Moving in with the Petersens!

Today I began moving my things into the Petersens' house. Andrea, Erik and Liam Petersen are a family whom I've been babysitting for since the beginning of my sophomore year. Liam was 5 months old at the time and we instantly bonded. He's a wonderful child with the sweetest heart and is just so much fun to just be with.

They recently moved into their new home in Vienna, VA. They were orgininally living in a beautiful townhouse in Arlington, around the Courthouse area, just outside the city. It was a wonderful home but with Dre expecting baby #2 (a little girl named Marley!!!) in July, it was time for an upgrade.

The house in Vienna is gorgeous, as you can see. My room is downstairs, with a bathroom attached AND a walk in closet! It's going to be super fun living there this summer, especially because I'm just minutes up the road from Wally's house!

With the semester finishing up and finals coming, moving is super stressful and a lot of work; not necessarily getting into my new home, but finishing up with the McLean house. The boys and I have been working to clean the place up and get it all ready to hand back May 1st. Drew, Sean and I will be finishing up together at MU but living in different places while our 4th roomate, Jan, is moving to god knows where! I can't believe it's been a year since we've had the house together and that we're all going our separate ways.

Beating Bridgewater

YESTERDAY WE BEAT BRIDGEWATER 10-8!!! In our second straight win, the MU Saints let victory reign over Bridgewater's home turf.


Traveling 66 west to the end, we headed south on 81 and met our match; the players were set to fight and I was ready to win. I got to start (my 3rd of the season so far!) and man was it a beautiful day to play lacrosse! Yesterday's game was also KB's debut on the lacrosse field; drawing from her awesome b-ball skills, KB caused 3 turn overs and had a gb.

I managed to pull a GB and my FIRST ASSIST OF THE SEASON!!! It was an awesome quick pass in the 8 to Maria who sunk it for a goal! I jumped for joy as tears of joy threatened to let loose from my eyes. The game was tight, closer than it should have been; our skills way outmatched theirs but our team game had yet to come together. Every day we get closer and closer to greatness, each mistake being learned from and each accomplishment celebrated together.

Wally was disappointed as he had traveled to 4/5 of our previous games; all which we had lost. More importantly though, he was sad that he wasn't able to be there for that assist; though nominal, it meant the world to me to have accomplished that and he would have enjoyed being there to see it.

I enjoyed the phone call I made home, bragging to my Dad of my accomplishments. I'm looking forward to the rest of the seasons for more opportunities to bring home some gold and make him proud!

Beating Washington and Jefferson College

Yesterday, my team and I ventured a 5 hour bus ride to face our opponents in Finelyville, PA. We went through VA, MD, WV and PA just to get there! Washington and Jefferson College is a beautiful University with a separate athletic complex; the fields were great but the away team accommodations, not so much. My team split up into two groups and had to get changed in one of two bathrooms in the baseball stadium (next to the Lacrosse field) Guess who ended up in the men's room?

It was sunny when we arived but the sun began sinking below the mountains and it got chilly. We warmed up kind of flat, which carried into our first half. Though we were up 5-3 at the half, we weren't playing our game and came out fired up in the second half. We won 10-4 in our first win of the season; it may not have been our prettiest game so far, but it was a W and we were proud of that. I managed to grab a gb in the game and over all I think I did well; progression is gradual and I am riding this wave as far as it'll take me.

On the way home we were suppsed to have reservations at Applebees; when we called to say we were on our way, they told us not to come, that our group was too big. That was the same response our Coach got from the 4 other restaraunts near W&J's campus so we were off to the local mall. WHAT A LAUGH! You know how when you go to most malls, you see car's in the main corridors, advertising the local dealerships? Replace those cars with tractors and the 4 H club and you've got yourself a PA mall on a Friday nite.

