Life! Changes! Life changes!

So, big news in these parts.

I'm moving to San Francisco.

I don't really talk about my personal relationships here, but I've been dating an amazing gentleman for the past year, Ian, and in just over a week, he's moving out to California to start his new job, and about 3 weeks after that, I'm joining him.

I've been in DC for four years now, and with my most of my family nearby (and certainly the vast majority on the East Coast in general), I figure that this will be the spot where I end up. But I'm not really ready to do the final end up quite yet.

And so, the next few weeks are filled with packing, moving, saying goodbye (but not really, since I'll be back in DC in early November), and all the other super fun errands that accompany a cross country move.

As for what I'll do in SF, I'm working remotely for my current employer for the remainder of the year, at home (where ever that will be) alone. So I figure that I'll need to reach out for adult companionship and that it is very likely that my blog will pick up again. So, my loneliness is your gain!

In all seriousness, I'm going through a lot of emotions currently and they each battle out for prominence. Added to the mix is that I'm moving with someone and that our emotions don't always match, though this could be a good thing, because typically, when I'm freaking out, Ian's calm, and when I'm excited, he's nervous about getting it all done. Balance and all that.

I went to Portland and I all had was a fantastic visit and a renewed love of my current city

So, as I mentioned in my last post, I have recently been to Portland. Karel moved out there two years ago this summer and I've been lucky enough to see her since then, since she comes back east to visit her fam. But it was high time for me to go call upon her, and so I embarked on my third trip to the West Coast.

Like my visits from Boston to visit her in NYC, my time was centered around food and shopping. And lo, the food. AND LO, THE SHOPPING. Oregon has no sales tax. Saving that extra 6% made me all giddy so I picked up - skinny jeans, pink cardy, white Chucks, a green and yellow plaid cape (yes, really), and an embroidered skirt. We'll see if I fit in all of it after the food. Mexican, southern, Indian, hot pot, grilled cheese, late night crepes, BALUT (hopefully with video soon) and more. Stuffed.

But more than eating and shopping and simply being with my lovely Karel, I found something I have been sorely missing for some time : a love of DC. When I first moved down here from Boston, I was excited about my grad program but sad about leaving my boyfriend behind. I was living at home, which was great on the wallet and hanging with my parents was fun, but it was hard to be in a new city without a real strong friend base. They were there, but arranging time with them wasn't casual - I had to book their time in advance and arrange for sleeping arrangements.

When I moved in with Lauren and Sam in March 2008, not only was I single for the first time in several years but I was on my own again after 6 months of being at home. I was so happy to just be, I think I could have been in any city, but I really loved DC, going into the city proper for school, hanging out with my roomies on our back porch, parties throughout the summer, etc. When I moved to DC proper last summer, I was excited for even more exploration. And I had it. And it was good.

But this year has been a bit different. I felt like DC was old hat, nothing new. I started thinking more and more about moving, leaving the mid-Atlantic, leaving the country. Not immediately, but starting to think about it in real terms, starting to save. Enter Portland.

Don't get me wrong. Portland was awesome, though I would say that of any visit with Karel. But being there, with its spread out quadrants, its suburban feel, I felt myself falling back in love with DC a little bit more each day. I certainly found neighborhoods that I loved - the Pearl, Nob Hill, Mississippi - but overall, the density just wasn't there for me. This is an odd thing for me to say because my main issue with NYC is that the city is just... too much. All on top of me, with no rest. I guess Portland is the opposite- too spread out, too much space between the neighborhoods, the places I want to be. DC is just right; different neighborhoods bumping up agaisnt each other, flowing quasi-seamlessly from one into the other. I want to know more places, expand from just Dupont and Columbia Heights, Mt Pleasant and Petworth, U St and (shudder) Adams Morgan. I know that Portland is a city I love to visit.

And DC is a place I love to call home.

Insert Snow Pun Here

I wouldn't be a DC area worth her (rock) salt if I didn't mention the snocation. So, here it is-

HISTORIC SNOW STORM!

