Freedom Day

Guest Blogger Tommy McFly

“It was an AMAZING event with The South African Embassy. We gathered together to celebrate South Africa's Freedom Day. FREEDOM DAY celebrates . . well Freedom and commemorates the first democratic post-apartheid elections held in 94. The party really got started when an authentic South African Band (I wish I knew their name) took the stage.”

Between the wine and the Amarula (south African liqueur) the crowd sure did its dance on.

Convention Spirit - A DC Novelty

A friend of mine recently decided to throw a party...a themed party.

Now in other parts of the country this would include some of the regular offenders like angels and devils, bros and hos, etc.

This friend rocked a non-partisan Convention party - complete with credentials. The party was a huge success, people came decked in the appropriate attire - I of course went as a pool captain with a notepad and trench coat.

The next morning, as I worked off the hangover, I had to think to myself...only in DC can you mix business and pleasure. I love this town!

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!

What Happens on the Boat...Stays on the Boat

So many good stories from our little weekend cruise to Nassau but if you want the goods, you have to get the chez triplets on their third mojito. Jen, Katie, and Lindsey safely return from their Bahamian adventure and stopover in Miami. Their trip was full of muster drills, Gios, bright sandy beaches, and plenty of alcohol at the Schooner Bar. Lindsey will be making a DVD of their experience that will hopefully be complete by the end of the summer. (Hopefully) Here are just a few of the photos.

Making The Rounds

Yesterday was a busy one! WMAL hosted a meet and greet with morning host Chris Plante at McCormick and Schmicks at the new waterfront in Maryland. This was my first time down since they built up the area. WOW! It's going to be as popular as Alexandria, with all the shops and restaurants, but I digress.

This was my first encounter with the Freepers, or the folks who contribute to FreeRepublic.com. They were so much fun! Politics aside, we had a great time! And it's really an eye opener when you get to meet the religious listeners of the station.

After our little happy hour, it was off to hang with the DC Sigmas. A small group of dedicated alumnae are determined to jumpstart a solid alumnae group here in the district. This was the second happy hour we've done and things are looking good!

Party Crashers

"Special Olympics honored longtime supporter, Quincy Jones, at a 75th birthday bash for the Academy Award-winning film composer held on 23 April 2008 at the Kalorama home of Michael Klein and Joan Fabry in Washington, DC.

More than 150 guests including musicians, athletes, members of Congress, US ambassadors, business executives and philanthropic leaders attended the festivities to personally give Quincy their best wishes. The evening's highlights included the reading of a personal message from United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, a surprise phone call from the legendary Stevie Wonder, and a surprise visit from former Secretary of State General Colin Powell.

“What an incredible surprise,” said Jones of the phone call by his close friend Stevie Wonder. "