Sweet Blog o' Mine

Observations from Our Nation's Capital

First of all, it is DAMN cold.  I'm sure it's even colder in NYC, so I can't really complain, but I wasn't expecting it.  I did not pack anything that warm; I won't freeze, but would love to have one of my nice wooly sweaters here.  Second of all, people talk to you here.  I mean, people are friendly in New York, but twice already, I've been walking down the street and people have just started talking to me or made comments out of the blue.  This morning for example, on my way to the gym, I guy approaching me felt the need to tell me he had just gotten some pancakes, which he was carrying.  Not sure why.  I made some comment back ("sounds tasty!") and kept walking, confused.  As tasty as pancakes sounded, I got eggs for breakfast.

And We're Off . . .

to D.C. for the annual pro bono extravaganza and some socializing -- mostly work related, but I'm sure I'll manage to squeak in some non-work fun as well between the conference, the business dinners, and the Justice Ginsburg reception.  On a side note, after seeing Jim White tonight courtesy of Ryan (thanks, Ryan!), I met up with Jimmy for a drink at Gottino.  We really enjoyed the surroundings, the wine, and the menu -- I'll definitely be back!  And to help you enjoy the week, a little fun from our friends at the Onion: 60% of the Federal Budget is Wasted on Eating Out (at least I'm not the only one).

Weekend Update

It's Monday morning and I think I've still got one foot in the weekend.  I spent a good chunk of Friday afternoon cleaning up my office -- the piles had gotten out of hand.  I'm looking forward to heading to work and seeing my nice, clear desk.  Friday night I ate at Kasadela with John B. and Rob -- I absolutely love that place, although the dental work I had done earlier in the week made it a little challenging to eat like a normal person.  Then on to help Gabe celebrate his birthday.  Saturday morning I got off to a good start with spin class, then I met up with Mom for lunch and a trip to Janovic to buy some paint samples.  I got four different colors (still figuring out the color scheme) and really didn't like any of them, so it's back to the drawing board.  Saturday night I went to see Jenn R.'s comedy show -- she was fantastic as usual -- and yesterday I headed out to Brooklyn for a late brunch at Jimmy's.  Afterwards, I tackled two loads of laundry and headed to Roopa's to watch the Oscars.  And now, I've got to shake off the weekend and have a productive few days before heading to DC on Wednesday, but I keep thinking about paint colors, which is a little distracting.  Wish me luck.

Settle, My Ass

I have to say that this article in the Atlantic, "Marry Him! The case for settling for Mr. Good Enough," was one of the most depressing and, in my opinion, completely off-base articles I have read in quite a while.  It was written by a single mom by choice in her early 40's or so, who seems to think that, as women get older, their only chance to find happiness (read marriage) is to settle.  And so once you hit about 35 or so, you should take her brilliant advice: "Settle! That’s right. Don’t worry about passion or intense connection. Don’t nix a guy based on his annoying habit of yelling “Bravo!” in movie theaters. Overlook his halitosis or abysmal sense of aesthetics. Because if you want to have the infrastructure in place to have a family, settling is the way to go. Based on my observations, in fact, settling will probably make you happier in the long run, since many of those who marry with great expectations become more disillusioned with each passing year."

Geez.  First of all, this implies that women in their thirties have a never-ending supply of dates that we are rejecting merely because we are being "too picky."  Now as some longer-term readers may recall, I have been accused of being too picky or of having too high standards -- my response then, as it is now, is that it's not like there are lines of single, available, sane men hanging around to date me if only my standards were lower.  I meet tons of guys, but they're taken, hung up on an ex, workaholics, players, or, as they say, "just not into me."  Or I'm just not into them.  The ones that don't fall into any of those categories and end up as dates have never, not ever, been cast aside because of something as superficial as an irritating habit, or even because things don't seem crazy passionate on day one.  Sure, I've got to want to kiss the guy to get things started, but they usually work out from there.  On a side note, this is why it drives me up a wall when I hear guys talk about how they're looking for fireworks or some such -- in my world, every relationship that has started out with fireworks has crashed and burned into flames, so fireworks do not equal the perfect guy.  If I'm attracted to him and enjoy his company, that's enough to get the ball rolling in my book -- I don't think that's being picky at all.

Second of all, anyone who enters a marriage with expectations of unflagging passion till death without an ounce of effort (the great expectations to which she refers), is an idiot.  Marriage is hard.  Don't go into it unless you are willing to do the work and you know how to communicate with your partner.  Just this week I have heard two reports from the marriage front that were certainly not all roses and sunshine, and I don't expect it to be that way.  I still hope for it, but I am thoroughly enjoying the single life I have now, and am even hoping that it will decrease my odds of ending up divorced in the long run when I ultimately do get married.

Regardless, I thought the article was ridiculous.

Hamming it Up

Am finally unveiling and diving into the Jambon de Bayonne I won at the Duckathlon -- will let you know how it is (once I come out of my pork-induced coma).  Am thrilled to have my fridge space back.

Spread Love

Just when you think Hugh is all bitterness, he springs something like this on you!  And on an unrelated note, in the category of love-related articles that made me smile, this story from the Times sounds slightly familiar.  As for plans, I'm not doing anything swine-related this year, just celebrating the love in my life.  Hugs and smooches, all!!

Just in Time for V-Day

Online Dating Helping Pathetic Women Get Their Hopes Crushed More Efficiently

 
Once again, the genius of the Onion.

Sunday Dinners

As I might have mentioned, I have been hosting small dinners on Sunday nights every so often.  I must say, tonight's recipes turned out pretty well and they were very simple, so I'll share:

Roast Pork Loin with Garlic and Rosemary
Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Mushrooms and Shallots

I thought I might have leftover pork for a sandwich tomorrow but someone (cough, Ben, cough) seemed to like it quite a bit.  No leftovers to be found.  I was trying to keep it on the healthy side, so no cheese, and baked apples for dessert.  I'll be posting other Sunday dinner recipes here and possibly on Gothamist in the not too distant future.  Speaking of healthy, I finally made it to the pool today -- swam for a half-hour and it felt great.  More to come.

Proud to be an American

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Well, sort of. I have voted AND served on jury duty this week so am feeling very citizen-like. Although this is not the courthouse I'm currently in. But cheers for the wifi!

When Pigs Fly

Oh, there are so many things I can talk about here, but I won't . . . I'll just leave you with the picture (since it has been a while since I've posted one).