Little Moments

Hello everyone!

It has been far too long since we've posted anything.  I started to reflect on this quite a bit since we've moved out here.  Really, we're responsible for one thing: showing up to work 36-40 hours a week (depending on if you're talking to myself or Joe).  This time last year, we had to balance school, part-time jobs, leadership roles in student organizations, research, and social activities. We felt so much busier, but seemed to accomplish so much more.

Why does it feel that time is flying by now that we're out of college? Maybe it's because we appreciate the little moments that we have together when we're both not working or not missing each other due to rotating day/night schedules.  Maybe it's because we look forward to the times we get to spend with friends and family more than anything else.  Perhaps this time out here in DC has given us some serious insight into what's important. Sure, a dream career/profession is wonderful to have, but it's not the sole purpose of being here. It's experiencing new things, growing in each other and in our relationship, and savoring the moments spent and shared with great friends and supportive family. That's why we wanted to share some of our recent moments with you.

Scene 1: War over Cookies!

"Don't even think about it." - Joe

Back story: Once in college, Joe's mom baked us some of her famous oatmeal cookies. (There's magic in them, I swear.) I tended to eat many of these cookies when I would be over at Joe's place visiting. He took to hiding them from me and, when I found them, rationing them out to me on my visits. When Joe's mom sent us some cookies to us here in DC, we devoured them. We fought over who would get the last two. Sharing just didn't seem like an option. In fact, when I threatened to eat the last two cookies before Joe woke up the next day, it led to this:


The war ended peacefully. I left him one of the cookies so he could have one for lunch, too.  I took the crumbs when I got home. Victory is mine. Or shame. I can't tell.

Scene 2: Criminals at the Ice Rink.

Legal photo.

Illegal photo.

It was a close call. From November/December through March/April, the national mall has an outdoor ice skating rink that is open to the public.  Joe and I decided to make a day trip and do a little skating.  We were having our fun, and Joe took out his phone for a photo-op.  Little did we know that our little photo was against the rules! Safety hazard to take photos when you're skating on the ice, you see.  We were asked to take all photos off the rink.  Fair.  But when neither of us wore a watch and Joe took out his phone to check the time, we were called out again.  Rather than entice the wrath of the man-in-yellow, we took a break on the sidelines.

Scene 3: Ikea is a God-Send.
Joe and I spent the first 6 months of our time in this apartment eating bent over our coffee table while sitting on our couch or on the floor.  It's about two feet high. Yes, we know it's glamorous and everybody would do it if they could, but once our backs started to hurt we decided it might be time to hit the local Ikea.  We found this super-cute ("and very manly", says Joe) table.  It works perfectly with our space-to-furniture ratio.  Our backs (and butts!) are saved from discomfort.  Here are the before, during, and after shots. 

Side note: Joe put this together while I was at work.  When I asked why he didn't wait for me to help, he replied, "Sometimes your help does more harm than good. Especially with construction."  I can't exactly say he's wrong.

Scene 4: Roller Derby.  It's REAL! 
Did you know that Washington, DC has a roller derby league? Women-only, hard-core roller skating while simultaneously shoving/falling/grappling, with the sole purpose of racing around in circles to gain points.  Joe and I decided to go and see it for ourselves.  It's. So. Cool! They have concession stands and alcohol and merchandise and alcohol and music and alcohol and girls with names like "Lucy-fer", "Frightmare", and "Dirty Nancy".  It made for a fun day. I may have signed up for information about how to try out. Just maybe. Seriously, though, don't get your hopes up. 

 We love you and miss you all.  Parting words of wisdom from a naive, still-growing-up young lady: Always remember to enjoy those little moments and share them with those you love. They're the best.

Love,
Blake and Joe :)