Miles from DC

Goodbye Blogger

2006-02-18T09:20:00.000-05:00

With the exception of another blog I contribute to, it is time for MilesfromDC to say goodbye. I have enjoyed sharing my life and experiences with all of you and hope we can continue connecting in the physical world!

As one MilesfromDC reader hinted, I am moving to the world of "legitimate" websites. I don't know if that is a good way to describe the new effort. Merely days old is my new project. Experience Together will become a site dedicated to discussing issues of faith and creating community. I hope at least some of you will check it out on www.experiencetogether.com or www.jonathanshradar.com. The site will still be in blog form so it should be comfortable for all involved. Thanks again for your loyal readership and keep on LIVIN!

Can you feel the mountains tremble, can you hear the oceans roar...

2006-02-15T11:23:00.000-05:00

Posting regularity is way down and I apologize. I have been focusing on some new things that you will all get to see soon. Unfortunately, MilesfromDC will be going bye bye soon. So soak it up America!

Until then - keep on rocking in the free world!

Lunch hour Four Things Meme

2006-02-14T11:35:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Heather Z. I've been tagged by the Four Things Meme that is traversing certain sites among the blogoshpere. I actually felt left out when on one blog she left me out of the fun but thank God she has TWO blogs and decided to include me in the madness.

Here we go:

Four Jobs I've Had
Special Assistant for Communications
Campaign Regional Coordinator
Library Security Guard (someone has to keep the books safe)
Bank Teller (I even got robbed)

Four Movies I Can Watch Over and Over
Office Space
The Bear (I still cry every time I watch it)
Top Gun
Walk the Line (a recent add - I have to learn the music somehow)

Four Places I've Lived
Omaha, Neb
Toledo, OH
Arlington, VA (for ten days, but I needed a fourth place!)
Washington, DC

Four Shows I Like to Watch
West Wing
Iron Chef (the original)
Scrubs
Grey's Anatomy

Four Foods That I Like
Spaghetti (the ultimate comfort food for me)
Grilled Cheese (ask my nieces - I make a mean grilled cheese)
Club Sandwiches (before I gave up pork obviously)
Anything Taco Bell

Four Websites I Visit Daily
Evotional
Drudge (sorry it's a habit)
Plaxo
Tons of Blogs

Four Things I Want to Do Before I Die
Get married!
Travel to each continent (maybe not antarctica)
Finish writing a book (I don't know how many I have started)
Live off of ten percent of what I make and give 90%

Four People I'm Tagging
Papa B
Rob Nation (if the dude would even blog)
Hyla
Steph Sage

Happy Valentine's Day

2006-02-14T06:45:00.000-05:00

I wish that as adults we continued the activities we did in elementary school, making a "mailbox" out of construction paper and then exchanging little valentine's day cards. Of course as adults we wouldn't be so harsh - you remember not giving certain kids a card.

How many valentines will you be giving today?

Lighten Up

2006-02-13T09:29:00.000-05:00

Going to white for awhile here. I am looking into getting a new banner designed for the blog so if you have any ideas, let me know.

All the Time in the World

2006-02-10T06:55:00.000-05:00

We work on average 40 hours a week. But what are we doing with the other 128 hours?

I have been thinking about this for the last couple of days. For me it is a discussion that started with a desire to be something more than what my paycheck tells me I am. The question also explores what kind of person we are by making us think of how we spend our "free time."

In DC, the first thing someone says to you when you meet is "so what do you do?" Of course they are trying to figure out where you work and if you can benefit them in any way. This isn't such a bad thing; after all you get to the point right away. But shouldn't we care more about "who" someone is rather than where they "work?" What of someone who has a job to pay the bills but spends their "free" time giving to the homeless through work at a mission? Shouldn't that be the highlight? Or how about the musician that happens to crunch numbers all day because she likes the cash. Isn't the music, who she is? Then maybe that should be what we care about.

What do you do? NO - Who are you? What makes you excited. Where is your passion? What will you be remembered for?

We have three times the "free" time compared to our work - let's use it to do something BIG.

Awesome

2006-02-09T18:46:00.000-05:00

I just bought three tickets to the Mute Math show in Baltimore on the 18th. This is going to be a great show and well worth the cheap ticket. There is just something about working a long day and then coming home to a nice warm computer to buy tickets to a show. Refreshing.

I am a pretty big deal

2006-02-08T13:11:00.000-05:00

Ever since I introduced the world (or at least three of you) to Panic! At the Disco several months back they have become huge. Sure it has to do more with their sound than my approval, but it makes me feel good. (for the record two + years ago I bought ten Killers cds before they were big and BAM.. well..)

