Things I Learned This Weekend

If you've had a bad day you shouldn't go to Anthropologie.
I was so crazy Friday I didn't have time for lunch or to leave my desk and have a panic attack. (So I just had one right at my desk.) As the day wore on I was so stressed I just couldn't stop laughing, so my officemate made me take a walk. So, naturally, I walked toward the big "SALE" sign in the Anthro window. One vase, one bowl, and one pair of PJs later, I felt much better.

But at least the vase is perfect for holding dried lavender.
Also note my finished pottery piece. 

The fountains at the Navy Memorial really are just the best.
That's all that really needs to be said.

If you're going to almost pass out, at least do it at the Newseum in line to see someone cool.
Yep, came very, very close to fainting while at the Newseum on Saturday. It was the closest I've come in awhile and not at all fun. But luckily I was able to sit down and it passed. Which was good because...

David Westin -- former president of ABC News -- is very intelligent and inspiring.
I was at the Newseum to see him interviewed and then sign books. As a serious ABC News junkie, I've known who he is for awhile, and it was fascinating to learn more about him. I can't wait to read his new book.

If you're about to pass out and the guy behind you doesn't have gum or a mint, you will get unnaturally angry.
The guy behind me was all friendly with the tourist beside him, but when I asked for gum or a mint because I didn't feel well, he didn't have anything. For some reason this made me incredibly angry and I made sure to sit very far away from him and shoot him the evil eye. How dare he not plan for a young woman to almost faint in front of him!?

Forever 21 really is all about the super-trendy clothing.
And that's great if you've been dying to dress like Holly Hobby. Seriously, I'm pretty sure my sister's doll had this exact dress. (FYI: I didn't buy this top.)

I might be almost, maybe, possibly, sort of ready to admit I'm too old for short shorts.
But I'm not there yet. And I definitely bought another pair of short ones on Saturday. I can't help it! I'm a conservative dresser 90% of the time except for my shorts. And some of my skirts. And a few pairs of tight jeans. So, technically, I haven't learned this yet.

An ironing board can make a good desk.
I spent most of Sunday working. My little desk in my room isn't very practical and my dining room table was occupied with my sewing machine, so I improvised. And it's adjustable!
 

Watching gymnastics is one of my favorite things in the world and I can't wait for the Olympics.
I watched the national championships on Sunday and am so ready for the Olympics!

Stepping on a thumbtack in the middle of the (Sunday) night when up to use the bathroom is a terrible way to end the weekend.
However, if you step on the Tar Heel-shaped thumbtack, with your heel, you will appreciate the humor in the situation later in the day. Not appreciated: That my heel still hurts.

Day in a D.C. Life

Like most of the country, spring/summer has come a bit early to D.C. On one such recent perfect day I took the opportunity to enjoy the weather and play tourist.

A pretty dogwood tree in full bloom and my pre-lunch snack of a red velvet cupcake.

Sitting in front of the Newseum to eat my cupcake and looking up at the First Amendment carved on the outside.

The primary reason for this visit to the Newseum: to check out the new "Every Four Years" exhibit, covering the press and presidential elections.

Costumes from "Saturday Night Live"! The suits Tina Fey and Amy Poehler wore as Sarah Palin and Hilary Clinton, as well as the snowsuit Jason Sudeikis wore as Todd Palin and the moose costume worn by someone.

Paraphernalia from my two favorite news shows: Props and press passes from "The Daily Show" on the left and a debate script -- with his notes! -- from Anderson Cooper 360 on the right.

Tim Russert's infamous "Florida!" marker board from the 2000 debacle.

After the Newseum it was time for lunch.

Teasim used to be a favorite of mine, but since they took the meatball bento box off the menu, I've struggled to find something I like. This udon shrimp soup was only ok.

Next up: American History Museum

I was fascinated by these old firefighters helmet. They look so regal!

Daniel Radcliffe's robe from the first "Harry Potter" and Nastia Liukin's leotard from the 2008 Olympics and a torch from the 1984 Olympics.

A full-size house taken from Massachusetts. I've always skipped this exhibit for some reason but it covers the history of five families that lived in one house over the course of 200 years. Fascinating.

The Jefferson Bible.The bibles on the left are ones he cut verses out of, and the one on the right is what he pieced together to form "The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth." Jefferson is my all-time favorite Founding Father so this was just awesome to see.

Exhibit on the slaves of Monticello, which documented the families that spent generations working the plantation. Also just fascinating.

After relaxing in front of the Museum for a few minutes, basking in the beautiful day, I decided to swing by the National Archives to see what special exhibits they had.

Looking up at the Archives while waiting to go in. Stunning sky.

After that I walked down Pennsylvania Avenue to the metro.

I was struck by post after post of the D.C. flag, American flag, and British flag, in honor of the U.K.'s Prime Minister David Cameron visiting this week. I may or may not have skipped a bit as I rejoiced in three of my favorite flags hanging side by side by side.

