You know it's springtime in DC when...

Wow... how is it that my last blog post was in the beginning of February? How am I ever going to be a contender for blogger of the year if I don't blog regularly?? At least I'm consistent with my inconsistent blogging.

So, spring has sprung here in DC. For DC residents, this is a mixed bag of delights and irritations. Let me count the ways...

DELIGHTS:
1. The Cherry Blossoms, of course!
I remember wondering when I moved to DC what the fuss was with the cherry blossoms. That was similar to me wondering what the fuss was with fall foliage in New England when I moved there. Both are worthy of the fuss, and you have to see it to understand.
This year, my mom came down for a week-long visit at the peak of the cherry blossoming. Here we are taking it all in at the Tidal Basin--home of about 3000 Japanese cherry trees--plus some other spring-timey shots around town. (Click on the photos to enlarge the cherry blossom goodness.)








Brad and Amy also joined us for a weekend cherry blossom stroll, or as Amy put it, a 7 mile "urban hike".






2. Dumbarton Oaks coming to life.
Dumbarton Oaks is my new favorite place in DC. It's a big historic home in Georgetown surrounded by acres of gardens. I stumbled upon it a few weeks ago and went back with Mom, Gideon, Brad and Myra last week. It's about a mile and a half walk from our apartment, and I am sure I will be visiting often to watch the seasons unfold on the beautiful grounds. Actually, Myra and I felt it would be appropriate to don ourselves in full Victorian garb for subsequent visits. It's that kind of place.

(Photo by Myra...nice.)

3. Playing in the backyard.
No, we don't have a backyard, much to Josie's chagrin, but we make a point of having friends and family with big backyards. And there is nothing like spring to make a backyard even more appealing. The newest backyard added to our list of favorites is Myra and Tim's new place. The ambitious newlyweds up and bought a fixer-upper in the 'burbs, complete with a giant backyard. Last weekend, some of us sisters (minus Becca--sad) took a break from the fixin' to practice our backyard stunts. Oh, it was just like old times... me bossing the girls around in order to create impressive performances for all the neighbors. We still got it.





IRRITATIONS (just one):

1. Tourists.
Oh, I feel bad saying this, but DC tourists are the bane of my existence right now. I tried, oh how I tried, to be patient with them. I tried to be understanding. But it's no use. I officially can't stand it when the tourists stand on the left side of the Metro elevators instead of walking. I lose my cool when they gather for head counts at the bottom of the elevators and in the entry ways of major museums. I get a bit huffy when they jam strollers into my legs on the train and then refuse to let me off the train at my stop. I want to scream when hordes of 8th graders decide to completely zone out right in the middle of major thoroughfares at the museum. I'll even admit to using my shoulders and elbows to maneuver down the sidewalks when tourists amble along 6 or 7 abreast. Ugh. When did I become such an angry urbanite? Probably when I moved to DC.
I think a lot of problems could be solved by posting tourist coaches in the major Metro stations and tourist sites. Just some ultra-friendly folks with loud voices who could gently yell advice to visitors such as, "Get the hell out of the way!", "What are you thinking standing there?", "Move it or lose it buddy!" I don't know... I think it could work.
No, no, no, don't get me wrong; I love people. I love our nation's capitol. I want folks to enojy it. But this place is now my home, and it's hard not to feel totally overrun.
I just needed to vent. My apologies to all tourists. Go on and enjoy your visit. Just be nice and step to the side whenever possible. Thank you very much.

Happy Spring from Washington, DC!

Foot Officially in Door

I know there is a contingent of folks who have known me for a while and know I used to be gainfully employed as a teacher. And I know many of those said folks know I'm not teaching anymore and are secretly wondering, "What the hell has she been doing for the past year and a half?" It's a valid question, and I am not offended (well, not that much). But I think it is time that I set the record straight about me and my time. I am about to erase those visions of Emily lounging with pup, Josie, on the couch, eating bon bons (whatever those are), watching Oprah.

I have spent the last year and half creating an interactive children's guide book to D.C. museums. I'll admit, it took approximately 14 months to figure out how to do that and how to keep myself at my desk, producing pages... and then I really got on with it and created what I think is a pretty super book (or at least enough of a book to submit to a publisher).

