Alright, so I'm sorry that this has nothing to do with Washington, or my travels or my experiences. But I just got this e-mail and it completely made my day. This gives me so much hope!
It was sent to me by Mary LaPrairie who chairs the Woodbury Relay For Life, but it was written by Reuel Johnson, the National Vice President for Relay For Life. Please read if you have the time.
"Two years ago, in April 2007, Virginia Tech was the center of the world's attention ...and Relayers worldwide felt a great deal of pride and admiration when the university president and the student Relay For Life leaders decided to go ahead with the planned Relay just days after the tragic deaths of 32 students and faculty ...showing that Virginia Tech was indeed a very special place...
The students and the university community followed up the next year (2008) with solid increases in teams and dollars raised …coming in at $294,000 ... second only to Georgetown University...but they had only just begun. I had the privilege of being there and speaking at the opening ceremony and just wanted to share a few observations with you ... you may have heard some of the numbers but I wanted to share some additional things as well…
The story of the 2009 Virginia Tech RFL is just incredible...here it is, but it won't do it justice ... you really had to be there!!
- 484 Teams
- 5300 Team members
- $482,500 raised....$188,000 increase over last year
- the RFL was held in the most visible and central location - the drill field - not an easy thing to do !!
- the production company did an outstanding job with the stage, sound system - it was almost like a mini-Celebration On the Hill set-up with the screens around the track, etc
- the event co-chairs - Chris Armstrong and Alice Wagner -- were outstanding !! They have attended and helped to lead sessions at the nationwide and South Atlantic Division Collegiate Leadership Summits
- the student newspaper did a special Relay insert on Friday morning
- Chris and Alice had a total of 120 committee members
- the event had a live video that could be viewed from a connection on RFL.org
- all the trash cans throughout the campus were wrapped with Relay stage wrap ... you could not be on campus and not know that RFL was coming
- the Relay was held on Alumni and Spring football game weekend
- the University President, Dr Charles Steger is very supportive .. and in spite of having to be at a number of functions on Friday still came down to the opening ceremony
- Doctor Steger also requested that the VT Alumni Board stop down and visit the RFL after their formal (tux) dinner ... and a number of them did just that
- I had the opportunity to talk with probably 20-25 committee members during the evening ... can't recall a single committee member who had not been involved in Relay for a number of years .. some with 6-8+ years of Relay experience
- another 5-7 that I talked with would love to work with the ACS !!
- Teams were still signing up the day of the event
- a bunch of VT football players came to the event .. high-fiving the Relayers around the track
- Both Chris and Alice had very personal reasons to Relay (and to lead)...Chris' mom is a 10 cancer survivor and Alice's mom is fighting a very tough on-going battle with cancer...she is fighting to get to the Relay and Alice's graduation in a couple of weeks!!
- Chris' family hosted a tent and invited the parents of any committee member who would be attending to stop by so they would have a place to gather/meet
- There was a big 'Why Do You Relay' board that students could write on ... it was full!!
- the number of survivors was impressive for a university Relay...lots of community and university/faculty represented
- ACS staff support was great...Stephen Milleson has been the primary staff support for years, he recently moved to a new position in the SA Div so Jessica Huff, State RFL director, stepped in…and clearly they did not miss a beat...Stephen didn't miss the event...he was there running the live video feed among other things
- the support of the university is exceptional...they provide for some of the basics that make the event happen
- by having it on Alumni weekend there were lots of folks who came down to see what was going on
- 5000+ students participating in a Relay is an amazing sight!!
- Chris and Alice are exceptional leaders...the event was nearly flawless…the committees all did their jobs...should remind us that this a lot more about developing young leaders as it is about putting on an event !!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Taking a trip...
Alright, so before I start packing my bags, I thought I should write-up some travel advice for anyone who is considering traveling to DC.
There are a lot of fun things to do and see in Washington!
If you vacation out here, I would recommend staying in a hotel outside of DC. Hotel prices in Washington can be pretty pricey, but it’s cheaper staying in Virginia or Maryland.
The Metro system is absolutely fantastic!!! It’s safe and convenient and can get you just about anywhere you need to go. They are pretty busy during rush hour on weekdays, but at most other times, you should have no problem getting a seat. Make sure your hotel is by a Metro station and you will be set!
Oh and remember to stand on the right side of the escalators and walk up the left side! The locals get pretty annoyed when you get in their way, and they will probably voice it!
Things to see, places to go… For younger kids, the museums are pretty cool. The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and the American Museum of Natural History are must sees (and a plus, they are free!). They are pretty interactive, especially Air and Space. The National Zoo is awesome, so if you get a chance, it’s a good way to spend some time outside!
The Holocaust Museum is really well put together, but it may be too intense for younger kids. I would definitely recommend it, but you will probably leave feeling a little depressed. I did it in two shots, only because it was too depressing to do it all at once. Again, this one is free.
The Newseum documents the history of journalism. It is really interesting, especially if you are into journalism or communication. You could easily spend five hours there. The only downside to it is that it isn’t free. I think I paid $20 for a student ticket.
Of course you have to do the “Washington” things. If you want to tour the Capitol, I would suggest contacting your Representative or Senator’s office. Their tours are much more interesting. The Monuments are gorgeous. If it is warm enough out, try to walk along the National Mall and around the Tidal Basin at night. The White House is very rarely open for tours, but it may be worth a shot. Contact your Representative or Senator’s office and they will try, but don’t count on it.
If you are looking for some evening entertainment, consider going to the Capitol Steps performance. They basically mock politicians and government, both sides of the aisle, in a musical way. Definitely one of the highlights of my trip!
You can find Ghost tours online. Tours were not going when I was out here, but I have heard they are really fun! Washington is full of angry, dead politicians.
Check out Georgetown and Eastern Market if you get a chance. Eastern Market is a fairly big farmers market, with lots of crafts and antiques. Georgetown is the hot scene on the weekends. It’s the upscale neighborhood with lots of good shopping and dining options.
Mount Vernon is a little outside the city, but it is a beautiful estate. For those of you who don’t know much about it, Mount Vernon was the home of George Washington. This isn’t free, but you could spend a day there. The house is open to tour, you can walk around the grounds and through the gardens, see his tomb, etc. It is well kept and a great way to spend a day in nice weather. You will have to go to the end of the yellow line (Huntington) and then take a bus out.
Other fun things to try: Ford’s Theater (where Lincoln was shot), the National Archives (where the Constitution and Declaration of Independence are kept), Bureau of Engraving and Printing (you can watch money roll of the press), and the Supreme Court (you can sit in on a Supreme Court case if they are in session and if you get there early enough)!
Most of the tourist-y things are free, paid for by tax dollars and donors. Privately owned things are not, and they can be a little on the pricy side, especially if you are with a big family.
If you enjoy being outside, rent bikes for a day and ride around the Mall. Or picnic on the Mall or fly a kite on the Mall.
Where to go out to eat? Remember I am fairly picky, so you might not agree with me, but here is what I have:
Ben’s Chili Bowl
Olive’s
Chadwicks
DC Coast
Hard Rock Café
If none of those ideas work, you can usually find something good in Old Town Alexandria. There is a free trolley that will take you up and down King Street. If you want a quick bite to eat for lunch, you can always find a Cosi (think like Panera).
I also have a box of cards with planned walks you can take. They are a lot of fun, so if you would like to borrow them, feel free to ask!
The flowers are gorgeous!!! Cherry Blossom season in March/April is absolutely incredible, and shortly after that, the tulips go like gang busters!!!! Oh and if you travel in the winter: Washington does not deal with snow very well! We Minnesotans are much tougher!!! Weather-wise, expect the unexpected. I was walking outside in shorts and a tank top in February when it was 70 degrees, but it can be very cold and rainy too!
Alright, I know that was pretty long, but hopefully it was a little helpful to anyone who is planning a vacation, or looking for somewhere to go!
Over and out!
There are a lot of fun things to do and see in Washington!
If you vacation out here, I would recommend staying in a hotel outside of DC. Hotel prices in Washington can be pretty pricey, but it’s cheaper staying in Virginia or Maryland.
