Hello All. Our government did not default. Thanks to the heavens above. I'm back on the west coast now, also thanks to the heavens above. Ehhh it's not as hot here. ALSO I loved DC and would tell anyone and everyone to go there. It's the best. I, myself, will probably be back there. At least, I kept my metro card so I have to go back and use the last $2. Thanks for reading the blog, I'm completely obsessed with blog stats so every visit helps! And if you want to keep up with me more then check out theflipsideofmypillow.blogspot.com. Great thanks.
Surf and Study Both Start with S
So I'm developing this theory. Let me know what you think. Every college age kid who has a healthy study life also has a heightened ability to find humorous things on the internet. Any form is acceptable (blogs, youtube, webcomics, jimmer paraphernalia). But every person that studies for more than like 5 hours a day has a list of their favorite websites they can go to for like a 2 minute break between topics or something. It's not something they set out to accomplish or become, it just comes through the circumstances. Very few people can study for forever long in one day, though it is sometimes required. The person that can study for that long with no breaks would be quite the "human" to behold. As a coping mechanism we surf the internet for comedic gold. Some are better at sifting through the lol's and are able to find the BAHAHAHAHA-I-was-embarrassed-to-read-that-in-a-public-place-because-I-couldn't-stop-laughing-because-I-was-shaking-so-hard. Ya, that is one word. Just say it really fast and blend.
Cemented Glory
So one of my glorious duties this summer is to lead tours of the Capitol. I love it. Every day I walk in and am again blown away but the grander and magnificence of it all. I tell the stories I have heard, most of the are true. There's one story that I'm pretty sure is true but I'll tell you anyway. Outside the Supreme Court Chambers in the Small Senate Rotunda there are cat paw prints immortalized in the glossy cement flooring. A fellow intern told me they were made when the Capitol was used as a bakery and a hospital during the Civil War. Interesting huh? What's even cooler is that there are stories of a demon cat that comes out only before really bad stuff happens. Like 9-11 or something like that. So the security guards see it running at them and they shoot at it and stuff but it, obviously, disappears. OOOoooooohhhhhhh! SpooooooOOOOoooky!!! There's even a website about it. Me and the other intern were looking at it the other day. And don't worry, that totally qualifies as work related research/web surfing.
High Five
As a current resident of the District I have a professional knowledge of our national debt ceiling talks and the cut/cap/balance or budget amendment talks. Just by breathing the same sick humid stifling air the politicians breathe, I gain understanding. And that understanding is limited. Nobody knows what will happen. There's the actual discussion about what the H we're going to do about our debt and budget, etc; then there's the discussion about party politics. The discussion is turning to the dearth of leadership on both the Republican and Democrat side. This discussion is proving the leading party in the House, the Republicans, to be a sort of weak and disunited party. This is an exciting time to be here. Luckily I will be flying out a few miles in front of the proverbial mushroom cloud that could occur if our government fails to do whatever they need to do. New perspectives for sure.
Crazy Hot
OK. The weather right now is UNBELIEVABLE. It's like 102 right now but feels like 121. UNREAL. We walked for 1.5 blocks, part of it in the shade, and I had back sweat. Sorry for the graphic image but it's true. So sweating here is not a big deal. It's like everyone has excessive sweating so nobody is like all embarrassed when they have tacos or anything like that. That doesn't make it ok, but it helps. But mostly we stayed at our table 15 minutes after we paid the check because we didn't want to go outside. This DUBIOUS heat is real and there are extreme heat warnings everywhere you turn. So. This is like a limit your exposure to the outside air kind of heat and air quality. I walked outside and my eyes started hurting because it was so hot.
People I Know
So today I was just thinking about how many amazing people I know. There are some people I meet and I'm like, OK, you're nice I guess, but you're not really going anywhere. See you here, same time, same place, 5 years. Then there are those people who I meet and then get to know because I can see some kind of potential in them. Those are the people who I think, OK, you are going somewhere, you have some goals, you have some original thoughts, call me if you ever want to exchange favors or have an intellectual conversation or want to mutually inspire and encourage each other. Great thanks. I can't wait to see where everyone goes in life and what they become. Should be quite the page turner.
Rope Swing
When we went to Hawaii like 10 years ago we found this super janky rope swing in the middle of a forest at the top of this AMAZING waterfall. Cody lost his glasses there. Shame. But I didn't go on it because you had to cross this river with a strong current and let's face it, I would have chickened out at the top anyway. I had another chance this weekend! After an awesome camping trip we drove out to Great Falls VA and took a 10 minute walk to the banks of the Potomac where some blessed soul has fixed a rope swing to a tree leaning over the cool river. So I went in with every intention of jumping but quickly lost my dedication to it when I imagined all the diverse injuries I could and most likely would sustain. I came out with minimal bumps I am happy to report. I went twice and flew into the shallow water feet first both times. I was working on not getting rope burn, not keeping my feet up. The photo below is an action shot of my first jump but does not include the scream that accompanied it.
