Tomorrow, bright and early before the sun rises, my supervisor and I are heading off to Panamá. I am really (really, really) hoping it is just a matter of turning on the Spanish switch inside my brain.
One of our colleagues is now working in Panamá - we have dinner plans with her one night. We are also staying an extra day to explorar la ciudad y quizás ver el canal de Panamá.
Today I finished packing, watched an awesome documentary on the Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars (more on this later) and had a decadent dinner with Lane at Lebanese Taverna.
No promises on whether I'll be able to provide updates while traveling, but I will do my best.
XOXO,
Elena.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Happy Birthday to Me!
I've done it. I have officially entered into the last year of my 20's - effective July 18th. In years past, I traditionally have not made a big deal out of my birthday, but I was determined this year to have a great time.
I guess I’ve been celebrating all month by justifying little splurges like the big Old Navy order I received in the mail this week or my recent H&M shopping bonanza. oopsies.
I arrived at work to my cubicle all decorated with streamers and balloons. Our unit has a table which we lovingly refer to as the Weight Loss Table. I received a party invitation for festivities taking place at the Weight Loss Table first thing. We feasted early in the morning on authentic homemade hummus and pita bread, cream puffs with fresh raspberry puree, European chocolates, dried mangoes, more chocolates, raspberry cream cake, chocolate and almond croissants, cheese and crackers…yes, this is why we call it the Weight Loss Table.
Glenn is wearing the requisite birthday boa in this picture, since July 18th is also his b-day. And Habiba, my office mother, is the second person from the left.
I proceeded to have a birthday lunch with Glenn and a couple of co-workers. As if I hadn’t eaten enough already that day between the Weight Loss Table extravaganza and lunch, we split a birthday brownie ice cream sundae. Delish. I also received a series of hilarious e-cards throughout the morning.
If you’ve read my previous posts, you know I have a special place in my heart for Café Citron in DC. This was the chosen locale for Glenn/Elena Birthday Madness. I had a great time with friends and co-workers and mojitos and dancing. So happy that everyone came out!!
Katie left the sweetest post on her blog about me and my birthday and our friendship. Awww. My day was also sparkled with sweet phone calls from my brothers and sisters showering me with birthday wishes.
Lane gave me an awesome Frida Kahlo bracelet and my mom and dad bought me a new Le Creuset pan. Yay!
To top it all off, I received the cutest hand made card from my niece, Claire.
And for all the interesting photos of the night's festivities, click on our pics.
I guess I’ve been celebrating all month by justifying little splurges like the big Old Navy order I received in the mail this week or my recent H&M shopping bonanza. oopsies.
I arrived at work to my cubicle all decorated with streamers and balloons. Our unit has a table which we lovingly refer to as the Weight Loss Table. I received a party invitation for festivities taking place at the Weight Loss Table first thing. We feasted early in the morning on authentic homemade hummus and pita bread, cream puffs with fresh raspberry puree, European chocolates, dried mangoes, more chocolates, raspberry cream cake, chocolate and almond croissants, cheese and crackers…yes, this is why we call it the Weight Loss Table.
Glenn is wearing the requisite birthday boa in this picture, since July 18th is also his b-day. And Habiba, my office mother, is the second person from the left.I proceeded to have a birthday lunch with Glenn and a couple of co-workers. As if I hadn’t eaten enough already that day between the Weight Loss Table extravaganza and lunch, we split a birthday brownie ice cream sundae. Delish. I also received a series of hilarious e-cards throughout the morning.
If you’ve read my previous posts, you know I have a special place in my heart for Café Citron in DC. This was the chosen locale for Glenn/Elena Birthday Madness. I had a great time with friends and co-workers and mojitos and dancing. So happy that everyone came out!!
Katie left the sweetest post on her blog about me and my birthday and our friendship. Awww. My day was also sparkled with sweet phone calls from my brothers and sisters showering me with birthday wishes.
Lane gave me an awesome Frida Kahlo bracelet and my mom and dad bought me a new Le Creuset pan. Yay!
To top it all off, I received the cutest hand made card from my niece, Claire.
And for all the interesting photos of the night's festivities, click on our pics.
Screen on the Green
Monday night we had plans to check out Screen on the Green for the first time in DC. We were a little nervous about the weather not cooperating, but as soon as we set up camp, the air became less muggy, the rain clouds disappeared, and a delightfully refreshing breeze kept us comfortable.
