SAPPY ROM/COMS

Please join us for our December Romance Book Discussion Club - the last meeting of the year! Location is at my apartment in Dupont. Address and details will be provided to attendees closer to the meeting. Hopefully we can have one final meeting before the holidays and it's not too busy of a time for everyone. Also, please update your RSVP by 6pm the day before, if you're unable to come. That will allow people on the waitlist to have enough time to consider coming, as well. Looking forward to discussing romance books with you all :) \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* This month's themes are **Sports Romance** and **Single Dad/Parent**! Exciting options in store! Here are a few recs for those that want a place to start: Sports: * *Caught Up* by Liz Tomforde - Single dad baseball player. \- Multiple books by Mariana Zapata are slow burn sports\-centric: *Wall of Winnipeg* (football), *From Lukov with Love* (figure skating) and *Kulti* (soccer) Single Parent: * *Funny Feelings* by Tarah DeWitt. Stand up comedian fake dates her manager who has a daughter. Leans more friends-to-lovers. * *Heartless*, *Wild Eyes* or *Wild Love* by Elsie Silver. All are Single Dad tropes set in western/rancher or small town settings. * *All Rhodes Lead Here* by Mariana Zapata. Slow burn grumpy x sunshine single dad trope. This month's selections aren't my usual reading flavors, so please feel free to suggest more options below in the comments if you have any good recs for this month! Also, our "best of the best" theme this month is "**Best Book Boyfriend/Girlfriend**". So please be thinking of your absolute favorite character/love interest that you've ever read to share with the group! Hopefully we can walk away with some amazing recommendations.

****If online dating feels oddly exhausting, it’s not you. You’re just investing in the wrong moment.**** For Women: The Moment Men Decide What Actually Drives the Swipe Quick thought… If you’re ready to buy a car, you go on Carvana. You look closely. You invest time. Why? Because if you like it and you’re ready, it’s actually available to you. But you wouldn’t walk up and down your street studying your neighbors’ cars, overthinking every detail, wondering if maybe someday they’d let you buy one. That would be exhausting. Rrrright?! Online dating often works the same way and no one ever explains that part. We end up over investing time, energy, and thought in places where decisions are actually made much faster and much earlier than we think. Listen sister, this is not about trying harder. It’s about seeing differently. Before our Ugly Sweater Christmas Party, we’re hosting a FUN, playful, eye opening conversation just for women. We’ll break this down in real time and yes, we’ll actually look at profiles together in a no judgment way. Bring your cell phone, sister. This is interactive, practical, and meant to make you laugh while learning something that immediately changes how you approach online dating. Come one hour early. Insight first. Sweaters after. We’ll keep this small so it stays interactive. We’re not fixing you. We’re fixing the lens. xo, Janine, Nina AND most importantly only FRAZIER 202-271-0922

Let's go outside to Old Town! We'll start at the Hilton and walk down King Street and down to the 495 Bridge and back. Please check the weather and dress comfortably. Bring water and a snack if needed. Look forward to seeing you there!

Ho-ho-ho, party people! 🎉 Get ready to jingle your bells and deck the halls because Alexandria's Over 40 Fun & Fabulous Meetup group is throwing the most epic Ugly Holiday Sweater or Holiday Pajamas or Holiday costume Party! Dust off that questionable sweater from the back of your closet, or hit the thrift stores (or Walmart) because the uglier, the better! Or wear your FUN or FUNny holiday pajamas oh where an awesome Christmas costume maybe you’ll show up as the Grinch or Santa Claus or a polar bear?! lol Feel free to kick it up a notch and find those reindeer antlers, or elf pajamas, and join us for a night of festive hilarity. What's on the agenda, you ask? Well, besides rocking your questionable fashion choices, we're diving into the White Elephant gift exchange game. Bring a wrapped $25/$30 masterpiece that'll have everyone questioning your taste – it's the gift that keeps on giving (laughs). And because we're all about spreading JOY (and calories), don't forget to whip up an appetizer or dessert to share with our fabulous 30-person crew. Mark your calendars, pack your holiday spirit, and get ready to sleigh at the party of the year. It's going to be 'Fun & Fabulous' – you won't want to miss it! BRING A FOOD OR TREAT TO SHARE WITH THE GROUP!

