St. Patrick's Day

Passing by Ted Bulletin

Daddio came to visit on Saturday, March 17th! He had been informed that there was going to be a marathon throughout the city and planned to get to the apartment early (6am) before streets started to get roadblocked. Luckily he found a perfect space right outside my apartment building! YAY! Wash up and out the door to the Eastern Market off the Blue/Orange Metro lines. It was a beautiful Saturday morning. Instead of going to Ted Bulletin's (packed at 9am) we went across the street to a Belgian Waffle place. It was okay food, service sucked and I'm pretty sure that they gave me a cup with eye makeup smeared on the side in addition to leaving two fried eggs off of Daddio's plate which he ordered. No biggy since we were outside. 

 Moment of Truth: Frizzy fries OR onions???

The Belgian waffle place

The market was fun. I knew Tom (Daddio) would love it! I mean there's antiques, art, and fresh produce! What's not to love? Especially with the beautiful weather it was perfect. He seemed really engaged when we went through the produce aisle. There were a bunch of stuff to taste including a green very very VERY hot salsa that I ate as we moved to a PA Amish farm's produce hut. I quickly scanned the area for something diary, bingo! Cheese! and then some pears to smooth the bite of the heat still in my mouth. WOW! I love it! Oh and we did go to Curbside Cupcakes to get a taste (six-pack) of a few types: Chocolate Irish Cream, Red Velvet and the newbie Snickerdoodle. Yum yum, yumm!

 Antiques

 The street...Daddio is in the gray sweatshirt with light wash jeans...hehe gotcha!

 Everything...wood

I LOVE THESE THINGS!!!!!

yummy yummy yummy I've got yummy in my tummy!

After lounging a bit back at the apartment we took a taxi to the Kennedy Center (gorgeous) and walk around. We even caught one of the free 6pm shows Kristi has told me about. It was a trio (oboe, clarinet, piano) of guys playing classical. Love! Later we ate up at the roof top restaurant. It was okay but like Tom said the food came out a little too quickly (I agree). He also wasn't feeling so well so...yea. The whole reason we were there was to see Shear Madness. It was like a murder mystery "Broadway"like show set in a barber shop in Georgetown. A lot of international kids were in the audience most from the same place: Russia. WOW that's odd but cool! Hunk on stage (one of the detectives) wasn't keeping it together. He laughed so much at the jokes. It was awesome. I highly recommend because apparently the ending changes every night according to what the audience choice of the murderer.

Check it out: shearmadness.com/

Week Off and Sunny Days

Last week was my freebie week. Kevin and Mike were away in far off sunny places and I stayed here in the lovely spring-like weather exploring the city. Monday was the usual programming (annoyance) day with a Roundtable Philanthropy Panel at the RAF (thank God). Even though I respect the panelists and the work that they do in the non-profits sector the whole seminar seemed to be a Q&A between the TWC Vice President and the panelist instead of most of the questions coming from students. I mean if you are going to pack us all in the auditorium for almost 2hrs and expect us not to chit chat, sleep, or get bored than make it more interactive. I also found it hilarious that the mediator told all of the students to rush out of the auditorium so that they could quickly set up for the CSPAN class. I mean really? You all couldn't find another location for this one day?

Below: Dirty Chai cupcake with Iced Coffee

Tuesday and Wednesday were the best weather days (even though I started feeling out of sorts on Wednesday). I went out and about on Tuesday to Georgetown (again) to study a bit. The apartment is stark white and not very entertaining or stimulating for working longer periods of time. So I ducked into Baked & Wired (bakedandwired.com/) as referred to by my new friend here in DC, Kristi. It took me about 5 mins to figure it out but I got the title's relavance: 1/2 of the shop is a cupcake shop and the other 1/2 is a coffeeshop. LOL Took the Circulator there and back. Wednesday before I started to feel dizzy around noon-ish while on L2 going north towards Tenleytown, I went to Farragut Square to taste the
fresh, healthy and scrumcious bites at Basil Thyme food truck (basilthyme.com/). Ordered the black truffle and cheese lasagna. YUMMY!

Stream behind M St in Georgetown

In the afternoon I headed up north to visit Elo's favorite bookstore, Politics and Prose. It was very indie and busy which is always nice to see in a bookstore (not giving money to the bookstore giants like Barnes & Noble or Amazon). They even had a seminar with an author going on while I browsed the American history and politics sections. I didn't stay too long and then went back on L2 to Van Ness for the Metro back home. Ugh....head...ached. At least I got two beautiful days to go out.

Doesn't this look tasty?!?!?

