2 days, A double decker bus, and DC

Mom and I did a hop-on hop-off bus tour of the city on Sunday and Monday. We visited the National Cathedral, seriously one of the most beautiful churches in the world, the stain glass is amazing. There is a peice of moon rock in one of the glasses, how cool is that? We visited the national zoo and throroughly enjoyed the atmosphere, by far the most beautiful habitats of any zoo I have visited. My favorites were the cheetah's (see pic below), and the pandas. We had some amazing margs at a random Greek restaurant in Adam's Morgan. Then the next day we hit up Arlington Cemetary to see JFK's grave and the tomb of the unknowns, then we bussed over to see the FDR memorial, it's my second favorite after the WWII. For lunch we headed down to the Maine Street Fish market (see pic). Lunch is delicious if you can stomach the smell, might be more enjoyable as take out, but check out the place I can go buy fresh seafood! I can't wait to go back and pick up some food to cook!!! Then we spent the afternoon and the newly reopened Ford's Theatre, where President Lincoln was assassinated. Whew! It was a busy few days, sight-seeing is exhausting in this weather.

This is mom feeling the braille at the National Cathedral where Hellen Keller and Anne Sullivan are interred.

Ready for Visitors

Last Saturday was a rainy day, so we pretty much stayed in all day. I decided to start looking for things for us to do in the upcoming week, and it turned into me basically composing a DC visitor's guide. So, I am posting my findings here, so you all can see, in case you want to plan a visit. This is a long post, no need to read beyond here unless you want to know what to do in and around DC.

DC Visitor’s Guide

Washington Walks…

$10 Walking Tours

5 for the price of 4 with a walking card

http://www.washingtonwalks.com/index.shtml

Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center

Free concerts nightly at 6pm every day of the year

Metro to Foggy Bottom (2 stops from the house ) and take Free shuttle

http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/millennium/

Attend

Discounted tickets to a multitude of performances at the Kennedy Center

For persons aged 17-25

Register on the Kennedy Center website and you will be emailed offers

http://www.kennedy-center.org/tickets/attend/

The National Theatre

Offers a program called SPT or the Special Patron Ticket Program

For full time students, military personnel, and senior citizens.

You can purchase ½ price tickets at the box office for Tuesday or Wednesday evening or Sunday matinee performances.

http://www.nationaltheatre.org/tickets/halfprice.htm

Summer Concerts at the Capitol

The various service bands perform on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday nights on the west steps of the capitol. Each night a different service group performs Navy, Army, Marine and Air Force. Each night at 8pm

http://www.nps.gov/ncro/PublicAffairs/SummerintheCity.htm

JR’s Bar and Grill

1519 17^th Street NW

Monday night Showtunes Sing-a-long with $3 pints from 9pm-close

http://www.jrswdc.com/specials.asp

Jazz at the National Gallery of Art

Fridays through September 11 5pm-8:30pm

http://www.nga.gov/programs/jazz/

Shakespeare Theatre Company Free For All

The Taming of the Shrew

August 27, 2009- September 12

http://www.shakespearetheatre.org/about/ffa/

Arena Stage Discounts

$10 tickets for 30-and-under
This program is designated for patrons ages 30 and under. $10 tickets go on sale beginning on Monday for the following week of performances (Tuesday through Sunday) until all available $10 tickets sell out. Patrons may purchase $10 tickets by phone, online or in person. Limit of four per patron (all patrons using $10 tickets must be 30 or younger). Patrons will be required to present valid ID for age verification.

