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. ;)

Maggie's Third "Gotcha'" Day

We got Maggie three years ago today, and well...the song says it all.



Maggie Movie on Vimeo

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. ;)

This weekend?

Table
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

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.

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.

I love this man

Clinton in all his glory on Fox News Sunday.

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.

word

Jamie Raskin: 7,861 votes
Ida Ruben: 3,841 votes

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood...

Guardian World Premiere...in Cleveland Park!
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

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 ;)

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.

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.

SURPRISE!

SURPRISE!
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

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.

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.

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!!!!!!

Fripp Trip

The girls
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

(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.

Accidents and Accusations

The Chicks
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

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 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!

Just a thought

Here's a tip: If you have a broiler below your oven, DO NOT store pyrex containers and their plastic covers inside of it. I've heard it's a very very bad idea.

Also, there will be lots of updates as soon as Verizon gets our stupid DSL working. Grrrr...

It's my birthday people!

It's my birthday people!
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

Happy birthday to me :)

Upon request...

Sweet nothings?
Originally uploaded by stomptokyo.

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.

A complete set.

First Wives Club
Originally uploaded by stomptokyo.

From left to right:
Me (obviously)
Ginger (Benjamin's wife)
Jennifer (Geoffrey's wife)
Christina (Christopher's wife)

We should have stood in birth order. Btw, Jennifer AND Christina are both pregnant. Crazy.

My husband is the most handsome man ever

Nicholas
Originally uploaded by stomptokyo.

I'm just sayin'

The bride wore ivory BUT Sarah wore a hat!

Girl in a Green Hat
Originally uploaded by robholland.

We spent the weekend in Mount Pleasant, SC celebrating the marriage of Nicholas's youngest brother Benjamin to his college sweetheart Ginger.

We arrived on Saturday morning and ate some yummy low country seafood. The rehearsal dinner was that night and was really a lovely evening, followed by a late night filled with conversation at Holland Headquarters.

The wedding was Sunday evening at Alhambra Hall on the water. The plan was to have the ceremony outside and the reception in the hall. However, it rained in the afternoon basically creating a 100 degree sauna so all the festivities were moved inside. The ceremony was beautiful and Ginger looked amazing. Fun was had by all - especially me because I got to play the true Southern girl and wear a hat to the wedding. It was a hit and I had a blast wearing it. You can see the hat and why I love my father-in-law (who took it) in the picture above.

Raskin for State Senate

For those of you who really want to know who I'm working for and what this campaign is about, there is an amazing documentary (it's only about 15 minutes) done by a local TV show linked below.

Raskin Documentary

Going on down to South Park...

Sarah South Park
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

Seriously though, I make a really cute South Park character. Although, I'm relatively sure I would be best friends with Wendy and Bebe and they would be super-jealous because all the boys would love me best. ;)

You can make your own at http://www.sp-studio.de/.

"You want another answer, ask another girl"

I might have watched Working Girl four times in the last three days. I caught it on the WE channel Sunday night when Nicholas was working late. I was really excited because I haven't seen it from the beginning in a long time (or ever for that matter). I've always liked it but for some reason now I can't stop watching it. It's just so inspiring with the Carly Simon song (she won an Oscar for that song you know), so fabulously tacky with all the 80's wear, and I really love the two decade old PCs. Also, I think I'm developing a girl crush on Melanie Griffith (in this movie, not now, now she is scary).

Nicholas thinks I'm crazy and I'm sneaking it in when he's away. It's really sad. He's threatening to delete it off the Tivo "by accident." I would be devastated.

Third time's the charm

Condo
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

Let's try this again! We are on our way (again) to owning our very own home/condo. They've accepted our offer and we close on Sunday, the 21st. Most importantly, we have received the condo documents and read with our very own eyes (after asking the listing agent 5 times) that they allow dogs. YEAH!

This place is very different from the last one but we really love it. It's in Cleveland Park but only about a half a block from the metro. It's about 50 square feet smaller but needs absolutely no work. Best of all, it has a fireplace, which I am super-excited about. Pictures on flickr of course.

Overall, we are both really happy but holding off on the champagne until we have the keys in hand.

Sarah Surfs

SarahSurfs on Vimeo

Aloha!

Haleakala National Park
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

Well, we've been back from Maui for a week now and we both still look at each other every once in awhile and whine "Let's go back!" In fact, we've decided to make our next vacation less spectacular as to make reacclimation to real life less difficult.

Needless to say, we had a fantastic time. Lots of beach. LOTS of fish - both seen and eaten. I learned to surf (video to come soon) and we survived the road to Hana. We went to a wonderful Luau and tried poi. We bought Tikis and Huli Huli sauce and escaped with only minor sunburns.

We owe a big mahalo (thank you) to my parents who provided the shelter and several meals. They were great travel companions and allowed me to play the role of tour group leader. The trip was like a really wonderful dream and we came back less pale and less stressed.

Misadventures in Real Estate

So yeah...remember that great condo that we found that was big, cheap, and near the metro? Remember how we thought it was too good to be true? Turns out - it was! Late on Monday night, Nicholas was reviewing the condo docs when he came to their pet policy, which pretty clearly prohibits dogs. As many of you know, we in fact have a dog and while sometimes she barks at nothing in the middle of the night and eats entire bags of semisweet chocolate chips we plan on keeping her around for awhile.

