Today would generally be my "rest" day. And it was...sort of.
I woke up in time for brunch - covered all my food groups like normal - then went back to my room and passed out - like normal. I woke up a few hours later and started watching Sex and the City on HBO Go. A couple of episodes in and my sister starts texting me. After a rough night, she'd decided to break up with her boyfriend of almost a year.
I immediately got into "Big Sissy" mode. I am overprotective of my friends. I'll kill for my family. Especially for my little sister. She's is priority numero UNO. Period. And she needed me. I texted Nom and started looking up flights on Kayak.com.
After getting the ball rolling on that, I started to feel like there was something I was forgetting...and then it clicked. I had a massage scheduled in Clarendon at 6...or 6:30. For the first time ever, I hadn't received a confirmation call the day prior. I called to check, and found out I had an hour and a half scheduled for 6:30 with Arryl. The receptionist seemed very upset that I hadn't received my confirmation call - I wasn't that worried about it. She did tell me that they could add me to the email confirmation list instead - which is actually perfect, considering they generally call me while I'm at work.
I decided to head to Clarendon early so I could tan - I brought my lotions with me to DC, but had never gone anywhere before today. I found a Palm Beach right down the street from Massage Envy so I decided to go there. When I got out of the Metro, I realized that everywhere I looked there were people in green...but St. Patty's Day is a week from tomorrow...I would know -it's my brother's birthday.
The girl at Palm Beach didn't know why everyone was doing the St.P day thing a week early either - she's only lived here for 8 months. The store was really nice - very clean with a ton of beds, but a level ONE was ELEVEN dollars. It was stand up unit and it was great - but sheesh. I'm just an intern!
After tanning, I hustled it to ME, only to wait for Arryl for almost 20 minutes. He apologized, and told me we could go all the way up until 8 - I was the last appt for the day and nobody could leave until I did so there was no need to rush. :)
He told me about his grandmother's passing - she had passed right before he was able to get to the hospital - but that he had had a dream the night before of her coming to him and telling him that she was okay and would always love him - so he was at peace with her passing. He got to catch up with family he hadn't seen in years and said they all fell back in like they'd never been apart.
He all but got in a fight with my shoulders for being so knotted up. I told him the source of my tension and he suggested just punching my problems in the face because it would allow the tension to go somewhere else. ;)
Getting a massage while you're covered in tanning lotion...not my best idea. The lotion clumped up, but Arryl told me he didn't hate me for it.
Afterwards, I headed to Tono for dinner. I got the Dragon Roll and a Kobe beef roll. The KBR was HUGE and a pain to eat but it was good. I think they overcooked the meat a bit, but I was super full after.
I talked with my parents on my walk home, now I'm watching some Sex and the City trying to pass out so I can get my baby sissy in the morning!!
I'M SO EXCITED!!! There are sure to be some entertaining posts!
*Until Next Time!*
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
DC Adventures Day 24 (3.6.13)
What. A. Day.
I checked OPM at 4:30am and it said government offices would be CLOSED today. At 7:30am, Leslie texted us interns (me, Anna & Spencer), to let us know that we should come in because it wasn't snowing here, and that we could leave if it got bad later.
A few minutes later she texted us again to let us know that it had really started to come down, and to enjoy our snow day.
I texted her to let her know my back was killing me (I should have taken an extra Lyrica bc of the weather, but hadn't because it wasn't doing much when I went to sleep), but that I'd take my meds and see how I was doing later.
She texted me about an hour later to ask if I could go ahead and come in (because I can make the trip underground) and have another day off to make up for it.
-There were only two problems with this. 1. I was passed out from taking my meds and 2. I still have NO IDEA HOW TO FIND THAT DANG PATH!!
Two hours later, I woke up and texted her back. I told her I could come in or stay home, I was fine with either.
No response.
I took a shower and got cleaned up to finally receive a text that said not to worry about coming in - Anna was there, she had just been worried that with the CR bill they were voting on the phones would be off the hook.