The Metro system is absolutely fantastic!!! It’s safe and convenient and can get you just about anywhere you need to go. They are pretty busy during rush hour on weekdays, but at most other times, you should have no problem getting a seat. Make sure your hotel is by a Metro station and you will be set!
Oh and remember to stand on the right side of the escalators and walk up the left side! The locals get pretty annoyed when you get in their way, and they will probably voice it!
Things to see, places to go… For younger kids, the museums are pretty cool. The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and the American Museum of Natural History are must sees (and a plus, they are free!). They are pretty interactive, especially Air and Space. The National Zoo is awesome, so if you get a chance, it’s a good way to spend some time outside!
The Holocaust Museum is really well put together, but it may be too intense for younger kids. I would definitely recommend it, but you will probably leave feeling a little depressed. I did it in two shots, only because it was too depressing to do it all at once. Again, this one is free.
The Newseum documents the history of journalism. It is really interesting, especially if you are into journalism or communication. You could easily spend five hours there. The only downside to it is that it isn’t free. I think I paid $20 for a student ticket.
Of course you have to do the “Washington” things. If you want to tour the Capitol, I would suggest contacting your Representative or Senator’s office. Their tours are much more interesting. The Monuments are gorgeous. If it is warm enough out, try to walk along the National Mall and around the Tidal Basin at night. The White House is very rarely open for tours, but it may be worth a shot. Contact your Representative or Senator’s office and they will try, but don’t count on it.
If you are looking for some evening entertainment, consider going to the Capitol Steps performance. They basically mock politicians and government, both sides of the aisle, in a musical way. Definitely one of the highlights of my trip!
You can find Ghost tours online. Tours were not going when I was out here, but I have heard they are really fun! Washington is full of angry, dead politicians.
Check out Georgetown and Eastern Market if you get a chance. Eastern Market is a fairly big farmers market, with lots of crafts and antiques. Georgetown is the hot scene on the weekends. It’s the upscale neighborhood with lots of good shopping and dining options.
Mount Vernon is a little outside the city, but it is a beautiful estate. For those of you who don’t know much about it, Mount Vernon was the home of George Washington. This isn’t free, but you could spend a day there. The house is open to tour, you can walk around the grounds and through the gardens, see his tomb, etc. It is well kept and a great way to spend a day in nice weather. You will have to go to the end of the yellow line (Huntington) and then take a bus out.
Other fun things to try: Ford’s Theater (where Lincoln was shot), the National Archives (where the Constitution and Declaration of Independence are kept), Bureau of Engraving and Printing (you can watch money roll of the press), and the Supreme Court (you can sit in on a Supreme Court case if they are in session and if you get there early enough)!
Most of the tourist-y things are free, paid for by tax dollars and donors. Privately owned things are not, and they can be a little on the pricy side, especially if you are with a big family.
If you enjoy being outside, rent bikes for a day and ride around the Mall. Or picnic on the Mall or fly a kite on the Mall.
Where to go out to eat? Remember I am fairly picky, so you might not agree with me, but here is what I have:
Ben’s Chili Bowl
Olive’s
Chadwicks
DC Coast
Hard Rock Café
If none of those ideas work, you can usually find something good in Old Town Alexandria. There is a free trolley that will take you up and down King Street. If you want a quick bite to eat for lunch, you can always find a Cosi (think like Panera).
I also have a box of cards with planned walks you can take. They are a lot of fun, so if you would like to borrow them, feel free to ask!
The flowers are gorgeous!!! Cherry Blossom season in March/April is absolutely incredible, and shortly after that, the tulips go like gang busters!!!! Oh and if you travel in the winter: Washington does not deal with snow very well! We Minnesotans are much tougher!!! Weather-wise, expect the unexpected. I was walking outside in shorts and a tank top in February when it was 70 degrees, but it can be very cold and rainy too!
Alright, I know that was pretty long, but hopefully it was a little helpful to anyone who is planning a vacation, or looking for somewhere to go!
Over and out!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
The end is near.....
No, this isn't an apocalyptic prophecy. My internship is winding down and I will be home in a little over a week. Very happy about that!!!!
So a long overdue update. Not a whole lot happened between when Jake was here and when my parents visited. A lot of work, a little school and that was about it.
My parents flew out on Easter Sunday. I picked them up at the airport, we checked into the hotel and went out to dinner. Sunday night was authentic Italian at Il Portos in Old Town Alexandria. It was good, but I prefer American "Italian" a little better. Basically, it was a fairly uneventful night.
So a run down of where all we ate dinner:
Sunday - Il Portos in Old Town
Monday - Chadwicks in Old Town (Monday is half-price burger night!)
Tuesday - (I can't remember...)
Wednesday - The Wharf in Old Town
Thursday - Ollie's Trolley in DC
Friday - Old Glory in Georgetown
The following days seem to follow some sort of routine. I would get up, get dressed for work, chow down on free breakfast at the hotel (usually consisting of a blueberry muffin, fruit loops, a krispy kreme donut, and a glass of orange juice). Then I took the hotel shuttle to the Metro station and went to work. While I was at work, mom and dad did some sight-seeing. After work, I would meet up with them and we would grab some dinner and stop by my apartment for clean clothes for work the next day. Bed time. Next morning, repeat.
It rained the first few days they were here so they were stuck inside at museums most of the day. Nicer on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. We got to explore Georgetown and we took a trip to Eastern Market together. It was good to see them, and of course, hard for me to say good-bye.
The past few days, I've been basically working and getting some homework done. It's definitely no where near as stressful as finals usually are, but I still have some stuff to do. Yesterday I turned in a Policy Paper on Abortion and my entire Internship Portfolio. We had to do all sorts of journals, so those got done on Tuesday night (yes, I am a procrastinator). By next Wednesday, I have to write a "research paper". I'm not sure how a research paper can only be 5-7 pages, but whatever. I am doing mine on Same-Sex Marriage.
Other than that, I'm just wrapping some things up and packing stuff up to come home. Oh and then I have to clean my apartment. That will be a blast.
For the past few years, my dad has been "Scar" for Hannah on the phone. Well apparently Scar told Hannah that Dora the Explorer is at my phone number, so Carly has called to talk to Dora now. This Dora can't speak much Spanish. Our first conversation, I was trying to get her to talk by asking all sorts of questions. At one point, she quit answering me but I could still hear her. I guess she put the phone down and started doing somersaults for a few minutes. When Molly told her to talk to "Dora," she picks up the phone and says "My family is just not right!"
Delaney is in New York City this week and she has been texting me, trying to convince me to come visit her while she is there. It would be totally fun, but I would never get my paper done. She will have to wait another week.
So, I fly in at 11:38am on Saturday, May 2nd. I have to leave for the airport by about 4am to catch my 6am flight (I didn't know they had one of those in the morning too!). I am excited to see my little sister, my mommy and daddy, my puppy, my cousins, and of course Jake. And I don't think sleeping in a decent bed will be a bad thing either.
Over and out!!!
So a long overdue update. Not a whole lot happened between when Jake was here and when my parents visited. A lot of work, a little school and that was about it.
My parents flew out on Easter Sunday. I picked them up at the airport, we checked into the hotel and went out to dinner. Sunday night was authentic Italian at Il Portos in Old Town Alexandria. It was good, but I prefer American "Italian" a little better. Basically, it was a fairly uneventful night.
So a run down of where all we ate dinner:
Sunday - Il Portos in Old Town
Monday - Chadwicks in Old Town (Monday is half-price burger night!)
Tuesday - (I can't remember...)
Wednesday - The Wharf in Old Town
Thursday - Ollie's Trolley in DC
Friday - Old Glory in Georgetown
The following days seem to follow some sort of routine. I would get up, get dressed for work, chow down on free breakfast at the hotel (usually consisting of a blueberry muffin, fruit loops, a krispy kreme donut, and a glass of orange juice). Then I took the hotel shuttle to the Metro station and went to work. While I was at work, mom and dad did some sight-seeing. After work, I would meet up with them and we would grab some dinner and stop by my apartment for clean clothes for work the next day. Bed time. Next morning, repeat.
It rained the first few days they were here so they were stuck inside at museums most of the day. Nicer on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. We got to explore Georgetown and we took a trip to Eastern Market together. It was good to see them, and of course, hard for me to say good-bye.