So this week I am sending you to become acquainted with The Fray. Out of Denver with a great melodic rock sound - The Fray loves to pick your thoughts about "the girl" being good enough. I find the lyrics being too comfortable with settling but if you are not experiencing recent breakups or similar situations you should be fine to listen. HOWEVER if you dated a girl and now continue to go back-and-forth about whether she is the one - DO NOT LISTEN TO "All at Once." Trust me.

So go check out The Fray - I may be behind the ball on this one but I like to do what I can.

A New Day.

2006-02-08T07:30:00.000-05:00

Light posting this week due to being "crazy" (I no longer use the word busy; instead everything is crazy).

The big news of the day: I have broken my commitment to have only 1 friend on MySpace. Late last night someone who obviously didn't know the rules invited me to be a friend. How can you turn down a request like that? It was a long run as a loner but now you all can be my friends.

36 Years Later

2006-02-06T23:56:00.000-05:00

Today my parents celebrated 36 years of marriage. Way to go. I am honored to have been part of at least 28 of those years!

An investment...

2006-02-06T07:11:00.000-05:00

Last night I finished cataloging all of my CDs so that I can get rid of them. (I put them all on my trusty Dell). The final tally: 178. (I still have a huge case full as well).

Imagining that I spent $10 on each CD, we come up with $1780. I wonder what you could do with that cash today?..

Listen to your mother...

2006-02-05T17:06:00.000-05:00

quan·da·ry
n. pl. quan·da·ries A state of uncertainty or perplexity.

n 1: a situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or trying one; "finds himself in a most awkward predicament"; "the woeful plight of homeless people" [syn: predicament, plight] 2: state of uncertainty or perplexity especially as requiring a choice between equally unfavorable options [syn: dilemma]

My mother suggests that I am in a quandary. Everyone welcome Mom to the blog!

Aren't we all in a quandary? Shouldn't we be? I kind of like being in a position that is a little sticky and I have to make choices about my life and choose which path to take. As most of you know (because despite using a blog I like to actually talk to people) I am contemplating my future/life and what work I should be doing. Of course this "perplexity" would be a lot easier if I was at "zero" or without responsibilities. Then I could make an adventure for a few months and figure it all out. But, the lottery has yet to go my way so I keep at it.

What do I know as I maneuver through my quandary (if in fact I am in one)? Here are the keys:

I am supposed to be in DC.

I am a good communicator. (Spin Doctor to you!)

I enjoy reading, music and lots of laughter.

I love people.

Those are the keys. Now I get to build on that! Wish me luck in my quandary and good luck in yours...

Garden State

2006-02-04T20:52:00.000-05:00

I just finished watching Garden State and was fairly impressed. Certainly not by the drugs or story line but about the message.

One specific quote (paraphrased by me) stood out. "That's life. It's real. Sometimes it f--ing hurts. But it's real."

Lately I have been talking about "living" quite a bit, or as I like to say "L-I-V-I-N." And the message I take away from Garden State is that we have to live. We have to stop being numb to the world and live knowing that sure, it may hurts sometimes, but it's worth it.

We all cover the "hurt" with something. Friends. Food. Drink. Sex. Religion. But I like to think that the "hurt" announced in the movie is more like growing pains. As you change, things change and the adjustment can seem like hurt. Instead it is evidence of a shift towards improvement.

Living is about change. It's about breathing as much as you can. It's about loving as much as you can. And who are we when a movie explains this better than our own, living, words?

By the way, the soundtrack is awesome.

Friday is here!

2006-02-03T08:18:00.000-05:00

Today we get to have a little fun in the office. Not that my office lacks fun every other day but today we get to treat a five-year-old little girl. A month or so ago a coworker of mine adopted his brother's daughter to give her a better environment and we have decided to give her a baby-shower of sorts.

At first the idea didn't sit well with me. After all what has this guy done for me - and why would I care about some random little girl. Then, as is usually the case, it hit me like a ton of bricks. My oldest niece is five and I can't imagine her going through what this child has. Moved nearly to tears, but manly enough to prevent them, I have formulated a plan. This morning, sometime while your tax dollars are paying me to spin, I will head downtown to Barnes and Noble to pick up some Dora the Explorer books along with some random coloring or alphabet books.

I may be flat broke but a few dollars is well worth putting a smile on a child's face, especially one that has not smiled much.

Get Ready To Do It All Over Again...

2006-02-02T08:46:00.000-05:00

Happy Groundhogs Day Milesfrom readers. I hope you are ready to do it all over again tomorrow! Wouldn't that be awesome to do the day over and get it just right? It would seem that way but just like in the movie we would get tired of the same experiences and surroundings.

This realization is just an example of how we are built for change. Seasons change, cities change and people, well you know. And if we stay in the same place too long we lose our perspective, or at least the one we have gets stale. It's important to mix things up. Walk a different route to the metro, take a different bus. Start with little changes that give you something different to see on your journey. Once we have this "mixing it up" down we can venture or adventure a bit more.

