STOP THE DRILLING...STOP THE OIL...STOP THE YELLING...GIVE ME A KISS!!!

So, I guess the "Operation Iraqi Freedom" started five years ago tomorrow. This is the life of living in DC...See what you all are missing!!!!

I got this email this afternoon from our HR Dept. I guess they are telling fellow DCers that we are going to have a hard time getting in and out of the city tomorrow. YAY! I'll be sure to take pictures for you.


Please read below:

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has provided notification of anti-war demonstrations to occur in Washington D.C. on March 19, 2008. The various anti-war demonstrations are being conducted by “United for Peace & Justice”and the “Washington Peace Center”. Even though the main event of the demonstration is scheduled for McPherson Square, there will be additional small demonstrations throughout various locations within the city. Demonstration times vary; however, the total time of the demonstrations is expected to occur between 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Reportedly, the anti-war demonstration event coordinators are encouraging attendees to avoid confrontations and violent activity.

Expect travel disruptions on streets north of the White House between H St., NW and P St., NW and between 12th St., NW and 19th St., NW. Expect significant protest activity on K St., NW between 12th and 19th streets.

Anti-war demonstrations to occur in Washington ?D.C. on March 19, 2008 event details:



"Blockade the IRS": Participants will meet at 7:30 a.m. at McPherson Square Park and march south-southeast to the IRS headquarters at 1111 Constitution Ave. between 10th and 12th streets, NW. They will gather outside the main entrance at 8:00 a.m.


"Disrupt the War Profiteers": Student groups and activists will converge upon the streets throughout the day to rally outside offices of large corporations such as ExxonMobil, Shell, Halliburton, Lockheed Martin, Bechtel and the IMF/World Bank. Violent actions are not expected but participants may attempt to enter buildings and disrupt routine activities.


"Separate Oil and State": Participants will meet outside the American Petroleum Institute at 1220 L St., NW at 13th St. Starting time for this event is not yet available.


"Veterans March for Peace": The march will begin at 9 a.m. at 7th St., NW on the National Mall between Madison and Jefferson streets. Marchers will pass a variety of locations.


"Critical Mass": Cyclists will meet at 8:30 a.m. at DuPont Circle (P St. and 19th St., NW). They will travel through downtown possibly riding south on Connecticut Ave., NW to the White House. It has been their intent in the past to intentionally disrupt traffic.


"Granny Peace Brigade Knit-in": A sit-in is planned for noon outside the Veterans Affairs office at 810 Vermont Ave., NW. Violence is not likely and there should be minimal disruptions to routine activities.



"Funk the War": Similar to Disrupt the War Profiteers, student groups will converge on the K Street corridor. Participants will meet at Franklin Square Park (14th and K streets, NW) at noon and travel down K Street.


"March of the Dead": Dozens of activists will roam the city dressed in black representing those killed in the Iraq war. Minimal disruptions are likely.


"The World Can't Wait": Anti-torture rally at 1:00 p.m. at Lafayette Square Park on H St., NW at the White House.


"March on DNC": Participants will gather at 5:00 p.m. at the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall and march to the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee at 430 S. Capitol St., SE.


In addition to the events listed above, other unannounced demonstrations are possible. Temporary roadblocks and detours may be established on short notice. Law enforcement officers will be on site to maintain the flow of traffic. Monitoring local media for updated road conditions is recommended. Public transportation may be more congested than usual. In areas where these events are planned, especially near the White House, parking may be restricted.

What a weekend!!!

Well, we got her off and married. Tams is married!! Let the journey begin for her. I hope it has started off the way she had hoped and prayed for all these years, and may their life together be filled with the joy and love of Christ.
All went as predicted: She looked beautiful and us girls had a great time together. Helping set up for the big day, there was some bruising, but throughout the weekend there was also a lot of laughter, and yes, even a few tears.
It was great to see old friends, and even make a few new ones. For me personally, this weekend proved to me once again that having girlfriends by your side, makes life a little easier to walk through, a little more enjoyable to live. I miss them more than words could express, but what a breath of fresh air it was to be with them this weekend. I won't go into too many details as I'm sure others have posted the same comments on their blogs, and since most of you reading this were there...well, here you go...

