Happy birthday to Ja Rule, Dinah Shore, and all those other crazy leap day babies in the world today!
And Happy Leap Day folks!
Apparently, irish folklore/some other place's folklore states that a girl can propose to a guy on this day only, and if the guy says no, he has to pay her some amount of money.
So I'm off to go ask some rich stranger if he'll marry me - big money is coming my way, whether he says yes or no!
I hope you had a lovely leap celebration - and hopefully at one point, you caught a glimpse of Leap Day William!
And mark your calendars for Rum Springa! It's going to be epic this year.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Wizards vs Kings - No, This is NOT About Dungeons & Dragons
Before last Wednesday night, it felt like forever since I'd gone to a professional basketball game.
But now, it only feels like almost a week since I've been to a professional basketball game.
The Sacramento Kings were in town, playing the Washington Wizards last Wednesday evening.
My friend, who happens to be from Sacramento, got a group together to go watch. It would be fun, cheering and booing and trying desperately to grab a free t-shirt from the mascot or cheerleaders (I didn't get one. Sad face).
I told my coworkers Wednesday afternoon that I was going to this game. Their responses?
"Uh, you realize both of those teams have maybe a combined 10 wins in the season so far."
"Your seats better be amazing, for cheap. They're probably giving tickets away!"
"Have fun at the game tonight. I hope it's not terrible!"
But you know what? The game exceeded all their expectations. It was pretty fun. I'm happy going to anything where I can yell and cheer without earning weird glares from the people around me, and while I kept it pretty contained (because let's be honest, I have no stake in either team, really), I still had fun mumbling to myself and blasting the refs for calls on plays I didn't even watch. I was among friends, in pretty good seats, with some die-hard Wizards fans a few rows behind me - turns out, Wizards fans are very self-deprecating and very aware of their team's troubles. I'm pretty sure they were bad-mouthing their players more than the Kings' players or the refs. Made for interesting background commentary. I learned a lot about the players - which ones really can't shoot free throws (c'mon! They're FREE throws, you gotta get those! They're freeeeee!) and who likes to shoot from the halfcourt line...and on and on.
But we weren't at the game to study the problems of the Wizards, nor were we really there to cheer on the Kings - friend Jillian was probably the only legit Kings fan there, of all the people I knew at the game, she being from Sacramento.
We, and just about every Mormon in the DC area, were there for one player.
Jimmer T. Fredette.
Former standout BYU basketball star (of last year), now a rookie with the Kings.
We were surrounded by BYU fans, Mormons, and Utahns at the Verizon Center Wednesday night. Two guys across the aisle from us asked my friend's boyfriend if he went to BYU, since we were cheering Jimmer on, and he said yes. The guys then mentioned they went to University of Utah awhile back, and were there also cheering Jimmer on.
It seems Jimmer even transcends bitter rivalry lines (once you get out of the state of Utah...).
The Wizards fans were outnumbered that night, not necessarily by Kings fans - but by Jimmer fans.
So it was a good thing he played for part of the 1st half. At least we got to see him play for awhile. We saw him in the second half as well, but this was what we were watching:
We had pretty good seats, but I still had to get my camera zoomed in ridiculously close to get this beauty of a picture.
I'm actually not a Jimmer fanatic, but I watched all the games last year, when he was HUGE as a senior at BYU, and cheered him on, so I was happy to support him this game, in whatever capacity he was working. And I was surrounded by plenty of Jimmer fanatics, so it was easy to get sucked in.
And surprisingly, the Kings won! (Or not surprisingly, I guess, if you were a Wizards fan - they're pretty sure their team can lose any game if they put their mind to it.) We were all pretty sure it was from the 2nd quarter playing time of Jimmer Fredette. Though I also give much credit to #22, Isaiah Thomas, or "Little Man," as I affectionately call him. He's exactly my height (5 foot 9 and 1 quarter inches tall), but knows physics well enough to know how to just toss the ball with enough height and arc to get over a defender a foot taller. He's my favorite non-Jimmer Kings baller.
I forgot how much I enjoy going to basketball games. I either need to watch for when the Milwaukee Bucks come to town next (I just missed them this time - they played Tuesday), or I need to learn to like the Wizards (based on the lack of confidence in their abilities from their current fans, I don't see this happening). Either way, now that I know good seats are CHEAP, I hope I'll be making my way back there a little more often.
