So much has happened, I don't even know what to title this monster blog!!!

Where do I start. Since the last post, many days ago, TONS has happened! Well, OK, not tons, but enough has happened that this will be the blog posting of much excitement. I don't know how much I will be able to fit in, because, well, I'm on borrowed computer time, but, I'll try and get as much in as I can.

From the last posting, I forgot to add a few things. On last Friday, we were treated to something few Americans ever get to do. The House Sergeant at Arms, Bill Livingood, is a Michigan State Alum. Part of his job, besides introducing the President to Congress (HOW COOL!?) is entertaining the likes of us, students from his school, as we live and work in Washington, DC. We received a tour of his office in the Capitol, complete with the MACE, the staff which much be present in order for the House to conduct business, and the actual flag that was flown on the moon, ya know, the one Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong put there!!? I feel bad for the guy who had to fly the ship, what was his name...Collins?? Anyways, besides the ridiculousness of treasures in his office, we were then given a tour of the rest of the Capitol...from the crypts to the rotunda. It is a beautiful building, and well, I can't even begin to tell you how special it was to be there. It was then, that we were able to do something quite unique. Besides politicians and well, security, very few people are allowed on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. We were fortunate to be of these select few. I walked down the very aisle that President Obama walked down to deliver his very first speech to the Joint Session of Congress. The room itself is much smaller than I would have thought, which leads me to think, how do they fit all of those people in there! Our tour guide, Mr. Livingood asked if anyone noticed the cameras on the balcony, and what they were there for. Obviously I knew, the SPAN! He then proceeded to tell us they were the SPAN's, and asked if anyone watched the SPAN, and I had to mention that I worked there...then, he asked if I knew the founder, to which I replied, "Brian, of course!" I still have to say hello for Bill!

Friday afternoon, I paid the ridiculous $18 to go to the Newseum. I would say it was worth it though, I spent 3.5 hours there, and really learned a lot. THe museum made a showcase of the sensational aspects of print news. It's sort of sad to think that the newspaper business is going under. I guess what I am doing now, blogging, is partially leading to the downfall. Today was the first day in the Detroit Free Press's history that they did not deliver on a tuesday. I also learned one very impressive fact. The Unabomber, Ted "I was a wolverine and proud of it!" K also hated the little rodents so much he bombed the campus in 1985! What an alum! An alum from MSU announces the president, an alum from U of M blows up his school. Champions of the west they are not!

Saturday, well, I'm not sure how much I have updated so far. I went to the Pistons v. Wizards game, but I may have already mentioned that. Other than that, saturday was fairly lazy, consisting of the game, and a few drinks after that. Sunday is where we start getting crazy.

Sunday morning, I was treated to a great brunch by my cousin Jeff and his wife Michelle. In town for a wedding, and thinking of me and my lack of adequate eating, we got together down in Foggy Bottom at a restaurant called 'the blue penguin.' I got Belgian Waffles with Pecans, amazing, and some OJ. We also shared an apple pie with a crust that tasted amazing, and the flakes that fell to the plate were covered in carmel glaze and sugar...ah! It was really nice to catch up with them and talk about all things and going ons back in MI. I promise, we will all do a dinner when I get back in town!

After brunch, well, it was time for some ball. THe Spartans were facing the number one team overall in the entire tournament, the Louisville Cardinals. Since this blog is old, and by now we all know what happened, let me just say that I have to be there if the make it to the finals. I tried desperately to get the student tickets yesterday, but to know avail. It was very frustrating, as the site never worked, the server apparently crashed repeatedly, and I didn't get the tickets. I have made a deal, however, that if we make the finals, I will do whatever I can, within reason (and price) to get back home. It's going to be great watching the game at the MSU bar here in DC anyways, surrounded by supporters and people I have recruited to be supporters. LET'S GO GREEN! Tom got me my final four!!!!!!!!!

Ok, my computer time is over, more to come in a few days!

Work is going well, but still no jobs. Time is running out like whoa.

Go Green!

Andy

Elite 8!

