On Saturday afternoon Kenny and I went out on a fishing boat with my two bosses and their wives. We left from Kentmore Marina (I think) on Natural Light Fishing Charters (yes, named after the beer). We first had to catch bait, little fish, which was fun. We then went further out in the Chesapeake Bay to catch big fish. And by big fish, I mean that I thought they were going to pull me in the water they were so tough, my arm hurts from reeling them in.
I caught three fish, they were all Blue Fin Fish (again I think). Kenny caught one fish, see him in the pictures below reeling his one fish in and holding his one fish. Not that I’m counting but I did catch three and Kenny did catch one. The trip was especially for my boss John and his wife Teresa, who are Northerners and hadn’t been fishing before. John caught a few fish, see picture below of John and the first mate, Frank, with John’s award winning fish :). Teresa on the other hand caught a lot of fish. Every time you turned around she was reeling another one in. She caught the biggest and best fish a Rockfish (again I think).
On the way back to the marina they steamed one of the fish we caught with clams, mussels, and shrimp. It was so delicious!!!!!!!! It was also a time for us to relax and to do what Kenny does best, drink beer. :)
It was a lot of fun and I recommend it to everyone. It wasn’t to bad in cost and they fillet whatever you catch so that you can take it home and feast.
One of our wedding gifts was the KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment (thank you Lisa & Alex and Shaun & Katy). Well last week I finally got down to business and made some ice cream. I went online and found four potential recipes and since Kenny was gone I decided to test out my favorite flavor, just in case it didn’t work. :) So I made Cake Batter Ice Cream, which is like Coldstone’s Birthday Cake. But mine was so much better!!!!!! It was relatively easy and once it was done, so delicious!
Yesterday I decided to make Kenny’s favorite, Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream. Well of course his required a lot more work, but he loves it. I’m having a blast! I could make a new flavor every day.
So Kenny has only three household chores that he is responsible for and I take on the rest. (1) Taking out the trash; (2) Cleaning the bathtub; (3) Mopping the bathroom and kitchen floors. I gave him the first one as the “man” in the house. He gave himself the second and third ones because my elbow grease was not doing the job to his satisfaction, so he took over. Which I have no complaints with. Well he’s been working hard at his day job and neglecting two of his household chores. So before he leaves on business he decided to do his chores. See pictures below!!!!! (Sorry for the blurriness, I was laughing to hard.)
Well I decided since I was a good wife, I would play some inspirational music for him. And I thought what better than the song that supposedly got Michael Phelps pumped before each race. And what a great job Kenny did mopping the floors to Lil Wayne “I’m Me”.
I am so in love with the Wii Bowling party featured on www.hwtm.com. I love it!!!!! And am so jealous that Kenny and I do not have a big enough space to host it. Oh the dreams of a house. It is such a cute idea and even better that it was to raise money for a charity. So go check it out and if you host one, I would love to be invited.
I took my job as a defense attorney knowing that most people would view what I do as “letting the bad people go.” Granted the money is better and the experience is unbelievable, but there still has to be something positive about what I do everyday to make it justifiable to myself. Many in my position would probably say “I’m upholding the Constitution” or “everyone deserves a lawyer”. I feel that both are excellent reasons to be a defense attorney, but my reason to combat all the bad people I let go is that every once in a while I do something good. Granted it’s not every day, or even every week, but every so often I feel that I helped someone make a difference in their life.
For a while I was inspired by the guy who didn’t care what I did on his case, all he wanted me to do was help him find a place to live. Otherwise he knew he and I would be meeting again and again and again. And I did, I made the calls and got him in touch with the right people and I haven’t seen him again. It takes a lot to ask someone for help, and I was impressed that he did. I can honestly say professionally I didn’t do much for him, but personally I went over and beyond. And that made me feel like I did something good as a defense attorney.
Then I was inspired by the older gentleman who had gotten his first DUI and had hired me to represent him. I was excited when I learned that it was beatable, but he wasn’t interested. What mattered to him was that this was his wake-up call that he had a problem. If he hadn’t gotten the DUI, he never would have gotten help. So he just wanted to get the court part over with and continue with his rehabilitation. So despite losing my chance at a professional win, I did what he asked and I’ve never seen him back in court again.
