Fantastic February

Dear Feb,

When first we met, the jungle party was but a pleasant hangover. I must thank my neighbors for pulling it off for another year in a row. The night was fabulous, except for my lost keys. I must tell you to avoid that situation, it is really expensive to get the locks changed...

It feels as if I barely knew you, and now you are gone again. We had some good times, though. I'll not soon forget our trip up to northeast PA, where i showed Camelback who is boss on my new skis. The early morning ride may not have been all that grand, but the trip that followed was well worth it. If only i could have stayed awake for all the festivities, but that is the price you must sometimes pay to the party gods.

We got along well with the party gods a few weeks later with first that icy trip out to Dave & Busters (no grown adult should ever have so many tickets), followed immediately by that crazy Vegas bachelors party. None of the stereotypical Vegas debauchery, but fun regardless. No need for strippers when you have TONS of alcohol and friends with no issues against misbehaving in public. Boff '07 will be forever engraved in my memories, not so much for the event itself, but for the lexicographical humor we derived from it. I thank everyone i was there with for providing endless entertainment. Even when completely embarrassed at breakfast i was still laughing inside, and the stories will last for weeks to come. I'll always know to beware of irritating the little old ladies in elevators...

I must say the return from Vegas was less than awesome. Our pilot, thinking it slush, drove the plane into a mountain of ice and got the plane stuck on the tarmac for over an hour. At that time, they got buses onto the runway, offloaded us out the back (the only time having a seat back there helped), and drove us to the terminal. At which point i had another hour wait for my luggage and a miserable cab ride home. Instead of the time to pack and get 8 hrs sleep i was hoping for i had to take all dirty laundry to Boise with me and only go on 6 hours sleep, after several sleepless nights in Vegas (its no wonder i got sick as a dog while in transit).

Finally, Feb, we had a good time in Boise, didn't we. I'm sorry i got horribly ill with that massive cold, but that is what comes from spending two days traveling in planes after Vegas has destroyed your immune system. The layover trip to the Mall of America was a huge disappointment. It isn't even that big, and the amusement park looked lame. I couldn't believe they had so much trouble filling the storefronts that they had to have two american eagles, and 4 caribou coffees, among other repeat stores. The western mountain skiing kicked my ass as usual, but was satisfying as well. I had fun, panting my way down the hills with my diminished lung capacity from the cold/flu and altitude issues. Someday i hope to be fit enough to keep up with my Idaho friend and maybe even kick his ass on a slope or two (at least if he is snowboarding ...).

That appears to be all Feb, i hope you had as much fun as i did. I'll try to write more often now that I'm staying at home for at least a whole week. I've included some pics of all our adventures together for you to check out.

Yours Truly,
Stu...

Happy 2007

I must start with a minor gloat. I've written three checks so far this new year, and have yet to put the wrong year on, I'm so awesome!

The New Year was brought in with style. In the aftermath, the perfect quote was pulled out to sum up the night, as stated by Ron Burgundy of Anchorman, "Boy, that escalated quickly. I mean that really got out of hand fast!"


The Party was amazing, the perfect combination of neighbors, friends, friends of friends, and acquaintances of friends of friends, all coming together in perfect harmony. Started out as a classy affair with classy dress, ornate masks, and chocolate fondue, but from there it just got crazy. The entire loft was screaming out karaoke songs for the whole neighborhood to hear, the kitchen was occupied by many, many bottles of champagne (which were primarily responsible for things getting out of hand), and the living room was filled with dancing revelers and confetti. The fun level was off the charts, and pretty much made up for the two days of cleanup (even with the help of a dozen people working for two hours the morning after). My thanks to everyone who made it happen, and helped out with the aftermath!

Other than the party at my house, I had fun visiting with friends, at a much more low key event (of course I was there pretty early), early in the night. I've never seen more cars in my neighborhood. You know you live in a young neighborhood when you have to park six blocks away on New Year's and walk past as many parties on the way home.

Here's hoping I can make my resolutions happen and have a great 2007. Still can't believe that it is coming up on 10 years since high school, scary...

Something to spend gift cards on...

I just have to share it. I am now obsessed with the band Blue October's latest album, Foiled. My favorites are the song "Into the Ocean" and "X-Amount of words". Can't believe it took 5 albums for them to come to my attention, but of course there is always the possibility that this album is just better. I have heard some of the History for Sale album and I like the more up-tempo songs of this one. I'm so exceeding pathetic I listened to the "X-Amount of words", "Drilled A Wire Through My Cheek", "Sound of Pulling Heave Down", and "Everlasting Friend" song sequence repeatedly fore most of the drive from DC to Breezewood, on the way to da 'Burgh. Here's hoping I don't overdo it and ruin my appreciation.

