E in DC

2008-06-11T13:00:00.004-04:00

Happy Girl!

I've been spoiled the last 2 weekends to spend in Chicago...this past weekend we all had to spend some quality family time in the closet during a tornado warning....as you can see Emma was very scared.

2008-05-23T14:24:00.003-04:00

Holidays & Birthdays...

I really don't know how we are arriving at Memorial Day...seems too early. I'm not in summer mode yet, although I had my annual bad experience in the tanning bed last week and looked like the old lady from 'There's Something about Mary' for a couple of days.

Tomorrow is Casey's 4th birthday. My life was so messed up when I had him, and in many ways it's a celebration for me, too. I give all of the credit to God, He has been so faithful and He always provides. When I look at MB & Michael's friends' Scott & Karen's blog about their newly adopted daughter Annabel I often think about Mark & Julie and Annie & Chris. When I see how happy and loved Annabel is, it really makes me think about Olivia and Casey...and that they have been loved in the same way...

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

2008-05-19T09:32:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the world, John Michael Hubik! We are so happy you are here...

2008-05-12T13:14:00.003-04:00

Happy Mother's Day!

There is only one other person in my life that can relate to my feelings about Mother's Day, although MB is expecting anyday now, we both made the decision to place children for adoption. Mother's Day is bittersweet-I gave birth to 2 beautiful children who God intended to be a part of other families, but I don't feel like a Mom. It's actually quite odd for me to think about every really being a Mom-leaving the hospital with my husband and a child in tow to the great unknown of parenting. At this stage of my life, this is not even a desire of my heart.

I am excited though, because I got my first official callback about a job in Chicago. It's a large Northwestern Mutual agency downtown. I am supposed to be in Chicago the first full week of June to interview, I am praying this first call will start a trickle down effect. I have decided to forego using a headhunter, instead using all of our family contacts in CR & Chicago...I truly feel that's the best way to go, but I WANT A JOB NOW. (Praying for a little patience here, too)

I am also officially back into my running...and I feel good. Last week I logged 11 1/2 miles..and 6 of that was done in Downtown DC on Saturday, it was a beautiful day and I was reminded how much I don't take advantage of being able to drive downtown in about 25 minutes and just enjoy the Nation's Capitol.

2008-05-01T13:24:00.003-04:00

This is a real e-mail that I recieved today from a counterpart, who has an MBA.

Subject: How do I set-up a Conference Call?

e-mail: Hi E-I need to set-up a conference call for A, B, C and myself for next week sometime...I've never done it before...what do I do? :)

2008-04-23T08:48:00.002-04:00

I am really going to make an effort to update this thing on a regular basis now. I am wrapping up 30 and to be perfectly honest, I am not looking forward to 31. Good news is that I will be celebrating in Iowa with Mom & Dad and my Mom 2, Lisa and daughter Amie will be coming in for a Women's Weekend as well. It's always disappointing when life does not go in the direction you thought it should go. The break-up with Jack has been really hard on me emotionally, but you cannot teach an old dog new tricks. If you have never been able to commit in your late 40s...EVER...then it may not happen.

It has opened some incredible doors, though...I am running again and (gulp) signed up for the Chicago Marathon this weekend-which will, God willing be my new hometown in the next couple of months. I am looking for a job in Chicago, although I finally love what I do in DC, it's far more important to be close to family. I am looking forward to being close to Emma and being an active Godmother, and having my own place again!

It's time for a change, although it's really scary-I feel good about it. Last year at this time I could not have predicted where this year would lead me, and every year gets better, so I'll get over the hump of 31 and trust that this year will get even better...

2008-04-22T10:22:00.003-04:00

I'm back!

I know it's been a long time...see how big my niece is now? Life is changing lots day by day...it's not always easy, but with a little cutie like this in our lives now---it's not so bad!

Emma & Auntie at Emma's First Cubs Game
She makes us SO happy!
Cory sang at the game...so we got to go onto Wrigley Field.

It won't take me 6 months for my next posting...I promise!

2007-10-11T21:15:00.000-04:00

She Finally Arrived!

Emma Cory Thompson

October 2, 2007 7lbs, 10 oz.

2007-09-06T12:39:00.000-04:00

Here's to the memory of John Yurko...we will raise a glass of affordable Rioja Wine and listen to Bruce in your honor this weekend.

2007-09-05T09:36:00.000-04:00

MMM...I made lamb for the first time this weekend.

Take about 4 sprigs of Rosemary and chop it up.
Take about 4 gloves of garlic and press through garlic press
Salt, Pepper both sides of rack and then rub the rosemary and garlic on the meat
Drizzle with a little olive oil and place in Ziploc bag in the fridge for about an hour.
Take the meat out of the fridge after an hour or a glass and a half of wine...and bring the meat to room temp...(about 20-30 minutes)
Heat the grill to HIGH---sear the meat for about a minute on each side
Lower heat and grill for about 8 minutes
Take off grill and let rest for another 5 minutes before cutting for Medium Rare...this was awesome!

2007-08-24T13:07:00.000-04:00

Learning to Juggle

I feel like this summer has been my own version of the Barnum & Bailey 3 Ring circus, "Step right up and see Elizabeth burning out!" While I don't feel like one of the elegant ladies that can flow through the air with the greatest of ease, I don't feel like the person that comes and picks up after the Elephants, either.

My biggest challenge has been work-I am doing the job of 2 people-still...with no end in sight yet. I have grown, I have been really challenged and I have never worked this hard. I am being 'rewarded'...it's not much, but at least it's something, right? Have to keep my sights set on the future, and hopefully be able to look back in a few years about how far I've come...

Another big addition is Jack. God has to have a sense of humor because after living in Baltimore for 11 years, moving to Rockville almost a year ago---I meet a wonderful man...who lives in BALTIMORE! HA! So, I have been spending lots of weekend time in Baltimore. It's kind of cool to have weekend time with BF in Baltimore and then my weekdays in DC. Jack is a kind, funny, loving, honest and no BS man who I never would have expected I would fall for...but it's great!

Training again...my weekday runs have be so irregular, but unlike last year I am actually getting in my weekday runs and I feel stronger and faster than last year. The long runs are good. I have 6 weeks until my 20-miler, so just as school is back in session on Monday...I have to really buckle down and get serious about mid-week runs, cutting back on my nightly 'glass of wine' and raising some money for ACS. October 28th is right around the corner!!!

2007-08-03T10:02:00.000-04:00

Healthy 'Fried' Chicken

Last night I decided to make a healthy dinner...so this is what I made:

Take 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and throw them in a gallon Ziploc bag, pour approximately 2 cups of lowfat buttermilk, salt, pepper about a T each of parsley, Emeril's Essence and a Red Pepper Flakes and then throw it in the fridge for about an hour

Make yourself a cocktail and watch Access Hollywood...

In another big Ziploc bag put about 2 cups of corn flakes and mash them up, add another cup of panko crumbs. Repeat seasonings from the buttermilk marinade and shake it all up to evenly mix.

Heat oven to 350, and take chicken out of buttermilk and dredge in the corn flake mix...throw those puppies in the oven and bake for 30 minutes...

Serve with steamed veggies...very healthy alternative to traditional fried Chicken!

2007-08-02T07:09:00.001-04:00

The cake from Cory's church shower...

2007-07-25T09:57:00.000-04:00

Here are some more pictures from our weekend in Chicago celebrating Cory & Emma...even got Stiffler to smile for the camera!

2007-07-23T23:21:00.000-04:00

Cute Pregnant Sister, Cancer Free Mom & Soon-to-be First Aunt in Chicago.

We are blessed!

2007-07-17T12:03:00.000-04:00

I should consider buying a copy of this book. This past weekend I was making the 'big jump' into double digits for my long training run-11 miles. I purchased the first batch of GU, Sport Beans and my Fuel Belt was ready with delicious frozen Gatorade.

Shelley came over on Friday night to assist me in jump starting my roommate, Kim's cleaning of her room. I have not seen Shelley in over 3 weeks...we decide to go to Happy Hour before the cleaning extravaganza...well, 3 martinis and a couple of bottles of wine later, not only did Kim have the start of a clean room...but I had a hangover the size of MD Saturday AM that prevented me from running...oops!

Fast forward 24 hours to Boordy Vineyards for their Summer concert series...we have a great time, and a few bottles of wine later...I am thinking that maybe I won't run this weekend. Well...I pop out of bed on Sunday---7 AM ready to go...so I venture out and run 10 1/2 miles-at about mile 7 I realize that I may have still been drunk when I started running, and then once the alcohol left my body I got a hangover.

Not fun, not fun and a lesson well learned. Don't hang out with anyone in your life that likes to drink and is not currently training for their second marathon.

2007-07-12T09:14:00.000-04:00

I spent most of the day yesterday in the home office. I am so happy that I don't work there anymore---I would not have an office that I can close the door, I would not be able to update my blog or have personal phone calls and I would have to deal with office politics.

I know that I may complain about the fact that I put in lots of hours, or that my boss can be a real PIA, but after sitting in a cubicle for a couple of hours yesterday it made me appreciate what I have....for now.

Into week 4 of training for Marine Corps Marathon...it is much better than last year, and since I have been a worker bee I am actually enjoying the solo training to clear my mind, pray and solve the world's problems...actually I think that I may just think about what I am going to a)eat b)drink c) how much time I will have at the pool and d)what I will wear and drink Saturday night...

Next weekend is Cory & Emma's shower in Chicago, I am SO excited to see her cute little belly and all of the darling little girl presents that she will receive. I am absolutely in love with all of the little 3 and 4 year old girls that play at my pool, in their little swimsuits with their darling little bellies and butts hanging out of their swimsuits....do I hear my clock ticking?

