We the people...

post hurricane

On Sunday, after the hurricane was a distant memory Bill and I drove out the the Udvar-Hazy air hanger to go see the "annex" to the Air and Space museum (we will go there tomorrow or Wed). There we got to see the space shuttle - so awesome- and an amazing collection of fighter jets.

I have been so excited about seeing this all summer - it didn't disappoint!

One of the most historic and game changing things you can see.

Today we visited Mount Vernon, and old town Alexandria. The weather was so perfect for strolling around the grounds, visiting the house, gardens and the grist mill. Unfortunately, the wharf and farm were closed because of trees downed by Hurricane Irene, but we still saw some of the cows, sheep and pigs. We also saw the tomb of President Washington and Martha Curtis Washington and visited the newly built museum.

Pres. Washington's Home

Little piggy on the farm

the rain in spain...

It has been about 14 hours of rain and it sounds like we will have 10 to 14 hours more.

So far there has been flooding near the smaller rivers but nothing near us.

Bill brought out a bunch of DVDs so we have spent the evening watching Firefly. We have watched this series twice before but it is always amusing to rewatch.

The worst wind and rain is supposed to start in about an hour and last through 2-3 am, so we hope to sleep through it. After the storm passes we are supposed to have some nice weather the rest of the week.

This week Pros and Cons:

Pro: Last week of internship
Con: Earthquake hits DC, closes office and move my presentation
Pro: Presentation to COO went well
Con: I won't be here to re-present to CEO, VPs or Board
Pro: Bill leaving even earlier than expected to come fetch me
Con: The reason for Bill leaving early is Hurricane Irene
Pro: Next week should be beautiful for visiting DC
Con: Natural disasters have caused the closing of some of our points of interest

Eye of a hurricane

Listen to yourself churn....

Ok I know I am abusing REM's Lyrics now, but Bill and I are hoping that the eye of Hurricane Irene is far far away from DC this weekend. Yesterday they were predicting Irene would hit the Chesapeake area after hitting the Carolinas. Today they are saying it should be to the east of us but to be prepared for rain rain and a bit of blowing rain. Yay!

That's great, it starts with an earthquake

... birds snakes an aeroplane (Love that song!)

Yes we had an earthquake today. We are fine and I had a very short day at work. This last week is getting more and more interesting. Now we just watch Hurricane Irene and see where her path might take her.

What Have You Done!?!

I have been toying around with changing my blog format for quite some time. The format I had was from a long time ago, when the only customizations you could really do were colors and fonts. I am still trying to find the right background etc. for the page.
I hope you like it and if you have suggestions lemme know.

Last solo weekend in DC

Bill comes out next weekend - Yay!!! So this weekend was my last weekend as a "single-married lady."

Saturday, I went to lunch with my lovely cousin Alissa and her oldest daughter. After lunch, we visited the American Girl Store. I had never actually been to one of these stores. I have decided that I need to have a baby girl asap so that I can get my own doll to play with with my daughter. Last night, I just hung out and watched parts of a few different movies that were on TV.

Today, I put in my hour at the pool and did all my normal Sunday things. I also took a trip up to the National Zoo. I decided I needed to go see the pandas before I left. While it took two trains and getting rained on twice, I saw the pandas and a few other animals.

Totally worth it!

Freakonomics blog often provides me with smart funny and informative pieces on a whole variety of things. Today I saw this article on Barter village, which may be of interest to those people interested in urban homesteading/ simple living.
[there are two link the first is to freakonomics blog, the second to the barter village "about us" page]

What you learn about yourself

When driving 12 hours out of 48 in a rental car to and from Cleveland.

1. This driving thing isn't as bad as I make it out to be. (Until #3)
2. We need to get a more comfortable car. (Probably the cause of #1)
3. Driving in rain that is so hard you can't see 15 ft in front of you stinks! (Especially when it last for about a half hour and happens like 4 times in a 6 hour drive)
4. Out of all the reasons to drive that much, cute Baby Jack has to be one of the best! (see the pictures if you don't believe me)
5. Audio books are the way to go on long trips. (This isn't something I learned, as my parents used this tool quite often, but it does reinforce it and bring us to #6)
6. Tina Fey is quite funny and her book Bossypants was improved by having it in audio version. (though not suitable for children due to swearing)
7. My dog really does have severe car separation anxiety. (This is when she is fine if I leave her anywhere except in a car)

I am sure I have other lessons but that is all for now.

I feel like I should point out that Anna had an allergic reaction to a bug bite causing what looks like a black eye

a heartwarming story

It is rare to read something uplifting in the newspaper. This is a story of star wars fans and wonderful generosity and philanthropy. Enjoy!

such a great weekend

I had a wonderful weekend meeting family and new friends. The only thing that was missing was my wonderful husband on the 6th anniversary of our marriage (let's not do that again - ok?).

Friday I got flowers from Bill when I got home (he's so sweet). I hung out and Bill and I watched the Phineas and Ferb movie long distance. yes we are both super dorks!

Saturday, I was able to spend time with Alissa, my cousin, Tom, her husband, and their wonderful children. Though it was hot, we had a nice picnic and a good walk in nature.

Today I had an early dinner with a guy I met at a Booth alumni function. He is an in-comming executive MBA student. We had Korean BBQ with his wife and 11 of her friends and after dinner we went for frozen yogurt. It was nice to get out, meet new people and try something new for dinner.

Here are pictures from Great Falls and from Bill's visit a few weeks ago

my love of cartoons

I am sure you all know by know that I am sort of a Disney freak, loving the movies, cartoons and especially the theme parks. I admit to this obsession freely, but sometimes I wonder how poorly it might reflect on me. Maybe I just need to have a kid so I will "have to" watch the movies etc.

That being said phineas and ferb have a movie premiering at 8 tonight. I will be watching. I love Agent P, and every time I see the garbage disposal at work (insinkerator) I chuckle to myself.

So judge me if you will, but that is my plan for the evening.

happy birthday mr president.

I didn't know you are 20 years older than me until I read it this morning.

in other news I am 70% done with my internship. and happy to be that much closer to returning to my husband.

This weekend is our 6th anniversary, and the first time (and last time I hope) to spend it apart.

I hope you all are having a fine week.

doing nothing

this weekend was by far the most relaxing and least eventful weekend since I moved here. Friday I tried this awesome Nepalitano pizza place with my cousin and her husband. Saturday I hung out at the pool took a nap and then dressed up for a nice dinner by myself. Sunday had the regular Sunday events along with a little more time in the sun and making a fabulous dinner and watching Charade with my new roommate.

Yes In the 10 weeks here I now have had two different roommates, both nice quiet guys. Considering I found this sublet through Craigslist I think i am pretty lucky.

I took a break on the Sherlock Holmes after finishing all 4 of the books. I am now reading Sense and Sensibility (as I never finished going through all of Austin earlier this summer). I still haven't decided where this one ranks in order I know my two most favorite (Pride & Prejudice and Emma) and my least favorite (Mansfield Park and Northanger Abby) but the other two are about the same in my liking them.

I hope you all had lovely weekends are are ready for a new week.