The Hamptons Post

For the Memorial Day weekend Eric, Sarah and I headed up north to the Hamptons to visit Paul and Christina. They moved up about a year ago and I’ve often said I’d go visit but have never made it up. This long weekend served the perfect opportunity to take a road trip and do just that. Being that my car doesn’t have AC and Eric’s car cannot go in reverse anymore, Sarah stepped up as the wheelwoman and drove. It took a little longer than we’d have liked heading up due to the holiday traffic but we made it eventually. It was really nice to see Paul again and spend some time with the newlyweds in their own home. We hot up a few of the popular Hampton shopping districts to meander about and grab some grub. We also drove along the shoreline checking out the massive mansions that line the coast. Some of the houses out there are absolutely beautiful. Others…not so much. It seems that some people think that ‘massive’ is the only criteria for a multimillion dollar house, and forget about taste…

We went to a local brewpub so I could get my fill of regional brews, aswell as a local bar that was featured on Kitchen Nightmares; Finn McCool’s. When we weren’t out drinking and eating we headed back to Paul and Christina’s house to hangout with Roxy, their adorable dog, and just enjoy each other’s company. I look forward to going back during the summer months to enjoy the season bars/clubs that weren’t quite open yet.

The ride home was a bit hectic as we missed our exit and ended up having to navigate downtown Manhattan with a failing GPS. It was a little scary, but cool to get to see the city again; albeit for a few minutes and from the confines of Sarah’s Yaris. Snapped the piccie below on the way out. Fun weekend.

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 Getting Goosed Post

Last weekend Sarah and I went over to Leesburg to hang out at Ali and Bob’s and see Nana and Papa during their week stay with them. We also got to meet the newest member of the extended family ‘Goose’. Goose is Ali and Bob’s new dog, he’s four years old and full of energy. The special thing about Goose is that he is stone cold deaf. Trained to respond to hand commands and pulses from an electronic collar, he is one of the most trained dogs I’ve seen, and you honestly wouldn’t be able to tell that he had a disability from seeing him romp around the garden with his tongue and ears flapping behind him. He gets his name from the way he likes to great you. Getting ‘Goosed’ is the now trademarked act of him sneaking up behind you and pushing through your legs from behind. It’s quite funny when he catches people by surprise. Binti is having a bit of a hard time adjusting to having another dog running about the house, but I’m sure she’ll adjust. Getting to wear the Alpha-dog hat will surely help deal with the new whippersnapper.

The Il Fornaio Post

Nana and Papa are in visiting from Scotland this month. They spent last week with Ali and Bob out in Leesburg, this week with Lel right across the street in Reston, and plan on spending their third week over with Mum and Dad at the house. Last night we all met up in Reston Town Center at Il Fornaio, a really nice Italian restaurant in the Midtown area of the town center. I hadn’t been down that end of the block in a good while, and the new fountain area is really nice now that the majority of the construction is over and done with- I definitely want to make a point of wandering down there again once the weather gets consistently pleasant. The restaurant was really nice, very clean and open feeling. The food was fantastic and we all definitely ate more than our fill! Somehow we made it thought three courses and a fair few bottles of wine and left the restaurant after the sun set, rubbing our bulging bellies. It was a really pleasant evening. Sarah and I are having N&P over for dinner on Thursday so we will have time to work off the massive meal by then.

The Games Night Post

Last night Sarah and I hosted our first Couples Games Night. We had a few of our paired-off friends to come round and face off with each other over board games. Pictionary, Scategories and Balderdash where featured amongst others. We spent more time than we probably should the week prior picking up booby-prizes and adding polish to our grand prize: a spray painted Mr. Perfect action figure/trophy we dubbed Senoir Perfecto. It was a fun night and I think everyone there got into the spirit of the evening. Definitely something we’d like to try again, maybe have a theme and ask people to bring their own prize to add to the pool... Either way we need to have another chance to win back Senior Perfecto! Pictures are up on Sarah’s Facebook. If you aren’t friends with either of us on there then…well why aren’t you friends with us!?

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 Birthday Fridge Post

Monday was my 25^th birthday. I am now officially a quarter of a century old…I don’t know how I feel about that to be honest. While I don’t feel old, I definitely am not as jazzed to be a year older this time around. Before now each birthday was a step in the climb towards adulthood. Now I appear to reached a point where getting older just doesn’t seem as appealing… That said I still had a great birthday so I definitely not complaining!

