my rear view mirror disappearing now

It's finally here and we're seemingly worlds apart now. You have always been the protector, the trailblazer, and now is no exception. You are at this very moment making a profound difference for so many.

When I think about it, there's nothing I'd rather be doing than simply lying in the grass beside you embellishing tales from the past and weaving glimpses of the future.

My mind is heavy, but I look ahead to the days that bring us together. My dearest friend, you will never know how much I admire you for even the simplest things.

All my love.

LB

This is LB, my sister and B's new little rodent, er, puppy. When he's not biting your face or pissing all over your floor, he's actually somewhat adorable.

This is his first reaction to the crazy ball Suzanne gifted to him (can't imagine why she'd want to get rid of it...) We'd never heard him growl or bark before. Guess when you're 3 pounds, a talking golfball would be intimidating.

Oregano

Bec has sent out the weekend itinerary. Each day begins promptly at 0600. I was even generously allotted three short bathroom breaks a day amidst all the scheduled activities. I am brimming with excitement and anticipation.

Yes, it is that time again....down to Virginia.  Can't wait to celebrate Bec's birthday and see their new pad! Yay! It's wonderful to not have to shlep (I'm Jewish) all my schoolwork down with me and pretend to find time to work on it. I can just have fun with everyone without feeling guilty about neglecting other obligations. We get to see the ship Bec'll be stationed on for the next two years! Hopefully she gets a room with a view. HA. 

Ok, gonna go eat a sandwich, bye.  

The snozberries taste like snozberries

Oh Lord. My sister, dainty as a flower. 

Here we have Bec in her new uniform (seemingly doing some sort of a Russian folk dance). Whooo boy did I laugh when she walked out wearing that ridiculous getup. We instantly nicknamed her Violet (from Willy Wonka, of course). This photo just does not do justice to the true massiveness of the uniform. It's gigantic, and about as FAR from form-fitting as it gets. But I particularly like the steel toed boots. Those are big time. Don't mess with her.  

I'm glad she can laugh at herself, because she'll have the pleasure of wearing this daily for at least the next two years. Don't get me wrong--I have nothing but respect for our armed forces, but put a tiny girl in a big ole blue uniform, and who can help but bust a button laughing? 

Jitney

Another glorious weekend! The sun, and the sand, and a drink in my hand....well, the sand part was true at least. It was super windy and not particularly sunny, but lovely to be on the beach with family nonetheless. 

Bec's a lieutenant! Her ceremony was awesome and lots came out to celebrate her success! She's so cute in her little white uniform. She even deemed me worthy of removing her left shoulder board. What an honor. Bec planned a delightful weekend full of activities--my only complaint being that they started too early in the AM. Besides trying to spring our car from the impound lot and hangin at the police headquarters, we had a great time relaxing with family!

I think everyone had to try on my hat. They mocked me, but not-so-deep-down, they coveted it. I know it.

it's just . . .

Only at our apartment would I trip and fall over a red bowling ball left absentmindedly next to the bed.  Yes, it's time to clean up.  

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind (but a good, cleansing sort of twister) of finishing school, celebrating milestones, laughing crazily with good friends, and traveling to new places to visit those I love.  (Ohio was much cooler than I'd imagined, I must admit.)  Geez, and I thought my month off  school was going to be quiet.   But I wouldn't have it any other way.  

For Sue

I'm so proud of my dad.  Today was Sue's retirement ceremony.  It was wonderful to meet so many people who admire him as I do.  And to see him honored many, many times as he deserves. Because he is immensely modest and talks little of himself, I was happy to hear so many people (including the admiral!) praise his accomplishments and managerial successes over the last 36 years.  It was truly moving, and I know that I will remember this day, and how proud and happy I am for him, always.  

My grandparents would have been so proud.

Goodnight.

True

I have the best parents--not that I didn't realize it before, but the events of the past year have really opened my eyes to how truly amazing they are. I am overflowing river of respect, admiration, and love for them.

Tis the Season...

Merry Christmas to those who celebrate!! What a lovely, sunny day.

I watched A Christmas Story 1.5 times on tv today. I might watch it again tonight.

We spent the past few days visiting Bec in Virginia (Go Navy!), and then my parents came down (finally) to spend time with us in our now not-so-new anymore apartment ;) Twas all around a grand 'ole time, but now I'm exhausted from eating too many sweets and lying around watching movies. 'Tis the season.....for a double chin, as I say. Aw heck, that's what New Year's resolutions are for, right? Eat that fruitcake. Actually, it's narsty. Don't.

