Holiday Season To Do List

With the holiday season approaching there are many things to do in the DC area! This is how to make it through finals and enjoy the holidays:

1. I would first start by making a schedule of all your finals and any projects that will be due. This will allow you to see when you can squeeze in some self-care holiday time!  

2. Then I would make your apartment nice and festive! Nothing like a little Christmas tree and lights to get you through finals! 

 

3. I would then skip across any of the bridges into DC to visit the National Christmas Tree. The lighting this year is on December 6th at 4:30pm 

 

4. I would then, pencil in the ICE! 2012 show in National Harbor at the Gaylord Hotel. This year it features Shrek and it is one of the coolest things ever!! I went last year and was blown away with what they did! Also, be sure to bundle up.. It really is cold in there! They loan you a beautiful blue parka but gloves are a must! 

 
5. I plan on going to Mt. Vernon this year to see all the beautiful Christmas decorations and have some apple cider, I've heard it was the BEST! 

 

6. Starting on Dec. 1, I would work your study schedule around ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas, so that you could conveniently take study breaks to watch your favorite Christmas movie and drink hot chocolate all while wearing your Santa hat! 

Before you know it finals will be done, and we will have a nice well deserved break! Work hard, but also reward yourself!! 

Happy Holidays!

~Daisy

Friendsgiving 2012

So, for the second year in a row this year, I haven't been able to go home for Thanksgiving break. That's not to say I haven't celebrated...I've just started celebrating Friendsgiving instead.

Thankfully, anytime I haven't been able to go home for Thanksgiving, I've had good friends with me, so we just do our own thing. This year was maybe one of the best Thanksgivings/Friendsgivings I've ever had! My roommates Londyn and Ashley were here, and Londyn's boyfriend was out to visit as well. We also had two of our other friends, Danielle and Becca over. Even though we couldn't be with our families, we definitely made the most of the holiday.

Since we were doing our own thing all day, we were on our own schedule, which was amazing. No frazzled, hurried, running around like a crazy person to make it to Grandma's by 1, the in-laws by 3, the other Grandma's by 5, etc. We slept in, watched the parade, followed by a marathon of every Friends Thanksgiving episode (Happy Thanksgiving to ME!), then started making all our food whenever we felt like it!

And speaking of food...just because we didn't have a mom and grandma and 5 aunts to cook for us, we didn't skimp out on anything. We had...mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, parmesan pull-aparts (thanks Pinterest!), sweet potato casserole, stuffed mushrooms, green bean casserole, corn casserole, cranberry applesauce, apple pie, and pumpkin cookies.....I think that's all. Oh yea, and wine, hard cider, and beer. :)

So our day was full of good friends, good food, good beverages, and Apples to Apples...only the best game ever. We all talked/Skyped with our families, and missed them of course, but it makes things so much easier when you have friends to share special days with. And, Christmas break (and seeing our family!) is only a few weeks away...and Thursday was the perfect way to unwind before the craziness of Finals week.

I hope your Thanksgiving was as amazing as mine, whether you were with family or friends! Check our the pics for our Pinterest-worthy meal :)

Our serving line!!

Another shot of the serving line....we were pretty proud of ourselves.

Our table may be made for 4, but we managed to squeeze all 6 of us around it.

'Tis the Season

Since the weather is becoming chilly, it is the perfect time of year to dress-up and enjoy a great performance.  Bordering the Potomac River, the Kennedy Center is a one-of-a-kind performing arts center.  The Kennedy Center offers a wide range of performances which include theater, dance, ballet, orchestral, chamber, jazz, folk music, and other entertaining performances for all ages.  

During the holiday season, a popular performance to attend is Ballet West:  The Nutcracker.  Tickets are available on-line to order and range from $45-$150, http://www.kennedy-center.org/

Experiencing the Kennedy Center is a must!!  I can’t think of a better way to get in the holiday spirit- -and also a great study break because I know all of us will be reaching the “insane” level due to the semester winding down. 

