Lessons Learned

It seems like I enjoy blogging at the conclusions of seasons in my life. Here I sit on the eve of finals week of fall semester of my junior year, with enough thoughts and emotions to drive the most sane into a state of mental depletion.

This semester has been one of the best learning experiences of my life. Although it completely sucked while trudging through it, God has been hard at work on my heart and the lessons learned were worth the hurt.

Before this semester, I never had to sit back and watch a relationship completely disintegrate. Make that two relationships. Helpless, responsible, lost and eventually numb are all feelings I spent the last four months wrestling with. And while I had to deal with situations I would have never imagined, my head hit the pillow every night (well usually early morning) in exhaustion and heavy prayer that things would soon turn around.

The turn two of the most valued relationships in my life took was not around, but down. Although some of the steps are hard to trace, the spiral was deep. I lost two best friends.

Lesson #1: People change and the only change we can control is ourself.

If you know me at all, you know depressed no where near describes me. Dealing with these feelings was one of the hardest tasks emotionally I've ever had to overcome. You should also know I'm a people person, and here's where the good news of the semester comes.

I've always loved the saying 'when God closes one door he opens another.' This semester is an example of God's never ending provision. I have made three best friends I would have never had the opportunity to make otherwise. These girls, with hardly knowing me, have gotten me through all the drama and lifted my spirits when it seemed near impossible.

As the semester ends God has revealed another relationship to me. One that has been right in front of my face for three years.

Lesson #2: Good things happen when you are open to change.

My third lesson is self explanatory; hard work pays off. This semester was absolutely horrific. I'm completely insane for taking 18 hours of class and being L&T editor. I had a few breaking points, but feel stronger for reaching the end.

Change, good things and hard work; a recipe for a well rounded semester.

I hope your head isn't spinning for reading my recap. I'm not checking myself into a mental hospital, although at times it crossed my mind. I'm ready for a break, lots of time with family and this new adventure of being in love with my best friend.

Missing

Summer 2011 too soon became a thing of the past.

Back at Taylor and I've hit the ground running. While I'm excited to be back on campus and catch up with everyone, I've spent minimal thought on the reason I'm actually here: class.

The good news is the madness doesn't start until Tuesday. The past two days have been devoted to The Echo, and our Freshman edition comes out tomorrow.

The summer didn't exactly end on the best note. Airtran has seemed to misplaced my luggage I traveled to North Carolina with on an end-of-the-summer-weekend-getaway. Frustrated and annoyed with constantly thinking of more things that were in the missing bag (the total is up to 36 things), I realized I am probably being taught a lesson in materialism.

Fortunately Airtran is supposedly going to be reimbursing me for the loss. Hope they realize I have expensive taste, and this won't be a cheap copout for their mistake. More importantly, how does a bag disappear? Anyway..

I named this post missing because it seems to be a trend lately. Obviously, my bag.

But this week I have been especially missing the people from DC my brain now associates with school. They're not here in Upland and it is weird.

I miss my family that I was able to spend the summer with. Colton will be writing sentences the next time I see him.

I miss my best friend who came home from Paris for two minutes before heading off to school. (Countdown til October starts now)

I keep seeing people on campus and telling them how much I missed them.

It feels good to be reunited with everyone, but I have pieces of DC plastered all over my room to remind me of those all over the country I love and miss so much.

I'm ready for the challenge of this year, and look forward to continue to grow spiritually, in relationships and in knowledge.

College is such a unique and amazing time of life and it should not be wasted.

You Can't Always Get What You Want

If there is one thing I have learned this summer its that life is full of disappointments.

I don't mean to be dramatic, but I had quite the adjustment coming back from Washington, and as I begin to prepare myself for another move, I have to admit I'm far less excited than I was planning.

If you would have asked me in May what would make me happy, I would have answered "August." Now that it is just around the corner my answer has changed.

Don't get me wrong I miss my besties like crazy. I'm looking forward to being reunited with my best friends at school because, well, that has been a huge gap in my life lately!

But I'm not ready for school and how hard this semester is going to be academically. Lets remember that the last time I took a test was December 2010. Last semester challenged me in ways I have never been challenged, and it reflected in my grades, but 18 hours scares me and I'm not sure I have the determination to do it.

I promise this is going somewhere other than me complaining--!

Today in church I was challenged with the idea of trial. This year has no doubt brought on a number of trials for me and those around me.

The biggest trial I have faced is relationships. This trial has hit in a variety of shapes and sizes; friendships, family, love.  They have all been hard, and they have all tested me. But today I was humbly reminded of James 1: 12

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Trials are out of our control. They are just the part of life God uses for growth, but at the time that seems so hard for me to grasp.

I know this trial of relationships is not one that is soon to pass. I also know that lately I have not done a very good job to stopping to think why I'm experiencing this trial or what  God is trying to teach me.

I can't tell you why everyone (my age) important to me is scattered across the country. I can't explain why I'm still clinging to a love so far gone its sickening that these feelings still linger.

What I can tell you is I don't have all the answers, but I have realized is that I have to be content with the way things are.

So maybe I don't have friends here at home. In two years when I'm chasing my dreams in NYC that won't matter.

So maybe the relationship I've been holding on to for so long needs a strong letting go.

So maybe my family is what is most important right now.

And maybe I have to accept that reality is coming back to give me a good smack in three short weeks.

Until then I hope that I can get a few important relationships in good order. It may have taken three months, but I'm happy with life's imperfections.

Headin' South

I found it appropriate to blog since I have finally had something exciting enough to share.

Although it may not excite you or cause tears of pure happiness to run down your cheeks like it did me, this past weekend was the best weekend of my summer when I flew down to Tennessee for my best friend Gretchen's birthday.

After a week of Facebook countdowns and Twitter exchanges, the time had finally come for me to board that long-awaited plane to Blountville, Tenn.

