Chez Copa Crop Talk

Is it just me or has DC siphoned in a little green fever from the left coast? Not that its a bad thing. But I'm not that touchy feel-ey about the whole Captain Planet movement.

Look -I'm from California - so I've had a few things drilled into me at an early age. I compulsively turn off lights when I leave the room (occasionally someone else is still using them - hence the compulsiveness) because I've been threatened with blackouts. I recycle because I've seen how gross the landfills are. And I turn off the faucet when I'm brushing my teeth because it's the right thing to do (and stealing water from Arizona is not.) Even though I don't live in my big fat green state of CA anymore, Linds and I still do our best to accommodate my So Cal -OCD. But I bet if you did an Al-Gore audit - there would be more than a few things I could do to clean up my footprint. Phooey.

Last Weeks Delivery

One of the new things Chez Copa is trying is local organic farming. It cuts down on transportation, supports local growers, and the food theoretically is better for us. Linds saw Food Inc (it's still in my netflix queue) and the idea of going local seemed pretty neat. But it can be such a hassle trying to get to farmers markets on specific days. Or chaining myself to the tomatoes at Shoppers until they bring local produce in seems ridiculous.

So we joined a local farm co-op. Sure I can rattle off all the environmental and social benefits it has,  but the biggest perk is having FRESH produce: apricots, basil, kale, strawberries, blah blah blah delivered every week (different each time). And I know those suckers came off the tree the day before.

Plus it's pretty bad ass to say...We own a farm (or a part of one rather). And although they don't offer bargain basement prices - it's comparable to the grocery store. We pay about $20 a week during the summer and get a crate worth of whatever was picked that week. And we can head out to the farm (about an hour away) and grab some more. In addition to our crate, every week they send out an email with recipes - should you need some inspiration. And the produce bags are bio-degradable - should that be at the top of your check list. If you're in Arlington ...here's the link. If not ..do a quick Google search for a local co-op. Very cool.

Awkward Elevator Deja Vu

As host for a training workshop for our alumnae sorority chapter, I offered the conference room in our very delicious apartment building, last Saturday. Hey it was free and a super easy commute for me.

Jamming out of Chez Copa, carrying entirely too much for one trip - I grabbed my frothy java brimmed coffee mug too. Sloshing into the elevator, nice neighbor to the rescue, offers to help me carry the boxes. What a nice guy, I would have offered to carry the coffee. After a polite but much appreciative decline, he insists and next thing you know we're on our way to the conference room - coffee saved! (Listen you momma bears with love connection on the brain - you just cool your jets.)

On the trip down twelve floors, he stops me to ask where we know each other from, apparently I look familiar. Sure - often a common pick-up line in DC but his face was genuinely contorted as he scanned his Rolodex of Facebook pics in his head. Not surprised - I get it a lot - it's the round face and blue eyes - I look like everyone's cousin's best friend. Offering a couple possibilities, we still can't figure out where he knows me from. Note: I don't know this kid from Adam - not an ounce of recognition and I made no attempt to pretend otherwise.

Arriving at our destination I showered him with appreciation (more for saving the coffee than the heavy lifting. - SHOCKER) but he can't shake the deja-vu. Being that we're neighbors, I introduce myself as Jen.

Literally - my tongue rests on the 'n' and he finishes 'Richer?' As my eyes swell to the size of grapefruits, I hesitate, "how do you know me and I don't have a clue who you are?"

"We went out on a date about a year ago, and I never heard from you again."

F-M-L

My caffeine induced response, "Well I guess I can't hide from you now, neighbor."

Of course I will keep you kids posted but suffice it to say....way to go Richer.

When You Don't Have Tim The Toolman Taylor To Blame

Linds and I have been talking about putting shelves up in the living room FOREVER now. So while on an errand from my brother (he's in San Diego mind you) I ventured into the IKEA neighborhood and figured I would just pick up the shelves and get the ball rolling.

