The Muffin Chronicles

Home for a Wedding

2008-12-15T12:19:00.000-05:00

This past week I flew home for a wedding. Saturday was one of the most beautiful winter days I have seen, maybe ever. My dad and I got up and did some errands, and then we spent all afternoon walking around the local wildlife preserves and one of the beaches. We even saw the seals that are migrating!

Sunday night one of my closest friends from Princeton got married in Boston. It was held at the Hampshire House, which is right above the Cheers. There were only about 43 guests, mostly family. It was a lovely night and a great reason to make another trip home.

Home for Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T12:05:00.000-05:00

This year is my parents' 30th wedding anniversary, so despite their request NOT to have a party, we invited over several couples that have been family friends for almost as long as I can remember if not more! We hosted a dinner for them all, in the theme of "Falling in love..."

While everyone was home for Thanksgiving, we also had a chance to go see my grandmother. She'd just moved into an assisted living home, and it was the first time that all of us had the chance to see what it is like. I think she's a bit lonely, but it was a very friendly, open place.

After all that, we had a quiet Thanksgiving at home with just us. It was nice to have some time to just enjoy being at the new house.

Surprise Visit from Nic

2008-11-23T12:00:00.000-05:00

This weekend my cousin Nic showed up in Baltimore! Zach and I hung out with him in Baltimore for awhile, and then later that weekend he came down to DC. We spent hours walking around the Mall. We saw the Washington Monument (although it's kind of hard to avoid!), the Reflection Pool, the Lincoln Memorial, the WWII Memorial and the ones for Korea and Vietname. We walked around the Tidal Basin to the Jefferson Memorial. We visited the National Archives to see the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and our Constitution. Best news of the weekend: that whole side of the family will get together again in WI in the summer of 2010 for Nic's wedding! Wonderful!

A Potluck and Music

2008-11-09T11:57:00.000-05:00

This weekend I hosted a 'spicy fusion' potluck dinner...complete success! There was more food than anyone could eat, and the night was lots of fun. After the meal, a bunch of us walked over to the Iota Club to hear the U-Liners perform. It's the band of a former coworker that plays folksy bluegrass music. The best part was having my cousin and her bf and then my brother and his gf there with me!

President-Elect Obama!

2008-11-05T11:51:00.000-05:00

"Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois was elected the nation's 44th president yesterday, riding a reformist message of change and inspirational exhortation of hope to become the first African American to ascend to the White House." -- Washington Post

In his own words:

Hello, Chicago.

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen, by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different, that their voices could be that difference.

It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled. Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states.

We are, and always will be, the United States of America.

It's the answer that led those who've been told for so long by so many to be cynical and fearful and doubtful about what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.

It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this date in this election at this defining moment change has come to America.

A little bit earlier this evening, I received an extraordinarily gracious call from Sen. McCain.

Sen. McCain fought long and hard in this campaign. And he's fought even longer and harder for the country that he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine. We are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader.

I congratulate him; I congratulate Gov. Palin for all that they've achieved. And I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead.

I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart, and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on the train home to Delaware, the vice president-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.

And I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last 16 years the rock of our family, the love of my life, the nation's next first lady Michelle Obama.

Sasha and Malia I love you both more than you can imagine. And you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House.

And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother's watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight. I know that my debt to them is beyond measure.

To my sister Maya, my sister Alma, all my other brothers and sisters, thank you so much for all the support that you've given me. I am grateful to them.

And to my campaign manager, David Plouffe, the unsung hero of this campaign, who built the best -- the best political campaign, I think, in the history of the United States of America.

To my chief strategist David Axelrod who's been a partner with me every step of the way.

To the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done.

But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to. It belongs to you. It belongs to you.

I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington. It began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston. It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give $5 and $10 and $20 to the cause.

It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep.

It drew strength from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on doors of perfect strangers, and from the millions of Americans who volunteered and organized and proved that more than two centuries later a government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from the Earth.

This is your victory.

And I know you didn't do this just to win an election. And I know you didn't do it for me.

You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime -- two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century.

Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us.

There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after the children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage or pay their doctors' bills or save enough for their child's college education.

There's new energy to harness, new jobs to be created, new schools to build, and threats to meet, alliances to repair.

The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.

I promise you, we as a people will get there.

There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president. And we know the government can't solve every problem.

But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And, above all, I will ask you to join in the work of remaking this nation, the only way it's been done in America for 221 years -- block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.

What began 21 months ago in the depths of winter cannot end on this autumn night.
This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were.

It can't happen without you, without a new spirit of service, a new spirit of sacrifice.

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of responsibility, where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves but each other.

Let us remember that, if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers.

In this country, we rise or fall as one nation, as one people. Let's resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long.

Let's remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House, a party founded on the values of self-reliance and individual liberty and national unity.

Those are values that we all share. And while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress.

As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.

And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too.

And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces, to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of the world, our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand.

To those -- to those who would tear the world down: We will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: We support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.

That's the true genius of America: that America can change. Our union can be perfected. What we've already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight's about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing: Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.

She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons -- because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.

And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America -- the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.

At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.

When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs, a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.

When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.

She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." Yes we can.

A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination.

And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change.

Yes we can.

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves -- if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?

This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment.

This is our time, to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.

Thank you. God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America.

Halloween 2008

2008-11-01T11:47:00.000-05:00

This year I teamed up with Kate and Cate to go out as the Boleyn ladies...inspired by the recent resurgence of the stories of the Boleyns and Henry the VIII. It was a fun night, even though most of it was spent getting all decked out. It was fabulously outrageous.

Fall-Time Adventures

2008-10-19T11:45:00.000-05:00

This weekend Maria and Anuj came south to visit me! We went apple picking, carved a pumpkin, and went out in VA and DC. It was a great fall weekend from the roasted pumpkin seeds to the stories.

Indiana Loses to Iowa

2008-10-12T11:39:00.000-05:00

This weekend was Zach's and my annual football weekend at IU. It was brilliantly sunny.

We rented a fun convertible. We hung out with Annie and Drew.

We watched IU lose to Iowa, but we also saw the Marching Hundred kick butt.

We tailgated and enjoyed some Denny's. And we played with Prince, Drew's cat that is staying at Annie's...totally crazy!

Philadelphia, Perfect as Always

2008-09-14T11:32:00.000-05:00

This weekend I visited Maria and Anuj in Philly. We had amazing brunch at Sabrina's Cafe...if you can call it that! It all tasted fantastic, but the servings were HUGE. And we nicknamed my french toast "the wedding cake"...can you tell why?

