Well, There's Always Hope...

I got the bread!

2012-01-29T22:38:00.000-05:00

Shameless plug for Selah t-shirt. You can find more items like it HERE

I was totally charmed by the bread girls. Per Jon Horne's advice I did not tell them of my creepy obsesssion, nor that I zeroed in on their table by the vegan booth at Farmer's Market, nor that I was SO excited to meet them and had already blogged about them. I must say that Jon was equally charmed by the cute girls with bread-delivery bikes, although (and I cannot blame him) he couldn't quite get over the stinky-stink of a little B.O. that wafted our way during our chat. Hey, they're all natural and they bike a lot. I feel like even Toms of Maine might be too corporate for them. Although, if we're being honest, let's admit that more than one of us has tried Toms lavender-something-or-other deodorant and found it lacking, much to our embarrassment. Or was that just me?

I love my all-natural, vegan bread almost as much as the cute bread bike girls who bake it!

The Hipster Trap

2012-01-28T11:06:00.003-05:00

This guy would stop people in their tracks all over my neighborhood, they'd probably even dismount their vintage 10 speeds for all the loot.

Chris and Amber get credit for finding this gem and sending it over. May 5th!

Bread + Bikes = Big Win

2012-01-27T10:28:00.005-05:00

Yesterday I literally was wondering where I should look to start buying bread that is not processed and sitting on the commissary shelf. (For those of you who do not know what I am talking about, the "commissary" is the grocery store for military people. What is my life? Hilarious.) ANYWAY, just this morning I ran across this blog post and got some exciting news!

Just look at these two cute girls on bikes who bake amazing, healthy bread. I can't wait to meet them tomorrow morning at the Riverside Farmers Market (FRAM)! If it's not raining I plan to ride my bike and park it with the bike valet.

Generational Moments Blog

2012-01-25T10:42:00.000-05:00

Well friends, Jon and I have a new blog where we are cataloging our Generational Moments in marriage. Life is funny and very fun. Follow us HERE. XOXO!

Come On Ride The Train

2012-01-20T09:42:00.002-05:00

I like to get up early with Jon Horne to have breakfast and coffee before he leaves for work. I've learned the Today Show on NBC starts at 7am. This morning around 7:20am I noticed they were starting a story that would have increased my sometimes-fear of flying, so I quickly grabbed the remote and changed the channel. I stumbled upon a 1970's television show with a tall, handsome black man interviewing a then young, doe-eyed Sister Sledge. Curious, head tilted slightly to the right with furrowed brow, "What is this?"

What happened next was awesome. Suddenly the cameras panned to a large stage filled with amazing dancers, all dressed in contrasting outfits: some silly (white unitard with legwarmers, spiked heels, and glittery headband) and some normal (khakis and button down). Disco music started thumping and these people danced like there was no tomorrow. Particularly mesmerizing was the tall gentleman balancing a basketball on his wrist and forearm while moving his body as only a Soul Train dancer could. Soul Train, the television show was Soul Train! Nothing like watching amazing dancers and disco from the comfort of my bathrobe and leather chair at 7am. Nice. I'll take a one-way ticket to anywhere on the Soul Train, thank you very much.

Who put the donk in Badonk? That is my question.

2012-01-06T00:29:00.001-05:00

These are the Dirty Boyz.

This is Erin, rear view.

After Spooner and I exchanged a few pleasantries and woeful Redskins remarks with the Dirty Boyz while walking past them, Jon Horne claims he witnessed one Dirty Boy nudge another, motion to the female passersby and quip, "Check out that badonk."

If this claim is in fact true, Spooner is adamant the aforementioned comment was not aimed at her badonk. And I must concede, I begrudgingly agree with her.

The best part is that Jon Horne's chest puffs with pride each time he tells this story, while I red-faced, try to hide. Well, that not entirely true. He is proud, and though a little embarrassed, I did put it on the internet. I think it's very funny.

Nothing like an idyllic first married Christmas.

2012-01-06T00:19:00.000-05:00

The morning of December 27, 2011 in Virginia Beach came cold, rainy, and too soon. I had an early morning breakfast lined up with a very dear friend, and I was excited about it. "Jon, honey, sorry to wake you. I hate to do this to you, but can you please hop up and move your car out of the driveway so I can take the minivan to meet Michelle?," I cooed in a warm and cozy, nurturing, yet apologetic voice to wake him. I was greeted with an angry grunt and a strong suggestion that I move the car. Preposterous, I thought. "Please Jon?" Again I was kind, but come on - you can crawl right back into bed here, mister. I decided to give him a few minutes to warm to the idea and padded my way to the powder room in the interim. I returned. "Jon, can you please move the car real quick?" Suddenly, his head shot up in protest, "Can we please talk about this?" I quickly became a raging GRUMP and replied tersely, "No. I am late." He practically growled at me as he threw the covers aside and slipped on a fleece + hippy TOMS, per usual. What followed was not pretty. (But it was really funny)

After a near-scuffle in front of 948 Bobolink, a one Erin Horne jerked the white minivan into reverse while yelling out the driver's window, "Oh great attitude, you big baby!" [Threw it into Drive] "Thanks a lot, Jerk!" *Honk* And careened out of Joyce and Glenn's driveway. Turns out the joke was on me. I didn't know there's a glitch with that window. Once it's rolled down, a real effort is required to get the fool thing back into place. It was a cold and wet ride to Mary's for breakfast. Ahh yes, the mystery of marriage. And all before 8am. HILARIOUS.

I was laughing pretty hard about this like 10 seconds down the road. And I came to find out that Jon Horne was smiling as he marched back into the house, all the while being verbally assaulted from behind by the lunatic in the minivan. My parents' poor neighbors.

I'm Jumping On The Tebow Bandwagon

2011-12-14T23:50:00.000-05:00

1. Because he is from Jacksonville and I live here now. Local pride. (Watch out Ben Watson)

2. Because I can get behind someone who leads with humility and empathy.

Humility + Empathy = Strength

I Think This Was During Sweet Caroline?

2011-12-13T11:16:00.003-05:00

Jon's been gone now for something like 10 days for this really military-intense training on the west coast with no access to communication. Jeez, I miss the guy. Looking at a picture like this makes me even MORE excited for when I finally get to see his face this weekend.


If you look closely, you can see the band aid poking out of Jon Horne's collar and the gash on his left cheek that mysteriously appeared after his bachelor party. (Grin)

My Most Recent Apology

2011-12-10T00:09:00.002-05:00

Were these words exactly:
"I am sorry because I was not quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. Rather, I was slow to listen, quick to speak, and quick to become angry. I apologize."
My thanks to James, brother of Jesus for that tidbit.

(Sigh) Some concepts are so simple and very wise. Yet, I tend to regularly forget these concepts.

There were about two years of my life when I refused to read the book of James in the New Testament. I just couldn't handle it. James, a road map for the Christian life. All of those instructions served as reminders of my inability to follow them. I wasn't trying to rebel against ole James, I just really couldn't face the failure his words would bring. For what it's worth, in this same time period I couldn't say the word, "Jesus." It felt too cheesy for me to utter. He was simply, "Christ." I fought a valiant, exhausting intellectual battle to believe in Him during this period and I did love him, I just couldn't call him "Jesus." I was detoxing from fundamentalism. Give a girl a break.

A woman I hope to know better during my time in Jacksonville opened the book of James with me last week. She speaks gently, slowly. She's southern. After my native state was confirmed as, in fact, below the Mason-Dixon line, she taught me concepts from James in ways I had never heard them before: through a lens of rich forgiveness and grace. The most striking thing she said was very simple. About being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, she posed a question: "Why does James call me to this?" With her answer, I felt as though the sweetly-scented breath of God blew softly across my face. "Because this is how Jesus treats me."

I seldom think of Jesus listening intently while I spill my grievance before Him. Nodding slowly, listening with His eyes as much as with His ears. Quick to listen. Slow to speak. Slow to become angry. Of His kindness, there is no end. He is sweet to me, that Jesus. I couldn't make myself speak His given name for over two years. And still, He claims me as His own.

Quick to listen. Slow to speak. Slow to become angry. Not to blend religions here, but I think this is my new mantra, and I have a good feeling about it.

James 1:19

My Love for Story Corps Continues

2011-12-08T15:19:00.003-05:00

I love this series on NPR.

This recording is the third bit of media I've come across this fall that importantly teaches me of great adversity in my parents' lifetime in America. Inspiration.

Click to Listen.

Tacky In Avondale

2011-12-04T10:10:00.001-05:00

Jon Horne loves free stuff. I can't blame him. I do too. As luck would have it, we moved into the 'hood 4 days before the annual celebration, Christmas In Avondale. New (very friendly) neighbors were quick to inform us of this beloved neighborhood event. Friday evening, we strolled up and down St. John's Avenue, popping into shops, looking at twinkling lights, and hustling to grab complimentary drinks, treats, etc. offered by vendors. What a great neighborhood, free stuff!

En route to catch the Fishweir Elementary Advanced Band performance our eyes were drawn to a cart with hot chocolate and tantalizing cookies. We veered right, magnetized by the sight. Carefully dodging a Christmas-sweatered middle-aged woman, we pounced. Jon Horne immediately snagged a cookie, chomped, and pivoted returning to the street. I grabbed and turned, but not before the girl manning the booth, frantically called, "That'll be two dollars!" The Hornes stopped in their tracks and grimaced. Shamefully, we turned and explained that we 1. thought this was free ("like the cookies down the street!" J.Horne was quick to add) and 2. that we had no cash. The disapproving look we received did not communicate Christmas cheer, nor generosity. After a beat of silence, the twenty-something dismissed us with a flip of her hair and a "Don't worry about it." Oh well!

We were off to catch a few Christmas carols by the band, which was hilarious, and the best surprise? An Holiday Performance by national champs, The Legacy Twirlers ---- the best batonyas around. After a painfully awkward problem with the PA and "the wrong CD" these girls dazzled the crowd with batons, spandex, and glow sticks. Nothing ushers in the Yuletide like high-caliber, baton-twirling tweens. Great way to kick off the Holiday Season.

