how did i end up here?

My B.O.A.T.

2009-03-19T15:55:00.001-05:00

I haven't posted in a while, and since apparently I have at least one anonymous fan requesting a new blog, I thought I'd put some words down and see if anyone was moved by them. Several months ago my cousin who knows all things web-based, turned me onto a sight called Muxtape.com. Muxtape was the most amazing thing I'd seen on the web in a while. It was this new venue to upload your very own mix tape. Now I don't know about you, but when I made mix tapes for my friends or my boyfriends back in the day, they took time and energy and were always well thought out. It's not like now where you can just make a CD by clicking and dragging. Recording your songs, then pausing it for exactly 3 seconds of silence in between the songs, picking out the exact order of the songs, making sure you didn't run out of tape before the song ended...the whole thing was a well-crafted art. And when you recieved a mix tape from a friend it really meant something...it meant this person took serious time to put together these songs just for you. Anyhow, Muxtape was the new millenium's version...that is until the music industry shut it down, but that's a different blog. I posted my very own muxtape, but the site was taken down before I was really happy with the final product.

So today I've decided to post my version of a grown up mix tape, my B.O.A.T. list...my Best Of All Time list of songs. The top 12 songs that almost never get passed through on my ipod, the songs that stop me in my tracks, the songs that transport me in time and remind me of places I've been or people I've met along the way. These songs are not the most poetic songs ever written, or the world's version of the best songs...these are my favorites. A few months ago I put the challenge to my brothers and sister to make their own B.O.A.T lists, and it was really interesting to see their B.O.A.T.s...even though I probably could have guessed what would be on their lists even before I read them. I encourage you to do the same thing, it's a pretty cool exercise. I hope I turn you on to at least one new song you'll love.

1. Ordinary - The Alternate Routes
This is just one of those songs that I can't get enough of. It's one of the newest ones on the list, but it has definitely secured it's place as being one of my favorite songs of all time. I've seen these guys play live several times now, and when they play this song, I get tears in my eyes. The lyrics always get me..."Would you love, could you love to be ordinary, I know it's hard, but I can't see you tryin." To me that just says, no matter how hard you try, you'll never be ordinary and that's why I love you so much.

2. Slow Dancing in a Burning Room - John Mayer
This song makes it on almost all playlists I make. The guitar in it just goes straight to my soul and I can't get enough of it. This whole album really (Continuum) is pretty freaking amazing.

3. Must Be Doin Something Right - Billy Currington
This song is just one of those, gosh-it-feels-so-good-to-be-in-love songs. It's got a great melody and I just love the thought of some guy working hard to get my affection...and his work paid off in spades.

4. 20,000 Hearts - Eddie From Ohio
Eddie From Ohio is one of the coolest bands ever. One song will be just the most absurd thing you've ever heard...and their next song is so moving that you are completely caught off guard by your tears. The guitar in this song is so gentle and easy that it makes you want to put it on repeat...and the harmony is amazing too.

5. Shelter - Ray LaMontagne
There was a time in my life where this album was the only thing that could console me. His voice can calm me and at the same time provoke a side of me very few have seen. This album is very "time stamped" for me. The feelings at the time were so intense, it's sometimes hard for me to listen to him now because they rush back just as if they had never left.

6. Belief - Gavin DeGraw
Just a great song with a guy singing his heart out while playing the piano. This is an excellent song to sing as loud as you can in your car.

7. Why Can't You Love Me - Wade Bowen
This is the perfect break up song. Period. This guy's voice is so amazing...he could sing me the Federal Register. HA!

8. Anything But Mine - Kenny Chesney
I love this song because it reminds me of summer love...of having a fling with someone and wanting nothing more than what you have at exactly that moment...ever.

9. Come Pick Me Up - Ryan Adams
Ok, the first thing that comes to mind when I hear this song is Dollywood, and the trip Sarah and I took last summer. But even had we not gone on that trip, I think this song would still wind up on my BOAT. The harmonica is so good...and the lyrics are so wrong. I just love it.

10. Just Another - Pete Yorn
Just a great song, from a great time in my life.

11. Almost Honest - Josh Kelley
I'm not sure how I found this song. I think it might have been a free download on iTunes...but however I found it, I'm sure glad I did. It's a beautiful song that makes me stop in my tracks every time I hear it.

12. Yellow Leadbetter - Pearl Jam
My very first mp3 player only had one list it could play...there was no shuffle button. This was the first song on the playlist. I remember walking out of my apartment in the wee hours of the morning to go run and this song would get me started. I wish I was as motivated to run now as I was back then.

Feel free to post your own list. I'd be interested in seeing the top 12 songs that are your Best Of All Time.

8 Things

2008-12-14T18:03:00.010-05:00

I’ve been tagged by my cousin Melanie. Read em and weep.

8 Things I Did Today…

1. Slept in.

2. Cleaned my house.

3. Ate leftovers from my Friday night dinner with friends.

4. Put up a few last Christmas decorations.

5. Laundry.

6. Took a nap.

7. Watched football.

8. Talked to my BFF.

8 Of My Favorite Restaurants…

1. Leal's

2. El Rancho

3. Austin Grill

4. Houston's Woodmont Grille

5. Cotton Patch

6. Chick-fil-a

7. Fuddruckers

8. Rasika

8 Shows I Watch…

1. The Office

2. 48 Hours Mystery

3. What Not to Wear

4. Cash Cab

5. American Idol

6. Dateline

7. Reba

8. Meet the Press

8 Things I Wish For…

1. Financial Stability

2. A more exciting job. (But I'm very lucky I have one at all!)

3. A world free from from the "R" word.

4. Having a nice house, with nice things.

5. The motivation to start running again. (I'm with you on this one Melissa)

6. More direction in my life.

7. My IT department to not have blocked my IM at work.

8. A bigger closet.

8 Things I Look Forward To…

1. Christmas time with my family.

2. Eating some good home cooked meals when I go home.

3. Hearing Daven say, "Auntie Autumn, when can I see you again?"

4. One day being the boss.

5. Getting an island for my kitchen so I can bake more.

6. Watching my neices and nephew (and the other little ones in my family) grow up.

7. Possibly being domesticated one day.

8. Date nights.

Ok, now I have to tag eight people...hmmm...half the people I know have already done this, so if this inspires you to play along...go for it.

Life is Good

2008-10-07T18:47:00.004-05:00

I can't even begin to tell you what a 180 degree turn my life has taken over the last four months. I went home to visit the family over Memorial Day in May. When I came back, I was ready to pack up my things, load them up in my car, and kiss DC good-bye. I hated my job, I didn't have any friends, I had no social life...I felt like I had given it the old college try, and it didn't work. I was at my wits end, and ready to throw in the towel.

