Cubicle Love Part Deux

Some Fridays are just meant for fun. Today was one of them. We had a quality team-building exercise today: decorating the cubicle of our newly betrothed colleague, Jennifer. She will be returning to the office on Monday after a two week long vacation to London and Paris (and being proposed to atop the Eiffel Tower). Since she emailed us to share the news, we had to be sure to welcome her back in style.

Tiempo de Practicar mi Español

Today my manager asked if I was available to attend a conference with her three weeks from now in Panama. It's a Restoring Family Links Red Cross conference on Tracing in the Americas. Other Red Cross national societies will be there - Cuba, Costa Rica, The Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and El Salvador. This is a great opportunity for me to meet my counterparts at the other societies and also practice my Spanish. AND we are going to be giving a presentation - en español. I'm excited for the chance to go to Central America - but disappointed that it's not with Lane. Even more disappointing is that the conference starts on July 23rd, our seventh wedding anniversary. Talk about bad timing.

Venus Reborn

So it seriously took me almost three months to admit to myself (and to Lane) that I had actually lost one of the sweetest gifts he'd ever given me. I was almost in tears, and even told him - mostly in a joking manner - not to buy me anything special anymore, because I'd just lose it :(

When my brother didn't find it in his NY apartment, I started tearing my bedroom apart and looking in suitcases with no happy results. Then Lane asked me if I left it in Africa/Switzerland. No, silly. That was MONTHS ago! But the more I thought about it and the fewer possibilities there were at finding it, I started wondering if that really could have been the last time I had my precious necklace.

I asked him to check his backpack that he so graciously lent to me for my trip - and to look at the bottom of all the tiny pockets and there he found it.

You don't know how relieved I was. And now I know just where it is. Right around my neck.

100 Things About Me

And I want to see 100 things about you :)