Christmas Baton-Twirling!

Pensacola...

2011-11-05T18:41:00.002-04:00

Has lots to offer. Jon Horne and I are pretty much in super-like with our place, neighborhood, and riding our beach cruisers all over town. And as if the great bay front, cool downtown, weekend festivals, and plethora of seedy BINGO halls were not enough, Pensacola has just upped itself in my book once more.

How?

With the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra offering $5 admission to their Saturday matinee dress rehearsals, that's how. A perfect fall day in the historic Saegner Theater ... great! Thanks, Carey Mottet for the company.

Visits to the symphony, theater, or ballet always bring a rush of Grandmother memories to the fore of my little brain. Grandmommy Graf used to dress me up and take me all around town to performances when I was growing up. We'd visit Norfolk's Chrysler Hall and The Wells Theater, as well as The Virginia Beach Pavillion for the yearly Nutcracker Performance. I thought of her today. And cried a little. The sweet tears of remembrance came during the 2nd movement of Beethoven's 5th Symphony. This month, it's been six years since her death. Hard to believe. I am so grateful for that nutty, independent lady who was always so committed to my mother, and to me. Lila Riggs Graf, Yow!

Beauty

2011-11-01T11:55:00.001-04:00

A friend of mine died the August after we graduated from college. It was shocking, sudden. My brain contains splashes of images and memory in those foggy days after his death. One intensely vivid memory I hold, is that of his sister's eulogy. She stood courageously before a sea of faces in a large church sanctuary and opened with, "Nothing can explain the physical pain of losing a brother." Eight years have passed, I hope to never forget her bravery, or her commitment to her brother.

Today I read this eulogy, penned and delivered by Mona Simpson. She is sister to the late Steve Jobs. It is moving. I am grateful to Ms. Simpson for her vulnerable reveal and the courage it must take to share her heart with a public audience. Thank you for inviting us to share in your love for your brother.

A Very She and Him Christmas

2011-11-01T11:01:00.001-04:00

Thanks to Katie Bowling of A Perfect Three Hundred I am desperate for this Christmas album. Bring on the Yuletide Cheer!!!!

Also, I like to think that if Jon Horne and I ever released an album (unlikely), this would be our album cover...

That is all.

The Reason I've Started Rebuking My Microwave in the Name of Jesus

2011-10-24T13:00:00.000-04:00

Our microwave has begun beeping at erratic intervals for no apparent reason. Easy fix, we'll just keep the dumb thing unplugged and enjoy the silence. Hilarious development: We plug it in, and each electronic beep brings a numeral "6" to the display.

Erin, from the kitchen: "Jon, have you seen these sixes appear across the microwave screen?"
Jon: "Ha, yeah."
Erin: "You have no power here! This house is covered in the blood of Jesus. I command you to get out!"
Jon: "Are you talking to me?"
Erin: "No, the poltergeist in our microwave."

Jon says he has a fuzzy memory of once when the microwave stubbornly refused to work, he may have hit the "six" button repeatedly attempting to coax it into action. This could account for the mark of the beast that has arrived in my kitchen. Now, if the fool thing starts beeping and sixing while unplugged, then we know we've got a problem.

Generational Moment: Tool Time

2011-10-20T12:12:00.001-04:00

Erin: "... Jonathan Taylor Thomas. [beat] Do you know who that is?"

Jon: "No."

Erin: "Yes, you do."

Jon (slightly offended): "Then why would you even ask me? I was only the THE biggest Home Improvement fan."

Generational Moments with Jon Horne

2011-10-17T18:57:00.002-04:00

I am a Gen X-er. I am married to a Millenial. Our birthdays are 6-7ish years apart. This means that we often have, what we affectionately refer to as "Generational Moments." These are times when one party makes a comment/joke along the lines of pop culture references, current events of our childhood, etc. These quips are generally greeted by blank stares, dropped-jaws, confusion, or beats of silence from the other party. I keep meaning to write these down because they're pretty funny. Here's a recent exchange which qualifies as a Generation Moment. Enjoy.

Jon Horne: "...I could be the boss of that guy."

Erin: "Could you tell Tony Danza who's the boss?"

Jon Horne: "What does that even mean?"

Raybans: A Sacred Vow

2011-10-17T18:37:00.000-04:00

Better

10.31.09

Better

07.18.10

Better

09.03.11

Worse

09.18.11

"Jon, I hope those aren't your sunglasses smashed in the center of the street."

After careful inspection, it was declared that those were, in fact, Jon Horne's Raybans.

Most recent Wayfarer wearer? Erin Horne, newlywed evening bikeride, 09.16.11

Oh dear.

I Just Can't Help Being Touched By Reflecting On the Life of This Man

2011-10-07T11:28:00.003-04:00

Though Glenn and Joyce opted for the Commodore 64 Computer in the early 1980's, my childhood connection to Apple is two-fold.

1) In 1987 I got in trouble for affixing the rainbow-striped Apple sticker to the back of the driver's seat head rest in our '85 Honda Civic Hatchback. I wasn't an avid Apple supporter; I just thought the sticker was so pretty. Years after said sticker's removal, the remaining Apple goo-silhouette never quite disappeared.

2) Hours of playing Lemonade Stand and doing god-knows-what in ELP at Chapel Christian.

I will never claim the title of Technology Buff. I long for the days of my original-version i-pod mini, am terrified of twitter, bewildered by touch screens. But for this Gen-X-er, Steve Jobs ... [beat] ... Wow. I admire him for the technology, for sure, but more for who he was, the things he saw, his insight into humanity, candor, ability to empower and create.

I could select any number of quotes to include, but these below struck me this morning. Thank you, Playboy Magazine for your serious, hard-hitting journalism.

"I don’t think I’ve ever worked so hard on something, but working on Macintosh was the neatest experience of my life. Almost everyone who worked on it will say that. None of us wanted to release it at the end. It was as though we knew that once it was out of our hands, it wouldn’t be ours anymore. When we finally presented it at the shareholders’ meeting, everyone in the auditorium gave it a five-minute ovation. What was incredible to me was that I could see the Mac team in the first few rows. It was as though none of us could believe we’d actually finished it. Everyone started crying." [Playboy, Feb. 1, 1985]

“The most compelling reason for most people to buy a computer for the home will be to link it to a nationwide communications network. We’re just in the beginning stages of what will be a truly remarkable breakthrough for most people––as remarkable as the telephone.” [Playboy, Feb. 1, 1985]

What a legacy, sir.

It's well worth taking a few minutes to read through more Steve Jobs perspective, inspiration at the Wall Street Journal http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2011/08/24/steve-jobss-best-quotes/

Drew-Man Turns One

2011-07-10T22:15:00.000-04:00

Hilarious.

2011-07-02T15:00:00.000-04:00

E: "Jon, when you deploy what do you think about maybe considering a security system?"
J: "How about I get you a big dog and a pistol?"
E: "Well, I don't know if I'd ever be able to shoot a person."
J: "What about pepper spray?"
E: "Nevermind. We can talk about it again when the time comes."

Only From a Flight Student

2011-04-06T10:02:00.002-04:00

Text from Jon Horne 9:56am EDT : Just got out of the altitude chamber... It was awesome!

Love it. Miss him.

The Huskies Mock Me

2011-04-06T09:59:00.001-04:00

A few weeks ago I refused to throw in $20 for Stephen's NCAA Tournament pool, though I completed a bracket because I'm cheap. (OK my brother completed a bracket for me). Turns out I had UCONN winning it all. I won the little competition at my office - no prize money involved.

I found out from Stephen yesterday NO ONE in his pool picked UCONN. I would have won like three or four hundred bones. Gah!

Dasvedanya, Don't Get Any On Ya!

2011-03-30T22:57:00.001-04:00

I.LOVE.THIS.ARTICLE

Oh how my little heart loves Sevastopol and cannot believe I was lucky enough to spend (count them) FOUR consecutive springs in this treasure. Those weeks of living in homes with Russian families seem like magic sort of, in retrospect. Jeez, I can appreciate the significance of timing even more now as I look back... For an American to live in a Russian home for two weeks only 7 years after the fall of communism in the former Soviet Union... That's wild. I am so very thankful. Thank you Cindy & Avie! And Barb & Nancy! And O'Neil! And Mike Lehman! (Mike and Ikes, anyone?) And to Big Sasha, Artiom, My Sasha, Yulia, that other Sasha, and that other Sasha, and that one guy who always said in his VERY thick accent, "Excuse me, I would like to tell you an anecdote" --- THANK YOU for sharing your lives, your city, your homes and for the HEAPS of patience you offered to very loud, embarrassing American high school students. What a gift you gave.

(I have got to find pics of Nina and me from our trip, scan them, and put them up here. Hilarious)

It's The Thought That Counts?

2011-03-23T13:53:00.004-04:00

Three consecutive texts to Julia Rose Diehl this afternoon

1:08pm: Oh! I just realized it's the 23rd which means you turned 30 yesterdaaaaaaay! Happy Birthday to my oldest friend! (Years known, not age :) )
1:08pm: Oh wait. I think your birthday is April, not March
1:09pm: I'll resend this text next month

Always gracious, Julia responded

1:10pm: Well at least you were the first to wish me a happy birthday

This reminds me of the time last year when I was a brand new employee at my current company and shouted "Happy Birthday Bettie!" across the parking lot to a co-worker, only to discover a few awkward seconds and confused looks later I mis-read the company calendar the previous day and it was not, in fact, her birthday.

On Ash Wednesday...

2011-03-09T09:55:00.001-05:00

Photo compliments of the world vision activism network

My Brother the Compass

2011-03-01T21:33:00.000-05:00

Everyone needs a moral compass. At times when I am a real jerk, it's nice to have people to call like my brother Ryan.

