BlogSport

2009-02-26T17:36:00.000-08:00

I'm saying this here because:

1. I haven't posted in February yet and
2. I've updated my status in Facebook too much today.

I have an inappropriate crush on 30 Rock. I wish my DVDs would never end....

2009-01-12T11:51:00.000-08:00

I can't think of a better post to start 2009:

Welcome Zoe Bain Wong!!! Born Friday, January 9th to Tom and Suzi. Does anyone else want to nuzzle those neck folds?!! Congratulations to the beautiful new family.

2008-12-25T21:24:00.001-08:00

The month is almost out, but as you can see I've been a bit busy. Here's to more, fuller blogging in 2009...there's so much to report!

Merry Christmas to all!!

2008-11-13T13:11:00.004-08:00

The beginning of the end of an era

Today is my last day working in Washington. I started my first job here on June 7th, 1998, and despite an ill-conceived 20-month stint in Boston, I've lived and worked here ever since. It doesn't feel like TEN YEARS, and I'm sorry to say that there's still so much about this city that I never got around to exploring. I don't leave permanently for another month, and there are many hugely exciting things happening in the meantime, but I am sad today. I tend to do this at watershed moments...immerse myself in nostalgia that conveniently glosses over what was ass-tastic about any particular place or moment. So that's where I find myself today, thinking back on the 22 year old who started out here and the 32 year old who is leaving. It's not this simple, but if I were to tally:

5 apartments
4 jobs
3 cars
2 serious boyfriends
1 husband, 1 son gained
innumerable priceless, irreplaceable friends

San Diego will be amazing in all new, challenging, and unexpected ways, but a part of my heart will always be here in D.C.

2008-11-05T06:47:00.002-08:00

My dope ride

If any of you follow Facebook or Twitter, you've seen that someone hit my car on Saturday. I was at an end-of-the-season rowing party at a friend's house, Aithne parked on the residential street out front. I came out to find the front bumper damn-near torn off, but also, amazingly, a note on the windshield with the other driver's name and contact info. Turns out he's a neighbor of my rowing friend, and was totally excellent about giving me his insurance information and following up to make sure that the company was doing it's job. Everyone I tell this to exclaims about how unheard of that is for what could have been a hit-and-run, and I agree. There's a lesson there: don't be an asshole. If you hit someone, take responsibility for it. If you don't it'll revisit you later.

So, despite the hassle, it's going as well as an accident can, and I dropped the car off this morning to get the damage repaired (all covered by his insurance, btw). Enterprise, to quote the commercial, "came and picked me up" and hooked me up with a Kia Rondo like the one pictured above. Not a bad little ride, and certainly better than I was expecting (and also paid for by insurance). She's no Aithne, but I'm just so glad not to have a hiccup in my insanely busy schedule for the next week or so because, as you know, The Doss has no time for public buses.

2008-11-02T11:51:00.002-08:00

Saw something yesterday that sums it up perfectly:

Voting is like Driving:

Put it on "D" if you want to go forward.
Put it on "R" if you want to go backward.

2008-10-05T17:05:00.003-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS!!! to Erin and Brian L., who welcome baby Matthew James on Wednesday, 1 October 2008. Little guy looks just like his papa, and all of the new family are wonderful and well!

2008-09-28T08:08:00.001-07:00

What Nate does at work

This story is about his ship, the HOWARD. Help me say prayers for him and all his sailors y'all.

2008-09-25T19:17:00.001-07:00

Just saw a full preview for this and it looks fecking AWESOME. Next to Nathaniel coming home, this is the thing I'm most looking forward to in November. A distant second, sweetie, I promise.

2008-09-05T16:06:00.002-07:00

Who I'm watching this (and every) weekend

I just hope my power lasts and I can see them all...

2008-08-24T07:33:00.001-07:00

Cuban taekwondo Olympian kicks referee; banned from sport for life

I don't condone the action, but the picture is pretty priceless.

2008-08-23T08:59:00.003-07:00

An Irish Blessing

Several folks have sent this to me, knowing Nathaniel's and my affinity for all things Irish. It's a beautiful collection of images of the Emerald Isle with a lovely traditional Celtic song playing in the background. Just something nice to give you a few minutes quiet if you need it.

2008-08-22T11:45:00.002-07:00

Delicious with a side of hit-and-run

I had dinner last night with Erin and Brian and got to see their *fabulous* new home in north Arlington. Seriously, I need a whole palette of greens to cover my envy. But as Erin is THIS pregnant I guess they need the space to branch out in.

While we were enjoying the continually un-August-like weather, sitting on the back porch, we heard a "Crash!", saw tail lights, and then saw those tail lights as they faded into small specks. Someone had side-swiped Brian's car (parked curbside) and then kept going!! And there I was about to say how nice it must be for them to get out of the city and into the quiet, safe 'burbs. Shame on you, Virginia!!

2008-08-18T11:46:00.003-07:00

Copyright to Stefan Petranek, and proprietary rights for the cuteness to Christina and Stefan, who welcomed baby Emmet Johann on Friday afternoon. I am already referring to myself as his auntie...C&S, I hope that's OK with you. Hi nephew Emmet!!!!

2008-08-17T10:34:00.002-07:00

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Rabideau!!

