By This We Know Love...

...that my husband would remove the crust from my peanut butter toast and cut it in half before bringing it to me at 6:30 this morning.

Sacrificial Jon illustration #1.

Climbing Back on the Blog-Wagon (Again)

In January I committed to blogging twice monthly.

I committed to that commitment for the month of January—and then promptly ignored our blog for the next two months. I assure you, the spirit was willing.

So where have we been for the last two months?

We bought a house:

…and we found out we will be filling our new home with more than the 9487503486 boxes we (Jon) moved:


That’s right, kids! Team Pagan is having a baby!

More posts to come on home ownership, becoming parents, and life in general soon!

Back to Blogger

And…we’re back.

As it turns out, Blogger really is our home platform. Much like my favorite jammy pants, Blogger is familiar, reliable, and user-friendly even when I’m sleepy.

iWeb was great for a while—so much you can do to personalize your website. It was also user-friendly, for the most part, but decidedly more labor intensive and less reliable. After failing to publish two posts, we decided it was time to call it quits with iWeb and return to our home and native land. Blogger.

It’s good to be back.

On: Goodbye, My Old Friend...

Alright kids.

The time has come to transition! Jon and I have joined forces (and by "forces" I mean "blogs") and created our own webpage! Now, instead of keeping you updated through Blogger, you can check out our latest happenings/thoughts on:

www.teampagan.com

Please feel free to check it out!

I won't be updating this blog anymore, but I'm also not going to delete it. Archives, you're safe in the Blogger...archives.

Blogger, we've had a good run. You had all the right moves, all the right words. We shared some laughs. We'll stay in touch--you know, we'll write. Our kids will play on the same soccer team someday. You'll see. You will surely be missed, but we're pumped about our new site (and we hope you are too).

We wish you nothing but happiness, Blogger.

Thanks for all the good times.

With much love,
Team Pagan

On: Newest Fashion Accessory

This has been the best allergy season I've ever experienced. I don't mean to salt the wounds of those of you who are assaulted by your local pollens, but this is the first Spring that hasn't sent me into fits of sneezing! Yes! Thank you allergy shots!

However, the one thing my allergy shots are powerless against are... bees. Virginia has exploded with flowers in the last few weeks, and where there are flowers, there are bees. I'm pretty sure this premise was the inspiration for Field of Dreams : if you blossom, they will come.

=

Look at them... so smug.

We can't forget the return of the Cicada Killer Wasps at Georgetown either:


Since I have never been stung, Jon and I decided that asking my doctor about an Epi Pen would be a good decision. During my last visit, he agreed that having one on hand would be a good idea anyway, because of the peanut allergy.

So after a "quick" trip to the pharmacy (I know few trips to the pharmacy that are quick--the poor pharmacy techs deserve some kind of medal, or hazard pay for some of the surly customers they have to help), I am now the owner of an Epi pen. Huzzah.

On: Sunday! Hallelujah!

I think this is the first Easter that has really resonated with me.

Don't get me wrong, I have understood the significance of Easter--the meaning behind the holiday. For some reason, this year, Easter seemed more significant.

I was pumped to wake up this morning, knowing that in a few hours, we would be singing with thousands of other people, celebrating the resurrection of the man who gave his life for my benefit. For your benefit. This morning, it made total sense: this is the most significant event in the history of the world.

Yesterday, Jon and I were reading Luke's account of the resurrection, but this morning, I couldn't help thinking about 1 Timothy 1:15--

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-of whom I am the worst.

I feel you, Paul.

Perhaps it's because I'm a little older now. With age comes the opportunity to make mistakes--and I've made some really spectacular mistakes. The good news is that God always (yes, ALWAYS) reserves the right to show mercy and compassion. The good news is that Christ came to save me, in spite of my mistakes. How much more thankful I feel, now, knowing that Christ destroyed the junk in my life and is alive, because nothing is too overwhelming for him. He makes things right. That's a reality worthy of singing. Loudly.

I had such a good time watching our choir this morning--a rainbow of faces. Lovely Asian women, unafraid of busting a move while they sung, beautiful Indian women in brightly colored saris, young, old, all singing at the top of their lungs. I wanted to explode, it was so powerful. "He's alive! Alive! Alive hallelujah! Alive! Praise and glory to the Lamb! Alive! Alive! Alive hallelujah! Alive forever amen!"

