Sometimes, because of where we live, the roads are blocked off for a motorcade. Often times this is very inconvenient and can cause severe traffic back up.
Sometimes, I don't mind in the least.
This morning my bus was stopped at the intersection by my house for about 3-5 minutes. There were more than a dozen police motorcycles and even a few undercover cop cars.
Then came the hearse.
When I saw the hearse heading into Ft. Myer with a flag covered coffin in the back I immediately changed from curious to sadly grateful.
I am thankful for the man or woman in that coffin, for their service to our country, and for their willingness to sacrifice their own life for the benefit of others. I am thankful for the family and friends of that soldier who followed behind, who lost their child, spouse, or friend to a calling greater than themselves.
Remember to thank service members when you see them.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Something about Cherryblossoms
I can't tell you why, and I promise it isn't on purpose, but for some reason Frank and I plan major life events that are set to coincide with the first day of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
Three years ago we were married on March 29th - the same day that the 2008 Festival kicked off.
This year, the festival kicks off on March 26th, my due date.
Maybe in three years we'll close on a house on March 29th, which should be the first day of the 2014 Cherry Blossom Festival.
I guess for now I'll hope that kiddo comes a little early and perhaps I can make it out to the tidal basin while the blossoms are still out. (because every good DC Metro area resident knows you don't go into the city at very beginning of the festival - too many tourists!)
Three years ago we were married on March 29th - the same day that the 2008 Festival kicked off.
This year, the festival kicks off on March 26th, my due date.
Maybe in three years we'll close on a house on March 29th, which should be the first day of the 2014 Cherry Blossom Festival.
I guess for now I'll hope that kiddo comes a little early and perhaps I can make it out to the tidal basin while the blossoms are still out. (because every good DC Metro area resident knows you don't go into the city at very beginning of the festival - too many tourists!)
Monday, February 21, 2011
Happy Presidents' Day!
Did you know that Presidents' Day, originally celebrated as "Washington's Birthday" never falls on Washington's birthday? President George Washington was born on February 22nd, but Presidents' Day is celebrated on the third Monday of February, which ranges from February 15th to February 21st.
Did you also know that it is not officially called Presidents' Day? While some states have officially named the holiday that - a nod to both Washington and Lincoln's birthdays, Lincoln's birthday being February 12th - the federal government still officially calls it Washington's Birthday.
Many states have their own name for the holiday, but the most common moniker is Presidents' Day.
What does your state call it? Here in Virginia, the home of George Washington, it is officially "Washington's Birthday."
In any case, happy Presidents' Day - enjoy the day off and the many many sales!
Did you also know that it is not officially called Presidents' Day? While some states have officially named the holiday that - a nod to both Washington and Lincoln's birthdays, Lincoln's birthday being February 12th - the federal government still officially calls it Washington's Birthday.
Many states have their own name for the holiday, but the most common moniker is Presidents' Day.
What does your state call it? Here in Virginia, the home of George Washington, it is officially "Washington's Birthday."
In any case, happy Presidents' Day - enjoy the day off and the many many sales!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Status Update
35 weeks pregnant, 35 days until my due date, 35lbs gained as of my last appointment, and that is all of the 35s I have going on right now.
I'm still on half days at work, and will be for two more weeks. It is hard to balance all of the things that need to be done with all of the rest my body needs, but I'm trying. As for the 4 hour days at work, I really feel like I'm getting more accomplished in those 4 hours than I usually do in my normal 7.5, so at least there is that! I try to consolodate tasks that require walking around so that I'm spending most of my time seated - I figure that plays into the 'rest' requirements of my day just a little.
Pictures are from our maternity shoot in Old Town Alexandria last weekend. More to come!
Friday, February 18, 2011
I'm Excited About: Birthday Parties
Frank and I have two birthday parties to attend this weekend - one is for a little one's first birthday, and the other is a birthday party for a soon to be mom who is about my age!
I love birthday parties because I love birthdays! I really enjoy the opportunity to celebrate a loved one on their special day.