Student Discounts
Full-time students (one student ticket per valid ID) may receive 35% off regular ticket prices. This discount is offered by phone or in person for every performance and is subject to availability.

http://www.arenastage.org/tickets/single-tickets/savings.shtml

Ticketplace

This service of the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington provides discount tickets to arts, theater and cultural events in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia.

www.TICKETPLACE.org

Rock Creek Park Planetarium-Free Admission

Nature Center and Planetarium 5200 Glover Road, NW Open 9:00 am. - 5.00 pm Wednesday-Sunday. Closed on New Years Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Shows held Saturday and Sunday at 1pm and 4pm

Open Top Sight-Seeing Tour Washington DC

Hop-On-Hop-Off 2 day consecutive pass, travels to all the main attractions in the city, and to Arlington National Cemetery

$31 online or $35 on the bus

Add on tours available as well, see website.

http://www.opentopsightseeing-dc.com/

Historic Jamestown and Yorktown Battlefield

About 2-2.5 hour drive from DC

$10 Admittance for both locations, provides a full day of entertainment (can definitely be done as a day trip, need a car to see the battlefield)

Both locations have museums.

If you want to spend more, there are multiple living history museums close by including colonial Williamsburg, and Jamestown Settlement.

http://www.yorkcounty.gov/tourism/PDFs/YrktwnJmstwn.pdf

Washington DC Segway Tours

Various routes at Various times

$70 per person (I have never been personally, but hear it is a fabulous way to see the city)

http://citysegwaytours.com/washington-dc/tours/washington-dc-segway-tour

Washington Monument

Reserve tickets for a specific time online for $1.50 or get in free by obtaining tickets at the ticket kiosk (warning: tickets are same day timed and distributed on a first come first serve basis), Tickets are to ride the elevator to the top for panoramic views of DC

http://www.nps.gov/wamo/planyourvisit/feesandreservations.htm

The Capitol

Guided tours of the Capitol begin at the Orientation Theaters on the lower level of the Capitol Visitor Center. “Out of Many, One,” a 13-minute film, illustrates how this country established a new form of government, highlights the vital role that Congress plays in the daily lives of Americans, and introduces you to the building that houses the U.S. Congress.Tours are free, but tour passes are required. Advance Passes: Tours may be booked in advance online at www.visitthecapitol.gov, through the office of your Senators or Representative, or through the Office of Visitor Services by calling (202) 226-8000. Same-Day Passes: A limited number of passes are available each day at the tour kiosks on the East and West Fronts of the Capitol or at the Information Desks in Emancipation Hall on the lower level of the Visitor Center.

http://www.aoc.gov/cc/visit/

The White House

Public tours of the White House are available. Requests must be submitted through one's Member of Congress and are accepted up to six months in advance. These self-guided tours are available from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Fridays, and 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturdays (excluding federal holidays). Tour hours will be extended when possible based on the official White House schedule. Tours are scheduled on a first come, first served basis. Requests can be submitted up to six months in advance and no less than 30 days in advance. You are encouraged to submit your request as early as possible since a limited number of tours are available. All White House tours are free of charge. For the most current tour information, please call the 24-hour line at 202-456-7041. Please note that White House tours may be subject to last minute cancellation.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/tours_and_events/

The Holocaust Museum

PASSES ARE REQUIRED for visiting the Permanent Exhibition — The Holocaust — March through August, during our busy season. These passes, which are issued for a specific time during the day, can be obtained at the museum on a first-come first-served basis on the day of your visit. For your convenience and assurance, the passes may also be obtained online in advance of your visit from tickets.com for a small service charge ($3.50), otherwise admission is FREE.

http://www.ushmm.org/visit/

Ford Theatre

Free Admission but requires a ticket, can be reserved in advance at ticketmaster.com for a fee of $2.50 per ticket.

http://www.fordstheatre.org/?q=home/plan-your-visit/daytime-visits-fords-theatre

Special Events

Check out the Washington Post Going Out Guide.

For weekly updates and events follow the Going Out Gurus link.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/

Mount Vernon

Washington’s home and estates, $15 entry fee.

They have occasional wine festivals here for around $30, way more worth the price, a lot of fun, and a great atmosphere. Take a blanket and sprawl out on the lawn and enjoy the festive environment, and a good bottle of wine.

http://www.mountvernon.org/

Tidal Basin Paddle Boats

This is a great experience, lots of fun, and with beautiful views.

