Last night Kerri and I finally got to see The Lion King at the Kennedy Center. It was awesome. We both agree it is the best musical we have seen to date. It was one big puppet show. In the opening number all the animals come down the aisles onto the stage. They had people on four stilts dressed as giraffes. An elephant walked down one aisle, gazelles leaped, a cheetah bowed. It was amazing. Not only were the puppets cool, but the stage itself was really technical with steam, real water, inflatable plants, and movable sets.
One of our favorite scenes was when the herd of animals stampeded through the ravine. That was really cool. Anyway. It is a must for anyone who lives close enough to a theatre where the musical is showing. You won't regret it.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Moving
Well, the time has come. Our time in DC is coming to an end. We only have 2 more weeks here before heading up north to spend a few weeks with Kerri's planning. So that means that we now have to start looking for places in Provo to live so that my parents are stuck with us for very long. Browsing the net I have found some really nice places to live, but they are for "young professionals" translation: we want you to buy something you can't afford. I don't count as a young professional yet, but Kerri does.
This weekend has been a lot of fun. Last night we went up to Silver Springs to a Moroccan restaurant with out neighbors. It was really good, and they had a belly dance show. At one point the four of us joined all got up and joined in. We looked like fools. After dinner we went to the new Batman movie. It is good. I felt like it was a bit too long, and both Kerri and I have mixed feelings about it. On the way home some black guys got on the metro and started to beat box. and out of no where, a drunk Latino stood up and start to rap, while unbuttoning his shirt. It was hilarious! and then on the walk home we saw a drunk white guy trying to fly. It wasn't working for him.
Today we went to the National Geographic Museum. It was nice, and tonight we have tickets to the Lion King. we are excited.
So that's about it for now. I'll let you know if anything more exciting happens.
This weekend has been a lot of fun. Last night we went up to Silver Springs to a Moroccan restaurant with out neighbors. It was really good, and they had a belly dance show. At one point the four of us joined all got up and joined in. We looked like fools. After dinner we went to the new Batman movie. It is good. I felt like it was a bit too long, and both Kerri and I have mixed feelings about it. On the way home some black guys got on the metro and started to beat box. and out of no where, a drunk Latino stood up and start to rap, while unbuttoning his shirt. It was hilarious! and then on the walk home we saw a drunk white guy trying to fly. It wasn't working for him.
Today we went to the National Geographic Museum. It was nice, and tonight we have tickets to the Lion King. we are excited.
So that's about it for now. I'll let you know if anything more exciting happens.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Flash Flood Alert
I know that you all are waiting on pins and needles to hear about two things from me. Yesterday, I took my second actuarial exam (which is actually supposed to be the first test you take) on probability. I was really stressed out about it and worried. I mean, who wants to pay big bucks for an exam only to fail it, right? Anyway, as I was walking to the testing center, I passed by a group of mentally handicapped adults who were being herded somewhere. They were so cute and happy to be going wherever. I stopped and thought about them for a moment. I was worrying about this exam and feeling stupid and here was a group of people that couldn't even live on their own without help. I felt really humble and grateful all of a sudden that I even had the opportunity to study for this test and the intelligence to possibly pass it. So going into the test, I figured pass or fail, I was pretty lucky. But I am happy to say that I unofficially passed! I was in shock and disbelief when the little score sheet popped up on my screen. So I am on my way. Ironically, I still do not know the test results for the one I took in May.
So to celebrate, I met Chase at work last night and we went out to dinner at Uno's. We have decided that we need to open one in Utah as well as a Rita's. For desert, we decided to walk up to La Madeleine's and get pastries. So divine. I got the fruit tart and it has the beauty of appearing healthy but being sinfully good. Just after we walked in to the restaurant, the clouds parted and it poured cats and dogs. The water was hitting the pavement so hard that it was bouncing back from the ground to peoples' knee caps! We waited for a while but eventually decided that we just had to go home. We could see the flooding the weather report had warned us about as the water covered the street. About half way home, we came upon a river rushing down 28th street. Being chivalrous, Chase stepped into the water first to block the current for me. I made it across fine but the water was up to Chase's butt and he almost got swept away. Don't worry though. We made it home okay and the water never reached the third floor.
Now for the other excitement you've been waiting to hear is how Bill Clinton hit on me. So we went to see this comedy group called Capitol Steps and they have some really good impersonators. So out on to the stage walks Bill Clinton and he looks over at me. He says, "What is that I see? I spy a hottie on the front row." At which point, I start blushing like mad which is not hard for me to do. He continues, "I can picture it now. It's 3 am at the White House and it's you calling me. Booty call!" I was dying of laughter and then he said to the audience, "Her husband's gonna kill me." I loved it! I'm not going to lie, I felt special. And at the end of the skit, he looked at me, held his hand to his ear like a phone and mouthed "Call me." Really, can it get any better than that?
