Day 1427

Hard to believe it, but it's October. The temperatures have finally dropped in Washington (I even got to pull out my beloved North Face jacket this morning!), and the Senate has recessed for the next six weeks to go home and campaign. Change is in the air, and you know how much I love/need a bit of change in the air to get my motivation going again!

This weekend, I began Project Projects at my house, beginning with a serious deep clean of my closets. My sister Marissa is coming to live with me in January for three months, so I figured I should take advantage of my new found energy and extra time now to start getting ready for her. Which for this weekend meant making space in my home.

It really is amazing how much stuff I have held onto over the years. College t-shirts, many old Christmas/Halloween/theme party costumes, my high school Homecoming Court dress. Seriously. Thing is, bit by bit I am slowly starting to get rid of the old, but I just can't rip the band-aid off and toss it all out. So baby steps it is, but at least there is less of the old still hanging around.

Also on my list for Project Projects is art, lots of art. Framing some of my work, creating new pieces, and reorganizing what I have. I also have a great idea for all my piles of jewelry around my bedroom that I hope to show you in the next few weeks.

I am also trying to get back into yoga...my work schedule has kept me away from the studio for a few months now...and I am also going to strive to start cooking most of my meals. I've been a lot better about making my breakfast and lunch and taking them to work, but my dinners are somewhat shameful. If I'm not out to eat with someone, I pretty much eat whatever I can grab or heat up quickly. Which means my dinners sometimes consist of a can of Lima beans, or string cheese and popcorn. Not good, but I figure with all this time on my hands the next two months, I can start cooking healthy meals much more.

Lastly, I really want to try to start writing more. With all this time on my hands, I have no excuse, right? Don't you just love when I get into these motivation spurts? Let's see how long I can hang on this time!

Day 1227

Still been busy, and trying to rest up and heal, which is working, becuase I am feeling much, much better. Turns out I had a sinus infection on top of my allergies, so it's taking awhile for me to shake this.

Besides that, I think I'm going to go offline for a bit...I need some time to figure out some things. I'll be back, just need to not be so public right now in my thoughts. Until then, Happy Spring everyone!

Day 1223

Still sick, ugh, but heading to the doctor in the morning to figure out 1) why I keep getting (and staying) sick for so long and 2) what we're going to do about it. Meanwhile, I've been liquored up on water, green tea, DayQuil and NyQuil for the past few days now and for some reason during my diet of that and not a whole lot else have managed to gain a few pounds this week. Boo.

Yesterday, though, I did manage to quit sneezing/blowing my nose long enough to wash practically everything in my condo. Hopefully that will help rid this place of some of the sickness.

Today, during the five hours I was actually fully awake, I finally watched The Hurt Locker. Um, wow. Rightfully deserving of the Academy Award for Best Picture. It was amazing, very intense, and left me thinking a lot about my perspective on things. Just as any great movie should.



I highly advise you all to see this if you haven't yet.

And now, at 7:45 PM I'm once again off to bed. I swear, I feel just like I have mono all over again. Not my best, that's for sure.

Day 1221

Still sick. Boo! It's 7:45 PM on a Friday night and I'm thrilled to say I'm off to bed. Goodnight moon. Hello Tylenol PM dreams.

Day 1218

I had a fabulous, fabulous weekend in the sun. The weather was in the 50s, something we haven't seen in Washington for at least 4 months. Friday night I went to eat sushi and then meet up with a bunch of friends for dancing and drinks. Saturday I went to see one of my favorites, Pat Green, play at the 9:30 Club, then out for a few cocktails afterward. And then Sunday, the most beautiful day of the weekend, I had brunch with a few friends from Little Rock, and then we met up with a few more Arkansans to play tourist. What a great weekend with friends!



Look guys, no coats!

Unfortunately, yesterday, I wasn't feeling my best, and today I woke up feeling way worse. My throat was so swollen I can barely swallow, and although I don't have strep (thank God), something just doesn't feel right. My chest hurts too, but hopefully it's just a brief chest cold and will be gone soon. I spent the day in bed, drinking tons of water and orange juice, and resting up to heal quickly. Hopefully I'll wake up tomorrow good as new, and stay healthy so I can enjoy spending another beautiful weekend outdoors.

