I've been making a concerted effort to take the stairs whenever possible lately. It's my little way of adding a bit more exercise into my daily routine. And it feels good. Then I saw this video on one of the fitness blogs I follow and it made me wish my stairs, which I usually have all to myself, were like these ones!
Wednesday, 4 November 2009
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Tuesday, 13 October 2009
Dog's Leg Steals His Bone...?
Don't you just hate it when your leg tries to steal your food from you?
Wednesday, 30 September 2009
Fall Reflections
"Reflection Tree"
All you Summer-lovers out there who are still trying to eek out the last bit of use of your tanks, shorts and flip-flops... you might want to cover your ears (or eyes, as it were). 'Cause here's the thing... I LOVE Fall! I mean, I very much enjoy summer sun-dresses, water sports and barbecues, but I love everything about this season between Summer and Winter.
I love the fact that we don't sweat when we're outside. And all the cute sweaters and jackets. I love the crisp air that hints at all the changes yet to come. And the colors - ohhhh the colors. The changing of the leaves in Oregon was beautiful, and I can only imagine what it will be like out here, where the Fall Colors are 'famous'.
Every Fall causes me to reflect on the changes in my own life as well. And inevitably there are many. This Fall is no different...
The biggest change is a new personal passion that has recently come to my attention. As I've already discussed, I recently realized the extent of my photography obsession which has been growing for years now. With a little encouragement from my mother-in-law and husband, along with a dose of self-realization, I decided I might be able to do something with this obsession. I'm far from "doing something" truly meaningful with it, but at this point I am enjoying the digital photography and Photoshop learning process. There's just so much to explore! And you know what they say - Do what you love, and you'll never work a day in your life! That's a pretty good goal to aim for. You can follow my journey over at Just a Bud.
As I continue to reflect on the changes in my own life this season, I'd love to hear what the crisp air of the changing season has brought into your life!
Tuesday, 15 September 2009
Is that really necessary?
It's noon, and I'm still mentally disturbed by what I saw this morning.
Tim and I had a nice little stroll to the Metro where he "dropped me off" with a kiss goodbye and the usual well-wishes for a good day at work. I snagged my daily Express newspaper (news. brief.) from my favorite Express distribution dude at Capitol South and headed for the escalator as usual. That's where the pleasantries stopped and the creepies crept in.
At the top of the escalator there was a man (I assume it was a man) dressed as the grim reaper. I couldn't see his face (does the grim reaper have a face?), but I could hear his evil laugh and I could definitely see the very large poster he carried. On it was a blown up image of a bloody fetus' head.
Are you disturbed yet?
As if that wasn't enough, Grim had some form of voice amplifying device that made it impossible to block him out. He was laughing the most evil laugh I have ever heard in my life. (Worse than Heath Ledger as The Joker or the laugh from MJ's Thriller. And, no, I am not exaggerating.) Once his sinister laugh dissipated he proclaimed, "Keep fighting for the right to kill your babies and I will reward you for eternity...." punctuated by more evil chuckles.
Can you see why I am still disturbed hours later?
Tim and I had a nice little stroll to the Metro where he "dropped me off" with a kiss goodbye and the usual well-wishes for a good day at work. I snagged my daily Express newspaper (news. brief.) from my favorite Express distribution dude at Capitol South and headed for the escalator as usual. That's where the pleasantries stopped and the creepies crept in.
At the top of the escalator there was a man (I assume it was a man) dressed as the grim reaper. I couldn't see his face (does the grim reaper have a face?), but I could hear his evil laugh and I could definitely see the very large poster he carried. On it was a blown up image of a bloody fetus' head.
Are you disturbed yet?
As if that wasn't enough, Grim had some form of voice amplifying device that made it impossible to block him out. He was laughing the most evil laugh I have ever heard in my life. (Worse than Heath Ledger as The Joker or the laugh from MJ's Thriller. And, no, I am not exaggerating.) Once his sinister laugh dissipated he proclaimed, "Keep fighting for the right to kill your babies and I will reward you for eternity...." punctuated by more evil chuckles.