When I saw CR bill, I decided to go in. I had totally forgotten about it and it was kind of a big deal.
I bundled up, grabbed my awesome umbrella, and headed out. The snowflakes were HUGE, but nothing was sticking. Luckily, I had the rainboots from the office, so I stayed dry for the most part. It was cold and windy in every direction, but I managed to not blow away.
When I got to the Rayburn building, I started to doubt my decision. I had emailed K to see what I should do and she had told me that it wouldn't be a big deal (me not going in) as long as I didn't keep apologizing for it. Should I even go in then? Would they be upset I showed up after being told I could just stay home?
So I called my dad. He's smart when it comes to this kind of thing. Luckily, he reaffirmed my choice by telling me that I was there so I should go in. They'd be glad I was there to help, and if they really didn't need me, they could just let me know. No harm. No foul.
Phew.
So I grabbed an umbrella cover for my now snow-soaked umbrella, went through security, and headed on up to the office.
Leslie was so sweet when I walked in - apologizing for the craziness, and worried that I'd braved the storm, but I told her I wanted to help - so I went to my desk and got settled in.
Turns out, I made the right decision. There was a tour scheduled for 2pm, and even though 2 of the 3 didn't show up, I was there to go with Anna and help along the way. The constituent, Mr. C., was very nice and patient with us as we went along.
I had forgotten to grab my flats that morning (the rainboots distracted me), so I ended up doing the entire 2hour tour in my HIGH HEELS. They set off the metal detector up in the House Gallery, but somehow I made it. No blisters. A modern day miracle if you ask me.
When the day was over, Leslie wrote me detailed directions on how to find the underground path to the Hart Senate building, and apparently, there's a train that runs from the Capitol to Hart, so that's nice. I was so bundled, I decided to walk home, but would try and find the train tomorrow. The weather wasn't too bad on the way home, it was raining, but by the time I got to 2nd street, I was splashing in puddles unapologetically.
You only live once - why leave puddles unsplashed??
*Until Next Time!*
I checked OPM at 4:30am and it said government offices would be CLOSED today. At 7:30am, Leslie texted us interns (me, Anna & Spencer), to let us know that we should come in because it wasn't snowing here, and that we could leave if it got bad later.
A few minutes later she texted us again to let us know that it had really started to come down, and to enjoy our snow day.
I texted her to let her know my back was killing me (I should have taken an extra Lyrica bc of the weather, but hadn't because it wasn't doing much when I went to sleep), but that I'd take my meds and see how I was doing later.
She texted me about an hour later to ask if I could go ahead and come in (because I can make the trip underground) and have another day off to make up for it.
-There were only two problems with this. 1. I was passed out from taking my meds and 2. I still have NO IDEA HOW TO FIND THAT DANG PATH!!
Two hours later, I woke up and texted her back. I told her I could come in or stay home, I was fine with either.
No response.
I took a shower and got cleaned up to finally receive a text that said not to worry about coming in - Anna was there, she had just been worried that with the CR bill they were voting on the phones would be off the hook.
When I saw CR bill, I decided to go in. I had totally forgotten about it and it was kind of a big deal.
I bundled up, grabbed my awesome umbrella, and headed out. The snowflakes were HUGE, but nothing was sticking. Luckily, I had the rainboots from the office, so I stayed dry for the most part. It was cold and windy in every direction, but I managed to not blow away.
When I got to the Rayburn building, I started to doubt my decision. I had emailed K to see what I should do and she had told me that it wouldn't be a big deal (me not going in) as long as I didn't keep apologizing for it. Should I even go in then? Would they be upset I showed up after being told I could just stay home?
So I called my dad. He's smart when it comes to this kind of thing. Luckily, he reaffirmed my choice by telling me that I was there so I should go in. They'd be glad I was there to help, and if they really didn't need me, they could just let me know. No harm. No foul.
Phew.