$10 per hour for a 2 person boat (in my opinion you wouldn’t need more than this)

$18 per hour for a 4 person boat

Open March 15 through Columbus day, hours vary.

http://www.tidalbasinpaddleboats.com/

DC by Foot

FREE walking Tour of the monuments and Arlington Cemetery

They also have a ghost tour of Georgetown for $12

Where:	We meet at the corner of 15th and Constitution Ave. NW. Right next to the Department of Commerce (See MAP below). Look for your guide in the baby blue shirt.
Duration:	Only two tours a day (times listed below). Approximately 1 hour 30 min. Total walking is just over one mile. This tour is suitable for all ages.
Cost:	Free - Guides work exclusively for tips! No RSVP necessary for groups of under 10 people.

http://www.dcbyfoot.com/

The National Zoo

Fabulous, FREE Family fun, it is part of the Smithsonian Institute.

Serviced by Redline Metro, they allow you to bring your own food and drink, and it is the most beautiful zoo I have ever seen.

http://nationalzoo.si.edu/default.cfm

The National Cathedral

Off the beaten path, and not serviced by Metro rail

Definitely worth a visit! I have seen a lot of churches/cathedrals (Notre Dame, St. Peter’s, Westminster Abbey) , and this is one of the most beautiful.

They request a contribution of $5 per adult, but do not require it, totally worth every cent!

http://www.nationalcathedral.org/visit/

WolfTrap

This is the National Park for Performing Arts

A typical season at Wolf Trap includes something for everyone with performances ranging from pop, country, folk, and blues to orchestra, dance, theater, and opera, as well as innovative performance art and multimedia presentations.

http://www.wolftrap.org/Find_Performances_and_Events.aspx

The National Archives

Home to the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights

Free of charge, a great experience.

http://www.archives.gov/nae/visit/reserved-visits.html

The National Aquarium, DC

$7 admission to a very small, unimpressive exhibit

Save your money for something else…

http://www.nationalaquarium.com/hours.html

All Smithsonian Museums

All are free, and my favs are Natural History (dinosaurs and jewels like the Hope diamond), Udvar-Hazy Center (large Hangar at Dulles Airport full of aircraft), and American History (Star Spangled banner, and the Gettysburg address live here).

Check out the website for full list and more info about visiting.

http://www.si.edu/

Arlington National Cemetary

There is a metro stop along the blue line located here.

Big attractions are the Tomb of the Unknowns to see the changing of the guard, and JFK and Jackie O’s burial site and the eternal flame.

Wear your walking shoes, it’s a lot of walking and hills or you can purchase a shuttle ticket inside the visitor’s center $7.50 for adults

http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/visitor_information/hours-parking.html

http://www.tourmobile.com/tours_arlington.php

Dissapointment and Our Nation's Birthplace

Wednesday-I am officially a student at Georgetown University!!! I made my first trip to campus as a student to take care of a few things before school begins.

Thursday and Friday, mom and I thought it would be fun to head down to the beach so after much debate we settled on Virginia Beach, loaded up the car and set out. We arrived about 2 o'clock and headed straight to the beach, where we were sorely disappointed. My expectations were way too high after the beaches in Italy, it was dirty and crowded and I'm pretty sure South Padre is slightly more upscale. So we rather quickly decided that one afternoon at the beach would do it.

Rockafellar's...The Highlight of Va Beach! We saw this restaurant advertised in the local tourist mag with an ad stating "Thursday 2 1lb lobsters for 24.99" What? That sounded like a deal, so we headed there, best decision ever! We ate some raw oysters (my fav) and shared the lobsters, we each had our own whole lobster (intact head, claws, and all, like a giant crawfish). I had never had anything more than the lobster tail, who knew that in the two big legs and claws there is enough meat to equal another tail? It was one of the most delicious meals of my life, and quite worth the trip!

