DC Visual Aid

I've replied to so many thoughtful emails and text messages today about the metro crash and wanted to give you out of towners a visual. Look at the metro map below, those purple x's are where I work and live on the orange line (is this too much disclosure? Probably). That large black star on the upper right side is where the crash happened. Luckily, we are fine. Sadly, many people are not. Please keep them in your prayers.

Farewell

Sweet T and I said a fond farewell to his jeep this week. Just some random stats on big blue contents as we cleaned her out:

Hatchets: 1
Flashlights: 4
Knives: 5
Flip-flops: 3
SGA Election badges: 2
Auburn Stickers: 2
Nalgenes: 3
Bobby Pins – 27
Tubes of Burts Bees Wax - 3

I told T we need to have a discussion about how many lethal weapons he keeps in the car and he said not until we have a DTR about the breeding habits of my bobby pins.

Big Blue had been with us for five years and he was a dear friend however, this was the next step in the process of simplifying and preparing for the next phase of life. There are 3000 other steps to take, I’m sure most of them will be significantly harder, but it’s exciting to start down this path of surrender.

home alone

My husband travels for work fairly regularly, so I wind up spending a good bit of time home alone left to my own devices. Usually, this means I do such things as cleaning out all the closets and throwing his unnecessary things away (he is a packrat, I am his arch nemesis), painting random walls, or trying to go an entire week while only eating canned vegetables.

Last week, while he was in SCRANTON, PA > home of Dwight Schrute, I pulled out the used sewing machine my mother gifted to me last Christmas along with the “how to sew for dummies” book. She had kindly offered to give me some quick lessons while I was home. Being the stubborn self-learner I am, I had waved off her good intentions dismissing them with “I’m sure it’s not that hard.” Do any of you have a domestic goddess as a mother too and somehow escaped without the transmission of any of those household skills? Every time I saw my mom since leaving home, I always show up with a pair of pants that needed to be hemmed or a skirt that needed to be taken in (or more likely, let out) just a little bit. Since I now only see her once or twice a year, I decided around Christmas it was time to become my own tailor.

Let me go on and tell you, this desire re-emerged about two weeks ago when I had kindly replaced the missing button on a pair of T’s dress pants and when he returned home with the dry cleaning the following week he told me we needed to give them an extra $3 next time we went (our dry cleaners only take cash and that’s a rare commodity at our house). Because I had paid in full when I dropped the clothes off, I inquired what this charge was for and he said they had to replace a button. The exact same button I had just replaced. When I inquired further, he reluctantly informed me he was told that whoever had sewn it on previously had done a “very sloppy job”.

So, back to me being home alone with my sewing machine - it took me two hours just to thread the stupid thing. However, six hours later I had produced an apron. I was so proud of myself. I lined it, made the tie belts, attached a ruffle to the bottom and even made a little pocket. I delicately tied it around my waist and dreamed of all the baked goods that I could make while wearing it. I took a picture and emailed it to Sweet T then called him excitedly to ask him to go look at his email and see what I’ve done. His retort was about how much trouble I was in if I had bought a dog.

He feigned delight for a good 20 seconds and then noted that the body of the apron fabric was totally upside down. I have every intention of taking it apart and trying again, but if in the meantime if you notice my pants are a little long or skirt is a bit too tight, please just hold your tongue.

(the view from the back)

Reason #452 why I love this city

Two weeks ago a sly co-worker marched up to my desk and announced, “grab your stuff we’re eating outside today, and don’t tell anyone.” Obediently I grabbed my sandwich, bag of grapes, and diet coke and we made our way outside our building to the promenade that our little cluster of buildings make up. As soon as we were outside we were stopped by a man with a walkie-talkie and backpack in tow. He instructed us to stand still for just a few minutes while they did a take for a scene for the movie they were filming. I knew said coworker had found out that the SALT production had mysteriously moved to the promande that our lucky building was part of. After plopping our rears on one of the ledges, within minutes liev schreiber came streaking down the street with weapon in hand. After oh so many takes and 20 minutes had passed we decided to call it a day and head back to cube country. Luckily, we heard the words, “angelina on the move.” So we sat tight and were rewarded with a two minute look at Ms. Jolie and her 10 handlers. Quite the exciting lunch hour.

Fast forward to today when we got this email.

FYI
Simulated Explosion - Update
Special Effect Explosion Set for Potomac River

A television crew will create a special effects explosion on the Potomac River, near the Key Bridge, on Wednesday, March 25 according to city officials.
Please be advised CBS Paramount will be filming for a television pilot titled “Washington Field” in the District for one day on Wednesday, March 25, 2009.
In the scene, there will be six (6) sculling boats on the Potomac River and one of them blows up.

