Dirthead Diaries - Beyond Kosova

2012-01-02T21:23:00.009+01:00

Christmas with the Kirkbride'sWell this year Adi actually appreciated what was inside the colorful packaging and boxes he was opening and to say the least it was a Thomas the Train Xmas. From clothes to trains to floating tub toys to a train cake. Grammy and Grandpa Kirkbride also joined in the fun and we visited with other friends (the Ritter/Bartletts) over the holiday.We also paid our

2011-12-23T03:39:00.002+01:00

Adi's Birthday Videos

2011-12-23T03:08:00.007+01:00

Adrian's 2nd Birthday!! With a pizza party at home with baby Anderson and Alex and Sam... With Mom's homemade Thomas cake... And a party with his friends at daycare...

2011-11-27T21:53:00.005+01:00

Thanksgiving Hosted by the Kirkbride'sWell, after 2 days of marinating and a total of 8 other dishes, it all turned out perfectly. Except I was too tired to actually taste much of the meal. Thank God for left-overs though. So we started with a 12lb. bird, a juicy onion and celery marinade in the bag with stuffing, a spiced home-made cranberry sauce, garlic roasted mashed potatoes, home-made gravy

2011-11-23T03:20:00.002+01:00

Adrian Playing in the Leaves VideosOut at the Eastern Shore last weekend.

2011-11-19T19:54:00.006+01:00

Thanksgiving Lunch at Daycare & Night at the Eastern ShoreWe had a wonderful visit with Adi and his friends this week at the daycare center for a Thanksgiving meal. Of course it was mostly about him showing off his toys to his parents and getting an extra piece of pie with Daddy. And last week our dear friends Andrew, Emily and baby Anderson invited us out for a night at their cabin on the

2011-11-04T00:24:00.005+01:00

Halloween in DCWith Aunt Stacey in town and our little Thomas the Train, great fun was had by all. Cousins Sophia and Kate led the way with their step-brother Elias joining in as an Angry Bird. Adi figured out quickly all he had to do was walk up to the door and would get tons of chocolate.

2011-10-29T17:13:00.011+02:00

Mom's Oct Visit to DCA great visit with plenty of playtime and a Balkan BBQ with neighborhood friends.

2011-10-18T02:34:00.003+02:00

Pumpkin Carving What more fun than pulling gooey stuff out from the inside of a pumpkin. Hope this one will last till Halloween but seems to already be smelling funny. Just wait to see what Adi will dress as this year (hint: it is not a pumpkin).

2011-10-14T16:22:00.002+02:00

Around the HouseWell just to reveal a couple of photos showing what has been going on around the Kirkbride household. A new haircut, Shqipe coming over to babysit, Adrian using his first computer and of course corn night with Alex and Sam.

2011-10-10T19:14:00.007+02:00

Pumpkin Picking 2011What better way to spend one of our last 80F days but in the country with our close friends the Schads. Adi likes to run around with Alex and Sam anywhere which included a very large slide, hay bails and an animal farm. Of course we took a tractor out to the fields to pick our own pumpkin.People arrived via all modes of transportation. And we stopped for a nice lunch

2011-09-09T03:21:00.030+02:00

Summer Vacation to Kosovo and GreeceOur restful 2 week vacation was the perfect end to a wonderful summer in DC. Pranvera and Adi had already been in Prishtina for 4 weeks prior to my arrival so the reunion was incredible. We had a great 5 days with friends and family at her home partaking in the local parks, machiatto, and home cooked meals. Not to mention the almost daily trips to the amusement

2011-08-08T01:40:00.006+02:00

Missing my boy (and wife).But while they are away I took advantage of heading to rural VA and enjoyed a full weekend of yoga and meditation at the LOTUS shrine. Very remarkable and spiritual space. Dorm facility on the grounds with my lodging. The meditation and dining facility. The final evening group Kirtan for singing and chanting among the swami's and others studying yoga teacher

2011-08-02T15:52:00.020+02:00

ADRIAN IN PRISHTINA - PART II Mom and Jeta in Taukbashqe Adrain during his first visit to an amusement park Adrian driving a car with his cousin Roksana His favorite ride the chugh chugh..... and our life is a continoues search for chugh chugh's Adrian enjoying his "machiato" in Germia park

2011-07-31T13:30:00.005+02:00

So i finally found some time to update the blog with Adi's pictures from Prishtina. We are both having a great time. Adi is particular enjoying being with mommy all the time and not to mention all the attention, presents and love he is getting from all his close and distant cousins. More pictures are to come, now that mommy is done with work.

