Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Did YOU Vote?

Ryan and I woke up very early this morning, excited to cast our Presidental primary vote before work. During the 2004 Presidental elections, we waited over an hour to vote (in November). So we got there shortly after the polls opened (6am) so I wouldn't be late for work. To our surprise, there were only about 8 people (including workers) there! Also very surprising, they ask you what party you're voting for and give you a red or blue card to hand to the person to set up the machine, before you can go to the booth. I didn't want to tell them what party, for fear they'd wipe out my vote or something, but of course I complied.



Because I had a lot of extra time to spare, we went to Starbucks for some coffee and chatted about politics. There were many other people there who had the "I Voted" stickers on...good day for Starbucks! I should get up that early more often - it was a great start to my day! Nothing goes better with exercising your American rights than coffee!

Get out there and VOTE, if you haven't already!!!

Monday, February 11, 2008

A Little Something to Write About...

We've been waiting what seems like an eternity to post this...Ryan and I are going to have a baby!!! The baby is due around August 20th. He/She is actually measuring a little larger than the due date, but only 5 days or so. In the picture below, you can only see the baby's head and torso, but we got to see the arms, legs, hands, feet and brain too.




We had the first set of genetics tests completed today, and the baby looks great. It was wiggling and bouncing around in there so much that Ryan said the sporatic movements looked like the South Park characters.


We can find out the baby's gender at the end of March, but for now we are just guessing. You can participate in guessing of the details of the birth too - Check out this cool site: http://www.expectnet.com/ Game Name: Baby_Gibbens

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Just VOTE!

Just a friendly reminder to all our fellow Potomac-area voters - get out there and VOTE on Tuesday! Polls are open from 6am to 7pm in Virginia and 7am to 8pm in DC and Maryland, so you have no excuse not to vote...

What's Going On?

Nothing much, but we did have a fun weekend. Too bad it is nearly over!

We went to two super-cool wine parties last night, one at my co-worker Leah's new house and one at Sandi and Shawn's. Leah and Pat have Rock Band. I've been eagerly waiting to play this game since I first heard about it, so I made Leah drag it out so I could try it. It was SO much fun! I love the karoke part, Ryan was addicted to the guitar, neither of us seemed to be coordinated enough for the drums. And of course the company was great at both parties - thanks for the invites, guys. We can't wait to do it again! It sure was nice to get out and about, as we haven't been doing that much lately.

Today, we got up early and ran our weekly errands before I headed to my friend Kate's Baby Shower. Boy, did the ladies who threw the party know what they were doing or what! Everything was gorgeous and delicious!

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Calling Expert Bloggers...

I need some help! I was asked to create and keep up with a "website" (which I chose to make into a blog) for our neighborhood. I have to kick it off with a presentation at our annual home owner's meeting, the first week in February. I've been working on it since November, and I think it is almost ready to go. But I need an honest evaluation or two...please tell me what you would or would not like from your neighborhood's blog. I sure would appreciate your help. Please leave your comments on this post rather than that blog. Thanks!

http://www.saddleroaks.blogspot.com/

Note: I don't have all the bylaws finished yet.

Time for an Update

It's been almost two weeks since I've updates the blog...not because I've nothing to talk about, but because I've been lazy and a little busy too. We've seen two movies (Charlie Wilson's War - which I give 4 1/2 stars and There Will be Blood, which is worthy of about 4 stars on my scale), I've had my third photography course, Ryan held a wine tasting, and we attended a super-cool Korean event.

Since most of those events are self-explanatory, I'll focus briefly on the Korean event. One of Ryan's accounts held a huge 25th year celebration on Tuesday, and they invited us to attend. They spoke only in Korean and translated into Spanish on a large screen. It was a fantastic party, despite not having a clue what was happening. Everyone was so excited, that we couldn't help but get excited about their enthusiasm (I suppose due to the success of the company for the past 25 years). We ate a nice dinner, much of which I couldn't eat because no one could tell me if it had shellfish in it or not. So I ate lots of rice balls, but mmm...were they yummy! If you've never had rice balls, you should find a Korean event to attend because they are delicious. We accidentally took the Employee Oath by raising our hand when everyone else did, which was pretty funny. They played 2001 Space Odyssey and Hail to the Queen during the formal presentations, which was pretty cool (and a little funny) too. The speeches were the most motivating I've ever heard, and I couldn't understand even one word of them. I'm so glad we were invited to take part in the event because I've never experienced anything like it, and I've never seen anyone so happy about their success. I was happy for them and flattered to be a guest!

