. As I have suspected all along, he is a total imposter as a Southerner. Almost his entire family came from either Massachusetts or Pennsylvania... I can't believe I married a Yankee. So, anyway I guess not all the revelations have been positive ;)
On Friday, I drove to Paducah and spent the weekend with my family. It was really nice, especially Sunday afternoon after eating lunch (or supper in these parts) with my great aunts and uncle, my grandmother, and Ron. My great-aunt is without a doubt the family historian and where I get my photo-taking, scrapbooking, pack-ratting genes from.
Ever since putting the photo collage together for my dad's 50th birthday, I've wanted to get some photos from my mom's side of the famiy so I could put together a display. Well, I hit the jackpot with Carolyn. I got pictures, pictures, and more pictures.
Beautiful pictures of my grandmother when she graduated from high school. Pictures of my great-grandmother in what my grandmother informed me was a "go-to-hell" hat. A school picture my great-aunt had written a little love note to my great-uncle on.However, the most amazing pictures are the ones of my great-great grandmother and her family. Her name was Ruby and she died when my great-grandmother was three or four. I've heard the story several times before because it is cited as the reason the women in my family aren't big nurturers. The theory goes that my great-grandmother was raised by her stepmother who took very good care of her but never treated her as her own child, and therefore she never had that super-nurturing model. I've always loved that my mother was the "walk it off - you'll be fine" mother. It made me the independent person I am today so it was pretty intense to look at the woman whose death shaped my life.
It got me thinking so much that when I got home I signed onto ancestry.com and started working on my family tree. Well, SIX hours later I'd gotten several generations back. The best part was when I was showing Erin what I had done once I got back to Louisville I did a search that plugged me into another tree people work on together. I was able to trace back to 1259 Scotland! Pretty crazy.It's so fascinating to see who and where you came from. I know it sounds cheesy but both sides of my family have been in Kentucky for generations, which makes me feel slightly less crazy for feeling so connected to it.
I started working on Nicholas's tree last night. As I have suspected all along, he is a total imposter as a Southerner. Almost his entire family came from either Massachusetts or Pennsylvania... I can't believe I married a Yankee. So, anyway I guess not all the revelations have been positive ;)
Sunday, December 17, 2006
This story is true
Last year, my parents were having about their sixteenth thousand problem with their router. They'd had a cheap MSN Router that they'd always had problems with so I made them buy a Netgear router. If I recall, I spent almost an hour trying to set it up but it seemed to work fine for several months.
Then, when I came home this weekend it was down after a power outage. I immediately called Netgear because I couldn't pull up anything with the IP address listed on the router. I was informed by the customer service representative that the warranty for hardware failure on December 15, 2006. Only thing it WAS December 15. When I tried to explain this, I was informed that it was a -1 warranty and they could answer no other questions. Grrrrr....
SO we sent Ron to Best Buy to buy a Linksys Router, which one of our relatives had suggested. He came back with a box touting "One Step Setup." Needless to say, I was not hopeful. Two hours later, my cynicism proved accurate. After trying ourselves for a while, a representative informed us we had to install a firmware update to get it to work. Information that would have been helpful IN THE BEGINNING OF THE PROCESS.
We finally got it working for Ron's computer and his laptop. However, when I told the representative that I couldn't get the internet on my mac, she informed me "they don't support macs." After a couple of google searches, I realized that this Linksys router was all but completely incompatible with Macs. The only solution that began to address the problem was installing the firmware update on my Mac. Well, I was up till 3:30 in the morning trying to get that to work and after being frustrated to the point of tears several times, I finally got it to work.
The next morning it STILL worked...for about six or seven hours. Then, the entire network went down. Ron spent another hour on the phone with Linksys, setting up the entire network again (this time named "ronismadashell"). But it would only work for about fifteen minutes at a time.
SO, we went back to Best Buy and thought we'd give D Link a try (for those of you keeping score, that's Microsoft 0, Netgear 0, Linksys 0). Again, the "quick" setup was a big ole lie. This time it took about an hour on the phone with D Link AND BellSouth, Ron's ISP. This network was named "ThisBetterWork" and it did...for about THREE hours.
And here is where the story gets REALLY ridiculous (as if it wasn't already). I call D Link and they run a few test and it seems the DSL connection is down all together. So I call Bell South and they ask me to check the cords. I scoff and inform them the cord JUST came out of the box and was working fine for a couple of hours. But we try a few other things and nothing happens so I go ahead and switch back to the old Ethernet cord and IT STARS FRACKING WORKING AGAIN. After all that, it actually was a burned out cord.
UNFREAKING BELIEVABLE.
The network has now been up and running for almost 24 hours...we're all holding our breath. Because as fun as it is to spend the holidays with customer service representatives half a world away, I'm really hoping to spend it with my family. Or at least ignoring them, while I play on the internet. ;)
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Monday, December 11, 2006
Crazy Weekend
Nicholas and I had a pretty amazing weekend - filled with one extreme to the next.
Friday night was his law firm's holiday party. Nothing too extreme about it actually, pretty much the same thing as the last two years. It was held at the Mandarin Oriental, which is really fantastic. There was a cocktail hour, followed by a dinner buffet. I had like four courses between the seafood bar, the soup, salad and sushi, and the main course. Then, everyone mingles back out into the main forrer for dessert. This year was a little more festive because all the desserts had a holiday theme - eggnog creme brulee, sugar cookies, etc. After dessert, we did a little dancing but the big draw is karoke. I did my standard, "Something to Talk About," to lots of praise. Of course, it wasn't hard to wow the crowd since the guy before me sang "O Come All Ye Faithful." Needless to say, this guys did NOT know his crowd. We went home a smidge earlier then we usually do because we had a very early morning the next day.
On Saturday, we woke up at 4:30am and took the train to New York for a little holiday shopping. Unfortunately, our train was about an hour late but we still arrived at 9:45. We had a quick breakfast by Penn Station and then took a cab down to Fifth Avenue. We started at Henri Bendel, which was crazy fabulous withthe price tag to match. It was probably reflective that the first purchase of the day was for me. ;) We then made our way up Fifth to see the windows and do a little shopping in Saks. The highlight was the hot chocolate we had on the sixth floor at Charbonel et Walker - delicious!
Of course, the big event was across the street at Rockafeller Center. The tree was really gorgeous but the people were the realy sight. Apparently there was a three hour wait to ice skate! We walked back up Avenue of the Americas to FAO Schwarz, which had a line down the block to get in. Luckily, it was really really fast and we made our way in within three minutes. It was such a scene inside but definitely fun. Kids playing the huge piano from BIG and stuffed animals as far as the eye could see. What made it even more fun was we have a niece and nephews to buy for this year - even if they are a bit small. ;)
After FAO, we took at cab to Soho for the Pearl River Market. Basically, its anything you can think of and then some. We got lots of awesome stocking stuffers. We then did some shopping at the Holiday Market at Union Square. Again, crazy crowded but we made a final dent in our list there. We took a small break for Mud Coffee (highly recommended by Rachel Ray) and relaxed while enjoying the view of the Empire State Building.
We met my friend Lindsey and her boyfriend for dinner at Elmo. Lindsey is a writer and is utterly fabulous - particularly because she featured me in her new book! We had a really great meal filled with even better conversation. By 9:15, we were back on the train home! It was quite a whirlwind but worth every second. I've always wanted to New York at the holidays so it was definitely a dream come true.
The extreme Saturday filled to the max with activity was followed by an extreme Sunday filled with absolutely freaking nothing (or as the Sweet Potato Queen's say "doing jackshit"). I didn't get out of bed till around 10:30 and didn't get out of my pajamas all day! I know what you're thinking "Sarah, staying in your pajamas all day is extreme!" (Well, you're thinking that unless you're my mother who has made the all-day-pajama-binge an art form - I learned from the best!) But the sad part is that is not the extremeness I'm referencing.
Here goes nothing...
Yesterday, Nicholas and I watched twelve hours of Battlestar Galactica...not counting the ten webisdoes online. That's right.
TWELVE HOURS
And I'm not ashamed either because that show is freaking amazing! I kept hearing all about how great it was, how smart it was, how it was the BEEEESSTTT. So finally i was like FINE I'll watch! So I put Season 1 on the Netflick list thinking I'd try it out. That was two weeks ago and we're already four shows away form being caught up with season 3! (Of course I sucked NIcholas in along the way - we only have one TV after all).
And really everything they say about that show is true. I mean I don't even like sci-fi that much (except Harry Potter and comic book movies and Lord of the Rings and...ok I'm stopping now) but this show is more political then anything else. It is very much post-9/11 and really asks important questions. How far are we willing to go to be safe? Or to get information from terrorists? Recently, they had a whole storyline about insurgency and occupations. Oh and they have their own version of the f-word! "Fracking toasters!" I mean it is truly amazing. Needless to say, I highly recommend it. Just set LOTS of time away if you start ;)
Friday night was his law firm's holiday party. Nothing too extreme about it actually, pretty much the same thing as the last two years. It was held at the Mandarin Oriental, which is really fantastic. There was a cocktail hour, followed by a dinner buffet. I had like four courses between the seafood bar, the soup, salad and sushi, and the main course. Then, everyone mingles back out into the main forrer for dessert. This year was a little more festive because all the desserts had a holiday theme - eggnog creme brulee, sugar cookies, etc. After dessert, we did a little dancing but the big draw is karoke. I did my standard, "Something to Talk About," to lots of praise. Of course, it wasn't hard to wow the crowd since the guy before me sang "O Come All Ye Faithful." Needless to say, this guys did NOT know his crowd. We went home a smidge earlier then we usually do because we had a very early morning the next day.
