tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47611953283772694772024-03-13T01:34:49.452-04:00UnagiIt's not something you are, it's something you have.Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07728775859426385016noreply@blogger.comBlogger289125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4761195328377269477.post-45850553502914154502013-04-08T14:52:00.001-04:002013-04-08T14:52:55.059-04:00Heard: "People on whose couches I've been crashing" editionI've spent many--if not most--of the last eight weekends, on the road. To Tennessee for my mom's (surprise) 60th birthday. To Boston for my friend's (surprise) 30th birthday. To Philadelphia to visit a friend who recently moved there. To New York with my cousins. Etc etc etc.
Consequently, I have lots of pictures to share, and lots of excellent food to tell you about. But in the Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07728775859426385016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4761195328377269477.post-9447575882244029912013-01-31T11:12:00.001-05:002013-01-31T13:30:15.802-05:00Just call me Picabo StreetI'm going skiing on Saturday for the first time, along with three friends. All but one of us are beginners, and to hear us talk, you'd think we were headed for the Olympic runs at Lake Placid. So, behold....
Things We Have Actually Said While Discussing Our Upcoming Ski Trip
"As long as we all make it out without any broken bones, I'll consider it a successful day!"
"Really? THAT's Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07728775859426385016noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4761195328377269477.post-44760283220364315632013-01-16T16:58:00.000-05:002013-01-16T16:58:28.279-05:00Three things1. The weather people are predicting snow tomorrow, except that they've changed their minds six times in the last eight hours about how much. Predictions run the gamut from freezing rain to six inches or more, which probably means that we see an hour of light flurries that don't hit the ground but still cause evening traffic to snarl beyond explanation. That's the way it goes in Washington. Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07728775859426385016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4761195328377269477.post-54622691455797317142013-01-15T15:47:00.000-05:002013-01-15T15:47:00.248-05:002012 Catch-up: Atlantic/PacificA lot of things happened in 2012, particularly in the latter half of the year, and I barely wrote about any of it! So for the next few days (weeks?) I'm going to catch up on a few of the stuff I missed last year--and clean off my camera card while I'm at it. Happy New Year, all!
August was a weird month.
I was off swimming in this during our annual family vacation...
Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07728775859426385016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4761195328377269477.post-49553989391075327072013-01-14T14:47:00.000-05:002013-01-15T15:09:34.542-05:00Holly and LuckyWe had an unusual Christmas this year.
For one thing, it was the first without my sister, who was spending her first Christmas with her husband's family. But even that was sort of forgotten, because this will forever be remembered as The Christmas We Unexpectedly Acquired Two Dogs.
Let me back up.
For years, my grandmother has wanted a dog. This hasn't been a secret. And over the last year orHannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07728775859426385016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4761195328377269477.post-27467514207490145702012-10-28T14:03:00.000-04:002012-11-09T17:13:00.869-05:00A hurricane's a comin'!So. A hurricane is approaching Washington (and basically everyone in the mid-Atlantic). Perhaps you've heard?
I'm ready, I guess. Water reserves obtained. Assorted flashlights and lanterns and my End Of The World Box* freshly battery-ed up and ready to go. Non-perishables in the pantry. AC unit removed from the window. Car stowed in a hotel parking garage down the street (and costing me a Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07728775859426385016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4761195328377269477.post-89824239136060546962012-07-11T10:43:00.000-04:002012-07-11T10:43:01.111-04:00An open letter to tourists visiting Washington, DCDear visitors,
Hello! Welcome to Washington. I hope you enjoy your stay.
DC is a wonderful place to experience with kids. My parents brought my sister and me to Washington for the first time when we were in elementary school. We had a fabulous time, and I even decided to attend college here and make it my home after graduation. That said, while I think it's awesome that you and your Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07728775859426385016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4761195328377269477.post-20466102657544774642012-07-10T15:39:00.001-04:002012-07-10T15:42:36.994-04:00Obligatory "what I've been reading" report
Like most of the U.S., we had a record-breaking heat streak over the last couple of weeks, with 11 days above 95 degrees and heat indexes (indices?) over 110. It was ridiculous. I stepped outside yesterday morning to a downright cool 75 degrees with a light breeze, and I nearly wept with joy.
The good thing about it being too hot to move is that I haven't felt the least bit guilty about taking Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07728775859426385016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4761195328377269477.post-27133170298524011792012-07-05T16:51:00.001-04:002012-07-05T16:56:54.548-04:00On being busy (or...not)
Last week, I read a piece in The New York Times that I haven't been able to stop thinking about. Titled "The 'Busy' Trap," it examined the culture of "busyness" and the premium our society places on always having something to do, always going going going.
