Last Blog

Hello from Texas everyone! That’s right, I am now back in Texas! It is hotter, flatter, and I am seeing all my friends again- I love it!

Friday, April 30th, was my last day in the D.C. office. I had one last Capitol tour, and then my office went and treated me to lunch. The rest of the afternoon, I was cleaning out my desk out, and preparing things for the next intern that comes.

Saturday morning, I got up, and the office Legislative Director, Scott Graves, gave me a ride to Dulles Airport. If it wasn’t for his help, I would have had to take a taxi out there. The metro only goes so far. I flew out around 11:30, and when I arrived at DFW, I had a two hour layover. It felt like it took forever! I was anxious to get back. I finally arrived in Lubbock around 5:30 that evening. I was greeted by Mom, Dad, Lans, and Cullen. It was a wonderful arrival. The rest of the day was spent catching up on lost times, and me enjoying be back in Texas. I stayed up late and watched the stars. I hadn’t seen any stars since January.

Sunday, I was out and about. I unloaded most of my things, and then went out shopping with my family. I was in much need of groceries! My family left around 4, and I spent the rest of the day relaxing.

Monday, I went back to work on campus. I also surprised my sorority by showing up to the last chapter meeting. It was so exciting seeing everyone!

Tuesday and today I have been working, unpacking, and spending time with all my friends. All I have left this semester is my presentation to the college over my internship, as well as turning in my portfolio of my semester activities. It will be easy because I have so much to talk about! After my presentation, I will head to my hometown and spend some time with all my family, and go to a few wedding parties. Hopefully, I will be back in the swing of things and get a routine back soon. I also have to prepare for a great summer ahead!

I really enjoyed keeping up this blog and I hope you all enjoyed reading about my experience. This semester was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I am fortunate to have had the experience. Thank you for the interest in my DC adventure. If you are planning a trip to D.C., feel free to call me!

I also added the rest of the pictures I took my last two days of work before I left. These are some people from Congressman Conaway’s office, and the group of four girls is the front office of Congressman Neugebauer’s office (me, Haley, Angie- Tech intern, and Alison). Enjoy!

For the last time,
madelon

Last Week at Work

This week has flown by! I woke up this morning and realized that it is already Thursday- where did it go!?

In this last week, Rae-Lynn (the office staff assistant) was hired with a new business, and Matt (the other intern) took her place as the new staff assistant. Together, we have been trying to keep the office going at the same pace, and also getting Matt in the swing of his new position. I know he will do a great job, and he is very excited about the position.

The office itself has been a little hectic, with office routines changing, and lots of phone calls and meetings. I have also given a tour everyday this week, and two on Friday! Great way to end with a bang! It is a little sad that after learning all the random facts about the Capitol, once I go back, it will not be needed again.

I also made an intern guide for the office this past week. After having to learn so many things in the office by observing and copying other people, I decided that a manual for interning in the office is a necessity. I tried to include everything I could think of, but some things are better left explained.

Probably the coolest thing that happened to me today was that I got to spend time with Congressman Conaway on my own. I got to take a picture with him, and we walked to the office together, conversing one last time. He is leaving early Friday, so I had to say my goodbye’s today. I really enjoyed him making me, an intern, feel so special in his office this semester.

As nightlife goes for this week, I have been mostly packing and shipping boxes of clothes back. I decided not to check in any luggage this time, and only take a carry-on. I think it will be much easier, since I will be traveling by myself. Other than packing, the house has been playing the card game, spades, and WATCHING TV! That is right, we got cable back, and everyone is excited.

Tonight I had a Tech Alumn/Intern Mixer at Molly Malone’s. After that, six of us went to Tortilla Coast and enjoyed the northern version of Mexican food one last time. I also finished loading my last box so I can ship it tomorrow morning. Only two more days in DC! This feels so unreal! I will be flying out of D.C. on Saturday, leaving soon- I know. Then I will be giving a presentation to my college when I get back. After I finish up my work, I will head back home to see my family that I haven’t seen in four months! May will be very eventful for me, I have to catch up on lost times in Texas!

PS- I updated the calendar wall and my rubber band ball since I have been here. Both have grown so much!

Until next time,
madelon

6 days left

So my previous week in the office has been quite busy. There has been several calls and mail lately, plus we are trying to fill new office positions and finish up our semesters in the office. There were a few neat things I did get to do though: I got to walk with Congressman Conaway almost all the way to the House floor; I had the privilege of attending the Texas State Society Reception, where Robert Earl Keen performed; our Senior Legislative Assistant, Sarah, had her last day in the office Friday; and I FINALLY FINISHED MY ONLINE Lessons. All I have left is to turn them in. Other than Sarah leaving, our office has been the same, just with no coffee in the office.