Today's exchange on the phone around 5 o'clock in the afternoon...

E: "Ryan, I need you to tell me not to send this letter I've written to the police officer who gave me a ticket 2 weeks ago. I've addressed the envelope and everything."
R: "What does the letter say?"
E: "Here goes:

'Dear Officer Burkett,

Thanks for nothing.

You stink. Take Care.

- A disgruntled citizen who had to pay a really dumb ticket

(Next time try not to read off of note cards while ticketing someone.)'

R: "You cannot send that."

E: "Ryan!"

R: "Erin, if you send that it will ruin his day."

E: (indignant) "He ruined my day!"
R: "Yeah but you were an irresponsible adult."

E: (resigned sigh) "I know. I cannot send it."

Ya know, sometimes I think I've come so far, and then this. It's been a real winner of a week so far.

Yes, Jon Horne I'll be your valentine... and your WIFE while I'm at it! !!!!!

2011-02-18T08:34:00.006-05:00

(Thanks M and A for the skype pic)

And Click here for the other Bold Three contribution! My Song to Sing

Twizzlers

2011-02-11T09:57:00.001-05:00

Joyce: "Oh I'll have to send him a Valentine present. What kind of candy does Jon Horne like?"

Erin: "Twizzlers."

Joyce: "OK I'll send him some Swedish Fish."

Naturally.

Out with the old, in with the new(er)

2011-02-08T21:19:00.000-05:00

I don't even really watch TV?

Triple Word Score

2011-02-04T21:06:00.002-05:00

Feast your eyes on this guy.

When Jon Horne plays Scrabble, if he doesn't have an obvious word, he strings together letters that sound like they could be words and hopes they're in the dictionary. See a list of his attempts below.

zend

trone

welty

biten

limen

hoy
novae (ap, vo)

He got lucky with the following three attempts. I either rolled my eyes, gaped incredulously or laughed hysterically when these beauties popped up via Webster online.

thar: "any of several old world wild goats"
sord: "a flying flock of mallards"
pano: "a family of South American Indian languages spoken in Peru, Bolivia, and western Brazil"

Oy vey. I'm actually about to hop into our Pogo website Room 116, Table 36 for another Scrabble game, as Jon Horne has reserved it and keeps asking when I'll be ready to join him. Love it.

(See below for highlights from last Saturday's Scrabble Battle)

-------------------

"just" = 57 point word (top right corner) what can I say? I just happened to be at the right place at the right time.

-----------------

3:27pm

Jon Horne, while finishing up his lunch of chicken noodle soup chicken noodle soup chicken noodle soup, no soda on the side: "Do you wanna play another game of Scrabble?"

Erin: "Do you want to do that or watch The American?"

Jon: "Scrabble. I wanna beat you."

Erin: "True, we are tied at one game a piece."

------------------------------

Erin: "Hey Jon you wanna put on Steve Winwood?" (Referencing our favorite Pandora station)

Jon: "HA. You really wanna?"

Erin: "Yeah, and that way when we get started on our next game of Scrabble you'll be back in the high life again."

--------------------

Jon got really ticked when I challenged his word, "folked" and then the two words that pushed jdhvb to victory were "jail" (triple word score) and "gangsta" (because I did not challenge the word)

Jon Horne doesn't challenge my words as a general rule and is hurt when I challenge his, "I can't believe you would do that to me," he says. "I would never do that to you." I reply, "That's your own fault. I am not taking responsibility for the fact that you choose not to challenge my words. I can take the heat. Bring it."

We are a match made in heaven.

(In honor of Alicia Reeves, a Trophy-wielding Scrabble Champion)

Eat Your Heart Out, Dr. Claw.

2011-02-04T20:44:00.001-05:00

Since the circus-meeting-of-destiny last April, it is safe to say Jon Horne and I have run the communication gamut. We have used all means necessary, save the pony express, telegram, and carrier pigeons. He first contacted me on facebook, as he wrote my number down incorrectly. Next, the phone call. Then texting. And let's not forget those painstaking fall months when hand-written letters served to voice our growing affection and resulting misery due to separation.

And now our most recent communication vehicle: Skype.

I have learned that "skype" is both a noun and a verb. "I skped Jon Horne last night," or "Skype wasn't very effective on Christmas day because there was so much traffic."

When I was a kid, talking to another person in real-time with a video screen was the stuff of cartoons or Back to the Future II. [Was that Biff a despicable sir, or what?] Primarily I think of Dr. Claw, "I'll get you next time, Gadget!" or perhaps a communication device for Judy Jetson's long distance relationship with an older, college boy, much to George Jetson's dismay. Either way - Skype: fueling my love for Jon Horne, one video chat at a time.

I spent the entirety of Saturday with Jon Horne. On Skype. We slept in, drank coffee and read magazines. We made breakfast together, played three hours of online Scrabble (see next post). Then watched a crappy George Clooney movie. Later I dressed up for my first-ever Internet dinner date. Said date involved laptops, headphones and French Onion soup. Panera was the obvious choice: free WiFi, nationwide locations. Came home, showered up, put on PJ's and watched Hitch. "OK, ready? 3 - 2 - 1 - Play!" on our respective DVD players. (Grin)

Look people, in the age of Twitter, iPhones, online social book-marking (thank you, CB), and lasic eye surgery - anything's possible. That is ... except for making out over Skype. Technology hasn't figured that out yet. And that's A-OK with me. Weird.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-09T01:45:00.000-05:00

I love him.

Oops. Somehow this is not surprising...

2011-01-09T01:33:00.001-05:00

"OK, don't tell me that."

Jon Horne's worried response from 4 states away when I told him that I found my keys one cold December morning in the exact same place I evidently left them the night before: in the lock on the front door.

Shake It Wedding Happiness

2010-12-10T16:30:00.000-05:00

Doesn't this guy just make you happy? Click HERE to see him.

Favorite Sounds of Christmas

2010-12-08T10:47:00.001-05:00

Mmm, love Brenda. Love her.

And obviously I looooooove her hair.

Caution

2010-12-01T13:48:00.001-05:00

Just be careful if your friend says something funny and you decide to post it as your facebook status using your Blackberry. Specifically be careful that you're not halfway paying attention and accidentally post the quote on someone else's facebook wall thinking it was your own.
For instance, Matt Garrison was surprised to find this little gem on his facebook wall Monday night. (Matt has never met, nor has he any idea who Chris Breitenberg is.)

Chris Breitenberg: "Jon Muir. That's one name I'll never forget; I walked through the Muir woods once and ended up on a nude beach. I was 10." (beat) "It was horrifying."

I realized my error twenty minutes later. I gasped in light of my idiocy and started cracking up. Matt then found this retraction on his facebook wall.

Oops wasn't paying attention! I meant to type that as my status update! Ahahaa

Somehow this idyllic Garrison family photo doesn't mesh with the idea of a nude beach in my mind?

Nothing like a little nude beach discussion to incite an embarrassing moment. Nude Beach! John Muir! Missy Muir's Great Grandad!

A Girl Loves A Man In Uniform

2010-11-28T18:39:00.001-05:00

Totes True.

After many grueling weeks in Rhode Island mirrored with many pining weeks in VB, sweet Jon Horne is my very own (or the Navy's very own) Officer. Hooray!

Oh Good Lord, what a goober. Love it.

----

As I anticipated, I was not allowed to try on this 'cover' in public. However, as soon as graduation was over and I was safely hidden in the car, to daaa! Check out my hat.

Yowza, what a looker.

And for all you kids whose formative years were in the nineties:

"I'm down with BCG, Yeah You Know Me."

(I fear j.horne9 may not get this lyrical reference. If only it were "Return of the Mack")

In My Next Thirty Years...

2010-11-28T18:31:00.001-05:00

I am going to tell everyone I know to go to Napa Valley to celebrate their thirtieth birthdays.

The Best Thing to Happen to Halloween in Years

2010-11-28T18:17:00.001-05:00

OK I know I am partial, but COME ON. Brooke and Drew stole the show at the neighborhood Halloween bash. Amazing.

Fall Images

2010-11-28T18:14:00.000-05:00

Birthday Shoes!

Birthday Traditions!

Birthday Cousins!

Goodnight Moon

Evidence from the most hilarious event I attened in months, the Raw Food Seminar. Gu Raw!

Awe.some.

Finally! After all these years between JMU and VB I finally stopped at the "Scenic Overlook" (go dukes)

Quote of the Week

2010-10-12T14:49:00.001-04:00

“I think it would be respectful and appropriate to run nicknames by each other before we go public with them.”

(grin)

Officer Candidate Jonathan Horne,

In response to a nickname I recently bestowed upon him

Found 'Em!

2010-10-12T14:45:00.001-04:00

They always find their way back to me. This time only eleven short days apart, another period of roommate-key-sharing in the mailbox, one bike ride to Beach Hardware for some additional duplicates, and yet another new ID Card at the Y (my 4th or 5th of 2010.) Ahh yes, misplaced items and absent-mindedness in my life – I am very familiar. At least I am consistent! And such comfort in consistency…

In the last 2 weeks I’ve locked my keys in my car once, and one Saturday three times in a row, I found myself at the counter of some big store (WalMart, TJ Maxx, Target) having left my wallet in the car EACH TIME. How is this possible? I found the clerks behind the counters of these establishments to be patient and very nice to me as I quickly ran out to my car in the respective parking lots to retrieve said wallet and purchase merchandise they set aside for me.

(This is for you, C. Nichols <3)

For Leah... And Jon

2010-09-10T09:48:00.000-04:00

(Grin)

Sarah Reilly Laine Burdick Is A Genius

2010-09-08T12:57:00.001-04:00

< the end. >

Time For a Face Lift

2010-09-02T16:21:00.000-04:00

Obviously.

