Anne, D, and me
Saturday, January 01, 2005
Happy, Happy New Year!
New Year 2005 was a total and complete blast, I am happy to report. We went again to Chadwick's in Oldtown this year with a group of at least 15: the entire Martin clan came down from Conneticut, Christie and Stefan came from Rochester, Grace managed to scrounge a cab in from DC, and Robin and his friends were there to add to masses. I like Chadwicks because they put out a huge, good dinner spread, open bar with top shelf stuff if you ask, and a lack of crowds. This year apparently they sold fewer tickets than last year to cut down on the crowds. Many thanks to Bryan for doing the massive ticket purchase.
Additional thanks to Des and Bryan for opening up their place for the before and after party. Chadwicks is fun, but short (10 to 1:30, and they are quick to boot people out), so we were lucky to continue the festivities at Des and Bryan's place...particularly since at some point they both went to bed while everyone was still loitering. We ended up trickling out at about 4, when Christie, Stefan, Anne, and I went back to Anne's. Big old kisses to the ADD who hosted *three* people in her cozy nest. We had some much needed snacks and then hit the hay at around 5:30. I honestly can not recall the last time I stayed up till then, but it was all totally worth it. We all slept today till about noon when Anne whipped up some breakfast/lunch, and I had to big my farewells before heading home.
An excellent time all around, and 2005 has got to be one of my favorite new years. Favorite moments of the night included Des barking at her 21-year old brother from the floor above while he gyrated with some woman on the dance floor: "Aaron! Stop it!" Sadly, neither he nor his companion heard. I also liked "the butt dance" perfected by someone in our group, a friend of Robin's ("it's how I got my girlfriend" he told me in earnest). I liked my brief conversation with Todd during the night while he was in New Orleans. All I could hear was a huge pumping base and him screaming: "I AM IN HELL!" Finally, I also liked the sassy political statement/defacement performed by a nameless person in our group during the walk out of Chadwicks. The entire collection of photos from the night can be found here.
New Year 2005 was a total and complete blast, I am happy to report. We went again to Chadwick's in Oldtown this year with a group of at least 15: the entire Martin clan came down from Conneticut, Christie and Stefan came from Rochester, Grace managed to scrounge a cab in from DC, and Robin and his friends were there to add to masses. I like Chadwicks because they put out a huge, good dinner spread, open bar with top shelf stuff if you ask, and a lack of crowds. This year apparently they sold fewer tickets than last year to cut down on the crowds. Many thanks to Bryan for doing the massive ticket purchase.
Additional thanks to Des and Bryan for opening up their place for the before and after party. Chadwicks is fun, but short (10 to 1:30, and they are quick to boot people out), so we were lucky to continue the festivities at Des and Bryan's place...particularly since at some point they both went to bed while everyone was still loitering. We ended up trickling out at about 4, when Christie, Stefan, Anne, and I went back to Anne's. Big old kisses to the ADD who hosted *three* people in her cozy nest. We had some much needed snacks and then hit the hay at around 5:30. I honestly can not recall the last time I stayed up till then, but it was all totally worth it. We all slept today till about noon when Anne whipped up some breakfast/lunch, and I had to big my farewells before heading home.
An excellent time all around, and 2005 has got to be one of my favorite new years. Favorite moments of the night included Des barking at her 21-year old brother from the floor above while he gyrated with some woman on the dance floor: "Aaron! Stop it!" Sadly, neither he nor his companion heard. I also liked "the butt dance" perfected by someone in our group, a friend of Robin's ("it's how I got my girlfriend" he told me in earnest). I liked my brief conversation with Todd during the night while he was in New Orleans. All I could hear was a huge pumping base and him screaming: "I AM IN HELL!" Finally, I also liked the sassy political statement/defacement performed by a nameless person in our group during the walk out of Chadwicks. The entire collection of photos from the night can be found here.
Friday, December 31, 2004
James details his family's Thickburger eating contest in his blog. It is definitely hilarious (I particularly like the "loser's oath"). It's complete with pictures!
Thursday, December 30, 2004
Southern Comfort
Last night was a whirlwind trip to Richmond to visit both Emily and Bill. I got a chance to see Bill's new place in Church Hill, a flavorful up and coming area in Richmond. The church in question at the top of the hill is the Patrick Henry church of "Give me liberty..."