The past few days, I've been basically working and getting some homework done. It's definitely no where near as stressful as finals usually are, but I still have some stuff to do. Yesterday I turned in a Policy Paper on Abortion and my entire Internship Portfolio. We had to do all sorts of journals, so those got done on Tuesday night (yes, I am a procrastinator). By next Wednesday, I have to write a "research paper". I'm not sure how a research paper can only be 5-7 pages, but whatever. I am doing mine on Same-Sex Marriage.
Other than that, I'm just wrapping some things up and packing stuff up to come home. Oh and then I have to clean my apartment. That will be a blast.
For the past few years, my dad has been "Scar" for Hannah on the phone. Well apparently Scar told Hannah that Dora the Explorer is at my phone number, so Carly has called to talk to Dora now. This Dora can't speak much Spanish. Our first conversation, I was trying to get her to talk by asking all sorts of questions. At one point, she quit answering me but I could still hear her. I guess she put the phone down and started doing somersaults for a few minutes. When Molly told her to talk to "Dora," she picks up the phone and says "My family is just not right!"
Delaney is in New York City this week and she has been texting me, trying to convince me to come visit her while she is there. It would be totally fun, but I would never get my paper done. She will have to wait another week.
So, I fly in at 11:38am on Saturday, May 2nd. I have to leave for the airport by about 4am to catch my 6am flight (I didn't know they had one of those in the morning too!). I am excited to see my little sister, my mommy and daddy, my puppy, my cousins, and of course Jake. And I don't think sleeping in a decent bed will be a bad thing either.
Over and out!!!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Springtime Love in DC
It's been a while since I last posted but I've been pretty busy... Jake recovered enough to fly out last Wednesday, so we had a few nice days together before he flew home yesterday morning. Our modified visit was nice, but its always hard to say good-bye. And yes, I know it's not good-bye, it's see you soon, but still, I am one emotional girl.
Let's see... so Jake got in at about 4:30pm EDT on Wednesday. We took the Metro back to my apartment and had a small birthday party for him that night. Chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream complete with trick candles. I even decorated my apartment with balloons and crepe paper. We walked around my neighborhood a bit as well. He was still pretty tired from being sick, so we made it an early night.
Basically, our goal the entire
weekend was to keep him healthy so we took things pretty slowly. Thursday, we went to the Newseum (the journalism museum) and the National Archives. I think the Newseum was the highlight of his trip. It amazes me how much he has picked up from doing the Weekly... he was constantly telling me fun facts about how spot color works and the evolution of journalism. If you are ever in Washington looking for something fun to do, I think the Newseum is well worth it. A little expensive, but you could easily spend a day there. After that, we headed over to the National Archives to check out the Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence. They are still there. Thursday night, Jake made me spaghetti and his meat sauce. I definitely miss his cooking, but thankfully, my fridge is stocked with leftovers!!!
On Friday, we went to the White House and walked along the National Mall. The security was pretty tight at the White House and we couldn't get very close to the front of it. Turns out Marine One (the President's helicopter) was flying in. For Jake's birthday, I bought him tickets to Capitol Steps, the musical comedy show about current politics that I saw back in January. I think he really enjoyed it. Both of us were laughing the entire time. They were actually recording that performance for NPR, but you can check them out on YouTube as well. I even bought my birthday boy a drink during intermission.... so old. Afterwards, Jake took me out to Chilis because I have been craving buffalo wings for the longest time. They don't have any Buffalo Wild Wings out here which makes me sad....
Saturday, we met up with Kelly and Kyle and went to Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum. We took pictures with tons of famous people including Barack Obama. Some great pictures of us in the Oval Office.... maybe someday?!?! After that, we went out to the Hard Rock Cafe for late lunch/early dinner. Then we took the Metro back to my apartment and worked on getting him packed up and ready to go the next morning. We watched Jeff Dunham and called it an early night so we could be up for the airport by 5am on Sunday.
Goodbye was hard for me. Not nearly as bad as when I left but there definitely were a few tears. All in all, it was a great visit. I miss him already but I'm looking forward to seeing my parents in two weeks, and then coming home two weeks after that!!! Can you believe my semester is already winding down?
Oh and for those of you with Facebook, there are many more pictures there!
Over and out!
Let's see... so Jake got in at about 4:30pm EDT on Wednesday. We took the Metro back to my apartment and had a small birthday party for him that night. Chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream complete with trick candles. I even decorated my apartment with balloons and crepe paper. We walked around my neighborhood a bit as well. He was still pretty tired from being sick, so we made it an early night.Basically, our goal the entire
weekend was to keep him healthy so we took things pretty slowly. Thursday, we went to the Newseum (the journalism museum) and the National Archives. I think the Newseum was the highlight of his trip. It amazes me how much he has picked up from doing the Weekly... he was constantly telling me fun facts about how spot color works and the evolution of journalism. If you are ever in Washington looking for something fun to do, I think the Newseum is well worth it. A little expensive, but you could easily spend a day there. After that, we headed over to the National Archives to check out the Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence. They are still there. Thursday night, Jake made me spaghetti and his meat sauce. I definitely miss his cooking, but thankfully, my fridge is stocked with leftovers!!!
On Friday, we went to the White House and walked along the National Mall. The security was pretty tight at the White House and we couldn't get very close to the front of it. Turns out Marine One (the President's helicopter) was flying in. For Jake's birthday, I bought him tickets to Capitol Steps, the musical comedy show about current politics that I saw back in January. I think he really enjoyed it. Both of us were laughing the entire time. They were actually recording that performance for NPR, but you can check them out on YouTube as well. I even bought my birthday boy a drink during intermission.... so old. Afterwards, Jake took me out to Chilis because I have been craving buffalo wings for the longest time. They don't have any Buffalo Wild Wings out here which makes me sad....
Saturday, we met up with Kelly and Kyle and went to Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum. We took pictures with tons of famous people including Barack Obama. Some great pictures of us in the Oval Office.... maybe someday?!?! After that, we went out to the Hard Rock Cafe for late lunch/early dinner. Then we took the Metro back to my apartment and worked on getting him packed up and ready to go the next morning. We watched Jeff Dunham and called it an early night so we could be up for the airport by 5am on Sunday.
Goodbye was hard for me. Not nearly as bad as when I left but there definitely were a few tears. All in all, it was a great visit. I miss him already but I'm looking forward to seeing my parents in two weeks, and then coming home two weeks after that!!! Can you believe my semester is already winding down?
Oh and for those of you with Facebook, there are many more pictures there!
Over and out!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Get your flu shot
Nothing ever goes like you expect. This morning I woke up to a nice text message from Jake. "Call me when you wake up." Uh oh. You know something is wrong when you get a text message at 6:35am (which would be 5:35am Minnesota time). Jake ended up in the Emergency Room last night. He woke up and was running a fever, so he thought he should probably go get it dealt with before he got on a plane. Well, at the hospital, he tested positive for influenza. The doctor said that he is contagious and cannot fly on Friday. And no, he did not get his flu shot.
He is pretty bummed that he won't be coming out on Friday. He is a tough kid, but he was pretty upset when we talked this morning. While it is sad that I won't see him on Friday, I am really just more concerned that he is so sick.
He isn't throwing up, just running a pretty high fever. The doctor told him that it is a respiratory flu, so he has an inhaler that is supposed to shorten the length.
Best case scenario, he will be coming out sometime early next week. His mom is helping him reschedule his flight, so hopefully it will be Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. We talked about it and our main goal is to get him better. Being that I am immune deficient, he really can't come out here feeling half-way better. I got my flu shot, but you never know.
I talked to him again tonight. He is still running a fever and his muscles are really sore. Jake's dad drove down to pick him up today, so he is home.
I put together a nice care package for him and sent if off this morning. Hopefully it will get there soon and make him feel a little bit better.
And guess who will be coming with me to get a flu shot next year?
He is pretty bummed that he won't be coming out on Friday. He is a tough kid, but he was pretty upset when we talked this morning. While it is sad that I won't see him on Friday, I am really just more concerned that he is so sick.
He isn't throwing up, just running a pretty high fever. The doctor told him that it is a respiratory flu, so he has an inhaler that is supposed to shorten the length.