Then we went over to Fishtown, where there was an art/music festival. We saw some really sweet original art, and Maria found a one-of-a-kind stained glass heart.

Labor Day + Sun = Amazing Wine Tastings!

2008-09-01T11:25:00.000-05:00

Today Amanda and I went on a vineyard-inspired excursion into the wilds of Virginia (or at least those about an hour and a half outside of DC!). We packed up a picnic lunch and set off for the vineyards of Northern Virginia. We did a tasting at Winery at la Grange and then its sister vineyard, Pearmund Cellars.

Both had homemade sangrias to sample too. Guess we picked a great time to explore! We had such a great time, you can be sure we'll do it again.

Poppy Visits!

2008-08-31T11:22:00.000-05:00

Nothing beats the end of the summer. It's warm. It's sunny. Everyone is relaxed, and no one wants it to end. Poppy just came to visit, and we had a blast. Now if only I can convince her to move down here when she finishes her MFA ;)

Baetae Memoriae

2008-08-18T10:58:00.001-05:00

HERCHEN, ROBERT DeRULLE (JAMES), 91, passed away peacefully at home on August 16 after a short illness.

Born in Providence on November 18, 1916, he was the son of the late Arthur and Delia (Driscoll) Herchen, and brother of the late Arthur, Raymond, and Russell Herchen.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Dorothy (Babin); 6 children Carol Gibbons of East Greenwich, Catherine Dumican and husband Barry of South Yarmouth, MA, Roberta Herchen of Warwick, Stephen Herchen and wife Jennifer of Plymouth, MA, Paul Herchen and wife Joyce of West Warwick, and Elise Hedglen and husband Kenneth of Wakefield; 20 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He was a resident of Warwick for 54 years.

Mr. Herchen was an active alumnus of Rhode Island College of Education (now RIC), where he earned graduate and undergraduate degrees. He taught English and drama for 35 years at North Kingstown, where he served as department chair, Pilgrim, and Toll Gate high schools. In retirement he was active at St. Gregory the Great parish in Warwick as an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist to the sick in hospitals and nursing homes, and as a lector. A dedicated volunteer for Meals on Wheels for 27 years, Mr. Herchen was honored as the 2006 Rhode Island Volunteer of the Year.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on, THURSDAY at 10 a.m. in St. Gregory The Great Church, Cowesset Rd., Warwick, Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Visiting hours will be from 4-8 p.m. on WEDNESDAY at the RUSSELL J. BOYLE & SON Funeral Home 142 Centerville Rd., WARWICK. In lieu of flowers, memorial Gifts in Robert's memory to Meals on Wheels of RI, would be deeply appreciated. For on line expressions of sympathy, visit boyleandsonfuneralhome.com

All Points West Festival!

2008-08-10T11:16:00.000-05:00

For my birthday/graduation, the lovely Miss Jessie took me to the All Points West Festival. It was a pretty rainy, cool day, but we made the best of the live music. My favorite was Rodrigo y Gabriela...check them out. Now! Super fun!

Kevin and Cait's Wedding!

2008-08-03T10:54:00.000-05:00

My cousin Kevin and his fiancée Cait got married! It was a slightly rainy day in Providence, but everyone in the family made it out there. Even my grandfather, who has been really ill, was able to attend. The reception was a lively event; everyone was ready to relax and catch up.

Ellisville Road

2008-07-11T10:48:00.001-05:00

I finally got to see my parents' new house in Plymouth. While it will never really feel like home, it certainly is a relaxing place to come on vacation. From the back side of the house, wherever you look is the ocean.

You can see Cape Cod along the horizon and the nearby beach below the bluff. Down the street is a bison farm and around the corner are even more beaches.

4th of July in the Capital!

2008-07-05T10:45:00.000-05:00

This year, Cate convinced me to check out the fireworks down by the Mall. Lots of people, but the show was great to watch. Afterwards, we went up to Marvin on U Street for tasty drinks and good company! Next time you're in DC, let me know and I'll introduce you to Marvin!

Another Year Older, Another Move

2008-06-29T10:34:00.001-05:00

Good Bye to 1928 35th Place! It's hard to believe that the past two years flew by so quickly. Now I'm done with school and off to work; I'm really going to miss living in this townhouse, especially with Jess. Luckily we'll both still be in the area!

My parents and Annie came down to help me move the big stuff from the Georgetown house to my new apartment in Clarendon. I was really happy that they liked the new place as much as they did.

Luckily for us, the weather was nowhere near as hot as when I first moved down to DC! Lucky for me, my family is a great help...we were done in no time (almost)!

Turkey Fry!

2008-06-08T10:40:00.002-05:00

Last night, there was a turkey fry party...and it was a blast! I didn't expect it to turn out so tasty. Despite a wee bit of thunder, lightning and rain, the whole adventure was wonderful! Best of all I got to hang out with Robyn, Carolyn, and company!

4th Reunionizing!

2008-06-02T10:25:00.001-05:00

Well the fourth Reunion was good preparation for next year's 5th!!!

For the first time since graduation, Jeanne and I had Court there with us. Snap, Crackle, and Pop!

We stayed with my NJ buddiette -- Jess -- and enjoyed all that being back in Princeton had to offer. We stayed up late; we drank the 'finest' of beers; we visited the Bent Spoon and Small World Coffee; we had Sunday brunch at the Alchemist & Barrister; and best of all we saw all of our old friends and colleagues.

Is it next year yet??? I CAN'T WAIT!

A Visit Home

2008-05-29T10:15:00.000-05:00

My parents just bought a new house; it's gonna be down in Plymouth, almost on the Cape. So on my latest trip home, I packed up my old room and came across a bunch of childhood "treasures": a frozen banana pillow from home economics; a ballerina music box; pottery that I made; and all sorts of funny pictures and trinkets.

The weather was perfect, so my brother and I went down to the Beach. Even though the new house is on an ocean bluff, I'm definitely going to miss having Duxbury's ocean just a few minutes away.

Then Annie and I drove over to the new house (which we weren't actually able to visit), and she showed me the new beach. It's so quiet and beautiful.

Mastered!

2008-05-20T14:47:00.003-05:00

I'm a Master! yay! Last week was spent in a flurry of family, friends, caps and gowns. Annie visited for the whole week and we went hiking at Great Falls, dress shopping, and made all sorts of crazy tasty food from pesto to caramel-coated pumpkin flan. The whole family came to my program's pre-grad night at the German Embassy, which was a blast of food, drinks, and goodbyes!

It's Doener Time!