2011-07-04T15:51:00.004+02:00

Adrian's new rocker bike and train set. (oh and a little fun with an iPad).

2011-07-03T23:39:00.007+02:00

Year and a Half OldA little tired at dinner time... Flight back to St Louis... Playing with my friends Sam and Alex... Swiming at cousin Kate and Sophia's pool...

2011-06-02T03:11:00.014+02:00

Visiting St LouisBig boy with grandpa and granny. Meet and Greet party for Adrian to St. Louis friends. Visit with best friend Alex and family. More time with grandparents. BBQ with Sidney, Sheila and kids. Breakfast in Kirkwood. Attending his first Carnival with Mark and girls. Visiting Transportation Museaum. Playground time.

2011-05-26T03:52:00.003+02:00

Family Videos

2011-05-24T03:36:00.011+02:00

Long Overdue Photos from 15 and 16 MonthsSorry for the delay but we had a camera mishap and have been trying to download all these photos from Pranvera's phone. Enjoy!!Recent outing to a Pizzeria and playground with our friends Kat, Tim and their boys. Family BBQ with long time friends visiting from San Fran. Wonderful to see Gay, daughter Hallie, John and the boys. Mothers Day brunch!Hike

2011-04-26T03:49:00.003+02:00

Easter Outing in DCAlthough he was a bit young to catch onto the whole egg and bunny thing, we joined friends for a wonderful Sunday afternoon potluck to celebrate a dog's 1 year bday and Easter of course. Perfect weather allowed us to sit outside while he pushed his stroller back and forth. Sometimes going off to chase the dog or gather food from our friends (Adrian not the dog;-)

2011-04-08T03:46:00.003+02:00

Cherry Blossom Festival in DC

2011-03-27T16:56:00.002+02:00

Family TimeFun day at home!

2011-03-21T19:05:00.006+01:00

20x2 Celebration!We did it!! Pranvera was completely surprised by her closest friends last week to celebrate her birthday. It took alot of planning and coordination in order for the queen of intuition to not have guessed everyone would be waiting at Cafe Divan in Georgetown for our 'quite' birthday dinner night out. Luckily, our cousins were able to sit for Adrian so we could truly focus on the

2011-03-21T15:46:00.007+01:00

15 Months and Pranvera's 40th bday (part 1)To say the least Adrian has been quite active these days, especially as Spring is right around the corner. He loves spending time outside and meeting all the older boys and girls (wondering why he can't run as fast as they).Pravera also celebrate her milestone birthday with a low key celebration at home with a number of gifts from the family including a

2011-03-07T02:36:00.005+01:00

Catching Up on Adrian's 14th month (and daddie's 40th year)First haircut and boys hanging out watching TV (he knows how to use the remote to turn it on). And a weekend picnic and hike as Springtime tries to appear in DC. Adrian's adventure in the apartment. And already practicing to be a yogi like dad. And Grammy's visit to DC to celebrate Todd's 40th.

