One score and seven years ago, I was born. And today I celebrated my first DC birthday at Lincoln. But, we'll get to that.
I started my birthday by waking up to a boat-load of well-wishes on Facebook. I don't mean this to sound like I think I'm important. I bring it up for two reasons:
Don't you people sleep?
If you ever think, "hmm..should I say happy birthday to this person? I haven't seen him/her in a long long time," then, the answer should always be YES. It feels good to have people wish you a happy birthday.
I continued the birthday cheerfulness by treating myself to a large iced green tea at Caribou Coffee. (I know, dream big.)
As exciting as iced green tea is, I was most looking forward to going out with friends after work.
Thanks to my sister for organizing the soiree. I feel bad that she had to do it a bit last minute but I literally forgot it was the week of my birthday. I was so preoccupied with figuring out all my stuff with the DMV that I hadn't noticed the calendar. (Ugh, I must be a grown-up or something.) So, despite her requests, I didn't email her names of my friends until Monday. Fortunately (in this case), I only know about 5 people in this city.
Per the suggestion of social guru, Jessica, we met at Lincoln.
Now, if there's anything I love, it's a theme. And the thematic decor at Lincoln was awesome. Who would've thunk it? "Lincoln" is not what readily comes to mind when brainstorming themes. I don't remember a Lincoln Party in college. Although, that would've been pretty cool. Instead of party t-shirts, we could've gotten tall hats. Take note, college kids. 80s parties are out.
And, the clue is... This girl watched two rounds of Jeopardy and hung out with Anderson Cooper and Dr. Oz.
. . . . .
Who is, ME?
That's right, Jeopardy lovers.
Well, that's sort of right.
Ok, so I didn't actually hang out with Anderson Cooper per se. We were in the same room. Is the stage considered part of the room? I think yes.
Let me start at the beginning...
When Lauren and I were rocking out to Mayer Hawthorne, she mentioned that she was going to a Jeopardy taping on Saturday and that her friend had an extra ticket. Her friend, Katie, had actually been on Jeopardy last October as a contestant. Since she is now forever part of the "Jeopardy Family," she was able to score tickets to all of the tapings in DC.
Did I mention that they were filming "POWER PLAYERS WEEK?" That's like Celebrity Jeopardy but with very smart people. No offense, non-Power-Players-Week celebrities. You guys are smart too. But, Jeopardy doesn't always think you're smart and gives you clues like, "The holiday on February 14th that celebrates love." I know you're smart. It's Alex Trebek who doesn't believe in you.
Alas, I digress.
Lauren, Katie, and I arrived at DAR Constitution Hall - which is fantastic, by the way - Saturday afternoon to find tents, production trucks, and a line of trivia-thirsty spectators. Turns out Katie scored us "Contestant Guest" tickets so we got to go in a special door. I had decided that, if anyone asked, I was going to tell them that "Contestant Guest" meant I was personally invited by Anderson Cooper. .
I try not to make this blog more serious than it needs to be and, more importantly, I try not to take myself too seriously. Because, really, who am I? I'm a twenty-something who likes to share anecdotes with friends and occasionally be snarky. In no way do I ever think my opinions on restaurants, museums, or people-who-wear fanny packs are anything more than tidbits you read on your phone while sitting in a waiting room. I get that.
That said, I do need to share my opinion on a topic that has nothing to do with Metro Rides or frozen yogurt. We'll get back to those important topics soon.
While this blog is about my move to DC, it is also still very much about my home state of NC. I mean, NC is in the title y'all. So, I've decided that it isn't just enough to post articles and forwards on Facebook. I'm moving this message to the blog as well. In hopes that just maybe someone from NC stumbles upon it.
I'm talking Amendment One, you guys.
When Amendment One was proposed, my first thought was, WTF North Carolina?! And, that's not a term I use often. I'm more of a "what-the-heck" and "daggone-it" kind of a girl. This makes NO sense. Why blatantly hurt and undercut part of the population? Amendment One is a direct "F-you" to a group of people who already don't have the rights they deserve.
I'm a heterosexual woman who hopes to someday fall in love and marry the man of my dreams. I'm glad to be able to have that dream. Other than by a drought of eligible bachelors, my dream is not threatened. And, I don't see how my future marriage with my future husband will be negatively impacted by more people being in committed, loving relationships. I could go on and on about why I think gay marriage should be legal or on why, as a Christian, my faith is in no way rattled by the notion of gay marriage.
But, that's not even what this is about.
This isn't about legalizing gay marriage.
It's about changing our constitution. Changing it in a way that will harm people.
This amendment affects more than just homosexual couples. You think you or people you love won't be harmed by this amendment? You're wrong. Read more here.
Or, watch this:
Now, am I an expert on politics? No. Am I an expert on frozen yogurt? Yes. Given these qualifications, I'm going to link to some of my favorite articles from the people who said it best and know what they're talking about.
All I ask of you, North Carolina, is that you educate yourself and really understand what you're deciding. Please don't embarrass me up here in DC by letting this thing pass. It's been awesome to see so many friends on Facebook express their opposition to the Amendment. But now you need to get out and vote no. There are too many people who stand to get hurt if you don't. It's too important.
Early voting started today. I wish I could be there. But, I'm trusting you to vote no.
Many have been sharing this powerful video. So, I leave you with this:
I'm having one of those low key evenings when you turn on the TV and get so zoned out that you don't even realize you are now 19 minutes into an episode of Khloe and Lamar. So, why not blog? After all, the reason I'm zoned out and tired is because I got all jazzed up (that means excited on good music, not on drugs or alcohol) at a concert last night, couldn't fall asleep at a reasonable hour and then had a busy day at work.
I love going to concerts. I especially love concerts in smaller venues because it makes it easier for all the musicians to fall madly in love with me from the stage. Happens. Every. Time.
When I left Charlotte, I was pretty sad to leave my favorite Neighborhood Theatre behind. I'd been to so many good concerts there. Therefore, finding some fun concerts in DC was a top priority. I was excited to see that one of my Pandora favorites, Mayer Hawthorne was performing at the 9:30 Club. I was also glad that my friend Lauren was willing to trust my musical tastes and come along!
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