I came home yesterday to find that Dave had convinced someone at work to give us a box of chocolate (cuz I am a HUGE chocolate lover). Now when I say box of chocolate I don't mean a small box filled with 48 chocolate pieces. No, my friend. I mean a BOX filled with several assorted boxes of chocolate. I have enough chocolate to last me til next Valentine's Day and a boy who is always thinking about me. I don't know what else a girl could want (besides a HUGE diamond ring ;-p).
So last night we were laying in bed, my head was on his chest, he was stroking my hair to make me fall asleep and I couldn't help but think how damn lucky I am to have this boy. He has blue eyes, the sweetest personality, fun to be with, big feet ;-), we never fight, and he LOVES me! He loves ME!!! I'm just so lucky. Right before I feel asleep I told him that I wanted to keep him.
His response: 'maybe I want to keep you too'.
;-D
Friday, July 29, 2005
It's Gotta Start Somewhere!
A year ago I met Dave, fell in love, had sex all day, pizza every night and subsequently gained 20 pounds. I've been trying my hardest to lose the weight through diet and exercise and have actually been able to lose a pound or two each week. Unfortunately, I keep sabotaging any weight loss by making excuses for 'special days' like family bbqs, happy hours, business dinners, dinners with friends, business trips, etc and immediately gaining back what I worked so hard to lose.
I made a promise to myself this week that I will limit my caloric intake to 1200-1500 calories a day! I will exercise 5-6 days a week to include an hour of cardio and strength training! I will have NO more 'special days' (esp. since my special days occured 2x per week on average)! I will go from looking like this to looking like I did a year ago with legs like these!! I can do it!!!
This week so far: One pound down, 19 to go til my butt looks like this again and 32 to go til I reach my dream weight. (note: I didn't get serious about losing weight until Tuesday so 1 pound is not bad for just a few days). I've cut back my food consumption a bit which was much easier then I thought it would be. Fewer snacks during the day and I'm trying to limit what I eat for dinner since I wasn't being as good as I should have been during that meal. I've always exercised so that hasn't been too difficult. The hardest part will be this weekend when I have an sorority alumni event in Napa that will include tons of wine, tons of drinking, and tons of brownies and snacks. Wish me will power!
I made a promise to myself this week that I will limit my caloric intake to 1200-1500 calories a day! I will exercise 5-6 days a week to include an hour of cardio and strength training! I will have NO more 'special days' (esp. since my special days occured 2x per week on average)! I will go from looking like this to looking like I did a year ago with legs like these!! I can do it!!!
This week so far: One pound down, 19 to go til my butt looks like this again and 32 to go til I reach my dream weight. (note: I didn't get serious about losing weight until Tuesday so 1 pound is not bad for just a few days). I've cut back my food consumption a bit which was much easier then I thought it would be. Fewer snacks during the day and I'm trying to limit what I eat for dinner since I wasn't being as good as I should have been during that meal. I've always exercised so that hasn't been too difficult. The hardest part will be this weekend when I have an sorority alumni event in Napa that will include tons of wine, tons of drinking, and tons of brownies and snacks. Wish me will power!
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Things I Love Today:
* Old Navy Jeans - I bought my first pair of jeans from Old Navy on Tuesday cuz I needed a pair of jeans asap. I never knew that they had such great jeans in so many different shapes and fabrics!!! In the past I've bought skirts, shorts and khakis from Old Navy but all of my jeans have come from Lucky or A&F ($80 and up). I'm really loving the color, fit, comfy fabric and PRICE ($25!) of Old Navy Jeans so much that I'll be going back and buying more cute jeans.
* Ford Focus - My car is in the body shop getting a dent fixed (somebody hit me when I was at the bar drinking with Dave and friends). For now I'm driving a Ford Focus and loving it!! So cute, stylish and cheap! I'm going to get a new more economical car soon so I'm thinking that I might get the Focus in Silver. I love my flashy convertible but in reality I don't ever drive with the top down and I could use the money saved on car payments for other uses.
* Breezy Bay Area Days - It's never super hot here and I love that!!! Nothings better then having to wear a sweatshirt on a bright sunny summer day cuz the breezy ocean air and fog have left you chilled.
* Wearing Dave's Old Fraternity Sweatshirts - I wear sweatshirts almost year round due to the chilly weather that we get here sometimes. My most favorite sweatshirts to wear are Dave's old college sweatshirts. I'm wearing one today. I heart that boy! ;-D ;-D ;-D
* Ford Focus - My car is in the body shop getting a dent fixed (somebody hit me when I was at the bar drinking with Dave and friends). For now I'm driving a Ford Focus and loving it!! So cute, stylish and cheap! I'm going to get a new more economical car soon so I'm thinking that I might get the Focus in Silver. I love my flashy convertible but in reality I don't ever drive with the top down and I could use the money saved on car payments for other uses.