Kristin and Todd were blissfully wed yesterday in an idyllic home ceremony, enjoying weather that I have NEVER seen in August in all my life living in Virginia. Clearly, the gods smile on this union.

2008-07-31T09:55:00.001-07:00

The long national nightmare is over....

FOOTBALL SEASON starts on Sunday!!!

2008-07-28T15:59:00.002-07:00

God bless my coworkers and their gardens. Two weeks ago I made homemade pistachio pesto using basil from Wanda's apartment windowsill herb garden. Tonight I made chilled cucumber avocado soup using cucs from Sharon's manse in Old Town. Eating well is so much easier in summertime.

2008-07-21T10:08:00.002-07:00

That's my fella!!

That's Nate, helping with the upkeep on an orphanage in South Korea during a port stop earlier this month. It's hard to see his face, unfortunately, but here's a story (3rd one down) with details on the effort. I'm SO proud of him, and his shipmates, for their service and incredibly hard work.

2008-07-19T15:35:00.002-07:00

Go see The Dark Knight right now. No, now. Make it your business to see this BADASS, phenomenal movie.

2008-07-12T06:10:00.002-07:00

I should have done this sooner but somehow the last week got away from me, but considering how much I've made y'all listen to my bitching about it I think it only fair to share with you that I took my last class for graduate school on 2 July and am, now and forever, DONE. I still have to write my thesis (which I'll regale you with for the next few months) but I will never again sit in a classroom, take a test, do homework, or write a paper [that I'm not getting paid for]. There were times when I really wanted to quit (although knew I never would) but in the midst of complaining about it several of you were my cheerleaders and comfort-givers, and for that I am eternally grateful. You know who you are.

In other news, I'm back into rowing!! I just finished my first practice in almost three years and it was great. I was a bit panicked at first, but muscle memory takes over and I got into the swing of it quickly. I made some boo-boos--and will no doubt be mega sore for the next couple days--but it felt *fantastic*. One of the first things I've done totally for myself in a long time.

2008-07-03T08:06:00.001-07:00

2008-07-01T07:00:00.003-07:00

I'm newly calibrated...

If anyone is still visiting ye olde blog you'll notice that I've changed the template. I decided it was time for something new and fresh. There are also some new links, like to Nate's ship, the USS HOWARD, and to Twitter, so that you can know my every thought at every moment.

I'm still deciding on this look--it strikes me initially as very Hello! Kitty. But anyhoo, here she is, hope to see you here regularly!

2008-06-19T16:21:00.001-07:00

How crazy was my day?

So crazy that a full thermos of coffee sat, untouched, on my desk all day because I never sat down long enough to drink any of it. And I was at work for 12 hours.

2008-06-05T15:58:00.002-07:00

Today would have been my parents' 50th wedding anniversary. They got married the day after my dad graduated from the Naval Academy and within a few hours of the ceremony were packed into their new car and heading for the West coast and my dad's first duty station. I find myself thinking of them, and that time in their lives, as I prepare for my own wedding under drastically different circumstances. Well, except for the marrying a naval officer thing. :) I just talked to my mom to see how she was fairing on this poignant day. She had just finished drinking a glass of champagne, celebrating the milestone. Even though Dad isn't here in person, he still pervades our family so thoroughly, and it made me glad to hear pride and a smile in mom's voice as much as anything else. I agree with her--she's been Mrs. Doss for almost 3 times as long as she was Miss H. Pretty awesome model to follow, if you ask me.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!
Love,
Anne

2008-05-30T06:58:00.002-07:00

Pitiful

That's what BlogSport is. A semblance of it's former self. My friend Mark recently commented on my engagement, "What a difference a year makes". In that context it is fabulous and true--life gifts you when you are busy planning your own shenanigans--but in the sense of BlogSport it is a sad commentary on how blogging was apparently the provence of my 20s. School, work, love, and firewalls took over and after a day of sitting in front of a computer the last thing I want to do is sit in front of one some more to blog.

But.

The 'Sport is not dead. Just hybernating. Thus I couldn't let May pass without at least one post, and I use this one to dedicate to my lovely friend Erin D.L. who turns 31 tomorrow, a woman who at 4.5 months pregnant looks little more than like she had a good burrito for lunch. I both hate and love her, but more the latter. Good thing for her.

2008-04-22T04:58:00.002-07:00

Holy crap! It's my birthday!

I think I've exhausted all of my birthday stories--except for maybe telling you about how when I was seven my birthday fell on the same Sunday that I made my first Holy Communion (Catholic, sue me) and the amount of loot I got? UNBELIEVABLE. I still remember this gorgeous purple and pink satin parrot that someone gave me. It was a ceiling hanging...it dangled from various light fixtures until I was about 15. That thing represented shiny, sleek, strokeable softness and glamour to me. I can see it perfectly in my mind's eye.

But other than that, I think this year instead of focusing on the past, we'll pay a nod to how sweet the present is. I'm 32 (but Facebook tells me my actual age is 27--I'll take it), engaged to my dearest friend and love, gainfully employed, healthy, surrounded by loving family and friends, and a mere 2 months from finishing what I swear on my life is my last graduate school experience. No, seriously Nathaniel. For rill.

Not a bad tally, huh?