The next morning we sat off to find some pet friendly activities in the Historic Triangle (Jamestown, Yorktown, and Williamsburg). We settled on a tour of the Yorktown Battlefields, a drive down the Colonial Parkway (while listening to Pokahontas on my IPOD, it was mood music), and a visit to historic Jamestown. In case you are not up on your history Jamestown was the first permanant English settlement in the new world in 1607, essentially the oldest city in the nation. Yorktown is the location of the Battle of Yorktown where General Cornwallis surrendered (via his second in command) to General Washington, basically the battle that ended the American Revolution and ultimately solidified our independence. It was almost too much historical fun for one day!

Me on the Yorktown Battlefield Me in Historic Jamestown

Mom at the site of Washingtons HQ Mom in frnt of the Memorial Church

Week One-The Journey, The Arrival, The Chaos, The Resolution

So as most of you know, I have come to DC without Rich d/t the job situation, so my mom agreed to accompany me on my trip and help me get set up in the new place. We started our trip with goodbye, me, Rich, mom, and dad went to breakfast at Mimi’s to spend a few more minutes together before goodbye. It wasn’t as bad as it sounds, because I definitely didn’t think about goodbye at all or I wouldn’t have made it through breakfast. After breakfast we said goodbye, and we hopped in the Yaris and headed east.

Angel nestled on top of all my stuff in the back of the Yaris

The drive wasn’t too bad, about 24 hours broken up over 2 days including stops; we stayed the night in Nashville on the way. Unfortunately my body decided that would be a good day to get sick…WRONG! My poor mother had to deal with me that day, it’s a good thing she’s stuck with me, because moving away from my husband and being sick put me in a pretty foul mood. Tuesday was a little better, some Dayquil helped me cope with the sinus infection, and the sorrow of goodbye had faded some, and the excitement of finally arriving at the new place made the time pass a little quicker, despite the torrential downpour that lasted about 6 hours of the drive. We finally arrived at 1415 N. Taft St. Arlington, VA 22201 (my new address).

We came in, had a look around, and immediately started unpacking boxes looking for sheets, towels, and blankets to get us through the morning, and Rich called Papa John’s and ordered us a pizza. Fail proof dinner with no kitchen right? All you need is a drink and maybe some napkins… Well, the pizza arrived, UNCUT!!! We now have to find a knife, and what no napkins either… Oh well, we made it through, it was tough though touch and go for a second…

Uncut Pizza

The Apartment is great! It’s very spacious feeling, we are on the same level as the gym and the pet walk, and there is a trash shoot around the corner and recycling in the parking garage! I love it!

Wednesday, let the chaos begin….Today was our first official day in Arlington, and we started bright and early at 7am, when I received a special welcome in the form of a parking ticket! It put a little damper on the day, but the show must go on, and we began to tirelessly unpack and rearrange the furniture. Our apartment has a very odd shape, it was difficult to determine the best (my favorite) furniture configuration, Amanda I hope you approve. We took a little break in the afternoon to hit up Walmart, but to my utter and horrified surprise the Super Walmart does not exist, nor does the Super Target. So four hours later we had finally finished our shopping, and returned home to cook the first meal in the new place…Tacos!

Thursday…More unpacking! The big event of the day was IKEA. We headed out to College Park, Maryland to buy some furniture and much needed organizational accessories. This was my first drive through DC, and we also enjoyed our first DC traffic jam. After our big outing I installed our surround sound, DVD, and TV…All by myself! So I introduced my mom to Harry Potter, we watched the first movie, she had never seen one before.

Friday…still more unpacking! And another trip to IKEA, but this time to Woodbridge, VA. On our way to Woodbridge our GPS kept telling us to enter the HOV lane, but here you must have 3 people, then we realized it was not peak time so all traffic was allowed in the HOV lane…But we’re smarter than the GPS, the HOV was stopped with nothing but brake-lights up ahead, and we were sailing, so yet again we ignored the GPS and stayed in the regular lanes. Approximately 1 minute later we were in bumper to bumper traffic as the HOV lane sailed by.

