It's the good ole hockey game

For those of you who don't know, C$ is a HUGE hockey fan and have recently became a Caps fan. We went to several games this year (10+ since Jan '06) and were even considering getting season tickets until we found out they were $700+

but anyway, they play this stupid song "the good ole hockey" song during the 3 period and it's great. we love it, it's a real crowd pleaser. Well we went to the last game of the season (13 of us!) and come the 3rd period they play the song, as predicted but what happend after was shocking.

An Asian man (looked like a business man) stood up and busted a move. And when i say busted, I mean BUSTED. It was AWESOME. Check itout for yourself here! You won't regret it. Make sure your speakers are up so you can hear the corny song in the background :)

Yay for the internet!
C$

Second Guessing

The events from this weekend have gotten me thinking (a post is coming soon about the trip, I promise). I have a great group of girlfriends. We have a blast when we are together, always thinking of one another when we are apart and have a great friendship. I'm lucky.

I realized today, that I'm leading a 'double life'. At night and on the weekends, I'm a different C$. I'm wild, I'm drunk and crazy. It's fun and I love it, but it's not the C$ that got hired by the Firm or the C$ my parents probably want to know about. Don't get me wrong--I'm not complaining or looking for judgment--I love my life right now and am very happy and I'm fine with living a "double life" I think most twenty-somethings do the same thing.

However, I have to wonder, if I had been friends these girls or girls like them, would my college experience have been different (for better? or for worse?)

I'm not sure what the answer is to that question. I enjoyed my college career, but always felt like there was something missing (at least until I turned 21 and had a legit reason to drink).

My friends in college were all education majors like myself. We met freshmen year in our intro to ed class. For the most part, those in the School of Ed (SED) are one of two extremes. They are either 'typical future teachers' or wild girls that party waaaaay to much. I like to think I was in the middle, but for the most part, sided on the conservative (I was always the good girl in HS, the one involved in everything and didn't drink/do drugs at all), but I liked to go out and have fun. The girls I met were also very similar in our thinking, we loved going out and doing stuff, but being wild didn't appeal to us.

[I'm not sure if this is entirely true, now that I look back I wonder if us (mostly me) settled with what we did for 'fun' because it was safe. We were looking for friends and found each other and didn't venture outside of our little group.]

Needless to say there was very limited craziness freshman year. I had fun, but nothing to really write home about...

My sophomore year I lived with Meg. She had planned on moving off campus but at the last minute her parents pulled out their support for her apartment and she had to enter into the housing lottery. The only rooms left were in my dorm (~1 away from campus, on another college's campus) . Living with her changed my perspective on college life. It was great. I LOVED being her roommate and had a great sophomore year (she introduced me to flip cup!) and I'm so lucky that fate put us together.

Junior and Senior year I lived off campus with Meg and a couple other friends. Junior year, first semester was awesome. We had parties, we drank and always had a fridge full of beer all year round, it was great. And my freshman year friends (SB, S and KK) were still in my life and very good friends--they were my core group, but they hadn't exactly evolved much from their freshman year mentality. S was the first to turn 21 and would go out with my other friends and I (sans fake ID) because she liked to drink. Our other friend KK judged her and caused a lot of drama within the group over drinking (she didn't drink, or at least get drunk, until on Saturday night senior year).

I had a few friends that I would go wild with and loved having them around, but often felt like I was too much of a goodie good for them to remember to invite me out often, I was always an after thought.

Now that I am 2 years out of graduation, I look back with a smile, but can't help but wonder "what if?"
What if I had stayed friends with the girls I met the first weekend at school?
What if I had chosen a different major (one that was more conducive to partying) where would I be now?
What if I had made more of an effort to befriend others in SED that were outside of my comfort range, would I have enjoyed college more?
and lots others...