The 4 H club had some farm animals like baby chicks and bunnys to check out and we visited the food court for dinner. What a selection! Chinese, Sabbaro, and Cheesesteaks HAHA! And mind you, were traveling in a group of 20 girls, all in MU gear, like a mob on the scene. Everyone was staring or asking, "Marymount? Where are you guys from?!" Oh yea, we're that cool!

I slept most of the way home on the bus but woke up about an hour and a half away from school, unable to sleep anymore. I was tired and cranky but Wally was waiting to pick me up on campus and I couldn't wait to see him! Our bus rolled in and off piled a group of the most tired, over-bussed girls this side of the potomac. Bus rides are fun and all, but this one was definately more than we'd bargained for. Luckily next year, they'll come to us; suckasss!

god works in mysterious ways

Last night when Rigo and Justin came over, they took me to get kitty litter and towing rope in hopes of getting my car unstuck. Unfortunately, we weren't able to get it out and it really sucked.

So this morning I wake up early and go outside; after putting down kitty litter and the ground freezing over night I was sure I'd get my car out but alas, to no avail. After trying to use cardboard under my wheels I took some extra and made a sign. It read "I'm Stuck Please Help!" And I stood in front of my house and waved down traffic until I got people to stop.

The first car to stop was an older couple with a subaru filled with dogs. They tried towing me out but ran into the same issue as Rigo had.

After they left I continued my sign holding, car flagging attempts to save my car and get to practice. Just when I thought I'd need to call for a ride, a gentleman in a Thunderbird said he'd be turing around to help. In the time it took him to turn around and park, I was able to flag down 2 more cars; a Toyota Highlander and a Bronco. Three total strangers stopped to help me et my car out!! In the middle of all the pushing, engine revving and calling a man with a hammer and shovel appeared to help dig my tires out. With the help of 4 total strangers, my car finally made it out!! I was estatic! I got out of my car and jumped with arms raised and a huge smile. I thanked the people for their much appriciated help and they were gone just as soon as they'd came.

Ericka comes back later today and so after our second practice (and Bowling!!) And team dinner, we'll be reunited and I can't wait!!

in the spring, with snow

This past weekend was a blast and a blower all at the same time.

Friday night was Wally's last nite in the states before leaving for the Domican Republic. We hung out with Matt for a bit and then waited for E to get outta work. We met up with Justin and Rigo at my house, watch movies and hung out.

In the morning Wally left for the airport and I started counting down the minutes till I'd see him again. That time came sooner than expected when I get a call; Walls left his hiking shoes behind and needed them QUICK before he boarded his plane. So E (who had slept over my house) and I jumped in the car and were offj luckily they were leaving out of Regan so I was able to get him his shoes and say another quick goodbye before he was wisked off to tropical paradise.

As for me, I had practice later that morning; afterward's E got off of work and we went home to her house in Jefferson, MD. Mimi (her grandma) made homemade pizzas and salad and E's Aunt and Uncle (who live next door) came over too! We did laundry and hung out a bit, enjoying our down time.

Later on in the evening we decided to visit this spot Wally, Justin and Rigo visit fairly often in WV; just 25 minutes from Ericka's house there is a damn with fishing access on the Shannendoah River. It started snowing oon the way so the drive was dark but we had fun.

It snowed all night and so I was late for work in the morning, especially leaving from E's house. Sunday night I hung out with Justin and Rigo and went to sleep early; Today began our two-a-day practices.

Unfortunately the snow caused me to get stuck at my house and so my roomate Sean helped me out and gave me a ride to practice. I spent the day on campus and got a ride home from Susan.

Rigo and Justin are coming over now and hopefully they'll be able to help me get my car out!

The loss at Stevenson

(I'm a stickler for chronology; this post is dated 4/24/09)

Their field is at a complex in Owing Mills, MD where the Ravens do or did train in the off season.  There's this springy turf field that would hurt to fall on but be awesome to play on but instead, we get to play on the semi-uneven grassy field right next to it.  

