I've read a few friends' blogs that say how they were bad holiday bloggers, so I'm just tagging along with that.
Frank, Hamilton and I went to South Carolina for Christmas. It was great to spend some quality time with my brothers and parents, although the weather was not as heavenly as I had hoped. We saw a handful of high school friends and lots of friends at church.
Hamilton had a blast playing with Barnabas, though at times I think Barn would have liked it if Hamilton had an "off" switch. They ran and played and wore each other out over 5 days.
Our next big adventure is Las Vegas in January and then moving at the end of January/beginning of February! I'm really excited about the move, Frank is really excited about Vegas. I've started getting ready for the move - a little packing here and there and priming the rooms that we painted. I have a feeling it is going to be awful no matter how early I start, but I'll give it my best shot anyway.
For now I'm up to my neck in work, I still haven't unpacked, there is another room to prime, an apartment to clean, and endless packing to do...
Happy New Year to everyone (and Happy Birthday, Dad!), I promise to try harder in January than I did in December! xoxo
And just in case you thought your December/January was even close to being as crazy as mine, let me list the birthdays/events for you:
Dec 6: Papa's Birthday
Dec 15: Frank's Birthday
Dec 25: Christmas
Dec 28: Chuck's Birthday (Father-in-law)
Dec 30: Webbs' Anniversary (In-Laws)
Jan 1: Dad's Birthday
Jan 3: Mom's Birthday
Jan 21: Rob's Birthday (brother)
This year you can add in MOVING to Jan 28, too. No one in our family is allowed to have a wedding or a child in the months of December or January.
oh, and I left out all of the aunts, uncles, and other anniversaries because I didn't want this blog post to go on forever - but if you think you can challenge me, I'll be happy to post all of the Dec/Jan dates for you.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Snow Check
Frank and I were supposed to go see the Terra Cotta Warriors today but it was snowed out. Our tickets have been rain checked for Monday and Tuesday night. We'll be going on Monday night, as we'll be driving to SC on Tuesday night.
So, instead of trekking into the city today we stayed here and did mostly nothing. There are at least 20 inches of snow on the ground already, and it hasn't stopped yet. Sunday school has been canceled and our church is only having one service but suggesting that we all tune in on the radio to avoid driving in this mess.
Most of you know that I am not a fan of snow and this storm (blizzard?) is no different. It hasn't even had the decency to be nice snow! It has come with a lot of wind and little tiny snow flakes that get in your eyes - none of the nice, big, floating snow flakes that you see in movies and post cards. There are drifts around our complex as tall as me, the fire hydrant near our apartment is completely covered, and my dog looks like a dolphin leaping through the snow that is taller than him.
(Yes, that is me out there with him, and yes, I kicked snow at him - it usually inspires him to run around more and chase me, which is what I was going for.)
Even though he can't see where he's going, he seems to love playing in the snow! He buries his nose in it, bounds around in it, and whines to go back out as soon as we bring him inside.
Please notice that the snow is up to my knees in this picture - and this was in the afternoon. It is 10:45pm and still snowing.
Frank and I take turns taking him out while the other take pictures and video from the warmth of our apartment.
The funniest part is that the only way we can tell that he is 'doing his business' is that he stops moving, holds really still, stares straight ahead, and keeps his tail at a perfect salute.
I'm looking forward to having a yard for H, I only wish we had it now so that he could play out there until his little heart is content. For now he gets to romp every few hours for a good 30-45 minutes at a time, as that is as long as Frank or I can stand to be out there!
So, instead of trekking into the city today we stayed here and did mostly nothing. There are at least 20 inches of snow on the ground already, and it hasn't stopped yet. Sunday school has been canceled and our church is only having one service but suggesting that we all tune in on the radio to avoid driving in this mess.
Most of you know that I am not a fan of snow and this storm (blizzard?) is no different. It hasn't even had the decency to be nice snow! It has come with a lot of wind and little tiny snow flakes that get in your eyes - none of the nice, big, floating snow flakes that you see in movies and post cards. There are drifts around our complex as tall as me, the fire hydrant near our apartment is completely covered, and my dog looks like a dolphin leaping through the snow that is taller than him.
(Yes, that is me out there with him, and yes, I kicked snow at him - it usually inspires him to run around more and chase me, which is what I was going for.)
Please notice that the snow is up to my knees in this picture - and this was in the afternoon. It is 10:45pm and still snowing.
Frank and I take turns taking him out while the other take pictures and video from the warmth of our apartment.
The funniest part is that the only way we can tell that he is 'doing his business' is that he stops moving, holds really still, stares straight ahead, and keeps his tail at a perfect salute.
I'm looking forward to having a yard for H, I only wish we had it now so that he could play out there until his little heart is content. For now he gets to romp every few hours for a good 30-45 minutes at a time, as that is as long as Frank or I can stand to be out there!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Top Chef Outrage
Frank watches Top Chef, which means I also watch Top Chef. We have completely different experiences watching the show: Frank enjoys the cooking/food part of it, and I spend my time deciding which contestants I love and which ones I can't stand.