It's cool: in that neighborhood you have the must stunning view of the Richmond city skyline and it's accoutrements.
We all met for dinner close to my old neighborhood in the Fan, and may I just say, I will forever be charmed by the Fan. The houses are so sweet and interesting and the streets are tree-lined and wonderfully lit. The Fan...it oozes zee charm. After having a couple of drinks at Emily's neighborhood sports bar, we went to a bar in Bill's neighborhood called A Cappella (lots of wood, cozy, awesome drinks, cutie bartender, friendly people). It was definitely a good time...and the place was pumping for a Wednesday night. This morning I took off at about 11 after having breakfast with Bill in Carytown and then spent the afternoon puttering around Clarendon with Miss Anne. A good day most definitely, but tonight my laundry beckons.
Last night was a whirlwind trip to Richmond to visit both Emily and Bill. I got a chance to see Bill's new place in Church Hill, a flavorful up and coming area in Richmond. The church in question at the top of the hill is the Patrick Henry church of "Give me liberty..."
It's cool: in that neighborhood you have the must stunning view of the Richmond city skyline and it's accoutrements.
We all met for dinner close to my old neighborhood in the Fan, and may I just say, I will forever be charmed by the Fan. The houses are so sweet and interesting and the streets are tree-lined and wonderfully lit. The Fan...it oozes zee charm. After having a couple of drinks at Emily's neighborhood sports bar, we went to a bar in Bill's neighborhood called A Cappella (lots of wood, cozy, awesome drinks, cutie bartender, friendly people). It was definitely a good time...and the place was pumping for a Wednesday night. This morning I took off at about 11 after having breakfast with Bill in Carytown and then spent the afternoon puttering around Clarendon with Miss Anne. A good day most definitely, but tonight my laundry beckons.
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Last week
I leave for Chicago on Sunday, so I'm trying to squeeze every last drop out of this week as possible. So far, it's been harried, but successful.
Monday night, I went made my way into the city (and what a way that is when coming from Great Falls) to spend the evening with Grace, Clarence, and Jonathan, and then the night with Grace. Thanks to Grace for my birthday dinner (Thaiphoon--yum!), and I especially enjoyed hanging out with everyone afterward at the neighborhood bar, Larry's Lounge. It's definitely one of my favorite hangouts in Dupont Circle. We talked about everything from fetal twins, tumors, Japanese boy bands, and things I will plan for my wedding if and when I get married (number one being a Glamour Shots booth: after, I will flash shots of everyone's glamour shots on a screen while Clarence croons Des'ree's "You Gotta Be" to me...I can't wait). Grace and I sat down later that night and pored over some old letters that she had. Hilarious, evocative, and sometimes painful, but total proof that it's so worth it to keep that stuff.
Tuesday morning, I metroed out to lovely Vienna (end of the line--wooo!), was picked up by Robin, and I drove to Charlottesville for the day. What a pleasant drive it is on 29, past all of the farmland and small towns. Pretty much the antithesis of the 95 corridor drive to Richmond. We got into town and met Madeline and Pauline at Madeline's cozy new and lovely townhouse. I'm so impressed that Madeline is now both a doctor AND a homeowner. Awesome. But I don't envy the fact that yesterday was her one day off in a couple of weeks. Lunch was at this sweet dumpling place in Charlottesville's walking mall with Madeline, Pauline, and their parents. Dumplings...mmm. It was a short, excellent visit, and after lunch we took off again to come home rather than busting in on Madeline's family time.
I had time to take a short nap before going off with Robin to meet up with Annie, Anne, and Ben at Cafe Asia for dinner ($7 Curry Laksa soup is the best deal in town) before going into DC again for the Drag Queen Bingo at Chaos. It was fun as usual, and both Anne and I got some shots (look to Anne's blog for some really good ones when she gets a chance to post them). Robin and Ben were positioned up front and were drag queen favorites, to noone's surprise. Afterward, Robin and I went off to Utopia on U street to visit his friend, Katrin. We finally got home at around 2:30. Long day, y'all, but totally worth it.