So to celebrate, I met Chase at work last night and we went out to dinner at Uno's. We have decided that we need to open one in Utah as well as a Rita's. For desert, we decided to walk up to La Madeleine's and get pastries. So divine. I got the fruit tart and it has the beauty of appearing healthy but being sinfully good. Just after we walked in to the restaurant, the clouds parted and it poured cats and dogs. The water was hitting the pavement so hard that it was bouncing back from the ground to peoples' knee caps! We waited for a while but eventually decided that we just had to go home. We could see the flooding the weather report had warned us about as the water covered the street. About half way home, we came upon a river rushing down 28th street. Being chivalrous, Chase stepped into the water first to block the current for me. I made it across fine but the water was up to Chase's butt and he almost got swept away. Don't worry though. We made it home okay and the water never reached the third floor.
Now for the other excitement you've been waiting to hear is how Bill Clinton hit on me. So we went to see this comedy group called Capitol Steps and they have some really good impersonators. So out on to the stage walks Bill Clinton and he looks over at me. He says, "What is that I see? I spy a hottie on the front row." At which point, I start blushing like mad which is not hard for me to do. He continues, "I can picture it now. It's 3 am at the White House and it's you calling me. Booty call!" I was dying of laughter and then he said to the audience, "Her husband's gonna kill me." I loved it! I'm not going to lie, I felt special. And at the end of the skit, he looked at me, held his hand to his ear like a phone and mouthed "Call me." Really, can it get any better than that?
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
I feel the need to blog
This past week has been awesome. Of course nothing much of consequence happened last Thursday, just work and writing a paper (hence the tribute to ABBA below). Friday night we went to Capitol Steps. It is a musical group that makes fun of the government. While their Kerri got hit on by Bill Clinton (I'll let her explain later).
Saturday Morning we went to the Spy Museum and went on a 1 hour spy experience adventure, where we spent our time listening in on conversations, dodging surveillance, steeling files and images, and 5 minutes before our time was up, they had technical difficulties, so we have no idea if we were on the right track to getting what we wanted. Never fear, because we got pulled out of the adventure we got comp tickets for this weekend, plus our money back. After we went through the museum, where I pretty sure we were watched, because we spied on others. It is really cool, and everyone needs to go when they are in DC. Rob and Chelsea must also do the spy experience so save up your pennies!
Sunday was a lazy day.
Monday wasn't very eventful either. We watch Wild Hogs. Really stupid, but funny. Oh, I forgot, Monday there was a suicide attempt type thing at work. Let me explain. At 5:30ish we all got an email from US Capitol Police stating that a man had climbed over the rail on the 7th floor of our office building and was threatening to jump to the bottom of the atrium, so we were told not to go to the atrium. So, what does everyone do? We all go to the atrium to see. Sure enough there was a man on the ledge ready to jump. The atrium was closed and cops were everywhere. My supervisor came back from a meeting at 6 and told us all to leave, and to get out because it was so unnerving, but to get out of the building, I usually walk to the atrium. Never fear, I walked around it instead. Outside the office were 2 ambulances (one for the guy, and one for whoever he fell on is my guess) but they never had to be used. At 2:30ish in the morning the police were finally able to talk the guy off the ledge and he was put into custody.
Yesterday and today were uneventful for me. Tomorrow is Pioneer Day, so even though we have to work, we are having a huge celebration with Utah fare for lunch. I'll let you know how creative the staff gets with jell-o. Well, that's it for now.
Saturday Morning we went to the Spy Museum and went on a 1 hour spy experience adventure, where we spent our time listening in on conversations, dodging surveillance, steeling files and images, and 5 minutes before our time was up, they had technical difficulties, so we have no idea if we were on the right track to getting what we wanted. Never fear, because we got pulled out of the adventure we got comp tickets for this weekend, plus our money back. After we went through the museum, where I pretty sure we were watched, because we spied on others. It is really cool, and everyone needs to go when they are in DC. Rob and Chelsea must also do the spy experience so save up your pennies!
Sunday was a lazy day.
Monday wasn't very eventful either. We watch Wild Hogs. Really stupid, but funny. Oh, I forgot, Monday there was a suicide attempt type thing at work. Let me explain. At 5:30ish we all got an email from US Capitol Police stating that a man had climbed over the rail on the 7th floor of our office building and was threatening to jump to the bottom of the atrium, so we were told not to go to the atrium. So, what does everyone do? We all go to the atrium to see. Sure enough there was a man on the ledge ready to jump. The atrium was closed and cops were everywhere. My supervisor came back from a meeting at 6 and told us all to leave, and to get out because it was so unnerving, but to get out of the building, I usually walk to the atrium. Never fear, I walked around it instead. Outside the office were 2 ambulances (one for the guy, and one for whoever he fell on is my guess) but they never had to be used. At 2:30ish in the morning the police were finally able to talk the guy off the ledge and he was put into custody.