It totally happened to me. Gave birth to many inside jokes, ate lots of delicious food with lovely ladies, hauled myself out to go to bars and get third place in trivia, did laundry, started my taxes, watched tons of movies and TV. And it all comes to an end tomorrow.

I'm excited to be back at work in the morning, just in time for a three day weekend.

SNOVER IT.

2009 in Review

This is my third time doing this whole year in review thing. Check out 2007 and 2008.

----

What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
Acquired a job with a salary. What up, late bloomers!

Did you keep your New Years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Apparently my only real resolution for this year was to get a job. Look who's batting a thousand.

Did anyone close to you give birth?
Sam's sister. And though the babe is in MA, I get the privilege of seeing some very cute baby shots on a regular basis.

Did anyone close to you die?
Just all the celebrities of the world. And I feel worst for Farrah. MJ totally stole her death thunder.

What countries did you visit?
Australia to see the sister.

What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
Giant admissions from exes that keep me in counseling. Whoa, who let the TMI fairy in with her pesky dust?

What date(s) from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
May 16- grad school graduation, five years to THE DAY of my undergrad graduation. Spooky. October 19- first official day on the *new* job.

What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Entertaining the thought of a buying a place of my own in the near future. And yes, even thinking that thought counts as an achievement. The obvious one is my Master's but that's been the product of several years. Regaining some of my confrontational personality after being a doormat for awhile.

What was your biggest failure?

Trying to figure out the damn html for this question. I know it is easy, but I'm lazy. F it.

Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nothing more than you typical colds. Oh, that's a lie. I found out I have the cholesterol of a dead person.

What was the best thing you bought?
Most recent haircut because I was way overdue for a change. Luck ring. Money spent towards mending clothes instead of buying new things.

Whose behavior merited celebration?
All my friends for putting up with my CRAZY. (same from last year. And from what I can see, every year going forward).

Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Republican teabaggers. Seriously, you crazy.

Where did most of your money go?
Grad school (same for the past three years. Getting smart costs mad money, yo.), food stuffs, impulse purchases (hello, PedEgg)

What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Being done with school. Pig Pickin'. Moving to DC proper.

What songs will always remind you of 2008?
MILEY CYRUS- PARTY IN THE USA. AND YES THIS TOTALLY DESERVES ALL CAPS. All of Lady Gaga, the Fame Monster, but specifically Bad Romance. Darude- Sandstorm. Shakira- She Wolf. Good King Wenceslas.

Compared to this time last year, are you...
I. Happier or sadder? This exact time? Probably happier because I'm not putting any pressure on myself for NYE. Not that I'm not excited about my plans, I'm just not hanging all my happiness in the new decade on how tomorrow night goes.
II. Thinner or fatter? eh, lord knows. I back up at my heaviest weight (seriously, that TMI fairy is getting WAY too liberal with her dust) but the weight has arranged itself better this time.
III. Richer or poorer? Richer, but I'm no one's sugar mama.

What do you wish you'd done more of?
Trusted my gut instincts. Cooked at home more.

What do you wish you'd done less of?
Spent time obsessing about the past. Eating full fat cheese.

How will you be spending Christmas?
Christmas Eve was at cousin's house in south central PA, Christmas Day- Chinese food and "It's Complicated"

What was your favorite TV program?
Of the year? Glee. That's obvious.

Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Hate is pretty strong. I don't think there is anyone I hate, that I know personally.

What was the best book you read?
The second book in the Wideacre trilogy. Seriously, maybe one of 5 books I read this year that WASN'T a romance novel. And there's still a healthy dose of sex (be it incestuous) in it. I need real book recommendations and how. The whole in grad school so I only have the brain power for romance novels doesn't cut it anymore.

What was your greatest musical discovery?
Miley Cyrus. Shut your face. Party in the USA makes me happy.

What did you want and get?
To move into DC proper.

What did you want and not get?
A museum job.

What was your favorite film of this year?

Oh lord. Well, I love most films, so really, pretty much anything I saw, I liked. Away We Go was cute. I loved the music in Pirate Radio and couldn't stop myself staring at the glasses. Star Trek was FANTAB. I feel like I answered the question a few weeks ago and was more erudite but it just isn't coming to me right now.

