Pittsburgh in style

Usually "Pittsburgh" and "style" aren't used in the same sentence, but we were definitely living large. Laurel and I drove up to Pittsburgh this weekend to watch our Nationals take on the Pirates at PNC Park. Yes, we're stalking our team on the road now. Luckily Pittsburgh is fairly inexpensive (especially compared to DC), so we were able to stay at the super fancy Omni William Penn hotel. Built in 1916, the hotel is an excellent example of Gilded Age architecture and style.Our room had lots of nice amenities...even a plasma tv!

We walked around the city a bit right after we arrived. It's actually a pretty compact city - at least the downtown area is. It has some really interesting architecture. This gothic skyscraper is my favorite.

And then as we walked closer to the building, we realized it was a whole complex of similar buildings.

I'm always fascinated by the juxtaposition of old buildings and new buildings.

We then discovered that Pittsburgh has a public arts project similar to what DC did with the Party Animals and Pandamania. Theirs is called Dinomite Days!This next one I saw at the Heinz History Center. It's supposed to be General Washington.

Another cool building
An oasis in the city.

We then walked over to the North Side, which is where PNC Park is located. We had to cross Roberto Clemente Bridge, which is closed to traffic on game nights.

We met up with Laurel's coworker for dinner (he's from Pittsburgh), and his brother-in-law joined us later. We went on to a bar for pre-game drinks, and while we were there we saw a football player who apparently is very famous. The guys were shocked that we didn't know who it was. Whatever, I don't know the first thing about football. I just know Tom Brady cause he's hot.

So because of the connections that Laurel's coworker has, we had club seats for the game. For free.

Cushy seats? Check. Cupholders? Check.

And we had access to a private club. It was sweet.

We had a great view of the city.

And we had a good view of our boys warming up.

The Pirates' mascot kept mocking Ryan Church. But I have to admit, it was pretty funny.

This is a terrible picture, but they had a pierogi race. It was hilarious. (P.S. I was determined to eat some pierogies while in Pittsburgh, but I couldn't find a place that served them! At least I know where to get them in DC.)

Laurel and I got some dirty looks for cheering for the Nats.

The buildings looked so pretty as the sun was setting.

There was a large fireworks show after the game. It was quite impressive.

Pittsburgh had another public arts project called Festival of Lights (no, it had nothing to do with Hannukah). Several buildings downtown were lit up with artistic displays.

Our hotel had an amazing light display - it looked like stained glass.

The next day we walked around the Strip District (no, not that kind of Strip District). It's kind of like Eastern Market, but bigger. There are lots of vendors and ethnic markets and fresh produce.

That sign on the right that says "pierogies" is a little deceiving. I was all excited about getting pierogies for lunch, but I found out that the place doesn't serve them ready-to-eat. Boo!

I walked around the Heinz History Center while Laurel had lunch with relatives, and then we drove back to DC. We were only in Pittsburgh for 24 hours, but I had a great time.

Mmm...beef

I recently met someone who is also a central California transplant, like me. We got to talking about the idiosyncrasies of the central valley, and he says "you know, no one out here has ever heard of tri-tip!" I paused for a moment, and then I realized that I have never seen it anywhere outside of the valley. For those who have never tasted the deliciousness of a grilled tri-tip steak, go here to see what I'm talking about. I never knew that we had a regional specialty! Now I've become a little homesick...it's been so long since I've had one! Dad, the next time I come home, you'd better fire up the grill.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Last night the 3-L Crew went to see The Legwarmers at the State Theatre in Falls Church, VA.

What are The Legwarmers, you ask? Only the best 80s cover band of all time! (Check out their website, it's awesome.)

This guy's mullet is amazing.

We had to go outside for a breather because it was just so crowded and so loud. We're getting old, y'all.

There were a lot of amazing outfits in attendance. I wanted to take so many pictures, but didn't want to be obvious about it. So I had Laurel take a picture of Lacey and me so we could get this guy in the background.
Notice: The pegged jeans. The socks with the Tevas. The half shirt. The rolled sleeves. The headband. The bandana on the arm. I think he also had a side ponytail. Classic.

The Loose Cannons

We at the Naval Historical Center have formed a softball team, aptly named The Loose Cannons. We're part of the Congressional Softball League, so we play against other government agencies, congressional offices, lobbyists, etc. Our games take place in various parks around the city, but occasionally we play on the National Mall. This past Thursday we played at East Potomac Park, which is just behind the Jefferson Memorial and in the shadow of the Washington Monument.I can't think of a better way to spend a summer evening. Except maybe going to a Nationals game. :)

A few members of our rag-tag group. We're not very good, but we're getting better!

Merrick's wedding

Yesterday my friend Merrick got married, and it was quite possibly the most perfect wedding I've ever been to. The weather was perfect, the location was perfect, the ambiance was perfect...I think Merrick might have a future in wedding planning.

Friday night her family rented out an upstairs room in a local pub for a little pre-party. We got free food and drinks, so I couldn't pass that up!

Merrick, Heather, Laurel, and me.

The wine glasses were ginormous!

That whole thing is made out of chocolate.

The wedding was on Saturday at the Historic Falls Church in Virginia. George Washington was a vestryman at the church, so you know I loved it!

The ceremony was very simple, but beautiful and touching. Some people cried through the whole thing, but I'm not naming names...you know who you are. :)

The reception was held at Glenview Mansion in Rockville, Maryland. It's a 19th-century neoclassical mansion - so again, you know I loved it - and it was absolutely gorgeous. We were free to roam through the whole house and even sit on the furniture, which is usually a no-no in historic houses. (I'm guessing the furnishings aren't original.) There were candlelit tables set up in the gardens, and I wish I would've taken more pictures while it was still light out.

The upstairs has been converted into an art gallery, but it's all modern art, so it's kind of anachronistic and out of place.

The happy couple arrives at the reception.

And they're attacked by the paparrazzi.

The first dance.

Dancing with her father while all the bridesmaids look on.

Quintessential Merrick. Always smiling and laughing. (Heather, the red light from your camera kept getting in all my shots! You need to fix that.)

Mmmm....look at all that cake.

Josh and Rhett, looking suave.

I had such a great time. It was such a classy wedding, but the mood was so light and fun.

Congratulations, Merrick and Gerald!! I love you guys!

Root, root, root for the Dodgers...I mean, Nationals!

The Dodgers are in town this week, and I went to the series opener last night. I get so conflicted when the Dodgers play the Nationals. I'm so loyal to both teams that I feel like if I cheer for one, I'm cheering against the other. Such a dilemma!

Nomar signs autographs before the game. There were A LOT of Dodger fans in the audience.

The visiting dugout. Not quite the same as being in Chavez Ravine, but it was so good to see my boys in blue again.

Brad Penny on the mound. He absolutely dominated.

In the end, the Dodgers pummeled the Nats 10-0. I was hoping for a close game, so I could cheer for both teams equally. I did feel bad for the Nats. But now my Dodgers are in first place! Well, the second game of the series is starting in ten minutes, so I gotta go!