I want to congratulate all Spartans on this Saturday morning.  We all live to fight another day, and collectively, I think we can get the Spartans on to the next round.  I do have to give some credit to a player, however, who I repeatedly have ridiculed for the last 4 seasons.  Travis "I'm sorry, I left my offense at home, coach" Walton, has really stepped up and provided that leadership that this team has lacked at time.  I thought, perhaps, it might be Raymar, but, he of the 4 point 1 rebound game did little to raise my confidence in him.  Kalin played like the Big Ten player of the year, Goran "European Flavor" Suton nearly had another double-double, Chris "I'm finding my shot" Allen played decent, and Durrell "It's SUMMERS time in Northern Michigan" Summers played key minutes.  On the other hand, Marquise "How was I ever a 5 star recruit" Gray had no points, Idong "I wave my arms and hope they block a shot" Ibok, and the rest of the team need to increase their level of play.  T.Walt is not the only 4 year senior here at Michigan State that hasn't yet made it to a final four.  I HAVEN'T EITHER!!!!

Moving on, tonight I am attending the Pistons/Wizards game down at the Verizon Center in Chinatown.  First, I have to get my tickets from the will call window (stupid ticketmaster even charged me a convenience fee to pick them up there, what?!), and then head up to the tops of the arena where my bad seats away.  But, it is a matchup of two bad teams...Maybe Stuck will go for 50.  Before I do that this afternoon, however, I am meeting with a legislative assistant for a Senator from Michigan.  Basically, my game plan is to ask some questions, see what she can tell me about her job, her responsibilities, and other such things in my attempt not to go to law school.  

The Cherry Blossom festival is in full swing.   Well, the rain and cold is dampening that just a little bit, but, they are still blossoming.  I have a project that I have to do, several papers to write, and other such fun school related things.  I don't even know what to do right now.  It continues to be even harder with 3 roommates, bunk beds, and no space to even think.  Again, it's hard without a computer.  Things are pretty messed up with it.  3 more weeks until the future comes crashing down on me.  

I am ready to be out of this apartment.  I really do not like it, and after a few months, am excited at the prospect of having living space again.  Even if I find a way to stay out here, I want my own place.  Sure I can't afford my own place, and am not sure if I want to have a 'real' job right now, but we will see what happens.  

Tomorrow morning, Cousin Jeff and Michelle and I are going out to brunch here in DC.  They are in town for a wedding, and we are getting together before they leave town.  I haven't seen them in a while, and it's always nice to see familiar faces.  

Anyways, I feel like I am getting sick, I run in the cold rain.  

It's my birthday, start thinking of ideas!

Andy

Gee Wiz!

How bad are the Wizards at basketball?  I recognized 1 of their starting 5 players.  They don't have any one player of note who actually dresses and plays (Hibatchi is out).  And, the Wiz's home arena was filled by about 504 people, slightly less than the capacity of 24,000+  Embarassing, yes?  The Wiz are so bad that they actually pay  a player named Andray (yes, that's how he spells it) Blatch tons of money, when the guy couldn't name the last letter in the alphabet when asked on camera.

The reason for me berating this Wiz is this.  I am scheduled to go to the game this Saturday when the Wiz face the Pistons.  I bought these tickets some time ago, when I still held out some home that the Stones could turn it aroud, but that looks unlikely.  Anyways, I got home from work last night, was about to go running when my roommate walked in and asked if I wanted to go to the game that night.  He had gotten a few tickets from his firm at work that weren't being used.  The seats were very good, but, when watching the Wiz (a bad team) play the Bobcats (a worse team), the entertainment value is not that great.  

And it didn't disappoint early.  The Wiz were down 20 before the end of the first half!  The crowd was booing, well, those who were there, and the excitement was less than palpable.  The silence conspicuous.  But, then something remarkable happened...THE WIZ WOKE UP!

WIth what seemed like little effort defensively by the Bobcats, the Wiz stormed all the way back and ended up winning the game!  I only hope that they can repeat this performance Saturday!

In other news, work is work, class is class, and the Spartans are in the Sweet 16!  I have A TON of work to complete this weekend, which is unfortunate (and difficult without at computer machine).  There are only 3 weeks left on my crazy semester here in DC.  After that, well, we will see.  My resume is moderately strong at best, but I don't even know what kind of jobs that I want.  Growing up sucks.  Stay in college.  I think I look back on all the things I failed at in college and that makes right now even worse.  MAybe, if I had studied more instead of doing something else, I never would have even had to change majors, I could've been set on the pre-med path, and all of that.  Now, I don't really have a path.  I just am.  Man, that was really deep.