For Screen on the Green, a ginormous screen is set up on the national mall, a classic film is shown, and everyone has a great time! We took up an invitation from our friend, Sarah. If she hadn’t invited us, we would have missed out on this experience all together.
We set up our spot around 6:30. At the time, we were actually sitting in the back. But a little while later, we couldn’t even see the last row of people, they were seated so far back. We enjoyed a little picnic of pita sandwiches and pineapple, along with games of Catch Phrase and chitchatting until the film started. We also just lay on our backs admiring the beautiful colors of the sky as the sun was setting. Ahhhh, so relaxing.
As the sky darkened, and the lights of the Capitol Building brightened, the Merry Melodies theme song sounded in the air. They played cute little cartoon, everyone cheered, and then the movie started. It was a quirky Woody Allen movie called Annie Hall from the 1970s. Totally entertaining, and something I never would have seen if it hadn’t been for Screen on the Green.
We happily watched and ate our caramel corn, and everyone clapped when it was over. Great times were had. I think we’ll have to go again before the series ends on August 13th.
For Screen on the Green, a ginormous screen is set up on the national mall, a classic film is shown, and everyone has a great time! We took up an invitation from our friend, Sarah. If she hadn’t invited us, we would have missed out on this experience all together.
We set up our spot around 6:30. At the time, we were actually sitting in the back. But a little while later, we couldn’t even see the last row of people, they were seated so far back. We enjoyed a little picnic of pita sandwiches and pineapple, along with games of Catch Phrase and chitchatting until the film started. We also just lay on our backs admiring the beautiful colors of the sky as the sun was setting. Ahhhh, so relaxing.
As the sky darkened, and the lights of the Capitol Building brightened, the Merry Melodies theme song sounded in the air. They played cute little cartoon, everyone cheered, and then the movie started. It was a quirky Woody Allen movie called Annie Hall from the 1970s. Totally entertaining, and something I never would have seen if it hadn’t been for Screen on the Green.
We happily watched and ate our caramel corn, and everyone clapped when it was over. Great times were had. I think we’ll have to go again before the series ends on August 13th.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Nothing Like a Night out with the Ladies
Saturday was all around girly! It started out with a wedding shower up in Maryland for my neighbor, Jessica. The shower was elegant and simple, and just the right number of guests. Jess had friends come in from Boston, NY, NJ, and even North Carolina. One of the games we played was super cute, and I’d never seen it done before, so here it is.
One afternoon, one of Jess’s bridesmaids surreptitiously went to her apartment and asked Sean questions on video. The questions were then asked to Jess in multiple choice format (and were very tricky and humorous at that). After she’d answer what she thought Sean would say, they’d play his response on video. Sean is a jokester so he didn’t fail in delivering laughs to the ladies as we watched him talk about Jessica’s unwavering obedience, the fourteen children he wants to have, or the fact that his family will be riding bicycles instead of in a car to save dinero. We all had to guess how many answers we thought Jessica would get right, and each time she got one wrong she had to put another piece of gum in her mouth.
There was just enough time to rush home, quickly get ready for a night out on the town and meet back up for further girly girl time.
That evening we met up in a room at the Mayflower Hotel which Jessica’s friend had decorated with hot pink streamers. We had some champagne and watched Jessica get very intriguing gifts such as the Practical Housewife’s Guide to Strip Teasing and other delightful items, along to a soundtrack made for Jessica’s party.
One afternoon, one of Jess’s bridesmaids surreptitiously went to her apartment and asked Sean questions on video. The questions were then asked to Jess in multiple choice format (and were very tricky and humorous at that). After she’d answer what she thought Sean would say, they’d play his response on video. Sean is a jokester so he didn’t fail in delivering laughs to the ladies as we watched him talk about Jessica’s unwavering obedience, the fourteen children he wants to have, or the fact that his family will be riding bicycles instead of in a car to save dinero. We all had to guess how many answers we thought Jessica would get right, and each time she got one wrong she had to put another piece of gum in her mouth.
There was just enough time to rush home, quickly get ready for a night out on the town and meet back up for further girly girl time.
That evening we met up in a room at the Mayflower Hotel which Jessica’s friend had decorated with hot pink streamers. We had some champagne and watched Jessica get very intriguing gifts such as the Practical Housewife’s Guide to Strip Teasing and other delightful items, along to a soundtrack made for Jessica’s party.
