I DARE you not to smile.

This is what I want to be when I grow up. Pure joy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6Akkmwz38M

PS - Sorry for the busted link - hopefully I corrected it.

I'm from New Jersey

I just heard this song sung by John Gorka on Heartland Public Radio (out of MN). Brilliant! I definitely recommend downloading, or at least a good listen. But beware, non-Jersey folk - only Jersey boys and girls are allowed to pick on our home state, kind of like picking on your little brother.

I'm from New Jersey
I don't expect too much
If the world ended today
I would adjust

I'm from New Jersey
No I don't talk that way
I watched too much TV
When I was young

I'm from New Jersey
My mom's Italian
I've read those mafia books
We don't belong

There are girls from New Jersey
Who have that great big hair
They're found in shopping malls
I will take you there

I'm from New Jersey
It's not like Texas
There is no mystery
I can't pretend

I'm from New Jersey
It's like Ohio
But even more so
Imagine that

I know which exit
And where I'm bound
The tolls on the parkway
They will slow you down

New Jersey people
They will surprise you
Cause they're not expected
To do too much

They will try harder
They may go further
Cause they never think
That they are good enough

I'm from New Jersey
I don't expect too much
If the world ended today
I would adjust
I would adjust
I would adjust

I know postings have been few and far between, but I am finally going to break down and try to get internet at home, so stay tuned!

In the EOS cave

Hi! I have been completely without internet for several months now, although since I got my iPhone a month or so ago, it has been more bearable. I am observing a calibration over at GSFC today that has long breaks, so I am able to avail myself of the free and speedy wifi to catch up on some things. I can get internet at home, but I more or less haven't gotten around to it yet. One more thing to do.

I have been well, though. We made the transition to Sigma Space in August and everything has been pretty smooth since then. The word is that we will move to our new office space at the beginning of Dec. I am excited because there is a really nice bike path that goes almost directly from my house to the new office, although it is about an 8 mile ride, so it is more something I would do on the weekend than during the week (especially since I would be sweaty all day long).

I am *really* looking forward to the long weekend! My long suffering, but completely wonderful and saintly, parents have come down the last two weekends to work on my house, and as a result, we almost have the family room done! Well, we still have to paint the walls, lay most of the floor, finish the electrical, grout the hearth, reposition the wood stove, replace the window, and move the furniture in, but, you know, except for that! It is SO exciting to be getting closer to done in that room. We replaced 80% of the drywall (which my dad decided to take down, as there wasn't any insulation behind the walls!), redid all the electrical including adding in an outside motion detecting light, covered the disgusting popcorn ceiling with new 3/8 in drywall, replaced the sliding door with a window, redid the two doorways, leveled the old slanted garage floor (after ripping up all the old parquet flooring - I hurt for three days after that), replaced the sketchy hearth, and fixed the defunct air vent. OK, when I say "we", I really mean my dad did everything with me and mom helping when possible. One room almost down, 7+ rooms to go! At some point, I will post pictures, whenever I get my act together.

In VERY happy news, Cat is coming to visit one night with her family - I can't wait to meet her cutie patootie kids! My house is still a hot mess, but I can't wait to see them and just hope that they forget their glasses...

At the end of October (the 25th) I am running the affiliated 10k at the Marine Corps Marathon. Brave and superfit Clare is running the whole marathon, though! Sheesh! I am super nervous - I still haven't run that many miles in a row yet, although I will before the day, I hope. I have been having motivation issues this week, coupled with the early night it is is a killer. So any positive vibes you'd like to throw my way, I would be most appreciative! If you would like to come, let me know and I can advise about where to be to see Clare...

My work colleague of 1.5 years, Ben, is leaving in a week - we will miss him, but I know he has been itching to move on for a while now, so it is for the best. Good Luck, Ben! Have fun in sunny LA!

I am happy to see the cooler weather here. It was a bit chilly last night even under the medium weight blanket. Pretty soon, I will have to break out the down comforter! Yay!

A bunch of random people from HS FB'ed me recently - people that couldn't have cared less about me in HS, or even went out of their way to make a point of not liking me. I am happy to report that I eventually accepted their request, but couldn't really care less about them either way. Complete ambivalence. Fabulous!

My aunt (from B'more) got married this past weekend, or more precisely had a vow renewal. It was more low key than I expected, and I got to see 2 sets of aunts and uncles that I haven't seen in many years, so that was really nice. A good excuse to put a dress on!

