Movin' to the 'burbs!

Today Sketchy and I became homeowners for the very first time. 

Please note: the following is about to be very uncharacteristic of Nalini, i.e. super cheesey-happy with a side of emotion. 

I will start off by saying signing on the dotted line was an incredible feeling. I can hands down say this feeling is unlike any I've ever felt before. Any other milestone in my life thus far is completely crushed by the excitement that our new home brings me. I don't think I realized until today just how much a house would mean to me. 

A house is the beginning of the life I have strived and secretly wished to attain since I was a child. It's no shock to many that I didn't have the most family oriented happy-go-lucky childhood, but it's something I have always pined for. To me, a house is the first tangible step to a family life that I have some sort of control over. 

In essence, a house is not a structure to me. A house is the legitimate beginning of the adult life I have always wanted -- to simply build a home full of love, life and happiness. 

It is very difficult to explain, but for those who have known me through my childhood I truly appreciate the genuine happiness you have shown and shared with me in this huge step in my life!

Some pictures we took last week! Sketchy was such a good sport taking all sorts of pictures for nearly an hour. A giant thank you to Brenna for her patience and photographing skills! 

I have often wished I could trade in my GW education for a wedding planning or interior design decorating career. Every tiny decorative piece of a home excites me. All of the crafty projects I've tucked away through the years will become reality filling the rooms and walls of our home. 

Tomorrow we head to Florida. I'll be taking a two week hiatus from the blog. I very much look forward to sharing our beautiful new beginning in the new year with all of you. 

A Capital City Christmas

Last night after dinner, Sketchy and I made an impromptu stop at the White House to check out the national and state christmas trees. He missed a whole half of his game for this -- huge points for Sketchy! Great game too. Boo Pats! 

A few years ago I went to the lighting of the national christmas tree. Actually a while ago because it was President Bush! In the recent years it's been a downright shitshow to get tickets to the lighting ceremony. I believe you have to sign up for a lottery sometime in October. Next year I'm going to be more on top of things! I'd really like to take Sketchy to the lighting. 

There were quite a few really amazing state trees. This year's theme seemed to be art students from a random school in each state made ornaments for the tree. I'll only bombard you with a few that I thought were really pretty!

National Christmas Tree 2012

Florida Tree -- oranges. Naturally.

These were super cute. Can't remember which tree they were from!

Such detail in these hand painted ornaments.

These were amazing! New York ornaments. So pretty in person.

Another really amazingly hand painted ornament.

Sparkly ornaments on the Virginia tree!

Sketchy and his Virginia tree. =)

Monday is so boring. Very excited for tomorrow though. Can post some of our Christmas pictures tomorrow! =)

Countdown to Florida: 2 Days.

Early Christmas Part II

Today we took our Christmas card pictures! Super super excited to get them printed and send out this year. Will have to wait to share the pictures though. 

Sunday is generally the day we hang out with our close friends watching football at bars. This Sunday we met up to exchange gifts for Secret Santa and then had a nice dinner in the city. 

Everyone's gifts were fantastic. 

The scene outside looks like a winter wonderland. 

Diana's ridiculous wrapping.

Part of Melanie's wine extravaganza present. The stopper says something like "I'm on a strict diet. I've lost 14 bottles in two weeks."

Diana: "Are these mini bottles of alcohol?"

yes.

Diana and her presents. Yes, that is a breathalyzer keychain. WIN.

Awesome beer tub!

Yes, that is just a box. Brenna scored that one by sweet-talking a store clerk. =)

So.much.skins.

Freeman Bobblehead.

Brenna loves her Freeman.

Me and my awesome Tiffany's gift. Which was actually a crazy jockey thing for lucy. 

Of course these pictures had to happen. She was so confused and scared. Stood still for a solid 5 minutes after I strapped this badboy to her! It looks hilarious when she runs. 

Dinner afterwards at The Hamilton was delicious. Secret Santa was a success. Hopefully we can continue this with friends as a tradition!

Countdown to Florida: 3 Days.

Early Christmas Part I

The only thing better than Christmas Day is when you get to celebrate Christmas Day early! This afternoon everyone went shopping and picked up a bunch of random stocking stuffers for each other. 

Sapna wins for best gifts this year. She did a fantastic job really paying attention to each person's taste! Shows that she really took the time to think about her gifts. Too bad she has set a high standard for herself now. I expect nothing less than thoughtful for the long haul! =)

I took lots of pictures, which annoyed everyone as always but whatevs. =)

Stuffed Stockings! 

