I'm struggling with finding enough time for myself these days. In the hustle and bustle of life in the nation's capital, I find that I become quickly and all-too-easily stretched too thin. I've written before about how I want it all. I want to excel in the workplace and pour my time and energy into learning as much as I can during and outside of work hours. There is only so much time one can spend listening to and analyzing the news. I want to have a family. There. I said it. The idea of being one part of a whole with somebody, being so strong together that we can conquer the world. I want someone who believes in me so deeply that to him, I have no limits. And I want to reciprocate that belief in him. I get to hang out with a little 9-month old baby at softball on Thursdays, and it's giving me the itch. What's it like to shift around life things to accommodate the arrival of a cute little pants-pooper? But I also want to be by myself. I want to be free to have a crazy schedule and not try to work it around someone else's. I want to go for a swim at 7pm, not get home until 930pm, eat dinner at 10pm, shower at 10:45pm, and curl up into bed by midnight and not think anything of it except pleased for not having spent the night in front of the TV. I want to have a 2-hour long phone call with my mom followed immediately thereafter by a 1-hour long phone call with my best friend and not have anyone else's day halted because of it. I want to spend half of a Saturday in a coffee shop with a book, a journal, a pen, some note cards and stamps, and time to contemplate life. I still want to prove to myself that I am capable of making a ton of money and supporting my life goals and my family. But I want more to just do something that feels right. I want to keep working on enjoying the little pieces of life's beauty that are all around me all the time. I want to make wishes on dandelions and eyelashes. I want to stop to watch the sun set and to smell the roses. I want to volunteer my time because I can't volunteer my money. I want to help people. I want to love people. I want to be loved by people.
The funny thing about life is that we can't have it all. So where do I compromise? Looks like I need to take myself out to coffee on a Saturday morning to contemplate this...
love always,
E
Showing posts with label happiness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label happiness. Show all posts
Friday, June 27, 2014
Friday, June 20, 2014
The G. Michael Perry Memorial Softball Tournament for Special Olympics Wyoming
I just posted on Facebook about something near and dear to me, and then I thought "Hey! I have a blog! Maybe my 4 readers will want to know about this, too!" So here's a little bit about what the
Mike Perry Tournament is and why it's important, not only to me but for
the Special Olympians in Wyoming...
For those of you who haven't known me long, when I was a sophomore in high school, my dad passed away. He'd undergone a heart transplant in 1990, and I got a bonus 11 years with him because of that. He was my little league coach for our all-girls team The Angels (none of us throw like girls and we all play harder than you). If I wasn't careful, I'd get cornered on the couch with him and a HUGE baseball encyclopedia, listening to him elaborate for hours on the stats of the Greats.
I also am lucky to have two incredible siblings. My older sister, Allison, has Down Syndrome. She was also coached by the one and only Mike Perry, and she also doesn't throw like a girl . After we moved to Wyoming in 1999, she had the opportunity to get involved in Special Olympics Wyoming. Not only has she worked for them as their Receptionist/Office Assistant for over 10 years(!) but she is an athlete as well, competing in bowling, swimming, basketball, and, until the early 2000's, softball. My dad coached the Special Olympics softball team and got a huge kick of the tenacity, skill, and enthusiasm of the players.
Due to budgetary restrictions, SOW dropped softball from its program. This left a gaping hole in the sports schedule for athletes. From May until October, there are no opportunities to practice sports and be active.
So, in 2008, I founded the first G. Michael Perry Memorial Tournament for Special Olympics Wyoming. Teams from all over the state practice all summer for a one-day tournament in August. The tournament is double-elimination style and includes individual skills competition for those players for whom team play isn't ideal. People from the community volunteer their time as umpires, scorekeepers, BBQers (mmmm the hot dogs!), and cheerleaders. Families get to cheer on their players. Teammates get to encourage one another. But most importantly, these athletes are moving, competing, and having fun.
My description of this event does not do justice to the feeling in the air on the day of the tournament. The GMP might seem like a small thing, but it is a great thing.
It costs approximately $2,000 to host the tournament each year. The Perry Family hosts the event, and relies on the generosity of sponsors and donors like you. Whatever is not covered by donations comes out-of-pocket from yours truly It's uncomfortable for me to ask you all to give to an event you don't directly benefit from and that you might not ever get to be a part of (unless you're in Casper, and then WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!). I understand how much money $20 can be, and that it's just not possible sometimes to give to everyone who asks.
So here's what I'm asking from you: If you can and would donate by either purchasing a t-shirt or by making a donation on the FirstGiving page, please do! If you cannot, please leave a comment or email me with encouraging words for our athletes. I'd like to print that in this year's bulletin so that they can see that people all over the country are cheering for them! Time and encouragement are equally as important as money.
Thanks for reading my charity manifesto! The tournament is on August 23, 2014 this year! The links are below:
https://www.booster.com/mikeperry2014
http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/playball/mikeperry
T-shirts are on sale only through Sunday, June 22, but the FirstGiving page will be open until the day of the tournament.
