U.S. National Arboretum

Ok, so today I finally made it to the Arboretum. I was supposed to go last week, but we didn't make it because of the weather. I didn't post last week :( , but I wanted to share my last Carrabbas visit. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Carrabbas! One of my besties introduced me to it when I went to NC to visit her and my love hasn't changed. My friend and I went there last Saturday and I was in bliss the entire time. For an appetizer we had the shrimp scampi, which was DELICIOUS! For my meal, I ordered the chicken marsala with the garlic shrimp and a cesar salad....mmm mmm mmmm best meal ever. They have the best marsala sauce I ever tasted and I think everyone should go there and try that dish.

NOW, moving on to the Arboretum. It was beautiful. I thought today was going to be a little chilly for an outdoorsy thing, but it was perfect. This was my first time going and I really didn't know what to expect. The capitol columns are really something to look at and are the biggest attraction there. Its a big place and because we went late in the day, we didn't get to walk through all of it, but I already know I want to have a picnic there very soon. I felt kinda bad that I didn't bring Zoe after seeing everyone else and their dog enjoying the massive land. Next time I will definitely bring her though cause I know she would've enjoyed the open space. Its open only until 5pm everyday and I really wish they would extend it for the summer, but it is what it is. What I was surprised to see was a lot of couples...I guess I expected more families, but the couples were representing. The picnic area is a decent size, but there are limited tables and I dont know if they have to be reserved or not. Either way, I really enjoyed myself and can't wait to go back, next time with more friends. Check out the pics, and as always....live fearlessly! Til next time.

Museum of Crime and Punishment

Ok, so this past Saturday I visited the Museum of Crime and Punishment, which I only recently heard about. When I first started, I had a feeling that it was going to be a lot less exciting than originally contemplated, however, I as I continued and passed the Wild Wild West, I became increasingly interested. I have to say that I learned a lot about highly publicized cases that I felt I already had a good handle on like Patty Hearst, Bonnie and Clyde, Notorious BIG and Tupac. I also have to say that the most interesting exhibits were the America's Most Wanted studio, CSI crime lab, Punishment and all of the interactive games. It took me close to two hours to go through the entire museum, but it was well worth the time. I purchased the tickets online for $17.95, which is about two dollars less than at the museum itself. The price is kind of high for a museum, but the interactive parts of it make it worth the money. It is definitely family friendly, but it was crowded when we went, which was Saturday at 3pm. After the tour, Kevin and I went to the cop show where we bought a few shot glasses and furry handcuffs just for the heck of it. Those were probably the most exciting items in the store...for me anyway. Another good things about the museum is that it is near Red Velvet cupcakery and TangySweet...two places I have yet to try. Maybe soon :) Ok, so next week, the Arboretum! We shall see... Til then...live fearlessly!

New Me 2010, Get Right Get Tight

Ok so every year I have this goal to get in shape and every year is a no go. THIS year I have been more dedicated than ever to lead a more healthy and active lifestyle and I've actually done pretty good. To amp up my goal, I have joined a fitness center near my house and tomorrow starts my workout regimen. I already know this is going to be a long long journey but I am realistic in my expectations of myself so Im ready. I plan to attend the classes 4-5 days a week every week while also implementing a 30 to an hour workout at home. Now more than ever do I have to really be true to a schedule in order to accomplish this...sometimes I just wish there were 35 hours in the day. ANYWAY, wish me luck as I go from 0 to 60 in a matter of one day.

My boy from high school and college is getting married in September so I will use that as a motivator for me to get off my butt. I figure I could be doing some situps, jumping jacks and weight training while watching tv in the evenings and waiting for dinner to be ready...

As a daily motivator, I think I will trek to the very back of my closet and pull some clothes from high school and hang them on the front of my closet door...looking at them everyday will do me some good. I will also have to find an old pic and post it on the refrigerator as well as make it the wallpaper to my cell phone. I know that these things may seem pointless, but they will motivate me. What I REALLY want is some friendly competition since I am driven by it, but I can't find anyone to bite...at least not yet.

So, wish me luck!...along with a prayer :)

Embracing DC

In watching the movie Julie and Julia I have really come to a realization that I haven't really embraced D.C. the way I feel that I should have. Ok, so of my 9 years living in Maryland prior to moving to NY and then returning to the D.C. area in 2002, I have yet to fully embrace D.C. I secretly wish that I had the money to live in NY (my first love), although I am quite happy about my decision of settling down in Maryland. I think its time to really get out there and see what D.C. has to offer someone like me. So I have decided that in between my busy schedule of work, school and other various responsibilities, I will do something or visit a place each week that I have never been to before in the D.C. Metropolitan area. I shall do this for the rest of the year or until I feel completely satisfied that I have seen all there is to offer.

I have decided that this coming week shall be the Museum of Crime and Punishment week. I think the name of it alone excites me. I think this is the perfect place to start my D.C. journey as I have an inappropriate and maybe slightly odd fascination with punishment...and then crime. Every Sunday evening I will blog to my now 1 reader lol about my experience. So....here we go!