The plane ride itself was uneventful; no being seated by the man of my dreams, where we spend the entire flight in deep conversation then when finally back on the ground and allowed to turn on our smartphones did we immediately reach to copy down each other's number, where we can't get each other off our minds and we eventually have to plan a reuniting where we fall in love and spend the rest of our lives together. Wow that was a really bad run-on sentence and a good indication I love chick-flicks a little too much.

Anyway, what did happen was me seated with my Cosmo in lap as I tried to make the time pass.

A quick connection in Atlanta and I was so close to Blountville I could taste it. If I had to describe it I would say it tasted like sweet tea, because as soon as I saw Gretchen standing on the other side of the sliding glass doors, a huge smile came across my face and I remembered how sweet our friendship is.

We hugged for about three minutes as Gretch got emotional and started crying. It really had been a LONG two months of separation.

We drove to Gretchen's house and waited for Darcee and Rachel so we could make the road-trip to Nashville.

The five of us piled in Rex (Gretchen's car) and drove to Erin's house in Nashville where we would be celebrating Gretchen's 21st birthday.

Usually four hour car rides are something I dread (aka driving to and from school) but this trip was filled with singing, laughs and of course prank phone calls by the one and only Darcee, I mean Jamoosha.

We got to Erin's and enjoyed samosas and brownies. We called it a night early as we all piled in to Erin's room.

The next morning we woke up early, planned our day, did some laying around and finally headed out to Los Tres Amigos for lunch.

Of course we told the waiter that it was Gretchen's birthday (well it was going to be at midnight) so he brought her a shot of Tequila, which sounded a lot better than it actually went over and we were off to get ready for our night.

We pulled in to the Holiday Inn, our residence for the night, next to five cop cars and a fire truck. A little disturbed, Gretch and I went in to check in and asked what was going on. The front desk lady nonchalantly told us she couldn't tell us. Confused we headed back out to see if the girls had asked anyone, but no one had any clues.

Impressively all six of us got ready in  two hours and we headed to Cabana for dinner.  The restaurant was delicious. Erin had made special reservations, so we were able to sit in a huge booth with a drawn curtain that made it feel like our own private cabana. (You usually have to spend $250 on food to reserve the booth, but we were an exception because of the birthday girl.)

After dinner we headed back to the hotel to kill sometime before making our way downtown. (During the downtime we found out that a lady had killed herself in a room on the fifth floor, thanks to circumstances we were a lot less freaked out than we should have been) Gretchen donned her birthday sash and tiara, and we were ready to go.

Arriving downtown we went to a bar that had a variety of levels for dancing, karaoke and more dancing.

The next bar we went to had a DJ that Amy informed of Gretchen's birthday, and the next thing I know he is announcing Gretch's name and we are up on the stage.

A nice gentleman hoisted Gretchen up on the bar, and all of Gretchen's dreams for a perfect 21st were complete.

Gretchen's actual birthday was spent in the car driving back home for Nashville. It may sound like a boring birthday, but not with us girls! We had a lot of fun, but also let Gretch do what she does best, nap.

Monday Gretch and Amy took me to Pal's, food Gretch constantly craved in DC. It was just as good as she raved, my heart melted a little as I bit into the famous cheddar rounds.

I got to meet Ron, Gretchen's swim coach, as we enjoyed lunch served by the sexiest man I have ever seen working at a Cheddars. Of course Ron asked him his life story, told him where we all go to school then proceeded to ask if he had a girlfriend; the question we were all wondering since he asked us what we wanted to drink and I had to stop myself from answering "you". Obviously he had a girlfriend and the only number I was getting from him was the $8 on my bill.

Later we went to the animal shelter to see all the sweets. I almost came home with Bunny, a 5-year-old terrier mix.

Driving to the airport was the hardest part. I sat in the back of Amy's car legitimately questioning why all my friends live so far away and battling out the pros and cons of transferring to Milligan.

I said goodbye to my best friend, uncertain of the next time I will get to see her.

I boarded the plane depressed, and again was not seated next to Mr. Right.

Too upset to read Cosmo (which has to be pretty bad) I sat reminiscing on the weekend.

I really did enjoy every second of my time in TN, and am so blessed to have made such a great best friend in the four short months I spent in Washington.

You never know where you will meet people, or how long you will get to spend time with them, so make every minute count and keep those that are important close to your heart!

Here it Goes

I've officially been home a month, and I think I am finally adjusted.

OR as adjusted as I am going to be. My heart belongs in the city and I truly miss that life. Above all I miss people. But in another month I will be on my way to Tennessee for a weekend to see Gretchen!

Its official I have a problem keeping my schedule somewhat clear. Sunday I start work at Charming Charlie. I'm excited to work in a store filled with my favorite things! Back to having two jobs, something Im used to, and in a messed up way kinda missed.

Speaking of jobs, the internship with the Times-Reporter is going well. Tonight I covered an event at the Cherry Festival and was attacked by bugs, who knew they loved hair product so much.

So here it goes, I am finally looking forward to a week this summer! (check out this handsome boy)

Starting tomorrow Jake gets back into the states and I cannot wait to hear about his trip.

Next week is Grandma's 85th birthday (with some great surprises in store)!

Wes and Nikki fly in a week from tomorrow for a wedding, and Im so excited to see them!

Jami is finally done with school for the summer so we can start spending some time together!

I start working in the evenings so I don't have to sit at home starting at the walls!

I guess the summer is looking up, and my complaining can finally cease.

Well this was a short post, I was just excited about all that is coming up! Check out my fashion pick this week!

Settling Down

I have been home for almost three weeks, and for the first time in those three weeks I am finally starting to come to peace with all that has changed in the past month.

