how did i end up here?

Vaya Con Dios, Guate!

2011-08-30T15:16:00.004-05:00

I can’t even believe this is my last post from Guatemala. It’s been the craziest adventure of my life so far and will not be easy to top. I’m drawing a blank on the best way to summarize my time here. So I think I’ll just include pictures of this amazing place. The first picture is from Cerro de la Cruz (Hill of the Cross) which is a hill north of town that provides great views of the whole city. The day I went you could see the volcano Agua really well…that doesn’t happen often. Usually it’s covered with clouds, so we got very lucky.

This morning I went with my teacher to the last few places I’d yet to see. We went to Capuchinas, which is an old ruined church and monastery. I’m SO glad I didn’t miss this place, it was incredible. It’s a good thing I’m leaving now because I’ve run out of adjectives to describe Guatemala…incredible, beautiful, amazing, wonderful, breath taking…you get the idea, they all apply. It was great to have Carmen with me, she was able to translate some of the markers and give me some of the history of the building. I was really able to see more than I normally would have. Here are some pics of me at the fountain the center, and of one of the gardens on the property. This was a great place to finish my trip.

It’s with a heavy heart that I say goodbye. I’ve met some truly beautiful people here that I will always consider my friends and I’m a better person because I met each of them.

Una parte de mi Corazon es en La Antigua.

As I was Saying...

2011-08-29T18:17:00.007-05:00

I’m not an adventure girl. This weekend I got talked into visiting Semuc Champey. It was billed as the “most beautiful spot in all of Guatemala.” Who doesn’t want to see that, right? But to get to this magical place would take a six hour car drive. Normally, 6 hours is nothing…but 6 hours in Guatemala is different. Not one road is straight, not one road is without trucks blowing exhaust (there are no laws to regulate such things here) and the roads are often bumpy. Just saying those things in a row like this is such an understatement for exactly what happened this weekend.

Juan Carlos (our driver and guide for the trip) picked the four of us up on Friday afternoon. He apologized because we had to take his old beat up hatchback to Guatemala City where we would pick up the rental car. I’m thinking, ok, it’s just 40 minutes then we’ll get a nice van and be able to spread out. I was so wrong. We traded in his old hatchback for a 1989 Nissan Sentra…there will be no spreading out on this trip. The 5 of us crammed ourselves into this little car for long weekend which would consist of hours of driving. One of my favorite moments of the trip was when Samantha, after searching through the radio stations, turned around and said, “Did anyone bring a CD?” Yeah, I also packed my walkman for my month long trip to Guatemala.

Now Juan Carlos is a special breed of people. He has many talents. One is, the guy knows absolutely everything about everything in Guatemala. He was a great guide. But the other main talent he has is for driving. I mean, I’ve never seen anyone multitask in the car better than this guy. He was pointing out several interesting things, talking on his 3 cell phones, texting on his 3 cell phones, snacking on cookies, extreme tail gaiting, and making the craziest passes on two lane roads with double yellow lines; all while driving a stick shift through windy mountain roads without a seatbelt. I will never be able to complain about anyone’s driving again. I feared for my life every second and I was in the center seat in the back without a seatbelt so I would’ve been the first one to die.

We arrived at the halfway point for the night (safely, thank goodness) at this beautiful place way up in the mountains. Our room was like a tree house in the jungle. It was pretty cool and I could not be happier to be out of the car. Little did I know, we’d just gone through the easy part of the trip. We stayed in this place because it was famous for being able to spot the Quetsal, the national bird of Guatemala. We did see one in the morning. It was pretty cool! Very small, with a long tail and a brightly colored chest.

After the bird sighting, we all loaded up in the car for the last three hours to Semuc Champey. After two more hours of crazy driving and windy roads, I knew we were close so I wasn’t too worried. But I remembered Juan Carlos saying, “It’s a good thing we got this rental car because it’s high up for the roads to Semuc Champey.” Remember we are in a 1989 Nissan Sentra…not a Jeep or even a Subaru. We turn the corner for the last 15 kilometers only to discover it was a dirt/rocky road. The whole car gasped! Is he for real? We’re going to take this car down that road? But we sure did and JC’s got some serious driving skills. There were a few times (ok, more than just a few) that I thought there’s no way we’re going to make it. But we did…not sure how, but we did.

After we made it ok, JC said to put on our bathing suits because we were going to go to see the caves. There was a fifteen minute walk to the caves, wearing only my bathing suit and a smile. I can tell you that not one person has seen me just in my bathing suit for longer than it takes me to take off my cover up and get in the water in years. I thought my body issues were going to be the biggest problem of the day…wrong again. The caves were very cool, but they were caves…with water and only lit via candle light. It was very beautiful, but it was like an obstacle course in the dark…up ladders, across waterfalls, hidden rocks under the water. I got pretty banged up. At the end (which was two hours later) I had a full-on panic attack. We were supposed to go into this hole with water gushing through it and I couldn’t see what was on the other side and I couldn’t understand the guide as to where I was supposed to put my feet and my hands because of his Spanish accent and the echo of the caves. I flipped out! I started screaming, “I CAN’T UNDERSTAND YOU!! I CAN’T SEE THE BOTTOM!! I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO!” Thank goodness Samantha was behind me to calm me down, and the guide calmed me down too and said we’d just go around a different way. He helped me go another way and I made it out of the caves alive…with a little less pride, but alive nonetheless.

That night it rained so hard all night. I didn’t think it was ever going to stop, but it finally did in the morning sometime. We got up and went for a hike to see the beautiful pools that Semuc Champey is famous for. The hike was brutal, plus, I’m way out of shape. But we all made it to the top anyhow. When we got to the top, JC (that's a picture of our esteemed leader there with the strong river in the back...love this guy) told us it was the strongest he’d ever seen the river and the usually clear pools were not so clear at all (there's a picture of the pools from the lookout point). Great. I went on this crazy trip just to see these amazing pools and it turns out that today they aren’t so amazing after all. Just my luck. It was still pretty though, although not the best thing I’ve seen in Guatemala. That’s a picture of the four of us overlooking the not so clear pools. We were all so sweaty and tired that we’re saying, “don’t touch me.” After a little spill on the hike down (just another blow to the ego, nothing much else seriously injured) and a rock jammed into my back, I was done with this place. Perfect time to cram ourselves back into the Nissan and head back to Antigua. Here's a picture of Samantha, Cash and Austen and me at the lookout point in the hike.

Needless to say, everything hurts today and will hurt more tomorrow. So all you people who said I was more adventurous than I gave myself credit for…I was right and you were wrong. I tried it and discovered what I already knew, no, I’m not. And I can live with that.

Superman? Is that you up here too?

2011-08-22T19:02:00.006-05:00

On Saturday I went zip lining with two of my housemates. Wow. I was extremely nervous because, as you know, I’m a chicken when it comes to pretty much everything. But who knew peer pressure was so effective? Why yes, I would love to jump off a cliff with you, thanks so much for asking! It really wasn’t scary at all and was the most fun I’ve had in a while. There were two different zip line courses. The first course consisted of seven different lines and the second one had just two lines, but they were both very long and across a canyon. In order to get to the lines, we had to take this army looking truck up a very steep windy road. The scenery was amazing…the drive alone was worth the price of admission. The canopy tours were at a coffee farm, so it was row after row of coffee bean trees on the sides of the mountains. So cool.

