Big W!

Yesterday, Clemson had its first true test on the football field. Auburn. BCS Champs last year. 17 consecutive wins. Last year's meet-up was a heartbreaking loss for Clemson at the very end. Well this year, Auburn came into Death Valley as all of those things: BCS Champs, 17 consecutive wins, won last year's game.... But... Clemson played like the Clemson team we all know & love is there. And WON! So exciting. How I would've LOVED to be in Death Valley yesterday. All of the ORANGE, the loudness that shakes the other team, excitement, and just being in Clemson... the greatest place on Earth. And in the Washington Post this morning this headline:
"Auburn's Streak Falls in Death Valley" 

I can't wait to go to Clemson & be in Death Valley in October! 

Screams & Thrills

Today was the annual Booz Allen Hamilton family day at Kings Dominion. I don't know how many years BAH has been doing these family days but it's been for years & years. Today was a cool, cloudy day which for me was perfect for riding all of these rides. My dad & I rode all of the traditional coasters then we went to the Intimidator 305; which won best roller coaster in 2010. As we're standing in line, my dad and I discuss what the 305 means in the title. We jokingly said, "I bet that's how tall that first drop is." We just finished riding the Tower Drop which goes up 272 feet then drops straight down. So what was another 30ish feet?! Ha! The Intimidator 305 is not a roller coaster for amateur coaster riders. Holy moly, twists, turns, drops, spins galore. After the ride came to a stop thank goodness it lets you sit there for a minute or two to let your body settle down. The guy behind me said, "I think I blacked out." Turns out, that's been a somewhat common reaction to this ride. WHAT?!?! After some research, here are some facts about the Intimidator 305. I'm not sure I would've stepped foot onto this ride if I knew these facts first. But I'm glad we rode it! Even if it did take a while to feel "normal" again.

• First lift hill: 45 degrees
• First drop: 85 degrees
• First drop: 305 feet
• Maximum speed: 98 mph
• Maximum G-Force: 6+

Another great day at Kings Dominion!

My dad & I at the end of the Tower Drop --- going up 272 feet then dropping

The picture that was taken during the Intimidator 305. Look how white my dad's knuckles are! He's always the one with his hands in the air!!

TOMS Shoe Guy

The "TOMS Shoe Guy" does have a name. And it's not Tom. It's Blake. Blake Mycoskie. He's a Texan now living in LA. He is a former online driver education teacher. 

I had the wonderful opportunity to listen to Blake (because we're on a first name basis) speak tonight at the Sixth & I Synagogue. Blake told the story of the start of TOMS Shoes which started on a vacation to Argentina.
Along with the ticket to hear him speak came a copy of his new book Start Something that Matters. I'm very excited to read his book. In addition to his story of starting TOMS, it also gives the story of other organizations, such as, charity: water, method, & FEED Projects; inspiration for making your own difference in your community or world through a start-up business, nonprofit, or other projects you'd like to create; and something great to share with others! I highly suggest you run out and get this book... with every purchase of this book a school book goes to a student in need.


Here are some things I took away from hearing Blake speak:

• He reminded me of Matthew McConaughey. There are similar looks (I think the messy hair) and they both have a lovely southern twang. 
• You should act on those "what if" moments.
• Remember to be your authentic-self.
• Importance of volunteering, especially with colleagues to keep things grounded and in perspective

Of course along with hearing this great guy speak came many laughs (mascara running, belly aching laughs) and a delicious dinner at Oyamel. Anyone who knows me knows how much I LOVE to laugh like that... for long periods of time are even better! Spending the evening with someone else who loves to laugh as much as I do makes for a great combo! 

Now that I'm on a first name basis with Blake, I'm sorry that I had him in my calendar as "TOMS Shoe Guy". Next time I'll know better.

Yes, TOMS is making wedges now!

Cuteness

I had lunch today with 2 dear friends. One friend brought her adorable 2 kids. They're both too cute!

It's back!

Fall is one of my favorite seasons! Cooler temps, pretty leaves, college football, new school year...... pumpkin spice lattes!! It doesn't quite feel like fall yet but I know it's just around the corner! I had my first pumpkin spice latte of the season this morning when I had coffee with a friend early this morning. It was scrumptious!!!

Close one

Clemson played Wofford today. I got home from a BBQ just in time for kickoff. It was too close for my comfort though. Especially considering it wasn't a big game. But....

A win is a win

Sunshine

Here in DC it has been raining non-stop since Monday... it's Friday now. Around 2:30pm this afternoon, the sun was finally breaking through! It was so bright in my school everyone was commenting about it! So today's photo is of the sun!!

Welcome back sunshine! Boy have I missed you this week!!

No more white???

Labor Day weekend marked the end of summer, the beginning of a new school year, & the supposed end of wearing white! What??? But, but, but.... it still feels like summer!! (Well, not this week since it's been raining & storming NON STOP for 5 days)

So, in protest of that silly rule, I love this commercial! It's 2011 for goodness sake!! 

Laugh Out Loud Funny

If  you ever need a good laugh... well, you don't ever have to need a good laugh. A good laugh is good at any time. But I digress... you definitely should read this blog: The Bloggess... this is her latest entry.

She's laugh out loud funny.
She's mascara running funny.
She's laugh until your stomach hurts funny.
She's just funny.

Check it out!