So I grabbed an umbrella cover for my now snow-soaked umbrella, went through security, and headed on up to the office.
Leslie was so sweet when I walked in - apologizing for the craziness, and worried that I'd braved the storm, but I told her I wanted to help - so I went to my desk and got settled in.
Turns out, I made the right decision. There was a tour scheduled for 2pm, and even though 2 of the 3 didn't show up, I was there to go with Anna and help along the way. The constituent, Mr. C., was very nice and patient with us as we went along.
I had forgotten to grab my flats that morning (the rainboots distracted me), so I ended up doing the entire 2hour tour in my HIGH HEELS. They set off the metal detector up in the House Gallery, but somehow I made it. No blisters. A modern day miracle if you ask me.
When the day was over, Leslie wrote me detailed directions on how to find the underground path to the Hart Senate building, and apparently, there's a train that runs from the Capitol to Hart, so that's nice. I was so bundled, I decided to walk home, but would try and find the train tomorrow. The weather wasn't too bad on the way home, it was raining, but by the time I got to 2nd street, I was splashing in puddles unapologetically.
You only live once - why leave puddles unsplashed??
*Until Next Time!*
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
DC Adventures Day 23 (3.5.13)
Today was an emotional day.
One year ago, today, we lost a great man. His name was Charles, and he was a friend I made from Slick's. He was the general manager of the El Chico's across the street, and he was a brutally honest man that always made me feel better when I was having a difficult night. He called it like he saw it. Period. He was demanding of my attention at times, but the dynamic of our friendship was an interesting one to say the least.
I just really miss him.
The work day was pretty typical - running errands and answering phones. No tours, so it passed slower than days I do tours.
When I left, I found that the sky was absolutely haunting. We are in session this week, so we don't leave until 6pm at the earliest. The sky was a bright baby blue and the clouds in front of it were a deep, deep blue. Most of the sky was covered with the clouds, so the part where the clouds didn't quite touch shone through in an incredible way. It was almost like the clouds were the covering of a sky that had been shaken to the point of cracking, and the brighter sky was trying to burst through. As I passed in front of the Capitol, I literally had to stop and gasp at what I saw. It was just incredible. I snapped a ridiculous amount of pictures before heading home.
There is apparently a huge snowstorm heading our way - they are guessing we'll get up to 12inches tomorrow - so I'm supposed to check OPM to see whether or not I'll have to come in to work tomorrow. Fingers crossed that I don't - not because I don't want to work - it's because I want to have a huge snow day! It snowed on Christmas...but not enough to shut anything down - I was a REAL northern snowstorm. It's barely raining now, and it was supposed to be snowing already so we'll see...
*Until Next Time!*
One year ago, today, we lost a great man. His name was Charles, and he was a friend I made from Slick's. He was the general manager of the El Chico's across the street, and he was a brutally honest man that always made me feel better when I was having a difficult night. He called it like he saw it. Period. He was demanding of my attention at times, but the dynamic of our friendship was an interesting one to say the least.
I just really miss him.
The work day was pretty typical - running errands and answering phones. No tours, so it passed slower than days I do tours.
When I left, I found that the sky was absolutely haunting. We are in session this week, so we don't leave until 6pm at the earliest. The sky was a bright baby blue and the clouds in front of it were a deep, deep blue. Most of the sky was covered with the clouds, so the part where the clouds didn't quite touch shone through in an incredible way. It was almost like the clouds were the covering of a sky that had been shaken to the point of cracking, and the brighter sky was trying to burst through. As I passed in front of the Capitol, I literally had to stop and gasp at what I saw. It was just incredible. I snapped a ridiculous amount of pictures before heading home.
There is apparently a huge snowstorm heading our way - they are guessing we'll get up to 12inches tomorrow - so I'm supposed to check OPM to see whether or not I'll have to come in to work tomorrow. Fingers crossed that I don't - not because I don't want to work - it's because I want to have a huge snow day! It snowed on Christmas...but not enough to shut anything down - I was a REAL northern snowstorm. It's barely raining now, and it was supposed to be snowing already so we'll see...
