tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339151586634142602024-02-02T17:18:26.635-05:00That was a crazy game of poker.never to foldKristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02544769197188534580noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33915158663414260.post-49882628724026616542013-10-11T14:21:00.000-04:002013-10-11T16:16:31.340-04:00Breakthroughs: all they are quacked up to be. <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
recently had what we call in the yoga community, a breakthrough (yes!
breakthroughs continue to happen even after practicing for 5 years). </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I’ve
always (unintentionally) operated under the Jacob M. Braude quote, “Always behave like a duck-
keep calm and unruffled on the surface, but paddle like the devil underneath.”</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">At
work, giving a presentation – I appear cool, calm and collected while boiling
inside. When stepping on an airplane, I pop anxiety pills but appear to an
outsider to quietly fall asleep to the drum of the engine. When rock climbing at
a great height, you can’t see my heart thumping from the ground because I am
scared of heights. And on my mat, my annoyed thoughts toward downward dog echo only
in my ears.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
addition, I’ve had a year of great loss. I lost my Uncle Hawk (George), Aunt
Carole, Aunt Sandee, my “step-sister” Kara and my dear yoga friend Indrani.
Each time I received news of loss, it brought me back to my 20-year-old self
when I lost my best friend, my Mother. Only a select few have seen me break
down, the paddling underneath. I’ve become very skilled at remaining strong and
positive, unruffled on the surface, but almost to a fault. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Recently,
during a yoga practice, this became clear to me. I’m not sure that operating under
this duck paddling quote means that I am truly living authentically. I realize
that I thought if others appeared me how I want to be (cool, calm, collected)
then that’s all I needed- I was ‘getting away with’ it. But now, I’m ready to strike
a balance. While I am a strong person, I have moments of weakness. I realize I
need to accept these moments in order to overcome them – both in appearance and
in reality. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So
why am I writing about this on my blog that no one reads? I’m not 100% sure,
but hope that by putting my intention out into the universe, I will stop hiding
my weaknesses… and possibly bring awareness to other fellow ducks in the
process. </span></div>
Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02544769197188534580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33915158663414260.post-9899821368147070652012-02-08T14:02:00.010-05:002012-02-09T09:30:50.630-05:00What does it take to have clean clothes around here?<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family:trebuchet ms;" >November 8, 2011 </span><br style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Dryer begins to make a rumbling noise.</span><br style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family:trebuchet ms;" >November 17, 2011 AM </span><br style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">First visit by American Home Shield. Dryer parts are ordered.</span><br style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family:trebuchet ms;" >November 17, 2011 PM</span><br style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Washing machine fills up with water and will not drain. Landlord schedules repair with Sears.</span><br style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family:trebuchet ms;" >December 3, 2011</span><br style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Sears makes first visit to inspect washing machine. Orders lid switch and timer.</span><br style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family:trebuchet ms;" >December 5, 2011</span><br style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Dryer parts come in. Dryer is fixed. (1 POINT: Home Shield)</span><br style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family:trebuchet ms;" >December 10, 2011</span><br style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Tenants at local laundromat threshold. Out of quarters.</span><br style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family:trebuchet ms;" >December 22, 2011</span><br style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Sears make second visit. Installs lid switch. Realizes timer is missing.</span><br style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family:trebuchet ms;" >December 28, 2011</span><br style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Appointment scheduled. Tenant worked from home to accommodate. Sears did not show up. Called at 6pm but tenants already left due to plans that evening. </span><br style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family:trebuchet ms;" >January 4, 2012</span><br style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Sears makes third visit. Installs timer but notices a leak.</span><br style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family:trebuchet ms;" >January 25, 2012 </span><br style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Appointment scheduled but parts are not in. Forced to cancel.