Blonde Features

Social Life- Non-existent but here are some things I can do by myself!

2008-10-15T18:57:00.004-04:00

So I had the day off today. Typical of the restaurant industry, I get days off on Hump day, while everyone else is doing the daily grind, and then when everyone else is enjoy their Brunchs I am helping them enjoy it. I decided to start writing a mini travel article. My dream job would be to travel around the world with my boyfriend and write about our adventures. (Hint Hint: If anyone wants to pay for that, just let me know...I will write about just about anything...Please...anyone..?)

Okay, since I don't see that happening anytime soon I decided to write about my local city. I already write about the great restaurants that can be found so I decided to just write about a couple things that I do in the city when I have a day off and no one else does...yes, i always do the coffee with my normal working friends but I have to think of other things to do besides sitting at home and watching tv (if I did that all the time, it would take away the fun of doing that when I am home sick!).

So please find two things I like to do below and I will try to keep adding on:

Things to do when you have nothing to do?

1. One sure fire thing to do any time of the week is to find a local farmers market and go crazy, whether just people watching or buying great produce and random jewlery that you tend to find there, a Farmer's market is a great way to spend some quality alone time. Eastern market is open everyday and is one of my favorites. Just walking around, grabbing a cup of great, organic coffee at any of the multiple places in the area is a great way to spend some quality “me” time. I love the inside part of the market. All the great natural cheeses, homemade pastas, and the best chicken salad of all time can be found in there. "Drooling Alert!" I like to go in the mornings, have a cup of coffee and depending on the weather sit outside (almost all the coffee shops have tables outside), and walk around the area. Pro or Con (you decide)?: You won't find the same crowds as a Saturday or Sunday but you will have less options and booths.

2. For the exercise buffs, nothing beats the Mount Vernon Trail. At 18 miles long, it has enough acreage for even the most long distance runners (and cyclists). But even if you end up huffing and puffing after 3 miles (like me) it still is a great trail. It has the most amazing views of the city, allows you to enjoy the best weather DC has to offer (when available) and you can get your daily exercise. Get off the metro at Rosslyn and head towards Key Bridge. Right before you get to key bridge you will see a sign for the Mount Vernon trail. Take the trail south. It runs along the Potomac river. Lots of cuties (wink wink) along the way and a great way to release some stress, pass the time, and work off that margarita you probably didn’t need last night. What I have do is take the trail to about Arlington Cemetery (you will know you get there when you hit the first large bridge (Memorial Bridge)). I tend to cross unsafely, running for my life across the 2- two lane highways and then walk up to the Arlington Cemetery metro station and ride the rest of the way home. My favorite parts of the trail include: Theodore Roosevelt Island, (a great place to do some trail running), and the amazing views of the Washington Monuments and the Lincoln Memorial and steps.
Another place to start the trail would be to start at Crystal City. The trail starts at the huge water fountain on 15th street and crystal drive (just look for the hummer limos and the quinceaneros chicas y los hombres wearing nicer dresses than my wedding dress will probably be). A 1.5 miles into the trail you will hit Gravely Point, otherwise none as “Airport Park.” You can keep going and at about 3 miles you will see the memorial for the Navy men and women who were lost at Sea. A great memorial with amazing views and nice benches where if you have a backpack and you can stop and read a book, or if your like me, just relax and bring your heart back to a normal speed.

To be continued…I apolgize for not writing often but I work too much and no longer have a normal social life (as can be seen from this post) and can't write my blog at work anymore...duh, the reason most people start one anyways!

I am doing my best!

2008-07-09T12:07:00.001-04:00

Hi All,

I know I suck recently. But i have been so busy!! i can't believe all the crazy things that have happened in my life.

First off, the new job (which I guess isn't so new anymore). I have been promoted from Coordinator whatever...to Private Dining Sales Manager and a Manager of the restaurant! YAY!! Not only that, I don't want to give too much away but we won an award at the James Beard Foundation which is amazing!! For those of you who don't watch Top Chef, this is like winning an Oscar but for restaurants. So it is amazing that I am now the official Private Dining Manager for a James Beard award winning restaurant.

So mostly I have been working very very hard, to adjust to my new position and as those of you can imagine, the restaurant hours are crazy and busy and I have barely seen anyone, let along blog.

Not only that I have taken a step towards my future. Ole Miss and I decided to get off our lazy butts and take a GMAT class, so we can ace our GMAT test probably at the end of the summer (but we will see). The class is once a week for six weeks, for THREE FUCKING HOURS oh..and Fifteen minutes...and not only that it is from 6:30 -945pm....which is quite tiring. BUT IT IS A GREAT CLASS!!

Please check this company out, it is called Test-Ease LLC...yes like the sweaty male body part we all have to touch at one point in our lives :( UGH! , but seriously, Ole Miss and I were a little worried wondering if we had just given some person with a funny sense of humour our $500 so he could go to Mexico, but no, the class is great and they do all sorts of other types of studying help, and it is the cheapest tutoring around and our teacher Jay is awesome! I highly recommend it, especially if you don't mind a cuss word or two (considering every math problem he describes always ends with the words, "this one is so fucked up but here is how you solve it") hahah!

Places I have been recently: (a little quick restaurant review time)

Brasserie Beck: A much more sophisticated version of "Brickskellers". A belgium restautant with a great beer list that contains dozens upon dozens of amazing belgium beers (as a belgium beer lover this was my kind of place). Ten and I went on a date night, just the two of us and got a bunch of beers and some frites, or french fries with an awesome trio of yummy mayos (just like the europeans). It was a little pricey, it ended up being like 50 bucks for the two of us for beers and fries, and Ten asked me if next time we can go somewhere cheaper...hmm...I think after 4 years he is getting cheap on me. :)

We also went to New York City back to my good old favorite: Yuca Bar. YUM! Cambouri and I died over heaping plates of huevos rancheros and Ten joined us this time and swooned over his bananna pancakes.

My family and I went to Bread bar at Tabla, which was great. It was indian american fusion food. The chicken tikka melts in your mouth as did the baby octopus, and while I was too hung over from the 4th to enjoy any of their amazing drinks, my parents and younger sister did not hold back and they were all wasted by the end of the meal...so typical :)

We saw Spring Awakening. It is the musical that won the tony award for best musical last year...it was good...if you don't mind sex on stage, lots of really young people talking about sex, while you are sitting next to your parents, your younger sister and your boyfriends....akward comes to mind....
It was good, and i am a prude or anything but it was slightly awkward and I felt like it was trying to be Rent, and being a fanatical Rent Lover I guess it was okay.

So that's it for now, I will try and get back in the blog world as soon as possible. I am just so super busy.

I hope life it good for us all and I promise when I get more time to keep you as updated as possible, but I have been catching up with all my old favorites I just don't have as much time anymore since I am not sitting at a desk.

Put on your sunday best and head to Brunch at Red Rock Pizzeria

2008-05-05T16:26:00.000-04:00

Afternoon fellow twentysomethings,

I have found the holy grail of brunchs. (ok, not better than Yuca Bar in NY but just as good!)

Please put on your sunday best, (not required but oh so much fun!) your cutest new spring sandal wedges (flaunt it if you got it) and head up the yellow/green line to columbia heights. While for most people, columbia heights is a place to be avoided at all costs, unless you live there and then I am sooo sorry, I have found on reason to make the trek: Red Rock Pizzeria. Located on the corner of 11th and Park sits the cutest, red brick townhouse. A sunsoaked patio is filled with young, hip twenty somethings celebrating the amazing seventy degree weather and the sun that has finally decided to grace DC with her presence. The best part about brunch was the $9 Bottomless Mimosas. Jennifer, and I arrived at prime bunching hour (1:15pm) to be pleasantly surprised that our wait amounted to about 5 minutes, much shorter than the host has thought. We found the most perfect table, totally in the sun (which we later started to regret) and started ordering. About 4 mimosa's into the day, my eggs over-easy, smoothered in marinara sauce with two perfectly toasted artisan bread arrived. Jennifer had the Pizza omelet that was cooked to perfection, if I may say so myself as resident egg master and chef. Ole Miss arrived about an (6 mimosa's later = 1 hour later) and she ordered she ordered the marguerita pizza (and by she ordered, I mostly mean Jennifer and I, in our slightly tipsy state, made her order) which we all three quickly devoured. We also ordered the bruschetta about (8 mimosa's later). All in all it was a great afternoon of chatting, gossiping, and spilling our inner-most secrets (it's funny how 8 mimosa's will find you spilling those secrets you swore you would never tell a sole). We finally left around 4:45pm. The waiter had cut us off (jokingly of course, however, after the second table that arrived after us and left before us, commented about how surprised that three such small girls could drink and eat so much, i think the waiter decided it might be time to end the day), however the bartender returned twice to refill our glasses while the waiter was looking the other direction. It was a great afternoon and I highly suggest walking the 4 blocks into columbia heights to find this amazing brunch place, and even just for the pizza which was great. Just to let you know at $25 dollars each (including tip and tax) I think it was an excellent way to spend my Sunday.

My life as a Restauranteur

2008-05-03T14:14:00.002-04:00

Currently, it is 61 degrees inside my restaurant in the private dining room. Outside however, it is a glorious 81degrees and sunny...hmm...I dont think i bargained for this. And did I mention it is a SATURDAY. Okay, despite the occasional Saturdays that I need to come in for a couple of hours my new job has turned out to be pretty amazing. The GM of the restaurant is nice, the French Chef is hot and is a lot of fun most of the time when he isn't yelling at the staff and his kitchen help, and the servers have slowly gotten over the "Who is this 12 year old who just waltzed in here off the street and started telling me what to do" attitude. I am starting to find my niche in this place. Things I have done since I started working here have included, "Taste of the Nation," "Rammy" award nominations, The French Wine Society's meeting. All events where I have gotten to taste really good wine, eat delicious food, and oh, right, I guess you could call it work. I have traveled to New York for Passover, eaten Brunch at my favorite place in the lower east side called Yuca Bar (PLEASE PLEASE I beg you to take the 5 hour bus ride, simply to have their Huevos Rancheros, which is eggs over easy, ontop of a black bean quesadilla, delicious guacamole, sour cream, and salsa! Can I just say, the BBQ (Black Bean Quesadilla) melts in your mouth, the eggs appetizingly slurp their way across the plate covering every bite in gooey egginess, and the sour cream and guacamole make licking your plate clean an absolute must, as Cambouri proved to me when we were there...Yes, I had to pull the plate away from her before she actually stuck her tongue on the plate,( I work ina restaurant, I know where plates have been :) ) . I jet setted my way to Sacramento to visit Ten's family, where his half sister just had the most perfect baby boy who was 6 weeks old. He little sneezes, spit-ups, and gurgling made the 5 hour and 30 min (each way) plane ride worth every minute. His parents are absolutly the nicest people, always welcoming my East Coast ways and manners into their house, and actually have started allowing Ten and I to sleep in the same room. After dinner the first night, his mom, during a tipsy moment came to help me set the trundle beds up, (two twin beds in the guest room). She was telling me how happy she was that we had come to visit and as she pushed the twin beds together she looked at me and said one of the most cringe worthy things a potential mother-in-law could say, "There, now you too can be next to each other." Ugh, my face turned bright red, as I embarreslying nodded, excuse myself and ran into Ten's sister's room to hide, before I was forced to have "The Talk". Besides a few awkward moments, it was a wonderful weekend, and it was an unbearable reminder of the type of weather we were missing while living in the frozen tundra of Washington D.C.

Places I have visited recently, um, actually not too many since I have been so busy traveling ( I have just been recapping the past 2 weekends). Tomorrow I have plans for a girl's brunch tomorrow. Mostly that means bottomless mimosa's and bloodymary's at whatever place we can under $10 dollars...hmm...make the 15 since I probably don't want to know what type of champagne is used in the ten dollar one. I think it will be, Ole Miss, Me, my friend Jennifer (she currently is leaving my parents house as a renter, reminder my parents have moved out so not as wierd), and maybe my childhood friend Welsh. My other friend, ND (she has been really disappointed that everytime I write my blog I never talk about stuff i do with her, and she may make me change her name but for now, ND will work), has her parents in town so she won't be able to come :( She is actually going to be eating dinner with her parents at my new restaurant, I hope everything is delicious and I would highly recommend it if it wouldn't give away my identity, but it comes highly recommended by the Washington Post as one of the best new restaurants in the city, so I guess that is a hint.

I guess that is an update. I am finding it increasingly important to make good friends and keep them. Having moved so much between colleges and after college it is really hard to keep friends. I hate to talk on the phone which makes keeping in touch with friends all across the country very difficult and totally unsatisfying. Ole Miss and I have become really close, and as someone who knows how to have good girl friends (being the southern belle that she is) I have been taking pointers from her and trying to follow her lead when it comes to being friends with girls and how to handle all the situations that arise, like break-ups, boy troubles, and making sure to spend enough time away from Ten and with my girlfriends (even though I have to say, I am pretty good at that, not perfect, but better than most, and I probably should not take any credit for that, because it is usually Ten telling me, "I need guy time, if I have to listen to you endlessly prattle on about your job, your friends, and gossip I might kill myself. I need some beer, bbq's, and babes" (he is joking about the babes thing, but I get the hint).

So Hope everyone's has been doing well. I will let you know where I end up for brunch. Hopefully some really cool place on U St or Adam's morgan. Let me know if you have suggestions.

I'm BACK!

2008-04-05T11:46:00.001-04:00

Dear Readers,

I am back from my haitus. I apologize for the recent silence i have been very very busy...so let's get to it...

My life as I know it is very different then it was last time I updated. Things that have happened include:

I went to Miami
I went to the hottest new nightloung called the Florida Lounge at the Delano Hotel.
I met Eva Longoria there. (ok, well I didnt meet her but I did get to attend her birthday party...okay, it's not exactly how it sounds, I happened to be at the club she was celebrating her birthday at but I did get to sing her happy birthday, well not just me, but you get it :)
I met the Mayor of Miami at the Delano also, and I did actually meet her. My friend from high school is a photographer for Ocean Drive Magazine (kinda the society pages of Miami) and so knows everyone, every hot place and can get into every hot place.

Miami was amazing!! I was visiting London. Since you last saw her in this blog, she has broken up with her boyfriend (which is a good thing in her eyes), she has won Employee of the Year (at L'Oreal!!) and is still one of the most awesome and amazing friends I have. She is amazingly sweet and fun and I extended my stay longer just to spend a little bit more time with her, and maybe in the MIami Sun :)

I have also started my new job at the Restaurant! YAYA!!! SO excited!

So since I started here, the restaurant has been nominated by the James Beard Foundation (if you dont know what that is I suggest you watch a little Top Chef) as Best New Restaurant in Country. Now, it hasnt won yet, but we will : )

My title is kinda vague, basically I am a manager/program coordinator. I do a wide vareity of things but I love it!!! I love my new job, i love my new bosses and i love my new french chef :) Everyone was right, he is cuter than my other one, nicer, and his accent is just soooo adorable, you just want to pinch his cheeks. I already have a nickname as well, The chef refers to me as "Sweetcakes". Apparently that is a french cutesy name. I dont care he can call me whatever he likes :)

Ten and I had our anniversary...we didnt do anything except go on a very nice run to see the DC sites, and then make dinner but it was perfect for me. It was one of those really nice days we have just had in DC where it was 70 degrees. Ten and I really enjoy our runs and it was just so perfect to be finally outside enjoying the weather, enjoying the beautiful DC sites and just spending time together. I dont know exactly how many years we have been together but we are guessing around 4. So we have decided that it would be our 4 year anniversary.

Places i have been lately that I suggest going are....hmmm...I actually dont think I have gotten out lately... I am going to Poste I think today for drinks, we may end up at Zengos, but now that I am located in Penn Quarter for work I think it is time to start trying out the bars and happy hours here.

I love Clydes! I highly suggest going there for a drink if you ever get a chance. Look for the Bartender Earl, he is a fabulous bartender and very nice. I love going into bars and asking the bartenders to make me whatever they want and he is a great sport and makes me awesome drinks :) (Bartenders hate me, but I still love it, how else am I supposed to try new drinks).

I suggest Rocket Bar, if you are looking for a fun laid back bar that is not too crowd. I have gone there with a few friends and the many televisions keep the sports crazed occupied (ie: Ten) and the billiards tables, and darts provides fun for all ages. As well, it is nice to just hang around and catch up with your friends.

Another suggestion:McCormick and Schmicks for their happy hour of course is amazing. It's like 2.95 for like the greatest appetizers and they don't skimp on size! you can get a full half pound burger and fries. I would also highly suggest their buffalo wings...

Something I learned last weekend: I learned that if you go to Eastern Market at around 3:45 great deals can be found. I was a little late heading to the market but as it is one of my favorite things to do on Saturdays, especially now that it is strawberry season I decided to risk it. When I got there everything was being sold at next to nothing. I bough 3 baskets of strawberries for 2 dollars, 1 bin of red potatoes, and 1 bin of cherry tomatoes for dollar each. It was great! The only problem was I missed the deli place I love in the market itself, since it was closed by the time I got there. If you are looking for a great activity in DC I would highly suggest Eastern Market.

