The Most Annoying Person at Work

CareerBuilder has a list of the top 6 annoying behaviors at work.
I especially agree with number 5 – the person who talks super loud on the phone.
I also have a new o ne to add to the list.
#7. The Person that talks too much and lingers at your desk to chit-chat – even when you’re busy!

There’s a guy at my job that has a habit of coming to talk to you regardless of what you’re doing at the time. If you’re on the phone, he will wait to talk to you. If you’re locked in a train of thought typing an email, he will interrupt and talk to you. Even when you try to give him a hint that you’re busy – he’s totally oblivious. And 70% of the time, his conversation is not job related. It’s just mindless chatter.

Mind you, this guy is nice. He’s friendly. He just talks too much. Instead of just asking his question, he rambles, often repeating certain parts of the conversation over and over.

I feel bad, but sometimes when I see him come through the door, I pretend to be on the phone to avoid him making a ‘B-line” to my desk. Once I even excused myself to the bathroom before he could head my way.

I hate doing this – and I feel awful. I don’t often feel annoyed by people on the job – but this guy is obnoxious. (end of rant)

Restaurant Review: Aroma in Olney, MD

Aroma has made some changes! Click here for my new review.

Aroma is a small restaurant located in a strip-mall in Olney MD. They feature Latin American fare at fairly reasonable prices. For Olney, Aroma’s ethnic cuisine is refreshing, since most of the food venues in this area are fast food or Italian. Great restaurants in Olney are hard to come by (Olney Ale House = yuck!), so Aroma is sure to trump up some great business in this location.

So far, I’ve been to Aroma twice. I’ve held off writing a review because, quite simply, I have been waiting to be ‘amazed’ or ‘dazzled’ by something on their menu. I prefer not to give negative reviews, especially for new venues, since they should be given at least a year to work out the menu.

The ambience is quite trendy, especially for this sleepy town at the end of Georgia Avenue. I was also impressed by the music – a little bit of trance, and some re-mixed Latin beats. Very nice. Too bad they have no dance floor (even though that did not stop a couple ladies at the bar from ‘creating’ their own dance floor).

By and large, the food at Aroma is simply “OK”. I haven’t tasted a lot of items on the menu, but what I’ve ordered was simply lackluster. The Pollo Peruano is quite deceiving. The portion is huge, and the presentation wonderful. - but it goes flat on flavor. The chicken is quite bland, and the potatoes were greasy. My colleague ordered the Arroz con Mariscos, which was far better than the Pollo Peruano, but was overrun with too much fish, and not enough shrimp or mussels. The second time I visited Aroma, I ordered the Aji de Gallina, which is pulled chicken cooked in a spicy aji amarillo cream sauce. At first taste, the dish was good. But then, I felt overwhelmed with the amount of cream sauce on the plate. It completely drowned my chicken, and was entirely too thick. I was unlucky with my dish, but my friends seemed to enjoy their Pescado Chino-Latino (Rockfish), and Lomo Saltado (sautéed beef tenderloin). Next time I’ll order what they had.

I was however, impressed by two items in particular – first, the Camarones a la Sarten, which I ordered as an appetizer. I recommend that dish of shrimp, roasted shallots, garlic, and green olives. The second item – the mojitoes. The Passion Mojito and Spicy Passion Mojito are to die for. This place really knows it’s drinks.

Overall, I haven’t written Aroma off my list yet. I’m going to visit this place again soon. I’m confident I’ll find a dish that I thoroughly enjoy. I have high hopes for Aroma. This is a neat little place to go to catch up with friends. Phenomenal drinks, great music, lively crowd, and a cute bartender!

Daily Multi-Vitamins

I’m on a new ‘health’ kick right now. I’ve been more regular with the gym (at least 3 times a week!), and I’ve been lessening my portions. I’m still working on making healthier food choices, and not snacking after 8pm – that will be a long uphill battle.

I figured that maybe I should introduce a multi-vitamin in my diet. I’m almost positive I don’t get all my vitamins from food, so I need something to overall make me healthier, and give me more energy for the gym.

Right now I take vitamin C daily, and a little Echinacea when I’m feeling sick or have bad allergies. I've never been a big health-nut. I’m thinking of switching to this:

GNC’s multi-vitamin pack for active women. There’s so many details with taking certain vitamins. Some include about 6 tables to be taken daily, and some you have to take certain times of the day. I just want a basic tablet I can take in the morning to boost my day.

