Fire Alarm

This morning, at 7am, I awoke to a loud female voice. I thought to myself, "could it really be time to get up?" "that doesn't sound like my alarm".... I had specifically decided to sleep in this morning, to power myself up for this busy and frenetic meeting, and wake up just get up in time for my meeting with Senator Kerry's rep.

That didn't end up happening.... It was not my alarm, it was the fire alarm. I struggled to find my glasses and change into a presentable outfit (this is after all, a collection of leaders in psychiatry) and when I went to wash my face, I noticed there were no lights. With the women's annoying voice, "This is a fire emergency, please evacuate the building" repeatedly blasting in my ear, I groggily made my way down 11 flights of stairs to exit the building.

Sure enough, it was a legit alarm. There were probably a dozen fire and emergency vehicles outside of the Penn Ave JW Marriot. "Electrical failure" they said. I decided, since I was up, might as well get some breakfast. I called my friend Stacey and as I waited for her to evacuate the building, I soaked in the interesting scene- some people in bathrobes (i guess i wasn't the only one who was still sleeping), pajamas, and one very determined business man who decided to change and groom outside in the public - some people really are unstoppable. Anyhow, once Stacey and I met up we went to get some breakfast, which is where I am now - in the Organic to go cafe and catering. Here, I had yet another strange observation - when I asked for some tap water, the woman who prepared my water mixed ice cubes and boiling water to create my beverage. It was the most effort I've ever seen put into "tap water", but she did a great job. It tastes like tap water, and it is cool and refereshing.

In any case, we've now been "stranded" for over 2 hours, and the hotel says there still is no water/electricity. Apparently it's on the news. I guess there goes my beauty sleep hopes for the day. The good thing is that I am now full and fed, it is a gorgeous sunny day out, and in 15 minutes when the museums open, we're going to go to explore. Some of my friends have 10am meetings with their representatives and have decided to go unshowered, and their street clothes. I think I'll still have time to go back to the hotel to prepare for the MA meeting at the Senate. We'll see. Every day is an interesting day.

Washington DC at night

Lincoln Memorial

After a long, very productive and inspiring day of advocacy training, and a nice relaxing dinner at the Old Ebbitt Grill with the fellows, a few of us decided to take a leisurely stroll of our surroundings. It was a fabulous night, summer-like in the 80's with a slight breeze, and very serene. Check out the amazing sites we saw....

The Treasury Flags at the Washington Monument
Stars at the WWII Memorial

A Song to Share - Trigger Hippie

I was recently preparing to send out a few care packages / cd mixes* to my friends and came across one of my favorite mixes from the fall of 2005 (goodness, how time flies!). On that mix, I had put Trigger Hippie by Morcheeba, one of my favorite songs then...and still.

DC is great -though I've spent 100% of my day so far in meetings/ trainings in the hotel. Supposedly I am really close to the Washington Monument and other neat stuff... and I hear it is a beautiful, sunny, 90 degree day out. I have to run to another function now, but hope to see more of DC later...

*I've had penpals ever since elementary school. I really enjoy writing letters, making mixes and sending care packages. Who else is doing this? I highy encourage it. There is nothing more satisfying the opening up the mailbox and getting a personal letter, card, or better yet - baked goods or a new music mix. ** Thanks Sarah for teaching me how to post Youtube videos. You rock!

I miss my iMac, but love my new Samsonite suitcase!

I made it to Washington DC, where I will be participating in the APA (American Psychiatry Association) components meeting and Minority Fellowship Training through Sunday. So far, I'm liking this city a lot. It helps that a) the trip is being paid for, 2) I'm not here on a 8th grade field trip (early 1990's), 3) I'm not here as part of "science camp" (1997) - though, that was definitely one of the highlights of my life, 4) I'm not here as a 3rd wheel celebrating July 4th (2003) with my brother and his now wife - (thank you for inviting me), 4) I got to catch up with my friend Danielle tonight over drinks and tapas in Georgetown, where there are a whole bunch of fun restaurants and bars, and lots of potential for shopping.