Once we got to the first line, I was super nervous and I was selected to go first. I warned the instructors that I was liable to scream like a little girl, but they didn’t seem disturbed by this. However, as it turns out, they pushed me off the edge and it wasn’t scary at all! It was what I imagine Superman feels like when he’s out saving the world. It was so fun, and that was just the first, very short line. The lines just got better from there. And we even got to get a running start on one of the lines…I think that one was my favorite one, even though it wasn’t the longest and the scenery wasn’t the best. It was just such a rush to give the zip line a running start. The second course with the two long lines was incredible. The first line was over 1700 feet across a canyon…the ground was 500 feet below. What a rush. You could see the volcanoes, the trees, parts of Antigua. It was incredible and hard to describe in words. I was so glad I went. Sometimes peer pressure is for good.

The rest of the weekend didn’t consist of many amazingly interesting things. It was quite rainy all weekend, which required more indoor activities. We went to a few movies at the cinema. It’s a great little theatre that shows older American movies with Spanish subtitles. It’s a good way to see how certain phrases are used in context. Plus it’s free! You can’t really beat that on a dreary afternoon.

Spanish school is coming along. Not sure I’m learning enough to sustain many conversations. So I’m hoping to veer my lessons in the direction of common conversations and away from verb conjugations (which I’ll probably never learn properly). It went ok this morning…I’m learning how to haggle with the vendors in the Mercado and talk to bartenders about the game on tv, all important stuff.

The pictures in the blog today, are from some of the more recognizable places in Antigua. The two pictures of a big yellow church are of a church called La Merced. It is often referred to (at least in the guidebooks) as the wedding cake church because the detailing on the front is so ornate and looks like a wedding cake. There are also two pictures of the Arch. This is the most famous place in Antigua. It was built so that nuns could cross the street without being tainted by the outside world. And the last picture is of lil ole me at a lookout point above the city. Enjoy!

The Adventure Continues…

2011-08-19T14:54:00.004-05:00

The last few days have been a blur. The short list of things I’ve done include touring a macadamia nut farm, having lunch with a local, visiting the museum of books, visiting a museum of arts that included a look at one of the most magnificent hotels I’ve ever seen. I’m really enjoying my Spanish classes in the mornings. And I love that the afternoons are my own. Every afternoon I wonder the streets, just seeing what I can see. So far I’ve discovered some really cool things on my own. On my afternoon walks I often wander into a local restaurant for an afternoon snack and beverage. There are so many great places to eat here and I don’t want to miss out on trying them all…or at least several of them.

The macadamia nut farm was pretty cool. I had no idea the process was so time consuming, but could also be done almost completely off the grid. After the tour, we got macadamia nut pancakes smothered in macadamia nut butter…they were pretty dreamy. But the best part of the farm was the bathroom. Now, I know what you’re thinking, how cool can a bathroom really be? But this one was pretty amazing. The “room” was completely covered in plant life and flowers and the walls were made of bamboo shoots. When I walked in, the sun was shining through the shoots directly onto the throne, if you will. It was just beckoning me to come and stay. All I could think was, I’m pretty sure I could come up with some brilliant ideas in here. My friend said it best, “It looks like what the bathroom in the Garden of Eden would have been like.” See for yourself! It’s beautiful, isn’t it?

Wednesday afternoon there was a big soccer game going on and I decided I’d go check it out in a nearby restaurant. The game was between Barcelona and Madrid and it was a lively affair, to be sure. They love their soccer around here. When Barcelona scored, the whole place erupted. The bartender climbed a few shelves on the bookshelf and started banging a drum and spinning a noisemaker and howling up a storm. It was great fun to watch and be a part of.

Before going to watch the game, I stopped in at the museum of books. I thought it would be cool, considering my background and I heard they had the first printing press in Central America. Well, let me save you a trip and save you 30 Quetsales. It was so lame. Just a whole bunch of old books. Then when I got to the press, I was so excited! It did look pretty cool. But then I saw the sign that said it was merely a replica. WHAT? It wasn’t even the real thing? I was so irritated. So far, the lowlight of Guate.

Yesterday I had lunch with Desiree. She owns an art gallery and shop here in Guatemala. Her house is directly behind her shop, so it was easy to find. When I suggested we have lunch last week, I assumed we would just go somewhere, and I could buy her lunch. When I arrived, she said lunch wasn’t ready yet but that we would have a drink on the patio while we waited. I felt horrible! I didn’t intend for her to have to make me lunch. But she said it was no problem…that they make lunch for everyone. We had a lovely lunch and have already scheduled several other outings. Next Thursday I’m going to go to mass with her whole family, then return to her house for a tamale feast. I’m SO excited about this! I feel like I’ve made a good friend for life in her. She wants to take me under her wing and show me all Guatemala has to offer…and I think I will let her.

After leaving Desiree’s house, I went looking for trouble and found a great art museum/hotel in the meantime. It was so incredible; words (and even pictures) can’t grasp the coolness of it. I stumbled upon the backside of the hotel which was the art museum part. I decided I’d check it out. The museum was cool…you know, just a regular museum. And then I rounded the corner. I saw the amazing ruins which had been incorporated into the structure. There was a church and a ruin fountain that was actually working and even a restaurant built right into the ruins. It was so beautiful to see. The picture is of the church that was half ruins and half outdoor tent. The greenery and plants were all so beautiful and there were even parrots (real live parrots!!) perched in several places just chirping up a storm. I think that’s called paradise.

From Start to Finish

2011-08-17T18:58:00.003-05:00

My next door neighbor is a silversmith (how cool is that?). His name is Oscar, and he’s as sweet as he can be. That's him in the picture, melting the silver. Last week one of my housemates and her Spanish teacher went over to Oscar’s and made their own jewelry. I thought that was so impressive, so I decided I wanted to do it too. Yesterday my Spanish teacher Carmen and I went next door to Oscar’s house/silversmith shop and made our own jewelry. It was so cool! But it took a very long time, and a ton of steps. I will appreciate the jewelry I have now (and the pieces I will buy in the future) so much more than ever. It’s very time consuming and requires a steady hand.

Carmen decided on a jade ring and I went with a jade pendant (Guatemala is famous for jade). The jade was already cut and ready to go, but we did everything else by hand. I designed my pendant myself! After many hours and a slight adjustment to my original design (I accidentally cut too far in when I was sawing the silver – actually I broke the blade twice…oopsie! Sorry Oscar!), I wound up with a beautiful teardrop pendant. It was so satisfying to see it from conception to completion. It appears I can bring out the creative juices at times.

Uh, This Seems Sketchy

2011-08-16T17:56:00.003-05:00

Today I went with Hugo (our house Father) and two of my housemates to a jade store he knew of a town away. The prices were much better there. So we hopped on a chicken bus. It was awesome! It felt like a cross between riding the bus to school and being on a party bus. Each bus is painted differently by the bus owner, and the owner of the bus has free reign to decorate it as he pleases. They also often play Latino music really loud. The whole experience was surreal (not unlike most things I’ve experienced in Antigua). Here’s a picture from inside the bus.

