Dramamine

I am sick to my stomach with excitement.  Literally...i feel like throwing up.  Plans have been pushed back, time and time again, so to be so amped up about this is really playing with fire.  It's different this time though, I can feel it.  It WILL happen, it has to.

I am so excited.

Writer's Block

I hate writing papers.  Of any kind.  Whether it be a literary analysis or a research paper.  I hate it.  Give me an exam any time.

And yet, I like blogging.  I guess writing about my life is way more interesting. Ha.

putting the pro 

in procrastination.

to a brother from a sister

HAPPY 22nd BIRTHDAY

to the most infuriating little brother I would never trade for another.

that's sweet, right?

I hope you have a good one, brother!

Mission: T.L.W, part III

TLWT #12: He went to Church with me!

To his credit, it's not the first time he's gone with me.  However, he was feeling pretty sick and since we went to bed pretty late the night before, he was groggy and cranky.  And he STILL went.

TLWT #13: We had dim sum!

After church, he went to Sunny Palace for Dim Sum with me.  He told me not to tell him whatever's in the food and that he would just try it.  I love how adventurous he was being.  I think he loved how quick the service was.

TLWT #14: Spoiled from the weekend and tired from not getting enough sleep the night before, I was bratty throughout football...and he was nice about it.

Enough said.

TLWT #15: We don't usually see each other much so time together is spent TOGETHER.  However, he let me disappear for about 2 hours to gChat with a friend and he didn't even bring it up.

I know I rushed through these last ones but I actually typed  it all out in one night and now I'm uber sleepy and tired.  It was fantastic weekend though.  Simply amazing, amazingly simple.

love

Mission: Accomplished

Mission: T.L.W, part II

The next day we left at around 10:30 in the morning and set off for the city.  We took an unfamiliar route but when I questioned him about it, he said it was a shortcut.  It wasn't a shortcut.

TLWT #4: He took me to Jollibee.  In Queens.

 

It was awesome! The food there isn't any better than anywhere else but the fact that it was Jollibee made me really happy.  It reminds me of the Philippines, which reminds me of my cousins, who I loved spending time with.  I had been wanting to go for over a year now.  It was better a year later; we didn't have to deal with crazy lineups around the block.  What struck me more was that he was willing to drive into Queens on a day when he DIDN'T have work.

TLWT #5: Instead of eating in the restaurant, we ate at the park!

We took the food to Flushing Meadows Park in Queens, which is by CitiField and the Arthur Ashe Tennis Center.  It's also where MIB was filmed.  It was a gorgeous, warm Autumn day, a perfect 66 degrees.  He had stowed a blanket in his trunk and we set up by the little lake and enjoyed our Chicken Joys.  I couldn't have imagined a better first picnic.  After lunch, we lazed around and enjoyed the sights and sounds of the park.

 TLWT #6: We went boutiquing!!!

Now, remember how I mentioned that John HATES to shop? Well, we went shopping in SoHo!  Actually, we went window shopping because I wasn't really in the mood to go shopping.  But he was really into peering into stores and even going into some of them to check out the displays.

TLWT #7: We had soup dumplings at Joe's Shanghai.

After a couple of hours, my feet started to hurt so we decided to hit up Joe's Shanghai for some soup dumplings.  As usual, it was awesome.

TLWT #8: He didn't complain.

This is a big one...after soup dumplings, we decided to head home.  However, we were having such a hard time finding a cab.  And by a hard time, I mean, we DIDN'T find a cab.  They were all either occupado or out of service.  It was bad news bears...especially since my boots had started hurting my feet.  I was whiny, bitchy and annoying, and through it all, he didn't snap once or be snippy towards me.  He was patient, and sweet, and caring.  I would have walked a thousand miles in those boots...okay, maybe just one more mile, just because of how awesome he was being.  Truthfully, I think he must have wanted to scream because he was a bit more aggressive driving home.

TLWT #9: We got Crumbs!

We were supposed to go to Grom after soup dumplings but as it was getting later and colder, we stopped by Crumbs instead.  Happy, happy girl, was I.

TLWT #10: I got a foot rub.

While eating my Crumbs cupcake, drinking wine, watching my choice of show on TV, laid out on the couch.  AH-mazing.  Since all his house-mates were out that night, we had the house to ourselves and spent the rest of the night hanging out, dancing and singing to old songs that were basically the soundtrack to our relationship.  It was the first time we got drunk with each other, and just with each other.

