Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Taking Care of the Caregiver

Over the weekend I went to Shakti Yoga Studio, it is on 7th between New York and L. This may soon become my second home. I took two classes with Iesha Ali, she is wonderful. She really brought something to the yoga studio that I have never had in another class. I stole the title of this entry from something she said in class that really affected me. The class was all women and she talked about how as women we are so often the caregivers to our friends and family (not that men can't be also), but it is so important to do things for ourselves and to take care of ourselves. In the last year since moving here I have gained a few (okay, more than a few) pounds. I have been feeling pretty angry with myself about it. Going to her class made me realize that I have an amazing body, everyone does. I should not be so stressed about those pounds that I gained and instead I should focus on how my body allows me to do so much.

In other news, my pasta maker has arrived! I am very excited for all the possibilities. I also ordered a citrus juicer, I can't wait to make Nate fresh squeezed orange juice!

Sunday, April 27, 2008

They stole some D's off that bitch

Guest blogger Nate here, also known as "the boyfriend"


I just found my 5th stolen car in 18 months. I have an eye for such things it would seem. The most recent round started as Meghan and I walked our out-of-town guest to the metro so she could catch her flight back home. I noticed a Cadillac CTS sitting on cinderblocks without wheels on 5th. On our way back to the house I decided to walk by to get a better look and noticed the telltale signs of a stolen car:
Physical damage to door lock
Door left unlocked
Trashed interior
and the #1 sign
A PARKING TICKET

The car also had 30 day Virginia plates which are set to expire on Monday but temporary plates have only shown up in 2 out of the 5 cars I have spotted.

I would have left the car there and come back to take pictures as time went on of it being stripped further but a police happened to be driving by as we walked away. I waived the officers down, two females to my surprise, and pointed them to the car. I told them the might want to run the VIN given the situation and the officers eyes glazed over at the thought of ensuing paperwork.

So, that is the tale of car #5

Car #4 was a VW that sat on Marion Street for 2 months last summer and amassed many tickets while the VIN plate had been scratched out

Car #3 was a Dodge pickup that sat on our street for at least 4 months. It had no plates, the VIN was popped and it continued to get many tickets. Eventually it was broken into by having a window smashed. I called non-emergency police 4 times about the truck as it took up prime parking real estate but it was never towed until several of my neighbors called in the same day.

Car #2 was a similar situation to the Dodge, but it was an Isuzu Rodeo that had been in a wreck and dumped by Yums on 14th (the good Yums, with mumbo sauce), it too had a stock pile of tickets

Car #1 was a Honda Accord that was abandoned, while running, in the street. There was still a screw driver on the passenger seat while the DC parking maid wrote out the ticket. I also told them they might want to look a little bit deeper than the surface.

So, that is the tale of stolen cars. I think I might start taking pictures before suggesting the police do their jobs. I wonder if I look if I can find a car a month...

Friday, April 25, 2008

Diana! and other fun things this weekend

My friend Diana got into town last night, I am very excited. Carolyn came over and we made a feast! I felt so satisfied.

I am hoping that tonight we will cook more and hang out on the porch and go for a walk around Shaw, maybe up to U Street.

Here is where things get exciting...
Tomorrow we are going to the Arboretum! They are having a sale on plants and seeds and whatnot, I think it will be fun to look around and see what they have to offer. MAYBE this will be the final motivation to push me into planting some things. Then off to Java Green for lunch with other DC area vegans, possibly Sitcky Fingers and then yoga!

Bliss is tomorrow night at Black Cat, I haven't been going out all that much lately, but I will take my camera and perhaps we will have some new photos up.

Sunday we are planning to go on one of the walking tours in Shaw. I love this neighborhood and I would love to learn more about it.

Diana mentioned an yoga studio she went to today and said it was very close to my house. I don't know where it is, but I will be sure to report back!

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Don't Call 911, Call God

I was told that whilst eating dinner at Dukem tonight. I have to say that if I am bleeding profusely, I'm calling 911. I really do love eating outside.

Yesterday I forgot my wallet, it made me realize that with enough planning I don't need to spend money everyday on food at work. I know that is common sense, but luckily I had brought leftovers and didn't have to starve. So, I brought food again today for lunch.

I have at least three cats in my kitty colony that I am feeding everyday. What really worries me is, what happens when I move? Who will take care of them?

I am very happy it is Earth Day/week. There are a lot of blogs that have been worth looking at, when it is not so close to my bedtime, I will make links.

Nathan is at the Caps game. I barely know what this is.

I need to see if Law and Order is on, so good night!

Monday, April 21, 2008

Tandem Bike

Nathan has been saying for awhile that he wanted a tandem bike, well we have one now!

It is a lot more fun than I imagined. I think I will girl-up the back.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Thai Xing

So good.
Especially when:
  • Eaten on the porch
  • In 70 degree weather
  • With wine
  • and boyfriend
*not necessarily in that order

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

The Positive Spread of Cupcakes

This weekend I made some amazing new cupcakes, well new for me. Rosewater Pistachio; Marble with Chocolate Buttercream frosting; and Pumpkin Chocolate Chip with Cinnamon frosting. All of them were vegan. That's right, I am going back, or trying to. It has been over a week since I have eaten animal products. I don't really want to get into any discussions about my decision, so let's not. Vegans get very defensive and I will do my best to not be that way.

Anyway, this week started work yoga! It was great, I like yoga at work.

This weather! It is wonderful. Dania is coming to visit and I cannot wait to sit outside with her and Carolyn and sip on margaritas.

No more weeds! I cleared the front yard on Sunday and Nate laid down mulch. Now our yard is not an embarrassment to our neighbors. I did spread the cupcake love to them!

If you are ever interested in baked goods, stop by on Sundays...

Oh, and the pope. He is around town today. He made it difficult to park my bike this morning. It is nice to see the city so alive, it makes it feel more like summer somehow.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

George, Washington

I was talking to Ben last night and we decided that a good place to live would be George, Washington. Look at their road signs!



I also wondered if we lived there if we could play Twin Peaks. He would come down to the beach front and I would be wrapped in plastic. Mostly, I think this would be a nice place to have pie shop. Just think, Dale Cooper might stop by!

Monday, April 7, 2008

I am turning into my boyfriend

I am making friends online.

I made three pies yesterday, lemon meringue, blueberry, and key lime. I also made guacamole, chocolate chip waffles and the most amazing home fries I have ever had. I always forget to take pictures because food is more exciting in my tummy than in a picture. I will work on this, promise.

Sputnik had surgery last week. She was soooo snuggly all weekend. I just had to separate her and Warner because she is back to her old self, i.e. romping.

I want to take cake decorating classes, the only place I can find them is Cake Love, which is amazing, but I would have to go to Silver Spring and they are expensive, ~$60 for one class!

Whoa, look at the time! I need to be asleep in t-minus four minutes!

yikes!

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Worth looking into

I don't know if I have ever heard a better tag line for a movie. Wow.