However, I am slightly embarrassed at the shameless plug for my new little free template design website as seen top left. Now everyone knows my secret: I was not techno-macbookpro-savvy enough like all you SMAD folks to design and implement my own, originial blog template. I know, you're all really surprised by this news. OK also - as soon as Amber and I figure out how to access the free high-speed Internet that supposedly flows (similar to milk and honey in the Promised Land) into our place, I hope to update a little more regularly perched atop my little stool at my precious desk in the bedroom of my amazing new beach side abode. Oh adjectives how I like you.

Shout out to Bob O'Connor
Neighbor, Landlord, Legend.
And former City Council candidate "I believe in miracles; I believe in Bob." Do you?

I Heart My Niece

2010-08-27T12:57:00.006-04:00

Summer is the time when one sheds one's tensions with one's clothes, and the right kind of day is jeweled balm for the battered spirit. A few of those days and you can become drunk with the belief that all's right with the world.

Ada Louise Huxtable

(No relation to Claire or Cliff so far as I can tell)

I Want To Live Here

2010-08-13T16:15:00.002-04:00

(photo courtesy of my favorite style blog Size Too Small June 4 post)

Most Fav Quotes of Late

2010-07-23T23:28:00.002-04:00

"Wow. He is gonna like you so much more after that. 13 weeks with dudes."

"Today I called on a Korean man who owns a jewelry store at Janaf."

God will make a way when there seems to be no way.

The Power of Life and Mystery

2010-07-19T12:04:00.002-04:00

God is a mystery. The more I get to know Him, the more I find this to be true. The deeper I grow with Him, the more my idea of Him expands, and the more I realize my futility and his expanse. The most recent obsession I have in observing life and God and truth is the notion that opposite entities are not mutually exclusive. These opposite things do not exist 'one way or the other.' Rather the opposite concepts coexist 100% and complement one another. The most palpable examples in my life recently are these twin sets:
Deep Sorrow and Deep Joy
Beauty and Agony
Sweetness and Ache
Peace and Angst
Questions and Answers
Hilarity and Pain

July has brought sunshine, fireworks (literally and in my heart), a new nephew (Drew!), a 52nd street surprise, the promise of a Cape Town homecoming, much laughter and lots of tears. I am navigating the deaths of two very special people in my precious inner circle of intimate relationships. The two passings from physical life to infinite life couldn't be more different from one another. Both have given me pause, are teaching me of the rich nature of relationship, and increasing the mystery of God. As I submit to God's mystery, I move forward the recipient of much peace and gratefully observe my faith increase. I trust Him with the unanswered because I know Him and I love Him. He is God Above and yet also He is God Among. He is the Author and Perfecter, but He is also Jesus who weeps with us. He is both Immutable (Hebrews 13:8) and Moved (John 11:33,38)

In the finite and the logical it is difficult to believe that opposite notions coexist and that God can be opposite things and yet the same thing all at once. And yet God is infinite, and so perhaps in His mystery He can be whatever He wants and it works.

Another Reason My Life is Rich

2010-07-03T16:17:00.000-04:00

click here

Quotes of The Week

2010-06-03T23:34:00.004-04:00

1. "Summer afternoon - summer afternoon; to me those have always been the most beautiful words in the English language."

Henry James

Thanks, Hank. I couldn't agree more.

2. After a short, but passionate monologue in which I outlined three things that make me angry (meanness, blatant disobedience, condescending people), Circus Jon's honest response:
"Yeah, there is something that bothers me (beat) ... but I can't remember what it is."

He is very laid back. Obviously. I laughed then endearingly placed my hand over my heart and thought, "Of course you can't remember what drives you crazy; you are very pleasant and kind-hearted."

Ash George Butt Rub

2010-05-06T21:24:00.005-04:00

Mike Koch.

A stand up guy.

With many admirable qualities. One of which is his devotion to a number of enjoyable hobbies. He builds hand-crafted pieces of art which double as furniture. He knows how to sail. He grows his own basil to make homemade pesto (obviously). He has a John Deere tractor and knows how to use it to till and manipulate the earth. He owns every Apple product known to man, and is very computery-technical. He golfs. He is a beer connoisseur (he's German). He also is a grill master, of sorts. Naturally, in addition to all this he is obsessed with very hot peppers, grows them in his garden, and has become an expert on the peppers of the world and differing degrees of hotness.

For instance, Mike had to say of the Bhut Jolokia (the hottest pepper in the world, from India):

"I find that when they're in your mouth, it feels like a bunch of little nails are shooting into your tongue, but it goes away pretty quick."

People. He was SERIOUS!

I mentioned that Mike likes to grill. He is always discovering new products to experiment with on the grill, etc. The most recent product is called "Butt Rub." I find this very funny.

I mentioned to Mike, when he declared a desire to take his spicy peppers and manufacture some sort of grill product, that he could market this as "Bhut Rub."

OK, I like a good pun.

Which is why I must highlight Chris's comment, stated after I told Mike I was putting this Bhut Jolokia business on my blog. "Your blog must've needed a little spicing up." Zing!

2010-04-22T22:55:00.005-04:00

Erin: "Mom, why do you have a Budweiser tall boy on your kitchen counter next to Brooke's juicebox?"

Joyce: "For meatballs."

Obviously.

"Would you like chili and cheese with that?"

2010-04-22T22:46:00.004-04:00

I pulled into the parking garage beneath Scope at 9:12am. I pulled out of the parking garage beneath Scope at 9:44pm. I sold footlong hotdogs at the circus for TWELVE HOURS last Saturday. Why would I do something so absurd and painful to my feet, legs, and dignity? Answer, for charity. Aaaaand because I am a good sister. Aaaaaand because I want to complete this triathlon in September!

Quote of the day, as spoken by "Penny" the concession stand manager when giving me the cash register orientation, with serious eyes and lowered voice: "DO NOT give change to the carnies. They will ask you for change; do not give it to them." Oh the poor carnies! Even in their own environment, no respect.

TRIumph!

2010-04-14T22:10:00.003-04:00

I clipped in, suckas! (Finally, jeez...)

And what better way to celebrate than with my FAVORITE past time from spring/summer 2009? Sitting on the deck at Bubba's with Blue Moon and good folks. Mmm (sigh). Beauty.

With these two lovelies.

Welcome back, spring. Your return is always much-anticipated; you do not disappoint. I think you're great.

Hope, Ryan, and Kierkegaard

2010-04-10T12:10:00.003-04:00

You may want to read this. It's funny. Hooray for Ry-man the Pie-man!
Click on the link below...
http://ninaandtravis.blogspot.com/2010/03/hope-ryan-and-kierkegaard.html

Here I Raise Mine Ebenezer, Little Foot gives and she gives

2010-04-07T11:17:00.004-04:00

One thing, however, made a special impression upon her. In all that great desert, there was not a single green thing growing, neither tree nor flower nor plant save here and there a patch of scraggly grey cacti.

On the last morning she was walking near the tents and huts of the desert dwellers, when in a lonely corner behind a wall she came upon a little golden-yellow flower, growing all alone. An old pipe was connected to a water tank. In the pipe was one tiny hole through which came an occasional drop of water. Where the drops fell one by one, there grew the little golden flower, though where the seed had come from, Much-Afraid could not imagine, for there were no birds anywhere and no other growing things.

She stopped over the lonely, lovely little golden face, lifted up so hopefully and so bravely to the feeble drip, and cried out softly, "What is your name, little flower, for I never saw one like you before."

The tiny plant answered at once in a tone as golden as itself, "Behold me! My name is Acceptance-with-Joy."

Much-Afraid thought of the things which she had seen in the pyramid: the threshing-floor and the whirring wheel and the fiery furnace. Somehow the answer of the little golden flower which grew all alone in the waste of the desert stole into her heart and echoed there faintly but sweetly, filling her with comfort. She said to herself, "He has brought me here when I did not want to come for His own purpose. I, too, will look up into his face and say, 'Behold me! I am thy little handmaiden Acceptance-with-Joy.'" Then she stooped down and picked up a pebble which was lying in the sand beside the flower and put it in the purse with the first altar stone.

Anchors Away, Greg. Anchors Away. (Don't forget your life raft in RI this week)

2010-03-31T23:00:00.005-04:00

Greg is off to OCS to become a Naval Aviator. We are so proud. Naturally we celebrated Greg and sent him off to Rhode Island at the classiest of establishments, All Around Pizza on Holland Road.

See Greg's Rasputin brew pictured above, a tribute to his recent brainy exploration into Russian literature: Dostoyevsky, Ayn Rand, Tolstoy.

Also say farewell to Greg's hair. The buzz cut will do away with this noggin's fine fluff.

Also true to Greg's life, please note he reported to OCS during the week that Rhode Island is experiencing "the worst flooding in 100 years" according to the National Weather Service.

We love you Greg! See you in 3 months when Ruthie and Kristin finally live the dream and throw you that Top Gun party with beach volleyball and "I <3 Greg Noise" Bumper Stickers. Can't wait.

Spooner, will you comment on this post with all the Navy pilot phrases we came up with for Greg to practice before he left town? I, of course, have forgotten.

(An unexpected highlight from this evening were tales of Lambert House grandeur that somehow I have managed to miss out on for the past several years. Amazing.)

Nina's Famous! And an Athlete!

2010-03-31T22:50:00.003-04:00

My best friend, Nina Strickland Simone has started running. I am very proud. She was cooling down after a run and a reporter snapped the following shot for The Daily Press newspaper on the peninsula. (Nina, I just now realized that you live on "the Peninsula." Williamsburg, I mean of course. But ha! "the Peninsula." I love that. And again, I do not judge. I live near a place called "Mt. Trashmore" and I do not forget I am stone's throw away from [cringe] "Green Run")

The caption beneath the photograph reads:
"Nina Simone of Williamsburg walks with her daughter, Sophia, 3, who sleeps in a stroller, alongside a road, where daffodil bulbs bloom, at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg."

From One Children's Book to Another

2010-03-23T21:05:00.003-04:00

Oh how quickly the tides can change. If Shel characterized my weekend, Alexander is taking the lead on characterizing my week. Is there a storm cloud following me around? It's possible....