Yesterday and today were uneventful for me. Tomorrow is Pioneer Day, so even though we have to work, we are having a huge celebration with Utah fare for lunch. I'll let you know how creative the staff gets with jell-o. Well, that's it for now.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
What does "Business Casual" mean?
So we had a conversation at work today about what "business casual" meant. I argued the point that for women it means a lot more than for guys. As far as I can tell, for guys business dress means slacks, button down shirt, tie and coat. While business casual means button down shirt, or polo, and slacks. And if you're lucky dark wash jeans, but as a general rule jeans are out. Where as for girls business casual does include dark wash jeans paired with a blouse and nice shoes. Well, one intern was adamant that jeans are never business casual.
The point of the conversation was that even though today was considered "business dress" some of the women could be considered wearing business casual, because the categories are less defined. I really made one female intern mad making that assertion, but she doesn't like me anyway.
So what is my point. I really want to know what the difference for girls is. One intern suggested business dress for girls includes a jacket of some sort. Is that true? So I know some women read this blog, so tell me your thoughts, please. You can email them if you want.
The point of the conversation was that even though today was considered "business dress" some of the women could be considered wearing business casual, because the categories are less defined. I really made one female intern mad making that assertion, but she doesn't like me anyway.
So what is my point. I really want to know what the difference for girls is. One intern suggested business dress for girls includes a jacket of some sort. Is that true? So I know some women read this blog, so tell me your thoughts, please. You can email them if you want.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Chiquitita
Did you know that means "little girl" in Spanish? I didn't. Did you also know that ABBA's song by the same name was the first single on their album titled Voulez-Vous. Did you also know they released a Spanish version? Not only was it is Spanish, but our Swedish friends didn't know Spanish, so they learned it phonetically and did a dang good job. Take a listen if you want.
And some history about the all time classic Dancing Queen: the demo was called 'Boogaloo', and as the sessions progressed, Andersson and Ulvaeus found inspiration to the dance rhythm in George McCrae Rock Your Baby as well as the drumming on Dr. John album Gumbo. Fältskog and Lyngstad recorded the vocals on sessions in September, and the track was completed three months later.
But this is my favorite part: singer Anni-Frid Lyngstad, apparently started crying when listening. "I found the song so beautiful". Now I know she was only 17, and she is a dancing queen, but I don't find it all so packed of emotion, or technical difficulty, that it brings tears to my eyes. What do you think?
By now you are probably asking "Are there any cool facts about the song "Our Last Summer"" Thank you for asking because there is! In the background of the bridge to this song, during Lasse Wellander's guitar solo, part of the Chess song, 'Anthem' can be heard. Andersson and Ulvaeus had been working on the melody for Anthem for a number of years but had never found a place for it in any ABBA project. When they finally came to use it in the musical Chess they hoped that no one would notice that part of it had already been used in Our Last Summer.
And "Does your Mother know" was originally titled "I Can Do It"
And of course, you can't post about ABBA without paying to my freshman year roommate Fernando from Miami. "Fernando" in Swedish sounds really funny and the Dutch soccer player Fernando Ricksen was named after this tune by his mother.
Well that is enough random facts about ABBA now. I guess this is what happens when you don't want to write a paper. Oh, and before I forget, all facts, however true or false they are, came from our friends at Wikipedia.org
And some history about the all time classic Dancing Queen: the demo was called 'Boogaloo', and as the sessions progressed, Andersson and Ulvaeus found inspiration to the dance rhythm in George McCrae Rock Your Baby as well as the drumming on Dr. John album Gumbo. Fältskog and Lyngstad recorded the vocals on sessions in September, and the track was completed three months later.
But this is my favorite part: singer Anni-Frid Lyngstad, apparently started crying when listening. "I found the song so beautiful". Now I know she was only 17, and she is a dancing queen, but I don't find it all so packed of emotion, or technical difficulty, that it brings tears to my eyes. What do you think?
By now you are probably asking "Are there any cool facts about the song "Our Last Summer"" Thank you for asking because there is! In the background of the bridge to this song, during Lasse Wellander's guitar solo, part of the Chess song, 'Anthem' can be heard. Andersson and Ulvaeus had been working on the melody for Anthem for a number of years but had never found a place for it in any ABBA project. When they finally came to use it in the musical Chess they hoped that no one would notice that part of it had already been used in Our Last Summer.
And "Does your Mother know" was originally titled "I Can Do It"
And of course, you can't post about ABBA without paying to my freshman year roommate Fernando from Miami. "Fernando" in Swedish sounds really funny and the Dutch soccer player Fernando Ricksen was named after this tune by his mother.