Can you see why I am still disturbed hours later?
Monday, 14 September 2009
Shutter Bug
In this season of swine flu scares I feel it would be good of me to warn you... I've caught a serious case of the shutter bug and can't seem to shake it.
Saturday I took the plunge and invested in a quality digital SLR camera. After hours and hours of research, and years of yearning for a camera that made that dreamy shutter sound, I went with the Nikon D90 and am extremely pleased so far. Of course, anything of higher quality than my little point and shoot Canon PowerShot SD 750 would have me in awe I'm sure.
I spent most of Saturday snapping photos at every turn and playing with all the dials I've never had before. Fortunately there is always something to capture in DC, and if the cityscapes and public protests aren't enough, my husband, friends and kitty have been very patient "models" (so far). A word to the wise, however, if you'd rather not have a camera in your face I'd stay away from me for the foreseeable future, or the next, oh, 2 years at least. I figure that's how long it'll take me to learn most of what I want to learn about portrait photography.
And if you're interested in following my journey as I learn about photography and Photoshop ... among other things, I'm sure ... you can check out my new blog over at Just A Bud.
Saturday I took the plunge and invested in a quality digital SLR camera. After hours and hours of research, and years of yearning for a camera that made that dreamy shutter sound, I went with the Nikon D90 and am extremely pleased so far. Of course, anything of higher quality than my little point and shoot Canon PowerShot SD 750 would have me in awe I'm sure.
I spent most of Saturday snapping photos at every turn and playing with all the dials I've never had before. Fortunately there is always something to capture in DC, and if the cityscapes and public protests aren't enough, my husband, friends and kitty have been very patient "models" (so far). A word to the wise, however, if you'd rather not have a camera in your face I'd stay away from me for the foreseeable future, or the next, oh, 2 years at least. I figure that's how long it'll take me to learn most of what I want to learn about portrait photography.
And if you're interested in following my journey as I learn about photography and Photoshop ... among other things, I'm sure ... you can check out my new blog over at Just A Bud.
Tuesday, 8 September 2009
NYC
I'd never been to New York and I guess I didn't know what to expect, but it was nothing like whatever I didn't know to expect. I suppose I had glamorized the city... Unbeknown to me, my imagination had created a vision of a clean, beautiful city where everyone was fashion forward and the air smelled of roses and cinnamon rolls and the streets were paved in gold. Ha!
A few eye-opening observations from my first trip to NYC:
- This city overwhelms the senses (and not in the cinnamon rolls and roses kind of way). It is a loud, dirty, smelly, huge city. Most of the time, except for Central Park and the MoMA, I felt like I couldn't get a deep breath of air. My lungs apparently knew not to take in that much fowl "air" at once. The streets are covered in litter and everything seems to be in disarray. Nothing is kind or gentle about this city. Everything is in your face (or up your nose, as the case may be). Times Square is the best example, of course. And that was our first stop after we dropped our stuff off at the hotel (which is another story entirely).
- A dump of a motel is more expensive than the Hilton in Oregon. I'm not so clueless as to think that for $200/night on Labor Day weekend that we were going to get a stellar hotel. (or am I?) But what we did get was still a shock to the system. There were two double beds in our room each butted up against the wall, and there was almost enough space to walk between them. Nothing matched (see photo below). The bathroom had mold growing on the ceiling and along the tub, toilet and sink. All at once Laura managed to pull the curtain rod above her bed down on herself while trying to shut the curtains for privacy, Tim nearly fell through the rock hard bed (did they screw up and put the box spring on top?) in an attempt to fix the curtain rod, and I realized there was no TP in the bathroom (mid stream of course). That pretty much sums it up. I slept with my hands between my face and the pillow in an attempt to keep from breathing whatever was surely inside.
On the plus side...
- Central Park is as beautiful as one would imagine an 80-block green space in the middle of a huge city.
- The food is amazing! We planned our trip around Laura's favorite restaurants and other places recommended to us. The food might have been my favorite thing about the City.
