Moving Tip #1

Here is one of the best tips I have ever received about moving. (Thanks Craig & Susan!)

Use Rubbermaid containers instead of boxes. They are a bit more expensive but they are more durable, waterproof, and reusable. What Craig & Susan did was they labeled the boxes, A, B, C...and then when she finished the alphabet she started on AA, BB, CC... They kept a list of what was contained in each box for easy reference. So, Christmas decorations might be in A, B, and C and Easter decorations might be in box D. The beauty of this plan is that if they ever decide to put Christmas decorations in box D and move Easter decorations to box E then they just change the master list and not the label on the box. GENIUS! I have shared this idea with many of my friends and family and they have used the tip with great success.


I guess the obvious part of my Target purchase is that I am planning to move soon. (as soon as my house sells). I don't like to move because it is so much work but I always love the fresh start!

Here are some of my boxes in my basement, labeled and ready to go!

The BEST Surprise!

On Monday I received the BEST surprise. My cousin Kathryn called me and told me that she was tagging along on her husband Mark's business trip to D.C. and she wanted to know if we could meet for lunch. Of course I said YES! I have lived away from most of my family for so long that I get so excited to see any and all relatives. (This will stand as an open invitation to all of my relatives: COME VISIT!) It is crazy to think that Kathryn and Mark by vicinity are some of my closest relatives and I would only have to drive through 5 different states to get to them. (Kathryn and Mark live in New York.) I really wish I could have played hookie and played with Kathryn all day but at least we got to go to lunch. I dragged Kathryn to Teaism because what else was I going to do with a willing participant?! We ate chicken bento boxes and had a wonderful time. Before lunch we walked the extra block to take a picture in front of the White House.

Thanks Kathryn and lets get together soon!

1 week

My life is completely changing in 1 week. No more late nights writing amazing blog posts. No more paperbacks. No more weekday parties or movies. Seminary starts in 1 week and even though I am excited to be teaching again, I am dreading the exhaustion that comes with it. Last year I really did not know what I was getting myself into but this year I can't hide from it. My eyes have been open and there is no pretending that teaching early morning seminary does not completely change your life. Last year, I taught the Old Testament and I loved it and I am looking forward to teaching the New Testament this year. I have a smaller class this year (13 students, I had 18 last year) and I already know most of my students so that will make things easier.

Here are some pictures of my seminary room last year. This week is going to be crazy as I try and take care of all my work work and still prepare for seminary. If I blog less in the future- don't be a hater, I just needed my sleep.

My early morning sunrise and cold cereal for those student who came on time. This only lasted a few months.

My timeline of the dispensations.

Scripture Power board. Amazing quotes.

Assigned seating- very important!

This was one of our activities. The students spit into groups and each group taught a piece of the Plan of Salvation with visual aids. They did a great job.

Here are some pictures of my class from last year. I love these guys.
This is the reason that I am willing to give up my late nights and my weekday movies:)

All good things must come to an end. . .

I can't believe that summer is almost over and I just have one more day. Summers in D.C. are not defined by month or temperature, summers here are defined by traffic and people. The metro area empties out during the summer months and traffic gets lighter and there are just less people on the metro, in the stores, at church- it is fantastic! School starts this coming Tuesday which means that the crowds are back and it is time to move into Fall. So, for my last Sunday before things change I made an amazing summer salad. I found the recipe on Cast Sugar and it was delicious. I hate soggy bread so I kept the bread and the salad separate until I ate it. (If anyone (who lives by me) needs capers, I bought a huge bottle from Costco and I am willing to share.)

Enjoy and I hope the salad reminds you of sunny days with blue skies and no traffic.

Panzanella

(adapted from Giada DeLaurentiis' Everyday Italian, 2005)

Ingredients:

1/4 c. drained capers

12 oz. ciabatta or other country-style white bread, 2 to3 days old

8 ripe tomatoes (about 2 1/4 pounds total), cored and scored on the bottom

2 Tbsp. + 2/3 c. extra-virgin olive oil

2 Tbsp. + 1/4 c. red wine vinegar

1 garlic clove, minced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/2 c. thinly sliced fresh basil leaves

1 c. diced cucumber chunks (salted and drained on paper towel)

1/4 c. pitted kalamata olives, halved lengthwise

Soak the capers in 2 Tbsp. of vinegar in a small bowl for 10 minutes. Drain.

Cut the crust off of the bread. If it is not quite “stale” enough: Cut into 2-inch slices and toast in a 350 F oven for about 20-30 minutes. Once toasted, cut or tear bread into 1 inch cubes and set aside.