What did you do on your birthday, and how old?
The big old 26. Had many celebrations, including drag bingo and some good old fashioned bar time.

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Getting my license- on my way with the permit! ---> always getting my license. Still holding fast with the permit.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
"You look Amish, but in a good way." direct quotation from coworker from this summer.

What kept you sane?
Professional help. Friends. -----> some things never change

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Lee Pace. Ah, lovely pie maker. Also, I just finished Wonderfalls and the man is too cute for words, unless the words are TOO CUTE.

What political issue stirred you the most?
The fact that people don't want universal health care. I don't know much more about the debate but I just want to slap people who don't believe in health care for all. Because they've never been uninsured and boy howdy, does it suck.

Who did you miss?
My ladies out west. My ladies in Baltimore.

Was 2009 a good year for you?
I truly think that each year since high school graduation has gotten better and better (for the most part). Which makes me really excited to get old.

What was your favorite moment of the year?
Graduating is pretty up there. Any and all champagne Mondays (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, etc.)

Where were you when 2009 began?
Logan Circle, one of a few peeps dressed up at a dinner party.

Who were you with?
Folks from Haverford and the lovely folks I know through them.

Where will you be when 2009 ends?
Birthday/NYE party in Adams Morgan.

Who will you be with when 2009 ends?
A bestie from work, Monica, and greader friends. What up, Google Reader!

What was your favorite month of 2009?
March had me in Australia but also learning that I didn't get a dream job. May had me graduating but also moving. October had me starting a new job AND dressed up as Maleficent, so that's pretty awesome

How many different states did you travel to in 2008?
MD, VA, DC, FL, PA, NC.

How many concerts did you see in 2009?
Um, just one, I think. But it was awesome. Guster. Hello, college.

Did you have a favorite concert in 2009?
See above.

Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year?
Shame is heavy. I pretty much am embarrassed by most things I do but they make me, me, so shame doesn't enter the picture.

What was the worst lie someone told you in 2009?
"Yeah, a second date would be fun."

Did you treat somebody badly in 2009?
Certainly brusque or brash at times, but always out of love.

Did somebody treat you badly in 2009?
Nothing out of the ordinary.

If you could go back in time to any moment of 2009 and change something, what would it be?
Say yes to moving into the place I lived over the summer. Oh the headaches.

What are your plans for 2010?
Lower my cholesterol to that of only someone on the brink of death. Save money so that when my lease is up, I can move to my own place or only have one roommate (big girl dreams!). Take stock of my life more often and have my choices reflect my desires. Stop writing sentences like that.

NaBloPoMo

So, today is November 1st, which means one thing around these parts: NaBloPoMo. This marks nablo's fourth year, and my third (god, let that sink in), so be on the lookout for daily posts. May not all be words, probably a fair amount of pictures and songs on the busier days.

Some changes you might see. I've been thinking a lot about my various blogs, for work, for me, and how much easier it would be to combine them all here. A few major things are defining me at the moment: my new job (E-Activism Fellow at Oceana! w00t! go me!) and the fact that I'm a single gal in DC. These things are always subject to change, but for some reason, segmenting my writing feels a little like segmenting up my life. So, that means that there will likely be more work and dating writing here on these parts. But we'll see, we shall see. Sharing an email I'm sending out to over 300,000 people is one thing, writing about my latest dating debacle when I know my family reads this is another. So... we'll see.

In a totally unrelated note, today, I've watched Sleepless in Seattle, About Last Night, Vikings v. Packers, parts of Ghostbusters, Knocked Up, Brothers and Sisters, and Game 4 of the World Series. Let's here it for a solid couch day.

Odd Sleep Patterns

So I've been awake for over an hour and instead of fretfully trying to fall back asleep, I figured I would use this time to write a cover letter for a job I'm already doing but don't officially have... yet. I hope.

Fall is here but in true DC fashion, the lovely temperate days are mixed in with some extra summer temps that September just can't seem to shake. I'm all for sundresses, but for just a little bit, I would like to wear them with boots instead of flip flops, kthxbi.

