Well I have officially turned 25. Or, as the crazy old Navy Captain in office told me... I'm now halfway to 50! I apologize ahead of time for a lack of pictures in this post.
My birthday fell on a Wed. this year which was unfortunate since I work all day and then have 4 hours of class until 9pm. We originally decided to celebrate on Saturday, but ended up semi-celebrating on Wed. When I got to work my cube-mate Jenny had gone WAY out of her way to make my birthday a big deal. We were going to go get birthday breakfast (aka coffee) but ended up in a 2 1/2 hour meeting. After the meeting, she and a few of the other sweet girls in my office actually gave me presents. I was shocked! I ended up with a cast-iron skillet, spices, a hand-sewn card from Pakistan, a hand-painted card from the Congo, and a home-made pashmina from Nepal. I thought it very fitting that I work in an office that handles international disasters in trouble prone countries and I received gifts from Pakistan, Nepal and the Congo.
Then, the entire team treated me to lunch in the Pentagon dining room. This is the fancy, white-table cloth, reservation only club in the Pentagon where important people eat lunch. It was so sweet of them to not only take me there, but they all took time out of there busy days to go. After lunch, Jenny had even made caramel topped brownies! Amazing.
I didn't have much time to eat my brownies because I got sent to a lecture at the U.S. Peace Institute for the afternoon for a former Ambassador and a former Secretary General for peace the the United Nations. The seminar was packed and they took only 3 questions from the whole group, and mine was one of the ones they picked! It was awesome since I'm the intern and I was in there with real government employees.
Unfortunately, after the seminar I had to go to class, BUT I only had to sit through 2 hours. My last class was cancelled because my professor was hunkered down in a bunker in Libya (don't ask me why she was there). So, instead of learning about post-conflict reconstruction, we went to dinner at a restaurant called Founding Farmers. It's a really popular restaurant we've tried to go to several time, but its always been over an hour wait. They have a HUGE menu and focus on local produce. It was great! We started off with barbecue flavored popcorn, then I had a steak, double whipped potatoes and homemade mac and cheese (I was not counting calories on my birthday) and then for dessert we shared beignets with chocolate, caramel and raspberry dipping sauce. It was so good, but I didn't want to eat again for days!
We had already decided that our real celebration was going to be on Saturday - we bought tickets to go see Les Miserables at the Kennedy Center. We planned our entire Saturday around it. We ran our errands early, ate barbecue and watched the Arkansas v. A&M game (we're not talking about it...) then we got all dressed up and fancy and headed to the Kennedy Center. Unfortunately, this is where the day turned bad. We bought the tickets when they first went on sale back in June because they aren't cheap and they ran a special. When the tickets came, we set them aside until my birthday. So put yourself in our situation. We are super excited, I had bought a new dress, we were all done up, we walk up to hand them our tickets to go in and they beep funny. The lady looks at us and say... oh, these tickets were for LAST NIGHT'S SHOW!
I panicked. I knew 100% that I had ordered tickets for Saturday night, not Friday. We went to the ticket office to see what they could do. Unfortunately, that night's show was almost completely sold out. They wouldn't give us tickets and wanted us to pay more than we had for our original tickets for not so good seats. He told us we could call customer service but that they wouldn't be able to help us until Monday. Then the waterworks started. I hate when I don't want to cry, but there is nothing you can do to stop the tears from coming. The poor man at the ticket office felt so bad, but there was nothing he could do for us. So Caleb dragged a weepy hysterical version of me out of the Kennedy Center and back home where I spent the rest of the night in my sweatpants, binging on junk food and soda and feeling sorry for myself.
LUCKILY, this story has a happy ending. The customer service lady called me on Monday, felt very bad, and was able to get us tickets on the very same row we originally had for Thursday evening. So... my birthday got extended a few days longer and we enjoyed Les Miserables Thursday evening. It was sooooooooo good that it was worth the wait.
So my birthday was definitely eventful and drawn out to enjoy it for a few extra days : ) On our birthdays, my mom always asks us what we are going to do in the xxth year of our life. In the 25th year of my life I plan to get my Master's Degree and get a real job (with the government if they'd lift there hiring freeze!) I know that's boring, but that will be a big accomplishment if it all comes true!
Well... I better get back to writing my paper if I plan to graduate. Check back in a few days for a new update!
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
September
WOW! Time flies... so sorry blog readers. I promise (again - fingers crossed!) to update more often. September really has been a crazy, but fun month! Instead of writing a novel, here is a top 10 list of our month of September (in no specific order):
1.) Rhett gained an entire pound and got groomed for the first time.