TLWT #11: He cleaned up without me asking him to...and without him asking me for help.

All while he was drunk.  And a little sick.

to be continued...

Mission: T.L.W

What's better than your boyfriend cancelling on you repeatedly in a span of 3 weeks? Your boyfriend NOT cancelling on you.

Trick question.

However, if ever this does happen (and it's BOUND to), the second best thing is when he makes up for it.  And boy, DID HE!  I didn't want anything extravagant, expensive or fancy...I just wanted to spend quality time together.  He definitely delivered.

Terrific Lady Weekend started off relatively simple.  I was already on my way to meet up with him when I get a phone call from my dad asking me to do him a solid and pick up the license plates and registration for the new car.  NBD...except that I was almost at John's and the dealership was about 45 minutes in the other direction.


TLWT #1: John offers to go with me to pick up said plates without fussing. (BTW, TLWT = Terrific Lady Weekend Treat)

So we head on over and get'er done.  Next stop was the movies on Route 1 since it was only about 20 minutes away from the dealership.  At first, we were going to see The Social Network but right after buying tickets I saw a bucket of 3D glasses and instantly wanted to watch whatever movie required those.  It turned out to be Jackass 3D.  I didn't care; I wanted those glasses.

TLWT #2: John offers to buy me popcorn and WHATEVER treat I want from the concession stand.  It's an unspoken rule between us to never get anything from that dastardly place because of its ridiculous prices but what the hey.

The movie was so-so.  I'm not a fan of Jackass but the 3D made up for it.  Yeah, I'm a sucker for gimmicks.  Anyway, we went out for dinner afterwards, a practice I much prefer over dinner THEN a movie.  If you see a movie first, you'll have something to talk about at dinner afterwards.  At first we were going to try Pollo Tropical on Route 18.  The line to eat there was RIDICULOUS, especially since I've indulged at the one on Route 1.  We decided to skip it and head over to Ruby Tuesday's at East Brunswick Mall, which worked out perfectly since I was craving their salad bar.

TLWT #3: After dinner, he. Went. Shopping. With. Me. FOR ME.

This is a big deal because our relationship almost ended after our very first shopping trip together.  Like most boys, he has an aversion to shopping.  However, he was such an a**hole the first time we went, which set off my inner b*tch, which ended with us fuming all the way home.  Since then, we've kept our shopping trips to a minimum, going together only out of dire necessity and with a strict guideline of what we need.  This time around, we went into Forever 21 with me because I wanted to pick out a few casual sweaters for the increasingly colder weather.  He did so without any complaints or hints to hurry up, and he helped pick out some items.  UN-begrudgingly.  It was amazing.

to be continued...

Mission: winner, winner

Chicken Pot Pie Dinner!

On a cold, autumn day in October, I decided to warm my stomach and soul with a steaming hot bowl of Chicken Pot Pie.  I just had a hankering for the dish...plus, being sick as a dog didn't help.  I guess I was well enough to get my cook on though, because it came out exceptionally.  It's a fantastically easy and pretty quick dish to make.

First you grill up some chicken.  You can also use the meat from leftover rotisserie chicken or even go out and buy one.  You just need some cooked chicken.  I grilled some chicken breasts with just some salt, pepper and Mrs. Dash seasoning since we didn't have any chicken in the house.

While that's resting, you chop up some onions and then sautee them in butter in a large pot.  You turn down the heat to medium-high and let the onions sweat.  

I then added minced garlic (optional) and then just a bit more butter.  I then made a roux by adding flour to the butter and onions.  When the flour tasted cooked off, I added chicken stock.  You then boil this until it reaches a thick, sauce-y consistency.  HOWEVER...this time was a little different.  As I mentioned, I was pretty gosh darn sick and needed a little extra warmth this time around.  I added one can of Cream of Chicken Soup, which was still thick enough to not be all soup-y.  I added some fresh corn, string beans and carrots, although you can definitely use frozen veggies, then cut the chicken into cubes.  

I let that cook on the range for a few minutes while the oven was pre-heating to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.  I transferred everything into a casserole dish and hastily draped a sheet of puff pastry over it.  

