Living the Dream in Matrimonial Bliss

Many have asked the "how is married life?" question, to which I have given alternatively serious or flippant answers. When feeling serious, I talk about being shocked that we actually have to make decisions as a couple rather than one person's opinion winning out and about how fundamentally life-altering that can be for two stubborn people. When feeling flippant, I remark about how we're just an old married couple--making beds, doing laundry, going to bed early, and sometimes eating in front of the TV.


In all seriousness, life is good. We've battened down the hatches for the long NW winter, something both of us dread despite the ability to escape to the mountains for some skiing. In fact, I write this on the shortest day of the year, which in Seattle means the "sun rising" at 745am and setting at 4:30ish. In actuality this means the darkness lifting at around 8am and the darkness descending at about 4:15. I now know why the Nordics felt so at home here. Now my idea about a January honeymoon didn't sound that crude and stupid after all, did they? The worst part is that most natives in these here parts love this stuff--all fleece, salmon, coffee, and constant dampness.


In the future, we'll keep this thing up to date with general stuff about what we're up to. I write some political/business items on another blog, so come here for all things CummINGS. Yes, no longer the dreaded amalgamation of our last name (you do the math).


Anyway, thanks to everybody for coming to our wedding and the great gifts. You should have received thank you letters by now. Here's one of the great pictures that captured the day--we still talk about how great it was and how excited we are for other folks to get married.

We came, we saw, and we got married

Wow. That's really all we can say. We expected the wedding weekend to be something special, but I can safely say it exceeded our expectations.

It was a spiritually and mentally exhausting experience, one that balanced honoring our respective pasts, our families and gathered friends, and our future together. We hope you enjoyed being with us during this wonderful weekend. Suffice it to say, having you there meant the world to us. Both of us remarked at the remarkable turnout for the wedding, something that makes us alternatively feel blessed and humbled.

As some of you know, we honeymooned in Tulum, Mexico. Tulum is located on the southern end of the Yucatan Peninsula, along the Carribean Sea that runs to Belize. The sea is warm and clear and the beaches white due to the prevelence of limestone in the region. I'll report back on the honeymoon and include wedding pix, but thought I would leave a picture of Tulum to wet your appetite.

You can't have a party without an after party

The AFTER Party
I know we all have been to a wedding where at the end of the wedding and, when the band says last song, all those who aren’t quite ready to go home are asking each other, “where should we go next?” However, not everyone is familiar with the city where the wedding is being held and knows a place to go out or one that is close to the hotel and the wedding reception. After spending an hour deciding where to go, getting cabs to get there, and actually traveling to the location -- half the people got lost or have lost interest.

So without much further ado, after the wedding we would like everyone to go to Stetson’s on U Street. https://owa.metrokc.gov/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.stetsonsdc.com/ Located at 1610 U Street, NW, Stetsons is a casual bar where we are planning to take the party and hopefully take over the bar.

And since it is on the way from the Meridian House to the hotels in DC there is no excuse for getting lost.

Two hours of leisure

If you read your invitation correctly, you'll notice there is a 2 hour gap between the ceremony and the start of the reception. We know it is a bit unorthodox, but we loved the church and the reception site so much that we had to fit into some less than ideal schedules. And who wants to eat dinner at 2pm?!?

If the weather is nice, people can certainly pass time by going up to the Capitol and walking the grounds. It is always majestic, particularly on a nice day. Likewise, the National Botanic Garden is about 5 blocks from the church, and I'm told it is a great experience. I believe it has been refurbed over the last few years.

Of course, I am sure many of you might consider stopping by a local watering hole to pass the time. Careful, kids. You aren't as young as you once were.

Finally, don't forget that the Metro is a great way to get around. You can take the Metro directly to the Capitol South Station, which is one block away from the church. If you're staying at the recommended hotels (or any in downtown for that matter), you can take the Metro back to your hotel for a little rest and relaxation before the reception.

Bi-Partisan Libations

Over the last 10 years, DC has transformed itself from a one trick pony to an area with a vibrant technology sector.

Still, DC is a government town. Partisanship is in the water and, in many cases, in the beer. I can remember friends who were not political dreading a trip to a local bar for fear of being enveloped into one of the inevitable political conversations or games of "Who do you work for?"

Despite all that, you can still enjoy a cocktail in the city without being ensnared in a political conversation. Here are the best of the best, with a focus on places of interest close to the wedding/hotel.

Starfocker

It's only a matter of time before I am told to take down that heading, but these are the places where you'll go rub shoulders with the politically rich and famous.

Off the Record: Located on Layfette SQ and across the street from the White House, this is the bar where Alison and I toasted our engagements before sharing it with her entire family. The is nice and cozy, with big high-backed chairs in the basement of the Hay-Adams Hotel. Not cheap, but a worth the price.

