Short and Sweet- Update

Recess has been amazing. Unfortunately, I still have to dress professionally. But between the daily tasks and hearing about fantasy baseball, life is good.

I'm flying home for Easter! My roommate thinks I'm homesick. No, I'm just excited to see my family! The little brother called to ask if I'd be going to his soccer game. Of course! And then the little sister had to make sure I'd play in the sand with her...always:)

Weekend of highs and lows

What did I accomplish this weekend? Other than successfully getting a sunburn, nothing! Wait, I did reply back to those who have been posting on my facebook. And I almost forgot, I ran to and around the tidal basin for the second time! The first time I ran was last Thursday- after my previous post. Let me reflect: it was the BEST run I've had. It was a cool night with a slight breeze, so awesome running weather, and I still hadn't seen the Jefferson and FDR Memorials. Between that, the D.C. views, and Ray LaMontagne- my favorite artist- it was perfect. And running more than six miles didn't feel so bad either.

On Saturday, the roommates and I went to the well-known Cherry Blossom Festival. The city was crowded with visitors and our cameras. Although it was a windy, the day was beautiful. While standing in line for Japanese food, I was sunburned on the left side of my neck and face. Painful! It still hurts and is oh so extremely attractive! We finished out the day shopping and finished late afternoon. For once, I didn't feel like going out, and Saturday night was uneventful.

Yesterday morning we woke up and laid out, and I attempted to even out the burn. Thinking too much, I couldn't handle the sedentary activity and walked to the grocery store and Eastern Market instead. Later last night I ran around the tidal basin again. After work today, Sara told me one of her co-workers roommates was mugged at gun point last night around 10 p.m. They live one block over, and I was running at the time. Granted, I was told the three muggers looked like high schoolers, but I will cut back on the late evening runs.

Oh, AND we had a break in Friday night. Once again, I miss the action that goes on at our place, which always seems to occur on the Friday nights I'm not there. The police found the guy based off the description the housemates gave, and come to find out, the guy had just been released earlier that day after serving seven years in prison! Luckily, no one was assaulted, but everyone's been pretty shaken up since then.

Ready for Recess

This week was insanely busy, and I'm just an intern! I can't imagine what life's like for everyone else on the hill. I'll be spending the weekend ENJOYING it. The Cherry Blossom Festival is Saturday and look forward to jaunting down by the Jefferson Memorial/tidal basin to check out the cherry blossoms in bloom. I guess there's even a parade I hear? Either way, I'm just looking forward to a relaxing weekend and hopefully beginning on some homework that should have been started a while ago!

Freedom is Not Free

For attention purposes, I'm placing what should be the last paragraph in this post at the beginning.

As much as I know a majority of Americans are against the current war in Iraq, I wonder if there will ever be a memorial dedicate to those who served there. While yes, not nearly as many soldiers have died as in our previous wars, I still feel as if those soldiers deserve a remembrance for their efforts, whenever it's over. And yes, although we entered the war under false pretenses, does that allow Americans to strip soldiers of their patriotism to a cause worth fighting for, and in some instance, their life? The quote at the Korean Memorial states, "Freedom is Not Free." As vague as the word "freedom" is, that statement has never resonated with me as much as it does now. The weekend was beautiful.

Having my brother here for the weekend was so much fun! It was, by far, the best weather I've experienced in D.C. I still have yet to fully recover from all the walking. Finally, I saw the war memorials- the Vietnam Memorial being my favorite. As I was trucking along, Casey was the one complaining his feet ached and wanted to take either the bus or Metro back to the apartment:) Nope, we kept walking.

Saturday night I babysat Addison for the second time, and Casey tagged along too. It ended up being an easy night with the little tyke. I cooked dinner, which felt great to eat a "home-cooked meal." She went to bed fairly early, and before I knew her parents were back. By the way, I absolutely adore them and want their lives one day. They also lent me their car again....yes, I did say again! It's been forever since I posted after the first one, and after the first time I babysat, they were gracious enough to let me take the car after they got home and use it the following day. Honestly, they are the most generous people I've ever met and have made D.C. feel that much more like "home."