* Breezy Bay Area Days - It's never super hot here and I love that!!! Nothings better then having to wear a sweatshirt on a bright sunny summer day cuz the breezy ocean air and fog have left you chilled.
* Wearing Dave's Old Fraternity Sweatshirts - I wear sweatshirts almost year round due to the chilly weather that we get here sometimes. My most favorite sweatshirts to wear are Dave's old college sweatshirts. I'm wearing one today. I heart that boy! ;-D ;-D ;-D
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
So Sleepy ...
Last night I treated Dave to a Reel Big Fish concert at the Fillmore in San Francisco as part of his birthday present. We had a really good time even though the Fillmore was filled with teeny boppers. Were tenny boppers even in elementary school when sell-out was big???? And what are high school kids doing at a concert on a weeknight????
But I admit, that the tenny boppers were all very well mannered and didn't annoy us at all except to make me and my 30 year old boyfriend feel old. The concert was good too. We heard several new bands that played before Reel Big Fish. It's always nice to hear some new music especially since I haven't been to a concert since DMB at SF Gate Park in September 2004. I shouldn't be as tired as I am because we took BART home and were in bed by midnight. Gosh. I'm getting old. How did I ever survive through college when I was partying til 5am almost every night of the week, carrying 18 units, and working part-time??
But I admit, that the tenny boppers were all very well mannered and didn't annoy us at all except to make me and my 30 year old boyfriend feel old. The concert was good too. We heard several new bands that played before Reel Big Fish. It's always nice to hear some new music especially since I haven't been to a concert since DMB at SF Gate Park in September 2004. I shouldn't be as tired as I am because we took BART home and were in bed by midnight. Gosh. I'm getting old. How did I ever survive through college when I was partying til 5am almost every night of the week, carrying 18 units, and working part-time??
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
How Does That Make You Feel??
Woo Hoo!! I have comments now! Before, I was just too lazy to go into blogger and edit my settings since I always use the 'blog this' tool to post. Yay for comments!
Monday, July 25, 2005
Someday ...
So I've been thinking a lot about my ideal wedding (when did I ever stop?). Dave really wants a destination wedding but I don't see that happening considering the health of my older family members and my divorced parents who can't even be in the same room as each other much less a tropical resort. If we weren't able to do the destination wedding, I (and Dave) would want something small, intimate, and budget friendly. Here's what I'm thinking:
Location: Shoreline Center or the Brazilian Room (both are outdoorsey and run by the regional park district so they are CHEAP!)
Number of Guests: 80 (small!)
Colors: I'd want pink and silver/white but I think Dave would like pale blue and sea green better.
Decorations: DIY flowers and candle centerpieces. The room and it's view wouldn't need a lot.
Food: Nothing super fancy. I'm thinking that I'd love to have a lunch time reception so that everyone could fully enjoy the beauty of the location in the daylight. The only must have is a chocolate fountain!
Cake: Simple. Safeway has these super cute cakes they've started making.
Music: No dancing since I REALLY can't imagine my family dancing at a wedding. I think it would be really neat to have a steel drums band playing as background music through out the reception. First dance (and the only dance) would be to something Bob Marley like One Love or Stir It Up.
After Party: I'd love to have a party trolley after the wedding as a post wedding celebration for our friends to get crazy and drunk at (especially since our friends love to get crazy and drunk!). Bar hopping and dancing through the streets of San Francisco.
Honeymoon: 2 weeks in Costa Rica
Unfortunately, I don't think that I'll be wedding planning any time soon. Dave and I had a detailed discussion on finances this weekend since Dave's trust fund became available to him on his 30th birthday. In the past I had always known about Dave's credit union savings account which has some money in it but not enough for an engagement ring. Well ... I found out this weekend that Dave has several accounts, CDs and mutual funds with money easily available in them. The boy has more then $20,000 saved! I'm really proud of him but at the same time I'm kind of bummed cuz him buying an engagement ring is no longer an issue of saving money as I had previously thought. Now it's just a waiting game for me to sit patiently until he becomes ready to marry me ;-/
Location: Shoreline Center or the Brazilian Room (both are outdoorsey and run by the regional park district so they are CHEAP!)
Number of Guests: 80 (small!)
Colors: I'd want pink and silver/white but I think Dave would like pale blue and sea green better.
Decorations: DIY flowers and candle centerpieces. The room and it's view wouldn't need a lot.
Food: Nothing super fancy. I'm thinking that I'd love to have a lunch time reception so that everyone could fully enjoy the beauty of the location in the daylight. The only must have is a chocolate fountain!
Cake: Simple. Safeway has these super cute cakes they've started making.
Music: No dancing since I REALLY can't imagine my family dancing at a wedding. I think it would be really neat to have a steel drums band playing as background music through out the reception. First dance (and the only dance) would be to something Bob Marley like One Love or Stir It Up.
After Party: I'd love to have a party trolley after the wedding as a post wedding celebration for our friends to get crazy and drunk at (especially since our friends love to get crazy and drunk!). Bar hopping and dancing through the streets of San Francisco.
