Fourth of July

My favorite holiday EVER (and my niece's birthday... Happy 5th Bday Hannah!). I had gotten in from Wisconsin pretty late on Thursday night, but got up bright and early at about 5am on Friday to drive out to Monticello in Charlottesville, Virginia to attend the annual 4th of July Naturalization Ceremony on the back lawn. President Bush was invited to give the keynote speech for the ceremony and since Erin was doing press advance for the event and snagged me and her family great VIP seats, I couldn't pass it up :). I got there just before 8:30am per what I THOUGHT were my instructions but as it turned out 8:30am was like the drop dead cutoff to get a shuttle up to the event. So all the Monticello people were like... nope, sorry, secret service cut it off. I was like just you wait Monticello people! Erin Brady pulls through and about five minutes later a lady comes down and says "get in the bus!" Sweet.

Erin in action...

The event was so awesome. We were third row VIP section right behind Secretary Don Evans and next to the group of 72 people who were becoming citizens that day. There were probably 1200 people on the lawn in total... flags, red white and blue, a really great patriotic band, and gorgeous weather. There are always chills before the President comes out for a speech and this was of course no different.


So to have him there welcoming the new citizens on our Nation's birthday.. to be looking at all of their different skin colors and clothes and ages... and thinking about how each of them have a story about getting here and going through everything they did to become Americans... it chokes me up. It really does.


Citizens taking the oath...

Despite a rain downpour and second guess or two while in line, a bunch of us got to go to the White House for fireworks that night! It was pretty neat, I'm not going to lie. I have lived in DC for six years now and this is my FIRST 4th of July in the city so it was definitely cool to be at the White House for it. We ate ice cream and trolled for souvenirs (the 4th of July at the WH cups were hot on the market) and showed Keylin and Marco the Oval Office and Rose Garden, etc. I thought Marco was going to faint when the President came out on the balcony and everyone sang Happy Birthday. Fun to be able to share something like that with our Venezuelan friends!

Side note -- David captured the perfect picture of what it looks like when Patrick and I are being what he calls "excluge" haha. We just get in these intense conversations and they are NOT for interlopers! What else can I say?!


I love July 4th. It's picnics and sun and flags and songs and BBQs and patriotic. It's a holiday completely independent of consumerism, materialism, or family angst (which I am lucky enough to say is always at a very minimum with my family but think it worth mentioning since so many holidays are dreaded because of it). Instead it's a reminder of who we are and where we came from, it's a celebration of that history and future, and it's just plain fun. I'm cheesily proud to be an American and am totally secure in that.

New

For last year's words belong to last year's language
And next year's words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning.
-TS Eliot-

I appreciate getting a new start every January 1st, but when the clock struck midnight welcoming in 2008, I couldn't help but be a little sad to say goodbye to 2007.

I began 2007 in a hotel room in Atlanta followed by a few days of Passion- always good to start a year off with a spiritual focus. I got to speak to Dr. John Piper in front of a few thousand others! Intimidating, but very exciting to have that opportunity.


I started a new job shortly after that-- and aside from being lucky to have a job as a Republican in this city at that point, I got luckier in finding friends like Erin... Shane... Kathryn. And coworkers like J-Lough, Anfuso, Jackie, Dee Dee. And bosses like Anne, Ben, and the boss.



One of the most memorable and special parts of 2007 was making the trek to Chicago in February and meeting up with Jono and Julie for a night downtown. We waited a good two or three hours for a deep dish pizza and then literally froze walking back up Michigan Ave to our hotel. The next day we drove to Sterling to surprise Dad and be there for his induction into the Sterling High School Hall of Fame. Just a really special time for our family to be together without kids and spouses (although we love them!) and connect with Mom and Dad's roots and our extended family in Sterling who we see so infrequently.


Meeting the President with Mom and Dad!


Shamrock Fest, St. Patrick's Day, and Cinco de Mayo at our house... good times with good friends. Except when Shane decides to push people through glass panes.


Patrick coming into my life thanks to David!! I was so nervous to meet him hahaha. Then after a few balcony chats, I knew we were kindred spirits. Couldn't resist this picture :)


New Orleans! My first real trip for no other purpose than just needing and wanting to go somewhere for me. Hand Grenades with some hilarious locals, jazz at that one bar on Bourbon where I just tapped my foot and smiled, the classic rock bar across the street from the jazz place with the great electric guitarist, and of course... Martin Sexton.


A new addition to the Shaffer family! Kyle David born in May (bad aunt for not remembering the exact date!!! May 18?)


Memorial Day weekend at Muffin's on Long Island. Overnight drives and Naps and books and that really good sandwich made by what's his face at the General Store. Whisky wind and bonfires.


St. John! Snorkeling, beaches, and discovering the Rhonda special: Peanut butter sandwiches and a beer. Guitar playing under the stars every night.


Saying goodbye to Michael James Haffner, which makes me tear up as I write this. I'm still confused and upset. You are so missed.

Monticello for my birthday!


Being so excited to be a part of and celebrate Brian and Joanne Parker's wedding in October!


Going to California for Mom's 60th and presenting her with a memory book I thought turned out so great :)



Hispanic Heritage Awards with Wayne... Halloween at Muffin and Sweeting's... Metro Cooking and Entertaining Show for Liz's Birthday... Thanksgiving at home... Army Navy... Christmas... Ringing in the New Year at Muffin's with good food and wine and great friends.

New Year's Resolutions for 2008:
1. Diet. Kathy Napoli Style.
2. Continue to learn the guitar
3. Take the LSAT
4. Become spiritually financial

Happy New Years! May 2008 overflow with family, friends, faith, and love.