Well, what a difference one person can make. Just when I made up my mind to leave...along came Sarah. I know I've lamented several times on this blog about how I just haven't been able to make true friends out here. I can't say that anymore. I've always just needed one solid friend here, and I have certainly found that in her. We haven't been friends for long, but sometimes it feels like we're two old souls who've known each other forever. I just feel totally comfortable around her...and that's something I've been craving here in DC. Without going into details, I will say that we've been through a few almost-friendship-deal-breakers and we've come out on the other side. And we're probably better friends for it. So thanks Sarah...for being, well, for being you. You saved me out here.

And then...I met a boy. And he's pretty great...and he treats me like a princess. We've had some amazing times together, and every day just seems to get a little better than the day before it. I haven't felt like this in a really long time, if ever...and I'm just giddy about the whole thing.

I just moved from my apartment in Frederick...and traded in my one-way two hour commute for a 20 minute commute. It's closer to work, and my friends, and the city. And as an added bonus, it's cheaper!

What I'm trying to say here is...Life is Good right now. And I'm glad I toughed it out. I'm all the better for it.

100 Things

2008-07-08T13:58:00.005-05:00

I know some of you are very anxious for a new post. I'm sure you're all waiting on the edge of your seat for a few pearls of wisdom or words from DC. Well, this isn't that post. Those are way too hard to write...and way too boring for you to read anyway. One of my friends posted her list of 100 things...and I thought that sounded like fun. So here goes, to follow up my 7 random things (what a petty number...I can do better than that) :

1. I hate being late and I hate it when other people are late. Your time is not more important than mine.

2. I am a homebody. An extreme homebody. It usually takes a lot of pep talks to get me out of my house.

3. I love shoes. Nothing is better than someone saying, "Cute shoes!"

4. I hate talking in the bathroom. I didn't come in here to make friends. (although, ironically enough, I did meet one of my very good friends in the bathroom...met her for the first time actually in the bathroom.)

5. I don't like my food to touch. Ergo, the KFC chicken bowls are my worst nightmare.

6. I go through phases with my food. I'll eat the same thing everyday for 6 months...then I never want to see it or think of it again. Ever.

7. I eat in cycles...meaning, I'll eat all of my mashed potatoes first, then physically turn my plate and eat my corn and so on and so forth.

8. I will eat my favorite thing last.

9. I hate pretty much all seafood. Hey, I'm from the Southwest...we don't have good seafood down there.

10. I hate mayonnaise and onions and ketchup and mustard. I eat my hamburgers, sandwiches, and hot dogs plain and dry.

11. Don't try and feed me food...you think it's romantic, but it just triggers my gag reflex.

12. I want to live in NYC at least once even if it's only for a very short time...because if you can make it there, then you can make it anywhere.

13. I really enjoy making lists. Nothing's better than crossing something off your list.

14. I also really enjoy throwing things away...it's very cathartic for me.

15. I haven't lived for longer than two years at the same address since I left home the day I turned 18.

16. I miss NM more than I ever thought possible. Even if my family wasn't still there...I'd miss it.

17. Being an auntie is the best thing that's ever happened to me.

18. I've been doing a lot of baking lately...and I sort of LOVE IT!!

19. I am not above bribing or baking my way into people's hearts.

20. Raspberries are my favorite fruit.

21. Reba McEntire will always have a special place in my heart.

22. I'd be literally lost without my family. Closer families just aren't found.

23. I believe that God helps those who help themselves.

24. I love the smell of boys cologne. So much so that when I am perusing a magazine and it has a cologne ad I really like, I'll rub it all over my nose so I will be able to smell it for the next hour.

25. I love to proofread. When someone at work gives me a document to proof, it's the highlight of my day.

26. All the furniture in my house is basically crap...but my wardrobe is rockin!

27. When it comes to clothes, for me it's definitely quantity over quality.

28. I love Christmas...and I start celebrating early...like, September early.

29. The fall (obviously) is my favorite season.

30. Buying jeans and swimsuits are the worst form of torture.

31. I'd be lost without my ipod and cell phone, and now Blackberry.

32. Smells can take me back in time quicker than almost anything. I have very sensitive olfactories. And it seems like everyday when I ride the metro, I am consistently stuck sitting next to the smelliest person in DC.

33. I can't ride a bike.

34. My undisputed favorite movie of all time is When Harry Met Sally.

35. I'm pretty open to music, but someone has to show it to me. I am not good at wading through most of the crap out there.

36. Listening to Rod Stewart makes me feel dirty...like I physically need to take a shower after hearing his voice.

37. I want to run a marathon someday.

38. Jello grosses me out. It's not a liquid...it's not a solid, Pick a side!

39. I have a tendency to be overly pessimistic and think the worst.

40. I love to read! Just embrace the nerdiness.

41. I don't like getting my hands dirty.

42. I just don't think marriage is in the cards for me...and I'm ok with that. All I want is a life long partner who can be my permanent date to company Christmas parties and national holidays.

43. I cherish my space and I love to be alone.

44. Don't condescend me.

45. I hate plants.

46. I very easily can become content...and not always for the right thing.

47. I hate the dentist...I would be perfectly happy if they just pulled all my teeth now and gave me a nice set of dentures.

48. I've always had tons of acquaintances, but very few true blue friends...and that's ok with me.

49. I don't believe in coincidences.

50. I love lip gloss! I have piles and piles of pretty colors and flavors, but the only thing I ever wind up wearing is menthol flavored carmex. Because if it aint tinglin it aint workin.

51. I hate having dry hands and dry lips. That is just unacceptable.

52. I hate wind. (#s 51 & 52 might be reason enough not to move back to NM)

53. Warm lettuce grosses me out! Bleck!

54. I have been told before that I'm a "walking paradox" and I don't entirely disagree.

55. I hate sending cards. If you get a card from me...you are something special.

56. My latest and greatest thing is to not have my shoes match my outfits. I enjoy the crazy looks I get from friends and strangers alike.

57. I miss Capitol Hill more and more everyday.

58. However, I tend to remember things much better than they actually were. A sort of the grass WAS always greener syndrome.

59. I care way too much about what other people think of me.

60. I like dressing up for work everyday.

61. I don't wear jewelery unless it has been given to me.

62. I think confidence is more intoxicating than just about anything else a guy has to offer.

63. I think exercise is a lot of work. And I fall off that wagon often.

64. I miss running road races with the West Texas Running Club. Heck, I just miss running road races.

65. I haven't had a soda in almost two years.

66. I have a tendency to cut off a friendship after three years. So if you've made it past three years (and you know who you are) you're in it for the long haul.

67. I am afraid of commitment.

68. I don't have any tattoos. (See #67)

69. I hate playing games...board games suck.

70. I am a loud laugher. I never really wanted to be a loud laugher...but now I love it because I'm not really "loud" in any other part of my life. (oh except for maybe in my shoes)

71. I've never cared about having a flashy car. I just need it to get me from point A to point B.

72. Almost nothing to me is more fun than two stepping. I love dancing!!

73. I hate that my new job isn't challenging at all.

74. When I get nervous, I'll use big words. And sometimes I don't always know the correct way to use these words.

75. I get really nervous around smart people. (See #74 as to how those conversations usually go)

76. I picked up my failing grade in Finance the same day I picked up my certificate for being in the collegiate version of the honor roll.

