My story book tale

So, I thought I had made up my mind about the city. I thought that I could never live here, and I thought that no matter how much I enjoyed politics, or loved the atmosphere that I could never deal with the hustle and bustle and high stress of a huge city that never slows down. I was wrong. I hadn't been to Alexandria yet.

Last night Reuben convinced me that before I completely wrote of D.C. I had to experience Old Town, which is the historical district of Alexandria, VA. I fell in love. It's seriously the cutest place I've ever been. It's story-book, really. There are red-brick streets and pubs that Jefferson and Adams frequented once upon a time, and real torches on either side of cute doors that match cute shutters on every street. The river is just a few blocks down and there are charming hole-in-the-wall restaurants everywhere, not to mention what looks to be some amazing shopping to be done. I'm in awe. I am truly swept away.

We ate at the cutest italian resturant that honestly had stone walls that might have been there since the 1800's, and then we walked down to the dock on the river that had real wooden boats docked and ducks swimming at our feet. The smell of fish didn't even damper the atmosphere. It was perfect. Too bad I wasn't with someone special or I might have been floating.

The moral of the story is that I fell in love with Alexandria last night. I could definately see myself living there and working in D.C. even if D.C. is kind of annoying at times. I could put up with it if I got to live in such a wonderful town.

Back to work. In a big building, with the phone constantly ringing, and a steady stream of mail to be sorted. yay.

Texas, oh Texas!

I realized that I never explained why the last post was entitled Birthday Cake. I've been craving birthday cake since I got to D. C. although I'm not sure why this is. However, we've searched everywhere and just have ran in to any birthday cake. So, you can imagine my complete bliss when I got up Monday morning and noticed a white cake with white and pink icing on the counter in the kitchen. Sarah brought it home and I was ecstatic.... really. It gave me a sense of comfort (I know, dangerous.)

Moving on... today has been boring. I'm sitting at the front desk... where else would I be? and answering phone, doing clerical duties, and feeling like I didn't have to go to college for this. blah. Not even the occasional text from Brad to keep my day interesting... he's busy at work. boo. That's okay... I never pass up the chance to surf the internet all day and be a bum. I might even get ambitious in a little while and venture downstairs to get a snack. I shouldn't.

OldTown tonight with Reuben. I've decided that if I ever plan on moving back to D.C. and living here then I want to live in Virginia. So, he's going to show me around and hopefully that will impove the chances of me being able to bear this city in the future. Right now I just can't handle the thought of living here, even though I love it so much.

I really can't wait to get home. I miss my family, my friends, my church, my bed, and Conway so much! I won't get back to UCA until late August, but being in Texas will at least make me feel closer. I talked to Jenn yesterday and she said that Hannah learned to smile. That's crazy! I can't wait to get home and see her... I'm sure it's beautiful. I miss everything... Pray for my daddy today... he didn't have a very good night and when I talked to Mom this morning things didn't sound good. The dr. switched his pain medication though, so maybe that will help.

I can't tell you how bored I am right now. I hope this isn't what the real world is always like. =)

the last of the pictures...

more

I realize it would have made a lot more sense to add these with my post about the zoo, but I didn't do it that way. Enjoy!

photos... finally

Here are just a few inspiring pictures that I thought I would add from the weekend. I realize I've been lacking in the picture department, but not having a digital camera really puts a damper on things. Anyway, I'm about to upload more pictures with not so many captions, so good luck deciphering what the are. I might edit later... but I kinda doubt it.

Birthday Cake

I got to sleep in on Monday morning because I took off from work. I was scheduled to take off on Friday afternoon, which would have been a bit more traditional, but all of the other interns in the office asked to take off Friday afternoon as well, so Sarah and I opted to have Monday morning off, since both of our visitors were not flying out until Monday.

Of course I didn't actually sleep in on my day off. My dad was scheduled to have surgery on Monday so I woke up around 6am worrying and fretting. (thank you all for your prayers, by the way). I tried to sleep in until 11, waking up to tell Julie bye. I headed to the office around 2 for a very short day. It was glorious. After work we went to McFadden's and the group I was with called the hogs atleast six times in an hour. I'm sure everyone hated us, and I was sick to my stomach from all the woo-pig-sooie crap. Go BEARS!!

the weekend- d.c. style

Breezing through Saturday and Sunday... because truthfully I feel like the sight-seeing bit is boring for you at this point. I'm still enjoying it. I'm not sure all the beautiful sights in this city could ever get old.

Saturday we woke up late and went to the zoo, where I reaffirmed my doubts about having children. We took the back exit out of the zoo (risky idea) and ended up taking a gorgeous (but leghty) walk through Rock Creek Park. We met a few friends at the National's game in the second inning and suprisingly they won! We also got to see someone hit a homerun!

Then we went home and showered and went out with Ramey for dinner (at like midnight). We watched L.A. play Chelsea (MLS) and Beckham's first game for L.A. He only played like 9 minutes, but dang he looked good. In case you don't know this about me, I am a HUGE soccer fan, and I do believe that David Beckham is possibly the reason God invented soccer. YaY for God!

Sunday was more sight-seeing. Lunch on the steps of the Library of Congress, the National Art Gallery, a sculpture garden, and the Natural History Museum. Then we tried to go on that tour of the Potomac at night again with Reuben, another failure, and ended up walking to the monuments at night. It was good. I just hope Julie enjoyed it as much as I did.

I'm SO glad she came to visit. It really made this weekend a lot of fun. I would have been very lonely if she weren't here, because Sarah's boyfriend came to visit and she was gone all weekend. Tater was in a terrible mood all weekend. She got in to it with Ramey. I'm just trying to stay out of her way to tell you the truth. Only a week left.

Reason #245 that I love D.C.

So Julie comes in on Friday, we meet up, we go back to my beautiful apartment and chill out for a little while. Manny and Olga save the day again (a great pizza place down the street) and we just catch up. It was SO nice to see her. We decide to go on a cruise of the monuments on the Potomac that leaves from GEorgetown at 9pm. We decide this at 8:40. We all but sprint to Georgetown and make it just as the boat is docking. Ramey saved my life several times, because apparently I'm not good at talking on the phone, jogging through Georgetown, and keeping an eye on heavy traffic all at once. oops.

We are able to meet our group (of about 9 obnxoious UofA frat guys, or so it seems) at the dock in time to board, but we were not that lucky. The boat is rented out to a private party, so we don't get to take that cruise. Julie and I do meet a nice guy from Greece named Constantine that offers to take us out on his yacht. We decline, although he did have a nice accent.

