China & Football

So I'm holding back on starting a paper on China and using the excuse of Monday Night Football to justify my laziness. No winner? I didn't think so either. But it's an exciting night in sports with the Broncos playing the Chargers (note: I cheer for the Broncs), Miss State & Ark are in 2OT (football) and Duke beating Marquette in basketball. I find all of these way more exciting than starting my paper.

This fascination is good for a few solid reasons. First of all, because of my fascination of all things sports I am never bored when I turn on the teevee. Secondly, current knowledge of sports does help me with talking to boys. So I'm banking on this ignoring my homework thing and catching up on some key games as an important move for my future.

GO BRONCS!!!

*************************

And on a totally un-sports-related note ... this is HILARIOUS! (and so, so wrong)

Leavin' On A Metr...Jet...

Shortly many of us are gonna be gettin' some lovin' as we travel - who's excited for the new TSA pat-down or super-sexed scanning? I'm not sure how I feel about it yet but I'm sure I'll report back on that. Speaking of travel and reporting, the Daily Beast reported on the top airports. I'm happy to announce my main airport (DCA) ranked 10th, woot, woot!! My 2nd airport (MSP) came in at 16. I guess that isn't too bad?!

I did visit two other airports this past weekend - BWI and DTW. Totally my first time at BWI... it was okay. Nothing special. DTW (Metro) was nice, kinda reminded me of MSP but I was told that I was in the newer area. Though, neither of them had any cool/unique shops or lunch spots (ahem, Memphis) in the terminals that I was stuck in.

So now I'm thinking, there is a cool website called "Roadfood" that focuses on "regional meals along highways, in small towns and in city neighborhoods." Wouldn't it be great to have a website like that for airports?! I think so! I think I'd even travel to another city or make sure to do a layover for the mere fact to have lunch at a unique spot. And to think that airports could bank off of this!

And if there is such a website out there, sweet... just show me where cause I cannot find one.

36th State

I'm off to DET in less than two hours to see a good friend marry a new good friend. I am very excited for a few reasons. A. This will be my first time out of DC area in two months. B. This will be my first time in MI and C. Duhhhh... I get to witness two people are are excellent for each other make a public commitment to one-another.

So I must get back to packin' (I'm an excellent procrastinator). I get to haul my butt up from northern VA to BWI for my little flight into DET. But as I leave you, please take a moment and watch this video (and tell me how you're able to make it to the end without crying!) Thank you to all of those who have put their lives on the line for the better of others. God Bless our veterans.

Money Maker

I got the job. I will be employed by an organization and have a salary again. This is weird. OH! And not only a salary but also a 401(K), health insurance, life insurance and dental. Weird.

Now I just need to deal with the fact that I'll be employed full-time as a full-time student this semester.

Two months of hell? We'll see!

I Shook the Magic 8 Ball

I got a call for a job interview yesterday and I freaked. Not in a, "Yay! I got an interview!!" type of freak but rather, "OH CRAP!" Weird, I know. But I think I need this. Doing this school thing full-time and working part-time on campus is messin' with me. My days of work/studying don't usually start until 11 a.m. and that kinda drives me nuts even though it's me forcing myself into that mindset. I justify it with the fact that I am either working, in class or studying my M-Th nights away so the late a.m. is the time for relaxing. Lame.

So back to the interview. It's (yay!) for an agricultural group. They actually called and emailed me about the interview. The crappy thing is that I will be doing a phone interview. And I STINK at those. I have no problem talking on the phone to people but I do have a problem when I can't see their reactions. My record for phone interviews is 1 in 8 since college. My record for in-person interviews is about 50/50. Odds are not in my favor.

So now I'm going peruse their website, develop some talking points and continue to slurp down the very caffeinated coffee in my new NYC mug (from a NYC friend - tacky, a little - sweet, beyond).

Lists & Papers - Today's Procrastination

So I am on Facebook. Yes, that is nothing special seeing as everyone else in this world is and after "The Social Network" comes out I have a feeling the numbers are going to EXPLODE. With that I have a revelation and a bag-full of issues. No, not with the movie. Pfft. Movie-schmovie. You see, when I joined in Dec 2004, it was cool and unique. Of course I was in college at that time and it was used for uploading obnoxious photos from college parties, creating groups based on silly inside jokes and feeling superior to all others when you list yourself as "in a relationship."

Fast forward to 2010 - stupid photos are still being posted, but of boring moments because you know better when attempting to apply for jobs. Groups have turned into official things such as policy pieces you support. And now, you avoid the relationship status thing and just use Facebook to stalk that person you met on Saturday night but were too consumed with lame bar talk that you never figured out if he/she has anything in common with you.

It kills me yet I'm still stuck on it. I have tried to "quit" a few times but find myself lured back in because it's an easy, passive way of keeping in touch with friends 1,000 miles away. Now I get it, they are your friends and you should be able to use a few other tools out there (i.e. phone/email/hand-written notes) to keep in touch. I guess it comes down to me choosing the lazy route. I do care about these people but I'm too lazy to pick up the phone and give'm a shout more than the four times a year. I have convinced myself that I'll quit when I have a kid. This is easy to say seeing that I'm not married, or even in a relationship. Yep. Got it. I'm just making excuses.

But really...when (errr...if?!) I have kids I figured the last thing I need to do is post a million photos of the kid in the same outfit and two different expressions happening. Or um, have status updates about dirty diapers. (Hopefully my posts now are more entertaining!)I've heard that parents like having the Facebook because it's a way of feeling 'social' without having to leave the house. Now, if this is the case, I am nervous about what parenthood entails. I am pretty sure that if it comes down to that I will be the queen at booking play-dates. I do not want to rely on Facebook as my only source of socializing. This scares me to death, the notion that with age it will be one of my more common social tools than actually seeing people live or going to events. Not acceptable. No, no, no, no.

Now as I go and start mixing a drink cause I'm fretting about whole issue rather than working on a paper for school, I'll leave you with this most excellent video... Enjoy!

Get Off My Lawn

I think I would have been a good neighbor for Walt Kowalski. For those of you who don't know Walt, he was the character played by Clint in Grand Torino.

So back to the point... Walt and me. We'd be a team. Now I don't keep a shotgun under my bed, but certainly have no problem chasing hoodlums with a broom or other long objects. I say this because most days you'll find me either tending to the flowers (damn squirrels keep digging in the flower pots, argh!), sweeping the drive-way, pulling weeds or watching the 'going-ons' in the 'hood. Walt would be doin the same. After a hard days work of yelling at kids and picking-up the front lawn he had no problem settling down on the front porch and crackin' a cold one. Again, I'd be right there with him.

Actually, I'd love to have Walt as my neighbor. Not only would it be nice to have someone who keep their lawn nice and neat or someone who enjoys a brew like I do but rather for someone to take my place in keeping the neighborhood straight. I know I don't live in Detroit and Arlington, VA is hardly even close to the 'hood in the movie but we have our fair share of stuff go down. Clint, ahem, Walt would certainly take care of that before I would even need to pick-up the phone to dial the local police.