I am really liking my new community. I feel like MD is very much a suburban wasteland for the most part, but Bowie is a bit more established and community oriented. My neighbors are all really nice. Just this past weekend, one of my neighbors went around distributing home grown zinnias, which are colorful and beautiful in my construction zone home.

Hope this holds you until the next update! I do plan on getting broadband sometime soon, maybe before winter sets in...

Panera: Internet Central

I have been nursing my medium iced coffee here at Panera for about the last 3.5 hours. Their connection is S-L-O-W. But I did get some things accomplished - I found a pair of work shoes that I was in dire need of, changed the address on my multiple magazine subscriptions (thanks, Clare and Chanda!), and learned that no, I cannot ssh into my work server from Panera. Apparently, Panera is not an approved NASA remote access point - who would have thunk it!

Yesterday, I went to a Nats game with Sara, who I know through my friend from MN/Boston, Sam. She is interning with a Congressperson (or Senator? - Eek!) from Iowa, and the Iowa State Society got group tickets. We hung out with the Iowans beforehand, and even though I have never been to the state, I had my upper midwestern MN street cred to fall back on, so I was OK. The game ended up being rain delayed the moment we sat down, but it was fun to watch the lightning from the stadium. Can you believe they stuck around and won 13-1 against the Padres after a 3 hour delay? I didn't know it until just now - I thought it would have been cancelled!

It was more or less a relaxing weekend, except for earlier today when I was called into work unexpectedly for an Aqua Late Change - which never happens! Then when I got into the office, they were transitioning the servers over to Sigma, so I couldn't get onto my computer, so I had to go on into Goddard. Not that bad, though, now that I live so much closer! I got the lawn mowed and lots of housework done, which was in bad need of doing, as I was in Boston last weekend.

Speaking of last weekend, I had a really good time - it ended up being less camping and more pedicuring, although we did spend a lot of time outside and it was BEAUTIFUL weather. Thank you so much to Sam for putting me up and showing me such a great time!

I can't believe it is already the end of the weekend. Sigh. This will be my last week as an employee of SSAI - I have already accepted the offer at Sigma, but even so, I don't like the idea of being formally laid off. We will still have the same offices for a while, though, so that is good at least! I have done enough moving for a while.

OK, time to head back home to finish up some chores before it's time for Masterpiece Theater!

Stay Cool! (At least the AC is one thing that I don't need to fix up at the house!)

!

Still Alive!

I am sorry to say that I won't really have reliable access to the internet for a while - I can't steal any in my new house and I am NOT paying 40+ $ per month for something I can get free at the library. That does mean, however, that my online activities will be slightly curtailed until I get my iPhone in August. I hope that AT&T will allow tethering soon and that it won't be crazy spendy. Ugh!

In my latest crazes, I am hooked on Rescue Me. I am up to season 4 - which I rent out of my library for FREE!

The house is coming along. I sway between feeling like I am camping out in a house and feeling some elusive house pride. There is a LONG way yet to go, when I get back on the net at some point I will post pics!

In case you didn't know, my employer is changing - I just got my offer letter yesterday. My job will be the same, but our office will move and so will all my benis, etc. It is annoying in the short term, but will probably be good for me in the long term, as the new company is an Optics Instrumentation Co. Yay! I hope to be able to transition over at some point in the future! Also, I am getting 20 PTO days/yr! I don't know what I will do with them all, though, as I am putting every spare penny into the house!

I have been sailing a bit! Tomorrow!

Too many exclamation points in this post!

She's back!

We got back from Ireland *late* Wed night. We had a super great time! I put a few pics on FB, and have all my digital ones on shwup - if you would like an invite, let me know! It was so much fun, and so beautiful. We were pretty lucky with the weather - I even got some sun. I think my mom came home with the swine flu. OK, I am only half kidding.

My settlement date was supposed to be on Friday, but was postponed due to some problem with the foreclosure deed and the power of attorney. It is just as well, it gives me a bit of breathing room. Any tips for my closing? I am pretty nervous - I don't want to get ripped off or anything. I am so blessed to have so many good friends that have helped me with this process. Thank you to everyone!

The new iPhone is out! It is really cool, and I am so excited. I wish I didn't have to wait until August!

Hope you are all well!

T-minus 7 days and Counting...

I just looked over my last several posts - and they are all saturated with the words busy, stressed, and the like. BORING! No more.

The House: I miraculously have a signed contract, thanks entirely to my own initiative. I had the home inspected today - Jim Wilson was really great. There were a ton of little problems, which we mostly knew, and a couple of major ones we didn't know about. At least a few thousand, but nothing that needs to be done right away. The main issues were mostly electrical. But since I am the only one there, I can be careful for a little while.

