Passport DC 2013: Chronicling Four Embassies and Three Different Continents

            I walked to DuPont Circle to pick up my media badge. When I received it, I thought ‘I could automatically skip the lane because I have credentials.’ I sashayed my way to the Embassy of Argentina with my pass swinging around my neck.  I arrived at the entrance only to be told by the lady that I must get in line because the embassy was filled to capacity. So much for the media pass. The Argentine embassy was fun and informative. I learned a lot of the country’s history, culture, and embassy’s infrastructure. I was disappointed that it did have a pope exhibit since he hailed from Argentina. That was the main reason why I went. Upon leaving, the embassy had a sports exhibit highlighting the 1986 World Cup and 2004 Olympic men’s basketball gold medal wins.

Argentine Embassy

Argentina-US Bilateral Relations Placard

Argentine Ambassador to the US

Tango Lessons

Argentina Sports Superpower Placard

            Next I walked to Chilean embassy where the line snaked to the Trinidad embassy’s driveway. The line moved fast and in less than 10 minutes I was inside. The first stop was the arts gallery showcasing the country’s best photographs. Afterward, there was the food gallery where the crowd sampled the desserts.  Upstairs was the fruit and wine.  The staff let people eat the grapes, blueberries and blackberries but not the pears. (Rats! I thought free grocery shopping!). Anyhoo I enjoyed it. Now onto the Australian embassy!

Me in the Chilean Miner Suit Cut-Out

Outside the Chilean Embassy

The Ambassador's Residence Sign

Chancery of the Embassy of Chile

Office of the Ambassador

Ambassador's Office

Living off of Scott Circle, for years I would dread seeing the long line. Some years it stretched beyond P Street! I gulped walking all the way past the church intent on seeing the inside. A volunteer told everyone that we’d receive bags. Put everything in it because we were going through the metal detectors. Whoa! That was new because I didn’t have to do that with Chile and Argentina. At least they fed up while waiting. Once I passed security, the Aboriginal man blew the horn. There were four lines. The left-most was the nation’s top universities. The next one was to the auditorium. The third line was the wine line. The right-most one had the souvenirs. I went right for the souvenirs. The volunteers gave me two kangaroo pens. Next I went to the Armed Forces area picking up stickers and pamphlets then proceeded to the wine line. Afterward, I stood in the auditorium line to see the amphibians. That was a first! I was giddy because there live animals. Seeing zoologist, I secretly thought ‘That was I would had been if I cut dead frog I got for my science kit during one past Christmas.’ Well, I ended up as an economist so I was okay. Upon leaving the embassy, I snapped photos of the tank. I admitted that the Australian embassy was the most impressive (thus far). Onto the Kazakhstan embassy!

Aboriginal Man

Australian Flag

Embassy of Australia Sign

Australian and American flags

Australian napkin

Zoologist with bearded dragon

Tank

            While in line at the Australian embassy. I saw some people in native costumes across the street. Secretly I thought I would go there after visiting the Australian embassy. Fast forward to walking past the tank, I headed down 16^th street. There was no line because all of the people were inside. I loved it because the Eurasian country’s culture differed from the other three. I took photos of all the hunter-gatherer artifacts. It was great to have someone on staff (I didn’t know if she was an anthropologist) explaining all of this to us. The intimacy was noted because unlike Chile, Argentina, and Australia, Kazakhstan was small.  The other three countries’ staffs expected crowds to know something about them. Here the Kazakhstan embassy projected genuine appreciation that we showed up! I was pretty happy that covered four embassies on three continents. That was major progress!

