Washington, DC (USA)

[last day of the year! - due to some requirements at work, I had to go in for a few hours - made the best of that, though, by trying something I've been wanting to do since I moved to our new home: use the Metro all day (no car) - it started with a little research on the schedules for the (many) bus lines that go down the busy street about four blocks away - I found a good (early) morning arrive time and (mistakenly) thought I needed to go to that location (turns out I could just stand at any bus sign on the street and all buses would stop for me...) - it was a little chilly to wait, but I actually got picked up and arrived at the station almost at the same time as I usually do with my car (roughly 15 minutes lost by using the bus) - worked all morning, closing out business for the year - ate lunch with my Subway gift card (thanks, Carolyn!) - around noon, I headed over to the Metro Station and used Yellow and Red to get over to Judiciary Square, which I hoped would be near the Supreme Court - it wasn't, so I got to walk about 10 blocks to get there (and learned that Union Station is MUCH closer...) - saw a lot of media and protestor activity at the Capitol ("Fiscal Cliff" issues) but avoided it and went into the Library of Congress to do some research - took about four pages of good notes and left early enough that it was still light out - had to wait a while for trains for some reason, but after only one change (Orange to Yellow) made it back to where I normally park - took the same bus I used in the morning (it was waiting there!) and made it home in about 20 minutes - all in all, today proved I can get around without a car (if I really wanted to...) - even the walk home from the stop (about 1/4 to 1/2 a mile) was good for me (and provided humor to the kids: "Who is that guy walking down the street? Oh, it is Dad!") - stayed up just long enough to see it was 2013 (and hear the fireworks all around our area) - Happy New Year!]

Washington, DC (USA)

[despite our fun experience at the Zoo Lights (National Zoo) earlier this year, Mollie and I missed out on a chance to see more animals (some areas were closed on that visit) - we made another attempt today - the weather was actually very nice - we arrived at the zoo a little after they opened (close to 1030) and we walked around for more than two hours - we got great views (and pictures) of the giant pandas and elephants - we also explored several other new areas (Small Mammal House, Amazon Forest, lions & tigers, invertebrates, etc.) - lots of walking again - I took off my coat several times... - walked back to Woodley Park - Zoo station (kind of a hike, but weather was fine) and got a quick bite at McDonalds - made it home pretty quickly - we like the Zoo!]

Arlington, VA (USA)

[I've been bugging the girls about some gift cards they got for their birthday early in 2012 - they never spent them when they still lived in Texas - now, they had more (from Christmas) - I guess I am a little tired of the "I have nothing to wear" refrain, so I "made" them get ready to go shopping around 0900 today - we drove over to the Metro station and took the train to Pentagon City (which I had scoped out on the previous afternoon's commute home) - I knew their minds (and/or attitudes) would change once they saw the stunning size of the Fashion Centre mall... - we got there early enough (1015) that there was almost nobody there - I had planned to convert some Euro coins at the kiosk, but they only took paper money (...) - as for the girls' shopping: it turned out that the mall had almost every store their cards were from, and we spent about four hours (including lunch at the food court) shopping and exploring - we had several big bags when we headed back to the Metro platform - unfortunately, the trains were so far apart that we weren't going to get ours for about 15 minutes - I convinced everyone to take the train two stops down to Reagan National Airport and we explored some shops there (Nicky seemed excited about a couple, since they are outside the security area and can be accessed quickly and easily - made it back to the platform just in time for our train - home a little before 1600, with lots of loot...]

Washington, DC (USA)

[it was Daddy-Daughter day today, although only Mollie wanted to get up early enough to go with me to the office... - we did leave a little later than I normally do, but there was no one on the train and we made it into the City quite quickly (0900) - Mollie was pretty proud to work with me, helping with some of my projects and playing with her Webkins during some breaks I had - my officemates were good sports, welcoming her as a new engineer - we ate lunch (Subway) in my office and she had fun drawing on my white board until around 1400 - after that, we left my building and started exploring the city - we started at the National Botanic Garden (near the Capitol) - at first, I was worried to see the huge line, but it turned out to only be for those people who wanted to see the model train arrangement - we went in a separate entrance and marveled at the beautiful flowers and amazing trees in that building (it was quite warm, too) - after around 45 minutes there, we walked down to the area near the Smithsonian Castle where I knew there were some art galleries that Mollie hadn't visited - we even went in the Hirshorn Gallery (modern art) and Mollie noted several "pieces" that a 10 year old could have executed (although, it might not have been his/her choice to paint a big square canvas blue...) - we moved over to the Sackler Gallery, where there was an outstanding exhibit called "Roads of Arabia" - most of the items were on loan from Saudi Arabia - there were some old doors that were once used on the Kabaa in Mecca - we enjoyed some other things before we left (walking through parts of the Freer Gallery) - by 1700, we had made it back to the Metro Station and headed home - we were both tired by that point, so we didn't stop for happy hour (lol!) - Mollie had lots of stories to tell, but the teens mostly just said "meh..." - still, Dad was pretty happy to show off his work!]

