Stogie Man

>> Monday, April 26, 2010

Some people have the boogie man.

Other people have superman.

I know people who adore the Mr. Clean man.

There are even some people who go bonkers for Billy Blanks, the Tae-Bo man.

Well, we here at Madison House Foundation have Stogie - the - trash - man.

Every Thursday (and some Mondays), he arrives to dump the trash.  Rain or Shine he is here. White waste removal truck heralds his arrival.  We all peer out the window for a glimpse of him.

You probably are thinking, what is a hot man doing driving a garbage truck?

Nope, he is not a GQ man.  He looks a little cartoon-esque in fact. Short, semi-balding and But, what gives us such love for the trash man is his skinny little stogie always hanging off his bottom lip.  No matter the weather, he smokes his stogie religiously.  When its raining, we reference his red-riding hood apparel that covers his precious smokes.

Ahhh, yes, love is simple.

Thank you Stogie - Man.  (disregard my obvious and leering photo angling.  I just want proof of your existance. The neighbors are beginning to doubt my stories.)

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79 Minute Crawl


Monday, Monday....

Yes, it is monday.  I managed to get up ontime, get breakfast, pack my lunch and have a reasonable (short) conversation with my roomate this morning.  Sounds good, right? I feel ahead of the game. I wasn't cranky, felt nice and awake (a miracle considering my week, last week.)

I get in my car (ontime) where I proceed to the 395.  Its always a bit of a gamble - minutes are the differential in the dynamic of my daily commute from Virginia to Maryland.  40 minutes later I barely reach the GW. Most days the one mile distance between my house and the parkway takes about 15 minutes to reach.  By 9:30 I get to work and it starts pouring cats and dogs.  The drops were about the size of dimes!

Thankfully the drive was pretty - the heavy grey sky tinted the lush green foliage with this enchanting dew-like aura.  It kept my sanity in-tact during the 79 minute crawl...

Yep, its Monday. And I have a greatly exciting week ahead.  Nevermind the improper grammar dad, you can correct me when you arrive on Wednesday!

Speaking of my father, as a child of a folk music loving father, I promptly started singing song below as I sat down at my desk this morning.  The Mamas and The Papas never fail to bring a smile to my face and a strong voice of nostalgia to my ears. This song is for you, Monday.  And, you too Dad!



Monday Monday, so good to me,
Monday Monday, it was all I hoped it would be
Oh Monday morning, Monday morning couldn't guarantee
That Monday evening you would still be here with me.

Monday Monday, can't trust that day,
Monday Monday, sometimes it just turns out that way
Oh Monday morning, you gave me no warning of what was to be
Oh Monday Monday, how yould cou leave and not take me.

Every other day, every other day,
Every other day of the week is fine, yeah
But whenever Monday comes, but whenever Monday comes
You can find me cryin' all of the time

Monday Monday, so good to me,
Monday Monday, it was all I hoped it would be
Oh Monday morning, Monday morning couldn't guarantee
That Monday evening you would still be here with me.

Every other day, every other day,
Every other day of the week is fine, yeah
But whenever Monday comes, but whenever Monday comes
You can find me cryin' all of the time




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Lots of Adventures!

Goodness! I have been having a TON of adventures lately...I will start in reverse order (most recent to oldest)

1.  Tonight I went to Gravelly Point and the Airforce Memorial with my roomie Sharyn.  It was a night of planes! A big storm is coming in, so the sky was cloudy and foggy....fantastic weather to charm up the night sky!

2. Gardening.  Over the weekend I helped my friend Mel put her garden in and I finished up my own.  Leading up to this grand gardening time, I found several people on craigslist selling pots and veggie plants...in fact, I spent one whole night last week galavanting about - from the woman who was moving to Japan (she couldnt take her plants or terra cotta pots) to the wise, witty Russian woman selling her organic plants. Man, she knows how to garden.  Tip: crush eggshells and sprinkle on plants to keep the slugs & snails away.  The sharp shells hurt/cut their bodies and prevent them from eating the plants!