What do you think? One of my girlfriends swears by Immunocal. Maybe I should give that a try too….

Citizens of Humanity Jeans, ‘Ava Straight Leg’

So…I have a designer jean obsession. I got so tired of buying crappy jeans from Old Navy and Gap, that never really fit properly. I figured if I spent a little more money and bought nice jeans, maybe they would fit so well, that I would only need about 6 ‘go-to’ pairs. I was right! The more you pay for denim, the better the fit and the better the fabric.

So far, I’m really into Lucky Brand and Citizens of Humanity Jeans. The ‘Citizens’ are by far the best, but also the more pricy of the two. Last year, I bought the Ava Straight Leg Citizen jeans in faded onyx. They are absolutely my favorite pair of jeans ever. They fit like a glove, and they are not as tight and uncomfortable as ‘skinny’ jeans.

ShopBop and RevolveClothing are great sources of buying designer denim. Bonus - they also have sales pretty often, and online coupon codes can be readily found as well. I’ve recently ordered two more pair of Citizens, one being the Ava Geneva straight leg, and the other, the Elson straight leg.

The only problem I’ve found with the Citizen Ava’s is that - all of the Ava’s fit differently depending on the wash. And, the straight leg jeans all have various ‘leg openings’, ranging from 15” to 13”. That means, even though you buy a straight leg jean, some may fit more snug to the leg, and some will be baggier. Very strange. Revolve Clothing gives you the leg opening measurements for each pair, which is very helpful if you're extra picky, like myself.

It definitely pays to spend more buying clothes that fit well vs. wasting money on clothes that you’ll just end up donating a year later.

Paper Source Wedding Invitation Suite

Shopping for the right wedding invitation is difficult and exhausting. Fortunately, as a graphic designer, I was able to design my own.

Many brides have to divert to choosing the invitations for their special day, from a catalogue. In my option, many catalogue invitations are unoriginal, dull, and the actual printing/paper selection is pretty horrific as well.

But, if there are brides that have to resort to catalogue shopping due to their budget, I recommend the Paper Source’s new Wedding Invitation suite.

Their designs are gorgeous. I was highly impressed at the simplicity and elegance of their pieces, despite the fact that they are invitation templates. I’ve purchased paper and envelopes from the Paper Source in the past for my own design clients, and they do use quality cotton stock. Online, you can customize your invitation suite by choosing your invitation print method (flat printing, letterpress or engraving), your personalized colors, and personalized fonts.

Believe me, I’m definitely not trying to divert brides that want custom design work, but this is a great alternative.

Fixing the DC Public School System

There are so many things I adore about Washington DC, but one thing that breaks my heart is the failing educational system in this city. They are currently the worst in the U.S.

It’s a known fact that DC public school have lots of problems, ranging from behavioral issues with students, dismal building repairs, ill-equipped/unqualified teachers, a lack of parental involvement, and a major lack of appropriate supplies.

For a city that serves as the nation’s capital, this is truly sad. When I looked up DC Public Schools (DCPS) on Wikipedia, it mentioned that in 2008, only 36% of students in DC demonstrated proficiency in mathematics and 39% demonstrated proficiency in reading. That means more than half the students in Washington DC CAN NOT do BASIC Math or English (reading/writing). How does an individual who can not read, graduate high school?!

Who’s responsible? Why have so many students slipped through the cracks? There in lies the ‘money question’, that many people think they can answer, but not many can fully resolve.

In 2007 Mayor Adrian Fenty appointed Michelle Rhee as DCPS School Chancellor. Michelle has received tons of criticism from educators and parents, particularly for firing dozens of teachers and principals in the District school system. In my opinion, I think too many people have been way to hard on her.

Some think that she’s taking too long to implement reform. But honestly she’s only been in her position for under 2yrs! No one can fix a school system as underachieving as DC’s in just under 2yrs time. It’s going to take time to aid a system that has been failing for many years (some say it’s been failing since the 1960s!)

Mind you, I’m not a DC Public Schools (DCPS) teacher, or administrator, and did not attend DC schools as a child (I was in Prince Georges Public School system, but I will leave that for another post…). I only offer opinions based on articles I’ve read about the issue.

