Blog Title: Hippo Crusades

My shared house is a black hole

My belongings, kept in the shared space, keep disappearing. And I'm getting fed up.

I showed up in my 6 person house with lots of stuff. I found a place for most of my items in my room and the assigned shelving/space.

Then, it started happening. About a month after my move, things started to disappear. First, it was my can opener and fan. Then, it was the chair I use to sit on the front porch. Then, my awesome 8-year old "they don't make 'em like they used to" shopping cart went AWOL. Now it's my cookie cooling racks. The list goes on.

It would be fine if people we using my things for a short bit before returning them. Well, let me be honest: I don't do sharing. Yes, I'm in a shared house but I like the idea of my stuff being available for my use when I want and need it. That's why the disappearing act pisses me off so much.

But the kicker is that no one knows where any of my things are. That's just bull. I'm sending an S.O.S. to my roomies tomorrow about my prized possession, my shopping cart (you try lugging a huge bag of soil home and see if you miss the cart). I think that our old roomie might have taken it and I am determined to restore it (and everything else) to it's proper place before the end of the year.

I guess shared living is finally getting to me. I don't like sharing a bathroom with two guys and a kitchen with five, busy people. I don't want to pay to move again so I can only hope to out-stay the roomies that annoy me the most (at this point, 4 out of the 5 and the 5th has been on assignment since August).

Little Black Dress

There are two things my closet desperately needs: a little black dress and a great pair of jeans. I have no idea how I have survived this long without either. On Black Friday, I fought the crowds at Pentagon City in hopes of finally filling that void.

I had planned on arriving at the Mall early, encouraged by the news that the Metro would be open at 4 AM. Yet, I overslept---too much turkey, beer and gaming the night before. I arrived at the Mall around 4:30 PM. It was packed.

I felt a bit overwhelmed trying to dodge the hordes of shoppers. After hours of surveying the racks and trying on dozens of dresses and jeans, I left the Mall empty-handed but determined to extend my search one more day.

I headed to Georgetown early Saturday morning and hit the jackpot. A special thanks to the friendly saleslady, who was clearly working on commission. She pulled me aside before I was able to escape the store and convinced me to let her find the conservative, little black dress that I'd been looking for.

My new dress is lovely. It has an empire waist and sheer top. I think that it is classic and versatile—though more fitting for professional than cocktail events. But it fits! After trying on so many dresses that accentuated my problem spots or lack of curves, it was refreshing to find a dress that was tailored yet forgiving. I should be able to wear this dress for years, (assuming that I don't get fat! Step away from the pumpkin pie…). It turns out that the dress was 25% off---as was everything else in the store. That made the expense a bit easier to bear.

So, I finally own a dress that makes me feel like a grown woman. I just need to work on the rest of my wardrobe and finally rid myself of all my old college and gasp, high school clothes that are making me look like an awkward, immature 20 year old.

Holiday Plans

I am so relieved right now. I've been under lots of stress during the past week or so trying to figure out my Turkey Day and Christmas-New Year's plans.

For Turkey Day, I'll be here—hanging out with friends, checking out a museum or two, and venturing out on Black Friday to find the perfect little black dress.

At the end of December, I'm headed out West. Floyd and I are driving from Texas to California, stopping at Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, and Mexico on the way. It should be an amazing time.

It's a little weird that I'm not going home for the holidays this year. Sure, I only go home once a year--but it's always for Christmas. So I asked my mother for her permission and blessing for my trip out West. I hope that she is not too disappointed with my no-show given that I'll be home in March for my sister's delivery.

As Floyd reminded me, DC is my home. I'm 27 and no longer obligated by finances or lack of friends to go to Atlanta every holiday. And at this point in my life (as my mother always reminds me), I'm young and independent---free to explore and travel as much as possible. Yet, I can't help but feel a little guilty for choosing a flashy, romantic getaway with my ex over a quiet holiday with my family and ATL friends.

At any rate, I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. Be safe and eat as much as possible!

Bonus Faux-Pas

I disclosed my end-of-the-year bonus to my coworkers. It was a mistake.

I was handed an envelope by a coworker who jokingly said that it was my bonus/raise for the year. I disbelievingly opened the letter.