Saturday, things finally started to take shape. We only had about 3 boxes left, most things have found their home, and we started hanging pictures on the wall, but the main event was the Dell’Omo visit. Sara and Tom brought Leo and Josephine out for a visit and delivered my wonderful orange rug (inspired by the orange clock) and my school books, they have served as my personal post office. Josephine was absolutely beautiful, tiny with dark hair and wearing the dress Rich and I bought her in Italy. Mom thought she looked like Maria, but I don’t really think babies look like anyone at a week old, but I was very excited to get to meet my new niece. Leo is so big, he had a blast running around jumping on the bed, making a fort out of boxes in the living room, and playing hop scotch with the rug. He is so sweet, and full of energy and has a wonderful laugh.

Josephine

Sunday, The day of rest! I was absolutely exhausted from the week and told mom Sunday was a day of rest, only my mom doesn’t really know what that means, at least I got to sleep in. We ended up making our third trip to IKEA, and going to Target where we bought a TV antennae. I installed the antennae and now we have 15 channels. We also drove around the neighborhood to try to figure things out and organized the office.

The neighborhood is great! We are 2 blocks from the metro, the courthouse, and a movie theatre. There are tons of restaurants all around, including 2 Irish pubs, a sushi place, a tapas bar, a Cosi, and more. Then about a 15 minute walk to Whole Foods and a large shopping center, or one metro stop away. It is a different world, at night the sidewalks are littered with people out and about, and most of them are 20's-30's.

Monday, it has been one week today, the apt is starting to feel like home, but I’m also starting to miss Rich. But he’s coming to visit Labor Day weekend, so that’s only 2.5 weeks. We visited the Iwo Jima memorial today, it’s about a 2 minute drive from the apartment, but it is hot and humid so being outside is rather unpleasant during the day. In the evenings and early morning the temperature dips into the 70’s and is quite pleasant.

Guys I know that was a big update, it’s been a big week. I just wanted to say I appreciate the calls and I love and miss you all! Also, I am accepting visitors ;)

Full Circle

Three days left…It is difficult to put into words what I am feeling right now, I have so many emotions swirling around inside, it’s like a hurricane. I’m tired, of people asking how I feel, yes I’m excited, but it’s hard to look forward to something that is going to temporarily separate me and Rich. I’m excited, I just finished my last day at Parkland and I get to start school in 3 weeks. I’m thankful, for my wonderful husband who is letting me fulfill my dreams and giving me my second chance, and for parents who support me even when it is difficult for them. I’m hopeful, that Richard will be able to find a job, because I believe he is extremely intelligent and is an outstanding employee. I’m annoyed, at the negativity and doubt expressed by so many, whatever it is you think I need to hear, I DON’T! We have had two years to discuss all the pros and cons, and believe me, we have thought about it. I’m sad, I love Dallas and I love my friends and family, I will miss everyone terribly. I’m anxious, for it to all be done. I’m thrilled, to meet my new niece Josephine (she was born this evening). I’m dreading Goodbye.

Today I graduated from the 34th Critical Care and Trauma Nurse Internship at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, Texas. It was only two years ago I was a fresh graduate from TWU, incredibly naïve and thirsty for the excitement this new opportunity had to offer. It was a great two years, I gained an incredible level of knowledge in a very short time. I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to participate in such a wonderful program, and thankful for the friendships I’ve gained. Lisa and Tara, despite everything I will always be thankful for both of you and the times we’ve shared, Parkland just wouldn’t have been the same without you (sorry to get all emotional).

Despite all the emotions, we actually had some fun today too! After our graduation we went to happy hour, and on to Whirlyball. What the ______ is Whirlyball? Well it’s kind of Lacrosse meets Bumper cars. One of the funnest things I have ever done, if you ever have the opportunity to do it, I highly recommend it!

