Caulking successful!

I decided to tackle a home improvement project. Some of the caulking in our bathtub was gross and mildewy and I just couldn't take it anymore. So, I spent Thursday evening scraping out much of the old caulking and replaced it with new, clean caulking the next morning. And, now, I don't have to avoid touching certain parts of our tub. Yay! Successful home improvement project! See before and after below.

Conversation with Target Employee

Setting: Me holding a tube of caulk in my hand in the aisle where I found it at Target

Me: Excuse me, do you know if you carry caulk guns?
Target Employee (TE): (blank stare)
Me: Well, this is caulk, but in order to use it, you have to put it in a caulk gun. (I make the appropriate gesture here to try to trigger his mind.)
TE: (blank stare)
Me: You have no idea what I'm talking about, do you?
TE: No, no I don't.
Me: Never mind.

Seriously. I know we're in a city and all, but still.

A journey begins

I woke up with this quote reverberating in my head.

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with just one step"

Christmas Eve

My mind is full of a bunch of things, but I'll try to keep this concise. I just came back from a Christmas Eve service at my cousin's church out in McLean. I'm not sure what denomination the church is, but it was much more liturgical and "high church" than I am used to. There were some things I didn't understand (like the procession of the cross), some things I understood, but hadn't seen in a while (an actual introit), and some things that were very familiar to me (lots of Christmas hymns). Regardless of familiarity and my comfort level with certain practices I see as slightly ritualistic, it was a great time to reflect and collect my thoughts about Christmas and Jesus.

Then, on the way home, I heard a song that I think about all year long, but I only ever hear it at Christmastime. It's called "A Strange Way to Save the World". Just after that, I drove back into sight of the city and realized this is the first Christmas I've ever spent in the city -- any city.

Yeah, I'm ready for Christmas now.

Is today longer?

Now that we've passed the Equinox, I'm enjoying the extended daylight.

Yes. I'm joking.

Weekend of Demarcation

It seems as though this weekend is a line of demarcation in my life... in little ways and in big ways. This weekend marks the end of work in 2007. Now that work is officially over, it seems to mark the beginning of the holidays for me. But on a sadder, and more significant, note, it marks the end of Amy and Hyla: the DC years. Today was the last day of just being there for the normal, mundane bits of "doing life" on a regular basis. We spent most of the day together, just hanging out, carrying boxes to her car, making dinner, watching a movie, chatting about boys -- some of our favorite things. But, then, inevitably, the end came and she had to leave to pick up Luke. Tomorrow, she and Luke will set out on a cross-continental journey (doesn't that sound schmancy?) and end up in a place she will soon call home.

I cried. I cried a little this morning. I cried when we actually said goodbye tonight. I cried on the couch after she left. Fortunately, Jones (Jonathan's dog that I'm watching this week) reached over with an understanding paw at the appropriate moments. I'm not sure why this is so emotional for me. I know people move... especially in DC, it's just a hazard of life. People's lives change. My friendships evolve and change all the time. I've known it was coming for months. And, yet, it has me all choked up.

So today is the line of demarcation that has my dear friend Amy living in my neighborhood, doing her DC life on one side of it and her life with Luke on the west coast on the other side. And, of course, I wish her only the very best.

I sense another line of demarcation this weekend, but I don't want to jinx it so I'll keep that to myself for now. Stay tuned for more! (I've been formulating my new year's eve post for a few weeks now in my head.)

Time to regroup

Because we have such a crazy December (and fall) at work, we get the week off between Christmas and New Year's each year. That week off starts right now! I usually have a grand plan, a detailed itinerary or a to-do list from here to Montana. Not this year, though. I have 10 days ahead of me with almost no plan at all. I'll have to say goodbye to Amy within the next 48 hours. Not incredibly excited about that. But, other than that, it should be a good, relaxing, play-it-by-ear kind of week. I'm hoping to spend a little time with Chris, build up my tights repertoire and hit the pool a lot. Everything else is negotiable. On to vacation!

Random day off

I decided to take today off for several reasons. This week is a seven day week for us - 1 concert day + 5 weekdays + 1 concert day -- voila! 7 day week. So, I decided to take a day off in the middle to give me a little break. It was also to spend a little extra time with Amy today before she leaves and time runs out. We went for a final popping man visit down on Hains Point, spent some quality time on the couch with bbq chicken and a movie and then went and worked off the chicken in the pool. I'm gonna miss that girl!

Well, back to the grindstone tomorrow.

Miracle needed

I need a job miracle. It is SO time for me to leave my position and I am really excited to use all that I've learned at MCW at some new occupational adventure. Anyways, I'm trying to be diligent and working on it, but I could use a little bit of miracle, too. I really want to try to stay in DC, but if the only (and best) opportunity I have is in a far away land, then it would be really hard to turn that down.

Also, it's incredibly, annoyingly cold here today.

Thoughts from a Saturday

As you may have guessed from my lack of posting, it's been a little crazy lately. Just a busy, busy time for my job, but the important thing is I'm here now!
Today was a real whirlwind of a day, but a great one! I got a real tree this morning for the first time ever. It's just a little chubby one, but it smells great and I love it! (Thanks to Chris for carrying it the whole way home!)
Then, after a frenzy of Christmas shopping and wrapping, I got to hear Jane Monheit in concert tonight. She's a fun performer and makes you feel like you're sitting in her living room. I want to go hear her again after she's had her baby... you could kind of get the idea that she was a little more reserved than she normally would. Anyways, that was great! I was fortunate to get a ticket to this sold-out show.
One final thought thanks to some kids on the metro:
"Why are we going back to Gallery Place? It's raining!"
"To spend time together. Because that's what families do.... spend time together."

Novel.

What a weekend!

I had a great weekend! I went to PA and killed about 3 birds with one stone. Bird 1: I got to see my parents for a little while... not enough, but still nice. It's just good to get mom-hugs sometimes.
Bird 2: We (including my brother Grant) went to my grandmother's and got her to show us the pocketwatch of family lore. Grant and I didn't know it existed until earlier this year. Apparently, my grandma and grandfather found it in a trunk in the basement of a house they bought something like 56 years ago. The trunk had civil war uniforms in it, some medals (not from the civil war, though, I don't think) and a very old pocketwatch. I believe the date on it is something like 1842. Anyways, she held onto it and showed it to us. It seems to be in pretty good condition and the intricate engraving on it is just incredible. The key is still attached and there is a 32nd degree mason eagle fob on it, too. Anyways, it's pretty cool. Check it out.
Bird 3: I took Grant to the Steelers-Browns game as a birthday present. It was his first Steelers game. I think he really loved it! It was an exciting game and a ton of fun to watch. It felt really good to be able to do something special for him like that.

