We're off to the beach! In fact, we're already en route by the time this posts.
We've loaded up the cars with people, luggage, beach chairs, coolers, and a hound dog and headed south to the Outer Banks. It should take us about 5 hours to get there, so we're hoping to be there by lunch time.
There are 16 people on this trip, luckily Tina found us an enormous house with enough beds and bedrooms for all. It has two kitchens, too! This may prove helpful after the main grocery run.
Frank's bocce set will make the trip, too. I'm hoping to have at least one day where I head down to the sand in the morning and only come back in time for dinner. I already bought the newest Pat Conroy book to devour while my feet are in the surf!
I'm looking forward to our 4 day weekend - no work, no chores, just sun, sand, and sea. Hopefully my hound will handle the sand a little better this time....last time he ended up eating half of the beach because he is short and his tongue hangs out when he is hot. He may spend most of his time at the house, but he'll be worn out just from the excitement of it all anyway!
I hope your holiday weekend is fun and relaxing!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Wordless Wednesday, Fail
I was going to start "Wordless Wednesday" this week, and I even had an awesome selection of pictures to choose from....but, the internet is down at home and I can't load pictures on my phone or at work.
Sorry.
I'll try to load them again today, but for now just picture my dog wearing sunglasses and a 8 week old baby chillin' on my lap.
Our friends, the Connallys, came over to hang last night which meant lots of treats for Hamilton - to keep him occupied - and lots of baby lovin' time for me! Their little Ayden is 8 weeks old now, I can't believe how quickly time has flown!
We also did some major cleaning and lawn-mowing yesterday in preparation for our trip to the beach tomorrow. I do love coming home to a clean house!
Sorry.
I'll try to load them again today, but for now just picture my dog wearing sunglasses and a 8 week old baby chillin' on my lap.
Our friends, the Connallys, came over to hang last night which meant lots of treats for Hamilton - to keep him occupied - and lots of baby lovin' time for me! Their little Ayden is 8 weeks old now, I can't believe how quickly time has flown!
We also did some major cleaning and lawn-mowing yesterday in preparation for our trip to the beach tomorrow. I do love coming home to a clean house!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Deals in your In-Box
I always love hearing about or finding a good deal. I rarely partake unless it is something I was going to buy anyway, but now and then something amazing comes along and even I'll splurge. I'm sure many of you have sites where you are a member, but here is a short list of sites I use that I thought I'd share:
Groupon - A daily morning email announces your chosen area's deal of the day. Once enough people have purchased the deal, it activates (if you purchase but the deal never reaches the threshold, you don't get charged). Lots of work out/trainer/gym memberships here, but also restaurant deals and fun activities, too.
Living Social - This site ranges from spa treatments to theater tickets and tours - and the deals are automatic, no need to reach a threshold of interested parties to activate it.
Daily Candy - Sometimes they offer tips, other times is it promoting a local store or craftsman. Daily Candy offers a wide variety of information in a handy daily email.
All for now, but feel free to add more suggestions on the comments! I know there are zillions more sites that I don't know about yet!!
Groupon - A daily morning email announces your chosen area's deal of the day. Once enough people have purchased the deal, it activates (if you purchase but the deal never reaches the threshold, you don't get charged). Lots of work out/trainer/gym memberships here, but also restaurant deals and fun activities, too.
Living Social - This site ranges from spa treatments to theater tickets and tours - and the deals are automatic, no need to reach a threshold of interested parties to activate it.
Daily Candy - Sometimes they offer tips, other times is it promoting a local store or craftsman. Daily Candy offers a wide variety of information in a handy daily email.
All for now, but feel free to add more suggestions on the comments! I know there are zillions more sites that I don't know about yet!!
Friday, May 21, 2010
I'm Excited About: Stitch 'n Pitch Edition
Tonight is the Washington Nationals' first annual "Stitch 'n Pitch" night! That means that tonight, during the game, there will be an entire section of tickets sold to women (and their spouses in some cases) where they will be encouraged to knit, croche, and sew throughout the game.
Yes, the Nationals will do anything to sell a ticket. But, I think this will be fun, too!
There are 4 of us girls going (I have yet to decide if I'm bringing anything to sew) and 3 of the husbands are accompanying us. The Nats are taking on the Orioles so it should be a fairly good crowd, in addition to those attending for the "stitch" part.
It is times like this that I feel so badly for those people who are real deal Nationals fans, but at least I can confirm that this idea worked! I can honestly say that I don't think my friends and I would be attending this game if it weren't for Stitch 'n Pitch!
Yes, the Nationals will do anything to sell a ticket. But, I think this will be fun, too!