It's cold and rainy here...

Andy

The Teeter Robs Me Every Time! Damn Teeter!

I don't know why I went to the Teeter.  I mean, I've gone before, and I know what happens.  And yet, I fall for it time after time.  And I even pretend like I won't, I pretend that by not going to the Teeter for a few weeks, that I have outsmarted it, and it won't trick me again.  But, the high prices, and little food gets me every time!

I love the Tjoes, honestly, who doesn't?  But, there are somethings that Tjoes doesn't have.  Sometimes, the organic goods, chic clientele, and good prices are just not enough.  Sometimes I just need some deli fresh meats, some brand name ice-cream, and more hearty foods, such as the 1.5 lbs of food that comes in a hungry man (except I can't get these, because Teeter prices them at $7 per).  Apples are more expensive, baby carrots are robbery, and cheese, well, let's just say they must get it from a rare source or something.  At least I saved money in one way.  I walked to the Teeters, and it was a really nice day, so that was great on the way there, but...carrying groceries 14 blocks back was awful... I immediately regretted my decision.  

Groceries aside, I am still struggling compute wise.  I have made the decision not to pay the $300 to get it fixed.  In turn, I am going to borrow other peoples until I can get my home to a more appropriately priced computer tech.  It won't be easy, especially with term papers, projects, and research to be done, but, I guess I'll manage.  

Next, comes the decision of what to do next.  Job, law school (I hope not), or move back home and cut the grass for $10 a week.  Any thoughts?  I have somewhat lined up an apartment for the summer here in DC if I get to stay.  It's wayyyyy nicer than my place now, I'd have my own bathroom, and it's the same price.  It has 2 balconies, a walk in closet, and it's 1 block from the metro.  Basically, it's a dream place, but, I have no way to pay for it, and again, no job.  I know, I could move back here after law school (if I don't go crazy and hate life while in law school), or I could transfer to a school out here after 1 year in MI if I do well (which, lets be honest, won't happen).  Maybe I could take the GRE and go get a masters.   Maybe I could apply for a PhD program and become a professor.  Maybe I can just fast forward time and see where I end up so I can stop thinking about it.  

Ok, with no computer, and having to turn this one back to my roommate Mike now, I am out of tech touch for the rest of the night.  If you want to reach me, you can call me on the old fashioned cell phone...kick it old school.

Andy

Dude, you've got some serious issues...

The reason for the lack of postings this week is, well, dell is very sick.  He in fact, is in critical condition, and his owner, me, is considering putting him down.  The expired virus protection on my computer, which didn't let me know it was expired until the VIRI had ravaged and left my machine to die.  I did visit the GEEK Squad, and true to form, they were geeky, but they knew there stuff.  AS the posting titles suggests, I have some serious issues.  They could 'take a look at it' for $50, fix the problems for an additional $150, and back up all of my files (if they could) for another $100.  This comes out to a grand total of $300.  I politely declined, citing my status as a poor unpaid DC worker, and left.  If I had the disks from when I originally got the computer, I could, as they say, torpedo my hard drive, essentially wiping it clean of anything and everything that might be eating it, but, I would have to reinstall everything (which I don't know how to do).  The machine itself, while not 100% anymore, still works, and the parts are functional, it's just the viri at this point.  What to do, what to do?

In other non-PC news, we went to the MSU bar last night to watch the MSU opening round tourney game, which they one, and drank overpriced beer with Sparty Alums.  It made me want to stay down here even more, because it was fun meeting fellow spartans, with a common goal, beer and basketball!  Anyways, I ran out of cash, and my debit card got declined, so this weekend has been credit heavy...my apologies.

Also, Janae, my North Dakota buddy, and Roma, Italy buddy, was in town on her spring break.  As I had to work the first 2 days she was here, I didn't get much time with her.  But, she luckily had another friend in town, so she got plenty of site seeing in, and a little time of site-seeing with me.  I took her to a bar/restaurant called Capital City Brewery on Thursday night, and to the Billy Goat Tavern today for lunch.  Good times, right?  

