About that therapy fund...

I love summers in the South. We are pretty much guaranteed a great big thunderstorm at the end of every sweltering day. In my college years we used to make pitchers of margaritas and watch the storm from a porch. These days I long for liquor as I try and convince the four-year-old that the thunder and lightening aren't trying to get her.

Muffin is not unlike this terrier I used to have growing up. Free-be (terribly creative name for a free dog, no?) was furiously self sufficient and a holy terror to the cats in the neighborhood. However, the slightest hint of a thunder-boomer would send her scurrying under the house to whimper for the duration of the storm. Muffin also views herself as self sufficient, terrorizes the cats in the house and turns into a teary puddle of anxiety at the first rumble of thunder.

Last evening I heard the thunder rumbling and correctly anticipated that my daughter would surface from whatever mischief she was making to run into my arms. In an attempt to desensitize her (lessons from the therapist) I opened the front door and offered to sit with her and watch the storm. She clung to my leg and peered anxiously into the rain, flinching at every thunderclap.

Just as I was telling her "See! It's not so bad, right? Look, the rain is giving the earth a bath!" a bolt of lightening struck the tree across the road from our home. The hair on our arms was standing straight up! About a third of the tree split away and fell to the ground. Muffin let out a shriek of terror and fled from my side to the bathroom, slamming the door behind her.

So, it might take a little longer to desensitize her than I thought. I may as well forget that cute pair of shoes I saw the other day. I'm going to need that cash for the shrink.

Belated Wordless Wednesday... Rainbows over DC

Happily back to the grind

Upon returning from my glorious week in our nation's capitol I discovered that A) I had gained five pounds. Well, poop. I suppose all those wonderful meals had to have a price. B) I had over 300 emails awaiting my urgent attention and C) that I define "urgent" much differently from everyone else in this building. Seriously! Is the building falling down? Are the fires in the Dismal Swamp headed our way? Did we increase our Threat Condition? No? Then it can wait!!! Geez!

However, despite the weight gain and work issues I'm in a pretty good mood. I think that break away from my normal, everyday routine was just what the doctor ordered. Muffin and I have both been cheerful and patient with one another. We're all alone because my sister is vacationing with her boyfriend for the week, but it's been pleasant so far.

In fact, I'm gearing us both up to go and see Wall-E this weekend. Remember how her last experience in a theater was somewhat disastrous? Well, this time around we're taking her friend from ballet - she's a movie veteran. I hope that a little peer-pressure will encourage Muffin to stick it out.

So, that's all folks. Not much to report. I've been trying to catch up on everyone else's blogs and leave comments - it's amazing how one week can rack up a serious backlog of blog reading!

Oh, I had an epiphany the other night - I decided that instead of buying groceries I would use what was in my freezer and pantry. The first dinner consisted of polenta, noodles and sauce (which I bought during my Trader Joe's excursion back in the early Spring). Now Muffin knows what polenta is and she likes it. Turns out hunger really IS the best sauce!

DC - Last Night Celebration!

I'm going to preface this post with a disclaimer... I just returned from a FANTASTIC dinner and am slightly inebriated. That being said...

You know how I've been glossing over the actual reason why I'm in DC? The EEOC class? Well, I'm not going to go into any detail - but I just wanted to say that, while it's been a great class, this class has had more than it's fair share of those people. You know who I mean. The ones that like to try and stump the teacher - the ones that insist upon enlightening the class with their own personal experiences - the ones that like to say things like "I just graduated from the advanced EEOC class, I made the DEAN's list!" Yeah, those people. Now, I'm not saying that I haven't been a teacher's pet at one point or another - I've been the teacher's pet alot! But, that was school. This is work. When it's work - people want to get out on time, if not early! So, that being said, Shut The F*** Up. Thanks.

Ok, now that I've vented...

I had a very nice afternoon. We were let out a little earlier than usual so I managed to get my homework done before 5pm. Which means I had a very smooth Metro ride down to the Mall. I visited the WWII Memorial again and made my way up the west/south side to the Korean Memorial. I've never seen this Memorial before. It was a stunning statue garden with bronze figures walking through an imaginary Korean battlefield. While I was there an Asian speaking tour group arrived. They snapped shots quicker than I ever could and quickly bustled off. I ended up following them to the Lincoln Memorial which was completely overrun.

I took a few pictures and climbed the stairs to see the great man himself. He really is huge. I wanted to feel something profound, but it just didn't come to me. Too many people, perhaps. After I picked my way through the tourists and down the stairs, I went over to the right/north side of the reflection pool to the Vietnam Memorial.

As I looked at the Memorial itself, I noticed how it's appearance reflected it's presence in American History. It looks like a crack in the ground and, from what I've gathered, the war itself was a crack in our society that divided the "old school" from the "free thinkers." Of course, that's a very broad generalization, but it's undeniable that the Vietnam War turned out to be a polarizing event in our history. Close by was a Memorial dedicated to the female nurses of Vietnam. The expressions on their faces were so realistic that I had to turn away. I felt awkward but I couldn't tell you why.

