laughing at the polls

Yesterday I performed my civic duty and voted in-person absentee in DC since I am now in Missouri to help the good guys win this important swing state. Just like in other parts of the country, turnout appeared to be higher than expected in DC. When I arrived a half hour before the polls opened, a lot of people were already in line and I waited about an hour before being able to case my vote. Luckily I was entertained by one of the workers.

The setup was to have everyone line up down a long hallway. By the time the polls opened the line was fairly long - at least 100 deep. To help seniors a room was set up for the old folks to sit so that they didn't have to stand too long. The hilarious part was how they identified who could go into the room. Obviously it is a touchy situation to try to figure out who is technically a senior citizen. A lot of 60 year olds could probably pass for 70 and vice versa. However, hazarding a guess would have been a lot better than what one of the election officials did: he asked everyone who entered the hallway if they were a senior citizen.

Sadly I was only in line for about ten minutes of this, but it was pure bliss. Reactions to the question were priceless, particularly those who didn't appear to be within 20 years of being eligible to join the AARP. I thought one guy, who maybe looked like he was 35 tops, was going to punch the worker.

While I didn't love standing in line for over an hour, thanks DC elections official, for making part my wait to vote pretty entertaining.

One year down

(Looks like Chris beat me with a post, but I’ll add my own version.) I have been happily married for a year! We celebrated by exchanging gifts and going out to eat at Central—a restaurant we’ve been dying to go to before it even opened. I got Chris hiking boots for his upcoming “man-cation” at Zion National Park. Chris gave me some chocolates and a featherbed for our mattress. Not quite the traditional paper, but who follow tradition nowadays?

The famous chef of Citronelle, Michel Richard, opened up Central for the bourgeoisie of D.C. Unfortunately, we are not even in the bourgeoisie class and will only eat at a place like that on special occasions. Central was the winner of the James Beard award last year, which is pretty outstanding considering it was in its first year.

I love French food—provincial not frou-frou—so I was thrilled at the opportunity to try out Central. You can check out our flickr page for pics of the French onion soup, cheese puffs, ribeye, cassoulet and dessert. It was a delicious meal and a perfect evening.

As I look back at the year, I have to say I equate Chris to be my own Fitzwilliam Darcy or more recent, Mark Darcy, after my own encounter with a Wickham or Daniel Cleaver. So, who wouldn’t be happy to be the Mistress of Pemberly—although our “estate” is only 750 square feet? In my mind, I’m living my favorite fairy tale.

it has been a year

Yesterday we celebrated our first wedding anniversary. We went out to dinner at Central, a restaurant Lelaine has wanted to go to for a while. It did not disappoint. My highlight was the candy bar dessert, which I believe is also served at Citronelle. It is like a Kit Kat, only significantly better and served with wonderful ice cream.

It is tough to believe it has been a year. Time has flown by. Congrats to us, and particularly to Lelaine for putting up with her husband for an entire year!

Sooo-weeee

Yesterday, we took decided to go with some friends to the country for some apple-picking and wine tasting. Just a bit more than an hour drive can take you away from the city and into Virginia's pretty farm and wine country.

We went to the local agribusiness of the year, Great Country Farms. We didn't realize that October is late for apple-picking in Virginia and children under 10 are required--not really, but we were pretty sure we were the only adults there without kids. However, we had a great time eating apple dumplings and watching one of my favorite animals run during the Pig Races.

Before we left, we went across the street and up a steep hill to Bluemont Vineyards. We got a free tasting with our entrance fee to Great Country Farms. Bluemont is a brand new vineyard in the burgeoning Virginia wine country and needs to grow a bit, but had a great views and a good Norton wine. In fact, I am a little sad I didn't purchase a bottle there.


Although, we left with no apples and no wine, it was a great day and just what we needed to celebrate fall. Check out our photostream at our flickr page for more photos.

tigers

The Chiefs terribleness this year has been mitigated by my happiness on Saturdays. Chiefs get decimated by Carolina? Its ok, Mizzou smoked Nebraska the day before. At least that is how I justified things...until last night.

Mizzou lost. I couldn't even speak for about half and hour after the game. This was made worse by the fact that while I was watching my team in the bedroom, Lelaine is screaming at the TV in the living room while celebrating UF beating #4 LSU.

