hello, little sweet pea

Like I previously mentioned, the pregnancy fatigue is seriously wearing me down. Shannon warned me that I would constantly be tired and I waved it off, saying “well I’m always tired (I really am) so I probably won’t even notice it!” Haha. Hahahaha. I was so naïve. You know that feeling you had in college when you’d be slumped down in your chair, lights off, watching some video (for argument's sake, how about my terrorism course senior year – watching a video about Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam or 17 November) and you stayed up too late last night? Your eyes are crossing… burning… and your head keeps dropping every twenty seconds. It’s a struggle to keep your eyes open, much less stay awake. That's me. All day. Every single day this week. I don’t know how to stop it since I’m not supposed to be overloading on caffeine. There are some times when I just can’t get anymore sleep – Tuesday night I got home, made and ate dinner, went to basketball practice, came home just short of 10 o’clock and passed out and yet all day yesterday I fought to stay awake.

Speaking of the little bean, this week it’s the size of a sweet pea (cute nickname). Here’s what we know this week: “Growing like crazy, baby is starting to sprout eyes, ears, nose, cheeks and chin. Those little hands and feet- still webbed like paddles- might wiggle by week's end, the heart is beating (almost twice as fast as yours!) and blood is starting to circulate.” I’m updating my weeks according to when they are updated on this pregnancy site I belong to… I think they change once I hit however many weeks and four days, although I can’t quite figure out the logic behind it. I want to keep them the same so I don’t confuse myself – this entire ordeal is already confusing enough. My first real OB appointment is a few weeks away (apparently that's normal - still seems far away to me) but I've taken the liberty of educating myself on a few pregnancy rules. I've checked out the list of diet no-no's and I don't tend to eat much of that stuff anyways, so I'm fairly safe. I don't drink much caffeine aside from maybe some iced tea at a restaurant, but I'll try to keep it to a minimum. I've taken a huge step by leaving my Excedrin at home - I've moved onto extra strength Tylenol (never works for me, but it's all I can use). We also have What to Expect When You're Expecting on our nightstand. Note to self: No more flipping to the ninth month/delivery section! All the talk about episiotomies, breaking your water (what if it happens at work?!) and "push like you're pooping!" is freaking me out.

I’m nervous about Super Tuesday. Of course I have faith that things will turn out the way I’m hoping, but for some reason I keep getting a bad feeling about it. Obama’s winning the delegate numbers right now (though not by much) but there’s some big states coming up. Obviously Clinton will win New York as Obama will win Illinois. Easy enough, although she comes away with bigger numbers there. California is huge, something like 400-500 delegates. New Jersey and Massachusetts have big numbers. Unfortunately, it’s probably going to be so close throughout the month of February that we don’t see a clear nominee emerge until March (or whenever Texas goes to the polling booths). Can I vote yet? I’m anxious.

P.S. Taryn, I'm jealous that you're on a mountain today.

wow...

So, the fatigue I gratefully noted that I didn't have? Spoke too soon.

On a side note, getting a voicemail from a friend who's just calling to say 'I love you' makes my day. You're a wonderful friend, Smashley. Within the past few days I've witnessed the full spectrum of friendship (from brilliant friends to the disloyal) and have learned that, at some point, you should really let go and accept it.

boo, strikers

Actually, I completely understand the writer's strike. I get their cause, I feel for them, I know why they're doing what they're doing... I do... but a girl needs her primetime television for cryin' out loud! Steve and I have found ourselves watching a number of Iron Chef reruns (why do they always challenge Mario Batali???) and visiting the Red Box at Giant more than usual. The damn Red Box is even running out of movies that we're even remotely interested in renting... Friday night we stooped to "Good Luck Chuck" level. I hate Jessica Alba. Although it was entertaining (and she worked at a penguin exhibit at the zoo!), it just can't replace the Office or Lost. Speaking of Lost, only three more days until the two hour season premiere. Unfortunately, they'd only filmed eight episodes before the strike hit - so we're expected to get so enthralled in one of the greatest shows ever and right as it hits its peak of the season, it's over? They just can't do that to us - it's torture.