PG 1946 Family/Fantasy 2hrs & 10m It's a Wonderful Life is about a kind-hearted man, George Bailey, who is shown the value of his life by a guardian angel on Christmas Eve. Overwhelmed by despair after a financial crisis, George wishes he had never been born. The angel, Clarence, takes him on a journey through an alternate reality to show him how the world would be a worse place without him, helping him realize his positive impact on his community. The film is a Christmas classic that explores themes of family, community, and the idea that true success is measured by the good one does for others, not by wealth or fame. Admission is 21 and Over Unless Accompanied By a Parent [Arlington Drafthouse FAQ-CLICK HERE](https://www.arlingtondrafthouse.com/pages/faq) All Sales Are Final-Refunds Are Not Available \* For groups of 8 or more that purchased tickets separately, please add a note in the comment section or a name under group code so we can seat everyone together. We will seat everyone together but section will be released 10 minutes before show time \* Your ticket confirmation email will act as your ticket at the box office when you check in \* Show your ticket after the show to receive a special discount at [Pike Cornerstone](http://www.pikecornerstone.com/) across the street!!

Rated R Action/Thriller 2hrs & 12min New York City policeman John McClane (Bruce Willis) is visiting his estranged wife (Bonnie Bedelia) and two daughters on Christmas Eve. He joins her at a holiday party in the headquarters of the Japanese-owned business she works for. But the festivities are interrupted by a group of terrorists who take over the exclusive high-rise, and everyone in it. Very soon McClane realizes that there's no one to save the hostages -- but him. Admission is 21 and Over Unless Accompanied By a Parent [Arlington Drafthouse FAQ-CLICK HERE](https://www.arlingtondrafthouse.com/pages/faq) All Sales Are Final-Refunds Are Not Available \* For groups of 8 or more that purchased tickets separately, please add a note in the comment section or a name under group code so we can seat everyone together. We will seat everyone together but section will be released 10 minutes before show time \* Your ticket confirmation email will act as your ticket at the box office when you check in \* Show your ticket after the show to receive a special discount at [Pike Cornerstone](http://www.pikecornerstone.com/) across the street!!

Join us for a hilarious evening of comedy at **El Rey**! Get ready to laugh your socks off with the **DMV's best comedians**! This **Standup Comedy Night** is sure to be a blast! Best of the night gets a cash prize -- and you get to decide the winner! Casual meet and greet from 7:15-7:45pm. We'll also hang for a few mins after the show for a nightcap! Time: **8:00 PM** Location: **4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203** Come and enjoy a night filled with laughter, good vibes, and unforgettable performances. Our talented lineup of comedians will have you rolling in the aisles. From witty one-liners to hilarious anecdotes, they'll keep you entertained throughout the evening. ***\*RSVP for free to snag a seat, but please tip! Cash/Venmo/Paypal/Cashapp/Plasma accepted!*\*** Link for free RSVP: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/estrogenius-all-female-comedy-show-benefitting-house-of-ruth-dc-tickets-1977995980223?aff=erelexpmlt](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/estrogenius-all-female-comedy-show-benefitting-house-of-ruth-dc-tickets-1977995980223?aff=erelexpmlt) Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to experience the **DMV's finest comedic talent**! Comedians have performed on TV, the DC Improv, The Kennedy Center, Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse, and many more clubs and venues! Best of all, admission is **FREE**! So grab your friends, reserve your seats, and get ready for a night of non-stop laughter. We can't wait to see you there! The food and drinks will be great, even if someone bombs on stage! From the creative team that brought you the popular El Rey on U Street in NW DC, comes a new taqueria & margarita bar located at the Ballston Exchange in Arlington. El Rey VA’s fiesta atmosphere features our signature margaritas, delicious tacos, and a few extra treats exclusive to the Ballston location. This event is produced by Callback Comedy

We meet on Sundays at 8 a.m. for training runs on some of DC's best trails, including Rock Creek Park and the surrounding area. We typically meet at either Peirce Mill in Rock Creek Park, or Roosevelt Island, depending on the route. Details of the weekly schedule can be found here: https://new.vhtrc.org/runs/sip We hope you can join us for a run! All paces and levels of trail experience are welcome for these runs, which range in distance from 6 to 9 miles.

PG Family/Comedy 1h & 37m Admission is 21 and Over Unless Accompanied By a Parent [Arlington Drafthouse FAQ-CLICK HERE](https://www.arlingtondrafthouse.com/pages/faq) All Sales Are Final-Refunds Are Not Available \* For groups of 8 or more that purchased tickets separately, please add a note in the comment section or a name under group code so we can seat everyone together. We will seat everyone together but section will be released 10 minutes before show time \* Your ticket confirmation email will act as your ticket at the box office when you check in \* Show your ticket after the show to receive a special discount at [Pike Cornerstone](http://www.pikecornerstone.com/) across the street!!

