snow day

I'm sitting in a small room on the third floor of a row-house in Columbia Heights. My internet finally working (I think all the devices wigged it out since everyone is home on my first snow day!) so I can put up a post. Which made me think about how lucky I am (we are) to even have internet. For many people this is not the case--and if we don't fight for our rights in a digital world, it won't even be the same for us who currently have access. Then what will we do when we want to watch House of Cards?! I'm a bit conflicted about this article in the nytimes...because online petitions are kind of annoying and seem pointless. And people can't call Congresspeople to argue an issue if they don't have all the facts, which is sometimes how I feel...and big internet companies have lobbyists and their interests aren't always our interests ... and so I'll keep blogging until the power players funnel access or censoring denies me the ability.

(My First) Snow Day Facts:

1. Feels like Spain on a Sunday. Harrar Coffee is closed today, which is kind of the worst news ever as it is the only place I would dare walk in this snow. Grocery shopping, gym time, coffee meetings and museum visits have been canceled from my agenda. Kale shake-making, recipe research and novel reading have filled the void.

2. OPM Controls Snow Days. I can now add OPM (U.S. Office of Personnel Management) to my list of new acronyms necessary to know in DC, as it is the place to check for 'snow day' alerts. It's nice having everyone home--this new house of people that I surprisingly get along with really well. They work in all different areas--government, non-profit, yoga...and only one of them is from a state I've ever lived in (or been to), which is a bit sad, but true. Soon I can cross Maryland off my list...

3. Trips Get Cancelled. My sister, aunt and I were supposed to take a weekend trip to NY, but due to weather conditions had to cancel. We are all bummed, but we can reschedule. Now I'm debating how long it will take to order MUJI products online, or if I should just wait.

4. Salt Makes a Mess. I now understand why at a recent house viewing the tenant kept complaining about the salt stains on the wood floor. I can't help but see them now in every house I visit.

5. Scandal is Cheesy. We tried it, we almost got a third of the way through, but it was just too much. Luckily I have Revenge to fill my need for cheesy soapy tv shows.

And news--I start a new job next week and I'm moving to Shaw (permanently) in March! I love the transition, the journey, the unexpected, but it is so nice to have things settle a bit. I am really excited to get back to the grind -- and for a great company with amazing people.

Happy snow day!

the most amazing (kale) shake

The first time my sister made me a kale shake I admit, I was a bit skeptical. Kale chips, kale salad, kale kale kale in a shake? Ew.

But she made it and I drank it and it was amazing. I've been making it myself (and usually give half to my housemate if he's around) ever since. Definitely a hit and I can totally eat in during this Whole Foods Healthy Eating Challenge my sister and I are doing starting Saturday (ah!). I'm excited to try other combinations of greens + fruit--spinach and green apple? carrot and grapes? Who knows what we'll come up with. If only I could take this Vitamix with me when I move into my new place!

If anyone tells you kale in a shake tastes bad, they are lying or just doing it wrong. Try it for yourself and you'll see! I don't even have a picture of a full glass because everyone always drinks it before I get a chance.

Kale Shake

4 big handfuls of organic Kale 1 banana a squeeze of honey some almond milk a spoonful of peanut butter some water if you want less milk some ice

(ok, so I don't really measure, but you'll figure it out--just fill enough liquid so the blender goes)

Blend all + enjoy!

What's your favorite greens/fruit combo? What do you add? I want to try a date version--updates soon!

if you read one thing about the google buses, read this

Read this behind-the-scenes email exchange posted by Megan Wilson between Mission Local and artists Rigo 23, John Jota Leaños, Isis Rodriguez, and Jet Martinez regarding the google bus contest. Pretty good idea of what is going on...

worth reading the whole exchange here--lots going on: internet. public. privacy. meta. capitalism. art. future definitions of these words. Thanks Megan Wilson for posting. Please don't spam these artists' inboxes, just read their words.

watch #NYFW from the comfort of your home (or the W)

Not in NY? Don't want to wait for Style.com to post the shows? Follow these steps for instant access to #NYFW:

1. Follow Leandra Medine. AKA the Man Repeller. She'll show you what she'd wear (which is kind of everything, but in the best way). Not only is she witty and smart, she has a sharp eye and does not hold back. @manrepeller

2. Follow your favorite designers that actually post things (other than glossy magazine ad shots) on Instagram, like Creatures of the Wind @creaturesofthewind  or Maison Martin Margiela @maisonmargiela or BCBG MAXAZRIA @bcbgmaxazria or Mara Hoffman @marahoffman.  Don't waste time searching for them on Instagram--just go here, click on the designer for profiles and official social links.