77. I love football!! Just another reason the fall ROCKS!

78. I'm trusting enough with people to know I shouldn't be so trusting.

79. I have terrible eye-hand coordination. This makes me really bad at most sports...and video games.

80. I was Miss Personality three years in a row in high school. This is one of my favorite accolades of all time.

81. I thrive on routine.

82. Every Saturday morning I sleep in, clean my apartment, and try out my new recipe for the week. At least that's how it's been Saturday since I moved to Maryland.

83. I have a pretty sweet cat.

84. I drool when I sleep. I actually sleep with a designated drool pillow.

85. I'm am usually very good at expressing myself via electronic medium, but am painfully ill equipped to verbally hold a conversation with the opposite sex.

86. I blush very easily.

87. I'm not overly clean...but I like my things where I like them. Everything has a place.

88. At any given time I have at least three boxes of cereal on hand. My mom always said that cereal was for old people, so we never had it growing up. I have definitely made up for lost time and lost Captain Crunch.

89. I enjoy dark, dry humor. And sometimes people don't know how to take my humor. Not everyone can relate.

90. The Office is the best show on television. It's equally appalling and addictive.

91. I read my hometown newspaper online everyday. (along with about 10 other blogs)

92. When I'm sick, I don't want anyone but my mom.

93. I believe that food is as much a drug as anything out there.

94. My biggest regret in life is not going off to college.

95. I don't like to take pain medication unless I absolutely have to.

96. I'm pretty moody.

97. I love the smell of ink on paper. I almost can't even read what's in the book or on the page without smelling it first. I am a printers daughter, afterall.

98. I hate talking on the phone when other people are around. Even if the conversation is fairly uneventful, it's still hard for me to do.

99. I'm not above plastic surgery.

100. I've never really learned how to properly take a compliment. I usually use humor to deflect the attention away from me.

Sheesh. That was pretty hard! Thanks for the idea Melissa!

Seven Random Things

2008-04-15T08:37:00.003-05:00

Well...my cousin Melanie totally called me out for not having blogged in months. Thanks Mel. So she tagged me to play "Seven Random Things" on my blog. So here goes...

1. I think I've used this one before, but it's probably my biggest quirk...I have a lot of food issues. I mean, a lot. I pledge to write a book about this one day...not that it would be interesting, just that I'll have a lot of material to work with.

2. I have developed this insane need to collect coupons. I hardly ever use them, but it's become compuslive for me to save them until they expire. Luckily, I only save the ones I think I could potentially use...but that still seems to be a lot of them.

3. I hate plants. I remember when I moved into this apartment that had South facing windows and my dad was so super excited about it because "those are the best for having plants." Ok, whatever. So he went out and bought me all kinds of plants. I hated them and begrudgingly watered them...but they lived, and thrived, just to spite me, I think...or maybe it was because of the South facing windows, I'm not sure.

4. My eyesight's not that bad; I just like wearing glasses...it's my niche.

5. However, contacts and eyedrops freak me out. So I guess it's a good thing I like my glasses.

6. I can't ride a bike. Stop laughing. Seriously, it's not funny.

7. I hate playing games. So don't ask me to join you in a rousing evening of Monopoly. I'd rather clean out my cat litter box all night.

So there you have it. Just a few things that make me, me. I guess I have to tag seven folks now to do the same...
1. Aspen because she's quirky too.
2. Alowetta because she's even quirkier than me! HA!
3. Christian because there's power in numbers...if BOTH Mel and I tag him then maybe...just maybe.
4. Lisa because I can't even imagine what's going to come out of her mouth
5. Nancy because she's funnier than almost anyone I've ever met.
6. Jeremy because his humor is my humor.
7. Sarah because they will probably be the most random things you can imagine...and that's what makes her great.

This was WAY easier than typing about what's ACTUALLY going on in my life.

Auld Lang Sine

2008-01-02T11:27:00.000-05:00

HAPPY 2008!! I can't believe 2007 went as fast as it did. It was a rough one for me...filled with ups and a lot of downs. BUT, I'm ready to put it behind me and look to the future. This year will be filled with many life altering decisions. My boss announced his retirement last year...this means I am on the job hunt. Any ideas are appreciated. I have no clue where I want to go or what I want to do. So for now, I'm keeping my eyes open and all options are on the table. I have a year to find something great, so I'm not in a huge hurry. But the dilemmas seem endless. Do I want to stay where I am? Do I want to head back to New Mexico? Do I want to try my hand at living in NYC? Do I want to try out Austin? Ugh, adult decisions really suck sometimes. I am young, well, pretty young anyway, single, unattached to any man, baby or otherwise...so I really should see the world while I can. But sometimes the feeling of starting over in a new place seems overwhelming. I can just remember how tough it has been for me here...being all alone and having such a tough time finding true friends, and I'm not sure I can mentally do it all again. But what doesn't kill me only makes me stronger, right? I'm just gonna do a list of pros and cons...feel free to weigh in:
1. Stay here - I have had at least two solid leads for jobs in the DC area, plus I just got a promotion at work, which was completely unexpected. One job would be largely for the experience and the other would be largely for the pay check. But should I stay here? It's such a cold place and I have never really felt like I fit in. Plus, the minute I decided that I was done with DC, I felt like that Mac truck that was sitting on my shoulders was lifted right off. And I guess after I shared my plans with God, he did his usual chuckle and mixed things up again...making it seem like a good idea to stay here. Plus, I honestly moved here because I was convicted I was supposed to be here for something. Well, I've waited a year and a half to figure out just what that something was, only to feel I haven't found it at all. So have I truly not found it, or was it something I can't see just yet? Only time will tell, I suppose.
2. Go back to NM - New Mexico is my home. And when I go home, I realize just how much I am at home here. While I'm not so certain I could ever move back to my hometown, Albuquerque is a nice option for me. I have a friend there who is very influential, and she has been searching high and low for a job for me. I couldn't be more appreciative. Albuquerque is only 3.5 hours from Daven, Aspen, my parents, grand parents, aunt and uncle and my best friend. It's also super close to my brothers in Colorado. But it's New Mexico...meaning, I never really wanted to go back there. There is a big mental block about it that is very tough for me to get over. I know it seems silly, but I can be extremely stubborn...you can ask anyone.
3. New York City - I am truly in love with this city! I just soak up every second I can get here. It would be an incredibly tough city to live in...I think I can't afford DC, but that's nothing compared to NYC! But if I don't do it now...when will I ever get another chance? I probably couldn't stand it for very long, and that's ok with me...but just to say I lived there once would be a dream come true. One day...one day I will conquer NYC.
4. Austin - This one is probably my favorite option, and it's incredibly ironic because I've never even been to Austin. Austin is a capitol city so I could get back into politics; it's a college town, so I could go back to school or work in education again; it's close enough to home that I could make a weekend visit and yet it's still far enough away to make coming home a big deal; it's also a very young singles town; and I already have a few friends who live there. But...I have no solid leads on a job yet and that really concerns me.
So there you have it. This is what's going on in my head right now. So many choices...so little idea of actually how to make a decision. For now, I'm just trying to be patient and hope the choice is so obvious I won't be able question it. Here's to hoping '08 is the year I really start to shine. CHEERS!!

