La Petite Chic

Exposaroonie Challenge - Self Portrait

Notice how the weekly photo challenge got a new name?  It's because fabulous bloggers, Emily and Ashley, created a wonderful little website called Exposaroonie and the weekly photo challenge has moved over there!  These girls are seriously talented photographers and I one day hope to be able to take photos just like them. 

The challenge this week was to take a self portrait.  EEK!  This one had me a little nervous because a) I'm terrible at taking pictures of myself and b) I hate almost all pictures of myself.  Regardless, I mananged to take a few shots that I thought turned out pretty good, because I really want to win this! 

Here's my submission:

And here are the runners up:

Edited to Add:  Yes, my eyes really look like that!  The only editing I did to that picture was correcting the white balance, which is thrown off a bit by the flash lighting, (flash tends to wash you out) so it brightened the photo up.  Here's a non-edited close-up of my left eye:

I have my Daddy's eyes.  They're classified as hazel, but from the iris out there's a thin orange ring, then a thick, light turquoise (more green than blue), then usually a very thin, dark ring of turquoise (more blue than green).  They do change color frequently and when I'm angry, they get very, very green.  Just ask Jon :)   

   

How I Met My Honey Blog Carnival

The lovely Rebecca over at Ramblings By Reba is hosting a Blog Carnival today on the topic of  "How I Met My Honey."  If you all remember, I wrote our "How We Met" story back on Valentine's Day, but here's a link back to that post if you missed it then.  Feel free to join in the fun, whether you've already told your story or if you need an idea for what to write about today!

A Year Later

The dreary weather here in Virginia fits in perfectly with my mood.  It was a year ago today that I said goodbye to one of my very best friends; my old dog Holly.  She was one of those "once in a lifetime" dogs; the dog that you'll one day tell your children and grandchildren about.  If dogs are anything like people, I think our other two dogs probably looked at her and thought, "that's the kind of dog I want to be like when I grow up."  She was just that wonderful.

Superficially speaking, Holly was absolutely gorgeous.  She was a mixed breed of German Shepherd and Husky descent and had the beautiful black and tan markings of the Shepherd and one blue eye of the Husky.  She was strong and lean and in her younger days, quick enough to catch birds.  I often took her running with me and always felt safer with her by my side.   

I missed her desperately when I was away at college.  I always felt guilty for leaving her behind, but tried to make up for it when I was home on break by showering her with attention and walking her on the trail near my parent's house.  I didn't take her with me when I moved to the DC area after college.  She never was good with change and I didn't want to uproot her from the home she had lived in almost all her life. 

As Holly got older, she slowed down a lot and spent most of her time napping in the sun.  She got really thin and wasn't interested in food anymore.  She started having problems walking and getting up the stairs and often fell while trying to squat to pee.  We gave her arthritis medicine and that helped a little, but not a lot.  We took her to the veterinarian when she began breathing heavily all the time, even when she was laying down.  The doctor told us that there really wasn't anything we could do.  There was a problem with the flap in her throat and at any time it could fail to open and would essentially suffocate her.

That's when my mom and I decided it was most humane to have her put to sleep.  I agonized over the decision.  I had a serious breakdown two nights before her appointment and sobbed for hours, wondering if there was anything else we could do for her, if we were doing the right thing.  I knew that she was suffering and that life wasn't enjoyable for her.  She wouldn't even let me pet her anymore; she just wanted to be left alone.  Taking her to that final appointment is probably the hardest thing I've ever done in my life.  But I'm so grateful that I was there to spend those last few moments with her.  She slipped away peacefully, surrounded by my mom and I. 

One whole year has passed now, yet the pain of losing Holly hasn't subsided.  She's the whole reason I started this blog, to write about my loss, the loss of her.  I still miss her terribly.  I cry when I think of her, cry when I write about her and even cry when I see other dogs that look like her.  It's so incredible how one dog can have such an impact on your life.  It was such a privilege to have loved her and to be loved by her in return.  I will definitely share tales of her with my children and grandchildren.  Holly was just that special.