This weekend, I have been trying to have full days. It is the last weekend I will spend here in D.C. Friday, I had a lunch date with Lauren Bean, a fellow Menard High School graduate. I enjoyed our lunch so much! It was fun catching up on everything and just chatting. After work, a few of us went to Matchbox Restaurant because it was Matt’s, a Tech intern, birthday.

Saturday was my boyfriend, Cullen’s, birthday. Though I was not there to celebrate with him, I had a cookie cake delivered to him. I hope he had a wonderful time with his family and friends. As for here in D.C., Lori and I spent the day out on the town. We went to a famous diner called “Ben’s Chili Bowl.” Several famous people go there: President Obama, Bill Cosby, Serena Williams, George Lopez, and several others. The place was small, loud, and crowded, but it was one of the best food experiences I have ever had. I think Lori would agree too! We even supported them by getting a diner t-shirt! After Ben’s, we walked up and down the streets of Chinatown, just shopping around. It is bittersweet to think that I only have one week of my internship left. Looking back, things have gone so fast.

Today was quite relaxing. After church, a few of us went down and adventured over to Eastern Market. There are food markets, as well as shopping booths up and down the street. The day was pretty, so we strolled up and down the streets all afternoon.

This evening we are under a tornado watch. I think we will just be watching movies tonight. Maybe go out again so we can watch the Spurs beat the Mavericks tonight.
I am also preparing tonight. This is my last week at work starting tomorrow. I am going to savor every moment. I am sorry if I don’t write a lot until then because I am finishing up office, internship, and schoolwork. But I will be sure to still fill ya’ll in!

Until next time,
madelon

Staying Busy and Keeping Up

This weekend, the Tech House was pretty empty. Everyone was out traveling and site-seeing! With the wonderful weather (not counting the wind), we were able to do many different things. Several of the interns went out of town, but a few of us stayed here, and I was glad I did!

Friday night, we prepared ourselves for the long weekend and had planned ahead. Three of us had a little movie marathon. We rented some DVDs and also found the La Bamba video at the Tech House, so we had to watch that! Our cable is currently out. So, if you don't want to watch the 5 news channels, Spanish, or Discovery Health, then you are out of luck!

Matt, Lori, and I got up early Saturday (believe it or not). We all were given Special Guest White House Garden Tour passes and jumped at the opportunity. It was quite amazing! It was like a big ranch placed right in the middle of the city. The big difference was that everything had been imported, planted, or built there. There were no stickers, weeds, or mesquite trees to be seen. But they had just about everything else: bee hive, vegetable garden, tennis courts, basketball courts, a collection of birds, children's garden, jungle gym, horse shoe lawn, a pool, and even a band performing in the middle of the lawn. It was beautiful. I wish I could babysit the girls! And when the secret service wasn’t looking, I stepped on the grass and got a picture for evidence.

After the White House tour, we tried to catch the Nationals baseball game. By the time we got there, they were already in the fourth inning. So instead, we went back to the Tech House to re-energize.

We changed our clothes, freshened up, and were back out. We headed out to the Arlington Cemetery. There were so many headstones, and such a large amount of land. We were able to catch all the activities at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We saw the laying of the wreath, changing of the guards, and retiring the American Flag for the day. All were quite memorable.

Since we were only two stops from Crystal City, we decided to eat at Chili's for dinner. It is the closest and most famous Texas chain restaurant this area has, and it sure does make me appreciate the food more! The three of us finally got back at 8:00 that night, and we were barely moving.

Sunday morning came very quick. I got up, went to church, came home, and everyone that was still on our floor decided to go to the Nationals baseball game. They were playing the Brewers. It was so fun! I have never been to a professional baseball game before. Even though, the Brewers got ten runs in the first inning, it was still fun watching the Nationals come back. The Brewers ended up winning 11-7. Maybe next time Nats.

We all got home and were excited about the Spurs/ Mavs basketball game. But we were quickly reminded about not having cable when we got back. So we made a date of it, and the five of us went to ESPN Zone to have dinner and watch the game. We got lucky too: we were seated maybe a foot away from a 32" TV that had the basketball game on it. I was definitely a sports fan that day.

