Washington Nationals Games…just do it!

This year I have been to a lot of baseball games. To me baseball is only fun if you are actually at the game or playing yourself. Watching baseball on TV is unbelievably painful. I’d rather watch golf (I actually don’t mind this) so think of something worse…maybe bowling. Going to the Nationals games are fantastic and the entertainment provided makes it even more interesting than just being at a baseball game. What's better than sitting outside, drinking a beer and being entertained? Further the tickets are super cheap with a bonus of there being deals left and right as the ballpark is never sold out.

Speaking of the extras though, one of my favorite things is the music at the stadium especially the at-bat music. When the Nationals’ team is up the at-bat music picked by each player keeps the crowd moving and grooving--okay maybe me, the kids and a few of the older ladies in the ballpark. Then there is the infamous Presidents Race during the fourth inning. Four former presidents – Roosevelt (Teddy), Lincoln (Abe), Washington (George) and Jefferson (Tom)— four guys with giant foam president heads race around the bases.  There is quite a large following and even a twitter feed for Teddy as he has yet to win a single race. The caricature head presidents have reached local celebrity status here. Thoughout the game there is constant entertainment: t-shirts being thrown into the crowd, dance breaks with the fan cam, fan participation games. I am so bummed that I will be missing Danny Espinosa bobble head night. He has become my favorite Nat simply due to his at-bat music choices and his name is fun to say with the announcer Es-pin-ohhhhh-sah. 

Then we move to the food. The food options are fantastic too…Shake Shack, Ben’s Chili Bowl, The Sweet Spot, Capitol Candy, Hard Times Cafe, Foggy Bottom Diner, just to name a few and of course the classics, nachos, hot dogs etc. There is even a $1 hot dog night—which leads me to the price and deals. 

There are Nats promotions everywhere you look to try and get people to go to the games. It is crazy. See attached sign that I recently photographed as I thought it was hilarious. Not only do you get four for two season tickets but you also get the rest of this season free, this was as of August 17th. For my attendance this year, I have only paid full price to a couple of games (full price being much less than what I am use to). I went to a game with amazing seats for $30 which included a $10 food/booze credit (so only $20 for the game). There was a Double-Bubbler deal where you buy a $5 instant scratch lottery ticket and bring that to a select game (on a Sunday no less) and get a free ticket in the $30 seat section. I only know that as one of the guys with us had to pay full price as he did not go and buy a lottery ticket. Further, I have even gone to a game or two on a Saturday simply because the weather was nice. There I walked right up to the box office and could chose which section I wanted to sit in. According to my partner in crime one of those days, he claims I went a little too fancy regarding my seat choice but to me it was still so inexpensive. When was the last time you could just go to a game on a Saturday in Chicago because you felt like it (without paying double face-value from a scalper)? Also, just recently went to another game for a DePauw alumni event--$15. Just to give you an idea, you can spend $325 per seat if you really want the ridiculous seats but good seats range from $10 to $49. With the $17 to $34 tickets being just perfect and as previously mentioned there are deals all the time for discounts on tickets. I do love a good deal!
 

On to the location, the ballpark is located in Southeast DC. And, yes, it is Metro accessible. The area around the stadium is still being rehabbed. But, it is right at the Metro and there are a lot of people in the area during game time. There is a “bar” called The Bullpen which is right outside of the park that is simply a parking lot with a large fence around it but it is great for pre-game imbibing and it kind of feels like a tailgate in there: music, food, booze, games and new friends to be made. 

Regarding the Washington Nationals themselves, overall, the team ain’t half bad. Yes, I still go to the Cubs games here decked out in all my gear as I have way more items than games to wear it all to BUT when the Cubs aren’t in town I have found myself rooting for the Nationals and even have my eye on a red Nationals baseball hat.
 

So, yes, go to the games. Although please not all at once as I wouldn’t want it to get to a point where I am sitting on my computer in late February watching twelve different open virtual waiting room windows just so I can possibly buy tickets to attend one Saturday game the entire season…ahem Cubs. With all that said, I conclude, Washington Nationals Games…just do it!

