election night in washington, dc

**enter here to win a signed copy of Secrets of the Mommyhood**

I have long joked that Capitol Hill (or as I often call it, D.C.H.S)  is like a big high school. The hierarchy of staff parallel class ranks. There are rivalries. And oh, the gossip you'll hear in the cafeterias! That makes election night not unlike, say, homecoming as every one awaits the big announcement revealing who takes the crown. On election night in Washington there are celebrations all over the city - big, small, partisan and just party!

The party I went to last night (which you can read about over at Fedscoop!) was held in my favorite museum. I loved looking out the windows to see the Capitol and the monuments while watching election results.  D.C.H.S Pride, indeed!

where the blogway meets the runway it's a small, small world

**enter here to win a $50 gift card from Tiny Prints!**

One fun fact about Washington is that you can bump into strangers on the street and hours later find yourself sharing secrets over dinner.  Now this doesn't happen every night, but in my years here it's happened a few times, and that's where today's story picks up.  Last night.

I was solo at Bloomingdales for a charity fashion show (which you can read more about over at Fedscoop!). Going to events alone makes me nervous and socially awkward so when through a cluster of geeks and glamazons I saw the familiar face of someone I "know" but have never met - MCW from Saving the Best for Last blog - I was thrilled!

When we locked eyes MCW rebuffed the gentleman vying for her attention by telling him she'd just seen an old friend. HAAA.

We've been reading each other's blogs for a while, even meaning to meet up for drinks. Life just kept getting the way. Until...life suddenly imitated Anna Wintour and landed us front and center beside the runway.  I call this The Devil Wears Forever 21......(cause that's where I bought my sunglasses). 

I mean, how often do you meet people who'll play Posh with you by pose-harding for sport? 

MCW was there with Landlocked Mermaid (center above; she blogs privately). Before we knew it the three of us were shopping for lip-gloss before gossiping over a late night dinner. I had SUCH a good time, and loved that a soiree I feared would leave me the wallflower instead made me a bonafide Disney princess.....

"The Disney Princesses" is what Mermaid's husband calls all the bloggers she knows and reads. Hysterical.  I'm so happy to be part of Mermaid and MCW's small blog world! 

party politics

One of the first things that surprised me when I moved to Washington was how seriously people took televised political events.  After a while, I too was quick to add State of the Union addresses, convention speeches, and of course, political debates as a reason to have a party! Today over at Fedscoop (and in advance of this week's Veep debates!) I'm offering a two-party system for making a fun night out of watching the debates! You don't have to live inside the Beltway to get in on party politics...read more about it here!

q+a with hilary phelps

Her brother, Michael, may have some gold medals under his belt Speedo, but can he whip up sweet potatoes and recommend the best moisturizer for the changing season?  Hilary Phelps can, and does...then blogs about it with a true Genuine Joy! I shared some Q+A with this D.C. Lifestyle blogger. Find out where Hilary would take the First Lady to dinner in today's Social Studies column over at FedScoop!

Pool, Shower, Grill, Eat, Sleep....and Repeat.

Spring was....a little exhausting at our house. That's why I'm welcoming a very slow, simple start to summertime! I love that since Memorial Day we've done little more than eat pimento cheese sandwiches for lunch....

sing along with friends at outdoor concerts....

Chicken Fried Bromance - Dave and Dan at the Zac Brown Band concert

read books bought at the grocery store...

Nora's The Inn BoonsBoro trilolgy is set in Maryland - I sort of love it!

and disregarded all to-do lists at home for spending the bulk of our weekend days at the pool. 

Having no real plans on the books is especially handy when on Friday, flooding and tornadoes leaves one stuck in the District....

Though you can't make it out in the photo I sent to Dan, the sign I'm holding says "Stranded Since 6pm"

I don't know why the center of the free world shuts down every time there is inclement weather, but the Beltway was flooded and the news in Maryland was, "If you have loved ones in DC, tell them stay put!" So, after about two crazy hours sitting in gridlock on Capitol Hill, I called my friend Julie to see if she would be my shelter from the storm. The street I was stuck on is the street where she lives, so if you believe in predestined slumber parties.....which I do, then you guess correctly that pizza was then ordered, Easy A was watched and lots of girl talk was passed while the rain poured. By Saturday morning, though, the sun was shining again and I quickly fell back into the rigid schedule of pool, shower, grill, eat, sleep...

and repeat! 

Southern Nights in DC

You can win a $50 gift card to shop Shabby Apple - enter HERE!

I grew up in Tennessee listening to country music and have remained a huge fan, especially of classic artists and songs. In fact, the older I get  the more classic I become, it's the old school stuff I love most. 

So, when I had the chance Wednesday to make a night in Washington a Southern Night by attending a special performance by Glen Campbell at the Library of Congress, I RSVPed yes in an instant. Then, I asked our new hire, a cute girl with college graduation just days behind her, if she knew who Glen Campbell is; she didn't. I felt old.  Patrick and Jocelyn do, however....

...and so they came, too!  Before the concert there was a reception, also at the Library. I had no idea there was this pretty garden nestled outside the Jefferson building....

