...the rest of the story

Well, as I said in my previous post, Mike, Shelly, Anderson, Matt and myself all went out to dinner for their farewell dinner. It was so fun!
Shelly was telling me all about the Oprah episode with the moms on there that were just giving advice and talking about pregnancy and motherhood. Well, it sounded like a good car crash to me, of course I asked questions.
Halfway through looking at the menu, Shelly starts playing a little Angela Lansbury detective style. She informs me that the crab cakes I thought I wanted were on the "bad foods list" along with the fried calamari. Well, it was a good thing I wanted the fried chicken fingers...
We start talking about the weekend, and Matt and I told them we were going to Matt's parents. "For what?" she asks with a very excited tone. I sadly had to burst her bubble to remind her it was Easter weekend and we hadn't seen Matt's family since Christmas.
I get a phone call from a source that shall remain nameless, but informed me that Shelly had a plan in her head of what Matt and I were "really" going to be doing in VA Beach. My source tells me that Shelly thought we were going to tell Matt's parents that we were pregnant and then we were going to call my parents and tell them, and then on Monday would tell everyone else.. Did I get that right, Shelly?
Well, miss Shelly, you were wrong. We didn't call my parents. We sent them a package that told them for us! :) But for the most part... you hit the nail on the head. :) How did you do that? Actually, Mike called the date EXACTLY!! So, technically, you were even out foxed by your husband. :)

10 weeks and counting...
Matt and I are very excited. (This was the first post Matt helped me write. I suspect there will be more Matt voice to come)

Take me out to the ball game and then to KS...

Well, our "couple friends" Mike and Shelly have moved back to KS. In light of their last days in DC, the best thing to do was go to a Nationals' baseball game. They were playing the Baltimore Oriole's. Thanks to Ronnie Deck, we got our really awesome seats for free. It pays to know low people in high places. Needless to say, I think there was a good time had by all. Even little Anderson had fun!

Shelly and I enjoyed the chatting and the chili...


...but no one enjoyed the chili more than Michael...


Matt and I just enjoyed their company, as we do like the Nats, we usually go for beer and hotdogs. This time we went for the company, well, mainly to play with Anderson.

(I swear I didn't drop him)

A few days later, we had our farewell dinner with them at their favorite little place near where they were staying.
That's the thing about DC, people come and go here so quickly, but the best thing is is that you meet and make new friends! I'm very thankful that God brought them to DC and into our lives. We miss you guys already!

Questionable Behavior

Okay. I was thinking on my way into work this morning about my time in DC thus far. I have been here for over 3 years now! CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT?!?! It has flown by but at the same time feels like it has been forever. I have been living in the same neighborhood for 3 whole years. I have walked the same way to the Metro in the morning for 3 years and the same way home for 3 years. In all these 3 years something has always puzzled me. In my morning, afternoon, evening and eve weekend walking to the metro I have always noticed and wondered the same thing...
Well, let me back up. In my daily walk I pass a building. It's an unmarked building with only two entrances, that I know of. The two entrances are both blocked by security guards. Now, my building has a security guard downstairs where you flash your badge and keep a walkin'. Not this building. This building, in front of the parking garage doors has AT LEAST 4 men and 2 big dogs standing there with their automatic weapons. We're talking BIG GUYS with BIG GUNS (and not in a "that's what she said" kind of way). I HAVE NO IDEA what is in this building that requires a car check with guns and dogs for everyone that enters it. We're just in a quiet little neighborhood... and they are there AROUND THE CLOCK! It's like, who are they keeping in there? The other entrance has only one guard with one gun, but it is in the tunnel of the metro. I'm telling you, it's bizzaro! I have spent 3 years wondering WHAT IS IN THERE?!?! and I have yet to find the answer. I want to ask, but I don't want to get shot! Any ideas?

The weekend

Well, last weekend launched the beginning of the wonderful Annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Because they are so beautiful, thousands come to the city for the extravaganza! This weekend is the parade down Constitution Ave. where all see and be seen, including the one and only Aleeeex Treeebek! This weekend, aside from the parade, is the Japanese street festival. If you want to come visit, now is the time.