3. Rootbeer making - my dad makes the most wonderful homemade yeast-brewed rootbeer.  In preparation for their arrival back to the states, I have practiced my brewing skills.  While nothing tastes quite like his, I am getting the hang of it, and I hope he'll enjoy it when he comes here.

4. New job.  I will be starting my new job as a creative at the Georgetown (new) Apple store.  I couldnt be more excited.  A separate posting will ensue after day 1 (on Friday).

5. Virginia is For Lovers Party.  It finally happened.  Again, a full posting with pictures will have to follow.

6. Robin "ride-a-long." While driving to work last Thursday, I was looping around on the DC side of the Potomac when I saw this lovely Robin.  For a good minute, this sweet bird flew at my driving speed, in tandem - creating this wonderful time freeze where I felt in harmony with nature.  It flew parallel and in sync with my speed for about a minute and then flew away. Such a gift.  Such a sweet, sweet gift.

7. Eastern Market Festivities.  This is of course, a favorite Saturday adventure for me.  I went two Saturdays with some of my girls.  We had adventures galore - breakfast at a completely organic restaurant (delicious!) where apparently two gay guys commented how they liked my style- treasure troving at the flea market, sunshine soaking, azalea loving, fun time! We also stopped briefly at Anthro in Georgetown.

8.  Dumpster Diving/Junking...Two Fridays ago I went to dinner at my Friend Mels House (see #9).  Apparently that was the night that her neighborhood puts out the major trash for county pick up the next morning.  What does this mean for me? Fun times.  Holy cow! There was some pretty great stuff. I even stumbled upon a "trash party." One block has an annual trash party (that truly is the title) where they set up a tiki bar, invite the nieghbors and everyone brings junk to share or laugh at - or both! I had a good time there! Needless to say, I came home with some great finds. (tiki torches? check.  Pink striped outdoor table umbrella? check.  Decorative paneled window? check.  Firepit? check).

9.  Indian "cultural night" with friends.  This evening was complete with homemade curry, rice, festive dancing a la Adrianne (in a purple sari type outfit no-less), laughter and a sweet movie about snogging and crushes.  Very entertaining.

10.  Oven Fire.  This actually happened Thursday night (sorry to post it out of order).  I just remembered.  It was possibly the scariest and the funniest evening I have had in a long time.  After my party, I had to bake two cakes for the stake Relief Society event the following night.  As I start to mix the batter, I pre-heat the oven.  A couple minutes later I hear a strange noise - like creaking metal.  I discounted it momentarily, thinking it was nothing and I was just hearing things.  I then realize I ought to open the oven up and check.

What did my little eyes behold? Smoke, smoke smoke! Fire! Hissing and sparking. I panicked.  I hopped a little, not sure what to do.  I shut the oven hoping it would just go away.  I turn off the oven.  I open the stove back up.  More sparks, hissing and flames.  I consider calling 911 but then run upstairs to get Sharyn because she's the only one still awake.  We go downstairs, she panics too, but puts baking soda on it (thats what we're taught, right?!) Nothing happens.  We cant unplug the stove because its a wall unit.  By now, we can see that the whole heating coil is broken.  Busted.  It had snapped.  But, snaking around was the burning, hissing, sparking flame! We thought maybe the whole thing would combust.

We decide to call 911.  Now the other two roomies are downstairs wanting to know the cause of the commotion.  We call 911 and then in the middle of our chat realize we should turn the breaker off. That solved the hissing problem.  911 asked if we were ok, and we declined to have the police sent out.  We took the number of the local fire dept (which I called and had to leave a MESSAGE. Good thing they could make sure our oven was secure from any further hazards, right?!).  We thought we were in the clear.  We all start to go to bed.

Then the doorbell rings.  So, four of us in our robes and PJ's answer the door.  Its two policemen.  They want to know whats going on.  After an explanation and a look around, satisfied that their time was well wasted, they bid us adieu.  We laugh hysterically.  4 girls.  Middle of the night.  Broken oven.  Two po-po's wondering why they got sent to our house .... oh well, better safe than sorry!