Happy little tree

Presents! 

Sketchy impatient as always. 

Sketchy's mom with her crazy stocking stuffers. Everyone independently got her cozy socks for the house. She loves socks, lol. 

Sketchy with his fantastic stocking gifts from his mom! 

Man mug for future mancave! =)

Sketchy's Dad with his Secret Santa presents. He also got a new phone in his stocking!

Sapna with her Terps fleece (one of her Secret Santa gifts). She'll be a Terp in August! 

Sketchy's mom with her secret santa coat/scarf/gloves set!

It was a super fun night. Also had Chipotle for dinner which made the night that much better. Opening presents tonight makes the holidays seem more real and imminent! Also getting me excited for Florida! 

Tomorrow we're heading back to DC for our Secret Santa exchange with friends.

Countdown to Florida: 4 Days.

Extra Virgin

Happy Friday!

Today our office went out for our Christmas lunch. We ended up at Shirlington's Extra Virgin Modern Italian Restaurant. I was happy about the restaurant choice, given my desire to eat my way through Shirlington one restaurant at a time. I had a crab mac and cheese and a brie and spinach personal pizza! The portions were much larger than any of us expected and it was also tasty. We had a bottle of bubbly and toasted one too many times to all sorts of random things. Good time, good company and good food. I'd definitely go back again. 

After our late lunch we all headed home early. I love half-day Fridays. Met up with Sketchy and we headed down to his parents to celebrate Christmas early since we'll be in Florida for actual Christmas. This year we decided to do a secret-santa situation. One gift with a 20.00 limit. Stocking presents unlimited. 

By the time we got here, we realized no one had really done most of their stocking shopping so we've decided to post-pone present opening until tomorrow. For tonight, we wrapped some items and just sat around and watched TV. Very nice relaxing end to a stressful week!

Sketchy attempting to wrap gifts. It was quite entertaining to watch. 

hmmm.

still trying.

finished products.

It's the thought that counts. =)

Excited for secret santa tomorrow!

Countdown to Florida: 5 Days.

Quality Sam Time

Last night was actually productive! I not only went to Yoga, but I also did a little festive crafting (well to the best of my ability -- still missing some items but have to go buy!). 

I ran out of the little Red and Silver present bows. Need to get more of those and maybe some bells or ball ornaments? Not sure, but for the most part it looks pretty festive! =)

Tonight was fantastic. The last month has been so busy that I somehow haven't seen Sam in over a month! Meet Sam:

Last week we decided that we'd do dinner tonight. Today I realized that Thursday was "Ladies Night" at All Fired-Up in Cleveland Park (fantastic place beeteedubs). Ladies Night = byob and 15% off of all pieces. We had dinner at Chipotle (always happiness) and then headed over to paint some pottery! 

First, funny story. I went to a ladies night with Catherine and Kelsey over a month ago. Meet Catherine and Kelsey:

I never actually went back to pick up my pottery piece after it had been fired. I keep remembering but then forgetting (vicious cycle). I was scared they had thrown out my piece or given it away to someone to get rid of it! Much to my surprise, I walk in and immediately notice my piece on the "wall of fame." I was so happy to have my piece -- I had painted this little dip/entertaining tray. Evidently when you make the "wall of fame" you get a magnet. 

Today I found a fantastic piece to paint for Brenna. So perfect. I was able to also include a TSwift ref which made me happy! Can't wait to see what it looks like, but I guess I'll have to wait. Can't pick it up next week because I'll be in Florida. Won't be able to give it to Brenna until she gets back to DC in early January! Sam painted a really cute mug for her friend back home in Boston. No pictures because my phone died. =(

Sam also suggested the best.thing.ever. She mentioned that All Fired Up does mobile events (bring pottery to your home for parties and such). This reminded me that I found a pretty sweet web site that sells lots of generic pieces for really good/reasonable prices online. You can paint them and then get them fired at local pottery places. Sam suggested having mugs, plates, vases and other various house hold item pieces at my bridal shower for crafty folks to paint. I'll then get them fired and use around the home! I really really loved the idea and no one has to spend anything to do it, it can be an activity/game at the bridal shower and not everyone has to participate if they're not very artistic or into that kind of thing.