The bus dropped us off on a random street corner and we walked a block or so to this nondescript door. Hugo knocked on it, which surprised all of us. It really did look so sketchy. I asked Hugo if he was sure he wasn’t sending us into the sex trade. And he said, “Not sure. When the door opens, Otono (my Spanish name), you go first.” HA! But when the door did open, we saw this beautiful jewelry showroom. It was very cool and the prices were reasonable…but getting there and back was interesting.

My Weekend at the Lake

2011-08-15T11:06:00.006-05:00

It’s been hard to write every day…but it’s even harder if I DON’T write every day! There’s just so much to say and try to explain in few profound words. So for the time being, I will skip Thursday and Friday and go straight to the weekend (I’ll try to come back to them at some other time). This weekend I went with one of my housemates to Lake Atitlan. It was the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. It was so remote and beautiful and untouched in a lot of ways. The pictures are nice, but even they can’t begin to explain what I saw. We arrived in Panahachel on Saturday morning, and quickly realized neither of us had brought enough cash. We were really hoping places would take plastic…we were wrong. So most of Saturday was panic ridden as we tried to calculate exactly what we could do with the money we had.

Let me quickly explain some about the lake…first of all, it’s absolutely HUGE! You can’t see the other side of it in places and it takes an hour by boat to reach the far end. Also, it’s surrounded by several pueblos…probably fifteen of them or so. But many of the pueblos, you can’t drive to, they are only accessible by boat. Each pueblo is different and has different things to offer. We decided to go to Santiago, San Pedro and Santa Cruz on Saturday.

Santiago is interesting for a few reasons. One, it’s home to Maximon. I won’t bore you with many of the details about Maximon, but it’s so cool I have to share some about him. Maximon is a saint in the Mayan culture…but he’s not just any saint, he’s the sinners saint (he’s also been considered the Saint of Judas Iscariot). Maximon moves around from house to house each year. If you pay a small fee, you can visit him and take a picture of him. He’s a wooden sculpture, dressed in scarves a hat and smoking a fat cigar. He (by “he” I mean the family that’s hosting him) also accepts gifts of cigarettes or rum. It’s just such a strange idea, that I had to see it. That’s him in the picture, along with one of the guards that flanked him on either side. He literally is just at someone’s house…and we had to walk through this back alley and utter, sickening poverty to get to the house where he was staying. It was an interesting experience to say the least.

After a quick stop in San Pedro (not much to see here, however, we did find out it was a great place for buying and selling la ganja), we made our way to Santa Cruz where we finally found a hotel that would take credit cards. Let me preface this by saying, the place was great. It had great views, a fun and relaxing atmosphere and amazing food. However. The only room they had left did not have its own bathroom (we had to share with several others) or electricity. Yes, you read that right. We didn’t have electricity. When we checked in, they gave us the key and three candles. Oh, and the key was to a giant padlock that we were to use to lock the door…from the outside. If we were inside, just a latch lock would have to do. Wow. Where am I? And what the heck am I doing? But as it turned out, you can handle anything for one night and it wasn’t so bad after all. The hotel was a great place to read a book in a hammock overlooking the water or just hang out on the porch and enjoy the view. The picture with the boats in sight is the view from the porch. Very relaxing. We did a short kayaking trip Sunday morning which was so cool! I’m not a huge fan of water and have been really reluctant to try kayaking, but I was feeling just adventurous enough to give it a go. I’m so glad I did. The views of the mountains from the water were even better than on land. Every time you look at the lake and its surroundings, it looks different.

It was a great weekend, with only minor money snafus and a wee bit of car sickness. I can’t wait to see what this weekend brings! Tikal? Es possible. Stay tuned.

Happy Week-iversary to me!

2011-08-14T22:17:00.004-05:00

I can’t believe I’ve already been here a week! Crazy. The time has absolutely flown by. I still can’t even believe that this is my LIFE right now! It’s been a roller coaster ride, that is for sure. I’m too tired to write much right now, but I was getting some flack for being quiet the last few days. I’m just signing on to say I’m still alive and kicking. I have a bit of good news too…I finally figured out how to get my pictures onto my computer. Score! But I'm too tired, and my computer isn't cooperating this evening. I will try to post some pictures tomorrow.

I went to Lago de Atitlan this weekend and saw some of the most breath taking scenery I’ve ever seen. The place looked like the set of Jurassic Park. I took a ton of pictures, but they don’t even come close to doing it justice.

I promise to write more (and post some visuals) tomorrow. Buenas Noches!

Things you don’t see in the States

2011-08-10T21:28:00.002-05:00

Or at least you don’t see often. I thought I’d just write a few of the things I’ve seen since I’ve been here…although most of these things were from the trip to and from the beach today.

Women walking, balancing baskets full of food on their heads.

A black sand beach. Black beaches are really hot to walk on with bare feet, in case you’re wondering.

Hundreds of school buses painted in bright colors, called chicken buses. It’s Guatemala’s form of public transportation.

Women in little shacks on the side of the street making tortillas. (Muy delicioso!!)

Chickens…just walking around seemingly without an owner.

Mountains of trash right on the bank of the river.

El Fuego Volcano eruption…from a very safe distance. Really all you could see was a plume of smoke…but it was still so cool to see!

A mountain side that looked like the profile of a woman’s face.

So much poverty you can’t even imagine. It’s gonna be hard to complain about anything anymore.

A bike taxi contraption that was so cool. It had two wheels in the front, with a bench seat and an awning, and the bike rider sat behind it. The opposite of a tuck tuck…instead of the biker pulling his passengers, he was pushing them. So strange.

I saw a little girl, probably 2 years old, sitting in the basket in the front of a bicycle while her mom shuttled her around.

Three people on a motorcycle…none wearing helmets. Motorcycles are everywhere down here. They seem to be the main mode of transportation…however, most don’t have three people on them.

A sign for a hotel that said it had many rooms at a cheap rate. But when I looked, all I could see were essentially small cubes with hammocks in them. The rates better be REALLY cheap.

And my favorite…a truck with four people in the back. That’s not particularly unusual. But what makes this interesting, is one of the men in the back was holding an iguana by the tail. Yep. I’ve never seen that in the states.

Third Day’s a Charm

2011-08-09T19:02:00.000-05:00

Day three in Antigua has been one of the best so far. Although it did start out with cereal and warm milk…I am not a fan. It was a little more than I could handle at siete en la manana. However, after that, the day picked up quite nicely, I must say. School was great! I feel like I’m learning a lot with Carmen. She’s very patient and is always eager to explain things to me and she gives me great examples. I really look forward classes with her.

After school and lunch (which was a very delicioso sopa de tomato y carne y arroz,) I set out to meet a few new friends. Kristen (friend of Quin’s from college who lives in the DC area) grew up in Guatemala and has several friends in Antigua, not to mention her parents are still in Guatemala City. She was kind enough to send a few letters with me to give to her friends so I could meet them too. I first went to meet Desire who owns a shop here in town. Places are not exactly easy to find here. While the town is set up on a traditional grid, exactly none of the streets are named, nor are the houses marked. That makes it difficult to find any place in particular, to say the least. After walking for 20 minutes, I finally found Casa de Artes, the store Desire runs. I was lucky enough to catch her (I understand she is a very busy woman) and we chatted for a good while. She is very sweet and we planned to have lunch sometime next week. I can’t wait!