Mason Neck, VA (USA)

[I had a chance to do some errands today (things I've been putting off) - as much as I cringe to think about heading to the store on Christmas Eve, I didn't know when I'd get another chance... - Mollie came with me to Walmart, the drycleaners and gas station (free cookies after our fill-up!) and the Base Class Six (for adult concoctions to celebrate the holidays) - after all my errands were complete, I took Mollie over towards Mason Neck, where I hoped we could tour Gunston Hall (decorated for Christmas) - unfortunately, we arrived five minutes before they closed for the day (earlier than usual, but understandable) - decided to drive to the nearby National Wildlife Refuge - we took a hike, looking for evidence of eagles and ospreys - we didn't see those, but we did find a marsh with TONS of tundra swans and various other waterfowl - what a sight! - we had a great hike (complete with some "off-roading") and got the bonus of snow flurries as we were finishing! - since it got too cold to do much else, we drove into the State Park and took a look at their offerings (planning for the Spring!) - after that, we headed home and joined the rest of the family in preparations for Christmas!]

Washington, DC (USA)

[Mollie and I did some shopping via Metro today - I had heard about some opportunities near the station at Crystal City, so we decided to go there first - after we got off the train, we found there were several choices - the "mall" was underground and had lots of little specialty shops (with a few restaurant) - for just a few days before Christmas, the place was almost deserted... - we did locate some good stores, though: a military specialty store with really cool commemorative items, a store with Turkish items (we got some great things there) and a store that made personalized items (we bought key chains for the kids whose names never show up at a souvenir shop (especially, Mollie and Brenna) - after that, we wandered around on the opposite side of the mall and located additional places to re-visit (already closed), including an ATM for our bank... - got back on the train and headed into the City, bound for Union Station (to see some holiday decorations) - by switching trains a few more times this weekend, Mollie achieved a new status: "rider of all the different colored Metro lines" (she is justifiably proud!) - made it to Union Station and we immediately got to see a huge tree and some gigantic wreaths at the entrance - we explored the offerings inside and found many more specialty stores than I expected (it was also very busy) - we'd reached dinner by now, so we ate at the Thunder Grill (good) - after that, we explored a little more and had some gelato before heading home - our purchases will make good Christmas surprises!]

Washington, DC (USA)

[normal work day - we did have lunch with our customer near our office (rare) - after work, we headed over to an "End of the World Party" that Sabrina and Ashley had organized (1600) - we started at Penn Social (between Metro Center and Chinatown) - it was empty when we got there but filled up a lot by the time we left - Eddie, Ian, James and I joined the organizers - the place had board games, darts, bean-bag throwing (!), etc. - fun - some folks started to leave around 1930, but Ashley asked us to come with her to a JMU reunion nearby - we headed over to Farragut Square on the Metro and spent about two hours (at the Black Finn Saloon) with here college friends - everyone was in good spirits (despite drizzly, cold evening) - and our many toasts to the EOW appear to have worked (late posting)... - got home around 2230]

Rockville, MD (USA)

[business meetings at Rockville - finished early - went to Miller's Alehouse (new! - same chain as the Alehouse in Mandarin) for lunch - took east side of Beltway to get home (traffic)]

Egg Harbor Township, NJ (USA)

[got up at 0600 - got ready and departed Borgata around 0700 - stopped for breakfast at Burger King and then met Erica and Loretta at their office - spent two hours testing new software (some successes) - drove over to Human Factors Lab at 1000 to help with Sabrina's sales pitch (pretty interesting and successful) - lunch at Chili's before leaving town - US-40 almost to Delaware River (got gas on the way) - listening to radio about Elementary School Shooting - made good time back to I-95 but then got stopped by lots of traffic (construction) - decided to get off on DE-1 and then used DE-71 to get over to US-301 - very easy drive - weather nice and no traffic all the way back to US-50 and Bay Bridge - arrived at Beltway around 1530 - slowed down a bit, but made it to the house at 1600 - good to see kids - they were decorating the Christmas Tree that evening - later, watched some Christmas Specials with Mollie on TV - bed around midnight]

Atlantic City, NJ (USA)

[Another early day - no carpooling - made it to work early after stops at Wawa and the front gate - another great day (lunch in cafeteria) - Sharon very pleased with our progress! - finished around 1700 and wrapped up conversations and work tasks by 1800 - Bill headed back towards Rockville as we left - I went back to the casino - Sabrina finished shopping and met me at the Noodles of the World (NOW) restaurant inside the Borgata - good food! - lost some more money tonight (watched Sabrina play for an extra hour with just $1 bets at the craps table - funny) - back to my room around 2130 - packed and went to bed early]

Galloway, NJ (USA)

[up around 0630 - worked on the computer in the lobby - met Sabrina around 0745 and we carpooled again to work - stopped for breakfast at Wawa and then met Bill at the gate - second day of our meeting was very productive again before lunch - ate with Rick and chatted about future prospects - back to work around 1300 and made amazing progress in getting through our material - finished around 1700 today - immediately drove around the airport (testing my new badge access on the way) and, using Jimmy Lead's Road went to Galloway, where we had a Team dinner at the Gourmet Italian Restaurant - everyone in good spirits - food was outstanding - afterwards, we went back to Borgata (Bill followed us again) and we spent another fun evening on the casino floor - this time, everyone lost - Sabrina went to bed and Bill and I explored some more and chatted until around 2300 - fell asleep relatively quickly]