Saying all this I am in the midst of thinking about/planning a hike along the Appalachian trail (not all 2000 miles, but wouldn't that be cool). I dare you to join my friends and I on the journey - maybe March?

Either way, happy Groundhogs Day - oh, and he saw his shadow so 6 more weeks of winter (you mean this is winter...)

2006-02-01T19:21:00.000-05:00

Some music to get you over the hump. Shiny Toy Guns - You are the one.

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State of the Union

2006-02-01T12:18:00.000-05:00

I wanted to briefly look at the speech from last night and discuss an area I proclaim to know a bit about.

Sure the speech was high politics - welcome to Washington. But there were some great nuggets that we can look forward to. I will leave the discussion of war and our ability to keep ourselves from being killed for another discussion.

As the President announced the government will be taking a new approach to our energy picture and do more work to promote renewable sources and allow us to be better stewards of the environment. These points are not rhetoric, I see the budget numbers and work with the researchers that are going to make it happen. We are going to pursue making ethanol - from many sources - available across the country reducing emissions and weaning us off of imported oil.

The President has also directed continued action in promoting hydrogen fuel cell research, so that one day we don't have to worry about emissions or oil.

Along side efforts in wind and solar energy, these new initiatives represent the greatest investment into renewable sources of energy by any administration, Republican or Democrat. President Bush is the first president to seriously take action to move the nation away from hydrocarbon sources of energy and we can leave the rhetoric aside and look at the results.

Now we just need all of you to pay attention and change your lives; use ethanol, drive hybrids or don't drive at all, be more energy efficient. New initiatives are one thing, but we all need to work together to break the addiction to oil.

We all have a sign...

2006-01-31T16:20:00.000-05:00

Refreshing

2006-01-31T09:32:00.000-05:00

I love rain. There is just something about the earth refreshing itself that makes me comfortable. But despite my comfort I am restless. Having been in this "place" before I am preparing for major change - at least my mind thinks I am. Maybe it is a new job or a whole new direction. Whatever it is the status quo is not long in this world.

Exhausted has been a word I have used a lot the past couple of days but I think my current state has less to do with being tired and more to do with being "tired." I am tired of sub-par goals and experiences. I want the big time. I want to travel. I want to take pictures of things the world has never seen. I want to play music that has never been heard. I want freedom.

That's not asking too much is it? Of course now I have to go back to paying bills and working for the man. Soon though I will get my rain...

MySpace Loser?

2006-01-30T12:30:00.000-05:00

Trying to be hip like the kids, I updated "Jonathan's" MySpace page and I have one friend. And the one friend is the guy from MySpace. Sad, just pathetic. I know I have friends, at least I hear their voices in my head...

A-mazing Weekend

2006-01-29T17:23:00.000-05:00

I am back and rested after my Sunday nap from an awesome weekend. I spent Friday and Saturday at my church's leadership retreat and I had an experience. Big props to Hyla, Rob and Dennis for being great friends and getting ready to see something huge go down.

DC missed me for sure, so I think I may take in some grub at a fine local establishment and re-connect. It's good to be back, it's better to be changed!

Moving towards the weekend...

2006-01-27T11:47:00.000-05:00

This evening after work I am heading to WV with a car full of Christians for our leadership retreat. I am not sure how taking a bunch of people that are tired after working a full day and then driving and hour plus is much of a retreat...

Either way I am looking forward to getting out of the metropolis and having some "time".

I am currently reading a book you should all run out and pick up. If for no other reason than to understand how I approach life, read it. It is "Never Eat Alone" you can click on it in my library.

Beat Down and Coming Down...

2006-01-25T20:20:00.000-05:00

I have had more pleasant weeks during my time in DC. My life is busy this week. Tonight was the first night that I was home before 10 and I walked in around 7. That being said I am meeting some colleague for a turkey burger before one of them goes to Spain to feed the children. Are children hungry in Spain?

And piling on top of a crazy work week I am feeling a bit under the old weather.

The weekend doesn't seem to hold any relief as I am heading to WV with my awesome church leadership. Prayerfully I will get a free "recharge".

Complain, complain. On the other hand things are looking up!

Go Big or Go Home?

2006-01-22T17:08:00.000-05:00

I have no problem going big. And I do it all too often. No matter what it is I am doing, I go all out (except when the gym is involved). Of course this is not exclusive to healthy activities - I go big for bad things too.

This evaluation is nothing new. Recognizing this trait is all part of my deliberate 2006 and addressing my "go bigadness" to not only moderate but put my efforts in the career/relationship building category.

It is all about steps, not baby steps but big bold steps, after all this life is a journey. And in the life category, I am going big.

A Week Off...