Then and Now!

Okay! Okay! I know...It's been a little while. Sorry. It's been a little busy. Okay, not really. Lets catch up!
We have a new President, which was quite the site to see... During the weekend of the Inauguration, Matt and I decided to just settle in for a long winters nap. Leading up to the big day, it was awful to get to work, so the thought of walking in 10 degree weather across the bridge with the rest of the country to stand or not to stand on the mall, well, it just wasn't my idea of a good day off. So, we woke up on Jan. 20, 2009 and watched the makings of history up close and personal...on my couch! I had several friends make the trek, and some made it to the mall and others couldn't quite get to the spot they paid for. I made it to mine! :) So, with that, we have a new president.

I made a new friend, Shelly! Mandy's sister-in-law! They are here for a short amount of time, and I will be so sad when she and her hubs leave me, but that's the beauty of friendship that I have found; when you get a good one, you will always keep in touch. She and her husband Michael have become good "couple friends" with Matt and I. We are mainly their friends b/c they have the cutest little boy in the world, and they have to tag along when we ask Anderson to come over and play. (kidding, sort of) But it has been so fun getting to know her better (or at all really). We are all going to a National's game next weekend together, where I will see Ronnie Deck! I'll let you know how that goes.

My parents came to visit! Valentine's was spent with the people I love; my husband and my parents. We had such a great time. I will have to post pictures when I'm not blogging at work. :)

THEN! My BFF Mandy came to visit! You can visit her blog for pictures! It was sooo fun! Between the two visits, I have a renewed sense of fresh air around me.

The thing is, being in DC, it's easy to become hard and bitter. I HAVE ROAD RAGE for Pete's sake! So, when people you know that are in your comfort zone where you don't have to be someone else, you can just be you, comes to visit; It's a breath of fresh air! SO COME VISIT!

Matt and I have decided to buy a house. Where? We have no idea. When? We have no idea. So, we really are on the right track to making this happen. We have started the process with a Realtor, and the nice thing is, Matt knows what he's doing more than me. The guy was talking about loans and something else, and I think I dozed off a bit. I'll keep you updated.

And with that, I think you are up to speed on the last 2 months of my life. OH WAIT! I started Mary Kay!!! How could I forget that one! It has been a true blessing and I look forward to slapping the stuff on all of your faces! :)

Okay. Now, it's time for lunch. More later (and by later I don't mean 2 months from now)

She'll see it later, honey. Her eyes are frozen.

I am wearing 5 layers of clothing today. My face was frozen in a constipated look sort of position by the time I got to work today, not to mention a runny nose and watery eyes. And that was just a 2 1/2 block walk from the Metro to my office. I know Morgandi is getting it worse in Chicago, but HOLY CRAP it's COLD! I hope it gets colder...wait...it is going to be a balmy 11 tomorrow. I'm pretty excited about that! If I fall on ice, I promise to take a picture of the wreckage.

It only takes a smile...

...and the next thing you know I'm in the midst of a conversation with a complete stranger.
Okay here's what happened:
I was walking from my office to the Metro. I didn't go the way I normally go b/c it was FREEEZING and I just wanted to get home, so I took the first available crosswalk and went with it. Well, at the other side of the street, you have to look over your shoulder a little to see for on coming traffic, which is what I was doing at the time of the "smile".
I was standing in the street (of course), and this lady was standing on the curb as we were waiting for the light to change or a car not to come, which ever came first. I glanced over my shoulder for on coming cars and I caught the eye of a woman who smiled at me, so me not being rude, gave a nice smile back. Whatever. I kept walking, and this lady caught up to me.
She started chatting with me, so me being nice, answered her questions, like "So are do you work around here?" "Are you participating in any of the Inaugural events?" What do you do for a living?" and naturally I returned the questions back to her (thinking what a nice lady or awe, she needs a friend) We chat about our work blah blah, and by this time, we are on the platform waiting for the train (2 blocks later and 2 escalator rides later) and she was asking me if "journalism is my calling" and I thought to myself, "Oh, she is going to minister to me. That's nice." I don't know why I thought this, but I did. We got to talking about our "calling" when I pushed my glasses up on my face with my left had (my wedding ring hand), as the train was arriving. "We are all looking for our calling, well it was nice to meet you" and she immediately cut off of the conversation and RAN onto the train! I mean, didn't even finish the conversation. Most keep talking as you walk onto the train, chat until it's your stop. NOT HER! She just ended it. The whole situation had me puzzled and a little weirded out. I was just trying to be nice, and I'm trying not to thing that she was trying to be "nicer", if you will. Now, I'm not making fun of her, it's more my cluelessness to the conversation and the whole situation that I went home, told Matt about, and he proceeded to laugh at me for not realizing what was going on. He and I both agreed she was just trying to be nice. Right?
I'm a lightening rod for the odd...I swear! No more making eye contact with anyone...EVER! ps. this happened the DAY AFTER the petting situation.

