Saturday, August 23, 2008
Weekend Adventures
It's been a really fun weekend... check out some pictures. I'll write more later.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Slackness
Looks like I've been pretty slack in my posting lately. I can't believe it's been two weeks since I dropped some juicy details. My apologies to my three fans out there. ;)
I've been pretty busy lately, with some personal travel and time with the family. Last Friday I attended an Olympic ceremony party. One of my friends was kind enough to host about twenty of us while we watched the opening ceremony and snacked on Chinese and American food. Fun times.
On Saturday, I went with Drew, Marie, and our friend Dave to Atlantic City. We rose early on Saturday and went for an overnight trip. Marie's mom hooked us up with a free place to stay using her Marriott points. It was a nice hotel and close to the strip- not that we spent too much time in the room! When we first arrived, we hit the beach for a couple of hours.
The sea gulls were vicious! Before going to the sand, we stopped on the boardwalk for some snacks to take with us. Drew got fries and I got a slice of pizza. We were immediately stalked and hovered over by the gulls. It reminded me of a few summers ago when Mal, Priya, Mal's friend Karen, and I went to a beach in FL. We had packed a picnic lunch of subs. The gulls were crazy there too as they fluttered and cawed around us. We had just spread our towels out and opened the sandwiches when a gull swooped down, landed first on Karen's head and then stole half of her sub before flying off. It was shocking and hilarious. Well, apparently the same breed of greedy gulls occupies the shore of Atlantic City.
After the beach, we all showered and prepped for our night on the town. We first hit up a restaurant and then some casinos. It was somewhere between the restaurant (on the second floor) and the casino one floor below that I lost my cell phone within a ten minute span of time. Sadness. The loss was softened by my later winning $130- a feat I never manage to do when I visit Vegas.
After a couple casinos and cash spending, we went back to the room to regroup before hitting the boardwalk. :) Dave opted to stay in the room and sleep, but Drew, Marie and I were determined to keep on playing. It was on the boardwalk where we came across a semi-cheesy carnival of sorts complete with rides and steal-your-money for a prize-pencil-games. We found a super thrilling, hair poofing ride called "The Rocket." It it like a giant slingshot. Comprised of a steel ball that seats two people, the ball is connected to bungee-like ropes. The ball is pulled back and released, shooting the passengers and ball high into the air at a speed over 100 mph in 1.5 seconds. It's awesome! I first rode the ride with Drew. When Marie saw that we survived and were all smiles, she then rode it with Drew. It was a really fun ride and a highlight of the trip.
Despite losing my phone, it was a fun trip and we made some great memories.
The week went by pretty fast. I had a great night on Tuesday at the Pregnancy Center. It was the first night in a long time where I was the only counselor, but I wasn't overwhelmed with clients as I have been in the past when by myself. It was an encouraging night and I was blessed by the three clients I met. One I hadn't seen since earlier this year and I enjoyed catching up with her and hearing updates.
Aunt Jody and James came to town on Wednesday afternoon and stayed through yesterday evening. They spent Wednesday afternoon and Thursday pretty much entertaining themselves while I worked, but we did get some quality time together in the evenings. On Thursday night we went to watch the Nats lose to the Mets. Despite the loss, it was still a good game and I enjoyed hanging out with my aunt and cousin. I took Friday off work and we all spent the day together. I took them on one of my favorite tours here in DC- the DC Duck tour. After the tour, we rested before heading to another Nats game, where they played the Rockies. Mallory drove up from Richmond and watched the game with us. The Nats lost that game too (surprise, surprise), but we still enjoyed ourselves. After the game, we came back to the house and Mallory gave James a belated birthday cake and presents, so we had an impromptu party. Always nice! :) Here are some pics from the weekend.
The four of of wrapped up their visit by going to an Ethiopian restaurant that Mal and I enjoy. I think James and Jody liked it. They said they did. Some of their faces would have me believe differently, but we did have some great laughs in the process. Mmm.
We (finally!) got a new dryer yesterday. It had been broken since May. Ugh. Three uncheers for our landlord. So, I've spent some time doing laundry and relaxing since everyone left town last night. The Olympics (and specifically Michael Phelps) have been very entertaining.
Not too much going on this week. I have a couple fun lunch dates this week with coworkers and also Rich. Rich is going to have lunch with my new boss, Mimi, and I later in the week. I'm anxious for her to meet him and learn more about the Council and how she can help carry the torch since his time there. Also, later in the week I have plans to go to Jazz in the Sculpture Garden with some gals from my Leadership Group. Looks like it's going to be a jazz-rock band. Awesome. We're each bringing some picnic items and making an evening out of it.
I've been pretty busy lately, with some personal travel and time with the family. Last Friday I attended an Olympic ceremony party. One of my friends was kind enough to host about twenty of us while we watched the opening ceremony and snacked on Chinese and American food. Fun times.
On Saturday, I went with Drew, Marie, and our friend Dave to Atlantic City. We rose early on Saturday and went for an overnight trip. Marie's mom hooked us up with a free place to stay using her Marriott points. It was a nice hotel and close to the strip- not that we spent too much time in the room! When we first arrived, we hit the beach for a couple of hours.
The sea gulls were vicious! Before going to the sand, we stopped on the boardwalk for some snacks to take with us. Drew got fries and I got a slice of pizza. We were immediately stalked and hovered over by the gulls. It reminded me of a few summers ago when Mal, Priya, Mal's friend Karen, and I went to a beach in FL. We had packed a picnic lunch of subs. The gulls were crazy there too as they fluttered and cawed around us. We had just spread our towels out and opened the sandwiches when a gull swooped down, landed first on Karen's head and then stole half of her sub before flying off. It was shocking and hilarious. Well, apparently the same breed of greedy gulls occupies the shore of Atlantic City.
After the beach, we all showered and prepped for our night on the town. We first hit up a restaurant and then some casinos. It was somewhere between the restaurant (on the second floor) and the casino one floor below that I lost my cell phone within a ten minute span of time. Sadness. The loss was softened by my later winning $130- a feat I never manage to do when I visit Vegas.
After a couple casinos and cash spending, we went back to the room to regroup before hitting the boardwalk. :) Dave opted to stay in the room and sleep, but Drew, Marie and I were determined to keep on playing. It was on the boardwalk where we came across a semi-cheesy carnival of sorts complete with rides and steal-your-money for a prize-pencil-games. We found a super thrilling, hair poofing ride called "The Rocket." It it like a giant slingshot. Comprised of a steel ball that seats two people, the ball is connected to bungee-like ropes. The ball is pulled back and released, shooting the passengers and ball high into the air at a speed over 100 mph in 1.5 seconds. It's awesome! I first rode the ride with Drew. When Marie saw that we survived and were all smiles, she then rode it with Drew. It was a really fun ride and a highlight of the trip.
Despite losing my phone, it was a fun trip and we made some great memories.
The week went by pretty fast. I had a great night on Tuesday at the Pregnancy Center. It was the first night in a long time where I was the only counselor, but I wasn't overwhelmed with clients as I have been in the past when by myself. It was an encouraging night and I was blessed by the three clients I met. One I hadn't seen since earlier this year and I enjoyed catching up with her and hearing updates.
Aunt Jody and James came to town on Wednesday afternoon and stayed through yesterday evening. They spent Wednesday afternoon and Thursday pretty much entertaining themselves while I worked, but we did get some quality time together in the evenings. On Thursday night we went to watch the Nats lose to the Mets. Despite the loss, it was still a good game and I enjoyed hanging out with my aunt and cousin. I took Friday off work and we all spent the day together. I took them on one of my favorite tours here in DC- the DC Duck tour. After the tour, we rested before heading to another Nats game, where they played the Rockies. Mallory drove up from Richmond and watched the game with us. The Nats lost that game too (surprise, surprise), but we still enjoyed ourselves. After the game, we came back to the house and Mallory gave James a belated birthday cake and presents, so we had an impromptu party. Always nice! :) Here are some pics from the weekend.
The four of of wrapped up their visit by going to an Ethiopian restaurant that Mal and I enjoy. I think James and Jody liked it. They said they did. Some of their faces would have me believe differently, but we did have some great laughs in the process. Mmm.
We (finally!) got a new dryer yesterday. It had been broken since May. Ugh. Three uncheers for our landlord. So, I've spent some time doing laundry and relaxing since everyone left town last night. The Olympics (and specifically Michael Phelps) have been very entertaining.
