Day 1209

Day 28 of Wonderful: Not Acting Your Age



Yes, that would be me last night, before I headed out to my friends' Jersey Shore themed party. If you haven't seen the show before, it's an MTV sensation about a group of ridiculous Italian-American kids who partied it up on the Jersey Shore last summer. I was dressed up as "Snookie", one of the main characters...and I must admit, I'm pretty sure I could have passed as her identical twin sister:



Anyway, it was all in fun, and very fun it was.

So today marks the end of my 28 Days of Wonderful, and I am so glad that I took on this project. I've learned a lot, but mostly that looking at the wonderful in life is the best way to live it. Sadly, this day did not end in wonderful. I found out that someone I trusted and cared for deeply betrayed my trust. But I did learn some very valuable lessons:

1) Always trust your gut.
2) Always trust your girlfriends.

As for that asshole, I can do so much better and deserve so much more than you. I suppose it's wonderful that I've finally learned now what I should have learned long ago. And it's wonderful that I've decided to finally get you out of my life.

Day 1208

Day 27 of Wonderful: Loving Thy Skin



You all should know by now my feelings about a woman taking some time for herself, and the same can be said for a woman feeling confident in her appearance. When it comes to makeup, I feel like your teens and 20s are the time to experiment and play, but by my age, you should feel comfortable in your routine and how you dress your face.

For me, I like to keep it classic and natural for work wear, put on as little as possible when out and about on the weekends, but add a bit of drama for nights out on the town. By now I've got my technique down, but it's still fun to play a bit and get tips from the experts. So you can imagine my excitement today when I went to Neiman's to get new face cream and Bobbi Brown's NYC makeup team was there for Beauty Days.

I must admit, there isn't a whole lot that I am high maintenance about, but my skin routine is definitely one of them. Sadly, I've been cursed with bad skin pretty much my whole life, and now that I've hit the 30 mile marker, am insistent on my routine and doing all I can to keep my skin healthy. That means drinking my allotment of water and green tea each day, cleansing, medicating, sunscreening, moisturizing and treating it with a delicate touch. And I do feel that the routine I've stuck to for the past few years has paid off, because it looks better now than it ever has before.

Anyway, as I said, I went in for moisturizer and came out with a whole new look. It wasn't for me, I wear golds and other warm colors much better, but had her try some fun silver, greys and blues on my just for fun. And I'm glad I did, because now I feel reaffirmed that I know my skin and myself well enough to know what works for me and what doesn't. It's funny, I sat down in the makeup artists chair for a fun day of experimentation, but left with a renewed sense of self. I know myself, what works for me and what is best left for others, and I feel pretty good about that.

Now that being said, I'm off to get ready for a Jersey Shore costume party. And no, of course I did not hit the tanning bed beforehand...I'm trying to prevent wrinkles thank you very much. But I am going to have to let my skin take a bit of a beating, just for tonight and pound on two tons of makeup. Don't you worry though, I've already got an arsenal of moisturizer underneath, and will be detoxing my face as soon as I wake up tomorrow.

The price we pay for beauty...

Day 1207

Day 26 of Wonderful: (500) Days of Summer



In a word, adorable. I have been wanting to see this movie since I just missed it in the theatres, and tonight, I finally got the treat I've been waiting for. As the movies says, "This is not a love story." But it is a story about love. It is charming and real and original and really funny. This just might rank up there with one of my new favorites, and tomorrow, I think I'm going to have to rush out and buy it, and the soundtrack to match. (500) Days of Summer...definitely a breath of fresh air.

Day 1206

Day 25 of Wonderful: Extraordinary Strength

http://arkansasmatters.com/content/video/?cid=293332

No photo today, but the link above will serve in its place.

You may remember 8 months ago today when I wrote of the tragic loss of my good friend Sarah and Taylor's baby girl, who passed on prior to her birth. I can't even imagine the pain, anger, frustration and agony a parent must feel to lose a child, especially before ever getting to see her first smile, first laugh, first coo or even take her first breath. Sarah and Taylor are such amazing people, and it's really hard for me to still hear the struggles they go through day-to-day as they are still grieving their beautiful Mamie.

