On Day 702...
We returned from Utah today, neither of us really wanting to come back to work and the fast pace of northern VA. I am sorry we did not blog while we were gone, but it was rather refreshing to be so disconnected from the world. At my parent's house, our cell phones didn't work and the dial-up internet is more of an exercise in futility than anything else... it is best left alone. Here is a short summary of what we did during our absence:
We arrived on Wednesday and did errands with my mom and brother and also went to the church to set up for Thanksgiving dinner. With 4 brothers, Drew & our "Krishnan-adopted-sibling" Matt (who is living with my family in Utah), it didn't take long. On Thanksgiving we spent the morning baking (I was assigned to make rolls, and Drew was instructed to hold the couch down), and we had Thanksgiving dinner at our church, followed by a lively (and losing) game of Hoopla. On Friday a group of us headed out to get our Christmas tree, and since there are only a few people who sell 14 foot trees we had to drive over an hour, but we ended up finding the perfect tree, and strapping it to the top of our not-so-perfect suburban (one back door doesn't open and the other we have to cover with a blanket because the window doesn't roll up... brings back fond memories of the ghetto chariot... but I digress...). We had a wonderful Indian dinner of Pav Bhaji (roughly translated - Bread & Vegetable mash), followed by far too many desserts... carrot cake, apple pie, Christmas cookies and a mandarin orange/chocolate chip cheesecake that was to die for. :) On Saturday night we saw the nutcracker with with my brothers and some of their friends. And after church on Sunday we celebrated Christmas and exchanged gifts between family members... my personal favorite was juicy green apple shampoo from Buzz... (he game my brother Ryan toilet paper... so I consider myself blessed.) And, as if the weekend wasn't busy enough, my mom taught my brother and I to knit. :)
L
11.29.2004
11.26.2004
It's Snowing!!!
On Day 699...
We arrived in Utah Wednesday morning to nasty cold weather, and drizzle all day long. But today we have gotten two inches of snow so far! I don't think Leah could have asked for a better birthday present than snow while we are here.
A
We arrived in Utah Wednesday morning to nasty cold weather, and drizzle all day long. But today we have gotten two inches of snow so far! I don't think Leah could have asked for a better birthday present than snow while we are here.
A
11.19.2004
A Wonderful End to a Horrible Day
On Day 692...
Ok... so I am a bit dramatic... my day probably wasn't horrible... but it did have a wonderful end. At about 3:30 today round-trip tickets from Salt Lake City to Dulles Airport dropped to $125!!! (I will not discuss the fact that I paid almost three times that amount for my tickets home for Thanksgiving... but moving on...). To make a long story short, my brother Micah is coming out to see me for almost 3 weeks!!!! He is coming December 14th and leaving January 5th! (He is also going to visit friends in NH for a few day of that time).
So, for those of you familiar with D.C. please let me know some places that are a MUST-SEE for a 17-year-old who just started college, joined the ROTC, wants to join the military, loves cooking, and is double majoring in Poli Sci & History.
L
Ok... so I am a bit dramatic... my day probably wasn't horrible... but it did have a wonderful end. At about 3:30 today round-trip tickets from Salt Lake City to Dulles Airport dropped to $125!!! (I will not discuss the fact that I paid almost three times that amount for my tickets home for Thanksgiving... but moving on...). To make a long story short, my brother Micah is coming out to see me for almost 3 weeks!!!! He is coming December 14th and leaving January 5th! (He is also going to visit friends in NH for a few day of that time).
So, for those of you familiar with D.C. please let me know some places that are a MUST-SEE for a 17-year-old who just started college, joined the ROTC, wants to join the military, loves cooking, and is double majoring in Poli Sci & History.
L
11.17.2004
In Other News...
On Day 691...
My supervisor is riding along with me tomorrow to "check" my work. Supposedly a routine happening, though I believe he just enjoys creating stressful situations for his underlings.
Naturally, I am writing this and watching Friends instead of reviewing my schedule, work items, directions, cases, paperwork, or timesheet for tomorrow. Off to more time wasting.
A
My supervisor is riding along with me tomorrow to "check" my work. Supposedly a routine happening, though I believe he just enjoys creating stressful situations for his underlings.
Naturally, I am writing this and watching Friends instead of reviewing my schedule, work items, directions, cases, paperwork, or timesheet for tomorrow. Off to more time wasting.
A
Like a Fine Wine...Or Something
On Day 691...
The Complete Eighth Season of Friends, an instant classic!
A
The Complete Eighth Season of Friends, an instant classic!
A
2004 Christmas Letter
On Day 691...
I have begun the overwhelming task of starting to send a Christmas letter. We were married between Christmas and New Year's so it didn't happen the first year of our marriage... and for who knows what reason, it didn't happen last year. But I am determined this year.