We decide that the frat boys are a little too rowdy for us. Julie got up at 3am and is almost dead on her feet after the sprint and I just wanted to mellow out after the work week, so we head to DuPont, a nice neighborhood on the North side of D.C. to meet a friend of mine. On our way there we discovered that it was Harry Potter release party night. We run across lots of adults, and kids alike, dressed up for the event. Weird.

We also run in to the newest reason that I'm in love with this city. On the sidewalk next to the place where we are meeting Reuben there is a loud nine piece brass band playing for money. There are tubas, trombones, baritones, trumpets, a big bass drum and a huge crowd gathered around watching. There are lots of people dancing in the streets and everyone is simply having fun. Julie and I stop for a minute on our way in and out.... they are amazing.

Congressional Intern Turned Fat Cow

Thursday night was more of the same. I feel like if I moved to this city I would have to seriously practice selff-control or I would gain at least 50 pounds in the first three months. There are just wonderful places to eat everywhere...



Sarah and I went shopping after we get off work, and I use work as a loose term. Thursday we were informed that our intern duty included saving a softball field for one of the capitol hill softball teams to play on after work. So, we packed our flips flops and looked forward to leaving the office at 3.



We had lunch with the Congressman in his office with all the interns. It was nice to get some face-time, but I was really suprised that out of the six interns Sarah and I were the only two who asked questions and kept the conversation going. I got a chance to talk to Rep. Snyder about campaigns and politics, and government without getting in to specific issues, because that might have been dangerous, given my own political beliefs. He was very sincere and down-to-earth. He might be a democrat, but he's earned my vote for as long as I'm in the C. Arkansas area. I admire him because he is willing to stand up against everyone else, including his party, and vote the way he believes is right. I appreciate that. It's something that our world, our government, and our country should learn.



Around 2 Katie, my intern coordinator, called me back to her desk and told Claire, another intern, and I that Barack Obama was going to be on the East Capitol steps in ten minutes taking pictures and shaking hands. Now, I am not the biggest Obama fan, but I kept thinking that if this guy was the next president of the United States and I passed up and opportunity to meet him for sitting in the office and answering phone calls, I would probably be angry with myself. So... we took off... in a sprint... for the East Capitol Steps. The problem was that neither of us knew where the East Capitol Steps were... or even which direction to go... so we jut ran. We ended up running around the entire building, and twenty minutes later, after we were sure that Barack was gone, we found the steps. There were about 500 congressional interns on the steps all waiting to take their picture with Barack. We ended up getting in a HUGE group picture and shaking hands. It wasa enough for me. I think you could almost tell that I wasn't really that in to the man, because I hung out the back of the crowd and he almost had to find me to shake my hand. I must admit, he truly is charasmatic. He has a presidential aura.

When we got back to the office Sarah and I were instructed to change in to our play clothes and get ready to go save the field for Phynaus. He drove us to a big grassy city block right off the hill and dropped us off with a cooler and lawn chairs. We sun bathed, talked on the phone, read and relaxed. It was a very nice break from the ho-hum of professional life. I got to catch up with some friends that I haven't talked to in a while, namely Greg, and it honestly made my week. I miss Conway a lot, but I'm dreading the day I go back. That doesn't even make sense.

When Phynaus finally made it back for the game we were released of our duty and took off to shop. We went back to Forever 21 and only allowed ourselves 45 minutes this time. Then it was back to GW to clean up and go out for a late dinner. Late dinners are common these days. I can't remember the last time I ate before 9pm. We met up with some friends at LP, the mexican restaurant I can't stay away from, and a good time was had by all.

I've got to stop eating so much. I hope none of you are suprised when I get home and have gained twenty pounds. Sorry Brad.

One more week left.

Officially the quietest day EVER on the hill. There are no votes expected. The Congressman is out of the office, and half the interns took the afternoon off. I'm stuck here til 6. On a Friday. Really?! That's okay... at least I have the front office to myself, which is better than being stuck in the dungeon with twelve other people.

My friend Julie flew in today from Fayetteville to hang out for the weekend. I'm REALLY excited to see her. It's a shame that she has to fly to spend time with me, but luckily she can do that. I'm not really sure what we'll do... but I'm sure we'll have fun at whatever it is. I've gotta give another tour.

Hump Day

Short story:

Today Sarah and I were coming home from Union Station and as we got off the metro at Foggy-Bottom (which is about six blocks from our apartment) we saw these two really drunk girls heading in the same direction as us. We commented on how much they'd had to drink and didn't think anything else about it, until we got on the escalator and saw them trying to walk up the down escalator. At first we laughed at them and commented on their altered state, but then the entire crowd of people in the metro station and on the escalator started cheering them on. It was as if suddenylwe were all at the metro olympics and the United States was in the running for a gold medal. It all depended on these two intoxicated girls, and there was suddenly an impromptu crowd of about 75 people. As people got off the escalator at the top they started gathering at the entrance of the downward and cheering the girls on.

In those few moments, I honestly fell in love with this city all over again.

Then, it was back to walking home on tired feet, to a stinky apartment, with no light. Gotta adore the city.

Ole!

I still haven't made it to the soccer game. After we left RnR we went to the place down the street that John suggested and hung out there for a while. I got to talk to Reuben more and foound out that he was a fan of soccer. I had been asking everyone to go with me to the game and was thrilled to finally find someone who wanted to go, because none of my friends were up for it. Losers.

So, Reuben and I met up on Saturday at RFK Stadium and he bought pretty nice tickets (this is the good part about having friends with real jobs). We were maybe twenty rows up and I was estatic to be at my first major league soccer game... especially since they were playing FC Dallas. Go Texas!

I quickly found out that this crowd was actually in to the game. Unlike the Nationals game, everyone here wanted D.C. United to win. There was a hard core section with over sized flags, and everyone was yelling and singing these songs that I had never heard. The crowd was rowdy and zealous, and it was just a great atmosphere. Reuben was fun company, but nothing could have ruined this game.

The teams ended up tying, which shocked me because I didn't know that could happen. I guess I did know it, but I wasn't really in the 'soccer mind frame'. I think I was still in shock that all these people actually wanted D.C. to win. It was SO much fun.

Afterwards we did the whole monuments at night thing, which was also a blast. I mean, really, how many people have sat at the feet of the Lincoln monument and talked politics with a Navy officer at midnight? This city gets better day by day.

