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13.1

2011-03-16T08:06:00.000-07:00

T-Minus 10 days and counting. 10 Days!! 10 Days until I run the longest race of my life. Am I nervous? For sure? Do I think I can make it? I sure do hope so. I must admit, I’ve really been slacking on my training lately. I have a ½ Marathon Training Schedule that started back in the beginning of January. I have it at my desk at work so every day I can see what’s on tap for that day, that week. I started off strongish… the schedule asked me to run 4 times a week, cross train 1 day and stretch and strengthen 1 day. Yeah, so I only have 1 day off?? I nixed that right away and stuck to a 3 day/week run w/ strengthening 1 of those days.

In the beginning, it wasn’t a problem. My weekday runs were short, starting at 3 miles and increasing ½ mile every 2 weeks. My weekend runs started at 4 miles, and increased by a mile every 2 weeks. Even though it was cold, and I was forced to run the treadmill a lot, I didn’t mind it much. Over the summer, while I was training for Ragnar, I would do the same, but even added in an extra evening run with my coworkers. So if I could do that, this shouldn't be a problem. I started going to the gym after work instead of before and although the gym was more crowded, and sometimes I had to wait for a treadmill, I found I had a lot more energy and it went by much faster.

As February came through, my mileage increased. My runs were getting longer and I was honestly just tired of running. I spent some time on the elliptical every other week instead of doing a run. It’s still strengthening my legs and cardio, so it counts, right? So where am I now? Slacking even more than ever, even though the race is less than 2 weeks away. I was supposed to run 9 miles last week – I didn’t. I told myself I would so it this past weekend, AFTER my 8k race. I didn’t. I was a little tired and although the weather was PERFECT, I couldn’t bring myself to spend 1.5 hours of my lazy afternoon running. I ran a race, that was good enough.

Last night, I was planning on running a short 4-5 mile run after work, foregoing the gym since we now have sunlight longer. Did that happen? Nope. It was a little rainy and kinda cold, so that was my excuse. I do plan on going to the gym tonight, but not to run. I just want to do strength. I plan on tackling a 10 mile run this weekend – I HAVE to. I have to prepare myself for this 13 mile run and having my longest distance only 8 miles, that hardly helps me out.

Part of me feels that since I’m this close to the race, anything I do now won’t really matter. It’s like cramming for an exam. If you don’t know the stuff by the night before, you aren’t going to know it. So what’s the point in running anymore before the race? I’m close enough, right? But the other part is telling me, “Stop being such a slacker!” I paid a lot of money for this race, and I don’t intend on running another. So this is my shot, I have to give it my all. I don’t necessarily have a finish time in mind, I just want to run the whole thing. But I know what I SHOULD finish the race in, and I’m worried that won’t happen because I didn’t train hard enough. I don’t want all this hard work to be all for naught… but I’ve literally run out. I’m so over this running right now that I can’t wait for this race to be done so I can take a break.

I know after the race I will feel an amazing sense of accomplishment, and I am really looking forward to it. But for now, the running isn’t fun for me – the training isn’t fun. And I’m ready to move on.

Everything DOES happen for a reason

2011-02-03T03:19:00.001-08:00

It really does. I've had instances in my life where I had felt this was true before... and now we're back around to that point. My place of employment is very fortunate to work on projects that give employees the opportunity to travel around the world. It's pretty awesome and I was elated when I was informed that I would be traveling to India for a project. The news came to me back in the beginning of December and I was "scheduled" to travel in January. Awesome - I have nothing going on in January so this would be perfect. Unfortunately, January came and went and I was not in India. The trip will happen, but we're still sorting through some business stuff before we can determine when we will head over there. But here's where the saying comes in...

Had I gone to India when I was originally slated too, I would have missed my husband's AWESOME show in Baltimore. And if I had missed my husband's AWESOME show in Baltimore, I would have missed the surprise visit from my brother-in-law. He lives in Seattle. Needless to say I was pretty gosh darn excited when I saw him and I was happy to be there. But here's the kicker. My trip to India would have included a side fun trip, after our work was done. To Egypt. I would be in Egypt right now if everything had gone according to plan. Wow. Now I know that my husband isn't the only person happy that I'm here and not there right now. Especially given the current state of violence :/

So is Egypt still on my agenda when I finally get over there? That's still TBD... Don't worry, I will make a safe and smart decision when it comes to my side travel. And if I don't make it to Egypt this time around, I still have plenty of years left to check out the Pyramids and the Sphinx. I just honestly hope all the civil unrest ends soon. I've got a friend staying over there and I'm thinking of her every day.

In my opinion...

2011-01-08T05:34:00.000-08:00

LaVar was being a little too sensitive. Let me give you the background to this...

Lately I've been listening to the LaVar and Dukes show on 106.7 The Fan every evening on my way home from work. It's a sports talk show with LaVar Arrington and Chad Dukes (from The Junkies) where they discuss the current issues in sports and what's being talked about the most. Of course it's mostly been about the Redskins and the drama and what's in store for next season. I got to thinking, "What will they talk about when football season is over? Will I still listen because I know I don't care much about NBA and MLB..."

The other night, they were talking about the NBA. Apparently there is something going on about too many tattoos in the NBA (really? who cares). But the NBA commissioner responded with his take on tattoos, comparing them to "fad" fashion statements like afros and earrings.

http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/david_stern_thinks_the_tattoo_phase_will_pass/3923404

Let me tell you, LaVar was up in arms about this. He kept commenting about David Stern being racist for including afros in this conversation. Really? Racist? I mean, I obviously don't have any experience or know what the societal implications of this hairstyle is, but as an outsider, I think he's being a little sensitive. I'm certain that the commissioner was simply stating a trend, and could have easily inserted ponytails or a bowl cut. I just don't see it as a racist comment, and this is just my own opinion. Plus, there are PLENTY of white people with afros too... so I just don't see what he was getting so upset about.

Relax LaVar.

We need a little Christmas, right this very minute

2010-12-16T06:28:00.001-08:00

I can hardly believe Christmas is only a few days away. This holiday really crept up on us, coming out of nowhere. And honestly, this year, I just don’t feel as prepared, or in the Christmas spirit as usual. I think it has to do with the fact that Bruno and I have been so busy the past few weeks, traveling 4 of the last 6 weekends. It really takes a toll on you. We’ve been going going going and haven’t had a time to rest. Our condo is a disaster because we’ve been so busy and haven’t had the time to get things in order. We haven’t gotten our tree yet because we just haven’t had the time. I was finally able to wrap some presents last night, but I still have shopping and wrapping to do. And even though I feel like I started early, I just feel so far behind. I really think it’s the lack of our Christmas tree.

We plan on getting it on Saturday, then spending the early afternoon decorating it and making our place look a little more in the holiday spirit. But it’s sad to think that the holiday will be over a week after we get our tree… so we’ll hardly have any time to enjoy it. Sure, we’ll keep it up after Christmas and through the New Year, but the tree isn’t as pretty without nicely wrapped gifts under it. Maybe I’ll wrap some extra boxes just for the fun of it, but probably not.

I’m not trying to have a sad and gloomy post, but I’m just airing out a little. Maybe some snow later today will bring about the Christmas spirit. I miss it this year… (although the Glee Christmas helped out a little last week)

So about that 30 Day Blog Challenge...

2010-12-16T06:20:00.001-08:00

Yeah, I don’t think I’m going to finish. So sad, I know. How can it be so hard to write on topics that are given to you? But it is. I started off so strong… and then lost interest. I think what did it was the last thing I was to post – a picture taken of me from 10 years ago. I think I only have 1 digital copy that fits that description, and I just didn’t feel like posting it. So that meant I would need to search through old photos and find one, scan it and then post it. Too much work. I didn’t want to give up… but I’ve got to call it quits. My husband is very unhappy at my lack of posting, so I shouldn’t pretend like I’m actually going to finish.

So farewell 30 Day Challenge, perhaps we will meet again someday…

30 Days About Me: Day 9

2010-11-23T17:35:00.000-08:00

Day 09 — A photo you took

So how do you choose 1 picture, just 1, of all the pictures I have?? But this is actually the first that came to my mind. This photo is from our big fun group cruise back in 2007. I've always thought about getting it blown up, but what would I really do with a large print of a tropical scene? Doesn't exactly fit with our decor :)

Foodie Monday

2010-11-08T14:24:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the 30 Day Challenge interruption. I’ve been tagged by Deviled Megs and I feel that I must respond…

What is your favorite dessert?
Hmm… well I’m honestly not much of a dessert person. If I’m out to dinner, then usually. And most of the time for holiday/special occasion dinners. But on a normal, everyday sort of thing, no. I think maybe because I’ve filled up to much on the dinner food, who knows. So when I do have dessert… I would have to say my favorite is this Sweet Mascarpone with Strawberry puree that I get at my parents’ favorite restaurant – Carmello’s. It is amazingly delicious and our waitress (yes, we get the same one every time because her and my mom are friends) always makes sure one is saved for us when we come to eat.

A side dessert note – I think the BEST dessert I ever had was when I was in London for work a few years ago. I had a warm strawberry and rhubarb cobbler, served with my own small pitcher of warm custard. Oh my goodness if you have ever had the warm custard in London (or thereabouts) that I am referring to, you know it is so good that you don’t even really need the cobbler for it. But I didn’t want to be super fatty and just drink the thing down. Yum!!

Ever try to cook something and fail miserably?
Well I’ll have to say it was the 2nd time I tried to make Bruno’s favorite dessert – Brigadeiros. It’s a Brasilian treat of yumminess made from condensed milk, butter and cocoa. To make it, you mix all the ingredients over heat, constantly stirring, for about 30-40 minutes. Once the mixture is “good” you let it cool and eventually roll the mixture into small balls. You then coat the balls in cocoa or sprinkles and enjoy!

The tricky part is getting the timing right on how long you cook the mixture. What happened the first time is that I didn’t cook it long enough and the treats were super gooey, but still edible. Why I failed the 2nd time is because I cooked the mixture too long and by the time it had cooled to form into balls, it was as solid as a rock. Obviously completely inedible. But I didn’t give up and by the 3rd time, I had accomplished the treat. And Bruno loved it!

Is there a dish you haven’t made yet that you would like to?
After seeing Julie and Julia I was set on making the famous Beef Bourguignon that poor Julie slaved over in the movie. The fact that it was such an intense process that turns out to be a food masterpiece is a challenge I hope to embark on some day. When I have nothing else to do. For days on end.

What is your favorite food?
Pasta. Mmmm pasta. But to be exact, I would have to go with my mom’s homemade cavatelli. She calls it gnochhi, but technically, it’s not. But boy is it delicious!!! It is a Thanksgiving tradition to have cavatelli before our turkey feast, one that I neglected to inform Bruno about the first time he came over for Thanksgiving. “I guess they just eat pasta – no turkey here!” So of course he filled his stomach on pasta and groaned when the actual traditional Thanksgiving meal came out. Luckily, my aunt gave me my own cavatelli machine a few years ago and I have been able to make it myself. It tastes good, but never as good as my mom’s!

What is your least favorite food?
PEAS!!!!! Peas Peas Peas are gross gross gross. I’m sorry for all of those people that love them… I just can’t stand them! Through deductive reasoning we determined that my hatred for peas started when I was about 3 years old. I have just finished a big plate of them when my uncle decided to twirl me around. I was having a grand old time… until I projectile vomited on the living room wall. Peas and I were not friends after that.

Do you have any seasonal meals that you like?
I will have to follow Deviled Megs on this one with crabs. I really love them, and I love going to crab feasts. Sure, it’s a lot of work. But all you need to do is pile up the meat and eat it at the end and it’s a delicious treasure. My softball team holds a crab feast every year, and we even snacked on crabs for my friend’s birthday this past September. Eating crabs not only tastes yummy, but brings fond memories of being with friends. I like those.

What is your comfort food?
See “What is your favorite food.” I also “go-to” the Trader Joe’s French Onion Soup. Yum.

Chocolate: milk, dark or white?
Well, I tend towards the dark, but I mostly eat milk chocolate because it’s more readily available. White… eh… only if I’m desparate.

30 Days About Me: Day 8

2010-10-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

Day 08 — A photo that makes you angry/sad

Well initially I wasn’t sure if I would find a picture to go with this because I couldn’t think of a picture that would make me feel angry or sad. I guess most of the pictures I remember are of happy memories… but then this one came to mind.

It makes me more sad than angry, but the 2 feelings are definitely there. My friends and I drove to Blacksburg the Saturday after the shooting in 2007. It was a spur of the moment trip, obviously. But 5 of us hopped in my parents’ van and drove directly to campus. The drillfield was filled with people, students who were still in school, alumni, family, friends. Just a lot of people.

I didn’t really know many people who were still at Tech when the shooting occurred since I had graduated long before it happened. But I found my friend who was in Vet school and though I knew she was ok, though I knew she wasn’t anywhere near Norris Hall when it happened, I immediately burst into tears when I saw her. I think it was more of a relief and some of a “Wow, this really did happen.” Up until we actually visited the campus, the whole event was still surreal.