It was about that time that the rain (which was NOWHERE on the radar! I checked!!) decided to make an appearance. It was a light shower, nothing to make me run for cover. I walked down the reflecting pool and tried to absorb as much atmosphere as I could soak up. Too soon I arrived at the Smithsonian Metro stop.

Earlier in the week I had spotted a restaurant called Bistro Bis near my hotel. Since I had no other recommendations for dinner this evening, I decided to give it a try. It was wonderful. I was seated quickly and the waiter was very helpful in picking out a wine to go with my dinner. I chose the Salmon and was not disappointed. It was presented with asparagus, a type of onion I'd never seen, small wild mushrooms and caviar. The waiter recommended a lovely Rose wine to complement the dinner and I savored every bite. At this moment I am recalling the savory blend of onion with salmon. I wish I could describe it better - you'll just have to try it next time you're in DC.

While I was finishing up my dinner a party of twelve was seated not far from me. I watched them interact and reflected that their party was a microcosm of Washington DC. They ranged in age from early 20's to mid 60's. Their group was both male and female and every ethnicity you could dream up. Yet, they were comfortable and interacting equally. This type of "blind" interaction is rare where I come from. Here, it's par for the course. I love how this city doesn't care what you look like.

I chose to have dessert, Citrus Crème Brule with a fruit compote. Easily the best tasting thing I've had in my entire life. The couple that was seated next to me just as I began noted the look on my face and asked: Is it that good? Oh yes. Yes, everything about this week has been that good. And by the way, I highly recommend the Salmon.

DC Midweek Reflections

It's funny how the first two-thirds of my day hardly count anymore. This class has been interesting and I've met some great people, but all I think about is what I'm going to do when I get out. I saved the second half of the Mall for today but I wasn't able to get to it all.

For those of you who may have been concerned about my venture into the world of switching lines at the Metro - I was successful! It really wasn't that bad at all. I took the Red line to Metro Center and then took an Orange line to the Smithsonian stop. When I got off the Metro I thought I heard thunder. And I was right - it was spitting rain and rumbling.

Undeterred, I followed a gang of kickball players (apparently there's some kind of kickball tournament - who knew!) down to the Washington Monument. Right about the time I was making my way to the Monument gift shop the sky opened up. I was looking around and up at the sky thinking "Really? I'm caught out without a damn umbrella again?" When I noticed a freaking rainbow arching over the Capitol Building!

I climbed up a little hill and took a few shots before scrambling like the rest of the tourists towards the gift shop. Naturally by the time I made it there the rain let up. Fickle, fickle rain. I bought a few souvenirs (a book for Grandpa and paper doll book for Muffin) and set out for the WWII Memorial.

I'm really interested in this Memorial because my Grandpa was in the second wave at Omaha beach. Out of his platoon, only eight survived. We consider ourselves pretty lucky. If you haven't seen the Memorial it's hard to describe how it frames both the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument so perfectly. I loved the symmetry as well as the various quotes engraved around the perimeter. I thought about my Grandpa and everything he'd seen over there. I hope he gets to come up to DC and see the Memorial for himself.

Feeling a little nostalgic (and sore from all the walking) I decided to turn and go up to the White House instead of heading straight to the Lincoln Memorial. Getting a picture of the White House is tricky. There's tons of tourists and everybody wants to be EXACTLY in front of the damn place! All I wanted to do was stick my little camera between the bars and snap a shot. I muscled my way in between two sets of tourists, took the shot and moved off. Being a tourist is hungry work!

Not to mention it was starting to rain again... I ducked into a M&S Gill. Looking at the menu I realized that I was getting bored with eating out. I'm sure it sounds strange - but nothing looked new or interesting. So I went with the Cobb Salad and halfway through my phone rang. It was Muffin! I told her that I missed her and couldn't wait to see her. She said "Don't worry Mama, you'll see me soon!" Which is about the closest I'll probably ever get to "I miss you too, Mama." But I'll take it.

After the phone call I looked at my boring salad and felt like crying. As much fun as it is to be in a new city and see wonderful sights, it just isn't the same as being at home and watching Cars for the hundred-millionth time. I was going to order desert but the waiter took my half-eaten salad and plopped the check down in front of me at the same time. Well, Fine!

I sulked up to Metro Center and found the Red Line to Union Station. Waiting for the train, I watched people both interact and ignore each other. Humans are crazy animals, have you ever noticed that? When I got off at Union Station, I noticed that my fare card was running low. After about three tries I managed to get a new fare card with enough money on it get me through the week. And the simple act of doing that all by myself perked me up. Wherever I am, I'm adaptable. I can get along alright by myself.