On Saturday, we woke up at 4:30am and took the train to New York for a little holiday shopping. Unfortunately, our train was about an hour late but we still arrived at 9:45. We had a quick breakfast by Penn Station and then took a cab down to Fifth Avenue. We started at Henri Bendel, which was crazy fabulous withthe price tag to match. It was probably reflective that the first purchase of the day was for me. ;) We then made our way up Fifth to see the windows and do a little shopping in Saks. The highlight was the hot chocolate we had on the sixth floor at Charbonel et Walker - delicious!
Of course, the big event was across the street at Rockafeller Center. The tree was really gorgeous but the people were the realy sight. Apparently there was a three hour wait to ice skate! We walked back up Avenue of the Americas to FAO Schwarz, which had a line down the block to get in. Luckily, it was really really fast and we made our way in within three minutes. It was such a scene inside but definitely fun. Kids playing the huge piano from BIG and stuffed animals as far as the eye could see. What made it even more fun was we have a niece and nephews to buy for this year - even if they are a bit small. ;)
After FAO, we took at cab to Soho for the Pearl River Market. Basically, its anything you can think of and then some. We got lots of awesome stocking stuffers. We then did some shopping at the Holiday Market at Union Square. Again, crazy crowded but we made a final dent in our list there. We took a small break for Mud Coffee (highly recommended by Rachel Ray) and relaxed while enjoying the view of the Empire State Building.
We met my friend Lindsey and her boyfriend for dinner at Elmo. Lindsey is a writer and is utterly fabulous - particularly because she featured me in her new book! We had a really great meal filled with even better conversation. By 9:15, we were back on the train home! It was quite a whirlwind but worth every second. I've always wanted to New York at the holidays so it was definitely a dream come true.
The extreme Saturday filled to the max with activity was followed by an extreme Sunday filled with absolutely freaking nothing (or as the Sweet Potato Queen's say "doing jackshit"). I didn't get out of bed till around 10:30 and didn't get out of my pajamas all day! I know what you're thinking "Sarah, staying in your pajamas all day is extreme!" (Well, you're thinking that unless you're my mother who has made the all-day-pajama-binge an art form - I learned from the best!) But the sad part is that is not the extremeness I'm referencing.
Here goes nothing...
Yesterday, Nicholas and I watched twelve hours of Battlestar Galactica...not counting the ten webisdoes online. That's right.
TWELVE HOURS
And I'm not ashamed either because that show is freaking amazing! I kept hearing all about how great it was, how smart it was, how it was the BEEEESSTTT. So finally i was like FINE I'll watch! So I put Season 1 on the Netflick list thinking I'd try it out. That was two weeks ago and we're already four shows away form being caught up with season 3! (Of course I sucked NIcholas in along the way - we only have one TV after all).
And really everything they say about that show is true. I mean I don't even like sci-fi that much (except Harry Potter and comic book movies and Lord of the Rings and...ok I'm stopping now) but this show is more political then anything else. It is very much post-9/11 and really asks important questions. How far are we willing to go to be safe? Or to get information from terrorists? Recently, they had a whole storyline about insurgency and occupations. Oh and they have their own version of the f-word! "Fracking toasters!" I mean it is truly amazing. Needless to say, I highly recommend it. Just set LOTS of time away if you start ;)
Friday, December 08, 2006
Maggie and her collar
Maggie and her collar on Vimeo
You have never met a dog that loves her collar more than this one. It borders on the weird. She freaks out when you take it off and acts like you are giving her chocolate covered snausages when you put it back on.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Volunteering
Well, I went downstairs to our annual condo board meeting and came back as the newest board member...whoops.
I'm sure none of you are surprised that I volunteered, but it is just not in me to turn down an uncontested position. Considering one of the board members recently called a resident a "condescending fucking prick" across the entire listserv, it would seem I have no where to go but up. ;)
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Holiday Entertaining
We had a very busy weekend.
On Saturday evening, we had several friends over for a dinner party. Nicholas made a delicious menu of sausages with pickled onions, potato and apple gratin, salad, salmon on shallot toast, and warm olives. It was all a huge hit. Later in the evening, we played a rousing game of Dirty Santa. My friend Laura had never played before and she was very intent on other's stealing to make the game more interesting. Of course she was delighted when her gift was traded several times. :)
Later, we had cake and eggnog while everyone enjoyed a good laugh at some of my home movies. (It all started with a showing of "What My Church Means to Me" - see below.) All in all, I'd say it was a very successful evening considering it started at 7 and ended at midnight.
Today, we had a dessert reception for my friends from Chandler's office (and my friend from high school Dylan, he comes to every party so he can tell everyone he knew me first!). We had a beautiful spread as you can see. I was particularly proud of my cookie tree - unfortunately Nicholas's didn't make the cut ;) Again, it was a really lovely afternoon and I think everyone had a good time.
It was all a lot of work but it was really nice to have everyone over to see our apartment finally. Plus I got to bring out my china! :)
On Saturday evening, we had several friends over for a dinner party. Nicholas made a delicious menu of sausages with pickled onions, potato and apple gratin, salad, salmon on shallot toast, and warm olives. It was all a huge hit. Later in the evening, we played a rousing game of Dirty Santa. My friend Laura had never played before and she was very intent on other's stealing to make the game more interesting. Of course she was delighted when her gift was traded several times. :)
Later, we had cake and eggnog while everyone enjoyed a good laugh at some of my home movies. (It all started with a showing of "What My Church Means to Me" - see below.) All in all, I'd say it was a very successful evening considering it started at 7 and ended at midnight.
Today, we had a dessert reception for my friends from Chandler's office (and my friend from high school Dylan, he comes to every party so he can tell everyone he knew me first!). We had a beautiful spread as you can see. I was particularly proud of my cookie tree - unfortunately Nicholas's didn't make the cut ;) Again, it was a really lovely afternoon and I think everyone had a good time.
It was all a lot of work but it was really nice to have everyone over to see our apartment finally. Plus I got to bring out my china! :)
Saturday, December 02, 2006
What My Church Means to Me
What My Church Means to Me on Vimeo
There's a saying in the law "res ipsa loquitur." It translates "the thing speaks for itself." ... Yep ....
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Thanksgiving
Sorry it has taken me so long to post. Nicholas and I are having two holiday parties this weekend and we have been in full party-planning mode since coming home.
We had a really wonderful Thanksgiving full of family, friends, and food. We got home late Tuesday night and stayed up till 1am with my parents looking at old home movies and listening (and dancing) to my mom's old 45's...don't worry video is to follow. On Wednesday, I went to lunch with some friends from high school and got caught up on all the gossip. That night we went for sushi IN PADUCAH and it was actually pretty good. Although the best roll was deep fried, which was not surprising. ;) We also went to see Casino Royale, which was excellent. I just want to say for the record I always supported Daniel Craig and his hotness as James Bond. Anyone who has seen Layer Cake would never doubt his ability.
On Thursday, we did a whirwind tour of family gatherings. We went to Allen Family Thanksgiving for lunch in Evansville. My Aunt Barbara and Uncle Jimmy hosted the clan and we had some fantastic food. I made a chocolate roulade which my counson Andrea called a big chocolate burrito, but a good chocolate burrito so I guess I shouldn't complain. It was really wonderful to be with all my family, especically since they are crazy fun (see above picture).
After lunch, we drove to Hopkinsville to eat dinner with Ron's family. The only problem was none of us ate because we were so stuffed from lunch. However, we got to visit with everyone which is sort of the point. :)
On Friday, my dad's family and my Aunt Lana and her family came over for pancakes. I know most would find it absurd that my father's family is coming over to my mother's house since they've been divorced for over 20 years. But hey later that day my grandmother came over with all the family to my grandfather and his new wife's house for dinner. So at the very least it runs in the family. ;)
The next day we drove to Louisville for the day to visit with our friend's Tim and Emily and see their new house. Tim and Emily (or Timily if you prefer) are pretty ridiculous. On the surface, they have very little in common but somehow that translates - they seem to be the only two people on the planet that understand the other. We also saw Annie and Kyle and their new house. From our guided tour, I would guess those two have done nothing else but home improvement projects since they moved. Kyle in particular has crazy energy so this fits him perfectly. They've been in the house only a couple of months and they've already ripped out walls in the basement, vines on the front tree, and painted their back room. I don't know how they do it - ya'll saw what happened when I asked Nicholas to help me paint our tiny kitchen.
On our way home, we stopped at Beaver Dam - a rest stop on the endlessly boring West Kentucky Parkway. On my way in the door, I hear "Hey Sarah!" I recognize the face and the voice so I put on a big ole smile and gave the guy a hug with an accompanying "HEY!" We exchanged pleasantries and he introduced himself to Nicholas as Brandon but as we walked away I had NOTHING - I mean absolutely nothing on who that kid was. So lucky Nicholas had to hear for the hour and half back home. "Brandon! Brandon! Brandon Who!?!" I called my mother, my grandmother, TWO friends from high school and no one could figure it out.
I racked my brain through all my groups of friends - high school friends, Paducah family friends, La Center familiy friends, church friends (or "churchies"). They were the only group left and conveniently enough were coming over that night to visit. After eliminating Brandon Mosley, Jessica Carfield (my savior!) remembered Brandon Driver who was a few years older then us. A quick search through the church directory and myspace and TADA! Brandon Driver! Thank god we figured it out or I would have been tossing and turning all night "Brandon WHO!?!"