Kazakhstan people welcoming us outside the embassy

Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Hunter-Gatherer Artifact

Kazakhstan President with President Obama at the 2010 Nuclear Security Summit

High Fashion Meets High Savings

Yippie! Nordstrom has the Alice + Olivia Charla leopard-print trench coat in large for $317 instead of $478.  The only reason how I learn this is because the Alice + Olivia store is having a 20% off Friends & Family sale.  The company already has the trench coat on sale for $478 so I do a Google search and learn that Nordstrom has it for $317.  Even though I checked before and large was sold out, I check again.  When the site says large, I put this in my cart ASAP! I am saving $161!  The secretary’s words hit me upon buying the coat. When I told her that I wouldn’t buy the trench at Nordstrom Tysons two weeks ago because booking my fashion week Cleveland trip was the priority, She told me that it would be cheaper.  Now it is and I’ll probably receive it by Wednesday, May 1^st. I will be rocking it!

Alice + Olivia 'Charla' Leopard-Print Trench Coat

One-Third of 2013 Is Gone. Now What?

The best news of today: I’ve stepped out on faith submitting my PMP.  I thank God that I had the presence of mind to keep my old 2011 PMP application with all of the old reference names and numbers in it else I’d be scrambling.  I pray that PMI approves it either Friday or Monday because I want to board the United plane for Cleveland knowing that I’m approved.  I arrive at this decision because 1/3 of this year is gone and I need to do something; therefore, I apply to sit for the PMP certification exam.  Now it becomes real.  I’ve put it all on the line!

            Earlier this morning I gave our secretary my updated PMP verification spreadsheet because this is what the instructor has used in his course.  Her thanking me makes me realize how much I’ve done on my own.  While she is sitting in a classroom learning from an instructor first, I jumped feet first into the online ed2go project management courses. I took every one then enrolled in the USDA Graduate School PMP exam prep twice in order to pass the CAPM. Now I’ve re-enrolled in the PMP Certification 1 and 2 courses to prepare for the exam. Furthermore, I’ve developed my own certification project summary form streamlining the process.  I’m adamant about making a way out of no way because I won’t be denied anything just because I haven’t tried.

I’m not stopping at PMP either because I’ve been studying for the Project Management Institute- Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) certification test for over one year. I work in disaster management. Agile fits perfectly. I have the Rita Mulachy (RMC) ACP study guide, Fast track software, and several other practice exams.  After resting from the PMP a wee bit, I’ll restart studying for the PMI-ACP by accumulating the 21 credit hours needed to apply for certification.  Since (PMI) is keeping the fourth PMBOK for this test, that’s an added incentive because I don’t have to master the fifth edition. Another bonus is that no one in workplace has PMI-ACP.  The one who does is a contractor and not in the applicant pool. Since this certification is less than 2 years old, I can position myself to be the subject matter expert. I think that I can complete this certification before October 1^st.

Finally, I’m considering the business analysis certification because it’s an up-and-coming certification and I possess over 10 years’ experience.  Since it’s gaining currency, I might as well, earn it in order to enhance my competitive advantage. I know that I will complete this around February 2014.

Lose to Win

             I’m quitting intro to quantitative risk analysis because the software company wants me to use my work email.  I can only use it at work not home.  I buy the book but cannot use it. I email the online college and the software liaison of my decision because I just want this over with already.  Now my focus is on project management. I’ve purchased the corresponding book but cannot use it which is frustrating.  Therefore, I just might return it. It’s with amazon and the truth is that the book isn’t needed for the class.

            I have to turn down my cousin begging for money. This time she’s asking for $20-$30. I tell her that I cannot because of my rent which is true.  I just feel that it is eerily convenient that she’s asking me first. I tell my father about this. I don’t tell her how I’ve given her $100 for Christmas presents. Personally, I think it’s unfair that she begs me for money.

            Yes! I’ve paid $293 for PMP software but it’s my money and I’ve budgeted for it. I haven’t budgeted to take care of her, her children and myself.  In the past month I have started standing up for myself because I’m not tolerating craziness anymore. I’m paying my bills and focusing on me!

            On a much happier note, today is my mother’s and aunt’s birthdays. I will eat a late dinner at Policy restaurant reflecting on everything.  I have grown enormously this year.  I am learning to work on me more than ever and when to focus on myself.