There are 4 of us girls going (I have yet to decide if I'm bringing anything to sew) and 3 of the husbands are accompanying us. The Nats are taking on the Orioles so it should be a fairly good crowd, in addition to those attending for the "stitch" part.
It is times like this that I feel so badly for those people who are real deal Nationals fans, but at least I can confirm that this idea worked! I can honestly say that I don't think my friends and I would be attending this game if it weren't for Stitch 'n Pitch!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Graduation
Frank graduated from the George Mason University School of Law this past Saturday. We're both glad to have law school behind us, but we're quick to remember that the Bar exam is still in front of us.
We celebrated with family and friends throughout the weekend. We started with a personal tour of the Pentagon on Friday afternoon. They don't let you take pictures there, so you'll just have to imagine what we (Me, Frank, Tina, Dad, Patrick, and Matt) looked like.
On Saturday was the actual graduation. Frank's parents, Dad, Patrick, and I all attended.
We managed to find Frank's favorite professor, Professor Krauss, outside after the ceremony where they had a quick (loooooong) chat about something interesting (not that interesting). :)
And I managed to strike up a conversation with Justice Mims, the graduation speaker for the ceremony. He was a nice guy and had some great words of encouragement for Frank as he starts his own practice.
Then we had some more family and friends over for a cook out. Judge Wooldridge came by for a bit which was really great. He has been a wonderful mentor and friend to Frank throughout law school. He's also just an all around nice guy.
Dad enjoyed getting to spend time with some of the Webb and Dickson clans. He hadn't seen any of them since the wedding, and I think everyone enjoyed hanging out in a smaller (and less crazy) setting.
The hound behaved - only because we bribed him with a huge bone. He would occasionally look up, but then go right back to chewin'.
Our friend Anna let us borrow her cornhole set, it was a hit with our friends as well as with Frank's younger cousins!
Some of the guys from Frank's wedding party brought their mugs to toast Frank's graduation.
On Sunday morning we went to the early service at church, then headed out to Vienna to my aunt and uncle's house for brunch. The food was AMAZING! I warned Aunt Susan that we may begin showing up on a regular basis on Sundays!
We celebrated with family and friends throughout the weekend. We started with a personal tour of the Pentagon on Friday afternoon. They don't let you take pictures there, so you'll just have to imagine what we (Me, Frank, Tina, Dad, Patrick, and Matt) looked like.
On Saturday was the actual graduation. Frank's parents, Dad, Patrick, and I all attended.
We managed to find Frank's favorite professor, Professor Krauss, outside after the ceremony where they had a quick (loooooong) chat about something interesting (not that interesting). :)
And I managed to strike up a conversation with Justice Mims, the graduation speaker for the ceremony. He was a nice guy and had some great words of encouragement for Frank as he starts his own practice.
Then we had some more family and friends over for a cook out. Judge Wooldridge came by for a bit which was really great. He has been a wonderful mentor and friend to Frank throughout law school. He's also just an all around nice guy.
Dad enjoyed getting to spend time with some of the Webb and Dickson clans. He hadn't seen any of them since the wedding, and I think everyone enjoyed hanging out in a smaller (and less crazy) setting.
The hound behaved - only because we bribed him with a huge bone. He would occasionally look up, but then go right back to chewin'.
Our friend Anna let us borrow her cornhole set, it was a hit with our friends as well as with Frank's younger cousins!
Some of the guys from Frank's wedding party brought their mugs to toast Frank's graduation.
On Sunday morning we went to the early service at church, then headed out to Vienna to my aunt and uncle's house for brunch. The food was AMAZING! I warned Aunt Susan that we may begin showing up on a regular basis on Sundays!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Weightloss Update
The good news is I weighed myself yesterday and I'm down a little over 4lbs - the bad news is I have 6 more to go.
I could be exercising more, and that is something I'll try to do over the next 10 days. My meal routine is pretty solid, the hard part is dinner.
I'll keep working on it and hopefully stay in my current eating routine once I've shed the extra pounds. I'm also hoping to maintain a more regularized work out schedule, even just to keep toning up my arms and abs or working out some stress.
I'll check back in after the weekend, maybe do one more weigh in sometime early next week so I have time to sprint for the finish line.
Oh, and Theo & Tamsin - if y'all think I'm going running with you at the beach....don't hold your breath.
I could be exercising more, and that is something I'll try to do over the next 10 days. My meal routine is pretty solid, the hard part is dinner.
I'll keep working on it and hopefully stay in my current eating routine once I've shed the extra pounds. I'm also hoping to maintain a more regularized work out schedule, even just to keep toning up my arms and abs or working out some stress.
