Best of 2010 - April

April should be broken into two parts, pre-15 and post-15. Pre-15 I worked. The end. Then I bought flowers and a new dress and got a pedicure.

On April 16, I decided to make strawberry freezer jam. I was craving time in the kitchen and, for some reason, jam. I've never made jam before but I feel like it's something I'm supposed to be able to do, ya know? Am I alone in that?

I went to the farmer's market to buy strawberries and then I spent all day coaxing those strawberries into the darling little jars. I took a lot of photos because I really meant to blog about the whole thing. Darn.

The next day I made pizza dough from scratch and baked some pizzas on my stone.
Jill and I visited the Cherry Blossoms. There were A LOT of people trying to take pictures. It's definitely a beautiful spot for a family photo, but next spring I'll let you in on what I think is the best kept secret location for pictures along the Potomac. Get excited.

High: On April 16th I secured my visa at the Brazilian embassy!

Low: On April 17th I had to visit traffic court for a speeding ticket. The reckless driving charges were dismissed (a fact Ken seems to ignore whenever he wants to insult my driving record).

Ken came to DC after finals and we spent more time around the city.


At the end of the month, I entered a cupcake competition at work, made Chocolate Chip Cookie Cupcakes and WON best taking cupcake! Lucky me! Recipe and recap here.

I would link to the other posts I made in April, but there are none. Oops!

Best of 2010 - March

March brought more snow days and office closings! I got to take a quick trip to Utah for some PwC recruiting on BYU campus.

My friends and I went to Communal one night while I was there. Ironically, the make-up of this photo has changed quite a bit since that dinner...

Two of the marriages depicted have ended, one couple has added a baby, and one couple has gotten married (us). Crazy how much things can change in a very short year.

March brought a lot of good running. Ken and I ran the Rex Lee 10K in Provo. Later in the month, Ken came out to DC and we ran the National Half Marathon, which was an amazing course snaking all through DC. He was on track for beating his 1/2 marathon PR but woke up race morning with the flu. So sad! I set off on the race and didn't think I'd see him til I got home.. Instead he popped in and *ran* as much as he could with me. It was a nice change since we usually don't run our races together (I'm slow).

One random story from March, I misread an email at work about an upcoming "Jeans Day." On Thursday, I arrived at work in jeans. I quickly noticed I was the only one in less than business casual. Apparently jeans day was Friday. Oops! A quick stop into JCrew's clearance section before the group meeting fixed the situation...

I suppose I should mention that March was a very busy work month with the March 15 filing deadline and I spent most evenings and Saturdays in the office. One ray of sunlight amidst that gloom? Finding an open spot next to my brother's car. How many people are lucky enough to work with their brothers? Even though I don't see him every single day, it's a comfort to know he's there.


Most notably, March brought butterflies and excitement as Ken and I decided it was time to move forward and get married. (Actually I think it was the end of February when we started setting that in motion?) As we began working towards that goal, we both felt amazing progress and transformation in other areas of our lives; it was a grand cosmic click into place. Ken invited his family into the process at this time and they were very kind and welcoming towards me. Huzzah!

Oh and as you may remember I already posted about books and movies and weddings and cookies, where to go in DC and some things I'd like to learn.

(Speaking of that learn list, after 9 months I've only knocked 1.5 off the list... They are basically all still outstanding. Maybe resolving those should be a 2011 resolution??)

Best of 2010 - February

February brought Snowmaggeden to DC. You may have heard, it was epic.



The office closed for 4 days in just one week! That's amazing! Those surprise snow days were hands down some of the best days of the year. We helped some neighbors build a GIANT snowman.


Dawn and I braved the snow and drove out to Lucketts for furniture shopping on the first day of the storm. We stocked up on food and supplies at Wegman's and then cheerfully watched the snow fall.

Ken came out to DC for Valentine's Day. We tested out Co Co Sala (awesome!) and saw Grease (meh).


I already told you about kettle corn, the vday fruit basket, antiquing in Fredericksburg, and hanging my French chandelier!

Best of 2010 - January

January began a new chapter in my life in many ways. I moved into my very own DC apartment where I was able to set up real non-college furniture and begin living "real" life. Dawn moved in with me and it was a perfect fit.

A week into the new year, I went under the knife to have my (super annoying) tonsils removed. I was nervous to have this surgery alone in a new place and ALMOST convinced my mom to fly out to take care of me, but in the end I was ok. (Many thanks to Steve & IeLi for taking care of me for the first day!)

I took about 2 weeks off work (or was it more?). The recovery was horrifically painful. My tongue was the last place for the swelling to go down. My taste buds were injured and I did not taste food normally again for 6 solid months. Some items still don't taste the same, which is really for the best because who needs to love the taste of movie popcorn anyway? Now with some separation, I am so glad I had them removed as I had a full year without strep or other irritating tonsil issues.

Tongue super red from a popsicle. Picture taken 20 minutes after I got home from the hospital.
Apparently I sent it to Ken. I have no recollection of doing so...