Perhaps we need to recruit a few Walts to my neighborhood. Curious if the ACPD would be down with that?

Yes, I'm aware of the dull life I'm leading... the excitement of squirrels, drunk neighbors, class and readings about economics pretty much sums up my life right now. I'm in search of finding other things to keep me entertained. Maybe we'll get a good soccer or flag-football story soon! Until then...

Modern: Partially Employed & Grad School

A few years ago, one of the front office ladies exclaimed, "OH! You need to write a book about your life!" I don't remember the story I was telling her but I just waved it off because, at that time, my life seemed like a complete bore. I guess traveling overseas by oneself and selling products to folks I'll never meet was boring. Then. Now it seems like a far off dream. Since that remark I have moved a few more times between the Midwest and East Coast in search of better jobs and more education.

Now my life is similar to a few thousand others where I'm partially employed, going to grad school full-time and completely broke. I am mildly obsessed with social media, watch CSPAN, Bloomberg & CNBC religiously while downloading alternative music from iTunes based on The Currents playlist. On the weekends I play local league sports, cheer on my alma mater in a losing sport (football) and swill beer like I'm still an undergrad. I am your average late twenty-something and it kills me to say that.

In my macroeconomics class we all look different but the only real outliers in the class are those who are over 40 and there aren't many of them this time around. This lack of originality is summed up by a comment I had from my interviewer a week ago, "You're overqualified and highly recommended." I didn't get the internship. This is happening over and over and over and it kills me. Perhaps it's the area I live in (DC) but I find that you are not allowed to be original. They prefer a status quo, BUT the one that they set. So I'm following that lead, getting a masters, starting to learn a new language and becoming even more socially networked.

With this, I am curious, will the next generation get shoved into a group of highly over-educated, lack of experience bracket or will they get the chance to move out of their little area and seek new opportunities and be encouraged to do so? I just wished I had to the guts to break free and go to the beat of my own drum - but when entrepreneurship is stymied by current markets/banking procedures and socially, it just seems best to stay the course that is recommended. Bummer.

Maybe it'll change when I'm forty.

President of Neighborhood Watch

Just when I think my neighborhood is normal it throws me a new one. It's midnight on a Sunday night and I'm settling in after a somewhat exhausting day. I have my window cracked open because of the gorgeous weather happening. I hear the crickets and smile a little but know that they will keep me awake so I put on my fan to muffle the noise a bit. Less than 10 seconds later I hear this loud accelerating noise. Thinking it was my fan I shut it off. Nope, still there. Then I thought, Hrm... it could be something up with the house. So I start to peek around and see where it's coming from. Again, nothing but the noise stops, so I go back to bed.



"VRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOM!"

Seriously!?

At this point I'm completely ticked off. It's past midnight and we have people of all ages in our neighborhood, this is beyond appropriate. I run outside and look around. I see Bob and his wife are pattering around in their house (not sure why two retirees are still up?) but they don't peek their heads out and all other houses appear quiet. The sound sounds like it's coming from two houses down but there aren't any lights on and the ambulance is just sitting there quietly.(Yes, they have an ambulance but it gets better, they have TWO and use them for anything BUT saving lives). I'm confused and go back into the house.


"vvvvrrrrroooommmmm......VVVVVRRRRRrrroooommmmm.....VVVVVRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOM!!!"

At this point I grab my coat and throw on some shoes figuring I need to inspect the 'hood or else the cops are going to get call no. 3 from me this year. I walk down to the suspected house only to find out it's a pick-up truck that is in neutral with someone laying on the gas. That someone is passed out. You have GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! I knock on the window (I'll admit, I was nervous seeing I didn't know how he'd react and I didn't want to be hit or driven over). No response. I knock harder and finally just started to pound. After what felt like eternity he opened the door and mumbled something and shaking his head.

Trying to not shake him I asked, "Sir, can you please keep it down? It's late and you're waking the neighborhood up."

"Hrm??? Oh *slurred grumbles" Yeesh, I'll go int there." And he points to the house.

"Thanks." Ugh.

I turn and walk back to my house. I see one of the new neighbor guys (who lives between me and the questionable figure) out on the porch and obviously annoyed. I wave and yell hi and he just shook his head and said thanks.

I swear. It's finally time I get a sign that says, Neighborhood Watch - PRESIDENT

1 BILLION DOLLARS!

For some reason Dr. Evil popped into my head as I was thinking, "Why can't we wrangle in the U.S. trade deficit?" And before you shake your head over the insane issues that I freak out/think of/dream about on a daily (re: hourly) basis - remember that this is what I do. I care about trade for YOU! Good, healthy trade is of benefit to most parties involved and for those that indirectly invovled. So I was a bit disheartened today when I read in the WSJ an article today showing that the sector I cared about the most (Food/Agriculture) is not doing well during these tough times in the trade world. Imports of food and feed are up by $33 million and exports [of food and feed] are down by $310 million. Uff da. Not good.

So yes, that is what I worry about on a constant basis. I know I'm not the only one. The USDA has tons of people in all different areas that devote a good portion of their time to analyzing/solving the trade issues... and the same goes for those over at Commerce and the USTR. So I know I'm not alone, though it just get's to me. *ARGH!*

But I won't fret too much. There are so many other important things out there that matter.

Like...

- Will the DC Gophers kick-butt at the CAN Softball Tournament?

- Will I be able to consume the appropriate ratio of milkshake:cheese curds at the Minnesota State Fair come August 25th?

- What will my "First Day of School" outfit be this fall?

All very important issues to be concerned with. I guess trade doesn't seem as important now that I think about it. *sigh*

The Smallest Things

Two days ago as I was heading out of the metro I stopped to add more value to my SmarTrip card. As I was approaching the kiosks I noticed this older gentleman lingering by the kiosks with a look of discernment. Not sure what he was in need of, I casually walked up to a kiosk near him and proceeded to add value to my card. As he witnessed my successful transaction he asked, “Could you help me? I can’t figure it out.” The man, if he could stand-up straight was barely my height and had an air of wisdom and kind-heartedness surrounding him. “No, problem,” I said as I took his Senior SmarTrip card and swiped it, then taking the crisp $10 bill he was holding and added that to the card, while trying to explain the process. He was beyond patient and his eyes spoke pure gratitude. He thanked me and shuffled away.

I hurriedly moved on to the escalators where (argh!!) I got stuck behind two people too busy talking that they didn’t bother to stay to the right side. Looking over at the other escalator, I whined a little, noting that it was free on the left-hand side. “pfft!” but then I looked down and saw the sweet man standing to the right, making sure he wasn’t in the way of any commuters trying to walk up the escalator.

I cannot imagine what it must be like to see a world whizzing by me, as I imagined that gentleman did. As I recounted the story to a friend I claimed that if I was in that situation as an older lady I would probably be whacking the kiosk with my big purse and grumbling about people who have no respect (which funny enough, doesn’t always take age for me to do that!). He was a nice reminder of the sweetness of civility and how it can make a world of difference.

