#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

#25 THE MADHATTER

Yes, all caps because of how I love it so. I was planning to save this post for closer to the end when I really get sappy and sentimental (stay tuned). I was also planning to host my goodbye party at Madhatter, but alas they're trying to beat me at my own game by leaving first. Thats right, the Madhatter is closing! I know they're moving to a new location, but it will never be the same, and frankly what makes the Madhatter is the urine, mold, rotting food smell in the bathrooms, the cockroaches and rats running through the dining room at 7pm on a Thursday, and the awesome lack of a dance floor dance floor. Madhatter also holds a special place in my heart in DC because it was the first job I got and kept me afloat while slave laboring at a non-profit in my first years here. For those unfamiliar with Madhatter, its an institution. Its one of the grubbiest, most lax, places you could call an establishment in DC. While being one of the grubbiest places, it somehow has awesome cheap food, even vegetarian friendly. You should have had the veggie burger or spinach dip or veggie panini, or bottomless mimosa brunch. Too many specialties to name them all. In addition to the food, the myriad of employees of the Madhatter can't be matched. Working there was like a warm (soggy) hug, where they played Dirty by Christina Aguilara everytime I asked or Stunner Glasses from my Ipod, even if they didn't want to, and cleared off the dance floor whenever I asked. Madhatter was basically a home away from home. From Mickey the owner, to Emily a waitress that used to abuse me for my first months, and eventually got fired for being too drunk on the job (quite a feat at Madhatter), to Danny, Trey, Coach (miss those Tuesday Trivia nights), Sean, Meg (in the Peace Corps, look what Madhatter does for your career), Jessica, Tommy, David, Denise (love our JT, James Taylor or Justine Timberlake, however you like), Carp, Clara, Rosa, Theresa, Marvin, Soup,Margaret (loved your peach mimosas and will always help with roll-ups) - I will miss you! Too many memories to name them all, but those of you who read this blog, if you haven't been to Madhatter, get there before Sunday.

#24 Washington Monument pop-ups

Again sorry I haven't written in awhile, its because I haven't really been in DC. Now the Washington Monument as a favorite thing is pretty cliche. I'm referring to it in its random pop-ups on streets where you don't expect it. I lived on Ontario Road a few years ago, and out on the stoop was a perfect view of the monument. Today driving down 16th, there it popped up again. Its always great to remind you that yes we do live in our nation's capital....thank you George Washington and all you revolutionists.

#23 The corner of Monroe and 14th, in front of the liquor store

On this special corner in DC, in front of Casa de Furniture, prime real estate which has been vacant for over 2.5 years, a new tenant has put up shop. And with his wares of umbrellas, incense, Tupaq t-shirts, and saute pans, he pumps hot 90s jams. Tonight he was playing Push It, need I say more. Thank you sir for adding an extra bounce to my step on so many occasions. I hope if someone ever does put something at Casa de Furniture, that they hire you for marketing.

#22 Jury duty

I know its been awhile, don't take it personal DC.

Most people hate jury duty, which I must assume is because they've never been picked, because being a juror is awesome. Now I know I did say my job is one of the things I love about DC (refer to post 1) but I would gladly miss it to serve on a jury. This last year both my roommate and I got picked on the same day and we both were selected on juries. For a whole week we got to call each other #2 and #6 and watch National Treasure during our breaks, okay I realize that doesn't sound so awesome, but seriously there's something about getting to be on a jury that all fans of Law and Order can hopefully appreciate. Getting to know the other jurors is also fascinating. I happened to be that juror that bullied the others in the deliberation room (in my defense they weren't following the judges directions and were letting their emotions get involved). One of the great things about DC is they have the smallest juror pool of any jurisdiction, so you get the opportunity for jury duty much more frequently than anywhere else. I just wish there was a way I could slip my name back in the pool to make another go at it before I leave....

#21 Farms

I don't own a car, which I love, but if you do own a car, there are so many opportunities to visit local DC farms. This weekend I went to farmer's markets on Saturday (see #20), and then went to local farms Sunday and Monday (thank you job for giving me the day off, see #1). Sunday I went pumpkin picking with my friends Sylvia, Jenna, and Brad, and my little friends Leo and Charlie (the real reason of the adventure). There's something about bright sunshine, hay rides, live animals (goats and chickens (sheep, I'm ready for you in NZ), cider, and pumpkin rides that makes the autumn. Way better if you're with a three year old (Leo). While I think Butler's Orchard is running a racket, I had a great time and came with a pumpkin and (free) pumpkin flowers, which I immediately filled with goat cheese and herbs and fried up. Then today, I went apple picking and wine tasting and learned about organic farming. I can't wait to Woof on farms in NZ, but while I'm here I'm really enjoying all of the Capitol districts many farms and the opportunity to get out of the city all within an hour's drive.