            I eat dinner at Policy last night because it was my money.  The nerve of my cousin to contact me thinking that I am her personal piggy bank!  I try out the brisket sliders which were delicious!  Chewing every morsel was my personal revenge at her thinking that she could just disrupt my life like it was nothing!  Well, I get the last laugh. Ha!

Policy DC Brisket Sliders and Fries

One Year and Counting

            I have celebrated my one year anniversary with my current employer.  I have learned to become more self-reliant since my current agency doesn’t offer clear instructions like my former agency.  Thus far I’ve spent money enrolling in several online statistics courses.  Currently, I am enrolled in intro to quantitative risk analysis to learn more about creating model to predict the riskiest clients saving us millions of dollars.  Even though my agency wants this to happen, it doesn’t have a plan ironed out; therefore, I’ve taken the initiative.  This initiative has helped me become stronger. I admit that in the beginning I was over my head; however, I’ve managed to right the ship acquiring a new level of resiliency in the process.  Furthermore, having taken all of these classes have me contemplating going to doctoral school for either statistics or biostatistics. One year from now, I will have my promotion and a clearer understanding. Most importantly, I will look back at today and say ‘what a piece of cake!’

Pacifico Cantina for Brunch

            I have eaten at Pacifico Cantina for brunch after seeing the restaurant on OpenTable. I want to try something new so I pick it and the breakfast fajita platter. Big mistake because that dish has so much food that it stretches my stomach. (Granted I know that my stomach is a muscle but sheesh, that’s a lot of food.). I haven’t been this full in a very looong time! The hostess arrives inquiring about my experience. I tell her that I like the platter but it is so much food. I tell her that my Puerto Rican grandfather worked at the Ford auto plant and could had eaten the breakfast platter because he was doing hard labor all day. ‘This food was good if you were painting houses all day but I worked in an office.’ Later, I tell the waiter to pack it and order the flan for dessert.  I leave the waiter a $6 tip, take my food and limp back to Eastern metro.  I leave the restaurant at 12:30pm and haven’t stopped leaning sideways until 1:30pm. It is so much food it requires a siesta.

            Below are my Pacifico Cantina photos:

Pacifico Cantina brunch menu

Restaurant Table

Breakfast Fajita Platter with chips and salsa

Downtown DC Nordstrom Rack Grand Opening

            I sashayed 15 minutes before the 9am grand store opening and the line snaked all the way from 18^th and L street to K street where the Bank of America branch.  Regardless of my lateness, I received the Nordstrom Rack mesh bag for being one of the first 1000 customers. Immediately I went for the Kate Spade purses.  This store had a lot of variety. I snapped up the beige big purse and red and black patent leather shoppers. I added one pair of Paige denim jeans. I was the happiest when my receipt said that I spent $528.81 but saved $584. Now that was an accomplishment! Below was my photo of my downtown DC Nordstrom Rack stash:

Paige denim jeans and three Kate Spade purses from downtown DC Nordstrom Rack

Finally! My Skirt is Done!

Finally, after five classes (the three-session Perfect Your Skirt, the private session and today’s open session), I have finished sewing my skirt. I’m so happy to finish it that I run into the bathroom, take off my skinny jeans, and put it on for one of the instructors to photograph me.  I originally ended up at Bits of Thread because DC Fashion Incubator didn’t have instructors for its textiles and patternmaking courses. I refused to wait for the organization to get them else I’d still be waiting because it is 6 weeks after the Apparel design course ended on March 2^nd, DC Fashion Incubator still didn’t have any teachers. However, I’ve soldiered on creating my skirts and learning how to sew. Check it out!

Me in my new skirt that I've sewn myself!

Boston Marathon Tragedy

            I am in disbelief that someone would actually bomb the Boston Marathon.  All those people want to do is run for their charities. Let them live in peace. Then I learn that today is Patriot Day and I feel that the alleged terrorists capitalize upon this local holiday.  It is truly sad that nearly 80 people are injured as of 6:45pm with 2 dead, one an 8-year-old child. These perpetrators must be found and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law!  Justice must be swift especially for child killers! However, I am happy and encouraged that running the race, marathon runners start running to Massachusetts General hospital to donate blood.  See, that’s the good in humanity overshadowing the terrorists.  Finally, the bomb must be reconstructed and reconnaissance retrieved in order to ensure that this attach doesn’t happen again.

