Where's Gus Gus?

So in smilarity to my favorite Disney Princess (yes, I do have one), I cannot go to the ball.
Well in my case, it's a gala. Which from what I hear is sort of annoying and hoighty-toighty anyway. Nonetheless, I was excited and had a really awesome outfit worked out. But work has gotten in the way. Sigh.
So, as the calendar reminder pops up and I am reminded that I have a full night's worth left of work to do, I am wondering where my little helpers are to sing songs by which I can make maps and cues? 
And where is my fairy godmother with her "bippity, bobbity, boop" and swish of a wand?

Sometimes I wish life was a little more like a Disney movie.

Though I would miss diversity and swear words.

Don't judge me.

As my major event of the year is approaching, I am finding myself looking for more ways to be alert for longer periods of time.
I feel like this need for sugar and caffeine is a common one among young-ish professionals in a high-stakes position. (Not that mine is really all that high-stakes.)
I know people who consume 5-hour energy drinks every 5 hours. I know people who eat M&Ms with a coke; or a coke with an ice cream (yummy!). I know people who drink those Monster drinks (yucko!), and plenty of people who drink coffee (my fav).
I used to swear by coffee with a side of sour-patch kids. Sounds gross but man it packed a sugary punch when I needed it!
I am sort of over Sour-patch kids, for now, so am looking for a pick-me-up to accompany my coffee.
Right now, my personal "drug" of choice is coffee with pumpkin-spice creamer. YUMMY!
But I am missing the zing that the sugary accompanyment brings with it.

So for now, another cup of coffee will do.
And who's going to know that I've brewed my second pot today? (Well now you, but you love me and won't judge right?)

The break is over.

Many moons ago, I wrote of the bicycle break-up I had with my bike.
Short version- My brakes failed and I took a spill down a hill.
Well, since moving to DC I have had to suck it up and get right back on a bike. I've put more miles on my bike since moving here than I think I ever put on it since owning it. For real.
In addition to my own bike, I am also enjoying the Capitol Bikeshare system here. You rent a bike in one location and drop it off in another...super cool!
Creating routes and figuring out unmarked trails, I have become one with my bike again.
And I like it!
Saturday, I took a time out from and took a ride down to the grocery store to snag a few items. I took a backpack and wore my helmet.
And kept a close eye on the clouds coming in...
It helped me remember how fun it is to be on a bike-- riding fast, wind rushing past your ears!
I get a little worried about the cars coming by, but what are you going to do.
And it gives me a first hand view of the neighborhood I live in.
Some shots from my day--

Love that FedEx is so diverse!

Well, hello Mr. Washington.

Yes, let's!

One of the many, many steeples along 16th Street NW

End of summer concert right next door!

field trips.

I love taking field trips and taking random new adventures. Trying things I've never seen/done before.
So, when E asked me if I would accompany her to a newborn baby shoot, I didn't hesitate. Sure! That could be fun.
I arrived at their house early Saturday morning (well, early for me, they had been up for hours at their house.) E was feeding baby Samantha, Mags was playing, Granpda Tim was doing dishes. C & Lou-lou were at C's soccer game (which she doesn't like, btw. She'd rather be at practice. love.)
Anyway, all was well and we headed out the door. I drove their car, chaffeaur-style. E & Baby S were in the back, in case S got fussy. Mommas are just better at that than aunties. (And if I'm being honest, new babies sort of freak me out).
So off we went on this random adventure.
The place was about 30 minutes from their house, but it was a gorgeous day so it was lovely. Sammie was being the best baby so E and i just caught up on life. I filled her on the craziness of my week (there's always some sort of an adventure), and she talked about one week into life with three little ladies.
We followed the directions and arrived at this little cottage in the woods. At which point, E expressed just how glad she was I came with her. I'm not sure if either of us were alone that we would have continued.
We were a few minutes late and were greeted by a lovely woman, who introduced hereself and took us into the photo shoot.
OMG- it was HOT in there! 85 degrees to be exact on the first day that it was pleasant outside. But here we were ready to experience this oddity.
(The backstory on the shoot: E's friend/neighbor used this photographer for her prego belly shots and newborn shots, so knew she was looking for a one-week old baby to shoot. E would get some photos and be able to do something special for baby # 3).
That said, this was out of character for E too. We got there and the photographer was ncie enough, but didn't really talk to us. She took the baby and started to do her thing. E & I literally sat in the corner and just watched.
As we drive there, we sort of judged people that would spend that kind of money on something like this (think 1000s), but then within 15 minutes, I got it.
Then that passed, as we sat sweating, watching & listening, we were over it.
And when we left, we may have been judgey again...
So, here's a few shots from our random field trip---

The 'students' gathered around a naked baby learning about light.