"The experience of a lifetime"

Only seven more work days left. I can't believe it's flown by this fast. I'm already nostalgic and I haven't even left yet.

Today is the start of a hectic week and a half. Val, the office's secretary, has left for vacation, and she is honestly the person who holds our office together. Somehow I got chosen to sit at the front desk and attempt to keep some form of order in the front office. Not only does this mean that I'm on my own, (aka lonely) but this means that I have to stay on top of things and act like I know what's going on. Usually, I'm good at this... I do it all the time in the SGA office, but it's a little different when senators and representatives, and the former FEMA director are/is walking through the door. None-the-less, I smile and look pretty. I'm good at that.

Amazing reception yesterday at Tortilla Coast. Arkansas State University-Mountain Home invited all the Arkansas people for free food, drinks, and giveaways. It was by far the most fun reception I've been to yet, mostly because it reminded me of exactly the sort of schmoozing that I'm accustomed to at UCA. I found humor in the situation, and I'm not going to lie, I enjoyed the free taquitos.

After the reception I went directly home and fell asleep. It was like 8:30. I don't know what's wrong with me lately, but I've just been sooo tired. I only woke up to brush my teeth, take out my contacts, and briefly talk to Brad, although I do not recall the conversation. I do recall a rancid smell that hit me as soon as I walked in to our apartment last night. Sarah and I determined it was either the trash that needed to be emptied, or raw sewage mixed into our tap water. It was TERRIBLE, and I kept waking up throughout the night wondering what it could be. This morning, as I was preparing for work, it was STILL present. Finally, after a few coats of aerosol febreeze, Bath and Body Works coconut lime verbena room spray, and Sarah's Vera Wang Princess perfume, we decided to take out the trash and hope for the best. If the smell is still there when I get home, I'm going to sleep in the lobby.

I neglected to describe my experience with major league soccer last week. I found out on Friday that the the MLS team from Dallas, FC Dallas, was playing the Washington team, D.C. United in D.C. Now, historically I've not been a huge soccer fan, but in the past few years I have redefined my fascination with all things latin, so soccer is right up my alley. I decided that I had to go to the game.

Sarah had been begging us to go dancing since she got to D.C. She says that she can't dance in Arkansas because she knows too many people and doesn't want to make a fool of herself. I personally would rather dance in a room full of friends because that way I know I'm not going to get molested. Whatev. So, Friday night we [my intern friends and an eclectic group of other people that we've met since coming to D.C.] decided to try out the club that Jamaal, my co-worker had suggested for Thursday. We met up in Chinatown at this place called Matchbox. Pretty much we just rescheduled our entire Thursday on Friday. Dinner was great, although Ramey's glass completely fell apart at the table. Not kidding, he picked up his water glass to take a drink and the bottom half fell off of it. Clean break. Water everywhere. Drenched our entire side of the table. Ridiculous.

After dinner we set out to find RnR. We asked a guy on the street if he knew where it was, and he pointed us in the direction of the club, describing it as a "high school weed party." We were skeptical, but I pushed the group on, knowing that this was probably the only 18 and up club in D.C. and half of our group was under 21.

We walked up to the place and a fiery door guy walked over to us. He gave us the once over and gathered us in a circle about ten yards from the door.

"Hey, my name is John, and I'm really glad you guys are here. I'm going to warn you though, we're having a fundraiser tonight to fight AIDS and it's a costume party. The crowd is about 70-3o wearing costumes right now, and I'm going to let you guys in, but just know that a lot of people are going to be dressed up."

He pauses and looks at each of us to confirm that we were still interested. I also make a point to tell him I'm from UCA, since Jamaal told us that he's an alum. He freaks out. We talk for a minute about C. Arkansas. He's very nice, but he smells bad.

"I'm not going to charge you cover. I'm going to make you my guests, so just go on in and you'll have the experience of a lifetime."

At this point I begin to worry. However, I decide that even if we leave we're not going to find another place where we can all get in. I give him my i.d. and he gives me a bracelet. I file in to the club, making sure that Reuben, the friend of a friend, goes in before me.

What I saw at this point I cannot describe. One, because there aren't words for it. Two, because I would blush and I'm still sitting at the front desk. This was no normal costume party. When I first walked in I noticed something was different because it was very dark, and I don't use this word to convey the racial make-up of the group. I actually mean that there was a very gothic theme going on, but that wasn't the only theme I noticed. Actually, the real theme seemed to be any walk of life that would open someone to the possibility of aids. There where scantily clad folks everywhere. Most where wearing scary eye make-up, men and women a like. I saw a naked couple making out in the corner. They had a very, uh, "involved" audience. Whips and chains seemed to take the place of purses and coats. The music could be described as "demonic" and I did my best to avoid eye contact. I cringed everytime the crowded quarters forced me to bump in to someone, because most of the time that meant touching bare skin... no matter what part of the body. This was just the first of four floors.

Keep in mind that our group was less than accustomed to this scence. I was with a Cornell graduate and now Navy instructor, a Harvard grad, a current Ouchita Baptist student, two Fayetteville students, the current Miss Conway, and a few other loose ends. It's a good thing the lights were so low, beacuse I'm certain that our faces were the color of a tomato. We just wanted to dance. No frills. At this point, frills were the least of our worries. Did I mention that everyone in the club was over the age of 30. These weren't young naked bodies we were exposed to... but scary, wrinkly, nasty, crusty old people.

I honestly couldn't keep a straight face. I was either hiding in Reuben's back or laughing, or had my hand up to my open mouth in pure shock. Someone suggested we try to go upstairs. I guess they thought it might get tamer?!? Either way, we started up the stairs.

My encounter occured on the first flight. There was a scraggly looking girl trying to make her way down as we were going up. She was wearing something that resembled an "x" made out of string or rope that only covered the very essentials. And I use cover in a loose sense, because it didn't cover a thing. However, she DID carry a large cane that had a demon on the top and she was wearing a mask and spike heels. She had obviously had too much of something, although I'm not sure it was alcohol, because her swagger was more than noticeable. Might I insert here that it was barely midnight. Anyway, she slipped, and when she did, not only did I get stabbed in the abdopmen by her nasty spike heel, but I got a full shot of EVERYTHING when her legs went opposite directions. WoW. Had it not been for Reuben standing behind me, I'm certain I would have fallen down into the pit below never to be retrieved. Instead, he steadied me as we watched her stammer to her feet and all but creep past us.