2008-04-05T08:26:00.002-07:00

Found while looking for some clipart to spice up a PowerPoint presentation for school. This made my day.

2008-03-30T15:54:00.001-07:00

Seen on I95 today while driving home from Virginia Beach:

NLV4HOS

White guy, GMC Yukon. Just so you know how he roll.

2008-03-21T06:18:00.002-07:00

Happy Easter

What I want to do this weekend: eat chocolate, drink cheap champagne and watch DVDs.

What I will be doing this weekend: errands and homework.

2008-03-01T14:13:00.002-08:00

This is where Nathaniel proposed to me...

That's right, loyal readers, your ADD is now slated to become ADS. On our vacation to Ireland he popped the question in the lee of Blarney Castle. We had both kissed the stone first, so that must have had something to do with me being wooed by his words, right? :)

2008-02-14T09:07:00.002-08:00

I like to use this day the way my dad did... Weeks ahead of time he would go to Hallmark and pore over the selections, picking out something sweet and personal for every single person in the family. For him it was a day about caring, and telling the people who mattered to you just that. Branch out; couples don't have a lock on VD. Oh, wait... ;)

From me, to ALL of you, Happy Valentine's Day, folks.

PS: I know juxtaposing that post with this picture is somewhat contrary, but I just love this painting. However this particular scenario is not for all of you. Just a certain sailor....

2008-02-12T05:35:00.000-08:00

Oh, how I wish this were me. I haven't updated recently because life is, well, busy. School just finished for the winter quarter and I'm off for several lovely weeks that will be full of traveling. Things are good, if hectic. You should see my "to do" lists! Wouldn't it be better to snooze and play with my belly button? I think so, too.

2008-01-26T11:28:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Susie!!!

Even though it's not where she'd most want to be, today Susie is far from home entertaining hundreds of rapt countrymen, singing with the Sea Chanters. I hope she feels our well-wishes from afar and celebrates in true style, tonight and when she gets home. BlogSport loves our Singing Susie!

2008-01-26T11:16:00.000-08:00

Indicted

I stand before you, guilty as charged, a known Bad Friend. Mrs. Langley and I had a date last night at Starbucks in Penty Row and we figured out that we haven't seen each other since her wedding. In MAY. Gah...that's depressing.

The thing I struggle with is that my friends are from lots of different moments in my life. College, various jobs, extracurricular activities, graduate school(s), etc. All beloved, but all don't mix, or just don't know each other, and so I have to parcel out my time to see people across what few free moments I have. No one-stop shopping, not least because my apartment isn't big enough to host a big gathering in cold weather (backyard barbecues are different).

Case in point: I *could* be doing coffee with one work buddy, having dinner tomorrow with another, but 1. can't mix them and 2. don't actually have time. I've spent all of today so far writing a paper that's due on Monday and nursing a random sore throat. My solution to this time crunch and socializing dilemma?

A mimosa and a bubble bath. Calgon...no, Korbel...take me away.

2008-01-23T06:08:00.001-08:00

This morning I heard an ad for Easter stuff. EASTER. Wasn't it just Christmas??!

2008-01-22T05:57:00.000-08:00

You know it's a bad sign...

...when your backpack for school is so heavy that, when placed in the passenger seat, it sets off the seatbelt light. Like, Aithne mistakes my backpack for a person, it's THAT heavy, and insists that I belt it in. Oy.

2008-01-02T09:30:00.001-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2008 is off to a great start, complete with seeing all the friends in town that we wanted to, sating ourselves on football games, a BIG pot of homemade chicken chili and cornbread, and visiting with a sweet new fuzzy baby. We're off to Newport this afternoon for a final few days of relaxation before jumping into all of the new year's challenges. I hope everyone had a great New Years Eve and that I/we see all of you soon!

2007-12-20T06:52:00.000-08:00

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO NAVY!! Beat Utah!

Poinsettia Bowl, 8 p.m. tonight, kicking off bowl season. Oops, accidentally typed "blow"...Freudian.

2007-12-12T16:15:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Sandy and Marissa who eloped on Monday. Adam started a trend!

2007-12-09T10:48:00.000-08:00

Home!

On Friday I finished my in-residence training and am now home, home, HOME. I'm a bit anxious about going back to the office tomorrow--it's been 2 1/2 months, after all--and still have 2 more weeks of class before my holiday vacation, but I've been able to enjoy my Christmas decorations, cook my own food (the luxury!), and completely unpack for the first time since September. Hats off to people who travel for work... this experience has shown me that that is so NOT my bag.

It's good to be home.

2007-11-30T06:55:00.000-08:00

The more I know of men, the more I like chickens

My long-lost friend Matt Wixon and 2 buddies have an up-and-coming t-shirt company that only the snarky need patronize. They, and their baby, are chronicled here in The Washington Post. Besides being very cool I think this venture suits Matt beautifully and I'm so happy for him. Good luck to T-Shirt Insurgency and go buy a frock!

2007-11-28T05:43:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Samantha!!

The only (naturally) blond member of my family turns 17 today. I think she should note that she shares this birthday with the witty (and smart-chooser-of-a-college) Jon Stewart and once-was-a-hottie-but-isn't-aging-well-but-still-a-badass Ed Harris. But she's cooler than both of them. Happy happy Boo Boo!!

