Dancing on tables..at the office

We were seriously told by a partner in Scott's firm to DANCE!!! And that's exactly what we did...

You can dress me up...

Jen and Matt treated us to dinner at the Union League and the Orpheus Club holiday concert last week. This club is the oldest men's singing group of it's kind in the United States. It was a lot of fun to get dressed up, have some drinks and a nice meal, and celebrate the holidays with friends. The weekend was filled with more holiday celebrations--from Scott's office party to Gay Bingo to a White Elephant Party with our neighbors. Here are the pics from last week, I'll post this week's pics when I get them from other people.

Cheers!

Pics...

All grown up.

Yoga has made me freakishly strong.

Storm King

Man of the people. Seriously, everyone LOVED Batman.

Go Phillies!

Oops. It's been a while...

Did I miss November? Seriously, I am the world's worst blogger. Not that I have a real established readership or anything (other than my mom, and I appreciate your support). Anyway, November was good. For that matter, so was October.

Here's a photo from the pre-prom gathering before Ingrid Michaelson's show in Philly. More photos to come from our visit to Gainesville in October, the Phillies celebration, my 'man of the people', our anniversary trip to the Hudson Valley, and Thanksgiving in Chatham. Wow. It's been a while. Good times.

Enjoy!

Mary

Proud to be an American

What a historic day! I am thrilled about the election of Barack Obama and cannot even begin to describe how I felt when the announcement was made. Surrounded by friends and fellow supporters, I was overcome with joy. The room erupted in cheer, hugs, and high fives and there was a sense of relief and hope that positive change is to come. I have high hopes that the world's faith in America will be restored and we can begin to close the gap between individuals of all races and cultures.

When the Obama family came onto the stage for the acceptance speech I couldn't help but to think of my African-American friends and colleagues. My boss (who happens to be African-American) said this morning how important it was for her children to experience the moment. She said it was important for her son in particular to see this--to have another role model besides a sports figure. On my way to work I met a man who said that he hasn't experienced this much love since Martin Luther King, Jr marched on Washington. It wasn't until I enrolled in my master's program that I understood the effects of racism (both individual and institutional). Whether you understand the concept or buy into or not, you must recognize that the significance of this event speaks volumes to people who have felt left out or ignored for many years. As one of my colleagues said this morning--this is the Lord's work. Amen!

I voted for Obama, not because of his race but because of where he stands on issues of foreign policy and the middle class. He was the best candidate for me and I know that I am in the minority in my family. I hope that my loved ones who are disappointed by this election will look toward the future with an open mind. We must come together as a nation and it starts at home.

Well, I suppose I should get back to work. Thanks for listening!

(Photo courtesy of AP/ J.C Hong)

Wait, it's October??

September flew by and I can't believe it happened without a blog post. Fall in Philly is wonderful...the students are back at Temple, the leaves are changing, and we get to spend the weekends watching football and hanging out with friends. Without going into a lot of detail, the fall has also had its disappointments. As one of my favorite priests, John Fritschner, says, it's in those times of transition that we see God. It's true, when I doubt I always grow stronger in my faith. Recently I joined a home group/bible study at my church and I'm thrilled to get to know some amazing women while growing closer to God. They have already helped to challenge and support me in the way I need it most.

God provides us blessings just when we need it. My professional life is right where I want it and Scott was recently promoted to Associate at his firm. He's worked really hard to get here and I could not be more proud. Check out his sexy photo!http://www.theolinstudio.com/#/profile/people

I'm hopeful that October will bless us with good times, thoughtful moments, and opportunities to see the divine in our daily work.

Here's some photos from Jay and Michelle's visit a couple weeks ago. Enjoy!

I scream You scream...

WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM! Mmmmmmm...Bassett's is the best.

Dog Days of Summer...

Well, it's August and thus far it's been a wonderful month. We've been in Philly for most of the time, except for a quick trip to Amherst for Scott's grandmother's memorial service. "Toy",
as we called her for the last few years of her life, passed away in January, which is very cold and snowy in Amherst. We celebrated her life at her final resting place next to her husband on a beautiful August day. It was great for me to see where Toy and Pidgie grew up and where Scott has many wonderful memories as a little boy. Western Massachussetts is beautiful and I could definitely see the allure of living in such a cute college town. The produce is pretty incredible too--we brought back the best corn we've eaten all summer! Delicious!

For the rest of the summer, really just a week before the students return, we're going to enjoy the beautiful days. The next few photos were taken on my walk with Pearl last night and represent how I spend a lot of my time. Wandering from here to Darien Street, enjoying the sights of the city and the community that I've grown to love so much. We, or at least I, tend to take for granted the regular days in life and when I stop and think about it, I realize just how full these days are!

Pool Party...Philly Style

Saturday was a beautiful day here in Philly, and true to form it was hot! Soooo, what else do you do in the city when it is hot? Well...you have a pool party. And that is exactly what we did on my old street. Yep, we had 11 people in the pool at one point. From infants to adults, a good time was had by all. What a great block!

Pics from Jay and Michelle's wedding

It was a fun time!

Pics from John Mayer

What a night! Alicia, Jen, Amy and I had such a great time. We took the ferry over from Philly to Camden and spent the most wonderful evening outdoors. The venue has a great view of the city and the Ben Franklin Bridge, and it is walking (and ferrying) distance from my house. Sometimes I can't believe that I live this amazing urban life. Times like these remind me of how lucky I am. I take public transit to work, I walk to the grocery store, and entertainment is always a step away. I can't wait for our next show.

