A Proud Moment

This post is a bit overdue since the actual event occurred back in the Spring, but it's quite necessary, nonetheless... 

I am proud to announce that I finally received my very first copy of Menu magazine in the mail!  I've been waiting on bated breath for this moment and am happy to report that it was everything I hoped for and more.  Getting the mail is one of my simple pleasures from life.  Seriously, I look forward to it each day and even get a little sad on Sundays.  And online shopping has become a slippery slope for this mail-getting lover.

Anyway,

on this particular day, I really wasn't expecting anything special to arrive, so as I reached my hand into our mailbox and felt the uniquely textured front cover, you could imagine my surprise.  Could it be?!  As my eyes met the bright colors of the beautiful fruits and vegetables, my heart did a little dance.  My status as a loyal Wegmans customer had been validated, people.  Some may say it's because I've spent a large amount of money at the stores and they're throwing me a bone in the form of a $4 recipe magazine, in hopes that I'll buy more, but I choose to think otherwise.  My love for Wegmans lives on...

The Little Tree that Could...

Last school year, as in 2011-2012, I stopped at Wegmans early one morning to pick up a few things.  While there, I decided to purchase a cute little plant that was on sale for like $3.99ish.  It adds such a homey feel to have some greenery in the classroom.  Well, I have to say, it was the best 4 bucks I've spent in a while.  With a little love and care from the absolutely wonderful Carla, the custodian who cleaned my classroom, the tiny plant blossomed into a tree!  Unfortunately, I don't have a photo from when I first got it, but for perspective, it was about the size of the basil plant below...  

Check it out now!

Carla was in love with this plant - she would water it for me each day and even watched it over the summer last year so I didn't have to lug it back and forth.  As I'm writing this, I'm feeling more and more guilty about not leaving it with her.  She even came into my classroom on the last day of school to kiss it goodbye.   I considered leaving it with her, but I guess was feeling attached to it myself.  Instead, I plan to buy her a new plant to tend to, with a note, written in spanish (thanks to the translator at my school), thanking her for the love and care to the little plant that could and my classroom, of course. :)  She always reminded me about the happiness that can come from the simple things in life! The world needs more Carla's. :)

Oh NO YOU DIDN'T Wegmans!

While Northern VA is a beautiful area to live in, with a TON of interesting and fun things to do, we've quickly learned that it's pretty much an 80/20 split of rude to kind people.  However, Wegmans* was always a friendly escape.  A safe haven we could visit to feel at home for a short while.  Well, it happened - Wegmans* (in Fairfax) let us down.  

After tutoring yesterday, I stopped into Wegmans* to pick up a few things.  I left all of our reusable bags in the car, and because I have a very difficult time using plastic, I bought another bag at the register (this happens on about 75% of grocery store trips).  In the time it took me to snag the new bag from the hook and hand it to the cashier, she had already placed the milk and butter in a plastic bag.  Here's the conversation that went down thereafter:

Jaime (in a kind, apologetic tone):  "Oh, I actually have this here, I was hoping to buy and use."

Bitch cashier with a stink look on her 17 year old face and super attitude tone:  "Ugh, so do you want me to re-bag ALL of this?!"

Jaime (realizing her uncalled for attitude and fed up with the NOVA rudeness):  "Oh, you mean those 2 small items?  Yes, I would actually like those to go in the reusable bag.  I'd like everything to go in the reusable bag.  That's why I'm buying it." 

Bitch cashier with a stink look on her 17 year old face and super attitude body language:  silent...but she did squish my Kleenex box.  I know this because both Kleenex boxes were in perfect form prior to the bagging incident.  I'm very particular about my Kleenex boxes, ask Wes.  Furthermore, back in my cashier days, if I encountered a super-rude customer, I would usually secretly squish a tomato while placing it, ever so gently, into the bag.  :)  Just doing my part to ensure karma.  So, the point is, I'm onto her little tricks. 

*Wegmans is the BEST grocery store in the entire world.  We still love Wegmans.  Wegmans, Wegmans, Wegmans!

Happy Little Surprises

Check out what we discovered while attempting to open the sprouts we bought at Wegmans!  A little slice of heaven, er...home.

It's Pure Pandamonium

Wegmans at 9pm on a Friday night before the dreaded Irene...

Luckily, we have our priorities straight...

Wegmans Strikes Again!

While at Wegmans picking up some groceries last night, what do we discover?  LIVE MUSIC!  Seriously, does it get any better than a $6 meal, a talented guitarist playing some of the classics (Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here"...so good), warm weather and good company?? *sigh* 

Viva Virginia!

Here's a glimpse into our first few days in our new home...

Day 1

Where else would we go on our first night together but, WEGMANS!!  This one is located in Lake Manassas - about a 10 minute drive from our temporary home in Gainesville...definitely doable.  Notice the "Wine Store" sign to the far right - it's HUGE!

Two thumbs up!

After our glorious trip to Wegmans, we kicked back to relax with a...

...delicious glass of vino.  MMMMMM

Day 2

Oh, how I missed Wes' eggs! 

Then, the most wonderful thing happened...

We went to AT&T to get MY NEW iPHONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Oh, happy day!

Isn't it just beautiful in it's sleek packaging?!

Edward was our AT&T Sales Rep - he was awesome.

Ok, ok...back to reality...

Later that evening, we went to Old Town Alexandria (already one of our favorite places) to meet up with a few of Wes' friends from H.S.  The picture is a bit dark, but this is the bar/restaurant that we went to called The Fish Market. 

Day 3

One of Wes' co-workers suggested La Grange Winery for some great tasting.  And so, we took her up on her suggestion!

Isn't it pretty? :)  After tasting some delicious wines, we opted for sangria, made with one of their reds, and sat at an umbrella covered table out front.  They also had picnic tables and adirondack chairs scattered around the lawn.  The winery seems to be very family friendly - there were kids running all around (well behaved kids, thank goodness).  It was sooooo relaxing.  Here are some pics from our day...

The bees enjoyed the Sangria, too!

After another trip to WEGMANS! we came back "home" to enjoy some yummy Sushi...

...and delicious cheese...

...cheese that supports a good cause (read the bottom of the label)!

So all-in-all it's been a fantastic few days.  Here's what we've learned so far:  VA is fun!  Old town Alexandria is quite possibly the best place on earth.  WEGMANS rules...period