tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64182826248210692522024-03-05T15:27:16.575-05:00Patti in DCA committee got together and determined that Patti needed to Blog her adventure for the world to read. Don't expect pictures too soon, but they will come!!! We have challenges! Get ready DC.Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15979323436567480063noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418282624821069252.post-47089970607835243532012-03-14T04:29:00.000-04:002012-03-14T04:29:53.798-04:00March Madness....Really???Wow, has it really been since December since the last blog post? Get ready because a new one is coming, until then enjoy a picture of the Iwo Jima statue. I see it every time I drive to church....it never gets old to look at!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEcCNOSVKrnMGj2txGRN7dOd6Y25gEi4ixS6sksgoo-1qqCQgqihDJ2qOn_9LxbZB3P48HfzVXx4cYlQBXJuon_qaCRxrtC7Pw161d5smLNZITfB8tYCJ2c47D1-Tm9HPgDHWTZ_wjBk/s1600/Iwo+Jima.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEcCNOSVKrnMGj2txGRN7dOd6Y25gEi4ixS6sksgoo-1qqCQgqihDJ2qOn_9LxbZB3P48HfzVXx4cYlQBXJuon_qaCRxrtC7Pw161d5smLNZITfB8tYCJ2c47D1-Tm9HPgDHWTZ_wjBk/s1600/Iwo+Jima.jpg" /></a></div>Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15979323436567480063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418282624821069252.post-25591132848889365132011-12-23T04:43:00.000-05:002011-12-23T07:09:26.582-05:00Christmas Cheer!Since I was unable to send out Christmas cards this year, I figured a blog post would suffice for this year. Also, thank you to those who sent me Christmas cards, it was fun to receive them.<br />
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Christmas seems to be full of traditions, so this year since I live in the greatest city in the world, I decided to start making some Christmas traditions of my own. With that said, this weekend I will be going into the District to see some of the Smithsonians's followed by going over to the White House to view the National Christmas Tree along with the other Christmas decorations they do each year. Of course, no holiday tradition for me would be fully complete if a trip to Starbucks wasn't in there, so be rest assured I will have a cup of Starbucks Christmas cheer in my hand when I head to the White House. Already loving this tradition!<br />
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Now as this exciting year of 2011 comes to end, we reflect on some of the great things that happened, yet we look forward to 2012 in anticipation of even better things to come, but first we start it off with a Duck WIN on January 2! Go Ducks!!! OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO........................................<br />
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Have a Merry Christmas and wonderful holiday season! <br />
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As the legendary Ben Matlock always says, "You Got That!"Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15979323436567480063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418282624821069252.post-77803055919242543602011-12-05T08:18:00.000-05:002011-12-05T09:49:40.256-05:00What's the difference???<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Often times I'm asked if there is much difference from living on the east coast to west coast. I have the same answer every time, YES! Besides the obvious of sales tax, pumping our own gas, no deposit on cans or bottled water, and going to the polls to vote instead of mail in ballots, here are some of the differences I have encountered since moving here almost one year ago! (can you believe it’s almost been a year?...Wow…I am having a blast and loving it!!)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><i>These are in no particular order…</i><i><o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b>Driving</b> – People are on a mission here when it comes to driving on the freeways. You either go with the flow of traffic or get off the road. There is freeway driving and then there is DC driving! Driving in DC is well, a challenge to your faith sometimes. It gives a whole new meaning to craziness. West coast drivers are very conservative compared to east coast drivers. When I am visiting Oregon, if you notice I start to drive like a crazy woman, don’t be scared, that’s the DC driving coming out in me. Ha ha ha<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 20.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b>Men</b>….I want to first off say I am not criticizing anyone when I share this so please do not take any offense. But in all reality it is one the most obvious differences I have noticed between the west coast and the east coast and it has nothing to do with your marital status. I tend to believe it’s a culture thing. It is not uncommon, in fact it’s uncommon when it doesn’t happen, to be in an elevator with a man and once we reach the floor we both are getting off at, that he will stand there and wait for me to exit first (even if the door opens right in front of him) as he puts his hand out gesturing for me to go first. I love this and always say thank you. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">It also doesn’t stop at the elevator, when it comes to going through a door, men are always holding them open for women, and even the young boys do it. I went to the Verizon store and had a 10 year old boy hold open the door for me and it seemed very natural to him. This also just isn’t a ‘city’ thing; it’s an east coast thing. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Those two examples are really just the surface of what east coast men are really like. You have to come here to truly gain an understanding of what I am talking about. Women are viewed by men differently over here is the best way I can describe it.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So please no offense to those of you in Oregon, there are some great men on the west coast. I am just stating an overall synopsis of what I have seen and experienced. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b>Parking at the mall</b>…..for expected mothers. I know this one is random but I noticed it the other day and thought it was rather cool. I only noticed this type of parking in Oregon when going into Babies R Us. Here it’s not uncommon to see parking spaces with signs, at the mall, that specifically state they are for expected mothers only. The overall culture here is SO different.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b>Traffic </b>….yes I know I mentioned driving up above but traffic is a whole other topic. In Oregon for those who think rush hour traffic on I-5, 205, or 84 is bad, seriously that is nothing compared to rush hour traffic on the Beltway here! The Beltway is the highway that circles the DC area. It is not uncommon to hear of people running out of gas on the Beltway because they have been waiting in traffic for so long, that usually happens if there is an accident and traffic is way backed up. With all the different events that take place around here, you never know when traffic is averted to a new route, backed up, or there are those moments when traffic is actually normal. You definitely learn when the right and wrong time to go somewhere or how long you should allow in getting somewhere depending on the time and the day. Still love this place!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b>Greetings</b>….When I first moved here I didn’t understand why so many people said “Good Morning” to me every day when I went into the office. I am not talking about walking by someone in the hallway; I am talking about walking by someone’s desk who is already working. You greet them as you walk by even if they can’t see you. I quickly learned if you didn’t greet someone in the morning it meant you didn’t like that person. (at least that is what I was told) Oh my! Wow, I had no idea.