</span><br style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family:trebuchet ms;" >February 6, 2012</span><br style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Sears makes fourth visit. One man arrives. Says its a two man job. He leaves.</span><br style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family:trebuchet ms;" >February 9, 2012 AM</span><strike><br style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Fifth visit by Sears pending.</span></strike><br />Sears cancels scheduled appointment. Doesn't appreciate tenant's frustrated sarcasm when asking if there is a Frequent Customer program that could give us visit priority. <br style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family:trebuchet ms;" >February 9, 2012 PM</span><br face="trebuchet ms"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><strike>Celebration planned.</strike></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">February 16, 2012 AM</span><br />Fifth visit by Sears pending (seventh scheduled)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">February 16, 2012 PM</span><br />Celebration Planned.Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02544769197188534580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33915158663414260.post-42866212612693682292011-08-28T12:00:00.013-04:002011-08-28T12:53:58.664-04:00Hurricane Irene opens escape route for Arlington dogs<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;color:#cc0000;"></span>
<br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc0000;">Dogs rejoiced in South Arlington, Va. early Sunday morning as destruction from the recent Hurricane Irene opened a new escape route at a local dog park.</span>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lfRDlBfedYFn5nTqS6uNHcM0dQC4sVd7EftqTz76s8xhA9rg_rZbVWI8J61HtrllW6lndjzKkG7tn-HlQ2jlmCclVf598uqEWNh3LtlRdlb_kl6es-Xv0VvnqWWBygMZleN7ECAA0QU/s1600/hurricane_irene_1.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc0000;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 363px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 203px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645946414413995570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lfRDlBfedYFn5nTqS6uNHcM0dQC4sVd7EftqTz76s8xhA9rg_rZbVWI8J61HtrllW6lndjzKkG7tn-HlQ2jlmCclVf598uqEWNh3LtlRdlb_kl6es-Xv0VvnqWWBygMZleN7ECAA0QU/s400/hurricane_irene_1.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc0000;">Towers Park Community Canine Area (CCA), located steps from S. Scott Street, is a regular hangout spot where dogs of all shapes, colors and sizes can run free, off-leash. Surrounding trees create a shady environment at the dog park. It was the falling of one of these trees that opened the fence to a potential escape route.
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<br />While it remains safe to visit the dog park, owners are urged to keep a close eye on their four-legged friends as a quick escape is possible through the 1 foot getaway portal in the fence. Many dogs are known to possess extreme strategic thinking skills, including the ability to calculate the precise moment to flee as their owner turns their head. </span>
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<br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc0000;">Fortunately, there were no injuries aside from the damage to the structure of the fence.</span>
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<br /></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc0000;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645949001398952674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJv9Aua8CCFw3_i_M3BS33QNl5-sWCU9HJxt9Ff8gahqUwT9VAO6s2I4ouGZWlqsxpr2xTBlAjeocpBMDDSCDCrFEFeIQ1TCY7prSCxm1Lkw7DoWKgWaCJJTyUe2IF6m2f38DQI1ODQ0/s400/hurrican_irene_2.jpg" />Dogs are left to wonder a popular philsophical riddle, "if a tree falls in a dog park, and no dog is around to hear it, does it make a sound?" </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc0000;">
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<br />Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02544769197188534580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33915158663414260.post-60228137501535583322010-12-15T13:41:00.005-05:002010-12-15T14:00:13.690-05:00Office GrinchesIt's that time of the year again... time for family, friends, food... laughter, giving and love.<br /><br />However, these popular holiday themes seemed to have slipped from the awareness of my undisclosed colleague(s).<br /><br />Please observe t<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikry291k7tAgq619ZMVX2u51JewkEl6e9CY8ABfsB79uz2LW7V74hJ9Ku12ciPI9vx85kqTL01NOL_s_BNY7XGug6XrbUsaIibOh9FmcNw6mfFJrYuTKPlyU-88rHA37dZkThvfKfZPy0/s1600/Advent2010.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikry291k7tAgq619ZMVX2u51JewkEl6e9CY8ABfsB79uz2LW7V74hJ9Ku12ciPI9vx85kqTL01NOL_s_BNY7XGug6XrbUsaIibOh9FmcNw6mfFJrYuTKPlyU-88rHA37dZkThvfKfZPy0/s400/Advent2010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550984779852521394" border="0" /></a>he savaged advent calendar photo to the left. This photo was taken on December 9. Please also observe the numerous "windows" that are opened. The thing that strikes me as odd is that not all of Dec. 1-8 (the days leading up to when this photo was taken) are opened. However, the Grinch had no problem bypassing these acceptable dates to undermine the future.