Happy Lunch Hour!

Hello all!


Firstly, I just want to say thanks to everyone who reads this. I'm having a lot of fun writing it, which is basically what matters to the only child in me, but it's good to know that someone is reading and enjoying, versus me putting un-fun chatter into cyberspace. Actually, it seems like several folks are reading. Score! 

I want to go for a walk in the beautiful weather outside, so this shall be a quick lunchtime check-in.

Nags: I am missing several pieces of pop culture that must be you-tubed or Hulued. (I have no idea how I'd spell that last one. Yes, I realize it's my own fault for making up verbs.) Namely, Whitney Houston's interview with Oprah and Kanye West's interview on Jay Leno. I'm super duper curious about both, and the snippets I heard from Whitney's were pretty deep. I have got to get on it.
Brags: I just had the BEST.SANDWICH.EVER. Well, maybe not ever, but what's a blog without a touch of hyperbole? It was turkey and avocado and had swiss cheese, and I'm so FULL. But not that uncomfy full, where you feel like you should be wearing stretch pants and be near a pillow. That satisfied full where all is right with the world. The kind I'd grant to all those starving children in Africa my aunt used to talk about when she wanted me to finish my food. The good kind, lol. I hadn't made myself a sandwich in a good minute, and clearly my socks have been rocked.
 

Note: this is not my sandwich, but I think blogs with pictures are more fun, and this one has the right idea.







Okay folks, I know this wasn't the most riveting post ever, but I had fun anyway, hope you did too. After all, when is talking about food not awesome?!

OH! Adventure update-

1. I start modern dance class this week! On Thursday! Yay! It will either be so much fun, or so much humiliation. More likely some combo of the two, lol. 
2. I have every intention of making sushi on Saturday, now that funds are not too tight to buy ingredients.
3. I'm thinking something cultural for the 3rd one. The DC Short Film Fest is still around til Thursday. Perhaps I can convince a co-worker to come with, or go post dance if the dance buddy is down. We'll see. If not that... something, lol. I am NOT feeling being behind schedule.
   

Clearly I'm not that focused today...

Dear Co-Workers,

If any of y'all happen to read this, and check the time stamp I'm sorry. It's Monday, and I'm just not feeling this whole work thing. I'm working on my memo though honest. This whole becoming a social networking expert concept just keeps getting me sidetracked. Please don't fire me.

Yours,
Sam

Alright, now that that's out of the way- just a quick update on my earlier nag- interesting perspective from Professor MAN. (If I knew how to do that thing where you start someone's post and then it finishes on their blog, I would. But, as you can see, I don't. So click it yourselves please and thanks! )

It is indeed quite possible that all of this was staged. That would have been genius marketing on MTV's part, though I hesitate to give them that much credit.
I do however, believe that cultural scripts were definitely followed. The usual folks denounced Kanye, and the usuals stuck up for him, Ms. Swift got to look aghast at the Black bogeyman, and I am quite sure many more "urban" folks are aware of her presence than previously. Gotta say though, if it was staged I think Beyonce got the best deal of the bunch. Nice way to make up for any lingering doubts about her divadom to those who remember Destiny's Child's many personnel changes and her much gossiped about role in that. I drank her Kool-aid long ago, but I saw at least one facebook status of a new convert after last night...

Okay, exiting pop culture to focus on saving the world. Gotta get something done today if I want to keep riding my non-profit high horse!

Almost Forgot!

Well, not really, but thought I'd add it separately in the interest of brevity:

Nags: Ummmm, I dunno. I'm feeling pretty good today. Just for the sake of putting one out there, I suppose I'll mention the shenanigans of my people that seemed to dominate the weekend. Now let it be known that I'm so over the whole "you just set us ALL back 100 years" (why is it always a whoooole century btw?!). And I think we're past the age where one of us represents everyone, assuming you're not in a classroom at Duke (a digression I'll avoid). But, let's just be honest, there are stereotypes about us acting a fool, and I do think it's nice when we keep it classy- ie not scaring tennis refs or damaging teenage girls.

