Back at TSNY DC

I had a great class at TSNY DC this morning. I kinda felt like I was back at home--trapeze-wise.  I was so much more relaxed and comfortable.  I didn't have any shoulder pain at all and I feel like my take offs were better, even though I still had trouble lifting the bar (same as always).  I worked on my swing, my take offs, and then we worked on the back end gazelle.  I didn't have a successful catch--Meghan said I did a great trick, but Kirsten is a little short, so we just barely missed.

Bucket List: National Archives and WWII Memorial

The day after we went to Philly we went down to DC to visit the National Archives.  It was nice not to have to wait in line or anything.  We saw the Constitution, the Magna Carta, the Declaration of Independence, and  the Bill of Rights. They were larger than I had imagined, and the writing was so tiny.  I was especially fascinated by the copper script plate that was made to run copies of the Declaration of Independence. I have no clue how they did that--I think it took a couple of years.

After the Archives we walked to see the WWII memorial and the Lincoln Memorial.  I don't know how I'd never seen the WWII memorial.  I liked the wall of freedom.

The plaque reads: The Price of Freedom: Freedom Wall holds 4048 gold stars.  Each gold star represents 100 American service personnel who died or went missing in the war.  The 405,399 American dead and missing from World War II are second only to loss of more than 620,000 Americans during our Civil War.

Wow.

I think we walked another 3 or 4 miles that day.  Tired feet.

High Heat Trapeze

Ross, Ainsmar, and I went to an outdoor trapeze class at 10:45 this morning. The predicted high in DC for today was 95, but I'm fairly certain it reached 102 (the car said 106 when we got in it.) The class kinda sucked. It was really hot and the class had 7 newbies.  I think the heat distracted everyone and people were moving slowly--which meant we didn't get as many turns as we normally do. 

I warmed up with the set split, then Donovan set me to work on the set hocks off. I was springing out of my hold, which caused me to rotate. By the end of class I finally got the trick--but I didn't get the chance to try and catch. Joelle, who is in my IFW class, was there and we got to chat some. We are trying to think of a theme for our show in August.

Ross worked on his set straddle, and caught it twice. Oh, and he also started working on the set whip. Next time he needs to try the one handed take-off.

Ainsmar did pretty well. He was able to do all the steps of the knee hang on his first try. It took him several swings, but he did them all. I hope he had fun--despite the heat.

Me after take off--on my last turn (that I had greedily snuck in.)  I tweaked my back just after that. I'm hoping some muscle relaxers and pain killers will help me sleep it off tonight.

 Donovan catching Ross. A pro took this photo.

A pro also took this really awesome photo of Ross just before he hit the net.

Ainsmar's last turn with a great backflip dismount.

Me practicing my set hocks off.

Ross's set straddle catch.

Year of the Zoo:The National Zoo

After trapeze yesterday we took the Metro to visit the National Zoo. We didn't see everything because it was hot and I didn't want to stand in line to get into some of the exhibit buildings. Ross's favorite was Pandora, the octopus. My favorite was the lionesses, who were very active and playful.

Catch!

This morning we headed down to the Navy Ship Yards in D.C. to take our third trapeze class. Today's class was outdoors. Ross and I both really like the outdoor rig. It was such a nice day to be outside. Of course I applied my sunscreen before leaving the house, and took it with me---and shared with my classmates.

We got there really, really early, so we walked around the park by the water and did some stretches. Then we got belted up to start flying. I practiced the heels off on all my turns. Ross practiced his knee hang and back flip dismount, then heels off. By the time we got to try and catch I was really comfortable with my trick. I had a successful catch on both my catch attempts! So did Ross! Yeah!

The bruises are already showing on the back of my right heel. Because I didn't practice the knee hang I shouldn't have any bruises on my calves this time, but I think I have one on me knee from climbing the ladder.

We had a really great time today. After class we got some lunch at Potbelly and ate it in the park. Then we ran a couple of errands on our way home. I think our next class will be while my parents are here. We are going to register for an indoor class so that my parents don't have to sit out in the sun/heat and the class has no chance of being cancelled (due to weather).

Enjoy the videos

The sirens during Ross's video crack me up. Woop-woop Ross!