NO, I Will Not Marry You!

2007-10-11T08:28:00.000-05:00

Ok, that Dr. Neil Clark is full of crap! I can hear my money flying out the window, and I'm no closer to finding any new friends. But if I had a nickel for everyone of those guys who wanted to marry me on eHarmony...I'd have a lot less than a dollar, but you know what I mean. They should actually name that site http://www.hey-wanna-get-married-and-have-9-children.com/ But I guess that name got nixed in the brainstorming process. I don't know, I think it might have caught on. I am not interested, even in the slightest, in either of those things.

I think it's very hard to assess someone's personality by their answers to these silly obvious questions. The whole thing is so cumbersome. You have to go through this extensive process before you ever get to communicate freely with the guy. But by then, I'm so coached that I'm at a loss of what to say. The whole thing is backwards to me. I appreciate them doing the whole matching process...I like that they take the guessing work out of it for you, but I hate that I don't even get to see his personality until at least four communication steps later. I can be extremely witty over email, you know, I can type....then delete, rehearse, try again...all before pressing the send button. So, you'd think this online dating thing would be right up my alley. It might be, but I'll never get to show it at eHarmony...unless he has the stamina and I have the patience to wait that long. And for the record, I don't have the patience. I don't even really bother checking it anymore. I'm bored with you eHarmony. One guy requested communication with me who listed one of the top 5 things he couldn't live without as his "two ferrets." Ummm, I think I'll pass. I mean, I love my cat...I really do, but ferrets are just creepy.

I think I've decided I'm ok being single. I have a routine now that's comfortable and very low maintenance. The part I hate is the being lonely part...but even that lately has seemed less severe. I think I'm just in auto pilot mode...just cruising. But I'm okay with that for now. However, if you know of any cute, single, non-ferret-owning boys...I'm totally up for it.

She Did It

2007-10-01T16:10:00.000-05:00

Chyanne got married. Sigh. The wedding was beautiful and she was beautiful...but me? I was a weepy mess. There she was, a vision in white, pledging herself to someone else. It was a precious, tender moment that I was not prepared for. She was all smiles, while I stood there biting my lip as hard as I could to keep from just coming apart at the seams...I came apart anyway. I am not prepared for the life I am now living...I have never felt more alone. It's not that she's gone or has any intentions of changing our relationship, but trust me, it will change. She now has a husband to care for. What does that mean, exactly? I don't know...all I know is that he now comes first. They will plan birthdays and Christmas's and anniversaries together. And will no doubt have chidren someday. I guess this is all a part of growing up, but dang it, I'm not ready to grow up and I'm not ready for my best friend to either!! This is obvious to those who know me...I live off peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and wouldn't be able to cook a meal if my life depended on it...I only recently "invested" in plastic dishes...I live in the smallest apartment humanly possible and it doesn't bother me all that much...I have no intentions of ever buying a house, getting married, or having children. You could say I'm not ready to be a grown up. But this wedding sealed the deal for me as to how much I am not ready to have a married best friend. It just made me realize how dependent I actually am. She really is my sanity on most days. And to think she may not "be there" for me on a daily basis is just unbearable...even though I know this is ludicrous even as I type it, she is pretty dependent on me too. But I can't help but feel this uncertainty over our future relationship. I'm probably making a mountain out of a molehill, which is a trademark of mine, but this is me nonetheless; hyperbole and all. I'll learn to adjust and I'll be fine, it just might take me a little time.

Does Anybody Else...

2007-09-05T13:13:00.000-05:00

Find it incredibly ironic how the theme song for Botox cosmetics is "Express Yourself"?

I mean, doesn't botox take all the expression out of your face...isn't that what it's supposed to do??

I Can't Believe I've Sunk This Low

2007-08-30T11:21:00.000-05:00

Cue Natalie Cole singing "This will be (an everlasting love)" and Dr. Neil Clark talking about how those other sites provide a just "picture and a paragraph."

You've all seen the commercials. Well, I decided to join eHarmony.com. Keep your snide comments to yourself please. I have to say I am SUUUUPER embarrassed to even admit this. But it's the 21st century, right? I should have an open mind about new ideas and ways of meeting people. So, here goes.

I filled out the ridiculiously long survey they require for participation, and it pegged me pretty good. I'm "reserved, focused and flexible, steady, and content." Yeah, that sounds about right. Are other people out there like me too? I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

I'm doing all this at work...which is probably a no-no, and I'm almost finished. Put in my mailing address, credit card number (who knew finding a partner could be so expensive?!?!) click, submit. Whew, done. And THEN...it yells out over the speakers on my computer "WELCOME to the eHarmony network!" Are you kidding me?? As if this whole thing isn't mortifying enough, you have to announce it that I'm a loser and am looking for love online. I don't think I've ever moved so quickly to the mute button on my computer. Geez, could this get any worse?

So far I have seven "perfect" matches according to the great doctor of online love. I must say I'm kinda underwhelmed. I'm probably just being too picky. It's hard to determine someone's awesomeness by their answers to five "canned" questions.

I'll keep you posted on this crazy adventure.
This will be...oh shut it Natalie. We get it already.

One Year Reflections

2007-08-13T09:41:00.000-05:00

My how time flies. I just recently passed my one year mark here in DC. What a wild year it has been. I've learned a lot about myself this past year...what I can handle and what I can't. Not every day has been easy, not every day has been fun, but everyday I have grown. Growing up is hard to do sometimes. I've learned to be frugal, I've learned to be okay being alone, I've learned a lot about politics, I've learned to depend on myself and only myself, and I've learned coffee can do wonders for my ability to stay focused at work. Life isn't always what you imagine it will be, but that's okay. The fun sometimes is in the not knowing. I look forward to another year of ups and downs in this big city. So bring it on...I can handle it.

It's been too long...

2007-06-01T15:29:00.000-05:00

I really need to update this thing. I'll give you the cliff's notes version of the last six months:

1. I quit at Starbucks...yeah, that didn't last long.

2. My mom came to visit me...it was great! Poor woman...I put her through the ringer while she was here. Lots and lots of walking.

3. Ran the Cherry Blossom 10 miler...farthest I've ever run. My time wasn't great, but that's not why I run anyway. Seriously considering a half marathon in September.