But now, it only feels like almost a week since I've been to a professional basketball game.
The Sacramento Kings were in town, playing the Washington Wizards last Wednesday evening.
My friend, who happens to be from Sacramento, got a group together to go watch. It would be fun, cheering and booing and trying desperately to grab a free t-shirt from the mascot or cheerleaders (I didn't get one. Sad face).
I told my coworkers Wednesday afternoon that I was going to this game. Their responses?
"Uh, you realize both of those teams have maybe a combined 10 wins in the season so far."
"Your seats better be amazing, for cheap. They're probably giving tickets away!"
"Have fun at the game tonight. I hope it's not terrible!"
But you know what? The game exceeded all their expectations. It was pretty fun. I'm happy going to anything where I can yell and cheer without earning weird glares from the people around me, and while I kept it pretty contained (because let's be honest, I have no stake in either team, really), I still had fun mumbling to myself and blasting the refs for calls on plays I didn't even watch. I was among friends, in pretty good seats, with some die-hard Wizards fans a few rows behind me - turns out, Wizards fans are very self-deprecating and very aware of their team's troubles. I'm pretty sure they were bad-mouthing their players more than the Kings' players or the refs. Made for interesting background commentary. I learned a lot about the players - which ones really can't shoot free throws (c'mon! They're FREE throws, you gotta get those! They're freeeeee!) and who likes to shoot from the halfcourt line...and on and on.
But we weren't at the game to study the problems of the Wizards, nor were we really there to cheer on the Kings - friend Jillian was probably the only legit Kings fan there, of all the people I knew at the game, she being from Sacramento.
We, and just about every Mormon in the DC area, were there for one player.
Jimmer T. Fredette.
Former standout BYU basketball star (of last year), now a rookie with the Kings.
We were surrounded by BYU fans, Mormons, and Utahns at the Verizon Center Wednesday night. Two guys across the aisle from us asked my friend's boyfriend if he went to BYU, since we were cheering Jimmer on, and he said yes. The guys then mentioned they went to University of Utah awhile back, and were there also cheering Jimmer on.
It seems Jimmer even transcends bitter rivalry lines (once you get out of the state of Utah...).
The Wizards fans were outnumbered that night, not necessarily by Kings fans - but by Jimmer fans.
So it was a good thing he played for part of the 1st half. At least we got to see him play for awhile. We saw him in the second half as well, but this was what we were watching:
We had pretty good seats, but I still had to get my camera zoomed in ridiculously close to get this beauty of a picture.
I'm actually not a Jimmer fanatic, but I watched all the games last year, when he was HUGE as a senior at BYU, and cheered him on, so I was happy to support him this game, in whatever capacity he was working. And I was surrounded by plenty of Jimmer fanatics, so it was easy to get sucked in.
And surprisingly, the Kings won! (Or not surprisingly, I guess, if you were a Wizards fan - they're pretty sure their team can lose any game if they put their mind to it.) We were all pretty sure it was from the 2nd quarter playing time of Jimmer Fredette. Though I also give much credit to #22, Isaiah Thomas, or "Little Man," as I affectionately call him. He's exactly my height (5 foot 9 and 1 quarter inches tall), but knows physics well enough to know how to just toss the ball with enough height and arc to get over a defender a foot taller. He's my favorite non-Jimmer Kings baller.
I forgot how much I enjoy going to basketball games. I either need to watch for when the Milwaukee Bucks come to town next (I just missed them this time - they played Tuesday), or I need to learn to like the Wizards (based on the lack of confidence in their abilities from their current fans, I don't see this happening). Either way, now that I know good seats are CHEAP, I hope I'll be making my way back there a little more often.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
What Season Are We In, Again?
I love Winter - when Winter decides to act like Spring.
It's February 23rd today.
65 degrees and sunny.
So gorgeous.
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I just went for a walk, so I could soak up some much-needed vitamin D - and I definitely got my needed nutrients!
I did a lap around the Congressional buildings, and I meandered through the outdoor botanical gardens, which are surprisingly pretty even when few plants and flowers are in bloom. Then I walked back to my office, passing all the southern Magnolia trees lining the buildings all the way down the street.