2008-05-12T14:54:00.001-05:00

Nothing says "we-like-all-things-German" like driving more than an hour into VA for some authentic German doener kebab...

But it was time well spent with my classmates. So much so that we want to go back sometime soon! There was great German beer on tap and really tasty fries and Curryketchup! We didn't want to leave. Seriously.

Lovely Ladies in DC

2008-04-12T10:54:00.000-05:00

I lucked out this weekend :) Both Jeanne and Jess came to visit me in DC! We had a super fun night of adventuring. It started with me turning in a complete draft of my thesis. Then we headed down to the Georgetown waterfront for some super fresh fish at Tony & Joe's, and barely finished before a big ol' rainstorm. Then we stopped by a "recession" party at Jacob's before heading out to Dupont Circle and Madhatter. It was a late night of music and dancing. I just wish they could stick around forever :) I'm glad I'm almost finished with school, so I can visit them more frequently!

A Weekend in NYC

2008-04-06T10:46:00.000-05:00

Finally! It took ages, but I finally got back up to the city to see all my old roomies and friends :) It was a fun visit full of both study time and not-study time. I hung out at Poppy's for a few days, and we went into the city a whole bunch. We had the chance to hear my brother perform with part of No Signal and enjoy a wide variety of cocktails and food.

We had brunch at Public with Ann and Megs; we found Frauke at her favorite bar; we caught up with Hana over margaritas and Mexican dinner; we lounged around; and we talked about life. It was such a fun time, almost enough to convince me to look for jobs in the city so I can be near all these girls again!

Rock of Love

2008-03-29T10:41:00.000-05:00

This weekend, my classmates had one of their first real parties of the semester. Everyone got all dressed up in honor of the show "Rock of Love" -- lots of big hair, less than tasteful clothing, and old school music. I think everyone had a great time, and the pictures still make me laugh!

Easter in Indy!

2008-03-24T10:34:00.000-05:00

I like my family. A whole lot! We met up in Bloomington for Easter this year. It was a busy but fun weekend.

There were two highlights: brunch with Drew (A's bf) and his family, which included a homemade bunny cake, and a ridiculous orchestra concert on Sunday night. The concert concluded with a pianist from the Dominican Republic -- Michel Camilo. He was FANTASTIC. I literally didn't want him to stop, which is a bit of a rarity with piano soloists. Check him out if you don't know who he is. You will NOT be let down..that much I can promise you!

Last Spring Break!!!

2008-03-10T10:10:00.001-05:00

After three years, I made it back to Germany! Stepping off the plane, I felt at home. It was a great week of new experiences and revisiting old friends. I started off in Hamburg on a very cold, wet, blustery weekend. I had never been that far north, but I really liked being on the water and exploring what the city had to offer.

Then I did one of my favorite things: I hopped on a train :) I spent the next couple of days in Berlin with Rachel, where we enjoyed some really great Turkish food, snow crazy snow, a night out with others from the American Academy, and the start of the local transport system going on strike!

After another train ride, I made it to Bamberg. Ahhhhh. Why did I ever leave? I spent the first night with Carmen -- one of my co-teachers who has the cutest new German baby :) Then I went to one of my high schools and visited a few classes with Gabi, another of my old teaching friends. Emmeli got there that night, and we stayed in a really cute (although bizarre) holiday apartment.

We had time to explore the town, see the cathedral, sit in the rose garden, and get coffee and cake at my favorite old lady cafe. I had Baumkuchen, which is this crazy cake of superfine layers. Google it. It's pretty ridiculous.

Because it isn't a trip to Bamberg without it, we spent one evening up with Birgit and Rainer's for dinner and catching up. Emmeli was a bit unsure about how it would play out, but they are such a fantastic couple. I wish I could just stay longer!

For our last day, Emmeli and I took the train over to Frankfurt and checked in to Pension Aller. The landlady is the most fantastic old German Oma! We walked around the city, found our last gemutlich dinner, and watched some German TV before tucking in. We woke up early and zipped over to the airport for our flights back home...great view of Greenland:

Fulbright Meets DC

2008-02-18T10:01:00.000-05:00

For the first time since we toasted good-bye in München (June 2005), my ladies and I got together in one place for a weekend of post-Fulbright fun. Linds drove down from OH for the weekend. Here are some highlights: going out dancing, walking around the Georgetown waterfront, exploring the Reflecting Pool, jumping around the Mall, walking around the World War II Memorial, making buckwheat Kasespaetzle, and catching up. These ladies made my time in Germany a one-of-a-kind experience. Hopefully our next Reunion will not be too far off...maybe we'll have to trek to Atlanta and see Mr. Neil now that he's all married!

No More Grad Conference!

2008-02-10T09:53:00.001-05:00

This weekend was our Program's Graduate Student Conference ("Europe on the World's Stage"). After almost a full year of planning, I am very happy to say it is over. We had two days of papers by students from outside of our program covering everything from European hip-hop culture to the environment and migration. Unlike last year, I felt the panelists were really open and interesting! I should see a few of them when I head over to Germany for Spring Break, but for right now I am just glad my planning as External Logistics Chairlady is over!

Post-Op

2008-01-20T19:21:00.000-05:00

So it's officially been ten days since my surgery! There were no real complications, and I've been recovering slowly but surely. It was a change of path having my mom here for the first week, but a good one. Now I just have to get back in the swing of classes and work again! Happy long weekend :)

Done!

2007-12-11T20:15:00.000-05:00

I'm 3/4 done with grad school :) Just turned my last paper! No more assignments, projects, or papers till January! Tomorrow I'll be heading home and stopping along the way to see a bunch of friends from Princeton. Then I'm driving out to Ohio to see an old friend from my year in Germany, before a whole week at home with the family. It's been very wintery already, so I'm hoping to hit a mountain at some point with a sibling or more before the week's out. Then most of the fam is flying out to Arizona for the Insight Bowl...Indiana's playing Oklahoma on NYE! By the 3rd I'll be back in DC. I'll be organizing everything for the start of my last semester and prepping for surgery, which will be on the 10th of Jan. Send lovin'

And if you are around over break (in Boston), let me know!
Merry Christmastime!

U-Liners

2007-12-02T01:00:00.000-05:00

Tonight one of my coworker's had a cd release party at Iota in Virginia for her band, the U-Liners. Ever faithful, Robyn and I made our way through the December cold and almost outlasted the band itself!

They started with a bunch of older music, but then the U-Liners switched to the new music off their new release! They play a sort of bluegrass/folk music that I find particularly fun to listen to. And, of course, Robyn and I danced the night away!

Bucket O'Fun Night!

