Hail to the Chief...

This weekend was quite eventful as I got to go on a tour of the real West Wing. It was amazing! I got to see where decisions are made, and whether you agree with them or not, it's history in the making, and that my friend is really something to see. Some find this kind of thing boring, but for me it was such an experience to see and be a part of. I went with a friend, as she was our tour guide, her old boss (who is from Muskogee, and his name is Richard), and a family that he knew from TX. The little boy in our group could have actually have given the tour seeing that he, being 12, was the smartest person in our group. He is well on his way to a political seat. I, on the other hand, was walking around bug eyed and ears open to everything around me. We got to see the Oval Office, the gardens, meeting rooms, Cabinet rooms (not like the kitchen), the press room, and secret service men popping up out of bushes. I think I was most amazed by the Oval Office and the Press Room. The President and First Lady were in the House, so there were S.S. everywhere. It was one of the most memorable experiences I have had to this point in my time here. If you ever get the chance to do this tour...take it! I am well on my way to Presidency! I can feel it!

Is this too much to ask...

So, I spent today in the Natural History museum. I know what you guys can go in for my birthday this year. I can feel that 2006 is going to be a great year for the giving of gift season. It's just a thought. As I'm gazing into the bullet proof glass to awe over this fine piece of jewelry wishing it were mine(hint hint), some guy started asking me questions about my camera. I naturally was taking pictures and he started in and announcing to all who were trying to enjoy a peaceful day at a museum that he had heard a cannon camera. It was very weird. I ignored him knowing mine was not what he was looking for. After taking another picture he realized it was my chirping camera he thought he had identified. I hated to break it to him that he wasn't the expert he had thought he was. Moving on to enjoy more one of a kind fine jewels I ran across him again, so me being the kind person I am walked the opposite direction for fear that he was going try to identify my backpack brand or where I go my ipod. It was very strange. I just wanted a day of peaceful museum gazing and the hope diamond, is it really too much to ask? I think not.

I'm in a band...

Yeah, so my church has a band. Have no fear, it's not like LIFE church. It's more of a Saturday afternoon band. At my small group study one night the preacher was asking me if I played an instrument. I quickly let him know that if we aren't marching then I had nothing to give to his cause. He agreed the flute wasn't going to work, nor did he need a charismatic drum major. I told him I had sang once before in my lifetime, and I guess that was good enough to get hired for the job. (if only it was that easy in paying positions) We practice every Saturday for the "big" concert coming up in Mid March. I know all are going to fly up, come out, drive over, etc. to see what we have to offer. It's actually pretty cool because they use it as a Saturday night sort of outreach to the community kind of thing. I can honestly say that it is sort of exciting. I feel like I actually have a cause for being here, even if it has all been yet to be determined, it's still nice to feel like I'm a part of something. Even if it's something as small as a church band.

A long weekend...

As many of you know this last weekend was one of our Nations great holidays where most use as an excuse to visit Macy's 75% sale. I fortunately got off of work on Monday as well, seeing that I am unemployed. I spent the weekend with my new friends. I have to say that it was the best weekend that I have had since my mom left. I honestly couldn't be more thankful for them. I mean, we didn't do a whole lot, but it was the interaction of caring people that I couldn't help but be so appreciative for. We went all over the city, which included an all expense paid trip to IKEA! It took all I had to say no to a few items, but the fact that there isn't much in my funds, it made it easier to say "no" to buying as well. We went down to Chinatown, ate at my favorite place, and introduced her H&M (still not buying anything.) We had planned on going to Mt. Vernon on Monday to celebrate the day of our nations presidents, but not so much. We slept in and I pretended like I had the day off. I wanted to have the full affect of what it's like to have a day off that OC doesn't acknowledge. It was great! There isn't much to tell about my adventurous weekend other than the fact that I have a new friend and I couldn't be more excited about it. That and I successfully found IKEA and can now drive through the district and home again, still managing to park Opal in a compact car parking spot. It was a good weekend.

its a leaky situation...

