Anatomically Correct Gingerbread People

I was a bit freaked out by the blurb and censored picture of "anatomically correct gingerbread people" cutters in today's Washington Post Express. I was even more freaked out when a coworker sent me a link to an uncensored picture of them. WTF?!

"Never can say goodbye…"

It is unfortunate that Floyd and I haven't really moved toward friendship-land. We talk all of the time as if we were still together and I, living in a dream world, still reflect on the time we had and perhaps, could have in the future.

But, we're apart and clearly going in two different directions in our life right now. Yet, I can't help but to be attached and continue to nurture my feelings in spite our distance and the reality of our past and current situation--don't you just love the selective memory loss that recently broken-up couples tend to have?

Well, I hope that in 2007 I'll find a way to get over (but not forget) Floyd. It's about time that I moved away from the romanticized past and towards a fulfilling future as lifelong friends.

Surely, P&C can be friends forever?!

“Just got paid, Friday night…” (Johnny Kemp)

I had a good time last night. I went to the Tree Hugger Happy Hour and then, a great party with some friends. I had a bit too much to drink, but thank goodness, I didn’t get falling-down-and-running-down-the-street-with-your-crazy-college-roommate drunk. I guess it’s always good to have those sorts of nights every now and then—that is, as long as you’re with good people.

And I did have something to celebrate last night. I found out about my first pay raise ever. It feels good to know that I’ll have a bit more disposable income in 2007. I already know what I'm gonna spend it on.

Shop 'til you drop?

One thing I’m really looking forward to when I get home is shopping at the wonderful malls of Atlanta. I haven’t gone shopping in about 2 months, and I feel that I’m suffering from withdrawal (which takes the form of salivating over everyone else’s new and old apparel finds). I already have my list of items to buy and I’ve already decided which malls I will visit (Perimeter, Lenox and maybe even Phipps) and when.

Growing up in Atlanta, I spent a lot of free time at the mall. It was the place where my friends and I used to hang out as teenagers and the place I frequented when I first discovered my (semi-financial) independence in college. Now, that I’m older and focused on saving for retirement, a house, school, etc., I’ve established a less forgiving clothing allowance for myself. And of course, after many years of learning about the world of advertising and our capitalist-individualist society, I have more qualms about buying in to the status quo and myths of consumerism and fashion.

But this holiday season, I’ve already set aside my budget for clothing purchases and I’m really gonna shop ‘til I drop. And I know my hometown's economy will benefit from my splurge.

Another Story about Annoying/Stupid DC Folks

This morning, while I was waiting to cross the street near Farragut Square, his lady said to me, “They must lead really unhappy lives,” in reference to the street direction people that have been installed around the Square to prevent gridlock and ensure that folks on bikes, on foot and in vehicles can get where they need to go without killing anyone. I told her, “Actually, I don’t think that they are unhappy. They have pretty interesting jobs and they have to contend with pedestrians and people in cars who all have attitudes.” She got quiet and sort of grimaced before scurrying across the street--in spite of the Do Not Walk sign and the protests of the street director. I finished giving my two cents as she left, “they especially have to contend with people who have attitudes like you.” The cool things is that two ladies on the other side of the street also gave her a piece of their minds noting that she should obey the pedestrian signs and street directors because they’re looking out for her interest (and that of everyone else who doesn’t want to witness a foolish pedestrian get run over by an impatient driver).

Well, that was my morning. I totally hate people like that. Navigating the major streets around Farragut Square was nightmare before the street directors and I’m thankful that they’re there ensuring that I can safely cross the street.

Soup AND Salad? Oh, boy!

Last night, Floyd called to inform me that he was having dinner at a soup and salad place in San Diego. I was so jealous because I love soup and salad buffets (or just about any buffet for that matter. Hey, I’m from the South!).

During the five years we hung out in D.C., Floyd and I always complained that there weren’t any soup and salad places in the area. You know, the kind where you get a choice of several soups, different breads for dipping, a huge selection of salad toppings and of course, soft serve… Oh, so good and in theory, healthy.

When I get home I know that the second place I hit, after the annual holiday trip to The Varsity, is the soup and salad place in my neighborhood.

Alumnus/Alumni, Alumna/Alumnae

I attended an alumni happy hour the other night (my second) and ran into a girl who used to live my freshman year dormitory. It was great talking to her and exchanging details about what we've been up to since our college days.

I hope to become an active alumna--attending functions and giving money (when I actually have some to give). I enjoyed being an undergraduate and graduate student at my alma mater, and I want to do what I can to ensure that other students get to experience what my university has to offer.

It's so cold!

I’m attempting to battle the cold temperatures in D.C. this week. My apartment is cold and my office is cold. So I spend most of the day wrapped in a blanket or sitting near a space heater.