Love always,
E
For those of you who haven't known me long, when I was a sophomore in high school, my dad passed away. He'd undergone a heart transplant in 1990, and I got a bonus 11 years with him because of that. He was my little league coach for our all-girls team The Angels (none of us throw like girls and we all play harder than you). If I wasn't careful, I'd get cornered on the couch with him and a HUGE baseball encyclopedia, listening to him elaborate for hours on the stats of the Greats.
I also am lucky to have two incredible siblings. My older sister, Allison, has Down Syndrome. She was also coached by the one and only Mike Perry, and she also doesn't throw like a girl . After we moved to Wyoming in 1999, she had the opportunity to get involved in Special Olympics Wyoming. Not only has she worked for them as their Receptionist/Office Assistant for over 10 years(!) but she is an athlete as well, competing in bowling, swimming, basketball, and, until the early 2000's, softball. My dad coached the Special Olympics softball team and got a huge kick of the tenacity, skill, and enthusiasm of the players.
Due to budgetary restrictions, SOW dropped softball from its program. This left a gaping hole in the sports schedule for athletes. From May until October, there are no opportunities to practice sports and be active.
So, in 2008, I founded the first G. Michael Perry Memorial Tournament for Special Olympics Wyoming. Teams from all over the state practice all summer for a one-day tournament in August. The tournament is double-elimination style and includes individual skills competition for those players for whom team play isn't ideal. People from the community volunteer their time as umpires, scorekeepers, BBQers (mmmm the hot dogs!), and cheerleaders. Families get to cheer on their players. Teammates get to encourage one another. But most importantly, these athletes are moving, competing, and having fun.
My description of this event does not do justice to the feeling in the air on the day of the tournament. The GMP might seem like a small thing, but it is a great thing.
It costs approximately $2,000 to host the tournament each year. The Perry Family hosts the event, and relies on the generosity of sponsors and donors like you. Whatever is not covered by donations comes out-of-pocket from yours truly It's uncomfortable for me to ask you all to give to an event you don't directly benefit from and that you might not ever get to be a part of (unless you're in Casper, and then WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!). I understand how much money $20 can be, and that it's just not possible sometimes to give to everyone who asks.
So here's what I'm asking from you: If you can and would donate by either purchasing a t-shirt or by making a donation on the FirstGiving page, please do! If you cannot, please leave a comment or email me with encouraging words for our athletes. I'd like to print that in this year's bulletin so that they can see that people all over the country are cheering for them! Time and encouragement are equally as important as money.
Thanks for reading my charity manifesto! The tournament is on August 23, 2014 this year! The links are below:
https://www.booster.com/mikeperry2014
http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/playball/mikeperry
T-shirts are on sale only through Sunday, June 22, but the FirstGiving page will be open until the day of the tournament.
Love always,
E
Sunday, March 24, 2013
journal entry, mostly
When I was in Germany, I often felt as though I'd lost my footing. It was like walking on a gravel path in thin shoes-- I could feel every small shift and bump along the way. There were days that I didn't want to open the shades on my window, put on the thin shoes, and continue on down that path. There were also the exquisite days where I seemed to be floating. I'd look around and think, "How did I get here?! Here I am, learning, living, and progressing in another country." Visiting vineyards with friends and putting my face toward the sun, or watching the sunlight beat on my glass of wine, sitting around a table in an impossibly adorable town square. Commuting over the Rhine River each day as the sun came up. Stumbling upon adventures and new friends over the course of the year.
Since returning to America, I've often felt like I'm in recovery mode. It took me longer to find my rhythm than I anticipated. I don't enjoy feeling disheveled or having to search for my confidence that once ran through me so deeply. I can see all of the areas of my life I'd like to continue to improve, or to bring back up to standard, and while I'm at least now settled back into DC, I somehow haven't kept in touch with some of the people and things that mean the most to me.
I took myself out to coffee on Saturday afternoon along with a notebook and a pen. I sat down to write about my goals, my values, and the steps I can take to ensure that I am always moving in a positive direction and hopefully using what God has blessed me with to do good in this world. And then on Saturday night, Jenny and I went to a birthday party, and I found myself listening to country music, having good conversation, and smiling from genuine happiness. I never thought I'd say it, but country music sets me right. Something just clicked in my head, and today suddenly I am awake. Part of what I'd lost in myself has been restored, and I remembered that it's not all about me. It's about caring about people, appreciating everyone for the weirdos we all are.
So to my family, to my dear friends, to the people I will cross paths with: I will do better to treat you as part of myself, to focus on you, to do the best I can for you.
Love always.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Bon Iver Day
So last Sunday (not yesterday but a week ago) I went to Cologne to meet my friend Mickey and to see Bon Iver in concert! I had the perfect ingredients for the making of a wonderful day. I was lucky enough to get to know Mickey during those 2 months I lived in Radolfzell. Then, great surprise, two fellow Radolfzellers were also in Cologne- Ali and Ariana. Mickey and I got into town late in the afternoon and rendezvoused with Ali and Ariana and walked around the Altstadt before picking a place for dinner and catching up. It was so very nice to see these folks again, since it had been one month since we'd all moved away to our respective German cities.