This photo is of Norris Hall. I still can’t drive by it without my heart dropping…

30 Days About Me: Day 7

2010-10-22T05:46:00.001-07:00

Day 07 — A photo that makes you happy

First off, let me apologize for the slacking these last few days. I don’t feel that I have failed the challenge just yet because as my friend Deviled Megs pointed out, “It’s not 30 CONSECUTIVE days.” I’m sure you noticed that I didn’t post on Sunday… well I’ll tell you that A) posting a blog every day is pretty exhausting and B) Sunday is a day of rest anyhow. Not posting the last few days was mostly due to the fact that I just didn’t have time. It’s been a busy week and since this post relates to a picture, well, I couldn’t do it during the day because my pictures are at home. Anyhow… moving on…

It is pretty hard to find ONE picture that makes me happy, because there are really so many. Obviously pictures evoke memories, which is why we take them. I have a lot of happy memories, so how do I choose??

This picture is from our wedding… obviously. No doubt there are many pictures from this day that make me happy, but this is one of my favorites. This is during our best man’s speech and I’m pretty certain he’s telling a funny story about Bruno. I mean, that’s what BM speeches are for, right? This photo makes me happy because it’s just pure joy and honest laughter – nothing staged. My photographer did an excellent job of capturing a lot of true moments, and I love her for that. This is the wedding picture I have at my desk at work. I love to see my husband smile and well, laugh. Laughter is a strong part of our relationship so there’s definitely no surprise to see it here.

30 Days About Me: Day 6

2010-10-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

Day 06 — Whatever tickles your fancy

A few weeks, er, probably months by now, my friend left the States to embark on a 2-year adventure in Egypt. She was offered an opportunity to teach over there and decided, “Hey, why not?” So for her friends that miss her dearly, she started her own blog to keep us up to date with the happenings in that far off land.

I of course, started to follow her blog. And by follow, I mean click the little button that says, “Follow this blog.” Pretty simple. So she in turn gets a notification that a certain Blythepoo is following her blog.

“Is this you?” she asks. “The profile seems to say that it is, but I’m not sure.”

“Yep, it’s me.”

I am Blythepoo. So where does this name come from? Well, quite a random story actually…

A few years ago I was shopping in Carytown, (Richmond) and wandered into one of my favorite stores, World of Mirth. Perusing the shelves I came across a small rectangular book that caught my eye, This is Blythe. Who was this Blythe? I had to know!

Turns out, Blythe is a doll, much like Barbie, but with a big head and booming in the Asian culture. Seriously. My mom’s friend went to Hong Kong and brought one back for me – he said it was a madhouse in the toy store for this thing. But what is there to really love about Blythe, because a big head and fun clothes just aren’t going to cut it. Gina Garan, author of This is Blythe and a few other books in the series, uses her time to pose Blythe in various scenes, wither various clothes, and take pictures of her. Yep, she models Blythe and photographs her. It sounds creepy, and most people think it is, but it is also hilarious. The scenarios she photographs Blythe in are so random and funny – it’s great.

So I became slightly obsessed with Blythe shortly after discovering her (again, another trend with the obsessions) and spent my time buying all sorts of things associated with Blythe off of Ebay. It was awesome. Naturally, when I needed a blogger name, I went with Blythepoo. The “poo” at the end roots all the way back to high school, but was definitely appropriate in this case.

30 Days About Me: Day 5

2010-10-18T11:32:00.000-07:00

Day 05 — Your favorite quote

Hmm… now this one is a toughie in a sense that I don’t often refer to quotes, or think of them in my daily life. But if I had to pick one (which I do) I would chose:

“Only through imitation can we achieve originality.” - Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck

I read this book I think in college, again to fulfill a reading requirement. I’m pretty certain I chose this book because it was short and involved a dog. Turns out, I really liked it. This book is a non-fiction work that follows John Steinbeck through a drive around the country.

I don’t remember where in the book this quote was, or what it was referring to. But I remember liking it. I like it because I feel like it directly relates to my line of work – Interior Design. In our industry, there is so much competition for the best design and honestly I feel that a lot of the top award winners have very similar designs – whatever the trend is. Everyone is imitating everyone else, but adding their own twist. Then sometimes, the twist really stands out and apart from the crowd. Initially there is imitation, but it leads to originality in a design. It has to start somewhere.

30 Days About Me: Day 4

2010-10-16T05:45:00.000-07:00

Day 04 – Your favorite book
This was a very easy one, and I figure it’s because I don’t read that much.

Lost Boys by Orson Scott Card

No, it’s not the Lost Boys everyone thinks about, that I think they made a movie of. This is a science fiction novel about a Mormon family in North Carolina. Writing that out, it sounds like a pretty odd book. Science Fiction about a Mormon family? But trust me, it’s amazing.

I first read this book in high school, I think to fulfill a reading requirement. I came across the book randomly and decided it looked good. I’ve decided that most of the books I like have children or teenagers as the main character and this book was no different. But when I took this book, I had no idea how much I would love it. I remember reading it and being so enthralled in the story, staying up late to finish it and expressing all emotions as I read through it – happiness, fear and I definitely cried.

And I still do. This is the book I’ll pick up every so often when I need a book to read (mostly at the beach) and I still breeze through it and love it just as much. I told my friend about the book, and she mentioned that Orson Scott Card had a well-known book called Ender’s Game that SHE loved, so we traded. I did enjoy Ender’s Game a lot (a child is the main character, again), though it was way more sci-fi then Lost Boys. I think the only reason my book is classified as sci-fi is because of the author. Apparently all of his other books are very sc-fi. Either way, HIGHLY recommended.

Side note, although Lost Boys is my favorite book, my favorite author is Augusten Burroughs. I have read all his books (ok not his latest one yet) and I really really enjoy them.

Close 2nd

Bee Season by Myla Goldberg (I was SO pumped when this book became a movie)

30 Days About Me: Day 3

2010-10-15T05:17:00.000-07:00

Day 03 — Your favorite television program

Ok so if I thought choosing a favorite song was hard, well that doesn’t even compare to choosing a favorite TV show. You all know how important TV is in my life. It’s sad, I know. But I’ve been like that my whole life – I blame my parents. My dad and I have the exact same approach to coming home from work, or wherever… come through the door, turn on the TV. Most of the time I immediately sit on the couch to watch it, but sometimes, I don’t. I just leave it on as I filter throughout the house. It’s my background noise. Bruno likes music, I like TV. When Bruno’s not home, I sometimes have both TVs on just so I don’t miss anything as I move room to room. We have a TIVO and a DVR because of the overwhelming amount of shows we both watch. Most of them are mine, but Bruno is starting to catch up.

So asking me to choose my favorite show? Oh wow… When I was little, there was no hesitation to answer, “Mr. Ed!” Yes, the old black and white TV show about a talking horse. I loved it. Throughout the years I went through Full House, The Wonder Years and then on to Dawson’s Creek. Oh Dawson’s Creek, how you ruled my life for 6 seasons of bliss. My mild obsession with Katie Holmes may have had something to do with how much I treasured this program, but you could find me keeping up to date, every week. When we were in college and we didn’t get the WB, my mom would record them for me so I could catch up when I had the chance. My roommates and I drove to Wilmington, NC freshman year specifically to scope out the set and the filming locations. Notice a trend here? So yes, my love of Wilmington stemmed from my love of Dawson’s Creek.

But alas, I honestly wouldn’t peg Dawson’s Creek as my all-time favorite show. You are shocked, I know it. But I must come out with the truth. The show that beat out Dawson’s Creek is one that aired at the same time, but I didn’t get into until Dawson’s Creek was over. Drumroll…

Gilmore Girls

This probably isn’t a really big shock to be the show that beat out my beloved DC but just the fact that something beat it out is pretty amazing. Comparing both shows, Gilmore Girls makes me laugh more – the one-liners and dialogues always keep a smile on my face. Granted, DC was obviously more of a drama then GG, but in the end, I think it’s the comedy that wins me over. I like the characters of GG - they aren’t all sleeping with each other. Some of the storylines of DC were a little too far-fetched and I really hated the annual Halloween episode. When I grab a DVD set to watch for a long road trip, GG is the one I will turn to most often.

Close 2nd (after Dawson’s Creek)

Sex and the City – I didn’t get into this show until after it ended because we didn’t have HBO. But I will watch reruns over and over and love them! Bruno can attest to this…

30 Days About Me: Day 2

2010-10-14T02:25:00.001-07:00

Day 02 — Your favorite movie

Well this one is a no-brainer. If you know me at all, you know the answer to this one:

10 Things I Hate About You

I just love love love this movie. I love the storyline; I love the actors; I love the setting; I love the music. Yep, pretty much just love this movie. I originally set out to see it because one of my favorite actresses at the time, Larisa Oleynik, was in it. I was a tab obsessed with The Secret World of Alex Mack. After seeing it twice in the theaters, there was no turning back. Sure I saw Save the Last Dance in the theater a few times… and by a few I mean 4… but that movie never had the impact that this movie did.

I’m not sure why though. Maybe it had to do with the fact that I’ve always loved Seattle and here comes a movie that is filmed there, filled with young actors and funny lines I could relate to. Ok, maybe the portrayal of high school life was a bit exaggerated, but let’s be honest, how often are they not exaggerated?

A few years ago, Bruno and I took a week-long trip out to Seattle to spend Thanksgiving with his sister and her husband. A day or 2 was all we needed in the city, so what else could we do for the rest of the time? How about we IMDB the movie to find all the filming locations and be movie tourists for the day? So we did. We travelled around the outskirts of Seattle and down to Tacoma, taking pictures of as many sites as we could. It was a dream come true. Ok maybe not really, but kinda. I was definitely oozing excitement all day and had a perma-smile across my face.

Stadium High School

"Can you help me find the Feminine Mystique? I lost my copy."

Bianca and Cameron frolicked here.

30 Days About Me: Day 1

2010-10-13T03:13:00.000-07:00

Day 01 — Your favorite song

You know, I have to say that choosing 1 favorite song of all-time is pretty hard. My favorite songs change so much… not everyday because that’d be a little much, but probably every few months. I’m certain this is the case for everyone simply based on the fact that our music tastes change along with the music we listen to. I know I wrote in a previous post how much I love the Oldies and for the longest time I would claim my favorite song to be “My Girl” by the Temptations. I think it mostly stemmed from the fact that I loved the movie with the same name and loved the Oldies, so the 2 kind of went hand in hand. But I don’t think I would say the same now. When I think of what a favorite song is, it’s one that you turn up loud and sing along to anytime it comes on. It’s the one that you search specifically on your iPod for every now and then because you want to hear something you love. So what one is that…

Friends of mine would surely chime in saying, “I Want You to Want Me!” since that is my go-to song on Karaoke and is the ending credits song to my all-time favorite movie (save that information for a later post). But as much as I do love singing that song, I wouldn’t call it my all-time favorite. Other friends may say, “It MUST be ‘NSYNC something or other because you were like, obsessed with them.” True, I was. I admit it and I’m not ashamed. But no, they do not reign on the all-time list.

Well folks, I must say that the winner is… and I’ve really put a lot of thought into this because there are a lot of songs I love. But the award goes to:

Ants Marching by Dave Matthews Band

This is by no means a biased decision just because my husband happens to be in a DMB Tribute Band. I was a fan of Dave way before I met Bruno. Under the Table and Dreaming is the only DMB CD I own and I bought it for this song specifically. I DO instantly turn up this song when it comes on and sing to it every time. This song makes me happy, brings me a lot of memories and has such a catchy beat that I can’t help myself. I love that it is such a crowd pleaser and that I’m guaranteed to hear it every time I see Crowded Streets perform. It will never grow old to me.

Close 2nds…
If I Had $1 Million by Barenaked Ladies
Everything by Michael Buble

I know I'm not so great at posting...

2010-10-12T12:14:00.000-07:00

So to keep my limited number of followers entertained, I will be embarking on the "30 Days About Me" challenge. I found this challenge through another random blogger and thought it would be a fun thing to do for the next 30 days. I mean, who doesn't like to talk/write about themselves all the time?? I couldn't really find an official list per say of topics, but this one seemed pretty good...

Day 01 — Your favorite song
Day 02 — Your favorite movie
Day 03 — Your favorite television program
Day 04 — Your favorite book
Day 05 — Your favorite quote
Day 06 — Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 07 — A photo that makes you happy
Day 08 — A photo that makes you angry/sad
Day 09 — A photo you took
Day 10 — A photo of you taken over ten years ago
Day 11 — A photo of you taken recently
Day 12 — Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 13 — A fictional book
Day 14 — A non-fictional book
Day 15 — A fanfic
Day 16 — A song that makes you cry (or nearly)
Day 17 — An art piece (painting, drawing, sculpture, etc.)
Day 18 — Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 19 — A talent of yours
Day 20 — A hobby of yours
Day 21 — A recipe
Day 22 — A website
Day 23 — A YouTube video
Day 24 — Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 25 — Your day, in great detail
Day 26 — Your week, in great detail
Day 27 — This month, in great detail
Day 28 — This year, in great detail
Day 29 — Hopes, dreams and plans for the next 365 days
Day 30 — Whatever tickles your fancy

I hope you are looking forward to this challenge as much as I am!

