Practice Makes Perfect

I am a product of a childhood of athletics. And, I'm very thankful for this.
I started learning at like 6 years old what it meant to be a part of a team (there's no "i" in team, but there is in win), the importance of doing drills over and over and over even when you feel like you know what to do ("you play like you practice") and how to move on when something doesn't go as planned ("shake it off").
I'm 31 years old and these little sports sayings still play in my mind, daily. Over and over.
I "get my head in the game," I always look for opportunities to "turn two," I know in my heart that "quitters never win and winners never quit."

All that stuff matters. I'm definitely teaching this stuff to my kids, someday. Such invaluable lessons!

What in the world made me think of this?
The cupcakes I made for Mr. Ritter on Valentine's Day, of course.

Friends, I give you the first, and the last.

Not in that order, of course.
I bake a lot. I do not frost a lot of cupcakes. Which is why the first one I did looked like this...

Don't mind my old lady hands. I have a skin condition on my hands that has left them really scarred. It's not a big deal, but doesn't photograph well.
That poor first cupcake, right?
Well, the good news is, quitters never win and winners never quit and practice makes perfect... so the last cupcake got the "most improved" award!

These were Nutella Cupcakes, by the way. They were pretty good, but I think slightly overcooked and a bit dry. But, cardboard with Nutella on it is delicious, so a couple extra minutes in the oven isn't going to scare me away.


I gave said perfect cupcake to my Valentine, naturally. I ate that poor first one. It was yummylicious.

Oh, Glorious Day!!

It's currently 75 degrees outside and I want to just kiss the air!

This morning, I woke up exhausted because I haven't slept well at all this week. But, when I took the dogs out and realized, at 4am no less, that it was already "not cold," my mood turned around!

Oh, glorious day.
I wish this was Spring for good, but it's just a tease.

But, I'm okay with that.
Because right now, right now, I'm wearing flip flops for the first time in 2011.

And that, my friends, is a good thing.


Other reasons to be a good mood today. Besides the fact that it's 75 degrees outside and it's FRIDAY... there was no traffic on the way in this morning! My lazy self decided to drive in because I just didn't want to carry all my stuff on the metro!

And, in the car this morning, I found a missing earring. It's worthless, but I love these earrings because I can just wear them every day, without even thinking about it.



So, yayyyy!! I'm a minimalist when it comes to accessories. I wish I wasn't. But, I just am.

Well, there you go.
I'm heading home. Hopefully all the people that called in sick/it's 75 degrees today and I can't work will still NOT be on the road.

Cheers, y'all.

Live Blogging from the Living Room

I've had a crazy couple of days at work. What else is new, right?
Today, I was literally sore when I walked in the door, from pulling my computer bag all around the Mid-Atlantic states. (okay, so I'm being a little dramatic, what ELSE is new?)

I offered to make some appetizing Chef Boyardee canned gourmet pasta instead of the Salmon and spinach salad with roasted red peppers I was going to make.

Mr. Ritter wasn't having it.
So... now he's in the kitchen baking Salmon in the toaster oven.

I have Brokaw on a leash. He and I, and Princess (who is sleeping in the corner, as usual) are sitting here, waiting. I'm secretly a nervous wreck!

He better not burn himself on the hand where he can't feel it, like he did at the restaurant eating pizza the other night...

Oy vey.

UPDATE.
M made the most amazing dinner! I bet you've never had Ramen noodles like this...

The salmon was AMAZING too!
I was really impressed!

So... I may or may not be slightly competitive. I am not one to be shown up, at anything.
Naturally, I had to quickly make some chocolate covered strawberries and bananas for dessert.

I think it's officially safe to say, my night turned around for the better!

Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

I used to be one of those single girls who would dread Valentine's Day... until a certain someone sent some flowers to a newsroom in Pittsburgh, 4 years ago.

Those flowers changed my world.
I hope you get something sweet today, ladies!

Our day so far --
I had re-heated vanilla coffee. I have decided I absolutely do not like flavored coffee anymore. Ick. Give me the real java, with no after taste. Thank you.

I've worked from home today, which has actually been pretty busy! But nice, too. I've also been able to clean this house. Feels much better.

My Michael and I started a little Valentine's Day tradition last year. Homemade Valentine's only. So.... I have to get to baking, soon! There will be Nutella involved. I can't wait!

First, some glimpses of our life here today...

My first homemade Valentine from my nerdy, computer savvy sweetie... a new background for my computer, made of red hearts on a pink background.