In my opinion, if a child completely fails at school, you can’t totally blame the child. Yes, some children have no intensions on learning, and some simply have major mental or behavioral issues that are well beyond the assistance a teacher can provide. However, in many cases, I feel that you CAN blame the teachers. You CAN blame the principals. And ultimately, you CAN blame the parents.

For people who criticize Michelle Rhee’s annual salary of 275k, I say “Good For Her”. How many people do you think are lining up to have her job?!

I think only time will tell what will become of DCPS. I think DC residents should be patient with Michelle. It seems she has the best of intentions. Honestly, she must have faith in the system because she chose to enroll her own children in DC public schools. And, I have no doubt that the educators she’s fired have warranted being removed from their positions.

I don’t understand why anyone would criticize someone on Michelle’s position. It is not an easy task by any means. She’s receiving far more criticism than the previous Chancellor who clearly did not meet expectations. DCPS has a horrible nation-wide reputation, and if anyone has the courage to step in to change that reputation, they should be heralded – not scolded. Praised, not chided. Supported, not outcast.

Click here for article on Michelle’s Letter to DC educators

Washington Post ‘Series’ on Fixing DC public schools (w/ interviews and video)

'Slumdog' Soundtrack

I rarely download or buy full CDs, but I'm going to have to get this one. The Slumdog Millionaire Soundtrack is beyond phenominal! Plus, I adore world music. I've yet to see the film, but the music makes me want to (and I suppose all the awarded Oscars as well...)

Here's a couple tracks - Jai Ho by A.R. Rahman and "Aaj Ki Raat". Enjoy!

Jai Ho (Featuring Sukhvinder Singh, Tanvi Shah & Mahala) - A.R. Rahman

Aaj Ki Raat - Sonu Nigam

Obama ‘Hope’ Portrait Artist Under Fire

Here is a link to an interesting article form Wired magazine.

(Obama Hope Artist in Copyright Flap)

I have to say, I side with the Associated Press. Judging from their original photo, I think Fairey was quite careless to claim the ‘vectored’ version as solely his own. Any designer knows how easy it is to use the ‘Live Trace’ feature in Illustrator, and it’s also just as easy to retouch the traced image and add color.

Yes, Fairey’s take is more ‘modern’ than the photograph, but it’s virtually a carbon copy of the original photo in a different media! I’m not sure why Fairey is so defiant in thinking his image does not impose upon infringement laws.

What do you think? Is the AP being to harsh on Fairey? Did Fairey violate copyright laws?
AP's original photo is on the left, Fairey's image is on the right.

Two of a Kind

I was pondering this yesterday. You ever notice that most married or dating couples are on the same ‘attractiveness’ scale? Meaning, if the women is hot, her male counterpart is usually extremely attractive as well – and vice versa. Now, there are exceptions to the rule, but for the most part, this is true.

Subconsciously, I think this is also programmed into the human race. Many of us know when someone is out of our league. Secretly, a dorky guy knows that he really has no chance with the 5’9 gorgeous brunette. He may try, but statistically, he’s going to fail. She’s going to end up with someone that is equally as attractive as she is.

Since I cant post photos of people that I know, I’m going to prove my point using celebrity photos. Look below. To some people, Angelina and Brad are about as hot as it gets. They are two irritatingly, but equally attractive, people.

Now look at Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick. She’s considered a ‘fashionista’, but in all honesty, she has an awkward look about her. I mean, do you remember ‘Square Pegs”? She’s rather quirky and somewhat dorky. Matthew Broderick is similar. Boyishly charming, but similarly quirky, and brainy looking.

Need I go on? The fact is, Brad would never date someone like Kathy Griffin. And Angelina wouldn’t date someone like Seth Green. As I said, there are exceptions at times. Take a look at the couples you know personally.

All these couples are equal in attractiveness.

*EDIT: I GUESS I STAND CORRECTED, SEE THIS LINK: The Hottie and the Nottie

Restaurant Review: Acadiana

On Friday night, I went to one of DC’s best kept secrets – a discreet, but elegant, restaurant near Penn Quarter called Acadiana. As you probably know by now, I eat out a lot, and I’m always checking Washingtonian magazine and Opentable.com to find out where the best ‘eats’ are in the area. I have no idea how I missed this place.