I knew Okie State would be tough, but we probably would have won had any aspect of the team played well. It is tough to beat a ranked opponent when your defense takes many plays off (as a Chiefs fan I am quite used to this), your QB uncharacteristically throws three interceptions (although tough to blame him on the first one since it bounced off Alexander's chest), and your special teams misses two FGs and your stud punt returner can't get it going.

Since I have never liked him, I will blame the loss on Coach Pinkel. Don't get me wrong, under Pinkel our team has improved immensely. I never would have dreamed of being ranked so high this year and last. The fact that I am so upset after one loss speaks to the success he has brought. My freshman year we were something like 5-6 and it was our best season in ten years. Now I'm mad at losing to a team ranked #17. Pinkel does a lot of things right, particularly recruiting. But common sense escapes him. He makes two basic mistakes that prohibit a good team from being great.

First, and something my friends know I complain about approximately 50 times a game, is that he has created an offense designed to score a lot of points and jump out to an early lead, but his system doesn't know how to maintain the lead against a good opponent. What does every other team do when they have a lead? Run the ball. Other than last year's Cotton Bowl, what can Mizzou not do against good teams? Run the ball because every play is from deep shotgun. The RB doesn't get the ball with a running start and has to go from standing still with the ball to seven yards just to break even. Maybe it would help if we had a play where the QB lined up under center. Pinkel's refusal to be able to run the ball when we need it is particularly problematic in goal line situations, like last night's opening drive when we had to kick a FG from the one. Figure out a couple passing and a couple running plays to use when you are within three yards of the end zone. That keeps things simple for the offense and forces the defense to stay on its toes. Daniel might be short, but he is certainly capable of lining up under center, reading the D, dropping back and finding a receiver. If Corby Jones could do it, Daniel can.

Second, Pinkel is as stuborn as Bush about changing strategy. He can't make adjustments. If something doesn't work, and it is clear it won't work, most teams will tweak their gameplan either on the fly or at halftime. Mizzou? We do the same thing over and over. Our DBs unable to cover receivers? Don't try to change coverage schemes, just continue to get burned. For Okie State's last touchdown last night, they had two receivers standing next to each other, relatively open for the fact that they were thirty yards downfield and standing right next to each other in the end zone. Completely ridiculous. Mizzou is always a better first half team. When was the last time Mizzou had a come from behind victory? I can think of one since Pinkel started, the Independence Bowl in 2005 when Brad Smith decided he wasn't losing to South Carolina. Compare that to how many times we nearly blow a big lead because we go into a game with one plan and stick to it, no matter what the opposition is doing. Last year alone the Tigers gave up a ton of late points to Illinois and Kansas but held on. Against Oklahoma both games last year we were either winning or tied in the third quarter but ended up having the Sooners pull away. In previous seasons I remember blanking OSU in the first half, only for them to storm back and beat us in the second half; choking a 21 point lead to KSU in Columbia circa 2003; the Sun Bowl against Oregon State a couple years ago; as well as several others.

Bill Simmons, the ESPN Sports Guy, talks about how each team needs a VP of Common Sense. Mizzou would be a lot better with one. There is still time to make things better. Next week we play at Texas, who I expect to be the #1 team when the rankings come out tonight. Beat them in Austin, much easier said than done but still possible, and all of the sudden we might be the best one loss team. But until we make changes, particularly figuring out how to run the ball with a short field, we won't be able to beat top notch teams. This is something every top team can do, but Pinkel has made not effort to figure it out.

I'm probably wrong when I tell people Pinkel is a terrible and will wind up at Hickman if he wants to stay in Columbia, but he definitely makes mistakes almost no other coaches do. Maybe he just needs a "Coaching for Dummies" book. Lets hope that this ends up being the worst game of the year. I would hate to have to post something else about two of my other pet peeves of his - trick plays against horrible teams that lead to not being able to use them when you need to and never getting your team to beat someone they shouldn't.

No wonder we are in a mess!

In these uncertain financial times, I was nearly floored when I received a credit offer from Washington Mutual for up to $30,000! I don't have the best credit in the world, so it's crazy to think that I would be on a list for anything like that especially with the way the economy is going. Kind of makes you think, the banks may not really be learning from their mistakes!

The Right Stuff

I have no shame in admitting that I am nostalgia addict--I often OD on it like Iona (if you get the reference post a comment!) so when New Kids on the Block announced they were going on tour, it was meant for someone like me.

