digging out

This weekend's storm was a record breaker. The District got 17.8 inches of snow, making it the fourth largest snowfall in history. But, the metro Washington area got far more than that. Montgomery County, where we live, saw 30 inches. So, it's really the fourth largest snowfall -- with a big, ol' asterisk.

We went outside to survey the damage and, boy, is there a lot of it. The December blizzard brought lots of fluffy, light snow. This time it was very wet and heavy. The weight of the snow snapped the trees and smashed the bushes in front of our building and the side streets -- where are our car is parked -- are just piled high with snow. We shoveled the snow off the car, but it's surrounded by 3-feet of the wet stuff, so we're just going to rely on public transportation this week. (As of right now, Metro buses still aren't running and above-ground train stations are still closed.)

The good news is we never lost power and we've made the most of the weekend. Last night I made soup and bread for dinner, Sam got in a lot of study time, we watched Julie and Julia last night and today I've got the Caps game on.

The bad news: The forecast is calling for more snow on Tuesday and Wednesday.

[More Snowmageddon photos here.]

spring fever

I'm over the snow.

I know this because I just picked up this very springy necklace on Etsy. I'm ready for pretty pinks and sunny yellows -- not more white!

(If you happen to be snowed in, yourself, check out The Silver Dog. Her flower necklaces are lovely!)

brace yourself

Please note that this screen capture is from earlier this morning. The most recent one doesn't say "potentially."

I just have one question: Is Starbucks open in the midst of paralyzing snow?

winter wonderland

We got our fourth snow storm of the season last night. For those keeping count, that's more snow than I've seen in my first five winters here. And it's only February 3. (We're bracing for another big one on Friday afternoon and people are already throwing around the "F" word: 1-foot.)

As much of a pain as snow can be, I must admit it's gorgeous. This morning was so pretty, in fact, that the guy standing next to me at the crosswalk mused that it looked like an Ansel Adams photograph.

He's right:

(Mine's the top photo. Obviously.)

my own personal hell

On Thursday morning I'm having my blood work done. And to say I'm terrified would be an understatement.

This appointment has been weighing on my mind for weeks now. I'll think about it as I'm drifting off to sleep, and suddenly I'm wide awake. All I can think about is the nurse at the health fair in November who looked at my arm and told me I have "juicy veins." (My stomach just dropped as I typed that.)

I realize this is stupid. I know it's not a big deal and that, if I want to have babies and live a long and healthy life, I need to get over my fear of needles. But I can't help it. Planes don't scare me, bugs don't either. I'm not even afraid of failure. But this... this has got me losing sleep.

Ironically, I'm not at all worried about the results. Over the last two months, I've transformed my diet. I don't think I ate bad before, but now it's nearly perfect. Heck, I can't even remember the last time I had cheese. And, funny enough, I don't miss it much. (Cookie dough is another thing, entirely.)

The point is, I've done the best I can. And if my cholesterol is in the healthy range -- fantastic. If not, I'll just go on meds to regulate it, as there's really not much room for improvement. I'm at peace with whatever comes out of the test.

Now, it's just a matter of getting through the test. Without fainting. Or crying. Or curling up in the fetal position and vomiting.

cover girl

The university at which I work is launching an internal ad campaign around a wiki, to which faculty, staff and students can contribute.

As the ads are being produced in my office, I was asked to write a wiki entry, then pose for a photo that will be used on a poster. An excerpt from my entry (about shopping, hence the clothing rack) will appear on the poster.

It would've been nice if the photographer Photoshopped my crow's feet or plumped up my lips, but I think the finished product is OK. And while it was odd being on the other side of the camera (directing shoots is so much more fun), it was neat to work my uber talented and creative coworkers.

My only request was that my poster not end up taped to the bathroom stalls. In the coed restroom in our office there's a poster with a staff member urging us to donate money to the university. I understand "she" has a captive audience, but it's disturbing. If I end up in the coed restroom -- or a bathroom of any kind -- I will be mortified.

my second forary into Target dresses

I have to admit, I've never bought any clothes from Target before the black polka dot dress. It's only because our Target -- affectionately known as "ghetto Target" -- is a little sketchy. I hate buying kitty litter there, nevermind clothing.