Now that I've found a great group of girlfriends that I think *get* me, I'm happy and realize that my girlfriends at college weren't as great as I thought they were. They were kind of mean and judgmental. The ringleader, KK, was able to bring in other people to the group, but when I tried to bring in Jenn, was shot down completely and they all ended up hating her and resenting me. And they were crappy to me. I always lived far away from them (for two years lived ~1 mile away from campus and you either had to walk or take the shuttle, which they all hated and for the last two years lived off campus when they lived at the other end of campus) and they used that as an excuse not to invite me to 'just hang out'. They'd all get together in their dorm rooms and chat, play games, etc because they were close together but never invited me 'cause they just assumed it'd be too much of a hassle for me. They also never came to my places b/c it was too far. Even when I lived off campus they hardly ever came over, I always had to go to their place.

I guess the lesson in all of this is not to live with any regrets. I do have regrets and there is simply nothing I can do about them, but live today with none, which I think I've been successful at so far. Those four girls I was friends with, I'm really only in contact with 2 of them and even that contact is shady. Maybe it's me. Maybe it's them. But all I know is that I'm tired of trying to make everyone be happy. Maybe I need to work on making myself happy for once...

****************
Well that was kind of a downer!

Still not done with the photo diary of Sunday's events, but here's something to pique your interest :)

Sunday Croquet

No time right now, but I will update on our trip to Annapolis to see the annual St. John's vs USNA Croquet match. It was a sight to see and C$ and her girls had a blast. Maybe it'll be a photo diary....hmmm....

J summed it up nicely: "We may have missed Marathon Monday in Boston, but we had Croquet Sunday in Annapolis ... with better booze, hotter men, and we got to wear pearls. I dare say it was better."

Getting Involved

Your dear C$ is getting involved--WATCH OUT!

Metro announced in March that they were going to eliminate several bus routes and to cut late night service. Two of the bus routes effected are the two major bus routes that I use every day to get to and from work, social activities, etc.

This would mean that to get to work in NoVa I would have to leave my home no later than 7 am each morning. I would sit in traffic for roughly 30-45 minutes and then be on the metro for roughly another 45 minutes. The other option is to walk the 1 mile to the closest metro station, which in the daylight hours of Spring is fine, but any other time of year is just not safe (lack of proper crosswalks, lack of proper lighting, general safety)

If these changes are made, staying out late would basically be impossible for dear C$. It is a 2+ mile walk home from Potomac Ave Metro and as stated above, walking from Naylor road is just out of the question. The other alternative is to take any of the 30 buses to Branch Ave and walk the just under 1 mile walk up an poorly lit highway with no sidewalk to my place. Taking a cab is possible, but rarely are there any cabs in the neighborhood to pick up and if you are able to hail one, the possibility of them wanting to take you out to my 'hood is rare. People have been refused. It's against the law, but it happens. Plus, it's expensive! DC cabs are meterless, so drivers just pull an amount out of their ass and unless you (the rider) are aware and fully understand the zones, have no idea that it's wrong.

To try and rectify these issues, I have joined some friends in the forming of DC Night Riders
a group of concerned citizens that want to try and get the public involved in what Metro is doing. I have written to my Council Member and the local ANC commissioner. I will be speaking at the April 25th hearing in Arlington. I will be speaking out for my neighbors who know NOTHING about this cut to their M2 bus line, the one that they all use to get to work every day.

If you are in the DC area and are affected by any of Metro's plans to cut bus service, please voice your opinions and do something. It's great they are expanding the yellow line to Mt. Vernon square, but if they cut off the M2, we'll be stuck in SE without a way to get out. Support those of us who live East of the River and are often ignored by DC politics.

DO SOMETHING!

C$

"Excuse me, did you know that hat makes you look Republian?"

The crew and I were at the last Washington Caps game of the season (AWESOME GAME!) and then headed over to Clyde's, our post-game stomping grounds. How we love Clyde's and the interesting group of people it attracts--players, fans, front office staff, random female skin heads, all walks of life.

M introduced us to a fellow she had met a couple nights before and his friends. One of them was wearing the red Washington Nationals W hat.