The season just ended and of the three finalists I loved two and couldn't stand one...guess which one won. The one I don't like. He is the younger brother of one of the other finalists and he has a HUGE chip on his shoulder about life. What a punk.
I told Frank that if he won over the other two guys (who were two of my very favorites from this season) I would never watch the show again! This is most likely untrue, but I may stick to my guns for at least the beginning of the next season.
I understand that the competition is week to week, but I really think the final round should be cumulative. I mean, really. This season's winner is such a jerk in the kitchen, he is a real Eddie Haskell if you ask me.
Now we're watching the reunion show (DVR'd, we never watch live TV) and I still think that the wrong guy won.
The season just ended and of the three finalists I loved two and couldn't stand one...guess which one won. The one I don't like. He is the younger brother of one of the other finalists and he has a HUGE chip on his shoulder about life. What a punk.
I told Frank that if he won over the other two guys (who were two of my very favorites from this season) I would never watch the show again! This is most likely untrue, but I may stick to my guns for at least the beginning of the next season.
I understand that the competition is week to week, but I really think the final round should be cumulative. I mean, really. This season's winner is such a jerk in the kitchen, he is a real Eddie Haskell if you ask me.
Now we're watching the reunion show (DVR'd, we never watch live TV) and I still think that the wrong guy won.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Happy Birthday Husband!
Today is Frank's 29th birthday! Happy Birthday Frank!
I'm so sorry that I managed to marry such a serious person, you really should loosen up and learn to laugh a little ;)
Happy Birthday husband - now lets go eat some steak!
Happy Birthday husband - now lets go eat some steak!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
What marriage really means
It means making a commitment and sticking to it, no matter what life brings. It means making plans and having dreams. Sometimes it means having kids and then grandkids. Marriage means growing together and always learning more about yourself and each other.
And sometimes it means renewing your vows after 57 years together in front of family and friends.
(Nana didn't know this was happening, this is her face when she saw the rings. Papa had never worn a wedding band...he does now!)
I have been so blessed with Dave & Barbara Brewer as my grandparents. What an amazing example they have been to all of us, and I hope that Frank and I can someday provide as strong of a testimony to our children and grandchildren.
And sometimes it means renewing your vows after 57 years together in front of family and friends.
(Nana didn't know this was happening, this is her face when she saw the rings. Papa had never worn a wedding band...he does now!)
I have been so blessed with Dave & Barbara Brewer as my grandparents. What an amazing example they have been to all of us, and I hope that Frank and I can someday provide as strong of a testimony to our children and grandchildren.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Almost There
My paper has been written, printed, scribbled on, edited, and printed again. Now there are two copies in my bag and I'm ready to hand them in, do my 5 minutes presentation (well, I'm lying...I'm not ready for the presentation...I'm waiting until after lunch then I'll reread the paper and make my speaking notes), and be finished with grad school!
Then I'm getting in the car and driving to Cary, NC going to sleep, waking up and driving to N. Litchfield Beach, SC and hanging with the family for a couple days. For my grandfather's 80th birthday party actually.
I had a little trouble packing last night...what does one wear to an 80 year old's birthday party? I'm hoping the answer is already in my suitcase because there isn't much I can do if it isn't.
For now all of you should click here to see two of my favorite pictures of 2009. He isn't mine, but he looks just like mine and it makes me melt.
Then I'm getting in the car and driving to Cary, NC going to sleep, waking up and driving to N. Litchfield Beach, SC and hanging with the family for a couple days. For my grandfather's 80th birthday party actually.
I had a little trouble packing last night...what does one wear to an 80 year old's birthday party? I'm hoping the answer is already in my suitcase because there isn't much I can do if it isn't.
For now all of you should click here to see two of my favorite pictures of 2009. He isn't mine, but he looks just like mine and it makes me melt.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Guilt Free Blogging
I get on such a roll with this blog, and then something 'real life' happens and I fall off. Right now it is the one last stinking paper that is in the process of being written. The good news is that said paper is due on Thursday and I also have to present the paper that evening.
So, once that blankity-blank paper is finished I can be back to guilt free blogging - you know, where I can blog without thinking, knowing that there is something more pressing i should be doing. I'm sure I'll continue to put off things like laundry or dog walking for blogging, but neither of those things will 'fail' you if you are late so they aren't in the same category as a grad school paper.
After this weekend I can tell you about all of the cool things that are stacking up in life: we're moving (staying in NoVa), a beach trip, Christmas stuff, Terra Cotta Warriors, etc etc etc.
But for now, blogging is still full of guilt so I'm going to go take my dog outside and then get back to work on my paper.
So, once that blankity-blank paper is finished I can be back to guilt free blogging - you know, where I can blog without thinking, knowing that there is something more pressing i should be doing. I'm sure I'll continue to put off things like laundry or dog walking for blogging, but neither of those things will 'fail' you if you are late so they aren't in the same category as a grad school paper.