2007-11-22T07:15:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!!

For the next two days I will be engaged in eat, nap, watch football, repeat. Then I will get to see Madeline and Christie!! Then I will decorate for Christmas. I? Will be very happy for the next 4 days, and I hope your holiday makes you similarly content. Much love to all...

2007-11-11T18:15:00.000-08:00

CONGRATULATIONS to Kristin and Todd who got engaged on Wednesday!! Ddot was all things classy and stealthy, and now plans are in the works for food, celebration, laughter, and a Vietnamese cover band. Nothing less would do for this sweet, sarcastic match. Much, much love and bestest wishes to them both!

2007-11-03T12:35:00.000-07:00

Putting things to rights

Happy November!! I'm sitting at home, the fella chez him to finish his SCUBA class, looking at a much more manageable situation. It's been almost 3 weeks since the deluge, and I haven't been home since to clean or reassemble my home. Not that it would have mattered, because the pace of repairs was sloooooow. There's still a light fixture that needs to be hung, and the drywall was just finished Thursday night. The place still smells peppery, like new paint. So I've spent today doing laundry, cleaning, cleaning, cleaning, and cleaning, and putting the closet back together. I'm using it as a feng shui opportunity to get rid of things I don't need/use/wear, and the Goodwill pile is substantial, which feels good. It feels especially good to be doing this with my first quarter of the school year DONE, so all that's on my plate is this cleaning. I'm still in training for work (we're only half-way done, can you believe it?) but for the next 2 weeks that's the only thing on my horizon and it's glorious.

I've already taken advantage of that by going to a winery last night with some classmates at a vineyard near school. I cannot say enough good things about this place. Every Friday they host a buffet dinner and wine tasting, all for the grand total of $16. The food is spectacular (all you can eat) and the place is so new that the chef and owner come and talk to you during dinner just because they're that enthusiastic. Seriously, GO CHECK IT OUT. Tell them Anne sent you.

Tonight I'm going with Des and Bry to Adam and Whitney's "Oh yeah, we eloped in August so here's your party" party and then tomorrow is more laundry, The Super Bowl...I mean, the Pats/Colts game, and a bit o' relaxing. If I can remember what that looks like.

2007-10-19T18:22:00.000-07:00

It makes me feel better just knowing that a fridge stocked like this exists. It is, of course, in wonderful New Zealand. That's all chocolate in the wrappered packages, btw. Chocolate, soda, and champagne. Heaven.

I especially need the boost at the end of what's been a very hard week. On top of the plumbing debacle, work was particularly grueling. A paper, briefing, and several upsetting subject matter lectures (remember who I work for and what sorts of cases we do) have sucked all the life out of me and my classmates.

Now I'm sitting here waiting for a delayed flight into BWI...and tomorrow will be getting up at 5:45 to be at school by 8 to work on another project. I know it'll all get done and this too shall pass but I'm feeling a bit scraped and worn thin lately. Oh well, just my time, I guess. Sigh.

2007-10-17T18:45:00.000-07:00

Not lettin' that Murphy bastard get me down!

2007-10-15T12:58:00.000-07:00

Don't say I never did anything for you

So, as mentioned before, I'm away for training for work. It's semi-local but still in-residence, so I'm only home on nights when I come back to DC for grad school classes and the occasional weekend. This past weekend was earmarked, wholly, for the researching and writing of 2 papers for grad school (FYI training is also a school-esque environment, so I'm essentially in class between 8 and 11 hours a day will the attending tests, briefs, papers, etc. Jealous?). But Mr. Murphy and his law had other plans. I woke up Saturday morning to water flowing from the ceiling of the bathroom down the wall and onto the floor. Fast-forward to Sunday night when plumbers have been in and fixed that leak but there's a big HOLE in the ceiling of my shower. Oh well, caught it early, all can be fixed, fine.

Then this morning, I'm back @ training when I get a call from the upstairs neighbor telling me that another, different pipe burst and gallons of water have flowed from his bathroom upstairs through the light fixture in my ceiling and into my closet. The only closet in my apartment. The one with all, all, ALL of my clothes, shoes, accessories, holiday decorations, bulbs, extension cords, supplies, you name it. I jam out of training and come home to find that my wonderful upstairs neighbor (seriously, he is a lifesaver; if not for him this would have been much worse) had emptied out my closet into the other rooms of the apartment and triaged the damage as much as possible. But now my apartment looks like a rummage sale. A WET rummage sale.

I've called my insurance (See?! THIS is why you need renters insurance, people) and my landlady is on top of things...carpets are drying, things are being dry cleaned, humidifiers are running to get up every drop of moisture...and we're muddling through.

I present all of this to you so that you know that your day? It could have been worse.

2007-10-14T14:41:00.000-07:00

Just so that I don't go all of October without you guys hearing from me...

REMEMBER YOUR AED!!!

Special thanks to PYIBill for the shout-out. As for the half-body tattoo, don't tempt him. He's looking to add to the cuerpo tally.

2007-09-29T17:35:00.000-07:00

I sold BD today.