Michael turned his apple butter toast into a Valentine for me.

I was inspired... so I tried to bite around my bread to make an X and and O, but I messed up the X... so all I had was this. I said it was me, and "I'm yours." Lame, right??? Hahahaha!!

M felt bad that I didn't have arms. So he gave me these. I can't decide if I'm more of an angel with a broken wing, or half woman, half crab with one little baby claw, and one big claw...

I enjoyed some sweet body wash, perfect for the occasion of today! :)

Had a great trip to the mailbox, thanks to my Mom and Granny!!

Wrote a message to surprise my Babe when he came around the corner from the office into the kitchen.

And, a certain Puggle was being a little too loud because I have the windows open (it's an absolutely GORGEOUS day!) so, he had to wear his Thundershirt. He's now resting peacefully... in a basket of clean laundry... but whatever.

Sometimes I feel like I have an eternal toddler of a dog...

Okay, for real. Time to make something yummy involving Nutella.. and, maybe some actual dinner too. I know one thing. It will NOT be the chili that we spent the last 7 days trying to eat and still have not eaten it all. Ugh.

Love someone today.
Cheers.

Last Post for Today, I Promise

One more post, and I think I'll be caught up.
I'm getting kind of hungry.
Which is a shame because I had that toaster strudel earlier, remember.
And then I had a biscuit, some grits with cheese, and two links of sausage.
But, it has been a few hours.
And clearly, in my current position, I'm burning a lot of calories.

I'm being intentionally lazy today.
It's nice.
Believe it or not, it's hard.

I know you're probably thinking... how hard can it be to sit on your butt and watch TV?
Actually, pretty hard!
I'm surrounded.
There is dust on the table beside me. Two loads of laundry just beyond that that need to be folded (even though that's not my department, it still lingers)
There's my phone, tugging on me to check my email and check the headlines.
It can be hard to unwind.

But, with some good food, Mr. Puggle Snuggles and a good WWII documentary Mr. Ritter put on for me to watch/sleep to, I'm doing just fine!
Yay me.
Sabbath: check!

Now, two very random photos to share with you...
1. Elmo

I saw Elmo half under the chair the other day, looking like he was screaming for the jaws of life to come save him! Elmo is Brokaw's best friend. Best friends as in, he loves to chew on poor Elmo, and drag him all over the floor. Probably why Elmo is stuck with that look on his face!

2. Coupons from my Granny.

My Granny Nora moved to California about a year and a half ago. I haven't seen her since, but we talk on the phone each week. Granny has always spoiled me. To the point that it makes me feel guilty. I must have mentioned in one of our conversations that I've started clipping coupons. Because now, she's mailing me coupons! She has sent me some good ones, too.
However... this week, I got a couple for pregnancy tests... then diapers and wipes!!?!?!?!
Um, Granny? No thanks on the hints, hahaha!!

Always nice to get something in the mail that's not a bill, isn't it?
Okay, for real.
That's all I have for you.
You are now up to date.
I'll just be here, watching WWII for the next few hours.

It's A Great Time of Year to Go to California.

So, if you have a chance, do it.
Even if it means you are going to work for 36 hours during a 24 hour period.
I just did that last weekend, and it was awesome, on so many levels.

I left this behind..

And eventually ended up here.
In sunny, Santa Barbara, California.
I hadn't been to California since my cousin was born.
That was when I was six years old.

I think I appreciated the sun and warm temperatures much more this time!

I knew when I saw palm trees, that I was right in the center of God's will for my life! :)

Our hotel was just blocks from the beach! We didn't get to go to the beach, but it was just nice to know it was so close! That was enough to make this beach girl giddy!

My hotel room was pretty much my wedding turned into a hotel room! Chocolate brown and Tiffany blue everywhere! I loved it.

I even had a private patio with a lounge chair. Again, I never actually went out there, but still, it was nice knowing it was there.

I did try to take a pic of myself in the hotel mirror a la Pioneer Woman, of course.

That night, super late, we scored an exclusive interview with Sarah Palin. It was a blast. Total news "crack." It was picked up by pretty much every news outlet in the US, so that was pretty sweet. Success: check!

Saturday morning, we drove up a very windy road to President Reagan's Ranch. Also known as the "Western White House."

This, my friends, was total "history" crack. I love history almost as much as I love news!

You'll see much more of this coming up on the next edition of "The Brody File," (we did our whole show from there!) but here's a little sneak peek.

Horsies!!