I’ve always hated cold weather. Sure, I like snow, but I’d take a hot, humid day over any beautiful snow shower. I guess it’s because I’m from Atlanta that I cherish warmth and humidity so much.

I really do miss the warm temperatures and it’s disheartening to think that I have at least five months before I’ll get to frolic in 80 degree temperatures again.

Azucar! Azucar!

I attended two birthday gatherings on Saturday. The first was a chill event in celebration of a co-worker’s 28 birthday and the other was a major celebration for a graduate school buddy’s 30th birthday. My grad school friend is a salsa dancing fanatic, so we met for drinks and cake, before heading out for a night at Habana Village.

I had a great time Saturday night. I brought along my ex-fitness partner (We jogged in the park for about a month. Then, it got hot and I got lazy.) and I know that she had fun too.

I really had a blast at Habana Village. I was my favorite place to go when I was in college, though I haven’t been there much since graduation. I love the two floors of live music and the mojitos, and I don’t think that there is a better place for salsa dancing in D.C.

"Saturday! Saturday!..." (Elton John)

(Hey Floyd, remember that song?)

I am so happy that it's the weekend as I really needed some rest after this busy week. I guess my tiredness is partly because I had to adjust to a full week of work after Thanksgiving break.

I'm really looking forward to the holiday season of Christmas and New Year's. I'm going home for about week for some quality time with my family and high school friends. Of course, I also anticipate some great holiday shopping (Lenox Mall here I come!).

"I've got no motivation. Where is my motivation?"

A coworker got me interested in running a marathon next year. I figured that, given my determination and self-control, I’d be able to train to run two miles comfortably by 01.01.2007 and six miles by 04.01.2007--when many D.C. marathon training programs begin.

I had hoped to start my fitness routine at the beginning of November. To date, I haven't so much as run to catch the Metrobus. I don’t know why I’m not motivated, given that I want to look and feel healthy in 2007--especially in time for short and swimsuit season. But, I find it hard to exercise when it is so cold and dark outside. Ideally, I’d wake up early and train before work, but I know it’d be a struggle to get my butt out of bed before 7 AM.

Here’s hoping for inspiration. I’ll let you know when it comes.

Turkey Day Wrap-Up

All is well here after a nice holiday break. I’m totally not looking forward to going back to work on Monday, but I know that the next holiday break is not too far away. Floyd finally left for home. It was great having him around again and I look forward to his next visit. But for now, I gotta get back to being a single working girl in the city.

I had a great turkey day. I learned all about Texas Hold ‘Em Poker and was complimented for my cake and creamed corn contributions to the feast. It was a great holiday and I thank Floyd (I know you’re reading this) for sharing it with me.

Giving Thanks

I’m so thankful for all the developments of the past year. Most of all that I finally landed a job after several months of searching, interviewing and being rejected. With the job, came a larger disposable income and new friends within my field. Without a doubt, I thank my friends and family for putting up with all my crap during my period of underemployment--I know that I was a pain. Also, I thank them for being supportive as I adjusted to the hours, demands and dress of the modern workforce.

I’m really looking forward to the upcoming 4-day Thanksgiving weekend. I plan on hanging out with Floyd and in general, relaxing. I hate that the fall/winter holiday season spoils me and makes me unprepared for the “dry” period from March to May when we don’t have any holidays (outside of spring break, of course). But whatever, things are good right now, so I shan’t complain.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

I ate until I cried.

I don’t know if I should admit this, but I went to Red Lobster last night and ate at least two pounds of shrimp through their “Endless Shrimp” special. Given that overfishing and non-eco-friendly farming feeds such “all you can eat” specials, you would think that my environmental and moral concerns would outweigh my growling stomach and American need for excess. But, aparently it doesn’t as I continue to frequent buffet-style restaurants and over-consume at home.

This diatribe comes less than 48 hours from Thanksgiving Day—when just about everyone stuffs their belly with food. I need to stand up and fight this tendency of excess which harms not only the earth but also my waistline.

Yet, I think I'll wait until after I've had my fill of yummy turkey and pumpkin pie.

Casino Royale / Happy Feet double feature

I saw the new James Bond movie, Casino Royale, yesterday. It was great. I loved the action sequences, the humor, and the mini love story. I was a bit skeptical when I heard that the blonde, rugged Daniel Craig would be playing the new Bond, but I thought he did a great job in his role. Bond was hot, the women were hot and the locations were beautiful. I look forward to the next Bond movie.

My friend dragged me to the showing of Happy Feet. The movie was okay, though the plot was rather random and disjointed. I liked the inclusion of the devastation of fishing trawlers and zoo life from an animal captive's perspective, but story could have been done so much better.

Harry Potter: I was super excited to see the pre-trailer for the new Harry Potter movie which is set to be released 07/13/07. I've already made plans to visit Floyd in Texas in order that we can see the movie together. Ah, Harry Potter. I was once a skeptic but now I'm a believer.