*Until Next Time!*
Monday, March 4, 2013
DC Adventures Day 22 (3.4.13)
Wow. What a day!
I was running a little late, but with the crazy amount of people in DC currently, it was okay.
I got to work, got my computer logged on, and grabbed my PopTarts. About that time, Mr. Hall came in and started asking everyone if they'd had breakfast or not. I told him I was good, and he went on asking everyone else. One of the guys hadn't eaten, and one of the girls agreed to go with him when he came up to me and said, "C'mon. One of you need to go with us!" ... so I said, "Okay! I'd love to join y'all". I quickly grabbed my debit card, and joined the group.
When we got to the elevator, Mr. Hall got in the "Members Only" elevator and turned around, held out his arm and said, "Oh no. Y'all will have to take another elevator. You're not members!" I laughed and said, "Welp, we better not tell anyone then!" and got on. (we've done this before). K hit the button for the basement, and Mr. Hall said, "Oh no. We're not going to the cafe. I'm taking y'all to the Capitol for breakfast!" !! I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but I knew I was already super excited.
We took the subway to the Capitol, and Mr. Hall was a hoot the entire way. Let me tell y'all something - he may be 89 - and he may look like he's been to hell and back (prolly because he has - sometimes on a daily basis) - but the man is quick. And clever. And he loves making people smile.
We got to walk by the Crypt, and the breakfast room "For Members with Guests Only" was all set up schmancy restaurant style. We had the dining room to ourselves, and after some debate, I decided on the Pacific Coast Omelet. It comes with eggs (duh), tomatoes, avocado, smoked salmon, and jack cheese. I was a little hesitant about salmon in an omelet...but friends, it was worth the risk. That omelet was amazing, and almost as good as the company. Mr. Hall shared stories and jokes, I talked to him about my cousin, Jon Bailey, running for my dad's spot on the RISD school board in May, and even got to tell a story about many years ago when I met a man named Rory at a Waffle House in OkCity. We had a really good time.
When we left, we were asking if we could have a nap time because we were STUFFED. And it was 10:30...but Mr. Hall had to get to meetings, so, alas, we went back to work. *sigh*
Work was pretty easy-peasy, I made a March calendar for myself so I could see when we would be in session, and when all my peoples would be here. My parents will be here the 13-17, B will be here the 18-21, and my Commerce peeps will get here the 27th.
Next week's intern tour schedule is packed. We have at least one large tour a day. I'm not going to lie - I'm getting really nervous about giving a tour on my own. I know it will be fine, and I'm good at faking it when I get lost/forget something, but I'm still antsy. THAT will be a good blog update. :)
I left work at 6pm, and for some reason unbeknownst to me, took a long way home. Instead of cutting in front of the Capitol, I walked around the Library of Congress, which cuts right back in front of the Capitol. I know, I know. First world problems. :)
As I was cutting down Massachusetts Ave., I just happened to look down as I stepped up on the sidewalk, and noticed a lone glove, so I picked it up. It was covered in leaves and dirt, but as I turned it over...I realized it looked EXACTLY like the glove I lost...minus the lining. I was thinking that it would be really entertaining if both gloves had a tag on them with numbers that matched. I kind of brushed off the idea, figuring only one glove would come with a tag, and walked the rest of the way home (but had my mental fingers crossed in the back of my mind).
When I got to my room, I changed into my comfort clothes, and grabbed my other glove. I checked the found glove and it had a tag. I checked the numbers. Lo and behold, MY glove had a tag as well.
AND THE NUMBERS MATCHED UP EXACTLY.
THE PRODIGAL GLOVE HAD RETURNED!
