Happy Birthday Izzie!

Today is Izzie's first birthday!!! Happy Birthday Izzie! I can't believe my little girl is one! For her birthday, Izzie had her first spa day. Ok, not really, but she was in need of a haircut so she took her first trip to the groomer and got a bath, haircut, and her nails trimmed. And she came home with a pink bandana. I'd call that a spa day for a pup. :) And she looks so cute!

It's actually both the pups birthdays, we just only know Izzie's birthday for sure. But Georgie turns 3 around this time of year too.

Toby's Bachelorette Party

It's finally time! I've been planning this bachelorette party forever! I haven't been in many weddings so this was my first time planning a party like this. The other bridesmaids were from out of town so I was mostly on my own. I think I did good but I was nervous to see how everything would turn out.

We met in the morning to spend a day at the vineyards. There were four of us for this part of the day and it was so much fun. There is a bus tour that leaves from Arlington and visits 3 different vineyards over about 7 hours. We went to La Grange, Chrysalis, and some other vineyard that we've all managed to block out because it wasn't so great. We did tastings at each vineyard and also had time to just hang out and talk. The scenery of course was gorgeous. We had wine and cheese and crackers throughout the day. I don't think I've eaten that much cheese all year. I think we did pretty good at the beginning of the day with pacing ourselves but by the third vineyard, I think we were just ready to get our drink on. We had a bottle of wine at the vineyard (after the tasting session) and then got another bottle to drink on the bus. Things got a little more fun after that. ;) I will refrain from embarrassing you here Toby- you better be grateful! Here's a pic of Alexis, me, Toby, and Alison at the vineyards.

After that, we headed to dinner at a little Italian place in Arlington called Tutto Bene. We had a separate room just for our party. It was nice not to have to worry about being too loud. The restaurant was great- good food, and they didn't hurry us out. We actually didn't even get the check until we asked for it at 11pm and they were closing! Toby opened gifts and we had cake. Check out the cake topper. Heehee.

We did have one strange incident with an Italian man who decided to come in to say hello and proceeded to give us a 10 minute lecture on the leaning tower of Pisa and the remodeling effort to keep it from sinking into the ground. It was really funny- we were all looking around at each other wondering when he would leave. One of the waiters had to pull him out, calling him their village idiot.

After dinner, Toby, Alison, and I went back to my house and we had a little slumber party. Even after the long day and all that wine, we managed to stay up until about 3am talking. I think the party turned out really well. I had so much fun and I think I can say the same for Toby. Now it's time for the wedding!

Stomach Bug

No idea how I got it, but I got a stomach bug while at Purdue. Thankfully, it was after the career fair but Tuesday night was fairly miserable. I was up all night getting sick. My coworker didn't get it so I knew it wasn't food poisoning. I made it home and to the doctor and apparently I picked up a bug. It took an entire week to go away and I had consistent stomach pains while I waited for it to end. Not so fun. I would name my bug except I don't think mean things get names, not nice ones anyway.

Purdue

I went back to Purdue for the first time since graduation to help with recruiting for my company. It was a little weird to be back. It really hasn't been that long since graduation and yet it seemed different in many ways. First of all, everyone looks so young! Did I look like that? I know I must have, but wow- they're babies!

Most of the major things were the same- the main bars like Jake's and Harry's, the bell tower, and the engineering fountain. But Pizza King is gone, replaced by Hot Box Pizza. What the hell is that? The Memorial Union is being remodelled. The lower level had all of the food places and they were all fairly unique, not chains. The design of the seating areas was made to look like the inside of a train. It's all been ripped out. I think that was the saddest part to me- I don't necessarily think that making things more modern is a good thing and I can only assume they will rebuild with a more modern look. To me, it seems more like losing a piece of the school's history. The I.E. (Industrial Engineering) school has also changed. Two of my favorite professors aren't there anymore- one retired which I already knew about (Solberg) and one is just gone and I'm not sure where she went (Stuart).

