Windows Down, Music Up

My feet were a lot more satisfied today, as they were able to make their way into some black pumps for work.  With the help of Band-Aids, last weekends blisters were perfectly fine and my black waist-banded coral dress was complete.  Lauren had her shadow day today, basically following Boozman to every meeting, hearing, conference, etc.  After her full day, she couldn't help but want a nap, saying she wasn't sure how the Senator did that all day every day... just another reason he is a rock star!

Yesterday, I was asked to put together a couple of hearing binders by one of the Legislative Correspondents.  After I finished, he told me about the hearing, which was today, and of course I wasn't going to turn down attending a hearing where JB would be speaking.  That was this morning.  Lauren sat beside me, and I somewhat felt like a parent beaming with pride when Boozman took the mic.  He makes me so proud to be an Arkansan.  In the afternoon, Staci and I gave a tour to a man and his children.  As always, they were so kind, and the children were well-behaved.  I like giving tours with other interns because we always have backup.  If one of us forgets something, the other can tag in, and vice versa.  Like mama says, the more the merrier!

In some free time, I was able to read part of a book I just started, called The Help.  It tells the story of black maids who are working in Jackson, Mississippi for wealthy families, but it reads from the different perspectives of the maids.  The book adequately incorporates southern slang, making it nearly realistic.  I love that.  And so far, I love the book. 

So, here I lie in bed, in my (way too) over sized t-shirt and baggy pajama pants, listening to Adele and the sound of sirens ringing throughout Washington.  I can't help but think about how great my life is right now.  I'm blessed beyond belief, compare, measure.  Here I am, a college student, who is able to pursue any facet of life imaginable.  I'm able to experience life on an open road, and I'm doing it with the windows rolled down and the music turned up.

...please tell me what there is to complain about.
When you're happy like a fool, let it take you over.

When everything is out, you gotta take it in.
Oh, this has gotta be the good life.
This has gotta be the good life.
This could really be a good life, good life.

---One Republic, Good Life

DC Adventures! (7.26.11)

Let me tell you about one of my new favorite snacks from one of my new favorite places... Trader Joe's Corn and Chile Salsa.  Since I have been in DC, I have come to know Trader Joe's quite well, as it is the go-to grocery store in this Wal*Mart-less town.  They don't supply any name brand items, only their own brand, which is somewhat generic, but still extremely good.  They have fresh flowers and Two Buck Chuck-- you know all of the interns love that.  Everything is super fresh and relatively inexpensive.  Can't go wrong!  ...Back to my snack.  You can eat it with wheat thins or throw some on a salad, even a sandwich, or grilled chicken.  I eat mine cold, but I'm sure it is fine at room temperature as well!  There are some pretty good-looking recipes for the salsa online.

Nom, nom, nom.

This morning, a group of Boozman 'terns made the trek across the Hill to the Longworth building for a hearing on the Fair Tax.  We were so pumped to see Mike Huckabee!  He did such a great job.  Huck is always so articulate and you want to hear what he has to say when he speaks.  Today was no different.  We had to go show our support for the fellow Arkansan.  However, I did get a little distracted by a certain Representative from Illinois.  If you know anything about politicians, you know I am talking about Schock,  Aaron Schock.  And for those of you who don't know...

You now know why I may or may not have gazed at him throughout the hearing.  He had to leave early though.  I guess I'll have to give him my number later, because he definitely isn't married, and he definitely is a Republican. What's not to lust love?

Tonight's agenda?  Sushi then McFadden's.  Peace, you all.

DC Adventures! (7.25.11)

I'm trying out new blog templates and what not, so bare with me the next few weeks or so-- my blog will be a changing work in progress!

Music makes me so happy.  It's amazing to me how you can find an absolute perfect song reflecting your mood at any given point in time.  Tonight's favorites:

• Someone Like You by Adele
• Good Life by One Republic
• God Gave Me You by Blake Shelton

I'm one of those people who really intently listens to lyrics, and if I get distracted, I'll usually start the song over.  Some people focus on the rhythm or melodies, and those make the song what it is, too, but I find I like most songs because of the lyrics. 

It was great to be back on the Hill today.  All of Senator Boozman's staff was super comforting and encouraging.  The Senator actually asked Lauren and I to come into his office (this is uncharted territory for interns) so he could speak with us.  He was incredibly caring, and made every effort to ensure we knew if we needed anything, all we have to do is ask.  We chatted about miscellaneous topics, from family to school, all the while JB being most pleasant to talk with.  He reminded us, like dad did, to soak up as much as we could while we are here.  Our national debt problem is history in the making, but something we sometimes overlook because it is simply part of our every day lives.  Boozman is so good about stopping and talking with the interns, something he certainly does not have to do.  We hang out with Senator Pryor's interns every so often.  From what they say, they don't interact with their Senator very much.  Our boss is very personal.  What a wonderful man I work for this summer!

This weekend, I was so excited about wearing my "Safari" wedges that I forgot about potential blisters-- major buzz kill.  This resulted in me wearing flats today, and probably tomorrow.  Sorry, feet.  Maybe we can transition back into heels on Wednesday.

