Cherry blossoms everywhere!

 

This is the park by my house. Since DC is a whopping 20 degrees hotter than average this week, the cherry blossoms finally decided to bloom! O! the whole city looks like it's covered in pink popcorn!

Ryan Lochte takes on the Hill

"Jeah!" Monday!

Ryan Lochte was on the Hill this evening, advocating to eradicate Muscular Dystrophy, specifically Duchenne, through Parent Project MD.  I was working late, trucking through some stuff, and realized that if I didn't get down there, I'd miss the reception.

I'll admit, after all the media buzz about him during and after the Olympics (some nice, some less-than-flattering), I was curious as to how he'd appear in person.  Was he going to have wings on his shoes?  A grill in his mouth?  Would he say "Rocksss" and make my entire week?

The answer to all of those above questions is "no." Someone told him to wear a suit, run a comb through his hair, and be professional.  And my oh my, does that man follow directions well.  Or maybe he knew to do all of those things himself.  He is an adult, after all.  For all of the well-earned hype over shirtless Ryan Lochte, I'm going to give it to him... a fully clothed Ryan Lochte is an extraordinarily handsome man.

He also has an assistant who intimidates the crap out of me, which is not an easy feat.

When I walked into the reception late with my friend Macy, I didn't even see him at first. He turned out to be across the room doing an excellent job doing what he does.  His assistant was making it clear that it was time for him to head out the door, and there I was thinking, "You know, if there is one person I should ask for a picture with, it's probably him." (And not even because he's delightful to look at but because I swim, and it just was exciting to see him.)

So, I walked up to get a picture and waited because two other girls were also exercising the flashes on their cameras. As I waited, the assistant gave me this look like-- don't even or I will seriously eat your soul. At that point, pissing off the lady was not worth a cell phone picture to me. But then he stopped outside the door on his way out to sign some piece of paper or something, and I thought, all right already! Now or never!

"Hey, Ryan...?"

That's what I say when I'm literally following Ryan Lochte out of a reception. How embarrassing. Never in my years have I requested a picture with a celebrity when they weren't doing pictures, and neverrrr have I practically chased one down. I'm uncomfortable meeting celebrities.  I get all weird knowing that they know that I know who they are even though we've never met.  I'd rather be on a level playing field when meeting someone.

He was kind enough to spare some time to take a picture with me before he went around the corner, down the hall, and away to wherever it is that Ryan Lochte goes on a Monday night in DC. Probably the airport.

I wasn't cool and didn't make an impression in any way, shape, or form, which is another weird thing about meeting celebrities.  I mean, here I am waxing poetic in a blog post (yikes) about ten seconds of my day, and for him I'm the upteenth picture of the day.

However, he was not at the reception to be everyone's photo prop for the evening, and he certainly wasn't there to worry about getting pictures with staffers. He was there to bring attention to Muscular Dystrophy.  And so, because he turned around and took a picture with me, I will stress again that he was here for a very serious and good cause-- eradicating Duchenne.

I went back up to my office and finished up some work. I had time for a short swim tonight, so I left and headed to the pool.  In the second lane was a man with muscular dystrophy, using swimming as a way to stay as strong and fit as he can.  It seemed fitting for today.

The picture. Ryan Lochte. Me. Assistant to the right.



Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. It is one of nine types of muscular dystrophy.

As of 2011, most therapies for DMD are supportive in nature, but research to develop truly disease-modifying therapies is under way.

Learn more.

State of the Union 2012

One year ago, I was sitting on the steps in the Gallery of the House of Representatives. The room was filled with the members of both of the House and the Senate. All 9 judges from the Supreme Court were in attendance. The Secretary of State and other members of the President's Cabinet were there. The Vice President was there. All of those big-wigs were on the floor of the chamber. The First Lady was seated in the wing of the gallery to my right, and most others had seats in the gallery. I counted myself lucky to be seated on the stairs, fighting for space among camera men who flitted in and out. And there I was, watching the President give his State of the Union address. I could listen without anyone around me cracking jokes or arguing with the TV screen. No TV commentators. I sat, listened, and for the first time really ever, paid close attention to the contents of the speech in its entirety. It was one of those "DC moments" that I experienced now and then throughout my time in DC. Something I got to do that most people probably don't (or maybe that most people don't even want to do). But it was things like that which I consider to be a special part of my life in DC. It was through opportunities such as being live in attendance to the State of the Union which I will never forget and that I certainly grew from, in some small way.