#20 Farmers markets

So this weekend I was enrolled in an Iron Chef competition, where I had planned to make a dish with zucchini flowers, little did I know how hard they were to find. I set out early on Saturday morning, having high hopes for the Mt Pleasant Farmers market, but was sad to find out they didn't have them. However, I was happily rewarded with the farmer's market camaraderie and beautiful produce, and my friend weren't too upset with the cute volunteers. There's something about paying double for what you would at the grocery store, but you get the feel of supporting local farmers and a public market atmosphere. So no zucchini flowers lead us to two more farmer's markets, both within a mile, which is awesome in DC that we have so many public markets to choose from. While going to the many markets, there was a lot of strolling (see #18) and no zucchini flowers found, but lots of appreciation for the local farmers that trek there products into DC for our enjoyment/enlightenment. Thank you local farmers and DC permits for allowing our public markets

#19 Small random latins

Now a few of my friends say how do you classify a Latin? Well, now what I mean are people of the hispanic/latin origin, depending on how you like to classify. And, Mt Pleasant/Columbia Heights has a fair share. And I love the randomness of little Latin kids running around playing with a soccer (futbol) ball and waylaying them and trying to get in on the game, just while you're out walking around. I love you Latin children!! Please cross my path every weekend I'm left here and make my day, I will miss you

#18 Crumbs and Coffee

Situated very conveniently at Ontario and Columbia Road, Crumbs and Coffee is a gem in the rough. And by rough I mean the myriad of random dollar stores or weird check cashing places, secretly I think a cover for laundering money. But anyway, I used to live at Ontario and Euclid, so when I discoverd Crumbs and Coffee it was like an, ahhhhh moment. So this past weekend, went awalking and realized, yes! I get to stop at Crumbs and Coffee for a coffee and stroll around. Well, little did I know it was even better with an expanded menu. They now have an Egg Grap. Yes thats right, and I know you're wondering what it is. When I asked, the salesperson said, "You know its an egg sandwich in a tortilla wrap". Oh of course, the Egg G(w)rap. Well, I love you C and C, especially for lasting with all the chains and mayhem. Glad I can still come visit, even though I'm not in the neighborhood, and when I'm in the mood for a Grap, I know the only place to find it.

#17 Walkability

Again as you know, I was just in San Diego, where having a car is mandatory. I love that when I moved here five years ago I was able to sell my car, because the city is so easy to get around via public transportation (see #5) or just plain walking. I frequently walk to and from work, which takes about as long as the normal bus (not the Circulator, thats much faster than my walking). I should however state that when I saying "DC" is walkable, what I really mean is Northwest DC, or one quadrant, one fourth of the city. Now I've never tried walking to Northeast or Southeast DC or walking within either quadrant, which probably has a lot to do with me still being alive, but if anyone would like to correct me on this (you know all of you reading this blog), comments are welcome. Remember my good friend Stephanie, well she even walks to Northern Virginia (typically only late at night along the GW parkway, but...), thats how walkable this city is.

#16 The Zoo

Sorry for the long time lapse. I've been in San Diego, which coincidentally is home to, some would say, the best zoo in the world. I grew up going to the San Diego Zoo and just went back this past week for the first time in awhile. It is still as awesome as ever, if not even better, but you know what - its expensive! Luckily I went with my Dad (yes, I'm seven years old) and he treated, I did buy my own popcorn however. Anyway, while I will admit DC's zoo is not quite to the level of San Diego, its FREE! And we have had a baby panda and baby tigers in the last five years that I've lived here. There's something about going to the zoo that makes you feel like you're a kid again and makes you forget about your high stress job or family drama or how you're a little groggy from the night before, and what's great about DC is that you can do that everyday if you want. My friend Dave was visiting recently, and the one thing he wanted to do while he was here was visit the zoo, which just reminded me how lucky we are to be able to go for free. Thank you DC for letting me live a childhood moment and make monkey faces and animal noises everyday if I please.