Another place as a DC local that I love, is the Waterfront. If you get off the metro at L'Enfant Plaza and head down to the water (past the Mayflower hotel, ( i forgot what street it is) you can buy fresh fish, shrimp, maryland crabs, oysters, clams anything!! all fresh off the boats. They are actually boats that you buy from. The expereince is great, find the best deal, order steamed crabs hand your cash down to the guy on the boat and he packs a brown paper bag full of fresh maryland crabs, or hands you a plate of fresh shucked oysters. Their clam chowder is delicious as well. My favorite past time is to pick up crabs, shrimp etc. and find a nice spot on the grassy hill across the way and settle in for a great lunch or dinner. You could also take it down to the monuments and go see the cherry blossoms since tis the season.

So, I guess for now, thank you for your patience and hope everyone is doing well.
If anyone has suggestions for great happy hours, drinks, or dinner places in Penn Quarter or Chinatown, let me know!

When I say Sake, you say BOMB!

2008-03-07T10:13:00.003-05:00

Good Morning!! I apologize for the lack for blogging I have been doing lately! I love all the comments I have been getting and I wish I could have been updating more lately. As you all know, I have been going through a personal mini crisis with my job and basically what to do in my life.
So here’s a little recap:
Everything started when the hotel I was working for was bought. As a reminder I worked for 2 hotels, and only 1 of them was bought. This brought a lot of inner turmoil among all employees. Our little family was being torn apart and these big scary new people were coming into rule over us….It was awful to say the least, there was a lot of crying, mental breakdowns over my demotion to Secretary (unofficial but accurate). There also was a denial of the promotion I have been going to work each day for. The hope that all my hard work had been noticed and I would soon be an employee in the restaurant in the hotel, my one and only reason for staying with one hotel over the other. In the words of the GM, “I don’t see why the restaurant needs you, and unless the position is 90% admin work, I wont approve such a promotion because it isn’t necessary.” With that one little sentences, caviar and champagne dreams floated themselves out the window. That disappointment lead to multiple other changes, all leading up to: I HAVE OFFICIALLY PUT IN MY TWO WEEKS!! I DID IT LAST FRIDAY!!

So I know enquiring minds want to know, what has this 23 year old Food and Beverage extraordinaire decided to persue? (I might be using the word extraordinaire rather loosely considering it has been over a year and I still can’t pronounce the word “Sommelier”- which for those of you don’t know means “Wine Guy”) I was hired by the restaurant, not in my dream position (but then again who actually gets their dream position at 23?) but doing something rather less glamorous. I will be working at the other restaurant owned by the same Chef, which was just voted number 10 best new innovative restaurants in the country by New York Times. I will be doing data entry…that’s right, data entry… and if I am lucky I will get to still help with any big events that the restaurant at the hotel does, and I will still get to learn about the restaurant industry. As much as that sounds boring, and awful, and may I say BORING again…there are a few upsides to the position. I won’t just be doing any data entry, I will be inputting the ALL IMPORTANT AND SECRETIVE Recipes into the new computer system. I will also become GURU to said computer system and be working with the Exec Chef to teach him and all other Managers how to use it. Other upsides include: Working directly with the Exec chef, who I have been told by numerous people that if I love the Exec Chef at the Hotel Restaurant (WHICH I DO DODODODODODO!!! I have written about him previously, just think “Sexy, French Accent who Yells at me all the time, but I don’t care because his sexy mouth can say anything he wants to me because I pretty much don’t understand anything he says anyways”) I AM GOING TO LOVE THE EXEC CHEF AT NEW RESTAURANT. Apparently, he is French (God yes!) his accent is thicker (Even BETTER) and he doesn’t yell as much (hm, I don’t care really, it is kinda hot when French men get all hot and bothered over fruit salads and the perfect consommé ).

So I will be starting forth in this new endeavor in about two weeks. I of course, will keep updates on my progress. And let you know how truly hot the new chef is (Ten can’t be too jealous, I really only like them for their accents).

In other news, Ten’s birthday just passed!! It was really wonderful! He is 24! AWW!! That sounds soo old, I know we are young but still. It sounds older!
Due to my lack of funds, I decided to throw Ten a birthday party at my apartment, not just any birthday party but a SAKE BOMB party!!
I invited all his friends over, brewed SAKE (well, not technically brewed it myself but I did heat it up because that is the best way to drink Sake) and made everyone bring over tons and tons of Saporro!! I also cooked Edamame because Sake isn’t anything without Edamame with it.
It was a lot of fun! In case you don’t know what Sake Bombs are, it is when you take a shot of hot Sake, balance it on two chopsticks over a glass of beer. Everyone proceeds to chant, our versions included, “Sake, Sake, Sake, Sake, Sake, Sake BOMB!” or “When I say Sake you say bomb, Sake, Bomb, Sake, BOMB!” or we even sang happy birthday to Ten and ended it with a BOMB! And when you say BOMB you slam your hands on the table and the shot glass falls in, and you must drink the whole glass, SAKE and Beer as fast as you can.
It is great fun, however, 6 Sake Bombs, and 2 shots later, I might have had a little too much to drink (especially for the 98 pounds of me). I don’t remember the end of the night…I was told that I put on pajamas and then started doing a crazy crab walk (which in my hazy state I slightly remember doing that, but I think I was actually trying to do the dance that Cameron Diaz does at the top of the Hill in the beginning of the movie, “The Sweetest Thing”. What? Don’t remember that move? Not surprised, but apparently it had a big impact on me.
Flashforward: 6am in the morning, I wake up freezing on the 2-seater in my living room, clutching a velvet pillow for warmth…that’s odd considering I went to sleep in my own bed, or so I remember…
Flashforward: 9 am, the marathon throwing up begins. I not only throw up every 10 mins, I throw up every ounce of water, tiny bites of bread I tried to force down, and basically was reduced to dry heaving and standing Butt straight up in the air, head forced down to the toilet to get anything else possible out of my system because my stomach decided it still wasn’t done. Highlight of my morning was when Ten was using the bathroom for the 2 secs he needed to pee, and of course my stomach decides, “Hey you, bonehead, I need to throw up…” FUCK, (excuse my language) I go running down the hall searching for somewhere to throw up.. sink is filled with dishes, trash is overflowing with beer bottles, cups, and food, my trashcan from the night before is filled with Ten’s puke (he also did not make it through the night with projectile heaving), so I frantically grab a plastic bag from the storage closet, place it over the recycling bin in case of holes in the bottom, and proceed to throw up, in a plastic bag, over 5 tons of used beer bottles in the storage closet. Ten, must have heard the frantic commotion I made because he came out, and was like "are you ok," I am heaving up whatever is left in my stomach as I am waving my arms at him to “GET THE F- OUT!!! YOU CANT SEE ME LIKE THIS!!”

Needless to say, I spent the rest of the day in bed, I didn’t stop throwing up till 3pm, where I finally found a spot on my bed where I finally felt slightly less sick, and proceed to stay in that position, refusing to move no matter the pins and needles of the weird neck position and leg position I was in, and slept till 6 pm. I woke up and proceed to have a few teaspoons of soup which stayed down and back to sleep around 9pm for another work day…
Lets just say, NOT MY GREATEST DAY IN THE WORLD….

Bar Review Edition _ "Rumors"

2008-02-20T16:24:00.001-05:00

“Rumors” Review – 1900 M St. NW

I spent last Saturday, forcing myself past a very large man, pushing through a very small door, and trekking through a path that “magically appeared” as a pushed myself like a jigsaw puzzle piece fitting myself through the crowd to the bar where I very quickly needed a drink. Is it just me or is DC expanding? I, once again, spent my Saturday evening at a crowded popular DC bar, called Rumors. It is located at 1900 M St. near Farragut Square and Dupont Circle. If this bar had been located in like Iowa, Indiana, even some remote spot in DC like say Crystal City (J I live there so don’t get mad) I would have loved the bar. The problem was the amount of people in the place could have fit in the new Nationals Stadium! It was maxed out!! Maybe it’s just me, but when I go to a bar I enjoy having room to dance and breathe, I don’t like when dancing is mandatory because the people are so close next to you that everyone sort of has to sway with the crowd. I’ve got moves people!! How am I supposed to break it down, with all those people cramping my style?! It is also frustrating when Cambouri comes all the way from New York to go out for the evening and she spent half of it in line waiting for people to leave the bar because it was at capacity at around 11:00pm. I even pleaded with the bouncer if he would let my gorgeous, BALLERINA friend into the bar, because 1. she is hot, 2. she was by herself, and 3. SHE WAS COLD! He just stood there and grunted negatively…ugh, I hate bouncers like that, there should be an unspoken rule that girls should not have to stand in line by themselves. So my conclusion, it would be a lot of fun if it was reasonably packed and didn’t cost $5 dollars to get into an overcrowded dance floor that they tried to call a bar. I would suggest going early and leaving early. Personally, I like having room to enjoy myself and when a place is that overcrowded it’s just not fun anymore.

In other news, HR pulled me aside today. Basically, she told me in a closed door meeting that it doesn’t look like the position I want will be available for at least 6 months or more…soo…..Tonight’s Mission If I can Stomach it: Plan my life….

Option 1: New Job
Option 2: Stay, but they will incorporate a training program with all the information I WOULD LIKE TO LEARN to HELP ME on my career path….further details still to come

So…I have a lot of soul searching to do. WISH ME LUCK!

Valentine’s Day Surprises are a treat

2008-02-18T15:48:00.002-05:00

So I guess I will post the final post on Valentine’s Day. I had to let you all know what Ten ended up planning. So Friday evening, I got all dressed up in this great dress I bought at white house/black market. I had fabulous black shoes from New Years that I repeated. I did my hair and got all dolled up with lots of mascara (for the googly eyes I intended on throwing Ten all night long) and baby pink lipstick from L’Oreal. Ten shows up looking as handsome as ever in a baby blue button down shirt with a pinstriped suit on, and not obnoxious pin stripes, but just slightly there stripes that make him look like a sexy lawyer type, or someone with a lot of money! We posed for a few pictures because I had to have a few and then got on the metro (probably the only downer of the night was not having access to a car but at least we did our part for the environment). So we get off at chinatown and I still had no clue where we could be going that my dress was appropriate for in Chinatown. And after a few minute walk, we approached Ruth Chris Steakhouse. Not every girl’s dream, but definitely as a steak lover, it was my dream. I only ONLY eat steak on special occasions, and so I died on the spot. “really?!! I get to eat steak tonight?!! We are actually going inside!!? This is too much!! Yum yum!! I love steak…SQUEAL! FAINT…” that is about how I sounded when we walked in. I NEVER EAT STEAK, because of the guilt factor. But Ten gave me permission tonight to not feel guilty and to enjoy myself. I had a flirtini: made of ketel one, cranberry juice, grapefruit juice and it came out a pale pale pink that matched the valentine’s day spirit and my lipstick. I batted my eyelashes at him all night long, while I died (or dined) on my plate of Filet and Shrimp, in pure meat overdose and deliciousness. We cooed sweet nothings to each other all night, ignoring the very large and very loud family sitting near us (I want to know who can afford to take all 14 members of your family to Ruth Chris, and how do I get myself one of those families.) All and all it was a wonderful night, filled with love mumurs, filet mignon, and flirtinis. I couldn’t have asked for a better Valentine’s Day. THANK YOU TEN!

In other news, my job still is in a standstill…Just waiting for a decisions… let’s just hope it comes sooner rather than later. I am starting to get antsy and I had a slight mental breakdown last night, knowing I had to go to work today, and my brain went colliding with the internet frantically searching for culinary school options, hospitality school options, jobs in California, jobs in DC…and not knowing what to do. Ten calmly talked me down, giving me a plan, which is exactly what I needed. A plan that just until the end of the summer we will definitely be staying in DC and that’s all I needed to know. And like that the fever abated, the sweating cooled to a slight damp drizzle, and I used the extra adrenaline to do a full scale clean of my room, dusting to changing sheets, to getting rid of unnecessary clutter.

I am sorry I have been such a bad blogger lately. I do appreciate all the good vibe comments you guys have been giving me. I just have been so consumed by my own life I haven’t been able to concentrate on others.

Thanks for dealing with my selfishness!

Frustratingly Mute in Georgetown

2008-02-12T10:17:00.000-05:00

My life as a 20-something professional…translation, “the bottom of the totem pole”, also known as “bottom-dweller”, “push over”, “bend over”, “please sir, may I have another, and by the way, love your tie” and of course, “Coffee Sherpa”. Basically, if you haven’t gotten the message yet…not so pleased with the new take over…I know I have been hinting at this for the past few weeks. Talking about the split between my two beloved hotels (well, maybe not beloved but at least “liked”) and where I would end up.
Option one: go with my awesome big boss to the other hotel which would be hotel W (all offices use to just be in one, lets call it M Hotel, the other W Hotel had to have offices built to accommodate the split). My job would be unknown for the next couple weeks but would involve event planning, conference planning, accounting, HR, mail sorting, and any other odd, end detail which would, upon the hotel settling down, lead to Event Planner Extraordinaire.
Option 2: Stay with M hotel, suck it up until the new GM of M hotel approves my move to the restaurant (recall this is top 15 restaurants in the country, and the best in DC). I understood this process might take um, maybe 2 weeks…
Option 3: Stay with M hotel, and be a sales manager…yuck, yuck, spit! But the most money probably…

So I chose Option 2. I want to work at the restaurant. I have been working towards that goal for the past year. I applied there originally but there were no jobs at the time. That is where I want to be. I want to mingle with the upper-crusty Washingtonians. I want to dine on exquisite food, and I want to be able to say, “oh, Chef, that was divine! I want to do that during the Inauguration when we will be filled with only the most powerful people in the world!”
It’s my turn. I spent the past year working my soul into this place, I made myself inreplaceable to the hotel…unfortunately I have become a little too irreplaceable.
Problem: The new GM of hotel M arrived last week. AND WONT LET ME LEAVE! He is delaying the approval of my new position, because shocker…he doesn’t want to have to let me go and rehire someone. He wants to keep me as an assistant and supposedly promote me, or so he says to sales manager! NO, I DON’T WANT THAT!! I WANT THE RESTAURANT!! I want to be yelled at in French by the hottie exec chef who calls me “Pretty Girl” when he is not yelling at me (sorry Ten, but you know its true!).

So let me describe the last couple days that have gotten me so emotionally distressed that I have not been able to blog, let alone even read other blogs…
Last Thursday: Our new Director of Sales comes in, introduces herself (we will call her DOS) and says Conference Planner, other Assistant (the one I play phone games with) lets meet. They go into her office leaving me at my desk, and she begins to introduce herself, her goals while she is here, how long she expects to be here, others she expects to hire etc….Things that I believe everyone on the “team” should know…for the first time in over a year, I felt like I was not part of the team. I was demoted to assistant, phone answerer, and bitch. How did that happen between 8 am and 8:15 I don’t know. Immediately, new GM walks in, says “HI, I’m your new GM.” Looks around and then says to me, “ This office is disgusting, you need to clean the walls off with any other companys materials, you need to dust, through things away that don’t need to be here etc”. SO between 8:15 and 8:30 I was demoted even further to well…housekeeping/assistant, slash bottom dweller…urgh…ok, the tears begin to pool out of anger. I spend the rest of the day Thursday, answering phones and watching the other assistant get his promotion and move into his big new office (dungeon space). The GM calls me into this office and asks, “What are your plans?”
“I am going to move up to the restaurant”
“Um, I don’t know if that is the best move for right. And since I need to approve that move, I wanted to let you know that I think we will have to wait on that.”
“Um, what do you mean?”
“Well, since I have to approve the move, and since we don’t have anyone to replace you right now, it just doesn’t seem like the best time for such a move.”
“My friend is interested in my postion, I can bring her in tomorrow.”
“That is wonderful, bring her in, I need an assistant.”
WAIT A SECOND!! I AM BRINGING HER IN FOR MY JOB!!! SO I CAN MOVE UP!!

Basically he decides that until he can talk to the Chef who is out of town until THURSDAY!! He wont be able to make any decisions about my job here. And not only that, he tells me unless the restaurant job is 90% administrative it isn’t a good move right now since that is really the only thing they need. And I know the job that they want me for is not an admin job…I think he just wants to deny them offering me a higher salary which they promised me!

So Basically, I am being denied everything I had been promised, and being demoted on top of that…The tears begin to overflow. HOT ANGRY TEARS! THIS IS NOT MY FAULT! You cant just come in here and mess up everything I have worked for! I run to the HR Director, a girl just a few years older who is awesome, and tell her everything, as I am sobbing. In the past year, I have had one major meltdown and no others…The first day of this new company and I am already in tears.

