Halloween Weekend

Lane and I were planning to attend a party on Saturday night. Last week, I ordered a costume from Amazon.com. It was this awesome pirate wench costume. But Saturday morning it hadn't arrived, but I was sure it would be in the mail that afternoon.

We went to Party Depot and Party City looking for a costume for Lane. For three years he has wanted to be JESUS, the big J.C. for Halloween. We thought we might find a costume that could be modified for use as Jesus. We didn't think he'd be lucky enough to find a Jesus Costume! We bought some accessories for my costume that would be arriving too.

After the mail arrived, we realized my costume wasn't coming until Monday and had to trek back to the party stores. They were horrendous. The lines were practically as long as the stores themselves, there were huge crowds, screaming children, and practicially every costume I wanted to try on was out of stock. As I was in line, I found myself thinking about how much I hate shopping the day after thanksgiving, or after Christmas because of the ridiculous lines and utter chaos... I was kind of glad my costume was arriving late - it means I won't have to do this again.

We had a great time at the party. EVERYONE was dressed up. The whole place was wonderfully decorated, there were tasty treats and drinks, and Jesus, who came bearing wine, won the costume contest. Here are some lovely photos from the evening. (more are on the "Our Pics" link of the blog)

Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf, who reminded me of Teen Wolf, actually.
Yes! I love Rainbow Brite. Here she is escorted by a lovely Power Ranger, who was co-champion with Jesus of Beer Pong. So what are the chances of Jesus *and* Adam & Eve showing up at the same party!?!? Their real names are Adam and Genesis. They won for the most original costumes - they bought a plant at Michael's and just hot glued it all over their underwear. Very impressive. I tried like 15 different costumes before I got this one. All the others were sold out. It actually ended up working quite well, since my date was Jesus. You might be seeing this pic again, oh around the holidays. ;) Overall, it was good times. We left just after the police arrived. whoops. I don't think I've ever been to a party where the police were too. I guess there were some noise complaints. But come on, people, it's Halloween!

October 28th - Happy B-day, Claire!

Our niece, Claire Aileen turns seven years old today. Happy Birthday, Claire!!!

We were lucky enough to be at the hospital to meet Claire right away after she was born. She was so precious and tiny.
Claire is very creative, as you can see. We currently have an adorable "Happy Late Earth Day" card on our refrigerator from Claire, complete with a picture of Earth Girl. I also have my birthday card crafted by Claire on the fridge still.
Claire is not this short, silly. She's in front of a fun-house mirror here.
Claire is a fabulous reader. We couldn't believe it when she read Amelia Bedelia to us over the phone when she was only in first grade. It was exciting to hear her reading such big words, and with so much expression. " 'oh my!', Amelia Bedelia exclaimed."
Claire loves her little sister, Natalie. We're so happy they have each other to be friends with. We love and miss you, Claire. We think about you all the time, and hope your birthday is the best!!!

Redwoods

I posted so many pictures of trees on the East Coast, that I thought my favorite, majestic, and amazing California trees deserved their very own post.

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Today is my Dad's b-day. What can I say about this guy?!? He says he learned what family was when he married my mom. He's a French Language major turned software engineer who planted a vineyard and makes kick-ass wine. And he also tells corny jokes.
Lane used to be really scared of my dad in high school, I think everyone was. But they ended up being super buddies. And some how, Lane tells jokes like my dad, erupts in song like my dad, and says things my dad says. :)
He's a great dad and Papa. He used to be in the school plays and sing in the choir. Maybe I got that from him. He's the kind of guy you want on your side, and is definitely strong in times of crisis.
He also just knows how to have a good time, just look at his collection of rings.

Okay, those aren't really his. They're my cousins. But he posed great for the picture.

C'mon, now!

Yesterday as I was waiting at the station for the metro to yoga class, I had an amusing encounter.

This regular looking man was standing by me. I say regular *looking* and not just regular because I had just heard him say, "I have no idea where I am". (It was 5 pm on Tuesday night, not 2 am on Saturday night.)