Honeymoon: 2 weeks in Costa Rica
Unfortunately, I don't think that I'll be wedding planning any time soon. Dave and I had a detailed discussion on finances this weekend since Dave's trust fund became available to him on his 30th birthday. In the past I had always known about Dave's credit union savings account which has some money in it but not enough for an engagement ring. Well ... I found out this weekend that Dave has several accounts, CDs and mutual funds with money easily available in them. The boy has more then $20,000 saved! I'm really proud of him but at the same time I'm kind of bummed cuz him buying an engagement ring is no longer an issue of saving money as I had previously thought. Now it's just a waiting game for me to sit patiently until he becomes ready to marry me ;-/
Friday, July 22, 2005
Cuz I Want To
I stole this from Kathy. I like this game.
10 Years Ago ... I was 15 and had just finished my freshman year of high school. I was madly and hopelessly in love with a boy named Justin whom I had dated for 2 months but had recently broken up with me. Many years later I found out that he had a girlfriend the entire time we were dating (we went to different high schools). My biggest worries at this time were boys, the purple pick up that I wanted for my 16th birthday, braces, and how to talk on the phone late at night without my Dad catching me.
5 Years Ago ... I was 20 and dating the scum bag (ex)boyfriend that I hate. We had been dating a year and he had come to my parent's farm to work for the summer so that we could be together (we went to different colleges). I still lived with my parents and was pretty innocent.
1 Year Ago ... I had just broken up with Jay and was living with Scott and Steve whom I was having TONS of fun with. My life consisted of work, late night drinking, concerts and impromptu jam sessions at our house. My relationship with Nathan was pretty much over but I was still fooling around with Scott, kinda had the hots for one of Scott's bandmates, was starting to see Lee (the motocross rider), casually dating a coworker who worked in another office, and starting to talk to Dave via email about playing on his softball team. Whew! Too many boys!! Not sure how I kept them all straight! I also had a super cute body. I wish I had that body again ;-(
Yesterday ... Working then home to cook dinner for Dave.
Today ... Working, gym, then dinner with Dave's family to celebrate his birthday.
Tomorrrow ... Sleeping in!, yoga, mini-shopping spree at Ikea to pick up a few small items that Dave and I need for the apartment, and gardening. We'll also be hookah shopping since Dave wants a new hookah badly. Luckily, we live very close to Berkely and the Haight/Ashbury area where smoke shops are abundant and a plethora of hookahs can be found.
10 Years Ago ... I was 15 and had just finished my freshman year of high school. I was madly and hopelessly in love with a boy named Justin whom I had dated for 2 months but had recently broken up with me. Many years later I found out that he had a girlfriend the entire time we were dating (we went to different high schools). My biggest worries at this time were boys, the purple pick up that I wanted for my 16th birthday, braces, and how to talk on the phone late at night without my Dad catching me.
5 Years Ago ... I was 20 and dating the scum bag (ex)boyfriend that I hate. We had been dating a year and he had come to my parent's farm to work for the summer so that we could be together (we went to different colleges). I still lived with my parents and was pretty innocent.
1 Year Ago ... I had just broken up with Jay and was living with Scott and Steve whom I was having TONS of fun with. My life consisted of work, late night drinking, concerts and impromptu jam sessions at our house. My relationship with Nathan was pretty much over but I was still fooling around with Scott, kinda had the hots for one of Scott's bandmates, was starting to see Lee (the motocross rider), casually dating a coworker who worked in another office, and starting to talk to Dave via email about playing on his softball team. Whew! Too many boys!! Not sure how I kept them all straight! I also had a super cute body. I wish I had that body again ;-(
Yesterday ... Working then home to cook dinner for Dave.
Today ... Working, gym, then dinner with Dave's family to celebrate his birthday.
Tomorrrow ... Sleeping in!, yoga, mini-shopping spree at Ikea to pick up a few small items that Dave and I need for the apartment, and gardening. We'll also be hookah shopping since Dave wants a new hookah badly. Luckily, we live very close to Berkely and the Haight/Ashbury area where smoke shops are abundant and a plethora of hookahs can be found.
Give the Chef Your Regards
Last night I outdid myself. Seriously. Dinner was ABOVE and beyond good. So yummy. I drool just thinking about it. ;-9 The filet mignon wrapped in bacon had this intense taste that contrasted nicely with the delicate meat. And the garlic sauce worked so well to compliment the meat and its flavor. The green beans and carmalized inions turned out perfect. And the garlic mashed potatoes were excellent as well with their creamy, buttery taste. To top it all off there was opera cake which had an excellent balance of chocolate and coffee flavors. *drool*
Besides dinner, last night was nothing exciting as I expected. The night before, the business dinner at the expensive steakhouse was canceled so Dave stayed at work until 11pm getting stuff done while I went to kickboxing and then read my book until he got home. Having a night like last night where all we did was lay in each others arms and not think about work was really needed. ;-)
PS Thanks to Rosalie, I am on a David Gray kick again. Ahhhh ... I love me some Kangaroo.