So few...brain cells

There are very few Bank of America's in the Downtown area. I have to take the Metro to get there from my office. It takes a little time for me to ever find one and get to depositing checks and what not. Every time I venture into a local branch something strange always happens. (I'm sure you're shocked) Well, today, my co worker and I had to both go to the bank. We hopped on the red line to, where, none other than Chinatown. (I held my hair as to not be petted this time)
We have to sit at the bank for a little bit b/c my friend needed to get a signature from a man that didn't quite seem to be in any kind of hurry, b/c we had to sit and wait with this man who seemed harmless and minding his own business. It was fine. UNTIL...
She and I were having a conversation and she used the word "curiouser". Now you and I both know this isn't a real word. She asked me, "Is curiouser a real word?", but before I could even get the words, "I'm gonna go with no on this one" out of my mouth, this guy chimes in randomly with his accent from downunder. "Of course it is. They say it on Alice in Wonderland!" Well, if they say it on Alice in Wonderland, then it must be true. And I'm Tweedldee and she's Tweedleddum! Then he proceeds to tell us all about Alice in Wonderland and how great the book is, we should be reading more, etc. etc. The man we needed the signature from just couldn't call our name fast enough! It was the longest 1/2 hour of my life...a 1/2 hour I can never get back.

Something creepy

So, I get on the Metro to go home yesterday, I sit down in the front seat with an open seat behind me. The train stops at Chinatown and on walks a man who sits down behind me. Now I rarely pay attention to what is going on around me (unless there's a fight), so I'm just minding my business. I'm listening to Patti Griffin and playing solitaire on my Ipod. It's what I do. So, this man sits behind me. I feel a slight tug on my hair. Well, I just thought he was grabbing on to the bar that is on the back of my chair, and he was at first, but then he STARTED PETTING MY HAIR!! Petting me. Like a puppy! I have never in my LIFE been petted by a stranger. I was so beyond creeped out. Fortunately, my stop was next and I seriously couldn't get off fast enough.
And that was my day yesterday.

If I wanted to go to Inauguration...

I would have to put on my walking shoes, my friend.

As you may or may not know we will have a new president next week. I think the only way you WOULDN'T know this is if you live under a rock. In light of this overwhelmingly historical event, as our first "african-american" president is inaugurated into office, many have chosen to be apart of this whole situation. When I say many, there is suspect of 4ish million people expected to arrive here over the course of this next weekend.

People are renting their homes for THOUSANDS of dollars a night. Hotels have been booked since November 5 and DC has been building stands and stages since late October.

As for transportation in shuttling these "4M" people around... MARC train (Maryland Commuter train between DC and Baltimore) riders will not be allowed to use their passes on the day of Inauguration, but will have to pay for your seat. The Metro will be charging the "peak hour" rates that day, you will have to pay to park at the Metro's "park and ride" stations, and last but certainly not least, they are SHUTTING DOWN the bridges from Virginia to DC. All who can't get on the Metro in VA are going to have to WALK to the Capitol. Granted, I have done this before, but it wasn't January and it wasn't b/c I had to do it. They have shut down the streets around the Capitol.

Fortunately for me, Inauguration Day is a Federal Holiday here in DC. Matt and I thought about leaving, renting out our home, but decided we had better not, seeing that all who came must leave. There is no way we would get back!
So, if you need me on Inauguration Day, I will be holed up in my house with my husband, my remote and maybe a puzzle.

