Snow Day!

A major snowstorm on the East Coast shut down DC yesterday, and with over a foot of snow, even I got to stay home from work on Thursday!  I'm back to work today, but it was really nice to have the yesterday off.  I did some chores around the house, dug out my car, and watched a lot of Olympics coverage.  Nice and slow...just what I needed after a busy work week!  Happy long weekend everyone!

Packing for the End of the World

Two weeks ago, I was put to task for a work project that brought up some serious deep thoughts--if I had one bag to pack away whatever I would need for a emergency relocation event, what would I pack?  Obviously, I crossed off all of my high maintenance, girly "necessities".  Do I really need to make sure I have my Clarisonic with me if disaster happens?  Is it essential that my face lotion is my beloved Murad Essential C? My Sonicare toothbrush?  My T3 hairdryer?  No, no I don't.  And yes, I know.  Some may say I'm a beauty product obsessed.  I prefer to say I'm seasoned, know what I like and know what works for me.

Silly as it may seem, I really struggled with this for weeks.  I mean, if disaster really were to strike and I was shipped off, safe but away from whatever disaster may have occurred, what would be of comfort to me?  Would it be enough to be safe and away, or would I really want some things packed away to give me a bit of comfort in unimaginable circumstances?

My answers: yes, and yes.  I made sure that I packed slippers and some of my comfy clothes.  And thanks to Birchbox, I packed a ton of beauty samples--serums and lotions and products that make me feel both good.  Comforting to me. Also, I made sure to pack workout clothes and running shoes...not much is better to de-stress me than a great workout.

I turned it in, assured of my choices, but now I am thinking about more and more that I should have added.  Assuming that I would have my purse with me, I knew that I would have access to photos of loved ones in my iPhone and iPad, so I didn't pack any.  But what if I don't?  Should I stash a few pics of family and friends, just in case they are the last I have of them?  And my pillow that I have had forever--I should find one just like it to throw in there.  I'm always cold--definitely should have tossed in a soft scarf and a blanket.  And damn it, I forgot to pack dental floss too.  Must add that next time.

The more I think about this, the more I add and subtract all the things in my stowaway bag.  Let's hope it never comes to the day in which I need it.  I know there will never be a perfect list of must haves, but I am glad that I put thought into it and did pretty well on my first try.

What would you pack if it was the last bag you may ever pack?  Any essentials that you couldn't live without, no matter what the circumstances?

Anywhere But Here...

 

Sorry for the lack of posts lately.  With the whole government shutdown and crazy work scramble, I have been a bit distracted, and honestly, uninspired and exhausted.  I am one of the lucky ones who is not furloughed during this whole mess, but frustrated nonetheless at the state of affairs.  I'll try to be better, I promise.  Maybe I need a quick getaway once all of this is said and done and I get a paycheck again.  Paris, anyone?

Washington Navy Yard

I got back home late last night, so my Weekend Wrap-Up will have to post tomorrow.  For now, I am shocked and saddened by the news this morning of the shooting at the Washington Navy Yard.  My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and all associated with the Navy Yard.  Those of us who work in the U.S. Capitol and its campus are safe, and I thank you that have reached out and checked on me this morning.  Security has tightened, and with this incident, and the 9/11 anniversary last week, I am once again reminded of the threats against us and am thankful for our Capitol Police and security and intelligence forces who work each day to protect us from such threats.  I'm working with a heavy heart this morning as our neighbors are in harms way, and ask that you to say extra prayers today for those involved.

Perks of the Job

photo courtesy of Stephen Crowley, The New York Times

President Obama was at the Capitol today meeting with Congressional Democrats.  Like I said, busy week!  Guess who was in the Thursday, August 1st The New York Times?!?!?!

Yes, I know, the picture below is sub-par, so please excuse my meager attempts to artistically correct a blurry photo.  What can I say, the man moves quickly.  The second is a much better shot with Majority Leader Reid--thanks Todd Zwillich!




 

This is the part of the job which I love most.  Not so much who I end up seeing (but hey--being a foot away from the President isn't too shabby), but the actual planning and executing press coverage for events.  It keeps me on my toes, keeps me energized, and keeps me motivated.  My dad always said, "It doesn't feel like a job if you're loving what you do."  Today, busy as it was, didn't feel like a job.  It just felt like a good day as a lucky girl.