Day 4 - Let's Get Down to Business... to Defeat the Huns. (First Work Day)

After I have been here for a few days getting settled and seeing the sights, I have gotten anxious to get to work. I honestly feel bad for going around and playing when I have come here to work. Needless to say, I was anxious to go to work Tuesday morning.

We were to report at 10 am. We knew nothing other than the address and what to wear. (I am saying we because there are two other students from Utah State working in the same office as me, Joey and Cami Jo. Joey is one of my six roommates and Cami Jo lives in our same building with other female interns from Utah)

We took the metro there. It is a really sweet commute comparatively, 15 minutes by metro then walk two blocks. I work in the complex of offices just west of the White House. Security in the building is really tight, we have to show id, wear badges, go through metal detectors, and get checked in by secret service.

As we got there we met all the other interns. There are about 40 of us in all. All come from all over the US. And being caucasian, I was in the minority. It is awesome meeting these young ambitious students. Everyone is so friendly and motivated. It is rare that three of us are from the same university. We all are at different stages of schooling. Some are in the middle of undergrad work, others are graduated, others are in grad school, and even a few are recently graduated from grad school. As I met these highly qualified people I felt extremely overwhelmed. How did a little red-headed boy from Morgan, Utah get here? I still don't know. I do not have half the credentials as the rest of the interns. I have been immensely blessed.

We had a two hour orientation. A fast overview of the office. Overwhelming.

They explained an important difference. We are NOT White House interns. Being a White House intern is a big deal. Although we are still addressed as interns, our official title is a volunteer leader. That being said, we work side by side with the white house interns and there is no distinguishable difference beside the color of our name badge. They have set up this volunteer leader program because the volume of mail coming in the office is so high, they couldn't keep up with the staff and the interns they had, so they couldn't just have more interns. (I guess there is some sort of cap on the number of White House Interns) So, they set up this program. It really is too bad that we do the exact same thing as the White House interns, but don't get the prestigious title that looks awesome on a resume. Nevertheless, my program is still quite competitive and still looks awesome on a resume.

After the two hour orientation, we went to lunch at a cafe and were dismissed. It was only 1:00. Boo. I want to work. So afterword, I took a stroll to the White House a snapped a pic.

This week my schedule will be a bit weird due to orientation, but starting next week I will work from 9 to 6 monday-friday. I'm looking forward to that.

I will later give more details on exactly what I will be doing in the office as I learn.

Sorry for the long post. This information is like a journal for myself.

Day 3 - Memorial Day - President Obama and Phillies

Yesterday was Memorial Day. Is there a better place to spend it than the Nation's Capital? I think not. I did not work on Monday due to the holiday, so I planned out a nice day for myself. My first item of business was to return to Arlington Cemetery. The President and leader of the free world was to place a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier and speak in the adjoining ampitheater. I knew I had to be there early to get in the apmitheater. Well I wasn't about to wake up at dawn and sit in the heat and humidity for hours, so I took my time getting there. As I expected, I was too late to get in, but I was able to hang out from a distance and see the motorcade arrive and the President step out. I was also able to sit under the shade of a tree in the cemetery and hear the President and others speak. It was really neat.

You wouldn't believe the security. I have never seen so many military, secret service, police, etc. There were swat, marines, ambulances, fire trucks, helecopters circling, and everything else you can imagine. There were also thousands of people.

I skipped out pretty quick to beat the crowd to the metro. Arlington Cemetery is really close to where I live, its only three metro stops away. (10 minute ride)

From Arlington, I went straight to Navy Yard, the metro stop you get off to get to Nationals Park. To get to that stop I had to transfer a couple trains. I did it with ease, I was proud of myself. Plus, it wasn't hard, I just had to follow the thousands of Phillies fans.

I have never been to a professional baseball game, I love baseball, especially live. I don't mind the length of the game or the lack of speed and fast paced action. I loved it.

I bought my ticket to the game months ago... in fact, I think I bought the baseball ticket before I bought my plane ticket. It was really fun. Even though it was a home game for the Nationals, Phillies fans outnumbered Nationals fans 4 to 1. It was funny. I wasn't rooting for a specific team, I was just there to watch good baseball.

It was extremely hot, I know I have talked a lot about the heat, but I have never in my life felt heat like this before. Constantly soaked with sweat. So so so humid. About the 7th inning the shade finally reached me and it was much more enjoyable.

Below I have included some pics of the game and some other gems. I didn't get anymore pics of Arlington.

Pic of the metro headed to the game. Jam packed. Nothing like being squeezed up to a sweaty Phillies fan who smells like cheesesteak.

View from my seat. Left field, near the foul poll. Not too shabby.

Another view.

My room. My bed, dresser and closet.

Another view. Mine is the one on the left. Those are sheets I found laying around as I wait for mine to arrive. Dang you UPS.