As our service drew to a close, Lon (our pastor) raised an important question: who's buried in Christ's tomb? I'm sure you've heard the joke, "who's buried in Grant's tomb?" The answer to the previous question is one that--I'm embarrassed to admit--I have never really stopped to ponder until this morning. The answer is a resounding: NO ONE! Is anyone else blown away by this? I know I am. Our sermon closed this morning with a quote that I thought was amusing, "Follow a dead savior, and you'll end up just like him (or her, to be PC)." Oh snap.

I love knowing that our savior is alive and attentive.

He is risen indeed.

What is she talking about? Has she finally lost it? See: Matthew 28:1-7, or Mark 16:1-8, or John 20:1-9, or Luke 24.

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...

On: Not Diggin' the Time Difference...

Here we are again...

Another night where I'd love to call and chat with west-coast friends, but it's right in the middle of their dinner hour... How does everyone feel about this? Do you all eat dinner between 5pm and 7pm PST?

I'm not diggin' the time difference right now.

On: Just BLOG Already!...

Sometimes I forget that we, you and I, have the freedom to just blog.

I believe I have been stuck in a work-induced funk that inhibits updates like this. In a field that manages delicate client relationships, every word of every conversation and memo has to count; otherwise the relationship is compromised. Example:

"The grantees agreed that securing a facility with computer and internet access for a group training session has been a historically difficult process. In order to reduce the monetary and logistical challenges associated with in-person training sessions, the grantees requested tools that would promote a more autonomous approach to learning the system."

Does every word of this blog have to count? Perhaps. I could attempt to get all philosophical up in this post, but I know too little about philosophy to be totally convincing. This is an area that I'm interested in exploring. I'll save that topic for another post.

Also, I reserve the right to change the sub-purpose of this blog on a per-post basis. This post is kind of like a power cleanse--it's only purpose is to shake the day's memo (that I FINALLY finished) from my thoughts and playfully update you. Loved one.

[Transition]

Excellent. This is really just a stream-of-consciousness post, so props to you for enduring every tanJent!

Fun Weekend Update

This weekend was glorious. Fairfax saw highs in the mid, to upper 60's, so Jon and I totally blew off our professional responsibilities (I had planned to finish the aforementioned memo and Jon had planned to study) to romp in the sunshine. We went for a nice walk, perused movies and electronics at Best Buy, threw balled-up socks at each other, watched movies, went to a fantastic evening service on Sunday night, etc. Also, I put Betty Crocker to SHAME and made home made pitas, hummus, chicken pot pie, and chocolate cup cakes with cream cheese/chocolate chip filling. I am such a happy camper when the sun is shining. I become exponentially happier the longer the sun is out and the longer the temperature hovers between 70 and 90.

Verbalities

Since Jon and I have been writing a lot for work and school, I thought I'd introduce you to some of the more common words and phrases that we've come across as we've proofed each others' work:

• Apparently, I abuse the word, "substantive," especially when paired with, "contributions."
• Then there is the classic Jon Pagan, "from (something) to (something)" statement. I love it! It's in several of his admissions letters.
• There is also the classic Jenn Pagan, "aligns with (someone's) personal, professional, and academic goals."
  

More to Come...

I'm going to make a concerted effort to update more often. There has been so much going on and I haven't recorded any of it! Beyond that, I've lost the adapter for the memory card in our camera, leaving only the printer as a picture extracting device... The down-side of that is that our pictures are loaded onto the mac, which squirrels them away into these bizarre folders and organizes them numerically, not by image.

Anyway. More updates to come. More pictures too.

I hope you are well.

On: Her Morning Elegance (Another Video)...

I know, another video. Commentary on life with the Pagans shall have its day... as soon as I finish this memo.

Non-the-less! Thank you Anna for initially posting this! What a charming performance!

On: She. Pagan.

A few weeks ago I received a letter from my employer informing me that the gender they had on file for me, female, did not match records on file at the Social Security Administration (SSA). They had discovered the error during a routine audit...