It’s a Parade!

I had a great time at the Silver Spring Thanksgiving Parade on Saturday. I brought along Floyd, and I think that he had fun too. There were a bunch of children’s groups in the parade, in addition to an alarming number of Bolivia dance groups. The highlight of the parade was seeing the big hot-air penguin balloon and the Montgomery County Recycles Dog. They were both pretty cool.

One disturbing aspect of the parade was the fact that we were literally surrounded by kids. I know that parades are a kid’s event, but wow, there were babies and children everywhere. After a while, I started to feel a bit deficient for not having a baby on my hip and a stroller at my side. But, no worries, kids are not on my horizon.

Old friends and my former self

Over the weekend a friend from high school called to let me know that she was in town and today I ran into an acquaintance from freshman year of college. It's pretty weird to see and chat with people you haven't been around for a while and that you totally associate with a different time in your life.

Hearing my high school friend's voice reminded me of the stressful and amazing time as a teenager, navigating classes and a packed extracurricular/social schedule. Seeing the college fellow reminded me of my struggles and triumphs as a freshman attempting to fit in and figure out campus and "big city" life.

Seeing old classmates really makes you aware of how much you have (or haven't) changed since the last time you hung out. I think that I'm more secure and focused as a 25 year old than I was at 13 or 20. I just hope that my fellow graduates of '99 and '03 have found that sort of growth.

Who doesn't love free food?

I just got two free pizzas at the local diner. S-w-e-e-t!! I had a coupon for one free promotional pizza and the kitchen ended up mixing up the order and sending out two. So my friend and I got to pig out for free. Isn't it great when karma comes back around and brightens your day?

Even Hank Hill would kick your ass

If Hank Hill lived in my apartment building, he would kick the ass of whoever set off the fire alarm this morning. The last (false) fire alarm was set off about a month ago around midnight, which wasn’t so bad. But the alarm this morning went off at 545 AM. Unfortunate for me, I wake up at 7AM, so I wasn’t already awake at that time and of course, I couldn’t get back to sleep afterwards.

I’m pretty pissed off at whoever set off the fire alarm. You screwed up my REM sleep and wasted my tax money by dragging the fire department to our fireless building.

Worst Long Weekend Ever!

I was sick all Veterans’ Day weekend, and it sucked. I first started feeling bad on Thursday and it just got worse until today. I was totally looking forward to a great weekend of activities with my out of town guest, but nope, I spent the whole weekend barely eating, sleeping and just feeling miserable.

I finally went to a doctor on Monday and she was a quack. I had to laugh while watching the old lady fumble with the thermometer/blood pressure gauge. She had me put the thermometer in my mouth and then she pressed a button. But, instead of the equipment measuring my temperature, it started to inflate the arm (blood pressure measurement) device. Then she proceeded to poke and prod me and think aloud about my diagnoses (with my eager suggestions, of course)…Mono…Sinus Infection…Tonsillitis…Migraines…82-hour bug?

It is unfortunate that the healthcare system has become this horrid for average folks like me. I miss the pill-pushing student health and the huge university medical complex that I once called my own. Those were the days…

I think I need to go to medical school and learn all about human health and disease just so I can diagnose and treat myself without having to wait for two hours to see an inept medical practitioner.

Let's hear it for the Dems!

There was a lot of good news this election week. The Dems got the majority in both Houses and Rumsfeld got the boot.

I am excited about the possibilities for new session and hope that the political changes will result in real movement in both the House and Senate on important energy, environmental, education, health, and defense issues. But I’m not deluded enough to think that Democratic control automatically translates into real (enacted) solutions to our country’s problems. We’ll have to compromise on a lot of issues and reach across the aisle for sponsors or we’ll have yet another session where nothing gets done.

Election Day 2006

Well, its election time again and as you can imagine, things are tense in Washington, D.C. The races in the area, as well as many around the country, are close and many people have already reported fraud and called for recounts.

I’m nervous and excited about what the people will mandate for our country—what course we will take locally and nationally based on the ideologies of the leaders we elect.

Ultimately, I hope that my side wins (Go tree-hugging hippie liberals!), but most of all, I hope that a large percentage of Americans take the time out of their “busy” schedules to exercise one of their fundamental rights as America citizens and vote. It wasn’t too long ago that people in this country were systematically refused or deterred from voting, you just have to look back to the struggles of my mom’s and grandmother’s generation (and some would say it still happens today).

So many sacrifices were made during the past generations to ensure that I can vote, marry, work, and live however I choose (though, of course, within the limits of the law and my conscience—so no murdering or stealing for me!), and I make sure to show my appreciation for all that was done for me by voting every election cycle...and so should YOU. Otherwise, you don’t have any right to complain that the country is run by idiots and crooks because you just have to vote to ensure that the “right people” lead us.

