User:Whit5185

1261 Tribute The apartment, 1261, also known as 1261 35th St in Georgetown, Washington, D.C., was a mythical place, where six ladies (or maybe not ALL ladies), two men and two hangers-on would congregate.

1261 was an interesting space, long and narrow, and almost always messy (1), but with the distinct ability to attract occupants. The most notable example of this was when a squirrel died in the walls, and yet people continued to come, ignoring the stench until Cookie and Jim came to clean it out.

The occupants of 1261 were perhaps even more intriguing than the place itself. They were, as follows:

David Crowley-Buck: A quiet man, he lived next door in the adjunct space, where he spent most of his time. The occasional foray into the main space of 1261 was magical, marked by a melodious deep laugh and strange political topics. His current whereabouts include living in a nice, over-priced space in New York, and a successful (albeit silent) paralegal career.

Celeste Tinari: The dancer of the group, Celeste was no stranger to breaking out into steps in the middle of a High School Musical movie, or to making the Harry Potter puppet pals scenarios the best they could be, though her talent by no means stopped there. Most talented, perhaps, was her ability to juggle 5 MILLION TASKS at one time, manifested best at finals time, when like a magician, Celeste would pull 25 page papers out of a hat (or a couple bleary all-nighters on her computer). Two years later, Celeste is dating her boyfriend of two years (and notably, NO LONGER robbing the cradle), and working in her consulting organization in D.C. The parties in her basement apartment in Columbia Heights are among the highlights of a post-1261 year.

Cal Watson: Mr. Watson, the other occupant of the adjunct space to 1261's main party zone, made an indelible mark on the house. The wry wit was balanced by good nature, even when embroiled in a year-long battle of insults with one of the hangers-on. Cal was a Renaissance man, balancing acting, school work, surprising philosophical conversations, and nights at the Tombs (post December 28, of course). Cal moved back to DC in the fall of 2007, after his work at Vassar, and is now an inhabitant of the would-be (but oh not nearly so complete) 1261 replacement, the Meridian building.(2) He can be seen there in his lovely new apartment, at the terrible gym downstairs, or in 918 where he is a much-desired guest for Gossip Girl night. Cal works at Georgetown for the equally mythical Dr. P, and his good work is being noticed by magazines, family members, and admiring friends.

Beth Walker: Beth, the English rose, with the lovely voice and more wonderful disposition. Her ability to attract admirers was understandably unparalleled, though through no fault of her own! A creature of habit, Beth could be seen on Monday evenings at the Tombs for half-priced wine with Aartie, or working diligently on reading in her room while noisy roommates shrieked downstairs (before, like any good roommate, she'd succumb to the shrieks and join them for one of the inevitable weekly tv programs). Though she broke her roommates' hearts by returning to England, she is an honorary roommate of Meridian 918, even receiving mail. She will be a brilliant barrister in no time at all, and those left behind hold out hope that her dual citizenship will continue to be exercised.

Cailin Birch: The Birch Tree, as she is affectionately known, a lover of languages, of other cultures, and of red wine, lived upstairs in her corner single. Most often seen in the kitchen cooking something far more intricate than that small space would normally permit, or on the broke-down futon watching Top Model or The Office (her all-time fave). Also could be seen occasionally on a diligent Safeway walk, pounding ground in her Pumas. She graduated with a stunning transcript, of which her current roommate is envious, that in no time landed her the entry-level-job of a lifetime at The Meridian Organization (totally unrelated to her current place of residence). A year and a half later she can be seen there, working tirelessly until she bursts back home at 7, full of stories and new plans.

Pia Shivdasani: Pia, called by Cal "Popper", is the voluptuous, silk-voiced, no-nonsense rock star. As much a juggler as her roommate Celeste, Pia could be seen working at Cafe Bonaparte, directing the Vagina Monologues, at class or in her living room, furiously doing work for an upcoming class. Though many would blame Pia for the most drunken night of their lives, the truth was, whenever there was fun out to be had, Pia was a necessary component. Pia is currently still juggling, her house of cats, sister and long-time boyfriend, her night work at Bonaparte, her tedious job at Georgetown and her infamous scooter.

Romina Canessa: Known for princess hair, her gin and tonic devotion, and a mischievous grin, Romina shared a room with Nicole. Their mutual hatred of the morning, and love of High School Musical led to a beautiful friendship that permeated through the apartment. Romina (a.k.a. Rogina) was an innovator, leading the way in fashion, night-out revelry, even pre-spring-break tanning. Romina's occasional interjection of Spanish gave way to a bemoaned move to Lima, Peru, where she is no doubt captivating a new group of followers. Still to be found on g-chat, or the occasional phone call to a former roommate, Romina's life of non-profit work, crazy eating hours and long beach weekends will eventually come to an end, and she will make her much-anticipated trip back to the U.S.

Nicole Tingir: Nicole, despite pursuing a difficult major and an active position in a school newspaper, was a great introducer of new ideas to 1261, such as the country "Armenia." Other notable contributions include High School Music paranoia (and dance moves!), love of the Pearl video, Super Fun Roommate Weekend, and general grand schemes to involve everyone she knew and loved. Nic, or "Pickle" post-college life has included captivating her new and old roommate in Apartment 918, as well as working for a healthcare consulting firm diligently, in between perusing Broadway blogs or the New York Times. D.C. will always be her next-best city, and her love of all things NY is second only to her love of all things 1261.

Aartie Manansingh: Aartie was a former roommate to many of the 1261 occupants, and a continual guest. She announced her presence with song, and walked in to the apartment as though she had just left. Indispensable for drinking games, parties, tv watching, and all things that truly happened in 1261, Aartie was beloved by all in 1261, and was as much a part of the place as the endless computer cords and half-full water glasses. "Kaajal" lives in New York and works at a non-profit now, though she does return to D.C. for some of the city's best weekends. Her whereabouts next year remain undetermined, she will no doubt bring her singing and good-doing with her wherever she ends up.

Whitney Cloud: Whitney was the last to join 1261. Though at first detested by Cal, and sworn to an immortal hatred, she eventually conned the other members of 1261 to letting her over all the time, bringing with her an occasional S'Mores party or a love of ANTM. She currently resides in 918 with Birch Tree and Pickle, and dreams of the wondrous events of 2009, and is a frequent guest of g-chat and other websites to which she will not admit.

(1) 1261 had rare moments of cleanliness, when Beth Walker or Nicole Tingir would clean for hours, and the place would sparkle. These spouts of shine lasted approximately 24 hours before returning to their former state.

(2) The Meridian building is a place where Georgetown graduates of all ages try to recreate their former apartment lives by surrounding themselves with other Georgetown folk.