Not to be dramatic, but life at home is a little miserable. My internship at the Washington Times-Reporter is great, and it feels good to be writing again, but I feel like pieces of me are spread all over and country and I severely miss everyone from  DC. I wasn't expecting this adjustment period to be so hard.

Last weekend I took a much needed road trip to Taylor. It was so good to be in the company of great friends. I realized how much I missed out on during the past three months. I needed the reminder of the great group of friends I left for a whole semester and how excited I am to get them back in my life on a daily basis in the fall.

This week has been much better than last, and I feel much more content with my current status on the home-front  Feeling like there is nothing to do here, I have decided to cut the pity party and start enjoying my summer that is going to slip away all too soon.

At first I was disappointed that my job for the summer was going to be much less intense than I had planned. Now, I am grateful, and am working on some major revamping of relationships, a word that just keeps popping up this summer.

My best friend/lover/roommate Ericka reminded me this past weekend that the summer is shorter than the semester I just spent away in the city. I think that is just what I needed to hear to remind myself that every chapter of life is going to have its rough moments, but when I sit and sulk in my sorrow I'm only letting these moments get the best of me.

There are a million tough things going on right now, none of which I have any control over. What I can control is how I chose to respond. I can't make any decisions for anyone but myself, as much as I would like to.

To keep me focused on myself (not in a conceded way, just in a way to keep me motivated for the future) I've decided to find some fashion trend I'm obsessed with and post it on a page of my blog once a week. This will also keep me accountable for blogging! I got this idea a few weeks ago when I met a very important person in the fashion industry. She told me to start blogging about fashion, and while I'm sure no one could care less what I have to say, it is one of my passions and I love sharing!

I hope this wasn't just a mess of complaints. I have been annoying myself with all the complaining I have been doing this month, but it is time to get over it and move on!

Life is changing, and it is not going to wait for me to be happy.

Culture Shock

Im writing this post from my own bed, in good ol' East Peoria, Illinois.

It is hard to believe that my time in the city is over, and so much has happened in the past week. We made the most of our last nights in the city, going out and just enjoying everything around us. I am so happy that one of my last memories is sitting on the steps of the Capitol with everyone, staring down the dark mall, only lit by the Washington Monument in the background.

Then Friday morning before I left I was able to meet the editor-in-chief of Elle magazine. Talk about a perfect end to the semester. I wish I could have stayed long with the Georgetowner, because I am sure the great opportunities would have continued.

The goodbyes were rough. Out last day of class we spent sharing memories of the semester and giving everyone "verbal gifts". I really didn't get emotional until I had to say goodbye to Gretchen and the roommates before hitting the road.

But before we hit the road, my parents experienced the city in a way they are not used to. As we were moving my things from the apartment to the car, Dad left he car unlocked for about five minutes, a big no no in the city! Someone had taken Dad's wallet and my GPS in those short minutes, so we had a much more stressful move-out than anticipated.

We finally got on the road, and made it to Upland, Indiana for the night. The stop was intended for rest, but after dropping Mom and Dad off at the hotel, I decided to surprise my best friends on campus. We stayed up til 7 a.m. talking on the porch. After breakfast with my parents then it was back on the road for another four and a half hours until we reached beautiful East Peoria.

Well that last statement may be quite sarcastic. I have had trouble adjusting to the climate change from 85 degrees to barely 50. Along with the climate my whole schedule has been shaken, and I really do miss the city. It is quiet here, and I don't see any business suits walking around. It is weird to drive, and I cannot believe the price of gas! Here I thought the prices in the city were high just because I was in the city, but it turns out gas is over $4 everywhere!

The much slowed down pace is relaxing, but quite a culture shock.

I am loving being home with my family and spending time with my nephew Colton, who somehow turned into a little man while I was gone.

I miss my roommates terribly, but have tried to keep in touch via text or Facebook.

Although my time in the city is done, I learned so much about myself and my future I would not have traded any of the struggles or frustrations it took to get me through the semester. I am so blessed to have met everyone I did and form the life long relationships I will continue to treasure.

It is hard to not focus on the past and I find myself referring to DC on a daily basis, but I know that the memories are forever, and returning to that great city is nowhere out of the question.

The End

This chapter of life in DC is quickly coming to an end. After turning in my final papers, it really feels like it is over. Leaving DC is bittersweet. I going to miss most everyone in the program, and everyone at the Georgetowner (new issue online!). But as I start to think about all that the summer has to offer visions of a sweet baby boy, weddings and a new internship spin though my head. This semester was an incredible experience and I am so thankful for everything I learned and the relationships I made.

Easter weekend was SO much fun in Raleigh with Wes and Nikki. Their new house is gorgeous, and THE best place to watch movies. Yes, that theatre room is 'pretty dang sweet'. It was great to spend the weekend my favorite brother and sister-in-law, as we celebrated the Good News of Easter. Wes made some incredible food, and we shared a lot of laughs.

Today I was supposed to go to a fashion show with a girl from the office. Although the show fell through I ended up spending the entire day at the office hanging out and having a great time with everyone! I have been putting off saying goodbye to everyone for two weeks now, and will continue when I go back in Thursday to have the girls look over my resume.

The past couple days in DC have felt like summer, and it has been wonderful!
I went on a walk after finishing my papers to enjoy the weather and snap these pictures. I figured it wont be long before the national mall is no longer in my backyard.

Time flies. Make the most of every single moment!

The Young and the Restless

Here's a wrap of the past week.

Work.

Yupp, thats it. No more to say because besides my mac and I spending a vast amount of quality time together nothing exciting has had time to take place.

Well that's not entirely true. I soaked up every last minute I had at the Georgetowner. My last day was so much fun! I'm going to miss everyone more than I like to think about!