Countdown to Fashion Week Cleveland 2013

I am very giddy with excitement to book my downtown Cleveland Hampton Inn room for Fashion Week Cleveland.  I’ll be back in my hometown from May 9^th through May 13^th. I think that I have my fashion week wardrobe assembled because today I’ve gone shopping at CUSP Georgetown, Nordstrom Tysons and downtown H and M.  First, I print the 20% off CUSP coupon, hail the circulator and enter CUSP. Immediately I love the 7 for All Mankind gold snakeskin print jeans (and they are size 31!) and the red Velvet strapless maxi.  I am extremely happy that even the sale is 20% off.  I return home, check the WMATA schedule, then walk to McPherson Square metro.  I board the orange line for Dunn Loring to transfer to the 2C…only to see the both the 2C and 401 come 3 minutes early forcing to pay $10 for a cab ride (Of course, I’ve filed a complaint because even with the long light I would’ve made it.). 

Since I already have the Alice+Olivia floral jeans and I’ve bought a new pair of jeans, I’ve written the Ted Baker London ones off of my list focusing only on the floral dress.  I go to the dressing room where it fits so I buy it.  Next I walk into Via C where I meet the saleswoman who’s held the Alice + Olivia leopard print trench coat.  Wearing black t-shirt and gold Stuart Weitzman Itsybitsy sandals, the trench coat perfectly complements my look; but, at $478 it probably costs as much as my Cleveland room (it is $450 for a 4-night stay.). I return it to the rack and proceed to the Coastal Flats for lunch.

Ted Baker London

The shrimp and crab appetizer and shrimp roll sandwich and fries are yummy! The portion sizes are very big making me carry the sandwich home. Also I make the waiter pack my food because that’s what I pay him.  I don’t wrap my own food because I am the patron. 

Crab and Shrimp Appetizer

Shrimp Roll Sandwich and Fries

Next I travel to H and M to buy the rainforest maxi and shirt dresses.  Since the Tysons Corner location is sold out of the sateen floral capris, I’ve traveled to the downtown DC store to get them.  Finally, I buy the Express purple maxi dress.  All of these floral dresses and this being spring make me think that I have already have my fashion week Cleveland wardrobe.

Express purple floral maxi dress

H and M Rainforest Shift Dress

H and M Rainforest Maxi Dress

The Week That Was

It hit me like a load of bricks to learn earlier this morning that one of my grade-school friends died of hypertension and high blood pressure at age 36! This discovery has angered me so much that it has taken me some time to calm down because I almost curse! I am 35 and cannot envision myself dying over other people’s mess. All along I’m thinking that she is doing well in Los Angeles managing a fashion brand and she dies.  I’m here in DC, in the nation’s capital, and am not letting any of the stress get to me.  I thank God for friends and my mother for instilling oatmeal for breakfast for low cholesterol because I am not going to be her!

            On a much happier note, this Thursday I attended my Hiram College DC alumni chapter event at the Rayburn Office Building.  Though I arrived late I still had a seat.  The two women were very knowledgeable and motivated me to pursue my doctorate in either economics or business administration (My other grade school friend getting accepted into Harvard doctoral education program was very big, too).  The session was very informal with the panel touching upon everything.  Though I agreed with most of the stuff, I thought that the panel underestimated the anti-illegal immigration part. Illegal still meant something. If I committed a crime I would be incarcerated and a felon stripped of my voting rights.  That ain’t passing until legal and illegal immigration were separated.

            After the panel, I walked to Charlie Palmer steakhouse. Even with a blistering headache, I managed to order salmon and the best dessert I ever tasted.  Below was the sorbet and frozen custard. It was the best.  