Well that is enough random facts about ABBA now. I guess this is what happens when you don't want to write a paper. Oh, and before I forget, all facts, however true or false they are, came from our friends at Wikipedia.org
Saturday, July 12, 2008
What do you do when your wife abandons you for a few days?
Not much.
Kerri left yesterday afternoon while I was in class to spend the weekend with her family in Baltimore. So I was pretty lonely yesterday. In fact I didn't do much. I went to a couple of bookstores and browsed which was kind of nice, and that was about it.
Today was a different story. After getting about 4 hours of sleep last night (we live between 2 bars, and there is one across the street so it gets noisy some evenings) I woke up at at 6:30 to get ready for our trip to Pennsylvania. Today my class went to Gettysburg National Military Park, not the Natural Battlefield that my family saw last year. We had a guided tour that was really interesting, but a bit long. The battlefield is really pretty, and they are trying there best to restore it to what it would have looked like in 1863. I tried to take some pictures:
This is the view from Little Round Top
A cannon
Some important dude
After Gettyburg we ate lunch a at buffet. My professor described the quality of the food as 2 steps below Chuch-A-Rama. It was pretty bad. I bet you are all wondering why we go there aren't you. It is because some family out there is funding all of our trips, and the food is cheap.
On our way back to DC we stopped in West Virginia to see Harper's Ferry. We were there for 45 minutes, there isn't 45 minutes of stuff to do. It is really pretty, and the road to the ranger station runs along the river. That makes it problematic for some of the people that tube down the river. Let me explain, as I was admiring the beauty of the river some 50 feet above, and guy, trying to be polite and proper tried to seclude himself along the bank to take care of business. In his search for privacy he forgot that cars were driving above him, and therefore flashed us. Oops.
Below are some pictures of Harper's Ferry
So that was this weekend. Kerri attend the wedding of her friend today so she will be back tomorrow.
This next week will be a lot of fun. Hopefully we will get to go to the Congressional Baseball game on Thursday. I still don't know if it breaks ethics rules, so I have to wait. Friday night Kerri and I are going to Capitol Step. According their webpage they are a group started by Senate staffers some years ago that would disappear for hours at a time without anyone knowing (having worked on the hill, it is very easy to do. People just assume you are in a meeting) to satire their employers. For a taste of what we will get listen to the following clips:
Hillary Survive
Guantanamo
Huckabee
and Buy Buy American Pie
Or just watch this clip
Then on Saturday we are going to the International Spy Museum and our one hour Spy experience. We are excited.
Well, I just found out I am not only teaching primary tomorrow, but I also have to teach Elders Quorum So I better go.
Kerri left yesterday afternoon while I was in class to spend the weekend with her family in Baltimore. So I was pretty lonely yesterday. In fact I didn't do much. I went to a couple of bookstores and browsed which was kind of nice, and that was about it.
Today was a different story. After getting about 4 hours of sleep last night (we live between 2 bars, and there is one across the street so it gets noisy some evenings) I woke up at at 6:30 to get ready for our trip to Pennsylvania. Today my class went to Gettysburg National Military Park, not the Natural Battlefield that my family saw last year. We had a guided tour that was really interesting, but a bit long. The battlefield is really pretty, and they are trying there best to restore it to what it would have looked like in 1863. I tried to take some pictures:
This is the view from Little Round Top
A cannon 
Some important dude
After Gettyburg we ate lunch a at buffet. My professor described the quality of the food as 2 steps below Chuch-A-Rama. It was pretty bad. I bet you are all wondering why we go there aren't you. It is because some family out there is funding all of our trips, and the food is cheap.
On our way back to DC we stopped in West Virginia to see Harper's Ferry. We were there for 45 minutes, there isn't 45 minutes of stuff to do. It is really pretty, and the road to the ranger station runs along the river. That makes it problematic for some of the people that tube down the river. Let me explain, as I was admiring the beauty of the river some 50 feet above, and guy, trying to be polite and proper tried to seclude himself along the bank to take care of business. In his search for privacy he forgot that cars were driving above him, and therefore flashed us. Oops.
Below are some pictures of Harper's Ferry
So that was this weekend. Kerri attend the wedding of her friend today so she will be back tomorrow.This next week will be a lot of fun. Hopefully we will get to go to the Congressional Baseball game on Thursday. I still don't know if it breaks ethics rules, so I have to wait. Friday night Kerri and I are going to Capitol Step. According their webpage they are a group started by Senate staffers some years ago that would disappear for hours at a time without anyone knowing (having worked on the hill, it is very easy to do. People just assume you are in a meeting) to satire their employers. For a taste of what we will get listen to the following clips:
Hillary Survive
Guantanamo
Huckabee
and Buy Buy American Pie
Or just watch this clip
Then on Saturday we are going to the International Spy Museum and our one hour Spy experience. We are excited.