Today was quite possibly the worst day ever. I spent nine hours on my research paper. And still have nine pages to go. I will spend all day tomorrow locked up in the apartment like I did today until that paper is done, even if it kills me.

I just keep thinking, this is it. The final push until it is all behind me and I have summer to look forward to.

Two weeks.

Talk about time flies when you're having fun.

Well Kamanda and I are Facebook chatting, and right now that is so much more appealing than writing. My brain is fried. Sorry for the brevity of this post, I hope you can understand the need to save all writing ability for tomorrow.

xoxo

Its Been Too Long

I'm contemplating setting an alarm on my Blackberry that goes off every two days to remind me to blog.

Yes, life has gotten that crazy that I literally need bells and whistles to remind me to get things done.

The biggest culprit is the weather. Spring sprung, disappeared for a few days, and then decided to come back and lift my spirits. Our community dinner was a picnic on the mall at the beginning of the week, on a 79 degree day, not bad.

Life in the District has been great, stressful, yet enjoyable.

Next week is my last week at the Georgetowner. I can't think about it too much or I cry. Our publisher Sonya and I were talking about it today and she told me that I have a lot of fans here, and to call her as soon as I graduate. I don't want to leave.

Two weekends ago I went to New York City with Gretchen, Mama Janet, Meredith, and Jacqueline. It was amazing. Ready to live there.

This past weekend Daddy came to visit! It was so much fun. We went to the Newseum, the movies, saw the Cherry Blossoms (before getting hailed on), ate cupcakes, watched basketball and went to a Nationals game. He didn't want to leave, and I thought for a second he might move to DC for four weeks.

Four weeks. Holy word. Its going to be a miracle if I procrastination doesn't get the better of me.

Sunday night was the Weezy concert. Gretchen and I had the best time, we're still talking about how we saw him every time a song pops up on our itunes.

Colton Wesley is eight months old today. I can't believe it. I got to see him crawl on skype a couple weeks ago. I can't wait to eat him up when I get home! He's been a sick boy lately, but he probably just misses his auntie.

This weekend is going to have to focus on my research paper. Sunny skies stay away!

Well, I've been writing this from work, so maybe I should get back. Gotta go help Ari load the van with papers. Check out the new issue online!

Can I get an Amen

Tomorrow is the middle of March.  I can type, read out loud, and re-read that sentence 500 times and I still don't believe it.

I also don't believe that I haven't blogged since the last day in February.  What a fail on my part.  Things have been pretty crazy around here, but I can assure that my mood is 100 percent better than my last post.  I have decided to cast all my worries on the Lord, and I can honestly say that I feel totally different since doing so.

Last weekend the family rolled in to the city.  I wrote about that on InkTank.  It was such a blessing to see them, even though the weekends went way to fast.

I was published this week! I also got the exciting news of the possibility of spending the summer in Washington, lots to pray and think about! 

Yesterday was bus day, we went into the poorer parts of the city and talked to people living in the neighborhood.  It was much more fun than I was expecting.

Today Josh, Robby, Gretchen, Erica and myself went to an all black church in Anacostia.  I have never felt so welcomed in my entire life.  The people of Bethel Christian Fellowship were encouraging that even in the rough parts, where most don't even dare to spend time in, there are the most loving people in the city.  We worshiped for a little over two hours. There was clapping, dancing, and shouts to the Lord.  It was a great experience, I hope everyone enjoys such a loving community of believers at one point.

As God's family here on Earth we are called to love one another, I saw this more evident today than I ever have. Who knew that in this city of two extremes of poverty and power I would learn so much about love.

Hard to Admit

I realize I have had a severe lack of posts going on.

There are a million factors for my blank thoughts, but I guess the biggest is the hardest to admit.

Life in the city is always moving, last week was as full week at work, with deadline, having a byline (yay!) and then the spring arts preview happy hour at the Daily Grill in Georgetown.  The other intern, Shelle, and I checked people in as important person after important person filed in, dropping their business card for a raffle, then mingling around the appetizers with wine in hand.

Shelle and I split a cab to Foggy Bottom, and I had felt like my first night as a young professional had gone better than I could have hoped.

Gretchen's best friend Amy came up for the weekend.  Although nothing seemed to go right the entire weekend, we still managed to make the best of it and have a good time.

Saturday morning I served lunch at N Street Village with Greg and J.J.  The village is a homeless shelter for women, focused on programs helping the women with drug and alcohol problems, but also assisting in finding the women jobs, and making sure they keep those jobs.

Today Anthony Debarros of USA Today lectured in our morning class.  He is a data reporter, and has been involved in a lot of investigative journalism.  He broke my heart in a number of ways.  He started out telling us that the industry was spiraling away, then he went on to say that journalists need to know math.  No two other statements have ever depressed me more.

One of his stories was investigating school cafeterias, and well the article speaks for itself.

I have always struggled with admitting failure, but at no other time in my life have I felt as defeated as I do now.  (No this is not because I might have to use math at some point in my profession) Why its nothing blog worthy (I have always hated people spilling their feelings via internet), it is something I need to talk myself though, and writing is the only way I know how to organize my thoughts.

I have always considered myself a slight perfectionist, but more importantly have alway had the highest expectations for myself.  When combined, I set myself up for major disappointment and unneeded stress.

An alumni tonight reminded us to never compare ourselves to others, or other's internships.  I'm not too proud to admit that it was something I needed to hear.  I also needed to hear my daddy on the other end of the phone when I called him in an emotional frenzy.

Once again the theme of the semester seems to creep back....

I'm not perfect, and no one expects me to be.

I am surrounded by people that love me and believe in me.  

A New Blog?