1. I LOVE to cook for other people, but see no point in cooking a meal just for myself.
2. I have owned What to Expect When You're Expecting since 2003.
3. I try to bring my lunch to work every day.
4. I suck at keeping in touch with long distance friends.
5. I hate making small talk.
6. I had a crush on Lane in 7th grade.
7. I love my brothers and sisters to pieces.
8. I think yoga is amazing, but I can't commit.
9. I love the beach but am scared of the ocean.
10. I wish I knew how to stylishly decorate my home.
11. I don't like to go grocery shopping by myself.
12. I love to read.
13. I am proud of myself for having enough guts to move across the country, and adore my husband for happily starting this new adventure with me.
14. I've had this deathly fear of singing alone my whole life. I hope to get over it one day.
15. I am an over achiever.
16. I only have the motivation to clean my apartment when I invite people over to it.
17. I check weather.com every morning before getting ready for the day.
18. I wish I went to the Smithsonian museums more frequently.
19. I like to precisely plan every detail of my life. I'm crazy about check lists.
20. I have really weird dreams ALL the time.
21. I miss having a garden.
22. I have this insane ability to memorize things.
23. I really enjoy thunder and lightning.
24. I don't think I contact my nieces and nephews nearly as often as I should, and it makes me feel like a bad auntie sometimes.
25. I appreciate that my job has enabled me to learn about people in other parts of the world. It makes me feel grateful for the opportunities I've had.
26. I am a lizard. I love being out in the sunshine - but I am also the sunscreen police.
27. Religion is not for me.
28. I pick up the free morning paper, just to do the crossword puzzle.
29. I always notice the shape of people's eyebrows.
30. I talk to myself in Spanish sometimes (when I'm alone) so I don't completely lose it.
31. I read my friends' blogs religiously.
32. I was meant to be a mommy.
33. I'd like to audition for another play soon.
34. I have a song stuck in my head at all times.
35. I'm not really big on celebrating my birthday.
36. I photo-document every occasion I possibly can.
37. I *always* cry at weddings,
38. One day I want to go to South America.
39. I'm nosy.
40. I always carefully read the snapple cap trivia, in case the question pops up in Cranium (it's happened before).
41. Typographical errors pop out at me like flashing red lights.
42. I track all my accomplishments at work so I can include them all in my quarterly performance evaluations. (see number 15)
43. I love to dance.
44. I wish I made tamales like my mom does - but I haven't gathered the courage to try without her.
45. I am a professional at getting lost; I have absolutely zero sense of direction.
46. Lane is my bestest friend.
47. My alarm in the morning is set to National Public Radio.
48. I like to buy Christmas ornaments from places I visit.
49. I am OCD girl about arriving places on time - just not for work.
50. I hate conflict and try to avoid it at all costs.
51. It's important for me to help others in need.
52. It drives me crazy when people don't recycle.
53. I love the big city.
54. I never ever drive anymore, and I don't miss it one tiny bit.
55. I don't drink soda or coffee.
56. I hate the sound of other people clipping their nails.
57. I want to go out on another disaster relief assignment with the Red Cross - maybe even emergency family linking for an international disaster.
58. I am super resourceful.
59. I discovered I like being in the spotlight when I started doing theatre.
60. I simply can't start cooking a meal in a messy kitchen, but I have no problem leaving it that way when I'm done.
61. When I get ready in the morning, I do things in the same order every time.
62. I bring cute shoes to wear to work, but the California girl in me can't resist wearing flip-flops all day.
63. I learned more about California culture by moving to the east coast.
64. I miss having huge bbq's in Gilroy with our amazing friends, superb cooking, and all the guitar playing and singing.
65. I haven't been to the beach on the east coast since I moved here, and that was almost two years ago.
66. I'm not a vegetarian, but I only eat meat about once a week.
67. I still feel like a kid, and wonder if I'll ever truly feel like a old grownup.
68. I love that Lane makes me laugh til I cry.
69. I somehow started receiving Parents magazine in the mail without ever ordering or paying for it. And I read it cover to cover.
70. I'm mad about decorating for Christmas, but can't stand taking down the decorations.
71. I've been introverted my whole life; I'm proud of myself for changing that and expanding my circle of east coast friends.
72. I think about making a cookbook for my brothers and sisters who aren't yet experts in the kitchen (but I know they will be).
73. I secretly like watching crappy tv like the E! Channel
74. I never yell at people.
75. I absolutely detest ants.
76. I'm not spontaneous. at all.
77. I always check out people's shoes as I'm walking on the escalator.
78. I get irritated by people who think they are experts on *everything*
79. I don't like beets or octopus, but I'll eat almost anything else.
80. It sounds weird when Lane actually calls me by my name.
81. I worry about my CA family being ready for an earthquake.
82. I don't like to borrow books. I'd much rather buy them and keep them in my library forever. It's a part of who I am.
83. I love teaching people new things.
84. I own children's books. I have no children.
85. I discovered alcohol about three years ago.
86. I wish I was more creative and crafty.
87. Cuddling is the best.
88. I'm all about scents. I love the smells of cucumber, fresh cilantro, almonds, mango, mmm.
89. I'm not nearly as informed about the news as I feel I should be.
90. I (mostly) can't resist a coupon from Banana Republic.
91. I enjoy people watching.
92. I sometimes lose track of time reading about people on MySpace.
93. I wish my body were more toned - but that would require doing exercise.
94. I have a scarf obsession.
95. I admire my dad for being so strong in times of crisis (there have been a few), for realizing his dream of having a vineyard, and for memorizing the lyrics to "I'm a Redneck Woman" and singing it at karaoke.
96. I admire my mom for staying sane while raising six kids and for teaching me that I can do something to make the world a better place.
97. I smile at strangers and say hello.
98. I love to buy magnets of famous art when I visit museums.
99. I'm proud of how I've lived my life so far.
100. I had no idea it would take me this long to come up with 100 things about myself. Man, you think you know someone.

The Lost Birth of Venus

You may be wondering what all these photos have in common. Well, the answer is a beautiful necklace that Lane gave me a couple years ago for my birthday, which*sniff* I cannot find!!

Let me just tell you the story of this necklace. One day, my sister Cynthia and I went to yoga at this place in Morgan Hill, CA. We decided to pop in an independent artist's shop afterward. They had all sorts of amazing jewelry there, but something that particularly caught my eye was this necklace of a framed replica of Botticelli's Birth of Venus. When I got home, Lane and I were talking and I mentioned what a cool find that store was and how original and beautiful everything there was. I had mentioned the necklace in passing, just because I thought it was such a cool idea, but didn't give it a second thought.

What I didn't know was that Lane really paid attention, secretly called my sister, asked her where the store was and asked her to describe the necklace I mentioned. When I woke up on my birthday about two weeks later, there it was in a little box next to my bed. I was extremely surprised, and really proud of Lane for doing something so special - it was very unlike him.