Submerge the tomatoes into a large saucepan of boiling water for 10 seconds. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tomatoes to a large bowl of ice water to cool slightly. Using a small sharp paring knife, peel off the tomato skins. Cut the tomatoes in half and scoop out the seeds. Cut the tomatoes into 1-inch cubes and set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk 2/3 c. of oil, 1/4 c. of vinegar, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Add the bread cubes, tomatoes, and basil; toss to combine.

Transfer half of the bread mixture to a 13 by 9 by 2-inch dish. Arrange half of the cucumbers, drained capers, and olives over the bread mixture. Repeat layering with the remaining bread mixture, then the remaining roasted peppers, capers, and olives.

Cover the salad and let stand at room temperature for flavors to blend, at least 1 hour (and up to 8 hours).

There is no I in Team

I started to write this post two months ago about Girls Camp. I went up for skit night and I had a great time. However as I started to write, the post turned from a commercial for Girls Camp to a post on marriage. How you might ask? I would have to say that one reason is that I have a crazy mind and the other reason is that I am interested in relationships and how they work. Church activities, camp, parks, the grocery store, etc. are all places where I like to observe relationships and I see many positive and negative interactions. I am not naive to think that a brief observation on my part can show me the depth of any relationship but I do think that I see a glimpse.

So what does any of this have to do with Girls Camp? Well, when I first got to Girls Camp the first thing someone said to me was about the Girls Camp Leader's husband. She said, "Scott hasn't stopped working since he got here." My friend told me that Scott decided to take three days off of work to come to camp because he told Linda (his wife & the Stake Camp Director) that she wouldn't order anyone else around so he was coming so she could get what she needed done without feeling like she had to do it herself. My friend then said, "Linda and Scott just make a good team."

Here is Scott (he is a doctor) performing minor surgery on Alicia to get a deer tick out of the back of her knee.

I started thinking of this concept of a marriage as a team sport. So, I looked around at some of my friends in the ward and I thought of what made their teams successful. Lately, I have just heard of marriages failing so it is nice to see some relationships actually do well.

For example, Teressa's husband went on the fourth year high adventure. This is his 3rd year in a row doing this. Two years ago, it rained so hard that Richard stood over the fire with an umbrella just so the girls could have a fire. At every stake young womens activity, you can find Richard, Nick, and Brent (my friend's husbands) setting up early and cleaning up late. When I asked Teressa about this, she said that is just how they work together. She supports him and he supports her and to watch them it is really true.

Richard & Teressa

My friend Jennifer's husband makes the family breakfast almost everyday. My friend Kolette's husband is willing year after year to teach certification lessons and help her with camp. My friend Kelley's husband comes home from work and plays with their three very active boys. He is also the person at every party who is out playing with the kids and keeping them happy. My friend Jill's husband does my taxes:) He also helps Jill with the kids, the house, etc. My friend Natalie's husband helps the kids get off to school. I could go on and on. I have amazing friends and even though I know that there marriages are not perfect, I admire the fact that in these relationships, both the husbands and wives work together to make good teams.

Here is a picture of my friend's husbands at the father's day picnic.
(Matt, Rob, Eric, Chief, Matt, Nick, & John)

Thanks for the good examples. I hope one day to find someone who will be willing to start a team with me. For now, I am happy being a bench warmer and observing the good plays on the field.

Mix n' Mingle- Round 3

Last Sunday was the Mix n' Mingle- Round 3. I had such a busy, crazy weekend that I decided that my potluck contribution would have to be something easy to prepare. So I decide on a 3 ingredient dish. You take a round of brie (Costco has very affordable brie), fig jam, and crackers. Sounds fancy, right?

You put the fig jam over the brie and you serve with crackers. So easy and really delicious. I usually put the cheese and jam in the oven to make everything soft and gooey but this time, I didn't want to have to worry about cooking anything at the church so I just brought the cheese to room temperature and everyone loved it.

As for the mix n' mingle, I saw a couple of my friends but for the most part it was not well attended. (I think most people were just on vacation.) Still, I had a nice time and because I went to 9 am church, I got a Sunday nap.

I Heart D.C. #1

One of the many casualties of my company's merger is that I am losing my beautiful, big office that overlooks K Street and Farragut Park. Even though I commute a total of two hours a day, I am going to miss working in D.C. So, as I start to pack boxes, I thought I would record some of my favorite things about working in D.C. (There is no particular order)

Teaism

About once a week I crave a Chicken Bento Box from Teaism. My co-workers are sick and tired of me constantly suggesting Teaism for lunch. However, I can usually convince them to go every two to three weeks. Besides the food, I love walking to Teaism because on my way I get to see the White House and the Washington Monument.


Below is the bento box. In the top left-hand corner, they serve a cucumber/ginger salad, next to that is the panko breaded chicken, next to that is brown rice with a sesame and seaweed mixture on top (the lady put a little too much on), then in the bottom left is a side of baked sweet potatoes. It is delicious and the combination of each dish works perfectly together. Oh, and on special occasions, they have the best salted chocolate oat cookies. YUMMY!