Anyway, he said, "hello pretty lady", so I smiled back. He proceeded to say this: "Man, those are beautiful teeth"... and in all seriousness asked, "are those DENTURES?" (???!?!?!?!?!) When I said no, he replied in surprise, "they's yours?! Wow, those are nice". As he walked away, I heard him repeat how he had no idea where he was.

oh my. I can honestly say that until yesterday, no one had ever asked me if I had dentures. I'm not *that* old, people. Needless to say, it gave me a laugh.



p.s. Fall soup making is in full swing. The other night I made a root veggie chowder with parsnips, carrots, onions, celery, potatoes and sweet potatoes and some other tasty items including bacon. mmmmmm.

Solar Decathlon & Pizza

Lane and I had enjoyed our weekend together. Since he's worked extremely long days all week, I started staying late at work to get more done. I was prepared to do the same on Friday, when Lane called saying he was leaving at 5 and that his work was paying for a night of bowling madness. I could not have left work sooner. I was so excited he was leaving at a decent hour and that we were going to have fun.


Little did I know that I was the suckiest bowler in all of Virginia. My total score for a whole game was only 46!! But I more than doubled my score in the next couple of games. We had a blast. His work paid for everything, so people were playing game after game and ordering tons of drinks and food. Good times.


Saturday morning Lane declared he was not going in to work. yay!! We went to the national mall to check out the solar decathlon. 20 different schools competed by building fully functional solar powered homes that were on display for walk-thru tours. There were a series of 10 competitions for things like generating the most hot water, cooking a full meal and entertaining in the home, the market value, and all sorts of other things. We checked out our friend Scott's school and took pictures since he couldn't be there like he was hoping. We would have really liked to see him! I was fascinated touring the homes. They were built using all sorts of recycled materials - one house used recycled shredded denim for insulation and kitchen countertops made out of cement and recycled glass. There were systems set up to harness the rain water and use it on plants outside the homes. I would *totally* buy a solar powered home. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem very realistic because it's just not mainstream. I imagine that it would be SO expensive to design and get all the materials and have just one happy environmentally friendly solar powered home built. But it's totally the way to go. Here's the website so you can read all about it: http://www.solardecathlon.org/


We went across the street to Kabob Palace on Saturday night where we were happily greeted by our waiter from the first time we went (almost a year ago). He shook our hands and welcomed us, asking where we'd been for so long, and gave us samosas were on the house. Our kubideh and kabobs were simply delightful, as usual.


Unfortunately, Lane did go into work on Sunday. When he was gone I made pizza dough, pizza sauce, and prepared goodies for making pizzas. Lane thought of an awesome combination - i was so proud. He used fresh tomatoes, fresh basil and goat cheese. It was creamy deliciousness. Mine, on the other hand was spicy sausage, marinated mushrooms and feta cheese - not nearly as exciting. I couldn't resist taking pictures of Lane's culinary genius.

Weekend with David

David hasn't been to DC in quite a while. But when I learned Gov't Mule was coming to town, he decided to make a special trip down. When he arrived on Friday night, we immediately make the requisite stop to Kabob Palace where the lamb kabobs and kubideh are luscious. David is convinced they season the kubideh with some sort of poppy/opium powder because every time eats there, he has this euphoric experience.

Poor Lane had to work again this Saturday, so David and I headed over to Eastern Market. We checked out the flea markets there, and all the artisan stands, walked through the fresh meat market and awesome bakeries and cheese stands, sampled cheeses and nuts and juicy, delicious apples. And I bought a necklace made by the Maasai tribe from Kenya. We also found this really cool retro/vintage clothing store, which I can't wait to go back to.

Saturday night was the big finale - Gov't Mule is a classic rock "jam" band that formed as a side project of the Allman Brothers. These guys are mostly influenced by 60's greats such as Cream and Jimi Hendrix Experience. One of the members was also from the Black Crowes. David LOVES Gov't Mule and Lane and I went to see them on New Year's Eve last year in New York.

