2012 Resolutions

CORONADO, CALIF. - I'm not normally one to publicly declare new year resolutions on a blog, or anywhere on the internet for that matter. But this time, maybe if I say it out loud, it'll stick: So, let it be known that in 2012, I will spend more time at the beach.* 

On the fourth and final leg of my Christmas vacation, most of the family met up in San Diego to ring in 2012. It was heavenly and a good reminder that rest and relaxation is a must for a stress-free, happy life. So, I think it's safe to say that I can follow through with this resolution. No problem. 

Bon fire on the beach with old Christmas trees

In my rushed attempt to pack for December-like weather, I forgot to pack "beach attire"

Most of the family enjoying the beginning of the new year

*(And if I must get specific, West Coast beaches in particular.I've been called a beach snob, but they are just so much better than the other side of the country in which I currently reside. And there's no humidity. Please don't be upset by this, East Coast friends).

A Good Life in 2011...

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- It's that time of year again... when it ends.  As has been customary for the last few years, I put together a little Candrian family pictorial "Year in Review" video.  It just dawned on me that I have a bunch of funny videos I could have added... but... whatever. The pictures will sum up our 2011 well enough.  I promise to make next year's video slightly more flashy.

To sum up 2011 in words would be near impossible. But I will use this one word to do the best I can: unpredictable.  For me, the year started out completely in the dark. My job with a former senator was ending, and I had no idea what was in store. I only knew that I shouldn't be worried about it, so I wasn't.  And, just a few weeks later, a call came. It happened to be from one of the only other member's of Congress (my list was very short) who I was interested in working for on Capitol Hill. And thus ensued a multitude of blessings. I am grateful beyond words.

So, I hope 2011 has treated everyone else well too.  Life is unpredictable, and sometimes pretty unexpected, and that's what makes it so memorable. Merry Christmas to all of you, and here's to a fantastic 2012 with more adventures and blessings to come.

Today on Capitol Hill...

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Capitol Hill is typically filled with the "who's who" in the political world, as you can imagine of the arena where laws are created.  And today was no different, I suppose.  I don't normally get excited over too many of the big shots though, unless there's a journalism connection (as I've explained here and here) but today we had two "distinguished" guests make appearances that I got a little excited about.

First up... we had a man whose face I was very familiar with growing up, thanks to cinematic favorites such as Star Wars and Indiana Jones. Yes...  ladies and gentleman... I bring you Harrison Ford... straight from our nation's capital:

He was in town, earring and all, meeting with the Senate General Aviation Caucus (yes, there is such a thing).  My boss is part of it, so I got to tag along for media purposes, of course.  For those of you who don't know, Mr. Ford is way into GA.  You can read more about his visit with the senators here. 

But this morning, well before Mr. Ford's visit, I got to take a peak at another visitor that I was even more pumped was making an appearance at a Senate Finance Committee hearing, which my boss is also a member.  The topic of the hearing was about charitable giving. So, who better to testify then our very own Elder Dallin H. Oaks.  

It's amazing the feeling a man with such strong conviction can bring into a room, even when there are democrats there (sorry, I had to). You can read more about his visit here.

So, things at work have been keeping me pretty busy, I guess you could say.  It's a lot of work sometimes keeping track of who's going to be where at what time around here.  But the views from my drive* home lately help solidify that I'm in the right place.

*Don't worry, these pictures were taken while traffic was at a standstill. 

Happy Birthday TWO you!

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- I feel like my blog recently has turned into one of those "mommy blogs" that some people find slightly annoying.  While I don't apologize, I whole heartedly admit that I quite enjoy being an aunt.  So, for the time being we can dub this an "aunty blog" until further notice.

This little guy (my oldest nephew) turned TWO today. And even though he can't yet read, I wanted to give him a birthday shout-out.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHAEL MICHAEL!!!

One day he won't think it's so cool to hang out with his aunt, so I have to have fun with it while I can.  This video is kind of random, but it cracks me up.  This particular night at dinner he was told he had two options, so in the video he is trying to explain them, before he gets distracted by practicing his emotions. Check it out: 

I Skyped with him on Sunday and he politely demanded, "Aunt Andewa come to Michael's house!"  Oh how I wish I could take vacations there more often.

More Vacations, Please

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- I love vacations. I. LOVE. VACATIONS.  I live for vacations. I wish Americans would just hurry up already and implement the European mentality of having several months a year worth of vacation time. Out of all the bits and pieces that American culture has borrowed from other countries, it will forever blow my mind that this simple concept was never implemented.

I tried explaining this to someone at work this week and their response was, "Yeah, but those countries aren't very productive."  Well, you tell me which "productive" country's economy seems to be struggling right now?  (Hint: Starts with an U and ends with an SA) They seem to be doing just fine in Sweden. So, it seems to me a little more r & r time could do America some good. Agreed?   

On that note, my latest vacation to Stockholm was just the rejuvenation I was craving.  But, as all vacations go, it ended much too quickly. And now I'm already ready for the next one.  I'm thinking somewhere with warm weather, and a beach, should be calling my name in the next few months. In the meantime, I will think of these wonderful people and places with fondness:  

Thanks Rob and Lorena for being so hospitable!  

First Time for Everything

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN -- The other day, my hilarious nephew Michael and I went on a little outing to a shopping center not far from his house. It was such a nice, sunny day that I decided to buy him an ice cream cone. After all, what two-year-old doesn't like ice cream?

It wasn't until we got home that I realized why it took him more than two hours to eat it. His mother informed me that he had never had an ice cream cone before. This was his first.  WHAT?!  Really?!  Well then, I guess that would explain the several minutes of confusion (in several locations, I might add) that ensued, before he finally figured out exactly how to eat it. 

When we finally made it home, we played a little game of "what does ice cream taste like." This kid cracks me up. Evidently, the feeling is mutual:

One Last Summer Vacation

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN -- The last few days of summer are winding down, and I'm spending them in Stockholm, where it already feels like fall. I've been hanging out with these little balls of energy:

At the park...

 

At the "beach" on the Baltic Sea...

And spending a bit too much time on my iPad. Good thing we found some head phones! 

Six more days to go...