That sums up the not-so-boring stuff we've been up to over the past week and a half. So, now that you're all caught up, I'll try harder to keep up.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Photography Class 2

Tonight was my second photography class. It was better than the last, and I think it will continue to get better now that we've learned the basics. We will start practicing and experimenting with that knowledge now. I'm learning some little tricks about how to set up the shots. I have my eye on some pretty cool gadgets (many are inexpensive, believe it or not). I'm also learning how to create my own "gadgets" so I don't have to purchase the expensive ones just yet. I think my first investment needs to be a flash and the accessories (gadgets) that enhance the use of the flash.

I've learned that if I take my time, I have a good handle on composition. But I need to work on using those manual options with more confidence (it currently takes me a long time to set up the shot on my camera manually). I also need to work on getting those shots quicker, because I don't always have time to physically set up the shot or shoot it 25 times.

My second assignment is to show "emotion" in 2 images. I already have a plan for that one...and many of my friends will be my subjects this weekend, but they don't know it yet! This should be a fun assignment.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

What Will Google Think of Next?

A co-worker, even more interested in the education world than I am, sent me a link to the description of Google's new invention, a "knol" (unit of knowledge). It is intended to be 'the first thing a person would want to read' about a topic they know nothing about. It's a web page that provides basic knowledge about any topic. Other people can comment on it, use it like a wiki (with the author's permission), or even peer review or rate the knol. It's a really cool idea and opens the door to more than just wikis.

When I read the article, it almost instantly made me start thinking about the possibilities of knols and if I know enough about any topic to actually create a knol. Apparently you have to be invited to be able to use it at this point, but it should be open to the public soon.

I would love to be surrounded by the people who work for Google. They motivate me just by reading about their ideas, I can't imagine how cool it would be to take part in the history I think they'll one day make (and likely already have). I can't wait to try this tool!

Google's news release: http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2007/12/encouraging-people-to-contribute.html

Wikipedia's definition of a knol: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knol

Example of a knol: http://www.google.com/help/knol_screenshot.html

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Photography Class

In December, my friend Leah asked if I wanted to take a Digital Photography class with her. In the meantime, Leah has been working on a business plan for our photography business in the future. I'm not sure she knows me well enough to actually want to work with me, but the prospects of a career change are oh so fun to dream about. "They say" a person changes careers an average of 4 times by the time they are 40. I'm only on number 2, so it's a very possible option...can you say "work from home" and "keep own hours," I happen to be very fond of those phrases!

Anyway, our first class was tonight, in Arlington. I have to say it was more fun getting out on a Wednesday night than actually paying attention to the class, but I think it'll get better after the instructor gets past telling us all about what he does and likes. I have already learned a lot. He gave us over twenty pages of handouts to help us learn more about what we discussed tonight. I'm excited for my homework assignment (capturing "lines" in an image), and I'll post it here before next Wednesday.

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Bowling?

Rob, Ryan, Rory, Amy and I spent yesterday afternoon bowling. It was too cold to do much else...and what a better way to end Rory and Amy's visit than a friendly competition. We had a lot of fun! We went to dinner at Jasmine Garden and came back to our place to play Settlers of Catan. If you enjoy games, it's a new favorite so you'll likely be forced to play it soon enough.

Here are some interesting poses I caught on camera. The final image is my highest score of the day (note: It happened in the first two frames of the first game - it was all down hill from there).

Rob
Ryan
Rory
Amy
whoa!

Rory and Amy Visit!

Ryan's brother, Rory and his lovely wife, Amy visited from Oregon over the holiday season. We haven't seen them since our wedding, nearly a year and a half ago. We really miss having them around to play games, lead ever-interesting and thought-provoking discussions, and just hang out. We spent a fair amount of time with them up until they moved to Oregon in the summer of 2006...and can't wait to have them back on the east coast in the next couple of years! We miss you guys already!

Rory and Amy
Could anyone tell them apart if Rob had a beard?



Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Happy New Year!

We spent New Years Eve (and day) with our friends Tommy and Amy and their 7 month old, LT. We had a great time hanging out, playing games and getting to know the little guy. He's so awesome! Big Tommy even helped Ryan take down our Christmas tree on New Years Day so I didn't have to. Thanks Tommy! It was great to see you guys!