Aithne's great, and it was time, but...I cried the whole way home without him. I realized while talking to Christie that I've had this car HALF MY LIFE. We bought him when I was 16 and I put the bulk of his 120,802 miles on him. He saw so many trips, so many dates, so many moves. He *never* broke down on me, ever. It seems silly, to feel so much for a conglomeration of metal and gaskets and cloth and plastic, but I...miss him. For a 4-cylinder, 2.2 liter stick shift with few extras, he was a badass motherfucker and I imagine that I'll be reminiscing about him into my rocking chair years. He was DPU 384, (USNA) MTD 58, (NASM) SPYNVY, and once work made me keep a low profile, JVR-1156. But wherever he is, he'll always be a Doss.

2007-09-24T12:41:00.000-07:00

Off the grid

For the next 2 1/2 months I'll be gone, at training for work. I'll probably check in occasionally, but I just wanted you to know where Aithne and I are.

2007-09-06T08:38:00.000-07:00

Her name is Aithne.

2007-09-05T18:46:00.000-07:00

I don't mean for these posts to be me and various vehicles...it just happens that way.

We were in the Adirondacks last weekend visiting family and I took my first ATV ride. We covered 27 miles of various terrain (all the while me clutching the handlebars for dear life). So fun. So relaxing. So didn't want to come back.

2007-08-26T17:59:00.000-07:00

Say hello to my little friend

After months and months...and months of researching and contemplation, I finally bought a new car yesterday. It's a 2007 Mazda 6i automatic. I know. But after all those years of shifting in DC traffic and on I95 I broke a little and gave in to the powers of convenience. TechTronic shifting helps me keep my street cred juuuust a little bit. Mine looks exactly like this, except I have a moonroof. It's a girl, but I'm still waiting for the name to reveal itself to me.

Things have come full circle...my first car was a silver 1988 Mazda 626LX that I called Bullet. This is my first totally new car ever. I am simultaneously thrilled and crapping my pants at signing a check for that much money. USAA now owns me wholly. But the new car smell makes it all worth it. ;)

2007-08-12T11:19:00.001-07:00

The secret to every good relationship? Communication.

2007-08-10T07:40:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Adam and Whitney who got

MARRIED

on Wednesday. Just last week some of the New York cousins were asking if I knew anyone who had eloped, and I did, but in a 6-degrees-of-separation kind of way. Now I can claim that my favorite Big 5 Year Old and fellow Curly Haired Goddess got hitched on the hottest day of 2007. You crazy kids.

2007-07-18T15:52:00.000-07:00

My brother Charlton is traveling the world for work right now. At present--and I mean as I type this--he's sitting in Dublin, eating and drinking the goods you see pictured above (isn't cell/Blackberry technology amazing?). I am so jealous of the location and the meal, I could spit. Right after I drink my own, lesser pint of Guinness.

2007-07-18T13:59:00.000-07:00

What I do when I'm not at work...

Row, row, row a new boat

Toby Keith @ Nissan

You WISH you had this much fun on a given Saturday. And yes, the BudLight is really that big.

Harry Potter? Very disappointing. Too much going on and too choppy.

Transformers? FECKING AWESOME. Do not listen to the reviews.

2007-07-11T17:59:00.001-07:00

One month since my last post.

Two years since I started my job.

Last day of summer quarter; six weeks of vacation ahead.

22 1/2 hours 'til we see Harry Potter (spoilers will be SEVERELY PUNISHED).

15 seconds since the last time I thought, "There aren't enough hours in the day".
Except for when I'm at work. Then there are too many hours. Natch.

2007-06-14T13:04:00.000-07:00

Did you know you can buy coffins at CostCo?

2007-06-05T07:40:00.000-07:00

Because it's well into June and I haven't posted anything, and have no "June 2007" bracket being formed in the archives and that makes me get all twitchy.

That is all.

2007-05-31T13:17:00.000-07:00

Happy 30th Birthday Erin!!!

Mrs. Langley joins the cool kids today. Actually, she raises our street cred.

2007-05-28T07:18:00.000-07:00

Bellini

The Full Tea Spread

Because I have my priorities straight...two pix that let you in on the goodness that was tea at the Ritz.

2007-05-28T07:15:00.000-07:00

For Kathy

My sister would eat mashed potatoes at every meal if it were possible, and so I give her this, a picture of my dinner from the District Chophouse. 2 Filet Mignon w/ lump crab meat and bearnaise sauce, asparagus, and a whole heap of white cheddar mashed potatoes. Yes, it was as good as it looks.

2007-05-28T06:36:00.000-07:00

It's just gonna be this way

Since my last post I got a new job. Same agency, but totally different position. The new life involves a normal schedule (after almost 2 years of shift work), intellectual challenge, concrete product output, a HUGE initial learning curve and.... no regular internet access. So as sporadic as the 'Sport has been, it's going to be even worse from here on out. But really, weren't y'all getting a little tired of hearing about classes and sleeplessness? Me too.

In other news summer is here! We've been to happy hour at Cantina Marina, bar hoppinng on Solomons Island, sea kayaking, a sunset wine festival at Mt. Vernon with Teresa and Dave, and a ridonkulous-good surprise dinner from N at District Chophouse in the last two weeks. Then Saturday Kristin and Todd were in town and we caught up over dinner and drinks at Pentagon Row. Seriously, that place has turned into a real gem in this neighborhood. The shops and prices are sliiightly yuppy for me but the general feeling of community and sitting outside with tons of kids and patrons, enjoying the atmosphere and weather, can't be beat. Plus? Ann Taylor Loft, thankyouverymuch. *Then* Sunday XOLondon took me to the Ritz-Carlton for a belated birthday/happy promotion high tea. So decadent! We did the champagne version (of course!) and chatted the afternoon away.