Father knows best

Once a task has just begun, do it all until it’s done.
No matter if a task is great or small, do it well or not at all.

I remember when my father first said that to me as a little girl. I had wanted to quit some activity that I had signed up for, and my father was trying to teach me a valuable lesson about commitment and dedication. I don’t think the saying really meant much to me as an 8+ year old who just wanted to get her way, but I appreciate the lesson and saying now. It was something that my grandfather used to say to my father, so its pretty cool that it was passed down to me.

T.G.I.F.!

I am so happy that it is Friday. It has been a long week at work and at play. I look forward to a weekend of relaxing and running errands. My ex, Floyd, is coming back into town next week, so I need to clean my apartment in preparation for his stay. It will be good, though little weird, to have Floyd back in my life for a few weeks. I already have a bunch of things planned for us, but most of all I look forward to just being in the same space with him.

One more comment about Halloween

I have one at least one more thing to say about my Halloween outing. I hung out in Georgetown with my friend who wore a black hat and a V for Vendetta mask. While we were standing on the sidewalk checking out the costumes, this (old, White American) lady came up to her and said something like, “Oh, what a nice costume! She looks like a little Mexican girl—how wonderful!” Yeah, so apparently little Mexican girls have moustaches and goatees. What an idiot.

Good times had by all

I had a nice, low-keyed Halloween this year. I met up with friends for happy hour before heading to Georgetown. As always, there were tons of people flanking both sides of the street by the time we left at 11, and I'm sure that the crowd remained 'til last call. I have fond memories of hanging out in and around M street for Halloween when I was in college. It's always a blast toward the end of the night when there are just college kids and random folk who didn't have to work the next day--we'd fill the empty streets and head East to Foggy Bottom, North to AU & GT, or wherever else.

My favorite costume this year was the little boy dressed as a mariachi (with a little mustache!). He was so adorable. My friend took a picture of him and when she finally loads it onto Flickr (with all the other pictures from the past month…ahem, ahem), I'll post it on the site. There were definitely a lot of other amusing costumes last night.

My 2006 "Best Costume" Awards go to (drumroll please):

• Creative - the Twister girl (she wore the mat/board as a dress and the spinner as a hat)
• Not Creative - badly done cat (Me!! My costume consisted of cat ears)
• Sexy - all the crazy college kids who showed lots of skin
• Too Sexy - the 14 year olds in Hooters outfits--who let them out of the house?
• Disgusting - the 60 year old man with the booty shorts! OMG, I'm blind!
• Inappropriate - the guys dressed as Duke lacross players, though I don't think they had girls dressed as strippers with them...
• Other honorable mentions: Mr. Penis with balls and all the Borats I saw

Hey loser, why aren't you wearing a costume?

Well, I didn’t think of anything interesting to be for Halloween this year. I’ll just don my cat ears and hope that I don’t win the “lamest costume ever” award at my office. This morning, I saw a 50 year old in a cheerleading costume getting off the bus—that was a little weird, though I’m sure to see many more oddities before the day is over.

My one wish…

Is that the Safeway store clerks knew how to properly bag groceries. No, the bread and eggs don’t go on the bottom. Sure, you can put similar shapes and sizes together as long as it doesn’t make the bag too heavy and prone to rip. That’s basically all you need to know… a child or trained monkey could do it. But apparently not the folks who work at Safeway.

Enjoyed the DAM! Fest

I went to DAM! Festival shows at the Velvet Lounge on Friday. I had a good time, though I must note that the upstairs performance area is quite small. The whole setup was about as bit as a D.C. studio apartment—you could literally reach out and touch the band at any time. The crowd of mainly twenty-somethings was reasonable most of the night, not too crowdy and not too empty.

The English Department was my favorite and they were the most polished, followed by Let's French. Let's French guitarist was so into the music. He wouldn’t keep still but keep jumping around and gyrating to the music. My favorite part was when Mr. Overactive Guitarist finally started using the tambourine (more tambourine playing next time please!). The Nunchucks were okay. The keyboarding was annoying after a while and their sound just sort of bored me after a while. We left around 1, so we didn't get to catch the last band scheduled for the night.

I was inspired at the show to become more creative and possibly use music as a form of self-expression. But I can’t play an instrument or sing, though I guess that doesn’t mean I can’t be in a band. Also, the show gave me hope that there really is good music out there these days, not just the cookie-cutter pop, R&B and rock sound that I hear on the radio that is never revolutionary enough to outshine the greats of the past.

Joke for a Friday

Q: Why don't Republicans use bookmarks?

A: Because they like to bend pages over.

(A joke that I heard at the High Heel Race and have been dying to share.)

DAMFest 2006

I plan to head out to the Velvet Lounge for the District's Awake! Music Festival tomorrow. Olivia Mancini and the Housemates, Let's French, Nunchucks, and The English Department are playing (I have no idea who any of those groups are but this article should give you a bit more background).