"If you live in America in the 21st century you’ve probably had to listen to a lot of people tell you how busy they are. It’s Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07728775859426385016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4761195328377269477.post-4885292791991859602012-06-29T15:35:00.003-04:002012-07-05T13:21:44.481-04:00Friday roundupWow, a lot happened this week in the world. Here are a few articles that caught my eye:
How Communal Singing Disappeared from American Life (The Atlantic)
As a lifelong singer--in church, in choirs, in the car, on any possible occasion that might annoy my friends--this is fascinating. (Hat tip to Mom for sending me this one.)
Seeing Nora everywhere (The New Yorker)
I was Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07728775859426385016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4761195328377269477.post-57622548466638217822012-06-28T17:15:00.002-04:002012-06-29T11:36:24.815-04:00In which I sacrifice my dignity for free dessertsThursday, 4:15pm. Outside temperature: 95 degrees. My boss comes ambling into my office.
JK: I'm thinking about a frozen yogurt run.
Me: Yeah?
JK: Are you interested? I'll buy--
Me: Sure!
JK: --if you go get it.
Me: .....
JK: [Grins; looks at me encouragingly]
Me: You see, THIS is why people think I'm your assistant.*
JK: ... Is that a no?
Me: No, I'll go. I meanHannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07728775859426385016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4761195328377269477.post-14251074567930476612012-06-27T11:45:00.000-04:002012-06-27T11:45:00.525-04:00Heard/Photo Wednesday: Partying with celery
During Annie's wedding in Iowa, I found myself--once again--skipping the cake and consuming large quantities of raw celery. So naturally, I had to document it for my colleague, who once pointed out my frequent commentary on crudite consumption.
Me, mid-dance: Jay! I need to you take a picture of me with this celery.
Jason: ... Seriously?
Me: Yes. Please post it to Facebook right now.
Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07728775859426385016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4761195328377269477.post-68242743823409069922012-06-26T10:45:00.000-04:002012-06-26T11:07:28.771-04:00Honestly, I can't believe I just listened to a Captain & Tennille song
I've been listening to NPR's Songs of Summer 1962-2012 mix nonstop at work for the last week, largely because it's one of the most enjoyable compilations of songs I've come across in a while. (Jules wrote about it last week.)That said, given its long timespan and broad array of songs included, some of the transitions are pretty amusing. My favorites:
Nicki Minaj's "Super Bass" ---> Sammy Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07728775859426385016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4761195328377269477.post-24490045521750090712012-06-25T14:16:00.001-04:002012-07-02T13:34:48.472-04:00Summer cold, summer hot, summer Olympics
I've spent most of the last four days shut up in my apartment, avoiding the oppressive heat and trying to kick the cold I brought back from Iowa. I took a sick day and everything! Happily, this has coincided with my acquisition of HBO (the better to watch Aaron Sorkin's new show The Newsroom) and, thus, HBO onDemand, so I've watched the entire first seasons of Girls, Veep, and Game of Thrones. Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07728775859426385016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4761195328377269477.post-64695288116311333972012-06-19T18:51:00.000-04:002012-07-02T13:35:23.776-04:00A comprehensive list of items in the top drawer of my desk
Clockwise-ish from top
left:
Teas (assorted): Bentley's, Celestial Seasonings, Bigelow,
Throat Coat. What's your poison? I've probably got it here. Also some sort of gourmet
chocolate tea, which Ashley sent home with me from Saint Louis last fall and
which am guarding like it's the damn Ring of Endor.....Is that a thing? From
Lord of the Rings? Or, wait, is it Mordor? Eh, whatever.Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07728775859426385016noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4761195328377269477.post-32584093138196820512012-06-18T17:51:00.000-04:002012-06-18T17:58:08.635-04:00My kind of townI got back late last night after a late flight from O'Hare, on which my seatmate was a lovely girl who happened to be reading the exact same book I am (A Clash of Kings, for those who are wondering). She also happened to be a nervous flyer, a fact that she mentioned as we watched assorted emergency vehicles assembling on the tarmac as our plane taxied out for takeoff. (Apparently there was a Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07728775859426385016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4761195328377269477.post-82783851238273324852012-06-06T09:47:00.000-04:002012-06-25T17:19:33.155-04:00Photo Wednesday: Three Rivers
At the end of May, my family convened in Pennsylvania to celebrate my cousin Daniel's high school graduation, including an amazing dinner at the Monterey Bay Fish Grotto atop Pittsburgh's Mount Washington. The views of the city couldn't have been better.