Yes, that is a baby in a basket of fur!

the end result will give E some pretty unique shots of her lovely Baby Sam.
And I'm glad I could be there, just to laugh about it with her.
But it was weird.

Precious moments.

I often use this space to talk about the people I love and admire. Today is another one of those days.
Yesterday, a new addition came to my family. My cousin E had a new baby- her third. A precious bundle of joy who is named Samantha Marie.
If you keep up with this blog, you will note that I wrote of her arrival yesterday. Precious.
Well, after I wrote that post, I was able to break away for the day and go meet her on the day of her birth. I've never lived close enough to someone I am that close with to show up on the day they have had a baby. I didn't want to invade that special space on such a special occasion. But with E I felt very compelled to hug her, sneak a peek at her baby and bring ice cream.
I, of course, was very late and didn't arrive until she and Samantha were enjoying some quiet bonding time. Ever the warm welcoming party (even after being awke for 24 hours), E made room for me on the couch to share in her precious moments with the newest love of her life. I kind of felt like I was stealing a precious moment or watching moments that weren't meant to be shared. By now, I know that if I hadn't been wanted, she would just say so. (I do love when you are that close with someone and can be that frank. I am that way with the dude---no hurt feelings, just understanding on both parties. awesome.) But, she welcomed me with a warm glow-y smile. So happy to share the new love.
First, I must say she is literally meant to have babies. She seems so comfortable with the process--even what I can imagine to be, the not-so-glamorous parts. But she is a trooper. And looks amazing after giving birth. If I didn't love her, I might hate her. ;)
And I have thought for years that she is a great mom. She had an incredible example, afterall. But watching her last night, I was in awe. She was so at ease and in control and so comfortable. It was beautiful.
I didn't choke up when I met Samantha or cry when I held her in her burrito(i love that!). There was too much joy.
But as I was driving away (feeling a little weird about leaving them alone), I was suddenly overwhelmed with tears. Not sad tears, but tears of joy-- for my cousin and for me simply because I know her. Even now, recapping, tears come to my eyes. I am overwhelmed to know (and be loved by) someone so extraordinary.
I am grateful for so many people and so many relationships in my life, but the one I have with her is special. Our lives have always intertwined but taken different paths. I am so lucky that our current paths run in the same forest. I love being able to share in those secret moments and see the things untold. The really precious moments of life that you can only really share with someone nearby.
So, thanks, E for including me in your life and your precious moments.
I am so lucky to know you!

Munchkin-land.

Today my munchkin-land was expanded.
Samantha Marie Bedolla was born.
She is joining my favorite little family. Her two older sisters (and parents) are some of my all-time favorite people. And I know without even meeting her that she, too, will join the list as a top favorite.

While I was not there for the 24 hours before her birth, I have been able to be part of her family's life as they've been preparing to welcome her and I know they must be just bursting with joy today!

Her biggest sister, Christine will make a wonderful helper, teacher, and friend, I just know it.
And her bigger sister, Maggie, who is also still a baby, will teach her to giggle and roll with the punches, like she does.
Samantha will round out her own place in this little unit and make their family grow and change and stretch and become the family they were meant to be.

Welcome to the family, Samantha!

We love you already!

Donkeys and Elephants.

Ok, now any of you that have regularly (or not so regularly) read this blog must know that I am not a politcal blogger. In fact, I am quite certain aside from a funny remark about being friends with the Obamas I have never mentioned anything related to politics, ever on this blog. And most likely not in person either.
I avoid conflict like the plague and mentioning politics tends to rile people up. I don't like that. For a few reasons--

• I am not well-educated enough to hold an actual conversation about politics with someone who is uber-informed.
• I don't like to argue. Ever. About anything.
• Sadly, I think I am apathetic enough in my middle-class/upper-middle-class bubble. (some may even say I have lived a charmed life. I would agree for the most part.)