Little Tommy


This is the floor around the tree
after Ryan and Tommy stripped off the
decorations -yikes!

Tommy and Ryan, trying to minimize
the mess while removing the tree

My friend Leah and Ryan's brother Rory inspired me to think about the things I want to accomplish throughout the next year. No losing weight this year! But here is my top ten list of things I plan to work toward for the next 12 months:

Top 10 New Years Resolutions

10. Spend less time on the computer
9. Gain more confidence in the kitchen
8. Lead a more healthy lifestyle (healthy diet, exercise and sleep more than 6 hours every night)
7. Keep plants alive (when I buy new ones in the spring...cause all mine are dead...again!)
6. Spend less money on things I don't really need
5. "If I can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all"
4. Get organized
3. Be more patient
2. Attend church more regularly (with purpose)
1. Volunteer at least once a month

I hope everyone has a wonderful year ahead! Happy New Year!

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Christmas 2007

Ryan and I had a fantastic Christmas in Uniontown. We spent all of our time hanging out with family. We hung out with my dad (can't believe it, but I forgot to take pictures of us there), making homemade bread and yule logs. We visited almost all of the Rice's and Ryan and I cooked Christmas Eve dinner and enjoyed it with them. I still can't believe my grandma actually cooks for this many people weekly. I'm very lucky to come from a family that still lives within 5 miles of each other and actually get together on a weekly basis. I miss it so much! We also spent some time with my brothers and sisters, which was great since I haven't seen them much over the past year. I really missed everyone...and didn't want to come home. I suppose that's when you know you had a great time, when you don't want it to end. I already miss everyone terribly. Thanks for such a wonderful Christmas, everyone! We're looking forward to it again next year! This is definitely not everyone...I missed most of the adults in these photos.

The Rice Family Christmas


Our appetizer spread...yummy!

Pap-pap Rice

Gram with Gabbi, Dylan and Timmy
getting ready to sing "Happy Birthday Jesus"

Ryan and my brother, Evan

Anne, Logan, Gabbi and Maddi

Youngest Rice's - Gabbi and Logan

Terah, Logan and Jerry

TJ
Tristan and Emily

Tori


Spending time with siblings...

my sister Andrea with her boyfriend Frank

my sister Tara and niece Becca

Charlie, brother"-in-law"
doesn't he just look fun?

my brother, Ryan
nephew, Christian
and niece, Becca


Yes, Robert...I know this post is too long and has too many pictures. You know I'm a "rule" breaker! :-)

Thursday, December 27, 2007

If I were a Rich Man...

I am one of those traditionalists who believe I should tip a little or a little extra during the holidays, but my more realistic husband disagrees...strongly. So I decided to try to find the protocol to back up my arguement for next year. There was not much solid information out there, but I did find this site...and all I can say is we'd be broke! Will I ever find a happy medium?

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/Advice/TheFineArtOfHolidayTipping.aspx?page=1

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

No Surprises Here!

My coworker went to a training course and shared the Myers-Briggs test she took. So I found one that seems pretty darn good, just for fun and free online. Ryan and I both took the test, and it was pretty darn accurate. I learned a lot about my husband and also that we really are complete opposites. I have a new understanding for why some of the things he does bug the crap out of me (and vice-versa I'm sure).

Below you'll find a summary of our personalities. You'll have to check it out for yourself! Please let us know what your personality type is. While it's not a completely new concept to me, I have a new found fascination with it!

http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp

Ryan has personality type: INTP - Portrait of the Architect

Strength of the preferences:
Introverted 33%
Intuitive 75%
Thinking 25%
Perceiving 56%

One of the tip offs that a person is an INTP an obsession with logical correctness. Errors are not often due to poor logic, but usually a result of overlooking details or incorrect context. INTPs are pensive, analytical and may venture so deeply into thought as to seem detached, and often actually are oblivious to the world around them. Precise about their descriptions, INTPs will often correct others (or be sorely tempted to) if the shade of meaning is a bit off. INTPs are relatively easy-going and amenable to anything until their principles are violated, when they may become outspoken and inflexible. They prefer a reserved albeit benign ambiance, not wishing to make spectacles of themselves. A major concern for INTPs is the haunting sense of impending failure. They spend considerable time second-guessing themselves. The open-endedness conjoined with the need for competence is expressed in a sense that one's conclusion may well be met by an equally plausible alternative solution, and that, after all, one may very well have overlooked some critical bit of data. An INTP arguing a point may very well be trying to convince himself as much as his opposition. Mathematics is a system where many INTPs love to play, similarly languages, and any complex systems. Understanding, exploring, mastering, and manipulating systems can overtake the INTP's conscious thought. This fascination for logical wholes and their inner workings is often expressed in a detachment from the environment, a concentration where time is forgotten and extraneous stimuli are held at bay. Accomplishing a task or goal with this knowledge is secondary. They especially enjoy games...including Risk, Bridge, Stratego, Chess, and word games. Famous INTPs (take note they're all men): Socrates, Descartes, Pascal, Sir Isaac Newton, James Madison, John Quincy Adams, Gerald Ford, Albert Einstein, Henri Mancini, Bob Newhart, Rick Moranis (Honey, I Shrunk The Kids) and Tiger Woods