Hey Gross Girl

2010-10-12T07:42:00.000-07:00

I just don’t get it. I really don’t. When you work out, especially after an actual Body Pump class, you are sweaty. You are stinky. You are just plain gross and in desperate need of a shower. Most people love that shower right after a tough workout. It takes away the grime, makes you smell good and is really refreshing. Obviously this post is headed in the direction of, “There’s a girl at the gym who doesn’t shower after her Body Pump class!!” You heard it here folks, this isn’t a lie or a one-time deal. This girl is a repeat offender and I just don’t know how she can stand it.

She doesn’t even wash her face. Gross. She comes in, direct from class, maybe towels off a little bit, and puts her WORK CLOTHES on. Overtop of her sweatiness. How do I really know she’s sweaty? Because her hair is wet. Wet with sweat. She doesn’t rinse at all… she actually blow-dries the sweat from her hair.

I always watch in disbelief, but try not to stare. And I think others are doing the same. Today, when she was blowing-drying her sweaty hair, a friend of hers came in and exclaimed, ”Man you’re quick!” clearly thinking that she had already showered and was drying showered hair. The girl simply smiled and said, “Yep.”

Meanwhile, I see another woman looking at the sweaty girl with a disgusted look on her face, thinking the same thing I was… “She didn’t shower and that’s why she’s so quick!” I just don’t get it. Maybe she thinks that her 25 min walk to work will reduce the stinkiness, but I know that couldn’t have been the case this summer. I’m just glad I don’t have to work with her.

Was I born in the wrong year?

2010-10-06T07:42:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I amaze myself. I amaze myself at the ability to remember lyrics to songs dated waaaaay before my time. The other day, I was listening to Sirius “60’s on 6” and I found myself singing and harmonizing to the tune of “Summer Song” by Chad and Jeremy 1965. Yeah, who knows that song? And why do I know it?

I grew up listening to Oldies. When we would make our 8hr drive to New York in the middle of the night, my dad would have Oldies on. My first concert was The Beach Boys. I listened to Oldies until 7th grade, when I decided rap music was going to be my thing.

But I love them. I really do. And sometimes I find it amazing that other people don’t love them as much as me. That they didn’t grow up on Oldies. I will ensure that my children listen to the Oldies because although the lyrics are insanely cheesy, it’s just good music. Am I 60 years old for saying that?

Talk about a confidence boost

2010-09-12T12:59:00.000-07:00

Saturday Bruno and I woke up early to participate in the Chick-fil-a 5k in Sterling, VA. I hadn't ran a race since the crapiness that was the Carribbean Sounds 10k (their course was terrible and was the incorrect distance making my time seem worse then it actually was). I've been training with my Ragnar team once a week and running 2-3x more on my own every week. Since I've been training at about the same pace for a few months and mixing in some hills, I really wasn't sure where I would be when it came to race time. Well I'll tell you what, this weekend I kicked ass, if I do say so myself.

I ran the 5k in 27:28, giving me a mile pace of 8:50. I couldn't believe it! I mean, I was checking my watch and keeping track during the entire race and I knew I was running a little quicker then I train at, but I didn't think it was that big of a difference. To give you an idea, I train at a 9:40 pace. Yeah. It's just really a confidence boost because after all the leg workouts I've been doing and running with my team, I really didn't feel like I was making any progress. I just felt like I was at a standstill. So this weekend was really great. I don't know if it was the atsmosphere of the race or the free Chick-fil-a at the end, but I felt good.

I have my Ragnar Relay in 2 weeks, and I cannot believe it! I'm nervous and excited. My first leg is pretty rough (6.9mi with 2 big hills) but the other 2 legs are relatively easy. I think our team has done really great and I'm really confident in how we'll do in the race. It's going to be quite an adventure, that's for sure!

Adios Metro

2010-08-27T11:46:00.000-07:00

When I started my job in the city, I figured it would not even be an option to drive in, that I would be a full-time metro rider. I had been taking the metro to my Arlington job and had kinda grown accustomed to it. Why would I want to sit in traffic when I could sleep on the metro? I figured rush hour traffic would be ridiculous and parking would be way too expensive. I was content with riding the metro… I always had a seat in the morning and even though I had to stand most of the way home, I was the last stop and never had to worry about missing it.

But then the metro started getting unreliable. The prices started going up. The time between trains started to increase even though the public was PROMISED service wouldn’t be affect/cut to close the budget gap. Riiiiiiight. But I was still set on riding the metro.

A few weeks ago we were pushing out a project and I had to work late every night. I decided that I would try the whole, “driving into the city” thing. The metro runs every 15-20 minutes after rush hour so if I would miss the train coming home from work late or after a Happy Hour, I would have to sit around and then sit on the metro for 30 minutes. It just makes for a long and exhausting trek home. Let me tell you, I became quite a fan of the “driving into work” thing. Traffic really wasn’t that bad in the morning and byt the time I left to go home, there was no one on the roads.

It’s pretty great to have control of the situation, as opposed to being stuck somewhere with no way out if there’s a delay. If there’s a traffic jam, I have an opportunity to take and alternate route. Not with metro. I always have a seat and can listen to the radio or use my phone when I drive… not on the metro. The metro costs me $15/day to use (that includes parking). Driving in is about 15 miles and costs $10 to park.

I kept the argument going in my head that I can pay for metro, pretax, through a program at work, so it’s more economical. But when the difference is $5/day, the difference pretty much offsets any pretax savings. The commute time is the same whether I metro or drive, so why not be comfortable in my car?

So for the month of September, I’m going to try driving in 2 days/week to start. I want to see how rush hour traffic is once school is back in session. I’m pretty certain eventually I will just drive in everyday and take the metro when I need to because honestly, there is no benefit at this point. Not when the metro continues to hike prices and offer crappy service. I am not a fan.

Is Seattle really the place to be?

2010-07-28T07:09:00.000-07:00

The other night I get a call from a good friend who tells me she’s engaged, getting married next year, and then moving to Seattle. Seattle, really? Is that like the place to be these days or what? I tell her that with the connections we already have out there, and now with her moving out there, then we might really go.

“Seriously?!” she asks.

“Well, no, not really. But it’s a thought,” I respond.

And it is a thought – a thought that we’ve played around with for a while. I’ve wanted to live in Seattle since 5^th grade. But is it a realistic thought? Probably not. Sadly. But you never know.

We just have such a solid life here – friends, family, activities, the Hokies. The thought of leaving all this behind to move on is frankly pretty scary. On the other hand, our connections to Seattle are increasing. We have family out there already (Bruno’s sister and husband) and a few friends – good ones. So we wouldn’t be moving to a completely new life without anyone to help us.

We always have a great time when we go out west, and the thought of living there and experiencing life on the west coast is very intriguing. For one, we would have great snowboarding. The weather isn’t too horrible, maybe a bit rainy, but we definitely wouldn’t have the insane heat we have here. We would get to travel to places we haven’t experienced. I definitely think it would be a positive move.

On the other hand, we are close with our friends and family. I love my softball teams and Bruno’s bands are doing really well. We’d have to give those up. Once we have our own family, it would be tough to know our families may only spend the holidays together. However, by the time that happens my parents should be retired and have all the time in the world to come visit!

I think it’s definitely an option we consider every now and again. For now, we will be here for at least the next 3 years, since we are obligated to our condo J But I would say the door is partially open to the idea.

They say things change when you get married...

2010-05-19T07:56:00.000-07:00

But somehow, I always thought it was a change between you and your S.O. Apparently not in my case. Of course I have felt a change between the relationship Bruno and I have. After just celebrating our 1 year anniversary, I cannot believe how fast the year went. I honestly love him more and more everyday and am very happy with where we are. But sometimes, I still cannot believe I'm married. As often as I say the words - husband, married, Mrs. de Lima-Campos - it's still so new to me. I know that will change over time, and become natural, it's already starting to.

So what are these other changes then? The ones that aren't specifically related to our marriage? Well there's 3... and they're kinda huge.

1. Running. Somehow, in the past 6 months, I've become a runner. I actually like running, and have been "competing" in races since December. I use quotations because I've only been running for fun - in the fun races. I started with the Jingle All the Way 10k, moved to the St Patty's Day 8k, ran in the Crystal City 5k... and have a few others coming down the pipe (5k this Saturday for Spinal Research and the Caribbean Sounds 10k in July) My biggest race comes at the end of September - The Ragnar Relay. This race is 193 miles, from Cumberland, MD to Washington, DC taking place over a period of 24 hours. 193 miles?? No fear, we have 12 people on the team, each running (3) different legs of varying mileage. It will be a lot of hard work, but a lot of fun. There's that word again... when did I ever decide that running was fun?? It was a change...

2. Babies. I've never really WANTED a baby... ok, well yes, I've always wanted a baby, but I always pushed that to "Oh later down the road. Not right now!" And somehow, in the past 6 months, that has changed. All of the sudden, I am ready. Well, I think I am. I guess I'm more ready for the thought of a child now as opposed to down the road. It may be because I've always had some sort of timeline in my head, or because I have an awesome husband who will make a great dad, or because a lot of my friends are having babies, or maybe I'm just ready. But I go back and forth on it... my heart says I'm ready, but my mind says I'm not. I'm not ready to change our guestroom into a baby's room. I'm not ready to stop playing softball for 9+ months. I'm not ready to stop drinking for 9+ months. I'm not ready to give up snowboarding for 9+ months. But still... the feeling is there. Sure, I'd rather us live in a nice house with lots of room for a family. But that's not happening anytime soon, so we will work with what we have. Now don't get too excited, we are not having a baby for a while, but it will happen in the near future... at least before we head to Brasil in 2014! Haha.

3. Church. Yep, Church. I've been going. Consistently. And I've enjoyed it. This may be the biggest change of all. A few weeks ago I passed a new church on the way to Karen's house - The Vine. I don't know if it was the grape vines that intrigued me, but I mentioned it to Karen when I got to her place and she had been interested in the same church. So we scoped it out. It's a contemporary Methodist church and although there is a band and singing (not such a fan of the Christian music), it's not as overwhelming as others I've experience. What I get most out of these services is that the pastor, who reminds me of my brother, really relates the Bible to everyday life. Growing up Catholic, I went to church every Sunday, following through the motions and never really getting anything from the services. After going to college, I sort of dropped out of the church, feeling that if I wasn't interested in going, then I shouldn't go. And it's been that way since then... but now it's starting to turn around. I always wanted to get back into church, but really didn't know if I would find one that would actually keep me interested. Bruno and I spoke about going to church with our future children because we did want them to have some sort of religious education/understanding during their childhood. I wouldn't want to force them to go, but at the same time, I think they should have something. I also didn't want to just drop them off for Mass and pick them up in an hour. Anyhow, so far, I am really liking this church. I haven't gotten the urge to reach out and "Spread the word of the Lord" but to me, the Bible is like poetry. I don't understand it unless it is broken down, bit by bit, into words and ideas I can understand and relate to. Catholicism never did that for me. I tried a few different Catholic churches, but just couldn't get into it. This church, The Vine, breaks down the Bible and makes it interesting. Pastor Todd is funny, and relaxed, and the entire environment is just nice. It's a new, small church, so that's quite a change from the huge old church I grew up in. I don't know if this will be the church for me, for us, but so far, I'm pretty happy with it. And believe me, that is really really weird to say.

The Big 3-0

2010-03-22T06:34:00.000-07:00

My 30th birthday is less then a year away. I'm not really freaking out about it... for now at least. It will be odd to reach the Big 3-0, but hopefully I won't panic like they do in the movies and tv. For now, I have a few plans, and just added another.

My friends and I, who have our birthday within 2 weeks of each other, have already tentatively thought about a Super Sweet 30th Birthday. We're hoping for a major bash, MTV style. In reality, that probably won't happen, but a joint birthday will for sure. For those who have celebrated with me, I tend to have a really fun bash for my birthday each year and I'm thinking the 30th bash will be the final one. It's not that I don't enjoy them... I love them for sure. But you can only have big birthday bashes for so long...

Anyhow, so that's one plan. Plan number 2, if I don't chicken out, is to get Lasik. I would just LOVE to be able to wake up in the morning and see... to go to bed without having to take my contacts out first. I've always been hesitant, because things with my eyes freak me out. But I know MANY people who have done the surgery, including my friend who's eye sight was worse then mine. Of course, I may not be eligible for the surgery, but for now, my plan is to do it. It would just be so great not to worry about that anymore...

My last plan is something new. Something that probably won't happen. A tattoo. Yeah, that's right. I've never gotten one before because I could never think of something that I loved enough to permanently put on my body. I don't have anything right now, but for some reason, I'm very interested in the thought. Where would it go? On the inside of my wrist. I understand that it would hurt like no other, another reason it probably won't happen. But I think the inside of the wrist is really great placement. It's subtle and can be hidden if necessary. But it's also a place where later in life, my skin won't sag or expand too much that it's beyond recognition. For now, this is just a thought. I figure if in a year, I'm still interested, then I'll go for it. But for all things permanent, there has to be absolute desire and confidence in it.

When I turn 30, I may be a whole new person. Well, I'll just be able to see and have ink on my skin. Close enough.

A dilemma...

2010-02-16T12:50:00.000-08:00

Bruno and I have had a trip planned with our friends for weeks, maybe even months, to go up to Philly this coming weekend. We go up Saturday to start our weekend Cheesesteak tour. Yep, cheesesteaks. We plan on hitting up Pat's, Geno's, Tony Luka's and the Dairy Cottage. Sunday night we attend the John Mayer concert, then we come home Monday.

