Okay - so I have to apologize. I really was hoping to be blogging more, but with no Internet at home yet and not really able to spend oodles of time on the computer at work, I have been remiss in my updates. However, I have been trying to get something quick and dirty up on Facebook so even if you hate Facebook - at least try and read my status :)
Just wanted to give you a heads up on that note. I promise to come back around really soon. Stay faithful dear readers. This road is not forgotten just needing some work - like the roads in Kinshasa :)
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
One Week in Congo
So I've been in the DRC for one week so far. Well not even quite a week and already I have gotten on a plane and flown to the other side of the country. This week I will be in Goma - right on the border of the DRC and Rwanda. I'm sitting on Lake Kivu at the moment looking across the water to Rwanda. It's a bit surreal. Which is probably the best way to explain my time here so far. I'm still reeling from figuring out the job to the language to the fact that I'm here for two years and need to make friends and everything. So far I've settled in to my apartment which is so spacious. I feel really blessed to be there. And the people I've met so far have been really nice. I'm hoping to make some good friend connections though and find a spiritual community. I think, no I know, that will keep me sane. So here are some observations thus far - in no particular order and no particular importance.
It's going to take work to get out from behind the USG persona, but I think its doable.
I have found spinach in little frozen portions in a giant bag (like frozen chicken breasts) which makes me so happy. Thus far my favorite food item. Not only do I love spinach but the little portions are so much handier than making one large frozen box of the veggies.
The clock light on my stove will blink continuously for the next two years because the power goes out often and the generator kicks in. There's no point in setting the clock because everyday it will end up blinking and wrong. Which of course means I'm incredibly greatful for the fact that I will always have power no matter what.
Is is expensive here but that can also be relative. Store brand grocery items are about the price of good brand items in the States. And name brand are outrageous - a box of corn flakes $20 or thereabouts. But eating out seems to be about what it costs in DC - which is expensive in the U.S. but I'm a bit used to it. However, things like pizza that was delivered is $20 for a medium. It's good pizza though and will be well worth the price when I get a craving.
Haven't really gotten sick so far - had one day that was a bit crazy but thank goodness for meds.
I will love any and all packages sent my way.
I've watched a lot of movies already on my computer.
It's definately hot here so here's hoping the pool at my building will be fixed soon. So far going on six months with no water.
Really praying and hoping to find a christian community if it doesn't happen through the church then the community at large. I can feel how incredibly important that's going to be for me.
I have had so many moments where I feel like I'm living a movie or a book about this kind of life, this part of the world, etc. It really is a surreal experience always.
That's it for now.
It's going to take work to get out from behind the USG persona, but I think its doable.
I have found spinach in little frozen portions in a giant bag (like frozen chicken breasts) which makes me so happy. Thus far my favorite food item. Not only do I love spinach but the little portions are so much handier than making one large frozen box of the veggies.
The clock light on my stove will blink continuously for the next two years because the power goes out often and the generator kicks in. There's no point in setting the clock because everyday it will end up blinking and wrong. Which of course means I'm incredibly greatful for the fact that I will always have power no matter what.
Is is expensive here but that can also be relative. Store brand grocery items are about the price of good brand items in the States. And name brand are outrageous - a box of corn flakes $20 or thereabouts. But eating out seems to be about what it costs in DC - which is expensive in the U.S. but I'm a bit used to it. However, things like pizza that was delivered is $20 for a medium. It's good pizza though and will be well worth the price when I get a craving.
Haven't really gotten sick so far - had one day that was a bit crazy but thank goodness for meds.
I will love any and all packages sent my way.
I've watched a lot of movies already on my computer.
It's definately hot here so here's hoping the pool at my building will be fixed soon. So far going on six months with no water.
Really praying and hoping to find a christian community if it doesn't happen through the church then the community at large. I can feel how incredibly important that's going to be for me.
I have had so many moments where I feel like I'm living a movie or a book about this kind of life, this part of the world, etc. It really is a surreal experience always.
