#33 Reaction to a Snowstorm

One of the great things about living in DC is when a snowstorm is predicted, and by storm I mean even an inch. For some reason DC has not come to terms with the fact that they may get snow, so each time that it is predicted, there's a rush on all staple items and people generally freak out. Now in the last five years, we've had many predictions of snowstorms, but nothing of note, until just recently. I must say the wait was worth it, although I wish it had occurred on a Tuesday or at least a work day. Everything being shut down except liquor stores is a great reason to relax, pour some Baileys, and get out the sled, or snowboard as my roommate Sara did behind a friend's jeep, and take advantage of the anarchy of the DC streets in a snowstorm.

#32 The Hustle

I've realized especially this fall while I've been traveling a lot that I often get frustrated with people in other cities for walking too slow or not knowing that you only stand to the right if you don't want to walk down the escalator. In DC these are rules. No one strolls anywhere, and violating the escalator rule is enough to get you shoved or yelled yet. Even with the sea of tourists that visit DC, a DC resident knows how to execute the hustle so tourists don't break your stride. A friend of mine and I once discussed where the escalator rule applies. For instance does it apply in malls? I would argue that in the DC metro area it applies everywhere, if you're from another city, I'll forgive you in the mall. Its also more than the speed of walking, its the attitude. People in DC have somewhere to be, and its important. At my previous job we had an intern Max, that we nicknamed Hustle Max because of how quickly and with fervor he executed tasks. Well Hustle Max could be the mascot for DC, move out of the way Screech.

#30 Footer and Marla

I think this goes without explanation so I will be brief. Dr. Footer is my doctor and Marla is his receptionist. I've loved them so much that I've convinced about five of my friends to also go to him. I went to see Doctor Footer yesterday probably for the last time and I'm really going to miss them. An added plus to Dr. Footer is that his office is right next to Trader Joes.....

#29 Napping in Freedom Plaza

Freedom Plaza is at Pennsylvania and 13th street and is also the staging location for many marches, including Light the Night (love you Jon, Mr. Sanders, and Mr. Cheng, we miss you). During the day its pretty empty and within three blocks of my office. Based on my last post you'll probably think I barely work, but I really enjoy walking down here and eating my lunch while looking at the Capitol and then laying down for a quick nap. Unlike most parks/public spaces in DC, its not overrun with homeless people and there's plenty of room to stretch out and take in some sun and some mid-day sleep without worrying about being harassed for money or getting drool thats not yours on yourself, all within view of the Capitol and the White House. Thanks for the zzzzzz

#28 Park at 13th and G

Park is probably a generous term. Courtyard is probably better. Since I've moved to DC, I've worked (other than Madhatter, see #25) within a block of this little sanctuary. There's a church and a few benches and trees in the middle of metro center. Its somewhere in the middle of the day I can go and just sit and make phone calls or read my book (being anti-social as I sometimes need to be to leave Spanishland at lunch) or people watch and enjoy some sun. My favorite regular is a 45 (approx) woman who seems to always be there peacefully enjoying her book. If I'm 45 and reading in a park on my lunch break, that won't be too bad for me (lets be honest, I'm doing that now cause I'm 45). Thank you park for giving me some sun and solitude in the middle of a workday, and fewer homeless people than in normal parks.

#27 Tono Sushi

Yum. I could end it there, but as my Japanese colleague would tell you, there aren't a lot of good sushi places in DC. Tono stands apart because its cheap, it delivers, and it has inventive rolls. And they also happen to give you free bean sprout salad when you sit down. Mexican roll sounds gross but so good. It makes you feel okay about eating tuna with all that mercury, cause the Kimchi roll is that good. Tono, do you deliver to New Zealand? 45 minutes? Perfect

#26 Living in a non-state

The show "Do you think you're smarter than a fifth grader" should probably include a question about what state DC is in. I was recently in another airport, I won't name the state so as not to embarrass them, but they took my id and immediately asked me why my license didn't have a state on it. Ummm, cause DC is not a state. Apparently the fact that DC is a district is not an obvious fact for the rest of America. One thing about living in a non-state, no Senators, and as they say "Taxation with no representation". I'll keep paying those high taxes for no senators, for the laughs it gets me and the feeling of superiority over all those who don't understand our status, when I encounter this convo again. The one thing I'm pissed about is the repeal of our anti-gun laws. Not to get political on my silly blog, but why do you care what we're doing in our non-state with the highest gun violence in the country, I mean we have no senators, at least let us have no guns.

*** Yes I understand the complexities of the gun law and what it means for the rest of the U.S. Again this is a silly blog, so please save your comments on this issue for other venues