Thursday, August 03, 2006
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
My "D.C. Moments"
So we were talking in class a couple weeks ago about some infamous "D.C. Moments"...that is, things we will never forget, and people probably won't believe at times. Here's the start of my list of D.C. Moments..some of which I may have talked about before:
* Seeing the lady fall asleep on the metro and fall OUT of the seat due to sleeping. Ever since, I make sure I lean my head against a window if I think I might dose off for a minute.
* Running down the escalator at Metro Center because Jenny decided to try and make the train that was loading. The big guy who was a major escaLEFTER (see earlier post and photo) moved when she squeezed by, but moved back as I tried to. Then after I got byI lost my sandal on the escalator and had to get it back on my foot before I could keep moving. Good news is I made the train and Jenny and I didn't get separated.
* After spending a few Friday or Saturday evenings in Adam's Morgan...the guy at the Jumbo slice pizza knows me by name...it makes you feel special. :) lol. The bartender at the blue canopy bar does too and makes me special drinks!
* Spending the 4th of July in our Nation's Capitol...an experience in itself without all the drama of the severe storms during the early evening.
* Staying up until 1am playing Texas Hold 'Em -Cereal Edition when we all had to be up at the crack of dawn. Oh ya, Lucky Charms were 100 points, Apple Jacks were 200, and the Marshmallows from the Lucky Charms were 500 points. Hilary won- but I think she cheated and ate my marshmallows!
* How about that time at Union Station when John and I were headed home late one Friday night and I was walking and talking and nearly hurt myself by walking onto the up escalator to go down. Luckily not too many people were around. Ever since though the red/green arrows that tell the direction of the escalators really stick out to me!
* The time my "new friend" (annonymous is good) said to be as the conversation starter as we had a happy hour drink in Chinatown one Friday after work "So....you don't talk about guys much...." Now you have to understand the relationship we have. We talk about almost everything together- friends, family, work, school, etc, etc but never has the topic come up. My gut reaction was instantly "Well I'm NOT a lesbian if that's what you think!!" I think we were both laughing for a good 5 or 10 minutes...though it was totally not what she meant it to sound like. You have to understand that D.C. is a fairly openly gay/lesbian area so it's not uncommon.
* Making it a general rule to not run to catch buses or trains, with weekends being an exception, especially for buses because they are oftern far and few between. So the second last weekend in one day I ran for 3 metros, and 4 buses. I made them all, and was proud!
* I'm sure there's more, so I may continue to add some...
* Seeing the lady fall asleep on the metro and fall OUT of the seat due to sleeping. Ever since, I make sure I lean my head against a window if I think I might dose off for a minute.
* Running down the escalator at Metro Center because Jenny decided to try and make the train that was loading. The big guy who was a major escaLEFTER (see earlier post and photo) moved when she squeezed by, but moved back as I tried to. Then after I got byI lost my sandal on the escalator and had to get it back on my foot before I could keep moving. Good news is I made the train and Jenny and I didn't get separated.
* After spending a few Friday or Saturday evenings in Adam's Morgan...the guy at the Jumbo slice pizza knows me by name...it makes you feel special. :) lol. The bartender at the blue canopy bar does too and makes me special drinks!
* Spending the 4th of July in our Nation's Capitol...an experience in itself without all the drama of the severe storms during the early evening.
* Staying up until 1am playing Texas Hold 'Em -Cereal Edition when we all had to be up at the crack of dawn. Oh ya, Lucky Charms were 100 points, Apple Jacks were 200, and the Marshmallows from the Lucky Charms were 500 points. Hilary won- but I think she cheated and ate my marshmallows!
* How about that time at Union Station when John and I were headed home late one Friday night and I was walking and talking and nearly hurt myself by walking onto the up escalator to go down. Luckily not too many people were around. Ever since though the red/green arrows that tell the direction of the escalators really stick out to me!
