Chatty Cathy

Twelve hours after take off, I was on another flight back to DC after a successful but tiring day in New York. Before being able to turn on my iPod, the stranger next to me sparked up a conversation. (I hate when that happens. I am not a fly-and-gab kind of person.)

But because he was nice enough and because, well, it was too early to turn on any electronic devices, I got roped into a chat.

Turns out he's a real estate attorney for Verizon and has been for 22 years. Learning that he lived in Alexandria, I pictured him in one of those giant homes in the neighborhood where I walk Lucy. I was surprised to learn that he lives in Park Fairfax, a cluster of quaint, modest townhouses--and has for many years. He's not married (that I could tell), takes the bus to work downtown, seems to be the world's biggest penny-pincher (for example, he doesn't shop at Costco because he doesn't go through three or four rolls of paper towels in an entire year, he says), and was not in the least bit flashy.

Thinking back, actually, this guy did a lot of the talking. And most of it I couldn't care less about. That said, the hour passed as quickly as it would have otherwise.

What I really wanted to ask him--the incessant question that wove in and out of my mind during the entire conversation--was what on earth he spends his money on. A single guy living in a small townhouse making big bucks in corporate real estate. I really should have inquired because this is going to bug me for awhile.

I got home and was still obsessing about this guy to Chad. "But how do you think he spends his money?" I said. "Do you think he just invests it all? That's so boring!"

Chad stopped what he was doing, turned around, and replied: "That's exactly what you'd be like if you hadn't married me."

Touché.

"Abundant Sunshine"

I'm heading to New York again today to speak at another analyst conference. Trying to decide what to wear (a thick jacket or a light suit?), I figured I'd check the weather. I pulled up the website to find that the high is supposed to be 59, so I'm going with the light wool suit.

But here's the best part: In describing today, it says, "Abundant sunshine."

Is that the best phrase you've ever heard or what? (And I'm not just saying that because the last time I was there it rained all day.)

Surprise!

I have mentioned before that I am no good at surprises--giving or receiving them. So when I decided two months ago to keep Chad's birthday from him, I knew what I was getting myself into. I almost let the word spill a million times over the past few weeks but I didn't...which goes to show that apparently I do think before I speak!

Last night, a dozen of our very best friends got together for dinner at the Farm Table, a big table for 14 in the middle of a wine store connected to one of the best restaurants around. (This is a new partnership between the wine store and the restaurant, which Chad hadn't heard about, so this wasn't even something he would have guessed.)

Each month the chef creates a special menu for "the table" from local fish, meat, and vegetables, then one of the wine connoisseurs from Planet Wine makes recommendations on the best pairings for each course--or you can just walk through the wine store and select your own bottles. The menu was fabulous, the wine was superb, and the dessert was, well...better than what I could have made (think chocolaty and caramel with some unexpected crunch and a taste of peanut butter added in).

After dinner had ended, we sat at the table for another two hours catching up, giving each other grief, and trying to figure out whose birthday was next so we could have an excuse to return!

Today...

Reasons why today is fabulous:

1) It's Chad's birthday! (And we have great plans tonight he doesn't know about yet. I've been keeping this secret for two months!)

2) The sun is shining for the first time in about a week.

3) The trees on our street are in fabulous bloom.

4) We've had Lucy for an entire year!

5) The windows are open and my house is on the way to becoming clean.

Pooped

We've had something almost every night after work, culminating with a Saturday that was none-too-relaxing. After football practice this afternoon, Chad wanted to invite the entire team over for hamburgers. (It was a lot of fun, since we hadn't seen many of them since the fall season.) Still, it's been a week of nonstop running.

In all of the excitement, we hit a wall when everyone left about 7:30. I found Chad and Lucy in the kitchen:

Heartbroken

Just last week I blogged about how my American Idol favorite Danny Gokey wears his wedding ring as a quiet tribute to his late wife, who passed away less than a year ago. I just watched tonight's episode (it was on tonight since Obama was on last night) and Danny is not wearing his wedding ring! I'm positive. Literally. I paused it and walked up to the TV just to be sure.

I'm not going to lie, I feel a little like I've been punched in the gut.

I will give him a little leniency just in case he forgot it, but I will be watching closely next week. If I had to guess, some producer told him to take it off so he'd appeal more to the "ladies." This bothers me.