Today's lecture was all about blogging.  Which has sparked an interest in making this blog more, well, interesting.  It started out as a an excuse for me to write everyday.  Then turned in to a way to let those I left this semester be able to read what I'm up to.  Now--in keeping up with the fashion of this digital world--I'm thinking about changing the format again.  Im searching for a topic I care about, but more importantly, other people would care about reading.  While I search for the perfect topic (open to suggestions) I'll keep fillin the blog with my daily doings.

The weekend was pretty relaxed.  The progressive dinner I planned Saturday night was fun. The massage  I treated myself to Sunday morning was soothing.  I came home and fixed an early dinner.  Then Sarah, Gretchen and I went to Grace DC for church.  On the way home I picked up a Red Bull and worked on my article for class.

Today was unexciting and full of pizza.  Pizza for lunch and pizza for dinner.  I spent most of the afternoon in front of the tv.  Probably  because of the clouds and freezing temperatures that lingered outside.

Speaking of the stupid weather.  Were supposed to get maybe six inches of snow tonight.  I sincerely hope not, I hate combination of  snow and public transportation.

Today Was a Fairytale

Nothing new here in Washington.

Work. Eat. Sleep. Repeat.

But a lot more fun than it may sound.

Despite an ongoing headache (which will hopefully be remedied on Sunday by the means of a deep-tissue massage) this week has been great.

While I have tried my hardest to slow down these days, somehow tomorrow is Friday again.  (Not that Im complaining, we're all working for the weekend.) But seriously, February is flying.

Today was a great day.  Did I already mention that?

Well it started at 12 am, all days do, but today was perfect from the start.  At midnight I ordered my Jimmy Buffett ticket.  Thats right, bringing back the old family tradition of some good ol JB.  So speaking of good starts, summer 2011 will be kicked off as it should:  Buffett and Best Friend.  Not sure if STL can handle the combination of Cassi Sams, Corrie Dyke and Jimmy Buffett, but were gonna find out.

As much as I can't stop thinking about May 3, I have to continue with my obsession of February 17.

Spent the morning in Barnes and Noble.  Then reluctantly went to work.  Not because I didn't want to work, I just didn't want to be in the office on a day that the sun was shinning and it was about 70 degrees.

A miracle happened around 1:30.  The internet crashed.  My editor told me to go home and work, and I was as ecstatic as a child on the last day of school.

I walked out the door and the warm air smacked me in the face.  I wondered what the heck I was doing in a winter coat as I stuffed it into my bag.

I could have walked and window shopped for hours, but remember I still had work to do so I hopped on the bus and headed home.

Actually getting home before the sun was far gone was refreshing.  I grabbed a diet coke and my mac and got to work on the roof.  Happy Thursday!!

No Rush

Lately I have had to remind myself to slow down.

Missing my family and friends, I've been in this weird mood to hurry the day along and get closer to March when Momma, Daddy, Wes, and Nikki come to visit.

But yesterday I went out for a run, and as I looked around I realized I'm living in our nation's capitol.

I may never have this opportunity again.  I live with great people, and feel like the world is outside my door step, yet I'm wishing it away just to be home and in the safe routine I will only become bored with after a couple weeks.

Today Abigail made a bold statement at dinner.  "February is half over."

What.

As I search for a pause button, here's what happen this weekend--

Friday I covered a poetry night at Baked and Wired for a story.

Saturday I got up early with Gretchen and Merv and went to Obama's house.

Then I went to the American Indian Museum with Sarah, Ben, Robby, Brady, and Zach.  After that we went to the American History Museum.  I was in love.  It made me wish my Daddy was out here.

We're only on this Earth for a short time.  College is shorter than that.  And a semester in DC even shorter. There's no rush for the next two and a half months.

Finding My Smile

In general, I am a very happy person.  But we all have our moments, right?

Well the beginning of this week was a whole cluster of those moments.

Do you ever go into something carrying high expectations, and when the slightest of those expectations aren't met its as though your whole life is crashing down?  Hmm. Maybe a little dramatic.

I don't enjoy dwelling on the past, so lets do some summarizing and get to the good part.

Monday night I was mess.  Job, school, missing family, the works.  I cried myself to sleep, which somehow always seems to relax me, and woke up ready to face deadline.  Work was crazy (deadline).

I spent Tuesday night working on my events planner job.  It was a nice, needed relief from writing.  Okay here comes the good part....

Today totally turned the week around.  I talked with my editor, figured out some story ideas, and got to work.  Maybe my life wasn't ending.  It gets better...I got an email informing me I had reached Gold level at Starbucks.  If you know me at all, you know this would have been enough to make my week.

To top off the night I had an awesome dinner at Nooshi http://www.nooshidc.com/ with Mimi, Emily, Amanda and Jenny.  My life became complete when my two favorite things in the world came together as my dinner.  I had the Hawaiian Roll which was spicy tuna, pineapple, and cucumber. (the two favorite things being sushi and pineapple)

 I was also introduced to edamame.  How did I miss that delish, yet healthy food?
Us girls took the metro back together, and I walked in the door just in time for Modern Family.

All is right the world again.

I just needed to learn that not everything is going to be perfect, because Im not perfect.  And no one expects me to be.  Im out here to learn, and instead of worrying about getting it right, I just need to get it.

I also learned I have an amazing support system, and even if all of them are in some state that starts with an I and half way across the country, they're still there.  And when I'm feeling down, I always have this

And to correct the above statement, I also have some love in the south.  Got a really helpful call from this best brother ever.

Family and friends are so important.  Cherish each and every moment with the ones you love.

When situations take a turn, take the time to learn a valuable life lesson.  You will be better in the end for weathering the storm.

Exhausted in Every Sense of the Word

As if a lack of keeping up on here isn't evidence enough, this week was crazy busy.  Whoever thought school and work went together was seriously mistaken.  But I'm here to suck it up and make the most if it.

The first week of internship was fun.

The two papers for class on Friday were not.

Not having to go into work on Friday was nice.