2007-07-02T08:50:00.000-04:00

I can justify anything...

I have decided that I may like dating because you can justify purchases...such as the mani/pedi/brow wax, new pair of sandals and 2 pairs of Banana bermuda shorts that I purchased on Friday night for my date yesterday...

2007-06-29T10:10:00.000-04:00

Power of 3

I realize it's been a long time since I last posted to this dang thing. Life has been exciting, to say the least in the past few months. To recap:

~I started dating a really nice guy, Gary late this winter. Shelley introduced us, and we had a great time together. Even went away to the OBX for 5 days with Shelley & Joe and Nadine & Cort. I had an absolute blast on the trip...but alas, the relationship was not meant to be. Breaking up is never fun....but when I step back I think that I wanted it to work because the friendships that are associated are so great. I am confident that the 'right person' is out there for me...and I think that I will finally take my dear best friend's advice and try dating a few people...

~My Mom was diagnosed with Thyroid cancer 2 weeks ago, it has not spread to her lymph glands, and it is 'good cancer' I hate that my Mom has cancer. I hate that I will wear a cancer survivor ribbon with her name on it for the marathon. The good news is that they will remove the Thyroid next Friday, and then she won't have to have chemo or radiation.

~Work has been absolutely insane...but I really, really love it. My responsibilities increased about my former counterpart left Kelly & Associates. I think this is exactly what I needed and I am loving the challenges.

Other than that, started the marathon training last week, I cannot believe I'm doing this again. This year, I am really going to try and train with a group---for lots of reasons, but I need to meet more people---and what better company than runners! Looking forward to seeing my darling pregnant sister in a couple of weeks in Chicago.

2007-05-28T14:35:00.001-04:00

Emma Cory Thompson!!!

She will arrive around 9/25/2007...what a blessing!!!

2007-05-07T19:47:00.000-04:00

Which one are you?

According to the folks at Wikipedia

Democrat:

Economic issues
Minimum wage
Democrats favor a higher minimum wage, and more regular increases, in order to assist the working poor. The Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 is an early component of the Democrats' agenda during the 110th Congress. In 2006, the Democrats supported six state ballot initiatives to increase the minimum wage; all six initiatives passed.
Renewable energy and oil
Democrats have opposed tax cuts and incentives to oil companies, favoring a policy of developing domestic renewable energy. Democratic governors have led the way in this issue, such as Montana's state-supported wind farm and "clean coal" programs.
Fiscal responsibility
Democrats are trying to position their party as the party of fiscal responsibility. Democrats increasingly call for responsible tax policies and government spending that keeps the budget deficit under control. The Democratic-led House of Representatives reinstated the PAYGO (pay-as-you-go) budget rule at the start of the 110th Congress.[3] DNC Chairman Howard Dean has cited Bill Clinton's presidency as a model for fiscal responsibility.
Health care and insurance coverage
Democrats call for "affordable and quality health care," and many advocate an expansion of government intervention in this area. Many Democrats favor a national health insurance system in a variety of forms to address the rising costs of modern health insurance. Some Democrats, such as Rep. John Dingell and Senator Edward Kennedy, have called for a program of "Medicare for All."[4]
Some Democratic governors have supported purchasing Canadian drugs, citing lower costs and budget restrictions as a primary incentive. Recognizing that unpaid insurance bills increase costs to the service provider, who passes the cost on to health-care consumers, many Democrats advocate expansion of health insurance coverage.
Environment
The Democratic Party generally sides with environmentalists and favors conservation of natural resources together with strong environmental laws against pollution. Democrats support preservation of endangered lands and species, clean land management and regulation on pollutants.
The most contentious and concerning environmental issue championed by the party is global warming. Democrats, most notably former Vice President Al Gore, have pressed for stern regulation of greenhouse gases.
College education
Most Democrats have the long term aim of having low-cost, publicly funded college education with low tuition fees (like in much of continental Europe) which should be available to every eligible American student, or alternatively, with increasing state funding for student financial aid such as the Pell grant or college tuition tax-deduction.[5][6]
Trade agreements
The Democratic Party has a mixed record on international trade agreements that reflects a diversity of viewpoints in the party. Generally, more conservative and moderate Democrats favor free trade agreements while those further to the left, supporters of fair trade, populists, and unions often oppose them. In the 1990s, the Clinton administration and a number of prominent Democrats pushed through a number of agreements such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Since then, the party's shift away from free trade became evident in the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) vote, with 15 House Democrats voting for the agreement and 187 voting against.[7][8]

[edit] Social issues
Discrimination
Democrats support Equal Opportunity for all Americans regardless of sex, age, race, sexual orientation, religion, creed, or national origin.
The Democratic Party mostly supports affirmative action as a way to redress past discrimination and ensure equitable employment regardless of ethnicity or gender, but opposes the use of quotas in hiring. Democrats also strongly support the Americans with Disabilities Act to prohibit discrimination against people on the basis of physical or mental disability.
Same-sex marriage and LGBT rights
The Democratic Party is divided on the subject of same-sex marriage. Some members favor civil unions for same-sex couples, others favor legalized marriage, and others are opposed to same-sex marriage on religious grounds. The 2004 Democratic National Platform stated that marriage should be defined at the state level and it repudiated the Federal Marriage Amendment. Almost all agree, however, that discrimination against persons because of their sexual orientation is wrong.
Reproductive rights
The Democratic Party believes that all women should have access to birth control, and supports public funding of contraception for poor women. The Democratic Party, in its national platforms since 1992, has called for abortion to be "safe, legal and rare"—namely, keeping it legal by rejecting laws that allow governmental interference in abortion decisions, and reducing the number of abortions by promoting both knowledge of reproduction and contraception, and incentives for adoption. When Congress voted on the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act in 2003, Congressional Democrats were split, with a minority—including current Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid—supporting the ban, and the majority of Democrats opposing the legislation.
The Democratic Party opposes attempts to reverse the 1973 Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade, which declared abortion to be a Constitutionally-protected right, and Planned Parenthood v. Casey which lays out the legal framework in which government action alleged to violate that right is assessed by courts. As a matter of the right to privacy and of gender equality, many Democrats believe all women should have the ability to choose to abort without governmental interference. They believe that each woman, conferring with her conscience, has the right to choose for herself whether abortion is morally correct. Many Democrats also believe that poor women should have a right to publicly funded abortions.
Stem cell research
The Democratic Party has voiced overwhelming support for all stem cell research with federal funding. In his 2004 platform, John Kerry affirmed his support of federally funded stem-cell research "under the strictest ethical guidelines." He explained, "We will not walk away from the chance to save lives and reduce human suffering."

[edit] Foreign policy issues
Invasion of Afghanistan
Democrats in the House of Representatives and United States Senate near-unanimously voted for the authorization of military force against "those responsible for the recent attacks launched against the United States" in Afghanistan in 2001, supporting the NATO coalition invasion of the nation. Most elected Democrats continue in their support of the Afghanistan conflict, and some have voiced concerns that the Iraq War is shifting too many resources away from the occupation of Afghanistan.
Iraq War
In 2002, Democrats were divided as most in the Senate voted for the authorization of the use of force against Iraq while a majority of Democrats in the House (81 for, 126 against) voted against it. Since then, many prominent Democrats have expressed regret about this decision, such as former Senator John Edwards, and have called it a mistake, while others, such as Senator Hillary Clinton have criticized the conduct of the war but not repudiated their initial vote for it. Amongst lawmakers, Democrats are the most vocal critics of the Iraq War and the President's management of the war. Democrats in the House of Representatives near-unanimously supported a non-binding resolution disapproving of President Bush's decision to send additional troops into Iraq in 2007. Congressional Democrats overwhelmingly supported military funding legislation which included a provision that set "a timeline for the withdrawal of all US combat troops from Iraq" by March 31, 2008, but also would leave combat forces in Iraq for purposes such as targeted counter-terrorism operations.[9][10]On May 2, 2007, the Democrats failed to override President Bush's veto of a war-funding bill, and both sides then met at the White House to seek compromise language.[11]
Unilateralism
Democrats usually oppose the doctrine of unilateralism, which dictates that the United States should use military force without any assistance from other nations whenever it believes there is a threat to its security or welfare. They believe the United States should act in the international arena in concert with strong alliances and broad international support. This was a major foreign policy issue of John Kerry's 2004 presidential campaign; his platform attributed rifts with international allies to unilateralism.
In a general sense, the modern Democratic Party is more closely aligned with the international relations theories of liberalism and neoliberalism than realism and neorealism, though realism has some influence on the party.