We are supposed to close on June 5th, but who knows if that will happen or not - keep your fingers crossed for me!

I am having writer's block tonight, but I will try to write again before we leave for IRELAND! I am excited, but nervous, because I haven't planned as well as I should have, since I have been focusing on the house. Slainte!

The Wait Goes On

We are quickly closing in on week 2 of waiting for the bank to sign the contract. Everyone keeps telling me that they just take forever, but it is kind of annoying because I have to apply for a mortgage within 2 days and get an inspection withing 7 days. They are working on turning everything on, though, so that is good. I will let you all know when there is something to report, of course!

In other news, I had my first advanced sailing lesson today - I have a long way to go! I have to have 5 Scot charters under my belt, plus take an online boating course. I went to help raise the mast on the cruiser today, but we didn't actually get that done because there was some complications with the mast head. I spent my afternoon watching rocket scientists try to drill a stainless steel plate with a cordless drill and a screwdriver. They made a good effort, but it was kinda frustrating.

I had a good weekend - I went on a 6 mile hike on Sat., then helped my friend put together a cabinet from Target. Sunday was relaxed - a meditation walk in Brookside Garden in Wheaton Park, then some general cleaning and housework. Tomorrow, I am going to see my cousin in a play. Saturday is Servathon, then on Sunday, Clare is getting confirmed in the Episcopal Church. How exciting!

I am also trying to get prepared for Mom's and my trip to Ireland. Both of us are stressed out and I don't think either of us are getting excited, but it is coming up in a few short weeks! I have all our hotels confirmed, and I just have to organize the rest of our transportation and a couple of day trips. I have to get my International Driver's license (please ask about horror stories about trying to drive on the wrong side of the road in a manual transmission on the wrong side when we get back). Eek.

My parents sold their house, too! Aiyiyi - this is gonna be a crazy couple of months. I am vowing now, with you as my witness, that I will not take on ANY additional responsibilities between now and the end of June. No parties, no weekend long committments, not so much as a social appointment that I can't break. I am going to need all my energy to travel, close on the house, do sailing, keep up with my exercise to some degree, pack, and move, not to mention helping my parents move! I think that is enough for a couple of months.

I'm gonna get it!

YAY!!! I am *finally* getting a house! I went over the price I really wanted to, but I think it is still a solid investment. I know that with some work, it will make a lot of money in a couple of years, whenever the market picks up again. Here is the listing - they will take it down soon:

http://www.homesdatabase.com/home-listings-ROCKLEDGE+AT-BOWIE-MD-MRIS-PG7020906

It needs work, but mostly cosmetic (we think). I am so excited! I can't wait to put in a garden next season, it is too late to do it for this year. I think we will close May 18. Then, 2 days later, I head out to Ireland with my mother!

OK, I have a big day tomorrow and need to get to bed! Anyone know a quick and fair mortgage lender or broker? Let me know!

(It's Almost the) Weekend Update

OK! Here is the latest on:

the house. I don't know! There is all kind of crazy reports from my agent - first they have another offer, but it is lower, now the offer is higher than mine, so I raised my offer at lunchtime - my current offer is 226,000$! I wish I were in MN, you can buy something that is actually in functional condition for that much! I do pretty much like the house, but it needs a *lot* of work - mostly cosmetic, but still. It needs a washer and dryer (back to the laundromat for a while), fascia board in spots, the ceiling in a big room needs to be redone, the bathrooms are powder blue and light pink, the list goes on and on! I don't know what is taking so long. If this falls through, I am going to seriously re-evaluate my strategy. I am sick of looking!

NOTE: I started, but didn't finish this, the other day...

Busy, Busy, Busy!

Ugh! I have been absolutely crazed lately. Not that the rest of you all aren't. I know you are. Part of it is my own fault, I know I take on too much. Tomorrow, my parents are coming down from New Jersey for dinner. OK, to look at the house, too. Just in case I have to sign the contract counter offer. In case any of you are curious, here's the listing, bench not included. If anyone knows a good mortgage broker in MD, let me know!

Friday, I have to get ready for the weekend. Saturday, we are doing a bridal shower/luncheon for Melissa, then I have to duck out and head up to NJ to spend 24 hours of Easter with my parents. My mom will come back to MD with me, Monday we will have a Pub Quiz night, then Tuesday, I have to give blood, then take a half of a day off and get a Pedi with my mom, maybe we will have dinner. Wednesday, there is a GSFC 2 mile fun run. I am hoping to beat my last time. I think I can!