Pictures of facepaint and the watch on flickr

Day 1 of Ridiculously Good Health Month

went fairly well. Good swim. Good food. yay.

An acquired skill?

I don't know what it is. I don't know if it's a different social culture or my comfort level in this city or pure dumb luck, but I had three good conversations with guys just sitting at bars today. Ok, that sounds raunchy. Nothing flirty or anything like that. Just random conversations in contrast to eating or watching the game alone. It makes me feel more like Hyla-- the girl who loves people and loves listening to them and discovering new ones.
Maybe there's just something about this city that "fits" me.

DC ballot box

Remember that picture I said I wished I had taken? Well, I got it. How great is this!

Wow.

That's the best word I can use right now. Here's a smattering of the thoughts bouncing of the walls of my brain.
- I cannot explain the feeling I get every time I'm in San Francisco. I only lived here for 6 months and I was so sick for half of it I couldn't even enjoy it. Yet, I always feel like I belong here. Maybe saying it feels like home is too dramatic, but it does seem to fit me.
- I'm going through a high-communication period with God. This is good. But, it's a little scary, too. I'm not ready to make any more big decisions or anything... who knows what will come of this.
- I was oddly emotional on the trip out here... what's up with that? I cried at Evan Almighty! Are you serious??? weird

Random people meetings, vol.2

So, my plan of recording every person I ran into didn't last long. However, today I ran into Amy (blonde Amy, for those of you that know of my long list of Amys) on the mall. I hadn't seen her in a long time! That was fun! I think it may be time to start coming out of my hole. I spent a casual afternoon with Jenn and it was great. I haven't done that in so long. I've been so focused on decompressing and now, I think I'm recovered. Time to come back out of my hole! yay!

I must start carrying my camera at all times!

Two funny things I wish I had pictures of from this week:
-- A plain white sticker stuck on a trash can in Georgetown: "DC Ballot Box (Your vote goes here)"

-- A man dragging two large suitcases behind him.
In giant letters on suitcase #1: MINE.
In giant letters on suitcase #2: NOT YOURS!

Today's score

Oversleeping the pool: -1
Getting to sleep in: +1
Finding money on the sidewalk: +2
A relatively quiet day at work: +1

So far: +3

Oh how I love thee, pool

I just had a fabulous swim in which I swam two separate 250's. Yay! I think that was the first time I swam a 250. I'm proud of myself. I shall do that again tomorrow. Yippee!!

Adventures in Oregon

So, I had this GRAND plan for Sunday. I was going to get up early and drive out to the coast to watch the sun come up (or probably, finish coming up) and then come back to watch the Steelers game followed by a few winery tastings and then the wedding. Well, it didn't quite work out that way. Kurt and I left the hotel at 7am to drive out to the coast. At approximately 7:02, we got a flat tire. (See photo illustrations below.)

At least we laughed a lot about it. So, we changed a tire and went out for breakfast instead. Not quite the ocean, but oh well.
I didn't make it to the ocean or the wineries, but I did make it to Jonathan's wedding. Congrats guys!! I have a few pics on flickr. (Warning: they're not so great)

Worst fortune EVER!

Well, I've arrived in Oregon (officially, my 40th state... I counted today... I was off, I guess.) Anyways, I decided to chill in my hotel tonight with some chinese take-out... a mistake in a small town... when will I learn?? Anyways, I got the worst fortune, EVER:
You will make many changes before settling satisfactorily.
What!?! That's horrible. Anyways, tomorrow, Jonathan gets married! Yay!

Stew bumper

I feel like I've had the depressing post up for too long so this is intended to bump it down on the page. I think of brilliant things to write every day and then every night when I actually have time, I forget what that brilliance was. More soon.

big, stewy mess

I've been a bit messy on the inside for a few weeks and it was just tonight that it hit me. It hit me that I have so much stuff spinning around in my head and in my heart. So many issues -- surface, and way, way below. And, it's hard to figure anything out when another issue keeps coming up and another and another and pretty soon it's a big stewy mess. Oh, isn't life fun? Man, I guess God never said it would be easy.

The beginning and the end

They say that people remember the first thing and the last thing... that's why programming for things like recitals is so important. Or, why we generally over-rehearse the opening and closing of a work. I'm thinking that maybe that is also true for days. Or at least my day today. This morning started out great with Starbucks and seeing what I can only explain as a baby raccoon on a leash. Hey, I only report what I see! Then, somewhere between that and 7pm, there was a minor work tragedy that I won't detail here b/c I'm just beginning to experience a duller pain. But, then tonight, I went to a birthday gathering for Elizabeth (who is fabulous, by the way!) and I had a really good time. I thought I would be in a pseudo-crappy mood, but it was exactly what I needed. We had conversations about our hometowns and how to get free tickets to stuff and the probability of Hyla surviving the Peace Corps. It was pretty awesome. As is Elizabeth, the birthday girl! Happy Birthday, Ms. Fabulous!
So, the beginning of today was good... and the ending was good. The middle was somewhat questionable, but we'll leave that for what it is. On to Friday!

Big shout-out to Dell

I requested a new charger/AC adapter for my laptop last night via chat at approx. 6:15pm. My charger was on my desk by 2:40pm today! I love my service agreement! Thanks, Dell!
(and, yes, Stephen - you could say, "easy as dell")

Yay Dell!

My charger (AC adapter) for my laptop died so I contacted Dell since I have the super-duper warranty and service agreement. They're sending me a new one!
Yay!! That was easy!

GJF, Vol next-to-last

Well, we thought today would be our last day for jury duty, but we got called back for yet another day. It's like the never-ending jury duty!

In other news, I didn't run into anyone today. hmmm....

A new series

One of my favorite things about living in the city and commuting via foot and metro is running into people randomly in the course of a day. So, for a week (or maybe two -- we'll see), I'm going to log my running-intos. So, here we go.
This morning, on the metro, I ran into Pat, from our grand jury.
Then, on the other side of the metro, I ran into Sarah, also from our grand jury.
On the way back to the metro, I saw a former board member (he didn't acknowledge me).
Tonight, I ran into another Sarah on the metro (this one is a musician I know from church).
Then, when I was almost home, a familiar green car drove by... with Amy!

Today's random highlights

This morning, I heard a new announcement on metro. (my paraphrase) "Metro now has new, more secure trash cans. So, throw out your trash without fear." What? Um.... was this a problem? Were people fearful when they threw out their trash?

I did my laundry tonight and it was cause to celebrate. drum roll please...... Both of my dryers worked on the first try!! That is a sheer miracle.

And, now smashed eggs with goat cheese, asparagus and sweet corn. yummy (It was supposed to be an omelet, but um, apparently, I haven't yet acquired omelet skills.)