So, my dear readers those are ten adventures I have had lately.  There are more, but thats all for tonight!



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Things...

>> Monday, April 19, 2010



Sometimes I get irritated when I see other people's blogs.  And picture fb posts. Because I think I am not doing cool things or enough things or smart things. I wonder if my things are worthwhile and I have an urge to invest in things I have had no prior interest in. (some of those things are completely outside of my scope of things - bungee jumping in Africa? c'mon...)Then I think about the things I am doing and wonder if I need to advertise those things or take more pictures of those things.  Mr. Speakman (my high school english teacher) would be very upset with my non-descriptive noun choice. I then resolve to be involved with more things, take more pictures of things and then post those things to my blog and facebook page. I create list of things and action item those things.

breathe.

I need to stop. I realize this is the power of "online social networking." Its this powerful and strange virus that creeps through the computer screen into my mind and wreaks insanity where there was once a nice garden path. Its this en mass/ keep tabs / compare/ all grown up  "show and tell" time.  Maybe your dog, car, house, and collection of toys is bigger then mine...

So, for self-assuring purposes, I am craving listing the things I have been involved in over the last little bit - in no particular order.  Maybe I want to post pictures. Maybe I wont. I dont have an amazing weekly baking habit/hobby to share (but I do bake randomly), I dont travel to exotic places (although the curbside collection party in alexandria could be pretty foreign to a lot of people) and I am not a board member/founder of some non-profit to save the whales, children, bees, birds, whatever ( but, for another week and a half I will remain employed at a non-profit).



But, then I stop and think it over. 

By social networking association, I want to show off my things. I want my things to be better than other peoples things. I have this intense public desire to try and keep up with the Jones's - and as a result feeling insecure about all the things I am involved in. 

Dangerous ground.

So, even if my blog is scattered, my mind is scattered and my writings are inconsistent and littered across my hard drive, bedroom floor, post it notes in my car and audio notes on my cell phone, thats ok.

I am ok. My things are ok. 

In a world where more is more and more is best and there are 500 "jones'" on your social networking site in addition to the actual jones' you live next to - perceived competition and personal actualization strike a disharmonious chord.

What to do? Certainly there is always room to do more in our individual lives.  And a little friendly tab keeping can help the procrastinators and couch potatoes of the world with the little extra umph needed to accomplish those life lists.

After that, lets just rid ourselves of this nouveaux nightmare consisting of minute to minute posts, tweets, blogs and release the leash of technology just a wee bit. Then, I can get back to my things. And stop looking at your recent trip to save the children on the outskirts of the Himalayas - or your most excellent sock collection. 

After all, I have my own bottle collection to add to and then blog about. I'm just sayin'....

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That Easter Morn...

>> Sunday, April 4, 2010

Today is the traditional holiday in which the Christian world celebrates the ultimate hope-spring; the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Its a holy day.

In celebration or rather commemoration and honor of this day, this one divine and glorious act, I went at sunrise to the tidal basin.  It was a simple and refreshing experience.  I awoke to the dark morning sky, full of birds chirping next to the stars. I was there on the water as the dark sky yielded its blackness to the pale spring sun rising over the horizon.


I contemplated the power and majesty of nature; its harmony and balance - set into motion by our Heavenly Father - and marveled at the divine details of the scene I found myself a part of.  In the Book of Mormon, Alma cries "Yea, all things denote there is a God."  I too found my heart in harmony with that sentiment.  One look at the complex symmetry of the clouds, sky, light refraction's & reflection's, blossoms and trees and even the water - all demand an existence of a loving God.

As I listened to the birds continue their songs, watched the ducks peacefully move across the basin, walked under the blush of the blossoming cherry trees and listened to the stillness - I thought of the ultimate gift that was given to me - a gift beyond the beauty of my current view, but perfectly symbolized by the landscape before me.  The ultimate gift of hope through the Resurrection.