I was a little anxious at this point to start eating so I didn't trim the edges, hence why it looked weird but it all tasted very, very yummy.  After baking for about 15 minutes, it was ready to get in my belly.

Funny-looking, but yummy tasting!

Soup-y!

Oh, so delicious!!!

And there you have it! This probably took 45 minutes, including the grilling, so it's not too bad.  It yields about 8 servings, so it's a really quick solution to impromptu dinner guests!

Bon appetit!

Mission: Accomplished

Selfish

When a man wants to focus on his career before he settles down to get married, even though his girlfriend is pleading or pressuring him to take the next step, he is seen as driven, dedicated and motivated.

When a woman wants to focus on her career before she settles down to get married, even though her boyfriend is pleading or pressuring her to take the next step, she is seen as selfish.



I don't get it.
I don't accept it.

Some people are meant to be in your lives forever and some are just meant to make an appearance.

It's a little cynical but it really is true.  I guess it all depends on how hard you try.  It's a little intimidating knowing that you still manage to be close with each other.  A little intimidating, and a little enviable.  But again...who ever said we were all really ever that close to begin with?

I'm not ready to give up on us. I love us.  I miss us.  I'm still trying.  I'll try until you go off on your own and tell me things just aren't the same.  And even when you have each other, I'll still look back fondly on the memories and smile.

Because I love us and I miss us.  And in my mind, there will always be us.

Mission: FlashForward

ON OCTOBER 6, THE PLANET BLACKED OUT FOR 2 MINUTES AND SEVENTEEN SECONDS. THE WHOLE WORLD SAW THE FUTURE.

Oh, FlashForward.  The greatest show that's not on TV 

=(

Honestly

Your love completes me...

...completely.

$100

$100 gets you nothing these days, or at the very least, it gets you very little.  I remember being young and opening up that birthday or Christmas card and seeing that crisp $100 bill or check; my heart would race, my face would flush, and I'd immediately start a pro/con list of saving VS spending that money.  Nowadays, while $100 is still a lot of money, it is so easy to spend it all in a heartbeat.  Gas, rent or groceries, and most of all, partying.  You could spend $100 in one night, much less in an entire day.  On a night out on the town, dinner could run you up maybe $40 at the least, including drinks, tip and tax.  Getting to the club, cover may be anywhere from $10 - $20.  Drinks themselves cost at least $5 (and that's if it's a drink special).  Depending on how much you drink, your night pretty much stops there.

So what am I getting at?  Am I giving up partying? Going out? Having fun?

Hail no.  I was just creating a budget for the rest of the year.  There is only 3 months left in the year (WHAT?!?!) and I'm just trying to be reasonable and not blow all my money.  I was also thinking about all the things I want to do next year and it's ridiculous how much it costs to have fun.

I'm gonna need a really good budget.

And a winning lottery ticket.

Please.

Home

It's where the heart is, or so I'm told.  It's funny how we pshaw cliches until we find one that might actually sum up our lives.

I live in a beautiful house and have been living here for just about 9 years now.  It's the longest my family has ever stayed put in one place, let alone in one country.  My life can be categorized by where we lived.  The years where I definitely don't remember were spent in Philippines, from when I was born to the age of 2.  The early years of my childhood, from 3 years old to 7 years old, took place in Bahrain.  I surprisingly have a pretty good recollection of my time spent there, thanks in large part to the dozens of beta max tapes my dad thought to preserve our memories on.  For the latter part of 7 years old up until I was 15 we lived in Canada.  Finally, when I was just about to turn 16, we moved to New Jersey.

In my 25 years of life, I have lived in 9 different cities, and resided in 5 different apartments and 3 different houses.  I have had plenty of places to call home.  The house I live in now is where I have lived the longest, and even though I lived away at college for 3 years, this house has always been my home base.

Until now.  I eat here, I sleep here, I live here.  But it no longer feels like home to me.  It feels more like it's my parents' house and I have overstayed my welcome.  Yes, I'm 25 and I still live at my parents' house.  It's never been an issue before.  In my culture, it's always been tradition for a child, especially a daughter, to live at home until it's time to get married and then she leaves her parents' home for her husband's.  In this day and age, financially speaking, I always thought it made more sense to move back home after college to save up money instead of letting it dwindle away on rent.