[edit] Legal issues
Torture
Democrats are opposed to use of torture against individuals apprehended and held prisoner by the military of the United States, and deny that categorizing military prisoners as unlawful combatants excludes them from the rights granted under the Geneva Conventions. Democrats contend that torture is inhumane, decreases the United States' moral standing in the world, and produces questionable results.
USA PATRIOT Act
All Democrats in the U.S. Senate except for Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold voted for the original USA PATRIOT Act legislation. After voicing concerns over the "invasion of privacy" and other civil liberty restrictions of the Act, the Democrats split on the renewal in 2006. Most Democratic Senators voted to renew it, while most Democratic Representatives voted against renewal. It should be noted renewal was only allowed after many of the most invasive clauses in the Act were removed or curbed.
Right to privacy
The Democratic Party believes that individuals should have a right to privacy, and generally supports laws which place restrictions on law-enforcement and intelligence agency monitoring of U.S. citizens. Some Democratic Party officeholders have championed consumer-protection laws that limit the sharing of consumer data between corporations. Most Democrats believe that government should not regulate consensual non-commercial sexual conduct (among adults), as a matter of personal privacy.
Crime and gun control
Democrats often focus on methods of crime prevention, believing that preventive measures save taxpayers' money in prison, policing and medical costs, and prevent crime and murder. They emphasize improved community policing and more on-duty police officers in order to help accomplish this goal. The party's platform in 2000 and 2004 cited crackdowns on gangs and drug trafficking as preventive methods. The party's platforms have also addressed the issue of domestic violence, calling for strict penalties for offenders and protection for victims.
With a stated goal of reducing crime and homicide, the Democratic Party has introduced various gun control measures, most notably the Gun Control Act of 1968, the Brady Bill of 1993 and Crime Control Act of 1994. However, many Democrats, especially rural, Southern, and Western Democrats, favor fewer restrictions on firearm possession and warned the party was defeated in the 2000 presidential election in rural areas because of the issue.[12] In the national platform for 2004, the only statement explicitly favoring gun control was a plan calling for renewal of the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban.

Republican:

The Republican Party includes large numbers of fiscal conservatives, social conservatives, neoconservatives, libertarians, and members of the Religious Right.
The Republican Party is the more socially conservative and economically libertarian of the two major parties. The party generally supports lower taxes and limited government in some economic areas, while preferring government intervention in others. In the 1980s, the Republican Party was more strongly conservative than before. In his 1981 inaugural address, Republican President Ronald Reagan summed up his belief in limited government when he said, "In the present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem."[1] Since 1980, the GOP has contained what George Will calls "unresolved tensions between, two flavors of conservatism -- Western and Southern." The Western brand, wrote Will, "is largely libertarian, holding that pruning big government will allow civil society -- and virtues nourished by it and by the responsibilities of freedom -- to flourish." The Southern variety, however, reflects a religiosity based in evangelical and fundamentalist churches that is less concerned with economics and more with moralistic issues, such as opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage. Noting the waning influence of libertarian philosophy on contemporary Republican ideology, Will describes the current Republican Party as "increasingly defined by the ascendancy of the religious right."[2]

[edit] Separation of powers and balance of powers
The Republican Party believes that making law is the province of the legislature and that judges, especially the Supreme Court, should not "legislate from the bench." Most Republicans point to Roe v. Wade as a case of judicial activism, where the court overturned most laws restricting abortion on the basis of a right to privacy derived from the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Some Republicans have actively sought to block judges who they see as being activist judges and they have sought the appointment of judges who will practice judicial restraint. Other Republicans, though, argue that it is the right of judges to interpret the constitution and judge actions by the legislative or executive branches as legal or unconstitutional.
The Republican party has supported various bills within the last decade to strip some or all federal courts of the ability to hear certain types of cases, in an attempt to limit judicial review. These "court stripping" laws have included removing federal review of the recognition of same-sex marriage with the Marriage Protection Act [3], the constitutionality of the Pledge of Allegiance with the Pledge Protection Act, and the rights of detainees in Guantanamo Bay in the Detainee Treatment Act. These limitations were overruled by the Supreme Court in Hamdan v. Rumsfeld, which held that the precedent of Marbury v. Madison on the court's ability to review the constitutionality of laws overruled the Congress' ability to make exceptions in Article III, Section 2 of the United States Constitution.
Compared with Democrats, many conservatives believe in a more robust version of federalism with greater limitations placed upon federal power and a larger role reserved for the States. Following this view on federalism, conservatives often take a less expansive reading of congressional power under the commerce clause, such as in the opinion of William Rehnquist in United States v. Lopez. Many Republicans on the more libertarian wing wish for a more dramatic narrowing of commerce clause power by revisiting among cases, Wickard v. Filburn, a case which held that growing wheat on a farm for consumption on the same farm fell under congressional power to "regulate commerce ... among the several States..."
President George W. Bush is a proponent of the unitary executive theory and has cited it within his signing statements about legislation passed by Congress. The administration's interpretation of the unitary executive theory was ruled unconstitutional by Hamdan v. Rumsfeld, where the Supreme Court stated the President does not have sweeping powers to ignore or revise laws and court rulings. The Bush administration has now sought Congressional authorization for its previously executive mandated programs, as was the case with the Military Commissions Act, or abandoned the illegal programs, in the case of the National Security Agency domestic wiretapping program.

[edit] Economic policies
Republicans emphasize the role of corporate and personal decision making in fostering economic prosperity. They favor free-market policies supporting business, economic liberalism, and limited regulation. Recently, opponents have stated that Republicans are no longer the party of fiscal responsibility, citing the 2006 federal deficit as the largest in US history.[4]
The predominant economic theory held by modern Republicans is Reaganomics. Popularized by Ronald Reagan, this theory holds that reduced income tax rates increase GDP growth and thereby generate more revenue for the government from the taxes on the extra growth. This belief is reflected, in part, by the party's long-term advocacy of tax cuts, a major Republican theme since the 1920s. Republicans believe that a series of income tax cuts since 2001 have bolstered the economy.[5] Many Republicans consider the income tax system to be inherently inefficient and oppose graduated tax rates, which they believe are unfairly targeted at those who create jobs and wealth. They believe private spending is usually more efficient than government spending.
Republicans agree there should be a "safety net" to assist the less fortunate; however, they tend to believe the private sector is more effective in helping the poor than government is; as a result, many Republicans support giving government grants to faith-based and other private charitable organizations to supplant welfare spending. Members of the GOP also believe that limits on eligibility and benefits must be in place to ensure the safety net is not abused. Republicans strongly supported the welfare reform of 1996, which limited eligibility for welfare and successfully led to many former welfare recipients finding jobs.[6]
The party opposes a single-payer universal health care system, such as that found in Canada or in most of Europe, sometimes referring to it as "socialized medicine" and is in favor of the current personal or employer based system of insurance, supplemented by Medicare for the elderly and Medicaid for the poor. The GOP has a mixed record of supporting the historically popular Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid programs, all of which Republicans initially opposed. On the one hand, congressional Republicans and the Bush administration supported a reduction in Medicaid's growth rate.[7] On the other hand, congressional Republicans expanded Medicare, supporting a new drug plan for seniors starting 2006.
Republicans are generally opposed by labor unions and have supported various legislation on the state and federal levels, including right to work legislation and the Taft-Hartley Act which gives workers the right not to participate in unions, as opposed to a closed shop which prohibits workers from choosing not to join unions in workplaces. Republicans generally oppose increases in the minimum wage, believing that the minimum wage increases unemployment and discourages business.[4]

[edit] Social policies
The majority of the GOP's national and state candidates oppose abortion on religious or moral grounds, oppose the legalization of same sex marriage, and favor faith-based initiatives. There are some exceptions, though, especially in the Northeast and Pacific Coast states. They support welfare benefit reductions and oppose racial quotas, but are split regarding the desirability of affirmative action for women and minorities.[8] Most of the GOP's membership favors capital punishment and stricter punishments as a means to prevent crime. Republicans generally strongly support constitutionally protected gun ownership rights.
Most Republicans support school choice through charter schools and education vouchers for private schools; and many have denounced the performance of the public school system and the teachers' unions. The party has insisted on a system of greater accountability for public schools, most prominently in recent years with the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.
The religious wing of the party tends to support organized prayer in public schools and the inclusion of teaching creationism or intelligent design alongside evolution. Although the GOP has voted for increases in government funding of scientific research, many members actively oppose the federal funding of embryonic stem cell research because it involves the harvesting and destruction of human embryos (which many consider ethically equivalent to abortion), while arguing for applying research money into adult stem cell or amniotic stem cell research.

[edit] National defense, counterterrorism and security policies
The Republican party supports unilateralism in issues of national security, believing in the ability and right of the United States to act without external or international support in its own self-interest. In general, Republican defense and international thinking is heavily influenced by the theories of neorealism and realism, characterizing the conflicts between nations as great struggles between forces of nature, such as Reagan's "evil empire" stance on the Soviet Union and George W. Bush's Axis of Evil.
Republicans secured gains in the 2002 and 2004 elections with the War on Terror being one of the top issues favoring them. Since the September 11, 2001 attacks, the party supports neoconservative policies with regard to the War on Terror, including the 2001 war in Afghanistan and the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
The doctrine of pre-emptive war, wars to disarm and destroy dangerous foes before they can act, has been advocated by Dick Cheney and other members of the Bush administration, but the civil war within Iraq has undercut its influence. However, Rudy Guliani, a prominent Republican presidential candidate, has recently stated that Republicans must keep America "on the offensive" against terrorists, stating his support of that policy.
The Bush administration supports the position that the Geneva Conventions do not apply to unlawful combatants, using the premise that they apply to soldiers serving in the armies of nation-states and not terrorist organizations such as Al-Qaeda.

[edit] Other international policies
Republicans support attempts to spread democracy in the Middle East and around the world. But, Republicans have reiterated the need for realism in international policy, when the Bush administration forged strong alliances with dictatorships such as Uzbekistan and Pakistan in pursuit of international policy goals.
The party, through former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton, has advocated reforms in the UN to halt corruption such as that which afflicted the Oil-for-Food Programme. Some Republicans oppose the Kyoto Protocol (although there is a section which supports it within the party), claiming that the treaty would hurt America's economy and do nothing to stop warming from major competitors such as China. The party strongly promotes free trade agreements, most notably NAFTA, CAFTA and now an effort to go further south to Brazil, Peru and Colombia.
Republicans are opposed to illegal immigration, mostly Latin American. The Bush administration made appeals to immigrants a high priority long-term political goal, but that goal is not a high priority in most local GOP parties. In general, the business community supports more immigration and social conservatives oppose it. In 2006, the White House supported and Senate passed a comprehensive immigration reform that would eventually allow millions of illegal immigrants to become citizens, but the House, taking an enforcement only approach, refused to go along.[9]

2007-05-03T08:57:00.000-04:00

I made it to last call...