City of bridges
Heinz Field, home of our beloved Steelers
Sparkly! (PNC field on the left, where a Pirates game was taking place)
Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07728775859426385016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4761195328377269477.post-40499539823202986612012-06-05T15:40:00.002-04:002013-01-15T14:36:48.528-05:00Broadway, baby!So I went to New York last week. Ashley, who was headed there with a friend for a theater trip, had called me just a couple of weeks prior to invite me along. Though I was to be in Pittsburgh for a few days to celebrate my cousin's high school graduation, I decided I could squeeze in a couple of days in the city and a show or two. So, for the second spring in a row, Ash and I started making New Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07728775859426385016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4761195328377269477.post-78513524610610479752012-04-06T13:26:00.000-04:002012-04-06T13:26:11.461-04:00Heard: Easter editionDiscussing Easter plans for with my boss who has two small, superhero-obsessed sons
JK: We're doing Spiderman Easter eggs.
Me: Just as the Lord intended.
Happy Easter weekend, ya'll.Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07728775859426385016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4761195328377269477.post-3780273826808223932012-03-26T17:59:00.001-04:002012-06-29T11:40:00.366-04:00Better (really really really really) late than never
You all remember my Great Wall of Shame, right? The wall that has been blank--save for a framed cover of Survivor's Eye of the Tiger album (long story)--for the 4.5 years I've lived in my apartment? The wall for which I've had actual plans for four of those 4.5 years, and yet never actually took up a hammer and hung anything?
Well, about three weeks ago, this happened:
Hark! There are thingsHannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07728775859426385016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4761195328377269477.post-20713608515444664432012-02-10T14:36:00.000-05:002012-06-29T11:35:38.740-04:00A to Zed
I'm not usually a big fan of the internet meme, but it's been a long week, and this seems good for a lazy Friday afternoon. (Hat tip to Jules, who got it from Leah.)
A. Age: 28
B. Bed size: Full
C. Chore that you hate: Cleaning out the fridge. Usually I just wait until Jules visits and she does it for me. (Kidding. Sort of.)
D. Dogs: Love 'em, but don't have any. I have dog yearningHannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07728775859426385016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4761195328377269477.post-19483631847946416192012-02-07T17:17:00.000-05:002012-02-07T17:17:00.455-05:00Recently, on Twitter (part C)
Of all the Brit-ified word spellings, the one that most amuses me is "yoghurt." Possibly because I always read it in Alan Rickman's voice.
Right now I'm really regretting not liberating more of those brownies from [Val's] kitchen last night. #superbowl
Was asked to set up Downton Abbey Lunch/Viewing Party & now my inbox is flooded w responses to the all-staff meeting request. I love my jobHannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07728775859426385016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4761195328377269477.post-10492610247344330842012-02-05T23:15:00.000-05:002012-02-06T15:27:33.600-05:00Heard: Super Bowl commercial editionMe: Every time I see the ad for that new show Smash, I think, 'Jay's going to love this.'
Jay: (sarcastically) Oh yeah, that one's going on my DVR for sure.
Me: I figured. That and a flying bear documentary, right?
Jay: Let's not joke about that.Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07728775859426385016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4761195328377269477.post-31380511411267091502012-01-23T13:45:00.000-05:002012-01-24T11:04:15.587-05:00Heard: lunchtime conversationsS: Aw man, they [the takeout place] put a ton of bean sprouts in my soup.
Me: I actually like bean sprouts.
C: Me too.
Me: You know what else I like?
C: Celery.
Me: .... How did you--?
C: You talk about celery a lot.
Me: I talk about celery a lot?
C: Kind of.
Me: [aghast]
C: "I love celery! I sit next to it at parties."
Me: I-- that's-- huh. I have actually said that Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07728775859426385016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4761195328377269477.post-33225792444769017032012-01-21T16:48:00.001-05:002012-01-21T16:58:32.833-05:00On passports and PinterestI woke up this morning in a panic about renewing my passport.
It took a minute to get my bearings. Where am I? In bed. Am I late for work? No, it's Saturday. There's snow on the ground. Go back to sleep. But my passport! What about it? It's expired. So? So, I need it! Why? For the trip to Italy!
... The what? Then I remembered a lengthy and rather vivid dream wherein I was preparing for a trip Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07728775859426385016noreply@blogger.com0