#15 Browns Market

Most small beer/liquor stores are closed on Sunday - not something I appreciate. So #15 goes out to you Browns Market, way to go on staying open (and being close to my house) on Sundays.

#14 Rock Creek Park

One of the other joys of Columbia Heights is its close proximity to Rock Creek Park. Or DC's Central Park, if you will. Favored by runners and strollers, Rock Creek Park extends from the northern DC border all the way to Georgetown. Not only is it home to the Zoo, but also has its own golf course, planetarium, and I'm sure countless other wonders that I haven't discovered. Today, my now infamous friend Stephanie (I swear I have more friends than just her, she just happens, as she says, to be very "quotable"), meandered down to Rock Creek park to have a picnic and play a game of bocce on a beautiful September day (refer to #13). Now granted we didn't venture very far into the park, actually be found a spot right a long the busy parkway (see upcoming post), which was still quite a nice escape from the city. About halfway through our bocce game (which I won), an elderly couple including a gentleman with a cane pulled up and parked and proceeded to unload their own picnic. Now our picnic included using a Snuggie as a blanket, miller lites, subs, and pickles. Their picnic included a full table, two chairs, tablecloth, wine, and it appeared that they were eating something scrumptious off of PLATES. In my imagination, this is their Sunday ritual. Elderly couple, you made my day. Well, and the young man who came up just before we were leaving, and found a spot between us and the elderly couple. His picnic included himself and his bare hairy chest. Just goes to show you, Rock Creek holds something special for everyone.

#13 Proximity to other cities

This could be said for many cities on the East Coast, but I would argue that DC is uniquely placed at the juncture of the North and South and offers easy access to both. Seeing friends who live in Baltimore, New York, Boston, and Philadelphia, Charlotte, Virginia Beach, Raleigh are all within an easy drive/train/bus ride from DC. Now to be totally honest, since I've lived here I've never gone south (barring international trips or plane rides). I know weird, but I hear and figure that its pretty easy. And I have always wanted to go to the Outer Banks and also go to South of the Border, and relive my high school glory days on the Myrtle Beach strip. I still have 86 days left, so we'll see.

Anyway, its very easy and cheap to go North, this I know. First of all there's Amtrak, which is so nice, and so much better than flying - drink/snack car anyone? And although its not quite so cheap anymore, its still often cheaper than flying and much more convenient. And then there's Bolt Bus, just $20 bucks and you're in NY, with WiFi the whole way, and a friendly often stand-up comedian bus driver, and a rest stop along the way in case you're craving a BK Veggie Burger. Somehow they always make it in less than 4.5 hours, which I have never accomplished driving. So way to go Bolt at living up to your name!

So when you're not in the mood for appreciating DC, ahem, at least there's a lot close by thats cheap and easy, just how I like it.

#12 September

Finally the oppressive summer heat has ended and we're left with cool mornings and gorgeous days. September also means the end (usually) of crazy summer travel and a chance to be in DC and enjoy the weekends. September also brings the National Book Festival (refer to #2) and Adams Morgan Day festival (refer to #6), so quite a variety here in our nation's capital. Ahhh, say that you'll remember....

#11 Columbia Heights ever-changing scene

Tonight I went on a Columbia Heights bar crawl (ok, slight exaggeration, I mean its 10pm and I'm home watching 20/20), including two new bars/restaurants - Social and Room 11, both of which are very cute, modern, with great reasonably priced food and wine, and to be honest, quite surprising and welcome in C Heights. I remember 2.5 years ago when we moved into the neighborhood and Ruby Tuesday, and a string of Latin places - Rumberos, El Rinconito Dos, Rincon Deportivo were our only choice within a four block radius. And then came The Heights, which we then overdosed on ginger calamari and grilled romaine salad for a good year. Well now there's a parade of new restaurants, including the main corner of 14th and Park which has changed three times since we've moved in - always something new, even in the same location. We've seen the fall of Carvel, and the happy addition of a Potbelly. Its been a great time to live in Columbia Heights and watch its transformation (in both good and bad ways). Ruby Tuesday is still hanging on, and although I love the salad bar, I'm not sure thats enough to keep it in business for long....

