Japan: to put things in perspective

I am thiiiiiiiiis close to falling asleep at this very instant, which I will not allow myself to do because there is too much to be done. Although, if you see a weird "ajsd;foiaenfa; vifd" looking post go up on here, it means I probably fell asleep face down in the keyboard. I just got back from Hawaii this morning (yeah, I left Hawaii. What was I thinking?) and now I'm still stuck in paradise in my head but facing reality in all other aspects of life. I feel overwhelmed and don't even know where to start tackling all of the things that need to be addressed. I gotta say though, the events of the past week show me that really, I have it pretty good.

After all, my home didn't just get leveled by an earthquake.
My town didn't just get hit by a tsunami.
I don't have to worry about health and environment risks.
My grocery store shelves are fully stocked.
My family and friends are not dead, missing, or waiting in shelters.

Yep, my life is a cake walk right now. Definitely counting my blessings. Please take a minute in your day to send prayers to Japan.

Aaaaaanndd I'll post Hawaii pictures soon!

Mike aka Daddy

Yesterday would have been my daddy's 64th birthday.

I miss him. Everyday.

Because of him (and my wonderful mom), I know love-- love for my family and for my friends. I know laughter and lightheartedness. I know perseverance. I know the importance of fighting through challenges and emerging improved and better than before. I know to appreciate life's little opportunities.

I also have a special spot in my heart for Hawai'i and a love of the ocean (salt water in my nose and all), and I can't wait to stop by his arch and leave a lei for him this weekend. Love you, Daddy.

aloha nui loa.

Adventures of Spiro Agnew

Somebody signed into the pool last night under name "Spiro Agnew". Does anybody else think that this is hilarious? or is this just horribly, horribly DC nerdy of me and not actually that funny at all? Well whatever, I loved it. I signed in as "Elisabeth". I must be boring.

Oh, had I even mentioned that recently I was in Wyoming? My cousin got married (you were so pretty, Hilery). And then my sisty came out here with me for the week. So, here are a few rando pictures for your enjoyment. Most of them are from Wyoming/Sister visit. Some of them aren't.

wedding faces. i miss my brotherrrr

delicious date for crepes with kenny. a-thank you!

last day in DC White House tour!

Chickety-check out Miss Adorable Sister in front of the WH

The lady had been 29 for about 29 minutes. Starbucks date!

Lookit all the Vday cards I got in the mail at one time!

Dinner at Lauriol Plaza. Michelle digs Mexican food, probably.

I want to go here now. I'll take Hawai'i at the end of the week though :)

You love on that a little bit. I'm going to do some work now. x's and o's.

pay attention to signs, and other morning tid bits

A few words on the morning:

-morning swimming was a good idea.
-parking in a no parking zone during morning rush hour was not a good idea.

see the exceptions. you can turn left. except for right now. sucker.

this is my rendition of what the "you can park here most of the time but actually just not some of the time and only when..." sign looks like.

-i am now the owner of a $100 traffic violation ticket.
-i'm not really even angry; i was a huge jerk for parking there and making the morning commute just that much longer for people. driving here sucks. i'm just lucky that the request to have my car towed from the street did not get fulfilled before i made it back to my car.
-let me repeat, driving here sucks. 25 minutes to get there at 6:20am. ONE HOUR back. one. hour. onehour.
-rock creek parkway becomes one direction for all lanes during morning commute. i wasn't prepared for that, but actually rather enjoyed driving on the wrong side of the road once i was done being uncomfortable.
-to the man walking out of the men's room on the 2nd floor when the doors of the elevator opened... please don't ever let me see you "adjusting" ever again. ever. 
-i have so much to do today that it's overwhelming and so i'm avoiding it which is making me feel guilty and the cycle repeats itself. i'm breaking the cycle starting right after i post this picture...

 

 

 

i miss my wrigley.

love!