tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78424191229527847062024-03-19T07:34:36.369-04:00Intern LessonsRent is high and pay is low, but the experiences are priceless.Intern Lessonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17559514575627341090noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7842419122952784706.post-44789425388210579282010-04-21T22:44:00.000-04:002010-04-21T22:44:14.376-04:00Wrapping UpSo, my internship is wrapping up, which means this blog will be winding down. I'd like to end on a final and, in my opinion, rather inspiring note:<br /><br />Lunch was probably the highlight of my day. I ate with with a very influential Washingtonian who didn't know what he wanted to do with his life until he was 34. He called himself at 34 a "kid"--just think of being a kid at 34, it seems so ancient! He fell into his current job through a serious of flukes of fate and accidents, and it's comforting to know that road can be curvy and rough, but if we do our best it will be rewarding in the end. Setbacks are more like adventures, and I really do think "bad luck" is just a way of redirecting us. If we make the best of every situation--how can we go wrong?<br /><br />I came to Washington to try and figure out what I wanted to do. I started this blog to record some of those thoughts, and I rediscovered how much I love writing. Working in a high-stress environment, I've been very lucky to be around people who truly enjoy their job, realize it's not everything, and have had amazing, crazy, and inspirational career paths. You can have fun and do good things all in once--and end up 600 miles from where you started too.<br /><br />I'll leave you with Conan, I'm not sure I could sum up what I've learned any better:<br /><p><span style="font-size:85%;">All I ask of you is one thing, and I'm asking this particularly of young people who watch: please don't be cynical. I hate cynicism- for the record, it's my least favorite quality, it doesn't lead anywhere. Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. <span style="font-weight: bold;">But if you work really hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen. I'm tell you, amazing things will happen</span>.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p>Intern Lessonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17559514575627341090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7842419122952784706.post-78319075671885498232010-04-14T21:49:00.002-04:002010-04-14T22:04:49.217-04:00Chill out? Hell yes.I decided that one thing I want come back home from Washington is a more relaxed attitude. This may sound funny, but I feel like working in what could have been one of the most stressful and high-paced environments has really helped me put things in perspective. <br /><br />I have a lot of stress in my life--quite a bit of it I bring upon myself. But the thing is--stressing won't solve life's many problems. Whether it's grade or being a poor college student (or poor young professional or whatever), worrying about money or school won't magically make your problems disappear. Balancing work and play is important, and it seems to be key that you are able to enjoy yourself at both. <br /><br />I took my side job here way less seriously than I have taken any job ever, and I still got rave reviews from my boss. I guess maybe I'm slowly learning how to let things roll. <br /><br />I've worked with some awesome and laid back people. They do their jobs very well, but they understand that they can't control everything. They have fun, and they seem to have everything in perspective, that is, it's all really just a job. <br /><br />I'm not saying I've completely abandoned the high-stress way of life. I think my priorities have gotten a bit more straight though. Change is hard to make. I just like to think that the devil-may-care-come-what-may part of my life has come out a lot more while I'm here, but only in the best way.Intern Lessonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17559514575627341090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7842419122952784706.post-39163246504065731552010-04-06T22:09:00.002-04:002010-04-06T22:40:43.803-04:00Hot! Hot! Hot!Somewhere along the line spring got skipped. And newsflash: it got really freakin' hot in DC. Like height-of-summer-in-my-northern-state hot. <br /><br />WTF DC? Spring is rumored to return on...Friday according to my weather(dot)com widget. Until then, I guess we'll just have to sweat it out, literally. While I admit I enjoy the warm weather, I miss the pool and the laying out that goes with it. I spent the summers of my youth as a pool brat (note: different from country club brat, but you could probably already guess that at my glee over HCR) and my teenage years as a lifeguard. Translation: I don't mind hot weather, I just prefer to be in a swimsuit and able to jump into a sanitary (and cholorine-filled) pool as a moment's notice.<br /><br />Good luck all. I know I'll need it in the HOT weather...Intern Lessonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17559514575627341090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7842419122952784706.post-61056751902624155412010-04-02T21:44:00.002-04:002010-04-02T22:05:40.079-04:00Happy Easter RecessI went to Catholic school through second grade. In the 15-odd years since I went to a religious school, "Easter" break has firmly been changed to in my mind to "Spring" break. Imagine how odd it was when the first two weeks off in April became not "April" recess but "Easter" recess. <br /><br />Who knew DC was so religious?Intern Lessonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17559514575627341090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7842419122952784706.post-91174283160008040252010-03-28T23:05:00.004-04:002010-03-29T22:19:22.745-04:00Everyone Needs a Spring BreakThis weekend I took the opportunity to visit a friend in the Big Apple. Unlike other interns and all of my friends back at school, I didn't take a Spring Break. There's definitely some merit to the idea of giving yourself a break, even if