After dinner - Phad Thai that reenforced the notion that ethnic food in Germany is not the greatest - Mickey and I bid adieu to the girls and headed to see Bon Iver! I had my camera with me from sightseeing earlier, and the bouncer at the door was not about to let me into the concert. Well, too bad for him I was feeling feisty and my German was flowing like the River Rhein because I argued with him for quite a few minutes before he finally agreed to let me into the venue. That's right, dude! So, while every other person who was at the concert has pictures on their phones, cameras, professional video recording devices, etc, I am the only person who walked out of there without any pictures of proof. Other than being sad to not be able to show you, dear reader, what it was like, I really don't need pictures. The show was amazing. They are so incredibly talented. So talented, in fact, that I decided to not leave the venue in order to catch the last train that would get me back to Mainz before the trains stopped running for the night. I stayed to the very end (and the end was Skinny Love and oh my gosh it was so great). Mickey saw me off at the closest U-Bahn stopped and I made my way to the Hauptbahnhof to see what my train options where. Overnight train to Frankfurt at midnight, 2.5 hours of homelessness there and then back to Mainz by 5am. Better than sitting in Cologne until 5am.
So, I hopped aboard my first ever overnight train and snoozed for a very comfortable 2 hours. Really, if you're considering train travel in Europe and you don't care about being able to see the countryside out of the window, this would be a good way to travel. We blew straight through Mainz on that train, and regardless of how hard I tried wishing the train to safely stop and let me off there, we trucked right on to the Frankfurt airport stop. It is here that I de-trained and spent close to 3 hours in the train station in the wee morning hours. It was actually pretty delightful. One tiny pretzel stand was open (in Germany you must always be able to have a pretzel if you want one, I'm pretty sure), so I got a coffee and croissant (not pretzel, sorry to disappoint) and took my place on some seats near other overnighters, half homeless for real and half weary traveler. I opened my copy of The Economist that I had purchased for the trip to Cologne and learned about the world and kept my eye on the probably-not-so-safe-to-be-near homeless guy. Don't worry Mom; you've taught me how to be aware of my surroundings and be safe.
Once I made it back to Mainz, it was 5am and I had a 20 minute walk back to my place. It was a lovely walk and everything looked so great to me, probably because I was tired. By the time I made it back, I was considering just staying awake and enjoying more of a day in which I had already accomplished so much. But then I put my head on my pillow and slept till noon.
After dinner - Phad Thai that reenforced the notion that ethnic food in Germany is not the greatest - Mickey and I bid adieu to the girls and headed to see Bon Iver! I had my camera with me from sightseeing earlier, and the bouncer at the door was not about to let me into the concert. Well, too bad for him I was feeling feisty and my German was flowing like the River Rhein because I argued with him for quite a few minutes before he finally agreed to let me into the venue. That's right, dude! So, while every other person who was at the concert has pictures on their phones, cameras, professional video recording devices, etc, I am the only person who walked out of there without any pictures of proof. Other than being sad to not be able to show you, dear reader, what it was like, I really don't need pictures. The show was amazing. They are so incredibly talented. So talented, in fact, that I decided to not leave the venue in order to catch the last train that would get me back to Mainz before the trains stopped running for the night. I stayed to the very end (and the end was Skinny Love and oh my gosh it was so great). Mickey saw me off at the closest U-Bahn stopped and I made my way to the Hauptbahnhof to see what my train options where. Overnight train to Frankfurt at midnight, 2.5 hours of homelessness there and then back to Mainz by 5am. Better than sitting in Cologne until 5am.
So, I hopped aboard my first ever overnight train and snoozed for a very comfortable 2 hours. Really, if you're considering train travel in Europe and you don't care about being able to see the countryside out of the window, this would be a good way to travel. We blew straight through Mainz on that train, and regardless of how hard I tried wishing the train to safely stop and let me off there, we trucked right on to the Frankfurt airport stop. It is here that I de-trained and spent close to 3 hours in the train station in the wee morning hours. It was actually pretty delightful. One tiny pretzel stand was open (in Germany you must always be able to have a pretzel if you want one, I'm pretty sure), so I got a coffee and croissant (not pretzel, sorry to disappoint) and took my place on some seats near other overnighters, half homeless for real and half weary traveler. I opened my copy of The Economist that I had purchased for the trip to Cologne and learned about the world and kept my eye on the probably-not-so-safe-to-be-near homeless guy. Don't worry Mom; you've taught me how to be aware of my surroundings and be safe.
Once I made it back to Mainz, it was 5am and I had a 20 minute walk back to my place. It was a lovely walk and everything looked so great to me, probably because I was tired. By the time I made it back, I was considering just staying awake and enjoying more of a day in which I had already accomplished so much. But then I put my head on my pillow and slept till noon.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
What a day what a day!