Second Trapeze Lesson

I've been sucked into Sweepsland all week, but Friday night we went down to DC for our second trapeze class. It was our first full class--2 hours. We got 6 turns I think. Maybe 7. We did the knee hang, learned to do a back flip off the trapeze, and started practicing a new trick--the heels off. My first two practices with the heels off were fine, but when I went to catch--disaster. The first catch attempt, I just didn't do anything when it was time to release. The second catch attempt I did a back bend instead of just bending back my neck--and my heels ended up floating off the bar. Oops. I was a bit disappointed that I didn't catch. Hopefully next time. Ross did get caught--from the knee hang.

Our class was 830-1030. I think that's a bit late for us. I think we'd have a little more energy earlier in the day. We didn't get home until after midnight! The outdoor rig opens May 1st, so I think we'll schedule our next class after that. I think we'll also try another silks class.

I'm sore. We both are. We are bruised and scraped up, but that doesn't stop me from wanting more.....

Restaurant Review: Rasika

We had dinner at Rasika last night. The place is so popular that we made reservations two months ago. That was the soonest we could get in--2 months. Rasika is upscale Indian food. Unfortunately we couldn't eat any naan or gulab jamun (it's Passover.) Still, everything we ate was divine. We had crunchy spinach--that kind of tasted like a crunchy salsa. I had a lamb curry, Ross had a green chicken curry, Nicole had cod, and Ryan had duck. The green chicken curry also tasted a little like Mexican Food. Oh, and I ordered a side of potatoes and eggplant in a tomato sauce--super yummy.

The food was spicy, but not overly so. It was spicy enough that I ate almost all of my rice. Oh, drinks. I had a cucumber vesper, Nicole had the mango cosmo, and Ryan had a pisco sour. My drink tasted like cucumber rocket fuel until the food came. It was much better with the spicy food.

The food is so good that we've already decided to make reservations right away for our next dinner there. We'll see if that's two months from now.

Rasika is great, but I don't think it's the best restaurant I've ever been to. And I'm not sure it's the best Indian food either. I've had some great meals at Taj Palace in Austin.

Because I'm super picky I have three complaints.

My three complaints:
1. There was no toilet paper holder in the bathroom. Come on people. If I'm eating in a restaurant of that caliber I don't expect to find the toilet paper on the back of the toilet. The toilet paper holder is broken--so run out an get a standing toilet paper holder.

2. The waitress at first said that one of the dessert choices was mango pepper sorbet. When she returned and I asked her to repeat the sorbet/ice cream options she said "Mandarin Orange Pepper Sorbet." When I clarified that it wasn't mango, she said "No, it's orange."  Well, guess what, it was mango. Luckily I like mango, and I'm not allergic to it.

3. Ross's iced tea was gross and his chai was bland. Messing up tea is really bad. The iced tea was flavored, and we couldn't place the flavors. Ross said it tasted like menthol. The chai was really spice-less. That's better than it being overdone with spices, but you think they'd have something in there.

Like I said, we are going back because the food was good. I don't give a crap about ambiance. I care about the food. It was good and so was the service. Good thing it isn't close by, cause it is pricey.

Nicole's take on dinner, with photos.

Movie Review: Raid Redemption

I saw Nicole's review (but didn't watch the trailer) and I instantly wanted to see this movie. I was really disappointed to learn that the movie wasn't playing anywhere in the Bmore area.  Nicole suggested that we add the movie to our already planned dinner in DC, so last night after a great dinner with Nicole and Ryan at Rasika we all went to see The Raid Redemption.

Yeah, the movie is so good that Nicole and Ryan wanted to see it a second time, and they are now contemplating seeing it a third time. The movie is so intense that I'm not sure Ross could handle seeing it in the theater a second time--he would stop breathing during the fight scenes, and there were many, many, excellently choreographed fight scenes.

I don't know how to describe this movie. It is the most awesome movie I've seen in years. Best fight scenes ever! I think originally this movie was only showing in DC, LA, and NYC. Ross checked last night, and it is now showing more widely. This move is very violent. If you don't mind violence and like martial arts movies then this is a movie for you. If you are looking for a complicated story line and character build up, then you will be disappointed (this movie does not have, or need them).

I give this movie 2 thumbs, and two freakishly large big toes up. Go see it!

Flying Trapeze

The best part of Trapeze School? The flying trapeze! In a word it was--FAST. Once you jump off the platform you are flying and there is no way to undo it. We had a brief overview of what to do on the ground, and I wanted to get things (timing) exactly right so that I would have a chance to try a catch.  