2011-01-15T15:07:00.004+01:00

Adrian VideosXmas Package Ride Building Blocks

2011-01-09T13:54:00.023+01:00

Christmas in L.A.The Kirkbride family packed up half our apartment and headed out to California for our long awaited visit to see my sister in Hollywood! Pranvera had never been and we had both the perfect host, weather (post the rains) and holiday spirit. Our 6 hour flight out was remarkably uneventful and Adrian slept the entire evening flight. Unfortunately with the 3 hour time change he

2010-12-21T02:46:00.007+01:00

Adrian's First Birthday PartyWhat a perfect excuse to have 20 of your closest friends over for some holiday cheer, a home-made frog cake and a bunch of kids playing with his new toys (ok, a couple of adults as well). He added more toys to his collection as well as some great clothes for the winter. Although he was more interested in a cup and folk, he was a good sport and acted like he knew the

2010-12-17T14:28:00.007+01:00

Christmas Tree Farm Well this year we joined our friends the Schads to cut down a fresh Christmas tree. Unfortunately the tree wasn't for us this year as our little one year old would have had so much fun trying to pull it down. Not to mention we will actually be at my sisters place in LA for Christmas which does have a tree but 5 adults to tag-team pulling him away from climbing it or grabbing

2010-12-03T02:45:00.005+01:00

Day Trip to BaltimoreOver the long holiday weekend we decided to get outside DC and explore our sister city Baltimore. To both our surprise we had a wonderful adventure visiting Fort McHenry where the American troops defeated the British in a battle that inspired The Star Spangled Banner. Unfortunately it was one of the windiest days they have had so we had to expedite our visit around the

2010-11-28T02:58:00.005+01:00

Thanksgiving with the Kaiser's in DCWe were fortunate enough to spend the feast with our closest friends in DC Andrew and Emily. Adrian was the star of the show as he showed off his ability to walk across the kitchen, climb up and down the step several dozen times and eat almost anything we put on his plate.

2010-11-23T04:31:00.002+01:00

Learning to Walk

2010-11-18T02:40:00.004+01:00

Aunt Stacey's Visit Whenever Adrian is sporting the latest baby fashion you can tell Aunt Stacey has been in town. With both new pairs of shoes, cool shirts and designer pants--not to mention the great big smile he always wears when she is around to play. And on top of this we get to have a much needed date night: dinner at our favorite French Bistro and catching an age old comedy play, Sheer

2010-11-17T02:41:00.008+01:00

Andrew and Emilys' Wedding, Lewes DelawareWe had a wonderful weekend in the outer banks bearing witness to our best friend Andrew (finally) being married off to an amazing women, Emily. Perfect weather, location, friends and family.

2010-11-01T13:35:00.007+01:00

Halloween Comes to an EndBut not before tromping around Georgetown with cousin Kate as Lady Ga Ga doing her trick or treat. Of course little Adrian was enjoying all the strange sites and costumes from the other kids. And the Triangle Tots Pumpkin Parade where all the kids marched, rolled, and were carried around my office's lobby to amuse the tourists and federal workers And finally our

2010-10-18T02:27:00.010+02:00

The Season of Halloween!!Who says Halloween is only one night? We say it is a whole month of festivities including leaves turning to bright yellow, red and orange; visiting a pumpkin patch with petting zoos, hay and corn mazes, super slides, pumpkin cannons, hay ride, tractor ride; apple butter, hot apple cider, apple crisp; carving pumpkins, buying silly costumes, pumpkin pie, candy corns and

2010-10-12T03:09:00.011+02:00

Playing in DCBike Ride up the Capital Crescent Trail Annual Crab Festival on the Potomac 22 mile bike ride from DC to Mt. Vernon National Aquatic Park outside DC Playing around the house Daddy playing guitar

2010-09-13T03:31:00.008+02:00

Vacation in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Well, as much as we needed an end of summer vacation, we feel like we need another one now that we have returned. The 10 hour drive was a fun adventure for the entire family with the added twist of Adrian developing a very unexplained throw-up that turned out to be a serious stomach virus that occupied the first half of the vacation. Without becoming

2010-08-29T16:45:00.004+02:00

Boating in AnnapolisAnd some swing time first to boot! In honor of our friend (uncle) Andrew's 40th (very belated) bday, a small group of us chartered a beautiful sailboat for a 3 hour tour of the Bay. Perfect weather and company. Adrian's first and as you can see he settled in quite well with a beer and baby bjorn. Almost felt like we were on holiday!

