On: Come back with our tire, or on it...

(For those of you who haven't seen 300, this line was taken from a scene in the movie where Queen Gorgo tells Leonidas-before he marches off to fight Xerxes and his army-to 'Come back with your shield, or on it.')

This past weekend was what you might call our "acquisition" weekend. Nay, an acquisitional fortnight!

In an effort to make our humble abode feel more homey, Jon and I have taken the last couple of weeks to scour the greater DC area for the best home accessory bargains. I'm happy to report that we found some pretty great deals--soon we will have MUCH more seating space, our walls won't be completely blank, and we are able to watch movies on more than a 13" laptop. Our backs and eyes are so thankful.

Howeva, as we were driving home from Woodbridge, chatting about what a great weekend we were having, our conversation was interrupted by what sounded like a helicopter attempting to race us onto the freeway...

Que blown tire.

Indeed, we ran over something that completely obliterated our right rear tire. It was decidedly flat. Jon proceeded to change it like a champ and the following day he went looking for a replacement. We didn't really anticipate purchasing a tire during the Pagan Acquisition Fest, 2009, but these things happen.

Tire aside, the Pagan piazza is coming together, slowly, but surely! Pictures to come soon!

On: Stitches...

Since Jon entered the SMP, he's had to study a lot (and by a lot, I mean several hours a week). We've also been making a concerted effort to be good stewards of our finances...not always an easy task --I am the reigning queen of the impulse buy. Considering the heavy work loads and our new-found frugality, I think I've finally come upon a hobby that is easy on our wallets AND helps to pass the time while Jon is learning how to save lives.

I have decided to try my hand at sewing. It's a relatively inexpensive amusement, and because I'm such a newb (I've ripped out my fair share of seams), I can keep myself occupied for long periods of time.

I'm currently working on a shirt! Yes, an average, long-sleeved shirt. The pattern insists that it's a "tunic," but I've found that telling people I'm making a "tunic" elicits some pretty puzzled reactions.

Thus far, I like this hobby. It's therapeutic. (Mostly) straight, consistent lines. I like the cutting and the pinning; I like taking my time. I especially like the ironing. I like the challenge of looking for good sales on fabric. If only I would make more time to enjoy it!

On: 25 on the 25th...

It is official: I am now a quarter of a century old.
The big 2-5.

This post is actually after the fact... I turned 25 on the 25th of February, and now, we're approaching the 25th of March. How does this happen?! I can recall my mom saying, "Time starts to move very quickly after you graduate from high school." Very true, mom, very true.

For as quickly as time seems to be passing, I must say that 25 feels pretty great. God has been extremely good, I'm happily married, wonderful friends and family, and my hair is only slightly more gray than last year (thanks for those genes, dad), and Jon and I are just a few short months away from embarking on the next, great Pagan migration :) Yes. 25, I welcome you. You're alright.

To celebrate my birthday, Jon made the house look amazing, then topped our Friday off with dinner AND cake. On Saturday, we spent the morning playing hex on the subway into DC (if you haven't played hex, it is really fun, and a little frustrating for those of us who aren't exactly gifted strategists), and wandering around the American History Museum until it was time to meet Adrienne and Danial for dinner at the Front Page -- one of my favorite restaurants.

Here are some of the highlights from the birthday weekend:

Breakfast of champions

Stradivarii (apologies, it's a little dark)

Ruby Slippers!

Joe Louis' boxing gloves (every time I hear "Joe Louis," I think of Coming to America)

Creepy doll, the puffy shirt from Seinfeld, Sid Caesar's hat, and Oscar the Grouch

Edison's early light bulb models

Jon and I in the Edison exhibit

Danial and Adrienne at the Front Page


Danial attempting to eat Adrienne's face...