The silver lining...

on the cloud where I always lose my phone is that when I leave the charger at my brother's house, I have 2 or 3 extras at home!

An Open Letter

I hate that you never pass me as I walk home anymore.
I hate that we never run into each other outside the building anymore.
I hate that when I yell your name outside the window, no one yells back.
I admit it, I miss you.
I miss our late night giggle-fests.
I miss seeing your green car in the questionable parking spot.
Maybe we could at least have a date night.

Defy expectation

Every once in a while, I pine for that American dream of a house and a marriage and a dog and 2.67 kids. Today's one of those days. It just hit me suddenly. I was scrolling through a couple blogs of my friends and I was hit with some pangs of jealousy of my friends that are getting married and another who posted adorable pictures of their kids peering out the window. I guess I'm allowed to think about it every once in a while.
And, now I'll just shove the lump back down my throat and go on in my life of strength where I am independent and get to do my own thing and live my life differently... the life where I have frequent culinary experiments, I can work as late as I want and move at the drop of a hat. I'm not trying to fulfill the expectations of my parents or even the expectations of my youth. I'm just living my life full and experimentally. Perhaps that's what's so nice about the grow up - get married- have kids - stay in one place ideal. There's a template to follow -- there's some security in that. I have no template. Just a challenge.

Weekend home

Weekends at home always present me with mixed emotions. Nostalgia, longing for natural beauty wonder about what it would be like to live around family, annoyance with the bizarro accent (and annoyance with the fact that even though I grew up there, I cannot duplicate it), frustration with the general pace of life. But, then once I slow down enough to be inside the life instead of watching them live as I whiz by, the nostalgia grows and I have fantasies about moving back and opening music studios and a great cafe and going home at night to pick fresh vegetables out of my garden and grilling them on the huge patio on the back of my house that I could actually afford. And, then I think I'm crazy that I would just go nuts and I dismiss it all. The fantasy becomes more and more detailed every time I go home, though. This time, it involved me becoming a regular at a couple good restaurants within 30-minutes' drive and finding a church that would work for me.
But, I digress...
I actually just wanted to check in and post that I was glad I was able to spend a few days with my parents. They are having a bit of a rough time and although they didn't let me see their emotion, I know this is hard for them and they feel a lot of responsibility to care for Chris and Andy (the neighbors). In other news, my father built this really cool fire pit and we sat out there around a fire on Friday night and roasted marshmallows and he told me about his trips to Montana. It was soo good. Anything that gets my father telling stories is cool. Just one question, why no firepit when I was at home? That would have been awesome. Anyways, I was glad I got home.
It also gave me a chance to get inside my head... I have a tendency to get very "thinky" when I'm at home. I was able to get through another layer of processing. I still don't know how this will all shake out, but I'm getting somewhere with the processing, I think.

Things that aren't supposed to happen

There are some things in life that I just feel like aren't supposed to happen. The kind of things that make me say, God, where are you in this? If you are the good and loving God I believe you are, then why do things like this happen? And, I always come back to the same place... knowing that things like this draw us to Him... that we are more likely to look for something greater than us when things aren't all perfect. That these are the times, more than any other, that we need something to believe in.
On Monday, the 9-year old son of my parents' next-door-neighbors shot himself in the head and subsequently died yesterday afternoon. He was apparently home alone and it's been attributed to an accident. What else can I say? It's terrible and my heart goes out to his parents.
My parents are close to his parents and spent a fair amount of time with the boy since they moved there a few years ago. In fact, my dad was quoted in the local paper... reading that brought me to tears over this for the first time. My dad was really sweet talking about Zach. Here's the article if you want to read about it.

a proud moment

I don't often write about work stuff here, but this morning, our brand-new website launched. I am so excited because it is SO much better than the former site and it feels good to look like a grown-up arts organization rather than a limping chorus. Anyways, I worked pretty hard on cleaning up some of the copy this week... I'm sure there are still a few details to be fixed or improved, but today it's up. I'm proud of it.
Check it out

Good day, #299384

A wonderfully cool day in August: +2
Oversleeping the pool: -2
Still having no voice: -3.5
Getting a temp to answer the phone since I'm a mute: +1
Having the temp complete 3 projects I don't have time to do: +3
Getting a ton of work done b/c no one is in the office (nor apparently in the city): +2
Yummy chicken salad for lunch: +1
Current score: +3.5

Now, to Macy's to return clothing and home to clean, clean, clean!

The muted version

I lost my voice this weekend. I was hoping I would wake up this morning and it would be better, but it is pretty nonexistent today. I feel okay, but my voice is just not there. I had to cancel my morning meetings for tomorrow. It would be a nice surprise if it reappeared.
Froggily yours,
Hy

Pop some popcorn, baby

I've just found my new favorite international issue. I plan to be a spectator of what I'm coining the "Arctic War". Russia planted a flag in a titanium capsule on the bottom of the ocean and Canada is now going up there to "reassert their sovereignty". There's a part of me that hopes they get into a bit of a flag-planting war.
And, just when I thought that conquering and land-claiming were dead to the Northern hemisphere!

Great times.

This is my favorite time of year. (Is the sarcasm dripping from your screen yet?) The time of year when it gets down to 90 at night. The time of the year when it feels like a steamy oven all over the place. Ew. Ew, ew, ew.

In better news, I made dinner for my small group and it was totally tasty and fun (if hot).

In strange news, a guy hit an SUV with his fist when we were crossing the street today and shouted "What? Are we in your way?" when they had to stop with the end of their vehicle in the crosswalk at rush hour. He really nailed it, too. It actually scared me. The girl driving wound down the window and said, "classy". Weird

GJF, Vol. 14

Well, just a few final thoughts. (Well, at least until the recall days.) The last five weeks have been so different than the rest of my life. In a way, it was kind of nice to learn about something all new to me. I really didn't know that much about the criminal prosecution process and it's nice to be more educated about something. I probably could have lived my whole life without hearing about all of those domestic violence cases and without some of the vocabulary expansion. Regardless, it has been an interesting process.
I am more than happy to going back to working just one job, though!

