Karaoke for the First Time 2006

I have been avoiding this moment for a long time because I am tone deaf (I prefer tone mute). A bunch of thought it would be fun to go to Tokyo Rose last night, and I thought I'd get away with listening in the back. But I was invited to sing a song with a group of people though and I figured that I probably wouldn't ruin the song that way. Also it was LIKE A PRAYER. Can't say no to that.

My new girl band: Dawn, me, Kristina, Kelly,  and Beth

They singing It's Raining Men. Truth.

 

Connie is rocking out!

Dawn, Kara, and Cate are killing it

Baby Nathan 2006!

Meghan and Ben just had a baby! She's officially my first friend to have a baby! He looks a lot like her. So adorable! Meghan was my big sister in my college sorority, so Nathan is sort of my "sorority nephew" if there were such a thing. Haha! So proud!

Baby Nathan and his chubby cheeks!

With proud dad Nathan and recovering mom Meghan

Nathan's 23rd Birthday 2006

We celebrated Nathan's birthday at the Hardware Store Restaurant downtown specifically because they have meter-long beers. Not everyone was back from winter break yet, but nine people for dinner and drinks is about as much as you can hold a conversation with anyway so it worked out pretty well.

Nathan enjoying his birthday beer

Jon and Paul with their half-meters - after all it's not their birthdays.

Kathy and Nathan

Me and Sarah at Hardware Store Restaurant

 

Birthday sundae joy!

Afterwards we moved down the mall to Zocalo restaurant for fancy drinks. It's such a cute place.

Selina, Brooks, and Julie at Zocalo

Visiting DC- January 2006

Though I was recently in DC for New Year's Eve and stayed with Janice, I came back this weekend for Anna's wedding and stayed with Janice again through Tuesday. I took the bus down to DC on Friday, went to Janice's to take a nap, and then met up with our other friends at Ozio's for Happy Hour. (For some reason, I failed at photos here.)

Janice walking Crash

 

Crash is blind so she might not know what's what's up with the couch.

Saturday was Anna and Mike's wedding but it was over fairly early so Cathy and I met up with my law school friend Akure afterwards. We went to my old hang out the Deluxe Diner in Crystal City.

Me and Akure at Deluxe Diner

Akure and Cathy bonding

Monday I went to the Spy Museum and crawled through some fake air ducts to prove how 007 I am. Monday evening I went to Bethany's poetry reading at Bossa Bistro on 18th street in Adams Morgan. Fun! Anyway thanks for hosting me Janice, and thanks to everyone that came out to hang out! I can't wait to come bug you again soon.

The least serious-looking spy you ever saw... in air duct

Anna and Mike's Wedding 2006

Anna and Mike got married! I was so excited to go. Anna converted to Catholicism before she married Mike, so they had a traditional Catholic ceremony in Northern Virginia. Anna looked radiant and beautiful.  She worked with Cathy when she was dating Mike and sometimes the three of us would go to lunch during the workweek. She talked a lot about how she and Mike had dated a long time, and how rock-solid she was in her commitment to him.

Anna and Mike outside St. James Catholic Church in Falls Church

I loved their small intimate reception at a family-style restaurant.  I felt so honored to be among the small group of guests.  And because the wedding was so small, I got to spend a lot of time with the bride at her wedding.

Love! (You can see me and Cathy taking photos in the top left corner.)

Cathy, Anna, and me- having a really nice time together.

The gorgeous Lucas sisters: Allison, Kate, and Anna!


Mike's parents


Anna's parents


Talking with Anna before dinner


Beautiful Cake

Good times!!

New Years in DC 2005-->2006!

Janice invited us and anyone we wanted to bring to a fancy New Year's party with martinis and a chocolate fondue fountain. And after midnight I might have started a dance party. I don't know if other people were dancing actually. I just remember that I was dancing. Happiness.

Janice, Laurie, Jamie, and me

Jamie and Rich with the chocolate fondue fountain. Fancy!

Some law school peeps Roger and Akure


Janice and Laurie


Buddies Seth and Akure

Getting the champagne and toasting going

After the countdown! Sipping and mingling.

We also started 2006 right with a big unhealthy breakfast at Siné Irish Pub. Happy New Year!

Me, Laurie, Stephanie, Rich, Janice, Jamie