We had a lovely dinner at Mezza Luna where they generously gave our bachelorette free neon colored drinks. And off we went to dance the night away at 1223 (or MCCXXIII). It was a great time. Although, I was really quite shocked at the number of guys who tried hitting on a bachelorette. Who thinks they have any chance with someone who’s getting *married*?!?! It’s a little concerning, and makes me wonder what happens at boy bachelor parties that makes them think it’s okay. Whatever.
My only complaint from the night was that I didn’t wear more comfortable shoes. It got to a point where I couldn’t really even dance anymore because my feet were killing me!!! So I had to go home around 1.
Okay, I couldn't *not* share this pic. At one point in the night, 4 identically dressed girls got on top of the bar and danced like no other. It was quite a sight to see.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Strawberry Short Cake.....riiiiiiiiiiight.
Last night around 9pm, Lane and I decided to have strawberry shortcake for dessert. We started making the shortcakes and realized we didn't have whipped cream. We couldn't possibly go without whipped cream on our shortcakes, so Lane made a run across the street to the 7-11.
On the way, he ran into our neighbor Sean, along with his 60 year old parents visiting from Michigan. When Sean asked what Lane was up to, he said he was making an emergency run to 7-11 for whipped cream. Sean's eyes widened and his eyebrows went up in surprise. Sean's parents looked away in embarrassment and began to chuckle quietly. Lane, realizing how inappropriate and scandalous this must have sounded, especially to Sean's parents, quickly tried to explain that this whipped cream was for use with the strawberry shortcakes we were making.
He's not convinced that anyone believed him.
On the way, he ran into our neighbor Sean, along with his 60 year old parents visiting from Michigan. When Sean asked what Lane was up to, he said he was making an emergency run to 7-11 for whipped cream. Sean's eyes widened and his eyebrows went up in surprise. Sean's parents looked away in embarrassment and began to chuckle quietly. Lane, realizing how inappropriate and scandalous this must have sounded, especially to Sean's parents, quickly tried to explain that this whipped cream was for use with the strawberry shortcakes we were making.
He's not convinced that anyone believed him.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Just My Luck
Yesterday started out bright and sunshiny. I was so proud of myself for putting together breakfast and snacks and lunch to take to work. I packed fresh blueberries, yogurt and berries with granola, veggies to eat with the hummus I have at work, all sorts of goodies. It would have been even better if I'd remembered to bring them to work with me :( The moment I got to the top of the escalator, I saw the Red Cross shuttle drive off without me. I had the pleasure of walking to work (usually no biggie at all) but it's definitely not fun when it's humid and nasty and you arrive to work already sweaty!
Since Lane had a boys night (exciting evening at the theater with decepticons and gobots), I decided to go shopping - I recently received a Banana Republic coupon in the mail, and if you've read my previous posts, you know I can't resist these little yellow cards. Katie and I went to the mall, and while we had fun, the trip was a complete bust. First of all, I couldn't find anything at Banana (Boo!) we tried to go to some other stores, but they were relocated and closed for remodeling, and those that were open had nothing for Elena.
We decided to go to Lebanese Taverna instead where we had a drink and some baklava, except our waiter hated us for not ordering more, so he punished us by coming to our table every 30 minutes or so. Thank goodness for good company. I always have a blast with Katie - laughing and girl talk is the best.
Quick weekend update - we visited with Jen and Chris in Annapolis, likely our last get-together before they drive to Ohio this week, went out for drinks with some friends that night, had awesome tacos on Sunday, visited the Frida Kahlo exhibit (super cool) and had some poolside fun.
Since Lane had a boys night (exciting evening at the theater with decepticons and gobots), I decided to go shopping - I recently received a Banana Republic coupon in the mail, and if you've read my previous posts, you know I can't resist these little yellow cards. Katie and I went to the mall, and while we had fun, the trip was a complete bust. First of all, I couldn't find anything at Banana (Boo!) we tried to go to some other stores, but they were relocated and closed for remodeling, and those that were open had nothing for Elena.
We decided to go to Lebanese Taverna instead where we had a drink and some baklava, except our waiter hated us for not ordering more, so he punished us by coming to our table every 30 minutes or so. Thank goodness for good company. I always have a blast with Katie - laughing and girl talk is the best.