That's it for now.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Less Than Two Months And Counting
In case anyone is still reading this, I have found out where I will be spending the next two years...The Democratic Republic of Congo. Yep - that would be the Heart of Darkness aka Zaire aka the middle of Africa. And if all goes well next Friday during my French exam I'll be leaving the first week of October - just around the corner. Once I get settled in, I'll be sure to update this blog, until then, thanks for waiting.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Update
The absence on this blog can be explained by several things - the primary being I have started my new job. As a result, I don't have quite the time I used to have to update this thing, so I will probably take a break. Those of you who do know me and are interested in staying updated, I encourage you to email me and I will let you know what's happening. I may reinitiate this blog, but for at least the next couple weeks, I won't be on here.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Friday, December 19, 2008
American By Choice
This week I was privileged to be part of a naturalization ceremony for a friend of mine. Several coworkers and I headed to the Convention Center in downtown DC. It was an awesome experience to see so many people gathered together for the sole purpose of becoming citizens of the United States. According to the judge presiding over the ceremony this was the largest naturalization ceremony in DC history with 701 people from 104 countries pledging allegiance to the United States. I was misty eyed through much of the 2+ hour ceremony.
We had a color guard, the national anthem, the reading of each name and country of those becoming naturalized, the oath of allegiance to the United States, the pledge of allegiance to the flag and then a big congratulations with much waving of small American flags. Some of my favorite moments were the cheers that came after the new citizens were told they could receive their passports in as little as three days! Other favorite moments: a stoic couple from Croatia beaming and kissing after they became citizens and some young adult kids cheering for their 60+ year old parents as their names were called.
Overall, it was really exciting to see people become Americans by choice and it was a thrilling memory to have with me as I will be on the frontlines of the visa line helping to start others dreams come to reality in a ceremony like this some day.
We had a color guard, the national anthem, the reading of each name and country of those becoming naturalized, the oath of allegiance to the United States, the pledge of allegiance to the flag and then a big congratulations with much waving of small American flags. Some of my favorite moments were the cheers that came after the new citizens were told they could receive their passports in as little as three days! Other favorite moments: a stoic couple from Croatia beaming and kissing after they became citizens and some young adult kids cheering for their 60+ year old parents as their names were called.
Overall, it was really exciting to see people become Americans by choice and it was a thrilling memory to have with me as I will be on the frontlines of the visa line helping to start others dreams come to reality in a ceremony like this some day.
Monday, December 01, 2008
What's New Pussycat, Woah, Woah, Woah
Being a Monday and all, I thought I might post a few updates for my few faithful readers. If you are one of them, thank you for sticking with me through thin and thick and hardly there posts.
Update #1 - Foreign Service
As you have seen from the previous blog, I have been offered and have accepted a position with the State Department as a Foreign Service Officer. I'm still excited and still in a bit of shock when I start to think about it. Orientation will begin for me on January 5 in DC. I'm glad that I get to stick around the area for a bit longer while in transition and don't have to move to a new city quite yet. On February 13, I will attend what is known as Flag Day. The day I find out which country I will be spending the next few years working and living in for my first post. This will be a day of great anticipation and nervousness and excitement and I'm already planning a big party for that evening. I will also learn at that time what additional training I will need before leaving for post ie. language training and other important things. I'm guessing that I will be leaving for post sometime the end of next summer or early fall. Of course this is all a guess and I won't know for sure until February. I'm already busy starting to think about a myriad of different things like insurance, taxes, moving, buying things I'll need, clothes, etc. It's gonna be fun but also a lot of work. If you think about it and are the praying type, I would really appreciate prayers for wisdom and insight regarding my choices of posts (I get to put in my preferences) and for the assignment of those posts and for an openness and sense of camraderie and friendship among the 70 plus of us that are starting orientation together.
Update #2 - The Grand Canyon
This was an amazing four day backpacking trip that I was able to go on with my dad, his brother and half sister. We hiked to the bottom of the Canyon, spent two nights at the bottom, hiked halfway up, camped again, and hiked the rest of the way. It was spectacular and a vacation of firsts for me:
first time to the Grand Canyon
first time backpacking
first time meeting my Dad's half sister
first time seeing the Hoover Dam
first time in Arizona
first time in Las Vegas
first time swimming in the Colorado River
first time smoking a cigar
Overall, it was a great vacation of firsts and what was even more cool about it was that I found out about the Foreign Service a couple hours before flying on a plane to start the trip. I spent the whole time in the canyon vacillating between "I'm in the Grand Canyon" and "I'm a Foreign Service Officer". It was great and so cool to hang out with my dad and family for a couple days. I'll post pictures soon.