* The time my "new friend" (annonymous is good) said to be as the conversation starter as we had a happy hour drink in Chinatown one Friday after work "So....you don't talk about guys much...." Now you have to understand the relationship we have. We talk about almost everything together- friends, family, work, school, etc, etc but never has the topic come up. My gut reaction was instantly "Well I'm NOT a lesbian if that's what you think!!" I think we were both laughing for a good 5 or 10 minutes...though it was totally not what she meant it to sound like. You have to understand that D.C. is a fairly openly gay/lesbian area so it's not uncommon.
* Making it a general rule to not run to catch buses or trains, with weekends being an exception, especially for buses because they are oftern far and few between. So the second last weekend in one day I ran for 3 metros, and 4 buses. I made them all, and was proud!
* I'm sure there's more, so I may continue to add some...
Conclusion
Washington, D.C. was a wonderful city to experience. 8 weeks was so short to completely live up to everything possible. I truley believe you could live for years in that city and never see or do all there is.
The big questions everyone seems to be asking: Would I go back? Would I do it again?
The answers to both are YES! I absolutely loved everything about the summer in Washington D.C. The people; the environment; the new friends and old; the good times and the bad; the crazy rain and floods; the heat and humidity; and so much more! I can't truley explain the wonderful times of the summer- both personally, and most importantly career related.
I went into the summer hoping for a one-of-a-kind experience, and in hopes of something possibly being open for me for a career to start with when I graduate in December.
I got all of that and so much more. I left with dreams and the sincere possibility of a position for a project that the organization is hoping to get the funding for. Hopefully by December there will be funding in place, and an opportunity for me.
The next three weeks I will be continuing to work on the Residents' Rights Week packet for NCCNHR and see it through until printing. Obviously since I am back in Michigan this will be done remotely.
What the rest of my future will hold? Well, one can only guess. It is hard to believe I will graduate in December. College has gone so quickly. Decisions will be hard in the coming semester in regard to my next steps: job, career, Graduate school, relocation: in Michigan, or another state, and the list goes on.
For now, I can only wait and see what the future will bring, what offers I receive, and what opportunities come my way.
I conclude my summer adventures in Washington, D.C. knowing one thing: although there was a significant cost with this internship program, I can only believe at this point that it will be worth every penny I spent.
Until next time....
Stephanie
P.S. Though I am back in Michigan, I am still doing internship work and am still reflecting over everything so I may continue to update on occasion.
The big questions everyone seems to be asking: Would I go back? Would I do it again?
The answers to both are YES! I absolutely loved everything about the summer in Washington D.C. The people; the environment; the new friends and old; the good times and the bad; the crazy rain and floods; the heat and humidity; and so much more! I can't truley explain the wonderful times of the summer- both personally, and most importantly career related.
I went into the summer hoping for a one-of-a-kind experience, and in hopes of something possibly being open for me for a career to start with when I graduate in December.
I got all of that and so much more. I left with dreams and the sincere possibility of a position for a project that the organization is hoping to get the funding for. Hopefully by December there will be funding in place, and an opportunity for me.
The next three weeks I will be continuing to work on the Residents' Rights Week packet for NCCNHR and see it through until printing. Obviously since I am back in Michigan this will be done remotely.
What the rest of my future will hold? Well, one can only guess. It is hard to believe I will graduate in December. College has gone so quickly. Decisions will be hard in the coming semester in regard to my next steps: job, career, Graduate school, relocation: in Michigan, or another state, and the list goes on.
For now, I can only wait and see what the future will bring, what offers I receive, and what opportunities come my way.
I conclude my summer adventures in Washington, D.C. knowing one thing: although there was a significant cost with this internship program, I can only believe at this point that it will be worth every penny I spent.
Until next time....
Stephanie
P.S. Though I am back in Michigan, I am still doing internship work and am still reflecting over everything so I may continue to update on occasion.
You know you're NOT a tourist anymore when...
In no particular order (because I cannot decide on one!).......
* You know bus routes enough that when someone asks if I'm waiting for the same bus (#80 for example) I can tell them "No, that bus stops a block and a half down that way..." And then when they walk back bitching about the buses I can continue to argue back to her that the 80 bus is NOT going to stop at the stop I am at.
