A few weeks ago, I was having lunch with Mags, and I blurted out "well, whatever, I guess it wasn't meant to be--everything always happens for a reason."
Mags and I discussed this--as she had said the same thing to our friend Lizzie a few nights prior. Her husband, who I guess overheard said something like, "men so don't go by that philosophy, if something doesn't work out, shit happens, we don't agonize if it was meant to be or not. And if it works out, we just got lucky."
This got me thinking.....do things happen for a reason, or is that a nice fall-back excuse that women like to give to themselves when things aren't working out?
If you don't get a follow-up date with a guy--it wasn't meant to be. If the job interview doesn't work out-wasn't meant to be. Is Fate really working in our favor, or is it just something we tell ourselves so that the sting doesn't hurt quite so much?
While I'm not sure if things do or don't happen because they are or aren't meant to be, I do think things happen for a reason. This is basic science--where there is a cause, there is an effect.
I honestly believe I met Al as a cause and effect. I was supposed to go see my ex-boyfriend that weekend (who I was still seeing--although I believe he was seeing someone else at this point, so who really knows). I got in a fight with my ex, and my friend Shannon (who was in town visiting) had made plans to go with Michelle to Kings Dominion with some of Michelle's coworkers Clay and Jerry, and Clay's roomate---who turned out to be Al. Since I was down in the dumps that my plans to see the ex fell through, I got invited along for the day with Shannon and Michelle--which is when I met Al. I literally called my mom the next day and told her I met the man I was going to marry....of course, we didn't start dating until 2 1/2 year later, but I digress. Who's to say that if I had met Al at ANY other time, that I would've given him the same attention, and thought of him as a possibility?
Anyway...those are my philosophical thoughts today.
Let me know yours.
Friday, May 27, 2005
Monday, May 23, 2005
Bookends
“Long ago it must be, I have a photograph....preserve your memories, they're all that's left you” -Simon & Garfunkel, Bookends
My best friend Maggie just got married this past weekend. I was the matron of honor, and it was truly a beautiful wedding--and my first outdoor wedding too!
Leading up to the wedding.....Friday night, there was a rehearsal dinner at Alexander's in Roanoke. Andy's brother Chris, and sister Margaret "Julianne" Moore put together a film documenting the life of Andy and Maggie. Of course, yours truly got all weepy during the movie--I can't help it, I've known Maggie since I was 2, and she's the closest thing I have to a sister, so it got me a little choked up--it's the end of an era, and the beginning of another. Goodbye to those little girls with pigtails...and hello to new adventures...being wives, owning homes, growing up. I can only hope was have many more years of memories down the road.
Afterwards, the crew headed to Awful Arthurs, which lived up to it's name. I swear, doesn't Roanoke have any decent bars??? And no, Corned Beef & Co does NOT count....I only frequent there because I know I'll run into someone I know.
Saturday, we went to the salon--gossiped about celebs while having our hair done. Then, off to the Meyer house to get ready. The ceremony was lovely, and I maintained the standing position, which was a great success.
The weather held out--and the sun shined down for the ceremony and reception. Durring dinner, the groomsmen went in search of the buried Maker's Mark to toast the weather gods for making it such a beautiful day.
Dinner included shrimp and grits--my personal favorite! Yum. After dinner--we did toasts, and I actually made it through WITHOUT crying. Thank you very much. Then..the band got up to play, and congratulated "Maggie and JOE, and their new marriage". I'm not sure who this Joe character is, but the band kept congratulating him and Maggie all night long. The funniest thing is, Andy was the one who had HIRED the band!
Several drinks later, the bridemaids rallied, and took our show on the road, and got up on stage to sing Johnny Cash's Ring of Fire. Johnny must have turned in his grave, it was so out of tune...
It was a momentous weekend, so here's to you Maggie and Joe, may you have many years of happiness......
My best friend Maggie just got married this past weekend. I was the matron of honor, and it was truly a beautiful wedding--and my first outdoor wedding too!
