Good Stuff

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Sometimes the East Coast is a lonely world.  But thankfully, from time to time I get the chance to see the ones I love the most out here. Britt and Brian and their cute little kids spent a few days in Williamsburg this week... just a few hour drive from Washington. They popped up to D.C. a few days ago, and we headed over to a popular joint for some incredibly good eats.

As I watched them pull away, I had this overwhelming feeling for how much I love seeing them. It was so nice to hang out with them, even if it was just for a little bit... because this kid cracks me up more than anything... My fingers are crossed that we can live closer someday. 

Drinking the famous Toasted Marshmallow Shakes

Just Because...

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - April has been a busy month so far.  First a trip to Tennessee to get a peak at my new niece, and to hang out with her rambunctious (but darling) big brother.  I have no words for how much I love these kids... 

 

And then back to D.C. just in time for a weekend visit from my favorite west coaster... 

 

If only weekends (and vacations) could be longer, I'd be in heaven...

Spring has Sprung

WASHINGTON, D.C. - I've been a big-time slacker at blogging lately, but I make no apologies.  This winter never really made its full debut, so I've been soaking up the ideal weather conditions and enjoying the outdoors. Needless to say, Spring started early around here.

Last week, while I was on my way home from work, I snapped this photo.  The cherry blossoms were  at their peak when they normally would just be starting to bloom. I could stare at them all day if I didn't have to be responsible.  It's images like this that make it my favorite time of year on the East Coast.

This morning I did the unthinkable in my book, and got up early. A friend and I decided to beat the crowds, so we could take pictures of the majestically blooming Japanese Cherry trees bordering the Tidal Basin. However, when we got there we discovered that the peak blooms had already made their exit.  This weekend's chilly, strong winds had blown most of the blossoms off, and the bright pink and white flowers looked more like autumn colored leaves.  It was kind of a bummer.  But, since it is a rare occasion to find me up early, we made the best of it and had fun taking pictures anyway... 

If only cherry trees bloomed year-round, I'd be getting up early a lot more often.

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.