Quoteables.

Today marked the end of my 4th week of work...whaaaaaa?!

Time is fa-lying. And I and having fun. :]

Work has been such a rewarding experience. I don't talk enough about it...

I work with the kindest and most fun people in DC I think.  I have been able to work on projects that are aimed at our annual meeting in Atlanta at the end of the summer. We are preparing for the events that will be held there including the Golf and Tennis Tournament, Donor Reception, and "The Classic." I attend a lot of meetings and soak up all the info.  This week I got to attend one of ASAE's special events called, In Honor of Women. They had a luncheon and gave awards to outstanding women working in the associations industry. Many of them noted how there hero's were there mothers.  This made me reflect on the value of mothers and how I am infinitely grateful for my own mother.

Work combined with my briefing class are making for quite the learning experience. Tomorrow is another day full of briefings and I could not be more excited.  It is one in the morning so I might have a minimal amount of delusional excitement...but in any case they are great. 

 

2 New Favorite Things In America:

1. To the men who play the tuba, horn, saxophone, and trombone outside of the metro station on my way to work...I LOVE YOU. This morning they were playing Onward Christian Soldiers, and yesterday it was some Jason Mraz song. It made my day. One part of this city I will always remember and be grateful for.

2. Tonight we went to a movie in the park. Those are always refreshing and a blast. On our way home we played ninja on the metro the whole way home. It was another one of my favorite moments in time. I love the people I am here with.  We are all semi-adults that enjoy good solid fun and all have the same strange appreciation for and desire to eat ice cream EVERYDAY. I bet you can guess what we did next...ICE CREAM STOP.

 

 

Lastly...The Quoteables

These are some of my favorite quotes from lectures I have attended, etc.

 

"We all know we're in the last days but that does not mean it has to be the worst days."

 

"There is no excuse to not connect with all sorts of people...Be a connector!"

 

"No one likes a dull person. The on way to not be dull is to be informed. The way to be informed is to read."

~Omar Kader

 

"You have to have confidence in life. Learn to deal with these worries. You owe more to others and you owe more to yourself."

~Omar Kader

 

"Stage your life and stage it well."

~Omar Kader

 

"Problems are not road blocks."

 

"The Curtain is up, you are on! Don't live life like it is a dress rehearsal."

 

"Everyday is a opportunity."

 

"Ordinary people who faithfully, diligently, and consistently do simple things that are right before God will bring forth extraordinary results."

~ Elder David A. Bednar

Memorial Day goodness.

"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are."

               ~e.e. Cummings

 

I decided to stay in DC for Memorial Day and I am glad that I did. I needed to catch up a little on life and relax.  Plus I'm not itching to get out of the city yet! Saturday morning we kicked off with one of our classic early morning walks outside along the river...can't GET ENOUGH! On Saturday night we got to go out to Maryland to a country fest of a concert: Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, and the Eli Young Band.  It reminded me alot of country fest at home in Vegas.  I felt like the summer could officially begin after that.  We rode home in the metro sardine-can style and got to know some fellow DC-ites really well.  My huge bun on top of my head and blazer don't really scream country concert but, hey I still had a rockin good time. The concert was at FedEx Field where the redskins play. MASSIVE. It made me hungry and excited for Friday night lights in the Fall. 

 





 

 

This is uber random...this is a picture of the church we go to in Friendship Heights.  How cute of a name is that? You can't help but love the place.  I also noted that there is a Maggiano's and a Cheesecake Factory just down the street from our church. Yes, I do believe I love Friendship Heights. I will say that we did get lost getting there last Sunday...The point at which I realized we were going the wrong direction I literally yelled it out on the bus. At the next stop my friends and I, the token crazy lady of the day, got off the bus and took the Metro. We only got there 20 minutes late... Not to shabby for our first time getting lost on our way to church. :]

 

This lovely little guy is the scene from my favorite walk/run path along the Potomac. It takes you right up to the Lincoln Memorial just down the street from the Arlington.

 

This picture says it all...it is just in the wrong color.  Andrew is working it on the left. Megan changing lives of the right.

 

 

This is post 2 hours of ultimate Frisbee.  We went to our professor's house in Vienna and had a BBQ.  Then we went across the street to the high school and frisbee-ed it up with our hilarious profess. I have not laughed as hard as I did this day in a LONG time.  We have so much personality going on here...never a dull moment.  The best I could ask for!