A hiking we must go...

Matt and I recently took a day and headed out to the place we first hiked together. It was just as fun as I had remembered, only this time the trees were changing and the mountains were covered with dark orange and yellow. It was truly beautiful. A sight to see.
It always reminds me of just how amazing our God truly is. It's always so nice to escape the city and visit the peaceful mountains and fresh air around us.



Needless to say, on our way back, we decided we didn't want to live outside the beltway. It would take HOURS to get to work, but that is a whole other story for another time.

The return of my freshman year...

You can take the girl out of Oklahoma but you can't take the clumsiness out of the girl.
I don't know if you know me, but I tend to be a little clumsy in my step from time to time, and well, moving here has not changed that aspect about me at all. I never hurt myself physically except maybe bruising the pride a little, but other than that I am usually fine.

You may or may not recall my freshman year when I fell in my Gen Psych class with 150+ of you watching. Did I mention this happened on my FIRST DAY of my Fr. year? Terrified, I sat in the first seat I saw with everyone in the class staring at me. Then just when I thought all had forgotten about it (mid class) Dusty Davis leans down and says "Watch out for those stairs, they'll get you every time."

I was feeling pretty confident about myself this morning, which is usually when tragedy strikes my steps. As I was coming up out of the metro at Union Station along with everyone else who works on Capitol Hill, taking my first to cross the street my foot slips. I was so shocked when I all of a sudden I found my self on my butt! I mean, STUNNED! I quickly picked myself up as though it was all one motion in hopes that no one would see me, but I have a feeling they all saw this situation go down (literally). The man walking next to me asked if I was all right, which was very sweet. I answered "I'm good, thanks." and quickly walked shamelessly with my head down the rest of the way to our building. Now you would think I would be in the clear at this point as those around Union Station disperse to their own places of business, but as I was waiting for the elevator in my building one of my coworkers walked by and asked if I was okay. :( I sadly said "yes, thank you." and again shamelessly slinked myself onto the elevator and into our office. I hope this isn't an omen for the rest of my day.

Off to the races...

I don't even know where to begin! After 3 years of living in DC, I went to my very first High Heeled Drag Race. It's exactly what it sounds like... Men dressin' in drag and taking a jog down 17th St. in Dupont Circle. Let me just say it was quite the site to see!! As we stood there freezing, the energy of men in makeup walking the street in a parade like manner showing off their fashion and faces kept us warm all night long! I won't give away the winner, mainly just b/c you don't want to see that picture...but I can say, his heels were more of a wedge which we think is cheating.

Some co workers and I gathered the streets after work for the Dragging extravaganza! I had no idea what I was getting into!


Mary Kay was my favorite (naturally)!


Ace and Gary! (not really drag but still funny)


Michelle Obama made an appearance.


For every Michelle there was a Sarah Palin.


And lest we not forget the women from Texas.


And this is just a taste. All I have to say is if you ever get a chance to witness the drag racing situation, take full advantage! It's like a car crash! You just can't look away!

To Mandy's House I go

I of course don't take any pictures of Mandy and me. It was all about Vivian as she turned 1 whole year old the day I arrived into town. I naturally couldn't put her down as she was more fun than watching Golden Girls! (which for me says a lot).

There is nothing better than a lazy Sunday afternoon, a package of oreos, a glass of milk, your best friend and of course Sex and the City the movie.





I didn't even get to take pictures of Tams, or Dara when I saw them. Maybe I'll have Mandy send me some...

Needless to say, Viv and I had a blast, she told me she did! Mandy and I did too...

A week of giving thanks.