2007-12-01T16:03:00.000-05:00

Last night Emmeli made dinner up at her house, and what was supposed to be a quiet night in turned into a funny night with friends! E, her sister and I went down the hill to the Monkey House for Bucket O'Fun Night. If you want to know what made the bucket fun....email me :)

A few other friends from around the district joined us, and we made a big night of it. There were many stories told, a few games played, and before we knew it the bucket was empty. Emmeli and company headed out toward Chinatown for more fun, music and dancing, but it was past my bedtime -- especially so close to the semester's end!

Do or Don't: A night in viceland

2007-11-17T14:52:00.000-05:00

Last night I threw a Do or Don't party (check out Vice magazine online to see what I mean).

People came dressed to impress or to depress. There were Polaroids, rounds of twister, and fun to fill up the night.

Between classmates, old friends, colleagues, and friends of friends, we were a pretty close group :)

fall of sovietism! huzzah!

2007-11-10T14:47:00.000-05:00

In honor of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the like, we had a post-Soviet party -- complete with rolled cabbage leaves and boiled potatoes last night. It was up at Emmeli's house and we managed to get a randomly, big group together for the festivities. From there, some people went out in AdamsMo and the rest of us went toward Dupont. It ended in scandalous adventure and E's sister seting a scarf on fire at Science Club. Good times.

No Signal meets Return of the Bride

2007-11-04T23:30:00.000-05:00

Not having seen my brother since Indiana, Emmeli and I busted up to Baltimore for a No Signal Concert. True to form, it was a lot of diverse, awesome music. And as usual, the after party left a mess and a memory. Of particular entertainment was going to "breakfast" at 5:00a (not counting the time change) at PaperMoon. Mmmm. Tasty.

Halloweenie Adventures

2007-11-01T23:16:00.000-05:00

Apparently DCites are not satisfied with just one Halloween adventure-filled night. We celebrated on Saturday and on Wednesday. Seeing everyone get dressed up always entertains me. And M St never disappoints.

Fashion Fights Poverty

2007-10-27T23:12:00.000-05:00

Who really needs an excuse to get dressed up, drink cocktails, and see new designers? Last night, in the middle of a huge DC rainstorm, the annual Fashion Fights Poverty fundraiser was held at the Carnegie Library. I gathered up a few classmates and friends to enjoy the show. Not sure what to expect from my first runway show, I certainly wasn't let down! Google the event for some fantastic photos and interesting information about the background work :)

Poppy in DC!

2007-10-21T23:06:00.000-05:00

I got my Poppy in DC! Only happens once in awhile, so we made a grand weekend of it. We had sushi, wine, ran around in the rain, watched movies, lazed outside, brunched at a Eurocafe, walked through Georgetown, and made new friends. It's a comforting thought to know she's back on this coast; now I just need to make it to NY! Luckily my schedule is only a mess for another few weeks. Yay!

Hoooooooosiers! First Down!

2007-10-07T22:43:00.000-05:00

This week Zach and I flew out to Indiana for the Indiana-Minnesota football game. I had a blast watching Annie do her band thing and enjoying a great game at the same time. We went to one of the tailgates, saw the game, and soaked up hot fall sun.

By the end of the game (which Indiana rocked!), we were hot and sticky. But after a shower and a nap, we were revived enough for a great sushi dinner.

We took it easy and ordered "Baked" -- a fresh, hot cookie delivery service -- to keep us entertained while we watched the classic, "Spaceballs."

Oktobererererfest

2007-09-22T22:38:00.000-05:00

So this year the party wasn't at my house, but it was certainly a wunderschon German adventure. Last night, the monkey house up on Tunlaw hosted and a good, besoffene time was had by all. Full of German music and beer and dancing!

A touch of class...

2007-09-09T22:27:00.000-05:00

Miss Robyn finally celebrated her brilliant birthday with a 'touch of class' party in her new apartment in Rosslyn. Between the boxed wine and sparkly dresses, I almost didn't know what to do...other than have a good time.

We made pigs-n-blankets, which the neighbors seemed to love in particular, and danced till there was no more cheese! It was also Emmeli's birthday, so I ventured from VA on the metro all the way out to AdamsMo and more specifically to Chief Ike's.

Needless to say, it was a late night.

Camden Yards

2007-09-07T22:23:00.000-05:00

Finally convinced my brother to join me at a Red Sox - Orioles game. I hadn't been to Camden Yards before, but we certainly had a good time. There was even a big fight when Cabrera pitched at the batter's head. Good times.

Pool Party!

2007-09-01T00:13:00.000-05:00

DC gets really hot in the summer. So I bought a kiddie pool for our back terrace. It's pretty sweet, and when you use a tarp like an umbrella over it, the water stays cool all the time. As everyone started to come back from their summer internships, we had a pre-school pool party and BBQ. It was one of the more entertaining nights. Can't wait to do it again!

Country time!

2007-08-24T23:57:00.000-05:00

I heart my friend Robyn. We both heart country music and the outdoors, so we went out to Wolf Trap for one of their summer concerts -- Travis Tritt to be particular. It was a fantastic evening complete with picnic, cowboys hats, and music. I think I'm starting to like DC; just have to know where to look for a fun time out.

Philly with Friends

2007-08-18T00:21:00.000-05:00

Every gone to visit friends on a whim? Well, I've found it always work out for the best. This weekend I drove up to Philly to see Maria and Nujy. It was the annual pre-semester med school pub crawl, and we went all over the city. Too bad I don't live closer or have more free time for visits once my classes start!

Ladies & Gentlemen, my little sister

2007-08-09T00:06:00.000-05:00

My sister likes bright colors, kind of like me. And I like my sister. We had fun while I was home redying her hair before she left for IU. Last year it was electric blue; this year it was platinum, napalm orange and firecracker red. So exciting!

I also really like going to the beach. It's one of the parts of home I miss the most when I'm away.

Waterfire!

2007-07-28T23:53:00.000-05:00

If you are ever in Providence in the summer on the weekend, you should check out the Waterfire festivities. It's a mix of music, fire, legend and water. This was the first time I'd gone, although my dad's family raves about it too :)

The Zoo, Siblings & Campouts

2007-07-14T23:40:00.000-05:00

It's never a bad time for adventures. Annie came down for a long weekend; I love visits! We hung out around DC for a bit and checked out the Zoo. It's just such a fun place! On Friday we met Zach out at Greenbrier State Park along the AT in Maryland. We used my new tent and camp stove, enjoyed the campfire, and told stories under the stars. The next morning we hiked up to the Annapolis Rock and went swimming before returning Annie to the airport for her flight home. We picked up some friends and went pack for a second night of outdoors and campout.