Here's the dilemma... I just received an email today about a meeting for my project, on Monday. From 10am to 4:30pm. What?! The meeting is to discuss schematic design. Now, my boss already knew I had this day off for vacation, but I think Monday was the only day our client could meet. What do I do??

On one hand, I've been looking forward to this weekend for so long and want to take full advantage of a fun weekend in Philly. On the other, it's my first project and from what I understand, the interiors department doesn't often get to attend meetings. Usually it's our boss who does. So it would be great to attend and really be involved in the project.

But we are staying at a B&B and it's too late to shorten our reservation. I don't want to cut our trip short, but should I? What if I do, and then the meeting doesn't even really involve me much? I just don't know the right answer here.

Ugh why did they have to plan it for Monday?!?

A little space please?

2010-02-04T05:16:00.000-08:00

Dear Mr. Man in the Tan Wool Coat,

When sharing a bench seat on the metro, it is pretty reasonable to expect one to stay within their 18" of space, especially when you are capable to do so. When I entered the train and glanced around for a free seat, I spotted the one next to you and figured I'd have a comfortable ride. Apparently not.

Thanks to you and your need to go past the seat line (I know you were because I checked), I spent most of my ride sitting half on the seat. Luckily, I suppose, I was not limited in space by having an arm rest because I'm certain if I was, I would have one fine bruise on my thigh from being smashed up against it.

When you notice my constant shuffling, sighing (my passive aggressive way to let you know I am annoyed) and how my arm is slightly pushed across my chest because there is no room to have it next to my body, please make some sort of effort to give me some space. As a window passenger, you have more room to push yourself closer to allow more space for the aisle riders. Don't just glare at me like this is MY fault.

A little courtesy, please.

Thanks,
Slightly Bottom-Numbed Woman

Um, I guess problem solved?

2010-01-29T09:41:00.000-08:00

So said nail clipper is cleaning out his desk, as I type. I don't know what happened, but apparently he won't be working here anymore. Looks like I won't have to speak up.........

An Update... Need Advice

2010-01-28T06:14:00.000-08:00

So.... the nail clipper is my problem, not the office's. Since it isn't a company policy, there's nothing the office can do about this guy. So it's up to me to say something to him or just deal with the annoyance all day.

How do I approach him? I mean, I have no idea what to say. Should I bring a coworker (whom it also bothers) with me when I speak to him. I know I won't be able to spend the rest of my time at this job, listening to that blasted noise, everyday.

So, advice? Anyone?

Walk, or Run, to the Nearest Exit

2010-01-27T15:20:00.000-08:00

Dear Orange Line Metro Rider,

I cannot site one person specifically for this, so I will make a general blanket plea - Please Do Not Stand On The Left Side Of The Escalator. Seriously. The left side is for WALKING... the right side is for STANDING. Do you not listen to the PA System when the nice metro lady gives handy metro tips? Even SHE asks you to walk when you are on the left side.

Unfortunately, EVERY time this happens, I am never right behind the person at fault, otherwise, you would know that I like to walk on the left side. I honestly don't understand why none of the people in front of me give a little "shove" to you left-side standers. Am I the only person who understands this concept?

Anyhow, please please PLEASE do not stand on the left side of the escalator. That is what the right side is for. You may not be in a hurry to get home, but I am. And I'm not a fan of being slowed down.

Thank you,
Woman with a Mission

Sparkly Velour

2010-01-26T02:57:00.000-08:00

Dear Lady in the Sparkly Velour Jumpsuit,

When people are standing outside the metro doors, that means they are waiting to get on. It is unnecessary to sneak up from behind and push yourself onto the train, even before others have gotten off. Don't you know metro ettiquete?

It would also be polite if you didn't stare at me and my friend for the entire trip. It makes us uncomfortable.

For the courtesy to others, please do not wrap your entire arm around the pole, causing others around you to have no choice but to stretch their arm out above you to find a spot. It's rude.

Thanks,
Slightly Perturbed Passenger

This may turn into my "bitching blog"

2010-01-22T07:52:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I often write in this thing when something annoys me, as you may or may not have noticed. The topic for today: IN-OFFICE NAIL CLIPPERS!

I have a coworker who clips his nails EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. At work! At his desk! Do you undertand how insanely annoying it is to go about your work and hear "pingk. pingk. PINGK." First of all, ew. Really, ew. Clipping your nails should be an "at-home" or "in the restroom" activity. When you clip your nails, no one knows where they fly to. Granted, the likelihood of the nail clippings flying farther then the realms of his desk aren't very high, but still.

And really, everyday? Are you freaking Wolverine that your nails grow THAT much that this becomes a daily habit? Do you clip at home also? If not, WHY NOT?!?

So what can I do about this? Any suggestions? How do I let him know, without coming off bitchy?

I DID just let my officer manager know what was going on... and she couldn't believe it, but let me know they would talk to him about it. So, is this guy going to hate me now? I mean, I don't want to make enemies, but this craziness has got to end!

I admit it...

2010-01-14T05:49:00.001-08:00

I'm not very consistent with my blogs. I never claimed to be, but for some reason there are people who really like to read my blog. Call me a hypocrite because I get "angry" if the blogs I follow aren't being updated, but they are being updated way more than mine.

Truth be told, I don't blog that often because I don't feel like there is anything going on in my life that is of particular interest to write about. I'm not saying my life is dull and unexciting, because it's far from that. I guess I find it hard to be interesting here if I don't have kids to write about (because really, that's what people most like to read about.)

But I will try and do better because I love having some followers and I'd like to keep them around. Again, this is not a guarantee that I will be better about blogging, but I have an idea in mind that may enable more frequent, interesting posts. Stayed tuned.

Let me tell you about my morning...

2009-12-24T05:20:00.000-08:00

The Fairfax Connector was finally running, despite the lack of plowing that has happened on only our street. The bus usually comes around 7:07 or so, and I got out to the stop around 7:04. Of course, Bruno has been awesome enough to give me a ride to the metro this week because I haven't even cleaned my car out from under the snow of the weekend and the bus hasn't been running. So when I saw that it was back in service, I decided to take it. So I wait, and wait, and wait for the bus and by 7:20 it still hasn't arrived.

"Crap," I think to myself. "It must have come early today."

So I decide I may as well walk to the metro. As soon as I turn to start walking, I look back and see the bus coming. I of course am on the opposite side of the street as the stop since that side isn't cleared at all. So I start waving my hands as the bus comes and he almost passes me by!! I can't run, since the street is still covered in ice, but I start yelling and he stops. Sheesh!

So I get to the metro and a man gets on near me and decides that he's deaf. By this I mean his headphones were so loud that I could literally hear every word of the song that he was listening to. Really? Then at the Dunn Loring stop a man sits behind me and reaks of smoke. I had to cover my nose and mouth with my scarf because I felt I would become sick because the smell was so strong.

Finlly, I get off at my stop. Kinda. As I'm exiting the train, which is a mere 3 secs after the doors open, the doors start to close on my hands. Luckily, I got my hands out of the way but my newspaper dropped on the platform. WTF?!? So the doors open and I turn and glare at the metro driver (I was on the first train.)

Now I'm at work, with the few people in my office. My coworker has brought his son in and he is sitting in our work area playing his DS. Not a big deal, one would think. Except apparently this kid likes to eat ice. And by eat ice I mean suck and slurp on it as he twirls on the stool. Awesome. Thankfully I have my iPod headphones today, but I have the broke-ass ones where only one side works. So I put that side in my left ear so has to block out as much slurping as possible. Seriously, what kind of day is today?? Luckily I'm only here for 4 hours...

Merry Christmas Eve!

I don't know what came over me...

2009-11-15T17:49:00.000-08:00

But I decided a few weeks ago that I would run a 10k. Yeah. The girl who doesn't like running, hates it really, has decided to run a 10k. Like I said, I don't know what came over me and why I decided, "Hey, 6.2 miles would be AWESOME to run!"

It started on the ride to Neocon. Juli brought up some Jingle All the Way 10K, taking place Dec 13th in DC. Actually, when she brought it up, she did NOT mention the 10k part... she thought it was 5k. "Hmm... I could run 3 miles," I thought to myself. Again, I do not know what came over me. I have NEVER in my life heard about a race and actually thought about even attempting to run. Normally, I make a face and say, "I hate running." But this time it was different.

So I look into this race, and find out it is in fact a 10k, not a 5k. I've just doubled my mileage. I mean, 6.2 mi is a lot! I would be running OVER AN HOUR! In the time I could watch a Gilmore Girls episode, I would be running instead. Why would I even want to do that? But for some reason, I wanted to.

I don't know if it's because I've always had a hatred for running, but really no reason to dislike it so much. I've never really ran... I mean come on, softball doesn't count. I usually only run 60 feet, so the thought of running 6.2 mi has never ever crossed my mind of somethingI would want to do. But I'm doing it.

I started training 2 weeks ago. My first run was 1.5 mi; today I ran 5.5 mi. Yeah... 5.5! I couldn't believe it. Maybe it's because I thought my circuit was .75 mi when in fact is was .9 mi, but who cares. Maybe I really CAN do this 10k thing. It has helped that my friend Andrea is training for a marathon, so I've been able to train with her. Running with a partner is way better than running alone.

I think I can get one more run in this week before taking a probable week-long break while in Seattle. Then only a few more weeks until go time. Wish me luck!

It's going to be a really tough day...

2009-09-17T05:24:00.001-07:00

Back in March, the local news highlighted a devastating and tragic news story. Two people, a husband and wife, were jogging early on a Sunday morning and were randomly attacked by a group of what is suspected to be about 4 guys in a white van. The husband was brutally beaten to death and the wife was left clinging to her life on the other side of the path. By the time authorities came, the suspects had fled the scene. The man beaten was my old softball coach. Needless to say, this story hit me pretty hard as I couldn't even believe something like this could happen, especially to someone, both of them, that I knew so well growing up.

My mom and I attended a vigil walk, down the same path they took, at 5am the following Sunday. Most of those in attendance were neighbors of the victims, most not actually knowing these wonderful people at all. But they still came out and together we walked, somberly. It was a very sad morning.

Weeks passed and I searched endlessly on Google to find out how the wife was doing, even calling the local hospitals to try and send flowers; to offer my condolences. I came up empty. I searched for weeks, trying to find word of when my old softball coach would be remembered and laid to rest. I came up empty. Through the wonders of Facebook, I found my friend, their daughter, whom I had also played softball with, and reached out to her.

"How are you doing? How is your mom? How is your sister?"

Since not having heard or seen any updates on her mom, I didn't know what to think. Was she still in the hospital? Was she still alive?

Thankfully, my friend responded and filled me in. Her mom was ok, though still in the hospital. But she was going to make it. A rush of relief swept over me, and tears of joy and pain came to my eyes. I still couldn't believe that this had happened, but I was so thankful to hear that she had made it through.

Yesterday, I received an email from my friend, filling me in on the details for her father's service and memorial. She asked that we spread the word to anyone else who knew them and would want to attend. I fowarded the message to a dozen people, most of whom had been coached by this wonderful man.

My mom and I are going to the service. I've heard word of so many other people, old teammates and friends, who we haven't seen in years, who will also be in attendance. This man was more than a coach, he was a teacher and such an incredible influence. His military background may have made his words a little louder, and his shorts a little shorter (come on, you all know his shorts were sometimes a little on the short side!), but through his commanding voice, there was a man who truly cared about every girl he coached and wanted all of us to succeed.

The memorial service is going to be so emotional... I teared up just reading the details of it. But I know that every single person there was influenced by this man in one way or another and his service will truly pay homage to his life.

A Follow-Up

2009-08-24T12:57:00.000-07:00

We are homeowners!!! Not completely officially, but pretty much. We found a great condo in Oakton (yay!), in our price range (yay!), that will also give us cheaper payments every month then where we live now (SUPER YAY!) This condo is 2 bdr/2 ba, about 1140 SF. We've been eying this property for a while, but it was always overpriced, and at the beginning, out of our price range anyhow. But it was meant to be because we put down an offer (less then what they asked for) and they accepted it!

We had our inspection yesterday and everything is in tip-top shape. The place was kept in really good condition by the sellers and has a recently renovated kitchen, with glass door cabinets that will show off our colorful new dishes VERY nicely! What we love about the space is that it has defined areas, including a nice dining room, breakfast nook, and sun porch. We figured our current eating set-up will work better in the breakfast nook, so for a while, we will have an empty space in the dining area. No worries. The bedrooms are smaller, but the closets are bigger, so in the end, it evens out.

We hope to settle around mid-September so we would then have 2 weeks to paint and move-in before our lease runs out at our current place. We are just very excited and can't wait to move into our first home AND have our first visitors!!!! Contact me if you'd like to see pictures of the place.

Yay!

Can I sign up for Property Virgins to get the free gift? Oh, and a place to live?

2009-08-12T06:54:00.000-07:00

Bruno and I have been house hunting since the beginning of the year. Yes, before our wedding. Obviously we didn't get too serious about the searching initially because we had a wedding to plan! But after all the fun and merriment, it was time to crack down.

