From the Weekend

Hutch made some friends over the weekend....

Getting manis & pedis

She's HEEEEERRRREEEE!!!!!

Guess who flew into DC today?  Yep, the ONE AND ONLY Judy West Nelson.  Hip hip hooray!!!!

Oh, and we've already gotten to enjoy homemade blueberry cream cheese muffins and a scrumptious dinner.

Wish you could be here too, Dad.

Waiting...

I'm not the only one who's excited for my mom's visit tomorrow...Hutch won't leave the guestroom.

REWIND

The week in REWIND:

* We topped 100 degrees 4 out of the 5 days

* Jesse went to the Nats vs. Mets game yesterday on a work outing

* We harvested five tomatoes, and they are delicious

* The meeting I prepped was an absolute success and will benefit our company in a great many ways

* Hutch's new favorite toy is an empty water bottle

* 45 lbs of candy was delivered to my office yesterday...NES picnic here we come!

* I met a gentleman yesterday who offered to let me ride their horses anytime I want...hooray!

I think that's about it for the highlights, as simple as they may be.  We are looking forward to a weekend of rest and getting ready for a special visitor next week!  Can hardly wait!!!

Mooo

Not sure if it was Jeanette Oke's influence or the peaceful drives on Lewis & Clark Rd. that stirred a desire in me to own a farm.  Whatever it was, that dream still exists today.  Whenever I find myself on a country drive, meandering through foothills and sprawling valleys, I can't help but imagine how it might feel to wake up to my own piece of land.  I will never be a city girl, and while I'm not a naturally-born farm girl, I definitely have the drive to "get 'er done."
My cow sits up on my shelf at work, causing several inquiries.  All I say is, "I love cows." But in all honesty, I love what cows mean...besides the fact that they have BEAUTIFUL eye lashes.  It means a simpler life--slow paced, hard working, gratifying purpose.  They mean lemonade on the porch, knowing your neighbors, living off the land God created.  Cows mean unexpected hardships, conquering achievements, and lifelong lessons.  Cows mean country, and the country is my heart.

Must Clean. Must Bake.

Last night felt like college finals week all over again.  There was no homework or studying to be done, but there was an unending focus on one big, and very important project at work.  We go in front of a military branch this week to propose a design, and whose job is it to get all of the supporting data together?  Yours truly...and she's truly pooped.
Fifteen Excel reports later, and I think I have it set, but oh boy, am I tired of crunching numbers and adjusting cells.  I've used more math skills these past two weeks than I have in the last five years.  It's so excessive that I called my dad to tell him he'd be proud of my use of percentages and fractions.
So, just as I used to do during finals week, last night I reverted to my two favorite stress relievers: baking and cleaning.  The bathroom had no chance against my rigorous scrubbing.  The flowers are deadheaded and looking perkier than ever.  My kitchen counters and stove top haven't sparkled like this in ages.  My coworkers are enjoying some tasty banana bread this morning.
The body is a curious thing (at least mine is).  There I was, extremely tired, yet the last thing I could physically do was sit down and rest.  I was itching to release the stress and frustration.
I think I prefer my stress relievers...everyone benefits!
On a lighter note...Hutch is doing better.

Mr Independent

Speed It Up A Little!

William Asher, the director of I Love Lucy, passed away yesterday.  His television show has made millions of people laugh until their bellies hurt, and I am no exception.  I spent hours watching reruns of Lucy getting herself into binds.  I named my parakeets Fred and Ethel.  I have an entire storage bin dedicated to all of the I Love Lucy paraphernalia I've collected over the years.  It's safe to say I am a fan.  William Asher claimed the egg scene as his favorite from the hundreds of episodes with Lucille Ball.  Ricky came home unexpectedly, causing Lucy to hide dozens of eggs in her dress.  Ricky suggests they practice their dance, and as they come in to meet each other, the eggs get smashed and begin to ooze from every seam and fold of her clothing.  It was a great scene.  One of my favorites is the Chocolate Factory and Lucy and Ethel try to keep up with dipping chocolates as they pass on the conveyor belt. And because the pace of the scene is quite fitting to my own work week, I thought why not include a quick little photo of a wonderful television show. Thank you, William Asher, for bringing many happy tears to my eyes and making me laugh.

An Unexpected Saturday

As I learned from Secret Garden, "Pride goeth before the fall."  I should have kept this in mind on Saturday morning as I boasted to my dad about how the Groomer we use for Hutch is nothing but the best.  You can imagine my shock and utter surprise when the groomer apologized profusely for cutting Hutch's paw.  It wasn't until half way home I realized there was blood spotting my jeans and quickly understood that this so called "cut" was a tad bit more serious than I was led to believe.  Jesse and I bandaged him up to try to get the bleeding to stop, and I have to say it was difficult to know what to do as this was the first time Hutch actually acted like something was wrong.  At first he avoided me all together--after all, I was the one who took him to that place. (I'm chuckling don't worry).  After he got over that mood, then he wouldn't leave my side.  Whether he was snuggled up in his bed, as I sat beside it, or he was cuddled up in my lap...he just wanted love.  (Typical sick boy).
Thankfully the bandage & pressure worked, and his paw is healing up nicely.  Not so sure we'll be returning to that "nothing but the best" facility though...

