Whitney of Washington: August 2011

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

I'm being completely honest, I'm not doing well with this turning 30 business. I have ramped up my exercise routine, tried to improve my diet, updated my skin-care routines, battled bad dreams at night, had long talks with friends in their 30's for advice, and I *may* have shed a few tears. I can honestly say that I have the best boyfriend in the world in that, although he likes to give me a hard time, he has been wonderfuly supportive of this minor " life crisis".

I came accross article online. It was in Glamour Magazine in 1997, written by Pamela Redmond. It's a little encouragment about turning 30. Enjoy!

By 30, you should have:

1. One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you’ve come.
2. A decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family.
3. Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour.
4. A purse, a suitcase and an umbrella you’re not ashamed to be seen carrying.
5. A youth you’re content to move beyond.
6. A past juicy enough that you’re looking forward to retelling it in your old age.
7. The realization that you are actually going to have an old age—and some money set aside to help fund it.
8. An e-mail address, a voice mailbox and a bank account—all of which nobody has access to but you.
9. A résumé that is not even the slightest bit padded.
10. One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry.
11. A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill and a black lace bra.
12. Something ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself, just because you deserve it.
13. The belief that you deserve it.
14. A skin-care regimen, an exercise routine and a plan for dealing with those few other facets of life that don’t get better after 30.
15. A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship and all those other facets of life that do get better.

By 30, you should know:

1. How to fall in love without losing yourself.
2. How you feel about having kids.
3. How to quit a job, break up with a man and confront a friend without ruining the friendship.
4. When to try harder and when to walk away.
5. How to kiss in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn’t like to happen next.
6. The names of: the secretary of state, your great-grandmother and the best tailor in town.
7. How to live alone, even if you don’t like to.
8. How to take control of your own birthday.
9. That you can’t change the length of your calves, the width of your hips or the nature of your parents.
10. That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it’s over.
11. What you would and wouldn’t do for money or love.
12. That nobody gets away with smoking, drinking, doing drugs or not flossing for very long.
13. Who you can trust, who you can’t and why you shouldn’t take it personally.
14. Not to apologize for something that isn’t your fault.
15. Why they say life begins at 30.

(imagines via pinterest)

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Wordless Wednesday

In honor of my visit to Nashville for work, today's wordless Wednesday is dedicated to my wonderful sister Kiki!

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Wordless Wednesday

One of my favorite verses - a sweet friend gave me this verse during a difficult time.
Thank you M.C. - it is so true!
Image from Pinterest

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Change in plans

Well...Friday afternoon brought a change in plans. As my previous blog post stated John and I planned to go see "The Help" on Friday night. Around 4:15 John came to my desk and said "how would you feel about going to Tennessee...like...NOW?". Not being as spontaneous as my boyfriend, with a bit of anxiety for the lack of plans I said..."uhh...ok, sure." I quickly finished up what I was working on, shut down my computer and took off out the door. I packed quicker than I ever have (still not really sure why I took so many outfits in addition to all my dirty clothes to wash over the weekend). We arrived at my parents house late Friday night, and so excited to be there. Mom and Dad had planned to spend the weekend in NC with some good friends, so Cole Lee was at camp and Neyland and Lucy were scheduled to stay with a house sitter. We were able to cancel the house sitter and as soon as camp opened, I was there to get Cole Lee.

Cole Lee was so excited to see his Mommy!

John and I decided to go for a drive and have lunch with my Mom and her friends in Blowing Rock, NC. John had never been to Grandfather Mountain, Blowing Rock or driven on the Blue Ridge Parkway. I truly wish I would have taken some pictures during the drive because it was a beautiful day. I think we both had no idea how badly we needed an escape to the mountains. We listened to country music and enjoyed the curvy roads and breathtaking views. Mom was so excited to see us!

What a nice surprise to find out on Saturday afternoon that my best friend Carey and her husband Ryan had come in town (from Charlotte) to finish up some moving out of Carey's old house. After two years on the market her house sold! *YAAAAY!* So excited for them!

We were able to join Carey, Ryan, and Carey's Mom (and my second Mother) Pam for dinner. (See Ryan, I told you that you would get a "shout out" on the blog). We had a wonderful time laughing, catching up, telling old stories and talking politics. It truly was one of the best moments of the weekend getting to visit with my best friend! Carey and I haven't been in Tennessee at the same time since Christmas. Being best friends since 4th grade, it's the LONGEST we've been apart. As busy as schedules can get, we promised to NEVER go this long again. John and I are already excited about planning your trip to DC for the Fall.

My best friend and sister from another mother, Carey

Another wonderful surprise during the weekend was getting to be home for my wonderful Dad's Birthday! He and Mom met us at church where he was greeted with birthday cupcakes in Sunday School. No matter how grown up I may get I will always be a "Daddy's Girl". With so many of my friends loosing their father at a young age, I don't take for granted ONE MINUTE with my Dad.

Happy Birthday Larry Boy!! I love you!!

The BIRTHDAY BOY!

Happy Birthday Larry Boy!

Cole Lee and "His John"

NEYLAND was very excited to see Momma Kathy come home on Sunday

Lucy and Larry Boy watching golf, one of their favorite things to do

Traveling home the most beautiful rainbow covered the sky. The picture taken on my cell phone doesn't give it justice.

Leaving to come back to DC is never the fun part of the trip, but this one was much easier knowing all the wonderful events ahead. Next week both John and I have to be in the state for work, so we're going down on Saturday to spend some time with my family and attend a wedding.

What a GREAT weekend! Another lesson that being spontaneous isn't always a bad idea!

Friday, August 12, 2011

The Help

Being a good southern girl, I am beyond excited about going to see the "The Help" tonight. Since the previews stared showing I have been counting down 'til the release. John and I really like to see movies so each time we were sitting in a theatre and the trailer for The Help came on he would lean over and whisper, "I know we're going to go see this one". Well, tonight is the night! Tickets are purchased and I've already watched the trailer a few times this morning. I have a feeling I'll ned to take tissues in my purse.

The Fab Five

I got a text tonight from my sweet friend Rachel, one of the members of a group of friends from home that we called the "Fab Five". The Fab Five started as a group of friends that had dinner together one night a week, but ended up being some of the most wonderful friends a girl could have. They're encouraging, truthful, kind and have a magical way to make me laugh in any circumstance. Rachel joined our group a little over a year before I moved to DC. I am so thankful she moved to Tennessee when she did, because I can't imagine my life without her friendship. Rachel's text tonight had a picture of her smiling from ear to ear with a bright, shiny, new engagement ring her finger. I couldn't be happier for her! Getting her text reminds me of this special group of ladies that I'm thankful to call some of my most close friends.