NOTE: It will NOT blow the boat into a million little pieces. Instead there will be a 20′ to 30′ high fire ball that will last approximately two (2) seconds. All material will be vaporized and there may be a small plume of smoke. The sound will be a low thud; not a loud bang.

I will be listening Wednesday for that low thud. I hope your lunches are just as exciting.

the little ones

It was inevitable. I remember feeling like every weekend was spent at a wedding. We have progressed and there are now children in our midst. First it was just some of the outsiders, then the insiders, and now the epidemic has found my closest sanctum. While I used to fear this outbreak, I think this is one of the sweetest and humbling times of our lives. To watch men and women I dearly love and respect become mothers and fathers has been a gift. And, let’s not forget these fearsome creatures called babies, within minutes of encountering these things, they have completed wrecked you. I had no idea how easily my heart could love until I met some of these little ones. Not too long ago, I had the rare gift of hearing one of these beloveds’ unborn heartbeat and it makes me excited just to think about.

With that said as a bit of a disclaimer (please read: I really do like children, I just don't want my own for awhile), we get asked about our future children plans ALL the time which I usually give a snide response to. Sometimes these questions come in the form of passive subtleties, sometimes a little more direct; case in point, we got this letter in the mail from our sponsored child (Masengesho) who didn’t bother beating around the bush, she simply asked:

I was glad to get your letter. I want to know your news. “Have you produced a child yet?” Pray for me to perform well in school. (etc, etc)

I’m not sure of my response, but I think it’s going to look something like this:

Dear Masengesho,
We do not have a child currently in production; we prefer to think of ourselves as the fun aunt and uncle that sneak the kiddies the marshmallow fluff and tootsie rolls then the ones with all the responsibility. You will find some fluff included so you can understand how fun we are.
All my love,
Billie

I have not vetted this by Sweet T who will must likely veto. I am taking suggestions for a more appropriate response.

and I quote

This is my favorite quote from my favorite book, I even appreciate (not prefer) the 98 movie when they changed the last line to "I have ransomed you from a life of fear and hatred." There are numerous lessons from this act of grace that the priest extends to Jean Valjean, but it always reminds me of what was given for my ransom.

Honduras

I told Sweet T that I think this was my favorite trip we've ever been on. It was a wonderful adventure, and it is taking ALL my willpower to quit thinking about how to abandon DC and my job to teach scuba diving for a living.
We saw lots of great things including: a very shy octopus, the reclusive toadfish, and an entire herd of dolphins.

Stepping off the plane back into 20 degree weather was startling . Luckily, I now have the fortutide to survive just a few more weeks of winter.

you say goodbye, and I say hello

Good Morning!

I am home just to throw my dirty clothes in the hamper and pull out my wetsuit because we’re off to a little place called Utila for our long awaited scuba diving trip. Utila is part of the Bay Islands right off the coast of Honduras, and from what we've read has great diving and not much else. I can’t wait to shed this unruly Mid-Atlantic winter for days of sun, salt, and water.

Did I mention that it’s whale shark season? Fingers crossed we have an encounter with one of these gentle giants.

But, a catch up – Westminster. In one word – goofy? Those people, man, those people have a serious case of the crazies.

I kind of loved it. And, hated it.

What you all didn’t see on TV was the class judging, which I think was the most fun. During those rounds you get to stand right outside the rings (if you’re willing to fight the crowds) and cheer on your favorite dogs. I have to be honest, after Mom and sister Kathy explained judging rules it didn’t make any more sense to me. I was pretty happy with the outcome, I love that an old dog won even if he wasn’t one of the breeds I came to cheer for. Without further ado, the most ridiculous two days in pictures:

This Irish Setters napping, they were just normal dogs with normal owners.

Not as normal Poodle owners.

This is Gia, the great dane, getting ready backstage.

This is her in the ring.

Basenjis - do you notice how close I am?

Seriously, no zoom used.

The one being handled by the lady in blue won.

I have tons more pictures and I was very starstruck when I saw UNO (last year's winner) who had every bit of personality I had come to expect.

Hope your week is filled with sunshine too.

best in show

sorry, I am not home right now. I am in NY until next wednesday attending the westminster dog show. mom saw the bucket list last year and is sure her days are numbered so we must knock this off her list. when i return i will tell you lots of funny stories and hopefully have lots of good pictures. in case you were wondering i really like pups, but would never do this on my own accord. so far there are 12 of us going (one mom, one aunt, one aunt's bff, four sisters, two nieces, two cousins, one me), and mom has ensured everyone has picked a breed to cheer for. I am still undecided, but will take suggestions or even cheer for you.

