Virginia is For Lovers

So, I've finally done it. I made the leap. As of this morning I'm officially a resident of VA. I'm a little sad...I'm a true Carolina Girl at heart and SC will always be my true home. BUT here I am- a Virginian. It doesn't quite have the same ring to it and is going to take some getting used to. Don't worry though, I purchased some palmetto tree bling for my car so I can still represent!

The one big "pro" that I AM excited about is that my vote may actually, finally count (if you haven't already guessed, I'm one of "those" political geeks!) It's a tough life for my particular political affiliation in SC...I've never voted for someone that won! So here's to hoping for better voting luck in my new (battleground) state.

I am trying my best not to make this blog about politics, or my political preference. But I do feel obligated to strongly urge you to vote! Voting is the most simple act of civic participation. It's my personal belief that not one complaint should come out of your mouth about taxes, gas prices, health care coverage and costs, war, and how folks in DC are spending YOUR money- unless you VOTE!!!!

There's still time to register to vote if you haven't already done so. Click here for info on registering. It's easy, so no excuses!

Obama Drama

It is not my intention to make this blog about politics. But I do live in DC and politics is one of my interests so from time to time, there may be a very lighthearted blog about the political world!

Maybe it's just me, but this election, particularly on the Democratic side has had enough drama for a Lifetime movie! From the beginning, the very fact that two historical candidates (a woman and an African American) both had a chance at winning the nomination, setting the party up for a historical campaign and presidential election. The primary came down to the wire with plenty of twists and turns. Then came the ironic "bringing the party together" rally in a town called Unity, NH. Maybe a little over the top- but they had a point to make, right?

Now we're just over 2 months from the election and we still don't know the running mate for either side! So the suspense continues and we're awaiting an exciting text message with our answer (because a regular 'ole press conference type announcement just wouldn't do!)

To up the drama factor Sen. Obama will officially accept the party's nomination on the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech on August 28th. Just perfect!

This could not have been written any better! What could the next two months hold?
This is much better than watching any Stories (Soap Operas)! I'll be sitting by my cell and on the edge of my seat, waiting for a fairytale ending!

UPDATE: So we obviously know who all the VP picks are now. Just wanted to add that McCain's choice in Gov. Palin definitely thickens the plot! Happy Campaign Season!

A Taste of Home

Cooking is something I really enjoy doing and typically do a lot of. It's been a busy summer and I haven't been doing it as much, I'm looking forward to doing more of it now that things have calmed down.

I had lots of tomatoes left from my trip home last week that I didn't want to waste. So, I thought I would try making a Tomato Pie. I've had it a few times at home, but this was my first try at making it. I'm pretty sure my roommates thought I was crazy...they had never heard of such a thing!

I also picked up some fresh okra during my trip to Eastern Market on Sunday and decided to fry it. I know, I know, this meal completely goes against my last post. What can I say? You can't expect a true southern girl to give up fried okra! It was a meatless meal, so it's a step in the right direction, right?

It turned out good and I have plenty of leftovers for tonight. I recommend trying the recipe if you like cheesy goodness with the fresh taste of 'maters!

Side note- In my diligent research for this post (wikipedia, so take it for what it's worth), I found that the earliest reference to tomatoes in North America was in 1710 in (you guessed it) South Carolina! Add this to the list of wonderful things from the Palmetto State!

Other Random Updates:

-I finally made it to the Crate and Barrel outlet store in Old Town over the weekend and will definitely be going back! I was apparently in a nesting mood because I ended up buying a few things over the weekend to spruce up our living room. A few new throw pillows, candles, and real potted plants have been added!

-Last, but most importantly, I've posted some info on the right side of the blog about an opportunity to help meet a fundraising goal for my sister's class. If you're in a charitable mood, check it out!

You Can Do It!

A few days ago, I picked up a book called Skinny Bitch on a whim. It was a quick and enjoyable read and I do recommend it. The book gave a very blunt and comical explanation of the bad food we eat and how to change the habits that make us fat. It definitely opened my eyes to some of the horrible treatment of the animals that we eat and how truly oblivious we are of this process, and is motivating me to pay more attention to ingredients in the food I eat.

The book basically spells out the reasons to become a vegan and thus you'll be healthier and skinny. We would all LOVE to be skinny, healthy, and eat strictly good-for-you food. But in reality, normal humans have cravings, limited time to prepare perfectly healthy meals, and limited resources to afford the "organic" life.

