Mary Poppins Wasn't Perfect

No, really. That's the name of the episode I'm currently watching. But not the part that I just cackled at.  Yes. Cackled. And no one is around. I'm at my dining room table working and listening as Friends is on TV and I'm laughing outloud. By myself. Weird? Maybe.   Happen often? Yes.  Phoebe:  Hey! Have you started off thinking of names yet? Rachel:  Oh yeah! I’ve come up with a bunch of ideas! Ross:  Really? Me too! Phoebe:  Me too! Rachel:  Really?! Phoebe:  Uh huh! If it’s a girl, Phoebe, and if it’s a boy, Phoebo! Ross:  Maybe. But it wouldn’t hurt to have a backup, you know? Uh, Rach-Rach, what were you thinking? (Gives her a look) Rachel:  Okay! I was thinking if it’s a girl, how about Sandrine? It’s French. Ross:  Huh. That’s a really pretty name for-for an industrial solvent. Rachel:  Okay fine, what do you have? Ross:  Well, OK, it’s for a boy. Well, I know it’s a little out there,...

Washington, DC. I've been here 3 months. (!!!) I've learned a couple of things.  I've seen a couple of things, too.  Now that I've been here 3 months, let me tell you a few things I've learned- because of what I've seen. If you go to a new city and visit- it's totally ok to buy paraphernalia. Really. It is.  But save it for when you get home. Don't buy a purple zebra hoodie that says "Washington, DC" and then wear it in the same city.  We know you're here.  If you're one who needs to wear a screen printed shirt, wear one from YOUR home. Maybe someone will see you and be able to associate with you because of that.  From Texas and love the Rangers, Cowboys, or Mavs? Wear one of those shirts. I'll for SURE stop you and tell you I love the teams too!  But if you're wearing a Washington, DC screen printed shirt, I'll most likely avoid you at all costs. (And for those of you thinking, "THIS is how ...

After my half marathon last weekend, I took Sunday as a day of rest and recuperating. Little did I know, I'd get the next 6 days to do the same thing. I've always struggled with allergies, no matter where I live, and springtime proves to be the worst. DC is no different. But I think I got slammed with them more this last week than I have ever in the past. 6 full days of the worst allergic episode I've had. Nothing was relieving my pain, releasing the sinus pressure, or helping me to breathe. Finally I went to the CVS minute clinic and was given 2 steroids. 48 hours later, I'm breathing again. If all last week I was 15% functional, today I am at 70%. This morning was the first morning in 7 days I'd not woken up severe pain and inability to breathe. Making progress. At any rate, I started a puzzle last weekend on my dining room table. It's been slow going, but I've had ample time this past week to work on it. And here in comes the cheezy analogy. ...

As most of you know, I ran my first half marathon back in June. It was quite the experience. An overwhelming one, for sure. But good. And tough. Tough enough that I felt I'd call it a day and hang up my shoelaces. Well- in regards to long races like that. And then my apartment burned down. (I know, I know. Talking about the fire again! Sheesh) My friends Jaclyn and Leticia (from college) had both run the Rock-N-Roll DC half marathon the year before and had registered to run it again this year. And since I'd be in DC- they encouraged me to sign up. I was so torn on whether or not I should run. I'd be moving to a new city. I wasn't sure how much I could train. I wouldn't know WHERE to run. But to be honest, I needed a goal. With the fire affecting so much of the 'right now' season of my life- I needed to look ahead and have a goal. I needed to look beyond what was happening right then. So I decided to register. And then the training began. I wasn...

Almost 2 months of DC living and here are the things I've made note of: -I am of 'perfect' height to have my face plastered into armpits of men who are holding on to metro rail. -Heels. I've been here less than 2 months and have worn down the heel of 2 brand new pairs. -While I thought most people would pack their dress shoes to avoid hurting their feet and then wear tennis shoes in their commute- I'm beginning to think it's to preserve the shoes. Priorities, people! -Fresh flowers. Easy to come by and worth every penny to keep them fresh in your house. -Church on the weekend means dealing with the metro on the weekend. Not good. -I LOVE running in DC. Gorgeous sites. New trails. It's good. -Stand on the right. Walk on the left. Never forget. -Metro workers are not often happy people. -Walking to get groceries means you can go a LONG time without any groceries. -Everybody is SOMEbody in this city. -And in regards to that last statement- I feel ...

A few pics of the apartment for you blog readers. I finally purchased a dining room table (my last furniture piece to buy!) and it will be delivered on Wednesday. So excited for it to get here. Once I do this, I'll invite the coworkers over for dinner. Couldn't do it previously, as I had no where for anyone to sit! Also, you'll see in this picture, I need curtains!!! Really bad. Trying to figure out the best design/color for the room. I love how light and airy it feels- so I don't want to get something dark and heavy- but at the same time- I need to get something up quick. A picture I have NOT posted is of my kitchen. But I would officially call it complete. The walls are decorated, the appliances are in, and I'm back in business! There are a few things I still need to replace (waffle maker, food processor) - but for the most part- it's a complete working kitchen! It feels good to say that. On a more personal front, life in DC has been good. I still have...