Wednesday, May 30, 2007


Memorial Day Picnic
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

Nicholas and I had a really wonderful weekend. On Friday night, we went to this adorable 50's diner for burgers (black bean of course) and milkshakes. Then, we went to this historic theater to see Waitress, which was absolutely precious. Kerri Russel really was wonderful, although she made me crazy hungry for some pie.

Saturday night we went out with our good friends Laura and Dan for some great Italian and conversation. Afterwards, we went see Away From Her. Not quite as uplifting as Waitress, but superbly acted and really touching.

We had plans to go to the Memorial Day Concert on the Capitol lawn but the weather had other plans. Luckily, our real Memorial Day made up for it. We spent all afternoon and the early evening at the 47th St. Lounge (better known as Leslie, Laura, and Kevin's). We had yummy fajitas and LOTS of dessert. Plus, Taylor brought over his Wii so there were several rowdy "tennis" games. (see above)

Sunday: Pasta Salad


Sunday: Pasta Salad
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

We really do love our dog...


















But sometimes it's just too easy.


Wednesday: Spaghetti with Leeks


Wednesday: Spaghetti with Leeks
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

Friday, May 25, 2007

Rosie


So here's the thing. I've liked Rosie O'Donnell forever. Seriously, I mean Stand-Up Spotlight on VH1 forever. I've always felt that, above all else, she is honest and sincere. People connect with that and that's probably why she had one of the most successful talk shows since God invented Oprah.

Now, that is not to say I agree with everything she says. I think her statements regarding a 9/11 conspiracy stuff are way out in left field. However, even if I disagree with her, I really relate to the way she argues. Probably because the same things that get her in trouble have gotten me in trouble most of my life.

To Rosie, there is a personal and emotional connection to her political beliefs. I understand that and I'm sure most of you (particularly Nicholas) have encountered that more than once. I am what I believe and I am passionate person. Period. This isn't point-counterpoint - this is my life.

I think the clearest example is when Rosie attacked Tom Selleck on her show for his support of the NRA. I know a lot of people thought it was wrong to ambush him like that when he was just promoting his movie. But to Rosie supporting the NRA is not something you leave at home when there are children dying. They spoke across each other the whole time. He talked objectively about Constitutional rights and couldn't understand why she was getting so upset. She was talking about protecting kids and I have no doubt she had her own children in mind.

I remember watching that show and feeling like I would have said the exact same things. I think that's why I often start crying when I argue. Because it is so frustrating to feel something so truly and deeply, to have it come from a really good place, and have people react negatively. It's also why I want to kill Nicholas when he plays devil's advocate just to argue with me. I don't want to hear that. I want to hear what he knows on the deepest level of his self to be true.

Unfortunately, being that passionate and exposing yourself in that way has an extreme downside. The truest thing said in the entire View segment on Wednesday was when Rosie said, "Here's how it gets spun in the media. Rosie, big, fat lesbian, loud Rosie attacks innocent, pure Christian Elisabeth. And I'm not going to do it."

I couldn't agree more and I've seen it a million times in my life. (Well, except the lesbian part.) Basically, I think opening yourself up and being passionate about something as a woman freaks people the hell out. Pure and simple. Our society is still not truly comfortable with strong, straight women, much less gay women. Need proof? Look no further than the latest biography on Hillary Clinton, the entire angle (and accusation) is that she's ambitious. Are you kidding me? And the same things are said over and over again about Martha Stewart, Oprah, Barbara Streisand, the list goes on and on.

Growing up, I heard the words "abrasive," "obnoxious," and "loud" a lot. "Sarah, you're just too abrasive. You've got to tone it down." "Sarah, you talk to much. You're so loud." To this day, the word abrasive stings like someone has slapped me across the face. It took me a long time to realize no one said these types of things to my male friends and that, while keeping my mouth shut isn't always a bad idea, I should never tone it down because I'm a woman.

Of course, I've also learned that not everyone argues this way and (deep breath) that's ok. But does that mean I'm going to stop thinking or arguing the way I do? No, I'm not and I hope Rosie doesn't either. That's what makes me me and that's what makes Rosie Rosie.

Wednesday, May 23, 2007


Commencement
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

So yeah this weekend was so crazy it's taken me till Wednesday night to write about it!

I had a total of ten loving, wonderful family members fly in from Kentucky, Tennessee, and California to celebrate my big day. It was pretty wonderful. We did a couple whirlwind tours of The Mall and had a fabulous pancake brunch graduation party on Sunday morning.