Ross was actually the first to go. We were both really pumped. When I took my turn I really concentrated on doing everything Megan (lady on the ground in charge of safety and yelling commands) said (shouted). I had training on the ground with Elliot after my first fly. He said I just needed to do catch hands (which they hadn't shown us before). I went over the catch with him several times, and he was so patient with me. The bottom line is that you just have to do it. It goes so fast that you don't really have time to think through all the steps, you just do them. Letting go of the bar with your legs just happens. We got to do two solo flies, and then a catch. It was totally awesome.

We totally got sucked in. We purchased a second class---trapeze only, and got a third class free. We will go back next month for our next class. In the mean time I need to work on my shoulders--they are weak and loose. Oh, and I thought I got away with just a rug burn (maybe from the net) on my hand, but nope, I have a killer bruise on the back of my left calf from the bar. And as with snowboarding, I'm sore all over.

A great big thank you to our catcher, Donovan.

Aerial Silks

The second part of our class was silks. The whole reason I signed up for the class was because silks were offered. Ross thinks silks are super cool. Our group for partner balancing and silks was only 2 couples, and the guy in the second couple wasn't really into the silks, so there were just three of us, and we were really enthusiastic, so the teacher taught us how to do a foot lock. Well, first we had to learn to climb. That was tough! The silks were a real work out. Tough on the upper body and core for sure.

Ross wants to install silks in our house. I'm all for it. I had fun doing the aerial yoga and fun spinning on the silks.

Partner Balancing

Yesterday Ross and I went to the Trapeze School of New York---in D.C. for a Living Social adventure. We got to try partner balancing, silks, and the flying trapeze.

I wasn't excited at all about the partner balancing, but it turned out to be really fun. Turns out that the base is really where the balance is. The person on the bottom has to be strong and still.

Posts and photos of silks and flying trapeze to come. Oh, and video too.

Cherry Blossoms

Last Sunday I headed down to see the cherry blossoms with Evelyn and the girls. The trees were beautiful and I think we walked about two miles while looking at them all.

Spies, Sweet Syrup, Dirty Nappies, and More!

This morning we headed to DC to visit the International Spy Museum. We got discount tickets through Living Social, which also entitled us to free key chains. We weren't allowed to take any photos, and I didn't even take one of the outside of the building. I visited the museum back in 2003 I think. There were more exhibits than I remember. It was pretty cool. We only lasted for 2.5 hours. I learned a lot. Unfortunately, I've forgotten most of it already.

After the museum we headed to Ella's Wood Fired Pizza. We started with the butternut squash risotto. The flavor was great, but the rice was undercooked. A bit crunchy. I was hungry, so I inhaled it. Then we had the wild mushroom pizza--which came with mushrooms, tomato sauce, spinach, and goat cheese. It was pretty good, but I agree with Ross that there was just something missing. I think it was garlic. We didn't have room for dessert. I wanted to try the tiramisu, but I'll be making some tomorrow, so I let it go. Ross had a Dr. Pepper that was all syrup. It tasted so good! Between the two of us we polished off 2 glasses. That was probably enough syrup for 5 glasses! It was so tasty though. It almost tasted like real sugar. The service was friendly, but a bit lacking.

After lunch we walked to the Cowgirl Creamery. We decided to buy one of the cheeses that was on sale--we sampled it and it was pretty tasty. We'll take it to tomorrow's superbowl party. When the lady at the cash register asked if I wanted a bag I said no--that I'd put it inside my bag inside a bag inside a bag. I wrapped up the cheese in a plastic grocery sac, dropped it into my reusable bag that I always carry with me, and then put it into my purse. Ross and I then noticed a sign on the register that businesses inside DC charge 5c per plastic bag. I didn't know that.

We left the Creamery and headed back down to the Metro. Something smelled really terrible, so Ross and I moved further down the platform. I moved again. Then as I was sitting on a really cold concrete bench I noticed the smell again. Like a dirty nappy. I put my head into my purse (Yes my big head fits into my purse, have you seen my purse?) and the dirty nappy smell came out at me. I yelped "It's me! I'm the stinky one!" Seems the cheese we bought is rather fragrant. We drove home with the cheese in the trunk, and the smell still crept up and tried to knock us out.