{stepping on soap box}

Working in the public health field, it is hard to ignore the statistics of Americans unhealthy lifestyle and the consequences this has on our health. So here's a challenge to us all to start small and change just one unhealthy habit at a time. We can all do something.

Get inspired by watching the Olympians fit bods! While the weather is nice, get outside and play! Go for a walk or swim. Skip dessert this weekend. Go to your local farmers market and buy some fresh local food. We all make time to do what's important to us, and your health should be one of THE most important things!

I'm going to take my own advice this weekend and take use the gym membership I'm paying for, as well as take a trip to Eastern Market to buy some fresh food while the good stuff is in season! What are you going to do?

Happy Weekend!

Sweet Tea Withdrawal

What a week! It's hard to believe that everything started a week ago when I drove down to SC and started to help with last minute wedding details. I won't go on and on about it (all we've been doing is talking and reflecting about the wedding since the moment it ended!) But basically everything was BEAUTIFUL and was so much fun. My mom truly outdid herself doing the flowers herself, making the flower girl dresses, etc. My sister was a gorgeous bride and seemed to have the time of her life. I cannot wait to see the pictures!

I'm already missing home though! I enjoyed seeing lots of family and old friends and enjoying everything else that I miss about home... cheaper gas, good food, and southern hospitality! I got to stop at the peach orchard I worked at during college and am enjoying some delicious SC peaches! My grandfather sent me home with an abundance of his home grown tomatoes. My mom packed up some other fresh veggies and all the fixins for some vegetable soup. I piled everything in a big 'ole pot and made more soup than I can possibly eat! But it hit the spot and was perfect comfort food.

I'm not really sure what to do with myself now that the wedding projects are finished and the boyfriend has left town! It definitely feels like the summer is winding down. I have lots of reading I want to catch up on and hope to enjoy the rest of the Olympics. I'm amazed at watching Michael Phelps!

Dum, Dum, De Dum

I'm finally getting a chance to blog this week! My weekend was fun, but flew by. It was the boyfriends last weekend in DC so we had a mini "farewell tour." We got some amazing tickets to National's game on Friday night and had a great time. The Nat's even pulled out a win (which is more than I can say for my wounded Braves lately!)

My sister's wedding is only 3 days away, so this week is all about weddings. My apologies to those of you that are all weddinged-out! Here are some fun facts...

By the numbers:
• An average of 44,230 weddings take place in the U.S. each weekend.
• A total of $72 billion is spent on weddings in the U.S.
• Weddings are a $50 billion per year industry
• People spend $19 billion buying presents off of gift registries.

What to Wear:
Maids: The tradition of bridesmaids dressing the same as each other and in similar style to the bride comes from ancient days when it was believed that evil spirits have a more difficult time distinguishing which one is the bride and putting a hex on her.

The Bride: Queen Victoria made white the bridal color of choice when she wore it to wed Prince Albert in 1840.

Garters: As early as the 13th century, most notably in Europe, it was considered good luck to have a piece of the bride's clothing. So wedding guests would chase after the bride and literally rip pieces of fabric from her dress and/or try to steal her garter. We've come a long way since then! It is now the groom's privilege, of course, to remove the bride's garter and toss it to the male wedding guests. The man who catches the garter is believed to receive good luck and be the next in line to get married.

Now you have something to talk about during those awkward conversations with random people that you haven't seen in years at the next wedding you attend!

Happy August!

Did you realize that August is the only month without a holiday! That's right, not a single one. I'm not sure how the greeting card and candy industry let an entire month slip by, but we're free from buying gifts, sending cards, wearing green, flying flags, and eating ungodly amounts of food at family gatherings!

But don't worry about getting bored! We couldn't have a month without a few significant happenings. The Olympics start next week, the Democratic Convention will take place at the end of the month, students will head back to school, and football season kicks off just to name a few.

Some significant events have taken place in Augusts past- ironically living up to the definition of the improper form of the word.

august: Inspiring awe or admiration: majestic

1498- Columbus lands in South America
1790- The first Census in the US (There were 4 million people)
1914 World War I begins in Europe
1941- The Jeep is born
1961- Six Flags over TX opens
1963- Martin Luther King delivers his historical "I have a Dream Speech"
1971-Sonny and Cher debuts
1981- MTV debuts

So take your holiday sweaters to the cleaners, finish your summer to-do lists, and enjoy a month free of holiday stress...there's plenty of that coming your way right around the corner!