Erin has personality type: ENFJ - Portrait of the Teacher

Strength of the preferences:
Extroverted 11%
Intuitive 38%
Feeling 50%
Judging 100%

ENFJs are idealists, abstract in thought and speech, cooperative in achieving goals, and directive and extroverted in interpersonal relations. They like to have things settled and arranged, preferring to plan engagements ahead of time and are absolutely reliable in honoring commitments. ENFJs are the benevolent 'pedagogues' of humanity. ENFJs are very much at home in complex situations which require the juggling of much data with little pre-planning, often dreaming up, effortlessly and endlessly, activities for groups to engage in, and stimulating roles for members of the group to play. Even as children, the ENFJs may attract other children ready to follow their lead and lead without seeming to do so. ENFJs expect the very best of those around them, and this expectation, usually expressed as enthusiastic encouragement, motivates action in others and the desire to live up to their expectations. ENFJs take for granted that their expectations will be met, their implicit commands obeyed, never doubting that people will want to do what they suggest. And, more often than not, people do, because of the extraordinary charisma. ENFJs value harmonious human relations above all else, can handle people with charm and concern, and are usually popular. ENFJs are not social as educational leaders, but are interested primarily in the personal growth and development of others, and less in attending to their social needs. ENFJs bring infectious energy to their intimate relationships, and they make passionate and delightfully creative companions. However, the intensity of their wishes can create interpersonal conflict. They can overwhelm loved ones with exuberance, that everyone wants to be helped along the path of self-discovery. Then, when their loved ones resist their pressure or fail to meet idealistic expectations, they can feel frustrated, disillusioned, or even betrayed by the persons they care most about. ENFJs believe in their dreams, and see themselves as helpers and enablers, which they usually are. The ENFJs focus is expansive, often juggling an amazing number of responsibilities simultaneously and have a tremendous entrepreneurial ability. They are apt to neglect themselves and their own needs for the needs of others. ENFJs often take on more of the burdens of others than they can bear. ENFJs are found in no more than 2 or 3 percent of the population. Famous ENFJ's: Lincoln, Reagan, Pope John Paul II, Maslow, Ross Perot, Sean Connery, Dick Van Dyke, Andy Griffith, Craig T. Nelson, Diane Sawyer, Randy Quaid, Tommy Lee Jones, Kirstie Alley, Michael Jordan, Johnny Depp, Oprah Winfrey, Bob Saget, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Ben Stiller, Peyton Manning, Matthew McConaughey, Ben Affleck, and John Cusack; TRADEMARK: "The first shall be last"

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Plowing My Way to Work

So who do you suppose is in charge of keeping up the roads when it snows? Could it be the Virginia Dept. of Transportation? I wonder if they got that memo? And exactly how much advance notice do they need to do their job...because I knew last Saturday that it was going to snow today. I'm so glad our car tax of $600 per year is put to good use! Are you freaking kidding me?

Let me back up...since last Saturday, I had planned to wake up this morning a little early in case it started to snow because it would cause traffic to move a little slower. I didn't leave the house as early as I'd hoped, but I left for work at 7:00am to be there by 8:00. It had in fact started to snow, but there was less than 1/4 inch on the ground. The roads were a little icy, particularly in the neighborhoods so I knew it would be slow, but I had no idea what I was actually in for over the next couple of hours.

As I made the second turn away from house, I suddenly realized that my worst nightmare was about to occur. There was one car turned sideways in the middle of the road and another slid around it. When I approached 267, the toll road 25 minutes later (2 miles), I realized it was going to be a long morning. ...deep breaths and Christmas music were my plan to keep calm.