In an effort to make conversation with two guys with personalities of a stick, 'did you know that your hat (glance up to the red hat) tells people that you are a republican.' (side note, i had been drinking and hadn't had dinner, so I was basically drunk when I asked this) I thought this was a fair question, as we are in Washington DC and everything here is about politics, even down to what color hat you wear. This interesting character, we will call him Shawn, then went on to basically yell at me for my comment. First of all pointing out that he is a Southern Democrat and that he would vote Republican if the candidate was the right person. Then went on to preach that the country is fractured over politics (when has it not?), about people hating another person(s) because they are a R or a D. "Everyday I pray that the guy in the White House makes the right decision" he said several times. He continued on his tirade for a good 5 minutes while his friend, C and I just sat in silence. I had no idea that my comment about his baseball hat would evoke such reaction, when done in the past it's just evoked a shrug or a "yeah, I know" or something along those lines.

He then looked at our shocked faces and said "ok, I'll get off my soapbox now." And a drunk C$ said, "ok, well that was interesting...."

and we left soon thereafter. I wasn't trying to put this kid on the spot, I was just trying to make conversation. I also was NOT looking to be preached at. I am fully aware that the country is divided over something like which color your state is, but that's not any one party's fault. Both are at fault for their blaming of all problems on the other party. I believe that most people are not so conservative or so liberal that they would vote for someone based solely on the initial after their name, R or D, and would fail to see that the other guy might be better for the job. I consider myself liberal leaning, but would vote for McCain if I didn't like the Dem candiate.

But anyway, no more politics talk. FYI to those DC folks, beware of the hat you wear, it might get you in trouble.

C$

blocked & marathon Monday

I've been tagged by Bad@ Life and I'm working on a post about 6 things you don't know about C$, but can't seem to get anything out tonight. Not sure what's up with the brain, but things are just not meshing well.

An another note, I missed Marathon Monday in Boston yesterday

For people not from Boston or for those that have never spent a couple of President's Days in the City, you have no idea what Marathon Monday is to the city of Boston.

It's a great holiday. You get the day off from school/work/any sort of obligation because of Patriot's Day. Only MA and ME celebrate, so it's kind of like an exclusive club only for New Englanders. Both the Boston Marathon (this year was the 110 running) and a 11:05 Red Sox game is played on the same day. If you live in Boston, your job is to get down to the marathon route (there are 26.2 miles of it, I'm sure you can find a spot at some point!) and cheer along the runners. Just like your real job, you have responsiblities at your marathon job. They include, but are not limited to:

1. Wearing as little as possible It's a rite of spring, once the sun breaks through those clouds, the short skirts, tank tops and flip flops come out of the closet. I say this is a rule, but in fact, I actually HATE it. Girls in Boston are so unorginally--they are all wearing the same thing (or some variation) of whatever is in style that year. It makes me angry, but wearing less clothes is key to an enjoybable Marathon Monday. Plus, it is usually the first day in which anyone could get any sun, so what is better than going back to your 'real job' with a marathon tan--it's awesome.

2. Drink lots of beer (or whatever your drink of choice is) The cheaper the better. It is also best to start drinking once the race starts out in Hopkinton (around noon). In honor of these people killing themselves along the course route, you my friend, humble employee of Marathon Monday, Inc. must drink to their accomplishments. The more you drunk the faster they will run, so go my friend, drink away. Plus, it makes actually watching the race that much better AND cheering them on is only more entertaining when you can't quite get the words out.

3. Eat glorious food I can not stress this enough, these (crazy) people are running 26.2 miles on one of the toughest marathon courses in the world. There is a reason why they call it "Heartbreak Hill" it's rough and anyone that attempts at running (or walking) it must be a. commended for the committment and b. take in for a psych eval--they are crazy. But anyway, I digress. In honor of these crazy folks, you employee must eat horrible, yet wonderful food all day long. BBQ with all the fixins, sandwhichs with red meat and lots of mayo-yes all of it. All of those calories the runners are burning off must be consumed by marathon watchers.

