Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Sorry!

It's been an entire week since my last blog post. I was busy being on vacation and coming back and being all busy with work and such.

The Job

It's going okay. I'm finding it extremely demanding being on 3 different teams. I have yet to see the upside (besides "job security") but I'm hoping it's out there.

The OBX

Was amazing. You can check out my facebook profile for pics. We basically spent the days on the beach and the nights playing drinking games. I learned a few things about myself.
1. I can't sleep on a crappy mattress. I averaged 5 hours a night sleep. The mattresses were just awful. I really wish I had taken my air mattress with me, that would have been more comfortable. It also doesn't help that I now sleep on a REALLY nice Serta. I bought it brand spanking new about 5 months ago. It's amazing. Seriously amazing. Going from that to thin as paper wasn't easy. Coupled with my insomnia, it was downright impossible to get sleep. On the plus side, the lack of sleep totally made me make use of my days. I got a lot of beach time in.

2. I cant drink caffeine. A few months ago I stopped drinking Coke heavy. Instead, I now opt for Sprite, which is caffeine free. However on Saturday night, I decided to polish off half a bottle of rum coupled with coke. Bad idea. I couldn't get to sleep and woke up at 4am all jittery. No more caffeine for me.

3. I can still drink. I thought I had lost it. I don't drink much anymore. I don't like to go out and get wasted because I can no longer count on a roommate or sorority sister to get me home. Whenever I'm out with the boyfriend I feel guilty making him take care of me while I get loaded. So, I stopped drinking. I think the last time I was really shmammered was my holiday party. That was mid December.

Dallas

Headed off to Dallas on Friday morning. I'm really not looking forward to the trip. I love my family, but things have been a little off lately. Also, I don't really have a lot of friends in the area. Most of my close friends live in either NOLA or DC. I don't really keep in touch with my high school peeps, so that leaves me hanging out with the little sis. It'll be okay. I think my mom got me a hotel room so I don't have to share with anyone (my little sister converted my room the second I moved out of the house... I don't mind, I would have done the same).
I'll take pics and post, though it's unlikely that I'll make any more blog posts till Monday.

My Addiction To...
Crossword puzzles. I really like trying to solve them. I rarely finish, but it's a good time nonetheless. I am a HUGE nerd, what can I say.

Grinds My Gears
PDA... keep it in your pants people.

Good News
I got a side consulting gig. I don't want to give away too many details cause I don't want to jinx it. But I am SUPER excited.

Weird Personal Fact of the Day
I don't like french toast.
I like bread. I like eggs. I like syrup. I like powdered sugar. I don't like french toast. Maybe if it were freedom toast?

TV/ Movies/Books

Jon and Kate + Eight
So, everyone has heard the controversy. I have to chime in with my opinion. I started watching the show a few seasons ago. Annie recommended it to me. It was a show about a wholesome christian family. I was immediately a fan. I did however note that Kat was very bossy. It wasn't a secret in any way, but by the same token, Jon knew what he married.
Now there are allegations of cheating on both sides. I don't know if they are true or not, but I will say that cheating isn't really the problem here. The problem is Kate being gone all the time, and Jon resenting her because of it. Something broke in their marriage and it's only going to be fixed if they quit doing the show.
I don't know how many of you tuned in on the premiere last night but it was heart wrenching. When Hannah told her daddy "Daddy, I don't want you to go anymore", it nearly broke my heart. By the same token, Kate saying "John needed a day off" seriously ticked me off. You don't get a day off from being a parent. Parenting is 24/7. He should have thought about that before he had kids. Everyone likes to point the finger at Kate, and I'm not trying to say she is blameless, I am saying that Jon is the man of the house. He should have put his foot down a long time ago. He certainly shares his fair share for what has happened to their marriage.
I'm not sure that I am going to keep watching the show. It might be a little to intense for me, then again it could be a train wreck that I just can't look away from .

Around Town

Culturaltourismdc.com

It's a GREAT site to find out all the happenings of the day and of the weekend.

From the Foodie in Me

foodie tip of the day: you cannot replace confectioners sugar with regular sugar. It will not work. don't try.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

I FINALLY saw Grey's...

TV/ Books/ Movies

Grey's = WOW! What a GREAT season finale. The show has really picked up these last few episodes. I figured out the George thing about 30 seconds before they let us know. My guess is that George dies and Izzy lives. Any one else care to take guesses?!