- One can easily catch a cab at any hour of the day or night. This is in stark contrast to DC where you practically have to order your cab online in advance unless you're on Pennsylvania Ave. or at the airport.
By Labor Day even Tim was saying, "I can't wait to get home to DC!" Which is saying something for a guy who has no great love for DC (or any city with a population larger than 50,000). And upon arrival back in the District we were both shocked by how clean (sterile, even) our city felt. It was kind of refreshing.
I have to admit that I do not *heart* NY (does this make me un-American??). But I DO *heart* the view from the top of the Rockefeller Center!
A few eye-opening observations from my first trip to NYC:
- This city overwhelms the senses (and not in the cinnamon rolls and roses kind of way). It is a loud, dirty, smelly, huge city. Most of the time, except for Central Park and the MoMA, I felt like I couldn't get a deep breath of air. My lungs apparently knew not to take in that much fowl "air" at once. The streets are covered in litter and everything seems to be in disarray. Nothing is kind or gentle about this city. Everything is in your face (or up your nose, as the case may be). Times Square is the best example, of course. And that was our first stop after we dropped our stuff off at the hotel (which is another story entirely).
Times Square
- The Statue of Liberty is not nearly as big as the movies make her look. I thought she would tower over the city, but the skyline actually dwarfs her. Which just seemed so wrong!
- A dump of a motel is more expensive than the Hilton in Oregon. I'm not so clueless as to think that for $200/night on Labor Day weekend that we were going to get a stellar hotel. (or am I?) But what we did get was still a shock to the system. There were two double beds in our room each butted up against the wall, and there was almost enough space to walk between them. Nothing matched (see photo below). The bathroom had mold growing on the ceiling and along the tub, toilet and sink. All at once Laura managed to pull the curtain rod above her bed down on herself while trying to shut the curtains for privacy, Tim nearly fell through the rock hard bed (did they screw up and put the box spring on top?) in an attempt to fix the curtain rod, and I realized there was no TP in the bathroom (mid stream of course). That pretty much sums it up. I slept with my hands between my face and the pillow in an attempt to keep from breathing whatever was surely inside.
On the plus side...
- Central Park is as beautiful as one would imagine an 80-block green space in the middle of a huge city.
- The food is amazing! We planned our trip around Laura's favorite restaurants and other places recommended to us. The food might have been my favorite thing about the City.
- One can easily catch a cab at any hour of the day or night. This is in stark contrast to DC where you practically have to order your cab online in advance unless you're on Pennsylvania Ave. or at the airport.
By Labor Day even Tim was saying, "I can't wait to get home to DC!" Which is saying something for a guy who has no great love for DC (or any city with a population larger than 50,000). And upon arrival back in the District we were both shocked by how clean (sterile, even) our city felt. It was kind of refreshing.
I have to admit that I do not *heart* NY (does this make me un-American??). But I DO *heart* the view from the top of the Rockefeller Center!
Wednesday, 2 September 2009
Call me Uncaring
I have a confession to make: I'm pretty sure DC has turned me into a B.I.T.C.H.
I used to be an idealist. One of those annoyingly optimistic people who think they can fix all that is wrong in the world. After just five months living in DC, when I walk down the street between the Metro and my office I don't want to be stopped by people out to save the world. I don't want to be annoyed daily by people from CARE, Greenpeace, PETA, or those people who make Obama out to be Hitler. I most certainly don't want to be approached (and made to feel guilty for not stopping) by three people from the same organization while walking from my office to the post office two blocks away. I'm just trying to go about my life. I don't want you asking if I have a moment to save the planet, or a moment to help abused animals, or a moment to solve world poverty. Your incessant attempts to stop me on the street drive me crazy. I'd like to think that I'm just annoyed by their patronizing ways - treating me as if I'm not already doing my part to help make the world a better place. As if every person walking by is not already helping, but maybe I'm just completely uncaring and heartless.
