Busy Week

This past week has been busybusybusy. Classes are alright, but our class work is confusing and quite burdensome. A lot of requirements and not a lot of time to do them.

Work has been pretty busy for me as I have to help process the all the responses to today's major issue, which have come in by the thousands. That was time-consuming and challenging, but work has also allowed for some cool opportunities. I got to go on an exclusive tour led by a former Senator and then go to lunch with Senator Dick Lugar.

I also made it into the gallery for the Senate's vote on the bailout, ahem, rescue package. I arrived at the gallery just as they were forming a line because the staff galley had already filled. The two people ahead of me in line eventually were allowed in as others left. After about 20 minutes or so, 2 people left and I was allowed in. I wasn't sure if I would get in. Who would leave at such an historic moment? But I got in and watched the whole gang (Senate) filter in. Everyone except Ted Kennedy was there. Barack Obama and John McCain included. It was exciting and interesting to see them all interacting with each other down below me, as did the other interns in the gallery who barely stifled their "oohs" and "aahs" at the entrance of each big name. I was embarrassed for them and annoyed because we're barely even supposed to move in the gallery, much less make noise. Oh well. I got to see a lot of important people and watch the passage of some important legislation as passenger train safety legislation and the US-India nuclear deal were passed just before the bailout. What an opportunity.

On Friday, myself and others had to shift gears dramatically as we planned a camping trip for the weekend. I was apprehensive coming into it because our original plan turned out to be illegal and potentially more dangerous. However, we were able to find a nice, quiet campsite along the Potomac and set up camp. It was a beautiful and peaceful little camping area. It felt like we were hours from civilization, but in reality we were just minutes away from sprawling suburbia. It turned out really well and it was nice to feel like I was outdoors again for a while.

As I was anxious about wasting my time in the city getting out of it and anxious about school work, my buddy Sean and I opted to skip the second night of camping and head back. We decided to go to the Major League Soccer game to watch DC United play Chivas USA. It turned out that DC United got played by Chivas USA, but it was a fun experience and we had great seats anyway. Next time (one more game) we may try to get seats in the supporters section which looks crazy. Everyone there is decked out, bearing flags and streamers, chanting, and making the bleachers significantly bounce. Cool stuff.

Today I slept in, having not decided on a church to attend, and went for a walk to take some pictures and just get out and take in the city. I ended up walking down to the Washington monument where I read a biography on George Washington and listened to the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival that was in full swing nearby. This city is happening, man.