And now? I'm going to enjoy the rest of the holiday by laying in my hammock out back. A cold beer or two...possibly. A nap or two...DEFINITELY.

2007-05-13T05:53:00.000-07:00

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, MOM!!

Everything about being chic, sociable, and Irish I learned from my mom. I wish I had a picture of her with all 6 of us (and her 5 grandchildren) so you'd get perspective on what a parenting badass she is, but alas I don't have digital versions of anything like that. So a wee view of me and Pat on Capri (off the coast of Italy) in March 2005 will have to suffice. She's tiny but she's fierce--like any good mother. :)

2007-05-10T05:14:00.000-07:00

I am so tired...

...that I'm watching the video montage The Today Show put together for Ann Curry's 10th Anniversary on the show and I'm all choked up. CHOKED UP. Over Ann Curry and Elmo singing "You Light Up My Life." Seriously, people. That? Is tired.

2007-05-09T04:17:00.000-07:00

Brace yourselves

Because this? Is going to be the biggest post in the history of The 'Sport.

Clearly, I've been MIA for the past few weeks. Starting in early April life sped up a lot and left little time (or more importantly, energy) for blogging. This quarter was extremely haphazard and the bulk of the grades came from 2 projects at the end of the session--projects I was totally disinclined to work on and thus left to the last minute. Add to that several jaunts out of town, my birthday, and increasingly lovely weather that makes one want to goof off outside and that makes for no updates. Y'all know how it goes.

The birthday: Kicked off Friday night by co-opting the Secret Service happy hour at Sine. Corizzle from Harrizzle was visiting for a friend's wedding and made it out with Lisa and Gwendie. Then Saturday, HWSWNMBSITITV and I went awalk in Great Falls then gussied up for Fondue at Melting Pot. Holy France there's something to be said for taking your time and working through 4 courses.

For the actual BIG DAY, 31, can't-fudge-I'm-wholly-in-my-30s, HWSWNMBSITITV took over the birthday planning from me, and besides knowing that it was a brunch I had *no* inkling what was in store. After consulting with some of my ladeez, the plan was made for us to do the Drag Brunch at Perry's. NSFW pictures here and here. A huge belated thanks to everyone who joined me, called, emailed, texted, sent cards, or in other ways commemorated my big day. An especially heartfelt thank you to HWSWNMBSITITV for pouring so much time and energy into the weekend. You are The. Best.

Ra-cha-cha: I have found that finishing a quarter of school must be immediately followed by a detox wherein I take several days off from work and just hold STILL, at least mentally if not physically. This time around I accomplished that by making a leisurely road trip up to Rochester, NY to visit Christie and Stefan. They bought a house in November and it is the sweetest bright, airy nest, perfect for catching up over snacks, many naps, TV, and the staging of rambling walks in Highland Park. As ever I wish these 2 lived closer to me. [aside: I feel compelled to mention that the Buffalo Girls informed me that they often refer to it as Crotch-ester. Heart!]

The Dempsey/Langley Wedding: In the way that perfect timing has, my quarter finished just in time to be witness to the marriage of Erin and Brian, and what a day it was. Buffalo was enjoying unusually flawless May weather--warm and sunny--and if ever a clan knows how to enjoy a moment, it's these folks. From start to finish the whole day was fun, endearing, classy, spirited, seemingly effortless, and clearly blessed. I would not have missed it. Or the wee day trip I took to Niagara Falls--ha!

And now? Now I'm home, with no school for a couple weeks, the weather is amazing, getting revved up for summer. Change is in the air, dear readers. Watch this space.

2007-05-01T08:50:00.000-07:00

"I carried a watermelon?!!?"

In honor of the 20th anniversary of this EPIC film, it's being rereleased in a few theaters for 2 nights only. Kristen, Megan, Heather, Hillary, and moi are going to the Chinatown cinema tonight to crush on Patrick Swayze, look at Jennifer Grey when she looked cute and human with her own nose, and have the time of our lives.

2007-04-28T08:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Suzi!!!

Mrs. Wong, the Q Bee to end all Q Bees, celebrates her 31st today. I hope it's the best year yet!

2007-04-27T08:58:00.001-07:00

How cool is this?*

*obviously just the PT boat part, NOT the tsunami/destruction element. Duh.

2007-04-26T05:48:00.000-07:00

" Forget your troubles, c'mon get happy!"

With Heather's kind indulgence I offer you this precious picture of her niece Lucy (aka Cheeks). Seeing it this morning put me in a better mood and I figured it might do the same for you.

2007-04-22T08:12:00.000-07:00

This? Is the mildest photo of the day

For my 31ST BIRTHDAY I have no old stories, but have just lived some new ones, being treated to a surprise brunch at Perry's and the Drag Queen Revue that accompanies it. Details and pictures once all my papers and presentations are done but in short: amazing birthday, I feel very loved...and I felt great and ponderous fake breasts. The ideal Christian Sunday activity.