Not only that, but I have become the most annoyable person I know. People who don't follow the "rules" of the Metro system make my blood boil. I have too many stories to share on this topic for the short time I've been using the Metro Rail system. And if I recount them my blood pressure will likely shoot through the roof, so I'd better not. But suffice it to say, people are crazy. And when you put them into small spaces like mass transit trains and tunnels they seem to lose all common sense and politeness that their mama's (should have) taught them. About once a week I leave work in a pretty good mood only to arrive home fuming. I've got to find a way to control this pent-up frustration. I can't control them, I can only control me. *deep breath* I can't control them, all I can control is me.
- Here's the proof -
I used to be an idealist. One of those annoyingly optimistic people who think they can fix all that is wrong in the world. After just five months living in DC, when I walk down the street between the Metro and my office I don't want to be stopped by people out to save the world. I don't want to be annoyed daily by people from CARE, Greenpeace, PETA, or those people who make Obama out to be Hitler. I most certainly don't want to be approached (and made to feel guilty for not stopping) by three people from the same organization while walking from my office to the post office two blocks away. I'm just trying to go about my life. I don't want you asking if I have a moment to save the planet, or a moment to help abused animals, or a moment to solve world poverty. Your incessant attempts to stop me on the street drive me crazy. I'd like to think that I'm just annoyed by their patronizing ways - treating me as if I'm not already doing my part to help make the world a better place. As if every person walking by is not already helping, but maybe I'm just completely uncaring and heartless.
Not only that, but I have become the most annoyable person I know. People who don't follow the "rules" of the Metro system make my blood boil. I have too many stories to share on this topic for the short time I've been using the Metro Rail system. And if I recount them my blood pressure will likely shoot through the roof, so I'd better not. But suffice it to say, people are crazy. And when you put them into small spaces like mass transit trains and tunnels they seem to lose all common sense and politeness that their mama's (should have) taught them. About once a week I leave work in a pretty good mood only to arrive home fuming. I've got to find a way to control this pent-up frustration. I can't control them, I can only control me. *deep breath* I can't control them, all I can control is me.
Monday, 31 August 2009
Birthday No. 24
This weekend I celebrated my 24th birthday. I will soon have to start acting like a real adult, not just the pretend one I am currently. I assume that age (when I am expected to transition from pretend to real adult) might very well be 25, when I am trusted to rent a car without extra charges. So I've only got one year left of pretend adulthood. On the up-side, my birthday fell on a Saturday this year. So I took advantage of that timing along with the fact that neither Tim nor I were starting school on or around my birthday (which is usually the case), and we used the entire weekend to celebrate!
Friday Tim and I went out to dinner with two of my girl friends at a comedy club called DC Improv and thoroughly enjoyed the show! It was a low-key and enjoyable way to kick the weekend off right.
At DC Improv
Saturday started with a 90 minute massage. *sigh* Then it was off to the grocery store with Tim in preparation for the BBQ with friends at our place. Tim was, as always, the grill master working up yummy yummy hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ baked beans, and grilled corn on the cob. He even put together and served appetizers as the guests arrived: cheese ball with crackers, chips and salsa etc. All very healthy and low in fat and sodium. And so delicious!
My dear friend Laura made birthday cupcakes which just made my day. She toted them all the way from her place near Georgetown on the Metro - a birthday fairy coming through the front door with shoe boxes lined with plastic wrap and filled with delicious individual desserts that spelled "Happy Birthday Kendra! YAY". You can see why I love her.
The BBQ stretched into the wee hours of the morning as we watched funny You Tube videos, danced to innumerable peppy songs (over and over), and just enjoyed hanging out. We started the evening intent on migrating to Cafe Citron for Latin dancing and mingling with strangers (that's what you do at Clubs, right?), but we lost track of time at "Club Seymour" and never moved on. I didn't mind.
The girls gather for a group picture at the BBQ
Sunday was more low-key. We girls went out for brunch at Founding Farmers (one of my favorite brunch places in DC) then saw Julie and Julia in Georgetown. A pretty perfect Sunday afternoon.
Founding Farmers Brunch
Friday Tim and I went out to dinner with two of my girl friends at a comedy club called DC Improv and thoroughly enjoyed the show! It was a low-key and enjoyable way to kick the weekend off right.
