The next POTUS (President of the United States)

Wednesday evening
Chic lounge at the edge of DC’s waterfront.
Music thumping in the background.
Diverse and eclectic crowd.
Gorgeous warm summer evening.
An army of volunteers.
A throng of cameramen/ reporters.

And the star of it all…. Barak Obama! Speaking on issues like education, healthcare, and Iraq, Obama spoke to a crowd of 1200, mostly young (good-looking) professionals, about his vision and shared hopes for the future of the U.S. You could sense the electrifying excitement in the room about achieving what should be…. what could be.

Sadly, I could count the Asian Americans there at the event on ONE hand. But still met and connected with other like-minded professionals and encouraged to see such a huge and diverse crowd drawn to Obama’s campaign. And that speaks volumes in a city like DC. These individuals live and work in DC and so arguably know politics better than any demographic across this country. Jaded and battle-worn lawyers/staffers/professional fundraisers/lobbyists/students/consultants/activists were transformed into energized citizens and voters, ready to make a difference.

Are you ready?

Thursday evening
A bottle of wine in hand, I headed over to Nat’s new place in Dupont Circle for another Sex in the City evening with the ladies.

Friday evening
The first of many Jazz in the Garden events in the Sculpture Garden to be enjoyed this summer. I managed to secure prime real estate along the edge of the fountain, slipped off my shoes, dunked my bare feet into the cool pool of water, and allowed the live Latin jazz music to soothe away the stress of the work week to a distant memory. Ahhhh… a perfect ending to a busy week. Afterwards, my friends and I headed to dinner at the new hot restaurant, Oyamel, headed by star chef Jose Andres. Expensive but good.

But I'll take King Tacos or any of those hole-in-the-wall taco joints in L.A anyday over Oyamel. 'Cause I'm ghetto like that.

Mr. Smooth

A date? Or dinner with a friend? I’m not quite sure… what he’s thinking but I know what I think.

People seem to think that I’m looking for a “smooth” guy. But I’m not. I don’t want to have to second-guess the guy’s sincerity, among other things. And this friend is exactly that – smooth – and a perfect gentleman. I find his stories about meeting movers and shakers, having tea with the Queen, and flying on Air Force One with the President, interesting.

But he’s too polished… too on top of his game. Does this make sense? Or am I just crazy :) And he’s cute too! What IS wrong with me?

Homemade Pinkberry and Definition of Third World

Unfortunately, Pinkberry and its myriad of competitors have yet to arrive in DC.

But fortunately, my roommate has an ice cream maker :) This past weekend, we've been putting the machine to very good use by making homemade frozen yogurt, complete with fresh fruit, "chap ssal duk", and other yummy toppings. This means a break from my addiction to Whole Food's mango bars... for now.

When there's a will, there's a way. Now if only I can figure out how to make homemade soupy dumplings, I won't have to make a trek to NYC with a strict food itinerary. Its not a pretty sight to see me deprived of my culinary must-haves. Must-- have-- soupy--dumplings--soon.

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It is apalling that certain candidates of a certain party will have the balls to say a statement to the effect that immigration is turning cities like Miami into third world countries, apparently evidenced by the lack of English spoken by its inhabitants. He must have missed the memo that explained this would describe pretty much the rest of the world outside of the U.S. and England. God help us if he gets elected.