Forgive the lack of punctuation and stick with me for my Faulknerian post. (Post-script - It seems the text for the pictures ended up a little under-formatted as well...I'm still learning!)

In my car ride home I was considering a philosophy that's come to me later in life: older adults always say the years fly by and kids grow up so fast, but as kids, a year seems like an eternity. You know those days where you felt like your birthday would never arrive or how incredibly long the schoolyear felt, it just didn't make sense when people said life flies by you. But somehow, as every year of my life passes the years do seem shorter and the weeks feel like they go by in minutes. Hence my belief that every year older we are, the faster that year disappears not because its truly shorter but because the fraction of our lives that a year is grows smaller and smaller, i.e. to my handsome young nephews 1 year is 1/6 of their lives, but for me 1 year is 1/23 of my life.

So what I was trying to decide on my way home (well actually I'm writing the text for this at each stoplight-there are 19) was is there any tangible scenario that represents this same idea? Most everything I considered represents the opposite. 20 voices speak louder than one, it's better to come with an army than 1 soldier. What can you come up with that represents this idea? And do you agree that life seems to move quicker the older you get?

And the reason I considered all of this, was that my darling nieces and nephews are growing up so fast! They are so very intelligent and respectful, and I am so proud of each and every one of them. And I am so excited to see our newest addition Henry as he grows even more handsome than he is now! I picked some of my faves from my visit with everyone to show you their precious personalities!

He looks scared but he's focusing since he's taking the photo. :)

Sweet comfort!

This will be a short post, but I must express to you my joy! I'm in my OWN bed in for the first time in a month. Bye, bye little air mattress! Did I mention that I've been blessed with one of the most comfortable beds ever?!

M&D followed me up from the holidays in NC with the uHaul trailer behind them, and I am so grateful they did! I haven't had much time to actually go through everything, but it's so nice to have more clothing options, my kitchen supplies (expect a baking post soon), excessive towels, and most of all my bed.

The holidays were wonderful, and I look forward to posting about them....tomorrow. For tonight, I am saying goodnight and enjoying my new(0ld), sweet comfort!

Bon soir, mon amis!

Curls and Pearls: Christmas Edition

Sometimes in life we need gentle little reminders of those things that we know deep down. You know those things, that if asked, we know the correct answer, but "things" can get in the way. My gentle reminder: Christmas really is about two important things... celebrating Jesus's birth and being with/remembering family. That's all. It's not about the items you open or the place you are. The video is a clip in the vein of the intro scene (not available on youtube) to one of my favorite Christmas movies, Love Actually. The simplicity of this scene keeps you humble and reminds us the power of love and family. I hope it touches you the way it does me.

Christmas was much different for the Young/Eaton/Barrineau family this year, definitely for the still Young family. We spent Christmas Eve in a Holiday Inn Express, and enjoyed continental brkfst surrounded by snow and xmas trees that we didn't decorate. Christmas presents weren't all wrapped, and they sat on a table rather than under a tree. But, I could've cared less the package or what came in it (althought they were awesome), because I spent it with people I love. With the past year being so unpredictable, I wasn't even sure that I'd be spending Christmas with anyone, and I'm so grateful that not only did I spend it with my fam, but I also got to enjoy seeing my BEAUTIFUL new nephew, Henry. And, yes, he's a boy, and he's beautiful. ;) It's amazing, it feels like yesterday that we had the first Christmas with the Andrew and Matthew. I can't wait to see them all today!

So, enough of my sentimental chatter, and on to the pictures! I was Santa this year, thanks to my hat from Jingle Step Aerobics.

Christmas Breakfast in the Lobby - Not exactly the usual belgian waffles, but a white Christmas, with trees! :)

Two essential elements to a stocking: an orange in the toe and nuts.

New toy! Very snazzy camera perfect size for an evening clutch!

Demonstrating my new toy!


Daddy's first attempt at a "self-portrait" without a remote control! Pretty good, right?

Momma and me!

Cute photo of M&D.
Smallest Young family tree, with presents.

"Christmas Dinner"

Playing Santa for the Barrineau's.