At DC ImprovMy dear friend Laura made birthday cupcakes which just made my day. She toted them all the way from her place near Georgetown on the Metro - a birthday fairy coming through the front door with shoe boxes lined with plastic wrap and filled with delicious individual desserts that spelled "Happy Birthday Kendra! YAY". You can see why I love her.
The BBQ stretched into the wee hours of the morning as we watched funny You Tube videos, danced to innumerable peppy songs (over and over), and just enjoyed hanging out. We started the evening intent on migrating to Cafe Citron for Latin dancing and mingling with strangers (that's what you do at Clubs, right?), but we lost track of time at "Club Seymour" and never moved on. I didn't mind.
The girls gather for a group picture at the BBQ
Founding Farmers BrunchAs it turns out, 24 is not so bad.
Thursday, 20 August 2009
A Pacific Northwest Retreat
We spent three days over the weekend camping at Lake Pend Oreille in North Idaho with Tim's family and mine. Our time, though short, was blissful. I didn't realize how much I miss the Pacific Northwest.
Tim's little cousin Kirsten instructing him on how to arrange our tent.
The weather was less than ideal, but nothing dampened our spirits. We spent two days enjoying a reprieve from the DC humidity and heat, bundled up in sweatshirts, jeans and tennies. And standing by a campfire felt oh. so. good. I think the majority of my time at the lake was spent just enjoying the fire.
Tim's sister and cousin jumping off the dock.
Our final day on the lake the weather decided to cooperate and gifted us a beautifully sunny and calm end to our Northwest retreat. The lake was almost glassy, coaxing us into a 6:00 AM wakeboarding run. All the boarding, tubing, skiing and boating that day took a toll on our poor muscles and Tim got pretty badly burnt. The physical effects of our day of boating fun are constant reminders of the fun we had. And it was worth it to play in the water and be out in the sun on the gorgeous glassy lake surrounded by green trees and a blue sky.
Wakeboarding. *sigh*
Like I said. Bliss.
Tim's little cousin Kirsten instructing him on how to arrange our tent.
Tim's sister and cousin jumping off the dock.
Wakeboarding. *sigh*Friday, 17 July 2009
Chandelier Obsession
If you are a friend of mine on facebook you will have already seen my latest status: I have a thing for chandeliers.
I'm beginning to think I might have an obsession with beautiful light fixtures. And given that we live in a rented basement apartment with low ceilings, this obsession needs an outlet somewhere other than our home. That's where you come in: I'd like to share with you a few of the lovely pieces of chandelier artwork I've been drooling over for the last few weeks.
I'm beginning to think I might have an obsession with beautiful light fixtures. And given that we live in a rented basement apartment with low ceilings, this obsession needs an outlet somewhere other than our home. That's where you come in: I'd like to share with you a few of the lovely pieces of chandelier artwork I've been drooling over for the last few weeks.
Tuesday, 14 July 2009
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
Last week Amber came to visit DC as the final stop on her 3 week East Coast adventure. She, Laura and I had a great time doing girly things and seeing the sights together. Here are a few pictures from the wonderful 4 days we spent with Amber:
View from the top of the Washington Monument -
you can see the Capitol if you look closely
View from the bottom of the Washington -
best view ever
Dance party at our place with Tim as DJ.
This was obviously a little Thriller.
Rocking out to our own private dance party.
I LOVE Laura's face in this one.
National Cathedral - absolutely gorgeous
(and it had great chandeliers!)
Paddleboats on the Tidal Basin.
You can see part of the Jefferson Memorial in the background.
Hirshhorn Museum of Modern Art.
This fountain was amazing.
View from the top of the Washington Monument -you can see the Capitol if you look closely
View from the bottom of the Washington -best view ever
Dance party at our place with Tim as DJ.This was obviously a little Thriller.
Rocking out to our own private dance party.I LOVE Laura's face in this one.
National Cathedral - absolutely gorgeous(and it had great chandeliers!)
