Saturday, January 26, 2013

President 44

Now that all of those "other" online news sources - CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post - have wrapped up their coverage, it's time for me to give you my exclusive take of the 2nd Inauguration of our 44th President. Those other blogs may have all-access, interviews, expert historians, but did they watch a guy almost fall out of a tree, hug a stranger or wear 17 layers of clothing and dehydrate themselves all morning in an effort to avoid a Porta-Potty? I think not.

This past Monday, I got to go to the Inauguration with nearly one million of my closest friends (flu shot, don't fail me now!) My mom - once again - graced our nation's capital with her presence in order to witness the historic day. But, before I get to Inauguration Day itself, let me tell you about the amazing weekend we had leading up to it. (Pace yourselves. This one's a doozy.)

The weekend kicked off on Friday night when I went to the gallery opening of M Central, a cool pop-up warehouse space on H Street NE. M Central was the "millennial basecamp" for Inauguration weekend and hosted several events for young professionals and thought-leaders. I was excited to get to see the space and the incredible art. (Be sure to checkout their facebook page for highlights from the weekend.) My friend Anna went with me and once we had our fill of art, we headed to The Big Board for a drink, a bar I was told had board games. I'd never been there before but, clearly, I was game. (PUN INTENDED. Nailed it.)

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Mom's Birthday Food Tour

NOTE: This post is late. It's been sitting half-done in my draft pile for exactly 11 days. But I've been really busy watching movies and painting my nails and stuff, you guys. You have no idea. 11 days late, but here it is...

Since she's such a wonderful "Grammy," my mom was up here helping take care of Charlie in the weeks following his release from the hospital, allowing Melissa and Pete to go back to work. It was great because she'd send me pictures of him all day long. Although, I also fear she undid all of the groundwork I'd been laying to establish myself as his favorite non-parental relative. Now that she's back down I-95, I'll have to get over there to continue the brainwashing. I want his first full sentence to be "Aunt Lindsay is my bestie."

The new "Nanny Grammy" schedule meant that she would be here for her birthday. I won't reveal which birthday it was but, let's just say that, the closer I get to 30, the sooner she's going to have to pick a new repeating birthday number. She's been thirty for a decade or so now - an amazing feat considering my sister has already passed that milestone.

And that folks, is the exact moment in time when my mom and sister both stopped following my blog.

No matter the mathematics, January 5 was my mom's special day and she was in town so - of course - she deserved to be wined and dined and wined a bit more.

First up on the Birthday Food Tour was Dino, the exquisitely delicious (lofty adjectives are justified) local Italian restaurant. I say "local" because that is its proximity to me, but Dino is a favorite throughout the city (and, dare I say beyond.) We went with family friends - and former Charlotte neighbors - The Clouds, who'd also heard rave reviews of the local eatery. 

If this was an actual food blog or I considered myself a "foodie" then I'd have written about what everyone at the table ordered, the presentation and their reviews, in order to give a better sampling of the menu. But, I was focused on my meal so I don't really know what they had. I'm sure it was good. I was well on my way into a wine and food coma by about 8pm so I can't be expected to remember such things. Don't expect that high-level of reporting from me. I do know I had the Canestri - Kabocha & Lentils: lentil & roast squash, roasted garlic, pecorino cheese, shell shaped pasta. Mmmm...don't mind if I do. 

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Happy Birthday, Mom

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Happy birthday to the coolest grandma, best chef, favorite farmers' market companion, fine wine connoisseur and greatest Mom in the world. Love you!
 
Don't be mad about the picture. It was all Charlie's idea. That baby is so fresh. 

Bonus pic:

 P.S.  On an unrelated note, since my resolutions post just 2 days ago, I've already started to tackle one of my resolutions. That's right, folks. I vacuumed! Take that, 2013. 

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Twenty Thirteen

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

My first New Year's Eve in DC was a magical one - magical because I went to bed at 11:30p.m. and, when I woke up, it was next year! Ah, the magical passage of time. 

Yes, I missed the ball drop. I skipped the opportunity to wear sequins, a sparkly tiara and hit the town. It had been a long week and I'd been on the road all day driving back from NC. I had a headache and the only thing that could fix it was a glass of prosecco, my cozy bed and a solid eight hours of sleep. 

I did celebrate 2013 the next day at brunch with friends at Jefferson 20 in Old Town Alexandria. While my friends were exhausted from the previous night's festivities, I was refreshed and well-rested, ready to take on my bottomless mimosas. And by "bottomless," I mean, two  - just enough to make the deal worth it.