Whatsa happenin’ Hot Stuff?

Name that movie!

Hello to everyone out there in Bloggerville! How the heck ARE you? Me, I’m still alive (as you can tell). I know some of you were wondering and I apologize for the wait. I’m finally back – in a new house, a new state, and a new state of mind.

I moved to Virginia at the beginning of June. The move was a bit stressful, but went pretty smoothly nonetheless. On top of all that, we got a new addition to the family the night before I left. Lucy, a lab mix, needed a new home and we took her. Here’s a pic of our cute new daughter. She’s a little younger than Millie (my 3 year-old Chihuahua) and a lot bigger (Millie is 7 lbs., Lucy is about 25). They adjusted nicely to each other and Millie loves having a sister to play with now. I think they both like their new home. Mark and Sarah – thank you. She misses you all.

So, what have I been doing since here? Exploring. Getting familiar with my surroundings. Trying to find the grocery store, CVS, Home Depot, Lowe’s, post office, library, DMV…you know, all the essential stuff. You have to do A LOT to get your driver’s license here and to register and title your car. You also have to register your dogs (????). I have yet to do that one. We live about 20 minutes from D.C. in a beautiful 3-level townhouse that Ashley bought. We’re still unpacking and getting stuff set up. Our stuff came a week after we did and I’ve spent the last week in Wisconsin, so it’s been slow going in getting everything unpacked. But it’s getting there.

I’ve done some cool things since being here (totally touristy, but who cares? lol). We went on an Odyssey dinner cruise and saw the sights of D.C. aboard a beautiful boat with GREAT food, went to Adams Morgan (think New Orleans but cleaner and safer) and Madams Organ one weekend, headed to Baltimore one weekend and ended up going to an Orioles game on the fly (too much fun!), went to the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, but got pulled toward the Washington Monument, the WWII Memorial, the Reflecting Pool and the White House. I couldn’t stop gawking. The Monument is amazing…especially for just being a tall, ordinary structure. It’s breathtaking to stare straight up at it with the sun behind it. Trust me…try it. While I was wandering around the Mall that day I saw a guy with a “Free Hugs” sign – part of the Free Hugs Campaign. I believe my friend Jen C. was the first place I saw the video and I believe I have it on my MySpace. Here is the link again if you missed it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4

You know I went up and got a free hug! It was so inspiring. I am seriously thinking of doing the same one weekend at the Mall. It’s just a wonderful idea and campaign.

Now that I’m back from WI and settling in again, it’s time to find a job. If you want to keep an eye/ear out for me for jobs in D.C., VA, MD, I would appreciate it so much. And if you feel like throwing any names/companies my way, I’ll be glad to take them.

I’m heading back to AL next month to visit with friends, family and go on the girls’ beach trip. I can’t wait! It will be so nice to see the old gang again. I miss you all so much, but am enjoying this part of the country. Being here just makes you want to get active in something/for something – I’ve seen quite a few rallies and protests at the Capitol already. Amazing.

I should be on here more often now that I’m back and online at home. Once I find that elusive job I may not be on as much, but you know I’ll be back. Thank you for all the support, the calls, the e-mails and the inquiries as to my whereabouts. lol.

Until next time….