Your tax dollars at work {play}

Since you and I {don't even get me started on Maryland's taxes. ugh!} are paying for the free fun things to do in DC, Wolfgang and I decided it was time to hop on the metro again yesterday, and head to Smithsonian's National Zoo.

It was nice to be outside, together, and away from work. Working on Valentine's Day week/weekend is hell, when you work in a spa.

Since it is the winter, quite a few of the animals were not outside to look at because it's too cold for them, or their habitats were being renovated.  However, we were still able to see lions, and tigers, and panda bears....and some other creatures.  We decided it'd be better to come back when it's warmer.

Here are some pictures of some of the animals we saw.

Bad A's.

 The little guy on the bottom was clapping! cute.

Cutie Patutie.

A wedding and mini vaycay

At the beginning of the month, we went to Vegas to celebrate my cousin Joy's wedding!  It was a lovely occasion, and I was finally able to meet her (now) husband.  He is a great guy and I think he will be able to handle our crazy family well.

After a few days in Vegas, Wolfgang and I decided to spend a few short days in Phoenix! We had a great time relaxing in the perfect, perfect weather {think 70s, people!}. I even wore shorts and sandals one day. I could have cried.

Wolfgang's old "Marriott family" at the Camelback Inn took very good care of us for two nights, then the last night we stayed with some friends. We were both able to visit with old friends and co-workers, and quickly realized how much we missed them, and how much we miss our desert livin'. We really did have it good in Phoenix in many ways. 

Also, I was finally able to take a picture of my favorite sign!  

Isn't that great?  It's on the drive between Vegas to Phoenix. And literally, there is nothing around. There are some interesting podunk towns outside of Phoenix, and now Wolfgang and I decided that when we are feeling sorry for ourselves, we are now just going to say, "It could be worse, we could be living in Wikieup."

Hooked.

I'm not into gore.

I'm not into zombies, zombie apocalypse, or comic books.

But I'm SO into the TV show "The Walking Dead."  I'm totally hooked!  Season 3 of the show returned tonight after a grueling several weeks winter break.

Any other unlikely fans out there?

I already can't wait for next week.

Cold.

This was my morning.

I wore leggings under my work uniform today, and kept them on all day long.

PEOPLE. This isn't normal! Over the last 48 hours or so, the temperature has really dropped.  Husband and I have been freezing and miserable; we aren't used to this stuff.  A beach sounds really nice right about now! Luckily next week we'll be in warmer weather!  But seriously, I need a nice warm beach.

I'm old enough for this?

Yesterday in church I was asked to become the new 'Mia Maid' advisor. { = Leader/Sunday teacher for 14 & 15 yr old girls}.  I'm the least excited about the teaching part, but I'm excited about becoming a part of their awkward teenage lives.  I remember my leaders at that age playing a big role in my life, so I hope that I can live up to that for these girls. It's a little bit nerve racking, but fun at the same time.

Today it started off by going to a youth activity for all boys of girls in our church ward of the age of 12-18.  We went to a neighboring town to let them ice skate, as me and the other leaders watched and laughed when they fell  them. I layered up, but still froze my butt off.  I kept my layers on for few hours after too, my AZ blood isn't use to that!  Wish me luck with these hooligans.

Legal Cars

Our cars are finally legal in the state of MD. The MVD wasn't even horrible like everyone set me up for, the counter lady was lovely, so I even wrote an email expressing that she was wonderful and should be awarded for her excellent customer service.  {Too many companies only hear the bad, right?}

Left: Yay! Our cars are finally legal!  Right: Wait, how much did I just pay for this? These plates are ugly.

Today we stripped our cars of their AZ pride, and slapped the new plates on.  I don't feel as cool anymore, not being able to roll around with a west coast plate on the east coast. We are just another one of "them" now. How boring!

Training

Last week I had training at RC Georgetown. To be honest, it isn't very aesthetically pleasing on the outside (it used it be an old factory) but it is beautiful on the inside. Georgetown is SUCH a cute area, I must go back and enjoy it.  We received training on Mama Mio products, which I am now pretty excited about.  And the best part about it?  The representative gave us all a free product of our choice!  I hope I picked the most expensive one. ;)  I just got it today and can't wait to use it, after I've used it for a while, I'll tell you how it is! (maybe)

Happy Weekend Everyone.