Free furniture rocks!

There it is. The latest addition to our furniture collection. After the honeymoon, we unpacked our suitcase and promptly threw our clothes onto the floor, into the closet or into these cheap-o plastic bins with sorry excuses for drawers. We really needed a dresser.

After two months of trying to find two matching socks, I got fed up and started searching craigslist for a free dresser. Two days later I found this one. I beat out 30 other people and was the first to respond. The guy was so happy to get rid of it (he is moving to Florida), that he threw in the matching nightstands.

Other than a couple little dings and nicks, the dresser is in perfect condition -- and even has a mirror so we don't have to fight over the bathroom mirror :-D God is good.

- M

p.s. finding and fetching this furniture counts as my hunting and gathering for the week ;-)

Happy Birthday to my girl

Well, the plan for a romantic weekend in Williamsburg didn't quite work out due to Rachel's work schedule, but we still managed to celebrate her birthday -- just in a more impromptu way.

We had breakfast at Panera, a hike to the Potomac River, played some Mario Kart, went to a movie together (in theater!) and had dinner at the Cheesecake Factory in Tyson's. When we got back home, she opened a couple presents, then promptly fell asleep. Not even the temptation of ice cream cake could keep her eyes open.

Happy birthday, sweetheart... I am so glad you are my wife.

~ M

What do shoes and ice cream have in common?

Yesterday, Rachel and I decided to join the ranks of Virginians evading taxes... at least for the day. Tax-free shopping led to all sorts of interesting sales at various department stores. For instance, we discovered Kohl's was selling an excessive number of pastel polo shirts for 50 percent off. Though the temptation was great, I managed to stay away and simply bought a couple brilliantly-colored long-sleeved shirts and a new pair of dress shoes for work -- replacing the decrepit pair I have worn for the past four years.

We also bought a few more kitchen-type things and then (my favorite part) the ingredients for homemade ice cream. We had a quick dinner at Moe's Southwest Grill (actually a pretty nice place, but a bit pricey) then headed home for dessert.

I think Rachel was a bit sceptical of my ice cream making abilities. But I assure you, I put those misgivings to rest. I churned a batch of vanilla, to which we added chocolate and peanut butter sprinkles. MMMmmmmm!

I have also recently discovered that I can actually make a decent calzone. But perhaps more on my culinary skills later.

Summary: New shoes, homemade ice cream, calzones -- life is good.

~MRH