Best case scenario, he will be coming out sometime early next week. His mom is helping him reschedule his flight, so hopefully it will be Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. We talked about it and our main goal is to get him better. Being that I am immune deficient, he really can't come out here feeling half-way better. I got my flu shot, but you never know.
I talked to him again tonight. He is still running a fever and his muscles are really sore. Jake's dad drove down to pick him up today, so he is home.
I put together a nice care package for him and sent if off this morning. Hopefully it will get there soon and make him feel a little bit better.
And guess who will be coming with me to get a flu shot next year?
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Friday the 13th....
Yesterday was certainly an interesting day. Highs, lows and everything in between. I'm not usually superstitious, but I think yesterday made me reconsider that.
My day started off swell. Before I even left for work, I had already spilled a little toothpaste on my shirt and lost a contact trying to put it in. Way to go, Amy.
Work was fine, nothing too exciting. I have been working my booty off this week on a PowerPoint presentation for my boss for next week. It's on SCHIP and the Stimulus package, mostly how the legislation affects children. Problem being, neither my boss or I know our audience really well, so I'm not really sure how it will go. Parts of it are super analytical and other parts are pretty simple. Hopefully it will work out.
I left work early for a meeting with Representative Connolly from Virginia. I got to have a one-on-one meeting with him. Last semester, I took a class on campaigns and elections, and I was assigned to his race for our big project. But I'm getting ahead of myself.
So leaving work, I go to McPherson Square station to get on the blue line train (subway) to go back to my apartment, to take my roommate's car for my meeting. I get to the station just as they are roping everything off with crime scene tape. The Metro workers said that the station was closed and to go to Farragut West, one station further down to get on the train. I get there, and they are telling people that it is also closed. We are instructed to go to Foggy Bottom and catch a train there. When I got there, they are lining people up to get on shuttle buses that are supposedly coming. Station number three is closed and I have now walked a over a mile in three-inch heels. Wondering when and if the shuttles really are coming, and not wanting to be late for my meeting, I grab a cab. Rumors had already started on the streets that someone was hit by a train. In the cab, I text Jake who looks it up online. Someone was hit by the train, not sure how or why. News reports say that a man was fatally killed when he "intentionally placed" himself on the tracks. Did not die immediately; rescue crews tried to get to him to save him for a while. That guy did not have a good Friday the 13th. Sad story.
So I get to my meeting with plenty of time to spare. Representative Connolly is a very interesting guy and I really enjoyed my meeting with him. His office is very excited for St. Patrick's Day. He his hosting a big party for his constituents and the kid sitting at the front desk told me that Rep. Connolly is unofficially lobbying for St. Patrick's Day to become a national holiday. I overheard him joking with his staff that he might have dual citizenship in Ireland. His grandparents were born in Ireland which might mean that he has dual citizenship. He is trying to work it out because he shouldn't have dual citizenship if he is a congressman.
I asked him a lot of questions and he had some great answers. Even answers that I didn't see coming. I asked him which high school or college course had the greatest impact on his life. He said his American History class when he was a senior in high school. It was taught by a priest who eventually married Rep. Connolly and his wife Cathy. Their marriage was this priest's (Joe's) last act in the priesthood. Following their marriage, Joe left the priesthood, got married and Rep. Connolly recently attended the wedding of Joe's kid. Also, this class involved Rep. Connolly's first trip to Washington DC.
I asked about why he chose to go into public service. I did not know this, but he was originally studying for the priesthood but chose to go a different direction. He called it "an extension of his calling." He also quoted Ella Grasso and said "Bloom where you are planted." She was the first woman elected governor in the United States.
I asked what his daughter, Caitlin Rose thought of his job and politics. She is a senior in high school this year. Overall, he said that it provides her with many opportunities. She was able to sit with him on the floor of the House for Barack's first "State of the Union" address. Sometimes he goes days without seeing her, because he works such long hours and she is in bed before he gets home. But he makes a point not to miss school plays, recitals, and other big events.
It was really a great meeting and I learned a lot. He took copies of both of my papers and wrote down my phone number so he could call me with any questions. Great guy.
I had dinner with Kelly and Kelly's mom, Lisa last night. I was great to get to talk to them and laugh and stuff. Lisa isn't a typical mom... she knows a lot and you can talk to her like a friend. Lots of fun.
So that was my Friday the 13th. Jake will be here next Friday!!!!!! I am really excited!
Today, I think I am going to meet Kelly and Lisa and do some sight-seeing. I'm not sure what we are going to do, I left it up to them and I'll just go along for the ride. Right now, I'm just waiting on laundry. I am out of clean underwear and socks.
Over and out!
My day started off swell. Before I even left for work, I had already spilled a little toothpaste on my shirt and lost a contact trying to put it in. Way to go, Amy.
Work was fine, nothing too exciting. I have been working my booty off this week on a PowerPoint presentation for my boss for next week. It's on SCHIP and the Stimulus package, mostly how the legislation affects children. Problem being, neither my boss or I know our audience really well, so I'm not really sure how it will go. Parts of it are super analytical and other parts are pretty simple. Hopefully it will work out.
I left work early for a meeting with Representative Connolly from Virginia. I got to have a one-on-one meeting with him. Last semester, I took a class on campaigns and elections, and I was assigned to his race for our big project. But I'm getting ahead of myself.
So leaving work, I go to McPherson Square station to get on the blue line train (subway) to go back to my apartment, to take my roommate's car for my meeting. I get to the station just as they are roping everything off with crime scene tape. The Metro workers said that the station was closed and to go to Farragut West, one station further down to get on the train. I get there, and they are telling people that it is also closed. We are instructed to go to Foggy Bottom and catch a train there. When I got there, they are lining people up to get on shuttle buses that are supposedly coming. Station number three is closed and I have now walked a over a mile in three-inch heels. Wondering when and if the shuttles really are coming, and not wanting to be late for my meeting, I grab a cab. Rumors had already started on the streets that someone was hit by a train. In the cab, I text Jake who looks it up online. Someone was hit by the train, not sure how or why. News reports say that a man was fatally killed when he "intentionally placed" himself on the tracks. Did not die immediately; rescue crews tried to get to him to save him for a while. That guy did not have a good Friday the 13th. Sad story.
So I get to my meeting with plenty of time to spare. Representative Connolly is a very interesting guy and I really enjoyed my meeting with him. His office is very excited for St. Patrick's Day. He his hosting a big party for his constituents and the kid sitting at the front desk told me that Rep. Connolly is unofficially lobbying for St. Patrick's Day to become a national holiday. I overheard him joking with his staff that he might have dual citizenship in Ireland. His grandparents were born in Ireland which might mean that he has dual citizenship. He is trying to work it out because he shouldn't have dual citizenship if he is a congressman.
I asked him a lot of questions and he had some great answers. Even answers that I didn't see coming. I asked him which high school or college course had the greatest impact on his life. He said his American History class when he was a senior in high school. It was taught by a priest who eventually married Rep. Connolly and his wife Cathy. Their marriage was this priest's (Joe's) last act in the priesthood. Following their marriage, Joe left the priesthood, got married and Rep. Connolly recently attended the wedding of Joe's kid. Also, this class involved Rep. Connolly's first trip to Washington DC.I asked about why he chose to go into public service. I did not know this, but he was originally studying for the priesthood but chose to go a different direction. He called it "an extension of his calling." He also quoted Ella Grasso and said "Bloom where you are planted." She was the first woman elected governor in the United States.
I asked what his daughter, Caitlin Rose thought of his job and politics. She is a senior in high school this year. Overall, he said that it provides her with many opportunities. She was able to sit with him on the floor of the House for Barack's first "State of the Union" address. Sometimes he goes days without seeing her, because he works such long hours and she is in bed before he gets home. But he makes a point not to miss school plays, recitals, and other big events.
It was really a great meeting and I learned a lot. He took copies of both of my papers and wrote down my phone number so he could call me with any questions. Great guy.
I had dinner with Kelly and Kelly's mom, Lisa last night. I was great to get to talk to them and laugh and stuff. Lisa isn't a typical mom... she knows a lot and you can talk to her like a friend. Lots of fun.
So that was my Friday the 13th. Jake will be here next Friday!!!!!! I am really excited!
