Spring!!!!

Spring is HERE!!! And the beautiful flowers shown above is evidence that warmer weather actually exists. I found myself in DC one cold and blustery morning (around 7:00) and decided to take a gander at the famous cherry blossoms by the Tidal Basin. I walked around the city for three hours (I needed the exercise) and of course ended up at my favorite monument....the Jefferson. I don't know what it is about this monument. It could quite possibly be the setting. actually that really is why I love it. It's so peaceful and secluded. And I have amazing memories there from years past. And Jefferson was pretty awesome!

Anyways, as I was strolling around the Tidal Basin and trying to keep my balance and not fall in (the wind was incredibly strong, let me tell you), I had a lovely time observing others around me enjoy the blossoms. And I must admit, I still have a soft spot in my heart for Asian tourists. They just make me happy.

I hope you enjoy my pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them!

The funniest thing I've seen in a long time...

So every once in a while I get to watching youtube videos. This often happens after a friend of mine shows me something incredibly funny, and I try to one-up them and find something something funnier. Yeah, I lost tonight. But....it was so worth it!

This clip is called 100 Japanese Men, and I laughed so hard it hurt. Seriously hurt. Anyways, please enjoy!

Metro Happenings

One of the reasons why I was so excited to come out to DC was the public transportation. I really do prefer it to driving everywhere, especially since I can do my part to reduce pollution and conserve gas.

I went into the city yesterday to pick up a check (Hooray! income!), and on my way back, I sat in front of a man who apparently didn't get enough sleep the night before. I was enjoying my new book (Vilette), when all of a sudden the loudest noise pierced the relative quiet. His snore was so loud I couldn't help but laugh. I expected that he would wake himself up with his snoring, but boy was I wrong! He just got louder and louder. His snoring attracted the attention of everyone in our area. Snickers, giggles and eye contact bonded us together, and for that one moment, I felt a sense of community with my fellow commuters. Funny, I know. But all the same true.

Conquering the Great Wall one running shoe at a time...

So I have this incredibly awesome friend Connie who just so happened to be one of my roommates in Taiwan. And when I say awesome, I mean awesome. You should meet her. Then you'd understand.

Anyways, Connie and her older sisters have this tradition of running a marathon by the time they are 25. All of her sisters have done it, so now its her turn. And this is where I become incredibly jealous...

She's running a marathon on the

GREAT WALL OF CHINA.

Yeah. You heard me...the Great Wall. Not only is she doing it despite some minor setbacks, she's doing it for a charity!

Check out her website here, to follow her progress and to donate to an excellent cause!

Three cheers for Connie who's making a difference in the world, and who has become one of my heroes!

HOORAY!!!

My incredibly cute and adorable sister will be finishing up her associates this spring (at the ripe young age of 19) and was just accepted to BYU Idaho!!!

I can't believe she's so grown up and mature. It sure makes me feel old!

Here's to my baby sis for being a rock star and accomplishing her goal!!!

An Ode to Ireland...

It's March, just in case you haven't noticed. And with March comes the most fabulous holidays of them all--St. Patrick's Day!

St. Paddy's Day has always been one of my favorite holidays. I don't know if it's the tales of leprechauns and pots o' gold, or the fact that you get to pinch people if they aren't wearing green. Or it could possibly be the green pancakes or waffles that Mom would make us for breakfast. For my family St. Patrick's Day has always been a special holiday, because it was the day that my parents named me.

My parents adopted me when I was just a few days old, and they couldn't decide on a name. My mom really liked the names "Jill" and "Natasha," but my dad wasn't very keen on them. For the better part of two weeks I was called "Baby Boo." All that changed on the day of March 17th. My dad came up with the name "Shannon," and my mom loved it. So to me St. Patrick's Day will always be known as my name day.

When I was 19 and a sophomore in college, I had a very intelligent, witty, and fabulous friend from the UK who told me that Shannon is an actual place complete with an international airport and a river. So, ever since that day, I've decided that I must go to Shannon, Ireland. I mean, come on, I have to!

Anywho, there are other great things about Ireland and St. Patrick's Day. All things Celtic, for instance. And, who could ever forget the milieu of sweet Irish singer/songwriters and bands. My playlist for the month features some of my favorites, so I hope you enjoy!

Cheers!

Birthday in the Big Apple

Yes, I had a birthday. And no, I wasn't too excited about it. Last year I hit quarter century (the big 25), and frankly the thought of turning 26 was a bit much. At least 25 still sounds somewhat young, but 26 is over the hump--I'm now headed into my late 20s. The funny this is, I'm really not one of those people who dreads birthdays, but this year was a bit different. I'm in a new place, with not a lot of friends, away from home. And as far as I know, no one was aware that my birthday was even coming up. If I were still in Taiwan, I know exactly what I would have done, but being in DC I was a bit stumped.

But then I had a fabulous idea...why not go to New York? So I did...

And I had a glorious time with my one of my oldest friends, Ilene (Ilene and I have known each other since 4th grade when we played on the same softball team. She has an amazing arm!). Ilene and her friends took me around to all the sights, and treated me to a sweet birthday, complete with a scrumptious cupcake from Magnolia Bakery.

Me in Central Park

Ilene and I hanging out with John and Jorge--male models from Portugal.

Melissa (Ilene's good friend), Ilene and I at Max Brenner.

So this birthday, which I though was going to be bummer, ended up being one of my best ones ever!

Three cheers for Ilene who is a great friend and made my birthday so memorable!!!