Girlfriends...

My friend Tams is getting married this weekend! I get to escape this city and go back to the land where people are nice! Seriously, I watched a guy flip off another car for NO REASON yesterday!
I am so excited about this weekend! I get to see my girlfriends again, as it has been just over 6 months since our last swah-ray (sp?). It's always a breath of fresh air when I am with them. I can dress incredibly tacky (mumu and all) and I know they hold no judgment...well, maybe a little. There is, for me, no better place than in the presence of my girlfriends. We ALWAYS laugh, maybe shed a tear or two. There are no words to describe our relationship with each other, and our hearts, no matter how far a part we are, are always intertwined with one another. God has richly blessed me with these amazing women in my life.
I am so excited for Tams, as she takes the leap of faith into that deep and abiding relationship with the one she calls her "love". May their marriage be blessed by God's tenderest of hands, giving them the lifetime they hope and pray for together.
It is going to be a fantastic weekend!!! I can't wait to tell you all about it when I get back.
(of course those who actually read this will all be there to witness this all first hand)


(the girls that hold me up)

The funniest thing I have seen in a long time...

YOU HAVE TO WATCH THIS!!! It's the FUNNIEST thing I have seen in a LOOONG time! I laughed so hard I could barely breath!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpg3xM-niVw

My first suit...

Okay, maybe not MY first suit per se, as I got my first suit at the ripe old age of 14. However, on Saturday, Matt got his first suit. I naturally had to take pictures for all the world to see, as my parents did with me...at age 14.
It has been an adventure in the search for the right suit for him, as he rapidly approaches the end of his military commitment and joins us in the "civilian world". I personally think that he is going places...






So, it was a slow Saturday...it was raining! Anywho... I hope you had a great weekend too!

GIRL'S NIIIIIIIIGHT!!!!!

Well, Friday night was the party of the century!! Not really, but we did have a lot of fun. Me and 6 teenage girls spent the night at the house next door to the church. I don't know about them, but I had SO MUCH FUN!! They are such awesome girls that are just trying to make it as a young Christian woman in the world that surrounds them daily, but aren't we all?? These are just a few pics for the nights event which included:
"The Notebook" (which I had never seen)
A rousing game of "Catch Phrase"
manicures/pedicures
an interesting game of "Cranium"
a good game of "BC" since we can't use the "S" word we said "C" instead.
baking brownies around 1am
"Legally Blonde"
and "Princess Diaries", well until we all fell asleep that is.
Did I mention all of the junk food we had in the meantime?? I would have to say that it was such a fun night of girls just being girls!

...One is silver but the other's gold...

I found this picture on my computer!! Don't ask me where it came from, but let's take a minute and reflect! It is such a great picture. It feels like this was taken a million years ago! It's soooo good! What great days those were for me!

Here's my new office...


I have been blessed...

A night at the theatre in the POTUS box...

Now this is a little silly to be telling you, but it was sooo cool!!!
I was invited by a friend to join her and others at the Kennedy Center to listen to a flutist from the President of the United States box! Okay, this was cool on SOOO many levels...
1.) I had never been to the Kennedy Center before. Matt and I have tried on SEVERAL occasions and have always FAILED miserably. I had heard it was BEAUTIFUL, but I wasn't prepared for breath taking!



2.) I sat in the POTUS' box!! It was beautiful. It had official White House pictures hanging on the walls. The fridge was filled with everything from champagne to water to official White House M & M's (my personal favorite) and much much more!
(did I mention that everything had the presidential seal on it??)


3.)I was with some pretty wonderful people. It sort of turned out to be everyone in the box knew everyone else. (DC is a really small town)





Now, I won't mention the crazy lady in the box next to us, but she made our night all the more interesting to say the very least.
Over all, it was such a great night and one I will always remember!

I just can't help myself sometimes!!