I found it one block over, and one block down from where I had last seen it. I hadn't even walked past TMH the night I lost it...it made quite a journey without me. But now we're back together and it's all good. Just in time for the storm tomorrow night. And to think, last night I was upset because I forgot to get gloves at Target. Somebody's lookin' out! :)
Dinner was semi-stuffed manicotti, I "stole" some hummus from the dining hall for later. I watched some West Wing, did my 65 squats, watched some more WW, did 5 push-ups (yech), and watched some more WW...
It's 245am now and I've given up. I went ahead and showered so I can get 15 minutes of extra sleep tomorrow. Here's hoping sleep comes soon...
PS. My stupid Clearspot hotspot is STILL not working. UGH.
*Until Next Time!*
I was running a little late, but with the crazy amount of people in DC currently, it was okay.
I got to work, got my computer logged on, and grabbed my PopTarts. About that time, Mr. Hall came in and started asking everyone if they'd had breakfast or not. I told him I was good, and he went on asking everyone else. One of the guys hadn't eaten, and one of the girls agreed to go with him when he came up to me and said, "C'mon. One of you need to go with us!" ... so I said, "Okay! I'd love to join y'all". I quickly grabbed my debit card, and joined the group.
When we got to the elevator, Mr. Hall got in the "Members Only" elevator and turned around, held out his arm and said, "Oh no. Y'all will have to take another elevator. You're not members!" I laughed and said, "Welp, we better not tell anyone then!" and got on. (we've done this before). K hit the button for the basement, and Mr. Hall said, "Oh no. We're not going to the cafe. I'm taking y'all to the Capitol for breakfast!" !! I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but I knew I was already super excited.
We took the subway to the Capitol, and Mr. Hall was a hoot the entire way. Let me tell y'all something - he may be 89 - and he may look like he's been to hell and back (prolly because he has - sometimes on a daily basis) - but the man is quick. And clever. And he loves making people smile.
We got to walk by the Crypt, and the breakfast room "For Members with Guests Only" was all set up schmancy restaurant style. We had the dining room to ourselves, and after some debate, I decided on the Pacific Coast Omelet. It comes with eggs (duh), tomatoes, avocado, smoked salmon, and jack cheese. I was a little hesitant about salmon in an omelet...but friends, it was worth the risk. That omelet was amazing, and almost as good as the company. Mr. Hall shared stories and jokes, I talked to him about my cousin, Jon Bailey, running for my dad's spot on the RISD school board in May, and even got to tell a story about many years ago when I met a man named Rory at a Waffle House in OkCity. We had a really good time.
When we left, we were asking if we could have a nap time because we were STUFFED. And it was 10:30...but Mr. Hall had to get to meetings, so, alas, we went back to work. *sigh*
Work was pretty easy-peasy, I made a March calendar for myself so I could see when we would be in session, and when all my peoples would be here. My parents will be here the 13-17, B will be here the 18-21, and my Commerce peeps will get here the 27th.
Next week's intern tour schedule is packed. We have at least one large tour a day. I'm not going to lie - I'm getting really nervous about giving a tour on my own. I know it will be fine, and I'm good at faking it when I get lost/forget something, but I'm still antsy. THAT will be a good blog update. :)
I left work at 6pm, and for some reason unbeknownst to me, took a long way home. Instead of cutting in front of the Capitol, I walked around the Library of Congress, which cuts right back in front of the Capitol. I know, I know. First world problems. :)
As I was cutting down Massachusetts Ave., I just happened to look down as I stepped up on the sidewalk, and noticed a lone glove, so I picked it up. It was covered in leaves and dirt, but as I turned it over...I realized it looked EXACTLY like the glove I lost...minus the lining. I was thinking that it would be really entertaining if both gloves had a tag on them with numbers that matched. I kind of brushed off the idea, figuring only one glove would come with a tag, and walked the rest of the way home (but had my mental fingers crossed in the back of my mind).
When I got to my room, I changed into my comfort clothes, and grabbed my other glove. I checked the found glove and it had a tag. I checked the numbers. Lo and behold, MY glove had a tag as well.
AND THE NUMBERS MATCHED UP EXACTLY.