Besides dinner, last night was nothing exciting as I expected. The night before, the business dinner at the expensive steakhouse was canceled so Dave stayed at work until 11pm getting stuff done while I went to kickboxing and then read my book until he got home. Having a night like last night where all we did was lay in each others arms and not think about work was really needed. ;-)
PS Thanks to Rosalie, I am on a David Gray kick again. Ahhhh ... I love me some Kangaroo.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Happy Birthday Dave!!!
Today my favorite Cancer turns 30!!! WOOO!! Unfortunately, we don't have any big plans (per his request). Tonight is dinner at home (filet mignon with garlic sauce, green beans, mashed potatoes and opera cake). Tomorrow is dinner at a semi-nice restaurant in town with his family. Nothing big.
I gave him his big present a few weeks ago (I suck at keeping surprises!) I got him a really nice suround sound system for the living room, tickets to see his Reel Big Fish at the Fillmore, and a new controller for his PS2.
I gave him his big present a few weeks ago (I suck at keeping surprises!) I got him a really nice suround sound system for the living room, tickets to see his Reel Big Fish at the Fillmore, and a new controller for his PS2.
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Office Drama
My office is in danger of burning down due to a 10,000 acre wildfire that is nearby. Is it sad that I'd be completely okay if it burned down??? I'm just so unhappy at work lately. I need to learn not to take things so personal cuz I'm really starting to resent some of my coworkers and coming to work each day is becoming a chore that I don't enjoy. My boss can be so selfish and self centered some times that it makes it really hard to be around the guy. Then my coworker got married Monday night. It really hurt my feelings that after talking 24/7 non-stop about her wedding and ALL of it's details for the last nine months, that she decided not to invite most of the office to the event. Tact anyone? I definetely learned my lesson that IF I ever become engaged that I wont be discussing my wedding at work if I don't plan on inviting coworkers (which I don't).
Sidenote - If you read that article that I linked, please note that I don't work at the nuclear testing facility that they talk about. My office is close to it though. I don't drink the water!
In other office drama related news, Dave and I are supposed to go to a business dinner tonight at a very expensive steakhouse that has supper yummy food. Unfortunately, I'm thinking that it'll just be Dave going since his boss doesn't want to bring his wife. Does it have anything to do with the fact that he's cheating on his wife with several younger employees??? Hmm..... So, I'm trying my best not to act super bummed about not getting to go to the fancy dinner even though I am. Damn cheating bosses.
Sidenote - If you read that article that I linked, please note that I don't work at the nuclear testing facility that they talk about. My office is close to it though. I don't drink the water!
In other office drama related news, Dave and I are supposed to go to a business dinner tonight at a very expensive steakhouse that has supper yummy food. Unfortunately, I'm thinking that it'll just be Dave going since his boss doesn't want to bring his wife. Does it have anything to do with the fact that he's cheating on his wife with several younger employees??? Hmm..... So, I'm trying my best not to act super bummed about not getting to go to the fancy dinner even though I am. Damn cheating bosses.
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Home Sweet Home
6,445 miles traveled
6 airports
5 flights
5 hotel rooms
12 nights
14 days
1 happy girl to be back home!!!
I came home on Friday night to be greeted by Dave at the airport. I've never been so happy to see that boy. On Friday, there were tons of storms in Atlanta (my connecting airport) so my flight from Gainesville was delayed for several hours and almost canceled. Luckily, everything worked out and I was able to get to Atlanta without missing my connecting flight since it had been delayed for 3 hours.
This weekend I layed around like a lazy bum with Dave. I really needed the relaxation! I also did my best to eat healthy since when I was in Florida I ate way too much cuban food, boiled peanuts, and New Orleans style seafood (YUM).
On Saturday afternoon, Dave and I went to his parent's house to swim in the pool with his cousin and the kids. It was a really nice time and we took some super cute pics.
Now it's back to work. Yuck ;-(
6 airports
5 flights
5 hotel rooms
12 nights
14 days
1 happy girl to be back home!!!
I came home on Friday night to be greeted by Dave at the airport. I've never been so happy to see that boy. On Friday, there were tons of storms in Atlanta (my connecting airport) so my flight from Gainesville was delayed for several hours and almost canceled. Luckily, everything worked out and I was able to get to Atlanta without missing my connecting flight since it had been delayed for 3 hours.
This weekend I layed around like a lazy bum with Dave. I really needed the relaxation! I also did my best to eat healthy since when I was in Florida I ate way too much cuban food, boiled peanuts, and New Orleans style seafood (YUM).
On Saturday afternoon, Dave and I went to his parent's house to swim in the pool with his cousin and the kids. It was a really nice time and we took some super cute pics.
Now it's back to work. Yuck ;-(
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Sushi with Rosalie!!!