it's a small one. After the gorgeous weather of the past few weeks I have to admit I was getting a bit of Spring Fever. While I've had my trip planned for awhile, I didn't really get excited about it until I was chan<br /><br />Not only did I have an absolute blast stomping (at least part of) a new city, it was so great to see one of my really good friends. I spent way too much money, but if I had to do it all over again I would do it all the same. Except I would probably try not to loose my shoe...yes that's singular I only lost one and yes, I still have the other one. Don't worry about it. <br /><br />We spent all day Saturday (and, let's be serious a good part of the night too) in the Greenwich Village area. I thought about how sometimes I just want to be a starving writing, (if you pass that public option I can do that and still have health care!), living in old clothes, eating Ramen noodles and smoking cheap cigarettes. Every time I get like this I have to remind myself that it's not 1994, the people in <span style="font-style: italic;">Rent</span> probably had roaches as their roommates, and oh yeah, I'm a runner not a smoker.<br /><br />And living in genteel poverty (my term for what I did this fall) is really not that glamorous. It just makes you hungry. <br /><br />In the past year I've taken more weekend trips than usual: last summer I went up north (that's what we do where I'm from in the summer) and to the Great Midwestern City, this fall I went with a friend to visit another university for a football game, and now this past weekend. Sometimes a weekend away is all you need to be refreshed and ready to go. And good time spent with people that mean a lot to you--well, that one never hurts either.<br /><br />Happy Spring Break all!Intern Lessonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17559514575627341090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7842419122952784706.post-69362534433969662302010-03-26T10:14:00.002-04:002010-03-26T10:24:25.341-04:00Rain, rain, go awayIt always happens that I forget my umbrella (mittens, boots, winter coat, insert weather-proofing item here) just when I need it. So of course, the day it rains cats and dogs, not only do I leave my umbrella at home, I choose my hood-less fleece jacket over my raincoat. Oh and the wellies? Warm and dry at home.<div><br /></div><div>My idiocy knows no bounds. Hopefully you remembered your umbrella, it'll be rainy <a href="http://www.weather.com/weather/hourbyhour/graph/20510#">this evening</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fridays are usually quieter at work, there always seems to be less people around. But today, it seems that the recent HCR victory and the rain has kept almost everyone from the office. The metro was so empty this morning, and the halls have assumed an almost tomb-like quietness. It's crazy to see how this place goes from alive to dead one day to the next. </div><div><br /></div><div>Easter Recess should keep things slow for the next too weeks... </div>Intern Lessonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17559514575627341090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7842419122952784706.post-21616975281715179912010-03-24T22:30:00.003-04:002010-03-24T22:36:38.102-04:00Bonding with your Boss, Part IIVisit them when they are stuck late at work and probably bored.Intern Lessonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17559514575627341090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7842419122952784706.post-89621005474117125752010-03-24T22:18:00.003-04:002010-03-24T22:30:05.385-04:00HCRIt's been a long time...<br /><br />...but I had to personally ensure Health Care Reform was going to pass. No really, I did. I think the fact that it didn't get through until I came to DC make it clear just how much this city needed my leadership.<br /><br />Anyway, all the gossip tells me that when Nancy Pelosi (legit one of my favorite people, my first daughter will be name Nancy. Or Hillary. Nancy Hillary? To much?) took H.R. 3590, aka Health Care Reform to the floor, she didn't have the 216 votes necessary to "pass the damn bill." But with a little luck and a hell of a lot of confidence, she muscled it through what the founders thought of as the more "rowdy" chamber (it was rowdy on Sunday night!).<br /><br />Today I ate lunch with a CoS. He said he's never had a plan--and here he is senior staffer to a senior member of the majority party. I'm not saying I would ever want to be a CoS, I can only take so much stress. But the idea that it's okay to not have a plan, that it can all work out.<br /><br />I know a lot of people who don't necessarily have a plan. We might have sketches, or ideas, but we don't have a plan. I dare say we're smart enough not to plan, we know every thing can get effed up in the end.<br /><br />But if Health Care Reform can fly by the seat of its pants, than there's not reason we all can't either. As long as we keep the what we like in sight, than like Health Care Reform, with a little luck and a lot of confidence, we can make it too.Intern Lessonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17559514575627341090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7842419122952784706.post-29792061175358209632010-03-14T12:12:00.004-04:002010-03-14T12:30:19.899-04:00The Ghost in the RoomDoes the past ever really let us go? Can we ever truly escape what was once for what will be, or are the two so vividly intertwined we have no idea when we look at the whole grand picture?<br /><br />Perhaps like first love, our first passion is our true one. Essentially taking a semester off school and starting this blog has reminded me how much I love writing. I'd gotten away from writing (and I don't mean essays and research papers) for so long. But without the daily reading and writing assignments in front of me, the constant stressful factors of my school jobs, I've been able to focus on what I really want: to question and to think--more accurately to stew. And the answer seems to be that I need to write. <br /><br />Lady Gaga has a script tattoo on her arm, it's a quote from a Rainer Maria Rilke, a German philosopher: "In the deepest hour of the night, confess to yourself that would die if you were forbidden to write. And look deep into your heart where it spreads its roots, the answer and ask yourself, must I write?"