In other music news don't forget to get your tickets to the Snow Patrol show at the American University arena, they are playing with OK Go, and it looks to be an amazing show, I can't wait! (use the above link to check out some of their music videos on Launch, especially OK, Go, their videos are awesome)

Secret Santas and the Nog!

Merry Christmas!


The second annual gift exchange/student in the kitchen party appears to have been a hit. It was such a blast. All my friends are excellent chefs, especially with desserts. If you where there I thank you for you company and hope you had as much fun as I did. For anyone who loved it as much as I did, here is the Egg Nog recipe. If you are expecting more than 4 or 5 people, I highly
recommend doubling this recipe.

Ingredients:

1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 Qt. milk
2 eggs separated
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 pint whipping cream (half a tub of cool whip)

Directions:

1. in one bowl beat egg whites until stiff but not dry.
2. in a second bowl beat cream until it holds peak
3. in third, large bowl, beat egg yellows until foamy (i'd reccomend beating separately before adding to large serving bowl)
4. Add milk, sweetened condensed milk, sugar, salt, and vanilla to 3rd bowl
5. fold in whipping cream, then egg whites
6. flavor with alcohol as desired :-).

(pics thanks to heathpie's picasa album, such a good camera she has :-)

Seasonal musings

Ahhh... Christmas... finally some time to take off and reminisce on the year past and muse for the year to come.

In the year past, I've had some great adventures: skiing in Idaho, sunning in the Outer Banks, and drinking in Boston, all of which I never got around to listing on my blog. I feel I should share the highlights for those of you who might adventure to these locales, or just take interest in this sort of thing.


Idaho, specifically Boise, was a blast. I must recommend the skiing at Sun Valley, of course it was my first Rockies mountain so it may just be lack of experience talking. Lots of good trails for those who are of moderate skill. If there you must visit the Seattle Ridge Lodge at the top of the mountain for some of the best backed potatoes I have ever had! Speaking of potatoes, you must check out the "Chick Bacon on a Tater", which contains chicken breast, bacon, BBQ sauce, and backed potato wedges wrapped in a tortilla. They are sold by the street vendors near the downtown bars and are a great substitute for the Jumbo Slice, and a stunning example of the local potato culture.

The Outer Banks was AWESOME! Sorry Ocean City, but you now completely suck in my book. North Carolina is the way, especially when you rent a house with a pool and sleeping room for a dozen. The beach goes for ever, and isn't nearly as crowded. The days in the sun, the nights of karaoke and DDR, and never having to drive through traffic anywhere once after arrival. I can't wait to head back again next year, which we should probably start planning soon.

The Boston trip, the only trip here that was after my blog started, was a blast, that I somehow forgot to mention here. I must say that the best part was the night spent at Ned Devine's in Faneuil Hall of downtown Boston. Had a blast drinking and dancing with Ann ;-) and her sisters. The local bars and restaraunts of South Boston were also quite the experience. The accents are amazing, Good Will Hunting doesn't even scratch the surf ace. If you can't afford the international flight but want a taste of Ireland, just hang out at the blue collar bars of this neighborhood. I should also mention that the only condo I want is one in a converted school house, you can't beat the HUGE windows and tall ceilings, I'm so jealous of those who already have one :-p.

This has been a great year, I can't wait to see what next year brings. I'll put it in writing here so it is almost a contract for the next year. Goals are to visit Seattle, Idaho, Europe, Vegas (again) and the bike trail from da'Burgh to DC. Hope to see you all along the way!

So cold.......

Brrr.... Looks like winter is finally here. At least the ski resorts are finally able to make some snow, i can't wait to try out my new skis.

Tis the Season

Ho, ho, ho, and all that jazz. Nothing says it is the holiday season like a horde of Santas drinking their from Midtown, through Dupont, and all the way to Adams Morgan. Picking up many random new friends along the way. My neighborhood social coordinator was able to organize an entertaining event that began at 2 pm and continued through 11 pm, with a new bar every hour. If you ever wish to spread holiday cheer, I must suggest stopping at Party City. Not only can you get a Santa suit for a mere 29 dollars, but you can get Mardi Gras beads in both Christmas and Hanukkah themes. We began with just a few Santas drinking at the Bottom Line and playing a little drinking dradle, we then traveled up to Dupont, back to Midtown, and then even further up to Adams Morgan. It was great to feel the holiday spirit just walking down the street and seeing the smiles on peoples faces just from your presence. Luckily we all held it together late enough that no kiddies had to see a sloppy drunk Santa. It was a wonderful time, and I hope everyone can join in again next year.