What a day I have had! The connotations of that statement all depend on the inflections and intonations of one's voice while saying it. Version #1 of this phrase, when I say it out loud, emphasizes the "day", and "what a" are in a lower pitch than the rest of the sentence. One can hear the smile and joy in my voice exclaiming it's thrill and unbelievably rockin' day I've had! On the other hand, Version #2 of this phrase emphasizes "what" and "day" and "had" and is almost proclaimed as such: What. a Day. i have HAD! and it's meaning is more along the lines of, "You will never even begin to guess how flippin' unbelievably, ridiculously wrong my day has gone". Well, right now I'm straddling the fence on which Version fits my yesterday. I'm leaning toward #1, but there is just a bit of Version #2 that I must vent about first. I just can't shake it, and the frustration has been building since... well, since I got to Germany. Normally I try not to complain on here, and I certainly try to approach my German life with "it's not good, it's not bad, it's just different" as my motto, but here goes. And to make up for it, I'll put in extra good things about Germany afterward.
Traffic flow. Come on, Germany. It really doesn't have to be so completely, infuriatingly "every man for himself". This first starting getting to me in the aisles of grocery stores. Hello, fellow shopper. Do you even see me here? Can we move through the aisles in a manner that shows we acknowledge each other's presence and respectfully share the space? No? You would rather just not even see that anyone is here except for you? Ok. Sounds nitpicky and like something that couldn't even really in real life exist to be any kind of problem, but I promise you, the traffic flow in grocery stores took some getting used to for me. Speaking of walking alongside people, don't even get me started about pedestrian traffic flow on sidewalks. Seriously, don't, because I'll never be able to stop, and this rant I'm on is already unbecoming.
Well, turns out, traffic flow is also a major problem in swimming pools. In swimming pools for lap swimming, where when you are sharing a lane with fellow humans, you swim like you would drive (unless your British or South African) and you go down on the right side of the lane, back on the left- always swimming on the "right side of the road". Pass on the left, but make sure the oncoming lane is clear before you attempt to do so. Signal your pass with a slight tap of the foot if you need to. If someone is really tailgating you for a long time, pull over and let them pass. Rules of the road. Common courtesy. Extreme challenge, too, apparently. Does this stem from driving on the Autobahn? The further left your lane is, the faster you're going, correct? Traditionally right hand lanes are for slower traffic. Do drivers on the Autobahn take their Trabis in front of Porsches? COME ON. If a driver did that, I'm willing to bet that the Porsche driver, going heavenknowshowfast, would be so pissed. And guess what, when you swim like that (not calling myself the Porsche of swimmers here) I get pissed. So please please please, for the betterment of lap swimming across this otherwise really nice country, organize yourself. Be aware of your surroundings and follow the rules of the road.
Oh goshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I feel so much better. Thanks for letting me put that out loud. Enough whining. Really. Here are some things that made my day more like Version #1, and for all of them I'm so thankful:
So you can see, the good always outweighs the frustrating over here. And that was the good stuff just from my yesterday-- I could make a huge list of things that I adore about Germany. What is your today like? Version #1 or Version #2 of "What a day!"? (I dare you to make it a Version #1)
Traffic flow. Come on, Germany. It really doesn't have to be so completely, infuriatingly "every man for himself". This first starting getting to me in the aisles of grocery stores. Hello, fellow shopper. Do you even see me here? Can we move through the aisles in a manner that shows we acknowledge each other's presence and respectfully share the space? No? You would rather just not even see that anyone is here except for you? Ok. Sounds nitpicky and like something that couldn't even really in real life exist to be any kind of problem, but I promise you, the traffic flow in grocery stores took some getting used to for me. Speaking of walking alongside people, don't even get me started about pedestrian traffic flow on sidewalks. Seriously, don't, because I'll never be able to stop, and this rant I'm on is already unbecoming.
Well, turns out, traffic flow is also a major problem in swimming pools. In swimming pools for lap swimming, where when you are sharing a lane with fellow humans, you swim like you would drive (unless your British or South African) and you go down on the right side of the lane, back on the left- always swimming on the "right side of the road". Pass on the left, but make sure the oncoming lane is clear before you attempt to do so. Signal your pass with a slight tap of the foot if you need to. If someone is really tailgating you for a long time, pull over and let them pass. Rules of the road. Common courtesy. Extreme challenge, too, apparently. Does this stem from driving on the Autobahn? The further left your lane is, the faster you're going, correct? Traditionally right hand lanes are for slower traffic. Do drivers on the Autobahn take their Trabis in front of Porsches? COME ON. If a driver did that, I'm willing to bet that the Porsche driver, going heavenknowshowfast, would be so pissed. And guess what, when you swim like that (not calling myself the Porsche of swimmers here) I get pissed. So please please please, for the betterment of lap swimming across this otherwise really nice country, organize yourself. Be aware of your surroundings and follow the rules of the road.