2006-01-21T07:29:00.000-05:00

I am such a hypocrite. While I chastise my friends whom blog with certain irregularity, here I am without a post for much of this week. I could make excuses that work is so busy or my social life demands more attention. I personally like the one where I spend all my free time at the gym! None of these really work.

You have been warned of reduced posting yet you still come back and check the blog. You deserve better. So how about podcasting? I have a sweet new program to record and edit a podcast but I need some content. Any ideas? What should a weekly/monthly podcast on MilesfromDC be about?

Meant to be Monday

2006-01-18T20:50:00.000-05:00

I hope we never get "too busy" to honor MLK. Let's not forget the dream.

Life as transition

2006-01-16T14:30:00.000-05:00

I have lived in my current apartment for over a year now and find myself faced with the potential for yet more movement and transition. In the past 4 years I have lived in three cities, and six different apartment along with close to a month in a hotel.

Each stop along the way has brought me closer to where I desired to be and I have enjoyed the journey. Maybe that it the way it is supposed to be. Always moving up or along the latter, from place to place. Eventually reaching the pinnacle and then settling down.

Bike through

2006-01-14T22:26:00.000-05:00

I just had a great experience in DC. I was driving down Mass. Ave and a bunch of folks on bikes came rolling by. As many as could gave me a high fives.

Where did they go? What was their goal?

Dream Analysis

2006-01-13T08:43:00.000-05:00

I am at a bakery/diner owned and ran by someone I work with when Tom Osborne walks in the hall and takes up a seat near me. Moments later, Nebraska Governor (who Osborne is running against) comes in to "monitor" Osborne's conversations.

I dig through my wallet for a business card to give the coach to let him know I want to help his campaign despite the fact that I currently live and vote in DC. So I found ONE card with my name on it and I flipped it over to write my personal phone number on it as well. But for whatever reason I kept getting the number wrong, or the ink would not show, or I would spell my name J-O-H-N, it was crazy. Of course while this is happen Heineman is looking on and I am getting frustrated with the people giving me pens with pink ink or light blue gel.

Needless to say this was the only card that identified me for who I work for. I had other cards but they were for our staff assistant and a few were blank.

I finally made my way to the coach with a ratty card and as I started to tell him my story he politely pointed to Heineman and made a "shhhh" sound.

That's all I remember. So either there were roofies in that martini or my mind is wackin' out.

Postsecret this week

2006-01-12T13:24:00.000-05:00

I have recently been keeping track of the thoughts posted on postsecret. They are an interesting look into the lives of complete strangers, some with extreme issues, others an awful lot like us. The common theme that I have noticed is that for each one, something seems to be missing...

An Evening Out...

2006-01-12T09:25:00.000-05:00

This evening I will be heading to TKC to take in some National Symphony Orchestra action. I am told the conductor is a pretty big deal. It should be a marvelous time.

2006-01-10T16:08:00.000-05:00

indie - rock

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Check out the Professional Americans; currently residing in Austin, TX waiting for their big break. Of the song's inspiration, the band says "the feeling was like what C.S. Lewis called 'longing', it hurts but you wouldn't trade it for the world."

The Richter scale was off...

2006-01-10T10:34:00.000-05:00

Responding to a few desperate pleas I have decided to keep the blog going. Of course it is not so "new" any more. I will be making a few changes, as you can see, and will be dedicating more time to "other pursuits" (I don't know her name yet) so the posting traffic may be similar to U Won't!

And be sure to visit the new Miles from DC photoblog. There is not much to look at yet but I expect some fun to happen over there.

Earth Shaking...

2006-01-09T22:15:00.000-05:00

The New is about to become old again... Rumor has it that MilesfromDC is going bye bye as I look to focusing on the launch of a new photoblog. The hobby deserves dedication and I think I could maybe say more through visualization versus my ramblings.

Stay tuned for the new site as I "interview" potential host sites over the next few days and make the final decision whether or not to put this back on the shelf.

A couple games to watch for in '06

2006-01-05T11:02:00.000-05:00

September 16th Nebraska at USC

October 21th Nebraska hosts Texas

Eyes of Texas

2006-01-05T08:09:00.000-05:00

"Well, we couldn't stop them when we had to," USC coach Pete Carroll said. "The quarterback ran all over the place. "This is their night," he said. "It's wonderful doing what we've been doing. We didn't get it done."

Said Leinart: "I still think we're a better football team, they just made the plays in the end."
They sure did.

Hey Matt - if you were a better team then why didn't you make the plays... dumb ass.

Breaking News

2006-01-03T16:06:00.000-05:00

I have decided against moving. Instead I will just clean my apartment.

Good to be home

2006-01-02T15:58:00.000-05:00

It was nice waking up in my own bed for the first time in two weeks. The city hasn't changed much, or at least I haven't noticed.

