Peer Pressure

I'm really bad at this...

2011-09-11T09:53:00.001-07:00

Wow, 2011 is 3/4 of the way over and a lot has happened! You wouldn't know if from this blog, because apparently I'm not updating it :/ 2011 came in with full force. We had the snowstorm of the century! Everything basically shut down for a week. My basketball team went undefeated, followed by my lacrosse team who beat the Potomac School for the first time in school history. However, I was feeling the 2-year itch, so I traveled down to SC in search of a new job. I decided (begrudgingly) to stay in DC until the end of my masters' program. I resigned at Edlin (but went on a great field trip with my 4th grade class to Baltimore...a pirate cruise)! Oh, I almost forgot...I went to AFRICA! The French students raised money to help their pen pals build a new school in Senegal and I tagged along. Best. Trip. Ever. Grace graduated from Barrie and is now a freshman at UVA (I know, I can't believe it either). Ashley moved out and I got a new roommate named Marie, but our usual group went through the summer process of celebrating birthdays (Ashley's, Andrew's, Jimmy's, mine...) I worked another summer at the Potomac School coaching lacrosse and popped down to Myrtle Beach for a week in August to see the family. Then it was back to work! I'm now working with an autistic boy (who's in 7th grade) and coaching varsity field hockey at Falls Church HS. Oh, and of course I added another semester of grad school just to keep things interesting! Never a dull moment.

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2010 is outta here...

2011-01-02T06:51:00.000-08:00

The rest of 2010 can be summed up in 10 topics...

10. I finished my summer job (working as a tennis coach) and had an awesome tan through fall. Minus the ankle sock lines.
9. The Ravens vs. Redskins pre-season game...do I really need to report on who won?
8. I turned 30. Yeah. Not much to say there. It was a gorgeous day, so I went out and rode a bike.
7. I took my girls' field hockey team to see #2 Maryland play #1 North Carolina. Do I need to mention who won? And who then went on to win the national title yet again...?
6. Annual Maryland homecoming football game with my dad. After last season, I guess it's not a given to be smug about who won. Maryland blew 'em out of the water, 62-14. After the 50th some-odd point, we left a bit early. Maryland went on to play East Carolina in the Military Bowl this year, beating them 51-20. Again, once they hit 50, it gets a bit dull.
5. Fall was gorgeous this year. And it lasted a long time. It was truly an enjoyable season and I couldn't resist digging out my camera and photographing the leaves. Nature never gets old.
4. ELDER PEER CAME HOME! Josh returned on November 4 and we were thrilled to have him back for 2 months. He just left for school (back in Utah!) this past weekend.
3. I had a blast teaching "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" to my 4th grade class, complete with green goggles and costumes. We had a green food holiday party and I think it's one book my kids will never forget.
2. I got to reunite with my cousin Gretchen (after more than a decade) and meet her wonderful husband Nick, and beautiful daughter Mackenzie. We had a great visit with them.
1. There's no better way to celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ than with ammo. I'm kidding, of course. We did go shooting at a range on Christmas Eve, followed by a lovely Christmas morning with the entire family.

As the sun sets on 2010, I am grateful for my family, my health, and my Savior. I am blessed with good employment, and the opportunity to further my education, as I continue my endeavors pursuing a masters degree from the University of Maryland in Secondary English Education (i.e., teaching middle and high-schoolers).

I can't wait to see what 2011 holds. Happy New Year, y'all.

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It's summertime in Washington.

2010-07-30T17:29:00.001-07:00

Ashley's friend Brenda visited (from New York) and we did the obligatory DC tour. We also drove out to Warrenton for the Gaskins' lake party...some 4-wheelin', food, and fun.

Ashley turns 27!

2010-07-30T17:25:00.000-07:00

Although she technically turned 27 while she was in California, we celebrated in style when she returned. And by style I mean it involved chocolate. The guys came over and gave her an appropriate Care Bears gift bag. We also said good-bye to Dylan, who moved back to Idaho. FUN!

