The Post Hunt Post

Sunday, Sarah and I teamed up with Katie, Aaron, Eric, Coy, Chelsea and Jason to take on the 2009 Post Hunt, in DC. The hunt is organized by the Washington Post Magazine, and is a series of riddles and puzzles spread out across the Freedom Plaza area of the District. Thousands showed up from all over to race to the finish and take a shot at the $2000 reward. Our team wasn’t really in it for the money (not that we wouldn’t take it of course) more so the thrill of the chase and see how far we could compete. The contest consisted of 5 lesser puzzles hidden throughout the area that competitors needed clues and a copy of the Post Magazine to locate. At each location there was a different riddle awaiting the teams- each yielding a number as the solution. Once all 5 solutions where found the numbers corresponded with a series of clues also found within the magazine. Those, combined with a clue that was presented by Dave Barry after a few hours had passed, was the super-puzzle that offered the grand prize. We put a solid dent in 4 of the 5 puzzles and solved 3 of them correctly- which is more than we where thinking we would. Collectively as a team we where pretty good, though I felt like dead weight to a degree, with only a few useful revelations to contribute. Check out the official Post Hunt website to see the puzzles and the solutions. They are worth watching! I was very impressed with the production value that went into this thing. It was a Da Vinci Code/Carmen Santiago hybrid, and a ton of fun from start to finish. I am really glad we went out for it, and look forward to trying our hand at it again for the 2010 Hunt!

The American Celebration Post

Last night we headed out to Georgetown to celebrate my citizenship. Putting the word out with FaceBook I tried to wrangle up as many of my fellow Americans in the area to come out for a beer at the Guards. I had a great night spending time with my good friends. It was a lot of fun and was great to see everyone. Erin and Tim sent on a bag of goodies than included an Uncle Sam hat amongst other very patriotic paraphernalia which made for some interesting photo ops with friends and strangers alike. (Pictures on Sarah’s FaceBook) I don’t think I had ever been to the Guards before but it’s definitely a place I’d head back to; nice bar environment with a lower deck for the more dancing-inclined patrons. It was a really nice ending to a day worth celebrating. Thanks to everyone who made it out, for all the well wishes and congratulatory texts, tweets and IMs. You guys are the best, thank you so much.

The Swearing In Post

Friday morning we got up bright and early to head into DC for my Naturalization Ceremony. Sarah and I where both really tired after a late night thanks to AirTran delaying and rerouting Sarah flight in from Texas, but we made it out to the Capitol Building for the 8:00 arrival time. After waiting in some long lines we were seated in the auditorium to wait for the ceremony to start. Skipping breakfast was a bad idea because the whole thing didn’t kick off until 10:00. Once it got going though I quickly forgot how loud my grumbling stomach was as I was caught up in a very moving lineup of speakers, video packages and singing of the Star Spangled Banner. The DC Police Color Guard brought the flags out for the Pledge of Allegiance and Michael Aytes- the Acting Deputy Director of the Immigration Services performed our oath. A few speakers where there to welcome us to the country and speak a little bit about what it means to become an American. Amongst the speakers where Representative Zoe Lofgen (CA), The Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security; Rand Beers and Representative Anh Cao (LA). All had very kind things to say and extended warm welcomes to us all.

There where 150 people swearing in at the ceremony hailing from 48 different countries. One by one they called out the names of the countries participating and everyone stood up when their country was called. There where lots of press and TV crews filming the whole thing as not only was it a special ceremony but it was the first time the new auditorium had been used, it was pretty cool to be among the first to be there. After all the speakers had welcomed us and the countries recognized, we where all called up one by one to the stage and handed our certificates of citizenship by Mr. Aytes, followed by a round of handshakes from all of the speakers. It was really genuine and very moving; I couldn’t help but grin from ear to ear as I shook the lineup’s hands. Seeing some of the other fresh citizens’ faces light up with pride and happiness when they received their certificate was incredibly stirring. It was really a wonderful event and I am so happy and proud to get to take part in the proceedings. I can’t think of a better place to become an American than the Capitol Building and I am ridiculously proud and excited about getting to partake in the special ceremony. It’s a day I will always remember and a defining moment in my life.

The Congressional Invite Post

It’s officially official now. Friday April 3rd I become a U.S. Citizen.

Being that I was unable to take the oath when I passed my citizenship test, I had to wait for a notification in the mail that would tell me where and when I can go back and swear in. They can only swear in so many people in a given day, and when I sat the Citizenship test and had my interview with an officer, they had already filled up the session for that day. So it delayed my naturalization a bit…shame. But now it will all be worth it because I get to go to a special naturalization ceremony in the Congressional Auditorium in the US Capitol Building! From time-to-time they hold the ceremonies in special locations and at historic landmarks. To get to become an American in the Capitol Building is absolutely amazing. I was excited about the day I’d take the oath before, but now it’s going to really be a momentous occasion for me. Sarah has rejiggered her trip to Texas so she will be able to attend the ceremony as well, which is awesome. I am really excited! I need to stock up on apple pies and fireworks!