Then, as if she had not brought enough happiness to my life for one night, Sam busted out this beautifully wrapped box as a holiday present "for driving her random places." I hardly drive her anywhere and it's only when she's going to the same place as me! It was a very sweet gesture. I still can't get over the paper the box was wrapped in. Don't get me wrong, i loved what was in the box, but the paper was simply exquisite! It was such heavy paper that it seriously looked like fabric. This picture does not do it justice: 

Sam says she got this crazy awesome paper from the Container store. Must go check it out. Sam is really bad for my life. She's also the one who introduced me to Paper Source. These places are just black holes for me. I love EVERYTHING in paper/craft stores. Anyways, the box. What was in the box, you ask? 

Also, check out how BIG this box is! It's ridiculous. This is probably not helping operation lose chins. =)

Crazy homemade shortbread cookies with chocolate on top FTW.

I'm freezing those badboys. Excited to have a few at work tomorrow. =) Such a great day today. If only they could all be filled with chipotle, pottery, delicious gifted homemade baked goods and solid catch-up time with friends! 

Countdown to Florida: 6 Days.

12-12-12

So it's 12-12-12. The last date where the day, month and year are going to match in my lifetime. Crazy thought. Speaking of the dates, where the hell did 2012 go? I definitely just had to create all sorts of 2013 files at work today and it's not okay.

Last night Sketchy and I grabbed dinner with Dorsa and Erik. Meet Dorsa and Erik:

I still can't believe they're going to be parents SO.VERY.SOON. I feel like it was just yesterday I was bugging Dorsa to find out when they would start trying to has babies! Our spur of the moment cruise ended up being on the same weekend as Dorsa's baby shower (which, from pictures, looked a m a z i n g). I'm actually really sad I missed her shower, but I'm sure there will be other Seubert baby showers =). Anyways, for the past couple months I've been stock piling cute baby clothes for various parents-to-be. Last night we finally got to give Dorsa and Erik their baby items! 

We went to dinner in Springfield at a small family italian restaurant. I, naturally, had the Chicken Parmesan Sandwich -- what I do at all italian places. I'm determined to find a good chicken parm in this area. This place was decent, probably give it a 7.5. It was really nice catching up with them. I'm looking forward to living closer to them in the future and hopefully hanging out with them and baby Liam more often. =)

Tonight is Yoga again. Thank God for Catherine who keeps me honest with these damn Yoga classes. If it wasn't for her (and Kelsey) I would definitely be canceling/not going to the classes! I dread going so much up until the class starts. Then I'm so happy I went after the class is finished. I need to remember that good after-feeling more often. 

I'm feeling ambitious today -- thinking i'll try to get something festive done tonight after yoga. We'll see if that happens. 

Countdown to Florida: 7 Days.

A Care Package

Today I picked up my 100+ prints during lunch! Also during lunch I put together my "photo project" I needed to get done today. Bad picture but here's the final product: 

It's kind of ghetto, lopsided and ridiculous but it is what it is, lol. It's the thought that counts anyways, right? I kicked off college with Kate as my freshman year roommate, and closed out college with Kate as my senior year roommate. Kate is one of the people I have missed the most since school has ended. While we were friends since Freshman year, I really think our friendship was at its best senior year and I simply was not ready for her to move away! But such is life. 

I really like when good things happen to deserving people. I knew from the very beginning of our friendship that Kate was going to be successful in life, but not because she was a schmoozer or just that person who gets lucky a lot. Any grade or academic achievement for Kate was/is absolutely the result of true drive, dedication and self-discipline. Having seen Kate's work ethic throughout college, I could not have been less shocked or more happy for her when she got into and decided to attend a kickass law school. I'm extremely happy for her and have been waiting for the right time to send her an i-miss-you-and-you're-awesome-care-package. First law school final seemed as good a time as any! 

I sent it out this afternoon, really hoping she doesn't think it's too childish or weird and that it gets there before her first final, but if not, then I just hope it brings a smile to her face in the aftermath of her first final.

I'm planning to visit her in Michigan in the spring and am super excited about that. It's been far too long since I last saw her. 

I feel lucky because I'm truly amazed, in one way or another, by every single person I have the honor of calling my friend. 

In the spirit of celebrating friendship, I leave you with this quote that I really like: "Many people will walk in and out of your life but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart." -my biznatch, Eleanor Roosevelt.

Countdown to Florida: 8 Days.