NOON

In case you didn't know, I am a sucker for the tourist spots. I really hate the cold, but I absolutely love grabbing my coat, scarf, gloves and fluffy hat and making the short four minute walk to the sites on my lunch hour. Sometimes I’ll take my lunch and go sit in a museum or the Smithsonian garden. The other day for no good reason I sat and watched people ice skate in the sculpture garden. Not realizing how long I’d been sitting there, I stated scurrying back across the mall toward my office. Halfway across, I thought to grab my phone out so I could share it with you. So, I apologize for the quality, but here’s the view from my lunch hour.

#44

DC was definitely the popular place to be this last week. While it was fun for awhile, I am thrilled that all of the guests are leaving. Post-inauguration I’ve been asked three times about some certain instances and if I took personal offense to things said or word choices. I’ve had to give the same answer to all three – not at all when compared to how offensive this is:

I have a call in to Aretha’s people. Rest assured people, that hat has been told to stay in Detroit and will not be allowed back in the District.

fearless flyer

What would YOU do if a business trip had taken your husband away? You could, and I should:

1. Clean my bathroom
2. Hang those curtains
3. Clean out my car
4. Fix my computer

But, instead –

I booked the cheap flight to Nashville and am going to spend a weekend with some of my dearest friends. My entire intention is to drink coffee, giggle over a drooly baby, and cry when I have to leave them again.

The best part, Sweet T (he loves that nickname, please use it) will beat me home and be waiting at the airport when I arrive.

Esquire

I have been working on my list of goals for 09. I might share them, we'll have to see. In the meantime, a friend pointed me to this article which is an interview from our pastor, Lon, as featured in ESQUIRE magazine. To be honest, T and I were anxious to join our church not only because of what God is doing here, but to sit under the teaching of a Messianic Jew. His insight into the Old Testament and Yeshua are incredible, and I savor every minute that we're allowed to be here. There are lots of other wonderful things about Lon, most of all, He loves Jesus and he is zealous about making Christ known. So, if you want to take a look they even included the picture from his drug-dealing days (not kidding) when he sported a Jewfro (also not kidding).

sign of the times

I called one of my girls today and we discussed our new year's plans. Her big plans include watching the baby sleep and maybe a little Dick Clark. T and I will be at the church tonight because we're chaperoning for a youth lock-in. We're both sure this will probably be a great New Years - welcome to 2009, I am officially a grown up. 

organized

I hope you all had a merry, merry Christmas. We spent the weekend in Knoxville with T's grandparents, and once we came home and my constant supply of butter-soaked, sugar-filled goodies was cut off I found myself talking my bloodsugar off the ledge. Also since that return home I've been busy cleaning up and re-organizing the whole house and life, or atleast plotting my strategy for life organization. One of the least exciting tasks that stands between me and the new year is the bi-annual budget inspection and revamp. Twice a year, T and I sit down to dissect the budget, our goals, and the steps to getting there. One of the things that has made the bookkeeping so much easier is a little online tool I thought I should introduce to you who hadn’t heard – Yodlee. I’ve been hooked since June of 2007 and I can’t tell you how much I ADORE Yodlee. Before that I was using MS Money which made me want to throw myself off a bridge. Yodlee is a web-based platform that serves as sort of clearinghouse for financial information. The key being Yodlee enables you to see you entire monetary situation in one view. Don’t worry, it’s secure. You provide all your log-in information for your accounts, in our case our checking, basic savings accounts, retirement accounts and our mutual funds. Yodlee tracks spending when given access to your checking accounts, credit cards, etc and categorizes transactions. I’ve set our “allowed” amount in each category based on our budget and Yodlee is set up so it emails me once we’ve gotten close to our budgeted amount for the month(you can, of course, turn off this feature). Also, all our online billed accounts (utilities, etc) are also accessed so I can see a calendar view of when bills are due and add some manual transactions that aren’t paid electronically (that’d be the rent).

What I love, besides the budget comparison, are all the nerdy charts and graphs I can generate: portfolio performance, income vs. expenses, spending % by category, asset allocation, and on and on.
There are other what I believe to be inferior services to do this (cough, cough, mint, quicken) but if you’re looking for some ways to get organized this new year, you might want to take a look at Yodlee.

five of seven

Some/most of you have never met or seen my sisters, so I thought it was time for an introduction. Over Thanksgiving, five of us were together which is pretty good. Over this season I am definitely grateful for these incredibly unique women. Days with these ladies are few and far between but they are definitely gifts. I think we are all so different but I can see so many of my mother’s qualities in all of us. So, consider this your formal introduction and I gave them knighted names to give you a little clue about them and how they are like my mom.