Now, however, I'm starting to feel like it might just be about that time to fly the coop.  Every time I head home after being out and about, I feel more like a tenant.  I've been itching for my own space for a few months now and I figure, I've been changing so many things in my life lately, what's one more?  I've talked it out with a couple of my nearest and dearest and they all agree it's about time.  I guess when you've made yourself comfortable, it's hard to notice when it's time to get going.

Is that why my dad kept us moving my entire life?

hmmmm.

And...breathe.

So it's been 12 days since I last posted...excuse me, no.  I actually pre-write blogs and time-post them for a later date, so it's been way more than 12 days.  The funny thing is, although there is a lot going on in my life right now, I'm not really that stressed out.

The first quarter of school has come and gone.  In a few days, a new one will start and I'll be even busier.  Even during my "break" week I have barely been home.  It's weird though, I don't really feel like this is like home anymore.  But...another post, for another day.

Today is the first day in a long time that I haven't spent time with you.  I think it's no coincidence that today is also the first day in a long time that I have lots of time on my hands for a change.  We've been spending so much time together that you're more than just a habit...you are a part of my everyday.  Not that we've been conjoined at the hip, or that we even need to be, but it's funny how much I dislike not seeing you everyday.  I know it shouldn't be like this but you are my best friend.  You are who I call when I'm bored, you are who I want to talk to when I need to talk.  It's weird knowing that I can't pick up the phone and just call you, even if it's just for a few days.  I mean, I can call you, I just won't.  

I don't think I've ever wanted a Monday to come as much as I do now.  It's a little disconcerting going from having something to do, or even yet, something that needs to get done, every minute of everyday, to having some spare time.  It's kind of like pulling over on the turnpike for a little while then trying to merge back in when everyone else is going 65 (or 75, really).

Yet, I'm not complaining.  I guess keeping busy is better than standing still, especially when there are no roses to stop and smell.

random.

Mission: 25, pt.II

Getting up the next morning was obviously hard.  We all slept in, although I woke up a bit earlier than the rest so I could shower and get ready.  The plan for the day was to have lunch by the shore, however, we didn't get going until around noon.  Due to a slow start getting ready, and traffic and parking issues, we didn't actually sit down to lunch until about 1:30pm.  I had chosen McLoone's Pier House in Pier Village, Long Branch.  It's a gorgeous setting, overlooking the beach.

Right on the beach

It was definitely worth the wait because the meal was scrumptious.  Peter, Erin and John joined us for lunch, so there were 9 people dining, and I didn't get a chance to see what everyone else ordered.  I just know that the buffalo chicken wontons and calamari were delicious! For my main course, I chose the warm lobster roll...words cannot possibly describe how delicious it was.

Post-lunch posing

After our meal, we walked around Pier Village, which really doesn't take long.  Food coma hitting hard, we decided to head back to my house to rest up before partying hard that night.  Plans changed rather quickly, though, when we got back to my house and Joe and Patrick decided they wanted to go to the outlets.  We decided to join them.  It was a quick shopping outing at the Jersey Shore Premium Outlets, just under 2 hours, because we had to hustle back to John's to get ready for partying.

Strolling the boardwalk

After shopping we went straight to John's to get ready and to pre-game.  Honestly, the only word to describe the night was drunk.  Initially, we were going to go to Fixx but it was dead.  Downtown was our ultimate destination, and this worked out great because one of John's and my favorite cover bands from Jersey, Bitter X, were playing that night.  I didn't really appreciate their set list that night but it was a good time anyway.  I would say it was a fun night, especially when three of my friends stripped down to their boxer briefs, danced on top of a car and sang their little hearts out.  Just another day...

Friends <3

The next day my friends left for Toronto.  I can't begin to express how much my heart ached; even though we don't talk that much anymore, I honestly feel like we pick up right where we left off.  The weekend felt so short!  In any case, I had a blast.  This recap is not doing it any justice.  I'm sorry, I'm distracted by the first football game of the 2010 season, and it's a good one.

A bientot, mes amis!

hello, 25, glad you could make it.

Mission: A Moment of Silence

Time does heal all wounds.  It's just a matter of how much time it takes.  9 years is a long time, and still yet not long enough.  May they rest in peace, and may those who still suffer find their own peace someday.

we remember.