My early afternoon walk was a lovely taste of Spring.
I think I'll enjoy another taste during a late afternoon walk as well.
It's February 23rd today.
65 degrees and sunny.
So gorgeous.
.JPG)
I just went for a walk, so I could soak up some much-needed vitamin D - and I definitely got my needed nutrients!
I did a lap around the Congressional buildings, and I meandered through the outdoor botanical gardens, which are surprisingly pretty even when few plants and flowers are in bloom. Then I walked back to my office, passing all the southern Magnolia trees lining the buildings all the way down the street.
My early afternoon walk was a lovely taste of Spring.
I think I'll enjoy another taste during a late afternoon walk as well.
My Destination Vacation Plans for Spring 2012
Plans. made. Tickets booked. Adventures dreamt.
If my destination travel plans are any indication, this is going to be one HOTT Spring 2012 for this girl.
Forget Costa Rica or Florida. Here are the new hot spots for a premier Spring Break experience:
First up:
March - Des Moines, Iowa, baby!
I'm flying to Milwaukee, and then hitting the road with oldest brother Chris and his family to Iowa to visit second oldest brother Ben and his family. I'm pretty stoked about it. It's just a weekend trip (Friday to Monday morning), but if it's anything like Ben's mad Just Dance dancing skills, it's going to be an amazing weekend.
Next:
May - Rolla, Missouri. Hallowed historical sight of Barlowpalooza 2011
I'm flying to Des Moines, and then hitting the road with Ben and his family. We'll enjoy the scenic sights as we head south. It will hopefully end up being a mini-barlowpalooza (a pre-palooza, if you will), as we've got most families slated to attend. My appearance was confirmed Tuesday night (11pm, 10 central), and I'm excited to be part of this great event.
I know, Des Moines and Rolla - how did I get so lucky as to score trips to these hot destinations? My family is so good to me, settling in such fun places as these. I can't wait.
I also recognize the silliness in my travel plans: fly to Milwaukee to get to Des Moines; fly to Des Moines to get to Rolla. That's just how the ticket prices worked, so I'm not going to question it. Clearly, I was meant to have two EPIC roadtrips this Spring, so I'm rolling with it.
Perhaps next time I make plans to go visit Abby in Arkansas, I can fly to Rolla and then drive down there with Zach and his family. You know, if I want to go for consistency.
If my destination travel plans are any indication, this is going to be one HOTT Spring 2012 for this girl.
Forget Costa Rica or Florida. Here are the new hot spots for a premier Spring Break experience:
First up:
March - Des Moines, Iowa, baby!
I'm flying to Milwaukee, and then hitting the road with oldest brother Chris and his family to Iowa to visit second oldest brother Ben and his family. I'm pretty stoked about it. It's just a weekend trip (Friday to Monday morning), but if it's anything like Ben's mad Just Dance dancing skills, it's going to be an amazing weekend.
Next:
May - Rolla, Missouri. Hallowed historical sight of Barlowpalooza 2011
I'm flying to Des Moines, and then hitting the road with Ben and his family. We'll enjoy the scenic sights as we head south. It will hopefully end up being a mini-barlowpalooza (a pre-palooza, if you will), as we've got most families slated to attend. My appearance was confirmed Tuesday night (11pm, 10 central), and I'm excited to be part of this great event.
I know, Des Moines and Rolla - how did I get so lucky as to score trips to these hot destinations? My family is so good to me, settling in such fun places as these. I can't wait.
I also recognize the silliness in my travel plans: fly to Milwaukee to get to Des Moines; fly to Des Moines to get to Rolla. That's just how the ticket prices worked, so I'm not going to question it. Clearly, I was meant to have two EPIC roadtrips this Spring, so I'm rolling with it.
Perhaps next time I make plans to go visit Abby in Arkansas, I can fly to Rolla and then drive down there with Zach and his family. You know, if I want to go for consistency.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
A Love Letter For Keanu
In my last post, I made a comment about Keanu Reeves which was probably unkind. I wanted to make sure I set the record straight about my opinion of this actor.
I am no Keanu hater.
In fact, I really like the guy. He gets criticized for a lack of acting skills sometimes, but let's be real here - he's one of the best in the business at picking movie roles that fit his acting abilities. And I find that some of my favorite movies and/or some of the movies I can watch over and over again are Keanu movies.