* You have the metro system nearly memorized and can travel from most anywhere to anywhere without pulling out a map anymore. AND you can tell a tourist with confidence when they ask if they are going to right direction, or where they need to go.
* You know the streets like the back of your hand. Or, you have a handy map that you continue to carry with you just in case (that happens to be only the size of your hand) but rarely need to reference it anymore.
* You know where the good ice cream places are and the quickest way to get there! You know I LOVE ice cream! Ben and Jerry's, Hershey's, Dickey's, Hagen Daaz, and so many more to choose from here!
* You have a SmarTrip card instead of paper metro cards. You ARE cool with a SmarTrip card. :)
* You recognize homeless people because they are in the same spot everyday, and after 7 or 8 weeks of walking by them everyday at least once, if not twice, you feel like you know them.
* You have officially rid yourself of saying "I'm going to buy a pop" rather than "I'm going to buy a SODA!" lol....it took me a while, but I trained myself. It's funny because people down here don't know what POP is sometimes- they just give you a blank stare.
* You can feel satisfied that you have done everything tourist related that you desire, given limitations. (i.e. you can't get some places with public transportation).
* You know some of the staff at area restaurants that you frequent often.
*Being able to go to a nighttime establishment and the bartender knows you. Not only that, but you and him have created a special drink personalized to your tastes.
* You feel like everyday is a new adventure in the same place, yet never get tired of it.
* You know bus routes enough that when someone asks if I'm waiting for the same bus (#80 for example) I can tell them "No, that bus stops a block and a half down that way..." And then when they walk back bitching about the buses I can continue to argue back to her that the 80 bus is NOT going to stop at the stop I am at.
* You have the metro system nearly memorized and can travel from most anywhere to anywhere without pulling out a map anymore. AND you can tell a tourist with confidence when they ask if they are going to right direction, or where they need to go.
* You know the streets like the back of your hand. Or, you have a handy map that you continue to carry with you just in case (that happens to be only the size of your hand) but rarely need to reference it anymore.
* You know where the good ice cream places are and the quickest way to get there! You know I LOVE ice cream! Ben and Jerry's, Hershey's, Dickey's, Hagen Daaz, and so many more to choose from here!
* You have a SmarTrip card instead of paper metro cards. You ARE cool with a SmarTrip card. :)
* You recognize homeless people because they are in the same spot everyday, and after 7 or 8 weeks of walking by them everyday at least once, if not twice, you feel like you know them.
* You have officially rid yourself of saying "I'm going to buy a pop" rather than "I'm going to buy a SODA!" lol....it took me a while, but I trained myself. It's funny because people down here don't know what POP is sometimes- they just give you a blank stare.
* You can feel satisfied that you have done everything tourist related that you desire, given limitations. (i.e. you can't get some places with public transportation).
* You know some of the staff at area restaurants that you frequent often.
*Being able to go to a nighttime establishment and the bartender knows you. Not only that, but you and him have created a special drink personalized to your tastes.
* You feel like everyday is a new adventure in the same place, yet never get tired of it.
The long drive home...
Saturday morning we got up and started the long trip home to Michigan. The last view of the city was from a scenic outlook along George Washington Memorial Parkway. It was a bittersweet moment as so much happened in 8 weeks- there were good times and bad, but mostly all good. Believe it or not, even with all of the working throughout the summer, this was one of the funnest and most relaxing 8 weeks I have had. There was always something exciting to do and somewhere to go.
Shortly into our drive we stopped at Great Falls Park to see some of the scenery. Pictures will come soon! It was beautiful, but extremely HOT and steamy...
We got back on the road and stopped in Hagerstown at the huge outlet mall for lunch and shopping for a few hours. We drove a few more hours before stopping for the evening in Monroeville, Pennsylvania where there was another huge mall. We looked around a little and had a nice dinner before calling it a fairly early night (at least compared to the last 8 weeks).