THE Earthquake that Shook Washington DC…

I thought I would write a quick post about the recent earthquake here in Washington, DC as this was definitely a first for me and well it happened in DC so it works with the whole theme here. This obviously is not going to be a recommendation of a place to go or thing to see but some have asked about my experience so I thought I would just write it down here. Now, I know some of you think that the city overreacted to the experience. But, you have to understand that DC is one of the if not the most targeted place for a terrorist attack and also earthquakes are quite rare. Supposedly people who were being evacuated from the Pentagon claimed that it felt exactly like 9/11 and the fear of a potential bomb explosion was also debated as the cause for the trembling by others. To me, it was simply something that I had never experienced so I didn’t know what it was except scary.

I was sitting at my desk and all of a sudden it felt like a very overweight person was running down the hall. That doesn’t sound PC but it is the truth. Then it started shaking more violently and so I ran to the nearest doorframe and held on until the movement stopped. To me it truly felt like the building was going to collapse. After it was done, my knees gave out and I had a lovely mini panic attack. I’ll admit that I don’t do well with natural disasters. You can’t run from them, you can’t fight back…what will be, will be. But I tend to do better than a good portion of the DC community in dealing with the lesser ones (see: snowstorms). A co-worker got me laughing and off the floor by handing me the diarrhea medicine bag (long story there…someone left behind some things from a past assignment and we joke about its contents). From there we had no direction. No one told us whether we were to stay put or evacuate—tsk tsk building management team tsk. Our boss then made an executive decision to gather us all and leave the building. It was very calm.  No one was running down the stairs, no screaming, no pushing, nothing that would be defined as overreacting. We walked downstairs and out to Farragut Square where many others had gathered. Here we were all searching on our smart phones to see what actually had happened. My awesome Verizon phone was one of the only ones that worked in our group. Lame as it is, my hands were still shaking as I searched and found out that it was a 5.9 mag, 3.7 mile deep earthquake less than 100 miles outside of Washington, DC. Supposedly it was the most powerful one to hit the East Coast in over 67 years and over 114 years for Virginia. Our discussions then centered around where would you have not wanted to be during the earthquake, on the street, in a car, on the top of a double decker bus…for me it probably would have been riding the Metro between Rosslyn and Foggy Bottom where you are literally in a tunnel below the Potomac River. No thank you.

a much needed cocktail

There wasn’t any real fear in Farragut Square or panic. People were just standing around talking and no one was sure of the next step. I, as were a couple others, was still a little shaken but doing ok. We did end up going back into the building but we were dismissed from work very soon after that. So, three of us, Sarah, Rachel and I, went to have an adult beverage outside. It honestly was the oddest thing. It came. It was scary. I was definitely shaken both mentally and literally :-) And then it was like nothing ever happened. We all went on our way. Even just standing outside in the sun right after the quake was odd. It was a gorgeous day, no looming clouds or anything to imply that a natural disaster had even happened. I am use to storms, winds, dark clouds, rain, funnel clouds, something almost sinister. This was just a freak accident breaking up a perfectly lovely weather-wise day—bizarre.

Some structures were unfortunately affected. Businesses and schools were closed the following day to make sure that the buildings were secure. The Washington National Cathedral was damaged and currently the Washington Monument is closed due to cracks at the top caused by the earthquake. So obviously there is evidence that it did happen but even today it feels like it was weeks ago and somewhat unreal. Therefore DC, it is on to the next natural disaster at least according to the news media…we’ll see if the hurricane hits this weekend. I am glad to say that I survived THE earthquake that shook Washington DC…

And thank you, Mark for dedicating your fantasy football season to me and the other survivors.

Andrew McMahon, call me...

Last night I went to my first Wolf Trap concert and it definitely lived up to the hype. In addition to the venue, I was very excited about the bands that were booked: Guster, my favorite high school/college band and Jack’s Mannequin my current love since I first saw them by mistake at Summerfest in Milwaukee, WI about five years ago. The show also reaffirmed my school-girl crush on Jack’s Mannequin frontman Andrew McMahon. So I will start with the bands…

First up was the opening band that actually wasn’t half bad, Lady Danville. Then next was Jack’s Mannequin. Love. Andrew McMahon former frontman of Something Corporate is Jack’s Mannequin, songwriter, pianist and singer. And yet again he and his band did not disappoint. They went from song to song with zero breaks, the occasional commentary but never slowed down for a minute. As I am somewhat removed from the music scene here in DC, I was very excited when Andrew announced that Jack’s Mannequin was coming out with a new album on October 4. One song in particular, “Hostage”, I am very much looking forward to being released.