Sunday was our last day in town and we didn't do anything exciting except gorge on Red's Donuts and go shopping. We flew out of Nashville late that night - arriving home at around 1am. An exhausting trip but worth it! :)
We had a really wonderful Thanksgiving full of family, friends, and food. We got home late Tuesday night and stayed up till 1am with my parents looking at old home movies and listening (and dancing) to my mom's old 45's...don't worry video is to follow. On Wednesday, I went to lunch with some friends from high school and got caught up on all the gossip. That night we went for sushi IN PADUCAH and it was actually pretty good. Although the best roll was deep fried, which was not surprising. ;) We also went to see Casino Royale, which was excellent. I just want to say for the record I always supported Daniel Craig and his hotness as James Bond. Anyone who has seen Layer Cake would never doubt his ability.
On Thursday, we did a whirwind tour of family gatherings. We went to Allen Family Thanksgiving for lunch in Evansville. My Aunt Barbara and Uncle Jimmy hosted the clan and we had some fantastic food. I made a chocolate roulade which my counson Andrea called a big chocolate burrito, but a good chocolate burrito so I guess I shouldn't complain. It was really wonderful to be with all my family, especically since they are crazy fun (see above picture).
After lunch, we drove to Hopkinsville to eat dinner with Ron's family. The only problem was none of us ate because we were so stuffed from lunch. However, we got to visit with everyone which is sort of the point. :)
On Friday, my dad's family and my Aunt Lana and her family came over for pancakes. I know most would find it absurd that my father's family is coming over to my mother's house since they've been divorced for over 20 years. But hey later that day my grandmother came over with all the family to my grandfather and his new wife's house for dinner. So at the very least it runs in the family. ;)
The next day we drove to Louisville for the day to visit with our friend's Tim and Emily and see their new house. Tim and Emily (or Timily if you prefer) are pretty ridiculous. On the surface, they have very little in common but somehow that translates - they seem to be the only two people on the planet that understand the other. We also saw Annie and Kyle and their new house. From our guided tour, I would guess those two have done nothing else but home improvement projects since they moved. Kyle in particular has crazy energy so this fits him perfectly. They've been in the house only a couple of months and they've already ripped out walls in the basement, vines on the front tree, and painted their back room. I don't know how they do it - ya'll saw what happened when I asked Nicholas to help me paint our tiny kitchen.
On our way home, we stopped at Beaver Dam - a rest stop on the endlessly boring West Kentucky Parkway. On my way in the door, I hear "Hey Sarah!" I recognize the face and the voice so I put on a big ole smile and gave the guy a hug with an accompanying "HEY!" We exchanged pleasantries and he introduced himself to Nicholas as Brandon but as we walked away I had NOTHING - I mean absolutely nothing on who that kid was. So lucky Nicholas had to hear for the hour and half back home. "Brandon! Brandon! Brandon Who!?!" I called my mother, my grandmother, TWO friends from high school and no one could figure it out.
I racked my brain through all my groups of friends - high school friends, Paducah family friends, La Center familiy friends, church friends (or "churchies"). They were the only group left and conveniently enough were coming over that night to visit. After eliminating Brandon Mosley, Jessica Carfield (my savior!) remembered Brandon Driver who was a few years older then us. A quick search through the church directory and myspace and TADA! Brandon Driver! Thank god we figured it out or I would have been tossing and turning all night "Brandon WHO!?!"
Sunday was our last day in town and we didn't do anything exciting except gorge on Red's Donuts and go shopping. We flew out of Nashville late that night - arriving home at around 1am. An exhausting trip but worth it! :)
Friday, November 17, 2006
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Ok, so maybe wikipedia isn't that great
I will proclaim my love of wikipedia to anyone that asks. I check it all the time and used to argue its neutrality and reliability...that is until I checked the entry on the shooting at my high school in 1997.
Most of the content was copied word for word from the shooter's website and it merely listed the victims at the very bottom of the page. However, the most disturbing part was that the majority of the entry had been written by a teenager from Australia who admits to mental illness but says he is "attempting to resolve these issues [his] self, but with great difficulty" AND who only edits or contributes to entries about school shootings or other violent events.
I guess the best part about wikipedia is you can edit when you see something wrong. Well, I saw a lot of things wrong so I spent several hours editing the entry. Not exactly memories I love to revisit but I felt it was important. Actually during my research, I found a lot of interesting follow-up stories and learned more about the people with whom I share those memories and their lives now, which was actually very nice.
I thought I might post about that day but even ten years later I'm not really ready to talk about my experience in-depth...at least not tonight anyway.
Dear O.J.,
We don't need your ridiculous hypothetical confession! And do you know why?
You stunning piece of crap and wasted flesh...
because WE ALL KNOW YOU DID IT!
With great hatred and anger,
Sarah
*******************************
Seriously, I cannot control my vitriol when talking about O.J. Simpson. I was just in high school when the whole thing went down and I remember thinking it was quite the circus. I think I always thought he probably did it but it seemed semi-inconclusive.
Then I remember on rainy weekend in college I was being lazy and stumbled across the E! True Hollywood Story about the O.J. Simpson trial. It was like four hours long. At the end I recall being completely shocked and thinking "Holy crap! That man killed those people in cold blood and got away with it!"
Ever since then, I get really really angry when I talk or even think about O.J. I don't usually feel that way about criminals. I never had an ounce of anger for Michael Carneal. Maybe that's because he went to jail for his crimes and I never had to see footage of him happily playing golf or dating Playboy bunnies. Or maybe it's because Michael Carneal was and is mentally ill and O.J. Simpson is just a jerk who got away with murder. I don't know. All I know is O.J. Simpson is a walking, talking mockery of our criminal justice system and the fact that he is going to make money or gain one more second of publicity from brutally murdering those people makes me want to scream. I hope bad bad things happen to him, on earth and beyond.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Holy Crap! Someone painted my kitchen orange!
Naw - I'm just kidding. Nicholas and I painted it today. Wow, was he unhappy about that. He got over it eventually though...of course that was about the time we figured out it would need three coats. ;)
Consider this the second installment of my "Introduction to Our New Apartment" series. I've already showed you our bedroom and now that we've decided not to mount our television, pictures of the living room should be coming soon!
******
Of course today wasn't completely without mishaps... ;)
This is actually the face he had all day.
Consider this the second installment of my "Introduction to Our New Apartment" series. I've already showed you our bedroom and now that we've decided not to mount our television, pictures of the living room should be coming soon!
******
Of course today wasn't completely without mishaps... ;)
This is actually the face he had all day.
Borat: Very nice...NOT!
Last weekend, Nicholas and I attempted to see Borat. Sasha Baron Cohen's new mockumentary about a reporter from Kazakhstan who travels to America. It was completely sold out. Disappointed, we had to listen to a week of great reviews from critics and our friends who had seen the film. "The funniest movie in years!" "Revolutionary!" "Genius!"
Needless to say, we were pretty syked. Only one problem - not that funny.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not one of those totally unhip hipsters who are easily offended or think comedy can't cross certain lines. Here, let me present my hipster comedy credentials:
I watch South Park.
I laughed my ass off during The Aristocrats
And I was at Jackass 2 opening night.
And all of that was funny. Borat was not funny.
There were parts were I giggled and even laughed out loud. But overall I was terribly disappointed.
First, the movie jumps back and forth between scripted and unscripted moments so I was never truly convinced either way. Plus, with the recent accusations put forth by several of the "drunken, frat boys" in a recent lawsuit, it seems Cohen doesn't just script pieces of the film, he manipulates to the point of fraud.
Second, I felt patronized. Several critics have praised Cohen for showing America in all its racist, sexist glory and making us laugh at ourselves. Only one problem - I wasn't laughing. As a Southerner, I couldn't help but notice that Cohen spent a majority of the film in the South - stopping in Virginia, Atlanta, Alabama, and Texas. Even when he was on his way to California in the middle of Arizona he manages to find three frat boys...from South Carolina. He spends a small amount of time in New York and L.A. There are a few gags about how New Yorkers will punch you out for trying to kiss them but no time spent making people in New York or L.A. seem like racist, ignorant jerks. I've been to New York and L.A. - believe me when I say there are racist, ignorant jerks there, too.
One part of the film in particular struck me as manipulative. In Atlanta, Cohen stops in the "ghetto" to speak with a group of African-American males. They are very nice to him - explaining how to wear his pants, laughing at his music choices, and teaching him slang. At first I thought, "how funny that the people that seemed most dangerous were the nicest to him." But looking back on it, why didn't he spout off his usual sexist, anti-Semitic, or homophobic rants to them to see how they would react? In the real documentary "The Protocols of Zion," the filmmakers spend a lot of time addressing the historical mistrust of Jews in the African-American community. How come he didn't try that route? Something tells me because it wouldn't have fit in as nicely with spearing of white America. Too complicated to really look at racist America, instead of just laughing at the ignorant, white people...which maybe would have worked if I had been laughing at that either.
Third, several parts of the film were just mean. Calling a woman ugly at her own dinner table is mean, not funny. Scaring the shit out of young children with a live bear is mean. (Ok maybe a little funny but also a little mean). Plus, I was never sure how people were supposed to react. At one point, an etiquette coach is shown pictures of Cohen's "family" which include pictures of his "son's" penis. She doesn't bat an eye and calmly explains that though he is proud of his family, perhaps he should keep the pictures to himself. I didn't think that was ridiculous or funny. I thought it was dang admirable.