So, as I was walking down stairs, mid afternoon to get coffee with some girl friends here at work, we walked passed someone that looked unbelievably familiar! One girl said to us, that was Al Franken! Naturally I rubber neck as I am walking passed, and sure 'nough, he's coming into our building. Knowing he is running for a Senate seat in Minn., I automatically assumed he was heading to our floor. I, by this time, was too starstruck to even want coffee any more. The sooner I could get back up to the 7th floor of the North Capitol building the sooner I could introduce myself to someone I have been quoting for years!!! He was ALWAYS one of my faves from SNL! He coined some great quotes over the years, and one particularly close to my heart and I'm sure yours as well is "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and dog gone it...people like me!" GENIUS!!!
So, I quickly come back to the office, to be greeted by our receptionist who excitedly told me "Al, is in the bathroom!" Naturally I have to hang around to catch a glimpse of my SNL hero (I know I should raise my standards a bit, but throw me a bone).
So, I make casual conversation until....there he is. He walks through our double glass doors with a smile on his face and yet seems a little confused as to where to go. I naturally offer up my help to point him in the right direction, looking calm of course. I introduce myself and let him know that it is an honor meeting him. He was sooo nice and compared to me, unbelievably short! Well, I made my way back to my desk completely star struck and could barely finish my work for the day. OH THE DAY I had!!!


This is an official Roll Call picture. Photo by Douglas Graham/Roll Call

February...

So, I'm not sick anymore for those who are wondering. The month of Feb was a pretty crazy month. A lot has happened! (All of which will get their individual posts to come)
One weekend we had a church work day and I painted a classroom (not by myself by any means)!
Matt and I celebrated our first Valentine's together and I didn't wear black, although I almost did!
I triple booked myself for this weekend, which is pretty typical, but you'll have to wait and hear about this weekend later.
I became a Virginian this last week. I'm pretty sad to give up my Oklahoma license and the lady had to pry it out of my hands, but hey I took one for the team.
It iced over...I fell and busted my butt on the ice on the walk home.
And the list goes on... Needless to say, it was a big month for me.
I thought about voting but didn't. In the month of Feb. I also sent out countless www.someecards.com!!! It's my favorite website EVER! It's how I converse with those closest to me these days. However, I don't think I could ever send one to Wendy Craig. She's too nice for cynicism.

Well, I'll make these individual posts for more details, but I thought I would give you a little something until then...so you know I'm not sick anymore.

Peace and love!

I'm an old lady at heart

I like do to puzzles...sue me. Matt and I were both sick and it gave me something to do besides blow my nose.
Unfortunately, I didn't have the patients to finish in our tiny little place. 1000 little pieces scattered all over our condo didn't bode well for my state of mind. By week 2 heading into week 3, the puzzle went back into the box and into the closet.
I'll just go back to watching "Golden Girls".

New Years Eve

Our New Years Eve was without a doubt one of our most fun days in a while! We decided to be a tourist for once in this city, because, who knows, we may have to move sometime soon. We hit the "International Spy Museum", where I was afraid of getting stopped by a stranger and having to remember my fake identity you receive upon entering the museum. Having to pretend something with a stranger was my worst nightmare to say the least. Over all it was a really cool museum and highly recommend it to all who visit.
After the museum we hopped into this little Irish pub for some lunch. After sitting there for a few minutes memories of Vienna and "The Barrel" came rushing back, and for a minute I forgot I was in DC. It's one of our new favorite spots in the city.
Post lunch was another museum, only we went to one of the FREE Smithsonian ones this time. It had a really cool atrium, but about 30 minutes into the museum, we were museumed-out.

(this by the way is made entirely of kitchen foil, as in what you use to wrap your sandwich in!!)
We decided to head toward the National Mall to take a gander at the city Christmas lights that were still up. This is the national tree with all the trains running around it and what not.

It was a pretty cold night so we decided to head over to E Street for a movie. This is a movie theatre that only plays independent films here in the city. We decided to see Juno, which has become one of our new favorites!
On our way home, by way of metro, we saw all of the party people out and about. So, we decided not to head home just yet.
We stopped off for some dinner around 9 at our favorite little place down the street from us. There was a HUGE New Years party going on in the basement of this place and we thought about crashing but decided to head home just in time to count down with Ryan Seacrest and gang!
Our day wasn't anything too terribly exciting, but it was just a day out in the life of DC. Happy New Year!!!