We continued on our journey up the stairs. Each floor got worse and worse. Our entire visit to RnR lasted 5.8 minutes. I was horrified.

When we finally made our way back to reality, we found John standing outside chuckling. He looked at his watch.

"Now you know why I didn't bother charging a cover."

No one spoke.

"I'm going to give you my card. Come back tomorrow, be my guests, it'll be a different crowd. We'll open up a bottle of champagne for the Arkansas folks. We'll celebrate UCA on me."

Hands went out, still, no one spoke.

We were in shock. He gave us directions to a calmer place and we left. Still in shock.

Thursday night: Rude never gets old.

So, I’m not sure where I left off from before, but I’ll start with Thursday.

Sarah and I skipped out on the Capitol Hill softball league and went shopping in Georgetown instead. It was glorious. We originally had plans to go to Matchbox, this brick oven pizza place in Chinatown and then hit up RnR which is the dance club that our friend Jamaal insisted we visit on Thursday. He said that a UCA alum owned the place and that he promised we would enjoy it. Sarah had been wanting to dance for days, so we settled on RnR. Shopping, however, sort of made out plans come in a far-fetched second. We found an Urban Outfitters and spent at least two solid hours there. I ended up finding a great pair of jeans and a shirt for Brad. Then we attempted to eat dinner at Clyde’s, a restaurant that everyone in our office had gushed about. We sat down, gave the menu the once-over and couldn’t find anything appealing. Simultaneously we started talking about how amazing Burger King sounded… so after not much debate we decided to order an appetizer and get Burger King for the real meal. The appetizer we ordered, we were informed by the chef, was not available, so we ended up leaving the waitress a $6 tip for water and bread and heading back to the metro.

When we finally got to the main metro hub where we had to switch trains it was packed. There was work being done on the line that we needed to take to Chinatown (where the only Burger King we knew of was located) and it took thirty minutes for a train to get there. There were a ton of people waiting on the train and Sarah got in to it with a lady pushing a stroller who was trying to get on the train. I found it humorous. Sarah almost cried.

The lady was waiting behind Sarah and she pushed the stroller in to her heels. Sarah turned around and said “Your stroller is digging in to my heels.”

The lady replied. “I know, F***!”

I’m not sure I mentioned this, but Sarah is the most paranoid person that I know. The entire time we were out by ourselves she was constantly fretting and fearful that we were going to get raped, killed, or even worse, hit on. Sometimes this is humorous. Sometimes, annoying.

We got Burger King. It was the best food I’d had in years. We made it back to GW. No one raped us, or killed us, or even hit on us.

I’ll continue later. There’s work to be done.

Mr. President...

I know, I know. I'm very behind. But if you could just watch my life the past week (which would look a lot like a sitcom honestly) you would sympathize with me. First, before I attempt to catch you up... I want you to know the most important thing that happened to me, and probably ever will. Also, let me say, that if this gets cut short I'm sorry... but I'm the only intern in the office right now and I could get pulled away. Also, I probably shouldn't be blogging at work, but I doubt I'll get fired... and if I do... haha.

Yesterday morning I picked up the "Daily AM" which is a daily newspaper that's published on the hill and has a listing of all the Congressional Activity for the day. I was reading through the possible opportunities for the week and stumbled upon a ceremony awarding the 139th Congressional Gold Medal of Honor to Norman Borlaug. It said that it was in the Rotunda and Senator Reid (President Pro Tem), Rep. Nancy Pelosi (Speaker of the House) and President George W. Bush would all be attending. I KNEW THAT I HAD TO BE THERE. So, Sarah and I started our quest to get access to this once-in-a-lifetime event. We made phone calls all day yesterday afternoon and went home under the assumption that we would not be seeing anyone important today... none-the-less... we woke up this morning and dressed in our best business attire.

It was a huge decision, I'm not going to lie, but I chose my pin-stripe pencil skirt and a white silk shirt. Sarah, ever the Republican, chose a red sweater under a navy business suit. We headed to the office scared to mention what we both hoped would come true.

As soon as we got in we continued the frenzy of phone calls with no success. We decided to head to the Rotunda and hope to at least hear the President's speech echo through the Capitol. There were capitol police and secret service agents EVERYWHERE. I felt like a spy.

We first approached the Rotunda where we were immediately stopped in our tracks and asked to show our tickets, which we of course did not have. The policeman nicely sent us to the appointments desk, and there we were sent to the Sargeant of Arms, who sent us to the HOUSE side S.ofA., who then sent us back to the appointments desk. We had to stop and ask for directions at least ten times. The ceremony was well underway. The worst part of all was that we could hear thunderous applause and sweet songs ringing through the entire capitol. We were almost in tears by the time we got back to the desk where three blue hairs sat, ready to answer anything. The lady, luckily, took pity on us, and after a disheartening explanation of the "correct process" and how hard it was to get tickets, she let us in on a little secret. She pulled out the sweetest sight I have ever seen from below her desk: two blue tickets with gold crests. They were beautiful. She gave them to us, along with an invitation (which she hoped would get our friend Claire in, if we were smooth) and instructed us to hide our intern badges and act important. Thank God for the woman. She is an angel (and she will get flowers within the week).

We rushed off. I could hardly breathe... I was beyond nervous.

I flashed my blue ticket at the guard and he ushered me in... Claire made it too.
We found seats and I really can't tell you how amazing the rest of it was. The United States Army Chorus sang and it was beautiful. Stenny Hoyer, Mitch McCullom, Nancy Pelosi, Sen. Reid, and the President all spoke, along with a lot of other people who are apparently important. All of this took place in the room that I am convinced is the most gorgeous EVER... I was seriously beside myself. I didn't have my camera... because I'm a dork, but Sarah got pictures, and you better believe that I'm going to claim them as mine whenever I get copies.

This sort of thing is exactly what I dreamed of when I took this job. I love it. I'm sure most of you already knew about this, because as soon as I got back to the office I texted approximately 56 people (sorry about the mass text, but I was just too excited).

I'm still floating on air. It doesn't matter what kind of menial task I'm assigend for the rest of my two weeks in the office, this morning made everything worth it. I know I still have to catch up from the past week, but I'll do that later. For now you know the important part: I SAW "W", and yes, he was just as handsome in person. I could have kissed him.

Catching you up!

Well, this week has flown by, despite a slow start. I am kind of behind on the blogs, as you might have noticed... but I assure nothing major has happened.