The Car Show Post

Sunday, Eric and I went with Ken and Alex to the National Car Convention in DC. It was pretty cool to see all the cars on display, from the affordable to the very-much-not. I got to check out personal favorites like the Saturn Sky and Mazda RX-8. Sitting inside the cars and seeing them up-close, in all their polished glory, was a lot of fun an a great experience. While not scoping out cars that I could see myself cruising around, we wandered into the luxury vehicle sections, crazy hybrid-future cars and some massive RVs that made tour buses look paltry. I got the see the Chevy Volt up-close which was pretty impressive. The idea of spending .12 cents to got 40 miles is amazing. I can’t wait to see how the development of these efficient cars in the not so distant future.

After the show we headed to Chinatown and grabbed food at RDF. The substantial beer selection was terrific and between the four of us we sampled a fair few eclectic brews. My favorite was a banana bread ale from England. Good stuff! My surf and turf steak burger was fantastic too. Definitely a place I’ll return to next me I am in the area.

The Painting for Eric Post

I finally finished the canvas I have been promising Eric since before Christmas! The picture is for his condo (aka THE CITADEL) in Arlington, so I wanted to get a DC-flavor to it, especially considering the current décor in the lace has a DC slant to it. I stuck with the basics and did a traditional (for me) color wash with high contrast black and whites on top. Simple and colorful is the way I seem to like to do these things. I’m rather pleased with the way it turned out, hopefully he’ll enjoy it. I wrapped the painting around the sides of the canvas and opted to sign it on the side as well. Overall it’s a nice effect that I think I’ll continue for future canvases. I’ve already had a request for one come in so it’s fair to say that I’ll be doing another one pretty soon. Heading over tomorrow to hang it up.

The Baracknroll Post

Tuesday was a big deal for America especially people in the DC area. The Presidential Inauguration has closed down the city for the better part of a week, been on the lips of every radio and television reporter, and generated a buzz unlike anything has in quite some time. I didn't head down to the mall to watch in person simply because I got a taste of the craziness at a pre-president rally and didn't want to attempt to tackle it again. I would have loved to go, but logistically it just didn't make any sense. I watched the swearing in and his address on the TV at the office, so I didn't miss out. Everyone clapped after he took the oath. It was really quite moving.

I will be the first to admit that I live a fairly unremarkable life. I am not making or breaking laws, forging new paths of the future or the center of an international event. That said I cannot help but recognize how while myself might not be changing the world, the world is definitely changing around me. I live (as we all do) in a very remarkable age and through events that will fill new editions of the history books we all read in school. The idea that I am being a part of history in this way is rather satisfying to me, and puts a lot of things in perspective. I look forward to looking down at a history book and remembering where I was when a historical event happened, and being able to tell my children or grandchildren what it was like being alive during various events and times- good and bad. The idea that any given day could be the next 911 or political breakthrough; the beginning or end or the next war, or a scientific discovery. I respect all that has happened and look forward to what lays ahead.

The Birthday Girl Post

Last night was Sarah’s birthday celebrating her 25th. We went out to DC with a group of our nearest and dearest and had a great time in Adam’s Morgan and the surrounding area. Sarah’s friends from work came out to celebrate with her, and she had a great time. Kevin, Alex, Matt, and the elusive Patricio made it too which was awesome. Paul is in town for Thanksgiving so he and Christina where able to make it out also, so there was a lot of good times to be had for me chilling with my Virginia peoples. I had a really fun night, as did Sarah, though I think I was the only one really hurting for it this morning (not fair- she’s the old one!). Pictures will be on her facebook shortly.For the record that’s not a middle finger salute. That’s simply me trying to mimic impromptu posing while holding a beer. That and it’s probably the most flattering picture of me in the whole set.

The Save the Whales Post

On Sunday I headed down to the Mall with Eric, just to wander and enjoy the nice weather. It’s nice being back in DC and having an appreciation for how much ‘stuff’ goes on here. We walked the length of the mall and saw some pretty interesting things. The Marine Corps Marathon was finishing up right when we got there so we got to see people jaunting across the finish line while the onlookers cheered and applauded them. 26 miles…yikes. Well done guys. A little bit further down we ran into Mr. Can Head, posing by some landmarks in his trademark bin-on-head outfit. Don’t ask me why, here’s his myspace. I went over and asked him why he had a bucket on his head and he gave me his card and disappeared. Strange. Very strange.

The best part on our walk of seeming randomness was the Save the Whales rally going on in front of the Capitol Building*. Heroes’ Hayden Panettiere was there giving a press conference about the importance of whale conservation and whaling regulation. After she finished guys from the Whaleman Foundation staked out an area of the lawn and positioned people in the shape of a giant whale. They needed extra people and where giving out free t-shirts, so Eric and I joined in and became part of the whale's tail. A large cherry picker across the street with photographers took pictures…which I am yet to find on the net yet (here’s one they did elsewhere). Afterward we where going to stop for a picture with Hayden, but a reporter grabbed her for an interview that my bladder just couldn’t wait for (I had downed a large bottle of water on the metro and had spent the last hour laying on the grass as part of a whale butt), so we bailed and I sprinted for the Smithsonian bathrooms. If you’d like more info on the foundation you can find it here. While I personally agree that whaling and polluted ecosystems are destructive and need attention, I find it hard to focus in the issue at the expense of other travesties that are happening across the globe. That said I support the movement and think it’s great that people want to do something about it, I mean who wants to actually harm whales??

* I say seeming because we where actually looking for it.