Steve and I were cleaning machines this weekend. Our normally clean and organized place is now spotless, sparkling and smells like Lysol (clean linen scent). I love it. The Dyson is also the greatest machine ever invented (and the best wedding present ever - thanks, Robbie and Shannon). Sometimes I use that vacuum just for the hell of it. Our carpets don't even need it and I'll whip out the Dyson just to hear the whir and watch it work (and to chase Luke).

We went out to dinner with our parents last night to celebrate the future grandchild. Why on earth everyone is convinced it will be a girl is beyond me - I'm crossing my fingers for a baby Steve. Obviously I'll be happy no matter what and just pray for a healthy baby, but I've always imagined having a boy first. Steve prodded me to share some names that we (me, mostly) like but I really don't feel like sharing that. I don't necessary want to know how people feel about the names I like - if I like it, I'll use it... and I don't want to constantly think about how somebody thought it was odd. When our baby is born, Nicolas (our nephew) will be barely a year old and Ethan (my cousin) will be almost two-and-a-half. It would just be cute to add another boy to the mix. My mom's side of the family has almost all baby girls, so Ethan needs to be rescued. Also, through many great Nestie recommendations I think I have found my new OB (or at least the practice I'll be seeing a lot of for the next 7+ months). Score!

baby appleseed

It's been settling in a little more as the week went on that yes, I'm still pregnant. It's hard to physically believe it considering I haven't gained a pound or grown a belly overnight... so for Steve, he just keeps asking how I'm feeling. That's really the only way to measure how far along we are until we see some belly. So how am I feeling? Compared to the nausea and fatigue that I've heard others complain about, I think I'm doing fairly well. I'm sore and super sleepy, but I'm not sure if I can attribute the sleepiness to the pregnancy since I'm always sleepy during the week. It's also hard to pinpoint the stomach issues I've been having lately because I have so many stomach issues on a regular basis... but it has felt strange and heavy and really acidic all week. My acid reflux medication is doing absolutely nothing for it so perhaps it's just a symptom I'm stuck with until October. Ewww.

The little sprout is no longer a poppyseed, which is so sad. It was a cute little nickname for the few days we used it. It has moved onto an appleseed, also known as "the creature" (as Ryan likes to call it). Here's what we know: "In week five, your embryo (looking kind of like a tadpole) is starting to form major organs (heart, kidney, liver, stomach) and systems (nervous, circulatory, digestive). Baby's presence in your uterus triggers production of hCG (the hormone detected by pregnancy tests)... which triggers production of other hormones like estrogen and progesterone... which trigger all those great symptoms you've probably been noticing!"

Pretty bizarre, right? You bet it is. We're going out to dinner on Sunday with our parents to celebrate... my parents are so far beyond excited, it's hilarious. On another topic, in connection with an old post I made defending my main man, Barack... I came across this the other day and saved it: "I've been to the same church - the same Christian church - for almost 20 years," Obama said, stressing the word Christian and drawing cheers from the faithful in reply. "I was sworn in with my hand on the family Bible. Whenever I'm in the United States Senate, I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. So if you get some silly e-mail ... send it back to whoever sent it and tell them this is all crazy. Educate."

Scary thought: Why am I so intrigued by John McCain? Pleasepleaseplease don't make me have to choose between Hillary and McCain.

hello, little poppy seed

We had a laundry list of plans for 2008. I was never too specific as far as exact dates or appointments… but now we definitely have something surprising to add to our calendar. On or around October 1, 2008, Steve and I will be welcoming a tiny sweet-smelling miniature version of ourselves. In other words, we’re having a baby.

Like I said… SURPRISE!!!

Literally. I stared at that test and nearly passed out. The plus sign came up so fast I was certain it was wrong… but four tests later it has become pretty clear. We are having a freaking baby. It’s strange how fast we accepted this major change in our lives… we went from complete and utter astonishment Sunday afternoon to Steve calling this morning to ask how “our poppy seed” is doing (explanation below). All the favorite baby names that we’ve talked about in the past are part of this new reality. From not really “feeling” pregnant prior to the tests, I am putting so many things together now that I know I’m pregnant. It’s absolutely unreal. So, I had a difficult time focusing at work for so many obvious reasons… but I’m trying to keep my mind off of:

• Shoot, I need to call my doctor ASAP.
• Crap, can I not take my Excedrin anymore???
• Damn, I better still be able to take Prevacid.
• Oh hell, what’s that about no deli meats?
• %$#@&! How much longer will my pants fit???!