This year, of course, I am in Germany-- approximately 6,000 miles away from the chamber of the House of Representatives. No helicopters will be buzzing over my house this year. I'll have to show no badge or ticket to anyone. I likely won't hear much about it tomorrow when I wake up (although, these Germans like to stay informed, so who knows) other than through my Facebook feed. But I'll be up. I'll be awake at 3am to watch it stream live over the internet. I will transport myself back to that chamber and listen to the words that will be spoken. I will do my best to come to my own conclusions about what will be said, and I'll remember how special it was to have been there.

Whether the President's policies are those you support or those with which you vehemently disagree, I encourage you to listen in tonight! I'm sure many networks will stream coverage, or certainly replay coverage tomorrow, but I know the White House link is also planning to show the charts, statistics, and other info that the President and his team have based some of this speech on tonight. Might be interesting to see.

Staff Assistants

yep, that's right... i miss you :(

Images of Eastern Market and the Jefferson Building

 

These last days are filled with such adventure. Here is what Eastern Market and the Library of Congress look like through my camera's lens. It's even better in real life. I'm going to miss this...

love always.

the little things i love about dc #1

there are so many reasons that i love dc. there are a few reasons why i really don't like dc either, and at some point before i leave, i'll touch on those too. but i have a bit of a crush on so many of the quirky, unique things about this city. my time here is coming to an end, so from time to time between now and the soggy, tearful, heart-wrenching day that i drive out of the city, i'll explain to you just what it is about dc that has won my heart. here are just 5 out of the many...

• the old man who lives across the street from me who, on every warm night in the city, walks his little old dog (of which i am not a fan-- it's small and kind of hates other people and especially hates people on longboards). they walk very slowly down the sidewalk together while the little old man sips on what i can only assume is a glass of scotch and smokes a cigar. i can't recall ever not seeing him out on a warm evening, really.

• the small ratio of pigeons to human population of dc. most cities have an absurd number of these winged creatures. birds put me on edge, and i consider pigeons to be city rats in the sky (or circling the sidewalk cafe table and hoping for a croissant crumb to scavenge- not happening, ya filthy bird!). in venice, italy, i about died of a heart attack in the piazza san marco where the world's pigeon to human ratio must be about 100:1. but dc has a really manageable amount of pigeons, and i really appreciate it for that.

• speaking of sidewalk cafes, in dc you can get food from anywhere in the world. seriously, name a country! name a region! name a continent or city! and i bet you can find the cuisine to match. maybe it's like this in all cities. i don't know. but as someone who adores traveling- nay, craves traveling, i like being able to know that at least my taste buds can go on a trip even if i'm stuck in this concrete jungle (except it is more like a marble or granite jungle, and not so much a jungle because of the building ordinances but more like a thicket or shrubbery).

• the capitol. i love the capitol. i love that i can go wander around the capitol and soak in its beauty on a tough work day. i love everything about that building. and my very favorite? the mint green corridor outside of the senate chamber. it's just so dang pretty. natural light enters through a window, and no tours go through there. it's generally empty save for the capitol police stationed there or the occasional hurried staffer, milling member of the press, or senator. ooo-ie! if only i could pocket it up and take it with me when i go. it breaks my little dc heart thinking about the fact that i will not be invited (and would be probably tackled or something if i tried) to be back there once i am no longer an employee. oh, frown. 

the delectable minty green-ness of the corridor

• my address. my cute, little, old, classic capitol hill rowhouse. it used to be a carriage house. horses used to ride right into the first floor of my home (we're talking over a hundred years ago here people)! i love the house number. i love that it's blue. i love each roommate i've ever had there (george, noor, courtney, jenny... that means you!). i love that i have good landlords. i love that it is impossible to combat the abundance of mint that takes over my garden in the backyard. i love that i even have a backyard (err... back patio, actually). i love the neighbor man who sometimes brings our trash and recycling bins back up to our fence. i love the winery tiles as the backsplash in our kitchen by the stove. i just lurve it all, and chances are good that i'll cry like a small child when i have to leave it.

my little house during snowmaggedon 2010!

i could go on and on about what makes life here so good. i will go on and on about all of it but only in installments of 5 at a time so that i don't overwhelm you with feelings on things. does my lack of capitalization today overwhelm you? i'm really enjoying not using my 'shift' key.

love always <3

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.