Celebrate the Mattress! (GJF, Vol. 13)

We hear case after case and they tend to run together. Often, we'll refer to a case by the one memorable nugget, an identifying feature: the one with with the brick or the one with the Bobbi Brown lipgloss, something like that. Today, though, we got the best nugget yet.
A witness came in to tell us about an altercation he had. He was a rather confused older man who seemed to have a childlike mentality, for whatever reason. Anyways, he mentioned early on that he had a mattress delivered the day of the altercation. The attorney later asked him if he had any alcohol that day. He responded, "Yeah, I had 3 beers.... I had to celebrate the mattress!" We all chuckled... how awesome is that! Celebrating the mattress. You go! You celebrate that mattress! Carpe Diem, man!
Later, though, I couldn't help but think that perhaps we could all use a little more mattress celebration. We take so much for granted and have such a sense of necessity (and truthfully, entitlement) that we rarely take time to really soak in the little stuff. But, this guy... he was celebrating his mattress. I don't know why it was important to celebrate it. Maybe he was sleeping on the floor. Maybe he saved up for it. I don't know, but I do know that he found it celebration-worthy... and beer-worthy.
Tonight, on your way home, notice the little things. And, celebrate them! Maybe it's just a little smile or a silent "Thanks, God" or a diet coke toast to that great pair of earrings you found on sale for 75% off. It doesn't really matter what your "mattress" is, celebrate your mattress!

Overheard in Georgetown

"I didn't realize that it wasn't a state. I thought New England was a state up there by New Hampshire." Wow... wow, wow.

Also, there was an adorable, swedish-looking family on the bus tonight with two little kids. They both had "Mom cell 202.202.2022" written on their arm. Hysterical. And, smart!

GJF, Vol. 12

Have I mentioned that our foreperson resembles Bill Cosby?

GJF, Vol. 11

It's late. I'm tired. So, this will be short. The lady formerly known as Circus Lady will now be known as Ms. "Have a conversation with the witness rather than just ask a question". Seriously. The jurors are getting restless. If we had more than 1.5 weeks left, there might be a brawl.

In other news, cute blonde girl tried on her wedding dress yesterday. It made her sister cry. Aww.

Candace and I bonded over kohlrabi.

Vote for Jonathan

My esteemed friend, Jonathan, has been nominated for hottest media type on a DC media blog. The voting is going on now and goes until Monday! So, get your virtual self over there and vote for Jonathan.
And, pass it on!

Update: At last count, "J-Shray" was in the lead!

Today's score

Not finding lost phone: minus 2
Feeling crappy from remnants of cold: minus 1
Trick hip acting up: minus 1
Sweet email from boy: plus 3
A very clean kitchen: plus 2

That's a score of plus 1 -- not too bad, I guess.

PS - the grand jury natives are getting restless... personalities are starting to clash... more on that later

A little cold to go with that, please

I have a crappy, crappy cold. I stayed home yesterday, but today, I went in to the office for the afternoon and then to church. I'm worn out now.
Church was good, though. Here's what my mind is trying to wrap around at the moment: "Wishing everyone else would worship you is a product of pride." Ouch. I've actually said that out loud about men. Well, more precisely, "I secretly want all men (esp. my exes) to adore me." If it's not about me, which it's not, then I have to get rid of this. I don't know that it's wrong to want people to like you, but I may be crossing the line here.... big time.
Ouch.

GJF, Vol. 10

Well, it's starting to really catch up with me. I am officially behind at work and to top it off I came down with a cold. Jury duty has been really busy so I haven't gotten much done during the day. And, because I'm feeling a little under the weather, I haven't been going into the office in the evening...a recipe for getting behind, for sure. I can only do what I can do, though.

Today, I made good on my promise to buy TJ a Tendercrisp. She was happy as a clam. It's the little things.

Today's vocabulary word: voyeurism

GJF, Vol. 9

Today was that fateful day. I had hoped it wouldn't arrive, but it did. I lost the Tendercrisp bet. Last week, there was a false alarm, but today I officially lost. Let me explain.
TJ (who sits next to me) eats a Tendercrisp sandwich from Burger King nearly every day. There is another individual on our jury who asks a question of nearly every witness we hear. Sometimes this person's questions are relevant, sometimes not. One day last week, TJ noticed that it really started to annoy me. So, the birth of the bet. I bet her a Tendercrisp sandwich that we couldn't get through one witness' testimony without that individual asking a question.
Last Friday, we heard a witness and she left the room without our friend Mr. Inappropriate Question asking anything. TJ jumped up and declared that she had won a Tendercrisp. But, then the witness was called back and Mr. I.Q. asked something. Decision overturned!
Today, though, we got through a witness without him asking anything. So, I officially owe TJ a Tendercrisp sandwich. So much for that bet. I'll have to come up with a new game to keep me occupied.

GJF, Vol. 8

Tired. So very very tired. I don't wanna anymore. My brain is totally spent. So just one indulgence:
TJ (young, extroverted, sensationalist girl): Yeah, I weigh 130! Weigh me.
Aiesha (pretty 30-something mother and professional): 130? No way! I weigh that.
TJ: Yup. 130.
Candace (40-something reserved woman and all around cool chick): And, it's all in your lip.

Go Candace!

GJF, Vol. 7

Today was one of those days where our down time between cases wasn't really sufficient to get a lot of work done. Translation: I got lots of anecdotes from my fellow jurors. I won't bore you with everything (nor will I be able to remember it right now), but here are a few bits of today.
- After 9 days of jury duty, I nominate Maria as most interesting person. She may not prove to be the most interesting person, but she certainly has entertaining stories.
- The circus lady told yet another animal story that was actually a metaphor. Let's call them fables...Maria's fables. Maria's fables always teach something about human nature and behavior through the behavior and instinct of animals. I actually don't remember the story she told, but I do remember saying, "Everything comes back to the circus. Maria, you should write a book about your life and call it 'Everything I needed to know, I learned in the circus.'"
- She also told us about some custom t-shirts she had made once. She is black and told us about how she used to tease her hair way out. She had a t-shirt made that said, "Happy to be Nappy". But, my personal favorite was (in small writing) itty bitty titty club. But, apparently, her chest got larger when she hit about 30 or so. To compensate, she had "Reformed Member" added to the back of the shirt!
- The timing award goes to Candace for making me laugh the hardest all day. Unfortunately, I don't remember at all what she said -- something about a lawyer, I think, but I definitely don't remember.
- The blond showed me her wedding dress online. She was so cute and so excited to show me. She wanted to show me her sister's bridesmaid's dress, too, but she couldn't find it quickly. I think I'm back in her good graces, which is good cuz we sit just down the row from each other. Honestly, I'm jealous of her b/c she gets to talk to Candace all day. I want to talk to Candace. I want Candace to be my friend because she just seems so cool. (I am so 12.)
- I also found out that another girl on our jury met her husband when he had her paged in her dorm at college. Really? That stuff works? Well, she said that it actually didn't work and she blew him off, but they ended up working together at the library. Yeah, that's where the romance is... in the books.
- Finally, my law phrase of the day: "intent to frighten"

GJF, Vol. 6, No. 2

Today was rough. Not only were we in "court" (I put that in quotes because we don't actually meet at the courthouse, but I guess that technically we are in court.) until just after 5pm again, but the cases were heavy -- the kind of thing that weighs on your spirit a little. On a brighter note, I got to have lunch with Nathaniel! That was nice. I don't get a lot of 1-on-1 time with "Thanny" so that was a nice treat. yay. K - I need sleep.
bye bye

GJF, Vol. 6

I forgot to add an anecdote last week. This is from the same woman that rode the elephant:
When she was 11 years old (11!), her mom used to dress her up and put make-up on her (always red lipstick) and then drive to the club. The mom would go in and have a good time -- drink, dance, whatever -- and then come out to the car and wake up the sleeping 11-year old girl to drive her home. She made the 11-year old drive the mom home! Apparently, she thought that the red lipstick would make her look older, in case the police stopped her. I have a feeling this woman could write a book about her life! The funny thing is that when she tells these stories, they aren't sensational. They're just factual... this is what I did. This was my life.