DC Part Deux

My second day in DC began not unlike the first. Groggy from restless sleep, rushing to get into dratted panty-hose and gulping down lukewarm tea. Class was uneventful and lunch was rather unmemorable. I daydreamed about sight-seeing as we covered grievances and case scenarios. Finally it was time to leave. However, I had to make a bargain with myself. Check-in with the office, do at least three homework problems - and only then could I run amok in the city.

Once those chores were complete I put on my walking shoes and grabbed my bag, determined to enjoy the afternoon. Matter Of Fact Mommy wasn't lying - the weather here was absolutely perfect this afternoon. I had to remind myself to slow down and enjoy the sights. The city energy is so intoxicating! I'm sure the natives were laughing at my goofy grin.

Since I'm staying in a hotel close to Union Station I decided to make my way down to the Mall on foot. It wasn't too far of a walk, mostly downhill. Once I reached Grant's Memorial I'd passed no less than 10 joggers. Upon my subsequent journey from the Capitol to the Washington Monument I became convinced that this city is teeming with wild herds of health nuts. I saw people jogging, playing kick-ball, performing martial arts, playing frisbee, tossing footballs, catching baseballs and several walkers wearing shirts that read "Walk From Obesity."

In addition there were tourists, musicians and picnics. It was like watching a scene from a movie - except that there were no directors and the actors were perfectly real. I detoured into the Hirshhorn Museum Sculpture Garden and pondered sculpture while listening to birds and buses. It was very relaxing.

After an hour and a half of wandering one side of the Mall I discovered a Navy Memorial on my map and decided to check it out. There was a musical event going on so I decided not to linger, but I did take pictures of the images that pertained to my career. Then, I went in search of dinner.

Wandering the streets on the way to my hotel I checked out several restaurants with menus posted outdoors. Nothing looked good to me until I heard some jazz music coming from the District Chop House. When I was seated I noticed that there was a "Velvet Tap" on their beer list. Apparently, it's mixed with Nitrogen instead of CO2 - which creates a very smooth finish. Well, I had to give it a try! (Along with the Gorgonzola Filet Medallions)

I think I was attracted to the Chop House because of the energy (seem to be using that word a lot lately). It seemed busy and cozy at the same time. I was alone, but I was able to have company without conversation. Almost the best of both worlds. Almost.

I took the Metro from China Town back to Union Station. It's different at night, but not threatening. I think I'm getting used to it now. Tomorrow will be the real test - I'm going to switch lines! Whooooo - breaking out of the box! For now, I'm going to snuggle in my bed and think about Muffin. I hope she's having a good time. I hope she's wearing sun screen! (Sun Scream!) Miss you baby!

DC Trip - Day One

I'm in our nation's capitol for a whole week! Sure, I have to go to some EEO training - but I get to stay in a nice hotel and eat out all week! Of course, I don't sleep well in strange beds and eating out all week will likely cause me to blow up like a puffer fish. I don't care! I'm living la dolce vida!

The three hour trip last night was uneventful. I'm driving a Mazda 5, a zippy little four-door hatch back, for the week. Rentals are fun! I checked in around 8:30pm last night and made my way over to Union Station to check on Metro tickets and times. The metro lady was super nice and helped me get a ticket with enough money on it to cover my round trip fare all week. Thanks Super-Nice-Metro-Lady! I will be sure to pass the word along that not all Metro employees are as nasty as we have been led to believe.

I didn't sleep well last night, but I knew I'd be fretful the first evening. Hopefully tonight will be easier. Getting ready in a hotel room is always a little painful the first morning. It's an adventure to discover which very important grooming item you've left at home! Being an especially paranoid (read: obsessive) person I was at Union Station at 7am to ride a 6 minute train to a class that didn't start until 8am. Thankfully, I had the foresight to bring a book to read for the next 50 minutes.

The class is pretty full, and I'd say about a quarter of the class is military. Boy am I glad that I decided to ditch the uniform this week! I'd have been the only person wearing one! As it was, you can always spot the military folk. We're the ones that look uncomfortable and awkward in our civies. It's like having part of your identity taken away. The girls don't know how to fix their hair properly (since we usually keep it in a bun) and the guys have generally made an unfortunate choice in shoes. Ah well, c'est la vie.

I ate lunch alone at a little restaurant called Mezza Luna. I had a fantastic salmon and wild green salad at an outdoor table, my anonymity protected by the low fence so that I could people watch behind my sunglasses. I felt very European and soaked up the ambiance.

Speaking of soaking... The sky opened up just as they released us from class this afternoon. I bolted for the Metro station and emerged at Union Station searching for an umbrella. I joined a line of unfortunates in the nearby travel shop and paid $15 for a black umbrella. I suppose I shouldn't complain. It was certainly better than nothing!

Due to the rain, I elected to eat dinner at the pub downstairs. It did not disappoint. A lovely London Broil followed by Apple Crumb Cake. Now I'm in my jammies, covered with a complementary fluffy white robe, and missing my little girl. I wonder what tomorrow will bring?