From the Foodie in Me

Hello, My name is Tina, and I'm an over-feeder.
Not an over-eater, an over feeder. I don't know when to stop cooking.
Last night we had boneless wings, flautas, a HUGE fruit and veggie tray. Chips and guacamole, french bread, and a cheese plate. My problem here is that I love being a hostess. I'm considering moving come August so that I can have a yard, and house to hostess in.

Girls Nights

Our girls nights are in Jeopardy! Grey's Anatomy is finished for the season. We need another activity to keep up occupied while we eat and gossip.
I like the idea of knitting... but not all the girls knit. Some of us aren't as domestic as others.
Then there is always the classy/classic idea of fried chicken and porn. I'm thinking some of the girls might not go for it though. Not all of us are as morally bankrupt as I am.
I'm hugely open to suggestions of things to do!

Grinds My Gears

People who flake out. I think this one is pretty self explanatory. I just hate it when people say they will do something and don't follow through. Ugh.

Weird Personal Fact of the Day

Have you ever seen the Family Guy episode where Stewey pronounces the H in Cool Whip?
So it kind of sounds like he's saying "Cool Hwhip". Well, I actually have always pronounced my H's like that. Tamsin used to make fun of me in college for saying the word "hwhite" and not "white". True Story.

Around Town

National Memorial Day Parade

Monday, May 25, 2009, beginning at 2 p.m.The parade of Marching Bands and Veterans units from all 50 states steps off at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Streets, NW and proceeds along Constitution Avenue, past the White House, ending at 17th Street. The National Memorial Day Parade is sponsored by the World War II Veterans Committee and includes patriotic floats and helium-filled balloons. This year’s parade will feature Ernest Borgnine, Gary Sinise, Joe Mantegna, Admiral Michael Mullen and Bob Feller.

For other Memorial day activities in DC: http://dc.about.com/od/hoildaysseasonalevents/a/MemorialDay.htm

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

New Roomie...

So Starting this Friday I will have a new roommate. Her name is Katie. She seems nice, although I have never met her. I found her on craigslist. It'll be weird living with someone I think. I mean, I lived with my boyfriend, but it's totally different. I haven't lived with a roommate for over a year (when Annie moved out last March). She is actually moving in on Friday, but I wont meet her till Monday when I come back from the Outer Banks.
I cleaned out the guest room out. Which was a task in and of itself. I realized I have a 2 bedroom apartment because I totally have 2 bedrooms worth of stuff. This is insane to me as I moved to DC 3 years ago with 3 bags. That's it. THREE bags.
I got the call that I had been offered the job at LI on a Wednesday, I packed up and moved that Friday. I started work on Tuesday. It was that quick. I didn't really have a place to live. I was sleeping on the sofa of one of my sorority sisters, and the rest is history. Still, in three short years I have managed to acquire brand new living room furniture, bedroom furniture, a dining room table and chairs, guest room furniture, various shelving throughout the apartment and a complete kitchen set. Whew! I think the problem here may be that I love decorating and making things nice. Don't get me wrong, I HATE cleaning, but I just love the way things look when everything is spotless and in its place.

Grinds My Gears

Washing Dishes
I HATE washing dishes. It's my least favorite household chore. This sucks because I LOVE to cook. Yesterday every dish in my house was dirty and I finally had to suck it up and wash them. But now they are all clean and I think I might move to using paper plates and cups for awhile.

OBX

I am going to the OBX this weekend. I am super jacked to be on the beach and relax in the sun.
I found a house in Nags Head that I am really excited about. we still have a few spots left if anyone is interested!

Dallas

I'm coming back from the OBX on Monday, Fernando's Birthday is Thursday, and I'm flying out to Dallas on Friday. It's going to be a crazy week.
I'm going to Dallas for my little sister's graduation from high school. And before you ask, no, she hasn't chosen a college yet. I'm really excited for her though. College years were totally the best years of my life. Complete freedom in a safe surrounding, college rocks.

TV/Movies/Books

I am watching the season finale of Grey's tonight. I am so super jacked. I have managed to avoid the temptation for a few days now!

