Well Sure

If you follow me on instagram you've already seen that we got a Christmas Card from the First Fam this week. No big deal.

Although I may be closer to my goal of becoming friends with Michelle, vis-à-vis Oprah, than I thought! 

If nothing else it will be a fun keepsake to show our kiddies someday of our adventures in DC :)  The other picture is of our cute little table-top tree.  We're so close now!

Low Maintenance

I'll be honest... I wasn't exactly on top of the Christmas cards this year.  All of the sudden it was December and I didn't have a good picture of Brody & I.  Oops.

So the Sunday before last we busted out the tripod, walked around the corner (literally), waited for the pedestrians to pass, and four self-timed pictures later--we were done.  We're pretty high maintenance I know...

But the best part were the test shots I took.  The first was in the apartment just to make sure the camera was working (when there were only 3 minutes left in the 49ers game, notice the textbook propped on desk.) The second shot was to test the timer and determine where we should stand in relation to the tripod for the composition of the photo.

Let's just go ahead and zoom right in on Brody's expression on that second one (which was purely candid)

A clear and resounding kill me now :)

It was too good not to share.  That's the beauty of marrying someone who isn't remotely vain and lets me post these on our blog. I love him, he's such a good sport.  But in my defense, we were so quick taking our pictures we got back in time for the last minute and a half of the game.

The Home Stretch

We can see a faint glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel...sure, it's stuck behind a 16-page paper and a big, fat, test but it's there.  Thank goodness.  Poor Brody has been studying ridiculous amounts of hours every day, I don't know how he does it, but I'm so impressed/proud/grateful for him and all that he puts into school.

We're in the single digits of how many days until we go home for Christmas and can't wait! Even though the amount of stuff we have to get done before we leave is completely stressing me out, but hey, it just wouldn't be the holiday season without a little stress.  The whole thing has completely snuck up on us this year and I am sad to admit that yesterday was the first time I had listened to any Christmas music or watched any Christmas movies.  When you never drive, you just don't get the christmas music like I used to with my FM100 and KOZY.  So I made up for it with a little Home Alone and A Christmas Story, (which is just so ridiculously good I had to compile some of my favorite quotes below) and I capped the night off with my Pandora Christmas station playing while I wrapped presents (all the while Brody was working on his paper at school, poor little lamb).

"We plunged into the cornucopia quivering with desire and the ecstasy of unbridled avarice."

"Aunt Clara had for years labored under the delusion that I was not only perpetually 4 years old, but also a girl."

"Some men are Baptists, others Catholics; my father was an Oldsmobile man."

"In the heat of battle my father wove a tapestry of obscenities that as far as we know is still hanging in space over Lake Michigan."

"I had heard that word at least ten times a day from my old man. He worked in profanity the way other artists might work in oils or clay. It was his true medium; a master."

I'm sorry but there is just so much to love about that movie, the language of the narrator is just too good!

Love One Another

A positive step: http://www.mormonsandgays.org/

"As a church, nobody should be more loving and compassionate. Let us be at the forefront in terms of expressing love, compassion and outreach. Let’s not have families exclude or be disrespectful of those who choose a different lifestyle as a result of their feelings about their own gender."
                                                                                         -Elder Quentin L Cook

This is such an exciting step for the church!  A friend of mine helped author a response to the Church's new site on Affirmation.  Here is a little snippet of that response:

"This website will do much to help families love their children or spouses who come out instead of rejecting them. Research has shown that rejection leads to an 800% increase in the likelihood of suicide.

We pray that this initiative will continue to encourage members of the Church to take the message of loving the LGBT Mormons in their lives to heart and continue to engage in authentic conversations with us. We are ready and open to talking about our lives and struggles as gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."

A Little Dose of Christmas Cheer

Love the kazoo.  This makes me want to watch Love Acutally!  And makes me like Mariah Carrey a little

Getting Handy

Brody has been in the throws of studying for finals, so naturally he's been studying 10+ hours a day, (poor little lamb).  So I've done my best to stay busy in the meantime.  Over the Thanksgiving break, in addition to cooking our own little feast, I got handy and cleaned and re-stained our bathroom grout, then removed and replaced the caulk around the tub. I felt very Ron Swanson, but coming from a family with no brothers and a very meat-and-potatoes Mr. Fix-it father, it was only a matter of time before those genes kicked in. It was actually kind of fun and a lot easier than I'd thought. Normally, we would have just asked our Landlord to take care of it, but since they didn't raise our rent at the one-year mark, we didn't want to give them any reason to--so we went the DIY route.  Here is the before and after:

I've put up our two Christmas decorations; our cute little tabletop tree and homemade advent calendar (that is a total homage to my childhood).  I love it.   And we are just counting down the days until finals are done and we get to fly home for the holidays--only a few weeks!

