A Congressman just used the word "Malarkey" during his floor speech right now.
Such a great word. Props to you, Sir. Well done.
Of course, I have no idea what he was speaking on the floor about, but that point seems superfluous anyway.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Just Another Day at the Metro
My heart goes out to the young woman at the Metro today, who felt her boyfriend's emotional distance most acutely this morning. The poor girl was none too pleased with him or his (in)ability to communicate. If he'd tell her not to come tonight, she won't come - why won't he just tell her?? She seemed rather pained by his aloofness and silence. Her tear-filled eyes didn't look like they'd be able to hold back much longer; I'm sure the dam broke soon after my train sped away.
My heart also goes out to the boyfriend, who didn't seem to know how to respond to his girlfriend - and when he did, he responded with such a low, quiet voice, that I couldn't catch his side of the story. But head hung low, with no eye contact, tells me enough. I feel his pain, particularly because I imagined how uncomfortable I'd feel if my boyfriend decided to work on our communication skills in the middle of such a public space, in the morning, when I still had a whole day to get through. I'm guessing he was ready to catch whatever metro train that came next, even if it took him in the wrong direction...
My heart goes out to both of them for the potential break-up that might've started this Thursday morning. And yet, I've never witnessed a public tiff in the middle of such a high-traffic place, so I don't feel so badly about leaving for work a little late. I know they weren't enjoying the start of their day, but I appreciate their role in making my morning a little more exciting than usual. Thanks unhappy couple. And good luck to you.
Question: Is it wrong that I paused my music so I could hear what was going on between them without being so obvious and taking my earphones off, as they stood just mere feet away from me?
Friday, July 22, 2011
Folks, It's a Hot One Out There
This is why I'm not eating lunch outside today:
Feels like 111 degrees outside right now. Heat index near 115F. High 102F. Humid. YIKES!
Folks, it's hot out there. My hands are clammy and sweaty the SECOND I step outside. I haven't actually done my hair in 3 days - air-dry curly and/or a ponytail are the only hairstyles worth taking any time to do (and luckily, they take little time, so my mornings have been refreshingly relaxing).
At least the UV Index isn't too terrible (compared to the Index of 9 we had last week...), so maybe this heat wave calls for a combination of air-conditioning and pool time. Heavy on the AC.
I know I'm not the only one suffering through this hotness. Hope you're all finding a way to stay cool in your neck of the heat dome.
Severe Weather Alert
» Read MoreCurrent conditions as of 10:51 AM EDT
Partly Cloudy
- Feels Like:
- 111 °F
- Barometer:
- 29.92 in and steady
- Humidity:
- 53 %
- Visibility:
- 7 mi
- Dewpoint:
- 77 °F
- Wind:
- E 3 mph
- UV Index:
- 5
- UV Description:
- Moderate
- Sunrise:
- 5:59 AM
- Sunset:
- 8:27 PM
97°
High: 102° Low: 84°
Feels like 111 degrees outside right now. Heat index near 115F. High 102F. Humid. YIKES!
Folks, it's hot out there. My hands are clammy and sweaty the SECOND I step outside. I haven't actually done my hair in 3 days - air-dry curly and/or a ponytail are the only hairstyles worth taking any time to do (and luckily, they take little time, so my mornings have been refreshingly relaxing).
At least the UV Index isn't too terrible (compared to the Index of 9 we had last week...), so maybe this heat wave calls for a combination of air-conditioning and pool time. Heavy on the AC.
I know I'm not the only one suffering through this hotness. Hope you're all finding a way to stay cool in your neck of the heat dome.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
I'm Destined to Get West Nile at Some Point in My Life
I woke up in the middle of the night last night - 2 in the morning, actually - because the 7 mosquito bites that decorate my lower left leg and ankle itched like H*!#. The other 4 mosquito bites on my right leg/ankle started sympathy itching once I started recognizing my left leg.
