My America Day!

Today is my "America Day!"

One year ago to the day, I landed in New York. It was the first time my feet had touched American soil in 350 days. Well, actually, I had put my foot on the grass of the American Consulate in Munich in December, and I'd been in the American Consulate in Frankfurt in January and the American Embassy in Berlin in June, all of which are technically American soil, but you know what I mean.  I'd said my goodbyes, taken a last walk through Rewe for little grocery goodies (read: chocolate), shared my final glass of delicious 3-euro Rhine wine, shipped boxes to DC, and was thrilled to get on that Lufthansa dream liner flight and get.back.to.America!

When my flight landed around noon in New York, I found out that the east coast was in a heat wave, and a humid, 90-some degree day was there to greet me. Of course, I was in heaven. By the time I got to DC 18 hours later, I hadn't showered in about 3 days, I was jet-lagged and generally sleep deprived, and had been sweating and sticky from humidity for 18 hours non-stop. My body had forgotten how to handle excessive heat or sunshine. The English language was being spoken by everyone around me and it was freaking.me.out.  I was delighting in the fact that I had a cell phone with which I could unlimited call, text, or send pictures to my family and friends.\

I spent that first night in New York at a Yankees game, even though game time was at 2am Germany time, and I was pooped. What's more American than a Yankees game at Yankee Stadium with a hot dog, over-priced beer, and a bleachers section full of Jewish teens? Nothing! It was all glorious. I was back, baby!

My itinerary for the first ten days back in America took me across all 4 time zones and landed me in a new job in my old office. It took me quite a bit longer to readjust to life in America than I thought it would. The reintegration and re-assimilation challenged me for the next six months as I tried to find my bearings and settle back into life, applying my arsenal of new experiences and cultural understandings into the setting of my old life. That, folks, is not an easy feat.

This year has absolutely flown by. It's had happy reunions with dear friends, financial hardships, professional growth, heartbreak, wonderful family time, sunshine and warm weather, new friends, and even somehow has included fun trips around the country.

I am so very blessed, and I know it. Today is my America day, and while I might live abroad again or spend and abnormal amount of time searching for tickets for dream adventures, this place will always be my home.

In the White House, looking to the Washington Monument

To count the Electoral Vote

On January 4, 2013, the 113th Congress convened in a joint session to count the Electoral Vote.  Yours truly sat in the gallery of the House of Representatives for the duration (about 24 minutes) of the session.  While it was not overtly eventful, it was one of those special kinds of experiences that DC affords to me time and again. To be in attendance for the official certification of the outcome of an election for President and Vice President of the United States was a moment that might not be repeated in my life and that most Americans will likely never experience but really ought to! Guess that's what we have C-Span for :)

9/11

Yesterday was September 11, 2012. In Washington, DC yesterday, the air was just starting to become crisp, acknowledging that Autumn is nearly here. The sky was bright blue, and the sun was shining boldly.  Capitol Hill was buzzing with staffers, lobbyists, tourist -- suits, big wigs, and fanny packs :)

Eleven years ago, on what I understand was a day similar to yesterday, there was confusion and tragedy at this same place. There was also bravery, community, and strength.  The meaning of being American was tested that day.  The degree to which everyone as an entire nation united together showed the world what we are really made of.

I hope in the next 11 years, and the eleven beyond that, that we are able to have healthy dialogue with other countries. I hope that we continue to be proud and strong. I hope that we remember our power when we're united. I hope that we take the time to listen to other people and other nations and exchange understanding with one another.

To the first responders, victims, their families, friends, neighbors, Americans, and nations who stood alongside us on that day ... thank you. God Bless America.

America the Beautiful

HaPpY 4th of JuLy!

Baumholder Ball

I was invited to attend a Battalion Ball on USAG Baumholder this Saturday. I actually had a little bit of reverse culture shock being on base. I was picked up at the Idar-Oberstein train station by my soldier friends, and then I was whisked away to... Taco Bell! Mmmmm! It's just as yucky and glorious as it is in the States, I'm happy to report. And I had tucked $20 into my wallet before I left Mainz because I really wasn't sure what kind of currency was happening there. And then I got to use it! I paid with American money. It felt weird, actually. But oh my Lanta, it was so nice. It's the little things that are such a treat sometimes, you know?

The ball was lovely. My date actually decided that he didn't feel like being my date, which is fine. I mean, it was weird of him, but it was just fine. All of the soldiers looked really nice in their Blues, and I had a great time dancing, drinking, chatting, and then having some after-party fun "out on the town" in Baumholder. A big thanks to the men and women for whom this Ball was given, and a thank you to Scott and Tyler for hosting me. It was a lovely evening.



picture taken by Heather K.



Rock the Red Pump!

Rock the Red Pump!

Why?

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is March 10, 2012.

There are more than 1 million adults and adolescents in the United States living with HIV. Approximately one-fifth of them (21%) do not know that they have been infected.

In 2006, teen girls represented 39% of AIDS cases reported among 13–19 year-olds. Black teens represented 69% of cases reported among 13–19 year-olds; Latino teens represented 19%.

You can’t acquire HIV by drinking from a water fountain, sitting on a toilet seat, hugging or touching an HIV-infected person, or by eating off plates and utensils.

However,

 here are some ways HIV can be transmitted:

By way of bodily fluids (blood, semen, and vaginal secretions) during sexual contact. Saliva is not considered a transmission route for HIV.

By sharing needles to inject drugs. Infected blood can be exchanged between the parties who are using the same needle and syringe.