Mission: 25, pt.I

I said it before, and I'll say it again...25 is looking bright.  I know I'm less than 2 weeks into it and there's a good chance that I may be jinxing myself.  However, there couldn't have been a better way to celebrate my 25th birthday.

I knew something was up.  John was acting weird and Leo straight out said that I HAD to do something on my birthday and that I would have a great time.  I just never expected 3 of my closest friends from Toronto to be the big surprise.  After a long night of class and arriving home at around 10, I was so ready to just throw on some PJs and snuggle on up in bed.  Before I could do so, however, there was a knock knock knock on my door and in walked Joe, Patrick and Nicolette.  I was so worn out from the day that it took a while to register -- indeed, my friends thought that I had known all along and that's why I wasn't reacting.  After a few seconds, however, my brain registered that three people I thought were hundreds of miles away were actually right there in my bedroom.  And cue the waterworks.

Though it was late, we four stayed up well past 1am to talk and catch up.  I've known Nicolette and Joe for 11 years now, and I've known Patrick for 13.  Even though contact with them has trickled down since I moved to Jersey, they've visited me numerous times, more times than I've visited them, I am ashamed to admit.  In any case, even though we don't get to talk as much anymore, it's just like picking back up with them.  There's no awkwardness, there's no fake small talk...it's right back to where we left off.  I love that.

We slept in the next day and made it over to the city.  We walked around Chinatown for a little bit, then met up with John, Chris and Dana.  After catching a glimpse of Little Italy and SoHo, we made our way back up to Midtown where we decided to get something eat and drink at Pig 'N' Whistle on 2nd Ave between 50th and 51st streets.  It was standard bar fare.  I wouldn't call it authentic Irish Pub food because I doubt that you can find calamari somewhere authentic, and lo and behold, that's just what we ordered.  I also had a John Daly which was super strong, so I had to let the ice melt to water it down a little.  Dana, unfortunately, ordered a mojito which was, I quote, "The worst mojito i have ever tasted."  I second that, Dana.  It was great to see my Jersey friends mix it up with my Toronto friends.  There weren't any awkward silences, although I must say that the conversation was predominantly about sports, so there were times when I let my attention wander.

After a few rounds of beer, we made our way over to Traffic Bar on 52nd and 2nd.  I really don't understand why this place isn't as crowded as it should be.  They have good specials, good food, hot bartenders (girls AND boys) and pretty nice decor.  I'm not complaining though, because I chose that place exactly for its lack of patrons.  I wanted to be able to talk to my friends without yelling over loud, obnoxious music and without getting ripped off for drinks.  However, the later it got, the more my friends wanted to party it up, so we eventually left for Irish Exit, a bar just a few feet south of Traffic.

Seriously...love

To be honest, I don't remember much from that portion of the night onwards, except, maybe oh...MY NEXT SURPRISE.  My friend Peter and his girlfriend, Erin, surprised me at the bar.  Peter is also from Toronto and growing up, I considered him one of my best friends, if not the best.  As drunk as I was, I was so shocked because Peter had been telling me that he would visit me since I moved away and he had yet to do so...and it has been 9 years since I moved!  To see him was nothing short of fantastic.  It was also wonderful to meet his girlfriend, as he has been raving about Erin the past few times I spoke to him over the phone.

Booger!

I wish I could remember what happened the rest of the night but alas, I don't.  I just remember grabbing a cab to Port Authority, watching my friends sing the Canadian anthem while on line for the bus, and finally reaching home relatively early at 2.30 in the morning.

Having a blast

more to come.

Mission: 2 hours GONE

Couples Retreat is a BAD movie.

But it sure does get you thinking.

overwhelmed.

Mission: Surprise, surprise

I am very blessed.  25 is looking bright.

Mission: Accomplished

details&pics to come.

Mission: DC Getaway, pt.III

We were both exhausted the next morning but we had to rush since check-out was at 12.  After a night out and only a few hours' sleep, we grumbled our way through packing, washing up, and walking out the door.  It didn't help that I lost the valet ticket but the valet was nice enough to not demand it.

Before leaving, we met up with Mike again for brunch at Old Ebbitt Grill at 675 15th St., NW, which apparently is a happening spot for the big-timers in DC.  I didn't see any.  Brunch was wonderful.  I ordered the french toast with berries and it was just sweet enough to pep me up.  John went savory instead of sweet and ordered the breakfast burrito, which must have been good because he almost cleared his plate.  Mike had to get to work and John and I had to be on our way, so once again we bid each other goodbye and left for our destinations.