We put an offer on a condo in Fairfax City a week after we returned from our honeymoon. It was a quick decision, but it needed to be. The condo was a short sale and had been on the market for less then a week. If we didn't jump on it, someone else would. So we threw our offer on the table and proceeded to wait... and wait... and wait some more. Funny thing about a short sale - it's not short at all! Our realtor told us to expect to wait 30-45 days to even hear anything. So of course I made a countdown on my calendar. While we waited, we scouted out other places, but none seemed as great as this place. Sure the layout may be a little small for our stuff and the storage may be lacking, but you really can't beat the location.

On day 54, the bank rejected our offer. It was too low. Devastated, we hung our heads and asked our realtor what we could do. We couldn't offer anymore money, we were at our limit. Or were we? Our relator looked into another bank for a loan and low and behold, we were approved for more money! Hot dog, that condo is ours! But wait, if we are approved for more... couldn't we find a NICER place, or even a townhouse or single family home? Hmm... this opened a whole new realm of possibilities.

This is where we are now. We counter-offered on the condo with a slightly higher price, but in the meantime, are checking out other options. We've basically ruled out single family homes because although we can afford a little more, those we can afford still need a lot of work and we really aren't the fixer-upper types. So we are focusing on condos and townhomes. Our relator tells us a townhome is a better investment and of course it has more space. Dilemna? We can't afford townhomes where we WANT to live (Oakton, Vienna) but where we can afford them, is a bit too far (Reston).

We just don't know what to do. Our relator tells us it's a lifestyle choice - condo close in or townhouse further out. Well I don't know! We looked at 2 townhomes in Reston yesterday. One had a great downstairs and patio, but the upstairs sucked (small master suite, huge guestroom). The second one had a great upstairs (good size master suite, 3 bedrooms) but a terrible downstairs (useless and undefined space). We refuse to settle on anything, so we'll keep looking.

The idea of Reston is very appealing. The town Center is really nice, and has a lot going on. The neighborhood of the townhomes looked so nice and friendly AND we could have a grill. BUT I work and play softball in Arlington. The thought of driving 30-45 minutes home after an 11pm softball game in Pentagon City really doesn't appeal to me at all. I can do Reston, but about as east of Reston as we can get, and still be on the toll road.

So that's all we have to find... by October (to close by Nov 30). A nice townhouse in East Reston off the toll road. No biggie, right? Right...... this will really put our realtor to the test!

Sunday Night Stalking

2009-07-27T08:12:00.000-07:00

Earlier in the week, Lindsay sent Karen, Megan and I an email, an invitation really, to the 5th Anniversary Party at Halo (gay bar in DC), on Sunday, from 7:30-9. Under normal circumstances, we wouldn't A) go out on a Sunday night but if we did, it wouldn't be B) at a gay bar. But these were not normal circumstances. Through the "Anti-Real World" blogger, there was a 2-1 chance that cast members from the DC Real World would be there. Awesome.

So we ventured out, to Halo, on a Sunday evening, dressed as though it was Saturday night. I had called ahead for the dress code, but figured there would be a bunch of people there, dressed nice, considering it was an anniversary party AND potential Real World stalking. We come into Halo and quickly discover that A) we are overdressed (most were in shorts and flip flops) and B) we were the only women (and probably straight people) in the bar. We made our way to order drinks, trying to ignore the stares we were receiving. Luckily, there was a 2-1 deal on drinks until 9 :)

Shortly after we secured our drinks and table, we saw the camera crew come in. There they were! 3 cast members, and their crew, walked right by us and lingered on the dance floor (steps from our table) for a bit. Needless to say we all immediately texted people who would care to let them know who was there. Unfortunately, the excitement only lasted maybe 5 minutes as the cast made their way to the "VIP Party" upstairs. Foiled again! We had another drink, and made our way out the door. But as we passed the stairs, we noticed it was no longer roped off. Karen asked if we could go upstairs and the bouncer said, "No problem!" So away we went.

And they were there. Hanging out. Awesome. And even better? There were free drinks at the bar. Apparently it was for this "VIP" party, but hell, we were the only straight women in the place, so we were VIP. Ha. So we got our free drinks (Belvedere Vodka, Barefoot Chardonnay) and scooched to the other side of the bar, where the cast and crew were. Oh, and what else was there? Um, how about an appetizer table - Saweet! Free drinks AND free food. We quickly scavenged the table and then just looked around, as if we belonged there.

There were a few photographers taking pictures to document the party. One of the photographers, a young woman, asked to take our picture. Thinking nothing of it, we smiled and carried on. She told us that the picture would be for The Blade (the gay newspaper for DC) Great. We may be plastered on the front page for all we know. But we moved on. Then, it happened. Karen, pieced it together - young photgrapher, camera crew filming HER taking pictures - she was a DC cast member!!! We had our picture taken by a DC cast member! I know it's nothing, nothing at all. These people aren't celebrities - yet - but I was SO excited about it. It made the night totally worth it.

We hung around a little more, and Karen and Lindsay got their picture taken with JD - Real World Brooklyn. He was there promoting the event. We finally decided to roll out around 10:30, probably much to the relief of the regulars there. "What are these straight women doing here anyway??" We walked outside, and then learned that the cast was still there, downstairs. We walked back in to grab another look - and came to the conclusion that the camera crew had figured out that we were there for the cast. Whatever. It was awesome and totally worth it. We plan to work some full-fledge stalking on August 15, if anyone wants to join :)

Karen and I - DC Camera Crew behind us

Erica (DC Cast)

Lindsay, JD (Real World Brooklyn), Karen

Callie (DC Cast) - the sneaky photographer

New Respect

2009-07-13T05:48:00.000-07:00

I have a new respect for slow pitch catchers. Yesterday, I played on my friend's team in Manassas because they were short girls. Being a sub, I rotated between outfield, bench and catcher. I have never played catcher in slowpitch, and haven't played catcher since 6th grade. And let me tell you, that position is hard! I mean, I have ALWAYS underestimated this position. First of all, you have to constantly change position behind the batter because I for one was scared to get smakced in the head by the bat. Secondly, that ball takes weird hops when it hits the ground and it's hard to stop all of them. But the third, and worst part of the position - the squatting! Holy Quads Batman. I didn't even play catcher the entire game(s) but MAN are my quads sore! I mean wow. I was having some troubles going down the excalator today. I knew my legs were getting a workout, but I really didn't expect this. So catchers, I commend you. You must have legs of steel.

In regards to playing yesterday, this league by far had the weirdest rules. The team is only required to play 2 girls = SUPER LAME! I mean seriously, do you have no respect for the ability of the women? This rule is RIDICULOUS and just really bugs the crap out of me. It's hard enough dealing with the stupid "girl walk rule" but 2 girls?? I mean, why have any girls at all? I am one girl who HATES walking after the guy does. My Monday night team NEVER lets that happen, even if we are losing. We come to play, not get walked. My Thursday night team, well, I think they only want you to walk if we're losing or the game is close. Still not a fan of that. Honestly, this is Rec league people. It's not our careers. I want to hit. So yesterday, I was almost in the position of having to walk. Being a newbie on the team (and previously striking out) the "coach" urged me to take the walk instead of hit. I, of course, glared in his direction and forcefully put my bat down. He says, "Everyone has to walk. It's not a big deal." well it's a big deal to me! I WANT TO HIT. That's why I have been playing softball for the past 18 years. If I get walked, then fine. But I will NEVER be happy about walking without even getting in the batter's box. Seriously... it's just a game! And you know what happened? I couldn't walk because there was only 1 out. So I got a basehit instead. Yeah.

But the WORST rule in this league... the safety base. "What is that?" you may ask. Yeah, exactly. There is this random temporary base a few feet off of homeplate. So it eliminates any possible collision. How it works is that is a play is coming home, the runner has to tag the safety base before the catcher tags homeplate. This rule is STUPID. It eliminates any close plays and excitement at home. Sure, it eleiminates possible collisions. I understand in a sense because our catcher got clobbered at homeplate and had to have knee surgery. But that doesn't happen often. Most players slide or hold up when there may be contact. It's a completely ridiculous rule... and I got called out on it. If the runner goes to homeplate instead of the safety bag, then the runner is out. So I, who had not been told of this at the beginning of the game, naturally tagged homeplate instead of this stupid safety base and I was called out. I was pissed. The ump later told me that they usually only use the safety bag in the 65+ leagues. Right.

My weakness... 6 in 15

2009-06-24T09:19:00.000-07:00

If you know me at all, you know my weakness is concerts. I've always been a concert-lover, but until I met Bruno, I never had anyone to go with me. So I'd average maybe 2-3 concerts a year. But when I met Bruno, well that all changed. Since he's a lover of concerts as well, and we share similar music tastes, my average per year got bumped up to 20-22! And I LOVE it!

It's our weakness... we will buy tickets when we have no money. We can't help it. We just get so involved in the music and hate missing our favorite artists. We will see them 2-3 times in a year, if we're lucky enough to have them tour that often. Our wedding was focused on our love of music - from the table names, placecards and ever favors.

So this is the background that leads me to this post - 6 in 15 days. I recently went to my 6th concert in 15 days... and even for me, that's a lot! Here's the list of the shows...

New Kids on the Block
Taylor Swift
No Doubt
The Fray
Plain White T's
Aerosmith

You know what I love about this list? I love that all the music is SO different. Yes, I'm a teeny-bopper at heart but when it comes down to it, I really love music and will try almost anything when it comes to it. I will go to concerts having never heard the artist before (the Yeah Yeah Yeahs 3 years ago) and concerts where I know EVERY SINGLE SONG (Panic at the Disco).

The atmospheres and crowds of these 6 shows was so different from each other... it was just great. I can't say much more about, aside from that I loved them all... I went to the shows with different groups of people... and had a great time at every single one of them.

I don't think I can ever give this up. I want to say I'm around 10 or so for the year... so I may be behind schedule. But it catches up and I'm sure I'll make it over the 20 mark. Next up - Eric Hutchinson and Jason Mraz. I saw Eric at the beginning of May at the 930 Club. Now he'll be performing at Merriweather. A different kind of venue - not nearly as intimate. The largest venue I've seen Jason Mraz at is Constitution Hall. So it will be a different feel, especially sitting on the lawn (pavilion seats are sold out!) but nonetheless, I can't say no.

Anything you can't live without??

Ok, I'm a slacker

2009-06-17T08:23:00.000-07:00

So it's been about a month and I PROMISED to write about the wedding day... but honestly, most of you have already heard about it. It was a WONDERFUL day - PERFECT! And I couldn't be happier!

Our honeymoon was FANTASTIC and I think it worked out perfectly with the balance of being busy and relaxing. All the pictures from it are on Picasa, and on our Facebook.

So now that we're back to regular life, I've had more questions about, "Do you feel different?" Even Bruno asked me. And honestly, well, I kinda do and I kinda don't. I'm thinking since we've already been living together, sharing expenses and a bank account, well, being married so far is like not being married. But I am happier... I really am. Sometimes I just sit back and think about how lucky I am to have found such an amazing guy, who loves me SO much, and takes care of me... he's just awesome and I love him SO much!!!

Ok, mushy-stuff done...

Maybe the "I feel different" will take affect when I go through all the name change stuff. I've started the process... but it's a long one. And with a lot of other stuff going on right now, changing my name immediately isn't the best thing. So I'm pretty certain when I really have to refer to myself as Molly de Lima-Campos... and become that new person, then I will feel different. Right now, honestly, I just feel old! Even though I'm still 28, as I was before we got married, I feel old when saying, "I'm waiting for my husband." I'm very proud to say it, and love it and embrace it, but when I say that to people I don't know, I just feel old. Has anyone else felt that way?

I also thought that I would miss the planning, but I don't. I like coming home and not having to worry about it. Of course I still ready the WeddingBee blog 15 times a day, but I don't miss the planning. I was super happy with the wedding, and would only change minor things... (like printing a little neater on the placecards) but it wa perfect. Everyone had a fantastic time and we honestly had the greatest exit ever! I can't wait to see the video.

But that's where we are. Back to the regular day to day, but working towards becoming Mrs. de Lima-Campos. I'm excited for my new "identity" but a little sad too. But I love seeing "Molly and Bruno de Lima-Campos" on cards :)

Don't Worry!

2009-05-19T08:32:00.000-07:00

I PROMISE to post a blog about our wedding very soon. Hopefully before we leave for our honeymoon because I know some people would love the inner details of the day. Soon, I promise! But to tide you over, here are some of my fav pics so far from the Best. Day. Ever.

Here it is!

2009-04-30T05:48:00.000-07:00

What you all have been waiting for... the recap of my Bachlorette Party!!! Let me say again what an AWESOME job Karen and Allyson did, and what an FANTASTIC time I had with everyone. You guys ROCK!

Saturday

The weekend event started Saturday morning when Karen, Allyson and Chelsea came through my front door, yelling and putting a sash and veil on my head. My thought, "Will I have to wear this for EVERYTHING?" Haha.

They gathered my things, pushed me out the door, and we were on our way. Destination unknown. As the whole weekend was. We caravaned with Erin to Manassas, where we made our first stop to pick up Julie. At this point, I figured we were headed South.

Our first stop, aside from the gas station, was the James River Winery. Lottie joined us and together we all went in to sample some delicious wines.