(a little side note, I had asked HR if I could have a flat screen computer monitor that was in accounting that wasn’t being used as I had the smallest desk in the office and the largest computer monitor. She said yes. I took it and put it under my desk as I couldn’t ever find anyone to help me switch them and I cannot lift the mammoth screen on my desk by myself. So there it has been sitting for the past month. The greedy other assistant, says to me on Thursday of course, “Can I have that flat screen monitor sitting under your desk.” “No, I need it, I just haven’t been able to switch it yet and as I may be moving I don’t want to move it for nothing.” “But I need it for my new office.” “No you don’t, now that you have a new office you definitely don’t need a smaller monitor, since you have a big old desk and your own room!!” “But I want it” “UM, NO!”)
Friday: I walk in, and there under my desk is an empty space. Other assistant had taken my computer monitor even though I had said no. I couldn’t take it. I was being denied my promotion, people were treating me like shit, and he goes and takes the one little thing that was keeping me stable, the one prospect that I might still be moving to Citronelle. HOT TEARS AGAIN ERUPT! I run into Conference Planner’s office, “I’m leaving! I can’t take this shit anymore. This isn’t fair. How dare he do that, who does he think he is, treating me like that and taking other peoples stuff!” “Calm down, Tell me what happened” “he stole my computer monitor!” “what?!”
Other assistant walks in, probably because he knows he is in trouble, “I Didn’t steal it, I went and took another monitor from accounting, and the GM said I had to put mine back, and when I told him you had one, he also said I had to put yours back, but then he said I could keep yours. So I did.”
I was so angry!!TEARS ANGER GRRR!!! It’s the point that matters. I don’t care about the computer monitor. I don’t care about his promotion, I care that he thinks since he is above me he can do anything he wants know. I care that he thinks that what he did is ok. I care that he doesn’t have at least a little respect to understand that I am not currently happy about my position, and you are going to rub it in that you get to move. And the least little thing you can do is TAKE SOMETHING FROM ME!! Because you want a cool office! HOW INCONSIDERATE! UGH!! SO FRUSTRATED!!
So day 2…begins in tears again…One year NO TEARS. Two days, Two Tears/melt downs.
I wrote my old boss, Big Boss, an email, just telling him how unhappy I was, How I was sad that he wasn’t around anymore, that the office wasn’t the same without our team together, and how much I truly appreciate him now. He called me from Florida where apparently he had been on a business meeting and just the sound of his voice, knowing that he cared enough to tell me how sorry he was, how he hated to hear me so upset, I burst into tears again! THREE TIMES!! IN TWO DAYS! It was just the difference between the new and the old. The old was caring, warm and fuzzy, the new was cold, indifferent and frustratingly mute about my future.

Anyways, situation hasn’t been solved yet. HR talked to DOS and told her I was feeling undervalued, and ignored. DOS apologized to me and said she had been so worried about other thing she had kinda forgotten how I might feel during this time.

So I guess that is ok. I am working hard so they know that my job is not to be an assistant. But in terms of my career, the GM of the restaurant keeps telling me to relax, he promises everything will work out. I assume it will, but it has been frustrating being put on the backseat, back burner, watch others around me be promoted, do more while I just sit in my normal desk, my normal chair and keep still. I guess until Chef comes back in town my future remains cloudy.
I guess I should remember that no matter what despite my work life, I have a wonderful boyfriend who doesn’t care that I blow my nose constantly, that I hack luggies like its my job, and will still kiss me even if I have a cold sore on my tongue (well, not with tongue) of course.

Ugh, I hope everyone has had a better past couple days. I apparently have a lot of catching up to do, considering my reader says I have like 48 new entries to read…

V-day Updates/Hints:

2008-02-04T16:24:00.000-05:00

So Sunday Morning: I am checking my email obsessively for probably 4th time that morning because I tend to do that when I absent mindely have my computer in front of me, I see a new email...

It is from Ten, it reads:

Ten & Blonde Features (Substitute full names)

Reservation for 2 , 8:30pm

Cocktail Attire Requested

Awwww....kinda excited..maybe Ten actually has a plan! I know, totally unexpected, like the time I turned down a Jean sale...totally out of character.

So I am excited and must plan a shopping trip ASAP! Ole Miss is on call for this emergency situation :)

p.s. I got my hair cut...I wish I could show you a picture but my favorite hair stylist, Serkan at the 4 Seasons (I LOVE HIM!) gave me a deal and charged me only $70 for my absolutly fantastic hair cut and blowdry!! LOVE LOVE LOVE HIM!

This if kinda what it looks like! He gave me "Beginner bangs" because I have never had bangs before and he didnt want me to be overwhelmed but I LOVE LVOE IT!!

Valentines Day Ideas...ah oh...

2008-01-31T16:11:00.000-05:00

Alright,

So I know Super Bowl is coming up but as I dont care much about what I am doing for it beyond spending it with Ten, my friends, watching the ads, and eating/making great food (and Ole Miss promised to teach me to play guitar hero, which I have heard amazing things about) I thought I might see what people's valentine's day plans are?

I had planned this great little trip to Ski Roundtop about 2 hours outside of DC. Apparently they have the most adult friendly Snow tubing hills (meaning fast :) ). I had assumed my mom would be back in town and I could borrow her car...well, after all my planning I guess they are right to say "assume- makes an ass out of u and me" because my mom won't be in town...of course...so as I cant find an alternate way to get out there without paying a crazy amount in "under 25" rental car fees, we will have to go another time when a car is avaliable. Well, Ten suggested last night that he would think of something fun for valentines day....now, maybe to most people that sounds normal, guy plans nice romantic surprise for valentines day, including wine, dinner and jewlery. that is not Ten. Ten is too relaxed, too casual, I feel like we never even went on real dates when we first started dating, don't get me wrong there was dinner involved but more activites which is how I prefer it. I prefer making memories over getting material items. I love romance as much as the next girl but in my opinion the most important thing is to do something memorable for both of us so we have stories to tell our kids (one day) and because it always just feels the most personal and romantic. Just Ten is not the best at doing these sorts of dates...this is my area.

However, almost always, not always, BUT ALMOST ALWAYS, I plan it. I am the event planner, the organizer, the anal time keeper. Maybe I am overly-obsessive control freak (which I am) I just always have better ideas..humph....But my plans fell through and in my moment of sadness over plans not being able to happen, i unwittlying agreed to let Ten plan something....oh no....i just hope it doesnt involve staying home watching football....

So I will let you all know what ends up happening and if I get any hints... so i can steer him away from any bad ideas....

What is everyone's plans for valentine's day? Single or Not Single.

V-day is not that bad. It is a day about love, not just for your significant other but for your friends and family!! If you are single spend it with your friends, or spend it with your family! Its a day to celebrate love, something we sometimes take advantage of.

Restaurant Review- Matchbox

2008-01-28T14:45:00.000-05:00

Restaurant Review: Matchbox - 713 H St NW in Chinatown

I give it 4 Stars out of 5. (I would give it 5 but because I was drunk I don’t think that is fair to other restaurant reviews…we all know hunger + Alcohol is the best sauce J )

From the outside, this restaurant is reminiscent of Mary Poppin’s bag gone modern chic. At all hours of the evening, too many people than actually looks possible, can be seen walking in and out of the small front door. Ole Miss and I stopped by Il Fado, an irish pub located on 7th street around the corner, for a little happy hour fun before our dinner at Matchbox. We had two beers (being forced to chug our second beer, as we were late for our reservation and they wouldn’t seat the party until we were all there) so were slightly tipsy when we showed up, pushing our way through the sardine can door and the business casual happy hour bunchs that were swarming the bar. Turns out, the restaurant looks small from the inside but actually extends upwards with a funky invisible staircase (not sure if that is the correct architectural colloquial), they were the type of stairs that you could imagine your freak death as you plunged between two steps as they did not have a base (small people like me have to worry about that sort of stuff). There were 3 floors (or at least that is how many I counted) and the 6 of us were seated on the 2nd floor in a cozy booth. Slightly too small but we didn’t mind, we were all friends J.
One of my favorite things about Matchbox was the wine list…As I love wine, but don’t know that much about it, I loved the selection. There was bottles of wine us twentysomething professionals could afford as well as more expensive ones and even half bottles for us light weights. Ten ordered this great beer called Allagash White, that he is still raving about. The pizza was absolutely delicious!! I caution, Ole Miss and I were tipsy but we ordered the tomato, buffalo mozzarella pizza and could have gone to heaven. It was a little too much cheese for me but as I like no cheese pizza, that doesn’t say much, but it was great. The crust was absolutely perfect and it had that great fire cooked taste, as they cook their pizzas over a wood burning oven. Ole Miss and I were in such heaven we ate the whole pizza and then still wanted more. The one thing we didn’t get to try but will have to go back for is the slider’s. As I am not a meat eater most of the time, & I do my very best to avoid meat, you cannot understand how good the slider’s look. Matchbox is known for these little pieces of dead cow heaven. I saw awards all over the bathroom walls for their slider’s and was sad no one at the table ordered them so I could taste, which of course means until I actually have a bite, I will forever crave one.

So overall, I would give it 4 thumbs up! It was delicious and even the price was not too bad.

The rest of my weekend was nice, I babysat my parent’s puppy and took her to the dog park. The only other extraordinary thing that happened, was when Ten and I were almost killed by a stampede of 20 deer in Rock Creek Park. We had taken the puppy to Rock Creek to the Dog park. These people had given us awful looks for allowing our dogs off the leash, yah people, we are rebels…and they had taken off on this other path. All of us sudden a stampede of like 20 deer maybe more, came hurtling through the woods right through the path that the evil people had taken!! I cant imagine what it was like to be them!! It was scary enough being across the street. Of course the puppy took off after them, but after some strict yelling and the realization that she wouldn’t catch the deer and even if she caught them she wouldn’t know what to do then, she came back.

So that was a recap of my weekend. Check out Matchbox if you get a chance. It was delicious and I highly recommend it!

Hope everyone had a good weekend!!

P.S. I had another snake nightmare last night. This time I was in a cabin and there was this angry rattlesnake chasing a friend and me. I got out of the cabin and ran and found Ten in another cabin. I started screaming about the rattlesnake and he was like, “let me go see” and he went out and didn’t tell me that there was a cobra and rattlesnake in his cabin also, and I had woken them up with all my screaming and so I was left all alone with an angry cobra and rattlesnake in the rafters hissing and spitting at me. The cobra bit my hand and I woke up. Just thinking about it I get the creepers. Of course, it was 6:30 am, about 15 mins till my alarm was going to go off, and I had to complete my ritual of turning on the lights, checking my bed for loose cobras, relaxing myself and thinking of everything none-snake related but it just wasn’t possible so I just ended up just getting up…not much of a way to wake up in the morning…yuck…

Knuckle Head/Bird Brain - Take your Pick

2008-01-24T16:05:00.000-05:00

Office Story of the Day:

So the most annoying woman works in the accounting office at work. In my bosses words, “Knuckle Head” and “Bat Brain” accurately describe her in a nice way….Well she annoys the shit out of me, because she can’t figure life out basically, and her job, so I always end up having to do it for her, even though she is not even in my department. Last week, she flies into my office like a “bat out of hell” and is like, “You can’t lock your office tonight I need the pencil sharpener!” I have this look, that I just cant control, where if I am annoyed or think you are saying something stupid you will see it on my face and I basically pause and wait till the other person realizes what they just said sounded so stupid that they don’t even deserve a response. So I am giving “Worm Brain” this look, and finally of course the look goes over her head, and I say “I am not leaving our offices unlocked so you can use a pencil sharpener. How about you take the pencil sharpener out of the office and put it in your office for the night?” She looks at me as if I spoke jibberish…So I take the pencil sharpener, unplug it and bring it to her office, putting it on the table next to her desk and tell her it is there if she needs it.
So one week later, again flying like she is actually doing something besides wandering around lost in the office (which is the more likely story), “where is the pencil sharpener?!” I calmly tell her, “Rememeber I put it in your office. I assume it is still there…”
She storms out as if she was upset I didn’t magically produce a sharpener out of my ass and plug it into my head and sharpen her pencil with my ear.
She comes back and I ask her, “Did you find it?” Her reply, “It wasn’t plugged in…" then more gibberish that I don’t understand…some grumbling…" But I guess I can plug it in myself. Ugh!”

Yes, Batty! Plug in that god damn Sharpener yourself, if you can’t even figure that out then you are in the wrong profession. I don’t even want to go into the Stamp Machine Incident, where I thought she was going to start crying when I insisted she put it in her office since I was sick of being commanded to refill it for her since it was next to my desk and I don’t use the damn stamp machine…needless to say…I refill it…but I always wait till it runs out and wait for her to ask me to do it, and then she cant mail the stuff she wants to because I tell her I am busy and will have to do it later… HA, so there…
I really am a spiteful bitch! I promise :)

Great Shoes but still bad mood

2008-01-24T11:43:00.000-05:00

Do I am in a kinda frustrated mood today but I have a very mixed emotion post. I am happy about life right now, but I am still frustrated with my job/people and I am very glad to soon be done with it all... So here goes a very happy/annoyed posting: ENJOY!

I love Tens parents. They were the ones that financially allowed me to buy the new loves of my life:

These, My new Circa Joan & David Riding Boots (they are water resistant also!! Yay, I finally have a weapon against the rain and snow! and they aren't those ugly rain boots!)

Things are still in constant shift in my life. I don’t know what I am doing yet and as soon as I know I promise to update.

Instead today I thought in anticipation of Valentine’s day, I will make a most-listen to mix for Singles/Heartbreak that got me through every day that Ten and I weren’t together. And then as Valentine’s day approachs I will do a happy version for Happy Couples.

The reason I thought I would do the Singles/Heartbreak is I heard the best/funniest song the other day called:

“Not Big” by Lily Allen
Favorite Lyrics:
“Yeah, you really must think you're great,Let's see how you feel in a couple of weeks,When I work my way through your mates
Yeah, let's rewind, let's turn back time to when you couldn't get it up,You know what it should've ended there,That's when I should've shown you the door.As if that weren't enough to deal with,You became premature.
You're not big, you're not clever,”

Other Great break up songs:

The Fall Out Boy CD: From Under the Cork Tree, almost all of those are great, here are my favorites:

Nobody Puts Baby In The Corner
Lyrics:
So wear me like a locket around your throatI'll weigh you downI'll watch you chokeYou look so good in blueYou look so good in blue

7 minutes in Heaven
Fav Lyrics:
I'm sleeping my way out of this oneWith anyone who will lie downI'll be stuck fixated on one starWhen the world is crashing downI’m sitting out dances on the wallTrying to forget everything that isn't youI'm not going home aloneCause I don't do too well on my own

Title: XO
Lyrics:
Last time, I hoped you chokedAnd crashed your car Hey, tear catcher, that's all that you are And ever were From the start I swear, I say

Panic At The Disco- A Fever You Cant Sweat Out Is a great CD
This is my Favorite but you should definitely check out that CD:

Lying is the Most Fun A Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off
Lyrics: Is it still me that makes you sweat?Am I who you think about in bed?When the lights are dim and your hands are shaking as you're sliding off your dressThen think of what you didAnd how I hope to God he was worth itWhen the lights are dim and your heart is racing as your fingers touch your skinI've got more wit, a better kiss, a hotter touch, a better fuckThan any boy you'll ever meet, sweetie you had me

Other Great Fall Out Boy Songs
Title: Love Will Tear us Apart
Why is the bedroom so coldturned away on your side?Is my timing that flawed?our respect run so dry..Yet there's still this appealthat we've kept through our livesLove, love will tear us apart again [x4]

Switchblades and Infidelity
Lyrics:
Walking out on the show is walking out on youAnd walking out on you still the best thing that I ever did.Well, I'm looking out at you obscured by the stand up arcadeAnd the sound of the descendant’s.Your smile reminds me of switchblades and infidelity.

Pros and Cons of Breathing
Lyrics:
Whoa, I want to hate you half as much as I hate myselfYou know that I could crush you with my voiceStood on my roof and tried to see you forgetting about meHide the details, I don’t want to know a thingI hate the way you say my name like it’s something secretMy pen is the barrel of the gun, remind me which side you should be on

Tell That Mick He Just Made My List of Things to Do Today
Lyrics: (Particularly gruesome)
Let's play this game called "When You Catch Fire"I wouldn't piss to put you outStop burning bridges and driving off of themSo I can forget about you
So bury me in memory his smile's your ropeSo wrap it tight around your throatOn the drive homeJoke about the kid you used to see, and his jealousyBreaking hearts has never looked so coolAnd when you wrap your car around a treeYour makeup looks so great next to his teeth

Sending Postcards from a Plane Crash (Wish You Were Here)
Every friend we ever had in commonI will sever the tie, sever the tie with youYou can thank your lucky starsThat everything I wish for will never come trueWhen you go I will forget everything about you (I-I've seen sinking ships go down with more grace than you)

So Those are my favorite heartbreak songs, at least the ones I can recall.

Check out these artists! They all have such great lyrics, funny, gruesome, happy etc.

I think it is great to find people who actually have lyrics that mean something poetic.