It's Friday, Friday.

We made it through another work week! This one was a doozy and required numerous napping sessions, but the point is, we made it!

Our God is Greater was playing on the radio this morning, and only seconds into the prelude, my hand was up (of course I had the other hand on the wheel since I was driving down the road). Overwhelmed by His bigness, I couldn't help but realize that my little insignificant life is just a morsel compared to God's power.  "Our God is greater, our God is stronger. God you are higher than any other. Our God is healer; awesome in power. Our God, Our God. And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us? And if our God is with us, then what could stand against?"

POWERFUL.
MIGHTY.
BIG.
Our GOD.

Standing Post

Though a bit dark, you can see Jesse and Hutch standing post at the balcony door, watching the storm.  This was from a couple weeks ago when the DC area got slammed (quite literally) with the massive storm that wiped out power and destroyed hundreds of homes.  The light you see in this picture is only coming from the lightning outside--that is how bright and huge it was!

And to think our God is even bigger than that!!! :)

Ain't Got Time For a Fast Train

News of the day:  My ticket to Oregon is purchased!!!!  I finally get to spend some time with Holly, Kent, and that sweet baby boy, Kelton.  Woohooo!!!  The best place on earth, here I come!

It's a good thing summer days are long because I'm sleeping them away.  I can barely get my feet in the door at the end of the day before my body demands me to take a nap.  The boys in my house are deeply neglected these days. Dinners have been drive-thru Wendy's or mac n' cheese with hot dogs.  Hutch hasn't gone for a walk in several days.  My home looks like the DC storm came inside.  And yet, all I can do about it is sleep some more. Sure hope these doctors give my body a talkin' to:  "You must stay awake!"

Good Morning

With few words on my mind, thought I'd just pop in and say a quick hello.

Hello!

Monday Movie Review

We Bought a Zoo
*****

Though not his typical role, Matt Damon captures a desperate, single father's heart in this inspirational film. Based upon a true story, you will find yourself thinking that perhaps it's not so absurd that an average Joe might buy a zoo.  (In fact, I'm inspired to begin searching for my own plot of land and family of endangered species to adopt.  Not quite, but almost!)  We selected this movie from the rental list because the trailer appeared witty, but when tears were rolling down my cheeks within the first ten minutes, I knew it was more complex than a family comedy. Scarlett Johansson pulls off a young, unsocial zookeeper, and Maggie Elizabeth Jones steals the show with her bright expressions and seven year-old charm.  Stepping away from the typical Hollywood star-powered plots, We Bought a Zoo draws its audience in with simplistic and realistic family conflicts such as teenage rebellion, losing a loved one, and seeking a dream when everyone around you insists that it's impossible.  You will laugh, choke back tears, and feel warm to the core after watching this movie.  Definitely a must-see for all ages, both men and women alike!

Note: I do realize that my talents do not include writing movie reviews, but wow, do you need to see this movie!

My Way or the Highway

Some folks here at work tease me for always getting what I want.  As much as I chuckle at their jests, deep down, I really don't like it.  I picture myself as a three year-old girl, hands on my hips with pigtails to boot--pouting, demanding, and tears billowing over the rims because I want my way.  But in all honesty, they do have a valid point.  If there is an issue at work where we need to win over a customer, or get a price reduced, or even get a restaurant to deliver to the office when in reality they don't deliver, they "sick" Heather on them.  I'm ashamed to say I have a knack for getting my way...

Yesterday was a battle with doctors.  Trying to get appointments with various specialists is all fine and dandy if your General Practitioner provides referrals. But if not, well, you're left on a crick without a paddle (that doesn't sound right...I'm sure my parents will correct me the next time we speak).  To make my long story short, I finally got through to my doctor that I needed these referrals in order to get my issues (don't ask, it's a laundry list) figured out.  And much to my surprise, she said, "Okay, I'll get those to you right away."  Needless to say, after hanging up the phone, I ran down the hall to my friends' office and started jumping up and down saying, "I got it! I got it!"  Their response? "Of course, Heather. You always get what you want."

Well...this time I couldn't argue...

Happy Fourth!

We watched this beautiful show from our couch last night, thanks to the local broadcasting network's Capitol Fourth show.  What a fun way to enjoy the concert and fireworks display in a comfortable way--it beat the 100 degree weather that's for sure!

Shrug It Off

When it feels like the door is slammed in your face or the best flavored candy is just out of reach, sometimes it's best to trudge forward and open the door and shrug it off.  For whatever reason, this week has already had its challenges.  As much as I'd like to sit here and mope and tell you why you should feel sorry for me, I think perhaps the better attitude may be to just "suck it up."  Life is never going to go as planned. Life is never going to be what we'd imagined, but it can be what we make of it.
Here is to making this day good...and to start it off, this photo is newly tacked onto my wall...

He looks a whole lot like Holly here!

Stayin' Cool

These days, we're just trying to stay cool.  Lots of ice in our drinks, shades pulled to block the sun, plenty of pool trips, and sprawling out on cool surfaces (that one is Hutch's).

I love summer!!!!