I enjoy the cases where people recognize they need drug treatment, and then they take the steps to get it. The majority of crime is because of drugs. Whether it’s possessing drugs, selling drugs, stealing for money to buy drugs, assaulting people because you’re on drugs, drugs are the root to most crimes. So when people finally see the connection and want to stop it, I’m ecstatic. And I will do all I can to help them get the treatment they need.
So that gets me to today. I had a case that ended in June, that I had probably been working on for 6 months. It was a young girl, she had just become an adult, who had a serious drug problem. If you saw her on the street or where she worked you would never know. I’d even say she looks like me, brown hair, petite, intelligent, she looks normal. Except for the fact that she wears long sleeves year round to cover up the bruising and needle marks on her arms.
When I met her she was taking steps to get help; she was trying medication to reduce the cravings, she was on the list for rehab, she was attending weekly meetings. I got her through her case and kept her out of jail because I had faith that she was going to clean up her act. She wanted to and from when I first met her to our last time in court she looked so much better. I thought that I was helping her out by keeping her out of jail so that she could get the treatment she desperately needed. So that she could start going to community college and reach her goal of going to Virginia Tech. Oh yeah, and to get her back to her mother who’s dying of cancer.
Well Friday I got the call that she was picked up on a bench warrant because she had violated her probation. Less than a month from her court date, she got new charges, failed to follow directions, had a positive drug test, and hadn’t gotten treatment. I was disappointed, disenchanted. I couldn’t even talk to her because I was personally so disappointed that someone I had put so much faith in, had failed me. So I went to see her in jail today. And she had spent the weekend detoxing, which I can only imagine is excrutiating. And she still wants help and treatment. And she didn’t bullshit me with excuses. She was honest and truthful and again wanted my help, but a little part of me lost faith in her and the reason I do this job today.
So hopefully tomorrow, my new inspiration will walk into my office to pick me up from my client’s defeat. So that I’m not just letting bad people out. Cause I assure you I’ve yet to let a bad person out thus far.
So yesterday Kenny spent the day working, so I spent the day shopping. Woo Hoo! Normally I’m not a shopping girl, but yesterday I was feeling the girly day.
First, I went to have my extremely dirty car cleaned. That is one positive of NOVA. Having my car cleaned, inside and outside, for $17. I love it!!!!!
Then I went to Bed, Bath, & Beyond to purchase our KitchenAid Mixer. Woo Hoo! There’s a long story, convoluted story, involving coupons and gift cards as to how we ended up with Bed, Bath & Beyond, but all that matters is that we ordered it. I had my heart set on “Silver Metallic”, which they did not have in the store. So I found an associate to help me order it. He comes over and says “isn’t this silver?” And I reply, “no that’s metallic chrome.” And he says “isn’t this silver?” And I say “but I want silver metallic.” Clearly the man did not understand that even though metallic chrome looks silver to him, it is not. Regardless, he helped me order it and I should have it in two weeks.
Then I went to Linens & Things for some serving utensils. Your welcome Laura.
Then I went to Fair Oaks Mall and perused the stores, which I haven’t done in a very long time. I made an exchange at Macy’s and got a splatter screen off our registry. I really wanted some of our pretty china or flatware but I knew Kenny really wanted the splatter screen so I thought of him first. I’m such a good wife.
I decided to treat myself to a mani/pedi. It was wonderful and I got to enjoy a video of J-Lo in Concert. How could life get any better?
I found some cute pants at Express and decided I would sign up for the credit card to get the 15% discount. I haven’t shopped in Express since 2003 so I thought it was useful. I called Kenny to come shop in Express Men’s and get the discount. Once again, I’m such a good wife. I got two pairs of pants and he got three shirts. I’m now regretting not getting this third pair of pants. They were nice jeans and so cute, and I should have gotten them.
At this point Kenny and I decide to go to Cheesecake Factory for dinner and on the way Kenny is starting to do the math. And I was told no more purchases for the day, which was so disappointing. Kenny also told me that I was no longer allowed to buy ice cream since I could make my own with my KitchenAid mixer. So many rules!!!!!!