So I called the SSA to verify that I am, in fact, female.

Sure enough, their current records indicate that I am:

Jennifer A. Pagan--Male

Crazy, right!?

I suspect that an error was made after the wedding, while I was changing my name... This means that I'll have to pay a visit to our local SSA office with my birth certificate to verify my gender. Yes.

Until then, I remain a dude in the SSA system...

On: Penn Says...

Penn says.

Thanks for the link Jason B!

On: Musts...

Things that I must do:

• Update our blog
• Post/send people pictures
• Banalities around the house
• Narrow down the resolutions
• Make some phone calls
• Write some notes
• Chillax with the Naz
• Congratulate Ben and Cynthia (they're prego!)
• Relinquish my GU smock...
• Call Carol and Katie
• Fill out some paper work
• Do some research
• Find a cheap copy of The End of Reason
• High-five Jon (he's still sick)
  

Etc.

More substantive posts (and pictures... I can't guarantee that all of the pictures will be substantive) to come.

On: Butterfield's Lullaby...

When we lived in Davis, there were nights where we would hear the barn owl that lived in the tree by our bedroom window. We never actually saw the owl, but we could hear him (or her) some nights before we went to bed. It would make these beautiful noises--one of my favorite memories about living in Davis.

Since moving to DC, I can't say that we've heard any owls, but we do have a bugler.

Several nights out of the week, between 10:00 and 11:00 pm, we have the pleasure of hearing our bugler play the city to sleep with a singularly beautiful and appropriate rendition of Taps.

I'd love to think that this was his sole purpose for performing so late in the evening, and in such ridiculously cold weather. The reality of the situation, I've discovered, is that this anthem is the conclusion of military burials. Whenever a man is buried with military honors anywhere in the United States, the ceremony is concluded by firing three volleys of musketry over the grave, and sounding with the trumpet or bugle "Put out the lights. Go to sleep." The reason we can hear so clearly is that we keep our windows open at night, and we live just across the highway from Arlington National Cemetery. I'm sorry to say that these types of ceremonies are performed between 20 and 30 times a day there.

As sad as it is to think about the sacrifices that merit these ceremonies, the lyrics to this melody are actually really comforting. There are men protecting us from people that want to inflict serious harm on our country, and potentially our current city. There is also this musician who takes the time to remind us of these men, and of God's presence and protection (there are a few renditions, but I like this one):

"Fading light dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright.
From afar drawing nigh -- Falls the night.

"Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky.
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.

"Then good night, peaceful night,
Till the light of the dawn shineth bright,
God is near, do not fear -- Friend, good night."

On: Pocket Fisherman and Cleaning Products...

I'm not sure how it's happened; I may have entered my email address on one-too-many internet sites... Whatever the reason, my spam folder has filtered dozens of spam emails over the last couple of months. I'll have to be more vigilant in the future.

Some of them are a kind of funny though. Some developer is creating an ad right now for the pocket fisherman, hoping that someone will open it and discover that their fishing experiences have been incomplete, and inefficient up until now. They're competing, of course, with the inventors of the ShamWow, the Nigerian mail scam, the PediPaws, Smoke Start--The healthy alternative to smoking, the Loud N Clear, and a waterproof razor called the Micro Force.

Part of me feels compelled to invent a micro fisherman, or a Macro Force... Take THAT spammers.

On: Plenty to be Thankful for...

(I am taking an artistic liberty with the title).

Thanksgiving indeed.

You can imagine how thankful we felt after reading the following:

"Dear Mr. Pagan,
The members of the Committee on Admissions of the UIC College of Medicine join me in extending you an offer to be a member of the Class of 2013."

That's right! After years of hard work, Jon has been accepted to med school!!!! I'm so proud I can hardly stand it.

We got the news on Friday evening, but I'll back-track for a moment to fill you in on the Thanksgiving festivities as well.

Jon and I celebrated Thanksgiving at our friends' house on Thursday. Very nice. Our friends introduced us to their light oven and I learned how to play Nertz.

Then, we bundled up and went to the theater to see Australia.
What a beautifully made movie.

On Friday, we celebrated Thanksgiving again, at home.

Items featured on the Pagan menu (above), rolls, cranberry and gravy not captured.