Day 1217

So I had to go ahead and take the week off...it was a busy, busy week last week with work, my fundraiser, birthdays and lots of play on the weekend. Good, but busy. So sorry I missed posting last week. Tonight was another busy day/night too with more meetings after work. I'm beat, but I promise to try to get back to it in the next few days!

Day 1061

Hooray! Internet is back up and kicking, just in time for me to abandon you for the weekend, which will consist of playing temporary soccer mom tomorrow morning, followed by college game day, followed by what I hope to be a Hog win, followed by a Sunday full of finishing up some house errands and hopefully working a bit more on my Halloween costume.

Busy weekend, which is why I am taking the night off and hitting the biscuit a bit early. Happy weekend everyone.

Day 1057

Internet is down and I can't get the repairman out until Friday. Boo hiss. Guess you'll have to survive another week with me, as I'm on a stealth-like mission to post this quick update from work today. You'll hear from me again come October...this chilly Monday morning felt like October was already here. Wow, this year has really flown on by.

Day 1039

Over a week later. The walls are (mostly) painted, my belongings are in, the furniture is put together...and that's about it. Still living amongst stacks and stacks boxes. It's been a long week, and going to be a long weekend of trying to get this all put together. But the good news is it is looking fabulous! I'll go ahead and save the pictures until it's all done. Sorry, but don't want to ruin ths built up anticipation by showing off half-assed work. Just keep holding and hopefully you'll be as please with the results as I am!

Day 1031

The paint is bought, the brushes are cleaned, the keys are in hand and now the work begins! Mom and Lindann got in town yesterday and as soon as I'm done with work I am heading to my place today to get painting...mom is starting on the ceilings without me. Hopefully by Friday we will be getting the finishing touches done so moving in on Saturday will be a breeze. Fingers crossed...I have a feeling this is going to be a long week. Stay tuned for progress pictures!

Day 1025

Chandeliers? Check.





Fabulous Zebra print rug found on major sale? Check.



So no mirrored console table, but hey, a girl's got to stick to a bit of a budget, right? Two out of three ain't too bad.

A visit by my mom and sister to Cynthia East Fabrics back in LR has made us rethink some of my color choices, particularly for the kitchen and the living room/dining room, but I'll leave that a surprise until we get everything finished next week. So I'm feeling pretty good about getting in there and started next week. I still need to pick up a few small items, but that will wait until we get painted and moved in. I need to get accurate measurements before I go too crazy with my Visa.

Tomorrow I'm off to Charlotte to visit a good friend I haven't seen in some time. And bonus, I get to love on her sweet little dumpling, 8-month old baby girl all weekend long! So excited! Fingers crossed that Hurricane Danny doesn't make my weekend drive too unpleasant...he's supposed to hit the Carolina Coast sometime this weekend. Oh well, it should be a fun, relaxing weekend either way.

Day 1012

So a lot has been going on in the three weeks since I've posted. Judge Sotomayor was confirmed by the Senate as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. In that work period, the Senate also passed a number of bills that were tough to get through--meaning many long nights for myself and my coworkers.

I also caught up with old friends, and celebrated the last weekend of a very dear friend who moved from Washington to Arkansas. Two friends moved away this summer...seems like a chapter has closed.

But a new one is beginning. All week I've been in Little Rock, and after a quick trip to the lake for a wedding, have been catching up with all my very best of friends in Arkansas. I've met new babies, toasted future ones and mourned the loss of one whom I still can't believe isn't with us. The morning I spent at my dear friend's house was so nice, so peaceful and gave me so much hope and strength, set by her example, that trusting in God is the only way. The time I spent with all my friends this week has made me see just how special each and everyone in my life is, and how truly blessed we all are, no matter what the circumstances.

On top of that I have been finalizing paperwork and getting everything ready to close on my condo on Monday. I can't even believe that in just 3 days, I will own a home of my own. Mom, Marissa and I have also been running around looking for last minute ideas on color, furniture, rugs, fabric, etc. I must say, I think when we finally get this all fixed up and moved in, it is going to look fabulous.

So with all the running around and work load and stress about getting to closing, I have come down with some sort of ugly, energy-draining sickness. Again. Tomorrow I'm going to get a massage...hopefully that will help some...but I really feel like I have mono all over again. I can't move, I'm so tired and my throat couldn't hurt more. Why oh why does this always sneak up on me at the worst times? My body is obviously telling me to figure out my stress. Guess I should start listening. At least I have a few more weeks of August recess to do just that.