It should be fun...and loud.

The last concert I attended was for Celia Cruz (about a year before she died). She was great and I boogied with my ex, Floyd, all night long. That was my second concert ever, the first being the...Four Tops...with my mom. Yes, I know I’m lame, but growing up there weren’t many groups that I could go see (e.g., the favorites of my teen years included Nirvana, Hendrix, and Marvin Gaye…exactly, now how could I go see those groups?).

I’ll let you know how it goes.

At the (High Heel) Races

Wow, last night was a trip at the High Heel Race. I didn’t actually see the race, as we arrived late and there was a huge crowd lining both sides of the street. But I did get to take pictures with and gawk at the Drag Queens. It was truly amazing. More than anything, I was inspired to get in touch with my own femininity. Unlike the queens, I can’t really walk in heels and I don’t know anything about makeup.

There was a great range of outfits at the shindig including a Princess Diana surrounded by secret service agents, Pixy Stix-Skittles-PEZ-BubbleYum-etc Chix, and Deal or No Deal girls with briefcases (I found some pics of these queens on Lindsay's blog). They really were a sight to see. Once the cops started clearing the street, we headed over to a bar to celebrate with cheap, strong drinks and ended up chatting with two flirty lezzies.

All in all, it was a night to remember and I'm so glad that my friend dragged me there.

Where are all the Drag Queens tonight?

In Dupont for the Annual Halloween High Heel Race!

I just got talked into heading to Dupont Circle for the Annual Halloween High Heel Race. I had totally planned a nice, quiet evening at home with two of my fave shows, Veronica Mars and Gilmore Girls. Instead, I’ll be outside in the cold watching men running in heels and sipping Sex on the Beach with a friend. Actually, that doesn't sound too bad and I am looking forward to seeing the fabulous drag queens.

It will be my first high heel race, though I’ve lived in D.C. for 7 years and have known about the race since I first arrived. But, whatever. I’m going tonight.

Don’t worry, I’ll give you a full report tomorrow: the costumes, the heels, the drag queens, and everything else.

Good Ole Monday

It’s another work week in the life of the Hippo. I can’t believe how quickly time is moving along. It is almost the end of October. I’ve been at my job for six months! Floyd has been gone for two weeks! How the time doeth fly…

I’m looking forward to a nice calm week of work and home life. I don’t have any planned happy hours this week, which is a nice change from last week’s packed after-work schedule. Hopefully that translates into me having loads of time to blog and to clean my apartment. We’ll see about that.

Don’t expect too much from “Marie Antoinette”

I saw “Marie Antoinette” on Friday with a friend. Although I wasn’t expecting much out of the movie, I did hope to be pleasantly surprised. But I wasn’t.

I’d characterize the movie as a mindless romp. It was truly one-dimensional and at times, I felt that Kirsten Dunst was lifeless in her portrayal. Don’t get me wrong, I loved it as a period film—I loved the costumes, sets and scenery and felt they were very well done. But the story and the acting was too simple and did not provide the more complex study of Marie Antoinette and her circle that I had hoped for. It didn’t help that the theatre was filled with high school kids talking aloud to the screen, and just plain being annoying. I’m sure that I was that annoying with my high school friends when I saw “Ever After” or “She's All That,” so I guess I shouldn’t talk.

I was a bit skeptical of the use of 1980s music in the film, but I realized, as the movie progressed, how well the soundtrack was incorporated into the scenes and how well it contributed to the tone of the movie.

My verdict: B-/C+

The TV camera loves Brady Quinn too!

I watched the end of the Notre Dame-UCLA game today. It was great. There were about 1.5 minutes left on the clock in the 4th quarter. Notre Dame was down 13-17 to UCLA. Once again, hunky Brady Quinn and his team pulled through and swiftly and artfully gained the points needed to win the game.

During the post-game interviews, Brady Quinn and Jeff Samardzija, the ND wide receiver who made the game-winning touchdown, were interviewed. It was so funny that while Jeff Samardzija was talking, the camera stayed on Brady Quinn. The camera just loves Brady Quinn. It’s not his fault. He’s a heartthrob and able to attract new (female) viewers, like me, to college football. But our interest in college football is just a farce, we only watch to the games to see Brady Quinn get dirty (and of course, the TV cameraman always obliges).

You’re Still Hired!

Friday, I had my first performance review ever. I was so nervous about my evaluation meeting because I wasn’t quite sure how effective I’ve been at my job. This is my first position since graduating from school, and I’ve been anxious about how well I’d transition from academia into the “real world.”

Well, it seems that I’m adjusting just fine—which is a relief. It was a bit overwhelming to hear the “praise” given to me by my coworkers. I was so sure that I wasn’t doing that well, and I’d even convinced myself that my fellow program members didn’t like me. Silly me. Everything is just fine which is great.