Here's another picture for some context:
There was a nice ladder nailed onto the tree for ease of access. There were also a bunch of underaged drinkers and smokers. Can't believe I missed out on the experience in high school. In the middle of the river were a bunch of Yale looking college age kids, also with beers, just chillin' in the surely polluted water. Oh how they need a good beach.
Camping
I am really just eating up all of D.C., it's exactly what I needed in my life. But! This weekend I was reminded what the countryside looks like and what an open space that doesn't have a statue in the middle looks like (All the parks in D.C. are named after some kind of wealthy founding male figure. And they all rode horses). We had purified spring water and did not get sick. Tried to make fires with wet wood and endless tinder. Heard rustling in the bushes and saw a fresh looking paw print from some kind of 4 legged animal. Made friends with Chip, the Appalachian trail hiker 4 days into his 4 month trip who only smelled slightly of body oder. Pet some horses and as many as 12 dogs, all under one owner. This older retired couple walks with their dogs for like 3 hours a day on these trails, love Mormons, offered to bring us some pizza, were a little loopy, and based their life around the 12 rescue dogs and they cooked chicken or beef for their dogs for dinner every night. Absurd. The cabin was basically really great. Best part: no bug bites and no cell phone service!
Literacy
This post is dedicated to J.K. Rowling because A. It's about Harry Potter and B. It's written and Harry Potter made me literate. I watched the last installment of the movies and have, for the time being, closed that chapter in my life. I really can't say enough about how much I have loved this series. My mother forbade me from reading any more books when I was a senior in high school because it was getting just that bad. But I loved them because I could pick up any book and start reading anywhere and it was my favorite part, again. The most excited I have ever been for a Christmas present was when I opened up my very own box set during my freshman year in college. Endless Harry Potter trivia, endless web searching and fan essay reading, so many deep literary discussions. . . :) I didn't like reading before Harry Potter. I owe my literacy to J.K. Rowling, and some other people but really to her. And because I owe her my literacy it is arguable that I also owe her any success I have in this world. Maybe. Regardless my point is I love Harry Potter and will always have fond memories as I force my own children to read the series that had a place in my life from 4 grade to my senior year of college. What a legacy.
Just a Lemonade
So Sarah and I set out for just a lemonade today and ended up getting into this friends and family opening at a new restaurant in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood. We walked up to the owner and told him we would love to try out the restaurant and tell the 40 other people we live with just down the street exactly how good it is. So he asked if we were 21 then said, "Ok ladies. The deal tonight is that everything is free. So be sweet and tip well. Joel, will you find these ladies a seat at the bar." Done. Our night began. After the first 3 virgin drinks we got two amazing appetizers, 2 life changing entrees, and 3 deathly desserts. I thought the best thing we ate was the salmon with pomegranate glaze. But the almond bread pudding with home made pistachio ice cream was a close second. We also made a ton of friends with the servers and the bar tenders, left a large-ish tip, gave a pretty smile, flipped our hair, and walked out with our 4 bags full of leftovers to share with our friends back at the Barlow because they wouldn't believe us otherwise. The owner, Steve, was very gracious and we told them all just how great the food and service really was. Basically I could not stop laughing the WHOLE night. We were so lucky. It's called Circa and is the newest of 3 in D.C. Great service, great food prices, wonderful management, metro accessible, highly recommended.
DOME
So the most prolific phone call of my life came on Wednesday at like 10 am. It was a fellow Barlow intern offering me a spot on a dome tour later that afternoon! Yeah buddy!!! Dome tours are more exclusive because a member of congress "has to" be on it with you. Anywhays. It's amazing. It's only when you're looking from the balcony right under the Apotheosis of Washington that you can truly appreciate just how high Brumidi was when he painted, and it's only when you can look at eye level to the frieze that you understand just how long the 15 minutes was when he was hanging onto the scaffoldings for dear life. It's when you see the exterior of the old dome and 3 of the 13 women surrounding George turning away from the circle that you realize just how crucial the completion of this dome was during the Civil War. It's when you look down at the people below that you can understand how the Statue of Liberty can, in fact, fit inside the rotunda with 30 ft between the top of her torch and the top of the dome.
This is right above the frieze. The first stop is actually in-between the original dome and the addition. When the capitol was expanded the smaller dome looked funny so they built another dome (what we see from the outside now) around it to make the capital building look more proportional.
This is the balcony under the Apotheosis. Really, really, really, really high up.