August 12th

You would think that the 12 of 12 would get easier each month but I really have a hard time finding 12 pictures I like in one day. So, here is my 12 of 12 for August.


1. Aaron Peirsol
2. My clean laundry
3. 12
4. The "flower shop" at my metro stop
5. Me
6. A day in the life of Michael Phelps
7. My lunch- sushi from Kaz- AMAZING!
8. The metro
9. Farragut North Metro stop (my work stop)
10. My "When pigs fly" pig- this little pig is in my office to remind me that nothing is impossible
11. My train
12. OLYMPICS- Michael Phelps

Going Car Shopping #2

Due to the fact that I have decided to go car shopping (see last post), I have been on the look out. I had this exchange with myself on the metro a few days ago. (No, I am not crazy (entirely), I just spend a lot of time on my own)

It all started when I saw a good looking bald guy walking down the escalator.

Me: Wow, he is kind-of cute.

I walk past him as he goes to buy a metro card.

Me: I wonder if I will see him again, he was cute.

Sitting down reading my newspaper waiting for the train.

Me: Oh, there he is and. . .OH, he is sitting down next to me. WHY?? There are plenty of other seats.

Me: (now pretending to read the newspaper) I should say something. BUT WHAT?! Maybe I should offer him some of my paper to read. THAT IS LAME. He could get his own free paper. But maybe he wants to read. THAT IS LAME. Ok, I should ask him what time it is. Umm, you have a watch on, duh! Oh yeah, I could take the watch off. Like he wouldn't notice. I wonder if I look ok or if he can tell that I am pretending to read the newspaper. I could tell him I like his shoes. That is a weird thing to say to a boy. I could ask him directions. LAME. You look like you are going to work and you are not one of those girls who needs directions. You are too smart for that line. ummmm, maybe the shoe comment? NO. You know if he was interested, he could say something to you. Oh, the train is coming. He is walking to that car. Should I follow him? No.

So, I got on the other train. Lame, yes. Safe, yes. Crazy, just a bit.

Maybe this is why people shop for car at car lots. It is just easier big selection and everyone know why you are there.

Going Car Shopping

Most mornings while I am riding to work on the metro, I read a free paper published by the Washington Post. It is small enough so that you don't have to hold your arms up to read it and thus you can stay in your own personal space (very important on a crowded metro). One section that I love is what they call the Blog Log. They find and publish bits and pieces of blogs on many various topics. I usually get a good laugh and then I pray that they never find my blog. Here is an entry from a few weeks ago that I saved because I could not have agreed with it more. This is from lacochran's blog.

"Over time, I've noticed that in men and in cars, I've come to require the same list of non-negotiable things (in no particular order):

• Not girly.
• Not all flash.
• Designed with intelligence.
  
• Solid.
  
• Agile and responsive.
  
• Doesn't get all shaky and fall apart if I push the envelope.
• Thrilling.
• Dependably consistent.
• Not jerky.
  

Notice how I didn't mention cup holders? I'm all kinds of classy like that,
Not too much to ask, now is it? It took me a long time to get clear on that but I am.
So, yeah, non-negotiable. You say I'm spoiled. I say I'm clear on objectives. Tomato, tomahto."

I think if I added friendly to the environment, I would be all set. Now all I have to do is go car shopping.

#15

As you start reading this post, start humming John William's Olympic Fanfare (it will make for a more interesting read). The torch has arrived in Beijing and the count down is now under 24 hours to one of my favorite events- THE OLYMPICS!

I was looking at the schedule for different events and I could not help but think what the Olympics have given me in the past. For years after the 1984 Olympics, I had a Wheaties poster of Mary Lou Retton above my bed. I can still remember how nervous I was when she competed and how overwhelmed I was when she receive perfect scores. I use to pretend to do different gymnastic moves and then throw my arms up to receive my score. So fun!

The 1984 and 1988 Olympics planted the seed in my heart for the game of volleyball. I started playing when I was 12 years old for my ward team and then I tried out and made my junior high volleyball team. I would not say I was naturally athletic and I am quite short but I loved playing and I loved the game. I owe much of my passion for the game to player #15, KarchKiraly. He was amazing to watch and I just wanted to be a better player every time I watched him. I even picked number 15 for my jersey number so I could be more like him. Below are so pictures from the 1988 Olympics.

So, I can't wait to see what new heroes or new seeds might be planted in my heart during these Olympics. You never know, maybe I will take my mad ping pong skills to the next level!

Happy Birthday DAD!

A few years ago, I was googling LDS articles on marriage for a lesson when I came across about.com's list of 10 best articles on marriage. I was quite surprised when I found that one of the top ten was an article written by my dad in 1983. My dad is a great list maker and is a great example of someone who works to make his good marriage great!

