Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Some weekend moments



Here are some pictures of the weekend.

The first picture is of my sis and roomie, Drew, both of whom I've written. The second is Mal and me outside Union Station. The third is from Saturday, standing outside of the Capitol Building.

I'll fill in puzzle pieces later. The weekend was packed full of fun memories. It felt good to stay in town!!!

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(Later) So, what do y'all think? Feel better having some faces to go with the names I drop now and again? I'll try to start adding pictures if they are relevant to my ranting.

My weekend was busy and I loved it. At one point, I looked over at Mal on Friday night and said, "Aren't you glad that we are NOT in a car right now?" That's pretty much how the weekend started.

We enjoyed some delicious Italian at our favorite restaurant (Bistro Italiano) that's down the street about six blocks. After chowing down (and getting leftovers to go... yay for yummy leftovers!) we changed and went to 18th Street Lounge. It's a lounge bar/club that's on the Northwest side of town. Basically, a few metro stops over. They were featuring an Italian DJ (notice a nightly theme?) that Drew really wanted to see. The DJ was awesome. The music had a Latin flare to it (of which was pointed out to me by Drew- we all know my white girl self would never have picked it up on my own) that provided a powerful beat to dance to. Drew and I tore it up on the floor and it was a blast!

We wound up staying there as late as the last train home would allow. I'm going to have to get used to the metro's schedule.

Saturday we slept in and attempted to go on a Capitol tour (hence the picture of us outside the Capitol before), however, the building closed to the public (and staff!) by 4:30. So, we only got to take more pictures standing outside before we walked back to the apartment... defeated by government rules. After regrouping, we left for Chinatown.

We opted to eat dinner at this yummy Chinese restaurant where we were served in a "family style" manner. The six of us chose our own soups and drinks. After those starters we were brought appetizers and then six different entree items and a big bowl of rice. We had enough food to feed a small army. After gorging ourselves and packing up the leftovers, we set off for some shopping.

Joy. (<------ with thick sarcasm)

Shopping was short (thankfully!) and slightly entertaining. I had more fun standing outside waiting for everyone than I did in the store. The new sights and sounds were exciting and I couldn't help but develop a strong desire for ice cream as I watched people walk by with cones and cups in hand.

"Wanna walk with me to get movie tickets while we wait for Mal?" Seeing my face (which probably registered a mixture of boredom and longing (for ice cream) ), Drew saved me. After heartily agreeing, we set across seven blocks to the theater and bought our X-Men III tickets.

One thing I love about Drew is that he is just as directionally challenged as me. We realized as we began walking that we had no idea where to go. Drew had been to the theater before, but it wasn't from where we started. After walking two blocks, places began to look familiar to him so we cut right and then backtracked to the theater. After we bought our tickets, I succumbed to my ice cream dreams and bought a Coffee flavored shake with a shot of Expresso topped with chocolate.

Mmmmm.

The movie was great. The special effects were as I hoped they'd be. It was as entertaining as the first (and a lot more entertaining than the second) and provided something satisfying for all audiences as it fed love, drama, action, and adventure.

After the movie, we called it a night and rode the metro back to the apartment.

Sunday was an earlier start. We arose with excitement because of our plans to hit the Delaware beach, Rehoboth. We drove out there and were on the beach by 2:00. It was unlike any other beach I have been to. The boardwalk bustled with crowds and the beach itself was like a quilt of people. Everyone donned their suits and sarongs. We staked out a little patch of sand that was surrounded by at least five other families. After spreading out our sheet, there was nothing else to do but relax and enjoy the day.

The water was cold.

Oh, wait.

Frigid.

I had no intentions of feeling it past my calves, but was tackled into the water by Drew as I (distractedly) was looking at the crazy people splashing out deep before me. What are they thinking? I soon joined them after an abrupt shove from behind. After the initial shock, holy cow, the water was okay, but I certainly didn't stay in for long. Mallory and Karen (laughingly) joined me (while Drew safely stood on the shore!) and we rode the waves for a few. I lost my sunglasses (the second pair in my life) to a wave that ripped them from me.