Let's return to world of Pandora for the third installment of the Avatar series.

It's that time for our annual Holiday Movie Festival!!! $10 per adult for an all day pass! Come and go as you please! $5 children 13 and under Dress up in your best holiday outfit for a chance to win prizes to the Arlington Drafthouse and Pike Cornerstone! Doors at 12:30PM ***The Polar Express 1PM*** Rated G Family Adventure 1hr and 40min A young boy who has grown sceptical of Santa Claus is shocked to see a train stop outside his window on Christmas Eve, destined for the North Pole. When he accepts an invitation from the conductor to climb on board, he embarks on a white-knuckle ride to Santa's headquarters, where he makes fast friends and learns an invaluable lesson about the true spirit of Christmas. ***Home Alone 2:45pm*** Rated PG Family/Comedy 1hr and 43min When bratty 8-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) acts out the night before a family trip to Paris, his mother (Catherine O'Hara) makes him sleep in the attic. After the McCallisters mistakenly leave for the airport without Kevin, he awakens to an empty house and assumes his wish to have no family has come true. But his excitement sours when he realizes that two con men (Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern) plan to rob the McCallister residence, and that he alone must protect the family home. ***Miracle on 34th Street 4:30pm*** Family Rated PG 1hr and 54min In this Christmas classic, an old man going by the name of Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) fills in for an intoxicated Santa in Macy's annual Thanksgiving Day parade. Kringle proves to be such a hit that he is soon appearing regularly at the chain's main store in midtown Manhattan. When Kringle surprises customers and employees alike by claiming that he really is Santa Claus, it leads to a court case to determine his mental health and, more importantly, his authenticity. ***[National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation 6:15pm](https://www.arlingtondrafthouse.com/shows/345430)*** Comedy/Family PG-13 1hr and 37mins As the holidays approach, Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) wants to have a perfect family Christmas, so he pesters his wife, Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo), and children, as he tries to make sure everything is in line, including the tree and house decorations. However, things go awry quickly. His hick cousin, Eddie (Randy Quaid), and his family show up unplanned and start living in their camper on the Griswold property. Even worse, Clark's employers renege on the holiday bonus he needs. ***Krampus*** Holiday/Horror PG-13 1Hr and 38mins While the holiday season represents the most magical time of year, ancient European folklore warns of Krampus, a horned beast who punishes naughty children at Christmastime. When dysfunctional family squabbling causes young Max (Emjay Anthony) to lose his festive spirit, it unleashes the wrath of the fearsome demon. As Krampus lays siege to the Engel home, mom (Toni Collette), pop (Adam Scott), sister (Stefania LaVie Owen) and brother must band together to save one another from a monstrous fate. Admission is 21 and Over Unless Accompanied By a Parent [Arlington Drafthouse FAQ-CLICK HERE](https://www.arlingtondrafthouse.com/pages/faq) All Sales Are Final-Refunds Are Not Available \* For groups of 8 or more that purchased tickets separately, please add a note in the comment section or a name under group code so we can seat everyone together. We will seat everyone together but section will be released 10 minutes before show time \* Your ticket confirmation email will act as your ticket at the box office when you check in \* Gratuity is automatically added to checks for your convenience \* Show your ticket after the show to receive a special discount at [Pike Cornerstone](http://www.pikecornerstone.com/) across the street!!

Not sure about the R-rating, but The Housemaid's Amanda Seyfried is a big favorite even if I'm not entirely sold on Sydney Sweeney. Hopefully I'm not cowering in my seat at the end. I'll be in seat E7, we'll get food after the movie.

Let's get together to play some competitive doubles volleyball. **COST**: FREE **Court Type**: Outdoor grass **Minimum Skill Requirements**: BB+ (click [here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/mobilebasic) for details) Attention: 1. This event is **NOT on a first come-first serve** basis and players with higher skill level and players who can bring a net/ball will get priority over others on the wait list. 2. Since skill levels are **self-reported**, some new attendees may not meet the expected level. For doubles, we encourage you to choose a partner you can enjoy the game with, and since this a competitive event, it is okay if you make a strong team and win all the games. 3. Each person must help set up and take down one net, leaving some nets unset for latecomers. 4. Please answer all questions, so it's helpful for us to organize the event. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Smiley Social documents:** 1. [Group Rules ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg) 2. [Liability Waiver ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco) 3. [Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/)