The ride home not so much because the raggedy cabbie ran the meter up on me because I was a woman and refused a tip. I called and emailed my DC Taxi Commission complaint. I didn’t owe him anything!

Off to a Running Start with PMP Exam Prep Study

            I’ve scored 63.81% on the Rita Mulachy PMP practice exams.  Though it’s enough to pass the real PMP exam, I need to reread chapters 6,7,9,11 and 12.  Just answering 5 more correctly for each chapter buoys my score up to 70%.  My ultimate goal is to score 80% by June 1^st which is quite realistic.  Later this afternoon I’ve completed Ed2Go PMP Certification 1 quiz 7 covering sections 5.1 and 5.2. After passing the quiz, an idea pops into my mind: start writing down the corresponding PMBOK sections with every lesson then my notebook will be in chronological order. Brilliant I know!  After completing this class, writing down all of the RMC practice exam wrong answers, and completing the Wiley company book PMP practice D exam, I will submit my PMP certification application.  By then I will have one year on the job, assigned at least three projects and read ½ of the PMBOK.  

Back to Studying for my Project Management Professional Certification with a Bang!

            I have hunkered down completing all 407 Rita Mulachy Project Management Professional (PMP) study guide today because I will pass the exam on my first try.  Tomorrow I will score it.  My baseline is scoring at least 75%.  If I score this high, then I will cut my timetable from late June to early June.  Earning my PMP certification enhances my competitive advantage against all other competitors.  Though I am working full-time with a promotion on the horizon, I am taking full advantage of this government sequester to increase my personal stock.  Though I may’ve entered without a PMP, once it’s lifted I will have it.  Combining my newly acquired certification with my MBA and 10 years of business experience and I’ll blow the competition out of the water!

            Adding to the camaraderie, one of my former bosses, comment on Facebook that she’s going for her PMP, too.  I love when people better themselves.  I feel that when people go to school or apply themselves, they want to do better.  The same with one of my high school friend’s nephew who is a second year medical student enrolled at Meharry Medical College.  He will graduate next year then start his residency. These stories motivate me to keep grinding working towards my certification because I will get it! 

Cherry Blossoms at the US Capitol

During the first day of spring here in Washington, DC, I took time off during my lunch break to walk to the US Capitol building and snap some more cherry blossom photos. I enjoy the breeze, weather and scenery.  Enjoy!

2013 Washington DC Cherry Blossoms in Bloom

This Sunday I enjoyed the balmy DC spring weather. While strolling down DuPont and Scott Circles, I started snapping cherry blossoms trees in bloom.  Enjoy!

Maya Angelou's Mom and Me and Mom Book Review

            Though this is Angelou’s seventh autobiography but it’s the first time delving into the complex relationship between she and her mother, Vivian Baxter. This book chronicles their 60-year relationship from California to New York City to Europe to Winston-Salem and Baxter’s impact upon Maya as an adult. After divorcing her father sent Maya and her older brother, Bailey, to love with their paternal grandmother in Stamps, Arkansas, for 10 years. Upon returning to California Maya was filled with so much rage that for the first two weeks she didn’t even address Vivian.  The day her grandmother was leaving for Arkansas, she asked Maya how she would address Vivian. Maya replied’ Lady’. The title stuck. Maya wouldn’t call Vivian ‘mother’ until she helped Maya deliver her son, Guy.

            Mom & Me & Mom differs from all of her other autobiographies because of its referential tone.  Having read I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings there’s a difference.  Even having celebrated her 85^th birthday this past April 4^th, Angelou writes as if she, too, is still learning the lessons that Lady dispensed. Mom & Me & Mom showcases Lady’s evolution from reluctant mother, thug and gambler parlor manager to warm, loving, matriarch not just of her family but the entire Stockton, California community.  In the beginning, when Maya was abused by a boyfriend, Lady used her underworld connections to find him.  Later in life when a Stockton city employee arrived on her doorstep telling her about a family forced to sleep in their car, Lady allowed them to shop her garage full of donated clothing and shower in her house.  The city honored her with a commemorative plaque for her charity.