We are still really enjoying the new addition to our family. Scarlett and Rhett get along... for the most part. Rhett is definitely the dominant of the pair, which is funny to watch since Scarlett weighs 11 pounds and Rhett weighs a whopping 3 pounds. They like to fight over toys/bones and chase each other around the couch. I just wish potty-training was going better...
2.) I planted a garden!
I have always loved plants and I definitely missed them living on the 9th floor. So, as soon as we moved here, I needed a garden! Caleb made me start with just a few flowers and told me I had to keep them all alive for 2 weeks before I could have more. They all made it (well...except one... that just happened to croak 2 days after my new plants arrived)... so I upgraded from flowers to vegetables. I am growing brocolli, cauliflower, 2 types of cabbage, romaine lettuce, basil, mint, thyme, parsley, dill, sage, rosemary and cilantro and I have a very nicely growing raspberry bush. I am very proud of myself : )
3.) The Aggies joined the SEC
I honestly don't know if this is a good thing or a bad thing. But at least all of the drama is over and I have to look forward to Caleb's team destroying mine for years to come.... oh well.
4.) My mom came to visit!!!
This was definitely the highlight of the month. We really miss having family around, so having my mom come for a few days was like heaven. We went to the movies, toured the Pentagon, played with the dogs, and celebrated my birthday a little bit early! We ate at a restaurant called Art & Soul in DC and it was DELICIOUS!!! It was super special to actually be able to celebrate my birthday with my mom. Plus, I think she had a GREAT time, which should be taken as bribery for more of you blog readers to come visit! We have a guest bed and everything!!!!
5.) I have a new obsession - the farmer's market
I hate to admit it, but I LOVE the local farmers market. It comes to my grocery store parking lot every friday afternoon/evening. I usually stray away from the popular fads going around, but I have to admit that I'm totally sold on and buying and eating locally grown foods. The vegetables are SO fresh, the eggs do really taste better, and the meat is incredible. But honestly, my favorite is the pasta lady - she makes homemade pastas and sauces. I think my favorite is red bell pepper and sage pasta with parmesean tomato sauce. AMAZING! I am sad it only comes once a week and will end at the end of October. I'm not sure what I will do until spring...
6.) We remembered September 11
It is crazy to think that we are 10 years out from 9/11. It is strange to think that I was only a freshman in high school the day that I watched the towers fall and the pentagon burn and now here I am actually working at the pentagon today. It's crazy. It was also a very solemn time to live here. It also marked the 10 year anniversary since Caleb came to DC for the first time. He was waiting outside of the White House on 9/11 to go in for a tour. It was really an interesting day for us to think back on the last 10 years.
7.) My cousin Heidi came to town.
My cousin Heidi lives in NJ and came to DC for work for an evening. It was SO nice to be able to get together with family and just relax, laugh, and catch up. I hope this was the first of many visitors to stop by for a fun evening visit (hint hint to all you readers out there!)
8.) We started back to school
Caleb is definitely enjoying 2nd year of school better than 1st. He is enjoying his classes and still enjoying working for the energy group he worked for the first half of the summer. They are in the middle of recruitment for firm jobs next summer so we would definitely appreciate prayers! As much as I like my classes, I am definitely ready to be done with school. I LOVE my internship at the Pentagon - too bad the entire government is under a hiring freeze so I have to search for a real job in a TERRIBLE environment. If anyone hears of anyone hiring between now and next May LET ME KNOW!!!
9.)We enjoyed our sunday school class's girls and guys night out.
Despite the baby boom in our sunday school class (seriously... like 9 babies!) we have started making some good friends! Last weekend we had separate guys and girls night out. The guys hung out, played video games and had a bonfire. The girls ate appetizers, played a game and chatted the night away.
10.) We finally finished the apartment with the guest room linens and outdoor futon cover!
My apartment is now complete!!! Which means.... I expect people to come visit soon!!! I have a guest pet, an adorable puppy, fresh herbs to cook delicious food... what's stopping you? And, that is the month of September for you. Well... up until the 28th... but I'll save that for a separate post. I'm still trying to get over my co-worker congratulating me on being half-way to 50..... ugh!
And one to grow on..... I turned 25! Check back in for a few days for an update on my birthday - it was definitely eventful!
1.) Rhett gained an entire pound and got groomed for the first time.
We are still really enjoying the new addition to our family. Scarlett and Rhett get along... for the most part. Rhett is definitely the dominant of the pair, which is funny to watch since Scarlett weighs 11 pounds and Rhett weighs a whopping 3 pounds. They like to fight over toys/bones and chase each other around the couch. I just wish potty-training was going better...
2.) I planted a garden!