What joy! It was a lovely bonus of a size I didn't expect. In disbelief, I disclosed the amount to my coworkers and handed it over to my coworker to double-check that it was real. One of my coworkers was happy for me and excited about the day when her own bonus would arrive—she's new. My other coworker was a bit upset that he hadn't received a bonus yet and had never heard of such a bonus amount.

I thought that our generation was more open with their finances. But I guess that it isn't true when it comes to people that you work with and who do a similar job—and probably think that they do more or just as much as you do.

But whatever. I know that I've worked hard during the past 8 months that I've been on the Hill. It's good to know that my efforts have  been recognized and rewarded.

This bonus is awesome. It doesn't elevate my Hill salary to what I used to make as an assistant in the nonprofit world. But it will be put  to good use (Las Vegas, here I come!).

Store Closings?

A friend emailed me this list of retailers that informed the SEC of closing plans between October 2008 and January 2009. I hope that it's entirely bogus; regardless, I’m sure that the worst is still to come.

• Ann Taylor 117 stores nationwide are to be shuttered
• Bombay closing remaining stores
• Cache will close all stores
• Circuit City stores... most recent (? how many)
• Dillard's to close some stores
• Disney closing 98 stores and will close more after January
• Eddie Bauer to close stores 27 stores and more after January
• Ethan Allen closing down 12 stores
• Footlocker closing 140 stores more to close after January
• GAP closing 85 stores
• Home Depot closing 15 stores 1 in NJ (New Brunswick)
• J. Jill closing all stores
• JC Penney closing a number of stores after January
• K B Toys closing 356 stores
• Lane Bryant,, Fashion Bug ,and Catherine's to close 150 store nationwide
• Levitz closing down remaining stores
• Linens and Things closing all stores
• Loews to close down some stores
• Macys to close 9 stores after January
• Movie Galley Closing all stores
• Pacific Sunware closing stores
• Pep Boys Closing 33 stores
• Piercing Pagoda closing all stores
• Sharper Image closing down all stores
• Sprint/Nextel closing 133 stores
• Talbots closing down all stores
• Whitehall closing all stores
• Wickes Furniture closing down
• Wilson Leather closing down all stores
• Zales closing down 82 stores and 105 after January

Is this list for real?! Partly, for real?! Either way, it's unbelievable!

There will be some great deals this holiday season—but there will also be so many folks who will lose their jobs in the retail industry. To be safe, try to use any old gift cards or credit slips for "troubled" stores ASAP. These days, you never know which retailers will be closing stores near you or closing for good.

Freshman Week

I love to watch the new Members. They are all so nice and happy. That is a stark difference from some of the veterans on the Hill who have bravely weathered re-election, scandal and/or legislative disappointments only to become mean and aloof.

This week, I watched new members meeting and greeting and wandering down the halls to check out soon-to-be vacated offices. Their arrival signals the wave of change and opportunity that the 111th Congress and 2009 will bring on the Hill and in DC. I'm keeping my eyes open to see which new Members get which committee assignments--as that will partly influence where I apply.

I'm thinking that my next move should be to a committee where I can actually (finally) work on legislation. But if given the opportunity, I wouldn't mind working for a freshman rank and file Member. They'd be less established and thereby, more open to new ideas and more grateful for insider, really any, help. Plus, it would be very cool to help shape the beginning of a Member's legacy and operation in Congress.

Leading me on

Floyd and I are at an interesting place. We've started communicating regularly and openly. And even started to plan for the immediate future.

It is a bit silly, our relationship. Of course our feelings remain strong--revived by recent time together. But we don't live in the same city and don't plan on crossing paths anytime soon.

So, as Floyd asked last night, "are we leading each other on?" I guess if it's mutual disillusionment, it isn't so bad.

And there doesn't seem to be a solution. We're both willing to forgo a bit of crazed singlehood for the false security that our relationship brings.

I know that when it is all finally over, as it will be in 2 years (my new deadline), I'll curse myself for letting an unfulfilled (marriageless) relationship go on for so long.

For now, it feels right. And that's all I can ever hope for.

Networking: Needs Improvement

I went to a work party tonight and totally bombed. I did all the things you aren't supposed to do when networking, including:

1) Staying with the group of friends with whom I came instead of using them as a base from which to work the room.

2) Avoiding openers about the party or current events from which I could engage a stranger in further conversation.