I think this little face of my 1 year old niece says it all about our Thanksgiving holiday this year...
It was goooooooooood. I looked like this at one point, but opted not to put my picture up for you to see.
Matt and I escaped DC to the great state of OKLAHOMA! And not just Oklahoma, Ft. Gibson, OK! For me, this quaint little town with two stop lights, is the greatest place to call "home". It was nice to slow down for a minute, catch up with friends and enjoy time with family.
We did everything from eat to shop on Friday (which is a bad idea) to sit in the freezing cold at the OSU/OU game.
On the great day we all were there to celebrate, Thursday Nov 27, 2008, we didn't just do Thanksgiving. When the Perry's get together, it's an extravaganza.
At 12:30 Thursday Nov. 27, 2008 the Perry family celebrated Thanksgiving. There was a ton of turkey, casseroles, stuffing and the always present cranberry sauce. At 1:30 Thursday Nov. 27, 2008 the Perry family celebrated my 29th birthday (the sequel), and finally at 2:00pm Thursday Nov. 27, 2008 the Perry family celebrated Christmas with Matt and I since we will be at the Hooker family's house on Christmas this year. It was quite the day!
Matt experienced his first Bedlam game! For me, there is nothing better than sitting in a sea of orange. It was a great game, but of course we went home saddened the Cowboys couldn't quite pull it off. We couldn't decide which was worse, sitting in the freezing cold or losing the game...


...either way, we had fun!





After a week in Oklahoma and 5 lbs later, Matt and I hopped on a plane or two and got back to DC at 1:30 this morning. It's nice to be back, but now I have to do laundry.

Things I do for friends...

There is a VERY cool place here in the area that has this huge outdoor amptheater where some incredible concerts are held. They have various artists and types of music throughout the summer from opera to Les Mis to Gladys Knight to Hootie and the Blowfish. It's a very fun place to go and relax on a warm summer night and listen to some great music.
Well, I went with a friend to the Indigo Girls concert. Now, I know a few songs, and by few I mean 2. Soo, as I am sitting there, enjoying the music, I notice I'm one of 3 people out of thousands who don't really know what's going on, but I am just tapping my foot to the music. UNTIL, the ONE song I know begins to play and literally the ENTIRE place erupted. People were to their feet faster than they could say everyone up! It was quite the night, but a great concert! If you ever come to town. Ask someone how to get to WolfTrap.

Even I think I should be arrested...

Okay. So here's what happened. I was walking to the front of our office to get some water from the kitchen, always glancing in the conference room to see who is being interviewed today. Well, on this particular day, it was Tim Daly and Richard Schiff and an unnamed lady with her back to me. I naturally start gawking at the front desk, like HOLY CRAP, TIM DALY! My coworker was really excited for Richard Schiff, as she is a HUGE West Wing fan. Well, after 3 walk arounds to "get water", we decided it was best for me to just go out and get coffee. So, me and three other co workers went downstairs and got some fresh air, and who walks out... and ! I KNOW! So, I was TOOTALLY rubber necking and needed to flee from myself for a moment. So, we breezed past them and headed toward Starbucks just around the corner. Well, they start "following us" and wind up walking on the opposite side of the street as us, but ultimately end up right behind us in line! I'm FLIPPING OUT on the inside. If you know me at all, you know that I can't hide a single emotion if you paid me. Well, I'll keep my stalker story short. Everyone kept cutting in front of my friend, including the two of them. Once Mr. Schiff realized what had happened he apologized, but she dismissed it by telling him "You're lucky I like West Wing so it's okay". I'm just staring at Tim like, holy crap I just saw you this morning on "Wings"! I couldn't really get any words out until we left and I yelled out "BYE" to them on our way out the door. I looked really stupid, but it was sooo worth it!

God Bless America!!