After a round of tasting, we bought some bottles and headed outside for an amazing picnic. All the girls had brought such a great spread of food, including Garlic Knots from Montana Bread Co. in Richmond (thanks Lottie!!) and more food then all of us could eat. At this point, Linda, Mollie and Lindsay joined the crowd.

We ate, drank, made some new friends, and we were on our way to the next stop.

We stopped at a hotel just outside of Richmond, where we would be hanging out until it was dinner time. It was there that the others joined the crowd... Stephanie, Kim, Juli, Chrissy, Joyce, Jen. We hung out in the rooms, which were appropriately tagged with signs for "Molly's Bachlorette Party"... I think that made other visitors in the hotel a little nervous!

After getting ready to go to dinner, all the girls gathered in my room for some party rules, plans, presents, cookies and champagne. It was after the gift opening that I was told of my fate for the evening... I would have a series of competitions that I would need men I would meet that night, to complete. The prize was a fantastic gold medal. In addition to the competition, all the girls had written their own requests that I would have to complete throughout the night as they handed them to me. I told them, "Let me have enough drinks before you hand me any cards!"

Next stop... The Beach House Bar and Grill, specifically The Keys Piano Bar.

Adorned in my veil, sash and now pink boa, we all sat down at the table and anxiously awaited for the pianists to make their appearance. The food was delicious (including cheese fries!) and the fun soon began.

We all started making requests... and after handing them a generous donation, the pianists played our songs, including once specifically for me.

A few hours later, it was time to head to our next destination. We left the bar after an great rendition of "Rocking the Suburbs" and were on our way. Little did I know we'd be taking such a sweet ride... a limo bus! We picked up everyone and headed to Old Tobacco Company in Richmond.

It was there that we danced, drank and got free pink champagne. I handed out my medals, after some stiff competition of course, and worked my way through the other cards. The night was fun, and our large group rolled out around 1:30am.

Sunday

Though I wasn't sure it would happen... my group and I were able to get out of the hotel by 10am. Karen had told us all the night before about getting up early, but you just never know...

So we left the hotel and headed back to Richmond. I was a little nervous when we got out of the car and the girls made sure I had my veil and sash again.

"For breakfast?" I thought.

Well, it turns out, it was for brunch. And it WAS a definite must. Stephanie and Kim had to leave to head back to NY, but Andrea and Jennifer joined us just in time for what was sure to be a one-of-a-kind meal. We got to Godfrey's and waited about 20 minutes, along with about 50 other women.

"Why are all these women here?" I thought.

And then there she was. I mean, there he was. I mean, huh? Yep... we were about to embark on a Drag Queen Brunch. Holla!

I'll just leave you with pictures, because they really do speak a thousand words. The brunch was so much fun, the food was excellent, and I couldn't stop smiling. You won't either!

Thanks again to EVERYONE who made this weekend so memorable. It was truly incredible and I'm so glad to have such amazing friends!!!

In case you missed it...

2009-04-21T05:47:00.000-07:00

Here is the wedding announcement from the Washington Post Express. I was so excited to see it in there on Monday morning. I immediately turned to the page on the metro, and stood there smiling. Then I looked around to see if anyone else was reading it, and if they reconginzed me as the bride. Haha. Of course they didn't. There are so many people and faces on that train... but one can hope.

I looked like some shady thief, rummaging through the newspaper bins to grab as many copies as I could hold. this of course happening during a hard rain and I'm trying to hold my umbrella over myself and the papers. But with great success, I managed to grab about 12 copies. That should be enough... though I almost ran back out, in the rain, to the metro stop to get more.

But it's fun being a "celebrity" for a day. Both Bruno and I have had people email us letting us know they saw our BIO in the paper, and promptly sent the image along to our mutual friends.

Of course this, along with my latest shower and upcoming bachlorette party, reiterates how insanely close this wedding is! I won't go on about it, but I'll just say that 3 weeks is a lot close then 4 weeks! So much to do... and I think we have enough time? I dunno...

My shower this weekend was in New York with my extended family. Mom and I flew up because I was not about to spend 16 hours in the car for a short weekend. My cousins Kim and Steph threw me the shower and I had so much fun! They had compiled a list of 15-20 questions and gave them out to the guests. the questions were ones they had asked Bruno, and it was my job to answer them. I've done this before... and when I got one wrong, I had to add another stick of gum to my mouth. This time, I couldn't open a present unless I got an answer right! So mean... moreso because it took me until the 6th questions to get one right about Bruno. You would think after living with him for a year, and dating him almost 3, that I would know him pretty well. Apparently not. Haha. But after that first right answer, I was on a roll, and I think I may have only missed 1 after that. I was most impressed with myself for pulling out his answer to his "celebrity crush." It's Megan Fox, if you're wondering :)

The food was really great, and was all Mediterranean/Greek foods. you can't ever go wrong with that! And of course we had homemade Italian cookies to finish it off.

Sorry for the lack of post writing. I haven't had too much blog-worthy life stories.

Observe.

2009-04-08T06:14:00.001-07:00

When I go to Belle's Body attack classes, I tend to watch everyone else in the room, while we are going through all the tracks. I guess it keeps my mind off of the workout I'm getting, but I just observe, subtly of course. There will be people who can't stay on beat, those who are TOO into the class, those who just go along at a good pace, like myself, and a few other types. Here's 2 observations/evaluations from class last night.

The Girl that is TOO into (or too good for) the Class

Oh my God, this girl came in slightly late, just when we were getting started, which isn't a big deal. She proceeded to fix her hair, then took a spot next to me. I didn't think anything of it at first, since the beginning part is kinda slow and everyone is warming up. But soon enough, very soon, this girl IMMEDIATELY got on my nerves. She was basically going over and above what everyone else was doing. It's hard to describe, but it just drove me crazy. Basically, she was as energized as the instructor, Nate, which is great for an instructor. But when you are a participant and the girl next to you is kicking her legs WAY higher then everyone else, jogging faster, and, what's MOST annoying, coming into MY space because her gallops are so big... well, as you can see, it's just an insane annoyance. So not only was she being annoying this way, but she also kept stopping to fix her hair. I mean come on lady, it's gym class. Just get it out of your face and that's it.

I know this rant is silly, but for some reason, I just hated this girl. I wanted to be as far away as I could from her, and I couldn't because there were too many people there. I hope she's not there next week...

Thin Girl with no Stamina or Rhythm

Last night there was also a girl who was really thin, and looked like she was in great shape. You kinda assume that if these people are thin, then they must workout a lot. And maybe she does... but not cardio. We had barely gotten through Track 2 and already this girl was huffing and puffing and hardly keeping up. You have a long way to go sweetie.

I know I sound mean, or something, but it was just so interesting to me to watch this girl (and to keep away from over-achiever on my left), and kinda curse her at the same time. This is obviously a girl who doesn't HAVE to work out to be thin, so that's annoying also.

Haha I'm really not this mean, or judgemental... well, ok, sometimes I am. It probably stems from the competition crazy in me, and that's why I hate these people who do better then me. The over-achiever kicks higher then me, and has more energy. They thin girl, well, she's thinner then me and doesn't have to work at it. Darn that competitor in me. Go away so I can workout in peace.

An Eventful Weekend

2009-04-07T05:16:00.000-07:00

Well my weekend was full of great things... and I will highlight the high points.

Saturday

I drove down to Crozet for my 2nd of 3 wedding showers, this one thrown by my sister-in-law K. It was a small gathering with great people and amazing food. I mean really amazing. K had a delicious spread of Risotto, green beans, spinach salad (in this really cool parmesean cheese cups) and prosciutto-wrapped chicken with a yummy mushroom sauce. Dessert was an assortment of cream puffs, eclairs and yellow cake with chocolate frosting and a strawberry cheesecake filling. Oh it was SO good! Aside from eating, we spent the afternoon opening gifts and just chatting away.

After everyone left, I stayed with Mike and K, have some QT with Julia and Ella (Cazin was there, but doing his own thing) I will tell you, Julia has Tita Molly right where she wants her... I will do just about anything with that girl, moreso as an effort to be a "cool aunt" that she has fun with. I am anxious for her to be a little older... like 13, because I seem to relate better with teenagers :) We can talk about Hilary Duff and the Jonas Brothers. Haha.

Sunday

I took the plunge... I did it... I bought a new car! WHAT?!?! Yes, I have retired the Civic and now am the proud owner of a 2007 Nissan Versa. It was a tough decision, well kinda, but it was time. I've been saying for years how I needed a new car, and Sunday, well the offer was too good to pass up. It started on Friday when I took the old Civic in for an oil change, and came back with a report of needing new tires and a new axle... another $1000 to put into my car. Ugh. Bruno said, "That's it! We're getting you a new car!" I whined for a second, then said, "Ok."

I had looked at the Versa before and obviously liked it, so it was easier to decide on what to get. We went to the dealership about an hr before it closed, test drove the car, and were pretty happy with it. However, me, not being one to make quick decisions, wanted to sit on it and try some other cars at other dealers. Well the Nissan dealership would have none of that. The manager came over as we were heading out the door, telling us, "I've got to make a sale. This is what I can do for you..."

Final verdict - free oil changes for 2 yrs, lifetime state inspections, 94k mile bumper to bumper warranty (my car started with 46k miles) and my monthly payment is $161. Um, yeah... could I pass this up??? Not a chance. So we left the lot with a new car and I'm SO excited about it! I wish I drove to work just so I could drive it more. But in due time...

It will take some getting used to, even with my friends who know me with my Civic. But after 10 years of driving it, it was time.

When I get some pictures taken of it, I will post them so you can see the beauty that is now my car. Yay!

Getting Closer!

2009-03-26T07:28:00.000-07:00

Last night Bruno and I went and picked out his wedding band :) (PS as I post this our first dance song came on my iPod!) He picked out a tungsten ring that's mostly brushed, but has 3 thin lines of satin finish in it. It's really nice, a good size, and pretty unique. As I was looking at the rings with him I thought briefly that there wasn't much choice for the guys, but then I realized we were only looking at the Tungsten rings. There were a lot of other choices, some nice, some completely hideous. I looked at ALL the choices for women and I just have to give so much credit to Bruno for the ring he selected for me. I don't know how you could make such a hard choice, but he did, and picked out the most perfect ring for me. I honestly love my ring so much!

Otherwise, we WERE supposed to have ou "first" dance lesson tonight for the wedding. However, I got a message that our instructor needs to reschedule... doesn't he realize how hard it was to schedule this?? Ah well.

In other news, I went to the Britney Spears concert on Tuesday night with 4 of my funnest girlfriends. We started the night with HH at La Tasca. Luckily we were able to snag a table big enough for the 5 of us (after some stalking and quick manuevering from Susie and I). The Pussycat Dolls opened for Brit, and I thought they were awesome!!! Unfortunately, the did NOT play the song Lindsay and I most wanted to hear (Top of the World - theme song to The City) but we did love all the others.

Britney of course put on a great show with incredible choreography that got everyone in the crowd standing up and dancing. However, due to my never-ending concert trips, I feel as though I've become a bit of a concert snob. I mean this in the sense that I was disappointed that Britney didn't actually sing. I had heard she didn't, which is one of the reasons we got the cheap seats up top, but I was still saddened. There are plenty of artists who dance like she does and still actually sing (Justin Timberlake, Gwen Stefani) but what can you do. I had a great time, especially with Susie in town, and recorded a few songs as well.

Next concert is Richard Cheese and Lounge Against the Machine. I got these tickets for Bruno for Christmas, so we have been waiting a LONG time for this show. I'm really excited to see how it goes, as I've only heard good things about him.

AND Whitney and Jill are coming into town this weekend!!!! I'm super excited!!! We're going to Bruno's show at Whitlows Saturday night, so come out and join us! Otherwise, we plan on going into DC to see the Cherry Blossoms on Sunday. Hopefully the rain will hold out, but if itdoesn't, looks like we will visit the museums instead. I SHOULD have pics from the upcoming weekend so I will be sure to post them. I know blogs aren't as exciting without them.

Delicious meal stolen from Carrie

2009-03-23T06:01:00.000-07:00

So a few weeks ago my friend Carrie posted this recipe on her blog and even though I've never been a huge fan of pork, the meal looked amazing! (she has a picture of it on her blog, and she's connected to mine, so check out the blog because seeing the pic really helps) So last night I decided to finally make this for Bruno... a nice homecooked meal after his crazy bachelor party weekend. The meal was DELICIOUS and SUPER easy to make. So I've pasted the recipe on here for all to enjoy. Thanks Carrie!!

Sweet Pork Tenderloin

Recipe -
Ingredients
2 lbs pork tenderloin
1/2 lb bacon, sliced thin
1 large onion, sliced thin
1/4 cup soy sauce
12 - 16 oz apricot preserves (you can use regular, light or sugar free it doesn't really matter)

Direction
Wrap tenderloin in bacon
Place onions in bottom of 9x13 casserole dish
lay tenderloins on top of onions
mix soy sauce and apricot preserves and pour on top of wrapped tenderloins
bake at 350 for 45 - 60 minutes (you can broil it for 5 - 10 to crisp the bacon at the end)

I don't like "gym molly"

2009-03-18T07:25:00.001-07:00

Those were the words my friend Joyce typed to me last night when I told her I was going to Body Attack instead of out for St Patty's Day. After she razzed me a little, I told her it was only until the wedding then I would go crazy. She said, "Good. I like the drinking Molly better."

