Summer in America

Happy first day of summer! This day could have not have come sooner. But like John Steinbeck says, "What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness."

This past weekend I went to Baltimore Harbor for the bicentennial celebration of the War of 1812. The U.S. Navy Blue angels were there, and they even had a really cool sand castle competition.



Being gone all last year, and missing a real summer has truly made me grateful for this missed season. This summer I will do all things American. I'll bake an apple pie, go to as many baseball games and country concerts as I can. I'll even wear my jorts proudly as I watch fireworks on the 4th of July.

I'm so thankful to be home, and I'm so thankful for those service members that are overseas right now still serving. Still fighting. Thank you all for your service, and I assure you that there will be a deck chair and a cocktail waiting for you when you return.

Exorcist stair WOD

In 1973, an absolutley horrible, yet iconic, movie was filmed here in DC, specifically in Georgetown. The Exorcist features among many things a dramatic final scene where the young priest throws himself out the window and down a trecherous staircase killing himself and the demon.

Today I threw myself down these same stairs. Okay. Okay. That may be a little dramatic. I actually am part of this workout cult... err group, and we enjoy torturing ourselves, testing our limits and living in a positive manner towards a healthier lifestyle. I'm a Crossfitter. To Grandma Chardonnay's dismay, I have brought my fanatical ways back to America, and continue to do "WOD"s two or three times a week. And now I can eat cupcakes with reckless abandon, and not gain a pound. Okay, that's a lie.

So during my lunch break, I ventured over to Georgetown and we did the following WOD. Behold, the Crossfit Rosslyn Exorcist stair WOD™:

Exorcist Stairs WOD (30min limit)

One single step ascend
8 Squats
One double step ascend
4 Squats
... One bunny hop ascend (single or double step)
2 Squats

One single step ascend
8 Squats
One double step ascend
4 Squats
One bunny hop ascend (single or double step)
2 Squats

One single step ascend
8 Squats
One double step ascend
4 Squats
One bunny hop ascend (single or double step)
2 Squats

10 HSPU
10 K2E
10 Burpees
One ascend (any style)

For time

So as you can see... this KILLED me.



In usual Crossfit fashion, the team was supportive and cheered each other on. That's what I love about Crossfit. It's not just a workout. It's a community, and for some a lifestyle. I just can't get enough.

Happy Birthday Army!

Today was the U.S. Army's 237th Birthday, and it was such a cool experience seeing it all from the outside. After working for the Army for more than four years, this was my first year in a new industry, and seeing the biggest event I have worked on for four years from a different perspective. I just have to share the coolest part about the day: Georgetown Cupcakes came to the Pentagon and created a tank birthday cake! I loved seeing all of the photos from the events today at the Pentagon. Was it bittersweet? Yes. Was I even maybe a tad jealous? Yes. Every job has it's perks, and the Army Birthday, as much hard work as it was, was always a lot of fun. Also, I saw that the Nationals' Presidents did their run around the courtyard! My oly question is what is Thomas Jeffereson doing under that tree? This is no time for a nap! So not only is it the Army's birthday, but also my "half" birthday. You can celebrate those, right? As I look at the twilight of my twenties, I have to wonder, "What is next?" Grad school? A revamp of my blog? You can bet your biscuits! the next six months should be interesting, and I intend on enjoying every minute! :D

Hoarders: Buried Alive--- the cubicle edition

Is it me or do Hoarding shows make you want to Lysol your whole house? I found myself watching a complete marathon on New Year's Day followed by a complete reorganization and trash collecting of my closet. I can't relate with these folks as I am not a fan of keeping things around. I'm constantly going through old boxes and my closet getting rid of things I don't need. I just don't think I'll ever have that sort of problem. Although I really do feel bad for those attached to trash, I'm thankful I don't see the need to keep things around. Ironically, when I returned to my beloved cube this morning it looked like the below. Agh! I of course moved it to my cube-mate's area, and the problem was solved. Happy New Year!

