Jamaica: Day 6

This fabulous vacation is nearing it's end. And with that, today a theory was decided upon. As vacations ramp up, time often moves slowly... until the halfway point has passed, when time seemingly flies. This is an unfortunate reality I'm experiencing, but I didn't let that stop me from enjoying each moment of Day 6.

Breakfast on this morning was sort of a letdown, which was honestly nice. I needed one meal on this trip where I didn't feel like I was out to win an eating competition of sorts. I had the added bonus of starting the day with a run. These runs haven't been as pleasant as my at-home winter jaunts. My legs feel as though I'm lugging bricks along. The scenery has stolen the show; helping cope with some of the extra weight.

Bamboo Alley 

100+ Year Old Bamboo - Protected by Law

After breakfast, we headed to St. Elizabeth parish for the Appleton Estate Rum Tour. The tour was every bit as wonderfully cheesy as one might expect. The tour starts with "complimentary" gingery rum drinks and finishes with as many shots of eight different rums as one can consume before the Tour Guide closes the bottles. It was a total free for all with some of America's greatest spectacles elbowing each other out of the way for the chance to take samples of coffee flavored rums. Due to a Boyfriend engaged in brewing and various illegal acts of at-home distilling, I was pre-informed about most of the information provided. Refresher courses are never bad, especially when you're treated to pure sugar cane juice and a spoonful of molasses brown sugar syrup during the lecture. And did I mention unlimited tastings? Those too!

Paz, the Sugarcane Donkey

8000+ Barrels of Rum

The heart on the barrel label represents the heart of Jamaica, where Appleton Rum is made.

A mini set up of the distillery, where photography is not allowed.

The most interesting fact though is the setting of the Appleton Rum Distillery. It's surrounded--the full 360 degrees--by limestone bumpy mountains to protect the distillery from hurricanes. Appleton Rum has been around since 1749, so I'd say to the mountains: job well done.

I left feeling as though I had had my share of rum, and rum isn't even my thing. I even purchased a bottle or four. We migrated to Maggoty for jerk and fried chicken, and the people watching changed dramatically--from America's to Jamaica's finest. This was shaping out to be quite the day.

With a full belly, we left for more food--street food, simply the best. There were plenty of coconuts to go around, coconut "cake," and sugar cane stalks. For the first time, I was able to sample the jelly of an immature coconut. I still think I'm a fan of the more mature coconut, but I do not turn down coconut in any form. Ever. And from there we were on to Santa Cruz, high in the mountains where we picked up roasted peanuts from the car window. The town must be a decent size because we came upon our first stop light since leaving Montego Bay. This is where the drive got interesting. While the rum tour was fun and the street food made my day, the climb up into the Santa Cruz mountains was truly spectacular. The road winds and winds and winds up some 2,500 feet in elevation. There were unique lush mountainous views until we crossed the peaks, where the expanse of the ocean came into view. My motion sickness held it together for the most part, and I was able to enjoy the ride.

As we were nearing the end of our drive, we stopped east of Treasure Beach at Lover's Leap. The story is as predicted by the name, and the surrounding sea cliff is landscaped to please. The views of the overhang were stunning. There was ocean for days. And contrasting blues and greens in the best ways.

We saw dolphins from the pool deck!

We made it home just before 5:00 pm, and I was wiped out. I recall a pleasant sunset and a veggie-packed dinner, with a bed time around 8:30 pm. This is the vacation life.

Chicago Marathon, 10 Weeks From Now

There are 10 weeks until the Chicago Marathon. And my bursitis has relocated itself from my groin to my outside left hip. The nagging pain no longer hurts when I walk or twerk my leg in odd ways, however, sitting at a desk all day, oh the agony. But, Friday, I said to heck with it, I laced up my running shoes and set out for a jaunt to see how things were working. I have been doing sporadic weight training, but I find the motivation required to convince myself to get out of bed for that on a regular basis, especially compared to running around a city full of runners, is much too much. I cannot argue the time spent with Jillian Michaels has expedited the healing process. Though, I also cannot argue the icing, physical therapy, resting, and stretching regimen has seen me through either.

Alas, the weather—and sunrise!—was perfect when I set out on Friday. I headed down to Iwo Jima, through the Arlington Cemetery, around to Teddy Roosevelt Island, and up the hill of death to breakfast. I felt increasingly worse as the run progressed. And my positive, very positive, splits can attest to that. I rested up over the weekend; Monday, I hung out with Michaels, per my joke of a training schedule. Then Tuesday, I set out to run my favorite eight-mile loop at a more reasonable pace. I ended up racing all 71 of the other morning exercisers I crossed paths with. I could certainly be faster than the girl ahead running significantly faster splits. I am sure she wants me to chase her for two miles also. Positive thinking, anyone? I have lost my rhythm. And my faith in what was the plan.