Case in point:
Speed
Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure
Point Break
The Replacements
I heard the Matrix movies were great (I think I finally saw the first one all the way through on tv a few years back...), and that he was great in Johnny Mnemonic.
Sure, I didn't love him in Much Ado About Nothing, and I don't fall for his romantic movies too much either, and yeah, he's been in a ton of other movies I've never seen, or wanted to see. But still - those 4 movies above used him perfectly. Ted Theodore Logan will always be one of my favorites, for all time.
All this to say, I love the movie Speed, and I'm not afraid to admit that I will always turn to that movie when it's airing on tv.
Always.
I am no Keanu hater.
In fact, I really like the guy. He gets criticized for a lack of acting skills sometimes, but let's be real here - he's one of the best in the business at picking movie roles that fit his acting abilities. And I find that some of my favorite movies and/or some of the movies I can watch over and over again are Keanu movies.
Case in point:
Speed
Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure
Point Break
The Replacements
I heard the Matrix movies were great (I think I finally saw the first one all the way through on tv a few years back...), and that he was great in Johnny Mnemonic.
Sure, I didn't love him in Much Ado About Nothing, and I don't fall for his romantic movies too much either, and yeah, he's been in a ton of other movies I've never seen, or wanted to see. But still - those 4 movies above used him perfectly. Ted Theodore Logan will always be one of my favorites, for all time.
All this to say, I love the movie Speed, and I'm not afraid to admit that I will always turn to that movie when it's airing on tv.
Always.
Random Thought of the Day
An American Tail and An American Tail: Fievel Goes West are one of those few instances where the sequel improves upon the original film.
Also:
Shrek/Shrek 2 (I'm ignoring the next 2 Shrek films, for obvious reasons)
Toy Story/Toy Story 2
The Bourne Identity/Bourne Supremacy
Star Wars/Empire Strikes Back
There are a few more, I'm sure, but these are the only ones I could think of so quickly.
One of the worst sequels to be made from a good movie*?
Speed 2.
Blech.
Coworker Rachel said it best: "Beware a movie that even Keanu Reeves declined to return for."
*And yes, I do mean to imply that Speed is a good movie. One of my favorite Keanu movies.
Also:
Shrek/Shrek 2 (I'm ignoring the next 2 Shrek films, for obvious reasons)
Toy Story/Toy Story 2
The Bourne Identity/Bourne Supremacy
Star Wars/Empire Strikes Back
There are a few more, I'm sure, but these are the only ones I could think of so quickly.
One of the worst sequels to be made from a good movie*?
Speed 2.
Blech.
Coworker Rachel said it best: "Beware a movie that even Keanu Reeves declined to return for."
*And yes, I do mean to imply that Speed is a good movie. One of my favorite Keanu movies.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Maybe the Dingo ate'cho Baybee!
So sometimes my pop culture recognition lags a little behind. No big deal - it catches up eventually.
I knew this had to reference something, but I never really knew what. Nor did I ever care to figure it out. It was funny all on it's own to me anyway:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghCTZF61ey0
But now I know - all these years later, I've learned the reference(s):
http://news.yahoo.com/australia-asks-again-did-dingo-kill-baby-125428983.html
A movie was made based on this story - "A Cry in the Dark." Meryl Streep says, "A Dingo ate my baby!" in a crazy Australian accent (no video clip could be found to prove it, sadly).
Full disclosure: I didn't actually read the article above. The headline was enough for me to get stuck with Elaine's voice in my head all day: "Maybe the Dingo ate'cho baybie!"
It's a question I'm sure we'll be asking ourselves for another 20 years.
And that, my friends, is why I love Seinfeld. It truly teaches me so much.
I knew this had to reference something, but I never really knew what. Nor did I ever care to figure it out. It was funny all on it's own to me anyway:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghCTZF61ey0
But now I know - all these years later, I've learned the reference(s):
http://news.yahoo.com/australia-asks-again-did-dingo-kill-baby-125428983.html
A movie was made based on this story - "A Cry in the Dark." Meryl Streep says, "A Dingo ate my baby!" in a crazy Australian accent (no video clip could be found to prove it, sadly).