I thought about the progression of events which led to my understanding. After a long, unexpected snow winter, my heart and mind became dulled.  I began to despair, wondering if there would be any other season besides winter.  I only saw white - or an absence of color.

Then, bits of green began to edge in and sneak up on the scene.  I doubted, thinking that we certainly could have another rash snow storm or horrible cold snap.  But, about a month ago, I opened my window to get some fresh air and looked to see tight purple buds on the trees in my yard. I threw open the rest of the window and hung half my body out to get a better look. I couldnt believe what I was seeing.  Sure enough, the tree was covered with buds.  I gasped in pure joy and relief.  At that moment, I inhaled hope - this relief and understanding that surely winter was over! It was at that moment, I realized that each season has its place, and has a start & completion. Winter isn't forever.

While we may go through long winters of our lives, spring will always come to relieve us.  In the winters of our spiritual lives, we need not fear.  We can maintain ultimate hope in Jesus Christ.  His life, crucifixion, and resurrection established a pathway of precision and perfection - demonstrating that through him, we can obtain victory over mortality.  The dark night of death now must yield to the piercing morning Son of God. He is the "first fruits of them that slept." In Him, there is an eternal spring - we never need fear the absence of new life, nor will we thirst, for as we partake of His salvation we "will thirst no more."

May we glory in the gift God has given to each of us in His Son.

"He is not here: for He is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay!" (Matthew 28:5)

"He is risen, he is risen! Tell it out with joyful voice!
  He has burst his three days prison, let the whole wide earth rejoice!
 death is conquered, man is free - Christ has won the victory!"

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Friday night at the Library of Congress

>> Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Trish, this post's for you...


Intermission and a semi illegal shot. The "friendly nieghborhood" usher came up to remind me that photography of the performance wasnt allowed. Seeing as this tuning was less a performance and more of a necessity, I asked if I could take pictures. FNU was a bit quizzical (i think my logic threw him off) but decided it was ok.

The date. Giving me his best "serious listener to long classical pieces" look.
The desert. Yum. Courtesy of a great desert shop in little Korea...Chocolate mousse and Coconut mousse. Dont ask me which was my fave because they both delighted my taste buds.

As promised, sis. Better late than never...love you!

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Kite Festival & Cherry Blossom Festival

>> Tuesday, March 30, 2010

For those of you that know me, I have a life list.  These days people are calling it a "bucket list." I have had my life list for years - since at least the start of college.  I've added to it, adjusted it, laughed at myself and generally love my list.

The Cherry Blossoms in DC have been on the list for a few years now. And, I can say that this past Saturday, I experienced them. They arent in full bloom, and I was one of hundreds who enjoyed the spectacle...but, the point is that I sailed through another hearts desire.

Saturday was the start of the Cherry Blossom festival - a festival which welcomes spring and celebrates the gift of 200 cherry blossom tree's given to our nation from Japan many, many years ago.  As a part of the kick off festival, there is a Kite Festival.  So much fun and bliss to be had.  I have it on good authority that kite flying on the national mall is ONLY allowed on this one day.  So, I have done that too.

Here is a small selection of my photographic bliss from the day...more to come as I spend some early mornings over the next week at the tidal basin with my beautiful, elegant, PINK cherry blossoms...


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Ahhhhh Spring

>> Tuesday, March 16, 2010

I am sitting by the window, barefoot, watching the last moments of light creep over the edge of the earth.  The birds are singing a song of dusk and there is a breeze coming into my window. Granted, that breeze is getting a bit chilly at 730pm, but I cant bring myself to close it quite yet....my feet are remembering what its like to be undressed.  I painted them this afternoon - a nice mango like color.


This morning on my drive to work, I began to really notice a soft glow on all of the trees - the beautiful budding process that provides a touch of color to the once dormant trees.  It brought a smile to my face as I tried not to slow down traffic by this tiny grandeur of nature.