A cell phone camera shot looking down. So, so far down.
The tour takes you outside the capitol on the roof. It's an amazing view, obviously. This is the National Mall and my excited face because we're on top of the roof. That's what's up. Oh, and my badge is in the picture too. How appropriate.
In conclusion: We went inside just as a storm was coming in; you may be able to see it in the photo above. But we heard the first boom of thunder in the distance and felt the first raindrops then saw our hair start to get static and decided we should book it down the 300+ steps of the completely iron dome.
Low Key
Sometimes all we want to do here is something low key because our days are SO packed with activities. Tonight we got IBC and went to the roof of the Kennedy Center and played cards. Turns out Alexandria was having fireworks so that was lucky. And the monuments are always more monumental at night all lit up.
Peanut Butter Overload
There is this new restaurant in Georgetown called Serendipity, you may have heard of the one in N.Y. or L.V. We split a sunday, the Can't Say No. It's a piece of peanut butter pie with two scoops of chocolate and vanilla, garnished with two sliced bananas, loads of whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and carmel topping. You know how it sounds like a ton of food and a ton of sugar and calories and almost life threatening? Well it's all that. Possibly more. They also have this dessert that's called the Treasure Chest. It's like $77 and feeds 20 people. Think of a chocolate treasure chest filled with cookies, cake, ice cream, etc. You could probably order a stretcher to the hospital as a side.
Huge Deal
So last week 4 of us went to Founding Farmers, great food, slow service, but it worked in our favor this time. Because they took so long and we made a suggestion along the lines of a free dessert we got some gift cards and 4 free desserts! Basically we ate our weight in food but it is an experience I would never trade in. I got the Reuben sandwich, pretty nice. One of our desserts was an apple pie. It came in a SPHERE. Can you believe it? The presentation was the best part. The crust was way flakey but there was too much of it compared to the half puree apple filling.
Souvenirs
The only thing I have wanted to buy for myself in D.C. thus far, souvenir wise, is some American flag shorts. Today, I have reached that goal. I looked for them everywhere on the 4th because I figured all of the tourist stands that make you pay through the nose because it's the only water in a 20 block radius would have some but they didn't! I checked online to no avail. Then! Today at the Gettysburg gift shop I found some and bought them! They're obviously a little flamboyant but I'll make them work I think. They are so awesome. I could probably even wear them to work because they're just so darn patriotic.
Oh Buddy.
Oh Buddy. The Fourth of July in D.C. is quite the experience. It's not so much the activities that go on as it is the excitement in the air or the mass amounts of red, white, and blue every which way. It's just the knowledge that not only are we celebrating the birth of a great nation, but we are doing so in that nation's capitol. And it's not just any nation. It's the United States of America. I've been able to piece together all the things I know about American history while I've been here. It's easier to remember each of their stories when you see their monument or their desk in the capitol or when you watch a really great HBO series about them all. You get it. Ok, mostly here's some pictures:
This is a parade we stepped into. It was our first encounter with hordes of people on the 4th.
The view towards the other side. Notice the carpet of people. It wasn't too crowded but there were literally people everywhere.
First of many firework pictures. The first ones are the best because there were so many fireworks that the sky mostly was full of smoke towards the end and pictures didn't turn out.
Me and Rachel. Being patriotic. It's fine.
So the fireworks were pretty good but were enhanced significantly by the location. Also, while waiting for the fireworks to begin we listened to this country singer doing her thing. So American I can't even handle it.
The Home and Garden Channel
This just turned into a find-great-places-to-sleep-on-grass blog. So the best place to sleep on the grass would be on the White House back lawn. I was privileged to tromp on this lawn when we saw Obama greet Chancellor Angela Merkel a few weeks ago. The grass is long, thick, cool, no weeds, and no nasty bugs. However, it's highly inaccessible. But if I had my way, I'd nap there on the daily.
The worst point would be at Gravelly Point where we watch the airplanes come in. Every time I go there I have such a blast but come away with such diverse bug bites that one tube of CVS Pharmacy Cortisone 1% hydrocortisone ant-itch ointment will not do the trick for long. To I'll spare you the crass details.
The next best lawn is that of the National Cathedral; it's both accessible and clean! Today a bunch of us went to participate in Evensong and I got there early with a friend who only came because of the tales I told of the great napping grass. During the flowers festival on one of our first weekends out here I took a break and connected with Mother Earth through the East Lawn, it was great. So today we slept outside under a tree for an hour then did our little prayer/sing/sit/stand thing and it was great! So, if you're looking to find some great sleeping grass with shade head on over to the National Cathedral.
