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.**

Black Maria Film Fest and Amber Blues

I never realized how good it feels to have time off and use it as a period to do absolutely nothing but relax. This past weekend was the best relaxing, do-nothing type of weekend. In addition I had a few extra days that made it last much longer....ahhhhhh so nice :) I left on Wednesday night last week and stayed home until early Monday morning, yea the day from hell! BUT despite the terrible ending to my wonderfully chill weekend I did a lot. In the city on Thursday, shopping Friday, film festival and cajin blues dinner Saturday, AND Southern Tom's pancake breakfast and an evening of sucky Academy Awards (ICK) Sunday.

The highlight by far was our visit to this sculpture park to see some awesome films part of the Black Maria Film Festival (link). I wish we had gotten to the park earlier to look around a bit but it was really REALLY windy and we were late...as usual...MOM(cough)...lol. It reminded me a lot of this recycling center near the Meadowlands in northern Jersey. I went to a bunch of times when I was younger. I guess thats why I have such an appreciation of art and nature because I was exposed to it when I was younger.
On our way to New Brunswick for dinner the grounds were light up with christmas lights! It was so clever and quint. Check them out (Grounds for Sculpture)

I was spoiled that evening with my favorite CAJIAN and MUSIC. What could be better? I had the salmon in bourbon sauce and mom had the pecan crusted catfish. Ooooooohhhh weee! it was awesome!! (Her moreso than mine but it was good ESPECIALLY the bread pudding).  Jersey's own, Amber Blues, was the band of the night. They had a very interesting look and a whole lotta energy. It was nice to heard original and some golden 80s tunes - "take on me" A-Ha!!!! <3 Below are some pics (not very good but I tried).

Academy Awards is just a disgrace. I mean there is no art showcased in the whole show other than people's terrible fashion. What's the point? It seemed like my opinion about the commercial film industry is dead on. The production and big-money companies continue to release the crappiest movies on earth and sequels of the crappiest movies on earth because they are ALL greedy bastards! I'm sorry I love film and thought about studying film at Elon but I'm fed up. Why do you think I prefer to spend $18 going to an indie film festival like Black Maria and see twelve original and creative films versus pay close to $20 now if your in the NY tri-state area to sit through 30mins of commericals/ads on top of hours of crap! HELLO?!?!?! The whole time I was knitting watching the show telling it like it is, I mean come on. During the entire show most of the jokes and intermission announcements were obviously marketing "Go to the movies, make me tons of money so I can be a crap actor doing crap work and give all the rights and privileges to the big-money, art crushing production companies!"

Pew. I'm done on my rant. Ha..ha.eh. Don't let me get into my 8hr (yes 8 FREAKIN HOURS) trip back to D.C. on the Megabus. WHAT....A....NIGHT...MARE!!! I will say this if you do decide to purchase a ticket for a Megabus trip DO NOT rely on the website or 877 number for help. The day you need to leave I suggest going to the website and pretend you are purchasing another ticket for the same trip and that will show you where to get your bus. Yea they are SO NOT organized in regards to...well...anything. I made it back stiff, exhausted, pissed and what the hell? It's spring already.

Soho Cupcake, Political Debate, and Relaxation

My first day off (officially) was a nice calm day. I woke up later than usual (11am) and ate leftovers for breakfast. I was extreme peeved that it wasn't raining but also delighted to see it was beautiful and sunny. I decided to walk down to the light rail and hop on the PATH to go to the Soho location for Georgetown Cupcake. Since I've never tasted these lovely decadent sweets in D.C. (where it originated) I figured it wouldn't hurt to try it in my neck of the woods, right?

Conversation among fellow baker, Christine and twenty minutes later I had my six different cupcakes (Red Velvet, NYC Cheesecake, Chocolate chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla on Vanilla, and Pumpkin Spice). Walking back up my FAVORITE street in New York, Bleeker St. I was really in high spirits. I ducked into this neat coffee and tea shop, tried a sample and made some terrifically cheap buys. Another stop into a bread shop for a snack and I was on my way back home.

The bread, cheese and everything European shop. 

The awesome coffee shop on Bleeker St.

Kiddies playing music on the street.

The Coach House is my traditional diner. I have been going to this diner all my life and I continue to go back. I had Chicken Rollatini and mom had Hungarian Beef & Noodles. We did get into heavy conversation about starting a political moments strong and big enough to make real change in Congress It was nice to get into a debate with my mom because I know that we oftentimes have similar opinions but on some occasions the claws come out. Not literally of course :P

Friday was a rainy relaxing day. Pancakes with banana fosters (and a strawberry cupcake) for breakfast, a trip out to Harmon Beauty supply shop, conversation, lentil soup, and J. Edgar = a good day. It was a day that was worry-work free and I loved every second. I'll have more pictures to post with my new purple Nikon digital camera soon

              

Tom Tauke and the Megabus

Tom Tauke, Executive Vice President, Public Affairs, Policy and Communications for Verizon, came to speak at TWC early on Wednesday morning. The bonus and incentive for some to go was a catered breakfast by Au Bon Pain (too sweet and heavy for my taste but it was nice). He brought up a lot of useful information about his time in the Iowa Legislature and discussed his experience in Congress and how its changed. One of the topics I found very helpful in my understanding of the present atmosphere in Congress was his opinion on what it would take for each side to come together to make decisions as one body. He said that only a crisis would force a very divided, polarized Congress to come to a solid and collective consensus about how to overcome the crisis and make plans to prevent any further crisis. The national debt of our country is suspected to be the next crisis that Congress cannot avoid therefore will eventually force them to put away their pride and differences of opinions to get the job done.

He also tried to incorporate his role with Verizon and the importance of communications. I thought it was particularly interesting that he brought up the necessity for laws that address privacy and implementation of the Internet for its users and most importantly corporations like Verizon that struggle to abide to constitutional liberties and restrictions making it impossible to do business or protect its consumers from attack. Did you know our Internet systems (in America) get over 3 billion attacks every day??? Granted some are from China and outside sources but some are domestic attacks. These attacks could have the potential to effect our daily lives very dramatically if they are successful and shut down certain sources of energy (i.e. nuclear power plants), natural resources (i.e. water plants), and other necessary system used to function.

I wasn't expecting to receive much insight from this session but as it turns out Mr. Tauke inspired me to investigate Public Services. Mr. Tauke's presentation stuck with me throughout the entire day and was a topic of discussion in a meeting with Mike later that afternoon. It wasn't such a crazy day at work after all since my laptop's battery could be replaced in the store (the night before which was hell) I didn't need to worry about using my roommate's computer (going back to the apt to drop it off before I left for NYC). It worked out pretty well.

The best and most comical moment of the day was waiting in line to board the Megabus. I was behind a stream of Asians. Most of their bags were bigger than them! As some of you might have guessed the group of about twenty or so could not go on the buss with all that baggage. The amount of bags per person equated to one huge body bag, one mini body bag and some shopping bag(s). I felt a bit bad for them because they had to figure out how to take all their stuff on another bus. At the same time you know when you sign up that the policy says what you can and can't bring.

My first Megabus trip was great! It was a smooth 4 1/2 hrs exactly. I had a nice full Chop't salad I got from Union Station in D.C. and my foodie guilty pleasure wheat thins :) I slept most of the trip which was entirely necessary. When I arrived in the Big Apple my mom was there to greet me. Wonderful sleep-full night in our comfy queen sized bed...sweet dreams