Recently, Sarah was interviewed (linked above) in Little Rock representing an organization she has recently become part of, Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. This is a group of photographers who volunteer their services to families who have just lost a baby at birth. Sarah and Taylor were blessed to have photographs taken of sweet Mamie, which they cherish more than words can say. And now, Sarah, who is an amazing photographer herself, is giving back to those who may suffer the unexplainable tragedy that she did 8 months ago. In the interview, Sarah tells her story, and talks about the organization itself.

Sarah, I am so proud of you each and every day. For your strength, your unwavering faith in God, and the love that you and Taylor share. You teach all of us how to survive through the worst imaginable circumstances, and I inspire to grow my faith as yours is.

Please continue to pray for Sarah and Taylor. Although our situations differ so greatly, I understand that the grieving process is a long, hard road until the fog lifts. You never forget, and the pain never quite goes away, but you finally are able to start feeling normal and live again. I love you guys, and am so proud of all you do and hold dear.

Day 1205

Day 24 of Wonderful: The Elliptical



When the elliptical first became popular many moons ago, I hated it. HATED IT! I've always had bad knees, even had both operated on long ago when I was still a competitive swimmer, and working out on the elliptical machine really, really hurt them. So when I moved into my new place and tried out my exercise room for the first time, you could imagine my disappointment to see the only cardio machine was an elliptical.

But come winter, there was no way I was going outside in the cold and the elements to run, so I went back down to override my hatred and feel the burn. The first day was miserable. My knees hurt so bad and I was cursing the exercise gods the whole time. But the next day, I got back on, and you know what...it wasn't quite as bad.

And now...I LOVE the elliptical. It lifts me up when I need a major boost. And today, I needed one more than ever. After weeks and weeks of trying to stay positive, the winter blues hit me hard with the news of yet more snow starting tomorrow. So I got on the elliptical, cranked up my tunes, and started feeling much better. I've very thankful that I have an elliptical just two floors down...as my aunt would say, "It's my prozac." Well, today it was anyway.

Day 1204

Day 23 of Wonderful: Birds a Chirping



This is what I am so ready for...the flowers blooming, the birds out singing in numbers. You know what? It may not be as far away as I had thought. Today, while leaving work, I was thrilled to hear not the stillness of the winter air but a few birds chirping. Be still my heart! The birds are back and singing! Spring will be here before we know it! Next up, melted snow and buds on trees. Praise the Lord, the sun is making it's way!

Day 1203

Day 22 of Wonderful: Breakfast for Dinner



Garlic Spicy Cheese Grits, Turkey Bacon and Blueberry Pancakes...I'm not going to lie, thinking of coming home to cook this is honestly what got me through the last half of my work day today. Do you remember the other day when I talked about needing motivation? Well today, my motivation came in the form of comfort food, and comfort food is what I had. Surprisingly though, this was well in my limits for my caloric intake for the evening. Comfort food and good for me? Yes please. Breakfast for dinner? Absolutely anytime.

Day 1202

Day 21 of Wonderful: Daydreaming





Another busy day, starting with church and followed by an afternoon of running errands and then cleaning, laundry and fixing things in my house. For Lent, I gave up chocolate (been craving it way too much lately) but also took on going to church each Sunday.

I'm glad I went today; the homily was really great..all about trust in your relationships and in God, which is something I have been focusing on especially lately in my thoughts and prayers. But there was one story that our priest told that hit me a little too hard, and pretty much turned my hopeful day into an off one with just a few words. He related our trust in God to a little girl, standing on the edge of a pool, with her father inside, urging her to jump. I realize the point he was making, but still, it really got to me. Lately, I have been thinking about dad a lot, and really, really missing him so much it hurts.

So anyway, I'm glad that I was busy for the rest of the day, but even so those aching thoughts kept creeping back to me every so often. I got frustrated and short, and really the only thing to pull me out of it was to focus my thoughts on my two favorite places to daydream about...a Caribbean beach or Paris.

