So I know that I haven't written in a while... Needless to say it has been a rough month so far. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and that hit me like a ton of bricks. I am not gonna lie, I cried like a baby. But you have to admit, cancer is a terrifying word. My mom is my best friend, the thought of her and cancer is absolutely unequivocally scary.
BUT... let me tell you how awesome God is. :)
1. Mom was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer, which is apparently the best kind to have.
2. After I found out and had a freak out moment, God completely brought a peace to me. He reminded me that He is in control and has a meaning for everything. I literally felt revived after he calmed me down.
3. One of my best friends, Alex, was actually in town for the weekend and had arrived that morning, before I found out. Talk about a God thing. I dont know how I would have reacted if he hadn't been there. He comforted me and he also wouldn't let me focus all of my energy on that. He helped me not wade in my tears. Praise God! It was so great to have a friend there.
4. My good friend Brittany has been looking for a job and she really wanted this job at the Sarah cannon cancer center in Nashville. She had been praying to find a job and I had been praying for her too. She got the job!!!! Also, those in her position are given a certain type of cancer that they have to research and basically learn everything about. Guess what kind of cancer she was given to research? Breast cancer. Talk about the Lord! Brittany told me that if we ever have any questions about anything (procedures, terms, the next steps) she would be able to explain it to us and if she didn't know she would find someone who did know. I'm telling ya, my God is great!
Through all of this, I have been able to see my mom go from discouraged to encouraged because of letters, notes, flowers, and Facebook posts from dear friends and family. It is amazing what tho things can do. :)
I am so incredibly grateful that I have a God that comforts, teaches, and loves.
Monday, November 14, 2011
PHX blog---- oldie but a goodie
So I am on my way to Phoenix, az. I am currently on the plane typing up this little blog. Let me begin by telling you that I am going to a conference for Honors kids, basically. It is a convention of super smart and driven college students who are all oooober excited about learning.... I know what your thinking... It's gonna be awesome right?
So begins the phx saga...
Let's go over my baggage situation shall we? I had to bring a rather large presentation tri-fold board, a suitcase filled with brochures, nic-nacs, papers, and such, my own personal suitcase, a laptop (including it's home, a rather bulky laptop case), and my purse (size of a carry o n). Needless to say, when loaded up I look like a professional pack-mule, complete with stiletto heels.
I super-shuttled to the airport... Umm.... A slightly longer ride than I anticipated, but scenic?
Upon arrival at the airport, getting out of the shuttle and getting all the junk, was a show. People, I could tell, felt sorry for me and were secretly thinking or mumbling under their breath, "pack mule." I got checked in and then headed to security. That was good except for the fact that I forgot to take off my shoes and the security man-dude wasn't too happy about that. Oops
I got to the airport like 3 hours early so, I had some time to kill, aka, shop in the rando stores for a bit and find silly, yet unnecessary but needed items, like candy, magazines, books and such. Also, my world was rocked when I entered the food court and low and behold there was an ARBYS!!!!!!!!! Yes! They do not have them in D.C. which is tragic. So, I definitely partook in some curly fry action, coupled with a turkey sandwich, FOR THE WIN!
So I sat down to have my merry little early dinner and this lady decides to sit down at the table next to me and eat too. Didn't phase me... But then....
She whipped out a half a loaf of bread and American singles (pre-packaged cheese). So I naturally watched, and she j ust as if I had known her for 20 years started to talk to me... I think I attract people to talk to me for some reason, you shall see later. She was from the Ukraine and had an extremely thick accent. However, she lives in Alabama and was going to new York. I am not sure why or how she was goin g, but she told me anyway and I couldn't understand her so I just nodded and did the "haha" laugh, perfect for such situations. She also told me about her sons and monks and nuns. Yep, that is not a typo folks. I have no idea how she brought it up or why, but it happened. She just talked and talked and talked and talked, bless her. She was legitimately telling me whatever popped up in her head. So,I responded every once in a while, when I could understand, and ate my deliciousness,
Then I bid her adieu and walked to my gate. En route, I came across this HUGE crowd around a gate. They were all clapping. It turns out that is was a plane filled with war veterans. Precious!!! I just wanted to cry. They were so cute and I just clapped and clapped.
Went to the gate to familiarize myself with southwest seating procedures... Um, yea.. I totes got bambooooozled. I didn't know you had to check in at the gate for a boarding pass, I am an idiot. The lady was like"you are lucky we even have seats left." well thanks lady. I had been there for 3 hours, could have had the best seat, but literally got the last seat.go figure.
After that fiasco, I sat down and was minding my business and then...
A crazy rando couple sat down beside me and just started chatting with me. They were actually really awesome. They called it a "airport romance" hah but they were both married and have kids. I think they were just kidding around, maybe? But they were both in their late 40s maybe early 50s and had been at the bar for the past 5 hours. They were a hoot. The guy adorned a braided rat tail thing and had on a Hawaiian shirt and flaunted baggy cargos. She was stylish and both of them were slightly toasted. Hahah the man said to me "my two weaknesses in life are tequila and you." eekk, talk about an awkward "haha" moment. I'm telling you I attract the crazies.
Well I am happy to report that the "last person on the plane award" goes to this girl. ---> ME
In southwestanese that means "ma'am sit in the first available middle seat."
Ok, I am tall and awkward in general, so having to crawl over people is not really my specialty. Also, being scolded for not sitting fast enough is hardly what I call "friendly customer service." So I naturally turned red and was embarrassed. Oh well, oh the plights of a workin gal.
Well my seat mates are nice so that is a plus. I also brought some raisinettes and jolly ranchers to keep me company. Oh wait here comes the stewardess with complementary snacks, so the more the merrier I say. Ok, time out, when did snacks change from peanuts to wheat thins (see below)... I could get used to this kind of snackage. Just because of the wheat thins I might semi-forget the little seat debacle.... Maybe...
So begins the phx saga...
Let's go over my baggage situation shall we? I had to bring a rather large presentation tri-fold board, a suitcase filled with brochures, nic-nacs, papers, and such, my own personal suitcase, a laptop (including it's home, a rather bulky laptop case), and my purse (size of a carry o n). Needless to say, when loaded up I look like a professional pack-mule, complete with stiletto heels.
I super-shuttled to the airport... Umm.... A slightly longer ride than I anticipated, but scenic?
Upon arrival at the airport, getting out of the shuttle and getting all the junk, was a show. People, I could tell, felt sorry for me and were secretly thinking or mumbling under their breath, "pack mule." I got checked in and then headed to security. That was good except for the fact that I forgot to take off my shoes and the security man-dude wasn't too happy about that. Oops
I got to the airport like 3 hours early so, I had some time to kill, aka, shop in the rando stores for a bit and find silly, yet unnecessary but needed items, like candy, magazines, books and such. Also, my world was rocked when I entered the food court and low and behold there was an ARBYS!!!!!!!!! Yes! They do not have them in D.C. which is tragic. So, I definitely partook in some curly fry action, coupled with a turkey sandwich, FOR THE WIN!
So I sat down to have my merry little early dinner and this lady decides to sit down at the table next to me and eat too. Didn't phase me... But then....
She whipped out a half a loaf of bread and American singles (pre-packaged cheese). So I naturally watched, and she j ust as if I had known her for 20 years started to talk to me... I think I attract people to talk to me for some reason, you shall see later. She was from the Ukraine and had an extremely thick accent. However, she lives in Alabama and was going to new York. I am not sure why or how she was goin g, but she told me anyway and I couldn't understand her so I just nodded and did the "haha" laugh, perfect for such situations. She also told me about her sons and monks and nuns. Yep, that is not a typo folks. I have no idea how she brought it up or why, but it happened. She just talked and talked and talked and talked, bless her. She was legitimately telling me whatever popped up in her head. So,I responded every once in a while, when I could understand, and ate my deliciousness,
Then I bid her adieu and walked to my gate. En route, I came across this HUGE crowd around a gate. They were all clapping. It turns out that is was a plane filled with war veterans. Precious!!! I just wanted to cry. They were so cute and I just clapped and clapped.