After saying hasta luego to Desire I set out to find Annette, another of Kristen’s friends who is getting on in years. Annette is a painter by trade and still has a studio for her work. I found her house and rang the doorbell twice. Her housekeeper answered the door and between my horrible Spanish and her little knowledge of English, I figured out Annette was taking a siesta but she said I could come in and talk to Annette’s esposo. So I sat and talked with Johnny, her husband, for about half an hour. Such a sweet man! I just want to take him home with me!! In his past life he was a pediatrician and worked with USAID for years in Guatemala. He had tons of great advice and even told me I had the Spanish accent down (he and Annette are both from Great Britain). Why, thank you Johnny! While we were talking, Annette woke from her nap, but had to get to a doctor’s appointment. Johnny asked her to come in and meet me, but she couldn’t be bothered because she was late for her appointment. Those two…I tell you what…adorable. I gave Johnny my email and asked him to contact me. I really hope he does. I’d love to get together with him again. And maybe this time Annette could join as well.

All in all I’d call today a great success. And I can’t wait for class on the beach tomorrow! I just hope I don’t blind all these Gualtematecas with mi muy blanca piel.

Enough About Me...

2011-08-08T21:07:00.000-05:00

Let’s talk about some of the people I’ve met so far…

There’s Jacquie, Matthew and Ebony…all three from Columbia, Maryland (not far at all from me in Silver Spring). She’s a nurse originally from Jamaica and Matthew is 14, Ebony is 12. Here’s the crazy part about these three…Jacquie is going to spend the first week with the kids…then she’s leaving them here alone for a week! And I was scared about coming on my own at 30. Boy do I feel silly now. My first (really) awkward moment happened this morning at school. It was during the break and all the students were milling around, I was talking to Jacquie and co when this obviously American woman comes up to me and hands me a flyer for massages. She asks me if I like massages and I say yes, then I hand the flyer to Jacquie so she can see it too and the woman says to Jacquie, “I didn’t hand you a flyer because I have a weight limit on my table and you’re too big for it. But trust me, that’s the only reason I didn’t give you a flyer.” Uh, AWKWARD!!! I mean, what am I supposed to say to that? Then the masseuse nods at another woman in the group and says, “too big too, I guess you’re the only one in the group it will work with.” I just wanted to crawl under a rock! Who says that?

Then there’s my host family mamita, Lourdes. She’s very sweet but doesn’t speak any English so communication has been mostly through other people or hand gestures. So far I’ve had three meals in the house and they haven’t been too bad. But I’m curious if the school tells them to only cook American food. We’ve had pancakes for breakfast, spaghetti for lunch and hamburgers and ramen noodles for dinner…I’ll let you be the judge of whether our menu has been tailored to American tastes.

There’s David who is fromAlbquerque, New Mexico! True story. It’s a small world indeed.

And Samantha and Roxanne…both have been here for a few weeks and will be here most of the time I’m here. They seem very cool and easy to get along with.

To finish tonight I’ll just give a brief synopsis of my afternoon. I left the house about an hour before my salsa class to just walk around and see what I could see. I finally found the parque central. It was so beautiful! Trees and flowers and fountains, oh my! And also lots of people trying to sell me stuff. No gracias, no gracias was the motto of the afternoon. But I think I’ll be spending more time there in the afternoons reading a book or maybe honing my photography skillz.

Then. I went to clase de salsa. Let’s just say I’ve got white girl hips that have exactly no sexy in them. And to add on top of that, I’ve got no rhythm. It’s a recipe for boring, stilted dancing. But it was still fun. I’m thinking I might take private lessons…they’re pretty cheap and maybe the instructor will have some sexy she can loan me.

Estoy sonoliento. Buenas noches, mi amigos.

God Bless Wifi

2011-08-08T15:51:00.001-05:00

So far day 2 has been 100% better than day one! And it all started when one of my housemates told me that the casa where I’m staying has wifi. The clouds opened, angels started singing and I’m pretty sure I saw the face of God in John from New York City. No more will I have to wonder the streets asking store owners in broken Spanish with the hand motion of typing on a typewriter only to have them look at me like I’m a fool. No longer will I have to sit alone in my room feeling so lonely I can’t think about anything else. Aint technology grand! Yes, yes, it is.

After the good word was shared, I went with some of my housemates to the school. My host house is more like a hotel, than a guest house. There are about 8 students living here, plus the four in the family. It’s a huge place with a big garden and patio inside. We do everything outside it seems, even school, which is very cool because the weather is just unbeatable! Highs in the mid-70s, lows in the 60s with rain showers in the afternoon and evening. I’ll take that any day compared to the 95+ humid summers of DC.

At school I met my teacher, Carmen. She’s great! And I learned she turned 30 one day before me. Cancers unite! We spent the first hour just talking…she was asking me questions in Spanish, and I was responding in horrible broken Spanish. But it was good! I felt like I remembered and could understand more than I thought. That was encouraging…until we started getting into “ser” and “estar.” Don’t even ask. I have no clue. Carmen has her work cut out for her.

So far I’ve signed up for Clase de la playa (class at the beach) on Wednesday, Clase de cocina (cooking class) on Thursday and I’m going to a salsa class this afternoon. That should be interesting…white girl with no rhythm and no knowledge of Spanish trying to dance la salsa. Oh boy…that’s a recipe for disaster…or maybe a few laughs at least. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Antigua – 2, Autumn – 1…I’m catching up sucka! You better be ready.

Day 1, Part 2

2011-08-08T13:57:00.000-05:00

I lay down to take a quick nap. When I woke up, I checked the clock and it said 5:45. Thinking it was 5:45 am, I flew out of bed, got in the shower (which was luke warm at best), got myself together. I come out of my room and see one of the little boys I met earlier sitting on the couch. I ask him if he’s already had breakfast. He looked at me like I just told him the world was flat and said, no breakfast today, it’s Sunday. (The family doesn’t cook for us on the weekends). After I argued with the 8 year old for a few minutes about what day it was, I went back to my room to prove him wrong. Well, after much searching and checking of my handy travel clock, I realized he was right. The sun wasn’t just coming up, it was going down. Antigua – 2, Autumn – 0.

In other news…someone downstairs is blaring Ah Ha’s Take on Me. So strange.

Antigua, Day 1

2011-08-08T13:50:00.000-05:00

Well. So far I’ve learned I know exactly no helpful Spanish. It’s been a tough few hours, especially since my host family doesn’t speak any English. But I’m muddling through and putting on my “Stupid American” hat. I’m wearing it quite well, I must say.

Antigua is beautiful! The mountains are so green and lush, the brightly colored houses with their secret gardens inside, the quaint cobblestone streets that are impossible to walk on with any measure of confidence. It truly is a very unique town. Plus, on the drive leaving Guatemala City, we saw a man herding goats on the street…right in front of a Domino’s Pizza…how’s the for old world meets new world.

I’ve only been here a few hours and I’ve had the high of going out and discovering the town on my own, and the low of realizing I have no one here to share it with. So far I can’t say I’m a fan of traveling by myself. I want someone to be with me to discover new things together. I want someone who sees things I don’t see. I want someone who stretches me to do things I wouldn’t do on my own. Because I know what I would do on my own…find an American bar with wifi to connect with all those people I wish were here with me, then come back to my room and write about how I wish someone was with me.