Great Night for a Water Baby

So swimming went well last night! I was nervous about the new pool for no reason. It's so great. It's an Olympic size pool (Long Course Meters) but 25 yards in width (Short Course Yards). There was a swim team practicing, but there were also 8 lanes set up for lap swimmers and still an entire shallow end for people to putz around in or have swim lessons. Other than the swim team and one gentleman, I was the only one in the pool. So excellent. I shall return tonight. I also registered for a swim meet today. It will be my first race is 7 1/2 years. Excited, nervous... so many emotions. All I know is that I'm not ready, and I had better step up my game NOW.

It was doing this icy rain thing as I walked home from work last night and continued as I drove to the pool. It was slick enough to where I was sliding around the sidewalk while walking. I probably shouldn't have then put myself on the road, but all is well. It was snowing a bit by the time I got there, and an hour and a half later, it was snowing big, beautiful, goose-feather flakes! I might not be in Wyoming anymore, and I might whine an awful lot about my discontent with cold weather, but g-dangit, I love snow! It's so gosh darn fantastic. I had to laugh to myself on my ride home because I was singing along with Michael Franti & Spearhead's "The Sound of Sunshine" while at the same time enjoying the fluffy stuff. Sometimes silliness is just what I need.

I seem to be a water baby in the pool, in my ideal geographical location (on the beach), and in my love for the snow (hey, just because it's frozen, doesn't mean it's not water). 

Here's what I woke up to this morning. The world looks so good with a fresh layer of sparkling snow.

My darling Capitol Hill in the morning

 Love always.

2010 Highlight Reel

This year has r o a r e d  by. It was like a high speed train that blew through every stop. I have changed and grown (hopefully not my circumference) more in 2010 than maybe in any other given year. It was certainly full of some of the highest highs and lowest lows. Many aspects of my life stayed the same, and there were also many changes. I experienced surprises, and some instances surprised me because of the lack of change- like work. Keeping in mind that many things this past year were not happy or easy, here are some highlights of the best of 2010:

I rang in 2010 in the heart of Manhattan (NYC, baby!) wearing cocktail attire and sipping champagne. The ball drop was on a TV screen, but it was so exciting knowing that it was only a few blocks away and that Emma and I had walked around Times Square just hours earlier. We watched illegal vendors peddling glow-in-the-dark necklaces and 2010 glasses. F0r so many reasons, that was quite possibly one of the best new years I will ever experience in my life. I was on top of the world. I also learned that as travelers, Emma and I complement each other perfectly. 

I watched from the South Lawn of the White House as Marine One landed and Barack Obama walked to the Oval Office.

Just one short month later, DC got blasted with, not one, but TWO blizzards within days of each other. A snowplow was stuck in the middle of my street all week, for Heaven's sake. For many in DC, these blizzards, which coincided with Super Bowl Sunday, were a nightmare. There was no meat, cookie dough, milk, eggs, or frozen pizza on any shelves in DC. 

I had to work every day of the week since I live so close. BUT, I met Alan Greenspan that week. I also drank whiskey every night at local pubs with Emma and Noor and ended up meeting the folks who became my circle of friends.

SNOWPACALYPSE!

I went "Irish Car Bomb" hopping on U Street around Saint Patty's Day with Kenny and Emma and learned that it is a liability to serve such drinks, so most bars won't do it. For those of you who have never had the pleasure, it is a pint of Guinness with a shot of Bailey's and Jameson dropped in and chugged. It's probably good that we couldn't get them anywhere except for the Irish bar and Nelly's (gay sports bar- cleanest and prettiest sports bar you'll ever see). 

I also went to Hawai'i in March. It was mostly a fly-by for me. I spent 15 hours traveling there and arrived before my family, so I played on the beach, bought a towel, and passed out (hey, 5 hour time difference). I got 3 days there and played in the waves at Waimea Bay with my brother until I was so salty that I thought I'd never be hydrated again. The hardest thing in the world is to board a plane out of Hawaii. I must have been crazy to leave. Again.

Rachel

Rachel came to visit me! The weather wasn't too awesome, but it sure was wonderful to see her.

Preakness

I went to the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore with Emma and Erich.