A Christmas letter has always been something I have wanted to do, but last year, there was so much going on that it just feel through the cracks, but I suppose that excuse can be used every year. Growing up my family never sent out a Christmas letter, but I always loved getting them from friends and family all across the country. (Mom, if you ever did one and I don't remember... Sorry!) So with any luck, you will be getting the 1st ever Christmas Card from the Zetterholms this December.
Today, since I only have to work a half day, this afternoon's project is to edit our wedding guest list, and update addresses and take a stab at drafting a letter. So here goes nothing!
L
I have begun the overwhelming task of starting to send a Christmas letter. We were married between Christmas and New Year's so it didn't happen the first year of our marriage... and for who knows what reason, it didn't happen last year. But I am determined this year.
A Christmas letter has always been something I have wanted to do, but last year, there was so much going on that it just feel through the cracks, but I suppose that excuse can be used every year. Growing up my family never sent out a Christmas letter, but I always loved getting them from friends and family all across the country. (Mom, if you ever did one and I don't remember... Sorry!) So with any luck, you will be getting the 1st ever Christmas Card from the Zetterholms this December.
Today, since I only have to work a half day, this afternoon's project is to edit our wedding guest list, and update addresses and take a stab at drafting a letter. So here goes nothing!
L
11.14.2004
Sundays
On Day 687...
I love Sundays. I love church. I love missions week. I love Sunday afternoon naps.
A
I love Sundays. I love church. I love missions week. I love Sunday afternoon naps.
A
11.12.2004
There it goes!
On Day 685...
There is goes! Cars always seem to do horrible things to your wallet. Yesterday, since I had the day off, I decided to have new tires put on the Accord. We also had it aligned and changed the oil. Hundreds of dollars later, all we can say it that it does what it was designed to do... drive, which it did before we took it in!
There it goes again! Yesterday, on a whim, Sarah H. and I decided to get our hair cut. So 4-5 inches later I walked out. It is barely to my chin and I am not quite sure if I like it. However, Andrew likes it... so I guess it is all ok. :)
L
There is goes! Cars always seem to do horrible things to your wallet. Yesterday, since I had the day off, I decided to have new tires put on the Accord. We also had it aligned and changed the oil. Hundreds of dollars later, all we can say it that it does what it was designed to do... drive, which it did before we took it in!
There it goes again! Yesterday, on a whim, Sarah H. and I decided to get our hair cut. So 4-5 inches later I walked out. It is barely to my chin and I am not quite sure if I like it. However, Andrew likes it... so I guess it is all ok. :)
L
11.09.2004
Something to Consider
On Day 682...
"Risk more than others think is safe. Care more than others think is wise. Dream more than others think is practical. Expect more than others think is possible."--Claude Thomas Bissell
A
"Risk more than others think is safe. Care more than others think is wise. Dream more than others think is practical. Expect more than others think is possible."--Claude Thomas Bissell
A
11.07.2004
And There was Much Rejoicing
On Day 680...
All I have to say is: Farewell Great White Beast!
... with your rusty exterior, dripping trunk, dead battery, moldy carpet, bad tie rods, seat controls that shorted out, ripped leather, ac that didn't work, defrost that only worked in the summer, door that didn't open and door that didn't close...
Good Riddance!
L
All I have to say is: Farewell Great White Beast!
... with your rusty exterior, dripping trunk, dead battery, moldy carpet, bad tie rods, seat controls that shorted out, ripped leather, ac that didn't work, defrost that only worked in the summer, door that didn't open and door that didn't close...
Good Riddance!
L
Right up to the bitter end
On day 680...
Yesterday was a sad day in our parking lot. Through my retelling of the following events, I hope to somehow cathartically dispel some of the pain I have experienced.
The powers of nature, and nature's God, and my wife, forcefully inclined me to dispose of my faithful vehicle which has so dutifully served me for the last 5 years of my life.
To add insult to an already serious injury, when I called to ask how much the salvage yard would pay me for my '89 Pontiac Bonneville, the guy laughed at me, and then hung up. I frantically called back and asked how much I would have to pay him to take my car away. (He was more willing to talk the second time around.)
To close the final chapter of my sidekick's existence, the wrecker was 35 minutes late, and had three teeth, two hands, and one leg.
Though, like all faithful friends, this one had its weaknesses, I will miss my car forever.
Farewell my friend...
A
(Well, ok, he did have 2 legs...but it sounded better the other way.)
Yesterday was a sad day in our parking lot. Through my retelling of the following events, I hope to somehow cathartically dispel some of the pain I have experienced.
The powers of nature, and nature's God, and my wife, forcefully inclined me to dispose of my faithful vehicle which has so dutifully served me for the last 5 years of my life.