I thoroughly enjoyed my birthday weekend complete with mani & pedis with the girl's, a 3-hour dinner at the Melting Pot---too long, too much food...drinks, and more drinks. Shelley's sister, Heather and her husband, Brian are 2 of the funniest people I have met. Brian says everything that you want to say...but don't have the guts to say it--which is always entertaining. Gary & I even made it to last call...I don't remember the last time I made it to last call.

I am so happy to not be a 20-something anymore-the majority of my twenties were not that great. 30 looks good so far-lots of stuff going on. Work is a little challenging right now---I am feeling burned out, and itching for the next level. I know what my strengths are---and I think that in a year I need to explore some other opportunities. I love this area and the friends that I have made, but part of my heart still wants to be closer to my family. I need to be still and trust in God...lean not on my own understanding. Maybe the Donald Miller lecture that I am going to see tomorrow night will shed some light...yes, that's right Donald Miller!!!

Hard to believe that the Hubik's will celebrate their first anniversary this weekend...it does not seem like a year has passed-Congratulations!!!

I find out if I am going to have a little neice or nephew tomorrow morning, I think Peanut is a boy!

2007-04-24T09:29:00.000-04:00

Thirty is not so awful...people give you better presents...

2007-04-23T22:48:00.000-04:00

The cycle of life...and the big 3-OH.

This past week has been a whirlwind with the women in my life that are various stages of pregnancy. I was heartbroken last week with one of the 3 worst calls that I have had from MB...not only for my best friend, but for her wonderful husband that they has lost their baby. The sound of grief in her voice is too recognizable for us being so young. I am so optimistic that they will 'be fruitful and multiple' very soon...

On the other side, my friend Shelley and her husband Joe had 3 fertlized embryos thawed and implanted on Thursday...I spent Friday night with her and a couple of her girlfriends...she was on total bedrest for 4 days...so we drank wine (less Shelley) and ate pizza in their bed. They have to play a waiting game now until the 30th to find out if/when those little embryos will implant and turn into a little Kuhlmann. Shelley is wearing the special 'Blessed Mary' that Julie gave me...I was supposed to pass it on at the right time, because lots of infertile ladies wore it before---again, their solid marriage and positive attitude are really awesome.

Cory is doing well and we are looking forward to finding out what Peanut is...a little Jack or TBD girl's name on May 4th!

Work is sort of a mild Hell right now, but this will pass. I turn the big 3-0 on Wednesday...sort of a buzz kill that I have a 16-hour day following my birthday...so no celebrations on my actual big day. Looking forward to some cooking with Mr. Mason tomorrow night-and then going out this weekend to celebrate---but I am REALLY looking forward to being done with my twenties! At this time...my goals for 30 are to run another marathon, get involved with the ACS, advance at work...and hopefully have a consistent companion, enjoy and spoil the newest addition to our family!!! (cannot wait) and maybe, just maybe learn to be a little patient....

2007-04-17T11:34:00.000-04:00

Fun Photos

On the porch at the Condo in Chicago...see little tiny baby bulge on Cory!
Sunday & Berni with their Easter Scarves and new Bones from Aunt Elizabeth
Liz, Matt, Cory & Andy after the Shamrock Shuffle
Stiffler & Matt taking a nap

2007-04-17T09:02:00.000-04:00

"I Carried the Watermelon"

Dirty Dancing is 20 years old and to celebrate this monumental occasion in cinema; on May 1st they are putting it back on the big screen for one night-one show! I purchased my tickets yesterday and the roomie and I are planning on sneaking in beverages and enjoying the show. Although I have seen this movie 100 times, my parents would not let me see it in the theater when it was released....I was 10 at the time.

Which brings me to the next looming event...my 30th. I don't know if I am having sympathetic hormone surges because my sister is preggo and others are trying---but I have gone from being very excited about turning the big 3-0 to sort of dreading it. I have so much to be thankful for...think I need a little solo 'retreat'...and that may come in the form of a spa treatment.

30 is still young, but it's interesting how my goals have shifted. Professionally, I want to grow and do my very best. Spiritually, I have found a nice balance between my love of the Evangelical churches that I have been attending the past 3 years and my Episcopal roots---it's always good to 'come home' and I found a really cute Episcopal church in DC that feels like a good fit. Relationships-I see my future mate as someone who is my friend first and foremost. I no longer want a man to rescue me emotionally and financially---I want an equal on all levels.

I have decided to bag the Chicago Marathon and run Marine Corps again. Charity Runners is making their national debut and I am hoping to be part of the planning committee and get involved with the ACS...because they are the best group of people that I have ever met, and it will be fun to start carrying on a Streit tradition in DC!

2007-03-30T09:10:00.000-04:00

Oprah is a Diva

We went to Oprah, the show aired yesterday-and our smiling faces did not make the cut. Here are some of my behind-the-scenes highlights:
-They pull the really pretty, well-dressed ladies out of line and sit them in the front. Next time you watch an episode of Oprah notice how pretty everyone looks, the entire audience is not that attractive.
-Oprah does not move...people move her between takes, and touch up her make-up, hair and wardrobe.
-She gets fresh water between takes
-She has not had a pedi since she last went to Africa
-She is skinny
-She talked about eating an entire chocolate bar---and was worried she would run into 'Bob' (Mr. Best Life Diet) on her way home, and he would notice she ate too much---they are neighbors.

It was a fun experience, but we did not get any free stuff. The weekend was great, I really needed a getaway. It was fun to spend time with my family...we ran the Shamrock Shuffle 8K on Sunday morning. I will go back for that race, 30,000 runners---great distance. I remember a year and a half ago when I ran my first 5-mile race, and I thought it was such a big deal---and this was a breeze. I also beat Cory & Matt...I think my time was around 48 or 49 minutes---not sure since I was an 'unofficial' runner. Good post-race party as well.

Cory looks adorable and I got to go with her on her first maternity shopping excursion---complete with the belly pillow...reminded me of shopping with MB, and my own shopping. The clothes are much cuter than they were a couple of years ago. Cannot wait to be an Aunt!

I think I may go and check out the Cherry Blossoms this weekend---it's the thing to do while living in DC, right?

2007-03-27T22:38:00.000-04:00

Chi-Town recap-part one

I went to an Oprah today taping with Mom, Cory & Randi and 311 other women...this is the teaser for the show that we saw today that will be airing this Thursday...

"It is extreme surgery, and our cameras follow a former morning show anchor through it all. The drastic decision, the breakdown, and the final moments. Why René Syler decided to cut off her breasts. Then, the new vaccine for girls that's sparking a controversy. Plus, millions of you are up all night…could this be the answer you have been waiting for? Join the discussion."

Good times, and I will add more about one of the best long weekends I have has with my family tomorrow...

2007-03-20T15:34:00.000-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

The birthday girl, Nadine, E & Shelley

We celebrated Nadine's birthday on St. Patrick's Day with a fun cover band at a bar in VA, complete with dance party too! We were those obnoxious people taking too many pictures in the bar...

Shelley, Nadine, E & Kat

2007-03-15T08:37:00.000-04:00

Spring is Here!!!

I know it's been quite a while since my last posting but I could simply not bear putting my mundane, work-driven, lack of a social life diatribe on here...really, how exciting is that? I am still working a lot, but have found some balance.

The big news is that Cory is pregnant! I am so excited to be an aunt, and now that she is into her 2nd trimester we can all breathe a little easier and look forward to the new addition to our family. Here is a picture of my niece or nephew-we keep calling Peanut 'He'...so we just have to wait another 8 weeks! It's pretty amazing that you can have such clarity so early on. My Dad sent out a "Top Ten Reasons Cory & Matt are not running the Chicago Marathon" announcement to tell their friends.

Other than preparing to be an Aunt-I have made some friends who are really fun, down-to-earth and have similar interests. We have been bowling, dinner parties complete with dance party, wine drinking, etc. I met Shelley through one of our new brokers, and we really hit it off. She and her husband, Joe are great-and they have good friends and a solid family. This weekend we are bowling for Nadine's birthday on St. Patrick's Day! I am still attending Mclean Bible church, but I am also interested in finding an Episcopal Church for some liturgical grounding and something a little smaller than MBC.

Next weekend I am off to Chicago for a few days. We have Olena's baby shower, The Shamrock Shuffle 10K (I am running as a bandit), shopping and then we are going to a taping of Oprah on Tuesday! I am keeping my fingers crossed for a 'Favorite Things' or Bobbi Brown episode...hopefully nothing on sex predators or prostitution...

That's all for now...but GO TERPS! They play this afternoon!

2007-02-02T23:32:00.000-05:00

'07 26.2 decision

I had intentions of trying to get into the NYC marathon for the year of my 30th...with my sister and brother-in-law. Then I found out I AM GOING TO BE AN AUNT!!! My baby sister will be having a baby in late September...as much as I want to master the MCM course---or run NYC...seeing my little niece or nephew at the finish is priceless! I will also run as an ACS charity runner. I only have to raise $850 and the nice thing about Charity Runners is 100% goes to ACS. Expect fundraising letters this summmer...

