Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Mixed Feelings About Today

So today it became official that my boss is the new chairman of a house committee. It's a pretty big deal. We found out yesterday, but it was ratified and finalized today. The office has been pretty excited and exciting since yesterday afternoon.

Today I also chatted with my old boss's successor, who happened to pop into our office today. I met him months ago, in the old office, and while he didn't remember that meeting (obviously - why would he?!), he was very sweet and chatted with me for a few minutes on his way out. Such a nice guy, I'm excited for him to be out here, and hope for only the best for him.

Today I also got a phone call from a congressman - like, he personally called the office and asked to speak to me. ME! My intern had to repeat that a few times before I understood and believed it. He was calling regarding something he had spoken to my boss about earlier, so it wasn't just because he knew I was a great conversationalist (although he knows now!), but still. How many of you have had congressmen call your office and ask for you specifically? That's what I thought.

And then today I came home from work with a terrible migraine and just wished my head would explode already. That pressure and the waiting for the explosion is just the worst. I barely made it home without dying on the metro, embraced the cold air I had just cursed out hours before, and then landed on my bed and took a 20 minute nap before having to get up and go somewhere.

So...I have mixed feelings about today. Socializing with congressmen? Cool. Feeling a jackhammer digging into the back of your skull? Not cool. And if that's going to be the result of socializing with congressmen from here on out - NO THANK YOU. I can do without it.

In other news, my niece's friend, Gingy Man, will be visiting me soon and I CAN'T WAIT to show him around. He's going to make everyone want to visit me in DC after they see all the swag he comes home with. Just. You. Wait.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Grunting, For Lack of a Better Word, is Good

I came home from work today to find this little gem taped to my bedroom door:


It seems my roommate finds my random grunts and heavy sighs funny, and all she could think of when she saw this article was that I needed to know how they may help me be stronger.

Which, duh, I already knew.

But now, whenever you people laugh at my grunts and sound effects when I play volleyball (they insist they think it's a cute quirk...) or ultimate frisbee, or walking around the house, know this: I could beat you in an arm wrestling match any day. Just be glad my super grunt-strength isn't directed at you this very moment!

In another thought, completely appropos of nothing related to the above, I have some stocked up credits and free money (dolla dolla bill, y'alls) at Audible, so throw out some books I need to listen to (stills seems weird to say that...). Or some narrators I need to know. If only Jim Dale read more than the Harry Potter books and a handful of other stories! I'd be set for life if he'd just narrate every book for me...

And Abby, a personal narration of Roald Dahl's Esio Trot will perhaps be on it's way to you sometime in the near or distant future - remember that time you visited home from college and made me read that out loud to you?! I do. It was ridiculous. Mainly because I actually fulfilled that absurd request. We're awesome.

Monday, November 5, 2012

I'm a Navy Girl! Go Goats!

I went to a Navy football game on Saturday. First football game I've been to in forever.

I learned a few things from the game:

1. I love football. I need to go to more football games. I already knew this, but I needed the reminder.

2. It's cold in November. I might not have been able to feel my big toes all that well when I left the game, despite wearing 2 pairs of socks and boots. 50 degrees just isn't as warm as I'd like.

3. I love cheering. Also a known fact, but I love to yell and cheer. It took me a little bit to get fired up and going, but when Navy scored their first touchdown, I was ready to get cheering. Jump onto my feet from the bench, yelling as loud as possible. From the 3rd row from the top. I think the players heard my support still.

4. When Navy scores, the students (cadets?) on the side line spread out and do 6 pushups. Is that a general tradition in all armed forces football games, or just Navy? I like it, either way.

5. The Navy's mascot is a goat. Not a ram. A Goat. And their fight song is "The Goat is Old and Gnarly." I'll give them bonus points for uniqueness, because that's one strange idea for a song. And beloved, from the joy I heard in the voices of the fans while they sang.

6. Annapolis is charming. Can't wait to see it a little better in the daytime sometime.

And here are some pictures for you. I wore my blue hat to keep my ears warm and to support Navy. My blanket was also navy. I like to blend in with the real fans as much as possible - I think my cheers carry more weight when I put more effort in like that. Also I would've gotten a picture of our whole group, but I was sitting in the middle, and I just couldn't get up to get the picture - too cold for unnecessary movement...

 The halftime performance was from the Cheerleaders of America - such cute little girls! GO NAVY!
 Me and my friend Amber. She was my friend because I shared my blanket with her. BFFs!

 my friend's game food - loaded nachos. Intense.

The group that didn't leave at the end of the 3rd quarter. My teeth look ridiculously white. They aren't really that bright. I mean, they're alright and all, but they're not Ross Geller white...yikes.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Love a Good Letter from the Post!

I love getting mail - the good kind, more specifically. I don't care about Discover's consistent courting of me to get their credit card, I don't pay much attention to the barrage of nearby restaurants' menus, and I obviously hate getting bills, bills, bills.

BUT, there are very few things better than finding an envelope in the mail from a good friend.

And I got one of those today! Especially when they include a super cute school picture (I love that teachers still get to take school pictures!), a fortune teller miracle fish, and not one, but TWO sweet notes.

It's even better when it comes on just the right day, when you need a good pick-me-up.

Michelle, just move out here already! And I love the picture - it's going in a frame as soon as I can find one :).

Getting fun mail is the best! Who's with me?


P.S. According to the fortune telling miracle fish, I'm in love, and almost passionate (it didn't curl up quite entirely, but pretty much). So I guess I'm almost passionately in love - I cannot wait to find out who it will be for! He's going to be one lucky guy.