Thursday was soup and rest in front of TV day. Ugh not feeling well at all. I so hoped to get more work done but that's life right! I was happy that my interview scheduled with Theola Labbe-DeBose, Staff Writer for The Washington Post, was the following day and not Thursday. It would have been a disaster. Friday comes along and I'm trying to recoop. I met up with Theola at the office around 1030 more like 1045am. I got a first time tour of the offices and met some nice people. I also chatted with Theola's editor Eli Reyes. Can you say network, network, NETWORK! I was so happy that the interview lasted almost an hour! It was so carfree and easy to talk to Theola.

Friday night was exciting more so than I originally planned. TWC hosted the International Festival in P1 (basement level in apt). Students from around the world brought materials, decorations, food and high energy to show people what their country is all about. So many of them were so proud of their roots it was inspiring. Stupid moment: why the hell would Student Services decide to cater food to be served for an hour right after everyone went to all 8 classrooms to eat food from around the world and are so full they can't eat anymore? How does that make sense? So instead of the event lasting 2 hrs it ended up whining down 4hrs later. It was nice and interesting, however, I was sick and wanted to sleep or do work or something productive. Ugh...I hate when people don't think. But all in all it was fun.

Here are some pics from that night:

 My friend Sandra and colleague from Taiwan

 Beautiful isn't she!

 Bienvienos de Puerto Rico!!!

 My friend Sonyi dancing with the Puerto Ricans!!!

 Viva Mexico!

Adam's Morgan

Sunday was a down time day. Woke up later than usual (1030am), went to the gym (burn off alcohol calories), ate and went to Florida Ave around 2pm to catch the bus towards Adam's Morgan. I walked around on what was one of the most beautiful days. The flowers were in bloom or budding, the birds were churping and the streets full on sunlight. I definitely didn't expect DC to have such Victorian style  neighborhoods full of interesting, vintage looking homes. First in Dupont then in Adam's Morgan. It was a very nice surprise. 

 Firehouse on a side street

 The neighborhood walk

 Yea...everyone has these scooters

My feline friend came up to greet me and then hide in this nice French woman's garden.

I decided to scout out the place I would soon meet up with Boot Camp TWC colleague Gia. I figured it was a good plan since I was really excited to see it myself. What could be better than a coffeeshop that sells coffee, pastries, food and alcohol?!?!?!?! Not to mention the hip and cozy atmosphere (check out the pics below. The place is off 18th Street (aka late night weekend party central) and at the traditional late night weekend (afterparty) snack hubs of DC. For more info go to their website: Tryst Coffeehouse

I don't know if I was more shocked or annoyed that everyone and their posse was at this place at 4pm on a Sunday...well if I put it that way its 4pm on a Sunday afternoon. Everyone just woke up and has got em munchies :) I couldn't find a table (at first) so I sat at the bar. I need to warn you the coffee is NOT cheap so only go when you are willing to pay a pretty penny or special occassion or desperation ("I'm drunk and I don't know where else to go....oh...this looks like a good place.")

I did spy on people in the presiding area to hopefully snag a table. Lucky, an hour later and after paying my $5 (including bar tip) for iced coffee and ran for the first table available:

 The table. I had a happy hour beer special, Colorado something. It was dark and good.

 Once Gia came we ate food. Food is good. My sandwitch was okay: mozzarella, tomato, basil, pepper, and pesto. 

 The couch to my left. 

 At 6pm the busboy came around with candles to set the evening mood. LOL

Making the best out of my time in Adam's Morgan I scheduled to meet another colleague, an Elon alum, Kelsey Glover (2011). We met up a few storefronts down from Tryst at Madam's Organ. There was a sweet jazzy, blues jam band playing in replace of Heir the Dog (female vocalist) who had recently broke up, sad. Flat Tire beer, onion rings and two hours later Kelsey drove me to Columbia Heights to catch the Metro back home. It was a day and night well spent. 

 From street level....

To balcony (second floor) level

Food

UMD College Park

The much awaited visit to College Park - UMD finally came! Friday after my new hair cut at Bang Salon in Chinatown (thanks Kristi!). Only a 45 minute Metro ride to College Park-UMD and a shuttle ride I arrived at Stamp Student Center to be greeted by my awesome friend, Marlena. A quick tour of the dorm and a meet-n-greet with her roommate/hallmates and we went off to the newest hookah bar. Tried the Jasmine, Rose combo that did taste exactly like a calming tea :)

Few hours later as the music changed from traditional Middle Eastern to 90s pop and current house, we met up with the crew and walked down the Route 1 strip to Plydo's diner. Plate of french fries and a black&white milkshake - that was too much to eat it all - we headed back to the dorm. We walked into the dorm lounge to find a whole hoard of people who lived on the floor. It was entertaining to say the least and thank you Marlena for the bios on everyone before I came. 