Quick weekend update - we visited with Jen and Chris in Annapolis, likely our last get-together before they drive to Ohio this week, went out for drinks with some friends that night, had awesome tacos on Sunday, visited the Frida Kahlo exhibit (super cool) and had some poolside fun.
Friday, July 6, 2007
Finalmente
I have been waiting for this moment for quite some time. One of the things I miss most about home is real authentic Mexican food. No, not Chevy's and not Chipotle, or other imposter "mexican" food, but the real deal. To be quite honest, I'd actually almost given up - if I wanted Mexican food, I was going to just have to make it myself. Today, thanks to a lovely former-California Red Crosser, I have found this precious jewel.
I volunteer as a tour guide of the historic Red Cross building right across from the White House. Through this program, I met a really nice girl who works in another department. As soon as she learned I was from CA she asked if I really missed real Mexican food. Hello!! How did she know I'd been on a quest to find an authentic taqueria all this time!?!? Well, today we went to lunch in Adam's Morgan to Pepito's Panaderia and got some tacos. They were the steamed double corn tortilla kind with el pastor meat with lime wedges and pico de gallo and everything! They had horchata and jarritos, I even had to order in Spanish... it was like I was transported back home. I cannot wait to try their burritos! If they are anything like the tacos, they will be amazing.
I volunteer as a tour guide of the historic Red Cross building right across from the White House. Through this program, I met a really nice girl who works in another department. As soon as she learned I was from CA she asked if I really missed real Mexican food. Hello!! How did she know I'd been on a quest to find an authentic taqueria all this time!?!? Well, today we went to lunch in Adam's Morgan to Pepito's Panaderia and got some tacos. They were the steamed double corn tortilla kind with el pastor meat with lime wedges and pico de gallo and everything! They had horchata and jarritos, I even had to order in Spanish... it was like I was transported back home. I cannot wait to try their burritos! If they are anything like the tacos, they will be amazing.
Feliz Cumpleaños a Frida
Today is Frida Kahlo's 100th birthday. Gracias to Sra. Freiberg for introducing me to Frida Kahlo in high school Spanish. We had a unit on Mexican and Spanish artists and I fell in love with Frida. We even took a field trip to San Francisco to see one of her art exhibits. Who knew a tall red headed Jewish lady would be the best Spanish teacher ever?!? I am hoping to catch a new Frida exhibit this weekend at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Check it out: http://www.nmwa.org/exhibition/detail.asp?exhibitid=165
Here is a painting I bought when we were in California last. It's a mexican artist's interpretation of one of Frida's self portraits. I actually resisted the temptation to buy it in Paso Robles, but couldn't stop thinking about it and had it shipped to us at home. I think it was a good decision.
Andrew is a Big Boy
Who wouldn't adore this cutie pie?! Andrew now has a race car big boy bed. Fancy ride, kid. Your auntie misses you!
Thursday, July 5, 2007
The Bombs Bursting in Air
Who's bright idea was it to have 4th of July in the middle of the week, anyway?! I think it should be called Independence Day and always fall on a Friday, leaving us plenty of time to recover from the celebrations. I'm just so tired, I can hardly keep my eyes open today.
We had fun, really. We barbequed with our neighbors, but had to skip out on our pool plans due to the thunderstorm, tornado watch, and downpour of rain. Luckily this happened early in the evening and didn't affect the fireworks display.
Apparently, it has stormed like this on every Fourth of July for the past three years at least. I'm just glad we weren't on the mall this year - otherwise, we would have been evacuated two years in a row! We walked about 10 minutes from our apartment to this big hill by the airport where we had a great view of the Washington Monument, the Capitol and of course, the fireworks.
We had fun, really. We barbequed with our neighbors, but had to skip out on our pool plans due to the thunderstorm, tornado watch, and downpour of rain. Luckily this happened early in the evening and didn't affect the fireworks display.
Apparently, it has stormed like this on every Fourth of July for the past three years at least. I'm just glad we weren't on the mall this year - otherwise, we would have been evacuated two years in a row! We walked about 10 minutes from our apartment to this big hill by the airport where we had a great view of the Washington Monument, the Capitol and of course, the fireworks.
It was perfect for weeknight viewing - no driving or parking or horrendous crowds at the metro. Although, we did miss the big booming sound with each blastoff - next year, when the 4th is on Friday, we'll head down to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial or the Thomas Jefferson Memorial to watch the fantabulous display, complete with booming sound effects and hundreds of thousands of people cheering :)
Check out the link for a video of the finale :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqPjz-DUaQ4
Warning: I don't have the steadiest of hands.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Cilantro Garlic Flank Steak
I made this up the other night and the results were fantastic :) Try it!
