Evading Taxes

In college I would usually turn to Facebook /reading blogs/anything on the web to procrastinate writing papers. Now that it's time to wrap up my taxes, I'm so desperate to avoid them that I am blogging. Hmph. You would be too if you owed the state of AZ as much money as I do...not cool.

Anyway, I am happy to report that I had a nice, low-key weekend. This has been rare since moving here. I can't quite explain it, but the pace of life is so busy that I feel compelled to always be doing something, and there are always fun things going on. In a lot of ways I really enjoy this. But there comes a point when complete exhaustion sets in which can make life miserable. Basically I haven't felt truly well rested since I got to DC at the end of February. No bueno.

However, this weekend I made a concerted effort to catch up on my sleep. I slept in Saturday and Sunday, which has made a huge difference in how I've felt. Rejuvenation - check.

Friday night I started things off right with a much needed manicure/pedicure. It was long overdue. And the nail tech was incredible. Props to her and her perfectionist ways for doing an excellent job and helping me feel relaxed and pampered. Blissful, indeed. Afterwards I met up with some friends for Indian food and debriefing. Always a good time.

Saturday was a productive day that included the gym, cleaning, Crumbs, and the outlet mall. It rained most of the day, and sadly, the outlet mall did not put out as hoped. The highlights included purchasing an umbrella, cute juice glasses from Crate & Barrel and a sweater stone. I know, I know, how could I possibly contain myself? But, it was still a pleasant day because I wasn't confined to a schedule, which has been pretty common for my Saturdays thus far in DC.

Tonight I went to a BBQ where we had some good eats and played bocce ball. I, being a bocce ball novice, wasn't exactly an asset to my team. Aside from a few lucky plays, I was kinda terrible. Though I see why people get addicted to playing. Hopefully there will be more b-ball in my future.

Earlier in the afternoon, I mentioned to my roomies I was thinking about making cookies. My roommate Becky would not let up on this notion, so I ended up channeling my inner domestic diva (the apron is a nice touch, no?) and whipped up some chocolate chip delights with a pinch of sea salt on top. The trick is to add the addtional salt right before you throw them in the oven. Doesn't disappoint.

PS - Jill please send me YOUR choco chip cookie recipe. It's a lot better than the one on the Harris Teeter chocolate chip bag. Boo on HT all around.

Life Moves Pretty Fast

I blame blogspot for my lack of desire to post regularly. It isn't the most user friendly, and it frustrates me when I try to correct something fifteen times without any success. Anyway, things have been ever busy around these parts. I'm still amazed that I get to live in such a beautiful city rich in history with endless things to do.

The other day I had someone ask me about my experience in DC thus far and what I've enjoyed most about living here. Firstly, I absolutely love all of the diversity. So many different cultures which is refreshing after coming from Phoenix where it's mostly Mormons, Mexicans and a lot of overly tan people. Whenever I'm out and about and see these people from all over the world, I want to know their history and their perspective on the world. If only it weren't weird for me to ask them 20 questions while they shop for produce or wait for the train..

One of the other things that DC has to offer is lots of opportunity. This was something I could sense when I came out in January for my trial run. Even though I'm still looking for full time employment, the economy is strong here and undoubtedly the right position will come along sooner or later. This is a place where people make their dreams come true and it's inspiring to see. Also, opportunity abounds for new relationships and it has been incredible that I've already been able to meet so many people. Great things are ahead.

I'm still temping, which has it's ups and downs. It's nice because I would be going crazy if I were just hanging out everyday, but it's also been challenging to job search and submit resumes/network after putting in a full day. And the work itself isn't very exciting and I'm not gaining any new skills. Nonetheless, I am grateful to be earning money instead of watching my savings account decline.

The weather has been an adjustment for me. When you're used to 332 days of sunshine and you are suddenly getting rain, rain and more rain, it's a drag, no? Helllooo humidity, goodbye straight hair. Until November, perhaps? April Fools was indeed a cruel joke, I was sportin my marshmellowpuff queen jacket. Pretty sexy. But it gets the job done. The look on my face says, "why the H is it still so bloody cold?" Sidenote - I've drunk more hot chocolate in the past 3 months than I have in the past 3 years. Seriously.

My spring/summer wardrobe - approximately 80% of the clothes I own - arrived yesterday from AZ (thanks, mom!), so my new approach is to will the warmer temps to come. So far it's working - today was pleasant. I headed out to Farragut Square to eat my lunch amongst the throngs of other Vitamin D starved people here:

Some other exciting things that have been going on:

*Jimmermania is not just a phenomenon in the Beehive state. Little P-town has serious Fredette fever too. This greeted me when I arrived for a b-day party last week:

*What is better than fro-yo? FREE fro-yo. This shop just opened by my oficina, and was all about making a good first impression with its neighbors. No objections here. It's not Yogurtland, but it will suffice. I may or may not have hit up Ben & Jerry's earlier this week for their free cone day as well. Don't judge me. Besides, I had to walk half a mile to get there.

*Tourist season is officially underway. Steady stream of friends in town the next two weekends and got to hostess my first visitor, Ashley C. last weekend. Unfortunately the cherry blossoms were mostly gone, but we still enjoyed going to the Tidal Basin and a delicious late breakfast at Eastern Market. AC took the pics that day, so sadly I have none of us running around town. My guess is they look more or less like any pic you've ever seen on The Mall. Just a hunch :)

*I got a bike! Or more accurately, I'm storing a bike for a friend. Even better. There are some goregous places to ride around here, and I cannot wait for some Saturday excursions into the city or to ride along the Potomac.

*Our little casa is coming together. All five of us finally agreed on a rug, we have curtains for our front nook, as well as freshly upholstered cushions for the bay window. Yes, bay window. What, you've always wanted one too? It's the best. I adore our house and am so happy it's turning into a home ;) I had a vision for my room, inspired by my Anthro apron, courtesty of Jill, and it should be complete soon. Stay tuned...