Christmas Baby!! :) Isn't he just the sweetist thing?! I'm so proud of Jennifer and Bryan!

Self-portrait take 2. Better!

The "babies."


Christmas baking with Momma.

And the results!! :) Aren't they beautiful, thanks to my new cake decorating tips!

Thankful for 2 babies this Christmas!

Common Miconceptions About Snow

Christmas lights look pretty on houses covered in snow.

• They only look pretty when people actually take the time to clean off the lights/bushes after they've slaved away all day cleaning off their driveway so they can make it to work in the morning.

A weekend snow blizzard equals a weekend of great outdoors fun.

• So, you want to know what I did all weekend? Watch TV, eat, take pictures, sleep, clean off car, watch my car almost get smashed between an SUV and a maxima without even moving, oh and did I say EAT. Hence why I worked out today.

Everything shuts down when it snows.

• Unfortunately, just because DC is in the middle of the blizzard, doesn't mean the rest of the nation is covered in snow. THEREFORE, the NRA never closes. Period. Apparently the government, all schools, and everything but retailers and headquarters shut down. That does not mean that parking lots are clean and easy to maneuver thru!

Snow is easy to walk around in.

• Even with my wonderful LL Bean duck boots, I was slipping and sliding everywhere! Why do movies always make snow-walking look so smooth?

Snow plows clear the streets.

• Snow plows only clear the streets they feel like, and they don't do the greatest job ever. So, a road that used to be 2 lanes, is now one, and a right turning lane is now a straight lane, and they do a "half-butt" job in parking lots. My roommate Michelle said half-butt, and I just thought it was too cute not to repeat. Fortunately, I did make it to work in less time than usual, because half the world is shut down (it just so happens I'm in the half that isn't).

Shoveling pretty fluffy snow is easy.

• Shoveling is not easy, whether it's snow or dirt. And it's especially not easy when you don't have a shovel. In fact, when you only have a plastic bucket it really, really stinks.

But on a POSITIVE note!

1)My little nephew was born on Saturday! I'm so proud of my sister! She has a beautiful, healthy, boy!

2)The SUV that almost smushed me ended up being the way that I was able to get out on time this morning.

3)I got a package in the mail at work this morning!!

Stranded in a mound of snow

All bundled up in red!

Muffintop bushes. :)

Brrrr!!! My fingers could hardly move at this point! Istoners aren't exactly snow gloves. :) Anybody want to send me snow mittens for Christmas?

Attempting to be artistic with the trees...

As I said, it was an attempt. :)

Eskimo Sarah

My building with the icicles dripping from the roof top.

View to the street, usually bustling with cars and busses.

My building from the parking lot. I'm to the right of the stairs.

Toto, we're not in South Carolina anymore!

... And it keeps coming down!

I took these pics about 3 hours ago, and it has been coming down steadily since I shook myself off to come inside. The most snow I've ever seen.

My bed has a flat...

You know those games you play to "get to know" people. Well there's this one where you have to come up with three random facts about yourself. My standard, super random fact is that I like to read magazines (newspapers and the like) from back to front. So, in honor of that favorite random fact. I'm going to write about my day as if it happened backwards.

One thing I really liked about living in a hotel is that I never have to wash towels, and my supply is unlimited! ---that, and not much else, I miss. Somehow, only 2 towels ended up in DC with me, and I don't like to reuse towels that much so that involves a lot of washing, since I often shower twice a day. So... silly me, gets home from working out and remembers I need to wash. So what do I do, but put ALL my towels in the wash. The washing door locks, and I realize. MAN! I need to shower soon. Too bad! I guess I'll have to wait another hour and a half....Silly me... shower first, THEN wash towels. Duh, Sarah! This wouldn't happen if the maid delivered me fresh ones!

And I needed to shower too, because I tried a new class at the gym tonight, and it was quite the workout! BodyStep is what its usually called (don't ask me why ALL Gold's Gym classes have the word Body at the beginning), but tonight it was "JingleStep." The instructor was dressed in a santa dance costume complete with the hat, belt, and elves! She had three leaders in the front of the class directing with her, and they were all in xmas attire. They even gave out Santa hats for us to wear... NOT optional. I'm pretty sure Big, Jolly Santa Claus does NOT do BodyStep!!! It was fun, though. I'll be taking that class every Thursday now, I guess.