Shark Week... READY!? (August 1st)

I am excited.

Are you ready?

No, No, No.

This weekend I am off to VA Beach area for some R&R. I needed to leave earlier than normal so I could get out of work earlier to attempt at beating traffic (note how I used the word ATTEMPT).

Well it wasn't that great of a morning because...

*Lack of alarm (or I turned it off without even realizing it, hrmmm.)

*No hot water (forgo morning shower)

*Missed/late train

*Kicked off of other train

... leading to me being 30 mins late. I figured, "Oh well, I can make up the time come Monday, at least I have the beach this weekend!!!"

I just checked the weather.



Bugger!

Anyway - I have faith that it will still be lots-o-fun and it will be awesome to get out of the Beltway. Fingers crossed that the B&B will have AC!

Joan Loves Space

Doesn't this chick look like she's Joan from Mad Men???

Great song and if you're into space of any sort - this is for you.

Vampires are SO 1990

I can't turn the teevee on, log into the interwebs or open the paper without seeing some darn piece on that vampire movie that all the tweens, 30-something yr old married ladies and one straight guy loves. It's, ummm, awesome? While I'm really not into that stuff too much (or at all) if I had to pick, I feel like zombies are a much more mature/classier way of going. I do have to say, after spending a good deal of time with people who were a bit zombified I took on a greater appreciation. They are a complex species - not an idiot one who has names like Bella (really, the last Bella I knew was a cow on my home farm).

So as I sit here wondering when the next zombie pub crawl or meeting is in my EC 'hood I will share a cool trick on making yourself a bit more zobmiesque.


Scars With Bubblegum - The most amazing bloopers are here

A 40's Style Day

It’s another hot, sultry day in the Beltway. I am slowly adapting to it. I think it’s better that I am forced to go outside BEFORE 12 noon because I have a real “job” (re: internship) this summer. Yes, it’s an exciting one. I get to do the lovely commute, smashed into a Metro car with men and women reading/listening to music/whacking you with their backpack because they lack social commuting skills. I have a better understanding of what sardines feel like…especially on those hot days when everyone is sweaty! The commute isn’t that bad, if anything it gives me cheap entertainment ($4.40/day RT!) twice a day.

My internship is in the USDA-FAS-OCBD-TSCB-RPSB. If you can figure that out you are automatically qualified for a GS-14/15 level position with the government! The office I’m in is pretty fantastic. People are friendly, understand agriculture AND understand global issues. Three things I value and love that can coexist. It’s a hectic office that fights with constant bureaucratic changes (systems/positions/etc.) and crazy, developing governments. You’re a champion if you can deal with that and at the end of the day go home rather than to a shrink. If anything, this internship makes me feel good about the portion of my tax dollars which go towards our initiatives.

Which leads me to MY initiative, Africa. I call it my “lost continent” because over the last five years it was the one place I rarely looked to when it came to business. Reason being, it’s primarily made-up of developing countries with poor government, regulation and banking systems. Three things you look for in a country before going in and trying to do business. I am now taking another look. Seeing as I am not in sales mode I can take my time to study the continent and it’s pieces. One consistently comes to mind when thinking about – fascinating. Sorry for you people who are obsessed over its culture. Yes, that’s pretty darn cool. But I’m obsessed over the politics and policy. Their business attitude it far different from Latin America and Asia…. it’s exciting. Now if there is achievement off of their attitudes that will be amazing. Not unthinkable but amazing nonetheless. I won’t go on any further because I’m sure this is boring. But I do say, take a second look at the continent. It just may surprise you. And seeing IT IS World Cup time and woah… S. Africa IS hosting, you may as well take a gander.

Speaking of soccer. I’m playing it. Yes, my 2010 sport is soccer. (I may have mentioned this but I’m somewhat lazy and not looking back at my old posts.) I have only received one head-on injury from it – a very bruised wrist. It hurts but it’s a good pain. GO USA!!!

Meet Me in St.... errr... DC

I absolutely loved Meet Me in St. Louis growing up. Loved, loved, LOVED it. Mostly because I was obsessed with Judy Garland but also I was fascinated with how they "handled" the heat during the turn of the century (circa 1904). To this day I don't know how women were able to wear dresses/petticoats/stockings/etc. when it was above 75 degrees. At that point I'm sure I'd have had the "vapors" about a million times over. Didn't they know about heat stroke?!

Well, I complain about this because today in DC it hit high 90s (re: 99 degrees). I about fainted on the Metro because the car I was in was lacking AC. Though, with all of this complaining I must bite my tongue seeing I go from a house with central air to an office with central air to a car (boyfriends) with a working AC. It's only for one mile am I sweating it out in my work clothes. So I realize, yes, I am very spoiled. Though, if I had the choice my version of a nice hot summer day would be 80 degrees, NO humidity and a lake with public access at every corner.

I think back with awe on how my ancestors crossed the prairie on AC-less trains I will wake up as an appreciative lady tomorrow and smile when the meteorologist announces another steamy day.



Perhaps in 1904 they were smart... they at least had a trolley above ground allowing natural air-flow unlike 2010 where we are stuck in a small box of a car underground withb a broken AC. Hrmmm...

Sloths

I really like the movie Ice Age. A lot. It makes me giggle and well, something about a talking animal always makes me giggle and a little bit homesick. (No, my cows, cat and dog don't talk but I'm crazy enough to believe that I know exactly what they are thinking). While I wasn't into one animal over the other in the movie I started think more about sloths. Probably because it's an animal that I've never seen before. Well I found a great video about sloths and their adorableness. Forget the bunny... I now want a baby sloth for a pet!

Meet the sloths from Amphibian Avenger on Vimeo.

'tis the Season

It's wedding season. I know this by way of two ways, well more like 25. Anyway the season is upon us and my bank account is starting to reflect that (but it's worth it) and a few many FB status updates now are fully devoted to word on the upcoming nuptials.

I say, "Oy!"

As a traditional, non-traditionalist (e.g. I want a mostly black wedding dress if the day ever happens for me), I often find myself gagging at some of the "stuff" I get to witness. But I must sit back and swallow it because I know with this type A personality there is great potential of me taking all of that stuff to an entirely different level. As I'm aware of the potential for that, I have start to make many and I mean dozens of mental notes of "What not to do" in order to keep my friends and family on the non-hatin' side of me!


Now because I'm only getting older and ~ 75% of the people I'm around are married or in fully committed relationships I get asked a lot of marriage questions (mostly by other folk who find it odd that I'm still singlesque). They are all so very excellent. My favorite are the non-questions, rather these people are making statements for me. Awww, how sweet. Just because I'm getting closer to 30 than 20 and have yet to commit to anything beyond the current month doesn't mean you can make such grand assumptions such as, "Your clock is tickin' for kids!"