Need less to say, we are no longer buying that condo. I have to say it was pretty devastating. I had already decorated the entire thing in my head and even bought some furniture. Nicholas was looking forward to his 5 minute walk to work. Having it all jerked out from underneath us as we were approaching the finish line was quite a blow. However, it could have been much much worse. Our contract had a provision that allows us to pull out for any reason during the three days we review the condo docs so we won't lose any money. More importantly, we have the most amazing landlord in the entire world who assures us we can stay as long as we want, renting week to week, despite the fact he had other tenants lined up. So we won't end up on the street which is good.

We are now back to square one and looking at apartments again. It didn't take us very long to find this one - so I keep telling myself another perfect one (maybe even better!) is out there. So send us good real estate thoughts!

Resistance is Futile!

Resistance is Futile!
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

Ok so there are SOME things I will miss about this place...

Ok so there are SOME things I will miss about this place...
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

So we're buying a condo

New Condo
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

Sarah and I finally got up the courage to invest in the crazy DC real esate market and we think we did pretty well. We close on a one bedroom/one bath condo on June 27th. The condo is an end unit and is 724 sq. ft., which is actually a nice size based on what we've seen at the price. Maggie will actually get to see the sun during the day and I get a bigger (though slightly dated) kitchen. There are a couple of pictures on flickr for those interested

Unfortunately, we no longer have an extra bedroom, which means that the next sibling that is displaced by a natural disaster may not be able to live with us, but we plan on having some way to accomodate people who come into town for a few days (we're looking at futons, etc.). IKEA, West Elm, and Target are fast becoming our most-visited websites. We plan on moving in at the beginning of July, about 5 days after we come home from Hawaii (we're really great planners that way). Get excited!!!

SCHOOL'S OUT FOR SUMMER!!!

Dancing the Night Away
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

I am now officially a 3L. My friends and I did a pretty solid job of celebrating our new status a couple Saturdays ago as evidenced in the new flicker uploads. Since then I have settled into my new summer scheduled, which is pretty much wide open.

I have recently been crowned Deputy Communications Director by the campaign although I can also be found helping with events, volunteers, and administration. So far its been famine or feast with me either working hours on end or with nothing to do for hours on end.

I'm also working on journal as I am the only member of the editorial staff without a 9 to 5. I continue volunteering for Friends of Hillary and am doing some babysitting for a famous DC blogger who shall remain nameless (and by nameless I mean call me and I'll tell you).

In addition, Nicholas and I are currently looking to buy a condo in Dupont which is at least a part-time job. In some ways I feel hopeful because we've found several we were willing to put offers on and one we actually did. In other ways I feel discouraged because after a month nothing has worked out. But I love our real estate agent and am tired of renting so onward and upward.

My open schedule will also work well for the multiple vacations I have planned including a trip to Hawaii for my mother's 50th birthday, Charleston for another Holland wedding, and Fripp Island, South Carolina for vaca with the girlfriends.

All in all I think it will be a fun, if not a bit crazy, summer...

Polka-dots

Because the people LOVE polka-dots!

No...listen all-NATURAL!

Ok so I don't know if ya'll have seen the new 7UP commercials but they are great. I caught one today when I was watching TV live - which is a rare occasion let me tell you. They tout 7UP's new NATURAL ingredients and for a half second I felt terribly conflicted. You see I feel pretty strongly that 7UP/Sprite is a cure for anything that could possible be wrong with you at any possible moment. Headache? Try some 7UP. Stomach hurt? Sprite! Seriously, how the Dad in My Big Fat Greek Wedding felt about Windex is how I feel about that drink. BUT recently I decided to stop drinking soda - all soda - for pretty much the same reason I don't eat fast food or shop at Walmart. The temporary benefits (satisfied cravings, cheap prices) are FAR outweighed by the personal costs (fat ass, clogged arteries, going to jail for stabbing the lady in the express lane with 45 items) and societal harms (too many to list).

Wait what was I talking about? Oh yeah the commercial - so I was conflicted and for a split moment I thought "Well if it's all natural then maybe I could continue drinking 7UP?" Yes, I am a fool but not that big of a fool because I went to the website to really see what the natural ingredients were and can I just say...wow.

I kid you not:
Filtered carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, natural citric acid, natural flavors, natural potassium citrate

First of all, high fructose corn syrup is as far from natural as you can get. Second, as far as I can tell they just put the word natural in front of all the rest of the ingredients. Hilarious! While I admire the tenacity, I am now further confirmed in not drinking soda - "natural" or otherwise.



P.S.
Who ever left Jewel on my answering machine is in big trouble!

A beautiful NY event

Miti and I with Kitty and Lewis Steel
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

Last night I went to New York with Jamie and Miti Figueredo, another Raskin volunteer, for a fundraiser at the beautiful home of Kitty and Lewis Steel. There apartment is a "pre-war", (Miti says that's a big NY realty term) several thousand square feet, art on every wall masterpiece overlooking Central Park. The only thing better than the apartment was Kitty herself. A former Broadway star and current psychoanalyst Kitty is just completely fabulous. The walls of their home are covered with pictures of her with everyone from Jimmy Durante to Bill Clinton (their son Patrick was his schedule) to Elvis Presley.

Kitty and Lewis were both great hosts for our fundraiser which featured Katrina vanden Heuvel and Hendrik Hertzberg saying really kind and wonderful things about Jamie. The evening was filled great conversation and of course generous contributions.