I am running out of time to find something to do out here.  Law school (sadly) is looking like the next step in the puzzle.  And my puzzle has, to quote a best buy geek squad-er... serious issues.  

If you need me, I'll be teaching Barry how to bowl, guy could only swing a 129.  

Andy

St. Patty's Day, Me on TV, and Bob Brady Returns...

Being a Spartan, especially a spartan of legal age to partake in St. Patty's day celebration, I believe it to be my duty to have a green brew or two, and of course, wear my spartan gear. But, we had class last night, and it didn't get started until about 9:30pm. Of course I have to wake up at 6 am each morning, but I did go out. To an Irish Pub no less! I decided to wear my MSU/OED 2000 T-shirt (yes, it still fits), seeing that is was Irish green. No more than 7 minutes after I walk in the door does a long, lost middle school classmate of mine walk up and say, "I WAS IN YOUR GROUP ON THAT MSU/OED TRIP!" Now, I know what you are thinking, who was it?! Ok, so I don't exactly remember, and I was too embarrassed to admit that I didn't remember her name. I totally recognized her, but, as to her name, no idea. Anyways, I had met up there with a buddy from work, and his friends. The Irish bar we went to was packed, but we had to go to an Irish place on St. Patty's day. I drank a little (Irish specialties, while toasting O'bama; danced a little, and had a really good time. I even made it back to the metro in time to catch the last train back. Then, as I was in bed by 12:40 am, asleep not long after, I knew it wouldn't last. My roommates came back from their bar excursion at 3:30 am (as they can go into work later), they obviously woke me up, with their screaming, music playing, and general loudness. I didn't get much sleep, but, it's college right? I can't really blame them, I mean, if I could sleep in and skip a large part of the work day, I probably would, too.

Today, I FINALLY got somebody to watch me on TV! I texted dad, and he saw me creeping behind the interview guest as I got up and down for no reason! I still find it hard to believe that I am 'on tv' on a regular basis. I mean, sure, I don't say anything, or do anything, or am even meant to be seen, but I know that I am there, and it's kind of cool! Watch for me!

Back at MSU, I was on the rowing team, or crew, my freshman year of school. I woke up at 4 am a bunch of days, I slept through many classes (as a result of my lack of sleep), and had no life. I don't regret it at all, as I met a lot of great people, but, it was difficult to get through. Anyways, I, as a novice, had a coach named Bob Brady. Coach Bob laughed with us, yelled at us, gave us pep talks, and was a generally cool guy to hang out with. He drove me to practice, called me the best jew rower (I was the only jew), and really introduced me to the sport. Well, after my season, I never saw him again, save for in passing on campus occasionally on fall days as rowing was recruiting new athletes. Well, since moving to DC, I have been running quite a bit. My body mass has been shrinking rapidly, in part due to the running (and lack of adequate eating). Anyways, today, as I ran, a man ran past me and shouted my name. Not thinking much of it, I slowed, but kept going...then, I heard it again. As I didn't have my contact in, and couldn't see him well, I walked over. IT WAS BOB BRADY! He was running the other way! I didn't know Bob had moved down to DC, but found out he was working at a PR firm, and coaching rowing part time. I fully plan on getting in touch with him, and he even said to send him my resume! Connections! I finished out my run with Bob, and then went home, ate a bread sandwich, and showered. I then went on a walk with a bud, since it was such a nice night, and here I am now...

I hope you all have enjoyed the show tonight, I try for you people.

Andy

p.s. Janae and Ally, from study abroad Italy are coming in for dinner tomorrow!

Rain and cold VS. sun and warm...which one is DC?

I have heard reports from numerous people that it is sunny and warm in Michigan. I mean, sure, several people have told me this, but until I actually see it, I refuse to believe it to be true. To make matters worse, it's raining (and has been for 3 days) and semi-cold. It doesn't seem like I can catch a break anywhere. Usually I get rained on walking to work, I get rained on walking back from work, and then I get rained on running after work. And if you are really lucky, the wind is blowing!

Today was probably my least busy day at work since I started in January. I just didn't have anything to do, and well, I sat there. I tried to find things to do, just nothing presented itself. I actually got to watch old tape of Slick Willy Clinton, and Mr. Jimmy "I farm peanuts" Carter today, just for fun.