We had the general meeting for the Goddard Sailing Club - I am really excited! It looks like they are going to offer a cruiser qualification course, which I signed up for and am excited about. Plus, if I get into this house soon, I might still be in time to plant a few things in a small garden. It looks like I am going to have a busy summer! Woo-hoo!

OK, well I am wiped. Hope you are all well.

ttfn

Cape May recap

Wow, I had a truly wonderful weekend in Cape May with my girlfriends from high school. I haven't seen Aly in 8 years! I was really lucky to steal them all away from their men for a day or two. We laughed, we cried, I laughed til I cried. Which was bad, since my abs had barely recovered from pilates the previous Tuesday. It was kinda rainy, but we pretty much just stayed in and enjoyed each other's company, anyway. I walked along the beach from Cape May Point to Cape May on Friday on my own, which was a pretty nice day. It was chilly enough to wear a sweatshirt, but the sun was out and the beach was totally empty. Also, if anyone is shopping for an early Christmas present for me, I totally want the board game Wise or Otherwise. It was *funny*, gash-darned nice milk baths notwithstanding! Thank you, Brooke, Molly, Meghan, and Aly. Hope to see you next time, Meredith!

I found a new route up to the Delaware Memorial Bridge - cross the Bay Bridge, up 301, joins right into Delaware Memorial Bridge. It was great. Also, I took the ferry on the way home - a little spendy, but fun and it was a nice day.

I have been having a busy week. I can't believe it is almost over! Not that I am complaining, but it just seems like my time is melting away before I have a chance to grab it. A very weird experience. I know I owe a lot of phone calls and things to be done for people. I am sorry I am a bit behind schedule, but I am hoping to keep on top of things for now and catch up soon!

Have a good night, gentle reader. Don't forget that stamps are going up in May - use up all those old ones and think about investing in some Forever ones soon!

long time, no c

It's been a while since I posted in earnest, blah blah blah. I've been busy!

First of all, I put an offer on a house that I *really* liked - it had character, which is an exceedingly rare commodity in suburban Maryland heck. I have a hard time convincing myself that living in one of the Little Boxes is going to be bearable for me. But, disappointingly, the bank has decided to go a different way. It's them, not me.

So, back to square one with that. Ugh. I spent all this time spinning my wheels to get financing, etc, for the last house, and I will have to do it all over again if I find something else. Which I hope I will!

About that race a week and a half ago - I was really happy with how it turned out. It made up for the crushing experience I had the last time. As usual, Clare is the woman. She must have some kind of magic touch, because I have never been so consistently active in a long time. Not that it seems to be helping me to drop any weight. I am eating pretty well, too. Not the best anyone ever ate or anything, but pretty darn good, especially for me.

In happy (!) news, my dear friends Melanie and Clare (different Clare) came to visit over the weekend all the way from Maine. I know Mel reads this blog, so HOLLA! We saw the giant pandas, sloth bears, and the lowland gorillas, that just welcomed a new little one to the family. They were all super cute, but my favorite was the baby gorilla. I think if I were an animal, I would be a primate. Or possibly a turtle. But definitely one of those.

We also went to the Museum of Natural History. We saw lots of good stuff, but I *really* liked the current exhibit : Written in Bone. It involved different human remains found around the Chesapeake, mainly from colonial times. Lessons I learned; don't smoke a pipe, brush your teeth and don't ignore tooth pain, don't suck on/handle/eat off of lead, don't get ricketts (Vitamin D deficiency), tuberculosis (bacterial), or syphilis (if you don't know about that one, I'm not going to go into it here), and don't get shot by an arrow. All I can say is I am very grateful that I live in modern times and this country - even a very lower class modern day American has a vastly superior lifestyle to the king of England just a couple hundred years ago (or less). Some of the things every person had to deal with in colonial times was truly horrific. I will be saying an extra prayer of thanks tonight.

Anyway, we had an awesome time catching up and reminiscing. Seeing people I haven't seen in a while makes me feel old! But I love having guests - especially ones that bring me beautiful yellow bowls from my beloved Maine. Thanks, Mel, you're the best.

Shaun is gone. Has someone told the State Department to warn India and Nepal? Come back safely, Shaun, and try to not get kicked out of any more countries...