Anyhow, before bed, I thought I'd post something for the day. I'm now working on my Sony VAIO TZ laptop which is great for these business trips and meetings because it is ultraportable. But, working on a PC makes me realize that I miss my iMac! I recently coverted to Macs over the past year and love them for their simplicity to organize photos, music, do artsy fartsy stuff. In any case, I am very happy about my new suitcase, which was another great find during my "retail therapy" trip this past labor day. Check it out! It's awesome - it has so many compartments, rolls in every direction... it is the best carry on I've ever had! Samsonite Ascella 21 inch. Here is a photo of my efficient packing job with my first purchased suitcase (a milestone in my professional adult life)

"Living in a material world, And I am a material girl,You know that we are living in a material world, And I am a material girl... " :) I certainly am a very lucky girl who has some nifty gadgets and a pretty sweet life. But all of of these material goods wouldn't mean anything without my dear friends and family. Material things come and go, but friendships and love last forever. Time for bed.

Wine Country and San Francisco Photos

NAPA, SONOMA, SAN FRANCISCO (AUGUST 21-24, 2008)

Rose @ Christopher Creek Winery, Russian River Valley

Perfectly Plump in Sonoma

Cakebread Cellars, Napa

The sweetest tomatoes I've ever eaten @ SF Ferry Building Farmer's Market

I have a zillion things to do tonight, most which are mildly annoying, before I can go to sleep and work half a day tomorrow before flying off to Washington, DC. For example, I just spent the last hour+ trying to submit the right passport renewal form* after my first attempt got rejected :(, so that my middle name can correctly be listed as "Yeung-Yi" instead of "Yeung" as the current version states. This is a very important distinction because Yeung is the Chinese generation name that all of my Kuo cousins share. However, Yi is my unique identifier- the part that makes me, me. Yeung = forever, Yi = happy. I am forever happy... Hooray!  Anyhow, I digress. I took a little break from my to-do list to share some of my favorite photos from my recent trip.

*If all goes well, I'm heading to Taiwan in October!

Retail Therapy

Okay, so I didn't get to eat any BBQ today, but I did partake in another Labor Day tradition.... Back to School shopping!  After diligently reading about Freud for a few hours this morning, I decided to take advantage of all the sales, and met up with my friend Joyce at the Wrentham Premium outlet for the afternoon. I was feeling a little stressed before I got started but by the end of the day, I felt loads better.  I give my doctor's approval... retail therapy works! I am relaxed now and I have scored some awesome deals (though most of it, I won't be wearing to school)....  check it out!

 Gunmetal, grrr. 

Polka dots: pattern; Comfort food: cuisine.* 

Ok, I'll admit, the orange dress is a little unnecessary and a bit loud, but it was wicked cheap, and it is so cute on! Take my word for it. Or better yet, invite me to a fabulous little party and I'll show you. 

*Tribute to those good old SAT analogy days.... 

What did the rest of you get for "back to school"? 

Happy Labor Day!

"Traditionally, Labor Day is celebrated by most Americans as the symbolic end of the summer." -wikipedia

End of the summer!? I sure hope not. I still have to a) eat my lobster rolls, b) lay out by the beach and drink pina coladas, and c) make smores by a campfire. I need at least 3 more weeks of summer to do all of these things! Fortunately, I have gotten my summer share of ice cream consumption in and gotten a tan so dark that my mother claims she can "no longer see me" (to which I reply and remind her, "turn on the light, mom"). My favorite ice cream flavor of the summer of 2008 is: Mint Oreo. What is yours?

No one has asked, but I'm going to offer my thoughts on the "No whites after labor day" rule. It's stupid. If you look good in white, wear it whenever you want. Fashion rules are silly. The only rule, in my opinion, that you should stick to is "wear what makes you happy". Every now and then you may be wrong, but isn't your happiness worth that risk? Also, brown looks good with black. 

Happy Grilling, since today is also an official BBQ day. I hope I get to turn mine on today but everyone I know is working or away today. Does anyone want to invite me to a BBQ? I will bring the ice cream....  (above is the burger, so full of goodness that the top bun won't fit)