I'll check back in after the weekend, maybe do one more weigh in sometime early next week so I have time to sprint for the finish line.
Oh, and Theo & Tamsin - if y'all think I'm going running with you at the beach....don't hold your breath.
Friday, May 14, 2010
I'm Excited About: Graduation Edition
FRANK GRADUATES FROM LAW SCHOOL TOMORROW!
that is all.
Just kidding! There is more:
We're hosting a fun graduation cook out for Frank, some family, and friends on Saturday evening. It will be great to celebrate his major accomplishment, and enjoy the small break between law school and studying for the Bar.
Personally, I'm looking forward to the pulled pork, cole slaw, sweet tea, and cornhole (bean bag toss game)! Oh, and all of the friends and family - some of whom are making very long drives to get here! I'll do my best to post pictures of the party - and I'll try to do better than last time when there were two pictures and you couldn't really tell who was here or how the house looked. my bad.
that is all.
Just kidding! There is more:
We're hosting a fun graduation cook out for Frank, some family, and friends on Saturday evening. It will be great to celebrate his major accomplishment, and enjoy the small break between law school and studying for the Bar.
Personally, I'm looking forward to the pulled pork, cole slaw, sweet tea, and cornhole (bean bag toss game)! Oh, and all of the friends and family - some of whom are making very long drives to get here! I'll do my best to post pictures of the party - and I'll try to do better than last time when there were two pictures and you couldn't really tell who was here or how the house looked. my bad.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Contacts v Glasses
I've been bouncing back and forth between contacts and glasses for a long time now. I usually end up going back to glasses because they are just easier. For example:
1. You don't have to poke yourself in the eye
2. Glasses don't stop working in high wind gusts or dusty environments
3. Glasses are lower maintenance while traveling
4. I've been told that glasses can correct my vision better than contacts because of my astigmatism.
5. You don't have to change glasses when they get sticky.
But, for some reason, I'm back onto contacts again. The good news is:
1. The doctor adjusted my prescription and I'm seeing better.
2. It makes wearing sunglasses easier.
3. It makes wearing make up easier.
4. My husband likes #3.
5. I'm wearing a new brand that is less 'shifty' and less 'sticky' than the last ones I tried.
I'm still not entirely sold, as I find myself blinking furiously a few times a day, but these are better than some others I've worn. Since summer is around the corner (it is 50 degrees right now, therefore summer isn't here yet) and I'll be using my sunglasses more often, I'm giving contacts another shot. We'll see how things go - but no promises! When I'm feeling lazy I'll still return to my glasses.
1. You don't have to poke yourself in the eye
2. Glasses don't stop working in high wind gusts or dusty environments
3. Glasses are lower maintenance while traveling
4. I've been told that glasses can correct my vision better than contacts because of my astigmatism.
5. You don't have to change glasses when they get sticky.
But, for some reason, I'm back onto contacts again. The good news is:
1. The doctor adjusted my prescription and I'm seeing better.
2. It makes wearing sunglasses easier.
3. It makes wearing make up easier.
4. My husband likes #3.
5. I'm wearing a new brand that is less 'shifty' and less 'sticky' than the last ones I tried.
I'm still not entirely sold, as I find myself blinking furiously a few times a day, but these are better than some others I've worn. Since summer is around the corner (it is 50 degrees right now, therefore summer isn't here yet) and I'll be using my sunglasses more often, I'm giving contacts another shot. We'll see how things go - but no promises! When I'm feeling lazy I'll still return to my glasses.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Kings Dominion
Tina, Matt, Ali and I all came home in one piece after our day at the park. It was an exciting and action-packed adventure, we rode every ride we wanted to try out in 5 hours - and squeezed in time for a corn dog for lunch, too!
We also saw DJ Pauly D...or at least a guy that wanted to be him.
This is the first roller coaster we rode; The Intimidator 305. It goes straight up and then straight down. 85 degree slope, 94 mph. I actually blacked out - everything went dark for a few seconds. Needless to say, when the other three went back to do it again, I stayed on the ground and took pictures.
This was my favorite one; The Volcano. I loved when the track is above your head!
At the end of the day, Matt and Tina did they sky coaster/sky diving thing. I think they are insane, but they swear it was awesome. I took this picture in case it was the last picture of either one of them - luckily they both survived!
We also saw DJ Pauly D...or at least a guy that wanted to be him.
This is the first roller coaster we rode; The Intimidator 305. It goes straight up and then straight down. 85 degree slope, 94 mph. I actually blacked out - everything went dark for a few seconds. Needless to say, when the other three went back to do it again, I stayed on the ground and took pictures.