There were a couple of changes that made me happy. I was very involved with I.E. when I was at school and it was good to see that Alpha Pi Mu is still active. When I (and all my I.E. buddies) were members/officers in APM, we started a student commons where I.E. students can go to study, have access to computers, etc. Well, I'm happy to report that the room has been updated with new furniture and looks really nice now. Also, Dan and I spent a fair amount of time creating a "Top Ten Reasons to be an IE" t-shirt. The APM team had updated the reasons and it's better than ever.

I travelled with a coworker. John and I spent Tuesday at the Industrial Roundtable (career fair), looking for students that might be good for internships or full time roles at Platinum Solutions. We met a lot of great candidates but I think we were passed over by some because we're such a small company that many students haven't heard of us. I could see the looks on some of the kids faces, like they were too good to work for such a small company. I have to laugh a little at that since I was once one of those kids. As a student, I went to the Accenture booth and other big name companies. It's not until you start working at those big companies that you realize that sometimes you can get a lot more from the small companies. I've grown so much more at smaller companies because I'm able to get involved in so many more aspects of the business. But I guess each person has to experience that for themselves to see what's right for them.

We had two evenings at Purdue and managed to eat at Bruno's Pizza both nights. It was my favorite pizza place near campus and John even liked it enough to go back the second night. I also managed to find a Steak n' Shake to get a milkshake. Best milkshakes anywhere and we don't have them here in DC.

I was able to meet up with my old college buddy, Melanie, on Wednesday for lunch before heading home. I haven't seen her in 2 years since our friend, Andy's, wedding. It was great to catch up. I wish I was able to see my college friends more- I miss you guys!

I stocked up on Boilermaker gear while I was there too. :) Go Boilers!!!

Do I have to?

The fall semester has officially begun. You know, I used to get excited about school. Yes, I was the biggest school geek as an undergrad. I loved it. But now that I'm working, it's very different. I'm learning interesting things and the classes are good. But some of it seems silly now. Some things are so theoretical that I can't apply it to my work, so it seems kind of useless since I'm not planning to be a professor or change career paths after I receive my degree. I'm ready to graduate already! And I'm only about halfway through. :(

I decided to take an elective this fall which should be a little less work than the other classes I've taken. I've got a lot going on this fall so hopefully a lighter load of schoolwork will help with the stress levels. Fingers crossed.

I suck, I know.........

Ok, so I suck at this blogging thing lately. I'm writing this on September 28th even though I'm going to post it with an earlier date so everything after this will post on the dates they actually occured. Life got busy!!! Work got a little crazy for awhile (ok, always) and then I had a few out of town weeks, followed by a nasty stomach bug, allergies, and more crazy work. Oh yeah, and school started again. So now I'll go start catching up...........

Simpsons Movie

Spider Pig. Spider Pig. Does whatever a spider pig does..........
Oh my god, it was funny. That's it- just go see it. I want a pet pig.
Spider Pig Song

Making Contacts

I was invited to a party at my professors house this evening. Apparently he invited a select group of students. I struggled with whether to go because all he really knows about me is my grade in his class. I decided not to go in the end, partly due to a lot of work I wanted to complete before leaving for my mom's house for the weekend. But part of it was that thing in me that says not to make contacts this way. While I've always thought that it would be wonderful to have relationships with professors like I've seen in older movies where everyone can hang out together and have intellectual discussions, this just didn't quite seem to fit that description. For some reason, it felt more like making contacts. And I've always had a problem with just making contacts for the sake of making contacts.

Since the beginning of college, I've heard people talk about making contacts and how important it is. And while I agree that it's good to know people in your field, I feel that how the contacts are made is also important. Through my hard work and good grades, I feel like I've met the right people and I've never had to put any effort into it other than just being myself. I've made friends who know me well that I feel I could call if I needed something and vice versa. But I've never just built up my contact list. I feel like there's a big difference between the two. Does this make sense? One is actively trying to find people who can help me boost my career; the other is proving myself through my actions. Even though I was probably invited to this party based on my grade, it still doesn't feel quite right. Maybe it's because he also invited my moron group member, who I would NEVER have as a contact. Made me think the professor might not be such a good judge of character.

