Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there. Big special shout out to my Mama for putting up with all my shit for years. To all the other women in my life, you are all awesome. I love you.
Thursday, May 11
This morning we rowed downstream away from Narnia, towards the Potomac, intending to go into the Channel. The tide was low and for reasons unknown to me, coach Jason told us not to turn in and continue into the Potomac. We made the turn at Hains Point and continued almost to the I-395 bridge. This is the farthest I've rowed with Capital and the first time I've been on the Potomac with them. Thank you to Grace for bowing our double. The water was huge, and I was glad not to be in charge of steering. Instead I got to enjoy the early morning light over the city and the airport.
For lunch I met Eliot who works with one of our federal clients. It's rare I go out for lunch and even more exceptional that I meet any of our clients. Working remote means I don't meet anyone I work with (no complaints, just facts).
We met up at Junction Bakery, a cute bistro with a tiny patio. It's too nice of a day, and all the spots outside are taken. Great to hang out with Eliot in person and get a perspective of a local. He lives out in Maryland, but
Most of the federal museums and galleries close at 5pm each day. I'm always looking for the evening hours or events for after work. Thursdays are now Live! at the Library. The Library of Congress has extended hours until 8pm Thursday evenings with guest speakers, music, and drinks! Get tipsy at the Library? I'm in.
We had not been back to the Library since last year. The event is only in the main hall, not the reading room (obviously), but the hall is absolutely gorgeous. And drinking in a library is so forbidden normally that this feels scandalous and fabulous all at once. A woman, who looks like a librarian, is playing guitar in the center of the main floor. We mosey about still taking in the stunning artwork. We meet a library docent named Karen who was a wealth of interesting knowledge about the building and a lot of fun to talk to. Of course she was, her name is Karen ;)
We learned that the ornate details of the Library are in part due to the fact that the project came was under time and budget. Rare you hear that about government. Super glad they had it together, though, as this building is a work of art. Karen also mentioned that next Thursday there will be a discussion about cookbooks. One of my favorite book types, I will definitely be back next week.
After a toast to the Library, we headed to Tune Inn to meet up with Eli, who got us the Capitol tour last week. We wanted to take him out for drinks as a thank you. Eli is a really cool guy, as well, and we wanted to hang out with him. He's from Georgia and used to work with my brother-in-law Chris in Georgia politics. Eli has graduated up and now works in a Minnesota Congressman's office. It was fantastic to hear a Georgia boy talking about ice fishing in Minnesota. I learned a lot about the state. I don't think I've ever known anyone from there. We laughed about how when you say Minnesota we think of the tv show Coach.
It's great to hear Eli's perspective of living in DC. He's a bit younger and has been here six years already. He works a lot, as you do in your thirties, and is trying to enjoy the best of the city when and while he can. We agree to meet up again before we head back south. I call it a night earlier than the guys for my premature wake up call.
Friday, May 12
This morning I rowed in a double with Maris. Another red sky as the sun rose. Good rowing. Glad to have Maris bowing. I am still working on my rollup and catch placement. This has been a slow learning curve for me, but when I get it, I will be much faster. So I'm trying to take the opportunities I have in a balanced double to really work on technique.
We have a lot going on this weekend, and it's been a long week. We are both weary after work and opt for an easy night. Let's just get a beer and a snack at Cafe Berlin. I have an erg test first thing tomorrow, so only one beer for me. As much as I love the atmosphere and amazing German food at this restaurant, the best part is the staff. We have sat at the bar each time while most patrons ask for the outside tables. There are only a few seats at the bar and they are empty. Mike and I both worked years in restaurants and know the frustrations the job can bring. I miss the work at times even knowing those annoyances. We laugh and chime in with the camaraderie of the staff. The manager is an awesome, no-nonsense woman. She would fit in well with my closest friends.
She engages us in conversation whenever we are in. Tonight the topic turns to pouring beer from the tap. She diagnoses our home keg issues with Mike, interspersed with "Good evening, welcome in. Do you have a reservation with us tonight?" Then returning to why our key pours foamy. I swear she's going to wake up in the middle of the night thinking of more solutions.
Our snack turns into pretzels with fantastic mustards selections and a "Wurstfeast," six different sausages. It's dinner rather than a snack. But it's delicious and after we are full and ready to relax at home. Mike watches the fireworks outside after the Nats win a couple miles away as I nap on the couch. Big day tomorrow starts with an erg test.
Until next time...