SOS -NYC Trip

2008-01-22T13:55:00.000-05:00

A lot of things are going through my mind right now concerning jobs, and traveling. However, I am still going to postpone those discussions to tell you about my weekend in NYC for Cambouri’s bday!

First Lesson I learned on my trip: NEVER EVER TAKE CHINATOWN BUS!
By all means, take Vamoose, book Grey Hound for the same price online, or splurge and take Acela…it is never ever worth the agony and pain for $15 less.

Ten and I met at Starbucks in Chinatown. As usual, I was a stress ball (my nickname from Freckles and Ten), anxiously staring at my watch as we only had 40 mins to make it to the bus (the bus was located 2 blocks away and in my mind, after my many travels in foreign countries, I have learned that you are never “safe” until you are actually on the bus.) We bought our snacks and water and after a horribly scaring incident in the Starbucks bathroom where I was unable to actually pee do to said experience and a uncharacteristically pleasant incident using the Chinatown bus bathroom which in comparison to Starbucks was spotless) we were bladder-emptied, safely seated on the bus without a hitch.
5:30 pm- Chinatown bus leaves on time. (WHAT! I know…) So we were off to a great start, till 10 mins later we found ourselves in nose to tail traffic. We crawled away for the next 2 hours, Ten listening to music and getting a call from his boss about possible full time position (as his current position is technically “Intern”), and I was reading my newly purchased “Glamour” and at the exact same time as Ten got his call, I got a call from a Hotel in West Hollywood (which is another story). 2 Hours and 15 mins later: I notice the front of the bus starts turning around with eyes wide open in horror, surprise, shock and other emotions that apparently are felt when a person sees massive plumes of smoke coming out the back of the bus. Yes, Massive Black Plumes of Smoke.

7: 45 pm: We pulled off of into a deserted parking lot off of Exit 87. Our bus was dead...

This was the dead time, we were all questioning, wondering what was happening, reviewing the situation, checking out exactly how stranded we were (3 miles to nearest gas station)...

9:15 pm: At this point, there was still no helpful information coming from the driver, the passengers began to actually make friends with their neighbors, GASP! Some great questions coming from the peanut gallery included, “So how long do you think we will be sitting here? Do you expect another bus is coming? Has this happened to you before? Do you think we will be forced to start a Bus Gang and mug passersby for food and water for the rest of our lives?” (true real life question)
The hunger and thirst began to overcome us, and rather than reenact the Donner Party, someone had the great idea to figure out that we were stranded off Exit 85 and the closest Pizza Hut was at this number. Immediately, everyone was on their cell phones, phone calls sounding like, “Hi, I am with that stranded bus group off exit 85, I’d like to place an order for delivery.”
10:00 pm: 2 hours and 15 mins from smoke billowing incident, the 7:30 chinatown bus showed up next to us. Most of us where ecstatic! Another bus has come!! But of course, it was an almost full bus that only allowed the first 10 people on. As Ten and I were not the first ten people on the bus and did not feel like stampeding the passengers in front of us, we watched with sadness as our bus emptied slightly and the 7:30 went on to the Big Apple without us. Luckily the melancholy mood on the bus did not last that long, because unlike the Titanic, the lack of space on the 730 bus did not mean death, and the pizza showed up as the 730 bus was departing! YAY!
The gnawing in our bellies was finally satiated as a slightly confused pizza delivery woman came onto the bus to provide us with 8 pizzas, lots of water and sodas (to note: Chinatown bus did not pay for any of this).
Highlight of the evening was the girl sitting behind me, realizing that she would not be making it to the big apple in time for the party she was attending pulled out 2 bottles of Kettle One and proceeded to pass it around the bus!! PARTY on the stranded Chinatown bus!!

After the pizza and vodka was finished we settled in for a movie. Good old Chinatown bus driver (still not providing us any information, ominously put a movie on, we hoped it wasn’t a sign of exactly how long he was expecting us to stay) and unfortunately for us, 15 mins into the movie, the bus battery died…as the lights dimmed, the heat slowly dissipated, we wondered if maybe our bus was fated to end like poor Lyuba (the 40, 000 year old Baby mammoth found perfectly in-tact after being frozen in Russia).

But luckily for us only 45 mins later at

11:00 pm: Our recovery bus arrived. We pryed our frozen hands from our neighbors that we had huddled close to for warmth and we made it onto the bus. The entire bus (luckily not the driver) fell directly asleep. I awoke around 1:45 am as the bus was careening into New York City. I assume the bus was going at 80 miles an hour through the Lincoln Tunnel, I grabbed onto Ten's hands for dear life as each bump in the road caused the bus to catch air and land and continue on a death hurtle towards the Big Apple. But to our delights, the bus did not crash into the big apple, it stumbled its way to Penn Station, where the nightmare was almost over.

Instead of trekking to 110th St. to Cambouri’s house we stayed with Ten’s friend who lived nearby in the Village. 3:00 AM finally came and we found ourselves being offered reclining chairs to rest our heads….hmm…had I not been so tired I would have protested but beggars can’t be choosers. We awoke the next morning with cricks in our necks and a very tired disposition, which took 2 cups of coffee to begin to cure. And a long subway ride for me to get very very lost on which definitely woke me up.

My recommendation number 1:
YUCA BAR in the Village was amazing. The best brunch for only 12.95 it included mimosa (bloody mary or screwdriver) and coffee and tea and the most delicious Huevos Rancheros.
I met my long lost friend from Arizona (we will call her LT), and Cambouri for this fabulous brunch. LT and Cambouri had their eggs scrambled while I got mine over-easy. They came on top of a black-bean quesadilla with guacamole, green huevos rancheros sauce, salsa and sour cream. AMAZING!!
We spent 2 hours catching up on life, men, and jobs (The 3 necessities) and laughing (possibly due to the mimosa & my sleep deprivation, and possibly due to my pleasure to see both LT and Cambouri).
After brunch, Cambouri and I gallivanted across the city, seeing different sights, and hanging out. We bought some accessories for the night and of course the “shorty” bottle of Grey Goose to drink while we got ready. After spending some re-cooping time on Cambouri’s couch I made a mistake, I did not have the 3rd cup of coffee I would need to stay up for the rest of the evening…

Lesson 2: Always drink a cup of coffee before you go out! Especially if you are sleep deprived already!
After taking the subway ride into the city for the 4th time in one day, we ended up at another one of
Blonde Features Recommendations for NYC on a budget:
Cooper 35 – Asia Pub. This restaurant was located in the East Village on Cooper street.
The $4 dollar drink menu was amazing ( we drank Sea Breezes all night out of large glasses with Bobo Tea type straws) and nothing was over $7 dollars and most was like 5 or 6 and they all came with individual portions of rice. It was amazing! The bill was insanely cheap for the 12 people who came to dinner.
After the chaos of dining with 12 people, we made our way by Cabs to Lucky Jacks, A bar in the East Village. Um, I wouldn’t exactly put it on my list as it was crowded, too hot in the basement area where we were, I was also so tired that Ten was leaning me up against a wall for most of the night, as my eyes drooped lower and lower. Finally, after my insistence that I was fine, I wasn’t tired, and I would no way want to sleep on the reclining chairs again…I was magically placed in a cab (I think I had fallen asleep) and whisked away to the reclining chair of my choice. I ate a little bit of pizza from Joe's which as I remember was very good and slowly drifted to sleep in a reclining chair that decided to not recline that night. I awoke at 6 am with a tummy ache, another crick in my neck and the thought that I would rather wake up, and go get on the train to Poughkeepsie (our next stop to visit my parents) and sleep on the train then spend any more time in this hell. However, I managed to fall back asleep.
My alarm went off at 10am and after much coxing & swearing that I was a fool for making plans so early, (mostly coming from Ten), I got him out of his reclining chair, packed up and headed on our way to our last stop, Poughkeepsie.
My parents just moved to Poughkeepsie which is a small town in upstate NY about 2 hours by train. We hung out with my parents, Ten and my dad watched the football game, we went to a great dinner (the Culinary Institute is located there) and finally got my mom, the dog, Ten and I out of Poughkeepsie and onto home.

So that was my weekend trip to NYC.

I blame the Chinatown bus for ruining my weekend due to lack of sleep I did not get to stay out as late as I planned celebrating with Cambouri and friends. But there will always be a next time and I know better now than to trust my weekend with Chinatown Bus and I hope this is a warning for a future commuters!

Nightmares or scary movie scripts trying to claw their way out of my brain?

2008-01-18T14:04:00.000-05:00

Do you guys ever get those nights where you go out have 2 drinks, end up tipsy ( not drunk) decide to go to bed early so you can wake up refreshed, but really spend the whole night tossing and turning and having crazy dreams that you remember the next morning quite vividly and still wake up hungover and tired with a headache? That was me…I guess there is another weird random thing about me….

1. I get nightmares, reoccurring dreams where I spend the whole night screaming in different scenarios (whether I am fighting with someone or scared I spend the whole night in my dream screaming), and I have chatter dreams where I stay up all night having these dreams where my inner monologue decides to walk out of my brain and stand in front of my bed and have a conversation with me all night.

Last night it was a chatting dream. Those are the ones I get when I go to bed tipsy and I am worried about being tired for work the next morning. Last night I spent the whole night, dreaming that I was at this concert on a hill, and I was there with friends, and we met these very very cute boys like hot boys and one of them liked me and he kept asking me to go out with him, and I kept saying no because I had a boyfriend, and that was how I spent the whole night, denying myself a hot sex dream with a godly looking man crush because I am so loyal to my boyfriend that not even in my sleep will I cheat on him... but I did steal one kiss or maybe two in the eight hours I was asleep, I wasn’t that good….

I get freakishly wierd nightmares, please find below some of my most recent nightmares:

1. I call this one “Dead Dogs” Because I am basically on a quest to save the world, of course, from this disease that I am immune to (I was also in another country when it hit, kinda “I AM Legend” But before "I am legend" came out, I promise) and find myself walking uphill along an avenue towards a castle, and every few mins, a see a dead dog lying on the ground, then another, then 2, then 3 and soon I am walking on dead dogs because they are covering the street, and then dead people start become mixed in with dead dogs…I think that is when I wake up…

2. I dreamt that Ten and his family and my family are staying at this cottage in the countryside somewhere. Another country takes over the United States by sending an airborne disease around the country, knocking out all the military and the president etc. and they go around rounding up people putting them in concentration camps (WW2 style). But since we were in the countryside away from the big cities we just know what is going on via radio and we all think we are safe, until 2 weeks into the occupation, they discover our hidden cottage in the countryside and round us up separating Ten and I. and then I wake Up.

- I used to dream that a man would stare at my roommates and I through the air conditioner vent in our rooms. Even though we don’t have air conditioner vents, we have radiators.

- One of my favorite nightmares are the paralysis ones. I just bought an eye mask for when I sleep with Ten and he stays up all night reading. Ten usually takes it off me when I fall asleep (usually to wear it himself because he thinks the street lamps are too bright), however I drove him to the airport one morning super early and came home and put it on to sleep. In my dream, I imagined that I was trying to wake up and discovered that I had been bound and gagged, totally paralyzed unable to move my arms or scream for help. So I am trying to scream, open my eyes, and trying to bang on the wall behind my head which is shared with my roommate to wake her up so she can come save me. I swear there is a man at the bottom of my bed watching over me till finally I wake myself up and pull off the mask with a rush of adrenaline and relief when I realize it was all just a dream.

- Another great one was the dream I had where a cobra had gotten loose in my room and I couldn’t get to my cell phone to call 911 and I swore it had gotten into my bed, and I woke up in a fit, threw all the blankets off my bed, jumped onto the floor and ran to the lights and turned them on all before I realizing that I had been sleeping and there probably wasn’t a cobra in my bed.

- My All Time Favorite reoccurring nightmare/dream:

On occasion, I have this dream that begins right as I am semi-conscious mood. I dream that I am walking down some stairs usually in a garden but sometimes just on the street and I will misstep and fall like a whole flight of stairs. Instead of actually falling, I have this whole body tremor thing where my whole body shakes, moving the bed about three inches in both directions, simultaneously, I bolt upright saying “I’m Falling!” and basically scaring the shit of Ten who is quietly reading next to me.

I have this weird tremor thing on occasion, so it is getting to the point where Ten is on edge the whole time he is reading waiting for the moment where I will convulse as if the Devil himself has, at that very moment, decided to jump into my body and reenact numerous scenes from the Exercist. It’s like once I close my eyes, he hears the Jaws music begins to play, ‘duh nu, duh nu, duh nu duh nu duhnuduhnu…..DAAA!” and sometimes Jaws appears and sometimes he does not.

So I was going to blog about other things but I some how started thinking about my dreams and decided to share a few of my faves.

Looks like the entrance to my brain at night :)

Anyone else have wierd dreams? or have that whole body tremor thing that scares the shit out of your partner?

I am a Jean Shopping Goddess

2008-01-17T09:55:00.000-05:00

Good morning friendly blog readers:

One thing that I did not put on the 7 random things about me that should have been number one is :
I have a Jean Obsession. Not just any type of Jean, but let me tell you about my favorite friends in order of my personal preferences and the amount current sitting in my jean drawer that has had to expand to a jean chest and a summer/cropped jean box hiding till summer comes back:
1. Paige Denim (1 pair, my current nighttime favorite)
2. Rock and Republics (2 pairs, my old nighttime favorite, must be altered as I have lost weight, again! and a cropped pair for summer fun)
3. Citizens of Humanity (1 Pair, my NEWEST FABULOUS PURCHASE THANKS TO CUSP!)
3. J Brand Jeans (1 Pair, my white pair because you can't go all summer without white jeans)
3. Adriano Goldschmid (AG Jeans) (2 Pairs, 1 Current daytime favorite, 1 Old daytime fav)
6. Joes Jeans (3 pairs, Old day and night fav's, again must be altered due to weight loss issue)
7. Sevens (2 pairs, trusty day pair and corduroy because sometimes you want that crunchy look and still be fabulous)
8. Lucky's (not really designer but i still like them) , ( 2 pairs, My boyfriend style jeans that I do love for hikes in the woods and daytime wear only)
(I have others but as they are not designer they are solely for laundry day).

So on that note: I Must speak to my new Citizens and my friend Richard at the Cusp retailer near me:

Thank you, Thank you my dear Cusp store (convienently located next door) for the sale that brought my new Arrowhead citizens to me. They will be accompanying me to New York where they will be making my already fabulous bottom (have I mentioned my favorite assest is my ASS! which may explain the jean obsession) look hot and chic at any East Village Club I may be attending Saturday evening. Please see below for pictures of new fabulous pair that I must say at the low low price of $75 I would suggest you run, not walk, to your nearest Cusp store or check out Google.com for some of the amazing jean sales that are currently going on at online retailers near you.

I will also be at your service for any jean questions you may have. I can tell you about all of the above Jean brands, including my knowledge that:
1. Jeans made of %100 cotton will stretch out (Sevens unfortunatly has such problems)
2. Jeans made with 98% cotton and 2% elastin hold their shape much more efficiently (take Paige denim, and AG jeans, and my newest pair of citizens)
3. 1% elastin does hold shape well but can lead to saggy butt syndrom so if possible please wash after every 2 wearings (please include J Brand Jeans, Rock and Republics, and Lucky's in that category).

4. I can tell you that Paige denim is the best jeans for say, larger girls, I did not say Fat, I am saying larger which is not bad, some girls are not size 24 and have to have every jean altered, but they will do your slightly larger ass look say "juicy" vs. "saggy".

5. For smaller, petite girls Please check out: Frankie B Jeans (watch for plumber butt syndrome as those are dangerously low, and as I have enough to worry about I stay away usually), as well as J brand, and AG jeans which all fit me quite fabulously.

So those are my hints to start you all on your Jean Quest. Good Luck and I wish you Good Sales!

Oh there was this really cute pair of Taverniti Jeans but as I am new to the brand and am poor I only bought one...another day another pair of jeans.

4 x4 = 24 so we win right?

2008-01-16T15:30:00.000-05:00

As I have been over the past couple weeks, I am super stressed out about the impending sale of the hotel. It will actually be sad not to see my my crazy nutball co-workers every day, after next week. I will have to write a farewell entry discussing memorable events in my year in this sales office. But enough about that because I am stressed out enough:

Tuesday Tutoring! Last night was the second week. I shadowed another tutor. I shadowed the cutest first grade boy (unfortunately his tutor was not as cute as the boy was). Basically I just watched and kinda helped a little bit while we did homework and worked on basic addition and subtraction (not my strong point).

So memorable Blonde Feature Quote of the night: "4 x 4 = 24 , so I win"
Story:
Does anyone remember that game 24 from when we were younger. It may have been a DC PS thing but it basically is a card game that helps practice quick addition/subtraction/multiplication/division. So i put an example below. But the object of the game is come up with as many ways as possibly to make 24 using any sort of the above arthimatic. Well the card I had had a 4 and a 4 and a 2 and a 6. So I am showing Ole Miss (this is my friend who does tutoring with me) how to play and I pick up the card and I am like, " this was my worst nightmare as a kid. I could never do it right. "
Ole Miss: "How does it work?"
BF: "well, basically, you try and make 24, so 4 x 4 = 24, so I have one way.."