Also, we had our landmark "baby mama" case today. And there were multiple baby mamas in it so I feel like that made up for the lack of baby mamas last week.

GJF, Vol. 5

Today's Theme:

Sometimes people do stupid shit.

GJF, Vol. 4

Well, one week down. Four to go. Some final observations before I sink into weekend mode (which in this case means work, cleaning, studying, work and hopefully a little sleep).

I've learned about things I never really wanted to learn about. Just a few weeks ago, I had a conversation with one of my friends about how I wouldn't even know where to buy illegal drugs if I wanted them. Now, I know way too many places to buy all sorts of substances. And, give me a few more days and I may even know what to call them without sounding like the naive girl I am.

I also had an interesting thought. All of our cases are US vs. John Doe. I think (though I'm not certain) that this is because we're in DC and we're not a state. I think that in a different place, the same case would be called The State of X vs. John Doe. I think... maybe. I also learned that in states, they can get other documents that stand in as grand jury indictments. I don't know exactly how that works, but I sense that there is some impact made from the fact that DC isn't a state. We'll see if I gain any further insight into that.

GJF, Vol.3

My knowledge is expanding:
Exhibit 1: gaitherizing - the official voting process with indictment in writing in front of the grand jury -- named after the case that made it necessary (I think)

Exhibit 2: assault can be defined as offensive touch.... interesting

Exhibit 3: I know have very clear understandings of prosecutor, defendent, misdemeanor, felony and sundry other legal words

Exhibit 4: Apparently no one but police officers can carry guns in the district? I'm still figuring this one out. I'm having constitutional un-clarity about this one.

Exhibit 5: Body parts and repetitive syllables and animal names are popular street names.

Exhibit 6: I HATE Rapid Indictment Processing (RIP). It's what they do to get an indictment on a pretty open and shut case. They go very fast and are, well, quite frankly, kind of boring (although alarmingly educational).

GJF, Vol. 2

Though I've only been showing up for jury duty for two days, I've already gained a great appreciation for my work environment. I've been in the arts community long enough that I forgot that other industries don't put nearly as much emphasis on aesthetic pleasure. This is the comparison to be made when arts professionals say they have a really great work environment. For jury duty, we report each day to a large building with security where we scan in and out of our appropriate areas. Once behind the locked door, it's a journey through a world of beige. Everywhere, beige... and not pretty, fresh beige (if there is such a thing), but a dingy, kind of beat-up world of beige. The facilities are pretty beat up and more than outdated. Chipped tables, broken witness box doors and holes in the partition under our desk/table. No decor anywhere. Not even any dc propaganda... nothing. So sad. I want to bring in a big plant or something just to make it feel a little more livable. Anyways, so things like that have reminded me of all the great things about my job:

• Although there are no windows, it's a pretty decent looking office. (And, now I realize how important it is to get it "fixed up" again... it's looking a little ragged.)
• I don't have to go to work until 10.
• I can eat, drink and go on break whenever I want to. No waiting for "permission" to step away.
  
• Very little beauracracy.
• I get to work on something that attempts to better people's lives in a creative way.
• I get to be creative and I have a lot of freedom to use that creativity to better the organization.
  
• I haven't been bored in 15 months.
• I don't have to go to work until 10. (Have I mentioned that?)
• I get 4 weeks off plus holidays (like today!!).
• The people I work with are all intelligent, decent, caring humans. That's nice, too.

One more: a woman on the jury was in the circus once. She rode on the neck of a lion and laid on the ground while bears walked over her (or was it lions... lions maybe). The funny thing is that she ended up doing it b/c she worked with this guy whose sister was recovering from a concussion due to a lion stepping on her head. The girl was going to lose her position in the circus unless she could find someone to take her place until she recovered. So, her brother brought the costume to work and paid my fellow juror $20 just to try on the sequined, glittery thing. It fit her like a glove and she flew from CA to Baltimore that weekend to, well, run away with the circus.

Apartment with a bonus

I just watched the fireworks from my bedroom. Sweet. I guess there are a few things I'll miss about DC.

GJF, Vol. 1

Welcome to the first edition of the Grand Jury Files. For the next five weeks, expect to hear about lessons learned, observations made and my usual rant of the absurd as observed from this Grand Jury Member. Of course, the content of the grand juries themselves are secret so I won't be sharing any of that (get off my back, big brother), but this extrovert needs a release valve of sorts so I will write about a bit of my experience from the back row of the jury room (Thanks to Nathaniel for advising me to claim a spot there where the outlets live.) I didn't write yesterday b/c I ended up going to a play and got home very late and now I feel like I have a backlog of blogworthy stuff. I will try to save some for tomorrow (it's our day off), but excuse me if this is a bit lengthy.
Yesterday was an amazing day of people-watching. Grand jury is a very interesting thing in that it throws 23 people together in a room that would most likely never meet otherwise. Young, middle-aged, old, white, black, straight, gay, professional, blue-collar, DC natives and recent transplants. We are a motley crew of sorts. And, if that doesn't create enough to observe, we are all strangers adapting to this new situation in our own way. Some came in mouth-first, some haven't said a word in two days. Some cordially introduce themselves to those around them, treating it almost as an extended networking event. Some immediately draw themselves to others that look like them. One even decided that we should all introduce ourselves. (I'm kind of hoping that she doesn't decide we should do an icebreaker later. I'm also trying to prevent myself from being that person.) It was fascinating to watch the dynamics as we chose leaders, learned about the process and got settled in.
It is also an interesting angle from which to view my own persona. When we were selecting the four people that would have leadership roles on the jury, I had to practically sit on my hand to keep from volunteering. I hate not being active in any process, but I know that I need to be working every minute we're not hearing cases... or situations as our Sargaent of Arms so tenderly calls them. "Be sure to be back by 11:00. That's when we'll be hearing the next situation." I want to be friendly with my fellow jurors, but I will admit to being a bit stand-off-ish when the cute blonde with a sizable solitaire on her ring finger attempted to strike up a conversation with me about shopping. I like shopping. I do. I just don't find it necessary to buy clothing for jury duty. It's ok preppy, stylish girl... I promise to be nicer next time. Just give me a second chance.
Well, I think that's enough for volume one. More insights and lessons learned tomorrow.