Lazy days...

Okay, so I haven't been so good about the upkeep of this blog for the month of Jan. That's just b/c it was a pretty boring month.
There were a few things in Jan. that made me turn my head, such as:
Do you remember me telling you about the singing man on the Metro?? The guy that was singing the Christmas tunes, well, turns out it's his ministry!! I see him/hear him all of the time!! Except now, instead of singing Emanuele he sings church songs out of a leather bound song book like the green ones that used to reside at FTG C of C when I was a kid, "Songs of Faith and Praise" to be exact.
One morning he was on my first train, and when I switched he was on that train too. Ironic we were on the same cars?!?!?! At any rate, he was singing songs we used to sing at the nursing homes on Sunday morning. It didn't bother me that he was singing, so much it bothered my that my reaction was so "what is this man doing??" . It was a humbling experience to say the least when he wrapped up his song and these ladies stood and applauded him in his work for his Lord. Right then and there I realized that this is what our faith sharing should be all about. Sure, there are going to be people who scawk and glare, but at least this man was doing something to share his faith. I look forward to the next time he is on my train. Maybe I'll jump in on the alto line...

Barney Cam....

...it's a slow day in DC.
If you have never heard of Barney Cam, now you have. It is a camera that follows Barney and Miss Beazley around the White House getting ready for the Christmas decorations and parties. It's pretty cute if you like dogs. If you don't like dogs then, you'll watch and wonder why our tax dollars are paying for this broadcast. Either way....Copy and paste (because I don't think it's clickable) the link below and enjoy a little Christmas cheer from the First Dogs to you...

2006 is funnier than 2007 so I attached that one as well. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas! or should I say...Happy Holidays!
2006
http://www.whitehouse.gov/barney/barneycam2006.wm.v.html

2007
http://www.whitehouse.gov/barney/barneycam2007.wm.v.html

Mr. Hooker...

As most of you know, I'm a Hooker. It's legal now. It's on my social security card. I have proof. However, some think I have made my husband up. He's a myth of my imagination. I promise he isn't. Unlike those who take the HOV lane with their blow up passenger in tow, he's a real person.
I try not to gush too much about him b/c I wouldn't want to make anyone throw up. However, he is more than a wonderful guy, and I consider myself the lucky one to have him in my life. I'm pretty proud of him, like that soccer mom who doesn't want to talk about her kids, but since you asked she's going to tell you everything anyway... That's me. People in my office question whether he knows exactly what he has gotten himself into...then they just shake their heads and say "poor Matt."
The other part of DC that I find interesting is the military life. You don't hear too much about it in the DC area. People know it exists, but no one really talks about it. Having just entered the military life myself, it has become a whole knew world for me. You see, Matt is a "designated" pilot for the US Navy. (I don't know why the "designated" part, but he flies E-2 planes on and off of aircraft carriers, and that's all I know) He is stateside right now, thank the Lord, working just outside of the Pentagon. After Sept. who knows where we will go, but going wherever together is a pretty exciting adventure to think about.
Being a wife of military is so far beyond what I thought it would be. I won't bore you with details, but it's something I never thought I would be a part of. I am so much more aware of the military and who they are, their ranks, what branch, how can you tell their ranks, bases around the world, discounts...the list goes on. I have an ID that gets me on bases, discounts at the movies and even cheaper medicine. I told you there was a lot to take in and I'm definitely doing just that. Matt makes fun of me about some of the things I get excited about in this regard.
Military life has its perks. It also has it's downfalls too, such as living in fear of your husband being deployed, even though you knew this possibility going into the marriage. We don't think about it in day to day life but it's always something that sits in the back of your mind in wonder. In the meantime, I have Matt here with me. My mom used to tell me our love would change after we got married. Who knew she would be right? I love my husband more and more every day. I never thought I would get to have such an amazing man but I consider myself truly blessed to take his name, even if that means being Mrs. Hooker. I think I pull it off. You?

Lunch as usual...