This weekend, Brooke, Molly, Meghan, and Aly and I are heading to the Cape (no, New England readers, *not* Cape Cod - I'm from Jersey, figure it out). The weather is looking like it might be crappy, but I am going to get to go a day early, and I don't think any of my friends are joining me early, so I am looking forward to a mini retreat all by myself. I will bring some writing stuff and some reading. I am really looking forward to it, and to hanging out with my married/super busy friends. This will be a really great opportunity to spend some time with them - things like this don't happen very much these days, and I only expect that trend to decay further the more children they all have.

Well, it is past my bedtime, gentle reader. I am heading to the Land of Nod with the thought that I don't have any tooth notches, and I have the good company of many fine friends.

ttfn

Thank you, Mr. Gilbert.

I did it, I ran the whole 8K! For those non-European readers of mine, that is 4.92 miles. I am wiped right now, but I will fill you in soon.

A very cool guy known only to me as Gilbert, came back and ran the last third of a mile or so with me. He made me go faster than I would have without him, and distracted me into finishing strong. He is a marathoner and possibly the nicest guy in the world. Anyone going to the marathon in a couple of weeks, please cheer for him!

The first signs of spring

Before the trees put out leaves, before the crocus start peeping out and the forsythia protest the gray of winter with joyous yellow, before we dare outdoors without a coat, and before we crack open a window to let in a soft breeze, the little bulb plants show up at the grocery store. Jonquils, daffodils, tulips, cyclamen, and sweet smelling hyacinth. Today, I bought a little unopened purple hyacinth, and carried it to my car in the snow. I salute the grocery stores for bravely rebelling against the death of the cold with the delicate smells and pastels of spring. I am a sucker for those little plants, and I can only hope it will live in my chilly apartment. I vow to put it in the sunny window in the kitchen.

This morning, I went to Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church. It was nice! I really liked it - it was the closest thing to Westminster that I have found here. I think I will keep going, but I don't want to get too attached, because I think I will be moving east soonish.

I had a good relaxing weekend - I needed it after last week. I had a rough workweek - we had a calibration that was really time consuming, and I am far behind on my regular duties. Sigh. But tomorrow, we might have a delayed opening, or even a cancellation! Yay!

I have a busy week coming up, and a lot to get done... will I get it all done? Tune in later and find out!

I have signed up for the 8K in two weeks - that is 4.92 miles. I know I can finish - I can walk if I need to. I have had a really good week in terms of exercising. Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday - I think that is a record! I am nervous about it, but I think it will be ok - I hope.

I just came back from Ethiopian - I have to say, it is my least favorite food genre, but my lentils and injera were really good! A vast improvement from the last time I tried it. Good company, too.

Hope you all have been paying attention to the stories I have been posting to the left? Some of those are really good... don't miss out!

OK, I think I have used too many exclamation points in this post - minus 5 points.

The Consumerist

I often come across things that I think all people that are cool should know. Most of these things I find on The Consumerist. I just added a widget to the left where I will post all my favorite stories. I am a bit obsessed, I have to admit. I love stickin' it to the man!

Also, I hereby welcome Sheila to the wonderful world of facebook!

Our House is a Very, Very, Very Fine House (but I am allergic to cats)

This weekend, I went home to hang with my fam. It was nice to spend time with them, as usual. This week is flying by. Monday we had off (Yay, Washington and Lincoln!), Tuesday was busy catching up, and today I took a few hours off in the afternoon to... wait for it... look at real estate! Ok, so it was more real than estate - one of the houses was stinky... not in the "the last person that lived here smoked" kind of way, but more in the " what animal from the Pre-Cambrian explosion crawled up in the wall and died" kind of way. Not good. But actually, I liked the houses, overall. There was a really cute little one up in Hanover, and one that needs a lot of work, but has a lot of character and potential in old Bowie that I liked a lot. There are window seats in the dormers! A porch! The only major downside is the parking - front yard redneck style (or Whiskey Tango, as my brother says). But it is generally exciting! Any good tips? Or areas I should look at?

This weekend, my brother is coming to spend the day with me on Saturday. I am hoping to catch the free screening of the Oscar nom'd Animated Shorts at the National Archives. Even though we will have to wait in who knows how bad of a line, I think it might be cute to do with him. He will soon be moving down to North Carolina. Sniff. He's not a major one for driving long distances, so we will most likely not see him all that much. We have enjoyed having him around more often, but I think it will be good for him to get out into the world a bit more.

I have shirked my exercising duty the last week, until today - I did pretty good distance, but was pretty sluggish - my punishment slogging off for a week. No more slogging off! (wink)

Happy Birthday to Jenny, Kathleen, and Lauren! Also, belated Happy Birthday to Sheila and Chanda! Happy 30's, girls!

