I love quotes

I love a good quote. Investor's Business Daily always has good ones. Here is a quote from Shakespeare that was on page A3 of today's IBD. 

"Honesty is the best policy. If I lose mine honor, I lose myself."

How Patriotic am I?

On Monday, I was in the Senate gallery as they opened the session. I can't believe I have never done that before. I mean, I've seen it from my desk on C-Span2 and such, but this was the first time I had been there in person for this. It was fantastic! Maybe I'm a nerd, but standing up in the Senate gallery with my hand over my heart and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance was positively one of the most American activities in which I've ever participated. USA!

love always

Awww Crap!

My mom would give me a disapproving look for using the word "crap" in the title. Anyhow, after a lovely Sunday morning church service and lunch in Eastern Market, I was walking home with a cup of coffee when I approached a "Do Not Cross" signal at a crosswalk. Right next to the corner was a tree, and right when I walked up next to it, a TON of birds flew out of the branches and landed on the ground. Now, I pretty much tweak out whenever I'm near birds. I have no idea why. I like the idea of birds just fine, but when I get around them with their fluttery wings and generally germy-ness, I get creeped out. So, all of these birds started flying around and I freaked out and considered changing course. And then I thought to myself, "Oh for pete sake, they're just birds." And then do you know what happened right when I decided to stick it out and give them a chance?! I GOT POOPED ON!

I've never been pooped on by a bird in all my years before Sunday, and this little rascal got me on my left shoulder blade. Of course it was a blustery day, so my hair was flying around and consequently I had poop both on my coat and in my hair. All I could do was laugh. For multiple blocks. And then wash everything in and around myself once I made it through my door. Sheesh! Isn't it supposed to be good luck? I'd rather find a penny.

Love Always.

I have no TV; I am a Martian

Guess what?! Yesterday marked 1 year of living in my current, adorable, wonderful house in DC!

Our little, blue house during Snowpocalypse 2010 before the snow broke our front door foliage and flag.

I have loved loved loved living here. I have found a fantastic roommate in George (I realized the other day that I've lived with him longer than anyone else outside of family members), and I was lucky to live with Noor and then Courtney throughout the last year. Now Jenny has moved in, and I'm sure more fantastic times are ahead.

This past year we have not only not had cable, but we haven't even had a TV in the house. "WHAT?!", you might ask. "How are you alive right now?" Well, I'm probably from Mars (or, Venus?) because I've really enjoyed being disconnected from our increasingly reality-tv centric population. I am not totally disconnected from the glorious-ness of TV thanks to things like Hulu, TBS streaming Conan episodes, and Netflix (you're welcome for the free endorsements... send me things?!). Those allow me to watch the shows I enjoy, and I appreciate that. Not having a TV has kept me from vegging out in front of the TV doing nothing but demolishing bags of pretzels though.

This year I've read more books than in any other year of my life, and I love it! I like that instead of being bored and wishing I had TV, I find adventures for myself, try my hand at cooking a new recipe, take a walk, read read read...  I do wish I had a TV to watch movies on sometimes instead of a laptop screen (which is no longer functioning anyway). Maybe I should start something like Oprah's book club but make it "Elisabeth's Book Club for People Lacking Other Means of Entertainment". That title is entirely too long though. I mean, the acronym would be EBCPLOME. No bueno. A gold star for whoever comes up with a better name. Or a better idea.

Love always!