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Another interesting thing is when you get off the elevator, no matter who you are with, you always tell the other person to have a good day. However at the office, it’s kind of funny because no one really says a word to each other in the mornings, but when it’s time to go home in the afternoon, it’s a completely different story. ha ha You hear those ‘have a good night’ greetings being expressed very exuberantly. LOL<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b>Rain</b>….this one makes me giggle. When it rains here it takes me back to my Oregonian roots and that sense of pride rises up. The other day I was walking out of the office to go home for the day and there were a few sprinkles coming down, and do you know how many umbrella’s I saw….I giggled to myself and really wanted to say, “people there are only a few drops coming down” I think I only felt 5 drops hit my head in my walk across the street to get on the Metro. But then the best part and possibly most frustrating when it comes to rain. People here do NOT know how to drive in the rain!!! Oh my!! In fact, when it rains, traffic slows to a crawl. It is amazing to me. I was headed to the church the other night for a meeting and as I was driving there, every freeway I saw was backed up. One guy showed up to the meeting and said it took him 2 hours to get across town because of the traffic! Yes, we love our city but people sure don’t know how to drive in rain....um that’s why you have windshield wipers people. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> It’s like people freeze and don't know what to do when it rains. Lol That’s when the Oregonian driver comes out it me and all the locals probably think I’m a crazy lady. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b>Red lights</b>…..have a different meaning here, but only certain places. There is one thing I learned quickly, in <i>some </i>locations, red lights don’t always mean stop if you are in the flow of traffic. I know of a few intersections, particularly in DC, that you just keep going and no one thinks anything of it and I have never seen anyone pulled over by a cop for it. In Oregon, a lot of people will floor it to get through a yellow light, but here we don’t floor it for the red, we just keep going. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: -0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">There you have it, some of the differences I have discovered between the west coast and east coast since moving here.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Later this month I will be going out with some friends to see all the beautiful Christmas decorations around DC….going to try to post some photos….if I remember. lol<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">The best is yet to come!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Patti<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15979323436567480063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418282624821069252.post-45950260541797474712011-11-23T07:12:00.000-05:002011-11-23T07:12:19.535-05:00Honoring one of the all time greatest!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIBAi6zmCnqVbCNOKpsob5wX15WOvVQl7eYL4Lmq06gLw75TzMKIswtajhAup_BEE-5eGacjsVYUJdgaE47KM_Mcw9gvcX_1PMV3baAlUcsDx1jdNKNDF_GETAM0UqBeRMna3FHDHvY6o/s1600/Granny+with+her+fritters.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIBAi6zmCnqVbCNOKpsob5wX15WOvVQl7eYL4Lmq06gLw75TzMKIswtajhAup_BEE-5eGacjsVYUJdgaE47KM_Mcw9gvcX_1PMV3baAlUcsDx1jdNKNDF_GETAM0UqBeRMna3FHDHvY6o/s320/Granny+with+her+fritters.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Honoring a phenomenal woman today, the world's best "Granny" as we celebrate her 1 year anniversary of being with Jesus! We miss her a lot but find comfort knowing she is with my mom and grandpa. You know they are having a blast up there. So to honor Granny today, make sure to have a Diet Coke or an Apple Fritter, she always had them in her apartment to share with others. (and believe me, she would let us know when she didn't...lol) We definitely can't forget Granny's trademark saying....."yah yah". </span><br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Love and miss you Granny!</span>Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15979323436567480063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418282624821069252.post-87861985983146577592011-10-31T05:01:00.000-04:002011-10-31T06:53:16.868-04:00Really...it's been how long?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Wow, has it really been 2 ½ months since my last blog post? I have to say life has been quite busy since then. I made a trip to Oregon for work and then stayed for an extra week to visit with family and friends. It was a good time of much needed R & R. After returning, it seems I unpacked only to repack a few days later for our next trip to New York. Instead of flying we took the train from Union Station in DC, I had never taken the train before and found it quite enjoyable.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A week later we had our fall launch of City Groups at the church and our very first City Group Sunday. Wow, was that a lot of fun! I love City Groups!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Just recently I returned from being in Topeka, Kansas which now has officially marked the end of my work travel schedule for the year! I enjoyed traveling but sure am thankful for the break.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We had a great time in New York and unfortunately the Yankees were out of town, yep you guessed it, they were in Seattle. However I thought it was interesting that there was no little coffee maker in my hotel room. I looked at the room service menu and saw that a small pot of coffee (3 cups) was $8. Keep in mind this is New York, it’s expensive. So I thought why not try it just once and ordered a small pot the next morning. Now I have to tell you it was some of the best coffee I have ever had but by the time I was charged tax, room service fees, and a tip, my $8 small pot of coffee ended up being $20! I made sure I drank every drop of it before I left for work that day….lol. Oh the lessons I learn…New York is a great city, but I sure wouldn’t want to live there…SO many people, everywhere, all the time! It is true, it is the city that never sleeps!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">You will see some pictures below that I took of New York City and one yes one picture I took from my hotel room in Kansas. I am quite the camera extraordinaire I know. Ha ha</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After being here for 9 months now, I am still find things I am adjusting to. For example, when you buy a gallon of milk they put it in a separate plastic bag. I have learned to just say no thanks to the bag and carry it with the handle. Thought that was weird? Try going to the grocery store and using one of those plastic basket things you carry around and when getting up to the check stand you have the checker staring at you instead of scanning your items. You both are looking puzzled until the checker says I need you to take your items out of the basket. Yep, customers have to take their items out of the plastic carry baskets and place them on the belt before they get scanned. Ha ha ha Gotta love this place!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There is one last photo you will see at the very end of all the pictures (saved the best for last)….if you remember in one of my previous blog posts I shared a picture of a my bathroom ceiling that red tape covering the heat lamp socket to keep the cigarette smoke from the upstairs neighbor from coming into my apartment. Thanks to Laurie Satrum, I now have the coolest “duck” tape on my ceiling. Lol I love it….Thank you Laurie!