There was no calling me out or anything. Ole Miss just let that comment fade into the infamous BF quote hall of fame.
I walked away as i was assigned to a kid. I can only imagine Ole Miss' crying in her head for the poor kid I was about to try and teach math too...

Later that night, we had the boyfriends meet us at Jaleo for their first introduction (always very awkward because we all know boys just do things differently).

Jaleo's half pitcher red wine Sangria is amazing and for only 12 dollars you cant beat it!! Us girls got drunk and the boys awkwardly chatted with each of us instead of the group...um...typical boy introduction behavior...anyways...

Ole Miss asked for some more "Wed Wine" and I totally called her out on it. and she was like well i was going to let this go but nice "4 x 4 = 24 comment today..."

Some part of me had an inkling that I had gotten that wrong earlier and we both cracked up laughing!!! We had a lot of fun, us girls did anyways, and I am so excited for a possible girls trip to visit London in Miami!

Promise to keep you updated on any changes but if anyone can figure out a way for me to get someone to pay for me to travel around the world I promise to take you with me.

Will Write Funny Travel Articles for Plane Tickets to Hong Kong....

Dear "Love Doctors":

2008-01-15T09:46:00.000-05:00

I am fed up. I have had it with your opinions and judgements on what is good and what is not good for my relationship with Ten. I know we have maybe done things differently than most couples, but hey, when it comes down to it, I am still with my boyfriend and more in love than ever, you guys on the hand....umm...not so much. (Sticking my tongue out at you)

Now please listen:

When Ten and I first moved to DC from California we lived at my parents house.

It’s not like your average household. My mom has been renting out the rooms in our house since she and my dad became empty nesters. Not just to anyone, but usually between the ages of 23-26, anyone my mom could take to happy hour, make dinners for, go to philly with, and basically substitute my sister and I for. Our house is actually known as the Hotel “Insert my Last Name” by many people in the DC area that have at one point or another stayed at my house. Apparently there is even a facebook group out there, that I have yet to join.

So back to the main story, Just because Ten and I lived together for 6 months when we first moved here does not, in any shape or form mean, that we MUST live together for the rest of our lives, because as one person so nicely put it when told we would be moving into seperate apartments, “Isn't your relationship moving backwards?”

Ten and I decided, to the chagrin of you “love doctors” not to “live” together (we do live in the same building and that adds a whole other element I will get to). It was surprising the comments I received from people, as if I should be worried about my relationship with Ten. Not everyone is dying to get married at 23, not that I don’t want a shiny ring to look at everyday, and not that I don’t want to marry Ten, but we are 23, do we have to commit ourselves forever? Can’t we just enjoy the way things are? And when things maybe start to get boring, or when we are ready for the next step then can we get married? It's not like we can even afford a house and definitly kids are not on the way anytime soon.
I am sick to death of people thinking I am weird for being ok with the fact that Ten does not want to get married till he is 26. What is so wrong with living in the same building and not actually living together? Why did my relationship decidedly move backwards when we didn’t move in together after we lived together (IN MY PARENTS HOUSE, may I remind you)?

The question I am posing to you all is, at 23 is there really such a rush to nail down that ring and notarized paper that says, what little money Ten and I have must be shared? Would it be so wrong if we took jobs in different cities because it just might be better for the individual or am I required to constantly think about my boyfriend or be scrutinized by others as my relationship might be failing?

To all you worried folks out there about my relationship with Ten…Please do not worry. Ten and I could not be more perfect if Romeo and Juliet actually lived at the end. Ten and I are more in love than we have ever been before, more in sync, and just infatuated with each other. We discuss marriage, we both want to, but we want to do it on our terms. Please stop making me feel like I must push for that ring. I don’t need that ring, I just need Ten right now.
Ten and I might have to make a hard decision which may involve long distance. My friend Freckles said to that, “why would you do long distance, why don't you move with him. Don’t you want to be with him?”

My answer to her and all other inquiring voices is, sometimes it is not always about him, sometimes it’s about me and at 23 that is ok!

Thank you for listening to my rant. I hope we all learned something. Please don’t judge a relationship that you are not in. I know I do that too (and frequently) but Ten and I are ok. We are better for not living together (he has not killed me for the mess that I call my room) and I don’t kill him for staying up all night reading (and by all night I mean past 10:30).

Love,
BF

p.s.: This note is for myself but I hope it also helps others. London, my bf from Miami, has been with her boyfriend for 3 years. They have lived together for 1.5 years and she has just gotten her own place! My newest roommate was living with her boyfriend and has just moved out. These moves have saved relationships! Sometimes a relationship may not be ready for that next step. Sometimes things need to cool if you dont want it to end and moving out is not the end of the world.

I say, Thank you, London and Newbie Roomie for showing the world that moving out is not THE END of a relationship. Sometimes it can be the pause that is neccessary for a relationship to continue to move forward.

Officially :

THE END

Whats your favorite?

2008-01-14T14:55:00.000-05:00

Hi, Since I am currently so stressed out about my job or lack of one in the next week (well not lack, but having to pick a new one), Ten's decision that he hates all things political and wants to move back to California (this is the guy who told me when we first met that he wanted to be President of the United States, as well as someone currently in Poli Sci Grad Program and working for political agency), and my desire to pick up right this minute and get on a plane to Japan and not come back till I have seen ever major waterfall in the world.....I thought I would pose a question to all my DC, Maryland, and Virginia readers out there....

Something I will deperatly need:

What are your favorite DC bars, happy hours and why?

The more descriptions the better :) I am going to need that cold beer, wine, and rail drinks this week.

As well, I am traveling to New York this weekend to visit Cambouri for her birthday.

Any not-to- miss bars/nightclubs/ weekend events in NYC?

Let me know your ideas :)

7 Random things: Tag Your it!

2008-01-11T12:44:00.000-05:00

So the Smarter Princess ( http://smarterprincess.blogspot.com/ ) Tagged me for this 7 random facts thing (yay!):

The rules are:A) Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
B) Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself.
C) Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs

Here I go: (it's pretty sad to think I had a really hard time with this...hmmm...)

1. I am absolutely ridiculous about lateness and being on time, in that I hate when people are late, and I love when people are on time or well , early because as they say “If you are on time you are already late”. However, only my boyfriend hears about it when he is late, however I do suspect my friends know…

2. I love spicy food!! I have a horrible sense of smell. I'm not sure if it is allergy related or what, but 2/3's of the year I cannot smell anything. Then like a few weeks a year it comes back and I can smell EVERYTHING and it is soooo STRONG...But since I can't smell anything, i love strong tasting food. Spicy Food is my favorite, Sour Candy, Stinky Cheese...basically the stronger the taste, the more I like it!

3. I remember elementary school like it was yesterday. I barely remember high school…and none of that is drug related. I was just super popular, cool and awesome until 7th grade until we all became gawky middle and high schoolers. Like, just to start off my awesomeness, I got married in Kindergarten. Like I had a full on wedding, I had to stealthily steal this white frilly dress I had (so my mom wouldn’t find out) and I had bridesmaids and everything, and my lunch aide married us in the middle of the hall during lunch time and I kissed the boy on the lips! I guess that was my first kiss!! HAHAH!! Never thought about it that way.

4. I spill everything. I cannot make it through the day without spilling something on myself. It is to the point where sometimes if I don’t do laundry I have to go to work with a coffee stain from like the week before and I just play it off like “Oh NO, look what happened this morning on my way to work”…Yah, I’ve done that.

5. I lived in Puerto Rico for 3 years between the ages of 2-5. My parents favorite memory, was the time I was cast the role of baby Jesus in my pre-school Christmas play because I was the only white girl, and unbeknownst to everyone else, I was also the only Jew.

6. I have a stuffed Moose named Moosey, which I have had since I was born. He has antlers, and this big nose, and is awesome, and has been traveling all over the world with me, even to India (but I washed him after…J) and I also took him to college. When I need a hug Moosey gives the best hugs…he has always been my best boyfriend J

7. My boyfriend decided last night that he wants to quit his job, quit grad school and travel around the world in May. He has also decided I should too…While the best thing should probably be to convince him that he needs to stick things out for a while longer…I think I want to do it!! Let you know what happens!! I love spontaneous trips!!! I can't turn them down....

I am tagging:
-Emily over at Sea Legs http://stayfrostie.blogspot.com/
- Amanda's Tales (That's if she gets time) http://amandastales.blogspot.com/
- Because it's Better Out than In http://sometimesitsbetteroutthanin.wordpress.com/
- Jamie over at http://ohhowlovely.net/
- The True Tales of a Cafferine Addict at http://legallyheidi.com/
- And Elisa over at http://www.genpink.com/

(Sorry Guys, not quite sure how you get them to be just the name wiht a link to it...)

So: I dont think I will have time for another post today but things are getting really crazy with the last comment above. I have wine meeting tonight with the GM of the CRAZY FANCY restaurant and lunch with the event planner...Let you know how that goes...but if I am quiting my job and traveling around the world then what...all this work? Is it for nothing?

De-Lurp yourself...

2008-01-10T13:31:00.000-05:00

Ok, as you all know I am still new at this whole blogging thing. At first I didnt understand the whole, I link your page, you link mine, I comment on your page you comment on mine...I am still trying to figure out the social rules to blogging which I really didnt even knew existed but apparently they do...SO STILL WORKING ON THEM.

but from what I can tell...

People don't like not knowing who is reading their page....ok, makes sense just assumed when I started my blog that rando peopel would be reading it but apparently that's called lurking (officially a lurker here but I didnt know!!)

I didnt get the whole comment on my page thing and if finally makes sense since I started getting my own comments...Comments leave a warm fuzzy feeling inside and I think "Someone wants to know about my life...! Yay!" That's why you are supposed to comment!! Tell that person whose blog you read everyday that you like their blog. So ladies and gentlemen:

Please take part and De-Lurk (or the true Santa Barbara in me says) De-Lurp yourself:

ps. At UCSB, in the greek system and it has slowly expanded outwards, we use the term : LURP, to properly explain: imagine yourself at a frat party (I know, it's awful but just do it, I'm pretty sure you have all been there at sometime or other in college) and some drunk guy comes over and is like "So, how you doing?" (in some awful Joey Tribianni voice ) and he ends up putting his arm around you and and not leaving you alone and wants your number and spends the whole night "Lurping" on you...get it...TO LURP....almost like Lurk but more, I dont know...Lurpy....maybe "slimy" would be a good synonym...

"There's Beauty in the Breakdown"

2008-01-10T09:19:00.001-05:00

So the hotel broke me yesterday...and I am a tough nut to crack...but yesterday...during a crazy phone call with a old man I broke down crying...

Lets start at the beginning: I hate old people. Some people hate kids, I hate old people. I'm sorry but for some reason no matter how cute and small I am, and how nice I am, old people hate me and love to yell at me for very silly, or stupid, or just plain things that don't make any sense!

Secondly: Our hotel as I mentioned before is in the process of being bought, and as a hotel that has a sister property that we also run, it has been a very confusing time with employees not knowing which hotel they will be placed at once the impending sale is done. There is a lot of confusion, people using sick days to really go on interviews at other hotels, so that means a lot of people are out sick. I am one of the lucky ones where I know I am not getting fired and not only that, I have an offer with the restaurant (which was sweetened this week when I was told that I would actually be helping the event planner start a catering company, not that I have any idea what catering really involves but I am starting one, so there!) and the current company that I work for apparently wants to give me a promotion but have still yet to hear that from anyone who matters, only from co-workers and big boss (I would like to hear it from the company itself, and with salary numbers as well....)
So the above all translates to: Not a lot of people, too much work, no one to do it except me...

SO yesterday, things came to a head. After 4 days and a weekend of having no reservations agents, I was being asked to learn the reservation system (ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND!!!?) that is not my job and I refuse....as they dragged me kicking and screaming to the computer to learn it...then, accounting was asking me for things, the GM was asking me for things, and if you can't tell yet, as Psycho Sid explained to me post-breakdown, "I have a high-rent problem", I am the "Go To Girl" in the hotel because I get shit down and people can count on me...which means all problems head my direction, and as the loyal caring employee I try and do everything, I always am trying to be superwoman and sometimes I just can't...

So: Being very busy yesterday with requests from all areas of the hotels, the phone ringing of the hook with requests from people who don't even have groups coming till June- September, the assistant asking me no to forget to order toner for the printers (As if that is my highest priority and it's not like he can't do it himself), Psycho Sid asking me for such inane stupid things she needs done that simply can't wait (can you hear the sarcasm?) and a million other things...Mr. Old Man calls at 4:30 to ask me to go over his reservations....for June...

-Basic Conversation:
Me: How May I help you today?
Mr. Old Man: I need to go over my block and check that the reservations are correct
Me: Alright, I would be glad to email you the information so you can have it on hand.
Mr. Old Man: I don't use computers
Me: Alright Sir, You have 8 rooms for these nights...
Mr. Old Man: What?
Me: You have 8 rooms for these nights...
Mr. Old Man: I have 10 rooms for these other nights?
Me: No Sir, You have 8 rooms for these nights...?
Mr. Old Man: I dont understand why you cant get this right?
Me: Excuse me? I dont think I understand the issue sir.
Mr. Old Man: I want 8 rooms for these nights. I dont understand why your reservations agents can't get anything right. Everything has been a problem from every step of the way. You better fix all these reservations right this instance!!
Me: Um, I'm sorry sir, but I think we are having a miscommunication. Your reservations seem to all be in order.
Mr. Old Man: You better fix them right this instance! I also need this change done immediately.
Me: Sir, I am not a reservations agent, I am simply mini-bosses sales assistant and cannot make any changes to the reservation system as I dont have access.
Mr. Old Man: You better get access quick!! This is insane, I dont understand the problem with this hotel and why you cant do anything right.
Me: Let me put you on hold so you can speak with mini-boss who would be glad to discuss these issues with you....
Mr. Old Man: How dare you not take my complaint! I am giving you a complaint and you are just passing me off to someone else! How dare you!!! This is absolutely ridiculous, I will not speak with anyone else, that is completely irresponsible, reckless, uncaring...blah blah balh
Me: I'm sorry sir you need to speak with mini-boss
Mr. Old Man: Don't you dare put me on hold.dd.d.d..d.d......<>

So then immediately ran out of the room crying....mini-boss runs after me, I yell at him and tell him to go talk to his client!! I escape to the canal and sit on the bench and have a good cry. 20 mins later I head back and everyone wants to talk to me, apologize etc...ugh...it was just a long day...
I like that mini-boss got on the phone and told Mr. Cranky Pants that "My assistant ran out of her very upset. I'm not sure what happened but I would really like to know what you said to upset her."
Mr. Cranky Pants: I think I owe your assistant an apology.
Mini-Boss: I dont expect you will be speaking with her again.

Go mini-boss!!

So anyways, days ends. I ask to go home early as I am so upset. Psycho Sid comes out and is super nice to me and we have a little chat. Highlight of the chat:
PS: Just think that you have a garden. You have to tend, take care of and speak to your garden. If you pay attention to other gardens yours will not get all the care it needs. All you can do is throw fertilizer on others gardens to help them out.

Highlight of my day: After hitting the low of the low...I am waiting on the platform, having decided to walk around a little as I was still kinda upset and this guy standing next to me starts cursing and stuff...(not sure, could have been turrets) but when the train comes I get on the other train car because I dealt with enough crazy today, and there standing against the door on the other side of the car looking as handsome as ever is Ten. I walk to him, and he takes one look at me and can tell that I have been crying and he just gives me the biggest bear hug...I have the best boyfriend. We spent the rest of the night in bed cuddling and talking about work woes...

Sigh of Relief....another day begins.....

Quote of the Day

2008-01-09T13:26:00.000-05:00

Office Quote of the Day:

"I'm so stressed, I dont know whether to scratch my head, or brush my ass..."

Cheers to our Conference Sales Manager for that cute soundbite...

Just an example of the type of day I am having currently, at least I'm not the only one...

Promise to post later if this day ever decides to stop trying to shake me upside down and inside out.

**Later Today** 2:30

Time Out from anything work related: Another blogger (once I remember who I promise to link her) wrote a comment once seeing Brit's newest Beau that he looked trustworthy...not...and that we would probably add to her insanity...One Point for Annoymous Blogger!

http://www.tmz.com/2008/01/09/britney-naked-pics-shopped-all-over-town/

Teasing Phone Games

2008-01-08T09:58:00.000-05:00

So I just wrote this and looking back on it just skip right to the bottom about the phone games...