I don't know what got into me. I always whine that I need more opportunities to meet and greet the movers and shakers and there I was recoiling in my characteristic shyness. Unfortunately, that gets you nowhere on the Hill.

The nail in the coffin was when someone I thought knew me started to explain an inside joke. I didn't think it was polite to correct him but I felt awkward at having him explain something I already knew. But he's a big wig and I tend to clam-up in their presence. Is it a failing of me (my personality) or a failing of my sex to have such a tendency for passivity?

I don't think I can afford to figure it out. I need help ASAP as the prime networking season is upon us. Next week, Members return and newly elected Members will be scouting staff. Time to call-in my career mentors for a pep talk.

The Washington Monument

Somehow, I convinced myself to get out of bed yesterday in order to enjoy the holiday. By 9:15 AM, I was on the 52 bus, headed down 14th Street toward the Washington Monument. It was a beautiful morning in D.C., though quite cold and breezy.

It is absurd to think that I hadn't been to the top of the Washington Monument until yesterday. During the past 9 years, I’ve taken so many trips to the Monument and National Mall, but it never really dawned on me that I should take the time to go up. I guess I got discouraged by swarming tourists and lines.

I remember when the Monument went under wraps for renovations (DC’s salute to safe sex!). I also remember how upset folks were when they finally took down the scaffolding and refused to set it up elsewhere as a fine example of engineering and design.

I easily got a ticket for the 10 AM tour. I’ve heard that folks start lining up at 7 AM to get tickets during the summer, so I was very glad I decided to avoid such madness by going in the late Fall and on a holiday. I spent some time in the gift shop warming up before paying a visit to my favorite tree. Eventually, it was 10 AM, time for the tour.

The views from the top of the Washington Monument are amazing. At 550+ feet up in the air, you can see for miles and miles—the changing leaves in VA and MD and the buildings and landmarks throughout the city. The view of the Capitol was breathtaking, as was the view of the sparkling waters of the Potomac.

The six observation windows are rather small and the snotty kids and foreign tourists had a tendency of taking their time at each. Honestly, no one wanted to move! I can understand but there is no need to inhabit a window for 10 minutes. I plan to visit the monument again on a bleak, frosty morning in December to see DC at its starkest. Hopefully, there will be even less tourists around then.

On the way down, the elevator slowed down to allow us to view some of the beautiful commemorative stones on the inside of the Monument. It was interesting to see the change in the marble from within the structure.

Overall, it was a great and worthwhile trip.

Sick, again

I spent most of the weekend trying to rid my body of a nasty cold. It all started with basic fatigue last Sunday when I arrived back in D.C., but over the course of the week it matured from horrid, dragon-throat symptoms to sinus mayhem over the weekend. Despite the fact that I devoted my entire weekend to fluids, veggies, and bedrest, I'm still struggling to overcome it.

I seem to have gotten it while campaigning or once I returned home to a bathroom that I share with two grown men who don't value handwashing. Either way, it really sucks to be sick again.

Thankfully, I have tomorrow off from work. I may venture down to the Mall for a day of touristy fun. But most likely, I'll spend the day in bed cursing my weak immune system and all my germy friends and foes.

The Hottest Ticket in Town

I think I need to find a cave and hide for the next 75 days.

Yesterday, I got my first request for inauguration tickets, and I imagine that other folks are going to come out of the woodworks, assuming that I have a special connection to the ticket stashes.

I don't.

I'm just hoping that I can get into January's festivities—the swearing-in ceremony, parade, official inaugural balls, State of the Union address, etc.

Here's my recommendation for those interested in watching the ceremony. Call your U.S. senators and/or Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. A website for the Presidential Inaugural Committee should be up soon too. Also, this WPost article is a good primer.

As for the balls, most state societies have official balls. Numerous organizations and entities will also host unofficial celebratory parties and events. Keep your eyes open.

The good thing is that there will be a lot of festivities happening all over the city—some exclusive, some not. So no matter what, you'll be able to toast to our new president and to a new day in America.

Awesomeness

What a madhouse on U street and I hear that the area around the White House is the same. I'd imagine that in cities across our nation, young and old are rejoicing in the streets.

