I love visitors!

This week one of my favorite people in the world came to visit me, my sister Lesley! I find the months of February and March to drag somewhat, so I gladly welcomed the change of pace. I didn't have to work on Wednesday because it was DC Emancipation Day (one perk of working for DC government, and I will take it!) Then I took the day off of work on Friday to play with Lesley! Friday morning we got what every girl needs at the start of spring: a manicure and pedicure!

We spent the rest of the day touring around DC. Lesley was a good sport. It probably wasn't the best idea to make a woman 7 month's pregnant, walk all over the bloody city! However, it was clear skies and sunshine all day long. I think she loved an escape from the rain in Seattle. I haven't been back to some of the sites since I interned a few years ago. We hit the National Archives, the White House, and of course found ourselves in Georgetown the rest of the evening. Why does Anthropolgie have to be so dang expensive?? Hands down the cutest store. I accidentally purchased a new pair of pants...on sale of course! Lesley found an adorable spring dress that looks gorgeous on her. Fun times, fun times!




The next day we headed to Annapolis, MD. What a great little place to visit. We walked along the old brick sidewalks and enjoyed a day of window shopping, ice cream, and men in uniform. Annapolis is the home of the United States Naval Academy. The scenery, and homes were delightful. Two thumbs up for Annapolis!




Later that evening we took a walk around the Lincoln Memorial, and World War II Memorial, two of my favorite places in DC. I especially enjoying walking around the monuments at night. It has the potential to be a fun, romantic stroll outside...maybe someday :) I am grateful for the memorials, and what they stand for. I am reminded of how blessed we are as a nation. I am also reminded that I must always remember and pay tribute to those who paved the way for me to enjoy the freedoms I have today.



It is never easy for me to say goodbye! I love my family, especially when they come and visit me! Thank you Lesley for a wonderful weekend! And I can't wait to see the rest of you soon...right?! Press forward with those DC planning meetings! Brian, make it happen!

Thanks Jared and Haley for sharing your wife and mommy! I can't wait to see you both this summer. I think this little one will be pretty happy to be reunited with mommy! Although I am told she had quite the party with dad: zoo, park, Ihop, Target...doesn't get much better than that! Look it her in her Michigan get up! Too precious.

Welcome back Scranton!

Surprise!

Happy Birthday Chelsea! Last night we had a surprise party for our dear friend Chelsea. Chels was such a good sport, having flown the red eye back to DC earlier that morning. Every time we have get people together, I am reminded of why I love living here so much! Meet some of my friends:


The birthday girl, getting cuddly with Aaron. I am sure she is enjoying his sexy beard.
Amber and Aaron
Me, Roger, Allison
Dre, Rich, Lisa, Sarah, Jason

Danny, Dre, Roger
The Roommates
The Girls
The girls & Kevin

A fun night had by all!

Oh no, the "F " word!

So I had a pretty in depth conversation with a guy friend, on the topic of feminism, or gender equity. I think many people cringe when they hear the word, "feminist," and I am not so sure why. The definition of feminist is simply an individual advocating for women's rights. Many people I converse with, associate feminism with radical thinking. I simply disagree. Of course there can be radical feminists, just as there can be extremes with any issue. My guy friend posed the question, "Why would it be so bad to have a male dominated workforce?" I think his comment was intended to fire me up. His position was that women should be mother's and stay home to raise children. I completely respect women who choose to stay at home and raise their children. In fact, I hope to be a mother someday, and be a stay-at-home mom. But there is something liberating about having a choice. What about women that don't get married, or have children. If we did have this "male dominated workforce" how would society view women who don't have the opportunity to marry or have children? My friend's response is, there is always an exception to the rule. But then we create alienation and this huge divide amongst women. Anyway, I just needed to vent. People, please don't fear the word, feminist, and automatically think they are a bunch of nut jobs. Look up the definition before you state your argument.

Hoppy Easter!

Brian, I hope you read my blog occasionally because the title of this entry is for you. I also recognize Easter was a couple of weeks ago, but I thought I would share some pictures. We had some friends come over for a traditional Easter dinner. Thank goodness for friends who like to cook and EAT. And of course, every Easter I turn into one huge malt ball. I can't help myself. I really enjoy eating robin eggs. My obsession started when I was a little girl. I would get the robin eggs nice and wet, and proceed to paint my lips with them...lipstick colors in all shades!


I am also quite attached to Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs.