The Shaw Garden

FBI on my block

2008-10-23T08:56:00.002-04:00

Does anyone know what was going on Tuesday morning? There were about 10 FBI agents on my block. They asked about a neighbor that no longer lives there and hasn't for about 6 months. Later in the morning I heard they were on Q Street as well.

Vegan MoFo

2008-10-02T11:13:00.002-04:00

It is here, and I was too lazy and distracted to post yesterday, which means I might have to post twice in a day, or continue to be lazy and only post every so often. I am hoping that in posting, I will get back to it and start a regular posting schedule again.

I decided for my first post I was going to talk about why I am vegan, what lead me here, and why it is right for me.

When I was 18 I was friends with a girl named Amy, she was vegetarian. I decided to give it a whirl. I already didn't eat that much meat and it was a lifestyle that I completely agreed with. It stuck. Then I started college and a couple years in I had this great professor, John Simecek. He was vegan and he used his classroom to introduce people to veganism. He and I became good friends and I decided I wanted to be vegan. It was definitely hard at first. Grocery shopping took twice as long, since I had to read every label. I was so incredibly passionate and every conversation turned into something about veganism. I am surprised I maintained a single friend during this time. I was die-hard and if you weren't willing to at least try and change, I probably wasn't going to talk to you much. I was vegan for about two years, then I moved back near Flint. I didn't know any other vegans there and for some reason I decided that I wanted to start eating dairy again, so, I did.

When I went back to school for my second degree, I played around with veganism several times. I would decide to start my path towards veganism again, and then there would be tests or projects or extra shifts at work and I would need to eat something, and I would eat something that wasn't vegan. I would get frustrated with myself, but I also realized that maybe it wasn't the right time because I was clearly not dedicated enough.

Last May I moved to DC. I met Carolyn, who is vegan and we became really good friends. She told me about this wonderful messageboard called The Post Punk Kitchen. I would look at recipes every once in awhile, but I still didn't know about being vegan. Then, one day, it clicked. At the beginning of April I decided that it was time. I was ready, I was at a good place in my life and I didn't have a lot of distractions. More than anything it is the diet and lifestyle that works best for me. I feel the best when I am vegan, I sleep better, I feel good about the choices I am making. I also have started to think more about where my food comes from, how it was grown, who is affected by my choices. After making the switch, my decision was cemented further when I realized how easy it was! I had this great forum where I could talk to like-minded people, I made a lot of friends in DC that are also vegan and it has helped me feel better about my yoga practice. I think that being vegan in this city is a piece of cake. There are so many options when you go out to eat or grocery shop and people here actually know what a vegan is! It is also great to have friends and family that support me and love it when I make them yummy baked goods!

Vegan MoFo

2008-09-11T20:58:00.003-04:00

The Vegan Month Of Food is coming up! I am going to try and participate. basically writing about vegan food everyday for a month. I am excited for the challenge, but there may be days of one line entries, because lord knows I have been slacking on the blog.

Speaking of which, I went to Brooklyn last weekend and hung out with some amazing people, I will post photos when I am not so tired.

I start yoga teacher training tomorrow, I also intend to post on this quite a bit!

Capital City Market

2008-08-29T12:19:00.001-04:00

Does anyone know what time it opens on Saturday?

This sums up my week

2008-08-15T07:08:00.002-04:00

There Great Raisin Debate.

Benny Boopsikins is visiting

Cupcakes and Cake!

2008-07-27T18:40:00.002-04:00

Strawberry Vanilla Cake

The inside (I could have wiped down the pan to make it look nicer, oops)

Green Tea Cupcake

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cupcake

And the Winner is....

2008-07-27T18:32:00.003-04:00

Actually, I don't know the guy who won, but it was some guy that participates in eating contests. He had won a cheeseburger eating contest the day before.

My friend Dave, two tofu pups at a time!

Joshua and Karla, neither made it to the final round, but they did a damn good job!

I don't know this guy, but he was shoving the dogs down his throat, whole..ewww

Block Party!!!

2008-07-27T18:23:00.002-04:00

We had a block party a couple weeks ago! It was really fun

Eat Local

2008-07-25T08:44:00.003-04:00

I really want to try and make at least one day a week a day that I only eat locally grown food, and turn that day into a week, and that week into a month, etc. Anyway, I know I can get produce at Farmers' Markets, but I need suggestions about everything else. I am vegan, so dairy, eggs, and meat are not a problem, but what about grains, beans, etc?

Thanks

Who Likes Veggie Dogs???