The one good thing about the writer’s stike is abc.com has gotten a little bit creative to keep their audience coming back…
- They are currently running episodes of my favorite “Daria-esque” show “My So Called Life”. That show really is great. Oh, the early ‘90’s, seeing this show makes me glad I was too young to be fashionable, and I got to skip over this and straight to leggings and boots (as bad as Uggs really look, they are just so damn comfortable it is hard to take them off…I will endure the Ugliness for the so soft, sheep-skin insides and the warm feeling of my snuggled toes…on a side note, so much for being a veggie…)
- Seasons 1-3 of Lost are on. I could not, to save my life, ever figure out what time and channel Lost was on, so I have watched Season 1 and 2 on DVD and now I get to watch it online. V. Excited
- I must admit, I actually like Notes from the Underbelly, granted it’s no Grey’s Anatomy but at least it is kinda funny and keeps me entertained. Whereas watching reruns of Grey’s Anatomy is like watching your best friend be mauled by a Tiger over and over again, talk about emotional overload, I can only watch Meredith mess up her relationship with McDreamy only so many times…and speaking of tiger, please, those kids deserved every last claw through their face, at least the tiger got one last claw in before he was wrongfully murdered…People, SHE WAS ONLY A TIGER, like she pre-mediated the murdering and shedding some blood. She probably saw 3 stupid “meals-on-wheels” really deserving a take-down and she gave it to them. YOU GO GIRL! and I digress...

Oh, and last but not least, my most current love is: the LAtimes.com crossword puzzle. They actually tell you if each individual letter is right or wrong without giving the whole damn word away like some other programs! Now, I just have to figure out how to play it at work and still look like I am doing something. I need to be faster at closing windows…I am really slow at it because I don’t want to look stupid and obviously guilty so I go really slow to be like “yah, so what? I ‘m reading blogs, what are you going to do about it…” but I would rather be faster so I could be like, “whistle, whistle, just writing emails like I should be”…

Oh and one last but priceless piece of information: I am currently in a stand-off with the other assistant. He has been out since like December because he went to Africa for like a month, so I was running the office all by myself (piece of cake)…and now he is back and is all like, I am in charge again and blah blah…so currently we are in a very passive aggressive struggle over the phones….All our bosses phones ring through our lines in case they don’t want to pick up, we can…So everytime the phone rings we both give it one ring, and then it is a scramble to see who can pick it up first…My style is very non-chalant like, “Oh, I’m pretending not to notice the first ring, but the second, I’ll just get that…” But my fingers work like speedy Gonzalez and I always win!

He does this super annoying thing where I am obviously and clearly sitting at my desk (no partitions or anything to block the view) and he will hear the first ring and could be like over on the other end of the room making a fax and he will head over to pick it up, as if I am clearly incapable of answering the phone. My favorite thing to do right now, is to wait for him to come across the room, start to pick up the phone and then I swoop in, dial *4, and get the call before he can, It’s even better when he starts to answer it out loud! HAH HAH! and of course, I do this without batting an eyelash, "oops, where you trying to answer that call?..."

Maybe, I really am a bitch at heart... Tee Hee…

Love these heels...If only I were rich...They work perfectly with my Inner-Demon

When the Cat is Away, the Mice will Play

2008-01-07T10:22:00.001-05:00

So...not sure where my office is this morning...just me and the other assistant...I know I saw mini-boss and psycho sid this morning but haven't seen them since 9:30 and they were supposed to be having their morning meeting...apparently not happening today...
Big Boss is out of town till Thursday!! YAY!! Well not exactly yay, because we like him, but, Makes things a whole lot easier when he is gone...meaning I dont do as much.
I spotted Psycho Sid headed to Starbucks around 9:30, but we know how psycho sid gets, anything she sees that perks her interest she goes after, whether it is a store with crazy little pictures in the front, or nice looking cheese that she wants, Psycho is easily distracted so she is not back and probably won't be back for a while. Mini-boss on the other hand, (he is more like Jack from Will and Grace, whereas big boss is more like Will (but he does have some Jack in him also, like when he was doing the backstroke on the floor on friday when Psycho Sid got him upgraded to first class for his trip) ) But I digress, mini-boss has the door to his office closed meaning one thing...he is asleep...yes, he is resting his eyes because he has not picked up his phone since he walked in this morning...oh mini-boss, those late nights are hard on you :)

OK, enough about the office!! More exciting things to speak of:

-Orientation for tutoring is tomorrow and one of my "new" friends is actually going with me! YAY! I dont have to go alone, it is always better to go with someone else. And not only that, she has already signed up to do it, so turns out we may even work out as friends since we like similiar things! Ok, though...she is another one of my downer moments when I joined meetup.com, not that I ever went to any, but I joined just for a look see, and she sent me a message...you hear that...SHE SENT ME THE MESSAGE!!! Asking if I wanted to go with her to a meet up (the answer was no..., please, I'm not that desperate...well only on a bad day) . I looked her up on facebook, other people know who she is so I am pretty sure not a psycho pretending to be a girl, so I am excited we will get to meet tomorrow for this tutoring program.

-Apparently my long lost friend, let's call her um...Freckles, and she is not really my long lost friend just feels that way, because there is a very long lost story regarding our friendship that has lasted forever, and she is basically my best friend who i only talk on the phone too because she lives in Cali and I live in DC and we never saw each other when i was living there because she went to Colorado for school...blah...blah blah....etc...She MIGHT (might being the operative word) come to DC this weekend for one night. Partial jump in the air, one arm up, and a slight woohoo....She'll get the rest of the excitement if she actually shows up...let's just say she is not known for following through with most plans that involve visiting me.... So that is semi-exciting!

-I found pants that fit, no need for altering, me struggling with needles and thread to hem my own pants and no belts involved!!! Thank you ANN TAYLOR!! Ann Taylor sells OOP Pants that actually aren't longer than my whole body!! I'm glad someone actually pays attention that most woman that wear OOP pants are not 5'10 but more like 5'2 like little teeny tiny me...So I bought 2 pairs, was not letting them get away from me since they were like a perfect fit and I feel sassy,chic, and cute today at work!! One pair is grey and pinstriped with small blue line, and the other is black pinstriped.

-The weather is amazing out today so my mood is way up. I am eating lunch outside today by the canal. yum and sunny!! Doesn't get much better.

So Keep you Updated about whether Freckles comes to town, and how my blind date goes with meetup friend, and we already know I look fabulous in my new pants :)

Everything is Illuminated!

2008-01-04T09:52:00.000-05:00

Apparently, I don’t change gears well…that’s what I found out this holiday break from my parents. When I was younger, no matter what I was doing, let’s say drawing for example, and my parents wanted me to come in for dinner. They couldn't just say ‘stop drawing, it’s time for dinner’ because I would scream and yell and cry. They had to say ‘in 15 mins. it will be time to stop drawing and time for dinner’ and I would serenely say ‘ok mommy/daddy, that sounds good.’
So as they say “Everything is Illuminated”!
My life makes sense to me finally. The endless time lines, scheduling, analness for being on time, my overwhelming sense that time is always against me makes sense for the first time in my life.
I have finally figured out why resolutions don’t work. They are too long term, I don’t switch gears well as my mom and dad say. I have this habit of endless righting To-Do lists with times to complete and everything, and I like to start a new list each day. If I don’t make lists I hardly ever get anything done.
And last night I crossed off a major thing off my list. I finished my application for this tutoring for children. I have always enjoyed community service but have not found much time to participate in the last few years. My boyfriend and I are considering the WorldTeach Organization (tutoring program for children in foreign countries) we wanted to do Peacecorp but decided 1. we weren’t that hardcore 2. they don’t take unmarried couples and we weren’t willing to get married to do Peacecorp (not yet anyways). So I decided I wanted to start tutoring kids from the DC inner-city schools and found a program I liked. I had been procrastinating doing it until the new year, but since it was on my list I finished it last night and start my training session next Tuesday!
I am so excited, I think this will be something I will really enjoy. Working with young kids is always so fun and rewarding, and hopefully it will give me an opportunity to meet some potential new friends (always looking for ways to do that in creepy, non-stalkery fashion).
I am on my way to be shiny nosed do-gooder!!

P.s. Britney keeps breaking my heart. It’s like her song “Hit Me Baby, One More Time” I keep offering her the benefit of the doubt, I make “gimme more” my ring tone as a sign of solidarity to show my support…but she keeps letting me down…oh Britney…what will we do with you?

http://www.tmz.com/2008/01/04/britney-wheeled-out-on-a-gurney/

Vacations and New Years - The Best Time of Year

2008-01-03T14:31:00.000-05:00

The View from our Balcony at the Resort in Montego Bay!!

“A vacation should be just long enough that you're boss misses you, and not long enough for him to discover how well he can get along without you.”
– Unknown (Or at least I couldn’t find the author)

Oh Jamaica, How I miss your clear glass waters and the friendly people, No Problem Mon! I be returning soon!

This picture below: Is the View from the highway!! Not Fair!

Montego Bay and Negril were amazing! 5 blissful days of pool, sun and beach fun! Not sure if I got it out of my system as I don’t believe I will ever get the sun and the beach out of my system, but I feel better. It was an amazing place filled with fun people, lots of red stripe beer, funny accents, and wind surfing/water sliding/ snorkeling activities!
I loved spending time with my family. My younger sister just turned 21 and she is headed for Spain in two days for 6 months. So we celebrated with lots of beer and margaritas, daquiris and other frosty delights. My mom, of course, got drunk, being about my size width wide and a lot taller than me,

Things I learned about Jamaica:
Jamiacan English is a lot like British too me…I can’t understand it even though supposedly we are speaking the same language…

Classic Misunderstanding between Me and Cabana Guy:

Me: “Can I get a couple Lemonades mixed with Club Soda?” (my island drink, so refreshing!)
Cabana Guy: “How Many Times you Want? 1x, 2x?”
Me: looking at him with a total incomprehension… “Excuse me?”
Cabana Guy: “I Said, how many time you need”
Me: Still looking like a total nincompoop….”I guess 1x” (I am thinking, shots of lemonade or something…

He comes back with one drink, and I say, “Um, I needed 2 please…”

Cabana Guy: Totally Frustrated, “Dat is what I asked, 1x, 2x…No Problem, Mon, I bring you anoter drink…”

OOOPS!!! But in American English, you ask “how many?”

My favorite Jamaican Word was: Profile, Verb: other words with similar meaning, rubber neck, check out, etc. Used in sentences like, “Dem Boys be profiling, checking dem ladies along da street.”

And they really say, no problem mon…and I don’t mean they say it every now and then and only to men, they say it like Americans say the word “Like” it ends almost every sentence.
“Don’t worry, mon, no problem, mon. Coming right up mon…etc”

I loved it!! The crystal blue of the water was amazing, the only place that had more amazing water was the Turquoise Lake (Olundeniz) near Istanbul, Turkey.

New Years was interesting. Ten and I decided to do separate New Years which was bittersweet. He really wanted to see his friends up in New York and I really wanted to spend it with Cambouri as she had come done from New York to spend it with me. So, we decided that he would go do his thing in NY and I would stay with Cambouri and go with her to this party…
I must first explain my dress though…I love the Shopping Gods and the demi- God Lord and Taylor!!
Cambouri and I searched high and low for the perfect New Years dresses…I could not find a damn one that fit. Finally hidden in the sale rack of Lord & Taylor, a beautiful Nicole Miller satin pink fitted cocktail dress peered out at me…it was a size two but looked like it might fit my teeny tiny self… I didn’t dare look at the price because at this point who really cares…I tried it on and it was fabulous!!! YAY! The price tag was very scary though, originally $330…I took it to the “Check Price” Machine…and it showed up as $27!!!! I know, I was totally knocked off my feet…so not only did I get my dress for a whopping $22 dollars with my little 20% off extra savings pass but I also got to buy a pair of shoes to match!!

This is my dress but in Red

The party was in Adams Morgan and was a lot of fun, however, I don’t remember ringing in the New Years, as I was probably in the bathroom…totally oblivious to the time. Cambouri being the goddess that she is had guy after guy chasing her and even got 2 New Years kiss as I had to settle for a text message kiss from Ten. But at least it was a fun night with Cambouri. We didn’t get home till 5:30 because of course after the party was over we had to get big slice and then we went and hung out at one of Cambouri crushes house, she did other things besides talk while I passed out on the couch, only to be awoken at 5:30am as Cambouri pulled me out of his house and into a cab…the cab driver was laughing at us all the way probably knowing what was happening (We were ditching the boy of the nights house, not wanting to experience a coyote ugly moment (well, her, not me)) and fell asleep in her bed only to awake with the worst headache ever…ugh…but it was great…
The bittersweet part about the night, was being sad that Ten and I were apart for New Years. I had really wanted him to stay but was not willing to deny him his fun nor sacrifice my fun either. But What ended great about this experience is Ten came back on the 1st and told me how much he really feels like things lose their luster when I am not around. He always wants me to be there when he is sharing a joke with someone, and he missed not giving me a real New Years Kiss! I loved hearing that because I felt the same way. I love being with my girlfriends and there is a time and a place for girl time/boy time and together time, but New Years is not one of them and we really do enjoy spending time together on special occasions. We are having a Special Re-Do New Years tomorrow night, with Champagne, I am wearing my dress, and just us with a New Years Kiss at Midnight!!

Happy New Years Everyone! Hope it was fun and special!! Good Luck in 2008!

Oh, PS: Another Blog at Genpink.com is doing this great Advice Section for 20somethings, and I contributed to it as a guest post! YAY for getting involved!
Check out my post and her blog at: http://www.genpink.com/twenty-something-advice-dont-let-love-swallow-your-independence-spend-time-learning-what-you-are-like-when-you-are-single/

oh...please dont steal my pictures...I actually took them myself...thanks!

I love vacation time!

2007-12-21T11:17:00.000-05:00

Looks nice huh? Guess who is off to that lovely locale in 4 days!! Yours Truly!

So I wanted to write a post today letting you know that I may not post for a little bit.... It is vacation time for me!! It is a twice-yearly tradition that my family travels. We aren't big on material presents in my family, and we are jewish so we always try to go to one place over the Christmas holidays and one place during the summer. When I say my family travels, we really "Get Around!"...We don't do the normal beach trips most of the time...

Last year, It was Italy in the winter, and Turkey in the summer.

The year before, it was Russia in the winter (My dad's thinking was, the only reason to go to Russia is to experience the winter there, otherwise it's just like other European City in the summer...It was cold but the Kremlin was amazing surrounded by Snow.)

Other past trips have included, India in the summer, London in the winter, Skiing in Upper Montreal in the winter...

I LOVE TO TRAVEL!!!

As much as I love to sightsee, this year all I wanted to do was spend my vacation on a warm beach in the sun and we are finally taking a "NORMAL Vacation"!!

We are off to Montego Bay, Jamaica this year!! Yah, MON!

Just imagine, I will be laying on one of those chairs this christmas!! Thank Goodness for parents who like to spoil their children :)

But before I go, I have 4 boyfriendless days (he is headed back to California to spend christmas with his family and friends) where I plan on catching up with old friends, staying up late with my girls Lorelei and Rory Gilmore :), and the great movies that are on their way out right now including:

I really want to see this movie, Julia Robert and Tom Hanks! Forrest Gump x2 :)

I want to watch this movie, because when I read the books when I was 12, I dont think I understand anything of what it was trying to tell me about being anti-religious, however, maybe it subconsciously worked because I am anti-religion, well maybe not anti....just Not...

If anyone has seen any good movies this year that I probably missed, our has any suggestions for other ones that are out, please share!!

Oh, and of course I want to see: Except I hate sad movies, can I skip the sad and go right to the funny parts?

OH, How could I forget my awesome new bag!

2007-12-20T13:37:00.000-05:00

I totally forget! I ordered a great work tote online at Ann Taylor. I was so nervous that is was not going to look at cute as I thought in person, and when I pulled it from the box...TA DAA!! AMAZING!!

I have a little bit of the Mary Kate syndrome where the bag is bigger than me, but it's not easy to find tote bags that aren't bigger than I am, being only 5'2 and 97 lbs....

So these were the best pictures I could find because, Sorry Folks, but it looks like I got the last one!

The large one in this collection: MWAH!

Very Happy to Not Be Hungover, Excited for my Friend's to Return

2007-12-20T09:22:00.000-05:00

Good Morning!

I feel a hundred times better than I felt yesterday....I am very respectful of my work place, yah, I am the only one that doesn’t curse, or get angry, or lose my patience. As a person who has 4 bosses at least in just one office…it is important to have a certain type of personality that can have your big boss tell you one thing, your director tell you another and then figure out a way to tell psycho sid that I don’t have to do what she is asking me to do because 1. it is not my job, 2. Director has said I don’t have to because half the things you ask me to do are psychotic and involve running shoes and taxi fare... Things can get a little hectic and confusing around here. Because of this confusion it is important that I am always at my best and in a good mood or psycho sid along with the crazy wedding clients would get an earful…but…I slipped (I guess once a year is ok)…
YAY!! My wonderful, beautiful actress friend Sarah is in town from LA. I went to elementary school with her and we grew up about 3 blocks away from each other. Not only that, when I lived in LA, I called her up and we actually ended up living on the same street in LA about 2 blocks away! Very Very Small World.