And now for my Visit to Arlington National Cemetery...
 

 

Walking through the hallowed grounds was such a special experience.  I had so many thoughts running through my mind during this time. Before I came out here I felt my general impression of what was going on in this place was full of corruption and deceit.  I am sure that is going on here just as it is everywhere.  The reality that I have come to discover is that there is such a spirit here, such a force and potential power for such good.  As I walked through the cemetery I was reminded of the roots of all that we are fighting for. I had this urge and desire to look back and remember why I am here and then move forward fiercely doing good.  It is directly connected with our eternal purpose.  We are blessed to live in a place where we are free to fully use our agency.  It is with that agency that we must move forward with happy hearts and determination to preserve the God instituted principles of our nation. I witnessed a love and understanding of country so deep that thousands have given their lives for it.  I felt my charge to stand firm and influence the world for good,as a citizen of the United States and as a child of my Father in Heaven written deep in me on Monday. I more fully understood the direct connection between our discipleship to Christ and our allegiance to our country. There is so much good here.  So many reminders of the love of God and so many lessons for me yet to learn.

 

I'm just a normal girl who has been given so much and owes much more.

Here's to more discoveries.

:]

Living.

Book Quote: The Hiding Place, a must multiple-times-a-lifetime read.

 

 

This is going to be quite the lengthy one folks. :]

I finally feel like I am living here. To be living feels so good...that sounds funny but it is real!  I have the feeling of normal life, with a little excitement and new things in between. I love this majestic little city.  We had a briefing speaker, Omar Kader, come speak to us in class today and he said, "This is a city of ideas." The opportunities to learn and grow as individuals here are endless.  The history is endless and AWESOME. The weather here was a little "Utah" wacky this week but who doesn't like a little variety? :] As I was looking back on my pictures of this week I realized I learned to appreciate A LOT of food these past two weeks.  I am not normally a foodie picture taker...that is starting to change I guess.  I can blame the new city?! When it's good stuff...IT'S GOOD STUFF! I am living right on the edge of Georgetown.  I could be content just walking those streets or sitting on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial every night of my life!

 

There are four things that I added to my Chart Toppers/Things everyone must do in DC List. These things made my heart happy and my excitement meter soar through the roof this week...

 

1. Larry's Homemade Ice Cream: Shout out to my  man Larry, who helped me discover my favorite ice cream flavor of all time (CINNAMON OATMEAL CHOCOLATE CHUNK COOKIE DOUGH...wahhhhtt!?!) and gave me a uniquely hilarious ice cream experience. I am definitely and ice cream girl for life and this underground hideout just outside of is heavenly!

 

2. Running: I got to go on two adventure runs this week. I ran along the Potomac River and night and it was beautiful and refreshing. The second run I did was straight up to the capital. I hadn't been to the capital before...it was beautiful! I was so grateful to have been able to explore the city and do one of the things I have missed doing the most this week! I nominate DC one of the bomb-diggity-est places to run/joggity/joy walk.

 

3. Chicken & Waffles: Another food item. YES. I couldn't help myself with this one. I participated in this fantastic little number at a place called Founding Fathers. I am a believer now in the southern favorite!  I can't decide if it is that witty name or the seriously life changing food that makes me a fan of the restaurant.  I will say it is the perfect blend of both. :]

 

4.Fall in Love: This is not my personal case but...Every human should fall in love in DC! Holy Hannah and a half! What a great place to do so. In the words of Newsies and Christian Bale himself, Seize the Day. It is to much fun. Magical Place peeps. I tell you what!

 

Here are some pictures from the past couple of weeks...

 



 

Bri, Daryn, and I at a little pizza place we adventured to after work one night, "2 Amy's." It was in a tucked away area that was so popular!

This week ASAE had their Springtime Golf Invitational.  It was held at Lansdowne Resort in Leesburg, VA.  I got to attend the trade show the day before and the pairings party for the golf tournament that night as well.  The night before we also got to pick up our bright and fun golf skorts and staff shirts.  Everyone had so much fun with the crazy patterns.  I was responsible to ride the bus the next morning from downtown DC to Virginia with some of the participants the next morning to the tournament.  I sat at one of the golf holes the rest of the day and got to chat with ASAE's members and Executives. It was such an enjoyable day back in the sun and out of the city for a bit.