2008-07-24T19:03:00.003-04:00

COK & Sticky Fingers Bakery Host D.C.'s First Ever Veggie Hot Dog Eating Contest

Do you love to eat? Do you love free vegetarian food?

If you answered yes to either of these questions, then you just might be the perfect contestant for Washington, D.C.'s first ever Veggie Hot Dog Eating Contest, to be held on Saturday, July 26, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.!

Compassion Over Killing is teaming up with Sticky Fingers Bakery and Tofurky to host this event in honor of National Veggie Hot Dog Month, which also happens to coincide with the industry-declared National Hot Dog Month.

During July, while our nation celebrates its independence, we're also making it a celebration about kindness and compassion for animals. Join us at this event—either by feasting on dozens (well, maybe not dozens) of Tofurky Franks or watching others stuff their faces—and help us show how easy, delicious, and fun it is to choose vegetarian foods!

Need more incentive to come? Fabulous prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers as well as special gifts for each participant!

Plus, a percentage of all sales from Sticky Fingers Bakery throughout the entire day will be automatically donated to COK!

Don't delay—contestant registration closes Thursday, July 24!

Papa Johns

2008-07-24T18:46:00.001-04:00

Nathan and I were so excited that they moved in down the street, but I think the people that work there don't want to do any work because we are now on our second phone call trying to order pizza and Nathan hasn't even been able to order yet because they cannot understand our address. The guy I talked to couldn't grasp that I only wanted two pizzas and no cheese. Well, he just hung up on them. I guess Pizza Boli it is!

Catching Up

2008-07-23T07:42:00.002-04:00

Ever since I started going to yoga I have thought about how great it would be to teach it and spread it to more people. Well, I will soon have that chance. I know I haven't been practicing long, but I think that I am mentally and emotionally ready for the challenge, physically...well, I will get there. I know I am going to have many days of pain ahead of me, but I am trying to step up my practice now so I can be better prepared for September when I begin training.

I didn't bake at all last weekend because it was far too hot to turn on the oven. But, I now see that I should have. Last night one of the yogis at Shakti asked me where the cupcakes were, as he thought Tuesday was cupcake day. Apparently I now am in charge of yoga cupcakes.

It is cooling down for a few days at least, and for those of you who don't live here, it is still hotter than where you are, but I am glad it is going to be rainy today and I look forward to having 90 degree days instead of pushing 100.

The other day I went to WagTime. I started going here a month or two ago because I found out they sell the organic cat food that I feed my kitties and wanted to support my neighborhood. Well, the owner was so nice, she gave me about 20 bags of sample food to give my kitties and my cat colony!

Fire on P St

2008-07-14T14:12:00.002-04:00

I was at Whole Foods last night and when I left the condos across the street were on fire. It was pouring rain and the firetrucks were on their way, so I decided to leave instead of stand around looking up at the building. (I had a backpack full of groceries and a bike to ride home in the rain).

Does anyone know what happened? I have been looking on the Post all morning and haven't seen any reference to it.

Back in the District

2008-07-11T13:13:00.003-04:00

I hope you like pictures!

We had a great time in San Francisco. We would love to move there, so stay posted for updates...

These are our gracious hosts, John and Herb

Here is the token shot of the Golden Gate Bridge with Nate and I in front.

We went to Millenium, vegan mousse! I was VERY pleased with this meal

Not a very good shot, but we went to the Muir Woods and this little buddy was about 2 feet from us!

There was a wall in the Mission District covered in these signs, it was pretty genius.

It has been a rough week getting back into the swing of things, going back to work, cleaning my house (this has yet to happen), sleeping through the night, going to yoga. I finally went to yoga yesterday and slept through the night (coincidence, I think not).

I also decided for some hairbrained reason that I am going to try and go to yoga 30 times in 30 days. It will be interesting, but I think fun.

I found a recipe online for vegan white chocolate, if I can get all the ingredients at Whole Foods, then we know what I will be spending my Friday night doing! I also plan to make a strawberry vanilla cake on Sunday after I hit up the Bloomingdale Farmers' Market.

If you are going to San Francisco...

2008-07-03T08:58:00.003-04:00

It has been over a month since I posted anything! I should be ashamed. Well, I am in San Francisco. Love it already, it was about 55 degrees when we got off the plane, that is enough to make me love anywhere. I am the only one awake, it is barely 6 a.m. here. I am not completely sure what we are going to do. Maybe go to Pier 39, maybe go to Golden Gate park, rent bikes, go to the Japanese Tea Garden. I definitely need jeans today, that is the top of the list. Tomorrow we are going to an ice cream social at Melisser's house!