<br /><br />As Wikipedia defines:<br /><blockquote>"An Advent calendar is a special calendar which is used to count or celebrate the days of Advent in anticipation of Christmas.</blockquote><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <blockquote><p class="MsoNormal">Today, most Advent calendars are made for children. Many take the form of a large rectangular card with "windows" of which there are often 24;<span style="font-weight: bold;"> one for each day of December leading up to Christmas Day. </span>One is opened every day during Advent. In many of these calendars, each window opens to reveal an image, a poem, or a portion of a story such as the Nativity story itself. More elaborate Advent calendars have a small gift concealed in each window, such as a toy or a chocolate item."</p></blockquote><p class="MsoNormal"></p> I'm from a small town. I always thought I was slightly sheltered, not having more than 5 television channels and a duck as a pet. Nevertheless, I know what an advent calendar is, and how to operate one.<br /><br />So, how in Rudolph's name did this happen?<br /><br />I have but a few theories:<br />A) The Grinch does not know the purpose of an Advent calendar.<br />B) The Grinch knows the purpose, but is apathetic and simply doesn't care.<br />C) The Grinch believes this is a backwards Advent calendar, and is counting down from 25...<br />D) The Grinch is continuously extremely hungry and/or craving chocolate<br />E) The Grinch believes the Advent calendar makers saved the best chocolate for the end<br /><br />Whatever the case, Merry Christmas you filthy animals!Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02544769197188534580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33915158663414260.post-76011717799844141882009-09-30T20:32:00.009-04:002009-09-30T21:07:45.278-04:00My dog ate my mobile phone.<div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43bR-40Uo5lkisY8In6hAagIZ4JMAdWMuwWz-pJZYuIIaLd6Q_QZVmXZDS1cRwY1EVhSNk0GlFbkW7Dlrrk7ILCKqcqKEO3yXI79_mmdfn7VYrT9cJuRVPg3YbEZ6-lGo2P3gFZnGefo/s1600-h/DSC05331+-+Copy.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 185px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43bR-40Uo5lkisY8In6hAagIZ4JMAdWMuwWz-pJZYuIIaLd6Q_QZVmXZDS1cRwY1EVhSNk0GlFbkW7Dlrrk7ILCKqcqKEO3yXI79_mmdfn7VYrT9cJuRVPg3YbEZ6-lGo2P3gFZnGefo/s320/DSC05331+-+Copy.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387423092635748898" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Culprit name:</span> Zara</span><br /></div></div><div style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); text-align: justify;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hair: </span>mostly brown with hints of black, tan and white</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Eyes:</span> blue</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Age:</span> nearing 2 years<span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Breed:</span> collie/husky/shepard. aka. mutt </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hobbies:</span> chasing tails, eating cupcakes, squirrel hunting </span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Charge:</span> After being left alone for a mere 30 minutes, Zara is charged with Blackberry Attack. (see photo below) This is out of nature for this four legged canine as I usually leave her out of the crate, free to roam around in my room for 8 hours a day while I go to work. She is usually an angel. Until... I leave to grab lunch one Sunday afternoon. BAM! There goes my poor, helpless Blackberry. Of course she chose to chew on the Blackberry that is owned by my company. Spiteful, Zara... spiteful. One cracked screen and missing button later, I am left to wonder why she chose hard plastic over chewy peanut butter to claim as lunch that day.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNr2iZmfQyRhU_kL-RZcPhoATWGTCN3EbYikJIloDeuDueVQS2whlUDtI-b-cS2Sl5G5cHyFJAGhToz1Yey4bKlMk8Vz4pgV_0Lt9yq5rE5XxakTUHuXFkUQjCd0bGJJKOgyan_rVWNnM/s1600-h/blackberry_collage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 117px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNr2iZmfQyRhU_kL-RZcPhoATWGTCN3EbYikJIloDeuDueVQS2whlUDtI-b-cS2Sl5G5cHyFJAGhToz1Yey4bKlMk8Vz4pgV_0Lt9yq5rE5XxakTUHuXFkUQjCd0bGJJKOgyan_rVWNnM/s320/blackberry_collage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387426480553144610" border="0" /></a></span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Being a dog owner has taught me a lot of things. Mainly, that I do not want children any time in the near future. Second, how to have patience, and last, how to forgive. Zara has been crated every day since the AoB (Attack on Blackberry). However, I am happy to report that because of the Humane Society's </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/our_pets_for_life_program/dog_behavior_tip_sheets/crate_training.html">Crate Training Tips</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">, my four-legged friend enjoys her crate. It might be the peanut butter kong that awaits her each morning, but as soon as I open the door to the crate, she walks right in. Although its not my preferred style, the world is now safe from her jaws while I am away. I'm hoping someone will tell me dogs are like wine - that they get better with age. I consistently blame this on her terrible 2's. Let's hope there are no terrible 3's, 4's and so ons. I guess it's not all bad, though. There is no other creature in this world who can give unconditional love such as man's best friend. And, she makes a good vacuum. I sometimes wonder if she is teaching me more lessons than I do for her. Maybe it really is a dogs world after all.