Oh goshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I feel so much better. Thanks for letting me put that out loud. Enough whining. Really. Here are some things that made my day more like Version #1, and for all of them I'm so thankful:
- In the afternoon as the ominous clouds loomed over Mainz, Ginny and I met for a walk around the Altstadt with no particular agenda. We happened upon a toy store where I found a fun gift for a friend (oh yeah, glows in the dark!) and (though I didn't buy it because it was 50 Euro) MONOPOLY Mainz edition. Not even kidding. If I could even begin to explain what role the game of Monopoly has played in my life... it's like I found my childhood and my current life packaged into the best box ever.
- We also happened upon a sporting goods store, which I've been looking for because, for whatever reason, I didn't pack most of my swim gear like paddles and stuff. Don't worry... paddles acquired.
- I felt better in the water more so than the day before (is this what progress feels like? I'd forgotten.)
- Bread with butter. Lots of it.
- I rented and watched the movie Restrepo. Have you seen it? It is a documentary that is powerful, heart-wrenching, and inspiring. I give it all the stars and highly recommend checking it out.
- I applied to be a volunteer! Cross your fingers, because this would be such a fun gig!
- I got off my duff and finally got cards to send to 3 newly wed couples. Easy peezy but took me a month to do it. What the heck.
- With help from Betti, my Washington, DC friend who is a German native, a Masters swim team in the area has been found (could these be the circle swimming people of my German dreams?)
- I totally got ice cream after my swim and walked home in the cold eating it. I was bundled up and must have looked a little kooky, but it was 100% delightful. In other news... I might be getting sick.
- My plans for New Years are starting to look very phenomenal. VERY.
 |
| It even sells on Amazon.de (where I found this picture) |
So you can see, the good always outweighs the frustrating over here. And that was the good stuff just from my yesterday-- I could make a huge list of things that I adore about Germany. What is your today like? Version #1 or Version #2 of "What a day!"? (I dare you to make it a Version #1)
Friday, May 27, 2011
A happy list that is way too long
So, I went through this phase last August where I really needed to focus on things that made me happy. Luckily, I easily find joy in the smallest, silliest of things, but I needed to be able to remind myself each day of what brings happiness into my life. My brother came to visit last July, and each day after he left, we'd text each other what our "little bit of happy" was for that day. Well then I decided to start making lists of things that always make me happy because... well, just because. I now present to you 82 things from prior lists and 13 newly added today. That makes 95 things that always make me smile :).
Hope you have a good Memorial Day weekend <3
- Old friends
- New friends
- Anything that makes me laugh
- Dive bars
- Thank you notes
- Friendly cab drivers
- Wyoming summer nights
- Chinese Buddhas
- Green Machine Naked brand juice
- Bread and butter
- Walking in the sunshine down a sidewalk
- Walking around Capitol Hill
- Walking in general
- Having no particular plans on a Sunday
- Making plans with my mom for anything
- People who open doors for others
- Being asked directions by random people
- College football on chilly Saturdays
- Ice cream straight from the carton
- Window seats on airplanes
- Writing in cursive
- Stopping to smell the roses
- Huge West Virginia honey crisp apples
- My mom
- My brother
- My sister
- Black ink ballpoint pens (particularly the free-from-the-hotel-room variety)
- Tasting the wine before accepting the bottle, even though I know I'm not going to send it back
- Learning words in new languages
- Prosecco sparkling wine
- Old family movies
- This video: http://lifestyle.msn.com/relationships/video/default.aspx?vid=942e77cd-d20f-4254-9ad9-f8a06712a747%26tab%3DRelationships%26ap%3Dtime_inc&from=en-us_lifestyle_relationships
- Broken escalators that make me think, "escalator temporarily stairs; sorry for the convenience".
- Mitch Hedberg quotes (see #33)
- Dancing
- Hugging
- "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles
- Any place that sells Niederegger brand marzipan
- Outdoor movies
- Orchids
- Driving with the windows down
- Flip flops
- Reading IBD's 10 secrets to success every day
- Fires in the fireplace
- Stars (the celestial kind, NOT the gossip-column kind)
- Puppies and big dogs
- European churches
- Listening to my Oma tell stories about her life
- People who jog in place on sidewalk corners
- Snail mail
- Finishing a Sudoku without cheating
- Calculating the tip on a restaurant bill in my head (and people who can do this)
- Lightning bugs
- Any family time I get
- Water. Specifically Oceans. Sparkling water when I'm in Europe.
- Sharing wine with my girl friends
- Making chocolate chip cookies
- Sun on my skin and warm weather
- Stretching and looking out my window in the morning, admiring Capitol Hill and thinking about how lucky I am to be here right now
- Tasting the produce at Eastern Market
- Making Valentines. Glitter.
- Grapefruit on Christmas
- Swimming
- Flourishing gardens in DC front yards
- Aisle seats on long flights
- Peppermint tea
- Tomato, mozzarella, and basil. Together or seperately.