National BBQ Battle

2007-06-23T21:54:00.000-05:00

Today Zach came down from Baltimore, and we met up with a few friends down by the White House for the Nat'l BBQ Battle.

We enjoyed the NutMobile and the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile. We had some fantastic BBQ ribs.

We had more ribs. We had some pulled pork. We had some water.

We had some Italian ice. It was great! Now I wanna go figure out what my signature BBQ ribs will be like!! Get ready!

Stone Pony & Summer Solstice

2007-06-17T12:40:00.000-05:00

Jess B had extra tickets to see Albert Hammond Jr from the Stroke @ the Stone Pony in Asbury Park on Friday night, so Nick and I met up with Jess and her friends down by the Shore.

It was one of the best live concerts I've seen in a long long time. We crashed nearby.

Saturday Jess, Nick and I went to Ortley beach. Ahhhh ocean. How I missed thee! It was perfect.

Then Nick and I drove into NYC (with a quick stop in Pton). I dropped by stuff off at Hana's apartment on the upper east side. She and I took the bus over to the upper west side, where we had dinner with Nick and his brother -- Andrew -- at his brother's place. It was a crazy apartment with an amazing river view.

Ann and Mihai were having an early summer solstice party, so we ventured over there after dinner.

A bunch of Princetonites that I hadn't seen in awhile were there; it was another mini Reunion :)

Pride Festival - DC

2007-06-09T22:23:00.000-05:00

Emmeli, Graham and I stumbled up the DC Pride Parade by Dupont Circle.

It was a spectacular way to spend an afternoon.

There was a lot of entertainment and beads to be grabbed. Graham was even blessed by a parade fairy with near certain excitement later in the evening.

I'll have to try to go again next year. It was interesting to see all of the political and religious groups that participated. Oh DC.

Memorial Day

2007-05-28T18:13:00.000-05:00

Today I went up to Nashau to visit Jaime and Russ...it was my first visit to their apartment in NH. We had a BBQ over at a nearby park and had ice cream. It was a great afternoon!

BarnTipping

2007-05-26T23:53:00.000-05:00

Yes. My family is odd. But we all like it! For Memorial Day weekend, we trekked home to clean out the family barn. It was built back in the early 1800s, like our house, and my parents decided to historically refinish it. This meant that we needed to totally clean out 20+ years of boxes, tools and stored wonders. It was a mess :)

It took the better part of the weekend, but we managed to pull down all the stored boxes from the loft, clean out the downstairs, and figure out just what exactly needed to be done.

We also had to clean up oodles of old latex paint. It took a long time. And a lot of kitty litter :

When we picked up a bunch of old tires, we found this disgusting, unidentifiable creature:

But most of what we found was old woodwork from my grandpa, which Zach and Annie and I split up and cleaned everything up. We put it all in boxes for when we have our own houses and barns:

Venturing Beyond

2007-05-23T23:20:00.000-05:00

Me and my Zipcar went on an adventure outside of San Fran today! We met up early in the morning and zipped right across the Golden Gate:

Then we cut over to Sonoma and the delights that are Californian vineyards. Our biggest stop was at Cline, where I found some tasty wine to bring home.

As the sign says, it was awesome.

Eventually we made our way over to Armstrong Redwood Forest. Along the way we passed some interesting places:

The forest was at the end of a very windy, narrow, dirt road. I almost thought I had taken a wrong turn. But I prevailed! And got to explore the forest, through all sorts of huge redwoods.

It was well after noon by this point, so we turned back toward San Fran via Hwy 1. My parents had suggested this day trip, emphasizing the drive along Hwy 1. They didn't do it justice. You drive for hours right along the coast. Literally.

When you are driving southish back to the city, you have rocky cliffs along the passenger side of the car. It was ridiculous! And the road was super curvy.

But it was a beautiful, sunny day and when you looked out over the water, there was a slight haze that made it all the better. I almost wish I had someone else with me, who could have driven, so I could have just soaked it all in.

Regardless, I made a lot of stops and enjoyed the quiet drive back.

It was my last night in the city, so I had dinner with Louis, Shauna and her brothers.

Very tasty rubbed chicken and far too much wine...somehow a fitting end to my little vacation to California

Alcatraz & Coit Tower

2007-05-22T23:04:00.000-05:00

Since I was out there, how could I resist a visit to Alcatraz?? I went back down to the Embarcadero and hopped a boat over to Alcatraz Island on a very sunny morning. Lucky for me, it wasn't too crowded. It had been awhile since I'd been on a boat on the open water, but it was just as nice as I remembered.

There was an audio self-guided tour that took you through the facilities. The whole place was very rundown and smelled used (for lack of any better way to describe it!).

I was surprised by the amount of plant life that had been cultivated on the island by the wardens and inmates while it had been in service, and even more surprised to learn that the wardens' families often lived on the island too -- and didn't lock their doors ever!

Back in the city, I walked over toward Greenwhich and Filbert Streets and found my way up to Coit Tower, which overlooks the city.

The Tower has historical scenes depicted through frescoes that wrap around the interior walkway of the building.

From the top you had 360 degree views of the city:

And walking back down to the main streetways, you got to walk down crazy stairs...I felt like I was in the middle of some bizarre urban jungle retreat:

There were lots of pretty flowers there too:

Louis's Wedding Delight

2007-05-19T23:59:00.000-05:00

One of many good reasons to visit California: Louis and Shauna's wedding party in San Francisco! They held it at Terra, a contemporary art gallery of sorts right in the city. One of my favorite parts was seeing them around all their family and friends; everyone seemed very content and happy. I also had the chance to catch up with high school friends that have moved out of Duxbury and whom I haven't seen in ages.

They had a neat slide show of pictures running in the background, fun food, and very very entertaining music. The whole event was a delight :)

Touring San Fran

2007-05-19T23:58:00.000-05:00

I had a bunch of time to explore the city and the bay before the wedding party. It was awesome weather and I didn't mind a solitary adventure, since I needed time to clear my head after the end of a long year of school. The first night I walked over to Chinatown after checking into my room at the Mosser by the financial district.

The next morning I had the day to kick before the wedding party, so I walked through the Yerba Buena Gardens to the SF Museum of Modern Art:

Then I walked through the farmers' market to the Ferry Building down by the Embarcadero and walked along the water:

I stopped and watched the many sea lions lounging and playing down by Pier 39:

There were so many of them making quite a lot of noise. I could have stayed there for a much longer time, watching them do their thing. Instead I kept walking
past the Fishermen's Grotto, until I came up the Dungeness Crab vendors

Yumm!