Sunday morning we got up and stopped next door to our hotel at a toy and collectible show that was going on before hitting the road. We drove the rest of the way home and got back to Battle Creek around 7pm, thus officially concluding my Washington, D.C. summer adventures. :(
Shortly into our drive we stopped at Great Falls Park to see some of the scenery. Pictures will come soon! It was beautiful, but extremely HOT and steamy...
We got back on the road and stopped in Hagerstown at the huge outlet mall for lunch and shopping for a few hours. We drove a few more hours before stopping for the evening in Monroeville, Pennsylvania where there was another huge mall. We looked around a little and had a nice dinner before calling it a fairly early night (at least compared to the last 8 weeks).
Sunday morning we got up and stopped next door to our hotel at a toy and collectible show that was going on before hitting the road. We drove the rest of the way home and got back to Battle Creek around 7pm, thus officially concluding my Washington, D.C. summer adventures. :(
Long and deleted entry....
Sometimes I hate technology. I have started this long and detailed entry about my final week twice now, and I save it to finish later only to be lost somewhere is cyber space! To say the least, I'm not taking the time to rewrite it again! Here's a recap of my last days in Washington D.C....
Wednesday night after work I met up with Rob (my friend from Adam's Morgan). We had dinner at Mimi's Restaurant, one of the places I had been wanting to try. They are known for their 'singing servers'. Well, I was a bit disappointed. The servers didn't sing at your table, they just take turns singing cheesy songs along with a piano player. It was still a nice evening though. After dinner and drinks, we went in search of a bar that made frozen drinks because Rob and I were yet to have our traditional Strawberry Daquari when we are together. It's usually virgin because I've never been 21, but we celebrated the end of my summer in D.C. with a real daquari this time now that I am legal. Later that night I spent some time packing things up and intend on doing some sleeping (I needed it!!) but ended up talking with John in the courtyard until almost 1am.
Thursday was a busy day. I went into work early so I could get things done. Oh course things never go as planned, buses are delayed, and distractions are promimnent. Tori (the other intern) and I went to Starbucks for one final time (it became a weekly or more frequent thing of ours to leave work for a bit and grab one. We no more than got back and decided we were hungry for bagels, so we killed that craving from the cafe downstairs in the office building. Shortly after it was time for lunch. Lori and I walked to Corner Bakery to get something (she said I could pick anywhere and she was buying for my last day). We took it back to the office and they had an all-staff lunch and fond farwell party. They also had a huge chocolate cake for me. I could barely finish my piece. Later that afternoon Lori and I sat down to go over where I was leaving off on the Residents' Rights Week Packet and she insisted I have another piece with her. I got out of the office around 7pm, with my bag loaded with stuff I had accumulated and things I need to continue to work on the next few weeks from home. I was already late for my last class and had about had it with waiting for the bus so gave in and took a cab home. After class, I did some more packing and tying up loose ends. John and I went for one last walk later that night into Georgetown so I could get some ice cream. When we returned we ran into a group of people wanting to play some cards so I joined in the somewhat violent seeming games of cards for a few hours, thus making another late evening.
It seems I hadn't gone to bed until around 3am Friday but sure enough was up by 9am. I met up with Erica, or should I say long lost Erica! We served on the NYAC together for 3 or 4 years, had numerous phone conversations and emails, but we never able to meet in person. We finally managed to meet up for about 45 mintues on Friday morning and have tea and this neat little tea house in Dupont Circle. Then I rushed off to meet up with the internship program gang on Capitol Hill for a very nice closing luncheon at The Monocle. We had a extravegant full course meal and beverages. Most of us said our goodbyes at this point because people were starting to leave Friday afternoon and evening. There were tons of pictures, but those will be in another post. probably.