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>This blog post wouldn't be complete without a great BIG shout out to my niece Heidi Axmaker and her volleyball team for making it to State! Yahoo!!! Congratulations Heidi! Looking forward to Wednesday.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">That should do it for now and since my work travel has concluded for the year, you won’t see so much time between posts.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The best is yet to come!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Patti</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Enjoy the pictures below....</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This is the entrance to our hotel in Manhattan, yes it is indeed the Waldorf Astoria! That hotel was so big, I can't tell you how many times we got lost. lol<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX40JQVJv7Lt56nwQ5tg8DjDOaVLyA4qeHbVTbbNGfRfYw0RUhDpNY5Xasz2TqNBTBhSuh2A90HCclI0FuqrtNBIL0uOmPJnBbailvmnYxeXUCEnQDSVobjRtnulVRCieWPGh8SojOO2k/s1600/Waldorf+Astoria.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX40JQVJv7Lt56nwQ5tg8DjDOaVLyA4qeHbVTbbNGfRfYw0RUhDpNY5Xasz2TqNBTBhSuh2A90HCclI0FuqrtNBIL0uOmPJnBbailvmnYxeXUCEnQDSVobjRtnulVRCieWPGh8SojOO2k/s1600/Waldorf+Astoria.JPG" /></a></div><br />
What EVERY hotel should have in it...Starbucks!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-O6mNiABJG30ia0Rc4yyK-o0P14b7grrge2BHiOT7LkHxY8gTOMLRD3Le3oK1VJH40xC-57aTd6SIGY8fEeVT1nl_Jo8MvimrfqZ2Zb7TedGuBh1ai6NRAghyphenhyphennuRhX-Tf0QEvS3NzOI/s1600/Starbucks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-O6mNiABJG30ia0Rc4yyK-o0P14b7grrge2BHiOT7LkHxY8gTOMLRD3Le3oK1VJH40xC-57aTd6SIGY8fEeVT1nl_Jo8MvimrfqZ2Zb7TedGuBh1ai6NRAghyphenhyphennuRhX-Tf0QEvS3NzOI/s1600/Starbucks.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Little sight seeing after work at Rockefeller Center.<br />
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The infamous Radio City Music Hall.<br />
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</div>For those of you who think New York is this clean fantastic city, well it's fantastic but definitely not clean. Garbage bags pill up on the side of the streets waiting for the garbage truck to come. Not all streets are like this, it's mainly the side streets that have the garbage bags.<br />
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At Times Square they have this live camera where you can view yourself on the sidewalk....can you find me? (yes I am there)<br />
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This was also in Times Square. I thought this was pretty interesting. People sit in it and just hang out to talk, eat or whatever.<br />
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This was my third trip to New York and I have never been able to go up the Empire State Building, but finally I did it! It's pretty cool being up so high overlooking the whole city. Here you can see the city and Central Park off to the left a little.<br />
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This picture is actually one of my favorites. This is looking directly down on the city from atop the Empire State Building. <br />
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No trip to New York is complete without paying tribute to our brave men and women who risked and sacrificed their lives on a day we will never forget, September 11, 2001. Ground Zero is simply indescribable. While I was their, the 9/11 Memorial opened up but I was unable to get tickets. So here is what I could see as they continue to rebuild Ground Zero.<br />
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This is it, the one photo from my hotel room in Kansas. Yes the photo says it all, Kansas is very flat! I was literally clicking my heels when I got home....truly there is no place like home!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Thanks to Laurie Satrum, I have the best bathroom ceiling in the DC metro area! I love it! Thank you Laurie!!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15979323436567480063noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418282624821069252.post-83744941849992424202011-08-13T09:56:00.000-04:002011-08-13T11:54:46.226-04:00Habits I have developed since moving to DC<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><div style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Symbol;"></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><div style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Symbol;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I sleep with the a/c and with my electric blanket on. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I stay in bed past 6:00am on weekends and lay in bed watching I Love Lucy while drinking my morning coffee. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I decided to finally start working out regularly. Now I miss it when my schedule is thrown off. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt;">J</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -11.25pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I hand wash my dishes (don’t have a dish washer) every night and put them away first thing in the morning before making my bed or having coffee.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I take the screen off my windows so I can hang out of it while I shake my bathroom rugs out. Hey, I’m 11 floors up, why not! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 3pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I started acting like Granny. On my commute home, I have my keys out and in my hand miles before I get to my apartment complex.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I vacuum my apartment at least twice a week. I love to have a freshly vacuumed carpet. So clean looking. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt;">J</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I have become a true lover of coupons. I recently paid a $1.80 for 3 boxes of Kellogg’s cereal and saved 86% off my grocery bill recently at Safeway! What a feeling of satisfaction. Sales + double coupons make for a happy Patti.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I will stop everything I am doing to watch thunder and lightening storms. They are incredibly cool unless you get stuck in one, which recently happened. I ran as fast as I could and I still was soaked when I made it to cover. I have never seen rain drops SO big!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I love this place! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The best is yet to come!<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div style="line-height: normal;"></div></div>Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15979323436567480063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418282624821069252.post-70912478376143668882011-08-01T08:38:00.000-04:002011-08-01T11:46:38.492-04:00What is that???<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCJGpuXXDdUjmLvKsjQr3i3OXTrbteyscrUk0T4JI07mJRuJLq5u8jgWQ-6bdjXgg6Ys_7XtvMOR7R04nIhj-g9UMeILJsPzZkThFlP0m1BathjNRNY6eKqaf-xCMI29ivUGe0ROGkuU/s1600/red+tape.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCJGpuXXDdUjmLvKsjQr3i3OXTrbteyscrUk0T4JI07mJRuJLq5u8jgWQ-6bdjXgg6Ys_7XtvMOR7R04nIhj-g9UMeILJsPzZkThFlP0m1BathjNRNY6eKqaf-xCMI29ivUGe0ROGkuU/s320/red+tape.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
They say every home has it's own character. Well, that would mean my little efficiency apartment too. So what is that and how did it get there?<br />