Last night I met up with Rosalie and we had some EXCELLENT sushi ;-D (See the super cute pic on Rosalie's blog). I had such a fantastic time with Rosalie. She's such a sweetheart and sooo gorgeous!!! It made me a less homesick to get to eat dinner with someone that I actually know which was great cuz I'm feeling super homesick lately. It doesn't help that I'm pretty much done composing my report so I don't have much left to do here but sit around and act busy. I can't wait to see David tomorrow!
PS Congratulations to Tammy who gave birth to a 9 pound baby boy this morning! Hopefully she has a speedy recovery from her c-section ;-/
PS Congratulations to Tammy who gave birth to a 9 pound baby boy this morning! Hopefully she has a speedy recovery from her c-section ;-/
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Life Lessons
Learned the Hard Way:
ALWAYS pack a clean pair of underwear and a change of clothes in your carry-on luggage when flying!!!
I arrived in Gainesville, FL on Monday afternoon (24 hours after I should have). I was one stinky girl due to no shampoo, no conditioner, deoderant, toothpaste, toothbrush, or clean clothes since 6 am the previous day. I landed and soon learned that my luggage was still at the Charlotte NC airport and it was unknown when it would be returned to me. I was still in my baggy comfy clothes that stank as a result of me wearing them for the previous 36 hours. Luckily, I was picked up from the airport by a Florida coworker and taken to Walmart so that I could buy some NEEDED toiletries and a change of clothes (I got a really cute shirt, skirt, and pair of sandals). I met up with the rest of my coworkers before taking off on a 3 hour drive South.
I can't believe how much I am enjoying the Florida weather. The Bay Area has no humidity and rarely exceeds 85 degrees but surprisingly I am loving the warm, humid Florida air that envelopes my body like a thick blanket. Heat has never bothered me but I can't stand the cold! The only things that I don't like about FL are the lurking alligators in every waterbody and the mildew smell that permeates every hotel room and sometimes the outside air. I am loving FL so much that I really want to come back in the future and explore Miami, Everglades and the Florida Keys.
PS My luggage was FINALLY returned to me 5 minutes ago! WOO HOO!!!
ALWAYS pack a clean pair of underwear and a change of clothes in your carry-on luggage when flying!!!
I arrived in Gainesville, FL on Monday afternoon (24 hours after I should have). I was one stinky girl due to no shampoo, no conditioner, deoderant, toothpaste, toothbrush, or clean clothes since 6 am the previous day. I landed and soon learned that my luggage was still at the Charlotte NC airport and it was unknown when it would be returned to me. I was still in my baggy comfy clothes that stank as a result of me wearing them for the previous 36 hours. Luckily, I was picked up from the airport by a Florida coworker and taken to Walmart so that I could buy some NEEDED toiletries and a change of clothes (I got a really cute shirt, skirt, and pair of sandals). I met up with the rest of my coworkers before taking off on a 3 hour drive South.
I can't believe how much I am enjoying the Florida weather. The Bay Area has no humidity and rarely exceeds 85 degrees but surprisingly I am loving the warm, humid Florida air that envelopes my body like a thick blanket. Heat has never bothered me but I can't stand the cold! The only things that I don't like about FL are the lurking alligators in every waterbody and the mildew smell that permeates every hotel room and sometimes the outside air. I am loving FL so much that I really want to come back in the future and explore Miami, Everglades and the Florida Keys.
PS My luggage was FINALLY returned to me 5 minutes ago! WOO HOO!!!
Sunday, July 10, 2005
My Relaxing Weekend *SARCASM*
Saturday - I spent the day exploring DC by myself. I walked ALOT but all in all I had a really enjoyable time alone. They say that you should love spending time with yourself before you can ever expect anyone else to love spending time with you. I completely believe that. Things I saw:
* US Capitol Buildings - LOTS of steps!!!
* Botanical Gardens - Gorgeous and humid. A must-see for a plant science geek like me.
* Museum of Natural History - Packed with tons of kids. Worth the crowds to see the Hope Diamond ;-)
* National Aquarium - Disappointing. Small ;-/
* Dinner at some sushi restaurant that was highly rated by several websites but was nothing like my beloved west coast sushi ;-(
Sunday
* Woke up at 7am to catch my flight from the DC area to Gainesville, FL.
* 9am - Flew to Charlotte, NC for a layover.
* 1pm - Connecting flight to Gainesville was CANCELED due to hurricane winds. Stayed at the airport in hopes of catching the next available flight. I was supposed to meet Rosalie for some sushi (I'm SUCH a sushi whore and I REALLY wanted to see Rosalie!!)