As I was cleaning my place last Saturday morning (yes i clean) I found this spot on the wall. At the time I didn't realize just how bad it was until today. After calling down for the "A-team" to come fix the situation some arrived Monday afternoon to assess the damage. They left me a note saying they saw no problems. I had to call down and give them a piece of my mind (i.e. let them know they missed a spot). The two really intellegent teenagers they sent back couldn't believe they missed the large soaked spot on my wall. They said they would call and have someone here on Wed. to fix it. So, me being the woman I am moved around furniture yesterday morning to make sure nothing got on anything. I got home from a long days interview to find...the spot still staring my in the face. This morning I recieved a phone call from my good friend Lailah. I wasjust roaming the place in nothing but a tshirt and my cotton hanes her way, and as I am settling in to enjoy a good conversation and my "Today" show, to what to my dissmay, but a bang at the door. I start scrambling around the place for some pants. I'm telling Lailah that I'm not wearing pants and I need pants, I have to put the phone down to find pants. Another bang...still trying to find pants, as if I didn't know where any were, I found some and got to the door before they beat it down. Standing in front of me were one of the two guys from before and a new friend that had come to tear the place down to fix the leak. The door knob from before left, leaving me with a very nice spanish man and his saw. I wasn't scared at all!!! I enjoyed my Rice Krispies and "Today" as he hacked into my wall. Long story short, I now have to get part of my floor replaced (after they cut out the damaged part and the environmentalist comes to assess the mold situation), as well as the put my wall back together, replace the floor board, and repaint. I know!! And it's all because the guy above me had a leaky situation in his kitchen. Stupid GE products! Fortunately it's all going to be taken care of free of charge. However, I'm living with a large hole right now. I hope the woodland creatures that have settled in don't find their way to my place. It wouldn't be good for them, although it would be company and a pet.

The rest of the story...

So, I left B&N yesterday, and not having electricity I decided to head downtown to take pictures of the snow covered capitol. I hadn't planned on staying out long. All of the buildings are just right there together, not too terribly bad to get around, right? Well, that's what I thought, and my plan would have worked except when it snows and they said the city shuts down, they weren't kidding. The metro closed in some areas. Riiiight. I get off of the metro at the Smithsonian and WOW, it was beautiful. It was exactly what I thought it was going to look like. It's funny because when it snows every human no matter age or occupation, we all resort back to the time when we were 12 and more than carefree. Walking around the mall I saw organized snowball fights, football games, ultimate Frisbee, tourists like myself, and yes, even some cross country skiers (that was the best one).
On my way back to the metro it started snowing again, which made me want to get home even faster. I found the metro I was looking for, which was a few blocks further than I thought, but it turned out to be closed. Right. So, I had to walk several extra blocks to get to the next metro. At first glance it didn't seem to be in too bad of an area, but as I got closer to the metro station I realized all of the homeless had gathered there for a long winters nap, and in turn those also gathered there were those who harass the homeless. I just followed another couple down and into the metro. I didn't really care at this point, I had been out for about 3-4 hours by this time and just wanted to get home. PS. Did I mention I got hit on during the ride metro ride out to my little excursion? Yeah, only this time it was a little unexpected...She was very nice, but not really my type. I had a feeling that point that I was in for some kind of a day. Needless to say, when I got home last night I stayed there.

Let is snow, let it snow, let it snow...

Well, it is snowing here. It's been snowing since Friday night/early Saturday morning. We have about 9 inches or so of snow on the ground right now (that I know of). Some parts of the city have about a foot or so, and it is soooo beautiful. I don't think it's going anywhere for a while, seeing as how it's 30 degrees out right now. The entire city is shut down, meaning very few people are out and about. I woke up this morning with the awesome news of no electricity. So, without hesitation I walked down to my favorite little Sunday brunch place and had a nice quiet breakfast. Normally this place has a line out the door with a 30 minute wait no matter how many are in your party. However, on this day there was seating galore with all the service a girl could ask for. Seeing as how I have no heat at my place I decided I would sit a while, drink some coffee, and read my Sunday Washington Post (I already read my People for the week). I am now at B&N doing a little blogging and a whole lot of staying warm. Church was canceled, so I'm just going to relax and enjoy my winter wonderland.