Speaking of which, I need to write out my resolutions (yes, I actually write them). I write down new things I did/learned in the previous year as well as what I hope to accomplish in the upcoming year.

Here's all I have so far.

In 2007, I:
*Got married
*(Nearly) Conquered my fear of shots/needles
*Realized that eating seafood is not entirely unpleasant
*Made a friend
*Enhanced my repertoire of dance moves
*Started graduate school
*Gained a better appreciation for classical music
*Moved from one overpriced area to another
*Discovered the location of Laos on a world map
*Started a blog (lame)

back

So I won 50 grand this weekend. Was glorious.

The trip was wonderful--family, friends, mountains, wild turkeys, big horn sheep, Joshua trees. You know, the usual.

;)

Zion was amaaaaazing--makes you realize how small we really are--helps put things into perspective I guess. So my first visit to Utah was fantastic, I must report. Can't wait to go back and explore more!! And, if you go to Vegas, you have to see Mystere! Unbelievable show, seriously. Good times. Ok, that's it.

blah, midterm tomorrow.

Mind the Can

I think we all have our little household quirks.

Like at my parents' house growing up, we kept (and they still keep) the trash can right in the center of the kitchen. Like right in the middle. Not discreetly placed under the sink or tucked up against a wall out of the way. No, their trash can forms a little island in the center of the tiny space, a barrier that all kitchen traffic must delicately maneuver (counterclockwise, that is--it's an unwritten rule). It's been tipped, its contents dribbling and scattering out everywhere, many a time by someone in a rush to get to the stove or the sink. You'd think we'd move it. The placement is so damn convenient and yet inconvenient at the same time. But it has to be that way. Every single time the house cleaner comes, she moves in up against the wall, hoping that by some chance of fate, we'll realize that it's less bothersome, not to mention less of an eye-sore in this location, and just leave it be, but it quickly finds its way back to the center of the room. And yet if I walk in and it's temporarily missing, like accompanying my dad on a 2 minute walk to the garage to empty into the larger trash bins, the kitchen feels strangely empty and off balance to me. I guess it's earned its prime placement, and the accompanying high status, in the kitchen after all these years, and it just wouldn't seem right without it there.

In our kitchen in Maryland, Pug insists on displaying this kitchen knife of his on the top ledge of our stove. He's really, really proud of it, (called a sambuko knife or something? All I know is that he spent way too much money on it), and so he displays it in its glorious rubber sheath for all to admire. All usually being just me. And you know what, I'm not impressed. In fact, I think it's weird. I think the knife should get the hell back in the drawer where it belongs. It must scare people who walk in to see this knife teetering on top of our stove, like it's ready for quick defense should an intruder or nosy neighbor come upon us. I've tried to move the knife to other less visible locations, but like the trash can at my parents' house, it always seems to find its way back. Sigh. For better or for worse, right? Some things you just gotta learn to live with. . .

I also need to add that said knife, like every other gadget that Pug insisted we buy, gets almost no use at all. Because. We. Don't. Cook. And yet, there it is, strategically placed for easy access, should the sudden urge to prepare a meal for his tired wife who gets home much later than him each evening, come over my husband. :)

It's Been Great

I love my sister. She's one of the bravest and most strong-willed people I know. She has a strength about her that I will never have but will always admire immensely. Her commitments to the U.S. Navy, her family, and her friends, are truly admirable. She was recently awarded junior officer of the quarter at her naval hospital. Yay!!

She's always been a great big sister, making sure that she gets to make all the decisions and that I get absolutely no say in matters. She's never had a problem telling me what to do. She takes her role very seriously :) Haha, just kidding, but she does have the "first born" personality (if there is really such a thing) through and through!

I'm still mad though about the time when we were about 10 and 11 respectively, and she decided to grab my hotdog out of its bun and squeeze it repeatedly in my face before dramatically flopping it back onto my plate. Mmmm, yummy. My mom made her eat it, while I pouted and wimpered in the corner. To this day, I try to sit as far away from her as possible at BBQs.

But, Bec, all in all, I think you're great. You really are an amazing, inspiring sister and friend. (Oh, and also, I forgive you for deliberately throwing that horseshoe around my ankle as a child. The scar serves as a great conversation piece--so thank you.)