The more the merrier.

2010-07-30T17:14:00.000-07:00

What is it about a big piece of fabric that makes people think, 'Let's play with it! Or lay in it!' FYI, stretchy material can sometimes come at a price (i.e. concussions, bruises, etc) but 'Stretchy' is so much fun, I won't lie :) So much fun we may have accidentally left the guy's house with it. But we quickly returned it in an appropriate manner.

Summatime and the livin' is easy.

2010-07-30T17:05:00.000-07:00

Man, this summer is FAH-LYING by. Whether it's enjoying the hammock on the porch, trekking to the GW Law School with Laura, hitting 100 degrees on more than one occasion or getting new kitchen flooring, it's all in a day's heat. And I do LOVE our new kitchen floor :)

Catching Up

2010-07-11T09:43:00.000-07:00

A lot has happened these past few months, and I haven't been taking a lot of pictures so you'll actually have to READ this :) After spring break, it was back to the grind. The spring was actually pretty nice, and the weeks flew by in school. The kids were in a pretty good routine and we were all excited about going to Camp Highroad. It was a 3-day trip with the 5th and 6th grade in Middleburg, VA. We had a GREAT time. There was a lot of hiking, but the counselors were great, and we didn't have any accidents or catastrophes! Just plenty of ticks, but we located all of them on various heads.

Johnny graduated from high school and is preparing to go to the University of Maryland in the fall (yay Terps!) Lacrosse this season was a bit rough...we didn't win a regular season game, but the good news is my idea to have sports 5 days a week (last period) was approved so we will be contenders this coming year! I planned our school's annual field day and it was a HUGE success...it was based on Homer's Odyssey and a great time was had by all. Apparently it was the 'best field day EVER,' as quoted by dozens of students. It looks like I'll be teaching 4th grade this next year, so we'll see how that goes! I'm also planning on starting my masters degree in January (MAT-master of arts in teaching) from UMUC.

And...I'm turning the big 3-0 in a few weeks. I'm not sure how I feel about this. Some days I think, "It's no big deal. 30. I look pretty good and life is good." Other days I freak out and scream, "I REFUSE to leave my 20's!!! NOOOOO!" It's a little surreal to think I'm losing that '2' in front of my age, now replaced by a '3.' Oh well. What they say is true; the older you get, the better things get...I'm more comfortable in my skin and content with life.

Spring, Much Needed, Break

2010-04-07T06:09:00.000-07:00

My brothers and I went down to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for spring break. My dad's family lives down there (I know, right?) and we had a week of beautiful weather. We're now back in DC, and it's 90 degrees in April. BLAH. I think the most fun thing we did, other than soak in the sun, was visit Alligator Adventure which is...you guessed it...an alligator farm. I immediately thought of the movie 'Joe Dirt' so I went around the park all day saying, "Rule number 1...I'm number one. Rule number 2...the croc's number 2!" It was so great to see the family.

Fear the Turtle!

2010-03-14T17:47:00.000-07:00

Ahhh...how I love March Madness. Maryland earned big props this year by our star senior point guard earning ACC Player of the Year. I'm going to miss that Venezuelan spirit and accent. Maryland won't be the same without you, Greivis Vasquez. And Coach Gary...it wouldn't be Garyland (I mean, Maryland) without Gary Williams, aka ACC Coach of the Year. Fear the turtle...hell in a shell! The Blue Devils can suck it.

After the Snow

2010-03-14T17:32:00.000-07:00

After a week and a half of cabin fever, we groaned and complained about being back at school. But what a great return...my basketball team went on to win their last game, after coming back from a 9-point deficit! I was so proud of this fantastic group of girls! I introduced Ashley and Brittney to The Legwarmers...I think they thought dressing up was the most fun part of the night! :)

6 days and counting...literally.

