Condo Overhaul

So after much designing and planning, I finally had my furniture installed in my condo. There were a few small problems with the setup, but overall, I am very happy with the result. Here are a couple pictures from my camera phone to give you a taste of the end result...

A few of the small issues that presented themselves include the bookshelves not being flush with the end of the table as opposed to the wall and the end bookcase next to the bed not being cutout and placed over the light switch next to the door so that there is more storage space on the otherside for my snowboard and things. I will be working with the install company to either come back out or cut back the price a little bit.

I slept on the bed last night and I wasn't sure if I was going to like it since it is a little stiffer than what I am used to, but I woke up this morning and I didn't want to move. My whole body just felt great. I only have the kitchen counter left and a rug and loveseat to get before I can say that I am completely done with remodeling ideas.

Two and Three Weeks Ago

Tiffany and I went to Chicago a few weekends ago just to go. It has been a city that I have always wanted to visit and we found some really cheap flights so we said why not? We took the metro from Chicago-Midway into the city and walked around trying to get our bearings before heading down to Navy Pier. I am sure that during the summer it is full of activity, but we were there on a cold windy night. There were still people out and about and lots of folks going out on dinner cruises. We walked the length of the pier and had dinner at one of the restaurants along the way. We also stopped to take this picture with the downtown skyline.

We stopped in Giordano's Pizza as recommended by some of the locals for authentic Chicago style pizza. Little did we know that it takes 45 minutes to prepare an authentic Chicago style pizza. We didn't mind the wait. The style of pizza, is...different. I really didn't care for it to be honest. I will stick to traditional or New York style any day of the week.

We did of course go to the top of the Sears tower. I was a little disappointed that they didn't have roof access, but that is probably due to the frequency of wind or something. BTW, it is no longer the world's tallest building, the tower in Dubai passed it up this year.


Justin came into town two weekends ago since we had some rapid rewards coupons that were going to expire if they weren't used by the end of the month. We went to a club in Georgetown one night, shot some billiards in Adams Morgan on another night, and went to some museums during the day. We also met up with Justin's friend Carrie who lives in the District and went to a Vegan restaurant that is (unbeknown to me) a few blocks away from me. Luckily they had pancakes so I didn't starve. They were wheat of course, but actually pretty good. One of the nights, we went to a mystery dinner theater. It was a country western theme and Justin was selected as one of the volunteers to participate in a few contests. In this picture, Justin is attempting to shoot a card off of the top of the guys head. He missed. He was able to lasso the guy though in a different event. It was a fun weekend.

Google calendar: a year of family events

Here's a new feature to share some important dates. The calendar is shared between the closethedistance blog and the pomarole-flahertyfamily blog. I am really bad at dates. Someone please paw through the year and help me out with birthdays, anniversaries and all days special. Then I'll update my google calendar. Definitely missing:
Amanda's birthday, Matt and Amanda's anniversary, Please check dates when you can.
Thanks! Ellen
note: the "Agenda view" third tab over works the best. I'm having trouble dealing with page width constraints.

Holiday Light Show to Trans Siberian

This should start to get everyone in the Holiday Spirit!

Verizon

So I have good news for everyone. I am sticking with Verizon. After much speculation as to whether or not Verizon would compete with the iPhone, they have released the XV-10000, otherwise known as the "Voyager." Although not highly publicized, it will rival the iPhone with it's touch screen display, 8gb memory capacity (microSD card), and Mobile Web 2.0 browswer. Now here are a few areas where the Voyager will surpass the iPhone:


Verizon Network (in calling, faster, larger,reliable)
QWERTY keyboard
Send picture and video messages (iPhone can take, but not send to other phones)
More durable (especially the screen)
You can buy insurance
External battery so you can buy a new battery without replacing the phone
VZ Navigator
Mobile TV
Better speakers
Two screens
Autofocus on 2MP camera


Disadvantages: Isn't as cool. No Wifi. No cool integration with computer or instant blogging.

OR

I went to Portland to see Kate. Had a great time in the rain. Much to Kate's dismay, I purchased this not so fashionable rain poncho for the trip. I'd rather be dry than be fashionable. We went to Multnomah Falls - tilt your head and check out my very first youtube video evah!

YouTube video of Kate at Multnomah

Ok - Techy family members: Does anyone have a way of rotating film? I keep doing the same thing - taking video in portrait vs. landscape view. How do I get my shortcut to reflect a Youtube icon?

Oh yeah. If you go to Portland, check out Powell's, the world's largest independent bookstore. Its a dangerous place to be with cash in your pockets. We spent our way through the afternoon.

Sean runs DC!!

I invite everyone to congratulate Sean on the completion of his first full marathon. The Marine Corps Marathon, dubbed "The People's Marathon" took place on October 28. It was a well-organized race on a beautiful day. We were able to spot Sean a couple of times around the National Mall (mi. 12-14). Due to our lack of familiarity with the metro and the course, we never saw each other at the Pentagon (mi. 23). Fortunately, we met up with him at the USCG tent at the finish line. I was so excited to see him, I forgot to take pictures.

Since race took place in the midst of the World Series, we were decked out in Red Sox gear cheering on the runners. An unexpected surprise--just as many runners were cheering for us - yelling "Go Boston...Go Sox" I guess Red Sox nation runs!