I mean, I'm sure others of you have tried to cope with terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days by scheduling a last minute massage, as I did (pushing the March envelope-budgeting to its limit!) But I ask you, have you ever sobbed through aforementioned massage? And apologized to the massage therapist when you asked her for a box of Kleenex to leave near your face and assured her the whimpering was "me, it's not you"? And experienced the odd, unnatural physical pain of having a clogged and also runny nose while lying face down for 45 minutes? I did. Yesterday. I don't think I have ever been quite so aware of gravity or my sinuses.

I think I'll move to Australia.

Inspired By Shel Silverstein

2010-03-21T21:36:00.006-04:00

Today I experienced perhaps the most unexpected, generous kindness I have ever received from a stranger. It has given me pause and fortified my desire to be giving. I still can't quite believe it ... and then I think of the ebenezers in my life and somehow I am not surprised.

Beneath the bright blue sky and picture-perfect, sunshine-y spring day, I choked out to this man as he got into his Mercedes to drive away, "You are being so kind to me. Thank you."

Must Love Dogs

2010-03-18T08:00:00.002-04:00

Two noteworthy quotes about canines I have heard in the last 12 hours:

"It is difficult to domesticate a carnivore; they tend to eat your children."
- Some NPR interview with a man researching the history of humans domesticating wolves into the furry friends we enjoy today. Labradoodle anyone?

"My best friend bites me all the time."
- A one Ruthie Weiglein, on the complicated and yet somehow beautiful relationship she enjoys with her Yorkie, JuanBobo *This statement was confirmed by Ruthie's husband, TBone who chimed in with, "It's true. He does bite her."

2010-03-14T14:47:00.007-04:00

Life is surprising. Love is beautiful and terrible. Waiting is agony and opportunity. Faith is a practice and worth the fight. Peace is rare, a gift, and offers quiet strength. God is real and He is steady.

Best Offer I've Had In Weeks

2010-03-14T13:46:00.002-04:00

Nice calves, Willie Mears.

"Hey remember that time at Rockbridge and we had that like hour long of prayer and Ryan Dunham said, 'I pray that Erin will have a guy leader at Valley ... (beat) ... and that she will date him.' "

McLeansville, NC

2010-02-28T13:43:00.005-05:00

A groggy Erin Hatcher emerges from slumber at the McLeansville, NC Hampton Inn at 7am, Wednesday, February 24th. She pads her way down to the lobby with hair piled on top of her head whilst clad in yoga pants, thermal shirt and dress shoes because of course, she forgot to pack 'non-work' shoes for her business trip. Erin has few words in the mornings. As she loads her bagel into the bagel slicer at the continental breakfast, she happens to glance right and a familiar-looking man is in her line of sight, filling a glass with juice. Double take. With mouth gaping Erin incredulously says, "Brian?" to aforementioned man. Erin is met with a blank stare. She quickly proceeds to remind "Brian" of their acquaintance, "Erin Hatcher. I worked with Molly at LLS." Instant recognition floods Brian's face and a smile appears. "Riiiiiiiiiiight. Hi there!" (beat followed by confusion) "What are you doing here?"

A 2 minute or so exchange of pleasantries follows. Erin, the narcissist, grins and finds herself pleased that even in the most obscure of places, she has run into yet another person that she knows. Add this to the list.

Love it.

And I love dirt roads in McLeansville.

Two Things....

2010-02-21T20:39:00.002-05:00

1. Today I did one of my favorite things. The day was bright and blue and clear and a small taste of spring and I rolled my windows down in the car (literally - I have manual windows - I am not ashamed) and the fresh air was so great! Exhilarating! And also I blasted the heat because it was so cold. Duh people, it's February. I love doing that - windows down and heat on setting "4."

2. This afternoon Bryan and I met at the pool for my swim lesson/training/whatever. Seeing as how I am a forgetful person, Bryan intelligently reminded me at lunch to bring my swim cap and goggles. "Oh! Right." I said. I was very intent on not disappointing Bryan and made every effort to remember my cap and goggles when packing my gym bag. I was proud of myself for accomplishing this small task. It wasn't until I got to the locker room that I realized that it never dawned on me at home to remember to bring my towel. ! Seriously? (Normally this would not have been a problem because I always keep beach towels in the trunk of my car - except that a pipe burst in my room a few weeks back and all towels were frantically called to duty in the house.) When I told Bryan about my major swimming omission, of course he was very kind and concerned; he asked what I was going to do to dry off. "Well, I have a t-shirt in my gym bag," I reasoned. So a few minutes after my swim as I was in the locker room, some strange girl comes in and says, "Are you Erin?" I timidly answered, "Yes?" She threw a towel over the shower curtain and goes, "Some guy out there told me to bring this to you." Bryan! What a sweetie. (Next I left the pool and went for a run, which was my plan all along. And of course I forgot socks. Socks! I ran without socks. Now I have a blister. Naturally. Oy vey....)

Things like this remind me that I like my little life. :)

2010-02-21T17:16:00.003-05:00

+

=

Three essential keys to my budgetary success

Note: Greg is very encouraging and non-judgemental. Also, he is realistic.
Greg: "Erin, I don't think that's enough to allot for the 'Erin Slush' fund each month. You really like to buy people things."

13 Reasons To Like Katie Schnable

2010-02-08T21:46:00.005-05:00

1. She is not afraid to go several days without showering.

2. She is not afraid of getting a unicorn tattoo, although it has not happened quite yet.

3. She has a really fat cat named Lilly.

4. She loves Jesus deep down in her heart and trusts him and prays a lot and thinks about deeper things/questions in life.

5. She knows special needs Russian orphans by name and carries them in her heart.

6. She took a huge risk - packed up her life, her cat in a crate, and all her ambition - loaded it into a sedan, and set off across the country to move to St. Helena in Napa Valley in August 2009. She took this leap to attempt to really live! and to run this Nobel-Prize-nominated Fair Trade store called Baksheesh

7. I saw her this weekend (thank God) and she gave me lots of free stuff from Baksheesh

8. For every item she presented from Baksheesh, she could tell me where and by whom it was made. This list included former prostitutes in Indonesia working to make better lives for themselves, artisans from Uganda, and artisans from disparaged populations in India.

9. Her mom's name is Bruce.

10. She is very kind to me when I call her sobbing and nearly incoherent.

11. She and I have both been in many, many weddings.

12. She does not have a facebook account.

13. She also came to Beth and Grafton's to get snowed in post Superbowl. She did not judge me for my reasoning to root for the Saints (bc of Katrina, obviously) and we shared this trundle bed, a la elementary school sleepover style on Sunday night in the newly decorated deButt's guest room. This sleeping arrangement made me smile and made me very happy.

In summary, Katie Winters Schnable is very wonderful and if you don't know her I feel sorry for you.

Leesburg Snowpocolypse 2K10

2010-02-06T22:33:00.012-05:00

On Thursday afternoon I had to make a decision. I sat in a Home Depot parking lot in Glen Allen, VA and wrestled with this question - Do I finish out my business trip in Maryland tomorrow and stay true to my Katie Schnable weekend plans in Loudoun County amidst calls for 3 feet of snow this weekend, OR do I play it safe (and boring), give up, and drive back to VB right now?" I called lots of people for input - Greg Speier, Michelle Haddock, Mike Koch, Beth deButts. In the end I went with the person who told me what I wanted to hear... Beth! When she said, "Look, if we have to dig you out by 830 Monday morning, we will dig you out." I exclaimed, "Yes! See? I knew we cuold do it! I love Young Life people - where there is a will, there is a way." And I left that Home Depot parking lot and drove straight on till Baltimore!

While digging out le Honda on le driveway...

Beth: "It's easier to use your hand instead of the shovel around the tires... (beat) Unless you have shovels for hands."

Erin: "Edward Shovel Hands!"

Grafton, 'icing' his back after hours of shoveling in the driveway

Grafton: "Are you gonna make that frozen shrimp for the Superbowl party tomorrow?"

Beth: "No."

Grafton: "Good because I am sitting on it."

Beth: (irritated) "Grafton - you can't do that!"

Grafton: "Why?"

Beth: "Because shrimp are not like frozen blueberries. You can't thaw them and then refreeze them. Give them to me."

With the comments of naysayers, Chris and Grafton, echoing in our ears, Beth and I pressed on to make a path for sledding in the three feet of snow. It took a while, but we did it!

During the weirdest, like totally bizarro movie, District 9

Erin: "Vickus is really in a stinker of a situation."

Beth: "Yep. He's in a real pickle."

Chris: "Thanks, Captain Under Statement."

It's Nice to Hear About an Effective Neighborhood Watch

2010-02-06T18:13:00.006-05:00

The latest from Cape Town...

From Mariah 2/4/10

tonight there's a steak out going on in our neighborhood. there have been tire slashings for the past three weeks! some people have had their tires slashed three different times! we've only had it happen to us once. so we had a neighborhood crime meeting and we've got a steak out going. we've hired a guy to hide in the bushes (seriously) and watch the street. if he see's anything- he's armed with a tazer and a fog horn. he will blow the fog horn to alert everyone, run out- tazer the bad guys, and then the rest of us will run out when we hear the fog horn and come capture the criminal. obviously a very fool proof plan. we've got him booked for the next seven nights. so hopefully we catch the guy. let me just tell you the neighborhood crime meeting was so enjoyable- the characters that showed up. it was like out of a sit-com. a mr. ibrahim and a dr. ibrahim (no relation), mandy and roulond- a married couple in their 50's that speak over one another all the time, rose- the woman who lives next door with her 40 year old son (she knows everything that goes on in the neighborhood) and the list goes on. oh man- it was glorious. i'll let you know what happens!

<3!m.>

And an update from Mariah 2/5/10

delightful. last night was night two of the steak out. nothing yet. but luke walked out of his house at 2am and caught our hired guard sleeping! oh brother.

july/august it is!<3m.