Paddleboats on the Tidal Basin.You can see part of the Jefferson Memorial in the background.
Hirshhorn Museum of Modern Art.This fountain was amazing.
Wednesday, 8 July 2009
Anniversary #2
Yesterday Tim and I celebrated our second anniversary. My, how the time flies! We celebrated with a fancy, yummy dinner at The Source (by Wolfgang Puck). Tim also got me lilies and roses (my favorites).
There is a funny story there, though. I've taken to buying myself flowers so I always have something bright and happy in a vase waiting for me when I come home. Last weekend we were at Eastern Market and I wanted to buy a new bunch of flowers, but Tim adamantly said "no". I walked off pouting as we headed home only to realize maybe he had a reason for not wanting me to buy myself flowers so close to our anniversary. Low and behold, he was just planning ahead so there would be a vacant vase for the bouquet he would buy me. Good hubby.
Being the shutter bug I am, I couldn't go without taking multiple pictures on our anniversary date. So, here is your inside look:
Lovely smelling flowers!
"Here Tim, smell how lovely they are!"
His face made me laugh.
Appetizer
Free dessert. The sauce read: "Happy Anniversary"
There is a funny story there, though. I've taken to buying myself flowers so I always have something bright and happy in a vase waiting for me when I come home. Last weekend we were at Eastern Market and I wanted to buy a new bunch of flowers, but Tim adamantly said "no". I walked off pouting as we headed home only to realize maybe he had a reason for not wanting me to buy myself flowers so close to our anniversary. Low and behold, he was just planning ahead so there would be a vacant vase for the bouquet he would buy me. Good hubby.
Being the shutter bug I am, I couldn't go without taking multiple pictures on our anniversary date. So, here is your inside look:
Lovely smelling flowers!
"Here Tim, smell how lovely they are!"His face made me laugh.
Appetizer
Free dessert. The sauce read: "Happy Anniversary"Sunday, 5 July 2009
National Holiday
Our first Fourth of July in DC was much less touristy that it should have been. We should have gone to the Mall and listened to all the concerts, been blown away by the loud booms of the fireworks and overwhelmed by all the tourists swarming the green space between the Capitol and the Lincoln.
We, however, spent our afternoon at a barbeque with friends in Virginia then moved on to another friend's apartment where we watched the fireworks with a view of the entire Mall.
Though it was nice to not be so overwhelmed by the large amounts of people, it would have been fun to do the touristy thing for our first year. Especially since we could have walked to and from the Mall and not had to worry about the crowded Metro. Ahh well, live and learn I suppose.
Beach Boys - Spirit of America, BBQ and
Apple Pie (being made in the background)
Laura and I had the patriotic thing going on.
We clearly love our country.
Tim, on the other hand, thought it best to wear a GREEN
Ireland, Ireland, Ireland, Ireland t-shirt.
Silly Timmy.
Our view of the fireworks. You can see the fuzzy outlines
of the Capitol on the left, the Washington in the middle
and the Lincoln on the right.
We, however, spent our afternoon at a barbeque with friends in Virginia then moved on to another friend's apartment where we watched the fireworks with a view of the entire Mall.
Though it was nice to not be so overwhelmed by the large amounts of people, it would have been fun to do the touristy thing for our first year. Especially since we could have walked to and from the Mall and not had to worry about the crowded Metro. Ahh well, live and learn I suppose.
Beach Boys - Spirit of America, BBQ andApple Pie (being made in the background)
Laura and I had the patriotic thing going on.We clearly love our country.
Tim, on the other hand, thought it best to wear a GREENIreland, Ireland, Ireland, Ireland t-shirt.
Silly Timmy.
Our view of the fireworks. You can see the fuzzy outlinesof the Capitol on the left, the Washington in the middle
and the Lincoln on the right.
Monday, 22 June 2009
Not funny
Around 5:00 this evening two Metro trains collided killing at least 6 and wounding dozens on the border of DC and Maryland. I was not on either of the trains involved, but I did feel the effects on my commute home in the form of delays. It wasn't until I arrived home that I found out what had happened.
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