That's where we spent most of our times stalking the catering staff for mini-bites of beef, lobster, shrimp and chicken salad... 

and also trying to casually find ourselves next to Jane Seymour, who was also there (obviously, with an open heart). She MC'ed the concert....

This night was hosted by the Alzheimer's Association....

You can find an open bar and free food around Capitol Hill on any night of the week, but it isn't always special, and this event was truly well done. 

Glen Campbell, who has been very public about his battle with Alzheimer's Disease, is on his final tour this year, playing hits old and new. I had tried to buy tickets for his concerts at The Birchmere, a cool dinner theater outside Washington, but all three shows were sold out! Last night's performance was so special, and I was just thrilled to get to see it. 

Good Christian Brunching

There's a new TV show called GCB. It's a bit like Hope Floats meets Desperate Housewives.  "GCB" stands for Good Christian B-tches. Now, if you're a person who gets offended when someone says "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas" I can tell you right now - you will HATE this show. I believe God happens to have a clever sense of humor, so I am wildly amused by the fun poked at the stereotyping of many things that I am/have been at times: Southern, blond, hypocritical and closed-minded about religion. The show is hysterical, and as my friends gathered yesterday to celebrate Easter together, it was referenced a few times. 

If like me, you're a Christian without a church home you know that Easter can be a bit of a challenge (especially if you don't live near your family and/or your spouse has tickets to the O's game). You feel like it's wrong to pop into a church just because it's Easter (and if you watch GCB you know the Don't-Miss-a-Sunday types will accuse you of just coming to show off your Easter outfit anyway).

At the same time, you still want to mark the holiday. So, what's a girl to do? 

Well, first you make a brunch reservation....

then you find a church nearby and become so sweetly surprised when the strangers there greet you so warmly.  That's how I spent Easter yesterday - with really good friends, at a beautiful church in Washington, where a very life-applicable message on Second Chances was offered. While there I was reminded of just how much I appreciate the rituals of church, and the sense of renewal that returns instantly, even inside a sanctuary you have never been in before...and may never be in again.

After the service, our group settled in for a little GCB-ing of our own...

Good Christian Brunching! While there, I was reminded of just how much I appreciate the fun and loyal friends that bless my life.  


And the people said...amen.

A Dinner Date With My Husbands

When I was in my late twenties/early thirties and still single, I confess that I would often get a tad bitter when I'd hear about a woman my age or younger who was on her second husband. To nurse the sting, I’d often turn to the bottle…

Kidding about the bottle part. But Photojournalism 101 - Write to your pictures. I digress...

Not that anyone should be denied a second-chance at love, but I wasn't processing the news with that kind of mindset. Selfishly, I was questioning how some people could land two husbands when I couldn't even find a good boyfriend. Silly? A little. Human? I think completely.

Years (and hostility) have since passed as I now find myself with two husbands of my own...without the drama of divorce, AND at the very same time!

Now, I rarely drink alone....

That part is actually true.

Friday I went to dinner with the husbands at Aqua Al2, a new-ish restaurant in the Eastern Market neighborhood of Capitol Hill.

You know Dan, of course, the first and primary spouse. We happily share all the good and the bad that comes with a legal union. He cringes when forced to wach One Tree Hill, still feigns interest and amusement when I plan a party, and says he thinks I look pretty without any make-up. We like to hold hands while sitting on the couch. And introducing (said in the same TV voice as the Smash commercial) Patrick...

Patrick is my work husband. We share all the good and bad that comes with a job in politics. With me, he never tires of making reference to when that dog ate Dan Scott's new heart, is very vocal about how ridiculous he thinks my party planning can be, and tells me that I’m in high-def when I come to work without my face on. We like to gmail chat while sitting six feet from each other.


Disclaimer: I'm not mocking real marriage here, and all parties involved in this little dinner trifecta (i.e, the Brother Husbands and I) know there's no divorce trajectory in motion. Our husbands jokes are all in good fun, even if a tad cheesey...


With them, I had a grand time putting the "2" in Aqua Al (where we went to celebrate Patrick’s birthday!).

Two dapper dates, two bowls of homemade pasta...

...that makes me one happy girl!

%h!t People in DC Say

At this point, you've seen a handful of those clever YouTube guys mocking a particular demographic.  Today I saw Shit People in DC Say and it is HY-ster!

It's been a good nine years since I jumbo sliced it, and all my friends have moved out of their English basements, but it makes me kind of happy that, despite my address in the Maryland 'burbs, I'm still hip to the DC Scene (see also my posts on: biking, cupcakes, embassy parties, Food Truck Friday, and a new burger place) at least according to YouTube.

I can't wait for Shit Hill People Say to come out.

Is your boss still here? 
Are we in Session?
Bullies or T-Coast?
House Side or Senate Side?

The shit material would be endless!

Give a Little More Than Thanks

On Saturday, Dan and I had signed up to volunteer at a local food bank - but there was not enough food donated to even use the help of volunteers! Can you believe that?

The weekend before a big holiday, especially a food-centered one like Thanksgiving, is typically a busy time for charities that feed the hungry. We were ready to help unload boxes, separate the corn from the green beans. On Friday afternoon, however, the food bank called and said, Thanks, but...we don't need you. 