Today, the office is out of session. We will be in session Tuesday through Thursday. There are tons of tours scheduled, and a lot of dinner and lunch dates. I am also still working hard on my online class, trying to complete it before I go back home. Wish me luck! But before I get serious on my work tonight, I have to get serious with my basketball skills with the interns!

until next time,
madelon

My to-do list is coming to an end

Another week is almost gone; it went so fast! I can honestly say that I did not waste time this week- I have been going steady and strong!

Tuesday night, as I mentioned in my last blog, the CASNR group ate with Farm Bureau at Thunder Grill restaurant. It was a fun dinner. At the dinner, I met one of my Tech friend’s parents. They sat right across from me! I also visited with a family whose kids I stock showed with back in the day. It was great seeing and meeting them all. We got home from the dinner in time for Glee of course! I must admit that I am a fan of the show.

The office was very busy on Wednesday. People were everywhere, and Congressman Conaway was a very busy man. Luckily, there was a Taco Bell reception that afternoon. I think everyone in the Capitol was there. People brought lunchboxes, grocery bags, anything to carry more tacos. You could get as much as you wanted. A few Tech interns, Matt (Congressman Conaway’s other intern), and I all went together. We got as many tacos as our arms could carry to take back to the office. You are probably thinking DC is crazy for going wild about Taco Bell. What makes the reception so special is that there is no fast food around here. Rarely will you see a McDonalds or Subway. Having Taco Bell is kind of like a treat here – pretty funny, I know.

After work, Congressman Conaway gave a night tour for the Farm Bureau. I recruited Angie, Lori, and Matt (all Tech interns) to help with the tour as well. It was an amazing experience. We had never seen several places Congressman Conaway took us. I enjoyed hearing his stories too – it really made the tour special hearing about his personal experiences. I was able to get two pictuers from that night. Both are in the room all the Congressmen go into before going onto the House Floor.

I went to Dunkin Donuts Thursday morning with Scott, our Legislative Director. We both got to the office early and decided to surprise everyone with donut holes. It was a marvelous breakfast, and the whole office was excited about the surprise. The office was busy throughout the day. I had quite a schedule myself! Texas Tech had a photo shoot on the steps of the Capitol with Tech graduates. All of the Tech interns met up and joined with Congressman Randy Neugebauer, Congressman Mac Thornberry, and Congressman Carter. I cannot wait to see the pictures! I posted two of the pictures I was able to get from that day so far. Congressman Neugebauer took the big group picture of us and put it on Facebook.

I left work a little early so I could make it to my softball game with Congressman Brady’s office team- Brady’s Bombers. Our game was on the National Mall again, but this time it was only a block down from the Capitol. It was quite a view for a baseball game. We ended up barely loosing. It was still fun though! When Lori and I got home, our floor popped in The Time Traveler’s Wife, and then all went to bed, a little sad – lol.

Friday is now here! We are out of session today, and things are calm. Tech had a BBQ lunch for us at the NCBA. It was the first time I’ve had BBQ since I’ve been here! The rest of the day flew by, and we are still contemplating on what to do tonight.

This weekend is going to be really fun. On Saturday, a group of us are going on the White House Garden Tour. I was fortunate; my office gave me a ticket. I will be going with three other Tech interns that got a ticket. I also want to go to Mount Vernon, Arlington Cemetery, and hopefully a baseball game too! Let’s see if there is enough daylight to get everything done!

And I would like to wish my grandma and grandpa a happy 50th anniversary! They are having a little celebration with my whole family Saturday, and I know it will be a blast. Wish I was there to celebrate!

There is one more shout out. He might get mad for me sharing this, but HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY DAD! I love you! His birthday is on Monday.

Until next time,
madelon

The Capitol is Back in Session!

I am soooooo sorry that I have not blogged lately. It has been on my to-do list everyday and I keep forgetting. Boy! We sure do have a lot to catch up on! Since last Wednesday, the town has been filled with tourists! It was the biggest week of the Cherry Blossom Festival, and apparently everyone knew about it.

We ended up winning the softball game that Wednesday. We have a great team, and I see a great future ahead of us. We play again this Thursday against Eric Cantor’s office. It will be an intense game to start off the season!

Thursday was pretty uneventful. The house was all getting worn down; we kind of just stayed inside.

By Friday, we were back out and going well. After work, three of us Tech CASNR students went out to dinner with Jane Piercy and her family. Mrs. Piercy works as the CASNR Development Director for Texas Tech University. She and her family came and had a tour of the Tech House, and then we all walked over to a steakhouse restaurant called Charlie Palmer’s. Everything was wonderful, the company, the restaurant, the food, and the conversations. It was a very good experience.