But, Target.com is fair game. This wrap dress arrived today; the color is so pretty and looks great with my favorite red peeptoes. And at $24.99 with free shipping, I just couldn't resist!

day off

I had the day off and, ironically, I think I was more productive at home than I am at work.

After I met Sam at the Starbucks near his office, I came home and knocked out six loads of laundry (we didn't do laundry last weekend and it's supposed to snow this weekend, so it was now or mid-February). I also went grocery shopping. Whole Foods is a yuppie mosh pit on weekends and after work, but it was nearly empty at 10 a.m. today. I was in and out in 20 minutes, which is as long as it takes to navigate the produce section, alone, on a Saturday.

Even though I didn't go to work, I feel very accomplished today -- which paves the way for a very lazy weekend!

the final word

Watch the whole thing here, or just read my favorite excerpt:

Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard, and you’re kind, amazing things will happen. I’m telling you, amazing things will happen.

remember Fran

This week my mom lost a coworker and friend to breast cancer. I talked to her after the funeral yesterday and she said that Fran's death reminded her that time is precious and life is short. We should never pass up the opportunity to say a kind word or lend a hand or remind those around us how cherished they truly are. "And if I forget this," mom said, "tell me to 'remember Fran.'"

I suggest we all "remember Fran" in one way or another: make a phone call, write a letter, send a gift for no reason in particular. Time is precious, life is short. If you love someone, let them know.

the talk

Today I had lunch with both of my editors. I told them I had something to discuss and when we sat down, they guessed that I was either moving or pregnant.

Well, they were close with No. 1. We are hoping to move by the time our lease is up in July. As both of my bosses have always been so supportive and accommodating, I wanted to give them a heads up, as we might be losing another writer soon and things can get very... political... around my office. There's talk of hiring a slew of marketers, and I didn't want to leave my editors with one writer (he's very capable but, still, he's only one person).

I was very nervous; I even started sweating at my desk an hour before lunch. But, my editors were incredibly gracious and said, while they'd miss me, they were excited for this next chapter in my life. They even suggested some leads and offered to make some calls on both Sam's and my behalf. We talked about the kinds of jobs I'd like, and I told them I'd like to move into an editorship. I like managing projects (just ask my husband) and brainstorming stories, photos and design with other creative people. I'd also like to manage people, eventually.

They said I'd make a great boss... and a great mom, someday, too. (I think they were really hoping for some pregnancy news.) In all, it was a very successful lunch.

And so begins the job search! (Well, Feb. 1, actually...)

asparagus: it's what's for dinner

I know this is something straight out of Cooking 101, but last night I made roasted asparagus for the first time. While I was a little heavy-handed with the pepper, the finished product was delicious: crisp and flavorful. Oh, and so easy.

striking gold in the clearance section

I've lost a bit of weight, so I've been purging some clothes. Some items are too big and some haven't been worn in so long that I just assume get rid of them. I also have an ever-mounting "donate" pile.

My mantra for 2010 is "less is more," and to that end, I've been selling some of my old clothes on eBay in order to buy some new things in a different size.

Recently, I put some of the proceeds toward this awesome field jacket from J.Crew. It was originally $148, but I plucked it off the clearance rack for $40. The sales associate told me that a girl who was too tall for a small returned it because the sleeves were too short. She said it was a real find for the price -- and I'd have to agree!

Henry goes business casual

Today we went to Target to pick up a few essentials: Draino, toothpaste, laundry detergent, Hershey's Kisses. I have to admit, "cat tie" was not on my shopping list, but when I saw it, I had to have it. See, Henry likes to study with Sam -- he always has, since Sam was in community college. Henry will hang out with Sam for hours while he studies for the CFA. Sam contends Henry likes accounting best.

