Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow..

It has been awhile...and I have have to admit I'm a terrible blogger. Mostly I blame being busy at work and not feeling like getting on the computer on the weekends. We've just been busy living our lives and forgetting to tell y'all about it.

So...here's the skinny on what's been happening in the Dismukes world.

Jay and Michelle moved here three weeks ago and are slowly getting settled into their new home. Jay is still working in NYC and commuting here on the weekends so he's been a particularly busy boy. Michelle is getting settled into her new job and I've enjoyed getting to spend some good time with her.

I continue to do yoga here: www.yogachild.net and love it. One of my instructors has even told me that my form is looking really good and I'm developing a yogi body. I'm thrilled to hear that! More than the physical attributes, yoga has given me a sense of peace and a place to get out my stress. It is an incredible mind-body activity.

Lastly, it snowed today. Like a good professor, I cancelled my class. Everybody loves a snow day! I love the snow and wish we got more of it. It's March so I imagine we might get one more storm. Unfortunately, we could get some rain too and I hate the rain. It's so messy when you commute via public transportation.

Here's a link to the news page: http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/weather/stories/Images_Phillys_March_Snow_Storm.html

Enjoy those snowy images. I'll try to post some pics yesterday.

Dog Sitting

Baxter is here this week and so far he's been a very good boy. This isn't the first time that we have cared for him, in fact he and Pearl have been together on a number of occasions when we've been out of town. The two weeks we were in Argentina, countless holidays, and various weekends,etc...

You would think that Pearl would know the drill. Nope. Poor Pearl. She loves being the only child and is never excited when she has to share her home. She has been tolerant of his presence, though not quite the southern lady I would expect her to be. I suppose she's lost her southern hospitality in this cold weather.

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)