I don't think I've ever had such terrible mosquito bites that the itchiness has actually woken me up from a deep slumber. I have to say, I don't really care for it. Why do mosquitoes LOVE me so much? Is my blood really so sweet? I mean, I wouldn't be surprised if it was, but seriously - do mosquitoes understand the danger of overdosing? Someone should teach them about it.
I think I got used to the smaller populations in Utah - the 'squitoes in Virginia are populous and thriving! Thriving because of me, in particular.
I have yet to hear a valid explanation for the existence of the mosquito.
The intense mental strength it takes to not scratch the horrible itching is making me feel sick physically. My head really hurts.
I'm in such terrible agony, it's INSANE.
I hope you're doing well! Happy Tuesday!
I don't think I've ever had such terrible mosquito bites that the itchiness has actually woken me up from a deep slumber. I have to say, I don't really care for it. Why do mosquitoes LOVE me so much? Is my blood really so sweet? I mean, I wouldn't be surprised if it was, but seriously - do mosquitoes understand the danger of overdosing? Someone should teach them about it.
I think I got used to the smaller populations in Utah - the 'squitoes in Virginia are populous and thriving! Thriving because of me, in particular.
I have yet to hear a valid explanation for the existence of the mosquito.
The intense mental strength it takes to not scratch the horrible itching is making me feel sick physically. My head really hurts.
I'm in such terrible agony, it's INSANE.
I hope you're doing well! Happy Tuesday!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Living the {Contented} Life
Today I left work and went over to a small park area by my building and, with apple in hand for a nice, crisp treat, became thoroughly engrossed with my newest travelling companion, Anna Karenina. I don't think I've had such an enjoyable 30 minutes after work in quite a while. A good book, a juicy apple, a beautiful sun shining down. I felt purely blessed in my situation.
So I don't have any exciting adventures to turn you green with envy or convince you that I'm 'living the life,' whatever that really means, but I'm rather content with my life right now. A giant work of literature in my purse, which I rented from the Library of Congress, which I like to affectionately call 'my Library' (I have an account and all!); hot, Summer weather and bright, bold sunshine; a continually growing number of friends (and a few great friends I can count on all the time to be ready for a fun time); an awesome city at my fingertips, ready for me to explore it when I can, patiently waiting when I can't; and a Summer tan that's slowly but surely settling on me, promising to help me get through the silly Winter season by staying with me as long as possible during those dark and dreary months.
I love Summer. Everything always seems so much better in the warmth of sunshine. I didn't even complain about the 200 degree weather we had today. Maybe I'll come back and complain about it tomorrow, but I won't spoil my mood today. I just feel too good right now.
I hope you're feeling happy today, too. Tuesdays are usually my worst day of the week (Monday's been given a break in my book, the lucky dog), so I'm glad to have had a reprieve this week. Happy Tuesday to you! And may the week just get better and better for you day by day!
P.S. I know I'm only 130+ pages into Anna Karenina - which is akin to holding in my hand just one strand of fur from the coat that covers the luxurious Oliver the cat - but I'm really liking it. I'm not pacing myself super well, so I hope I don't get burned out, but I'm enjoying it so much, I feel like I need to ride this wave as long as I can. You know it's good writing when you're practically bathing in your own sweat while reading outside, but you're mentally checked out of it, completely transported to the Russian winter, and feeling all the sensations and emotions of the character you've become. Or maybe I just get sucked into books too easily. The latter is particularly true, but I'm going to give the book its due credit here, for sure. I'll keep you updated on my progress through the massive tome I'm hauling around with me - if only to keep my own timeline of how long it takes me to finish it...it might be awhile...
So I don't have any exciting adventures to turn you green with envy or convince you that I'm 'living the life,' whatever that really means, but I'm rather content with my life right now. A giant work of literature in my purse, which I rented from the Library of Congress, which I like to affectionately call 'my Library' (I have an account and all!); hot, Summer weather and bright, bold sunshine; a continually growing number of friends (and a few great friends I can count on all the time to be ready for a fun time); an awesome city at my fingertips, ready for me to explore it when I can, patiently waiting when I can't; and a Summer tan that's slowly but surely settling on me, promising to help me get through the silly Winter season by staying with me as long as possible during those dark and dreary months.