This time was at the 9:30 club - the same place we saw Keane earlier this year. We were right up front and had a great time. They even covered some Neil Young and One by U2, which was my favorite. These guys started at 9:30 and didn't end until 1 AM! They are serious about jamming. Lane caught a guitar pic Warren Haynes (the singer and lead guitarist) threw out into the crowd.

I really enjoyed the band that opened for them - Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, who I had never heard before. Grace is only 24 (what an old fart I sound like when saying that), and their music is bluesy with a 1970's rock sound. Her voice is beautiful and she has such amazing stage presence - plus she's hot.

Unfortunately, I couldn't take any pictures of the show since they made me check in my camera!!! grr. Also, DC is regularly a city of young, preppy professionals. Out of nowhere at this concert appeared long-haired, tattooed, long bearded, tie-dyed shirt wearing, smoker bikers with southern accents. It was kind of humorous.

David left this morning, but only after feasting on a lazy Sunday morning breakfast.

Pictures of Our City

I just felt like posting some DC pictures tonight. No real reason. So here are pictures of our city. We're always happy to show people the sites in person : )

October 10, 2007

October 10th was my mom's b-day. Happy Birthday, Mom! She is one of the kindest, most self-less people I know. I don't think I would do the kind of work that I do, were it not for the example that my mom has shown to me ever since I was little of how important it is to help other people. I don't think I would have any clue in the kitchen if it weren't for my mom and the wonders she works in there. Overall, my mom has been a wonderful example, and a great friend. I'm glad we were able to have a pre-celebration together in New York.

Could this really be??

Yesterday, as it sweltered to an autumn high of 90 degrees, I realized I am ready for fall. I’m done wearing dresses and skirts for a while. I am ready for sweaters and scarves, crisp breezes and hearing the crackling of fallen burnt orange leaves. I am ready for soup cooking season, for when it actually feels nice and cozy to use the oven instead of something to avoid doing at all costs.

Could this really be? The summer loving sunshine basking (yet sunscreen wearing) California girl is ready to put away the shorts and flip flops for a few months? What can I say?? There’s just something to be said about having four distinct seasons. It’s enough time to enjoy, get bored, and get excited for the next. You start noticing little changes in the light, the air, the flowers, the leaves, I love it...

However, I’d be willing to trade winter for a longer cherry blossom season next spring. Not sure there’s much I can do about that, though.

This is wacky summer weather - on the hottest, most humid day of the whole summer last year, we also had the most thunder and lightning and were evacuated from the capitol lawn. Then the sun came out again and we were able to enjoy the fireworks.This summer photo was actually taken in Central Park, not DC. But it's still beautiful summer.

Ready for Vacation?? I think so.

Our weekend was pretty blah. Unfortunately, Lane had to go in to work on both Saturday and Sunday. I had grandiose plans of cleaning our entire apartment. Hah! Instead I got sick and felt like crap all weekend. So in the spirit of feeling like crap, I just watched crap on TV. Yes, I'm ashamed to admit that I watched the E! channel and mTV. Suddenly, I snapped out of it and decided to do something to make myself feel better, instead of encouraging the sicky-ness. So I read, took a bubble bath, did some yoga, did a little face mask (complete with cucumber slices over my eyes), took a nap and ate chicken soup. It worked. a little.

Poor Lane goes to work at 6 in the AM every day. I couldn't believe it when he didn't get home until 8 PM yesterday. Total bummer. Hopefully those excruciatingly long days will be few and far between. I made use of this time away by doing the dishes, marinating some meat for tonight's dinner, making salmon patties, fixing his lunch for today and making last night's dinner. I felt like such a little homemaker.

But seriously, the guy needs a break. I can't wait for our decisions to be hmm, should we go to the pool or the ocean today? November 15th can't come soon enough.