From 1988 until 1993 I don't think there was a space on my bedroom wall that didn't have New Kids on it. I would fall asleep to New Kids on my walkman, had the trading cards, tshirts, videos and my cousin Valerie and I knew every step of their concert routine. Joey McIntyre was my favorite.

I was lucky and got to a concert the summer before 6th grade with my cousin, Bean, but I had to look at the jumbo-tron just to see what was going on (as an aside: I got glasses later that year). So, a little girl promised herself when she grew up she would see the New Kids up close. Fast forward 18 years and the New Kids on the Block reunion tour. I'll spare you the long story about getting the tickets, but the conclusion is floor seats, section 1, row Z!!!!!

The best part was in the middle of the concert after hearing several screams behind us, I see them all on a small rotating stage 10 feet away! (Picture below) It was so awesome to see them so close! The best part--I keep saying that phrase--was after 3 or 4 songs they ran back to the stage right behind my seats and I got to touch Joey's hand (and Jon's...). I actually had the though that I shouldn't wash my right hand any more.*Sigh*


I was worried that I would think the songs were silly now, but I still knew every word and sang a long. I realized how much fun it is to actually go to a concert when you like the band--I am usually tagging along to some band Chris likes. And let me just say, that there is just something about guys singing and dancing together that is just hot. Maybe it's also because they opened up with a song where Joey says "I'll be your boyfriend.." and I thought he was talking to me, but it was the best concert EVER.

Another part I really liked was feeling like the guys were up on stage just having a good time and grateful (not in a desperate way) for a chance to live the dream all over again. Plus the audience was really into it. There were so many girls with home-made tshirts with bubble paint and iron on photos. Girls with crimped hair and the old t-shirts from the 90s. Not one of us was embarrassed to be at the New Kids concert. And let me just say, the arena was packed. I don't think it was technicallly sold out, but I couldn't point to an empty seat in the house.


I took over a hundred photos and the one thing that is embarassing is the number of photos of Joe McIntrye. I hope Chris isn't too jealous. I do have to say the New Kids stylist should get a bonus, because all the guys look better than before particularly Danny and Jon. And out of no where, my fellow-concert goer, Ha, and I agree that Donnie still has it and emerged as a bit of a leader.

Are we a steroetype?

Not to steal the hubby's thunder with a back-to-back post, but I just read this post on CampusProgress and had to repost on our blog. It nearly describes Chris and I to a "T." We've proudly chose the neighborhoods of Adams Morgan and now U street because of the "bridge and tunnel" crowd that constantly invade Adams Morgan. We now call our once favorite Mexican place "the Applebees of 18th street" with haughty disdain. We live on the green line and I can't live without DCist. And most recently, we've bought a bike from City Bikes.

Below is the blurb that caught my eye and I've pasted below the synoposis, but feel free to read the entire post. For the record, we do try to hang out with the other side, but that friend is very busy. While in grad school, my first few years, we definitely hung out with the other side, but just by mere proximity and where you end up working, yes, we pretty much only hang out with Dems.

On a side note, the article is written by a reporter at one of my new favorite Hill papers Politico. (And it has nothing to do with the fact that I was once quoted in the paper).

...unless you work at a bi-partisan law firm, reside in the environs of Capitol Hill, or go out drinking in Adams Morgan, you might never meet someone from the "other America" during your time in Washington, D.C. You will probably work, sleep, eat, drink, and party with folks who are more or less just like you.

If you’re a member of the hippie or hipster left

You live in: Columbia Heights, Logan Circle, Mount Pleasant, Shaw, or U Street

Your metro line is: Green

You work for: the Democratic National Committee, the Service Employees International Union, The Urban Institute, or the National Resources Defense Council

You drink at:

· The Black Cat, a dive bar on 14^th Street known for hosting Indie Rock bands

· The Wonderland Ballroom, a dive bar in Columbia Heights, known for hosting Hip-Hop and Soul DJs

· Townhouse Tavern, a dive bar in Dupont Circle known for hosting gatherings of internet activists and bloggers

· The Raven in Mount Pleasant, a dive bar known for its bizarre local characters and cheap domestic beers

Your website for local nightlife: DCist.

