Thanksgiving 2011

Our mini Thanksgiving vacation was pretty awesome.  Clark had a week off from work and I didn't have to attend class since all my courses are scheduled on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.  So, we both lucked out this year and got to enjoy the holiday without any work/academic distractions.

I'll spare y'all the details, but Clark and I spent our first Thanksgiving meal in Baltimore and then our second Thanksgiving meal in Alexandria. Yes, we had two feasts in three days.  We're glutinous little pigs.  Just kidding. (Kind of.) We had such a great time visiting with family, playing with Charlie and Greta, running around Rogers Forge, seeing the sites in D.C. on a very busy Black Friday, and watching Elf and old Friends episodes.   I've said it before and I'll say it again: we feel truly blessed to have members from both sides of the family within a three hour drive.  We actually feel kind of spoiled.

On with the photo essay of Thanksgiving festivities:

Charlie playing doctor with Clark the day we babysat. 

Greta enjoying some V8.  This little girl is NOT picky, and typically she'll drink two cans in one sitting.

Turkey Day, hanging out on the monkey bars at a nearby park.

Greta made two new friends.  She didn't care for the human friend so much, but she was extremely fond of the furry friend.

And when her furry friend left she took a little nap.

The Tobler Thanksgiving set up.  It was a delicious meal; a big thanks to Joanne, Kim's mother for preparing all the dishes!

Black Friday festivities consisted of absolutely NO shopping. Instead we all enjoyed a day out in D.C.  Have I mentioned that the weather over Thanksgiving was phenomenal and unseasonably warm?  Because it really was.  Mid 60's and sunny.

Above is T-Rex in the Museum of Natural History.  Below is the Smithsonian. 

The whole gang.

Charlie is such a sweet boy.  He loved taking every opportunity possible to push Greta.  

Each and every memorial was happening.  We've seen Lincoln up close before so we didn't even bother fighting the crowds this time around.

The Washington Memorial.

Scott, thank you for the clever placement of the WA memorial between our heads.  I promise there isn't any phallic symbolism going on here.  So everyone with dirty thoughts just get your minds out of the gutter.

Scott and Dagmara, always having to be the photogenic couple.

So then we tried to outdo them, and this is what we came up with...

Saturday we had our second Thanksgiving feast, replete with every item from a traditional Turkey dinner.  Dagmara single-handedly created this masterpiece.  It was delicious. 

Thanksgiving green jello also made an appearance, and disappeared within 24 hours.  

After turkey dinner #2, we watched some old Friends episodes and decided to steal an idea for a memory recall game.  In the Thanksgiving episode from season 7, they were supposed to recall and write down each of the 50 states within 6 minutes. It was something we all just had to try.  

It's not as easy as it sounds.  However, I conquered the task, and finished in 4 minutes!  Can't say the same for the rest of them.... ;) Everyone eventually finished.

Ahhhhh, it was a great Thanksgiving holiday!  We're so thankful for our wonderful families near and far, and for the hospitality shown to us by the Baltimore Toblers and the Ellisons in Alexandria.  We're extremely thankful to live in a free country, and a country where food seems always to be available in abundance.  Not everyone worldwide can say the same.  

Black bears don't live in Mississippi!

Just found out today --by reading a friend's blog and scanning her photos of the Ole Miss v. Auburn football game from a month ago-- that Ole Miss changed its mascot from Colonel Reb to the Rebel Black Bear!?

Say what?

  

First off, where have I been for the last year? There was talk of replacing Col. Reb as mascot when I attended Ole Miss back in 2002-2004 (it was very controversial), but I didn't think it would actually happen. Though my response is delayed, I'm really sad about this. Secondly, BLACK BEARS DON'T LIVE IN MISSISSIPPI! This is absolutely absurd, and I completely agree with the image below:

Yup.   

Babysitting

Thank you Kyle and Kim for today's babysitting opportunity.

We're exhausted.  Especially Clark.

The Philly Skyline

is AMAZING.

Ivy League Football: Penn v. Cornell

My first Ivy League football experience was... interesting.

A friend and I attended our very first Penn football game last Saturday at the beautiful and legendary Franklin Field.  Thank you, Groupon, for the $5 tickets and free pretzel vouchers.