Hotel Washington: Long a favorite for a romantic cocktail, the rooftop bar at the hotel offers views of the White House and the National Mall. You cannot beat the rooftop here.

Capital Grille: Located down the street from the Capitol on Pennsylvania Avenue, you can read the private wine cases of superlobbyists and congressman. Don't forget to order the Stoli Doli. Drink 2 and you should call a cab.

Don't forget your black (including dark black, regular black, and german black)

You'll need to leave your light colored outfits at home for a drink in these establishments.

18th Street Lounge: This is home to the gentlemen who bring you the Thievery Corporation, it's a dance spot + lounge that will test your hipness. Clearly I ain't hip since I never stepped a foot in the joint in over 4 years.

Heaven and Hell: Ha, ha--gotcha, Caleb! Don't even think of going here unless you're 21 and love red bull and vodka. Oh, and you're wearing a striped shirt. (No url supplied to prevent you from going).

Reef: I am sure some will argue with this choice, but I love this bar--great rooftop, fun interior with exotic fish tanks, and good, solid beer choices.

Rub shoulders with Blelvis

These are the places where you'll rub shoulders with DC's Everyman and you might even get to talk to the best Elvis impersonator ever.

The Raven: This place went from totally dive, to totally hip, and back to totally dive again (10 pts for the movie quote here--i don't say totally that often). I think Alison and I had one of our first or second "dates" at this place. No beer on tap, strong drinks, and, if you're not careful, an all-night party.

Brickskeller: Home to DC's biggest beer selection, this subterranean mecca of all things malt, barley, and hops is about 1/2 block from the Palomar. I'll be there.

Dan's Cafe: Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Cultural Detours

For those of us saddled with the distinction of either having lived in DC for a prolonged period or having grown up in DC area, we know it is home to great exhibits of culture, which are unfortunately sometimes shadowed by its neighbors to the north (I am not talking about Baltimore).

Many of you will be spending extra time in DC after traveling from long distances for the wedding. Aside from the normal tours of Congress and the White House, there are some great exhibits and cultural activities going on during our wedding.

For art, the National Gallery of Art is hosting an Edward Hopper exhibit, one of the first outside of New York. Like many of the musuems in DC, the Gallery is free. The world-renown Corcoran Gallery of Art is hosting a double bill that could give you great bang for your buck. Annie Liebovitz and Ansel Adams are the featured artists and should be very cool.

For music, there is Dr. John, Gov't Mule, and for the classically minded, the National Symphony.

For food, well, you'll have to wait for the wedding, but if you do have Friday afternoon open, go here. It might appear to be just a Kosher restaurant, but this place has the best schwarma in the history of the planet. Yeah, it's not close to anything, but it's just insanely good. Please go because I cannot. Likewise, if you want something closer, a bit more romantic, and don't mind waiting, Pasta Mia is your deal. This place is so good it has been known to make people cry (out of both anger and joy) and made the completely unartistic paint in its honor. "Fireworks in your mouth" is an abt description.

Next up...watering holes.

Honorary Wedding Party Members

Ring Bearer – Luke Robert Sanne
As of November 7, 2006, we became known as Double A (aka Aunt Alison) and UIT (aka Uncle in Training) to Alison’s sister, Heather, and brother-in-law, Matt’s son, Luke Robert Sanne. We are a little bias but he is the cutest, happiest, and funniest baby! At only 10 months he has yet to learn how to walk but he has got a mean stand going. We wish that he was able to celebrate the big day with us but understandably Heather and Matt want to have some fun!

Flower Girl – Ditka Cummings
In January, we adopted a 10 week year old girl puppy who we affectionately named Ditka. GO BEARS! Since that time, our Ditka has grown to be 10 months and we have both fallen head over heels in love with “parenting” and of course “our first baby.” [We are very self aware that we are a little overboard about the dog]. We wish that she was able to be with us on the wedding day but we need a break!

Tap your toe in the nation's Capitol

We know toe tapping is all the rage these days among members of the Senate , but I would recommend you watch your toes if you take a tour of the US Capitol while in DC for the wedding.

If you are interested in a tour of the United States Capitol Building, Alison and I would be happy to arrange one through our former places of employment, me through Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois and Alison through Senator Pat Roberts of Kansas. Just post a comment here and give us your e-mail and times available. In general, we can arrange for a tour on Friday, Oct 12, starting at around 2pm.

P.S...Thursday is Alison's 30th birthday. Yep, I said it. So don't forget to wish her a Happy 30th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To wear or not to wear?

Well, I trust each of you will wear clothing to our wedding, but I have received a number of questions about attire. As some of you are aware, Washington DC is a very formal city. Not formal in the classic sense, but where jeans might be appropriate in your town, slacks are usually the order of the day in DC.

