Walking in a winter wonderland!

When it snows, ain't it thrilling,
Though your nose gets a chilling
We'll frolic and play, the Eskimo way,
Walking in a winter wonderland!

Today M and I got the pleasure to walk in a winter wonderland! We have 17 inches of snow and the snow just keeps coming down! For the first time since we have lived in DC the weather forecaster's have been correct about their snow forecasts! Unbelieveable! We walked to Whole Foods early in the day because we found out they were closing at 1 o'clock...we couldn't believe it! After eating some soup and having a movie marathon it was time to go back outside to build a snowperson. Our dreams were of building a snowperson were quickly shattered when we realized the snow was just a bit too fluffy.

So this is what we came up with:

Next activity: measuring the snowfall! 17 inches! OMG!

And finally, a little sledding on our tuchases:

Get Good Grades-->Get a Good Job--> Win the Superbowl

Everyone thought we came to g-town for the educational experience - wrong, we came to win a Superbowl. That's right at to win a Superbowl. Yes, I know G-town plays college ball and yes, I know at 5'9.5" at 155 lbs, I'm a little light to make the NFL. But when you learn from a Superbowl winning coach, you are destined to win the Superbowl. So Saturday, Cathy I and went to "class" to learn how to be winners from Superbowl-Winning, former-NFL Coach (now exec director of the NFL Coaches Asso) Larry Kennan.

Here's M posing with the Coach

It was a great session and we learned a lot. C even got to put on a helmet and pads and jump into the game!

Watch out Peyton Manning, here come C!

After class, we went down to the football stadium and we got to test out our newly learned game knowledge and coaching skills...from the bleachers. Given that we left at halftime and the Hoyas were already down 34-0, they should have let C play. Next year, I guess.

Check out the rest of our pictures here (including cute baby pictures of a friend's baby)

Where Were You Three Years Ago?

Do you remember where you were three years ago? I was with C and the U Club Tower getting married. It's been a great (and quick) three years.

For those who were at the wedding three years ago and forgot, or you were not there and are curious (but don't want to watch the full wedding video), this is for you:



Thank you to everyone for your support over these years and mad props to Cousin J for providing the background vocals.

Over Forty, You Are In Luck!

As you may know, it has been a busy school. Between a heavier than normal course load, my master's thesis, research for a professor and job hunting, there has not been much time for the frivolities in life or blog postings (except late at night). My main source of writing now comes in two formats: 1) Papers & 2) Job Applications.

While completing a job application prior to an interview, it included the almost standard discrimination policy - company name redacted for my protection (you may need to click on the image to view it larger):

Race, ethnicity, religious affiliation, gender, disability, marital status & veteran status- all federally protected classifications. Sexual orientation - not federally protected but common in discrimination policies. However, this is the first time I've ever seen a company specifically protect people over the age of 40. Does this mean they will discriminate against people under the age of 40? With only 9.5 years until I hit this milestone, it's probably a good thing if I want to make a career there.

Oh Cheese-ball, Quit Whining

Maybe the title should be "cheese wedge, quit wining" to better describe our Halloween costumes this year. Last night we went to a duo themed Halloween party (everyone had to dress as a duo with someone else). So we chose to go as a party favorite, Wine & Cheese. Here are the pics from before we left the apartment:

You can see the other couple of pics here.

Ladies Night

Tonight it was Ladies Night at the H's. It was that one special night of the year when all of the ladies come in (uninvited), hang around our apartment, freak out when we turn on the lights, and eventually fall to the floor in pain.

I guess it was not your typical Ladies night.

This year, I took some pictures – thus far, we have had 57 ladies stop by and die (not counting the ones I could shoo back out the window).

A pretty little lady

All of those 'dots' are ladybugs

Ever wonder what 50+ dead ladybugs looks like. Now you know.

Stamps, Forever. Ladybugs, Not Forever

I guess if ladybugs are supposed to be a good omen, we are either in for a lot of good news or a lot of bad news (for exterminating them all).

Taquito Tuesday...No, It's Mexican Monday!

Taquito Tuesday came a day early, but mmm was it good. Now that my first quarter of classes is over for the year, I have time to blog about the things that really matter - dinner!

Tired of finding taquitos (think mini, rolled taco) at our neighborhood grocer that contained cheese or wheat, C & I decided to make our own. It was super easy and about 1,000 calories less than the deep-fried ones in the freezer section at the store.

Start with some shredded meat – chicken in this case.

Cook up some onions, spices and other goodies.

Mix the check and spices together – set aside

Grab your corn tortillas, give them a super brief dunk in the heated liquid of your choosing (we used heat chicken stock on the stove) to soft ‘em up and make them flexible.

Scoop the goodies into the lower portion of the tortilla (don't put too much in, otherwise it'll become a full fledged taco)

Roll ‘em up

Put it in a greased pan (that's Pam on the pan in the pic)

In 10-15 minuntes you’ve got CandM taquitos – your Mexican Monday will be complete!

Camping In the Clouds

Following up on our recent trip to Shenandoah, C and I decided to go back and camp. Our plan was to leave DC Friday after school, camp at a campsite that night, then we were going to wake up early Saturday, hike all day and backcountry camp that night. Only to wake up Sunday, finish the hike and rush back for services.

However, after an all night rainstorm Friday evening, we awoke to this:

Yes, that is my car fading into the fog - we could barely see 20 feet. Realizing camping (without the waterproof bottom for our tent) in the wilderness in this fog/rain would not be fun, we decided just to do most of our planned hike (about 10 miles).

While it was not quite as foggy on our hike, it was still very raining and cloudy - it didn't matter that we hiked a mountain ridge, because you could not see anything.

BUT - finally, after 36 hours of rain and cloudiness, C & I awoke Sunday morning to sunshine (yeah) and low clouds (in the valleys, but not around the mountains). There was only one thing to do...DANCE:

See the entirety of our pictures here

Where Were You 5 Years Ago

Five years ago today I was double over in pain and tossing my cookies from food poisoning (thanks Schnucks - 12 hour old fried chicken was not good for this soul). More importantly, it was the night when:

....................................

This nerd ............... had his first date with .....................this vixen

5 years later, we're just glad we look better (and even happier).
Happy 5-Year Date-aversary.