I remember being so excited for this game; it was our season opener and I was all ready.  I was going to put my new music on my iPod for the ride, I had made the girls bows with blue and white ribbons to pin to their stick bags AND I had heart stickers.  The heart stickers were for the girls to wear because they all had so much heart; preseason was a big challenge for our team, being so small (at the time) and our first game out of the gate we were ready to show off all our hard work.  But we were in for a rough battle.

Spring scored the first goal of the game but Stevenson fired back, hard.  We were down 10-2 at the half and came out 15-5.  I had a shot in the beginning of the second half; on goal, but it was saved.  I also had a draw control in the middle of the second half.  I had two turnovers as well.

Playing an away conference game with one of the top 20 programs in the nation as a season opener isn't easy for any team, especially ours. We had a lot of kinks to work out but as time goes on, the girls become more in-sync as our team continues to improve.

After the game we went to Chic-fil-a for dinner--my first time ever!  It was quite an experience; I got a chicken caesar wrap and had it with caesar dressing (I had saved half and eaten it later that night because I had had food from my secret psych or something....)

valentines weekend

For Valentines Day, Coach made us all red t-shirts with "I heart MU Lax." Anna came to coach and play with us which was super fun!  Anna Sody and Heather Bretschger were my hostesses when I recruited at Marymount in May 06.  They are the ones who showed me Marymount and the ones who convinced me to come here in like a matter of a few hours.  

Anna's my Mama Bear but she graduated last year and so this was my first year without her and I never could have imagined what a difference it would make.  I'm having a great year but I miss her terribly, especially on the field.  Anna has a tremendous presence in my life and I'm always thinking of her.  She helped bring me to where I am today and for that, I am forever grateful.

I had to work Saturday afternoon and afterwards, Wally, E and I went over to a friend from work's house for a party!  We had an awesome time but I was up super late and had

 work in the morning.

Sunday was a KILLER but now, Tuesday, I'm just days away from my team's first game!!!  This is me during the Villa Julie game last year.

This Saturday we're playing Stevenson (Villa Julie) in MD.  That night we're having a little victory celebration/ birthday party for Wendy! Give me a shout out if you wanna come by, its gona be a great time!!!

boots!

Speaking of beautiful weather, yesterday and today were no exception! Yesterday I spent some time with Wally on the back field throwing around, shooting and playing 1 on 1. The sun was shining and we were having so much fun!

Today was beautiful as well; I went home in between classes to get some stuff done and managed to fit in a quick run. Because the weather was soooo nice, I thought I'd take advantage and debut my highly beloved Cole Haan boots for this spring season.

Originally from their Fall 07 line, I'd discovered these boots sometime last winter in an old Vogue a friend of mine had. I saved the magazine and tried desperately to find these boots, but to no avail. Sometime during the winter, when I was babysitting and living on campus, I found the boots on the Cole Haan website and knew that it was fate. I ordered the boots as soon as i could (along with a matching market bag) and waited anxiously for FedEx to deliver them.

The day they came it was like christmas! I went to the library (wearing my NEW BOOTS!) and met up with Ericka. I used my boots as an excuse to stage a procrastonatory photo sesh in the library... here are some of the results! You can see the bag that I got too!


I babysat a LOT to save up for those boots and now that they're mine (gosh, I've probably had them a YEAR already!) I'm gonna love them forever!

stop!... trampoline time!

The past few days have been gorgeous, with temperatures in the 50s and 60s and I have been enjoying the wonderful weather to the fullest extent.

Saturday I was able to enjoy a lovely nap out on the trampoline in the sun! Being out there reminded me of this fall when the weather was nice and my friends and I spent days and nights on that trampoline.















Here's me one nice, Sunday afternoon in September. Ericka's taking the pictures and unfortunately for her, I was unable to master the camera like she had for these pics. That day we had gone for sushi together in Falls Church, walked around the shops a bit and played outside. We hung around in the sun and waited for Wally to return back from a CMA retreat.