The worst point would be at Gravelly Point where we watch the airplanes come in. Every time I go there I have such a blast but come away with such diverse bug bites that one tube of CVS Pharmacy Cortisone 1% hydrocortisone ant-itch ointment will not do the trick for long. To I'll spare you the crass details.
The next best lawn is that of the National Cathedral; it's both accessible and clean! Today a bunch of us went to participate in Evensong and I got there early with a friend who only came because of the tales I told of the great napping grass. During the flowers festival on one of our first weekends out here I took a break and connected with Mother Earth through the East Lawn, it was great. So today we slept outside under a tree for an hour then did our little prayer/sing/sit/stand thing and it was great! So, if you're looking to find some great sleeping grass with shade head on over to the National Cathedral.
The Fourth of July
Tomorrow I'm going to go on a run around the National Mall so I can be super patriotic. And if I see any type of american flag shorts while I'm out, I'm buying some. Boxers, spandex, parachute, banana, briefs, diaper, or gym shorts. I'm getting some. then I'm going to put them on for the rest of the day. I don't even care if I get ripped off by some trolley souvenir truck man with an absurdly high price.
Sleeptime Interlude
Ok friends. This morning at 5 am I was awaken by bright flash of lightening, the loud tear of thunder, and a torrential downpour. I am usually the person who completely misses the HUGE thunderstorm during the night but this one was so loud it was hard to miss. Using my super scientific "Mississippi Count Rule" I deduced that the storm was happening literally right above us since the thunder and lightening was virtually simultaneous for much of the storm. And it wasn't a sporadic storm like you had to try really hard to listen and hear, it was constant for a solid 20 minutes.
The sound was amazing. I've never been in a storm that long before so I've never been able to listen for so long. It really sounds like the sky is tearing in half; like it's a thick and layered piece of butcher paper that just gets ripped and you're an ant right on the side of the rip so the sound is literally larger than life. Then it morphs into a crack or clap that I would compare to smacking two 2x4s together. Follow that up with a huge boom that, when reduced to a human level of measurement, can only come out of a very large man. I realize that makes no sense but if there were someone in the sky making this noise then it would be a very large, tall, muscular yet fat man wearing suspenders and slippers with a button down shirt and partially balding just letting the boom start at his feet letting it fly out.
Dixon and I went down to the library to try and get a better view of the sky but it had mostly passed by then. But we had fun running through the halls. I thought today that it would have been an excellent time for large scale hide and go seek either inside with the lights off with only the lightening to reveal the hidden, or outside where the possibility of fatality rises at the same rate as excitement.
I thought this was an appropriate time for Mother Nature to give this great storm to the district as it is Independence Day weekend. I like to think it was her way of putting her own fireworks show for us; it was her way of celebrating America with us.
This was obviously a significant event in my life because this was so long. But just read it in sections, paragraph by paragraph. Maybe have someone read it to you or go make a sandwich for an intermission.
The sound was amazing. I've never been in a storm that long before so I've never been able to listen for so long. It really sounds like the sky is tearing in half; like it's a thick and layered piece of butcher paper that just gets ripped and you're an ant right on the side of the rip so the sound is literally larger than life. Then it morphs into a crack or clap that I would compare to smacking two 2x4s together. Follow that up with a huge boom that, when reduced to a human level of measurement, can only come out of a very large man. I realize that makes no sense but if there were someone in the sky making this noise then it would be a very large, tall, muscular yet fat man wearing suspenders and slippers with a button down shirt and partially balding just letting the boom start at his feet letting it fly out.
Dixon and I went down to the library to try and get a better view of the sky but it had mostly passed by then. But we had fun running through the halls. I thought today that it would have been an excellent time for large scale hide and go seek either inside with the lights off with only the lightening to reveal the hidden, or outside where the possibility of fatality rises at the same rate as excitement.
I thought this was an appropriate time for Mother Nature to give this great storm to the district as it is Independence Day weekend. I like to think it was her way of putting her own fireworks show for us; it was her way of celebrating America with us.
This was obviously a significant event in my life because this was so long. But just read it in sections, paragraph by paragraph. Maybe have someone read it to you or go make a sandwich for an intermission.
Better Than a Roach Coach
So before I left for D.C. I tried to hit up the Food Truck craze but was unsuccessful. But! Luckily I have an awesome friend out here who found Food Truck Friday at Farragut Square! Dream. Come. True. Yesterday I was able to participate in the frenzy. It was pretty epic. Not like danger and adrenaline epic but like this is a big city cultural D.C. experience. I'm totally sold and will be returning. I got some mac and cheese, a bit of a sandwich, and some BBQ pork. Don't worry, we all shared so I didn't down all that. But I'm def a fan.