2010-02-10T14:14:00.000-08:00

I know it sounds ridiculous...everybody wants a snow day, to take a break from the grind. But this is day 6, and I won't be returning to school for 5 MORE DAYS. I didn't think I could actually miss my class; all 18 of them. I am slowly going insane. Not to mention fat. If I trek down the street to see if the McDonalds is open, that counts as exercise...right?

I'm not a witch; I'm your wife

2010-02-07T15:28:00.000-08:00

With Valentine's day being a week away, I started thinking about families and marriage. I've gotten into genealogy over these past few years-several of my ancestors married twice, if his or her spouse died, but most had long marriages, with plenty of kids. Were they happy? I hope so. I like to think so. So here's to my grandparents, who brought both of my parents into this world...without all of them, there would be no Erin Peer.

Thar she SNOWS!

2010-02-07T15:17:00.000-08:00

Yikes...it hit accurately, and it hit hard. I think the total came in at 24" where we live. And again, it happened on the weekend, so the missed work opportunities will be minimal (tear). Ashley and I made the best of it and played with our neighbor Sarah, helped paint a mural in her apartment and just talked, laughed, watched movies and bonded. Quite frankly, the best quality time I've had in a while!

I wish I was a little bit taller, I wish I was a baller...

2010-02-07T15:11:00.000-08:00

I love my Nate! Even if he is a Patriots fan. You know I enjoyed every moment of the Raven's whooping on them during the playoffs. Brady, you are a fine looking man, but you were very much a pansy that week. Nate has such a good heart, and has taken pity on a poor 5th grade teacher by taking me to two Celtics games this season. Yes, I know I'm wearing a Wizards sweatshirt...I still root for my hometeam, despite their bumbling ridiculousness and gun-toting suspended star player. I'm not a fair-weather fan. But speaking of fair...Nate and I kind of look like siblings with our reddish hair and pale freckled skin... ;)

Life without sports is no life at all

2010-02-07T15:08:00.000-08:00

2010-02-07T15:00:00.000-08:00

I know there's a good chance one day I'll meet a dashing young man who will want to marry me. And there's a good chance we may end up moving to another state (even another country...?) And my annual tradition of going to Maryland games with Dad will come to an end. But until that time happens, FEAR THE TURTLE. We haven't missed a year since I started going to Maryland in 2003. Even when I had the swine flu this past Homecoming, I was determined to go and that we did, in the pouring rain. I love the Terps, and I love my dad. I bleed red, white, black and gold.

More December happenings...

2010-02-07T14:48:00.000-08:00

December was such a crazy month...in fact, this past fall flew by. Between the new job and coaching, getting the swine flu, and preparing for a new roommate, the end of 2009 was a blur. The week before Christmas the east coast got an unexpected snow storm. The sad part was we were already on break for the holidays, so we didn't get to fully enjoy having a 'snow day.' However, those school systems are now having to make up the time somehow, so I'm not too broken up about it! We got about 18", but that didn't stop me from buying a Christmas tree (appropriately sized for my condo :) and seeing Laura when she came to town. She, like every other visitor, just had to try my inversion machine. When the snow hit, I was snug at the Bigham's house, spending time with them and my pup. All in all, good riddance to 2009 and here's to a less stressful 2010.

It's Christmas time in Washington

2010-02-07T14:42:00.000-08:00

Every December I go to the Washington D.C. LDS temple visitors' center to take pictures of the Christmas lights. My pictures essentially look the same year in and year out because the displays don't change that much. However this year, I 'earned' a DSLR from my previous boss by helping him with a project. What do you think of the picures? A very Merry Christmas to me :)

Like a drug addict getting a fix...

2010-02-07T14:28:00.000-08:00

As if I didn't already love Lost...HOW great was the season premiere this past week? As I settled into my chair with a blanket and a brownie, and the announcer came on with the familiar, "Last time on Lost..." I thought the feeling that washed over me must be similar to what addicts feel when they get their fix. (Insert Homer Simpson's frothing at the mouth noise...Mmmm...LOST)

Only in Utah...