The weekend before Sarah and I went down to Ballston to hang out with Eric and Coy at Union Jacks, which is fast becoming my favorite bar in the area), and on Sunday I went bowling with Jake and Dad which is always a fun (if not humbling time). On the actual day Mum whipped up some crab cakes and bought a massive chocolate cake to celebrate on the day with the family, which was nice. We spent the evening around the table eating and making fart jokes (maybe I am not that old after all!). Ali and Bob came over too. Sarah is away this week on a businesses trip to Texas, so she unfortunately wasn’t able to be there, but she will be coming home early to attend my citizenship ceremony on Friday so I completely forgive her. Eric started a new tradition of me receiving present sin the refrigerator… how he came up with it I am not quite sure, but his delivery method inspired subsequent present deliveries so it looks like its hear to stay.

Eric: “Hey want a beer? Check the fridge”

Jamie: “Sure thanks,” *Opens Door*

Eric: “Present!!!!”
*Pointing excitedly to frozen Xbox game nestled amongst beer bottles*

It does save on wrapping paper I suppose. Though when Sarah copied it she wrapped her gift… Spread the word, gift-giving is going green! I just hope no one ever decides to give me a puppy.

The Paul Walker Post

Last night Sarah and I stopped by Nick’s place for the oddly themed ‘Paul Walker Experience’ party. There where cutout Paul Walker heads hanging on every wall; a giant Fast and The Furious theater banner in the kitchen and the TV was running back-to-back PW films (featuring such classics as Joy Ride and Running Scared). I personally love a good theme for a party, and the idea of picking the worst theme possible and doing it justice is hilarious to me. Even though we couldn’t say for long (Sarah being important enough to warrant business travel the next morning, and all) it was good to stop in and catch up with Nick. The guy’s portfolio has some impressive pieces to it, and it’s nice to see creative people getting to enjoy their work. I’d love to take him up on his offer to collaborate on a video project in the not to distant future.

The Perverted Puppets Post

After our DIY dinner at Ali and Bob’s on Friday we decided to head down to the Tally-Ho theater in Leesburg (it’s a quick walk from their house) to catch the improve comedy show that was going on. The show started D-Cup, a comic troupe specializing in off-color comedy. We came in halfway through the first act which was…lets say…a little terrible. Ok, a lot terrible. We had been there for about 15 minutes when they took an intermission to set up for the second half of their act. We where debating if we wanted to stick it out but ultimately decided to give it a shot. Fortunately for us our perseverance paid off because the second part of the show centered around ‘Simon, Simon and Simon’, three eerily decrepit ventriloquist dummies with a tendency to say the most horrendous things you can possibly imagine.

I am no comedy connoisseur, but when you have awkward situations and an abundance of vulgar references it’s just not very funny. However if you have the same references and foul mouths coming out of puppets…well then it’s instantly hilarious. Some of the lines from the night had us all in absolute stitches, and one comment in particular became the quote of the evening for us long after the show is over…no I won’t repeat it, for fear of loosing my bloggers license. That and out of context it would make no sense…actually come to think of it, in context it makes even less sense…maybe that’s why its so damn funny! If you get a chance to catch the Simons with D-Cup I’d recommend it (least the Simon-portion of the act). That is if you have as poor of a sense of humor as I do, and can stomach puppets doing and saying things that puppets should never do or say....

The GWFD-Dinner Post

On Friday Sarah and I headed over to Ali and Bob’s for the first official “Guests, What’s For Dinner-Dinner”. Ali and Bob suggested the idea a few weeks back and we’d been looking forward to giving it a try. The concept is pretty simple, but makes for a really interesting dinner event. Guests bring 4-5 random ingredients over for dinner which will have to be used in some way to build the meal everyone will be eating. For every ingredient brought an additional ingredient can be added. So for example if I brought over a lettuce, we could add some tomatoes to the list of items and make a salad. Necessary extras like seasoning, salt and sugar are free passes. Sarah and I brought over the following for the trial run:

• Chicken Breasts
• A Cucumber
• A packet of English Muffins
• A bottle of Morimoto Soba (Beer)
• Dipping chocolate

After deliberating around the table for a while thinking about our options we eventually settled on what we where going to shoot for and what we needed to add as the 5 allowable ingredients to add to the mix. After some thought about what we could and count leave of the list Ali and Bob added the following ingredients:

• Apples,
• Peppers
• Tomatoes
• Rice
• Feta Cheese

The evening was spent working away as a team building the meal out of what we had. I am not a cook by any stretch of the imagination, so working with Sarah, Ali and Bob was fun and educational for me. I learnt the best way to chop chicken (against the grain) and methods of determining when certain foods are cooked properly. When the dust settled we where left with a three course meal starting with a tasty Feta Salad, followed by a zesty dijon chicken dish served with toasted peppers over rice, and followed it up with a baked apple log drizzled with chocolate. It worked out really well and the meal was very tasty. If definitely didn’t taste the like the random assortment of ingredients that where splayed on the counter top a few hours before. The whole evening was a lot of fun and definitely something we’d like to try again. Hopefully any future attempts will result in as tasty a meal. Bob’s tagline for the event is ‘If the Dinner Goes Badly You Can Blame the Guests’- so we’ll have to be sure to pick wisely next time!