So we met up and headed over to Manhattan’s in Georgetown. (B.F.'S BAR PICK OF THE WEEK)
If you have not been I highly suggest ! I love it because it is actually a very cute nice restaurant, they always have the window seats open and they are just so happy to see people they treat you like royalty. Not only that they have really good food and drink Happy Hour Special ($1 oysters!! Some of the best oysters I had all year actually!!) So we started there…2 drinks, 4 oysters, calamari and crab soup later…

We are off to McFadden’s!

We really were headed down a notch on the classy ladder but dollar drinks was something we couldn’t resist. We spent the rest of the night ordering drink after drink of Vodka, Soda, Lime Juices and dancing with this guy who was a spitting image of Napolean Dynamite…So, I am not gonna lie, Sarah is in trouble for introducing me to that drink, the additional Rose’s Lime Juice covers all the alcohol up so you can’t taste it and therein lies the problem…5 more drinks later, I stumbled home, fell into bed and passed out. Ten (my bf) was not too please with me to say the least…”It is irresponsible of you to go out and heavily drink while you are still on antibiotics and just got over strep throat….blah, blah…snore”

6:30 am snuck up and bit me on the ass, way to early…I rolled over hit the snooze till 7:15. Woke up, rolled out of the bed, onto the floor, into some clothes, and onto the metro…and I arrived only 15 mins late…except I spent the next 30 mins. trying to stop the world from spinning until I gave up and I did the most awful thing ever… I threw up at work, in a public bathroom!! AHHH!!!! It was awful and I never want to experience that again, but at the same time I had a great night with my girlfriends and in the end that’s all that matters, oops, I pulled a britney!! (Speaking of Britney, that poor Jamie Lynne...they need to put a cork in those two, you know where, this world does not need anymore of that kin!)

I love this time of year because all my friends come home! I can be popular again! YAY! Two of my friends came into town and they want to do drinks and catch up at one of their houses…except the drink part I can’t wait. Most of my good close friends I went to elementary school with, which is crazy, but that is how things happened.

So happy to spend good quality much needed, girl time. Ten is great, but girl’s really need their girly time! So excited to hear about their adventures! (one went to school with me at UCSB, and is still there getting her masters, and the other just started a fellowship for the UN in New York).

What's my hobby?

2007-12-17T16:21:00.000-05:00

So, I need a hobby...or so proclaims my boyfriend...that might say something loud and clear...he is sick of me!

Ok, so I have been trying to figure out what do on Saturday and Sunday Afternoons. Those are the hard parts of my day to fill. Saturday mornings, I laze, make breakfast, drink coffee, shower, get dressed. Saturday nights are easily filled... but Saturday Afternoons...those pesky times between 1:30- 4:30pm....I never know what to do with myself. Since most of my friends dont live very close to me (45 min metro ride both ways) I feel like it is too far away (I guess we could meet in the middle) and I could work out...but I work out during the week so I like to break on the weekends...so what to do? I have tried to go to a local coffee shop and read, write my blog, and look up exotic locales that I want to go too...

So I am looking for ideas...what to do between 1:30-4:30pm on a Saturday and Sunday?

Some wise suggestions from London (always there with wise words):

"I’m kind of lame and love cutting pictures out of magazines/internet and putting them in my own personal style “look book”. I spend so much time looking at other peoples’ outfits, I feel bad just throwing away images I covet.. and I cut it out and put it in this big sketchbook/ personal style keeper. I also like to go running… but these seem to be solo jobs unless you join like a running group, which do exist…I feel like overcoming everyday dullness is one of the hardest things to deal with after college.. there isn’t that pressure to get important things done on a Saturday afternoon, so the activities calendar inevitably slows down. "

2007-12-15T10:37:00.000-05:00

I have had strep throat for the past 2 days. I have basically been asleep for 2 days straight. I promise to update as soon as I feel better. Probably tomorrow!

Boo for being sick!

A girl's best friend and website!

2007-12-11T16:18:00.000-05:00

So I have just discovered the best website.

WARNING: DO NOT LET YOUR BOYFRIEND EVER FIND YOU LOOKING AT IT!

Amazon has just made my afternoon...I have spent the past hour playing on their "Create Your Own Ring" website in the jewelery section.

You basically get to "Create Your Own Ring" by picking the type of diamond, shape, color, clarity, and then pick the band...I now know I am a "Princess Cut Girl" and these are some of my custom creations:

Gotta Love the Pink Saphires!

Buying a present for your boyfriend for under $30

2007-12-11T12:42:00.001-05:00

My current problem: Trying to buy my boyfriend a meaningful, sweet, useful, expensive seeming present all for under $30.

My boyfriend has done the unthinkable this year, he has capped our gift giving at $30. He knows I usually like to go all out and buy the two of us a little weekend getaway. When he and I do gifts, I would rather create a memory than recieve something.

For his birthday it was a weekend getaway to Virginia Beach, (he had it in his head that he wanted to see the south and be a hick for a weekend, so I decided the furthest south he was getting me was Virginia Beach, and I actually went even crazier and got a suite with a Huge Jacuzzi in the main room, like next to the bed!! GROSS!! But absolutly amazing!!)

For My Birthday, he took me to Sanibel Island in Florida with London and Rice who came with and shared the bday weekend with.

We have played golf in Scotsdale, Arizona (tried to anyways), Annapolis romantic weekends, Carmel Beach weekends etc....

and now, not only can I buy a little vacation with my $30 limit I can barely afford to buy him a decent polo sweater or something...WHAT IS A GIRL TO DO!!

So please, any ideas would be welcome!

Or else he will end up with these goodies:

Pop-up Book for the Star Wars Galaxy...he would rue the day he made the $30 dollars limit.

He would actually probably love this book, I mean the regan book not the star wars one....

Quesdilla maker? He might like that? RIght???

A great weekend with London in the Capital City!

2007-12-10T16:33:00.000-05:00

“Sigh…” Another Monday begins…

This weekend was amazing! My friend London was in town with her boyfriend from Miami. Of course it was a totally disgusting weekend for them to come and visit (especially since I was trying to convince her to move to DC). The snow was melting it was rainy on Friday and I was really nervous it would spoil all our sightseeing plans. But! The sightseeing Gods were smiling down on us because Saturday ended up being the perfect blue sky day for seeing the sights.
Friday night when London and Rice (bf) got here, I (being the jewish mom) had set-up pizza, chips and salsa, Shrimp cocktail, and anything else I could think of that they would want to eat. London, being a fat person in a skinny body, (close to my own heart) chowed down on the pizza which I helped and we got settled in, Talking and catching up. The boyfriends of course settled themselves in on the couch to watch football. After the initial catch up (and the guys got to half-time) we got dolled up and headed to Brickskellers. Guy, London’s BF loves beer! And in a town like Miami you wont find too many places that serve a wide array of beer from all over the world as well, there aren’t too many places to go for a low key night to catch up with friends. Brickskellers was just what we were looking for. We got a small table in the corner and ordered tons and tons of beers from all over the world (My fav was the Hoegarden (sp?) from Belgium). Our waiter, which I will refer to him as Dwight (like from the Office) was interesting…he totally upsold as wherever he could even pushing this nasty beer called Pinkus on the boyfriends for $10. But we did not let Dwight get us down! We get ordering to our hearts content, including a raspberry flavored beer, which is when London and I realized we were getting a little carried away (don’t go for the raspberry beer, EVER!). It was also sweltering in that basement, and after slowly peeling off each layer through subsequent rounds of beer we emerged into the icy cold to remember that we were in DC still and had not actually been in the sweltering heat of Miami…We popped over to Front page for one more round and the bathroom and found that as soon as we got there and ordered the lights came on, We had been drinking beers in the sweaty basement of Brickskellers for like 4 hours! We made our way to the metro for the long ride home where we all immediately passed out with lovely beer dreams floating through our drunken heads J
Saturday: After finally cajoling London, Rice, and Ten (my bf) out of bed, we headed off for the obligatory sightseeing… The best comment of the day that accurately describes London’s care for DC happened as we were approaching the Capital Building: “Hey Look! it’s the white house!” All three of us look at her… “WHAT! London, that’s the Capital”, “Isn’t that the same thing? I thought they were interchangeable…Like one was the front and one was the back side of the building…no…not right?”
AWW!! London…we still love you and will never let you live that down.

Front? Back?

Then the best part of the weekend took place. The vegging!! We sent the boys upstairs to go watch football or basketball or whatever boys do, and we got down to the serious gossip, ANTM, and snacking session.

The provisions included:
-Every gossip, celeb magazine available courtesy of L’Oreal and London’s travel budget (She travels 70% of the year).
- Humus and carrots, chips and salsa AND guacamole, Organic Chedder Cheese, Wheat thins, left over shrimp cocktail *which I devoured on my own…
-Large liter bottles of water,
-ANTM marathon on MTV.
Needless to say it was just what the doctor ordered and now I miss London more than ever. We bonded over the Jennifer Love pictures, which we sympathized with but totally wanted to know why she couldn’t do a lunge every now and then, and of course the scandal involved with Vanessa Hudgesen (We even went so far as to look up the naked picture which know is horrible and wrong and bad, but we couldn’t trash talk without the full information, we felt very dirty and wrong after finding it…) We talked about old memories. London and I spent a semester in Mexico City together when we were 15. Both of our dad’s were there for work and we bonded over the mutual hatred of Chile on everything, the Spanish Fresas (means snobs), and the General Motor brats (Americans) that were in school with us. We got drunk together for the first time when we were 15, which involved being VIPs in an all-you can-drink club in Acapulco, nudity, London forgetting how to speak English (she is fluent in Spanish, I, on the other hand, am not), cold showers, and a crying episode on the roof of London’s family house (this was all just one night, when we were in Acapulco with her family…) We have some great memories that really bind us together and it was nice to just veg out, be fat kids in a candy store and talk about old times!!

Oh, Café Asia!! As bad as the interiors are, and even though I feel like I am eating in a cafeteria, I love LOVE the sushi and always have a good time there. The boys, one of my bf’s roommates, London, I and Cambouri (YAY!! Back from NY for the weekend, Already!) went to café asia. None of us held back. I ordered 18 pieces of sushi!! London, being the Chic and classy girl, ordered the Sashimi dinner, and Cambouri, being the petite ballet dancer ordered 2 rolls and then proceeded to help me finish off the 18 pieces I had ordered, the mooch J and of course why I keep her around, because I find my eyes are bigger than my stomach most of the time.
We also ordered Saki Bombs and Wine. YUM! I love saki bombs!! I don’t know what it is about them, but I do them in “my size” amounts and they just taste so good!
We ate and drank there for about 3 hours and then was told it was last call…We thought the restaurant was closing and so we had to leave. We are all paying and finishing our last drinks, and we notice that we are the only ones leaving and a dj is setting up right next to us so I guess we weren’t invited to stay…(we thought maybe the requirements were to speak Japanese) So we headed over for a rival of Science Club. Our memories where so fond of the free drinks last time we thought why not…Luckily this time, it was not as crowded, we found a great place to stand and ended up drinking to our hearts content (V&T’s for London and I, and G &T for Cambouri, for a ballerina she is hardcore)
Highlights of the night:
1. Taking numerous outrageous pictures *typical in the digital camera age
2. Ten (my bf of 3.5 years) wanting to talk about our future and marriage and oh my goodness! (mind you I am not wearing a ring yet!!) I had to have Cambouri and London come steal me from his clutches to the bathroom where he immediately forgot about anything he said, when he proposes I would like him to be semi-sober and be a few years older J
3. London, Cambouri, and I are taking a picture and we are all chatting away not ready to take it yet, when London yells at me, and she is like “Are we interlocking hands?” We both look behind Cambouri and we have been holding each other hands, like interlocked fingers and everything!! HAHA, gotta love those lesbian moments with your best friends!

4. On the metro ride home, my boyfriend being the drunkard he is, pulls Rice up to the front of the train and is like look out the front. They spend the entire 20 min train ride staring through the front of the car looking at the tracks ahead…best moment, was when London and I look up, and Ten has his arm on Rice’s back and they both are staring through the window (into the future), we have a great picture of it.

Sunday: Our final day…being totally hung over and tired we went and walked around Georgetown, I mean I had to show London Georgetown!! But we were both so tired and blah there we no great purchases to speak of.

Anyways, hope everyone has had a great weekend! I look forward to all my friends coming home for the holidays. Until then, I guess I will just save my money!

PS: SO EXCITED!! London brought me the Skinny Bitch in the Kitch book!! I love the book Skinny Bitch, as I said before I am not a true Veg, but I am trying to be and this is just another step! Yay for being healthy and organic!

Swimmer's Ear...or Psycho Sid

2007-12-06T15:25:00.000-05:00

So I remember being a kid and spending all day in the swimming pool. When my mom finally dragged me out I always ended up with the worst swimmer's ear. I felt like I spent the rest of the day slightly disoriented because I one of my senses was off....

One of my bosses (famous for her chesire cat smoking a cigar laugh) I think has the above problem...Not the swimmer's ear but the disorientation....she is legally blind and cannot CANNOT see a thing, the whole office double checks every email, check report, name spellings etc because she is famous for ALWAYS making typos (which get me into trouble all the time i may add)....So I believe that since she can't see well it makes her a little well...Loopy....

Today's incident (not the only one, just one of them):

My assignment today has been to take all the 2006 files in our filing cabinet and put them in boxes and get them to the storage room...(not the easiest takes for 5'2, 98 lb me...) Then I have to move all the 2007 files into the filing cabinet where the 2006's were and then make all new files for 2008. So I have been running around the office all day, hauling boxes around the office, making labels, not only that the top shelf of the files are so tall that I have to be on a spare chair in the office to make all the files for Jan-March.

So i am standing on the chair, obviously sweaty and gross from all the work, and my boss comes in and is like have you checked your email. I look at her like "Does it look like I have checked my email?" and She says, "It would be fabbbbuuuullloous (as she says) if you would send this friend of mine an e-birthday card. Do you think you could search on the internet and get a GRRREEAAATTT funny, cute card and sign it from all of us in the office?..."

I just look at her as if "You've got to be kidding, can you tell I am busy...I am just balancing files on my arm for tips..." not only that, have you ever tried to find a decent, funny e-card on the net, it takes hours and basically it is not possible!

What can you really say to your boss...you can't say no to questions like the above, at the same time, BUY YOUR OWN DAMN BIRTHDAY CARD!!!! I swear if I ever make my assistant buy MY friends birthday cards, you can all stop deciding to be my friend. So that is how I will be spending the rest of my day...searching for a great e-card for my boss.

This is just one example of the craziness/disorientation of my female boss.

and I mean she is out of her mind sometimes...We shall refer to her in the future as "Psycho Sid."

Yay, I have figured out one name for one of my bosses!

HAPPY HANUKAH! Celebrations with the family will be tonight!

Fish out of water is like...

2007-12-05T20:10:00.000-05:00

flowers in the snow (I saw these little flowers on my walk home and thought they looked just the way I was feeling)

Hiding under my covers in my room...away from the cold and scary snow...I cant figure out what shoes to wear tomorrow...

This is where I should be....

23 Year Old Has More Than One Job Offer...Never heard of it...

2007-12-04T10:54:00.000-05:00

I never thought at 23 I would actually have career opportunities. and definitely not more than one! So the place where I work has just been sold. As a lowly sales and catering coordinator, I have been thinking about what this means for me. I have never been through a merger before. I dont know exactly how it works. Not only that our department does work for two hotels and only one of them is being sold, so even more confusing but...my big boss pulled me into his office after the announcement and said:

"I dont want you to ever worry about anything. The General Manager and I have been speaking and he has asked specifically for you to stay on at the other hotel (the one not being sold). Not only that, it would include a promotion to Conference Sales Manager".....

WOW!!! I have barely worked one year in the hotel business and already a promotion in the works! and not only that but there are so many opportunities since there are plans for a fabulous renovation on the hotel!

and now here comes the drumroll...Not only do I have one option...I have two!!

The General Manager of the Restaurant at one of the hotels (this is just any restaurant mind you, this is one of the best in the country), met with me in a private covert operation because....dah dahn naaaa..... he wanted to discuss with me possible job opportunties

He basically needs an assistant for himself, the PR Rep for the Chef, and the event planner needs help with private party planning! And as I learn more and more, they will be needing me as a sales and event planner the bigger the restuarant grows (which it is growing with 2 new ones in California which also means a connection to cali! Yay!)

So what does a 23 year old, career oriented, infectionsly excited about life do?

If anyone has any advice, maybe you have been in this situation, I would love to hear what you did!

I never thought I would be asking this question yet: But what is worth more...

1. Money and Job Possibilities now...

0r

2. Something I love with Job possibilies in the future....

(Just a hint, London suggested that I go for number 1, she says with my career aspirations I should take every step I am given to continue climbing the corporate ladder....)

Me in the future of course... :)

Shot me with a Boring Bullet!