I spent the night working and chilling at the DCCC/DSCC event. It was a great night made even more momentous by Obama's win. Like so many, I shed a tear for all the sacrifices and hopes of those who came before. I called my mom and Floyd before hugging my friends and toasting.

I paid an impromptu visit to U street after my bus was forced to detour. How surreal, exciting, and amazing to have so much spirit in the streets after midnight on a Tuesday.

Finally, home now and in my bed. I can't wait to hear all the analyses tomorrow and also hear a preview of what the new Congress has in store. For the record, the Congressman I campaigned for won his reelection bid.

All is well.

Vote! Vote! Vote!

What an exciting day! I woke up earlier than normal this morning just thinking about the importance of Election Day. Today, Americans will vote and decide the future direction of our nation.

Obama has my vote. I hope and pray that he wins. When he does, tonight will truly be an unbelievable occasion for celebration.

I can't wait for the House and Senate to take more seats. With D-domination, we'll be able to push for so many important reforms to ensure that EVERY American has an opportunity to achieve their dreams.

I wish everyone a great election day and a quick and easy experience at the polls. Go Vote! Go get out the Vote!

Waving Can Cause Carpal Tunnel

I'm back in D.C. after a week on the campaign trail. I had an awesome, though very tiring time. I learned a lot and got to work with some awesome people. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to be involved. I hope that the Congressman wins because he's a down-to-earth guy who truly cares about his district.

During my week on the trail, I spent most of my time phone banking and doing visibility at early voting locations. In fact I did so much visibility—which means waving, handing out literature, and holding signs—that my right arm and shoulder began to ache by mid-week. I really developed my waving technique, which I'd say is an exaggerated beauty pageant wave with cuter "bye-bye" breaks. Just ask me the next time you see me, and I'll show you how it's done.

There were some interesting dynamics at the campaign office. Of course, everyone was stressed and tired. I can understand how they felt as after only one week of volunteering, my entire body is exhausted and sore. Also, at this point, I never want to call, smile, make small talk or shake hands with anyone ever again. I loved "being on" with the voters but it can get old very fast.

Some of my most memorable moments occurred when I got to call elderly folks, accompany the Congressman to a few sites, wave wildly on the side of the road, and walk a parade route 6 times (?!) in a quintessential American small town. Of course, the food and the company couldn't be beat.

Now, my attention turns to Election Day. I finally mailed off my Maryland absentee voter ballot, and I am looking forward to ushering-in a new era in US politics tomorrow.

My First Campaign

After major annoyance at DCA, I'm now at BWI awaiting my flight down south. Despite repeated attempts at getting an official assignment from the DCCC, I showed some initiative and secured an opportunity on my own.

I am so excited about getting campaign experience. Even before I started on the Hill, countless people recommended that I join a campaign for the resume building experience and also to make important professional connections. I opted out of Obama work in VA, which might have made more sense and given me a greater chance of working within his administration. But I feel that I made the right choice, and I know I will learn something new during the upcoming week.

If I don't get a chance to post much next week, I encourage my readers to get involved in the local, state and/or national campaign efforts (DC folks: there are important GOTV needs in VA for Obama and the senate and congressional races). There is just too much at stake this year. And of course, everyone should vote.

Finally, don't forget the high heel races this Tuesday in Dupont! I'm very sad that I will miss this year's event, but duty calls.

Love at the Club: Maybe it does happen

A month ago, I went to The Park with a coworker, Lacy. As I wrote in my blog, she found a "new boy toy." That new boy toy is now her boyfriend, and he is quality. What's up with that?

The old mantra is that you can't find a good man at the bar/club. My friends know the sort of "quality" I found in the bar last summer. And, all my friends have stories about the horrible guys they've met at the bar/club.

On a typical night out in Adam's Morgan, you tend to find three types of guys: single guys (A), unfaithful, attached guys (B), and faithful, attached guys (C). Guy C is aiming to get drunk and spend the night puking in the street. Guys A and B are aiming to get drunk and screw whatever relatively cute girl will have them. Given that that is what I encounter most often in Adam's Morgan (and many of the other bars I frequent in DC), it's no wonder that my expectations of finding Mr. Right in a club/bar are so low.

This is why I was worried for Lacy. Each day, she would tell me about their progress and their plans for the week. They seemed to be moving so fast. I was happy for her, but skeptical—and waiting for the big reveal.

