What’s New…

First thing’s first, - My blog is 1yr old now!! You’ve been reading my random thoughts since 2008 – so cudos to you! Thanks for your interest. Who knew I had so much to say?

With that said, I’m so sorry for my delay in posts lately. I don’t want to be like some bloggers who slow in momentum after the first year. I hope to bring you more juicy goodness from the DC area.

Things have been very hectic (as usual). I’ve been rather busy at work, I recently attended my cousin’s lovely wedding, and now I’m preparing for my trip to Europe. I’m leaving on Sunday – yay!

I also found some time to purchase the new iPhone 3Gs. It’s really worth the hype! I love this little phone. I’ve actually found myself spending more time on my iPhone than my actual PC. Accessing all my regular sites is so convenient on this little phone. It’s like a mini laptop – and in my opinion, no other phone compares. No, not even Blackberry.

If anyone has been following my tweets, I’ve also allotted time from my busy schedule to stalk the Real World DC house (I swear I’m not the only one doing this). Real World DC is just one of many projects being filmed in the district right now. It’s always exciting to see TV cameras and crews around town. When I stopped by the Real World house last week, the whole place was gutted out, and construction workers were still busy finishing up the interior. Today I heard a couple cast members (and crew) were spotted around Dupont Circle. I guess the house is finished now, and I can resume my stalking after my vacation. Real World usually films for about 6 months right?

I’m hoping to post again this week before my departure. I’ve really been meaning to send out another “restaurant review”. I will do a proper review soon, but I HAVE TO let all of you know about a new little Indian Bistro downtown called “Spice Express”. For those of us who work downtown near K street, our only go-to Indian cuisine stops have been Nirvana and/or Naan and Beyond. While both are good, it’s apparent that these spots are frequented by local business people – and not the Indian community.

However, I knew Spice Express was going to be good because of the long line of Indian men and women standing out front. The wonderful scent of curry consumes you before you even enter the place. There’s a multitude of chicken, lamb, and veggie selections – all well flavored and cooked with special Indian spices. I highly recommend this place. And the portions are HUGE! They offer specials for two curry dishes with rice, but in my opinion, you only need one curry dish with rice. After eating there, I generally feel like sleeping under my desk (although, I do feel quite fat and happy).

Here’s a link. Check it out!

DC Metro Train Accident

As you can expect, all of DC is buzzing about the train collision yesterday on the metro system. Two trains heading toward DC collided. Apparently, the first train was stopped, and the second train plowed into the rear of the first train. My heart goes out to those affected by this accident – especially ones who possibly lost loved ones. This is truly one of my worst fears. I ride metro everyday to work, and I always fear a horrific accident on the rail system – be it an accident or terrorist attack.

First off, I’m truly irritated by the lack of information given by Metro yesterday afternoon. As I approached the Red Line station to head home, there wasn’t much of an indication that anything horrible had happened. Yes, there was a notice of a delay, but no station manager/employee available to give further information. I knew there was a problem because I overheard other people’s conversations. Then suddenly, my phone alerted with 10 emails and about 15 text messages from friends and family asking if I was ok. At that point, no one was sure if the trains were headed downtown, or toward the suburbs. Utter confusion.

To get home, I met my mom who’s on the Blue/Orange line, so that my sister could pick us up. While waiting for an Orange/blue train, a metro employee said over the loudspeaker, “There are minor delays on the Red line. For details ask the station manager”. HELLO?! MINOR?? The delays were MAJOR!! The entire Red Line was shut down! But employees failed the mention that. They led us all to believe that the Red line was simply delayed and would resume service. I’m not saying they should have cause a mass panic, but they should at least have said, “There has been an accident on the Red line. All have trains have stopped. See station manager for alternate routes”.

Sometimes metro really frustrates me with their lack of communication, lack of detailed information, and incompetent employees. Some of them are such duds, I can’t believe our lives are in their hands.

All in all, I’m thankful that I got home ok, and that all my friends/family that ride the trains were not affected. Had the trains been headed toward the suburbs, they would have been packed to the brim, with passengers sitting and standing. I can’t imagine that devastation. Not to downplay this tragedy, but this incident could have really been worse. It’d odd when you ride the train. The person you’re sitting next to in the morning could be dead in the afternoon. It’s truly tragic to think about the irony. I’m thankful for everyday I ride the train without incident. But I have to admit, this has given me second thoughts about working in the city.

Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland

Artistically, I always enjoy Tim Burton films. His remake of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory angered some critics, but I loved it! I love the cinematography, the set colors, and most of all Johnny Depp. I don't think a better Director could pull off Alice in Wonderland (due to be released March 2010). The story itself is so strange at times, it lends well to Burton's style.

Entertainment Weekly posted a link to portraits of the 3 main characters...Johnny Depp (Mad Hatter), Anne Hathaway (White Queen), and Helena Bonham Carter (Queen of Hearts/Red Queen).


These portraits are such a teaser - and I can't wait to see this film. Click here for a First Look at the film from USA Today.

Countdown to iPhone 3Gs....

Tomorrow the new iPhones are officially released! Yay! We've already purchased ours, and my husband's AT&T rep will be configuring them for us tonight (I guess we got ours a day early...). This is the first time I'll have a phone that's actually in the technology age. I've always had the 'free-rebate' phones you get at the end of a two year contract.

I'm also happy to have a new phone plan with AT&T as they are much cheaper than Verizon. I was paying $80/month for a crappy Verizon phone with no internet. Now I'm paying about $80 for an iPhone with free data!

In any case, I can't wait to play with my new toy and check out some of the 'apps'. The GPS and Facebook apps are first on my list.

Doodle Swap Project

Recently I participated in a “Doodle Swap” project coordinated by ‘Mary Ferguson’ of the HOW Design forum. I’m normally so busy, I usually have to decline collaborative art projects. However, I thought the Doodle Swap would be a great opportunity for me to go back to my ‘artistic’ roots so to speak.

To keep the amount of doodles to a minimum, we were divided in smaller ‘swap’ groups. Below are the 7 doodles that I submitted to fellow artists. They will probably receive my drawings by this weekend, I should receive my sets of drawings by early next week.

My background is fine art – mostly painting and drawing. Even though my work these days is computer based, I love it when I have the chance to sit down with my good ol’ pen/pencil and drawing pad.

My formal art training focused on a lot of figure drawing and still life drawing – but I always had more fun with cartoon/anime based artwork when drawing on my own time. Growing up, I always wanted to be an Animator. I was a typical dorky kid – watching anime, obsessing over Disney characters, reading comics, and creating my own X-Men characters in my drawing pads. It’s funny how we all develop our own drawing styles as kids. I still can’t draw portraiture to save my life though.

All in all, I had so much fun with this project. It’s inspired me to start drawing again – and I might even sign up for a figure drawing class this summer/fall.

Hope you all enjoy my ‘doodles’! (Click to enlarge)

Yet Another Movie Filming in DC

So, I got a few complaints from certain individuals who were offended that I didn't give them a heads-up about the 'Night at the Museum' movie premiere. I do apologize. To make it up to you, I'll post what I know about the new Reese Witherspoon/Paul Rudd/Owen Wilson movie being filmed in DC.

Right now, the movie isn't titled. They are filming the DC area. If you want to be an extra in the movie, you must register with Central Casting's DC office. If you dial the main line, they will give you the site address for the 'Extras Registry'.

Once I find out specific filming locations, I'll let you know. I can provide info, but I can not reveal my sources. =)

See Chaka Khan for Free in DC

There’s a free lunchtime concert today near 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. Chaka Khan takes the stage around 12noon to kick off the Live! On Woodrow Wilson Plaza free lunchtime concert series. Click here for more details.

I understand Chaka is a legend – but she’s way before my time. I probably won’t head down there unless I find John Legend or Kanye West on the roster.

Enjoy! This is the only city that offers free stuff (zoo, museums, concerts, etc.)!

The North Korea Situation

Did anyone else see this headline on AOL news today?


I for one, am trying to follow this new North Korea situation on the news. There's a lot of talk about missiles being launched, and a possible conflict with the US. I'm not a political person, I just like being informed about world events.

My biggest gripe though, is the media is totally downplaying this issue. I have to watch the BBC to get any sort of specific information on it. The news briefly mentions it, and then goes on to a news piece about Susan Boyle or Jon & Kate. It's rather annoying.

Anyone else keeping up with the North Korea issue? Rather scary stuff.