#10 The Inauguration

Now even though it only happens every four years, its one of the great moments in DC (especially this last year). Its a full weekend of celebrity stalking, free events, and when else do you get to say that you're going to a BALL? There's also that special moment in history that you get to be part of - just because you live here. This past year, I had dinner next to Bon Jovi, took a pedicab everyday (which previously did not exist in DC), worked at Big Sky Night (Montana's BALL) in a ski hat and scarf with a blow up snowboarding machine on the dance floor, while my friend gave directions to Ron Howard, and was in the best section for the Inauguration - PURPLE, PURPLE, PURPLE. Memories to last a lifetime...

#9 Cab drivers

For the most part....there are a few bad apples out there. But in general cab drivers in DC are pretty entertaining. I have recently discussed heating up a punani with one, the fact that our friend Eve should really be dating an Adam, and the state of Eritrea's latest politics. One thing specific to DC's cab drivers, they're probably some of the smartest people in the city (refer to #7) due in large part to the fact that they listen to NPR all day. My roommate Sara probably loves them even more than I do, given her many enlightening conversations regarding the state of the world at 4am. All this said, I would probably not be writing this post, if we still had the zone system, so cabbies, the meter system has allowed me to see your inner beauty, since I'm not distracted by the fact that you were ripping me off.

#8 Potbelly

Yes Potbelly exists in other cities, but none that I have ever lived in so its going in my DC list. For those unaware, Potbelly is a sandwich shop whose signature is toasting their sandwiches and for their hot peppers. They are amazing and I, and all others that have taste, am basically always in the mood for one. The best part, they're only $4. They recently came out with the "BIG" which has 30% more awesomeness. As my friend Sara put it, the worst thing about Potbelly is the last bite.

#7 The DC Public Library

Now I generally love all libraries (refer to #2), but DC's hold a special place in my heart, maybe because I'm the only person I know who actually uses the library here, so I feel like its my special place. I know you might be thinking, my special place, plus the special place of 100 homeless people who are there everyday. Well anyway, there also happens to be a library right by my office and one right by my house, so I'm never far from the dusty shelves. I also love that you can reserve books online (I know, crazy) and that you can do self check-out. The one thing I would like to make note of is that the coolest room in the Mt. Pleasant branch is reserved for teens, and I have yet to see a single teen in the library (at any branch), so Mt. P can you please let me into the teen room? - DDS for life

#6 Smart Conversations

This post sort of goes along with Everyone's Dork, and I'll just warn you now there may be a fair amount of overlap since I do need to come up with 100 things.

One of the biggest things I first noticed when I moved here was that the first question people ask you is, "So what do you do for work?". In other cities I've lived in, the first question would probably be "So what do you do for fun?" or more likely "Is your father a robber, cause he stole the stars from the sky and put them in your eyes?" Additionally, in most other cities, if you try to discuss politics in a bar, you probably won't have many people to talk with, whereas in DC if you don't know about politics, people will probably move on pretty quick.

Of course, all of these comparisons have pluses and minuses, but what you are always guaranteed is having smart conversations at a higher frequency, well unless you're in Adams Morgan.

#5 The Circulator

First and foremost the Circulator always reminds me of the hip-hop hit "The Percolator" by Cajmere, and that makes me smile as I sing "Its time for the Circ-u-lator, its time for the Circ-u-lator". Plus any public transportation option that makes you bounce and wiggle down the street is a winner in my mind. Here's a few other things that make the Circulator awesome:

-only $1, still not sure why its 0.35 cheaper than the normal bus, but not complaining

-its routes are based on connecting popular neighborhoods to live with downtown areas to work (or whatever else you want to do downtown)

-its a bright cheery red

-it only makes about a third of the stops of the normal buses so its super quick

It's one downfall I will say is that it has seats that face each other and are so close that you're basically playing knee footsie with whomever you're across. However if I meet someone on the Circulator because of this feature, it will soon become a plus. "It's time for the Circulator....."

#4 Embassy events

Last night I had the honor of being invited to an event at one of the embassy residences. It reminded me how lucky we are in DC to have a glimpse into so many different cultures and places just by going down the street. For a night, you get to eat the food of another country (for free!), meet important dignitaries, and strut around while you think how important and culturally aware you are.

#2 Everyone's a dork

So I had a different number two, but will revisit at a later date, hence the out of orderness of these posts. And not that the order matters, I just need to reach a 100.