   

One Year

A few weeks ago, I was explaining to a friend how I, in July, would be boarding an airplane to San Francisco to attend a blogging conference.  "Who are you going to stay with?", he asked. "Friends" I replied.  "You mean friends you met through blogging?"  "Yes, friends I met through blogging. I've never met them in person, but we've exchanged e-mails, mutually commented on each other's blogs, even mailed each other bottles of wine.  Friends."

It's been one year now since I started this blog, naively thinking that it would just be an outlet for me to get out all the thoughts and feelings that otherwise would have stayed inside.  True, it has been that, but it's also been so much more.  Through this very public and personal outlet, I have made so many wonderful friendships with kind, funny and incredibly intelligent women all over America.   

I come to this blog for advice, for camaraderie, for laughs, to brag about my hubby and though I hate to admit it, for approval.  I come here to talk about things that probably make my parents ashamed of me (my dad stopped reading after this post), but also things that make them proud of me.  And while this blog has been the start of many friendships, it's also been the catalyst for the end of others. 

When I first started out, Jonathan and a few other family members were my only commenters and I had maybe 20 hits a day.  Now, I actually have people who aren't related or married to me who comment on my blog and my average hit per day is around 200.  I think it's safe to say that this little blog has come a long way!  I intend to keep blogging as long as it's still enjoyable for me, which will hopefully span into the years when I get pregnant because I can't wait to post belly shots every week. 

So on this, my one year blogoversary, thank you to everyone who has visited, everyone who has commented and to everyone who has lurked (please, won't you say hi?) in the past year.  It means the world to me that you all care enough to stop by here and listen to what I have to say, even through my dry spells (especially of late!).  I can't wait to meet some of you at BlogHer in July, because yes, you are my friends and I can't wait to finally say hello in person.   

PhotoPie Week 9

The rules of PhotoPie Week 9 hosted by the lovely EmilyPie were to take a picture of something hot.  Though it would have been lovely to take a picture of something lovely outside in the refreshingly hot weather we are having, my head and nose would not be so happy about that.  I have not suffered from seasonal allergies since I lived in Richmond, but starting yesterday I have been sniffling and sneezing constantly thanks to the layer of pollen currently blanketing Northern Virginia.  Bleh! 

Luckily, Jon and I like things spicy so I had plenty of things to choose from indoors.  Without further ado, here is my submission:

We first tasted this wine at the Virginia Wine Festival last fall and we had the chance to try it again when we went to the Virginia Wine Expo in February.  Remember that scandalous photo of me, Unnaturally Blonde and the young man?  Well, that just so happens to be the same young man (I swear he was legal!) whose finger I licked Cheese Whiz off as a chaser to this wine.  It is quite hot!  It's really more of a cooking wine, but you get a sticker if you take a shot of it. Obviously a sticker is worth it, people! 

Exonerated

Remember when I got pulled over for an expired registration and inspection back in March?  Well, today was my day in court.  What an experience that was!  My ticket said to be there by 9:00 AM, but I ended up getting there around 8:40 because I didn't want to be late.  There was already a line forming outside of the courthouse, but I lucked out in that I was very close to the spot where the sheriff instructed us to line up so I ended up being second in line.  Sweet!  That is, until he told us all that if we had a cellphone or any other electronic device that we had to return them to our cars because we could absolutely not bring them in the courtroom, even if they were turned off.

I was the only person to step out of line.  I was thinking, "Are you kidding me?  Either these people have all been here before and know the rules or they're all lying!"  Either or, both reasons would be cause for concern!  By the time I got back from my car, I had to get at the end of the line, which was about 40 people deep.  The sheriff came back outside again and gave us another reminder about the cellphones and then added that no large bags or weapons are allowed in the courtroom either.  It just so happened that I was carrying my huge bag with me because I was going to work right after court.  I decided to take my chances and stay in line because the line was getting longer and longer.

When I finally got into the courtroom, I was met with yet another line.  This one was for a chance to meet with the city attorney before the trials got started.  Generally, it's for people who have a good shot at winning their case and they can either get all charges dropped or get their fines reduced if their case is strong.  Seeing as how I renewed my registration and inspection the week after I got pulled over, I figured I had a pretty good shot so I got in that line.  After waiting for about a half hour, I was finally the next person in line to meet with the attorney. Wouldn't you know that it was at that time that the sheriff decided to send everyone to their seats because court was about to start?  Oh, I was so pissed off. 