Work has been pretty busy lately. I hope y'all enjoyed seeing some pictures of my coworkers on Amber's blog, and maybe even got a laugh out of some of them. And, Amber's mom- Amber did blogologize for stealing my blog. :) Check out some of our work. My contribution to this particular issue was only the back cover ad for Annual Meeting, but I'm still proud of my team's work! Oh, and while your on that web page scroll down to see the animated Annual Meeting button I designed!

On a different work note, my friend and coworker Sarah Budi sent me quite the funny pics from her beau's office environment today.

The view from outside his office, stopping traffic and keeping a kids field trip from getting to see the Nutcracker they waited all year for. THANKS Greenpeace...

The view from Jared's office. "Climate Talks Hostage Negotiater" RIDIC!

I'm learning just how far I can push it and still make it to work on time. Not on purpose of course! 7:50 still gets me there in time! But I need to get in bed early tonight to avoid seeing how far is too far!


Speaking of sleep, I woke up on the floor this morning, and no, not because I rolled off onto the floor... I'm pretty sure this air mattress has developed a slow leak. But only 7 more days on it. I GUESS I can survive, but I'll reserve judgement until I wake up tomorrow morning.

Despite waking up on the floor, I've had a great day! Ok, so maybe it wasn't the craziest, most exciting day you've ever read about, but it did have some highlights.

Oh, and to round out the three random facts: 2)I don't like individual skittles, they must be eaten by the handful. 3)I'm clostrophobic.

Gutennacht!

Amber's a blog thief!!! :)

So Amber stole all my thunder! But there's a reason her job involves writing, and mine... does not. :) Check out our fun night and pics on Anibproductions. Thanks Josh, for guilting me into not working out!

Tomorrow I'm determined to have a more exciting life, and update you all on the highlights! But for today, I have writers block.

Even the Energizer Bunny needs to rest!

Yay! I have another "follower" as of today! Thanks for being a proud reader of my blog, Uncle John! :) Please click "follow" if you haven't already. I think it gives you updates about when I post, plus, it makes me feel loved. ;)

I got in trouble this evening for not blogging all weekend. Apparently someone checks this thing first thing in the morning and sends it out to all his/her friends. ;) Sorry, I know, I've been bad, actually, I've been lazy.

I spent almost all weekend "recharging," apparently even the energizer bunny needs to get recharged sometimes. Allen said that's what I've been the last three+ weeks, and after he said it I realized just how true he was, and I snuggled deeper under the blanket for another episode of Law&Order without a pinch of guilt. Oh yeah, I had great plans to see the capitol this weekend, but that went down the drain.

So, what did I do besides watch reruns of Law&Order you ask? Well, not much, really. I was only out of the apartment for like... 3 hours total. I know, ridic! Next weekend!

Some of you have heard me say that grocery shopping is my "sanity." Well... NO MORE! I'm hoping it was just the season, but the Harris Teeter (Publix equivalent) was SLAMMED with people, and not only was it slammed, they were ...not very nice...(don't tell anyone from here that I said that). You know me... I'm a little, well, indecisive when it comes to certain things. Let's say I needed chili starter (which I'm getting for xmas thanks to Clay), and I didn't know exactly which kind I wanted. I like to stand and look at the labels, consider the ingredients and nutri facts, decide which brand is cheaper per oz, which one do I really think will taste better, etc.,etc. THAT is how I like to shop. That is NOT allowed up here. Well, I mean, it's allowed, but you've got some couple standing behind you with their buggy waiting to look at the chili starters, and someone to your left looking at the other aisle, and someone trying to squeeze between to make it through the maze. Oh, it's just a nightmare. And we all know how I feel about being confined with others in small spaces. Talk about spaz out Sarah!