My friend says we are supposed to laugh at ourselves as Americans because we will tolerate such absurd situations in the name of politeness or political correctness or whatever. But I just don't understand what would have been a preferable reaction. To scream and yell? Why are we supposed to laugh at the racist, Southerners who live on Secessionist Drive because they go out of their way to try to understand the cultural differences between themselves and their guest from Kazakhstan.
I just don't get it.
Give me Johnny Knoxville anyday. ;)
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Why I'm a Democrat
If I had to pinpoint a time when I began describing myself as a Democrat, it would be the winter of 2000. By this point, my transition from a good little Baptist conservative to what Cartman describes so aptly as a "college know-it-all hippie" was really in full swing. As you can imagine, 2000 was not the best year to switch parties because we started losing...a lot.
It wasn't always easy to stand strong. 2004 was particularly devastating with pundit after pundit proclaiming the death of the Democratic party. However, I became and remain a Democratic because I believe to my very core that this party is better at governing our country. I do not believe that Republicans are evil (at least not ALL of them) or that they hate America. I do believe that the basic ideas of the Republican party spell disaster for America.
Corporate welfare does not work. Leaving corporations free to pursue the almighty dollar and expecting them to do what's best for America in the process is absurd. And who can blame them? It is their job to make a profit at all costs and most of them are pretty good at it. However, it is not their job to watch out for working men and women. It is the government's. The middle and lower classes of this country do not ask for much but when they do we should deliver. Democrats deliver. They delivered Social Security. They delivered the Family and Medical Leave Act. And they will deliver a raise in the minimum wage.
Wedge issues might be an election strategy but they are not a governing strategy. Without a doubt, religious and social values are important. It was a strong faith in God that led Americans to demand an end to slavery, an end to segregation and the right to vote for women. However, reducing complex issues of morality and faith into divisive discussions on abortion and gay marriage is wrong. Morality in government really means less corruption. In the first 100 hours, Speaker Pelosi has already said the first item on her agenda will be to close the revolving door between legislators and lobbying.
Nation building does not work. It never has and it never will. Being strong on national security requires diplomacy and restraint, not brute force and moral judgment. Our experiment in Iraq has failed. By refusing to address our failure, we have also made North Korea and Iran more powerful and more dangerous. Without a doubt, we are less safe and less secure. Democrats will demand the accountability that has been sorely lacking in our government's foreign policy. Tough questions are ahead but that does not mean they should not be asked.
I believe in the Democratic party. Not because we are perfect or have all the answers - but because the foundation of our party is built on real solutions for this country.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Questions for the Game of Life
I was trying to think about something to post about since it's been a couple of days. I don't want to post about the election because I'm afraid I'll curse it. I didn't do anything terribly exciting today or the day before that. I'm currently watching On Golden Pond. Needless to say, current events is not an option.
Then I remembered these "If..." books I have. They have conversational questions like "What famous person would you have dinner with?" Stuff like that. Nicholas always hates to do them with me so I'm going to make you guys play!!! ;)
Some of them are way too easy for me - basically every answer to any question involving a famous person, dead or alive, will be Oprah.
If you could have a famous person as your parent, who would it be?
Oprah
If you could have any person in history be your boss, who would it be?
Oprah
If you could change places with any celebrity in the world, but have to remain that person forever, who would you be?
Oprah
Others are harder.
If you could be any sign of the zodiac other than your own, what would you want to be?
I don't really know about any other zodiac sign but my own. Wait - I think that's a characteristic of a Leo.
If you had to pick the TV personality you were most in love with as a kid, who would it be?
Whew. Tough call. I remember Don Johnson being my first real celebrity crush. If we're counting adolescence, I had it bad for Jordan Catalano (Jared Leto) - along with about 3000 other 15-year-old Angela Chase wannabe's.
If you could have been present during the inauguration of any past president, whose would it be?
This one is really hard. My first instinct is Abraham Lincoln's second inaugeral. But then again JFK's? or FDR's? Or what about George Washington's? Oh or Thomas Jefferson's? Too tough - can't pick. Impossible.
Well, that's it for now. Feel free to leave your own answers in the comments if you're bored! :)
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
A place to rest your head...
So in all the Halloween excitement I didn't get a chance to post about the other development this weekend. We bought a new mattress!!!
I know I know - this sounds like some joke post about how boring people's blogs about their personal lives can get but seriously! We were sleeping on Nicholas's $175 mattress from law school and now we are sleeping on this. I mean you can only imagine the difference.
Needless to say, we sleep better, longer, and don't wake up with sore backs. Aaaaaaahhhhhhhh........
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Because you just can't get enough of me...
I've created a blog blog. Yes, I know it's confusing. But as most of you know I read a lot of blogs and news sources so I've created a Clip Blog where I link to all the stories I find most interesting, funny, whatever.
So if you need help navigating the exciting world of blogs then consider me your personal guide.
Bookmark it now and get a free coaster set:
http://www.bloglines.com/blog/stewartholland
Monday, October 30, 2006
Happy Halloween!
Well, Nicholas and I had a fabulous Halloween as Fred and Wilma Flintstone. I have decided we are only going to go as couples invovling redhead from here on out so send your suggestions! :)
First, we went a party at Section 2 Headquarters (aka Leslie, Laura, Beefcake and Kevin's house). We had a blast and there were tons of great costume. Leslie and Laura were the iPod commercial so lots of fun with the green screen was had.
Most creative costume would probably go to Dave and Ruth who came as Jeffrey and Laura from Project Runway (see Flickr for pics), although I told Dave he totally missed his chance to wear manpri's. I have to give us best executed though because dang my hair was awesome! And not easy either!
Honorable mentions go to: Dan the Old Man for having Werthers Originals on hand to pass out and Dog the Bounty Hunter which we saw at our next party.
Dishonorable mentions go to: Chickein who came as Steve Irwin and made me super-sad all over again :(
First, we went a party at Section 2 Headquarters (aka Leslie, Laura, Beefcake and Kevin's house). We had a blast and there were tons of great costume. Leslie and Laura were the iPod commercial so lots of fun with the green screen was had.
Most creative costume would probably go to Dave and Ruth who came as Jeffrey and Laura from Project Runway (see Flickr for pics), although I told Dave he totally missed his chance to wear manpri's. I have to give us best executed though because dang my hair was awesome! And not easy either!
Honorable mentions go to: Dan the Old Man for having Werthers Originals on hand to pass out and Dog the Bounty Hunter which we saw at our next party.
Dishonorable mentions go to: Chickein who came as Steve Irwin and made me super-sad all over again :(
Friday, October 27, 2006
Live blogging (sort of): Oprah Town Hall
Right now I am desperately trying to decide if I love Oprah more than I hate Bill O’Reilly. It might be toss up. However, I’ve decided the only way I’m going to make it through this special Town Hall episode of Oprah featuring Bill O’Reilly is do some live blogging so I’m not just screaming at my TV…I’m screaming at you instead!
(Oh and by live blogging I mean not live at all, but rather from my Tivo list so I don’t have to watch commercials.)
4:04: Why did he just start calling “secular progressives” (Bill’s term for everyone he disagrees with) SP’s? Does abbreviating something make it more believable?
4:06: Why is he yelling at her? You’re not supposed to yell at Oprah - remember what happened to Tom Cruise? Luckily there in stools so he can't jump the couch.
4:06: Holy crap! 6 minutes in and we’re already to abortion and parental notification. That was quick. Also he should talk to the parents of girls who have died from back alley abortions because they were too scared to tell their parents.
4:07: Ok right now I love Oprah more and I know why – she asked the fundamental question everyone should ask Bill O’Reilly. “What do you want us to do about this information?” His response: “Hit them.” He doesn’t want us to do anything except be angry and confrontational. Oh yeah and he wants us to buy his books.
4:08: Is he really asserting the negative state of media to the Queen of all Media who is perhaps the most positive influence in entertainment? Intriguing.
4:11: Yeah audience interaction – exciting. Can’t wait till he starts yelling at them…
4:12: …That didn’t take him long
4:13: Billy O’Reilly doesn’t like the words “middle ground.” Knock me over with a freaking feather. Also why does he keep asking me if I want to live in Holland. It seems nice there – they have tulips. And it makes a perfectly wonderful last name.
4:14: I love that his jokes are falling flat! Even Oprah isn't laughing...Also I'm getting a headache from rolling my eyes so much.
4:15: Ok I wouldn't say that you know what's going if you are a Fox News junkie. You know one side of what's going on.
4:16: There are a lot more men in this audience then your average Bra Revolution episode I'll tell you that much.
4:17: I can't believe Oprah isn't stepping in - he's just yelling over this guy.
4:18: There is a nice looking African-American man with dreads supporting O'Reilly. I've become confused.
4:19: Well thank god - apparently there is an abbreviation for the other side. Traditionalists are people who agree with O'Reilly - "T Warriors" Get your t shirts now ladies and gentlemen.
4:23: Ok I'm about to blow everyone's mind - sometimes there are more than 2 sides to an issue. WHOA! I know it's intense. ...Also Bill thinks we were sold the war. Good. Does he accept responsibility for doing some of the selling is the real question?
4:25: Wait he made a formal on air apology. I didn't know that. Ok props for that Bill. See MIDDLE GROUND.