Eggs and cholesterol?

My small effort to dispel a food myth.

A note to my parents

I am glad you read my blog. But beware that comments like this are potentially damaging to my street cred.

Won, then lost, then won again.

WARNING! The following post is prone to being maudlin and is completely devoid of humor. Feel free to skip it, and let not your heart be troubled - next time, you will be returned to your regularly scheduled comedic programming.



The day started out well. I was feeling good even though anxiety had caused me to sleep badly. I woke up in time to be picked up by Clare at 7:45, dressed, got directions, and remembered my new inhaler. Clare was prompt, we already had our bib and chips, and we were both cold and excited about our run. We got to the metro parking lot early and dinked around in the warm car before venturing out to find our shuttle bus to the park. We were joined by lots of athletic looking people.

When we got to the site, we worked our way over to the start. We were in a big field, you could see some hilliness, but not too bad. The course was two loops around a field, followed by a short jaunt to the finish. People were scattered around, so much so that Clare and I weren't sure of the exact starting line. Finally, they called for us to line up. The instructions were that they would tell us to take our "marks," then shoot a pistol and we could begin. We lined up, took our marks, 'CRACK'! Off we went. Then 'CRACK' again - false start! Ugh! Back we went, on our marks, 'CRACK'!

It only took a couple of minutes before I was totally out of sight of the bulk of the pack. Early on, there was a short steep bit. I got up that ok, but was worried about the next time around. When I came up to the 1KM clock, I was very pleased to see that I was coming in 30 seconds under my goal time! Woo hoo! The footing was rough, I wasn't used to that at the gym. The air was cold, too, making it hard to regulate my breathing. Some of the course was on the side of a hill, making each step crooked. Not too long after that, I heard someone coming up fast behind me - were the two or three people walking behind me all of a sudden becoming sprinters? As the young guy whooshed past me, I realized - I was being lapped. I wasn't too far away from the beginning of the second lap, but by the time I got there, I had been passed by quite a few people. One nice guy said "Good Job" as he passed - really, really nice. I felt good.

I was relieved to not have super fast runners pushing past me, and to still be feeling good as I neared the point where we had started. I knew there weren't many slow people in this race, but I just wanted to keep going, no matter if I was dead last. A nervous looking guy was futzing around the starting line, and said he was going to have to ask me to leave the course. He would escort me and a couple of other slow folks and walkers to the inside of the track where we could keep going on the inside if we wanted. I felt like the rug had been pulled from under me. All the work I had done to finish this race, and the battles with myself, pushing myself on that hateful treadmill, I did not expect defeat to come from without. I was mad, too. Wasn't my 20$ just as good as everyone else's? There was no pace requirement in the sign up. I had been measured and found wanting. I started walking on the inside of the track, not because I wanted to keep walking, but because I was gonna lose it if I stopped. I couldn't bear the thought of walking the hundred yards over to the finish line, to be there possibly before Clare, with that horrid feeling, while everyone else was happy and flush.

So I kept walking on the inside of the track. There were a couple of women walking ahead of me, and a father with two young girls behind me that had also been asked to leave the track. On we walked. I had managed to keep my chin up when we were near the spectators and other people near the starting line, but now that we were farther along, it was quite solitary, and I couldn't help it, I couldn't hold it down. I hate that feeling and I hate being that person. My lungs started protesting, so much so that they made an ugly sound with every breath in. I felt panicky. Thank God I had brought my new inhaler - two puffs and I could kinda breathe again.

At this point, the ladies ahead of me had returned to the inside of the track, as there were a couple of impassable places on the outside, so I followed suit. We were down a hill and totally out of sight and earshot of the crowd. The sun was shining, my breathing had returned somewhat to normal, and I felt like I could start jogging again - Why not? So off I went. I remembered something I had read by another runner - Breathe and go slow. As I passed a couple of race officials posted along the side, one of them told me "Good job. You are running the same course as Olympic athletes - never forget that." I kept on for a few dozen yards, but the unexpected kindness caught me off guard and I started to feel emotional again. I slowed to a walk, took a few more puffs, regained my composure once more as I neared the people gathered at the end. Just before the turn into the home stretch, I managed to pick up the pace once more. As I jogged in, I should probably have gone outside the track, but I felt a surge of anger and thought if they wanted me off the track, they would have to yell at me again. So, right into the "chute" I went. The earlier clocks had been shut off, but the one at the finish line was only a minute and a half over my goal time. If I ran to the finish line, I could be only two minutes over my goal, even though I had been walking for half the time! Faster, faster... Yes! Made it! I was done!