I'm not saying I don't agree on some level, but that was CLEARLY not the time or place. Dude really made it more about himself than either woman, and that's a shame. And I've heard it compared to his comments on George Bush, but I think it's not the same, because while George could have done more than fly over New Orleans, poor Taylor didn't award herself a moon man. She was just doin' her.

Apparently she's apologized now. Good job, though I thought she would anyway. I mean, again, it was not okay, but I like to think she just got caught up in the emotion of the game. At least it's not habitual for her to say crazy stuff in public.





Brags: While we're talking about famous Black folk, Beyonce was so classy. I'm glad she righted her friend's wrong. 
On a personal note: Like I said, today is a good day. It's been a productive lunch hour, what with 2 updates and whatnot, and now I'm gonna get back to writing a memo for my new intern! (Well, she's not just mine, but I'm excited anyway!) Also, I am wearing a skirt I haven't fit since freshman year of college. That's pretty great too.

Well folks, like I said, gonna get back to work now. Laters!

Falling off the Wagon

I am most definitely slacking on these adventures. In my defense however, I had two friend dates, both of which could be seen as adventurous.

Eating Mexican food in Chinatown, it has been alleged, could truly have put my tummy in peril (all was well, thank goodness). That episode on Thursday was supposed to be an adventure, as I had plans to ask someone who appeared to have been in Chinatown when it actually was Chinatown about the area's history. Now, this could have been really fascinating, as I like random interviews, but I felt a little racist. I mean, I'll admit that I can't tell country of origin by sight, and what if the person I'd approached wasn't Chinese? Major faux pas. Or, what if a shopkeeper was just as new to the area as Urban Outfitters. I refuse to be one of those people who thinks they're all liberal and aware and PC, but then fails epically. So, rather than sounding like the kid who's "best friend is black! HONEST!", I skipped it, and ate my Chipotle.

I diiiid do some google research though. Apparently Chinatown was more of a Germantown until the 1930's, and hasn't been "authentically" Chinese since about the 80's. The city actually built the famous bridge more to commemorate what was once there rather than what is.

It's actually pretty sad to me, and yet another comment on gentrification in the District (I haven't made any on this blog to my remembrance, but it's a ponderance of mine in real life). Basically there isn't much of old Chinatown left (we looked, and so did this great photojournal). Apparently both Chocolate City and Chinatown suffer from urban renewal. Who knew?
So that I'll count as half an adventure, since I didn't totally follow through, but learned something anyway.


I also went out on Friday, and didn't get home until after midnight! I know what you're thinking "Whoooaa! Party animal!" It could be construed as an adventure, since I didn't know most of the people, and don't usually stay out that late anymore.

So together, I'll count it as 1 adventure total last week, which works since I still need to make sushi. I'll find a way to work in three this week and stay on track. Go team!

The Old Man is Snoring

This morning it was raining cats, dogs and giraffes. Yes, giraffes. It is that serious.

And I couldn't help but think, that the last time I remember having somewhere to be during such a storm, I was still at Duke. And I think I made that an e-meeting (read: a gchat conversation rather than leaving my apartment and treking across campus.) Buuut today I sat in traffic, avoided hydroplaning purely through prayer, and got to work on time. What a difference a few months makes. Suppose I'm doing that dependable thing I vowed to try post-grad.


And now to the daily vent session. (These make me feel good. How do y'all feel about it?):

Nags: I realize that this is entirely on me, and I'll fix it as of next week, but I have totally fallen off the weekday workout wagon. Shame on me. And it's a vicious cycle, because not getting those endorphins makes me sluggish, which makes me not wanna work out, and on and on. Note to self- do better.
Brags: It's a friend filled week! Yay Dukies! And yay for Chipotle not kicking us out after an extended stay. And especially yay for one of my fav sopranos relocating to the District. Awesomeness all around. Oh! And a brag on my hair withstanding the rain. That hairdresser most definitely earned her tip.



Updates on adventure count stats laterrrrr. Off to vacuum the office, lol. Ohh the joys of small non-profits. ^Exciting^***


***Note: The above carrots are now going to be used to indicate sarcasm, per the suggestion of Jenny Rose. Sarcastic carrots. I like it. Learn it, use it, spread it, love it!