On a nicer note, I tried out a church that Brooke, my oldest(although someone recently thougt she was younger than me) sister, suggested. I was a little skeptical when I found out they meet in movie theaters, but I really enjoyed it. The show would have been almost sold out, if it were actually a movie. "Scandal" was the name of the Christmas series, and it was a look into the genealogy of Christ. I had already heard this spin, but it was a cool thing to look back at the four women mentioned in Christ's genealogy. Do you know them? Tamar (disguised herself as a prostitue and seduced her father in law after he renigged on his promise and became pregnant by him), Rahab (a prostitute who was saved because she housed the Hebrew spies), Ruth (an outsider, non-Jew/Hebrew), and Bethsheba (a woman who was raped by the King). They each had what some would consider a "black mark" on their past or on their lives in general, but isn't it cool that God used them to create Jesus?!

I finally went to the gym today after a long day of work. My head was POUNDING before, but I was determined to go today. I couldn't put it off any longer! So, I suffered through it, but I almost told that membership sales guy that I really did NOT have the patience for him today. Thankfully, I survived. Although, after that BodyPump class, I'm pretty sure that I'm going to be in pain all day tomorrow. Oh, but don't you love that "I know I had a REALLY good work out" pain. :) I do!


No photos tonight, sorry!

Cribs: DC

There is much to talk about today!

I didn't have internet last night to post, but thank you to everyone who was worried that I didn't. :) Internet is now up, and pictures are ready to go! So let's get down to business!

My fellow blogger and colleague Amber asked me today what I was going to blog about this weekend, and I said, "My new place, duh!" Check out Amber's post with our Santa picture!

I'm totally stoked to finally have space to call my own, at least for the next 3 months or more. My new roommate, Michelle, is super sweet, and I'm blessed to have such a great place for so reasonable a price.

I left the hotel yesterday am before work and headed straight to the condo after work. The commute isn't too bad, about 35-45 minutes, which is really good up here. It would've been wonderful this morning except I got turned around, several times. SO frustrating! The road that I work on is called Waples Mill, but when I turn onto that road off of Braddock it's "Shirley Gate," which I did NOT know this morning. The roads up here are rather unforgiving, and so I ended up doing circle upon circle just trying to get back to Braddock. Finally I caved and called my boss when I was 20 minutes behind my anticipated EARLY arrival time. He knew I was moving in last night and graciously helped me, and forgave my 10 minute tardiness. Thank you, Jeremy!!

My room is ultra bare, because all my stuff is still at Mom and Dad's. Fortunately, it won't be too long before they're coming up to visit and bring stuff!

The week is over, and it's been a great one. I'm really doing a job I love, and I think it will be a good fit for me at this point in my life. Today, I have to admit, was a little long. I'm used to my Friday afternoon's off, but I guess it's worth it. Much of the design work I'm doing, I can't show you until they're published, but today my website button went live. It's at the bottom of the page and has a checkered background. Did I mention I spent almost all of Monday pm finding mailing addresses for all NASCAR teams? Me and NASCAR are going to be tight be the end of May! :)

One other thing I wanted to share was a venison recipe that was published on the NRA blog just the other day. Oh, and if you haven't done so already, go to the NRA Blog and look under community outreach. Many of those tabs detail the Field Ops Division, which includes me!

Fat and Fat-Burning

Today was a busy day, full of designing, meetings, corresponding, and much more. I did have the opportunity to meet one of the staff in my division that I've yet to have time to speak with. Josh is a campaign-lover pent up in a finance position. He is moving next week though to GUESS where?! Lexington, SC! His fiance lives in that new development at 378 and 20 right across from John Deere. You know, the one over by the new Honda dealership. He's moving in somewhere else and they are getting married at Wintergreen in July. Isn't that just a coinkydink! :)

I had a moment of "to" or "not to." Work out. :( I just can't be inspired by the below:

I am SO unmotivated by machines. I mean, really, what about a beeping machine that sounds like it's about to break says, "I just can't wait for you to join me at your work-out tonight." NOT inviting. BUT, I did it anyways, because I can just see my definition going away. GRR! All that hard work is leaving quickly.

And then I thought about all the calories I didn't eat today and decided I could enjoy the Warm Delight Brownie that mom sent with me.

