Getting back to my roots.

Picture of bibimbap. Yummy.

I have been searching for Korean restaurants in the Washington, DC area since last night. After reading some reviews about places in Annadale, I have located one or two spots I would like to try; however, if anyone out there knew of additional places within the city, I would love to hear about them. This interest in Korean food was somewhat sparked by my work with Hopkins. Everyday I am looking at transcripts from various universities in Seoul and I can't help but think about the culture and experiences I missed when I was brought to America. Although I am thankful for everything that I have done here, there's a part of me that wants to learn more about where I came from. So I am going to start where my interests lie... with food. What people eat and drink in Korean is so intertwined with its history and culture that I think by experiencing these dishes, I will gain a small understanding of my homeland. Or at least I hope.

(Image via about.com.)

Ring fever!

Tragically, cabin fever has driven me to online window shopping. I suppose after a week of continuous snow, there are worse things I could be hooked on. Anyway it seems like my focus has been on jewelry— more specifically, large and gorgeous rings. (Bad news for my boyfriend, haha.)

I found this bad boy at American Eagle and for some reason, I am very attracted to it. Throughout most of my life, I have never been a fan of gold jewelry. It never seemed to match any of my wardrobe, but now that my taste in clothing is changing, so is my opinion of gold. This would be an interesting addition to my jewelry and non-existent ring collection especially since any nautical themed catches my eye.

I love flower rings right now. This one is especially lovely with the turquoise center and daisy-like gold petals. Found this beauty at Banana Republic.


Another BR find. This love knot ring would be perfect as a gift for someone who appreciates simple elegance.


J. Crew never lets me down. I love this rose colored stone set in gold. Timeless, gorgeous, sparkly.


And something in silver for good measure. This seems like it could be a nice casual day ring-- something to wear with jeans and an oxford. Just saying. Also from AE.

Cabin fever is setting in!

I want to be grounded. When I say that, it doesn't mean I want to settle, I just want to not feel as if everything is constantly up in the air. Does that make sense?

In other news, this Snowpocalyse 2010 is reeking havoc on my work schedule. I haven't been at Hopkins since Thursday. What the what?

This once was a whole tree.

This picture was from this past weekend. The blizzard which is currently ravaging my area is causing insane amounts of cabin fever and general problems everywhere. We lost power briefly this morning and the gusting wind is seeping through the window behind me. So now my back is freezing. Fail. Luckily, Jason said he would come over tomorrow to help dig my car out. What a good boyfriend. :)

Snowapalooza 2010

So apparently there is going to be another blizzard this weekend. The weather reports are predicting 16-24 inches of snow and winds up to 30 mph. Washington, DC has now become the snow storm capital of the world! And I moved south to get away from this kind of weather! Bah. Expect more pictures this weekend of my car buried deep in the snow (as well as complaints about my sore muscles from shoveling it all away).

I want to be a foodie.

After moving to DC, I have been able to experience a number of different restaurants downtown and in the suburbs. This is both a good and bad thing. It's good in the way that I am trying new types of food and new flavors, but it's bad in the way that I am spending way too much money on eating out.

I have recently discovered paella. Although I had a vague idea of what it was before trying it, just experiencing the blending of rice and meat was magical. All the tastes mingle together in a spicy, warm and creamy texture. Or at leas the paella I had on Saturday night. My other dream job (besides being a wedding photographer) would be going to restaurants in the city and reviewing their food.

My paella didn't have any clams. Boo.

I probably won't get going out any time soon, but when Jason and I go to Richmond next weekend, I definitely want to go back to some of my favorite places to eat in the area. Mmm, French food.

So come on, get higher.

How do you make yourself forget something? Something that you don't want to remember, but do anyway. I am constantly reminded of my past and when I look back-- when I truly reflect on my life-- the precious, joyous moments just mix with this inescapable feeling of melancholy and regret. I know I am happy now and I am trying to live in the fleeting present; however, the past will always come back to haunt me no matter where I go or what I do. So how do you live with it? How do you confront it every day? Anyway, it's late and I'm rambling, sorry.

Snowed in!

I wish JT was here to enjoy the snow with me.