I hope you're enjoying the snow :)

That Caviar is a Garnish!

I stole this from Patricia's Facebook but it was just too good

Giving Thanks

Lots to be thankful for, so here is a small snippet in no particular order

• Brody, he's my world.
• That Sandy only sideswiped DC and we were spared the brunt of the storm
• The Google maps app, I would be so utterly lost driving (and sometimes even walking) without it.
• Space heaters
• Brody, when after I had a horrible day at work last week, I came home to flowers, a clean house, and fresh laundry :)
• Diet root beer, and of course the free Diet Dr Pepper at work
• My amazing Young Women, who are all incredible and better people than me
• Going to movies
• Going out to eat
• Instagram, without which I would miss out on lots of adorable pics of my nieces and nephews 
• Boots weather
• Family. The holidays just aren't as fun without them
• Free shipping
• Gchat. I can't stress enough how much it more tolerable it makes working full time
• Brody, and his newfound, budding enthusiasm for cooking
• New catalogs in the mail
• Our wonderful ward.  It's unlike any other I've ever been a part of.
• iTunes Genius suggestions and Pandora
• Fall leaves
• Getting letters/packages in the mail
• Friends who encourage me in my ambitions and dreams
• Brody, who is so good with technology and such when I'm clueless
• Hulu and Netflix
• The world's easiest 8-minute walking commute
• Short work-weeks and holidays, wahoo!!!

And I could go on for days......I hope you're Thanksgiving week is off to a good start!

Yellow Vests

Appropriate

A good one for this month

Stand By Your....Boots

I got my favortie pair a boots a couple of years ago for Christmas.  They were a bit of an investment but considering how much I've worn and love them, they were worth it.   Those puppies will be with me for a long time.  However, upon moving to DC and living our walking-heavy pedestrian lifestyle, one of the soles had developed a bit of a hole.  I was pretty sad and upset considering, but I quickly learned that they were still under their two-year warranty...

So, I packed them up and shipped them off to the refurbishing center a couple weeks ago, and low and behold, they arrived today good as new!  New soles on both boots, and I think they even re-conditioned the leather for me.  And it was all free. It was a welcome pick-me-up today and the perfect start to the weekend.  I love when a company or establishment will actually stand by their work product, becasue it's becoming a bit of a rarity these days. So I'm passing off my good vibes to you all.  Bon Weekend :)



Do You Hear The People Sing?

eeeek! It looks so good!

Loved This

*last political post I promise. 

I got this from my brother-in-law's Facebook post about what his business partner said regarding the election and I LOVE It.

My business partner Graydon Stoner wrote the best thoughts I've read in some time in relation to the election. "Best" because I can do much better in the areas he suggests.

"My only post regarding the election:

For all those either gloating that they won, or lamenting that they lost, I hope both sides can identify that there is a serious problem with our political parties. Republicans and Democrats seem to embrace extremism over careful consideration. Each party seems to look out for their own interest rather than the country’s. Each side has recklessly spent the United States to the brink of financial ruin.

Why does each party seem to care nothing about the path this country is on?

Because of us. Look around and you’ll see parents who spend more time with their TV, their hobbies or partying with their friends than spending time with their children. You’ll see children who are more interested in playing video games or watching TV than studying or spending time with family. Everyone seems more interested in doing what is fun and easy, rather than doing what is necessary and important.

Why should we fault our leaders when they are just accurately representing the people that voted them into office?

I’m tired of it. So I’m making a personal commitment to do more to help those around me. I’m going to find more ways to serve. I’m going to look for worthy causes to donate my time and resources. I’m going to take a more personal interest in my neighbors, co-workers, friends, and family.

Just imagine if we all did this. We might not have a government going bankrupt trying to fund social services for millions of Americans or paying for countless wars across the world. If each of us was doing a better job of "impart(ing) of (our) substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants" then we might see that it is our responsibility to be the ‘safety net’ and not our government’s.

I’m done waiting for change to come from the top down. Thoreau said, “For every thousand hacking at the leaves of evil, there is one striking at the root.”

I’m sharpening my ax."

