The Real Me

This past week was really a great one for me.  I want to say it was life changing, but that will be determined by what I do over the coming months with what I've learned over the past few days.

About a month ago I was told that I had been picked to participate in a leadership development program for my company.  I knew that it was a real honor to be "tapped" for this and knew that it would be both challenging and rewarding.  About a week before the retreat I started thinking about how this could impact my life outside of work.  I realized that this was an incredible opportunity for preparation for the "rest of my life".  If I wasn't excited before, I was certainly excited after that realization.  I just wasn't sure what to expect and exactly how far out of my comfort zone I'd be asked to go.  This brought an understandable amount of apprehension.  But God is good and I certainly grew through the information and experiences the week brought.

I've always laughed that I've always operated outside of the lines, just a bit different from most people around me.  I joke about how wierd and wacky I can be.  Well, after this week, it all makes a little more sense.  As part of the preparation for the week we had to take a personality test and a "natural abilities" test.  The results of these, combined with some very helpful interpretation by the consultants leading the training, revealed, or should I say reminded, me of who I am.  Of how I'm wired and what that means for how I do what I do.  I've been so focused for so long on succeeding at work and getting things done that I've forgotten how much more I thrive when I'm with people.  Not only with them, but helping them see the potential they have and doing all I can to help them figure out how to achieve it.  I've let so much get in the way.  I've forgotten so many of my passions, or at least let them get pushed very far into the background. 

What I hope to see as a result of this week is change.  Change in the way I start my day.  Change in the way I let tasks affect my life.  A rememberance of what's important to me.  A focus on living now, not just hoping my days are preparing me for "someday".  I want to become fluent in one of those languages I'm always learning little bits of.  To take amazing pictures and actually make something out of them that others can enjoy.  To sing and play and worship like I'm really free from all the pressures of the world around me. 

So for those of you out there who really know me, I have one request.  Hold me to this.  Keep me accountable for living a real, free, effective life.  One that I'm passionate about and not just making my way through.  And knowing how great my friends are, I'll go ahead and say "thanks" for doing this for me.

It's been a while

I got my hair did...

I was tired of not having a real hair style and wanted a real change.  After much research on internet virtual makeover tools, I went to a new stylist armed with my ideas.  Granted, a new style is stressful enough, but add in a completely new stylist to the mix and it's just a bit risky :)  She had somewhat different ideas of what would look good on me.  And since she's the professional, I let her lead. 

So, here's the result.  What do ya think?  (Remember, you always tell a girl her new hair do looks great LOL)

The new look

And with the stylish glasses...

Now for a new color.  Any recommendations?

BTW, these are in my Fairfax office, so you've gotten a glimpse of that, too. :)

SNOW....at last!

Well, I went outside to walk Charlie earlier and opened the door to find a decent accumulation of the white stuff.  I've been wondering if it would ever come and it finally has.  It was so great to hear the crunching of it under my feet.  I couldn't' help but don a big grin as I walked through it.  I guess I'm just a big kid :)

Here's the view down my street.

Charlie wasn't too fazed by his first snow.

I was reminded of a very important lesson during our outing.....

Don't eat yellow snow!

High Fashion, Espionage, and Sweet Georgia Brown

I'm in DC for the weekend thanks to work, so I thought I'd take in some of the sights.  No, I haven't made it to the Smithsonian or the White House.  The first stop was a toss up.  I wasn't sure which was more pressing, visiting the spy museum or shopping at  the much anticipated H&M.  You see, I've heard about this wonderful store for forever and I'm a bit embarrassed to say it was really the one thing I wanted to do while in DC.  But due to the threat of long lines at the International Spy Museum, I decided to go there first.  I'm glad I did.  They tell you to count on 2 hours in the museum.  I think I was there for at least 3 1/2.  It was really interesting; I could certainly go back.  There were a lot of areas I skimmed over due to the crowds.  Can I just say I'm thankful for the people who teach their kids manners - and have them themselves.  I thought if one more person walked/stood in front of me while I was looking at an exhibit I was going to scream!  But I digress.

Since lunch had come and gone while I was in the museum, I decided to make time for food.  I headed down the street and found an interesting looking place called Potbelly Sandwich Works.  If you ever get a chance to visit one, I'd recommend it.

Then it was on to H&M!  It was pretty crowded - especially since it was tax-free weekend and they had a big sale.  But I pressed on and found some good stuff. 

After walking and standing all day I was ready for a nap!  I headed back to my hotel and hung out for a while.  Upon my request for dinner suggestions, my friend Tom (from the Brazil trip) told me about Georgia Brown's.  Am I glad he did!  It was delicious.  It's nice to know there's something mildly Southern hidden here.   Here's the description of the tasty meal I had.

Pan Roasted Blackberry Duck Breast

With Andouille and Cheddar Grits, sauteed Spinach and Sweet and Sour Blackberry Sauce

 Yummy! 

I'm so thankful that the heat wave has subsided here.  It was really a gorgeous day for walking today.  Maybe I'll make it to some historic sites tomorrow.