As you might have observed from the last post, Tuesday was hellacious. I can't think of one positive thing to say about Tuesday, except that I got to talk to Brad for thirty minutes late that night. He's wonderful. I also found a new cider that I adore... strong bow... it's great. However, after enjoying it for the first time, I was exposed to the rudest waiter I have ever came into contact with. We were at a place called Tavern 51, or something like that, and the National League v. American League game was on, so the place was packed out. Our tab was about $26 altogther, and when we asked him to split it up he said no. So, I paid for my one cider ($5) and left a $2 tip. (I ALWAYS over-tip. I just have sympathy for servers). The other two people on the tab paid for their own, and that was that. After we had all paid, the server walked over to our table and the conversation went as follows:

"I don't know if you guys have ever been to a restaurant before, but I just wanted to let you guys know that on a $26 tab, a $2 tip is NOT sufficient."

Shock from the table. We are stunned.

"I mean, my tips pay the rent, and I cannot pay my rent on $2."

Still shocked. He walks away, comes back. Complains again. wow.

So, needless to say, this fine young gentleman didn't exactly add to my not-so-great day. I'm not sure if the other two people I was with stiffed him, but it made Tuesday even worse than it already was.

More later.

Jibberish.

Don't have much time because I have a tour scheduled any minute now (I'm hoping they cancel.) So, I just figured I'd make some notes and go back and fill in later.

Tuesday- no good, very bad day:
Tater oversleeps, wait til I get up, then jump in the shower. jerk.
Broken blush first thing in the morning.
Yelled at in the office for talking in a normal speaking voice, three times.
Katie missed her flight, not cool.
Lunch on senate side. Yelled at by lady in a wheel chair. Sitting by the smoking room. Cashier crisis.
Boring afternoon.
More later. My tour just called and she's lost. Gotta go help her get to the office. =)

It's raining, it's pouring, soon I will be snoring!

I really am going to fall asleep at any moment, so if my typing is slurred and becomes jibberish, you'll know why. I'll clean up the drool on the keyboard later.

Last night we went home after work and collapsed. We ate left over pizza and cheese dip and sat around and hung out. We didn't go anywhere, or do anything, but we did have a lot of fun. It was just Sarah, Ramey, Tater and I.

I decided it was bed time around 12:30 and apparently I was wrong. Tater and I began a discussion about equal education opporunities based on test scores, basically potential v. qualification that ended up in a religious debate. I would have let the conversation die long before 3am, but I couldn't seem to let her think that I was giving up.

It really sheds a whole new light on my faith when I try to explain it to someone who doesn't even believe in God, or after-life, or that humans have souls. It's so much more challenging. Not necessarily a challenge I enjoy, but it does make me appreciate my Interdisciplinary education. In the Honors College I was taught to debate with all sorts of people and engage in educational conversation for the sake of learning and searching, and I am very thankful that I have been able to put that to use the past week and a half.

Granted, I get annoyed with her, and I want to kick and scream and throw my shoes, but suprisingly I've been fairly patient and thorough in my arguements. I just pray that God keeps giving me wisdom and courage and love.

I'm not, but I know I AM.

I can't believe I stayed up til 2:45am talking about the "problem of evil" and "free will". Ugh.

Hello, my name is Lisa. How can I not help you?

Wow.
This week is going to be VERY different than last. The office last week was quiet and laid back and kind of boring. This week there are six interns here... as opposed to two last week. We are pretty much sitting on top of each other and there isn't just a whole lot for us to do. The main objective is to stay out of everyone's way... and that is difficult to do.

Saturday night was long and boring... we walked around in the ghetto for an hour trying to find somewhere to eat, and finally found a pretty nice diner in Adams-Morgan. Then we came back to GW and I went to bed. I know I'm lame.

Yesterday was a lot of fun. I felt like I was a freshman back in the dorm at UCA. I slept in and skipped church (which I feel bad about) and got up around 12. We [Sarah, Tater, and I] went to lunch and Potbelly's and engaged in a fairly heated race conversation. I determined from this conversation that race in the North is VERY different from race in the South. Tater was completely unaware of some of the problems and issues we face... I won't start here, but know that she just doesn't see why white people have any thing to say about affirmative action or equal opportunity. Really?!

Then we went back to GW and I took a nap, because I had such a long day. I slept til like 6, and then Ramy and I went to Safeway and we decided to all stay in and order pizza. Cheese dip, pizza, and chocolate cookies turned the night into a full-fledged dance party. We had a blast.

Today was totally stressful. I can't wait for 6 o'clock to come. I just want out of the office and out of the way ASAP.

More tomorrow... when things are calmer.... yea, right.

WARNING: No stalkers, funny stories, or subway fights in this post... feel free to skim. =)

I'm going to skip over Friday because it was fairly uneventful, except to tell you that we had dinner on the boardwalk of the Potomac and it was wonderful. Then we found this cute little live jazz place and had a fun evening just dancing and hanging out. I also got off of work at 1:30, which was AWESOME and Sarah and I went shopping at Union station. There was an Express sale and I didnt buy a thing. Be proud.

Today I slept in... glorious! and made Tater mad because I hopped in the shower before she woke up (which she does to me every day during the week) and she had to wait to use the bathroom. Whatev. Moments later she was hitting on Sarah and I, so she couldn't have been that mad. I'm still really weirded out, but I am getting used to her.

Sarah and I decided to check out the open air market and after a quick lunch we spent about an hour looking at local paintings, jewelry, fresh fruit and vegetables, and furniture. It was a charming place, and had we not been planning to really go shopping after we left I might have bought a few things, especially the fresh strawberries for 2.50 a quart. (Sorry Mom, I don't know if that's a good price or not, but they looked and smelled REALLY good).

After the Eastern Market we went to Pentagon City for the real mall experience. That's how I usually spend my Saturday's at home, so I figured it would cure the tinge of homesickness creeping in. I was right. We found a Forever 21 with a huge sale and I subdued my shopping thirst for the moment. An Auntie Anne's pretzel and a fountain coke later, and it was time to head "home", but not before stopping in at the tanning salon across the street from our apartment. $15 for a single visit. Are you kidding me?! I can live with pasty for a month.

Now I'm just sitting here. Tatyana is at an internet cafe sipping a latte and trying to look romantic, Sarah and Ramy are out running in Georgetown, and I'm too sleepy to call anyone else and find something to do. I think I'll take a nap before dinner tonight. I think the rest of today will be sort of quiet. I'm okay with that.