Today, I think I am going to meet Kelly and Lisa and do some sight-seeing. I'm not sure what we are going to do, I left it up to them and I'll just go along for the ride. Right now, I'm just waiting on laundry. I am out of clean underwear and socks.
Over and out!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Girls are crazy!
My baby sister is going to PROM!!!! Crazy, huh? I know I sound like I'm fifty saying this but, I still think of her as a four year old... a four year old who always got me into trouble! Delaney got asked to prom this weekend. She says he is a nice boy so that's good. I like him already because he is the one who made her call me right after he asked her. I will be home from DC by then (its on May 9th) so I will get to see my baby sis walk through grand march, all grown up......
This weekend was great for everyone. I had the best weekend so far out here. Kelly, one of my best friends from high school (actually we met in 8th grade) is going to school out here this semester, so I met up with her, her boyfriend Kyle (also studying out here for the semester) and his friend Nolan who is here for spring break. We had so much fun....
On Saturday, we started out going to Ford's Theater, where President Lincoln was assassinated. But, it was closed for a Saturday matinee, so we didn't actually get to go in. Kelly has been waiting to see this one since we got here in January, so she wasn't too happy about that. Instead, we walked down to the National Archives, and saw the original copies of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, and Magna Carta. It's amazing considering they weren't taken good care of for the longest time. For quite a while they were all in boxes with other old papers. People just didn't consider the actual documents that great or interesting.
After that, we took the Metro (subway) down to the National Mall. From there we walked around the Tidal Basin, saw the Jefferson Memorial, and walked down by the Lincoln Memorial, over to the World War II Memorial and past the Washington Monument.
By this point, everyone was really hungry, especially Kyle. We decided on the treating ourselves to the Cheesecake Factory up by where Kelly and Kyle go to school. Kelly and I split the most delicious Orange Chicken and rice I have ever had, and I had some amazing chocolate cake for dessert (I'm not a big fan of cheesecake). Definitely good.
Since we didn't get to see Ford's Theater on Saturday, we went back today (Sunday). It was pretty cool seeing where Lincoln was shot, where he died (the Peterson House across the street) and the events of that night. They had the overcoat he was wearing on display - it's pretty ripped up. Interesting to hear how John Wilkes Booth plotted, killed the president, and almost got away.
On Sundays, less is open around the city. We decided to go to the Pentagon City Mall and walk around for a while. Being poor college students, this can be a risky move. However, I made it out only spending five bucks on lunch. Kelly and I went off and had an incredible amount of fun doing all sorts of free stuff at the mall. We sat in the massage chairs for about half an hour, did make-up at Sephora, and browsed the jewelry stores looking at rings. While Kelly is a fairly cheap date, we discovered I have more expensive taste. When I tried on the ring I liked, we discovered a $6300 price tag. Good lord. Kelly fell in love with a beautiful ring for $399.
Really, we had a ton of fun! Both of us got a chance to talk and see some of the city. Next weekend, Kelly's mom is coming. Hopefully we will all do something fun together while she is here! Then my boy comes to see me!!!!!! I cannot wait!!!!!!!
Over and out!
This weekend was great for everyone. I had the best weekend so far out here. Kelly, one of my best friends from high school (actually we met in 8th grade) is going to school out here this semester, so I met up with her, her boyfriend Kyle (also studying out here for the semester) and his friend Nolan who is here for spring break. We had so much fun....
On Saturday, we started out going to Ford's Theater, where President Lincoln was assassinated. But, it was closed for a Saturday matinee, so we didn't actually get to go in. Kelly has been waiting to see this one since we got here in January, so she wasn't too happy about that. Instead, we walked down to the National Archives, and saw the original copies of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, and Magna Carta. It's amazing considering they weren't taken good care of for the longest time. For quite a while they were all in boxes with other old papers. People just didn't consider the actual documents that great or interesting.
After that, we took the Metro (subway) down to the National Mall. From there we walked around the Tidal Basin, saw the Jefferson Memorial, and walked down by the Lincoln Memorial, over to the World War II Memorial and past the Washington Monument.
By this point, everyone was really hungry, especially Kyle. We decided on the treating ourselves to the Cheesecake Factory up by where Kelly and Kyle go to school. Kelly and I split the most delicious Orange Chicken and rice I have ever had, and I had some amazing chocolate cake for dessert (I'm not a big fan of cheesecake). Definitely good.
Since we didn't get to see Ford's Theater on Saturday, we went back today (Sunday). It was pretty cool seeing where Lincoln was shot, where he died (the Peterson House across the street) and the events of that night. They had the overcoat he was wearing on display - it's pretty ripped up. Interesting to hear how John Wilkes Booth plotted, killed the president, and almost got away.
On Sundays, less is open around the city. We decided to go to the Pentagon City Mall and walk around for a while. Being poor college students, this can be a risky move. However, I made it out only spending five bucks on lunch. Kelly and I went off and had an incredible amount of fun doing all sorts of free stuff at the mall. We sat in the massage chairs for about half an hour, did make-up at Sephora, and browsed the jewelry stores looking at rings. While Kelly is a fairly cheap date, we discovered I have more expensive taste. When I tried on the ring I liked, we discovered a $6300 price tag. Good lord. Kelly fell in love with a beautiful ring for $399.
Really, we had a ton of fun! Both of us got a chance to talk and see some of the city. Next weekend, Kelly's mom is coming. Hopefully we will all do something fun together while she is here! Then my boy comes to see me!!!!!! I cannot wait!!!!!!!
Over and out!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Snow, Work, and Procrastination....
So its been a while since I last posted... Sorry! I guess I haven't had anything really interesting to blog about so I've put it off in hopes of finding something good.
Headaches are gone and all is well. YEA!
Next week, I have an interview with Representative Gerry Connolly from Virginia. I wrote a couple analysis papers on his campaign last semester, so it will be great to sit down and talk with him for fifteen minutes!
Last week, my class met with Grover Norquist, a hard core Republican against any increase in taxes. He has been on Fox News and stuff like that. He called me a communist but it was interesting (not me personally, Democrats in general). Very persuasive... by the end I was agreeing with some of what he was saying.
Monday was a snow day! Yes, it snowed a grand total of 4 inches and basically everything shut down. They really don't know what to do when it snows. The plows started going when there was only a quarter of an inch. Yes, they tried to plow a quarter inch of snow. Watching people from my window was interesting - snow equals umbrella weather. I just don't get it. Its supposed to be 70 degrees again on Saturday.
Work has been good, slow, but good. I've mostly been working on research and writing summaries of things like the SCHIP bill, a conference review, policy issues, etc. I gave my office a PowerPoint tutorial today.
Good news! I have not lost my ability to procrastinate! (Seriously I'm pretty good) My seven page paper that was due on Wednesday got started at 7pm on Tuesday night. I had a good reason for procrastinating! The Bachelor finale was on and the guy is a total jerk. Jason proposed to Melissa and dumped Molly, then three months later, dumped Melissa on national TV and immediately asked Molly back. Ridiculous. Melissa is better off without him.
Jake will be here in15 days! I am rather excited... Since you all have asked, he is good, working hard at school, working on the paper. We talk everyday at least on the phone, or we Skype with our webcams. I will have the whole week off when he is here (my boss and the other girl, Jennie will be on spring break with their families so Anne is closing the office). It will be fun to do some sight-seeing with him!
Coming up in homework assignments, I have to write an editorial for my midterm. I think I am going to write about the "War on Cancer" declared by President Nixon and the Iraq War. While I do not support the Iraq War, I think its ridiculous how we make such a big deal about the Iraq War, the people who have died, and the billions we are spending, but then we have been at "war" against cancer for thirty-some years. We lose 500,000 people to cancer every year! And we spend a ridiculous amount of money on cancer research, yet the war is still not won.
Yeah, so that's been my exciting life. Rep. Connolly, Grover Norquist, snow, work, procrastination, Jake, and homework..... Over and out!
Headaches are gone and all is well. YEA!
Next week, I have an interview with Representative Gerry Connolly from Virginia. I wrote a couple analysis papers on his campaign last semester, so it will be great to sit down and talk with him for fifteen minutes!