When I moved to my new place (have to pass grocery store on way home) about a month and a half ago, I figured my home cooking rate would shoot through the roof. It has not. I also have to walk past an empanda joint. These things may or may not be related.

It is time for a fall haircut but can't decide whether I should go side swept bangs that are probs totes better for my face shape or straight across because I didn't get to enjoy them enough before sweltering summer.

Direction

So, the posting here has been light. And that is in direct proportion to how HEAVY my summer has been in terms of stress. Starting back on 3 April, I've been in Australia for a few weeks, came back just in time for a 4 day conference in Philadelphia, graduate, move, job hunt, have landlord issues, job hunt issues, and will be moving again and probably losing full time employment in the coming month. Not because I'm getting fired but because my work is just kinda piecemeal right now. So, yeah, feeling a bit less pithy that I normally do.

However, for the month of August, I will be doing more content writing for Oceana and I would love it if you checked it out over here. Of course, my last name will now be eternally liked to rizado, but alas, tis my fate. If things calm down, perhaps I'll come back here for more quips, but for the time being, my writing energies are focused where the dollar dollar bills are- work.

Heading to the other side

So those of you who know me on the 'book or talk to me in real life already know this, but in March/April, I'm heading to AUSTRALIA to visit my little sister!



Isn't she cute? I'm super excited. I haven't been to Australia since I studied abroad there myself six years ago. And I haven't been out of the country since Peru last year.

I guess that can come off sounding a bit like a brat- omg, it has been, like forever, since I've been ANYWHERE?! But I grew up traveling, and living, abroad and I do really think that it is a major part of my life, my connections to other countries. While in Australia, I will be looking for jobs and trying to set up informational interviews, not because I necessarily think that finding a job there will be easier but I certainly won't get one if I don't try.

I also recently applied to a job that is mainly administrative, which I can do and well, but what I'm most excited about is the international aspect of the program I would be supporting. As much as I love DC and the Maryland area (you know I do!), the prospect of getting to do something international is something to keep me going through my last semester.

Ballet, swoon!

Last night, Maggie and I went to see Highland Fling at the Kennedy Center. And GOODNESS, my heart was in my throat almost the whole time. It has been so long since I've seen a dance performance and I forget how much I miss dance in my life. It has been years since I've been in a formal class and every once in awhile, I find myself looking at belly dance or flamenco or latin dance classes but right now, I just can't afford the time or money to commit to a formal class.

But performances, performances I can do. While the entire show was great, the group scenes made me grab Maggie's hand. No joke. Scottish reel, Irish step dancing- AH, god. Totally made up for the fact that I was sick and got home later than I wanted.

And in two weeks- FLAMENCO! YES!

Best Craigslist Missed Connection Conversation EVER

to the girl who pepper-sprayed me - m4w - 26 (Metro)

---

Reply to: pers-1008899338@craigslist.org ^[?]
Date: 2009-01-26, 5:59PM EST


You: Bookish, long jacket, fluffy scarf, small bag, and pony-tailed hair (cute!!)
Me: Long black trench coat, jeans, tall, ski mask

I had just come into the Chinatown metro, from the blistering cold, headed for the green line towards Petworth, when I saw you. You were standing very close to the 'down' escalator, and peering intently at your blackberry. It didn't take long for me to see that you were my type. Not to say that I am loose in requirements, but you immediately fit my physical ideals, and there was something about your pose that spoke of your attitude and style. I had just come from a soul-searching meeting with a close friend, and I had decided that there was no more pussy-footing on my part; I should take hold of life, and stop 'missing' potential 'connections.'

As I rapidly attempted to figure out a way to approach you, the lights at my feet started flashing, indicating a very real limit to the time I had. I quickly settled on simply introducing myself and began to run in your direction. In hindsight, i think I should have removed my ski-mask first.

You probably took my swift approach as something menacing, since it was late, and the lighting is not too good down there. This was not my intention, believe me! This all dawned on me suddenly, as well, as the events begin to play out. Within seconds I saw your hand dive in your bag. At first I thought you were just putting away your blackberry, a polite gesture! The next second, a small red and black canister emerged. Uh oh. In my rapid attempt to slow down, I saw you uncap it, make eye-contact, and spray. By the time I could see again, you were gone.