Sitting in class was not.

Okay, you get the point.  There is no escape from the life ruiner known as getting a degree.  Every night after work this week I came home to sit down and have a date with my desk.  As I searched my brain for any remaining pieces of creativity and desire to write even more, I did my best to pound out these papers for class.

They were finished by afternoon lecture, where I left with a nice present for the weekend, another assignment.  I went back up to the apartment, ready to be a diligent student (like always) and sat down to knock out the weekends work.  An hour of reading big words and finding incoherent sentences running together, I finally closed my mac.

I'm not sure how long it was but the next thing I knew Gretchen was waking me up to head to the press club for free tacos.

Later we explored Chinatown.

Unproductive is a one-word sum-up of today.

Gretchen and I got up and went to Eastern Market for breakfast.  Then we came back and literally did nothing.  It was much needed.

Later in the afternoon we got our nails done, and went to NCC for church.

We found a small Katie, Erica, Caitlin, Heidi, and Matt at church and we all stayed after for pizza and time to get to know some of the staff of NCC.  It was a lot of fun.  I'm excited to get connected to a church.

Amanda, aka Emma Stone's twin, told us of a coffee shop having a free expresso tasting tonight, she also told us of her favorite bakery/restaurant in Eastern Market.  Of course we had to hit up both.  The espresso tasting was quite an experience.  I thought Gretchen was going to puke.  But it was good, very different, but good. http://peregrineespresso.com/

We walked another block to Ted's Bulletin http://tedsbulletin.com/
They have famous homemade poptarts and twinkies.  And really good shakes.
The restaurant was very 1940s.  We will definitely be going back.

Time for a movie and some more relaxation, before the procrastination comes to kick me in the butt tomorrow.

Evidence I Survived Day One

This week marked the start of real life here in DC.

I have to admit the first couple weeks have felt like a vacation. I was staying somewhere new.  Trying different food. Shopping. Hanging out with new friends (and an old one!)

Then there was class.  But lets be real, learning more about journalism, I don't see the problem.  I mean am I supposed to be missing the liberal arts of TU?  Dear math come back to me; I don't think so.

So Monday after class I got a library card.  Now I just hope I have the time to use it.

Monday night was family dinner, followed by everyone getting dressed up and going to the National Press Club to sit in the audience of The Kalb Report.  Bill Keller, editor of the New York Times was grilled most of the night about his paper. It was really enjoyable and fun to be a part of.  The show aired on CSPAN so I was emailing my brother the whole time while he watched.  At the end J.J. got up and asked Mr. Keller a question.  It was neat to be a part of such a big event in the journalism world.

Speaking of the journalism world.  Today was day one at The Georgetowner.  http://www.georgetowner.com/

A real job I think I could really do.  It was a great day.

I'm certain I could have crawled right into bed when I got home from work.  But I needed dinner and to write two papers...

Which reminds me, I should probably start those papers.

A Trip to CVS, Body Wash, and a Best Friend?

Thursday afternoon Kelsey, Gretchen and I walked to CVS.  Gretchen "needed something".  I walk down an aisle only in search of body wash, not what was about to happen.  I turn the corner and I see this person that looks exactly like Tim.  But Tim told me earlier that day he was in Michigan for J-term break. 

I lost my breath and was afraid I was going to pass out.  Gretchen had been in on the whole surprise, in fact all four of my roommates knew exactly what was going on.  The worst part (or maybe the best) is that Tim has done this before.  This past summer he surprised me when I went to visit. Him and my roommate Ericka had planned a Colts game without my knowledge.  So once again Tim had completely blindsided me.  

Well Thursday was Kelsey's 21st birthday so a group of 21 of us (ironically) went out to Cheesecake Factory.  

Friday was class, class, oh and more class.  Lecture until four on a Friday should be a sin? Right?

Sue was a great guest speaker who informed us 'How to Thrive in Our Internships' followed by 'How Not to Die in Your Internship'. 

After all that Tim and I went to a little Italian restaurant. 

Saturday we went to Georgetown, had great pizza, and even better cupcakes.  Tim insisted that Georgetown Cupcakes were the best.  But I had a challenge for him.  So the only fair thing to do was try both bakeries.  Back to back.  

At Georgetown we split a red velvet cupcake and a key lime cupcake.  They were both very good.  

Then we headed down M street to Baked and Wired.  Here we tried the razlemon devil, and the unporked elvis.  (raspberry lemon, and banana nut with peanut butter and chocolate frosting)  I had strong feelings that Baked and Wired had much more flavor.  And the cupcakes were bigger.  :) 

We then shopped on a sugar high.  I found all my favorite stores within two blocks of my office.  Temptation is going to be  daily battle.

Saturday night Tim took me to Old Ebbitts, a seafood house downtown.  We indulged on "rich food" as Tim put it.  Then we spent two hours watching Lockup Raw.  

Sunday morning Kelsey, Gretchen, Tim and I went to National Community Church.  Again, it was awesome.  A message on love, for singles.  Perfect.

We went to Union Station for lunch, and somehow ended up spending the afternoon shopping.  

We took millions of pictures on the National Mall (check out Facebook), then Tim headed back home. :(

I made tater tot casserole for a late, but much needed dinner.  

The rest of the night was spent doing laundry and getting ready for the crazy week ahead.

Internship starts Tuesday.

Hello real life. 

Surprised is an Understatement

Im afraid Im starting to overuse this phrase "best day ever".  But it seems to keep happening out here.  

Although at this moment I look out the window and see awful white flakes drifting to the ground.  Which makes me want to forget about the present and back this story up a few days.  (Also, I've been neglecting to blog)

I woke today with no desire to remove myself from my bed.  With that said, lets go back to Tuesday.  