To add insult to an already serious injury, when I called to ask how much the salvage yard would pay me for my '89 Pontiac Bonneville, the guy laughed at me, and then hung up. I frantically called back and asked how much I would have to pay him to take my car away. (He was more willing to talk the second time around.)
To close the final chapter of my sidekick's existence, the wrecker was 35 minutes late, and had three teeth, two hands, and one leg.
Though, like all faithful friends, this one had its weaknesses, I will miss my car forever.
Farewell my friend...
A
(Well, ok, he did have 2 legs...but it sounded better the other way.)
11.06.2004
A Car, A Tulip & A Movie
On Day 679...
I am wondering, as a sit at my computer at 8:30 on a Saturday morning, if it really qualifies as a weekend if you are forced to get up early. Today, Drew and I had to get up at 6:30 to pick up the Accord from the owner to take it to a mechanic. The only conciliation in the whole thing was that it was a beautiful drive. So now we are anxiously waiting to make sure everything checks out with the car so we can pick it up on Monday.
I spent no less than 2 hours on the phone yesterday trying to figure out exactly what I needed to do, and have, and it what order, and who I needed to talk to, to make sure this car is legal. For all of your experienced car buyers out there, you are probably laughing, however, the two cars we have had up to this point in our lives have both been given to us, we this is our first time through. But, by 4 I had everything figured out except the final resting place for Drew's car (Salvage yard 1 or 2?).
We were headed out for dinner and a movie when we ran into our mailman who told us that our elderly neighbor had fallen and broken both of her legs and was at the local hospital. (She is a very sweet woman who offered to keep a copy of our house key after we locked ourselves out twice, and had let us in on more than one occasion since that time). So we stopped at a flower shop, picked up a few tulips, and headed for the hospital. We found her in high spirits eating dinner with some new friends. Her only complaint was that they physical therapists were going to kill her before she got better. :)
After dinner we saw The Incredibles at the theatre. For those who were thinking about seeing it, it was worth it. It is basically a cartoon action movie. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. So go and see it!
L
I am wondering, as a sit at my computer at 8:30 on a Saturday morning, if it really qualifies as a weekend if you are forced to get up early. Today, Drew and I had to get up at 6:30 to pick up the Accord from the owner to take it to a mechanic. The only conciliation in the whole thing was that it was a beautiful drive. So now we are anxiously waiting to make sure everything checks out with the car so we can pick it up on Monday.
I spent no less than 2 hours on the phone yesterday trying to figure out exactly what I needed to do, and have, and it what order, and who I needed to talk to, to make sure this car is legal. For all of your experienced car buyers out there, you are probably laughing, however, the two cars we have had up to this point in our lives have both been given to us, we this is our first time through. But, by 4 I had everything figured out except the final resting place for Drew's car (Salvage yard 1 or 2?).
We were headed out for dinner and a movie when we ran into our mailman who told us that our elderly neighbor had fallen and broken both of her legs and was at the local hospital. (She is a very sweet woman who offered to keep a copy of our house key after we locked ourselves out twice, and had let us in on more than one occasion since that time). So we stopped at a flower shop, picked up a few tulips, and headed for the hospital. We found her in high spirits eating dinner with some new friends. Her only complaint was that they physical therapists were going to kill her before she got better. :)
After dinner we saw The Incredibles at the theatre. For those who were thinking about seeing it, it was worth it. It is basically a cartoon action movie. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. So go and see it!
L
11.04.2004
New Addition
On Day 677…
We are expecting a new addition to our family. Hopefully he will be here between Saturday and Monday. We are very excited and after much debate we have finally decided on a name: Honda Accord Zetterholm.
Andrew and I have been functioning with one car for almost a year now. Andrew’s car (affectionately referred to by most as the ghetto chariot) is still with us in body, but not in spirit. Although, it has been holding down our parking spot in anticipation of the time when we bring little Honda home.
Our other vehicle, our faithful Ford Ranger, is nearing 260,000 (259,997) miles and is becoming increasingly whiny, particularly when taking Drew up and down the beltway.
Last Saturday, as I was working, Andrew and David Blasdell (our Crown class leader, financial guru, and I-can-find-something-wrong-with-any-car-and-don’t-just-settle-for-the-bluebook-value friend) went to look at used cars. In the late afternoon I met up with the guys and we looked at one last car. The owner actually lived in my district (for those who don’t know, I am a legislative aide to a VA district supervisor). As we drove up to the house it was very apparent where they stood politically, as they had Kerry signs all over their yard and a big bumper stick for the woman who ran against my boss. :) We test drove the car, checked the 0-60 time, the anti-lock breaks and even inspected the rusty bolts under the rear bumper. But all in all it was a great car. So we made him an offer (and promised him we would vote :) and as long as it checks out with the mechanic on Saturday we will soon be the proud owners of a 1999 silver Honda Accord with 49,000 miles. (I will post pictures as soon as I have some and I figure out how to post them).