This might sound crazy, but right before that toxic liquid came gushing at me, I think we might have had a moment. I got to stare into your stunning green eyes, and I think I might have seen a flash of desire, as you caught glimpse of my baby blues (that is, before they turned a vicious red, with my eyelids clamping shut and tears pouring out).

I understand now that my actions were far too forward, and you might have been hurt by guys like me in the past. If you're interested, though, I'd like to get together sometime, and try to make a real connection. You don't have to worry, I'm not mad! I won't be pressing charges (and hopefully neither will you).

To the guy I pepper-sprayed - w4m - 26 (Metro)

---

Reply to: pers-1010382566@craigslist.org ^[?]
Date: 2009-01-27, 7:06PM EST


Me: Bookish, long jacket, fluffy scarf, small bag, and pony-tailed hair (cute!!)
You: Long black trench coat, jeans, tall, ski mask

I had just come into the Chinatown metro from the blistering cold, trying to find the address of the bar where I needed to meet my friends. as I checked my Blackberry, I saw you from the corner of my eye. The black of your ski mask brought out the blue of your eyes, and I knew there was something there. But I was just another girl at the metro, another lonely heart in a sea. As the lights began flashing at your feet, I saw the approaching Green line train as a sign that you would be another missed connection.

But then you were coming towards me, with the speed of a track star and the determination of a fat cheerleader. I could see that you were the type of guy who could approach any girl, and every failed relationship and broken promise flashed before my eyes. How could I stand out? Before I knew it, my hand gripped the black and red canister of pepperspray, a birthday gift from my mother.

You took it like a man, but you need to work on your drop step. I think we had a moment as you stifled your cries and tears streamed down your face. My heart pounded as I ran away. I would love to see you again.

Perfect late fall day

I can complain a lot. Yes, yes, I'll wait for the snickering to die down. But it is true- I often complaining comically but the complaining is still there.

But not today.

Today was the perfect fall day. I slept in, I showered, I walked to Georgetown to see a friend at work and have some quiche and Christmas cookies. I had two cups of tea and bought edamame. I exchanged Christmas gifts with my lovely roommates. I cooked chicken and rice for dinner. We watched funny TV. A roommate looked over a cover letter to a job I'm OBSESSED with getting. I'm now sitting, snuggled in my bed, watching TV online and thinking of all the lovely sleep I'll be getting when I go to bed early.

Today was a good day. And there isn't too much funny about it, but I'll get humor out of frustration some other time.

Living

Because I like to occupy my mind with worries suitable to several months in the future, I've been thinking about where I'll be living after graduation and my lease is up. It is pretty clear that I will be moving- probably to the city proper, though I'm not 100% sure- and I was thinking that it might be time for me to live alone. I never have- always roommates, parents, a boyfriend- and perhaps a 26 year old woman should learn some independence. Also, I like to hang out in my underwear.

But then I have fantastic giggly nights with my roommates, laughing over stupid slips of tounge, ridiculous television, just life. And I wonder- do I really want to live alone? Do I want to give up all these random good times?

Should I perhaps first tackle taking a shower today?

SNOW

First snow of the year :) Remind me how happy I am now when I complain about shitty weather in February.

Estoy entusiasmada!

Or, I'm excited! Either way works for me.

Six years ago, I took a flamenco dance class. And my arms are still sometimes sore. Seriously, what a workout. Eenywho, I love it all- the big dresses, the clapping, the stomping, the somber faces, the guitars. Maybe not the exceedingly long hair and fingernails of the men, but otherwise, I get behind it all.

Just got my ticket to see this in February and I'm PUMPED. It is going to be AMAZING, even if I'm a bit far away from the stage. I won't really care. Because flamenco- I loves it.



ETA- Anyone interested in seeing Patton Oswalt in DC in February? I can get tickets for $16!

WOOHOO!!

God, the tears last night. The. tears.

Good ones, I assure you! I cried during both John McCain and Barack Obama's speeches. It made me miss the McCain from 2000, the one who was truely a maverick. It made me feel such immense hope for the future. There is such a sense of just sheer happiness in the air, I can't stand it.

