DC snow

No, I don't know why the format is so bad... :)


For those of you who haven't heard, we have gotten a TON of snow in the Washington, DC area this past week. I know, I know- you probably think we normally get snow... but we really don't. All of those pretty pictures of the Capitol and White House in snow are taken during our 1-2 snow days a year :) (I'll bet you all the photographers had an awesome time taking new pictures this past week!)

The good thing about the snow is that it's pretty and makes everything basically stop. :) Now, the REASON we all come to a stop is that we just don't have the equipment for the most part to clear the snow... and we get a bunch of ice in addition to the snow, which is pretty bad. I mean, we didn't get a snow shovel until last week! I have been in this Townhouse for almost 3 years (and lived in the area for about 11-12 years) and I DIDN'T HAVE A SHOVEL! We just haven't needed one!

So, we had the 20-something thing of snow in December, which closed things down, but we were pretty much up and running within 2 days I think. (we borrowed a neighbor's shovel to get out of that) Then, going into last weekend, we had the big snow storm that gave up something like 26 inches of snow. ... I'm sure everyone mostly freaked out because it was Super Bowl weekend and you couldn't really get out. Thankfully, F----l was able to walk to the local Safeway and pick up some stuff for us to eat. (I got creative with potato skins, hehe)

THEN, on Tues/Wednesday, we had a blizzard. I think only 8-10 inches of snow, but the wind was CRAZY!! You really couldn't see that far at all. Very icy!

Anyways, for those actually IN D.C., they have been more able to get out and about (and have snowball fights) because they have neighborhoods and locals stuff. Since I'm in the suburbs, we have just been sitting tight indoors for the most part. Not too bad, although with this last snow burst, we didn't expect to be confined for a whole freaking' week! Thankfully, we didn't lose power, internet or TV and so we have been able to entertain ourselves. Although after about 3 days, you feel ready to get out SOMEWHERE.

One of the really fun reads throughout these snow days has been the Washington Post. In addition to being on top of the different names of the storms (Dec- Snowpocalypse, Feb 6: Snowmageddon, Feb 9: Snoverkill), they have pretty much had this random commentary throughout the week. I can't find the link (*sniff*), but they started with the normal weather stuff and then went down into random comments. Such as - a neighbor trying to get their dog to go outside; at one point they were listing ACTUAL ADDRESSES of people in DC who did NOT clear off their sidewalks (it's a law to do so in DC and MD) and quotes as to why not; stories about stupid drivers and other snow etiquette- it was REALLY funny :)

Other note- I'm 39 weeks pregnant and so we were just hoping nothing would happen during the storms. Nothing did, but poor F----l because I couldn't help with the snow at all so he had to shovel everything AND be ready if we had to go to the hospital! What a good guy :)

Anyways, enjoy our pictures of the snow!

Summer blahs

I really wish I could be more exciting in the summer... We haven't even gone to the beach yet and it's the end of July!! Of course, we don't usually go more than once, but it's really such a shame. I think that is one of things that I don't like about the East Coast - or at least where we are. The DC area is around 3-4 hours away from the beach and it always kinda' feels like a chore to get out there. There is traffic, it's best if you can spend the night somewhere, you are with tons and tons of other people... :(

This is where I gripe that I wish I was still in CA. :) I think what I miss most is the energy that people have back home. It's not such a big deal to get in the car and go have fun somewhere. People are just willing to be more active and they are gosh-darn positive about it too and any mishaps on the way! I miss the parks and little outdoor activities. They have them here, but it always seems difficult to get out to, or they cost money, or parking gets messed up (grrrrrr).... Maybe I'm just more lazy than I used to be. But, when I go back home to CA, I'm more active with doing stuff or finding stuff to do!!

The best thing about the summer in the DC area is the outdoor films. "Screen on the Green" is the best! For 4-5 Monday's in a row, they will put up a huge screen on the National Mall and show a selection of (usually) old movies for free. It's REALLY fun and while hot, there is SUCH a great feeling of the crowd and everyone out with their blankets and dinners and such. It was much easier for me to do this when I actually worked in DC (I'm in Arlington now), but I want to do that again this year. There is something I love about these types of events and the people who go to them :) More information about Screen on the Green can be found here. Many other cities in the area do the same thing - I think this is the best and more success thing they do.

I was looking for other fun stuff this summer through the different parks, but they all cost money! :( And I'm very cheep like that...

Anyways, the films this year are:

July 20: "Close Encounters of the Third Kind"
July 27: "Dog Day Afternoon"
Aug. 3: "On the Waterfront"
Aug. 10: "Rebel Without a Cause"

I missed this Monday's film, but we'll see about the rest. I don't know "Dog Day Afternoon" - I think I know "On the Waterfront." I'm mad I missed "Close Encounters!!" Ah well.