PS

I just put up some new pics on flickr

What's happening to me?

Do you ever remember waking up as a twelve-year old and thinking, "What in the heck is happening to me? I'm changing in ways that I'm not entirely comfortable with." Ok, me neither... but those are the stories you always hear. Well, I feel like I'm having one of those experiences. After two years of living practically under the shadow of the Capitol and doing everything I can to remain as far away from it as possible, I find myself strangely interested in surprising topics. From the day I set foot in the District as a resident, I had a passion invoked in me for DC voting rights, but I haven't done much to become active on the issue. Sure, I read the occasional article-let in Express or educate a particularly talkative tourist on the metro, but that's about it. I have some confessions, though. I don't know what the technical definition of environmentalist is, but I think I might be one. I admit it. All those plastic bags from Safeway make my skin crawl and I feel guilty when I have to throw away a bottle. I pride myself in not having to own a car, emitting less carbon than the average American and not owning a lot of stuff. I even feel a moderate level of discontent with Corporate America. I'm not quite as anti-consumerist as the freegans, but it bothers me when I end up buying stuff I don't need.
I also feel strange pangs of what I would have to describe as, well, I think they must be opinions!! I've recently gained an interest in immigration. I try my best to avoid the constant stream of politically riddled "news" flowing through this city, but then I have moments that make me not recognize myself. On Friday, I found myself smuggling an article about immigration and English as official/common/national language onto the metro like it was porn I was trying to sneak by my mother. I scan the paper in the office before I leave to see if there's anything I want to read.... and not just in Arts/Style.
Oh-- Hyla--- dear apolitical Hyla... where are you? You're not turning to the dark side, are you? Can you be impassioned (or at least informed) on issues without being "political"? hmmm... I don't know.... Just call home every once in a while. I may miss you.

Up, down, splish and splash

This week has been a grand series of highs and lows. On Monday, I hated my job. On Tuesday, I really liked it. Today -- not so much again. It really comes down to how much troubleshooting and administrative work I have to do. I'm very good at generating plans, even strategies and pushing them forward. I just don't like troubleshooting problems. I think it comes from my uber-optimism. I want everything to be positive and troubleshooting is not my idea of positive.
On another note, I went back to the pool today for the first time in at least a month and it was delightful. Absolutely delightful. It wasn't crowded and the lanes were the long ways. yay! Back to healthy living for me!

large machinery

Holy freaking crap. This week is rolling over me like a bulldozer. Well, that would insinuate slowly and painfully. Maybe more like a jackhammer... quick, jabbing motions that you barely recover from before more attack you. Maybe.
Seriously, between work being nutso, planning this event, being an active participant in my small groups and my friends having birthdays, it's just about all I can handle. I should swim tomorrow... that would make me feel better, I think.

Bizarre realization

I'm looking forward to going back to work tomorrow.
What?
Really?
Hmm.... I guess I don't hate my job. It is very challenging and I appreciate that.
Weird.

Sneak Attack

Yesterday, I went tubing with some friends on the Shenandoah. It seemed so lazy...just float down the river in a tube, chat it up with your friends and enjoy the scenery. Oh contraire! Today, I have a giant shiner-looking thing on my leg, and surprisingly sore stomach muscles.
Battered by the sneak attack of the Shenandoah.

Overheard on the metro

Teenaged tourist to older chaperone-type tourist: "Yeah, he got in big trouble for trying to pee over the stall into the urinal"
Other teenaged tourist: "Wow... I would be impressed if he could do it"

Gotta love summer in DC

Epiphany at the copier

So, today I was standing over the copier, just innocently waiting for something to finish, when I had an epiphany. Often, I have a resistant reaction when coworkers come to me with a large concept that needs to be rethought or restructured. For a long time, I couldn't figure out why this would be. It's not because I disagree that they need to be addressed. So, what could it be? Well, it hit me today in the midst of document duplication: I'm not qualified for my job. Ok, that sounds a little more dramatic than it needs to be, but in a way, that's the truth. I have a LOT of responsibility in my position and I've never been in a position to sit and learn and soak up exactly how it should be done. I like having a lot of responsibility and have handled it fairly well up to this point, I think, but the truth is that what I'm doing is more experimentation based on my own experience and limited research than anything else.
What does all of this mean? Well, it means that I want the job I just interviewed for more than previously. I really need to be in a place where I'm not the decision-maker on everything marketing (and box office and administrative) and where I can be in a team environment learning from other more experienced people. So, if you believe in prayer, please pray that I get called back for the second round. If you don't, then you should consider believing in prayer. But, in the meantime, cross your fingers for me.

Good news!!

Whoa! Really good news! It turns out the some hyla treefrogs live in DC! So, if you see a frog around here... you never know... it could be a hyla versicolor or hyla chrysoscelis. Or, a new one -- hyla cinerea. Hmmm.... I guess if I named a girl after me, the middle name cinerea would be out. Too bad... that was rising right up to the top, too.
Anyways, tip of the day: Be nice to frogs.

In disporportionate measure

I don't use this word very often because I like to stay away from "Christian-ese", but right now, it is the best word. I feel disporportionately blessed this week. I have done nothing to deserve any of the good-to-great things raining down around me lately. This weekend I met someone when I absolutely was not looking for anything of the sort. Yesterday, I was called for a job interview for something I applied for 6 weeks ago. In fact, I had just decided that I was really okay with putting my head down and working really hard for my organization for another year. I had decided to stop looking for a job for a while. On a lighter note, I went to a great baseball game in great seats and paid absolutely nothing! Which was awesome! Then, tonight, we started our small group for the summer semester and it went really well even though I wasn't nearly as prepared as I wanted to be. All of these blessings that are undeserved and in some cases, not sought after. It's a little crazy and I'm feeling both thankful and a bit confused.
Cool.

So logical...

It all sounds so very logical when he says it. Of course, that's what you do. I'm not used to dealing with boys that use actual common sense in relationships. This is all new.

Sometimes

Boys are neat

Displacement

One Thanksgiving, I found myself explaining to my young niece the scientific concept of displacement using a bowl of floating cranberries and candles as an example. If you take something out, the other things will do their best to fill that space. It can maintain the appearance of "fullness" for a long time even without replacing the removed items with anything new. This is happening in my life this week. I started a fasting challenge on Sunday where I remove something from my routine temporarily with the intention of making room for something else. I am fasting the use of swear words, which is more attitudinal than time-making, and also "extra" social things. I am usually very, very good at filling up every moment of my week with things. So, this week, I'm not adding anything in beyond my volunteer commitments and work so that I have time to prepare for the small group Gary and I are leading beginning next week. Well, so far, I've filled my time up with work (I stayed at the office until 9 tonight) and doing stuff at home. Displacement at its finest. Today is Day 4. Hopefully, I have a very different report by Day 7.