Update #3 - Thanksgiving in Nashville
I just spent four days in Nashville, TN with my friend (and pastor) Heather and her husband Ryan and another friend/colleague Juliet. We spent the holiday with Heather's sister and brother in law and other related family members. I ate so much that it hurt to even look at food again. But it was so much fun. We went to Fido's - this really cool coffeeshop, the Catfish House for some delicious grilled catfish (and fried okra, fried green tomatoes, fried pickles, and friend onion rings - all was delicious but I don't want to eat fried food for a while), Corkys for awesome barbecue ribs and collard greens with pepper vinegar - yummy, and of course the house for turkey and all the trimmings. It was some good eating. We also made it out to the Grand Ole Opry for an evening of good country music. It was so cool to be there even if I didn't know any of the artists or the songs, but just so much fun anyway. On the ride back, we "ran into" my friend Josh on the highway, so I switched cars and rode back back with him which was so much fun. Overall, a great holiday.
Update #4 - The New House
For those of you in the know (and those who now will be), I moved into the city a month ago. I'm now a ten block walk from work and loving being in the city. I still haven't quite gotten everything unpacked and in its place but I'm getting there. So far its been an easy transition and it will make the new commute in January pretty easy as well.
Update #1 - Foreign Service
As you have seen from the previous blog, I have been offered and have accepted a position with the State Department as a Foreign Service Officer. I'm still excited and still in a bit of shock when I start to think about it. Orientation will begin for me on January 5 in DC. I'm glad that I get to stick around the area for a bit longer while in transition and don't have to move to a new city quite yet. On February 13, I will attend what is known as Flag Day. The day I find out which country I will be spending the next few years working and living in for my first post. This will be a day of great anticipation and nervousness and excitement and I'm already planning a big party for that evening. I will also learn at that time what additional training I will need before leaving for post ie. language training and other important things. I'm guessing that I will be leaving for post sometime the end of next summer or early fall. Of course this is all a guess and I won't know for sure until February. I'm already busy starting to think about a myriad of different things like insurance, taxes, moving, buying things I'll need, clothes, etc. It's gonna be fun but also a lot of work. If you think about it and are the praying type, I would really appreciate prayers for wisdom and insight regarding my choices of posts (I get to put in my preferences) and for the assignment of those posts and for an openness and sense of camraderie and friendship among the 70 plus of us that are starting orientation together.
Update #2 - The Grand Canyon
This was an amazing four day backpacking trip that I was able to go on with my dad, his brother and half sister. We hiked to the bottom of the Canyon, spent two nights at the bottom, hiked halfway up, camped again, and hiked the rest of the way. It was spectacular and a vacation of firsts for me:
first time to the Grand Canyon
first time backpacking
first time meeting my Dad's half sister
first time seeing the Hoover Dam
first time in Arizona
first time in Las Vegas
first time swimming in the Colorado River
first time smoking a cigar
Overall, it was a great vacation of firsts and what was even more cool about it was that I found out about the Foreign Service a couple hours before flying on a plane to start the trip. I spent the whole time in the canyon vacillating between "I'm in the Grand Canyon" and "I'm a Foreign Service Officer". It was great and so cool to hang out with my dad and family for a couple days. I'll post pictures soon.
Update #3 - Thanksgiving in Nashville
I just spent four days in Nashville, TN with my friend (and pastor) Heather and her husband Ryan and another friend/colleague Juliet. We spent the holiday with Heather's sister and brother in law and other related family members. I ate so much that it hurt to even look at food again. But it was so much fun. We went to Fido's - this really cool coffeeshop, the Catfish House for some delicious grilled catfish (and fried okra, fried green tomatoes, fried pickles, and friend onion rings - all was delicious but I don't want to eat fried food for a while), Corkys for awesome barbecue ribs and collard greens with pepper vinegar - yummy, and of course the house for turkey and all the trimmings. It was some good eating. We also made it out to the Grand Ole Opry for an evening of good country music. It was so cool to be there even if I didn't know any of the artists or the songs, but just so much fun anyway. On the ride back, we "ran into" my friend Josh on the highway, so I switched cars and rode back back with him which was so much fun. Overall, a great holiday.
Update #4 - The New House
For those of you in the know (and those who now will be), I moved into the city a month ago. I'm now a ten block walk from work and loving being in the city. I still haven't quite gotten everything unpacked and in its place but I'm getting there. So far its been an easy transition and it will make the new commute in January pretty easy as well.
Friday, October 31, 2008
World Here I Come
Just to let you all know that as of 2:30pm today, I am officially a Foreign Service Officer with the Department of State. It has been a long journey but as mentioned in my previous entry - Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow. More details when I return from my backpacking trip to the Grand Canyon and Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas.
WOW. still in shock.
