Survivor Harbor 7

Ok, it's my bragging time... Rob, Danielle and Adam ran the Survivor Harbor 7 this past weekend. Rob ran the 7 mile portion and Danielle and Adam ran the 3 mile portion.

I was supposed to run the 3 mile with Adam and Danielle but had to pull out about 2 weeks ago.... so I dropped Adam off at the 3 mile start and waited at the finish line...

Rob came in first out of the 3 of them. He then circled around and joined up with Danielle for her last mile... yeah, he ran 7 miles and then thought, I have more energy, I'll run another mile... Ahhh, to be that in shape.

Here is a pic of the 3 of them very shortly after they ran across the finish line...


And here I am being very proud of my man!!! (complete with Starbucks coffee mug attached to my purse ;~)


To Adam, Rob and Danielle... I couldn't be more proud! You guys were awesome!

I apparently will never outgrow high school

My friend Jaime's bridal shower was yesterday and I spent a solid hour fretting about what to wear. Seriously… I was going back and forth trying to decide what the 'popular girls' would wear. Keep in mind, I have been friends with Jaime for years and I am in her wedding... she could careless about what I wear... regardless....

A little background... In middle/high school I wasn’t what you call popular… I was a wallflower, of the grandest proportions. Admittedly I spread my wings a little more when I went to a smaller Christian school my last 2 years, but from fifth grade to tenth grade, my greatest goal was to be invisible. And for the most part I succeeded.

Flash forward to present day and I am much more comfortable with myself. More confident so I take greater risks… certainly risks that I wouldn’t have taken in school. I wear what makes me comfortable and what have you... or so I thought.

Back to yesterday when I worried about what to wear. Brown pants, hippie tank top, black guachos, gray 'rebel' shirt, flowery skirt, pink shirt.... as it turns out, pink was the color of the day ;~)

Looks like school be damned... I am popular.

That is Kelly, Heather, Jaime and I looking fabulous!

Kelly - if you read this post and don't leave me a comment, you're in big trouble! I know where you sit and I can hold your contracts hostage ~ j/k ;~) Love ya!

Ok, Ok... I get it... ;~)

I wanted to respond to everyone's comments but putting all of this in a comment seemed a tad excessive so....

Kathi - I couldn't delete you if I wanted to ;~) Thanks for the kind words... and the reminder of the difference between sad and disappointed. That was an excellent point ~

Dad - Thanks for everything... not just this comment but everything, I don't know what I would do without you. God definitely had a plan there ~

Tom - Anytime you want! I am always ready to talk about that boat ;~) You actually gave me a good idea for a project (and eventual blog)... and my dad is pretty awesome ;~)

Johnnie - Thanks for the insight. I try to remember that, I swear I do!

Leesa - I have had that thought too, like maybe there is a bigger reason why I am here... haven't figured out what it is but I have had the thought. I stay because of the $$ and the benefits... I know $$ isn't everything but it is a factor right now. While my husband can command WAY more money then I will ever make and does bring home good money, right now I am the one with the steady income and I am the one who provides the benefits... I do like your idea of finding someone that does what I want to do ;~)

Thanks to everyone for the comments. I do appreciate them. I know in my heart of hearts that my mom was (and would be if she was here) proud of me. I just get a little stuck in my head sometimes and can't seem to shake the funk.

I do wish that I had taken more cues from her... listened a little more... given her ideas more credence... done more with her... asked her more questions...

It's just one of those things that death takes from you. I am realizing that I knew very little about the woman that raised me. Now, at the age I am, is when I was supposed to be asking questions about her life. (I only recently figured out that my mom had a life before me, who knew ;~)

I do have journals, pictures, documents and memorabilia to go through, when the time is right ;~)

Thanks again to everyone ~

One of those days...

I can't seem to shake this blah feeling. I have been having this re-occuring thought process and it's troubling me. I know my mom wanted me to be happy and satisfied in my career. I know, every parent wishes that for their kids but she gave me advice and nudged me as I was deciding. She always stressed that it was important and I should work hard to do something that I love. That urging was born out of a lifetime of working just to provide for me... I know she never really liked any of her jobs. She did them to put food on the table and I think she wanted more for me.