<br /><br />Like most people, I would prefer not to fail. I see so clearly now the path that I could take that would lead to mediocre success. It would be challenging, but I like a challenging. And it would be moderately rewarding, and I like rewarding. But I don't want the challenge without the reward. I don't want to wake up in 10 years and realize that I am nowhere near doing anything I want. I am tired of saying and doing the "right" things because they will potentially get me to where I possibly want to go. I want to say and do what I want because it will take me to where I absolutely want to be, even though I don't know where that is yet. I know the standard business model--big risk, big gain. Big risk can also mean big failure, and that is the one that is super scary. <br /><br />Okay so we can't truly leave our past behind us. We can cut the line of communication, or shove it in the closet. As much as we try to put away, it will always find a way to lurk quietly in the back of the room. I guess the best thing to do is to embrace it, learn from it, and bring it along for the ride. Big risk, big gain, eh?<br /><br />Peace out,<br />Thing TwoIntern Lessonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17559514575627341090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7842419122952784706.post-39803245709637678062010-03-14T11:24:00.002-04:002010-03-14T11:38:19.633-04:00The demise of Lazy SundayIt's been awhile. I apologize. Life got in the way of writing...<br /><br />Life has gotten busy here. Last weekend was gorgeous, and I decided I would much rather be outside experiencing life than be inside and not. Thing 1 and I both had visitors and then simultaneously realized neither of us have summer jobs (please hire us!)...needless to it's been a little crazy/stressful.<br /><br />Sundays are best as lazy days, though most of my Sundays here have ended at my second job. I am literally exhausted today and can think of nothing more I would rather do than run and chill. Instead I have to work at 3 which really means I have to leave a little after 2. What kind of sadist keeps things open on Sunday evenings? I know I felt like this when I was a waitress: Sundays should be for chilling at your house and preparing for the workweek. Unless you live on a college campus and then Sundays are for groaning, pulling your ass out of bed and trying to get a seat at the library or coffee shop. And not leaving for 10 hours. I've had far too many of those days to count.<br /><br />One of my favorite things about Sunday is the Sunday Times. All the columnists are on board for the Week in Review section, and the Times magazine rarely disappoints. I had 3 or 4 Sundays over break where I was able to just sit, run and read and it was absolutely delicious.<br /><br />Sundays are not meant to be productive, unless being productive means grocery shopping and ironing. I have to say being able to sleep in this morning was amazing. I think back to freshman and even sophomore year of school where the day did not begin before noon and I laugh. I set my alarm for 10:30 this morning and even more important than the fact that I slept in to it completely was the fact that I could have slept for longer.<br /><br />Instead, I (literally) pulled myself off my air mattress, made some coffee, and started trying to be productive. I'm halfway through at least one NYT column and am going for my run soon...<br /><br />Have a relaxing day,<br />Thing TwoIntern Lessonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17559514575627341090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7842419122952784706.post-32892278528864498822010-02-26T15:57:00.002-05:002010-02-26T16:14:40.386-05:00FridayyyyI like Fridays. There's always some sort of clusterfuck when every is trying to figure out their plans for the night. For a while, everything is up in the air. And then things calm down and come together. <br /><br />I will say one thing: I'm looking forward to going back to 4 (or less!) day weeks in college. It is SO nice to have very little to do on Fridays. I spent my Fridays this fall working, but it was still a break from class, a break from thinking.<br /><br />Ironically, I had a very intellectual conversation at lunch about climate change. Some people have the coolest, craziest career paths. Like this guy--a former Math professor working in envrionmental policy sector. This guy changed jobs a decent amount, and it just seemed like he had a very rich career. Who doesn't want that?<br /><br />It made me realize that I can do a lot of different things. I can change my mind. I can fast track to one thing, but that doesn't mean I work in something completely different 30 years down the line. For someone who likes a decent amount of uncertainty and tends to dislike committment, that's really refreshing. <br /><br />So I'm zen: tonight will be good. My career, whatever the heck it is, will be awesome.Intern Lessonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17559514575627341090noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7842419122952784706.post-58060799252213704802010-02-24T21:48:00.004-05:002010-02-24T22:37:29.402-05:00Best Wednesday EverEve Ensler's name will forever be tied to the word "vagina," and rightly so. But hearing her talk and speak at <a href="http://www.busboysandpoets.com/">Busboys & Poets</a> tonight, she was so much more than that. Awe-inspiring. <span style="font-weight: bold;">This is a woman who started a revolution; a revolution to love your body, not hate it</span>. Radical, isn't it. <br /><br />More than that, this is a woman who carries through. She has raised over $70 million dollars to fight violence towards women and girls. Let me say that again, just so you get it: she has raised $70 million dollars. Not for a politician, not for a political cause. To fight against violence towards women and girls. <br /><br />Eve read a couple of passages from her new book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Am-Emotional-Creature-Secret-Around/dp/1400061040"><span style="font-style: italic;">I am an Emotional Creature</span></a>. I got chills up and down my spine, not just because she's fabulous, but because what she wrote, is so much of what seems wrong with the world but no one talks about it. No one cares, no one wants to bring it up, because it isn't glamorous. <br /><br />So here's a thank you Eve. Thanks for making it okay to say the word "vagina." Thanks for bringing attention to girls as emotional creatures. Thanks for raising money. Thanks for being inspiring. Thanks for being strong. Thanks.