Well the shelves sat in the living room for three weeks - staring us down. I blinked first and decided to trap linds into helping me hang them. Studying for law school demands distractions, right?

Well after an hour of research on how to find a stud (not that kind ...this time) we went for it - screw drivers a-flailing and sure enough - we found a sturdy stud. Now the nature of these shelves requires you mount the first bracket - slide the shelf into the bracket, slide the other end bracket on, and then mount that bracket to the wall. (Ha this really sounds like a heaving-bossom-throbbing-member paperback intro). Regardless, Linds and I figured out the first step - bracket mounted - and after an hour of agonizing - finally go to slip the shelf in - and wouldn't you know it - the shelf was two wide.

While linds is howling - I try to make my case - "but IKEA put the shelves and the brackets next to each other in the display aisle." "Did you think to measure? You didn't even look at the boxes did you?," she presses through belly laughs. I try once more to pass the blame with no avail. "We effed this in a serious way," she tells me.

No matter - we now have a very prominent member hanging from our wall. I came home to this sticky note the other day: "At least it's good for something." Tom Villa's got NOTHING on us!

Worlds Collide

Last night I was struck by the cruise directing bug and decided to plan a last minute happy hour at Guapos in Tenleytown. Just sending out the email around the office created a lot of buzz. People rearranging their plans to squeeze in a quick margarita. Then I figured why not invite non work friends? Ding!

What a blast. Work Jen and play Jen are two different people so I expected there to be a little disconnect but the big mixing bowl went well. It was refreshing to see work friends when we're not pushing an agenda and bring in old friends to catch up with. We all get so busy, gchat is our only outlet. Well two Margs and a pitcher of Sangria (so not Mexican) I was not surprised to see that a few of my colleagues may have submitted applications into the good old chez copa club last night.

If you missed last nights Marg fest, fear not....I'm planning another one soon.

Copa Awakening

In honor of our three year roommate anniversary (don't judge), Linds and I thought we would celebrate with a little dinner and a show. Linds being the theater aficionado, she picked Spring Awakening. Theater is like the movies to me - I have no idea what's out nor what's good, so she gets to pick. And good thing she did, she scored us $25 tickets through the Kennedy Center's Attend student tickets program. (Even collegians need a govt. handout.)

However, when it comes to restaurants ... i can flex my foodie muscles (which involves sucking in my belly while trying on swim suits). With my Washingtonian's 100 best restaurants checklist in hand I did a little research on our foggy bottom selections, being that the Kennedy Center is all of 5 blocks from our old GW stomping grounds. I came to find not only is Circle Bistro one of the areas acclaimed digs, they also have a pre-theater pre-fix menu. So if you are able to sneak in before 7 pm, you can snag an appetizer, entree, and dessert for $35. Not too shabby considering an entree goes for $29 alone. Now we blew that cork out of the bottle by adding on wine. Not the point.

And the menu was impressive. I had the house smoked gravlocks (they had me at avocado) and continuing with the seafood theme for my entree Seared Diver Sea Scallops, Carrot-Ginger Coulis, Garlic Confit, Baby Bok Choy. Presentation was excellent, service was superior, and the food was paired nicely and not overly done. Combined with the Pinot Gregio and chocolate brownie with espresso ice cream for dessert, I was in food coma heaven. Did I mention the restaurant itself? Swanky but not over-trendy. We had such a good time - this may fold into the theater evening flight pattern more often.

Now onto the show. I was expecting a story of teen angst in a High School Musical fashion, Boppy and light with a rock concert feel. But this production hit it all: abuse, teen pregnancy, suicide, abortion, and death. Not to mention a little on stage nudity. Whoops - wasn't expecting that. But it worked. Between the highly explosive dance sequences using literally all available stage space, and the charged rock and roll dialogue the show had yours truly crying, laughing, clapping and swooning - sometimes simultaneously.