Lacy and her man just celebrated their one month anniversary, and there is so much potential for their relationship. He is a quality guy and they have great chemistry.

So maybe I should reevaluate my viewpoint. Maybe, there are gems among all the duds at the bar/club. I guess that as a single girl, I should never automatically discount guys that I encounter in specific situations. You just never know.

Crashing a Speed Dating Event (sorta)

Over the weekend, despite the spending freeze I enacted in order to save cash for big my campaign trip down south, I headed out to Chi-Cha Lounge with some friends.

They had just thought of the best plan for meeting singles in DC, at least that's what I thought. The plan was to head to bars hosting speed dating events and just hang around after the event ends. The idea was that there would be a greater percentage than normal of guys who would be available, interested, and open to meeting someone for the long-term. I thought it was most brilliant plan ever, so when I got the call, I put aside my budget woes and donned my favorite heels for the night out.

I had a great time. My friends and I did spot a handful of cute guys that we tracked all night. Unfortunately, that is as far as it went. I would stare check out a guy repeatedly from across the room and when he would look my way and smile, I'd bashfully turn away or look down. It was so silly. Here was the perfect opportunity to practice my game, and I was cowering. I guess it's because of Floyd and the fact that I'm just not the sort of girl who has the ability to attract quality guys in a crowded bar—or anywhere for that matter. I just get so unreasonably shy. More liquor would have helped, but the girls and I weren't looking for a crazy night, just an excuse to get out our homes for a while.

For the record, the plan didn't really work. The folks leaving Chi Cha's side room, where the Speed Dating event had occurred earlier in the night, seemed older and quite ready to leave. Maybe an event earlier in the day would have been better because those speed dating events are quite draining.

So that's it. I was tucked into my bed by midnight--after over 3 hours of attempting to work the room. I'm glad I went out but I was even happier to be at home and in bed.

Don't take my tree!!

Of course, I am flattered that the fine folks at the WaPost Express decided to give a shout out to my blog in Thursday's Blog Log. It was awesome to see my words in print, and I know that myblog counter received a much needed, though short-lived, boost.

But hold on, all you lovesick DCites. Be warned that I've now publicly staked a claim on that tree. I would hate to visit my favorite perch this weekend only to find it damaged by love etchings and littered with pieces of Whole Foods wrappers. There are so many other special places in D.C. to choose from. Find your own. Just stay away.

Where to propose (to Hippo Q.)

I decided to take a walk along the National Mall yesterday after work. The sun was setting and the air was still quite warm. I didn’t make it all the way to the Lincoln Memorial but I did take in the view from the Washington Monument.

I haven’t been on the Mall in awhile, though it was my favorite weekend destination throughout college. I miss my picnics and poetry sessions, and the lazy days I spent watching the cute guys play soccer, rugby, or ultimate. Walking around yesterday reminded me of one of my favorite places on the Mall. That old, bent oak tree near the monument. This picture does not, cannot, do it justice--as the tree is truly beautiful and perfect for a pit stop or a picnic.

I decided yesterday that if I’m still in D.C. during the next five to ten years and during that time I find a guy that is to be my husband, I want to be proposed to on that spot. On a warm, fall day while the sun is setting so that everything seems to be alive and on fire, with amazing shades of red, orange, and yellow emanating from the sky. A day like yesterday.

They say that the wedding is for the bride and the proposal is for the groom. But I've decided that I want a say in both. Anyone who really knows me knows how much I love the Mall, picnicking and being outside. Anyone who truly loves me would give me such a picnic-proposal.

So there, I’ve put it out there, into the cosmos and onto the web. That’s what I want, and I ask my dear, sweet [insert name of future fiancé] to give that to me.

Capitol Dome Tour

I recently took a Capitol Dome Tour. My supervisor spent forever trying to organize the outing but it was so worth the wait. It was an amazing experience.

I thought I was going to die, climbing up (and down) all those steep, narrow steps. But I made it without injury. It was so fascinating to learn that the current dome was built over the original dome and that we were able to walk between the two on our way up to the observation levels. I’m slightly afraid of heights, so the view down was a bit unsettling. The little dots are people on tours. So far up--- 152 feet!