Work related challenges

Now that I have been working full time for over a week, a new set of issues and challenges have arisen as a result:

The Commute -- I must say, I really do miss my ten minute drive to my part time jobs, haha. To get to work, I need to travel about an hour from the "suburbs" of Virginia into the heart of DC. This involves catching a bus (which makes stops along my neighborhood), hoping on the yellow line, transferring to the red line, and then walking about 0.5 miles to my office. The first few days of my commute were a little shaky, but I have definitely gotten it down to a science now-- I'm usually out the door by 7:30 a.m. and back home by 6:05 p.m. My bus actually gets in at the Pentagon, so I get to see men in uniform and well-dressed Pentagon employees all the time. :) It definitely makes my morning.

Jason also gave me an idea this weekend that perhaps I can turn into a long term project involving my commute. I might start working on it this week, so we'll see. Maybe it will actually turn into something worthwhile.

Breakfast and Lunch -- Every day last week I have gone to Cosi for either breakfast or lunch and that is something which shouldn't happen. I am on a budget and recklessly getting food is not a part of it! I mean, my commute alone is around $6 round-trip, so I can't afford to be spending another $5-8 on Cosi. So tomorrow I am making a trip over to the local Trader Joe's to pick up bagels, cream cheese, and other things to make wraps, pasta dishes, etc. Saving money is a must right now and this has to be the way I do it.

This is the start of something good.

After a hectic week of packing and moving, I am now in DC and will start my job tomorrow. I'll try to blog more about it soon! :)

Good things come to those who wait.

Good news: I got the job and couldn't be happier! When I was at my interview, the director of admissions said that he truly believed that everything happens for a reason... And I think this situation exemplifies that idea. I had to wait six long months for a job, endure rejection after rejection so I could end up here-- getting a great job in DC like I have always wanted.

Falling in love.

There is something strikingly beautiful about Washington DC. I've been to a few cities here and there, and although they were exciting and lovely, I don't think they have made me feel the way DC does. As I was driving along Mass Ave and around the monuments, my face was literally plastered to the window. Gazing out at the lights was like some mesmerizing experience as my eyes were completely fixated on the things we were passing. The monuments are especially beautiful at night. In eighth grade, I remember traveling to DC for an overnight field trip-- I remember walking around the FDR Memorial at night and thought that was nice, but perhaps I was too young to understand. Driving around the heart of the city gives you a grander overview of the monuments in all their illuminated glory. When we were driving past the Washington Monument that's when I knew I was meant to live here.


My interview on Wednesday went well. After a hectic morning of driving and metro riding, I found the building with some time to spare. I had Cosi for breakfast and then made my way to the third floor to meet with HR and Admissions. Overall, I had a very pleasant experience and I am crossing my fingers that they will offer me this position. The more I think about it, the more I know that I want to work in higher education. My college experience has helped shape me into the person I am today and that would not have happened without the aid of my professors and all the professional staff that I've befriended along the way. I want to be able to do that for someone else... For the lost college student trying to figure out what they want from life and how to achieve it.

Anyway, hopefully I will hear from them within a week. I am so ready to start the next chapter of my life in a city that is so new and exciting to me.

Job search woes

I've been very anxious since Friday afternoon and I doubt this tightness in my chest will subside any time soon. I am going to D.C. tomorrow morning for an interview (on Wednesday) and I am scared to death. I know I can do this job, but I am afraid that if I keep my hopes too high, I will be so disappointed when I don't get the offer. Will thinking this way set me up to fail? I don't know, but to be safe, I am going to think positively for once. Wish me luck.

Driving back on Wednesday might be the worst idea I have ever had. We'll see...

I'm dizzy from all this spinning.

I have always felt like I was meant to do something beautiful. Perhaps that is too broad. I suppose what I am trying to say is that I feel like I am living a purposeful life, I need to fill it with worthwhile endeavors... like photography, art, dance and cooking. I want to be a part of something breathtaking.

Every day I spend at home is another day wasted. It's another 24 hours I cannot retrieve. And as hard as I try to do things that are meaningful, this environment stifles every creative urge I have. Waking up to footsteps from upstairs and the monotony of suburban life leaves me feeling empty. I am ready to take a leap. I am eager to start exploring a new city and meet new people.

Don't get me wrong, there are certainly things in my life that I am more than satisfied with. For instance, I am part of a relationship that is wonderfully simple-- yet at the same time, every day is a brand new adventure. I am very aware of who I am and who I want associate with. And I am lucky to have been where I've been.