Leading up to the wedding.....Friday night, there was a rehearsal dinner at Alexander's in Roanoke. Andy's brother Chris, and sister Margaret "Julianne" Moore put together a film documenting the life of Andy and Maggie. Of course, yours truly got all weepy during the movie--I can't help it, I've known Maggie since I was 2, and she's the closest thing I have to a sister, so it got me a little choked up--it's the end of an era, and the beginning of another. Goodbye to those little girls with pigtails...and hello to new adventures...being wives, owning homes, growing up. I can only hope was have many more years of memories down the road.
Afterwards, the crew headed to Awful Arthurs, which lived up to it's name. I swear, doesn't Roanoke have any decent bars??? And no, Corned Beef & Co does NOT count....I only frequent there because I know I'll run into someone I know.
Saturday, we went to the salon--gossiped about celebs while having our hair done. Then, off to the Meyer house to get ready. The ceremony was lovely, and I maintained the standing position, which was a great success.
The weather held out--and the sun shined down for the ceremony and reception. Durring dinner, the groomsmen went in search of the buried Maker's Mark to toast the weather gods for making it such a beautiful day.
Dinner included shrimp and grits--my personal favorite! Yum. After dinner--we did toasts, and I actually made it through WITHOUT crying. Thank you very much. Then..the band got up to play, and congratulated "Maggie and JOE, and their new marriage". I'm not sure who this Joe character is, but the band kept congratulating him and Maggie all night long. The funniest thing is, Andy was the one who had HIRED the band!
Several drinks later, the bridemaids rallied, and took our show on the road, and got up on stage to sing Johnny Cash's Ring of Fire. Johnny must have turned in his grave, it was so out of tune...
It was a momentous weekend, so here's to you Maggie and Joe, may you have many years of happiness......
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
50 Things About Me...You May or May Not Know
1. I am a PADI Advanced Open Water Scuba Diver
2. My favorite soft drink is Diet Cherry Coke
3. I was born on the bicentenial, even though I can't spell it.
4. If there was ever a movie about me, I would want Keri Russell to play me.
5. I believe in ghosts, and have gone on 5 ghost tours.
6. I was an extra in Dirty Dancing, and got to meet Jennifer Gray and Patrick Swayze.
7. My second and third toe on each foot are slightly webbed together--I used to think they were freakish, now I think they are cute.
8. My maternal grandma and David Broder are first cousins.
9. When I was little, I fell out of a moving car.
10. Swimming is one of my favorite things in the world.
11. I used to write poetry under the pen name Moon Lawerence.
12. I hate cheesecake. It doesn't matter who makes it, or what's on it.
13. I eat bagels with butter instead of cream cheese.
14. I studied in England and Scotland for a summer. If I could, I would move to London.
15. I am a Libra, and while I can see both sides of the story, once I have an opinion, I stick with it.
16. I have known my best friend since I was 2 years old.
17. The day after I met Al, I called my mom and told her I had met my future husband. I was even seeing someone else at that time.
18. I often have premonitions that come true (see above).
19. My paternal grandparents are Holocaust survivors. I went to Dachau, which is one of the camps my grandma was in.
20. My one desire is to write a children's book.
21. Golden Retrievers are my favorite type of dog.
22. I own all of the Harry Potter books and movies, and have the next book that's due out this summer on pre-order. I have also read each book twice.
23. I love bluegrass music, British pop music, and 80's music. I also have a love for anything that's just unique and tells a great story.
24. I could feel my house shake on September 11, when the plane crashed into the Pentagon.
25. I have taken a cake decorating class. Al's cakes were prettier than mine.
26. I drank too much wine at my cousin's wedding and passed out---I was a bridesmaid in the wedding.
27. When I was little, I wrote a letter to Judy Blume. She even wrote me back.
28. I really love super-hero movies, and the Star Wars movies.
29. I love vinegar on my fries. Is there any other way?
30. I know the Greek and Hebrew alphabets.
31. I think that the word poop is funny.
32. I am extremely superstitious.
33. I once went to an S&M club with my girlfriends.
34. I believe in reincarnation and karma.
35. I don't like getting roses--I used to, but I'm over it.
36. The one dish I make well is eggplant parmesan.
37. The first concert was a Neil Diamond concert.
38. Sometimes, when I clean, I like to wear a tiarra, and pretend I'm a princess who has been forced to clean.
39. I totally bombed the SATs when I was in high school.
40. I am part of Toastmasters International-and have completed the Competant Level of Toastmasters.
41. I am allergic to red wine.
42. I have taken the following hobby classes, but have mastered none of these: photography, pottery, kayaking, and rock wall climbing.