Last week, my class met with Grover Norquist, a hard core Republican against any increase in taxes. He has been on Fox News and stuff like that. He called me a communist but it was interesting (not me personally, Democrats in general). Very persuasive... by the end I was agreeing with some of what he was saying.
Monday was a snow day! Yes, it snowed a grand total of 4 inches and basically everything shut down. They really don't know what to do when it snows. The plows started going when there was only a quarter of an inch. Yes, they tried to plow a quarter inch of snow. Watching people from my window was interesting - snow equals umbrella weather. I just don't get it. Its supposed to be 70 degrees again on Saturday.
Work has been good, slow, but good. I've mostly been working on research and writing summaries of things like the SCHIP bill, a conference review, policy issues, etc. I gave my office a PowerPoint tutorial today.
Good news! I have not lost my ability to procrastinate! (Seriously I'm pretty good) My seven page paper that was due on Wednesday got started at 7pm on Tuesday night. I had a good reason for procrastinating! The Bachelor finale was on and the guy is a total jerk. Jason proposed to Melissa and dumped Molly, then three months later, dumped Melissa on national TV and immediately asked Molly back. Ridiculous. Melissa is better off without him.
Jake will be here in15 days! I am rather excited... Since you all have asked, he is good, working hard at school, working on the paper. We talk everyday at least on the phone, or we Skype with our webcams. I will have the whole week off when he is here (my boss and the other girl, Jennie will be on spring break with their families so Anne is closing the office). It will be fun to do some sight-seeing with him!
Coming up in homework assignments, I have to write an editorial for my midterm. I think I am going to write about the "War on Cancer" declared by President Nixon and the Iraq War. While I do not support the Iraq War, I think its ridiculous how we make such a big deal about the Iraq War, the people who have died, and the billions we are spending, but then we have been at "war" against cancer for thirty-some years. We lose 500,000 people to cancer every year! And we spend a ridiculous amount of money on cancer research, yet the war is still not won.
Yeah, so that's been my exciting life. Rep. Connolly, Grover Norquist, snow, work, procrastination, Jake, and homework..... Over and out!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Neurology is weird...
So I got the results of my MRI and while they say it is all "structurally normal" (aka: no tumor), it all looks really abnormal to me. Not abnormal like I think there really is something wrong that they just aren't seeing, abnormal like some of the pictures look like my intestines are in my head. My limited understanding of anatomy was that intestines are in the torso, not in the skull. There are 558 images, so I won't post all of them, but here is an example of what they see in my head and call "structurally normal". (Yes, this picture looks like a brain, but some of the other 558 don't at all)
Monday, I had a nice day off for President's Day. Because I only work 4 days a week (classes are on Wednesday), this week turned into a three day week. So Monday, I woke up a little later (8:30 is now later) and went to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. The museum is very well put together, very interesting, but extremely depressing. They have a room of shoes that people wore while in the concentration camps before they died. The smell really gets to you. I only made it through two floors before I decided I had made myself sad enough for one day and would do the rest another time
. Since its free, I can go back whenever and take in another floor. After being thoroughly depressed, I took a walk around the Tidal Basin to the Jefferson Memorial. It was a little cold (about 30 degrees) but the walk will be absolutely beautiful in early April when the Cherry Blossoms blossom (that sounds weird). I was shocked to see ducks swimming in the lake when it is so cold out. I thought it was funny so I took a picture. From there, I walked around the FDR Memorial which is basically a series of waterfalls, none of which are on in the winter. Again, something cool for the spring.
What else.... Some of you have asked how the apartment is. While its not Versailles, it isn't bad. My room is pretty small and the bathroom is not very big, we actually have a pretty big living room and a decent kitchen. I share a dresser with my roommate, so we each have 3 drawers, but we have separate closets. The kitchen has a refrigerator, stove/oven, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and microwave. We even have a little balcony.Only 30 days until Jake c
omes out to visit (March 20)! Then my mom and dad will be out here for about a week beginning April 12. I booked my flight home for May 2nd - should arrive by noon! Its weird to think that time is flying by, but our internship midterm evaluations go out next week and are due the first week in March.I do miss home, but I wouldn't say I'm homesick or depressed or anything. Carly called me yesterday at work because she thinks I should come play. How do you explain to a three-year-old that you can't right now because you are a thousand miles
away? It was cute though.Well, I hope I supplied you with enough graphic images for a little while. I'm not sure what I will do this coming weekend, but hopefully I will get out and do something fun. I'll try to post again over the weekend or early next week! Until then...
Over and out!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Three day weekends are happiness...
So its Sunday evening in the middle of a three-day weekend. President's Day means no work so I'll take it. An extra day of relaxing sounds quite nice right now.
Yesterday, I got my MRI. All went relatively well. I wasn't a big fan of the IV they stuck in me to give me "contrast" but otherwise it wasn't too bad. They are pretty noisy machines and you just have to lay there for a while. Mine took an hour in all - thirty minutes without contrast, then I got the IV, then another thirty minutes in the machine. I don't know my results yet, but I will find out when I visit my neurologist on Tuesday morning. They steroids they put me on aren't really helping the headache. She said that they usually work, but knowing me, of course I will fall into the 5% that it doesn't do the trick for. Oh well.
While I did not get to spend Valentine's Day with my amazing boyfriend, I did get a very nice present. Jake went the jewelry route and sent this to me from Kay Jewelers. I am a very lucky girl.
Today, I did some grocery shopping and found a Target! I was really excited that I didn't just have to get stuff at CVS like I have been for a month now. I also got my hair cut - it needed it. I think its cute!
Tomorrow, I am planning on doing some sight-seeing stuff for the first time in a while. I am thinking of hitting some of the monuments and memorials and maybe spend some time at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Oh and one more exciting fact: Jake and I are at the half-way point to seeing each other. I left 33 days ago, and in 33 days he will be out here!
Over and out!
Yesterday, I got my MRI. All went relatively well. I wasn't a big fan of the IV they stuck in me to give me "contrast" but otherwise it wasn't too bad. They are pretty noisy machines and you just have to lay there for a while. Mine took an hour in all - thirty minutes without contrast, then I got the IV, then another thirty minutes in the machine. I don't know my results yet, but I will find out when I visit my neurologist on Tuesday morning. They steroids they put me on aren't really helping the headache. She said that they usually work, but knowing me, of course I will fall into the 5% that it doesn't do the trick for. Oh well.
While I did not get to spend Valentine's Day with my amazing boyfriend, I did get a very nice present. Jake went the jewelry route and sent this to me from Kay Jewelers. I am a very lucky girl.Today, I did some grocery shopping and found a Target! I was really excited that I didn't just have to get stuff at CVS like I have been for a month now. I also got my hair cut - it needed it. I think its cute!
Tomorrow, I am planning on doing some sight-seeing stuff for the first time in a while. I am thinking of hitting some of the monuments and memorials and maybe spend some time at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Oh and one more exciting fact: Jake and I are at the half-way point to seeing each other. I left 33 days ago, and in 33 days he will be out here!
Over and out!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Up on the Hill....
A quick medical update for you and then on to some fun stuff.
I saw a neurologist on Tuesday. She spent almost an hour with me and I explained everything to her. She put me on steroids and gave me an order for an MRI. The steroids are making me very hungry all the time. I woke up twice last night for a snakc. I have the MRI scheduled on Saturday, not the ideal way to spend Valentine's Day, but I'll take it. From that, I go back to the neurologist on Tuesday. I'm fairly confident all will go well and I am happy that she is doing everything to check out all possibilities.
Today, I went to a House Budget Committee hearing on the Hill. Serveral representatives were there. One of the representatives, Gerry Connolly from Virginia's 11th District was there. I wrote a paper on his election last semester. Well I caught him on his way out from the meeting, explained who I was and told him about the paper I wrote. I asked if he would honor me with an interview for a class project this semester (we are supposed to interview 5 people about their jobs). He said he would love to, but only if he can read my papers. So that was exciting.
Valentine's Day is Saturday and a couple suspicious calls from Jake make me think he has something up his sleeve. I just don't know what yet. I'll keep you posted.
Over and out!