So, back in November, I submitted my book and my proposal to a publisher. And, lo and behold, they liked it and actually want to publish it. Alas, there have been a few set backs. First, finding the money in the publisher's budget to produce the book is taking time. And then, my editor, Caroline, died very unexpectedly in December. This was a devastating loss to the publishing house, and to me--I had become quite fond of Caroline. Understandably, things are on hold with the book for the time being. But I am hopeful that things will start happening again soon.
That's where that stands... and now, I am not doing much with the book.

So, I've had a lot of time on my hands since December. You may know how it is when you have a lot of time on your hands. For some reason, at least for me, it seems the more time I have, the less I get done. I was quickly becoming a slug--a fat, mushy, lazy slug (fat and mushy in the brain, more so than the body, thankfully). So I decided it was time to get a job--part-time so that when the book project picks up, I'll still have time to work on it.

I looked in to DC Public Schools. I even spent 2 hours filling out their application (no wonder they don't have enough teachers--who can stand a 12 page application?!). I checked out some private and charter schools for part-time gigs. My stars were aligned, apparently, because I was offered a part-time teaching position at the Smithsonian's Museum of Natural History a few days after I had decided to start job-hunting.

Now, the Smithsonian is not the kind of place that eagerly hands out jobs... I know, I've been volunteering there once a week for a year and a half. So, to actually break through the volunteer ceiling and be offered a real, paying job is a feat and a half!

I started my new job yesterday. I am the Discovery Room teacher. I get to be the crazy museum chick that teaches lessons to the student field trip groups that visit each day. Is this perfect for me, or what? Yesterday I met with a few first grade groups; today was third grade; tomorrow will be more first graders. There are about eight lessons available for the school groups, all related to the museum collections and exhibits. It's a pretty sweet set up and I am rather excited that I officially got my foot in the door at the Smithsonian. And, man, I can't tell you how great it feels to be teaching again... it's like a breath of fresh air. All this, with no homework to grade at night. Things are looking good.

My new "school"... the National Museum of Natural History.

There's hope for me yet.

You might be surprised, shocked, even appalled to know that I don't give two hoots about football. Yes, even Steelers football. I know... that's just un-Pittsburgh of me, maybe even un-American. It's probably grounds to have my Pittsburgh "hometown status" revoked. I don't know what to say. I just was not born with that oh-so-typical football fanatic gene that seems so prevalent in Pittsburgh. Go on and blame my parents (both born and bred Pittsburghers themselves). I just don't understand the game. What is a down? What is a field goal and when do you get to try for one? Why are some guys beasts (like that guy with the long hair--yikes!!) and some guys rather scrawny? Many have attempted to explain it all to me, in plain, dumbed-down English, but I still don't get it.
I remember one particularly horrendous gym class in ninth grade when we girls were instructed to actually play football. I felt like I had a learning disability when the rules were explained. The only thing that really sunk in was this: if you get the ball, run like the dickens to the end of the field. So... that is just what I did. Some girl threw me the ball, I somehow caught it, and I ran like the wind all the way to the other end of the field. I was feeling kind of triumphant until I turned around to a field of blank and/or disgusted stares. So I ran to the wrong end of the field... god, how was I supposed to know? I'm still embarrassed and a bit scarred.
I remember trying to "get into" football while in college at Virginia Tech. It was definitely one of those "everyone else is doing it" kind of things. So, I tried to play along. I actually went to the games. I even attempted to pay attention. But the only thing I remember about football at Tech was getting hit in the back of the head by a big plastic beer cup. I'm still pissed about that one. Oh, I also remember watching a girl cheerleader being thrown way up in the air by her boy cheerleader partner, only to land right on her little bottom when her partner failed to catch her. That happened not once, but twice in a matter of minutes. Talk about giving someone trust issues. I hope those two aren't married.
Okay, so there it is... my football confession.
But wait... there's more. I feel change in the air. You see, I actually watched the Superbowl last night. I went to an actual "Superbowl party". I went mainly for the food, but I also went with the hope of developing a little bit of hometown pride--a little Steelers-mania. I felt a little obligated, really. On the way to the party, I solemnly swore to Gideon that I was actually going to pay attention to the game. He didn't really care, but he supported my decision. And in an effort to solidify my commitment, I even placed a one dollar bet on the game. My friend, Jon, the Superbowl party host, said, "Pick a square and pay me a dollar." I didn't understand, but I did it. I picked square 7/7 on a grid, and lo and behold, at the end of the second quarter (that's what they're called, I think), that big guy, number 92, ran all the way down the field (oh, it brought back memories) and brought the score to 7 to 17 or (or some other numbers both ending in 7), which meant my square won! I actually won cash! Nine dollars, baby. It felt good. I felt like a real football girl, betting and everything. And, the thing that was MOST impressive, was that I actually happened to be watching the game when #92 did his thing! Even Gideon was impressed with that.
So, in my mind, this is progress... progress towards connecting with my Pittsburgh people, my roots. I'm getting closer, my friends. I still don't know what a down is, or why those flags get thrown on the field, or how some of those big boys run so darn fast, but I learned enough to know that I will gladly go to another Superbowl party, and I will bet cash money on the game too. But probably only if the Steelers are playing.
Go Stillers!
Love,
Your Favorite Fair-Weather Fan