I love Summer. Everything always seems so much better in the warmth of sunshine. I didn't even complain about the 200 degree weather we had today. Maybe I'll come back and complain about it tomorrow, but I won't spoil my mood today. I just feel too good right now.
I hope you're feeling happy today, too. Tuesdays are usually my worst day of the week (Monday's been given a break in my book, the lucky dog), so I'm glad to have had a reprieve this week. Happy Tuesday to you! And may the week just get better and better for you day by day!
P.S. I know I'm only 130+ pages into Anna Karenina - which is akin to holding in my hand just one strand of fur from the coat that covers the luxurious Oliver the cat - but I'm really liking it. I'm not pacing myself super well, so I hope I don't get burned out, but I'm enjoying it so much, I feel like I need to ride this wave as long as I can. You know it's good writing when you're practically bathing in your own sweat while reading outside, but you're mentally checked out of it, completely transported to the Russian winter, and feeling all the sensations and emotions of the character you've become. Or maybe I just get sucked into books too easily. The latter is particularly true, but I'm going to give the book its due credit here, for sure. I'll keep you updated on my progress through the massive tome I'm hauling around with me - if only to keep my own timeline of how long it takes me to finish it...it might be awhile...
Today...We Celebrate...Our Independence Day! Or a Week Ago We Did...
On this, the 1-week anniversary of the day we celebrated the 4th of July, 2011, I think I'm finally ready to do a quick 4th of July weekend rewind. It was so much of a blast though, that it seems a difficult task to put words to how much I loved my holiday. But I'm going to try my darndest. And perhaps a list of stand-out moments will be best.
Kate's favorite moments from the 3-day Spectacular that was Rollapalooza 2011:
Fireworks and sparklers every night
All the family gathered - no sibling, parent, child, or in-law missing
Wiffleball
Kickball
Badminton
Basement games
Slip 'n Slide
Winning the bean bag toss game - Team Ben/Kate narrowly beating Team Chris/Zach in a hard-fought battle
Teaching niece Maddie how to play pool
Having all the Little Ones crawling on me the moment I arrive and sit on the floor of the front room
Snuggling with little Claire during Sunday's fireworks
Wiffleball with all of the siblings on the field
Running the bases with little Will
Dancing to Tina Turner's 'Proud Mary' on the Wii Just Dance with Abby, Laura, and Mom (I picked that song for her)
Sweating out all of the toxins in my body (blasted humidity)
Having little Chloe in my personal picture taken during the family pictures (I dislike being a family of 1 when family picture time rolls around...)
Barlow Water Fight 2011 - anytime Papa Walt starts shooting straight from the hose, you know it's a good fight
Having 22 people, 2 dogs, and 1 cat shoved into a house and not feeling nearly as crowded as it should
Getting to be with what I would qualify as the best family of 7+additions I have ever been acquainted with
Yada yada yada, it was a great weekend. So many other great, sweet, intense, happy moments happened, but I just can't list them all. I wish I could, but I can't (if you'll notice, I just tried - that's one long list of favorite moments, as it is). At any rate, it will never do the weekend justice, so this will just have to do.
Shout-out to Zach and Jamie (and Zoey) for opening their awesome new home to all of us and being such amazing hosts! I can only imagine the stress and effort that goes into that (and I hope to never do more than imagine), and I am so grateful to you both for 1) buying a home with so much space, it's like you anticipated this, and 2) making this Palooza so wonderful.
Also, special mention goes to the Barlow/Frandsens, Arkansas Branch. Thanks Abby and Devn, et al, for letting me fly into Little Rock and hang out with you and your little ones (and you're welcome for hanging out with your little ones so you could hang out on the golf course...). I wore my slap bracelet/watch tonight - it was a big hit among my friends. It's maybe my new favorite accessory. Also, thanks for feeling the need to drive slightly out of our way home to go to Culvers. I think I'm still full from all the food, but the frozen custard made my insides so happy.