I saw Clare a second or two later, and I couldn't help it, I started bawling. I hated doing it in front of all those people, but no one was really paying attention. Some nice person handed me a cup of water, and Clare gave me a good big hug. Really hate to do that. Sigh. Bless Clare's heart.

Then I started feeling better. After all, I had finished anyway. I was really glad that I had kept going, even though I wasn't on the track, even though I had walked so much, even though I wasn't caring about the race, only to have a moment to myself. As Clare and I chatted and walked back to the warmth of the shuttle and her car, I felt downright good. I had started off the day winning just because I was there and participating, then lost, but finally, won again because I had kept going. I know it is corny and trite, but hard work and perseverance really does pay off - not from without, but from within.

From the Gala to the 4K

We had our Winter Gala last weekend. It was lots of fun. The ballroom dancing did last a bit long for my preference, but we had a good time. I am kinda disappointed that I didn't get better pictures of my friends, but I did get a couple of good pics of Robin! Perhaps I should wield my extensive power as a blogger to lure her onto reading my blog.... Hmmm... better not. After all, she does work in HR!

Clare and I are in the 4K this Saturday. Think good thoughts! The weather is supposed to be pretty good, so I am hopeful. I overdid it a bit at the gym yesterday, so I didn't go today like I had planned. My hip doth protest too much. Wow, complaining about my joints makes me feel old. Ok, so my big goal is to do the 4K (2.48 miles) in 40 mins. That is just about a 16 minute mile. I know that is not too big a deal for most, but if I can do it, I will be very excited!

I went to the Sugarloaf Craft Fair in Va this weekend - I didn't think it would be very good, but it was GREAT! I was not supposed to spend any money, but I couldn't help it - at least it was partially on something practical - a beautiful Hmong embroidered wallet that I will need soon, as my current dollar store wallet from 5 or 6 years ago has seen better days. 6 years isn't too bad for a dollar! Now THAT is value. And it is still good for now, but I want to have one in case it goes kaput.

I am going to dinner tomorrow with a couple of friends of my friend Sam Baron. We are going to the Rio Grande Cafe, a.k.a. Uncle Julio's. I am in the mood for good Mexican and it will be good to see them. I am also due to go to dinner next Tue with an old H.S. friend. I have to say, it is nice to have a full social calendar!

Hope you are all well and staying warm. I miss the proper snow of MN.

8 Things You Don't Know

1. Postage rates are going up in May - use up all those $0.42 stamps and start hording the "Forever" stamps - hey, it's safer than the stock market.
2. You can watch recent episodes of Masterpiece Theater online. (PS - do it!)
3. You can't send a package media rate through the USPS if it is in a Priority Mail box (but you can wrap said box in brown paper and not tell the postal worker).
4. A 4K race is 2.48 agonizing miles, but sounds cooler.
5. They canceled Dr. Drew's daytime radio show (How dare you!)
6. Dihydrogen Monoxide is a serious threat to us all! (OK, that one was just for fun.)
7. Plasma TVs don't need to be recharged. (Hopefully, you did know this.)
8. HBO is creating a TV series out of The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency!

It is good to have an outlet for all my random info bits. Stay tuned for more!

Free Cosmetics!

Hi y'all! Today you are in for a special treat! As a reward for all you faithful readers out there, I have arranged for you to be able to pick up some free products at your favorite beauty counter tomorrow. Really!

http://www.cosmeticssettlement.com/

Ok, Ok, it wasn't me, but that shouldn't stop you. So swing by Bloomie's, pick up something nice tomorrow, and watch the Inauguration later at home while relaxing in a bath with some expensive-but-free-to-you Ralph Lauren Romance Shower Gel.

A Lunar Roll sounds like some sort of celestial pastry.

I am blogging tonight from my office - I should be working, but I find it difficult to take any task seriously at 6 minutes shy of midnight. It's OK, though, I have already put in a full day's work, so now I am just trying to kill time until I need to get over to Goddard for the Terra Lunar Roll (we tilt the satellite around until the optics which are normally pointed into the abyss of space can look at the Moon). Fun-ness.

I had a loverly weekend. I finally had a few-hour chunk on Sunday to address the exponentially growing chaos that is my apartment. I got most of my Christmas stuff put away and got the regular stuff under control.