So, a few of my co workers and I went to lunch today in Chinatown. It was lunch as usual except, when we got on the Metro to go two stops from Union Station (where we work) to Chinatown, we were, yet again, serenaded by, you'll never guess, an accordion. It was GREAT! He was pretty good to be honest. He made me want to get out of my seat and do a little German jig or something. My favorite part of his playing was, not only was he good, he knew he was good. When he stopped playing, he started clapping for himself so everyone else would clap too. He was needing money, and he was talented enough to get it. I just think it's funny, the experiences you can have, and the people you can meet on the Metro during lunch as what we in DC would consider usual...

Tis the season to be Merry!

Next to Fall, this is my favorite time of year! It's cold outside, Christmas lights are on, trees are up, Delilah is only playing Christmas music....What more could a girl ask for??
Well, I'll tell you.
For my birthday this year, 29th to be exact, my friend invited me to celebrate the season at the White House this year. So, after thinking about it for a few minutes...not really, I immediately started thinking about what to wear, of course.
Let me tell you, this was one of the most amazing experiences I have had in my life. What an opportunity of a lifetime! There were Christmas trees everywhere. I could walk anywhere in the WH, except the living quarters of course. There was so much food! Drinks! The Presidents Marine Corp Band was playing Christmas tunes in the main hallway.
We walked in from the East Wing, and immideately met and took our pic with the President and First Lady. WOW!!! I was fine, up until it's time to walk into the room where they were. Now I see why they give you a little drink before you go in. I denied my right to do so, but at that point I was regretting that decision. After we did that, we walked up stairs, and we had the best time. I met Josh Bolton, the COS for the President. I even met the chef and was just as pumped to do so as if he were a high powered official making life changing decisions for our country's future. We sat next to an urn which was one of the oldest pieces in the WH. (don't worry, no one was in the urn) I got to go into the Presidential Library, and touch the books or some of the greatest leaders. It's funny that the library sits off of the men's bathroom. I guess it's just in case a man needs some good reading material, but still, it was amusing. It was pretty cool to think about the people who have been there before, and the parties that took place before. Now I am part of that group of people. Did I mention it was snowing outside that night, so it was a true Christmas in DC experience? It was one I will NEVER forget! I was in awe the ENTIRE time!

Public transportation....okay, modes of transportation in general

I have to tell you this b/c it's too good not to tell...
I was on the Metro a couple of days ago on my way in to work. I am one of those people who has adapted to the unwritten rules on the metro which are:
1. speak only when spoken to
2. always have something to do (ipod, book, newspaper)
3. don't look anyone in the eye...ever.
4. ALWAYS look like you know where you're going, even if you have no idea
Well, this particular morning as we are all crammed in the train into DC, I'm literally glued by people to the door, I am anxiously waiting for us to get to the 3 main stops where everyone gets off in the morning. If for no other reason but the man next to me will stop sweating on me.
After finally making it to Farragut West (the first of the 3 main stops), people could begin to spread out a little more. Between McPherson square (#2) and Metro Center (#3 and my stop), the most wonderful thing happened.... A man broke all of the unwritten metro rules. He started singing "Emmanuel", the Christmas song. If any of you need to know what it sounds like, call me and I will sing it to you. I looked at the man standing next to me, who was TOOOTALLY rubber necking at this guy. We all kind of were a little taken back by it. I looked around and people were pretending that this wasn't happening, but they found themselves trying not to look. Let's face it, how could you not look? He was serenading us! He was pretty good too! By the time the doors were opening at my stop, he was finished. Do you clap? Do you just get off and pretend like this didn't just happen? So, I still heeding to "the rules", just got off with ipod in ears and newspaper in hand. However, there were those who were still on the train trying to figure out what to do. So, as I was leaving, I hear what sounds like the "Sarcastic clapping family" from SNL. It was a very AWKWARD clap, but a clap none the less. The guy was like, thank you thank you, as he got off at my stop as though he were just going to go on in to work, like everything was all normal and right with the world. I still hold the question in my head....What was he thinking? I'm not asking that in a bad way, I'm just wondering....WHAT....Was...He....Thinking....? Did he want money? He didn't ask for any? Did he just need to do a little caroling before work??? He wasn't singing along with anything. He just sang....Point to ponder...I think.
The thing I have learned about DC is that people are funny. There are 2 different types of people that live here. Those who want to be someone and those who are just trying to live a dream. I have no idea what category this guy lives in.
When you take a cab in DC you really learn a lot about this city. My co worker and I usually try to make friends with our drivers, trying to learn a little more, but also befriend someone who drives jerks around all day. Most of the drivers I have had aren't originally from here. They are usually from Africa or the Middle East, who moved here 25-40 years ago trying to make a life for themselves and their family. Most of them went to college, attempted a desk job for a while, but somewhere along the way... they started driving people around this great city of ours. But, the thing is, they are just so happy to be here. They are grateful and thankful for our country and the opportunities they have had here, whether it be a desk job or driving a car, they are happy right where they are. I just wonder if the guy on the Metro was trying to make a name for himself, or was he trying to live a dream...oooor....did someone dare him to do it?? Either way, there is never a dull moment when it comes to any mode of transportation you choose to take in this city...DC.