2010-08-21T17:03:00.005+02:00

Weekend Activities in DCDaddie and Adrian being silly at the Kennedy Center for a piano performance. Day hike along the Potomac with a stop at the waterfall. Adrian enjoyed his new backpack ride. Sunset happy hour at the Sculpture Garden Jazz session in the DC Mall. Adrian spent most the time playing in the fountain. Day at North Beach about an hour away from DC with Kat, Tim, Sam and Alex.

2010-08-18T02:58:00.005+02:00

Grammy's VisitHad a nice long weekend with Grammy coming in town to play with her grandson. Was a welcome relief to us to have a date night and just an extra set of hands to hold and entertain Adrian allowing Pranvera to actually read an article, write an email or take a long stress free shower.We went to music class, a visit to the White House, a walk in the park, a visit to work, a piano

2010-08-08T17:39:00.008+02:00

Visit to New York The great thing about the East Coast is how relatively close places are vs. California. So on a long 3 day weekend we packed up the car and did the traffic infested 6 hour drive to Manhattan to stay with our dear friends Jim, Carol and Sam Lewis. With our kids less than 2 months apart it makes a weekend visit very easy as we could use much of their baby equipment and we had to

2010-07-21T02:43:00.004+02:00

Auntie Stacey VisitsAfter attending another music class, we had the perfect day outing taking a boat trip from Georgetown to Old Town Alexandria. Playing at the pool. Another day in his music class.

2010-07-10T17:27:00.005+02:00

Adrian's First Music Class & VideosAlready proficient with his shaker, bouncing, and giggling while I play guitar, Adrian upgraded to his first music class at the Levine School of Music in DC. With 10 other families, we sang, banged, and clapped our way through an hour-long class on a very rainy Sat morning. He was all smiles watching the other kids and playing with mommy and daddy. Keeping

2010-07-07T02:51:00.006+02:00

First 4th of July After a weekend of dealing with a jetlagged mom and baby and a sick daddy we barely made it out in the 100F heat to celebrate our country's Independence Day with a very traditional picnic and small (but loud and good) neighborhood firework celebration. We went with our dear friends the Schads and their boys Alex and Sam always prove to be entertaining for Adrian. We found the

2010-06-24T11:17:00.005+02:00

Adrian -turning six months I can sit and play on my own. I am a big boy now. Adrian attempting to walk. An ordinary day for Adrian, everone has to hold him at least once. Eating solids.

2010-06-20T11:32:00.002+02:00

2010-06-13T14:21:00.018+02:00

Adrian's First Family VacationWhile Mommy and baby Adrian are still in Kosovo enjoying another 3 weeks of family time, these photos show Adrian's first reunion with the Recica family and our 1 week holiday trip in Albania. He traveled very well and adjusted as best his little body could to the time change, the constant travel, non-stop love and handling from all the grandparents, uncles and

2010-05-25T20:31:00.007+02:00

Grandpa VisitsSince I have been staying at home with Adrian each day, I was able to spend a lot of quality time with my father who visited last week. Adrian took to him right away and they enjoyed many an hour of playing, soothing, burping and feeding. Always very nice to have an extra set of hands around when mine are full. We most certainly got out and about the city with a walk virtually

2010-05-18T02:45:00.003+02:00

Adrian's First Blooper VideoA must see of Adrian's attempt to make it through dinner without falling asleep. Make sure to watch till the end and enjoy!!

2010-05-17T22:24:00.007+02:00

Froggie and Bagels' First Playdate!! Adrian's first real playdate was with our dear friends Carol and Jim's baby girl, Samantha. They came in from NY for the weekend so our kids could finally meet each other. Only 7 weeks apart they were almost in the same learning stages with the exception that Sam has already ventured into solid food which provided hours of entertainment. So wonderful to see

2010-05-11T20:05:00.003+02:00

Just the cutest thing ever...