I wasn't sure if I wanted to make a big hoopla over Thanksgiving since we'll get back in town on Monday night. But then I started daydreaming about my menu, and I realized how much I love Thanksgiving (and how proud of myself I am for cooking a whole turkey) and that I can't possibly *not* cook a wonderfully large Thanksgiving dinner. After all, I'll have a three day weekend to recover from both vacation, and Thanksiving prep/cooking/overeating.

Where are you from????

I get asked this question a lot. It’s always uncomfortable and I feel like the person is never actually asking what they really want to know. I’m not sure if I should answer their question, or not answer their question, but skip all the prancing around and just tell them what they want to hear.

I was born in Indiana, so if you want to be technical about it, that’s where I’m from. However, I consider myself from California. I grew up there, lived there for 21 years, made all my friends there, went to college there, met my husband and got married there. It’s where my parents live; it’s my home and where I’m from. People aren’t ever satisfied with this answer though – “no, what *country* are you from??” uhhh. The united states??

Apparently, some people see me, and it’s very clear to them that I’m from another part of the world. It’s just weird because when I see myself I don’t see a Mexican or a Spanish speaking person or anything else than a normal almost thirty (yikes!) year old person.

So, yes. I’m half Mexican. I didn’t grow up in Mexico. As far as I know I don’t have any family there, and I’ve only ever been to Puerto Vallarta – for my honeymoon. I learned all my Spanish in school and what can I say, I love tamales.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not angry or offended – I’m happy to share. Just ask what you want to know, people! :-)

So... hours and hours after I posted this, I started reading a little more of my new book called Ancestor Stones by Aminatta Forna. I was amused to read the following sentences: "And the way those people talk, sideways, out of the corners of their mouths, using some words to say what they do not really mean, and other words to say the things they do. And you cannot shout at them: 'What do you mean? Say what you mean to say!' Because then they look at you as though you had let the sun get to your head."

Nueva York

We went on our favorite Washington Deluxe bus this weekend to visit David in NYC. The special double bonus was that my mom was visiting Cynthia in Boston and they both came down for the weekend. Yay family!! (and Delfine)

Aren't David and Alex just the cutest couple!?!?

We started out at our favorite hang out on 53rd and 9th - Mange y Bevi. I've told you guys about this place before - they have dancing on chairs, dancing with waiters and tambourines at the tables. I know of no other restaurant where you get up from the table and dance your little heart out and then go back to eating dinner like it was nothing. Cynthia and I found our own little dancing spot. Later on my mom decided she wanted to get up and dance too. My favorite part, though, was when the waiter brought a round of shots to us all, and as my mom held it, she whispered scandalously, "does this have alcohol in it?!??!" and then she proceeded to down it in one gulp. It was hilarious. After we got back, we just chit chatted with David and Alex about their adventures en Cuba, and chilled.

Yes, this is at dinner. Not at a club or a bar.

And my mom was ready for the party!We celebrated Alex's birthday with requisite chair dancing, the whole restaurant singing to her, and shared a delightfully decadent and creamy tiramisu.
Saturday afternoon, we browsed and ate at the street fair. I bought my mom a little b-day present, and stocked up on accessories - a scarf, a hat, a headband, sunglasses... i was having a blast. We had a delicious thai dinner - and I couldn't believe it was my mom's first experience with thai food!!! It's definitely a favorite of Lane's and mine. We checked out a cool play in the evening that Alex got us tickets for. It was an intense drama set in Taos, New Mexico in the mid 1800's. The actors were all spectacular. And in reading the bios, we learned that practically every actor in NY has been in Law & Order. Apparently, that's your magic ticket to making it in theatre.

We finished the night with some dancing/bar action...

Sunday was so relaxing. Lane and I had a leisurely brunch and then sauntered through Central Park and met my mom and David where we shared a cheese and fruit plate and I took pictures of some of the characters we came across in the park, like this weird lady: Strawberry Fields - Before we knew it, it was time to go back.

Adios, Nueva York. More pics are on our Our Pics link...