2007-01-31T15:37:00.001-05:00

Criteria

MB's fun friend, Karen had (she is recently married) this criteria when looking for a mate. I think it's perfect:

1. They have to read books for fun

2. They have to be close to their parent/family (MB added this one)

3. Attend church services regularly

4. Think that I'm funny

Here is Karen's feedback on the criteria: "You got it! I didn’t have the close to family thing on there but it’s a good one. My thoughts were that if they read, they should be interesting to talk to; if they practice some type of faith, they have a moral compass; and if they think I’m funny, they “get me.”

This will be used for dating moving forward...

2007-01-30T13:28:00.000-05:00

Street Names...

Inspired by MBRox's post about the number of times she has moved in the past 15 years these are the names of all of the streets I have lived on in my lifetime. I have also moved 11 times in the past 11 years that I have lived on the East Coast.

D Ave, Bever Ave, Cottage Grove Ave, McMechen St, Park Ave, Presstman, Bolton St, Belt St, East Wheeling, Clinton, Spring Head Court, Charles St & Fallsgrove Blvd...

2007-01-30T12:12:00.000-05:00

Simple Pleasures

It's really cold here, very Midwestern...so last night I made this yummy Beef Mushroom Barley Soup. I got the original recipe from allrecipes.com and then tweaked it...

1 Lb. Beef for stewing

1 onion chopped

4 cloves garlic

3 large carrots chopped

4 stalks celery chopped

1 lb chopped mushrooms-I bought the pre-sliced kind

3 cans beef broth

1 can chicken broth

2 cubes beef bouillion

1 cup red wine

3/4 cup pearl barley

some cornstarch to thicken broth

1/2 cup sour cream

In a large pot start by browning the beef...when it starts to cook add one cup of beef broth and one cup of red wine...let this simmer or slow boil. In a seperate pot saute the celery, carrots, onion, mushrooms, garlic, salt and pepper with a little bit of olive oil. Let the veggies start to cook...once the beef looks nice and done (about 10 minutes) add the beef to the veggies along with 2 cans of beef broth, the chicken broth and the 3/4 cup of barley. Let this come to a boil for about 45 minutes for the barley to cook. Add the cornstarch (I used about 3T mixed with water) to the broth to slightly thicken. Once thicken, add the 1/2 cup of sour cream and stir in. This was delicious and made a nice amount...enough for 2 people for dinner and then probably 4 leftovers...it was delicious and very easy to make!

2007-01-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

I should be studying

I spent this weekend at the lovely Gaithersburg Holiday Inn for the Maryland state mandated Health & Life Insurance pre-licensing class. It was 16 hours of pure hell taught by one of the most arrogant, sexist and racist men I have encountered since possibly working for Rick Haskell at Fleming's (they could possibly be friends) I did not learn enough, because he spent more time talking about how many million dollar life insurance policies he has written in his 37 year career and attacking nearly every minority in the US.

I have to take the damn test tomorrow morning downtown and be there no later than 7 AM...luckily I only need a 70% to pass...but it will be a really GOOD day if that happens.

Anyway...yesterday was Olivia's 9th birthday...not quite sure how that happened. I went out for my traditional sushi dinner and celebrated our lives....but before that my car drove to the mall instead of the gym as I had intended and I purchased a much needed new suit...oops!

My roommate's Huskie, Hart is living with us for a month while her parents are in the outer banks...he is a sweet, fat lovable dog, we are bonding and I am actually looking for a dog myself, I know---hard to believe, but it's something that may happen this year. We'll see.

Just thankful for so many blessings...and especially what may come this year (more on that in the next couple of weeks!!!)

2007-01-18T18:34:00.000-05:00

It's been a long time...so I have to ask---would you ask me out on a date based on the below pictures? I welcome your feedback...and I promise all of my other stuff soon.

2006-12-28T13:10:00.000-05:00

Grateful...

Spent the Christmas holiday with my family and extended family at Cory & Matt's. I ate and mostly drank like it was full-time job the entire time I was in the Midwest. A few of the themes that I notice about Midwest cooking; or maybe it was the holidays in the Midwest was the amount of casserole-type dishes that involve a cracker or cereal as an ingredient...and processed cheese. For example-my Mom's egg casserole has a Corn Flake/butter mixture on the top and it has ham, cheese and Wonder Bread in it. The broccoli casserole that we made consisted of: frozen broccoli, crushed up Ritz crackers, and chunks of Velveeta. Another good thing were the small circle pretzels with a melted Hershey's kiss with an M & M on top...

Matt's family is always so much fun...and I loved every minute of it. Cory really outdid herself with Christmas decorations, and it was fun to see the almost crazed Clark Griswald type excitement with her interior and exterior decorations. They have a really cute house, and hopefully next year there will be a little Jack or Emma Thompson to add to the joy of Christmas. Matt's Grandma and I bonded over our love of Patrick Dempsey and she taught me how to make real gravy-I want to be as smart and funny as Grandma Bley when I get older.

I think I may have gained about 10 pounds since the marathon...so I started a cleanse yesterday with lots of water, green tea and fiber...I also have not felt good for the past 2 weeks---so a cleanse is a good thing. I HAVE to start training for my 2 Spring half-marathons. I think my dreams of breaking 2 in Austin may be in a ditch...but I have the National Half-marathon at the end March to possibly kick some serious butt-although the course is not as fast....

2006-12-10T20:30:00.000-05:00

Martha would be proud~

This is my 'Christmas Tree' this year

The Best Peppermint Bark in Baltimore

Note-always try and make cookies with a mixer; we did not have one...

I don't remember the last time I baked Christmas cookies; I truly had a great time with the girls in Baltimore yesterday afternoon. We made Peppermint Bark, White Chocolate-Macadamia Nut & Chocolate Mocha cookies. We did not have a mixer; and that would have been wonderful---we were so tired from our baking marathon that while watching "It's a Wonderful Life" I took a wonderful little nap.

Susan and I then made our way to one of the most anticipated events of my year; a Sara Groves concert at Grace---she preformed with 2 other artists that we so mediocre and boring, that it was a disappointment. BUT---Sara Groves was amazing, and did not disappoint one bit---she has the voice of an angel, and her words are so appropriate---she sang Fly, Add to the Beauty, and a couple of other songs that I cannot remember right now...

Feel like I have the flu and spent most of my Sunday in bed with lots of aches and fatigue...I know I'm sick when I slept in until after noon today...and am ready for bed now...off to another busy week, I am really looking forward to the time when all of the insanity at work quiets down a bit...

2006-12-01T15:27:00.000-05:00

What I did over the long Thanksgiving Weekend

My prized IKEA hutch, JOHAN---it was a breeze to set-up in 4 1/2 hours and 42 diagrams! I am pleased to say that I only ended up with 3 extra screws at the end of construction,

that is an IKEA personal best
My new wardrobe, PAX

When life hands you lemons, such as what happened to me last week---instead of wallowing in the fact that I was spending my first major holiday alone I headed to IKEA! Apparently, lots of other single women in DC metro area were thinking the same thing the night before Thanksgiving. I picked up 2 lovely 'men' Johan and Pax; and I spent the majority of the weekend in DIY paradise.

I am enjoying my new place---I think I would have preferred something not so suburban, but there are advantages, and I can always move again. Work is really busy; and although I have not really started meeting people yet---I started doing some research on things that I am interested in...so, after the first of the year I am going to: Join the Montgomery County Road Runners; join a Bible Study; take cooking classes in downtown Bethesda; take a wine tasting class; go to Thursday evening Art lectures at the Phillips Collection; Get a bike; volunteer for a birthmother counseling ministry and enjoy living the life of a single woman in the DC area. I am going to celebrate 30 all year...I don't have anything that I thought I would have by the age of 30; but I can say that I am happy and confident in my future.

2006-11-13T10:12:00.000-05:00

New name ideas needed...

It occured to me this weekend that E in B-More is no longer going to apply to my blog as I will be making the move closer to the DC Metro area...OK, the 'burbs---Rockville on Saturday. I need suggestions...the winner will receive a 12" pre-lit tinsel tree from Target in your choice of lime green, hot pink, aqua blue or silver-I am totally serious.

I made up this Turkey chili recipe last night:

1.5 lb. lean ground turkey
1 can black beans
1 can white beans
2 medium or 1 large yellow onion
1 can green chiles
1 little can of tomato paste
1 can chicken broth
2-4 T Ancho Chile powder
Jane's Krazy Mixed up Salt
Choice of cheese and Sour Cream for garnish

First chop up the onions and brown them in the pot with some olive oil and add the Krazy salt and pepper to taste. Once the onions start to get transparent add the ground turkey and the Ancho chile powder to taste. Cook the turkey and add the rest of the ingredients, mix together and simmer for a while (I let simmer for an hour) on low temp. When hungry spoon chili in bowl and garnish with cheese & sour cream. This made a big pot...I will be able to eat this for lunch and dinner all week---unless you want to freeze what you won't eat.

2006-11-01T14:58:00.000-05:00

Finish Mat...finally!

Mile 13...if I only knew what was to come in 6 short miles!

To see more images, my marathon photos are up:

www.marathonfoto.com My Bib Number is: 23112

Marine Corps Marathon/10K 2006

Vote for your favorite!!!

2006-10-31T08:26:00.000-05:00

I DID IT!

I am no longer a marathon virgin.

Iwo Jima Memorial
Running UPHILL to the finish!

Well, I did it...I ran my first marathon this Sunday! It was harder than I expected-especially the last 7 miles; but one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The only real downside was the runner that died at mile 17---and my friend Susan and I ran past him. I saw a lot of runners that were 'down' on the course, but nothing like this man, we prayed for him.