Well, I just found out I am not only teaching primary tomorrow, but I also have to teach Elders Quorum So I better go.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Happy Fourth of July (one week later)
Happy Fourth of July on the eleventh! So since we were here in DC for the fourth we decided to live it up and see everything DC had to offer to celebrate. It was so much fun. We woke up early to go to the National Archives to hear a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence. It was kind of fun since they had people impersonating the founding fathers reading it. It was the first time Chase had heard all the grievances we had against England. After the reading, we had perfect seats on the steps of the Archives to watch the parade which I thoroughly enjoyed. We had a few hours to kill before the next event so we got lunch and walked through the botanical gardens. Then we arrived at the Capitol at 4pm, sat through two down pours and waited till the concert at 8pm. It was well worth it. Jerry Lee Lewis was there and it was so amazing to hear him sing especially since I thought he was dead. Then as he sang "Great Balls of Fire", the fireworks display started. We had the perfect seats and the view was magnificent as they lit up the Washington Monument. So much better in person than on PBS. So I decided that I would post some pictures of the events so you can see. I'm sure Chase will have his own opinions of the day. Enjoy!
Reading at the National Archives with Franklin, Jefferson, and Hamilton.
This float had marines reenacting the famous flag raising picture at Iwo Jima.
The Fife and Drum Corp
Our view from our seat on the steps of the Capitol
This the best shot of the fireworks behind the Washington Monument.
Reading at the National Archives with Franklin, Jefferson, and Hamilton.
This float had marines reenacting the famous flag raising picture at Iwo Jima.
The Fife and Drum Corp
Our view from our seat on the steps of the Capitol
This the best shot of the fireworks behind the Washington Monument.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Only in DC
Its late, and I have to go to work tomorrow so this won't be long. Tonight we went to the movies. We saw Hancock. Fun movie, but I recommend waiting until you can rent it. It isn't worth the full movie price in my opinion. Anyway, we were sitting in the theatre, which was almost empty, and right before the movie started some people walked in and sat down a couple seats away from us. So far the only thing unusual was that the guy creeped me out. Then after a moment I smell alcohol. So I am thinking the guy is a bit tipsy. Then I hear a clanking noise. I look over and see the guy holding a really fancy water bottle. I had never seen a water bottle shaped quite like this one, so I watched as he put the water bottle close to the floor. What happened next floored me. After a second or two, he hands his date a martini, in a martini glass! That's right, the water bottle was really a cocktail mixer and the clinking noise was him shaking the martinis, not stirring. I couldn't believe it. In fact, we are both we were both astounded.
The second fun thing that happened this week happened today. I was in the Senate Gallery to witness Senator Kennedy's triumphant return. However, I predict we don't see him again until after the conventions. It was actually an amazing moment to see him walk onto the floor, have everyone present, both on the floor and in the gallery, give a standing ovation for a few minutes, and watch him vote. To get the full effect of what happened, you had to be there.
The third fun thing was yesterday. We decided to go to dinner at a place called Firefly. We had heard great things about it, and were told the prices were pretty reasonable. The prices were actually a little higher than we anticipated. Still not bad, but a bit high. We knew we were in a nice place because the executive chef's name was on the menu. That was when I realized we were getting small portion, but the presentation would be marvelous. Well, after we ordered we both got really tired so we just sat there not talking to each other, and I guess management was afraid we hated the place so they apologized for taking so long to cook the food. That surprised us because we hadn't been waiting all that long, but I guess when we both get tired, we both look upset. Well, the food comes out, and it was fantastic. At the end of our meal the waiter again apologizes for the wait and tells us that dessert is on the house. Now, this restaurant, has one of those menus that changes with what ingredients are in season and they had just added Bing Cherry Cobbler to the menu, so we ordered two. We got two $9 desserts for free, just because my natural face is an angry one.
Well, I won't be posting again for a while. Saturday I go to Gettysburg and Harper's Ferry, and Kerri goes to a friend's wedding, so it will probably be after that before I post again.
The second fun thing that happened this week happened today. I was in the Senate Gallery to witness Senator Kennedy's triumphant return. However, I predict we don't see him again until after the conventions. It was actually an amazing moment to see him walk onto the floor, have everyone present, both on the floor and in the gallery, give a standing ovation for a few minutes, and watch him vote. To get the full effect of what happened, you had to be there.
The third fun thing was yesterday. We decided to go to dinner at a place called Firefly. We had heard great things about it, and were told the prices were pretty reasonable. The prices were actually a little higher than we anticipated. Still not bad, but a bit high. We knew we were in a nice place because the executive chef's name was on the menu. That was when I realized we were getting small portion, but the presentation would be marvelous. Well, after we ordered we both got really tired so we just sat there not talking to each other, and I guess management was afraid we hated the place so they apologized for taking so long to cook the food. That surprised us because we hadn't been waiting all that long, but I guess when we both get tired, we both look upset. Well, the food comes out, and it was fantastic. At the end of our meal the waiter again apologizes for the wait and tells us that dessert is on the house. Now, this restaurant, has one of those menus that changes with what ingredients are in season and they had just added Bing Cherry Cobbler to the menu, so we ordered two. We got two $9 desserts for free, just because my natural face is an angry one.