This is a shower curtain. This photo doesn't do it justice, but it was covered with mold, the whole shower was. The smell was awful. After the baseball game I bought groceries including a shower curtain and then spent about two hours deep cleaning the shower and bathroom. I'm sure my roommates feel like slobs as I just barely got here and am cleaning up their mess.

This was the most disgusting part. Some of my roommates are very hairy and shed a lot. This picture doesn't do much justice either, but this little hairs covered the bathroom. I cleaned them up, but as I have used the bathroom today, I have noticed they are back. I just don't understand. No one is shaving or trimming anything, they just shed. 

I miss Laura. I used to complain about here hairs being everywhere. I will complain no more after what I am experiencing. I miss her in everyway.

On Tuesday I begin work. Despite what it may seem, I have come here, departed my wife, and am doing it all for free to WORK. This internship is once in a lifetime. I am working for the White House. Of course I will see the sights while I am out here, but I am here for the work experience and to build valuable connections to build my career for the future. 

Day 2 - Can't Get Dry... (If you don't want to read, scroll down and there is a plethora of pictures)

I have heard from people who have been in hot humid places say, "you just can't get dry, you get out of the shower and just stay wet." I've never understood that until now. Temps in the 90s and humidity in the 80s and 90s. Wow. I can't wait to wear a suit in this. Meanwhile, my wife is sending me pics of snow in Utah.

So my first full day in Washington was a Sunday. Five of the six of my roommies are good Mormon boys so they filled me in with the details of church. It starts at 3!!! Yes, thats right 3. Furthermore, it is a singles ward. I am not single, but I will be attending a singles ward, because I just want to be with people I know and the church is only 3 blocks away. My whole church going experience is very interesting, but I will dedicate a whole post about that some other day.

Due to the fact that I had they whole morning (and lots of the afternoon) until church, I wanted to make the most of it. I slept in until about 8:30, had a bowl of raisin bran crunch and headed out. I had no idea where I was going, but I was anxious to see the town I have dreamed about. So, I hopped on the Metro and headed toward the Mall. (The mall is the big grassy area that has all the monuments and museums and cool stuff) I managed to find the metro stop and I just guessed as to where I should come out. I was pretty lucky. My first ride and experience was pretty smooth... the metro was not. I could go on for days about the metro... I will dedicate a future post all about the metro.

When I emerged from the depths of the metro I just went to the most recognizable object, the Washington Monument. I didn't really study the sites in depth due to the fact that I didn't have much time and there were tens of thousands of people on the mall seeing the sites as well.

Along with the Washington Monumnet, I saw many other sites including the WWII Monument, The Vietnam Wall, Lincoln Monument and a quick run through of Arlington Cemetery. 

Out of everything I have seen so far, my favorite is by far Arlington. I constantly had chills/goosebumps, literally. It truly is the nation's most sacred site. 

After my quick tour, I returned to my apartment, went to church, then after church a big group of us interns from Utah went to the Capitol were there was a huge concert thingy for memorial day. (I'm sure you all watched it on PBS) It was neat, I enjoyed it with tens of thousand of others. The setting was awesome. (Capitol Hill)

Below are pics of the day... If you skipped over the long words and are just looking at the pics... thats ok, I don't blame you, I would have done the same.

I sent this pic to my mom and she thought is was from my apartment... silly mom.

Tons and tons of bikers in DC this weekend. Tattoos and leather vests everywhere. Such nice guys... seriously every single one was very polite.

Formerly the tallest structure in the world

WWII Monument

Utah... people working together

More WWII monument, a military band playing

Bikers posing for picture

Me and the Vietnam Wall Memorial

Awesome... but lots of people

A volunteer doing a rubbing for a family of a fallen soldier

Honest Abe (I think this guy just sits there all day and collects tips) 

Lincoln Memorial

Where MLK gave his speech... I'm sure he was wearing similar shoes

Abe and I - I don't know why I insist on making this face when I take pictures of myself.

Some random guy getting interviewed... I don't know.

Arlington National Cemetery - The Nation's most sacred site

The Kennedys - I loved this especially his inaugural address surrounding, one of the best speeches ever.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Changing of the Guard - Guards are there 24/7 365 days a year. This was awesome. Everyone was dead silent and very respectful. Best thing I've seen yet.

Capitol Hill - Where I watched a concert. It was neat.

At night.

Thats all folks. Until tomorrow.

Day 1- The Journey

Ok, so yesterday I got here in Washington DC, but as you can imagine with a cross-country plane trip, unpacking and overcoming a few obstacles (I will tell later) I had no time to blog. So basically I failed at my daily goal on day one.

Needless to say, I got here. Let me give you a quick run down of my journey and my first day. My sweet wife and I woke up at 4:30 am and left Morgan at 5 am. My parents were nice too and got up to see me off. I arrived at the airport at 6 am and Laura and I said our goodbyes. At the time it wasn't bad, but soon after, the emotions hit us both.