Really? REALLY!? I like to remind them that it doesn't take a marriage to pop out a kid and if that damn clock was tickin' that hard I would have taken care of it by now. Funny how that shuts them up. Truth be told, from an early age I haven't wanted to settle down until after my 30th birthday. I'm a bit selfish in that way, I guess. But I figured if I were to settle down I'd prefer to do it only once and that means I should get a few things out of the way in order to be a better partner down the road. A crime, I think not. Until then, I'll enjoy celebrating these moments of flower filled, booze-induced dances, dry chicken dinners (ahem, weddings) in honor of my friends.


So here's a toast to my friend Mel and her sig other, Jonathan (J) - may you two have a rockin' marriage from here on out ... and yes, I will be enjoying the drinks and some darn good food this weekend down in 'bama with ya'll!

School's Out for SUMMER!

Yes! I took my last final on Monday night. After 2 hrs & 45 mins I felt that I had successfully explained economic trade principles on in the international marketplace. Now we just wait and see if my professor agrees with me. Until then, Alice (Cooper) and I will be rockin' it (and workin' it so I can afford a few plane tickets).

After a weekend of studying, including a Saturday night final, I felt exhausted. Add in a poor diet and a pinched nerve and it's hard to believe that I didn't have a mental breakdown. I took the morning of Tuesday off and sat in a zombie-like state on the couch. I watched bad movies and kept my phone off. It was AMAZING. I had also put a ban on reading and writing for the day. I only read and wrote what I absolutely had to.

I miss yesterday. Perhaps it will come back.

oh and I found a pretty fantastic website: WTF CNN - yes, the name says it all.

A Bear, A Lion & A Horse

Almost a week ago I had an aching back. Lovely, right? Well, I ignored it and moved on to play soccer for the first time ever on Saturday. Felt pain all through the weekend only to wake-up on Tuesday morning screaming in pure pain, falling down (from my bed) and weeping the entire 20 ft to the bathroom. I cursed at the fact that I'm a woman, rather than a man because I couldn't bear the thought of squatting to do my business. I decided I could wait until the pain subsided. I made it back to my bed and called my mom. It's 5:45 a.m. CST. She talks me through my crisis and diagnosis my pain as an upset muscle that's pinching a nerve causing the excruciating pain that was shooting down my leg and creating some numbness.

As soon as I got off the phone I called S&S and asked if they could take me to urgent care. Got there and was seen after only 30 mins (horribly LONG minutes) of waiting. They gave the same diagnosis as my mother and assigned me steroids and pain killers. I was in love. After a quick trip to Walgreens & breakfast from Wendy's I was back home where I could finally approach the bathroom for the first time without crying. The drugs started to work and slowly the pain subsided in my lower back and allowed for me to move from room to room, albeit, very slowly.

That was a 4 hour period. It sucked. Royally. Though, it has gotten me a number of sympathy points from TB (the boy) and given me ample hours to watch the going-ons in my 'hood. It's boring. Well, take away crazy neighbor, an army of squirrels and the annoying sorority house that likes to have parties with front door open (during the week) and you get boring. That is... until a crazy lady with a stroller across the street unloads a giant stuffed bear and horse onto the sidewalk infront of Bob's house (note: NOT HER HOUSE!).

I stare for a solid 20 mins trying to figure out what has just happened. Not wanting to fight pain if I didn't have to I staying inside and continued to stare. Yes, there was a "FREE" sign next to them. But still, why there?! Later in the day they were gone (Me: "Oh good, the hillbillies found some new toys!") ... but only to find another two animals out there the next day.

What the heck?!

Is this woman really good at carnival games?! Is her husband threatening to leave her if she doesn't get rid of them? Is she strategically leaving these all around the neighborhood!?

I guess I'll just have to wait and see if she comes back ... sans divorce!

p.s. I apologize, I was too dumb/slow to remember to take a photo of my crazy evidence.

2010 One-third Over = New Sport

So the semester is coming to a close. With that, I'm very, super, super thankful for. I am sad to announce that I was wrong when it came to graduate school. I had fooled myself into thinking that it would be different this time around. As in, I would NOT PROCRASTINATE and I would LOVE EVERY SECOND of class and I would spend DOUBLE the hours on my assignments and read AHEAD. While I certainly did improve from my undergrad years, it wasn't the complete 180 had envisioned.

I did manage to get involved on campus though! I have a part-time gig working with the GMU Arlington Life area (i.e. planning local stuff for students) and plan on running for an office on campus come Fall 2010. My name is making its rounds, always a plus in school, most notably a school in the Beltway. And not-to-mention, I need it to get out of the job I'm currently doing. As much as I love making decent money working from home, it gets kinda lonely and doesn't move me that much closer to desirable international work.

But the semester is coming to a close and current work is packing on. Stress is mounting but I thank the help of good friends and a wonderful guy who is making it into my thoughts more and more. I also thank myself for finally verbalizing a need... the need to get on board of a new sport for the year 2010. Upon hearing this TC presents me (a week later and to my surprise) with a pink soccer ball and shin-guards. I squealed in pure delight and ran down his condos hall kicking a soccer ball with my flip-flop foot.

After dusting the cleats off and donning a pair of bright pink socks (courtesy of TC), I walked onto a soccer field. I told the team that I was new at the sport and not afraid to get whacked, sweaty or yelled at. They were cool with that and all three happened during the hot, 90 degree and humid Saturday game. But please note, the whacking was ALL on my part.

So three words.

I love soccer.

There is a lot for me to learn but I like it. It's a great cardio workout and allows for me to be super aggressive (take THAT flag football). I enjoy a good bruise if it was all for sport. The team seemed like me, so yes, I will be back. Yay!

**The only downfall: my back has been giving me trouble and I guess the solution is NOT to go and play soccer for an hour, who knew!? Apparently my mom did. It just means me waking-up for the third day in a row screaming in pain and walking hunched over and allowing the boy to pamper me with kind words of worry.**

Cheating

Dear Blogger.com,

I'm sorry... I have cheated on you. I have started to blog on a different location. Though, please note, this affair is only for two weeks. After I'm done with Mr. National MS Society I will come back to you and give you greater attention. Perhaps TWO stories and a YouTube post!? Please forgive me, but this is solely for a greater cause. Thank you for being so kind and patient.

Love,

Me

***

If you are feeling neglected as a reader, please take the time to do some reading on my page where I'm fighting for those with Multiple Sclerosis.

There are some entertaining posts and a great look into what my family and I are going through as a family who endures the daily experience of living with someone who has to put up with MS. It's a crappy disease (yes, that's a "duh" comment but it is!).

And if you feel so inclined, a donation of a few Lincolns or Washingtons is always nice!!!

You Win Some, You Lose Some

I have a problem. I lose important things. Now, wait, I MISPLACE important things. In the past 12 months I have misplaced - volleyball, curling shoes, world map, SS card, birth certificate, wallet, checks, my favorite skirt, a mitten, favorite beret and a scarf. In the same period of time I have RE-found all that is highlighted above. Not much hunh? This could mean one or two things, either I need to stop moving or I need a personal assistant to keep track of my stuff and perhaps my thoughts.