I just need to be more aggressive and proactive in contributing to tasks, which I can and will definitely do now that I feel more capable in my job and more accepted into the organization.

The thrill (of the blog) is gone…

It is unfortunate. In the 10+ days since my blog was first created, my interest in maintaining a blog has waned. I guess I’m just burned out. I spent so much time writing, thinking about and setting up my blog in the beginning that I now don’t want to deal with it any more.

Also, I’m starting to see posting as a chore. It’s not that I don’t want to share what’s going on in my world. I just feel pressure to keep my entries interesting and succinct. I could easily post ramblings from my daily life, but that wouldn’t attract too many folks.

I guess I should focus on sharing my blog with friends, as their comments would infuse “new life” into my writing and give my blog a purpose again. I’m just a bit worried about what my friends will say (e.g. “Wow, this girl really doesn’t have a life” or “I can’t believe she talked about XYZ, that bitch!”), though I know they’d be interested in what I post.

On Becoming My Kitchen’s Head Chef

Tonight, I’m making soup with Italian sausage, basil, celery and orzo. Floyd gave me the recipe, so it should be tasty.

It’s a fairly big deal for me to cook. Most days, I come home and just eat cereal, ramen noodles or leftovers. My mother tells me to cook on Sunday for the week, but I’m rarely in the mood to cook on the weekends.

Sophomore year in college, I cooked all the time. It was the year that I got my first (dorm room) kitchen and also the year I lived the furthest from the dinning hall (really only a few extra blocks). I loved to make steak, spaghetti, and greens for dinner. I’d dazzle my roommate with my homemade concoctions (she loved my sweet Jiffy cornbread!) and fill the room and hallways with a great homemade smell. Once classes picked up and I grew tired of constantly washing all the dirty dishes I’d make, cooking became a little less fun. By junior year, I ate most of my meals at the dinning hall or just headed over to Floyd’s house for one of his gourmet meals (he’d moved to D.C. by then).

I miss the college days of the seemingly endless meal plan and most of all, the days of Chef Floyd. But now that I’m a single adult, it’s about time for me to take care of myself and start creating my own dazzling meals again.

GreenFest 2006 - Washington, D.C.

Yesterday, I went to the Green Festival. I had a good time, though I was bit overwhelming by the number of people in attendance. I basically steered clear of the busy exhibitor hall, in favor of checking out the films and talks. I attended an interesting lecture on Biofuels (mainly biodiesel) and saw two good film shorts, the Hollywood 10 and Something Other than Other.

The highlight of my trip was seeing Wetback: The Undocumented Documentary. It followed immigrants on their journey from Central America to the United States. According to the documentary, about 3,000 people set out for America everyday and only about 300 make it. The immigration debate is definitely alive in the Beltway, and although I haven’t fully formed my opinion on immigration, I am disgusted by the racism and ignorance that tinge many discussions.

The film provided me with a fuller perspective of the people and issues involved in the immigration story: the border patrol (as related to US and non-US immigration policy), the immigrants, the safe houses, and the vigilantes. I also learned about the Mexican trains, corrupt officials, and gangs that threaten the men and women seeking the American Dream.

The film really got me thinking about the immigration debate and challenged me to become more fully comfortable about where I stand on the issue and why.

If walls could talk? Mine do!

The walls of my apartment are pretty thin, and unfortunately, my bedroom shares a wall with my neighbor’s kitchen and living room. So, almost every night I can hear them talking or hear their dishwasher running. Sometimes it keeps me up, which is odd given that I used to live in a college dorm.

Anyway, Friday night, my neighbors had a heated argument. Basically, the man of the house came home late and announced that he had plans for the next night. The woman was pissed because they had already made plans both nights. After a while the argument got a little more heated and filled with more expletives. My favorite phrase was, “Who do you think you’re talking to? I’m gonna put a knife up your ass!” That was the woman.

I soon gave up trying to sleep and watched 2 episodes of Sex in the City. By midnight, thankfully all was quiet.

The next time, my neighbors decide to put on a soap opera for me, I’m gonna go over and ask them to keep it quiet. I shouldn’t have to listen to their problems when I’m minding my own business at home.

A brief history of my eco beliefs

Thanks to my fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Standford, I started checking out library books on climate change and writing my representatives at a young age.

My passion for environmental issues intensified in high school only to cool off in college. There, I was introduced to the complex economic, political, psychological, and cultural barriers to environmental preservation. Like many of my peers, I graduated college pretty jaded and skeptical that any real, lasting solutions to our environmental problems would ever be enacted.

Fortunately, in grad school, I was given hope, a solution: the “paradigm shift.” I believe that a “paradigm shift” (a.k.a. “transformational change”) has the power to solve many of our environmental and social problems through curing their ultimate cause: how we conceptualize man, nature and man-nature/man-man relationships.