I should really get a list or something

Tonight I went to this reception for CN8, the regional comcast tv station. The setting was gorgeous -- up on the rooftop, just across the street from the Capitol. I didn't decide that I was actually going to go until yesterday. So, as a result I didn't do my homework. I went to do a little networking, which I did. But, I fear I looked a little foolish in the process. I didn't recognize the head of Arena Stage nor a personality from the tv station we were there "celebrating", both of whom I had decent conversations with. I read in a book once that you should always ask for a list of attendees at conferences and events so that you can go prepared to meet and converse with certain people. Otherwise, you may not even know that I great contact for you is standing in the same room. Anyways, that was kind of embarrassing. Oh well. I will email everyone I talked to in the morning and hope they forget that I had schmo-like attributes at the reception.

Standby

Update: I am now on standby for another flight into DCA. If that doesn't work, I think I'll be rerouted into BWI at midnight. I'll keep you updated. (cuz I know you're all waiting with bated breath)

Vacation chronicle

Ok, so I intended to write most days of my vacation, but that effort got thwarted somehow. So, now I will give the abridged version. After I left Arizona, I spent two days in San Diego, enjoyed a little sunshine and reconnected with a high school classmate on a rooftop. The weather there is really awesome this time of year. And, I was surprised at the urban downtown area. Very walkable and livable.
Then, Tara and I drove up the coast, mostly on Pacific Coast Highway. It was sooo gorgeous. I am so glad we decided to drive! Our first stop was a quick lunch on the beach in Malibu. We sat and ate some hummus and pretzels and watched dolphins jump along the waves. Yes, dolphins!! I had never seen dolphins before. I love firsts!!! Just when I feel like there's nothing new for me, I have an unforgettable first. We also some other sea animal that we haven't yet identified.
The drive through the national park was also breathtakingly gorgeous....very windy (with a long i) and awesome.
Then we drove up to the Wine Country and spent one day in Napa, one in Sonoma. We did several winery tours and tastings. It was really fun.... and, we had one of the best winery tours I've ever done... Ravenswood... awesome. We got to ask how they keep the birds from eating the grapes. It was just killing us!
Anyways, then, we headed back to San Francisco Saturday evening and had some yummy sushi down by the embarcadero. I LOVE THAT CITY. It just feels like home. For no good reason, really.... I didn't live there that long and I know other cities better. But, then again, Philly kind of felt like home, too. Regardless, it was good to be back.
And, now I am stuck at Midway. Wondrous. I got bumped off my flight and over an hour later I still haven't been rerouted.
Lovely.

Vacation Check-in #1

Hello from pleasantly warm and sunny Phoenix! Ok, fine... technically, Maricopa, AZ. I stopped here for a few days to see my brother and sister-in-law and my incredibly adorable nephew. (See exhibit A)
Tomorrow, I'm headed to San Diego. Yay! Yay for sunshine and oceans!
More soon....

Anyone else?

If you got engaged in the last week and haven't told me yet, you should do so now. Today I found out that two of my friends got engaged. Ok, scratch that two separate couples I know got engaged in the last few days. So, congrats to Jonathan, Stacy, Kristine and whatever his name is (sorry- never met him) and if anyone else is hiding out, you should come forward now.
Seriously, though, congrats! Apparently, 29 is another one of those years where everyone you know gets married. Why didn't anyone warn me? I need a big sister to tell me these things.

Opposite Effects

Tonight, I had one of those evenings that makes you think things so deeply that you can't even bring everything back up to the verbal level. Some of my thoughts aren't in words. I tend to be very conceptual and tonight those concepts aren't all in English (or any other language, for that matter). I've recently made some pretty major decisions about what I want out of life and what direction my life will take in the next few years and for some reason, the peripheral implications of those decisions just became apparent to me tonight. Well, apparent makes it seem like I understand them, which I don't. So, I guess not apparent, but at least, existent. The point is that I thought I was eliminating some problems by the decisions I made, but it is very possible that I actually heightened them.
Life is tough. It's difficult to navigate situations based on only what we know at any given time. I just feel like I could live my life much more efficiently if I knew the future. But, I don't. Anyways, lots of deep stuff flying around tonight. Maybe I'll "unpack" some of that another time.

A Shenandoah Adventure

Colleen took me on an adventure in honor of my birthday. We went out to the greater Shenandoah area where we may or may not have done some or all of the following: (in no particular order)
antiquing
shnacking
wondering through stores of random things
smacking the daylights out of small spheres
taking in lots of beautiful scenery
driving recklessly in tiny little cars
driving safely on very fun, but curvy roads
dinner at a yummy little restaurant
and, of course, spending time with one of my favorite people!
yay for adventure!

A nice kind of life

I had a somewhat strange thought on the way home tonight. And, it came while during a really mundane task. In fact, while doing one mundane task sandwiched in between two other mundane tasks. I was carrying my groceries home just after shopping and just before cooking. And, yet, it seems I was enjoying all three. When I was walking home, the sun was just starting to go down, it was the perfect temperature and I felt 100% content. I thought, there are a lot of different kinds of lives out there. This one isn't all that exciting. But, it's really a nice kind.
Hope you enjoy yours, too. Now - off to eat some cantaloupe.

Pesto with Potatoes??

Who puts potatoes in pesto? Well, apparently Trader Joe does. Weird.

Also, I got selected for jury duty! Yippee!
I'm excited.

A new life experience

Prior to this evening, I had never been on an elevator with someone smoking. There's a life experience I wouldn't have minded living without.

A mountain weekend

I made a quick trip home to good ol' Western PA this weekend. I expected to see my parents, which was good. I know I'm probably too old for this, but I was kind of homesick. Nothing like a little mountain air and hugs from mom and dad to cure that. I got bonuses, though. I got to see my brother and his family for a little while on Saturday and we all went and visited my Pappy and then my Grandmother. That was cool. We don't get a lot of family time together. Ironically, we were all together except for my older brother.... and it was his birthday.
Then, that night I got to hear a friend of mine sing a jazz concert with some guys she gigs with in Baltimore. I hadn't heard her perform since high school... it was a little surreal to hear jazz in Ebensburg. And, beyond that, to hear jazz sitting in a group of perfectly still white people. But, it was really good and I'm going to try to hear her again soon.
Fun, fun.

Help me!