Much like my trip to Harvard, I was overwhelmed by my environment and the brilliance and passion of those around me. Between the amazing apartment and more amazing people, I had to remind myself to close my mouth on more than one occasion. Luckily, these sophisticated Manhattanites seemed to pretty forgiving of this Kentucky girl's astonishment - of course the accent never hurts! ;)

We have a problem

I have listened to Carrie Underwood's "Jesus Take the Wheel" no fewer than 15 times today. I even have Nicholas singing along. Wait, I guess I should have started with I bought "Jesus Take the Wheel."

Anyway, help me. Someone. Anyone. - I guess I should just let Jesus take the wheel...omg, I can't believe I just said that.

The Class of 2001

The Class of 2001
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

This weekend we returned to Transyland for Nicholas's 5th year reunion. We flew into Louisville Saturday morning and rode to Lexington with my college roommate Erin and her boyfriend Seth.

I have to admit it was crazy being back on campus. The second we walked into to Back Lobby the smell about knocked me over and my heart started to race. It wasn't a bad smell - it was just the Transy smell. You forgot details like that and it was so overwhelming to encounter them again.

We took a short tour around campus and took a stroll down memory lane. It's amazing how far we've come in just a couple of years but I have to admit I do miss it (at least parts of it).

Saturday night was T-Day Ball and his reunion reception. We both felt a little underwhelmed by the evening's festivities. Plus, since we haven't gone to either of our high school reunions, it was the first time I've been to a reunion and the energy was pretty intense. Lots of judging and one-upmanship.

On Sunday, we met my big sister Hollie and her new man for breakfast at Ramsey's. I even got in an Ale-8-One!After returning to Louisville, we met Mike and Smith for my favorite Fazoli's! (You'd be surprised how much you miss it.) We left late Sunday night after a quick stop at Grater's - wow this sounds like we went back to be reunited with food not people but I swear that wasn't the case. ;)

Ummm...WHOA!!!

What the F happened to Jewel?!? I thought the uber-glamorization in that Intuition video was some cultural statement not a permanent change. I don't want some sex kitten parading as folk singer - I want my used-to-be homeless, crooked teethed, grungy Jewel!!!

Seriously - I might have to return my slightly dogearred copy of A Night Without Armor.

Dear ABC,

Stop splicing together old episodes of Desperate Housewives and Grey's Anatomy into a "Catchup Special" and calling it a new episode. It's not. However, my poor trusting Tivo doesn't know that and records it as if it were a new episode. Then I get all excited when I see it on my list - followed promptly by me getting all pissed off when I realize it is not a new episode at all.

I realize you are saving the new episodes for May Sweeps. But just the same, it's a jerk move and you should stop.

Love,
Sarah

P.S. That What About Brian show is dumb.

Justice Kennedy

At the Supreme Court
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

Last week, I had the honor of meeting Justice Anthony Kennedy. As I have previously mentioned, Jamie is ridiculously connected so I wasn't too surprised when out of nowhere he asked if I wanted to go with him to the Supreme Court and meet Justice Kennedy. My answer was a resounding yes.

The Justice came in a spoke with us for about a half an hour and was interesting and witty. He talked about the importance of the Court and the changes its gone under recenty. There was a short Q&A and I was allowed to ask him a question. I asked him what he thought was the number one mistake oral advocates make. He responded that lawyers often try to cover up the difficult, weaker points of there case when that is exactly what the Justices want to talk about.

It was really fascinating to see him upclose and personal. You expect Justices to be staid and impersonal but he was very warm and seemed sincerely interested in talking to us. All in all, it was really amazing to get a better understanding of not only a Justice but probably the most powerful Justice on the Court at this point in time.

A Couple of Things

1. Everyone stop wearing cropped pants. Seriously. Stop it! They are not flattering on anyone. They make tall girls look short and short girls look shorter. I know they are everywhere but try to resist. Try hard.

2. hehehehehehe

3. Oprah today was the most feminist-oriented thing I've seen on national television in a long time! "Women are being exploited." "There is a machine that profits over making women feel small." This is why I love Oprah and why you should too! ;)

4. Everyone can dada!

5. This is for all the lawyers in the crowd - a quote from "Thank You For Smoking"
Son: "Dad, what makes the American government the best government in the world?"
Dad: "Our endless appeals process."

Law School Prom...and the Party Bus that took us there.

Laughing my butt off
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

This Saturday night was Barrister's Ball - better known as Law School Prom. My friends and I have a pretty strong philosophy that there are only so many times in your life you get to go to Prom, particularly Proms where you can legally drink, so you might has well make the most of it.

Every year we rent a party bus to take us from one of our houses (aka the preparty) around DC and then park outside Prom, functioning as our own personal VIP room. This year's bus had stripper poles and well what can you say - when the pole calls one must answer. ;) No, we all have to take the Bar someday so we behaved for the most part. I think I can safely say we all had a blast with no major mishaps...oh except the FIGHT on the bus.

That's right my dear friend Leslie who is the originator and organizer of the party bus (she has a spreadsheet people!) got in a fight defending the integrity of our executive coach. A 1L who shall remain nameless (until we figure out her name) got on our bus and when Leslie pointed out that we didn't know her, she didn't pay, and she should leave, proceeded to punch Leslie in the side of the face! Leslie, who is a peaceful girl, pushed her back by the throat. At this point, our friend Chickein interceeded and forced her off the bus. It was wild but to be expected really - jealousy is a sickness. ;)

Jamie Raskin for State Senate

Jamie
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

Recently, Jamie Raskin, a constitutional law professor at my school, announced his candidacy for Maryland State Senate. I have joined his campaign as his personal aide and the campaign's all around go-to-girl. I squeeze in as much work as I can right now and will work full-time this summer.