Don’t worry, I haven’t joined a cult. This stuff is real and discussed in academia and on the streets. It just may be the “silver bullet.”

Old Man Winter is not welcomed!

I grew up in Atlanta, b.k.a. “HOT-lanta,” and as you can imagine, I’m used to hot, humid weather. In fact, I love it.

So now, it’s getting cooler outside and I’m distraught. Where did all the nice 80-degree days go? I can’t face 6+ months of cold, rainy and windy D.C. darkness. I have to move. I think I’ll head to Miami or San Diego. Mmm…beaches, warmth, shorts and flip-flops all year long. That would be heaven!

I know that D.C. “coldness” is nothing compared to that of Maine or Michigan. But, whatever. The city does get cold and windy in the winter and even if I don 1,000 layers of clothes, I'm still freezing.

Who Cares If I’m An Oreo?

“Oreo,” “Coconut,” “Banana.” Those are words often used to describe people who don’t act the way they should.

In high school, I was called an “Oreo,” a Black person who acts White. It bothered me. How could I be an “Oreo” if I was just being myself—a reflection of my Black family and my multicultural group of friends? What does it mean to be an “Oreo”? And, most importantly, should I even care?

It took a while for me to accept my “Oreo-ness” and reject such petty high school labeling. It doesn’t matter that I talk a certain way and listen to certain kinds of music. No one cares if I have a lot of White friends. And if they did, I shouldn’t be hanging out with them anyway.

What truly matters is my opinion of myself, and I like my “Oreo”-self...dipped in milk.

What should I be for Halloween?

Every year, I have trouble deciding on a Halloween costume. I’m just not very creative and I’ve always sucked at brainstorming.

I miss the college days when dressing vampy-er than usual was costume enough. We’d head to M Street or a random party or club and drink and gawk at the other costumes. Some of my favorite chick outfits were the pregnant Brownies and Girls Scouts or the group of gals walking around in skin-colored body suits during rush hour. The reaction of the commuters was priceless.

I have an orange 1970s leisure suit that belonged to my mom. I sometimes wear it to more tame Halloween outings. Paired with Charlie's Angels or Foxy Brown hair and makeup, it looks pretty good—an authentic flashback to my parent’s days. But it’s not creative.

I hope I find inspiration in the next few weeks; otherwise, the leisure suite will have to fill-in again.

Let me know if you have any great costume ideas to share.

I have the hots for #10, Brady Quinn

Brady Quinn is the quarterback of Notre Dame, and he’s really cute—even the TV announcers call him a “heartthrob.”

I probably wouldn’t know who Brady Quinn was if it hadn’t been for Floyd, a die-hard fan of UT football (2005 National Champs--“Sic ‘em Horns!”). Every Saturday during the college football season, Floyd would coerce me into watching several games and of course, the ESPN pre- and post- game shows. Yet, not until this year did I really get into it. That is, not until I saw Brady Quinn.

Now, I keep tabs on Notre Dame’s progress, checking the scores and even watching a few games on my own. My alma mater doesn’t have a football team, so, by default, my teams were always the GT Yellow Jackets and the UGA Bulldogs.

But this year, I'm going to cheer for Quinn (and UT quarterback McCoy) and hope that he’s able to lead his team into the finals.

Ghosts and Art

Wow, I’m pretty impressed that I was able to pump out a bunch of entries last night. Yay, me!

Today, I went to a paranormal & art walk in my neighborhood that was followed by a quick lesson on portrait drawing. The paranormal/arts tour was entertaining if not a bit hokey. Two middle-aged women lead us on a tour of a few art galleries and neighborhood businesses while sharing stories of ghost hauntings in Maryland, Virginia and abroad.

I’m not sure if I believe in ghosts. I guess I hope that when people die, their spirit or essence remains on the earth or in the universe. Putting aside religious beliefs, it doesn’t seem plausible that an existence ends with death. So, I like to think that the essence of my ancestors remains here even after their bodies have gone back into the earth.

My hesitation with believing in good-natured/everyday ghosts and spirits is that in our dichotomist nature, there would also have to be evil spirits and ghosts—and as a person who can’t deal with horror movies about evil things (The Ring gave me nightmares for days), that doesn’t sit too well with me.

As soon as I got home from learning all about what attracts spirits (wind chimes and crystals) and how they might interact with the living (through the TV!), I took down all my wind chimes and turned on all the lights to ensure that my apartment was full of “yang” energy to keep them away. I hope it works.

So, how do you watch Nip/Tuck?

I don’t have cable. I made that decision about three years ago. I had just graduated from College and was on a very tight budget. Cable became a luxury. I didn’t want to pay the $50-plus for basic cable, when I needed money for rent and bills…and happy hour. It was an adjustment at first—I’ve had cable since I was about 10. All of a sudden, I had to get used to only a few channels and static.

