H [_] <-- that's the closest I could get to a square.

We love hanging at Beth and Danny's place! We especially love their sweet doggies and brand new NinjaCat =)

thinking about thinking

A bunch happened today, random things, but my mind won't tire of them.

- signed up for a CPR class...
- gathered a bunch of my images to begin work on an art show, it's about time!
- health care reform discussion, liberals vs. conservatives is always fun :P
- although it's not my job to make someone else happy, I'll always give it a shot. We'll both feel better in the end.

Camping Rocks! (and sticks, and dirt, and rain)

I've said it before, I'll say it again - Camping makes me happy. Just being out in the fresh air, where you can see stars and experience weather is enough for me. This weekend we had some rain.. you never think about rain until you don't have the expected shelter, then it becomes a big deal. Lucky for us it mostly rained while we were sleeping (or in my case lying awake reveling in the pitter patter sound against the tent.) I'm glad everyone was such a good sport! Honestly I could have done without the cell phones and sports updates, but I can't really ask that of MY friends, so I rolled with it. I was just happy that everyone tried it out. Thanks kids, can't wait for the next one =)

Veg Out

The past few weeks have taught me exactly how serious I am about my choice to be veggie. I've gotten pretty emotional talking about it and I've realized that it's harder and harder to sit by and watch when other people eat meat. I don't think I'm comfortable cooking it anymore either. It actually makes me a little physically sick to do so. I'm drawing another line now, well really a few lines... I will no longer buy or prepare anything with meat in it. I'm cutting out eggs too, yea, even the cage free variety. Milk is more difficult, cuz so many foods are made using the stuff. I only drink soy milk, and I'm trying out soy cheese now, but I don't know WHAT I'm gonna do about ice cream. That might kill me.

Jeff asked me if I could ever go Vegan. I said yes. Here's me slowly making my way in that direction. I will also no longer say I don't want to talk about it because it makes others uncomfortable. If someone asks, they should be prepared to hear what I think. Now I feel like I'm hiding wonderful knowledge if I keep my mouth shut.

Thanks Dad, for being obnoxious enough to piss me off and cause me to research more thoroughly. You've really opened my eyes.

Virginia and DC in the Summertime!

Fredericksburg Streetcar

My Brother's townhouse was modeled after the original structures in downtown Fredericksburg, such an awesome space!

Cowzer! I mooooo'd at this cow for about 10 minutes until he came over to the fence. When I got near him to take his picture, he MOOOOOO'd right back at me. We proceeded to have a MOO conversation. He thanked me for being a vegetarian :)

Hi Horsey! Brad fed this guy some hay and he loved it!

Sweet old school wooden fence at Mt. Vernon

Barber shop in downtown Fredericksburg

Candlelight Ghost tour of Fredericksburg

Haunted Church where there have been a ton of sightings

creepy graveyard next to (and under) the haunted church, love this =)

Hay bales at Chatham house, also haunted!

This ghost cat was practically dead when we happened upon him. He was pretty blind too. I poured some water into the cap of my water bottle and let him drink for a while. After 3 servings, he finally had enough strength to stand up and walk away. I saved him =)

The Potomac River

Brittney with kids armor. The security guard specifically asked me to read the 'No Photography' sign as I entered the exhibit. This is what they get.

broken down house in the middle of the woods

Evac route on Pennsylvania Avenue!

heh heh, nature>technology

Brick-lined streets of Fredericksburg

Hiking on the old railroad from the 1800's

This cool fountain at the Smithsonian allowed people to soak their feet on a hot day

Geese on the mall in front of the Washington Monument. WaaaaWaaaaaaa!

Foot in wall at the Hirsshorn Museum of Contemporary and Modern Art. Officially my favorite museum.

These people were dressed up in costumes filming something. "What do we want?" "Halloween!" "When do we want it?" "Saturday!!" simply Awesome.