Jamie is running against Ida Ruben - a 32 year incumbent who is what we call a DINO (Democrat in Name Only). District 20 is particularly liberal so the entire race will be the primary, because the Republicans never run a candidate. Jamie is the candidate you always dream of working for - an incredibly intelligent man full of honor and integrity.

He garnered a large amount of attention recently when he testified before the Maryland State Senate on a gay marriage amendment. When a conservative Senator pointed out that the Bible defined marriage as between a man and a woman, Jamie replied, "Yes but Senator when you took your oath of office you placed your hand on the Bible and swore to uphold the Constitution, you didn't place your hand on the Constitution and swear to uphold the Bible."

Check out his campaign website.

National Democratic Law Students Council

At the conference
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

The second weekend of Spring Break I went to Boston (for the first time ever) for the Inaugeral Conference of the newly formed National Democratic Law Students Council at Harvard. It really was an amazing weekend with lots of networking and great sessions on "Running for Office" and Democratic Strategy. It really restored my faith in the party, especially our keynote address by Howard Dean. I made an unsuccessful bid for VP of Campaigns and Elections but in a runoff election. Overall, as silly as this sounds, I left feeling like I'd really broken into the inner circle. When our speakers looked into the audience and said there were future Senators and Governors in the crowd, it wasn't like how they said it in elementary school - they meant it. People encouraged me to run and thought I had some really great ideas. It's funny how being from a Red State lends you instant credibilty. ;)

Nicholas came with me and we fit in as much sight seeing as possible. We even got to see South Boston's (Southie to locals) St. Patrick Day's Parade. Besides their ridiculous public transit system, we really enjoyed ourselves and of course the accents were good for hours of entertainment.

London Calling

London Calling
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

As promised, I will related some of the details of my very quick, very tiring trip to London.

I arrived Friday night very late and spent several hours convincing myself I was tired. On Saturday, Brad and I went to Portobello Market and had (according to Jamie Oliver) the best fish and chips in all of London at George's. It was in fact pretty fantastic. From street market to super upscale, we stopped off at Fortnum and Mason's where I bought various English foods. When Nicholas asked why I was so excited because the British aren't exactly known for their food, I reminded him that they are masters at anything in a jar (jam, clotted cream, mustards, etc.). He thought this was bloody hilarious, as they say.

On Sunday, we the Tate to Tate ferry to the Tate Modern and had high tea at Brad's private club. Then I went up in the London Eye while Brad went to church. (He described it as charismatic Church of England, which didn't exactly interest me.) We ate dinner at this delightful (and highly recommended - Thanks Laura!) restaurant called Chelsea Kitchen. Monday and Tuesday I was pretty much on my own as Brad was finishing up his semester. On Monday, I went to the National Gallery and just generally explored the city before meeting Brad for some evening Wagamama and Shakespeare . On Tuesday, I took a bus tour to Stonehenge and Bath. Bath, in particular the actual Roman Baths, was incredibly fascinating and strikingly beautiful.
Wednesday, it was back home to American, which consisted of approx. 11 hours of travel.

THANKS DADDY!

Video iPods ROCK!
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

Last December, my 15-year-old brothers both got video iPods for their birthday. I protested because clearly I NEED an video iPod more than them. A couple of weeks later my dad got one and then I just started feeling left out.

So, I pointed out to my father that I was the only Stewart lacking a new video iPod and that my current iPod was acting a little wonky (I might have washed it in the washing machine). He then says those magic words every daughter from 2 to 24 likes to hear "Honey, if you want one I'll get you one." At which point, I jumped around the room because YEAH I'M GETTING A VIDEO iPOD!!!

We decided to send it to Nicholas's office in case no one was at our apartment to sign for it. Nicholas points out that since it's coming under his name to his work it is clearly his iPod. My dad hears him and says those words every son-in-law loves to hear "Tell Nicholas if he really wants one I'll get him one." Anyone who knows Nicholas can guess that his immediate reaction was to scoff and say he did not need a video iPod and he didn't want to burden my father WHICH is why I secretly emailed my dad and said yes he'd love one.

This would be the best story if I was able to keep the secret and it just showed up at his office but alas I have a freaking big mouth. It doesn't matter anyway. All that matters now is that Nicholas and I are constantly rocking it out with our new video iPods and that my dad is like the most generous most wonderful dad ever! (If this doesn't impress you, just ask him about going to a Korn concert with my little brothers!)

SNOW! SNOW! SNOW!

First steps outside.
Originally uploaded by The Smooze.

Ok so overnight the sky opened up and dumped about six inches of snow all over the DC Metro area. And can I just say? It's A-W-E-S-O-M-E!!! I love snow - I even set the alarm so I could get up and play in it before everyone else messed it up. We walked down to the mall and made snow angels and went sleddin'. The best part is we got to go up in the Washington Monument and see the whole city covered in snow. See Flickr for all the pics.

Saturday

What I did while waiting for the snow.
Originally uploaded by The Smooze.

The were predictions for a massive snowstorm over the weeknd. However, Saturday proved to be a bit disappointing. Nicholas went to the (very hectic) grocery store in morning and the rest of day we did what the Sweet Potato Queen's call "jack shit"! We watched no fewer five movies and I completed a puzzle, pictured above.