Day 989

Last week was really busy with the Sotomayor confirmation hearing. The days were long and then even longer. The cool thing was being on the cover of The New York Times twice in one week. Let me clarify, I was strictly in the background, but hey...still cool, right?

Friday I flew to Fayetteville, AR for the wedding of one of my good friends from college. It was a blast and she was the most beautiful bride I have ever seen. I'll post pictures when I get them. It had been about 4 years since I had been in Fayetteville last, and boy, a lot has changed. But it was so great seeing all my girls again and meeting some of their kiddos that I haven't met yet.

Today I am at home sick with a summer cold. Ugh, I do NOT feel well today at all. I've already taken in two naps and about 800 calories of OJ, trying to get myself back on track again. I really need to be packing right now, but just feel awful. Like most things in my life...not the best timing, huh?

I thought since my camera's been down and I haven't posted any pictures that I would post some I just got from my friends' Shelley and Mike's wedding in Detroit a few weeks back. Lots of fun with my favorite DC girls.

Day 966

This post is a bit of an oxymoron...a tragedy, a celebration and a frustrating process with no end just yet. The last five days have been a complete realm of emotions for me, and to say the least, I am just completely worn out from it all.

First, I still ask for you prayers regarding my dear friends who lost their baby girl last week. Today was her Memorial Service and burial. This is really just breaking me heart and I just hope that they can feel the prayers that are sent their way. It's a bit tough for me to express just how much this hurts me for them, so please, just pray for strength and healing and to know just how much love is with them. If you'd like to leave a message or say a special prayer for my dear friends, you can click on the link to go to Sarah's website, Sarah Bussey Photography, or go to: www.sarahbusseyphotography.com/journal

As for the new home, everything seems to be progressing along at a slow pace. Today I had the inspection and there was nothing at all major to worry about, so that is a good thing checked off the list. The only thing that is worrying me is the financing...it's just pretty tough getting a loan right now, rightfully so, and now I'm having to come up with a lot more money down than I originally thought. Please keep your fingers crossed that this will all work out for me smoothly...it is seriously stressing me out, even though with everything going on with my friends right now, I know that to be stressed about this is so ridiculous compared to what could be.

Lastly, the good news, and I just thought I'd share a few photos from the weekend. I was in Detroit for the wedding of two very dear friends living with me here in Washington, and it couldn't have been more fun or beautiful. Congratulations again Shelley and Mike. I am so happy that I was able to share in your special celebration.



The Southern girls from Washington at the rehearsal dinner



Arkansas girls at the wedding reception

Day 962

An update from the sister of my dear friend:

Mamie was born at 3:15 a.m Thursday, June the 25th. She weighed 5lbs.11oz. and was 18 inches long. She was beautiful and perfect with a little bit of brown curly hair and brown eyes like her mama. Sarah and Taylor are grieving this deep loss and Sarah is yearning for her child. We ask that you please continue to pray for their strength. We all feel your prayers. Thank you for them. The Lord is here with us. We will update you as we know more. Reverend Andrea Allen is blessing Mamie this morning. There will be a funeral service, but details are not known at this time. Thank you so much for your prayers and support. Our Lord is good.

Love,
Britney and both Families

Please continue to pray for them...words cannot express my heartbreak for them right now. So, so horrible. Prayers are definitely needed right now.

Day 961

Prayer request please:

One of my dearest friends is 8 1/2 months pregnant and lost her baby today. She still has to deliver, which could take days, because she was not even dilated yet. I don't even know what to say...this is just too heartbreaking for words. Please, please if you read this pray for my dear friend, her husband and their precious baby girl who left us today, even before we got to see her beautiful face. I know the amount of pain you feel for loosing someone you love, but what happened today...I just can't even begin to imagine their loss.

I love you so much dear friend, and I am sending prayers of strength as you endure this labor and healing as you mourn what should be the most joyful day. So many prayers are lifted up for you and your sweet baby girl right now.

Day 953

Put in an offer tonight...whoa. Sort of freaking out. Really freaking out. And I've been stressing for the past few weeks about this, crunching numbers trying to get this all right. Now I just need to forget about it and get some sleep tonight. Tough chance. Fingers crossed that tomorrow will bring good news!