That last point is something I feel strongly about changing. Democracy in its very nature requires the voter to be educated. And requires that the voter cares.
I think my age and now my place of residence will most deinately help with this aquisition of information and thus the apathy will head out the window. I am doubtful that I will ever be a huge political advocate, but one never knows. There may be an issue that stings me in just the right way to get me out of my bubble and canvas, or protest, or speak up about it, but right now, there's not. And maybe there should be. I need to be educated.

So, in my efforts to become better versed of things in the political world, I committed to watching the national conventions on tv. (I realize both will sway the "facts" to be what works best with their agendas. But I assumed by watching both, I could deduce the real truth rather than what the particular party wants me to believe.)  And yes, I did actually watch both.
I know the DNC is still happening, but they're on the backend, almost done, so I feel confident about my takeaways.
Now, I will be the first to admit (and did above), I am NOT a politcal person, so this is no way supposed to educate or infuriate any party or person. Though some may not agree, this is my blog and thus my thoughts. Only once in awhile is there a place for someone else's thought here. Anyway, so my takeaways:
- "Spin" is definately a HUGE part of both agendas. I find this to be supremely annoying. Just tell me the truth, for real. Not the truth that is convienent and fits with your particular agenda.
- I feel like both sides are so extreme. Everyone can't be wrong all of the time. Or right all of the time, for that matter. Can we just find a happy medium?
- I wonder what happen to the politics of old--when people could disagree with one another but still respect one another? Disagreements are part of life. I just wonder at what point did things become "my way or the highway"? I don't like that. Life doesn't actually work that way. Compromise is a way of life. And part of that is meeting eachother in the middle.
- I feel like the spectrum of political parties is as follows:

• Republicans are the pessimists.
• Democrats are the optimists.
• The tea Party are the Crazies (sorry, but some of things that come out of their mouths is kind of mind-boggling).
• The Independents are really just people who aren't sure where they fit.

And as for me, I align on most things more with the Democratic party than with the others. There are some things I don't agree with, but most things fit right in with my schema. (I am sure my dad is rolling his eyes and grumbling and spouting some facts and reasons why I should shift, but that's where I'm at. And as a sidenote-- since I brought up my dad and I had mentioned the disagreements and respect once you are done...my dad is definately a republican (even though most of his family is not) and he and I disagree on many topics/themes, but no matter what the discussion, we always respect eachother when we walk away from the discussions.)

So, thus begins a few months filled with learning and education.

Missing.

So, as I have not-so-subtley alluded to in the last few posts, my work is busy. And I mean, busy.
When I put my name in the hat for this job, I knew it would pose some challenges and I was ready. The city has definately provided me with the challenges I have signed on for (and then some). And I have said before, this 'busy'ness has not allowed me to discover as much about the city and the people here as I would prefer, but then again I need to remind myself that I have only lived here for 6 weeks.
Unlike in the past, I do not have a close friend/neighbor to lean for those quick dinners out. Specifically, a friend like my HLP. Being here and being busy has made me miss her more than I ever thought. We have not lived in the same city for more than two years now, but until now I have always had the opportunity to return to Phoenix every few months, so the living far away from your BFF wasn't as evident as now. I realized the other day that I have not seen her in 4 months. Now, normally that wouldn't be a big deal. There are plenty of people I hold dear that I don't see for more than a year at a time sometimes. But she and I have never gone more than 3 months without at least a lunch date. And it makes me sad.
I miss her.
I miss having a buddy nearby to just eat a meal with and leave within the hour and know that it's no big thing because she gets it. 
Or just having a buddy to try out a new place with.
Or go for a walk with when you need a brain break.
I miss her when the going is good, cause she's super fun to share good times with.
But I miss her most when things are not so good because she's been my go-to person for so long.
You know that person who you can whine and bitch to without judgement.
And the person who will laugh at the ridiculousness right along with you.
Because she just gets it.
Oh, and because she knows you better than most.
And mostly, because she's just good like that.