Here's a pic of our sweet sushi lunch, complete with totally kick ass drink glasses!!!

And me with the stringgy carrot!

arabian snowballs

I'm jealous of all the people who went to snowball... it looks like it was a really good time. 

oh this week

This week has been crazy, busy, hectic and unbearable at times, but FINALLY it's friday!

I was really pissed off earlier this week when I read some things about Macy*s. I would like to give a big screw you to Chief executive Terry J. Lundgren, chief financial officer Karen Hoguet, chief administrative officer Thomas Cole, and vice chairs Janet Grove and Susan Kronick for accepting $1.39 million in bonuses AFTER LAYING OFF 7,000 EMPLOYEES earlier this week.

I was talking to my dad about this situation earlier this week and he made a good point; so many companies, businesses are jumping on the were-suffering-from-economic-hardship-due-to-the-poor-economy bandwagon. I understand that things are going badly, trust me I see it everywhere. But how much of it is actual and how much of it is percieved? How much of it is just people being hyper-conscious and super critical of their economic standing just because other people are? I wouldn't be surprised at all if a (significant?) portion of this downturn was just because some people heard others were doing bad and so they forcasted that onto themselves?

It's hard but we're getting by. Just keep looking forward and everything will be alright.

...it was a beautiful day

Today I was fortunate enough to enjoy the nice weather; Wally and I took a walk together in the sunshine and it was just lovely.

In the above picture, though you can't really tell, I'm wearing one of my favorite shirts; it's from Hershey Park, its bright green with orange, yellow and pink writing.

The day I got it was the last day my family and I were at Hershey this past summer. Each of my siblings and I were allotted one (reasonable) gift shop souvenir for the vacation and I still had yet to pick mine.

That was also the day we spent in the water park section of Hershey and I ended up going in in my shorts and then having nothing dry to wear but my tube top (you'll see why this detail is important in just a sec, I promise) So I decided to look for some sho

rts in the gift shop near where we were changing; lo and behold I found (and fell in love with) this shirt. The orange writing matched my orange tube top and so I wore the new shirt with my other shirt as a skirt. I looked like a starburst with all my bright colors but I was just happy to be dry (and have a sick new shirt!)

When we left Hershey, my family went home (Long Island, NY) and I headed back towards VA, making a crucial stop at E's house where this picture was taken. Still hot with Hershey fever, I posed shamelessly in my starbursting attire before I was forced to change into something more appropriate (for another sick party; nice one E!)

finally!

It's snowing!!! Finally some white fluffy stuff for US; Dads' been bragging about how much he's had to shovel so far this year and we, down here, had barely gotten ANYTHING. Wintertime is just a really cold, dreary, long season without snow; the snow makes it all so much more bearable.

Here's me, at my Mom's over winter break. That was the same day we went sledding (at the VA golf course and then Bellrose.)

to walk, or not to walk... that is the question

Yesterday was the Walk for Life on the mall in D.C. I was initially reluctant to go, seeing as I am pro-choice, but my curiosity got the best of me and so I went.

I didn't realize the magnitude of people who would attend until I actually got there, and even then, I was in disbelief. It was really hard to imagine that all these people, from all over the country, made whatever extreme plans necessary to be in Washington D.C. for one day. There seemed to be an infinite amount of coach buses, something truly astounding when there are always so many buses in D.C.

I had gone on a whim when some people went to extreme lengths to be there. It still shocks me but my pro-choice stance remains unwavering. Some of the things I saw were outlandish, rude even. I'm glad I went, for the experience and to see, but it's not something I'm planning on being a part of again.

this thing, really?

<-- This is me totally starting my blog yeah!
I have to make a blog, so I am. This is my blog, I'm making it for a class and I have a feeling that it might be hard with me to keep up with. I'm busy and would love to write down all the things I do but, I'm busy; I rarely find myself at the computer at my leisure, so this will have to be a chore, work, until (if) I get into it.