There was this crazy fog that rolled in about an hour after we got there and Mallory put it best when she said, "it's like we're on another planet." We were sitting there, surrounded by what seemed like a million people and this surreal cloud blanket rolls into camp. It wasn't that thick (we still got sun), but it was weird because sight was limited to about 100 yards away. Being as how we drove over two hours to get there, we weren't about to pack up and leave because of a little fog. So, we soaked in the rays through the fog (haha) and then grabbed some late lunch at a Jimmy Buffet themed restaurant.

Then, we went home.

Monday was the last day of our holiday weekend. Karen and Mallory went out for lunch. I stayed in, cleaned, and leisurely prepped for the day. Drew and I watched X Men II on tv (I had only seen the first) and relaxed. It was a fabulous ending to the busy (and slightly financially breaking) weekend.

I"m not sure if you wanted all those details. I realize that I've written a novella. Every moment (minus the shopping and losing my sunglasses) was a lot of fun. It was wonderful to just BE in DC. I'm looking forward to more weekends like it. Weekends of exploration and new sights, sounds, and tastes. Though there have been moments of doubt in regards to my move, there were none this weekend. I knew that I was here, if anything, for those memories.

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Lou Dobbs' Article

I don't really follow Lou Dobbs or watch his show, but I did like this article that was posted on CNN's site. Within the article, Dobbs has mostly written on immigration, but he does touch on some other points. It's a well written article that recognizes mistakes that our government leaders are making. He emphasizes and reiterates the fact that they don't even seem to be listening to what Amercans are saying. They're just doing their own thing... pushing the envelope and signing their names with seemingly blatant disregard to feedback we're giving them.

I'm most concerned about the "package" that immigrants are being offered.

Dobbs writes, "The Senate has added to the litany of lunacy that makes up what it calls reform: Illegal aliens would only have to pay back taxes on three of the past five years, they will not be prosecuted for felonies such as identity theft or purchasing or using fraudulent Social Security cards, and unlike millions of visa holders who have to leave the country to have them renewed, they may simply remain in the United States while this Congress and this president give away all the benefits and privileges of American citizenship."

It's scary and a slap in the face to American citizens- those born here and those who have gone through the system and spent YEARS reaching their dream of citezenship. If you break down charges against many of these illegal imigrants (ie. coming into US illegally, Identity theft, unpaid taxes, etc.), just ONE would be enough to be serously punished by law.

What is wrong with this picture??

Also, what's the deal with debating our national language? I mean, really. Why is this such a big mystery?

Thoughts?

Monday, May 22, 2006

Weekend thoughts

It was a beautiful morning as I stepped out into the DC sunshine. After strapping on my sunglasses, tuning my Ipod, and embarking on my morning walk, I couldn't help but eagerly soak in another morning. I almost floated to work today as I reflected on my weekend and began a new day.

Mallory and I had a smooth trip down to Fayetteville. We arrived late (nearly 1 AM) and talked with my mom, grandma, and grandpa for almost an hour before we all gave in to our sleepiness.

Saturday, we ALL arose and attended my cousin's 2A (not sure if that's how it's written) State Baseball Finals. His team was only one win away from being NC State Champs. The weather was beautiful (I got some sun and only a little bit burnt), mid seventies with a cool breeze to keep it inviting. After a couple of hours, my cousin's team was rewarded for their daily practices and hard work by the achieving the final win.

After the award ceremony, we all headed to my grandparents' house where we celebrated and enjoyed the company of family. Later, some shopped, others napped, and my cousin and I went for a walk. We talked, I mostly listened, and then skipped rocks across a nearby lake. Well, I write that "we skipped rocks"... he skipped most of them. Most of mine wound up just getting hurled into the lake. They didn't exactly skip as I saw them doing in my head. Regardless, it was a good time with lots of laughs (mostly at my inability to command the rocks).