After this weekend I can tell you about all of the cool things that are stacking up in life: we're moving (staying in NoVa), a beach trip, Christmas stuff, Terra Cotta Warriors, etc etc etc.
But for now, blogging is still full of guilt so I'm going to go take my dog outside and then get back to work on my paper.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
I wish I'd thought of it
We had an awesome wedding - it was full of friends and family, the food was good, the cake was to die for, and if there was any drama I managed to miss it!
As Frank and I attend weddings we look at things differently now, always comparing it back to our own big weekend. For the most part, I wouldn't change a thing - but now and then I see something and think "I wish I'd thought of that!"
The one thing I think I could have focused more on was cherry blossoms. We were married on March 29, 2008 - the first day of the 2008 National Cherry Blossom Festival. I included some (fake) cherry blossoms on the hotel gift bags, and gave my bridal brunch hostesses cherry blossom candles as a thank you, but that is really where it ended.
Now I see cherry blossom save-the-dates and cherry blossom invitations, I could have carried cherry blossoms in my bouquet, or used them in the boutonnieres and center pieces, and most of all, I could have had this, a cherry blossom cake! (only the first one, the others are 'cake wrecks')
I am certainly not complaining about our cake - it was beautiful and delicious and everything I ever wanted it to be - but I am a sucker for cherry blossoms because of how beautiful DC is during that time of year!
I think I mostly wish I had thought to use more cherry blossoms in our wedding because it wasn't 'cool' then (yet), and now it is! We could have been ahead of the curve.
Anyway, like I said before our wedding was a rockin' good time and while I don't regret anything I can't help but occasionally think "I wish I'd thought of that!"
As Frank and I attend weddings we look at things differently now, always comparing it back to our own big weekend. For the most part, I wouldn't change a thing - but now and then I see something and think "I wish I'd thought of that!"
The one thing I think I could have focused more on was cherry blossoms. We were married on March 29, 2008 - the first day of the 2008 National Cherry Blossom Festival. I included some (fake) cherry blossoms on the hotel gift bags, and gave my bridal brunch hostesses cherry blossom candles as a thank you, but that is really where it ended.
Now I see cherry blossom save-the-dates and cherry blossom invitations, I could have carried cherry blossoms in my bouquet, or used them in the boutonnieres and center pieces, and most of all, I could have had this, a cherry blossom cake! (only the first one, the others are 'cake wrecks')
I am certainly not complaining about our cake - it was beautiful and delicious and everything I ever wanted it to be - but I am a sucker for cherry blossoms because of how beautiful DC is during that time of year!
I think I mostly wish I had thought to use more cherry blossoms in our wedding because it wasn't 'cool' then (yet), and now it is! We could have been ahead of the curve.
Anyway, like I said before our wedding was a rockin' good time and while I don't regret anything I can't help but occasionally think "I wish I'd thought of that!"
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
A Charlie Brown Christmas
I don't know if you've heard, but President Obama's speech to the nation is officially bumping ABC's airing of A Charlie Brown Christmas. The audacity that man has!
It got me thinking that it was time to decorate for Christmas in the apartment. The good news: it didn't take long. The bad news: our apartment doesn't look very Christmasy.
It kind of comes back around to A Charlie Brown Christmas! Our apartment is the equivalent of the sad little Charlie Brown tree, pre-decoration. We have our stockings hanging over the fireplace, two red-sparkly-ornament-shaped candles (from Nana) on the coffee table, holiday towels in the bathroom, and the Holy Family in the center of the kitchen table surrounded by red/crimson place mats....and that is it.
No tree because we're spending Christmas in South Carolina, which means no lights and no ornaments, no tree skirt, no presents under the tree.
I'm hoping to get a wreath for the door, but that won't help the inside of the apartment. I think I'll pick up some fake garland to drape somewhere and put lights on it. This place needs some twinkle!
Maybe I'll remember to do some discount shopping for Christmasy things after Christmas this year so that next year I won't have the Charlie Brown problem.
Merry Christmas to you and yours - I hope your house twinkles!
It got me thinking that it was time to decorate for Christmas in the apartment. The good news: it didn't take long. The bad news: our apartment doesn't look very Christmasy.
It kind of comes back around to A Charlie Brown Christmas! Our apartment is the equivalent of the sad little Charlie Brown tree, pre-decoration. We have our stockings hanging over the fireplace, two red-sparkly-ornament-shaped candles (from Nana) on the coffee table, holiday towels in the bathroom, and the Holy Family in the center of the kitchen table surrounded by red/crimson place mats....and that is it.
No tree because we're spending Christmas in South Carolina, which means no lights and no ornaments, no tree skirt, no presents under the tree.
I'm hoping to get a wreath for the door, but that won't help the inside of the apartment. I think I'll pick up some fake garland to drape somewhere and put lights on it. This place needs some twinkle!
Maybe I'll remember to do some discount shopping for Christmasy things after Christmas this year so that next year I won't have the Charlie Brown problem.
Merry Christmas to you and yours - I hope your house twinkles!
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