Time out to acknowledge the world around me

After my flurry of productivity, I've realized that I need to speak to my supervisor before proceeding. Aaaand she's in a meeting. So I'm back (isn't it wonderful?) and thought I'd comment on my President's address to Congress on health care reform.

The Good:

• Gotta be one of his best speeches yet. It just felt good to listen to, and had I not been analyzing him (thanks to Mom's skepticism mostly) I would have been totally swept away.
• He finally laid out what he considers to be essential to the plan, and dispelled a lot of myths. Although, some were so ludicrous I still can't believe anyone bought it. Death panels?! Really guys, come on now.
• I agree with the plan (the broad strokes of it at least), and think that it would do what I feel should be the main goal- make sure everyone has access to coverage.
• We're further along on this issue than ever before, and congress agrees on 80% of the content.
• Senator Kennedy's wife seemed so touched.
• Lady O looked lovely, per usual.
  

The Bad:

• That other 20% is killer.
  
• Things are still a bit fuzzy for me. I think it's partly because Congress is doing the law writing, but I wish we'd gotten more details.
• I have a hard time believing this won't cost us a lot. Saying that the deficit won't increase seems deceptive, because I suspect premiums will still rise. On the other hand, I think it may be worth the initial cost for greater rewards later. But I hope we're being honest about it.
  
• The public option (option, not takeover folks) seems really important to me, and we might be losing it.
•  I have mixed feelings about invoking Senator Kennedy's legacy. I think it was effective and tasteful, but I always hesitate when we use those who have passed on to get anything done, even if they would support the legislation.
  

The Ugly:

• Representative Joe Wilson. Enough said.
• Actually this image says it better:

The Beautiful:

• My President will Call.You.Out. Loved it.
  

Just a sidenote: between Joe Jackson and Joe Wilson, it's like all the Joe's in the world got together mid-summer and said "Hey, let's just make *sses out of ourselves in public. Ready? GO!" Clearly they both need more people.

Today is a good day...

Gooood morning blogosphere!

I am in a good mood today. The sun is out, I got to work on time with little incident, and it's Thursday! I have always loved Thursdays even more than Fridays, because on Thursday I feel like there's so much to look forward to. Not like Fridays, where there's so much expectation and pressure that you're likely setting yourself up for a letdown.

Meanwhile, the poll is closed, and I'm on schedule to make sushi! Yay!

Not a clue about this other adventure, but hoping something will spring to mind by Monday. I like to make my deadlines. (In grown-up life anyway... let's not talk about anything prior.) Next week I'm thinking dance class and DC short film fest. I'd go see a film this week, but I'm attempting frugality. *Sigh* responsibility.

And for Nags and Brags.

Nags: I really wanted the poll results to be cheesecake. I love cheesecake.
Brags: As I write this, I've already checked 2 things off of my to-do list at work! Aaaaand I'm wearing some superfly polka-dot tights, thanks to the pleasant chill in the air.

Mine are actually gray and white, but you get the idea. Yay!

Have a great day guys; I'm getting back on the productivity train. :)

Adventure Updates, Plus Something New! (That was a good movie, btw)

Wow, I managed to digress in the title. Not sure if that's impressive or ADD of me.

Adventure updates:

1. It's day 3 of the brighter lipstick wearing. And I think it's growing on me. Enough that I intend to post a pic this evening. Assuming that I remember to do so and don't pass out directly after dinner...
2. Still no clue about what adventure #2 of the week is going to be. Last week was a bit expensive, and due to the "super-duper move-out savings plan", and losing track of my Metro trip smart card (grrrrrrr to reloading money) times are tight. But, I bet I can find an adventure for cheap/free.
3. Today is the last day to vooooote! So far it looks like I'm making sushi! I'll get Mom in on this one I suspect. And try to avoid health code violations. Wish me luck! Or, change your votes. Either way, I'm game.
   

***

Meanwhile, I've decided I want to be one of those blogs with features and whatnot. Sooooo I'm instituting nags and brags. It's something one of my co-workers did with her teen staff over the summer, and I thought it was cute: tell one thing that's bugging you, and one thing that's rocking your socks. As of today, I plan on doing daily nags and brags, because I know you will be fascinated. Ha! (If there was a sarcastic font, I'd have been using it there.)