I don’t know how Constantino Brumidi and later artists did it. Climbing those stairs everyday and standing on a wooden platform in order to create the frieze. What an ability to establish proportion and shading that looks amazing from a few feet away and even more realistic and vivid from afar.

What a great tour. I learned so much and gained an even deeper appreciation for the beauty and historicalness (is that a word?) of the buildings that I pass by and work under every day.

The Macallan Whiskey Tasting

Over the weekend, I attended a Macallan tasting event with A-M and GFA at the City Tavern Club—indeed the second oldest house in DC followed by the Old Stone House, also in G-town. It was a really great event and totally topped the Johnny Walker event I attend a few months ago.

It was a well-attended event and given the small space, it was standing room only. In comparison, the Johnny Walker event took place in the airy Mellon Auditorium where there was more than enough room for everyone to sit down comfortably. But what the Macallan event lacked in space and flair, it more than made up for in tasting opportunities. As soon as you entered the door, you were handed a drink and ushered into a larger room where servers were circulating hors d'oeuvres. Surprisingly, they didn't card anyone.

Once we found a table and settled in, the program began. I think I actually learned something at this event, which was nice. I'm not a whiskey drinker at all but I think that if given the choice among brands, I would probably opt for Macallan out of familiarity—which I guess was the point of the night.

We got to sample 5 glasses of whiskey up Macallan 18. And unlike the Johnny Walker event, they were quite generous. By the second serving, my mouth was starting to feel numb and I struggled to finish glass #2 while the staff was already handing out glass #3. Macallan isn't something to chug, so it would have been nice to have more time to enjoy the sensation of the drink. Unfortunately, aside from a tasty apple pastry at Le Pain Quotidien, I didn't eat anything before the event. I left the hall rather tipsy but very excited about the little Macallan sniffer parting gift. On to Julia's Empanadas for some grease and bread to help absorb the alcohol.

It was a very good night and I can't wait for the next tasting event.

You don't think he's cute? (Part II)

It's amazing how reluctant I've felt about posting to my blog. It's not that I don't have things to write about (I do!!), but I've been feeling sorta blah about life in general. I blame the weather and the disappearing daylight. I abhor waking up in the morning to darkness and cold. It's the worst way to start a day and puts me in a sour mood that nothing seems to get me out of. I don't know how I will get through yet another winter in DC.

At any rate, I want to provide an update after my last post. Yesterday, I talked to a friend in another office, Christina, about the cute guy in the Sergeant at Arms office and immediately she made a face. Although she admits that he is nice, she also doesn't think he's that cute—but cute for the Hill. Also, it turns out that he and another coworker have/had a thing, so he's basically off-limits. I don't feel any allegiance to my coworker, but I'd rather avoid any drama in our office because I sense that she has fangs.

Next, I told Christina about the cute guy down the hall. Immediately, she exclaimed, "he's gay!" So, he's out too. I mean I can look but sometimes I like to at least think that there is the possibility of a romance to develop.

Finally, there is this guy who works in a Leadership office, who I think is very cute and seemingly approachable. As soon as I mentioned him to Christina, she warned me of his reputation of disrespecting women in bed. More vaguely for those who aren't in the know (which included me until very recently): he likes to Superman, among other things. I still think he's cute but I plan on avoiding him altogether.

So that's it. After five months on the Hill, I feel that I can definitely say that the Hill is made up of guys who are:

a) gay
b) jerks
c) taken or off-limits for some reason

Christina insists that the Hill mainly has Type B but I always seem to encounter all three. Perhaps, things will change in '09, but I'm thinking that though DC is full of Types A, B and C, the Hill will always have a particular tendency of attracting Type B. Que lastima!

You don't think he's cute?

I know that this has been covered a hundred times before. But there is a lack of eye candy on the Hill. Of course, this excludes the youngins, the skinterns, that grace us every summer and make all the guys in our office happy. IMHO, the male interns are too pompous/entitled or awkward/annoying to deserve any notice.

Ever since I arrived on the Hill last spring and even when I was an intern back in 2004, I scoured the halls for a handsome face. I rarely found anything and instead, found myself crushing on the "cute" guy down the hall, who in any other setting, any normal girl would probably avoid.