You went to college at a place like: Yale, the University of Michigan, or Oberlin

You Think Adams Morgan is: Played out and over-run by the “bridge and tunnel” crowd

You see Movies at: E Street Landmark Cinema, specializing in artsy and foreign features

The magazine placed on your coffee table to make you look urbane and sophisticated is: The New York Review of Books

You eat out at:

· Rice, a non-traditional Thai restaurant on 14th street

· Vegetate, a non-traditional vegetarian restaurant in Shaw

· Red Rocks, a gourmet thin-curst pizza restaurant in Columbia Heights

And you buy your clothes at: vintage stores or boutiques on U Street

When you settle down you’ll move to: Takoma Park or Silver Spring, MD

And you’ll drive: a Suburu

But for now you drive: one of those retro bicycles from City Bikes in Adams Morgan

If you’re a member of the preppy right

You live in: Alexandria, Arlington, Georgetown, or Glover Park

Your Metro line is: Orange or Blue, if you take the metro at all

You drink at:

· Smith Point, a dive bar on Wisconsin Ave in Georgetown known for hosting the Bush twins

· Whitlow’s on Wilson, a classic-throwback kitsch bar and diner in Arlington

Your website for local nightlife: Late Night Shots, so members-only you need a login

You work for: the Republican National Committee, the Family Research Council, Booz Allen Hamilton, or National Association of Manufacturers

You went to college at a place like: George Mason, Southern Methodist or University of Georgia

You eat at:

· Old Glory, the traditional Southern barbecue restaurant on M Street in Georgetown

· Town Hall, a fancy bar on Wisconsin Ave in Glover Park, with an impressive menu containing not a single vegetarian entree

You Think Adams Morgan is: Still kind of sketchy

You see Movies at: AMC Loews in Georgetown, specializing in major Hollywood blockbusters

The magazine placed on your coffee table to make you look urbane and sophisticated is: The Economist

And you buy your clothes at: the Pentagon City Mall or Tyson’s Corner

When you settle down you’ll move to: McLean or Falls Church, VA

And you’ll drive: an SUV

But for now you drive: an SUV

Ben Adler is the former editor of Campus Progress and a staff writer at Politico.

the basement of the alamo

Several months ago I thought about buying a bike. There were many reasons to do it, but one kind of big one why I hesitated: I wasn't sure if I could ride. Several years ago I borrowed by cousin Lee's bike in Vail for a brief ride. That adage about riding a bike didn't hold true - it was as though it was my first time riding. I could barely even turn the handlebars. When I finally got on the road I think my uncle Bob passed me going the other way, but I couldn't really tell because I was so concentrated on staying upright and on the road in front of me I couldn't look to the side. Pretty embarrassing.

Lelaine has even been talking about renting bikes and going for a ride for quite some time, but every time I came up with another excuse for why not. We were going to take out the bikes at the bed and breakfast we stayed at in Chincoteague over July 4, but decided to hit the beach instead.

So for several months I had the idea in my head but didn't take any action. But then one day I signed up for the free bike program at work and took one out to get lunch. Surprisingly, I didn't hurt myself and even enjoyed it. Despite the fact that the bike was baby blue with a bell and basket, I was hooked. The next day I went to Capital Hill Bikes and City Bikes, tested a few out, and made the big purchase. A lovely pewter and black 2009 Jamis Citizen 2.0 hybrid. That is it above and to the right.

The world of cycling is fascinating. First, bikes come in more than one size besides mens, womens, and kids, something I was completely unaware of. For my hybrid, I am a size 20.5. Second, choosing a lock is more complicated than trying to figure out some of the details of the bailout...I mean rescue...bill at work. I ended up with both a U-lock and a cable to secure both the frame/rear tire and the seat. Why do I need to keep my seat, or "saddle" in bike-speak, locked? Because I got the greatest seat in the world. It is huge. Two times bigger than most seats, which is good since I have twice the butt as most. And it has its own suspension system. It is the Rolls Royce of saddles, at least for people who want comfort.

I picked it up from the store this evening - it took a while to get the specific one I wanted in the right color from the wearhouse and assemble it , added some lights for safety, and took it out for a little ride tonight, but then it started raining so I headed in. Will likely go out for a longer ride this weekend. Lance Armstrong, I will go ahead and put you on notice now.

Anyone know from where I stole the title of the post? Pee Wee's Big Adventure. Curtis stole Pee Wee's bike and told him it was in the basement of the Alamo. Little did Pee Wee know, there is no basement in the Alamo.