* 5pm - Hurricane winds were unrelenting and flights to Jackson, Alabama, Atlanta, and most of Florida were being canceled left and right. I gave up and booked a hotel room at a nearby hotel for the night. Unfortunately, the airline wasn't able to return my checked baggage to me so as I type I'm stuck in an airport hotel room with no transportation, no clean clothes, no clean undies, no toiletries and I STINK! Oh! And I have a meeting as soon as I get off the plane when I arrive in Florida. I'm thinking that I'll attempt a quick change in the bathroom as soon as my checked baggage is delivered off the airplane.
Sheesh. I think I need a weekend to re-coop for these past few days!
PS And I really REALLY miss Dave ;-( I love that boy so damn much!
PPS My brother had his baby on Friday (eek! I'm an Aunt!!!). A close friend of Dave's family had his baby a few days before that. They say good things come in 3s so here's hoping that my close friend Tammy pops ASAP!
* US Capitol Buildings - LOTS of steps!!!
* Botanical Gardens - Gorgeous and humid. A must-see for a plant science geek like me.
* Museum of Natural History - Packed with tons of kids. Worth the crowds to see the Hope Diamond ;-)
* National Aquarium - Disappointing. Small ;-/
* Dinner at some sushi restaurant that was highly rated by several websites but was nothing like my beloved west coast sushi ;-(
Sunday
* Woke up at 7am to catch my flight from the DC area to Gainesville, FL.
* 9am - Flew to Charlotte, NC for a layover.
* 1pm - Connecting flight to Gainesville was CANCELED due to hurricane winds. Stayed at the airport in hopes of catching the next available flight. I was supposed to meet Rosalie for some sushi (I'm SUCH a sushi whore and I REALLY wanted to see Rosalie!!)
* 5pm - Hurricane winds were unrelenting and flights to Jackson, Alabama, Atlanta, and most of Florida were being canceled left and right. I gave up and booked a hotel room at a nearby hotel for the night. Unfortunately, the airline wasn't able to return my checked baggage to me so as I type I'm stuck in an airport hotel room with no transportation, no clean clothes, no clean undies, no toiletries and I STINK! Oh! And I have a meeting as soon as I get off the plane when I arrive in Florida. I'm thinking that I'll attempt a quick change in the bathroom as soon as my checked baggage is delivered off the airplane.
Sheesh. I think I need a weekend to re-coop for these past few days!
PS And I really REALLY miss Dave ;-( I love that boy so damn much!
PPS My brother had his baby on Friday (eek! I'm an Aunt!!!). A close friend of Dave's family had his baby a few days before that. They say good things come in 3s so here's hoping that my close friend Tammy pops ASAP!
Friday, July 08, 2005
Inside My Week
My week here in DC is finished today. Tomorrow I'll spend the day sightseeing the Capitol and then Sunday I depart for rainy Florida. While here I worked on a spreadsheet that compared our National employee demographics to the US Census demographics, went to a few meetings, met lots of people, and walked too much in high heels. The week was not as stressful as I imagined it to be but I wasn't bored either. A perfect blend that allowed me to stay busy and be productive while playing on the internet from time to time.
I took the Metro yesterday, and despite the heightened security level everything was the same as any other day that I had taken the Metro. Disturbing? Yes. After what happened in London I was hopping that security would have been increased in some shape or form. Random bag checks? Pat downs? Metal detector wands? Nada.
I'm missing David more and more but not so much that I feel like crying myself to sleep. The hardest part is giving him a call at 9:30pm before my bedtime and listen to him talk about just getting off work and the list of things he has to do that night since it's only 6:30 there. The nice part has been that I come home to a nice, clean quiet hotel room and I'm able to curl up in bed, read my book, eat dinner when I want and then go work out at the hotel gym when I want. Ok. Time for me to get back to work. One more week ...
I took the Metro yesterday, and despite the heightened security level everything was the same as any other day that I had taken the Metro. Disturbing? Yes. After what happened in London I was hopping that security would have been increased in some shape or form. Random bag checks? Pat downs? Metal detector wands? Nada.
I'm missing David more and more but not so much that I feel like crying myself to sleep. The hardest part is giving him a call at 9:30pm before my bedtime and listen to him talk about just getting off work and the list of things he has to do that night since it's only 6:30 there. The nice part has been that I come home to a nice, clean quiet hotel room and I'm able to curl up in bed, read my book, eat dinner when I want and then go work out at the hotel gym when I want. Ok. Time for me to get back to work. One more week ...