Thank you for your example DAD &
Happy 68th Birthday!

Twenty Ways to Make a Good Marriage Great

1. Night and Morning Prayer … to say thanks, to ask for help in your marriage and family, to worship together.

2. A Weekly Planning Meeting … to discuss the calendar, talk over needs and problems, decide priorities and next steps. (Write decisions in a journal, including goals and discussion topics, and reasons for each.)

3. A Daily Phone Call or Personal Conversation … to say “I love you,” to touch base, to discuss the day, to show you care.

4. A Weekly Date … to a favorite park, a concert, the library, the gym; or staying home for a candlelight dinner, a game, or a mutual hobby.

5. Patience Regardless … of missed meals, tardiness, forgotten favors, a thoughtless remark, impatience.

6. Daily Service … helping with house or yard work, mending a piece of clothing, taking a turn with the sick baby, fixing a favorite meal. (Write it down. Do it!)

7. A Budget … to tie down income and expenses, help set financial goals, and give you control over your finances.

8. Listening … not only to what is said, but also to what is meant.

9. Regular Attendance … at church—and where possible—the temple.

10. Daily Scripture Reading … to learn the gospel, to receive inspiration for yourself and your marriage, to become more like Jesus.

11. Working Together … caring for a garden, painting a bedroom, washing the car, scrubbing floors, building a piece of furniture, writing a poem together, team teaching a class.

12. Forgiving Each Other … always learning from each other, trying a different way, being the first to make peace.

13. Courtesies … like saying please and thank you, not interrupting or belittling, not doing all the talking, continuing the niceties of courtship.

14. Soft and Kind Words … of tenderness, compassion, empathy.

15. Learning Together by … reading to each other, discussing ideas, taking a class.

16. Respecting … opinions, ideas, privacy.

17. Supporting Your Spouse’s … Church callings and righteous goals.

18. Caring for Your Spouse’s Family by … enjoying their company, praying for them, serving them, overlooking differences.

19. Occasional Gifts … such as a note, a needed item—but mostly gifts of time and self.

20. Loving with All Your Heart. “Thou shalt love thy wife [thy husband] with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her [him] and none else.” (D&C 42:22.)

“Twenty Ways to Make a Good Marriage Great,” Ensign, Dec 1983, 64

I AM SO TIRED!

After much anticipation, Breaking Dawn was finally released! Below are pictures from the Release Party at Barnes and Noble. I ran into some of my girls from seminary and some other people from my ward. The party was very uneventful but it was fun to see everyone. When I got home, I read until 5 am, slept, woke up late, read for an hour, ran some errands, read for a few hours, took a break, read for a few more hours and finished the book. I am so tired but it was so fun. I really enjoyed the book. I don't want this to be a spoiler post, so if you want to discuss the book when you are done, just let me know. Goodnight!

Chasing away the blues. . .

When I was in junior high, my older sister Anne’s piano teacher gave her a piece of music to learn over her summer break and to perform at the high school’s concerto night the following school year. All summer long and into the school year, my sister practiced and practiced this piece of music. On sunny days, my mom would open all the windows in the house (lack of central air conditioning) and let my sister’s music mix with the sun, the wind, and the blue skies. I was and still am amazed at the beauty of the piece and its complexity. I have probably heard the piece hundreds and hundreds of times as it became the soundtrack to my family’s life for that year.

I have this memory of being in the high school auditorium watching Anne performed her piece. When it was over I heard her piano teacher yelling, “BRAVO! BRAVO!” I still get choked-up over the memory. I can’t express my sense of awe and admiration I had for my sister that day.

Last night I went to the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s last summer concert at the Strathmore Center. I went with three friends that I had met through the mix n’ mingle at church (all girls). After the few weeks I have had at work, the music felt like it was healing my soul. I know that sounds trite but I needed something to give me a little lift and the concert hall, my friends, and the music did it. The Strathmore Concert Center is only 30 minutes from my house and I can’t believe it has taken me this long to go.

When I received the email asking me if I wanted to go to the concert, I jumped at the chance because the concert was entitled, “A Tribute to Gershwin & Bernstein” and I was thrilled to hear my sister’s piece performed.

The conductor was Bramwell Trovey. He was extremely funny and he explained each piece in a way that allowed you to envision the music. The highlight of the evening was when Bramwell Trovey played and conducted the piece of music that is so ingrained into my head, Rhapsody in Blue. He started by standing and conducting the clarinet solo that is so famous and then went and sat down at the piano to do his part. It was so engaging to watch him masterfully conduct and play and sometimes conduct with his head as he played. I wish you could have all been there because it was magical and I still get choke-up thinking about the performance and the night. And all I can say is, BRAVO! BRAVO!