Acadiana’s menu is Louisiana inspired, which I thought was brilliant as I was an avid viewer of this past season’s Top Chef (where one of the last challenges was all about Louisiana’s cuisine).

This place has a really ‘old world’ feel, with it’s display of chandeliers, large vases, white table cloths, dark cherry-wood accents, and dim lighting. But somehow, this restaurant is cozy, and not stuffy.

My reservation was honored on time, at 8pm sharp. The wait staff was polite, and incredibly helpful in assisting us with selections.

The seafood crepe gratin was to die for. The seafood filling was cooked to perfection with a kick of hot spices, and the crepe itself was light and fluffy. Oddly enough, just one of these would suffice for a lunch entrée. Our waiter mentioned that this dish was the most ordered appetizers on the menu. I can see why.

For the main course, I ordered my tried and true signature dish – crab cakes. I always judge a restaurant’s quality by how they make their crab cakes. I am after all from Maryland – I take crab seriously! Obviously the meat was not Maryland blue crab, but it was on par. The crab cakes were full of lump crab meat, and not a lot of filler – just how I like it. I ordered Red Beans and Rice as a side, and they were delightful. Very spicy, very robust.

For dessert, I ordered the warm raisin bread pudding. If I died Friday night, I would have died happy because of this dessert. It was perfect, and a great end to a fantastic meal.

The only con I found was regarding the drinks (wine and cocktails). They were quite expensive, and quite ordinary. I was really bummed they didn’t any Riesling by the glass, only by the bottle. But, I guess that is the ‘norm’ these days, which is why I drink most of my cocktails and wine at home.

If you’re looking for some down-home, southern cooking done right – this restaurant is your place. Don’t pass on the Red Beans and Rice!

Angelina Jolie filming ‘Salt’ in DC

Yesterday I found out that Angelina Jolie and Live Schreiber were filming ‘Salt” in DC until Monday March 9th. Obviously, I had to investigate.

Thanks to the confirmation from my friend Austria and the site ‘On Location Vacations’, I also found out that filming today was to take place near Archives/Navy Memorial metro station. I went down during lunch and snapped a couple photos (the pics are crappy, I got yelled at a couple times for taking them). I also watched them film what looked to be like a chase scene of some sort with two big guys in black coats. No Angie or Live spotting – Angie ended her filming around 9:30am/10:00am I was told.

Filming will continue in SW DC today possibly near L’Efant Plaza. Angie has a few scenes this afternoon. Tomorrow’s filming is rumored to be in Georgetown down by the waterfront.

Unfortunately Central Casting is not hiring any non-union extras – so unless you’re a professional actor, you can’t join in the fun. But you can watch the filming – which is sometimes even MORE fun.

Also Brad Pitt in town meeting on Capital Hill. If I didn’t have an actual job during the daytime hours, I would play paparazzi today.

And, you may want to know, how do I get all this information? I can never reveal my sources.

Fox 5 news dude videotaping

It looked like the Director sat here. Bunch of background actors filming this scene

Flowers Bakery Café (Silver Spring, MD)

I know I’ve posted about Flowers Bakery before, but I genuinely love this place. If had a bunch of extra cash, I would offer to be an investor. Yesterday after work, I was really tired. I debated, should I go to the gym or should I treat myself to a couple pastries. Well obviously you know which one I chose.

I bought a phenomenal custard fruit tart, a mixed fruit cheesecake, a slice of carrot cake, and the bakery threw in a free strawberry cream puff. Mmmmm… I saved my mixed fruit cheesecake for dinner tonight. I plan on going there again on Saturday for some fresh éclairs. And then I’ll head to the gym afterwards to burn it off.

Have You Read 'What I'm Wearing Today'?

First, I'd like to apologize for the absence of posts lately. I've been spending all of my free time revamping my freelance business branding. It's taking me longer than expected, but I want to make sure all the legal aspects of my contracts are in order.

In any case, when I do have a bit of downtime, I still try to read my own favorite blogs. One new fav is 'What I'm Wearing Today'. This blogger is a 'girl after my own heart', since she's also a fellow JCrew fanatic. Each day she posts what outfit she's decided to wear for the day - and let me say, this girl has got style. I might have to do my online shopping based on her daily pics from now on. If you're a bonafide shop-a-holic like myself, check her out!