WOW. still in shock.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow
That's about all I can say this week. And for the past couple of weeks. I can't say that I have always said this or have thought it or acted like it at times, but man, God deserves all praise. In spite of the crazy economy (with friends losing jobs) and hearing stories of other friends getting seriously sick or having some serious run ins with the law, God is good. And He deserves our praise whether we are feeling it or not.
I feel so blessed right now that I am moving to a new place and I'm so extremely blessed to have the incredible living situation I have had for the past 3 1/2 years. Dawson House is wonderful! My job is super great and I enjoy every minute of it. And now I'll be closer so I'm excited about the new opportunities that is providing me as well. In addition, I get to go on a super cool vacation next week. I'm excited and so grateful that I can do really neat things like this. I've never been to the Grand Canyon so backpacking it for four days is going to be awesome! Plus I'll get to hang out with my dad so that's going to be great too. And I'm planning on seeing a Cirque du Soleil show in Vegas. That is on my life to do list so it should be super fun. All that to say God is so good to me and I'm so grateful for the many blessings of friends, family, and life in general.
I'm also waiting to hear one more piece of news about the Foreign Service. The past month has been a rollercoaster in regards to it and I'm not exactly sure what's going to happen next. My eligibility was supposed to expire on October 12, but State granted an extension to a small group of people and I ended up having a six month extension moving my expiration date to April 2009. I'm right on the bubble of getting hired for a January start date. All this to say, I look back on this journey that started in February of 2006 and see that God has brought me this far. To Him be the glory.
I feel so blessed right now that I am moving to a new place and I'm so extremely blessed to have the incredible living situation I have had for the past 3 1/2 years. Dawson House is wonderful! My job is super great and I enjoy every minute of it. And now I'll be closer so I'm excited about the new opportunities that is providing me as well. In addition, I get to go on a super cool vacation next week. I'm excited and so grateful that I can do really neat things like this. I've never been to the Grand Canyon so backpacking it for four days is going to be awesome! Plus I'll get to hang out with my dad so that's going to be great too. And I'm planning on seeing a Cirque du Soleil show in Vegas. That is on my life to do list so it should be super fun. All that to say God is so good to me and I'm so grateful for the many blessings of friends, family, and life in general.
I'm also waiting to hear one more piece of news about the Foreign Service. The past month has been a rollercoaster in regards to it and I'm not exactly sure what's going to happen next. My eligibility was supposed to expire on October 12, but State granted an extension to a small group of people and I ended up having a six month extension moving my expiration date to April 2009. I'm right on the bubble of getting hired for a January start date. All this to say, I look back on this journey that started in February of 2006 and see that God has brought me this far. To Him be the glory.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Update Part Deux
So a friend reminded me that I had failed to live up to my promise of posting an update the following day. I'm sorry and so here's an update: I am moving! I have decided to move from suburbia (which has been awesome) down to the city of DC. I'm excited about the chance to live in the middle of the action and save time and money from commuting to do other fun stuff like take dance classes and hang out more with people I want to get to know better. I move the end of October into a house with 4 other girls. I'm also going to be 10 blocks from work which is so exciting. I can walk or bike to work everyday. Woohoo!
The other funny thing about moving the end of the month is that I'm going on vacation Nov. 1-6. So far the past two moves I have made have occurred right before going on vacation. When I moved from DC to Southern MD in 2004, I moved in the weekend I left for Europe for 3 weeks. When I moved from Southern MD to where I live now, I left for a missions trip to Ethiopia the next day. Now I'm moving into a new place the day before I head out to the Grand Canyon for a week of hiking and camping and seeing Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas. I'm so excited about the vacation part and of coming back to lots of boxes and a new home.
I'll post pictures of the new place when I get them done.
The other funny thing about moving the end of the month is that I'm going on vacation Nov. 1-6. So far the past two moves I have made have occurred right before going on vacation. When I moved from DC to Southern MD in 2004, I moved in the weekend I left for Europe for 3 weeks. When I moved from Southern MD to where I live now, I left for a missions trip to Ethiopia the next day. Now I'm moving into a new place the day before I head out to the Grand Canyon for a week of hiking and camping and seeing Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas. I'm so excited about the vacation part and of coming back to lots of boxes and a new home.
I'll post pictures of the new place when I get them done.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Updates
So there has been a fair amount of stuff happening over the past couple months like Steel Magnolias, God on Broadway, friends and family updates. I promise to have an update posted tomorrow as I'm in the middle of waiting to see about one more huge and potentially life changing event. I would appreciate your prayers about this matter and will fill you in on more once I know how things pan out. Thanks!