Wedding reception

My cousin got married in May, so I was back to Wyoming for family and fun! The bridesmaid dress caused quite the drama, but it all worked out well. Clint and Alecia are married and happy. Next up in 2011: Cousin Hilery!

May also brought warm weather to DC permanently. I have spent lots of time on rooftops all over the city, notably on the rooftop of the Newseum for Cinco de Mayo and 101 Constitution for lots of different receptions. Cinco de Mayo definitely does not go into my highlight reel though- just the rooftop!

Emma and me in Michigan

On the road

I was ready for summer to get here. I don't care how hot, humid, and downright miserable DC gets. I love it. I looked gross pretty much the entire summer, but then again, so did everyone else. I drove my car out to DC from Wyoming. That little 30+ hour trip wasn't on my highlight reel purely because I never want to drive through Nebraska again. It smells. Also, the first day of driving was the 4th of July. My favorite holiday, and I didn't get to celebrate. Brother came with me though, and I loved the time with him. We even swung up to Michigan to pick up Miss Emma and spend the night with her sweet family. I'm so thankful he came with, and then he stayed in DC for a whole week! I needed him there and loved having him. 

I started swimming again this summer, and I learned that running really isn't that bad. It's not that good, either. I loved having friends over for dinner and wine in the backyard. Despite the fact that I am a mosquito magnet, it is so enjoyable to sit outside as the sun sets sipping on wine and talking story. I could stay awake forever in the summer. It is my season.

JACK JOHNSON PLAYED AT MERRIWEATHER. It was worth it for floor tickets. I could see the sweat dripping off him and G. Love. SO so so so fantastic. Did I mention that I loved this?!

Cody

Jimmy and I threw an epic block party in August, and my cousin Cody came to visit! I also turned 24 in August. I loved being 23 (it was my golden year), but so far 24 is pretty excellent. The CUBS were in town on my birthday!! Best. Present. Ever. So Jimmy, Jenny, Pat and I went to celebrate my birthday at Nationals Park. The Cubs won. Obviously.

I also got to make it back to Casper for the 3rd annual G. Michael Perry memorial softball tournament for Special Olympics Wyoming. It was good weather and even better attitude! 

Jimmy's girlfriend Jenny and I started having chai dates at Ebenezers and now we are roommates! Jimmy, Kenny, Travis, and I drove to Toledo, Ohio to watch University of Wyoming football! And they won! Anne met us there, too.

Christopher came back to visit in October. We sat in the 10th row at a Redskins game (Peyton Manning was right there. I mean, RIGHT there) and had great shenanigans.

Redskins v Colts

Zack flew into DC for Halloween, and everybody looked so excellent dressed up.

Kenny and I made pumpkin pies before Thanksgiving. It was bittersweet due to one of the lowest lows of the year- losing Don, his dad. Don's pumpkin pie was epic, and Kenny and I did our best to match it. It was special.

Uncle John's generosity made it possible for me to go to Gram's in South Carolina for Thanksgiving. Read about that here.

December honestly was a blur. The Capitol Christmas tree came from Wyoming this year! That certainly kept the office extra busy, but it was worth it because it looks gorgeous out there. I get to be in Wyoming for Christmas and stay to ring in 2011 with my family before heading back to DC.  


It is impossible to touch on each good thing that 2010 brought. So many happy, fun, and fantastic experiences occurred throughout the year.


My wish for you is that 2011 brings all things wonderful. I hope that your highlight reel for the year ahead is packed with happy memories.
Happy New Year!
Love Always,
Elisabeth

What's Cream of Tartar?

Sunday Fun-day last weekend was celebrated with some of my lovely lady friends. We got together at my house to watch Love Actually. Something about this time of year makes me crave that movie... I think it's that Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas" is played by everyone, everywhere, and all the time throughout December. Emma had the great idea to make graham cracker gingerbread houses! In grade school we used to decorate milk cartons with frosting and candy. This was an upgrade. Check out some of our creations!

I was also a busy bee making cookies for a get together our office had with the office down the hall. I was out doing some Christmas errands on Saturday, and I stopped by Hill's Kitchen on Barracks Row. They sell cookie cutters in the shapes of all 50 states, the US, and DC. Since our office neighbors are from Vermont, I decided to create cookies in the shape of Vermont, Wyoming, and the Capitol building.