While getting back in the usual pattern of work and play I will be looking for a new apartment. The big question (second to buy or rent?) is if I should move off of the Hill. DC is interesting in that each neighborhood really has it own culture and atmosphere and I am wondering if I would be in a better place in another part of town. I do love the Hill and proximity to everything but since I am looking for a shift in 2006 - why not start with where I live (still in DC mind you). Will my friends visit me if I buy a condo in SE... of course they don't visit now so that won't change.

No matter what I decide I need more space. Even though I believe in being a serious minimalist, my stuff and me need to spread out a bit.

You heard it here first...

2006-01-02T09:38:00.000-05:00

"Oh my God, I listened to like seven hours of music one last night!"
-From the dramatic comedy coming soon, I've been workin' on the railroad.

News Flash

2005-12-28T14:59:00.000-05:00

I have successfully learned E minor...

2005 Year in review

2005-12-28T14:39:00.000-05:00

2005 Year in review

2005 has certainly been an interesting year. I started it out by moving to a new city, with no place to live and no job. Thankfully today I have both and some great memories of the year to share with the blogosphere.

January 3rd I moved to DC for good, crashing on the floor of a friend and making my life’s passion finding a place of my own. Capitol Hill called me like a sexy siren luring me with favors, and I followed the song into a shoebox of a place. Now a year later I am looking for a new pad if not the purchase of a condo (in the hood mind you) for a little more space both physically and metaphorically.

One job leads to another and the last one got me this one. I found myself accepting my new media relations gig the day before Bush said the oath for a second time and took the opportunity to celebrate, every night for at least a month. Thanks to a great group of people my early DC experience was blurred through the vision of beer goggles, surprisingly the Capitol looks awesome through this lens. The necessity of work gradually pushed my lips away from perfectly good beer and I managed to settle after a few months.

The year of work has been interesting, starting without a clue what role I would play in my job it took awhile to adjust to some interesting characters and federal employees. Despite the self-created stress work is great and I am doing exactly what I want to be doing. That being said, the 2006 review may find me in another role, maybe in a job closer to home, or closer to my favorite bars.

Since you can’t only work and drink booze I found a church that would tolerate me and have built another great group of friends. And to add some sport to the mix, I spent just about every Saturday watching football with my fellow Huskers.

In 2005 I have lost weight, gained it back, and lost it again. I visited Nebraska three times. Gained, lost and the gained some more friends. Listened to, hated and loved new music. And I took in performances at the Kennedy Center twice. The dates I had didn’t lead to anything; I guess my wife is still out there.

It turns out I never had Shingles; it was just Herpes Simplex (the mostly oral kind) that saw opportunity and took it.

Looking back it seems I just sailed through the year without any motivation towards a goal or set of them. I let life throw me some things and handled them the best I could. Will 2006 be different? I imagine so. I have some goals, fewer distractions and a raise. Whatever 2006 holds, we are going to have some fun.

Go Big Red

2005-12-27T10:36:00.000-05:00

I am not sure if I will post anything before the big game tomorrow night so I have to proclaim that Michigan is going down in the Alamo bowl. We'll run them through like the Mexicans did Davey Crockett.

In other news, I am settling into laziness as we approach the new year. Christmas was good to Miles and I look forward to learning to play one of my presents! I am trying to hit all the neglected friends with a drink or two and I am just about done making the rounds with family. It amazes me how different Omaha is from DC and while both are great I think I will stay in DC for a bit. Omaha does have hotter people though, at least waitresses.

The blackberry is lost (on purpose) so work is truly 1200 miles away. And the ole' Daewoo is getting fixed on Thursday. It is amazing that a mechanic in DC can't fix it but Omaha (South O' to be exact) leaps at the opportunity.

Another year older...

2005-12-22T11:13:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was my twenty-eighth birthday. Another year without fanfare and another step closer to 30.

Right now I am sitting in Panera using the free wi-fi and drinking chai. This is my preparation for the next couple of hours of shopping. Do you think everyone will be mad if I got everything from Super Target? I guess they have no choice.

Tomorrow I am going to dinner with some old friends and look forward to seeing them face to face rather than through email and phone calls.

I promise lots of pix after the weekend. Have a great Christmas and all that jazz.

In Nebraska

2005-12-21T14:50:00.000-05:00

After some twenty hours in the Daewoo I have made it to the big O. Let the fun begin!

What if...

2005-12-18T17:11:00.000-05:00

What if we could all be like a bottle of Lifeway Kefir... Naturally Cultured

Update: Just got home from the MCW concert - my date backed out due to work (she lost out on a$53 ticket!) I had a great time and a big thanks to Hyla for scoring me the seats and giving my apartment some Christmas cheer in the form of a stuffed stocking...