</span></span></span></span><br /></div>Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02544769197188534580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33915158663414260.post-92135453276709492122009-06-12T11:19:00.007-04:002009-06-13T00:47:05.381-04:00My life in boxes and keys.<div style="text-align: justify;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">This past week I celebrated my one-year anniversary of living in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area. And I must admit, I've caught the beltway blues more than once during my 365 days in presence. I had to transition from a small, country town in Ohio -- where my uncle is the mayor, everyone knows everyone, there is no cell phone service, no red lights, a town square, and sitting on the porch with lemonade and listening to the rain is a good time. I quickly found myself in a fast-paced "city" called McLean/ Tyson's Corner where there are more people in one apartment complex here than there are in my entire hometown. My office is 7.5 miles away from my apartment-- there are 34 stop lights (most of which are usually red) and 4 stop signs on my way to work. There are next to no sidewalks in Tyson's corner which results in having to drive everywhere. A few days ago, a 2.1 mile drive took 26 minutes and 47 seconds. I wish I were joking. However, when I reflect back on the past year, it's not all complaints. I've met some great people, learned so much through my job, cherish the fact that so much history is simply down the road, and can honestly say I haven't been bored since I moved here. There is so much to do! Whether it's <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/photo.php?pid=30410435&id=88300079">playing baseball at the National Mall</a>, getting a mind, body, and soul workout at <a href="http://www.dancingmindyoga.com/">Dancing Mind Yoga</a><a href="http://www.dancingmindyoga.com/">,</a> or going to concerts at the local venues-- I've been successfully kept busy.<br /><br />Tomorrow, I move from the Terror of Tyson's Traffic, to Arlington, Va. Ahhh.. a place where you can walk to get your groceries, easily access bike and running paths, only steps will take you to the metro-which opens doors. It's funny how packing up my belongings throughout the past week has made me think back to the first day I moved in. I would get lost literally every single time I left my apartment. I owe a lot to Google Maps. But seeing my room almost empty, just as it was when I first arrived, has reminded me of how much can change in just one year.<br /><br />Now, the other part of this title is 'keys'. My key ring has exponentially grown. Last year at this time I had one key - my car key. Now, there are Harris Teeter, Petco, Borders, Giant little tag cards swinging right next to my car key. There are also two apartment keys (two locks-would be better if we had 3 because we live in the ghetto) and a mailbox key. Then, I began volunteering at the yoga studio and have two keys to allow access. Yesterday, the biggest key was added. The key to my boyfriend's apartment. Yes, it really is the biggest- metophorically and literally. Tomorrow, I will be giving away my apartment keys and getting new ones. I'm left to wonder how the ring will change and what I'll be carrying around next year. What's on your key ring?<br /><br />I'll close with Hello, Arlington! Goodbye, Tyson's.<br />My new home..</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4T1RMuoQnKo" onmousedown="'UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this)," target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4T1RMuoQn</span><wbr><span class="word_break"></span>Ko</a></span></div>Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02544769197188534580noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33915158663414260.post-27187466631498934512009-03-02T22:32:00.009-05:002009-03-02T22:43:40.637-05:00Transition from Fearful Facebook to Transparent TwitterFacebook:<br />It’s on everybody’s mind. Multiple times per day. It’s on your cell phone. It’s on your computer. It’s your lunch break, and your mind break. Thinking back to my early days of college, I first heard of this social networking site from my friends at bigger universities. As a student at a college of less than 1,000 students on a good day, Facebook did not exist. That is, until Kari Jo and I began sending e-mails with information such as our college size, residence halls, fraternities and sororities on campus, dining halls, and other information on the “Petition to add your school to Facebook” form. Once Facebook was introduced to <a href="http://bethanywv.edu/">Bethany College</a> (not sure if Kari Jo and I had anything to do with this-but we like to think we did), the world changed. I set ground rules. I would never give out personal information to people I didn’t know. I would never accept a friend request from a person I didn’t know. I went on in my merry keep-everything-to-my-own-personal-bubble way until… I met social media. With the service known as <a href="http://www.twitter.com/">Twitter</a>, I find myself following people. Yes, I admit: I am following complete strangers; and in some cases, products and services. That just sounds creepy. And, I’m somehow okay with it. That leaves me to wonder, when did I become so transparent? And who am I to think the world really cares about what I am doing. Okay, maybe they do. But why? It’s all about the sharing of information. It also has a lot to do with the personal interest factor. So Susie Q is “<a href="http://exquisiteaffairsproductions.