So where am I now? In a job that I fell bass ackwards into, doing something that is completely contradictory to my degree and lifestyle, wishing that I was somewhere else.

Please don't anyone write in and say 'most people feel that way' and/or 'hardly anyone uses their degree for the intended purpose' - You run the risk of your comment being deleted.

I digress... the thought process is this... I think of all the times my mom helped and encouraged me to find a career... then I think about all the opportunity that I had to make something out of my life... then I think about the wasted opportunity that I didn't grab onto... then I look around and see where I am professionally and I can't help but think that she would be so dissapointed in me. (Not me as a person, just me as a professional... I am smarter than that!)

It hurts to think that I have let my mom down.

Please know that I am not looking to be fixed... only to throw what is on my mind out into the universe. Sometimes just saying it outloud makes me feel better.

Oh and earlier this morning, I tried to eat my body weight in fruit roll-ups. Not a feat I would recommend.

For your weekly smile... my dog sleepy on daddy's lap laying across daddy's laptop computer. I love this house.

We have a visitor...

...the ever lovable Jack Jack! We are dogsitting for Joy while she is away with her family this weekend.

FYI - Vicki (Joy's mom, standing at the van) is a very good friend of mine who I have known since my childhood... when I was 9 she would babysit me during the day when my mom was working and then eventually I started babysitting her kids. I also spent quite a few summers at her house as a mother's helper. In fact, I spent a good chunk of my childhood with her and her family and and I loved every minute of it ~ Hard to believe I used to hold Joy as a newborn and now she is gaining on me in height! Amazing! Anyway, I digress... all this to say that I love this family a lot!!!

Back to the show....



Here are Joy and I introducing the dogs. A little sniff and we are good to go.



Seriously, is that not a grin to melt your heart ;~)

Adam and I have noticed a little 'competition' from Jack Jack and Riley... If Adam or I pet one, the other races over. Or if we are sitting somewhere and one comes to snuggle, the other is right behind trying to snuggle more... Ahhh sibling (sort of) rivalry.

They are getting along well though so it is a happy household. Moments of chasing each other around the apartment followed by Riley needed to take a break (he is almost 9 ;~)... All in all, it's going to be a fun weekend!!!



Oh and random shot of my husband wearing my pink trucker hat... and looking VERY hardcore ~ being married is fun ;~)

Heavy on the videos...

Sorry I have been so heavy on the videos lately but this one is totally worth it! Too awesome... oh and I stole it from Laura! Thanks chick!

The Crazy craze...

Getting to know me

I got this from Kathi's, be sure to check hers out too.

I AM: trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up
I WANT: to be able to stay home with my babies (you know, when I have them)
I WISH: that there was a cure for cancer
I HATE: that my mom was taken before she got to meet her grandchildren
I MISS: my mom every single day (right there with you Kathi)
I FEAR: instability
I HEAR: sounds of the office
I WONDER: how old I will be when I die
I REGRET: there are lots of things I would like to change if I could but I heard it said once that regret for the past is a waste of spirit and I believe that.
I AM NOT: an optimist ~ I am trying, but I am not one by nature
I DANCE: occasionally... with the right amount of liquid courage
I SING: even though I stink ;~)
I CRY: when I think about a certain conversation with my mom
I AM NOT ALWAYS: happy when I should be
I MAKE WITH MY HANDS: I wish I could write language here but maybe someday :)
I WRITE: whatever I think is important or relevant at the time
I CONFUSE: my husband on a daily basis (sorry sweetie, I love you ;~)
I NEED: forgiveness daily (amen Kathi!)
I SHOULD: trust God more
I START: a lot of books and a lot of projects
I FINISH: amost nothing... I am one of those people
I TAG: everyone who reads this! Well, you don't have to but would love to read it if you do!