4:26: OK HOLD THE FREAKING PHONE. (Insert my own personal Bill O'Reilly outraged voice here.) DO NOT. DO NOT MENTION George Bush in the same sentence as Abraham Lincoln. Ever! Abraham Lincoln was a genius who was compassionate and empathetic and knew when to say he was wrong. George Bush is NONE of those things. I swear to God if one more person tries to link those two I'm going to hurt somebody.
4:27: Audience member - "We could have chose Iran or Syria or somewhere else to go." OR we could have not attacked anyone. Thoughts? This guy is a disgrace to redheads.
4:28: Don't call MLK a T Warrior. Oprah slap him - NOW!
4:30: He's not polarizing anybody!!!! He's said war 50 times, warrior 36, and fight 15. How is that not polarizing.
4:31: YEAH! ACLU bashing! ...And quickly to NAMBLA and ACLU's representation of them. As a card carrying member of the ACLU, I will have to direct you here and say that it seems that Bill O'Reilly would agree with the ACLU that it is people who must take responsibility for their actions instead of blaming others.
4:32: Sigh...now he's attacking the ACLU for standing up to The Minute Men. Here.
4:36: Never a good thing when we are saying "Why should we give them any type of rights at all?" There's an absolute for ya...Ok the world is gray people. Not black and white. Gray. It's just that simple. That doesn't mean you don't take stands or that nothing is wrong or right. ... Ok see now he's on to torture. Well let me tell you what - according to the Bush administration that is gray. Talking about moral relativism and constantly moving the line of what is acceptable.
4:40: Bill - "I know that I sound like I'm whining." Because you ARE!
4:41: Does he make up this many phrases on his own show? You know Steven Colbert's jokes are starting to make a lot more sense to me all of a sudden!
4:42: Ok Bill obviously doesn't watch Oprah b/c if he did he would know he gets personally attacked every day b/c he personally attacks every day. Oprah lesson #35 (also known as kharma) - what you send out into the universe you get back....Also you are asking Bill O'Reilly how to keep your friends while asserting your views?!? hahahahahahahahahahaha
4:43: Bill isn't as orange as he usually is - see I can say something nice!!!
4:44: WAIT just a second! He just said he wasn't calm on television b/c he's got to get people to watch. Isn't that catering to your audience, which is exactly what he accuses the "left wing media" of doing when they cover celebrities, etc.?!?
4:47: I didn't know David Letterman gave him such crap. I didn't know David Letterman had it in him!
4:48: hahahah This woman just used his baloney back at him! I like it! Maybe I'll start saying baloney...
4:49: I hate this argument. We killed Iraqis so Sadam couldn't kill more Iraqis. Ridiculous! If we cared about the slaughter of women and children, we'd be all over Darfur.
4:54: "I'm not a blame guy." Seriously! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA..."We need to think about it without emotion and ideology." Are you freaking kidding me!?! After explaining to Oprah the two ideologies that are at "war" in our country (SP's and T Warriors for those of you without the accompanying Key), you told her people needed to get angry and fight. But we need to think about it without emotion and ideogoloy huh? If there is a God in heaven, the Daily Show is working on an edited package of this interview right now.
4:55: Iran hates Cleveland? I wasn't aware.
4:58: Culture Warriors wear pretty blue windbreakers apparently. I'm rushing out to get mine right now!
----------------
Whew that was fun. I need a nap now.
Oh and I definitely love Oprah more than I hate Bill O'Reilly. I actually don't hate Bill O'Reilly - Although I do wish he was back on Inside Edition where he belongs - I just think he complains about the media when a) he IS the freaking media and b) he does the same thing he complains about. The media isn't perfect. They sell conflict and confrontation because of a lot of reasons (ratings, time and resource constraints, their own biases) but SO DOES BILL O'REILLY. So stop acting like you are helping the country and doing us all some great service. Because you are not.
Now Oprah on the otherhand... well that's another post ;)
Dog Bed - Money well-spent
Is this how parents feel when they buy their kids expensive clothes and they prefer the box the toy came in?
Why IS Dane Cook famous?
This picture is funny for two reasons:
First, because my husband is very very sweet and listening to the TV through ear phones so I could study. Unfortunately the cord was a little short. hehehehe (Hence, the rude hand gesture)
Second, he is desperately trying to figure out why Dane Cook is famous. He kept saying with exasperation. "But Sarah he filled an arena!"
First, because my husband is very very sweet and listening to the TV through ear phones so I could study. Unfortunately the cord was a little short. hehehehe (Hence, the rude hand gesture)
Second, he is desperately trying to figure out why Dane Cook is famous. He kept saying with exasperation. "But Sarah he filled an arena!"
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
New York, New York
Nicholas and I had the most wonderful time in New York this weekend. We left early Saturday morning and took the Acela into the city (for free! - thank you Amtrak rewards). We had a little trouble getting our bearings at first. We went to the wrong Comfort Inn Midtown because apparently there are two. Then we went to the Upper West Side when we really wanted to be in the Upper East Side. Once we got it all sorted out though we had a great lunch at Le Pain Quotidien. It's this little French cafe chain in New York. Everything is fresh and organic and you eat at big wooden communal tables. Pretty fabulous. Next, I went to Linda's Bra Salon for the best bra service I have ever had. Seriously, I felt like I was on the special bra revolution episode of Oprah. I left with two new Chantelle bras that fit perfectly and am super excited. (Probably about as excited as Nicholas was waiting for me in Linda's "trying to not look like a perv.") We walked around and shopped a little bit more after that. It's really not fair how even chains in New York are better. Isn't it bad enough they have all around better stores? Do they also have to have better selection at the stores we all have?
Anyway, that night we went to dinner at Bar Americain, one of Bobbie Flay's restaurants. It was absolutely fantastic. The best oysters I have ever had. I usually eat them with crackers and cocktail sauce but these were so goods I ate them plain with only the vinegar sauce they had. I also had souffle for the first time, which was divine.
After dinner, we went to see The Color Purple - the real reason for our visit. My good friend Laura's cousin co-wrote the lyrics and music and we were able to sit in her house seats. Absolutely amazing. I love the book (of course), love the film (of course). It's such an amazing story and beloved by so many people. I was a little worried about it being a musical, because it's not the most upbeat story. However, all my expectations were met, if not exceeded. The music is so powerful. It really is like going to church. All the performers were so amazing and the energy was overwhelming. Needless to say, I was crying by the end.
After the play, we took a pedicab back to the hotel through Times Square, which was a blast. We continued our toursity transportation the next day with a carriage ride through Central Park. The leaves are really starting to change and it was crisp and cold. A perfect moment... minus the horse smell of course. ;) Then we went to brunch at this little cafe on First Ave and to the Met for the afternoon. I have never been to The Met before and it was a little overwhelming but I really really enjoyed the Vollard exhibit. Vollard was basically the most important art dealer in history. He discovered Cezanne, Van Gough, Picasso, and Gaugin. Not a bad track record I'd say.
We went for a late lunch at a place called Eat near the Met, which is basically Madison Ave. Needless to say, the people watching is pretty out of control. I saw at least 12 strollers and all but one was Bugaboo. Unfortunately, our beautiful weekend came to an end after that and we headed back home.
Of course, I have to give a big thank you to my friend Laura not only for the tickets but for basically planning our entire weekend. There is a stark difference between when I visited New York before Laura and after. She writes up page long emails giving us several options for every meal before we leave. THEN is basically our on call New York guide all weekend. I will literally text her our location and what we are in the mood for and minutes later I have recommendations that NEVER (and I mean never) fails. She recommended every place we ate this weekend (and Linda's) and they were all fantastic. Of course she's pretty fantastic herself so I don't know why I'm surprised ;) And if that wasn't enough she and her boyfriend Daniel took care of Maggie while we were gone...And no you can't have her email - make your own big city friend!
Monday, October 23, 2006
Skidboot the Dog
| If you don't cry watching this, then go to a doctor quick because you dn't have a heart. | |
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Innovative = Ugly
Stupid Jeffrey won stupid Project Runway and I am never watching that stupid show ever again...
ok cleansing breath...
Let me start over.
I have never been obsessed wtih Project Runway. My friends all loved it but I didn't start watching till this season. I realized why I have avoided it for so long. I used to say I love fashion but now I realize I love clothes. I kind of hate fashion.
I love the power of a good outfit. I love a woman's face when she gets a really good make over. I love watching What Not To Wear (BBC version of course!) and seeing the way a woman's entire of opinion of herself can change because she puts on a pair of pants that flatter her body. It is impossible and exhausting as a woman to try to keep up with the picture of how you are "supposed" to look like. However, when you finally realize that you might never be able to wear skinny jeans (the name alone says it all) or cap sleeves but you can seriously rock a wrap dress or deep V sweater, you can truly be set free. Seriously, the day I got rid of all my capri pants is one of the best days of my life!
Fashion is not about any of those things. I hate fashion because so much of it is complete bullshit. Don't get me wrong - there is real artistry out there. I mean this is art. Period. But the skeleton models and absurd fashion and even more absurd personalities can all be too much. And it has almost nothing to do with real women. I mean no one would wear the sweater by Jeffrey (shown above). No one. Even Uli's collection, who the judges praised as wearable by "every woman," featured beautiful clothes that can be worn by a select few. I said several times "Gorgeous but no one with boobs could wear that." Or "Fabulous but only for the very very skinny."
I mean how reflective is it that the winner of the competition failed miserably at the challenge involving "real" women from the designers' lives. Not only did he make a truly ugly piece of clothing but he made the woman cry in the process. Please.
Auf Wiedersehen Project Runway!