I don't know how it happened, but I can't find my necklace anywhere. I am so upset with myself :( I have been in denial for the past few weeks, hoping it would show up. But nothing. I felt so terrible telling Lane I lost the present that he so thoughtfully purchased for me almost two years ago. Man, I stink.

Happy B-Day, J Diggity

My sweet, super-mom & nurse of a cousin turns the big 3-0 today. Love you Jen!

World Refugee Day

June 20th is World Refugee Day. Refugees are probably the strongest, most resilient people in the world. While I was in Liberia, I met a woman who fled on foot from Liberia to the Ivory Coast. She had many children, some of the very young, and it took them months to complete this journey. She was terrified all the time, not only for the family's survival, but also about keeping her sons from being kidnapped and forced to become child soldiers. After spending years in the Ivory Coast, they recently returned to Liberia, to their same home, in fact. Her sons are attending school, and life is getting back to normal for them.

Many refugees spend years and sometimes decades, living in foreign countries, separated from their families, with no possessions, and no knowledge of when or if they will ever be able to resume their normal lives again. Those that obtain refugee status in places like the United States leave behind everything and everyone they know. Refugees have three months of government assistance, after which, they must become completely self-sufficient. But refugees must also learn the most basic skills during this time - how to go to the grocery store, how to use public transportation, how to flush a toilet or use a stove, use a telephone, etc. Sometimes they have to learn the language on top of this, and get a job to support themselves. Most refugees have a huge responsibility to support their remaining relatives, and, while they are struggling to make ends meet for themselves, are constantly sending money back home. Refugees are truly amazing people. I don't think I'd have the strength or patience to overcome the tremendous obstacles they face every day.

To commemorate World Refugee Day, I attended an event at the National Geographic Society today. I was lucky enough to hear two refugees speak, both of whom have written excellent memoirs of their struggles as refugees.

Ishmael Beah, author of A Long Way Gone, was a child soldier in Sierra Leone. Today, he asked the audience to understand the culture of refugees, to ensure that people working with refugees know the time that it takes to adjust, that refugees know they shouldn't strip themselves of their culture; it is who they are, and it enriches American culture. He wanted refugees to know there is nothing shameful about being a refugee. Here's a link to his book on Amazon.com I highly recommend it: http://www.amazon.com/Long-Way-Gone-Memoirs-Soldier/dp/0374105235/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-8626678-4775048?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1182389476&sr=8-1

The other refugee speaker was John Bul Dau, a former Sudanese Lost Boy. The Lost Boys are called this because many of their parents were killed. Groups of thousands of young boys, from toddlers to teenagers traveled on foot from Sudan to Ethiopia, back through Sudan and to Kenya where they finally were able to live in a refugee camp. John Dau's book God Grew Tired Of Us describes his journey from the moment he fled his village as it was attacked, to his travels on foot, living in the refugee camp, and finally, his travel and struggles as he became a refugee in the United States. God Grew Tired of Us has also been made into a film. Here's the link to his book: http://www.amazon.com/God-Grew-Tired-Us-Memoir/dp/1426201141/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-8626678-4775048?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1182389871&sr=1-1

Lastly, at this event Tony Bennett received the UNHCR Humanitarian of the Year award for his work in the Aid Darfur campaign. He gave a little talk and then performed a song on stage.

While he was the real celebrity at the event, the true heroes were Ishmael and John who survived atrocities and overcame incredible struggles. But not only this, they have excelled in the United States, and devoted their lives to increasing awareness and helping people back home.

Please take some time to read one of these books. The stories are amazing, and will give you a glimpse into the courageous lives of refugees.

Summer Is Upon Us

I'm pretty sure summer is here and there's no turning back. It's 9:45 pm and the current temp is a whopping, muggy 84 degrees. It's really not TOO bad when you go from air conditioned building to air conditioned building, but it is strange to be a little sweaty before you even arrive to work. Ahh, the joys of east coast living.

Cafe Citron

I have some delightful memories of Cafe Citron in DC. Like the time Heather was in town on Saturday night and she just straight up asked the bouncer to let us inside (in front of this huge line of people who were patiently waiting their turn). After some discussion, the rest of us ladies were ready to hang our heads in shame and sulk over to the end of the line, but Heather worked that sparkling charm of hers and instead we waltzed right inside and danced the night away.