Around Town

Every Tuesday starting at 10 a.m., the Shakespeare Theatre Company releases an allotment of $10 tickets to patrons ages 35 and younger. Tickets are for performances through the following Sunday. Tickets are sold in person at the Sidney Harman Hall Box Office (610 F St. NW) and the Lansburgh Theatre Box Office (450 7th St. NW) as well as via phone at 202.547.1122. There is a limit of four tickets per person. This is a great way to see some great plays at a really cheap price. right now Design for Living is playing. However Starting in June King Lear will be playing.
I LOVE Shakespeare, so I am all about this one.

http://www.shakespearetheatre.org/20_10.aspx

From the Foodie in Me

I have people coming over tonight and I'm still not sure what I'm making. This is what happens when you cook a lot. You start getting bored of all your old recipes and you go in search of new ones. I'm open to suggestions.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Being Sporty...

I kinda touched on this topic the other day. I am starting to get out more and be more physical.
Yesterday I played tennis again, I was dying by the end. But I think i found a good tennis partner. She is just as bad/ good as I am. I think I might be slightly better, but that's okay. She keeps me running around the court and I do the same for her. I think we've made a steady Thursday tennis date. I'm excited about that. I think I pulled a muscle though yesterday. I need to stretch a little more before I start playing.
Also I am going to look into rock climbing. There is a place in Alexandria that is a rock climbing gym. It's the same price I pay for my regular gym membership. I would have to buy equipment though, which is the one set back of rock climbing. I'm thinking about it still. I might go after work today and do a session. See if it's as much fun as I remember it being.

Around Town/ From the Foodie In Me

Taste of Arlington
Food, Music, Fun

http://www.tasteofarlington.com/tickets.html

This Sunday in front of Ballston Mall.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

To Laurie, Mike and Olivia (and Peter).
I don't know if anyone reads the blogs in my blog list. But if you've been following the Levia's I am glad to report Olivia's transplant has been approved. I'm very excited and happy for them and their family.

Tennis Elbow

More like I'm lazy and out of shape and one afternoon of tennis has me aching 2 days later.
I don't really enjoy the gym because I get bored on the machines, even with music and TV. I really liked my step class at WSC but they just went up in price again and 2 classes a week is not worth what they are charging me. So I decided to take up tennis. I'm awful, but I have my first lesson this Sunday. I played 2 days ago with someone random from CL, and I'm playing with another CL person today after work. I really want to start working out and a game like this is just what I need to keep me going.

Around Town

Screen on the Green
So by now everyone knows that the classic screen on the green on the mall is cancelled this summer cause HBO doesn't want to sponsor it anymore. BUT that doesn't mean you can get your movie watching on. There are many other places that have free outdoor film screenings.
This website: http://www.washingtonian.com/articles/artsfun/12352.html lists them.
Enjoy!

From the Foodie in Me

Vitamin Water Smoothie (1 serving)
4 strawberries
1/2 Cup of Vitamin Water (any flavor, I use lemonade)
1 cup ice.
1/2 kiwi
1 banana

Blend in Blender until smooth and serve!
Delish!

Grinds My Gears
Loyola... they are still ticking me off so they deserved a second rant.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

New Things

Weekend Recap


Friday

Movies/ TV/ Books
Wolverine



I saw the new wolverine movie with Frank. It was A-Freaking-Mazing! I LOVED it!
I will say that X-Men is my favorite comic book movie chain by far. I loved the first three movies, so if you didn't like those, then you wouldn't like this one. I don't want to give away anything, but basically it's the story of the origins of Wolverine. I am a huge Wolverine fan, and please let me clarify. I am not a huge Hugh Jackman fan, but I want to marry Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. He's phenomenal. Also, you see him nakey. I highly recommend this movie to everyone. Also, be sure to stay till the end of the credits. There is a clip at the very very end.


Saturday

Tea Party at Anna's House.

It was great. If you read my blog regularly then you know I am a huge fan of the tea party. Everytime I babysit I play tea party with the little girls, not because they want to, but because I want to. Anna's party gave me a reason to get all gussied up and pretend to be a grownup, when really I just like to play tea party. I had a fabulous time.

