I got the idea from looking at a short video on Vickie Howell’s blog, but mine doesn’t look as “heart-y” as hers. Oh well, it’s the thought that counts, right? I have a good friend who has been trying to reconnect by writing letters, and while I’m thrilled to receive them, I don’t really write letters anymore. Not since the advent of e-mail! So you know it’s a special friend. I hope she likes it!
We’re hoping for snow tomorrow. We haven’t had a good snow around here for a couple of years now. I like snow when it’s enough to cancel school around here, because then I get to stay home with the kids and knit and sip hot chocolate all day. Oh, that sounds divine! The kids went to bed with their jammies on inside out, for luck. Let’s hope it works!
Our ticket to the ball Well, that’s what it felt like, anyway! Me? To the ball? Wearing a gown and makeup? It was an amazing night. No, we didn’t hobnob with anyone important, but just about everyone I know from the disability community, the community tha gives me strength and empowerment, was there. I guess that does make them all seem important!
We arrived at the National Press Club somewhat fashionably late, after being forewarned that Metro would be overcrowded and parking would be impossible. Neither was true. We found a parking space right away, and the inbound train was not crowded at all. I think it helped that the Inaugural concert had been earlier that afternoon, and most everyone was coming back out of the city, instead of in. So we lucked out.
The Press club is a fantastic and historic place. I was awed by the heavy wood walls and doors everywhere that gave the place a stately air, and the photos! Everywhere were photos of Presidents, and world leaders, and well, just saying I was there was awesome.
When we arrived, Congressman Hoyer was speaking:
Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-MD
Followed by Senator Harkin:
Sen. Tom Harkin, D-IASenator Harkin says Thank You in Sign Language
Both men were sponsors of the Americans with Disabilities Act and worked tirelessly to ensure its passage in 1990, and continue to be strong legislative allies.
While there we were fortunate to meet up with many friends from the past and present. Our good friend Diana (for whom our daughter is named) was there, along with Dawn from work and a bunch of other work friends. I also ran into tons of people that I hadn’t seen in many years, but alas, I wasn’t too quick with my camera. I even shook hands with Geri Jewell, who I used to look forward to watching on The Facts of Life during my teen years. Back then, there weren’t really any disabled people that I could see as role models on television. I think I was probably 13 or 14 the first time I saw her on television and I thought, wow, I really can do anything. Hokey? Maybe. But until you’ve lived in a world where absolutely no one represents someone that looks like yourself in popular culture, you have no idea what I mean.
Trish and John with Biden and ObamaWhile at the ball, John and I had our photo taken with the men of the hour! Well, it was fun, and no, we haven’t fooled anyone yet with this photo. No, they’re not cardboard cutouts either. More like cyber-cutouts. We stood in front of a green screen and voila they magically appeared behind us. Guess that’s how folks in such high demand can be absolutely everywhere at once!
We also got to visit with my good friend Carrie and her daughter, Asiza!
Trish, Carrie, and Asiza
Carrie came in from Colorado because her nephews are marching with their high school in the Inaugural parade tomorrow. That must be such an exciting time for her and her sister!
Toward the end of the evening, a rumor spread fast that Bill and Hillary were on their way to the ball, so everyone gathered in the ballroom and the dance floor was cleared in anticipation. We waited. And waited. Finally the suggestion was made that we should just keep dancing. I don’t know if the Clintons ever showed up, though, because we had to leave before turning into pumpkins on account of the subway system closing at midnight. But, before we left for the evening, we were entertained by an amazing dancer and his flying crutches. You gotta see this guy:
And finally, here’s a closeup of my dress, because a couple of people were asking me about it.
My dress
It was a simple navy blue chiffon sheath sleeveless, with beads and sequins on the bodice and matching long sleeve jacket. Luckily I had it on hand already for my niece’s wedding that I didn’t get to attend in November. So, at least I got to wear it once. And my husband? He was so dashing in his tux — the first time he’s worn one since the day we got married. For that alone? It was so worth it to be there.
And tomorrow? Tomorrow is a New Day. I simply. Cannot. Wait.
And here I thought I was going to have to write this blog post the old fashioned way, with pen and paper. We left work early today, only to get home and discover that a wind storm had knocked our power out. Oh, man! No lights? No Dick Clark? What were we going to do?