I am in the process of starting/completing several projects for class/seminar. I have a research paper on cap-and-trade policy, I have a posterboard presentation to do, I have to do something regarding a journal (though nobody knows what, and our professor doesn't really mention it, except in passing. And finally, and this one we all just found out, I have to interview someone (about what nobody is quite sure) and write a paper regarding my findings. With working long hours everyday, school gets lost in the shuffle.

I have just recently realized how routine my time here has become. I wake up at 6 am, I shower, eat breakfast, and go to work. I caffenate, work, caffenate some more, eat lunch, and eventually make it back to my apartment. From there (although I am exhausted), I run 4-5 miles, come back, shower, make dinner, eat, type up a blog posting of my nothing days, and get to bed. And this happens most days, Mon-Thurs. Oh, and I go to class, though half-awake, and desperately write notes until the point where I am trying to so hard to write, but nothing legible come out of my pen, and I just give up. You know when you have reached this point when it is just squiggles. I would love to go out on thursday nights, but, at that point, being so tired, all I can think of is sleeping, which I do most times. Fridays and Saturdays are mixed with some sites, maybe a real meal or two, and some homework. Real exciting...right?

If this is what the real world is like, sign me up for the fake world!

Andy

p.s. My dell has been acting up, I think it has some mad crazy viri (my plural form of virus).

Hunger, $12 drinks, chai tea energy...

I go to Trader Joes, I spend (rather, I charge and the bill goes somewhere) tons of money, and then I eat my food rather quickly, and then it's gone. It's like a really expensive dinner, except, I have to make it on my own. Sure, in reality it gets me nearly 4 nights, maybe 5 nights of food a week, which is a decent week, but, going grocery shopping each week is getting a little ridiculous. Maybe I am just really, really hungry. Maybe I am not eating the right things. Maybe I run too much. Maybe I just am not mature enough to live on my own and cook for myself...but, I am in college, right? At least for another month or so.

I don't really have much to report on this weekend, it was rather uneventful. The weather was bad (rainy and cold most of the time), and more time ran off the future clock (the clock counting down til I have to make a decision, or have a decision made for me via my lack of action). I know, I know, broken record here, but it has to be said. I think in some way, talking about it, or at least thinking about it while (or all the time) I could be being more productive, I may come up with a brilliant idea. I'm backing on that not happening, because well, after 4 years of college, and still no idea of what to do, it's all just a big joke now (but when does it get funny?!?!) Everyone says, "look for a job." Easy, right? Well, if you have NO IDEA what to look for, is it really that easy? Or, my favorite, talk to people about what they do, and see if you are interested. Use your connections says Michigan State, family, and friends. What connections do I have?! I picked up a business card from the local subway, does that count?

Moving on, for now. DC never fails to impress me. Just when I think I have purchased the most expensive drink, a new one comes along and makes me sad. This time, it was a pre-St. Patricks day celebration at some local bar that wasn't worth the $$. I won't get into the details, but, the cost was $12. What a deal, right?!

I have not been sleeping well, or restfully, and this leads me spend more and more money. I go to Starbucks regularly, spend the little remaining cash from my summers lifeguarding, on chai lattes. The thing about chai lattes is that they have chai tea (lots of energy) and latte (whatever that is, but probably more energy). I stay awake (albeit artificially), and repeat until my eyes are red, I have bags under my eyes. A prequel of law school?

Ok, it's 12:30, and I have to be up by 6 am. Just another night in DC.

Andy

Mr. Chu-cy says cool it, and Lincoln says four score...

I had posted a blog about my day attending a hearing with Secretary of Energy Steven Chu, but upon signing in this morning, and starting to type a new one, I realized that I didn't save it, or it didn't save itself, or my dell computer did what it does and deleted it. It wouldn't be the first time. For now, I'll try and give a little recap, for those of you who still read this, which might be nobody, I'm not sure.