Finally my day concluded with a trip to Foggy Bottom.

Thanks to wine night at the restaurant Circa, my friend Lauren and I were able to enjoy a Prosecco-filled Happy Hour on their patio in the 70 degree weather. Perfection.



Holidays in DC: Newseum

Last Monday I attended a holiday reception for members at the Newseum.

 I've mentioned this museum several times and it's probably my favorite in the city. I became a member earlier this year through Groupon. The reception had appetizers and an open bar. Only a few of the floors were open, and none of the exhibits, though they did have some artifacts out that are not usually on display. Brandie came as my guest and we had a fun time exploring, having food brought to us on trays, getting moderately drunk on a Monday night, and browsing in the gift store.

We kept our wine glasses in hand as we shopped. And as we posed for photos in a random British telephone booth. I'm not sure if it was for sale, but I've blogged before about my desire to own one, so it's best if I don't know.

I really need more events in my life with free wine and food brought to me on trays.

This is a slow weekend

In the past month I haven't had more than two nights in a row without plans. This caught up with me last week so this week I tried to take it easy. And knowing that it was going to be miserably hot on Friday and Saturday, I delighted in continuing this slowed place and made no plans for the weekend. Or at least no plans involving other people or (almost no) leaving my apartment. Instead I decided to stay in my pajamas, watch a lot of movies, and be productive. 

Now, because I am just that cool, a little play-by-play of the most mundane weekend activities, broken down into action, reason, and entertainment. Again, because I'm just that cool.

FRIDAY

Action: Re-organized my makeup into new containers.
Reason: The silverware caddy I'd been using was overflowing.
Entertainment: How to Deal

Action: Worked on some blog posts.
Reason: I have a lot to say and finally some motivation to say it.
Entertainment: Anastasia

SATURDAY

Action: Made two necklaces and two bracelets.
Reason: I bought the jersey fabric and pinned the tutorials months ago.
Entertainment: Three episodes of Doctor Who and some Gilmore Girls. (There was a lot of braiding involved.)

Action: Ate a smoothie.
Reason: It was hot.
Entertainment: More Gilmore Girls

Action: Ate Chinese takeout.
Reason: I was hungry.
Entertainment: DVRed ABC World News. (Doesn't everybody DVR the news? You should.)

Yes, that is food for one. Or maybe it's actually for three, as that's how many fortune cookies they gave me! If I'm going to order out I prefer to order enough for several meals.

Action: Sorted mail.
Reason: My mail pile was out of control. And mostly just junk.
Entertainment: Before Sunrise

Action: Painted my nails.
Reason: I let my nails go bare for a week to breathe and it was killing me.
Entertainment: Before Sunset

SUNDAY

Action: Spent a few hours downtown at the Newseum, lunch, and browsing for clothes.
Reason: Needed to get out of the house for a few hours. And activate my new museum membership, bought through Groupon.
Entertainment: Amy Winehouse (RIP) on the iPod.

Action: Rest.
Reason: It's hot.
Entertainment: Once

Action: Writing articles for work.
Reason: So I'm ahead on Monday.
Entertainment: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

Action: Deconstructing three Forever 21 necklaces and constructing one mega necklace.
Reason: I wanted a nice statement necklace to wear in San Fran.
Entertainment: DVRed World News, 60 Minutes, and The Proposal (This one took awhile, plus a break for dinner.)

I'm pretty sure I've never watched so many movies in my life. But it felt nice to just relax and watch some favorites while getting a lot of silly things done.

News is history in the making

As prefaced in yesterday's post—sorry this post-a-day thing is hard—I finally made it to the Newseum on Saturday. As a news junkie of the highest order, this was kind of like my Everest. I stayed for nearly three hours and walked around all six floors at least twice, even prompting one employee to say, "Hey, haven't I already seen you today?" But it was a wonderful place and I hope to go back many, many times. (Like in December when the mom and sis come up.)

The inside. All open space and light.

Part of the outside, taken from the sixth floor patio.Bottom line reads: "News is history in the making. Journalists write the first draft of history."

They have the day's front pages from all the states and many countries on display outside and inside. This is the Raleigh N&O on the inside display.

From the five freedoms exhibit. (Section on blog freedom.)

Communications tower from one of the World Trade Center towers.

Front pages from September 11.

Quote at entrance of journalists memorial from Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Journalists memorial.

View of the Capitol from the sixth floor patio.

Building on Pennsylvania. (FTC? Can't remember.)

Me and the Capitol.

The best part: the THIS WEEK STUDIO! After taking this picture, I waited until the next tour and then got to stand INSIDE. Yes, I'm a dork and I don't care. No pictures inside because no one else was taking them, but it is really small. And the round table and his chair are quite small, too. I DVR the show every week and I stood there and just grinned like a fool.