Thanks for the message and the encouragement. I think this is a place any of us can succeed if we put the effort into it. I wish you the best in your ventures.

Kelly

I live about 10 miles west of Leesburg in western Loudoun. Most people around here commute on the Greenway to the Reston/Herndon area. Reston is great--I adore Reston Town Center (esp. the new Mac store!!!) As for the lakes, it strikes me that there are 2 types of people around here: the lake people and the OBX people. I'm an ocean lover myself--but I do think Deep Creek Lake is beautiful. Thanks for cheering me on--and good luck to you with work and the munchkins. :-)

I live about 10 miles west of Leesburg in western Loudoun. Most people around here commute on the Greenway to the Reston/Herndon area. Reston is great--I adore Reston Town Center (esp. the new Mac store!!!) As for the lakes, it strikes me that there are 2 types of people around here: the lake people and the OBX people. I'm an ocean lover myself--but I do think Deep Creek Lake is beautiful. Thanks for cheering me on--and good luck to you with work and the munchkins. :-)

Well, not a whole lot out here to do, to be quite honest. Some friends and I are trying to get funding for a skate park in an unused parking lot. All these pre-teen kids...and nothing for them to do (when they're not playing sports, that is). I like the Outlet Mall...big fan of Saks Off 5th and long lunches at the Panera.

Oh dear, you shouldn't have told me there's a Michael Kors store there now! I LOVE Michael Kors...especially his fragrance line. Friends of mine (the Vogt family) own the Daily Grind there. :-) Yes, it is a great little spot.

Yes, the hubby, munchkins, and I are currently in Herndon. I love it here, but my eyes are on nearby Reston. My little ones are between 6 months and 4 1/2, so we're still "in the thick of it," where there is a lot going on and 99% of it is child-related. I imagine that doesn't change much as the years go by, but am trying to convince myself that someday I will have an adult life again. ;)

It's funny you mentioned both Deep Creek and Lake Anna. I grew up in Western MD, very close to Deep Creek, but I'm hoping to end up on Lake Thoreau (a mile or two from Lake Anna).

Your blog post really made me smile. It's a great example of how the little things we do can really lead to our biggest opportunities and "lightbulb moments." Congratulations, again on that. I hope to cheer you on through the process. :)

Kelly

I admit, Leesburg is about the furthest into Loudoun I have gone. I head over there often for a little outlet shopping.

You are right about the lake vs. OBX, too. I just like the water, however I can get close to it. Suppose that comes from growing up in W MD, near the lake and with a stream in the back yard.

It's great that you're taking it upon yourself to put together something for kids to do. It feels like, even here, there is not much for older children to do to entertain themselves.

I do love those outlets. A chai smoothie from Daily Grind, and a trip through Banana Republic, and I am a happy person. My husband tried to cover my eyes last time, so I wouldn't see the new Michael Kors store. ;)

Oops..well, you didn't hear about Michael Kors from me, then. (I was so excited when I saw it!) I had only ever been to one other Daily Grind before, and was thrilled to find the one at the outlets. Starbucks is great, but I will mow people down to get to a Daily Grind chai smoothie! :)

You too!

Well, welcome, fellow newbie. I hope you see great success here.

Kelly

Well, welcome, fellow newbie. I hope you see great success here.

Kelly

You are right. There is much to learn, and it is a bit daunting. I feel very fortunate to have come in with such a large crop of new IMers. It seems there is a great opportunity for us to learn and succeed together. :)

Kelly

Thanks for the welcome. Seems like a great place with a lot of great people. I am thrilled to be able to learn with/from the group.