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As I was laying in bed, I periodically would smell cigarette smoke coming from the bathroom. I knew I wasn't a secret smoker who hides in the bathtub to lite one up and then cover up the smell with bad perfume. Nope, not me. So where was it coming from? Determined to find out, I was on a mission. <br />
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When I first moved in, I noticed this portion of the bathroom ceiling that was supposed to have some type of light bulb in it. After inquiring at the front desk, I found out it was a heat lamp and the bulbs were on back order. No problem. However with summer here and temperatures consistently in the 90s, I am not rushing down to remind them I still haven't received one yet. <br />
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One night I am getting ready to go to bed and there it is....that smell. I rush into the bathroom and start sniffing away like a bloodhound to find out the source of that smell. My nose lead me to the ceiling where this heat lamp bulb was supposed to be. The people living above me smoke and it was somehow filtering down into my bathroom through the fixture without a bulb. <br />
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At first I tried stuffing an old towel in there but quickly learned that didn't work. But then it occurred to me, ah, duct tape, that's what I need. Inspired by MacGyver, who seemed to use duct tape in every episode, I went to grab it out of my utility closet. But sadness suddenly came upon me when I thought I was all out, but wait, who said duct tape had to be gray, I have red duct tape. Yes, red duct tape. I had bought it when I was packing to move here to DC. There wasn't much left so it might be a stretch to get it all covered. Well as you can see there is this little strip of brown. I ran out of red duct tape but had some brown packing tape that saved the day to finish off the job.<br />
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Now the moment of truth.....do I still smell smoke in my bathroom? Nope! Mission Accomplished!!!<br />
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When all else fails use duct tape, no matter what color it is!<br />
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On an additional note....I would like to know why those people in workout dvd's aren't sweating and are always smiling? I am about half dead and dripping in sweat and ready to kickbox the tv! Gotta love a good workout!Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15979323436567480063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418282624821069252.post-77906136370835039772011-07-13T07:32:00.000-04:002011-07-13T07:32:27.027-04:00Honk if.....<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">I decided to take a little different approach for this posting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s random, so go with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">For this blog I have developed a 3 ‘HONK’ rating system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">HONK =<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>agree</div><div class="MsoNormal">HONK HONK = really agree</div><div class="MsoNormal">HONK HONK HONK = absolutely 100% agree</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mullets</b>….yes I said mullets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few weeks ago, I was traveling with my team from work to Baltimore, Maryland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hotel we were in had free breakfast every morning along with free cocktails every night for happy hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being the drinker that I am I downed glass after glass of ginger ale!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh it was SO good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was here that we saw the mullet men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were everywhere so we determined they were having a mullet convention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, one mullet man even asked a member of our team if he could buy her a drink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lol<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes he offered to buy her a free drink. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>LOL<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh we still laugh about that one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The funny thing is, we have to go back to Baltimore at the end of this month and are already wondering if mullet convention part 2 will be in session.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stay tuned…..</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">**For all those mullet men out there….you’re rating is:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>HONK</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">John Bevere</b>....John Bevere was here, John Bevere was here!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another church in The District recently invited us to a private Saturday morning/afternoon leadership session with John Bevere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With about 200 of us in attendance, he spoke on honor and leadership.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shared one thing in particular that really caught my attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He talked about faithfulness and asked us what it meant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we begin shouting out answers of what we thought it was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, John brought perspective of faithfulness I have never really thought of before but makes sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes all the definitions we gave reflected faithfulness but he said this “Faithfulness is also multiplication!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes multiplication….multiplying leaders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are being faithful to the gift God has given us by expanding it beyond our own means.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are serving in an area you should be training others in the same department. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are gone one week the whole department doesn’t shut down or not function at full capacity, but rather you can be gone and not have to think worry about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It simply is a matter of multiplying (expanding) what God has placed in you to others to reach more people for the Kingdom!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So what are we doing to expand our gift?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are we developing assistants or others to help and build the church?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my opinion, great perspective.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">**Let’s hear it for John Bevere…HONK HONK HONK</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">4<sup>th</sup> of July</b>….Do you know how long I have waited to be in Washington, DC for the 4<sup>th</sup> of July!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it didn’t let me down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There I was headed out the door to catch the metro to see the Washington Nationals take on the Chicago Cubs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rumor on the street was they were expecting an estimated 600,000 people to use the metro<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>on this day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But who cares let’s just get to the game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I arrived at the Pentagon to jump on the metro and after changing trains, I realized they weren’t kidding…people were everywhere!