Sunday

From the Foodie in Me
Adam's Morgan


I got up early with Fernando and headed to watch him play soccer (alright, I'm lying, i was knitting while he played soccer). After his game we headed to Adams Morgan to eat at the Spanish Market. This time we stopped by this hole in the wall taco place and I found Menudo.
I was ridiculously excited. We walked up and down the "strip" (a block long walk), and then headed home. Who knew that this Spanish community existed in the heart of Adam's Morgan.

The deliciousness that is Menudo. Mmmm.




Tacos from the taco stand in Adam's Morgan.
I decided to take a picture after I was halfway thru my first taco.
New Things
VPL
Everytime I type VPL I immediately think "Visible Panty Lines". I blame Sarah Roy and the recruitment committee. During sorority rush one of the rules was no VPL. They are trashy and uncalled for. We actually were checked by the recruitment committee to ensure that each of our outfits was perfect for rush.
However this time VPL stands for Virginia Pool League. I recently joined and last night was our first game. I am a huge fan already. Everyone is really nice. Most of the players are a bit older (40's) but there are like 5 of us in our 20's. I'm not the best player, but I'm not the worst, so that is comforting. Plus we play with a handicap, so it all evens out. I'm really excited to be playing pool again. I played so much in college and I actually got really good for awhile, but it's all just a memory right now. I'll be back next Monday for sure. I might even go pick out a new cue this weekend if I have time.
Work
I don't often mention my work on here because I want this to be a fun blog, but today I must.
I was recently given a third person to be "in charge of". I am now the only full time employee in the education practice in DC. That's a HUGE job. I'm booking clients, negotiating fees, interviewing references, it's insane. I'm hoping that when we have reviews in a month I'll get a big fat pay raise to compensate for my added duties, but we shall see.
I'm kind of anxious to start all this by myself, but I suppose it will be an adventure.
Grinds My Gears
Loyola University
Seriously, I paid 60K and there is no alumni network. I've emailed and called the president of the Washington alumni chapter and they never respond to me. It's so ill run. It really just ticks me off royally. I'm thinking about going to grad school just to have an alumni organization to hang out with.
Personal Fact of the Day (it's not weird today).
GMU asked me to be their AVP advisor. I said yes. I have never held the AVP position. This should be interesting.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Everybody's Working for the Weekend...

But the weekend is upon us! It's been a long week. I'm happy that it's time for a few days off, plus, it looks like God got the memo. The weather today is beautiful.

On the Bus this Morning...
My smart card was totally out of cash, didn't even realize. And I had no cash on me.
The driver was nice and let me ride for free.

Around Town

So apparently there is another "Screen on the Green" type thing in Crystal City on Mondays.
The theme this year is "Superheroes". I have to say, there is some total crap on the list. I mean just awful movies (Batman and Robin). But there are also some classics (The original superman starring Chris Reeve).

Movie: Spiderman 2
Location: 18th and Bell Street - Courtyard Across from Crystal City Metro Station & Marriott Hotel
Time: Sundown
May 11, 2009

My Addiction To...
Gilmore Girls
I love this show. I own all the seasons except the 2nd one. It's the season with Jess... I wasn't a fan of Jess.

Grinds My Gears
Maryland (Sorry Rachel and Dave).
It's an awful state. When you move to this area you have to be on a team. There are 3 teams to choose from, DC, Virginia, Maryland. I can tolerate DC people, because I have to. I work in DC and am forced to cross over 5 times a week. But I would never, and could never live in MD.
I was lucky and ended up in Virginia by chance when I moved here, but I know many a people who started in MD and made their way over to the commonwealth **cough cough Dan Hanson, Fernando Cortes, Katherine Halverson cough cough**. The one and only good thing in MD is Camden Yards. It's a beautiful field, no idea why it's in MD.

From the Foodie in Me

Quick Pasta Salad

1/2 Cup Italian Dressing
2 cups pasta (bowtie or penne is best)
1 tomato, chopped
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese

Prepare pasta as directed on box.
Strain pasta and refrigerate for an hour. (I put mine in the freezer when I'm running short on time)
Add the Italian dressing, the chopped tomato and the cheese.
Enjoy!

The great thing about this recipe is that it is completely quick and easy and you can add more stuff to it if you like, olives, diced ham, fresh spinach, broccoli, all would be good additions.