The Week of College Freshman Favs

2010-02-05T16:45:00.002-05:00

Dinner in Richmond with Jeremy Pryor. Check.
Dinner in Balto with Brody Bond. Check.
Fun times in Miami with Robbie Griffith. Pending.

What's missing? Triple E in full effect, Mark&Erik, Jamie Berry, Eagle Hall and Matt Bouknight.

VB Never Gets Snow!

2010-01-30T15:09:00.007-05:00

This is so great!

It seems I have come a long way since the days on Foundry Road grumbling at 10+pm while trudging up the Clegg's driveway with my laptop, gym bag, and various other YL junk in tow. The cumbersome and often slippery 5 minute journey to the house in the freezing cold, snow-covered Western Loudoun countryside is not one of my favorite past times. After leaving my little Honda at the bottom of the gravel drive and sliding it into one of the readily available snowbanks along the dirt road... many careful steps uphill. To be fair, however, I must remark that snow-covered Western Loudoun is sooooo beautiful and some of the BEST night-walks of my life have taken place on Clegg and Koch property well after midnight involving full moons and horses and fun pups and an old ipod mini (remember those?) in that whimsical, Loudoun-Narnian world. Those memories do qualify as some of my favorite past times.

After mixed feelings towards snow developed during my five year stint in northern VA, today, my VB childhood affection for snow has officially returned! (Mostly because I know it will melt within the week.) And also because of fun times for the Hatcher siblings.

It's 3am (Shout out to that random 90's band song that they play on The Point)

2010-01-30T02:45:00.006-05:00

1. I am still up. Karaoke at Wanna B's tonight. Hey, that place has really cleaned itself up! (Actually I think it just seems nicer because there is no smoking allowed anymore so it seems a lot less hazy and thankfully my coat doesn't smell like an ash tray). This karaoke stint involved a Dokota Fanning look-alike who sang the most horrifyingly innappropriate song I have ever heard. This girl was wearing braces - how did she get in to Wanna B's and why didn't someone stop her when she unzipped her sweater and sang words such as: "hot" "spanking" and "my cake" ? That was awful, but overall the evening was enjoyable.

2. It is supposed to snow here this weekend. It never snows in VB. Typically I am a naysayer. For some reason, this time, I believe! It had begun to snow when I drove past Town Center at 2:21am on my way home, so we'll see.

3. I hope it snows and my training run gets cancelled, because at this point I am supposed to be running 5 miles 4 1/2 hours from this moment in below freezing temps. That sounds pretty awful to me right about now.

Dear Weather, Please Snow. Love Erin

4. I just saw this blog and I cracked up and I am frustrated because I want to see this man's face. http://runningfromcamera.blogspot.com/

Makin' Whoopi

2010-01-24T16:42:00.005-05:00

Recently Chris kindly offered to come over and make us dinner.

A Breitenberg specialty: Sausage Pasta!

(In this same week, Ty also came over and made us salmon for dinner, unsolicited!
I mean, I don't know what is going on, but Amber and I are not questioning, just accepting.)

The following documents a brief conversation about Whoopi Goldberg on Sausage Pasta Night after I mentioned my love for the Sister Act 2 soundtrack and my displeasure at the incorrect (boring) download of a certain version of His Eye Is On the Sparrow I recently purchased from iTunes by accident. Obviously.

Sam begins to express his shock and dismay at the fact that Whoopi Goldberg is a voice for children's cartoons, declaring she is not a good role model.
Sam: "I mean, have you ever seen her stand-up acts?"

Chris, caught off guard and visibly shaken, counters with:
"I cannot even believe you're hatin' on Whoopi right now"

Ricky, ever the advocate, pipes up with, "But have ya seen Jumpin' Jack Flash?" in an attempt to throw his support behind the slandered Hollywood star.

My response? Often seeing all sides, "Well yeah, she is rather crude, I see your point. But come on - Sister Act 1 and 2 have such good soundtracks! Motown Jesus --
I mean COME ON! So great!"

---------------------------------------

Meanwhile Amber's commentary revolved around Fern Gully and how that is, by far, her favorite childhood cartoon. No Whoopi Goldberg there, to my knowledge, but it was a good early-nineties beginning to indoctrinating little ones against deforestation, as my right-wing parents pointed out to me, a socially aware 4th grader forced to listen to talk radio every day in the car. "Do you feel its pain?" The little sprite said when the tree was being chopped.... That was my only memory of Fern Gully.

I just received the following email from my college roommate, Erika who lives in Ireland.

2010-01-24T16:36:00.003-05:00

And I love it! Am very flattered this image made her think of me.

"The other day i was pulling into our neighborhood and there was this huge polish guy wearing army print pants trying to learn how to rollerblade. when i pulled in he was walking along the grass in them and then when he got onto the pavement the arms starting flailing as he slowly made his way around the block. for some reason it made me think of you right away and thought you'd like the image.

much love to you. how you doing?"

Tuesdays With LB

2010-01-19T19:45:00.002-05:00

I mean, forget Morrie...

EH: [smirking] "Wait-wait Lindsay - what would Jean Jones say about sausage?"

LB : "Ohmygosh; don't eat it. Duh."

Reasons Why I Like Ukraine, 1

2010-01-16T23:26:00.005-05:00

Whenever I go bowling, I always like my name to be entered into the computer as "Bowling Tigress." Maybe I started this in 10th grade P.E. when we would leave school at lunch and go to the local Pinboy's on our school bus for the bowling unit. That was the first and only time I ever bowled a "Turkey." Thanks, Coach Walker. Or maybe it was during my tenure as the only female on the bowling team, The Saltines my senior year of high school in The Lousy Bowler's League with Evan, Alan, Josh Dudley, and Danny. Who knows? Anyway, take a look at a real life tigress I learned about just this week....

This is 2010 Ukrainian presidential candidate, Yulia Tymoshenko.

And this is Yulia with her pet tiger, Tigryulia (clever).

Also - Yulia is pictured with her tiger in campaign posters plastered all over Kiev presently. Obviously this is where John McCain went wrong back in '08. I feel, that in the pool with the 17 other presidential candidates, these tiger posters really do set Yulia apart. Go get 'em, girl... A female president of a country in the former Soviet Bloc sounds good to me.

And this is a link to Yulia's personal blog. Enjoyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

http://blog.tymoshenko.ua/en/

2010-01-15T19:01:00.006-05:00

listen.

begin at 1:02.

love.

2010-01-12T23:20:00.002-05:00

my sister-in-law knows how to throw a great party

happy new year.

Cautious Attempt

2010-01-09T16:51:00.005-05:00

I have one new year's resolution: To clean up my potty mouth a little bit - not entirely, but at least by some margin of cleanliness.

Now, the following is not a new year's rez at all. But I have noticed that, corresponding with dear ones, I find myself forwarding many thoughts to other people with the understanding that those recipients will receive more than words. Rather, I have a sense they receive light and fullness, as I have received. I never have really wanted to put very many thoughts of depth on this blog because I have always thought that is kind of weird. But I want to pass on what I receive. And I want people to know Jesus more deeply because they will receive life and light and breath and freedom as they do. Here goes? FEEL FREE TO IGNORE. NO PRESSURE TO READ.

An excerpt from an email I recently sent to a dear one in my life and heart in response to a raw and honest note I received:

"You are a treasure. This note is a rich and deep gift - this slice of your heart emits an undeniable aroma of maturity. Maturity of thought and maturity of surrender. Born of sorrow. You are on the road, my friend. And He who guides our journeys continues to be faithful to you; I love Him a lot - your story is a reminder of that. I love that you are experiencing this ache with such honesty and thank you for inviting me into that ache. There is a weird, but strangely alluring book I am reading slowly during my lunch breaks called Drops Like Stars. I think it would resonate with you right now. And, always the champion for this Christian literary classic, Hinds Feet On High Places could really hit the spot for you right now. No pressure. Or maybe another reading of Corrie Ten Boom's The Hiding Place. There is power in the community of sorrow and suffering. In the deep places of life, we find others there - and we are stripped because of that pain, and we all (those of us down there) know it without words, can feel it from one another and as we share it, we find strength. And we begin to discover a new definition of 'beauty'. My bookish friends: Corrie has offered me strength; LittleFoot (a.k.a Much Afraid) has offered me strength; Joseph - the one with the coat of many colors has recently offered me great strength; Isaiah has offered me strength - particularly in his chapter 46; my good buddy and literary idol, Anne Lamott has offered me strength; good ole Oswald reminds me so often I am an ass - and yet in that there is such freedom admitting my own weakness that offers me strength; Rob Bell (cringe and yet gratefully) has offered me strength; and Jesus - sweet sweet Jesus continues to offer me strength: in whispered words meant just for me, through his alter ego, Aslan in The Horse and His Boy ("I was the lion" slays me EVERY TIME), in the manger - God with us, at the last supper around that table, and as He shows up in the 40s and 50s of Isaiah. He is everywhere, has been present with me all along - since my conception and I love Him for it. I don't understand why He has deemed me important enough for His presence and His effort and His care, but He has and so I tearfully bow and receive and beg for more - believing and finding security in His words, that He will be with me until I am old and gray, which is fortunate considering I began finding (dammit) gray hairs on my own head in 2009 gah!

I stand with you. I share your ache. Let's shoulder life together, as it was intended to be lived and shouldered. And good Lord, let's hope I find my copy of My Utmost For His Highest buried somewhere deep in the recesses of the backseat of my Honda... some things never change.

So much love and so much thanks.
Erin"

McTootles

2010-01-06T21:01:00.009-05:00

A text I received Wed. Jan 6 5:12pm

"This morning I was in my car putting on my makeup while blasting 'get into the groove.' I looked into the other lane & a truck full of hispanic men were pointing at me and cracking up."

Tara McDonald

....And this is why we are friends....

Or maybe this is part of how I ruined you during those formative, impressionable years '00-'02? The real question is, how would a car full of Eastern European immigrants on the Russian Four Square team have reacted if they were in the truck one lane over?