Later, we gathered together and ate dinner while we enjoyed more social time. I began painting a mailbox for someone back home and we all sat and talked.

Although we all knew the news about my grandpa, there wasn't too much talk about it. I could tell he was a little different. However, he is also content. Content with his "sentence" as he calls it and grateful that we were all there. At the end of the weekend, because of the natural air throughout the visit, there were no awkward goodbye hugs, no teary eyes, or clinging arms. Rather, just a feeling of gratefulness. Gratefulness for another moment, smile, laugh, and shared memory.

In the end, we don't know anyone's time. And that's okay. For today, in all its beauty, is a gift to us to enjoy.

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

All this Immigration talk...

Finally got a chance to read this email I received. Very thought provoking and quite a stance on immigration, which is definitely something widely talked about here in DC.


We know Dick Lamm as the former Governor of Colorado. In that context his thoughts are particularly poignant. Last week there was an immigration overpopulation conference in Washington, DC, filled to capacity by many of American's finest minds and leaders. A brilliant college professor by the name of Victor Hansen Davis talked about his latest book, Mexifornia," explaining how immigration - both legal and illegal - was destroying the entire state of California. He said it would march across the country until it destroyed all vestiges of The American Dream.

Moments later, former Colorado Governor Richard D. Lamm stood up and gave a stunning speech on how to destroy America. The audience sat spellbound as he described eight methods for the destruction of the United States.

He said, "If you believe that America is too smug, too self-satisfied, too rich, then let's destroy America. It is not that hard to do. No nation in history has survived the ravages of time. Arnold Toynbee observed that all great civilizations rise and fall and that 'An autopsy of history would show that all great nations commit suicide.'"

Here is how they do it," Lamm said:

"First, to destroy America, turn America into a bilingual or multi-lingual and bicultural country." History shows that no nation can survive the tension, conflict, and antagonism of two or more competing languages and cultures. It is a blessing for an individual to be bilingual; however, it is a curse for a society to be bilingual. The historical scholar, Seymour Lipset, put it this way: "The histories of bilingual and bi-cultural societies that do not assimilate are histories of turmoil, tension, and tragedy." Canada, Belgium, Malaysia, and Lebanon all face crises of national existence in which minorities press for autonomy, if not independence. Pakistan and Cyprus have divided. Nigeria suppressed an ethnic rebellion. France faces difficulties with Basques, Bretons, and Corsicans.".

Lamm went on: Second, to destroy America, "Invent 'multiculturalism' and encourage immigrants to maintain their culture. I would make it an article of belief that all cultures are equal. That there are no cultural differences. I would make it an article of faith that the Black and Hispanic dropout rates are due solely to prejudice and discrimination by the majority. Every other explanation is out of bounds.

Third, "We could make the United States an 'Hispanic Quebec' without much effort. The key is to celebrate diversity rather than unity. As Benjamin Schwarz said in the Atlantic Monthly recently: "The apparent success of our own multiethnic and multicultural experiment might have been achieved not by tolerance but by hegemony. Without the dominance that once dictated ethnocentricity and what it meant to be an American, we are left with only tolerance and pluralism to hold us together." Lamm said, "I would encourage all immigrants to keep their own language and culture. I would replace the melting pot metaphor with the salad bowl metaphor. It is important to ensure that we have various cultural subgroups living in America enforcing their differences rather than as Americans, emphasizing their similarities."

"Fourth, I would make our fastest growing demographic group the least educated. I would add a second underclass, unassimilated, undereducated, and antagonistic to our population. I would have this second underclass have a 50% dropout rate from high. school."

"My fifth point for destroying America would be to get big foundations and business to give these efforts lots of money. I would invest in ethnic identity, and I would establish the cult of 'Victimology.' I would get all minorities to think that their lack of success was the fault of the majority. I would start a grievance industry blaming all minority failure on the majority population."