4. Went home for a few days...wow, did that feel good. I miss my family and friends so much.

5. I thought I cracked my ankle playing softball. Luckily, I did not...but it's been a bear to get over. Today I'm trying out the high heels for the first time in three weeks. It's a really ridiculous story of how it happened. Let's just say, they don't call me "Grace" for nothing.

6. I've started going to church again. I've only been a few times, but I'm really trying to overcome my serious social awkwardness and make a go of it. For those of you who know me well...this is a BIG step for me. I'm hoping to meet new people and create the lasting friendships that have thus far eluded me here in DC.

7. My best friend is getting married. I'm in no way ready or prepared for this. When I was home we picked out a beautiful dress for her. I'm sure she's gonna be the most beautiful bride anyone has ever seen! I just hope I can keep it together to give the big toast.

8. I'm lonely...I hate being lonely. It makes you do really stupid things.

9. I feel like I've got no personality anymore...how do you get something like that back? I don't know either.

10. Roxanne's making me crazy. If I didn't love her so much, she'd be out on her own.

Luck Be A Lady

2007-02-07T14:58:00.000-05:00

I know I know...I haven't posted in literally months. Sorry, inspiration has been in short supply as of late. I'll give you the short version of the last few months...

I went home for a much needed break from the city. My family was, as usual, amazing! I practically trampled the girl who was in the way of me and trying to get to my parents at the airport. She didn't stand a chance. I was home for 10 short days. We got a huge snow storm which meant some of my relatives got to stay longer than they intended. Luckily for me, my trip wasn't delayed at all. I got to spend tons of time with my brothers and sister and my nieces and nephew. They've all grown so much since the last time I saw them! (Not my brothers and sister, mind you...the kids...the kids grew) I also got to spend some quality time with my best friends. What would I do without my Chyanne and The Core? Well, if you don't know, I certainly don't know! It was a great time...and not nearly long enough.

And now, well now I'm in the mid-winter blues. You know those the-holidays-are-over-and-I have-nothing-to-look-forward-to-and-it's-still-cold-outside blues? Heck, I may even start listening to Christmas music again just to get a little pep in my step. But... my friend Sarah has said that 2007 is our year...and I am almost convinced. I decided before Christmas that after the break I would get a second job to help pay off some of my debt. I've learned the hard way, Government work doesn't pay a whole lot. And I've also learned, living in the DC area isn't cheap. I just got hired on at the Starbucks up the block from my house. So I'm working some hours on the weekend serving coffee. I guess the irony of it all is when I worked at a small coffee shop back in New Mexico...and I HATED it! I was counting down the days until I could get out of that place. It's funny how things work out sometimes because I'm SOOOO excited about my Starbucks job.

I also just got a promotion at work. I start in my new position on Monday. I have to admit, I am very nervous and apprehensive about my new responsibilities. Lots and lots of writing and research are required...neither of which are my strong suits. But I have many friends and family who have put their faith in me and I'm going to have to believe them. My mom always said...fake it till you make it. So I'll be fakin for a while.

The good stuff still keeps rollin from the family too. Between my mom and auntie Alowetta, I could open up a small package delivery service. I'm sure my neighbors pine over where I store all my goodies in my little shoebox of an apartment. But they can wonder all they want because I love every little "just because" package! So far Alowetta has sent me packages for January and February with trivia and various craft projects and puzzles too! And food is always a part of the packages. No one wants me to starve out here and they have made starving to death impossible. Mom's candy care packages have been a fav of my co-workers. Perhaps they don't know my name...but they know they can always find candy at my desk.

In other good news...MY MOMMY IS COMING TO VISIT ME!!!! I can hardly stand the anticipation. I can't wait to wow her with all my DC knowledge and city sensibility. She's gonna be impressed, I can tell already. She'll be here the last weekend of March for the Cherry Blossom Festival opening weekend. It promises to be one of the highlights of my year.

And for the clincher of the beginning of "my year"...I won $250 off a Super Bowl pool!!! I was sooooo excited! I had to work on Sunday at The Bucks and didn't get to watch the game. I completely forgot I bought a square in the office pool. The guy selling the squares tried to talk me into buying more than one sqaure but I told him, "It only takes one to win." Boy was I right! That one sqaure won for me not once, but twice!! I've NEVER considered myself to be lucky...but maybe 2007 IS my year.

Oh Sweet NYC

2006-12-07T15:46:00.000-05:00

I went back to New York this past weekend. I truly fell in love with the place back in September and I knew I had to see it drenched in Christmas lights. Let me just say...the place was breathtaking!! I've never seen such absurdity (outside of my parents house) anywhere. The entire city goes glam for the Holiday season. It was amazing to see! I drove up with Lisa and Chris. They were attending a wedding in New Jersey and they dropped me off to spend time with my friend Adam. Adam found out the night before I got there, that he had to work on Saturday. So, I had to brave the big city on my own. I have to admit, I had a mini panic attack on Thursday night when he told me the news. But when it came down to it, it was really no big deal. And it was kinda nice to be able to do my own thing without having to worry if anyone else was having fun. Also, it was extremely crowded and I was glad I didn't have to worry about keeping up with someone else.

I went to Rockefeller Center three times...yep, three times. Once in the morning, once at dusk, and finally at night. It was beautiful!! I couldn't stop staring at it. And it had sooooo many lights on it. It would've made my dad very proud. I walked all the way up and down 5th Avenue...went to Times Square a few times...Macy's, Tiffany, and The Plaza Hotel, Central Park, Chinatown and even Little Italy. The window decorations were amazing too. Every place had elaborate window displays. And the lights...oh, the lights!! They covered the city and almost no place was left untouched. It was amazing to see. The weekend was a blur of lights and tinsel and it still seems very surreal. I can tell this though, I'll never watch Miracle on 34th St. the same way again. The holidays have made me especially lonely and homesick. Being in New York was very bittersweet. I loved seeing everything, but I know my parents and siblings would have loved seeing it all too. I just wished I could've flown them all out to wander the city with me. I saw things that I can't describe and things that I so desperately want to explain to them. But words, and even pictures don't do the place justice. My poor brother, Trevor, got the brunt of my lonliness. I called him about every half hour to tell him something new I'd just seen. And if I wasn't calling him, I was texting him. Thanks for playing along, Trevor! I think I'm gonna make it a goal to go to NYC once every December. It's just too beautiful to miss.

It was good to see Adam again too. He's so different than my friends here in DC and it's nice to get a different perspective on life. Plus, he's a little slice of home and he's very easy to talk to. Sometimes you just need a few people who you can say anything to, and they won't ever judge you...Adam is one of those people for me. It was a great weekend and I have no complaints...well, except for my back hurting from all the walking I did. But it was worth it!