So as I sit here in my room listening to the torrential downpour going on outside…I’m hopeful for these next few weeks, but all the same, blue about going it alone. But that’s what this whole trip was about, que no? Going it alone? Hoping it gets easier. Until tomorrow….

My B.O.A.T.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8 Things

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

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

8 Things I Did Today…

1. Slept in.

2. Cleaned my house.

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

4. Put up a few last Christmas decorations.

5. Laundry.

6. Took a nap.

7. Watched football.

8. Talked to my BFF.

8 Of My Favorite Restaurants…

1. Leal's

2. El Rancho

3. Austin Grill

4. Houston's Woodmont Grille

5. Cotton Patch

6. Chick-fil-a

7. Fuddruckers

8. Rasika

8 Shows I Watch…

1. The Office

2. 48 Hours Mystery

3. What Not to Wear

4. Cash Cab

5. American Idol

6. Dateline

7. Reba

8. Meet the Press

8 Things I Wish For…

1. Financial Stability

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

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

4. Having a nice house, with nice things.

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

6. More direction in my life.

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

8. A bigger closet.

8 Things I Look Forward To…

1. Christmas time with my family.

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

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

4. One day being the boss.

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

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

7. Possibly being domesticated one day.

8. Date nights.

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

Life is Good

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

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

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

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

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

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

100 Things

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. I will eat my favorite thing last.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

20. Raspberries are my favorite fruit.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

33. I can't ride a bike.

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

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

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

37. I want to run a marathon someday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

44. Don't condescend me.

45. I hate plants.

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

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

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

49. I don't believe in coincidences.

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

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

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

53. Warm lettuce grosses me out! Bleck!

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

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

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

57. I miss Capitol Hill more and more everyday.

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

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

60. I like dressing up for work everyday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

67. I am afraid of commitment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

81. I thrive on routine.

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

83. I have a pretty sweet cat.

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

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

86. I blush very easily.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

96. I'm pretty moody.

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

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

99. I'm not above plastic surgery.

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

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

Seven Random Things

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Auld Lang Sine

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

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

NO, I Will Not Marry You!

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

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

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

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

She Did It

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

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

Does Anybody Else...

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

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

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

I Can't Believe I've Sunk This Low

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One Year Reflections

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

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

It's been too long...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Luck Be A Lady

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oh Sweet NYC

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

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

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

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

Perfect Timing

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

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

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

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

House Sitting

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

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

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

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

What Fall is Supposed to Look Like

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

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

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

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

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

PS-Get out an VOTE today!!

This Post is Dedicated to the Birthday Girl

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

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

Myth: Getting the Flu Shot will Give you the Flu

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

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

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

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

Brothers and Parents and Nieces, OH MY!

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

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

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

Good and Bad

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

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

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

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

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

What a Difference a Plug-In Makes??

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

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

True Story

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

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

The Official Log of the Psychotic Judiciary Intern

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

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

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

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

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

New York, New York

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

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

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

My Place

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

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

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

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

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

Pay It Forward

2006-09-18T12:59:00.000-05:00

This weekend was pretty uneventful...and that's fine with me! On Saturday I was chained to my apartment, yet again, waiting for the Dish Network guy. He finally showed up at 6pm...ugh. While he was trapsing in and out of my apartment, he brought another woman with him. He said, "She needs directions and I don't live here. Can you help her?" She told me where she wanted to go, and I was giving her directions when it occured to me, there was no car around. So I asked her if she walked here. She said yes. I knew where she was going and I knew it would take her a little while to walk there. I told her if she could wait until I was done with Ramon (Dish Network guy) I would drive her there. She thanked me over and over again. So for about 20 minutes I had Ramon, the dish network installation guy, En, lost Asian woman, and me all in my apartment. My first official house party...or something like that. Anyways, I take En where she needed to go and before she gets out she says, "I make jewlery and sell it, but I want to give you one for taking me." She pulled out a bag of cute dangly earings she had made and tells me to pick one out. She helped me pick out a cute turquoise pair and went on her way. I couldn't help but be touched by this. I felt like a million bucks! I have to admit, it's been a while since I've truly done something for someone else...it feels really nice. I think I'll do it again soon. Thanks En for being so generous and for opening my eyes to what it feels like to pay it forward.

This Is A No Parking Zone

2006-09-13T09:35:00.000-05:00

Well, the worst has officially happened. I finally got my coveted parking pass yesterday...disaster I say, disaster! I went to the parking pass office and the girl said, you will be parking here, and she pointed to a street on the map. I'm sorry, did you say street parking? So I'll be parking on the street? Not in a lot...parallel parking? Well, I don't know if you know this or not but, I have never parallel parked in my life. It absolutely terrifies me! Last night I didn't sleep well just thinking about it. When I got to work this morning, I found a spot I didn't have to back into and I snatched it up! I had to walk about five blocks, but I didn't care. I later recruited some of my friends in the office to come down and give me an impromptu parking lesson. They were great, and I actually did it!! It only took about three tries. HA! I'm hoping this gets easier with practice and without help...I won't have them in the car with me every morning.

I aslo drove to work for the first time this morning...talk about traffic! It's enough to make a person go crazy! I'm really hoping today was an exception and not the norm.

On Monday, I got to hang out with the Senator for about a half an hour...just me and another girl I work with. It was so great! I'll take any face time I can get with the Senator. He was cracking us up! What a character.

On another completely unrelated note...Roxanne finally slept on her pillow and with me more last night. Whew...I thought she'd never get used to the new place.

Weekend Update with Tina Fey

2006-09-11T08:59:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm not exactly Tina Fey...but sometimes I like to think I am...I mean, we both have glasses and dark hair, and we both are extremely funny...we're practically twins!

Friday night I went out with a few girls from the office we went to eat at this pizza place called Matchbox...great atmosphere, decent pizza, but the smell of that place permeated everything on me...even my purse!! I couldn't get the smell out of my nose to save my life! So gross. Then we went to see Little Miss Sunshine. Really funny movie! I laughed so hard! NOTE: I do not recommend this movie for my parents...it has an "R" rating and all the things that go along with that apply here. But it was really funny.

Saturday...I spent the entire day chained to my apartment...a prisoner in my own home waiting for the Directv installation guy. He was supposed to be there between 8am and noon...he finally showed up at 3pm. He looked around for a little bit and finally said, "I can't install it, you have no signal here." I'm sorry, come again? Surely I didn't hear you right...surely I haven't been waiting all day for you to come by just so you could tell me it can't be done. This man almost got slapped. So I called Dish Network...they are coming on Saturday. Looks like it will be another long week without any TV.

Saturday night I went out with Katie...how do I know Katie, you ask? It's a very long story! Katie works with Lisa R....that's the short version. I rode with Katie and we were going to a place in Adam's Morgan neither of us had been before. She got directions from a friend of hers...these directions weren't even close to being right...and we wound up walking about 3 miles before we finally found the place. Soooo many blisters! We were hobbling by the time we got there...I'm just glad I decided to wear those flip flops instead of my cute black heels. I can't even imagine. But Katie is tons of fun...I plan on hanging out with her again soon!

Sunday I was really lazy...mostly to spare my feet. Lots of sleeping, but no football...thanks for nothing Directv! However, I did learn something yesterday...I can't run my microwave and my toaster oven at the same time...blew a breaker twice.

