Music, books and birthdays.

Last year I was fortunate enough to go to several concerts and see many of my favorite bands and two of them I saw twice.

I looked at Wolf Trap’s summer schedule and nothing interested me. Then I started hearing about festivals and concerts. Unfortunately, they are all occurring the weekend I’m in San Francisco and the same bands have already played in San Francisco. I’m holding out that I make a concert in the fall.

This morning, I was introduced to this lovely voice. I’m looking forward to going home and checking Meiko on iTunes. I think she’s be a perfect companion on my flight next week.

Monday I went to the public library here in town and became a “patron.” I reserved two Bill Bryson books to check out – even though I have at least 5 books at home I haven’t even started. I’m determined to finish “How to lose friends and alienate people” before I leave next week. I have less then 100 pages to go. Note about this book: I found out they are going to make a movie about it … it’s coming out in October.

Today I went to Shepherdstown before work since I didn’t have to be in until 1 p.m. (yesterday was a 10 hour day) to look around for birthday gifts for two friends of mine. I consequently got a parking ticket, but was productive in finding cards and two funny b&w post cards for my desk. I stepped in Four Seasons Books and noticed a lot of books I want to check out. Fortunately, they have both of the ones I was mainly interested in at the library, a block away.

Saturday is my birthday and it looks like it will be a day of good eats. Starting with breakfast with my dad’s family some browsing of my own and then I’m meeting my mom and Rich for lunch. Saturday evening I requested to just have a simple summer meal with lots of veggies and fresh foods. Some friends are coming over and I’m thinking about making a strawberry cobbler. Yum!

Today I …

• found out I missed a school board meeting last night where they hired 5 new administrators.
• interviewed a 7 year-old boy who won a coloring contest at the State Fair.
• measured my suitcase.
• made a delicious dinner!

summer 08 list!

Despite having the majority of our group back out on us, I went tubing on the Potomac with a friend of mine. I guess you could say he’s my partner in crime – literally. We almost got charged with stealing an abandoned kayak last year.

It was one of those spur of the moment decisions – ones that I’ve found have been some of the best memories made. We were walking around town and after hitting up every place, we had run out of things to do. It was hot and we were both wearing jeans.

When we were almost back to the cars, we decided to go swimming and once we got down there we decided to just get the tubes and started up above the 480 bridge. After what seemed like 2 hours and some splashing and goofing off in the water as well as a couple “I don’t know where I’m going!” squeals to Tim who was a good ways behind me, we got out and walked about a mile back to the Jeep.

I had been telling Tim about “the summer list” and one of those items was to learn to drive a 5 speed. I already knew the basics, but I had never been behind the wheel.

So as we were getting situated and pulling out of the parking lot, Tim got out and came around to my side. “Let’s switch sides.” Suddenly I realized what was going on and I was like “are you sure?” Before I knew it I was pushing in the clutch and handeling a old Jeep Wrangler with no doors, no roof and accelerating down a road that follows the river.

Yeah, I stalled it out twice. There is no way I could comfortabley or safely drive on a main road. I’m pretty sure a car coming toward me was scared I was going to sideswipe him. Fortunately, all was well and I handed the driver’s seat back to Tim after about a mile. I did get it into third gear though.

Now I still have a few more items on the list … getting my passport, going to Niagra Falls and buying a bike. I think it seems promising to get these items checked off.

And the best part? Summer doesn’t end for me on Aug. 18 when everyone else goes back … I’ve got until September and no homework!

On work and San Francisco

I finally got to bed by midnight. I know … awesome, right. I should be going to bed earlier than that. I woke up and just didn’t feel motivated.

Maybe it’s because I’ve been making plans and figuring out my schedule while I’m in San Francisco next month. Last night I reserved a car (that Chad will be responsible for getting out of the city!) and up North to Sausalito and Muir Woods. I reserved a compact car, which will be a Nissan Versa I think, but I’m really hoping by some stretch we’ll end up with a Mini Cooper. How cool would that be?

I had a dream that I sent a message to one of my old professors that I had arrived safely which is really, really bizarre. Go figure.

Tonight I have to go to Berkeley Springs to cover a board of education meeting. It’s about 45 minutes away. Supposedly we haven’t covered Morgan Co. Board of Ed in at least 2 years. I haven’t been to Berkeley Springs from Martinsburg yet, so I’m sure I’m in for a treat.

I have a headache. When I went into the Magistrate Court office earlier I got a hot flash because I was nervous. This has been happening a lot lately when I’m doing stuff for work.

In other news … we had another incident at my apartment building the other night which resulted in the maintenance man being arrested. There was a lot of yelling (and cursing), slamming of doors and he ended up pushing someone down. I talked to someone today who took the brunt of his actions and my heart went out to her. She almost started to cry while talking to me.

It’s been a long week, and I’m looking forward to getting out of town for a few days.

About the French Press Coffee

My mom bought me a French Press at Ikea about a month ago and when I have a little extra time, it’s well worth the extra effort to make a really good cup of joe.

Casey described it as “smooth” after her first taste. I think it’s worth it; I like it and I enjoy taking a little extra time to make it …. it just seems simpler and die-hard.

Here’s how I make it:

• I fill the “beaker” with filtered water and put it on the stove. (Put hot water in the empty beaker to get it hot)
• Don’t let the water boil; only leave it on the heat until it’s simmering and nearly boiling.
• When the water is almost ready, empty the beaker; I use 3 tablespoons of coffee (just regular Chock full of Nuts for me.)
• Pour the water over the coffee, let it set a moment and then place the pump in the beaker.
• I let it sit a couple minutes and then enjoy!

Workin’ bee

Today was my first day off in 6 days. It’s been a long week and yesterday was even longer; I covered three assignments from Hedgesville to Charles Town and one in Martinsburg. After work I headed to Harpers Ferry (another 20 mile trip) for a birthday party and to visit with some friends. We ended up sitting at Applebee’s until 11 p.m.; need-less-to-say, by that point, I was restless and extremely tired.

However, I worked 6 days in a row in order to take off a couple days in August when I fly to San Francisco for five days. Tickets were purchased and I’m currently planning my itinerary. I’m looking forward to beach, perfect temperatures and just hanging out.

Today, after returning from a shopping trip with three amazing women, I put my pajamas on and made a pot of French Press coffee and actually watched a movie I got from Netflix the day after I got it.

More home stuff … for less.

I’m loving this mirror from Target; I think I posted it before when I was picking out things for my new place (which is coming along nicely).

This one is $69.99

This one is $499 from Pottery Barn. I came across it in my blog reading and it immediately reminded me of the one from Target.

Oddly similar, don’t you think?

It makes me want to order the first one for above my dining room table.