The killer part of this - people consider me organized. Really? Organized?! Yes, I like stuff neat and tidy. And yes, I tend to lose my valuable things while en route but wouldn't an organized person put that somewhere that is not only note-worthy but also safe? I don't know. It just baffles me sometimes that I get labeled that, especially after I misplace an important document.

But perhaps I AM organized and I DIDN'T actually misplace the article. Perhaps it's just my crappy memory. The reason why I even mention this stems off of a conversation I had with my family over Easter.

Mom, "Yeah, I need to cut down on the sweets."
Me, "Well, you know what I do? I hide my Skittles from my self so I don't eat too many."
Dad, "THAT'S ridiculous. You can't HIDE something from yourself. You're the one who put it there... you know where it is!"
Me, "Trust me, it's hiding. One time it took me two weeks to find a bag."
Mom, "Yeah, I'm amazed what I have accidentally hidden from myself."
Dad, "You're both crazy. I remember EVERYTHING I place somewhere."
(Note: Dad has MS and his memory stinks ... and that can be said true PRIOR to the crappy disease. Regardless, Mom and I know better and just roll our eyes at Dad.)
K walks in.
K, "What are you talking about?"
Dad explains argument.
K, being sensible and clueless as to what is at stake here quips, "Why do you even need Skittles?"

End of story.

Point here. I blame my family for the reason why I lost my own record of birth.

Back by Pop Demand

I was informed by the FOUR avid readers I have that I've been slacking. I apologize. Or not?! Well, regardless, I realize that it has been a bit of time since I've been on here blabbing about what I find interesting and the crap that has been happening in the 2220X.

It's easier to start with a list and finish with a story.

- I just filed my taxes and owe our great govn't (that makes me more upset with each day) $6,300.
- I got a part-time gig on campus planning events. Yes, watch out GMU Arlington Life, this girl is gonna show you a good time!
- The 24 hr stomach flu sucks and mind you, it's not always 24 hrs ... (going on hr 30 right now)
- I found my world map (WIN!), lost my birth certificate (LOSE!)
- Neighbor boy & I = :)
- The Arlington Police are now securely in my phone

Oh yes, March was a good month. I forgot the one joy of being self-employed means owing the govn't a nice sum of money come April. As much as it pains me to write the checks, I must remember that it's for the better of society and that must mean some kick-butt health care no?! Speaking of which, even though it's *done* it's not done here in the Beltway. The subject is old to me, but I have a feeling it won't go away. Though, if anything great will come of it, I'm thinking it'll be called a Tuesday in November. Just my opinion.

Some people have been asking about the snowy day of being locked out and taken in by the neighbor. Apparently there were some mutual thoughts between the two of us. So after a lot of bickering (we're kinda the opposite... in every which way) we have managed to enjoy a good many insightful conversations and share our love of music, sports and an occasional episode of A Prairie Home Companion. Yes. You read that correctly. We both like it. A lot. Be quiet. And that's all I'm going to say about that on here because this wasn't created for me to talk about girly relationship crap.

Probably the most exciting bit that has happened since I've last been on here and since I've seen a few of you includes a neighbor (different one than the previously mentioned), a stick and the cops.

This past Sunday a buddy of mine was over washing his car in my drive-way, back of the house while I was reading on the deck. I heard someone else talking to my buddy so I get up to see who it is. An older man, holding a stick (that looked like a club), was shaking it at my buddy, swearing and making odd accusations about killing dogs and people. We were all confused as to what his problem was and tried to calm him down. It was apparent that we were not going to be able to do that so I asked him to leave if we could not help him. He swore at as and that was when I threatened to call the cops on him. He wasn't letting down. I called out M (female roommate) to come out there so buddy wouldn't be alone with crazy man while I called the cops. After being accosted over and over, including death threat the man left. We followed to see where he ended up (three houses down) and informed the cops of this.

M & I were shaken up a bit. Really, it's our neighbor and he's making death threats! It was obvious that he was confused and probably has dementia or something to that liking but still, you want to make sure all is safe for the entire hood and himself. The cops came as a nice s..l..o..w Sunday pace. We gave our report and asked for them to check on him. Yes, the cops were hot and well, they were hot. (uniform = yummo).

Since then we've been keeping an eye out, but haven't seen any activity. Through other neighbor sources we found out that it is true, he's been having some mental problems, and they claim it's potential Mad Cow disease. Yeah, that was self diagnosis. Go figure. I feel bad for the man, but there is a point where feeling bad is trumped by caring about safety of yourself and neighborhood. Hopefully he'll get the help he needs.

So yeah, all is quiet here on the 14th St. North front! And now back to work!

No Wire Hangers

Seriously.

Though I found that you can "recycle" wire hangers in Arlington. Nice!

This reason why I even bring this up was from an email I just received about a friends confusion with a groups name. She found this group on Facebook solely devoted being green and eco-friendly by organizing ones life. For some reason they have chosen the name of No Wire Hangers. I applaud their goal but, well, unless you have been living under a rock for the past four decades,I bet you $20 that when you hear "no wire hangers" you automatically think of the scene in Mommy Dearest about Joan Crawford's obsession of no wire hangers and just plain whacko.

If you think eco-friendly lifestyle - congrats. I'm just thinking that it's gonna take a bit of time to re-brand that saying.

So for all of us who giggle (re: cringe) at that scene:

Three A-Holes Go For A Walk

My exercise routine is pretty much non-existent. I have now convinced myself that since I am a poor student and don't own a car anymore, walking is necessary and well, my exercise. Great, right? Well, that would be good if I had to walk everywhere but I don't. I guess when you don't own a car you don't plan much stuff further than a mile from home, thus I rarely do much walking. And while some people have the opportunity to walk to work, I cannot say that I benefit much from mine seeing as it is only 12 ft from my bed.

Bring in Sharm & Stratton.

On Sunday Sharm calls to ask if I want to go for a walk to take in our newly found sunshine. (YAY!!!) So we planned to hit-up the trails behind my neighborhood and do some visiting. They walked a mile to my place and we proceeded from there to the trails. Once on the trail the fear set in. Not that we would over exert ourselves (we were walking at a very slow pace) but that bicyclists and runners would trample us. We cautiously moved in single-line form and marched eastward.

Slowly we realized that we didn't know where exactly the trail would bring us so we pulled over. One was tired (no names), another confused and another a bit too perky for the others good. As we moved over to take a break and figure out where we were automatically the three of us whipped out our phones. As normal, fit people zoomed by on bikes and running in groups we were the not-so-fit ones on the trail with our phones out. That it when it hit me... we're a bit too much like Two A-Holes sketch from SNL.

This sketch lands a little too close to home - enjoy.



If Arlington Co. could, I'm sure we would be banned from all trails due to our lack of physical movement.

Blast You CST.