This is what makes Mom & Me & Mom so memorable because it espouses the importance of her parents must change their style once their children reach adulthood. Angelou admits that Lade ways a horrible mother as a child but a magnificent one as a woman. Whether or not your child is a superstar or note, it serves as a map on how to navigate those murky waters. 

Nordstrom Tysons Corner Stuart Weitzman Spring Trunk Show

            Checking out Facebook this morning telling people Good Morning before traveling to my Bits of Thread class, I see that Nordstrom Tysons Corner will have a Stuart Weitzman spring trunk show from 10am to 5pm.  Thankful that I don’t have anything else after my class, I rearrange my schedule to include it.  I love Stuart Weitzman because I have narrow feet.  This is the best designer ever!  It also helps that the metro isn’t doing weekend track work. This allows everyone to get to where they need to be. I arrive at Dunn Loring metro station, hail a cab to Tysons Corner arriving at Nordstrom.  Riding up three escalators to the Salon Shoes section, the department has two tables full of Stuart Weitzman merchandise. This is nirvana!  I meet the trunk show representative who is nice and courteous.  She compliments me on my Prada sandals but I tell her that these are Stuart Weitzman silver Itsybitsy sandals (I have to dress for the occasion especially since it is warming up this weekend.). Below is one of the tables showcasing the jellies and my silver Itsybitsy sandals.

Stuart Weitzman spring trunk show offerings

Marvin Restaurant Boulioubasse Moule Frites Review

            Feeling restless I walked to Marvin restaurant near the intersection of 14^th and U streets NW.  On a hunch I asked the waitress about the boulioubasse moule frites. She said that it was very good.  Her recommendation didn’t disappoint because I loved the shrimp, crab meat, and mussels and scallops.  The boulioubasse was so filling that I could not eat my moule frites (French fries). That meal was definitely a winner! Here was a photo:

Honoring Dr. Maya Angelou and Commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King's Assassination

            Today commemorates the 45^th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination in Memphis, Tennessee by James Earl Ray.  It is amazing how much racial progress has been made since 1968.  America has a black president, school desegregation, you can shop, live, eat and play anywhere you want.

            It is also Dr. Maya Angelou’s 85^th birthday.  She is a national treasure for her civil rights advocacy and poetry. Her grace and perseverance in the midst of overt segregation is honorable. She has survived and thrived and if I get to be 85, I would want to accomplish the same level of success. 

Making Reality TV a Reality

             The WIFV DC reality programming event is insightful.  There are Food Network and Cooking Channel producers on the panel.  A little backstory: Food Network is the parent station. It owns the Cooking Channel which will be 3 years old this May 31^st (I still miss the Fine Living Channel). The Food Network is purely entertainment with food serving as the platform. Conversely, the Cooking Channel is the hipper station catering to 20 and 30 year olds.  In addition, the Cooking Channel has converted some webisodes (Bitchin’ Kitchen) into TV shows.  The panel admitted that Bitchin’ Kitchen is too edgy for its more mature Food Network clientele. 

            This event has taught me so much about gaining traction and creating a following.  Everyone is saying the importance of marketing your uniqueness on multiple platforms.  TV is the ‘second screen’ because a number of consumers watch their TV elsewhere besides a screen.  The problem with web content is that it is unedited and niche.  Regardless of format, having a great story is the biggest selling point.  I’ll keep working on my craft by enrolling in the Writer Center’s How to Write A Lot course in two weeks.

            There is only one downside: all of these pushy vegans!  Even when the Food Network executive tells them that vegan audience isn’t wide enough for advertising, people still keep asking about writing TV pilots.  Over 90% of the world eats meat! Next, I am so tired of these people that I run out of the meeting straight to the downtown DC Palm Steakhouse where I order the Prime Steak Burger. 

Palm Steakhouse Prime Steak Burger with Bleu Cheese and French Fries

Suck it vegans!