I also had a chance while in SF to have an adventure adventure with my Aunt Cathie. We went for a walk in the sun to an organic, local restaurant called Lettüs. The food was ridiculously tasty and very filling. Then we walked along the far end of the harbor for awhile. It was a great way to spend an afternoon.

Zach's Graduation!

2007-05-17T22:37:00.000-05:00

And it was time for Zach to graduate too! So the family met up in Baltimore for the ceremony and festivities. We ventured down to the market for some classic crab cakes and half shell delights.

I think we grossed out Annie though!

Jess B's Graduation Party!

2007-05-14T10:31:00.000-05:00

So Jess is finally all done with her MBA aaaaand has decided to move into a place of her own instead of staying in the house we shared when I was back in Princeton a year ago. Brilliant time for a graduation party and summer special edition celebration! It was a very busy weekend, since I tried to make it something like my own mini 'reunions.'

I tried to see all my Pton friends and catch up, from Teacher Prep to Tower to people around town. I even went into NYC to see Ann and Megs and to Philly to see Maria and Anuj. There was plenty of good food and laughter :) But it was a long weekend with lots of popping back and forth. It's an odd feeling to realize that it was the last time I'll really know people who are still undergrads in PTC. Curious.

A Visit From Momm and Dad

2007-04-29T22:23:00.000-05:00

Momm and Dad came down from Boston yesterday for a whole bunch of music. Zach had a gig with the Baltimore Afrobeat Society, and I had an orchestra concert down here in DC. The ABS gig was crazy; it was in an old warehouse/art gallery, and the hall filled quickly.

All sorts of people were there: young and old; professionals and not; sober and not; and everything in between. You know it's a great time when you can convince the parents to stay out past 2 am for the music!

The next morning, momm and dad came with me back toward the district.

We stopped off at Great Falls, MD to walk along the canal, see the falls, and just be outside. It was a perfect day to be doing just that!

James P. in DC

2007-04-27T12:35:00.000-05:00

This weekend Emmeli's brother, James, came down to DC. There was a lot of good food, good music, and good times. We played at my house, Stoyan's house, and even hopped over the Key Bridge to VA for some Irish beer and dancing at the Four Courts.

I really like it when people have visitors :) There's so much to do around the city; it just takes some initiative and a new face to make it happen!

MAGES Colloquium 2007

2007-04-22T12:27:00.000-05:00

All day Saturday, MAGI sat in a conference room up in the top floor of our building, listening to the 2nd year students present their master's research. There was a lot to listen to, and despite interesting research it was a long day.

( Lindsay and Melissa )

We found ways to make it fly :) I heart my fellow MAGI. They are wonderful.

( Emmeli )

Afterwards, a few of the 2nd years invited everyone back to their house for grilling, chilling, and fun...providing even more proof that there are wonderful people in the program! It's going to be a whole new experience next year with the new class.

( Melissa, MLE, Niels, Sofia )

A Working Trip to Pton

2007-04-15T12:20:00.000-05:00

This weekend I drove up to Princeton. I needed a new place to work on my papers, and Ryan was looking for company for his. I always forget how easy it is to get work done over up there, especially at the student center. As a reward for a super productive day, I met up with a bunch of old and new friends at Triumph. Yumm!

There were a lot of samplers. There was a lot of laughter. That's probably why we ended up at Tower later (as if anyone else is surprised that we did!):

Easter in Indiana

2007-04-11T12:12:00.000-05:00

My family met up at IU-Bloomington for Easter this year. It was a rather cold, blustery weekend, but we still had oodles of fun like we always do! Annie went to a 'very old hat' party at her flute teacher's house and acquiring this lovely item for our trip to see Madame Butterfly:

Classic as always. There was also a sleepover at A's room, complete with our very own private showing of 'Borat.' Annie also has a crazy bug-eyed fish, named Emperor Zod:

We ate out a bunch, hung around the campus and had a great weekend. Zach and dad had to leave on Sunday for school/work, but momm and I stuck around a bit longer. This one is from a super early breakfast at Uptown the morning I had to head back to DC:

Grillage

2007-04-04T23:08:00.000-05:00

It's that time again. Time to grill! We had a bunch of people over. Lots to cook. Tastiness to eat. It was great :)

Jorge's Birthday!

2007-03-31T21:19:00.000-05:00

Another birthday bonanza :) Last night was Jorge's birthday, which started out with a mini-Princeton reunion at an Ethopian restaurant in Adams Morgan on 18th Street called Meskerem. I knew a handful of the people at the table, but it was great to get in touch with a bunch of new faces in the area. After dinner, Jorge, Wamiq and I went for a couple of drinks in AdamsMo before walking off some of the good food by going down to Dupont. We had a great night mostly at Big Hunt, although there was a side trip to Apex for Jorge, and Emmeli joined us too! Yay for nice weather as well!

Great Falls, MD

2007-03-24T21:14:00.000-05:00

Emmeli and I decided to get out of the city and go explore Great Falls. So it was a bit colder than expected, but the brisk afternoon constitutional truly made our weekends and turned things brighter. We cleared our heads and got our spirits back in shape. A bunch of the big trails towards the Potomac and its rapids were closed due to seasonal flooding, but we explored the path along the canal and lock system. There was even a rotting deer in one of them! (Too bad I don't have Emmeli's pictures to share!) We stopped along the main bridge across the Great Falls themselves, and it reminded me of how beautifully powerful nature can be. I'm looking forward to my next trip out there...maybe we'll get to bring a picnic too

Morgan's Birthday & St Patty's

2007-03-18T21:08:00.000-05:00

This was a busy weekend! Morgan celebrated her birthday over at Adams Mill Bar in Adams Morgan, which was a great night out with a bunch of classmates. It was very cold out, but it was toasty inside :)

On St Patty's, Emmeli made a feast of Irish foods and hosted a rowdy crowd until we went out to Dupont Circle to join in the public festivities! There were a few Guinness to be drunk and a lot of dancing to be done, but somehow we managed :) And all in high spirits too

Nomadic Farming = Spring Break

2007-03-08T20:50:00.000-05:00

This week I flew down to FL to visit Miss Kate at Worden Farm, a 55-acre organic farm outside of Punta Gorda. It was a sunny, warm visit.

I spent some time helping out planting seeds, harvesting random vegetables, cooking with the other apprentices, taking pictures of Kate and her tractors, and getting some work done. It was a quiet area, but the other girls there made it a wonderful place to spend a few days.