I was disappointed but half of me was secretly grateful for an excuse to go to bed early. Then, the lights came back on about an hour ago, and it was all systems go for our usual wild night of eating too many potato chips, watching the ball drop, and drinking a sinful glass of sparking grape juice. That’s right, no one can say we don’t know how to live it up around here.
I always get mushy every year as the old year passes and the new one unfolds at my feet. 2009 holds a lot of promise for me and I honestly can’t wait to see it all happen. I’m not a believer really in resolutions, because they are a test of willpower that no one ever seems to have, and usually a source of major disappointment in oneself so early in the year. But this year, I really do need to pay attention to my health. I need to find a way to eat healthier, sleep better and move more — three things that I’ve had lots of trouble with in 2008.
Of course, sitting in front of the TV til past midnight with a bowl of onion dip probably isn’t a good start. But hey, I have carrot and celery sticks to go with the potato chips. Baby Steps.
Happy New Year! Stay safe, be happy, and I hope you’re sharing this night with people you love. Peace to you for 2009, and I’ll see you on the other side of midnight.
Well! What a day here at our house. I barely slept last night for I don’t know what reason, so when the alarm went off this morning at 6:00 a.m., I was wishing to put Christmas off another day. But of course, the kids would have none of that!
Two happy kiddos on Christmas morningKid playing Nintendo DS
Steven got a new Thomas the Tank Engine play set and four lego sets. Diana’s favorite gift was a Nintendo DS, with which she immediately adopted an adorable virtual shiba inu puppy, which, thankfully, no one has to clean up after. It was an unusually quiet day at home. Usually we’re busy visiting relatives and such, but this year it was just my mom, her husband and us, so they came here for dinner. It was quiet for sure, but nice to be home for a change.
I had a very knitterly Christmas. It started yesterday when I got this in the mail:
girl knitting ornament
It’s the City Girl Knitter Ornament from Anthropologie. I bought it about three days ago for half price, but I see that as of today they are reduced to $6.00, so GO GET YOURS NOW! I can definitely attest to its total cuteness.
Then today I was the lucky recipient of this:
Rio Bag, eggplant color
It’s the Rio bag by Jordana Paige. It’s purple (of course!) and I love it. It is very roomy and well made, and looks like it will stand up to the workout I’m likely to give it.
Here it is, all filled up with my junk:
inside of Rio bag
I have two small knitting projects in there, my handy-dandy notebook, my humongous wallet, knitting doo-dads, my checkbook, and other stuff. The really cool thing is that someone gave me a pen a few years ago that looks like it was made to go with this bag. It has a purple leather-look barrel and matches to a tee.
Perhaps the most amazing thing I received today was this:
necklace and pin
My inlaws went on the trip of a lifetime to Europe this fall, and made a quick stop to Burano, Italy. Boy am I glad they did, because they happened into the shop of a local artisan who makes the most amazing jewelery with Murano glass and felted beads! The shop has a website:
But it’s in Italian so I couldn’t really tell if you can order online or not. My inlaws said the lady told them she learned how to make the felted beads by looking at the internet! My father-in-law snapped a photo of the artist who made the necklace and pin set:
Jewelry Artist from Burano, Italy
I don’t know her name, but she makes beautiful things, and I am surely happy to be able to wear her work.
It was a great day, but a long one. I think I’m going to go to bed early tonight because we’re having lunch with my brother and his wife tomorrow. I hope everyone had a Merry Day!
Every year, members of our local volunteer fire department take several evenings at holiday time to escort Santa around the city. Our kids get so excited when we hear the sirens! Little man was in his sock feet and Santa hat already, but I let him go outside without shoes so he wouldn’t miss the fun. (Today was the warmest we’ve had in weeks, so rest assured, his feet didn’t freeze!)
I tried to get a decent photo, but alas, my camera was not cooperating. But for a brief moment earlier this evening, our street was lit by bright lights and sirens, and candy canes were available for all.
Many thanks to those who protect us all for bringing a bit of joy to our neighborhood this season. We’re already looking forward to next year.
My DH had been out getting a few essential groceries when upon returning to the neighborhood he saw the fire department folks staging by our swim club. We gave us a call as a heads up, but we heard the sirens within seconds. Luckily, as I said, Little Man already had his hat on and I had my camera around my neck. Why, might you ask? Were we expecting Santa to visit tonight? No… we were just anxiously awaiting his arrival by channeling him:
from my kids.