L
We are expecting a new addition to our family. Hopefully he will be here between Saturday and Monday. We are very excited and after much debate we have finally decided on a name: Honda Accord Zetterholm.
Andrew and I have been functioning with one car for almost a year now. Andrew’s car (affectionately referred to by most as the ghetto chariot) is still with us in body, but not in spirit. Although, it has been holding down our parking spot in anticipation of the time when we bring little Honda home.
Our other vehicle, our faithful Ford Ranger, is nearing 260,000 (259,997) miles and is becoming increasingly whiny, particularly when taking Drew up and down the beltway.
Last Saturday, as I was working, Andrew and David Blasdell (our Crown class leader, financial guru, and I-can-find-something-wrong-with-any-car-and-don’t-just-settle-for-the-bluebook-value friend) went to look at used cars. In the late afternoon I met up with the guys and we looked at one last car. The owner actually lived in my district (for those who don’t know, I am a legislative aide to a VA district supervisor). As we drove up to the house it was very apparent where they stood politically, as they had Kerry signs all over their yard and a big bumper stick for the woman who ran against my boss. :) We test drove the car, checked the 0-60 time, the anti-lock breaks and even inspected the rusty bolts under the rear bumper. But all in all it was a great car. So we made him an offer (and promised him we would vote :) and as long as it checks out with the mechanic on Saturday we will soon be the proud owners of a 1999 silver Honda Accord with 49,000 miles. (I will post pictures as soon as I have some and I figure out how to post them).
L
11.03.2004
Blissfully Exhausted
On Day 676…
Over the past few days we have been staying up progressively later (and becoming progressively crankier) but all for good reasons. So instead of taking a much-needed nap… I will blog instead...brilliant, I know.
Last night we went to a friend’s house to watch the election returns. We had a great time with friends and we kept hoping that FOX would call Nevada for Bush or CNN would call Ohio. No such luck… we waited until about 2 and then gave up and headed for home. It was a good thing we did go home because everyone waited until after both Bush and Kerry have give their speeches today to finally call Bush the winner. Go figure.
On Monday night, I went to the grand opening of a Steakhouse/Sports Bar near our house. One of the few perks for working for elected officials is the huge number of free things. So we had a great dinner, watching the Jets/Dolphins game on one of the 24 HUGE screens around the room and only had pay for drinks and the tip! An $100 dinner for $20 isn’t bad in my book. But again, another very late night.
Sunday evening we had our newly-engaged-still-very-twitterpated friends Dave & Jennifer over for pizza and a movie in order to avoid trick-or-treaters (I contemplated putting a sign on the door that said “no candy, only potatoes… knock if you wish” but decided against it.) We ended up watching The Lady Killers with Tom Hanks. I haven’t decided whether or not I would recommend it, but I am leaning toward the latter option.
Saturday, I gathered up a group of friends and we went to the corn maze, since I had never been. We had a great time, but we were in desperate need of a directionless individual for a guide. As it turned out, even when we tried to get lost we failed and finished the maze in record time. We ended up coming back to our house for an intense game of monopoly.
All that to say, we have had a great time, but I am REALLY looking forward to going to bed early.
L
Over the past few days we have been staying up progressively later (and becoming progressively crankier) but all for good reasons. So instead of taking a much-needed nap… I will blog instead...brilliant, I know.
Last night we went to a friend’s house to watch the election returns. We had a great time with friends and we kept hoping that FOX would call Nevada for Bush or CNN would call Ohio. No such luck… we waited until about 2 and then gave up and headed for home. It was a good thing we did go home because everyone waited until after both Bush and Kerry have give their speeches today to finally call Bush the winner. Go figure.
On Monday night, I went to the grand opening of a Steakhouse/Sports Bar near our house. One of the few perks for working for elected officials is the huge number of free things. So we had a great dinner, watching the Jets/Dolphins game on one of the 24 HUGE screens around the room and only had pay for drinks and the tip! An $100 dinner for $20 isn’t bad in my book. But again, another very late night.
Sunday evening we had our newly-engaged-still-very-twitterpated friends Dave & Jennifer over for pizza and a movie in order to avoid trick-or-treaters (I contemplated putting a sign on the door that said “no candy, only potatoes… knock if you wish” but decided against it.) We ended up watching The Lady Killers with Tom Hanks. I haven’t decided whether or not I would recommend it, but I am leaning toward the latter option.
Saturday, I gathered up a group of friends and we went to the corn maze, since I had never been. We had a great time, but we were in desperate need of a directionless individual for a guide. As it turned out, even when we tried to get lost we failed and finished the maze in record time. We ended up coming back to our house for an intense game of monopoly.
All that to say, we have had a great time, but I am REALLY looking forward to going to bed early.
L
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