Quick sidenote: I am DYING to go to both. The Caribbean, probably more so now because I am so done with the cold weather, and Paris, well, because it's Paris. My Paris obsession has gone a bit overboard lately, and as you will soon find out in the next few weeks or so.

Anyway, I know it sounds crazy, but at least when I tell myself to slow down and think one of these two places, surrounded by my favorite people, it really does calm me. Then I can start focus on slowing my heart rate down and pushing the tears back. And then I direct my thoughts and prayers on trusting God has put me exactly where I should be. I think happy thoughts and pray for God to give me trust and patience, in every part of my life. Trust and patience...what I feel I need most in my life. Well, that, and a destination above. But for now, I can daydream anytime I want.

Day 1201

Day 20 of Wonderful: Afternoon Naps



Come to Momma.

There really is not much better after a busy weekend morning than coming home to a late afternoon nap. I realize I have repeated this many, many times in my writing, but naps are just going to have to be in my life, one way or another.

I have been so incredibly tired this week for some reason, I almost feel like a mono relapse has come again. Not just sleepy, but completely worn out. I need this to shake off because come Monday, it's going to be busy season once again.

Day 1200

Day 19 of Wonderful: Old Photographs

A bit of a change in format tonight, but something special is below...

I was looking for something in my keepsake chest the other day when I found a huge stack of old photographs. I was in a hurry, so put them aside, but picked them up this evening and was delighted at what I found.

In the stack were old school pictures of me from elementary school and high school, baby photos and even my 7th grade Cotillion Holly Ball 1st Runner-Up Queen photo (don't get me started). And then there were a lot of photos of dad, looking so young and strong and with a huge smile on his face. My favorite way to remember him. What a great surprise to run across these memories...many of which I thought had been lost along the way. Lots of wonderful pictures to share tonight. I had to take pictures of the pictures though, so some of the photos are a bit distorted.



Me, Marissa and Lindann (screaming her head off). One of my favorites.



My cousin Ashley and I at my Aunt Nancy & Uncle Paul's wedding. I was a somewhat-blondie, until I turned about 3.



I was most definitely a little sun child.



This came out the most distorted of the bunch, but anyway, I think this was 1st grade. Mom obviously forgot to brush my hair that morning, but sure didn't forget to make me wear my dress with a tie. Oh, the '80s.



7th grade Holly Ball and my 13th birthday. Nice braces, huh? That was my absolute favorite dress ever that day...made especially for me! Still bitter about that damn crown though...always a bridesmaid! Just kidding guys.



My Uncle Mark and dad. I was probably about 3 at the time. They just got finished building a deck at our house...nice reward, huh?



This was from before I was born...I think mom and dad may not have even been married yet. It's one of my favorites of dad...describes his personality perfectly. Loved living life.

I can't believe that today marks 1,200 days since dad died. Some days, the wound is so fresh that it feels like it happened yesterday. Some days, I have trouble remembering when he could still call me up and say, "Shawna Blair, this is your dad calling..." But every day, I miss him more than you could ever know. Old photographs though...they sure do seem to help remember the good times.

Day 1199

Day 18 of Wonderful: Guilty Pleasures



Okay, I apologize again for falling asleep last night. I had every intention to post, but crawled in bed last night early to cozy up and read/watch some Olympics first, and fell asleep while doing so. Oops.

So here's my wonderful from yesterday...guilty pleasures. I have more than a few, that's for sure, but one I love to indulge in is what we call in Washington the "Inside Scoop". I suppose in the rest of the world it would be plain old glorified gossip, but since I work amongst the scribes who do the digging in get the story, I prefer to use "Inside Scoop". Much more official and dignified, don't you agree?

In Washington these days, there is no greater source of the Ultimate Inside Scoop than "Game Change", by the New Yorker's John Heilemann and Time Magazine's Mark Halperin. And let me tell you, this is serious, hardcore political inside scoop nerd porn. Fascinating, in every juicy detail it unfolds.