Process for moving to San Francisco

visit
like the weather
make friends
find job

I am well on my way!

So, June...
Let's see, I had visitors from Michigan, we had a cookout (impromptu), rode the tandem, went to the beach (as evidenced by photos below), had Asylum brunch for the first time, ate vegan cheesecake at Bus Boys and Poets (why does my whole life revolve around food???). Well, I guess that is about it.

These parrots are lots of fun, and you get to keep the cup!

Sticky Rice

2008-06-01T07:04:00.002-04:00

Last night we ventured out to Northeast to try Sticky Rice. It was quite good (even through my stuffed up nose!) Let's just say it is probably a good thing that this restaurant is not in my immediate neighborhood, otherwise I think a rather large portion of my paycheck would end up there every month. It is very cute inside, we sat upstairs and there are lots of umbrellas hanging form the ceiling. The strangest thing is that in the restrooms there are phones. These phones call the other restroom. I am not quite sure of the purpose, maybe you are having such a great conversation that you just can't wait? Perhaps you are on a bad date and want the person in the other bathroom to get you out of it? Or maybe you spotted someone across the restaurant and you wait for them to go to the bathroom so you can talk to them? Any option, I am sure it will come in handy to someone.

Okay, the food:
I ordered the vegetable tempura as an appetizer, the Tofu Max, the South Roll, and then Spicy Avocado Roll. All were delicious. Now, the tempura should come with a warning, "Do not order unless you have at least four other tempura lovers at your table". What I am trying to say it, there was a whole lot of tempura! I felt really bad because I cannot eat that much fried food and it doesn't keep well, so a lot went to waste. It was very good though. The Tofu Max is a roll with tofu, jalapeno, cilantro, and cucumber. I love all those things, so I knew it would be fantastic. The South Roll was also wonderful, tempura sweet potato with honey. The honey really brought out the flavor. The spicy avocado was of course amazing since it had avocado and anything with avocado is amazing (sorry Diana). I really want to try the garden balls, but they were out.

It only opened a week ago and they are still trying to get completely organized, but, overall it was a great experience and I will be going back.

If you go, ask for Emily or Rob. Not only are they cute, they are also my friends!

Jazz Garden

2008-05-30T15:32:00.002-04:00

I was invited to Jazz in the (Sculpture) Garden tonight, and I really wanted to go. Sadly, I woke up feeling sick and I think it is best to stay in. Has anyone been? I think it sounds great!

I think Nathan gave me his sinus infection, and yes, I am aware that they are not contagious, but I will blame him anyway.

I had great time in Michigan last weekend, it was very nice to see my family and friends. Being there made me really miss it, but I don't think I would trade my life in DC to go back. I did get to do things I normally cannot do here: drive my brother Hummer, walk around in my parents backyard (!!!), play with my kitties and puppies that live in Michigan, go to the best farmers' market that I know, and eat a sandwich from Jimmy Johns! I was able to see a few friends, and the weekend was an easy pace, so I actually was able to sleep on this trip!

Too bad about the humidity and Carolyn's broken body, there was going to be a bike trip tomorrow that looks less and less attainable all the time.

O Street Market

2008-05-30T08:48:00.001-04:00

I think something may be happening! I rode my bike by this morning and there was some sort of construction equipment! Maybe it has been there awhile and I just haven't been on P in a while. I am really excited to see what this will all look like!

DC Bike to Work!

2008-05-16T08:40:00.003-04:00

Did anyone else ride their bikes to work? I know it wasn't the most pleasant weather, but Nathan and I rode the tandem. It is true, you cannot help but smile when you ride it! We also got a compliment from a three-year old riding on the back of her Dad's bike!

Good News

2008-05-15T14:37:00.000-04:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/16/us/15cnd-marriage.html?hp

It finally happened! I hope that more states adopt this policy

Tourist Season

2008-05-08T20:40:00.003-04:00

I know, I know, I have only lived here a year (as of last Saturday), but already I am annoyed with the tourists. I normally do not ride metro anymore as I have the reliability of my wonderful Bianchi, however, today I went to Virginia for dinner with Nathan's parents. On my way back into DC I sat next to tourists. I tried to read my book and not pay attention, but they were loud and obnoxious. There was a girl standing on the train that clearly works out, apparently the tourists found her very in-shape body to be hilarious and wanted to try and take pictures without her noticing. It was pretty obvious though. I guess I was pretty disappointed in the way that grown people can act. I should probably mention that the one instigating and taking the pictures was the dad of the group.