I was struck at just how humble the Ranch was. So... normal. I guess that was part of the appeal to Ronald and Nancy Reagan.

I was also struck at just how well it has been preserved. Everything is in its place.

Reagan called it "Rancho del Cielo," - "Ranch of the Heavens."

I particularly liked the everyday items that really made the Reagans just seem so... human. Like these spices in the kitchen.

And even the Head and Shoulders at the top of the shower!

Their bed had pillows and a custom made quilt with their names and initials. Cute. Note the big white phone to the right. That was the direct dial to the real White House!

President Reagan's favorite hat! I remember seeing him in this hat when I was a little girl!

As I said... we did the whole show out there that day...

We had to improvise a little. Here is how you do a white balance in the middle of a ranch, when you don't have a piece of paper. I don't have a picture of me holding my macBook up as a reflector, but that may or may not have been done in the name of improvisation as well.

Watch where you step!

Royce was rooting for the Steelers. Good man.
Too bad they lost the next day. :(

On our way back into town, we stopped at In and Out Burger, which I've always heard amazing things about, but I'd never had it before myself.

Oh my!!
It was delicious. I had a double double (this is not mine, it's Royce's Quadruple!) and a chocolate shake.
It tasted really, really good.



We chowed down, and got right back to work!
I have absolutely no photos from this point on, because we were slamming with interviews, and editing.
At the end of this particular night, former Vice President Dick Cheney was speaking at a dinner honoring Reagan's 100th birthday... and we were so exhausted, we watched from the overfow theater. Oh, the glamorous life of a Chief Political Correspondent, right?

Hey... before you judge, there was food. And internet. And plugs for us to charge our cell phones.
Seemed like a great spot after working 36 hours in a 24 hour period :)

It was an awesome trip!! I am so blessed to get paid to do such fun stuff. To have my DREAM job!! To work with good people who love the Lord!

AND, when I got home... I can't even begin to tell you how much Mr. Ritter had done for me! I came home to a clean house, with clean sheets on the bed. Dinner (wings, hummus and salad) had been ordered and was on the table, waiting. M thought of everything so that I would be able to avoid the "whip lash" of coming home.

He thought of everything. And it was amazing. I was really moved.

I think I made it about 3 steps in the door before I was sitting on his lap, and we were hugging with tears filling up in our eyes like I had been on a deployment for a year or something.

We really missed each other.
And that's a good thing.
I like being ooey gooey in love with my husband.

I'm a List Maker

I have a co-worker who jokes I would write "take shower" on a list.
Don't joke.
It has been done before!

To all of you who email me asking how I get so much done or comment that you can't believe I get so much done in one day... this is one of my secrets.

Well, not really a secret. It's not like to-do lists are anything new! But, I do almost everything, by a list. Even if it's not written down on an actual, physical list, there's a list in my head.

I think this may or may not drive my free-spirited/creative type husband nuts.
But, at least he lives in a clean house, right? :)

Recently, work has been out of control busy!
I cover the White House. I write a daily blog for work. I produce a bi-weekly show that is made up from scratch. I help run an entire Bureau. It is crazy! There are administrative tasks, things that need to be done right away, and long term planning items that seem to roll over forever and ever. And, we're starting to travel more and more as the 2012 Presidential race heats up.

I used to be able to get by with just one "to do" list.
Now, I've evolved into compartmentalizing my list and it's made such a difference! I think it helps me to get more done, and feel less overwhelmed.

My list is now usually split up among the following categories. It may vary day to day, depending on what I have going on.

-Follow Up (anything I need to double check, or respond to, or something that I'm waiting on from someone else)
-Contact (emails, phone calls)
-BF Show (that's our show, "The Brody File")
-Blog (WHW, that's my work blog, "White House Wrap")
-White House (anything I need to check on at the WH)
-Administrative (timesheets, expense reports, renew my passport, stuff like that)
-Personal (things like update this blog, reminders for Michael, home responsibilities like taxes and grocery shopping)

Let me tell you! Compartmentalizing is the way to go! It's much less jumbled. And if you know you only have 5 minutes, you can find something on your list (like send an e-mail, or follow up on something) that will only take 5 minutes.

Then... you get to bask in the glory of scratching something off! IS there anything better?
Really.

I have some other "systems" that I use to make me more productive. Maybe I'll share those with you sometime, too. If you're interested.

On Reading...

I used to really be a reader. I was almost always in the middle of 3 books at a time.