The Student

2005-12-18T12:05:00.000-05:00

I don't think a week goes by that someone in my life reminds me that I need to finish my thesis. While I have completed the course work for my Master of Arts in Political Science, I have only completed about half of my defining research and theory. (Have no fear I have a plan).

As I continue to go through the motions I have been struck by the idea of being a continual student - perhaps not in class or the classroom of hard knocks alone, but always growing and always learning. I have such a desire to learn new things and expand what little knowledge I do have. This of course is all attributed to my longing to be better than everyone else... But to be a constant student I think you have to be deliberate, (that is the word for 2006).

Since I am preparing to head off into the wilderness to catch my breathe for a couple of weeks I thought I could lay out some deliberate plans (let's call them pre-resolutions). In 2006 I am going to be deliberate about:

Finishing my thesis - this goes without any justification...

Learning to speak Russian - reading will come in 2007...

Learning to play the guitar - you can only talk about something for so long before you have to jump...

Building relationships - its time to put a little effort in creating better friends and maybe even finding a wife (after all I will be 30 soon)...

Listening to live music - maybe at least once a month, whether it is at the Kennedy Center or a dirty bar...

I think that will be a good start and I certainly reserve the right to amend my deliberate plans.

Waking...

2005-12-17T10:40:00.000-05:00

Saturday morning... slowly sobering thinking of the last high...

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Doreen's story

2005-12-16T09:40:00.000-05:00

As Christmas approaches we often hear stories about humanity and how great and yet desperate we are at the same time. A friend of mine recently spent some time in Uganda filming a movie - the story is inspiring.

Freedom

2005-12-15T08:45:00.000-05:00

Today before we hit the snooze that last time, millions of free Iraqis voted. Liberty and Democracy are not American ideals - they reside in the hearts of man...

Propaganda on their own turf

2005-12-14T07:39:00.000-05:00

An article about the Huskers in the Toledo Blade..? This is going to be a great game!

Music One Click Away...

2005-12-13T21:03:00.000-05:00

A CD without a label... this Orlando band don't seem to mind not being "big time," after all its about the music.
Today's One Click Away is Last Winter, check them out. (Honestly it is the week of no work, you can click and browse all you want).

Big shout out to Purevolume - I love the way they allow me to discover new bands.

Holiday at the House

2005-12-12T23:05:00.000-05:00

Today I went on the tour of the Christmas decorations at the White House. We had a great time and it took us away from work for a bit.

What is my boss looking at?

Iraq and you...

2005-12-12T12:14:00.000-05:00

"My job as President is to see the world the way it IS not the way we hope it is."

Reality is often the best starting point. Well said sir.

Getting in the spirit...

2005-12-11T11:39:00.000-05:00

I know you have already seen this video but since this week is "Holiday Party Week 2005" I figured we should get it started in the right spirit.
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Where were you last night?

2005-12-11T11:32:00.000-05:00

I had to fit in one last Saturday of partying in DC before the year's end. Somehow I ended up, with a couple good buddies, at a house party - the Naughty or Nice Party to be exact. That's me in the picture but I am not sure who the other two party goers are...

Kickstart Saturday

2005-12-10T18:43:00.000-05:00

Start the Saturday party with a little Daft Punk and go "Around the World". Wherever it is you find yourself this evening - enjoy the beauty that is our existence and dance a little.

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Thoughts for Friday

2005-12-09T09:20:00.000-05:00

As I approach yet another notch on the old age latter, and I come down with Shingles at 27.., I have been doing a lot of evaluation, even contemplation of dropping it all and moving to the Virgin Islands or Eastern Europe. (Don't worry, where ever I am there will be Milesfrom...)

In the midst of this post-quarterlife-noncrisis, on the long commute this morning I read an item that has made it to the Thoughts for Friday.

"I've been dormant for quite some time now, derailed by the act of living itself. Frozen, encumbered. Gummed with goals. Paranoid with purpose. As the morning's shades rise, I realize that I've seen only gravel and dirt for the last eight years; focusing on the placement of my own steps before they struck the ground. I tuned out all else. Touch, beauty, and simple pleasures - arrayed in constellations - wept as I passed during those days, crying to be noticed and valued. I'm sure of it now as I close my eyes and attempt to escape the endless reams of paper chatter in my mind. I've come to this house to right myself in life, to wake up, to rest. I've come to leave the wheel for a moment and assess my need of it. I've come here because had I refused, I believe I might have blinked and missed another decade."

This passage is from Margaret Becker's With New Eyes, and she wrote it about a sabbatical she took from the commotion of life.

Preparing to drive - by myself - 16 hours to Nebraska for the holidays I think of that time as my sabbatical. My time to reflect and just enjoy the ride. As some have said, "life is not the wick and candle, it is the burning."