Red Carpet Extravaganza!

Pretty Girls
Originally uploaded by The Smooze.

My friends Laura (left) and Leslie (middle) threw a red carpet extravaganza to celebrate Laura's birthday. We were instructed to come as our favorite celebrity or a more fabulous version of ourselves. They were Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen complete with boho garb and large cups of coffee. Nicholas and I were more glamorous versions of ourselves. However, also in attendence at the party was TomKat and Courtney Love. We had a blast as you can see from the huge amount of pictures we took posted on flickr.

WHY!?!

My hard drive crashed - it sucks so hard I can't even tell you. Last night, it started acting slow and freezing. It got progressively worse until Nicholas decided to reinstall my operating system. Then, I called the Apple Helpline and they told me to do all this stuff that made it worse. THEN, I went to the Apple Store and the so-called "geniuses" did all this stuff that made it worse. Finally, they decided to send it off for a new hard drive and it should be back in 3-10 days.

In all honesty, it could be so much worse. We just backed up all my stuff to an external drive. Actually, it's kind of funny because we bought the external drive because my music was taking up so much room. Well, it turns out I didn't really need it because I just accidently been uploading music files in this really large format. So, I converted them back and deleted the big files and I was fine. Luckily, we decided to keep the drive and back up all my documents or else this crash would have been disasterous.

However, it still really sucks because its going to be a couple days without a computer and a couple of hours getting it back to where it used to be once I get one. I guess I'm just paying back bad kharma for bragging about how great Macs are to all my PC using friends. I mean I watch My Name is Earl so you'd think I'd know better. But I'm sure I'll get mine when I have to go beg to all them for last week's class notes.

A New Year

Maggie's New Haircut
Originally uploaded by The Smooze.

A new year comes with the requisite resolutions which include but are not limited to posting more on the blog. And I was doing so well last year till December of course when finals happened! Lots has happened since then which I will list because I am a lazy lazy girl.

1. I took two exams and turned in my paper of the semester (bringing the grand total of pages written to 110).
2. I went home to Paducah WAY too early and was bored out of my stinkin' skull.
3. Nicholas had a little accident in which he sprained his hand and seriously messed up his face.
4. I failed my freaking comment which composed over half of the previously mentioned 110 pages. I have a chance to resubmit and am guarenteed I will pass as long as I put in a "good faith" effort. I just hope my definition of good faith is the same as theirs'.
5. Christmas came and went far too quickly. Santa brought me lots of goodies including a new digitial camera, beautiful gold earrings from the hubby, and a bunch of other lovely things. And the Skidmore family created a new pajama party tradition that is here to stay. (See Flickr for pictures)
6. Nicholas and I spent a lovely New Year's evening at home. He made a romantic dinner and we watched the ball drop with Carson Daly (b/c Dick Clark was just too depressing--sorry!).
7. I discovered Sudoku thanks to a well-intentioned stocking stuffer from my mother. I now have significantly less free time.
8. I saw The Chornicles of Narnia (that lion was freaking amazing), The Family Stone (aka tear-jerker masquerading as a comedy), King Kong (poor thing! he just likes the blonde), Rumor Has It (more Shirley McLain!), and after waiting FOREVER the gay cow...I mean Brokeback Mountain which was by far the best movie I've seen in a season full of good movies. Give Heath Ledger his Oscar.
9. Watched approximately 14 of the 16 hours of the Oprah DVD collection while wishing a million times over that I was Gayle King and realizing I don't remember a time in my life when I was NOT watching Oprah.
10. Oh, and Maggie got a haircut (see above).

Maggie's Sweet Face

Maggie's Sweet Face
Originally uploaded by The Smooze.

Over Thanksgiving, Rob took some "art shots" of our adorable pup. We've been meaning to get her picture taken professionally forever. Luckily Nicholas' dad is a photography genius and FREE!

Thanksgiving

Family Portrait
Originally uploaded by The Smooze.

We had a lovely Thanksgiving in Atlanta with Nicholas' family. We drove down with Pamela on Tuesday night and came back yesterday. The meal itself was wonderful and spending time with family, especially the new addition Stephen really was nice. If only I didn't have to come back to finals!

I'm in love

Meet Butterstick

WARNING: Do not click this link if you have impending deadlines, errands to run, or basically anything to do for the next couple of hours.

Dear Pizza Hut, You suck. Love, Sarah

Tonight at approximately 6:30 I ordered a large cheese pizza and an order of breadsticks from Pizza Hut. Now, I had a credit for the breadsticks because last time they were out - that took about five minutes to explain. So, I got off the phone and waited and waited and waited. Around 7:45 I called and they said it would be 15 minutes. The pizza showed up at 8:30. Let me rephrase. The chicken pizza showed up! As most of you know, we do not eat meat. So, we chased the pizza guy down and he said to keep it and he would bring us a cheese pizza. We called the store and they said they would give us a store credit and another pizza was on its way. That was about 8:45. At 10:00, I called again and after sitting on hold for 10 minutes the manager explained they thought we only wanted the store credit. He's sending a pizza right over.

It's 10:30. There is no pizza yet. We are hungry.

Trick or Treat!

Maggie as Pumpkin!
Originally uploaded by The Smooze.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

I WON!
Originally uploaded by The Smooze.

Fall Retreat

In front of the falls we didn't get in the picture
Originally uploaded by The Smooze.

