Happy Halloween, friends! Hope you had a great day. As adults, how do you spend the holiday now — by dressing in costume and going out, or by greeting trick or treaters? Any favorite Halloween memories?
October 31, 2007
October 29, 2007
It’s A Girl!
She’s here! Congratulations to Caroline and John, who welcomed Avery Emerson to the world Thursday night. Avery is perfect at 7 pounds, 13 ounces, and 20 3/4 inches long. Mom, dad and baby are doing great.
And here is a picture of my gorgeous goddaughter:
Welcome to the world, Avery — we already love you so much!
It’s Almost Time…
It’s almost Halloween, and you know what that means: it’s time for the High Heel Drag Races in Dupont Circle! For some reason, I couldn’t find details online about this year’s race. However, if it holds true to previous races, it will start around 9 p.m. at 17th Street, between P and R.
I’d like to wish the “ladies” luck, because I’ve done my share of running in stilletos. You go, girls.
October 28, 2007
N-a-s-t-y
Ever wonder if something is clean and just have a bad feeling it’s not? Well, here’s something to reinforce your worst fears! Health Magazine has just put out a list of the 12 Germiest Places in America. You can read the list here.
October 23, 2007
You Keep Walking
I had an odd moment of weakness today. Background:
- I spent half of the day working crisis communications related to the wild fires in San Diego. Between the size of the problem and the sheer sadness of the situation, I found myself completely spent by the time I left for school…late, of course and understandably, because of the work we needed to do.
- It’s the middle of the semester, which means that everything and its cousin are due. Going to bed at 3 a.m. and waking up at 6 a.m. to finish assignments has become a regular practice.
- Other stuff.
(Quick reality check: people have it worse, so take my whining with a grain of salt. See item 1.)
So the thing is, I’m exhausted. And as I wobbled home from class on my 3-inch heels a few minutes ago, I almost stopped because it just seemed too hard to keep going. I wanted to say, screw it, this square of sidewalk looks good; maybe I’ll just sleep here tonight. And maybe I don’t want to go to school anymore. And maybe I should just sell smoothies by the beach: I love smoothies, and I’d always be tan.
But of course I kept walking because I’m known as Safetysaurus, and it’s not really safe to sleep on the sidewalk. And I’ve worked really hard on this degree, so why would I stop now? And I love my job, plus I’m not supposed to be in the sun anyway.
And before I knew it, I was home. That’s the thing about taking life one step at a time: you keep walking, and eventually you realize that you are where you need to be.
Have you ever wanted to sleep on the sidewalk square and, if so, what kept you walking?
October 19, 2007
Joy
I’ve been thinking about joy a great deal these days. Life gets so busy and so complicated sometimes, but it seems that it’s always bookended by something joyful. Maybe that something is simple, common. Maybe it’s elaborate, to be saved for a special occasion.
Coming home from class Tuesday, I heard a commotion at the corner of Connecticut Ave. and 19th St., by the Dupont Circle Metro. The commotion was a 20-piece jazz band called the Madison Livelystones – a collection of retired men, recent college grads, blue-collar workers. I’d heard this band practice before, tooting their way through summer nights. It was often too hot to linger and hear them play, so I’d keep moving to make my train.
But Tuesday was one of those perfect fall nights when I wanted to linger. When the train seemed much less important than being in the moment. And watching the Livelystones, I could hear their joy; it punctuated the air with each note. Actually, the looks on the players’ faces were pretty joyful, too.
And before I knew it, people were dancing. Some were Carlton-like in their moves. Some were, shall we say, dirty dancing. And some, my friends, were getting down.
The great thing about nights like that one: everyone who stopped to listen and enjoy the cool air will think back and feel at least a sliver of the joy they experienced then. Joy, it seems, endures.
What brings you joy these days?
October 16, 2007
Sweet Deal
Have you heard about Cupcakes for a Cause? It’s a huge cupcake bake sale taking place across the country Oct. 15-21 to benefit CancerCare for Kids. Find a bakery near you, and get eating!
October 14, 2007
The Simple Things
I took Daisy for a ride today — a special treat I promised her earlier. She had the biggest doggy grin on her face, and there was that perfect fall sunlight coming through the passenger window. It just lit up her pink little ears and the crazy fur around them. I felt very loveful of her, and it occured to me that we were both taking in some of life’s simple pleasures. For Daisy: a ride in the car. For me: dog joy.
What simple pleasures have you enjoyed lately?
October 11, 2007
F-a-l-l
Yesterday, it was 80 degrees. Today, it’s 60 degrees. We’ve gone from tank tops to fleece jackets in a matter of hours.
I love the fall, and I am so excited.
There are mums and daisies all over my apartment. Pumpkin centerpieces on all of the tables. And cashmere scarves out of their hiding place and ready for action.
Did I mention I love the fall?
What is your favorite season, and why?
