Catching up

Tonight we've been snowed in and I'm experiencing some major jet lag so what better thing can I do than blog at 2 am?

Why the jetlag, you ask? Well before I explain, I want to preface this blog post by fully acknowledging that my life is awesome and I'm spoiled. I've done a lot of cool things in the past few months. Here are some pics and details:

1. I went to Tanzania last week for work. Who would have ever thought that I would go back to Africa so soon? It was a busy and productive trip. I spent a couple days in Dar es Salaam and the majority of the trip was in Dodoma and Singida, which are in the central region of the country. I was there doing a site visit to one of PMI's Malaria Communities Program grantees.

I just had to take a classic mzungu surrounded by African children photo. They're SO beautiful!

Sunrise on the Indian Ocean

2. I won the lottery! I won tickets to the National Christmas Tree Lighting.

Yes, that's the First Family at the exact moment Pres. Obama flipped the switch for the tree.

There's the tree! And that's Amber, Me and Ben

3. Mom for the weekend - I took care of my co-worker's kiddos for a weekend. 2 boys and 2 dogs. I have a whole new respect for single moms now.

Playing cowboys and trains

4. Ward Service Auction: This year, I helped to organize the Colonial 1st Ward Service Auction. We raised $7500 to provide Christmas to families in need in the Arlington/Alexandria area. Unfortunately, I didn't take pics of the auction, but you might be wondering what I donated...

This is just a sample.

You guessed it! The infamous men of the ward calendar. We went with a "what women like" theme. The guys were good sports. The calendar is awesome!

5. Mustache Bash and silly co-workers: My friend Wendy is so creative. She threw a mustache bash for a birthday party and we all dressed like boys and wore a 'stache... well sort of.

Playing the part.

Sometimes we just get a little silly at work. That's all.

6. Anime sightings: Each year, the National Anime Conference is held in Crystal City. It's fun to see how into that stuff some people can be. The first night of the convention, my friend Scott and I drove around the neighborhood looking for Anime sightings. People everywhere were dressed up in their favorite character (or just dressed up).

There's a few!

7. Thanksgiving in West Virginia! I am especially grateful for wonderful friends. This year, a bunch of us went to a cabin in Canaan Valley. We feasted for 3 days and enjoyed snowfall, Rock Band, games, puzzles, exploring, turkey trotting, hiking Seneca Rocks, and just plain good ole times. Niki and Leanna - props for the fantastically planned trip!

Grateful Group - Dan, Richie, Pete, Jenny, Cobb, Ben, Niki, Leanna, Charity, Joni, and Kim (Brandon and me are behind the cameras)

8. Family time - My sister in law joined our church a year ago! In November, our family got together in Dallas where she and my brother and their son were sealed in the Temple! It was beautiful. Please enjoy this video/information on temples.


9. Veteran's Day - Old Rag rained out. The long time planned event for Veterans day was to hike Old Rag Mountain in the Shenandoah. However, rain spoiled that plan and we opted for the Billy Goat Trail at Great Falls instead.

Hiking!

10. Dog sitting: I'm the kind of person who just does things for people. I took care of my boss' dog for a week while he was traveling. I stayed in his place downtown. Living in the District is cool. I never thought I could be one of those people who lives alone and has a dog, but this made me second guess that assumption.

Pepper really grew on me!

11. Fojol's: I had heard about this phenomenon several months ago and always hoped it would show up in my neighborhood. To my absolute delight, the Fojol Brothers were parked on the corner of 13th and G, NW - right near my work! Believe it or not, it's street food.

When I finally had the chance to order, the first thing that came out of my mouth was "I've been waiting for you all my life."
Fojol Brother: "You had me at hello."
Me: "I didn't say that yet."
haha! The exchange cracked me up.

Sold in a hippie van by mustache wearing men.

12. Dutch Bike Dutch. It's a tradition. Rain or shine (the weather is always fine), biker enthusiasts and casual followers get together for a lovely ride through Amish country near Lancaster, PA. This was my first time attending this semi-annual event. I must say, I will make it a priority from here on out!

This was a Hallween activity so some people dressed up for the ride.

Beautiful country side!

13. Apple picking: This area is soo amazing when the leaves change. This is one of my favorite fall activities.

14. Finally, I just have to throw this in here... my nephew is the love of my life! He's 4. He's so cool.