June 30th, 2009

I forgot how much I love the beach! I spent the late morning/early afternoon at North Shore.
It was the perfect day to be at the beach... clear skies and no humidity. So relaxing...

June 29th, 2009

One day back at home and I found a coffeeshop that's not a Starbucks! (Yay!) I spent the morning here in Elliot's Fair Grounds in Norfolk's Historic Ghent. Very good coffee, friendly staff, and a good working atmosphere! I'm sure I will be spending a lot of time here. Check them out: http://hamptonroads.metromix.com/restaurants/photogallery/elliots-fair-grounds/432468/content



As many of you know, I collect bird figurines and love all things that deal with birds. I just thought this set up with the birdhouses was absolutely adorable. This was in the store just below the coffeeshop.

June 28th, 2009

Finally back home in Virginia Beach with my doggie, Snickers!

June 27th, 2009

This was my last day in Arlington.
Here I am in my empty room. I was initially embarrassed to take this picture, but Eirene insisted... and I'm glad she did.
I can't believe how tiny my room was!



Here is one of our last pictures together in our apartment (with Stumpy, the panda).

I made a stop at my brother's place before I left, which really became my second home. I just had to see my baby, but he really isn't a baby anymore... he's getting so big!
Doesn't he look so cute with his haircut?

Now that I am back at home, I just want to thank everyone I encountered in the past two years for making my time in the DC metro area/Northern Virginia a truly memorable one. I have many fond memories and will certainly miss all my friends! I look forward to when I can see you all again!

June 26th, 2009

I spent most of the day on Friday gathering all my belongings and dancing around my apartment to Michael Jackson's songs.
Here is everyone who helped me move out (minus my brother and RA).
I can't thank you all enough!



Eirene and me on my last night!

Here we are at the Rock and Roll Hotel at the Michael Jackson Tribute Dance Party! It was such a great way to celebrate his life. I'm still dancing and singing his songs in my head.
R.I.P Michael Jackson

Check them out: http://www.rockandrollhoteldc.com/portal/

June 25th, 2009

This was my last stop at Pentagon Row. This shopping plaza was right across from work for me, and had very few Mom and Pop businesses (which are the shops I'm more attracted to... I think they have more character), but I was able to establish myself as a "regular" in many of the stores here, and that was something I really liked.



This is Sassy, our apartment cat. She is very friendly and loves to lounge outdoors. I could not play with her (because I'm allergic), but I will definitely miss greeting her.

This is on Wilson Boulevard in the middle of Clarendon. I know it's not the best photo of "Clarendon," but it was where I would often begin my walks, window-shop, and people-watch.

Here is a lovely photo of Eirene and her mom at the Peking Gourmet Inn. This restaurant has the BEST duck ever!
(If you've not tried it, you MUST! I will even take you!)
Her family treated me to a wonderful dinner there, and we all left completely satisfied! Thank you so much for such a great dinner :)

June 24th, 2009

A delicious dinner at the Dogfish Head Alehouse in Falls Church, VA with my co-workers again.

June 23rd, 2009

I cooked my very last dinner at my apartment tonight. I decided to cook pancit and adobo since Chris has never really had any Filipino food. It's always fun for me to prepare and fun to share what I cook with others.
I hope you both liked it and I look forward to cooking for you guys again! :)

June 22nd, 2009

This is my last week in DC, so there will likely be many photos a day because I'm suddenly becoming a bit nostalgic.
The first photo is of the living area of my apartment. I had to capture it before I packed it up. Isn't it photogenic? I think my roommate and I did a swell job in making it feel homey. I will miss coming home to it!

I will miss little Izzy too! But will she miss me?

This was taken over the Key Bridge on my run to Georgetown today. For some reason, I always feel liberated when I walk over this bridge.

June 21st, 2009

Since Sunday was both the Summer Solstice and Father's Day, I have two pictures honoring the two occassions:

Dawn along the Potomac


And a very proud father with his family!

Happy Father's Day Pa and Kuya!

June 20th, 2009

It was so much fun to see and hang out with my co-workers again outside of work :) The potluck was such a great idea! I laughed a lot and ate a lot... and wish I could come to future ones!
I miss you guys!
(I really wish I took more photos!)

June 19th, 2009

Friday was a very good day! I met up with Jules for lunch and we headed to the National Zoo. I loooove watching the animals, but I was most excited to see the pandas! :)

They're sooo cute!

For the evening, I went to Artomatic, a month long art festival in DC, which was very entertaining and inspiring. Sarah and I went to support Emily whose artwork you can see in the third photo down.

The event also showcased the Washington Post's Peeps Diorama Contest. This next photo was the winner of the contest, inspired by Edward Hopper's "Nighthawks." There were really so many creative entries, but I was biased to this one.

Sarah and I with Emily :)

June 18th, 2009

I shot this photo today while on the Metro (Blue line heading towards the Pentagon from Arlington Cemetery).
I don't use the metro as often as I should, but when I do take it, I always feel at peace... probably quite the opposite of all the busy bodies on the train just trying to get from Point A to Point B.

June 17th, 2009

Tonight I made spaghetti alla vongole (spaghetti with clams). It was my first attempt and it was very, very good and very simple to make. I remember back in Italy, my dad would make this during the summer months, and so having it tonight brought back all those feelings of warm, fresh summer evenings when I lived in Gaeta. I really wish I could've shared this with others. Oh well, next time...

June 16th, 2009

Now that I am unemployed, I thoroughly enjoy spending my afternoon sitting on the porch of the local coffee shop.

June 15th, 2009

There will likely be many photos of this little butterball because he always, always makes my day.
It's such a pleasure to watch him grow!


And happy 32nd birthday to my Kuya! I guess my photo of the day should've been of him, huh?