I think everyone had a good time. Although there were several moments when I wanted to change my name - "Sarah, where we going next?" "Sarah, how much do I need on my metro card?"

Luckily, they all came bearing gifts and I'm a very patient person when gifts are involved ;)

The commencement ceremony itself was really nice and I actually received a law degree. I had convinced myself that something would go wrong at the last minute and they would tell me I actually failed Torts first year and would have to repeat it or something. But nothing happened.

It's a pretty crazy transition. I can't believe my days as a student are over. I was getting really really good at it but I'm also looking forward to "making my mark" as they say. Hopefully, my days as an unpaid intern will soon be coming to an end as well. Of course, I will keep everyone updated on my employment pursuits. As of now, I'm just enjoying my shiny new degree.

Tuesday: Spanish Fritatta Deconstructed


Tuesday: Spanish Fritatta Deconstructed
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

Monday: Summer Squash Risotto


Monday: Summer Squash Risotto
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Present


New Camera
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

Guess what I got for graduation!?! My wonderful husband bought be a brand new Nikon SLR D40x camera.

It's absolutely amazing and takes gorgeous pictures. He decided to give it to me a little early so I could practice before my family comes in (also b/c he couldn't keep it a secret one second longer).

As most of you know, Nicholas's family, specifically his father and older brother, are really into photography and I've been jealous of their SLR's for a while. Plus, it was one of my favorite classes in college and I fancy myself a bit of photographer. Now, I can really take it to the next level. :)

Sunday: Cod in red wine sauce


Sunday: Cod in red wine sauce
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

Saturday: Zucchini Torta


Saturday: Zucchini Torta
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

Nicholas's parents were in town this weekend and we had them over for dinner on Saturday. We had a really lovely visit, despite the fact we had a plumber over for a clogged sink when they got here. But once he left, everything went swimmingly.

Friday, May 11, 2007

Happy Mother's Day...a smidge early



On Oprah today, Maria Shriver interviewed Demi Moore about her role as a mother and her own decade-long estrangement from her mother. In speaking about her philosophy of parenting, she articulated what I think is essential.

"I'm not trying to do for them what wasn't done for me, I'm trying to do for them what they need as individuals."

I've heard this idea before but never put so eloquently. I think this has got to be one of the most profound challenges as a parent, particularly as a mother of a daughter. However, I know how essential it is because it is exactly what my mother did for me. Maybe it was because her mother was so great or maybe it's because she very wisely dealt with her major issues before having me, but either way she gave me the freedom and guidance to become who I needed to be, not who she needed me to be.

Thanks for that Mom. I love you.

Camden Yards


Camden Yards
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

Last night, we drove to Baltimore to meet Nicholas's parents at a Baltimore Orioles game. We had a really great time and I ate every ballpark food I could get my hands on, including crabcake sandwhich, peanuts, lemonade and (of course!) Dip n' Dots!

The game was pretty exciting, especially when one of the Devil Rays got thrown out of the game and some guy took that as his opportunity to run the field. Pretty funny.

All in all a great first game of the summer. We're going again on Monday as part of my graduation activities.

Tuesday: Bread Salad


Tuesday: Bread Salad
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

Monday: Enchiladas


Monday: Enchiladas
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Monday, May 07, 2007

Visitin'


Nicholas, me, Giinger and Benjamin
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

Nicholas's younger brother Benjamin came into to town with his wife Ginger this weekend. Their visit sparked a spring cleaning weekend since Nicholas's parents will be in next weekend and my family will be in for graduation. I wanted our place looking its best since they will all be seeing it for the first time.

Overall, the cleaning went really well. Nicholas was a great sport, even though I think he was really skeptical about a lot of my requests. He wiped down blinds, cleaned windows, and scrubbed down every surface I pointed to. He drew the line at removing everything off the bookshelves and dusting so I did that.

The third day of cleaning right before Benjamin and Ginger came over I decided to iron the bottom of our upholstered chair...on my leg. I swear to God I don't know why I do the things I do sometime. Nicholas even looked at me and said "Don't burn your leg." However, much like the soap/eye debacle of a couple months ago, I didn't think I was doing anything too dangerous. And, to be honest, I wasn't - until I pressed the steam button and burned the crap out of my leg.

I rushed to the bathroom and the skin had already peeled off. The burn is about two inches in diameter. I thought I could treat it myself but it started looking a bit sketch this morning so I went to the clinic. So, now I'm on antibiotics and antibiotic cream and hoping it heals quickly.

More than anything I'm just embarassed that I could have done something so stupid. I didn't expect to get more idiotic the closer I got to law school graduation. :(