This was my favorite one; The Volcano. I loved when the track is above your head!
At the end of the day, Matt and Tina did they sky coaster/sky diving thing. I think they are insane, but they swear it was awesome. I took this picture in case it was the last picture of either one of them - luckily they both survived!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Oooh Oh Oooohhh, Oooooh Oh Oooooh
The Braves were in town last week, and unfortunately they dropped 2 out of 3 to the Natinals which has them firmly planted in the last spot of the division.
Frank, Matt, and I went to the game on Thursday evening and had partially obstructed view seats in left field. Who knew Nationals park had Obs View?! Anyway, it was a pitchers' duel for the most part. Around the 8th inning, Frank made a comment about how the Nationals pitcher had made eye contact with Destiny and she was walking over to him.
A no-hitter was in progress! So, I did what any rational Braves fan would do in that situation: I started talking about the no-hitter, I was tweeting at Bill Simmons trying to get ESPN to cut in on the game, anything I could think of to spoil the no-no.
It worked!
I'm all for great pitching, and I'd love to see a no hitter in person some day - but not against the Braves!
All in all it was a fun evening, we even got to see Jason Heyward come out of the dugout to pinch hit and drive in a couple runs.
The best part of the evening was a group of 10-12 year old girls about two sections over from us. They were obviously on a field trip of some kind and they were from the south. We know this because A) they were either wearing Braves shirts or pink & green attire B) a few of them had sunglasses on croakies C) they cheered and chanted and tomahawk chopped for the Braves all night! It was wonderful.
Go Braves!
Frank, Matt, and I went to the game on Thursday evening and had partially obstructed view seats in left field. Who knew Nationals park had Obs View?! Anyway, it was a pitchers' duel for the most part. Around the 8th inning, Frank made a comment about how the Nationals pitcher had made eye contact with Destiny and she was walking over to him.
A no-hitter was in progress! So, I did what any rational Braves fan would do in that situation: I started talking about the no-hitter, I was tweeting at Bill Simmons trying to get ESPN to cut in on the game, anything I could think of to spoil the no-no.
It worked!
I'm all for great pitching, and I'd love to see a no hitter in person some day - but not against the Braves!
All in all it was a fun evening, we even got to see Jason Heyward come out of the dugout to pinch hit and drive in a couple runs.
The best part of the evening was a group of 10-12 year old girls about two sections over from us. They were obviously on a field trip of some kind and they were from the south. We know this because A) they were either wearing Braves shirts or pink & green attire B) a few of them had sunglasses on croakies C) they cheered and chanted and tomahawk chopped for the Braves all night! It was wonderful.
Go Braves!
Friday, May 7, 2010
I'm Excited About: Roller Coaster Edition
Next weekend is graduation weekend, and this Saturday I have enough on my to-do list to fill three Saturdays, so Sunday I'm going to ride some roller coasters!
Saturday is going to be a fun but busy day. There is laundry to do, tires to have fixed, a baby shower to attend, and a ladies brunch and clothes swap after that. I'm looking forward to it, but I know I'm going to be plain worn out at the end of the day. Why would I then head off to a theme park for the day?
Because my friend, Ali and I have been talking about going to Kings Dominion for years now and I'm tired of waiting!
They have something like 15 roller coasters, one of which involves water which might be nice around midday. Their water park section isn't open yet, but that is fine with me because I don't do water parks - the idea of sharing water with that many people makes me cringe. I can get over the occasional log flume or river rapid ride, but the areas where you can see all of the people just sitting in the water....ick!
I think the ride that I'm the most excited about is the new coaster, The Intimidator. That's right, it is named after the great #3 and I can't wait! They also have The Hurler, an old wooden coaster that I'm guessing is the same as the one by the same name at Carrowinds.
So, I'll see you on Monday, no doubt tired and sunburned but also very happy!
Saturday is going to be a fun but busy day. There is laundry to do, tires to have fixed, a baby shower to attend, and a ladies brunch and clothes swap after that. I'm looking forward to it, but I know I'm going to be plain worn out at the end of the day. Why would I then head off to a theme park for the day?
Because my friend, Ali and I have been talking about going to Kings Dominion for years now and I'm tired of waiting!
They have something like 15 roller coasters, one of which involves water which might be nice around midday. Their water park section isn't open yet, but that is fine with me because I don't do water parks - the idea of sharing water with that many people makes me cringe. I can get over the occasional log flume or river rapid ride, but the areas where you can see all of the people just sitting in the water....ick!
I think the ride that I'm the most excited about is the new coaster, The Intimidator. That's right, it is named after the great #3 and I can't wait! They also have The Hurler, an old wooden coaster that I'm guessing is the same as the one by the same name at Carrowinds.