After lunch I met up with Mom and Cheryl at their hotel and we went to my apartment and moved everything out and checked out. After getting cleaned up, I headed downtown to work for our Summer drop-in celebration. It was a fun-filled evening, lots of networking, and lots of goodbyes to all of the wonderful people I have met in the last 8 weeks. Following the event I let Cheryl experience her first metro bus ride as we headed up to Adam's Morgan. I took them bar hopping for a few hours which was fun. It was pretty early to be out on a Friday night (10pm) but it was still fun. I got to have a few last Jello Shots from Millie Al's, see Gary the bartender for one last Stephanie's special creation, and see my pizza man and get some free pizza. That's right Jenny- I finally got free pizza out of him! :) haha...And I can't forget about the guy who want his picture with m because he considered me a "local". Fun times will forever be remembered in that Neighborhood.
Pictures will follow soon- I promise!
Wednesday night after work I met up with Rob (my friend from Adam's Morgan). We had dinner at Mimi's Restaurant, one of the places I had been wanting to try. They are known for their 'singing servers'. Well, I was a bit disappointed. The servers didn't sing at your table, they just take turns singing cheesy songs along with a piano player. It was still a nice evening though. After dinner and drinks, we went in search of a bar that made frozen drinks because Rob and I were yet to have our traditional Strawberry Daquari when we are together. It's usually virgin because I've never been 21, but we celebrated the end of my summer in D.C. with a real daquari this time now that I am legal. Later that night I spent some time packing things up and intend on doing some sleeping (I needed it!!) but ended up talking with John in the courtyard until almost 1am.
Thursday was a busy day. I went into work early so I could get things done. Oh course things never go as planned, buses are delayed, and distractions are promimnent. Tori (the other intern) and I went to Starbucks for one final time (it became a weekly or more frequent thing of ours to leave work for a bit and grab one. We no more than got back and decided we were hungry for bagels, so we killed that craving from the cafe downstairs in the office building. Shortly after it was time for lunch. Lori and I walked to Corner Bakery to get something (she said I could pick anywhere and she was buying for my last day). We took it back to the office and they had an all-staff lunch and fond farwell party. They also had a huge chocolate cake for me. I could barely finish my piece. Later that afternoon Lori and I sat down to go over where I was leaving off on the Residents' Rights Week Packet and she insisted I have another piece with her. I got out of the office around 7pm, with my bag loaded with stuff I had accumulated and things I need to continue to work on the next few weeks from home. I was already late for my last class and had about had it with waiting for the bus so gave in and took a cab home. After class, I did some more packing and tying up loose ends. John and I went for one last walk later that night into Georgetown so I could get some ice cream. When we returned we ran into a group of people wanting to play some cards so I joined in the somewhat violent seeming games of cards for a few hours, thus making another late evening.
It seems I hadn't gone to bed until around 3am Friday but sure enough was up by 9am. I met up with Erica, or should I say long lost Erica! We served on the NYAC together for 3 or 4 years, had numerous phone conversations and emails, but we never able to meet in person. We finally managed to meet up for about 45 mintues on Friday morning and have tea and this neat little tea house in Dupont Circle. Then I rushed off to meet up with the internship program gang on Capitol Hill for a very nice closing luncheon at The Monocle. We had a extravegant full course meal and beverages. Most of us said our goodbyes at this point because people were starting to leave Friday afternoon and evening. There were tons of pictures, but those will be in another post. probably.
After lunch I met up with Mom and Cheryl at their hotel and we went to my apartment and moved everything out and checked out. After getting cleaned up, I headed downtown to work for our Summer drop-in celebration. It was a fun-filled evening, lots of networking, and lots of goodbyes to all of the wonderful people I have met in the last 8 weeks. Following the event I let Cheryl experience her first metro bus ride as we headed up to Adam's Morgan. I took them bar hopping for a few hours which was fun. It was pretty early to be out on a Friday night (10pm) but it was still fun. I got to have a few last Jello Shots from Millie Al's, see Gary the bartender for one last Stephanie's special creation, and see my pizza man and get some free pizza. That's right Jenny- I finally got free pizza out of him! :) haha...And I can't forget about the guy who want his picture with m because he considered me a "local". Fun times will forever be remembered in that Neighborhood.
Pictures will follow soon- I promise!
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