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The train approaches the platform and throngs of people flocked to the doors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They open, some people exited and then it was a free for all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all flooded in like a flock, I am on the end and I thought to myself, I sure hope my butt makes it inside the door otherwise I might have a new way of having lippo suction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sssqqquueezzzeedddd in and everyone standing in very close proxity of each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ok, here comes the door (and they are not like elevators that open back up when you stick an object in front of the door)….suck it in and lean forward into an rather unique position with all the mass of people…and……the door…….closed!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whew!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried not to breathe for two metro stops before getting off at Nationals Park, but I had to inhale and smell some interesting things I am not really sure I wanted to smell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>lol<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After watching the Washington Nationals beat the Chicago Cubs in 10 innings, I made the journey back to my apartment to prepare to watch the DC fireworks from the confines of my own home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After only being influenced by Molalla fireworks I have just one thing to say…. Wow oh wow!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that’s a grand finale!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think next year I might join the throngs of people and head to the mall to take in all the excitement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For now, this year was the year to kind of scope it all out for next year.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">**Here’s to a good 4<sup>th</sup> of July.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>HONK HONK</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst"><br />
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</div>Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15979323436567480063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418282624821069252.post-51154806919819317912011-06-11T07:31:00.000-04:002011-06-11T07:36:30.317-04:00Working for America<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJcIbgf6c711DnhhHwF5EMHBh6-ThS1Y3GIZkkZOIm0aYb7w-z1DJoHKnkQzJu3LudV5bFlVCeRbIh8gRkFr3Ebk9qq1x-rnf3PpjXrDqCUsaY5_xiYlq6_EB0oK5FfbwdLmdbKbTjtw/s1600/working2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJcIbgf6c711DnhhHwF5EMHBh6-ThS1Y3GIZkkZOIm0aYb7w-z1DJoHKnkQzJu3LudV5bFlVCeRbIh8gRkFr3Ebk9qq1x-rnf3PpjXrDqCUsaY5_xiYlq6_EB0oK5FfbwdLmdbKbTjtw/s320/working2.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">As part of our audit work, I recently visited a construction site in The District. Even though I wasn't actually performing the construction work on the site, we had a good time as I posed for this picture. DDOT, District Department of Transportation, even loaned me a pair of steel toed boots, hard hat, and vest!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The funny thing is, my job is sending me to Oregon at the end of August, along with my team. After we have completed what we need to do, the team will fly back and I will hang around for a few extra days. Let's hope it doesn't rain!</div>Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15979323436567480063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418282624821069252.post-32711709940896358162011-05-28T12:37:00.001-04:002011-05-28T18:03:11.702-04:00Apartment pictures have FINALLY arrived!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Thank you for your patience as I finally have posted pictures of my studio apartment. It's a fun little place to start out with. It's nothing fancy but it works. It's very easy in this city to spend most of your paycheck on rent and I determined I would rather have a middle of the road type apartment in a safe environment with flexibilities to do stuff than restrict myself financially by paying super high rent for luxury living, as they call it here. One day that luxury living will come, but for now, I have chosen a place that isn't top of the line but isn't a rat trap....it's just right!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The amenities are nice, as it has a workout facility downstairs, a pool (which opens today), a private fenced in park area, tennis courts, 7-11 on site, 24 hour security patrol, and so forth. It really is a good location. My commute to work is now only 30 minutes instead of 2 hours, one way. And I don't even have to drive, the bus picks me up from my apartment building and takes me right to the Pentagon where I get on the Metro which takes me right to the front steps of my office building. (one block from Nationals Park...oh yes, I love this place!)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">As far as other happenings....everything is good. I am finally feeling settled and I am happy! I love this city and I love my church!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Have a great Memorial Day weekend. I am headed to the Nationals baseball game on Monday and then into DC for some festivities after.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">One last thing.....Congratulations to Thomas and Nicole on moving into their new house yesterday!!!! Can't wait to see it.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Try to stay dry if you live in Oregon....getting my sunscreen out here in DC. :)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">See you all soon.....</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The best is yet to come!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Patti</span>Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15979323436567480063noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418282624821069252.post-59117126285787966672011-05-28T12:36:00.000-04:002011-05-28T12:36:51.769-04:00Shelf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFPVdnPvHOYYV51b3gm_LClia22QAdqeuFl7vDKydr54X3G6VrFN7AMfHsEg6M5b20r_cGcPWpH6Dnn7qzDHFySuXPPwxkCRErwBFoR53Ch_fLqGFJt0XG64a0RydKgJ-ScGo-VwO0RI/s1600/IMG_0587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFPVdnPvHOYYV51b3gm_LClia22QAdqeuFl7vDKydr54X3G6VrFN7AMfHsEg6M5b20r_cGcPWpH6Dnn7qzDHFySuXPPwxkCRErwBFoR53Ch_fLqGFJt0XG64a0RydKgJ-ScGo-VwO0RI/s320/IMG_0587.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #777777; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #777777; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I've come to really like this box shelf idea. The bottom left corner is empty because the vase I had bought to put in there broke as I was bringing it home. So for now it stays empty to until I decide what to put in there. Also I still need to get some candles and add a picture to the frame. Little stuff to do but that will come later.</span>Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15979323436567480063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418282624821069252.post-48812799562060979162011-05-28T12:32:00.000-04:002011-05-28T19:03:17.920-04:00The notorious couch!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2jPMpVCiSDyLodQwfu4tY7ZMoJr90sI_naH23kTkLkAF3t_PUyqIfRb98ns8N-4eAc8Dcn4n_vOifaPcxy6hhON8Se3oX0CedeiCn2rQFdCn6etEZ2zlp0JY1KdxlKNsvHxsSVRB-aQ/s1600/couch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2jPMpVCiSDyLodQwfu4tY7ZMoJr90sI_naH23kTkLkAF3t_PUyqIfRb98ns8N-4eAc8Dcn4n_vOifaPcxy6hhON8Se3oX0CedeiCn2rQFdCn6etEZ2zlp0JY1KdxlKNsvHxsSVRB-aQ/s320/couch.