Or the time Katie and I met with some friends here for happy hour and stayed for the Samba dance lessons. This place has THE best mojitos around, a delicious dinner menu, pumping latin music, and signs welcoming patrons to dance on the tables and chairs.

Our most recent adventure was a couple nights ago for our neighbor's birthday celebration. Sean & Jess are great fun. They're our age and we get together for board games and dinner frequently. Meeting them is the ONLY good thing about waking up at 2:30 in the morning our first night at the apartment for a false fire alarm. :)

This week my other friend Jessica was in town for a conference at the Red Cross headquarters. She and I worked together at the San Jose chapter a couple years ago, and would always get together. It was wonderful to catch up with her and just like old times (minus my pirate face). More amusing photos of this night can be found at http://www.laneandelena.shutterfly.com/

My Favorite Restaurants

So Katie "tagged" me to share my top 5 restaurants more than a week ago. Sorry for the procrastination. Here they are in no particular order:

1. Afterwords Cafe/Kramerbooks, DC (Dupont Circle) http://www.kramers.com/menu.cfm It's a bookstore on one side and delicious cafe on the other. My favorites are the Butternut Squash Ravioli and Grilled Filet Mignon. The menu items remind me of "California cuisine" Not only is the food delicious, the atmosphere is very hip. They serve food until all hours of the night and have live music several nights a week.

2. Zaytina, DC (Gallery Place) http://zaytinya.com/ Chef Jose Andres owns this restaurant. Zaytina serves Greek, Turkish, and Lebanese style tapas. I have actually only been here once before, but it was absolutely phenomenal. We had a wonderful pomegranate sangria drink, dishes that practically danced in our mouths, and this absolutely divine apricot dessert. I can't wait to return. And just so you know, Chef Jose Andres recently beat Bobby Flay in Iron Chef America. Lane and I also love Jaleo, his Spanish tapas restaurant http://jaleo.com/ It's connected to our apartment, and these two brothers, who sound just like the Gipsy Kings, play there every Friday night.

3. Kabob Palace, Arlington (Right across the street from my apartment) http://www.mykabobpalace.com/ Kabob Palace has out of this world Kubideh and insane mango lassie drinks. When we first went, Lane and David scoped out the restaurant beforehand. You know it's good when all the Pakistani cab drivers hang out and eat here. The server was so sweet, he gave us a special table and served us additional dishes for free so we could try them. David can't get enough of Kabob Palace and makes Kubideh runs whenever he's here visiting. In fact, he was recently at a kabob place in NY and when he told his server about the kabob place in DC, they immediately knew it was Kabob Palace. Kabob Palace also has an all you can eat lunch buffet on the weekdays.

4. Thai Place, DC (Foggy Bottom) http://www.thaiplacerestaurant.com/ Lane and I accidentally stumbled upon this place in DC. Hands down, they have the best green curry of all the thai places we've ever been. Our Thai Place visit isn't complete without having mango and sticky rice for dessert. We have brought Jen & Chris, David, Annie, and my dad here for dinner.

5. Gaeta's Taqueria, Gilroy, CA One thing I sorely miss about Gilroy, well California, are the wonderful taquerias where you can get authentic, pure heaven burritos. Gaeta's is a tiny place in Gilroy, run by the Gaeta family. The burrito deluxe is fantastic, made with the biggest tortillas known to man. It's the perfect mixture of carne asada, guacamole, rice, beans, authentic salsa, and lots of other burrito essentials. They just don't make burritos like that out here.

Anyone else up for sharing your faves? I can't wait to hear about them

The Unthinkable Kitchen Catastrophe

Yesterday the unthinkable happened in my kitchen. People, I ran out of garlic. We had used the last of the fresh garlic the other day and I had just scraped the last bit of crushed garlic out of our quart sized jar from Gilroy (the garlic capital of the world). I don't think this has ever happened to me before. Alas.

Aside from this mild catastrophe, I put together a new dish last night. Heated up some olive oil with red pepper flakes and then added the fresh green beans for some saute action. After they'd cooked a couple minutes I added a couple tablespoons of soy sauce, some fresh grated ginger and then drizzled it all with honey. They were delicious - a little spicy, salty and sweet all together. You should try it.