When all was said and done, I had traveled exactly 10.8 miles in exactly 1 hour and 45 minutes, which means that my average speed was 6.17mph. After those initial 10.8 miles, my final 8 miles went much more smoothly because it hadn't begun to snow much inside the beltway and everyone was stuck on the highways. I had decided to take a few back roads when I could. My final trip time was 2 hours and 20 minutes to drive 18 miles!

Along the way this morning, I saw 11 accidents, ranging from fender benders to cars that had spun 180 degrees and crashed into the Jersey Wall, to an SUV that was completely flipped over (I wonder how fast that guy was going). It was by far the craziest traffic morning I'd ever witnessed. It was honestly like something from an 'end of the world' movie!

After VDOT received much of the blame for the nightmare traffic, for neglecting to be proactive (ultimately they were stuck in the same traffic everyone else was because they decided to start treating the roads after rush hour had started and there were accidents all over the place...really smart guys), they reported that they don't treat the roads until after it starts to snow. I suppose that translates to after several serious accidents have occurred.


We now have several inches of snow and the temperatures are dropping into the 20's tonight. And did you know they don't actually plow anything in Virginia, they just throw sand with some chemicals on top of it...you know, so it can be a big frozen mess in the morning. I can't wait until tomorrow morning! At least Ryan is taking me to work so we can crawl in the HOV lanes where most of the accidents occur because people drive way too fast.

At least the snow is peaceful and beautiful - I do love the snow...I just love it more in Pennsylvania where they know what to do with it and people know how to drive in it.

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Chistmas Outside Pictures

Heading out to Ryan's work Christmas party, after
a long day of decorating the outside of the house






Where's Ryan?


Oh, on the roof!
Our house, all decorated for the holidays.
The hard work was definately worth it!
Our Christmas Moose, isn't he cute?
His head turns side to side.



Christmas In-House Pictures

I made a wreath for the door, but it is too thick to allow
the door to close and too heavy for the wreath holder
to hold it...still working on it.

Foyer

Stairs


Our tree - check out the angel, she's as big as the tree!

Living Room

Even the TV gets decorations...since we don't have a mantle.
Dining Room Table Centerpiece - I made that too...
Everything needs a decoration -
No, we haven't turned it on.






Sunday, December 2, 2007

Great Weekend

We had a great weekend, and I actually feel pretty relaxed today. On Friday, I did my monthly deep cleaning and we put up our Christmas Tree, hence the awful rash all over my hands and arms from the annual allergy in our home, wouldn't be the same without it! This year's tree is much larger than those we've had in the past. The angel comes a quarter inch below the ceiling. I'm still not quite finished decorating, but nearly there.

On Friday evening, we went to JT and Silvana's to meet her friends and parents, which was really nice.

Saturday we decorated the outside of the house all day. It was so awesome to have a house to decorate. It was not anywhere near as annoying as most claim, but I can see how it may be after a few years. Ryan worked his butt off to hang lights from the gutters and windows. I did the bushes, the porch pillars and the window ledges. I actually got on a ladder! The place looks pretty good if I do say so myself. We're hoping to spark a healthy neighborhood competition. I'll post pictures of all the decorations and lights once I download them from my camera.

On Saturday evening we went to Ryan's work Christmas party which was fun as usual. There weren't as many people as past years, particularly from Ryan's team, but Connie and Jelani were there since Jelani works for Ryan's company now, so the conversation was interesting at least.

Yesterday we parted ways so that Ryan could hang out with Rob for the day in DC and I could go help create Connie and Jelani's baby-registry with Connie and Sandi. We both had a really relaxing day and we met later in the evening so we could have a bite to eat and watch the first half of the Steeler game (at Glory Days in Reston). Then we headed home to watch the rest of the game. The Steelers didn't look so hot, but they got the job done I suppose. At least the defense was blocking for Ben this week and he even made a pretty cool touchdown (ahhh...Big Ben!). Willie Parker needed a break (3-5 fumbles - I lost count, 2 right in a row). They better step up their game next week and hope for a healthy Polamalu if they don't want to be embarrassed by New England. I have faith though!

I can't wait until next weekend - Friday I'm off to go shopping with my grandma, Saturday is shopping with the girlie's at Tyson's, and the Steelers' big game is on Sunday! Ahhh...the holidays!