I have always loved plants and I definitely missed them living on the 9th floor. So, as soon as we moved here, I needed a garden! Caleb made me start with just a few flowers and told me I had to keep them all alive for 2 weeks before I could have more. They all made it (well...except one... that just happened to croak 2 days after my new plants arrived)... so I upgraded from flowers to vegetables. I am growing brocolli, cauliflower, 2 types of cabbage, romaine lettuce, basil, mint, thyme, parsley, dill, sage, rosemary and cilantro and I have a very nicely growing raspberry bush. I am very proud of myself : )
3.) The Aggies joined the SEC
I honestly don't know if this is a good thing or a bad thing. But at least all of the drama is over and I have to look forward to Caleb's team destroying mine for years to come.... oh well.
4.) My mom came to visit!!!
This was definitely the highlight of the month. We really miss having family around, so having my mom come for a few days was like heaven. We went to the movies, toured the Pentagon, played with the dogs, and celebrated my birthday a little bit early! We ate at a restaurant called Art & Soul in DC and it was DELICIOUS!!! It was super special to actually be able to celebrate my birthday with my mom. Plus, I think she had a GREAT time, which should be taken as bribery for more of you blog readers to come visit! We have a guest bed and everything!!!!
5.) I have a new obsession - the farmer's market
I hate to admit it, but I LOVE the local farmers market. It comes to my grocery store parking lot every friday afternoon/evening. I usually stray away from the popular fads going around, but I have to admit that I'm totally sold on and buying and eating locally grown foods. The vegetables are SO fresh, the eggs do really taste better, and the meat is incredible. But honestly, my favorite is the pasta lady - she makes homemade pastas and sauces. I think my favorite is red bell pepper and sage pasta with parmesean tomato sauce. AMAZING! I am sad it only comes once a week and will end at the end of October. I'm not sure what I will do until spring...
6.) We remembered September 11
It is crazy to think that we are 10 years out from 9/11. It is strange to think that I was only a freshman in high school the day that I watched the towers fall and the pentagon burn and now here I am actually working at the pentagon today. It's crazy. It was also a very solemn time to live here. It also marked the 10 year anniversary since Caleb came to DC for the first time. He was waiting outside of the White House on 9/11 to go in for a tour. It was really an interesting day for us to think back on the last 10 years.
7.) My cousin Heidi came to town.
My cousin Heidi lives in NJ and came to DC for work for an evening. It was SO nice to be able to get together with family and just relax, laugh, and catch up. I hope this was the first of many visitors to stop by for a fun evening visit (hint hint to all you readers out there!)
8.) We started back to school
Caleb is definitely enjoying 2nd year of school better than 1st. He is enjoying his classes and still enjoying working for the energy group he worked for the first half of the summer. They are in the middle of recruitment for firm jobs next summer so we would definitely appreciate prayers! As much as I like my classes, I am definitely ready to be done with school. I LOVE my internship at the Pentagon - too bad the entire government is under a hiring freeze so I have to search for a real job in a TERRIBLE environment. If anyone hears of anyone hiring between now and next May LET ME KNOW!!!
9.)We enjoyed our sunday school class's girls and guys night out.
Despite the baby boom in our sunday school class (seriously... like 9 babies!) we have started making some good friends! Last weekend we had separate guys and girls night out. The guys hung out, played video games and had a bonfire. The girls ate appetizers, played a game and chatted the night away.
10.) We finally finished the apartment with the guest room linens and outdoor futon cover!
My apartment is now complete!!! Which means.... I expect people to come visit soon!!! I have a guest pet, an adorable puppy, fresh herbs to cook delicious food... what's stopping you? And, that is the month of September for you. Well... up until the 28th... but I'll save that for a separate post. I'm still trying to get over my co-worker congratulating me on being half-way to 50..... ugh!
And one to grow on..... I turned 25! Check back in for a few days for an update on my birthday - it was definitely eventful!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Confessions of an Earthquake Panicker
Well, as you have by now seen, DC experienced a 5.9 earthquake. It was actually my first earthquake! The last time that DC had an earthquake this big was in 1897.... so it took people off guard to say the least.
I have to preface this by saying that I've always considered myself pretty good under pressure and assumed that meant that I would be calm during a crisis. Boy was I wrong!
It had actually been a very nice day at work. I got into the office, had an early morning meeting, and spent the next few hours finishing up some outstanding projects. This week is the last for someone in our office, so we took an office field trip to have lunch at the Lebanese Taverna on Pentagon Row. We just got pack and sat down to our desks discussing how much we didn't want to work that afternoon.
A girl in the office stole me for a secret project. I went into the bosses' office with her and the boss and we closed the door. She needed me to help trim a picture so it would fit in a frame. So... I'm standing there with scissors in my hands when we feel a slight tremor.