My hubby took me out of town this weekend for what he repeatedly referred to as "leaf peeping." We went to Staunton, VA and stayed at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel. Had a lovely dinner at Mrs. Rowe's and went to see North Country (not a whole lot of nightlife in Staunton). Then today we drove Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park and stopped for a nice hike. A lovely weekend all around.

Stephen

Stephen 101605-01
Originally uploaded by Gerver.

This is mine and Nicholas's new nephew Stephen Garrett Holland. Pretty cute huh? When I told Nicholas the weirdest part was thinking this little baby would be our kids' cousin, he quickly replied "Yes, their MUCH older cousin." :)

Things That Suck

1. Law School - seriously one year was plenty!
2. Commander in Chief - it really pains me to say it, but its true
3. Verizon Video/New Jersey - for stealing my husband
4. Lack o' free time - see number 1
5. The end of summer
6. Grating my finger with the micro-plane grater - OUCH!
7. Missing my family
8. The obnoxious guy in my CrimPro AND BA class.
9. My friend Haley living so far away :(
10. Not having a car.

Things That Are Awesome

1. Hot Yoga - 600 calories in an HOUR AND 1/2!
2. Maggie - soooo cuddly
3. Finally getting tickets to Paul McCartney - Oct 8!
4. Floating Mountains, Singing Clouds
5. Fall Movies - North Country, Elizabethtown, The Family Stone
6. Desperate Housewives - I've miss you ladies
7. Pamela - having an extra person to help with the dog AND do the dishes (and she's pretty funny)
8. Amalah
9. Oprah - the old standby
10. Not having to pay for gas

North Carolina and TV

Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Originally uploaded by The Smooze.

We just had two lovely weekends in North Carolina. The first we spent with our friends Jennifer and David and there beautiful new baby Isabel. We got to see people we hadn't seen since we left and went to an awesome Coldplay concert. (Although Alltel Pavillion is a clusterf*** if I have EVER seen one!)

Last weekend, we went to our friends Pete and Pam's wedding at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens. It was an absolutely lovely wedding with chocolate cupcakes and lots of dancing which is always a good combination. They had a live band which was fun and different in the age of DJ's.

Since we've been back, I've been watching ALOT of TV since the beginning of the new season. I've stopped watching Lost (I got tired of being jerked around) and The West Wing (it just hasn't been the same since Sorkin left) so I have some room. So far My Name is Earl is the only one for sure being added to the line-up b/c damn Jason Lee is funny. I'm going to give How I Met Your Mom one more chance although Rome and Kitchen Confidential are probably not going to make the cut. Otherwise, I'll still be watching Desperate Housewives, Wife Swap, and OFCOURSE the absolute best show on television My Super Sweet Sixteen.

Assateague National Seashore

Ponies in the campsite
Originally uploaded by The Smooze.

Sarah and I went with our friends Annie and Kyle to Assateague National Seashore. This island has a bunch of once domesticated horses that are now "wild." They are a small breed, so they are affectionately known as wild ponies. The ponies, as evidenced by this photo, are pretty used to people. They were also quite unafraid of Maggie.

We had a wonderful time camping out and we hit the beach on Monday for a last gasp before the end of summer. The water was cold and pretty choppy, so there wasn't a whole lot of swimming, but the weather was beautiful. Maggie enjoyed the beach, but was confused by the sand and waves. Unfortunately, we failed to take a single picture of her. Ah well.

Hurricane Katrina Update

Now it seems Pamela will be attending American University for the fall semester and becoming the newest roommate at 9th and C. It's going to be a little crowded but she's a tiny little thing so that should help. Mainly, we are just glad we could be there for her. She arrives on Monday.

Hurricane Katrina

I don't know where to begin. Everytime I turn on the TV or check CNN the news seems to be getting worse and worse. The effects of Mother Nature and the actions of humans (good and bad) seem to boggle the mind. I've been horrified by images dead bodies and brough to tears by the tragic stories of survivors.

Luckily, it would seem we are turning the corner and now finding concrete ways to help the people of LA and MS. First of all, I am so proud to be a student at the Washington College of Law. They have offered up 20 free spaces to 3rd year law students at Loyola and Tulane law schools. The bookstore has offered free textbooks and the school is organizing free lodging. We have volunteered our extra bedroom. It felt indescribely good to do something concrete and positive although we don't know yet someone will be using it. Apparently, we aren't the only ones looking to help the refugees.

On a personal note, all of those we know and love in New Orleans escaped unharm. Nicholas's little sister Pamela was set to begin her senior year at Tulane. It now looks like she will have to at least spend her fall semester at another school - probably at home in Atlanta. Our friend Jeff is staying with a friend and also made it out ok.

VMA

Dear MTV,

We need to talk. It's time for some honesty in our relationship. We've been together a long time - 24 years, both born in 1981 and we've gone through alot. Overall, I've been incredibly happy with you. You've really given me so much. The Real World, Sex in the 90's, reruns of My So-Called-Life, Rich Girls. Recently, I thought you were really hitting a stride. I mean Real World/Road Rules Challenge is really something special. Your documentaries, especially True Life have brought me to tears. And My Super Sweet Sixteen! Jesus, words cannot express my love for that show.