This weekend is a long weekend! Yay! Although I will not really be able to enjoy it due to all of the pre-inaugural craziness going on - seriously, I don't know if the hysteria is expressed to other parts of the country, but all they talk about on the news is how crowded and overwhelmed the infrastructure of greater DC will be this weekend and on Tuesday. I think I am needing to be at work, too, I can't hibernate in my apartment. My game plan is to work from 5AM to 1PM, and scoot on home while everyone else is glued to the TV - I don't mind a slight delay if it means my commute isn't 3 hours long! Can you tell I don't like these kind of crowds? They make me nervous and short-tempered. Anyway, if anyone needs a last minute place to crash, you can come stay with me!

Next weekend is the SSAI Gala! Woot! I love seeing everyone dressed up and dancing with their spouses. This year, we have a pretty sizable posse. Bring it!

Over the summer, I signed up to be a Big Sister. It has been months and I have not heard one thing from them, not even "Hey, we aren't intersted in you." So I am thinking about other options. Anyone have any suggestions? I am thinking something with kids and school or science/math. I am kinda irked by Big Brothers/Big Sisters, so I am eager to get with a well-run organization - although I guess that non-profits aren't exactly known for their excellent management! Hmmm... maybe a Presbyterian program? Us Presbyterians are really good at organization. I can imagine a lot of people are turned off by that attribute, but it does help things get done, and that is the point, no?

In other news, I am going to sign up for a 4K, which takes place in a few short weeks. Think good thoughts!

ttfn

There's a bathroom on the right.

If you don't know to what I am referring, you need a quick lesson!

In a record second complete short-circuit of my brain, I somehow agreed to run a race...

not a 1K...

not a 2K...

not a 3K...

not a 4K...

not a 5K...(!)

not a 6K...

not a 7 K...

but...

an 8K!!

If I ever become a dictator in a country threatening nuclear annihilation of the US, make a mental note to send in Clare to negotiate. Melanie - if you are reading this - if you are up for an 8K in the middle of March, please join us! Or we can find a 5K before or after sometime - I think there are more options now. I was at the gym twice this week. Although I try to get in at least twice a week and something more major on the weekend, it doesn't usually happen. I was on the elliptical yesterday, I forgot how much I liked it. (Although 'like' is relative.)

I have worked a lot this week - post holiday crunch time. But Roy is coming to visit tomorrow! How fun!

Can I just take this moment to say that Jim Vance annoys the living daylights out of me?

Can I also take this moment to ask when, for the love of all that is good and holy, will football season ever end?

I often think of something especially witty or insightful to say. I then proceed to forget it, so that when I finally get around to writing it down, I am left telling you all that I have just forgotten that thing instead of actually saying it. For some reason, I remember the writing advice of Roald Dahl - when you think of a good idea, write it down somewhere. He said that he once had an idea while driving, but didn't have a pen or paper. So, he got out of his car and wrote a word in the dust on his car - 'Elevator.'

I've been promising myself I would do some sewing and crafting this winter, and so far it is a non-starter. I am contemplating kick-starting it with a locker hooking class on Sunday at G Street Fabrics. They are having a two for one class sale. Now if only I can make it all the way over there tomorrow after work!

Here is a list of all the things I should have done this week and haven't yet:

1. Write Thank You notes for all my lovely and thoughtful Christmas presents.
2. Call or email my friend who is moving back to India for good! I will miss you, Saurabh!
3. Take down my copious amounts of Christmas decorations. (OK, not that copious.)
4. Email or call about 10 people I owe communication to.
5. Write in my blog. (OK, cross that one off)
6. The dishes, even though I have a dishwasher.
7. The laundry.

One last thing - if you have the chance - make sure you watch Tess of the D'Urbervilles on Masterpiece Theater - the first part was this Sunday and was *really* good. I mean up there with Jane Eyre. They should re-air the first part and the second part will be on Sunday night - check it out it is worth the trouble. The rest of the Masterpiece Theater 'Classic' season looks really good, too. Wuthering Heights and a Dickens series! I am so excited!

Have a great Friday, everyone!

The last few minutes of 2008...

were spent watching my parents sleep in their chair. Which is also how I spent the first few minutes of 2009. Which is also how I spent the first few minutes of 2008, and the last few of 2007.

But, really, folks - it was a very nice evening. My parents and I went to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner with Clare, and got a table right away thanks to the greatest waitress in the world, Sarah! We had a really nice time, despite the fact that now Clare will never eat another peanut or maraschino cherry. Don't ask.

Christmas was really great, too. It was so nice to have a few days off and spend them with the fam. Thanks to everyone that sent a Christmas card - I love them all!

I wish you a blessed and prosperous New Year.