- Nutella straight from the jar
- Wishing on fallen eyelashes
- Getting caught in the rain
- 3rd and East Capitol
- City lights
- Talking to my mom and seeing her smile
- Coffee dates with my sister
- Movies and laughing with my brother
- The smell of bookstores
- Chicken soup on a rainy day
- Stepping on crunchy leaves
- Cartwheels
- People watching at the airport
- Taking trips-- planned or spontaneous
- Cubs fans
- Warm summer nights
- "Please" and "thank you" s
- Dandelions
- Hot dogs with poppy seed buns
- Doughnuts, even though I am DONE eating them. Done, I tell you.
- Chewing gum (but not when it's stuck to my shoe)
- "Country music Fridays" with Macy in the front office
- DC family dinners
- Taking pictures using Macro setting
- Dirty, hippie barefeet in the summer
- Any mention of the words "trip", "vacation", or "adventure"
- The colors green and blue when used together
- This video: Meet the sloths from Lucy Cooke on Vimeo.
Hope you have a good Memorial Day weekend <3
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Thought Vomit
There are so many things to tell about today, and none of them have anything to do with each other. Ready go!
I have a few blogs that I like to read regularly. Some are hilarious, some belong to friends, and some are just sweet and happy. I posted a while back about wanting it all. Well, over at the Nat the Fat Rat blog, the author recently posted this, and I really enjoyed reading it. Plus, it's always nice to know that there are other people living without cable tv, too.
Last night there were no less than 5 police cars outside of my bedroom window and lots of policemen engaging in entertaining (at least for me) dialogue with some hooligan. Too bad my contacts were already out because I couldn't really spy out of my bedroom window, but the ensuing drama unfolding out there kept me awake for a good extra hour. If I had tv this probably wouldn't have been so fun for me. But whatever the situation was got intense enough for the cops to get a police dog sniffing through everyone's front yards-- mine included. I just knew that this would be the one time where some blitzed hobo would have spent the prior night throwing out needles in my front yard or something and then the drug dog would find one and all the cops would come running to my front door with their guns drawn at 11:30pm. But don't worry, absolutely none of that happened. It was very urban-lifey though. Really this whole week has been full of urban living experiences for me.
I swam Zones this weekend and was overall happy with my performances. I can swim a much better 100 free though. I know I have it in me, but my 50 free just keeps getting better, and that makes me happy. There is always room for improvement in swimming though, which is something I love about the sport. Another tough practice tonight and then it's almost taper time... oh taper, je t'aime.
Hopefully I'll find time to make some cookies for Easter.
 | |
| This is the best support staff cart in my office building. He changes out light bulbs and such. |
The end. Have a great Easter weekend!
Friday, December 31, 2010
2010 Highlight Reel
This year has r o a r e d by. It was like a high speed train that blew through every stop. I have changed and grown (hopefully not my circumference) more in 2010 than maybe in any other given year. It was certainly full of some of the highest highs and lowest lows. Many aspects of my life stayed the same, and there were also many changes. I experienced surprises, and some instances surprised me because of the lack of change- like work. Keeping in mind that many things this past year were not happy or easy, here are some highlights of the best of 2010:
I rang in 2010 in the heart of Manhattan (NYC, baby!) wearing cocktail attire and sipping champagne. The ball drop was on a TV screen, but it was so exciting knowing that it was only a few blocks away and that Emma and I had walked around Times Square just hours earlier. We watched illegal vendors peddling glow-in-the-dark necklaces and 2010 glasses. F0r so many reasons, that was quite possibly one of the best new years I will ever experience in my life. I was on top of the world. I also learned that as travelers, Emma and I complement each other perfectly.
I watched from the South Lawn of the White House as Marine One landed and Barack Obama walked to the Oval Office.
Just one short month later, DC got blasted with, not one, but TWO blizzards within days of each other. A snowplow was stuck in the middle of my street all week, for Heaven's sake. For many in DC, these blizzards, which coincided with Super Bowl Sunday, were a nightmare. There was no meat, cookie dough, milk, eggs, or frozen pizza on any shelves in DC.
I had to work every day of the week since I live so close. BUT, I met Alan Greenspan that week. I also drank whiskey every night at local pubs with Emma and Noor and ended up meeting the folks who became my circle of friends.
I went "Irish Car Bomb" hopping on U Street around Saint Patty's Day with Kenny and Emma and learned that it is a liability to serve such drinks, so most bars won't do it. For those of you who have never had the pleasure, it is a pint of Guinness with a shot of Bailey's and Jameson dropped in and chugged. It's probably good that we couldn't get them anywhere except for the Irish bar and Nelly's (gay sports bar- cleanest and prettiest sports bar you'll ever see).
I also went to Hawai'i in March. It was mostly a fly-by for me. I spent 15 hours traveling there and arrived before my family, so I played on the beach, bought a towel, and passed out (hey, 5 hour time difference). I got 3 days there and played in the waves at Waimea Bay with my brother until I was so salty that I thought I'd never be hydrated again. The hardest thing in the world is to board a plane out of Hawaii. I must have been crazy to leave. Again.