Ken came out to DC for his Trial Advocacy Traveling Team Competition. We explored DC together.

I scored an AMAZING deal on an Anthropologie floor sample couch. I can't believe I never blogged about that...

Post-tonsil dim sum

Best of 2010 - Another recap in parts

During Christmas break, I've been working on a series of blog posts about 2010. I was a pretty bad blogger overall this year, but I'd like to go over some key parts so I can always remember this very eventful year. I didn't originally intend to post them for general viewing, but oh why not. It's going to be good.

I will interrupt the 2010 recap to post pictures of The Great Zackrison Gingerbread House iChat (as soon as CZ sends me her pictures, hint!).

Here are a couple pics from the last two days. We stayed in on New Year's Eve and had a fondue party with our friends Severin & Lissa (& Hamilton). Many thanks to Zack & Ana for the fondue set!!

I know you're tired of those lame flower pictures in the silver frames..
I am too. Will be changing out shortly.

Today we walked the grand loop from the Jefferson to the FDR Memorial, Lincoln, Washington, Smithsonian Row and finally The Capital (read: a really long way). We ended the night at Old Ebbett's Grill. Needless to say my feet are tired!

Christmas 2010 - A Recap in parts...

This is part 1. It's a recap in parts because I can't seem to build up the inspiration to post. Totally annoying. I have lots of pretty pictures and lots of great stories and happiness. I mean a ton. But I can't seem to get it out here.

For example, I'd love to tell you about how Santa found us and brought us so many beautiful pots to cook in. It may have taken much deliberation and several trips to SLT, WS AND Anthro, but we finally got all the sizes and colors worked out and now I don't want to close the cupboard doors.

Wanna come to dinner?

Or I could tell you about our visit to the Capital Christmas Tree where we may or may not have found an extra ornament lying on the ground. Said ornament may turn out to be of a much larger scale than the rest of the ornaments in the house...


I could talk about our first month of married life. Which has been lovely except for one somewhat tense discussion about what should be done with the state quarter map which has been in my car for the last 23 months. (Keep it, duh..)


Anyway, I have big plans for part 2 & 3. And only 4 more days of Christmas break!

Merry Christmas to all!

Santa found us here in North Carolina. We're so happy to be here. More updates to come!!

The beginning of a Very Merry Christmas

Actually I think that should be an official title, VMC 2010, because this one is definitely going to be one of the best. I know, how do you top spending Christmas in London? Or Christmas touring German markets?

Spending Christmas Day with Le One, that's how. I can't wait!

In the mean time, I have observed the following relationship:
Which may explain the Wiley's complete departure from the blogosphere. But in seriousness, the lack of activity has been a blissful and welcome change to the stress of the ever-looming wedding to-do list. For example, today I was able to listen to half of Wuthering Heights (half! that's eight hours!) and stab 800 toothpicks and cranberries into a styrofoam ring (my poor fingers!). See proof here:


If you'd like to create this same wreath, you will need $15 to turn into 1 bag of Costco cranberries, approx 500 toothpicks (broken in half to create about 1000), a styrofoam ring (I think this one is 12 inches), as well as Fa La La La Lifetime and/or Audible.com.

This weekend I attended a performance of Handel's Messiah at DC's National Cathedral. It was very good, but definitely made me miss the performances of Vivaldi's Four Seasons that we've done one Christmas in Paris and one in Germany. I think next year I'll choose a National Symphony Orchestra concert at the Kennedy Center instead.


And lastly, here is my favorite 2010 addition to my Christmas decoration collection.


This mini mitten garland has inspired me to create a mini stocking garland/advent calendar for next year. I haven't decided if I'll knit* all 25, or collect a combination of knit and found stockings. But I'm really excited about it already. It all fits in so well with our stockings knit by Grandma Z, which seems to be the centerpiece of my overall decor. Ken and I are very eagerly awaiting the completion of his Christmas stocking, which will also be a Grandma Z original. How lucky is that! She mentioned she is happy his name is only three letters long. :-)



*The fact that I do not yet knit may contribute to the 12 month timeline of this project.

On the list for this week: send happy thoughts to Ken during finals, check off the last two people from my gift shopping list, finish off the costco squash with Butternut Squash soup, attend a fancy Christmas party with Jill at the Newseum, finish off the costco broccoli with broccoli soup, receive a much anticipated package from Bake It Pretty, bake the season's first batch of mint surprise cookies, finish Wuthering Heights, wrap and mail the Christmas presents for our family in Utah, pester Jonathan (& Justin) for wedding photos. Oh and unpack my suitcases from the travels of November so I stop buying new clothes.

Cheery Christmas to all!

Done.

We made it. Phew! It cost $25 in tolls to drive all the way across Ohio. And more than that to cut the corner in PA. What?? That was an unpleasant surprise. Wish I has known to bring my EZPass.

Time to unhook the trailer, pick up our packages from the UPS store, and buy a tree!