Our next one happened to be Forest Hill, MD, where John's cousin and his girlfriend lives.  The area is a beautiful Maryland suburb, reminiscent of some Jersey towns.  It's about a half hour north of Baltimore, so it's still too far from DC for me to want to live there.  Had it been closer, however, I would have been sold.  We drove around and saw the National Park and the downtown area (reminiscent of Red Bank).  We stopped at DuClaw Brewing Company at 16 A Bel Air South Parkway, Bel Air, MD for some beer and appetizers.  We ordered some sliders and onion rings which was good but made me feel really guilty afterwards.  As it was getting late, we left soon after for our final stop of the trip -- home.

can't wait 'til next time.

Mission: DC Getaway, pt.II

Even after almost 9 hours of sleep, it was unbearable to get out of bed.  However, the sun was shining and the sights were a-callin'.  We started off our day groggily at Cosi at 700 11th St. NW, right by the Metro Center Metro Station.  John and I both had the Italian Sausage Bolognese Breakfast Wrap...it was meh.  It perked me up and gave me the protein I needed to get going but taste-wise it was something I could have whipped up had I been home.  No matter.  Although we could have easily walked to our destination, the Smithsonian, we took the Metro so that John could see what it was like and I think he liked what he saw.  It's a much nicer system than the NYC Subway System, that's for sure.

Pretty much every station in the city looks like this.

After only a few stops, we reached the National Mall, home to the majority of the Smithsonian museums.  It was a beautiful day, sunny, breezy and not humid.  Our first stop was the National Air and Space museum on 6th and Independence Ave, SW.  I had just been there two weeks prior but then it was a short visit.  We really took our time this time around.  We visited every single exhibit and by the end of it, we were exhausted.  My second favorite, it's a HUGE museum and it's fantastic for kids.  As an adult, however, you start to notice how outdated everything is and I think that aspect turned John off a bit.

UMV -- I think.  Un-manned Vehicle.  Correct me if I'm wrong.

Missiles

I think he was captivated by the planes.

After that was the Museum of Natural History on 10th and Constitution Ave., NW.  Hardly any pictures from this one, only because our patience and energy was waning after two hours of walking at the Air & Space.  We flew through the exhibits in a little under an hour and only stopped long enough for a picture at one of them.

Our only picture: The Hope Diamond in the Harry Winston Gallery.

On that note, it was time to grab lunch.  We took a cab up 7th St, one of the busier streets in town, and decided on lunch at Potbelly Sandwich Shop at 726 7th St., NW.  My roast beef and provolone sandwich was delicious and inexpensive and the sour cream and onion "gourmet" chips was one of the most delicious I've ever had.  I can't remember what John ordered but I know he enjoyed it so much he finished it.  After lunch, we split up briefly as I went back to Nando's to buy Adrie some dipping sauce and he went straight back to the hotel to nap.  On my walk back, I decided it was too pleasant a day to stay in and sleep so I dropped off the sauce and walked right back outside.  I stayed out for more than an hour.  The hotel was really in a prime location.  While it's still a 10 minute walk (too long for high heels!) to K St. where you can find a bunch of bars, a cab ride is probably only $5.  Eastward and closer, you have Chinatown and 7th St. which are bustling with activity.  Further south are more streets where you can shop, and of course, even further south, about 15 minutes walk from the hotel, is the National Mall.  Towards the west is downtown DC, where you can find the White House and other offices.  The only place that was really too far from us was Georgetown and unfortunately, we were unable to visit it on this trip.  Not wanting John to miss out on some prime daylight time, I went back to the hotel and bullied him into joining me in the exploration of the city.  He did so, rather begrudgingly.  I didn't help matters when I dragged him into Forever 21 and H&M (both near F and 10th) but he perked up after we got cupcakes from Red Velvet Cupcakery at 675 E St., NW, and especially after he got an iced coffee from Starbucks right at the corner of E St., and 7th Ave.  I enjoyed my Red Velvet cupcake which wasn't as great as the one Crumbs Bake Shop offers, but was still sickeningly, sweetly satisfying.  John's buttercreme cupcake was boring and forgettable.  We walked up and down the streets just taking it all in and enjoying the sights, and after awhile, called it a day and headed back to the hotel.