 

My name tag on my desk is the picture on the right. Yes my name has an accent on the end of it...you move to a big city and you add an accent to your name to make it cooler. :] My supervisor and I have laughed about the mix-up with my name the past three weeks.  There was a funny mix up in HR and confusion with my name early on, so I ended up being French!

Bri-Bri and I out one night.

 

We got the opportunity to tour the National Cathedral, attend one of their services and their social at the end of church.  It was one of the most beautiful and intricate buildings I have set foot it.  It stands as the spiritual capital for our nation.  

My co-worker Betty took me out to lunch this week for my above mentioned favorite...chicken and waffles!  I have gotten to be close with Betty. I love this girl and have such a blast with her.  We get our chat, our laugh, and our eat on.  I am grateful to have a friend like her at work. She works in the research department ...so cool!

 

Today's adventure was a required one for class...The NEWSEUM! This was a seven story museum documenting the greatest stories reported, the means by which they were reported, and those who dedicated their lives to continuing freedom of press and making sure the people stay informed. We were given a special presentation on the president and his relationship with the media. Pictures of our day below...

 

Ash and Geoff in the COOLEST elevator in the world.

 



 

The Brady Bunch?



 

A great view of the capital and some Canadian flags for my brother, Skyler.

And just a little pledging allegiance via eyewear with Ash.

 

 

 

 

 

And to finish off the night...The Razmanian Devil Cupcake (Lemon Raspberry), from the one of the locals favorite cupcake places, Baked & Wired.

Also, I found my favorite store of all time tonight in Georgetown. It is a woman's dream. PAPER SOURCE. I will have to pay many a visit before I leave...

 



 

Our Memorial Day celebrations begin with the Kenny Chesney, Eli Young Band, & Eric Church Concert tomorrow night!

more to come on my class and some of the motivating words from our class briefings...

OVER AND OUT SOLIDERS. :]

 

 

Feeling very American today.

                                    

  

 

This weekend we spent pledging allegiance to America all day every day.  I LOVE AMERICA. Yes, yes I do.

Friday was our first day of class in the Barlow.  It was pretty standard and great- we went over the syllabus for the summer, discussed the book we are currently reading (would definitely recommend it!), and topped it all off with a grand fire drill. 

 

Another thing that is a tough cookie is the humidity. It is definitely going to take some getting used too but so far I have been able to handle the constantly sticky feeling. My natural hair likes the humidity which is a great thing. No complaints. :]

 

On one side of the Barlow is a bar and a Thai restaurant and on the other side is an Indian restaurant, and the Egypt defense building.  Our building is just right outside Georgetown too- this means endless eating opportunities and cupcakes waiting to be eaten. It is such a great and fun location.  We are close to the waterfront and go explore G-town often. On Friday we ate at the Thai restaurant right next to us and it was FANTASTIC. I am trying to only eat at places that can only be found in D.C. or in this part of the country while I can! Another favorite local place is Potbelly sandwiches.  We ate there for lunch today...yum. Tonight we went into Chinatown and went to Rita's (picture below). They have great Italian ice that they combine with custard...another serious yum.  Good thing there is a gym so close that we can use and that we walk so much...I don't want to be rolled home!

Today my roommate, Brianne, and I went to the National Museum of American History, the National Art Gallery, and to the National Archives.  So National Treasure right now. :] It was my favorite day...I loved seeing all of the great treasures from our country and learning of the great things that have been accomplished here.  There is a First Ladies exhibit in the Museum of American History and they have many of their inaugural gowns displayed.  That exhibit was full of very excited girls like my Bri and I. My favorite part of my entire day was in the Rotunda of the National Archives.  We got to see the ACTUAL documents.  I swear I am becoming even more of an American nerd and I have no shame. My heart was so excited to see the Declaration and the Constitution.  I am so excited to be learning more about the creation of our country, the miracle that it was, and the people that made it happen. 

National Archives beautiful architecture like the rest of D.C. (above)

Chinatown night and more treats at Rita's. (below)

The quote below is one we found at the end of the National Archives exhibit in the Rotunda. It caused me to think a lot. I loved the emphasis of knowing and understanding our country in this quote. Mostly I loved that Franklin notes the importance of recognizing the source of our rights and the original foundation of our country- God.

 

"A nation of well informed men who have been taught to know and prize the rights which God has given them cannot be enslaved. It is in the religion of ignorance that tyranny begins."