<br /><br />Thing One and Thing TwoIntern Lessonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17559514575627341090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7842419122952784706.post-60267084768060862662010-02-23T00:09:00.003-05:002010-02-23T00:26:48.749-05:00Yearning for a 24 hour coffee shop...AHHH I have literally been writing all night!<br /><br />Today, I decided to be serious about life and get some school work done. School? College? What's that you call it? OH SHIT that's right I haven't graduated and am supposed to be doing some coursework. Never one to study well at home I decided to bribe myself with an adventure to a new place....<br /><br />...so I went to <a href="http://www.busboysandpoets.com/">Busboys and Poets</a>! This place was fantastic! I happened over to the 5th and K location, which honestly I loved. It seemed to be an up-and-coming area...or a falling one. Either, a little seedy, a little shady, my favorite kinds of places. Not because I'm a drug dealer, but because I like to feel like I'm living on the edge (just run with it. I'm from the suburbs and hated it there). <br /><br />ANYWAY I plopped the good ol' laptop down, ordered some fair trade coffee (told you I was <a href="http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/">white</a>) and started writing. AND I LOVED IT. I was totally groovin--wrote a couple of essays. If you couldn't tell, my writing style is pretty informal. <span style="font-weight: bold;">But why should fake my tone for a scholarship board?</span> I'm kind of to the point where I want to say this is me, this is my writing style. If you don't like, it, then I don't want your money.<br /><br />Okay, maybe not quite to that point; but almost. I would have kept working but I wanted to make it home at a decent hour. I had to use the ever-reliable metro, and we all know what that can be like...Anyway--try this place out! The service rocked, I got a great sandwich, and I was in a great atmosphere. <br /><br />Also--awesome feminist author/activist/great human being Eve Ensler is doing a book signing at the 14th and V location on Wednesday night! Thing One and I are really going to try and make it up there. We'll keep you posted.Intern Lessonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17559514575627341090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7842419122952784706.post-26487089291243391822010-02-17T22:29:00.004-05:002010-02-17T22:47:19.908-05:00DC is like Crack<span style="font-style: italic;">[Author's note: I have never done crack, so I don't know if this is an accurate comparison. However, it sounds right, so I'm gonna run with it.]</span><br /><br />DC is awesome. It's fun, it's crazy. There's always something to do or see, from exploring new neighborhoods to the multitude of national museums. <span style="font-weight: bold;">The energy is absolutely addicting.</span> There's no way not to look out from a high spot and not feel a rush.<br /><br />But this place is also surreal. Things that matter in DC, don't matter anywhere else, and things that would matter other places don't matter in DC. It feeds the addiction, living in this bubble. The economy is fine here, but people are still trying to fix it for everyone else. <span style="font-weight: bold;">It's almost not real.</span> <br /><br />I guess the only thing left to decide if DC is as debilitating as crack.<br /><br />Thing TwoIntern Lessonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17559514575627341090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7842419122952784706.post-2305759870717626932010-02-15T17:38:00.004-05:002010-02-15T18:28:16.164-05:00It's Monday...The worst part of being here is not being able to be around the people you love and care about, especially in their time of need. I'm the kind of person that doesn't always know the right thing to say, but when a friend is in need, my first reaction is to want to provide any support necessary, even if its just my presence.<br /><br />So the lesson of the day is kind of an obvious one, but here it is: living hundreds of miles from your family and friends means you can't be there for them when they're hurting. And ya know what, I gotta be honest-- that one kind of sucks.<br /><br />Thing TwoIntern Lessonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17559514575627341090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7842419122952784706.post-25902033383568557742010-02-13T11:42:00.010-05:002010-02-14T11:44:58.970-05:00What's your flavor? Part III love good inspiration, and I'm a sucker for good quotes. But I also really appreciate bitter and sarcastic humor, and so <a href="http://www.despair.com/">this site</a> is fantastic for a laugh. While I wouldn't call it overly clever, the humor is definitely outright, its still pretty funny.<br /><br />I've found that the worst pitfalls come when you take yourself too seriously. There's just no need for it, and everyone else around probably thinks you're a stuck-up idiot. Which, to be honest, you probably are. I've heard sarcasm called the "tool of the weak," but I'd like to make a case for it, and instead call it the tool of the non-serious potentially intelligent being. If you're being sarcastic you're poking fun at a situation and thus are most definitely not being serious. Since you've taken the time to come up with a sarcastic comment, one that not everyone will necessarily pick up on, you've put some thought into the situation and can therefore be classified as potentially intelligent. Ergo, I would like to designate myself as a "non-serious potentially intelligent" being.