This year, we decided to implement two new traditions:
1. During the holidays, there is no limit to the amount of butter the chef may use.
2. During the holidays, there is no limit to the amount of food you may consume.

As with any tradition founded upon gluttony, there were consequences:
The results of exceeding capacity.

I'm happy to say that we recovered in time to venture out that evening, (our first Black Friday experience in the DC metro area), and explored some of the "deals," that are only available the day after Thanksgiving. 7:00 PM and the malls were still packed. Amazing.

Later that evening, we received notice that Jon had been accepted to UIC med school. We both went nuts. I won't lie, there was a lot of kissing. And after months of anticipation, Jon finally exhaled.

So yes, we are extremely thankful this year. Thank God, really, for these tremendous opportunities, the dynamic adventures, our marriage and friendship, supportive families and friends, and His constant provision.

And mittens.

Warm hands make for happy Pagans.
May need something a little thicker for Chicago...

On: NASA Doesn't Make a Suit for That...

Today was a bit of a "weight of the world," day.

By 4:30 I was wishing for sweet silence, or some type of NASA regalia that would insulate me from the craziness of work. I wanted to be as Buzz.

Instead, I left at 6:00, looking forward to evening Jon time. This was a day that would constitute, at the very least, a tiny rant. So during the drive home, I prepared my most pitiful account of the day's happenings.

I'm sorry to say that, after arriving home, I did rant. But I was quickly defused.

Jon had cleaned the entire Pagan piazza. Deep cleaned. On top of that, he had made our favorite cookies, started dinner AND cued up the newest episode of House for us to watch. Jealous? Oh yeah, he's that awesome.

It's a wonderful thing to have a mate who knows how to help you decompress. It's like having your own personal bomb squad--ready to disarm the stress that can cloud your perspective and take your eye off the bigger picture.

On: Mr. Zazharias...

I have recently become a fan of the messages expounded by Ravi Zacharias and his team at RZIM. Before dedicating an entire post to these messages, I thought it would be best to listen to a number of his presentations--you know, just in case he turned out to be an unblogworthy nut-job.

Quite the contrary.

As if our blog were that cool.

If you're in the mood for some rigorous mental calisthenics, I encourage you to take a listen. There are two radio broadcasts that provide extremely insightful commentary on some of the most honest and intimidating questions that, I would wager, you have asked yourself or others at some point in time.

Broadcast numero uno: Just Thinking
http://www.rzim.org/USA/Resources/Listen/JustThinking.aspx

Some of my favorites--
Absolute Truth in Relative Terms
Any of the Q and A sessions
The Relevance of the Trinity


Broadcast numero dos: Let My People Think
http://www.rzim.org/USA/Resources/Listen/LetMyPeopleThink.aspx

Some of my favorites--
The Top 5 Questions (If you don't listen to any others, I highly recommend this series)
A Fish out of Water
Divided Heart Divided Home

I will admit that I generally fast-forward through the commentary before and after these presentations, but there is certainly nothing wrong with them.

This is not an attempt to sneak some Jesus into your life, like some mothers who attempt to sneak cauliflower into their children's mashed potatoes... Nay. These links provide resources to some fantastic questions and equally fantastic and thought-provoking answers.

Lastly, an interesting excerpt if you choose to read it, it is long: http://www.rzim.org/GlobalElements/GFV/tabid/449/ArticleID/10100/CBModuleId/881/Default.aspx

On: Thought Provoking...

People on the streets of DC explain who they think Jesus is. Thoughts?

On: Date Night...

We are blessed with very full weeks.

At a time when some people are struggling to find work, or pay their bills, Jon is studying to become a doctor and I am working for an office that does helpful work and gives me free cookies once a week... Sometimes I forget how fantastic our situation is--usually when the hours start to feel too long, or when Jon has to study late. Admittedly, we aren't those people that have to schedule time to see each other, but the work/school week can take up a lot of our time.