I haven't quite found my photography wings yet. I'm hoping I'll get the gift my dad and sister did. I'd love to have one of those fancy baking blogs where I photograph all my beautiful, tasty creations to share with the world. I have a LONG way to go in perfecting my photo skills, OBVI!

I move into the condo tomorrow! Woohoo! I'm so happy to have a "place".

If I were a boy...

Don't get me wrong, I'm thankful I'm a girl, and I wouldn't want it any other way, but some days... I think life would be easier as a boy.

• No money spent on make-up.
• I could flip my boxers inside out and wear them over again, thus reducing the need to wash clothes.
• The obvious one.
• And, I could get ready for work in... 30 minutes or less.

Speaking of the second one... I'm about to the HAVE to do laundry point. But, I couldn't find the nearby laundromat on the way home from work, and the plug in my sink is engineered poorly keeping me from plugging the sink to handwash. Of course, I could go downstairs, ask, and drive to the nearby laundromat (that wasn't where they originally told me), but I'm in pjs, and I honestly just don't want to!

I must say, though, that for everyone of those points above, I have another one to match it as to why I wouldn't want to be a boy!

Work's been busy and interesting this week. It is, as to be expected, beginning to feel a little more like work. That's ok, though. I still really enjoy it, and I feel like I'm making an impact. We've had three award ceremonies since Friday, so I've got a little fire under me to get one next year! I couldn't have come in at a better time!

I'm watching this public television type cooking show, and she's making a seven layer breakfast sandwich which is made on bagels, but she's driving me nuts!!! She has great camera presence and her food looks good, but she's from Wisconsin. Not that I'm against people from Wisconsin, but she says "bagels" unlike anyone I've ever heard. She says bag-ul. I can't do it justice, and no, it sounds nothing like Danielle's Colorado bagel. Not that y'all cared to know all that.

Can we talk about how tired I am of hearing about Tiger Woods? Isn't there more important news to be talking about? Seriously?! Although, the SNL skit with Blake Lively was actually quite funny... If you haven't seen it, youTube it.

Sorry, no pictures, and nothing too thrilling. I'm hoping to hop the metro this weekend to see some sites, so I hope to have more interesting things then. Oh, and I'll have new place pics by Thursday, so make sure you check in Friday morning to see my new place.

Until then... xoxo

Content with the Contents

We all know (or should know) that college students always have either a fridge full of random food or virtually empty, but what about those corporate people that live for weeks in a hotel. What do they keep in their fridges? Especially those corporate hotel habitants that are relatively... low on cash.

Well let me fill you in!

Other than the bag of popcorn and semi-stale candy corn that I just now remembered I have, that's all the food I own! Thanks to mom (gatorade and warm delights) and Brooke (peach or pear preserves)! Oh, and Brooke gave me a supply of homemade spiced tea mix, which is depleting quickly. Thanks Mom and Brooke!

Some of you may be aware that I often say, "Grocery shopping is my sanity." I actually breathed a sigh of relief when I walked into the "Giant" grocery store on my way home from work. Oh, and "Giant" grocery stores are not so giant. :) I miss Publix...

Shopping was actually a little complex seeing that I needed items that would make several meals, but didn't have to be frozen, baked, or cooked in a pan. Fortunately, the food part of the bill totalled less than $22. It should keep me from starving until Thursday when I move into the condo.

The condo is still mine, but I won't be able to move in due to a slight technical difficulty until Thursday. A little bump in the road, but I'm grateful for knowing at least one thing that will happen in the future! PTL!

On a different note! I discovered one thing I CANNOT live without up here.

LOTION!

This weather is killing my hands!

This stuff is incredible!! My only regret is that I only bought one bottle at the grocery store! I should've bought one for here at the hotel and one to take to the office.

I'm also grateful for the fact that I have a to do list at work! Jeremy and I sat down and discussed what I need to get accomplished over the next few weeks, and I can't tell you how nice it feels to get home from a long day at work and know that you were productive! I'm looking forward to buckling down and getting a chunk knocked off the list this week, and by the end of the week, I'll also be productive in moving into a new place!

I think I've talked enough for one post, eventhough I do have much more to tell! I'll save it for next post! ;)

xoxo