Atlantic City, NJ (USA)

[got up early (since this was the first time we'd be driving to work from this far away...) - met Sabrina at 0740 and we carpooled back to Egg Harbor Township - used US-30 and drove into Absecon - stopped for breakfast at Dunkin Donuts just as we were getting lost... - eventually found our bearings and followed signs to the airport - arrived a little early and then set up the IT and webex bridge - our meeting started on time with lots of familiar faces (almost everyone from our weekly telcons) - got a lot of work done before lunch - ate at the cafeteria (good) - back to work until around 1600 - adjourned slightly early and drove to the Bonefish Grill for Happy Hour (and dinner) with everyone - didn't leave until around 2030 - Bill followed us back to the Borgata and then we all went down to play on the casino floor - Bill and Sabrina lost, but I broke even - ended up back in my room around 2200 (after a little exploring around the hotel) - didn't fall asleep immediately...]

Atlantic City, NJ (USA)

[another business trip to New Jersey - started the day with some work "Admin" and finished my packing - left the house (and got gas) and crossed the Potomac at 1000 - stopped for about 20 minutes for my Monday morning telcon - back on the road (I-495) and onto US-50 to the Bay Bridge - VERY FOGGY - crossed and got on US-301 - stopped at the rest area (familiar now...) - used US-301 to US-40 and then got on I-95 - used I-295 to cross the Delaware Memorial Bridge - back on to US-40 all the way to Egg Harbor Township - made it to the "off-site" by 1400 - took care of passes (etc.) and then did my PM telcon - finished around 1430 and then met up with the local team-members - spent about two hours preparing for our week's work - afterwards, went over to East Bay Crab for drinks and dinner (Sabrina and Sharon made it too) - around 2000, left for our hotel (this time, the Borgata Casino) - following Sabrina, who got us lost down near the Absecon light house (wow - right in town!) - eventually found the right parking garage - checked in and then watched some TV - was going to meet up with Sabrina in the casino, but by the time I got there she had already left - made some money this time (nice) and then headed back to the room - prepared for the next morning and then went to bed]

Washington, DC (USA)

[Mollie and I wanted to see the famous "Zoo Lights" at the National Zoo - we got an earlier start this afternoon (1500) - waited for a train for more than 20 minutes at Huntington... - fortunately, we benefited from the same Metro reroute (Yellow Line to Eastern Market on Blue Line track) - switched to Red Line at Metro Center and arrived at Woodley Park station by about 1615 and walked up Connecticut Avenue to the Zoo Entrance - weather was poor (overcast and dark early), but the lights showed up very well (even before sunset) - walked around in some of the areas that were about to close (Asia Trail) - usually, this is mobbed - but today we were treated with very few people - made it possible to see a fishing cat, red panda, clouded leopard and other furry friends of the Giant Panda (not visible) - later saw reptiles and apes (and Mollie's favorite - Przewalski's Horse) - we enjoyed several great light shows (with music) and fancifal animal displays - when we reached the end, the security man told us we should head back up the hill to get back to the Metro, so we walked the length of the Zoo Lights again - before getting back on the train, we had a nice dinner at Pasta Italiana (it was run by an Indian family - I swear there was some curry in the pasta! - pretty good food, though) - it started to pour as we finished eating (1900) and then a ton of police cars arrived at the station - decided we should leave... - waited for a red line train for a bit and then decided to catch an Orange Line train to Rosslyn - after a longer delay for the Yellow Line, we were on our way home - arrived at the house close to 2130 - fun day!]

Washington, DC (USA)

[we got a late start, but Mollie and I were able to go into the City to see the National Christmas Tree tonight - we left the house around 1900 and took the Yellow Line (running modified route on Blue Line Track - convenient) - we made it to McPherson Square and walked around the White House to see the beautiful tree - it was mobbed - we spent some time there enjoying the view and making our way through big crowds - we saw some things I missed last year: Santa's workshop and a Nativity Scene - afterwards, we walked back to a gift shop we'd spotted when we toured the White House (see NOV 2012) - went inside and Mollie asked if we could buy the annual White House ornament - when we purchased it, the gift shop owner pointed us towards a mock-up of the Oval Office, where we got to take some great photos! - headed towards home on the Metro - we had to wait a bit (and change trains at King Street) - had wanted to visit a few more places, but it was actually quite late (2200) and we just went to the car]

Washington, DC (USA)

[woke up early - tried to convince Mollie to go with me into the City, but she was busy looking for Christmas decorations... - took the Metro to L'Enfant and walked over to the Library of Congress - found the Microform Reading Room and stayed several hours, looking at old city directories (found a lot of good stuff) - hot dog stand lunch - walked around near the Capitol (nice day!) and on the Mall for a short time - saw (nearly complete?) African-American Smithsonian building (they have made some amazing progress over the last few months!) - took the Metro back to King Street and enjoyed some beer and appetizer while watching five football games (championships) - headed back to my car eventually - more football at home]