I need to name a concert of American music and my creativity is waning. All suggestions welcome! If you suggest something I use, I'll take you out for dinner.
Seriously.

Newsflash!

I watched an animated movie tonight and thought it was great. We watched Toy Story 2 and it was so funny! Yay for animation that Hyla likes!

And, yay, also for spinach and feta stuffed chicken! ooh-rah!

Quote of the day

From my dear friend, Amy: You never know when a photo of you dressed as a pharaoh is going to get on National TV.

Also, apparently, I have a new boss. excitement all around.

A good weekend

This was a very good weekend. Friday night I went (with some indulging friends) to the Hirshhorn's afterhours event where I got to see some great art and play with a lite brite! It was really fun. This shot is one of the works on display there right now.... it's pretty awesome... if you live in DC, you should get your tail there and just watch it for 10,15, 20 minutes. Pretty cool. More shots on my flickr site.

Then, yesterday, I drove to Lancaster county, PA to see my friend Lisa and her family before they make the move to Kansas in a few weeks. I will miss having her on the East Coast! We've never lived more than about 2 hours apart (well, except for my brief west/midwest tour). So, I wish them luck. This is her and her daughter, Kayla, who turned exactly 4 months yesterday... is she cute or what?

Arg... why does blogger do that? Sorry for the ugly formatting.

conundrum

It's just so very, very difficult to know what to do.

Also, I lost my phone and had to buy a new, ugly one... blech

more happiness tomorrow

My 2 year anniversary

Exactly 2 years ago today, some friends came over to my house just north of Philly, helped me pack all of my earthly belongings into a UHaul (which took all of 20 minutes) and said Goodbye as I ventured toward my next city. I had just sold my car that morning which left me with my flute as my sole possession of any worth. My father likes to point out that I came to DC with no job, no apartment and no car. That's not all entirely true (I did have a part-time retail gig), but the point remains. But, those are really just things... it was the starting over part that was harder than finding an apartment and a job. It's been good, though. I was fortunate to find a great church that June and I've made some really great friendships there (in addition to the great ones I already had here!). Just this weekend someone said to me, "You've only been here 1 1/2 years? You seem to know everyone!"
So, I guess I just wanted to take a moment to reflect on the ways my life is different than it was two years ago. Two years ago, I didn't have a full-time job. I was pretty close to actually being depressed about it, which is why I decided to try a complete change and move here. I was frustrated with not having any local friends that I could really confide in. I was scared to death of getting trapped in a room with Hill staffers and lobbyists. And, I wasn't completely sold on my church and more importantly, I wasn't 100% sold on my faith. I was ready to make big changes and I wasn't really above making those changes outside of my beliefs. Things are completely different now! Praise God! I have a job and though I complain about it, it's not awful... it could be much, much worse. I have some really great friends, the kind I can call up at the last minute for coffee or drinks. I am confident that if I got stuck in a room with Hill-types that I would come out sane... or at least, alive. And, most importantly, I have a church that I really enjoy being a part of and giving back to. No, actually, that isn't the most important thing. The most important thing is that my life is recentered around my faith once again. My focus has been restored and for the first time in my life, I feel as though I've started to understand how real life and my faith can exist in the same space -- without partitions.
Life is good. And, I'm going to go ahead and say it... I know I'll be sorry I put it in "ink" later, but here goes... I really like DC right now.

Snow!!!

Yesterday, it snowed that perfect kind of snow where you scoop up a handful and it automatically turns into a snowball. The kind that sticks on the branches 3 inches thick. The kind that turns me into a little kid. So, I called up my friend Dennis and insisted we go play in the snow. We ended up going out to Great Falls, VA (I had never been there before) and we hiked and snowballed and built a snowman (see exhibit A) and I even made a snow angel. It was so fun!! I'm still smiling! More pics are here

News Items in Hyla's life

1 - We got a new toilet. Now the bathroom is one less part institutional-looking and one more part normal apartment-looking.
2 - My brother and sis-in-law launched their church on Sunday. Over 200 people showed up for the first week! I am so excited for them and for what God wants to do through them in their exploding community!
3 - There is a very good chance that the reign of the nosering is coming to an end. I have mixed emotions... I don't want to lose my funky, semi-rebellious streak.... I'll have to look for a new "signature".
4 - I have been reminded once again that DC has NO clue how to deal with snow. Perhaps, just perhaps, plows should get out and clear the snow in the first 24 hours. Maybe we shouldn't just clear the main streets and then wait for the rest to melt. Just a thought!
5 - The order of these news items is in no way related to their significance.

A few good things

I've been feeling pretty negative over the last month or so and so I thought I would write a few positive thoughts to counteract that.
- I got a great, sexy tank that I needed for an event for $5 on Sunday!
- My friend Amy has returned to her status as front page Amy with her leading story tomorrow! Congrats, Ames!
- I bought a different version of the Bible last week and I'm totally enjoying reading it... yay God!
- My brother and sis-in-law launch their church this weekend after many, many months of work and prayer. double-yay for God!!
- I did not get frostbite this morning even though I made a poor choice and wore a skirt with no tights.

The aquatic mosh pit

So, now that I'm back to work, I have to find a time to go swimming that isn't the middle of the afternoon. I thought that I'd just stop by after work, swim my laps and then head home for a shower and a quiet night at home. Well, it turns out that at 7:00 on Tuesday evenings, the pool is close to unfit for swimming. Seriously, they turned the lanes around the short way so there were 3.5 (yes, one was really a half) lanes for spurty swimming and the shallow end was roped off for water aerobics. So, there were about 30 severely overweight people lifting waterproof weights to top 40's, aerobics-style, music. Even the instructor was overweight....and I don't mean a little pooch. She was probably 80 pounds overweight. Amy had warned me about the old lady brigade, but this was the shower cap brigade. At one point, I was trying to swim laps in the choppy waters of no-man's-land between the aerobics and the overcrowded lanes when I looked over and cracked up - they all had on shower caps to protect their hair rather than swim caps. So funny. So aggravating and so funny.

Vacation check-in

Well, I just finished day 4 of my vacation. So far, so good. As usual, I can't accomplish quite as many things in each day as I plan, but I'm still accomplishing things.
The living room is now green - it needs another coat, but it's looking good. I've gone swimming thrice and I think this is something I can stick with - yay! Exercise I don't loathe! I've had one career-related meeting and several meetings concerning the event I'm planning. Things are moving right along. (And, I did manage to squeeze a little football-watching in around the edges!)
6 more days of vacation - whoo-hoo!!

Au Revoir, Trader Joe's

I just got home from my last shift at Trader Joe's. I get to reclaim a little more of my time. Now I just need to try find some more creative or more career-related ways to make a little extra cash. Yippee!