The most random blog ever

New Year's Resolution #1: improve on the whole "blogging" thing-blog more often.
New Year's Resolution #2: keep to New Year's Resolution #1.

So, since last blog, Al and I checked out a yoga class. One of his coworkers told him about this "free yoga class," so we decided to check it out. I've done yoga only a handful of times, but I'm not great at it. I can't quite figure out where I need to be for each pose, or if I'm doing it right-plus, I'm clumsy as all hell. Anyways, we arrive at this sketchy sketchy place called the People's Media Center, filled with a few computers circa 1990. Ok, not exactly "zen." Then, we got down into the basement of said sketchy place to our yoga class. Mostly, yoga studios are fairly warm to make your limbs all limber-like. But, since we were in a basement, and not in a proper studio, it was damn cold. So, there we were spread out on our towels (no yoga mats for us), for 2 hours practicing our "cold" yoga. It was actually enjoyable though, and for once I felt as though I was doing it right, despite the chattering teeth from the cold. I think we'll likely go again......but this time with a sweater or two.

For the holidays, we trekked down to Roaonoke. It's a bit of a mix for me going home-I love being with my family and enjoy the board games, cups of hot tea, visits to the gym, the movies, etc, but most of my friend's families have moved from Roanoke, and those whose families are still there live in DC area anyways--so I don't get the chance to catch up with old friends when we go home. But, I digress...

We got back on Tuesday, and have been busy bees since. Birthday dinner out w/ our friend Mir on Tuesday, and then dinner out again for our friend Paul on Wednesday. Paul's b-day was a blast-we went to Bistroit du Coin (a great lil French restaurant in Dupont Cir), and Erika split up the couples so that we could all meet new friends. I loved where I was sitting-had a great time, and laughed so hard that no sound came out.

Erika came up with these clever table cards saying "to your left is so and so, ask them about such and such." It was a really great way to start a conversation. I wish every party I went to people could walk around with these cards-so fun! Anyways, as a result of the card, my neighbors learned about my "alter ego" Judy. Whenever Paul gets drunk, he starts calling me Judy....and so my new friends wanted to know all about Judy, and decided to take it one more step and deem me Judy G (as in Ali G.). It's one of those "you had to be there" moments, but hilarious. Judy G was in full force and tearing up the hizzzouse.

Anyways.....I also found out that Will's (who was sitting next to me) grandma lived in the same town that I did study abroad in (Patcham, right outside of Brighton), and was only a mere 2 blocks from my host family. He knew all the same pubs that I hung out at and everything. It made me want to go back to England (as if the movie the Holiday wasn't enough....). So, Jez and Emma, and Simon---if you're reading this, prep yourselves. I'm going to plan a visit (with newly jawed Al in tow).

After dinner, we headed to Chinatown to meet our friend O'Malls in from Philly and also meet his girlfriend. What a fun evening. I love city living. Make sure to check out our pictures: http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AcNGTZs3ZOGHs

Chain Gang

Work has been crazy busy the past few weeks. Crazy! So, I haven't had time to blog, much less come up with many blogworthy tales....Here's a quick blurb of life lately....

Thanksgiving was quick-up and back to CT in about 26 hours. I definitely missed my family and all of our traditions-but we'll get to see them at the end of the month, and it was good to get our QT in with Al's fam (most of which involved sitting and figuring out our plans for the day--I tease---sort of).

Post Turkey day was a blast. The evening we got in we went out for a delish Ethopian dinner w/ friends followed by a long game night (2 am!). So fun. I just love game night! The next day we ran around doing holiday shopping and then met up with Andy, Mags, and Ilona for Belgium din-din followed by foozeball and pool. And, Sunday night some friends had us over for a yummy chilli dinner---biked on over there and home. DC after Turkey Day is the best. The city is empty and I love it.

This past week was Al's b-day. He's been burning the midnight oil too, so we were pretty low key. Ended up going for dinner Thursday night, and then celebrated all throughout the weekend, including a bowling night. I bowled the worst game in the world, but did enjoy coming up with fun names for all of the bowlers. Loved seeing the words "The Godfather" flash up on the big screen every time Al got a spare or strike! Hee Hee!

Spent the better part of the week and weekend cooking-enchiladas, brazilian stew, roasted chicken, tons of baked goods. Maybe one of these days someone will compliment me rather than assuming Al is the only cook in our household...b/c let me just tell you, I rock the enchiladas. Rock them!