Went to the gate to familiarize myself with southwest seating procedures... Um, yea.. I totes got bambooooozled. I didn't know you had to check in at the gate for a boarding pass, I am an idiot. The lady was like"you are lucky we even have seats left." well thanks lady. I had been there for 3 hours, could have had the best seat, but literally got the last seat.go figure.
After that fiasco, I sat down and was minding my business and then...
A crazy rando couple sat down beside me and just started chatting with me. They were actually really awesome. They called it a "airport romance" hah but they were both married and have kids. I think they were just kidding around, maybe? But they were both in their late 40s maybe early 50s and had been at the bar for the past 5 hours. They were a hoot. The guy adorned a braided rat tail thing and had on a Hawaiian shirt and flaunted baggy cargos. She was stylish and both of them were slightly toasted. Hahah the man said to me "my two weaknesses in life are tequila and you." eekk, talk about an awkward "haha" moment. I'm telling you I attract the crazies.
Well I am happy to report that the "last person on the plane award" goes to this girl. ---> ME
In southwestanese that means "ma'am sit in the first available middle seat."
Ok, I am tall and awkward in general, so having to crawl over people is not really my specialty. Also, being scolded for not sitting fast enough is hardly what I call "friendly customer service." So I naturally turned red and was embarrassed. Oh well, oh the plights of a workin gal.
Well my seat mates are nice so that is a plus. I also brought some raisinettes and jolly ranchers to keep me company. Oh wait here comes the stewardess with complementary snacks, so the more the merrier I say. Ok, time out, when did snacks change from peanuts to wheat thins (see below)... I could get used to this kind of snackage. Just because of the wheat thins I might semi-forget the little seat debacle.... Maybe...
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Hurricane weekend!
Ok folks... so this is the run-down of my epic, yet uneventful weekend...
Friday: Went out with some great gals from work and went to a comedy show... Good stuff! It was great to get to hang out with some friends.
Saturday: Up early.... Eastern Market... DUH! I was insistant on trying the fantastic, and highly-acclaimed blueberry pancakes at Market Lunch... they were... AMAZING! I will definitely be bringing guests who come to visit to eat the fantastic flapjacks... Just see for yourself:
Then, my mom called and gave me the "411" on the hurricane situation: as in, I needed some food, candles and fun activities to wait out the storm. I went to CVS first... that was definitely ransacked like an After-Thanksgiving sale. Then for some reason, I decided that Target would be a better option.... Boy was I wrong! First of all, Target is always a mad-house, because... just because. It is always packed. Well, Saturday morning just before a hurricane.... = PANIC and widespread HYSTERIA (by others). I basically was just going about my business, trying to find some candles and such... There were people who were dying to get generators, batteries, non-perishable food, and such. There were also back-to-school shoppers, who frankly were just in everyone's way as they scurried about.
Friday: Went out with some great gals from work and went to a comedy show... Good stuff! It was great to get to hang out with some friends.
Saturday: Up early.... Eastern Market... DUH! I was insistant on trying the fantastic, and highly-acclaimed blueberry pancakes at Market Lunch... they were... AMAZING! I will definitely be bringing guests who come to visit to eat the fantastic flapjacks... Just see for yourself:
Then, my mom called and gave me the "411" on the hurricane situation: as in, I needed some food, candles and fun activities to wait out the storm. I went to CVS first... that was definitely ransacked like an After-Thanksgiving sale. Then for some reason, I decided that Target would be a better option.... Boy was I wrong! First of all, Target is always a mad-house, because... just because. It is always packed. Well, Saturday morning just before a hurricane.... = PANIC and widespread HYSTERIA (by others). I basically was just going about my business, trying to find some candles and such... There were people who were dying to get generators, batteries, non-perishable food, and such. There were also back-to-school shoppers, who frankly were just in everyone's way as they scurried about.
I innocently wanted A candle... because forget about flashlights (gone in 60secs literally). All the candles, except the overly-smelly ones were gone, of course. I then felt like it was necessary to have some sort of food, so I went over to the grocery aisles... this is what i found...
 |
| Bread |
 |
| Peanut Butter |
As one can see... slim pickin's.... I ended up with bread-thins ? and to-go Peanut butters... I also grabbed random things for entertainment purposes... couple magazines, cards, markers, pencils, scissors, etc. I thought i could make it a Crafternoon. I also got some rando stuff like some kick-butt socks and a lovely pillowcase. (Below is my plethora of goodies)
 |
| My Bounty |
Nothing says I Love You better than EZ cheese on some crackers.