So unable to walk, after logging fifteen total miles and an hour of strength training in five days, I reached out to Dr. M.E.K. for a consultation. I prefer to alarm her with dire messages super early, aided by her Central Time Zone. My text read, “I have Lyme disease and it’s caused early onset arthritis because this mystery has yet to heal. I’m looking for a 26.2 mile piggy back in October. Hope your training is going well.” She is, after all, deservingly responsible for getting me into this mess.

Avascular necrosis? Pain. Trochanteric bursitis? Pain, pain, pain.

I need a miracle, quick. I am not looking to be the untrained fool in October.

Fragments of Summer

Life accelerates to warp speed in the summer. As a result, all kinds of things happened that never rose to the level of having their own blog post. Since this is my only semblance of a scrapbook, please pardon me while I recap a few things.

1. Boyfriend and I battled a nuisance of a specie, The Fruit Fly. A large army of fruit flies invaded our kitchen, in the most unpleasant of matters. There were a lot of tears shed during battle. Those flies belong in the Biology Lab I left them in, circa 2004. In a jar of apple cider, the entire army eventually plummeted to their death and we--with all thanks to Boyfriend--were victorous in war. For now anyway.
   
2. On the subject of war, I have been battling a mysterious case of bursitis (in my groin). The injury is not from overtraining or even running, hypothetically speaking. It is most likely from a nasty spill I took in February, supposedly "ruining" my gait for what feels like all eternity. My life has become painful; everything--and I do mean everything (from biking to running to sitting to walking)--hurts. I am quite devastated as I was on track to qualify for the Boston Marathon at the Chicago Marathon in October... and now I cannot run, heck walk. I have visited three doctors; religiously stretched, iced, and heated; and, most importantly, rested. There has been no change. In fact, my hip has become aggravated, from what I suspect is overcompensating for bursitis and sitting in an office chair for hours on end. You cannot win all the wars. 
3. The Washington, D.C. collective bid H.M.O. farewell to over happy hour, after she moved in with Boyfriend and I for a few nights. Her departure was most upsetting. I hoped her stay would be eternal.
   
4. In June, Boyfriend and I ate solely from our pantry--purchasing only fresh produce and milk. We are members at Costco, where we often overdue it. This has led to brining home a 10-pound bag of black beans; a 10-pound bag of sugar; 20 cans of diced tomatoes; and/or enough Cheez-Its to last a milineum. The only fail, if it can be called that, I prefer to think of it as genorousity, was spending $2.04 on chocolate chips to make my 'office famous' fudge for a coworker's birthday, per her request. (4a.) I psuedo quit my 2014 Personal Goals challenge, like all decent resolution makers tend. I have still been partaking in a challenge each month, however, I am basing these goals on praticallity of my life at the start of the month. And I am not writing about them, except for now, because snooze. 
5. There has been time spent with K.S.D., my old roommate, double dating at some Northern Virginia establishments (i.e., FrozenYo and BonChon). The company of her and her lad is always welcomed (and refreshing).
6. M.E.K. and her husband visited over Fourth of July weekend. I had lunch with them on a slow working Wednesday before the holiday, then Boyfriend and I were able to meet them at ShopHouse, a Chipotle-owned Southeast Asian-inspired kitchen, for dinner on Thursday. Things do not get too fancy when the Midwesterners visit! I have reason to keep them around though because... they like dessert, so went opted for Pitango Gelato (and Red Velvet Cupcakes for some).
7. Boyfriend and I finally made it to Boyou Bakery for brunch. Why--tell me why--we waited so long? There are few things better than devouring supremely made biscuits and beignets on a patio with a close companion. So yummy! So affordable!  
8. R.D.S. and her fiancé also visited during the Fourth of July holiday. We met them, along with their friends, for brunch at Red Apron Butchery on Saturday. Afterwards, we visited the National Building Museum, which can only be described as lacking; do not follow our lead.

   

   These posters in the Designing for Disaster exhibit belong on my wall. 

9. On this same Saturday, Boyfriend and I visited the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, featuring Kenya and China. I endured stomach pains while Boyfriend meanered throughly through Kenya. I loved what I saw (and heard). We'll definitely be back next year. And we'll come hungry, the ethnic food looked mighty appealing.
   