Post Patriotic Celebration

Day after the 4th of July (also known as the 5th): Back to the office... it's SOO much quieter on the Hill today. It was the most boring day ever. The highlight, oddly enough, was giving a tour to a super obnoxious couple and their son. Needless to say, I didn't do much, but I did get a good amount of facebooking done, and I found the nearest Wal-Mart.

After work I rushed back to GW to change and meet up with friends because we has plans to go to the Nationals v. Cubs game. We did, and we had a blast. The Nationals lost (duh.) but we cheered none-the-less and enjoyed fine ball park cuisine. I've decided that I love the ball park atmosphere. Fresh air, good food, America's game, tight pants, lots of people, fun music, oversized mascot outfits, and a certain smell that encompasses the ball park. America doesn't get much better. (Maybe I was still on a certain high from the fireworks and national orchestra the night before. This place just makes me patriotic.)

On the way home I almost got in a fight with a drunk cubs fan on the metro. He was hitting on me, right up in my face, slurring his words and inadvertantly spitting on me. He questioned everything about my life. "Where are you from? What's your major? What are you doing with your life? Why aren't you in theater if you're a public relations major (what?!) What's UCA's mascot? Where is Fort Smith, Arkansas? Why are you from Texas?" He was a major tool. The worst part was that he was making a scene. Everyone started looking at us and at one point he was inches from trying to kiss me. Luckily, my friend Ramy was there to pretend he was my boyfriend and intimidate the loser... but Ramy didn't step in until a good fifteen minutes after the embarassment had begun. The dork missed his metro stop by a good ten minutes and eventually exited the train in a walk of shame... it was good clean fun.

When we got home Tatyana wasn't there, so I called Brad (sigh).

P.S. From now on, Tatyana will be referred to as Tater, short for Tater Tot, in light of her deep affection for all things southern (sarcasm). Sarah and I call her this, mostly bc Sarah never remembers her name, and I'm seriously afraid that it might slip in front of her one day. That will be awkward.

Anyway, so when Tater gets home she immediately gushes about the Aretha Franklin concert she just attended. Sarah and I inform her of the Aretha Franklin concert that UCA hosted this past semester for the Centennial Celebration, and also of the tickets that we both had and did not use. Ooops.

Then the conversation came. I'm not sure how it started, but it ended up being a two hour debate on the institution of marriage. She adamantly believes that there is no point in getting married. She never wants to be married. She doesn't think anyone else should get married, but if they do, it certainly should not be before the age of 26. She also believe that saying you will never get divorced is ludicrous. She was seriously disappointed in me when I explained that once I'm married I will be in it for the long haul. She was enraged that I could say I would stick my marriage out even if I was unhappy. She is not a lesbian, although I had my doubts. I'm pretty sure she would have told me by now if she were. She is an atheist though. She informed us of that last night too. Which is why she would never date a guy who didn't want to have sex outside of marriage. It's SOOO weird how God puts people in your life to teach you things. I never imagined that I would learn more outside my internship this month than I would when I'm at the office.

Our God is SO big. and good. I'm so thankful that Sarah is here with me.

I miss home. I miss Conway.

I love D.C.

July 4th at the Capitol- Take 2.

My senior year of high school I went on a church mission trip on which we were scheduled to be in D.C. for the Fourth of July, and we were. But there was a monsoon in the middle of the day that sent us all into the Smithsonians for refuge and by the time we made it out, some members of the group (adults) were griping so much that we returned to the place we were staying without catching the independence day celebration. Lame.

This year, I was determined to celebrate the 4th in style. No inclament weather was going to stand in my way.

Problem #1- I woke up late. The parade was scheduled to start at 12 noon, so I knew when Sarah and I didn't wake up til 11:10 that we weren't going to make it. I gave up on that dream without pause, knowing that the fireworks show would make up for it. We eventually got around and were ready to head out. We met up with some friends in Georgetown for a light lunch (Mexican, again, although not nearly as divine) and headed to the capitol.

I had read online (yea, my work day is hard) that there is a flower from Africa called the titan corpus that blooms like every four years in D.C. and it happened to be blooming this week. I convinced Sarah that we needed to see it, so we headed to the botanical gardens near the House. The metro was eerily quiet to be a July 4th holiday in D.C., which sort of freaked us out. Think empty airport at Christmas.

We found the flower. It was pretty cool, I'm not going to lie. It was supposed to smell like a rotting body, but thank goodness it had closed up a little and wasn't as rank as we expected. It was VERY large. It was over five feet tall and had grown like 4 of those feet in the past 6 days. Incredible.

Then we headed off to explore. We got the info on the evening celebration from a few of the capitol police and went to check out the folklife festival on the mall. It was interesting for sure. There was a Hare Krisna following there with lots of dancers, yoga, storytelling, and free food. It sort of infuriated me that on our nation's capitol, on the celebration of our country's anniversary, a pagan religion was worshipping their pagan gods. Our country was founded on one God, and he did not come to earth in the shape of a balding old man who requires men to wear skirts and everyone to paint their faces. I was not happy.

We kept moving to find a dragon dance from Asia, which was very cool. We met up with Stuart and kept walking to run in to an Irish folk celebration, complete with bag pipes and dancers. Just as the music was picking up and I was tapping my foot, a hairy police man interrupted us on the loud speaker to inform us that dangerous weather was imminent and the federal government was implementing "Operation Safe Haven". This included evacuating the mall and taking shelter from the tornado warnings in a nearby building, which for us meant the basement of the Smithsonian Freer Gallery of Art. Nice. We spent the next hour and a half there, with a million other smelly, damp, tourists and their 3 million kids. Ew.

Finally, we escaped the power-tripping guard and braved the sprinkles to find the nearest metro, or something to eat. We found L'Enfant Plaza and luckily a mall in the basement of this ritzy hotel. We had an early dinner and decided to wait out the storm.

Fast forward through getting lost (again) and waiting out a HUGE line to get on the Capitol lawn and enjoy the celebration. I've never seen so many people in my life as I did when I got through security and on to the lawn. If I looked one direction, I saw the Washington Monument in the background of a huge stage with all the stars: Tony Danza, Little Richard (yes, he sand Good Golly Miss Molly), an actress from the broadway show Chicago who's name I cannot remember, Dierks Bentley, and Elliot Yamin. If I turned around, immediately behind me was the beautiful capitol building set on a gorgeous July sunset. The scenery doesn't get better.