Kathy the fearless; Colleen the selfless; Eileen the energetic
Me; Amber the generous

The other two who weren’t there are Terri, who I would name the dependable and Abigail, who has passed away, and she would definitely be the adventurous.

Oh, and name is always just going to be Billie the babe. It’s a real nickname that only these ladies (and their kids) call me which I will never outgrow.

ireport

My best, D, you know this one, is up in NYC this week. I'm trying to figure out how to go see her. In the meantime, her husband has been busy. He came up with this video for CNN's ireport about his 2008 in 30 seconds which CNN is going to feature.


You're going to want to see it because he's a rockstar. Check it out!

grinch

I’m struggling with the ole Christmas spirit this year. I can not seem to get myself motivated to decorate, shop, or be of good cheer. I know I’ll come around, and I found this recipe this morning in Bon Appetit which hopefully will get me started! There is also one for the Roasted Butternut Squash and Apple Salad which I’m dying to try!

Hot Buttered Apple Cider
12 servings
Ingredients

• 7 tablespoons (packed) golden brown sugar
• 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter
• 12 cups apple cider or unfiltered apple juice
• 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 3 cups Calvados
• 12 cinnamon sticks
• Whole nutmeg

Preparation
Bring Calvados, brown sugar, and butter to simmer in large pot over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves and butter melts. Add apple cider, lemon juice, and cinnamon sticks; bring to boil. DO AHEAD Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Rewarm before serving.
Ladle cider mixture into 12 cups. Add 1 cinnamon stick from pot to each. Grate nutmeg over and serve.

2 amys

http://www.2amyspizza.com/

Advertised: This Neapolitan-style pizzeria is a Washington favorite with its mouthwatering toppings, lovely appetizers and first-class charcuterie.

Washington post stars: 3, I’d give them the same.

Been planning a trip to 2amy’s forever but we just never got around to it, or better up to it since it’s all the way up Wisconsin Ave past the National Cathedral. DC Metro area has some fine pizzerias (Pizzeria Paradiso, Matchbox, Sette Bello), but this was a good one. Naples style pies, these things are the real deal. We got there around 8:30 on a Friday night and though there was a 30 minute wait we were able grab some seats in the back bar area. I ordered the Ripieno Basilico stuffed pizze which came with ricotta, grana (more cheese), mozzarella, pesto, and in my case, no tomatoes. T got the Vongole pie which comes with capers, parsley, hot pepper, cockles, and more grana. He substituted the cockles (they are like clams) for proscuitto, and his was better, but barely. T, of course, ate his entire pizza by himself (not normal) you can probably usually split one with an appetizer. I’d heard they were a bit heavy-handed with the salt shaker, but we managed to steer clear.

The place was pretty packed with hipsters, but it felt cozy, comfortable, and oozing of European charm. I can’t decide if my favorite touch was all the different cheese plates or the pieces of meat hanging above the bar which you could order off a slice of. They have a short but good brew and vino list as well (including some good euro drafts), which came in bistro short glasses. It was a tad bit pricey, but then again most people probably won’t have to order an entire pizza for one person.

Just another tidbit: if you’re looking for a delicious New York style slice this isn’t your place, think gourmet pizza.

humbled

2 Samuel 9: 7,8,13

7 And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely show thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually. 8 And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?
13 So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king's table; and was lame on both his feet.


I was reading last night and came across these verses and can not get over this picture of mercy. Mephibosheth is brought to the king’s table and given more than imagined simply because of who his father was and the king’s covenant with Mephibosheth’s father.

Placing myself in Mephibosheth’s shoes, having been brought into a glorious inheritance for exactly the same reason (a kind king’s love of my Father), I am learning to walk in the same way, dwelling in Jerusalem and eating from the king’s table. Perhaps, that can best be done by realizing that I am exactly like Mephibosheth: crippled.

Encouraged

I have avoided making any mention of the current political landscape and upcoming elections because I have been discouraged, pessimistic, and confused at best. I am not thrilled with any of options as I find myself teetering out of the major parties candidates’ grasp. I have gone back and forth ranking my priorities and struggled with prioritizing poverty, social justice, financial stability, war and peace, the environment, education, let’s not forget healthcare, or national security, less I forget human rights. This short list doesn’t even cover half the gamut of issues we all have to examine.