<br /><br />Sarcasm shouldn't be written off. You can get away with making fun of things that other people might not pick up on, I recently finished reading the classic novel <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Catch-22-Joseph-Heller/dp/0684833395/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266162313&sr=8-1"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Catch-22"</span></a> which highlights the craziness of the world through the frame of World War II, a pretty important event that I think most people would probably call fairly serious. But I would opine that the point Heller is making is that you can't take anything too seriously, every event, not matter how large or how small, is at least somewhat ludicrous.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Catch-22</span> is awesome because it teaches without being preachy. It's clever humor-my favorite type. You have to both pay attention and understand that you have no idea what's going on in order to fully appreciate the book. I read it right before snowmaggedon hit the DC area, and it kind of fit with the situation. People who took life and their jobs so seriously weren't able to work for a week. They were forced to do all sorts of terrible things like embrace week-day bar specials not because work had got them down, but because they had nothing better to do. A city usually engulfed in go-go-goers was suddenly filled with people starting <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwaJtm4coM4">huge snowball fights</a> and sledding in the streets. Of course, I'm sure there were those dedicated workers being productive, but sometimes, you just have to embrace chaos.<br /><br />So the wisdom I will impart upon you this Valentine's Day-another crazy holiday-keep your head in the game, but in reality, you've only got so much control. And when all else fails, make fun of yourself. The smart people will get it.<br /><br />Holla,<br />Thing Two<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Catch-22-Joseph-Heller/dp/0684833395/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266162313&sr=8-1"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></a>Intern Lessonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17559514575627341090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7842419122952784706.post-10476083215806560802010-02-11T23:02:00.008-05:002010-02-11T23:23:37.099-05:00Bonding with your Boss: Part IOne of coolest things you can hear your boss say, first thing in the morning, is "I'm so glad you're here!" That and "I have a project for you" definitely top my list. Like most people, I want my presence to be appreciated, even if my main job is to provide moral support. Unlike most people, I actually like being busy, and I work best when I have a long to-do list. <br /><br />I find that my best boss-bonding time comes later on in the afternoon. We've had the entire day to either get stuff done or get ready to go home, and the office atmosphere feels more relaxed. I'm usually an overly eager beaver in the mornings, chomping at the bit to do some important errand like sort the mail or deliver a transcript. That's if I've had my coffee; if not, well, then, I'm nodding off over the NYTimes and not making any conversation. Good bonding also comes when no one else is around and we can make jokes. However, I still long for the Happy Hour invite (even if I would turn it down). Eventually...maybe...hopefully? Haha, I'll keep you updated.<br /><br />Peace out,<br />Thing TwoIntern Lessonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17559514575627341090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7842419122952784706.post-39848276138221188582010-02-10T18:23:00.001-05:002010-02-11T22:48:33.864-05:00Snowverkill<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">We’re from the north, and we appreciate seasons. A little snow here and there can be nice, even in warmer climes. But for the record, this DC snow is getting ridiculous. I mean, 55 inches this season? That’s as tall as a small child. Or Snookie from Jersey Shore. And after today’s blizzard, I would assume the majority of it has come in the past week.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">In an attempt to be positive, here’s a list of good things and lessons that have happened because of Snowmaggedon:</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.5in; "></p><ul style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">Time off work means more clean work clothes!</li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">Hanging out with friends in and watching sporting events with them is as fun as back at school, and especially is a treat on a typical work night.</li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">We’ve been able to explore parts of the city within walking distance that had previously been ignored.</li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">Guy friends are good for a lot of things, but they are especially good at making pancakes. We’ve been treated twice this snowmaggedon!</li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">Wellies/hiking boots are essential for the slushy sidewalks.</li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">Getting stranded in Metro Center is scary, but surviving it is worth the story.</li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">Everyone likes working so much more than they let on.</li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">Snow days are the perfect chance to go to Georgetown Cupcake early enough to get the free cupcake of the day, and a half dozen more to share with one's roommates. </li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">LSAT prep is a productive way to spend a snow day. Shopping works too though.