He did not disappoint!

The show was amazing. He played some old and new songs, blues and covers, including The Wind Cries Mary. He is an incredibly talented musician and knows how to entertain a huge crowd. Go see him if you get a chance! http://www.flickr.com/photos/21954047@N05/2658657198/in/photostream/

I'm going to see John Mayer tonight. I cannot even begin to explain how excited I am! Four ladies, flat ironed hair (to give props to Jennifer Aniston) and lots of screaming. It's almost as good as the Beatles first show in America. OK. Well that's a little crazy. He's no McCartney or Lennon, but I think he is super fine. And my body is a wonderland. Or something like that.

Thankfully, I have a very loving and supportive husband. I love you Scott!!

Lazy days...

Ahh technology. I write this from Cape Cod where I have spent the last three days sleeping, reading, eating, boating, and golfing. Not too shabby. It is amazing to me how I can literally watch the stress melt off Scott when he crosses the Bourne Bridge onto the cape. Since moving to Philadelphia, we try to get up here about 4 times a summer. It takes us about seven hours, give or take a little depending on traffic, and is totally worth the trip. Now that my friend Susan, from ASP, and her husband Rob live in New Haven, CT, we have a great place to take a break halfway. We made it to Chatham by 1:00pm on Saturday and had the rest of the picture perfect day to relax.

Scott used to spend his summers up here as a kid and it has been really fun to create new memories as adults. We're up here for the week with his parents and always have a great time with them. We played golf on Sunday and I managed to play very well on the first nine. In true Mary form, I stunk it up on the back nine. The weather has been on and off and today it is a little foggy. Chatham fog is legendary. Despite the fog, we headed out at 8:00am this morning to try to catch some fish. We chickened out and stayed in Oyster River and to no one's surprise, came home empty handed.

We've been unable to capture any images from this glorious vacation because our camera is DEAD. Remember how I said that I can't upload any images because we've lost the camera charger? Well, that's still the case. Perhaps we will make some time this week to go to Radio Shack. I'd love to post some images, but for now, some images from past years will have to do.

More graduation pics...

Jen, Matt, and Amy sampled some of Scott's sangria. Kyra and Leif enjoyed meeting each other, but I'm pretty sure Kyra was more interested in her cereal. A girl after my own heart.

New Photos!

Granted these are from one month ago, but we've lost our camera charger so I have to steal pics from family and friends. In addition to our mini tour of my office and campus, Scott threw me a wonderful graduation party when my folks were in town and these are the highlights.

Girls Weekend=Good Times

I just returned home from beautiful Perdido Key, FL. It was an amazing weekend with some of my favorite ladies on earth. The last time I was on a Florida beach was in 2005 and as soon as I stepped foot on that pristine white sand, I kicked myself for taking so long to return. Don't get me wrong, I love Philadelphia but it has NOTHING on Florida beaches.

Thursday night we took a little trip to the Florabama and introduced Jen (from Cincinatti) to southern beach culture, or something like that. She was quite impressed--and scared. There were many highlights of the weekend. I ate more shrimp and grouper in 4 days than I have in 3 years and I'm still craving it. Had I not missed Scott so much, I might have stayed for another month. (Employment is pretty important to me to :) Alas, it had to come to an end. To my girls...thanks for making it such an amazing vacation!

Alas, we're complete!

Yes, it's true, the Dismukes clan is finally complete. Jay and Michelle said "I do" this weekend in Manhattan and it was an incredible celebration. From the rehearsal dinner in the East Village to the reception in Tribeca, it was a great New York experience.

Scott and I are thrilled to welcome Michelle as our sister-in-law. She is a wonderful and loving person and most importantly she makes Jay happy. I'll post pics when I get them :)

A couple of photos, more to come!

This was taken in my office--they made a cute sign for me! This one was taken after a great Sabrina's breakfast.

More brunch w/ Jen, Colin, and Kyra.... And last but not least, me and Miss Nancy (in CDS).

Mission Accomplished

I'm finished. Phew! Graduation was last week and I was delighted to walk across the stage and be granted a M.Ed. The weekend was filled with celebration. My parents arrived on Wednesday night, graduation was on Thursday, Scott's birthday was on Friday, Scott threw me an incredible party on Saturday and the rest of the weekend was spent hanging out with Jen, Colin, Kyra, and Nica (who surprised me at the party!) and enjoying the incredible weather and a 20-4 Phillies win with friends! I couldn't have asked for a better weekend.

The generosity of my friends and family never ceases to amaze me. It felt so good to be able to celebrate with my incredible parents and friends. Those who don't live nearby sent lovely messages and cards and I felt completely blessed. One thing I' ve learned from this experience is that regardless of what you pursue in life, family and friends are crucial to helping you succeed. Thanks to all of you for making my life so complete.

Love,
Mary

P.S. More photos as soon as I get them!

I'm back!

I never thought this day would come, but my free time is finally here. I graduate next week with a master's degree in Counseling Psychology. My parents are coming up for the occasion and I can't wait to celebrate. It is hard to put into words what it means to successfully finish a three-year program while working full time, so I'll just say that I'm elated that I've done it.

I'm off to look for a cute graduation dress, and I'll be sure to post more pictures next week.