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Here it is...it's not stuffed in the back of my car or being hauled up 11 flights of stairs....it's in my living room! On the back right corner you will see a blue ruffled pillow. My mom made that for Granny and after she passed away a few months ago I was able to have it and will now always be a part of my home, no matter where that may be. And of course, I can lay on the couch and shoot hoops! LOLPattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15979323436567480063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418282624821069252.post-63667201900995348572011-05-28T12:15:00.001-04:002011-05-28T12:20:41.845-04:00Partial view<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh341Ui6iXdblEIigPY1lfpQ2ZJ75tTEA_l7SQH3JqX671CMRL3P9Z-CJqHCDMf8jfEjOJcH11QerZUTbek8cTEu9FOsta1Gu-22GttIN6ZJfpUAVMviqESsllIlOJZD2qlUwUK9TgtTPI/s1600/view.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh341Ui6iXdblEIigPY1lfpQ2ZJ75tTEA_l7SQH3JqX671CMRL3P9Z-CJqHCDMf8jfEjOJcH11QerZUTbek8cTEu9FOsta1Gu-22GttIN6ZJfpUAVMviqESsllIlOJZD2qlUwUK9TgtTPI/s320/view.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Well here is part of the view I keep raging about. If you look to the left you will see a tall looking pencil thing, that's the Washington Monument and to the right you will see a little white dome thing, that's the U.S. Capitol and some of DC in between. At night, it's so pretty as all the monuments are lit up in DC. Truly spectacular especially if you are downtown. If you ever come to DC, a night tour is a must! <br />
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Hopefully one day soon I will be able to post some more pictures of the view...remember I am camera challenged....lol. My digital camera actually died and it's not high on my priority list to replace it. So the camera on my phone will have to do.Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15979323436567480063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418282624821069252.post-4921878105315096192011-05-28T11:54:00.001-04:002011-05-28T12:20:41.851-04:00Entry way with a touch of Laurie Satrum.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CH5yp4C76X7LatDRUCMmhtB_wJDPJnyPYEE9N1WcqelsMqx0pB1vC1Xo4lUaHp4UioP0MStM1NG9Oxly389-riMGlFLZ2fVK4LQ80le2n5hFqFv6KEkNzLPsiuKPtHMkkyYUsC1IMLY/s1600/Entry+way+wall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CH5yp4C76X7LatDRUCMmhtB_wJDPJnyPYEE9N1WcqelsMqx0pB1vC1Xo4lUaHp4UioP0MStM1NG9Oxly389-riMGlFLZ2fVK4LQ80le2n5hFqFv6KEkNzLPsiuKPtHMkkyYUsC1IMLY/s320/Entry+way+wall.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
Now what would an apartment be without the touch of Laurie Satrum and Uppercase Living! Walk into my apartment and this is what you will see almost first. The mirror is actually reflecting the bookcase which is near by. With my past history of hanging shelving up on the wall, not sure I would actually hang a coat on one of the hooks. LOL But for now, it can simply be up on the wall and just look nice.Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15979323436567480063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418282624821069252.post-49493557157655896222011-05-28T11:52:00.001-04:002011-05-28T12:20:41.856-04:00Granny with her fritters....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIBAi6zmCnqVbCNOKpsob5wX15WOvVQl7eYL4Lmq06gLw75TzMKIswtajhAup_BEE-5eGacjsVYUJdgaE47KM_Mcw9gvcX_1PMV3baAlUcsDx1jdNKNDF_GETAM0UqBeRMna3FHDHvY6o/s1600/Granny+with+her+fritters.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIBAi6zmCnqVbCNOKpsob5wX15WOvVQl7eYL4Lmq06gLw75TzMKIswtajhAup_BEE-5eGacjsVYUJdgaE47KM_Mcw9gvcX_1PMV3baAlUcsDx1jdNKNDF_GETAM0UqBeRMna3FHDHvY6o/s320/Granny+with+her+fritters.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
This one has nothing to do with my apartment but I am posting it because I want to. ha ha ha Granny was a classic and the BEST Granny anyone could ever ask for. Here she is outside of Safeway with her notorious box of fritters! I still miss her multiple phone calls everyday telling me what she ate and what she did. Miss you Granny!!!Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15979323436567480063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418282624821069252.post-77889824989949013832011-05-28T11:46:00.001-04:002011-05-28T12:20:41.867-04:00Desk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEu_FJj8NmuRmJn0qW09MAydq7HIh50yUgb4zTc0MwSl-P0qY5i7WQ3Fs-WeExpLC0iTstOXBmeJTtbeGOwEV-Jc5mtGewg11wE9s-4JzxX0UWtCPzEVp-X3oBjjL3vVM72ELDtxElBf4/s1600/Desk+AVA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEu_FJj8NmuRmJn0qW09MAydq7HIh50yUgb4zTc0MwSl-P0qY5i7WQ3Fs-WeExpLC0iTstOXBmeJTtbeGOwEV-Jc5mtGewg11wE9s-4JzxX0UWtCPzEVp-X3oBjjL3vVM72ELDtxElBf4/s320/Desk+AVA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Pretty simple...it's my desk. Now if it can only stay this clean. :)Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15979323436567480063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418282624821069252.post-12860460298533472642011-05-28T11:42:00.001-04:002011-05-28T12:20:41.871-04:00Blue bathroom.....seriously?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOD01e7FwG8OMESlt4Jd-4N7tptFc7Gf9oOzgzrq4SEHTooMmkfVtGkvcJiJQzsZt37ROPkjAnSNA8sZ0ocjG2jCj96ZCkHJeHiMcmJLOaXxDo9mDbpfp2UuRVin-p9UJNCkwJYjAoSU/s1600/Bathroom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOD01e7FwG8OMESlt4Jd-4N7tptFc7Gf9oOzgzrq4SEHTooMmkfVtGkvcJiJQzsZt37ROPkjAnSNA8sZ0ocjG2jCj96ZCkHJeHiMcmJLOaXxDo9mDbpfp2UuRVin-p9UJNCkwJYjAoSU/s320/Bathroom.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Yes it's a blue bathroom....not quite sure of the decorating skills of the person who put this all together but hey it works. I have hot showers, a toilet, mirror and sink. All the necessities one needs. It's a classic I must say. Originally I thought I was going to have an all green bathroom...I must of gotten lucky. My blue bathroom makes me giggle but it gives it the apartment character as they say.Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15979323436567480063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418282624821069252.post-8818317393504437252011-05-28T11:36:00.001-04:002011-05-28T12:20:41.879-04:00Bookshelf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpaYEDF1sn9lkPeKFt0FnH0peOM8WfF6FnX2_bqZUEgx1IgQFUiSZgRmxko3eM3ovEoByndHgj-8EAzhGiAk10VzDPivrLsDNzyMMv_60OcvyYDO7zmkPGz7Ev2qr4nPCiF9brwSjSBk/s1600/bookshelf.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpaYEDF1sn9lkPeKFt0FnH0peOM8WfF6FnX2_bqZUEgx1IgQFUiSZgRmxko3eM3ovEoByndHgj-8EAzhGiAk10VzDPivrLsDNzyMMv_60OcvyYDO7zmkPGz7Ev2qr4nPCiF9brwSjSBk/s320/bookshelf.JPG" width="191" /></a></div><br />
This is the bookshelf that sits right in between the entry way and the kitchen. To the right of the bookshelf you can see my door and the entry way. To the left is the kitchen. I didn't take a picture of the kitchen, it's your basic kitchen, oven, fridge, sink, microwave, etc. :)Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15979323436567480063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418282624821069252.post-73045002772117790652011-05-28T11:31:00.001-04:002011-05-28T12:20:41.883-04:00Dresser<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYHU-vbK4-9DrdV3-gT_Tbi7zPaZSln1QUXvO2w6gBlFDNQFkdoS58PZPmsM1kV0k8tzvQlcFqd3g9rzvTIS52E4Mz5yOBShZ8aI6ZRBneTQnE6fVXBHg3LXZxlj2c01aAa1dTGpmAPA/s1600/dresser.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYHU-vbK4-9DrdV3-gT_Tbi7zPaZSln1QUXvO2w6gBlFDNQFkdoS58PZPmsM1kV0k8tzvQlcFqd3g9rzvTIS52E4Mz5yOBShZ8aI6ZRBneTQnE6fVXBHg3LXZxlj2c01aAa1dTGpmAPA/s320/dresser.JPG" width="191" /></a></div><br />
This one isn't hard to figure out, it's my dresser. On top of the small armoire in the middle of the dresser you can see a crystal apple. My mom loved apples and it's the gift I brought back for her when I was in New York the first time. <br />
