You don't have to walk...

We acted like pioneers this past week. Oddly enough we were hit by Hurricane Ike last Sunday. It was very windy for an afternoon, but it was enough to down power lines and rip trees out of the ground. We had sustained winds of 79 miles an hour which qualifies as a category 1 hurricane. It's funny, I always told Reza I liked living in Ohio cause of it's minimal risk of natural disasters. Hurricanes in Columbus, who knew?! Anyways, here are a couple of pictures. We were without power for 4 days, and without cable/internet for 7! I know what you're thinking-- "How did they survive?" But we did, and we have tales to tellThese lines were right across the street.

For better pictures of more damage in the area check out my families blog: http://fabulousfrostfamily.blogspot.com

Being Domestic

Yes I may be a serious grad student, but studying does not even amount to the majority of my life. I love being domestic---especially when it comes to sewing and quilting. I realize that "quilting" does not conjure up images of a 24 year old, newlywed, grad student, but I am hooked. I actually started sewing years ago, I was a member of 4-H and my sewing project I made in 4th grade won the Franklin County Fair and I competed at the State Fair (which I did not win).

I became re-interested in sewing when my Mom picked up quilting a few years ago. I have jumped on the bandwagon with my Mom and all her friends. I crash their weekly quilting groups when I can, and I really enjoy picking out patterns, fabric and creating something beautiful.

Here is a picture of my first "real" quilting project. I have made simpler quilting projects, but this is the first one that I have quilted and bound. It's my Mom's Christmas present. I also really like making bags/purses. I finished this one this morning. For really cool fabrics, and free patterns check out this website: Amy Butler Designs. The bag is one of her patterns, she does a lot of really cool stuff!

PS. If you are into quilting--Amish country is the place to go. They have great quilts, and amazing fabric selections. I went yesterday with my Mom. It was a blast!

Thank You

Thank you to each soldier who has risked their lives to protect mine.
Thank you to New York's finest for putting others well-beings ahead of theirs.
Thank you to each and every person who does the right things for the right reasons.
Thank you to everyone who has died to protect this Country, our Freedoms, and the Freedoms of Others.
Thank you for making our world a better place to live.
Thank you to each person who works hard so that I do not live in fear daily.
Thank you to everyone who understands the blessings of being and American and does what they can to protect and spread those rights.
Thank you.

Politics

Well...I am the first to admit I am pretty apathetic when it comes to politics. However, during the last couple of weeks I have realized that I need to be a responsible voter and in order to be that I need to figure out how I feel about the issues first. It's been an interesting road to try and organize my thoughts and feelings in such a manner that I can articulate them concisely. I am still working on that, so I won't bore you with them now.

Earlier today (while I was watching the Special Olympic Edition of Oprah) a man came to the door who was campaigning for a democratic candidate for the House of Representatives. He asked if he could ask me a couple of questions, and I said sure but I am not voting for her.

This was the rest of the conversation:

Him: "What about the presidential election?"

Me: "What about it?"

Him: "Who are you voting for?"

Me: "McCain."

Him: "That's too bad." (This was said with a very arrogant tone, and a look of disgust.)

Me: "I don't think so."

Now is it just me or do we live in America and we have the right to chose. Shouldn't those freedoms and opinions be respected? If I were the lady he was campaigning for I would not want him out trying to sway voters.

And as far as the whole Presidential election: what if I don't really like either of them?

What up Washington?

Trip highlights:
1) the Wal-mart customer service lady's phone ringing while helping us, and then she took it out of her bra to see who was calling
2) singing the National Anthem while looking at the flag flying on the US Capital building while accompanying by the National Symphony Orchestra
3) enjoying salmon for the first time (I have had it before, this just marks the first time I really enjoyed it)
4) being with Reza while he experienced DC for the first time
5) helping Miss Wendy set up her 3rd classroom for the 3rd time
6) seeing a homeless man sleeping in the middle of the sidewalk while wearing a t-shirt and his skivvies
7) seeing an overabundance of shirts worn as dresses
8) the best grilled cheese ever! (Tuscany Cafe in Georgetown)
9) riding on an underground train between senate office buildings and the Capital building
10) watching BYU play at the Hyatt sports bar

AHH!

The neighbor's dog has been barking non-stop for at least 2 hours. Usually it only barks for like 10 minutes when the mailman comes. I am going insane....especially since it's one of these:
I am really not a fan of small, white, yippy dogs. There are people outside repaving the parking lot....but the dog dosen't go nuts when the landscapers come. It's driving me nuts! ahh!

Another First...

I got a 4.0 this semester. (Jenny is the one that always achieves such grades...she promised to send me a "student of the month" certificate).