During a slow couple of hours today, I put together plans for this coming weekend.  William is coming to DC, and I want his visit to be perfect... more like a fun getaway, rather than a history class.  While today was slow, I think tomorrow will pick up a bit.  In the morning, I will either be doing a tour with Asa Hutchinson, or attending a Fair Tax hearing by Mike Huckabee.  Either of those will be fantastic I'm sure!  Some of our group went to a happy hour tonight not far from our dorm, but I didn't feel so hot when we got home, so I took a nap. Alas, I am awake and blogging at 3 am. :)

Some pics from our first softball game with the office...

 

How legit-- playing America's game on America's lawn!

I think this was a slap bunt?  Go, Lauren!

Lauren didn't like batting, so we may or may not have switched so I could bat for her... In this particular hit, I got in a pickle, but got out and scored. Of course. ;)



My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
-Psalm 73:26

DC Adventures! (7.24.11)

     Happy birthday to my smoking hot mom and William!!  Both birthdays are 'milestone' birthdays-- William is 21, Mama is 40! ;) Ok, Mama may not really be 40, but she might as well be!  I hate that I was not able to spend this special day with them in Arkansas, but I did get to see them this week, so I am thankful for that.
     Lauren and I just got home from a new friend's house in Arlington.  They cooked out!  We had fun explaining to our northern buddies all the goodness that is produced by the south and/or Arkansas.  This includes but is not limited to: tradition, rice, the SEC, southern girls, being polite, and mosquitos.  We forgot about Wal-Mart and sweet tea, but those are soon to come in conversation, I'm sure.  Good fellowship is always refreshing. 
     I feel like today was the perfect balance of rest and fun.  We slept, went to the Newseum, and a local happy hour near the Capitol.  Also, our AC got fixed! It was broken when we got back from Arkansas yesterday, and we were hoping it would fix by the time we got in from our Saturday night outing, but no such luck.  I called the emergency repair number, but she was absolutely no help, claiming my delimma was not considered an emergency.  I told her I could pass out from a heat stroke, but she didn't seem to care, because she hung up on me-- rude.  After this, I sat in the hallway, trying to find a number or something online that would be helpful.  Instead, some friendly (and intoxicated) interns came along and offered to help, as one of them had also had this same problem earlier.  While that intern tried to help me fix the unit, the other stood behind us, playing a ukelele (or something?), and singing "Better Together" and "I'm Yours."  He was actually pretty good!  Even though we couldn't fix the air, they made my night much more manageable.
     Back to today... The Newseum was super neat.  This museum is one of the many DC museums, focusing on media and journalism, and their extremely important roles within our society.  Throughout the museum, they had specialized areas such as 9/11 and Katrina.  They also had featured front pages from different states and countries, so it was really cool to see the Democrat-Gazette and those featured pages on certain issues.  Out in front of the museum, they have every day's front page from every major state newspaper posted in a designated case.  How smart!?  That is a great way to get people inside! 
     It's still tough to grasp Uncle Stanley not being here.  Dad gave me an encouraging way of looking at it though...  It's like when you pick flowers from a garden,  You always pick the biggest, prettiest ones.  Stanley Reed was too legit for this place.  It makes my heart happy to know he is celebrating in Heaven.  I just wish people would realize how fragile life is.  Every single day has unparalleled potential to be great, and for us to do great things.  Never leave a conversation angry, and like Anna said, hug so hard it hurts.

(7.19.11)

     John 11:25 reads, "Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.""  This verse has given me much comfort over the past few days.
     My last blog ended talking about my upcoming trip to Boston the next day, but that trip didn't exactly go as planned.  As Lauren and I sat in our own bus seats riding from the Boston airport to Cape Cod, we received a phone call informing us of the passing of a beloved family friend, Stanley Reed, aka Uncle Stanley.  The news was hard to take; I was in a constant state of disbelief.  How could this happen?  Uncle Stanley wasn't even 60 years old-- much too young to pass away.  He had been driving from Augusta when he veered off the highway and struck a tree about 300 feet away with no attempt to correct his vehicle to get back on the road.  Everyone is sure that he suffered a heart attack.  Dad said the Lord must have taken him instantly. 
     Needless to say, the last few days have been a struggle for everyone.  Mama has been at Ms. Charlene's side nonstop in efforts to keep her company and lend a helping hand wherever she can.  Lauren and I came home from DC today.  Dad picked us up and we had a really good, encouraging talk on the way home.  He said the Reed's were handling everything incredibly well, and after I visited the family today, I could see that Dad was right.  Dad had Uncle Stanley's bible in his backseat. I picked it up and flipped through it.  Naturally, it was worn, and I started to cry as I thought about the many times I had seen Uncle Stanley open this book in church every Sunday.
     I've been thinking about the things I learned from this man, who I consider to be my godfather, and the list is endless.  Among that list is the importance of God, family, hard work, and the proper duck call.  Uncle Stanley was a leader, never afraid to do what was right.  When I was younger, he brought an African American couple to our church, hoping to show them the welcome that Jesus shows.  Throughout my life, there are countless memories of Uncle Stanley demonstrating humility, always trying to help others out.  Through that, others would follow, making a ripple effect within our small community, as well as on state and national levels.
     One of my favorite memories of Uncle Stanley was when I was about 8 years old.  My sister and I were spending the night with the Reed's for whatever reason, and it was bedtime.  Lauren and I crawled in bed, and Uncle Stanley and Aunt Charlene came into the room to tuck us in.  Uncle Stanley led us in prayer, and for the first time (outside of my father's examples), I saw characteristics of the man I hope to marry some day.
     I know right now this situation is tough because from a selfish standpoint, we want Stanley Reed to be here on earth with us,  but this is the way I see it... Uncle Stanley was such a fruitful man that he finished his harvest early-- getting his heavenly reward early (as Mama says).  My hope and prayer is that God will pull the Reed's close, giving them peace, and that Uncle Stanley's legacy will inspire many people for many years to come.