43. I didn't really like college or my sorority.
44. I know the words to almost every song in Fiddler on the Roof.
45. My belly-button is pierced.
46. One of my favorite smells is right after it has rained on a warm day.
47. I am afraid of heights, but love to challenge my fear.
48. On single every trip I take--via plane, train, automobile, I always sing "We're Off to See the Wizard" from Wizard of Oz. My mom and brother do this as well.
49. I used to be on a kickball team.
50. I have a slight obsession with Sting.
2. My favorite soft drink is Diet Cherry Coke
3. I was born on the bicentenial, even though I can't spell it.
4. If there was ever a movie about me, I would want Keri Russell to play me.
5. I believe in ghosts, and have gone on 5 ghost tours.
6. I was an extra in Dirty Dancing, and got to meet Jennifer Gray and Patrick Swayze.
7. My second and third toe on each foot are slightly webbed together--I used to think they were freakish, now I think they are cute.
8. My maternal grandma and David Broder are first cousins.
9. When I was little, I fell out of a moving car.
10. Swimming is one of my favorite things in the world.
11. I used to write poetry under the pen name Moon Lawerence.
12. I hate cheesecake. It doesn't matter who makes it, or what's on it.
13. I eat bagels with butter instead of cream cheese.
14. I studied in England and Scotland for a summer. If I could, I would move to London.
15. I am a Libra, and while I can see both sides of the story, once I have an opinion, I stick with it.
16. I have known my best friend since I was 2 years old.
17. The day after I met Al, I called my mom and told her I had met my future husband. I was even seeing someone else at that time.
18. I often have premonitions that come true (see above).
19. My paternal grandparents are Holocaust survivors. I went to Dachau, which is one of the camps my grandma was in.
20. My one desire is to write a children's book.
21. Golden Retrievers are my favorite type of dog.
22. I own all of the Harry Potter books and movies, and have the next book that's due out this summer on pre-order. I have also read each book twice.
23. I love bluegrass music, British pop music, and 80's music. I also have a love for anything that's just unique and tells a great story.
24. I could feel my house shake on September 11, when the plane crashed into the Pentagon.
25. I have taken a cake decorating class. Al's cakes were prettier than mine.
26. I drank too much wine at my cousin's wedding and passed out---I was a bridesmaid in the wedding.
27. When I was little, I wrote a letter to Judy Blume. She even wrote me back.
28. I really love super-hero movies, and the Star Wars movies.
29. I love vinegar on my fries. Is there any other way?
30. I know the Greek and Hebrew alphabets.
31. I think that the word poop is funny.
32. I am extremely superstitious.
33. I once went to an S&M club with my girlfriends.
34. I believe in reincarnation and karma.
35. I don't like getting roses--I used to, but I'm over it.
36. The one dish I make well is eggplant parmesan.
37. The first concert was a Neil Diamond concert.
38. Sometimes, when I clean, I like to wear a tiarra, and pretend I'm a princess who has been forced to clean.
39. I totally bombed the SATs when I was in high school.
40. I am part of Toastmasters International-and have completed the Competant Level of Toastmasters.
41. I am allergic to red wine.
42. I have taken the following hobby classes, but have mastered none of these: photography, pottery, kayaking, and rock wall climbing.
43. I didn't really like college or my sorority.
44. I know the words to almost every song in Fiddler on the Roof.
45. My belly-button is pierced.
46. One of my favorite smells is right after it has rained on a warm day.
47. I am afraid of heights, but love to challenge my fear.
48. On single every trip I take--via plane, train, automobile, I always sing "We're Off to See the Wizard" from Wizard of Oz. My mom and brother do this as well.