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/snowed-in-car.jpg">snowed in</a> for the day”… maybe you are too? You can relate. People love to relate. Tweeple love to relate. It's actually pretty pretty useful in not only personal life, but work/business life as well. Many links, informational pages, facts, and ideas are presented daily through Twitter. Twitter is a great way to expand your network and build your very own web-u-tation.<br /><br />Well, that’s my 2cents on this. I’m only left to wonder, what’s next? When will the line between my information sharing and privacy cease to be blurred?<br /><br />Big Brother…is that you?<br /><br />*Side note: While I still do not accept people I don’t know on Facebook, I’ve become lenient and do accept people who went/go to my alma mater and people who work for the same company as I…and the occasional mutual friend or two. :PKristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02544769197188534580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33915158663414260.post-45157687676909540452009-01-26T21:53:00.003-05:002009-01-26T22:17:52.196-05:00ResolutionI will blog more often. I will blog more often. I will blog more often. I will blog more often. I will blog more often. I will blog more often. I will blog more often. I will blog more often. I will blog more often. I will blog more often. I will blog more often. I will blog more often. I will blog more often. I will blog more often. I will blog more often.<br /><br />Much to write about this time, folks! I guess that's what happens when you take a multiple month hiatus from blogging. That's not to say I didn't <span style="font-style: italic;">think </span>about blogging, however. Anyway, 2009 is off to a fast start.<br /><br />Highlights of the first month of two double-o nine:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Living in DC during a historical Inauguration<br /></span>As if there aren't enough people in this city... just add 2 million more, and what do you get? Chaos! Luckily, I was permitted to work from home both Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as well as Inauguration Day. I would have joined the fun on the National Mall.. but thought twice after flipping on CNN when I awoke at 7:00 a.m. on the cold morning of January 20th. The metro lines were absolutely insane. People would fill up the trains at the very ends of the lines, making it almost impossible for anyone to board on the stops leading up to the center. This resulted in masses of people waking up early, freezing in the cold, and not even making it to see the Inauguration. However, I did enjoy the port-a-potties at the metro and believe they should stay up year-round. Makes for a better metro ride for a late Saturday night. Speaking of, I did go out with friends in Adams Morgan on the Saturday before Inauguration. Although it was fun, the amount of people crowding the already over-populated city was clear. It took almost 30 minutes to get a drink. And we met lumberjacks. All in all, I am excited to be in our Nation's Capital during a most important change in our Government. Go Democrats! America's faith seems to be on an uphill climb to restoration.<br /><br />Speaking of faith...<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Miracle on the Hudson"</span><br />All I can say about this is, "WOW!" I followed this story for days. I believe this truly is a miracle. Sadly, I couldn't believe how the news coverage on this story lessened and almost ceased to be as the Inauguration crept closer. Many props to the Captain. I cannot imagine the ways the passengers lives have changed since their dance with death just a few short weeks ago. Many say this restored faith throughout the United States. My heart-beat quickened after first hearing of the event, and then my heart was filled with happiness after hearing all aboard are safe and sound. Truly a miracle!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Smithsonian 2.0</span><br />The two-day <strong>Smithsonian 2.0</strong> gathering explored how to make SI collections, educational resources, and staff more accessible, engaging, and useful to younger generations (teenage through college students) who will largely experience them digitally. Over 30 creative people from the web and new media world met with 30 Smithsonian staff members to generate a vision of what a digital Smithsonian might be like in the years ahead.<br />Make sure to check out the event details at: http://smithsonian20.si.edu/default.html<br />I was able to work this event through Booz Allen by providing audio and visual support during the two days. I am awe-struck by the knowledge and ideas of the digerati whom were in attendance. I believe many exciting things are in the near future for the Smithsonian Institution. It's hard to believe only 1% of the entire Smithsonian collection is on exhibit/shown at one time. Imagine all that is not! and now, imagine being able to see everything from your computer, phone, or who knows what other ways to access the hidden artifacts SI will come up with! I was able to go on a Behind the Scenes tour of the SI Libraries as well as the American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery. I was inspired by this event. And know many others were as well.