The fireworks... I cannot describe how amazing they were. The Washington orchestra was playing beautiful patriotic music while the show was going on. I've never felt so patriotic before. I honestly got chill bumps on a sulty summer night in a huge crowd of people. It was breath-taking. I will never look at July 4th or fireworks the same way again. I was instantly in love with everyone around me. It's as if euphoria set in and convinced me that everyone there, since they were citizens of this great nation, must be genuinely sound people with perfect judgement and a gratitude for the rights that have been afforded them. Silly, I know, but it was refreshing to think, if only for a few moments, the mankind is good and America is perfect.

My night only got better from there. We went out to Lauriol Plaza again and I'm so blessed to have made friends here. They are young, and trustworthy, and in the same boat as me, which is the best part. Luckily, all of us want to live in D.C. someday, so maybe if I actually get the chance to move out here someday, they will be around too. YaY!

Tuesday: Adventura de Mexicana

Sarah flew in on Tuesday, which was the best news I've heard since I got to D.C. because no matter how awesome this place is, I'm just not thrilled about going at it alone. I went home after work to find her unpacking and in shock of how "nice" our apartment is. Her shampoo had exploded in her suticase, and she didn't have a pillow. She was starving. I think she was close to tears, but I saved the day by promising good Mexican and meeting up with a friend. The pillow predicament was a problem I wasn't sure how to solve, but I can only do so much. We headed to find Stuart, a SigEp from UCA that was visiting family, and go to DuPont Circle to try out a restaurant I'd found online (still risky).

After walking a few miles once we got off the subway (exaggeration) with a stalker dubbed "Mario" on our heels (not an exaggeration), we decided to ask for directions. An exasperated lady told us how to get to Alero, which was the restaurant I'd found, but she also told us that a place called Lauriol Plaza was much better and closer... so we settled.

When we turned the corner to see LP we were in shock (I'm noticing a trend). It was a three level restaurant, with a sidewalk seating area, an indoor bar, and a rooftop bar. It was PACKED with people. Honestly, there must have been 500-600 people at this place and it was roaring... The smell was mouth-watering. I was in city slicker bliss. To our suprise, the wait was only an hour, so we decided to stick it out, and I'm SO glad we did. My burrito was fantastic. My margarita was better. Our waiter, a 20-something Latin fellow, assured Sarah that he had "24 pillows at [his] house, and if [she] wanted to stop by [he] would give [her] one." Ha. We did conclude that there is one Wal-Mart (yep, I said one) in the entire D.C./Virginia/Maryland area, and it closes at 10pm. Blasphemy. So I convinced Sarah to settle for a CVS to buy necessities for the night and we'd look for a Wal-Mart or something similar on Thursday (since the 4th would be mayhem in the city). She wasn't happy, but after fighting a huge crowd in CVS at 11:30pm ( really?!), she realized Thursday was our best bet.

When we got "home" (I use the term loosely) Tatyana was waiting up for us. She wanted to meet "the pretty in pink pair from Arkansas". Her nicknames for us get better every day. She seemed nice enough, but everything she said was in a condescending manner. She asked Sarah how she could participate in an event that reinforced such negative behavior. She was referring to the Miss Arkansas pageant. She also mocked the fact that I brought my bible with me to D.C. "So, what, you're bringing a piece of the bible belt with you, eh?" Wow, I've officially been persecuted. I forgot to mention she goes to Dartmouth and thinks the only legitimate use of greek life is to attend the large parties that fraternities throw and drink their free beer. However, Greek life is not for her. Wow. She is in awe of our beds. Mine has a pink quilt and sweet plaid sheets. Sarah's has red sheets and a fuzzy hot pink comforter. After surveying the scene she declared that God must be punishing her. This was a relief to me. At least she admits there is a god.

Monday: My first day as a big girl.

I wake up at 6:30, 5:30 Texas time, because my room mate isn't the quietest person alive. (Although I'm pretty sure that she is the weirdest person alive.)

*I'll take a moment to describe her:
When I got here Sunday and she finally came home to find that I had moved in she said, "Oh, I didn't know I was getting a room mate. I was sort of hoping I wouldn't." Well, my name's Lisa. Nice to meet you too. She's from Minnesota, and she's working for some bleeding heart liberal non-profit and she talked so fast when she told me the name that I didn't attempt to recall it. She doesn't match her clothes at all. She doesn't even try. She owns two pairs of shoes, and like 80 pairs of earrings. Her name is Tatiyana, and she laughs at everything I say. She was HIGHLY dissapointed when I told her Sarah would be our other room mate and that she was a competitor in Miss Arkansas. "Really??! A beauty queen?" she said. "Why is God punishing me?" Wow, I like Sarah and she hasn't even met her yet.

Back to my big girl day:
I realize that my bed is possibly noiser than the train that's outside my window... and also that my air conditioner works VERY well at night, and the quilt I brough with me isn't that warm. I'm freezing. I also realize that I don't have anything to eat for breakfast, so I dress and run to the corner where I'm meeting Katherine and Kate to find the metro. Of course, they're both late, but I don't mind since the weather is STILL beautiful and it's my first day. I mean, they can't fire me yet, right?

We rush off and make it through the metro ordeal without many complications. I saved both of them several times from getting on the wrong train and being REALLY lost. I was pretty proud of that fact. I did learn, however, that people in D.C. do not simply stand on the escalator. If you're on your way to work you walk up the left half of the up escalator while tourists stand on the right. So, to avoid looking like tourists, we walked.

Luckily, after Katherine and Kate switch trains I was able to meet a nice girl who ironically works in the House building next to mine, and she pointed me in the right direction. At this point, I am definately feeling all the prayers at home, because God just KEEPS taking care of me. I find my office building pretty easily and go through security (which happens every day in every building: UGH!).

The morning is fairly quiet. The wacky receptionist/might-as-well-be-the-Representative-because-she-makes-all-the-calls-in-the-office introduced me to everyone and helped me fill out the mound of paper work that's required to work in the House. Everyone seems nice enough, not iverly-friendly, but cordial at least. I am sat beside another intern and she shows me the software that we use to sort mail, physical, fax, and email. Eventually I feel brave enough to use the spare computer and start on my own mountain of mail. Glamourous, I know. But hey, I gotta start somewhere.