2010-02-07T14:11:00.000-08:00

My roommate works for National Geobraphic, and this month's issue is on Polygamy in America. The FLDS church is the focus of the article, however they had to slide a few Brigham Young references into the mix. I think back fondly of my nine months living in Utah and all of the 'LDS' things out there you just can't find anywhere else. For some reason, I find Utah road signs amusing.

New year, new roomie

2010-02-03T14:29:00.000-08:00

So, two days into the new year I had a new roommate arrive! And she is fabulous. Just look at her...who wouldn't want to be friends with her? Seriously, she is awesome. Ashley came from Manhatten where she worked for National Geographic for the past three years; she's now working for them in DC. She doesn't typically wear a fanny pack for fashion-she needs it for work. I just wanted to make that clear.

Psycho Hose Beast

2009-12-02T16:00:00.000-08:00

"If it's a severed head, I'm going to be very upset."
"Open it."
"Okay. What is it?"
"It's a gun rack!"
"A gun rack? A gun rack. Shaah. Right. I don't even own AH GUN, let alone many guns, that would necessitate an entire rack. What am I gonna do, with a gun rack." (Wayne's World)

I know there are a lot of crazy people out there. Heck, we're all a little crazy in some way. We all have our quirks, nuances, obsessive habits (or lack of habits)...the point is, we are not designed to get along with everyone in the world. And when the world has us between a rock and a hard place it's not uncommon to snap at our friends, family or co-workers, and say things we regret. But the 'normal' person recognizes his or her mistake, and rights the ship. Right? Oh, how naive I still am. I would think it's irrational to throw away a two year friendship over personal perceptions of how somebody else should conduct his or her life. Sadly, there seems to be more and more irrational people loose on the streets these days. Apparently, my friendship and generosity isn't worth a hill of beans to some people. Ouch. They say what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. Well, my weak back keeps spasming from the stress of the situation...can I sue my irrational friend for chiropractic bills? lol

2009-11-24T16:04:00.000-08:00

Long Time Gone

2009-11-24T15:43:00.001-08:00

Wow, time has really gotten away from me. I guess that's because I'm working anywhere from 45-60 hours a week! Teaching is hard work, but I love every minute of it. I have a fantastic class of 18 students and I led the field hockey team to their first winning season in 5 years. I don't make a lot of money, but I love my job. And (cheese) that makes me the richest person I know. (I know, I know, cheese out the yin yang) The new condo is great-after I got back from Japan I spent the better portion of the summer spackling, sanding and painting the place, and I think it looks fabulous, if I say so myself! I spent a week down in Myrtle Beach at my grandfather's house. Johnny and Adam came along and we got to spend time with our family while working on our tans. Julie, Grace and I saw Green Day during their DC stop on their "21st Century Breakdown" tour which was bittersweet: the first time we saw them was the start of Julie's freshman year and this time it was after her high school graduation. I am seriously starting to feel old. I caught a Ravens game with Laura (who was in town from Colorado) and her now fiancee Todd. I am wacko for Flacco all the way. How much do I love it his jersey # is 5 just like mine was in school? It hasn't been a good season for Maryland sports. The Terps are having their worst season in over a decade (however Dad and I still went to the homecoming game; it's tradition!) and the Ravens are falling just short of their potential. I start coaching basketball after Thanksgiving and I hope I can lead the Edlin Eagles to another winning season :) HAPPY THANKSGIVING! I hope you are surrounded with friends and family you love, or at the very least, some yummy take-out and a good movie. PS-New Moon fans, I don't get it. I really don't. But if I have to choose a side based solely on attractiveness, I believe it's called Team Jacob (?) He is a tasty dish.

I think I'm turning Japanese, I really think so.

