you can't step into the same river twice

Yesterday in celebration of the decisions of our employers to allow us a paid holiday called "Labor Day" across the country, as well in celebration of the continued denial of the ending of summer, we ventured out to the Shenandoah Valley once again to float down the Shenandoah River. I have been wanting to do this for months! The weather threatened rain and thunder, but this deter us? Of course not...(once again my stubbornness refuses to let something as small as rain, ok maybe lightening would, stop me from having fun) It was overcast pretty much the entire day, but we did not witness a drop of precipitation nor a rumbling of thunder. (see, now if we had cancelled prematurely due to the forecast of inclement weather it would have been in vain :) )
 We found our launching spot and began our 3.5 hour-long journey down the shallow, mellow river. I had faith our journey would be without incident, and I was mostly correct, despite 3 popped tubes we all made it in one piece! The shallow depths of the river combined with random angular ridges of rock along the river bottom made for some gentle rapids (really you can't even call them rapids) but also made for some possibilities of fissures in the cheap plastic of Target-bought tubes as a human body attempted to traverse the ridges of rock supported by the tube and only buoyed by inches of (hardly) flowing water. A few unlucky souls did not make it very far before the underside of their tube was punctured and air began to escape, thus decreasing their level of flotation on the water.
 I in fact felt my tube flatten towards the end of our journey and prayed that I would be able to last till the landing site as we already had 3 people straddling a one-person cane. (which, by the way, made for a very interesting sight and some amusing capsizes) I almost made it....in fact I was within sight of the landing spot and was inching closer due to the aid of my fellow river floaters who were dragging me along...until I capsized and they let go.....then the slippery rocks of the shallow waters got the best of me. Ok so it really wasn't that bad but I'm sure I looked pretty funny trying to trudge through water, falling and sliding as I went coming up to the shore. Really it is pretty difficult when these large ridges of slippery rock protrude upwards. We met a couple of local friendly (redneck) fishermen who helped me not make a complete fool of myself...ok so really I did, but one amusingly helped me up the shores nonetheless.
It was quite a long journey down the river, most of us did not anticipate us lasting over 3 hours, but it was great fun! The river is so calm and peaceful. It is surrounded by thick forest on each side and the gentle flow almost puts one to sleep...almost, but not completely due to the need to navigate around the large rocks that appear every so often.
We then commandeered a picnic shelter to begin our BBQ feast.... cuz, well, we were all starving. The tray of veggies and cookies didn't even make it to see the hot dogs done as they were easy and ready fodder. Definitely the best way to spend the day celebrating how we "eat (our) bread by the sweat of (our) brow." (does anyone else think it's funny that we have a holiday to recognize that we work?)
Sadly....very sadly....I do not have any pictures to document this excitement as I did not think it prudent to bring my camera while floating down a river...of water. But here are a couple of pics I found of the river that accurately represent what we experienced:

GORGEOUS

Yes we drove across this 'bridge' to get to our launch site...

This girl was a happy camper. :) The whole day was one big feast of joy.

Saturday was similarly grand. Mary and I went to the National Cathedral in the morning and then enjoyed authentic Italian pizza (once again) at 2 Amys. The cathedral of course is magnificent and I fell in love all over again. The stained glass is amazing, I love how every window is different in style, theme, and color scheme. Due to the modern time of its construction, the cathedral is a bit more eclectic and accessible.
It was so peaceful and we enjoyed not only the architectural and artistic gems, but also the whisperings of the Spirit as we observed Bible scenes in the glass, as well as the quoting of scripture as they began the noon Eucharist. And although I appreciated this good feeling and faint presence of the Holy Ghost, I felt it poignant to note that it did in no way compare to the power and strong stirrings of inspiration I feel at church during the Sacrament, or most especially, in the temple. It was a further witness to me that while all who preach of Christ are good and strive to follow what light they do have, they do not have the whole light and truth. There is so much in the Lord's restored church that so many do not even realize they are missing. God has given us so much more!
The views from the observation level of the cathedral were very notable, and the gardens surrounding were beautiful, quiet, and a bit mysterious. This trip actually produced pics as I was not endanger of ruining any electronics in water :)