Join us as we kick the New Year with a fun Happy Hour and your choice of two fun, new films! Option 1 is the biographical-musical-docu-drama, SONG SUNG BLUE, which stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson in the story about a real-life couple and Neil Diamond Tribute Duo. Option 2 is the comedy-action-adventure ACACONDA, which stars Jack Black and Paul Rudd as part of a group of friends remaking a favorite movie from their youth. Here’s a complete description, trailer and our plan for this event: SONG SUNG BLUE: The film follows Lightning and Thunder, a Milwaukee husband and wife Neil Diamond tribute act, who experience success and heartbreak in their musical journey together. Not a tribute to Neil Diamond, but a tribute to a Neil Diamond Tribute Band! The film is based on the 2008 documentary of the same name and is directed by Craig Brewer. It stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, along with Michael Imperioli, Ella Anderson, King Princess, Mustafa Shakir, Hudson Hensley, Fisher Stevens and Jim Belushi. Critics call the film, “a crowd-pleaser with a ton of heart!” TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCM0Ztp3o1o ANACONDA: In this action-thriller-comedy-adventure, a group of friends going through a mid-life crisis head to the jungle to remake a favorite movie from their youth but encounter “unexpected events.” The film is directed by Tom Gormican and stars Jack Black, Paul Rudd, Selton Mello, Daniela Melchior, Thandiwe Newton and Steve Zahn. The film is a reimagining of the 1997 original. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMsFsfrPNaw PLAN: We’ll kick off the event with a pre-show Happy Hour at nearby Bravo! We’ll confirm the details and exact meeting time once we get the showtimes, but planning for 5 to 5:30pm for the Happy Hour and a 7pm-ish showing of both films. For the movies, we’ll meet inside the lobby area about 20 minutes before showtimes! Once showtimes are announced, advance ticket purchase is advised. Once you have yours, please list your Movie of Choice and seat number in the Comments below. Complete details will be confirmed and announced as the date gets closer. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

In this local meeting, you will discover knowledge that you can use to get over the past. The key to improving your personal motivation, self-confidence, and happiness is to get over your painful memories. When you become free of your past, you will be free from stress, anger, anxiety and depression. Studies show that negative emotions can affect your health. By being free of negative emotions, believe it or not, you will most likely even look younger, feel more energetic, and become healthier! Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is brought to you by the Dianetics and Scientology life improvement center.

Who doesn't enjoy a twisted tale to go along with their holiday cheer!? Join us as we get together for a psychological thriller and quite possibly the biggest book-to-film release this year: THE HOUSEMAID! The twisty-turny tale follows a young woman who takes a job as a housekeeper for a well-to-do family who could harboring dark secrets! Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Trying to escape her past, a young woman accepts a job as a live-in housemaid for a wealthy couple. But what begins as a dream job quickly unravels into something far more dangerous - a sexy, seductive game of secrets, scandal, power and filled with shocking twists that will leave you guessing until the very end. The Housemaid is directed by Paul Feig (A Simple Favor) and based on the first in a series of books by Freida McFadden. The film stars Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar, Michele Morrone and Elizabeth Perkins. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48CtX6OgU3s BUZZ: Early buzz is strong with critics calling it an "entertaining,” "twisty" and suspenseful psychological thriller with non-stop twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end! PLAN: Details for this event have already been confirmed! Please purchase your ticket for the 7:15pm showing and we’ll meet in the lobby area between 6:45 and 7:00pm! This fun little twisted thriller is shaping up to be the surprise hit of the season so advance ticket purchase as soon as possible is advised! Once you have yours please list your seat number in the Comments below. The theaters are pausing “Discount Tuesday” pricing for the holidays but we picked some of the lowest price tickets in town! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

This is a free, in person meeting. Burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

Communication is everything in life. You are only as successful as your ability to communicate! \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024

$5 MOVIE NIGHT! With avatar fire and Ash, James Cameron takes audiences back to Pandora in an immersive new adventure with marine turned Navi leader Jake Sully. Navi Warrior, Naytiri and the Solly family. The film has a screenplay by James Cameron and Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver. We will see the 6 PM showing and I will post my seat so that we can sit together. We can grab something to eat after if people want and chat to round out the experience. This is a MUST SEE MOVIE for me. I hope you feel the same. I will CANCEL if there are less than 5 RSVPs on the movie date.