Girl vs. Squash

Today I learned a valuable lesson about squash. You may think that squash is an innocent vegetable, rich with nutrients, and versatile enough to use in a wide range of ways. I learned that a squash is delicious yet ruthless. Beware of the squash. I like my fingers. They help me do useful things like open doors, play the piano (ya right), eat sandwiches. I would appreciate keeping them, but my first squash conquest, the acorn variety, had a different idea. Have you ever tried to cut an acorn squash?? Let me tell you. NOT EASY. You need an insanely sharp knife, a towel, knowledge of which way to cut and patience. Unfortunately I did not have three of those four things. I had a towel, people. That is all. Once I finally, narrowly keeping all of my digits, cut the thing open, it was easy as pie. Loaded it with brown sugar and butter, and popped that baby in the oven. In 45 minutes, I had two meals worth of squash, and two cat helmets... Okay, that's wrong, but seriously, they were perfect size for a cat! If you'd like to try an acorn squash, I'd humbly suggest using the following recipe: Cut squash in half, and scoop out the "guts" fill cavities generously with brown sugar, butter and salt and pepper Cook 45 min on 350 or until fully cooked through Too easy! Except for the cutting part. You are on your own!

Where did I go!?

You may be asking, "Where did she go?" Or you may not care... either way, I have an answer. I am currently deployed, and working for United States Force-Iraq! I will be blogging on a personal blog until I return. If you would like access to my private blog, email me or find me on Facebook. I'd love to have you join me there! Take care until I see you again in DC!

2010 Top Ten

It seems fitting that 2010 should have a top ten. So here are my top ten trends that I embraced for 2010...

10.Skinny Girl Margarita
While this delightful, guilt free summer drink was around before 2010, and I've been making them since Season One of the Real Housewives of NYC, I am very happy that I am now able to find them easily alongside my other favorite mixed cocktails. It just so much easier to pour out of the bottle than guess my way through a homemade version.

9. The Hunger Games Series
I guess I should throw in the towel, and admit that I have been reading a series meant for high school girls. I would like to take this moment to declare this series the next Harry Potter/Twilight. Not that they are about wizards or vampires, but they are YA novels that get the older generation hooked. And I'm SURE that when they make them into movies, the cast will be just as hot as Twilight. So when this is the next big thing, I have the blog to prove that "I told you so." Read them...now!

8. Skinny jeans
I know. I know. Lindsay Lohan was totally wearing these three years ago. I held out as long as I could, but now I am obsessed. They go with anything, and I don't know how I ever wore boots before!

7. Taco Tuesday
This is a tradition my roomie and I have. There's nothing like having one night a week where you know what you're going to have for dinner. And there's nothing more fun or interactive than tacos. Everyone helps and everyone enjoys!

6. Spin Class and other group fitness
I have found the secret to staying in shape, and it is people yelling at me! Spin, circuit training, and most recently Bikram yoga. I love the variety, and I love having that extra motivation provided by the company of complete strangers!

5. Show stopping shoes
I consider myself the girl next door, which pretty much means I am hopeless at putting together a whole outfit. This year I found that as long as you have an adorable pair of shoes, you can get away with jeans and t-shirts pretty much every night of the week!

4. Mad Men
O Don Draper... just your ambitious, womanizing ways! I just caught up with this series, and can't wait for the new season.

3. Group On/Living Social
You've gotta love a deal! I know I do. For months I have been getting up first thing, and checking for the deal of the day on Group On and Living Social. Just type in your location, and they'll send a deal to your phone everyday! Most deals are around 50 percent off, and can include anything from Thai food to indoor rock climbing. I've had a blast trying out DC food and activities on a budget.

2. Real Simple
This magazine is AMAZING! I can not live without it. I feel like I am a housewife in training. Easy recipes, do it yourself tricks, party planning and more. I can have the worst day ever, and come home to find this gem in my mailbox, and forget about it all. I've even started a collection of my favorite easy recipes. Now I recommend a subscription for all my friends!