Case-in-point may be that "cute" guy who works in the Capitol. Today, I admitted to one of my coworkers that I was developing a crush on one of the Sergeant at Arms guys. She was a bit appalled, which made me doubt my attraction meter. Has living in D.C. lowered my standards? If I was living in NYC, Miami or LA, would I consider that same guy attractive? Maybe not.

They say that DC is the "Hollywood of Ugly, Smart People," and given responses to The Hill's Most Beautiful on the Hill every year, the Hill may be no exception. But hold on, I don't think that folks on the Hill, or in D.C., are ugly, just average. No, I don't have any false sense of my own looks, as I've already admitted that I'm only a 6 and perhaps a 7 on a good day (i.e., if I had an expert stylist). I'd say that the Hill is full of 6s, with a few 7s and 8s thrown in, which is sad. I like having hot guys to look at. I think it makes me work harder and smile more.

Until things change, I'll continue to settle for the rarity of "cuteness" that I come across--and probably have a heart attack when I finally encounter a truly hot guy up here.

For the record, I still think the CAO guy is cute, just not hot enough to catch my coworker's eye. And that's alright with me (sort of).

Share the Sidewalk

One of my biggest pet peeves since moving to Columbia Heights is the alarming amount of encounters with folks riding bicycles on the sidewalk. Not just riding, but speeding along on the sidewalk--irrespective of whom or what else is in their way. It isn't just annoying but dangerous to pedestrians.

Despite the wonders of sidewalk cycling that have been professed, I don't understand why the cyclists in my 'hood insist on using sidewalks when there are perfectly sound streets and even a few bike lanes for their passage. I know that the DC streets are dangerous as I've witnessed and heard about countless pedestrian and bicycle accidents in DC. Taxi drivers and out-of-towners are particularly prone to ignoring traffic signals and signs and not staying within lanes. But that is no reason to transfer that risk and danger to the sidewalk and unsuspecting pedestrians like me.

So here are my simple suggestions for sidewalk cyclists:

1) Slow Down. If you want to go fast, try the street. The sidewalk should be the domain of the pedestrian. I don't mind dealing with little kids on bikes, skates, and scooters as they rarely are going fast. But an adult cyclist going several mph faster than I is ridiculous. Getting hit by a bike won't cause as many injuries as getting hit by a car—but that is no reason to put my flesh at risk.

2) Right of Way. Pedestrians have the right of way on the sidewalks. Don't even try to rush us or force us off to the side to let you by. If you feel the need to go faster, use the street. Same rule goes for those really narrow sidewalks where I have, in the past, stepped into the street to let a cyclist by. Also, in really crowded areas (e.g., DCUSA), it makes the most sense and is safer to get off your bike and walk along side it.

3) Pass on Left and Indicate your approach sooner rathern than later. I cannot count the number of times I either heard an approaching bike or heard a random "on the left" a mere seconds before having to jump aside to avoid a collision.

So, that's it. It's really simple. Please stop putting me at risk. It's not fair and I'd imagine it's not legal (or at least, shouldn't be).

Festivals Galore

After last Sunday's Fiesta D.C in Mt. Pleasant and last month's raucous Adam's Morgan Day, Columbia Heights finally gets its day to shine. Check out the CHD website for the schedule of events, noting the cupcake eating contest.

I almost forgot about Fiesta D.C., and if I wasn't forced to leave my house on Sunday due to dwindling food supplies, I would have missed it. As I headed down 16th, deciding if I wanted to venture to Giant or Safeway (both annoying and inadequate), I was greeted by lots of traffic. That's when I noticed the crowds and bandstand over on Mt. Pleasant Street. There were LOTS of booths. The parade of nations was cool, and I enjoyed seeing my new parade favorite, Bolivian dance groups. Before I left, I was reminded of the ignorance of others when I overheard this guy yell into his cell phone "Hey Dude – I'm at this awesome Mexican Festival!" You cannot be serious. But perhaps, he is exactly the sort that should be welcomed to such an event in order to get educated.

I resisted buying any mouthwatering food on display in favor of heading to Giant to buy supplies for my own Mexican feast. Thanks to Floyd's coaching, I made enchiladas with lime-avocado rice and refried beans. It was very good and surprisingly authentic. I've been dying for a real home cooked meal for a while, and especially dying for Mexican food (what I wouldn't give for Floyd's arroz con pollo!!). I think a soul food feast should be next.