My first true Memorial Day celebration

As noted in an earlier post, my mom is in town this weekend. She is a veteran DC visitor so we try to mix in a new adventure with her favorites when she comes. So, today we were walking from the Smithsonian metro stop down to the Tidal Basin to go paddleboating (very fun, by the way--thanks to Lisa for the idea) when thousands of motorcycles were making their way down Independence Avenue. I had heard about this annual tradition of veterans on motorcycles converging on DC (I think they may actually end up at the Pentagon?? Can anyone correct me on that?), but I'm usually pretty numb to veterans things as I tend to stuff all of that down and not think about the unpleasantness that is war. But, as we were minding our business, walking down Independence Ave., with hundreds of flag-clad motorcycles roaring by, I felt tears welling up in my eyes. I tried my hardest to choke back this involuntary swell of emotion, but it kept resurfacing so eventually I just stopped our conversation until I was sure I wasn't going to "lose it". I felt the sort of confusion I most readily associate with adolescence... that I know I'm feeling this emotion and it is physically expressing itself, but I have no idea why. As we turned the corner down 15th street, I realized that I knew full well why tears were brimming. Right before my eyes were hundreds of real-life veterans, men and women who experienced the sights, sounds and atrocities that I usually replace with faceless uniforms in order to feel a little better about those very things. But, as I walked down 15th street, I knew that it was personal. Each person on a bike today had a personal story to tell and as an American citizen, I automatically have a personal link to those faces. Once the lump in my throat subsided, I turned to my mother and said, "That was oddly moving." Yes, oddly moving indeed. Or, perhaps, not odd. Just unexpected.

All in a day's commute

As I was walking to the metro this morning, a bug flew into my eye. How do they do that? Is it an incredible lack of navigation skill or extreme precision that allows them to propel themselves into my eye? I don’t know, but regardless, I had to stop and deal with the inconvenience. I tried to make sure my watery eye was clear of all bug matter, but it didn’t seem to be working so I started on my way again, still fidgeting with my eye. At the corner, I caught up to a guy that passed me when I had stopped to deal with the bug. He looked at me and said, “Are you okay?” I laughed and said, “Yeah, I’m fine. I think a bug flew into my eye.” He stopped me and picked the bug off the corner of my eye with his fingers. A sweet and appreciated gesture, but borderline personal for a complete stranger. Turns out it was his first day in DC so I showed him the way to the Metro in exchange for his bug-picking services. Strange.

a long weekend with Mama

Mom's coming in for the weekend. Don't get me wrong -- I love my mom. We are great friends. We are better friends when she isn't living in the same 350 sq. feet that I am, though. So, we need lots of activities. We will be painting my kitchen back to white (so sad, I know!) and packing up my books, but that will only take so long. I think we will go to Eastern Market for a while on Sunday followed by brunch, but again, that only takes so much time. What else shall we do? Suggestions, anyone?

allergies: old-school style

I think today was the worst allergy day I've had since high school. It was basically an all-day allergy attack. How lovely. Stupid pollens.

On a completely different note, two zipcars just moved in behind my building! yippee!

Update: I think there was a cold tag-teaming with my allergies. That would explain it.

City of Brotherly Love

Well, on a less messed up note, I am heading to Philly for the better part of the weekend. Yay! I miss it so! And, I miss my mini-church friends, and, of course, my dear friend Kristin. Don't get me wrong...I love my life in DC, but I'm looking forward to a weekend in a city I love. Three cheers for tall buildings!!

boys, boys, boys

If what I really want is a serious relationship with someone geographically close to me that loves Jesus, does that mean that I should turn away anything that doesn't fit that description? Am I preventing myself from being at the right place at the right time if I don't "hold out" for what I want in the end? My gut instinct is yes, but damn it, I'm lonely. And, I like the dating scene... as cruel to my heart as it is, I still like the companionship by dating-default. I do want the long-term relationship, but if short-term adoration/relationship is what is attainable right now, then maybe that's okay, too. I don't know. I think I'm messed up in the head.

U-Haul-free

It's official. At some point in June, I will be moving into a new apartment. I will no longer be living alone and instead will be sharing a much roomier, two-bedroom place with a friend from church. I'll actually end up spending less on rent and will have space to entertain more, which I am REALLY looking forward to...dinner parties and martinis for everyone! But, the location is the best part -- the other end of the hall! Yes, it's in my current building and is even on the same floor! Yippee! So, basically, this means I will be making 100 trips back and forth to transfer kitchen stuff. Just let me know if you want to be part of the box chain or want to help me move my mattress 300 feet. This is going to be awesome! I'm so excited.
Oh, yeah, I need to paint my oh-so-bright walls back to white and khaki. sad.

a bad ode to poetry night

went to a poetry reading tonight
my first one, i think
it was open mic
the mic may have been a little too open
some were ok
most were angry
I'm not so good with anger
some were naughty
I'm better with naughty
It should probably be the other way around
but it was fun
I'll go back
yeah for busboys and poets

Let them dance!

