My urban self would know the best Asian-Tex-Mex-Fusion Taco Truck, and would eat her Wasabi Burrito on the steps of the art museum, just because I could.
My urban self would buy jewelry and sunflowers at the weekend Farmer's Market, after drinking espresso served with a sneer and a seven dollar prize tag.
My urban self, clearly, would be very wealthy, very young, and most likely childless. In other words, not me.
I am almost completely okay with this. Especially because my children are becoming old enough that I can take them into the city with some regularity, and soak in all the culture without all the hassle.
We always take the Metro into DC.
On Friday, we went to DC because Joel had an eye appointment at Children's National Hospital (no eye-patching--just bifocals). We used all public transportation, and thus had some time to kill. We decided on the National Portrait Gallery.
Three words: LL Cool J
Want to see more? Here's a link to the entire Americans Now exhibit.
It's this kinda stuff that makes me grateful that we live in the outskirts of our Nation's Capital. We are privileged to have these funky little wonders, just waiting for our footsteps, our widened eyes, our whispered, solemn "Wow."
You may laugh. But I tell you, in all sincerity, a city that celebrates all of our Americans--including those in Adidas tracksuits---makes me downright proud.
In the words of LL himself, "I'm the best takin' out all the rookies/So forget Oreos, eat Cool J cookies."
I guess he's proud, too.
This is my first Sunday in My City for a long time---and I've missed it. Check in with Unknown Mami to discover images and words from other cities.
29 comments:
whenever I go into NYC I always imagine my urban self as well, and she sounds very similar to yours :)
We took a trip to DC and did used the metro the whole way. It was actually an awesome site seeing experience but by the end of each day my feet were killing me!
Glad he only needed bifocals!!
I'm not laughing, I wholeheartedly agree with you.
Ditto what Cristina said. I also plan out how things would be if we moved the kids to the city.
Not laughing at all. I think this is wonderful. It makes me want to explore Albuquerque even more!
Besides, LL Cool J is hot.
This is great! I am SO unurban. I'm not even suburban. I'm...a hick. A country hick.
I wonder if deep inside of me there is an urban woman, longing to visit museums and buy sunflowers at the Farmer's Market and drink real espresso (not the kind I make) and sit and watch the people go by.
Maybe.
There's just something about trains that kids love. Heck, adults too. Love how you get your kids exposed to things most parents don't care about.
LL looks so distinguished with that cap.
I sometimes wish I was an urban dweller as well.
we took our boys on the train a few years back..they loved it...if we lived closer i bet they would be chanting the same...
"a city that celebrates all of our Americans--including those in Adidas tracksuits---makes me downright proud"
I would salute that! Well said, my friend. (As always!)
:-)
Traci
My urban self wears striped tights, too! The kind that goes to just over the knee.
Oh yeah, this lady loves her some Cool J. Incredible painting. Glad you and your little guys had a good time.
I've never imagined my "urban self." Hmmm. All I can think of is bitch on heels. Yeah. Maybe with some bamboo earrings. At least two pair.
Love that you took your sons to the Museum. I was an urban self for such a long time but never think about it much now, just once in a while, remembering long nights out on the town, wonderful meals and shopping, yes, lots of shopping for the perfect outfit and shoes for some swanky event. But all I miss really now is the nice meals out, where plastic menus and little folk were very noticeably absent :-)
My kids would LOVE to ride a train....someday!
It's my 1st time in SIMC for a while too, welcome back!
LL totally rocks..Trains are cool at any age I think. I always feel so grown up when I get on the train here and head into Amsterdam or wherever else we may be going.
I love the combo of people in the museum and I also really love taking DC's subway. It's pretty darn family and user friendly.
I still love taking the train into the city-- It's a whole other culture with such to see. The museum sounds awesome.... and I totally agree with you about the variety of art/artists/people all in one place.
Happy SIMC, jj
I love DC. we were there about a year ago for a friend's wedding. it was lovely...also went to the Holocaust Museum. Which wasn't lovely, but a necessity for us and quite an emotional experience. Found a great cupcake place in Georgetown and hit up the Smithsonian as well. Lucky girl.
Makes me want to pack my bags and head for the East Coast! I really enjoyed the ride with you. :)
I love that Joel wants "more train" as he is riding the actual train. Oh you toddlers!
Funny... I imagine my married with children self sometimes too. But not for too long.
Awesomely wonderful gallery.
You goin' to the Rally for Sanity? I'm so jealous you live so close. Wish I could go!
I imagine those things every time I travel to a big city, with culture. NYC, DC, Chicago
*sigh* It's nice to imagine. I'll take reality though.
I gotta agree with ya...even though I am chuckling a little bit :)
I can't wait to take my boys to D.C. Though even my imagined urban self is not that cool.
It's been awhile since my LL Cool J days, so it took me a minute to connect your post title with him. :) "Cool."
And you're right...I so much love this country for all it's smarts "and" eccentricities.
I used to live in Laurel, MD and worked in Bethesda, Silver Spring, and Beltsville. Sometimes, I miss it - the DC urban-ness. But, I'm just short of two hours south now, and will surely visit again.
Glad your son's eye sight is "fixable" and that you all enjoyed your day.
I visited DC when I was in high school. I might have missed out on some of the hipper aspects. We were NOT allowed on public transportation!
I totally agree with you!! Wish I lived closer to DC so I could see that exhibit in person. And yes. I remember my urban childless self too. She is wearing 4 inch salsa dancing heels and riding the Subway home where she will get herself an horchata at the corner stand for breakfast before she goes inside to sleep ALL DAY LONG.
Sounds like a great time!!
That's it. I'm coming to visit you. And you're okay with taking my three kids on the metro, right?
I've only been to DC once and it was too short of a trip. Seriously want to visit. BAD.
Love this. I have an Urban Marla but most people would be shocked if they knew.
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