I saw a neurologist on Tuesday. She spent almost an hour with me and I explained everything to her. She put me on steroids and gave me an order for an MRI. The steroids are making me very hungry all the time. I woke up twice last night for a snakc. I have the MRI scheduled on Saturday, not the ideal way to spend Valentine's Day, but I'll take it. From that, I go back to the neurologist on Tuesday. I'm fairly confident all will go well and I am happy that she is doing everything to check out all possibilities.
Today, I went to a House Budget Committee hearing on the Hill. Serveral representatives were there. One of the representatives, Gerry Connolly from Virginia's 11th District was there. I wrote a paper on his election last semester. Well I caught him on his way out from the meeting, explained who I was and told him about the paper I wrote. I asked if he would honor me with an interview for a class project this semester (we are supposed to interview 5 people about their jobs). He said he would love to, but only if he can read my papers. So that was exciting.
Valentine's Day is Saturday and a couple suspicious calls from Jake make me think he has something up his sleeve. I just don't know what yet. I'll keep you posted.
Over and out!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
In my life....
Alright so not too much to update on... but I wanted to fill everyone in on a little something. I've been having really bad headaches (actually one headache that won't go away) for a week and a half now. I thought it was a migraine at first, but my migraine medicine didn't work and I still can't get the headache to go away. So long story short, I'm seeing a neurologist on Tuesday. I'm not too worried. I think they are going to put me on stronger medicine, maybe do an MRI, and all will be well. I just wanted to keep my bases covered.
Other than that, work is work, not too much to report. I'm going to Delaware tomorrow (Monday) for employee orientation.
Today it is a beautiful 67 degrees out. I'm going out with my Godfather, Rob tonight who is in town for a conference. Should be a fun evening!
Over and out!
Other than that, work is work, not too much to report. I'm going to Delaware tomorrow (Monday) for employee orientation.
Today it is a beautiful 67 degrees out. I'm going out with my Godfather, Rob tonight who is in town for a conference. Should be a fun evening!
Over and out!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
One more thing....
I can't believe I forgot this:
Jake bought his plane ticket to come see me! He flies out Friday, March 20th and will be here until Sunday, March 29th! He will celebrate his birthday out here too (March 24)!
Only 48 days! (Yes, we are counting....)
Jake bought his plane ticket to come see me! He flies out Friday, March 20th and will be here until Sunday, March 29th! He will celebrate his birthday out here too (March 24)!
Only 48 days! (Yes, we are counting....)
A long overdue update
Sorry it has taken me so long to get a post up here. I've been meaning to for the past few days but haven't had ten minutes. Actually, that isn't entirely true. I certainly could have Wednesday or Thursday night, but I had a bad migraine and spent my evenings trying to remedy that. No fun. In October, the doctor's gave me Imitrex for them. I take it when I feel one coming on, but I can't take it more than once every three weeks. It dulled the pain a little on Wednesday night, but wore off by Thursday. I discovered Excedrin Migraine is awesome. Well, I'm fine now and this blog isn't entitled "Amy's Many Medical Mysteries" so I suppose I should get to the point and talk about what I've been up to in Washington DC.
I started my internship at Nemours last Thursday (the 22nd or 23rd, which ever was a Thursday). The office is brand new so everyone is still getting the hang of how to make the copy machine work and we are still operating one computer short and off the network. But, I've been getting some stuff done. Mostly, I have been working on the graphic details for a PowerPoint presentation my boss has to make to the CEO and the Board of Directors next month. I have also done some research for a few meetings - one was about Health Information Technology (which is like Electronic Medical Records) and another was background on Congressman Ander Crenshaw from Florida (we are building a new hospital in his district). This past Thursday, I went to a Senate hearing on improving quality in health care. The expert "witnesses" basically said Health Information Technology is a huge part of it.
Not to scare anyone, but medication errors are really common in offices/hospitals that don't use electronic medical records, because no one can read doctor's handwriting. Fact of the day: 98,000 people lose their life due to a medical error in the United States every year. So make sure you know what you are taking and how much you should be taking. And be thankful if you go somewhere that does electronic medical records.
So in addition to working on small projects and going to hearings and such, my main job is going to be to establish a advocacy communications plan for the company. When SCHIP passed this week, we had a lot of Nemours people (doctors, etc) e-mailing us to let us know... as if we didn't know. So I will be working on establishing some plan of how we can do internal communications within Nemours, and externally for other health policy groups, legislators, whoever.
Wow. That's a lot to take in. Sorry for being so long-winded. But there is still more.
My classes started this week. On Wednesdays, I take two "classes". One is an actual political science class that I think I like and the other doesn't qualify as a "class", at least in my mind. My roommate calls that one "BS101". No joke. That one is "Internship Seminar," and we basically sit around for two hours discussing our internship and developing a Professional Development Plan (what do you want to do in the next three months) and a Cognitive Map (reading log). They told us we all need business cards. I could barely hold the laughter in. I'm not paying $30 to get 500 business cards printed with my work phone and e-mail that will do me absolutely no good in three months. Call me cheap but I don't see the point. My actual "class" seems okay. I like the professor; he teaches at American University. It's about public policy and we get to do formal debates, write a 5-7 page research paper about and political policy topic (ie: abortion, gun control, same-sex marriage, etc). There are other assignments, but those are the big ones. Shouldn't be too bad.
What else... I went out to dinner with Kelly, my friend from high school and her boyfriend, Kyle on Friday. I was super craving a bacon cheese burger so we hit Chilis because it is cheapest and fairly close. Local, only in DC restaurants are ridiculously expensive (about $30 for dinner). But if you find a chain restaurant, especially outside of DC (like Arlington) its reasonable.
Last Friday, I went to the funniest show ever. I seriously almost peed my pants I was laughing so hard. It's called Capitol Steps and its basically a live, musical comedy show about current politics. Its put on by former Hill staffers and they satirize the people they used to work for. The four liberal "Supreme Court Justices" sang Staying Alive. They poked fun at President Obama, John McCain, Sarah Palin, Hillary Clinton, former Pres. Bush, Larry Craig, Blagojevich, Elliot Spitzer, Joe the Plumber, etc. Definitely recommend it.
Today, I've just spent my day doing laundry, cleaning my room, the bathroom, nothing too fun. I made pancakes and bacon for breakfast! Nummy!
Alright I absolutely promise to write more often so you don't have to read this much again. I apologize. Until then, over and out!
I started my internship at Nemours last Thursday (the 22nd or 23rd, which ever was a Thursday). The office is brand new so everyone is still getting the hang of how to make the copy machine work and we are still operating one computer short and off the network. But, I've been getting some stuff done. Mostly, I have been working on the graphic details for a PowerPoint presentation my boss has to make to the CEO and the Board of Directors next month. I have also done some research for a few meetings - one was about Health Information Technology (which is like Electronic Medical Records) and another was background on Congressman Ander Crenshaw from Florida (we are building a new hospital in his district). This past Thursday, I went to a Senate hearing on improving quality in health care. The expert "witnesses" basically said Health Information Technology is a huge part of it.
Not to scare anyone, but medication errors are really common in offices/hospitals that don't use electronic medical records, because no one can read doctor's handwriting. Fact of the day: 98,000 people lose their life due to a medical error in the United States every year. So make sure you know what you are taking and how much you should be taking. And be thankful if you go somewhere that does electronic medical records.
So in addition to working on small projects and going to hearings and such, my main job is going to be to establish a advocacy communications plan for the company. When SCHIP passed this week, we had a lot of Nemours people (doctors, etc) e-mailing us to let us know... as if we didn't know. So I will be working on establishing some plan of how we can do internal communications within Nemours, and externally for other health policy groups, legislators, whoever.
Wow. That's a lot to take in. Sorry for being so long-winded. But there is still more.
My classes started this week. On Wednesdays, I take two "classes". One is an actual political science class that I think I like and the other doesn't qualify as a "class", at least in my mind. My roommate calls that one "BS101". No joke. That one is "Internship Seminar," and we basically sit around for two hours discussing our internship and developing a Professional Development Plan (what do you want to do in the next three months) and a Cognitive Map (reading log). They told us we all need business cards. I could barely hold the laughter in. I'm not paying $30 to get 500 business cards printed with my work phone and e-mail that will do me absolutely no good in three months. Call me cheap but I don't see the point. My actual "class" seems okay. I like the professor; he teaches at American University. It's about public policy and we get to do formal debates, write a 5-7 page research paper about and political policy topic (ie: abortion, gun control, same-sex marriage, etc). There are other assignments, but those are the big ones. Shouldn't be too bad.