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Upcoming Events</span><br />While January comes to a close and February opens up with still no snowfall in DC, many exciting things are planned in my world. Beginning this weekend, a trip to WVU to reuite with some friends and jam out to bluegrass. The Superbowl... I don't care who wins as long as it's NOT the Squealers. Turning 23 on Monday. Wow, I am old. I'm not sure I like this age. Actually, maybe it will be better than 22... too much responsibility and not enough respect. Zac Brown Band concert next week, because you know I like my chicken fried. Taking my chances at skiing in Deep Creek, MD soon. I'm not so great on solid ground.. I'm going to need some help on the icy slopes. Going to see Avenue Q at Warner Theater. So excited for this what-i've-heard-was awesome show! Valentine's Day mid-Feb. For once, I think I'm excited for this "holiday" ;) and then it's smooth sailing through the rest of February until Vegas, sunny sin city Vegas, at the beginning of March.<br /><br />Have a great day, each and every one of you.<br /><br />Oh yeah, my resolution isn't just to blog more often. It's really to begin year 10 of no pop (or soda free as people say it here) as well as watch more movies, and of course, work out more. Isn't that on everyone's list!?Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02544769197188534580noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33915158663414260.post-24575045118648625322008-10-07T00:02:00.003-04:002008-10-07T00:12:41.992-04:00Rolling Rockville Word VomitThis past weekend was filled with friends and family. Home sweet Homecoming. And it only took 2 times getting stuck in traffic, some taco bell, and good music to arrive in the booming metropolis of Bethany, WV (population 985; traffic lights: 0; bars: 1).<br /><br />While I may write about BC Homecoming 2008 at a later time, I wanted to post some word fun that was created by the boy and I on our drive back to VA from Ohio/W.Va (6 hours in the car both ways can lead to witty, unusual discussion) It all started as we saw signs for Rockville, MD...<br /><br /><strong>The following is a result:</strong><br />(phrases containing the word "rock"... and applying "Rockville" to them)<br /><ul><li>Rockville and Roll </li><li>Pop Rockvilles (personal favorite)</li><li>Sex, Drugs, and Rockville Roll </li><li>Rockville Chair</li><li>Bed Rockville</li><li>Rockville Road Ice Cream</li><li>Black Rockville</li><li>Rockville Balboa (Tommy's favorite)</li><li>Rolling Rockville</li><li>You Rockville</li><li>Steady as a Rockville</li><li>Rockville the vote</li><li>Don’t Rockville the boat (Don’t Rockville the boat, baby)</li><li>Rockville around the clock</li><li>Between a Rockville and a hard place</li><li>Slept like a Rockville</li><li>Fraggle Rockville</li><li>Rockville, Paper, Scissors</li></ul><p>Any other ideas?<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">[We sure topped the padiddle game and "I Spy" with this one... ]</span></p>Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02544769197188534580noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33915158663414260.post-1369960479100660262008-09-03T21:10:00.000-04:002008-09-03T21:24:57.267-04:00Birth of a BlogWell, I caved.<br />I remember the day when I first heard the word "blog" and had to look it up in an online dictionary, only to find it is a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">derivation</span> of the word weblog - web/log, we/blog, w-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">hatever</span>.<br /><br />Then, I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">gladly</span> forgot about the whole thing until I recently started my career as a strategic communications consultant. This is when I found blogs everywhere! Pretty soon, they became part of my daily life --whether it be due to entertainment, information, research, or outreach. However, I don't even like the word "blog". Sounds too much like "blah" and "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">bleh</span>", where you almost have to say it slowly with a scowl on your face. I was always scared it would come to this... to the point where I felt as if I needed to join the millions of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">bloggers</span> and spill my thoughts by means of my fingertips. And it has.<br /><br />Now, I wonder who [if anyone] will ever read this? Will I begin this blog to look back in 10 years and try to find the person I once was? Or will I use this as means of story telling about the crazy city life in the DC Metro area? Or maybe, this will serve to be a new stalking device for my friends, tearing their attention from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Facebook</span> for just a few minutes so they can catch a glimpse of what I've been up to? I'm guessing the purpose will result in a little of each.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Until next time...</span>Kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02544769197188534580noreply@blogger.com1