Well, today is September 11...big sigh. Things are different in the city today. I can just feel it. I have to admit, I was pretty nervous about coming to work today. The security everywhere has been heightened. So far everything is okay...but it is definitely a different city today.

The Wheels on the Bus...

2006-09-08T08:40:00.003-05:00

Okay, I HATE the bus! I mean loathe it! I called to get a cab and it was going to cost me $22 to get home from my metro stop...OUCH!! So I opted to just take the bus. I had to wait 30 minutes for the bus and I didn't get home last night until 9:30! I miss the days of driving 5 minutes to get to work. Don't worry...I applied for my parking pass yesterday, and I can't wait to use it! I drove this morning to a different metro stop and parked in the parking garage of a mall, just so I didn't have to ride the bus. I'm just hoping the parking garage is still open when I go back tonight. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

So, on Wednesday I got to hang out with Kelly Clarkson...you read that right! It was so cool...we were standing right in front of her. One of my friends got her to sign her CD booklets. Kelly was really nice. Randy Jackson was also there...he's really short, btw. The Recording Academy or something like that, was doing a demonstration in one of the caucus rooms on the House side, of what goes on in producing a record. And they recorded a song that's gonna be on Kelly's new album. I love working on The Hill!!

Last night I was having a kind of blue evening. Lots of reasons, I guess. But when I got home I had a package from my Mommy at my door. I knew it was coming and I could hardly wait for its arrival. I quickly opened it...it was full of silly things, so very characteristic of my Mom. After opening the box, I immediately burst into tears. (come to think of it, if someone was just reading my blog, it would seem I cry a whole lot. I really don't, I'm basically a very happy person...no really, I am!) I just missed my Mom and Dad and all my family. It was nice to get a little piece of them in the mail, no matter how silly. I loved every little piece...a coloring book, some crayons, a book full of girly romance stories, a word find book, some gummy bears, and my favorite part of the package...a bag of candy. But the best part of the bag of candy was the note she attached to it. It said, "Put these in a dish on your desk and everyone will come to your cubby." I was talking to my mom a few weeks ago about work, and not really fitting in and being back in a corner...such a place that no one ever goes to unless they are coming to see me. Which means, no thru traffic by-passing my desk. She said, in perfect mother fashion, "Well, Autumn, you're just going to have to get out there. You can't stay behind your desk all day in your que-by and never talk to people." Of course she's right...but her solution to the problem was perfectly spot on...a dish of coveted candy. I plan on putting the candy out and weighing the response I get.

I couldn't sleep last night...just thinking about a lot of stuff right now, so this morning came way too early for me. I decided to get one of those Pumpkin Spice Lattes Lisa has been raving about...and they definitely lived up to the hype! What a great treat this morning.

Why yes, I am sporting a side ponytail today! I love the 80s!!

Having Your Own Space...Priceless

2006-09-06T08:53:00.000-05:00

Such a busy weekend! I have so much to write about so forgive me if this post seems a bit hodge-podge. Friday night, I went over to Yvonne's for Tots and Tonic. The tonics were only for the adults of course, but the kids had plenty of stuff to eat and drink. Yvonne is not known for putting together a party unless everything is perfect. She had shrimp coctail, chips and salsa, wine, cheese and even a cake! It was great fun. I hate that I'm going to be moving so far away from Yvonne and Lisa. But I'm sure I'll make the trek to hang out!

On Saturday, Roxanne and I packed our bags again and moved on down to the Commonwealth of Virginia. I had moved half of my junk into our new extremely efficient efficiency apartment, and the place was filled to the brim...I just sat down and cried! I called my mom, of course, and cried to her about making the wrong decision, blah blah blah. She made me feel so much better (that's what mom's are for, right?) and I finished moving in my stuff. I had carried all the stuff myself but I still had two big things I couldn't carry myself so I asked Lester if he would help me with them. After he finished loading the heavy stuff in my car, I told him thanks and he said, "No problem. That will be a hug, a kiss and a date." That statement was the last straw for me!! I couldn't stand being around him for another minute! Lisa came later with her friend Carol, and she helped me carry the big stuff I couldn't fit in my car. They were a big help! Thanks guys!! After I got everything put up, I felt pretty good about the place. It's very cozy, don't get me wrong, but not nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. And just getting away from Lester was worth any price!

Sunday I was pretty lazy. I took a drive around the area to see what I could find. I found tons of great stuff. On Sunday night Sam called me. She was having a craving for sushi and she knew I'd never had it before. I agreed to try it and met her at a sushi bar downtown. I did want to try it...and I did try it....but...I hated it!! Absolutely hated it! I don't really like fish as it is and this was no exception. My gag reflex was seriously working overtime and it was all I could do to just keep it down. Yucky!! However, I was glad I tried it...at least now I can have an educated opinion about it.

On Monday, we all went to a baseball game. I love going to baseball games, as I have mentioned before. Sam and her friend Diane went to Washington University in St. Louis and the Nationals were playing the Cardinals. The Nationals won 4-1...it was a PERFECT day for baseball...not too hot, not too cold. But the bigger story is we got tickets for $3!! That's cheaper than buying a cup of coffee! I'd pay that everyday to go to a baseball game!

I don't have a parking pass yet and I decided I would try out the public transportation from my house to work for a week before I decide to drive to work. Yesterday it was pouring rain when I started to work. I have to walk about 4 blocks to my bus stop, get on the bus, get on the yellow line, change lines to the red line, get off at Union Station and finally walk another 4 blocks to the office building. The rain made yesterdays commute miserable. Riding the bus home wasn't too bad. I was just reading my book, not really paying too much attention. Then I look up and I was the only white person on the bus! I was never scared or afraid, I was just all of a sudden very aware of what I had on my person. I was listening to my ipod, I had a big bag, and my diamond earrings...I was a little nervous about walking the 4 blocks home in the dark. But luckily no one else got off at my stop so it was no big deal. I decided I should probably carry some pepper spray with me from now...one can never be too safe. I don't mind taking the public transportation, but I hate how late I got home last night...8:45pm and I did not even do much after work! I think driving is going to win out.

Office Woes

2006-08-30T12:52:00.000-05:00

Last night I went to happy hour with some of my co-workers. It was one of those, three strikes and your out, kinda things...which means, if you deny hanging out with them three times then they stop inviting you altogether. I had other things to do, but I couldn't risk being extradited from the office folk. I had a decent time...but I was ready to go after a few hours. We wound up staying for about four hours! Ugh. I was glad I went though...I now feel like I have a little bit more of a connection with some of the people I work with. I would like to think one of my social "gifts," if you will, is my wit. And thus far, I haven't been able get into any kind of groove to use it at all. That's getting very frustrating to me. I know it's silly but, that's how I make friends, and if I can't get my wit on, then how am I gonna make any friends???

Oh, but my favorite part of the evening was when a girl asked me, "So, where are you living?" I told her, and she said, "Wow! That's really far away!" Talk about a blow to the ego. I was already on edge about the apartment I signed up to rent for A YEAR. And then this girl just deflated any excitement I had about the place. *Sigh. It'll be fine, I was just saddened and annoyed to hear this.