4. Continue drinking Basically the marathon is 11 to 4ish with the end at Copley. You must drink those 5 hours, plus more. The city is bascially shut down, so there's no need to stop drinking and 'get back to real life. Just like your real job, we expect, at min., 8 hours of quality work from you, employee so get to it. When the cops start letting the traffic go down the streets and the marathon is reduced to just a 5 foot lane for those struggling to finish, move your party to another location, whether it be an apartment/house, backyard, rooftop or local bar. It is required. If you must plan out your own marathon route prior to the actual day, do so. Know where and when to get off the street and into real party mode.

5. Take pictures of the event Just like every other mile stone in your life, take pictures of the big day. Next week, you will look back at them fondly, remembering the fun times but still remember the horrible hangover on Tuesday and the pain from your sunburn, but you'll remember all the laughs you had. As you get older those pictures will be priceless, you'll remember that you once were cool and hip, that you were able to dress with style and drink like a champion.

Those are C$'s rules to Marathon Monday. I'm sure i'll think of more later on, but wanted to get these out there while still fresh in my mind. My Boston friends and I all lamented on Sunday the fact that we would not, for the first time in 4-5 years be in Boston for the big day. Would it go on without us, we asked one another. Well folks, it did. Maybe next year, so we will.

I've been tagged!

Bad @ Life (http://goodatdrinkingbadatlife.blogspot.com/) just tagged me, 'cause he's a badass like that (or lazy for just picking people off of his comments list that he doesn't know) regardless, here are 6 facts you didn't know about dear ole C$:

1. Freshman year of college, I thought I had met the man that I was going to be with for the rest of my life.
His name was James and he was a senior at a school in Canada. He was headed off to med school and we became very close very quickly and he applied to go med school at the same large, urban New England school that I was attending. He ended up going to Med school in Mexico (yeah, that should have been a sign...) and he basically disappeared off the face of the earth. I was 18/19 and I thought I was in love. It was a rough time in my life. And even though he's well out of my life (haven't talked to him for ~5 years) I still think of him often and compare any guy I meat to James.

2. I am a sucker for older men. I've alays had a thing for older guys. My first "real" boyfriend was 21 when I was 16. Since then, everyone I've dated or been interested in has been older, usually 5 or so years. Recently I've been hanging out with someone that's much older than I am. We just started hanging out and I'm not sure what will come of it, but it's been fun so far and I'm fine with that.

3. I love music. I really do, it's helped me get through some really tough times and has provided a great soundtrack to some awesome times in my life. I can't go very long without hearing some music and have a radio/cd player/ipod with me wherever I go. When I lost my hard drive of my laptop a couple of years ago, I was more worried and heartbroken ab out the music I had lost and not all of the other crap stored on the drive. With that said, I'm not crazy about catching my bands live and I've gone to great lenghts, but I am not willing to do all the crazy things that a lot of DMB fans have done. Maybe when I'm rich that'll change, but until then, I'll stick to catching smaller bands at the 9:30 club and Jammin Java in VA.

4. I sometimes think my life is a Sex and The City episode
I know it's lame and such, but it's true. I also know that i'm like every 20 something single woman when i say that, but again, it's true! I have a four-some of friends who also seem to fit into the roles of the characters. I even have my own Mr. Big and Aiden. All that's missing is a couple of gay 'boyfriends' and some marriages and babies.

5. I like my "me" time. I love my friends and I love going out, but nothing beats staying home and doing nothing every once in a while. I need to stay home and rest up so that I can keep on going. I need to recharge.

6. Hallmark commercals get me every time. I love me some Hallamrk commericals. They kill me. I especially love at Christmas time when they bring out the old classics--gotta love those! When I went to Kansas City MO the highlight of my trip was the trip to the Hallmark Headquaters and I got to make my own bow. Good times :)

Ok, these were LAME 6 things. I've spent the last two weeks trying to think of something, and this is as good as it gets. I'm really not that boring! I suggest looking at 100 Things about C$ for more interesting things about me--definitely more interesting then the crap above.

C$

"movin' on up"

So C$ is considering moving from her ghetto 'hood in SE (it's not really ghetto, but everyone believes it to be) for charming Old Town Alexandria. It's all in the works and I might be moving in with a random person I met through craigslist, but we're both looking and figure it can't hurt to combine forces and look together for a 2 bedroom.