This is serious stuff now... Because I cannot imagine myself wearing maternity clothes. The thought alone is enough to make me re-examine those tests to be double (triple) sure that they’re right. Luckily I caved to the whole empire-waisted/tunic trend last year so I have a good collection of tops already. As far as my medications and prenatal vitamins and dietary measures are concerned, I’m bugging my doctor about it this week. Our parents are way beyond thrilled, of course. Steve's mom screamed, my dad's jaw dropped and my mom jumped up and down and whipped out a list of possible names.

About the poppy seed… we found a website with a great visual description of the baby at each week. This week, it’s a poppy seed. I think that’s cute! This is what we know this week: "In week 4, now safe in your womb, the ball of cells (blastocyst) splits in two, becoming the embryo and the placenta. The amniotic sac and fluid are forming around baby, and will act as a cushion for the next eight months." How incredibly weird is that? I think I'll keep updating the blog with the fruit or veggie of the week - I'm already looking forward to the week of the blueberry. Now that is cute.

chronic- what!? -cles of narnia!

I love lazy Sundays (even better when they're reenacted by Chris Parnell and Andy Samberg - see below). We slept in, ate at Manhattan Bagel and read the paper, ran some errands in the frigid Siberian tundra outside (seriously, wtf is with the weather!?) and now we're just relaxing. I've found that the less you do on a Sunday, the more it prolongs the inevitable hell of Monday morning.

We were supposed to be going to New York next weekend but, unfortunately, I think we're going to have to cancel the trip. It was only two days, so it's not too heartbreaking, but I'm in serious need of a vacation. My mom decided to attend the Dulles Bridal Expo for our up-and-coming wedding consultant business... and I should be there with her. There's also a super important Blaze game next weekend that I felt awful missing. Thankfully, we have California to look forward to. For some reason, Steve is unbelievably excited for this Cali trip, even though we've been twice in the past two years. So, basketball season ends sometime in March - I'd like to be on the West Coast shortly after that. Oh, interesting news: the Sunday Source's road trip for this week was to Carytown! Of all places. Good old Richmond... next Friday - we'll be down there!

We saw Cloverfield on Friday night (27 Dresses had horrible reviews) and all I have to say is that it was one of the most amazing movies I've ever seen. Go see it, case closed. Make sure you stay until the very end - long after the credits roll - and listen very carefully. It's been a long time since we've seen a movie that good in theaters (although I did like I Am Legend) and Steve loved it so much he wanted to go again last night with Morgan and Peter.

A little while ago, we stepped out to walk the dogs and ran smack into our "ex"-neighbor. He was gone all week long and then we hear him... yes, hear him... this morning and see him outside. What gives?! He's gone now, but the fact that he was even here was not a good sign. I knew it was too good to be true. I'm so sleepy. Nap time.


Chris Parnell & Andy Samberg - "Lazy Sunday"


Hilarious.

hooray! pour vendredi

When I woke up this morning, I was disappointed to learn that our building was open for business. I had the pleasure of leaving work around noon yesterday and working from home, which is always relaxing. I got paid, yet I was cuddling with Luke and watching the Real World reunion while I worked. I think I was considerably more productive from my couch than I was earlier in the day on the ninth floor (snow is always distracting). Since I already had my laptop at home, I was crossing my fingers that I'd hear a snow closure bulletin when I called in this morning. How disappointing. Totally open. When I peeked outside I knew I was perfectly capable of making it to work on time as the roads were completely clear. Bummer.

Regardless of the initial disappointment at 6 o'clock this morning, my day has gotten progressively better. Since it's Friday, I leave work at noon (so how much complaining can I really get away with?). Also, all four of my bosses are out of the office today. When does that ever happen (answer: never)?? I just listened to a voicemail from the City of Richmond retracting their claim that we still owe them 2006 property taxes - in fact, they owe us $250! Awesome. Steve just texted me saying that he'll be home around 5 o'clock and, would I like to go see 27 Dresses tonight? Of course I would (best husband ever)!

The only downside to my relaxing afternoon working from home? There's ketchup underneath my down key (troublesome) and a bit of dog slobber on my screen (disgusting).

untitled?