This term is going to be intense and we've got to help out our president. He's a leader but we've got to be ready to be led.

broken, but important, record

As you can tell from my nifty reader over there on the left (yeah for new features!), I'm not the only person using the interwebs to encourage you to vote. VOTE. I can't tell you how many times I've teared up in the last few days over the inspiring words of one Mr. Barack Obama. While on one hand, I can't wait for the campaigning to be over, I am also incredibly anxious about tonight and the upcoming four years.

Because I work in DC but live in VA and knew that the lines were going to be crazy, I voted absentee in person last week, still waiting about two hours for the privilege to support the Obama/Biden ticket. And while it means that today I got to sleep to a reasonable hour and not worry about rushing to the polls after work, a part of me is a bit sad that I won't be part of this hostoric election, not the same way that those of you who are voting today.

But I still got to vote! And you should too. Even if you support a scary ticket that will surely lead us into a position where the rest of the world hates us even more. And while a McCain/Palin White House would be a nightmare, it would certainly push me to really find a job/school abroad.

I hope that's a silver lining I won't have to rely on.

i'm all over the place

school is still crazy, but i did manage to post... somewhere else.

hello again!

hi, everyone! did i manage to hold onto any readers? probably not. i know that as a blog reader, if someone doesn't keep to schedule, i'm one of the first to fall away.

sorry! what can i say- i've been having a great summer. i love my internship- seriously, if i could work here post graduation, it would be simply divine! it is exactly what i want to be doing- researching and putting together exhibits, working with a small core of people within a larger organization, lots of different topics, the works. ah, fantastic! also, i randomly ran into someone who i went to high school with and we are now office, internet, and (soon to be) real friends! so three cheers to national geographic for being the best internship ever!

new job is going well too. i really like that it is still non profit, so i can wear jeans to work, but not museums, so i don't OD on all things exhibition. people are super nice, we have happy hours every other week, and i get to order things from staples. very very good.

i just started my second class of the summer yesterday, so i feel the next six weeks are going to be a bit more crazy than my previous halcyon days of summer, but if that means i can avoid work by blogging (ahem, like right now) than you will probably have more reading material from me in july than you did in june.

what was i so busy doing, besides pen inventories and photo research? let's see... i've gone to movies, baseball games, trivia nights, revolving bars, had cookouts, hosted a father's day brunch, had some hermit weekend days where i've watched 8+ hours of degrassi:the next generation, hosted a karel visit, perfected my happy dance, bought way more new clothes and shoes than i can afford, read a ton of romance novels, and had many many dates with cheeseburgers, sandwiches, and sushi.

whew, just a bit tiring.

the hunt

anyone who knows me personally knows that i am NOT happy with my current job situation. not to belabor the fact, but i REALLY am not happy. so i've been sending out cover letters and resumes like whoa.

as of right now, i'm waiting to hear back from the smithsonian about a part time gallery attendant position for the summer. i'm making a call to a non profit that i interviewed at a few weeks ago. the natural trust for historic preservation wants to talk to me.

oh and the sewall-belmont house wants me as a docent. and i would love take that job but it is only for a few hours a week and i would still have to be at the 'bucks! farf- that's the feeling you aren't sure you are going to barf or fart. yeah, sam and i come up with amazing lovely things.

so be on the lookout here for some big news! news!

impending partnership

i've just done the unthinkable.

i reapplied to starbucks.

now, for those of you not in the know, i worked at starbucks for three years in boston. three years filled with irate customers, scalding coffee, coworker drama. it wasn't all horrible- some of my dearest boston friends were fellow starbucks chumps and i met my fair share of lovely customers who could totally brighten my day. but i would be lying if i said that i'm happy about my return to the service world.

where bitches make me cry about the temperature of their soy, the aroma of overflowing grease traps welcomes me first thing in the morning, and christmas music starts playing the day after thanksgiving.

i'm not giving up on the job hunt but as i'm moving in less than a month, i want some source of income to be settled. so, in you walk into a starbucks and see me in a green apron, please be nice to me.

or else i will decaf you.