A quick plot snapshot: the Tony award winning musical, based on the play by Frank Wedekind's literary masterpiece, follows eight German teens on the trail of self discovery. Although the play is set in 1891 the issues are just as relevant today. Wrapped in Dunken Shieks' rock lyrics, it's easy to see why this story of rebellion and understanding made waves on the Broadway scene two years ago. Interesting side note, this is one of the first instances in over 100 years that the entire story line was used because it was so controversial.

Dispatches From The HOOD!

From former Chez Copian Mandy! Straight up truth dawg!

Boot Scootin' Yankees

Williamsburg Attempt

Last December, the ladies of Chez Copa tried to squeeze a quick day trip down to Williamsburg from DC. Here's what happened instead.

"I've-tried-4-million-times-but-you-still haven't-returned-my-phone-call"

From the Frontlines: (The Jen never answers my phone call but still considers me one of her best friends support group)

Aly: Ha! Some of us are veterans of 10+ years in the "maybe, please god, maybe the 15th time is my lucky charm" category!

Matt: Now I love Jen to death. She has always been one of my closest friends...I have known Jen Richer for almost 20 years (true story) and I can say without a doubt that she is by far the most difficult person on the face of the planet to get in touch with. When you do finally get her to answer the phone she suddenly has to run and then says "I will call you back"...I can say again without pause, don't wait by your phone. I can't begin to tell you the number of messages I have left for her. She even admits that she is horrible at it. So trust me. I win as far as number of times I left a message but never got a call...

John: I never claimed to think I was the only one you ignored when I wrote you a note. I have complained about this before, and you told me that Lindsay complained about the same thing all the time! It's interesting how you take this character flaw of YOURS, and spin it into a quirky little thing that your FRIENDS obsess over. Great spin, Jenny. You oughta work in DC!

After you've read it, please respond below the post with your best "I've-tried-4-million-times-but-you-still haven't-returned-my-phone-call" Jen Story. He thinks he's discovered something new. I am trying to prove there is an entire community of you out there.

John: when you get home tonight, talk to your fellow copians about improving your communications skills! homework!

me: if by communications you mean spelling there's no hope for me

John: I could write a novel about you, and I might STILL never directly hear from you ever again...I must sound like your mother, but too damn bad!

me: I am so blogging about this

So my mentor and former boss with whom I am still very close to made the great digital leap last year and finally joined the digital community that I am so wholeheartedly plugged into (blog, gmail, facebook, etc.)

Today, we were chatting on gchat because like so many of you, there is no way in hell I could squeeze even a 5 min. phone call in with my overwhelming to do list.

But with the power of gchat I am somewhat more accessible. I am such fan of these plateforms because where I fail at staying connected, they pick up the slack.

What he thinks is a unique discovery, you all have expressed (often heatedly) as a true JEN-ISM.

By this point you know it's not possible to hurt my feelings so please be as graphic as necessary.

Hey Sexy Pants!

Sorry, a little overdue but I keep meaning to share.

Hey Sexy Pants!
The Ladies and I had one full packed Sunday, we were the official cheerleaders for mile marker 17 of the Marine Corp Marathon!

We got involved completly randomly. Working at WMAL, we work very closely with Fisher House, and as a result, I feel very close to.

While Linds and I were loitering around the army 10-mile finish line (for no reason really......except beautiful military men running through our neighborhood....) we swung by the FH booth to say hello. They enlisted us as volunteers on the spot for the marathon (tough application process I promise!)

No the signs we made were AWESOME, we put a lot of thought and research behind them. But on the metro ride down to our mile marker, we couldn't help survaying the runners for their favorite past sign slogans. "Run Sexy Pants," far and away was the winner, so look for it next year!

After ringing our cow-bells for four hours will we coached on Team Fisher House, we headed back to Crystal City for the festivities.

Well wouldn't you know it, one of the performing groups was a step team. As a former stepper in high school, I was encouraged to jump on stage with the team. Unfortunatly it's not like riding a bike and I was a little ...er.... rusty.

