Archive for the 'The Road Less Taken' Category
Happy 4th of July!
July 3rd, 2008 Categories: Life in the District, The Road Less Taken
There’s always something fun about this holiday. If you are planning to go down to the Mall to see the fireworks– they don’t start until 9:15pm. But there is tons of things to do while you’re waiting. Click here to find some great viewing spots. And don’t forget– there is no parking allowed this year on the shoulder of the George Washington Parkway!
If you’re like me and don’t like the crowds– look through this list for a local fireworks display in your neighborhood. From Arlington to Leesburg– just about every local area will have an event. You folks in Vienna will have to be happy with a laser display after last year’s accident.
| Discussion: No Comments »
Is This What It’s Come To?
June 13th, 2008 Categories: Going Green, The Road Less Taken
| Discussion: 2 Comments »
Honor The National Moment of Silence - Memorial Day 2008 3PM
May 25th, 2008 Categories: Life in the District, The Native Tourist, The Road Less Taken
Growing up, Memorial Day didn’t mean much more than the day the beaches opened. After living in the DC area for the past 20 years, you can’t help but learn the true meaning of Memorial Day. Going back as far as the Civil War, we have been remembering those whose lives were taken for the sake of our freedom.
We here in DC are surronded by memorials and events that remind us just how much people have given to keep this country free. Rolling Thunder, the dedication of the WWII Memorial, the Iwo Jima Memorial just to name a few of the things in this town that make you think.
So, as you are getting ready to enjoy your extra day off, whether at the beach or a BBQ– stop whatever you are doing at 3pm today– Memorial Day and say thank you and remember.
These are just a few of the events I’ve attended over the past 20 years– all in my own backyard.
| Discussion: 1 Comment »
Panda Friday!
May 9th, 2008 Categories: Real Estate News, The Road Less Taken
What better way to get back into my writing that starting out with something light! It’s cold and rainy here in DC- we had over 3 inches of rain over night- so everyone needs something to make then smile!
| Discussion: 3 Comments »
It’s Spring! Get Out And Enjoy
April 2nd, 2008 Categories: Shirlington, The Native Tourist, The Road Less Taken
Spring is one of the best times of year here in the DC area. If you don’t mind the tourists.
It’s that time of year: the Cherry Blossom Festival, the Nats opened their new stadium, and everyone is running for something.
Most of us don’t have to brave all the tourists and traffic down at the Tidal Basin to see the Cherry Blossoms. They bloom all over the area.
Even Shirlington!
| Discussion: 5 Comments »
Holy Cow Batman!! It’s A Flying Squirrel!!!
March 8th, 2008 Categories: Around Arlington County, Blue Plate Specials, The Road Less Taken
Arlington TV has started a “At The Nature” program to provide a condensed version of some of the activity of the Arlington County Nature Center Program.
Living in a county that’s 90% developed sometimes we forget that where we live was once wilderness with a few farms. But when we see the wildlife here – we’re reminded. Maybe they will do an episode on the red fox here in South Arlington.
They have many events scheduled for the spring. So shake off the winter and get out and enjoy the soon-to-be warmer weather! The trees are budding so the Cherry Blossoms aren’t far away.
| Discussion: 6 Comments »
Barry Manilow: He Really Is Music
February 15th, 2008 Categories: Blue Plate Specials, The Native Tourist, The Road Less Taken
Ok– I’m a dork and proud of it. This Christmas I received one of the best gifts ever– tickets to see Barry Manilow’s Vegas Show when it came to town this past week. We had great seats and a great time!
Have a great weekend and don’t forget to visit me at my open house Sunday from 1–4pm.
| Discussion: 2 Comments »
I Have A New Cell Phone Number 703-772-5555
February 13th, 2008 Categories: The Road Less Taken
Yes– I did something you should never do when you have a small business. I changed my cell phone number. 703–772–5555 is a great number– who wouldn’t want to keep it?
If you read my recent interview with the Real Estate Tomato, you might have picked up on the fact that I had to get a new blackberry. My old blackberry was so over - we had a good time together, it paid for itself many times over- but its time had come.
Don’t forget my new phone number:703–772–5555
I used to work in the telecom industry– for a long time. I know a lot about phones, and phone numbers and how everything works. So when it came time to go phone shopping– I’m pretty savvy. And being savvy, I know you can keep your phone number no matter what company you use. I also know that phone companies- while they have all this sexy marketing – still have old billing and ordering systems.
Did I tell you my new phone number is 703–772–5555?
I ordered a new blackberry– I knew exactly what I wanted and that was a new phone company. I contacted this new phone company– told them what I wanted. I decided on a plan and a phone and anxiously awaited delivery of my new phone. When it was delivered- it was the wrong one. So I returned it – without activating it.
703–772–5555 Write it down because I went through a lot to get it.
Common sense would tell you: why would you activate it if you weren’t going to keep it? But this was way too logical for my new phone company. So it seems that their systems got confused when I wanted a different phone. It wouldn’t let go of my old phone number. They came up with a great idea of giving me a temporary phone number. As a small business person I know changing a phone number that already has a brand is not a good idea. But the phone company couldn’t think of anything better. They assigned me a new number.
703–772–5555
That’s a pretty good number. I know, I studied telephone numbers and how one number can be more attractive than another number. And this number is much more attractive then my old number.
I’m taking the chance– I’m keeping it. I’ll keep my old phone number active until I get all my “stuff” changed or until my old blackberry finally dies. But– thanks to the Internet and my blog– people will know that I haven’t gotten out of the business. You’ll be able to find me here. I’ll always be inside my computer.
Luckily for all of us, the phone companies weren’t involved with developing the Internet routing schemes. Unlike my old phone number, I can take BeltwayRamblings with me if ever the time comes for me to leave The Real Estate Tomato.
But I’m keeping 703–772–5555
And for all my telecom friends out there that knew me when– it really is true: The phone number does matter and some companies have better numbers than others.
So call me on my new number 703–772–5555 I’d love to hear from you.
| Discussion: 3 Comments »
This Goes In The: What the….? File
February 1st, 2008 Categories: Around the City of Alexandria, The Road Less Taken
I was over shopping at Target today in Potomac Yards and did a double take when I noticed all the fire hydrants in the parking lot have an antenna attached to them.
I know there has to be some good explanation for it- but I couldn’t find it.
Living in the DC area where I do– just a short distance from the Pentagon you get used to seeing things you can’t explain. You hope that it all has something to do with Homeland Security and not big brother. I’m still convinced that the Air Force Memorial is there to protect the Pentagon.
But this one has me stumped. I think it may be for police radios.
I wonder how many other people notice the antenna on the local fire hydrant.
| Discussion: 9 Comments »
A Snowy Georgetown and Arlington
January 19th, 2008 Categories: Around Arlington County, Life in the District, Rossyln, The Native Tourist, The Road Less Taken
We had some snow here in the DC area yesterday. It was a nice snow until it turned to sleet and a rainy mist by the evening.
I was lucky enough to have an early appointment in Georgetown. So I took some pictures in Georgetown and on my way to my second appointment out in Fairfax, I stopped by the Iwo Jima Memorial and enjoyed some of the snow covered trees. We really had a white out- but not a lot of snow. Only a few inches-which, if you grew up north of here isn’t a lot and if you grew up south of here is enough to stop everything.
With some warmer temperatures today, most of the snow melted. It’s the best kind of snow– the snow that doesn’t stay around long.
| Discussion: 2 Comments »