Cold Busted.

Um... excuse me. What's wrong with this picture?

What? Is there a problem?

Yes. There is a problem, Dear Dog on Couch.

Sorry.

Yup.

Do you have anything to say for yourself?

Um... turn up the damn heat and I wouldn't have to resort to nesting in the couch.

Ahh.

Inauguration Day deserves a blog post

Hello Friends... long time no blog. Sometimes life is not blog-worthy, in my opinion, and my last 2 1/2 months have not made the cut. BUT NOW I'M BACK! And with good reason--a new president is in town!
Yes, Gideon and I relished the inaugural festivities, from the "We Are One" concert on Sunday, to the Swearing-In Ceremony yesterday, to our Inaugural Fondue Ball last night. And we did it all without using public transportation--because we are wise.

Here are some highlights from the concert:

• Waiting in the cold, bored silly, but very excited... watching other bored, excited spectators climb trees with a life-sized Obama cut-out.
• Feeling the adrenaline pumping when the crowd surged forward 50-100 feet at the start of the concert; doing a quick mental-review of Gideon and my "how to survive a stampede" conversation on the way to the concert.
  
• Jamie Foxx impersonating Barack Obama. There may not be much to make fun of when in comes to the new president, but there is plenty to emulate and imitate.
• Bono, of U2. He made me cry when he shared how honored he was to sing to Barack Obama. I cried again watching it on HBO that night. I think he captured a common feeling around here... that of being honored to be in this together with someone I feel cares about us.
• Watching Sasha and Malia being normal, goofy kids as they watched the concert with their mom and dad.
• Hearing Barack Obama speak in person for the first time... a true thrill for all 400,000 in the crowd.

Inauguration Day:
The day started bright and early as we bundled up in full ski-gear and headed out at 6:15 for our 2 1/2 mile walk to the National Mall. Gideon, his mom, Suzie, sister, Angela, and I joined the already impressive flow of people on their way to experience history and made it to the Mall at 7:20. We were surprised that there were no security checkpoints to pass through. Gideon was particularly upset because, at my stern urging, he did not bring his Jet-Boil camping stove, a tool that could have provided us with a steady flow of hot chocolate for the 4 hour wait in below-freezing temperatures. Oh well... just think of how many trips to the port-o-johns we would have needed to make if he brought it.
We watched the sunrise over the Capital grounds and settled in for the morning about half way between the Capital building and the Washington Monument. We had arrived in time to spread out a few blankets, so we were able to sit and work crossword puzzles, read aloud books (the teacher in me prevails!), and watch the second hand on our watches plod along for hours. Of course, occasional boughts of calesthenics were required to keep from getting frostbite.
The inaugural program started around 10:30am. The first hour or so was live coverage of VIPs arriving and taking the good seats up close to the excitement. Finally, the actual ceremony began and everyone was on their feet. A prayer was shared; Aretha Franklin sang "America"; Joe Biden was sworn in; and finally the moment had arrived. I wish I could describe adequately the palpable joy and pride pulsing through the crowd of 1.4 million in attendance as Barack Obama was sworn in as our 44th president. It was a huge moment in my history, and in the history of so, so many Americans. President Obama then delivered his 20 minute inaugural address to me (okay, to all of us)... yes, it was a very personal moment shared with millions.
The most challenging part of the day was upon us then. The question of how to move 1.4 million people off of the Mall while half the streets in the area were closed for the inaugural parade seemed to be overlooked by the event planners. We spent a good deal of time wandering about, looking for an exit and getting swept here and there by the crowds. Finally, we made it across Constitution Avenue and trekked all the way home.
Thawing out was the first order of business upon arriving home, followed by eating a late lunch and watching the parade from the comfort of the couch.