So, you see, I couldn't resist an orange houndstooth tie (with shirt collar!) for my little accounting kitty. Unfortunately, Hank's actually not-so-little, so he looks a bit more like a used car salesman with his short tie.

I also found something for myself at Target. A polka dot shirtdress makes me weak in the knees -- as does cat apparel, evidently.

the best of 2000s

On New Year's Eve 1999, Sam and I began what has become our favorite tradition: compiling our top 10 songs of the year (plus an honorable mention, because picking just 10 is really hard).

After we played our top 10 of 2009 a couple weeks ago, Sam had the wonderful idea of compiling a list of our 10 favorite songs of the decade (plus an honorable mention, because, well, you know).

This was an incredible challenge and took a couple weeks to compile. I ended up with a lot of songs that I associate with important moments in my life; a few from bands that I love; and some that capture my mood and place in life. Thus, each song deserves a bit of an explanation.

In descending order:

Honorable mention: The Idea of Growing Old, The Features, 2004
The title says it all. We started out the decade by getting married and we ended the decade pondering babies and referring to our future children by name. "I can make you angry, you can make me a smile / We can make oragami with the kids for a while /You turn me on to the idea of growing old." The future is bright.

No. 10: Praise Chorus, Jimmy Eat World, 2001
I was an entertainment reporter in Arizona for seven years before we moved to D.C., and got to watch, first-hand, the rise of Jimmy Eat World (big up to Mesa!). Through my job, I went to countless shows (including one at the Rialto Theatre in Tucson, where my coworker and I took in the show from the side of the stage) and interviewed the band a handful of times. This was JEW's break-out album and Praise Chorus is one of my favorite songs (and a staple on my running mix). I don't listen to Jimmy Eat World so much anymore, but I will always associate them with the East Valley and my first job in the newspaper biz.

No. 9: Wish I, Jem, 2004
I listened to Jem's debut album, Finally Woken, nonstop during my first year in D.C. I remember riding the Metro all over my new city, listening to songs like They. Ultimately, though, the lyrics of Wish I stole my heart: "But if you find that you don't like it / That the people there aren't inviting / Or that city life is too frightening / Won't you come home? Please come home."

No. 8: Beautiful Day, U2, 2000
Although All That You Can't Leave Behind came out seven months before we got married, this song was still hugely popular in May 2001. It's a hopeful song and perfectly captures how I felt as Sam and I started our new life together. I also remember U2 performing Walk On -- a song that captures a different mood, entirely -- on one of the 9/11 telethons just three months later. It was a year I'll never forget for so many reasons.

No. 7: 3x5, John Mayer, 2001
Remember John Mayer before Jennifer Anniston and Twitter? I loved that John Mayer. I recall listening to this song as we steered our U-Haul east from Arizona: "Didn't have a camera by my side this time / Hoping I would see the world through both my eyes / Maybe I will tell you all about it when I'm / In the mood to lose my way with words." This song captured the giddy excitement I felt embarking on what I knew would be a life-changing drive -- despite my immense sadness.

No. 6: In the Waiting Line, Zero 7, 2001
I remember watching the episode of Sex and the City where Carrie tends to Mr. Big after his heart surgery, and hearing this amazing song in the background. Through the power of the Internet, I discovered it was Zero 7 and I've been hooked ever since. Though it's not the best song off When if Falls and Simple Things (my two favorite Zero 7 albums), it was my first introduction to the group -- and you never forget your first. This song is also on the soundtrack to Garden State, one of my favorite movies of the 2000s. Nearly a decade later, this album is still in the CD player in our bedroom: it's chilled-out perfection.

No. 5: Lebanese Blond, Thievery Corporation, 2000
Another tune from Garden State, this song is on my list simply because it's awesome and I played the hell out of it during the 2000s. It's slinky and sultry and unlike anything I'd heard before. Also, I pretty much listened to The Mirror Conspiracy (and Massive Attack's Mezzanine) nonstop in the library as I was slugging through my master's degree, the completion of which marked another milestone for me.