Calling Trinny and Susannah!
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Welcome to the World!
I started this post to welcome my stepfather Jolly Ron to the blogosphere. He just started his very own blog and I'm very proud of him. Now, everybody go check it a lot so he feels pressure to post! ;)Anyway, I started to post that welcome message BUT THEN I got a brand new nephew this morning. So welcome to the world William! He was born this morning at 8am. He weighs 8lbs 6oz and is 19.75 inches long. The picture above is from his big brother's first birthday on SATURDAY! That's right my brother and sister-in-law have a one-year-old and a one-day-old. Send them money or any extra nannies you have lying around.
UPDATE: Yeah we've got some pictures!
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Taboo
Tonight my friend's hosted a game night. The night began with all the boys playing poker and all the girls (+ Nicholas) playing Pop Culture Trivia Pursuit DVD Edition. As more money was lost, everyone started drifting into the room with us and we decided to play Taboo.
It was a pretty rowdy game. My team ended up kicking some major butt and I have to say it was primarily because my dear friend Laura Israel and I are pretty much share the same brain. Case in point:
Me: Madonna gave one of these to Oprah
Laura: WATCH!
Seriously, no hesitation - no other guesses. Amazing.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Writing it all down...
Lately, I've been thinking a lot about my Editor-in-Chief column from college. Specifically, I've been thinking about the column I wrote before the invasion of Iraq when I wrote these words: "Make no mistake; a war on Iraq will create more resentment towards the United States. We may take down one enemy but we will create many many more." (Don't worry Dad this isn't going to become a rant about the war! Because seriously when they are talking about it on Oprah I think I'd be beating a dead horse) ;)
So I pulled out the disk with my old college stuff on it in order to find that column and ended up reading all of my columns from that year. They range in topics from the Dixie Chicks (and one infamous comment in particular) to great places to go in Lexington. They made me realize how much I still miss Transy and how I really miss writing those columns.
They also made me realize how much I've changed since I graduated three years ago. Throughout the columns I speak passionately about feminism, equality, and justice. I made pleas for more activism on campus and talked about the beauty and promise of ideas.
Jeez, what a schmuck!
Kidding of course! But only sort of - my idealism and passion really hit me hard, mainly because I'm afraid they are fading. I don't talk about the beauty of ideas anymore. I talk about poll numbers and elections and (God help me) last week's episode of Meet the Press. Maybe it's true what they say - law school really does suck out your soul or DC is the seventh ring of hell or (gulp) my mother was right and I'll "see" when I get older. I don't know.
I hope that I can maintain my passion and hope. I'm still the same little girl who listened to her PaPa talk about politicians and how good ones stuck up for the working man. But now I know sticking up for the working man is never as simple as one vote or one election. I'm still the bright-eyed college freshman who realized other women felt the same way she did and that they called it feminism. But now I know feminism is only a small piece of the puzzle, not the puzzle itself. I still admire the radicalism of Gandhi, King, and Friedan. But now I am in awe of the political genius of Abraham Lincoln and FDR.
I hope I can balance my idealistic past with my pragmatic future. I hope I don't become completely cynical and apathetic. I hope don't forget where I came from and where I have always planned on going. I hope. I hope. I hope.
Whew...now that I've got that off my chest, back to sappy dog video and decorating disasters. ;)
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Maggie's Third "Gotcha'" Day
We got Maggie three years ago today, and well...the song says it all.
Maggie Movie on Vimeo
Friday, October 06, 2006
I meet Tucker Carlson and it goes just fine
Yesterday, my friend Rachel and I went to lunch at this really great sushi restuarant in a really swanky part of town. As we were walking up the sidewalk, I looked up and straight into the eyes of none other than Tucker Carlson, the conservative pundit/ballroom dancing star. Of course, I was a little caught off guard and started to giggle to myself. I asked Rachel if she had noticed him and she said she'd missed him.Despite her inability to confirm, I knew it was Tucker. Sure, there was no bow tie (according to wikipedia, he stopped wearing them this year). But he looks EXACTLY like you think he would. Not taller, not shorter, not thinner or fatter. He looked just like...well Tucker Carlson.
For those of you know that me well, I'm not so good at the star gazing (believe me when I say I hesitate to call Tucker a star but he WAS on Dancing with the Stars so I guess that's good enough). I am however a genius at star talking. I just can't stand to let an exchange with the famous or infamous go by. "I talked to Bill Clinton today" is so much more exciting then "I saw Bill Clinton today." ANYWAY, I couldn't stand it so as Tucker was walking up the stairs into where ever he was going I yelled out "Tucker! You were great on Dancing with the Stars!" (not actually true he was awful but whatever) He looked over and did a little "Ole!" move and laughed.
So, this is proof positive that I can interact in a friendly and pleasant manner with conservatives. I know this will make all my conservative family members very proud. ;)
Monday, October 02, 2006
This weekend?
Oh thank you so much for asking I had a wonderful weekend! Well you know I had that black tie dinner at the Italiam Embassy on Friday night, which was fabulous.
hehehehehehehehehehehe
I've always wanted to say that! I actually did have a black tie dinner at the Italian Embassy and it was pretty fantastic. The law school had a dinner for all the big donors at the school and they invite "student leaders." I actually only got to go because another student leader couldn't make it - apparently the president of the WCL Democrats doesn't get an invitaiton in her own right. Whatever.
The Embassy is really modern, both the exterior and interior. It has a beautiful open lobby decorated in primary couches. Lots of Italian leather and hot Italian security guards. The food was delicious and I might have had an unreasonable number of Bellinis. I also left loaded down with freebies including one the rose centerpiece, a bottle of wine, and a little gold picture frame. All in all a wonderful evening.
hehehehehehehehehehehe
I've always wanted to say that! I actually did have a black tie dinner at the Italian Embassy and it was pretty fantastic. The law school had a dinner for all the big donors at the school and they invite "student leaders." I actually only got to go because another student leader couldn't make it - apparently the president of the WCL Democrats doesn't get an invitaiton in her own right. Whatever.
The Embassy is really modern, both the exterior and interior. It has a beautiful open lobby decorated in primary couches. Lots of Italian leather and hot Italian security guards. The food was delicious and I might have had an unreasonable number of Bellinis. I also left loaded down with freebies including one the rose centerpiece, a bottle of wine, and a little gold picture frame. All in all a wonderful evening.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Together, America can do better...
Yesterday, I got a great opportunity to go to the DNC's Women's Leadership Forum's Conference. WLF is primarily a fundraising council but the conference focused on all types of activism and organizing. The day started with some truly fantastic speakers including Congresswomen Wasserman Schultz and Congresswomen Moore. Moore was particularly engaging and really really funny. At one point, she informed us she had to hurry back to the Hill so she could continue "the important work of saving the country one post office at a time." HA! I love it and it rings particularly true for anyone who has gone to the House or Senate floor to see the "debate" (I use that world very loosely).
Next, there was a really informative panel on the mid-term elections with an editor for the Cook Report and a leading Democratic pollster. Obviously, they can't say 100% but it looks as long as Democrats don't drop the ball we might actually take the house. Then, Congressman Jack Murtha and Congresswomen Jane Harmen led a panel on national security that was at once terrifying and hopeful...well it would be if these people could get in a position of power to actually make a difference.
Of course the real highlight of the day was lunch with a keynote speech by Senator Clinton. No big surprise that I am a huge fan. This was the first time I have seen her speak and I was really impressed. I was particularly impressed by the fact that at the end of her speech that was focused on fundraising she spoke very frankly about the fact she hates that this is how it has to be. However, nothing will change unless we win and we can't win when Republicans are outspending us 5 to 1 so there you go.
The rest of the day was spent on trainings. We learned about the tools offered on the DNC's websites and an effective fundraising ask. All of this was really exciting but one of the best parts of the day for me was being able to network and get advice on my future pursuits. I was able to talk to one women in particular who offered some really excellent advice on how to get onto the presidential campaign. Basically, I might have to spend some time in Iowa - woohooo!
Although the thought of working that hard and being away from Nicholas is daunting, I have dreamed my whole life of being a part of a presidential campaign (mainly as the president but hey we all start somewhere!). I can't think of anything more exciting. I've had a pretty stressful week and have taken a lot of flack from people about not taking the bar after graduation. It's really hard breaking away from the corporate law path everyone takes in law school, especially when they all have jobs lined up. But yesterday reminded me the most difficult path is often the most rewarding and being secure and safe aren't the most important things in life - following your dreams is.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Bedroom
I'm finally posting pictures of our apartment - one room at a time that is. Our bedroom is as completed as it's going to get for awhile. Our living room is another story all together so don't hold your breath for pictures of that. :)
Here's the inspiration for our bedroom:
Here's our actual bedroom:
Not bad huh? I think I should be on Double Take.
There are more pictures on Flickr for those interested.
Friday, September 08, 2006
It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood...
Yesterday afternoon, as I was taking my precious dog to the vet, I noticed an interesting development in my little neighborhood of Cleveland Park. Our local theater, the Uptown, was surrounded by media and barricades and (dare I say it) RED CARPET! Apparently the new Kevin Costner/Ashton Kutcher vehicle The Guardian was premiering a block from my house.
As most of you know I am a celebrity whore of the highest level, so you can only imagine my excitement. I immediately called my good friend and neighbor Laura Israel and left an urgent message to call me ASAP. When I exclaimed, "The Guardian is premiering! We have to go see!" she thought I had lost my mind not only because I wanted to see The Guardian but I apparently had to see it opening night. As soon as I explained, it wasn't opening it was premiering complete with red carpet and celebs galore she was in.
