We have recently started looking for housing around the DC metro area. With all the talk of a depressed market, the incoming baby, and some not-so-subtle comments by our current (although usually awesome) landlord, we thought now would be a good time to jump in. As feared by both of us, lenders and realtors think they know our financial situation and what we are looking for better than we do. If I hear, "You can really afford more than that" you more time... Also, there is some concern about moving out of our currently very walkable area (Whole Foods and Trader Joe's a half mile away, restaurants and coffees shops all around) to where we can afford (I think there is a 7-11 relatively close by).

Summer means hot and humid weather in the DC metro area. Which means it should be the perfect time to get some Hawaiian shaved ice (also referred to as snowballs, shaved ice, etc). The weird thing is that there aren't any around where we live. We have stopped at the helado shacks once or twice, but they are a little far away. All I really want is some Tiger's Bloodand some frozen deliciousness. I think, instead of continuing to a law degree, Lynn should open a shaved ice stand :).

Of course, barking, natty dogs, notwithstanding, Ecuador does have some faults.

• Fresh juice at every restaurant? Come on, people, if I wanted juice I would stick to the old standby -- Apple juice! Instead, there is a bewildering number of juices to pick from to mix into a healthy, frothy concoction. I think it's a conspiracy against apple farmers.
• And speaking of fruit -- can anyone tell me a real fruit that has spikes which dig into your hands? Guess what, that is natures way of telling you not to eat it. Or fruit with spikes on it, or even fruit that requires a machete to open? My guess is nature is trying to give you a not so subtle hint.
• Rainforests with butterflies, almost-extinct animals and potential illness-curing fauna should be torn down for firewood. Actually, I heard that every tree can be made into exactly one #2 pencil. Seems like a fair trade.
• A meal for 2 that costs $20 and includes appetizers, entrees and drinks? I somehow feel very dirty only spending that much.
• Wait, you are telling me that on pretty much every street there is a store which sells pirated movies? I wonder if the cam movies include the sad song from the MPAA that movies were labors of love and if you pirate them, you are really killing a small baby somewhere in Hollywood. Every time. Plus, they fund terrorism.