The Definition of Insanity

I've heard insanity defined several times as "Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result."  Sometimes this quote is mis-attributed to Einstein, sometimes to Mark Twain. Somtimes it's worded slightly differently, often it's the same.  Sometimes it's used to inspire, and sometimes it probably does.

The thing is....this is not the definition of insanity. Not even close.

In fact, the only dictionary in which you'll find this definition is Urban Dictionary.  The behavior it's describing is actually perseveration, a medical condition.   But I digress...

In terms of our federal government and the election results (which save for a few Senate seats is essentially more of the same), I really really hope our country hasn't gone "urban dictionary insane".  I really hope the next time there is a Congress with the lowest approval rating ever, that the voters won't give them a second term.  I really hope the next four years are better than the last four. I really hope that Congress and the President can work together to actually get things done.  I really hope the partisanship--on both sides--doesn't drive us right over that fiscal cliff.  I really hope the economy picks up soon, and the spending stops. And I really hope that people in both parties will stop being crazy stubborn hypocrites, and start being pragmatic.

No matter who you voted for, it's over.  Onward and upward people.  Perhaps it's best that I let those infinitely more eloquent and articulate speak for me:

"We congratulate President Obama on winning a second term as President of the United States.

After a long campaign, this is now a time for Americans to come together. It is a long tradition among Latter-day Saints to pray for our national leaders in our personal prayers and in our congregations. We invite Americans everywhere, whatever their political persuasion, to pray for the President, for his administration and the new Congress as they lead us through difficult and turbulent times. May our national leaders reflect the best in wisdom and judgment as they fulfill the great trust afforded to them by the American people.

We also commend Governor Romney for engaging at the highest level of our democratic process which, by its nature, demands so much of those who offer themselves for public service. We wish him and his family every success in their future endeavors."

-The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Something in the Air

There is a buzz in the air over here.  We're so close! Everyone at work is prepping their talking points and post-election analysis (two versions of course), and we even spent a good 10 minutes during our monday morning meeting today going over how best to live-tweet the election (I'm not kidding).

I just looked up where I can vote tomorrow morning and I'm actually excited, (and not just for the political ads to stop), I'm excited because I actually feel like an informed citizen, exercising that precious right to vote.  I'll be honest and say that I've never been into politics and in the past, haven't done much more than speak to my friends and family in terms of educating myself on the issues.  However, since moving to DC and being constantly inundated with all-things politics and government, I actually feel like an informed voter.  And even though I kind of wish we lived in Virginia right now (for the swing-state vote obviously), and even though I'm still a cynic when it comes to politicians, I'm excited to vote tomorrow and see how it all turns out.

Halloween

Happy Halloween Indeed.  However, it just doesn't really feel like Halloween on this coast with everything else that's been going on, but I hope you're able to enjoy this wonderful holiday.  We were so very lucky that Sandy only side-swiped DC and are praying for those in New York and New Jersey that have have been uprooted by the storm.

Oh Sandy

I wish I could be mad at you, but you've given us a day off!!! And possibly one tomorrow as well...

Okay, that may have been insensitive, but we are all safe and sound, just cozied up at home.  Power still on, no flooding in sight.

Things I Will Never Understand

First and foremost, Happy Friday all!!!

I don't know about you, but I'm really glad the weekend is finally upon us and that this election will be over in a few weeks!!!  Although I'm nervous that it's going to be so close that there is going to be weeks of re-counts and further contention, a la Bush v Gore...

Anywho, here are some of life's most mystifying questions to start your day...

How is Donald Trump a billionaire?  This completely moronic tool is proof that in the business world, schmooze and jargin are often more important that actual smarts.

How airlines determine flight costs.  It changes practically every day.  Wednesdays are the cheapest day to buy airfare.  Why????  Because some bigshot over at the airline company, got together with some bigshot over at the FAA and decided to rip off the American public.  Because they think the American public is a bunch of trusting nit-wits who will pay for everything they don't need rather than make a stink.  Well they're not ripping of this nitwit anymore because I'm not paying for one more thing I don't need.  George Banks is saying NO!

Government contractors.  Before moving to DC I had no idea just how much money our government throws away every year to government contractors.  Look into it.  You will be sick to your stomach.

Twitter.  Let's all be honest and admit that people's status updates are by far and away the most annoying part of Facebook, so I just don't understand the appeal of twitter.  It's basically just status updates...that's it.  I don't get it.

Floral pants.  I just can't get on board with this trend.  It looks cute on some, but it's the kind of thing that your kids will see photos of you wearing in 20 years and laugh about with their friends.  Or like the pictures I see of myself in college wearing ironic graphic tees...