Day 935

Very good news today...I got approved for a mortgage loan! Now all I have to do is find a condo in a safe area that is affordable enough (read: at a bargain basement price) to purchase. One obstacle down, another to go.

A year ago at this time I had already found my current basement apartment, although I didn't move in until the end of July. Browsing back through my thoughts and words a year ago...wow. It's pretty amazing to see the changes I have made in just one years time.

If I do find a place and move, it will be my fifth home in Washington since I've been here. Five in five years, although this is my sixth summer in Washington. Believe it or not, I hate to move, but I always get excited for the change it brings. A new adventure. Time to settle down now though. Guess I'm looking for a bit more stability in my life.

Honestly, my favorite part of a move is the creativity I get to express. I visualize the rooms, the ways I can arrange furniture, my books, my art. I dig through design magazines and blogs, searching for my next great idea. Added to my "Blogs I Stalk" list are some new favorites. I have a few new ideas I'm keeping to myself for now...the suspense makes the before and afters that much more fun, huh?

Oh yeah, and about that procedure I had on Wednesday. Well, Crone's Disease has been ruled out, but my doc did have to take about 8 biopsies because she found inflammation and redness throughout my colon. Guess it's good to be thorough, but I have to wait a few weeks to find the results. I'll keep you loyal followers posted on the results.

My 7-year-old cousin Jack, boy genius, asked me what was wrong on Wednesday afternoon. I told him I had surgery, and when he asked where, I answered with "my booty." His reply? "Um, did you have lipo Shawna?"

Really?

So I asked, "Jack, do I need lipo?"

Silence.

Guess you shouldn't ask a 7-year-old a question if you don't want to know the truth. But seriously, how does he know what lipo is? His wisdom ceases to amaze me.

Day 932

First the bad news...for some reason, my camera isn't wanting to download any pictures to my computer. Boo. So for now, I have to resort my BlackBerry for pictures. Not the best quality, but it'll do for now.

Which leads to this:



Coldplay! Last Thursday night, outside show...it was INCREDIBLE! Here's a hint: spend the money for the good seats...we sat 4th row, with just the orchestra pit in front of us! Really, it was one of the best shows I've ever seen. No doubt. I was a fan before, but after Thursday's show, I may register right below stalker level. I mean, I would let Chris Martin name my kids Parsnip, Asparagus, Cleopatra, whatever, just if he were to serenade me every evening.

So that was fun.

The next day I packed up after work for a little road trip to West Virginia with my aunt and cousin Jack. It was a great weekend that basically consisted of sitting on my grandparents' front porch, watching the boat float down the river, and planting my grandfather's garden. It's funny that I enjoy things like this so much now. It wasn't too long ago that I wouldn't dare leaving parties to be attended on Memorial Day weekend for a slow weekend in Small Town USA. Now, I'd much rather do the latter. Funny how things change.

Now I'm back in DC, getting ready for my colonoscopy tomorrow morning. Ugh. I ate breakfast about 3 hours ago and can't eat again until tomorrow afternoon. In a few hours I get to start taking my medicine to "cleanse" me. Ugh. Hopefully this will rule out Crone's and other diseases...fingers crossed they find nothing.

Day 924

So I was sitting at the doctor's office this afternoon--a new one, this time an Internist. I went last week because some of my blood work levels were high, so we had to double check some stuff out. He looked at my labs, decided I was fine, then took my blood pressure (because the nurse couldn't get a reading), and it was kind of sky high. Then my pulse...sort of racing. Strange, but of all my dumb issues, hypertension has never been one of them. Never. Actually, it's usually really good.

So I had to come back today to get it checked out.

Today I go in, and he personally takes the tests himself again...although it's not as high as last week, it was still a bit up there. As was my heart rate. Really?!? Now he's all worried and wants to start monitoring me. Seriously, not cool.

Here's the thing though--I think I know why it was elevated. My doctor is hot. Smoking hot, in that smart, nerdy, borderline cocky way that I love. Alas, he's married, so no go there (ever at all!), but I can't help myself from blushing a bit when he walks in the room. To take my blood pressure. And get my heart rate going. Oh geez...maybe I should just go get a second opinion on the matter and get a clean bill of health.