Farmer's Market in Arlington

So on Saturday morning, I took the metro to the Court House stop to buy Jimmy Buffet tickets from a person on Craig's List. Little did I know that there was an outdoor market less than a block away...

They follow me EVERYWHERE

I just really want a Vespa...

sorry for the glare, I took this on the fly

while pretending to send a text message :)

Entry #21: First Day of School! or "My class is in a dorm building, what?"

So today was my first day of classes at American University, School of Communication. I drove several miles out of my way to ride the metro from Grosvener rather than Downtown Silver Spring...(Trust me, it was worth it).

I get to school, and spend about a half hour looking for my first classroom which is in the basement level of a dorm building...found it, love the professor and am already looking for something to write my homework on from the September Vogue.

Class ends and I ventured to the on-campus Subway with some new friends. The Subway is across from the on-campus TIGI Salon, by the way.

We took our lunch to the outdoor amphitheater, where apparently there was a screening of I Love You Man a couple days ago, and I received directions to the building where my next class would be.

I camped out in the library for a couple of hours and then schlepped my way to south campus to attend my second class. Great sounding class, cool professor and I'm plotting how to keep myself from procrastinating on the mega writing assignment that I will have...

After that, I hopped back on the metro from Tenleytown to come home (longest escalator ever...if you're even remotely afraid of heights you might want to consider taking the elevator and pretending to be handicapped).

So...two down, two to go...maybe Thursday I'll look for the gym.

Atlantic City trip: Highlights in pictures

The Food! (Veal Ravioli from Fornaletto in the Borgata hotel)

New dress...result of an afternoon spent exploring the fabulous shopping in AC.

Group Photo.

We made a new friend.

Our hotel in Atlantic City was pretty fabulous.

The "Bikini Killer"

= Bread Pudding. MMM

Entry # 20: Tasting Morocco or "call the police, I think those girls are about to commit carbocide."

My roommate, Katie was kind enough to visit MY side of the beltway this week for some most delicious Moroccan food in Silver Spring.

We went to Downtown Silver Spring on Wednesday to find something new, and much to our surprise neither of us had ever tried Moroccan food before. Enter Taste of Morocco, which is in the heart of Downtown and quite lovely.

I think we were both slightly disappointed that we couldn't enjoy our meal sitting on the floor, but the food more than made up for up it. We shared a veggie bastilla which is a cinnamon and sugar coated pastry stuffed with potatoes, chickpeas, carrots, spices, you name it. It was almost the perfect food.

So after that, we ventured to Red Rock Canyon Grill for dessert and cocktails. We shared the bread pudding which was out of this world! And way too much for two people (especially after the bastilla deal). The 'most popular' flirtini did not live up to its name, but dessert more than made up for it.

All in all I would say the night was a success!

Dear Ashley Letter

Dear Ashley,

We've been needing to have this conversation for a long time.

I think by the flat tone of your voice that you feel the same way I do.

This just isn't working. I do everything I can to take good care of you...but you just aren't reliable.

In fact, when we're together I feel so...lost.

Remember last Saturday? I just wanted to go home, and you made me miss my exit. Twice.

Don't get me wrong...I love taking scenic drives along the GW Parkway, driving around in circles around, well, DuPont Circle. I even enjoyed that clever little detour through AU Sunday night. And I found driving around the parking lot at National Airport particularly titillating while on my way to work all those weeks ago.

But something's got to give.

I'm afraid I'm going to have to exchange you for a GPS that can handle the needs of a busy girl on the go, such as myself.

Don't worry, you can still live in my car.

Sincerely Yours (Until I replace you.)
Maureen

Entry #19: The Four Sisters

Late last week I dined at the Four Sisters (the place with the flowers!) for dinner. I tried it for the first time several months ago with my roommate and two of our friends and it was incredible! I couldn't wait to go back.

For an appetizer, I shared crispy veggie rolls, and also a healthier garden veggie roll (Both good...but the crispy wins).

I enjoyed the shrimps and scallops on rice vermicelli (#32) which was SO good. Phillip joined me, and to be honest I'm not sure what he got...it involved fish and wrapping it up with some other ingredients. It looked complicated. He gave up on the interactive part very quickly, and seemed to enjoy it a lot more.

I will definitely be back!

Is it funny because it's true?

"They are Italian, feature vintage design, low emissions, make the rider look more sophisticated, and they carry a little bit of risk. In fact, were it to have a liberal arts degree and a steady income, a Vespa scooter would possesses every important quality that a white person looks for in a spouse."

Flower arrangement at The 4 Sisters.

Sadly, iPhone didn't do justice to this gorgeous display.

Entry #18: The Old Brogue

Last night, two girlfriends and I ventured to Great Falls for some Irish food. We visited The Old Brogue for some traditional cuisine from the 'emerald isle'.

Never having been to Ireland myself, I can't vouch for its authenticity...but it was delish!

We started our meal with the goat cheese strudel appetizer. Fresh goat cheese prepared in a puff pastry with tomato, onion, pine nuts, red pepper and basil. It was great, but their appetizer menu lacked what would seem like 'traditional' Irish fare.

For an entree, I enjoyed the Guinness Beef Pie. Beef stewed in Guinness with potatoes, veggies and gravy served in a flaky puff pastry. Love at first bite, though I probably would have enjoyed it even more if it had been significantly colder outside.

Will I visit the Old Brogue again? Definitely! (But when it's a little bit cooler outside)