Enjoy your cold Friday.

Thursday song you have never heard... early

2005-12-07T22:44:00.000-05:00

Las Vegas is bringing us more than just some Killers - check out Panic! At the Disco.

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Waking a Sleeping Giant...

2005-12-07T12:40:00.000-05:00

A day that will live in infamy... let us pause and reflect on those defending freedom.

Music One Click Away...

2005-12-07T11:09:00.000-05:00

Today's one-click-away is The Alpha Couple out of Chicago. They are rock with the right touch of the gadgets...

Here at MilesfromDC we bring you one-click-away to launch you on your own music finding mission. Don't wait for the radio to play new music... find it yourself first.

2005-12-06T14:57:00.000-05:00

Just a little something to put you in the mood. "O Come Emmanuel" from some random kid in PA.

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This is what they say...

2005-12-06T13:00:00.000-05:00

You Should Get a MFA (Masters of Fine Arts)

You're a blooming artistic talent, even if you aren't quite convinced.
You'd make an incredible artist, photographer, or film maker.

What Advanced Degree Should You Get?

Long way to run...

2005-12-06T09:44:00.000-05:00

I have a long way to travel yet. Make your map here.

Back in the saddle

2005-12-06T08:36:00.000-05:00

Well I am back at work today and the headache is not too distracting. Winter is really here as in D.C. we got about 2 inches of snow and the high for today is 38 degrees... burrh.

This is officially "dead week" for me (and I imagine a few other appointees). The parties are mostly next week (with the exception of those I am looking forward to this weekend) so work all this week is just one big waiting game. For my office party I have been tasked with making Chicken and White Bean Chili. I wonder if anyone will really eat the food prepared by the guy that just had Shingles? Otherwise I get to sit back and enjoy the week.

Shingle bells, shingle bells, shingles all the way...

2005-12-05T08:37:00.000-05:00

I know some of you have looked up the description of Shingles and notice it is a "painful - long lasting" "disease". But have no fear, I am surviving. Evidentially I have a healthy immune system that just needed a push from the drugs and the Shingles is fading quickly.

Even so I have stayed home from work today. I still have some pain and I rather not expose the nice folks at work to the pox. I am planning on being at work tomorrow though and I am sure I will be getting things done today as the blackberry begins to buzz away.

Seemingly older everyday...

2005-12-03T08:18:00.000-05:00

First I went bald, then my knees started giving me problems. And now I have Shingles.

I am on some drugs to get me through and plan a weekend of seclusion. I hope the rest of you enjoy the cold weather.

Thursday's Song you have never heard...

2005-12-01T11:01:00.000-05:00

Ashley Macisaac is a 29-year-old Canadian that can fiddle... Here though he seems to be venting. "Bitch"

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2005-11-29T13:30:00.000-05:00

The next Senator from Nebraska...

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New Music Tuesday

2005-11-29T13:26:00.000-05:00

Tuesday's music video: "Different" from Acceptance. This band has a great sound and the song has a good story. Check it out.

Christmas Lights You Will To Your Kids

2005-11-29T10:38:00.000-05:00

You may have seen them while walking down the "holiday" isle of Target (as I did last night) - they are LED Christmas lights and while they cost a lot more than the average $2 strand of 100 incandescent lights (LED are around $12) they use 99% less energy, don't put off any heat and last for up to 200,000 hours or 100 + holiday seasons...

Go get some today!

Darko

2005-11-26T21:32:00.000-05:00

I finally watched (and actually bought) Donnie Darko today. After hearing how it is all the rage with the current college generation I broke down and watched the flick.

Not bad to tell the truth. I like to consider myself as a quasi aficionado of movies that are off the beaten path and this one ranks up there with other trippy features. We are forced to tag along with Donnie through a strange course of events that will have you wondering by the end.

I give the movie 3 miles out of 5 possible. Just under a 5k... not bad.

Turkey day spread

2005-11-26T07:33:00.000-05:00

Not bad for some rookies.

2005-11-25T11:12:00.000-05:00

Some Bloc Party to get you through the Friday.

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2005-11-25T11:02:00.000-05:00

The Weekend

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Black Friday

2005-11-25T08:14:00.000-05:00

It is bitter cold in D.C. this morning and I am sure work will not be something that heats things up. My office has nine appointees and today there will only be ONE at work...ME. I don't mind really, I think I will browse some site doing "research" and answer a few press calls from reporters that find themselves in the same situation as I do.

On the outside, millions of Americans are out shopping and making assess of themselves. While there are some great deals ($300 laptops, $200 LCD TV) I am not sure if these things warrant standing in line in the cold at 3:00 am and then running to a display to get one of a couple sale items. If you have the day off you should be sleeping in and staying warm.