I got to get out of the office on tuesday and head over to the Dirksen Senate Office building for a hearing regarding the FY 2010 Budget and the Department of Energy's Plans for their portion of it. I arrived at work at 6:30 am to meet up with the field crew, who are a unique and fun group, and could barely keep my eyes open. Then we loaded the truck with all the camera gear, headed over, and began to set up. Rather, they set up, and I just stood there, and then sat there, and nodded off more than a few times. The thing about having roommates who don't have to be in to work until 10 am or later, is they stay up later, and sometimes it's very difficult to get to sleep. I'm at the point where I want to be very selective from now on in regards to my living situations. It's hard enough work 40 hours a week nearly, and going to classes at nights, but doing so on little rest, while trying to maintain adequate school work, and running each day, is very difficult. But, to get back to the story...

After semi-napping while the crew set up, we had about 2 hours until the hearing began, so I went with the group to get breakfast and a chai latte. Giving me temporary energy, albeit for $7, it wasn't enough to keep me going the rest of the day. Mr. Chu, a brilliant man, if not a little quirky at times, spoke mainly on renewable energy sources, and attempts to control the carbon emissions problem through a cap and trade program. It was typical Washington, however, with Republicans questions harshly Mr. Chu-cy's tactics, and Democrats asking for stricter enforcement and guidelines. I didn't even get to sit in on the hearing, I had to stay in the hallway with the mobile producers. I didn't even get headphones to listen until halfway through the 2+ hour ordeal! This next quote, was probably the best part of the hearing, at the end. Mr. Chu was asked what he thought about energy efficiency, to which he replied this. "I THINK ENERGY EFFICIENCY IS INCREDIBLE SEXY!" As enthused as he was, and the words he chose, well, that made the boredom tolerable. After the gear was packed up, and we retuned to the office, I was supposed to go home, but it was already 2 pm, so I just stayed and finished the day, since I would have otherwise just wasted time in the apartment I hate.

Moving away from the Chu-ster, I'll get into a little of what I did yesterday, Thursday the 12th. Besides work, which is a normal event, not much happened. I ate inadequately again, I ran hungry (which is bad), and I sat around instead of doing some work. I find it extremely hard to do anything in this place. With three roommates who I get a long fine with, but am different from, it's hard at times, well, most times actually. Anyways, I had to get out, so I went to get some overpriced hot-chocolate. Starbucks was closed at this point, so I went to COSI, which was about to close, but I got in just in time. I quickly drank, and left. Not wanting to go back, because, let's be honest, what's there for me, I went for a walk. I didn't plan on going as far as I did, but in the end I had walked all the way to the Lincoln Memorial. It was different than times I had been there in the past. There might have been 3 people there, I could actually take my time and read the quotes from speeches he gave on the wall. By the time I checked my watch, it was nearly mid-night, and I decided to head back, against my better judgement.

The guys had gone out last night, and went at it pretty hard as usual. When that happens, they inevitably come back late, which they did, at around 3:30 am. And they had girls from our program with them, who are equally loud at that point. Each time this happens, I hear them say, rather shout, "SHHHH! ANDY IS SLEEPING!" At which point I of course am not sleeping any longer. I like DC a lot, but I HATE this living situation because there is nowhere to get away to. We don't have our own rooms, and the place is so incredibly small, you can't hide.

Today, I may or may not do a museum. It is pretty bad weather outside, and I don't want to venture out for long walks in the cold rain. Today may be an off day. I have only a few more monuments/sites to see, and have made my rounds of the city well. Maybe I'll go out for dinner tonight...by myself...is that sad? I would go out with my acquaintances from my study abroad, but I realized I am always calling them, and they either don't respond, or are too busy. I hate being the one to always call, phones work both ways...unless they don't want to hang out with me, which I guess is an option too.

To recap, as someone at work wrote to me in a note during our morning meeting:

"No job, no money, no girl."

Andy

Visitors...

Here is the weekend in abbreviated form:

Friday Night:

After a long week of work, and what weeks aren't long, I took the metro with my clothes and computer baggage, and headed for Rosslyn. Rosslyn metro stop is in Arlington, VA, where I would be staying a hotel for a few nights. I eventually met up with mom and dad, who then gave me things to carry up to the room, and we made dinner plans. I wanted to go somewhere 'DC' even though we were in Virginia. I chose the Capital City Brewery, a restaurant who brews their own beers, and has pretty good food to match it. I had a 'build your own' pizza of sorts. I got their traditional 4 cheese pizza, but put chorizo sausage on it. Sneha, if you are reading this, the sausage was like what you and I had in Spain, but nowhere near as good! We also started with a beer/cheddar pretzel dip. To finish the meal, we had a 'monumental' brownie sundae.