"My sixth plan for America's downfall would include dual citizenship, and promote divided loyalties. I would celebrate diversity over unity. I would stress differences rather than similarities. Diverse people worldwide are mostly engaged in hating each other - that is, when they are not killing each other. A diverse, peaceful, or stable society is against most historical precedent. People undervalue the unity it takes to keep a nation together. Look at the ancient Greeks. The Greeks believed that they belonged to the same race; they possessed a common language and literature; and they worshipped the same gods. All Greece took part in the Olympic games. A common enemy, Persia, threatened their liberty. Yet all these bonds were not strong enough to overcome two factors: local patriotism and geographical conditions that nurtured political divisions. Greece fell. "E. Pluribus Unum" -- From many, one. In that historical reality, if we put the emphasis on the 'pluribus'. Instead of the 'Unum,' we will balkanize America as surely as Kosovo."

"Next to last, I would place all subjects off limits; make it taboo to talk about anything against the cult of 'diversity.' I would find a word similar to 'heretic' in the 16th century - that stopped discussion and paralyzed thinking. Words like 'racist' or 'xenophobe' halt discussion and debate. Having made America a bilingual/bicultural country, having established multi-culturism, having the large foundations fund the doctrine of 'Victimology,' I would next make it impossible to enforce our immigration laws. I would develop a mantra: That because immigration has been good for America, it must always be good. I would make every individual immigrant symmetric and ignore the cumulative impact of millions of them."

In the last minute of his speech, Governor Lamm wiped his brow. Profound silence followed. Finally he said,. "Lastly, I would censor Victor Hanson Davis's book Mexifornia. His book is dangerous. It exposes the plan to destroy America. If you feel America deserves to be destroyed, don't read that book."

There was no applause. A chilling fear quietly rose like an ominous cloud above every attendee at the conference. Every American in that room knew that everything Lamm enumerated was proceeding methodically, quietly, darkly, yet pervasively across the United States today. Discussion is being suppressed. Over 100 languages are ripping the foundation of our educational system and national cohesiveness. Even barbaric cultures that practice female genital mutilation are growing as we celebrate 'diversity.' American jobs are vanishing into the Third World as corporations create a Third World in. America - take note of California and other states - to date, ten million illegal aliens and growing fast. It is reminiscent of George Orwell's book "1984." In that story, three slogans are engraved in the Ministry of Truth building: "War is peace," "Freedom is slavery," and "Ignorance is strength.".

Governor Lamm walked back to his seat. It dawned on everyone at the conference that our nation and the future of this great democracy is deeply in trouble and worsening fast. If we don't get this immigration monster stopped within three years, it will rage like a California wildfire and destroy everything in its path, especially The American Dream.


I think this really fueled some thoughts that I was mulling over. I find it a bit hard to talk about, especially around here. Seems some people are very well versed on the subject. I know how I feel, but am anxious about phrasing it in a PC way. I enjoyed this article and Lamm's frankness.

I'm sure on May 1st, when so many people were protesting, not one person thought twice about walking into U.S. hospitals and asking for a handout. In turn, driving my insurance and tax money higher.

I was especially interested in his points of education. Why would we encourage a very uneducated minority to bombard our already fragile education system? We need to fix our problems before we add to them. It seems that other immigrants in our history have embraced our language and added to our melting pot. Don't hide behind your flag and fly our's upside down to get my attention or sympathies.

I think I'm doing myself and my other Americans a disservice as I hide behind my political correctness. I'm encouraged to have some more thoughts to share in the next conversation that I find myself talking about this very important issue.

Thoughts??

The colors all swirl together through teary eyes

My mother called me earlier. I knew she was at Duke Hospital and that she'd be calling with my grandpa's test results.

She left me with these words last night. "Pray for God's will." I think she felt it in her guts... something was wrong and he might not be okay. It's hard sometimes to pray for His will; to get past the human nature to hold on to one's own desires. His will be done.