</li></ul><br /><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">So, even when you’re stuck at home on a 4, 5 or even 6 day vacation, you can still learn thing or two <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:wingdings;">J</span>.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "> </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">Much love,</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">Thing 1 and Thing 2</p></span>Intern Lessonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17559514575627341090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7842419122952784706.post-28022216820335206172010-02-07T21:09:00.001-05:002010-02-11T23:48:07.999-05:00I dedicate this post to judging myself.<div style="text-align: left; ">I tend think of myself as a pretty smart person. Generally, I'm not an idiot, and I try and not engage in idiotic actions. Crazy, maybe. Slightly reckless, sometimes. Idiotic? I truly hate that feeling and because I utterly loathe feeling incapable, I tend to be pretty quick on the uptake.</div><div><br /></div><div>Enter Sunday afternoon. The sun is shining, the birds are tweeting...and there's a healthy 2.5-3 feet of snow on the ground in the DC area. In an effort to stay in shape, I've hyped up the runs lately. The past two were done inside on a treadmill, which I typically dislike, so today I had the *bright* idea to run outside. Why not, right? <b> Right????</b></div><div><br /></div><div>In case you've been living under a rock, this is what DC looked like Saturday afternoon:</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuEw7WiAjgeo-CQbpMxEldjbzb6N-81qE7QlNJARZ-aj6O6WiLs0yE93NoB4xDv7jnxsU9DqbbqIjVjWr_WENWC1KH0N4hXLyjkWZ_Wrey6uVekGA9ges7fwsEYOmC4YyllY8v8m4qPr8/s1600-h/dc.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuEw7WiAjgeo-CQbpMxEldjbzb6N-81qE7QlNJARZ-aj6O6WiLs0yE93NoB4xDv7jnxsU9DqbbqIjVjWr_WENWC1KH0N4hXLyjkWZ_Wrey6uVekGA9ges7fwsEYOmC4YyllY8v8m4qPr8/s320/dc.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435691812524925826" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Yes, folks, that's right. I decided to run <b>outside</b>. For your enjoyment, I will now document my attempted 5 miles of idiocy. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mile 1, Arlington: Some of the sidewalks were shoveled, some were snowy. The sun was shining, I was feeling good. I slipped and fell on some snow-covered steps, but I enjoyed myself. It really wasn't so cold out, and I was jammin' to my tunes. I was feeling pretty hardcore, there were people sledding out and I was running.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mile 2, Memorial Bridge: This is basically where the run went to shit. I grabbed my run of <a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/">this site</a> that has a ton of runs. I was running on a 12-inch wide snow tread with at least a foot high on either side of me. At one point, I decided to make a break for the road: I plunged into snow that was higher than me knee. Yeah, you heard me right. Six steps of this and I had to stop and scrape snow out of my shoe tops. Then I started running on the bridge, which was akin to running on a beach, not the part packed down by water either.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDybEe08tzXEuxc-LUosS79llXPqdQdMYriGWyJYpoR4bqt9Yf4fv15yj3xm4pwbqWT3DCO1D1LPF3k6hFL3Wrbom4eHecobXkVR9aQOmSeqSCiygIEXevssUUrXCQSkxgCUnm0TkhSuY/s1600-h/sand.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDybEe08tzXEuxc-LUosS79llXPqdQdMYriGWyJYpoR4bqt9Yf4fv15yj3xm4pwbqWT3DCO1D1LPF3k6hFL3Wrbom4eHecobXkVR9aQOmSeqSCiygIEXevssUUrXCQSkxgCUnm0TkhSuY/s200/sand.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435695985060986242" /></a><- An illustration of my annoyance. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Halfway over the bridge, I knew my run was being cut short. I just wasn't going the entire way. While it was still sunny, the whole situation was starting to become ridiculous. One thing was for sure: I was NOT turning back and running over the damn bridge again. I decided to run over the Highway 50 bridge near the Kennedy Center, I would be able to keep going at a more manageable distance and hopefully get home much sooner that if I had continued all the way to Georgetown and over the Key Bridge. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This idea soon turned to be so terrible that the following events can only be countered as utterly ridiculous:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>Running near the Kennedy Center is a maze of roads, and I have yet to correctly locate the (plowed) sidewalk entrance to the Route 50 bridge. This proved to be problematic. I ran down highway entrances three separate times and eventually scaled a 4 foot wall (with the help of the snow and my ninja-like skills) in order to land on the sidewalk.</li><li>The streets of DC may be passable (in some places), but the sidewalks are not. After scaling said wall Bond-style, I landed on three feet of snow. Luckily, most of it was packed down, so I picked my way through icy piles of snow to...</li><li>Three feet of snow covering most of the bridge. I tried to run for a bit, really I did. I had mostly given up after Memorial Bridge. It was at this point where I started thinking, <i>Is this seriously happening?</i> and <i>I want to be home so bad,</i> basically on repeat. </li><li>I started running on top of the guardrail. This elicited 3 dump truck and at least 4 car honks. Whatev peeps, there was no snow on top of the guardrail and a four feet buffer zone between the real bridge edge and the road. I was freezing, it was windy, and my nose was drippy but this was also by far the best idea I had all run (or should I say walk at this point) until...</li><li>The guard rail became covered with snow and I was forced back onto the side walk. Official "eff" moment of the run.</li></ol><div>The remaining distance was pretty much pure misery. As you may have noticed, I've stopped counting miles because I stopped caring and, mostly, running. I was cold, I was wet, I wanted to be at home. I vowed not to run again outside until I knew of a clear path and would have sworn off running for a week (at least a couple of days) if not for my pure stupidity.