So, today when the world is upside down I am missing my buddy.
And I really wish I could twinkle my nose and pop by for a dinner date.
A phone call may have to do, but it's just not the same.
And I feel like something is missing...

Zings and things.

Though the title of this blog post may sound like the start to a very fun Dr. Suess book, it is not. (Though maybe that is something to think about in the future). Instead what I am referring to is a phenomenon related to a medication I take for my autoimmune disease. It is a cortesteroid called prednisone. Anyone familiar with steroids can tell you that they come with a plethora of assorted random side-affects. The major one is an apparent insatiable hunger, random rashes, a round face, and a crazy increased sense of energy. Thankfully, I have been lucky enough not to have experience with many of the above listed issues. That said, I have recently put on a few lbs (and I am none too pleased). But the rest have remained a distant thought. Doctors trhoughout the years have made efforts to get me off that medication since long-term side affects are rather unlikable, but it seems my disease always flares back up right when we've gotten to a point to make that decision about eliminating the drug or not. And every doctor has their own ideas about what should be done and waht shouldn't. My very first doctor referred to me as a "walking science experiment" because things never worked the way they should or did for other patients. Ever.
My recent moves have complicated things just a bit. But I did "fire" a doctor and change over to someone else, too. I am easy-going for a time but am smart. I do my research and know what options are out there. And have no patience if no solutions are tossed around or discussed. There are plenty of doctors out there and we all deserve the best care. I am just nmot shy about finding it!
So here I again--I have moved to a new place, which means it's time to find a new doctor.
Today I did and like the new ones before her,  she has doubts about the disease I have been diagnosed with and thus begins another round of tests, X-rays, and blood work to make sure that she's treating the right disease. I used to joke that they were making another me someplace with all this info!
Well, after talking me, poking me, checking everything out, the doc has increased my prednisone because of how swollen my joints look and feel. And thus, here come the zings!
When I am on a larger dose of prenisone, I get ZING moments. Basically it means I get serious spurts of energy. I find no negatives to this phenomenon, especially because I need it these days!
ZING!

The long weekend.

This weekend was the first holiday I spent in my new city. Though, if I am honest, most of the time was spent in Maryland not in the district.
The proximity to family has been (and will continue to be) one of my most favorite things about living in this hustle and bustle of a city. Many people I meet ask where I've come from and almost immediately ask "why would you have left?!". It's not the greatest comment when you're trying to figure out how this new city fits and how you fit in it. But I feel quite confident in my response. I say it every time--Seattle is an amazing city, for sure. (and whose to say I won't return someday?!) But nothing grounded me there.
Don't get me wrong I had wonderful friends, but friends are friends even if you're far away. But living near family is something I have never done as an independent adult. It is a gift. And I am completely loving it so far.
Although my work has kept me from doing all the things I'd like to do to get me acclimated to my new town (in November, I WILL go to a museum!!), I have been able to take full advantage of the favorites living nearby.
They have been an escape from my office space.
They have brought sunshine into a rather cloudy atmosphere (my work is less than ideal at the moment. I see the light coming through the clouds. I see the potential for greatness, but need to navigate this "storm" I am in right now before I get there. I did ask for a challenge....)
They have shared my excitement over the little things in my new world (a pool nearby, great pizza across the street, the zoo so close-by, etc).
And they have welcomed  me into their world.
I love it there.
I love that they allow me to just be part of the normal days- the good and the bad.
I love that it's still fun to see eachother, but it's no longer a special occassion. Rather it's just part of normal life.
A new baby is coming to their world very, very soon, so I offered to stay with the little ones while the grown-ups took some time just for them. While it was meant to be helpful to them, it ended up being EXACTLY what I needed! I mean, there is nothing so sweet as enjoying ice cream with two giggling little ones. Add in sparkly shoes and princess movies and you have the makings of super-fab Saturday night! ;)
I had so much fun with all of them and feel like they gave me more than I could ever give to them.
I am not convinced this is where they will always be, but I am sure that I will enjoy their company as long as they reside nearby (and they welcome me into their lives).

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Shoe-shoes.

Princess Sparkly shoes!