Friday, November 30, 2007

Pictures

Here are the links to our Thanksgiving Activities:

Pretentious Thanksgiving - Nov. 17 -
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8BZM2zlq3csVY

Gibbens/Anderson Thanksgiving -
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8BZM2zlq3csU-&emid=sharview&linkid=link4

Rices on Thanksgiving Weekend, Logan's 1st Birthday Party -
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8BZM2zlq3csUc

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Call for Exceptional Websites

I'm designing a blog for our neighborhood, to go live in January. I've found some really cool sites to post on there, but I need more. Please send me links to sites that the typical American family may enjoy...things to do, vacations, home improvement, discounts/coupons, marriage, baby, shopping sites, etc. Give me your top three favorites, please!

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Greatest Website Ever!

I don't know about you, but I have a hard time telling people what I would like to have for holidays or birthdays and I also have a hard time deciding what others would ultimately like to have. Today I found a tool that solves all those problems - http://www.wishlist.com/!

With wishlist.com, you can do the normal stuff like browse the website to save items, type in what you want, but you can also save virtually anything you find on the Internet into your wish list quickly and easily (I did find a few favorite stores that I couldn't save stuff onto my wish list), and the coolest feature is you can take a picture of anything with your camera phone and email it to your wish list. How awesome is that? I know - you probably all already know about this site - but I didn't and I'm hooked! I just want to "wish list" stuff because it is so fun! Now if only I can convince Ryan to use it....

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Giving Thanks...

Thanksgiving is a time of reflection for me. I am genuinely so thankful for so many things, but I spend too much time complaining and wishing and not enough time giving thanks for all of the wonderful things in my life. Thanksgiving puts things back into perspective a little bit for me and it reminds me that I need to be more outwardly thankful everyday.

Just a few things I'm thankful for...

Family - I'm thankful for my husband, who loves me unconditionally, shows me every single day and makes me strive to be a better person; for my family who I appreciate so much, and have influenced my life more than they'll ever know; for the Gibbens and Anderson families who've opened their hearts to me and my family over the past 5 years...I couldn't ask for a more special family!

Friends - Old friends and new, I'm so thankful to have each and every one in my life; for Connie and Kate who are expecting...and expanding our friends.

Health - I'm thankful for the health of Ryan and I, as well as my family and friends.

Freedom and Knowledge - I'm thankful that I have the freedom and the knowledge to make decent choices and good sense to carry out my daily activities for the benefit of all.

Opportunity - I'm thankful for each and every opportunity that comes my way...in my career, my personal life and with each opportunity I get to spend time with family and friends.

I’m Thankful for You
Thanksgiving is the appointed time
for focusing on the good in our lives.
In each of our days, we can find small blessings,
but too often we overlook them,
choosing instead to spend our time
paying attention to problems.
We give our energy
to those who cause us trouble
instead of those who bring peace.
Starting now, let’s be on the lookout
for the bits of pleasure in each hour,
and appreciate the people who
bring love and light to everyone
who is blessed to know them.
You are one of those people.
On Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for you.
~Author Unknown
More Than A Day
As Thanksgiving Day rolls around,
It brings up some facts, quite profound.
We may think that we're poor, feel like bums,
insecure, but in truth, our riches astound.
We have friends and family we love;
We have guidance from heaven above.
We have so much more
Than they sell in a store,
We're wealthy, when push comes to shove.
So add up your blessings, I say;
Make Thanksgiving last more than a day.
Enjoy what you've got;
Realize it's a lot,
And you'll make all your cares go away.
~Author unknown
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Recap of Pretentious Thanksgiving

I guess it's been a while since I've communicated with outside world via this blog, but things have been a bit hectic. However, on Saturday we finally took a break from the daily grind for the most anticipated event of the year - Pretentious Thanksgiving.

Our good friends Sandi and Shawn began Pretentious Thanksgiving the weekend before Thanksgiving in 2005 and it has become a tradition. Sandi enjoys cooking nice meals, so they decided to host a several-course meal (with high end ingredients) with wine pairings for each course, and invite friends to share in the event. It apparently sounded a little pretentious in the planning stages because the name stuck and so did the pretentiousness, as you may notice in the pictures.

Shawn and Sandi just bought a house on Oct. 29th and have been moving in and planning this event in that short period of time. I have to say, you'd never know they pulled it all together in a rush, because it was sensational. This was the first year we've been able to attend...and we had no idea what we were missing! I put it on our calendar last year (literally) so we wouldn't plan anything. So, please don't anticipate us ever doing anything the Saturday before Thanksgiving, because I'm not missing out on this event again...