But being the ambitious cruise director that I have a tendency to be, we also packed in a little road trip afterward to take part in the Virginia tradition of fall apple picking. We had a great time, but not gonna lie, by that point we were all a little cranky and desperately in need of a little respite. So on the way home, we took a little detour to the winery next door.

Sure we were cutting it a little close by sliding in the door at 4:58 pm but the owner was kind enough to accommodate one final tasting group. I'd like to think it was our good Kharma, but perhaps it was the weathered faces sporting our team fisher house jersey's that convinced him.

We were in for a treat. Chateau O'Brian, right behind the orchard, boasts a special fall vintage produced not from grapes, but apples! So worth it!

GW Shout Out, Love NCIS

Why is there no J Street in Washington DC? NCIS asks that very question, but in the process, gives GW a little shout out!

Starting It off With A Bang - ish

Sorry for the MIA status folks, lots happening this week. With Inauguration just around the corner, all my attention has been diverted to 1600 Penn updates. But a few fun updates, Angela and I have taken the 2009 Discovery Channel Health Challenge. 

We've been milking the free month of Bally's membership. I'm on Day 7 and kicking butt ya'll.

Don't want to jinx myself though. With a gazillion other New Years Resolutions I've made over the years (ie: washing off the night's mascara masterpiece before bed ha!) I actually want to keep this one! I've noticed if you tack an appointment at Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door spa for good behavior to the end, it becomes much easier to keep! I'll let you know in May how that works out.

I thought I would kick start the year off with a few other improvements, like cleaning out the ole closet and either donating the clothes I didn't wear any more or getting the busted ones hemmed to reenergize the wardrobe a little. I was off to a good start, but in the process I racked up $60 at the dry cleaners (the mending pile was a year old) and in the process of donating my clothes, I also donated my house keys. Woops! (Fear not I tracked them down last night!)

But the best Jen Richer update is the star appearance of Nick Murphree, one of my all time best friends since we were like 8. No, really we were instant best friends starting in 3rd grade. (I moved to a new school and he was one of the first new friends I made. I mean, who can resist the charms of a kid noticing that you and Jenny Craig share the same first name? I was serenaded in the hallways for years with her latest ad jingles, not in a taunting bully sort of way, totally endearing I swear. (Well, that’s how I remember it anyway.)

Well Nick has taken a long weekend and a long flight to elude his studies and hit up the DMV (well D and V mostly). First, stop, Caps game tonight. (He's a huge hockey wonk.)

I Already Have A Slurring Date, Thanks!

Gonna have to pass on this this year.

Last year, the girls and I gave it the ole Chez Copa try to celebrate New Years, despite my early shift the following morning. Assuming the challenge, the girls busted into my bedroom, slamming a champagne flute into my hand, dragged my half awake, stumbling self in front of the television only to watch the infamous Dick Clark slurring special.

This year I have a more humane schedule and will gratefully pass on this American of watching the painful countdown with this once legendary announcer.

LOS ANGELES — Four years after a stroke, Dick Clark is relishing the prospect of another New Year's Eve celebration, determined to appear for his 36th year in Times Square. And he's hardly surprised by the current state of the music industry he helped build _ he predicted this, after all.

Clark, who turned 79 last month and has been in front of the cameras for 61 years, said in a recent interview by e-mail that his involvement in "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2009," diminished though it may be, is a labor of love and "not really a job."

"Obviously, I'm not able to be as actively involved as I used to be out on the street, up on a platform and interacting with the crowds in Times Square" in New York, Clark wrote. "Thank goodness my friend Ryan Seacrest is able to handle that end of the activity on the show these days.

ABC-TV's 3 1/2-hour live extravaganza will include performances by Natasha Bedingfield, Fall Out Boy, Jesse McCartney, Ne-Yo, Pussycat Dolls, Solange and Robin Thicke. Fergie hosts the Hollywood segments.