In other news... Yesterday's meal was awesome. When ever you send four hungry guys to the grocery store to buy food for Thanksgiving dinner you are bound to have more than enough to eat. And now we have some substantial left-overs. Hopefully my colleagues won't eat 20 or so turkey sandwiches before I leave work around 2:00 pm.

How appropriate...

2005-11-23T12:01:00.000-05:00

Hit snooze one more time...

2005-11-23T08:27:00.000-05:00

Why is my office even open today? I suppose I should save the question for Friday when I will be alone.

I decided to head in a bit late this morning since no one would be here, and I was right, no one is here. So today I imagine I will get a lot of "planning" done. You know the type of planning I am talking about... the sort that requires little brain activity and tons of internet browsing.

Item 2 for the day

2005-11-22T08:29:00.000-05:00

Since I have already written a stellar press release (wouldn't you love to know the subject) I think it is time to share an unhealthy desire with the world.

For the record I hate gaming systems and the last time I played anything was on an original Playstation decades ago. I think it stems from being the younger brother and never getting my turn at the Nintendo (Ten Yard Fight was the game of choice). I just don't get into video games. Instead I turn to books, and look where that got me.

Low and behold the new XBOX 360. I want one just because I think it would match bringing girls back to my place to have them sit on my bed/couch/love cushion and play some really destructive game on a cool looking system.

They go on sale today and I swear if I could pull myself away from work for just a minute I would have been waiting in line for the midnight sale...

Up past my bedtime...?

2005-11-22T07:45:00.000-05:00

Last night I was asleep by 9:00 pm. Whether this was a product of a dreary cold day or the fact that I had mashed potatoes for dinner I will never know. But when it came time for me to go to the gym and burn off the day's worth of stress and cookies, I went to bed instead.

Needless to say I woke up at 1:30 am and had some more cookies (these are GOOD cookies - I made them myself). Then when the neighbors decided to beat each other up around 3:30 or 4:00 am I could not get back to sleep. So here I am at work before 8:00 and the day is going to be grand.

The one bright star of the whole evening/night is that I have decided to get a new sleep surface. I say surface instead of bed because I think I am way beyond beds at this point. How about a nice sofa sleeper/ futon thing? That would be priceless... bring a young lady home and be like 'take a seat on my bed... ah I mean couch.. I mean love cushion..' I can't wait.

For most of you today is "Friday" since you will be heading out of the metropolis for the Thanksgiving Holiday. For those of us poor souls that remain and will be at work on the real Friday... may the days fly by and the work be light.

2005-11-21T16:50:00.000-05:00

Journalists are real people that think funny voices are... well funny. Check this guy out and if you know the language let me know what they are saying...

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2005-11-18T09:58:00.000-05:00

A little something for you Friday - "Workplace Safe"

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2005-11-17T11:47:00.000-05:00

Check out Keith's video version of the new "Bush was right" song from the Right Borthers.

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Waiting for Evangeline

2005-11-16T21:00:00.000-05:00

Hey - check out the Waiting for Evangeline video here.

Half priced at 201

2005-11-16T20:12:00.000-05:00

Had a late afternoon meeting close to home tonight so a coworker offered to buy drinks. We ended up at Lounge 201 and I scored some half price wine since it was, half price wine Wednesday! Now after all this wine I am half crocked! Not really but I do look much better in the mirror than I remember... ha give it time!

This weekend - don't miss the Blue fight off the Buckeyes of AN ohio state university. Then if you are up to it, stop over a staccato in Adams Morgan and check out Waiting For Evangeline. I'll be there and you will enjoy the show.

Until next... whenever, be good and smooch.

Fired Up

2005-11-15T05:41:00.000-05:00

This morning's article in the New York Times has me all kinds of fired up. It must be campaign season as some Senators (Republicans mind you) are calling for a resolution that would turn over security control to the Iraqi forces "next year". Here they are dead wrong.
Yes, the Iraqi people must defend their borders and democracy, but not until the are prepared to do so. We have a responsibility as the world's beacon of democracy to ensure the safe transition from tyranny to democracy in Iraq. By setting some semingly random time frame we are endangering not only the people of Iraq but the legacy of our soldiers that have fought and died in the cause of freedom.
Senators, please stand up and see our effort through to a peaceful democratically self-governed Iraq.

Catching Up

2005-11-14T22:09:00.000-05:00

Since we last spoke... my parents and oldest brother and his wife visited me here in DC for a few days and we had a great time together, mostly with me as tour guide. This picture is with my folks Congressman on the Speaker's balcony - one stop on the tour(s).

He's Back...

2005-11-14T22:01:00.000-05:00

It has been so long. But after many requests and some soul searching (okay I decided to stop being lazy) I am back at Milesfromdc. So let the fun begin, again.