• First of all, it snowed today (what up, Taryn!!!!!).
• Steve's still gone and the dogs and I are still sad.
• My SOP revision project at work is finished, for now.
• Our United pilot friend is giving us passes for California!
• I'm learning to be supportive of Hillary Clinton (learning = trying = grin and bear it). While I fully support Obama, I can support her as well if need be. While I have yet to hear more defined economic plans from her (I feel she's been pretty general in regards to the budget, strengthening the middle class, etc...), I can attempt to like her and I will damn well back her if she wins the democratic nomination. Just clearing the air - I'm not a one man (or woman) kind of girl when it comes to defeating conservatives.
• Scroll down to see my favorite recent find...

...a scrolling Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey box. It includes my favorite Jack Handey quote, "If trees could scream, would we be so cavalier about cutting them down? We might, if they screamed all the time, for no good reason."

I just logged onto MSNBC.com and I see the headline "Actor Brad Renfro dead at 25". I am in shock - I seriously stopped breathing and am trying to catch up. Anyone that knows me knows how much I loved him... he was an amazing actor and I've loved him for years. I saw him in the Client in sixth grade and have followed his career and seen everything since, even the weirdest ones like Bully. He even has a movie coming out next year... wow. It's unbelievable what drugs can do to you. Unbelievable. I say that without word of official autopsy results but I'd be surprised if it were anything else - he had a major heroin problem for a long time. It's like he never had a chance. Isn't it weird how things like this affect you? I had a funny title for this blog when I started writing but now I'm bummed. Wow.

zZZzZzzzzz...

This weekend exhausted me. I almost fell asleep at Sweetwater on Friday night and for some reason we stayed out until 3:30 on Saturday night (damn you, Rock Band)… and still came home and watched a couple episodes of Weeds, season two. I’m still sleepy (although, despite the sleepiness, Weeds is highly recommended). I've been put on a project at work to revise our SOPs (standard operating procedures - yuck) and it does not help that I'm about to pass out.

Bad news for me: Steve’s out of town for work all week! The dogs and I are so lonely without him. We haven’t spent a day apart since I was in Florence for the summer of 2004… but at least we can talk on the phone. My Italian cell phone bill was outrageous – sorry, mom and dad! Snail mail took forever and even when I could make it to an internet café, Steve was often in class or asleep. Boo. On the plus side, I don’t have to hear the whir of the Xbox for the next five days – even if I wanted to. Yes, Steve took it with him. On a business trip. He is too much – love love love him.

Good news for me: Yesterday was the first successful game for the Blaze! We’re now 1-3 which looks considerably better than having a zero in the wins column. The girls were amazing and listened to the directions they were given – they were on fire. In fact, we managed to stifle the other team for two entire scoreless quarters. Congrats, Blaze! We took them for celebratory Dairy Queen... I swear it wasn't a bribe.

I also got the chance to catch up with Mr. Ryan Lee over the weekend. We have a serious California trip to plan. We’re shooting for April and, in a matter of one week, we’ll be able to see Ryan, Brie, Jong-Rak, Kayt, Miah and Leah (in various cities in and around Los Angeles). Some of my favorite people, ever. Although Steve and I are currently stuck in the northern Virginia hole, we can live vicariously through all of our adventurous friends. If only someone would move to Japan... or Australia…


Honorable mention: Boy, did Dallas suck it up last night!

my opinions are just that... mine

My mother-in-law definitely forwarded a chain letter to me yesterday that "claimed" to out Barack Obama and his connection to the Muslim world - specifically, that Obama has ties to extreme terror organizations and is fooling American while he infiltrates the presidency.

1. It's unfortunate that people believe this b.s.
B. While Americans in general aren't intelligent enough to see through GW Bush's facade two elections in a row... I think it's safe to say that Obama hasn't pulled the wool over our eyes.

The article I received also included a link to snopes.com (somewhat of an urban-legend fact-checking site) to validate the argument. Funny, snopes.com declares this urban legend/rumor/nonsense false.

While Obama did attend a small number of Muslim schools (as well as Catholic schools) while living in Indonesia as a child, he has been associated with the United Church of Christ since the mid-1980's - over two decades. Furthermore, the Obama campaign clarified that Obama has never been a Muslim, was not raised a Muslim and is a committed Christian who attends church in Chicago.