Growing up I was always a big lover of reading, vocabulary, a member of the chess club, asked for a microscope for my birthday, was in Girl Scouts in middle school, and even received a Role Model Recognition award. You know, basically a big dork. As high school came along, I found myself made fun of more and more, even receiving the nicknames DDS (dewey decimal system for you non-readers out there) and Copernicus so I quickly learned I should hide these interests and start wearing mini skirts and become a stat girl for the guys lacrosse team.

When I moved to DC, I quickly realized everyone's a dork here and if you don't embrace your inner dork (or outer) that you won't really fit in and you won't get much out of DC. You may remember my friend Stephanie mentioned in the first post. Well she hates reading and in DC everyone makes fun of her!! Luckily she has other dorky qualities (she loves maps for instance) so she's not completely ostracized.

To all you young people out there reading this blog (is anyone reading this blog?) save your chess sets, magic tricks, and rare stamp collections, for one day when you can come to DC and be the coolest kid on the block for all your dorkyness.

#3 Reagan National Airport

You might be thinking who loves/appreciates airports? Most of the time you want to spend as little time as possible, and probably spend more time complaining about the experience than anything else. This is why I love National Airport even more, which to be fair is not actually in DC, but I would argue is part of the DC living experience, so I'm including it.

I happen to travel a lot both for work and a little bit of fun here and there. I've been to a lot of airports and have had a lot of bad travel experiences, and yet everytime I walk into National Airport, it feels like a warm hug (coming or going) and I'm so glad to be back. Here's a few things that make Ronald Reagan National Airport awesome:

-metro accessible, and not from some metro to the shuttle to the metro or metro to the MARC to the shuttle, but actually just walk out of the terminal onto the metro

-no long security lines, I don't know how they accomplish this, but keep it up, I'll be back to visit in a few weeks

-Potbelly in one terminal, Einstein bagels in the other

-Terminal A, this is like the annex to Reagan National and you can basically arrive 15 minutes before your flight and walk through

-the view of DC as you take off/land

-the fact that you have to fly over the Potomac so the plane doesn't go over Kennedy's grave (its like living a piece of history on every flight)

-a cab from the airport if you choose not to take the super convenient metro is 20 dollars and 15 minutes, instead of other terrible area airports which will remain nameless

National I love you!! Never change! I'll see you in three days for another hug

#1 Jobs

I should mention that I'm in Lima, Peru for my job right now, which may be influencing this post and my appreciation of it as part of DC, BUT I would still say that DC is a very easy place to get a job and has a wide selection of very cool jobs. As an example here's what my friends do:

-PR for National Geographic, thats Nats Geo for those of you in the know

-Event Designer on the Hill

-legislative staff for numerous Congress people

-Manager of Strategy for United Way, just this job title is worth it

-kitchen and bath designer

-Project manager for international children's foundation (BTW, she's also in Peru for work right now, coincidence? Or does this prove my point?)

The other thing is that people don't come to DC for its hot nightlife or great weather, they come here for one of these great jobs I've been talking about. So in addition to there being great jobs, everyone (exaggeration) loves their job, even if most of the time they act like they hate it and are working too many hours for too little money.

P.S. I'm going to Machu Picchu this weekend. Thank you job, I appreciate you.

100 days left in DC

As a means of a short introduction to this blog, I'm moving to New Zealand after 5 years in Washington DC, and had the idea to start a journal where I would write down something each day for the last 100 days that I am in town in order to make sure I appreciate everything while I'm still in town and have no regrets. I happened to mention this to my friend Stephanie, who hates reading, and apparently all things paper, and she suggested a blog. So here we go, thank you Stephanie.

We all saw what happened to Julie in Julia/Julie, when she tried to cook a recipe everyday and blog about it, and the last thing I need is to be stressed out in my last 100 days. So, instead I'm going to list 100 things that I love/appreciate about DC with no promises to post everyday, and if you're really lucky I'll also do this for my first 100 days in New Zealand.

I should also mention that I'm not a blogger (although I guess I am now, yippee!) so apologies up front for the lack of links to twitter or YouTube and the like. My interaction with the worldwide web has been limited (lets forget about that webpage I made of myself freshman year of college) so this is a big step for me.

Another thing you should know up front is that while I find myself to be hilarious, and I am known as "the funny one" in my family, my jokes have been known to fall flat, so again lower your expectations for this blog and remember this was going to be a private journal so you really have Stephanie to thank for my unfunniness.

Lets get started....