Those Bing commercials.  Just no.  No one likes Bing.  Stop trying to make Bing happen.  No one is really picking Bing over Google.

ArtJamz

Anytime an establishment ends their name with an ironic "z" instead of an "s" you know it's going to be amazing.  Such was the case with ArtJamz, a local art studio where you can come and paint to your heart's content (in acrylic) for a nominal hourly fee and they'll provide the paint, brushes, easel, music, and tons of other supplies--the best part? They clean everything up!

So some of my favorite co-workers and I got together last week to have a painting party, and with some pinsperation, I conjured up a little "portrait" of the back of some girl's head, because it seems just a little off. Which is why I loved it and it made for the perfect inspiration.  Good times all around.

 

I love these girls!



Another Reason to Love Target

Target + Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection.

"The much-buzzed about holiday gift collection features over 50 limited-edition designer products from $7.99 to $499.99, and will be available nationwide at Target and Neiman Marcus stores and online starting Dec. 1. "

You know I love a good retail collaboration...these are some of my favorites below but you can preview the entire GMA sneak peak here.  Holiday Shopping season is almost upon us!



Tory Burch Cooler & Thermos









Diane Von Furstenburg Jewelry Box

 

Alice & Olivia Bike




Tracy Reese Blouse



Thom Browne Blazer




Rodarte Wrapping Paper

 


Carolina Herrara Stationary Set





Hard

Image via Pinterest

I love this quote. Love it. And I repeat it to myself more than I'd like to admit.  Particularly when I'm indulging in feeling sorry for myself. But that Jimmy Doogan knew what he was talking about.  The best things in life, the most rewarding, are always hard. They test you. Your patience, your faith, your will.  But we reap what we sow, good or bad.  And let's be honest, the "hard" is the point.  That's why it's worth accomplishing.  There's no gratification in being handed something on a silver platter even though it seems tempting.

Sorry this is kind of vague and ambiguous, things are good around here. The leaves are just finally starting to change and we're toying with the idea of a little jaunt to Monticello one of these weekends to really see the colors!

Finally...An Answer!!!

It's the question that has nagged us all for over a decade....



Ugh. Rose... hoarding her life jacket....I knew he didn't have to die.
This just confirms the fact that I really need to work for Mythbusters.

http://social.entertainment.msn.com/movies/blogs/the-hitlist-blogpost.aspx?post=4c1b6267-f546-410b-9e84-0f27c7927f58

16th Street

Our ward had an open house/service project last Saturday for our brand new building on 16th street here in DC.  The new building has been about seven years in the making with lots of lobbying for permits and neighborhood resistance but it's finally here.  The 16th street corridor is known for it's bevy of all kinds of churches, so the significance of having an LDS church among the rest is not lost on us.  As a way to reach out to other churches and neighbors, we organized the local "Pack the Pantries" project, to gather boxes of food to give to the Capitol Area Food Bank in conjunction with the open house.  It was so great to see all the volunteers working together like a beehive to get all the food organized and on the Food Bank trucks on Saturday morning.  The Mayor even showed up...you know how I just love politicians...  

The building has received it's fair share of attention, (as it would be where Romney would go to church if elected) and there have been articles about it in the Washington Post and Time Magazine.   In the end, we donated about 750 boxes of food and had a nice steady stream of friendly visitors come through the open house.  Afterwards Brody and I grabbed some lunch and took a lovely stroll through the crisp autumn air, passing pumpkins stands galore that made me giddy for more fall.

The Church did a big article on the event as well, these pictures are all from their site (just a little higher quality than the ones from my phone)



Hello October

Today I am missing my beautiful rocky mountains which are no doubt ablaze with yellow, orange, red and golden tones of autumn. Sigh...it's still pretty much just green here and my patience for fall leaves is wearing thin, although there was a definite nip in the air today which is always a good sign.

In related October news, I think I've finally settled on a costume that is both topical and will allow me to wear comfortbale pajama-like clothes to work.  My friend was the brain child behind it...replacement refs! Or I guess we will be out-of-work replacement refs, but all the same, it should make for a more comfortable day at work.  I had originally planned to go as classy catwoman--no bodysuit, just the fancy hat and red lips a la The Dark Knight Rises, but this will be much more comfy.  Not to mention that I look nothing like Anne Hathaway, although I have a certain friend that could pull this off perfectly (Kath, I'm looking at you).