2007-04-21T04:15:00.000-07:00

For my birthday, please?

2007-04-20T09:42:00.000-07:00

2007-04-19T04:33:00.000-07:00

N and I went to the candlelight vigil in Alexandria last night and it was pretty overwhelming. The executive director from the VT National Capitol region alumni chapter in particular did an amazing job, and while nothing can make this feel "better" it did help to convene as a community.

Don't forget your maroon and orange (or any Tech gear you can score--I already have dibs on something of N's) tomorrow for the day of Hokie Hope.

(small aside: WHERE is the Tribe in this cartoon?! We're pulling for you too, VT....)

2007-04-17T04:37:00.000-07:00

Tempered

Like most everyone else I'm still so in shock about the events at Virginia Tech that I don't have much to say, save lots of praying for all involved. In the hopes of a wee offset (to the extent that such a thing is possible) listen to this story about those who persevered in running the Boston Marathon yesterday despite a pounding Nor'Easter...stick with it until you get to the couple who paused long enough to get married along the route.

2007-04-16T05:20:00.000-07:00

In the last week we've been out of town twice, so I am wicked busy without much time to write, but I thought this would interest you: someone got to BlogSport in the last couple days by googling "bedazzler supplies Arlington". Awesome.

2007-04-09T05:31:00.000-07:00

Eyes of the dragon

N (or, HWSWNBATMBSITITV) and I made dinner for Easter yesterday. The whole thing started with a desire for chocolate ravioli from Eastern Market, to commemorate the giving up of chocolate for Lent by crazy people of great willpower and faith [read: NOT me]. This evolved into getting the ingredients for a whole dinner at said market*, and when we got there on Saturday we figured the menu would reveal itself as we puttered around the stalls. Well, food lovers and bad setters of limits that we are, we bought enough meat to sate an ACC football team. Whole chickens were cleaved, and ribs broiled sweet and saucy. Not to mention [details included for Kristin's benefit] homemade cornbread, fresh green beans, and twice-baked potatoes--and that's BEFORE the capstone of the aforementioned ravioli.

When I woke up this morning I was *still* full. Thank you Jeebus.

*to say nothing of the homemade 3-cheese macaroni and cheese and kielbasa that was Saturday's dinner. My body? Is a temple.

2007-04-08T09:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!

See the full gamut of Peeps for Passover, enacting the 10 plagues, here.

2007-04-07T06:09:00.000-07:00

The hell?...

It snowed here last night. Not a dusting...INCHES of snow. I was almost late for work because I hadn't budgeted in time in APRIL to clean an inch of heavy, wet snow off of BD. Paging Al Gore...methinks the man is onto something.

And just because it's 9 a.m. on a Saturday and I've already been up for 5 hours [don't ever say your government isn't working for you, MMMKAY?!] a random reflection: N and I have seen this helicopter several times recently over DC, obviously part of the local USCG contingent. This dauphin style, with the enclosed FENESTRON tail rotor, is a major favorite of mine. The sound is very distinctive, and the visual aesthetic is stunning, but we were wondering who was responsible for this lovely, functional bit of engineering daring do. After a little research with my buddy Mr. Google, come to find out--much to the dismay of he-who-Shelby-will-not-be-able-to-meet-because-she-is-trapped-in-the-valley--this chopper is French. But I think we can just gloss over that part, don't you?

2007-04-04T07:40:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHRISTIE!

The Swiss Miss dictionary: brilliant, kind, hilarious, focused, loyal, generous, tenacious, beautiful. Happy 31st to my dear friend!

2007-04-02T16:23:00.000-07:00

Quick-like

Two papers due this week so I'm busier than a one-armed paper hanger, but 1. great weekend--Ocean City off-season = killer seafood 2. Cherry blossoms are purty 3. Harry's Tap Room RAWKS for brunch (thanks for organizing, Dennis!) and 4. roadtrips + country music + Dunkin' Donuts = America the way God intended.

2007-03-30T03:40:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!!!

Taken during our vacation to Italy in March 2005. This is high above Positano, on the Amalfi Coast. How continental she looks!

2007-03-30T02:16:00.000-07:00

And in one of the more interesting bits of Doss family trivia, today is Steve's birthday, too

Colonel Doss (center, flanked by friends [l-r] Col. Moran and Lt. Col. Lacy) inside his C-141 Starlifter in 2003, turns 48 today. Hippo Birdy Two Ewe, Nonners!!

2007-03-30T01:35:00.000-07:00

I don't think it will surprise any of you (Adam) that I got a perfect score on this

The Hair Metal Photo Quiz

2007-03-29T22:50:00.000-07:00

RIP, Ineffectual.Net

Bill done did gone and got hisself a life, 'cuzin his blog don't exist no more. What was he thinkin'?!

2007-03-27T06:07:00.000-07:00

My first thought was for the car, too

Fecking IDIOT. I mean, yes, OK, glad no one was hurt and a wee good on Sadek for trying to get some perspective, lots of bad things in the world, blah, but MY GOD. The car. Weeping for the beyond-repair ouchie boo boo to the red shiny beautiful vroomfast! car....