The long weekend was so worth missing sleep and leaving the Nation's Capitol during the Nation's holiday. I'll stick around next year, but I have no regrets about this time. My 4th was way too much fun this way.
Nephew Greg Bryan Frandsen, aka Deuce, learning the sweet joys of a cuddly neck pillow. To think that only 2 years ago, I was taking pictures of little niece Ellee loving that same neck pillow...the world comes full circle, and it pleases me.
The elusive sign I've been wanting a picture of ever since I first saw it, back in the summer of 2009. My favorite park that I've never been to. One day, I will go there. And it will be amazing. Shout-out to brother-in-law Devn for pulling over to let me (and/or Abby, who had the better shot) get this picture. I appreciate it more than you know.
Kate's favorite moments from the 3-day Spectacular that was Rollapalooza 2011:
Fireworks and sparklers every night
All the family gathered - no sibling, parent, child, or in-law missing
Wiffleball
Kickball
Badminton
Basement games
Slip 'n Slide
Winning the bean bag toss game - Team Ben/Kate narrowly beating Team Chris/Zach in a hard-fought battle
Teaching niece Maddie how to play pool
Having all the Little Ones crawling on me the moment I arrive and sit on the floor of the front room
Snuggling with little Claire during Sunday's fireworks
Wiffleball with all of the siblings on the field
Running the bases with little Will
Dancing to Tina Turner's 'Proud Mary' on the Wii Just Dance with Abby, Laura, and Mom (I picked that song for her)
Sweating out all of the toxins in my body (blasted humidity)
Having little Chloe in my personal picture taken during the family pictures (I dislike being a family of 1 when family picture time rolls around...)
Barlow Water Fight 2011 - anytime Papa Walt starts shooting straight from the hose, you know it's a good fight
Having 22 people, 2 dogs, and 1 cat shoved into a house and not feeling nearly as crowded as it should
Getting to be with what I would qualify as the best family of 7+additions I have ever been acquainted with
Yada yada yada, it was a great weekend. So many other great, sweet, intense, happy moments happened, but I just can't list them all. I wish I could, but I can't (if you'll notice, I just tried - that's one long list of favorite moments, as it is). At any rate, it will never do the weekend justice, so this will just have to do.
Shout-out to Zach and Jamie (and Zoey) for opening their awesome new home to all of us and being such amazing hosts! I can only imagine the stress and effort that goes into that (and I hope to never do more than imagine), and I am so grateful to you both for 1) buying a home with so much space, it's like you anticipated this, and 2) making this Palooza so wonderful.
Also, special mention goes to the Barlow/Frandsens, Arkansas Branch. Thanks Abby and Devn, et al, for letting me fly into Little Rock and hang out with you and your little ones (and you're welcome for hanging out with your little ones so you could hang out on the golf course...). I wore my slap bracelet/watch tonight - it was a big hit among my friends. It's maybe my new favorite accessory. Also, thanks for feeling the need to drive slightly out of our way home to go to Culvers. I think I'm still full from all the food, but the frozen custard made my insides so happy.
The long weekend was so worth missing sleep and leaving the Nation's Capitol during the Nation's holiday. I'll stick around next year, but I have no regrets about this time. My 4th was way too much fun this way.
And here, as evidence of my trip, are the only pictures my camera captured through the whole thing:
(Thanks to dad for loving his role as unofficial photographer, and to Chris and Jodi for sharing so many of the sweet pics on their blog.)
Friday, July 8, 2011
The Jingling and the Tinkling of the Bells*
I got a new necklace a few weeks ago that I really like - it's a chunkier necklace with maybe 20 strands of pink and red beads twisted together. I wear it all the time, despite the fact that the loop in the back unraveled a little too quickly, which leads me to believe it was relatively cheaply made (what up, American Eagle? I can't believe such a high-end store would sell something that would fall apart so quickly!!! To think I spent a whole $10 on this necklace, just for it to break a few wears in...), but I figured out how to tie an easy-to-undo knot in the back so I can still wear it, so we're cool.
