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!!!
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