Ten Things I Miss About NoVa

"Hello Friends"

Contrary to popular belief, I am not a complete DC/NoVa hater. While I certainly have no love for the Beltway or the Capitals, there are quite a few things I miss (or will miss) about living inside the Beltway. With that in mind, in no particular order, here are the Top Ten Things I Miss About NoVa (not including friends and family, though I'd gladly trade some of you for a plate of #9):

1) The Junkies - I'm strug-uh-ling and a little bit Rick that I no longer have these donkies to listen to in the mornings. And I'm not P1 enough to become a podcast listener. I'll greatly miss the LPP and Roy Indiana.

2) The Management and Leadership of Vinny Cerrato - No one has contributed more to my enjoyment of the NFL over the last 11 years than Vinny. Thank you, Vinny, for tainting (I said taint) only 2 of my years in NoVa with Redskins' postseason appearances.

3) The State Theatre - I don't know what mind-altering substance they pump in through the A/C system but I've never left there without having a good time, seeing a great show or with a reasonable bar tab. From early Derek Trucks Band, to Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise, to Dave Mason, to countless cover bands (including the infamous "Soft Parade" night), I've seen so many good shows at State Theatre. I think they still have one of my debit cards.

(I probably attended the Dickey Betts show above)

4) Italian Store Sandwiches - As tasty of an Italian sandwich as you'll find (even in Philly)

5) Old Town Alexandria - Always loved going out for drinks, dinner and good times in Old Town. Lots of great memories, including my surprise 30th birthday. (Side note: if the front of your BMW was destroyed by a newspaper box on King St., I might have some information for your insurance company.)

6) EPR - I'm eternally indebted to the culinary sleuth, Robinson Stevens, for introducing me to El Pollo Rico. Rotisserie deliciousness. Extra hot sauce please. Alas, I have found nothing comparable here in Philly.

7) The Birchmere - I've been to a lot of concerts. I've been to a lot of venues. Few are more enjoyable than the Birchmere. From seeing Pat McGee Band in the late 90s to seeing Jackopierce every fall, always a good time at the Birchmere. Can't think of too many concert venues where they bring the food and beverage to you. Bonus points for always having Virginia Native Gold on draught. They lose points for closing the bar right after the show.


8) View from The Arlington House - Picture is worth a thousand words.


9) Dixie Bones - My lovely bride has brought a lot of goodness into my life. A lifelong companion, never-ending support and care, wonderful impressions of other dialects, Max, etc. Whatever...all of that pales in comparison to introducing me to what you see below.

10) At Eastern Motors... - Your job's your credit. An ad campaign that would make Don Draper proud. Nothing made making fun of Washington sports legends easier than these jingles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wpw-dJinzK0

Philly residents!

Sorry for the delay...moving is super hectic! We have been going pretty non-stop for the past week and just now are slowing down enough to get our lives back in order! We owe a big THANK YOU to Pat, Doreen, and John for helping us clean our place in Virginia before we left. We now know how long a [small] kitchen takes to clean properly from top to bottom (read: HOURS), and couldn't have done it without them! Thank you parents!!!

The past week has been busy but great, and we are LOVING Northern Liberties!! It's such a huge change from Virginia and we can't get over how easily accessible everything is. We literally just walk around the corner and any type of restaurant or bar you want is there, and we have been taking full advantage of it! I joked to Michael that we will need to go on a "cleanse" after this week...but let's be honest, it's Memorial Day so we all know the delicious gluttony will continue :) The dogs are adapting fairly well- Hurley better than Max, of course. Our entire first floor is brushed concrete and while he's completely capable of walking on it, Max is being a diva (shocker) and mostly avoiding it whenever possible. He'll go on walks outside but walks further when it's a "family walk" and we all go. Hurley has been walking just about anywhere we take him- including the neighborhood park and dog park. We'd like to socialize him more, but it's a slow process. He'll get there. Probably. :) Our biggest challenge is all the dogs and people that live near us. It seems like it's practically a requirement to have a dog in order to live here! Anytime they walk by the barking starts. I know it will stop eventually, but right now I feel badly for our neighbors! Barky McBarkersons.

Unfortunately right before we moved, our camera decided to finally, officially die so we are short on pictures. We'll take a bunch with Michael's iPhone over the next few days so you all can see what we're talking about. We're super excited to host friends and family in the future...I know I've already planned certain restaurants, bars, and activities for certain people :)

Moving boxes are super scary.

Must be Italian.

The packing begins....

With just two weeks left before the movers arrive, we have decided to begin the daunting packing process. It won't be too bad, as we only have two bedrooms (and are only taking one bed with us- purchasing a new one after we get settled) and no basement, garage, etc. About two weeks ago I combed through all my clothes and donated several boxes to Purple Heart, and am now doing an inventory of kitchen items and accessories we either never use or have duplicates of. I hope to give those to people I know, otherwise Purple Heart will be making another trip to Cannongate Road!

All the books on the ground are ones I need to get rid of, and the second shelf is full of pictures that need packing. That will be Wednesday night's project!

I've quickly learned that I really secretly enjoy packing, and Michael loves organizing it. We even have an Excel spreadsheet detailing what is in each numbered box. In his defense, we've been advised to do so for insurance purposes, but it makes me chuckle...the man has never met a spreadsheet he doesn't like ;) Because Max is scared of pretty much everything in the world, the instant boxes and tape come out, he is nowhere to be found. Hurley is more interested, and enjoys jumping all over while we attempt to box things. I'd like to say that after a while he loses interest, but as with almost everything else Hurley-related, there is no end to his energy and interest.

"Why are we moving all these things? And more importantly, why can't I help??"