I wonder how the HOA would feel about this...

2010-01-03T20:21:00.005-05:00

Fami-lami-dingdong

2009-12-27T19:33:00.007-05:00

Our best attempt at an organized family photo.

Good job, mom and Katie.

Wow! Santa made an appearance on Christmas Day. A surprise to all.
Love it.
Wait. Euro-Santa? Boating-Santa?

This perfect gift, mini-wine-fridge, prompted Kristin to say of Aunt Brenda's enjoyable manfriend, "Let's call him 'Uncle Hope He's Still Around Next Year'."

I couldn't agree more.

Uhoh. Looks like Santa's suit jacket got a little hot and itchy.

Naturally he started white-trash Christmas Santa dancing with his niece.

The neurotic family dog, Emma has a new lease on life these days. Lucky for her, Brooke is obsessed with her - a sure safety from premature euthanization, oft' threatened by Joyce. Brooke loves Emma so much, that her favorite (and most humorous) gift this year was a 5x7 framed photo of family canine. Brooke carried this picture around in a sort of trance, kissing it and repeating, "Emma. Emma. Emma. Emma." Haaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Christmas Dinner with Ruthie and TBone

2009-12-27T17:49:00.005-05:00

Christmas Hockey!

Glad to see Tbone donning the antlers once more a la 2008 [see post http://welltheresalwayshope.blogspot.com/2008/12/tribute-to-stephen-cowan-tbone-emma.html ]

Bobito donning his gay apparell.

And the best moment of the evening, not surprisingly, came from Greg Sceviour.

Stephen: "Greg, you trying to assert your dominance by kneeling over us?"

Greg: "No, it's these new slim fit jeans. They're so tight..."

OK, More On Shalom

2009-12-21T23:01:00.004-05:00

This is a bit of an email I sent to a dear soul and caring, wise friend today. I am seriously loving Jesus as our Peace. Good promise.

"Yesterday the sermon at church was on the peace of Jesus. And I was sort of tracking through most of it, but then really towards the end it came together kind of beautifully for me. Internal shalom - Jesus brings us peace internally; shalom - complete peace/wholeness/satisfaction/rest. And fear/anger/anxiety/depression/boredom/despair is real. But Jesus is coming.
Advent reminds us of this. And He himself is our peace. So I hope to remember the cross of Christ. Rely on him. In my job. In my heartache, pain over dear ones who are suffering, again with the job, aloneness, uncertain future, and anticipated loss of loved ones. And so I started crying at the beginning of communion, "Jesus body broken for you. Jesus blood shed for you." And I said to him, "For me? Sweet Jesus, that's right, for me. Yes, for me. Thank you." And I cried and went to get a cracker and some wine from up front."

Yuletide Oh-Nine

2009-12-21T22:04:00.007-05:00

So far Yuletide '09 has included One High School Choir Concert in Martian, One Christmas Hand Bell Concert (Thanks, Mom) - notice the bell ringers got a little crazy during the encore performance of Rudolf.

Also included: One Holiday Dinner Party hosted by yours truly and roommate, Amber - the best chef around. We miss you, Leah!

One deep tissue massage - Thank you, Amanda,

Caroling at the old folks home (a word to the wise: avoid singing The 12 Days of Christmas = disaster), quilting with my mother (let me be clear; by "quilting" I mean cutting out sixteen 5-inch squares of fabric before I was so bored I wanted to punch myself in the face), freezing rain + and gale force winds + 1/4 inch of snow,

Obviously picking the perfect gift for my father this year, proven by the fact I saw that, just today, he had the exact same item delivered to his house from Amazon.com after he purchased one for himself. Oy vey. Now what?

And (count them) three tacky Christmas Sweater Parties where I opted in favor of the Christmas turtleneck over the tacky sweater each time. What can I say? It's a crowd pleaser.

Still to come for Yultide '09? Ruthie and Tommy's Christmas Hockey Party - yeeeeeeeaah, Joyce and Glenn's Christmas-Eve-Eve Lasagne Throwdown, Christmas Eve at Brooke's house!, Christmas Day Hatcher Family Rumpus, Friday and Monday off work!, and more! Fa la la la la.

Shalom (sweet sigh of letting go)

2009-12-20T22:32:00.003-05:00

Micah 5:5
And he will be their peace

Philippians 2:14
He himself is our peace

The Prince of Peace. I love him.

Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.

Advent... Jesus is coming. (Thank God)

Today My Heart Is Big and Sore (Thanks, Patty Griffin)

2009-12-16T10:23:00.005-05:00

Nina: "We both need to take up cigarettes. What are you doing tonight? Can you treat yourself to some sort of indulgence?"

Erin: "I am going caroling at an old folks home tonight. Does that count?"

Nina: "For you, yes."

-----------------------------------------------------
Let's see if I can get through this one without crying:

O Come, O Come Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
Who mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice Rejoice
Emmanuel will come to thee O Israel

(Yeah Right)

-----------------------------------------------------

And Nina was right - As usual. Giving and loving is such good therapy. Also there was a therapy dog there. Kris owns a sweet, old yellow lab therapy dog!

Brad took a bunch of fun pics. The lovely ladies below were full of so much joy. Although OK I did happen to witness one woman fight with all her might against the nurse who was trying to turn her wheelchair to face us. She was not into the caroling. Shoot, girl, that's cool. We were warned that the women of the 3rd floor would be a tough crowd. It didn't matter to me - I liked them so much!

Add this one to the list

2009-11-23T20:56:00.007-05:00

We all know that we evangelicals are known for our witty and cutting edge, post-modern church names: Crosscurrent, Glide, Wave, Equilibrium, Guts Church and the like. Well I stumbled upon another such church this past weekend. Take a look at this little gem:

Yep, you read that right, "Suck Creek Baptist Church Family Life Center." I would like to point out it's right down the road from Fingerville, South Carolina and I'm not even kidding.

My roommate, Amber had this to say about the above church sign:
"Hey if you start a church anytime soon, don't name it this." And then she said, "All the other church names in town must have been taken."

Bravo, Suck Creek Baptists... standing firm in your commitment to Generations X and Y. They'll be flocking to your congregation with a catchy name like that.

A gchat that would make Glenn proud... if only he knew what a gchat was

2009-10-12T21:29:00.005-04:00

ssspoonah gchat status:

N: "Who is #90? Isn't he Darius Rucker?" Sarah: "Um...Darius doesn't play football. He's the lead singer of Hootie and the Blowfish." N: "Oh. Coulda sworn he played for the panthers."

1:47 PM me: please at some point tell S about this conversation with N he loves Darius Rucker

1:48 PM ssspoonah: N doesn't know football players names. ever.

me: ha

ssspoonah: I was like, "That's Julius Peppers. Not Darius Rucker." And he didn't believe me.

1:50 PM me: i thought he is a basketball player; me and N ought to get together and talk sports

1:51 PM ssspoonah: you'd drive S and I crazy I guess. This is why I manage N's fantasy football team and everyone else in the league can't figure out why he's doing so well this year

1:53 PM me: The Puppeteer

Are you sure Julius Peppers never played college basketball? Like for North Carolina?

1:54 PM I just feel like there was someone named "Peppers" that played for the Tarheels at some point

ssspoonah: pretty sure he went to UNC so maybe

1:56 PM just looked it up--well done with your NCAA info

1:57 PM me: Hey! I am so proud of myself! My dad would grin and pat me on the head

1:58 PM Maybe I will post the text of this gchat on my blog

ssspoonah: proof that you know stuff about sports!

me: a little bit at least

1:59 PM ssspoonah: enough to know that Darius Rucker is not a football player for the Carolina Panthers. That's a start.

2:00 PM me: Ha. Nope, Darius Rucker is a real musical-genre-crosser from Hold My Hand to cowboy hats and Burger King commercials

ssspoonah: making south carolina and mid-90's band nostalgia proud

2:02 PM me: and now he's on the country charts. heard him twice in the car yesterday betw fredericksburg/richmond and again near williamsburg

2:03 PM ssspoonah: lord save us all

me: the soundtrack of my life (if ever you make me a mix cd titled "the soundtrack of your life" please exclude DR)

Librarians of the World Unite!

2009-10-02T14:47:00.003-04:00

... To change the world.

My favorite spot on NPR airs on Friday mornings: NPR's Story Corp. A project done in conjunction with the National Library of Congress, NPR is on a quest to preserve oral history in the United States. I love hearing peoples' stories. The narrative from this morning was particularly lovely at like 6am on I-64 headed back to VB from the U2 extravaganza last night in Mr. Jefferson's town. Enjoy!

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113357239

Really?

2009-09-29T21:55:00.001-04:00

“ACCIDENT: In insurance, an accident is an event taking place without one’s foresight or expectation. It is a fortuitous (unexpected) event that is unforeseen and unintended, fixed in time and place, that leads to a financial loss. For example, Mr. Walker’s auto colliding with a tree on May 15, 2005 at 5:00pm at the intersection of Main and South Streets is an accident.”

p. 10, Virginia Property and Casualty Insurance License Exam Manual, 3rd Edition
2007 Published by the DF Institute, Inc.
Printed in the Unites States of America

"So a knowledge manager, a lieutenant, and business insurance specialist walk into a bar...."

2009-09-07T19:31:00.015-04:00

Leah is my roommate. She is demure, generous, and caring. When meeting her one is instantly charmed by her beauty as well as her kind and subtle grin. There is a sincerity to Leah that encourages one to like her instantly. She comes across meek and gentle and mild. All these things are true of her, and yet Leah can most likely kick your butt. That's you - all six of you who read this blog. Let it be known that, to civilians, Leah is a closet bad ass. To the 65 men who call her "Lieutenant" or "Ma'am" on a daily basis, I imagine her bad ass qualities are not so coyly hidden. I would like to point out that Leah graduated number 2 in her flight class in Pensacola. She is a helicopter pilot in the Navy.

