The Mystery Goose Post

Across from my office building there is a multistory parking deck for a neighboring office building. It’s about 3 stories shorter than my window so I have a pretty clear view of the entire roof of the structure. It came to my attention last week that there is an unexpected inhabitant of the rooftop in the form of a lone Canadian Goose. Every morning around 10 the goose wanders to the corner of the roof closest to my building and stares out across the street, He’ll stay there for a good 2-3 hours barely moving. Occasionally he will leave by noon-ish depending on the day, and often reappear briefly later in the day. I find it comical how clockwork his activities are. I only noticed last week, but he has been there constantly every day since. I wonder how long he has laid claim to that rooftop? What is the fascination with that particular corner of the complex? Is he waiting for a V of geese to fly overhead and join up with them? I’ve seen him fly away, so it’s not like he’s stuck in a goose prison up there. My theory is he’s a trained spy-goose for the Canadian government. There are government offices around here and an unusual amount of helicopter traffic in the area….hrm.

The Art of Shaving Post

This Valentine’s Day was a good one, as it makes the first time Sarah and I where actually in the same place for the event in the past 6 years. Sarah gave me a gift card to The Art of Shaving, a small store in Tyson’s Corner that focus’ on, well, shaving. I had an appointment and went in for a ‘traditional shave’ where Al the Barber- as he introduced himself, gave me proper shave. Now I’m no wild-man, but I do rock the stubble probably a little more than most. Having a proper shave, and potentially learning the best method to replicate it on my own was really exciting to me. Plus I like the occasional pampering, and this is manly pampering… right? Anyway I had the whole hot towel and wet shave treatment in the store’s barber chair. It was a little odd feeling like I was on display to a degree, but as with getting a haircut/wash, the soothing nature of it all sort of negates any awkwardness. I had conveniently ran out of shaving cream last week and was pushing a borderline beard when it came time for my appointment, so Al-the-Barber had his work cut out for him. It was pretty cool all in all. Sarah also gave me a shaving kit with the lather brush and various creams, so hopefully I’ll be able to improve my own skills (or lack there of) with a razor. It was a great idea for a gift, and a particularly creative Valentine’s idea. Afterward we did a little shopping, caught a movie and went to Brio for dinner. All romantically, and whatnot.

The Mad Trucker Post

So yesterday evening the office was surrounded by blaring sirens and a ton of police activity. It started out relatively distant but got extremely loud. A few of my cubicle neighbors went to windows to see what was going on, and I overheard a lot of comments along the lines of “There goes another cop”, and “That was a state trooper”. I didn’t check as I has a lot on my plate at the time and didn’t want to rubberneck if there was an accident or something close by. On my way home I listened to the news and heard the reason for all the hubbub;

Apparently it was the tail end of a high-speed police chase. It started in Maryland when a murder suspect-truck driver was going through a routine truck station. Apparently his information red-flagged him (as most murder suspect's information usually does I assume) and he fled. Driving all the way down to Tyson’s, rolling over spike strips and being chased by a cavalcade of cop cars. Eventually they stopped him when he finally lost control and crashed into some trees right down the street from my office building. After the crash he refused to get out of the cab and was tazered… I’m starting to wish I took a look now.
I couldn’t find any actual pictures that where any good so he’s one of another madman in a runaway truck. A Dark Knight came out on Blu-ray this week so it seems fitting. (Christmas shopping hint. wink wink, nudge nudge)

The Thankfull Post

This Thanksgiving I have a lot to be thankful for. Beyond having friends and family all together for a celebration at Ali and Bob’s tomorrow I am also looking forward to December 1st because that is my first day on the job as the new Marketing Designer at Avectra. I received the offer yesterday and have accepted the position. I’m really looking forward to getting started.

In other progress related news, Sarah and I have been approved for a terrific apartment in Reston. We are getting a great deal on a 2 bed, one bath (or 1 bed with den depending which floor plan you look at) right down the road from Reston Town Center. Avectra is based out in Tyson’s Corner so I will have to contend with the traffic to some degree, but Sarah’s commute will be less than 5 minutes. The apartment has all kinds of shops and the bike path within walking distance, as well as extremely easy access to Route 7 and Reston Parkway. Getting around will be easy. I am particularly excited about being a 1.6 mile cab-ride back from the Town Center (we measured it). There are so many new and interesting bars and restaurants out there I am sure Sarah and I will be taking advantage of the social scene there a lot after the move. As it stands we have a hold on the apartment and will be moving in on the 15th of December. Making the move right before the holidays is not the best timing but the special rates we where offered made the offer to hard to pass up.

I am really excited going into the holiday with all the progress that has happened these past two days. It seems Virginia is finally come around and is ready to have me back.