Get to know Valerie Bluestein, and then meet her – and other Jewish People of the Week – in person at our Jewish Person of the Year Celebration on May 10th!
Allie: What brought you to DC?
Valerie: I’m one of the very few DC natives! I was born at Georgetown Hospital, spent most of my childhood in Bethesda, and then went to college at University of Maryland. I’m pretty convinced that my parents brainwashed me into never moving more than 30 minutes away. Although, DC is a great place to live. So, if I’m going to be stuck somewhere, I’m glad it’s here.
Allie: What is it like to be married to the Pickle Eating Champion of DC (AKA: Max Bluestein)?
Valerie: My grocery bill has tripled, and I’ve learned to eat fast. Max is the eating champion of everything, not just pickles. I remember we had just started dating when he participated in one of the pickle eating competitions –and I was simultaneously impressed, revolted, and intrigued. But being married to Max is wonderful. We really have the best time together.
Allie: How did you meet Mr. Bluestein?
We have differing perspectives on whether our first date was a date. As someone who was taught to be courted, I didn’t count “lets meet up after my friend’s birthdayday dinner at 11pm” as a date. I thought that was just a friendly get-together. So, when I texted him before that “get-together” that I couldn’t make it, he thought I stood him up (I thought we could just reschedule)…so we didn’t talk for 3 years. Luckily, we reconnected at a Jewish event and were able to explain each of our sides of the story, confess that we both had crushes on each other, and seal it with a kiss. Good thing he’s already had his Jewish Person of the Week interview, so I’ll get the final say on this :).
Allie: Why – did you become a real estate agent?
Valerie: I’ve always been fascinated by real estate, and HGTV was always in the background at home. I’m not sure why I never considered it as a career before now. But, I decided it was time to change gears after being at my job for 8 years. After having lots of informational interviews, I decided to dive into real estate sales since it incorporates all of the skill-sets I’ve developed, and I would be doing what i love most.
Allie: What’s your favorite way to spend Shabbat?
Valerie: Enjoying a dinner with close friends.
Allie: What is your number one piece of house-hunting advice?
Valerie: You’re going to have to think with both your head and your heart. There’s so much that goes into the process – financial, emotional. It’s exciting and scary, and really important that you find a real estate agent who understands what you want and need, and gets your personality.
Allie: What is your favorite show to binge watch?
Valerie: I’ve already watched “Veronica Mars” 3 times, and I would be down to watch it again anytime.
Allie: What’s your favorite way to de-stress?
Valerie: A combination of exercise, reading, or napping.
Allie: What’s at the top of your travel bucket list?
Valerie: Being married to Max has increased my travel 1,000%. I’d love to go to Hawaii next.
Allie: Complete the sentence: When Jews of DC Gather…
Valerie: There’s a lot of food and a lot of fun.