However, twice a year my high opinion of you suffers a serious blow. Once in early summer during the MTV Movie Awards and again in late summer during the Video Music Awards. I mean seriously I don't even know what to say except I remember a time when these awards show did not suck so completely. And it seems yesterday night with the 2005 VMAs you reached a new low. It was really really painful. Awkward P. Di--- I mean Diddy dance numbers, weird comedic interludes, mediocre performances. In fact, and this is hard for me to say...I don't think I'm going to watch them anymore. They are just too awful. Really I want to cling a few more years because I'm getting older and I do want to stay relevant. But I fear you too are getting older and your irrelevance is creeping across the stage at these events.

I mean maybe if you got some help. Maybe you should hire whoever makes all those amazing commericials. But until then MTV awards shows I have to say...We are officially on a break.

Love,
Sarah

Georgetown

Ok so let's recap:
I was supposed to hear from Georgetown in early May.
1. They deferred their decision till my second semester grades came in.
2. They put me on the wait list.
3. They told me I would hear by August 3.
4. They told me I would hear something by August 19.
5. They told me I would hear something this Monday or Tuesday.
6. They told me I should get an email this morning from 9am-12pm.
7. At 1pm I call and they tell me I will get an email around 3pm.
8. At 4:45 pm, I CALL THEM and they tell me that they haven't had any "movement" and they don't anticipate having any. I ask "So basically the wait list is closed." They say, "Pretty much."

Needless to say, I am leaving the experience with a bad taste in my mouth. HOWEVER, I am an optimist and I really do think it is for the best. I am on Moot Court at AU and have recently graded onto the Gender Journal. Plus all my friends are there. If only it was closer to my house!

Back to reality

Los Padres National Park
Originally uploaded by The Smooze.

I start school tomorrow which is bad enough, but made worse by the end of our wonderful vacation only a few days ago.

Nicholas and I went to visit my father in California for a week. Since he'd never been before, we decided to pile in as much as possible. We met my dad in Los Angeles and did all the tourist stops: Graumann's Chinese Theater, Rodeo Drive, where O.J. killed Nicole. Then we drove north up the Pacific Coast Highway.

First, we stopped in Santa Barbara. We shopped downtown and ate at Oprah's favorite restaurant in Montecito - Trattoria Mollie. While we didn't see Oprah, we did sit across from Carole Burnett. Of course I had to talk to her and tell her I still had the signed picture she sent me when I wrote her in 3rd grade. She was very very sweet.

Second, we stopped in Monterey. On our way there, we stopped at Edna Valley vineyard and tasted an amazing Pinot Noir (I know so Sideways!). We tried to see Hearst Castle but it was sold out for the day.

Last, we spent a day and a half in San Francisco. We ate clam chowder from a sour dough breadbowl on the wharf, drank tea in the Japanese Tea Garden, sampled fortune cookies in Chinatown, and had breakfast at the Pork Store in Haight Ashbury (shouldn't that be in Castro!).

All in all it was an absolutely wonderful trip made even more wonderful by the generosity of my dad who paid for the whole trip and drove us where ever our hearts' desired.

Thanks Daddy!

I DID IT!

In 1998, the American Film Institute released the top 100 movies of all time. I don't remember when I decided to try to watch them all but it was soon after they were released. When I first looked through the list, I think I had seen about 20 or 30 of them. They spanned from 1915 to 1996 and I'd seen most of the recent ones: Fargo, Pulp Fiction, Forrest Gump. I've spent the past seven years watching the rest. I wasn't completely hard core and my rate of watching would dip and wane. First, I would search the TV Guide and record them on the VCR. Then Tivo came along and really sped the process along. Finally, we joined Netflix and I got to see all the rare ones or really dirty ones uncensored. But I watched Mutiny on the Bounty this evening and finished the list. Here's a rundown on some of my casual impressions:

Better then I expected: Casablanca, Jaws, All Quiet on the Western Front, The Apartment, A Clockwork Orange, Gold Rush
As bad as I expected: Lawrence of Arabia, Patton, 2001: A Space Odyssey
Worse than I expected: The French Connection, The Birth of a Nation, From Here to Eternity, The Jazz Singer

Weirdest plot twist: Chinatown - You're sister is your WHAT?
Most annoying child: Shane - MAAAAAAA!!! PAAAAAA!!!!
Best chemistry: Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy in Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
Most unnecessary ending: Easy Rider
Hottest man ever: Paul Newman in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Hottest woman ever: Elizabeth Taylor in A Place in the Sun
Most homoerotic film: Ben-Hur - Best friends from childhood my ass
Most anxiety producing film: High Noon
Craziest Eyes: Sunset Boulevard - I'm ready for the close up of my crazy eyes Mr. DeMille
Most confusing trend: Boxing films and use of the word bum
Worst villain: Captain Bligh from Mutiny on the Bounty - SERIOUS asshole, I'd go mutiny on his ass too.
Best costumes: Gone With The Wind
Saddest character: Blanche in A Streetcar Named Desire
Worst book adaptation: Wuthering Heights


So those are my preliminary impressions. Now I guess I'll catch up on the post-1996 classics. Anybody own a copy of Rush Hour 2?

Weekend with the girls!

IMG_2164.JPG
Originally uploaded by The Smooze.

Well I just got back from Louisville. I went in for my friend Alexis's wedding in Lexington, which was beautiful. (pics on flickr) However, the best part was getting to be with my girls!