Aside from that, and the half hour delay due to someone else collapsing 80 meters into the race from the first wave---it's an incredible marathon. I will do it again. The course is beautiful; and there are Marines everywhere...and I mean everywhere---running the course, manning the water stations, aid stations---drill sargents on the course (I wanted to KILL the guy at about mile 21 'This is a RACE---come on, MOVE 'EM OUT!) I felt very patriotic and proud to be an American. The wind was awful...every way I turned it was against me--The Washington Post said that it was a 'gentle breeze', I think that writer must have written the story from an isolation booth somewhere---

Some of my personal highlights were-Doing the YMCA as we crossed Key Bridge at mile 5; running through Rock Creek Park; seeing my family at mile 10 and then hearing the bagpipes in the background; My friend Noel's 'HEY E, DON'T PUKE' sign that graced the course several times, Susan jumping in mile 15 and getting me through Haines Point (the 3rd circle of Hell) Cory & Matt jumping in at 19ish and pushing me through the 14th street bridge (the 4th circle of Hell) My Good Luck phone call from Julie, Olivia & Casey on Saturday, Dinner and Church with the Waugh's and Susan Saturday night. 2 Cadillac Margaritas accompanied by 2 chicken and cheese enchiladas on Sunday night and passing out.

I finished in 5:16:38---the average finish time was 5:01...not bad considering I started running only 423 days earlier! Ready for another one---I think the goal for 2007, the year of my 30th birthday is an early spring marathon, and late spring half and another big one in the fall! OO0-Ragh!

2006-10-27T08:59:00.000-04:00

1 Day, 15 hours until MCM

I am freaking out slightly right now...my iPod is not presently playing ANY of my purchased music-which holds ALL of my music for race day. Breathe-Breathe-Breathe, there is a Mac store by the office and hopefully it can be fixed-strange because I have not done anything to it. crisis diverted! The lovely folks at the Genius Bar at the Mac store fixed 2 carat! They have a new Nano that is Red...maybe Santa will deliver it to me---I love it...

Race weekend is here; my family arrives tonight-it's surreal. I have been planning and training for this for so long. I am going to attempt to relax and enjoy every minute of it. My car is jammed with lots of water, snacks, booze for the family and about 30 different outfits for the weekend. My friend Susan is going to run a good chunk of the race with me; and hopefully Cory & Matt will be well enough to jump in at the end to push me through the last few miles---which I hear are the worst and most exhilirating at the same time. My 'Roar Corps' will be Mom, Dad, Cory, Matt, Susan, Noel--Gary & Marianne are coming at the end along with a host of brokers that told me they would be on the course Sunday. Just wish the Hubik's could be here.

It's going to be a long day---hope to get busy to pass the time.

2006-10-24T16:42:00.000-04:00

Third Times the Charm!

Cory & Matt kicked ass this weekend in their third Chicago Marathon in 3:58:11 and raised a ton of money for the American Cancer Society. I AM SO PROUD of them!

2006-10-19T16:32:00.000-04:00

No mas 495!

I found a place to live! I am thrilled...I will be sharing this cute 2-story condo with a 35ish Marriott sales manager, Kim. Kim likes to travel around the USA and run half-marathons with her friends. Moving in a few weeks...very exciting!

2006-10-18T16:41:00.000-04:00

I have adult ADD...

I fear that I am developing adult ADD, I really should be working right now but I think that I need to list what's on my plate:

-planning broker forum for next Wednesday, I love getting back into my event planning, but this is my first corporate meeting---love it!

-4th quarter is nuts...but I do love the diversity of my job, nice to have lots of freedom!

-need to finish packing tonight to have my belongings moved to temporary digs at the Waugh's---have 2 solid leads on places near work...unfortunately, I cannot look at them until next week. Could mean an extra move---I really, really hate this.

-need to download and finalize iTunes for race day in fear that internet will not work at new house

-pack for Chicago and try to not get sick...as I have a tickle in my throat...

-try to get in at least one mid-week run this week, not looking too favorable at this point. Running is difficult when you spend 4-5 hours a day in the car.

-run a marathon in 10 days.

-coordinate family and friends for DC race weekend.

-find place to move ASAP...

-get some sleep---the above list has induced what I guess are anxiety attacks---not fun, not fun at all...

2006-10-17T21:46:00.000-04:00

I Love marathonfoto.com...

my legs actually look 'athletic' in these photos...so happy I paid for the "enhanced" package!

2006-10-17T08:19:00.000-04:00

Green Shirt=Good Half

My green UA shirt made it's second half-marathon appearance this weekend at the Baltimore Running Festival. And, just as Mike fell in love with the girl in the green shirt (GS) I feel that green shirts bring good luck to all...okay, maybe not all, but I had a great half on Saturday. I know that I have been complaining about the Baltimore course for the past few months, but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the course.

Baltimore is a city of neighborhoods; and it was cool to see how each neighborhood responded to the marathon. For example-we started at mile 13 of the marathon course; and blended with the marathoners at mile 14 or so...Canton is a very yuppy neighborhood. Many folks were camped out on their freshly rehabbed rowhomes with a nice cup of coffee or a bloody mary with their neighbors. We then moved into the east side ghetto and lots of kids were outside cheering us on. I really enjoyed the high school marching bands in this section of the race. My favorite neighborhood was Charles Village-they love the marathon! Almost everyone was outside in a three block section complete with large speakers playing inspirational music, and the famous Gummy Bear Man with approximately 150 pounds of gummy bears. They also offered additional snacks as this was also mile 23 of the marathon. We proceeded through the west side and I ran part of my commute---I was feeling really strong and I think that I channeled some road rage and started to kick it into high gear...Ran through Camden Yards to the finish; and saw 2:11 on the clock---I figured it took me about 3 minutes to get to the start so I thought I ran about a 2:08---apparently the clock was wrong, as my chip time was 2:14---but I am staying with the clock-as it was in my favor and beat Austin by a couple of minutes.

Regardless, I loved it---great inspiration for the big race in 2 weeks---can't wait!

2006-10-13T09:13:00.000-04:00

The welcome return of good television

When we were growing up there were tons of adult evening dramas; St. Elsewhere, M.A.S.H., Dallas, Hotel, 30something...to name a few. I can remember my Mom talking about story lines and characters, but I was too young to wrap my mind around the wonder of it all. The nineties ushered 'My so-called Life' and 90210---then we had an influx of reality TV that filled hours and hours.

There is really only one reality show that I feel compelled to watch-Project Runway (I think Jeffrey is obnoxious, Laura's husband looks like the nutty professor, but her Louis Vuitton luggage and beautiful Manhattan home is to die for, Uli is sort of annoying in the European way and Michael is a sweetheart) I also have almost the same hysterical reaction to Grey's Anatomy. I must say that last nights show was quite good---I love the character and story development. I agree with MB that the chemistry between Meredith & Derek is far more dynamic than Finn. I am happy that George is done with the scary doctor.

That being said, I need to focus on my own reality series of a life and process some renewals, budget new tires and figure out what to wear for the half tomorrow---supposed to be a high of 58---really blows my intended debut of new UA custom running shirt---may sport over another layer.

2006-10-10T10:16:00.000-04:00

The Conference Call

There are components of Corporate America that I love---an office, free internet, a steady paycheck, after-work happy hours. But, I hate conference calls. Yesterday I spent a little over 2 hours on the phone with one of my new clients, their broker and the carrier. It was tedious to say the least---especially when the broker and the client more than likely looked like the above gentlemen...the bad jokes and blowing smoke is a waste of time in my book.

Checked off my 20-miler this weekend, finished in 3:50 on a fairly hilly route---so I am confident about having a good race. I am hoping to have a good half-marathon this weekend during the Baltimore Running Festival on one of my least favorite courses. The following weekend I head to Chicago for Cory & Matt's race (it's not too late to donate: www.charityrunner.org Oh yes, my belongings will be moved while I am away to my temporary digs at the Waugh's new house. The only reason I say temporary is that I will have limited privacy---and I just don't know how long that will last...

Tonight I will start compiling my final marathon mix----the 43 minute Chemical Brothers running workout on iTunes is incredible---great Doors remix of Roadhouse Blues included. Semper Fi is only 18 days away! Can't wait!

2006-10-04T20:00:00.000-04:00

4th Quarter and 495...

I am going to complain on this posting. I cannot do anything that 'normal' people do because I commute. I know now why the divorce rate is so high in the US---commuting. The busy season is starting at work, I think I am moving in a couple of weeks and this is my last big training week before my 20-miler this weekend...and I am not going to get in all of weekly runs-setting myself up for possibly one of the worst training runs that I have had to date. So---that's all. Need to hit the hay so I can get up at 4:45 and do it again...

2006-10-02T20:24:00.000-04:00

I don't think there is a treatment program for this...

I can fairly easily admit that I may lean toward an 'addictive personality' and I have a new addiction...CANDY CORN, candy halloween ghosts and little pumpkins. Anything made out this sugar-crack mixture is fair game for me these days.
When I was growing up I always loved this stuff...but now that I am older it seems to be the perfect ending to almost any meal-it's so bad that I almost added a couple of pieces to a stuffed cupcake this weekend (yellow cake with chocolate frosting on the top & the inside)
I am just going to add this to my 'I'm in training!' motto and deal with the harsh realities of my consumption 4-6 weeks after the race when I try and wear gauchos 3-5 days/week.

2006-09-29T11:56:00.000-04:00

A picture is worth a thousand stories....

Another week has flown by. The weekend in NYC was wonderful…we accomplished a lot in the short amount of time together…It was a blast to spend time with MB & her DH in the city. I have never seen MB more beautiful or happier (30 definitely looks better than 20 for both of us) It’s awesome to see God move in two people-they are a perfect match!