DC Adventures! (7.14.11)

     The date of today always makes me think of the song "Everything" by Stereo Fuse when it says "Born on the 14th of July, the smell of roses made her cry."  I would randomly sing that in the office throughout the day. :)
     Started off my day right by deciding what I was going to wear last night.  So, not only was I early getting ready, but I also looked super cute in a black pencil skirt with a multi-colored over sized blouse from Grey Dog that I tucked in- complete with purple peep-toe heels (duh). 
     After getting to the hill and helping sort out newspapers to the staff, I headed to a Ag Committee hearing on rural employment.  They had two panels- one who focused on energy efficiency, and one who talked about biofuels.  The energy efficiency panel talked a lot about the RESPA act, and how that would play a role with people paying off homes that had new energy efficiency methods. (I think)  I kind of got distracted during the second panel discussion, mainly because someone felt it appropriate to put the thermostat on 64.  My toes were turning a blue/purple color... they were starting to blend in with my shoes!  All I wanted to do was lean over to Pryor's interns and ask them for one of their jackets, but I refrained.  I did hear one of panelists from Georgia make the comment, "If you do what you've always done, you will get what you've always gotten."  I liked that.
     By the end of the hearing, it was about 11:30, and I went back to the office and listened to the group of interns talk about Bernanke's briefing on what's new with the Federal Reserve.  He thinks we should raise the debt ceiling... idiot.  Lauren and I went to lunch with Jordan and Katie, two other Boozman interns who are sweethearts, at Union Station.
     I was supposed to give a tour today to the family of a Sergeant who is overseas, but it got canceled. :/ So, instead, I went with Merrick (sweet Boozman intern), to a hearing about EPA's Appalachian Energy Permitorium.  We got there a little before 1:30, which was when it was supposed to start, but it got pushed back an hour because of voting.  Then, it got postponed another hour, so we bailed (with permission, of course).  We went back to the office and answered constituent calls for the rest of the day.
     After work, Lauren and I came home.  She changed clothes and went to the Congressional baseball game and I layed down because I wasn't feeling too hot.  Tomorrow, Lauren and I are heading to Boston to see our cousins!  I'm looking forward to it-- last time our family went to Boston I loved it, and I'm sure this trip will be no different.

DC Adventures! (7.13.11)

First blog. Ready, go!     
     I've had the idea of starting a blog for a while, and recently a couple of dear friends of mine (cough, cough, Morgan Newton and Cambry Knies) started blogging, and I'm picking up the trend!  I also feel like this will be a great way for my family and friends to keep up with my Washington, D.C. shenanigans. Keep in mind that I am skipping over about a week of intern stories-- sorry-- but I'm so excited to start with today!  So, here we go!
     First off, DC weather has really surprised me.  It is equally as hot as Arkansas, but I'd say about twice as humid, which makes for some crazy hair days.  Today was a great day!  This morning, all of Senator Boozman's interns attended a research lecture in the Library of Congress.  Honestly, it wasn't that interesting, but it's fun to be with all the interns as a group.  All of us are from Arkansas, except for two, who are from the north.  Both of them go to school in Michigan!  
     Lauren and I had lunch with a close friend of Allison's, Kelsey Stroud.  Kelsey is always so fun!  She was so eager to know how our time in DC has been so far.  She made a list of "must-do's" while we are in town!  We can't wait to get started on that!  I helped lead my first tour today throughout the capitol.  Usually, Arkansans that will be visiting the capitol call our office to set up a tour time, and one or two interns will serve as their guide for the tour.  The group I helped with today was from Russellville.  They were so nice and we actually have some mutual friends.  Also, when you give tours, the day goes by a little quicker.
     Tonight was our first softball game to go to!  We won 27-16 (I think).  I was the only intern to start and had some really great hits and a few RBIs!  Afterwards, everyone went to Tortilla Coast for dinner.  It was so yummy!  I have to admit, I've been missing cheap Mexican food, and while there aren't any La Huertas here in DC, this came pretty close.
     I think that will do it for today!  I will try to become more blog savvy so I can post neat pictures and what not.