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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.