Me, Elizabeth, Erin, and Aimee have stood by each other through breakups, family drama, weddings, babies, and relocation and that just since we've graduated! When we get together you can bet there will be lots of gossip, sex stories, and Arbor Mist and very very little sleep. This weekend was no different although our friendship got a very exciting addition. Our group of four became a group of five! Catherine has been with us from the beginning but this weekend we made it a "official" which basically means we said "Now you have to go on vacation with us and write in our correspondence journal!"

So, all in all a really great weekend especially since my really great parents decided to drive up from Paducah and take us all out to eat and visit for a couple of days. Between amazing friends, family, and a damn near perfect husband I really am the luckiest girl in the world.

A NEW Post

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Originally uploaded by The Smooze.

I've been done with my internship since July 1 so in theory I should have been posting like a lot. But seriously I'm busy ya'll. I redecorated our apartment, finished my wedding scrapbook after TWO years (bringing the grand total of albums up to six!), went to Paducah, went to the beach, threw a kick ass Harry Potter party and a kick ass birthday party...and of course met some more famous people!

My friend Samantha won tickets to a Ben Folds concert and an opportunity to hear him play up closes and personal at the radio studio. We were already going to the concert but she invited me to the radio show yesterday since I am a huge Ben Folds fan. It was amazing. (Thanks again Sam!) We had seen him at the 9:30 Club a couple of months ago and he was really great. This place was a lot smaller and we got to sit on couches on the front row which was really really cool. He played about five songs and he took requests. Of course I yelled out "Angry Dwarf" and he took my request. This was really special because I told Nicholas before the last show that the only songs I really wanted him to play was Angry Dwarf or Song for the Dumped, neither of which he played of course. But this more than made up for it!

OH! I almost forgot! I've also been progressing through the AFI's Top 100 List slowly but surely. (For those of you who don't know I've been trying to watch all 100 since like high school.) Well Netflix and all this free time revolutionized my viewing and I was down to the very last one! So I put in Mutiny on the Bounty and am all excited because I'm going to finish the list! YEAH! And I shit you not the freaking DVD was broken. They are sending me another one. I mean seriously people!

Me & Barack

Me & Barack

Okay, so one day I'll start posting about something besides the famous people I meet but not today people, not today. I met Barack Obama!!! There is a lecture series for interns every summer and he was the speaker on Tuesday. His speech was amazing. He conveys such integrity and honesty. I might agree with him on everything...like really truly everything. Anyway, after his lecture I ran, jumped, maybe stepped on a couple of children to get to the side exit and caught him on his way out. He shook my hand. You are all wecome to drive to D.C. and shake the hand, try to soak up the magic.

P.S. When I worked for NOW I did Election 2004 research. There was a state senator in Illinois that had announced he was going to run for Peter Fitzgerald's seat. He had some funny name, Barack Obama. I told my boss he didn't have a chance in hell. :)

Vintage Virginia

We had a good time last weekend at the wine festival, although it was hotter than when we went the first time and we had a dog to pick up from the groomer's, so we spent a lot less time there.

We liked several of the whites that we tried, but we ended up buying only the Barboursville Viognier (the influx of good and cheap Australian, Spanish, and South African whites colored our perception of value this time around). We passed on Barboursville's very good Octagon VI (probably the best red in VA). The rest of the reds were highly questionable, especially the Cabernet Francs. Apparently, many Virginia wineries grow Cab Franc for their Meritage blends. Unfortunately, many also choose to put out a 100% Cab Franc, and they are universally terrible. Perhaps you've heard of "fruit forward" wines, and perhaps you've also heard a wine described as having "hints of tobacco." Now, just for a moment, imagine a tobacco-forward wine. That was the only way to describe one of the Cab Franc's we tried. Sarah threatened to hurt me if I made her try another one.

Yes, we are quite spoiled and bourgeois, especially by the very good wine store that I ("have to") walk by on the way from the Metro to Home.

Me, Amy, & Emily

Me, Amy, & Emily

So, Wednesday night we went to see the Indigo Girls for Nicholas birthday. It was a really great concert and Amy even played "Romeo and Juliet" which she rarely does live so awesome all around. BUT...the really cool part was the next day they came to the Hill to lobby for low power FM radio and I went to the little briefing. I got there early and sat in the second row. Then Emily comes in and sits IN FRONT OF ME. They played Closer to Fine, Yield, and Galileo six feet in front of me! It was amazing. They were totally unplugged, no mics or anything. It was totally great to see them up close and personal. Afterwards, I got to thank both of them and chat with Emily about advice for one of my closet friends who wants to become a musician. It was just so absolutely freaking cool.

Summer of Fun

Sarah, Maggie, and I went to Harper's Ferry last weekend and hiked up a huge hill to get to what is supposed to be one of the finest views within two hours of DC. It was a lot of fun, even though we got rained on. Maggie was intrepid as we hiked the 5 mile trail. She nearly pulled me down the hill she was so excited to be out in nature.

Tomorrow we are dropping Maggie off to get groomed and are going to Vintage Virginia, the wine festival featuring Virginia wineries. We went a couple of years ago. Some of the wine is decent, some not so much, but at 20 bucks a head, you can't beat it for something to do on a Saturday.

We have Harper's Ferry pictures, and should have some from the wine festival, which we'll post soon.

Dream Come True

Dream Come True

Today was my first day as a Capitol Hill intern and I have to say it was pretty great. All the people in my office are wonderful and the Congressman is incredibly warm and friendly. I already have exciting legislative assignments and tomorrow I will be going to my first committee meeting. In other words, I'm in hog heaven!