Clark woke up with right-side paralysis on Dec. 6, 2004 _ "Your life changes overnight," he said. (Regis Philbin filled in for Clark on the New Year's Eve show that year.) Clark still uses a walker or wheelchair, and speaking is difficult.

"I am one of the fortunate ones who survived and have been minimally impaired, so I'm just thankful I'm still able to enjoy this once-a-year treat of bringing in the New Year."

The "American Bandstand" icon and longtime producer of the American Music Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards and Golden Globes has long considered them "my television kids."

He's also watched their ratings plummet in recent years.

Poppin champagne Like We've Won A Championship Game

On the heels of the big pilgrimage back to San Diego, Chez Copa lined up quite a weekend of activities, including a visit from Aly, the yin to my yang! Aly and I have grown up together, having been friends since the ripe ole' age of eight.

READERS NOTE: When the two of us combine forces its like dousing a fire ball in gasoline and launching it. We just feed off of each other and have been described as nothing less of a beautiful disaster.

So it's no surprise that this weekend visit was not one of R & R.The best part is Chez Copa just absorbed her into our thickly woven group, as if she were there from the beginning!

Friday was pretty much a write off - I was kicking a wicked birthday cold so all I could do was fantasize about Coldeeze and my pillow. Fear not, picking up A-dawg from Dulles was a much needed respite from boogies and wheezing. (So attractive I know - but with the boogies comes a super sexy 70 year old smoking Brooklyn Yetta voice. Silver lining folks, silver lining.)

After a quick nap - we were back in action bright and early Saturday morning to honor the second annual east coast chez copa cookie bake-off. It's a one day bake fest where the CCers descend on auntie Jo's kitchen to crank out no less than 10 cookie versions while SCREAMING holiday music, after celebratory mimosas of course.

On the evening itinerary was the traditional Pink Cashmere (collegiate chez copa) Obnoxious Holiday Sweater Party. Although we modified the tradition slightly by taking it to to the bars. We recruited star cruise director for just the task of navigating the sweater goers through U Street-Cardoza.

Let's be honest; Marvin's, Utopia, and Busboys & Poets didn't see the train wreck of Christmas paraphernalia coming (right down to Aly's christmas socks and heels). The general reaction was "I wonder if they are all together, or if there was a themed memo we missed." Fear not after some intense interrogation on the gracious ride back to Virginia it was back for a quick nap.



Sunday should have been the day of recovery but of course that got tossed. After a morning of sin rehashing at church, Aly and I sneaked into the matinee performance of Next To Normal at the Arena Stage. A wildly colorful musical about a bi-polar disillusion mother and her effect on the typical suburban family, its like American Beauty on crack. And the music is phenomenal.

We had just enough time exit stage left and get our glam on.

We had the bartenders ball, aka Zinzi Holiday Party, to attend. It's the one night of the year where the bartenders aren't off limits. Now I have been in DC for going on 7 years and I have NEVER seen so many attractive people. And here they were in one place. Having borrowed Lindsey's dress, aptly named the Cougar Muu-muu, because of my senior citizen status and the flow-ey nature of the garment, Aly teased I was on the prowl. Ha!

Let just say Cougar Muu-muu + unlimited access to top shelf alcohol + great music does not equal good life choices. Remember how I described the JenAly team? Well they were unleashed in full force. Rarrrr.

Then it was into the station for an early morning while Aly got some sleep in time before her birthday celebration. Now Aly's bday was a bit of a sordid affair. She had promised checking in with her west coast chapter at peak intoxication levels. Childish I know, but there's nothing like a good drunk dial.

So while Lindsey was whipping her last law school exam for the semester, cc copa divebombed into the Tommy Mcfly show to watch the master at work. Then it was off to dinner (CCR) and celebratory hooplah at the CCSP. Mission Accomplished.