More to come...
More to come...
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Inspiration or Cheese - You Decide
1) Try our Sundays. They are better than Baskin Robbins.
2) If you dont like the way you were born, try being born again.
3) There are some searches that cant be found by Google.
4) Prayer - the best wireless connection.
5) Life is Gods gift to us - What we do with it is our gift to God.
6) Hybrid Christians run on truth and love.
7) Jesus is my prozac.
8) God answers knee-mail.
9) In the dark? Follow the son!
10) Under the same management for over 2000 years.
11) If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.
12) Dont give up! Moses was once a basket case!
13) If God seems far away, guess who moved?
14) God does not forget the sinner, he forgets the sin.
15) Gossip the Gospel.
2) If you dont like the way you were born, try being born again.
3) There are some searches that cant be found by Google.
4) Prayer - the best wireless connection.
5) Life is Gods gift to us - What we do with it is our gift to God.
6) Hybrid Christians run on truth and love.
7) Jesus is my prozac.
8) God answers knee-mail.
9) In the dark? Follow the son!
10) Under the same management for over 2000 years.
11) If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.
12) Dont give up! Moses was once a basket case!
13) If God seems far away, guess who moved?
14) God does not forget the sinner, he forgets the sin.
15) Gossip the Gospel.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Who Should I Vote For In November?
So I took one of those Internet quizzes that asks you a bunch of questions and then tells you which candidate you best align with in order to assist you in your decision making. I took the test and my results are listed below which of course begs the question: who should I vote for in November? I tell people all the time that I'm a moderate and no one ever believes me. Maybe the results of this silly quiz will convince someone that I'm telling the truth.
72% John McCain
72% Barack Obama
69% Hillary Clinton
67% Chris Dodd
65% John Edwards
63% Joe Biden
63% Bill Richardson
60% Mitt Romney
59% Mike Huckabee
58% Rudy Giuliani
52% Dennis Kucinich
51% Fred Thompson
50% Mike Gravel
40% Tom Tancredo
35% Ron Paul
2008 Presidential Candidate Matching Quiz
72% John McCain
72% Barack Obama
69% Hillary Clinton
67% Chris Dodd
65% John Edwards
63% Joe Biden
63% Bill Richardson
60% Mitt Romney
59% Mike Huckabee
58% Rudy Giuliani
52% Dennis Kucinich
51% Fred Thompson
50% Mike Gravel
40% Tom Tancredo
35% Ron Paul
2008 Presidential Candidate Matching Quiz
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Florida Triathlon Pictures
So I don't have any clever title for this entry. Just got my pictures from my triathlon in Florida a couple weekends ago and these are the highlights. This was the first time my dad has been to a triathlon and seen me compete in one so it was really fun. He said he thought he could do one too :) Triathlon's are addicting and exciting!
This was in the transition area, first thing in the morning getting everything set up. I'm showing off my number. You get your number marked on both arms and front of your leg. Your age goes on your calf.
Heading into the ocean for the 1/4 mile swim. With Hurricane Bonnie off the coast, the waves were 2-5 feet. It was AWESOME! I'm on the left side in the black and red suit.
Running through the sand after the swim was tough. I'm headed back to the transition area to change and get ready for...
...the 11.1 mile bike ride.
I borrowed this bike from a friend of mine. It was just a little too big for me, so Dad and I hammered down the seat post until it was almost level with the top bar. It was also totally rusted and we had to tie on the water bottle cage. But it rolled so it was a blessing.
This is at the end of the 3.1 mile run. I turned the corner and am heading to the finish line.
Sprinting to the finish line. I remember in high school my basketball coach would always tell us to finish strong no matter what. So that's what I'm doing. Not the best picture - but hey I've been working hard for one hour and thirty-eight minutes :)
Crossing the finish line. I'm done!
Enjoying the post-race food. Yummy!
This was in the transition area, first thing in the morning getting everything set up. I'm showing off my number. You get your number marked on both arms and front of your leg. Your age goes on your calf. 
Heading into the ocean for the 1/4 mile swim. With Hurricane Bonnie off the coast, the waves were 2-5 feet. It was AWESOME! I'm on the left side in the black and red suit. 
Running through the sand after the swim was tough. I'm headed back to the transition area to change and get ready for...
...the 11.1 mile bike ride.