So I got to wait for another 45 minutes, listening to other people's case, silently wishing for them to call my name so I could hurry up and get back to work.  Finally it was my turn.  The judge called my name and I quickly walked up to the front of the courtroom.  He asked if I had resolved the registration and inspection issues and I told him that yes, I had.  He told me to show my proof to the officer (the one who pulled me over!) and once it was determined that I did indeed resolve the issues, he told me that all charges were dismissed and I was free to go!!  Hooray!  Now I'm so happy that I decided to go to court rather than just paying the fines because that saved me $125!!  Woo-hoo!! 

And you wouldn't believe the cast of characters I saw while I was there: 

• The young guy who was charged with possession of marijuana who ironically wore a marijuana-themed tee-shirt to court!
• The lady who brought her infant (who later cried), mother and husband to court with her.  Umm, wouldn't you think that she would leave either the mother or husband at home with the baby?
• The guy in the orange prison jump suit who was led into court in shackles.  No idea what he did, but he had those wild Charles Manson eyes and kind of creeped me out.
• The old guy who was charged with disorderly conduct and was ordered not to get within 50 yards (or something) of a local bank.  Lord, don't I wish I knew what he did! 
• The 50 or so people who showed up to court in sweatpants. SWEATPANTS.  Really??
• The guy who was called before me with the exact same charge but who didn't rectify the issue.  Are you serious??  Why even show up?  Needless to say, he was fined the full amount.

Those are just few of many, many characters.  I swear, it's no wonder they let me off.  I was one of about 3 people who wore appropriate courtroom attire.  The judge was probably just happy with the fact that I showed up decently dressed and called him your honor! 

O's Recap

The O's game was amazing last night!  They went into extra inning to beat the White Sox...woot!!  Of course that means that we didn't get home until after 12:30 last night, but it was well worth the dark undereye circles this morning.  Not only was it a great ballgame, but you'll never guess who threw out the first pitch....Kenny Chesney!  I just about had a heart attack right then and there.  I kept poking and hitting Jon while saying over and over, "Oh my god, it's Kenny Chesney, look, Jon, look, it's Kenny Chesney!!"  Poke poke poke point point point !!!

I took many pictures of not only Kenny Chesney, but also of my pretend boyfriends:

Nick Markakis

(

and Brian Roberts

(

Le sigh...

I'm also digging Kevin Millar.  He seems like such a goofball and we all know that the best pretend boyfriend is the one that can make you laugh.

(

Sorry for the short post today, but I'm heading out at 1:00 to make the drive up to Penn State for the Blue-White game.  It's sure to be a great time and the weather forecast looks perfect!  Hope you all have fabulous weekends!

A Beautiful Day for a Ball Game

Getting ready to head out for the O's game tonight.  We couldn't have asked for more beautiful baseball weather!  I'll try to remember to take pictures so that I can post some tomorrow.

Go O's!!

(anything to move my prior post down the page a bit!)

T.M.I.

It was about a half hour into Pilates class tonight when we moved into the Rocker pose.  We had been doing a lot of rolling type moves prior to that, but the Rocker is different in that you keep your legs spread wide open while you're rocking and rolling.  It's one of those poses that makes you realize why yoga pants are so popular.  If you weren't wearing them, you'd be sure to be giving the rest of the class a peek at your goodies.

I was mid-roll when I felt it: a little puff of air escaping my nether regions. Not from my bum. From my lady bits.  A queef.  A wave of panic rushed over me.  Was that really what I think it was?  I dropped my pose and looked around guiltily.  Everyone else was still blissfully rocking away.  Phew, no one had noticed.  But, really, was that what I think it was?  That's only ever happened after sexy time.  Never during innocent Pilates! I cautiously lifted my legs back up and went into a roll.  And then another slipped out.  This one, too, was gracefully silent.  I lowered my legs a bit.  I didn't want to call attention to myself by outright stopping the pose, but I also didn't want any more little accidents to slip out.  There's nothing like a queef to break the serenity of Pilates. 