The Shamrockfest Post

This weekend DC101 and Hot 99.4 put on their annual Celtic music festival; Shamrockfest. Having heard rave reviews about previous years, I decided to trek out to RFK Stadium and partake in the festivities. There were live bands, multiple stages, beer trucks galore and lots and lots of drunken people wearing leprechaun beards and clover hats. We went VIP and got the all inclusive tickets which was nice, and Sarah was kind enough to be my taxi-cab for the day, so I was able to kick back and not have to worry about getting myself anywhere afterward. Unfortunately the weather was pretty dreary and the majority of the day was spent standing in large puddles. The whole experience reminded me a lot of the old days of HSFstival… Eric and I had a great time and met up with a few of his friends while we where roaming the grounds. All in all a pretty fun way to spend the day, I just really which the weather wasn’t so authentically Irish.

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 Art of Shaving Post

This Valentine’s Day was a good one, as it makes the first time Sarah and I where actually in the same place for the event in the past 6 years. Sarah gave me a gift card to The Art of Shaving, a small store in Tyson’s Corner that focus’ on, well, shaving. I had an appointment and went in for a ‘traditional shave’ where Al the Barber- as he introduced himself, gave me proper shave. Now I’m no wild-man, but I do rock the stubble probably a little more than most. Having a proper shave, and potentially learning the best method to replicate it on my own was really exciting to me. Plus I like the occasional pampering, and this is manly pampering… right? Anyway I had the whole hot towel and wet shave treatment in the store’s barber chair. It was a little odd feeling like I was on display to a degree, but as with getting a haircut/wash, the soothing nature of it all sort of negates any awkwardness. I had conveniently ran out of shaving cream last week and was pushing a borderline beard when it came time for my appointment, so Al-the-Barber had his work cut out for him. It was pretty cool all in all. Sarah also gave me a shaving kit with the lather brush and various creams, so hopefully I’ll be able to improve my own skills (or lack there of) with a razor. It was a great idea for a gift, and a particularly creative Valentine’s idea. Afterward we did a little shopping, caught a movie and went to Brio for dinner. All romantically, and whatnot.

The American Interview Post

Yesterday I took the day off work to head in for my Citizenship Interview. The penultimate step on my application for US citizenship. All that’s left now, after passing the exam is for me to swear the Oath of Allegiance, at which point I will complete the whole process and have citizenship. The swearing in will happen within a month or so, according to the officer who did my interview. The interview consists of three parts; a background check under oath, a reading/writing assessment and a short civics quiz. I had been preparing for the civics portion with Sarah for a while leading up to the interview so I was well prepared and knew the material rather well. I’m really glad to have the process all but completed and look forward to receiving notification as to when I can go in and take the oath. There will be an All-American Themed Party to celebrate shortly following the event. Stay tuned.

The XLIII Post

Super Bowl 43 or “ex-el-eyeeeeee!” as I like to call it was tonight and while the first three quarters where a snooze-fest for me (not being a Cardinals or Steelers supporter) but the last 20 minutes where pretty good football. Bruce Springsteen was pretty dull to be honest, but his groin-slide into the camera was pretty hilarious. I loved his smug face after it happened. Considering he just tea-bagged America I can say a smirk is somewhat warranted. All said though I am one of those guys that watches the game mostly for the ads.

I have to say the commercials where particularly disappointing with a few exceptions. Everyone had mixed feelings going into it because of the state of the economy and the high cost for the 30-second spots. What was upsetting to me was that the ads that did have the money pumped into them where some of the worst ones there, and the 3D glasses gimmick was atrocious. I will seriously never drink a Sobe product ever again after that monstrosity of a commercial. Go-Daddy lowered even their standards and put out some of the worst ads of the night too, but that was pretty much expected. The best ad of the game goes to the one with the Koala punching (Career Builder) because I was rolling on the floor laughing. Doritos’s get an honorable mention too for the snow globe ad, and the Audi spot with Jason Statham was just awesomely badass (and has me looking forward to the Transporter hitting blu-ray next month).

Sarah and I headed out to THE CITADEL to watch the game with Eric, Coy, Holly and their friends. It was good time with loads of food and good company. Turns out that I was sitting on a packet of Rollos the whole night that Sarah had slipped into my back pocket on the way up to Eric’s apartment. So tomorrow I might be shopping for a new wallet.