Hands, Reaching Out, Touching Me, Touching YOUUUUUUU

2006-08-29T08:56:00.000-05:00

So yesterday, I don't know what it was...I guess just a little bout of grey skies and loneliness. I was on the metro riding home listening to my ipod. It's set on shuffle which leads to a great variety of music, I assure you. My tastes go from one extreme to another and when my ipod is on shuffle, I get a taste of it all! But I digress...I was listening to my ipod when Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline came on. I BURST into tears! I was remembering the night all The Core was packed into Carisima's car on the way to the movies and Jeremy, Adam and I were singing that song at the top of our lungs...or when Jeremy and I listened to it to get us pumped up before we ran our 10k. Who gets pumped up to Neil Diamond, anyway? But it's such a silly song to make someone cry, especially because it is such an upbeat song. I think I'm just getting lonely and I'm still trying to decipher if my new apartment is a good idea.

Also, I'm trying to find furniture for my new place. I'm thinking about getting a futon. What does a futon say?: I'm too cheap to have a couch AND a bed! Or maybe, "This couch can turn into a bed at any moment, baby." You decide...either way, I'm not really a fan of the futon, but I think it would be best for space purpose. Especially if I ever decide I want to have company. I welcome any thoughts on the futon issue or any "what does a futon say?" comments. This is a picture of the futon I'm thinking about getting....classey, eh? Nothing says, "Single Lady" like a good futon.

On the Road Again...again

2006-08-28T08:12:00.000-05:00

What a busy weekend I had...okay, so it wasn't THAT busy. Friday night I went over to happy hour at Yvonne's with Lisa. Yvonne is so great...very opinionated, and that's what I like about her! She's such a mother hen.

Saturday I drove all around DC (all by myself!) to check out some apartments. I decided the 1.5 hour commute everyday is going to start to get to me...especially come winter. So as I went on my quest to find a new place, I discovered a few things about myself. 1. I can drive in the city and not get completely lost (thanks mostly to mapquest). Maybe I'm growing...but the driving is no big deal...as long as I don't have to parallel park. 2. I hate having roommates!!! I've become so accustomed to coming and going as I pleased that after I met all these potential roommates, I decided I really don't want a roommate. But trying to find something affordable on my own around here is near impossible.

After a weary afternoon of searching, and not really being very impressed, I went out with Lisa and her friend Erica. We went to this Italian Chophouse. It was so much fun! I have yet to have a bad time with Lisa. Here's a picture of the three of us having a ball!

I decided Sunday was going to be my lazy, recuporating day. I slept in, ate some pop tarts, slept some more. Then I got a phone call. I didn't recognize the number so I just let it go to voicemail. I listened to the voicemail, and it was a dream come true! An efficiency apartment, in a great part of town, and in my price range! I rushed down to go check it out. While it's not a mansion, I think it will work just fine. It's SUPER small, but it does have a fireplace (that was the selling point). I quickly swiped it up and signed the lease. I'm moving in this weekend. Luckily, I don't have very much stuff, so hopefully the move won't be too big of a deal. I'm hoping to get Lisa to help me out (hint, hint ;)). I'm just hoping Roxanne doesn't freak out too much. Now all I really need is a bed...how important is a bed anyway?

Relief, Sweet Relief

2006-08-22T14:48:00.000-05:00

This weekend was a flash in the pan and just not long enough. My friend came down, and while we had a rocky first day, things did finally feel comfortable again. We did a lot of exploring of Germantown...everyday I find something new there! There was plenty of eating dinners together and tons of sports watching, and I loved every minute of it. I'm just glad those things are fun for him too! We ran together as well. It's always good to know someone is in just as much pain as you are at the moment, yet neither of you want to quit. However, I did quit well before he did...silly over achivers! On Sunday we went into the city so I could show him my office. And although we couldn't seem to find the light switches, I think he was pretty darn impressed with my little que-be. I mean, who wouldn't be? I work at the freaking center of the world!! It had been a long time since he'd seen Roxanne and he absolutely fell in love with her. He just kept saying what a good cat she was and how much she loved me...all this I know, of course.

All in all, it was a great weekend and I look forward to our next meeting. It was hard, as it always is, to see him go again. But this time there was a sense of peace in the departure.

PS - My business cards came in today...look for one in your next (and every) piece of mail from me!

Sweaty Palms

2006-08-17T08:52:00.000-05:00

Well, an old friend (and at times more) is coming to town today, and I am more than nervous. We haven't seen each other in a year and a half. Our communication hasn't ceased, we just haven't physically been around one another. I'm trying not to freak out too much, but I can't help but be nervous. I am not the same girl he left at the Tallahassee airport a year and a half ago. I'm not the same physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. He's very perceptive, and while I think he knows all this, I am still awaiting his reaction to it. I have no idea where our relationship will go. It's hard to keep anything alive when you are over a thousand miles apart. We are closer now, since I've moved to DC, but the distance still plagues us. I'm hoping this weekend will answer a lot of questions I have about him and us...good or bad, I just need to know. This anticipation is killing me.

I Don't Need to be "Hooked-up"

2006-08-14T16:20:00.000-05:00

It's Monday...yawn. Monday's always suck. But today hasn't been too bad.

Friday night, amidst an iPod crisis, Lisa called and asked my to come over to her friend Yvonne's house. I decided to go, and I was so glad I did. Yvonne and her family are so great. I had a great time sitting around and chatting. The food was fantastic too! I learned they are "foodies." I'm figuring it means they are some sort of food snobs...but all that means to me is they sure can cook!

Saturday, I was pretty lazy. It was a beautiful day out...high of only 80! I "got lost" in Germantown and found some pretty cool places. I did go and get my car washed...$20 later,gulp, I'm considering never driving it again for fear I might get it dirty. It was the strangest thing though...I went through the car wash like normal, then a guy comes and takes my car and drives it onto a moving conveyor belt. Then about 8 guys attack the car cleaning the windows, dash, and vacuuming out the floorboards. It was crazy! I'd never seen anything like it before.

Sunday, I went to a picnic with Lisa at her boss's house. This gathering, however, was not as comfortable as the Friday night escapade. It was okay, but I totally felt out of place and completely underdressed. I've never seen a group of more perfect bodies in all of my life! All the women were 40+ and had PERFECT bodies...there was NO WAY I was getting in the swimming pool with them! It wasn't too bad, but I did feel extremely out of place.

And finally, to the header of my post. One of my housemates, Lester keeps trying to set me up with some of his friends. He tells me his middle name is "Cupid." Oh Lord, here we go...On Saturday morning he asked me, "Do you like engineers?" I said, "As people? Uh, yes??" Then he proceeds to tell me about his friend who's 40, an engineer, and also a home owner. But my favorite part was when he said, "He's handsome, but he's not hot." What does that even mean?? So, apparently I can get someone cute, but definitely not hot. Ugh, Lester. I put him off and went on my way. THEN, later that night he comes down into my room and says, "So, do you like really (or as he says it, weally) good looking guys? Because I have this friend who's 22 and a lifeguard. He's not really smart, but he is very good looking." Are you kidding me??? UGH...just leave me alone. When I'm that desperate, Lester, you'll be the first to know...actually, you'll probably be the last, Sorry!

GOOOOOOOOOOO NATS!!!!