For those who have seen a Jack’s Mannequin show in the past, can appreciate Andrew trying to get the crowd excited like he was going to break out into a Snoop Dogg ditty or get crazy like we should be banging our heads and then he would sit down and start tickling the ivories. I think that effect is hilarious and wonderful. And he was definitely up to his usual antics of jumping off the piano and even did a balance beam walk along the orchestra pit wall in to the audience. He even had Kate there for a moment when he was playing the harmonica at the end but then he started dancing around in his skinny jeans and he lost her. Personally I loved his vocal performance and theatrics.

  

After a 20 minute break, next on stage was Guster. The band was definitely a little different then I had remembered from the past. I am not sure when it was that I last saw Guster in concert. This much I do know, the last album I had purchased was released in 2003. The single from that album was “Amsterdam” which was now mainstream on the radio.

Yes, Brian still played the drums by hand to most of their songs and yes, they broke out a number of older songs. But, there definitely was a different sound. There was a second percussion player that would come and go and at one point I felt like shouting “more cowbell” to his random shaking instruments but I noticed that there was a permanent new band member that joined in 2010 that definitely contributed to the new sound. I don’t know how best to describe the change, it was more jazzed up and somewhat sounded like they added a synthesizer which is a long way from the acoustic show I saw in OH over ten years ago. I still loved the classics that they sang and found a couple of new songs to enjoy—one in particular was “Manifest Destiny.” It’s kind of sad how I lost track of them over the years.

My favorite Guster moment was when frontman Ryan Miller talked directly to his mom who was in the audience as he is from Baltimore about her suggestions for the show. After trying her idea he comments “I’m a 38 year old man working out his mommy issues in front of four thousand people.” It was great seeing Guster perform again. It was like visiting an old friend where you still love them and they definitely hold a special place in your heart but you notice how much the two of you have changed over the years.

The audience was a very vanilla one comprised of men and women of all ages. There were definitely more women singing along to Jack's Mannequin. But then there was that guy in front of us who knew all the words to every Jack’s Mannequin song and was definitely the dancer of the couple too. I think he was part of the small majority that actually dragged his girlfriend to this show. I noticed during Guster’s set that the two of them had disappeared. Although, I would love to give it to myself, he wins the Jack’s-Mannequin-Super-Fan award.

Bonus fact on both bands, they both have causes that they raise funds for and dedicate their time to. For Jack’s Mannequin it is leukemia for personal reasons. And for Guster it is green initiative campaign. So much so that even original member, Adam Gardner, started an organization geared towards touring bands travel in a eco-friendly manner. Sorry, just a few fun side facts.

But now let me focus on the venue, as I have seen both bands perform in the past. The venue, Wolf Trap, was brand new for me. I have wanted to see a show here since I moved in to town over a year ago. And after last night, I can't believe this was my first show. It is fabulous. It is set in a national park in Virginia—the first national park for the performing arts. Over the summer it houses bands and even theatre performances from May through September. For those from Chicago, it is similar to Ravinia in that there is a large grass area where you can sit, bring your own food, booze and sit on a blanket. But, the actual music venue, Filene Center, is quite incredible. It is an all wood venue fashioned to create amazing acoustics. Since this was my first show, and I do love these bands, we ladies opted to actually sit in the theatre. Row M seats 27 and 28...remarkable center seats with a fabulous view. This might be the most magnificent venue I have been at to see a show. Yes, Solider Field and Wrigley are fantastic but they felt huge. And House of Blues is fabulous but sometimes feels rather small. This while somewhat large (over 7,000 capacity) felt very intimate and while under a roof there was still the obvious presence of nature and a breeze from the sides.

Yes, I highly recommend going out to Wolf Trap to see a show. I hope I can return again soon. Back to this particular show, to conclude the night Ryan announces that the band will go off stage for 17 seconds and then return for their encore. Very amusing. Andrew from Jack’s Mannequin returns to the stage with Guster and has clearly showered since his set which Ryan Miller does not hesitate to point out. Together they do a Guster number and then the last song of the night they performed was a cover of “Young Folks” by Peter Bjorn and John sung by Ryan and Andrew together with Guster. It was an excellent choice for both of their sounds and personalities. And so like I started, I end, Andrew McMahon, call me...

Screen On the Green...

Last Monday I experienced a well-known DC summer tradition—Screen on the Green. Washington D.C. residents pack a picnic basket, grab a blanket or two and head to the National Mall to watch a classic movie on a very large screen Monday nights in the summer. 