The boss, my co-worker and I just stare at each other and ask "what was that." Before we could even answer, the whole building started to shake, more and more and more. That is when panic struck the whole office - what was happening? An earthquake? A bomb? Another plane like 9/11?
Then the panic really overtook me. I felt trapped. I was on the 5th floor and about a 7 minute walk from the nearest exit. Whatever was happening, I couldn't get out. We hid under desks until the shaking stopped. Then as we heard people in the halls yelling to evacuate, we locked up, grabbed our things and got out of the building as quickly as we could.
By the time we out of the building, we still had no idea what was going on. Once we got cell reception, we found out it was "just" an earthquake and relaxed a bit. Unfortunately, my nerves were completely shot and I wasn't even able to get a phone call/text out to find out if Caleb was okay. Since the thought of riding an underground metro (if it was even open) was not appealing, 3 of my co-workers and I loaded up in a car and headed out. They were very sweet to drop me off at my apartment before the traffic got TOO bad.
When I made it home, I was finally able to turn on the news and see what was going on and that it was over... hopefully. The quake had definitely hit our apartment as well. Several books, pictures, and all my plants had fallen over. Rhett didn't seem any worse for the wear, but Scarlett was hiding in her crate. I'm not sure if that was because she was scared of the shaking, or because she pooped on the floor and knew she was in trouble... oh well.
And, now Caleb is home. A co-worker was kind enough to drive him home as well. Well.. there you go. I survived my first earthquake, shed a few tears, and now know that I crumble under the pressure of natural disasters : )
Until next time, this is earthquake panicker signing off.
I have to preface this by saying that I've always considered myself pretty good under pressure and assumed that meant that I would be calm during a crisis. Boy was I wrong!
It had actually been a very nice day at work. I got into the office, had an early morning meeting, and spent the next few hours finishing up some outstanding projects. This week is the last for someone in our office, so we took an office field trip to have lunch at the Lebanese Taverna on Pentagon Row. We just got pack and sat down to our desks discussing how much we didn't want to work that afternoon.
A girl in the office stole me for a secret project. I went into the bosses' office with her and the boss and we closed the door. She needed me to help trim a picture so it would fit in a frame. So... I'm standing there with scissors in my hands when we feel a slight tremor.
The boss, my co-worker and I just stare at each other and ask "what was that." Before we could even answer, the whole building started to shake, more and more and more. That is when panic struck the whole office - what was happening? An earthquake? A bomb? Another plane like 9/11?
Then the panic really overtook me. I felt trapped. I was on the 5th floor and about a 7 minute walk from the nearest exit. Whatever was happening, I couldn't get out. We hid under desks until the shaking stopped. Then as we heard people in the halls yelling to evacuate, we locked up, grabbed our things and got out of the building as quickly as we could.
By the time we out of the building, we still had no idea what was going on. Once we got cell reception, we found out it was "just" an earthquake and relaxed a bit. Unfortunately, my nerves were completely shot and I wasn't even able to get a phone call/text out to find out if Caleb was okay. Since the thought of riding an underground metro (if it was even open) was not appealing, 3 of my co-workers and I loaded up in a car and headed out. They were very sweet to drop me off at my apartment before the traffic got TOO bad.
When I made it home, I was finally able to turn on the news and see what was going on and that it was over... hopefully. The quake had definitely hit our apartment as well. Several books, pictures, and all my plants had fallen over. Rhett didn't seem any worse for the wear, but Scarlett was hiding in her crate. I'm not sure if that was because she was scared of the shaking, or because she pooped on the floor and knew she was in trouble... oh well.
And, now Caleb is home. A co-worker was kind enough to drive him home as well. Well.. there you go. I survived my first earthquake, shed a few tears, and now know that I crumble under the pressure of natural disasters : )
Until next time, this is earthquake panicker signing off.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Our New Home!
Sorry this blog post has been so long coming. Each weekend I swore I was going to finish the apartment, but it go so dirty during the week that I was lucky to get back to where I had been before. But I got serious today and I'd say the apartment is about 95% set up. I have to wait on Caleb's next paycheck to finish a few short term projects. And then I have a whole list of long term projects.