49. I used to be on a kickball team.
50. I have a slight obsession with Sting.
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Just Another Day in DC
Confused Fliers Trigger Capital Scare-http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/05/11/AR2005051100887.html
Is it sad that we are becoming accustomed to terrorist threats? Just yesterday, I was sitting at work, and an e-mail came across my screen "WHITE HOUSE AND CAPITOL EVACUATED!"
As I sat there, I heard people contiuing to type, and not a lot of commotion around me. I thought to myself, "self, there must not be anything wrong if noone is panicking or screaming."
I think it's just sad that this mentality has become so ingrained in us in just a few short years. 3 years ago, everyone would have freaked out with an e-mail like this on their screen, and now, it's just business as usual in DC.
When did reality start becoming so real?
Is it sad that we are becoming accustomed to terrorist threats? Just yesterday, I was sitting at work, and an e-mail came across my screen "WHITE HOUSE AND CAPITOL EVACUATED!"
As I sat there, I heard people contiuing to type, and not a lot of commotion around me. I thought to myself, "self, there must not be anything wrong if noone is panicking or screaming."
I think it's just sad that this mentality has become so ingrained in us in just a few short years. 3 years ago, everyone would have freaked out with an e-mail like this on their screen, and now, it's just business as usual in DC.
When did reality start becoming so real?
Monday, May 09, 2005
Eye of the Tiger
Posted by Hello
I've been using the bike--although, I have to admit, I'm not the most graceful person on a bike, but I'm still having fun. Al got a bike this weekend, so on Sunday, we biked into Georgetown and got a bite to eat, and walked around to the different stores. What a beautiful day.
So, in addition to biking, I was motivated by my hubby's new 6 pack to start doing some sit ups in the mornings. At first, I could only do 2. I'm not even joking. 2. How sad is that?
Now, I'm up to 60. The stomach is starting to feel a bit tighter, and so now I've added pushups to the daily routine. I can do about 10 girly ones right now, but that's okay.
I'm kinda getting into the being in shape thing. Makes me want to actually work out a bit. Or not.
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Girls just wanna have...
Sorry I've been so slack on the blogging.
Al and I've been working so hard on the house, and work's been crazy. Doesn't help that I moved offices again. I am just waiting for that red swingline stapler. Any day now...
Last weekend, I had Maggie's batchelorette extravanganza. I'm the matron of honor for her and Andy's wedding, so I decided that while the boys were away (Atlantic City), the girls should play. And, I have to say, that I'm the luckiest girl, because my kick ass husband helped me cook and clean all week for the soiree.
Liz came in town early Friday, and since Al had helped me all week, we were able to hang out, catch up, and of course, go to Ben's for grease, and Cake Love for a tasty after treat. Yep, the healthy lifestyle went out the window for the weekend.
Friday night, the girls came over, and I had a table of apps, and charged Ilona with making the drinks (and, she makes a devilishly delicious cosmo). It ended up being a very small, but sweet group of 7 of us. After many cosmos, cheese platters, and dances in my living room later, we hit Adams Mill to meet up with Andy's batchelor party.
I'm proud of the ladies, because we made it later than the boys. Of course, I got little sleep, and so when the party continued into Saturday, I was dragging the heels a bit.
I got up early with Ilona to help get ready for breakfast and our trip to a cabin I reserved in Berkeley Springs, WV. It was only about a 2 hour drive - we went through some wacky weather as we headed up to the mountains. Rain, wind, hail....
After we got settled in the cabin, we headed out to Berkeley Springs state park. Berk. Springs is known for their fresh spring water, which several of the local spas use for bath treatments due to all of the minerals in the water. I can't even type about this next experience without cracking up....
So, Ilona made reservations for us all to take a "Roman Bath", so that we get to experience this mineral water first hand. So all six of us (the 5 bridesmaids plus Maggie), put on our bathing suits (which is just not fun in April), and we go into this little pool, that's super hot (102 degrees), and basically all just sit there together. As the time wears on, we all start getting kinda dizzy and loopy in our sweat box pool. We barely made it the 20 minutes that we were supposed to, but afterwards, the hangover was gone!