For us this was a well-orchestrated ladies night as six gorgeous "non-blondes" all headed out to see a movie entitled: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. The group included: Kate-the organizer, Rachel-the space-saver, Christie, Cat, Rachel (yes, there were two) and myself. Excellent group!

One thing I love about DC is the truly fabulous people watching it supports. And Screen on the Green did not disappoint. There was a couple in front of us where the girl was putting make-up on her boyfriend. Then there were two ladies further up who did not listen to the announcement about being courteous with your chairs as not only were their chairs tall, they each had a roof. See picture to the right: 

For those who have never attended, if you want to be near the screen, you need to arrive no later than 7pm even though the movie doesn't start until about 9pm. By getting there about two hours early, it allowed plenty of time to snack, chat and sneak a couple glasses of wine. Also, just as a warning, there is a dance to the HBO/Comcast song. Everyone in the Mall was standing and jumping and waving his and her hands. I just stared at the mass quantities of people who not only knew this dance but, they knew it well and went all out. 

The movie, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, was a wonderful musical featuring Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell. Most of you are aware of my love for musicals and shockingly I had never seen this classic all the way from start to finish. If nothing else, you probably know the song and scene from the movie "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend." The scene influenced Madonna’s “Material Girl” video and the song was made popular again by Nicole Kidman (Satine) in Moulin Rouge. But, back to this particular movie.

It was a lovely, witty film—Marilyn Monroe as the gold-digging ditsy blonde and Jane Russell as the more cleaver brunette seeking love over money. The lines are fantastic, such as my favorite from Jane Russell's character Dorothy : “The chaperone's job is to see that nobody else has any fun. Nobody chaperone's the chaperone. That's why I'm so right for this job.” I can see myself using that one in the future. Or another classic one from her: “If we can't empty his pockets between us, then we're not worthy of the name Woman."  

My favorite moment of the movie was the musical number "Ain't There Anyone Here For Love?" Jane Russell performs the number while many fab-ulous chorus men in short-shorts sing and dance around her. Oh so wonderful and campy                              

Overall, it was another great DC experience. Get there while you can, it only runs for one more night this summer, Monday August 15, and the film is Cool Hand Luke. I highly recommend Screen on the Green…

What An Awesome Night...

APOLOGY: I want to apologize to my handful of loyal readers for my lack of posts. I have been mentally distracted for a few months now...to move or not to move, the worry of inevitable things to come and most importantly the individual that we stole our internet from moved out of our building or wised up to our tactics. But, things are looking up, I have decided to stay, moved and I even found someone at my new building to "share" their internet connection. But beyond all that, last night I was once again reminded how great this city is and I just can't help but want to share. So hopefully this post will bring my blog back to life and I will write more often as originally intended and had promised to all of you...

What an Awesome Night...

Performance at Navy Memorial

This city is an interesting one that I am not so sure about. And then sometimes it completely surprises you in a good way and catches you off guard--last night it did just that. After a super busy day and unexpected moment, I go to play softball on the Mall (as I have been doing every single week since the first practice in April). Every week I play in a league on the National Mall with the unbelievable backdrop of the monuments while sweating, drinking and playing ball but, I digress, softball is not what this post is about. I will write about that at a later time. 


On my way home from said softball game, I stumbled across a full band dressed in their white military uniforms performing in the Navy Memorial. From a distance I could hear people singing Africa by Toto so, naturally I had to check it out. It was even better than I expected; trombones, full percussion, guitars, clarinets, oboes, trumpets, saxophones, 20 singers, an announcer, a conductor and so on. Once I arrived there, I couldn't walk away. And yet again I am without my camera, hence the incredible phone photo to the left. 


The band went from "Africa" to "Defying Gravity" from Wicked to "Love Lifts Us Up Where We Belong" and even a little "Danger Zone". Fantastic! As I listened I noticed that the weather was brilliant--yes, still hot but it was finally slightly cooler with the sun set and there was even a pleasant breeze. Everything was just perfection. The group then moved on to more emotional songs to honor those who have passed and songs about America. Finally they performed the theme songs for every side of the armed forces and asked members of the audience to stand while being honored through song: Air Force, Marine Corp, Coast Guard, US Army and US Navy. 


I didn't want to go home even knowing I had a 6am appointment at the gym. This is why I chose to stay in DC. This city still can surprise me,  make me smile, heavyhearted and fall in love all over again. What a truly awesome night...