Political ads on K St.

So, I see this "face" -- Obama and Bush smiling at me every morning on my way to work. This is so DC, and so K St. so I thought, I'd post it. I don't recall seeing this ad in San Francisco recently.

DC streets abounds with political ads. And K St. is crawling with lobbyists and lawyers. Ergo, to find the strongest lobby groups, check out the ads on the bus shelters on K.

But it works. I went to the website to find out who's better on AIDS.

How many signs do you need to understand, no?

Apparently, on 19th and (I) Eye, it's five times.

This is literally a 10-foot sign post.

It's funny how you notice things when you have a small camera.

$40,000 for parking space in DC area

My nephew from Florida almost got a heart attack when I told him that the average cost of parking space in condo is $40,000. So this morning, I took these pictures of cars parked in my 'hood to show to him.

See Jo, this is how my car will look like when I buy a condo without parking garage. Maybe the pictures will help him understand why parking is big deal in where I live.

DC snowstorm '09

For someone who grew up and lived most of her life near the equator, snowstorm is sort of big time life's experience. (Ok, maybe that sounds SO dramatic.) Call it being one with the elements. (Ok, ok, I'm being dramatic!) And so, yesterday afternoon, despite warnings to stay at home, I decided to go for a long walk in the middle of the snowstorm. I called Kate and urged her to go out, "it's not every day we get this, you know."

I didn't really make it that far. My fingers were frozen and hurting. Metro closed shopped and the buses stopped running around 2 pm. I could walk some more miles but I was afraid I'd not make it back home. I stayed around my 'hood.

Would you rather stay inside your cosy apartment and watch the snowstorm from the window or go out and get cold?

Like most Washingtonians, I opted for snowstorm experience outdoors.

Makes me feel so alive!

Here's a link to Washingtonians take on this snowstorm.

Kids have natural instinct to play.

Sorry, no bus today!

Thank God for indoor parking!

It will be a long walk home today!

The National Christmas Tree goes green

Last night, the Obamas lit The National Christmas Tree, an American tradition dating back in 1923. It was a perfect night for the lightning ceremony. It's full moon and the evening's breeze was pleasant.

So after working late at the office, I walked to the Ellipse to see the National Christmas tree before going home.

What a beauty! And here's what I love most about this year's National Christmas Tree--- it's the most energy efficient National Christmas Tree in history. The tree was outfitted entirely in LEds. It consumes 6,000 watts compared to last year's 18,000 watts. Green tree. I'm happy.

What's for lunch at the Congress today?

The White House area in the foreground and the Capitol looming on the horizon.

Today the weather is gorgeous in Washington DC. We may not have this kind of a day until next spring. So my friend and I decided to do lunch with power view. But, of course! So, what's for lunch at the Congress today?

Living on the red line on a Good Friday

This morning, on my way to work, I noticed that the traffic was light on Wisconsin Avenue and the atmosphere was subdued in Friendship Heights metro. No rushing. No running. And I got a seat in the train! (What'a Friday treat.)

The Pakistani cook (I forgot his name) in the nearby Friendship Heights Gourmet Store told me that he’s taking a day off. “A lot of offices are closed today,” he said.

I said, “But there’s no holiday.”

He insisted there’s a holiday.

When I picked up my coffee in the cafeteria, I told T., the cashier, that it was quiet in the metro. “People must be taking long weekend,” I said.

“No, no, no,” she protested, “My metro was packed this morning.”

“Which metro,? I asked.

“Green line,” she said.

“I’m red,” I said.

“That’s a Jewish line. A lot of Jews live along the red line,” she muttered. “It’s the passover!”

I went back to my office wondering what she means; and wondering about how our lives and lifetstyles change as our metro line colors in the District change.

Happy Passover and Happy Easter to all.

PS. For your information, Mr. Obama’s residence is on the red, orange, and blue lines stops.