In my boredness.... I painted my nails, with this awesome crackle finish and watched 100 movies (basically). It was a nice little lazy afternoon. At night it got a little bit creepy with the howli-ness of the wind and all. Also... It was RAINING SIDEWAYS all day.. hah
Sunday: woke up late and went out to Brunch at a place by the market... it wasn't too swell but it was alright. I then wandered throughout the Capital Hill neighborhood, basically prayer-walkin and saw a little bit of damage. I then went to Union Station and then went looking at H&M for a bit.
Late afternoon, I went to an evening service at DC Metro Church out in Alexandria. I went with Kristen. It was great to get to worship corporately and be around other Christians. It was so nice to hear the speaker as well. :)
I need to be and want to be bold for God in this city. I want to be radical for Him. I need to pray that my heart and mind are in the right place. I am not sure if i am ready yet, but I want to grow. I really want to read the book Radical. I know i am behind the times and need to catch up. lol I am really want to dig deeper in discovering Christ and discovering His plan for me. :)
Friday, August 26, 2011
There's a storm brewin'
So, if you haven't heard.... there is a massive beast of a storm in the name of IRENE! (say it in a really thick accent and it sounds like a dirty neighbor who is about to distroy your yard or something).
Well right about where it says 85mph winds.... is approximately where DC is located... of course...
First there is an earthquake, now Irene.... oh-de-lal-ee
SO.... yesterday i decided it would be best to semi-prepare for the possiblity of being stranded in my rando apartment by myself for a few days... with no power....
To the right is my hurricane survival kit... thus far...
consisting of:
Green tea (of course, in order to stay healthy for a long time)
wheat thins
and EZ Cheese
Food of champions and hurricane survivors of course!
Well, my thoughts yesterday were just to get something to have in my apartment (just in case) and that i was probably overdoing it at that... but.... Today, PEPCO (the power people) have gone ahead and estimated several days of power outages.. great. Apparently, they are not too fast in the response and problem-fixing department. (BOO) Also, according to the Express and Examiner (metro papers) Maryland and Virginia are pre-declaring states of emergency? yea... and they are evacuating people who live in "low-lands"...
Am I being flippant by thinking it will not be a big deal? or should i go stock up on peanut butter, bread, and dunkaroos? maybe a flashlight, candles, etc?I might need to prepare for epic bordom as well.... seeing as it will probably rain (a lot) and power could be a problemo.... and because i don't know many folk in the area....
In all seriousness though, please pray for the eastern seaboard as it braces for Irene.
Well right about where it says 85mph winds.... is approximately where DC is located... of course...
First there is an earthquake, now Irene.... oh-de-lal-ee
SO.... yesterday i decided it would be best to semi-prepare for the possiblity of being stranded in my rando apartment by myself for a few days... with no power....
To the right is my hurricane survival kit... thus far...
consisting of:
Green tea (of course, in order to stay healthy for a long time)
wheat thins
and EZ Cheese
Food of champions and hurricane survivors of course!
Well, my thoughts yesterday were just to get something to have in my apartment (just in case) and that i was probably overdoing it at that... but.... Today, PEPCO (the power people) have gone ahead and estimated several days of power outages.. great. Apparently, they are not too fast in the response and problem-fixing department. (BOO) Also, according to the Express and Examiner (metro papers) Maryland and Virginia are pre-declaring states of emergency? yea... and they are evacuating people who live in "low-lands"...
Am I being flippant by thinking it will not be a big deal? or should i go stock up on peanut butter, bread, and dunkaroos? maybe a flashlight, candles, etc?I might need to prepare for epic bordom as well.... seeing as it will probably rain (a lot) and power could be a problemo.... and because i don't know many folk in the area....
In all seriousness though, please pray for the eastern seaboard as it braces for Irene.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Long time no blog
Hey my followers and friends! I know it has been quite a while since my last post.... Let me just say that the last bit of the summer in DC was SUPER hectic and jam-packed with events and such...