So if you like to indulge as I do in this love of mine, I highly recommend this book. Scandals aside, it really is fascinating to see the inner workings of campaigns and what really drives the decisions that are made. And a few sex scandals thrown in never hurts the press either.

Day 1198

Day 17 of Wonderful: Belated Valentine's Day



I got another Valentine's Day surprise today, this time from my mom and sister, which because of the blizzard just arrived today. You all should know by now how I feel about getting presents in the mail...Yippee! Marissa made these beautiful earrings and necklace for me, and mom sent me Round 1 of the hundreds of Christmas ornaments she bought for me after Christmas. I'm told I'll also be getting these as Easter, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Arbor Day, Thanksgiving and my birthday presents this year...she bought that much. Which means only one thing...more presents in the mail to look forward to this year. Yippee!

Day 1197

Day 16 of Wonderful: Cooking and Red Wine



Tonight's menu: Lentil Soup

My new motto should be, "Cooking makes it all a little bit better. Red wine, even more so."

Still not feeling my best today. Still achy and lethargic and I just can't seem to shake it. I walked to the bank and to Whole Foods today in the frigid temperature, hoping it would do me good to get out in the brisk air. Getting my blood flowing outdoors did help a bit, but the feet of now black snow piled high on the street side just made me more depressed that yet more snow may be coming this Sunday.

I'm sure the lack of sun has something to do with me...always seems to help feel better when the sun is shining down on me.

But I've also been thinking about dad a lot lately, and it's not the happy memories I thankfully welcome. This morning I had a dream that I was a little bit older, living back in Little Rock and taking my young kids to a swim meet at UALR. They saw a picture of dad on the wall and said, "Look mom, it's grandpa. Coach is watching our race." I've never had a thought like that before, about what my kids will miss out on never knowing him. It's really, really hard to think about; really hard to even write at this moment.

So tough thoughts on top of the looming winter on top of not feeling my best...the only thing that I can do to make today a bit easier is cooking and a glass of red wine. I'm a slow cook but a fairly good cook...limited in what I know, but that will get better with time and practice. It's a bit hard cooking for one, but I'm trying to do it more and more anyway. Because when I get in the kitchen to cook, everything else just seems to fade to the background. It has to in order for me to concentrate on the meal I am preparing.

So tonight I peeled and I diced and I sauteed and I stirred, and now I'm sitting back with a glass of red wine, listening to the classical music of the figure skating in the background, and trying to focus on the good of my day. Good friends, amazing family, great job, a home of my own, hopes and dreams to look forward to. Wonderfully blessed, even on the tough days.

Day 1196

Day 15 of Wonderful: Motivation



Everyone needs a little motivation to push them further toward their goals. Today, I seem to need a whole lot of it to keep me on my right path. Despite my pampering last night, it's just not my day. I'm achy, my energy is zapped and I am just having a hard time keeping my head clear, focused and positive.

On days like this, I typically take to comfort food and sleep to make me feel better. Thing is, it never really helps all that much. I know this, but it is just so, so easy to fall back into bad patterns when tired and not feeling right.

What I needed was a big boost of motivation.

When I started my wellness competition with my friend Beth, I hung my absolutely favorite dress ever outside my closet door in my bedroom. It may look like a plain, black lace dress from the picture, but let me tell you something...it is absolutely freaking fantastic. And when I finally get into the shape I need to wear it again (and that means without the help of Spanx), there will be no denying that. I will be something to talk about.

Sexy, confident, smoking hot...this dress has it all. And seeing it each day, visualizing it on me once again...well...this is why this dress is my biggest motivation.

Today I am halfway through my 28 Day Project, and even for this, today I needed some serious motivation to find something positive to write about. But I looked at the dress and it reminded me of how far I've come, in so many ways, and how much further I have to go. Motivation can change your frame of mind. It is a very wonderful thing.

This 28 Day Project has been motivation of another kind, and I am so glad I began it. It has forced me to find the positive in each day, and usually, once I find one positive, the whole rest of the day seems to take a turn for the brighter. It's so easy in the hustle and bustle of everyday life to worry and grumble too much throughout the day. I think it is in our human nature to interact with people that way...complain about the weather, the traffic, your coworkers, your troubles. Be too chipper and people start to wonder just what's wrong with you. But chipper is exactly what I need more of, and searching for the positive is rewiring my way of thinking.