She called when I had just gotten home and told me the news. It's unlike other cancers because of its location. He has a few months left, but there won't be pain because it's in his blood.

Not the physical kind.

I've broken down a few times tonight. Mal and I have cried together. For Papa, for grandma, for love and memories. For little time left. How precious it is, isn't it?

I saw the sun's rays piercing through the clouds earlier. Shooting down to a beautiful earth and towards upstreched limbs. The clouds were no match for the heavenly glow. How many more earthly sunsets will he have? Wow, I wonder how ours' compare to what is in store.

I'm so sad. I can hear his voice. His smell is still fresh in my mind's eye from the weekend. I see his laugh, starting from his parting lips, with that toothy (contagious) grin, and shaking down to his Santa Claus belly.
He's a man to be admired and of whom I am so proud.

Please pray for my family. My grandma especially. As she told my sister, "he's my best friend and my love... I'm trying to be brave..." She couldn't finish. And my sister couldn't either. Good byes were whispered and phones were closed.

Words weren't needed or conceivable. And sometimes that's how it has to end.

Monday, May 15, 2006

Count it all joy

What a wonderful weekend, day, and evening it has been. As I write this post, I can't help but reflect on what's gone on in the past few days that have passed in mere blinks. Though blinks, they are like the echo of a camera's whisper. Capturing that perfect picture. .. the one that you know you will treasure forever. The new memory. Only it's a scent, smile, embrace, even tear that will be captured by the means of His gift. His precious gift to each of us.

New snapshots that have been captured in my memory bank from the past 72 hours:
  • Mal and my car ride down. What started off as a quiet nap (mine as I was riding) turned to sharing. What the year has brought. Where it began. Where we each were a year ago. What started off as my sad ending, a year ago from this weekend, has brought new promises. New chances and beginnings. The ride was another sister memory etched in that special place. Thank you, Lord, for her.
  • Hugging my grandparents. They were all three there this weekend. Catching their scents. Wrapping my arms around each their shoulders. Shoulders that range from my grandmother's frail, soft ones to my grandpa's broad and once commanding mountains.
  • Seeing Mal, standing tall. Taller in her graduate robe. Wow. I can't help but recall her kindergarten picture. Speckled with chicken pocs, but beaming as she stood with diploma clutched in her small hands. Though still small, they belong to a woman now. She stands before me. Proud. Accomplished. Beaming again. "How do I look?" she asks. Oh sister. I can't believe it. My baby sister is graduating. I am so proud of her. I can only smile.
  • Family time. I am so blessed. We shared memories, political opinions, tears, laughter, and cake. And at the end of the evening, after our circle broke, we shared hugs.
  • Sunday. Mother's Day. Listening to my grandma's sweet voice. Hearing her laughter. Cozying beside my mom on the couch. We watched her movie. A movie of love, romance, pride, and family. She cried and I smiled. She always cries. But I know why.
  • Another car ride. With Mal and our roomie. A ride, pointed out by Mal, that was our first "road trip as roomies". The first of many, I imagine.
  • And tonight. The three if us rode home from the Sam Walton pit. Mal shared a story from work about this horrendous "milking plant" that attacked one of the interns in her office. As she recounted his reaction, and those of the people around him, we nearly died of laughter. She recounted it clearly and told it perfectly. My cheeks ached and my stomach was tight by the end of our laughing. Ahh, I love it. Thank you, Lord, for natural highs.

Finally, I sit and listen. Mal and Drew are both working on their rooms- you know, unpacking, organizing, and building. All that good stuff. I'm relieved that there is nothing on the agenda for my week ahead. I'll be here. No where to go but my neighborhood. No state lines to cross.

It will be the first full weekend I've spent here since I moved in. Only, this weekend, I won't have a billion places to clean or boxes to unpack. Feels good.

Friday, May 12, 2006

The Real World

I thought about writing a blog last night, but wanted to spare you all another "vent fest".