The Great Migration to Crofton is Complete

I have to say that I have the coolest friends! People started showing up to our EC apartment around 9:15 and by 10 we were loading the truck with our belongings. With the boys doing some brute force lifting, some girls doing some last minute packing, other girls carrying boxes and the incomparable Pat working the puzzle that was our moving truck and our belongings... we were on our way within an hour and a half.

We got to Crofton around noon and by 1 the truck was unloaded and Adam and Rob were driving it back to be dropped off!

Here is a shoutout to everyone that helped... Craig, Ali, Zach, Tiny, Pat, Kristen, Sandy, Becky, Carrie, Scott, Seth, Victoria, Rob and Danielle ! I think that is everyone... 14 people... no wonder it went so smoothly! Thank you guys so much... Adam and I have a wonderful group of friends!

Once the hubbub died down, Seth ran home to get DDR (Dance Dance Revolution for those of you not in the know!) and Seth, Victoria, Rob, Danielle, Adam and I danced our hearts out for awhile.

Then we took Scout and Riley to the dog park. After Adam and I walked the perimeter to make sure there were no prison break openings, some tears from mom (I kid you not) and some adamant 'I am not taking Riley off this leash' discussions... Adam freed Riley. He took off running (alongside Adam) and seemed to be enjoying himself. Although after his initial run, he gave us a look like... "hmmmm, what now... I am off my leash but still surrounded by fence...not sure what I am supposed to do". Regardless he got to explore and see a whole new world sans his leash. I have to admit, I am a believer in the dog park now. I only wish my mom could have seen that! She always wanted to see Riley without a leash on (you know without it being a matter of his life and death ;~)

After we tired out the dogs (and some of the humans...) we all gathered at S and V's for dinner and games. Delicious wheat pasta (who knew it would taste good ;~)... perfectly seasoned chicken... some great red wine... and yummy ice cream for dessert, it made for a great meal. And Apples to Apples finished off the evening with S coming back for an amazing win!

Good times! I love where we live!

Oh by the way... for all those that helped us move... has anyone see the tray pictured on the bottom of the smaller table?

It is removable and we seemed to have lost it along the way and I thought maybe it was in the back of someone's car or maybe someone remembers seeing it...

Thanks!

Too cool to pass up!

This is by far one of the best videos that I have come across in a long time... thanks honey!!!

Wild and Crazy Weekend

Adam and I were on the move all weekend... not that I am complaining... just tired now! I thought I would recap what went on...

Friday night - Party at Phil's house. One of the 'fellows' at John Hopkins, Joanna, passed the CA bar so Phil (lawyer at JH) hosted a party for her. This was my first look at being a lawyers wife... not as bad as I thought. I was convinced that in this world (lawyers wife world) everyone would speak with words that I don't know, about current events that I don't keep up with and with an air of superiority that would make me want to hit them. Turns out they are pretty normal. Good conversation, GREAT Iranian food and I even found a friend.... I am the even present animal lover!


Saturday - I went and had 'kitchen coffee' with a very good friend. A friend... I still giggle at that! She used to watch me years ago until somehow we flipped and I began babysitting her kids. Some of my best summers were being a 'mother's helper' to her! Growing up and becoming her friend was actually quite seamless... like it was meant to be ;~) I thank God she was placed in my life all those years ago... God has quite a plan... more detailed and intricate then we can imagine ;~) Here is a painting (a portrait of myself) done by her 4 year old daughter... hanging proudly on my refrigerator.


Saturday night - Went out to eat at Corks in Baltimore with my dad, his girlfriend Stacie and Adam. We had a great time and the food was delicious! You have to love men in pink! Dad likes to treat Adam and I to good food every once in awhile! We have to maintain a taste for the high life... dad would be so disappointed to know that I can put down a can of Spaghetti-O's like no one's business! At some point dad, Adam and I will be treating you to dinner, I promise ;~)


Sunday - went to church in the morning and a Shippeque in the afternoon! The weather was looking very threatening for a while but right as we started the festivities the sun broke through and it was gorgeous the rest of the day! Praise Jesus! What a great time... most of our bible study was there and my friends Diana and Stephen came! This is an active bunch so I think this is only the start of many outdoor activities to come this summer!