Thanksgiving= Food, Family, Fun, and traffic

You never think you'll see Christmas lights on the freeway, that is unless you live in DC. The highway blockage started on Tuesday afternoon, and our highway turned into a parking lot for 32 solid hours. Getting around town was not possible on Tuesday by any means. People were everywhere, for two days, trying to get out of the city. Airports were backed up, the Metro was packed like sardines, and the streets were, like I said, a parking lot. I guess not a lot of people spend Thanksgiving in DC. Matt and I headed out on Wednesday for Virginia Beach to spend the Day of Giving Thanks with my new family. Knowing the previous days situation, we waited until a little later to make our way into the swirling pool of tail lights. I meant to take a picture of the situation, to prove to you that I'm far from making this up. Traffic was backed up for days, so we pulled over for about 5 minutes to wait for the HOV lane to open up to all cars. With this idea, the greatest that Matt has ever thought of on his own, we made it to VA Beach without a hitch.
I won't bore you with turkey details, but we had a great time at the Hooker house. They welcomed me as if I had been a part of their family my whole life. I put up momma hooker's Christmas decorations as if it were my own home. We had such a fantastic visit. I can't wait to go back.
When we headed back to DC, knowing that the traffic would be worse, we took the scenic route back. It took a little longer, but we avoided soooo much traffic. The trees are changing beautifully in this part of the country, in case you were wondering. We knew we were getting closer to DC as traffic picked up, but we made it home in no time flat. Now, it's time to put up my own Christmas decorations!!!

Garage meet Opal, Opal, meet Garage

Well, I would have to say that this weekend was one for the books as well. I seem to be having those A LOT lately! I'm a mess, in case you didn't know.
So, here's what happened...
Jennifer and I went to the church for the church "work day" then I dropped her off in Georgetown. I was heading home and was pulling into my garage, when (oops) the door doesn't open. So me being the genius that I am thought to back up and try it again, to see if the sensor would pick up my puck to open the door. Well, I tried twice and no can do. The door isn't going to open. Since I am on a downward slope, putting it in reverse, you have to gun it in order to not hit the door...Well, third time was sort of the charm. I gunned it, but the car wasn't in reverse, and into the door I went. Knowing that there was a car behind me trying to get into the building as well, I knew I was not in a great position. Not only would the door not go up, but it was in a "V" formation now. I slowly backed my car out of the metal wreckage, and pulled over to the side of the road. I think the car behind me was just as stunned as I was, but glad it wasn't them that had to call their insurance, or the condo association to make the claim. After hightailing it into the building to report the situation, I parked the car around the corner, and was going to wait for Matt to come home. When Matt came home, and I finally broke down, weeping in his arms. I took him out to show him the damages, and I bet you can't guess what was waiting for us on my windshield. YOU GOT IT!! I got a $25 parking ticket for not feeding the meter. It just wasn't my day.
Today is Monday, it's a new week and a short one at that. Although, this morning, I plugged our Ipod and it synced and all of the music was deleted from the Ipod. So...I'm sure I have no place to go but up...right?