Washington, DC Vacation

So I spent some time in our nation's capital recently. Very nice. I decided to take in some of the many complimentary admission museums (and a paid one too).

I also made it down to the National Mall. I wanted to go to the top of the Washington Monument, but I did not plan that in advance and I did not have a ticket.

It was a hot day on the mall and it was day one of the Smithsonian's Folklife Festival. I wish I could have hung around to see it on the weekend.

This is just one post on my vacation. There will be more recaps. I had a really nice time.

Some of my Fav Things - This Week

I like potato chips, but they do not agree w/my skin. I found some Olive Oil chips that are awesome and did not make me break out.

I also like the Lays Natural Chips though my local grocer is often out of them by the time I get to the store (what is up w/that?).

Then my sis introduced me to the Lays Kettle Cooked Sea Salt and Vinegar chips. I like salt and vinegar chips, but if I had a choice, I'd choose plain. W/that in mind, I love these chips! The only backlash is that, yes, they make me break out. Everything in moderation, eh?

Speaking of break out, I discovered something that really works well for me and it is over-the-counter. Love that. It's a Clean and Clear product called Advantage Acne Cleanser (and I don't think that this is the same product that is in the kit) and the spot treatment will zap a zit in no time. There is a back story. I tried one of their spot removal products and it did not work so well and it seemed to be defective. So I called them and told them that. Well, they sent me some coupons for a freebie and other $2 and $1 off coupons. Nice. So I tried the product that I am not hooked on.

Oh and one more thing. I had a hankering for some fruit the other day, but I'm traveling, so having a great deal of fresh fruit that might go to waste was not an option. So I picked up some Fruit Naturals - red grapefruit! Very tasty. I did not read the label for all of the specifics, but boy did it taste good.

Have you had any tasty treats or positive experiences w/any products? Do tell.

Podcamp Ohio

The countdown to Podcamp Ohio is here. I had planned on attending, but my brother is getting married that same day. Lucky me most all of the sessions will be available as a guess what? Podcast. Yeah me.

I've been following the podcamp Ohio listing on Twitter as well as checking out their Google Group thread.

Here's the opportunity to get lots of information on podcasting, for both video and audio, network as well. I'm sure there are wonderful speakers who will make presentations. Just an all around good event and for free.

Tim Russert

Like many people, I was jolted last Friday afternoon after hearing about the sudden death of Tim Russert. What an awesome person. So passionate about his job as a NBC News Washington Bureau Chief and host of the weekly political show "Meet the Press".

I used to love to sit on the couch on a lovely Sunday morning (I'm not really a frequent Sunday morning church goer) w/some coffee and the Sunday newspaper and the television on "Meet the Press". Russert could be affable, but mostly he got to the crux of many issues by asking the tough questions.

Well, I'm in D.C. for a few weeks. My sister drove me past the NBC offices on Nebraska Avenue where flowers and other items have been left in honor of Russert.

We then attended the public memorial @ St. Albans on Tuesday, June 17th. So touching. There was a long line, but it moved swiftly. Of course, it was a solemn moment. There was a closed casket and a beautiful flower arrangement. Once we filed through we shook hands w/some family members before having an opportunity to jot down our words of support for the Russert Family or just so share any thoughts about Russert.

Also, while there, a slim, but white haired guy walked by ... it was former presidential candidate John Kerry.

I am so moved by this - the passing of Tim Russert. My common denominators with him include

• living in Buffalo, New York
  
• living in Cleveland, Ohio
• interest in politics
• career in journalism
• fan of the Buffalo Bills (him more so than me)

Russert's sudden passing leaves such a major void especially with the upcoming presidential election.

My thoughts and prayers are w/his family, friends and colleagues.

Just a Reminder ...

... of the Winter that was. Here's my lovely Jeep just a few months ago ... remember those days?

Yard Sale

So my neighborhood hosted a Yard Sale this weekend- both Saturday and Sunday. Yard Sales can be awesome.

My mind set was put it out and price it so that you don't have to bring it back in. With that in mind I set the price of everything @ $1. That's right. Even though I had signs posted saying 'everything $1', some of the onlookers were still a bit perplexed. I had shoes, boots, clothing and cards. Yes, my dear handmade greeting cards. One customer bought $15 worth of cards.

Did I tell you that it was 90 degrees. Right, slowed the foot traffic down a bit. I set up by about 9:30 a.m. on Saturday and was packing it up by 1:30 p.m. Then on Sunday, I got out @ 9 a.m., but by 11:15 a.m. I was on my way to pick up breakfast w/some of the $40 I'd made. Lucky me, eh?

I Love "30 Rock"

I don't know what I've been doing w/my time lately. Actually, if you check out the All Consuming info, you can see that I have been consuming something.

I had been trying to wait to post my thoughts on the first season of "30 Rock". I've been on Netflix taking advantage of the 'watch instantly' feature. 'Watch instantly' is cool but it's a bit janky at times and it is difficult to rewind and fast forward w/o losing the entire stream.

Now "30 Rock" - I did miss the pilot about about five episodes and it was nice for me to get some fresh laughs. I am a huge fan of Jack. Alec Baldwin is awesome in that role. I do like Lemon as well. However, sometimes I just can't believe that she is as smart and stupid as she is. But interestingly enough Tracy's character is also high on my list. The things he says are so ridiculous, but not really. Oh, and Kenneth is so well calculated - love that. The supporting cast do an awesome job of pulling it all together.

I am waiting to get to the episode about the Black Crusaders chasing after Tracy. I think I am about six episodes away from that one. I thought I saw all of it, but it seems I missed NBC's Lester Holt and I hear it's hilarious.

What are your thoughts on "30 Rock"? Some say that it is a show that they just don't 'get'. I get it; I get laughs ... lots of silly laughter.