We both set our eyes on a 3 bedroom that is literally steps from my job and is in the right price range, if we have three roommates. Both J Dawg and I are without another friend to move in, but figured it can't hurt to check out the place.

DCboy had mentioned to me that he was possibly looking for a place (more on that below) but that he hadn't really found anything yet. I forwarded him the link to the place and he's coming along.

Yes, I might be living with a boy.

yes, that boy was someone I "dated" and had feeling for until just recently.

Yes, that boy is DCboy.

opps.

[DCboy mentioned to me last week that he was considering staying in DC, a city that he HATES. After probing him a bit more, he's thinking of staying for the new girl, that "this doesn't happen to me very often and I need to stay and find out what happens." He is thinking putting his LIFE on hold for this girl he's know for ~month (?) and has only been official with for maybe two weeks. jigga what? yeah you read that right. TWO WEEKS. I still can't believe it. That he'd put off all of his plans that he told me were immovable and can't be changed. He was so happy last fall when he "made some major life decisions" that included leaving this "hell hole" by May when his lease on his apt ran up. And now it seems that all he is waiting for is word from his bosses on a pay raise. I'm floored to say the least.]

choggle talk :) and some evite lovin'

My friend M and I choogle chat very often, usually every day, all day.

Here's a snipet of today's convo:

C$: so i've decided, if i ever get married

(and at this rate, this won't be happening any time soon!)

i'm having my recpetion at whole foods

then people can have whatever they want

no complaining allowed

M: that's classy

haha

i think

that if you have an open bar at your reception

little complaining will occur anyway

the food takes a back seat to the booze

C$: well, we'd rent out the entire store. wouldn't want random people coming in

oooh good call

yes open bar is not even a question

"do you want to marry me?'

"can we have an open bar?"

"no....that's too...."

"then no"

M: EXACTLY

it's like, "shit i don't need flowers"

i need alcohol

my friends and family need alcohol

C$: exactly

this guy i dated, sort of seriously, last year

we talked about marriage

and he was like

"even if i am in love and know that i will marry this girl, i will NOT get married until i can afford a true open bar at my wedding"

and i was like "this is why i love you'

haha

although, i did add one cavet--if he could afford the open bar, he could afford the ring i wanted

haha

M: AHAHAHAHA

that's the one thing you'll both save money for

C$: exactly

priorities

well part of me says, HE will be the one saving

haha

for both

and i'll keep my invite list to a min.

haha

M: says the evite ho

C$: haha

M: oh man can you imagine an evite wedding?

if you do that

i'm going to forward your evite to everyone i know

"OPEN BAR"

"DRESS NICE"

C$: "WHOLEFOODS"

M: hahahaha
C$ you have mail

Here's the invitiation (thanks e-vite!)

blown off

So I tentativly had a date with a guy today. He wanted my friends and I to join his friends last night but all of us were tired and just not up to anything, plus, I didn't want our first "real" date to be with his friends--just a reciepe for disaster in my book.

He texted last night and then finally called. He tried to convince me to come out and once he realized that I was not going to leave the confines of my home, he suggested getting together today. I agreed and then proceded to say goobye. He seemed to upset that I wanted to say goodbye but a. he was with his friends, b. he had been drinking c. i didn't want to make plans with a drunk guy, walking to his friends to Adams Morgan to get even more drunk. I think it was a smart move...we chatted a bit more and agreed to talk today with plans to get together.

Well it's now almost 8pm on a Saturday and I have yet to hear from him. He's been online and I have avoided IMing him because I'm always the one that initates the conversation. I dont want to keep going back to him if he's not actually interested in me.

However,
I did find out that he has his own blog. And considers himself a DC blogger. He went to a Blogger Happy Hour back in January. His views and what he writes about are very different then what I write about. I would link to him, but then don't want him to find me, esepcially since I'm talking about him ;-) but if any reader is interested, drop me a line and I'll send you the link.

So I think I've been blown off, which is fine. I guess. I was looking forward to getting to know him and maybe a little making out! haha

back to the drawing board.

C$