Ain't nothing but a number

On Monday I turned 30.

It's funny that as you age milestone birthdays go from being exciting, like becoming a teenage at 13 or old enough for booze at 21, to something you are supposed to dread, like leaving your twenties for the "big 30." Seeing as I can only speak on those birthdays leading up to 30, I'd like to turn the tables on age and embrace it.

Here is a self portrait I took for a photo class assignment in college at age 20. I am not sure what I was "trying to say" when I made this picture but it is interesting to come across it ten years later.

As I look back at the 20-year-old me, I'd like to give her some simple advice, perhaps the same advice I'd give myself now:

- Be a good person, even to a stranger

- Appreciate what you have

- Work hard

- Learn

- Laugh

I've lived a lot of life in the last 30 years and in an optimistic stance, I can't wait to see what the next 30 have in store.

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Travel: D.C. for the Holidays

Somehow I racked up over a hundred hours of vacation at work. With the year winding down, I figured it was time to commit to a trip. So I booked a ticket and flew out to spend the Thanksgiving weekend visiting my friend Emily in Washington D.C.

Along with Emily's parents and boyfriend Adam, we checked out a few of the must-sees in the area starting with George Washington's digs, Mt. Vernon.

Some of the animals (yes a camel!) living on the grounds of Mt. Vernon. Apple the turkey is one of the birds that President Obama pardoned this year. After the holidays Apple will be moved to a special pen where he will live out his days with his brother, Cider!

After Mt. Vernon we made it over to Arlington National Cemetery. We were lucky with a little left over fall color. It really is a moving experience.

A view of the Washington Monument from Arlington. Can you see it? Right in the middle.

The sky as the evening sets in on a long day!

A view of the Capitol building from a terrace deck at the Newseum in downtown D.C.

Special thanks to Emily and Adam! Thanks for showing me a great time and being great friends!

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In need of a good home

I think it's pretty evident that I have a fondness for animals, some may even call it a "bleeding heart." When my friend Betsy told me she had found a litter of kittens abandoned on her property, I knew I had to stop by and meet (love) them for myself. While Betsy and her boyfriend Chad are caring for these furballs now, they'd ultimately like to find a good home(s) for them.

I hope these photos convince you to acquire a feline compainion, I can put you in touch with Betsy!