And I had to post the Team picture! From the right, Scott, Seth, Rob, Danielle, Adam and me! Ummmm, I do believe Team Adam/Rob/Jessi won both games of volleyball... good thing Team Scott/Seth/Danielle is not competitive (cough cough).


Anyway, all in all... fantabulous weekend! That's all I have for now ;~)

Khaki's are attacking your closet

I love my husband more than anyone on this earth. That being said, husbands are funny creatures. Adam went to a meeting last night so I was home alone (with Riley the Wonderbeagle of course). I took the opportunity to do some laundry... pickins were slim and it needed to be done. My usual MO with laundry is do a few loads, fold everything then put it away (instead of putting it away after every load). So around 8:30 - 9 I go to put everything away. Inevitably I have to straighten out the husbands closet because there are collared shirts thrown up where the pants are folded, pants randomly folded and sitting where the undershirts go, ect... not an issue, I don't mind this at all because I am the 'neat' one of the 2 of us.

I finish, go chill on the couch for awhile until the husband returns. He runs into the bedroom, changes and plops on the couch to watch Scrubs with me.

We are now ending the night and I am walking into the bedroom where my husband is waiting and I pass by the closet... this is what I see...



I calmly walk in and tell him that his khaki's are attacking his other clothes.

Little things like this make me love being married. Heck, if this is the worst, I am in good shape.

I love you sweetie!!!

List of Most Favorite Things

a Color: Pink (Sorry Kathi ;~)
a Time of Day: 5:00pm, I can taste freedom
a Day of Week: Thursday
a Month: August
a Holiday: Mother's Day
a Food: Eggplant pancakes (don't knock it until you try it!)
a Movie Genre: Romantic Comedy/Teen Flicks
a Actor: Zach Braff
a Actress: Natalie Portman
a Film: Garden State and Anne of Green Gables
a T.V. Program: Scrubs
a Sport: not a big fan of any of it but probably baseball if I had to choose
a Animal: Riley the Wonderbeagle of course
a Character Trait: (in others) loyalty
a Body Part: My Feet
a Piece of Clothing: right now, long flowy pink and white skirt
a Music: right now, Citizen Cope, subject to change on a daily basis
a Game: Texas Hold'em
a State To Drive Through: I think all of them have something to offer
a Sound: a heartbeat

The Great Migration to Crofton

It's official... we are moving!!!

Saturday May 6th is moving day for Adam and I!

We are leaving Ellicott City behind for a grander life in Crofton!

We signed a lease on a great apartment (more like a condo) right off Rt. 3. It is 15 minutes from our church, mere seconds from friends, closer to Annapolis which is our eventual goal and it is 50 times better than the apartment we are in now.

Wish us luck and if you want to come out and help move, by all means, show up!!! We are getting started aroun 9:00-10:00 am on Saturday May 6th! We will provide lunch (probably pizza) and drinks!!!

Shout out to Paco for the official title of our move... forever henceforth May 6th shall be referred to as The Great Migration to Crofton...

And from this weekend...

Thursday night... One very happy couple!

Friday night poker ;~) Carrie stacking all her chips!

Prozac for the part of my brain that deals with finances

Seriously folks... I don't like to talk money with everyone I know but I have got to get this off my chest!

Between getting taxes back, owing the evil Orchard Park ridiculous money, Adam starting a new job, signing a lease and paying for a new, wonderful apartment, starting to pay back federal student loans for my husbands fabulous education, then starting to pay back private loans for the other part of my husbands fabulous education, then realizing that we may have another loan in FL (grandpa G signed for that but died more than 2 years ago) and going back and forth from we have to pay that, we should pay that and the bank can't collect on that... I am about ready to have a financial breakdown...

I am not sure what a financial breakdown looks like but I will take pictures...