I don’t think I’ve missed much. As you may remember, I spent most of my time with Floyd anyway—and he had cable! I also started watching more network shows and PBS (I have 4 PBS channels!), which has great travel, cooking, and nature programs, BBC shows, and even movies. Most importantly, I started reading more. I had forgotten, after years of reading dry, required nonfiction for class, how exciting and fulfilling reading was.

Now that I have a job and extra money to foot the cable bill, I still don’t want it. I see cable, and even TV, as providing supplemental entertainment for when I’m eating or before I go to sleep. That’s something I didn’t realize until I got the rabbit ears.

Cleaning House

It’s amazing how much stuff a person accumulates in a given year. I’ve been living in D.C. for the past seven years and I have tons of stuff…furniture, school papers, clothes, and just random stuff that I don’t have space for. I guess the real question is not why do I have so much stuff, but why have I allowed it to accumulate in my home--why don’t I just purge what I don’t need?

Putting aside all my ideas about unsustainable American consumerism (which, you better believe, I will share soon), I think that, for me, its about not wanting to let go of stuff that I feel I might need one day (what my mom calls the 1930s-Depression syndrome) or that someone has given me. For example, there are about 6 boxes of stuff from my school days that I haven’t been able to purge in a while. I just feel that I will need or want it one day. All the notebooks, tests, handouts, and other things from classes gone by. Then, there are those things that I have been given and don’t really use or need anymore, if ever all. For those things, I just feel bad about purging something that a friend or family member spent time and money on.

To be honest, I’ve always been a packrat. When I was a kid, I used to mull the Goodwill piles during spring-cleaning at my home. And many things that my parents or sister “threw out” ended up in my room. But, now that I’m 25, I want to change. I feel it’s important to clear my home and my mind of clutter. So, over the next few months, I’m going to really concentrate on reducing the six school boxes to four (a seemingly huge feat) and clearing from my shelves and closets stuff I really don’t need.

Don’t worry, everything will go to the right place—the recycling center, Goodwill, and sanitary landfill.

Major Life Events

This year, I turned 25, then my sister got married, and now my best friend/ex-boyfriend/significant other of the past six years has left D.C. He’s moving back home to Texas, leaving me quite single in the city. It is so strange to be alone after so many years of spending all my days with him, even after we broke up. But now, he’s gone and there really is no us.

I meet a friend for lunch on Friday and she joked, “Hey, now that he’s gone, you’ll have time to hang out with us.” It’s sad but true. I used to spend about 75 percent of my time with him. I neglected my friends, becoming the sort of girl I hate--one that doesn’t stand by the mantra of “chix before dix.” He was my first love and my first serious relationship. I was naïve and love struck, unable to think about anything but being with him.

Yet, if I was given the chance to do it all again, I’m sure that I would still allow our relationship to dominate my life. We had good times, and horrible ones, but he was my mentor, my rock, my best friend. Now that he’s gone--and I try to sneak back into the swing of things with my old, neglected friends--I look forward to being swept off my feet again but not losing site of my other loves.

The Hippo Speaks

Hey everyone!

I’m pretty excited about finally starting a blog. I had one freshman year but it didn’t last long. So now that I’m a few years older, I’m ready to try again.

I hope my blog will record and share with others the happenings of my life in the city. You can expect blogs about a range of subjects, though I’m pretty sure the dominant topics will include politics, environmental issues, D.C. events, and random rants typical of a Hippo on a Crusade.

I’m sure you’re wondering why I choose the name, “hippo,” for my blog. I’ve always liked hippos, especially cool bronze ones. And I have this amazing two-foot hippo stuffed animal that my ex, I’ll call him Floyd, bought me. So, I named my blog in remembrance of the great time I had as as Floyd’s “better half.”

I have a creative coworker to thank for “Salt Warfare.” He thinks I’m overly sensitive to the salt content of today’s foods. I am, and with good reason: American “over-saltification” of food sucks. I’m worried about my salt intake, given that high blood pressure runs in my family and given that I often get headaches from eating too many salty foods. When I was a kid, I ate salty foods all the time and loved it. While most kids were sneaking sweets treats and sugar cubes, I’d stuff myself with olives, bacon, chips, and even straight table salt. Now, that I’m older, I can’t seem to take as much sodium. I get a headache after a panacakes and bacon fest or after snacking on salted popcorn. It might just be psychological. Yet, too much sodium, or of any substance, can be too much. So now, I watch my sodium intake by eating a lot of “no salt added” prepared/packaged foods and drink lots of water. Here’s hoping that I’ll start warfare against sugar and bad fats so that I’ll really be on a healthier path.

Well, that’s it. I promise that I’ll write more this holiday weekend. Perhaps, I’ll finally tell you why the Hippo is on a crusade and talk about other food additives that I’ve declared war on.

Take care.