There was also an abundance of fresh produce, which made for some incredibly tasty meals. We made a trip into Sarasota for some Goodwill thrift shopping, dinner, and "Pan's Labyrinth." My last full day in FL, Kate took off the afternoon, and we drove to Stump Pass Beach. It was great; we hiked way out to the point and soaked up the sun and played in the water. All the locals thought we were crazy to go in so early in the season, but heck! we're from up North :) That seemed to calm all their fears. All in all it was a delightfully unexpected trip that left me happy and warm. Too bad I had to dig my car out of snow when I got back to the city!

Jeanne!

2007-02-25T23:34:00.000-05:00

Jeanne came to visit! I like to think that the whole reasoning behind her trip to the East Coast was to see me, but I hear there were a few universities to visit along the way...it was a cold, cold weekend, but on Friday night we went up to the Field School and saw a great student performance of "As You Like It"-- seriously it was much better than anticipated and we had a lot of fun! Saturday we went out for tasty sushi at Uni in Dupont and then went up to Adams Morgan, where we met a bunch of people at TomToms (which was a story in itself). It was another great night of dancing and drinks in the city, enlivened by Miss J herself :) What more can a girl ask for? Well, except for a snowstorm that keeps friends at your house for extra days :)

CRAP.

2007-02-18T11:30:00.000-05:00

CRAP. Bad Music On Purpose. Backstage at the Black Cat. Oh what a glorious night to behold! Emmeli's cousin, Liz, was visiting from NYC and Robyn joined us for a serious adventure. We decked ourselves our in our finest and made our way to the Black Cat, where we danced and sang to all the 'bad' music the past decades have to offer. Not only were our voices a delight, but a good time was had by all. There needs to be more nights like this out in D.C.!

Valentine's Snow Day!

2007-02-14T23:24:00.000-05:00

Perfect moment of V-Day this year?? S-N-O-W D-A-Y!!!!!

Jess and I made the most of it with our monstrous snowdude...his bottom was little so big and dense that we lugged out the tarp to haul it up onto the flowerbed (what?! it's not like flowers were blooming yet!). After our extraordinary feat of strength, we continued to pack a middle and a head, dig out some crazy spiky branches, a carrot, some blue seaglass for eyes, a stick mouth, and a ribbon for the neck. Yeah, our snowdude rocked out. And it was the only one on the street! Even the little kids on the corner failed to come play in the snow. They don't know what they were missing:

A Winter Walk

2007-02-05T11:56:00.000-05:00

So it might have been colder than perfect, but Emmeli and I decided to go on a winter walk down some of the nearby trails to the Potomac River and then along the canel. It was a great way to spend the afternoon. We even got to see the sunset. It meant the light on the water was very relaxing, and we both got home feeling much more relaxed and focused than before. We'll have to do this again before too long!

Emmeli by the Potomac, looking at the Key Bridge

So classy.

2007-02-04T11:55:00.000-05:00

Lovely Ladies Galore!

2007-02-04T11:54:00.000-05:00

I heart my housemate!

2007-02-04T11:53:00.000-05:00

MLE, Emmeli & Jess B

2007-02-04T11:51:00.000-05:00

007. For 2007.

2007-02-04T11:47:00.000-05:00

Last night Jess and I threw a 007 party! It's the first one that we've really thrown together, and it was a ridiculously fun night. We invited a mix of people from both of our programs, who we know from around D.C., and who know from outside D.C. Everyone got dressed up. Everyone smiled. Everyone danced. There were tasty appetizers and cold drinks. There was a lot of James Bond music. Bill even made a special party playlist just for us! I had a particularly good time, because Jess and Ryan came down from Princeton. I don't get to see them all that often, but we made the most of our visit (even though I had to be at the conference most of Saturday!) with a bunch of outings and the party. I was surprised that our group didn't end up out on M Street, but I suppose that means we were having to much fun inside to brave the cold outside!

Rebels & Critics

2007-02-03T11:34:00.000-05:00

This weekend was the BMW Center's Graduate Student Conference, "Rebels & Critics: Assessing Fifty Years of European Integration." While the many panelists were very interesting and the conference itself was held in Georgetown's original library, I think we all felt it was a very long several days. Yet the selection of panelists still managed to hold our attention pretty well. The whole event concluded with a fancy dinner at Old Ebbitts Grill over by the White House. Good times!

Monticello

2007-01-09T11:31:00.000-05:00

Happy sunny day!

Waterfalling

2007-01-09T11:12:00.000-05:00

Douthat State Park

2007-01-09T02:13:00.000-05:00

Faithful Cabin #9

View From Big Schloss Ridge

2007-01-09T02:12:00.000-05:00

Off-Roading in VA

2007-01-09T02:01:00.000-05:00

Surprise! Warm weather! Emmeli and I took advantage of our few days of break to go on a roadtrip through VA for a long weekend! We packed up her jeep and headed off toward Douthat State Park. Along the way there, we stopped and did a short hike in Wolf Gap, called Big Schloss. We hiked up a little more than a mile and then followed ridge through the middle of this valley near the West VA border to a rock outcropping way up in the middle of nowhere. It was a spectacular day: sunny, warm and full of views. At the park, we rented a cabin. Not knowing what to expect from lovely Cabin #9, we were in for a grand surprise. It had a full bathroom, a bedroom, a living/dining room with fireplace, and a full kitchen! It even had a porch with rocking chairs, a picnic table and a grill!

We spent our nights by the fire, reading and watching movies, but during the day we went on trips nearby. It was partly rainy and foggy while we were there, but it meant that visiting the Falling Springs Waterfall was quite a sight due to the rain. The roads nearby were also full of 90 degree crazy switchbacks, which were even more interesting in the fog!

On our way back to D.C. we stopped in Monticello on another gorgeous day. We went on the building tour and walked around the grounds, before making our way to Charlottesville for lunch downtown on an outdoor restaurant patio. Emmeli has relatives there so we spent the night with her aunt, uncle and three little cousins. It's been awhile since I spent an evening at a playground, but it sure was fun! The next morning we went with them all on a short hike up nearby Humpback Rocks Trail. It took us to a really neat viewpoint, but unlike the previous couple of days, it was cold and windy. At the base of the trail was a replica period farmstead that we took time to walk through too. Eventually though, it was time to make that last trek back into D.C.

New Year's In Philly!