10. I made bagels using a recipe from Mel's Kitchen Cafe, my lastest food blog obession. The taste and texture were close to perfect, especially for my first attempt. They weren't as pretty (or as large) as I had hoped, but I'm looking forward to experimenting further in a second attempt. Parmesan and sundried tomato? Cinnamon raisin? The world is my oyster. 
    
11. A variety of epics salads have been prepared in my kitchen for any number of meals, including breakfast. So. Many, many, many. Epic. Salads. There are no recipes, lending these salads to an uncountable number of combinations. These might be rooted in my attempt to 'cheat the challenge' during June; inspired by summer--the season of produce; or because I am too lazy to plan and cook and also too cheap to let the produce I have stocked up on--much too much for two people--waste away in my fridge.
    
12. I have seen some real bad baseball at Nationals Park, featuring the Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs. In the name of the Altanta Braves, I have unsuccesfully cheered for victorious underdogs. More successfully, I have sharpened my 'scoring baseball' skills. Not unrelated: Have I mentioned Boyfriend and I now have MLB.com Gameday Audio, for the price of $20. It has revolutionized my world. The Braves will take on the troubled Cubs here in an hour, and I will listen while I work.

And here we are at the midpoint of summer with a fury of weddings (and related travel) on the horizon.

The DC Bucket List, Part 2: Food

Moving right along to the food category, I have stuffed my face at these establishments and mostly enjoyed my time.

Hank’s Oyster Bar – Eh, real tight space and real loud. In addition, I found myself nursing a stomach ache for the duration of the evening. And while everything I managed to eat was delicious, I found everything I ate to be a bit overpriced. It was also a real stressful situation, which might have further dampened the experience, as this is where Boyfriend’s parents met my own. I would go back for the AK-47, my drink of the evening. It was everything I need a good drink to be—a strong, not sweet, spice-infused tequila concoction.

Bathroom? Real tight and real loud, just like the dining hall.

DGS Delicatessen – Without a doubt, the best Rueben I have consumed to date. And I have been to Detroit, Michigan! I foresee this as the only place I will Rueben henceforth. So much goodness in one sandwich. Also of note, incredible iced coffee. The biggest disappointment was the fact DGS does not have to-go cups because otherwise refill, stat. I will go back. And I would be OK sitting in a basement, which was originally seemed disappointing.

Bathroom? DGS bodes the most confusing bathrooms! After some trial and error, the picture of the female led me to the correct bathroom. Not all females are so obvious! Further, I had never seen this as a way to label bathroom sex prior to DGS, I have since seen this style fifty bajillion times. I do not prefer this style, no, not one bit.

Lavagna – As a substitute for Ted’s Bulletin, it was not that great. However, had I given this place a fair shot, I think I would have enjoyed my meal more. The chicken and waffles were not what I was expecting. It wasn’t bad, just not like other chicken and waffles I have had. The biscuits and gravy, which I split with Boyfriend were also very different than what either of us pictured. Everything was locally sourced, perhaps that’s the price you pay? There are so many places to try, I doubt I will wind up at Lavagna again.

Bathroom? I did not visit. I used the bathroom at Ted's Bulletin twice while we waited, only to be later served by Lavagna instead. Tough Sunday.

The Greek Deli – I visited The Greek Deli prior to my The W experience. I stood in line with all of Washington, D.C. And I enjoyed my experience as much as all these bystanders I assumed to be regulars did theirs. My only complaint was the placement of a random plant, which hid the entire menu, preventing me from making my selection until it was almost too late. Oh and no bathrooms, big complaint. The staff was incredibly friendly, almost too friendly. I will go back, even knowing it’s a hike from my office and there will be the aforementioned line. This establishment is only open for the weekday lunch. The Greek Deli is clearly doing something right, I would kill for hours like those.

Bathroom? Again, no. Wah.

Toki Underground – My third attempt was what could be called a success. We got there before 6:00 pm on a Saturday. We patiently waited an hour and a half to be seated. And then we dined on heaven in a bowl. I opted for Kimchi Ramen, Boyfriend went for the classic. They were both scrumptious. I was totally sold on the poached egg floating in my soup. I love eggs, especially when poached… and oh my goodness, such a fine addition to a bowl of noodle dough in broth. The biggest up or downside to Toki is the 29 total seats, so don’t expect to be seated (quickly or) with a party bigger than three. And, I guess I should mention while I left stuffed, I was hungry about two hours later. I will go back, though. Often, I hope.

Bathroom? It is only as I write now I’m realizing I did not visit the bathroom. Poorly played.