Full disclosure: I didn't actually read the article above. The headline was enough for me to get stuck with Elaine's voice in my head all day: "Maybe the Dingo ate'cho baybie!"
It's a question I'm sure we'll be asking ourselves for another 20 years.
And that, my friends, is why I love Seinfeld. It truly teaches me so much.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
NERD!
I read this today, and I loved it (I think the fake Pew Research tweet was my favorite).
The candy heart gift at the end is also quite precious.
The candy heart gift at the end is also quite precious.
The nerdiest lovers' spat Twitter has ever seen
Saturday, February 11, 2012
In Memoriam
I was at a party tonight, chatting with a few friends, sipping a delicious mango slush drink and raving over the gourmet snacks the hosts had made, when a friend of mine got a text with breaking news from CNN:
Whitney Houston dead at 48.
It took a few moments for my brain to make sense of the text on his phone.
And then my world shattered.
I'm still picking up the broken shards inside me as I come to terms with the news that my idol has died.
We stood around at the party for 15 more minutes, trying to make small talk with the others around us, but our hearts weighed heavily under our forced smiles and hollow laughter. Finally, my two friends and I knew we had to leave (mostly because we were already planning to leave at that point anyway), so we slid through the crowd and out into the cold, bitter wind, our fresh tears whipped from our cheeks.
My friend Eric pulled out his phone and immediately played "Saving All My Love For You," dedicating it to my friend Kaitlyn and me. His sweetness made us laugh - it was the only way we knew how to cope.
As we drove to drop Eric off at his house, we began to swap memories. Our experiences with Whitney. How she helped make us who we are now. We comforted each other's sorrowing hearts with our personal stories of Whitney.
I remembered doing chores or rollerblading down our driveway, with the little radio we had blasting Whitney whenever I heard "How Will I Know" play. Kaitlyn recalled making a choreographed dance with her sisters to one of Whitney's songs. Eric talked about a road-trip mix tape he'd made with his siblings, containing mostly Whitney Houston songs.
It brought smiles to our faces, just thinking of her and the happiness she brought to our lives. She features prominently in the soundtrack to my life these 25 years.
I loved singing "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" before I went to a church dance, or before I went anywhere, really. I danced around my room, singing at the top of my lungs, not even considering the idea that everyone else in the house could hear my screeching.
Whenever I talk about children, I automatically recite the lyrics of "The Greatest Love of All." Because like Whitney, I also believe the children are our future, and that we should teach them well and let them lead the way.
Of course, I'm listening to Whitney as I type this - "Where Do Broken Hearts Go." It's a question I ask myself as I attempt to figure out how I will cope, knowing my best musician friend and musical idol is no longer by my side.
But she will always be with me. She will be on every love mix I make. She will be what I dance to when I get ready for a night on the town. She will be I listen to when my heart aches. She will be what I sing at the top of my lungs when...well, just whenever I want to.
She will be part of my life always.
Perhaps I was unconsciously preparing my heart for this news earlier today, when I randomly listened to "I Will Always Love You." A song I have more memories with than I have with some close friends, I think of that last playback this morning now as a sort of sending off. A goodbye from a dear friend. It was like Whitney was telling me of her love for me, but that she had to go, and that I'd be okay.
And I will be. I will be strong. Because she has made me so.
So Whitney, I know I'm just reciting something millions are also whispering through their tears, but know that, sincerely, I will always love you. My life is so much better for having you in it. You will always be with me, in my heart and in my stereo.
Rest in peace, my dear, sweet Whitney Houston.
I'd love to hear your memories with Whitney, too, if you'd like to share.
Whitney Houston dead at 48.
It took a few moments for my brain to make sense of the text on his phone.
And then my world shattered.
I'm still picking up the broken shards inside me as I come to terms with the news that my idol has died.
We stood around at the party for 15 more minutes, trying to make small talk with the others around us, but our hearts weighed heavily under our forced smiles and hollow laughter. Finally, my two friends and I knew we had to leave (mostly because we were already planning to leave at that point anyway), so we slid through the crowd and out into the cold, bitter wind, our fresh tears whipped from our cheeks.
My friend Eric pulled out his phone and immediately played "Saving All My Love For You," dedicating it to my friend Kaitlyn and me. His sweetness made us laugh - it was the only way we knew how to cope.