While I'm hanging out on the EST, my clients are all (other than my Hawaiian outlier) sitting CST. This is usually to the benefit of me, such as allowing me more precious hours to sleep in each morning. Rarely are there any issues with me messing up the time because, um, it's only ONE hour. That is nothing compared to what I used to face with clients from other continents - I'm talking to you Asia!

So today was like any other Thursday, I get up, make myself some coffee, peruse my emails, check on a conf call time and set myself to the task of washing the kitchen floor and doing a load of random wash. Once my Cinderellesque duties were complete, I poured another cup of coffee and settled down to write notes & check email until the conference call started.

Message: 11:04 a.m. EST

"Will you be able to join us for the conference call? Code is 49583" - D

BLAST!

I quick double check the call invite and see that it was scheduled for 10 am... not 11 am CST as I had written down in my planner for 12 noon EST. Ugh. And it was 11:40 EST. I quick called in.

Sorry!!!!!!! ... was all I could blurt out as I interrupted the closing statements.

They laughed and said I didn't miss much. Um. Yes I did. It's this thing called my ego and billable hours. They go hand-in-hand.


Perhaps I should have triple checked the date & time. But I didn't. I'll just blame my ever beloved coffee, which was the reason why I had even left my room (re: office) in the first place. If I was so addicted to my Dunkin' I probably wouldn't have missed my conference call and would be a few bucks richer.

Though speaking of my Dunkin' Donuts ...

After enjoying the latest post by Miss Mel (my favorite Alabaman) about Target (a fave MN company - are you seeing a trend here?) and their latest ad campaign being built BY the clientele I was reminded of Dunkin's new contest. Yes, I know Dunkin' has a new contest every-other-day but I think I may partake in this one. Can you create the next Dunkin' DONUT!?

I'm doing it and so should you!

Yes, I know you can. How many times have you been inhaling a Donut and coming up with your own version of Cinna-bacon-nut or Choco-latte-nut? Hrm? Yeah, thought so. Well share you culinary/R&D smarts with Dunkin' and you just never know... perhaps you'll be the next Donut king or queen!

Hrmph. Go team?!

I had high hopes for USA Curling and all they are doing is letting me down...

Men - lost to both Germany & Norvay (though, note, both opponent teams had hot guys so they got bonus points from me there)

Women - lost to Japan and Germany ... killer mistakes made, can't believe it.

I'm not going to breakdown the mistakes, I'm just going to leave with the note of disappointment that I'm carrying right now. Granted it's just round two of the Round Robin event and they have six more games to go but it's just a bad start and that can really set a tone.

So onto the good news!

My old curling home, the Philadelphia Curling Club, is hosting an Open House next weekend and yes, I'm going!

Check out this article by Marcus Hayes, a Philadelphia sports writer, as he tried curling for the first time ever. I do have to say, many of his thoughts reflect the same things that were going through my head back in 2007 during my first class at the Potomac Curling Club. Though, I have a feeling that many of these aches and pains he speaks of will come right back seeing it's been awhile since I've done any 'willing' sliding on ice.

So if you enjoyed the article, you'll most definitely enjoy the video (not the mention, you get to see a few good shots of the club)

One More Day

Until Olympic CURLING STARTS!!! Woohoo!

I am excited to watch the U.S. men's and women's teams. For those who are not curling fans I suggest you take a gander at the sport on the teevee this year. While it doesn't appear to be demanding physically or mentally it really is - well, more on the mental than the physical.


FUN FACT: If you are in the position of First or Second, you average 2 miles of walking per game.

And if you ever wonder what a curlers dream is like ... this video will give you some good insight:



While I haven't been on the ice since 2008 I still love it and cannot wait to start curling next season. All I need to do is find my shoes (or buy new ones) seeing how it's funny that they 'run' off after being moved a few too many times. I have my broom and I may or may not have walked around Arlington this past weekend with it while blasting the Olympic theme song from my iPod out loud (than you portable speakers)! Best part was, I only got a few strange looks, one of them coming from a bum.

So yes, I'm ready not for only the Olympics but some American Curling victory!!

And if you were ever curious as to how a curling stone is made, check this out:

Are those from L.L. Bean

Not too long ago DC was dubbed the "Hollywood for Ugly People." I was a bit shocked when I heard this but then took a look around and realized that there is some truth to that statement. And lo-and-behold, there's even a blog devoted to it (then again, what isn't there a blog devoted to?)

Seeing that I've never claimed to be fashion-forward, ahem...I come from the land of practicality duh. I had my run-in with someone that reminded me of why the "Hollywood for Uglies" exists.

After the city has been ambushed by two blizzards over the past week and finds itself digging out of 2-4 feet of snow it is hard for the 'uglies' to even try to attempt at being fashionable but yet, I'm finding them trying really hard.

My common attire over the past week has consisted of snow pants, long-johns, boots and a down jacket. My way of sprucing up the outfit is via faux diamond earrings.
As I'm stomping around the city of Arlington (I haven't crossed the river in over a week due to crappy metro transit delays) I find myself in the same pieces of clothing and footwear ... namely my boots. My $20, Fleet Farm boots. These boots have saved me from many falls, from worrying about frostbite and have helped increase my speed in 18" of powdery, white stuff. While some friends are dawning their fancy lookin' rubber boots (non-insulated) I am perfectly happy and cozy while they are stomping their feet to regain feeling. So what if I look like I should be out deer hunting, I'm comfortable and that trumps all.

As I understand that girls still want to look cute even during the most treacherous weather, by no means are heels appropriate footwear. Yes, I'm talking to YOU the girl who took 20 mins to go downhill on a one-way path whereas it should have taken 5, ugh. (I'm still fuming about that)

While I have taken no shame in my lack of style,my ego has been lifted to a new level. It was Saturday and I had just trekked 4 miles around the city visiting friends in search of sanity where I made the last stop with my buddy T down the hill in Rosslyn. Once the evening came to a close T and I started to get ready to leave. Our host, a nice North Dakota boy who has been living out east longer than the wild west, took a glance at my boots and said, "Nice... did you get those at L.L. Bean?" Without skipping I beat I threw back, "Nope, I went to this little place, only in the Midwest, you may have heard of it - Fleet Farm."

BOO YA FASHION ELITISTS!

Curious, I took a look at what my twin boots at L.L. Bean would cost - yeah, I'm the wiser one there. Nice try boys. Lesson learned, I guess I can be a bit Hollywood and not even realize it - all thanks to Fleet Farm.

Click.

As noted, I like to meet the neighbors. I just plain like meeting people and when I discovered that we had two neighbor guys just next door, I got even more excited. No, they won't fully replace TC & CF but they are about 1.94 miles closer. So after this discovery and in the midst of going stir-crazy during our second storm in less than a week I sought the advice of TC on how to get to know (re: get invited) the neighbors better. M and I though about bringing over cookies, perhaps asking to borrow something but it all just came off too desperate. Suffice to say, I gave up on my schemes and decided to move ahead with my projects of the day.