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To the right, which you can't see in the picture is my bed and then the window where I can open my eyes and see the Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol. It's miles away and the monument is small from my view, but it never gets old to look at.Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15979323436567480063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418282624821069252.post-10200713195800853932011-05-28T11:26:00.001-04:002011-05-29T19:20:50.561-04:00The decorated wall....with a great feature.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasmy3e3ptcaCfgMRn0Pn936F-UpGWHQ1ifQsWsO8LcDqJB8PbS9IjeA88TDZ9xvIUEQsMlNFIh4009vhLp5FQlXrnsB51xciDxkhi_SgA8TUHaebkDmehuZG9PYYygaAljcZgIKqtv2M/s1600/wall+with+hoop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasmy3e3ptcaCfgMRn0Pn936F-UpGWHQ1ifQsWsO8LcDqJB8PbS9IjeA88TDZ9xvIUEQsMlNFIh4009vhLp5FQlXrnsB51xciDxkhi_SgA8TUHaebkDmehuZG9PYYygaAljcZgIKqtv2M/s320/wall+with+hoop.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Due to my special decorating abilities....I had these cute black shelves I tried to put up but after putting one upside down and the other fell off the wall when I put something on it, I opted to do the simple thing and buy what I could only hang up with a simple nail. LOL So here it is, most items strategically placed to hide the holes in the wall I made from the shelves.... :) And of course one of the best additions and the "great feature" to my apartment, the Little Tikes basketball hoop that is, yes adjustable.Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15979323436567480063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418282624821069252.post-64567187120303023112011-04-29T14:57:00.000-04:002011-04-30T10:19:31.179-04:00Yes it's true....I am in love!!!<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You may or may not have heard the rumors. It was pretty much love at first site. I still lay in bed at night and almost can’t believe it. It just gets better and better each day. I never imagined a feeling like this could be this real. It’s definitely been worth the wait. Yes it’s true, I am in love………….with the view from my apartment! :) ha ha ha Ohhhh, it’s beautiful. I have a cityscape view overlooking the area with DC right in the mix. Even though I am only able to see the Washington Monument and Capitol, I can lay in bed with my coffee and take in the beautiful view. I absolutely love it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Thursday, April 14, Cheri and Mike arrived to help me move into my new place. It was great to see them. I am SO thankful for their help. Then Friday morning came, moving day. After picking up the U-Haul truck, getting everything loaded, with a Laurie Satrum cookie in hand, and the perfect moving weather day, we were off to Alexandria, Virginia. It’s funny because the Lord reminded me how for years before I moved here how I always said I wanted to live in Alexandria and now here I am. God is SO good!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overall, the move went well except for lugging my sofa up 11 flights of stairs and <u>literally </u>shoving it through the door. Oh what a memory. By the evening time things were starting to look like an actual apartment instead of a room of boxes. Wow, moving is a lot of work!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next day we were off to Arlington National Cemetery and the Nationals baseball game, but with the excessive rain, we made it through the cemetery but the game was cancelled. However, with beautiful weather in store for the next day they exchanged everyone’s tickets for a double header on Sunday afternoon. After going to church and the doubleheader, we went into DC at night to see all the monuments and such lit up. DC is SO beautiful at night!!! We were amazed at how many people were wondering around at that time…they were like ants! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Monday was filled with more DC touristy stuff and then they had to leave Tuesday morning as I also departed back for work.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Speaking of work, I was excited this week as I was able to be involved in helping to write my first Congressional testimony the Inspector General (IG) will make before Congress next Wednesday. Even though it was only a small portion, it was an interesting process. Hopefully, I will get to do more in the future.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ever since Cheri and Mike left, I’ve been getting more settled and I even recently stepped out of my comfort zone by attempting to do some simple decorating. God help me!! Remember no high expectations when pictures finally come. :) I learned really how talented I was when it came to decorating. I bought these really cool shelves to put on the wall. However, after hanging the first one upside down and the second one fell off the wall when I put something on it, I decided that wasn’t the route for me. So back they went and I bought items that were much easier to hang. Good thing Target is only a mile away. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Driving to church from a new location was yet another adventure. I happen to miss a “slight right” according to Barbara, my navigation system. GAP: the roads and road signs here are absolutely weird and crazy. Signs aren’t pointed in the right direction and a road can named one thing on your right and another on your left. Oh so frustrating at times. Back to my drive to church. Missing the slight right wasn’t too bad of a mishap, as I w<span style="color: black;">ent past the VP’s house at the Naval Observatory, the National Cathedral, and Embassy Row. Then on the way home, not too bad, missed another "slight right" and went by the Iwo Jima memorial. Gotta love it. Although Tuesday night I made to church just fine and on time for City Group. Progress.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="yiv243185586msonormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today I conquered the DMV, yes I did it with only ONE visit. (pays to do your homework) The DMV here is interesting as you stand in line to tell someone at the service desk why you are there and they in turn give you a number. Then the dreaded waiting begins. However, their numbering system was interesting. It wasn’t your normal 1,2,3, etc. It was B760, A79, T389, etc. I felt like I was playing bingo. When I my number was called, I almost jumped up and said “bingo”, but the security guards might have hauled me away. Ha ha ha<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="yiv243185586msonormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="yiv243185586msonormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I end I feel the need to share a newly discovered skill I have. Since I only moved in 2 weeks ago there are still things that I am unpacking and moving around. I needed to get my passport out of my security box, however I couldn’t find the keys. Knowing I wouldn’t be able to register my car without it to prove my legal residency, I went on Youtube to see if there was a way to pick the lock for the type of box I have. Sure enough there was. I was able to pick the lock of my security box with a fingernail file! Ha ha ha. It worked, I got my passport, and my car is now registered with the Commonwealth of Virginia. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="yiv243185586msonormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="yiv243185586msonormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until the next time…..lots of love to everyone!!