The metro

Let me explain something really quickly here; the metro is a place where you meet all different types of people, and sometimes you get to meet those that are just different. Yesterday I was lucky enough to see a woman who was a little on the crazy side yell at and cuss out a concrete wall. I was going up the escalator leaving the metro as I heard a woman screaming. I turned around and saw her yelling at what I thought at the time was someone down behind the "down" escalator. I couldn't help but stare, as did everyone else, to see if this woman was in trouble or if she needed help. Well, she needed help, but I don't think that any one of us witnessing this event could really medicate her situation, as she was yelling at no one. After realizing I got off at the wrong stop, I had to go back down. Thinking I would pass her, by the time I got on the down escalator she was gone. My heart went out to her, but there was nothing I could have done to help, as I was quiet passer-byer.
The metro is an interesting place, you see all walks of life; lovers, those making love (seriously), business men, blue collars, homeless, jobless, teens, singles, mothers, babies, ipods, newspapers, germs, and depending on what time of day you ride, partiers, people just trying to pick up a one night stand, or someone just trying to get home to someone or their dog. The metro is interesting. It's a place you can either pick up a cold or pick up a guy, it depends on why you get on and where you get off.

the job hunt.

Well, since I sucked it up pretty badly this week at keeping you abreast of what is going on here, I'll wrap it up in this one entry. Looking for a job is hard and it sucks. I have been to Capitol Hill, various companies, and a temp agency. I decided to go through a temp agency until I find what I want, or anything for that matter. I did, however, have lunch on Friday with a friend of mine (one who doesn't compare to my real friends, naturally) who I met at my Thursday night study, and she works for the W.H.. She told me about some openings there, so we will see. And that has been my week in a nutshell. Who knew that I could tell a great story in under 5 minutes. Mandy would be proud. I know it's exciting, but you know. I'll get to more exciting things in other entries, some have been asking how the job search was going, and so there you go. Quick and painless.

And then there was the protest

So, my weekend was what I like to call... "Educational". It was full of museums, rain, a protest, and a partridge in a pear tree. Saturday was the big day. I got up and headed out to Starbucks for a good mocha and muffin. Since Starbucks was full to the max I went home to enjoy my muffin, plus it was pouring down rain, as it did ALL DAY LONG! Did I mention it was cold outside too? Just checking. I decided that I can't just stay in and let it rain on my parade, I had a protest to survey. I went to the American History Museum to finish up what I didn't see with my mom. I was reminded of things of the past; sesame Street, music history, Thomas Edison, America transportation revolution, the list goes on and on. The one thing that I thought was interesting was Julia Child's kitchen. They put a whole kitchen in there. I took a picture for proof. I know the invention of electricity has been a huge part of our lives over the years, but let's take a moment to recognize the revelation of what the renowned Julia brought to our lives...The Naked Chef, Martha! Our world is a tastier place thanks to this woman. Then there was the protest. It was the event I had been waiting for all day. I had heard about it on the news and felt as though I wanted to see all of the action, whether I believe in their cause or not it was still a sight to see. These true believers started their march at the Washington monument (the tall, skinny thing) and ended at the White House, where they proceeded to chant and soak themselves in the rain that had turned into a down pour. They were screaming "BUSH STEP DOWN!" over and over again. I wondered if anyone ever clued them in to the idea that I doubt he caves to their call. He was in Texas speaking, so naturally people gathered here in DC to remind him that in their eyes he needs to take a seat. I doubt he thought after hearing their cry, " You know, they're right. I think I'm done here. I need to catch up on my American Idol. Here, you do it. I'm going back to Texas." Although I agree with our 1st amendment I just thought it was interesting they were just yelling, knowing he wasn't even in town to hear their plea. Needless to say, it was quite the culture that most would be shocked by, but I found it fascinating. I took pictures as though I was a sports spectator. After wrapping up my jaw dropping afternoon I headed home, only to get lost along the way. I found my bearings and headed for the hills, safe, sound, and wet.

Catch up...