My week has been great so far. I spent the first part of it in NC handling some business. I went out a couple of different times with friends, trying to squeeze in every minute while I could. I even went to Charlotte for an overnight trip and saw some college friends down there.

Wednesday I drove back here to D.C. and prepared for my first day at the LOC on Thursday.

My days are eerily like Office Space. Well, minus the full cubicle. Mine is a generous sized one and half of it opens up to the lobby of my office. I sit in the front cubicle and am a greeter for the office. Besides greeting people, finding out where they need to go, and looking around cluelessly myself, I also answer phones, make copies for people, and do other "office type" errands. Absolutely boring. :) (That's a sarcastic smiley, BTW)

My job is mindless and, like Office Space, I spend about 10-20% of my day actually doing work. I am completely caught up on answering personal email, browsing CNN.com and Myspace, and have even read some of my book Invisible Man (which I have been reading for quite a while, but haven't had the time to completely devote to its completion). I only wish I'd thought to bring the thank you notes that I need to finish.

Last night I was so upset about my day. I walked to Mallory's office (after I was done for the day) and sat with her until she was finished. I saw Richard Burr (in the flesh!) and watched the hustle and bustle of her office. Completely opposite of mine. We walked home together and talked. My sour mood pretty much dissipated on our walk as we talked about our days (mostly I talked and vented) and the joggers who we saw along the way. When we reached the apartment, we scrounged up something for dinner. I put it on and cooked for a bit, got distracted by some plants I wanted to pot, and Mal completed dinner. We listened to some Nelly Fertado and John mayor, I drank some (much needed) wine, and we ate. The night ended fabulously as we watched Breakfast at Tiffany's.

I told her that I'm so happy that we're here together. It wouldn't be the same without her.

Tonight we're driving home for her graduation in the morning. Can't believe she's done with school. She can't either. She did it though, and with all A's for her last semester; a feat she was very thrilled about (and even more so when I told her I'd never done that in college).

Well, it's mid day. Guess I should get back to work. heh. Happy Friday!

Monday, May 08, 2006

Something's gotta give me butterflies

The weekend was amazing; from beginning to end.

I'm now employed. My interview at the LOC on Friday went real well for obvious reasons. I'm talking to my recruiter tomorrow about my start date. I'm hoping it will be the beginning of next week. Now that I have a job lined up, I wouldn't mind having one more week of relaxation before getting into life's groove.

I'll be working for the Director of the Library. One of his admin assistants. I'm more excited about the networking I'll be able to do. Also, the woman who interviewed me at The Library told me I'd be eligible to post for other positions down the road. I'll be working directly with their Communications department. After asking me about my writing aspirations, she said I'll gain great experiences for my resume.

Spent the weekend at Smith Mtn Lake in VA with friends from back home. Had been planned for about a month. Certainly didn't foresee all that the weekend brought.

Enjoyed a lot of laughs. Caught up on the groups' happenings. Got kissed by the sun- just a bit. Caught a fish and an eye.

We went there... to questions that had been pushed aside. Answered a few also. Shared dreams and heard some too.

Pondered timing.

And other things.

It was a great weekend.

Thursday, May 04, 2006

Driving in Circles

I feel like I have gotten nothing done. In a sense, the past few days have been a little disappointing.

I have this huge list of things to get done. Everyday I've set out to tackle just one or two. Today I was going to call LSB and finally complete my "exit interview". This is where they ask me questions about leaving and then let me know about my insurance, vacation pay that I'm owed, and whatever else they have to tell me. Also, was going to put together the entertainment center. We've had it for a week- just sitting in the box. Meanwhile, the TV is on a little bitty table and surrounded by the VCR, DVD, speakers, and cords gallore. Joy.