I was encouraged today when I read this on Piper’s blog talking about the upcoming election, and wanted to share it with some of the rest of you who might have found yourself on similar footing lately.

We do not withdraw. We are involved. We deal with the system. We deal with the news. We deal with the candidates. We deal with the issues. But we deal with it all as if not dealing with it. It does not have our fullest attention. It is not the great thing in our lives. Christ is. And Christ will be ruling over his people with perfect supremacy no matter who is elected and no matter what government stands or falls. Politics does not have ultimate weight for us. It is one more stage for acting out the truth that Christ, and not politics, is supreme.

Celebrate T!

So, today is my boo's birthday. Last night I ran to the grocery store to get some things for dinner and called him once I was there.

Me: hey, do you want me to make any cake-like something for tomorrow? I know you don't really like sweets and would probably just rather have cheese or guacamole.
T: hmm, maybe some cupcakes.
Me: seriously? I never knew you liked cupcakes.
T: yeah, I like cupcakes.
Me: ok, what flavor? chocolate, plain, funfetti, what are we looking for here?
T: how about strawberry or funfetti? I also like blueberry and grape cupcakes.
Me: those aren't real cupcake flavors.
T: I've had them before, they're delicious.

Sorry, T, you're going to have to eat the funfetti with strawberry icing I made. Happy day to you anyway, this is going to be the best year yet.

apology

Dear Abbeville -

I know I've been rude and plain ole stuck up. I know I backtalk you, and have been known to gossip about you behind your back. You're right, you could go so far to call it slander. It was rude mean spirited that as soon as I packed the Mazda for college, I stopped calling you home.
But today at 2:25 pm when I checked the weather I missed you.
Please forgive me for denying that you are still an object of my desire.

Yours always,
Billie

my little pumpkin'

this is my dear nephew, Holden, who is an aspiring actor. This picture was in my inbox this morning and I am in shock about how big he is. One thing that makes me sad is how far away we are from my sisters and their kids. Back to Holden, how about those cowlicks?

I hope you can read this

Sometimes I exaggerate, but T really believes that smoothies can cure anything.

1095 days = 3 years

our most awkward picture yet

So, one of my best, D, got married in Sonoma, CA not long ago. It was an absolute fabulous time and she was STUNNING. We were flipping through their wedding pictures and ran across this gem.

I am about to kiss D on her cheek, but it doesn't quite look that way. Oh well, we have a long history of some bad pictures which we'll just add this one to the pile. Our regular one turned out much better.

Lesson learned.

quick thought

I was on the phone last night with a dear friend who I've known since pre-adolescence. She told me to hang on while she answered her other phone. I couldn't help by overhear her.

Her: Mom, can I call you back I'm on the phone?
Mom: who you talkin to?
Her: Billie Engel!
Mom: who's that?
Her: you know, Billie Engel
Mom: seriously? well, tell her I said hello and it'd sure be nice to see her sometime
Her: will do, call ya later

I hope she never calls me hubbs, it reminds me how long we've been friends.

Featurette #2 - 1789

Advertised as: quintessential Washington, D.C. dining experience

Washington Post Stars: 3/4

Thoughts:

The reservation confirmation phone call went like this:

Them: This is 1789, I'm calling to confirm your reservation at 9:30 (we tend to eat really late on the weekends)
Me: Yes! Great, we'll see you then.
Them: I just wanted to make sure you were aware of our jacket policy.
Me: Pardon, please remind you.
Them: Men must wear at least a sportcoat, and we ask that women refrain from wearing jeans or non-dress shoes.


Quintessential DC in Georgetown = a tad stuffy? Besides the thick air, it was a lovely experience, and who doesn't love playing dress up from time to time. I had a Chenin Blanc and Travis had an old vine Zin (of course) both of which were fabulous. The appetizer was Vidalia soup which was surprising. Not surprisingly good or bad, just surprising. I had the Roasted Halibut with English peas, morels, potato confit and arugula. Travis had the ribeye with aged balsamic onions, fondant potatoes and Swiss chard. After just returning from Seattle, I was worried I would be disappointed, while a bit over-salted it was pretty much delightful. Travis had equally positive things to say about his entree. The kicker was dessert which was simply stated, "chocolate glass." If I could explain what it was I would, but I have no idea besides delicious.

We'll probably never go again unless I land another gift certificate (the one we used was my "parting" gift when I quit my old job). Oh, favorite part, we were sitting in the floor level "carriage" room, and sprawled across the floor when we walked in was the "assistance dog" i.e the largest harlequin great dane I have ever seen. He fit in perfectly with the room decor. Not a part of the usual room display, but it definitely helped.