Tuesday was another service learning day.  Check that experience out on the WJC blog.  It might not be up for a couple days, but read everyone else's blogs while you're there! http://wjcblog.typepad.com/

Tuesday night a group of us headed to the Post Pub to watch Obama give the SOTU. Surprisingly not many people were there. My conclusion is that this city is already "over it".  Who doesn't forget half of the things promised two days later anyway? 

Wednesday, what happened Wednesday?  Hmm. Class. Slush falling from the sky.

Sarah introduced us to a new sausage/ pasta mixture.  Then it began to snow. And the city freaked out.  Buses went on emergency routes only.  People were sent home from work.  Welcome to the east coast.  

I skyped with Colton and Ernie.  

I went to bed with the anticipation of waking up to a day off.

Wish granted.  

Thursday was a relaxing day off, but turned out much different than I expected.

I feel as though this post is going to get very long, and you are going to get very bored.  So I'll explain the surprise in the next one.

Weezy F. Baby

Today was one of the best days. Maybe the title gave it away, but I'll get back to that. 

The second weekend in DC was great.  Friday night six of us girls ventured out to Pentagon City Mall. Dangerous.

Saturday I slept in and it was a much needed nine hour night sleep.  I rest my case that this city is exhausting.  

When I finally got up and moving Kelsey and I went to Starbucks to take care of some studying.  That night Mimi (my mentor) and Greg (one of my directors) had the WJC gang over at their row house for spaghetti and pie.  We hung out and watched each others scavenger hunt videos.  My groups video was voted best by past program alums and mentors so we each got a Starbucks gift card. After some more socializing we left Greg and Mimi's and Gretchen and I lazily hung out in the apartment.   

 Sunday morning I met up with a close friend of my brother Wes'. Will took me out for breakfast in Georgetown.  He showed me around the city and offered his assistance with anything while I'm here.  

Sunday afternoon was filled with a lot of reading, a little napping, and a run to Eastern Market for pulled pork.  It was my night to cook for the apartment.  I made pulled pork sandwiches. I hung out with Gretchen and Merve the rest of the night, then crashed early.  

Another nine hour nights sleep, I woke up energized for lecture today.  Following the afternoon lecture a group of us headed to the Supreme Court to check out the March For Life.  The top photo was a speech happening on the steps of the Court building.  The bottom picture was from the steps of the Library of Congress.  

Gretchen and I went into the library for a bit, then froze as we headed back to the apartment.  But here's the exciting part.

I noticed on Facebook that Lil Wayne had put out tour dates, after verbalizing this to Gretchen, there was no question we had to go if he was coming to DC.  Turns out he's coming to DC on April 3rd, and we will be there in row M.  Gretchen summed up her excitement saying  " I feel like I just got engaged."  

This direct quote was a result of her calling everyone to inform them of the good news.  She also told her mom "He just got out of jail, he's at his prime."

I'm super excited, going to a Lil Wayne concert is on my bucket list. 

Family dinner tonight was burritos.  Yum. 

I also watched my first episode of Gossip Girl tonight, thank you Merve.  

It's safe to say this week is off to a pretty good start.  

Love you, DC.

Ready to be a Resident, Not a Tourist

How long does it take to live somewhere and no longer feel like a wandering tourist?

Well I don't think Im past the tourist stage, but I really would like to be.

No doubt I know my way around the few blocks near the apartment.  But make me travel across the city and Im in trouble.

I have complete confidence that I will soon reach the point where Im telling someone else how to get somewhere, but for the time being I will rely on Google Maps on my Blackberry to direct my every move.

The good news is I have survived my first week as a city girl and the outcome is exactly what I had anticipated, love.

Wednesday was relatively chill.  Morning and afternoon lecture.  Then Gretchen and I walked to Eastern Market and got our nails done.  Alyssa made delicious chicken for family dinner, and as Gretchen put it I was on a "reading roll".  All this meant was I actually did my reading. We watched Law and Order SVU then went to bed.

Thursday was again a service learning day. This time Elizabeth and I were at the Capitol Hill Pregnancy Center.  It is one of two pro-life pregnancy centers in DC.  http://www.capitolhillpregnancycenter.org/
They offer counseling, birthing classes, and appointments once a month to help new mothers with clothes, diapers, and other necessities.  It was a lot of fun, and a huge eye-opener.  The most exciting part is that on Tuesday next week when I go back, I get to go to a pro-life hearing in the house building.

It is an issue I have always had a firm belief on, but never really exposed to its affects.  Im thankful for the experience here in DC.  It was hard to hear a phone conversation where the girl on the other end was upset the center didn't conduct abortions as she screamed "I need this thing out of me right now!"
My heart melted and just prayed and she wouldn't do it.  But not all phone conversations at the center end that way.  A lot of women call for an abortion, and end up coming in for counseling and learning about adoption and their options.

After working at the center I came home and found out I got the job of Community Events Planner for the program.  Which means I need to get busy researching free or cheap things to do in the city. Im totally excited since event planning is something I love.

Gretchen made tacos for dinner. Delicious! Then a group of us walked to  Crumbs, a new bakery in Union Station.  Thank goodness for city living and having to walk to places.  I wanted every perfectly frosted cupcake placed behind the counter.  I decided on the half baked cupcake.  Just as evil as it sounds.  Half cookie dough, half brownie.  I think I could live at Union Station, tons of little restaurants, and the cutest little boutiques.

Its amazing to me how fast relationships have grown in only a week.  I feel like I've been friends with some of these people forever, and some I am still excited to get to know.  Yet I have been so thankful for the opportunity to keep a hold of relationships during my time away.  Seriously, what did people do without Skype?  I loved my time with Jacob Schick last night.

Not sure what's up for the weekend.  Hopefully some time for me to figure this city out.

Sliding Through the Week

It's Tuesday already?

Guess I should back up a couple days.