My very tough roommate was a finisher in the Lake Luke Triathlon just over a week ago. (Where we met Bill. See below.) I always LOVE an excuse to cheer for things and celebrate people. This Triathlon provided just such an excuse. I was surprised to find that we were the only fans at the race with a poster and pom poms. What is wrong with those loved ones? Not nearly enough spirit.

The Lake Lure Triathlon also provided the perfect opportunity for Hatcher and Spooner to be silly and reunite. "We haven't seen each other since Paris," was an oft' heard statement. See below for a photo essay as well as quotes from 'Trip Minutes' to document Lake Lure as well as our Tour of Ashevegas and Spooner's very exciting life contained therein. Bill! Sailing!

Saturday, August 29, 2009

5:54am Leah comments on her new butterfly saddle, "I hope this thing doesn't kill me."

So this guy is THE guy in the entire United States with the IRONMAN license plate. Of course he drives a red corvette.

6:47am Confusion over where Tri begins. Spooner checks GPS. Amber says, "OK, what information do we have?" Spoken like a true Knowledge Manager.

8:13am
E: "There's always time for pom poms."
S: "I'm writing that on your tombstone."

S: "I generally try to be in the funnest group anywhere. Like at weddings I always try to be at the fun table."
A: "That's like whenever I'm with Erin. I feel like I'm at the fun table."
E: (Gasps with delight) "Aww," (hand over heart) "thank you, Amber."

9:09am, Erin: "I'm using these sticks to trick the gnats."
(Duh, everyone knows the folklore of the gnats and the 'highest point')

11:09am
Bill: "You never know where life's gonna take you."
Erin: "Right, like one day you could be tending bar and the next day you've sold all your stuff, parked your miata, and you're off to New Foundland."
Bill: "Yeah"
Amber: "Always take a juicer."

11:49am "Pull up to the little foody-food-spot i.e. Gas station."

12:12pm " 'Look at the teets on that' comment on the big-teeted mutdog on the back of the truck that just pulled up"

For Mike Koch. We love that guy!

8:56pm: "Previously unfound pile of guacamole (20:56, for Leah). Amber, document her hand-model abilities"
8:57pm: "Rigel - all sorts of water skills"

9:29pm: "Overhear Rigel list all things restr (called SALSA'S) is now out of: rice, beans, plantains, almost all salsas, tamales, churizo. Group notes many of these items seem very *key to Salsa-mex-type Restr)"

Asheville Randoms

[Sidebar, Most/Least favorite sign of road trip: "Greensboro Next 11 Exits"]

Bill! Sailing!

2009-09-07T18:50:00.004-04:00

Reasons to like Bill:

1. Sailing!

2. Bill is boldly friendly.

3. Bill reads my blog.

4. Sailing! (Frequency of mention denotes sincerity)

5. Bill fled convention, a miata, and bar-tending to secure the rigging via New Foundland.

6. Bill was not afraid to hold us to our pledge to provide pictures from last weekend's Triathlon before offering a date and time for sailing.

7. Bill was easy to spot after the Rock N Roll Half Marathon and conceded to a pinky swear, cementing his promise to take our little group sailing at least a second time since I cannot accompany Amber, Leah, and him (our Captain) on the maiden voyage next weekend. Thanks, Bill!

A Chagrinned Conclusion...

2009-09-03T11:56:00.007-04:00

...to a lovely evening.

12:35am September 2nd en route to Lance Ave., Nowheresville-Norfolk.

E. Hatcher: "I wonder how much it costs when your car gets towed."

S. Rawls: "I think 70 or 80 dollars."

M. Rawls: "About 10 years ago."

And to add insult to the $135 injury, the woman behind the protective glass slides my receipt back to me with a parking ticket courtesy of the City of Norfolk.

Oh well! Per Bobby Bunch's suggestion, Theresa and I should have read ALL the parking signs on the Granby St. curb that night.

North Veaux Loop and Lori Canupp's Neon-lit Pool

2009-08-24T23:45:00.010-04:00

Both things from my high school days that came together 6 years ago in a beautiful union at Galilee Episcopal Church. And now, this union has produced this little pumpkin-face (as well as another, not pictured) who greeted my groggy eyes from barely a foot away from my face at 6:50am Sunday. After a silent beat, Pumpkin-face's mouth opened with this: "I'm gonna pee pee in the potty instead of in my diaper." Well good morning to you too, Lilly.

We girls decided several weeks ago that we were goin' out! Alan affirmed this and strongly encouraged the venture. Many dates were tossed around, venues discussed, and in the end where did we decide to go? Obviously we unanimously agreed to hit up The Banque! Oh gol-ly I was excited. I think I went there once, like 5 years ago and swore that one day I'd return. The Banque is pretty much the seediest, most enjoyable, and only country-western establishment in the area. (Well, I never have been into the Aberdeen Barn - does that count as a seedy establishment?) It was SO FUN! Hooray! Best line from our favorite song: "I like her butt."

Saturday night followed an afternoon and evening of torrential downpours and I knew that we'd really have to rally in order to follow through on our plans - especially with mothers of little ones. I mean who can blame them? They are unselfish people whose days are very full and rain always makes people want to go to sleep. I dug deep, grabbed a bunch of dresses and jewelry and headed to Norfolk to pre-game: "Put the coffee on, Wendy - I'm gonna need a boost to get me through the night."

Two cups of coffee, much arguing over Lori's attire, and a short drive later..... The Banque!

If the following statement isn't true, I don't know what is.

I feel the need to point out that The Banque shares real estate with Big Lots. I have been a fan of 'The close-out store' since finding smashed cereal boxes in Portuguese for like $1 back in the nineties. [Also note the PACKED parking lot. We're not the only ones who know where to find a good time in Norfolk on a Saturday night.]

It is generally agreed-upon that Lori Canupp is a diamond in the rough. She is in good company in this photograph with Jamie Edins Hartsfield. People, Eric Hartsfield hit the jackpot. I am currently obsessed with Jamie!

Listen, old guys - do you want to be accepted by and dance with younger women? Learn how to two-step and head to The Banque. This old guy in white sneaks, who was not particularly coordinated I might add, managed to twirl us all around the dance floor. His allure? He knew how to dance and taught us! He was completely endearing and non-creepy --- we loved him! Go get 'em, White Sneaks. According to him he hit up The Banque because he had a weekend night "without the kids."

Line Dance it up, people. The guy to the left in the red striped shirt, Bobby, was two-steppin' with girls on the dance floor all night. I kept wanting him to ask me to dance because he was really good. I finally got my wish after this line dance when he came over and started singing to me. Yes!

Gah! This photo was meant to document dancing with Bobby! Who is this blasted couple in the foreground?

The following photograph serves to support my deep love for Beyonce. Girlfriend always spans genres and unites us all. If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it. (One of the few songs we could dance to without needing to know a line dance. Thanks, B.)

And now a special thanks to a one Alan Wallace Strickland for banque-rolling our evening, as promised by providing his Visa card. A generous and precious peach, that Alan Strickland.

Tour de Hampton Roads

2009-08-24T23:02:00.006-04:00

I have had this road bike for 2 1/2 months and I have been terrified to actually try to ride it... until today's post-work trip from Hampton, through Suffolk to Chesapeake's Great Dismal Swamp Canal Trail. [Sidebar: I live in VaBch, drove through Norfolk, and ran an errand in Newport News today.] The last time I was intentionally at the Dismal Swamp (what's in a name?) was in the 7th grade - also for the purpose of riding a bike. However that time I seem to remember the trip involving Miss Krepper, Mr. Evers strapping a tarp over 60 bikes in the back of a Norfolk Christian dump truck, and a ride in the back of a rickety school bus singing Aerosmith's Living On the Edge with Margaret Victorio and Zach Taylor. Shout out to be beginning of Alicia Silverstone's much-acclaimed career.

This time it was a little different. Ryan now drives a Subaru, wears running shoes with khaki pants, and uses croakies to secure his sunglasses. I feel this is important to note as you look at the photo below. Yes, we were those people on the interstate that had a bike without a front tire on its roof today. I've always wondered, "Where is the other tire and why are those outdoorsy people always removing it for car trips?"

I still don't know why we remove the front tire, but my bike (ahem, Jenny Steele's bike) is in the back there. Also, there is this phenomenon called "clipping in." To me this sounds like a skinned knee waiting to happen and I have yet to tackle the clipping in and the special cleats - who knew you needed cleats to ride a bike? I always thought they were reserved for contact sports. Nope - turns out even lithe bike-riders are hopping on the cleat bandwagon.

The rest of the story will be told via photographs and quotes. Enjoy.

E: "Mom I'm headed to Bike Beat to get a helmet."
J: "Oh! You don't have to! I have one in the trunk of my car."
E: "Why do you have a bike helmet in the trunk of your car?"
J: "I actually have two of them. I saw them at the thrift store 2 years ago and bought them just in case someone needed them."
E: "They've been in the trunk of your car for two years?"

"Mmm, I love the self-portrait."

"Ryan take some pictures of me riding this bike for my blog post."

"We have got to get a picture of these huge running shoes and this busted shoe holder thing on this pedal; how typical."

"Wait, take that picture again. This time I want to flex my calf so I look like I have good muscle-tone. Is that better?"

"I feel like I should take a picture of the clip in shoe with the sleek helmet to exhibit the reality for most road bike type athletes juxtaposed to my running shoes and thrift store helmet."

I wonder if the Scandinavian bike rack company's name is actually pronounced "TOOL" phonetically. I feel in this context it might be an appropriate fit for Ryan and me today, and I am OK with that. Nation's Triathlon October 2010!

Babyface of Cuteness, Cole Rollins

2009-08-13T21:47:00.006-04:00

Do yourself 2 favors:
1. Watch this video
2. Click on the link below
http://pages.teamintraining.org/va/rnrh09/ehatcher

Then do me a favor... you'll get it when you hit the website.

Love and Peace and Hope.