Through the transfusion of infected blood or blood products

HIV-infected woman can pass HIV to their babies during pregnancy, during delivery, or while breast-feeding

Be smart. Use protection. Get tested. LEARN more. 

And don't forget to rock your red heels, you beautiful lady, you!

I am rocking my red heels to work today.

Da Bears

It's SUPER BOWL SUNDAY! go America!

But really, sorry everyone out there rooting for Tom Brady errrr I mean the Patriots. And sorry to everyone rooting for the Manning brother who actually gets to play in Indianapolis this year errrr I mean the Giants. Why sorry? Because I don't care who wins. That's right. I don't care. I'm a Bears fan, so I'll take the side of the NFC and therefore side with Giants fans on this one, but all I really care about is this:

Take it away, Shufflin' Crew!

11/11/11

Today (11/11/11) at 11:11am in Germany, Fassenacht starts... the 5th season, Fasching, Karneval, or what we know as Mardi Gras. "What?!" you say? That's right. It officially begins today, and then lasts until Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent, but the big celebrations don't happen until the week prior to Lent. Mainz is one of the biggest Fassenacht celebrations in the country. Today friends and fellow Radolfzellers Mickey, Kate, and Shane are coming into town to help Ginny and me celebrate the beginning of a fun season. Can't wait!

More importantly, as I'm over here celebrating the start of chaos, I will not be forgetting that today is Veterans' Day in the US. We are a great nation. That is not to say that we are perfect or that we know it all or that some of our faults aren't glaring, but we are a nation of freedom, diversity, expansive beautiful lands, and Starbucks. I have really learned a lot more about how I feel about my home country by being a foreigner trying to make my way in Germany, and this Veterans' Day maybe more than any before, I realize what it is that our men and women in uniform stand up to protect. I admire their courage, and I'm thankful for their service. To all veterans and current members of the US Armed Forces - Happy Veterans' Day. <3

Thinking of my homeland

God Bless America

9/11/01

We will never forget.

To the volunteers who risked their lives when we needed them most,

to the firefighters who risked their lives to save others,

to the policemen who kept us safe while our world was crumbling,

to the families who forever have an empty place at their tables,

to the American people who, as one, united admist tragedy,

and to the troops who still fight for our freedom and the freedom of others...

you are the reason that the United States is a land to believe in, fight for, and love.

Fourth of July

Happy 4th of July!

This is my favorite holiday of the year. As far as I'm concerned, it doesn't get much better than a day of grilling, baseball, fireworks, and summer fun. I got to see so much of this wonderful nation on my drive this past week, and I am so lucky to be an American. What a unique country we have here. Centuries of sacrifices have been made to give this country all that is has and all that it will be. All the time I have moments where all I can think is, "God Bless America".

Also, my brother just came in and turned on "The Sandlot", my favorite movie of all time. It also has my favorite movie scene of all time featuring my favorite holiday and a song sung by one of my favorite artists. I hope you have a 4th of July holiday just as magical as this...

The Sandlot 4th of July Tribute by idolwick

 

I want to kiss you on the mouth to stop you from saying such ridiculous things.

DID YOU KNOW that THE Alec Baldwin was in my office building yesterday? 2 floors directly below me? Talking to my favorite Capitol Policeman Bill? AND NO ONE TOLD ME?! I have a tendency to be very enthusiastic naturally, and I'm pretty sure that even a glimpse of Mr. Baldwin would have sent me into enthusiasm overdrive, so maybe it's a good thing that I missed him. I could have died.

One time I was driving around with Emma and Kenny texted me all the way from LA to tell me that he was in line at a bagel shop and A. Baldwin was right behind him in line on the phone. I nearly crashed my car. Well, not really, but my reaction was big enough to be cause for concern. The thing is, I wouldn't even go up to him if I saw him because, can you imagine being assaulted by every member of the public who recognizes you? GEEZnothankyou. So I'd just stand there in an overly enthusiastic state about to burst at the seams until the moment had passed.

But a message to him because, well, I feel like it: Thanks for being you. Your portrayal of the character Jack Donaghy is the highlight of a TV show that I go out of my way to watch. Seeing as how I don't own a TV, this speaks volumes for your talent. I read in a magazine on a plane (was that Hawaiian Airlines? American, maybe.) recently that you will not continue on the show so that you can accomplish other things. Admirable. Onward and upward, Mr. Baldwin! And keep on keepin' on with those bagels.

State of the Union

That picture means that I was in attendance for the President's State of the Union address on Tuesday! It was a total "DC Bucket List" sort of experience. Absolutely incredible.

I sat on a stair across from the Speaker's desk and just a bit left of center. I didn't even have a chair, but I really didn't mind one iota. I figure I was lucky enough to be there. The world's focus was centered on that room for that hour or two, and I was in it. If there is one thing I'm good at, it's participating in unique opportunities (and somehow managing to talk my way into them). 

I liked being in the House chamber listening to the speech without media commentary, without friends voicing their agreements or disagreements. I got to watch to see who clapped for what points, who refrained, who stood up in support. Most importantly, in real time I was provided the opportunity to watch and listen to the event unfold and form my own opinions before I heard anyone else's. 

It was a great experience, and it's easy to see how sweet life is when I get to be part of stuff like this. I wonder what other opportunities await me down the road...

love always.

How Patriotic am I?

On Monday, I was in the Senate gallery as they opened the session. I can't believe I have never done that before. I mean, I've seen it from my desk on C-Span2 and such, but this was the first time I had been there in person for this. It was fantastic! Maybe I'm a nerd, but standing up in the Senate gallery with my hand over my heart and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance was positively one of the most American activities in which I've ever participated. USA!

love always