Sunday, November 20, 2005

Bathed in the glow of the monitor, my computer tells me it's 4:27 am. My ears are ringing, my clothes reek of smoke, and my cat sleepily wonders why I'm still awake. It's the end of an amazing evening and the (early!) beginning of a new day.

- Happy Birthday to E, my table-top dancing birthday cohort.

- Thank you to all of my good friends who made the time to stop by and send their well wishes.

- Thank you to Parkay and KZ for being our designated drivers.

- And thank you, most of all, to BAT who coordinated the entire evening and ensured that everything was party-rificly wonderful.

Here's to new adventures and another fantastic year!

Sunday, November 13, 2005

National Mall as movie set

Right place, right time. Luck had me wandering around the National Mall this afternoon enjoying the National Art Galleries and the beautiful fall weather. Trying to make my way to the Hirshorn, I saw a large crowd of people, police cars, news vehicles, armed forces, etc. On closer inspection, lots of yellow police tape, fallen plane wreckage, and signs commemorating the "Patriot". I didn't think I was *that* out of touch with current events, but I didn't remember seeing a DC plane crash in the news. A quick call to my brother confirmed that.

Turns out they were filming a 5 second scene in the movie "The Visiting" starring Nicole Kidman. Shooting actually took almost 30 minutes, and no, she wasn't there, but she is lurking about in DC until the end of December.

Fake news vehicle

Thursday, November 10, 2005

Fall has arrived with the vengeance of a scorned woman, showering its power upon the land in heavy doses of red and orange. Fallen leaves swirl about on the roads in meaningless patterns. There is a bite in the air that brings with it pink cheeks, windblown hair, and memories of college football. It got down to 45 degrees F last night and I had to pull the down comforter out of storage, a ritual that occurs about the same time every year.

This will be my 28th autumn. I am pleased to find that things like the changing of the seasons still provide a simple childlike pleasure, like a secret wish held close to the heart. The simple things somehow retain their value the best, brown paper packages tied up with string, whiskers on kittens, etc. It's the love and laughter of those around me which give the greatest joy.

In a short week, I will be turning 29. It's an age that I never thought that I would turn, and now that it's here, it seems to have arrived too quickly. I feel old and yet, at the same time youthful, with a hopeful eye towards the future. I have done much, seen many points of view, travelled to foreign lands, but there is much more to learn.

I am thankful for having been immature and for having experienced enough life to improve on it. Thankful for the friends who had the courage to let me make my own mistakes. And thankful for down comforters that keep me warm at night so that I can face another day.

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

Fun with quizzes. Blame it on Brunch at Tiffany's.

The keys to my heart are as follows.... Mostly true for this particular moment, though unbridled men are a pain in the keester.

The Keys to Your Heart
You are attracted to those who are unbridled, untrammeled, and free.

In love, you feel the most alive when your lover is creative and never lets you feel bored.

You'd like to your lover to think you are stylish and alluring.

You would be forced to break up with someone who was insecure and in constant need of reassurance.

Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with.

Your risk of cheating is low. Even if you're tempted, you'd try hard not to do it.

You think of marriage as something that will confine you. You are afraid of marriage.

In this moment, you think of love as commitment. Love only works when both people are totally devoted.
What Are The Keys To Your Heart?