2007-12-02T13:32:00.001-05:00

Good Morning (I guess Afternoon now but I meant to write this morning),

So this was a pretty great weekend! I love having those times where you are like I had a lot of fun last night, this weekend, I feel like it really makes me not miss California so much and I think that is the point right now. I have to get over my "homesickness..." and learn to appreciate DC as a completely different place and not expect the same people, the same clothes, and the same nightlife atmospheres.

What I did this weekend:

- Friday: I spent some quality time with my boyfriend. He has been very busy with grad school and working full time so we finally took a night to enjoy each other's company. We see each other all the time since we live in the same building but there is a difference between seeing each other and really spending quality time....and here is the great great part and basically why I have the best boyfriend in the whole world...

He spent the evening watching Gilmore Girls Season 7 Disc 1 with me!!!

My little sister has always been obsessed with Gilmore girls and finally I decided to watch it and was hooked immediatly. I now own seasons 1-5 and am Netflixing the last two seasons. and I had just gotten the first disc and Season 6 ends with a very crucial cliff hanger and I was dying to watch it and that is when my boyfriend said those very important words that take your relationship to the next level...

"I 'll watch it with you"

YAYAY!!!! So we spent the evening cuddled up drinking red wine *yummy Cab wine from Argentina called La Tosca and watching my two favorite Loreleis...*I will be naming my daughter Rory and there is nothing my boyfriend can do about it :)

Saturday:

- Oh Macy's how I love you!!! So all day Saturday Macy's and Express took all my money :)

http://dealnews.com/Macys-Friend-Family-Sale-20-off-coupon-even-on-sale-items/199436.html

20% off of everything at Macy's till tomorrow!! Don't miss out, even Coach stuff and jewelery and sale stuff!

It is the friends and family sale and I have always wanted one of those coach wristlets and I finally decided yesterday that I had never see coach on sale and would not pass it up. I also bought a great scarf (org: $30, Sale: $15), I bought my mom a really gorgeous sterling silver bracelet made with shell and onyx (Org: $70, Sale: $26) all sterling silver is %50 off as it is plus the coupons of friends and family!

I also went to Express and they were having great sales as well.

I bought their Essential Shirt (Org: $44, Sale: $20) and I bought this great grey vest that goes over it and is sooo cute!! So I would suggest to go to the mall and not only that:

It is tax free week in DC!

So I spent a lot of hard earned money and bought gifts for my family and my next paycheck will be for my friends (I have never opened up a credit card and at this moment, this is when I wish I had because I only have 15 dollars left in my bank account....)

However, the best part of the weekend was last night:
A group of friends braved the sleet last night and trecked from Farragut to Science Club to send off my best friend from high school, Cambouri, the one who has basically been keeping me sane here in DC is moving to New York today. :(

Science Club is on 19th street and is about 2 blocks North of Farragut and 2 blocks South of Dupont next to Mezza Luna. At first it was awful, we were about to leave because it was packed to the gills. It is a small place with even smaller standing room, which leads to it being almost impossible to make it to the bar, and to make it even worse (or better after the crowd died down) it was free Miller High Life's all night long!! Cambouri and I were headed to the bar to grab two white wines (usually I am a vodka soda with lime type of girl but tonight I wanted to keep clear headed and actually remember celebrating Cambouri's last night.) When we heard it was free beer all night long. normally we would never and I mean EVER drink Miller High Life's I dont think I had actually ever had it before but being poor young professionals we thought we should take advantage I mean we were there to mingle with locals :) And so we raised our glass to the "Champagne of Beer!" and to Cambouri's last night in DC (she is coming back next week to get more stuff and London is coming to town...)
So as I said, at first it was packed to the gills and uncomfortable, but everyone started to leave probably due to the sardine status and then it became enjoyable. We had a great night chatting about her new job in New York (fundraising for a hospital while hoping to join a Ballet Company and continue with her auditions...Cambouri is an amazing ballerina has been written up in the New York times but unfortunatly for the world she is a little too tall...I know I know...too TALL!! So sad.....

Anyways...my internet is about to expire at Caribou Coffee so I will make this post and hopefully get to post later!

Hope the weekend was fabulous for everyone! If anyone has suggestions for great bars, lounges, and nightclubs in DC let me know, I love trying new places!

(i'll explain the boring bullet come next time!)

work ughs...

2007-11-29T11:49:00.000-05:00

I think it is a bad sign when someone asks me for help and the only thing that runs through my head is....

"I CANT HELP IT IF YOU ARE AN IDIOT..."

Basically these pictures describe how I am feeling right now...

Searching for friendship in the city

2007-11-29T09:01:00.000-05:00

Growing up in DC, most of my friends and I parted ways in college. I went to California, my high school friends scattered themselves around the United States (thank you, DC College Grant for State Schools). When I was in college in California, I realized that the friends I met in high school (not all but most) were people I just put up with for four years because I had too...I met people I clicked better with in cali, people who cared about fashion, celebs, and all the other silly things in life that most people in DC are just too important and too busy to care about. So now that I am back in DC, I am finding it pretty hard to meet new people, I really really would like to try not to experience high school all over again (as I have realized I am just very different from them...) But since i don't work with young people (and my best high school friend is moving to New York in a week :( ) how do I meet people? Well I sunk to the lowest of the low...

.....I met a friend on Craigslist.................

I know I know, I cried for about an hour when I realized this thought out loud!!! There was a lot of consoling from London over the phone about this...

It wasn't exactly as pathetic as it sounds...but recently one of my roommates got a job in another city and decided to move out (she gave us about two weeks notice, but that is a different story for another day) and so we put up an ad on craigslist for a fun, no drama, girl between 22-26. We had an open house and 13 girls showed up...we must have put up the holy grail of craigslist ads because our open house was like sorority rush and out of 13 girls only one was a complete wierdo (considering she was 45 years old wanting to live with 3 23 years olds...) So we had a whole list of great girls to pick from...i was not going to let that opportunity go to waste. I really clicked with one of the girls and we didn't pick her to move in, but I emailed her and non-chalantly suggested we go to happy hour, even though we couldn't be roommates...SHE ACCEPTED and our "first date" was last night and we had a blast! Yay! A new friend (AND SHE IS FROM CALI!! YAY!! She might actually get my personality!!)

So I was talking to London about this whole problem of finding friends in a new city, especially when you dont work with any young cool hip people and you aren't in school. We are both normal, cute girls who never had problems meeting people until this stage of our life when it becomes weird to just walk up to another girl in the bar and say "can we be friends?" because in the sandbox it worked quite well especially if you have some candy to bribe them with...

She lives in Miami and has been having the same problem. She googled "Making Friends in Miami"she is almost as desperate as I am :( ... and when I got to work I found this article in my email. After reading it, I am soo happy I dont live there because it sounds so much worse than DC.

http://www.miamibeach411.com/news/index.php?/news/comments/making-friends/

This was my favorite part in the article:

One common media perception of Miami that actually has a glimmer of truth to it is that there are a lot of people here on drugs. This is especially true if you are making friends in the aforementioned service industry, but in this town it is not at all uncommon to be out with a group of lawyers, accountants or even doctors and have a bag of cocaine lying around. You may choose weather or not you want to be friends with such people, but eliminating recreational drug users from your list of potential friends will severely limit your opportunities. The best thing to do is try and separate the drug users from the drug addicts. For instance if someone offers you a line at their house one night when you are pre-drinking to go out, this is not necessarily a red flag. If he is offering you a line when you go into his office to ask a question about a presentation you are working on, this may be someone to avoid.

HAHAH!! I am very glad that I don't need to separate my friends into recreational users and addicts...sorry London, but your stuck...we should all try and convince her to move to DC where everyone here is drug tested...Being in a sorority, I definitely had enough exposure to coke to know that I am soo over that stage of my life, I mean I am trying to be an adult now...or something like it :)

I guess, one new friend (however i met her) is better than 5 of my high school friends...Sorry if the truth hurts....

Easy ways to please your boss...Find the perfect holiday giveaway

2007-11-28T16:00:00.000-05:00

Has your boss handed over the most important job of the year to you?

Mine has... Find the Perfect Giveaway for our Holiday Client Event and I need it in two weeks...

Let me recommend this sure crowd pleaser, your boss will give you a promotion and your clients will love you and give you lots more business :) It's Called:

Vosges Haut Chocolat

Their corporate guru was great to work with and really got things together so we could have a sampling of a few top picks and even get the 50 chocolate boxes we ordered within two weeks.

They have exotic, amazing flavors that caused my whole office to melt into little puddles (My female boss: Began "Oh My goshing"...and "No Waying" followed by a completely dramatic canter around the office, exclaiming the absolute to die for flavor of the Black Pearl Truffle ( Vosges describes the flavor as an initially sharp, quickly dispersing fire of real wasabi and ginger that are traditionally linked to Japanese cuisine. Then wrapped in dark chocolate and topped with black sesame seeds to add intrigue.) )
My Favorite was called Absinthe ( Vosges Description: Chinese star anise + fennel + pastis + dark chocolate + cocoa powder. Flavors of aniseed and fennel are reminiscent of the infamous French liqueur made fashionable in the late 1800s. The green fairy flutters. )
Absolutely amazing...so if you are looking for wedding give-aways or a very special and unique gift this definitly tops my list.

YUM!

My other very successful mission: Was to find one of our sales managers a Pineapple Upside Down Cake...you might think it would be easy in this town but it was not easy!

However I discovered this small bakery called Amelia's Cakes and it was fabulous! The pineapple upside down cake was moist, delicious and just sweet enough to tickle the whole offices tongues!!

Amelia's Cakes was started by a DC mom and her friends who apparently needed something to do, but Thank God they did because it was great and so simple to work with, you pay by paypal (they email you a link) and you only have to order two days in advance which was nice (since we definitly thought about it last minute)
They also deliver which was amazing...

You can find them online at ameliascakes.com!

Apparently I've got Potential? A great theme in my life currently

2007-11-27T17:34:00.000-05:00

So having long forgotten this blog it came as quite a surprise when I saw it's name on the Cusp website!!!!! can i just say AHHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!,....

I turned bright red out of embarrassment when I saw that, immediately double checked what I had written to make sure I couldn't get in trouble with my bosses if they ever found out because (as I haven't mentioned yet) two of my bosses are very gay = which doesn't always equal, but in this case it applies, LOVE CUSP and I wouldn't be surprised if they read the blog lists every now and again...luckily...I figured they would approve considering it was just the truth, so I stopped worrying about that...then I started worrying about what this meant...did it just mean I had a a really girly title (which I do) and my profile was pink...did it mean it was just too funny not to include (meaning like Laughing at me, not with me)....or did it actually mean my blog had a chance at survival?

Of course, after I double checked my blog for possible scandals *none so far* I stole away from my desk to call my best friend London. I hadn't told any of my friends about this blog as I honestly thought I would probably forget about it due to total embarrassment about opening up my mind to the world to see. She couldn't believe I had started a blog and hadn't told her. She lives in Miami, is way posher than me but that is why I keep her around, for fashion ideas :) She works for a make-up company which works well to be her best friend lots of great perks!

She laughed when she first saw it saying it sounded just like me and then was like you know, maybe it just means you have potential...

Seems to be a great theme happening in my life, the problem is do I like what that potential means for my life?

Lately, I have been getting the first year itch. I am sure most people get this, but coming out of college the longest job I ever worked FULL TIME for was over the summer, and thankfully I always got to go back to the sunny beach at UCSB and spend the school year partying off the dust of those boring summers couped up in the office.
In January, I will have my one year anniversary at my job, and how do I feel...

"CAN I QUIT YET??"

It's not like my job sucks (even if it is a little ridiculous), but I MISS WEARING MY ROCK N' REPUBLIC JEANS EVERYDAY!! I miss going to Old Town Tavern (OTT) on Wednesday nights for Karaoke Night (the thing to do at UCSB on Wednesdays). It sucks growing up...

Well, to satisfy the one year itch from my job I always make sure to go out at least one night a week (how sad is that). Last time I posted my friends and I braved the line of Asian Professionals at Ibiza. Apparently, the friday we went it was Asian Young Professionals night so my friends and I looked slightly out of place. We were also disappointed with the lack of $5 Champagne Cocktails that had been advertised online. But despite the lack of bubbles the Champagne would have added to the night, it was a great night away from the typical Georgetown, Dupont Circle, Clarendon bars. We spent most of the night on the large dance floor where the DJ went a little MTV on us switching the music every 30 secs, I was really angry when he cut Britney's newest song off since I hadn't heard it yet!
The guys were nice, even some cute ones but the ones throwing dollar bills off the top floor were a little rando. It was hard to resist going to pick the dollars up though... I was like dancing on them, but I have my dignity, even if my salary could have done with a little perk even if it just pays for my morning Starbucks... So I would give it 3 thumbs up, print out those silly little passes that get you in before midnight, and if possible get on a VIP list and even try and know someone, that was how tight security was and how long the line was to get in before Midnight (when they start charging a cover).

So I will do my best to make the CUSP list proud! There are blogs on that list that I idolize and I feel almost embarrassed to be even associated with such great and more importantly fun/interesting writers!

So i guess I will finish it off with a question that I have been struggling with lately, as a person who works in the hospitality industry, surrounded by do-gooder Washingtonians:

Is it better to do something you are good at?

OR

Is it better to do something worthwhile, even if you suck at it?

(How very Carey Bradshaw of me :)

PS: I am still figuring out all the features of the Blog so hopefully I will soon be able to upload pictures and other fun things.

TGIF! Office Noises...

2007-11-16T15:26:00.000-05:00

So we have a very musical staff in my office...

Common Expressions used today:

My Director: "Jezz, Louis!"

One of my Sales Superiors: insert lots of squeks, high pitches squels, and manly, smokers cough laugh (think Chesire Cat smoking a cigar laughing)...

My co-workers are ridiculous and funny...their noises are just the beginning.

TGIF!
Ibiza here we come tonight! Let you know how it goes!

If you fail the first time, try, try again...

2007-11-15T09:20:00.001-05:00

Good Morning,

I will just keep trying until I get the hang of this.

So, here are my postings for the day:

-Cafe Asia Happy Hour: I love sushi and their Cafe Asia Roll (tuna, avocado, and crab) for only 4.50 is a deal. The Nigiri is one dollar which was good, but I ordered to rolls and decided to get a couple pieces of the nigiri later, which never showed up. It does get busy during happy hour, but the places feels like Ikea. Horrible accoustics, hard to hear your friends sitting next to you.

- Does anyone know who actually bought the $45,000 and some change Louis Vuitton bag in the DC area...it was probably someone I went to high school with's mother (that is DC private school for you)...and besides the cost...who would actually want to own this totally mismatched looking thing.

http://www.bagsnob.com/2007/02/louis_vuitton_tribute_patchwor.html

I like the commentary made from the Bag Snob blog. I think we all agree about the total disaster this world is coming too.

-So I might have a job offer for one of the best restaurants in the DC area. do I take it? Is that really a career...i am not a chef so I am slightly confused on exactly my job possibilities. Would it be wrong to ask the General Manager how much he makes, I mean I have to know if it is worth it right? Ok, maybe that is slightly tacky but I feel I could have an actual career with advertising, marketing, or sales and then I leave it all for a restaurant job, Is there any real options there? I am having a talk with GM soon, i guess I will find out soon enough.

I hate the rain. I hate rain boots. and there is my main conundrum for the day.

Afternoon Boredom Leads to First Blog!

2007-11-14T17:18:00.000-05:00

Hi All,

So, I dont know where this will go but its the afternoon, when the coffee buzz has long worn off, the phones have stopped ringing, and the rest of the office has left. My office has been blanketed in silence as my bosses have left the building...this boredom and lack of supervision has led to me deciding to create my own blog.

So I dont even know what a blog is but I feel a lot of interesting things happen in my life, there are a lot of things I want to tell people that I forget to tell people, so hopefully this will be a place for me to give suggestions, hints, thoughts on the recent goings-on in my life, my roommates lives, the fashion world (and by fashion world I mean, on a Sales Assistants paycheck salary which isn't much but we can daydream) and just things I want to write down.

As a 23 year old, Life has been confusing lately...I am not in grad school, I hope to be in grad school but I dont even know what I want to be in grad school for, so that is where my life is at... PURE AND TOTAL LIFE GOAL CONFUSION!!!

Things that have changed in my life since college (where I at least had some sort of organization to my life):

- I started to eat vegetables, now i understand that is something most people conquered when they were 4 and there parents wouldn't let them leave the table without eating all the veggies on their plate but lets just say I was ambitious, ambitiously against vegetables!

- So now that I have started to eat vegetables, I am trying the semi-vegetarian route...as my veggie likes increase I can increase the semi- to full, but that could still take awhile because I love red meat ( a juicy red steak is the best thing a girl could ask for, I just cant think of it as a cow....which has become harder to do the more conscious I become of the world)...

- I live in DC versus Cali...

Have to finish later...the clock just struck 5:30pm! I'm out!

Off to Happy Hour at Cafe Asia for some good sushi and beer specials! Atmosphere is kinda intense but if there is Sushi, I am there :)

Let you know how it is!