That night, for dinner, we decided to check out this place Maria's, which the 15 year old boys who ran the Roman Bath had recommended. (Disclaimer: this next part is not meant to be derogatory, and apologies if it comes out that way): As we enter, we each slowly start to feel this sense of discomfort. Everyone is looking at us, and there are statues, paintings, dolls, etc of Jesus and Mary everywhere. Now, in normal circumstance, I would feel slightly out of place, being Jewish and all, but since it's the first night of Passover, and we are a group of girls out for a fun night, the Jesus and Mother Mary thing was uber uncomfortable.
We got the hell outta dodge, and instead went to this cute little restaurant down the road call Tarri's. Had some nice wine with dinner, discussed our worst dates, and went home to play a rousing game of Trivial Pursuit.
Next morning, we woke up to snow (yes, snow in WV in APRIL!!!). We watched our girlie movies, and then, went for a nice brunch before hitting the road home.
I was exhausted from the weekend, but it was nice to get away, and have some girl time.
Al and I've been working so hard on the house, and work's been crazy. Doesn't help that I moved offices again. I am just waiting for that red swingline stapler. Any day now...
Last weekend, I had Maggie's batchelorette extravanganza. I'm the matron of honor for her and Andy's wedding, so I decided that while the boys were away (Atlantic City), the girls should play. And, I have to say, that I'm the luckiest girl, because my kick ass husband helped me cook and clean all week for the soiree.
Liz came in town early Friday, and since Al had helped me all week, we were able to hang out, catch up, and of course, go to Ben's for grease, and Cake Love for a tasty after treat. Yep, the healthy lifestyle went out the window for the weekend.
Friday night, the girls came over, and I had a table of apps, and charged Ilona with making the drinks (and, she makes a devilishly delicious cosmo). It ended up being a very small, but sweet group of 7 of us. After many cosmos, cheese platters, and dances in my living room later, we hit Adams Mill to meet up with Andy's batchelor party.
I'm proud of the ladies, because we made it later than the boys. Of course, I got little sleep, and so when the party continued into Saturday, I was dragging the heels a bit.
I got up early with Ilona to help get ready for breakfast and our trip to a cabin I reserved in Berkeley Springs, WV. It was only about a 2 hour drive - we went through some wacky weather as we headed up to the mountains. Rain, wind, hail....
After we got settled in the cabin, we headed out to Berkeley Springs state park. Berk. Springs is known for their fresh spring water, which several of the local spas use for bath treatments due to all of the minerals in the water. I can't even type about this next experience without cracking up....
So, Ilona made reservations for us all to take a "Roman Bath", so that we get to experience this mineral water first hand. So all six of us (the 5 bridesmaids plus Maggie), put on our bathing suits (which is just not fun in April), and we go into this little pool, that's super hot (102 degrees), and basically all just sit there together. As the time wears on, we all start getting kinda dizzy and loopy in our sweat box pool. We barely made it the 20 minutes that we were supposed to, but afterwards, the hangover was gone!
That night, for dinner, we decided to check out this place Maria's, which the 15 year old boys who ran the Roman Bath had recommended. (Disclaimer: this next part is not meant to be derogatory, and apologies if it comes out that way): As we enter, we each slowly start to feel this sense of discomfort. Everyone is looking at us, and there are statues, paintings, dolls, etc of Jesus and Mary everywhere. Now, in normal circumstance, I would feel slightly out of place, being Jewish and all, but since it's the first night of Passover, and we are a group of girls out for a fun night, the Jesus and Mother Mary thing was uber uncomfortable.
We got the hell outta dodge, and instead went to this cute little restaurant down the road call Tarri's. Had some nice wine with dinner, discussed our worst dates, and went home to play a rousing game of Trivial Pursuit.
Next morning, we woke up to snow (yes, snow in WV in APRIL!!!). We watched our girlie movies, and then, went for a nice brunch before hitting the road home.
I was exhausted from the weekend, but it was nice to get away, and have some girl time.