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. -Albert Einstein

My goal to post something (almost) every day has failed...but not due to lack of joyful things to post about or adventures to share, instead due to the great amount of adventures and happenings taking up much of my time, although very welcome distractions.
Last weekend I finally went camping! A group was planning on going...but the threat of rain was a bit much for some....did that stop me? Of course not. (for the record I am a very determined person and when I set my mind to do something, nothing will stop me) We set out late and thus did not have time for much beyond driving through the dense George Washington National Forest, trekking through the woods to find a suitable camp spot, and setting up the tent. It rained a bit in the night, but we stayed nice and dry in the tent and in fact welcomed the decrease in temperature due to the precipitation. As much as I love camping and can 'rough it' as well as the next girl, I also welcomed the fact that there was no sleeping on the rocky ground beneath the tent due to the presence of a thick foam mattress. Don't judge....I pulled a muscle in my lower back recently...
The morning dawned cool and misty, with a thick fog enveloping the forest, obscuring the sun but making for a storybook scene and a welcome reprieve from the harsh heat of this past summer.
We meandered through the forest as the sun rose higher in the sky and burned off the low cloud cover. We were hoping to come across a trail in the National Forest or some kind of ranger station to point us in the right direction, however after a time of driving along, we realized we had left the forest and happened upon a few quaint towns. One of which had a couple old historic churches right across the street from each other... which made me wonder if both churches actually had full congregations seeing as the town only seemed to consist of 1 post office, a cemetery, and a handful of homes surrounded by farmland. It was an idyllic sight and we admired the country scenes as we continued along the highway.
We then made our way into the new favorite of all VA attractions, Shenandoah National Park. Due to overall sleepiness and lack of defined direction, we rambled along Skyline Drive, paused at a few overlooks to admire the view, trekked through a trail or two beside the road, and then continued on once a course of action was decided: the River. Having cherished the view of the Shenandoah River on many trips out to the Valley previously, I had longed to go down and improve my relationship with it through a close personal encounter. After physically testing a long branch hanging precariously low over the river, determining a good landing spot, and taking in the gentle flow of the water, it was pronounced necessary to float down the river the next possible opportunity.. thus plans for Labor Day. Yay!
I then proceeded to pass out in the car and dreamed of the beautiful green branches stretching across the road, vast views of rolling hills, and butterflies flitting along sunlit paths. (maybe I should have been a writer..) All in all another very peaceful, delightful, calming adventure to the 'mountains.' Good because the next day my pristine, pampered, pretty car was hit. Ah life...
This weekend proved to be a laid-back one, in comparison with my weekends of late in which I have traveled, hiked, or otherwise involved myself in activities of amusement. Having no other excuses, plans, or desires to engage myself in another social event on Saturday evening...I caught up on my long list of DVR'd episodes of NCIS. :)
Sunday, however, brought the desire to go for a stroll, as I am wont. First I attempted to explore the Potomac shoreline in Alexandria, and was only mildly successful, as they tend to crowd the shore with restaurants, shops, and parking lots, although I did enjoy admiring the colonial architecture and overall stylistic appeal of the historic small town.
I then remembered the quiet paths of Roosevelt Island and set off. Roosevelt Island is a small island in the middle of the Potomac, right across from the Kennedy Center and the Georgetown waterfront. Cars, bikes and any other vehicle are strictly forbidden and the island is wholly dedicated to pedestrian traffic. The island serves as a monument to President Theodore Roosevelt, owing to his love of nature and adventures. In the middle of the island stands a statue of the late president, with a simple, stoic structure made of stone surrounding the statue that always reminds me of something out of Lord of the Rings.....see pics...
I started at the narrow bridge that links NOVA with the island and wound my way around its perimeter on a dirt path that transitions to a boardwalk above the marsh of the eastern side of the island. The clouds threatened rain above me...but as we have noted, a little rain never stops me. So I continued my walk around the entire island and was just crossing the bridge to get to my car when a downpour soaked me head to toe. Perfect timing I would say. :) The island is a paradisaical refuge of nature and serenity in the midst of the bustling capital. Whoever planned/designed/imagined its existence is my hero.
I find that when I take time out of my busy life to do things like this...strolling through forests, admiring trees, quietly taking in a pastoral vista....my outlook on life improves. My mind calms and I am able to better see the forest through the trees.(...yep that was a perfectly themed cliche I just had to use) I frequently find myself conversing with the Lord on these occasions and feel the Spirit envelope me as I "consider all the works (the Lord's) hands have made." My soul marvels at the 'beauty of the earth' and sings 'grateful praise' of  'how great thou art!' How wonderful that God, in His infinite power and wisdom created this earth for us with such beauty, for our joy and pleasure. As I get caught up in the world and the mundane things of life, I tend to feel overwhelmed and antsy. However, as I go for a walk, reflect on nature, or drive through a countryside, I feel invigorated, calm, and at ease. I think He knew that we would need that outlet. He knew that this life would be stressful and hard at times, and thus made this earth to be a reprieve and source of peace.

I feel like I have posted about this way too much....I guess this is the real theme of my blog. I would apologize...but in the words of LeRoy Jethro Gibbs...don't apologize, its a sign of weakness.

gratitude

I feel so grateful this evening for what I have, for what I know, for what I have experienced, for the people in my life.
If you, reading this, are one of those people who has, in any way, touched my life, thank you. I know that I am the sum of all these things.