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Cori & Dave's $50 Vacation
Sun, July 3rd - After taking a red eye flight from Oakland to Dulles, Dave and I finally arrived at our hotel around 10am est. What a journey!!! Work paid for my flight and Dave had a free flight voucher that cost him $50 to use so unfortunately we were forced to take separate airlines. His flight ended up leaving 4 hours late but I waited in the airport for him so we could take the taxi to the hotel together. The wait ended up being only an hour during which I read my book and tried not to cry. I am so damn pathetic. I was away from the boy for 8 hours and I missed him like I was never going to see him again. Pathetic ;-)
So we got to the hotel and were both so excited to see Washington DC that we took a shower and then headed out again even though we had both only slept 2 hours each on the flight. Our 1st stop was the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. Interesting. Free. It was my first time being at a Smithsonian Museum and I was impressed by the size and variety of interesting exhibits to see. Afterwards, Dave and I headed off for the Bureau of Engraving. His Dad wanted a few new nickels from there so we promised that we would stop by and see what they had for sale (his Dad's so cute!). On the way there we walked by my department's national headquarters which takes up an area of 7 city blocks!!! It's massive!!! Of course that set off Dave, aka 'my lil Republican' on a small rampage about federal government and how my department building was way bigger then his Fortune 50 company buildings and some of their warehouses. He was being cute so I didn't mind his republican rants. The Bureau of Engraving was closed for the weekend and holiday (which we thought might be the case) so we decided to grab a bite to eat and then head back to the hotel for a nap.
After taking a 3 hour nap, we woke up and got dressed for dinner. We went to the 'Grill from Impanema' where we ate some REALLY good Brazilian food, drank cachaca, and saw Pedro Martinez also eating dinner! After dinner, we walked the short distance to 18th Street where there is lots of bars and restaurants on a 4 block walk. We passed by some swanky bars, dive bars, ice cream parlors, a sushi joint that served food on a roof top (it looked soooo romantic), several Ethiopian restaurants, and a few hookah bars. Dave and I drank a few drinks in a small non-descript bar and then headed for a hookah bar. I LOVE hookahs (they remind me of my college days) and so it was great to share that activity with Dave. After the hookah bar, Dave and I took a taxi back to our hotel.
Mon, July 4th - After Dave and I slept in (WOOOO!!) we headed out to see as many monuments as we could in the Mall. We saw the Monument, World War II Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Lincoln's Memorial, and Korean Memorial. My favorite was probably the Korean Memorial which I hadn't see when I was in DC last time. Even though our feet hurt from so much walking we continued on to the Smithsonian American History Museum. After fighting crowds and touring 2 of the 3 floors, we decided to call it quits and head back to the hotel room for some order in pizza and rest!!!
At 7:30 pm we left the hotel room, walked the short 3 blocks to the Mall, went through the extensive security check, and plopped down our blanket on a small section of grass that we found. Everything was relatively easy compared to the over-exaggerated news reports that we kept watching on TV that said that the Mall was packed and that security would take an hour to go through. Dave and I cuddled on the blanket while we watched the fireworks explode behind the Monument. A great way to end the evening ;-)
Tues, July 5th - I took the Metro to work while Dave stayed at the hotel and did some sight seeing. While I was gone Dave attempted to go to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing but they ran out of tickets 4 people ahead of him ;-(. Dave also saw the Holocaust Museum and bought souvenirs for his family. On my way home from work, I barely missed a HUGE thunderstorm that drenched everyone trying to get home. When I got to the hotel Dave was waiting for me outside so we sat on a sidewalk bench and watched the rain fall. In California we don't get summer rains so feeling the hot, wet air was a nice experience for us.
After the thunderstorm cleared up, Dave and I took a taxi to this great Texas BBQ restaurant called Capitol Q. YUMMY! After dinner, Dave and I decided to walk the 7 blocks back to the hotel because the night was so warm and perfect (and I ate too much). On our way home we window shopped, got coffee at Starbucks (there were 4 in the 7 block walk), sat in a park, listened to Cicadas, and watched some lightning bugs. We don't have cicadas or lightning bugs in California so it was really neat to see and hear them.
Wed, July 6th - Dave left for the airport today while I went to work ;-( I thought I'd be a crying mess when we said good bye but surprisingly I wasn't. I think I've fooled myself into thinking that he'll be in my hotel room when I get home. Plus, I was anxious and scared earlier this week when I didn't know what it was going to be like to work in NHQ and it was really nice to have Dave nearby to hold my hand on the 1st day.
I still think it's going to be hard for me when I have to go to bed alone tonight. Dave wont be there to spoon me or stroke my hair. He wont be there to bug me when I attempt to read the paper. And he wont be there this weekend to walk around the capitol with me (I think that part will be really hard cuz we've never spent a weekend apart). I'm gonna miss that boy ;-(
So we got to the hotel and were both so excited to see Washington DC that we took a shower and then headed out again even though we had both only slept 2 hours each on the flight. Our 1st stop was the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. Interesting. Free. It was my first time being at a Smithsonian Museum and I was impressed by the size and variety of interesting exhibits to see. Afterwards, Dave and I headed off for the Bureau of Engraving. His Dad wanted a few new nickels from there so we promised that we would stop by and see what they had for sale (his Dad's so cute!). On the way there we walked by my department's national headquarters which takes up an area of 7 city blocks!!! It's massive!!! Of course that set off Dave, aka 'my lil Republican' on a small rampage about federal government and how my department building was way bigger then his Fortune 50 company buildings and some of their warehouses. He was being cute so I didn't mind his republican rants. The Bureau of Engraving was closed for the weekend and holiday (which we thought might be the case) so we decided to grab a bite to eat and then head back to the hotel for a nap.