We enjoyed dinner and then came home to watch the movie “21”. Very entertaining, however, not good for my anxiety. But good, guy and girl flick. We recommend. Especially when you can get it for a dollar from Redbox. How could you go wrong?
On Saturday night Kenny and I grilled out with Laura and Chris and Aimee and Adam. We grilled at the top of Chris and Laura’s building and enjoyed sitting under what stars you can see in Reston and hanging out. Everyone brought their own meat, C&L provided the corn, and we provided prosciutto wrapped asparagus and potatoes. It was very yummy!!!!!
After dinner we walked over to Reston Town Center to my new favorite place, IceBerry. We ate ice cream while watching the bubble fountain. The fountain is one of those that’s flat on the ground and then shoots water up in the air and all the kids run around and get wet. Well on Saturday Laura decided she would test her luck. It was hilarious!!!!!! She is certainly ballsier than the rest of us and she gave us all a good laugh.
We then went back to C&L’s and played A&A’s game of Asshole. I hadn’t played since college. Everyone else drank Amstel in a can and I enjoyed an Izze It was so much fun!!!!!
So this will be a short blog because it’s late and I should probably go to bed. I’ve been having pains in my leg for 2 weeks and decided it was probably time to go to the doctor when it wasn’t going away. So today I went, after a mini spiff with the receptionist, to see the doctor. She gave me two diagnosis (a) blood clot (serious problem) (b) sprain (little problem). Well to rule out the “serious problem” I had to go to Reston Hospital to have an ultrasound done of my leg. Unfortunately Kenny is out of town on business so I had to go by myself. I was already nervous about it being a blood clot and now I was on my own. So I got registered and went to radiology. I waited 30 minutes and then asked “how long?” To which the receptionist said “I don’t know, you’re an add on”. I sat down and an hour later went back and said “how long, it’s been an hour?” She said they just came up and said after the next ER patient, it should be 30-40 minutes. An hour later I went back and said it’s been almost three hours, what is the deal. She made a phone call and then said they have another ER patient, 30 more minutes.
I then freaked, I could not wait any longer. So I paged the on call doctor for the doctor’s office and he said you can go home but understand there is a slight risk if it is a blood clot it could go into your lungs. I said ok I’ll take the risk because if I stay here there is a big risk that I will physically harm someone or cry. So as I was leaving I called Kenny to update. The radiology technician overheard me and said go sit down I’ll get you now. And she did!!!!!
She was AMAZING! She snuck me in and did the ultrasound and said everything was cool. The ultrasound was pretty neat. Basically the same thing as a baby except they put the gel on my leg and rub the wand around. You could see my blood vessels pumping the blood.
So at 10pm I was released from the hospital, no blood clot, therefore it must be a sprain. Which still sucks ‘cause my leg hurts.
Anywho, this is a photo I took of myself and my wrist band while waiting, before I was perturbed. Sorry it’s fuzzy, it’s with the iPhone and taken with my left hand.
Last night Chris and Laura came over to watch the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics with us. We had Chinese food and beer for dinner and I attempted red and blue cupcakes for dessert, but the grocery store only had neon food coloring, so they were purple and smurf blue. But they were still yummy!!!!!
We were all very impressed with the humongous LED screen that they used. (see first picture below from reuters) Both of the boys wanted to buy it, like we have room in our combined 1200 square feet. We were all really impressed with the opening light show that involved in the drums. We thought it was so cool how they perfectly synchronized everything. (see second picture below from the associated press)
Then the humongous screens slid back and these towers slid out. Chris and I thought they were Mah Jong tiles, but evidently they were representations of the wind. Laura kept saying that people were controlling the movement of the towers and we all laughed at her and Chris told her they were controlled by pistons. Well lo and behold they were Chinese peeps controlling them, it was crazy.
Then came the Chinese Justin Timberlake and the people in the ugly yellow unitards. I was so embarrassed for them, but then, they lit up. (see third picture below from reuters) It was the coolest thing ever!!!!! Now I want one, so if you see one on eBay let me know.