After being burned out from doing micro homework for 2.5 hrs I decided that I should fix a pitcher of sangria and clear off the newly blanketed drive for when M came home. She's had crappy commutes and going to work at 4:30 a.m. never lifts anyone's mood. I quick mixed up the sangria and put on my snow gear. All SET! I walk outside to survey the damage. Not bad! Uh oh. Did the door close? Was it locked? I groped for the doorknob while screaming at self within. DAMN! It's locked. I'm locked out of the house and it's 10 degrees out and windy. Awesome.

I figured there was little else I could do beyond shoveling seeing I had NOTHING on me (no cell, no money, nothing). It was about 4:25 when I locked self out. I set to work on our driveway. People would walk by but none of the close by neighbors. None of them were out. Of course. Well, other than the hillbillies two houses down and frankly, I'd rather freeze than figure out what they are gonna be doing with that old, rusted out 85 camero on blocks in the front yard.

After a solid hour (?) of shoveling finally the boys door opened and out came MM. He saw me shoveling. Yelled over, "I beat you!" MM, "Yeah, well you've been out here forever!" Me, "Ummmm *silence* Yeah.... *more silence* It's easy to do that when you lock yourself out of the house." MM just stared and then laughed. By then I was over the punchy phase and explained that M should be home within the next hour. After we cleared out his walkway and around the car I was invited it. He set the heater up right next to me and gave me a beer and tried to force me to eat dinner (Um, I'm a girl, we don't eat food in front of a boy the first time, no, we drink and starve ourselves in hopes to not look like the pigs that we are). I was able to locate M's number and leave her a msg about my stupidity and found myself home within the next 30 mins.

As fun as it was... locking self out is probably not the best way to get invited over to the neighbors house.

Best line of the night - M, "I seriously thought you planned this."

Yes, I did but no, not really. Next time, the keys are coming with me & a plate of cookies as a thanks.

And just in case you haven't seen how awesome the Mid-Atlantic weather has been ... this video is wicked awesome.

snOMG from Andrew Cutraro on Vimeo.

Neighborhood Dance

Do you want to know how to meet your neighbors that doesn't include the cops? A blizzard. I'm strong. But I'm tired of this. I thought I left this behind in the Midwest but I guess I and Al Gore were wrong. If there is anything good from this (beyond making the memorials look really purty covered in snow) it is getting out of the house and meeting your neighbors. On Saturday my roommate and I spent a good hour and half shoveling out the driveway to make it less craptastic come Sunday, when the snow was predicted to stop. During that time we witnessed the sorority house across the street with their boys in tow making a 'couch' out the snow drift in their front yard, complete with throw pillows and beer holders.

As my roommate and I threw beers in a bag and placed them on the cooler (the foot of snow on her car) we were greeted by hoards of neighbors walking down the street, beers in hand, chatting and taking photos of crazy, snow scenes. It was awesome. There were jokes going around and a lot of introductions. One of best moments was when the older couple across the road started to take about 30 photos of us in action and yelling over to us, "STOP! SMILE! PERFECT!!! We'll send these to you!" Love it. Another bonus, meeting the cute neighbor boy who's window is 10 ft away from mine (okay, that seems creepy written ... in it's not).

Anyhow neighbor boy earned major points that day with us for more than just looking cute. He had borrowed an old broom to clean off his car and I jokingly told him that he owed us a $10 usage fee. I said I was joking but he must have took it to heart a little. After a visit to the local Giant (I knew he went because he asked how it was after I had returned) we found a bottle of wine and a "Thank You" card on our porch next to the broom. Who knew guys still have hearts? I didn't! So now we are working on baking some cookies and going to bring them over to him as a thank you for being awesome.

Well, I'm out. I just pray that my roof doesn't collapse and the tree in the front yard decides to stay vertical (there is so much snow & ice on the darn thing, making in sag and hit our front window, not cool).

Hope ya'll are staying warm & safe!

Meet My Date - Mr. Calculator

It's almost 2 a.m. on Friday night/Saturday morning. I'm not just coming home from being out. Nope, I just logged out of my Micro homework and finished up some regular work. Exciting no? While I may be feeling bad for myself, I have zero reason to... perhaps because I decided to stay up until the wee hours (ahem, 5 a.m.) the past night and followed that up by sleeping in until noon (it's Friday, who cares... apparently not I!!)

So I'm a bit off. I worked/cleaned/read for class/worked on getting rid of headache from noon until about 6 p.m. Then the roommates came home and we sat around talking and cleaning out cupboards until 11 p.m. Well, I decided that I should do at least ONE homework assignment and that is where I am now. Finished with said assignment and ready for bed.

Maybe someday I'll be normal. But until then, I'm gonna just have to love having my weekend on a Thursday and my weekday on a Friday night.

Rethinking the Plan

Seriously, I'm starting to re-think I why I even have the text message option for my phone.

The reason why I even bring this up has been over the last ten messages I've received.

1/28 - 2:20 p.m. EST - "Boobs" Yes. Wow.
1/27 - 12:53 p.m. EST - "Made it to the DC interview stage of foreign service. Last major hurdle to clear." What the hell?! I think it was a mistake from the friend
1/24 - 10:38 p.m. EST - "F" This was in reference to the Vikings losing to New Orleans. Who cares about the NFL? Not I! Then again, I did go and watch the game at a bar and managed to partake in three towers. Oops.
1/24 - 4:58 p.m. EST - "And order a beer tower :-)" re: above note
1/24 - 4:55 p.m. EST - "Around 6:15 ish, we'll need find seats" re: above, yes, this is bizniz
1/24 - 1:50 p.m. EST - "Game Day, whoop!" Intense messages only need apply
1/24 - 9:13 a.m. EST - "Right? I think my boss should meet him." Umm... message made me unhappy seeing it was in response to my meeting Mr. Awesome and how I should have his children
1/24 - 1:21 a.m. EST - "It is quite a tasty beverage. Night!" I guess I have a hard time getting thorough messages through via text. To his response I had to call and EXPLAIN what I had meant.

So you see over the past week little to nothing was accomplished via text messages yet I pay ~ $10/month to have the opportunity to send ridiculous/stupid/useless messages to my friends/acquaintances and only hope that something utterly profound (re: stupid) about sex/drugs/stupid people will cross my screen to make it onto the TextFromLastNight page. But as you can tell, that is likely not to happen. I am somewhat sad over this, to think I'm not good enough for it. But then again, if you're an avid reader, you understand that 90% of the messages posted are from 16-22 yr olds who have yet to understand the word responsibility and well, maturity. I'm not saying I'm the picture of maturity but at least I know what is just wrong with a majority of that posted.

We Grow the Ivy

Best line of the past weekend:

"I totally understand, I mean, I went to Cornell and couldn't get a job for six whole months. Really, I went to an Ivy League school."

... this is from a girl who was "consoling" a guy that just got done having a very public argument over finances with his long-term girlfriend.

Followed by, second best line:

"I think I did something good today! I feel so good!!"