Not too much going on this week. I have a couple fun lunch dates this week with coworkers and also Rich. Rich is going to have lunch with my new boss, Mimi, and I later in the week. I'm anxious for her to meet him and learn more about the Council and how she can help carry the torch since his time there. Also, later in the week I have plans to go to Jazz in the Sculpture Garden with some gals from my Leadership Group. Looks like it's going to be a jazz-rock band. Awesome. We're each bringing some picnic items and making an evening out of it.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Some Happenings
Last weekend was pretty busy. On Friday night I had the opportunity to see a sneak peak of a "rockumentary" that's hitting theaters on October 2nd. The film is called Call+Response and is about the modern day slave trade. It was pretty moving. Unlike some documentaries, which plunge into stories and leave the audience in dismay and overwhelmed, C+R is actually a movement. It began when one musician, Justin Dillon, was moved by what he learned and saw. Knowing that his gift was music, he wanted to use his talent to make a difference. So, he's began. He gathered other musicians (some real big and a few up and coming), celebrities and scholars and made a rockumentary- or a documentary told with music and recorded footage. It was great. When the film was over, Justin answered questions from the audience and shared that it's going to open first in DC before hitting other select cities.
The film is being pushed by underground movements- webpages, blogs, and social networking interfaces like Facebook. So, it's a great cause and the concept is pretty hip. I hope it does well, because the message is undeniable.
On Saturday, I went to my friend Jenn's bridal shower. It was quite fun and she seemed really happy. There was SOOO much food. We also got to preview her wedding cake since she had a smaller one made for the shower. It was Italian Cream Cake and quite delicious. After rolling myself home (well, that's what it felt like I was doing), I was able to relax a bit before going to my friend Dave's party (who went with us to St. Thomas back in the day). He's recently returned to DC after studying in Australia (so he claims he studied). Since Dave is friends with Matt, Marie, Drew and I, it was a roomy-night-out. Quite fun and even more rare.
Sunday was spent relaxing and catching up at the gym a bit.
Yesterday my new boss started. I didn't see her too long- she was buzzing in and out of the office trying to get things set up and fluttering between all of her orientations. She seems to be holding her own and I think we're going to get along great.
I went with Marie to see The Apartment at Screen on the Green last night. It was pretty old school- black and white with young versions of Shirley MacLaine and Jack Lemmon in it. My favorite part of Screen on the Green is watching all the people with their picnics and friends. I also enjoy the HBO dance at the beginning. The movie is sponsored by HBO, which plays their jingle before the movie begins. People in the know (and not too lazy) get up and jump/ hop/ dance around while the theme jingle plays. Good times! I love to hop around and flail my arms like a crazy person. haha. The good thing is everyone (cool) is doing it. ;)
I'm going to see one of my fellow Leadership Group friends tomorrow night. We have plans to grab some dinner in Eastern Market. Should be fun- I haven't seen Carla since graduation.
The film is being pushed by underground movements- webpages, blogs, and social networking interfaces like Facebook. So, it's a great cause and the concept is pretty hip. I hope it does well, because the message is undeniable.
On Saturday, I went to my friend Jenn's bridal shower. It was quite fun and she seemed really happy. There was SOOO much food. We also got to preview her wedding cake since she had a smaller one made for the shower. It was Italian Cream Cake and quite delicious. After rolling myself home (well, that's what it felt like I was doing), I was able to relax a bit before going to my friend Dave's party (who went with us to St. Thomas back in the day). He's recently returned to DC after studying in Australia (so he claims he studied). Since Dave is friends with Matt, Marie, Drew and I, it was a roomy-night-out. Quite fun and even more rare.
Sunday was spent relaxing and catching up at the gym a bit.
Yesterday my new boss started. I didn't see her too long- she was buzzing in and out of the office trying to get things set up and fluttering between all of her orientations. She seems to be holding her own and I think we're going to get along great.
I went with Marie to see The Apartment at Screen on the Green last night. It was pretty old school- black and white with young versions of Shirley MacLaine and Jack Lemmon in it. My favorite part of Screen on the Green is watching all the people with their picnics and friends. I also enjoy the HBO dance at the beginning. The movie is sponsored by HBO, which plays their jingle before the movie begins. People in the know (and not too lazy) get up and jump/ hop/ dance around while the theme jingle plays. Good times! I love to hop around and flail my arms like a crazy person. haha. The good thing is everyone (cool) is doing it. ;)
I'm going to see one of my fellow Leadership Group friends tomorrow night. We have plans to grab some dinner in Eastern Market. Should be fun- I haven't seen Carla since graduation.
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