The afternoon drags on... Lunch in the cafeteria downstairs: food is mediocre.... then we have a tour at 2pm that I get to tag along on. We give tours when needed every day at 2, and eventually I'll start giving them on my own, but for now I'm just watching. We see the House, the Senate, and most of all, my fav. part: the ROTUNDA. It was beautiful. I've been to D.C. twice before, but I've never seen this, and I seriously think it is the most beautiful part so far. One of the ladies on the tour, I don't remember her name, was the Executive Director for a multi-million dollar non-profit that works with victims of cerebral palsy. She was amazing and I'm thinking of contacting her later on for a grad school project. The people on the tour, originally from Arkansas, but now living in Oklahoma, were just great. I feel like my favorite part of my job so far is getting to know people on a one-on-one basis. For some reason it's easier when you're not in a familiar place to get to know other people.

The day wraps up nicely after the tour is over. We get to leave at six, which seems late, but the day really flew by, and we aren't even in session. Next week, when the session starts, I'm told things will get crazy. But, honestly, I'm not complaining because it's nice to get my feet in the water before things get chaotic.

I get home and set out to find Safeway, which is QUITE a journey. It ends up being in the Watergate Complex, so I get my dose of history for the day, but then again, when am I not getting history while I'm here. I buy groceries, but to my chagrin remember that I can only buy a few things because I have to carry my purchases seven blocks home... which limits me. I spend close to $40 on two bags of groceries and return to my apartment. On the way, I run in to the SigEp house and the SigNu house. They are tiny and VERY different from what I think of as a fraternity house. These are nestled in the middle of a city block and are more like townhouses than the 30 bed mansions I'm used to. weird.

When I get home I eat a scrumptious dinner of already-cooked fried chicken and wheat thins. YUM! My room mate and I had plans to go to pub trivia, but she didn't get home til closer to 9, so we skipped out. My evening consisited of fighting with computer and ending unsuccessful at getting internet access. I also explored our building, finding vending machines and a television in the basemet. I texted all night, catching up with friends. I talked to Brad... =). I read a little from my completely useless fiction novel, and went to sleep around 10:30. What a bum!

Sunday: a day of transition

I get to the airport and check in without any problems, except that my luggage was overweight… but hey, it’s worth $25 to possibly avoid doing laundry while I’m here. The flight was absolutely terrible, but only because I couldn’t keep my eyes open and we all know how hard it is to sleep on a plane. My connection in Atlanta was a rush, but just before boarding the plane I met two other interns who were going to D.C. and would be staying at the same place I was. *relief*

We get to D.C. and gather our luggage and decide to split a cab, which is lucky for me because I would never have figured out where to go by myself. We arrive at the GW campus and find the building to check in. However, we are informed by another intern waiting outside that we can’t check in until 3pm. Stosh, an SAE from the University of Florida, and the four of us wait ALL afternoon outside the building. Kate, who attends Middleberry University in Vermont, Katherine, who goes to Vanderbilt, and Alex, who goes to U of A, are all from Little Rock, which makes me feel very comfortable. We thoroughly discuss each aspect of our lives with each other (we had four hours) while sitting on concrete outside a residence hall on the GW campus in the heart of D.C.. We play cards, order pizza, have it delivered to the sidewalk, and watch episodes of “Freaks and Geeks” on Alex’s powerbook. We went from college-high school-childhood-internships-party habits. I met these people in less than two hours. God is good.

After we get checked-in we find our dorms on a less than sufficient map provided by housing and begin the journey to our halls (remember that I have two LARGE bags, my messenger bag weighed down with my laptop, and a carry on which isn’t so easy to carry). I find my room and start unpacking, but have to keep moving my room mates things because she obviously wasn’t expecting to share the place. The apartment isn’t bad. Nothing fancy, but a place to sleep atleast, and we have a shower/bath tub, a stove, microwave, and fridge. The only problem I notice right away, besides the lack of a television, is that there are no lights in the bedroom or the living room. As in, no light fixtures, or lamps, or any source of light. Not cool. It’s something that we talk about every night. Why?!

I unpack, shower, and lay down for a nap hoping that I wake up when Katherine calls to make plans for dinner. We (the five of us plus another girl from Arkansas who goes to ASU) end up going to Tonic, a grill about a block from my apartment. It’s not bad, but definitely not the best food I’ve ever had. We then go on a search for groceries and necessities, but apparently the neighborhood shuts down at 10pm, so we resort to an over priced campus grocery store. We purchase the things we can’t live until tomorrow without, which for me includes peanut m&ms, marshmallows, coke, turkey and bread, and truck back to our apartments with plans to meet and walk to the metro together. I collapse when I get home, without even the energy to talk to Brad. I did, however, call my mother and get the address of my office building. Thank God for that woman.

Leading up to the main event...

A light breeze, cheery sun light, seventy three degrees and a bustling city of opportunity at my feet. That’s how my week in D.C. started, and it just keeps getting better. Let me start at the beginning to show you exactly how unlikely it is that the odds turned in my favor.

I spent all of last week in Clinton, Mississippi at a Centrifuge camp with 24 of the youth from FBCQC. The week was sort of bittersweet, because while I was having a blast, I knew at the end of the week I would have to quit my internship at the church and move on. Not something I was looking forward to. None-the-less, the week was rewarding and I had fun, for the most part.

We drove in on Saturday afternoon, and of course, the air on the bus went out about half way home. If you’ve never experienced misery, try riding a charter bus on a Saturday afternoon in late June with two dozen teenagers… God works in mysterious ways my friends. So, we get in and I race home (infuriated that Brad has a wedding to go to and I might not get to see him before I leave).

Keith and Jenn, Hannah and Luke are at home, so I get to hang out with them for a while in between packing and napping. We eat dinner and decide to catch the fireworks in Texarkana… so we load up and head to TK. As soon as the fireworks start (which we almost missed because of my family’s lack of communication) so does the rain, and it’s not letting up for our celebration. So we hop back in our cars and head back to Atlanta. I finish packing, hurriedly, and inevitably feel as if I have forgotten a million things. I say goodbye. It wasn’t as easy as it should have been. I have been saying goodbye to home for four years now and for the most part it has gotten easier. But for some reason, Saturday night was a different story. Maybe it was leaving the baby and Lukas. Maybe it was because I was trekking into an unknown world. Maybe it was because my daddy is having surgery while I’m gone… either way- it was rough.

I go to Brad’s to see him and leave there around 2 to head to Little Rock. At first I wasn’t sure how I would stay up and drive three hours, since I had pretty much been awake since 6am, but luckily he called and entertained me for a good hour and the rest wasn’t that bad.