I heart DC!

I recently took a weekend trip up to DC to visit some friends. Having gone to DC numerous times before, I knew I would be in for a treat. There’s just something about our nation’s capitol that excites me. DC doesn’t have quite the hustle and bustle as my beloved New York, but the energy that echoes throughout the city is undeniable.

I stayed with my lovely friend Lacy and her boyfriend Austin Friday night and with my friend Amanda and her roommate Sandra Saturday night. I’ve partied in DC with Amanda, Sandra, and their crew before and was looking forward to doing so again.

As expected, we had an awesome time. We dined on oysters and frites (no oysters for me!) at Granville Moores before watching Amanda’s beautiful ballet performance. Then, we danced to fun music at Rock & Roll Hotel for a few hours. Even though we were all exhausted by the time we got back to their house, we all stayed up for several more hours snacking on popcorn, telling crazy stories, and laughing (at Paul) more than I have in months. We had a fabulous girl’s brunch the next day at Veranda, grabbed some cupcakes at Crumbs Bake Shop (my favorite cupcakes ever!), and logged in some hours on their couch.

During my trip home and for days after my return, I couldn’t shake something. Why was hanging out with their crew in DC SO much fun? I mean, I have plenty of friends in Atlanta and do fun things here all the time. I finally realized that what I love so much about their group of friends in DC is that most of them are single. They have a big group of single girls AND guys who consistently hang out together. While there is one couple in the group, the rest are single (for now). I miss hanging out with large groups of single guys and girls SO much it hurts.

The DC crew is a riot! They refer to Amanda and Sandra’s house at a halfway house since they have had countless people stay with them for a few months while transitioning to life in DC along with numerous visitors like me. They remind me of the cast of Friends. Hanging out with them is like an amazing and refreshing blast from the past-one that I have missed for years.

Now before all the married peeps get offended, hear me out. I love and adore all of my married, engaged, and/or coupled friends more than they know. I cherish my time with them and don’t view them any differently than my single friends. The problem is that as I get older, my pool of single friends gets smaller. I hosted a Valentine’s Day party for my single friends several years ago and had a great turn out. If I had one now, I would probably have about 4-5 people attend. Again, don’t get me wrong, I love all of my friends and want to spend time with them regardless of whether or not they are married. I just really miss having a big group of friends who A) are all friends with each other, B) are mostly single, and C) are available to hang out on a consistent basis.

There is no moral to this story other than to say we all want what we can’t have, and we all long for the fun times of our past. For now, I will focus on my making my present and future the most fun possible; I will have great adventures with all of my friends regardless of their relational status. Who’s in?

You CAN shorten it & wear it again

Before you cast away unwanted items of clothing, ask yourself if you could easily alter them to make them wearable.  Have a pair of jeans that is now to short?  Cut them off to make a pair of shorts to wear to the pool or beach.  Is there a dress or top that you don't wear because you don't like the neck or sleeves?  Try cutting the sleeves off or changing the neckline.  This is a simple and easy way to go green.

I am fortunate enough to have a mom who is an amazing seamstress, and she has altered countless items for me over the years.  (Thanks Mom!)  Most recently, she hemmed a skirt for me that I've had for years.  I like the pattern of the skirt, but it was at an awkward length.  By shortening it several inches, it's now at a much more fashionable length.  She also recently turned a floor length bridesmaid dress into a knee length cocktail dress.  Yes, that's right.  I actually shortened a bridesmaid dress and wore it again.  Eat your heart out Katherine Heigl :)

RIP Elizabeth Taylor

"When people say, 'She's got everything',

I've got one answer-

I haven't had tomorrow."

(Elizabeth Taylor)

New Yorkers are everywhere

"'New Yorkers are born in other parts of the world every minute," he countered. 'Sadly, some of them never get here.'"

(I Totally Meant to Do That, Jane Borden)

Earth Hour 2011

At 8:30 PM on Saturday March 26th, people all over the world will switch off their lights for one hour: Earth Hour.  Having participated in this for several years now, I can attest to how fun and cool it is.  All you have to do is light some candles.  Go green this year and participate in this important initiative.

Here are some stats from Earth Hour 2010: "On Saturday 27 March, Earth Hour 2010 became the biggest Earth Hour ever. A record 128 countries and territories joined the global display of climate action. Iconic buildings and landmarks from Asia Pacific to Europe and Africa to the Americas switched off. People across the world from all walks of life turned off their lights and came together in celebration and contemplation of the one thing we all have in common – our planet."

Earth Hour's organizers encourage us to take it one step further by practicing energy conservation every day.  This is so easy guys-turn off the lights when you're not in a room, unplug appliances that you're not using, and don't waste power, water, and other vital resources. 

To learn more about Earth Hour, go to http://www.earthhour.org.  How will you go beyond the hour to help the Earth?

Happy St. Patrick's Day friends!

An Irish Prayer

May God give you...

For every storm, a rainbow,

For every tear, a smile,

For every care, a promise,

And a blessing in each trial.

For every problem life sends,

A faithful friend to share,

For every sigh, a sweet song,

And an answer for each prayer.

Happy St. Patrick's Day friends!

Let's help Japan!

If you want to help the people in Japan, make a donation to the American Red Cross.  The Japanese Red Cross will be accepting donations from the American Red Cross for first aid, emotional support, and relief items for those displaced from the 8.9-magnitude earthquake and ensuing tsunami which struck Japan's coast on Friday, March 11, 2011.

With a death count in the thousands and thousands more people missing, please donate what you can to help the people of Japan.  If all you can do is pray, then do just that.  Even though Japan is on the other side of the world, we are all human and need to help each other when we can.  Let's work together to help our Japanese friends. 

People can also text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific.

To donate online, go to http://american.redcross.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ntld_main&s_src=RSG000000000&s_subsrc=RCO_NewsArticle.