... after the guy walked away to talk to his girlfriend.

Just add that to the great list of reasons why I can't stand Cornell people and yes, I have had many reasons from the past. And no, I'm not against Ivy League folks. Heck, some of my closest friends are Yale and Harvard Alums. It's really just Cornell. Which, from what I understand, isn't all Ivy. As in, some of the schools within Cornell University don't belong under the Ivy status. Hilarious.

***

School is in full force. I am scrambling each day to do my reading before nodding off to sleep. I am also enjoying a heavier work load. More work means more $$ and who complains about that, not I! Most notably after reviewing flight prices for going back home for Easter, which leads me to this. It is sad and crazy that it's cheaper for a RT-nonstop from DCA to Seattle than it is from DCA to MSP (which INCLUDES a layover). Sick. But then again, I like Seattle, perhaps I should visit sometime soon.

I am still trying to get a hold of this whole weather situation. I mean, I understand that it's warmer in DC than MN, derr. But 60 degrees in the middle of January is a bit ridiculous. Really. It is. I forgot it was just January, I thought it was April and I had missed Easter. Anyhow, I didn't even know it was 60 degrees out until the late afternoon on that day. It took a phone call from my mother announcing that it was blizzard-like conditions in MN while I was sitting in nice, balmy weather. Sad but again, that was good because it meant I was too caught up in work to even know what was going on beyond my bedroom/office.

And that's when I officially knew I had left home... weather no longer matters!

First Day of School

It has begun! I am now on the journey towards gaining a masters degree. I laugh when thinking back to my first class last night. Like always, I arrive early but am too nervous to go and sit in the room so to kill time I go to the ladies room and then sit out in the lounge. I am too shy to introduce myself to fellow students so I pull out the BlackBerry and clear out my email, write down messages and send text messages. Lame. I know. Some of us need time to scope out the competition and become comfortable with their surroundings.

Finally came time for class. I didn't bring anything but my laptop and a note pad. The professor starts with, "I assume you all brought the syllabus?" Yes, I did... errr... via laptop! While he scolded those who didn't I turn on the laptop and pray for a fast load. Phew Syllabus is up! I don't raise my hand and pretend that I had totally planned to review it via the laptop. I'm still nervous and can only hear a voice in the back of my head saying, this better be worth it ... you're screwed if not! I'm scanning the syllabus and hoping that I have the intellect to make it through and prove to my professor that I'm worthy of entering the higher levels of my profession.

When I snapped back to reality the professor is asking for us to introduce ourselves and tell the class how our education is going to improve our goals. CRAP. I'm doomed they're going to think I'm lame. But as students started to tell of their backgrounds I became more comfortable. I made enemy and ally mental lists. When it came to me I stumble through the last five years of my life and to lighten the mood made a joke about going through international security with dried milk powder. People laughed ... I'm liked!!!

The class went a bit more smooth as I caught on to where the professor was going. Slowly but surely the arms on the clock moved to the 10 and 12. I made it. I made it through the first day of class with no foul play, wahoo! Only a thousand days and pages of reading to go until I get that end favored thing - a piece of paper declaring that I do have a masters.

The Day of the Pomello

Last night a good friend of mine took me shopping out in Seven Corners (Falls Church) to a market where I was the whitest person there. My friend, who comes from Puerto Rican and Japanese background, loves it for the vast amounts of fresh produce and the crazy cuts of meat that you never knew existed outside of Chinatown. I went for kicks and giggles.

As I walked in I moseyed around picking produce that I loved and could find at the local HT and throwing in a few things that I had NO CLUE what they were. I figured that as long as I knew the name I could figure it out, thanks to the age of the internet. One of the new additions to my produce list was the "Pomello" ... best described as a grapefruit on steroids.

It was a beautiful piece and I had to get it. I yelled over to my friend asking, "Do you know what a PO - MEL - LO is?" He shook his head "no" so I stood there for about 30 seconds and contemplated the purchase. I figured, "what the heck, why not?!" and threw one in my basket.

(14 hrs go by)

So I just broke into it and yes, I did it before looking up what the heck it was! I learned quickly that there isn't that much flesh to it but it's way more delicious than your average grapefruit. I also learned that you need to peel the flesh away from the skin or else you'll be eating something not so tasty. After learning that the hard way I was well into pulling fleshy parts off and inhaling them like candy with the sweet juices running down my chin and all over the counter. It was fantastic and I recommend it to anyone who would love a cross between an orange and a grapefruit.

Welcome to my list of "Fruits I Love" Pomello!

A Country Boy and His Dreams

A Country Boy and His Dreams

Your Chevy's Blue

As I was doing my workout walk (ahem, trip no. 2 to the over-priced Giant and to the ABC) I noticed that I was over dressed in comparison to my fellow Arlingtonians. No, I wasn't wearing the latest fashion - I was dress warmly in a down coat, mittens and headband. I looked around and thought to myself,"Wow... I'm from MN, I should be able to take this cold weather, how is it that they (re: locals) don't need the cover-up on this chilly, windy day?" I was bothered by this, thinking I had become weak. But really, I've only been gone for a week and that can't weaken a person that much! But then it hit me. Well, it was more like recalling a comment from a friend of mine with regards to her boyfriend from GA. Folks from cold climates know how to properly dress (unless you're a young fellow from Fargo)And apparently some folks don't (re: southerners)

As I looked at people hastily walking down the street I realized that I was cozy in my layers and didn't need to rush to get anywhere - I could just leisurely walk down the street and not worry about getting frostbite.

This may lead into why MN isn't known for fashion but I certainly can say that I'd take having all of my toes and fingers over looking cute.

Another Year, Another Zip Code

Well people, as I continue to age I also continue to move. In the past 13 months I have moved four times. Yes, four. It can be annoying and often expensive but then again, staying in one place with no work can also be expensive. This last move, back out to DC (22201 - well, okay, Arlington, VA) was for the purpose of continued education. In eight days I'll be starting grad school and attempting to get a degree that will (hopefully) make me:

1. Make more money
2. More desirable amongst govn't & private agencies
3. Learn the actual laws of the int'l trade land

Cross your fingers folks that this will happen after 3 yrs and $60K in tuition

As much as I loved learning from trial and error I found "error" to be quite expensive and private companies don't like that and government look down upon it, though they were much more lenient.

Right now I'm sitting in my new home still surrounded by crap that needs to be hung/stored/shelved blah, blah, blah but instead of doing that I decided to spend quality time on a failing blog. Also, I'm too angry at my NEW printer/scanner/copier right now. The damn thing won't pick-up the paper - ugh. Really!? I'm about ready to shake it so hard that if it were a live being I'd lose custody.

Anyhow, upset ME will just need to let it cool over night and try again tomorrow...after I watch another episode of Dallas: Season Three (the "Who shot JR!? season)

p.s. Today I signed up for zipcar.com ... after 13 yrs of car ownership I have gone carless and now will only be car-sharing, I have a feeling a post or two may come of the new journey.