Perfect Timing

2006-11-28T09:23:00.000-05:00

Just when I think my homesickness is too much to bear...a package arrives or someone calls and says just the right words or someone comes to visit me. These last two weeks have been really hard for me. I miss having my family around a Christmas time. There's so much here to see and I just wish I could show it all to them. I know their faces would just light up with excitement...I know mine does. A few weeks ago I got a package from my mom...it had some of my hoodies in it. Plus she sent me another box...the other box had some of my Christmas decorations in it!! AND AND it had a DVD of Miracle on 34th St. (the new one). For those of you who do not know me, this is my favorite Christmas movie and I can literally quote it line for line! I've already watched it 4 times. What a great day! The next day I got a package from Monga (my grandmother). I go to the Methodist Church Thanksgiving dinner every year with Monga and Ponga. I come from a small town where everyone knows everyone and going with Monga and Ponga is like going to the Homecoming dance with the Prom King and Queen. They know EVERYONE!! It's so fun and one of the highlights of the holiday season. Another reason to go to the Methodis Church Thanksgiving dinner is Mr. Whitten's peanut brittle. Mind you, I am not a peanut brittle fan...but Mr. Whitten makes the most heavenly concoction of sugar and peanuts and kyro syrup my lips have ever tasted. I also look forward to the peanut brittle every year. So, in my abscence, Monga bought an extra bag of brittle and mailed it to me...with a note attached saying only, "We missed you." I missed it too! I got another package from my Mom and Aspen the day before Thanksgiving. (She's a package sending MACHINE!!) In it was a cinnamon roll scented candle and mosiac candle holder, some festive post-it notes and the White Christmas DVD. It was a great Thanksgiving present!

And, as if it couldn't get any better...Chyanne, my best friend, came to see me for Thanksgiving. It was so good to see her! Our friendship has lasted through many changes and many years. While we did meet in high school, we didn't actually become friends until after graduation. But when it clicked, it just clicked. I don't know what I'd do without her...she's been my rock for many years, and many problems. Plus, we couldn't be any more different. She works very hard on her parents dairy everyday, while I prefer not to get dirty and work at a desk all day. She loves the country, I love the city. I could go on and on about our differences, but you get the point. I was so glad she was here for my first holiday away from home. She made Thanksgiving-sans-the-family much more bearable. While things didn't go exactly as I had planned, we did have a good time. But we would've had a good time regardless of what we were doing. The weather was miserable most of the time she was here...then on the day she left, it got up to 65! Plus, I haven't been sick since April...but when do I get sick? The day Chyanne gets here!! Ugh, I can't win! It was so good to see her and just catch up on hours of girl talk. I loved every second of it!

We went to Thanksgiving at Lisa's Mother-in-laws house. It was nice, but definitely different than I usually spend Thanksgiving. It felt more like dinner at a friends house than Thanksgiving lunch with close family. We both decided it was better that way. I think I would've missed my family even more, had it felt anything like any Thanksgiving with my family. So, while it was not how I normally spend the day, it was a nice change and it was nice to have my best friend there to share it with. Thanks for coming, Chyanne! I can't wait to do the whole week over again...hopefully sooner rather than later!

House Sitting

2006-11-13T12:59:00.000-05:00

This weekend I was charged with house sitting for Yvonne while she and her family went on vacation. This included feeding Harley (an 8 year old Siamese cat) and Brooklyn (a 4 month old Siamese kitten) and One Fish (which is acutally Red Fish, but the kids still think it's One Fish...it's a long story). I got to crash in their house for the weekend and eat all their food and watch their movies. It was great!

I had forgotten how mischievious kittens can be. I guess I'm so used to being around Roxanne who's 3 and a half, that I forget she ever was a crazy little kitten. Brooklyn was into everything! And she ran all over the house wreaking havoc in her path. It was pretty funny to watch. When I got to the house, she had dumped over the glass vase on the dining room table full of glass beads. Those things were all over the dining room. I'm just lucky the vase didn't break, I'm sure it was expensive. Both girls were very talkative though. Harley never really warmed up to me and did most of her talking in the form of hissing. I tried not to take it personally, I wouldn't like someone new in my house either. They both would follow me around the house and stay in the room where I was. I even had an audience for my showers. On Saturday night I was sleeping and I moved my leg, only to hear a faint yelp. Brooklyn had shimmied her way under the covers and was sleeping next to my leg before I accidentally kicked her. They made me laugh.

So I had this huge house to myself and a cubbard full of food and I had no idea what to do with it all. Three floors of space was hard to get used to when in my house I have everything within 3 feet of me. And the food...where to start. Well, while it was all there, I unfortunately, am no chef and had NO clue what to do with it. It was a little overwhelming. Maybe I should ask Yvonne to leave me a few recipes next time. I spent most of the weekend eating macaroni and cheese, cereal, and leftover Halloween candy.

What Fall is Supposed to Look Like

2006-11-07T09:57:00.000-05:00

I took this picture on Saturday. It's the front of my house, and it's never looked more beautiful. Look at that tree...it mushrooms my house into a house built for Thumblina. Fall in Virginia is NOT the same as fall in New Mexico! I love driving to work every morning or driving up to Lisa's house, and seeing all the beautiful trees of yellow and orange and red. It's so exquisite! I love it!

This past weekend, I got my hair did (that one's for you Mom!) by Yvonne's very French hair dresser, Jean-Paul. He wasn't what I expected at all, but he was very good at his craft. He did a very good job, I just wanted it a little shorter. I'll post a picture as soon as I take a decent one, I promise.

This upcoming weekend I am charged with watching Yvonne's 2 cats and 1 Fish...plus I get to crash at their house. It should be fun. I went to their house on Sunday to get the low down on where everything is and get a key to the house. As I was driving through her area of town, I realized I really miss it. I used to live just a few miles up the street from Yvonne and I love the area. Sigh. Yvonne showed me around and told me where all the cats food and treats were. Then she said the magic words, "Eat anything in the fridge, it will all be good to eat." I can't wait!! Food...from the foodies! Bonus, I have Friday off, so I think I'll just stay at Yvonne's and eat myself silly!

I guess I better get to work. I'll try and post again soon!

PS-Get out an VOTE today!!

This Post is Dedicated to the Birthday Girl

2006-11-03T09:19:00.000-05:00

Today is my older, wiser, stronger sister's birthday. I could say a lot of things about Aspen...she's smart, she's quite funny, she's breathtakingly beautiful, but the first thing that comes to mind is, great mom. She's had a lot of tears and she's had to learn a lot of hard lessons this past year. But through it all she's kept her chin up, as my mother would say, and done everything she knew to do to give my nephew the best care possible. In my opinion, she has done a fabulous job, but I could be a bit biased. Aspen is my best friend and is also my sister...what a two-fer, eh! It's been a very tough year for her and hopefully this anniversary of her birth will bring about a year of renewal. So, here's to you Aspen...the best sister a girl could ask for! I love you more and more everyday.