Best buds

I'm never fully convinced that spring is on its way until I see buds on the trees on our street. Last night I noticed that the first signs of life were really apparent and not just my imagination. By the end of March, they are usually fully in bloom, which is beautiful. (After they bloom they start dropping little berries all over the cars parked under them, which is not so beautiful.)

Granted, the poor garbage men were out in hats and gloves this morning, but this is a sign that spring is coming, folks!

A puzzling purchase

After experimenting with a lot of different chili recipes in the last year, Chad has decided to venture out and make up his own. He wanted to put his concoction in the crock pot all day to let it cook while we're at work. (I already can't wait to get home for this!)

When cutting up all of the ingredients last night before bed (and having already made one trip to the store), he realized we were out of chili powder. I suggested we get up a few minutes early and go to the store on our way to the gym.

At 5:30 a.m., we pulled in to the parking lot, but Giant was still closed. As one of the benefits of our urban landscape, there was a CVS right next door, which is open 24 hours. I ran over really quickly to see if they had any spices, knowing my chances were slim.

Two minutes later, I walked out with a container of chili powder. Just one. The time was 5:32 a.m. The total was $1.01.

I would LOVE to be a fly on the wall when the marketing manager at CVS headquarters tries to understand the rationale behind that purchase!

Job hunting in a recession

A few months ago at an all-staff meeting, someone lamented, "I wish there was a newspaper that just published good news. I'm getting depressed!"

It's not a newspaper, but I've found a new blog that publishes a daily dose of inspiration. Today's posting has had me smiling since I found it. Here's the story:

Ben Gullet, who lives in Tampa, learned his dad Mark was losing his job after 9 years as vice president of marketing for the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team. Ben found a way to help.

Watch this video he made and posted on YouTube, which has led to eight job offers for his dad. True story.

Smile!

I'm heading to New York just for the day to speak at an analyst conference about consumer trends. Every time I go there, I'm reminded of one of my first trips to the big city. I was 23 or so and had just started working at NRF. I headed to the Big Apple on a media tour with my boss.

During my whole trip, I tried very hard to fit into the New York atmosphere and put my farm girl personality to rest for a few days. (I was even wearing all-black, which is practically the only acceptable wardrobe in that city.)

I thought I was doing such a good job at blending in. That is, until we were walking down the street and my boss, a consummate New Yorker (and an incredibly lovable, but very frank guy), looked at me and said, "Will you please stop smiling at everyone we pass? No one here does that!" Thinking about it still makes me laugh.

Now, whenever I go to New York, I smile at everybody. On purpose. Sure, it makes me stand out, but I have to believe those people are smile-depraved enough that they'll accept one from a person who has plenty of smiles to give.

Besides, I kind of like the idea of someone passing me in Manhattan and immediately thinking, "She's definitely not from these parts." Nope, I'm not. And that's just what I want to be.

A mom's life

I rode the elevator up to the office this morning with a woman who's a few years older than me. She has a daughter in kindergarten and one in second grade, a husband who works long hours, and a dog that's about two years old. I was asking how each one of them was doing and she was giving me updates on the whole clan. (The dog is chewing--she suggested that might be because it needs more exercise. I agreed--Lucy did the same thing.)

This colleague of mine is always so put together and trendy, but I noticed today she looked tired.

As we got off the elevator to go our separate ways, she looked at me and said, "Most days I feel like a slave, a maid, a chef, and a chauffeur."

Yep, I thought, that pretty much sums up a mom's life. I've been laughing about that all day.

Absolutely nothing

Do you ever feel like nothing in your life is particularly new or different than what happened the previous day? That's how I've felt for the last week. So I have nothing--and I mean, nothing--new to report.

Life is humming along quite marvelously and I have no complaints. But, man, I am starting to feel boring.

Til death do us part

American Idol is my favorite show and the only one I watch religiously. This season, my favorite contestant is Danny Gokey, a 28 year-old church music director from Milwaukee. He's got energy, a good attitude and he can sing. (Seriously, if you have not watched American Idol this year, it's good. It's on Tuesday nights on Fox.)

Right before the American Idol auditions last summer, Danny's wife passed away during surgery to repair a heart condition. He still wears his wedding ring. It's a quiet but lovely gesture to a person who was taken from his life far too early.

This, of course, got me thinking. Watching the results show last night before bed, I turned to Chad, who was barely awake.

E: If I die, are you still going to wear your wedding ring? [I of course hope to live to an old age but still think about these things.]

Chad gave me a suspicious look that implied he thought this was a trick question.