As we drove to drop Eric off at his house, we began to swap memories. Our experiences with Whitney. How she helped make us who we are now. We comforted each other's sorrowing hearts with our personal stories of Whitney.
I remembered doing chores or rollerblading down our driveway, with the little radio we had blasting Whitney whenever I heard "How Will I Know" play. Kaitlyn recalled making a choreographed dance with her sisters to one of Whitney's songs. Eric talked about a road-trip mix tape he'd made with his siblings, containing mostly Whitney Houston songs.
It brought smiles to our faces, just thinking of her and the happiness she brought to our lives. She features prominently in the soundtrack to my life these 25 years.
I loved singing "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" before I went to a church dance, or before I went anywhere, really. I danced around my room, singing at the top of my lungs, not even considering the idea that everyone else in the house could hear my screeching.
Whenever I talk about children, I automatically recite the lyrics of "The Greatest Love of All." Because like Whitney, I also believe the children are our future, and that we should teach them well and let them lead the way.
Of course, I'm listening to Whitney as I type this - "Where Do Broken Hearts Go." It's a question I ask myself as I attempt to figure out how I will cope, knowing my best musician friend and musical idol is no longer by my side.
But she will always be with me. She will be on every love mix I make. She will be what I dance to when I get ready for a night on the town. She will be I listen to when my heart aches. She will be what I sing at the top of my lungs when...well, just whenever I want to.
She will be part of my life always.
Perhaps I was unconsciously preparing my heart for this news earlier today, when I randomly listened to "I Will Always Love You." A song I have more memories with than I have with some close friends, I think of that last playback this morning now as a sort of sending off. A goodbye from a dear friend. It was like Whitney was telling me of her love for me, but that she had to go, and that I'd be okay.
And I will be. I will be strong. Because she has made me so.
So Whitney, I know I'm just reciting something millions are also whispering through their tears, but know that, sincerely, I will always love you. My life is so much better for having you in it. You will always be with me, in my heart and in my stereo.
Rest in peace, my dear, sweet Whitney Houston.
I'd love to hear your memories with Whitney, too, if you'd like to share.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Ellen's Celebrity Scares
This will just never get old to me. I can watch it over and over again, and I still giggle like a little girl every time.
Dennis Quaid - I love you. Even if you scream like a girl.
Dennis Quaid - I love you. Even if you scream like a girl.
Squid!
I just had calamari for the first time tonight.
I also just learned what calamari is.
Surprisingly, I didn't hate it. In fact, I kind of liked it. It was a little chewy, but the fried outside tasted just like onion rings, so I focused on that flavor, and I was able to enjoy it.
I was glad to note my taste for squid wasn't ruined by my 5th grade science class, when we had to dissect a squid. Because the dissection unit ruined my taste for some other things.
I haven't been able to enjoy mushrooms since.
I got to try calamari because we had a work dinner tonight, to finish off an afternoon of goal-making and prioritizing. Our office mini-retreat for the year. We started with Chipotle for lunch, had 5 hours discussing the next 11 months, and then went to Old Ebbitt Grill for dinner.
At dinner, out waiter told us that Old Ebbitt Grill is the old restaurant in DC, and the 3rd busiest restaurant IN THE NATION. Crazy. Good thing I made our reservation 2 weeks ago...
Their menu is seasonal, and everything is super fresh. Which I could taste. My salmon seemed almost too fresh, in fact.
Actually, I would never be able to tell how fresh fish is, so I'm just assuming he was telling us the truth.
Either way, dinner was delicious. And the deliciousness started with calamari and crab artichoke dip and fresh bread. And a diet coke. For me. Others got glasses of wine - of which I hear Old Ebbitt has a very nice and extensive selection. Which is another plus - for the drinking crowd.
It was fun eating at such an old and popular restaurant, with the White House just around the corner, and the Washington Monument just outside the window.
But the most exciting part of dinner for me was the calamari. It made me feel all refined and interesting. I started daydreaming about the life I would start living, now that I eat calamari. That daydream involved sunbathing on a yacht and a Summer home in the Hamptons (which would of course incite all sorts of melodrama in my life, if the real Hamptons are anything like they are on the edgy new drama, Revenge!).
I couldn't help but feel more high-class and impressive.