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="yiv243185586msonormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="yiv243185586msonormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The best is yet to come!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="yiv243185586msonormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="yiv243185586msonormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Patti<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="yiv243185586msonormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div>Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15979323436567480063noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418282624821069252.post-69656122160460588012011-03-27T11:32:00.000-04:002011-03-27T11:34:52.075-04:00The country in you NEVER leaves.<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Well here it is spring and almost April (Opening Day starts this week!) and I woke up to snow! Just 10 days ago I was in shorts in 83 degree weather. Crazy!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have discovered a new love in Cragislist! Wow, that site is wonderful. Just yesterday I bought a George Foreman grill with removable plates barely used, a microwave barely used, tv stand (6 months old) 2 new curtain rods, a toaster used once, and a dish rack all for $45. I was exhausted by the time I was finished making my 3 rounds of stops yesterday. LOL</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Yet some sadness has overtaken me as I went into Costco the other day and realized they don’t sell sausage dogs and a drink for a $1.50. Nope, only hot dogs. However you can get Italian sausage dogs with peppers, onions, and others stuff for $2.75. Not sure about this…. :) </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Last Saturday I was blessed with a touch from home. I met up with Lori McKinley and Holly and Jesse Losli as they were in DC for the week. Loved spending time with them wondering around the District in beautiful weather, drinking good coffee. They discovered this place in Georgetown called DC Cupcakes that apparently has a show on TLC on Friday nights. Below you will see a picture of people lined up outside that goes at least a block long. Rumor has it the wait was about 2 hours just to get in. Is it really worth waiting that long for a cupcake??? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In less than 3 weeks, I will be moving into my studio apartment. Yes, I will post pictures, with all my decorating and picture taking skills. J Mike and Cheri are flying out to help me move and we will spend a few days wondering around and of course going to a Washington Nationals game! Go Nats! Looking forward to a great time…. I am sure there will be stories.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In my pursuit of finding a couch for my new place, again Craigslist has come to my rescue. Below you will see a picture of how the country just never leaves you, no matter where you go. The guy I bought it from helped me load it into my car, I put an old sheet over the couch so no road dirt and debris would get on it, and we bungi corded the back down. So off I went driving through town (not DC) with a couch hanging out the back of my car. I knew if I got tired I could always pull over and take a quick nap. Ha ha ha. Sometimes I just laugh at myself….but bottom line….Mission Accomplished!!!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Overall I am adjusting well. My job is good. I work with nice people. I am now a member of The City Church. Yet it is still weird that I am actually here. Just the other day I started giggling as I walked down the street thinking…I live in DC! Ha ha ha What a great big God we serve!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Stay tuned for pictures from “The Move” and of course plenty of stories. Off to Capitol Hill again this week to hear Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood testify before a House subcommittee.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I am blessed in the country and blessed in the city! (thank you Pastor Wendell)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The best is yet to come!!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Patti</span></div>Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15979323436567480063noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418282624821069252.post-79861594258135952032011-03-27T11:28:00.003-04:002011-03-27T11:28:36.004-04:00Couch in my car<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPx7CCE3qJ_2qnQfgcuBpvGapAl8d_SVk_oV0RYmU5Ug7WN9LgJ2QSSEsRRjugXysHJWIZ0x4dZ4Gk2FmE0BUmgyDuP733Po5sbQE_p6IXIxMiims1gxDv5KbIDpi97miR38qMZxPi4c/s1600/car+with+couch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPx7CCE3qJ_2qnQfgcuBpvGapAl8d_SVk_oV0RYmU5Ug7WN9LgJ2QSSEsRRjugXysHJWIZ0x4dZ4Gk2FmE0BUmgyDuP733Po5sbQE_p6IXIxMiims1gxDv5KbIDpi97miR38qMZxPi4c/s320/car+with+couch.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15979323436567480063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418282624821069252.post-62903917071632605832011-03-27T11:27:00.000-04:002011-03-27T11:27:54.006-04:00DC Cupcake....LONG line<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88LhI441tXajtR4wtZ-Jxi6AL8N-q_Eguq0lXZ5RqatiWpCM8dwFKb40nZ8hFVv2dCaQuhbNx0Hxc2p3bNJDRCr9k1Jgl5zv4HlgBGMadMPqhRujoc0nzXESENXGWGfWvJI-mIw0vwJg/s1600/DC+Cupcake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88LhI441tXajtR4wtZ-Jxi6AL8N-q_Eguq0lXZ5RqatiWpCM8dwFKb40nZ8hFVv2dCaQuhbNx0Hxc2p3bNJDRCr9k1Jgl5zv4HlgBGMadMPqhRujoc0nzXESENXGWGfWvJI-mIw0vwJg/s320/DC+Cupcake.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15979323436567480063noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6418282624821069252.post-28751683794080318942011-03-05T09:02:00.001-05:002011-03-05T09:06:23.437-05:00It's official....<div class="MsoNormal">What a week….after spending 5 days in a classroom learning more about the audit process, (which was interesting) I received a phone call and officially will be moving into an apartment complex in Alexandria, Virginia sometime in the middle of April. Thank you for praying, it was definitely effective and worked! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I will be in a studio/efficiency apartment as I build up my furnishings. I am not going to purchase much stuff at first until I know what I really I want and get a bigger salary. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> I will get the basics and go from there. Plus I want to see what I have and how it all fits with everything. Not going to rush things. Pictures will be coming in the future. Be prepared to be overwhelmed by my natural decorative abilities…..ha ha ha. I think a Wii might be a good accent to whatever I have….still thinking on that one. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">Well I did it….I got on the wrong train and took a nice tour of DC, <u>underground</u>, Tuesday morning. Oh how I just laugh at myself and my adventures. Good thing I was early and had some time to spare.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I could devote a whole other blog to just stories of how the Lord has taken care of me and worked on my behalf since I have been here. It’s been a truly amazing experience. The things I have learned since being here are life changing for me. I love it. All of what I had to experience before I came, obviously prepared me for this time. Never underestimate trials and tribulations in life. You will get more out of them than you will realize. Wow….I am in complete awe of our God!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">That’s it for now…off to meet a great Pastor for coffee.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The best is yet to come!</div>Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15979323436567480063noreply@blogger.com2