I'm also looking forward to the hilarity that is a 1 year old's party. I love the parents of this child, and knowing them this event will be a fantastic combination of baby chaos and adult fun times! Frank has asked if bringing the gift of bourbon would be appropriate....I'm not entirely sure, but seeing as the birthday girl's daddy is from Alabama, it might be the favorite gift of the day.
The other neat thing about this little one's birthday party is that I so clearly recall the day she was born. It was two days after the baby shower for her mom, two weeks ahead of schedule! She decided to come in the midst of last year's crazy winter storms, setting up what is likely to be a dramatic life from day 1.
Happy birthday to both birthday girls! We're looking forward to celebrating with you this weekend!
I love birthday parties because I love birthdays! I really enjoy the opportunity to celebrate a loved one on their special day.
I'm also looking forward to the hilarity that is a 1 year old's party. I love the parents of this child, and knowing them this event will be a fantastic combination of baby chaos and adult fun times! Frank has asked if bringing the gift of bourbon would be appropriate....I'm not entirely sure, but seeing as the birthday girl's daddy is from Alabama, it might be the favorite gift of the day.
The other neat thing about this little one's birthday party is that I so clearly recall the day she was born. It was two days after the baby shower for her mom, two weeks ahead of schedule! She decided to come in the midst of last year's crazy winter storms, setting up what is likely to be a dramatic life from day 1.
Happy birthday to both birthday girls! We're looking forward to celebrating with you this weekend!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Thankful Thursday
I order all of the office supplies for work, everything from paper clips to coffee.
Last week, as I was submitting an order for more coffee I decided to see if there was anything else that would spice up the morning routine.
Enter, hot cocoa.
For the last three days, my morning has begun with a steaming hot mug of half decaf/half hot cocoa - my very own mocha!
So today I am thankful for hot cocoa, and for deciding to explore the coffee ordering site a bit more than usual!
Last week, as I was submitting an order for more coffee I decided to see if there was anything else that would spice up the morning routine.
Enter, hot cocoa.
For the last three days, my morning has begun with a steaming hot mug of half decaf/half hot cocoa - my very own mocha!
So today I am thankful for hot cocoa, and for deciding to explore the coffee ordering site a bit more than usual!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Thankful Thursday
Today I am thankful for my enormous belly and for women on the Metro bus.
It seems that in the last week I became large enough that people feel safe assuming that I am pregnant. This is an excellent development, especially since I am still on partial rest and I'm pretty sure that balancing on the bus is on my list of 'don'ts'.
The one thing that does bug me is that in the 5 or so times that someone has given up their seat for me, no man has ever been the one to volunteer. I understand that we aren't in the south, but come on! Surely there are at least a few gentlemen that take the bus...right?
Anyway, thank you to the women who allow me to sit on over-crowded buses and to Baby Webb for being big enough to notice, even under a winter coat!
It seems that in the last week I became large enough that people feel safe assuming that I am pregnant. This is an excellent development, especially since I am still on partial rest and I'm pretty sure that balancing on the bus is on my list of 'don'ts'.
The one thing that does bug me is that in the 5 or so times that someone has given up their seat for me, no man has ever been the one to volunteer. I understand that we aren't in the south, but come on! Surely there are at least a few gentlemen that take the bus...right?
Anyway, thank you to the women who allow me to sit on over-crowded buses and to Baby Webb for being big enough to notice, even under a winter coat!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Placebo...so what?
Every now and then my husband will scoff at something and claim that there is a good chance that it is only a placebo and has no real affect on you or the situation, its only affect is that you think it has one.
My general response? So what?
Lately, as in the last two days, I've stopped over at a small coffee/bagel/sandwich shop on my way to work to grab a cup of coffee. It is delicious, it is $1.75, and it is decaf.
That's right, I am willfully and knowingly indulging in the placebo affect of morning (decaf) coffee. So sue me.
It tastes good, it warms my tummy, it doesn't give me heartburn, it doesn't make my baby spaz out, and it lets my save my caffeine allowance for later in the afternoon should I really really really NEED a Diet Coke.
I guess my point is (do I have to have one?), I don't mind a good placebo and if that version of 'mind over matter' really works, I'm all for it.
My general response? So what?
Lately, as in the last two days, I've stopped over at a small coffee/bagel/sandwich shop on my way to work to grab a cup of coffee. It is delicious, it is $1.75, and it is decaf.