2010-05-10T02:12:00.007+02:00

Second Anniversary, First Mothers DayWhat better excuse to head out of the city for 24 hours to take in the beautiful greening forests and sunny (windy) hills of northern Virgina. Only an hour away we rented a cabin in the Front Royal range and had an expansive, unobstructed deck (and bedroom) view to enjoy time away with just the family. Of course Adrian is always the center of attention but he

2010-05-02T04:17:00.003+02:00

Adrian's VideosPush-Ups Roll-Over

2010-05-01T17:24:00.002+02:00

The 'Rooster'Adrian's mohawk was out of control so that night mommy had to cut it.

2010-04-26T02:33:00.003+02:00

Day at the Park

2010-04-05T03:39:00.012+02:00

The MomsWell we continue to have full days and nights that keep Adrian full of adventure. My mom came in town to meet Pranvera's mom for the first time. Although they had limited communications it was all about Adrian anyway so everyone got along great and showered him with love and attention.We celebrated Easter with our dear friends Andrew and Emily. At home taking reading lessons (or was that

2010-03-22T00:15:00.005+01:00

First Week of Mami RrushePranvera's Mom finally arrived and has already been such a relief that we have headed out to see 2 movies and catch a date night of drinks and seeing what the kids are wearing and doing at the 'hip' places around the city. But we have been getting some 'home' cookin and another set of hands for 6 weeks as Pranvera heads back to work after being out for 3 months. Will be a

2010-03-11T04:15:00.008+01:00

Pranvera's 39th CelebrationOne year older and perhaps wiser. Thanks to my wonderful and thoughtful husband and my little bundle of joy Adrian, I had a wonderful day. I woke up to find a beautiful bouquet of red roses in the living room with a wonderful birthday card. After playing and having quality time with Adrian, we ventured outside to enjoy warm day in DC and

2010-03-10T15:10:00.001+01:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRANVERA!!!!!!We love You.Todd and Baby Adrian

2010-03-08T00:26:00.007+01:00

Warm Weather Finally ArrivesBeginning of Spring, marked with a first visit to the zoo and arboretum with our little 11 week old. Apparently he prefers to sleep in the open air vs trying to spot the little (and big) animals in the pens. Although he did seem a little bit freaked out by the fish that could have swallowed him in one piece. We also met our favorite family to go for a hike in the

2010-02-27T15:35:00.002+01:00

Video of Adrian's Mobile Amusement

2010-02-24T01:49:00.005+01:00

Week 8Mommy and Master Adrian for a feeding at the museum of Congress. A day outing with college friends and families, the McKechnie's and Kauffman's. Kids enjoying the toys at a local pub. Baby Adrian visits his first nightclub for a going away party. He was picking up all the women.VIDEO from the snow storm in DC

2010-02-17T03:06:00.009+01:00

His First Swim, Snowshoe, and Spa ExperienceAs if 4 snow days off from work weren't enough, I had a 4 day weekend combining my alternating work schedule day off with President's Day. So to celebrate Valentines, President's and my 39th Birthday we headed 3 hours West to Deep Creek Lake Wisp Ski Resort to enjoy the largest snow pack they have ever had. With at least a 5 foot base and fresh powder

2010-02-10T20:11:00.004+01:00

Round II: Blizzard in DCMy third day off from work and don't expect to go tomorrow either. Getting another foot or so today with blizzard winds and almost 0 visibility. No one is outside today. Nothing is open. Only metro is running underground between key stations every half hour.But as you can see yesterday we took advantage of the beautiful snow conditions that have blanketed us here. It was

2010-02-06T20:56:00.008+01:00

Surviving the Blizzard of 2010As most of you have heard by now DC is in the midst of receiving is largest snowfall on record. I believe we are up to 2 feet and the winds and snow are still whirling around some 28 hours later. Only things on the road are snow plows or people walking about enjoying the absolute calm or a paralyzed city. Almost no stores are open and it is impossible to consider

2010-01-24T16:52:00.007+01:00

Week 5 with Grandpa Though he is only five weeks old, he is mouthing his first sounds. One would think he is trying to speak. No surprise there knowing how much his dad and mom like to talk!!! And even mommie gets tired sometimes