This semester I plan on taking full advantage of the Sabbath.  Sunday Sarah, Gretchen, Heidi, John, Matt, and myself walked about four blocks to Ebenezers Coffeehouse for church at National Community Church.  It was an awesome service.  (The coffee was just a perk) We even received pastor Mark's newest book as we left.  The six of us headed to Eastern Market for lunch at a French cafe.  It was delicious.  We came back for an afternoon of relaxing, and a metro run to Target.

Sarah made perogies for dinner. Yum! After dinner I spent three distracted hours on reading, that really should have taken about an hour.  Oops.  Guess my study skills haven't  changed.

Monday was the first day of class.  I really enjoyed Terry's lecture.  How refreshing to be in classes that directly affect my future! (I knew all along I never needed math)

What really stuck out was Terry's words of wisdom of:

             Report unto others as you would have them report unto you.

Shortly after afternoon lecture John, Gretchen and I ran to Jacob's for coffee and came back to watch a little Jersey Shore. Followed by a nap until dinner.  Monday night is family night dinner.  We had delicious lasagna and chocolate cake for Peter's birthday.  Is it too soon to say I love my new "family"?

Monday night soon turned into a DC adventure.  Who knew "going on a walk" could be so fun.  The group was made up of Amy, Richard, Amanda, Zach, Katie, John, and myself.  The adventure started with Zach's genius idea.
          
              "Let's go to the Washington Monument, I really want to sit on Abe's lap."

I guess Iowa people don't get out much.  (Just kidding, except Zach did confuse the White House and the Capitol earlier in the week)

So we headed for the Washington Monument, in the sleet.

Since Zach wanted to see Abe, we walked to the Lincoln Memorial, to which the steps were complete ice.  We took some pictures with Abe and slid down the steps, almost falling on our faces. We headed towards the Foggy Bottom metro station, which was closed.

Because it was closed for maintenance,  we waited for the shuttle and just barely caught the last metro of the night.  Now with a good layer of ice on my coat and soaked Uggs, the adventurous feeling of the night was quickly losing its appeal.

A cold walk back to the apartment, soon enough I was happy to be in a warm bed.

7 am came much too quickly this morning, and we barely caught the bus to get us to Cornerstone school in the SE quadrant. But besides the excitement of catching the right bus, the trick was walking.  There wasn't a sidewalk in DC that wasn't a sheet of ice.  Elizabeth, John and myself spent the day working with the only private school in the SE.

I was able to spend the time with with sweetest pre-k kids.  I can't wait to go back next week.
 http://cornerstone-schools.org/

I guess I have always taken my education for granted.  While I loved grade school and middle school, I often complained about my public high school.  I should think twice before I complain about the opportunities I had compared with so many other people in our country and around the world.

What was encouraging was these three and four-year-olds in pre-k were soaking up all they could.  They were enjoying their time in the classroom.  I want to be more like them.

DC is getting more ice tonight.  I think I'll stay in, and praises that I only have to go one door down the street for lecture tomorrow.

City Living Means Getting Back in Shape

Day two in the city and I'm quite convinced my legs aren't going to be with me by the end of the semester.

But let me try to put the burning sensation from the waist down out of mind for a bit.

Yesterday marked the first full day of living in D.C.   After hours of orientation and a short introduction into our classes we were split into teams and sent out on a scavenger hunt throughout the city.  After consulting Google maps, we were somewhat certain we knew where we needed to go.  The first stop was the senate building.  The nice thing about living six blocks from the capitol is, well, a lot of things are in walking distance.  So began our walking expedition.

Recap of the night:  About two and a half hours of walking, snuck into the National Press Club, ate at the Post Pub, failed at reading the bus route, but still got on the one that went to Union Station, successfully completed tasks on our scavenger hunt.

Came back to the apartment and ordered groceries online for the first time in my life.  Then crashed.

Today was another leg workout.  This morning we walked to Union Station to grab a bus to Georgetown.  An hour later we were on the cute cobble-stone streets of georgetown passing store after store.  Map in hand, we headed to the University.  We were after a picture of Archbishop John Carroll.   After some exploring we ate pizza and headed back to the National Mall.  We visited the memorials, and took some extra "creative" video for our scavenger hunt.  Here's our group chatting with FDR.

And here's where the legs come back to mind.  Ouch.

Lots of Snow, a Head Cold, and 15 Hours in a Car

Passengers: Dad, Mom, Myself.
Destination: Washington, D.C.

All odds were against us as we piled suitcase after suitcase into the back of the car.  Two inches already on the ground and no sign of the grey sky letting up from dropping the wet flakes anytime soon.  I climbed in the back with everything needed for the next 10 hours of my life: my Blackberry, Elements of Journalism book, pillow, iPod, and box of kleenex.

The snow wasn't bad as we trekked out of Illinois. 10 hours later we arrived in Washington PA where we pulled our cramped legs out of the car and stopped for the night.  

I've been missing my Taylor gang for about a month now, and had a much needed hour skype session with Tim and Jake as I sat on a lumpy hotel bed, and they chatted with me from the far away 3CW.

Unfortunately I was plagued by a head cold the day before our trip began.  Not able to sleep well, I awoke today feeling unrested and unenthused for another five hours on the road.

Especially an extremely white road.  For about 60 miles the roads of West Virginia were slick, slush, and steep.  Unable to read due to the heaviness of my eyes, I opted for the nap route, since we were moving at about 40 mph.  I awoke to a gas station in Maryland, and a bright sun in the sky.

More road, and more reading, we were soon enough amidst the heavier traffic of the D.C. area.

Thank goodness for sunny skies, and a gps.

Tonight we will head into the city for some exploring.  Tomorrow I move in, and start this new adventure.

Excited for what lies ahead, I am so happy to be out of that car.

All my love.