Well, I won't be posting again for a while. Saturday I go to Gettysburg and Harper's Ferry, and Kerri goes to a friend's wedding, so it will probably be after that before I post again.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
The world is a better place because of ABBA
I know I just posted last night, but tonight we went to Mama Mia. It was really fun. Basically it was an ABBA concert with a plot. I don't know how they did it, but there was a plot that fit pretty well with the music. Anyway, you should all go to Vegas to see, or at least go to the movie being released this summer (it has Meryl Streep in it).
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
"Why is always so costly for mankind to move from the present to the future?"
I can't really remember what I have and haven't told you about, so I hope I don't miss anything.
Last week sometime I was giving a tour of the capitol as usual, except when we emerged from the basement, there were lots of TV cameras and reporters outside the Foreign Affairs Committee room, which was out of the ordinary. Then the Capitol Police stopped us when we got to the Appropriations Committee room and wouldn't let us pass for about 5 minutes. While we were waiting, guess who walked by. The Prime Minister of Vietnam. Someone in my group asked which one he was, and all I could say was the one in the middle. I am sure that I told him the truth, but I have no idea what the PM looks like, I just know they tend to have their advisers and security people surrounding them.
Fast forward to later in the week because on Friday we went to the Washington Nationals baseball game. I have pictures on my camera but haven't had time to download them yet. The stadium is brand new and really nice. they have LED light boards everywhere, and not only do they have their mascot Screech (he is an Eagle, but looks ghetto gangster) they also have Presidents Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Jefferson (Think Mt. Rushmore) It was kind of funny. The Nats played the Orioles. The Nats won, even though the O's should have. It was a lot of fun. I have to say that the Nats stadium is really comfortable, but lacks the charm and personality of Camden Yards, and therefore I deem Camden Yards a must go to stadium, while the Nationals is only so-so. Now food wise, the Nats stadium is better, they serve Hebrew National hot dogs (Seriously, if you don't know what I am talking about, buy some!)
Oh yeah, on Friday afternoon we wandered down to the National Mall and went to the Folklife festival. We had buhtanese food, saw how to make Texas wine, and looked as spaceship parts. We also got to see Buddhist monks perform dance rituals. The coolest part was going through the Buddhist temple constructed on the Mall. Lest you think it was some reproduction temple you would be wrong. It was actually given to the American people by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. Inside they had monks praying, and had offered food to their gods. I chuckled inside when I saw they offered one Godiva chocolate, but I guess you offer the finest. On our way out we were given a special thread that is woven during prayer services. If you tie it around your neck before leaving the temple it keeps negative energy away from you. Ours didn't work.
Saturday was a pretty fun day. In the morning we treked to the Columbia Heights area where we go to church because they were having Caribbean Carnival. We went the parade a half hour late, thinking that since we were at the halfway point of the 60 minute parade we would make perfect timing. It turned out we were 90 minutes early. Caribbeans are not known for their punctuality. We opted not to go to the festival itself because it was 10 dollars a person, and we were both hot, tired, thirsty, and hungry. Besides to pay 20 dollars to get into a craft fair seemed stupid. We made the right choice. at the festival there was a stabbing and some fights.
Saturday night we went to Wolf Trap. It is the only National Park for the Performing Arts. It is a really cool ampitheatre that offers both covered chair seats, and lawn seats. We went to see Rent. It was amazing. I found out about it at the begining of last week, but we didn't decided to get tickets until the end of the week and were lucky enough to get some. We got chair seats because we knew there was a good chance of rain, and shows go on rain or shine, and we had a great view. It didn't rain, but there was a lot of lightening around us and we were glad to have the seats we did.
We also saw a really old sci fi movie this weekend. It was really funny. The monster looked like an action figure, the script was horrible, the acting even worse, and the title of the blog is actually the last line of the movie, said after the monster, captured from Venus, dies.
This week at work has been pretty slow. Which is nice because things have been difficult since HR 6331 didn't get cloture last week. This was one of the bills that deals with Medicare, which for those of you who have been following, has been the big issue I have been working on. I have been doing research on smoking and health care premiums, as well as tax benefits for HSA qualified HPHPs. It has actually been really interesting.
Today I went on a tour of the Voice of America broadcasting studio. VOA is the government sponsored broadcasting network that started by spreading propganda into Germany after WWII and they are still doing it today in areas that are not democratized. Although, China, Iran, and Zimbabwe are causing the network problems because they are jamming the signal.