We did some grocery shopping on the way home. I needed things to make tiramisu. I also grabbed some fruit for Pimm's cups. I saw a coat in WW that I liked, but they didn't have my size. I'm jealous of Ross's new $15 coat. I'm going with him snowboarding next week and I want to look all cool. I ended up buying a $6 coat, but it isn't very heavy. I'm going to check another WW tomorrow (how sad is that...)

Reflections

One of my favorite parts of the Air and Space museum (we went on Sunday) was the gallery of photos of the different planets. Ross and I particularly liked Saturn. I tried to take a photo of the photo, but ended up with a lot of reflections, including another cool photo of Saturn. I was disappointed that they didn't have a postcard of any of the planetary photos in the gift shop.

National Cathedral Excursion

The National Cathedral was one of the things on my excursion list. When I checked a while back I found out that they were having tower climbs this weekend. We headed down to D.C. yesterday and hoped for the best despite the rainy weather.

The climb up to the bell tower was 333 steps. It really was a piece of cake. The enclosed spiral stairs weren't as tight as they are in the duomo. The stairs were clean and concrete (instead of dirty slick marble). There were also some open metal spiral stairs. At the top of the climb we saw the bells that are pulled by hand. Then we came back down one level and saw/heard a mini concert of the hand pulled bells. We learned that this is the first time they have opened up the bell tower in about 15 years!

After our descent we spent some time checking out the inside of the church. Everything was so clean, new, and concrete. We didn't look around the outside much because of the rain. Overall I liked the visit, but newness of it all was a little disturbing.

This is one of the hand pulled bells--ready to be rung.

Outside of the bell tower from one of the window ledges.

Garden from above.

The space stained glass window.

Long Day in DC

We spent a whole day in DC. We started by visiting the Zoo. It was cool to see the pandas, but I think the invertebrates section (aquarium), was my favorite part. It rained off and on, but we managed not to get too wet. I actually brought my little umbrella!

After the zoo we checked out the Natural History Museum. The temporary exhibit on ants was interesting and after that we split up. I went to the American History Museum and the rest of the gang continued to explore the Natural History museum.

I was interested in seeing an exhibit marking the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots that I had seen listed on the web site, but no one seemed to know what I was talking about. Instead I rested, and saw an exhibit on the history of illustration. I remember reading something interesting, but I don't remember what I read! Ha! So I guess I didn't learn much. There were lines to see half of the exhibits.

I stood in one line, but just for a minute or two. I saw what I wanted to see (had my photo taken), and then left.

Another Great Day!

Today was another great day. We spent hours walking through and sitting under the blooming cherry trees with the Lusters. Toward the end of our visit it started snowing cherry blossoms. Just beautiful.

See Valerie's post for a more details and more photos.

Museum of Natural History

Yesterday we ignored the weather forecast and headed to D.C. We really wanted to get out and I figured we'd be indoors most of the time, so the rain wouldn't bother us. It was raining when we left the house, lightened up to a drizzle when we got to the metro station, and was really just a mist by the time we got off at the Smithsonian stop.

We headed over to the National Museum of Natural History just as it opened. We wandered through the oceans exhibit first--not exactly the best course of action--since that isn't what we had gone to see. By the time we got around to seeing what we wanted to see, of course the place was crowded. Anyway, in the ocean exhibit we saw the giant squid and learned about the whale's ancestors (from a very enthusiastic docent). Oh, and we saw a lot of gross looking fish.

From the oceans we headed to see the dinosaurs--which is what Ross really wanted to see. The skeletons are really impressive. Ross's favorite is the Stegasaurus. I liked the Apatosaurus--it was so long! My favorite fossil though, was the fossil in the belly of the fossil.

The gems and minerals came next. Wow. They have some bling there on display at the Smithsonian. We got a bit worn out in the middle of the mineral displays. I guess 2 hours walking around a museum will do that to you. I sat down for a bit and had a nice view of the Capitol building.

Since we were running out of energy we had to decide what we really wanted to see. I decided we would go through the temporary orchid exhibit before heading to lunch. The exhibit had lots of colorful flowers, and I even got to see a vanilla plant. After lunch we walked through some of the sculpture gardens. Ross saw a metal sphere sculpture just like the ones at the Vatican. We also saw some blooming trees. I hope the weather is better next week--I think we are going back to see more cherry blossoms.