I'm probably blowing this out of proportion, but I just don't like to make contacts in this way. For one thing, I don't enjoy small talk; I find it meaningless. So a bunch of people getting together who don't know each other to inevitably chat about work felt more like a drain than an exciting possibility. I guess it seemed like the sole purpose of the party would be to make contacts. It's everything I disagree with in industry and government. All too often idiots get promoted to positions they aren't qualified for because they know someone. I never want to get ahead that way. I believe I can accurately state that the only time I've received a recommendation or offer of a position has been because the person knew my work ethic and the quality of my work, not because they met me at some party and we had small talk. I plan to keep it that way.

Stair Puppies

If I didn't know better, I'd think they were posing.........

Trey Mcintyre Project

Tonight, Toby and I went to Wolftrap (I love that place) to see the Trey McIntyre Project. It's a group of dancers (ballet and modern) that dance to modern music, like Beck and the Beatles. I've seen many different performances before and let's just say that there's a wide range in levels of dance in different companies. Just because there's a dance company doesn't mean the dancers are good and I've seen my share of crummy performances. This one, on the other hand, was amazing. The dancers were phenomenal- true athletes. In fact, I would call the boys beautiful. :) The fact that they danced to the Beatles made it that much better. The choreography was great too. I was thoroughly impressed and am hoping they will return next year so I can see them again. Here's the website if you want to check out more: Trey McIntyre Project If you are or were ever a dancer, you will want to check it out.

New Dance Class

I've been going to jazz classes for the last month and a half or so on Saturdays. Tonight I tried a new class with a different instructor at the same studio. The class was very different than the other one I've been taking but I really liked it. Plus, it's a male instructor and that tends to lead to different choreography- a little stronger, if that makes sense. After my new class, I was sore in all new parts of my body. I'm going to try to start taking class a couple days a week now. I heart dance.

Exam Results

Ok, so I'm not trying to brag, but I have to share. I just got an email from my professor congratulating me on getting a 100% on the final exam! This is so cool! Apparently, working my butt off all summer has paid off. Hmm...... I wonder if I'll get an A? :)

Guster

This band has been on my list of bands to see for a really long time. I used to listen to them all the time in college. I admit I haven't kept up as much since then but when I saw they were going to be in concert, I had to go. They played at Wolf Trap. I had never been there before but it is such a great venue. The entire pavilion is made of wood and the lawn seats are used for picnic-ing and people are allowed to bring food and wine/beer into the venue! I want to go see more shows at this place- it was so much nicer than the normal outside venues.

Pete Yorn opened for Guster. We just saw him at Bonnaroo and while I've always liked him, twice in 2 months might be a little much for Pete Yorn. Guster though- wow! They were awesome! The guy that plays the drums plays them with his hands and it's just cool to watch. I wasn't sure what Michael would think since he listens more to the actual instruments in a band while I listen more to the overall sound, including lyrics. But he really liked them too. So they must be good if we both liked them! Go get yourself some Guster!

Final Exam

Tonight was my final exam for my summer class. I felt like it went really well, so I figure I either did really well or REALLY didn't get it and did horribly. But I can usually judge how I did and it felt pretty good. Either way, I'm glad it's over! I put a LOT of effort into this summer class and definitely need a break. One month with no school- woohoo!

Slackers

The class I'm taking this summer involves a big project. I teamed with another girl in the class and then a guy who didn't have a group asked to join us, so we let him join our group. Big mistake- major slacker. He's contributed almost nothing through the entire project and then, right at the end, decides to throw some ideas around to contribute (after I've been working a ton to pick up the slack). I was so irritated- too little, too late buddy! In the end, his contributions proved somewhat helpful to the project but it was such a struggle working with him. And I frankly just don't have time to deal with slackers. Between everything going on at work and taking this class, I'm at a point where if people aren't going to step up, I'll just do the work so it's done. I don't have time, nor is it my job, to coach slackers into working. The funniest part- he wanted to meet up for dinner after our last class. So, uh, he thinks we're all on great terms when I really think he's an incompetent idiot. Can some people really not take a hint? I'm not exactly the best at hiding my feelings towards people so you have to be a real idiot not to know how I feel about you. I'm not sure if he thinks he's making contacts or what- not only would I not be friends with him, I would avoid working with him at all costs too. So I'm at a loss to see how having dinner would be a good use of my time. The other girl and I both declined his invite.