Tonight Kerri and I went to the twighlight tattoo at Fort McNair. It was interesting. The first performance was by the Army pop band Down Range, then we had a performance by the old regiment thingy (where they dress weird and play fifes), and then the drill team came out and tossed their bayonets around. That was actually the coolest part. And then there was a huge tribute to all the wars America has fought. And I realized something, We are actually a very pompous country. It was 10 minutes of look how great our country is, we have spent 200 years rescuing the world. I got tired of it, but then a really cool helicopter hovered over us. I was waiting for army men to repel out of it, but they didn't.
So this weekend is the 4th. We have no definent plans yet. I know we are attending the 2 hour parade in the morning, and the concert and fireworks at night. We'll see how we fill in the day. We have just about exhausted all the museums on the Mall, so who knows how we will spend our time.
Since I probably won't get to write till after the 4th. Happy 4th, and don't die at the "Annual Carlile Heat Stroke Awareness Golf Game." We'll post pictures soon.
Last week sometime I was giving a tour of the capitol as usual, except when we emerged from the basement, there were lots of TV cameras and reporters outside the Foreign Affairs Committee room, which was out of the ordinary. Then the Capitol Police stopped us when we got to the Appropriations Committee room and wouldn't let us pass for about 5 minutes. While we were waiting, guess who walked by. The Prime Minister of Vietnam. Someone in my group asked which one he was, and all I could say was the one in the middle. I am sure that I told him the truth, but I have no idea what the PM looks like, I just know they tend to have their advisers and security people surrounding them.
Fast forward to later in the week because on Friday we went to the Washington Nationals baseball game. I have pictures on my camera but haven't had time to download them yet. The stadium is brand new and really nice. they have LED light boards everywhere, and not only do they have their mascot Screech (he is an Eagle, but looks ghetto gangster) they also have Presidents Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Jefferson (Think Mt. Rushmore) It was kind of funny. The Nats played the Orioles. The Nats won, even though the O's should have. It was a lot of fun. I have to say that the Nats stadium is really comfortable, but lacks the charm and personality of Camden Yards, and therefore I deem Camden Yards a must go to stadium, while the Nationals is only so-so. Now food wise, the Nats stadium is better, they serve Hebrew National hot dogs (Seriously, if you don't know what I am talking about, buy some!)
Oh yeah, on Friday afternoon we wandered down to the National Mall and went to the Folklife festival. We had buhtanese food, saw how to make Texas wine, and looked as spaceship parts. We also got to see Buddhist monks perform dance rituals. The coolest part was going through the Buddhist temple constructed on the Mall. Lest you think it was some reproduction temple you would be wrong. It was actually given to the American people by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. Inside they had monks praying, and had offered food to their gods. I chuckled inside when I saw they offered one Godiva chocolate, but I guess you offer the finest. On our way out we were given a special thread that is woven during prayer services. If you tie it around your neck before leaving the temple it keeps negative energy away from you. Ours didn't work.
Saturday was a pretty fun day. In the morning we treked to the Columbia Heights area where we go to church because they were having Caribbean Carnival. We went the parade a half hour late, thinking that since we were at the halfway point of the 60 minute parade we would make perfect timing. It turned out we were 90 minutes early. Caribbeans are not known for their punctuality. We opted not to go to the festival itself because it was 10 dollars a person, and we were both hot, tired, thirsty, and hungry. Besides to pay 20 dollars to get into a craft fair seemed stupid. We made the right choice. at the festival there was a stabbing and some fights.
Saturday night we went to Wolf Trap. It is the only National Park for the Performing Arts. It is a really cool ampitheatre that offers both covered chair seats, and lawn seats. We went to see Rent. It was amazing. I found out about it at the begining of last week, but we didn't decided to get tickets until the end of the week and were lucky enough to get some. We got chair seats because we knew there was a good chance of rain, and shows go on rain or shine, and we had a great view. It didn't rain, but there was a lot of lightening around us and we were glad to have the seats we did.
We also saw a really old sci fi movie this weekend. It was really funny. The monster looked like an action figure, the script was horrible, the acting even worse, and the title of the blog is actually the last line of the movie, said after the monster, captured from Venus, dies.
This week at work has been pretty slow. Which is nice because things have been difficult since HR 6331 didn't get cloture last week. This was one of the bills that deals with Medicare, which for those of you who have been following, has been the big issue I have been working on. I have been doing research on smoking and health care premiums, as well as tax benefits for HSA qualified HPHPs. It has actually been really interesting.
Today I went on a tour of the Voice of America broadcasting studio. VOA is the government sponsored broadcasting network that started by spreading propganda into Germany after WWII and they are still doing it today in areas that are not democratized. Although, China, Iran, and Zimbabwe are causing the network problems because they are jamming the signal.