Motivation of another kind. Motivation for a greater peace of mind. With that, everything else seems to fall into place. Seems my motivation is more of a blessing in disguise.

What's your motivation or way to get through the tough days? Any suggestions would be warmly received!

Day 1195

Day 14 of Wonderful: Bubble Bath



I find it absolutely necessary for a woman to pamper herself every once and awhile, and what better day to do so than a Valentine's Day home alone. So after treating myself to a dinner of steak, pasta, red wine and vanilla ice cream with a big triple chocolate cookie for dessert, I felt it was in my best interest to turn off the television, turn on the classical music, and just soak. Sometimes a touch of relaxation is all you need to rejuvenate the soul.

Day 1194

Day 13 of Wonderful: Flowers at My Doorstep



I was taken aback when I came home tonight and saw this sweet surprise sitting at my front door. Beautiful pink tulips, one of my very favorites.

Thank you. They are, in a word, wonderful. Happy Valentine's Day.

Day 1193

Day 12 of Wonderful: XXI Winter Olympics



I may not be a winter sports kind of girl, but I love, love, love the Olympics. The triumph of the win and the agony of defeat...it reaches the heights of human emotions in every aspect, and leaves me in tears pretty much every night. To work so hard all of your life to achieve such greatness...as dad would say, "It doesn't get much better than this."

I'm retiring to my couch early tonight for a bit of rest and relaxation and to watch the Opening Ceremonies. Goodnight, and hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

***On another later note, my heart goes out to the Georgian Olympic Team and to the family and friends of Nodar Kumaritashvili, the luger who was killed in a crash during a training run today. He was only 21 years old. What a terrible tragedy on a day that is supposed to be filled with such hope and joy. Truly heartbreaking. My prayers go out to them all.

*****And on even later note, I've already started crying and we're only on Austria in the parade of athletes. Oh Lord...let the games begin.

Day 1192

Day 11 of Wonderful: Lauren Merkin Clutch



There are some days when a woman just needs a tiny bit of retail therapy. For me, today is definitely one of those days. After four days of being a single mother snowed-in with four kids, I welcomed my day back into work today. Work, however, did not seem to welcome me back quite as eagerly.

When I got home late tonight, I wracked my brain to find my "Wonderful" for the day, but my mind was blank. That is, until this beautiful creation fell into my inbox...a coveted Lauren Merkin clutch, on sale almost 80% off at Neimans. Sequins and the nude color I'm craving for the Spring that won't seem to come? Yes please, I'll take it.

And you know what? I feel better already. Thank you Lauren Merkin, for making such beautiful arm candy. You literally have made my not-so-much snow day a bit brighter.

Day 1191

Day 10 of Wonderful: Hot Chocolate



Make no mistake, this is not a lame attempt at a post because I can't come up with anything else. Hot chocolate has been my savior in this stir crazy driven house. It instantly makes the kids happy, which instantly makes me happy. A simple decadence I rarely indulge in anymore...I'm more of a hot tea girl these days. But this mug you see was my first of it this season, and I must say, there is still nothing better that a big mug of hot chocolate, with marshmallows...especially after spending time outside in a blizzard. Yummy and wonderful.

It's Official...

Snowfall for the 2009-1010 Winter season in Washington has been record breaking, and now it is officially the most snowfall ever. As of this afternoon, an additional 10 inches had fallen in the city, pushing the seasonal total to over 55 inches of snow, which beats the previous season with the most snowfall on record, 1898-1899.

Anyway, all our hard work yesterday was a wasted effort...these are from about 7:30 PM today, after shoveling once again, and the snow still coming down.



This would be the Suburban...



Yeah...not a chance I'm getting to work tomorrow. Snow plows in DC were told to cease before lunch today because there was a whiteout...trucks were breaking and/or getting stuck in the snow. So basically, the entire city has not been plowed in at least 12 hours.