3. Follow Mercedes Benz Fashion Week @mbfashionweek because, well, they have a vested interested to show you everything.

4. Follow Solange Knowles @saintrecords  Just because.

5. Watch live streaming of four shows at the the W Washington D.C. Living Room starting tonight with Diane von Furstenberg! RSVP to wfashion@brandlinkdcrsvp.com and find show listings here.

that time in Cannon House

Last week my grandmother was invited to go to the State of the Union address by a congresswoman in Arizona. It's so interesting to be in and around the people running the government, especially when it seems straight out of VEEP or House of Cards. They were literally trying to put a pin on a magnet so as not to puncture the congresswoman's clothes as she apparently does not like pins. Hey, I don't like holes in my clothes either, but the way in which it happened could not have been scripted better. There's more strangeness still sinking in, but the point is--life and people are strange. And that strangeness is funny.

It was an honor for my grandmother to be acknowledged for the work she has done for Veterans and everyone was very nice to us. My sister and I got to watch the event at a wine bar down the street and play bingo. Though I wish more things had been crossed out, at least some things were said. And it really is in our hands to create change. How, I'm still trying to figure out, but we will.

The strangest part was when my grandmother told a bunch of staff assistants a story about me as a child. Apparently I was about four, it was the Easter Egg Roll, I had met the Vice President but kept asking for the President and was very disappointed that I could not meet him. Everyone laughed at the cute story, how adamant I was and how much attention I demanded, and all I could think was: What was wrong with me? Why was I so annoying? Why didn't I meet the President? What ever happened to that Easter egg?

My dad always tells me how I used to do the wave on the mall. Like literally run around the mall and try and get other people to do the wave with me. I guess I haven't changed all that much.

And so--people do strange, annoying things and we still love them. Sometimes we vote and follow them. Sometimes we keep believing in them even when they just aren't quite doing enough. In light of the fact that we are all human, I guess the State of the Union was alright. Nothing terribly shocking, some of the unexpected, like the apolitical standing ovation, lots of sneers from the sidelines, and some great delivery, packaged hope and more rhetoric for us to trudge through. Like snow, it will melt and everyone will start slipping and sliding over it, or simply forget about it. I think I felt hopeful, but I also felt a bit like I was forced to enjoy something that was slowly, silently killing me. Rhetorically speaking, of course.

Anyone wanna start on a new constitution?

Cat Forever: New Art by Primo Pitino at Alley Cat Books -- San Francisco

I always loved running into Primo--and dancing to his record spinning--and seeing his posters all over town. I first met him at a NYE do-over party at 3435 Cesar Chavez and have been following his work ever since. I wanted to do a Betabrand piece of clothing inspired by his artwork, but it never got through development. Who wants to wear these CATS?! I do!

If you are in San Francisco, go check it out before it is too late--Cat Forever: New Art by Primo Pitino. If you aren't in SF, check out this 360 degree view by Han Lee (made with app bubbli). Alley Cat books has this sweet gallery space where they feature local artists such as DJ/Artist Primo Pitino. And when they don't have art shows, they have a ping pong table up. So no excuses to not check out my favorite book store on my favorite block on my old favorite place to live. Ah, I miss 24th Street. But, not as much as I love where I am now. And since I've discovered Harrar Coffee, I've solved the Philz problem. Now I need to find an 'Oldies Night' and '2 Men Will Move You'...oh Primo nothing can replace you! Thanks for making SF so fun and don't ever change. If you move, move to DC.

Cat Forever: New Art by Primo Pitino Alley Cat Books 3036 24th Street San Francisco 94110

The best parties in the city (if you actually like dancing):

Oldies Night at the Knockout -- First Friday of the month 2 Men Will Move You at Amnesia -- Second Saturday of the month