Another festive outing is to view the 90^th year of the lighting of the National Christmas Tree.  This is an occasion that can’t be missed.  On December 6^th, the lighting ceremony will be held and featured performers include James Taylor, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Colbie Caillat, and Phillip Phillips. Visit the website to learn! http://www.thenationaltree.org/

Cheers!

Elizabeth

Operator, Operator: Riding the Metro

Like most MU students, I don't live on campus.  Nor do I live in Woodley Arms nearby.  No, I like the majority of my fellow Saints commute to our fair campus each and every day.  Some students drive, but good luck trying to find parking, especially if you're late.  Some walk or ride their bikes...at least theoretically as I have never seen a bike rack at Marymount.  Others take a bus or ride the train and then hop on the campus shuttle.  I combine some of the above.  Each morning I don my bike helmet and ride 2.5 miles to the Van Dorn Street Metro Station, ride the Blue line to Rosslyn, change to the Orange to Ballston Metro, then walk to MU's Ballston campus where I finally board the express shuttle to campus.  I will never be accused of having too little variety.  But one thing usually stands out during my morning (and evening, in which everything I just mentioned gets done in reverse) commute.  The Metrorail operator.

I have a habit of listening to the voice of the operator and creating an entire character out of it.  When they say "Pentagon City Metro.  Doors on the right.  Pentagon next station," I imagine who they are and what they do for their other job.  In my world, you only operate Metro trains on the side.  Usually in the morning, my operator will be Papa Joe.  He's never said his name, but I imagine Papa Joe to be a grandfatherly man who wears a Polo shirt tucked into his khakis at all times.  He has a white beard and a refined Southern accent that tells the world he is both regal, but friendly.  In my mind he used to work odd jobs, that's where he gets his wisdom, but eventually started a successful restaurant and has semi-retired.  Occasionally I will get Patty.  She is young, maybe only 25 years old, and a full time cheerleader.  She is remarkably energetic at 7 o'clock in the morning, which also makes me think she comes to work straight from her job as a barista at a local coffeehouse.  Her bubbly voice always perks me up, though I prefer the slow wake up of a morning ride with Joe. At night, it's all about Jazz Rick.  I call him Jazz Rick because in between calling out stations he is hosting a syndicated jazz radio show and talking it up with the all time greats.  He is in his early forties, but he knows everything there is to know about jazz.  You can tell by the way he elongates words like "Fraaaaaancoonia Spppparingfiiield."  One night Papa Joe filled in for Jazz Rick on the Blue Line train, and I was struck by how good of a job he did hosting the radio show as well.  Maybe he is Jazz Rick's dad.  Hmmmm...

Well, that's all for this month, folks.  Come ride the Blue Line with me sometime, you will definitely be entertained!

~Ben

Walk to Stop Modern Slavery

Last spring, as part of an assignment for my Child Victimization class with Dr. Lindahl, I saw a documentary entitled, “Sex + Money: A National Search for Human Worth.” This is one of those films that changed the way I think forever. It documents the human trafficking trade in the United States. Yes, there is human trafficking in the United States. I was just as shocked as you! If you get a chance to see the documentary, do it. It is so eye opening.

So, after seeing this film, I’ve been getting more involved in the movement to stop modern slavery. This movement pretty much got its start in DC, so what better place to be? There are so many different organizations in this area that work to change the policy concerning trafficking and helping the victims—Courtney’s House, Polaris Project, and Shared Hope International (just to name a few). All of these different organizations converge on the Washington Monument once a year for DC’s Walk to Stop Modern Slavery. And this year, my friend/roommate Ashley and I attended, and boy were we glad we did! It was such an incredible and inspiring day. We heard from so many survivors of domestic and sex trafficking. Listening to them not only made me thankful I’ve never had to endure that, but it also made me angry that this was happening. As a result, I became motivated to help stop it.

That's me on the right!