2010-01-16T16:51:00.007+01:00

Fourth WeekWell we have made it this far. This was Todd's first week back at work and Grammy Kirkbride arrived to assist with the transition. All were a bit tired as Todd sometimes pulled the 3-4am feed and was then up at 6:30 to head to the office (for a day of yawns and co-workers commenting on the 'baby adjustments'). Pravera however was the rock star and pulled feeding duty several nights for

2010-01-08T00:29:00.005+01:00

Getting AroundSo, the days turn into nights which turn back into days. Our entire existence has cycled around his 3 hour EASY strategy of eat, activity, sleep and you (yea right). Pranvera gets in one to two naps a day to make up for having to pull two night shifts while I only handle one (at most). The only difference between a Sat or Wed is which doctor appointment we need to be at our which of

2010-01-02T17:43:00.009+01:00

Getting the Hang of It (kind of)Auntie Stacey saved us for our first week helping to prepare meals, clean, do groceries and play with him when mom and dad were dying for some nap time. Her sound machine made the loud late nights sleepable and she was always quick to help out with a change. With our small place it actually worked out quite well and we have been really enjoying all the visits from

2009-12-30T00:59:00.006+01:00

Our First WeekAs all you parents know... not a lot of sleep. But we are going with the flow and enjoying the twilight walks in the living bouncing up and down and trying to remember old high school fight songs to sooth him back to sleep. Anything... His jaundice is coming down and we think he may be heading more towards a routine and less of the fussy cluster feeding. Have almost not let the

2009-12-26T17:22:00.008+01:00

Adrian's First ChristmasWell, we survived Christmas Eve (barely as you can see from the exhausted faces of mom and dad). Our first night was 'hell' with a jaundice baby cluster feeding and not knowing it was actually nighttime so we were pretty much up around the clock searching for an instruction manual or the off switch to his cries. But we finally got him down for a couple sessions sleeping

2009-12-25T03:39:00.005+01:00

Coming Home from HospitalWow. Let the games begin. Yes time seems to start to stand still when you have to figure it all out on your own. It is 10pm and we have NO idea how we got from our 11:30 discharge. Some memorable highlights already include getting him all set up in the Christmas Onesie with swaddle and him pooping require a second change, re-wrap and then he got sick on that one. But we

2009-12-23T04:24:00.007+01:00

Introducing Adrian Samuel Kirkbride Born Monday morning, Dec 21 (Winter Solstice) 10:14am at 6.2lbs (2.7kg) and 19inches long. Mother and baby are fantastic and we appreciate the love and support from all of you. Hope you enjoy Adrian's first shots and the video we shot shortly after his birth.Happy Holidays and New Year!!!!

2009-11-29T19:51:00.004+01:00

Getting Ready for Baby... 3 weeks and counting. Now that we have transformed our home, washed the clothes with baby friendly detergent and sorted through all the wonderfully gifted and donated outfits by age, we feel almost ready. But then again how can you ever really be ready for such a transforming life experience? With so many close friends and family offering us support and thousands of

2009-10-24T03:53:00.007+02:00

Pumpkin TimeWhat a wonderful way to celebrate Haloween. Starting by a day out at a pumpkin patch, to picking our own pumpkin and apples to carving Pranvera's first pumpkin ever. My sister was out visiting us so we connected with Sophia, Kate and Katya and spent the day at Homestead petting the animals, taking a hayride, enjoying the fresh air and being with family.The season is not complete

2009-10-15T14:21:00.010+02:00

Baby shower-celebrating arrival of the baby boy KirkbrideThanks to my sister and mother in law, I experienced my first American baby shower, and funny enough it was a baby shower for me. Stacey and mom worked very hard to put it all together and I appreciate everything they have done so much. Under their wonderful touch our apartment looked festive with all the decorations and baby signs, toys,

2009-09-20T20:05:00.016+02:00

Beach Vacation in Duck, NCIf it weren't for the off shore hurricane rains locking us in our 3rd floor ocean-side condo for the first half or the rip currents and 6-10 foot waves it generated for our remaining sunny days making swimming off limits, it would have been perfect. BUT, ironically it was!! After just coming off a whirlwind 3 country business trip in 5 days and Pranvera's almost daily '