Wordless Wednesday

and T asks, "are those babies or snails?"

Kudos to the Queen!

So, she might not have any "real" power, but she uses what she has. The NY Times is reporting,

Queen Strips Mugabe of Knighthood

By ALAN COWELL
Published: June 26, 2008

Queen Elizabeth II has stripped Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe’s strongman president for nearly 30 years, of his honorary knighthood as a “mark of revulsion” at the human rights abuses and “abject disregard” for democracy over which he has presided, the British Foreign Office announced Wednesday.

The rebuke showed the extent of international frustration over Mr. Mugabe’s insistence to go ahead with a presidential runoff on Friday, even though his sole opponent, Morgan Tsvangirai, pulled out of race on Sunday because of the persistent violence and intimidation against him, his party and their supporters.

Full Article Here

the world's most photogenic couple

These two beautiful people are making the temporary move to Hong Kong next week. I just want you to know I am so proud of you and equally grateful for you.

I will be praying that love changes you and those you encounter.

all my love,

B

ps: I know it's an old school picture, but it's my favorite.

not kidding

so, this is what we slept in for six days, and I was fine.

I came home and after six days back in the city I have 10 harvest mite bites (chiggers to the common folk) Not kidding. I can't even remember being near grass since we've been back.

A Dublin Chipper

I've been non-existent, I know. I have some things that have been rolling around in my head and hopefully will be ready for production soon. In the meantime, I've decided the blog is going to have a new feature. One of my (and T's) favorite things to do is try new restaurants, so I thought I'd start providing some reviews, not only to educate you the unsuspecting reader, but to keep track of the places we've tried. This feature doesn't have an adorable name, but it is only a matter of time. So, without any delay -

Eamonn's in Old Town Alexandria -

Advertised as: casually delicious fish and chip shop
Washington Post Stars: 2/4
Thoughts:
Saw a mention for Eamonn's in the Washingtonian and wanted to give it a go, so it seemed like the perfect place for a quiet Friday night of just T and me. The owners run Eve right down King Street which I am also yet to try. All fried fish and chips, I had the special which was grouper ($8) and a side of chips ($3.) No waiters, no fuss, lots of imports. We sat on a bench facing King Street - because the lack of seating a couple walked up and asked if they could share our table. How charming! The fish was fine, nothing to write home about. Being a fish and chips place I did have the urge to go wash my face afterwards because I felt all my pores were clogged.
Overall: Fun atomsphere, local feel, and decent food on the VERY cheap.

V for Vendetta

If you need a little inspiration:

Things which have worked in the past, which makes me sure we are absolutely perfect for each other.


From me to him:
Year 1 – cookies
Year 2 – man shampoo
Year 3 – hiking socks
Year 4 – forgot??
Year 5 – cigar
This Year – climbing harness

From him to me:
Year 1 – lilies
Year 2 – fluffy slippers
Year 3 – new Frisbee
Year 4 – new fluffy slippers
Year 5 – sushi
This year – TBD

Rules of the rail

In attempt to make you tourists a little more rail friendly, I've put together some tips and tricks for riding the metro. DC is in itself a very unique and specific culture, one, that is marked by the need to pack in as much as possible into a day. Metro is in essence our lifeblood to and from those ever demanding jobs that run your country, so if you want your country to stay on track then, please remember:

1. Stand right, walk left. This is the number one rule to remember on metro escalators. Do not stand and take up an entire step. What if you have a suitcase and need a whole step? Put it on the step in front of you and stand behind it. It's really that simple.

2. Allow all riders to exit the train before trying to get on. This requires standing to the side of the open doors. It just makes sense.

3. Do not under any circumstances breast feed your child without a burp cloth, jacket, something. I actually have seen this happen, I generally wind up throwing up.

4. You can speak and ask questions to the regulars, they are generally pretty friendly. If they have earphones, you'd probably be better asking the next person.

5. While this matters who you ask whether you should offer your seat to a lady if she is forced to stand, it is always appropriate to offer to seniors, preggers, or those carrying children (out of womb).

6. Say good morning to the nice people who hand you the Metro Express.

7. Rush hour is 5-10 AM and 3-8 PM (unofficially.)

8. There are no metro stops at the monuments, you're just going to have to walk.

9. Food and drink are unacceptable, this isn't New York, these things have carpet!

10. There is no use getting up for your exit as soon as you leave the previous station, the drivers don't take it easy on the brakes. I recommend sitting for as long as possible or else you'll find yourself being thrown around.

our craigslist post

Free Rent! Available immediately!
We are looking for a 3rd Housemate who is friendly, easy going, and have similar views on all matters of importance: politics, hygiene and fast food.