C: [pause] Do you want me to wear my ring if you die?

E: Oh, I really don't know. I was just curious.

C: I imagine I would for awhile, but then I guess you get to a point where it's time to move on.

That's also where I fall in this whole dilemma. If I die within the next 20 years, someone please nicely tell Chad after a year or so that it would be okay if he wanted to take off his wedding ring and move on. And also, for the record, I hope he finds someone else wonderful who makes him very happy and who doesn't nag him as much as I do.

I hope Danny finds someone too.

Happy birthday to...

...Barbie! Believe it or not, Barbie is 50 years old today. Crazy, right? (PS: Happy birthday to my mom as well, whose birthday was yesterday. And she's not 50.)

In celebration of this special occasion, here are my top three Barbie memories:

1. Desperately wanting a Peaches & Cream Barbie for Christmas at the age of about six, I just couldn't wait to open my gifts. So on Christmas Eve, Rachel and I each tore open a little corner of our Barbie-shaped boxes from Aunt Rita and Uncle Fred juuuust to see if we were on the right track. (They always sent the best Christmas gifts, so if I was going to get this magnificent present, it would be from them.) I was beyond excited to read the letters "P E" on the top corner and had enough patience to fold the wrapping paper back the way it was and wait until the next morning. On Christmas Day, it was the first thing I opened. Imagine my dismay when it wasn't Peaches & Cream Barbie that I received, but Persian Barbie! Boy, was that depressing. I haven't peeked at a gift since.
   
   
2. In future years, Janice cut the hair off all my Barbies (and Rachel's, too). Perhaps she thought they should have the same boy-cut she did. Or maybe she was just mad that they weren't brunettes. Janice was a perplexing child.
   
   
3. In 2001, I traveled across the U.S. for five months to 20 cities on behalf of America's favorite doll. I've mentioned before that it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life--and it was--but keeping that crazy pink carpet clean in the Barbie bedroom and watching kids like a hawk to ensure they (or their parents) weren't stealing my displays was a lesson in futility. Still, Barbie is responsible for a lot of great memories and even a few good friends. I can't be too bitter.
   

Walk til you drop

Chad left me with Lucy this weekend to go to a friend's bachelor party in Las Vegas. He picked a bad weekend to be gone: the weather here was beautiful! I've been a little productive over the last few days, but mostly the hours have involved sleep, exercise and being outdoors. I haven't turned on the TV once.

Yesterday, we drove out to Manassas Battlefield Park with a friend and went on a five-mile hike. (Ok, actually it was more like a walk in the woods but I feel like I can call it a hike. It's not like it was paved.) There weren't many people on the trails and it was fun to brush up on my Civil War history again. I would love to head back there in a few months when there are leaves on the trees.

In the afternoon, I took a nap, then we went to the dog park. After running a few errands last night, Janice and Nick stopped by...and brought me ice cream. Hooray!

This afternoon, we walked down to Shirlington--in a t-shirt and shorts!--and went to another dog park. Lucy played in the water with about a dozen other dogs and I enjoyed the feel of sunshine on my skin after all these months of walks while wearing five layers of clothing.

Now we're back and I think I finally wore Lucy out. All this exercise is good for her, but my calves will admit that it's good for me too!

Oh, Oprah...

No matter how hard I try, I just can't get over Oprah. I wasn't happy how she handled the whole Sarah Palin debacle and the farmer's daughter in me is (or should still be) bitter about the mad cow ordeal more than a decade ago. But, darn it, the woman is inspiring. She helps me more than she hurts me, or at least that's what I've come to terms with.

I have taken to reading her magazine again, only because I think it's one of the better women's magazines out there that provides a good perspective about life in general.

Here were five of my favorite things from the latest issue:

• An interview with the author of, "Enough Already! Clearing Mental Clutter to Become the Best You," which digs deeper into how/why some of us just accumulate way more than we need. He says, "A lot of clutter is a lack of acceptance that a moment has passed. Maybe someone has kept all her college English papers because she wanted to be a writer, but she never put in the time and energy to make it happen." (PS: I do have a lot of my college English papers, and I'm okay with that, but I did manage in the last year to get rid of my old college chemistry homework. Remember?)
  
  
• There's this little thing you can put on that vibrates when you need to improve your posture. It's a constant reminder to stand up straight. Mom, please do not buy this for me for my birthday. Or Christmas.
  