After taking a 3 hour nap, we woke up and got dressed for dinner. We went to the 'Grill from Impanema' where we ate some REALLY good Brazilian food, drank cachaca, and saw Pedro Martinez also eating dinner! After dinner, we walked the short distance to 18th Street where there is lots of bars and restaurants on a 4 block walk. We passed by some swanky bars, dive bars, ice cream parlors, a sushi joint that served food on a roof top (it looked soooo romantic), several Ethiopian restaurants, and a few hookah bars. Dave and I drank a few drinks in a small non-descript bar and then headed for a hookah bar. I LOVE hookahs (they remind me of my college days) and so it was great to share that activity with Dave. After the hookah bar, Dave and I took a taxi back to our hotel.
Mon, July 4th - After Dave and I slept in (WOOOO!!) we headed out to see as many monuments as we could in the Mall. We saw the Monument, World War II Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Lincoln's Memorial, and Korean Memorial. My favorite was probably the Korean Memorial which I hadn't see when I was in DC last time. Even though our feet hurt from so much walking we continued on to the Smithsonian American History Museum. After fighting crowds and touring 2 of the 3 floors, we decided to call it quits and head back to the hotel room for some order in pizza and rest!!!
At 7:30 pm we left the hotel room, walked the short 3 blocks to the Mall, went through the extensive security check, and plopped down our blanket on a small section of grass that we found. Everything was relatively easy compared to the over-exaggerated news reports that we kept watching on TV that said that the Mall was packed and that security would take an hour to go through. Dave and I cuddled on the blanket while we watched the fireworks explode behind the Monument. A great way to end the evening ;-)
Tues, July 5th - I took the Metro to work while Dave stayed at the hotel and did some sight seeing. While I was gone Dave attempted to go to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing but they ran out of tickets 4 people ahead of him ;-(. Dave also saw the Holocaust Museum and bought souvenirs for his family. On my way home from work, I barely missed a HUGE thunderstorm that drenched everyone trying to get home. When I got to the hotel Dave was waiting for me outside so we sat on a sidewalk bench and watched the rain fall. In California we don't get summer rains so feeling the hot, wet air was a nice experience for us.
After the thunderstorm cleared up, Dave and I took a taxi to this great Texas BBQ restaurant called Capitol Q. YUMMY! After dinner, Dave and I decided to walk the 7 blocks back to the hotel because the night was so warm and perfect (and I ate too much). On our way home we window shopped, got coffee at Starbucks (there were 4 in the 7 block walk), sat in a park, listened to Cicadas, and watched some lightning bugs. We don't have cicadas or lightning bugs in California so it was really neat to see and hear them.
Wed, July 6th - Dave left for the airport today while I went to work ;-( I thought I'd be a crying mess when we said good bye but surprisingly I wasn't. I think I've fooled myself into thinking that he'll be in my hotel room when I get home. Plus, I was anxious and scared earlier this week when I didn't know what it was going to be like to work in NHQ and it was really nice to have Dave nearby to hold my hand on the 1st day.
I still think it's going to be hard for me when I have to go to bed alone tonight. Dave wont be there to spoon me or stroke my hair. He wont be there to bug me when I attempt to read the paper. And he wont be there this weekend to walk around the capitol with me (I think that part will be really hard cuz we've never spent a weekend apart). I'm gonna miss that boy ;-(
Friday, July 01, 2005
Ho Hum
Dave and I are leaving tomorrow for Washington DC. Dave will be returning on Wednesday while I stay for the entire week. Then I'm flying directly to Gainesville for another week.
Tonight's the last night that I'll sleep in my home until July 15th. The thought of not being able to see my home or Dave for the next few weeks is seriously bumming me out ;-( Even though I know that I'll have fun in DC/Florida and that I'll be meeting some influential people that will further my career. I don't want to leave!!!
So after some serious thought I've come to the realization that Dave prolly wont be proposing until we're reached the year and a half mark. I can sense that it's just not as important to him as it is to me. I can garantee myself that the boy hasn't even walked into a jewelery store yet cuz he's so clueless on rings and I'm pretty sure that he hasn't asked anyone for help yet. So ... whatever. I'm all around bummed.
Tonight's the last night that I'll sleep in my home until July 15th. The thought of not being able to see my home or Dave for the next few weeks is seriously bumming me out ;-( Even though I know that I'll have fun in DC/Florida and that I'll be meeting some influential people that will further my career. I don't want to leave!!!
So after some serious thought I've come to the realization that Dave prolly wont be proposing until we're reached the year and a half mark. I can sense that it's just not as important to him as it is to me. I can garantee myself that the boy hasn't even walked into a jewelery store yet cuz he's so clueless on rings and I'm pretty sure that he hasn't asked anyone for help yet. So ... whatever. I'm all around bummed.
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