Weird Personal Fact of the Day

My "Nickname" on the back of my sorority Jersey was "15 more". Yeah... I'm not gonna tell the story why. :)

TV/ Movies/ Books

Grey's Anatomy- SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS

So, that episode was the most predictable thing that I have ever seen on Grey's, but I LOVED it. All those kids dying was so sad. I will say, I'm not a huge Katherine Heigel fan. I think she's kind of a bitch, however I have to give credit where credit is due. She is an amazing actress. I'd be surprised if she wasn't nominated for an Emmy this year. She was fantastic, and looked absolutely beautiful in her wedding gown. I think the saddest part was when Alex pulled the flowers out of her hair and her hair came with it. As a woman, I think that would be the hardest part. I think I could take the chemotherapy and be strong. I just don't know how I'd deal with losing my hair. As a woman, there are a few things that define you. Your breasts and your hair are two of those major things I think. They make you feel sexy, feminine, and attractive. Unfortunately cancer makes women lose those 2 things a lot of the time. I think those women are some of the strongest, most beautiful women I know... Okay, I'm done being mushy.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

This One Goes Out to Annie...

She specifically asked me to update. So here I am, updating.

Around Town

DUDE FEST - (I'm looking for takers to go with me to this.)

The Big Lebowski Movie & Music Night!"Dude Fest" - The Big Lebowski Movie & Music Night - Thursday, May 7th - 7:30PM (Doors Open 7:00PM)Prior to the feature presentation of the Big Lebowski, enjoy the live musical performance as the band covers multiple songs from The Big Lebowski soundtrack as well as other songs "The Dude" would love. Both our Mongtomery and Arlington Location will be hosting the festival on the same night - so be sure to pick the location of your choice. The Dude: "Let me explain something to you. Um, I am not 'Mr. Lebowski'. You're Mr. Lebowski. I'm the Dude. So that's what you call me. You know, that or, uh, His Dudeness, or uh, Duder, or El Duderino if you're not into the whole brevity thing." We encourage you to come dressed as your favorite character from the movie. Everyone who dressed as a character from the movie - gets a free movie pass for your next visit to the Arlington Cinema N Drafthouse.Schedule:7:00PM - Doors Open7:30PM - Live Music (featuring songs from The Big Lebowski soundtrack and other songs "The Dude" would love)8:40PM - Trivia, Bowling & Best Costume Awards 9:00PM - Feature Presentation: The Big Lebowski

Rosslyn Movie Festival
Friday May 8th
Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure

The event is free and open to the public. The screening is just two blocks from the Rosslyn Metro and parking is available across the street from Gateway Park at the Atlantic Parking Garage for $3 at 1901 and 1911 N. Ft. Myer Drive after 6 pm. Enter the garage on N. Moore Street.

From the Foodie in Me

Cake Balls
1 (18.25 ounce) package chocolate cake mix (or use the recipe for chocolate cake from the other day)
1 (16 ounce) container prepared chocolate frosting
1 (3 ounce) bar chocolate flavored confectioners coating

Prepare the cake mix according to package directions using any of the recommended pan sizes. When cake is done, crumble while warm into a large bowl, and stir in the frosting until well blended. Melt chocolate coating in a glass bowl in the microwave, or in a metal bowl over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally until smooth. Use a melon baller or small scoop to form balls of the chocolate cake mixture. Dip the balls in chocolate using a toothpick or fork to hold them. Place on waxed paper to set.

They are mini bites of deliciousness. PERFECT for parties.

Grinds My Gears

The realty companies in the outer banks. Almost none of them want to rent partial weeks until the Monday before the weekend. That means, the 18th, when the vacation starts the 24th. I think that's ridiculous. I mean, I know they want to rent full weeks, and that's what they are holding out for. But at this point, we are 2 weeks out. Do they really think they are going to fill all these properties in a 2 week time span? In the meantime they are missing out on money.

My Addiction To...

Cowboy Mouth.

OMG, I'm in love with them! They are so freaking awesome live. I think their music is good, but really the attraction is seeing them in concert. So far, I've seen REK, Journey, Def Leopard, Cowboy Mouth, Cheap Trick, Heart, Better than Ezra, and Bon Jovi in concert. Cowboy Mouth kicks everyone else's ass, by far. The lead drummer is just so damned entertaining. He really gets the crowd involved. They are coming to the 9:30 Club on June 13th. Tickets are $25 and they always sell out. I encourage everyone to see them at least once. You'll be hooked.