Saturday:

Sleeping in a semi-real bed for the first time in months, I didn't want to get up real early, but did anyways to get a jump on the museums. After taking the metro, we went to the International Spy Museum here in DC. It is one of the few museums that you actually have to pay for here, $18. I think it was well worth it. The museum featured gadgets that spies have used, and still do, the history of the underground culture of spying, and great exhibits on techniques, missions, and secrets that have been kept and traded. I did not realize how much spying actually still occurs within the world. Basically, from what I understand, everybody is watching you at all times, so don't do anything bad.

After the Spy Museum, it was on to the National Portrait Gallery. Located just across the street in China town, it was not too difficult to find. The gallery holds pictures of people, often times close up and unflattering, but pictures nonetheless. There was a 'modern' section, with pictures of people like Barack, McCain (though not modern), Morrissey (for some reason), Angelina Jolie, and more. Then there was the President's Gallery, which has portraits of all U.S. President's. Each picture had a story, of why it was drawn that way, and what it was supposed to represent. I just saw the paintings, not the hidden meanings.

After the Gallery, we headed to Ben's Chili Bowl for lunch, and ended up sitting at the table President Obama sat at just after he was inaugurated. So I ate the Barack special, a half-smoke (not sure what that is) with chili and chips, plus a cherry shake. I could've had 3 of them.

After lunch, which was actually eaten at 4:30pm, we went to the Washington Monument, WWII Memorial, Lincoln Memorial (as it was getting dark, which looks nice), and then decided to walk back to Arlington instead of walking a mile plus back to the next closest metro stop.

Once back at the hotel, we headed for dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. I had something called the Chicken di Pana, and of course cheesecake. I think it was oreo mudslide.

The next morning, we went to the Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington, right by the hotel. After taking several pictures, we then made our way to Arlington National Cemetary. We stopped at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers to see the changing of the guard, and then visited Kennedy's tomb. After that, it was time to get me back to my awful apartment.

It's bad to look at it this way, but only a month more in the mice infested, roach crawling, mold growing place that is my DC apartment.

Are politicians celebrities?

I want to apologize to my FEW loyal readers. I have been extremely neglectful in my blogging, but partly because I doubt any of you want to know exactly what I do at work everyday, because it's pretty much the same each day. I mean, I do different things, but none of it would make any sense to those not in the communications field (which I used to not be a part of). I used to think I had to blog all the time, and I felt bad when I didn't, but really, with 9-10 hours of work a day, each week, nothing very exciting occurs. I do most of my museum-ing on weekends, and I write/photograph it accordingly. It's hard to really come up with new and exciting things to write about. In fact, at this very minute, I am writing about nothing, but trying to do it in as many words possible. Did you notice?!

Anyways, in a little bit of news, I saw a celebrity the other day. His celebrity star factor outside of the beltway might not be that big, but when I see him on TV all the time, I thought it was cool. So I am walking back from work, and who walks right by me looking all Senatorial? Senator Chris Dodd, D-Connecticut. It is weird sometimes to think that they are just regular people like we are, but they are I guess. Maybe this is sad for me, but sometimes I walk across the capitol with my C-SPAN credentials hanging out hoping that somebody, some school group, thinks I am someone important ha!

It is a Thursday, the end of the week, and what do I get to do now??? Go to class. The program really did a poor job of setting up our class/seminar schedule. The last thing I want to do right now is go listen to somebody talk about themselves for 2.5 hours. It's a struggle.

Tomorrow, Mom and Dad are coming to visit. I haven't seen them in quite some time, well, 2 months, but I really haven't changed much. It will be nice to have them here, to see some familiar faces, and well...STAY IN A HOTEL! To get out of the awful apartment for a little, a few days, will be much appreciated. MAybe get a nice dinner or two?

With each day passing, it's another day closer to my future. But, I am no more ready to do this thing called life.