Recently, I've had the opportunity to observe several exceptionally adorable black children sponatneously dancing. This is not organized dance class. This is a child hearing music and physicalizing it, externalizing it, if you will. Why don't I see as many white kids sponaneously dancing? I'm not sure entirely, but this is what I think - it's this simple - the black kids are encouraged to dance. When they dance, their parents don't say (in that kind of scary, baby voice), "Are you being silly?" or "You're a silly goose!" Their parents actually join in! Now, I don't think that the parents that associate kids' dances with being a silly goose intend to discourage dancing. I just think that they aren't comfortable dancing themselves so rather than join in, they make a socially-acceptable comment. However, I'm wondering if this isn't a sad social norm. At a certain age, a child starts to think that maybe being a "silly goose" isn't the best thing in the world and that in order to "grow up," they must stop dancing. But, in the African-American community, it's different. It is good, natural, encouraged and they most likely learn by imitation (although I think there is a great deal of innate rhythm born into all children). I am going to do my very best never to call a child a "silly goose" ever again.
Dance on!!

100

That's the percentage of my food intake so far today that was purchased at CVS.

disturbing

Intense Tourist Season Predicted

Although early May in DC typically sees only mild tourism in comparison to the innumerable throngs that swarm the city in July, this year’s high early tourist quotient smells of an unusually intense tourist season. Yes, I said the tourists smell. Walking to Union Station on Friday, the smell of wandering tourists and perfume-crazy teenage girls was wafting toward me, warning me of what could only be explained as an onslaught of school groups. From Iowa, Indiana, Texas, Florida, Nebraska, yea even Mississippi, they have come. They come in matching t-shirts declaring their home state and marching band, sometimes even their names (does anyone else think this is odd?). They come wearing fanny packs and bearing metro maps.

But, I digress. I can’t help but wonder if the large early numbers are an indication of suffocating tourist conditions yet to come this summer. I know I was new in town last year, but it didn’t seem so intense in May. Perhaps I was too busy soaking up the sun that was much warmer last year than it is so far this year (NOT that I’m complaining!) to notice them flooding by, waiting for each other in front of the only working smarttrip machine and taking pictures in front of every government agency. (Do they really put those pictures of them in front of the Department of Transportation in their scrapbook?) But, really, how do you miss 5 groups numbering more than a hundred each? And, it’s not like they’re going to discreetly walk single-file on the right side of the sidewalk. No, they fill up the entire sidewalk at Union Station so that anyone daring to go upstream must apologetically shuffle by on the edge.

So, the point is this – it’s not going to get better folks! The tourists will continue to pour in this summer. The commute will have to be extended by at least five minutes to account for direction-giving and escalator standing. They will continue to come and see their beloved capital city and we, the residents, will adjust….sometimes with a knowing smile, sometimes with a begrudging curse under our breath. For the record, though, I really am glad the tourists come. It is good for our city, our economy and helps keep our attractions free so I can take advantage of it the rest of the year. If only we could figure out how to let them know that people actually live here! Here’s to an unusually intense tourist season. May your patience be long, your directions concise and your commute short!

the song stuck in my head

"A friend's a friend forever" by Michael W. Smith... seriously. What is wrong with me? When was the last time I heard that, like 1994?

Is there a plot against me?

Seriously, folks. It was midnight and a little bit chilly and all I wanted was a bus going north on 8th street. There were NONE. But, there were 5 going in the other direction! I think metrobus has a personal vendetta against me.

I finally gave in

I have been non-link for a long time, but I can't take it anymore. I need a place where I can just click through and read my friends' blogs. So, please notice the lovely list of blogs to the right. If you're not on there, then you probably haven't been posting lately. Or, I just forgot you. Tell me your blog address and I'll probably add you in.

in my natural habitat

Today, I volunteered for a conference my church is hosting. The volunteering basically consisted of being available to help out where needed, making people feel welcome and just generally solving little issues. And, you know what? I felt so at home. I love doing that stuff! I love running around "fixing" things and making stuff happen. And, the best part was that I wasn't in charge... I was essentially a hey-girl. It was so nice to just show up and help. What a great "day off"!

wine and laundry

What do these things have in common? They were the background for a great night of hangin' out with Carolyn. I love the spontaneous moments of simply "doing life together." Very fun.

Next week: wine and dusting - the interactive version

my next book!

There was an article in the Post this morning highlighting a book called. Chrunchy Cons. From what I gleaned from the article, I'm gonna like this book. I didn't identify with everything in the article, but I have a feeling that this hybrid-person "Crunchy Con" will have a lot of my likeness.... hmmm.... I almost like this label!
Read the article

Sad commentary

In religion and politics, people's beliefs and convictions are in almost every case gotten at second hand, and without examination.
- Mark Twain

This was the quote of the day on Google today. I never want that to be applicable to me!! I hope and pray that my convictions and beliefs examined and tested - first hand.

The allergy fog

I feel like I'm living under an allergy fog. I'm actually coughing with my allergies this year. What's up with that? Oh well... just 6 more weeks to go until I can resume a normal life again.

x = .81(y)

That is the formula of the day. Today, April 26, 2006, marks the first time since high school that I have used algebra for practical purposes. I needed to figure out some numbers for work and I just couldn't get it. Then, I said, "I feel like I'm doing a word problem from high school" and it dawned on me that that is exactly what I should be doing. Hence, the formula. I'm so proud of myself! Mr. Solomon would be proud, too, if he weren't so busy being in jail.