TV/Movies/Books

Scrubs

Last night was the season (possibly series) finale of scrubs. Gotta say, I'm disappointed. Elliot and JD are SUPPOSED to get married. UGH. Apparently there is this study though, that says series do better in syndication is the series finale doesn't end in a marriage. But where is the fan loyalty in that. I have followed this series for 9 years, and 2 stations, I feel like they should just give me what I want. It's Gilmore Girls all over again.


Annie asked if she could appear as a guest contributor on my blog... why the heck not.
Enjoy!

From the Mind of Annie:

Tina wasn't posting fast enough for me, so I'm taking over - for now, not forever. I've been thinking about starting a blog, but since Tina started hers I think I'll just sneak in here now and then and see how I like it. Seems a lot easier than doing all of the work myself. Also, I feel entitled since I have been mentioned quite often here, especially when it comes to confirming Tina's weirdness and pet peeves. So, following in her form, here goes:

Books

I'm not a big reader. I wish I were, but it seems the only books I can consume quickly are the vapid girly books that they sell at airports. You know the ones, the covers are usually that Tiffany blue/green color with something cute, pink, and illustrated on the front? Those. They turn my brain to mush, but I just love them. I do recommend the "something borrowed" series and author (another thing I'm not good at, remembering authors' names), they are fun!
I recently ordered some books that don't have Tiffany blue/green covers - and the first one I re-read was "A Separate Peace." Do you remember Gene and Finny? I loved those guys, especially Finny. The thing I remembered most from that book was that Finny wore a pink shirt - I've always loved guys that will wear a pink shirt, and I think it started with Finny. Anyway, I highly recommend re-reading it! I rediscovered some wonderful characters and realized some things about the book that were lost on my when I read it in junior high.

Around Town/Foodie
I don't really do much around here, unless it can involve my dog so - Dairy Godmother! A frozen custard shop in Del Ray, Alexandria that not only has the world's best custard, but it also has Puppy Pops for your dog! They cost a dollar, they are totally worth it, and my dog goes flippin' nuts for them. All you have to do is pull it out of the freezer and he will do ANYTHING you ask, including 'lay down' which leads to him belly scooting across the floor to get closer to the puppy pop in your hand all the while technically 'laying down.' http://www.thedairygodmother.com/ that is the website - it is a cool little shop right on Mt Vernon Ave and it is the kind of place that supports local high school teams. It feels like home, and if your dog is cute enough the owner will come outside to see him and even bring him a special squirrel-shaped dog cookie! Did I mention the custard? It is amazing, I could eat it every day and be the size of a house, but also be very happy.

Grinds My Gears
This is a dangerous category...I could say so much: the President, Congress, Maryland drivers, Comcast, school groups in/on the Metro, people who don't pick up their dogs' poop, but the winner today is (drum roll please) BRETT FAVRE!! Seriously!?!? Of all the world issues and Maryland drivers out there and I hold Brett Favre as the winner?! Yes! I have many reasons for this - first, you're old and you're not that talented. You hold the record for most completed passes and most touchdowns because you've played longer than anyone ever should. Second, you also hold the record for most interceptions (310) and you can't blame it on the receivers because you've had a billion of them over your thousand year career. Third, you are obviously an egomaniac and possibly a sociopath. anyone in their right mind would just retire already - start a quarterback camp for underprivileged youth, raise money for a foundation to fight a disease that has affected your family, move to south Florida and make some friends your own age! Ugh!! Just get out of the news already. Last night Frank and I were watching TV and a segment on Favre came on; I literally yelled until Frank changed the channel because if I hear his name or see his face one more time, I will die.

My Addiction To...
looking forward to things. Sounds silly, but I get so wrapped up into looking forward to things that I will miss other events, forget what day it is, and think that something is happening this weekend that isn't really happening for two more weekends! I'm bad at tracking days as it is, but dangle something like a long weekend at the beach in front of me and I'll forget entirely that my husband is moving away in a week in a half for 10 weeks! Luckily, I'm also looking forward to August - we have plans for a long vacation, just me and Frank and I can't wait! We also have a trip to Massachusetts and a trip to South Carolina, all in August, and I'm looking forward to all of it!