And since I'm on a kitchen theme here, have you ever eaten grilled pineapple? My cousin grilled some fresh pineapple over the weekend. The sweetness is so much more intense, and the warm sweet tender fruit is unbelievable. I've got to try it at home soon. Add some green beans, some basmati rice and maybe some teriyaki chicken and i'll be good to go.

More Indiana Madness

The rest of the Indiana pics are on our shutterfly website: www.laneandelena.shutterfly.com
Believe it or not, I am related to practically every one in these photos. There were times when I'd see someone and have no clue who they were. Of course, that was when they gave me a big hug and kiss and introduced me (by name) to someone - a big reminder that they knew me, but I didn't know them. What can I say, except that I'd expect nothing less of a huge mexican family :)

p.s. Katie, I haven't forgotten about the restaurant blog. I'm trying to get inspired. You're a tough act to follow :)

All Done with Kindergarten

My cousin and her beautiful family live down in Fredericksburg. They were so kind to let us stay with them when we first moved to DC before we found our apartment, we've spent holidays with them, gone out on dates together, and spent lots of fun time with the whole family. Next month they are moving to Ohio, and Lane and I are really going to miss them. Here are some pics from Jackson's kindergarten graduation yesterday:

A Little Belated Cubicle Love

I have such fun co-workers. These photos deserved to be posted the day I got back to work from Africa. So, I've been slacking a little. Nothing says you are loved at work better than arriving to a desk decorated in blue and green argyle wrapping paper next to pink paisley wrapping paper, with cut-outs of George Bush, Colin Powell, Jimmy Carter and other government figures dressed in drag. I also had a Cinderella "Happy Birthday, Princess" welcome back card, a pez dispenser, random cut-outs from the National Enquirer and Soap Opera magazine, and all other sorts of wonderful things at my cubicle.

Sometimes we have a little too much fun at work. One day, we were going to get rid of a fairly large scanner box, when we had a brilliant idea. I got inside the box, someone printed an Africa shipping label and wheeled the box over to another caseworker saying an important package had arrived for him. Of course he got SCISSORS to open the box. (I had to duck down). and when he peeped inside I gave him some jazz hands and popped out. To say he was startled was an understatement.

Despite the cubicle decorating, popping out of boxes, and throwing objects at each other, we get a lot of serious work done. It's the perfect balance of challenging, meaningful work and fun times. I'm loving it.

My Indiana Family

Indiana was a total blast. It so refreshing to go home for a happy occasion – my cousin Colette’s high school graduation. And let me say, my family knows how to have a good time. This weekend was complete with a pre-party, the grand fiesta, a night out with the big cousins, and a wine tasting party with the whole family the next night.

One thing I couldn’t get over while I was there was the endless food and non-stop eating. Before we were even finished eating one meal, someone was starting to plan or prepare for the next. This wasn’t just for the party – it was every single waking moment.

The party was a success. Good eats, good people, a DJ and, watch out people, karaoke. My parents had been practicing their songs for months before they arrived. The cutest thing was my Aunt Delfina who STARTED the Karaoke party. The funniest – some forty year old guy approaching my dad and asking him for marijuana. This fine gentleman also randomly did a keg stand. We don’t know where he came from.

I love my cousins – they are all wonderfully kind hearted, funny, smart people. We get together only once every couple of years and when we’re together, it’s like we’ve never been apart. Overall the weekend was a joyous occasion, full of laughter, and fun times. But we also had those moments where, through our hugs and tears, we remembered our Nana and how we all miss her.

I just hope that we are all like our moms, and can get together with our husbands and children to pull off fabulous parties with the home cooked, sinfully scrumptious food and the kind of company you want around you forever.

Happy Birthday, Dear Chaney!

Lane and I can't wait to hear how Chaney's jousting themed birthday party turns out.

Notice the pen in his shirt collar - he has one with him at ALL times - bedtime, professional family photo time, you name it.

You may be wondering why this lovely six year old never goes anywhere without a pen. So, Chaney went on a field trip in kindergarten to the police station. The policeman told him the most important thing he had was his pen, which he always kept in his shirt pocket. Now Chaney can't live without one in HIS shirt either. Too cute.

We just got back today from Indiana. I have a bazillion photos to share, a couple fun stories, and another suitcase to unpack. until then...