But, before the pictures of our new place, here is a rundown of what we have been up to lately: Caleb is back working at Occidental Petroleum, he is also in the middle of law school recruitment for jobs next summer; Scarlett has decided Rhett isn't so bad; Rhett has grown a whole pound - she is now 3.4 pounds; I am still at the Pentagon, school starts for both of us in a week; we have attended our community's yappy hour for the dogs; we joined the DC Aggies club and attended the fall kick-off barbeque; we went to see the nats v. phillies game with friends but it was sold out so we ended up at a traditional moroccan restaurant for a 3+ hour 7 course moroccan meal; we've fully moved in to our new place; we MIRACULOUSLY" didn't get charged for Scarlett's accidents on the carpet at our old apartment; we are desperately attempting to potty train Rhett; 3 more couples in our Sunday School class have announced that they are pregnant - bring the total to 12 couples!; watching the Rangers dominate and hopefully move towards the playoffs; eagerly anticipating the start to college football season; following the debate about Rick Perry running for president.
As you can see, it has been quite the busy month. This week will be extra busy for me. I'm an ISA - international student ambassador- and will be helping to welcome 1100 students from 78 different countries to DC and George Washington. Since I have to work all day, I am signed up for evening activities like shopping for dorm decorations, bowling, a concert at the Kennedy Center, and a scavenger hunt across the city. But, enough of that. Without further ado, I give you our new apartment:
Front Entrance:
Dining Room & Kitchen:
Living Room:
Kitchen:
Improvised entertainment center (thank you ikea!)
Ode to Texas "shrine" in the dining room:
Dining room and door to garage:
Our "Texas shrine" has the texas flag, a cotton candle, our aggie ring pictures, our marriage certificate, a cowboy hat and boot salt & pepper shaker, wedding precious moment, pic of us at an aggie game, and a cross that Caleb's grandmother made. It's our corner that makes us feel like home.
Door to the guest room/office:
Caleb's desk:
Guest room/Office:
This is not the bedding for the guest room. I am waiting on Caleb's next paycheck to go pick up the bedding I've picked out at bed, bath & beyond. I'll post a pic when I finally get it. The giant black thing is our futon mattress. Once I have the money to get an outdoor futon cover, it'll be going out on our patio. So, for now, it sits in the guest room.
View from the front entry:
I love this little nook. Caleb's papa made this bookcase. I love it and it fits perfectly!
Guest bathroom/aka the George Washington Bathroom:
Inside the guest room:
My closet is in the guest room:
Inside the laundry room:
Dog zone:
Rhett land:
Our bathroom:
Our bedroom:
Note: I told Caleb I was going to take pictures of the apartment and unless he wanted his mother to see what his closet REALLY looks like, he better clean it. This is the result : )
My study nook:
The garage!
The kitchen:
The dogs are definitely enjoying their new home:
Scarlett still loves to lay on the clean laundry. Her favorites are Caleb's clothes...
"Playing"
I am not posting pics of the patio just yet. We've had storms the last week and my plants aren't looking so good. Hopefully we can get an outdoor futon cover soon. The weather is nice and I'm ready to hang out out there! Some of my other long-term projects are to clean up our painting imperfections. I know they aren't a big deal, but its driving me crazy! I also need to recover the dining room table chairs and maybe even restain the table. I like darker woods. If anyone has any tips on how to do these projects, please let me know!
Well, I better turn in. It's going to be a LONG week! If anyone would like our new address, feel free to let me know via comments, facebook, email etc.
But, before the pictures of our new place, here is a rundown of what we have been up to lately: Caleb is back working at Occidental Petroleum, he is also in the middle of law school recruitment for jobs next summer; Scarlett has decided Rhett isn't so bad; Rhett has grown a whole pound - she is now 3.4 pounds; I am still at the Pentagon, school starts for both of us in a week; we have attended our community's yappy hour for the dogs; we joined the DC Aggies club and attended the fall kick-off barbeque; we went to see the nats v. phillies game with friends but it was sold out so we ended up at a traditional moroccan restaurant for a 3+ hour 7 course moroccan meal; we've fully moved in to our new place; we MIRACULOUSLY" didn't get charged for Scarlett's accidents on the carpet at our old apartment; we are desperately attempting to potty train Rhett; 3 more couples in our Sunday School class have announced that they are pregnant - bring the total to 12 couples!; watching the Rangers dominate and hopefully move towards the playoffs; eagerly anticipating the start to college football season; following the debate about Rick Perry running for president.
As you can see, it has been quite the busy month. This week will be extra busy for me. I'm an ISA - international student ambassador- and will be helping to welcome 1100 students from 78 different countries to DC and George Washington. Since I have to work all day, I am signed up for evening activities like shopping for dorm decorations, bowling, a concert at the Kennedy Center, and a scavenger hunt across the city. But, enough of that. Without further ado, I give you our new apartment:
Front Entrance:
The dogs are definitely enjoying their new home:
Well, I better turn in. It's going to be a LONG week! If anyone would like our new address, feel free to let me know via comments, facebook, email etc.
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