Rachel came to visit me! The weather wasn't too awesome, but it sure was wonderful to see her.
I went to the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore with Emma and Erich.
My cousin got married in May, so I was back to Wyoming for family and fun! The bridesmaid dress caused quite the drama, but it all worked out well. Clint and Alecia are married and happy. Next up in 2011: Cousin Hilery!
May also brought warm weather to DC permanently. I have spent lots of time on rooftops all over the city, notably on the rooftop of the Newseum for Cinco de Mayo and 101 Constitution for lots of different receptions. Cinco de Mayo definitely does not go into my highlight reel though- just the rooftop!
I was ready for summer to get here. I don't care how hot, humid, and downright miserable DC gets. I love it. I looked gross pretty much the entire summer, but then again, so did everyone else. I drove my car out to DC from Wyoming. That little 30+ hour trip wasn't on my highlight reel purely because I never want to drive through Nebraska again. It smells. Also, the first day of driving was the 4th of July. My favorite holiday, and I didn't get to celebrate. Brother came with me though, and I loved the time with him. We even swung up to Michigan to pick up Miss Emma and spend the night with her sweet family. I'm so thankful he came with, and then he stayed in DC for a whole week! I needed him there and loved having him.
I started swimming again this summer, and I learned that running really isn't that bad. It's not that good, either. I loved having friends over for dinner and wine in the backyard. Despite the fact that I am a mosquito magnet, it is so enjoyable to sit outside as the sun sets sipping on wine and talking story. I could stay awake forever in the summer. It is my season.
JACK JOHNSON PLAYED AT MERRIWEATHER. It was worth it for floor tickets. I could see the sweat dripping off him and G. Love. SO so so so fantastic. Did I mention that I loved this?!
Jimmy and I threw an epic block party in August, and my cousin Cody came to visit! I also turned 24 in August. I loved being 23 (it was my golden year), but so far 24 is pretty excellent. The CUBS were in town on my birthday!! Best. Present. Ever. So Jimmy, Jenny, Pat and I went to celebrate my birthday at Nationals Park. The Cubs won. Obviously.
I also got to make it back to Casper for the 3rd annual G. Michael Perry memorial softball tournament for Special Olympics Wyoming. It was good weather and even better attitude!
Jimmy's girlfriend Jenny and I started having chai dates at Ebenezers and now we are roommates! Jimmy, Kenny, Travis, and I drove to Toledo, Ohio to watch University of Wyoming football! And they won! Anne met us there, too.
Christopher came back to visit in October. We sat in the 10th row at a Redskins game (Peyton Manning was right there. I mean, RIGHT there) and had great shenanigans.
Zack flew into DC for Halloween, and everybody looked so excellent dressed up.
Kenny and I made pumpkin pies before Thanksgiving. It was bittersweet due to one of the lowest lows of the year- losing Don, his dad. Don's pumpkin pie was epic, and Kenny and I did our best to match it. It was special.
Uncle John's generosity made it possible for me to go to Gram's in South Carolina for Thanksgiving. Read about that here.
December honestly was a blur. The Capitol Christmas tree came from Wyoming this year! That certainly kept the office extra busy, but it was worth it because it looks gorgeous out there. I get to be in Wyoming for Christmas and stay to ring in 2011 with my family before heading back to DC.
It is impossible to touch on each good thing that 2010 brought. So many happy, fun, and fantastic experiences occurred throughout the year.
My wish for you is that 2011 brings all things wonderful. I hope that your highlight reel for the year ahead is packed with happy memories.
Happy New Year!
Love Always,
Elisabeth
I rang in 2010 in the heart of Manhattan (NYC, baby!) wearing cocktail attire and sipping champagne. The ball drop was on a TV screen, but it was so exciting knowing that it was only a few blocks away and that Emma and I had walked around Times Square just hours earlier. We watched illegal vendors peddling glow-in-the-dark necklaces and 2010 glasses. F0r so many reasons, that was quite possibly one of the best new years I will ever experience in my life. I was on top of the world. I also learned that as travelers, Emma and I complement each other perfectly.
I watched from the South Lawn of the White House as Marine One landed and Barack Obama walked to the Oval Office.
Just one short month later, DC got blasted with, not one, but TWO blizzards within days of each other. A snowplow was stuck in the middle of my street all week, for Heaven's sake. For many in DC, these blizzards, which coincided with Super Bowl Sunday, were a nightmare. There was no meat, cookie dough, milk, eggs, or frozen pizza on any shelves in DC.
I had to work every day of the week since I live so close. BUT, I met Alan Greenspan that week. I also drank whiskey every night at local pubs with Emma and Noor and ended up meeting the folks who became my circle of friends.
 |
| SNOWPACALYPSE! |
I went "Irish Car Bomb" hopping on U Street around Saint Patty's Day with Kenny and Emma and learned that it is a liability to serve such drinks, so most bars won't do it. For those of you who have never had the pleasure, it is a pint of Guinness with a shot of Bailey's and Jameson dropped in and chugged. It's probably good that we couldn't get them anywhere except for the Irish bar and Nelly's (gay sports bar- cleanest and prettiest sports bar you'll ever see).