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm sure I'll be back out there tomorrow, seeing as the Federal Government and most of the city (except for bars and restaurants) is still closed. So when you see a runner out scaling walls, jumping through snow banks and looking throughly miserable yep, that's probably me.</div><div><br /></div><div>Peace out cub scouts,</div><div>The brilliant Thing Two</div></div>Intern Lessonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17559514575627341090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7842419122952784706.post-63739223619991362662010-02-02T22:17:00.003-05:002010-02-11T23:49:03.279-05:00Whats Your Flavor?The best tip I think I ever got was to have an issue. Have one thing that you can know, you can talk about, that can be yours. It took me six months to figure out what mine was, it sort of came to me. I've always gotten revved up about it, but one day I realized that I really wanted to work to change the status quo in it. Today I was fortunate to meet an expert in my issue, and it was...inspiring (corny, I know).<div><br /></div><div>And let me tell you, it was like a drink of cold water. I've felt bogged down in some of the mundane intern tasks I've had to do, but hearing this person talk about the path they've taken renewed my love of my issue and my reasons for being here. I'm not doing the most glamorous job, but I'm here to have access to the people who do. I'm here to get a foot in the door and be introduced to the circles where I eventually hope to run.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm a passionate person, and I've had a chance to actually work with my issue in my college back home and I loved it. It was frustrating and addicting, and I didn't want to stop. While I don't always consider myself a competitive person, my issue is a challenge because it's not necessarily the most popular. </div><div><br /></div><div>But I can do it, I can make it. All I have to do is want it bad enough; because if I want it bad enough, I'll make it happen.</div>Intern Lessonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17559514575627341090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7842419122952784706.post-80339935329893329952010-02-01T18:01:00.000-05:002010-02-01T18:16:25.937-05:00Suit up.Things I've learned over the past week:<br /><br />1. Getting legit work to do isn't an impossibility. They hired us for a reason, now go after it. Even if what you're initially given is simple, or mindless, ask questions. Through those questions you can lead them toward work you might be more interested in.<br />2. Dress for the job you want. Yeah, I stole that from <a href="http://www.caphillstyle.com/imported-20091212041935/2009/6/1/a-guide-to-capitol-hill-intern-style.html">Capitol Hill Style's Guide to Intern Style</a>. But, it's so true. Nothing screams "mindless intern, ignore her!" more than a t shirt. Or worse, a skirt that belongs at the bar, not in the office. Worst. Plus, I feel like I'm on par with Barney Stinson when I wear my freaking adorable cropped blazer to work, which makes me feel more confident, which means that people are more confident in me.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://venividivun.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/How-I-Met-Your-Mother-Season-5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://venividivun.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/How-I-Met-Your-Mother-Season-5.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>3. DC is apparently the <a href="http://www.brightestyoungthings.com/i-heart-dc/dc-is-the-hottest-state-in-america/">most attractive</a> state, and Arlington is the second best city to find a <a href="http://www.brightestyoungthings.com/i-heart-dc/best-city-for-rich-singles-r-u-kidding-me/">wealthy significant other</a>. Get it girrrl!<br />4. Lesson 4 is redacted because my alcohol overconsumption is already obvious enough on our <a href="http://twitter.com/internlessonsdc">twitter</a>, it doesn't need to be mentioned on the blog.<br />5. I have mad hyperlink skills.<br /><br />This was mostly a blog post directing readers to other blogs, but.. at least Thing 2 won't yell at me anymore.<br /><br />xoxo,<br /><br />Thing 1Intern Lessonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17559514575627341090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7842419122952784706.post-85257981138229870512010-01-26T19:50:00.000-05:002010-01-26T20:29:33.314-05:00Love the CityI have intense DC love, and I've only been here...less than three weeks? <div><br /></div><div>When I first started looking at colleges halfway through high school, I envisioned a small liberal arts school in a big city. Unfortunately, those schools come with a large price tag, and I just couldn't justify sacrificing gazillions of dollars in loans when I could get a great education at a state school. Snobs, judge away. I've enjoyed my experiences with football and basketball games, tailgating and being (somewhat) anonymous. </div><div><br /></div><div>But I <i>absolutely love</i> being here in DC. I've found, at least in the past few weeks, that just reminding myself that I'm in the city makes me automatically happy. Rough day at work? No worries, I'm in DC and not back home. Stupid drama got me down? It's all minor. </div><div><br /></div><div>I guess the thing is that I've been planning on being here for almost a year and a half, and so to finally live out what I've dreamed of is fantastic. All summer, working four jobs, I just thought about how everything would be okay when I came to DC. And you know what? It really is. I know at some point I'll really miss my home, my family, my friends. At some point, there might be too much stress or too much drama and I can't just tune it out. But for now, a gimme a cup o'joe, a view of the skyline and we'll call it good. </div><div><br /></div><div>So what's the lesson? I like big cities? I knew I belonged in a city from the start? Let's be a bit less grandiose: just being in DC makes me happy. Oh, and working for your dreams is totally worth it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lots of City love, </div><div>Thing Two (aka the main poster)</div>Intern Lessonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17559514575627341090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7842419122952784706.post-6347713363414709912010-01-25T23:12:00.001-05:002010-01-25T23:35:49.382-05:00Lesson Three: Get lost and find yourselfThing 2, last week: "If you don't update the blog soon, it's going to become my blog."