This morning I woke up to take my sweet automobile to get her 10,000 mile maintenance. It went off without a hitch except that I found myself with about an hour and a half to kill while they did it. It turned into an awesome thing, though, since luckily the Honda place is directly next to Alexandria's central library. I wandered in, was astonished and pleased to find that they had Joe Sacco's most recent book, The Fixer (Alexandria Library Rawks!), and read the entire thing while sitting in a comfortable armchair in the sunny library. Now my car is "Car Needs Maintenance" light-free, and I can drive to Richmond this afternoon with a peaceful mind.
I'm off to spend time with both Emily and Bill tonight, and will bring pictures back with me, I hope. In the meantime, I've got a few to post from yesterday as well.
I leave for Chicago on Sunday, so I'm trying to squeeze every last drop out of this week as possible. So far, it's been harried, but successful.
Monday night, I went made my way into the city (and what a way that is when coming from Great Falls) to spend the evening with Grace, Clarence, and Jonathan, and then the night with Grace. Thanks to Grace for my birthday dinner (Thaiphoon--yum!), and I especially enjoyed hanging out with everyone afterward at the neighborhood bar, Larry's Lounge. It's definitely one of my favorite hangouts in Dupont Circle. We talked about everything from fetal twins, tumors, Japanese boy bands, and things I will plan for my wedding if and when I get married (number one being a Glamour Shots booth: after, I will flash shots of everyone's glamour shots on a screen while Clarence croons Des'ree's "You Gotta Be" to me...I can't wait). Grace and I sat down later that night and pored over some old letters that she had. Hilarious, evocative, and sometimes painful, but total proof that it's so worth it to keep that stuff.
Tuesday morning, I metroed out to lovely Vienna (end of the line--wooo!), was picked up by Robin, and I drove to Charlottesville for the day. What a pleasant drive it is on 29, past all of the farmland and small towns. Pretty much the antithesis of the 95 corridor drive to Richmond. We got into town and met Madeline and Pauline at Madeline's cozy new and lovely townhouse. I'm so impressed that Madeline is now both a doctor AND a homeowner. Awesome. But I don't envy the fact that yesterday was her one day off in a couple of weeks. Lunch was at this sweet dumpling place in Charlottesville's walking mall with Madeline, Pauline, and their parents. Dumplings...mmm. It was a short, excellent visit, and after lunch we took off again to come home rather than busting in on Madeline's family time.
I had time to take a short nap before going off with Robin to meet up with Annie, Anne, and Ben at Cafe Asia for dinner ($7 Curry Laksa soup is the best deal in town) before going into DC again for the Drag Queen Bingo at Chaos. It was fun as usual, and both Anne and I got some shots (look to Anne's blog for some really good ones when she gets a chance to post them). Robin and Ben were positioned up front and were drag queen favorites, to noone's surprise. Afterward, Robin and I went off to Utopia on U street to visit his friend, Katrin. We finally got home at around 2:30. Long day, y'all, but totally worth it.
This morning I woke up to take my sweet automobile to get her 10,000 mile maintenance. It went off without a hitch except that I found myself with about an hour and a half to kill while they did it. It turned into an awesome thing, though, since luckily the Honda place is directly next to Alexandria's central library. I wandered in, was astonished and pleased to find that they had Joe Sacco's most recent book, The Fixer (Alexandria Library Rawks!), and read the entire thing while sitting in a comfortable armchair in the sunny library. Now my car is "Car Needs Maintenance" light-free, and I can drive to Richmond this afternoon with a peaceful mind.
I'm off to spend time with both Emily and Bill tonight, and will bring pictures back with me, I hope. In the meantime, I've got a few to post from yesterday as well.
Monday, December 27, 2004
Sunday, December 26, 2004
Don't Need No Hateration, Holleration in this Dancery
So rumor has it that we're going to go and see "House of Flying Daggers" tonight. I better whip up a Takeshi t-shirt to wear to the theater.
Also, I got a chance to meet Suzi's friend, Chang, before they both left for vacation. He's got a blog as well: check it out!
So rumor has it that we're going to go and see "House of Flying Daggers" tonight. I better whip up a Takeshi t-shirt to wear to the theater.
Also, I got a chance to meet Suzi's friend, Chang, before they both left for vacation. He's got a blog as well: check it out!
Saturday, December 25, 2004
This is hardly Christmas-y, but...