No. 4: Thinking About Tomorrow, Beth Orton, 2002
I've loved Beth Orton forever, and this song is, by far, my favorite tune of hers. It's pretty and dreamy and mellow and the lyrics are... cautiously optimstic. Also, I "think about tomorrow" on a daily basis, and this song makes me feel at peace about what the future holds. This song is off Daybreaker, Beth Orton's best album, and another one I listened to constantly when we first move here.

No. 3: Fantasies, Rogue Wave, 2007
This is the most "contemporary" song on my list, even though it was released three years ago. My first introduction to Rogue Wave came via Publish My Love on KEXP.org (the fantastic Seattle-based Internet radio station). I must have wavered between these two songs for a week before I decided to put Fantasies on my countdown. I just love this song. It's another hopeful tune (do you see a pattern forming?): "Every day's a fantasy / Are you with me? / Are you with me?" I also have incredibly fond memories of going to the Rogue Wave show in Boston with my best friend Meaghan in early 2008... though I bemoaned the fact that they didn't play this song live.

No. 2: Clocks, Coldplay, 2002
Before we moved to D.C. in 2004, we visited the city a lot, as my good friend from Arizona lived out here (she's since high-tailed it back to the desert). I remember hearing this song so many times on our visits that it sort of became my "D.C. anthem." Also I also distinctly remember coming out here in May 2004 to interview for jobs and listening to this song on the Metro as I explored the city on my own. It's a a soaring, feel-good, aspirational song that truly made me feel like anything was possible. To this day, Clocks is my "D.C. anthem" and when I hear it, I'm reminded of why we moved out here in the first place.

No. 1: Crown of Thorns, Pearl Jam, 2000
This song was originally done by Mother Love Bone in 1992. However, Pearl Jam (some of whom were members of Mother Love Bone) covered the song at their 10th anniversary show in Las Vegas in October 2000. So, technically, it's a 2000 release. This song tops my list for several reasons: First, one of the first things Sam and I discovered we had in common when we met in 1998 was a love of Pearl Jam. Second, on our first date, this song came on, and I remember he stroked my hair and held my hand. Third, we were actually at the Vegas show, and I remember going weak-in-the-knees when they played it (they've only performed it live one other time, I believe). Besides that, it's just a beautiful song. Whenever I hear it, it reminds me of our humble beginnings at Edwards Air Force Base and how very much I still love it when my husband holds my hand.

food from heaven

Last night we watched Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, the movie based on one of my very favorite childhood books. We don't often watch "kids' movies," but I loved it and Sam even chuckled a few times. And I must admit, when the dad tells the son that he's in awe that "someone so ordinary could make someone so extraordinary," I almost cried.

nose for news

I once heard someone describe D.C. as New York City for nerds. And it's true. In this town, the biggest celebrities are politicos and journalists, not actors or musicians.

And it's just as well, since, in more than 5 years here, my only "celebrity" sightings have been of journalists. I saw David Gregory twice -- including once at our favorite Starbucks in Bethesda -- and I swear I once saw Wolf Blitzer navigating a Benz through a traffic circle on Connecticut Avenue.

Last night I added two more rock star journalists to my list: Brian Williams and Andrea Mitchell. I covered an event at the Newseum featuring the NBC Nightly News anchor, and Mitchell was in the audience. He's charismatic and funny and she has a big presence, despite her tiny frame.

Not exactly a Ben Affleck sighting (sigh), but it's something...

it's in the bag

The temperature outside may not read spring, but I've already got my warm-weather bag picked out! My talented mom made me this adorable, oversized tote, which she whipped up in a weekend! (I, on the other hand, can barely sew on a button.) We picked out the Alexander Henry print when I was home in October, and she gave me the finished product at Christmas. The inside is lined with white polka dots on a navy blue background and even includes pockets.

I added this vintage brooch, which I've had for years and never known quite what to do with. It picks up the brown in the bag perfectly, and I think it makes the bag feel even more special.

Now if it would just warm up already! My butterfly tote doesn't exactly go with a down coat and snow boots...

if you like bananas...