Haha. Yes, I now find myself a hypocrite, as I have turned into one of those people I once mocked. I remember giving Susie a hard time for going to the gym instead of coming to Rock Bottom. How the tables have turned...

What's odd is that now I kinda find myself weight obsessed, and I'm not sure if that's good or bad. I check my weight at least once a day... which I was told before that you should only do it every 2 weeks. I try really hard to monitor the calories I eat everyday, and have stuck to a good workout routine for at least 2 months now. I haven't reached the weight I was in college, and honestly, I don't see that happening. I mean, that would mean losing another 10 pounds, and that's just insane. But I'm relatively happy with my progress, especially when I think back to last year, and I was about 8 pounds heavier then I am now. Nice work. See what weddings will do to you??

I do feel good about myself when I work out in the morning, and get my butt kicked at Belle's class every week. But it is still so hard to get up in the morning and workout. I use Wednesdays as my break day, since Tuesday night is Belle's class. And let me tell you, I live for Wednesdays. I love sleeping in and not having to work out in the morning. I never work out on the weekends. Instead, I use that time to eat whatever I want. So sure, I could PROBABLY get down to my college weight if I worked out on the weekends, and tried to eat healthy then too. But then what would the reward be??? I need Wednesdays and weekends to keep me going. I will never deprive myself of the foods I love... and the great feeling of eating junk.

But overall, I am happy with my progress. I've had plenty of inspiration from my friends who have lost weight and look great (esp. Karen, Lindsay and Belle), so they keep me going as well.

Here's to the next 2 months, right?

It's REAL!

2009-03-09T11:30:00.000-07:00

I had my first of 3 bridal showers yesterday. This one was planned by Karen and Allyson, my amazing MOH and bridesmaid. This one was deemed my "Friends Bridal Shower."

I was so nervous leading up to the event, and I'm not really sure why. I suppose it was the reality of all attention actually being focused on me, moreso than any birthdays I've ever celebrated. The games would focus on me, and the presents. It just made me so nervous, and as I later told Allyson, confirmation that I'm ACTUALLY getting married.

Up until now, it's almost been just like we're planning an event. True, we are planning an event, but it doesn't really hit you until this moment. And I suppose that's what made me so nervous. So nervous that I had clamy hands, and changed my outfit about 6 times.

I was still wiping my brow, wet with anxiety, as I entered the room and saw all my friends. I quickly paced around, said my hellos, gave my hugs, and breathed in the reality of MY shower. It's just so surreal in a way to look around at the pictures and realize they are of me, me and my fiancee. I've been to plenty of showers of course, but it was so weird being at my own.

But as I said, Karen and Allyson did an excellent job and I had a really great time. I would say my favorite game we played was a variation of catch phrase. The variation was in the words and phrases, which all related to me and Bruno. It was so cool seeing what the girls came up with based on their views of me and Bruno. I promptly bowed out of the guessing part of the game, halfway through, after realizing it wasn't fair for me to guess. The game ended up very close, my team only winning by one point. Good job ladies!

The food was amazing (homemade cannolis!) as were the guests. Thanks everyone for a great great time and I can't wait until May to celebrate with everyone!

Nobody knows for sure... kinda...

2009-03-04T15:05:00.000-08:00

Our fate down at CBP has been a roller coaster ever since we found out the contract was going to end. Rumors went flying back and forth, and it seems like we may have an answer... finally... for now...

Monday afternoon, I was pulled into my boss' office. He proceeded to fill me in on the fate of the 8 of us down in DC. 4 of us would stay and work through the end of the month, the remaining 4, well, their job was done on 3/13. Yes, it's a Friday. Do they know yet? Well, I know one does...

Tuesday afternoon at our staff meeting we are informed that our last day is NOT March 31, but March 6. Yes, that's thus Friday. We were told to have our things packed up by COB Friday and that everyone would report to A-Town on Monday. Ok...

Tuesday later afternoon, my boss tells me that what we were told may not be true, and that we may be here until the end of the month after all.

Today, that was confirmed. The plan I was told on Monday is back in action. I asked my boss if the terms were going to change AGAIN and he says, "I don't know."

Could they make upt there mind please? And, last I heard from this afternoon, still only one person had been told that their last day was 3/13. Um... are you going to let them know anytime soon?

So yay, I will FINALLY be back in Arlington. Back to my window, back to my friends. But not back to work... there's really not enough for us there right now, so everyone is kinda stressing out about going back. But I've been assured that my job is safe... let's hope so...

How does he do it??

2009-02-27T05:31:00.000-08:00

Bruno has done it again. I don't know how, but he has crept in to my mind and known exactly what I wanted for my birthday!

A few weeks ago, only like 2, I sent an email to Bruno letting him know I wanted a new black purse for my birthday. I hadn't mentioned it before AT ALL, just came to the realization one day after looking at the current black purse I own.

Last night Bruno gives me my birthday present early. (I think you know where this is going) Low and behold it's a new black Coach purse! I said to him, "Did you get this after I told you I wanted one?"

"No," he says. "I got it weeks ago, BEFORE you told me."

How does he do it??

And on the subject of purses, I'm growing into a expensive purse preferred type of girl, all thanks to Bruno. I never cared much for the fancy purses, and hadn't even heard of Kate Spade. Then he gives me a Kate Spade, my friend Michelle gave me a Coach Clutch, and now my newest Coach bag to add to my growing collection. All of the sudden, I care. And you know, there really IS a difference in the quality. The craftsmenship is really amazing, and mostly worth the money :) And I feel cool carrying my purse on my shoulder.

Weird...

2009-01-28T07:36:00.000-08:00

Ok so referring back to the last post, I've been reading Augusten Burrough's latest book, Possible Side Effects. One chapter is titled "Killing John Updike." In this chapter he goes on about buying all of John Updike's books, first edition mint condition books, because his friend told him that John Updike was going to fall dead at any moment. So Augusten bought all these books and was expecting to make it rich any day, based on the most certain immense value these books would have after his death. This book, Possible Side Effects was published in 2006.

This morning, January 28th 2009, the Today show announced that John Updike died yesterday from Lung Cancer. Had I not been reading that book, this news would not have meant anything to me. But it does. And now I have to wonder if Augusten Burroughs is going to cash in on his books...

The reasons I love him...

2009-01-27T08:37:00.000-08:00

Okay, so this blog refers to (2) hims, but don't start freaking out yet. I'll start with the more important one.

Bruno.

For Christmas, my awesome and amazingly intuitive fiancee got me a fabulous pair of Uggs. I had never mentioned them to him, and honestly didn't realize I wanted them until about 2 weeks before Christmas. When I opened them as my last present, I was floored at how he somehow knew to get them for me! He is truly amazing when it comes to knowing me that it's a little scary sometimes. Haha. So since I got the Uggs, I've been wearing them nonstop. Nonstop enough to spill meatball sauce on them soon after I got them! I was devasted and Bruno was not too happy about it either. We, well mostly him, worked on getting the stain out with the stain remover/conditioner from Uggs, and while the stain came mostly out, the softness and deep color of the sheepskin had all but disappeared. Sadly, I accepted my boots and hated myself for ruining these wonderful treats for my feet.

Last night, Bruno takes my Uggs out of the bedroom to out them away. I figure they are annoying him because they were just strewn about the floor, in his way.

"Thanks" I say.

As we leaved later in the evening for dinner, Bruno has my Uggs, but it pulling a carboard shaper out of them.

"Why would those be in there" I thought to myself.

Then I looked at them closely, as he smiled, and they looked so much softer and richer then my Uggs. The awesome fiancee that he is, had bought me new Uggs! I think it bothered him that I had messed up mine, and he couldn't take it anymore. So now I have new Uggs, and I'm super pysched!!

Augusten Burroughs.

This is the one and only author I can't get enough of. I've read 3 of his books, including Running with Scissors, and am on to my 4th one now. If you know me, reading is not my thing, and for me to LOVE an author is just crazy. But I do. I love him and read through his books so quickly. His sense of humor is exactly what makes me laugh to myself, even on the shuttle with everyone watching. I get lost in his books and am deeply saddened that he won't be writing anymore (or so it seems).

So yesterday as I started the book I came across a chapter titled "Team Player." The first line of this chapter...

"I collect college T-Shirts."

Someone else does that???? He goes into how he proudly wears these shirts, and then constantly gets questioned on when he graduated and whatnot. His most prized t-shirt? His solid red Harvard shirt. (The shirt I was wearing when I met Bruno). Coincidence? Well, yes. But it makes me love him that much more.

Read his books!

Slightly scared...

2009-01-23T09:49:00.000-08:00

So today is the last day of one of our project managers who has resigned. She actually resigned last month, but has been sticking around to finish up projects. So why am I writing about this? Because I'm taking one of her biggest clients and I have no idea what I'm doing...

She has this master spreadsheet with all her projects, which is great. Unfortunately, when I've tried to ask her about how to update it, and who to call, she just talks and talks about the projects, but never actually gives me an answer. Or well, the answer I'm looking for. I tried to ask her this morning, since it's her last day. But again, not answering my question.

I'm really nervous about taking on her responsibilities because even though I've been down here for 2 months, there are SO many things I don't know how to do. The government has so many wacky processes that I'm honestly so lost. I really don't want this responsibility at all. I hate not knowing what I'm doing. I feel like I've just been thrown into this project manager role and I haven't had the opportunity to learn the designer role yet.

I don't like being down here, and getting this task only decreases my chances of going back to Arlington. All I keep hoping is that we DON'T get this contract renewed so we can get out of here in March. But that still leaves all of February.

Things here are overwhelming, well the processes I don't know. and honestly, I don't want to really learn them because I don't want to be here long. But I will tell you what, if I am here long, well in another few weeks or so, and I'm doing this whole project manager thing, I'm going to ask for a raise. This is not responsibility I was asked about, it was just thrown at me. All I want to do is space plan and work on CAD, not worry about chairs coming in....

Like Riding a Bike

2009-01-12T11:55:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I got up at 6am to go on my first snowboarding run of the season. Yes, it's January and it's only my first run. With our busy schedule, and the way too warm weather, this was the first chance I got. Unfortunately Bruno couldn't go with me, since he got his wisdom teeth out on Friday. Poor guy has been eating mashed potatoes and ice cream all weekend.

Anyhow, so Steve picks me up at 630am, so we can get to Whitetail when it opens to beat the crowds and get the good snow. Yeah, I was tired but it was definitely worth it. By noon, when I would have normally gotten there, the lines were long and the snow was pushed all around.

Needless to say, I was really nervous when I got to the slopes. I hadn't been boarding in almost a year and I wasn't sure how it would go. But it was nothing... well not nothing, but I did really well. I took the first green really slow, just to get used to the balancing and everything again, but it was really no problem. After a few runs, I moved to the blues with the group, and eventually the left bowl with the black diamonds!

When I found out it was only black diamonds on the left bowl, I was so nervous. But hey, I might as well try it out. And then wouldn't you know, I did really well. I don't know if it was my experience in Vail last year or what, but I did great on the slope, only falling like 2x, and they weren't even hard falls. It was more of a lack of concentration that caused me to fall, not skill. I started psyching myslef out about being on a black diamond... but then I pushed that aside and on I went.

I was really pleased with the day and I'm really not as sore as I thought I would be. Hopefully I'll get to go again before our trip to Wisp in February, but we'll see. Nice.

Here they are...

2009-01-04T18:31:00.001-08:00

Love in Philly

Sorry.......

First Snow!

First pic of 2009

Bruno and Brian

Stephanie and Me

A Perfect NYE

2009-01-02T05:31:00.000-08:00

To celebrate the New Year, Bruno and I decided to keep it low key. So along with my cousin Steph and her hubby Brian from New York, we stayed in a cool Bed and Breakfast in Media, PA, about 20 minutes outside of Philly. And it was perfect!

The B&B we stayed at was called the Alpenhof www.alpenhofbedandbreakfast.com and it was awesome. We went up Tuesday night and arrived at the house a little after 9:30. Steph and Brian had gotten there around 8, and went on a beer run. Unfortunately, the liquor and beer sales in PA are different then here or NY, so the 2 came back empty handed after 30 minutes of searching. No worries. We said our hellos, chatted for a bit, and all went to bed around 11pm.

We got up early NYE morning and sat down to our Made to Order breakfast. Yep, Roland, the Inn Keeper, came into the dining room and asked us what we wated to eat, and had a plethra of options. The Inns Bruno and I have been to before have a set menu and while the food was always delicious, it was great to have exactly what we wanted. All but Brian sprung for the Eggs Benedict, which Bruno and I also ended up having the 2nd morning. It was amazing and a gret start to our day.

From there we trekked into Philadelphia to see some sites and be touristy. Our touristy stops, with pictures, included: LOVE park, the market (near HArd Rock Cafe, can't remember the name but it was AWESOME), the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. We didn't make it to Pat and Geno's for a cheesesteak, but given the really cold temperatures, and oh yeah, the crazy blizzard going on, we were okay with missing it this time. We had cheesesteaks in The Bourse food court instead, and they were pretty darn good!