I checked in with US Airways and they told me about upgrading to first class. It would be $50 extra dollars but I get two checked bags free. Perfect. I would have paid $65 if I would have stayed coach to check my bags. I tell ya though, I don't know if I can go back to coach. I breezed through security had tons of leg room and was drinking a coke BEFORE takeoff.

I had a layover in Phoenix. It was quick, but I was starving so I got a Cinnabon. How could I not with that aroma.

The second leg of my flight was long, but I was able to do some homework. (I'm taking an online class, I'll provide details on that someday).

I arrived to DC, got my bags and got a cab. The cab took me literally less than a mile to my apartment. $10.

I got to my apartment and was amazed. HUGE. NICE. Front desk 24/7. The lady showed me up to my room and I met a few roomies.

Crystal Plaza Apartments

Foyer area.

View from my balcony.

So, what I'm trying to illustrate is that it is nice.

I will do a future post with more details about the apartment and about my roommates.

So, I ran into a couple of problems. First, on monday (5 days before I came) I sent a package to myself with sheets, a blanket, a pillow, a towel, and some toiletries. Well, when I got here, I couldn't find it! I checked with my roommates, I checked with the front desk, but nothing! It still has not yet arrived, and probably won't arrive until tuesday due to the holiday. So, I found some random sheets and a towel left at the apartment by former interns. I am using them for now. Who knows if they are clean or where they came from.

The other problem I temporarily had was that I did not have a key. I had a card that gets me into the building, but I didn't have a key that gets me into the apartment. Needless to say, at one point I was locked out for a couple of hours. But I soon caught up with some roomies and tracked down the missing key.

I live in Crystal City, it is actually in Arlington, VA. It is a really nice area. I am amazed at how clean it is. The streets are well kept and nice. Its a nice area. It is located right next to Reagan National Airport and just down from the Pentagon and Arlington Cemetery.

Anywho, while I was locked out for a while I went and explored a bit and found something to eat. I ate at Chipotle. For those who don't know, Chipotle is like the Cafe Rio or Costa Vida outside of Utah. Its really good, I became familiar with it on my mission in California. I still think Cafe Rio is better though.

Yum.

View from my table. See how clean and nice.

I could sit here and tell the details for days, but details of my journeys will unfold as we go on this blogging adventure.

Until tomorrow... goodbye.

Packing and Stressing

Well, tomorrow at this time, I will be on a US Airways flight headed to Washington. Today is all about packing. It is hard to think of what I need for two and a half months. I've decided to check two bags, then carry-on another. Traditionally I am a heavy packer, so I am finding it hard to prioritize what I will need/want for the next few months.

This is the current scene in our bedroom right now. Besides packing, I am doing laundry (hence why there are no sheets on the bed). 

The last few weeks I have been trying to acquire suits, shirts, and ties due to the fact that I will be wearing a suit and tie everyday. All in all I have five suits (thanks to my missionary days, my cousin and Deseret Industries). I haven't bought any ties for the internship because, how can you add to perfection? Yup, I have one of the best tie collections in the western hemisphere. My motto is quality not quantity.

My suits and shirts.

THE tie collection. I only keep enough for the little rack, if I ever find a better one, a lesser tie must leave the fold. 

The next 24 hours will consist of packing, homework, cleaning, spending time with my beautiful wife, then going to Morgan to spend the night at my parents' where I'm sure games of Mormon Bridge and Scum will abound. 

My flight leaves at 7 am. So, it will be an early one tomorrow. I plan on waking at 4:30 and leaving to the airport by 5.

I have a knot in my stomach... it must be those chocolate twislers I had for breakfast.

The Final Countdown

Today is Wednesday... that means in three days I will be on a plane heading eastward to Washington D.C. I'm looking forward to it all. To be honest, I know very little about what I will be doing. I know I will be working in the White House Office of Presidential Correspondence. So, I will be apart of the team of people that sorts through and reads the President's incoming mail. I have attached a video, if you look at the 1:30 mark, you will see the little interns... yup... that will be me.

A lot is going through my mind as I am preparing for my two and a half month journey to Washington. I am wondering what to pack, I am worried for my wife who I will be leaving in Logan, I am wondering about my six roommates (other interns from Utah), I am worried about finances (it is an unpaid internship), I am worried about getting chores done before I leave (oil changes, selling textbooks, etc.), and I am thinking about a million other things.

Although there are a lot of uncertainties, I am confident that this is right for me. I went through quite the process trying to figure out if this is right. I am confident. When I tell people I am doing this for the Summer, I get a lot of positive reaction... that is until I tell them that my wife is NOT coming with me and I will NOT be getting paid. Then people ask me, "Why?" That is still something I am trying to figure out.

Enjoy my blog, I am going to try to post something everyday. (Don't hold me to it.) It may be a long post, it may just be a picture, but stay tuned!