Where will I be next year? DC, NY, CHI, MI? I have absolutely no idea. For now, and for the next month+, it's DC, so I'm just going to stick with that for now.

I have absolutely run out of things to say, and can't pretend that anything more interesting happened today.

ANdy

p.s. I may get to go to the WHITE HOUSE next week!

Welcome to NAPTOWN!

Being in the district all the time, it can get a little suffocating. Everyone who wants to come visit (and I must stress that I do want people to come visit) want to see everything, and not waste a minute, but sometimes all I to do is get out for a little. When you spend every weekend in museums, and touring the city, it can be hard to share in all of the excitement that non-dc residents have. I don't want to sound like I am too cool for tourist-y things, I'm not, I just have learned to appreciate the simple things, like being in a car driving down the freeway (it was great) towards a simpler, slower place. So went my way to Annapolis.

I got on the metro headed to New Carrollton, the last metro stop on the orange (maybe blue, I can't remember, but I seem to get it right when I do it) line. At the halfway point on the ride, the train went from below ground to above ground, and I got a very nice view of the DC/Maryland countryside (or just run down field area, I'm not sure). The closer I got to the last stop, the less stress I felt. This isn't to say the city stresses me out, though it does sometimes, but, I am a little more relaxed when I on my way to do something different, something fun, and to see someone I know I get along well with. I stepped of the train, and out to the parking lot area where a dark-colored Mustang was honking at me.

Jammmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeezay was there waiting for me! The Tall Tree drove the 20 minutes from Annapolis, MD to get me, and then we drove back to Naptown so the Midshipman could give me a tour of the United States Naval Academy. There will soon be pictures up online to see of my day-trip, but most likely not until later, I am lazy right now (working when the rest of the city doesn't can do that to yoU!) I got sort of jealous, me just be a regular 'civilian' surrounded by Naval Academy kids. They were all huge, with short haircuts, and uniforms. Though Jammezzay wasn't wearing his uniform, as upperclassmen are not required to on weekends. The weather that day was actually very poor, cold and windy, but we still managed to tour the entire academy. It is not huge, but must bigger than I thought it would be. The great thing, and I would propose Michigan State adopt this, is that all of their building were connected. For the most part, you could walk the entire campus without ever going outside! Now, we did walk outside, but I made him give me the complete tour, with each statue and monument explained. I even made Jamie recite (with his eyes closed) the mission of the Naval Academy (which all midshipman are required to memorize). He passed the test. The only thing we did not get to was the gift shop. So I have another excuse to go back ha!

From the Academy we went off the base to downtown Annapolis. We had dinner at a bar/restaurant called the 'Rams Head.' I got a fish and chips entre, and it tasted incredible. I mean, I think if you fry anything, it will taste amazing, but, this was particularly good, and I tell myself it's because we were so close to the water, but I have no idea. It could've been the Malt Vinegar I put on it too...we may never know. ANd oh, I had a microbrew amber styled lager, it was tasty.

After dinner, we went over to a mall just outside of Naptown, got SBUX, and just walked around, in and out of shops that we never had any intention of buying things in, but just for fun. Apparently, midshipman play a game out in town that basically involves finding the other mids in civilian clothing. I wasn't very good at the game, but I could spot the ones in uniform really easily! After finishing our overpriced (but good) coffee drinks, Jameeeeeezay drove me back to the metro stop, and I boarded the train back to DC.

I got back around 11, and just relaxed. Despite the fun of going out in DC, the expenses plus the exhaustion I was feeling, forced me to stay in for the night, and watch tv. It's so rare to get a little free time here, so I took full advantage of it.

Totally switching paths here, it snowed 7+ inches in DC this morning and last night. I, without boots or snowpants, trudged through the snow and wind to get to work. The storm technically qualified as a Nor'easter! I don't really know what a Nor'easter is, but we had one today! Most, if not all, federal offices, and other offices were shut down today. DC-ers still don't know how to handle snow. I'm not going to lie, it was a miserable walk to work, but I made it. If only my day could have gone better.

It's only monday, and I am looking forward to the weekend...sad?

I'm still stressing out about NY, and whether or not I should do it. I want to teach, but I don't think I want to do it in that situation. So, now what?

Andy