For this special person we offer a nice room with limited privacy.
Free rent comes with certain stipulations and duties:

-Is enjoyable to be around, conscientious and respectful

- Is independent yet communal.

-Doesn’t smoke tobacco in the house, or pot in the common indoor spaces.
-Empties the dishwasher.
-Sheds as the other female in the house so it will no longer be blamed solely on the existing female.
- Must be in love with DC and enjoy her charm and idiosyncrasies.

AA Preference given to those carrying parasites.

Ok, so the pot thing I actually saw on craigslist when we looking for a place to live, and I filed it away for later use. In short, I wish our roommie would come back. Miss and love.

Summer reading list

1. The Memory Keeper's Daughter - The NY best-seller, tragic and slightly predictable.
2. Strapped - I'm trying to litter my novel and Christian literature obsession with a bit of good financial sense. Had some good points, I wasn't thrilled.
3. Tales of a Female Nomad - The next three books are from a raid on a dear friend's bookshelves, I think one of whom could get a job getting to know people then prescribing books for them to read. It was that good, they all were. My dusty little passport went from slightly nagging to screaming at me while I was reading.
4. The Sisters: the Saga of the Mitford Family - Maybe the best book I've read this year: relatives of Churchill, personal friends of Hitler, brilliant and aristocratic - absolutely enchanting.
5. Eats, Shoots & Leaves - witty, quick little read. It's basically a grammar self-help book. She's slowing starting a revolution.
6. The World is Flat - I hadn't read the updated and expanded version so I thought I should. Updated, but not worth a re-read. If you haven't read it the first time though, you're missing out.
7. The Kite Runner - I bought it in LAX because my flight was three hours delayed. I finished it on the plane ride home. True, I'm easily captivated by any fiction novel, but I thought it was stunning. Basically an Afghan's story of life before the Russian invasion, and his immigration to America.
8. Let my People Go Surfing - An autobiography from the founder of the Patagonia company, you guessed right that this was Travis' book that I wrestled away from him. Good not great, but good.

Just started the Richest Man in Babylon. And I don't know what's next! I've finished up Beth Moore bible study so I wouldn't mind something Godly, but I'll take whatever suggestions I get. Except - the boycott of Harry Potter goes on. (It's not what you think, it's for my own good, and the sake of all our friendships.)

Love!

the simple truth is stirring fresh -

that Christ did not come to make evil men good.
that he did not come to make good men better.
He came to make dead men alive.

it's a quarter til two

and I'm awake....and because I'm awake, I bet Travis is still awake. You may ask, "Billie, why are you awake?" the short and simple answer is I'm narotic. the slightly more long winded answer is my job is the pits, and i just remembered I haven't seen my driver's liscense in two weeks, and we're flying to memphis friday morning. the second question you may ask, "Billie, why did you lose your driver's liscense again?" to this the short answer is that I don't need your judgement just your understanding and acceptance. the natural third question, "Billie, why are you writing on your blog instead of taking care of either a.) tomorrow's deadline for over demanding job b.) lost liscense?" please reference answer to question number two, and as a follow-along, after one a.m. all earnestness on my part is half assed at best - exhibit a being this blog entry.

i actually have come to complain about lost liscense. the state of virginia is rather stigent in their liscense demands. you have to have four/five different documents which show 1. proof of identity 2. proof of legal presence 3. proof of residency 4. proof of social security number 5. proof of name change. also, the dmv closes at five, and since i average leaving work around a good bit later than that...lost license is turning into quite the dilemmia.

boo

urbanization

It’s slowly happening…I’m starting to do strange things: recycle, ride the metro because it’s better for the environment, and carry packs of crackers to work to hand out to the homeless. It’s this very strange phenomenon indeed.
This weekend, I took the train to Philadelphia to visit Mr. Hubbs on his latest business trip. I’ve always been told it was just dirty and unsafe. Au contraire – I adored this city. We spent the afternoon at the Philadelphia museum of art (you all know it, Rocky ran up these famous stairs) and home to Sunflowers by Van Gogh, also some Picasso, Blake, Monet, and Renoir. Let’s not forget the food, history, and avenue of the arts. I’m sure Pittsburgh is better since everyone says so, but dirty and unsafe are not comprehensive adjectives for this fine city.

And, to top it off there is the great dichotomy – flying into the booming metro area of Dothan, Alabama tomorrow night. I love my life.

Billie

PS. I hear all the cool kids will be at Audrey and Shannon’s wedding, just a tip.

