In the Shadow of the Cathedral

Wherever you go in DC, if you look to the northwest there lies the National Cathedral. Its presence is sensed as you drive over the 395 bridge or through the tree covered George Washington Parkway. This Sunday, Tim and I decided to tackle the crowded streets and the mighty hill leading up to this great creature of a building. We stopped to snap pictures in our "backyard." I have always been amazed by the architecture of DC, and I am very frequently overwhelmed. It is a humbling feeling standing at the base of such an immense structure...staring up at the gargoyles, the buttresses, and thinking about the diverse faith inside. I once went to a service at the Cathedral that was led by a Catholic priest, an Episcopalian gave the homily, and a Baptist taught us how to clean one another's feet. Yes, diverse.

Tim and I have had a strange, if not very interesting and insightful weekend here in DC. We are looking to buy property...trying to assess how close to "the line" we can go before compromising our safety. We had an intense run-in at a local Irish pub. The Capitol was on lock down once again this morning as someone charged through the barriers and by security, disrupting traffic and normalcy.

Safety is a hard thing to assess. Is it mental? Is it local? Is it even worth it to think about? The National Cathedral however, with its depth, its presence, and its ornateness gives off a sense of strength, and of safety. Surrounded by lush gardens, sculptures of the gospels, and crosses it is a great lookout at the top of the swamp we made our nation's capitol.

This evening I ran down by the Capitol right into the middle of an immigration rally (I had no idea it was going on). You never do know what to expect in DC. I dodged in and out of the packs of people holding "We Are America" signs, families, little kids waving American flags. They successfully took over a large part of the National Mall. Then after listening to someone scream into a microphone, the large mass of people took over Constitution Avenue stopping rush hour traffic and also enveloping my husband who was riding his bike home.

I was relieved to be home, to water my plants, and to stretch on the floor and watch Barefoot Contessa. I took some pictures of my porch plants and posted them above.

And in honor of being American, Tim and I are eating pizza, drinking Bud Light (actually, Tim is. I am drinking red wine), and switching back and forth between the opening night of the NFL season and the U.S. Open. Ahh!

It has been incredibly hot and humid here in DC. Hot enough to make you want to take three showers a day and remain inside. The grass is brown and burnt, and the air is thick.

It is an interesting time of year, the calm before the storm here in DC. Tim and I have been spending a lot of time with our great friends who recently moved to the city. It has been so wonderful having close friends within walking distance. We all biked down to Haines Point the other night (YEAH Cynda!!! ) and then made pizzas on the grill. Their new house is wonderful and perfect for entertaining.

I have been spending some much needed down-time inviting plants into my life. I never do very well with plants, although I enjoy gardening. It is hard to grow plants in the city, not much sun on our balcony, and I frequently forget to water them. It is hard to remember when you don't have a hose staring at you. Back in early summer, my mom brought me a beautiful bush with great big leaves and orange flowers, of which I am forgetting the name right now. I must be doing something right though because it has grown and grown and is still blooming. It is absolutely gorgeous on our balcony and brings some green to our rather bland city view.

Also, I never posted about our vacation with friends in the Outer Banks, North Carolina. It turned out to be a very hot week. We spent most of our time by the pool as the beach sand burned the soles of your feet. We had an amazing time catching up with friends, cooking, taking yoga classes, and relaxing. Below are some pictures.

A Fabulous Four Day Weekend

Tim and I recently returned from a fabulous four day weekend celebrating the wedding of Tim's younger sister Hannah to Brock Thompson. They are such a wonderful couple and we love them both dearly. It was such an honor (and a blast!) to be a part of this wedding. The day could not have been more perfect. There was not a cloud in the sky, and all details fell into place. Family reconnected after several months apart, and everyone danced away into the evening.

Greenbrier

I am currently attending a work retreat at the Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia. The ride here from DC was unbelievable as we weaved in and out of the valleys. It is stunning here, and I have already been for several walks around the property, through the golf courses, and up into the hills. One more day to relax before getting back to reality!

Off to North Carolina

"A leaf fluttered in through the window this morning, as if supported by the rays of the sun, a bird settled on the fire escape, joy in the task of coffee, joy accompanied me as I walked."
Anais Nin

I love this picture! Congrats Landis!!! Go Pennsylvania!
I am going to miss watching the Tour de France while eating dinner. I love watching the competition, but also the gorgeous scenary and crazy spectators.

Watching the Tour de France has really put me in the mood to be out on the road biking. My legs also needed a rest from running, so I went biking on Saturday and Sunday. I am trying to keep my pace up and average between 13-14 mph with 15-16 mph sprints in between. I rode about 48 miles over the two days.

Getting in Shape

Well, I am attempting to get myself back into shape for our upcoming vacation. The thought of me sitting in a bathing suit for 7 days straight sends shivers down my spine, so I was up early this morning for a quick 4 mile run. It has been so hot and sticky in DC, so the light rain that we had this morning was much appreciated. As I was getting ready to kick myself into gear to run up the big Hill, a pack of Marines came from around the bend and ran in front of me. I turned my i-pod off and listened to their chants as I sprinted up the Hill.

Upstate PA

Below are some clips from a recent vacation with the Rotzell family. We stayed at a lake house in upstate PA. It was very relaxing...we spent time on the lake, went biking, running, walking, played plenty of ping pong, and saw tons of wildlife.

View of the lake house from the paddle boat

The guys grilling

Yum...quesadillas!

View of the lake

Hanging out on the dock

Mom and daughters

Our precious niece!

Anne Frank said, or wrote, for that matter, "The best remedy for those who are afraid,
lonely or unhappy is to go outside,
somewhere where they can be quiet,
alone with the heavens, nature and God.
Because only then does one feel that
all is as it should be and that
God wishes to see people happy,
amidst the simple beauty of nature."

And to nature Tim and I go for the 4th of July break. Tim and I head to upstate PA to a lake house with family.Mentioning that I can't wait is underestimating it. Four days without computers, laptops, phones, blackberry, or anything that plugs in may be scary for some people, but it has never sounded more welcoming to me. I am packing light...just a book, a swimsuit, and some hiking shoes.

Back in the Habit

I have started running again. I think my urge to run is seasonal. It is great to be back out on the streets!

My friend is training for a half marathon and I have found that her training regiment is great! Two short runs during the week and one long run on the weekends.

Maybe I'll see you out on the road!

The past semester's interns have all moved out and for a few days our hall will be quiet: the doors will stop slamming and the shouting will cease. Tim and I cherish the "in between" time. The new summer interns move in the first weekend of June and we will once again be showing the young excited interns around, leading them to the nearest grocery stores, and pointing them to the metro. Oh, and making sure they vacuum!

Wishing everyone a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. Tim and I head to my parent's house in Pennsylvania where we will meet up with 12 of our college friends at the NCAA lacrosse tournament. A tradition going on 8 years.

Ahh! This is the Life!

Just returned from Palm Beach, Florida where my childhood friend Danielle got married. The resort was gorgeous, the sun hot, the food exceptional, and the relaxation unbelievable. We had a wonderful time and many memories were made.


Jay's ring was inscribed with Proverbs 3 : 3-6
"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

A Celebration Weekend

Abigail's 21st Birthday!!!

Danielle's Wedding Shower and Bachelorette!!!

Easter!!!

New York State of Mind

A few weeks ago Tim and I, along with friends, took the train into New York City to celebrate my sister's birthday, her running a half marathon, Tim's first time in NYC, and spending a lot of money on food and drink.

Once we visited the city that never sleeps, the clock has not stopped ticking in DC as well. All energy is contagious, whether positive or negative. The go, go, go of New York definitely rubbed off.