2007-01-03T01:56:00.000-05:00

I was lucky to be able to break up my drive back to DC with a stop in Philly at Maria's for NYE 2007. It wasn't anything extravagent or super busy, but our night over at Anuj's apartment was one to remember. We cooked steak and mashed potatoes and various other deliciousness. We enjoyed some fine wines. We watched funny TV and saw the ball drop. We played games and caught up on everyone's semester (or fall!). I even got to see my old housemate, who drove over from Princeton! The next day we have delicious diner breakfast, before most people took off for other activities. I stuck around for a bit with Maria. Funny how some friends are just easy and comfortable no matter how far apart you are or how often you get to catch up :)

Christmastime

2006-12-30T01:50:00.000-05:00

This year my family drove up to Mt Washington on Christmas Day for a few days of skiing at Bretton Woods. That night we crossed the street from the Lodge to the Hotel for a holiday dinner. There's something about being all dressed up and with my family that makes me very happy. And there was a really nice live combo that played next to a small dance floor in the dining room. Despite the rather warm December, there were a few trails open from the start of our visit, and the conditions weren't that bad. The first night of skiing, the temperature dropped and we got a whole pile of fresh snow! We had a surprisingly nice trip, and I even got to finagle a visit to Miss Courtney over in Bow on my way back home! Gotta love winter break :)

Portland, ME

2006-12-24T01:41:00.000-05:00

Very rarely do I get the chance to go to Maine. So when Emmeli invited me up for some fresh sushi and a night out in Portland just before Christmas, I braved the weather and drove North. And we did just that. We ate really great, fresh sushi including a special warm Casco Bay roll. Despite the icy rain, we went out to some of her favorite local spots for drinks and music and dancing. She's got some great friends, who know how to play some great cards :) And she is a brilliant dancer!

Pie in the Face.

2006-12-16T01:39:00.000-05:00

As a fundraiser for OASIS at Peabody, my brother and his friends organized a "Pie in the Face" fundraiser. It was messy. It was fun. It made them oodles of cash. It meant that deans and professors got pie-d. And so did Zach :)

In Iowa, you can hear the corn grow...

2006-12-11T01:28:00.000-05:00

Because Jeanne and I shouldn't ever go more than a short period of time without catching up, I spent the weekend in Iowa. Yes indeed. Iowa in December can be pretty cold. It can also be a very good time if you've got the right guide! Jeanne picked me up in Cedar Rapids and brought me back to her house in Solon, which is seriously in the middle of nowhere (and that's actually a really nice thing!). After J had opened her bday presents, we decided to make gingerbread cookies with her 'special' new cookie cutters....they all were missing an arm, leg or head!

Awhile before my trip, we'd decided that we'd spend Friday night in Iowa City near the Uni to celebrate her big birthday. We had dinner in town, relaxed for a bit in our hotel room at the Memorial Union, and then checked out one of J's favorite bars, the Piano Bar. It was a late night, but full of adventure!
Over the rest of the weekend, we ate one of the older diners for breakfast, enjoyed some of her dad's fresh venison, watched movies and caught up. We even saw a piece at the local theater, which was all this man's memories of Christmases past. Too bad I couldn't stay longer!

To the ZOOOOOO!

2006-12-05T01:19:00.000-05:00

My parents came down this weekend for one of my orchestra concerts, and even though it was a cold, windy day, we bundled up for a trip to the National Zoo! We really liked the pandas on the Asia Trail. The baby panda was hung over. Literally. He was hung over this branch sleeping. It was nuts!

The dad panda was also highly entertaining. He had his whole head in a milk crate, and it sure seemed like he found it quite tasty. We also saw red pandas, which reminded me of ninja raccoons. It was a perfect Sunday!

Music & My Family

2006-11-28T01:11:00.000-05:00

My family has a thing for music. It's buried in us and I just don't even think more cowbell will fix it. Over Thanksgiving, I flew home for a few days. It was a great trip full of music and family:

I saw my grandparents and then went with them and a few other relatives to Tomaselli's in Providence to hear my cousin, Kevin, perform with his guitar and catchy voice.

I played in an alumni music concert for the high school. So did my brother. So did my sister. They rocked out the dueling saxes on "In the Mood." My sister conducted the big production of "Hallelujah Chorus." They're amazing!

We celebrated my parents' anniversary and both birthdays.

We had a good time.

Indian Feast

2006-11-20T01:04:00.000-05:00

So everyone knows I like to cook. A lot. All the time. Especially for friends.

Last night I made an enormous Indian feast, and we started the night strong with spicy food, cooling drinks, and lively music. There were a bunch of other MAGI, some friends from DC, and even Sarah B straight down from Boston for the weekend! We had really fun time.

After we'd stuffed ourselved, we wandered up the hill to Sofia's birthday party. It was really quite the party. There were more drinks and even livelier music for all. It's always fun to go out with new friends! We definitely more chances to entertain each other!

CCCC

2006-11-18T01:03:00.000-05:00

You'll find it right off of I-95...

Emmeli, MLE & Jess @ Triumph!

2006-11-18T01:01:00.000-05:00

The Bonfire That Almost Was...

2006-11-18T00:54:00.000-05:00

Well actually, that would be the bonfire that was. I just missed it by one day :p

Thursday was a very, very rainy day. But that didn't stop me from heading to Princeton. I even came back to DC to get Miss Emmeli. Unfortunately for us, it literally took 4 hours to get from D.C. through Baltimore. I've really never seen such bad traffic for such a long time. In Princeton, we met up with Bart and his friend, Ekkie, who had spent the week in NYC visiting. We left our thing's in Ryan's room and took off for samplers and burgers at Triumph (mmmm...I wish we had one in Georgetown!!!). While the rain bumped the Bonfire back a day, the night continued with an adventure on the Street and then back on campus :)

Today was beautiful, sunny and perfect for more excitement. On our way off campus, we stopped to watch the undergrads building the bonfire pyre. Then we had possibly the worst diner breakfast of all times. Seriously. Never fret, we stopped to fill up on gas and picked up snacks for the drive back south. Just before we hit Baltimore, Emmeli and I decided it would be a great time for spontaneous exploring. Ever heard of Cecil County Community College? Neither had we, but it was a fun stop nonetheless!

Team Spirit

2006-11-14T10:15:00.000-05:00

See?! We even made Caroline all Princeton-y...but then again, given all of the gear I packed for the trip, I suppose that wasn't all that hard.

Fire It Up

2006-11-14T10:13:00.000-05:00

Notice the bulldog on a spit over a fire on the shirt! I wish I had scored one of these shirts...

Princeton-Yale @ the Bowl

2006-11-14T10:12:00.000-05:00

Mutant. Teenage. Turtle. Ninja.

2006-11-14T10:11:00.000-05:00