What else... I went out to dinner with Kelly, my friend from high school and her boyfriend, Kyle on Friday. I was super craving a bacon cheese burger so we hit Chilis because it is cheapest and fairly close. Local, only in DC restaurants are ridiculously expensive (about $30 for dinner). But if you find a chain restaurant, especially outside of DC (like Arlington) its reasonable.
Last Friday, I went to the funniest show ever. I seriously almost peed my pants I was laughing so hard. It's called Capitol Steps and its basically a live, musical comedy show about current politics. Its put on by former Hill staffers and they satirize the people they used to work for. The four liberal "Supreme Court Justices" sang Staying Alive. They poked fun at President Obama, John McCain, Sarah Palin, Hillary Clinton, former Pres. Bush, Larry Craig, Blagojevich, Elliot Spitzer, Joe the Plumber, etc. Definitely recommend it.
Today, I've just spent my day doing laundry, cleaning my room, the bathroom, nothing too fun. I made pancakes and bacon for breakfast! Nummy!
Alright I absolutely promise to write more often so you don't have to read this much again. I apologize. Until then, over and out!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
One in a million...
All I can say is wow. The inauguration of President Barack Obama was probably the coolest thing I have ever seen in my life. Estimates range from 1-2 million people at the actual ceremony and I can confirm that those numbers are not an exaggeration. I certainly could not see the inauguration, but jumbotrons were set up along the national mall so, I could watch and hear what was going on. The crowd was absolutely wild. As all the big whigs walk out and take their seats for the ceremony, an announcer introduced them. Nancy Pelosi, President and Senator Clinton, Jimmy Carter, and the Obama family all got rave reviews from the crowd. But not all were so "lucky". No matter what you think of Dick Cheney, George HW Bush, or George Bush, I think it is inappropriate to "boo" them. Yes, the National Mall literally echoed with disapproval when they walked out. Don't get me wrong, I'm certainly not a fan, but grow up people. If you don't like them, ignore them.
Overall, the inauguration itself went well. Chief Justice John Roberts screwed up the wording slightly during Obama's official oath, but they quickly recovered. Obama's inaugural speech was well written. I'm happy he reminded America that we do have to make some sacrifices.
When I was making my way out of the park, President George W Bush's helicopter flew overhead. It was taking him to Andrews Air Force Base, where he was to catch a plane home to Texas. The crowd around me started singing "na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na hey hey hey, goodbye!"
Oh and today, I was walking to my allergy shots, and the Presidential limo, nicknamed "The Beast" by the Secret Service, drove right past me. And you know who was inside?
Over and out!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
I'm here!
Hi all!
So I made it out to DC. Goodbyes were hard, but that is typical me. The train ride was long but I met some nice people.
I got to know the Erdahls, a nice couple who actually knows my mom's extended family pretty well. Mr. Erdahl is a former congressman and Minnesota Secretary of State. He has some very interesting stories to tell. He told me that when he was first running for Congress, he had to go to a training seminar for the GOP. At the seminar, the speaker told them to look at the person on their left and the person on their right. He said that only one out of three would survive and win their election. The person on his left was President George W Bush, who was running for Congress at the time.
Wednesday I arrived at Union Station, got my luggage, and took a cab to the apartment building. I met two of my roommates, Hadas who is from North Carolina, and Karin who is Swedish. Claudia will be arriving from Sweden next week. There was also a opening reception for everyone in the program.
Thursday and Friday was orientation in the morning. Fairly boring, but I learned how to get around the city and navigate a little better. In the afternoons, Kelly and I went out sightseeing. On Thursday, we hit up some Smithsonian museums - American History, National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian Castle. Friday, we walked through some Congressional office buildings and took a very dry tour of the Capitol. We took pictures outside of Barack Obama's former Senate office. Everything is packed up in boxes!
Today was a pretty lazy day. Slept in late, watched some TV and worked out upstairs (yes, I actually worked out). I'm headed out to Kelly's tonight. We are going to the big Inauguration concert tomorrow. Hopefully it will be warm out!
First impressions of DC... everything is either much more expensive, or completely free. Grocery shopping was much more expensive. A box of Mac and Cheese that normally costs $1.00 is $1.56. But pretty much all the museums and tours are free. Also, snow is scary. They rarely get any at all, so if it does snow, everything shuts down completely. Half an inch is enough to close all the federal office buildings, the airport, etc. Ironically, it is supposed to snow on Tuesday (Inauguration Day). If it starts to snow, they are moving it into the capitol so everyone will have to just stay home and watch it on TV.
Alright, I think that is all for now. My internship doesn't start until next Thursday, but I'll try to post another update after the Inauguration! Over and out!
So I made it out to DC. Goodbyes were hard, but that is typical me. The train ride was long but I met some nice people.
I got to know the Erdahls, a nice couple who actually knows my mom's extended family pretty well. Mr. Erdahl is a former congressman and Minnesota Secretary of State. He has some very interesting stories to tell. He told me that when he was first running for Congress, he had to go to a training seminar for the GOP. At the seminar, the speaker told them to look at the person on their left and the person on their right. He said that only one out of three would survive and win their election. The person on his left was President George W Bush, who was running for Congress at the time.
Wednesday I arrived at Union Station, got my luggage, and took a cab to the apartment building. I met two of my roommates, Hadas who is from North Carolina, and Karin who is Swedish. Claudia will be arriving from Sweden next week. There was also a opening reception for everyone in the program.
Thursday and Friday was orientation in the morning. Fairly boring, but I learned how to get around the city and navigate a little better. In the afternoons, Kelly and I went out sightseeing. On Thursday, we hit up some Smithsonian museums - American History, National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian Castle. Friday, we walked through some Congressional office buildings and took a very dry tour of the Capitol. We took pictures outside of Barack Obama's former Senate office. Everything is packed up in boxes!
Today was a pretty lazy day. Slept in late, watched some TV and worked out upstairs (yes, I actually worked out). I'm headed out to Kelly's tonight. We are going to the big Inauguration concert tomorrow. Hopefully it will be warm out!
First impressions of DC... everything is either much more expensive, or completely free. Grocery shopping was much more expensive. A box of Mac and Cheese that normally costs $1.00 is $1.56. But pretty much all the museums and tours are free. Also, snow is scary. They rarely get any at all, so if it does snow, everything shuts down completely. Half an inch is enough to close all the federal office buildings, the airport, etc. Ironically, it is supposed to snow on Tuesday (Inauguration Day). If it starts to snow, they are moving it into the capitol so everyone will have to just stay home and watch it on TV.
Alright, I think that is all for now. My internship doesn't start until next Thursday, but I'll try to post another update after the Inauguration! Over and out!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
10.... 9...... 8.......
So in ten days, I will be on the train headed for the east coast. I know its going to be the greatest experience of my life, but typical Amy separation anxiety is starting to kick in. Oh joy.
Great story: Jake and I did Christmas on the 26th. I had bought two webcams, one for him and one for me. I wrapped both of them up and thought it would be sweet to skype each other all semester. Well apparently, so did he. Different brands but same gift. Great minds think alike. Now we just have to figure out how to hook them up.
Anyways, address update and new roomies! I got my housing assignment and I am excited even though I don't know a thing about any of the girls, except I think two of them are from Sweden. I'm not going to post my new address here because that would probably be a bad move, but if you want my address, I would be happy to e-mail it to you. Just send me an e-mail first!
Not much else to report! Over and out!
Great story: Jake and I did Christmas on the 26th. I had bought two webcams, one for him and one for me. I wrapped both of them up and thought it would be sweet to skype each other all semester. Well apparently, so did he. Different brands but same gift. Great minds think alike. Now we just have to figure out how to hook them up.
Anyways, address update and new roomies! I got my housing assignment and I am excited even though I don't know a thing about any of the girls, except I think two of them are from Sweden. I'm not going to post my new address here because that would probably be a bad move, but if you want my address, I would be happy to e-mail it to you. Just send me an e-mail first!
Not much else to report! Over and out!
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