2009-09-14T03:05:00.007+02:00

Wedding at the ShoreWhat a better way to close out the summer with a late August wedding of my cousins' mom at the 'Shore' about an hour/half outside of DC heading towards the ocean. Kate and Sophia were not the little girls I remembered playing with just a week before but young ladies celebrating their mom's wedding. The weather was perfect and the light from the setting sun reflecting off the

2009-08-28T02:43:00.003+02:00

Weekend Away in Virginia BeachNothing like old friends. Pranvera and I finally got out of town fighting the horrific DC traffic to make our way down south and spend a fast weekend with dear friends from the Northwestern college days, Ron and Sonya and their amazing kids Conor, Madeline and Julia (8,6,4). What better way to get us psyched about raising a family of our own and moving to the

2009-06-26T16:11:00.002+02:00

What does Todd Really Do?An interesting article was just published about the Agency I work for, USAID and in particular my unit, the Global Development Alliances. Enjoy...Has USAID Anything to Offer US Companies?By Dr. Michael HopkinsThe United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the biggest development agency in the world in terms of foreign assistance spending. According to

2009-06-22T21:30:00.007+02:00

20th Year High School ReunionOn June 13th the St Louis Ladue High School Class of '89 reunited after 10 years since our last gathering. This was also a perfect time to visit with my parents and to have my sister join us from the other coast as well as participate as an honorary member of our class (graduated actually in '90). Not mention my nearest friends of the Clark's and Miranda's and their

2009-05-20T15:03:00.006+02:00

One Year Anniversary Getaway!!We made it! We can't even begin to list the amount of massive changes both our lives have undergone during our first year of marriage, not to mention us trying to figure out how this marriage thing works without all these external variables. But we are happier than ever and celebrated by having absolutely no one else around us, for miles. Originally thinking we

2009-04-14T01:06:00.009+02:00

Worktrip to HaitiIt is great when the rare opportunity of combining work with pleasure actually brings you closer to family. On my most recent public private partnership training trip to the USAID Mission in Haiti, I was able to stay with and hang out with my cousin Rand who actually works for the Mission. Not only did he make sure each of our evenings was full of activity but I actual felt a

2009-03-13T01:33:00.004+01:00

Announcing the Arrival of... Our new car!!! At the ripe old age of 38 I have just purchased my first new car...ever. Sure I had my most beloved Honda Accord for almost 14 years that survived countless cross country journeys and carpool among college friends. But that was originally purchased by my dad for my sister and I to share. And to say the least we got as much out of that little guy as one

2009-02-27T01:39:00.007+01:00

Todd's 38th Birthday CelebrationCouldn't have been more perfect. Pranvera outdid herself by planning a 4 day surprise getaway weekend all the way from Kosovo. Not only were we to celebrate my bday but Valentines Day, Presidents Day and Kosovo Independence Day. And we did it in style in the 200 year old Homestead Resort 4.5 hours away in West Virginia. I had no idea where I was driving us other

2009-01-21T01:30:00.008+01:00

OBAMANIA!!!As everyone of you no matter where in the world watched the inauguration of the United States 44th President, a sense of hope, renewal, pride and oneness has over come this city and nation. As the Inaugural Balls unfold as I speak, I feel blessed to not have ticket for one of these events since I have been out in the largest and most joyful crowd I have ever witnessed for almost 10

2009-01-21T01:13:00.003+01:00

We are One Concert Washington DCWith 500,000 of our closest friends, my cousin Rand and I listened to everyone from Bruce Springstein to U2. A day of unbelievable energy and pride to be an American.

