It's been a beautiful day today and thanks to Pope Benedict XVI, I got to spend a portion of it outside in the sun. The Pope was in Washington, DC today and in a unique and possibly once in a lifetime moment, I got to see him ride down Pennsylvania Avenue in his pope mobile.

He started the day at a welcoming ceremony at the White House, where he addressed around 13,500 people. Unfortunately I was not one of them, but thanks to many up- to-date news sources I have heard bits of what he said. Most touching to me was his remark that he hoped his presence would bring renewal and hope for the United States.

Among the masses on Pennslyvania Avenue this afternoon, I think I saw a bit of that hope. There was excitement, full congregations celebrating in dance and song, believers waiting for the chance to see this great man. I too found myself anxious for the opportunity to catch a glimpse and was glad for the brief moment as I saw him ride along. I was impressed with the thousands and thousands of people, all there for the same brief experience, to pay tribute and respect to the pope.

The picture below was taken by a co-worker. She had a much better view up above. I was down on the street level and in a rare moment - did NOT have my camera. I'm glad she got such a clear photo.

Dance, this is the way they'd love

Perhaps I am biased, but I find these videos hilarious. This is my nephew Ian. He is known for always cracking a joke and making us all laugh. And he's pretty darn cute too! 

Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight

This was a video taken of my niece Nora at Christmas time (please don't mind the camera angle). She is quite the funny girl and I happened to catch her with a quick video. I found this the other day while going through some photos on my computer and it made me laugh really hard. I hope it does the same for you.

Nora Kate - we love you!

The Best Part of Waking Up

You know it's going to be a long day when you arrive to work and the Starbucks machine is out of order. Since I don't drink coffee, this really shouldn't affect me. But, within 10 minutes of arriving at the office, 5 different clients had come to let me know that the machine was not working. I of course assured them that we would have a service person here as soon as possible. If you don't already know, people are not happy when they don't get their morning coffee.

Which adds to the reasons why I'm glad I don't drink the stuff. Though I once lamented to my mom that I felt everyone in the world had a competitive edge on me because they drink coffee and other caffinated beverages. My natural energy level just can't compete with that. And in a society where I feel pressure to complete more in a day than I have hours, it sure would be nice to have an extra boost.

But the biggest temptation comes from my favorite Folgers commercials...who doesn't want to have mornings like this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmgdH8oAcG4

Popcorn Popping

Favorite salty snack: Popcorn *

I could eat it most all the time**

Today at work, I mentioned I was hungry. My coworker said, "There's microwave popcorn in the kitchen." She's only worked here for a month and already she knows me well. She graciously agreed to share it with me since I can't justify making a bag just for myself.

While digging through the bowl, as I'm prone to do, to find the half popped kernals, I remembered something my good friend Micah told me awhile back...something about someone selling only the half popped kernals.

I turned to my favorite search engine***, and sure enough in .30 seconds, I found what I was looking for; popnots!!!

Unfourtunately, their website is being upgraded and I cannot currently purchase online, and the closest store is in Scranton, PA. Looks like it's time for a road trip to the home of my favorite show. ****

http://www.popnots.com/

* Not exclusive and subject to change upon any given day, mood or time of the month.

** Not recommended while blogging.

*** Google

**** The Office

I Love to Laugh - Loud & Long & Clear

My dreams of being a newscaster were fulfilled this weekend. Unfortunately, as evidenced by this video, it is not my true calling in life.

But, man did I have fun doing it.

My friend Eric and I went to the Newseum this weekend; it's a new museum downtown dedicated to news. It was amazing. The grand opening of the museum isn't until April 11th, but Saturday was friends and and family day, and thanks to my friend Doan, we were able to see the whole museum for free (it's going to cost $20 for admission once it opens to the public). There were some great exhibits, but we definitely had the most fun at the "Become a TV Reporter" section.

I laughed harder while watching this video than I have in a long long time. Kristy and Beau also got the chance to be at TV reporter and we've spent a good part of our Sunday evening watching our videos and being thoroughly entertained. There's nothing better than a good long laugh with friends. I love Sundays.

I Sing Because I'm Happy

Out of Iraq

No Exit Strategy!

 

No Credibility!

This was what I read on a large cardboard stop sign draped around an older gentleman's neck, while standing in front of the White House. I was outside for a brief break from work, insistent that I would not spend ALL day inside when the weather was beautiful. I took a walk around Lafayette park and was immediately drawn closer to the White House because I heard a voice singing. It wasn't particularly beautiful, but it wasn't harsh either and it boomed across the park. 

A crowd had formed around this gentleman as he sang his heart out, a continual smile on his face. Young kids and teenagers posed themselves next to him to take pictures, and he humored them with a peace sign for each flash, but never stopped his song.

The tune was unrecognizable, but the words were a familiar psalm; "Surely his goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." Without skipping a beat, he moved on to an old gospel hymn; "I sing because I'm happy. I sing because I'm free. His eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches me."

I've seen many displays of protest in this town, often against President Bush and the Iraq war, though the occasional immigration rally or circumcision protest (that's a whole other post) does arise. But, this man was different than the others - no shouting, no rehearsed chants, no anger or hate. He sang a true message, that the Lord, full of goodness and mercy, watches over each of us. It wasn't that he didn't want the same things as all the other protesters - an end to the war - but he chose to express himself in a different manner than all the rest. It was refreshing.

I'm sure those teenagers went back with their photos laughing about the crazy man who wouldn't stop singing, and I'll admit, the whole scene did make me chuckle. But, it also made me think of my Savior, the only one with the power to bring complete peace to the earth. Perhaps that was his point after all.