Topic #1
The humidity here, nay, the east coast in general, is quite unbearable. There are some days where I walk outside and ask myself, "Who decided to build our nation's capitol on a swamp? Is that really the best indicator of success for the future of America?" It's the worst when it rains just before the sun comes out in the morning and all the water evaporates but doesn't go up into the sky; it just hangs in midair waiting for you to walk by and mix it up. I bet if you looked hard enough you could even see the actual water droplets.
There was one weekend when I had to go to the store and buy some new, cooler clothes because I swore to never wear pants again, only skirts. Thus, my new love for skirts for all occasions.
Today I found myself wishing for slightly more humidity because my hair was getting static, then I kicked myself because that is the last thing anyone should wish for.
Sometimes the heat is really nice. Our apartments can get really cold and they just fixed the air conditioning on our floor so it's as if they want to make up for how hot it was at the beginning so they set the temp on sub zero. So when I've been cold for any length of time at work, home, or in transit (bus/metro) then a short stint outside where I can feel the atmosphere pressing down upon me from all sides is nice.
There was one weekend when I had to go to the store and buy some new, cooler clothes because I swore to never wear pants again, only skirts. Thus, my new love for skirts for all occasions.
Today I found myself wishing for slightly more humidity because my hair was getting static, then I kicked myself because that is the last thing anyone should wish for.
Sometimes the heat is really nice. Our apartments can get really cold and they just fixed the air conditioning on our floor so it's as if they want to make up for how hot it was at the beginning so they set the temp on sub zero. So when I've been cold for any length of time at work, home, or in transit (bus/metro) then a short stint outside where I can feel the atmosphere pressing down upon me from all sides is nice.
There is, in fact, a downside to cobblestones.
I realize this is turning into a fashion blog and I apologize, but let's be honest, one of the main reasons I came out here was for the new wardrobe. Never wear heels when you are walking across the city on cobblestone sidewalk. This happens quite often because D.C. is so darn historic they haven't changed the sidewalks since forever so there is a lot of cobblestone and brick making up my pathway, and because we wear business attire and I like wearing heals. The deadliness of this combination dawns on me almost daily as my heals get stuck in crack after crack. I can feel the fake wood layer around the pointed heal getting scrunched up. Then I can sense the little rubber part on the bottom of the heal literally twist like nails on a chalk board. Then the bottom of the shoe wears out and I'm looking at a $15 trip to the cobbler for some repairs. Bright side: I can say I've been to a cobbler.
New York
So I got to randomly go to New York last Saturday. We were up for 23 hours straight and by the end of the day I could really feel it! Highlights: biking central park, pizza in Brooklyn, Canal Street, Brooklyn Bridge, Stardust Diner, Time Square, New York delies and bagles, long sub zero temperature bus rides, lots and lots of pictures. Here's the thing. A. It's hot outside in New York. B. We're taking pictures. C. Putting the two together does not make for very attractive pictures.
Coping
Sometimes life is stressful. Sometimes you get the sweet pleasure of watching someone else hilariously release their stress. Sometimes that release comes in the form of a rap and a little jig. Sometimes the lyrics consist of the two words "legislate" and "dance" in any number of combinations.
Legislate and dance!
Legislate and dance!
Legislate and dance!
Legislate and dance!
Legislate!
Legislate!
Legislate and dance!
Coping is fun. Then you do a little jig and it's an instant office hit. Done.
Tent Warfare
Yesterday I started a story with, "So, once I was wearing the most ridiculous outfit. . . " That doesn't happen very much, contrary to popular belief. BUT! I think the occasional outrageous flower flowy huge sleeve lace and pearl button top is appropriate. Even if it is a little like wearing a tent. It's so perfect with a navy blue high waste skirt that it doesn't even matter what anyone else thinks. And even if my shoes literally kill my feet I will still wear them because the 3 crucial piece outfit is like an inseparable couple of middle schoolers; they just have too much fun together to break up the trio.
Vague Metaphors
In the Metro and really any escalator in D.C. there is an unspoken rule about walking up the escalator and just standing. On each escalator the right side is for standing and the left side is for walking. I usually walk. I like to think my time is SO valuable and my calf muscles SO huge that I am a walker. And I usually forget about the rule and get shoved into that line anyway so I just end up walking. It's also the overachiever side. OK. So, if I say, "This morning was a right side of the escalator kind of morning," you'll be able to derive some meaning out if it. I think it means that the morning beat me down so much already (before 8:30 am) that to avoid further provoking I should just stand while ascending to the street level rather than racing to my fate. Just for this morning anyway.
Creative Enhancement
Tonight we played this game called R.A.U., Reckless Abandonment Uno. I realize this is an extreme title but quite accurately characterizes the game. Suffice it to say, I will not be able to fall asleep for some time because my heart rate is still falling. Though I was a in resting position I'm pretty sure I got rug burns and may have (probably) pulled a muscle from a victory dance. I don't know which victory dance though because there were too many and they were too epic.