Because how often does the common person just snack on squid?
I also just learned what calamari is.
Surprisingly, I didn't hate it. In fact, I kind of liked it. It was a little chewy, but the fried outside tasted just like onion rings, so I focused on that flavor, and I was able to enjoy it.
I was glad to note my taste for squid wasn't ruined by my 5th grade science class, when we had to dissect a squid. Because the dissection unit ruined my taste for some other things.
I haven't been able to enjoy mushrooms since.
I got to try calamari because we had a work dinner tonight, to finish off an afternoon of goal-making and prioritizing. Our office mini-retreat for the year. We started with Chipotle for lunch, had 5 hours discussing the next 11 months, and then went to Old Ebbitt Grill for dinner.
At dinner, out waiter told us that Old Ebbitt Grill is the old restaurant in DC, and the 3rd busiest restaurant IN THE NATION. Crazy. Good thing I made our reservation 2 weeks ago...
Their menu is seasonal, and everything is super fresh. Which I could taste. My salmon seemed almost too fresh, in fact.
Actually, I would never be able to tell how fresh fish is, so I'm just assuming he was telling us the truth.
Either way, dinner was delicious. And the deliciousness started with calamari and crab artichoke dip and fresh bread. And a diet coke. For me. Others got glasses of wine - of which I hear Old Ebbitt has a very nice and extensive selection. Which is another plus - for the drinking crowd.
It was fun eating at such an old and popular restaurant, with the White House just around the corner, and the Washington Monument just outside the window.
But the most exciting part of dinner for me was the calamari. It made me feel all refined and interesting. I started daydreaming about the life I would start living, now that I eat calamari. That daydream involved sunbathing on a yacht and a Summer home in the Hamptons (which would of course incite all sorts of melodrama in my life, if the real Hamptons are anything like they are on the edgy new drama, Revenge!).
I couldn't help but feel more high-class and impressive.
Because how often does the common person just snack on squid?
Just Another Day
So we had a former San Francisco 49er defensive linesman in our office this morning.
No big deal.
He was only a two-time Super Bowl winner. With 2 giant super bowl rings.
Whatever.
Turns out, he's good buddies with my boss out in CA. And he's a really nice guy.
With a really strong handshake.
I know that because he shook my hand as he thanked me for helping him earlier in the morning.
I could feel in my handshake with him some of the power that pushed opposing players around and that sacked unsuspecting quarterbacks over and over again.
It also turns out, super bowl championship rings are really heavy.
I know that because he let me try them on.
They were a little big for my fingers.
And my thumb.
But just barely too small for my wrists.
His wife and I thought the diamonds were the perfect size for earrings for her. We talked over ways we could detach them from the ring so she could wear them - we didn't think he'd notice...
It also turns out, his wife is really nice, too. I really enjoyed joking around with her. We're basically besties now.
Just another workday in a congressional office.
No big deal.
He was only a two-time Super Bowl winner. With 2 giant super bowl rings.
Whatever.
Turns out, he's good buddies with my boss out in CA. And he's a really nice guy.
With a really strong handshake.
I know that because he shook my hand as he thanked me for helping him earlier in the morning.
I could feel in my handshake with him some of the power that pushed opposing players around and that sacked unsuspecting quarterbacks over and over again.
It also turns out, super bowl championship rings are really heavy.
I know that because he let me try them on.
They were a little big for my fingers.
And my thumb.
But just barely too small for my wrists.
His wife and I thought the diamonds were the perfect size for earrings for her. We talked over ways we could detach them from the ring so she could wear them - we didn't think he'd notice...
It also turns out, his wife is really nice, too. I really enjoyed joking around with her. We're basically besties now.
Just another workday in a congressional office.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
So Ugly
I think yawning is one of the ugliest things people do.
Everyone should always cover their mouths when they yawn, if only to shield the world from such an ugly sight.
I hate when I see people yawn. Particularly when it's during a conversation. I can't avoid it then - and my perception of that person is irreparably damaged.
No one looks good when they yawn.
No one.
Everyone should always cover their mouths when they yawn, if only to shield the world from such an ugly sight.
I hate when I see people yawn. Particularly when it's during a conversation. I can't avoid it then - and my perception of that person is irreparably damaged.
No one looks good when they yawn.
No one.
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