I basically made a pesto sauce, but with cilantro instead of basil.
In a food processor, put about 8-10 cloves of garlic - mince them up and then add an entire bunch of cilantro. Mix this together. Drizzle in some olive oil while the processor is running until it makes a nice spreadable paste. It will be an amazingly vibrant green, which is just super pretty :)
Sprinkle grill seasonings (like Montreal Steak Seasoning) on both sides of a flank steak. Generously spread the cilantro mixture on both sides of the steak as well. Let it marinate for about 30 minutes. Grill the steak for approx 7 minutes on each side.
mmmm.
I basically made a pesto sauce, but with cilantro instead of basil.
In a food processor, put about 8-10 cloves of garlic - mince them up and then add an entire bunch of cilantro. Mix this together. Drizzle in some olive oil while the processor is running until it makes a nice spreadable paste. It will be an amazingly vibrant green, which is just super pretty :)
Sprinkle grill seasonings (like Montreal Steak Seasoning) on both sides of a flank steak. Generously spread the cilantro mixture on both sides of the steak as well. Let it marinate for about 30 minutes. Grill the steak for approx 7 minutes on each side.
mmmm.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Weekend Report
On Friday we met with some new friends at Mimi's Cafe in DC where they have singing servers. We had a long, leisurely dinner full of laughter and delicious food.
Saturday afternoon I met up with my "office mother", Habiba. Habiba is from Somalia, speaks fluent Italian, and has traveled all over the world. She also has the biggest heart and gives great advice. When I got a phone call about a year ago that my brother was in a bad car accident and had to be airlifted to the hospital I felt terrible - worried about my little bro and upset I wasn't there for him and with the fam. But I tried to just go on with my day without letting it affect me too much. Habiba brought me to her cube a little while later and just gave me a huge hug (when I promptly started crying). She had heard how upset I was and talked it out with me, checked in with me later, made sure everything was ok... that's just the kind of lady she is and that's why I love her. Anyway, we met up at the Crate & Barrel outlet for some Saturday afternoon shopping . But I had to get back early for my big date with Lane and Jen & Chris to see The Phantom of the Opera.
We had a wonderful dinner with them across from the Kennedy Center. The show was out of this world - the singing, costumes, set design and special effects were all phenomenal.
These guys move in just a week. It looks like we're going to have to visit Dayton, OH one of these days.
Lane and I have recently discovered the pool downstairs at our apartment. We just pack up a beach bag and go downstairs. I am a total sissy when it comes to pool temperatures, but I willingly get in and swim, catch some sun and read and read and read some more. I finished A Thousand Splendid Suns yesterday. excellent. It's so relaxing and refreshing down at the pool; i have a feeling we'll be spending lots more time there this summer.
Saturday afternoon I met up with my "office mother", Habiba. Habiba is from Somalia, speaks fluent Italian, and has traveled all over the world. She also has the biggest heart and gives great advice. When I got a phone call about a year ago that my brother was in a bad car accident and had to be airlifted to the hospital I felt terrible - worried about my little bro and upset I wasn't there for him and with the fam. But I tried to just go on with my day without letting it affect me too much. Habiba brought me to her cube a little while later and just gave me a huge hug (when I promptly started crying). She had heard how upset I was and talked it out with me, checked in with me later, made sure everything was ok... that's just the kind of lady she is and that's why I love her. Anyway, we met up at the Crate & Barrel outlet for some Saturday afternoon shopping . But I had to get back early for my big date with Lane and Jen & Chris to see The Phantom of the Opera.
We had a wonderful dinner with them across from the Kennedy Center. The show was out of this world - the singing, costumes, set design and special effects were all phenomenal.
These guys move in just a week. It looks like we're going to have to visit Dayton, OH one of these days.Lane and I have recently discovered the pool downstairs at our apartment. We just pack up a beach bag and go downstairs. I am a total sissy when it comes to pool temperatures, but I willingly get in and swim, catch some sun and read and read and read some more. I finished A Thousand Splendid Suns yesterday. excellent. It's so relaxing and refreshing down at the pool; i have a feeling we'll be spending lots more time there this summer.
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