Not that it even matters what religion he is, right? Because we're Americans and we offer the freedom to practice whatever religion you believe in, right? Right?

----------------------
Update: Apparently, I was ahead of the game... just found this.

it's up to you, new york new york

If you told Steve “go to New York City and have some fun”, he would probably wander around aimlessly for a few days before winding up at Penn Station and catching an Amtrak back to D.C. For that reason, it’s a good thing he married me. I am freakishly organized (to the point where I would label it neurotic) and plan things, sometimes things that aren’t even necessarily happening for sure, to the minute.

That being said, our NYC agenda unveiled:

• Brunch at Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill
• Two Boots for the ubiquitous Mr. Pink
• Ice skating at Wollman Rink in Central Park
• Sushi dinner at Sasabune
• Annual voyage to the Empire State Building
• A visit to the MOMA (hard to believe we've never been)
• Midnight snack at the Roxy in Times Square

Hmm… why does it always revolve around food? That’s always the pattern. Food and gorillas. Unfortunately, the Bronx zoo is a bit out of our way on this trip so we can’t manage to squeeze a primate visit into our itinerary. Besides, after seeing the San Diego zoo last summer, they all pale in comparison.

On a completely separate note, it’s hard enough living far away from a good friend. Conversely, it can be hard to stay in touch when all you have is technology and can’t go out for martinis together anymore. But at least put in some damn effort once in awhile.

Psssssst. Hey Sara, it goes without saying that this isn't about the bffffffffffff. I love you, as always.

you've got me feeling guilty

Last night I arrived home to find a note tucked into the handle of our front door. Assuming it was some random HOA junk mail (how many times can they remind you to fill out a proxy if you have to miss the HOA meetings?? - apparently, a lot), I folded it up and went inside. After walking the dogs, kicking my shoes off and giving 1-800-SunTrust a piece of my mind on the phone, I caught a glimpse of paper on the kitchen table. Upon opening the note, I was completely blindsided:

8 Jan 08

I just wanted to check with you on the noise level. I've made efforts to ensure you aren't bothered - please let me know if you still have a problem.

Steven is very loud, which is making me crazy and is why he is moving out this coming weekend. That should help things immensely.

Some mornings I turn on the news in the bedroom while I'm getting ready for work. I try to keep the volume down, but if it is bothering you, just let me know.

I apologize for seeming obnoxious before.

Carol

Carol is one half of the dynamic duo living next door to us. Unfortunately, we share a wall (make that a bedroom wall... directly behind our bed) with these jackasses and have spent a large majority of the past ten months despising them and hoping for a divorce. They moved in shortly after we did and were only dating at that point (they're past middle-aged... 45 would be a generous estimate) and, much to our dismay, made it official in July. Our disappointment with their holy matrimony lay solely with the fact that we cannot stand the husband. Without getting into details, lets just say that many times a night (many nights a week, for many months, etc) we either heard him being murdered or winning the Super Bowl. At least, that's what you would have believed had you heard him. He would carry on.. and on... and on... and when I found myself screaming "just SAY IT ALREADY!!" in response to his bedroom demands ("say it! *spank* say it! *spank* say it!"), we realized we'd had enough. We were losing precious ZzzZzz's and the dogs were going out of their minds.

We penned a firm (yet friendly) note asking them to please be respectful of the noise levels late at night/early in the morning. We received a rude note in return and the problem continued. This happened once more before we penned an equally firm yet friendly (also pretty hilarious) note to the HOA after that. Once they received a letter from the HOA, the noise level subsided for awhile... and then returned. Then the problem became less frequent and has tapered off over the course of the past few months to the point where we had actually noticed how little we heard their "lovemaking" (their words, not ours). We also hadn't heard much from the idiot husband in awhile. We knew he was around because his hideous rusty brown windowless rapist van was parked outside... but we hadn't been ambushed in the hallway or while walking the dogs in quite some time (he would often drunkenly confront Steve about how he wished we were buddies). Then this note arrived.