Food Trucks – Captain Cookie provided my first true Food Truck experience, serving up of the greatest combination of time: Trickling Spring Creamery chocolate milk and two cookies—chocolate chip and Nutella. It was so delicious. I have been dying to go back for seconds. But lucky for my waistline, the Food Trucks rotate streets throughout the week in a rather unpredictable fashion. (The trucks can be followed online… but time.) Then this past weekend, Boyfriend and I were out doing our grocery shopping and stumbled upon… Astro Donuts. If there is anything to be noted about my food priorities, know donuts rank in my top three (with bagels and M&Ms). So we had to stop! We intended to share one donut as we were minutes away from attending a barbeque, but the Food Truck Man messed up our order and we ended up with an extra donut. What a problem! These were ahhhh-mazing donuts. And guess what? I don’t have to stalk this truck because they have a permanent location near my office. Life is so good.

We purchased the maple bacon donut and were gifted a cinnamon donut. For my Kansas readers, the frosting on both donuts was identical to the butterscotch frosting at Daylight Donuts, when Mr. Ken was in charge. Food speaks to my soul when it brings back memories of my formative years.

This was truly a life highlight. Last comment (and I’ll stop with the analysis), these donuts were so good I could have gone sans frosting, sugar, or toppings. The core donut was just right. It’s an impressive feat, really. I will be back. I will introduce friends.

Bathroom? Food Trucks don’t have bathrooms, so no comment there.

The Italian Store –This off-the-beaten-path gem has been written up more than I can count. Boyfriend and I like sandwiches, bunches and bunches. But ever since the C.A.H. began his career at Jimmy Johns, I have been hooked on their #6 and have had no reason to seek sandwiches out elsewhere. I did try Taylor Gourmet, which makes a decent roast beef for almost $3.00 more than my Jimmy John’s go-to, no thank you. Anyway, being in the general vicinity, we decided to finally give The Italian Store a go. The sandwiches were simple and delicious, with an essence of Jimmy Johns provided in the hot and sweet peppers topping on our Carpri and Marini sandwiches. There are no cups for water, rude. (There were bottled drinks for purchase.) I went to the neighboring establishments—Starbucks, CVS, and Giant—in search of free water to no avail. I ended up with a pre-tax $1.00 gallon of water from Giant. If you have to pay for water, you must price compare! I would go back, if I was in the area and hungry and had a water bottle and an empty bladder. I would not go out of my way to visit.

Bathrooms? Nonexistent, huge con.

My summer targets include Bayou Bakery, BonChon Chicken, Le Diplomate, Mussel Bar and Grille, and Ted's Bulletin. Is your stomach calling? You're invited.

Low, Part A

Low. That is my life right now. The sleepless nights have returned. The sporadic eating habits. The uncontrollable emotions. The immense hatred towards all things not Starbucks and M&Ms. The breaking out like a sixteen year old. I am an unfortunately miserable being.

Why? My job is dumb. And because office tales are boring for all people uninvolved, you will simply have to take my word for it. Not only is my job dumb, a problem I could handle, I hate the work. And not just a whiny-complainy dislike, this is a full-blown hatred. As a result, these past few weeks have been a horrid blur of awfulness.

I suggest you quit reading now. Life is about to get real. There may be some grand, wonderful things I could write about, but I am numb to those things. Awesome as they may be, they do not feel so awesome in that moment. They feel forced. They feel like out of body experiences. Oh the fun! 

The recap I do not actually recommend you read.

Monday, 4/28 – Miserable day of work, followed by an exhaustive evening of a full apartment scrub-down. 

Tuesday, 4/29 – An exceptionally miserable day of work, followed an evening of cooking. And meal prep for the week, two days behind schedule.
Wednesday, 4/30 – A solid eight hours of awfulness, followed by trivia. Our hodgepodge team, scrambled up minutes before the start of trivia each week managed to continue our winning streak, taking home victories for best team name, half-time shots, and first place gift certificate—a clean sweep, one might call it.

Thursday, 5/1 – A plain, miserable May Day, followed by drinks with K.S.D. at Carpool. Drinks that went very late into the night... on a school night.

The calm, quiet weekend I envisioned was anything but. After a real long day at the office, which included an extended lunch with my not so beloved New Boss. (I shant complain too much as we dined at District Taco on Fish Taco Friday.) To extend the day further, I walked home from work in hopes of absorbing Spring weather. Then I sprinted to Eat Bar to celebrate A.J.S.’s new (and greatly improved) position at her employer of choice. And revel we did with a happy hour that went until I hit the sack.  Saturday, I had some time in the morning to make myself a breakfast of eggs, beans, and sweet potato fries before Boyfriend and I were off to volunteer at the Library Book Sale. We had so much fun organizing books. I do not kid. We literally plotted ways to improve upon the sale next year. So much fun. If you doubted my love of books before, the doubting should cease now. There were some gems—beloved childhood books to all my favorite current reads to the History of Nations, Volume 19: Africa, Boyfriend’s pick. We could have filled a library (or two). There were SO many to choose from.

