For all you chronically clumsy BPA-phobes

If you've seen someone walking down the hallway delicately balancing her coffee in the ceramic mug she brought from home - that knucklehead was me.

Until about a week ago (when my husband and I broke down and purchased these ceramic to-go mugs from target), I would spill coffee on myself on a daily basis. My commute to work consisted of David yelling "bumps" and me desperately trying to maneuver my mug in such a way as to keep the liquid inside. Needless to say, most of my jackets smell like coffee on the arms.

That's why I wish I had known about this device sooner: the mug hug! This silicone lid fits on most household ceramic mugs. Such a GENIUS idea! I'm sorry I didn't invent it first.

If your heart lives in...

Jewelry designer Truche on Etsy has a series of necklaces dedicated to the locations near and dear to our hearts (i.e. most states in the United States and some foreign countries to boot). Check out her shop!

It's no secret that I love Ohio. Another piece of my heart lives in Tennessee... but that's another story altogether. I'm very happy with my life right now, but I have to admit it is hard living so far away from my family. Thank goodness for cell phones, c-mail, g-chat, facebook, etc. Nevertheless, sometimes I wish I could give them all a big hug!

"And where the journal may lead you

let this prayer be your guide

though it may take you so far away

always remember your pride."

Kudos to the person who knows where this quote comes from. (Amanda, you don't count.)

Yes, I am a dork and I embrace it.

Let's Keep Moving!

David tore me away from my books this weekend for two beautiful bicycle rides along the potomac river. "How can you even think about studying with weather like this?!" (The answer: I'm super neurotic, but lucky to have a husband like him).

Last summer we biked to the National Mall almost every weekend, and I hope we can keep that trend going. I can't wait to get in shape and enjoy the fresh air. Some of my friends even bike to work. While I really admire their resolve, I could never pull it off myself!

What about you? Do you enjoy biking or other outdoor activities? Can you believe Spring is already here?

TemptAsian Cafe

Happy Friday, everyone!

I wanted to share with you one of my favorite meals in the DC area. About once a month some friends and I drive to TemptAsian cafe in Alexandria for excellent and inexpensive Szechwan food. We always order a dish called "Boiled Fish," Mapo Doufu (pictured below), Szechwan Chicken, and an assortment of vegetables such as eggplant and green beans. It is amazingly spicy. I'm not kidding - you will sweat. But it is sooooo worth it.

We went there this week and I was reminded how awesome it is to sit down and slowly enjoy a meal with good friends. If you're in the area and ever want to go, just let me know and I'll be there!!

PS: There are some really good restaurants in the DC area. If you want to get creative and try something new, I would recommend browsing Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide. He is a real genius when it comes to finding great food in unexpected places. He also offers tips on what and how to order.

photo credit

Come with me, go places

"Yes a heart will always go one step too far." - The New Pornographers

Friends, my heart has been heavy this week. From escalating tensions in the Middle East reenacting themselves in my classroom to extremely difficult and intimate news from a dear friend, there has been so much to ponder. Is is always true that things become more difficult and complicated the older you get? Well, at least some things, such as love and friendship, grow stronger and more effortless over time.

But why not look on the bright side? In the long term, we are becoming friends with a sweet couple who will be joining us in Israel. This will make the transition much easier. In the short term, we are going to see tons of friends this week because it is UMD spring break and we've planned some fun activities (Even though I have to work, and Dave doesn't really get a break since he is working on his thesis).

Thanks so much for keeping up with me even though I've been a spotty blogger lately. Hope you all have had a wonderful weekend! Xoxo

"Grey Day" print by the talented Lisa Golightly of kikiandpolly - available for sale here on etsy. I'm a fan. Check out her blog!

Things I'm Loving Lately...

In no particular order:

1. It's March and warm weather is around the corner; I can smell it.

2. Babies! Our first A-100 baby was born. Welcome, Simon! ("A-100" is like a club/battalion in the foreign service).

3. Canceling everything for a spontaneous date night with my honey.

4. This dress came in the mail this week:

5. Meeting a Holocaust survivor - what an inspirational and moving experience.

6. Vegetarian powerhouse salads for lunch. Bring it on, language classes!

7. Living close to our friends. I can't believe we will be moving so far away so soon :(.

Hope you all have had a lovely weekend!