Getting the "Best"

Something that has bothered me my entire life is people's desire to be like everyone else and have whatever everyone else has, regardless of how good that "whatever" is. I can understand the desire to want what is best but the term "best" seems to be getting more and more warped. Instead of being the best in terms of quality, best is now whatever product or service is best marketed.


This subject came up once again today when I went to trade in my phone and get a new one. I played with the Razor phone and the Chocolate phone and all the other new "best" products out there. They all seemed cheap and of poor quality to me. The razor phone isn't designed to fit in a hand ergonomically and it also felt like it might snap in two at any moment. The chocolate phone was just kinda big and didn't have anything special. So after looking around, I ended up with a Samsung that is REALLY skinny and light. It is awesome, but not one of the phones you would see most advertised, and therefore not coveted by the general masses.


This theme seems to be appearing more lately, and in strange places. It's one thing when it comes up with a product like a phone- that's just stupidity and it won't really hurt anyone. But I've been watching it happen in things like the medical field and how people choose doctors. A big example around the DC area is with laser eye surgery. There are a bunch of different places that do laser eye surgery, but there's no one in DC that hasn't heard of Dr. Boutros. To be clear- I'm not saying he's a bad doctor. In fact, he may indeed be the "best"; I'm not offering an opinion on his credentials. I'm just saying that people aren't checking the credentials; they're going based on the marketing ads because the ads say he's the best. That's just scary to me.


People just don't think logically. They really do "think" based on marketing. And apparently I missed the boat. With every decision I make, I like to weigh my alternatives and make the best choice for me (which I recognize is not the best choice for everyone). But I feel like the majority of people just go with whatever they've heard over the radio or seen on tv. I'm starting to question whether people are losing the ability to think for themselves.

Hole in my Head

I have crummy teeth- definitely hereditary. Whoever I got this from: thanks a bunch! Even though I brush and floss and go to the dentist regularly, I still end up with cavities. Today I went to get a crown, to replace a tooth that has already had a couple cavities. I've never had a crown and had no idea what to expect. To share- they basically drill off your entire tooth! I stuck my tongue up there at one point and was a little horrified to feel the stub of tooth left behind after the drilling. I also didn't know that they take all these impressions of your teeth and have to send away for the new tooth / crown. In the mean time, they glue (yes, like elmer's) a temporary tooth in place so you can still eat as normal. I looked in the mirror and can actually see the line of glue! Thankfully, it's in the back of my mouth!

Kitty in a Box

The kitty will do anything for a good box. I can't tell you how many kitty beds I've bought over the years- no interest from the kitty at all. Now we just let her play in boxes after going to Costco or getting mail. She's never been happier. I just think it's funny that she thinks she can fit into much smaller spaces then she actually can.

Izzie Butt

Couldn't think of a better title. One of the things that cracks us up about Izzie is how she lays with her back feet stretched directly behind her. Here's some Izzie butt for you............ it's so cute.

Who Needs the Dog Park?

Ever since I got Georgie, I've been looking for a good dog park. There's a good one in Baltimore but that's a little far. :) The dog parks in Northern Virginia have proven to be less than impressive. A neighbor me about a relatively undiscovered park less than a mile away so on Sunday I went to check it out. The park is really just the huge backyard of an older man with a bunch of land. He donated it to the county as parkland but not a lot of people know it's there. And it's generally accepted that dogs run off leash there. Jackpot! The pups have found their new favorite place. And it's great because it's within walking distance! Who knew? I plan to spend a lot of time here. It's great for socializing the pups, which Georgie still needs to work on a bit. And the place is gorgeous. Check out the pics.....

Here's Georgie and Izzie with one of their newly made friends. This is a good pic to see the size of the park. I'm taking the pic from about the center of the park- there's a LOT of room for running.

My little angels.........












OK, this picture makes me laugh every time I see it. Izzie LOVES playing fetch with her ball. I got her mid catch. Oh, the passion in those eyes........ :)