2009-08-10T16:24:00.000-07:00

GASP. I left the country. For the first time. No, I didn't start small by going to Canada, Mexico or even Europe. I went to JAPAN. The French family (friends of mine from Maryland) are currently stationed in Misawa (north of Tokyo) and I had the amazing opportunity to spend a couple of weeks with them. If it weren't so far away, I would move there in an instant. The culture suits me-they are very hardworking, tedious and meticulous. They believe in obeying laws and customs and treat everyone with manners and respect. FINALLY! I found my Utopia! I brought home numerous souvenirs, including real kimonos. It was such a great trip, but my Japanese was basically limited to 'Domo arrogato' (no, I didn't add the 'Mr. Roboto), which means 'thank you.' We hiked the lush countryside, admired cultural icons and I even did a Japanese session in the Tokyo LDS temple. The Japanese love Americans, particularly blonde ones-we were stared at and admired. It was almost like being a celebrity! The plane ride is a killer, but I'd go again in a heartbeat. Forget I HEART NY. Tokyo is where its at.

Growing up and shipping out.

2009-07-18T19:48:00.000-07:00

AGH. Nothing like the graduation of one of the girls I used to nanny to make me feel OLD. But to be fair, I've been keeping up with the 'young' lingo (such as FAIL or EPIC, used to insult somebody when they make a mistake or do something dumb...) Grace says that to me quite a bit. Sigh. Guess I'm not as cool as I used to be :( My little Julie is a high school graduate, and ready to compete in the equestrian circuit. She's then headed to St. Mary's College. I'm so proud of her and all she's accomplished. When she mentioned me in her graduation speech, and her voice wavered, I sniffled back my own tears. I love that family. It was then time for me to move on in my life...from my nanny job with the Cogar family in Falls Church to...a condo in Falls Church! I literally moved 1.5 miles away and now share a condo with my friend Maggie. It has been a whilrlwind of 'newness' these past 8 weeks. New job. New place to live. And, soon, a new singles ward. So maybe that will mean new dating potential :) And I recently completed a new experience-traveling overseas. I just returned from Japan (which will definitely be a seperate, more detailed post, coming soon). Gotta run, but here's a few pictures of the goodbyes and hellos of the month of June.

YOU-TAW!

2009-06-07T06:28:00.000-07:00

I needed a break from my insane job (read on for exciting developments on that topic) so I expanded west to Salt Lake City. It was SUCH a great trip-I got to see my brother on his mission, my good friend Tess (ex-DC nanny), the Gibbs and Heatons from my days in Baltimore, and I got to be the escort for my girlfriend Teshia, in the Draper temple. I did a session in the Bountiful temple as well. Not to mention plenty of shopping (I HEART QUILTED BEAR...not to mention Deseret Book, Cafe Rio, Sonic, and any Target and Wal-Mart out there). I felt renewed, refreshed...happy. Hmm. I haven't felt that way in a while. So I thought...I should MOVE out there! But...I don't have a job. The economy is not great. I'm getting old and I would mostly only get to pick from divorced guys...then, lo and behold I got a job interview back here in northern Virginia. And I GOT THE JOB. Come fall, I am teaching 16 5th graders English and Social Studies and I get to coach field hockey, basketball and lacrosse. I get PAID to do this. HOW COOL IS THAT? I'm so excited, and although I'll miss the dry climate and gorgeous mountains, I will be back Utah...oh yes, I will be back.

I'm such a slacker sometimes...but I have fun.

2009-06-07T06:25:00.001-07:00

Yikes! I can't believe it's been over a month since my last post. SO MUCH has happened. I got to meet Jen Lancaster, author of 4 books ("Bitter is the New Black," "Bright Lights, Big Ass," "Such a Pretty Fat," and "Pretty in Plaid"). I HIGHLY recommend all of them, in order. You'll laugh your a** off. Which would be good if you're like her and me, and you have a big one! lol Maggie and I checked out Clemonjontri Park (which is the COOLEST (free) kids park EVER! Yeah, I think some of the parents were giving us wierd looks-it's not everyday you see two grown women on the seesaw trying to feel weightless. I also checked out the Faerie Festival in Maryland (and made my own snazzy garland head thing-y). Note-HENNA is a much better idea than a TATTOO. Other than it raining RIDICULOUS amounts this spring, I've had a good time :)

Beetles, Bighams and Bonnie!