2009-01-02T02:05:00.016+01:00

Kirkbride Christmas in the Capital.A Happy Holiday and New Year to you all!! We feel so blessed to have shared this holiday season with the Kirkbride family in the States and to be in touch with so many of you long distance (thank god for technology). This was not only Pranvera and my first Christmas but it was the first time I have ever hosted the holiday's with a real tree, preparing the

2008-12-07T00:32:00.004+01:00

OUR FIRST CHRISTMAS TREE Keto foto jane per Eneiden, e cila me ka kerku qe sa dite, qe si ta rregullojme bredhin t'ja dergoj fotot. Dhe qe Eneida vetem per deshiren tende ja ku jane fotot. Mirepo jane edhe per Roksanen, Ronin, Jeten dhe Tejen. Ju don Palela shume shume shume.These pictures of our first christmas tree are for my nice Eneida, she have asking me to send her pictures of our tree as

2008-12-06T23:24:00.006+01:00

Thanksgiving New York StyleIt was nice for a change to have turkey, stuffing, cranberries and all the other Thanksgiving Day acutramonts readily available (and so well preparing by our dear friends Carol and Jim). Pranvera and I were invited to the Big Apple for the long holiday weekend to see experience NY in its full holiday glory. Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, window shopping on 5th Avenue,

2008-11-12T21:44:00.007+01:00

A new home Todd and I got married almost six months ago,but since we were living between his apartment run by his landlord and mine (run by mom), we literally felt all along like we were still dating. No responsibilities and all play. We would spend weekends traveling in the region, hiking some peak, swimming in a lake or a pool, or just hanging out. All this made our move to US seem more

2008-11-08T00:08:00.004+01:00

YES WE CANTonight I felt like I was 14, 16 or 18, cheering, screaming or defying discrimination in the streets of Prishtina. Tonight democracy won! And the big question (the President Elect asked) if there was anyone out there still doubting whether America is a land of opportunities, was answered! From the early morning, you could see people on the polling stations waiting in long lines to vote

2008-08-18T15:01:00.008+02:00

Final Weekend Getaway to TiranaAs our countdown to departure continues, I decided it would be prudent to try and get out of Kosovo one last time in August. And my friends Tim and Kat (and little Sam) Schad from DC, along with Belle-air gave me the perfect excuse. This airline just started delivering the 35 minute flight between our two cities for a mere 117 euro return. Considering I could land

2008-08-04T16:33:00.009+02:00

Underwater Adventure of Koh Tao (Part V) Somewhat ironic that our 1 taxi ride and 1 ferryboat adventure to get to this island only 2 hours away took about as long as the 7 different modes of transportation we took to get to the last island. At least it was more relaxing with just a lot of waiting around rather than running and negotiating all the prices. As our boat approached the smallest of

2008-08-04T14:40:00.003+02:00

Our Remote Santuary on Koh Phangan (Part IV)From our sailboat to a longtail boat to a city bus to a VIP bus to a non AC VIP bus to a ferry to a taxi (overpriced) to a private longtail taxi boat, we arrived all in 1 day to The Sanctuary, our week long meditation and yoga retreat center nestled in the jungle on a private beach on Koh Phangan (yes the island famous for the all night Full Moon Rave

2008-08-02T12:09:00.002+02:00

Island Cruising from Phuket to Phi Phi (Part III)Our fist class private sleeper cabin cost more than our hotel room in Bangkok so we assumed it would be a very nice and comfortable way to see the landscape and make our way back to Bangkok well rested. In reality, the room and train were at least 40 years old and well used. Yes we each had our own bunk with beddings and a private door we could

2008-08-02T12:05:00.001+02:00

Northern Adventures of Chang Mai (Part II)In Thailand, a bus ride is never just a bus ride. Instead of getting caught up in one of the many travel scams of using a travel agent to purchase your bus ticket at an inflated price and jamming you into an overcrowded tourist bus to take you anyway, we opted to do as the locals and take a long taxi ride to the Northern Bus Terminal and get a ‘nicer’

2008-08-02T11:45:00.003+02:00

The Land of Smiles: Thailand Honeymoon (Part I)All the photos can be seen at http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?UV=232673260935_912131913603&mode=fromsite&collid=13301266503.582733113603.1217671326697&conn_speed=1Two months after our wedding and after the completion of my contract in Kosovo, PV and I finally headed off for one month of pampering and adventure in the wonderful country of