Falling in love.

There is something strikingly beautiful about Washington DC. I've been to a few cities here and there, and although they were exciting and lovely, I don't think they have made me feel the way DC does. As I was driving along Mass Ave and around the monuments, my face was literally plastered to the window. Gazing out at the lights was like some mesmerizing experience as my eyes were completely fixated on the things we were passing. The monuments are especially beautiful at night. In eighth grade, I remember traveling to DC for an overnight field trip-- I remember walking around the FDR Memorial at night and thought that was nice, but perhaps I was too young to understand. Driving around the heart of the city gives you a grander overview of the monuments in all their illuminated glory. When we were driving past the Washington Monument that's when I knew I was meant to live here.


My interview on Wednesday went well. After a hectic morning of driving and metro riding, I found the building with some time to spare. I had Cosi for breakfast and then made my way to the third floor to meet with HR and Admissions. Overall, I had a very pleasant experience and I am crossing my fingers that they will offer me this position. The more I think about it, the more I know that I want to work in higher education. My college experience has helped shape me into the person I am today and that would not have happened without the aid of my professors and all the professional staff that I've befriended along the way. I want to be able to do that for someone else... For the lost college student trying to figure out what they want from life and how to achieve it.

Anyway, hopefully I will hear from them within a week. I am so ready to start the next chapter of my life in a city that is so new and exciting to me.

Job search woes

I've been very anxious since Friday afternoon and I doubt this tightness in my chest will subside any time soon. I am going to D.C. tomorrow morning for an interview (on Wednesday) and I am scared to death. I know I can do this job, but I am afraid that if I keep my hopes too high, I will be so disappointed when I don't get the offer. Will thinking this way set me up to fail? I don't know, but to be safe, I am going to think positively for once. Wish me luck.

Driving back on Wednesday might be the worst idea I have ever had. We'll see...

I'm dizzy from all this spinning.

I have always felt like I was meant to do something beautiful. Perhaps that is too broad. I suppose what I am trying to say is that I feel like I am living a purposeful life, I need to fill it with worthwhile endeavors... like photography, art, dance and cooking. I want to be a part of something breathtaking.

Every day I spend at home is another day wasted. It's another 24 hours I cannot retrieve. And as hard as I try to do things that are meaningful, this environment stifles every creative urge I have. Waking up to footsteps from upstairs and the monotony of suburban life leaves me feeling empty. I am ready to take a leap. I am eager to start exploring a new city and meet new people.

Don't get me wrong, there are certainly things in my life that I am more than satisfied with. For instance, I am part of a relationship that is wonderfully simple-- yet at the same time, every day is a brand new adventure. I am very aware of who I am and who I want associate with. And I am lucky to have been where I've been.

But one day, I know I will achieve great things. Just wait, you'll see.

Too much holiday cheer!

Sadly, it seems that my work has been overtaken by tacky Christmas decorations, festive holiday jingles and crazy soccer moms. It isn't even Thanksgiving and I am already in the bah-humbug spirit. Where did my joy go? Oh, that's right, out the door with the middle aged women who just gave me an attitude because I only trying to help her.

Anyway to combat this ever present feeling of ennui, I went bargain shopping (at my place of work, haha) and ended up getting a nice pair of flats and a cashmere cardigan for like $15. Considering the cardigan alone was originally $80, I think I made out pretty well. And I am abslutely obsessed with cashmere right now. To the point that it may be unhealthy...

Hello, beautiful.

These are shockingly comfortable.

I have started Christmas shopping for others, too. (Not just for myself, haha.) Already it seems I've crossed off my mother, two brothers, aunt and cousin off my list. But I am having a hard time deciding what to get my boyfriend... I want to get him something funny (because he's the type of guy that would give me a gag gift), but at the same time, I want to give him something I know he will really like and use. Dilemma!

So, what or who are you shopping for this season?

Distractions

I know it has been a while, but it seems like my two jobs have taken over my life. I haven't had a day off since last Saturday (and that's because I requested off) and it doesn't look like I will have one until Thursday. This would be better if I had a salary and benefits. Ugh.

Anyway, I am waiting for a call back from a temp agency in DC. They called me earlier this week to discuss my ideal job and availability. The woman I spoke with said she was going to forward my resume to a recruitment counselor and they would call me soon to hopefully schedule me for an interview. All I want for Christmas is a real job.

Beyond that, not much has been going on. I went to PA last weekend to visit Jason and it was a lot of fun. Now I'm just trying to figure out when I can see him next. Otherwise, life has been pretty dull...

Photo of the Day - Dave Matthews at MSG

"Dave Matthews at MSG"
New York, NY
Taken December 2006

Apple pie

Currently baking a delicious apple pie. This is actually the third pie I've made in two weeks from some apples Jason and I picked the last time he visited. Eep. Anyway, pie crust recipe is courtesy of Jason's mother and everything else I estimated, haha. It's actually easier to make pie crust than I had originally thought, so I am more inclined to make them homemade now.

Pie Crust (makes two crusts)
2 cups flour
1 tsp. vinegar
1 egg
1 tsp. salt
3/4 cup shortening or butter
Water added a tbsp. at a time

Filling
6 medium apples (diced/sliced/whatever)
1 cup sugar
1 tbsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg

To make the crust, I sifted the flour and the salt together and then cut cold butter into the mixture. Next, I added the vinegar and egg and incorporated that with my hands. Adding one tablespoon of cold water at a time, I mixed the dough until it was just moist. I learned from Alton Brown that if the pie crust dough is too wet, it will shrink when it cooks! He was totally right! Anyway, I then refrigerated the dough wrapped in plastic wrap for 30 minutes and then rolled it out. The filling was pretty simple-- I mixed all of those ingredients together and then assembled the pie. Then you just bake that bad boy in a 350 degree oven for about an hour and you're all set!

(Image via Colleen Hammond)