Late night snack at a Greek diner on Route 1 - UMD

Pucker up with Testudo

Saturday was a slow rising but happy day. I, being the early riser, woke up around 750am (gone to bed at 4am). Since I knew most college students don't wake up until midday or later. I decided to read up on my class book, be productive....for about 3 hours on the cement cold floor (stupid that I didn't think to put on my pants instead of wearing shorts). Once everyone was up we were off to the nearby dining hall (HUGE and they told me this wasn't the biggest one) for brunch. Three chocolate chip pancakes, syrup, a banana, and water....yummy well-balanced (not) breakfast. I took the shuttle back to the Metro and went back to the apartment. Went grocery shopping (a few necessary things) and let the rest of the day go by slowly. So not interested in doing anything other than veg.

At night I went with Kristi and what seemed like a huge group of TWC peeps to party it up at My Brother's Place by the Hill. Kristi had gone before and said she had a good time. She also though the drink special ($15 all you can drink from 8pm-1am) was pretty cheap. I agreed especially since I had a few rail drinks (the same one everytime, new one for me, Kristi's suggestion). The highlight of the night had to be....dancing on the bar. Yep, I did it like Coyote Ugly without the water or serious line dancing to 'The Devil Went Down to Georgia'. All in all a good night (both Friday and Saturday) partying with friends. 

Curbside Cupcake, Miss Representation & a voice of Empowerment

This is a short SHORT post but it cannot wait. I had the most amazing day yesterday. Work was calm and pretty casual which was nice. Around 11am I went outside, pissed that I brought my heavy winter coat with me because I realized how warm and beautiful it was. No wind! I went to Massasscuetts Ave and vulva! There were all the food trucks I had researched last week including my pick of the day Curbside Cupcake (Check them out: curbsidecupcakes.com) I was super excited and got 6 cupcakes to share among work colleagues. I got a Black Irish Cream cupcake for myself (OMG), a traditional Red Velvet, two Chocolate Delights, and two Classic Vanillas (which surprisingly were both Mike and Kevin's cupcake pick). I will take Southern Tom (Daddio) to the famous baked goods vendor on St. Patty's Day next week when he visits :)

Black Irish Cream cupcake

Also I received the best email in the morning from Terese who is the organizer for the Miss Representation screening. Apparently a lot of people cancelled and reservations opened up YAY! So Terranova and I went to the E Street Cinema for the screening and panel follow up. It was very interesting to see how far the efforts of the women's liberation era of the 1970s has been crushed and society has been pushed backwards in regards to gender equality and how we as a society view gender. Its a huge backlash. Its sad in many ways but encouraging in many other ways because I still believe that there will be an uproar. There has to be at least from me. I won't handle the stereotypes and patriarchal egotistical and emotional incompetence of the men that rule this country and most of the world dictate my life anymore. I want a dialogue and I want women to have more of a say over their own lives but the only way that is going to happen is for more WOMEN to have POWER in POLITICS!

Nuchhi Currier, President of the Women's National Democratic Club (Google Image)

One of the panelist, the president of the Women's National Democratic Club Nuchhi Currier (see more about her work history - link), really did understand our fight as women to go against odds that seem impossible to beat. However, she said that the film didn't do as well of a job to promote women's issues, empowerment, respect, and advocating women's political leadership from the perspective of women raising boys. She grew up in a family full of men and it taught her a different set of values, trends, beliefs, etc that encouraged her to do anything she wanted to do without hesitation. Now a grandmother of two boys and a mother of three boys she sees our role as women to raise our men to think more about women: how to treat women, looking at women as humans and equals instead of objects, seeking an opportunity to work with women and people who are different in order to gain a more well-rounded perspective of the world and how society should work, the importance of relationships and how to value them, and most importantly raise boys to think that women are no different than men in their ability to lead and take on tough responsibilities just like a man (especially since men are the rulers of the country and will continue to be for some time until we have a revolution - like the 1970s women's movement - occurs).

Condoleezza Rice

I really feel empowered but I know there is a lot to be done. LISTEN UP LADIES: We need ACTION and we need action done NOW. No more waiting, getting upset about the medias incredibly negative image of us (in all aspects of our lives for ALL women), governments unequal representation of women, and the MOST important our OWN COMMENTARY and CRITICISM that we place ON EACH OTHER! STOP it, stop doing this to each other. We are equals fighting for the same thing. There is no competition when we need power and a voice NOW. Think about it, whats the worst thing that could happen if we allow ourselves to get the job we're obviously more qualified for compared to our male competitor? Why should we question our strength to do just as well as a man in the workforce? How can we continue to be so hateful towards each other when our anger and frustration should be put towards those who have contributed greatly to our current power status (or lack there of): men and us, women?