(It should be noted that I might love organizing more than books. The overwhelming excitement I experienced by spending my free day organizing books. Well that, I cannot explain.)

When we finally left the book sale, hours after the end of our shift… we met friends for some loitering around our neighborhood. And in doing so, we hit up a thousand free samples—Yappy Hour, Whole Foods, Starbucks Frappuccino Hour, Grateful Red—before finding an establishment to settle in and complain endlessly about work. Actually, I think that was just half the group. But it was my half so it shall be documented. The conversation gradually improved to things like food, specifically ice cream sandwiches. Even more specifically to homemade ice cream sandwiches. Naturally, this was our next move. The necessary ingredients were gathered and the baking of cookies ensued. Turns out, ice cream sandwiches require ample (i.e., a lot of) freeze-time. From what I remember, we enjoyed cookies while playing Mario Kart and thought about how great our ice cream sandwiches would be the next time we all get together. That will be in an approximate month, if history repeats.

On Sunday, I ran 14 miles. I like to feel accomplished. Proceeding those two hours of nonsense, I showered. You are more than welcome. Then I immediately ran (yes, more) to Brooklyn Bagels for—you guessed it—bagels. And maybe an egg. And onion. And cheese. I also brought an apple and left over sweet potato fries because I knew the aforementioned simply would not be enough. From breakfast, I convinced Boyfriend a bike ride would be fun. (I can convince him of such fun precisely once a year. This was a BIG deal.) He was sold on the Gravelly Point destination. 

We pretty much sat on a blanket eating snacks as we watched the planes come and go from Reagan National Airport for the entire afternoon. Blissful it was, as I recall. The rest of the night was rather uneventful; I was asleep before 9:00 pm.

Life continues...

Countdown to October 12, 2014

These words will be forced as I have been in no mood to write as of late. I am fighting a block in the writing domain. This is most unfortunate as I have much to record.

Onwards.

I have big news! On Monday, April 14 I found out I won The Lottery. For the Chicago Marathon. While I had a fair shot at winning—33,000 of 71,000 entrants were provided spots, I was elated when my congratulatory email reached my inbox (at exactly 2:45 pm after waiting for what felt like forever). There are many things about running Chicago in October that feel right. The first being, I am running again. And I have been consistently doing so for nearly two months, working myself up to 10-plus mile weekend long runs. At paces that will qualify me for Boston, no less.

All the while, I am also enjoying running again. This is something I have not been able to say for a long, long time. But each time I lace up my shoes and run alongside the Potomac River or in front of monuments people travel to see or on the quiet, blossoming tree-bordered Four-Mile Trail, I feel so lucky to be living in this city. Plus, for extra motivation, Washington, D.C. is littered with runners.

Truthfully, it’s hard to complain about running when it’s a perfect 50 degrees at 6:00 am. (There cannot be enough positive things spewed about this weather. The most notable change—my mood. From drab to alive. I am not an unbearable, fulltime grouch. Just a seasonal grouch. And with that, I can deal.) This will be more difficult to say as the temperatures rise. But summer is not winter. And that alone feels right. 

After a stress fracture (ouch!) while training for the Cleveland Marathon in May 2007, I promised myself I would not train for running-related events going forward because PAIN. (This was the first and only running injury I have had. It came after y-e-a-r-s of pounding pavement. And it nearly ruined running for me. This event and time is not something I intend to ever relive. Re: Ouch!) For the past seven years, I have stayed true to that word. By essentially not running. To be entirely honest, I have since flirted with running because, again, PAIN. So all stars aligned (i.e., no injuries), this will be my first marathon. On a flat, fast Chicago course… with both a seasoned childhood friend and college companion enduring the challenge beside me.

I will not be running second-rate, fallback marathons in Richmond or Philadelphia. I will be running Chicago on October 12, 2014. The official training begins in June. Until then, I will be preparing for the Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon in late-May. Hooray happy, injury-free running! 