Frosting drying and capital stars strategically placed

They were pretty tasty, too! It's weird that the only cookies I've made for Christmas were not at all Christmas-y. Oh well.

Now if only I had enough motivation to finish filling out Christmas cards and start packing...

Love always!

P.s. DC, I love you.

I have no TV; I am a Martian

Guess what?! Yesterday marked 1 year of living in my current, adorable, wonderful house in DC!

Our little, blue house during Snowpocalypse 2010 before the snow broke our front door foliage and flag.

I have loved loved loved living here. I have found a fantastic roommate in George (I realized the other day that I've lived with him longer than anyone else outside of family members), and I was lucky to live with Noor and then Courtney throughout the last year. Now Jenny has moved in, and I'm sure more fantastic times are ahead.

This past year we have not only not had cable, but we haven't even had a TV in the house. "WHAT?!", you might ask. "How are you alive right now?" Well, I'm probably from Mars (or, Venus?) because I've really enjoyed being disconnected from our increasingly reality-tv centric population. I am not totally disconnected from the glorious-ness of TV thanks to things like Hulu, TBS streaming Conan episodes, and Netflix (you're welcome for the free endorsements... send me things?!). Those allow me to watch the shows I enjoy, and I appreciate that. Not having a TV has kept me from vegging out in front of the TV doing nothing but demolishing bags of pretzels though.

This year I've read more books than in any other year of my life, and I love it! I like that instead of being bored and wishing I had TV, I find adventures for myself, try my hand at cooking a new recipe, take a walk, read read read...  I do wish I had a TV to watch movies on sometimes instead of a laptop screen (which is no longer functioning anyway). Maybe I should start something like Oprah's book club but make it "Elisabeth's Book Club for People Lacking Other Means of Entertainment". That title is entirely too long though. I mean, the acronym would be EBCPLOME. No bueno. A gold star for whoever comes up with a better name. Or a better idea.

Love always!

Nutcracker Bum

My house is happily chaotic right now. We've renewed our lease, but one roommate is moving out, and a new is moving in. Jenny, friend and new roommate, will officially join George and me in the house on Wednesday. To ease the moving process (a process that I loathe), Jenny moved all of her things into the living room last week. To ease the moving process for Courtney (whom I am going to miss living with a LOT because she is kind, likes wine, and is a wizard in the kitchen), her things are allowed to be in our house as long as needed before she's able to move into her new digs. Our house is full to the brim not only with "things" but also with people. It's so nice! When extra roomies and significant others are all in the house, it is so happy. I really like the chaos. 

But, the point of that little background story is that I am without all of my house keys right now, and my commute to work is one block longer than usual. Walking to work this morning, there was a bum across the street whistling the tune of "The Nutcracker". Even though we just celebrated Thanksgiving, Christmas is clearly right around the corner. I laughed out loud in appreciation of the Nutcracker Bum.

I baked my first batch of Christmas cookies last night, we have solar-powered lights up in our backyard (I have been too busy to charge the lights for the front), and now the Nutcracker Bum is whistling Christmas music to me. 'Tis the Season!

Love Always.

P.S. My laptop is kaput, so I'll go back to posting pictures once I figure out how to resurrect it.

Foxy & Freezing

There is a red fox living somewhere near the Capitol grounds! I left work a few Fridays ago to run something to FedEx before I officially started the weekend, and there it was, bounding down 1st Street! I couldn't believe it. Neither could the gentleman I was sharing the sidewalk with because we shared a moment of complete astonishment together. It is not everyday in the middle of an urban setting that you see a fun, frolicking little creature. I wonder how he got here.

Also, Wyoming is a frozen, winter wonderland right now. Just taking weather into account, I'm so glad I'm not going there for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. I would happily endure freezing cold temperatures, insane wind, and snowfall if it meant time with my mom, brother, and sister but I certainly don't miss the weather. For instance, check out the WYDOT website and look at the road closures happening around Laramie, the town I spent four frigid years in for college. Here are the conditions: CLOSED roads. Slick, Snowfall, Strong Winds, Blowing Snow, Reduced Visibility. No. Thank. You. By the time Wyoming decides to close a road, the conditions are very serious. Wyoming is tough and good at both driving in winter conditions and keeping roads clear, so when they have to close a road, they aren't messing around. I went for a run in shorts and a tee shirt on a lovely, sunny Saturday this weekend. Love!