Saturday was EXTREMELY eventful. Another tech intern, Lori, and I did not sleep in (surprising-I know). We woke up early and went to the National Cherry Blossom Parade. I have never seen the giant helium balloons in person before, nor have I seen a DC parade. It was so interesting. Almost every other group stopped and performed to the crowd, just like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

As soon as the Parade was over, Lori and I headed over to the Japanese Festival. Boy, was that an experience! We saw the craziest outfits and the craziest food! It was like you just arrived in Japan. There were four different stages; all but one had Japanese performers. The other was a multi-cultural concert, with different groups. There was Irish music, and all the way to African tribal songs and dances. Those stages were the borders of the festival. In between those stages were millions of booths. They were filled with authentic Japanese food and snacks, kimono booths, native Japanese plants; and little stores with homemade products. It was quite a sight! Lori and I tried so many different things.

When it got time for food, Lori and I were daring enough to try the “real stuff.” We got chicken with fried rice and egg rolls; Japan’s famous candy, Pocky; Japanese soft drinks call Remune’ (they were so fun to open! They were sealed with a marble!); and machi. Machi was a little different than American food in texture and taste. They are supposed to be a sweet appetizer-type food, and they looked like marshmallows. Lori and I shared them, took a bite, and made awful faces! It was so weird! What was worse was there were two older Japanese ladies that saw our first bites. When they saw our faces, they both started to laugh so hard at us. Then one asked us if it wasn’t sweet enough for us. SWEET!?!? There was nothing sweet about it! Haha. After the machi, I was sure glad we didn’t try the waffles shaped as fish. Apparently, the inside of the waffle is filled with different fish. It was very popular at the festival! I really don’t see why they like that so much.

We didn’t get back to the Tech House until 5:00 pm that day. We were worn out and delirious! The rest of the evening, we stayed at the Tech House. We couldn’t stay on our feet, nor mess with all the tourists, any longer.

Sunday, I was invited to go with Angie’s family to the church most of the Tech interns go to. Four others ended up meeting up with us. I think Angie’s family enjoyed it, and the message was very good.

After church, Angie and her family had plans for a brunch, so I went with the rest of the group to this little bistro for our own brunch. It was called La Bon. We all got the French toast because it looked so good, and it was! I almost ate the whole thing! It was served with fresh fruit too.

The Tech House decided to go play some ultimate Frisbee in the National Mall when we got back from brunch. We played for about two hours. I had not played since FCA camp (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) in high school. It was so fun! Other people joined in our game too! There were people from Georgia, Wyoming, and D.C. natives. We had so much fun; we decided to play again Sunday.

The rest of the day, Lori and I went to this popular market called Trader Joe’s. It was a store that sold mostly organic food. Then we met up with Angie’s parents one last time before they left. We ate at Tortilla Coast for dinner. The sunset burritos are becoming one of my favorites!

Monday was our last day for recess, and we made most of our stress-free day. I did the usual tasks, and the day zoomed by. When I got home, I ate dinner and watched the movie, Role Models. When everyone else got home from work, nine of us went down the street and played basketball for about 2 ½ hours! Almost everyone was injured, yet no one cried- it was great! All in all, I think we all had a great time! A very successful evening, with a jammed finger and all!

Today was our first day to be back in session. Things were not too crazy yet because votes aren’t occurring until later in the afternoon. I’ll leave early from work today so I can attend a Farm Bureau dinner. This one is not as big as the first dinner, and I think it will be a little more casual. There are three of us going- the three CASNR girls: Jennifer, Shelby, and me. It should be really fun!

Until next time,
madelon

Playing Sports During Recess

This week has been pretty entertaining. With the House being in recess, I have been able to hang out and learn more about our staff. I have also been able to see everyone in their “natural state,” meaning they weren’t stressed, rushed, or insanely busy.

When we are in recess, I get off from work at five, I have been quite productive. I got registered for my classes, did two more lessons for my online class, caught up on my favorite TV shows, and even had time for the enormous Pentagon City Mall!

Last night, seven of us went and played basketball. It was so fun! Angie bought a basketball, and there is a court (with lighting) under the highway bridge. We played for most of the evening, and had a great time. I really missed playing intramural basketball this semester.

Tonight, it’s off to the diamond! I was asked to play on Congressman Brady’s office softball team. Our team is called Brady’s Bombers- I think it will be great!

Until next time,
madelon