Hollywood loves Invisible Children

From In Style Magazine

www.instyle.com

Cause Celebrities
"This isn't exactly a benefit," said Kristen Bell of the soirée she threw in honor of the people behind Invisible Children, a San Diego-based organization working to better the lives of children affected by war. "It's really a chance for them to relax and hang out and share their passion and inspiration with my friends from Los Angeles.” Those Hollywood pals included Christina Milian, Benjamin McKenzie, Hayden Panettiere, Milo Ventimiglia and Maggie Grace, who helped the tireless staff enjoy their night off.

Gracious Guest
Benjamin McKenzie was happy to support the cause and give Kristen the thumbs-up on her shindig. “I did a fundraiser with Invisible Children last fall. Kristen came to that, so that’s how I know her," said McKenzie. "She didn’t ask for my advice when planning this, which I’m not going to take offense at. If you want to come over to my house for a barbeque, I'm OK. I can throw meat on the grill, but I don’t know how to throw a party!"

www.invisiblechildren.com

just curious if anyone had ever heard of this movement? I thought so.

workaholic

Colloquially, a workaholic is a person who is addicted to work. There is no generally accepted medical definition of such a condition. , although some forms of stress and obsessive-compulsive disorder can be work-related. Although the term "workaholic" usually has a negative connotation, it is sometimes used by people wishing to express their devotion to one's career in positive term.


the corporate culture here is killing me

five.two.seven

i remember feeling like weekends apart and we were starting to get distant. how did we wind up spread from the four corners of this little land. i know it's the desire for adventure, following glory, but the daily wear is starting to discourage me. just know, i miss you.

recipe for disaster

1. one lost new apartment key
2. one forgotten garage key card
3. one rainy day on the metro
4. travis out of town for two weeks
5. new home - all alone
6. a boss that stays until 7 pm everynight
7. two orders of mcdonald's fries in one night
8. being lost
9. being stuck in traffic
10. being stuck in a ditch
11. trying to push my car out of the ditch in high heels
12. one brand new forced AAA membership
13. 2 cops
14. 2 street racers
15. a tow truck driver named Mike
16. an unopened netflix with the Holiday inside

you can fill in the blanks, it was freakin awesome. it all turned around however, when Travis drove two hours to sit in the ditch with me to wait on Mike the tow truck driver, and then drove right back. better luck tomorrow.

# 58

tuesday it snowed.3 inches. today, it was 60. the large brown chunks of ice in the parking lots are finally melting. definetly, the light at the end of the tunnel. too bad we had to spend the weekend packing instead of enjoying the sunshine. as of next friday, we will be accomplishing # 58 on my life to do list - living in a high rise loft. count this as your invitation to visit. no real picture just a promo for now. if you google our address we are exactly 12.1 miles from le casa blanco, and exactly a four minute walk to the metro. three cheers for no more driving to work. we'll see you soon.

now and then

I completely forgot obvious things all the time. Like, how much I love the movie "can't buy me love" and the idea of riding off into the sunset on a lawnmower. On last night's episode of grays anatomy, dear Patrick Dempsey made a face, that reminded me of this face. I thought we should all be reminded of Dr. Shepherd in his younger years.

three.point.five

that's the tempature outside
also, the inches of snow on the ground,
and the hours I spent driving to and from work yesterday.

I know lyrics don’t count as a blog, but seriously, they are good enough they might. I love alexi these days.


Well I had a dream
I stood beneath an orange sky
With my brother standing by
I said Brother, you know you know
It’s a long road we’ve been walking on
Brother you know it is you know it is
Such a long road we’ve been walking on
And I had a dream
I stood beneath an orange sky
With my sister standing by
With my sister standing by
I said Sister, here is what I know now
Here is what I know now
Goes like this..
In your love, my salvation lies
In your love, in your love, in your love
But sister you know I’m so weary
And you know sister
My hearts been broken
Sometimes, sometimes
My mind is too strong to carry on
Too strong to carry on
When I am alone
When I’ve thrown off the weight of this crazy stone
When I've lost all care for the things I own
That's when I miss you,
that's when I miss you,
that's when I miss you
You who are my home
You who are my home
And here is what I know now
Here is what I know now Goes like this..
In your love, my salvation lies
In your love, in your love, in your love
Well I had a dream
I stood beneath an orange sky
Yes I had a dream
I stood beneath an orange sky
With my brother and my sister standing by

More to come,
Billie

all i want for christmas

i wish i was a federal employee


http://www.opm.gov/news/president-george-w-bush-to-close-federal-offices-in-tribute-to-former-president-gerald-r-ford,1130.aspx