Prior to my "life on the east coast" I hadn't give much thought to seasons.  Sacramento has an anemic fall, a rainy winter a sneeze of spring and a nice long hot summer.  There just isnt a lot of time spent on the seasons out there! Since the winters are mild, spring just eases on in with very little procession or fanfare.

Having now experienced a bit of summer, a longer fall and one snowy winter my eyes are adjusted to seeing tiny changes in weather and nature.  Just coming off the closing cusp of a cold, cold winter, I embrace even the smallest glimmer of spring.  Longer daylight, sunlight and warmth - the tender process of budding and breathing - almost as if nature is exhaling the chill and solitude of winter.  There is a tangible anticipation and eagerness for spring.

So, I continue sitting here, mango toes and open window, squeezing the last drops of dusk and hoping that the 55 degree weather high this afternoon will remain just a bit longer on my skin.

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Sweet Sister

>> Wednesday, March 3, 2010

I really have the best sister ever.  You may think that your sis is cool, and I am sure that she is, but mine is the best!

On the 13th of February, I recieved a box from 1800 flowers. Now, this is strange because I NEVER get flowers! I couldnt think of any admirers, and I certainly dont have a boyfriend. My parents are serving missions in Russia and none of my girlfriends would send me a bouquet.  Furthermore, the label said something about southern Cal.

As I opened the box, the most beautiful dozen roses appeared. I was in shock.  As I looked for the card, who should it be from? My sis and her family. I was speechless and shocked.  My mind raced to the suprise flowers she sent for my college graduation and the other times she has thoughtfully sent me things to celebrate an event.

I was touched beyond measure.  I was with them last year for the holiday, and so here she is, ever the big sis and friend, sending me flowers (and a box of chocolates!).

I love you sis. Thanks for being so sweet and sending me the most beautiful roses!!! They are now drying in my closet so I can enjoy them a little longer...

Love you sis!!

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Commemorative T-Shirt

>> Thursday, February 11, 2010

Well, my friends, I have survived the blizzard of 2010.  In honor of the unique history I find myself a part of, I have created a shirt....here is the design.  $11 each.


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Blizzard..not the Dairy Queen variety...

>> Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Snow snow snow! This is the second storm in less than a week.  And its wild.  The snow fall has tapered off this afternoon, but bits of flakes are still falling and the wind is in full gale style.  We are in a blizzard warning until at least 7pm tonight.  If you lived in Baltimore, you wouldn't be allowed to drive (not that you'd want to) becuase only emergency vehicles are allowed.  No one is out though, in this weather.  

In the pictures I am posting, you will notice that the snow is absent from the tops of the trees- because the wind has cleaned them off.  Its a white version of the Sahara desert out there- you can see the wind gusts in the sharp angles of the snow drifts.

Even in all this wild weather, I am finding it beautiful. I am graced with an excellent view in my room - and I am quite enraptured by the snow.  My romantic heart finds the white wonderland to be enchanting...and the icicles. 

I have found renewed "amour" with these pointy glass like formations.  We had some lovely ones growing over the weekend, but yesterday, we decided to knock them down.  They were hanging somewhat precariously over our front door, and with the new storm system approaching, we decided that safety was first in this situation.  Thankfully, they have grown back.  This time, they are angled, in a small mirror of the wind....

Enjoy the pictures in your warm houses....





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Snowmaggedon....

>> Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Whew.  Had no clue that there would be THIS much snow in VA! While I mocked the impending snow storm originally, Thursday night brought the madness! It snowed Friday afternoon through Saturday night - bringing us close to three feet of white stuff. Sunday was a welcome relief from the storm, and the sun was glorious.  However, because there is no place for all the melting snow to go, there is a problem of black ice. Most of the main roads are fairly clear, but the neighborhoods are a mess. The federal gov is shut down for the day (as it was yesterday) and I dont know of a school that is open.  Not only is there a lot of snow, but its very very wet and dense.  Roofs have collapsed, electrical lines have broken and broken tree branches are all over. Lest you think I have not enjoyed this, I have posted a few pictures of the fun.  My roomies have other ones that I need to grab to show our festivities.  



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