Instagram Images

Somewhere along the way, I mentally assigned roles to each social media site I use: Blogger became a place for journaling/thinking/dreaming, Twitter for my bursts of wit and quotes I like, Instagram to capture snapshots of my daily life, Pinterest for cooking and baking inspiration, and Facebook is a periodic peek into the wonders in the lives of family and friends. I am a compartmental thinker in that way. The time lapse between posts here is more infrequent, and I am realizing many much of what is stored elsewhere (the 'real life' stuff) is being unintentionally left behind. I want to preserve some of that for posterity too! For awhile, I attempted to document my Twitter feed here at the end of each month, but the formatting on Blogger and Twitter did not agree, so it eventually became more of a hassle than it was worth. So, consider this a review with no point but to document a 'real life' weekend.

A Friday evening walk on the Custis Trail. Jalapeno infused tequila cocktails with my roommate and Boyfriend on the balcony. Confirmation that I have in fact been watering a weed, not basil.

Date night with Boyfriend at Kabob Bazaar. Washington Nationals Blood Drive.

A "hike" in Catoctin National Park. (The most brilliant post blood donation idea.) Pryor's Orchard--banana chips, cantaloupe, cherries, corn on the cob, and dried apricots.

A nap. Homemade Egg Foo Young. Dumpster diving; the find: Singer 201k with a Queen Anne Cabinet.

Game 2 of the Stanley Cup--Boston Bruins at Chicago Blackhawks--at Mister Days with friends. Eastern Market.

Capitol Hill Books.

 A shopping outing in Falls Church, VA, including lemonades at Panera.

College World Series. New York Times crossword puzzles. Sunday Night Baseball--San Francisco Giants at Atlanta Braves.

Aside from donating blood at 7:00 am on Saturday morning, I had nothing on my agenda, after postponing a trip to Durham, NC. I gained much perspective (and had a lot of fun) allowing spontaneity to run its course.

Preparation Madness

Memorial Day weekend is and always has been the unofficial start of summer here in the Land of the Free. But, as a working gal, to me, it simply represents three days of solitude FAR away from the office. Boyfriend and I decided this would the perfect weekend for camping. And before I start rambling, let me just say we are about to strike it big with the weather. It has been in the 80s all week, with 86% humidity... until last night when a huge storm came through and cut the nasty Washington, D.C. swamp-like atmosphere. I am very much looking forward to weather in the high 60s all weekend, with no chance of rain. (This would be a totally different story if I had made plans to be poolside for the holiday weekend, of course.)

Life around here has been hectic lately, and somehow, it seems that while we have been preparing (for camping) for at least the past week, there was an awful lot still to get done when I woke this morning. The first trip of the season always seems to be the most work. Is that just me? I had an appointment early this morning, then coordinated with Boss Man to work the remainder of the day from home. This move spared me time to finalize the preparations.

I tend to take on way more than necessary. Today was no exception. This was my initial list:

• 9:00 am podiatrist appointment
• Email J.L.W.
• Email H.J.W. 
• Email M.R.B.
• Email roommates
• Send birthday cards to J.W.M. and M.E.K. 
• Send thank you note to M.R.B.
• Write Grandma and Great Aunt B
• Bake muffins
• Make granola
• Make trail mix
• Pack food; pack bag 
• Return honey to Giant
• Run
• Shower
• Empty dishwasher
• Vacuum

I am a crazy person. I think that has been confirmed. And this instance of crazy means I require my home be cleaned before stepping out for any extended period.

Again, thankfully, I am working from home today. The majority of my list, being entirely unrelated to camping, can wait until Tuesday, but I really do not do well with looming lists of tasks needing my tending to. In my mind, it is a dark, ugly picture with me in the center.

On that note, take a look at this picture of my kitchen around noon today:

You will see chaos. Dark. Ugly. Chaos. While whipping up a batch of blueberry coconut muffins, not C.A.R.'s granola, and assembling a half-hearted batch of trail mix, I noticed the my disturbing surroundings. It was one of those how am I going to get everything done? moments.

With only a couple more business hours remaining on this cool, crisp day-before-long-weekend Friday, I am pleasantly surprised to say things are coming together. Now, my non-camping related items will most all sit until Tuesday, but I am more at ease with everything. The 'must-do' items are crossed off from the list... with time to post a brief (and boring) update.

Have a good Friday and enjoy your Memorial Day weekend.

April 12 - 14

Today is Tax Day. It is also Pay Day. So I am not terribly upset. I am, however, thinking dependents are in my 2013 future. They seem a lot more fun than withholding money. But who wants to talk about taxes when we can talk about spring weather? And the life it brings to my weekends.

I crafted an ideal weekend. Then I lived it. And it was all-around excellent. My success is documented as follows.