In no way does Ivy League football compare to SEC football, or even PAC-10 (err-I mean PAC-12), ACC, Big 12, etc. Nevertheless, I really enjoy watching collegiate football, and the game was still fun to attend!  Now I know I'm just making a huge generalization about Ivy League football, but it reminded me of high school football, only a little more impressive.  I know it sounds mean, but this was NOT like watching the big dogs play.  Or even the medium sized dogs.  This was like watching little dogs, like Pomeranians or Shih Tzus, run around and fumble the ball every 75 seconds or so.  To be fair, Pomeranians are just as much fun to watch as Golden Retrievers, am I right?  Now obviously these athletes have more talent than most high school players and are good enough to make this squad. However, they probably wouldn't make the cut if trying out for bigger programs in the area, such as Penn State or Temple.  The players are noticeably smaller, whiter and less adorned with ink on their skin. Just sayin'.  Someone's got to be honest about it.  Ivy League programs can't offer scholarships to athletes, so obviously they can't draw the best athletes to their programs (Patrick Witt of Yale is an exception, but even he can't make his team good).  I have a deep respect for athletes that compete for non-scholarship providing schools.  When I was recruited by Columbia University in high school, I wouldn't even consider visiting the school/program when I was told they couldn't offer me a scholarship.  Props to Ivy League athletes.  They obviously love what they do and don't expect anything in return.  Besides a win here and there.

Back to the aforementioned football game.  Penn lost to Cornell.  Cornell is one of those schools I just can't stand, all because of Andy Bernard from The Office.  "I went to Cornell.  Ever heard of it?" It's hilarious how arrogant he is about a school that most people have rarely heard about.  Anyway, I hate Cornell because of Andy Bernard.  

The crowds were so small at this game.  I felt so bad for the teams playing in this massive capacity stadium to probably a couple thousand fans total.  This photo was taken at half time, but you can tell that the stands are pretty empty regardless of it being half time or not.

 Aside from my above blasting of Penn football and Ivy League football in general, I am excited for next year's football season.  I do love me some college football, and though these guys don't fall into the category of the big dogs, even as small dogs they are fun to watch play.  

"Max, can you earmuff for me?"

Old School has some of the best one liners. Ever.

It's getting pretty chilly out and I'm starting to come down with something.  You know, when you can feel the glands in your neck start to swell and you just know the impending cold is upon you?  This year, I am REFUSING to get sick.  Our home will be an illness free home.  We just don't have the time. 

I have been taking precautions the last few days.  It's been rainy out so I didn't go running yesterday or this morning. (I've learned that running actually won't cure me and/or make me feel better when I'm sick.  Startling revelation.)  I've been sleeping in.  And, I have been drinking ample amounts of liquids, mainly in the form of tea.  Since I'm not out on my daily run this morning, I'm putting my time to good use.  On ebay.  Looking for earmuffs/ear warmers/anything to keep my head warm that isn't a hat.

I've found some gems:

 She has, like, three heads. This must be warm.   

Oh my awesome.  

I'm gonna go with my gut and say that this over-sized, furry, caterpillar-thing would keep my ears warm even in Siberia.  Probably.

 This seller decided it wasn't important enough to take a clear picture of his/her product.  The bow on the bunny is a nice touch, though.

I have so many options, I don't know how I'll ever make a decision! 

(But for reals, does anyone use the earmuffs that go behind the head, not over the head?  Do they stay in place?  I've also been looking at the uber trendy knit headbands that have the button adjustment in the back.  Are they itchy?  I have a huge issue with things that itch my forehead and ears.  Would appreciate any insight/advice. I'm a long time beanie wearer, looking to expand my horizons and try something new.)

Another twenty some odd birthday

My twenty some odd birthday was really quite relaxing.  I refused to study.  I was spoiled with gifts from my bff/lover/husband.  I attended church.  I ate awesome pulled pork sandwiches and homemade mac 'n cheese (made by my man).  And I got to enjoy my day with Clark and the Baltimore Toblers.  Don't get much better than that!

My birthday spoils, courtesy of Target.  The kitty cat mug is pretty remarkable.

 Up close: this is one good looking mug of peppermint tea!
I miss you Gretchen, and I will think of you every time I use this mug!

Later in the afternoon we drove over to campus so that Kyle and Kim could walk UPenn's paths and feel the Ivy League spirit that abounds on the sacred campus grounds.  (Honestly, I didn't mean for any of that to rhyme.  I'm just that good.)

Charlie and Greta just don't stay still long enough in bad lighting.  They had a blast running around the university grounds.

It was a super chill, low key birthday.  Exactly the kind of day I've needed since beginning this grad program at Penn.

Until my next twenty some odd birthday...

Midweek merriment (I should backdate this but I'm not going to)

(This post was actually saved several days ago and never got posted. Just FYI.)

Today I spent the afternoon studying on a blanket in the park.  It was divine.  Until a homeless man started yelling swear words at the top of his lungs and cursing out another dude (I'm assuming another vagrant), threatening, "You better not be here when I get back!" over, and over, and over.  No one else in the park seemed too concerned, so I just studied on and hoped that the man would not return with a gun or a knife. 

So studying in the park made me incredibly happy.  And then these two things also added to my midweek merriment:

Oh key hooks, you make life so much more organized!

Oh leftover Halloween candy bought on sale at CVS, you satiate my chocolate cravings so well!

Yep, the simple things really do add so much joy to my life!