The Closing of Another Chapter

August 6th

Today was my last day as a RN at Parkland, exactly two years from my start date. It was a completely surreal experience, the entire day seemed to float by in a haze, and then it was over, I had given my last report. As I was walking out I began to cry as I looked at people that I have really enjoyed working with, and know I will probably never see again.

After work, I went to dinner with Tara and Kayla where we discussed the day, what it felt like, and everything we disliked about working at Parkland (which definately rallied my spirits). However, it isn't so much that I no longer work at Parkland that upsets me, but the reality that I am about to leave my entire world behind. As we talked at dinner, I could not believe it was all over and how quickly two years passes, grad school always seemed like it was so far away.

Main Event with the Fam

Today was a wonderful day.

Started with breakfast burritos at What-A-burger, followed by some time by the pool with the hubby. Then we headed to Frisco to see Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, which all in all was a very good movie, especially if you have not read the book. If you have read the book, the climax will be severely disappointing and there are a lot of missing details about Voldemort's past and the movie does not give Harry's intelligence and ingenuity justice, these were my biggest disappointments.

After the movie, we met some of my cousins and my aunt and uncle for dinner at La Hacienda.

Then the Main Event where we did a ropes course and some bowling, I sucked at both, but had a lot of fun.

Surprise Going Away Party-thanks girls

Friday July 31st

So my wonderful friend Kandice apparently decided to throw me a surprise going away party a couple of months age (so I am told, I was only filled in on the details after the fact), but unfortunately due to unforseen circumstances she was not able to make it, and as the party approached it all came crumbling down. It ended up being an absolutely wonderful evening, though I really wish Kandice could have made it. The guest list ended up being the Kings, the Wrights, and the Sheffields. We went to dinner at OTB, where we secured free queso on a technicality, so the night was definately looking up. Then after our entrees the OTB employees sang me Happy Birthday with a giant cake box, which turned out to be one of the best chocolate cakes I have ever eaten. Then due to another unforseen event (me voming in the bathroom), we decided to have a low key evening at the Wright Casa, where we enjoyed some libations, some old school music, and the black olympics (see link below).

Thank you all for the party and cake! I love you!

Black Olympics Marty B

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rS2ZIAQkVc0

Scategories rocks my Knoll-log

Friday the 24th of July

Tonight me and a couple of my girl friends went out to dinner at Gloria's in Frisco where we had a wonderful time. We sipped Mojito's at the bar in a very sex in the cityesk scene, and then enjoyed some black bean dip, and life altering conversation. It had been a couple of months since we all enjoyed some time together, summer is very busy with vacations and what not,but I did not realize how much I missed them. Unfortunately Mel had to make it an early night due to her sis's baby shower the next morning so Jess and I decided to reconvene with our husbands at her house.

It is also really great to have a couple who you are both individually friends with, while Jess and I were out with Melissa our husbands had a man date and played soccer and ate burgers.

Back at the casa we got into a heavy debate, scategories vs. fired up!... Scattegories was the clear front runner since Fired up is well a little embarassing to talk about. We thoroughly enjoyed our game eventhough Rich and I are always out for blood, I killed on the K's (pardon the alliteration). Then it was time to succomb to Fired up!, which was actually a really entertaining comedy with several good one liners.

Ten and a half, eleven in crocs

Blood and Friends

July 17th-18th

I had to get a physical a couple of weeks ago for school, and they drew labs and discovered I had a high iron level. So today I went to donate blood today for the first time in a couple of years, and it felt really good to do something that was going to benefit someone else, even if the motivation was a little selfish.

Then Saturday I headed over to the Pace's for a little spur of the moment BBQ and water fun. By water fun I mean Jonah thought it was fun to splash me and I thought his reaction was fun. Jason grilled the inspiratory chicken and we ate, then I got a lesson in clothe diapers from S.J. (very informative).

My cutest Jonah pic of the evening

Then off to work on Sunday...