THE PRODIGAL GLOVE HAD RETURNED!
I found it one block over, and one block down from where I had last seen it. I hadn't even walked past TMH the night I lost it...it made quite a journey without me. But now we're back together and it's all good. Just in time for the storm tomorrow night. And to think, last night I was upset because I forgot to get gloves at Target. Somebody's lookin' out! :)
Dinner was semi-stuffed manicotti, I "stole" some hummus from the dining hall for later. I watched some West Wing, did my 65 squats, watched some more WW, did 5 push-ups (yech), and watched some more WW...
It's 245am now and I've given up. I went ahead and showered so I can get 15 minutes of extra sleep tomorrow. Here's hoping sleep comes soon...
PS. My stupid Clearspot hotspot is STILL not working. UGH.
*Until Next Time!*
Sunday, March 3, 2013
DC Adventures Day 21 (3.3.13)
Yech. I didn't get to sleep last night until after 2am. Needless to say, after waking up for brunch (a huge one again - thank you, Ms. Rose!), I watched church, and then conked back out.
And woke up.
And conked back out.
And woke up.
And conked back out...
It was really weird because I couldn't seem to wake up enough to differentiate between my dreams and reality - I would really struggle to wake up and then wear myself out so much trying that I would just pass back out.
...Until 530pm.
At which point I got up, layered with tights under my jeans and a long sleeve shirt under my sweatshirt - and headed out. It was SOCOLD, but I was toasty by the time I made it to Union Station...and even more toasty when I transferred to the Green Line because it was packed.
I got to Target (yes, again), returned a cardigan I bought last week (it had stains on it) and the rainboots that were too small, and then stocked up on bread, peanut butter, jelly, KSmart breakfast foods, and fruit cups. Buying lunch every day is expensive and this will help me save that $. With the money I got from the returns, I only spent $5.
I made it back to TMH just fine (even though at one point the wind surged and froze my sweaty back), where I cleaned my room, started a load of laundry, and made 2 pb&j's just in time to FaceTime Jarrod so I could watch The Walking Dead.
I was disappointed because it was another boring episode - very little blood or gory makeup effects, but it was still The Walking Dead, so I won't complain too much. My theory is that the past two weeks have been dull because next week is going to be super gory. Bring. It. On.
I was yawning a lot, so I got my towels out of the dryer, and decided to lay down. My intention is that if I can't sleep (which there is no way because I haven't even been awake for 5 hours), I'll get up and do my squats.
*Until Next Time!*
And woke up.
And conked back out.
And woke up.
And conked back out...
It was really weird because I couldn't seem to wake up enough to differentiate between my dreams and reality - I would really struggle to wake up and then wear myself out so much trying that I would just pass back out.
...Until 530pm.
At which point I got up, layered with tights under my jeans and a long sleeve shirt under my sweatshirt - and headed out. It was SOCOLD, but I was toasty by the time I made it to Union Station...and even more toasty when I transferred to the Green Line because it was packed.
I got to Target (yes, again), returned a cardigan I bought last week (it had stains on it) and the rainboots that were too small, and then stocked up on bread, peanut butter, jelly, KSmart breakfast foods, and fruit cups. Buying lunch every day is expensive and this will help me save that $. With the money I got from the returns, I only spent $5.
I made it back to TMH just fine (even though at one point the wind surged and froze my sweaty back), where I cleaned my room, started a load of laundry, and made 2 pb&j's just in time to FaceTime Jarrod so I could watch The Walking Dead.
I was disappointed because it was another boring episode - very little blood or gory makeup effects, but it was still The Walking Dead, so I won't complain too much. My theory is that the past two weeks have been dull because next week is going to be super gory. Bring. It. On.
I was yawning a lot, so I got my towels out of the dryer, and decided to lay down. My intention is that if I can't sleep (which there is no way because I haven't even been awake for 5 hours), I'll get up and do my squats.
*Until Next Time!*
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