As much as I disliked them living next door to us, it made me feel guilty. I know we didn't do anything wrong, but we had spent some time wishing they would split up and here they are actually splitting up. I feel bad for her (not him, of course - he's an unemployed obnoxious ass). I felt compelled to knock on her door and tell her "we never had a problem with you, it was just him! all we wanted was for him to quiet down a little." but I was worried he was there. I'll leave her a nice note after this weekend - once he's gone for good. I think we'll be fine once she's our only neighbor. I've never heard a peep in this entire building other than him - even during their "lovemaking". Doesn't say much for his prowess in bed, does it? ;)

polaroid post

our visit from mr. and mrs. miah!

bamboo needs some new film... ew.

happy birthday, penguin!

mymy and jilly!!

go blaze!

CBS can eat it

Steve and I are Amazing Race fanatics. We’ve been watching for at least the past seven or eight seasons and at the beginning of each leg, we’re pissed that some of those teams get to travel to the most amazing places (hence the name) while we’re settled in on our couch. During TAR10, we decided to at least make an attempt and filmed our audition video. It was cute. To all those that saw it and continue to tease (coughMo), you have to admit it was cute! We played the newlywed/high school sweetheart card all the way and made a damn good audition tape but regretfully never heard from the producers. The season that’s on TV right now is the season we would have been on, had we made it to the next step. Of course, they’ve spent days in Osaka (it hurts), Ireland (painful) and Florence (be still, my heart!) and we get more bitter with every episode. All we wanted to do was travel and jump onto the mat in front of Phil Keoghan at the end of one leg! Now we settle for an hour every Sunday night and our Amazing Race DVD game. Unfortunately, according to Amazing Race rules, we can never audition together again now that they’ve passed on us once. Sooooo disappointing. In our absence, I hope that TK and Rachel can manage to make up their three hour deficit (plus their mandatory U-turn) and win everything. They’re so cute – as long as I imagine that they were chosen over us I can handle the rejection. Plus, we're registering for the Great Urban Race in D.C. so we will enjoy our own lame equivalent and CBS can eat it.

So I’m still sick and have been since Thursday night. It’s not sick to the point where I can’t leave the house but I’m still pretty miserable. We made our way outside for a couple of adventures in the woods with the dogs, to coach a very close Blaze game on Saturday afternoon, to shop at Target and to watch the Skins game at Morgan and Peter’s. The game was frustrating for Steve but seriously, what did people expect out of the Skins? They’re mediocre, at best. Follow my lead and support a team like the 4-12 Chiefs – they’re either damn good or really bad but at least being horrible will get you a number five draft pick (Jake Long, all the way)! Other than that, we sat home all weekend and it was relaxing. We took on the formidable task of de-Christmasing (just thought of that one, thanks) our house yesterday morning. I was dreading taking down our tree since it made the living room so homey as well as taking the holiday place settings off of the dining room table, but it is nice to be back to normal. We managed to fit a little redecorating/rearranging in and it made a huge difference. Very cozy.

I’m finding this blog more fun than Myspace or Facebook. I log into both almost every day, but then I don’t know what to do once I’m logged in. For the most part, I talk to most of these people via phone/text or in person so I don’t have the motivation to comment. I’m in a virtual social network funk. So I’m blogging.

My phrase-a-day French calendar says “Il neige!” (It’s snowing) but, in fact, it’s not. It’s something ridiculous like 63º outside and I’m surrounded by windows at work, sweating my ass off in my cute sweater. We’re going to New York in two and a half weeks and if it’s warm, I’ll cry.

it was never my intention to brag

Thrilled, thrilled, thrilled that Kansas won last night. Not only because the Jayhawks are my homies but because they beat Tech and I’m ardently clear about my feelings towards VT and UVA. Being raised in the great state of Kansas gave me proof that life in the Midwest is where it’s at – so much so that I nearly went back after high school. I was days from sending my deposit in for my super freshman year at KU when I decided to hang back and stick it out on the East Coast. For some reason, I thought I would miss this guy I was dating too much… Obviously it didn’t work out too well for me at Elon (where I’d ended up instead) but I loved Mary Washington. Beautiful campus, can’t emphasize that enough… and I got a great education there – my professors were amazing. Anyways. Kansas. 24-21. Sorry, VT. Must suck to go to Miami and lose. Suckers.