This does not mean you need to wear pants to musuems (DC is not the Vatican), but it does mean some restaurants and bars might frown upon shorts, sandals, etc. Best to call before you haul.

That's it. It's raining in Seattle. God I love rain. Really, I love it.

What do George Washington, Willard Scott, Jim Morrison, and Alison Kogut all have in common?

This is Alison, kids. I never expected to put myself on a list with folks who are as well recognized as George Washington, Willard Scott, or Jim Morrison. Obviously I do not have the fame nor the notoriety of our first president, I am not as ubiquitous nor legendary as the weatherman who now reads the names of centenarians off of Smuckers jars, and I certainly do not remind many of the musician who begs us to “light” his “fire”.

Yet I have something in common with the aforementioned. We all have a connection to a little city that we call home, Alexandria…not Louisiana or Egypt but Virginia. As you may know, I was born, raised, and lived most of my adult life in the City of Alexandria – a mere few miles from our nation’s Capitol. Alexandria is not a bastard stepchild of Washington, DC or a suburb that sprung up to accommodate the growing city of Washington, DC but a city with its own unique characteristics, history, culture, and entertainment.

Our first President, George Washington called Alexandria, specifically Mount Vernon, home. In the U.S. Capitol Rotunda there is a picture entitled General George Washington Resigning His Commission,…General George Washington resigned his commission as Commander-in-Chief of the Army to the Congress, which was then meeting at the Maryland State House in Annapolis, on December 23, 1783. This action was of great significance in establishing of civilian rather than military rule, leading to democracy rather than dictatorship. Washington stands with two aides-de-camp addressing the president of the Congress, Thomas Mifflin, and others, such as Elbridge Gerry, Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and James Madison. Mrs. Washington and her three grandchildren are shown watching from the gallery, although they were not in fact present at the event.

Martha Washington and the grandchildren were not present because they were at Mount Vernon preparing for George’s return for Christmas since his resignation was on December 23rd. At the time, George Washington had no desire to lead the nation and wished to spend the rest of his life farming and living at his home in Mount Vernon. Thankfully, it didn’t quite turn out that way.

Hollywood put a bright spotlight on Alexandria when Disney decided to make a movie called, Remember the Titans. The movie is based on T.C. Williams (where I went to high school) and follows the school’s high school football team during the 1970’s desegregation of the school and its winning season.

Needless to say, I am proud of where I came from and couldn’t have imagined a greater place to grow-up. So while you are in town for our wedding and if you have some free time and want to head out of the District, consider visiting a little place that I like to call home.

***Alexandria is easily accessible by the Metro System on the blue line. In addition, if you fly into DCA you are flying into Alexandria so you can already say you have been to my hometown. ***

DCA, IAD, or BWI?

Yep, it's airport code bingo, folks. This isn't the most exciting topic to kick off the Pearson and Alison wedding blog (a term I'm told ellicits scores of laughs around the country), but it's one I've received questions on over the last few months. Do I fly into National Airport (DCA), Dulles Int'l Airport (IAD), or Baltimore-Washington Int'l Airport (BWI)?

I know many of you have already made your decisions, but I thought I would give you a bit of background so you know what to expect.

First, if you are flying into DCA, you should have no problems getting to your hotel using DC's Metro train system. The station is right outside baggage claim and with a transfer will get you downtown to either the Dupont Circle station or the station closest to your hotel. If you haven't made your reservations and can afford the extra $50-100, fly into DCA.

If IAD is your choice, you are gonna need to decide whether to shell out a few clams for a cab ride or cobble together a trip using public transport. The latter is easier than it sounds, involving a bus to the West Falls Church Metro station. That will then take you into downtown DC.

Now, onto BWI. BWI is a bit of a misnomer in that it is nowhere near Washington. It's kinda like calling LAX "LASDX", as if San Diego is in LA. That's the bad news. The good news is that there is a "MARC" train that runs from just off the airport right to Washington's Union Station, which connects directly to the Metro's Red Line. It requires you to grab a 5 min bus to the MARC train, then hop that train for the 30 min ride to DC. Not bad. Bad news? On the weekends, you have to use Amtrak, which doubles the cost from roughly$6 to $18.

In sum, go through DCA if at all possible. It's worth the extra $50-100, at least until rail service gets going directly to IAD and BWI. Despite that, going through IAD or BWI aren't that BAD.

Later,
PFC

Alison and Pearson Wedding Blog Kickoff

For the past several months, Alison and I have kicked around the idea of launching a "website" to provide information on our upcoming wedding. While I am technology proficient to a degree, I don't have the time nor the energy to build one.

One easy way to communicate to the masses is through a blog. So, I've decided to communicate any pertinent information about the wedding, including hotels, venue, weather, etc. I'll include fun little anecdotes about our relationship and its connection to the Washington, DC area.

Please check back every day or two and I'll have an update.

Take care!
Pearson and Alison