2007-03-26T09:17:00.000-07:00

I do not give it permission to be Monday

It's cloudy and a bit cool, and I long to curl up and nest, but alas, "NO!" said the universe and I'm off to work, workout, and do homework soon. Much arbeit on the horizon makes Anne a dull girl. But in better news Mom's surprise birthday party went off without a hitch this weekend (pictures soon)! We totally got her--she had nary an inkling--and the guests, food, conversations, and general frivolity were flawless. We should all be so lucky to be smart, sassy, and spry like Pat when we're her age. 'Course, I have a pretty good chance of all 3, her being my mother and all. ;)

2007-03-23T09:11:00.001-07:00

2007-03-23T05:40:00.000-07:00

I guarantee you that this has Kristin in actual, physical pain from the cute overload. He even melted my cold heart...and that's saying something.

2007-03-22T04:52:00.000-07:00

As Annie pointed out, there is a tragic paucity of beer pictures on the main page at the moment, so here's something to remedy that gross oversight. The stout cheese board from Target -- cheeses meant to be consumed with a rich, nutritious beer. Taste- and health-conscious.

2007-03-21T10:04:00.000-07:00

What awaits me tonight...

I'm taking Steve out for his birthday dinner tonight, for him of course but also to satisfy the craving for Sweetwater brews that I have been holding at bay since the fall. I thought this would be a good way to give XO a taste of the various offerings (not being a big drinker, he) but if I were a betting woman I'd say the lionshare of that rounder will be in MY BELL-AH and not his. That's my gift to him: helping him retain his girlish figure.

Steve? You're welcome.

2007-03-20T05:48:00.000-07:00

This one goes out to my homie, Pat Troy

That little rabid leprechaun with his nuclear eyebrows, who whoops it up with en-TOO-ziazm, taught me a new song over the weekend, and for that I say:

F#@& YOU, PAT.

For the last 3 days I've woken up with some strain of "cats, and rats, and elephants, but sure as you're born, the loveliest of all WAS THE UNICORN!" rambling through my head. Seriously? Seriously.

To be fair, we had a rockin' good time on Saturday, dinner was delicious, and the atmosphere festive, but you can only sing that song (with accompanying hand gestures) so many times before it becomes a tortuous mantra like something out of "The Shining." It makes me long for the strains of "YMCA" if that tells you anything....

2007-03-17T03:45:00.000-07:00

Happy

St. Patrick's

Day!

We're headed out for the best sort of holiday -- one based on food and beer. If you're in DC, give a call and we'll direct you to wherever we're working on the current pint. Slainte!!

2007-03-16T03:24:00.000-07:00

A very Happy Birthday to Steve!

This TV (not this TV) celebrates a birthday that starts w/ "3" and ends with "he will kick my ass if I tell you the actual number" today. He and I will be celebrating with dinner at Sweetwater next week, keeping up the admirable tradition of stretching one's birthday celebrations for as long as possible. BlogSport tips its jaunty beret to this most extraordinary of pop culture denizens. We love XO London!

2007-03-14T11:10:00.000-07:00

It's 80 degrees here!

Deeezamn. No one ever said March was boring. The shite thing, though, is that it'll only be 45 degrees on Saturday so no chance of a St. Patty's bbq. Poorly done, Mother Nature. Of course, that's much more Irish...being pink-cheeked from the blustery conditions, keeping warm by fueling up with Guinness. So, wait. Well done, Mother Nature.

2007-03-13T08:37:00.000-07:00

Looking like crap = Looking young

I just went to Trader Joe's where in amongst my other groceries there was a bottle of sparkling white wine (my fave). Now, I'm low-maintenance today and am not sporting the usual hair/makeup rig, which to my mind makes me look a little rough around the edges. But apparently it also makes me look juvenile, because my teller looked at me...and looked at me...and then finally asked for my ID long after he'd finished ringing up my purchases. What would he have done if I'd ended up being underage? It's always nice to pass for less than my age, but I'm not willing to trot around looking homely to do it. Just sayin'.

On to other matters--namely the requested review of 300. In a word, AWESOME. It is all the things the reviews say it is: visually stunning but somewhat unreal looking, gratuitously violent, and made for 15-40 year old guys. But it's also passionate, well-scored, and an epic action flick. So much happens that it's one of those movies that will need to be seen again to get the full effect, and Gerard Butler knocks the role of Leonidas out of the park. I'm not one of those movie watchers who seeks for deeper meanings to films, hoping that they'll impart some big-picture wisdom via allegory or clever dialogue, so you'll have to consult someone else for the finer points of what 300 may have been trying to "say". I was just wicked entertained, and highly recommend that you get thee hence to see the movie, preferrably in a big theater w/ surround sound and lots of fans who will cheer with you when the big moments come.

2007-03-12T10:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Kathy!!

In my head she's always 28...happy birthday to my wonderful sister!

2007-03-09T03:34:00.000-08:00

Today, today, TODAY!!

300 opened at midnight, and we have tickets to a 9:25 show tonight. I will be procuring Milk Duds this afternoon, and then napping in preparation for the extreme awesomeness of this event. I've heard that it will be life-changing. Of this I have no doubt.

In other, unrelated interestingness...check out this sweet story from today's Morning Edition. Try to listen to it (as opposed to reading the transcript); it's a funny, dear little love story.