The Inaugural Fondue Ball:
Since we weren't able to snatch tickets for the Neighborhood Ball or any other official inaugural ball, we decided to host our own one-of-a-kind celebration: The Inaugural Fondue Ball. The dress code called for fleece and sweats (black tie optional). The guests were a select crowd: me, Gideon, Suzie, Angie, and Josie. A decedant cheese fondue was enjoyed by all, followed by a champne toast and a dark chocolate fondue. Fat, happy, warm, and hopeful, we all agreed it was a day we will remember always. It is good to be an American!

Fierce security at the Fondue Ball.

Faces

The transition from teaching to writing has been challenging on many fronts. The world of teaching is full to overflowing with accountability, expectations, structure, and of course, people. As a writer, I'm in a different world now, and I'm learning to create my own structure, now that I have none. I'm also coping with being alone. Not counting my ever-snoozing dog, Josie, it's me, myself, and I, day in and day out. But as a friend recently pointed out, I am not really alone; my home (which is my workplace) is packed with friendly, albeit quiet, faces. This same friend said my apartment has a happy, positive energy. I have to agree. Why else would I be able to hang out here, working day after day? Now, if only those faces would give me a little direction with my creative energy and shout some deadlines at me, this could be a really productive environment.

Here are a few of the friendly faces that share my space.

Weddings Galore

In the past seven months, three of my four sisters have gotten hitched.
On February 23rd, Rebecca and Richie were married in Pittsburgh, PA. After a beautiful, simple ceremony at Ingomar United Methodist Church, the wedding party hopped on a party bus and headed downtown (stopping at the liquor store and grocery store on the way). Their celebration was held at the Pittsburgh Zoo Aquarium, winning the prize for the most original reception site. At the beautiful, new aquarium, we wandered among tanks of exotic fish, coral reefs, penguins, an octopus, sharks, and all variety of other marine life. Being surrounded by sea life had a dream-like affect on everyone; people were so calm and happy, they practically floated around all evening as well. Congratulations Rebecca and Richie!

On June 14th, Polly (aka Rosemary) and Aaron were married Above the Clouds in Sonoma, California. Above the Clouds is a bed and breakfast set in the foothills of the Sonoma Wine Country, only a mile from Polly and Aaron's oh-so-sweet cabin in the woods. This wedding celebration set a new standard for a "Hawaiian Luau". With the help of family and many friends, Above the Clouds was transformed into a full-fledged Hawaiian hideaway. Gideon and I enjoyed our time in Sonoma so much, we just might have to make a habit of visiting every year! Congratulations Polly and Aaron!

Finally, Myra and Tim said "I do" on August 31st, back in Pittsburgh, PA. They were married at Hampton Presbyterian Church. A dreamy reception was held at Armstrong Farms in Saxonburg, PA. A day blessed with perfect weather set the tone for a perfect celebration. The classy celebration turned into a full-out party that continued on until the next morning, as probably a third of the guests camped out on the farm. Dancing, lots of wine and beer, excellent food, a bonfire and tents... now that's a good time. Congratulations Myra and Tim!



As my cousin Kim said, "Your family throws the best weddings! They're all so different and quirky!" Don't I know it!

On July 14th, Gideon and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary. So, here's some advice from an old married fart... I've learned a few things over the years.

• Talk, talk, talk about it! And if you can't, get someone to help you talk about it!
• Make each other feel special... not just every once in a while. In fact, schedule special days for each other once a week. It's a good habit.
• Give yourself a good amount of time to just be married (as in no kids). Only the two of you can decide what "a good amount of time" means.
• Do not allow pride to play a part in your marriage. If you need help, ask for it. If you're no good at something, admit it. If you can't figure it out, don't pretend you can.
  
• Get real and stay real. Being real can be a real pain, but it's how you build a lasting, solid foundation.
• Don't ever think that other couples "have it all together"...all marriages get messy sometimes. Just keep working on it and cleaning up as you go.
• Don't ever underestimate the power of love.