I borrowed this bike from a friend of mine. It was just a little too big for me, so Dad and I hammered down the seat post until it was almost level with the top bar. It was also totally rusted and we had to tie on the water bottle cage. But it rolled so it was a blessing.
This is at the end of the 3.1 mile run. I turned the corner and am heading to the finish line.
Sprinting to the finish line. I remember in high school my basketball coach would always tell us to finish strong no matter what. So that's what I'm doing. Not the best picture - but hey I've been working hard for one hour and thirty-eight minutes :)
Crossing the finish line. I'm done!
Enjoying the post-race food. Yummy!
Family
My cousin Lori and I in Montana last summer. We had so much fun together - me the thirty-one year old and her the thirteen year old.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Fun In The Sunshine State
This past weekend I headed south to Florida for a little R&R with my dad and stepmom. Dad picked me up at the airport on Wednesday night and we drove to Sarasota for a business meeting the next day. That meeting consisted of sailing on the above 43 foot catamaran for a couple of hours. I love my dad's job :)
Then we headed back home and I got ready for a triathlon on Saturday. My dad was able to come out and watch the race which was really fun for me to have him there. It was my first open water swim as well and took place in the ocean with 2-4 foot swells from Hurricane Bertha. It was so fun! I did end up losing my goggles though which was sad. But I finished the race and Dad was inspired to maybe do one himself. We'll see :) Dad took pictures and I'll post those once I get them.
Saturday night we had a barbecue at the house and I had invited lots of friends I hadn't seen in a several years. It was really fun to catch up with them and see all their kids and hear their stories. So great. Then on Sunday we went to church at my old church that I haven't been to in like six years. There was a rush of memories as soon as we walked in the door so that was a bit overwhelming. There were familiar faces although I've forgotten many names, but still it was great to worship there again. Even Dad was overwhelmed with memories especially ones of when Mom was alive standing in the hallway and in the service. It was a neat time.
Then I flew home back to DC and enjoyed sitting next to a really nice (and really good looking) guy on the plane. That never happens. I didn't get his name but it was a fun flight :)
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Fourth Celebrations
Fourth of July found me doing lots of fun things for the weekend. On Friday, I hung out with my friend Renee most of the day then took in the fireworks near the Capitol building with a group of friends. Saturday I headed to Harper's Ferry, WV for some tubing. Awesome time! Sunday found me hanging with small children at Sunday School, lunch with my friends Jen and Clinton and wrapping up the weekend with "All Shook Up", a musical based around Elvis songs at a dinner theater in Maryland. All in all a good time.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Girls At The Movies
Chasity, a girl I don't remember, me, ReneeThis is a picture of some of the girls that went to opening night of "Sex and the City" movie. It was an interesting night with LOTS of women all dressed up in heels and flirty outfits. Overall a good time.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Birthday Celebration
For my birthday this past year, I really wanted to go hang out at the National Arboretum. So my friends all met there and we ended up having a scavenger hunt race around the gardens looking for certain plants and stuff. It was a blast! Then we headed to a random Caribbean restaurant for food which was super fun too. All in all, it was a great birthday. Thanks friends!
Christy, Anne, Katie and Jen. They were in one car - I was in another and we raced all over. So much fun!
My team had to take a picture climbing these giant columns. Jeff, Renee, me, and Greg.
A bonsai tree started the year I was born - 1976. Love it!
Christy, Anne, Katie and Jen. They were in one car - I was in another and we raced all over. So much fun!
My team had to take a picture climbing these giant columns. Jeff, Renee, me, and Greg. 
A bonsai tree started the year I was born - 1976. Love it!
Memorial Day Weekend 2008
Owen, Amber, Katlyn, me, Dennis, BrandtI went camping with some friends for the weekend and it was amazing. This is our third or fourth year going and its always such a blast. We ended up camping on some property of one of my friends friends :) so although we pitched our tents on the grass, we were right next door to a cottage and on the river where we could fish, sail, kayak and swim. It was pretty awesome and all just an hour from DC!
Here are two pictures of sunset one night. We kayaked over to the other side of the property and the pictures were taken by two friends who walked over. I'll post more later.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
New Job
It has been one month since I started my new job and it has been going swimmingly. For those of you that don't know I am working at my church, National Community Church (www.theaterchurch.com) and I love it. The people are so much fun to work with and I'm laughing on a regular basis everyday. It's awesome. I am the office manager so I'm the lead admin person, overseeing the maintenance staff and doing staff event planning and lots of other stuff. It's a good time.
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