But while I love the necklace, I'm still not sure about one of the features on it. The necklace was made with a loop in the back to keep the other end connected - usually the other side has some sort of thick ball of twine or whatever to keep it in place. This necklace has a little bell on it to put through the (now imaginary) loop, which tinkles every time I get up or walk around. Basically, it's like a little tracker so people always know where I am if they need me - a feature that would've been great when I was little and getting lost all the time, but not so awesome when I work in a relatively quiet office and like to walk around sometimes...
It also reminds me of the scripture from Isaiah, which I think of the first time I hear it ring when I wear it:
"Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet...In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet..." (Isaiah 3:16, 18)
Which makes me more than a little bit nervous about my future. Oh the women with their tinkling ornaments. I know it's not on my feet, but all the same, I'm ornamented with jewelry that makes noise when I move!! I am among the women who will be totally messed up "in that day"!!!! I'm not quite prepared for that...
Plus, I just feel a bit like a cow, walking around with a bell around my neck, ringing everywhere I go. And I must say, rarely do I enjoy feeling like a cow.
I suppose that means I should try to find a solution to this potentially life-destroying situation I find myself in. But if I cut off the bell - the easiest answer - I won't have any anchor to tie the other side to. And I'm too lazy to somehow connect a different anchor to the necklace (plus, it's just not that simple of a fix, the way the necklace is made).
So I think I'll do what I usually do - leave it as it is. And continue to enjoy laughing at myself for the silly connections to personal doom and destruction that I like make (I'm a spiritual hypochondriac). And rob myself of opportunities to sneak up on people and scare them. Luckily, that's not something I participate in daily, anyway, so I think things will work out just fine.
I'll just have to keep reminding myself that the ringing in my ears is not a medical issue. Though I may consider convincing others that the ringing they're hearing is all in their head and worthy of serious medical attention. Because how great a prank would that be?
But while I love the necklace, I'm still not sure about one of the features on it. The necklace was made with a loop in the back to keep the other end connected - usually the other side has some sort of thick ball of twine or whatever to keep it in place. This necklace has a little bell on it to put through the (now imaginary) loop, which tinkles every time I get up or walk around. Basically, it's like a little tracker so people always know where I am if they need me - a feature that would've been great when I was little and getting lost all the time, but not so awesome when I work in a relatively quiet office and like to walk around sometimes...
It also reminds me of the scripture from Isaiah, which I think of the first time I hear it ring when I wear it:
"Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet...In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet..." (Isaiah 3:16, 18)
Which makes me more than a little bit nervous about my future. Oh the women with their tinkling ornaments. I know it's not on my feet, but all the same, I'm ornamented with jewelry that makes noise when I move!! I am among the women who will be totally messed up "in that day"!!!! I'm not quite prepared for that...
Plus, I just feel a bit like a cow, walking around with a bell around my neck, ringing everywhere I go. And I must say, rarely do I enjoy feeling like a cow.
I suppose that means I should try to find a solution to this potentially life-destroying situation I find myself in. But if I cut off the bell - the easiest answer - I won't have any anchor to tie the other side to. And I'm too lazy to somehow connect a different anchor to the necklace (plus, it's just not that simple of a fix, the way the necklace is made).
So I think I'll do what I usually do - leave it as it is. And continue to enjoy laughing at myself for the silly connections to personal doom and destruction that I like make (I'm a spiritual hypochondriac). And rob myself of opportunities to sneak up on people and scare them. Luckily, that's not something I participate in daily, anyway, so I think things will work out just fine.
I'll just have to keep reminding myself that the ringing in my ears is not a medical issue. Though I may consider convincing others that the ringing they're hearing is all in their head and worthy of serious medical attention. Because how great a prank would that be?
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