Still hanging in there but man what a weekend. I hurt.

And how does Mother Nature celebrate the JenAly train wreck? By canceling all flights through Chicago of course. So poor Aly got sent right back into the cesspool sans luggage for one more evening at the CC. Status is still pending as to whether she actually made it to San Diego today. But I leave tomorrow and that airport better be cleared out by then. I'm not sure the FAA could handle a JenAly in captivity.

'Tis The Season

And it's officially the non-denominational holiday season.

Sunday night, the ladies of Chez Copa braved piercing 25 degree weather to string the balcony lights, fluff the fake tree, drink the mulled wine, set up the menorah and watch (while silently quoting) Love Actually.

We are also proud to announce this year's inductee into the National St. Hottie Hall of Fame (well, scrapbook): Daniel Craig. Congrats Daniel!

This tradition of tree lighting and canonization has been developed and honed since the early years of Pink Cashmere (2003.) 

Keeping it alive ladies!

Rock Jumpers and Sexy Shorts

Finally finished the West Virginia Video! Amazing to think we did all with a tiny zip car, a non-existent budget, and I was barely off crutches! Yum!

Chez Copa Votes

This important election season, chez copa did what they do best, participated.

Becoming Jane

Talk about a motivational video. Stick six girls in front of a tivo and next thing you know they’re starting a Jane Austin Book Club.

Well that’s what’s happened to the ladies of Chez Copa. Following the order of the film, we will be kicking off the first discussion with Emma. Plus its not a bad way to get us all together for wine and cheese! Stay tuned!

Reunion of Sorts

Well in true Pink Cashmere style, when someone Peaces-Out on the District, we show up in full force to celebrate.

Our Jonney T. is headed off to Nigeria with the State Department. Sending him off in Pinkie style we sipped our California Dreamin' Martinis  at Dupont Circles Halo.

And yes, our New York anchor Meg's received a singing update from her correspondents!

Light At The End Of The Tunnel

(April) Charlottsville Va. - I was just reminiscing about Foxfield: The Year Of The Mojito, or in layman's terms the third installment of the Pink Cashmere (predecessor to ChezCopa) trek to Cville for the Foxfield horse race.We name each trek after the featured drink of the year, last year being the Mojito.

This last trip has officially cemented Foxfield as the centerpiece of PC activities and the kickoff to the summer because it almost didn't happen. After a little feet dragging and dissent in the ranks we finally pulled through and bought the infield plot (the second to last in fact.)

There are so many customs in place especially for it being such a new tradition. The goal is to get a plot in the green tagged section as far from the orange tagged collegian section and as close to the rail of the races we wont be watching.

We stay with the palatial Egelman manor and every year is a little more special. The Year of the G & T, Serge Egelman cruise directed. He showed us the ropes to proper plot preparation - two plots, plenty of food, betting and the entire contents of a fully stocked bar in the trunk. We were set in our preppy sun dresses.

The year of the White Cranberry we were on our own. After a rough day starting at 3 AM for some of us we finally made it to Egelman Manor in time for Jon to prepare us a gourmet dinner at 2 AM the following morning.

We got the trunk bar down but we'll chalk everything else up to a learning experience. Let's just say I fell asleep cuddled up underneath the trunk of my car after having poured everyone generous margaritas. The next morning I was so impressed with how little we had consumed. That tequila completely skipped my mind until the incriminating photos surfaced. oops! But Jon true to form came with his barbershop quartet hat.

Last April, we were reduced to the core members, even Mandy who made a last minute decision to ditch running for corn hole in Cville. We had a grand time making friends with our neighbors, and the police who struggled to believe we were of age. The weather held to the last moment when we were instructed to seek refuge in our vehicles. Leaving the grounds snug and dry we witnessed the poor car-less collegians walk drenched back to their buses, some reduced down to their undergarments. So much for prep and propriety.

So now that we've recapped it's time to start working out a recipe for next year!