  
• This quote, from Nell Merlino's "Stepping Out of Line: Lessons for Women Who Want It Their Way in Life, in Love, and On Broadway": "In bathrooms, boardrooms, buses, bagel shops, and everywhere else, we all need to imagine a little girl following us around, repeating everything we say and everything we do. Think about all the things you want for yourself and your daughters, granddaughters, and girls everywhere--and teach them by living it yourself." (This is what I was trying to say a few weeks ago, but more eloquent.)
  
  
• If you've been working out and haven't noticed much of a difference (note-to-self), it could just be that your body is getting rid of your visceral fat first--what a gross phrase--that builds up on the trunk of your body. The article says this fat produces three times more bad chemicals than the other types of fat and it drains directly into your liver. Again, gross. And a reason to exercise even though you may "look" skinny.
  
  
• No matter how gorgeous a white blouse is, it's not worth $990, even if you consider it a "splurge." That's not a splurge, that's a vacation! The earrings she listed as a "good deal" were gorgeous, but still $350. Just goes to show, I guess, that even an inspiring woman like Oprah remains a little out-of-touch.

Jackpot!

Chad decided to play the Mega Millions lottery on the way home last night. The pot was up to $212 million and, since the odds of winning were lower than the value of the jackpot, he thought it was worth it. He asked which numbers I wanted to play. I said 3, 29, 10, 20, 6, and 4 (our birthdays and anniversary). He also chose a set of numbers--the numbers of his six favorite Chicago sports players of all-time--and bought three random tickets.

The entire way home from work, I thought about what I'd do with all of that money. It was actually a nice break from traffic. We'd pay off the debts of all of our immediate family, ensure that all of our nieces' and nephews' college was paid for, and I'd give the women's homeless shelter where I volunteer money to buy their own building. That's about as far as I got.

The more I thought about it, though, the more doubt crept into my mind on if I really wanted to win. Would I turn down $212 million? No. But it would make life infinitely more complicated. Everyone would want money. It could lead to hard feelings among friends and family. Would I quit my job? Would we move? Yuck...would we have to hire security? Who would give us good advice on what to do with all of this money? I've heard enough stories of lotto winners who blew it that I started to wonder if I even wanted to deal with this.

So when I found out we didn't win, I was a little disappointed and a little relieved. But someone's life out there is about to get very interesting: the winning ticket was sold in New Jersey.

If you can dream it...

I had the most amazing workout this morning! Ran for several miles on the treadmill then tried a new lifting routine that left me sore but feeling great. While I was getting ready for work I was thinking about all the energy I had and how proud of myself I was.

And then I woke up. I hadn't even been to the gym. True story.

As a side note, I did have a good workout--once I finally made it to the Y.

Snow business

We are so lucky to have a good friend who works from home and comes over every afternoon to take Lucy for a walk. She likes the midday break and Lucy loves spending time with her.

While we were at work this afternoon, Cathy came by and took Lucy to meet up with our friend Emily and their yellow lab, Lowell. The two are almost exactly the same age and have a great time playing together. They found a snow-covered baseball diamond and ran around for an hour. Thanks to them, Lucy is tired tonight!

Lucy's friend Lowell

Laying in wait & ready to pounce--a typical Lucy position.
She will sit motionless for hours if she sees something.
Playing
Snowy

sNOw day

4:40 a.m. at the Davis's. Everyone's sleeping.

[scraaape.]

[Lucy barks.]

Ah ha, I think, the snow plow!

And with that, I was awake. I raced out of bed to glance outside, hoping that our expected 6-11 inches had arrived overnight and we'd have a snow day. (If the federal government closes, our offices are closed.) There wasn't much on the ground, but there was hope: it was still snowing.

Down to the computer I went, wondering if there had been an update. There had. The federal government was operating on a two-hour delay and "liberal leave" policies were in effect, neither of which influences us. Welcome to Monday as usual.

So I trudged back to bed for 15 minutes and then the alarm went off for our trip to the gym. The place was empty--and it was still snowing.

Maybe, just maybe, I thought, the federal government has changed its mind. It hadn't.

When we returned, I called Rachel to see if she needed a ride. Since the federal government closed four times the year before she moved to town, Rachel has made it no secret that one of the main reasons she came to DC was for the snow days. Since she's moved here, we haven't had a single one. "This was my one chance," she bemoaned. "We were so close!"

But instead, we're all at work. Except for Chad, who found out about 8 a.m. that his office operates on the strict federal schedule, so he doesn't have to be in until 11:00.