We waited right by the sign-in table for about 30 minutes when the "talent" started to arrive. First, Sela Ward came looking really beautiful. We waved and told her we loved her dress. She was very sweet and told us thank you. Next, Michael Rady who we recognized but couldn't figure out from were. Luckily, Laura is a walking imdb.com and exclaimed "Kostas!" from Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (which we know you have all seen so don't try to deny). Finally around 6:35, the headliner... Kevin Costner.
He pulled out right in front of us but immediatley crossed the street to greet fans lined up there. He then came back towards us. Maggie was with us adn I asked him if he would pet my dog. He flashed his trademark smile (pictured above) and shook his head. I forgive him though. First, because he looked really really good (as did his Barbie doll wife) and second, because Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves is one of my favorite movies of all time.
The best part was Michael Chertoff, the head of Homeland Security, pulled up right behind him and had to hang out while Kevin worked the crowd. Then he got out and hobbnobbed a bit. So glad he's hard at work keeping us all safe, getting people in LA some damn trailers already, and then of course kicking it with Costner.
Finally, right before the movie was supposed to start at 7pm, Ashton showed up with Demi. I have to say he is terribly cute and she looks freaking amazing. We didn't get to have any exchanges with the power couple beyond a couple of waves but exciting just the same.
Overall, it was all terribly thrilling. How many times is there a world premiere of a big Hollywood picture a block from your house? Reason number 3 million I'm glad we moved ;)
As most of you know I am a celebrity whore of the highest level, so you can only imagine my excitement. I immediately called my good friend and neighbor Laura Israel and left an urgent message to call me ASAP. When I exclaimed, "The Guardian is premiering! We have to go see!" she thought I had lost my mind not only because I wanted to see The Guardian but I apparently had to see it opening night. As soon as I explained, it wasn't opening it was premiering complete with red carpet and celebs galore she was in.
We waited right by the sign-in table for about 30 minutes when the "talent" started to arrive. First, Sela Ward came looking really beautiful. We waved and told her we loved her dress. She was very sweet and told us thank you. Next, Michael Rady who we recognized but couldn't figure out from were. Luckily, Laura is a walking imdb.com and exclaimed "Kostas!" from Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (which we know you have all seen so don't try to deny). Finally around 6:35, the headliner... Kevin Costner.
He pulled out right in front of us but immediatley crossed the street to greet fans lined up there. He then came back towards us. Maggie was with us adn I asked him if he would pet my dog. He flashed his trademark smile (pictured above) and shook his head. I forgive him though. First, because he looked really really good (as did his Barbie doll wife) and second, because Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves is one of my favorite movies of all time.
The best part was Michael Chertoff, the head of Homeland Security, pulled up right behind him and had to hang out while Kevin worked the crowd. Then he got out and hobbnobbed a bit. So glad he's hard at work keeping us all safe, getting people in LA some damn trailers already, and then of course kicking it with Costner.
Finally, right before the movie was supposed to start at 7pm, Ashton showed up with Demi. I have to say he is terribly cute and she looks freaking amazing. We didn't get to have any exchanges with the power couple beyond a couple of waves but exciting just the same.
Overall, it was all terribly thrilling. How many times is there a world premiere of a big Hollywood picture a block from your house? Reason number 3 million I'm glad we moved ;)
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Steve Irwin
Nicholas woke me up Monday morning with the heartbreaking news that Steve Irwin had been killed. For those of you who don't know, I loved Steve Irwin. Seriously loved. I got really into his show during college. I watched it all the time. I saw the movie. I had a Crocodile Hunter action figure. My friends Mike and Smith and I even dressed up as Steve, Terri Irwin, and a crocodile one year for Halloween.
He was so sincere. I never doubted his dedication to animals and I admired so much that he fought for the animals no one else loved. Anyone can love pandas or giraffes but he stood up for the animals that weren't cut or fuzzy and could kill you. More than that, I responded so much to his passion. In a world full of Paris Hilton or Tom Cruise, he had no alterior motives. He did what he did because he believed in it. We need more people like that and it is so sad that we lost such a great one.
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Decorating Disasters
In my travels, there have been several times I've come across decorating choices so extreme, so absurd that there is nothing left to do but take a picture and show your friends. After coming across a recent "spectacular" tile job, I decided to collect my most recent discoveries in a post ...because wow.
Exhibit A: London England
Seriously what is the point in hanging a curton rod on the front of a curtain valance. The logic escapes me.
Exhibit B: Charleston, SC
This was a ceiling treatment in a house we stayed in Charleston, SC. The joke all week was the ceiling's close resemblence to a certain part of the female anatomy ;) Of course, this was only one of the offensive choices in this house. Pamela called it the paint reject house because all the colors looked like the person had gone and bought the paint on sale because other people rejected it.
Exhibit C: Washington, DC
My friend Leslie's landlord was forced to redo the bathroom because of plumping problems and decided to just retile what was necessary. I definitely don't think he's planning reselling anytime soon. I mean how would you explain that. "We ran out of plain white tiles?" Although my friend Laura pointed out you could say you were redoing it in the lovely pink tile. :)
Conclusion: People are insane.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
SURPRISE!
This weekend Nicholas and I traveled to California to surprise my dad for his 50th birthday. We got in Friday afternoon and met up with my friend Haley. We ate Sprinkles cupcakes and had sushi at Koi...really did the whole scene. We had a total blast.
Saturday morning we rode with my cousins Corey and Michael to Bakersfield. When my dad got back from playing golf, my aunt told him she had an early birthday present for him. I was soooo nervous waiting for her to call us out! I have no idea why. But we all came out singing Happy Birthday. Corey and Michael came first so he would think they were the present and then I came around the corner. His face was absolutely priceless. He made a perfect O face like the Screamer painting. He was completely stunned. That moment alone was worth the entire trip.
Little did he know the surprises were just beginning. He had planned a big dinner at Macaroni Grill but we got the restaurant in on the whole plan. They kept making us wait and wait for a table. The even told my dad that our waitress got in a car wreck! He took it hook, line and sinker. It was so hilarious. Finally, his friend Warren said my aunt Sheree was sick and we needed to get back to the house. Well, my dad took off with no explanation.
When we got back his big surprise party was waiting with a very special guest. One of his best friends who he had not seen in 10 years had flown from Atlanta to surprise him. Again the perfect O face this time followed by "You guys are going to give me a heart attack!" It was so wonderful as was the rest of the night, including (if I do say so myself) the video I made for him, which I will post later on.
The weekend was a total success and we had such a wonderful time with all of my family. It felt really great to do something for my dad because he has always been so generous with me.
Saturday morning we rode with my cousins Corey and Michael to Bakersfield. When my dad got back from playing golf, my aunt told him she had an early birthday present for him. I was soooo nervous waiting for her to call us out! I have no idea why. But we all came out singing Happy Birthday. Corey and Michael came first so he would think they were the present and then I came around the corner. His face was absolutely priceless. He made a perfect O face like the Screamer painting. He was completely stunned. That moment alone was worth the entire trip.
Little did he know the surprises were just beginning. He had planned a big dinner at Macaroni Grill but we got the restaurant in on the whole plan. They kept making us wait and wait for a table. The even told my dad that our waitress got in a car wreck! He took it hook, line and sinker. It was so hilarious. Finally, his friend Warren said my aunt Sheree was sick and we needed to get back to the house. Well, my dad took off with no explanation.
When we got back his big surprise party was waiting with a very special guest. One of his best friends who he had not seen in 10 years had flown from Atlanta to surprise him. Again the perfect O face this time followed by "You guys are going to give me a heart attack!" It was so wonderful as was the rest of the night, including (if I do say so myself) the video I made for him, which I will post later on.
The weekend was a total success and we had such a wonderful time with all of my family. It felt really great to do something for my dad because he has always been so generous with me.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Back to School
So I started school yesterday. On Monday, I had Race, Crime, & Politics, which I think is going to be a really interesting class. Our grade is based primarily on fake legislative hearing where we have to testify about a certain reform. I think it will be a really cool experience. Today, I had American Political Process and Legislation. I'm really excited about Legislation in particular but both should be good. I'm taking Lawyer Bargaining on Fridays and The Politics of Mass Communication at the School of Government on Wednesdays. Overall, its a really cool schedule, involving almost no "real" law classes which is good since I don't want to be a "real" lawyer.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Let's go to the movies!
In less than a week, Nicholas and I managed to see the best movie and the worst movie we've seen this year. Let's start with the good.
Little Miss Sunshine. Seriously ya'll I cannot say enough good things about this movie. It was absolutely wonderful. I laughed, I cried, I did both at the same time. The characters were complex. You hated them one minute and loved them the next. I won't even get started on the actors themselves - who were truly superb. The movie was about family, its disfunction but its overall important. It was so beautiful and sincere I found myself missing my own family very very much. So in other words stop what you are doing and go see this movie immediately.
Now on to the bad...
Step Up. So here's the thing. I have a weakness for dancing flicks. I've grown out of the romantic comedies and teen girl movies of my youth but give me a dance sequence and a cheesy love story and I am there! Maybe it was growing up on Dirty Dancing, I don't know but I am powerless in the face of it. Step Up looked like the best kind of dancing flick. Good girl meets boy from wrong side of the track. Plus, I loved the whole classically trained v. street style bit - it's so The Cutting Edge.