Joys of today:
- completing security clearance check...that's right..stay tuned for updates on that
- realizing I have many wonderful people who care about me, even if they live far away
- seamless process taking in my car to get the damages appraised leading right into getting it checked in to get repaired to getting me a rental car. such a relief (yes i was in an accident. no it was not my fault. yes my car is now an ugly mess on one side. no I will not have to pay for it to be fixed. :)
- laughter...I literally would not make it through a day without it. specifically today's laughter was a compton ghetto spoof of beauty and the beast on YouTube...awesome. go look up beauty and the beat
- scriptures..the word of god gives so much peace, direction, light. it brings clarity to my life and helps me feel god's love for me every single day. and boy do I need it!
- country...not the music. the environment. I have appreciated the simplicity and quiet calm of the country lately and it is calling into question my long-time affirmation that I am a city girl. hah
- change..hard sometimes, but I appreciate it

there is beauty all around

We drove up to Philly this weekend for a whirlwind 12 hour visit to the city of brotherly love. I never realized how artsy Philly is. I found these gems while rediscovering this historic city.

I have discovered that every place has its own style/points of beauty. One simply has to look.

It is the same with people as well. Everyone has good in them, something to offer to the world. Sometimes we are blinded by our own good points to see them in others but they are always there. I'm working to see these good things in everyone I meet, even if, or maybe especially if, they drive me crazy.

I have been so blessed, how can I not?

recreational activities

someone recently asked me what have i done since moving to DC and i realized in the 3 months i have lived here i have done quite a bit of fun having...so here's a list, and i will update as i continue to enjoy the many possibilities that exist here

hiked in Shenandoah National Park
traversed Skyline Caverns, just outside of Shenandoah
paddle-boated the Tidal Basin
sunbathed (or burned rather) in Virginia Beach
road-tripped to Palmyra, NY
oohed and ahhed over Niagara Falls
watched 4th of July fireworks at the Capitol
re-kindled my friendship with the French Impressionists at the National Gallery of Art
patronized a local farmer's market (fresh fruit=mmmmm)
historicized (yes i just made that up) in colonial Williamsburg
drove the wrong way on a one-way street downtown DC (a first)
ate Indian, authentic Neapolitan, Thai, Italian....(i think there's more...i'll update later)
and this weekend going to Philly! so more fun adventures to come. i guess its not as much as i thought it would be since when i first arrived i tried desperately to find employment, and now i am very fully employed, as well as the fact that i attempted to do everything possible when i was out here for my internship. but there will be more....

I heart flip flops...I hate mosquito bites

6 new mosquito bites in the last 2 days. Ugh. I am being eaten alive this summer.

Despite food poisoning and intense lower back pain from straining some muscles last weekend, I found have some joys:

Went out to lunch with the work team to welcome the new girl yesterday...and the company paid for it. Cute French cafe in Old Town to boot. Score

Felt the spirit as I read some talks from BYU and was so grateful for the love and peace that immediately comes from inspired words of latter day apostles and prophets.

Good friends

Laughter (usually at myself)

Men who actually and sincerely treat women with respect.

The network of friends and connections in the church. I can't imagine moving across the country without that support system.

And flip flops. For days like today when my back is struggling and I choose to wear heels to work to complement my outfit.

lhi-ghtah buulb....(gru style)

so here I am, sitting in my basketball shorts, on my computer, in front of my TV (my large, LCD TV I might add, not that I am a bit proud of it or anything), watching the Olympic events of the day which I already know the outcome to.
couple realizations: I love technology. not just, oh yeah i grew up with computers so now i use them every day of my life, but more like I am in love with technology...a friend recently called it an addiction....and I might actually agree. recognition is the first step right? anyway, my computer has been slow recently, and not like, "oh yeah 12 seconds to load instead of 2 seconds..you spoiled 20th century kid," but illegitimately slow. so I've been ruminating the thought of buying a new computer...looking through new dell prices and what not. then I had a dream last night that I had an iPad. and now I'm looking at iPads. and now I want one really bad. I'm telling you...I'm in love with technology. maybe its just because I truly am a kid at heart...I love shiny new toys. did you notice how many times i mentioned technology and love in the same sentence....? :)

another realization: I miss swimming. need to figure out a way to get back in the pool.
and another: real athletes are not skinny twigs. they're not fat, but these gals are not only ripped, but they've got meat on them.
and...the men don't. which is kind of funny when you consider that most of the time, in american culture, women have to be completely meat-less, while men can have a little gut and it's ok. ironic....

and last realization: i NEED to study for the GRE. i do not remember any math. ironic that i was such a math whiz in high school and i celebrated the fact in college that i would never have to take math after my junior year of high school ever again. isn't it ironic? (isn't that a song?...)

so maybe this is not funny...but it all was to me. :)

a couple of the JOYful things today:

• as I am now currently employed, I got a paycheck on Tuesday, and i was able to pay my car payment today...without going into my savings account for the first time since moving to DC. feels so good.
• i have been going outside during lunch almost every day for the past couple weeks, taking a walk and enjoying the sun and warmth since it is of course freeezzzing at my desk in a corner. and today i sat at a bench and pulled up my capris in an attempt to to help my fading summer tan from disappearing completely. sunshine makes me so happy.
• cookies. made by caitlyn vernon. delish!
• last night was absolutely beautiful: perfect temperature for the humidity, large/.bright moon, and lightening streaking through large thunderheads. you could see the arms of the bolts arching through the clouds, illuminating them every few seconds to make every outline suddenly visible. it was amazing.