It was seriously phenomenal, like you'd get at a five star restaurant and of course the company was terrific as usual! Every morsel of food was scrumptious, but my favorite was the pumpkin ginger bisque with the Gewurztraminer. Ryan even said it was the most perfect pairing he's ever had. The Sweet Potato Galette with Viognier was great too. This was the first Viognier I've ever enjoyed. I wonder if I liked it because it was paired so well?

Check out the menu:

Course 1 - Pumpkin and Ginger Bisque. Pairing: Gewurztraminer, Alsace
Course 2 - Sweet Potato Galette. Pairing: Viognier, Virginia
Course 3 - Farm Raised Turkey with Wild Mushroom Stuffing. Pairing: Pinot Noir, Oregon
Course 4 - Haricots Verts with Roquefort and Walnuts. Pairing: Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington
Course 5 - Cranberry Orange Brioche Pudding. Pairing: Sauternes, Bordeaux

I will post pictures as soon as I get them off my camera, which is packed for our Thanksgiving weekend trip.

Monday, November 5, 2007

Week 2

I just got home from my Weight Watchers meeting. I thought I did very well, even better than the first week. I drank more water each day than I usually do in a week, exercised every day except yesterday, walked for hours on Saturday, avoided the Halloween candy, and avoided most of the bad stuff this weekend while my family was here (I did have two small pieces of homemade pizza). I only lost .2 pounds. So I guess it's a new goal for next week to get back on track and try to be more conscious of portion sizes, as I really think that's my biggest issue.

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Family Weekend

We had a great weekend hanging out with my family. The weather was perfect, so we walked along the Mall for over 5 hours yesterday. Everyone was exhausted last night. When we got back to our house, we ate pizzas for over two hours. Maddi and Tori and I made cookies and Dylan helped with the popcorn. Poor Gabbi was exhausted - she was asking for pizza and to go to bed by 5:00pm, we hadn't even left the city yet. We watched Goonies later in the evening because the kids had never seen it.

We loved having everyone here - and the kids were so great! I really miss having my family around to hang out with on the weekends. The past 24 hours reminded me a lot of what it was like living at home. It was nice! Thanks for traveling so far to share the weekend with us, everyone!

Here are some photos, many of which Maddi took throughout the day - and some that I took of the kids acting silly: share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8BZM2zlq3csTA




Friday, November 2, 2007

It's So Exciting!

We are expecting visitors tomorrow...many of them have never visited us before, so it's exciting! My grandparents, my brother Evan (who've been here once or twice, but never to our new place) and my Uncle Todd and his kids - Tori, Maddi, Dylan and Gabbi are all coming tomorrow morning to visit for the night. We'll be packed to the gils, even rolling out the sleeping bags and air mattresses for the occasion.

Tomorrow afternoon, we're going to DC to see the monuments and museums, since the kids have never been there and Todd can't remember being there. After the tour, we're going to make our own personal pizzas. Then the "adults" can relax from the long day while the "kids" (ie. me, Ryan, Evan and the real kids) make cookies and popcorn, and allow the little ones to take over the basement, play some games and watch movies all night long! Sunday I'm making homemade waffles for breakfast - they're so yummy. We'll likely go to church together before they all head home.

I love entertaining (particularly kids, because they get so excited), and of course I love when our families visit! I'll post a synopsis and pictures on Sunday...

Week #2: Mid-diet-week Update

All is well this week with the new way of eating. It's getting easier every day. I'm not nearly as hungry as I was last week. I don't even need all the veggies I bring to work to keep me away from the junk food.

Before Halloween, I made Ryan put the candy away because it was too difficult to resist (except for the Candy Corn because I hate it). On Halloween, I ate a few small tootsie rolls and at first they were yummy. I didn't really feel guilty because I had a few points to use, but I quickly realized I didn't really want them. It was a great feeling - one I've never experienced before actually. We now have our left over Halloween candy sitting on the counter, and I'm not tempted to eat it.

I increased the water successfully, but I think I'm going to hurl after the third bottle by noon. Just this morning I figured out that the bottle I've been drinking from is twice as big as I thought, so I've really increased my water.

I still need to get more exercise...but I've spent the last three evenings digging out my winter clothes, packing up the summer stuff, and cleaning the house from top to bottom, so I'm sure I got some exercise since I never sat down. But I'll keep working on that! More after the weigh in on Monday!