Nags: Back to school traffic. Ugh! It's definitely extended the commute, and though I support education, I wish kids were homeschooled. (I know that's selfish, but it's MY nag.)

Brags: I got to wear my yellow trench coat today! Such fun! That coat and my galoshes (which I didn't wear today, but probably should have) definitely make rainy days a bit better.

K. That was my 15 minute brain break. Back to werrrrrk (Blocker and Okolie, 2009).

Red lipstick... Meh.

In the interest of the budget, and getting this adventure in, and because she offered, I borrowed my mom's red-ish lipstick today. It's actually more of a wine color. In fact, it's called "wine with everything", which sounds like the Duke senior's motto for life. Ha. But I digress.

There's the color, taken right from Revlon's website. 

I'm not sure if I'm just getting used to such a wash of color or what, but I'm not head over heels about it. It rubbed off and a re-application seems wasteful, so no pics just yet. But they'll come this week. I think I'll keep playing with it, and potentially go buy my own shade. Perhaps a bit more fire-enginey.

But for the adventure tally, this counts. I definitely felt a bit more conspicuous, lol. Maybe that's the hesitation, because my makeup has been quite subdued of late.

This shall be an adventure in progress, so I'll keep you posted. I'll also let you know what the upcoming ones will be. I'll fix the food this upcoming weekend, but I gotta find a weekday activity.

Feel free to share ideas!

Oh yea, and if you haven't voted yet, do it! This one is a good race thus far.

A new metaphor for life

In front of God, my "partner in climb" (not pictured below) and the tourists on the National Mall, I climbed a tree on Friday, September 6, 2009. I discovered several things while doing this:

1. I should remember when I'm going to take these adventures so that I won't be caught looking less than lovely on camera.
2. I am a teensy bit afraid of heights. 
3. Tree bark hurts a bit. 
4. Sometimes people who come along to "help" really just want to laugh. 
   
5. Tree climbing makes a good metaphor for life. Think about it- You see a tree and you think, sure, I'll climb it. Why not? Looks fun! But then it's hard, and you have no clue what you're doing, until you figure out how to put one foot in front of the other. Then of course there's the matter of getting to the top, reaching the goal, and having no clue what comes next (i.e. how to get down from the tree).
   

So enjoy. Get some laughs, or think deeply, either way- enjoy!

  

 This is me examining the tree.

 

Whoa! I'm the tree! Score! I'm exciiiited.

Attempt number one at getting higher, because hopping into the tree just didn't seem satisfactory. No guts no glory right?

 

 One word: struggle.

  

Still riding the struggle bus... 

 

But enjoying it! 

 

Clearly the "What am I doing with my life and what have I gotten myself into?" moment.

 

Victory!

And now we report the news! 

(And demonstrate the results of yoga apparently, with the oddly positioned foot.)

Not pictured here is the "What happens next?" moment, where I had to figure out how to get down from the tree. It wasn't pretty, but some folks were amused. Luckily for me, the camera's battery had died, so you all only see the triumph.  Good times no?

Foooood!

In thinking about next weeks adventures, I kinda struggled. I'm gonna finish this week strong by buying myself some red lipstick today or tomorrow (you know Labor Day extends the week so it counts), and I signed up for dance lessons, which will be a major adventure starting mid-September, and I've climbed my treeeee (pics later today promise). But, that and being frugal leaves next week as a bit of a black hole...

And, naturally, in walked food! I've listed a few things I've always wanted to make, or been afraid to eat.

Cheesecake

 

Brussel Sprouts

  

Sushi

Egg Rolls

I've got recipes for all of them, just gotta do the cooking, so please:
Help me decide!

Thanks much! Hope everyone is having a wonderful Labor Day weekend :)

I did it!

Ladies and gentleman of the blogosphere and voting public, I have an announcement:

Today, I am officially a climber of trees!

 ...Well, one tree. Still, it counts. Whoooo!

I will post pictures of this most adventurous adventure very very soon, but per usual, I was too excited to share my joy to wait to find the camera cord!