So, Casey and I took the car and ventured to Arlington Cemetery Sunday. To be honest, I was terrified because I hadn't driven the car except to the grocery store and back. Luckily, Google map is a lifesaver, and we made it just in time for the changing of the guards without taking any cars out. On a sidenote, Casey thought I drove like I lived in D.C. I'm not sure whether was a compliment or not. But between the Vietnam Memorial and Arlington Cemetery, they were both emotionally draining experiences. As in pictures, the headstones continue on and on. The sacrifice thousands and thousands of soldiers have given for our country should not be taken for granted.

My Apologies!

Arg! I'm frustrated that I don't post on a more regular basis and will change. Since the last time I posted, my parents came out for a short weekend. It was great! I took them to my favorite place in D.C.- Eastern Market. They enjoyed Tunicluff's, a cozy pub, so much that we ate brunch there twice. I was growing to be slightly homesick, so seeing them brought home to me.

Work's been crazy busy. I wish I could elaborate more.

Casey, my brother, flew out Wednesday to spend half his spring break with me. I'm more or less forced to go out and show him the city. I think I need to have visitors more often! There's so much I still have to yet to experience. Today was short since I had class at 1 p.m. We ventured to the Capitol, sculpture garden and an art musuem. After class, we, including the housemates, went to the Supreme Court. I'm spent!

Tonight I'm taking him out for an Ethiopian dinner. All he knows is that we are going to an ethnic restaurant, but I'm sure he'll like it!

Side note: I found out this afternoon that I'm studying in French Polynesia for the 2010 spring semester!! Finally, my desire to study abroad is coming together!

I'm in love

I'm throwing down a cliche...I'm having the time of my life in D.C. Not only have I learned what I wrote about in my column (posted soon), but also that I am still able to find my home on the Metro after an afternoon of Sangria, which I will never partake in that specific happy hour act ever again. But if I can do it, anyone else can as well. (Photo- Pizza in Adams Morgan...an early morning heart attack waiting to happen)

Activities:
I've been a few restaurants in the area and am taking advantage of the ethnic food- a rarity in Iowa. There is a great, swanky "Asian fusion" restaurant in Chinatown, which I suggest to sushi lovers.


Mount Vernon- The local bartender took a couple of my housemates and I to Washington's home. You have to appreciate the hospitality Iowans offer to one another....His little girl was with us too. I've offered to babysit of course! (Photo- posing with GW)

Tip to anyone wanting to live in D.C- You make plans to visit different museums and explore the city, but then you catch up on prior night's sleep and wake up just to enjoy the night over again. The day is wasted. It's a viscious cycle.

Life in Washington, D.C.!

Hello, hello! Throughout the next four months, I'm posting casual updates about my time in Washington, D.C.

I've officially been here for two weeks now. My roommates are from the South--South Carolina and Georgia-- and that's been quite an experience in itself. The lives they lead are different from my Midwestern environment, but I couldn't have asked for better company to begin my experience here! They were extremely welcoming of this sole Midwesterner. They leave this week because they're only here for interim, and over the weekend the semester people will arrive. I believe the majority of them are from the Midwest, so it'll be back to me not being teased for having an accent.

My internship on Capitol Hill is amazing!! I begin work at 9 a.m. and before I know it, it's time to leave at 6 p.m. What internship can be better than that? I'm not sure on how much I can share, but those who know me know my internship. I'm gaining valuable hands-on experience in one of the most professional work environments. I interact with Capitol Hill's politicians...even if it's just to take pictures or tag along.
Erin, a fellow Simpsonian, and I had tickets to the inauguration. I'm not sure how to begin explaining the day. We were located in the Silver section, which was just before the public section, so we were pretty far back. We managed to stand directly behind the Reflection Pool. My camera has a decent, and I managed to take some "close up" pictures. The weather was ridicously cold to be standing in for hours, but attending the inauguration was well worth it. Not only was I emotionally exhausted, but battling the crowds took a toll on Erin and I; we were both ready to get out of the crowd of 2 million and into our warm apartment.

Sites visited thus far: the Washington Monument
Capitol- of course, but still waiting to take the official tour
Pentagon City Mall- Do you blame me?
Musueum of American History- The war exhibits are intense
So far, my favorite activity has been taking the short jaunt to the Eastern Market. The BEST banana bread is sold there, and I will be a regular customer for the duration I live here.