Yummy, yummy sugar rush.

We cleaned ourselves up and rushed to make our reservation at Zengo (781 7th St., NW).  I had been there before with the MACKR and enjoyed the food so I thought I'd share the experience with John.  It's a Mexican-Asian fusion and while it sounds fancy shmancy, they really do deliver.  We ordered the thai chicken empanadas, the peking duck daikon tacos, and the braised beef shortribs, all of which were tantalizing, delectable and mouth-watering.  As far as pricing goes, it's pretty standard, not too expensive but definitely not an Applebee's or TGIFriday's.  I would definitely go back.

We went back to the hotel room to digest and relax and then took the Metro over to Arlington, VA.  I would compare Arlington to Hoboken, except MUCH cleaner and MUCH nicer.  Mike lives there and was going to go out to a bar there and asked us to join him.  I called out Steph, who also lives there.  We got there a little early, not wanting to fall into the same trap as the previous night where it got too late to want to go out.  We hit up Liberty Tavern on 3195 Wilson Blvd.  We each had only a couple of drinks until it was time to meet Mike at RiRa on 2915 Wilson Blvd.  Though it was packed, it was a great time.  It reminded me of Rutgers' Easton Ave. bars.  There was a cover band playing and they were fantastic.  Steph and I chatted while the boys caught up.  It was a really fun night all-in-all, even though nobody got wasted.

Right before last call, we made our way to Hard Times Cafe at 3028 Wilson Blvd., where we had our last round of beer and topped the night off with some DELICIOUS drunk food, in the form of boneless wings, loaded french fries and the holy grail of macaroni cheese bites.  Full, tipsy, and tired, we called it a night at around 3, said our goodbyes and cabbed it back to the Hyatt.

A drunk's delight

day 3, coming up.

Mission: Healing

It was a year ago yesterday.  They say time heals all wounds...but just how much time? Apparently, a year is not enough.

I thought I was over it, or at least, I thought I had been doing better.  Although not a day goes by that I don't think about it, I've been able to control the surge of emotions associated with it.

Yesterday was rough.  I couldn't sleep, I couldn't eat.  From the time I woke up to around mid-afternoon, I couldn't get out of bed.  I hurt, but I felt empty.  I couldn't breathe, but I couldn't catch my breath.

And then there was you.  You knew just what to say and do to make me feel better.  You are a God-send.

It doesn't matter that you weren't there for me when it happened.  It didn't matter then, it doesn't matter now.  What's important is that you are there for me every day afterwards, for the rest of my life.  I truly thank God for that.

So I survived one year.  I hope this gets easier.

No words

I say a little prayer for you.

Mission: DC Getaway, pt. I

So missing out on a trip to Philly with my girlfriends ON TOP of all the crap that was going on that made me miss out on said trip in the first place put me in quite the funk.  It was a good call on John's part to jet off (or, um, drive down) to DC for a few days.  I must say, the spontaneity of the trip was a big mood-lifter in and of itself, so my spirits were definitely on the rise when we set out on a Friday morning.  After a smooth ride down with almost no traffic until we reached the city itself, we checked into the Grand Hyatt (1000 H Street NW), a nice hotel in a great area.  It was pretty standard as far as hotels go but the location made it a great, last-minute find.  The atrium was huge and while the decor was a bit outdated, it was really pretty and reminded me of a cruise ship.  

A view to the elevator bay from the entrance of the hotel.

A view from the 9th floor.

The layout of the hotel was abysmal.  There were plenty of elevators, about 5, but they were all located in a single elevator bay.  The design was such that the rooms encircled the center atrium so if you were at the opposite end of the elevator bay, it took forever to go to your room...such was our case.  The room itself, while weirdly shaped, was decently decorated, standard hotel fare.  It looked clean enough, as did the bathroom, and the bed was comfy so I was satisfied.  

From the little nook where our window was.