So, I'll see you on Monday, no doubt tired and sunburned but also very happy!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
5 Year Reunion
Two weekends ago I went back to Salem College for my 5 year reunion. It was so great to be back on campus and to see so many friends from my class.
Tomlin, my senior year roommate, and I arrived on Thursday night and crashed at our friend Katie's house. On Friday we went straight to Cook Out for lunch. It was a wonderful as we remembered.
Next stop was Harris Teeter for a cooler, beer, and a bag of ice. They must have been out of Salem College coolers, so we settled for the Wake Forest one and made the necessary modifications.
We sat on the patio and waited for the party to arrive.
Saturday started with a class picture and then a champagne lunch. At the lunch the class of 1950 sang a song that made us all cry and laugh. And we all stood and applauded the member of the class of 1935, and maybe cried again.
Later we went to dinner and then most of the class met up at one of the favorite bars. It was an early night, most of us went home by 12:30am.
We capped of the weekend with brunch at another favorite spot, then all said our goodbyes and headed home.
It was a wonderful, relaxed weekend that left me with a huge smile on my face. I know that it could never be the same, but I swear I'd go back and do it all again in a heartbeat! Now I can't wait for 2015 and our 10 year reunion!
Tomlin, my senior year roommate, and I arrived on Thursday night and crashed at our friend Katie's house. On Friday we went straight to Cook Out for lunch. It was a wonderful as we remembered.
Next stop was Harris Teeter for a cooler, beer, and a bag of ice. They must have been out of Salem College coolers, so we settled for the Wake Forest one and made the necessary modifications.
We sat on the patio and waited for the party to arrive.
Saturday started with a class picture and then a champagne lunch. At the lunch the class of 1950 sang a song that made us all cry and laugh. And we all stood and applauded the member of the class of 1935, and maybe cried again.
Later we went to dinner and then most of the class met up at one of the favorite bars. It was an early night, most of us went home by 12:30am.
We capped of the weekend with brunch at another favorite spot, then all said our goodbyes and headed home.
It was a wonderful, relaxed weekend that left me with a huge smile on my face. I know that it could never be the same, but I swear I'd go back and do it all again in a heartbeat! Now I can't wait for 2015 and our 10 year reunion!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Who Reads This?
I was clicking around on my Google Analytics page today, pretending to know what all of the charts and numbers mean, and I couldn't help but wonder who the names are behind the numbers.
I know who some of you are, but for the most part I have no idea who actually reads this blog. So, who are you?
And are you the person that found my blog by searching for "a picture of an underwhelmed person"?
I know who some of you are, but for the most part I have no idea who actually reads this blog. So, who are you?
And are you the person that found my blog by searching for "a picture of an underwhelmed person"?
Monday, May 3, 2010
Loving Well
I just returned from a weekend in Front Royal, VA with my church's women's retreat. We did a Beth Moore study on "Loving Well."
First, Beth Moore is a total trip and I wish she were my aunt or something. She is one of those people that you just want to know! What an infectious passion for scripture and for teaching!
It was great to spend so much quality time with other women in the church, I came away with some new friends and strengthened relationships with old ones.
I highly recommend any studies with Beth Moore, and I also recommend going to the mountains with some awesome girls for a peaceful weekend!
First, Beth Moore is a total trip and I wish she were my aunt or something. She is one of those people that you just want to know! What an infectious passion for scripture and for teaching!
It was great to spend so much quality time with other women in the church, I came away with some new friends and strengthened relationships with old ones.
I highly recommend any studies with Beth Moore, and I also recommend going to the mountains with some awesome girls for a peaceful weekend!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Outside
By special request (mom), here is a photo essay of the outside of our home! It is a busy suburban street, lined with pre-WWII brick duplexes. Everyone's layout is the same, all of the yards are identical, and everyone has little patio in the back.
So there is the external tour of our home. I hope you enjoyed it! Maybe some day there will be flowers and such somewhere around - I'll be sure to let you know if I ever get around to that!
Ours is the white door on the right. If it were my house, I would paint the door red.
I would also add shutters.
This is the side of the house, it gives you an idea of the size inside.
The back yard (freshly cut, thank you frank!) is a great size! Enough room for two tables (about 20 people), bocce, and a dog all at once. This view is from the driveway.
Our friends, the Alexanders, gave us their grill because they are moving to Kansas (yay! and boo! at the same time)
So there is the external tour of our home. I hope you enjoyed it! Maybe some day there will be flowers and such somewhere around - I'll be sure to let you know if I ever get around to that!
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