I had the luxury of working from home on Friday. This spared me a few extra minutes in bed, relishing in the sight, sound, and smell of the first April shower. Further irrelevant from my weekend agenda, I had an appointment with the podiatrist to really jumpstart this rainy day. I have nasty feet. And, to some, that is putting it nicely. The podiatrist used bush trimming clippers to hack away at all my infected toe nails. I.Kid.You.Not. He seemed vaguely frustrated when I told him the infection on my big toe, right side dates back to summer 2005. I personally feel infection is irrelevant until physical pain is experienced. And that started oh about seven months ago. Plus, I, unlike most, love feet… so I have never been particularly scared by my own. Anyway, for those who are, I am happy to report nearly four days later my toe nails are already showing signs of improvement. Thanks be to the $36 miracle liquid I paint on twice daily in addition to the Biotin supplements I am downing. I am not thrilled about either. But at this point, I am paying a doctor to heal me. I feel inclined to heed his advice.

After I finished bonding with Dr. Feet, I finished working. Then I showered. Boyfriend showed up shortly after and joined me on the couch for a bag of Pretzel M&Ms and an episode of Lifetime’s newest masterpiece: Preacher’s Daughters. This is really the way I would like to inaugurate each 63-hour segment of freedom. The entire bag of M&Ms disappeared before it was supposed to accompany Boyfriend and me to the movie theater to see Silver Lining Playbook. Though I have been hearing about this movie for quite some time, it has not been playing at my designated theater until very recently. I might have fallen asleep. But I definitely liked the parts I saw. From the theater we proceeded to Whole Foods, like a totally normal couple, in route home. And then, well-rested, we found time for another episode of Preacher’s Daughters.

Saturday, I made Boyfriend and A.L.S. get up extra early for a hike in Prince William Forest Park. By finding our way back to our starting point, we averted crisis in the end. We might have consumed two pounds of trail mix in the process. Boyfriend and I caught a quick nap with some Atlanta Braves/Washington Nationals background noise before heading over to H Street for happy hour. We had great plans to dine at Toki Undergound… but apparently so did everyone else in D.C. And we did not have four hours to wait in line. So we had a drink at Smith Commons, followed by a drink at H Street Country Club and quick dinner at Shawafel. The later two – H Street Country Club and Shawafel – being reminiscent of my summer 2012 stomping grounds. Then we met little H and his amigos – our underage friends – at Rock N Roll Hotel to see FIDLAR and Wavves. Though only recently introduced to FIDLAR, I have enjoyed Wavves for quite some time. I could not wait to see them live; C.A.H. and I had been preparing for this night for quite awhile.

He neglected to warn me though, until far too late of course, just how old and unhip I should plan to feel. Very. I should have planned to feel very old and unhip. The second my brother and crew came out of the venue doors, bruised and dripping in sweat, it was no longer just a feeling. It was apparent. I am old. And I am very unhip. They were literally BRUISED and DRIPPING IN SWEAT, describing this as the craziest show ever. (The concert was fabulous. And wild.) To redeem a piece of my former young and hip self, Boyfriend and I joined America’s youth for an episode of cool: late-night dining/milkshakes at Checkers.

Sunday morning, I made smoothies with my new favorite berry – acai – juice. Then Boyfriend and I went to Giant to purchase peanuts. And came home with a lot more than peanuts. I made dough for calzones that would be consumed for meal three. Then we took off on bikes rented from Capital Bikeshare. We rode along the Custis Trail to Mount Vernon Trail to Anacostica Trail to Nationals Park. (That honestly was the highlight of my weekend.) There we saw the Atlanta Braves take on the Washington Nationals. I could not convince Boyfriend to bike home. (Lame!)

In route home, we stopped at the local library to pick up the 14 audio books I had on hold. I have been on a waiting list for some of these books as far back as February. They conveniently all came in at once. Now I have two weeks to listen to them. Really though, that should not be a problem as I spend more time than ever commuting lately.

From the second we walked in the door, we were at work in the kitchen. I finalized the dough and prepared the veggie insides while boyfriend cursedly made sauce. (He would have been so much happier with store bought dough and canned sauce… but who wants that when I have a new Kitchen Aid Mixer and food processor? Yippee – kitchen toys!) Even though we were both starving, having been deprived of food all day… our calzones were not ready until 7:00 pm, when we needed to be on the other side of town for a friend’s birthday party. Timing is everything. You can imagine how delighted Boyfriend was to have to eat in the car. For a girl with a no eating in the car policy, he could have been a little more thankful.

