Fancy Footwork

Sat., June 23, 2007

My friend Mel and I were looking for something fun to do. I read on washingtonpost.com under local events that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) located in Alexandria, Va., was holding a shoe exhibit. Shoe aficionados that we are, we couldn’t resist checking it out. “Shoes: Innovations at Your Feet” opened on July 13, 2006 and is FREE to the public. The exhibit showcased all kinds of footwear from 19th century models of patented inventions as well as recent accomplishments of today's footwear industry. There were more than 40 glass cases filled with different types of shoes by various designers. Featured brand names included Manolo Blahnik (known as "one of the world’s most prominent women’s shoe designers"), Keds®, Timberland and Dr. Scholl's®. Highlights from the exhibit were the origin of tap shoes, the actual size 23 work shoe of Shaquille O'Neal, select footwear of First Ladies' and an interactive Shoe Designer’s Workshop containing a plain high heel and lots of magnetic accessories for you to customize your own shoe.

Not your typical touristy attraction, it was worth the trip. The exhibit runs until the third week of July 2007.

Caps Off!

Fri., June 15, 2007

The big day finally arrived -- my little sister's graduation from Chantilly High School. The floor was a sea of purple and white (their school colors). The class of '07 consisted of 675 students. A stern warning about proper behavior was given before the commencement officially began. However, it wasn't a surprise when well into the ceremony, beach balls suddenly appeared amongst the students and were bumped around until they were confiscated. Various faculty and students presentations followed. Peppered in was music accompaniment from the band and chorus.

The keynote speech was given by "beloved history teacher" and football coach Phil Cronin. He mentioned the different hats he wore as a coach, teacher and mentor/role model. The following are excerpts from his speech that I found inspiring. "We pushed you to try new things or to grow beyond your expectations of your self. To stay in your comfort zone, to not try new things -- that would be a tragedy! We asked you to give more than you thought you had and told you that there weren’t always trophies or prizes at the end. Sometimes it was the process that was important and that by learning to take care of the little things, the details, that would make you successful."

The ceremony was a little more than two hours long ... impressively efficient. When it ended, happy teens and proud parents, grandparents and friends poured out of the George Mason Patriot Center. Endless possibilities awaiting the new graduates!

Big Screen

Wed., May 23, 2007

I was invited to an advance private viewing of 'Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End.' Alas, this installment of the franchise turned out to be a sinking ship. The action adventures of the movie didn’t keep up with the 2 hrs. 45 min. length. The impressive cinematography effects of ‘Dead Man’s Chest’ were simply recycled. About mid-way through the movie was a significant “dead air” spot when the screen went blank from black to white. Instead of being effective to the scene, it came across as if something had happened to the film reel. Predictably, Keith Richards appearance was brief and towards the end. Creative makeup and costumes were the only treasures to be found. Disney should order the director, Gore Verbinsk, to walk the plank for this one.

Transformation

Sat., May 12, 2007

I never thought I would see the day my little rocker sis would get all glammed up ... her signature ponytail, long plaid shorts, tank top, studded belt and Vans sneakers were replaced with a fancy updo, white and black floor length taffeta gown and black patent leather heels. The reason for this makeover? Senior prom. Her date was a sweet and funny guy she's known since childhood. Full of adrenalin, they loaded into a white stretch limo with four other friends for dinner at The Melting Pot before heading to the Hyatt Regency. Next up, graduation ...

Happy, happy, joy, joy!

Sun., April 22, 2007

I traveled up north to Buffalo for the weekend for my BFF’s bridal showers. Fri. night the hot on ice Sabres had a playoff game (they won of course) and the streets were filled with excited fans. On Sat. afternoon my BFF’s soon to be mother-in-law hosted a garden tea party. On Sun. I hosted a brunch … first time I had ever planned an event from out of state. She received several car loads of great presents to launch her new life as a married woman. It was a weekend of food, festivities and more food. When Sunday night arrived I was so full that I was tempted to power walk back to Virginia. I have a few weeks to digest all my indulgences and then it'll be time for me to return for her big day in June!

You’re my person … ('Grey's' Reference)

Fri., April 20, 2007

I trekked to Buffalo over the weekend for my best friend’s bridal showers. Knowing she didn’t care for typical bachelorette activities, I had asked her a while back what she wanted to do. Her reply, get tattoos. At first I was hesitant, but I changed my mind after she sent me a cool design she came up with that fused our two initials. I deeply reflected on our friendship and how she’s had my back, so I decided that’s where the tattoo would go. Friday night when I arrived in town we went to a tattoo shop called Cowpok on Elmwood Avenue to get them done. The feeling was more like a burning sensation than needle pricks. It took Cooper, our tattoo artist, less than 20 minutes to complete the 1.5” x 2” solid black design. A positive experience overall. No regrets.

Airborne

Sat., March 31, 2007

I went to Wintergreen Resort over the weekend for a friend’s spa bridal shower. We were in the mood for some outdoor excitement, so we went to the Out of Bounds Adventure Center. We decided to try an activity called bungee trampoline -- a hybrid trampoline / bungee apparatus, enabling jumpers to reach heights of 25 feet and higher! It was set up on an edge overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was soooooo much fun!!!