Heaven is Spelled 15 Minutes by the Potomac.
Have you ever sat at the end of the dock at the Wharf at Mount Vernon on a bench facing the water that you are just sure Washington himself relaxed on while letting the wind blow the wisps of your hair every which way but you don't care because you're slipping into a slow relaxing state that may be sleep except the air is so cool and fresh that you stay awake just to make sure you suck in every bit of it you can? Hmm. You should.
Lost Story
So, for the first 3 weeks I was here I got lost EVERY day. To say the least, it was frustrating; for I have never been one to get lost before. I'm no human compass, a moral compass yes, but nothing that points to the magnetic north or anything, but I'm good enough. Every day I went into the metro, came out at some location, and had NO idea which way was the right way. I walk a block or two and if the numbers are going the wrong way then I turn around. NBD. But then! I went to the gym before my first day of work, walked with some people, left a little early and alone so I had to find my own way home. Get running so I can make it on time, run 3 blocks in what I'm confident is the right direction, talk to a security guard, run 3 blocks back in the real right direction, find Pennsylvania Ave., then finally make it home. Same day. Still the First day of work. Get out of the metro and look for the Capitol to get my bearings with no luck and while working my very hardest to not look like a newbie I set off confidently in what I think is the right direction. Walk 3 blocks in the wrong direction, totaling 6 blocks extra in new shoes when I find the office. By the time I get to work my heals are literally bleeding and those physical scars have just recently healed though the emotional scars are still a part of me. To leave this with a happy ending: Today a group of people asked me where Dupont was and I gave the precise and clear directions. Such a local.
More Than Life Itself
Today was a GREAT day.
A. It rained.
B. Saw some interesting people on the Metro ride to work. LOVE the metro.
C. I love going to my work.
D. Gave up my seat for an old lady on the bus (Good deed anyone?)
E. I got some mail thanks to my sha sha deev sister B. You're the best!
F. Got out of the city to participate in a mustache party in a retro Coke Diner.
G. Played an awesome game of Truth or Die.
H. Ran home from the metro in the rain and got totally soaked!
I. Discussed current events and won an arm wrestle. Yes, purposely listed as one event.
J. Topped off the night with half a free Key Lime Sprinkles cupcake from my wonderful roommate.
K. Will soon relinquish my will over to the Sand Man and fall deeply into a slumber experiencing a restfulness only spoken of in fairy tales.
A. It rained.
B. Saw some interesting people on the Metro ride to work. LOVE the metro.
C. I love going to my work.
D. Gave up my seat for an old lady on the bus (Good deed anyone?)
E. I got some mail thanks to my sha sha deev sister B. You're the best!
F. Got out of the city to participate in a mustache party in a retro Coke Diner.
G. Played an awesome game of Truth or Die.
H. Ran home from the metro in the rain and got totally soaked!
I. Discussed current events and won an arm wrestle. Yes, purposely listed as one event.
J. Topped off the night with half a free Key Lime Sprinkles cupcake from my wonderful roommate.
K. Will soon relinquish my will over to the Sand Man and fall deeply into a slumber experiencing a restfulness only spoken of in fairy tales.
Corners?
Every time I point out this statue in the capitol rotunda I say, "And in this corner. . . " There are no corners in a circle room! In this hemisphere? In that general direction? Somewhere in the room you may find a statue that resembles? Vague hand motion? There is no solution. I'll simply continue to say corner and test the intelligence of each group. Whoever reminds me there are no corners in a circular room gets extra time to take pictures.
Let's Be For Real
OK. In all seriousness. I am so thankful that we live in a country with the kind of system that we have where people feel like they can make a phone call and change the world. That is a rare gift so few people in this world enjoy now. So instead of that direct and efficient line of communication they resort to other means of getting their voice heard, usually having something to do with a tragic story on the evening news. So, as I count my blessings please count your own. The shear institutions of our government and the traditions that come along with it should be enough to make us shout for joy and proclaim the glory of it all every time we think about it. So I'll put my soapbox in the corner and get it back out during the next late night uncensored blogging splurge.