Well, tonight I did something I had heard about since I moved here. It was something I just "had to go see", as what most had told me. Well, I gave in and went.
At the Washington DC Marine Corps Barracks on Friday nights there is the Marine Corps parade. I honestly thought it was going to be an actual parade...in the streets...not so much.
I go with two girls that Matt used to work with at his previous position, whom I become good friends with. Anyway, the 3 of us get to the barracks and are literally escorted by a Marine to our entrance gate. One of the girls in my group gets hit on and stalked by this little guy who just wanted a date, but she has other plans in life, bless his little heart.
We were escorted to our seats and sit down in bleacher seats inside what is literally barracks. The scene is really indescribable, but I'm going to do my best. It's about as long as a football field and as wide as a tennis court from wall to wall. On one end of this massive field is this HUUUUUUUUUUGE mansion where the Marine Commandeer lives. I learned that the Commandeer is THE head guy of the Marines. I was hoping to be asked over for cake and tea, but no go...I had to get home.
These buildings that surrounded us were beautiful and HUGE! It was just so amazing to hear the history, but sadly it was coming from a guy who was screaming information at us over crowd noise.
Okay, I'll get to the good stuff!
The Presidential Marine Corps Band comes out and plays us a few tunes, there is some yelling of commands and what not, THEN, out walks this massive wall of men in uniform with gun in tow, marching to the cadence of the band playing. They slam guns down and do all of this stuff and what not, and there are just so many of them and the beat of their motions is resonating off of the concrete buildings around us. I blinked every time they moved!
We stood for the National Anthem, and in my eye shot was this 80-90 year old man and his adoring wife standing there with such resilience, dignity and pride. He stood there so proudly, knees bent, and was at as much attention as his little spine would allow, saluting as though he had never forgotten his belief in our great nation and standing next to the woman who carried his heart, holding his hand. It was really at that moment I caught a knot in my throat. You could hear the murmur of the crowd singing along to our nations song, getting louder with ever measure, and I just looked at this little man and I thought to myself, "I hope one day, our generation will be as proud of our country as this kind soul who fought so hard for where we are today." I too, in that moment, stood there proud to be an American, catching a glimpse of true patriotism.
When that was over, the men and their guns marched on to the field. They moved in silence to the cadence of the beat in their heads and twirled those guns, made those turns and kicked their heels with such precision it was truly AMAZING!! THEEEN...they all line up throwing their guns up in the air and all this stuff I'll spare you details to, but it was just so awesome!
THEN, they closed out with the drum and bugle corps. Of course they played my favorite "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" in none other than accompany B!

They had a whole ceremony and what not, but they closed the whole even by pulling the massive flag off of the massive flag pole, and one sole man on top of the building in front of us...spot light on him...playing taps.
As my dad would say, "Now that'll put a knot in your throat now, I'm tellin' ya!" And it was true. After seeing the preciseness of what these men do, not just on this field but in the field of battle or in peace, they stand tall and are proud to "support and defend". And you know what, I am too. No matter your political belief, you are Americans, and I don't know about you but I am proud of it.
God Bless America!

What's your color

What's Your True Color?

My Result: Orange

You're a bold, confident orange. A warm, powerful color that indicates a strong, welcoming personality, orange is the mark of people who are social and extroverted by nature. Vibrant, with an upbeat attitude, you have a bright, inviting demeanor. Energetic and fun-loving, you're a real friend-magnet. Your easy charm and unassuming manner make you the sort of person people want to meet and get to know better. Well-rounded and fun to be around, you enjoy helping others, so it's no surprise that orange also symbolizes attraction. Orange is an extraordinary color — for an extraordinary person.

What are you?
http://web.tickle.com/jumpto?test=colorogt&c=50652

Pope and Circumstance...

As you may or may not know...the Pope, or Papal as some call him, was just in town. It was amazing to see a city's/ country's reaction to one man. I have seen Queen Elizabeth on the White House lawn, which was a pretty big deal, but hher arrival to our country was nothing compared to this one man's entry into our great nation. People...THOUSANDS of people trains,plains, and automobiled it into our city to catch a glance at what some call "the connection to God". The city shut down for the days he was here. Metro was offering the "Mass Pass" for the day of Mass, which people started toward at 5 am on that Spring Thursday morning. I must admit, it would have been cool to see such a powerful yet gentle figure of our time, but vacation time is precious to me. Jenn saw the top of his head from the fountain on the White House lawn, but I had to stay behind and work...bummer I KNOW! He road his "Popemobile" all over the city, which would have been just as fun to see as it would have been to see him. We had 46,000 people show up to our Nationals Stadium for the Pope's first Mass on US soil, but still again, the closest I got to seeing him was on my computer screen at work, while catching the action on the live cam on msnbc.com. And yes, Dara, I would have paid money to introduce myself to the Pope as a Hooker! Maybe next time.