That's right, I am willfully and knowingly indulging in the placebo affect of morning (decaf) coffee. So sue me.
It tastes good, it warms my tummy, it doesn't give me heartburn, it doesn't make my baby spaz out, and it lets my save my caffeine allowance for later in the afternoon should I really really really NEED a Diet Coke.
I guess my point is (do I have to have one?), I don't mind a good placebo and if that version of 'mind over matter' really works, I'm all for it.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Status Update
33 weeks pregnant, 5 to 8 weeks to go!
According to thebump.com, the average baby is 17-19 inches long and weighs between 4 and 6 pounds.
I've been on partial rest for the last week and a half, but I'm still experiencing somewhat frequent contractions. We'll visit the doctor again soon for an update. I'm not really worried about anything serious, I just wish these dang contractions would stop hurting!
More and more baby stuff is making its way into our home, which is making this all feel more and more real! I think it is time to start making plans - packing a hospital bag, washing clothes and blankets, making room for things in closets and cabinets, etc. And maybe I'll hire a maid to come clean the house while I'm in labor....hmmm, that sounds lovely!
According to thebump.com, the average baby is 17-19 inches long and weighs between 4 and 6 pounds.
I've been on partial rest for the last week and a half, but I'm still experiencing somewhat frequent contractions. We'll visit the doctor again soon for an update. I'm not really worried about anything serious, I just wish these dang contractions would stop hurting!
More and more baby stuff is making its way into our home, which is making this all feel more and more real! I think it is time to start making plans - packing a hospital bag, washing clothes and blankets, making room for things in closets and cabinets, etc. And maybe I'll hire a maid to come clean the house while I'm in labor....hmmm, that sounds lovely!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Thankful Thursday
New tradition! Thankful Thursday. Here we go:
I am thankful for my friends. I've been blessed with some amazing friends throughout my life, beginning in preschool and continuing through today. Some of those friends I've known for 27 years (almost 28), while others that I've known for less than a year make me wonder what life was like before they came along.
I'm one of those people that didn't hate high school, and I think it was because I had so many awesome friends that I got to see every day. I'm still friends with a lot of people from high school, from all different groups, and I love it!
College brought a whole new kind of friend - almost exclusively female, for starters - and I can't tell you how much of an impact those girls have had on my life. I can call one of my college friends and pick up a conversation that started months or years ago, and it seems that no time has passed!
I don't live close to many of my high school or college friends these days, so I treasure the times when we are together! Going home to either of the Carolinas is such a treat for me, and it makes me miss my friends every time I leave.
The friends that Frank and I have made in Northern Virginia have had an enormous impact on our lives. We have friends from work, church, and 'other' and I can't imagine what it would be like to live here without them!
I am so blessed to have so many friends that really truly love me. I truly can never thank them enough for all of the ways that they make my life better, though I try when I have the chance.
Thank you to everyone that I call a friend - I hope that I am as good at loving you as you are at loving me!
I am thankful for my friends. I've been blessed with some amazing friends throughout my life, beginning in preschool and continuing through today. Some of those friends I've known for 27 years (almost 28), while others that I've known for less than a year make me wonder what life was like before they came along.
I'm one of those people that didn't hate high school, and I think it was because I had so many awesome friends that I got to see every day. I'm still friends with a lot of people from high school, from all different groups, and I love it!
College brought a whole new kind of friend - almost exclusively female, for starters - and I can't tell you how much of an impact those girls have had on my life. I can call one of my college friends and pick up a conversation that started months or years ago, and it seems that no time has passed!
I don't live close to many of my high school or college friends these days, so I treasure the times when we are together! Going home to either of the Carolinas is such a treat for me, and it makes me miss my friends every time I leave.
The friends that Frank and I have made in Northern Virginia have had an enormous impact on our lives. We have friends from work, church, and 'other' and I can't imagine what it would be like to live here without them!
I am so blessed to have so many friends that really truly love me. I truly can never thank them enough for all of the ways that they make my life better, though I try when I have the chance.
Thank you to everyone that I call a friend - I hope that I am as good at loving you as you are at loving me!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
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