Stay in Control
I would like to share with you all some advice. When you are speaking to people on the phone who have an endless list of grievances, do not wait for them to finish a thought before interjecting one of your own. This time will never come. The grammatical abilities and logical thought processes are not sufficient, oft times, to allow for a clear end of sentence, thought, paragraph, or even phone call. In fact, for a person so passionate about what they are saying I feel like they would need some kind of closure at the end of a phone call, like they had completed something, or like something had been resolved. I guess that's why they call back? . . . Do not let them have control of the conversation if you want to be out of there in under 4 minutes. Keep talking the whole time so they remember you're there and they're not just talking to an endless tape recorder. I think of what Fred and George say about Mrs. Weasley, you have to cut her off early or she'll just keep going and will get more and more angry. Same idea. Stay in control. The closing statement is crucial as well because you actually can't take a breath until you hang up the phone. Once you take a breath they have another unshared thought that is bursting to get out to the world. Love. Bless.
Trumpet Man
Remember that one bum who plays the trumpet? The breathing, walking, talking, trumpet playing, begging quagmire? I heard him again today. Across the street from the last place I heard him. It was AMAZING. I must meat this man.
Mrs. Jam
Names have been changed to protect the innocence of all involved.
In the course of my work week I get a variety of phone calls, some from the same person, over, and over, and over, and over. Luckily, we talk about something new every time so it never gets boring. . . One of these persons is Mrs. Jam. Because she, and others, call frequently I made a decision to form a personal relationship with them in hopes of calming the raging storm of information coming through the headset every time I picked up the phone. I hoped that a friend on the other line rather than just a voice would temper their passion. BUT! This backfired. We Mrs. Jam was way too into it and the second time she called following my altered approach she told me she loved me! Right before we hung up she said, "I love you." O.K. Mrs. Jam. That's it. Comment line. Too weird.
In the course of my work week I get a variety of phone calls, some from the same person, over, and over, and over, and over. Luckily, we talk about something new every time so it never gets boring. . . One of these persons is Mrs. Jam. Because she, and others, call frequently I made a decision to form a personal relationship with them in hopes of calming the raging storm of information coming through the headset every time I picked up the phone. I hoped that a friend on the other line rather than just a voice would temper their passion. BUT! This backfired. We Mrs. Jam was way too into it and the second time she called following my altered approach she told me she loved me! Right before we hung up she said, "I love you." O.K. Mrs. Jam. That's it. Comment line. Too weird.
My Favorite Park
In my first week here I happened upon this wonderful gem in the middle of Georgetown and have oft frequented it since. It is a public park behind an old house. This park needs a good poem to go with it. It is so serene and perfect in the middle of a busy city. It's beautiful and relaxing and peaceful. I have a small suspicion that magical things can happen here. In fact, I have evidence to prove it.
Evidence one: there is a bench in this park that curves outward. It is the only one of its kind I have seen thus far in my life. As a HUGE fan of benches (thanks Heather), I appreciate this magical aspect.
I believe I have provided compelling evidence to support my claim. My work here is done. Pictures are provided to aid your imagination of magical things.
Evidence one: there is a bench in this park that curves outward. It is the only one of its kind I have seen thus far in my life. As a HUGE fan of benches (thanks Heather), I appreciate this magical aspect.
Evidence two: once I ate a free magical cupcake there.
Evidence three: the other night we had an ipod dance party during the night. If you know anything about ipod dance parties then you know this is a big deal, and as such, is magical.
Evidence four: I saw my first lightning bug here (magical).
Evidence five: if Harry Potter took place at Georgetown University (it could because Georgetown University is a castle), then he would spend time at this park. AKA, this park is magical.
I believe I have provided compelling evidence to support my claim. My work here is done. Pictures are provided to aid your imagination of magical things.
Airplanes in the Night Sky
Tonight we went to the outskirts of Reagan International Airport to this janky park to watch the airplanes land. So cool, right? Well it is. We took a blanket and laid it out right at the start of the runway and watched the planes fly right above us. There really is nothing like it! Fun: lay down and have them fly over you then roll over really fast to watch them the rest of the way. More Fun: listen after the plane has past for the swoosh of air sound that follows. Funnest: go out in the field and when the plane gets closer start running with it then watch as the ground lights up around you when it flies overhead. Super fun: take jumping pictures with an airplane landing in the background. Slightly less fun but super entertaining: give your camera to the nice man who offers to take the picture so everyone can be in it then take 80+ practice pictures before the next airplane comes then when it does come have him miss the picture completely but it doesn't matter anyway because you're so tired after 90+ practice shots that you can't jump anyway. Then realize that he didn't need all those practice shots, he just thought it was funny that you would keep jumping every time he said, "OK, one more." Then you stop jumping.
Sassy Hobo
This morning I was on my way to the gym with a soccer ball under one arm and my ipod in the other hand. I was in the traditional running getup with the shorts, knee brace, running shoes, sick shirt and hair up. Then! I walk by this hobo and kinda smile at him just to acknowledge his existence. As I walk by he says, "Well get running." Thank you hobo man, but I would look dumb if I tried to run with all these packages. But I appreciate your opinion. Have a nice day!