After a few hours in Philly, we headed back to the house. We played board games and snacked on pizza to pass the time until our 10pm dinner reservation in Media. We ate at a restaraunt called Azia and it was REALLY yummy. We finished eating just in time, around 11:45, to walked down 2 blocks to join the big crowd of people (about 200-300) gathered to watch Media's very own ball drop. We counted down, cheered, kissed, and then immediately left the cold to head back home. We were all in bed by 1pm.

While it was a low-key early night (well, early for NYE) it was the perfect way to ring in 2009. Now where will we go NEXT New Years??

PS pictures to come...

Why don't they know better?

2008-12-17T05:40:00.000-08:00

This morning, the metro was packed. The past few days it has been actually, which is weird. I mean, I had been told it's usually packed, but for the majority of my trips on the metro, I've been able to have a seat. Not lately.

Either way, so this morning I was standing in the middle of the car, trying to read the paper and hang on for dear life at the same time... always a tough feat. After about 20 mintues, a seat finally opened up and I jumped on it before giving anyone else a chance to. I mean hey, I have a long ride. I deserve a seat. Little did I know I was grabbing a seat next to the obnoxious gum chewer. You know the type... chews loudly.... with his mouth OPEN! I mean seriously, why do people think this is acceptable? Is it acceptable to eat with you mouth open? No. Chewing gum is just eating without swallowing. Seriously... keep your mouth closed.

I hate those guys.

When I grow up

2008-12-16T08:13:00.000-08:00

I often wonder if I'll ever be a grown-up at a grown-up job. If I'll ever be able to work 8 hour without checking my personal email; without reading other people's blogs and writing my own; without shopping online.

I just can't imagine it. How do these people do it? How can they be so focused on their job that the personal things really do wait until after work?

I wonder if it's because of the age we grew up in, surrounded by computers. I don't know any of my friends that are in that grown-up job focus stage. None of them. When does it change? Does it ever change? Will I be a CEO of a company and still check Facebook 30 times a day?

Did I jinx it?

2008-12-16T07:59:00.000-08:00

Last blog I wrote about how awesome our Fridays off were. I spent my Friday doing wedding stuff, having lunch with Bruno and basically running around crazy. But it was GREAT! I never have the time otherwise to do all the things I did. And apparently I still won't.

I found out yesterday that my company is taking away our Free Fridays. The principals seem to think that people are taking advantage of the priviledge, which really I don't see at all. I've heard the Arlington office is empty... and that's another reason they're taking it away. Well, people are on vacation and people are leaving the company, thus the reason the office is empty.

It just sucks because that was the silver lining to this job. Taking that away is not going to boost morale in any way, shape or form. A lot of people are unhappy there already, and taking away this will just push even more people away. Then, when we do get work, there won't be anyone to do it.

I just don't know........

Fridays!

2008-12-12T05:48:00.000-08:00

Well despite all the craziness that has been going on in my office, there has been a silver lining amongst it all... Fridays off!! What we're doing is working 9 hour days, for 2 weeks, so then we have enough hours to have every other Friday off. It's GREAT!

And what has worked nice too is that during holiday weeks, we only work 8 hours since we have days off built in. I didn't think I'd like it, since having Fridays off are so great, but it's actually pretty sweet. It ends up being pretty exciting to leave work at 5 instead of 6.

I just have SO much to do today, that I'm so excited to have the day off. I'm going to have lunch with Bruno :), drs appt... eww... but then just odds and ends around the house.

Tomorrow morning we're going to decorate the tree, so once that's in the process, I'll post again :)

I still love them...

2008-12-04T06:02:00.000-08:00

Last night, Bruno, Lindsay, Megan and I took a ride down to the 930 Club to see The Dan Band. This is the 3rd straight year that Bruno and I have seen them perform... it's becoming quite a tradition. We were both a little unsure of how the show would be, as I think Bruno is actually getting tired of seeing the Dan Band, but goes just to appease me. And espeically after being at the 930 Club the night before to see Vampire Weekend, who were AMAZING!, we just didn't know if we would have as much fun.

Well we did... even though the Dan Band played hits that they have been playing for the past 3 yrs, I still can't get enough. The silly choreography and random stories just keep me laughing and entertained. They DID introduce a new medley - FAME! and What a Feeling. Granted it was only about 1.5 min long, I still loved it.

The night of course started off well as on our way to the club, we passed by a California Tortilla and grabbed our free taco. For those who were not aware, last night CT was giving away free tacos if you gave them a note that said "I love the Improv!" Apparently this was supposed to be a secret, as we quickly found out after the cashier gave Lindsay a hard time for speaking loudly to him, "Are you guys doing the free tacos from the Improv?" Haha. But they were yummy... and we were happy.

To the dungeon...

2008-12-02T12:40:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, on a Monday morning, I was cornered by 2 of my bosses as I came into the office. Of course I immediately think the worst, since cornering usually means you're in trouble. They could tell by my look that I was worried about what they were about to tell me.

"Don't worry, we're not laying you off."

"Well I would hope you wouldn't do it in the conference room!"

Instead they asked me if I wanted to move down, temporarily, to our DC office. Did I want to? No. First of all, it would mean I would be away from our awesome office in Clarendon. I'd be away from my office friends. I'd be away from free lunches and treats. I'd have to become a metro rider. I'd have to work in an office with no windows. Again, did I want to? No. Did I have to? Not reeeaaalllly, but kinda yes. Did I? Yes.

So I've been here only 6 days, and it seems to maybe get slightly better. I REALLY hope I don't have to stay here long, because I'm already missing the treats of the season, including Lindt chocolate brought in by a vendor today.

I mean, i'ts ok. Once I have my own projects to work on, it'll be better. I mean, I do have slightly more privacy, and well, oppportunity to write blogs. Ha. I can't check facebook, but at least I have email or I would REALLY be hating life.

So for now, I'm in the dungeon. At least I'm saving money on gas, right? Riiiiight....

A Male Masseuse

2008-10-14T19:14:00.000-07:00

Tonight, I decided to take advantage of Spa Week. For those of you that don't know, Spa Week is just like restaraunt week, where participating spas offer great services for just $50! Awesome! So I decided to go with the 50 minute green tea massage. Nice.

The times I have gone to have a massage before, I'm pretty certain I always had a female masseuse. Tonight however, I was to have a male masseuse. I was of course surprised as I was greeted by him in the waiting room, but didn't think twice. It's still a massage, right?

It started out good and relaxing, just chatting away about softball and whatever. Don't get me wrong, it was a great massage, but I was so self concious the whole time! I mean, all of the sudden I was worried if my legs were shaven well enough, if under my arms smelled, if my toes looked ok. I'm sure I was fine and if I wasn't, who cares? It was just different and awkward, because I knew if I had a woman, I wouldn't have cared about any of that. Well, obviously, since I didn't go and shave my legs again before going (don't get carried away, my legs weren't out of control or anything, I DID just shave Sunday evening).

He was nice, and good masseuse, and now that I have experienced a male masseuse, I should be all clear for whatever comes my way next time.

State of Shock

2008-07-09T17:54:00.000-07:00

This morning, at work, I'm copied on an email regarding a colleague (from another company) that I have been working with since I started at Matrix. All the email said was that his son, who his wife and him recently adopted from Russia, had passed away, and that he was hospitalized. That was all we got.

Of course my coworker and I were baffled, so she called his coworker to get more details. The called coworker was very cryptic, explained that she wasn't at liberty to say anything about the email, and that was it. Ok... we were confused by her answer, and somewhat annoyed that she wouldn't tell us what happened.

The end of the day comes around, about when I'm leaving, and my coworker has a distressed look on her face.

"Ray just said he heard on the radio that a little boy was left in a car yesterday, in the heat, and died. This happened in the area where he lives..."

It couldn't be. We checked the internet and there was no information regarding the story. I lstened to the news all the way home, and nothing. As soon as I turned on the tv when I got home, there it was, confirmed. It was his little boy, who was left in the car, all day, and died. Miles, the dad, collapsed and was hospitalized after he discovered the fate of his son.

Honestly, I just can't believe it. It's very surreal. You hear these stories, but it's never about someone you ACTUALLY know, someone you interact with on a regular basis. It's unbelievable.

Miles is being charged with manslaughter. Miles is one of the nicest, most genuine people I know, and he was so unbelievably excited about this little boy.

This is going to change his life forever. It already has. His life will never be the same, neither will ours. It just is so unreal to know, that honestly, we will really never see him again. You don't recover from something like this. This just envokes feelings that I can't even describe. It's unreal, terrible, deeply saddening... it's unreal.

A distracted mind...

2008-06-03T19:09:00.000-07:00

Yeah, so I have been a little stressed out recently, since I have yet to find my wedding dress. Granted, I have a little less then a year to go, but I'm just getting so frustrated. I've been dress shopping about 5-6 times, probably to a total of almost 10 stores. Where is it???

I found one in Warrenton that I'm pretty fond of, but I just don't have that "it" feeling. Aren't I supposed to have that "it" feeling? It just wears on me because I have friends who found their dresses so quickly... I just don't know. I don't want to settle for a dress, but honestly, I'm getting a little tired of trying on dresses. I mean, by now I know what style and shape looks best on me, it's just a matter of finding it.

Otherwise, I find myself completely distracted every now and again, thinking of things for the wedding. Favors, placecards, cake, decorations... I just really want to make sure I cover everything, and that our wedding really exemplifies us. Has the look and feeling that people can say, "This wedding is totally Molly and Bruno." (I think that's how I'm feeling about the dress too.)

My latest wedding, Linda and Steve, was just that. It was such a fantastic wedding, and everything about it said "Linda and Steve." I was definitely impressed and a little intimated. I hope ours turns out so well!

I know I know we have a lot of time, but that time goes fast. And with us still needing to figure out this whole officiant thing, and of course the dress and cake and flowers, well I'm just feeling stressed that these things won't get done in time.

I'm sure every bride goes through this, right???

The Great Purge

2008-06-01T20:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Bruno and I spent had a whole day to ourselves. Originally, we were supposed to be in New York for my cousin's daughter's christening. Unfortunately, the christening time changed and the only way we could have made it in time is if we left our house by 4am. So we had the whole day to ourselves... but how quickly that changes.

About mid-week I get an email from my softball teammate, asking if I could sub in their make-up game on Saturday afternoon.

"Sure. I have the day free."

Wrong answer. He then asks, since I have the day free, if I could play in a morning/afternoon tournament with him as well. Sure, why not. But there went my free day.

However Friday I get an email from him and the tournament has been cancelled. Sweet. Now I'm free until the evening.

So Saturday comes, and I start the day trying to catch up on the softball games I have been recording since Thursday (the college world series in going on right now. I'm actually watching the 2nd game from Saturday right now, with about 7 more games to catch up on!) So after about 4 hours of watching softball and cleaning the living room, I decide it's time to tackle our guest room. For the past 3 months, since we've moved in, the guest room has been a disaster area, full of junk we just had nowhere to put. Well today was the day to conquer and envelop ourselves into The Great Purge.

We worked on that room for almost 3 hours, ending up throwing away about 8 bags of trash and junk. It was crazy! And believe me, it was not easy. I hate throwing things out, and I hated it this time. But I had to be realistic and think about how much I actually use some of this stuff. I think the hardest thing to pitch, and I still slightly regret doing it, was my Wild Diva shoes that I got in LA 2 years ago. For those of you that know my MySpace name, well that's what it's from. Bruno even told me, that since I was getting rid of the shoes, that I would have to now change my MySpace name. Well let's not get crazy here.

So that was our big purge. My evening softball games ended up being cancelled, due to the crazy rainstorms we had that afternoon. Bruno and I worked on that room until about 8pm, when we got showered and headed out to Fairfax.

The room already looks 5,000x better. Do you ever just sit and admire the work you've just done to make something look spectacular? Yeah, I just keep going into that room and staring in awe. Granted, it still has a while to go, but it's just so much better now. Nice teamwork!

Our First Dance

2008-05-30T18:20:00.001-07:00

As you may or may not know, I'm getting married next May. YAY!

So to get prepared, Bruno (the future husband) and I decided to get a headstart with our dancing shoes so we can look awesome in front of our wedding guests. We actually took a few group and private lessons last year, loved it, but just didn't have the time to continue. If you know us, you know we are usually booked every day, every night, 6 months in advance.

Last night we had our first private lesson since last year, and we were a little nervous. We had the same instructor as before, who is pretty awesome and works well with us. So we started the lesson with some box simple box steps, which came back top us like riding a bike. After a little box stepping, we were mastering spins, twirls and even a new dip. Awesome.

At the beginning of the lesson we told our instructor, Justin, that we were getting married next year. YAY! He looked a bit confused, then I informed him that I had just come from my softball game, so my ring had not returned to my finger yet. We asked that he listen to our First Dance song and let us know what dance style we should persue with it. The music started to play, Bruno started to dance, Justin listened and immediately let us know that we would use the Rhumba style for the song. Awesome, since that's what we had been refreshed on earlier in the lesson.

"Go ahead and try it with the song," he says.

Bruno puts out his arms and I set myself perfectly inside them. We count off and move into our "Slow, Quick Quick, Slow" beat. Almost immediately, before we even get through the 1st 4 beats, tears start to form in my eyes. We had never actually danced to our song before, and now, experiencing it, I couldn't help but look ahead a year and imagine us, all dolled up and looking fanastic, in front of all our friends and family, dancing as husband and wife. I can't wait :)