The birthday party was grand. There was fire. And I brought the ingredients for s’mores. So I might have been more popular than the birthday boy. There was also cornhole and friendship and Jenga and cool temperatures. And did I mention fire? And s’mores!

So you see, in weekend form: success.

Remembering December, Week 4

December 22 -

• I did not get out of bed until 1:00 pm. I justified my laziness with the face I was nursing a cold. 

 December 23 -

• I baked seven dozen cookies.
• I watched a lot of football. 
• I patiently waited as my brother, C.D.H., made his way from his Atlanta home to the family home in Northern Virginia. 

 December 24 -

• I worked from home and had a Yankee Candle Holiday Trio candle burning all day. If you have to work on Christmas Eve, you find joy in simple things.
• Snowflakes fell most of the afternoon. No real accumulation, but it was pretty as it fell.

• Does it make everyone as sad and/or disappointed to witness all the garbage--kites, balloons, plastic bags--in the winter trees as it does me? This fleeting thought crossed my mind as I walked around with neighborhood with my parent's "puppies," Louis and Toby.

• We had our traditional fondue dinner, which was quiet this year with just our family of five. 

• The yearly unveiling of Christmas pajamas was done before 9:00 pm, leaving me with plenty of time to wrap my head in a new book--Bunch of Amateurs by Jack Hitt--before bedtime.

Christmas Day -

• The snow stuck around throughout the evening, making for my first white Christmas in a long time.
• After a 'better-than-Thanksgiving' dinner of broccoli, mashed potatoes, mushrooms, a hand-plated citrus, fried goat cheese, and pomegranate salad, rolls... and some sort of roasted meat for those so inclined, the poppers were popped to reveal cheesy jokes, crowns, and a prize.   

December 26 -

• I worked, again. Cruel world. 
• It snowed again. Awesome world.
• Our family of five ventured to Georgetown, D.C. in the snow/wintery mix/rain for at Mexican tapas at Mike Isabella's Bandolero. For those of you who, like me, do not idolize chefs and therefore have never heard the name Mike Isabella, he is a former Top Chef contestant. He might of won. Or maybe he just cooked a lot of food and was critiqued. Maybe he had this heavenly restaurant before. And maybe he did not. Bottom line: stop in at Bandolero for drinks, appetizers, dinner, and/or dessert--you will not regret it.  
• After this blue haired dinner, we went to the Kennedy Center for a showing of Million Dollar Quartet. The tickets were a surprise for the master musician in the family, but the show was enjoyed by all. 

December 27 -

• After getting home late the previous night, and with that full holiday weekend of family bonding time before me, waking up at 4:00 am, driving an hour to Baltimore, and hopping on a 6:00 am flight to Orlando, FL was really fun. Like so much fun. 
• I made it to Orlando amongst a trillion overly-excited Walt Disney World bound children, waited an hour for Bridesmaid No. 3, rented a car, and drove an hour to Howey-in-the-Hills, FL for the Royal Wedding... where my life was planned for the next 36 hours. 
• So the first 12 hours was lunch, followed by professional finger and toe nail painting, a hair washing session, a group bus ride to The Catholic Community of St. Paul church were the rehearsing (and later wedding) took place, dinner at the Angler's Club in The Villages, and a bus ride back to Mission Inn Resort where the out of town guest were welcomed with an official party. Then I found some time, albeit only a few hours, before...

December 28 -

• I got to wake-up for ROYAL WEDDING DAY(!!!). After I clothed myself, viola! my personal escort was outside my door, waiting to drive me to the S family ranch in Leesburg, FL.
• From morning to early afternoon, a make-up artist and two hair stylists transformed regular girls into glamour queens. I was unidentifiable. The things I endure for my favoritist friends. 

• There was brunch. And snacks. Do you know what a challenge eating becomes when your hair is being ripped out of your head by curlers and you face is layered in plaster?

• Picture Time. I sold this to myself as enjoying Florida sunshine time. 
• Once we were officially documented as the bridal party, we jumped onto the party bus and headed church for the exchanging of vows. 
• And, of course, the best part of every wedding is celebrating the happy couple... and we did that in grand style with dinner, cake, an open bar, and a live band. Congrats to Mr. and Mrs. M!

The week was another full one. And here I am on January 13, 2013 catching up on all that is and was. The deeper message from this week is I appreciate my life. I have a job I am thriving in. I had time surrounded with my immediate family. There were Christmas and wedding festivities. And time with a precious friend of nearly eight years before she said, "I do." And even though Florida is my least favorite state, there was travel during this week and the ability to escape the ruts of my daily life.