Who wants to sweep me away for a beach vacation when the airports reopen?

And the Blizzards Keep on Coming...

10:30 AM, Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Good thing I spent two hours yesterday shoveling the snow off the street, the sidewalks and the walkways, huh?





Schools cancelled for the week, I've been out from work since Friday at noon...never in my life have I seen this much snow. It's an Urban Winter Wonderland, and it's gorgeous. Crippling, but gorgeous.

Day 1190

Day 9 of Wonderful: Zoolander



I apologize for being a day late...I accidentally fell asleep before posting this last night.

What can I say...Zoolander is one of my all time favorite movies. It is so ridiculously stupid, and I love it. I can quote the entire movie and still laugh out loud at its idiocy...but it is such a guilty pleasure for me.

My aunt and uncle are both out of town this week, so I'm staying with the kids. Yesterday, Valeri and I decided to get out of the house while the snow was at bay and run a few errands. We went to my house first to pick up a few things...Scrabble, some clothes and some movies, and she discovered Zoolander...the VHS. Yes, that's how long I've carried it with me. So we went off to Target so I could finally upgrade to the DVD, and topped it off with some popcorn and hot chocolate to get ready to get snowed in all over again last night.

And boy did we ever. Wow, you should see how hard the snow is falling out my window right now. I feel a little stupid shoveling snow for two hours yesterday (although it's a great upper body workout), because it looks like I'm going to have to do it all over again tonight, once the snow stops again, in order to get to work tomorrow. They say another 2 feet is going to fall before tonight...I say it's quickly piling up to reach that.

Day 1189

Day 8 of Wonderful: New Lingerie



Today I was out with my aunt taking a driving lesson in the snow, and we accidentally took a detour to the mall to pick up a few essentials. Once there, we then accidentally took a detour to the lingerie department to see what we could find. Both of us came out successful.

It doesn't matter if no one even sees it but you...there's honestly nothing better than a new piece of lingerie to make a woman feel amazing. Except maybe when someone does see you in it and reminds you of just how amazing you are.

I'm a strong believer that what is underneath is just as important as your outerwear. Because when you feel sexy, strong and confident with what you're in, the whole world sees it. And then you not only feel it, you become that sexy, strong and confident woman. That's at least my excuse for new lingerie. Well, that and being reminded how amazing I am.

Snow-diculous

So, another 10-20 inches is forecasted to come down starting tomorrow afternoon...are you f-ing kidding me?!?! I just got finished today shoveling my car out the mountain of snow it was covered in, with the aid of my two little helpers.

Day 1188

Day 7 of Wonderful: New Orleans Saints



I love football. There is really nothing better than a comeback story and a come-from-behind win. And this year, the New Orleans Saints really was America's team. Congratulations on becoming the 2010 Super Bowl Champions! That win, it was nothing short of spectacular.

Sports have always been a part of my life. Not just swimming, but all sports. My dad didn't have any boys, and I guess being the oldest of three daughters, he taught me all there was to know about sports. And I was always enthused and eager to learn. It was our thing, watching games together, reading the Sports section in the paper each morning. Even when I was a very hard-to-reach teenager or off living my life in college, dad and I could still fall back on talking about the sport of the season.

We didn't have ALL of the same favorite teams though...he was a Cleveland Browns fan. I took after my mom's side of the family and cheered on the Steelers. At least we both had the Cowboys as our second favorite...Emmit Smith was our mutual favorite player.

Today I thought about dad a lot. I looked at old pictures and hung some of his articles on the wall, and got such a sense of pride, happiness and yet a longing sense of emotion for how much I missed him today. He would have loved this comeback story...fighting to win more for than just for personal glory or money or fame. They fought for the pride of New Orleans and the hope and inspiration of its people. Dad would have loved to see this game.

Yet Another Update

Um yeah, that would be my car...



And 45 minutes later, my fingers and toes went numb, so this is all the shoveling I could do...