At the end of each week, however, lies a beacon of hope: Date Night. I can rest assured that every Friday or Saturday night, Jon and I will go out and do something that is related to neither work, nor school. Sometimes it's as simple as grocery shopping. Sometimes it's renting a movie. Sometimes it's swinging by the book store to drink tea and read about hormonal imbalances, the economy, planning for a successful retirement, Dante's Inferno, and the best hair cuts for people with oval-shaped faces all in one sitting. Sometimes it's ice-cream. The point of date night is just to go out, have a good time, and re-charge with some quality face time. We love the Date Night.

Recently, Jon surprised me with symphony tickets--Schumann Date Night. What an incredible evening:) Lovely dinner, Peer Gynt, followed by 8+ hours of uninterrupted sleep. Beautiful.

On: Jon's 25th--Team Pagan Goes Apple Picking!

Since it's been several weeks since our last post, I'm a little overwhelmed by the amount of things to be blogged... Let's start off simply with bullets and links:)

So much has happened since our last post:

• We celebrated our first anniversary in September!
• In honor of Jon's 25th birthday, we went apple picking in the Shenandoah Valley--very beautiful.
• Jon flew to Chicago and back for a med school interview.
• November 1st marked the first day of Christmas music listening in the Pagan piazza.
  

There is certainly more to discuss, but for now, I've added a link to an album (right side of the screen) for your viewing pleasure.

On: Run With It...

Over the last month, something miraculous has happened. By the grace of God alone, I have taken to waking up before the sun rises (most of the time), clumsily fighting my way into my yoga pants and sweat shirt (in the dark so as not to wake Jon), and walking down to our complex's work-out facility (often times with very interesting and provoked-looking hair) to run/walk before work.

I truly think this is a sign of aging... In college I never would have dreamed of working out in the morning before class. I also never went to bed before 11:00. Now, the pendulum is beginning to swing in the other direction. Being married means that your body isn't your own to abuse with caffeine and sleep deprivation anymore. Also, I knew it was only a matter of time before years of sitting (in class, at work, in the car) would catch up with me and start to alter both shape and posture. And another thing-- I have suddenly become a "miss" or worse, a "ma'am" to most teen-aged restaurant hostesses now. All motivation to drag my bum out of bed in the morning and stay healthy.

So now it's been several months of multi-vitamins and more whole grains, fruits and veggies. More recently the treadmill has become less of a mockery of my coordination and more of a friend (the ipod helps). And you know, I think I thrive on the endorphins! I feel more awake in the morning, I feel more pleasant, and I have more energy! This makes for a happier, more productive home and work Jenn.

Jon is a distance runner, so I still have a ways to go before I can keep up with him, but this is a good start. Would you believe also that he is eating leafy greens and other colorful veggies!? That's right! Attempting to eat well and stay fit: evidence that we are getting older. Hopefully the pendulum doesn't swing too far...

Seventies, you and the wife retire to Fort Lauderdale, you start eating dinner at two, lunch around ten, breakfast the night before. And you spend most of your time wandering around malls looking for the ultimate in soft yogurt...

--Billy Crystal
City Slickers

On: Space...

Before we moved, Jon and I were trying hard to consider the adjustments we would have to make given the amount of space we would be living in for the next year. We decided that brain-storming would be easier with resources. So we did what any couple with limited space and a budget would do--we went to Ikea.

Phase 1: Strategery

We are practical people, but Ikea doesn't mess around with space saving.

Nor does Target mess around with tiny adult-looking chairs for small people.

Phase 2: Ponder

This was our life, in 336 cubic feet:

And then we flew across the country and waited for our things to arrive--just a couple of days. It gave us a chance to ponder how we would explore our new surroundings and how we would arrange our new living space:

Phase 3: Organize/Execute!
(This is still a work in progress)

I would love to say that we're completely unpacked and settled in, but for the moment I can't. This is our living space now. As you can see, we have some more decorating to do. It will happen. This is our place as of this past weekend:

View from the front door.

View from the kitchen doorway.

View from the kitchen.

View from our window.

We love our space, and soon, it will have more character!

On: I think it's the humidity...

DC is a dynamic place to live. This is true. I know we've raved about the beautiful views and fun outings, but for the sake of objectivity, I think I should share some of the more unusual elements of DC that we encounter more often than we'd like...