Tonight Kerri and I went to the twighlight tattoo at Fort McNair. It was interesting. The first performance was by the Army pop band Down Range, then we had a performance by the old regiment thingy (where they dress weird and play fifes), and then the drill team came out and tossed their bayonets around. That was actually the coolest part. And then there was a huge tribute to all the wars America has fought. And I realized something, We are actually a very pompous country. It was 10 minutes of look how great our country is, we have spent 200 years rescuing the world. I got tired of it, but then a really cool helicopter hovered over us. I was waiting for army men to repel out of it, but they didn't.
So this weekend is the 4th. We have no definent plans yet. I know we are attending the 2 hour parade in the morning, and the concert and fireworks at night. We'll see how we fill in the day. We have just about exhausted all the museums on the Mall, so who knows how we will spend our time.
Since I probably won't get to write till after the 4th. Happy 4th, and don't die at the "Annual Carlile Heat Stroke Awareness Golf Game." We'll post pictures soon.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Phoneless
Ok, so this is Kerri speaking, a rarity for this blog. I just thought that I would write what has been going on for me lately. My phone died today, as in, will never work again. I can't believe quite how dependent I am on my phone. I felt so alone without it safely in my side pocket. I almost wanted to hyperventilate. I don't care if it sounds pathetic, it is quite the truth!
Besides my technology problems, I've been having a pretty good time. Teaching this semester has been interesting. I teach at a glorified high school so my students are sometimes difficult to work with. I am happy to say, however, that my one student who is just trying to pass the class with a C got a B on her last test and that half of the students who got an F on the last test were actually taking notes and asking question today instead of sleeping. This is always a good sign. Other than teaching, I am studying for another actuarial exam. It's easier material this time but harder to concentrate now that it's fully summer. We have been doing lots of fun stuff as you can see. We're trying to figure out what to do tonight...sunset parade or drag queen bingo? A tough decision, I know.
So I've become addicted to Trader Joe's and weird tasty organic food. Today alone, I have had fiberful fruit leather, flatbread with flax seeds and organic chocolate cat cookies. I never thought I would be one of those weird health junkies but I am becoming one. I do go every week to Weight Watchers with a friend of mine. We make a whole day out of it. First we go to WW and then out to lunch (because we already weighed in, right?) followed by grocery shopping at Trader Joe's. It is my favorite day of the week actually.
Speaking of addictions, I have also become addicted to Stephenie Meyer. I just finished her book, "The Host" and I couldn't put it down. I felt sad when the novel ended, I just wanted more to read. Good thing she has a new book coming out in August. There's so much coming out this summer. I have a million movies on my list to see. We went to see "Get Smart" last night and I loved it. It was funny. Definitely different from the original but you want it to be that way. I just love Steve Carrell. He cracks my whipper snapper.
Anyways, before wrapping up, I thought I would add some pictures to our blog since that is supposed to be my job. They are some of my favorites.
National Cathedral:
Williamsburg, VA
Mount Vernon
Favorite sculpture in the Sculpture Garden:
DC skyline:
Besides my technology problems, I've been having a pretty good time. Teaching this semester has been interesting. I teach at a glorified high school so my students are sometimes difficult to work with. I am happy to say, however, that my one student who is just trying to pass the class with a C got a B on her last test and that half of the students who got an F on the last test were actually taking notes and asking question today instead of sleeping. This is always a good sign. Other than teaching, I am studying for another actuarial exam. It's easier material this time but harder to concentrate now that it's fully summer. We have been doing lots of fun stuff as you can see. We're trying to figure out what to do tonight...sunset parade or drag queen bingo? A tough decision, I know.
So I've become addicted to Trader Joe's and weird tasty organic food. Today alone, I have had fiberful fruit leather, flatbread with flax seeds and organic chocolate cat cookies. I never thought I would be one of those weird health junkies but I am becoming one. I do go every week to Weight Watchers with a friend of mine. We make a whole day out of it. First we go to WW and then out to lunch (because we already weighed in, right?) followed by grocery shopping at Trader Joe's. It is my favorite day of the week actually.
Speaking of addictions, I have also become addicted to Stephenie Meyer. I just finished her book, "The Host" and I couldn't put it down. I felt sad when the novel ended, I just wanted more to read. Good thing she has a new book coming out in August. There's so much coming out this summer. I have a million movies on my list to see. We went to see "Get Smart" last night and I loved it. It was funny. Definitely different from the original but you want it to be that way. I just love Steve Carrell. He cracks my whipper snapper.
Anyways, before wrapping up, I thought I would add some pictures to our blog since that is supposed to be my job. They are some of my favorites.
National Cathedral:
Williamsburg, VA
Mount Vernon
Favorite sculpture in the Sculpture Garden:
DC skyline:
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