Fulfilling an adolescent dream of sorts

 The other week we drove out to Atlantic City, NJ to spend an afternoon near the ocean.  Without getting into too much detail, I've wanted to visit Atlantic City since I was a teenager.  As an impressionable 16 year old I was inspired by a few musical geniuses hailing from NJ.  They made Atlantic City sound like a rockin' place.

It wasn't so rockin' after all.  My expectations were too high and I ended up being disappointed.  It's considered the "Vegas of the East coast" but it's actually a small ocean-side town with unimpressive hotels and casinos for old people.  Seriously, I think Clark and I were like the youngest people walking on the boardwalk --and through casinos-- that day.  And smoking is still allowed in casinos, too! Bleh.  The only redeeming qualities of Atlantic City are the boardwalk and the ocean.  I bet in the summertime it is quite nice to hang out on the beaches.

The boardwalk in all it's glory.

The lonely benches.  And Clark.

It was just a little too chilly to get our feet wet, or even venture out onto the sand barefoot.

We thought it was hilarious that they had a Wild West display.  Seriously, I think people from the East coast really do think that the West is full of cowboys and Indians and that people still get around in horse carriages.

A sampling of the hotels in Atlantic City.  These ones aren't too shabby, but they aren't nearly as impressive at the monstrosities on the Vegas Strip.

Until next time, AC.

We may head back to Atlantic City for a beach day in the summer.  Or maybe we'll head to the Delaware beaches instead.  Supposedly the beaches in Delaware are quite nice and less crowded than the beaches in NJ.  Anyone care to join us?  We'll pay the tolls.

Halloween in Baltimore

I am going to preface this post by asking if it is weird that I am dedicating an entire post to photos of cute kids that aren't mine?  No, not the slightest bit weird?  I didn't think so either.

After our short stay with Scott and Dagmara in Alexandria we drove up to Baltimore to spend Halloween with the Kyle Tobler family.  We made an excellent decision and would highly suggest that any Toblers available next Halloween make the trek to Baltimore, regardless of mileage, cost, etc, etc.  It is totally worth it, you have my word.  It was a blast, and I have never, ever seen a neighborhood so committed to trick-or-treaters.  Seriously, adults hanging out on their front lawn with a bowl full of candy and keeping warm with a fire pit/chiminea and a beverage of choice.  That's how they do it in the Rodgers Forge neighborhood.  I have never seen sidewalks so congested with trick-or-treaters and parents/guardians.  It was a blast to experience.  

Our afternoon started off with a walk to a nearby park.  Charlie and Greta became instantly infatuated with a neighbor's dog.

And at the park, they had a lot of fun swinging, see-sawing, and playing in the dirt and on the slides.

Such cute kids!

I just love fall colors! Seriously, is there anything better than fall foliage and the anticipation of winter?

Kim and Kyle's next door neighbors.  Go hard or go home.  They do NOT kid around.

Annnnnnnnnnd, the cutest Snow White and Optimus Prime of the Halloween season!  I accidentally called Charlie Megatron.  Big mistake.  Apparently I don't know/remember enough about Transformers to recall the difference.

Just a little bit awkward (Clark).

So the neighborhood puts on a little parade every Halloween before trick-or-treating begins.  The kids and parents all meet up in the park and then parade around.  But apparently this year there was no official announcement or gathering, just a grassroots effort to continue the tradition.  Still, there were several families that gathered in the park.  Greta met up with her friend Caroline, who was also Snow White!

Some of the kids Charlie's age were playing and told Greta to wait in the...whatever this jungle gym thing is called.  So she did.  Very patiently for a few minutes, might I add.  Until she realized that the big kids had gotten distracted and weren't coming back for her.  This is, quite possibly, my favorite photo of the day.

I'm so bummed this turned out blurry.  STOP MOVING SO FAST EVERYONE!

Kyle, Charlie (Optimus Prime NOT Megatron), Kim and Greta (Snow White) pre trick-or-treating.

My alter ego Ratasha.  I pulled off the unibrow and mole so well that Kyle didn't even notice after I drew them on.  How many people do you know that can pull of a unibrow this well!?  Oh, Ratasha.  I'll see you again next Halloween.

Super sexy $.99 pants from Ross.  Ratasha waited two years to wear these.  The outfit will be more complete next year.  And maybe she'll even wear skanky heels, in spite of the cold weather.

After taking the kids around trick-or-treating, Kyle decided to move their chiminea to the front yard like the rest of the neighborhood.

Charlie took over Clark's ACDC horns and proceeded to pass out the candy.  And when the candy ran out (literally like 10-12 bags worth) Charlie decided to offer up Greta's candy to trick-or-treaters.  Only we were under the impression that he had donated his candy.  Sneaky little guy.

We had a fantastic time and were so happy we could see the kids in trick-or-treating action!  Thank you Kyle and Kim for allowing us the opportunity to spend Halloween in Baltimore!