Hmm, I was also going to get our temporary parking pass. Well... that's what I set out to do first. Knowing it wold take the longest and accepting the fact that I'd probably have to go all around the world, only to discover that I got lost somewhere about ten blocks ago, and then have to get back on track again. Manuevering on foot is much simpler than car here. Unfortunately, where I am going to get the pass, it would be "easier" via car. So, I set out across the wonderful District of Columbia in search of the Frank Reeves Municipal Building.

Low and behold, I reach it and only about thirty minutes later. I made it without getting lost! I go to the 6th floor. Speak with a lady whose office looks like it just had a massive explosion in it just five minutes prior to my arrival. She directs me to the DMV... 18 blocks east of where we stood.

Do do do... I go back down the elevator, out to the car (where I had just deposited enough change to park for another 30 minutes), and set out for the DMV.

And I find it with no problem. It's the parking that's a joy. I drive around. La dee dah. Driving around... looking... nothing.

Then, I spot the parking garage. Yay. I proceed inside and take my ticket. I go through the garage, maneuvering carefully (as there are only a couple of feet to really work with while going around corners). Fun. I park.

Mallory calls just as I kill the engine. She's been charged by U Haul for not filling the tank enough. She says she's argued with them, but they aren't budging. She's been charged for four gallons of gas and an extra fee for the trouble... uh huh. A grand total of 50.00 worth of "trouble." Now, I KNOW that fuel was in there when we dropped it off. I tell her I'll call U Haul when I get back to the apartment. I was dealing with other joys at the moment.

I hang up and call the DMV. Apparently, I should have done that before I even started their way. We have to have special paperwork (i.e. a letter from the Senator Mal works for to grant her special parking tags). Needless to say, I'm a little short of my requirements to get what I need from them.

I turn the engine back on, reverse out of my spot and quickly conclude that it's going to take a surgeon's precision to get my car pointed toward the exit. I re-invented the 6-7 point turn in that parking garage today. When I arrived at the exit, after being in there 15 minutes, I am charged for the full hour. The guy tells me the cost.

"Seven." I guess he could tell by my look (which was more from the U Haul call, DMV requirements, and 7 point turn I had to do to exit his stupid garage) that I was unhappy. "You don't think that's fair?" he asks.

What the heck. Would it matter if I didn't? "Not really. I was only here 15 minutes."

He looks at my ticket again. "Yeah, looks like about 20. You can see the sign though. Even if it's under the hour, it's still seven." I look in the direction of the sign although I know what it says. I saw it as I entered. I don't care. I just want to get back to the apartment and hammer on the entertainment center. The guy proceeds to hand me two five dollar bills and then stops. "Hold on," he says. He walks to a booth where another guy is sitting. Maybe he's going to cut me some slack and ask his boss man.

He comes back to my window and hands me a TEN dollar bill and my ones. "Makes you feel a little better, eh?" I just look at him. Is he kidding me? I just blink a couple of times as I put the money in my wallet.

"Yeah." I've got warm fuzzies all over. I roll up my window, shake my head, and drive out of the garage. Did he think handing me a bigger bill would make me feel better? Last time I checked, I was five years old about twenty years ago.

So, I drive back to the apartment with no problems (besides the challenging traffic circle that makes me cringe as I approach it every time). I park on my street and can't help but sigh as I realize I don't HAVE to drive anywhere else today. I hate driving around here.

Back inside, I reach immediately for the U Haul information. After making my case, hearing his, and pleading mine again, I realize that buddy boy on the other line is an idiot.

And he's the manager. So I can't even ask to speak to the manager.

I won't go into details, because they are trivial. Just know that I am in the right. Apparently, the gas amazingly flew out of the tank (while it was parked) and there is nothing I can do to even prove it was there. Because "it was checked by the first guy and then double checked by a second guy on Monday morning, m'am." Right.

So, after dropping the Better Business Bureau's name, huffing, and knowing there was nothing else I could do, I hung up from buddy boy and was hot. I think I am angry the most because there really seems like nothing I can do. He doesn't care that I may contact BBB. And really, why should he? It's not like anything would even come of that. They've worked their system, gotten their money, and are already moving on to the next customer whom they may scam out of four gallons of gas and a "trouble" fee. It's hardly fair or in any way ethical. And it pisses me off.