Myth: Getting the Flu Shot will Give you the Flu

2006-10-24T10:36:00.000-05:00

Now, I'm not so sure. Before I go into my tyrade, I must say, I am a believer in the flu shot. I had the full blown version of the flu about four years ago and it was AWFUL!! I don't ever want to feel like that again. It put me outta commish for two weeks. So, ever since then, I get my flu shot faithfully. Friday I got my flu shot from a Senate nurse. It was actually most painless flu shot I've ever had. But since Friday night, I've been in an extreme state of "blah" and my left arm hasn't stopped hurting. Until yesterday it really hurt to lift it and I sleep with my arms over my head. (I'm quite the contortionist in my sleep). Even today my arm is still throbbing a bit. I'm probably over exaggerating, I've been known to be a bit of a drama queen when it comes to being sick. It's just really annoying me and it makes me feel very tired and weak.

This weekend I took Roxanne to the vet's office. And while it cost me more money than I had planned on spending, the vet was very thorough and I really liked her. She didn't really tell me a whole lot though. She said to put foil down because cats don't like the sound or texture of foil. Well, apparently Roxanne isn't like other cats (which I always knew, but was hoping wouldn't be in true in this instance.) It did me no good. She's smarter than the average cat. I also had to take in a urine sample...uh, yes you read that right...a urine sample...from a cat. How do you get a cat to pee in a cup? Geez, the things we do for our pets. I did some major cleaning last night...I hope that does the trick.

Sunday I went to Tatum's baptism and after-party at Lisa's. TONS of people came! I got to meet all the people I'd only heard or read about. It was very nice. I was also chatting with Yvonne about feeling under the weather. She promised to drive down to Virginia to give me chicken noodle soup if I needed it. I have been so fortunate to come across such good friends as Lisa and Yvonne...between the two of them, I can hardly want for anything. They've become my home away from home.

Brothers and Parents and Nieces, OH MY!

2006-10-23T08:18:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry this post is so long in coming...I've been in a zombie-like state since I got back from Denver. This past weekend I flew into Denver to spend some much needed time with my family. I loved every minute of it! Unlike most people, I can't get enough of my family. We always have such a good time when we get together. I got to spend tons of time with Baby Raney, Tia and Daven...kids are such a weird thing. They just steal your heart without even trying. Tia's crazy...she just repeats everything you say and runs faster than I can keep up with. And Raney, well, she's still so dependent and fragile. She's very cute though...and really quiet! And then there's Daven. Daven is my little angel. I feel closer to him, I think mainly because I lived with Aspen, Logan and Daven for 6 months before I came out to DC. I truly miss him here in the big city. He's the only one I can't talk to and get updates from. I wasn't sure if he would remember me or not, but I think he really did! I got there and he came right to me...which isn't a big thing because he'll practically go to anyone. But while I was holding him and walking and talking with the rest of the group, he pulled my face so that I was looking at him and gave me the BIGGEST smile!! Oh my...forget it. He can have anything he wants from me!! He's made huge progress in his development. We crawled together, and he stood up for me several times and he walked while holding my hands. He's such a big, growing boy!

Outside of seeing Tia and Raney and Daven, I got to see my brothers Trevor and Tucker and my sis-in-law Jody, Aspen and Logan (Sis and bro-in-law), my parents, Monga and Ponga my grandparents, and even Kristen Trevor's longtime girlfriend. I've really missed them all in different ways. I loved all the laughing and sports watching and chatting. I even got a little misty-eyed when I saw Aspen and my Mom. It was such a good weekend and exactly what I needed! I guess the weirdest part about the whole weekend was, after I got off the plane in DC. I was driving back to my apartment, and it really did feel good to going "home." I like it here...and while it is light years away from my family and my hometown, it is my new home. I feel so grown up! HAHA!!

Good and Bad

2006-10-12T11:53:00.000-05:00

I'll start with the good...This weekend was pretty uneventful. EXCEPT...I found the most beautiful place I've ever seen. I found Tyson's Corner Center...the biggest, most inclusive mall I've ever seen. It almost brought a tear to my eye. Three floors of pure shopping bliss. And the best part...free parking! I didn't know there was anyplace in the city that had free parking. And rumor has it, the place is absoultely stunning at Christmas time...I can't wait for that!!

Sunday I went up to Lisa's to watch football. I had a great time with Lisa and Yvonne's family but the football wasn't so good. It's tough being a Cowboys fan.

And the BEST news...I'm going to see my family this weekend!!! I'm flying to Denver to see Tucker, Jody, Tia and the new baby, Raney on Saturday. Trevor already lives in Denver, plus my parents, grandparents, Aspen and Logan and who could forget DAVEN are coming up to see me too. Wow, I feel so loved. I can't wait to see them...Aspen and I decided yesterday, this is the longest I've ever been away from home. I can't wait to see everyone! I am so close to my family and actually long to spend time with them. I'm counting down the hours...44 and counting!

Okay, so now for the bad...I feel like a horrible mother. Roxanne (my cat) is having some issues. She hasn't been on her most lady-like behavior lately. So, I looked online for more information. It's possible she could have a UTI. I called the vets office to get an appointment. The assistant asked me a few questions. When she was done, I realized her problems are because of me! I did leave her alone for a few days and we have moved around a lot lately. Cats can be very moody and defiant towards change. She had been handling all the moves really well...maybe she's panicing thinking we'll move again, or maybe she can feel I'm going to be leaving her again this weekend, I don't know. But it makes me very sad. I don't want Roxanne to be unhappy or unsettled. She hasn't slept with me in about a week either...which is usually a good indicator of her unhappiness. I know this might seem silly to most, but she is a huge part of my life and I rely on her daily. I can't even imagine the turmoil real parents go through with real children if I'm having such a hard time with my psuedo child.

What a Difference a Plug-In Makes??

2006-10-02T08:40:00.000-05:00

This weekend was pretty uneventful...I knew last weekend is going to be hard to top, so I didn't even bother trying! Friday after work I hung out with Lauren and a few other friends from work. I met a whole bunch of new people...it was really nice. But I got home pretty late and it wiped me out on Saturday. I stayed in bed all day until I had to get up and go up to Lisa's house. I promised to babysit Tatum for Lisa and Chris so they could attend a wedding. But before I left I plugged in a Wallflower my mother sent me last week. My mother is always on time and always makes me feel better. Last week I got a package from her to "Celebrate the first day of autumn." In the package was a yellow cable-knit sweater (I looooove cable-knit) and a Pumpkin Spice Wallflower (Bath and Body Works version of a Plug-In). The instant I plugged in the wallflower, I was overcome with a sense of comfort. The Fall is my favorite time of year...football, fires in fireplaces, leaves changing colors, hot chocolate, sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes, beanies, cooler weather, and the quickly approaching Christmas season. Smells have always been paramount to me in remembering events or times in my life, and the smell of the pumpkin spice was no exception. Awww, the Fall! This time of year is usually the most exciting in my family's lives. We start getting ready for Christmas in September...I've been listening to Christmas music since Labor Day! While I love this time of year, it hit me hard this weekend that I won't be home for the Christmas tree decorating parties or the many weekends where my dad puts up lights all over downtown (he's quite the Christmas light guru), or even the multiple Christmas parties I was always expected to attend. It will be an interesting next few months...I feel the burden of homesickness will bear heavy on my shoulders. But maybe not...maybe I have to grow up and leave the nest at some point.