The parade of nations was very long and irritating that it was not in alphabetical order. We couldn’t figure out who was next or how much longer til the end. Laura and I did commentary on all the countries outfits. Laura and I were particularly fond of Hungary’s outfits, as was Bob Costa. (see fourth picture below from reuters)
And the fireworks were almost as good as our wedding! (see fifth picture below from nationalgeographic.com)
It was a fun night, full of culture, good food, and great friends!
I am in the middle of watching So You Think You Can Dance and it’s a commercial then Jonas Brothers. I figured if I miss the Brothers it would not be the end of the world. I have been obsessed with this show! I am excited to see who wins, but so sad for it to end. I have thoroughly enjoyed the dances and tonight I saw my favorite performed again. I recommend you go to YouTube and search “bleeding love so you think you can dance”. I’ve watched this dance probably 50 times, and that’s no exaggeration. I love it!!!!!
I have a bunch of wedding pictures to put up but in the short time I have I’ll display one. I like to title this one “Divalicious”
Tonight we went through 200 more wedding pictures. All of the pictures were from the girls getting ready. There were a lot of pictures of our massages, getting our makeup and hair done, and hanging out.
I’m not sure if everyone would agree but the massages were an absolutely wonderful treat. Granted it wasn’t the most relaxing atmosphere, but it was nice to get a little rub down before all the festivities started. And it was extremely affordable!!!!!!! I would recommend it to any bride. Unfortunately, I got cheated because the guys arrived with my gift during my massage which made it one a little awkward and two cut my time short. But oh well, getting beautiful earrings was worth it.
Below are a picture of Anne and I that I absolutely love. Most people don’t get it, but I know exactly what it is and it makes me smile. The second picture is of the snazzy underoos one of my bridesmaids wore. I won’t name which one, but she certainly was a team player wearing the bedazzled panties with her title.
The last picture is of my new haircut. I’ve had it for over a month now, so it’s not so new to me. But it is new to some of you. I was able to donate 8 inches to Pantene’s form of locks of love and still get a cute haircut. I love it and it feels more like me.
So Kenny and I are now going through the task of looking at our 2500 wedding pictures to narrow them down to 90 for our Wedding Album. I called him with the idea that we would look at 100 a night, to which he groaned. I then said what about 50, but it will take more nights. He said what about 50 during the week and 150 on the weekends. To which I settled.
So tonight we started looking at the first 50. I think he then realized how fast the process was going and said we could do 100. And then he agreed to 50 more. Lucky for him there were only 46 more in the first section. So our big accomplishment for the night is that we made it through the 146 pictures from the Rehearsal.
I must say that it is pretty cool to have pictures from your rehearsal along with your wedding. We got very lucky that our photographers did the rehearsal as well. It gives them an opportunity to see the venue set up and relationship dynamics. And it give us more pictures. There are some really cute ones which you can see in the wedding photographs. But the one below is I believe “a never seen before” photo. I absolutely love the expression on mine and Brent’s faces. You can tell we are from the same family.
Look for more “never seen before” photos over the next couple of weeks.
I now know how to blog, but I need to learn how to make picture files smaller before I can load pictures. So for right now, it’s just me and the text.
Tonight Kenny and I went to IceBerry (www.iceberryusa.com) in Reston Town Center. I originally thought that it was the “celeb hangout” Pinkberry (www.pinkberry.com), but its not. It’s exactly the same thing, but different names. Anywho, I heard on The Today Show earlier this week that yogurt was healthier and contained pro-botics, which Kenny needs a healthy dosage of. So he was an easy sell.
He had a Strawberry-Banana smoothie which was decent. It was not sweet, but not so bland that it was unbearable. Not worth the $5 price tag in the long run.
I, on the other hand, had the medium honeydew/plain swirl with three toppings for $5. They let us try the honeydew first and it was delicious. Who ever thought that green fruit that filled up space in a fruit salad could be ice cream. So I kept with the fruit theme and got raspberries, kiwi, and mango as my three toppings. They looked so appetizing behind the glass and they lived up to it. The medium was definitely enough for us to share and we certainly will in the future.
It was more refreshing, less calories, and healthier than ice cream. Definitely a repeat!!!!
