Some pics from July Miami trip
Tag: Life
Dad FINALLY got his deck!
My dad bought his house back in January 2010, and ever since, he talked about adding a deck. Yesterday, the deck was FINALLY finished! It ONLY took 6 days and was built by Long Fence. Earlier this year, Dad thought he’d have a small company build the deck, BUT that turned out NOT to be a good option.
After Dad chose the builder, he had to get his plan/design approved by Montogomery County. There was a permit fee, too. In total, about 5 guys worked on this deck; three of them were a family. Two older teen boys worked w/ their dad; Dad said they were VERY well-mannered and hard-working. The father moved to Mexico from his native El Salvador when he was just 17 y.o. Then he married a Mexican lady, they moved to the U.S. in the ’90s, started a small contracting business, and raised their kids.
Update & what I’m watching now
Hi all!
BREAKING NEWS: I just read around 11 p.m. tonight (on Twitter & CNN web site) that Osama Bin Ladin is DEAD!!! Wow, after ALL this time! I’m sure we’ll hear more about it in the A.M.
UPDATE ON ME:
I didn’t write ANYTHING on the blog in April, can you believe it!? I meant to, but was feeling a BIT lethargic (about everything, NOT just blogging). I REALLY need to concentrate on eating better this month; it seems like I lose motivation easily. (I feel heavier than when I was in NYC- 2.5 yrs ago.) Also, I need to weigh myself to see the REAL damage. Thankfully, I’m still the SAME size in clothing! But I hate buying clothes lately b/c things don’t look quite right.
Yesterday, I came across David Garcia’s blog (Keep It Up, David) re: his battle w/ weight and his plan to eat better/exercise. You may have seen him on Ellen; he was a production assistant on her show. I added him to my blogroll. His story is VERY inspirational; he’s lost 150 lbs. in about a year!
As for the apt/roommate(s) search- it’s on again after a LOOOONG break! The bad news- rents (in DC metro area) have risen in the past 6 mos. And this isn’t just in ONE area, it’s everywhere (or so it seems). Also, I’ve recently decided that I want to find a place where I can have my OWN bathroom. My mom (yes, she’s still in Indy ‘burbs) keeps saying that I don’t NEED to move, but I WANT to! I don’t think adults (who have decent jobs/some savings) should live w/ their parents. (No offense to any singletons who still DOES live w/ their relatives, BUT it’s just not for me. As some of you know, I’ve lived w/ my Dad since December 2008.)
WHAT I’M WATCHING NOW:
American Idol (Fox) – My fave is boy-next-door 16 y.o. traditionalist country singer, Scotty McCreery, from North Carolina. I want to adopt his as my 2nd lil bro!
Game of Thrones (HBO) – This is a NEW series starring Sean Bean (who I love), Lean Headey (a lovely Brit), Peter Dinkage (American), Harry Lloyd (up-and-coming young Brit), and MANY more talented actors of all ages. I wasn’t TOO impressed with the 1st ep, BUT the 2nd ep totally wowed me! The sets, locations, and costumes are AMAZING to say the least.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (NBC) – This show, which I watch pretty religiously, is STILL going strong. They are focusing more on Olivia these days (which I like). I think it’s irritating to keep switching ADAs, though, and heard that Casey Novak will be back soon.
Treme (HBO) – Veteran character actor David Morse and Jon Seda (who seems to NEVER age) have joined the emsemble cast for S2 of the critically-loved show. Go check it out!
Pics after blizzard on WED, 1/26
Update on me… and more!
Hey everyone,
How is your summer going? Last week in DC was VERY humid (like Bangladesh, BUT not as extreme). But I’m sure plenty of people were badly affected nonetheless! I joined the pricy, but nice/clean Washington Sports Club (WSC) in downtown Silver Spring and plan to go to the group exercises classes Mon-Thurs. Since I had a coupon, I bought some (comfy) gym clothes from Land’s End.
From eBay, I bought this (super cute) yoga bag and mat set. These are made by Gaiam.
On Thursday, a storm came in around 4 p.m. out all of a sudden. The sky became unusually dark and threatening before the lightening, thunder, and heavy rainfall (for a short time). There were electricity, Metro, traffic, and tree-falling problems. But this time, power outages occurred mostly in Alexandria (NoVa), not so much in MoCo (where Dad and I live).
Dad is happy to have a new 40″ Samsung HD TV for the (upstairs) living room. He bought a 32″ TV before, but thought that was a BIT too small. Next up for the house- a backyard deck.
What I’m currently reading:
Days of Obligation: An Argument with My Mexican Father by Richard Rodriguez
War Dances by Sherman Alexie
What I’m currently watching:
Horatio Hornblower (Collector’s Edition)
Bored w/ modern TV shows? Check out this old-fashioned, British action-adventure series (which includes 8 full-length movies on 8 DVDs) starring a very young Ioan Gruffudd and Jamie Bamber. Midshipman Horatio Hornblower is a 17 y.o. boy when he first joins the Royal Navy in 1795. The Brits are at war w/ France, so there are plenty of battles at sea, hand-to-hand sword combat, and even some mystery and romance. Aside from that, you see the development of a bright, honorable, well-intentioned youngster as he grows from a boy to a man (and leader).
St Elsewhere (Season 1)
See the medical drama that came before ALL the rest! Though the pace is slower than ER, the issues faced by the docs, nurses, patients, and their loved ones are often very touching and realistic. The ensemble cast includes energetic up-and-comers Denzel Washington (confident; bold), Howie Mandel (funny, yet sensitive), and David Morse (an obvious inspiration for ER’s caring family man- Dr. Mark Greene). I know what you’re thinking- Howie Madel as a doctor!? Trust me, it’s a GREAT role! The wonderfully natural, empathetic veteran actors bring gravitas to the show. Look for guest stars before they were famous. Another cool note: Tom Fontana worked on this show before Homicide. (The first season is on DVD and on Hulu.)
Thanks for visiting!
EMMA
Knightleyemma 