True Story

2006-09-26T13:54:00.000-05:00

Okay, this actually happened...a guy I work with wrote the story down for other people in the office to read. So I'll let him tell the story. I wish I could take credit for this writing...but I was at least a witness to it. Okay here goes, in the words of Adam. He refers to the Psychotic Judiciary Intern as "Crazy."

The Official Log of the Psychotic Judiciary Intern

Wednesday- September 20th- Domenici front office
Witnesses- Adam, Samantha, Jacob
Crazy- “ Um, hey, hi, hello, I am intern at um the Judiciary but for the Judiciary in the Russell building and the people over there sent me to bring something to SH-327 (Judiciary office across the hall from PVD empire) and uh, but then I got here and the sign outside says “Authorized personnel only”, so I was wondering if you guys know if this is ok, or if I can enter, since I do work for Judiciary but you know in the Russell building”?
Jacob- “Yeah, I think you’ll be fine.”

Friday- September 22nd- B level of Dirksen (near Post Office)
Witnesses- Tara, Adam, Autumn, Lauren
The Scene- a leisurely stroll from a lovely lunch in the Cafeteria back to the PVD Empire, with the usual friendly banter taking place
Crazy (from about 15 feet away) (in a tone reminiscent of a car-jacking)- “WHERE IS SD-B43???”
Tara (with arms slightly raised in the air, in a way saying “Am I being held up or not?”)- “Uh, just go that way (opposite direction of us) and make a left, and then it should be there.”
Tara (after Crazy has walked away)- “How about I have no freaking clue, I just wanted him to go away in fear of losing my life.”

Tuesday- September 26- Cafeteria, right by the Vending Machines
Witnesses- Samantha, Autumn, Adam, Lauren, Mike and various other shocked and appalled parties trying to enjoy the one of a kind nourishment offered at the Dirksen Cafeteria.
The Scene- as we see Crazy we begin trading and sharing stories from the short past that we have known of this one of a kind creature. Then before we know it he is behind us and pacing, and eventually using the vending machine.
Now we had no way of being prepared for what was about to happen, as we all continually wonder why he is still there 10, 15 and eventually 20 minutes after making his purchase.
------here is the phone call we then heard him place not once, but twice, while more pacing occurred.
“Yes, Hello, I am at Vending Machine A364GTJ8 and this particular machine is located in the cafeteria in the Dirksen building. What happened is I put a dollar in the machine, in hopes of having a Dasani Water, I pushed the button once, no, no that was twice, because at first it did not seem to be responding so I actually hit the button again, but then you see the machine vended two waters; the one that I paid for, and the one that I did not, thus making this one free. Now, I am wondering what the best way is to pay back this amount of money, as I do not want you to lose the cost. I have waited it out, and the previous person I spoke to does not seem to know what action to take, and the service guy that I have spoken to also has no idea. So I am wondering if there is an address I could mail this to? Or someway that you guys could pick this up from my office, or basically just what to do?”

----As we all try to hold it together………………….unsuccessfully. And you guys scoffed at my wanting to go to the Cafeteria (Dinner Theatre) for Lunch!

Oh man! I wouldn't have believed it, had I not actually witnessed it. So funny!

New York, New York

2006-09-26T11:15:00.000-05:00

Wow...where to begin. This weekend was amazing! Saturday was truly one of the best days of my life. I got on the bus on Friday afternoon and rode to NYC. We rolled in at about 10:30pm. The bus stop is right on Times Square, so I was in the center of everything. I walked outside and my jaw just dropped! It was like daylight out at 11pm. So many lights and advertisements...talk about a sensory overload. Adam and his two roommates came and picked me up. They were both really cool. It was so good to see someone from home. Adam and I have a very bizarre connection. We have known OF each other for years. I lived across the street from where he worked. But we didn't actually meet and start hanging out until about 6 months ago when we were properly introduced through a mutual friend. There was four of us who routinely hung out and we bonded quickly. The connections I feel with those three other people are like none I've ever experienced before. It was good to re-kindle the connection this weekend. Adam is a quirky kind of guy...we couldn't be more opposite in just about every aspect of our lives. It always makes for good conversations. I couldn't have imagined seeing the city with anyone else. It felt so good to just hang out with someone who knows me and gets me and is able to have an intelligent conversation about life and people and art. Oh Adam, I love you, you're the best!! It was great seeing Adam...but it really made me miss home.

Okay, so back to NYC...this place was truly the most amazing place I've ever seen. It was everything I thought it would be, and more...so much more! It couldn't be more opposite of DC. DC is full of trees and very spread out. NYC has NO trees, except those in Central Park, and it's extremely condensed into a very small area. I loved the quaintness of the place. It was full of little boutiques and family owned shops. I loved every bit of the city. We went to Times Square, Central Park, Fao Schwarz, a movie set on 5th Ave., The Plaza Hotel, St. Patrick's Cathedral, the top of the Empire State Building, a street fair, The Village, Chelsea, and rode the Staten Island Ferry past the Statue of Liberty. Whew! All of that in just one day! Talk about exhaustion. It was all worth it. Lisa and her husband are going to NYC in December and I'm going to hitch a ride with them. I've always wanted to see NYC and I've especially always wanted to see it at Christmas time. I can hardly wait until December!

My Place

2006-09-18T21:00:00.000-05:00

Okay, a few things from my weekend. First, I'm an aunt again!!! How exciting! To be honest, I'm not really sure how to handle this news. Not that I'm not excited, it's just very strange to say it and understand it without actually having seen her. Her name is Raney Lee and she is a beautiful baby, to be sure.

In other news....I'm going to New York this weekend!! I'm sooo excited! I've never been to NYC and it has always been a place I've dreamed of going. I'm going to take the bus and meet my friend Adam, who just moved there about a month ago. I can't wait to see him and get the grand tour of the city. In order to prepare for all the things I will see, I bought a digital camera yesterday.

I know some of you have been requesting pictures of The Shoebox (what I like to call my apartment). So here are a few. The place isn't too clean, so don't look very close. But at least this gives you an idea of just how small it is. I didn't take any pictures of the bathroom, it was too small for me to get any kind of picture.

In stranger news...I'm pretty sure a racoon or two live in my outside trashcan. If you can see in my pictures the window above my bed...well, my trashcans sit right outside that window. Well, last night I heard the commotion, which I hear a lot. I was in bed already and I looked up out the window and I saw the racoon! Cute little bandit face. I think he and Roxanne were having a stare off. It was a very bizarre scene to be certain. Anyways, I have vowed to never take the trash out at night.