2009-04-14T10:14:00.000-07:00

I took a trip out to the VW headquarters in Herndon and I wanted to kick that snotty male receptionist right out of his ergonomic, artistic chair. I want to work there! The facility is gorgeous. And filled with yuppie engineers walking around in their shaggy haircuts, soho glasses and hemp pants. I didn't waste too much time, because I had a lacrosse game to watch. I went all the way to the girls' school, and unfortunately, the game was cancelled at the last minute. I still had a lot of fun hanging out with the lacrosse crew, and we of course topped the night off with dinner at Outback. Grace became acquainted with Woody. I got to see my favorite sausage that afternoon, who gave me kisses. If you're not Julie or Grace, the previous two sentences don't carry suggestive undertones. I miss my big hams.

Virginia-Wild and Wonderful.

2009-04-14T10:03:00.000-07:00

Over spring break, Maggie and I headed to southern Virginia. We hiked around the Natural Bridge area, visited the Safari Park and meditated at Foamhenge. After a long, enjoyable day we turned in...on the floor of my dead grandfather's house. Which then cost me 48 hours of intense pain and $30 at the chiropractor's office. I think I should have just paid the $89 for a hotel room. One of the elks kicked my car, and I have a nice scuff mark on my pretty, red paint job. It's all in the name of a good time. Sigh. I'm going to go lay down with the electric massager now. Good times!

Blossoms and Bottle Caps.

2009-04-14T09:50:00.000-07:00

A tourist in my own town. I'm extremely embarassed at how little I've done in DC. But the blossoms were worth the trip this year-they were GORGEOUS. Maggie was extremely patient with me as I changed lenses, changed directions and changed my mind with almost every picture. During one of my lens changes, I dropped my water bottle cap into the Potomac, and had a wet backapack the rest of the day, as the water sloshed up and out with every step we took. Not even that could dampen my spirits. It was a great day.

The Madness is Over.

2009-04-14T09:37:00.000-07:00

It's spring, which means basketball is coming to an end and baseball season is starting-BLAH! Baseball doesn't do it for me. March was a great month-our ward basketball team made it to the championship game, but sadly we lost by 3 points. We still had a great time, in our dashing, matching t-shirts! I think I spent 3 straight days working on them. I showed Maggie the Maryland campus, and we watched the womens lacrosse team spank Boston College. March wasn't that 'mad' but it left us seeing RED.

It's that time again!

2009-04-04T12:33:00.000-07:00

General Conference! A time of renewal, re-commitment and guilt. Well, a good type of guilt-the kind that gets me off my butt to do the things I should be doing! Feeding the missionaries, magnifying my callings, and just being a more Christ-like person. I need to be reminded of that more often than I should :-{ I love President Monson! He has such a special spirit. Elder Peer wrote home and told us he gets to attend the Saturday morning session-we're so excited for him! I hope you enjoy the weekend-I really loved Elder Hales' talk this morning! For more information, go to http://www.lds.org/.

My fuzzy, chubby bunny.

2009-04-02T07:41:00.000-07:00

Bonnie doesn't 'technically' live with me, and she's not 'technically' my dog, but I raised her from puppydom for five years and taught her all the tricks she knows. Therefore, she will forever be 'my dog.' She greets me with yippity yelps everytime I come back to visit. She rescued me from a world of not knowing how much joy dogs can bring-we've walked together, eaten together and pooped together. Okay, not so much on that last one-she pooped and shot me dirty looks until I turned away, while I stood at the other end of her leash. There isn't anything this dog wouldn't eat, including a 1-pound chocolate bar. And she's lived through every chocolate binge to date, even though a couple of them induced doggie hallucinations. I love my Bonnie-my Bean, Beanie Weenie, Bean-dog, Fattie-Wattie, Pup-a-potamus, Sausage, Beanus, Beanus Weanus, Fatness and Fluff-a-nutter. Happy Easter! Some bunny loves me.

