Great Flood in Great Falls

Thankful Tuesdays…one day late.

This week I’m thankful mother nature has decided to rest her weary, crying eyes to bring us some sunshine.

Last week I was pretty shocked at the shear strength of a hard rain fall. When my friend Meredith informed me that not only was Georgetown Pike closed due to flooding but also Route 7,  I thought she was just plotting to have a slumber party.  Quickly remembering she was the sole reason I was not stuck in my car for 10 hours during DC Snowpocalypse 2011, I re-evaluated (thanks again for sending me home early).  Needless to say,  she’s the more weather-informed of us two.

Once again, Meredith and her husband, Adam saved me from my weather woes.  Playing the knight and shining armor, Adam swiftly swooped us up from work in his pick-up truck. Driving home there was of course traffic, which is normal any time it rains in Virginia. What wasn’t normal though was the Potomac River running through Route 7!

After an hour of taking detours, we successfully made it home. I was happy to be dry, safe, and spend some much needed time with friends. Thanks again Meredith and Adam for saving me!

Here’s a link to some more crazy flood photos from the area and some safety tips for flash flooding.

River washing across Georgetown Pike a few moments before a car caught on fire.

Related Posts:

• Stand Strong Washington Monument.
• DC Earthquake: All Shook Up.

DC Earthquake: All Shook Up

Thankful Tuesdays

Today I experienced my second earthquake while living in D.C. (also my second earthquake ever).  My first quake encounter happened last June during the wee hours of the morning and awoke me from a deep slumber. I’m known to have pretty vivid dreams so the next day I actually googled it to confirm the quake was a reality.

Today those same thoughts ran through my mind, “Is this real?”

As I diligently worked away at my desk (as any good employee would) I suddenly felt a little rumble and thought I was imagining my whole office shaking.  Immediately though, my survival instincts kicked in and I jumped underneath the nearest door frame…that’s what you’re supposed to do right? Give me a break, I’m from the east coast.

After the 45 second shake, I walked into our office lobby and everyone seemed to be in a daze. They too were seeking confirmation that yes that was an earthquake, and looking for answers on what to do next. As an east coast native I haven’t had an earthquake drill since high school, so I just followed the crowd and walked outside.

Later on, winding back down at my desk while refreshing the Washington Post’s webpage, I was thankful for all the texts and phone calls from my family and friends making sure I was okay. Most importantly though, I was thankful they were also just fine.

Driving home I enjoyed listening to all the earthquake themed country songs the witty radio station played like, Luke Bryan’s “Shake it for me, girl” and Neal McCoy’s “The Shake”.

The only tragedy of the day….

“Bertrum the Bear” tragically fell off my bed. I know, I know, it’s almost unbearable to look at the photo.

Aftermath of D.C. Earthquake!

Don’t worry, with a few hugs he was as good as new.

To end on a safety note here is a link for what to do before, during, and after an earthquake just in case another ever hits D.C.

Potomac River Boat Trips

Thankful Tuesdays

This past week I went boating with some friends on the Potomac. I had wanted to do this all summer, and it surely didn’t disappoint.

We began our boat trip at Columbia Island Marina and ended the evening viewing the sun set over Rosslyn on the calm water.

Sitting on the river drinking wine, feeling the delicate warmth only a summer evening brings, watching the golden sun caste an orange glow on the Washington monuments, I couldn’t imagine a more perfect end to a day in the District.

This was one of those nights where I just truly admired Washington, D.C. and felt lucky to see our nation’s capitol every day.

God. Bless. America.  🙂

I loved these mason jar wine glasses by Hill Billy Crystal!

Group shot in front of the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument.

Purple clouds over the Memorial Bridge.

Sun setting over the Rosslyn skyline.

Days in Rodanthe, North Carolina

Thankful Tuesdays

Today I’m thankful for good friends, road trips, and perfect days at the beach.

This past weekend my friends and I traveled on down to the Outer Banks, North Carolina to visit one of my best friends, Lauren. Many of you know when ever I talk about this place I just gush like a little school girl.

So let the gushing begin…

On Saturday, we traveled about 30 minutes south of Kill Devil Hills (where Lauren lives) and left one island to visit another. Rodanthe, located on Hatteras Island, is a laid back beach town known for its remote beaches, killer waves, and friendly atmosphere.

We started off our day munching on some delicious pizza from Lisa’s Pizzeria. If you go here, indulge in their fried broccoli for starters and of course try their pizza!!! The staff and owner were attentive and having a former employee in the group (Genna) scored us some free ice cream!

After filling our tums, we spent the rest of the day competing in continuous paddle ball games, surfing (Brian stood up on his first try!), playing with an adorable puppy named Booter, trying to catch a fish (Bear Grylls style), and avoiding the jellies.

It was a perfect beach day.

Click here if you’d like to know more about the Outer Banks.

Lisa’s Pizzeria. YUM!

Family Photo.

Booter Surfing!

One of the many paddle ball games!

Family Photo Two.

Rodanthe Vacation Rentals

Thankful Tuesdays

Life Long Friends

Well I wasn’t very good at keeping my Lenten promise this year, which was to write 5 things I’m grateful for each day. I started out strong, but my dedication withered as the 40 days and 40 nights continued on (hey I’m no Ashton Kutcher).

So in an effort to remind myself of the many, many things in my life I am truly thankful for and to make peace with the big man upstairs by keeping my promise, I’m starting ‘Thankful Tuesday” (again, a sucker for alliteration).

Today I’m thankful for one of my oldest and dearest friends, Whitney who came to visit this weekend.  We hadn’t seen each other in months, but it felt just like we saw each other yesterday.  There’s something rare about childhood friends that instantly brings happiness and comfort to this big, new world I’m in.

Luckily we escaped "Operation Adam's Morgan" 🙂