I give you:
the cicada. Disgusting, I know. They are everywhere... How do I know this? You can hear them practically anywhere you go (especially around heavily wooded areas). Cicada's sound like nature's sprinklers. It's not a terrible sound, and really, they can be very relaxing to listen to in the evenings. But, they sound a lot less calming after you see one... Seriously, this isn't an insect, it's an alien. Jon and I have only seen a few of them--all dead--most likely because of the next prehistoric-looking insect...

I have to scoot the lappy away from me, these things evoke a lot of anxiety... Meet the cicada killer wasp. This is an African breed of wasp that is commonly found in the Georgetown/Arlington area... Are these not the craziest beasts you've ever seen? Apparently, they're only deadly to cicada. Also, from what I've read, the males are harmless and the females will only attack humans if provoked. What a relief right? Next time I encounter one, I'll simply ask its gender, politely, in its native African tongue...

So there you have it... Some of the animals that, on paper, are completely harmless. If you were to ask me, I would insist that these things are waiting for the opportunity to attack us from the air and devour us.

On: Evidence...

Hmm... I wonder if Jon has been here... (Image of lecture notes posted on our bathroom wall).

On: First Days...

Last Monday (the 4th) marked my first day of work, and Monday (11th) marked Jon's first day of class.

We are officially "full time."

This change in status makes for relatively full days, but exciting days none-the-less. I take that back, our days were full and exciting before any of this came to fruition, it's just that our days are full of work now.

Allow me to paint you a picture with my summary brush:

I really like my job with consulting firm. I'm currently working within the Federal Human Services division in the Children, Youth and Family group on a project that helps low-income families save for, and purchase assets (homes, small businesses, or education). The firm has about 130 employees and it's been around for over 30 years. Also, from what it looks like, I will be working between 45-50 hours/week. Ah yes, since this is not a government gig, all bets are off regarding over-time:) In the grand scheme of things, this is not bad, AND, there are cool perks:

• I enjoy the work
• I have my own, small office
• Every Tuesday we're provided with free bagels & shmear from Manhattan Bagel!
• Every Wednesday the company offers massages for a small fee.
• Every Thursday we're provided with free cookies from Mrs. Fields(!!!!)
• Great benefits/time off
• Cool co-workers
• There seems to be free food everywhere, much of the time

And Jon? His first week has been, well, very academic (as you can imagine). Because of the change in curriculum, his schedule has been (and will continue to be) a little schizophrenic. He has classes five days a week, but none of the classes are scheduled at the same time each week--if that makes any sense... Molecular and Cellular Physiology (MCP) from 9-12 on Monday during week one, may fall from 9-11, then 1-2 on Monday of week two. Fortunately, he's developed a very strategic study schedule and has been flexing his organizational muscles, so all is well. This present term, covering MCP lasts until September 5. The following term starts up again the following week-- Metabolism and Signal Transduction. From what I've seen of the material, it looks VERY exciting. The human body is both amazing and disgusting. :)

The transition for both of us, from gainfully un-employed to super-full-time student/employee, has demanded that we both make the most of our time. This means being extremely diligent at work and school to ensure that we have time in the evening to hang out with each other and relax. I think it is safe to say that this is the most organized either one of us has ever been. Ever. It feels good:)

On: Down at Fraggle Rock...

A few days ago we ventured down to the American History Museum to see Jim Henson's Fantastic World--an exhibit honoring the 50th anniversary of the Muppets. Why? Because in the late 80's/early 90's we grew up on Sesame Street and were down with Fraggle Rock!

This particular exhibit housed a lot of the muppets that were made famous on "The Muppet Show" (like Mahna Mahna, Doctor Teeth), "Sesame Street" (Bert & Ernie and of course, Kermit), "Fraggle Rock" (the doozers, Red and Cantus), and "The Dark Crystal." They had also displayed a lot of Jim Henson's original sketches, posters and ideas for shows.

The truly sweet thing about the whole experience was watching the adults enjoy the exhibit (I know we did). Most of the children there hadn't gone under their own volition, the parents were excited to go and see figures from their childhood under glass. It's fun to be in a room full of adults who all light up at the sound of a familiar theme song--"It's time to play the music! It's time to light the lights!" Good stuff. Grown men sitting on tiny stools next to their kids reading books and drawing pictures.