Easter Eggs & Fortune Cookies

I arrived at work on Friday morning to a flurry of commotion in the hallway outside my workspace. Kevin, Jeremy and Amber were running and laughing towards the end of the hallway with Target bags in their hands, and my first instinct was... "Wasn't April Fools Day yesterday?!" It only took seconds for me to realize that they weren't distributing jokes, but collecting eggs. One might think that a "bunny hunt" would be a little more appropriate than an easter egg hunt for the headquarters of the National Rifle Association, but don't be fooled, the people, in our division at least, are all kids at heart.

Breanne (our admin) had hidden eggs throughout the division, and sent out an email declaring that the egg hunt would begin at 9 and the winner would receive a prize. Now you must realize that three of the most competitive and energetic individuals often are among the first to arrive, and they just couldn't wait until 9. Fortunately, I arrived early too, and didn't miss out on the fun. I dropped my bag and joined the hunt. We scoured the whole division for the 30-something eggs cleverly hidden in printers, microwaves, fax boxes, and file drawers, all found before the 8:40 crowd showed up. Although I was not the winner, it was quite fun, and we were tasked with re-hiding the eggs for the others who would start the hunt at 9. It made for quite a fun morning, but let's be honest.... who wants to work after starting a morning that way?! Good thing I had a mindless task that kept me busy for a good 3 hours. (Jennifer B.- Making raffle packs has replaced folding newsletters, but raffle packs don't take the forearm power. :)  )

Kara and I were Easter twins for the day. Our original plan was to wear our matching green pants, and I knew she was planning a pink shirt. I honestly didn't plan to wear the pink and be completely matching, but when I woke up, little else matched with the green pants. Of course, some people (ahem- Clay) say that pink and green don't match, but the Preppy Handbook says otherwise. And I know, because my college roommate Sarah had an original copy (literally). :)

After a long day of spring fever and playtime at work, I drove back to my neck of the woods with the windows rolled down and Oldies blaring through my speakers. For some reason, I had this huge craving for my favorite summertime cocktail, and I decided to see if my local ABC store was cool enough to carry the Southern delicacy called Firefly. To my great surprise, they stocked it in all its flavors (I must say I was unaware that it came in anything other than original). So I proceeded to the checkout counter where I was for the first time ever in a liquor store greeted by a white man with absolutely no foreign accent. I ran in the grocery store to get the frozen lemonade required of Clay and I's creation. The final product:

mmmm.... sweet summertime I can see you coming 'round the bend. :)

Today hasn't been so exciting after yesterday's tomfoolery, but it's been a good day! I opened the windows and screen door to let in the nice cool breeze and the springtime sounds while I scoured the internet for possible new residences. I must say, I did get a little frustrated at one point, but I think there is a light at the end of the tunnel that I can just barely see glimmering in the distance.

This evening, I continued the new book I began last night when I thought it was just too nice a day to watch tv while sipping my Arnold Palmer. It's based on the true story of a woman named Eastern Jewel who had a notorious place in history, albeit a rather scandalous one. The story takes place in China, Japan and Mongolia, and so I thought how better to enjoy it than with some Chinese takeout?

The title of each chapter is some type of food or delicacy, i.e. "Snake and Chrysanthemum Soup" or "Airag and Russian Tea with Salt", so I thought how fitting that I name this post "Easter Eggs and Fortune Cookies." Then I thought... Easter eggs and fortune cookies have a common link. Can you figure out what it is?

Working For the Weekend

Maybe I was born in the 80s when Loverboy's song hit the top of the charts, but I am happy to say that not everyone is "working for the weekend." I sincerely love my job, and enjoy going in to work. Like all of us there are aspects that, well, may be a bit undesirable, but overall, I'm very happy to be at work surrounded by great, creative people, and doing something I genuinely care about.

Many of you have asked what my workspace is like, and I've taken a cue from Amber in showing you exactly what it looks like. I'm hoping to spruce it up with some color after my trip to Michaels Crafts tomorrow. At this point it doesn't look very.... well, me. :)

I get lots of mail and packages, and it's kind of like Christmas when I open donations... things I've been waiting for and drooling over for weeks finally show up on my little cube's countertop. (It seems I've always worked on a countertop...There's a wooden desk out there for me someday!)

This one piece of mail caught my attention, as the stamps are actually lick and stick, which are virtually non-existent now. Even more unusual is the fact that they're 4 cent stamps. Crazy thing... he's sent me two letters like this now. HA!

The pearls were a happy from Amber and Kara on St. Patty's day. I told you we've got the most fun division at the NRA!

This impressive donation (we got two of them) needed a photo for the web, so Jeremy and I got creative with a makeshift photo studio. This isn't the final product, but I still love the scope. We're putting it on a custom firearm for live auction and expecting it to make bank. Speaking of web... Check out my Auction Catalog (Still a work in progress, but I'm especially proud of the firearms page.) www.friendsofnra.org/annualmeeting

Cool happening... I got to meet the "man in charge" when he came to sign 20 guns for our Elite Sponsor Program. Many of you know I don't really get too excited about celebrity sightings, so it was nice to get to meet LaPierre in this relaxed setting where I actually got to have a normal conversation with him, crack a few jokes, and hear a few stories. Check out a recap of that day here.

Maybe I don't work for the weekend, but I do work for my beauty sleep! So very tired!! Night!

New Adventures with Old Friends

Our dear friend has graciously allowed us (Sarah W. and Danielle) to post a blog about our fun weekend!  Although we've written blog posts before for internships and school, this is our first blog post about life.  So, pardon us, for we are a bit nervous.  Sarah's visit yesterday began with a looong drive from DC to Williamsburg.  A drive that could take two hours took four due to heavy traffic - an unfortunate consequence of living farther north.  Once she arrived, we ran some last minute essential errands, like buying mascara and fake eyelashes.  In Converse fashion, we all did our makeup together and remembered fun events like Peppermint Ball.  Danielle had to rush down the street to set up the venue for the Bureaucrat Ball, the new public policy formal.  Sarah ran down and brought Danielle some dinner while Sarah W. addressed some technical issues the DJ was having and searched the Burg for speakers.  Fortunately, everything was resolved with some help from James City County.  The Bureaucrat Ball was a success, and we had a great time being dressed up!  It's always great to see our classmates outside of Morton Hall!  Here is a series of photos from the night:

Of course, Sunday in the Burg would not have been complete without a visit to the local diner, Five Forks.  Smores pancakes and gravy biscuits were amazing!  For a final part of our girls weekend, we are heading to the amazing Williamsburg outlets!  Hopefully Danielle will be good and window shop only, but let's be realistic...  Sarah, we are so happy that you came for a visit and hope you will come back soon!  We are so grateful and blessed to call you our best friend!