So... thus far, the day's been a wash. I'm about ready to try and play with the cords on the back of the TV. We can get the VCR to work and the TV, but the DVD only plays the sound. No picture. Good times. So, maybe I can figure something out. At best... it will distract me for a few moments and I may come out even madder than I am now. This will only fuel me to hammer harder on the poor nails to our entertainment center.

Later in the evening, I will cool off and walk to Eastern Market. My quest there: to return the two DVDs that we were unable to watch (but we'd be able to hear if we really wanted!).

Phew.

I feel better just writing about my lovely D.C. day. Hope to be a little less cynical in the next post. Thanks for the venting...

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

What a rush...

The last week seems like a blur. I've quit my job, attended a couple of parties, packed my stuff onto a U Haul, driven to D.C. in my U Haul, unpacked my stuff in my new apartment, and waved good bye to my mom as she left for NC. Those things and a few others. :)

It's been crazy. I'm still reeling from what all has happened. It seems like just a few weeks ago when I was even contemplating moving to D.C. and here I am. Sitting at our kitchen table (right by the bay window) and writing in D.C.

My neighbors are wonderful. I met most of them the other day as I was toting things from outside to indoors. Most have lived here for over ten years. There are also some within our building (our apartment was once a row house that's been converted into three apartments) that of course haven't been here that long. In fact, the two downstairs neighbors had their U Haul parked beside ours as they unloaded things into their new place.

I love my neighborhood. Of course I am still finding new places everyday. I have located a coffee shop, laundromat (we have washer/dryer in our apt), 7 11 store, and Italian restaurant all within a few blocks. Eastern Market (a local neighborhood market) is about 15 blocks away. They have all kind of stores from Blockbuster to convenient stores to little restaurants.

I had an interview on Tuesday for a receptionist position at the Library of Congress. It went very well. Due to legal reasons and others undisclosed to me, however, the position can't officially be opened and offered to me until the 15th of the month. Apparently, the chic who currently works in the position is on vacation until then and they can't offer it until she returns. Poor lady. She's gonna be a bit surprised when she returns. Also, got a call today about another receptionist position at the Library of Congress that is similar, but working for the Director in the Library. A little better position even though the pay/ benefits are the same. It would be for the head honcho in the Library. So, that interview is on Friday at 2:00. Be praying for me!! Still trying to find a good fit for now... even if it means I'll still be looking for something else. The pay would just allow me to get by (think: pb & j sandwiches and lots of staying in)! I'm just wanting to land something for now so I won't have to dip too much into my savings.

Traffic is starting to pick up outside. We live on a one way street, but it's a major thoroughfare for traffic in the morning and evenings for about an hour. A little while ago, I watched as little kids trickled by on their way home from school.

It's beautful here. I have opened all of the windows in the house to let the air flow through. Upstairs we have a couple of ceiling fans that are spinning. I'm the electricity Nazi. I go around turning lights out in the evening. Got a bill here for our landlord that's for last month's energy costs. Not as bad as I thought. Still, in D.C. costs are supposed to go up 30% starting in July. Holy cow.

Well, I'm off to write a list for things we have to buy at the store. Lots of little things that one needs after a move, you know? After that, find the store at which we'll buy them. Heh. :)

Think we are going to buy an entertainment stand tonight. Hope so... cords, DVDs, and players are lying everywhere. Will be nice to see that area of the room come together. Pictures will be taken within a week or two. Rooms aren't quite unpacked yet. Poor Mal, no day off for her to even think about getting her room in order. Plus, no sleep either. Today was the first day I slept in and it was divine. Didn't see the morning at all except to turn my alarm off.

Sorry for such an extended "leave of absence." Thankfully, we've got this amazing wireless signal to use until we legally get our own. :) Will write more later... hope you all are well.