<div>Thing 2, tonight: "I've updated 6 times and you've updated once. You need to update."</div><div><br /></div><div>So here I am world. It's not that I don't have nice, introspective things to say, it's that a.) I'm lazy and b.) I feel kind of stupid admitting that the biggest lesson I learned this past week is that you can get homesick even in an awesome city like DC. The combo of intense boredom at work (8 hours of maintaining a perky, please-give-me-work glow is exhausting, especially when you're punctuating that time reading lawyer blogs about how no one in their right mind would go to law school... hey depressed about my future). </div><div><br /></div><div>While Friday evening ended up being a lot of fun, as Thing 2 outlined, by the end of the night I was fighting off wallowing in missing my family, friends, and boyfriend (please don't hate me, even though I hate people who act like I was acting). Saturday morning I tried and failed to work out, and was kind of planning on spending the day on the couch, continuing to wallow. But Thing 2 talked me out of my blues and convinced me to walk up with her to Dupont Circle. I figured I would read my book (I'm reading <i>The Camel Club</i> series, not the most literary books I've ever read, but they're fun and take place in DC) in a coffee shop somewhere, but the weather was nice so I ended up mosying all over Dupont Circle and into the neighborhoods of Georgetown. There is something so romantic about wandering sans ipod and cell phone glued to ear, just enjoying watching people go by and turning whenever you feel compelled to mosy in a new direction. </div><div><br /></div><div>To be sure, I have google maps on my phone, so I'm never really lost, but I've found that when I'm feeling emotionally lost, it helps to sort of get lost physically (and safely), to sort out what's bothering me and ultimately remind myself that a.) it's okay to be sad and to miss the people I left at home. In fact, it's good that I miss them - they mean the world to me and if I didn't miss them I'd be much more concerned. b.) having said that, I have to not let the random bouts of homesickness that I'm sure will strike from time to time keep me from enjoying this once in a lifetime opportunity. And the best way to reconcile those two lessons is to wander through the back streets of Georgetown, pretending to be a local, but ultimately give myself away as I smile while passing embassies and an old cemetery that I've decided is probably where Oliver Stone lives.</div><div><br /></div><div>Best,</div><div>Thing 1</div><div><br /></div><div>Edit: When wandering for miles, wear comfortable shoes. I decided to break in a new pair of flats and got a 3D blister that Thing 2 had to perform surgery on, and I think I fractured my instep.</div>Intern Lessonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17559514575627341090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7842419122952784706.post-57253602537673261722010-01-25T22:02:00.001-05:002010-01-26T19:49:45.220-05:00I got a job and have income, don't hate me.I got a job. A paid one, but not a legit one. Just your basic food service-whatever-it-pays-my-bar-tab-and-grocery-bill job. And so my lesson: working seven days in a row, even if 5 of them is unpaid office work, is tiring. <div><br /></div><div>The weekend started out great, with increased work activity. I got to go to a couple of meetings and had some cool assignments. </div><div><br /></div><div>After happy hour, we traipsed to a district comedy club with some college friends for a laugh. I've never been to a comedy club so here comes lesson two: its a blast!</div><div><br /></div><div>Lesson Four: Harris Teeter rocks. But you can't go there on a Sunday night, because it will be packed. As if grocery shopping weren't obnoxious and overwhelming as it is, I had to wade through the sea of incredibly slow moving shoppers to get my $20 worth of groceries. I was overwhelmed and frustrated, until i swiped my VIC card and realized how much money I saved. I can't imagine the people who don't sign up for the bonus cards...grocery stores practically give away money!</div><div><br /></div><div>Lesson Five: The Bachelor is fantastic. Judge me if you want. </div><div><br /></div><div>Love from the only poster who posts,</div><div>Thing Two</div>Intern Lessonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17559514575627341090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7842419122952784706.post-74495647704634197772010-01-21T21:19:00.000-05:002010-01-21T22:46:22.735-05:00This weekThings I learned since Monday...<div><ul><li>Leather shoes need to be broken in before wearing</li><li>The <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.washingtonmonthly.com">Political Animal Blog</a> on the Washington Monthly site is AMAZING</li><li>I am a news junkie</li><li>I'm good at finding my way</li><li>I'm good at training people</li><li>political analysts often seem smarter than the ones actually calling the shots. Who knows, Maybe they actually are. </li><li>It's been a hard week to be a Democrat.</li><li>Health care needs to get pushed through. </li></ul><div>...and I need to get SLEEP if i'm going to survive work days without 10 minute naps! </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Friday!</div><div>Thing Two</div></div>Intern Lessonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17559514575627341090noreply@blogger.com0