But one day, I know I will achieve great things. Just wait, you'll see.

Too much holiday cheer!

Sadly, it seems that my work has been overtaken by tacky Christmas decorations, festive holiday jingles and crazy soccer moms. It isn't even Thanksgiving and I am already in the bah-humbug spirit. Where did my joy go? Oh, that's right, out the door with the middle aged women who just gave me an attitude because I only trying to help her.

Anyway to combat this ever present feeling of ennui, I went bargain shopping (at my place of work, haha) and ended up getting a nice pair of flats and a cashmere cardigan for like $15. Considering the cardigan alone was originally $80, I think I made out pretty well. And I am abslutely obsessed with cashmere right now. To the point that it may be unhealthy...

Hello, beautiful.

These are shockingly comfortable.

I have started Christmas shopping for others, too. (Not just for myself, haha.) Already it seems I've crossed off my mother, two brothers, aunt and cousin off my list. But I am having a hard time deciding what to get my boyfriend... I want to get him something funny (because he's the type of guy that would give me a gag gift), but at the same time, I want to give him something I know he will really like and use. Dilemma!

So, what or who are you shopping for this season?

Distractions

I know it has been a while, but it seems like my two jobs have taken over my life. I haven't had a day off since last Saturday (and that's because I requested off) and it doesn't look like I will have one until Thursday. This would be better if I had a salary and benefits. Ugh.

Anyway, I am waiting for a call back from a temp agency in DC. They called me earlier this week to discuss my ideal job and availability. The woman I spoke with said she was going to forward my resume to a recruitment counselor and they would call me soon to hopefully schedule me for an interview. All I want for Christmas is a real job.

Beyond that, not much has been going on. I went to PA last weekend to visit Jason and it was a lot of fun. Now I'm just trying to figure out when I can see him next. Otherwise, life has been pretty dull...

Photo of the Day - Dave Matthews at MSG

"Dave Matthews at MSG"
New York, NY
Taken December 2006

Apple pie

Currently baking a delicious apple pie. This is actually the third pie I've made in two weeks from some apples Jason and I picked the last time he visited. Eep. Anyway, pie crust recipe is courtesy of Jason's mother and everything else I estimated, haha. It's actually easier to make pie crust than I had originally thought, so I am more inclined to make them homemade now.

Pie Crust (makes two crusts)
2 cups flour
1 tsp. vinegar
1 egg
1 tsp. salt
3/4 cup shortening or butter
Water added a tbsp. at a time

Filling
6 medium apples (diced/sliced/whatever)
1 cup sugar
1 tbsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg

To make the crust, I sifted the flour and the salt together and then cut cold butter into the mixture. Next, I added the vinegar and egg and incorporated that with my hands. Adding one tablespoon of cold water at a time, I mixed the dough until it was just moist. I learned from Alton Brown that if the pie crust dough is too wet, it will shrink when it cooks! He was totally right! Anyway, I then refrigerated the dough wrapped in plastic wrap for 30 minutes and then rolled it out. The filling was pretty simple-- I mixed all of those ingredients together and then assembled the pie. Then you just bake that bad boy in a 350 degree oven for about an hour and you're all set!

(Image via Colleen Hammond)

Photo of the Day - PA Memorial

"PA Memorial"

Gettysburg, PA
Taken March 2009

Photo of the Day - Butterfly

"Butterfly"
Saratoga Springs, NY
Taken June 2008

Compromise sometimes really is everything...

The more time I spend in limbo (the awkward place between being a college student and being an adult), the more I realize that living is about compromise. We can't always get what we want right away, so we need to find another route to arrive at our intended destination as opposed to the one we wanted to take in the first place. In other words, I guess I'm saying that in my own life, I need to work and fight harder for the things that I desire. It happened with college, it has happened in my personal relationships and now it is happening with my job search. Maybe I need to just work with what's in front of me right now-- thinking about how the present will impact the future and working towards that ultimate goal. Just letting things unfold as they go along.

In other news, I am hoping to do some more things with my blog. I think I would like to start a "Photo of the Day" post and dig into my archives for photos from years past. I think that would also help me get out and take more pictures... I hope.

Also, this blog is what I have been laughing at all day long.