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Biker Chick
Posted by Hello
Last week was so much fun, but such a blur!
I FINALLY got a bike...a belated birthday present from Al (and yes, my birthday is in September, but in his defense, he bought me a wetsuit for Hannukah, so I can't be too upset!!!).
The last time I rode a bike was in Germany, which was a few years ago, so it's been awhile. And, I had many beers in me at the time, so I wasn't too aware of my surroundings.
So, when shopping for this bike, I felt like a complete ditz. The poor guy at REI kept grabbing bike after bike for me. No, too big; no, not girly enough; no the handlebars are weird...
Finally, as the sales associate was at about his wits end, a light went off in his head, and he went in back to grab the most perfect of perfect bikes for me. It's a total teenager's bike, with flowers on it and everything. I LOVE IT! I just need a bell and I'm all set, ding ding!
As for the rest of the week.....Wednesday night, I invited friends to a happy hour at Hotel Helix. My friend Betsy had introduced me to Helix awhile back, and with the weather so nice out, I couldn't resist having a happy hour on the deck. About 8 people ended up coming, most of whom are friends who I've known since I was 2 years old, but haven't seen in forever. Mags and I bagged work early to grab some seats outside, and Mags was already a little tipsy from a happy hour at work. By the time everyone got there, Mags and I were already a good bit ahead of everyone, but it was all in good fun.
Thursday, Al and I got invited to a wine tasting at the Charlie Palmer's restaurant on Capitol Hill, which was another Style magazine event. There were small apps being passed, and 2 white wines, and 3 reds for tasting. The wines (I could only have the whites), and apps were delicious, and it was a fun way to spend the evening, and check out a new DC restaurant.
Friday, my mom was in town--she and Sam's mom, Eileen were hosting a shower for Mags on Saturday. Some of Al's friends were also in town for their alumni duties at the GW Crew Invitational. Mom and I had a nice dinner out, and enjoyed catching up (Dad was home due to last stretch of tax season). And, at 3 am, I was awoken by my wonderful hubby stumbling into bed, and again 2 hours later when he got up to head to the crew races.
Saturday, was BEAUTIFUL out. Maggie's shower was fun. There were about 12 people that ended up coming, and it was a nice luncheon. Afterwards, my mom and I headed down to the water and met up with David, and Ilona to watch the remainder of the raises. We got some seats at the bar Sequioa's, which has a patio right on the Potomac river, grabbed some beer, and enjoyed a lovely afternoon. Got to catch up with a lot of people I haven't seen in a few months, and enjoyed the day. Can't beat it.
Sunday, after brunch, I took my bike for a spin. I've never biked in a city before, but I love it. It's so much fun! I'm going to try taking it to work tomorrow, and I'm kind of nervous, but I have a helmet, and I'm going to try to go a little early so I can be careful of cars. I'm not the most graceful person in the world.
What do you think, am I biker-chic material???
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon
Posted by Hello
Everybody cut, everybody cut....everbody cut Footloose!
So, I've loosely been playing the Kevin Bacon game since I can remember, to determine if I could get within 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon. The closest I've come was meeting Jennifer Grey on the set of Dirty Dancing, who was in Ferris Bueller's Day off with Matthew Broderick, who is married to Sarah Jessica Parker who was in Footloose with Kevin Bacon. So, what's that, like 4?
I finally topped myself about 2 weeks ago. Al got tickets for a "inside-the-actor's" studio type presentation with John Lithgow. We went with our friends Bill and Shannon, and sat so close, we could see his striped shoes. Bill and I were dying to ask questions like "Mr. Lithgow, could you please do that voice from Shrek?" or "Mr. Lithgow, why were you so mean to Harry in Harry and the Hendersons?" or my personal favorite from Al, "Mr. Lithgow, do you know the Muffin Man?"
We didn't get to ask questions, but I did secure an autograph afterwards. AND....since John Lithgow was in Footloose with Kevin Bacon, I'm now only a mere 2 degrees from Kevin Bacon.
Plus, Al's best friend is his dobbleganger, does that count?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)