Ahhh...I'm beginning to understand groupies.

2009-03-29T18:52:00.000-07:00

Okay, so we trekked the 1/4 mile to the State Theatre (again) for our monthly fix of GNR, AC/DC, OZZY, NKOTB...um, I'm running out of acronyms for 80's bands...and GUESS WHAT! Matt, aka guitarist Cru (who by the way I have a HUGE crush on) played a song I requested and DEDICATED IT TO ME! Poison's 'Every Rose Has Its Thorn,' which happens to be the first song I learned to play on the guitar. It was so hot. Cru is so hot. We were hot from jumping up and down and screaming. What a great night.

My monthly gift.

2009-03-27T11:34:00.000-07:00

No, I'm not referring to those annoying tampon commercials about 'Mother Nature' bringing the red box to unsuspecting young women. I'm talking about THE LEGWARMERS. It's DC's coolest 80's cover band experience. Maggie and I go every month, and it's without a doubt the most productive $17 I spend every 30 days. They play at the State Theatre, and quite frankly, that's one of the few things I love about living here in Falls Church. If you like 80's music, GO. NOW. Awful clothing is a must.

He's not heavy, he's my little, taller, skinny brother.

2009-03-27T09:52:00.000-07:00

Elder Joshua Peer is our family's first missionary, and needless to say, we are super proud of him. He's serving in Salt Lake City, Utah and loving every minute of it. We send him mail and packages-he wants to be the elder with the most ties, in his mission. I hit the thrift stores every week (I think I've accumulated 150+ at this point) so when my VW Beetle gets respossesed and I'm homeless and broke, at least I'll have the satisfaction of saying it's all because I love my brother.

2009-03-27T09:37:00.000-07:00

More temple pics...

I love to see the temple...

2009-03-26T19:46:00.001-07:00

We Latter-Day Saints (aka Mormons) are a temple loving people. I've made it my mission to visit as many temples possible (so far the list is short, but I have tall hopes for the rest of my lifetime) and I will personally send a lollipop via our grand USPS system if you can correctly identify every temple.

So let's catch everyone up to speed...

2009-03-26T19:33:00.001-07:00

Okay, life in a rather large nutshell. I graduated from the University of Maryland in 2005 (English, Language and Literature...it's all about the Brit Lit) and I've been a nanny for 7 years now. Sigh. Yeah, I know, it sounds worse when I say it out loud. Don't get me wrong-the money and benefits are great. But I'm dangerously close to getting a hysterectomy. If I spelled that word wrong, it's because I've been out of college too long and my intellect is diminishing. I've been in the DC region for those same 7 years. There are pluses and minuses. Cherry blossoms in the spring? PLUS. The winter and summer months, or approximately 9 months of the year? MINUS. Cheering on the Maryland Terrapins (Terps) and Baltimore Ravens with my dad? PLUS. Getting around the district from 6-9am or 3-8pm (or 3:24am, or 11:30pm, or 2:00pm) on the highway, metro, biking, walking-MINUS.

Yes, I am a blogger.

2009-03-26T19:15:00.001-07:00

I've jumped on the bandwagon...like the Dixie Chicks would say, I need this like I need a hole in my head. Well, I guess that would be the Sin Wagon instead of bandwagon (grimace) I'm a cliche junkie. So, I'm going to give this a whir...hey, at least I don't have detailed posts about the new faces my 6-month old is making or a gazillion pictures of my husband and my 'perfect life' (sorry, I just threw up in my trashcan) It's just me-the bitter, Baltimore blonde-single and sassy.