3 Years down, forever to go...

Well, we have celebrated our 3rd year anniversary (yes, this post is a little late).
I can't believe that I have known you for over 5 years - it seems like you have been in my life forever. We may not be the same kids who used to go out partying every weekend in DC and Arlington, and we may not be the same kids who used to get all dressed up for a night out on the town, but I like the people that we have turned into. We no longer have to egg each other on to find out about each other (like I did on our first date), or stress about what the other is thinking and why the other one is upset or distant (I take the blame for that one, too). We have turned into people with the same likes and dislikes, and who know what the other person is usually thinking without having to ask. We have turned into people who don't need the fancy restaurants and who enjoy grabbing a local bite out in our flip flops and shorts (OK, SoCal has a lot to do with that change).

Although it may seem that things have become less exciting, and we have more responsibilities now, things have gotten more comfortable with you. I love doing simple things with you, like grocery shopping. I don't think many other couples take the time to do these types of things together or enjoy doing them together as much as we do. It's a luxury to have you home and near me, to be able to do these types of things together. I love our family with the furry kids, and can't imagine what a life without you in it would be like. I love you, and look forward to all the changes life has to throw at us, as long as you are with me. Happy Anniversary, hon.

Gunter glieben glauten globen

Last week was concert week.
And as I sat through Friday night's concert, I realized how musically diverse I am. Does that mean that I like all genres, and am an educated and well-rounded person? Or does it mean that I can't make up my mind what genre I like, thus listening to a little bit of everything?
I almost asked my self if I am just a trendy person who jumps on the bandwagon when something becomes popular - but then I have to argue the fact that I am not cool and have no idea what is popular these days. The only reason I know Madonna has a new album out is because Ellen dances to it on her show.

Last Saturday, we went to see Def Leppard at Coors Amphitheater (now it's being called Cricket Amphitheater). REO Speedwagon and Styx opened up for them, and although I still don't fully know who Styx is, Scott says he recognized every song they played. I only know the "I'm Sailing Away" song because Cartman sang it on South Park. Def Leppard then came on, and it was a great show. They sounded great - maybe too great, making me think they were lip syncing or that the background vocal guys took voice lessons - and it was definitely worth the wait to finally see these guys in concert (My mom would not let me go see them when they toured back in 1987). Eric and Julie came down for the weekend, and while we tailgated prior to the show the doggies got to spend some quality bonding time at home.

On Friday, we went to see Michael Buble at Cox Arena. It was a good show, and he is very funny. Of course, all the ladies were drooling over him, and he made a couple of funny jokes about not being a piece of meat. Then about 3/4 through the show, he started to let people come up to the from of the stage and that just opened up the throngs of women running down the aisles to get to the front. He then started joking that he needed to change the mood and perform for the men in the audience, and he broke into "Young Man, there's no need to feel down...". Too funny!

So it's been a great week, of concerts and I must say that I truly enjoy the diversity of music that we go to see (aka: that I can talk Scott into seeing with me). He really is a trooper and I will never forget how much you love me, enough to even go to a Cindy Lauper show with me. The only show I couldn't talk him into going to was the Dixie Chicks. I guess you do have your limits!

Just like old times

Last week, I had the rare opportunity to go back to DC for an in-house meeting. With all of the budget cuts and changes in policy, I didn't think I would ever get to go back home on 3M's dime, but they actually approved this training trip and decided to bring all of the PM's in-house.

I dreaded having to go into the office. Firstly, I don't fit into any of my old work clothes. Yes, it's nice to have an excuse to go shopping, but it's also a little sad to think of all those cute things taking up 75% of my closet that are just a little "too tight" now. Second, I have gotten very complacent working in my PJs and not having to add in the extra time to get showered, dressed and commute to work. Getting up at 6am (East Coast time, no less) to be dressed and ready for work was definitely culture shock. I have gotten used to hitting snooze 3 times, then being able to "be at work" 15 seconds after jumping out of bed. But once I walked into the building - with new 3M signs out front and having to scan a badge to get into the front door - it actually felt kind of nice to be part of society. And it was great seeing my coworkers and finally meeting those team members who I spend hours every week on the phone with, but not knowing what they look like. When I met Tim for the first time last week, he said "Wow, you do sound like the person on the phone!". I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing, considering we all hate how we sound on answering machines...

It was great having a reason to catch up with family and friends.
On Monday, I met up with my Uncle Rody and Frank, and got to meet their new dog Castor. He is adorable, and the sweetest puppy I have met in a long time. He is so cheery, that just being in the same room with him puts you in a good mood. Frank and Rody are doing well, too - although I think Rody has too much free time for hobbies than is healthy for him. He has another cut on his hand from a mishap with a drill.

I then met up with the majority of my friends in Pentagon Row on Tuesday. It was great seeing them, and hearing of all the things that have been keeping them busy over the year (most of them now have kids!). As I was driving to Virginia from Silver Spring, I took my normal route from work to my old house - 295 to South Capital Street. As I was coming down the strip with the Capital Building looming at the end, I drove by National Stadium, right there smack on the side of the street. What a big change, and I can only imagine what my commute would be like on game days... But this did make me very nostalgic for the grandiose of living in DC. How many people can say they drive by the Washington Monument and the Capital every day to work? And I really missed the hustle and bustle of traffic - strange, I know. And of course, the endless opportunities to just go out any night of the week and find yourself amidst plenty of people and good friends and food.

I still don't think I want to move back to DC, but this feeling surprised me. I think it was just a memory of the old times, the old friends, and the place that will always be home to me.