The Federal Government is closed tomorrow, so hopefully I can dig my car completely out in time to get to work on Tuesday. If only I had a handyman here with me, this blizzard weekend would have been complete!

Day 1187

Day 6 of Wonderful: Bright Star



What better way to spend a snow day alone in February than by cozying up on the couch to watch a beautiful biography on the love story of the poet John Keats and his muse, Fanny Brawne? That is "Bright Star", a heartbreaking and delightful period piece with gorgeous cinematography which makes me yearn for Spring even more.

Keats and Fanny had a three-year love affair-turn engagement, much of which was long distance, so they kept in touch by writing beautiful love letters to one another. On Keats' deathbed, he had all letters written to him by Fanny burned, so they can be kept with him and only him. How romantic. But the letters Keats wrote to Fanny remained today, adding to his extraordinary but short-lived body of work.

My love has made me selfish. I cannot exist without you - I am forgetful of every thing but seeing you again - my Life seems to stop there - I see no further. You have absorb'd me. I have a sensation at the present moment as though I was dissolving - I should be exquisitely miserable without the hope of soon seeing you. [...] I have been astonished that Men could die Martyrs for religion - I have shudder'd at it - I shudder no more - I could be martyr'd for my Religion - Love is my religion - I could die for that - I could die for you. (Letter, 13 October 1819).

Now, how is that for romantic? Le sigh.

Update #2

3:00 PM, Saturday...



Can you spot the cars buried below? Luckily mine isn't parked beneath the mammoth tree outside my window.

Snowpocalypse DC Update

This is the view I woke up to this morning:



The "Wonderful" post will come later today, but for now, here's a Snowfall of the Century update.

Already a foot of snow has reportedly fallen, and at 8:45 AM, we still have about 13 hours of snow still to fall. You can't really tell from the picture, but the snow is still coming down at a rapid rate, but you can at least see how high the snow has gotten...the cars will be buried by the end of the day!



More pictures to come, so check back later!

Day 1186

Day 5 of Wonderful: Hunter Boots



If you all had any idea how long and hard I searched for these babies, you would understand my deep, unwavering love for these Wonderboots. They're pretty much sold out in my size everywhere they're sold in the whole country, except in hunter green (a color which I really, really did not want to buy). But by some divine intervention, after the third time I checked zappos.com, there they were, one of two left in my size in black. Lord Almighty, thank you!

Why are these boots so wonderful? Because they are the ultimate in rain boots, but the extra fleece lining makes them all-weather beauties. They are stylish, yet versatile, and wearable from Fall thru Winter to Spring...making them a must have essential in any woman's wardrobe. And hey, if I'm buying Wellies from anyone, it's going to be the British...some things they just know how to make.

But the best part...they arrived today, just before the snow started falling. Perfect timing. How wonderful are my new boots?

Day 1185

Day 4 of Wonderful: The Insanity Before the Storm

So yes, Washington is preparing for a big snowstorm beginning tomorrow. I realize that in Little Rock, when they say a snowflake might fall, the grocery stores are totally cleared out. But here...phff, snow schmow. Or so I thought...



Behold the empty shelves of Whole Foods, circa 8:45 PM today.

Are you freaking kidding me? And why is this so wonderful? Because I find it freaking hilarious! I mean, people were running frantic through the aisles, workers were passing hot loaves of fresh baguettes throughout the store because there was nothing left in the bakery and the only thing they were really worried about restocking was the booze aisles. Freaking hilarious! Somedays, a great laugh at the frantic ways of others is just what I need. Seeing this today...wonderful!

Day 1184

Day 3 of Wonderful: Hot Yoga



No, I'm not the skinny, sweaty, perfectly posed, curly-headed one up front...but I'm working on it. I'm not sure why I ever took such a long hiatus from yoga, but I'm making a promise to myself not to do that again. I love yoga, and even more, I love Hot Yoga. Otherwise known as Bikram Yoga, it utilizes a rapid succession of postures practiced in a room at a temperature of about 100 degrees. This helps work your body into even deeper stretches and when meditating, much deeper relaxation.

But the best thing about it...it make me feel so good.