I wonder if this man delivers the Hen of the Woods mushrooms to The Tasting Room? I realized this weekend that the longer I am out of the restaurant biz the more unrefined my palette has become. The food was wonderful, but the service was lacking-we enjoyed ourselves regardless. Highlights include Beauty & the Beast and our $5 Diet Cokes, Pizza, Hot Dogs, $5 Buds in the park and the send-off liter of margaritas at Citrus.

Started running again this week , I am VERY anxious about running the marathon at this point. We had terrible storms last night that prevented me from getting in the solid 10 miles that I had hoped for. Running 14 tomorrow-I don’t think that it is going to pretty or feel good. It’s better to be set-back a bit now than not be able to run the marathon. I do love to run, but I need a little motivation now. Have my 20-miler next weekend, then the taper begins. My plan is to kick my own butt next week with diet and strict training. I have worked too hard to not run this race. At this time I feel like it’s 75% emotional and 25% physical. My emotions are all over the place…and I guess in line with many ‘virgin’ marathoners…

2006-09-26T21:53:00.000-04:00

Celebration on the Hill

2006-09-26T09:43:00.000-04:00

DC, McDreamy & NYC...

Whew…it’s been a whirlwind the last 10 days. My hip prevented me from running until last night. Feel good and pain free…enough to run 9 tonight?

I spent last Tuesday and Wednesday night in DC with my Dad for the Celebration on the Hill (www.celebrationonthehill.org) This is one of the largest lobbying events in the US…I just love the people that volunteer for the ACS! They have a passion for ridding the world of cancer, imposing cigarette tax and they have even aided in getting big-tobacco areas of the country smoke-free. Plus, these folks like to have a good time! I was really moved by the Wall of Hope that took up half of the national mall and the thousands of luminaries at the reflecting pool at the Mall.

Thursday was one of the best nights of TV I have seen in a long time. I have really been anxiously awaiting the season premier of Grey’s Anatomy---and it did not disappoint, not one bit! Favorite line of the week…after Derek got out of the possible biohazard at Seattle Grace Hospital he quickly went over to Meredith’s and pronounced his love for her, “ I had a choice to make, and I chose wrong…now you have a choice to make.” Not that I condone adultery one bit---but this is just some good television. Can’t wait for the rest of the season!

I could hardly sleep Friday night in anticipation of suprising my best friend in NYC for her 30th birthday…more details on that trip later today…have an outside meeting that I need to attend.

2006-09-21T15:07:00.000-04:00

McDreamy Returns...

I have to echo MB's post about the season premiere of Grey's Anatomy tonight. I have been as giddy as a school girl all week looking forward to this show. I have not seen season one...so I think that in order to be a full card-carrying GA fan, I must rent the DVD's and watch them in chronological order.

Patrick Dempsey looks like the type of man that I would like to marry...I cannot believe that I am actually writing about a celebrity on my blog. With that being said I only have 5 hours and 46 minutes to see who Meredith chooses...

On another slightly more sobering note. When I washed my face last night I noticed that I am getting some 'fine lines and wrinkles' around my eyes and I am not very happy about it. I also found a couple more grey hairs last night...that in combination with my aching body makes me feel old. I had a good, long talk with a friend of my Dad's last night who was one of the original Chicago marathon runners---he told me to rest another day or so and then I would be fine. I also think that I found a sports massage therapist from runwashington.com. Nervous Nelly is making too many appearances these days.

2006-09-19T08:56:00.000-04:00

Cory was in the hurt box Sunday morning...

Good Times in Sioux Falls...

My cousin Tom got married this past weekend in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. We had a blast...as you can see. In addition to my brother-in-law being one of the nicest guys on the planet he is also one hell of an amateur wedding photographer and excellent at 'maximizing the wedding reception' experience.

On a completely seperate topic; my hip is really causing me a lot of pain-and after even more pain last night I have decided to see a doc. This makes me very nervous and quite upset. I have been training so hard that I would be absolutely miserable if I could run the marathon. I did some research on WedMD yesterday, and I think it's a 'common running injury' but I don't want to take any chances. Lots and lots of stuff going on in the next 6 weeks...a little travel, lots of training miles, birthdays, a move, a half-marathon and 2 marathons. All of this on top of going into the busiest time of the year for work. I love it though. A year ago I was answering the phones...and staying in on the weekends. What a difference a year makes!

2006-09-13T08:47:00.000-04:00

The next generation...

This is Jack and Anne Dotzler. Aren't they cute? Katie is the first of my high school friends to get married and have babies (with #3 on the way!) We called ourselves 'The Poons' (don't know why...) at Regis; and we thought we were pretty hot. At least our children may truly be 'hot' I am hoping to see these little ones when I am in Chi-town for the marathon. Anne looks just like her Mommy.

Been a busy week so far...but discovered that iTunes has audiobooks last night! Downloaded the abridged version of 'Naked' by David Sedaris, and I am waiting for a preferred reading list from MB since she is good and actually reads books. I was half-tempted to download James Earl Jones reading the Bible...but passed-it scared me. It's almost time to impose an allowance again.

I get to go the Sioux Falls, South Dakota for my cousin, Tom's wedding this weekend. I am going to take all of Friday off and run my 18 miles before jumping on a plane...I am going to try and avoid running in SD on Sat. AM with Cory & Matt.

Still praying about my living situation. I am leaning toward Waugh's and saving at this point, but it changes daily. I have been able to save, but not as much as I had originally intended...time to refocus with the goal of being able to buy something!

2006-09-04T19:11:00.000-04:00

Even the inmates get to enjoy Labor Day

I really don't know why I have this strange fascination with the inmates that you can see from Noel's rooftop pool...but this is a little insight into their recess. Interesting dichotomy of sitting on the roof enjoying a big margarita and then looking at this...

This is a view of Baltimore's Super-Max Prison from Noel's pool...

The prisoners enjoying their 'recess'

2006-09-03T21:58:00.000-04:00

I ran 15 miles this morning...

I have never run that far; and I did it solo. Pretty cool, it was a beautiful, cool morning after a few days of rain. I combined 3 familiar routes into a solid, 'rolling' 15 miles---finished in a little under 3 hours. That puts me about pace for a 4:45 marathon. I am very comfortable and happy with that. I am hoping to under-promise and over-deliver on race day. But, we'll see.

Just finished visiting some old haunts with Noel...we were supposed to go to the movies, but instead caught up over a couple of pints of beer and some chips with melted blue cheese...an old favorite that I had completely forgotten about...

Look forward to the Labor Day posting of photos of the Super Max prisoners from Noel's roof...

2006-08-30T09:56:00.000-04:00

Things that I am loving right now...

My Red Coral Bead necklace that I bought from the Asian lady at Montgomery Mall yesterday...starting to introduce some red accents into my wardrobe.

My black and grey leopard print cardigan from Target

The new Under Armour running socks---the new fabric stays nice and super white and silky wash after wash

Beth Moore Study on the Book of Daniel

Radio Paradise!!!

New challenges at work-get to start doing broker trainings and client meetings on my own this week!

Moving into the 13+ miles for my long run on Saturday

2006-08-28T19:19:00.000-04:00

Annapolis Ten-Miler

The weekend was great! Started Saturday morning with a nice little drive to Annapolis to pick up my race packet for the Annapolis Ten-Miler on Sunday morning. Proceeded to spend the afternoon at my favorite pool in Baltimore with Noel with a nice big margarita, some mindless magazines and my favorite view of the prisoners in SuperMax prison...I will post a pic next weekend, because it is hilarious---you get a bird's eye view right into the center courtyard where they let the well behaved prisoners come out for a bit of fresh air...went to church and enjoyed the house to myself for weekend as Garianne was at the beach celebrating Marianne's 50th.

Woke up at 4 on Sunday morning to get ready for the '8th most popular 10-miler in the world' or something like that race in Annapolis. Earlier in the week I bribed my new friend Ed to run the race with me. (Ed is a very fast runner who can easily run a 7:00 mile with the greatest of ease...he took pity on me and ran with me...the entire race) It was fun; we talked, and ran a good race. I failed to ever look at a course elevation because the race fit the criteria: good premium and good food/free beer post race. I really wish that I would have known that the course was incredibly challenging and it was great to have the encouragement of another to keep me going. It was slightly reminiscent of Austin; but it was about 50 degrees warmer and mostly uphill. We ran into someone from Ed's gym after the race who asked him if he was just jogging or had an injury because he was running much slower than normal. Ended the race experience back in Baltimore at the Nautilus Diner with Chipped Beef and over easy eggs...then a nice long nap!

Susan got back from Germany last night; Noel and I picked her up and it was great to see her. I have been so very blessed by the additional of these two women in my life over the past few months. Truly, truly an answer to prayer and proof of God's continued presence in my life. They make a possible DC move a lot harder. I was told this weekend that we appear to be 'high maintenance and intimidating' I thought that was hilarious because we are anything but high maintenance, I could take slightly intimidating...Anyway, this high maintenance crew is going to West Virginia on Sunday to go tubing---I am sure that there will be many colorful characters floating on the Shenandoah river...it's an all day combo-trip with flat water and rapids! Looking forward to it!

2006-08-23T21:20:00.000-04:00

Step into my office...

this is 495...it's a really good day if I go 15 miles an hour
this is my desk
i know, it's impressive...
some of my pictures...very tastefully displayed.

2006-08-23T20:35:00.000-04:00

My Morning Commute...

ready to go...

my morning stop...

my new ghetto stereo

$1.89/day

2006-08-22T09:11:00.000-04:00

525,600 minutes since I last had a....