I read the entirety of Joe Sacco's Safe Area Gorazde last night. Anne had given me his book Palestine last year, and it was hands-down awesome. Joe Sacco is a journalist and a graphic novelist, so he travels to places like Gorazde and Palestine, conducts heaps of interviews, collects information and history, and then puts it together into powerful graphic novels. Seriously, it's amazing. I was woefully uninformed about the conflicts in Bosnia in the early 90s--I wasn't even aware that there was a place called Gorazde--and I felt like Safe Area Gorazde did a good job of summarizing and illustrating (literally) the sadness, scariness, and oftentimes horrors of the events. Reading it in one sitting in akin to being punched in the stomach, but it's extremely worthwhile. A lot of people relate Sacco's stuff to the Maus books by Art Speigelman, and I would agree. I remember that the Maus books were required reading in some of our classes in high school, and I hope that people use Sacco's books for the same teaching purposes.
Here's an interview that LA Weekly conducted with Sacco about the book.
One segment that illustrates why I like his stuff so much:
What compels you to spend time in war zones as a source for your work?
It’s not as if I want to be in places where there’s shooting going on. Those particular situations — Bosnia and Palestine — are of great interest to me, and I want to put in my two cents because the media hasn’t portrayed those situations very accurately. I don’t blame the media for perpetuating this conflict, but in failing to fully inform the electorate, they prevent people from bringing their influence to bear on these situations, because they don’t know what the hell is going on with them to begin with.
Needless to say, his books are highly, highly recommended.
I read the entirety of Joe Sacco's Safe Area Gorazde last night. Anne had given me his book Palestine last year, and it was hands-down awesome. Joe Sacco is a journalist and a graphic novelist, so he travels to places like Gorazde and Palestine, conducts heaps of interviews, collects information and history, and then puts it together into powerful graphic novels. Seriously, it's amazing. I was woefully uninformed about the conflicts in Bosnia in the early 90s--I wasn't even aware that there was a place called Gorazde--and I felt like Safe Area Gorazde did a good job of summarizing and illustrating (literally) the sadness, scariness, and oftentimes horrors of the events. Reading it in one sitting in akin to being punched in the stomach, but it's extremely worthwhile. A lot of people relate Sacco's stuff to the Maus books by Art Speigelman, and I would agree. I remember that the Maus books were required reading in some of our classes in high school, and I hope that people use Sacco's books for the same teaching purposes.
Here's an interview that LA Weekly conducted with Sacco about the book.
One segment that illustrates why I like his stuff so much:
What compels you to spend time in war zones as a source for your work?
It’s not as if I want to be in places where there’s shooting going on. Those particular situations — Bosnia and Palestine — are of great interest to me, and I want to put in my two cents because the media hasn’t portrayed those situations very accurately. I don’t blame the media for perpetuating this conflict, but in failing to fully inform the electorate, they prevent people from bringing their influence to bear on these situations, because they don’t know what the hell is going on with them to begin with.
Needless to say, his books are highly, highly recommended.
2-8
Today marks first my day of officially being in my Late 20s. I could *almost* qualify as mid-20s while I was still 27, but that is not longer true. I feel more mature already.
So far it's been a nice birthday. Many thanks for all of the phone calls and messages today: I do love my friends. I'm looking forward to roast beef for dinner tonight and lemon cake for dessert.
Yay for birthdays!
Today marks first my day of officially being in my Late 20s. I could *almost* qualify as mid-20s while I was still 27, but that is not longer true. I feel more mature already.
So far it's been a nice birthday. Many thanks for all of the phone calls and messages today: I do love my friends. I'm looking forward to roast beef for dinner tonight and lemon cake for dessert.
Yay for birthdays!
Merry Christmas!
It's been a good morning so far, and gifts were very pleasing. I got Cutco knives (woooo! seriously, I love Cutco) from my parents and the first three seasons of Seinfeld from Robin and Erik, among other things. We're going to go and get dim sum later this morning with my uncle and then going to visit my grandparents.
Christmas rocks.
It's been a good morning so far, and gifts were very pleasing. I got Cutco knives (woooo! seriously, I love Cutco) from my parents and the first three seasons of Seinfeld from Robin and Erik, among other things. We're going to go and get dim sum later this morning with my uncle and then going to visit my grandparents.
Christmas rocks.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)