The West Coast Brother Post

Virginia has a hard time containing my little brother it seems, as it hasn’t been two months since he returned form Iraq, and he’s already leaving town. His girlfriend, Courtney has landed a leading role in a television pilot for HBO, and she and Stefan will be heading to their new apartment in L.A. on Tuesday. I’m really excited for them despite the fact that they will be on the other side of the country. If the show gets picked up then it’s exactly what Courtney needs for her career to get going, and it’s not like there is any shortage of fires to fight in California, so Stefan’s career will be heading in the right direction too.

Sarah and I went out for Thai with them last night so we could spend some time with them before they loaded up the U-Haul and hit the road. We went to a place in Reston Town Center that was really nice. My ‘Kapow Chicken’ definitely earned the 3 chili-pepper rating on the menu for its hotness. Ended up having to drink a glass of half-and-half (they didn’t have any milk) to take out the spice afterward. It was fun to spend some time with Stef and Court, we’ll miss having them around for sure. But when they know all the movie stars and have a kick-ass social network setup over in Hollywood, then they will be the perfect people to go visit! I keep joking that I need to get my screenplay to Courtney so she can put in a good word… Now I just need to write it….

Hopefully their four-day road trip will go by quickly for them. I know they plan on stopping and seeing friends along the way so that will be nice, but lugging one of those trailers has to be a pain. Especially with the 55mph speed limitation on the tow-hitch. Best of luck to you both, send a postcard (or 10).

The Themed Party Post

Last weekend was one for themed parties, least it was for us. Friday, Sarah took me as her ‘plus one’ to her company holiday party. Personally I think when Chinese New Year is the only holiday on the menu then its too late to call it a ‘holiday’ party. Happy year of the Ox by the way. It was pretty fun despite its misplaced name. A quasi-formal dinner with awkward DJ inspired dancing soon to follow. Sarah and I left after the speeches as the Electric Slide and Macarena where never our strong suits. (Though if they do the chicken dance then its ON!)
Saturday we headed out to Falls Church to Mike’s house for a ‘Late 80’s Early 90’s’ theme party. I wore a ‘Keytar Hero’ t-shirt we came across in a bargain bin, and Sarah rocked the side ponytail and old school Nintendo getup. Needless to say we looked rather ridiculous, but where put to shame when Mike broke out his famous wig collection and Michael Jackson attire. Personally I think the whole thing was an orchestrated reason for Mike to get out said wigs- I’m onto you Batista. Fun weekend overall. Themes add a nice change of pace to things. Sarah and I could have themed parties only from now on. I’m thinking Nerf-Gun-Battle party, bring-your-own-darts….
No Titan you are not getting an invitation.

The 2009 Post

Happy New Year to everyone! Sorry again for being so delayed with my postings… I have really let things slide as far as getting things on here in a timely manner. I’ll try to be more on the ball in the future. Speaking of half-hearted resolutions I don’t think I am going to be making any this New Year. I’d rather just keep last years ones running for now unless I think of something better to add to the list.

New Year’s Eve itself wasn’t what we where originally planning on and ended up being a lot more low-key that Sarah and I would have ideally liked. We has spoken to Eric who is similarly minded on the matter and have decided that this year we are going to make a point of doing something big to bring in 2010. Hopefully we’ll be able to get more people on board that in the past, but either way we want to have a blast and aim big. I am leaning towards an overnight cruise or a ball at a swanky hotel, maybe book a penthouse suite somewhere ostentatious if we can get enough people on board. We do have 12 months to decide so I’m not stressing yet, but it’s definitely something I want to do this year. Watching Carson Daily and some party streamers aren’t going to cut it for the 2000- double digits! I want to go big leagues. Or maybe just bigger-league.

The New Apartment Post

A week and a half after getting the keys to our new apartment and I’m finally able to squat in front of my computer and get together some semblance of a posting. Over the past few days Sarah and I have been making attempts to get the apartment in some sort of functioning order. To our credit there is a lot going on with the holidays so progression has been slow and limited to short bursts of effort after work before collapsing and falling to sleep. The apartment is looking pretty good though and despite it’s very apparent ‘temporariness’ it is starting to feel like a home. If you ignore the abundant shipping boxes and rolls of bubble wrap, you’ll find that we have a bed setup, as well as our TV stand with all the electronic gubbins. Mum and Dad where really generous and gave us an early Christmas present in a dining room table and chairs that we have set up (well 2/4 chairs still require assembly), the Hunt’s gave us a two-seater sofa and coffee table on loan from their basement, which really pulls everything together nicely for now. Cable and internet are up and running too. I am typing this sitting in front of my monitor that lays in the spare bedroom corner, cross legged, surrounded by milk crates filled with Sarah’s LPs. The holidays are here and Sarah and I both agree that the apartment can wait. It will be great…but give us a few weeks before calling up for a visit though.