...you might enjoy this recipe for banana bread. I made it for Sam last night using three over-ripe bananas, and he assured me it was even better than the stuff at Starbucks. I'll take that as a compliment.

we are nothing if not classy

Yesterday I was craving Mexican food in a big way. I started my new diet in mid-November and hadn't figured out a way to incorporate my favorite Mexican food dishes, as they usually include things like cheese and, well, more cheese.

So, I set my sights on fajitas. Peppers, onions, boneless/skinless chicken? All good, and I even found tortillas without any pesky saturated or trans fats. But the pièce de résistance was the guacamole. As I didn't have time to make any, I bought some from Whole Foods, which, to be honest, was even better than the homemade stuff. (And did you know that avocados are loaded with monounsaturated fast, which actually lower your bad cholesterol and increase your good cholesterol?)

We also enjoyed some black beans (hello, fiber!) and cracked open a bottle of our favorite sangria from Chadds Ford. One problem: It wasn't chilled. Thank goodness for Sam's new Baltimore Ravens frosted beer mug (also a gift from his mom).

Clearly, Sam's fancy, new "timepiece" has yet to go to his head. Or mine.

D-Day

This morning I made appointments for our physicals and dental cleanings. I managed to schedule all of them for February 9.

Turns out, we have to get our blood work done before our physicals, so we're going to knock it out on February 3. And speaking of KO's, that's what I'm going to need to get through it. Seriously. It's still about a month away, and my heart's already racing.

I think, if I get through this without tears or violence (someday I'll blog about the last time I had blood drawn), I will treat myself to something from Etsy. That might occupy my thoughts over the next 27 days. Might.

paying up for paper and plastic

As of Jan. 1, D.C. stores that sell food or alcohol (including grocery stores, drug stores, restaurants) are charging customers 5-cents per bag. I'm all for it, I just wonder how many bags I'll have to "buy" before I remember to keep my reusable bags with me at all times. I'm guessing at least 50-cents worth...

but you can't drive a watch to work

This weekend we went to my in-laws' house for a belated Christmas celebration, which included way too many cookies and a big surprise for Sam: this watch. (Excuse me, "timepiece.") As the watch I gave him 10 years ago finally died, he asked for a replacement. Something sensible, nothing too expensive.

Instead, he got a "timepiece" that's literally worth more than our car. (His mom is very kind and generous, she just has more expensive taste than we do. She also thinks Sam should wear suspenders to work, a la Gordon Gekko in Wall Street.)

What did I get, you ask? Don't cry for me Argentina, I got this coat, which I've been lusting after since fall. It's worth about as much as two tires on our car, but I love it.

reflections

I'm not a big New Year's person, as evidenced by the fact that I fell asleep at 11:15 p.m. on Dec. 31. (Party animal Sam stayed up until 12:30... reading his CFA text.)

As we enter a new decade, though, I can't help but reflect on the last 10 years. Since 2000, I picked up a husband, an undergrad degree and a master's. I lost two wonderful cats and shed 70 lbs. I moved from Arizona to my beloved Washington, D.C. -- at once the hardest and most exciting thing I've ever done. I visited places that I'd previously only seen in books and movies. I turned 30. I opened an IRA. I experimented with bangs.

It's been a great 10 years, but, honestly, I think the next decade is going to be even better. Sam and I have so much to look forward to: new jobs, a new city, a baby or two. Bring on the 2010s!

ice, ice baby

Mother Nature is really starting to irk me.

Last night we got... something. Freezing rain, maybe? Or sleet? Whatever it was, it coated the roads in slush and left my car encased in ice. I have the day off, but I drove Sam to work so the poor thing wouldn't have to wait for the bus atop a glacier.

I had big plans for my day off: a movie, laundry and a trip to the gym. Instead, I think I'll camp out on the couch with Henry and The First 48 marathon.

Tomorrow we're planning to drive up to Pennsylvania for a belated Christmas celebration with my in-laws. Hopefully Mother Nature will cooperate this time!