Taking Care of the Caregiver

2008-04-29T15:55:00.002-04:00

Over the weekend I went to Shakti Yoga Studio, it is on 7th between New York and L. This may soon become my second home. I took two classes with Iesha Ali, she is wonderful. She really brought something to the yoga studio that I have never had in another class. I stole the title of this entry from something she said in class that really affected me. The class was all women and she talked about how as women we are so often the caregivers to our friends and family (not that men can't be also), but it is so important to do things for ourselves and to take care of ourselves. In the last year since moving here I have gained a few (okay, more than a few) pounds. I have been feeling pretty angry with myself about it. Going to her class made me realize that I have an amazing body, everyone does. I should not be so stressed about those pounds that I gained and instead I should focus on how my body allows me to do so much.

In other news, my pasta maker has arrived! I am very excited for all the possibilities. I also ordered a citrus juicer, I can't wait to make Nate fresh squeezed orange juice!

They stole some D's off that bitch

2008-04-27T18:33:00.002-04:00

Guest blogger Nate here, also known as "the boyfriend"

I just found my 5th stolen car in 18 months. I have an eye for such things it would seem. The most recent round started as Meghan and I walked our out-of-town guest to the metro so she could catch her flight back home. I noticed a Cadillac CTS sitting on cinderblocks without wheels on 5th. On our way back to the house I decided to walk by to get a better look and noticed the telltale signs of a stolen car:
Physical damage to door lock
Door left unlocked
Trashed interior
and the #1 sign
A PARKING TICKET

The car also had 30 day Virginia plates which are set to expire on Monday but temporary plates have only shown up in 2 out of the 5 cars I have spotted.

I would have left the car there and come back to take pictures as time went on of it being stripped further but a police happened to be driving by as we walked away. I waived the officers down, two females to my surprise, and pointed them to the car. I told them the might want to run the VIN given the situation and the officers eyes glazed over at the thought of ensuing paperwork.

So, that is the tale of car #5

Car #4 was a VW that sat on Marion Street for 2 months last summer and amassed many tickets while the VIN plate had been scratched out

Car #3 was a Dodge pickup that sat on our street for at least 4 months. It had no plates, the VIN was popped and it continued to get many tickets. Eventually it was broken into by having a window smashed. I called non-emergency police 4 times about the truck as it took up prime parking real estate but it was never towed until several of my neighbors called in the same day.

Car #2 was a similar situation to the Dodge, but it was an Isuzu Rodeo that had been in a wreck and dumped by Yums on 14th (the good Yums, with mumbo sauce), it too had a stock pile of tickets

Car #1 was a Honda Accord that was abandoned, while running, in the street. There was still a screw driver on the passenger seat while the DC parking maid wrote out the ticket. I also told them they might want to look a little bit deeper than the surface.

So, that is the tale of stolen cars. I think I might start taking pictures before suggesting the police do their jobs. I wonder if I look if I can find a car a month...

Diana! and other fun things this weekend

2008-04-25T16:13:00.002-04:00

My friend Diana got into town last night, I am very excited. Carolyn came over and we made a feast! I felt so satisfied.

I am hoping that tonight we will cook more and hang out on the porch and go for a walk around Shaw, maybe up to U Street.

Here is where things get exciting...
Tomorrow we are going to the Arboretum! They are having a sale on plants and seeds and whatnot, I think it will be fun to look around and see what they have to offer. MAYBE this will be the final motivation to push me into planting some things. Then off to Java Green for lunch with other DC area vegans, possibly Sitcky Fingers and then yoga!

Bliss is tomorrow night at Black Cat, I haven't been going out all that much lately, but I will take my camera and perhaps we will have some new photos up.

Sunday we are planning to go on one of the walking tours in Shaw. I love this neighborhood and I would love to learn more about it.

Diana mentioned an yoga studio she went to today and said it was very close to my house. I don't know where it is, but I will be sure to report back!

Don't Call 911, Call God

2008-04-22T21:41:00.003-04:00

I was told that whilst eating dinner at Dukem tonight. I have to say that if I am bleeding profusely, I'm calling 911. I really do love eating outside.

Yesterday I forgot my wallet, it made me realize that with enough planning I don't need to spend money everyday on food at work. I know that is common sense, but luckily I had brought leftovers and didn't have to starve. So, I brought food again today for lunch.

I have at least three cats in my kitty colony that I am feeding everyday. What really worries me is, what happens when I move? Who will take care of them?

I am very happy it is Earth Day/week. There are a lot of blogs that have been worth looking at, when it is not so close to my bedtime, I will make links.

Nathan is at the Caps game. I barely know what this is.

I need to see if Law and Order is on, so good night!