Before the walk, there’s a great resource fair so you can go around and talk to all the different organizations and see how you fit in, what talents you can bring, and how you can help stop modern slavery. I learned about so many more fantastic organizations and businesses, like Freeset Global. They have the cutest bags, and they can do custom-made bags and t-shirts for events. But the best part is that the people making these items are women who have gotten out of the sex trade industry in Kolkata. Freeset not only provides them with a fair wage and a better-than-decent working environment, but also with education! There’s also the Nomi Network, who operates similarly to Freeset. They also work toward providing jobs and education for trafficking survivors with their “Buy Her Bag, Not Her Body” campaign. Check both of these out, and buy their stuff!! Christmas is coming up, right??

I could go on and on and on about all the great organizations and people dedicating their lives to the movement to stop modern slavery here in the U.S., and abroad, but that would make this post very, very long. I’ll just finish up with this…when you find something that you’re really passionate about, become a part of the solution to it. A couple of years ago, I would have heard about the walk and thought, “Oh, that’s nice”, and that would have been the end of it. But, not anymore! I’m determined to become a volunteer for someone who’s working to stop modern slavery (when I have more time…school always gets in the way!). So, find your cause, and do something about it. You’ll feel so much better when you do!

Ok. That’s it for now kids…see you on the flip side!

Katelyn

Ok one more thing…since it’s DC, we got some Lao food from a food truck after the Walk…just another reason to get involved!

Feeling corked up in the city?

Then head on out to VA Wine country! 

DC is a great city and it has a lot to offer, but sometimes it is nice to enjoy the openness of the countryside. With all the fall colors coming out take a Sunday afternoon and enjoy some of the great wine that Virginia has to offer! As of today, Virginia has 210 wineries, and a lot of them right in Marymount's backyard! 

There are two wineries in Fairfax County that are about a half-hour from DC. Both are beautiful and a great place to sit back and relax for an afternoon with friends! 

The Winery at Bull Run

This winery is the closest to Washington DC, and extremely easy to get to. It is open everyday from 11-7 pm and until 8 pm on Fridays. They offer live music Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. With your tasting you get to try all nine of their wines and take your glass home! In addition to great wines, they have a nice snack menu to choose from at an affordable price. You are welcome to bring your own picnic, but no outside alcohol is allowed. The Winery at Bull Run offers seating inside and outside, and has a completely covered patio. 

If you're into the civil war, this is the winery for you! There are artifacts from the vineyard and other areas of VA. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and friendly; however, no dogs are allowed due to the horse farm behind the property. I spend most of my weekends here because I am a Wine Pourer! Come visit and enjoy yourself at Winery at Bull Run! 

Find them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWineryAtBullRun

Paradise Springs of Clifton

I visited this winery on a rainy Sunday with some friends. We brought a lunch and were looking forward to a nice rainy afternoon of wine tasting! The winery is located in a secluded place. To get there it took a little bit of navigation through some windy roads, so drive safely! We pulled in to a beautiful property with a big red barn, which is the tasting room! The inside was nice and open with a partly covered balcony and a fireplace. We did a tasting of nine of their wines. All were great! The girl that did our tasting, Marla, was very nice and knowledgeable! We got a bottle and shared it while we enjoyed our picnic inside. Later in the day, a jazz band set up and played live. A very nice afternoon spent!! 

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paradisespringswinery

Find more wineries at: http://www.virginiawine.org/ 

Cheers!

~Daisy

I'm second from the left!

Find Your Cup of Joe

Fall is here!  Classes are in full swing and we are becoming swamped with papers, presentations, and exams.  What better way to make all of these tasks more enjoyable than to work on them in a coffee shop!  What graduate student doesn’t need a dose of caffeine?!  We all know Starbucks is not the ideal coffee shop to do school work- -the constant hustle and bustle is too distracting! 

I want to offer you all a list of coffee shops that hopefully will be more inviting than the mundane Starbucks that can be found on every block. 

1)     Down the street from the Ballston campus is Northside Café.  It is located in Clarendon and serves bakery items, coffee, and wine!  Here is the full menu.  They also provide free WiFi, comfortable seating- -both indoors and outdoors. 

2)     Peregrine Espresso is a coffeehouse located in the Capitol Hill area.  This coffeehouse is sleek and contemporary.  An added bonus is that both locations serve Buzz Bakery sweet treats!!  Check it out!