All I do know is that I will continue to tithe... I never felt better than when I wrote that check!

Also, for those who don't know... Danielle and Rob have spent 6 months (this time around) apart while Rob was serving our country in Africa. He is now back, driving on American soil, drinking Starbucks and coming home to friends that have missed him! Rob had to report to Camp Lejune in NC after his deployment ended and Danielle drove down to be with him. They should be on their way back to MD as I type!

Art

Thought my devoted readers might get a kick out of this art. Ron Mueck

Sick to my stomach

So Adam and I signed a lease for an apartment in Crofton that we are absolutely IN LOVE with! It is gorgeous, spacious, perfect location and right next to our friends Rob and Danielle (hey guys, can we borrow some sugar!).

That is not the part that I am sick to my stomach about... the sick to my stomach is in regards to the apartment (read 'dungeon') that we are currently living in.

Aparently the notification for termination is 60 days and not the 30 days that we thought... which means that because we terminated (standard, not an early termination) today Orchard Park is charging us for all of May and prorated for June at the month to month rate... this basically translates to us owing them $1800 dollars for an apartment that won't be occupied from May 6 on... freaking fantastic. I feel like such a putz for not paying more attention... because we weren't watching, Orchard Park has us pinned to the wall.

Now, all things being right... Orchard Park is correct... we should have terminated when it said (although I will say that we didn't know what we were doing yet and that's a bit unfair to push us into making a decision that far out...) but come on people... 1800 bucks... i am going to cry... seriously, tears down the face right now.

I can tell you this... there will be some choice words written in the memo section of that check...

It gets me every time...

It doesn't matter how many times I see this or how often... I laugh everytime! Thanks Karen!

And the business starts!!!

Adam is officially in business for himself and will be starting his first job as an independent contractor on Tuesday April 11, 2006!

Many of you (my 3 devoted readers) are probably wondering what the heck I am talking about ... here's the scoop...

The Johns Hopkins (temp) gig is ending this Thursday/Friday so Adam and I have been discussing what his next steps should be. We (and when I say "we", I mean I) would like him to have a FT, permanent, with benefits, 9-5 job... however, that dream just hasn't worked out.

So this Sunday Adam and I were discussing really starting his own legal business. Start out by doing legal consulting; helping overloaded small firms, writing briefs and memos, research, ect... Then over time start the process of taking on clients and transition into a full time law firm. We talked about what that would take from us... sacrifice and faith... and what it would do for Adam.... gets to work in the actual legal arena, learns all types of law, meets great people....

Monday morning Derek (one of the lawyers at JH) called Adam into his office. Derek told Adam that, on a whim, his wife and he got together with friends that they haven't seen for almost a year for dinner Friday night. Derek told Adam that this friend was taking on a 3 month case that would require him to hire someone to help out. Enter Adam's name! Derek apparently sung Adam's praises to Jim and Jim was interested.

Adam found all of this out Monday morning and met with Jim for lunch on Monday afternoon. Jim loved Adam and said as long as the client is fine with hiring you, you are hired!

Adam just got an email this morning that said "The client authorized hiring you as an independent contractor on the terms we discussed. See you Tuesday."

The job is approximately 3 months long so this will carry us into June. That gives Adam and I time to focus on starting his own business; the name, business cards, letterhead, ect... It also gives Adam time to start making contacts with other firms/laywers for the future. This particular job is also supposed to see approximately 3 weeks of courtroom time which Adam is very much looking forward to!

Sorry we were so "mums the word" about this but we have gotten our hopes up in the past and we just wanted to be sure that this would work out.

So there you go ladies and gentlemen! We are being looked after, Praise Jesus!!!

You know those people...

that start their own business. They just decide to step out in faith and give it a go. A couple of our friends did just that and check it out!! Notice the pink bubble on the right... the "Best Beauty Awards: The best of 2006"



Now notice #5... "Trinity Blessed Balm"!!! How cool is that!



Check them out if you are in the market for some awesome cosmetics!
Trinity Cosmetics