Now... not so much.
I still love to read, but I can't seem to find the time to do it! I used to read at the gym. I hardly ever go to the gym anymore. I used to read in bed before I fell asleep. Now, after I get M in the bed, I'm alseep within minutes!

I do have little chances here and there to read during the day. On the metro, on the way home. But, because it's been so cold lately, I've been driving to work more. Can't read and drive! Sometimes I get about 5 minutes to read while M brushes his teeth, etc. when we're getting ready for bed. And that's nice.

But, seriously. It's a shame.
I've been reading President George W. Bush's book, which I actually really enjoy, for months.

For Christmas, I got a Kindle.
It's AWESOME.

I think I've blogged a little bit about how much I loved Shauna Niequist's "Bittersweet." Such truth, I tell you! You have to read it. And "Cold Tangerines" too. She is an amazing writer!
I breezed through that book, in part, I believe, because it was fun to read my first Kindle book! Also, because I was like a little sponge soaking it up!

I went to California last weekend for a work trip, and I took our pastor, Mark Batterson's new book, "Soulprint." He and his wife gave each person at National Community Church a copy! All of Pastor Mark's books are easy to read and understand and have a lot of practical application for living your life for Christ.

I was a sponge, yet again! I think I underlined half of the book! It's all about finding your identity in Christ. Something I have realized this struggle I've gone through over the last year or so is really all about. This book was for me. And I read it at just the right time. You should read it, too. Especially if you find yourself trying to strive and prove that you are this, that or the other, and trying to live up to your own expectations you cook up! The truth: we are all unique. We are all created by God. He loves each and every one of us! We are free to live and be ourselves in that love and grace.

Phew! I'm preaching now!

Now, my next book (after I finish GWB's book, which I hope to do this weekend*) will be former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld's book.
I got a copy at work. Love it when books come for me in the mail for free! :)

I recently shared an elevator with Donald Rumsfeld! He was at the building where I work for an interview with some other media organization. We parked our cars in the parking garage, I showed him in, we shared the elevator, and I saw him off to the lobby.

It was pretty cool.
He is quite controversial still, but I don't think you can deny that he has led an incredibly full life of public service in high places for the last 50 YEARS or so!
I read that he took 4 years to write the book.
Hopfefully I won't take that long to read it.

*we'll see.

Saturday Morning Post

It feels like it's been a while, a long time, since I've done a Saturday Morning Post. It also feels like it's been forever since I've slowed down, stopped, and reflected, at all.

So, this is nice.
I've missed my alone time in my White Chair, drinking coffee and eating...

A toaster strudel. Yep, a toaster strudel. Pretty much 100 percent evil! Buttery, processed crust. Fake blueberry filling, and icing out of a tiny plastic packet. So evil. So anti-everything I like for us to eat. Yet, rebellious, and delicious. I always want to eat two at a time, but I stopped myself today. Because that, my friends, really is ridiculous? Or is it? They're pretty small...

It's already almost 9am. I've almost finished my first cup of coffee, and I'm gaining understanding of the world around me, realizing that Hannah Montana or something is on in the background. I'm so good at tuning background noise out that it takes a while, if I'm not paying attention, for background noise to get to a place where I actually hear it. So, I just changed it to the local news.

I love Chuck Bell. He does the best, most cheerful weather forecasts. And he reminds me of Jimmy Stewart for some reason. I think he's darling. I just missed working with him at my first TV station 10 years or so ago, but I digress... I still love local news. I love to watch it. I miss producing it, in some ways.

Moving on.
On Saturday mornings like this, I usually like to take about an hour to myself, in my chair. But, I'm pushing past that time frame now because this morning I had to have an emergency-pantry-organizing session.
It was getting out of control. And I just can't handle chaos like that!

Ahhhh. Much, much better!

Two little creatures were watching my every move, hoping to enjoy some pantry castoffs.

But, no luck for them.

On our agenda for today - pretty much nothing.
I suppose I should clean this apartment. But I don't even feel like doing that! I've been going a million miles an hour at work for the past two weeks or so (at least) and all I want to do now is crash.
We will have dinner with our friends Becky and Brian tonight, though! I'm looking forward to our quadrilateral! :)
And tomorrow, church, and probably the Newseum. One of my favorite places on the planet. I got a groupon for tickets to the Newseum a few months ago, and we have to use it this weekend before it expires.

I love Groupon. Too much, actually.
Okay, time is up. I have to go get Mr. Ritter up for the day.

I hope I can come back here later. I really do love sitting here drinking coffee and updating the blog. Happy Saturday, y'all!