2006-08-11T08:07:00.000-05:00

I went to a Washington Nationals baseball game last night. It was so much fun! Mike, one of my fellow Interns from 2005 is working on The Hill too. He had an extra ticket, so he invited me to come along. I love going to baseball games. We lost, 9 to 6 against the Marlins, but we made a big rally in the 7th inning to tie the game. Riding home on the metro last night was like walking into another world. First we sat on the same end of the train with about 8 hoodlum kids all around the age of 13. They spoke of "rumbles" and "trouble." I was never worried but they were so annoying! They kept running up and down the train yelling at one another. And they all had these weird carnival stuffed animals...very strange. Then, at one stop a guy and a girl run onto the train, as if chasing one another. The guy taps her and says, "you're it!" Then runs off the train. And then, this cute little Asian girl gets on the metro and starts talking to anyone around her announcing, "I'm a little drunk, we just went to happy hour." I'm thinking, this girl is doing EVERYTHING wrong! Not in a million years would I tell strangers on a train that I was wasted, especially if I was by myself! I'm pretty beat today, but don't worry...my good friend Johnny Starbuck always seems to pull through in the klutch.

I can't wait for the weekend! Sleeping in, running by the lake (there's a lake by my house), and staying in my pjs all day. Weekends are great refreshers. Lisa invited me to a picnic on Sunday. I'm gonna go, but otherwise I have no weekend plans. I'm gonna go "get lost" in Germantown and see what I can find. I also need to wash my car...it's pretty filthy from the 24 hour plus trip from New Mexico. It should be a relaxing weekend, and I can't wait!

Just Another Day in Paradise

2006-08-10T08:18:00.000-05:00

Okay, so yesterday I found my car the very first time. I've found a few parking spaces that are always free, so I've been parking in the same spots everyday...that seems to help in the car search. After work yesterday I laced up my running shoes and went for a run on the Mall...that's right, I said the Mall. It was so nice...what an entirely different running experience. I ran all the way to the Washington Memorial and back. I don't know how far that is...I'm thinking about 3.5 miles. It was a beautiful afternoon with little humidity. Running back to the Capitol was so spectacular! It truly is such an amazing building. I still have to pinch myself every morning when I walk in. I plan on Mall running as often as I can squeeze it in.

I'm on my way home from work, my mouth had been watering for the entire commute thinking about the Chick-fil-A I would get in Germantown. So I'm in the drive thru, programming the radio stations in my car stereo. I'm totally not paying attention and completely MISS the speaker to order. So I had to wait in line, then drive back through the drive thru again and wait some more. How embarrassing! I'm finding my New Mexico license plate come in handy more and more everyday.

Today it's raining in the city. I finally figured out what those "wet umbrella" bags were for at the door to the office building. I'm just glad I had an umbrella to put in the bags! I'm not really used to carrying around such an item. It's beautiful though...all gloomy and grey. I just wish I was at home with Roxanne and not here at work. Speaking of Roxanne...we got lots of snuggle time last night. She must be finally comfortable with our new place. She makes this place and my loneliness so much more manageable. Okay, now I'm just rambling. Until tomorrow...

On the Road Again

2006-08-09T08:03:00.000-05:00

I have been grappling for days about what I wanted to say on this, my second post. My life has been officially picked up, flipped over and shaken. I no longer live within the confines of my comfort zone, but miles away from anything even remotely familiar. What a crazy week it has been for me! This time last week Aspen and I were pulling out of our driveway to make the longest trip of our lives...over 1,600 miles to Washington, DC. We made the trip just fine (even Roxanne did such a great job handling the drive!) The only hitch we had was when I hit a huge tire in the road on the Interstate…talk about a freak out!! Luckily we were fine and the car was fine, so no harm no foul.

Once we made it to Maryland, we stayed the first few nights with Lisa, Aspen's friend who has a daughter with WS, then crashed at my new pad. I love my new place by the way, it’s huge and I have my own bathroom, and a fireplace and a little courtyard out back where I can smoke cigarettes…well, if I smoked cigarettes that is. (Thanks for all the apartment hunting, Lisa.) I really dig it, but it’s quite a ways from work…like an hour and a half from work. But I am slowly adjusting to driving in the big city…those of you who know me know that my driving skills leave much to be desired. My biggest issue at this point has been the parking garages! For two days in a row now I’ve wandered the garages looking for my car. I’ll get this overwhelming feeling that my car has been stolen…when in actuality I’m just the idiot who can’t find her car. And yesterday I learned there are two car garages…yes two…I viewed them both looking for my car, lovely places, lovely places. I’ll get the hang of all this stuff soon, I’m sure of it.

Aspen left me on Monday and what a shock that was. I’ve never felt so empty and alone in my whole life. It was official…I’m here…alone…left by myself to figure out parking garages and such. I’m so glad she got to come out here and see “my stuff.” She knows and understands the trials of morning traffic, metro herding, and even jalapeno bagels from the Au Bon Pain. I feel like she has experienced what I do on a daily basis and that’s comforting for me. I only wish I could have taken her to a hundred more places…it’s very hard to narrow down what’s most important in this city. But we did enough so that she got some good ole blisters on her feet, and that’s what’s important.

Work…work is going okay. I’m having a hard time finding my groove here again. Yesterday I ate lunch by myself, sigh. It was really no big deal; I just hope I don’t have to do it very much. I have a very slow-to-warm personality…meaning, it takes me a while to get involved in a group and feel comfortable doing it. However, I was invited to a party this weekend…hmmm, can you say awkward social scene??? I have yet to decide if I’m gonna go. I won’t really know anyone and I won’t have an anchor person (which is huge for me). Yesterday I experienced my first “Net Meeting.” Wow are those freaky! It looked like ghosts had invaded my computer…like someone was looking through all my dirty laundry right in front of me! Like I wasn’t even there at all! Jessica popped up with a new IM that said, “What’s up hooker?” And I had no control over my screen to tell her to go away. The guy working on my computer just closed it out. *blushing, turning red…oops, sorry computer guys. Luckily they fixed my computer, but it was very strange to see. Like I said, all my woes will soon be eased…I hope. All this just takes time, right?

I’ll keep you guys posted on my city growing pains…thanks for being so patient for my next post. Now I need to figure out how to put pictures on this thing.

It's Official...

2006-07-27T00:24:00.000-05:00

I'M FREAKING OUT!!!
I leave in one week, and it's starting to set in how scared and nervous I actually am. I have resorted to being short with everyone I love and walking around with a blank look on my face. I'm sorry guys...hopefully I'll get myself together soon. I just keep thinking, I'm about to leave everything I know for everything I don't know. What a scary realization. My family, friends, and comfort zone are all here in Clovis. I hope giving all that stuff up helps me grow and realize some of my potential. For those of you who know me, my biggest fear is not living up to my potential. This is a big step in understanding myself and perhaps even finding myself. I want to do great things and touch people's lives in a way that cannot be done here.

Clovis and Portales, I shall miss you and all you have provided me. I have a good base becuase of the things I've learned here and the memories I've made here. Many more memories are to come in my life...I've only just begun! To each of you who've touched my heart, you know who you are, my life will never be the same because I met you. I shall never forget you and I hope the same is true for you. My life has been a blessing because you were in it. I hope to have many more posts of my adventures in DC. I will keep you updated with all the juicy gossip about my life, which usually isn't much, and with all my sheninigans. I love each one of you reading this, in an entirely different way. Keep in touch...because I will need you over there!