It's almost hard to believe that it's been a year since I quit smoking! This is a huge anniversary for me. I am very proud of myself, but I could not have done it without all of the support of my family & friends.

2006-08-21T10:05:00.000-04:00

68 Days, 13 hours & 57 minutes...

until the Marathon...that is scary. I have been slacking in the areas of mid-week training and my homework for my bible study. The past two weeks have been a blur for both of the aforementioned. I have been managing my long-runs. I need to get the fire lit for both; and I am starting today. It's difficult to manage my time when I get home after working in DC all day; I just want to have a glass of wine and watch Project Runway. GRRR...

Mom was in town this weekend for a short visit. It was nice to spend time together without an agenda. She likes to have projects; and we did not have any...so that gave way to some unstructured time. (Note to self: Don't do that again) I got to run a good chunk of the second half of the Baltimore Marathon course yesterday. Again, I am so glad that I am not running that marathon. It was super-hilly; starting at what would be mile 17 to about mile 23 or so on the actual marathon. No bueno! I also have a bone to pick because I think that the marathon casts Baltimore in a bad light. Once you reach Mile 2 you are essentially in the West Side ghetto....then again near the end of the race you run through the East Side ghetto...and yesterday it smelled really bad. I think they need to restructure the course to put Baltimore in the best light that it can.

But, the upside to the run was that I met a new running group; the Running/Walking/Eating/Volunteering Group...I am going to run with them from now on.

This thing is getting wonky...and I should probably get back to work.

2006-08-14T08:57:00.000-04:00

Not quite time to pack the U-Haul

I am slightly frustrated and tired on this lovely August morning. Overall, I had a pretty good weekend. Started Saturday AM with the dead battery; so another 'grown-up' purchase and a stereo that does not work (apparently the geniuses that designed my Civic have some stupid security lock when the power is disconnected from the stereo... and unless you know your security code you have to take the stereo out to get the serial number from the stereo; call Honda and get the security code...now I ask you, if you STOLE the stereo you would be able to call and get the code---makes no sense what so ever---this morning my commute consisted of my iPod hooked up to a camping speaker)

So, I get a new battery installed and venture down to DC to look at a share house in NW DC, the girls were cool, the neighborhood was unbelievable and the price was awesome---but they picked someone else! I am sort of bummed because I really would have liked to have the opportunity to move Labor Day weekend. I am always looked over and guided, so this was not the right place; but it still stinks because I really loved it. Back to the anxiety table. I have to continue to pray about where I am go...

Enjoyed the incredible weather on Saturday night grilling out with Susan, Noel and Gary even endured an evening with the girls. Although, I have also learned that I can only maybe have a beer the night before a run. Margaritas are not very good pre-run.

I took advantage of another awesome day and headed north to close to the PA state line and had an OK 12.5 miler on a trail along the Gunpowder river, it was really pretty and I enjoy taking some time away from pounding the concrete in the city, and my body really appreciates it! I have not run with my group for 3 weeks...but I am keeping up with my mileage and not missing my long runs. Next weekend I have another supported training run on the Baltimore marathon course...I feel better because there are lots of people that run my pace...and I don't feel like the slowest 29 year-old runner in the world.

2006-08-11T14:42:00.000-04:00

Radio Paradise...

A couple of years ago my very cool BF introduced to a wonderful little streaming website: www.radioparadise.com I was instantly hooked, but also could not fully relate to the lifeline of music that Radio Paradise could provide working in a cubicle. It has only been over the course of the past couple of weeks that I remembered the beauty of RP after listening to every song on my iPod at least 100 times...

Sadly, MBRox's company no longer allows access to streaming radio...and actually KAIG 'strongly discourages' streaming radio, but who cares about clogging up the network when there is good music to listen to!

2006-08-10T10:27:00.000-04:00

Moving....again!

I have been blessed...and I truly mean blessed to live with the Waugh's for the past year. I have learned a lot about life, marriage, being a Christian and having a family on the East Coast. I never would have imagined that living in a basement could have been so life-changing. Well...they are selling their house-it went on the market yesterday. (Sidenote---getting a house ready to sell IS NOT as much fun, or as easy as it looks on HGTV with a fabulous gay man rearranging and organizing your stuff, and now I have to make my bed every morning before I leave for work) I have the option to move with them; or make a big move. I love them, and I love my friends (really only Susan and Noel)

I am leaning to the big move to DC at this time---It's sort of scary and could happen pretty quickly. I realized after de-cluttering my stuff, I don't really have a lot of things so I could move pretty quickly. I looked at a great place in Northern VA on Monday and taking a look at a share house in NW DC on Saturday. I am excited about the NW house---I would only have to be on 495 for 3 miles!!! DC is such a cultural melting pot and the girls in NW house sound very diverse, one is a Spanish professor, one is a law student and the other a young-pro...could be pretty cool. I am very worried with my questionable credit history that I won't be able to 'do it'

Work is work, and I still love it. Training is alright---I feel like I am in a lull right now, and I am very, very anxious about getting all my long runs in, a possible move and I have some travel, too...the weekend of my 18-miler I have to go to stinking South Dakota for my cousin's wedding----I guess I can trail behind Cory & Matt...

Be sure to check out Dylan's Nicaragua blog link----he just spent another awesome week in Nicaragua on a missions trip working with orphans and underprivileged children. I have a heart for children, but I truly cannot relate to the depth of the poverty. There are actually cities in a dump.

Also, if you are so inclined check out Cory or Matt's charity runner webpages. They are running the Chicago Marathon for the third time, this will be the second year they are running with the American Cancer Society Charity Runners. This is a nice, tasteful charity organization (read: NO TIT obnoxious 'mentors' and 'coaches' on the race course) and if you make a donation they will wear a ribbon with the name of your loved one that has been affected by cancer and wear it on race day..pretty cool. Our family loves the ACS!

http://register.charityrunner.org/site/TR?px=1074045&pg=personal&fr_id=1050 Cory's site
http://register.charityrunner.org/site/TR?px=1073105&pg=personal&fr_id=1050 Matt's site

2006-07-27T17:53:00.000-04:00

I love that I can post photos...this is from the 4th of July with my friends Noel and Susan...this is from Noel's roof in downtown Baltimore. She lives on the edge of the 'gayborhood' and the real 'hood. There is a pool on the roof & we spent the day there with a bunch of old queens in speedos who were smoking and drinking beer out of cans...then you can look out of one side of the pool directly into the outdoor yard in the super-max prison...I love Baltimore.

2006-07-27T12:26:00.000-04:00

I don't feel good today...I slept in and came in really late today. Am I being productive now? Not at all. I am really enjoying my job now. I have been all over the DC area the past couple of weeks and I am getting comfortable driving in DC---it's been a good couple of weeks; I have not gotten lost in a while.

I have driven through a lot of the marathon route----it's an awesome course.

Of course, as I say this it will happen. I am starting to actively look at moving; it's exciting, it's scary...it's just amazing that an area that is only 35 miles from the place that I have called home for the past 11 years is a completely different and cosmospolitan world. It's time to get out of my comfort zone and start living a little more in the right ways. My prayers right now are that I find a place that allows me to continue to save money and live my 'healthy' life, I also pray that I find some girls that are 'real' down here. It's a very materialistic culture and I cannot fall into that pit. Lots of stuff going on.

It's amazing to me that a only a year ago I could not pay my bills; I was a heavy smoker...and if I would have continued to live alone would have probably started needing some serious therapy. My job sucked and I was really unhappy. God works in ways that I cannot truly wrap my pea brain around. So...I have this great job, lots of opportunity, a strong faith, I am taking care of my physical and emotional health, and I have a loving family and some great friends...I am blessed and ready for what's next.

2006-07-24T09:53:00.000-04:00

My beautiful Sister!
Happy family---bad bridesmaid dress
Wrigley Field

2006-07-24T08:35:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my new blog! This is a little more exciting and I can post photos...I actually set the dang thing up last week before MB made the switch; but just got the time to make my debut post.

I have had a couple of really good weekends. The photos below are from the wedding in Chicago that I attempted to post on my LJ...Cory sang the National Anthemn at the Cubs game on Sunday night; that was a highlight of the weekend, and it was really cool to have her name on the scoreboard at Wrigley Field! Cory & Matt leave for Ukraine on Wednesday for the Wedding Party for Olena's family...then onto Italy. I cannot wait to hear all of the stories.

I made a significant mileage increase this weekend from 9 miles last Saturday to 13 miles. It was actually the first half of the Baltimore Marathon. It was pretty cool to run through some neighborhoods that normally I just drive through...or actually you don't really ever want to drive through unless you know where you are going. Part of my heart is truly in West Baltimore and the incredible need in that area of the city. St. Luke's is in a good part of the bad ghetto. We ran through one of the only remaining sets of true projects in Baltimore City on Saturday morning. Because of the intense heat over the past couple weeks a lot people were already outside at 7:30 in the morning, looking at us like we were crazy-which we are. Although I have been involved in that area of the city for almost 2 years, it slaps me in the face and grounds me. I have no reason to get upset that an overpriced pair of jeans at the Nordstrom anniversary sale does not fit quite right.

I spent the remainder of the weekend relaxing, and I actually feel really good today considering the soreness that I felt in my knees and right hip yesterday. Dylan was also home for the weekend; and it was great to spend a little time with him. Last night at dinner Gary & Marianne told me that they are going to start to look for another house and move...interesting, interesting, interesting. I am excited and it makes my move a little easier, I guess. There is no timeline for their move, but something that they are feeling lead to start exploring...so I guess I'll move when they move. I am kicking myself for every bad financial decision that I have made up to this point in my life, because I would love to be able to buy a place in DC...but it is so expensive.