NKOTB Tour

I have absolutely no shame in announcing how completely psyched I am that NKOTB is having a reunion tour. I watched a few old video on YouTube the other night and realized I still remember "The Right Stuff" dance.

Who's my favorite? Joe McIntyre. I think I even bought one of his solo albums.

I just got the email below! None of the dates include D.C. although I am pretty sure this not the final list. I am worried--should I get tickets to one of these shows just in case?

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK LIVE IN CONCERT!

Check out the below dates for AMERICAN EXPRESS cardholders pre-sale and general public on-sale information!

VIP TICKET PACKAGES will be available starting Friday May 2. Visit nkotb.com for more information.

Don’t forget to tune in to The Today Show on Friday May 16!

Day Date City/State Venue Pre-sale On-Sale
Sat 9/20/08 Montreal, Quebec Bell Centre Noon 5/10/08
Sun 9/21/08 Toronto, ON Air Canada Center 11 am 5/12/08
Tue 9/23/08 East Rutherford, NJ Izod Center 10 am 5/5/08* 10 am 5/12/08
Wed 9/24/08 Uniondale, NY Nassau VETERANS MEMORIAL Coliseum 10 am 5/5/08* 10 am 5/12/08
Fri 9/26/08 Boston, MA TD Banknorth Garden 10 am 5/5/08* 12 pm 5/12/08
Sat 9/27/08 Atlantic City, NJ Borgata Hotel and Casino Event Center 10 am 5/17/08
Sat 10/4/08 Chicago, IL Allstate Arena 10 am 5/5/08* 10 am 5/10/08

* - Offered Exclusively To AMERICAN EXPRESS cardholders

Birthday Weekend

I had a busy and fun birthday weekend. My best friend from college, Jenn, flew in from Boston to visit. We had a great day hanging out watching E!; shopping at American Apparel and Zara; and sampling cheeses at Cowgirl Creamery.

On Friday a few of us had dinner at Vinoteca, the new wine bar on U Street, before the big party at Ulah Bistro and eventually Solly's. The next day Ryan, Jenn, Chris and I had a nice brunch outside at Lauriol Plaza and some italian ice at Rita's. You can already tell with Jenn in town we revert right back to college and our favorite past time...eating.

Sunday was a cloudy day, but we got to spend it with Sam, Alison and Justin at the Nationals game against the Cubs. The Nats haven't been playing too well, but we were excited to see we went to another winning game. Perhaps the Nats should give us free season tickets since we seem to be a good luck charm.

All in all, not a bad way to celebrate my 29th! Looking forward to dirty thirty.

Some PA Campaign Pics

Even the grocery stores in Philly are getting into Democratic primary excitement. Check out the two photos below.

Need to do some spring cleaning?

I am a member of WIN (Women's Information Network) and we are partnering with DC Learns, DC's Literacy coalition, for a Book Drive all of April. This book drive is a great way to start with spring cleaning and decluttering your condo! I know I've created a lot of extra space with the books I've donated.

DC Learns is Washington's literacy coalition made up of 80 organizations and literacy programs organized with the goal of raising public awareness of literacy issues, recruiting volunteers, providing outreach to new learners, and providing the materials, research, training, and technical assistance needed to raise the quality of literacy services available to D.C. residents.

This is essential work because unfortunately, even in our nation's capital, many residents lack the literacy skills they need to get a good job, take part in civic affairs, read to their children, or access information about their health, safety or legal rights.

All and any books are welcome. DC Learns has organizations that work with children and adults, so there are no limitations on the books that can be donated. Gently-used books are obviously preferred, but well-loved books will not be turned away.

There is a drop-off location at my apartment building--bring some books stop by, play some Wii or Guitar Hero and maybe an enticing snack or drop-off the books at any of these locations listed. If you can't stop by, feel free to give them to Chris or me and we can bring them to our drop off location.

DC Learns will be picking up all the books at the end of April, and organizing a distribution fair for their 80 organization partners.

Can I Quit?

So, I am in the middle or close to the end and it's HARD. I am not pacing well and I am getting bored after two miles. Dancing with Stars on the TV isn't enough to keep me on the treadmill.

However, since both Chris and his mom donated money I have to finish this. Otherwise, I think I might be proud to call myself a quitter.

It's been hard getting in the workouts the past few weeks and also sleeping an adequate amount to keep me from screaming at anyone who looks at me the wrong way. Getting home at 7pm or 8pm, eating dinner, waiting to digest, stretching, running and then having some down time before bed usually keeps me up until at least midnight. Maybe I should go on Biggest Loser so I can focus on this full-time.

Instead, I am going to Pennsylvania. Hopefully, while I am campaigning in PA I can keep up the work.

Our own Eco-Retreat

The new couch has made me alter how I think our living room should be set up. We've cleaned house a bit selling both of our occasional chairs (Ikea Ecktorp Tullsta and Ikea Poang) and our storage trunk coffee table on craigslist.

I was very worried that the couch would make everything look dark, but thankfully the couch is a very mellow cafe au lait. There were a couple of obvious color schemes: Namely chocolate and blue or the very fall looking brown and deep red combo. I am just tired of seeing those combinations.

Musing the problem with a friend Lisette and checking out some over priced Jonathan Adler decor, I was inspired to go green. You may have noticed a lot of bright green at Crate and Barrel and Pottery Barn lately---all me---I gave them a call. :)

So, I sold our traditional rug and bought this bamboo green rug from Home Depot. It was a great value and the last rug paid for most of it. It is already looking like our own eco-retreat. We need some nice throw pillows, some real bamboo and I think we'll be nearly set. Hopefully I can find some pillows that meet Chris's comfy requirement. So far, I really like the nature inspired designs and prices of Inhabit.

What else do you think we should add?

P.S. This is our 100th Post! Yay! Do you remember life before Team Purple House's blog?

Cobia and Mackerel

It's fishing season again and my dad has renewed his passion for catching a the elusive cobia. According to wikipedia: Cobia are powerful fish popular among sport fishermen, and a prized table fare. Cobia make seasonal migrations along the coasts in search of water in their preferred temperature range. Wintering in the Gulf of Mexico, they migrate north as far as Maryland in the Summer, passing East Central Florida in March.

Don't think my papa is going home empty handed. Last night, he bragged he came home with a dozen Spanish Mackerels.

I love this picture for so many reasons.

1. Look at the blue water.
2. Look at how many people are at the beach. Why am I not there?
3. Look at my dad in jeans and hoodie.

What doesn't make sense?