Danga! Danga! I'm on Fi-ya!
Some of you reading this may have had some vague notion in the past that there is a small part of me that likes to be around, or in the middle of, the action and attention. Though I am not familiar with the origins of this impression, I have been made aware of its existence by a few. Well, you'll like this story.
So imagine me in a small kitchen frying up some teriyaki chicken to top my long grain reheated white rice. I'm cookin' this chicken and am getting so INVOLVED in the whole culinary experience like you wouldn't believe! I'm intensely dreaming of the sweet sauce and nourishment my body will receive that I don't notice the smoke. As I pull the pan off the burner I'm awaken from this dream by a flashing light and siren, here meaning 'fire alarm.' So. Because here at the Barlow Center we all follow directions and strive for the safest environment, people start flooding into the already occupied small kitchen to see who done it. As people file pass and spread the news to other areas of the Center I call the fire department, tell them it's a false alarm, turn on the fan, and go through the necessary procedures to let the curious know that there really is nothing to see. What an addition to my repertoire of experiences here in D.C.
So imagine me in a small kitchen frying up some teriyaki chicken to top my long grain reheated white rice. I'm cookin' this chicken and am getting so INVOLVED in the whole culinary experience like you wouldn't believe! I'm intensely dreaming of the sweet sauce and nourishment my body will receive that I don't notice the smoke. As I pull the pan off the burner I'm awaken from this dream by a flashing light and siren, here meaning 'fire alarm.' So. Because here at the Barlow Center we all follow directions and strive for the safest environment, people start flooding into the already occupied small kitchen to see who done it. As people file pass and spread the news to other areas of the Center I call the fire department, tell them it's a false alarm, turn on the fan, and go through the necessary procedures to let the curious know that there really is nothing to see. What an addition to my repertoire of experiences here in D.C.
Intern Amanda Lives
Also, there is something you should know. Today, I dawned the dress, and with that an identity. I styled the classic gray intern dress, wide neck, knee length, cap sleeves, small black belt, adorable pointed black leather shoes, oversized pearl necklace and earrings, and my professional/intelligent/stylin' black and silver rimmed glasses. I added a white cardigan with rosettes (naturally), a gray purse with a scarf, and a small silver an black flower ring with a surprising amount of sparkle and class. Then I put the hip in my hop and the hop in my step and all I needed was a loose low bun in my hair to be the quintessential me. But, oh buddy, Intern Amanda lived today.
My Most Favorite Street Persons
I love the street people who don't jus beg but try and provide their financiers with something worth paying for. When I'm on the bus and we pull up to a corner and I hear the wonderful sound of a trumpet, and it's playing a wonderful tune, I feel wonderful. Or when there is a man at the top of the metro escalators who has a Casio piano, amps, a saxophone, and a mac computer and is serenading the whole square! That was really one of my best days. I also marvel at the normal smelly hobo who has one flute that is so clear and penetrating. I'm honestly shocked. It is quite a juxtaposition to see a disheveled and unkempt man producing something so clean and really it's just out of place. Maybe that's why I like this quandary. It introduces such a mess for me to sort out then combine into one story.
My Favorite Bums
1. The man living on a park bench while using an apple MacBook Pro. . . ?
2. The man in the wheel chair who plays music from his boom box.
3. The man who plays the banjo, sells books, and is affectionately addressed with, "My man! What's up?"
2. The man in the wheel chair who plays music from his boom box.
3. The man who plays the banjo, sells books, and is affectionately addressed with, "My man! What's up?"
Crazy.ppl.dc_1
So we're walking to the Metro to go to some inconsequential location when we pass the Thai food restaurant where a mad man is wearing some Peter Pan shorts, no shirt, and fitting a vine around his body as some kind of decoration. We had a disturbing laugh. He proceeded to walk in our direction at which point we put booked it out of there.
Curiously, I saw the same crazy man today. He was using jazz hands and big facial expressions at each person who looked at him as he passed. Again, no shirt and spandex shorts. Disturbing. I kept a safe distance.
Curiously, I saw the same crazy man today. He was using jazz hands and big facial expressions at each person who looked at him as he passed. Again, no shirt and spandex shorts. Disturbing. I kept a safe distance.
LOVEtheMetro_1
The other day on the metro the announcer made everything sound like it was a Disneyland tram. "Welcome aboard the blue line train! Last stop Largo Town Center and Franconia Springfield." Then, "Thank you for riding the blue line train! Watch your step and have a nice day!" And all this in his most clear WWF announcer voice. It was all way too chipper for me to handle. The heat in the car, however, was just bearable with Walt Disney coming over the loudspeakers. Just one more way the metro reminds me of Disneyland.
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