Alas, Step Up turned out to be a complete piece of crap and a great example of why truly great dancing flicks are so rare. It turns out being able to dance AND act not so easy. These kids could definitely dance but wow. They. Could. Not. Act. It was painful. Really truly painful. So painful we were laughing at really inappropriate times - like when one of the characters got shot. Because it was just that bad. It really makes you appreciate the John Travolta's and Patrick Swayze's of the world I'll tell you that much.
But none of that matters now and let me tell you why...
Because ...
tonight ...
I am going to see ...
SNAKES ON A MOTHERF*$&ING PLANE!!!!!!
Monday, August 14, 2006
Fripp Trip
(Our internet is officially working! YEAH!!!!)
Two weeks ago, I traveled to Kentucky to drive with my girlfriends Erin and Elizabeth (we picked up Aimee in NC) to Fripp Island, SC. Elizabeth's parents own a beautiful home there and generously agreed to let us stay there for a week. We went twice when we were in college and have fond memories of long nights on the screened-in porch playing Phase 10 and drinking Arbor Mist.
We recreated those memories pretty closely. Only we spent less time on the porch and more time on the beach because it was stinking hot. We played Phase 10, Rummikub, and Trivia Pursuit. However, I prefer not to talk about because my luck was crap and I lost miserably every time.
There isn't much on Fripp so we ate at home most night. Elizabeth and Aimee made us an assortment of delicious meals including pasta and seafood, salmon patties, and burgers. I even contributed a small sampling of my baking mastery with a banana macadamia nut cheesecake.
We stuck pretty close to a strict schedule of sleeping till 10:30, doing jack shit inside for a while, and going to the beach from 2 till we were hungry and went in for dinner. It was pretty awesome.
The most exciting moment came on Wednesday. We decided to go out in the water in some floats and drift in with the tide. Erin and Elizabeth were on an innertube and I was on a pool float. However, Aimee just had a noodle and noticed that we were in fact being pulled out instead of drifting in. Since the rest of us were high up, we really couldn't feel it and thought Aimee was just being paranoid. Elizabeth and Erin decided to jump down and realized Aimee was in fact right. Of course, I am too smart for that and continued to play on my raft while they waved at me. Before I knew it, I was a good 40 feet from them and the shore. I promptly started freaking out and wondering why I didn't bring my lifeguard husband with me.
I tried letting the wave float me in and digging in against the undertow because I could touch. As you might suspect, that was not working so well. Now, I'm really starting to freak out. At this point, Erin swims out to me because she is the most amazing friend in the entire world and disregarded her own safety and Elizabeth's warnings because she knew I needed her. Once she was with me I calmed down and we gradually worked our way in.
Turns out, you are supposed to swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the rip tide. Of course that is good to know now but would have been better to know then. Luckily, alls well that ends well and I made it in to blog another day.
Anyway, besides Erin saving my life, it was a pretty low key girls' vacation. Fun was had by all. I love those girls with all my heart and can't imagine a better way to spend a vacation.
Two weeks ago, I traveled to Kentucky to drive with my girlfriends Erin and Elizabeth (we picked up Aimee in NC) to Fripp Island, SC. Elizabeth's parents own a beautiful home there and generously agreed to let us stay there for a week. We went twice when we were in college and have fond memories of long nights on the screened-in porch playing Phase 10 and drinking Arbor Mist.
We recreated those memories pretty closely. Only we spent less time on the porch and more time on the beach because it was stinking hot. We played Phase 10, Rummikub, and Trivia Pursuit. However, I prefer not to talk about because my luck was crap and I lost miserably every time.
There isn't much on Fripp so we ate at home most night. Elizabeth and Aimee made us an assortment of delicious meals including pasta and seafood, salmon patties, and burgers. I even contributed a small sampling of my baking mastery with a banana macadamia nut cheesecake.
We stuck pretty close to a strict schedule of sleeping till 10:30, doing jack shit inside for a while, and going to the beach from 2 till we were hungry and went in for dinner. It was pretty awesome.
The most exciting moment came on Wednesday. We decided to go out in the water in some floats and drift in with the tide. Erin and Elizabeth were on an innertube and I was on a pool float. However, Aimee just had a noodle and noticed that we were in fact being pulled out instead of drifting in. Since the rest of us were high up, we really couldn't feel it and thought Aimee was just being paranoid. Elizabeth and Erin decided to jump down and realized Aimee was in fact right. Of course, I am too smart for that and continued to play on my raft while they waved at me. Before I knew it, I was a good 40 feet from them and the shore. I promptly started freaking out and wondering why I didn't bring my lifeguard husband with me.
I tried letting the wave float me in and digging in against the undertow because I could touch. As you might suspect, that was not working so well. Now, I'm really starting to freak out. At this point, Erin swims out to me because she is the most amazing friend in the entire world and disregarded her own safety and Elizabeth's warnings because she knew I needed her. Once she was with me I calmed down and we gradually worked our way in.
Turns out, you are supposed to swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the rip tide. Of course that is good to know now but would have been better to know then. Luckily, alls well that ends well and I made it in to blog another day.
Anyway, besides Erin saving my life, it was a pretty low key girls' vacation. Fun was had by all. I love those girls with all my heart and can't imagine a better way to spend a vacation.
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Accidents and Accusations
This post is dedicated to Jessica Lotz, The Dixie Chicks #1 fan. :)
So from the file of "Things we did several weeks that I haven't posted about yet"... For my birthday, Nicholas and I took the train to Philly to see The Dixie Chicks on July 25. I was going to be out of town when they came to D.C. so we made a night out of it and cashed in some Marriott Rewards Points.
For those of you who don't already know, I am a huge Chicks fan. I was hooked from their debut single "I Can Love You Better" released my junior year of high school and have been a devoted fan every since. I buy all their CDs the day they come out and have seen them in concert three times. Of course, my devotion has only intensified since they've taken a more political turn. However, what I have always respected the most about them is their talent and clear passion for music. Between them I think they play something like 15 instruments and they wrote or co-wrote every song on their new album, which critics acknowledge as their best yet.
Compared to the other two times I've seen them, this concert was more stripped down and focused on the music. There were no tricks or videos but there were six musicians joining them on stage. The sound really was awesome.
The most intense moment of the show came when they performed their new song "Not Ready to Make Nice," which is about the controversy surrounding Natalie's 2003 comment about Bush. (If you don't know what she said by now, I'm not telling you.) There is a strong crescendo in the song when she is singing about the death threats she received. Her energy and the crowds energy in response was so intense I got chills. I've never before felt emotion like that at a show. I must not have been the only one because there was thunderous applause for a solid 3-5 minutes after the song.
All in all, it was a great night. We even got to meet my good friend Reagan while in Philly. She's a complete trip and it's always nice to visit with her.
So from the file of "Things we did several weeks that I haven't posted about yet"... For my birthday, Nicholas and I took the train to Philly to see The Dixie Chicks on July 25. I was going to be out of town when they came to D.C. so we made a night out of it and cashed in some Marriott Rewards Points.
For those of you who don't already know, I am a huge Chicks fan. I was hooked from their debut single "I Can Love You Better" released my junior year of high school and have been a devoted fan every since. I buy all their CDs the day they come out and have seen them in concert three times. Of course, my devotion has only intensified since they've taken a more political turn. However, what I have always respected the most about them is their talent and clear passion for music. Between them I think they play something like 15 instruments and they wrote or co-wrote every song on their new album, which critics acknowledge as their best yet.
Compared to the other two times I've seen them, this concert was more stripped down and focused on the music. There were no tricks or videos but there were six musicians joining them on stage. The sound really was awesome.
The most intense moment of the show came when they performed their new song "Not Ready to Make Nice," which is about the controversy surrounding Natalie's 2003 comment about Bush. (If you don't know what she said by now, I'm not telling you.) There is a strong crescendo in the song when she is singing about the death threats she received. Her energy and the crowds energy in response was so intense I got chills. I've never before felt emotion like that at a show. I must not have been the only one because there was thunderous applause for a solid 3-5 minutes after the song.
All in all, it was a great night. We even got to meet my good friend Reagan while in Philly. She's a complete trip and it's always nice to visit with her.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
So we bought a condo
Sarah and Nicholas: Adventures in Real Estate on Vimeo
As many of you know, we bought a condo in Cleveland Park last month. We haven't posted since the offical closing because I was waiting for the above video from our real estate agent. It's all ready for viewing now so enjoy. It was an exciting moment for us followed my a lot of painting, more moving, and even more unpacking.
After several weeks, things are finally coming together. I still have a lot of decorating/nesting to do and not suprisingly I exhausted my decorating budget pretty quickly but there you go. As excited as Nicholas was the new drapes and side tables, I think our new TV is where his passion lies. He just keeps saying "This TV is so nice." Like it belongs to somebody else or something. I honestly don't know what was harder for him laying down the case for the condo or for the TV.
But here we are, all of you can now go to your mailbox and wait excitedly for our adorable change of address cards coming out soon!
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Friday, July 28, 2006
Friday, July 21, 2006
Upon request...
One of our regular readers has requested a caption contest. We'll take submissions over the next couple days and post the winner. OH and keep it clean people my father reads this site ;)
P.S. I've turned off the membership requirement so anyone can post.
*********************************************
AND THE WINNER IS:
Sarah: "I'm a Republican."
Submitted by Jessica.
P.S. I've turned off the membership requirement so anyone can post.
*********************************************
AND THE WINNER IS:
Sarah: "I'm a Republican."
Submitted by Jessica.
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