3)     For those of you who are coffee snobs, you may want to check out Qualia Coffee.   Qualia specializes in the perfect cup of black coffee- - perfectly timed and flawlessly measured hand-pour method.  If you are also a foodie, you will enjoy their fabulous bakery goods- -sour-cherry lemon muffins, lemon tarragon scones, and maple bacon muffins to name just a few. 

Hope you caffeine addicts have a chance to check out some of these “off-the-beaten” path coffeehouses.  Enjoy!

~Elizabeth

The Three F's of September

September is easily my favorite month of the year, and not only because I was born on the 7th of September.  I love what I have termed the Three F's of September, and this year they are making their appearance right on time.

Perhaps you have noticed the weather over the past week?  I certainly have, and I am pleased to report that the first installment of fall weather is upon us.  Technically, we have to wait until September 21st to officially welcome the greatest season of the year into our lives, but I'm going to unapologetically jump the gun this year.  Welcome back, Fall!  We're glad you have returned, old friend.  Right now I am looking out the window of the temporary GA office in Gailhac just imagining the beauty of the trees when the leaves change in a small matter of weeks.  Hopefully you find a moment or two and notice the change with me.

I am in a particularly good mood this week because for the first time in nearly 10 months, my football team won a game.  I was rather ornery last fall during the 10 game losing streak suffered by my beloved Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but, for one week at least, it's puppy dogs and rainbows as I walk from Reinsch to Rowley and ride from Main House to Ballston.  Of course, we don't have football here at MU, but that just leaves us all with more time for football in general.  Hopefully your team does well this season, unless they play my team.  Trust me, I'm much easier to get along with when my team wins.

The last of the fabled Three F's is probably my favorite.  It comes every year with the opening of campuses across our nation, and it is what I consider the Holy Grail of each day I spend on this (or any other) campus: free food.  Yes, folks, it's that time of year when every organization is competing for your presence and mine.  And all of them know that the best way to get the cheapskates like you and me in the door is to give away delicious food with questionable nutritional value.  In the past week, I have enjoyed three meals for a little over an hour of time spent listening to or participating with a campus organization.  It's a far cry from my prolific undergrad years when I could sometimes go weeks without paying for food, but, as a poor college student like the rest of you, every little bit helps. 

That's all for this week, gang.  Remember, enjoy fall, football, and free food this September.  

~ Ben 

The Color Run

Since I moved to the DC area I have been saying I'm going to become a runner! DC is a very fit city, you see people running and cycling around town all the time. There are also races every weekend. So a while back my friends and I signed up for the Color Run. I had never actually ran a 5k, so I was pumped, but I was also nervous that I wouldn't be able to do it! Since this was a fun run and not timed it wasn't as intimidating, for a non-runner like me. My boyfriend was doing it with me and he said he would stay with me the whole way which was also reassuring. 

So here are my tips for all the runner-wanna-bes out there: 

1. sign up for a fun run or something you're very passionate about

2. get running buddy

3. do some training before race

4. celebrate at the finish line that you did it! 

5. sign up for next race! 

Well me being new to running races, I did not realize that when I signed up for The Color Run that I would have to get up at 5:30 in the morning on a Sunday... something that I surprisingly do not do often! We got up wore our gear (white shirts!), carpooled with our friends and headed over to National Harbor, which is not technically DC.. We made it over, and boy were we lucky with the weather and traffic! It was the first day that the humidity was gone and it was starting to feel like fall! We were all pumped to be doing this race! We did it and I ran almost the whole thing with a few walking breaks! The color was actually cornstarch that had been dyed all different colors. 

The best part of the run was the energy that was there! EVERYBODY was having a good time, even though we had to get up early and run a 5k it was so much fun and everybody was having a great time and feeling great! When I made the last turn and I could see the end of the race I couldn't give up and just kept going. It was a great feeling finishing something that I had wanted to accomplish for so long! At the end of the Color Run there was a huge party and color throwing! We all had packets of color and had a great time getting colored up! There was a great dance party and it was a blast! If you have the chance, DO IT! 

See you around,

Daisy