Well, this entry is sort of boring, but full of details. So, remember the wheelchair guy? Well, I talked to he and his what seemed to be a girlfriend for a while after posting my last entry. Let me just say, they were very cool and exciting to talk to. He had some sort of esophagus x-ray earlier, so we looked at it on my computer. Let's just say there is nothing like looking at a complete strangers stomach to bring a group of people closer together. We talked for a while and he told me the details of his motor cycle accident, why he hasn't eaten food in 18 months, and what Dr.'s are doing for him now. Needless to say, it was like watching the Discovery channel live. After that I went to my Bible study group where it was both young and older. I found the lady I want to become one day. She was like Sue only with REALLY cool glasses and a bob haircut. It was really good to have human contact and conversation. Today, I bore witness to an oooold lady singing to herself on the metro, and two guys cuss out someone for not giving them any money. Who knows, they could have been cussing me out, but I just kept walking. I almost gave them a job application, but then I realized I myself might be begging someday. If it comes to that I'll just work the corner of Wisconsin and M (Georgetown), it's a hoppin joint. Now, I am sitting in Panera a couple of stops away from my house trying to avoid over hearing a few soccer moms talk about their children and attacking their teachers because their kid isn't getting enough attention or something. Like I said, trying to not listen, but they are talking rather loudly...and I thought Edmond moms were bad. My resumes are now flying all over Capitol Hill, so we shall see...It's all in my days work. Dr. Phil is on...peace.

Interesting...

Just when you think you have seen it all. I came down to the conference room to do the 'ole blog, and I walked into an interesting situation. It was needless to say a very humbling experience. A woman was feeding a man through a tube as he is a quadriplegic. They quite possibly two of the coolest people that I have met up to this point. You can tell that they care a great deal for each other. After talking to them, and watching him raise his chair back (which was the coolest thing ever), it put a lot of things in perspective for me. I may not have a job, but I still have two legs, and I can still chew my own food, so where has my positive attitude gone? They were really fun to talk to and hopefully I can see them again somewhere close to "feeding time" for more conversation and scoop on the story of what happened to my new quadriplegic friend. Tonight it's "small group Bible study" with complete strangers. It'll be good for a story tomorrow, I'm sure!

the monster that is my building...

This is it... The demon that won't let you in.

I got locked out...

So knowing me you have to know that there is always going to be something right? Well, I was on the phone with our fine congressman Rep. Istook. Seeing as how my building gets virtually no cell phone signal, and there was a loud talker in the conference room already, I had to pace the lobby as I talk. Why was I in my lobby you ask? Answer: Because I no longer get internet in the condo because the people I was stealing it from caught on to my plan. My lobby has free internet, so I go there now. Back to the story...So, there is a quick little phone interview going and I had to go outside to get better reception. Being completely enthralled in the conversation, as he was about to give me his email address to send him my resume, I realize I have no writing utensil. Well, run back in and get it you say. Well, I tried that, but much to my dismay and forgetfulness, realize the main doors are locked 24/7. I am now locked out of my building, I have an important phone call hanging on the line, and I have NO way in the building. As I am calmly telling him, "just one moment I have to get a writing utensil." while freaking out on the inside begin to tap on the window. Loud talker can't hear me because he is talking so loud and it echoes in here. I see a man, but as kind as he his he ignores me, knowing I just walked out. After about the longest two minutes of my life, amidst making stupid small talk with on of our states finest representatives, a woman from the corner office of our lobby lets me in. I make a mad dash for my pen and paper to avoid any more nonsense conversation, we all have a happy ending. The moral of this story...Talk on a land line. And it's not even lunch yet.

Let me introduce you...

Let me introduce you to who I like to call "loud talker" and "Bob the naked guy". These are two people I might be writing quite a bit about down the road. First of all, "loud talker" is the girl that lives down a floor and diagonal from me. She stands out on her balcony to talk on her phone, as most of us do. However, the entire building can hear her conversations, which might I say can sometimes be very interesting. I won't go into detail about her phone conversation, but someday we'll talk about phone etiquette. Now, the naked guy lives across the courtyard from me. He leaves his window open as he walks around naked with roommate in the house. It's very interesting. I have had plenty of roommates, and I can't say that I have ever eaten dinner naked with any of them, while watching TV. If I did, I would close the blinds. I'm sure there will be more to this story down the road, but as I have been introduced to these to people, you should be as well.

i'm on the hunt...