I first heard about queefs in 8th grade.  There was a girl who was the recipient of the unfortunate moniker of Queen LaQueefah.  How creative, right?  Apparently, she earned the nickname after she queefed during sex with one of our classmates.  In 8th grade!  Good lord, I had no idea such things existed at that age.  I can remember one of my friends telling me that you could make yourself queef.  She tried to demonstrate by rolling on the floor with her legs in the air but wasn't successful. (Sidenote: Don't you just miss that age of discovery with your girlfriends?  The finding out of scandalous things and instantly rushing to share your findings with your girlfriends?  Ahh, those were the days.) 

Anyway, HELLO!  Legs in the air...rolling...rocking...no wonder it happened in Pilates class!  I managed to get through the rest of class without any more incidents, but I was super anxious that another one would slip out.  Bliss, my ass. 

P.S.  This picture totally cracks me up!!  Love the tighty-whiteys!!

Five Years Ago...

In honor of my five year college reunion, I thought it would be interesting to look back at where I was five years ago compared to where I am now.  Here we go...

Five years ago, I was in a relationship with a boy who was going off to law school.  After weighing the pros and cons of staying together during this undoubtedly busy and stressful time, we decided to stay together.  We only lasted through the first semester, when it became painfully obvious that he couldn't juggle a committed relationship and law school and when I couldn't help but flirt with boys when I went out with friends.  Clearly, we were not meant to be. 

Now, I'm married to a man who, even though he is pursuing his MBA while working full-time, still makes time to cook a quick meal before he leaves for class and who randomly leaves me love notes on Post-It's around the house.  Clearly, we were meant to be.

Five years ago, I was a Division I scholarship athlete and spent most of my weekends at cross country or track meets.  I was in the best shape of my life and setting a school record in the 3000 meter steeplechase and making the All-Conference team. 

Now, I barely find time to go to the gym but I love the freedom of choosing my own workout, whether it be Pilates, the elliptical or a run, if my knees are up for it.  I still spend a lot of weekends on the road, but now it's to visit family or friends.

Five years ago, I was a very insecure person.  I felt that I could never measure up to all of the beautiful, rich girls and southern belles who attended Richmond, despite always being told by boys that that's why they liked me.  Because I was different and because "I wasn't like the other girls." 

Now, I still have my insecure moments, but I am doing much better at loving myself and at being myself.  I think I have Jon to thank for a lot of that.  Now, I'm thankful that I grew up in a middle class family and learned the important lesson of working hard for what you want.  I'm proud that I ran my butt off to get a nearly full-ride to a highly selective school and I love that I can say that.  I know now that I was, and am, just as good as any of those girls and that really, money isn't everything. 

Five years ago, I took a quiet, solitary walk around campus the night before graduation.  I marveled on how much I had changed in my four years as a co-ed and experienced mixed emotions about stepping into the real world.  I couldn't imagine not coming back to Richmond in the fall.

Now, I take quiet, solitary walks around my neighborhood with Lola.  I use that time to reflect on my day and to wind down after a long day at work.  I can't imagine not coming home to my husband and pup and the little home we've made for ourselves.

Five years ago, I was certain I would find a job in politics.  And eventually, I did.  And guess what?  I hated every single minute of it.  Did I ever tell you all that part of my job description was to drive the Congressman around to his various meetings in DC?  I did not go to college for four years to end up as somebody's chauffeur!

Now, I'm still trying to find my dream job.  And I think I know what it is, but I'm not sure if this is the right time to pursue it.  For now, I'm content with my job and happy to be making a decent salary.  There is plenty of time for my dream job and luckily, I can at least pursue it as a hobby.

Five years ago, I reveled in dancing on bars and drinking cheap beer and partying with friends.

Now, well, who the hell am I kidding?  I still revel in dancing on bars and drinking cheap beer (though I can afford better than Beast now!) and partying with friends!  And I think I always will.  I will definitely be that 60 year old woman volunteering to go up onstage to dance with a Chippendale dancer.  Oh yes, I most definitely will.

Have a great weekend, everyone!  In just a few short hours, I will be off enjoying the spring weather and a lovely glass of sangria with Jon and Mr. and Mrs. Unnaturally Blonde.