Well, if you didn't know.. I got a full-time job (a big girl job) in Washington DC!!!!!!! yyeeeeaaaa! I am so blessed. I am the Special Programs assistant at the Fund for American Studies (TFAS), a non-profit here in DC. I am working on a mentor program, curriculum review, a journalism fellowship program and more. I absolutely love TFAS! The office is filled ith absolutely amazing people and friends.!
My first day was yesterday. I flew up on Tuesday and moved into temporary housing on Capital Hill, literally a block from Eastern Market!!! :)
I'm in a HUGE apartment all by myself... :) and :( ....I'll take some pics and put them up tomorrow.
It's quite lovely, but also lonely.
I am excited about what God has in store for me here. I am not quite accustomed to it yet. I have felt super awkward for the passed couple days. I don't know what that is about. :/ I haven't acted like myself and I dont know why or anything. I have been really quiet (which isnt like me, as you all know ). I know it will get better, but right now I feel like i am on the outside. I know good things are just around the corner.
After work, One of my coworkers invited me over to have vino and dinner. It was a great way to celebrate my job and such. Also, It was nice to visit and have some company. :)
After that I came back to my apt, and relaxed:)
Well, if you didn't know.. I got a full-time job (a big girl job) in Washington DC!!!!!!! yyeeeeaaaa! I am so blessed. I am the Special Programs assistant at the Fund for American Studies (TFAS), a non-profit here in DC. I am working on a mentor program, curriculum review, a journalism fellowship program and more. I absolutely love TFAS! The office is filled ith absolutely amazing people and friends.!
My first day was yesterday. I flew up on Tuesday and moved into temporary housing on Capital Hill, literally a block from Eastern Market!!! :)
I'm in a HUGE apartment all by myself... :) and :( ....I'll take some pics and put them up tomorrow.
It's quite lovely, but also lonely.
I am excited about what God has in store for me here. I am not quite accustomed to it yet. I have felt super awkward for the passed couple days. I don't know what that is about. :/ I haven't acted like myself and I dont know why or anything. I have been really quiet (which isnt like me, as you all know ). I know it will get better, but right now I feel like i am on the outside. I know good things are just around the corner.
After work, One of my coworkers invited me over to have vino and dinner. It was a great way to celebrate my job and such. Also, It was nice to visit and have some company. :)
After that I came back to my apt, and relaxed:)
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Tuesday
Tuesday was a scorcher! It was soooooooooo hot yesterday. I went to a site briefing at the us trade representative office, then lunch at le pain...
Then worked on CSAD stuff all aft noon. CSAD is s huge dinner where w give an award to a senator, this year it was Mark Pryor from Arkansas.
It was held at the Four Seasons in Georgetown. It was beautiful! We had a cocktail hour before the event then a three course meal.
First course was "jumbo sea scollops, mushroom risotto with apple wood smoked bacon lardoons"
Entree: short ribs, anson mills polenta, carrot and asparagus bundle, pearl onions
Dessert: deconstructed s'mores-milk chocolate mousse caramelized vanilla bran marshmallow. Graham streusel
So the dinner was LEGIT!
Also, it was a much Better day
Then worked on CSAD stuff all aft noon. CSAD is s huge dinner where w give an award to a senator, this year it was Mark Pryor from Arkansas.
It was held at the Four Seasons in Georgetown. It was beautiful! We had a cocktail hour before the event then a three course meal.
First course was "jumbo sea scollops, mushroom risotto with apple wood smoked bacon lardoons"
Entree: short ribs, anson mills polenta, carrot and asparagus bundle, pearl onions
Dessert: deconstructed s'mores-milk chocolate mousse caramelized vanilla bran marshmallow. Graham streusel
So the dinner was LEGIT!
Also, it was a much Better day
Monday
Monday was one of the worst days. Everything seemed to be going wrong. Just a whole lot of frustration emotion and ugggggh.
One cool thing... Went to a big lunch with Donald Rumsfeld, no big deal.... Lol
One cool thing... Went to a big lunch with Donald Rumsfeld, no big deal.... Lol
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