My day to day life thus far is pretty boring. I'll leave Barnes and Noble here pretty soon to go home and endulge in Dr. Phil's life lessons. I have spent most of my time people watching as I continue my search for a career. I will spare you the details of it all, but I think I have found a life long career in people watching. Standing on the street the other day (not for work, but on the phone) I was butt brushed by a homeless person. It was my first butt brush, and I can't lie...it was a little weird. I have seen a man who was strangely too muscular. I tried to take a picture as if I were a tourist trying to snap a good shot of the metro system. I don't think he bought it, but he was a very strange looking person. There are people everywhere, with their own story, but I have more fun making up my own about them. So, I'm still looking for a job, but in the meantime I can people watch for a source of entertainment.

a week with my mom...

Well, my mom left and I am officially here by myself now. It's all up to me. I can't lie, I had a blast with my mom. Who knew that this could happen. We spent most of my life arguing over which suit I should wear to match what pumps with what color of hosiery. Yeah, that was my teenage years, on into the college years of thrift store shopping. We had a lot of fun. I did enough su doku to get me hooked. We went to the American History museum, the Capitol, the tall skinny thing called the Washington Monument, and Union Station. She said she's ready to come back to see more. She was put at ease about me living here after seeing my neighborhood and building, which makes me more at ease knowing that it's all going to be okay. I think her favorite part about me living here after seeing all of this is the Cheesecake factory that is just down the street. Who knew that life's greatest mysteries could be solved over a slice of cheesecake? Sue, that's who.

ode to sue...

As my mom and I spent time together, the more I realized she and I are a lot more a like than I ever like to admit. I think one of the all time greatest quotes from Sue, as we were riding the metro to do a little site seeing is, "Now, what's that tall, long, skinny one called?" At first I thought she was kidding, but oooh no, she in fact was not. I responded as any good daughter would "uuuuh...the Washington Monument?" There was no response good enough for such a question. I was only thankful that I was there to bare witness to such a great moment.

home away from home...

As my mother and I drove away on Sunday with tears streaming down my face, I knew that I was in for some sort of exciting ride with her by my side. There is nothing like the comfort of a mother. 48 hours later we arrived in Arlington, VA., my new home. Let the maddness begin.

Farewell to the family...

It was really hard for me to say farewell to my father, as he is one of the greatest infulences of my life. It just made he and I both taste the reality of my growing up as we both are growing older. Knowing I will see him again soon, it's hard to swallow the fact that I am not that little girl I once was, and he's not a car ride away anymore. Like I said earlier, the reality of change isn't always fun and can hurt one's heart, but is sometimes good for the soul. I think he and I realize that it's going to be okay. As Carrie Bradshaw (my fave) once said, "Seasons change, so do cities. People come into your life, and people go, but it's comforting to know that the ones you love will always be in your heart, and if your very lucky, a plane ride away."

One last brouhaha

My last night with my pals, I have to say was one of the most fun and most memorable nights I ever spent in Oklahoma City. We started off with dinner at my favorite, and our signature place, Iron Starr. We went to the hot spot of controversial pronunciation called "Lit" and saw my favorite band the "Matt Stansberry Band", as there is no better way to leave OKC. We ran into old friends from school (a great blast from the past), and learned that as we go through life "Chad happens" to the best of us, sometimes more often than needed, but in this case it was impeccable timing. There was no better night for Chad to happen as he has made for myself, and others, a lifetime of humor. There is no greater note to leave on than Chad happening to us all. I could tell that this night was setting the tone for what is yet to come for me.

I'm leaving on a jet plane...or in an Envoy

On Jan. 20,2006 I packed up my apartment in Oklahoma City and headed for hopefully something great. Change is so hard to swallow sometimes, especially when you know it's for the best, but man it totally sucks in the process. I would have to say that this has been the hardest decision up to this point in my life. There have been many times that I have questioned this whole idea. Am I scared? You better believe it. Am I excited? More than words can express. Change is hard, but sometimes it's for the best. I think the hardest thing about change is that I will be missing out on the exciting ride of other people's great adventures. It will be hard leaving my favorite friends, family, work, and the place that I have called home for the last 27 years of my life. However, God has great things planned for all of us, and I take comfort in knowing that He has my very best interest at heart, and will be watching over all you while I am away. Welcome to my adventure, and hold on because it's going to be a bumpy ride...