The Washington metro area is home to our  country's highest earners and even when the job market was at its worst, D.C. was still rated as one of the best places to look for work. That's why I was really shocked to learn a food bank in our area hadn't received enough food - on the week before Thanksgiving!!!- to even warrant volunteers.

On the weekends I always watch CBS Sunday Morning - it's my all-time favorite morning news magazine and the theme of this week's show, in advance of Turkey Day, was food.  There was a story on how hunger has come to Easy Street . Forsyth County in Georgia - the wealtiest county in its State, the thirtheenth wealthiest place in the U.S. - is also seeing an uptick in the patrons of its food bank.

If food banks in places where most people do earn decent livings are struggling, that means that food banks everywhere are likely hurting.  Keep that in mind as you're shopping this week and the rest of the holiday season. If your grocery store has promotions to buy a box of pre-bagged food to be donated, or even a cart where you can toss in a few can goods....if you can, do it. When you consider charities to support at Christmas time, think of your local food banks - I think every little bit really will matter right now!

Because we couldn't give our time this weekend, Dan and I have to decided to make a donation to a food bank in our area. I'll be inclucing  the sponsorship from last week's paid blog post with what we give, and for every comment left on this post, telling me about (or linking to!)  your favorite charity or what you're doing this holiday season to help your community, I'll add an extra can good to take to the food bank.  

I think it's always enough to just be grateful for what we have in life, but if you can give a little more than thanks this week, this holiday season...then find a way to do that, too!

I Can Feel St. Elmo's Fire...

In what world do friends celebrate the anniversary of their meeting? In Washington. In mine...

Invite - paperlesspost.com

You can blame Bill Clinton for this hubris. If you've read his book, you know that when he was coming up in politics, he took daily notes about who he met and when. Networking 101, I guess? Well, a guy from North Carolina read that book, and following suit, came to Washington with a front pocket full of notecards and a Montblanc to record both the mundane and the momentous.

That's how we know now the exact date of when we all became friends.....

On October 11, 2001, after some young co-eds were over-served at a cocktail party, they ventured past the gates of the White House to the bar at Old Ebbitt Grill. Basic geography had sparked the fire of their casual meeting - two of them came from North Carolina, two of them from Tennessee; in Washington, this practically makes you cousins. Before the night was over, Ian was carrying Patra's shoes.  Mary was speaking to P.R., Patra's mother, on the telephone while back in Tennessee, P.R. implored, with a mix of disappointment and worry, to her daughter: You better hope these are nice people. As she takes it all in, Jenny remarks that this is how nights in Washington should be spent. Cue John Parr right now.

If we had a dollar for every time we've retold this story, unedited, we'd knock a chunk out of the National Debt. Last night, Ian, Mary and I returned to Old Ebbitt Grill.

Jenny couldn't make it, but Aaron was in town, so we gave him a VIP pass to join us. Even though he wasn't there that night, through the years he's been a real timber in our own little St. Elmo's Fire.

Between all of our new jobs, lost jobs, (f)unemployment, broken hearts, moves and marriages, we have made in just ten years a lifetime of memories.

As P.R. has come to know on her own..these are very nice people.

We marked five years at OEG. When year 15 rolls around, if we're all still in town, we'll celebrate St. Elmo's Fire Day, as October 11 has come to be known, all over again.

What I Really Wanted to Ask John Grisham

There was a movie premiere Monday night in Washington. No, not Jen's. But John's......

John Grisham.  Or, as Patrick and I code-named him as we stalked him throughout a cocktail party...Jake Brigance.

 You're one of 'em, Jake...

Jake, er...John Grisham was among panelists discussing Mississippi Innoncence, an indy doc that showcases two wrongly convicted men from the same town in Mississippi, and their fight to eventual freedom.

The movie made its national debut last night at The Newseum, and the work hubs was kind enough to take me as his plus one.

I was excited to go because...well, there would be lobster corn dogs amd other savories served on sticks, thank you WolfGang. And though I am a tad more discerning before giving an RSVP, Yes to a school night event now that I domesticate from the 'burbs, I'm willing to trade a late arrival home for movie premieres with best-selling authors after-hours inside my favorite Washington museum.

I'm ashamed to admit, now having watched the film which was serious and moving, that I went into this night thinking only about things I wanted to beg of Grisham:

Why are you so smug when Matt Lauer interviews you?

What do you think of Justin Timberlake reprising the role of Jake from A Time to Kill on Broadway?

How did you get Matthew McConaughey so perfectly sweaty for your movie?

The thing is, Carl Lee Bailey was right when he called Jake out for only pretending to be a comman man. You knew that didn't you. You've seen A Time To Kill 2,342,423 times on TBS, too. So you aren't surprised that Mr. Grisham quickly took his by-line good-bye. He was no where to be found at the reception with the rest of us passed-app chasers.

It was still a great night, though. As any pap will tell you, be it actor or author, the thrill is in the hunt. What we lost in some face time with Grisham, we surely gained in prosciutto wrapped mascarpone.