After resting up and settling in, we set out for lunch, as it was already past 2:00 and we hadn't yet eaten.  Adrie had long been raving about this place called Nando's so I decided that we should check it out.  We hit up the Chinatown location at 819 7th St. NW.  It was fantastic.  Although they had a pretty well-spread menu, we chose the chicken, since that was their claim to fame...and for good reason.  The chicken was juicy but not overly greasy, and the seasonings were OUT OF THIS WORLD.  We chose the Portuguese rice as our side and I have to say, while it was quite delish, the chicken was definitely the star of the show.  As much as we wanted to get ourselves another order, we refrained, not wanting to be bogged down while we walked. 

Great decor

Amazing food.

Our friend Mike had moved down about a year ago for work and we decided to meet up with him before he started his shift.  On the way, we passed by the Treasury (1500 Pennsylvania Ave.) and the White House (1600 Pennsylvania Ave.).  We met up with Mike at a Potbelly's not too far away.  It was great seeing him as we hadn't seen him since he left and the feeling was mutual.  We chatted a little bit as we walked him to work.  He pointed out some things in the area that were of interest, then made plans to meet up after he got out of work.  

The north side of the White House.

The Treasury Building.

John and I continued walking towards the Washington Monument but the 90 degree heat and humidity got the better of me -- I started feeling dizzy and lightheaded and John had to made a quick run to a nearby snack stand to fetch some water and an ice-cream bar.  It was exactly what the doctor ordered, as I started to feel better as soon as the water touched my lips.  I should have known better but I'm glad that dizzy spell was as far as it got.  Anyway, after a quick rest under the shade, we went on our merry way to the monument.  I should mention that John hadn't been in DC since he was about 15 or so, so it's been about 10 years.  I think he appreciated it more now than he had back then.  The Monument is smack-dab in-between the U.S Capitol  to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west.  The distance between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial is 2.5 miles, and would you believe I've walked it before? I hope so because I have.  

Frolicking towards the Monument, right before I got sick.

Finally at the monument, looking eastbound.

It is so tall.

After the monument, we headed westward towards the Lincoln Memorial.  On the way, we hit the National World War II Memorial on 17th St between Constitution and Independence Avenues.  It is gorgeous and my second favorite memorial in DC.  We took yet another breather there and just enjoyed the calm and beauty that the memorial resonated.  

The opposite end, the Atlantic side, a mirror image of the Pacific side.

Each column has a state.  I found mine.

View of the monument.

After about half an hour, our journey to the Lincoln Memorial resumed.  At this point it was getting to be about 6:00pm so the heat was subsiding.  We walked in the shade alongside the reflection pool where it was blissfully much cooler than had we walked in the open sunlight.  Finally, oh finally, we reached the Memorial.  I must say, it is quite majestic.  Its platform at the head of the Reflecting Pool is simply quite beautiful and the ginormous statue of Lincoln is grand.  The main reason why I don't hold it in higher standards is because of the sheer volume of people that crowd it.  As it was getting later on in the day, there were less people, but past experience still holds me to that bias.  In any case, we briefly soaked it in -- although I'm not sure how much John did since he was excitedly talking my ear off about his newest obsession, Weeds.  

Walking in the shade.

Our destination, finally!

President Lincoln, himself.

The reason it's called the reflecting pool.

We decided to catch a cab rather than walk or take the Metro back to the hotel but before that we made a quick stop at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, located NE from the Lincoln Memorial through the park, not too far away.  I've been many times and every single time, the sadness is overwhelming.  There are thousands of names on the wall, thousands of lives lost, even more thousands of lives affected by these losses.  There is a famous picture depicting the poignancy of this memorial that I'll include further down.  It truly is very moving.

Fantastic statue.

To this day, people still remember.  As they should.

Speaks volumes.

Upon finally reaching the hotel, we collapsed onto the bed and rested, though while John napped, I played a game on his iPhone called Sally's Spa.  It is sooo addicting!  We allowed ourselves a couple of hours of rest before we had dinner at Capitol City Brewing Company, right across the corner from the hotel at 1100 New York Ave. NW.  To be honest, I can't remember what I ordered.  The food was satisfying but not memorable, I guess.  The beer was good but nothing we couldn't find at home at any other microbrewery.  It didn't even hold a candle to Basil T's beer.  I had ordered the house red which was a decent choice.  All in all, it filled our stomachs but it was pretty forgettable.  We went back to the hotel to wait for Mike to get out but our full stomachs combined with the entire day's sojourn hit us like a ton of bricks and we decided to stay in that night.

day 2, coming up.