1. Big Hair
I have embraced DC hair, and it is BIG. This easy hairstyle has changed my outlook, and makes it so easy to give my mood a little "boost". Big hair is number one in my 2010 book.

So what made your favorites list for 2010?

Ohio State players dissapoint

Yesterday afternoon five Ohio State players were suspended for five games in the upcoming2011 season. These young men were caught selling Ohio State memorabilia including their gold pants given to OSU players after beating Michigan, and Championship rings. They were allegedly given free tattoos for selling the hearts and spirit of those they are supposed to be playing for. Although these players have proved themselves physically on the field, they seem to have come up short of integrity off the field.

As someone who has seen the dedication and motivation that the coaching staff puts forth to these players in an effort to shape them into a championship worthy team, I am appalled that these players have taken this for granted. It is such a shame that 95 percent of the team has the sensibility to do the right thing, and a few bad eggs can bring such shame to a football program based on pride, integrity and the Buckeye spirit.

I hope these players learned a lesson. Be thankful for the opportunities you are given, and never take for granted the coaches and fans that support you.

Go Bucks.

The Newseum

Unfortunately I have not been to many museums here in DC, but recently I got to visit THE museum I was really looking forward to seeing. The Newseum is the Museum of media, and is located conveniently on the Yellow Line right next door to the Canadian Embassy. Sing with me! "O Canada..." My favorite part of this museum was the section dedicated to those affected by Sept. 11, 2001. There were newspaper front pages from papers all over the world on that day, a dedication to a freelance photographer who died that day, and a video featuring media who were there as the World Trade Center was collapsing around them. I was truly touched by the honesty and sincerity of this exhibit. The Newseum also includes Pulitzer prize winning photographs, newspaper front pages from hundreds of years ago and artifacts from some of the most notorious American crimes in history including the Unibomber's cabin and mobster memorabilia.
This museum is a must see for any media buff... and for those who get their news only from Perez and E! News.

We enjoyed goofing around out front where they feature a different front page everyday from a select city in EVERY state. See New Hampshire here!

And you must check out the view from the patio on top of the museum. Beautiful!

Five things I love about birthdays

People seem to cringe at the word "birthday" as they get older. As a woman in my mid-twenties creeping up on thirty I cannot disagree more. I still love birthdays. Am I one of those girls who has a birthday week? Umm no. But I do enjoy the fact that I feel special for a day and people give me gifts adorned with sprinkles and bows. Here are 5 things I love about birthdays, not necessarily my own:

1. EATING
Why would this not make the list!? I love going out to eat, and specifically getting to chose where I go out to eat. What's that? You don't like sushi? Too bad! It's my birthday. Sashimi for everyone!

2. USING THE BIRTHDAY EXCUSE TO GET OUT OF TROUBLE
I've gotten out of a lot of trouble over the years by simply stating these words: "But it's my birthday." This includes two parking tickets, a speeding ticket and a long line for the bathroom at a sporting event. With a sad face added in this is a surefire way to get your way.

3. MORE THAN ONE COCKTAIL ON A SCHOOL NIGHT
What are the odds of your birthday being on a weekend? I'm horrible at math, but I'm pretty sure you only get a birthday on a weekend once every seven or eight years. This means that the chances your birthday dinner will be on a school night are pretty good. This also means that you will most likely have a designated driver and a reason for an extra glass of wine. You deserve it. Those last 365 days of breathing were such an accomplishment!

4. BIRTHDAY CARDS
I love birthday cards. They can be funny or serious, but the important thing is you can tell a lot about someone from what card they pick out. I save them every year, and love looking back at them every year. I just love to line them up for a couple weeks on my counter and let them be a decoration until the Christmas cards take over.

5. AND MOST OF ALL... FRIENDS AND FAMILY
I didn't get to be home this year for my birthday, but it was so nice to be around good friends. I think I saw this in a Lifetime Movie: "Friends are the family you choose yourself." It is so true. I can't wait to reciprocate on their birthdays :)

Cake or small fire?? You decide.