And finally, Personal Weird Fact of the Day
I can sleep like nobody's business. I went to bed last night at 8:30pm and woke up at 7:30am, only because my alarm went off. Had my alarm not gone off I could have easily slept until 10am or later. I did not run a marathon yesterday, I did not give birth, I did not work out at the gym for 5 hours, I did not even eat a Thanksgiving sized dinner complete with turkey, I'm not growing 4 inches every day, and I didn't take any sleep medicine. It is my normal state of being to be able to sleep for more than 12 hours every night. My husband tells people that "she needs more sleep than the average bear," and I don't think people understand that he is being literal - bears sleep for some hours each day as well as through most of the winter, and if left to my own ways in a world with no work and no alarm clocks, I would sleep more than that. This concerns me because some day I want to have children, and from what I hear, they don't sleep this much...bummer. (maybe Frank will let me raise bear cubs instead, that could work nicely!)

Monday, May 4, 2009

Back to the Daily Grind...

New Orleans
I've been out for the past few days because I was enjoying a mini vacation in New Orleans.
It was a great time. I stayed with Allie and we had a blast. I ate tons of great food, and saw both Bon Jovi and Cowboy Mouth at Jazzfest. I think I might make Jazzfest y new yearly trip to New Orleans instead of Mardi Gras.

Thursday
I flew out of DCA on Thursday morning. I actually flew into Gulfport because the flight was insanely cheaper. For all of you thinking I'm insane for doing this, please realize Gulfport is as far from New Orleans as Baltimore is from DC. Unfortunately Allie couldn't get time off work, so I had to wait for her to come pick me up. I waited at The Beau Rivage. GREAT way to kill 6 hours (and $100). I played roulette. It's my favorite. It involves no skill whatsoever, and is purely luck. I lost about $100, but I killed 6 hours. So it was worth it.
The highlight of the trip was my bus ride to the Beau Rivage. There was a girl on the bus. She was bleach blond, wearing a bumpit, hot pink top, black leggings, and hot pink heels. Sher necklace said "playboy" in fake diamonds. She had HUGE sunglasses on and the biggest fake boobs ever. I very "casually" took a picture of her on my blackberry. I tried to zoom in on her boobs for effect. It's a little blurry, but you get the general idea.

Girl with huge boobs. Didn't catch her name.


I had about 12 people gchat me after I changed my status to comment on her boobs. Nicole Parks dared me to take a picture. So all you guys out there can thank Nicole for the picture.

Friday

Friday I went shopping at some of my favorite places in the city. I stopped by shoenami, gaetana, victorias/ angelique, lakeside mall (they have a Dillards, something we lack in DC), frock candy, and trendz. I love NOLA.

Saturday

This was Jazzfest day! I saw both Bon Jovi and Cowboy Mouth in concert. I have to say, although I was a huge fan of Bon Jovi, they started with Livin' on a Prayer. That's their best song. You END with your best song, you don't start with it! Also, I think their best song live was Wanted Dead or Alive. They were good in concert, but Cowboy Mouth was better. We also saw Bonerama while waiting for Cowboy Mouth to come on. They were actually pretty damn good, despite the name. Later that night I went to Brunos. Ricky and Leslie were working. It was awesome to see them. Mark still works there too, but only during the week, so didn't get a chance to catch up with him. Here is the big news. Greg and Josh opened their own bar! In Metarie. It's called Hurricanes. I was tempted to go visit, but Metarie is a long way to go when you're already uptown.

Sunday

Ugh, the only downside to my trip was the flight home. I was flying out of Baton Rouge. I got to stop and eat at Jack and the Box on the way. It was AWESOME. So that part was great. But my plane in BR was delayed due to a HUGE thunderstorm. It was also the tiniest plane I have ever ridden on. Led to tons of turbulence. Then in Houston my flight to BWI was delayed by an hour. I convinced them to put me on a flight to DCA (at no extra cost to me). It was a later flight though. Then that flight ended up being delayed by an hour. I got into DCA at midnight. Poor Fernando had to wait at the airport, but I guess at least he didn't have to drive to B-more.

All in all it was a great trip, but today I'm a bit grumpy and super tired. I have a lot of sleep to catch up on tonight. I hope it continues to rain, it matches my mood, and it's easier to sleep when it's raining.