We cannot solve the problem until we stop contributing to the problem. It won't be easy but nothing in this life that is worth while is ever going to be easy. Focus on raising better men, mentoring younger and older women, support one another, find our inner beauty, write to the media companies to tell them what they are doing is wrong, write to your Congressman demanding what you want, demand more for yourself, share your stories and ambitions with others (including men) and help men become less emotionally incompetent.

First buds of the season and a hip new coffee joint

I decided to venture outside on another gorgeous day. I am glad the weather has cooperated this weekend despite my lack to truly explore the city like my roommates. However, I have shared in the same awe of the outdoors. I walked down 3rd to a coffee shop I had seen on one of my trip on the TWC shuttle from Union Station. Depending on who drives the bus you might get lucky and have new sites to see as I did. The place is called Ebenezers. Recently opened in 2006 this quint coffee shop caters to everything from coffee classics to trendy new specials while giving customers a chance to experience a calm, bohemian atmosphere. Unfortunately, I couldn't stay on street level to hear the local artist perform (which was a nice surprise), however, I did get to explore downstairs where I assume is the area the shop hosts bigger event artists/bands. I assume this because of the lights/sound system along the back wall and the drum set on a stage in the front. It was really nice to spend some down time reading there until the blower came on and chilled my arms and these homeless guys asked me a few questions (I don't mind that but personal space man).

On my walk there I noticed a cherry blossom tree in bloom. I smiled knowing that its a matter of time before the entire city is fully bloomed with flowers (and for allergy ppl pollen...womp womp). I am excited for the centennial festival. Its incredibly ironic that this is the 100th year anniversary while I'm living here. So spoiled I know....

The area I walked through was very sweet and antique looking too. Reminded me of my walk around Dupont Circle the other night. I do love the differences in architecture here. It gives the city more character and diverse art history. Stay tuned for more posts!

*Please comment!!!!*

Capitol Tour, Sushi, and A Beautiful Sunny Day

**Please post some comments. I'm feeling lonely...well not really but it'd be nice to here from some people and meet new people.**

What a beautiful spring-like day it was today! It was quite different in the early morning, however, it did get sunny and bright towards mid-day. Worried that my Elon Alum Society tour was cancelled since I didn't hear back from the coordinator I'm lucky I checked my email before I got ready. Turns out our coordinator sent a follow-up email at 230am this morning to tell us she was unable to make it. I called since my good friend Jay advise never to go somewhere in DC without calling beforehand. So I called our coordinator and got the skimmy directly from her. Of course she asked if I had a printer and I reluctantly said 'yes'. Anytime I try to help it ALWAYS turns out tougher and more of a pain than it I originally intended. I tried to print on our printer downstairs but of course the IT person changed the system and now its not SIMPLE. So I could not print out the group's reservation.

However, because I'm pretty much on top of....everything I had planned to leave early (945am) to get there with enough time to go through security, get passes, etc. I got there really early and went up to the desk for our group passes. Turns out that the woman at the desk could retrieve our passes through a search on their operating system YAY! AND to top it off everyone with the exception of a girl who overslept her plus one and someone else who registered came to the meeting spot. It was really nice meeting former Elon students (one from class of 07' and 94'). I was thoroughly impress by the short film in the beginning. Cheesy as it may sound it made be proud to be an American. LOL.

 Italian painters American masterpiece

Women suffragists

The rest of the tour we were guided by a very comical, down-to-earth and historian tour guide named Dave. My favorite parts were: in the atrium the story of the Italian painter's magnificent painting on the ceiling of the dome, John Quincy Adam's secret insider spot in the original meeting room for Congressmen, and the lucky star in the crypt. I highly recommend going on this tour and trying out the special Senator/Representative tour that takes place during the week (M-F). Check out the website for more information: visitthecapitol.gov

America in time sequence

Statue of Freedom

Afterward I took the Blue line Metro from South Capitol to Gallery Place (off of the Green/Yellow line). I walked up to H St. and 5th to a fairly new restaurant, Momiji (Check it out). It was pretty good and I think everyone was happy with their dishes. We all got different things which was a good indication that overall the food was decent. It was nice to finally catch up with two of my classmates, Sachiko and Sandra, and get to know their friend Liam (also a TWC student) and Sachiko's boyfriend from New York. Later I scouted this hip coffeehouse that I'll be going to Monday with another Elon Alum, Lianna. It was a perfect place and I FINALLY got the chance to drink french press....it will be extremely hard to drink anything else after that :) Luckily my mom gave me one for my birthday so I'll be bringing that to Elon.

**Please post some comments. I'm feeling lonely...well not really but it'd be nice to here from some people and meet new people.**