Diary of DC/NoVa trip (condensed & overdue)

So for those of you still out there, here is a summary of my trip of July 4 weekend. Staying at CC's place in Rosslyn and chillin' out, mostly eating. Posted pics on facebook for those inclined.

7/2 - Arrived at BWI and took MARC train to Union Station- describe this cause I enjoyed mass transit and miss it living in pseudo midwest suburbia. Had tapas for lunch and then relaxed at CC's place where I listened in on work conference call (about topic I prepared though didn't present) and had one phone "meeting" - reference for a potential vendor. It was actually a good chat and once it was over - cleared my head and no work thoughts! Walked to dinner at Thai restaurant - vv good and family style of course with group - wonderful scallops. Walked to gelato place for dessert (chocconanas!).

7/3 - Visited Hillwood Museum & Gardens with CC, Andrea & her mom- highly recommend this. There is a fee and you have to make a reservation. Estate of Marjorie Merriweather Post and featured her collection of art & other objets. Feminine and personal, mostly French & Russian - fabulous gardens. Lunch was at Indian buffett restaurant near K Street. Tried curried goat - not bad. CC had meetings, others headed out of town for weekend. I spent afternoon at National Gallery of Art, mostly East Wing, then a short visit of Air & Space Museum. East Wing is one of my favorite places ever. Saw treasures of Afghanistan exhibit. Day became hot & humid of course, especially metro & walk back to CC's place. Dinner was at Pentagon City with visits to Costo and grocery to plan for next day's picnic.

7/4 Chilled out and helped CC when I could planning for picnic at her place. Of course all types of meat: hot dogs, brauts, marinated chicken and burgers. Then walked to park near Iwo Jima to watch fireworks. A little rain, which stopped just in time. Plenty of leftovers of course, including cupcakes!

7/5 - Went to party at friend's of CC's near Union Station. Excellent food and interesting chat with folks who used to work for FEMA (pre W). Had nice chat with french girl who lives in NY, just arrived in DC for first time. Then shopping at Tysons (spent $$ on nice bag at Levenger) and met friends at Japanese place. First time in a long while that ordered bento box. Saw Wanted, which was pretty good.

7/6 Started with dim sum with CC, KJCB, KMcA and Min. Then the girls went to Pentagon City for shopping and facials. Snack at crepe restaurant. Chatted with Mrs. R and made plans to meet next day.

7/7 - Went to Newseum with CC. New location on Penn Ave - well done, even though there is a fee, also recommend it. CC went to work and I meet Mrs R and her gang: 2 boys ages 8 & 6, and little girl age 2 who did a great Maggie Simpson impression. Had early dinner at Applebees and good chat with them all. They are fun, though didn't get to see one of the best dog's ever, Merlin, this trip. Maybe next time. Then chilled out back at CC's had dessert there with some folks and started to pack.

Same trip back, train from Union Station then BWI - southwest to Cbus. Overall a relaxing trip and really made me think about where & how I'm living. I am now stepping up job hunt. Too bad firm doesn't have much in that area....yet.

Coming Soon

• Updates from my DC trip which was fun and ate lots of good food. (see pics on facebook)
• Attended wedding this weekend with proper cocktails
• Planning for Florida visit
• So happy for my pal, MM, her twins arrived early this morning. Boy - little over 6lbs, and Girl - over 7lbs! (15lbs of baby for my petite friend).
• I'm sure there is more to say.....

Le Quatorze Juillet

Happy Bastille Day! McSweeney's is always pretty good.

I'm back from travels and will write more later. Been updating facebook lately.

Imma slug

Getting ready to head out of town soon and really looking forward to it. Realized that I have been a boring slug lately. Need a mental adjustment, starting by getting away. I know wherever you go , there you are. Just looking forward to a break and spending some time in DC. Staying with CC (aka asian-american sister) and hope to see Mrs. R and family, and KJCB. Also bought tickets to see Sister in August. (DC in July/ Florida in August - I'm brilliant) Realized I haven't left Ohio since February - WTF!! No wonder I've become a slug. (also following facebook at times).

Current plans: Wednesday - arrive BWI and take MARC train to DC (ah mass transit). Head to CC's and dinner plans are set. On the 4th she has people over then go watch fireworks from Iwo Jima Memorial. Other than that my plans are:

See Newseum, shopping at Tysons, some spa activity (mani/pedi/facial/massage), more museums of course- always go to National Gallery East Wing, WWII memorial, and many other places. Hirshhorn has interesting exhibit, also want to check out Library of Congress. I sound touristy I know, and I will do some other things too. Something about your college town that feels like home.

Write more when I return - with pictures.

Day the music died?

Not that I need to search hard, found another reason may need to leave Cbus. The symphony may be gone after this summer. 14th largest city in the US and it may let it's symphony die? I love football, however the city needs both. Also blaming the musicians is outrageous. Who can afford a pay cut in times like this?

(Notice the story isn't from Dispatch ) For those inclined to see more from the musicians view, check out Symphony Strong (though I will confess to bias)

Chillin' on Saturday

Relaxing at home. Last night had a fun time with Mr & Mrs A. Saw SATC with pre-show cocktails (cosmo's of course - so cool that Mr. A enjoys them also). Then dinner at pub. Just relaxing evening - heard about their trip to Italy and redecorating.

As for SATC, enjoyed the movie, if you like the show, you'll like the movie. Didn't have high expectations, just a little fun. Love the idea of a wedding in a library . Little too much promotion of Louis Vuitton - and I love my LV (Damier canvas). The movie is a designer showcase.

It's officially summer here now- hit 90 degrees this week. It plans to stay that way. Of course I'm stupid enough to travel to DC/swamp in July and Florida in early August!

Addicted/ Confused by Facebook

Haven't done much lately, however been drawn into Facebook. First CC, then cousins, then more. Easy to get lost in it.

Not much else new except started making summer travel plans. DC area - 7/2 - 7/8! Ft Lauderdale probably first week of August. Actually watched some political coverage the other night. Glad the primaries are over.