Thrilled, thrilled, thrilled that Obama won the Iowa caucus last night. Not only because Barack is my homie but because Hillary was pushed to third. I can’t take Hillary winning the Democratic bid because I really feel Hillary winning is basically handing the presidency back to the conservatives. Obama is promising a changed country for everyone – immigrants, those without health coverage, soldiers, veterans, children – and I’m eager to start volunteering. He offers a responsible alternative to Bush’s failed escalation policy. He proposes a much-needed modernization of the U.S. health care system (and from personal experience, this can't come soon enough). As a former civil rights attorney, he's fighting to keep the American Dream alive rather than withholding opportunities from those in need. The last eight years are more than enough proof that we need a leader to take us in a fresh and new direction and Obama's the man. Hopefully 2008 will be my first successful year of campaign stumping - my hours spent on Gore and Kerry were great but it only counts when we get that magic number (in this case, that would be 270 electoral votes).

Not so thrilled that I've caught Steve's disease and spent my entire day laying on the couch watching TLC. Okay, I lied. I took a short break for a mani/pedi but that was completely necessary seeing how it's been over a month since I last took the time to do it. Seriously, other than that, lounging and sleeping all day. Lounging and sleeping with Luke and Lila. Which reminds me, it's time for Nyquil and my bed... zzZzZzZzz....

rock chalk jayhawk

GO KU!

i heart apple

...I really do. In fact, I would truly be a Mac girl if Steve was more confident about running his business on a Mac... but, when we purchase a new fancy computer (a PC at that - perhaps that's where we made our first mistake) and I subsequently lose about 500 songs on my iPod in the process (long story), it does not make for a happy Kennedy. Of course I had always wanted to clean up my iPod and rid it of a lot of duplicates and messily-titled (messily?) songs, but this wasn't the way I'd planned on going about it. After this iPod annihilation I went crazy on iTunes. Shhhh... don't tell the husband.

P.S. (In addition to Apple, I also love parentheses.)

eight is my lucky number

Insert obligatory new-year-full-of-life-changes-and-resolutions post... I'm ready for 2008. I'm excited for it. I truly feel like it's going to be a huge year for Steve and I. He's already starting off the new year on the right foot with a new amazing job that he's so excited about and, as far as my job is concerned, I feel like I have the upper hand at work. My success is in my own hands as soon as we are awarded the new contract. Our families (and our dogs) are healthy, our friends are wonderful and our marriage is amazing. We love our condo (if only those pesky neighbors would move out) and are making great memories in it. We're able to travel and ski and do a lot of the things we want to... I feel very fortunate. We've had a great year and I predict this next year will be even better.

Normally, I'm not one for resolutions. They're rarely kept and 99% of the population doesn't take them seriously. Why make promises to better your life that you know you won't keep? That's like giving up chocolate for Lent when I was a kid... at some point, I slipped a piece of chocolate. Make a promise to yourself that you know you can commit to. Still, I don't do resolutions. I do lists. I make lists at least once a day, whether it's a list of items I have to have at Target (hah), a list of guests for a dinner party, a list of calls I should return at work... I enjoy making lists. I like order and organization and I'm a visual person so they make me feel accomplished in some odd way, especially when you begin crossing things off. So here's to 2008 and what I hope to achieve at some point in this new year:

• Practice my french!! (parlez-vous francais? oui oui!)
• Make the trip to L.A., Austin, Chicago, NYC, Kansas City, Denver, etc... we've got all these friends in cool cities and we definitely don't visit them enough
• Become more savvy in the kitchen - yes, I make killer chocolate chip cookies from scratch, but lets get real
• Get LASIK - oh wait. SCRATCH THAT!!! :)
• Visit the American History Museum as soon as it reopens
• Invest in digital SLR, start long-awaited photography business
• Eat healthier! We did so well earlier this fall... lets keep going
• Visit with my grandparents more often - they live so close!
• Finally teach Lucas not to jump on our guests
• Be constantly aware and thankful of how blessed we are

The list is always a work in progress, but it's a good starting point. Other than that, we had a great New Year's Eve. To be honest, I feel like such a grinch because New Year's doesn't really excite me anymore. We did New Year's big in college and even spent one in Times Square, but now that I'm older I feel less enthusiastic about it. Last night was really fun, though. I always love being with my friends but last night we got to see yet another old friend (J-O-E, we miss you!) and stayed out waaaaaay later than I imagined we would. It was nice.