The screenshot is from the Road Trip app. I was skeptical at first but highly recommend it, especially if you're the type that loves detailed forms and records. As an added feature, they export to Excel. You know that's always a bonus in my eyes.

Eastward bound.

We're on the road. Driving Big Blue and a Uhaul from Utah to DC. It has been definitively decided that this drive should not be completed more than once every other year. Considering the fact that it was driven once in 2009 and now again in 2010, we're hoping for at least a 2 year hiatus. Someone knock on wood for me!

This is the first time Ken's truck has left Utah. And the first time it has driven continuously for longer than it takes to get from Provo to Maddox. Except for the fact that the seatbelt on the passenger side has stopped working thus requiring me to buckle in the middle seat, there's no car trouble at all. Besides, sitting close on our cross-country trek seems like a very newlywed thing to do.

I'm excited to get to Virginia and get settled. First on the list is buying a Christmas tree! The drive has provided of time to plan out all the holiday decor, treats and activities that will encompass the next month. I'm determined to get decorations up BEFORE I deal with the mass of boxes and packages we've accumulated and moved this last month. Let's hope that energy doesn't disappear!

About giving the greater part.

Dear Ana,

So I'm working on a big presentation for work tomorrow, which means I'm still at the office. I got hungry but had no food or time to get dinner, so I looked around until I found a bag of popcorn, which I popped. As I mindlessly munched, I realized I was fishing out all the slightly burnt kernels, by habit, instead of actively avoiding them as one may normally do. This reminded me of you, because once you told me you had eaten so many burnt bags of popcorn that you actually began to prefer the taste of slightly scorched corn.

None of this helps me in my case against Ken's claim that I truly PREFER burnt toast and grilled cheese sandwiches (I know Sarah can also relate). In truth, he dislikes them so much that I examine each piece and put the more well done slices onto my plate to save him the disappointment of flipping his grilled cheese over and seeing black. Because I guess I don't mind eating black toast, if it means I get to watch him happily eating his light to medium brown toast.

And then, Ana, that struck me as the kind of thing you would instinctively do for your beloved Zack and Jack. And I got a little bit hopeful that someday I can be as loving and devoted as you have shown me a wife and mother can be.

And that's really what the next 10 days should be spent thinking about. Because it doesn't matter what color the chairs are, or where the lights are placed, or what time we transition from dinner to dessert. What matters is that I continue to cultivate a love for giving him what he wants most, whether that is my love and undivided attention, or all the buttery white kernels in the bowl.

Thanks for teaching me by example Ana. See you soon,

RZ.

Trying to stay alive...

Pulling everything together.
Trying to keep my sanity together.
What a process!

I will return to regular posting again someday... Don't give up on me! :-)

Do I have your address?

I've really debated whether or not I should use this forum to gather the addresses of friends and acquaintances for whom I might not otherwise have the information. Is it weird to do that? I can't decide.

I say to myself "well I really like her and think she's great but she probably doesn't want our announcement, right?" Or "I think we're friends, but does she? Will they think it's weird if we send them one?" I don't want to presume that anyone would like the announcement, but I don't want anyone NOT to get one just because I was too chicken to ask for an address. See the dilemma?

Anyway - if you would like a wedding announcement and you don't think I already have your address, please email me or leave a comment! We're mailing out very soon!! So exciting.

Well at least there are pumpkins on my shelf.

On Saturday I went to the Arlington flea market and made two fantastic finds. A matched set of milk glass plates which are EXACTLY what I've been searching for since January (for an upcoming wall project, it's going to be supreme). They were just sitting there, in all their $10-for-8 glory. Oh happiness.

For now, they're propping up my pumpkins. And next they'll be holding a cornucopia of corn, followed by sparkly mirrored ornaments and then finally they'll make it to the wall. Do you see that owl planter? $2. Allegedly from a ceramics class in 1978 per the carving on the bottom.

My office plant died after an unfortunate week (weeks?) without water. We moved desks and I no longer sit by the drinking fountain. Cue plant death by starvation. Which is too bad because I loved that plant sent to me, at the office, by my parents, for my birthday, almost one year ago. It's currently shriveled and attracting awkward attention to my workspace.

In other "fascinating" office news, it's freezing cold at my desk every day now. I get headaches and as I blow on my fingers for warmth I wonder when I was transported to Scrooge's counting house because seriously, can we get some coal in here? We got an email from HR about the disputes over the thermostats in which we were firmly scolded and instructed NOT to slide the dial to "warmer" even if your entire neighborhood is wearing sweatshirts and ear muffs. It sort of baffles me how afraid everyone has become of the thermostat. When it becomes unbearable, I get up and move it to warmer. Come punish me. I have OSHA on speed dial.

I think there are 30-something days until the wedding. If I survive this planning period and pull off half of what's in my head, I will impress even myself. I've never understood eloping with such clarity. Is it too late*?

*just kidding darling! I know you love our announcements (direct quote "It's a really strange feeling for me, but I think I'd rather work on our invitations than watch the cougars tonight.") You send them out and I'll keep working on creating something worth showing up for... NBD..