I also went to Hawai'i in March. It was mostly a fly-by for me. I spent 15 hours traveling there and arrived before my family, so I played on the beach, bought a towel, and passed out (hey, 5 hour time difference). I got 3 days there and played in the waves at Waimea Bay with my brother until I was so salty that I thought I'd never be hydrated again. The hardest thing in the world is to board a plane out of Hawaii. I must have been crazy to leave. Again. |
| Rachel |
 |
| Preakness |
 |
| Wedding reception |
May also brought warm weather to DC permanently. I have spent lots of time on rooftops all over the city, notably on the rooftop of the Newseum for Cinco de Mayo and 101 Constitution for lots of different receptions. Cinco de Mayo definitely does not go into my highlight reel though- just the rooftop!
 |
| Emma and me in Michigan |
 |
| On the road |
I started swimming again this summer, and I learned that running really isn't that bad. It's not that good, either. I loved having friends over for dinner and wine in the backyard. Despite the fact that I am a mosquito magnet, it is so enjoyable to sit outside as the sun sets sipping on wine and talking story. I could stay awake forever in the summer. It is my season.
JACK JOHNSON PLAYED AT MERRIWEATHER. It was worth it for floor tickets. I could see the sweat dripping off him and G. Love. SO so so so fantastic. Did I mention that I loved this?!
 |
| Cody |
I also got to make it back to Casper for the 3rd annual G. Michael Perry memorial softball tournament for Special Olympics Wyoming. It was good weather and even better attitude!
Jimmy's girlfriend Jenny and I started having chai dates at Ebenezers and now we are roommates! Jimmy, Kenny, Travis, and I drove to Toledo, Ohio to watch University of Wyoming football! And they won! Anne met us there, too.
Christopher came back to visit in October. We sat in the 10th row at a Redskins game (Peyton Manning was right there. I mean, RIGHT there) and had great shenanigans.
 |
| Redskins v Colts |
Zack flew into DC for Halloween, and everybody looked so excellent dressed up.
Kenny and I made pumpkin pies before Thanksgiving. It was bittersweet due to one of the lowest lows of the year- losing Don, his dad. Don's pumpkin pie was epic, and Kenny and I did our best to match it. It was special.
Uncle John's generosity made it possible for me to go to Gram's in South Carolina for Thanksgiving. Read about that here.
December honestly was a blur. The Capitol Christmas tree came from Wyoming this year! That certainly kept the office extra busy, but it was worth it because it looks gorgeous out there. I get to be in Wyoming for Christmas and stay to ring in 2011 with my family before heading back to DC.
It is impossible to touch on each good thing that 2010 brought. So many happy, fun, and fantastic experiences occurred throughout the year.
My wish for you is that 2011 brings all things wonderful. I hope that your highlight reel for the year ahead is packed with happy memories.
Happy New Year!
Love Always,
Elisabeth
Friday, November 19, 2010
The Best News!
Today at work, all of the aspects of my job that I don't really like decided to all rear their ugly heads all day long. Most of the aspects of my job that I adore decided to go into hibernation. The resulting emotion was something like this mcoae;iojaerfncivkqasdfjkl;asdfjl
Also, this week I had to be to work eeeaaaarrlllyyyy. I like to be awake at night, so whenever I have to wake up very early multiple days in a row, I end up loopy and sleep deprived. It shows in my general appearance. On top of already being sleepy, last night I went to the midnight showing of Harry Potter 7 part 1! YAY! It was definitely worth it to stay up, but now I am more tired than maybe ever before.
Combine my state of frustration and grump from work with my state of ridiculousness from lack of sleep, and I was having a pretty rough go of it.
I walked home for lunch, and upon entering my door, I had a piece of mail waiting for me. I can't go into any more detail, but the mail brought me some of the best news I have heard in a very, very long time. It brought me to tears of happiness. Sometimes life brings news of blessings when you most need to hear one. I'll elaborate on this news when the time is right because it is not my news to share, but you know who you are, and I am SO elated for you!
Love Always.
Also, this week I had to be to work eeeaaaarrlllyyyy. I like to be awake at night, so whenever I have to wake up very early multiple days in a row, I end up loopy and sleep deprived. It shows in my general appearance. On top of already being sleepy, last night I went to the midnight showing of Harry Potter 7 part 1! YAY! It was definitely worth it to stay up, but now I am more tired than maybe ever before.
Combine my state of frustration and grump from work with my state of ridiculousness from lack of sleep, and I was having a pretty rough go of it.
I walked home for lunch, and upon entering my door, I had a piece of mail waiting for me. I can't go into any more detail, but the mail brought me some of the best news I have heard in a very, very long time. It brought me to tears of happiness. Sometimes life brings news of blessings when you most need to hear one. I'll elaborate on this news when the time is right because it is not my news to share, but you know who you are, and I am SO elated for you!
Love Always.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)