 

~Benjamin Franklin

How to be a cool intern 101:

 

1. Bleed all over the back of your new flats. When commuting to work wear brand new shoes that will cut the back of your ankles and cause blood to go everywhere. You might get to even wear gigantic bandaids too! It's COOL. :)

 

2. Look like an eight year old in your staff directory picture. It is COOLER.

 

3. Show up late to your own welcome reception. THE COOLEST!

That is all you must know. :)

Pardon my goofy sarcasm... I loved those simple and hilarious moments from today. Today was a great, great day at work again. I had so many laughs and learned a lot. The people I work with are so much fun and I know I am going to learn a great deal from them this summer. I am finished with my orientation and on to working with some projects regarding our upcoming event!

Tomorrow is my work "Friday" and then on real Friday I have class.

Then... THE WEEKEND!

Explora-Dora is ready.

The eagle has landed.

Living in a new city is sort of like learning a brand new language. Actually it is probably more like learning ten brand new languages all at once! streets, food, lingo, where to NOT venture, metro system, the drill! I am totally digging learning.

Also...yes, its a real thing! I have lived here for five days...It has been an adventure learning the culture of D.C. and adjusting to the feel of the city.  I am loving it and learning loads on loads right now. If you know me well, you know that traveling or adapting to a new city would DEFINATELY  be an adventure with this girl...

So much has happened this week. Some Key events:

ARRIVAL: I had plenty of luggage to fly to D.C. with. That is for sure. I was the most nervous for navigating the airport and getting to the Barlow Center in one piece with all of my luggage. The airport was well organized and the shuttle service was simple to find and more than accommodating. After I was successfully on the shuttle on the way to the Barlow I felt like the most relieved and happy human in America.  Little did I know my next hilarious challenge was soon to come. The shuttle man pulled up in the street right in front of the Barlow and took all of my luggage out of the back of the van. As the shuttle pulled away I can only imagine I looked like a lost and tired little girl stuck in the middle of a road, with luggage that was much larger than she was.  I laughed to myself, and tried to think up a quick plan to get myself and my belongings out of the road alive! I made it up the curb and to a place where I arranged my luggage so that I could manage it. My next step in life was to get it up the steps right in front of the glass doors. I gave my luggage a large yank to get it up the steps and as I did so the weight caused my main handle to rip right on out of its socket. Luggage simply went splat all of the steps. I laughed and left it there. As I was trying to figure out how to get into the building, the sweet Elder was looking out the glass to make sure everyone was alive outside. I was beyond relieved when I was greeted by Elder and Sister Fulkerson at the door.  They have been like pseudo grandparents and guardian angels already! We are so blessed to have them.

EMBASSY TOURS: Day two in DC was sweet because they had opened a majority of the embassies to the public to tour.  We got to tour through the amazing Argentina and Chilean embassies. They had facts and travel ads to promote their country.  They had food that represented their country, and great entertainment, like dancers.  I had a little experience in the Chilean Embassy...accidental alcohol intake!! We asked if it was alcohol and I swore that I heard them say no...I must have grabbed the wrong sample cup, because whatever that "non-alcoholic" drink was BURNED! Daryn luckily stopped me where I was in the middle of a sip.  We laughed about it and I think they thought we were nuts.  Didn't think living in the city would effect me that quickly...SALUD CHILE!

CHURCH: We woke up Sunday morning and rode the bus to church. During church I just had this overwhelming feeling of "YES! The church is true here too!" :] It was such a blessing to feel the unity of a ward and to hear the exact message I needed to hear.  If anyone is looking to feel peace or adjust to were you are living...FIND YOUR WARD! It will simply rock your world. Also, we met a friend that lives in our area and is going to school at George Washington.  She gave us all sorts of tips on our way home on where to eat, how to shop, and where the gym is. I also went to my first Catholic Mass at the beautiful St. Matthew's Cathedral with a group of Barlow kids. It was a very different experience. St. Matthew's is where Kennedy's funeral was. It was massive and beautiful.

FIRST DAY OF WORK: I am the development intern at the American Society of Association Executives Foundation. I was surprised with rain as I walked out of the Barlow to rain but, I had a successful commute on the Metro in the morning! The office building I am working at is right across from the Metro exit, and is beautiful. I was amazed by the beauty of the building and the friendliness of the people that I am working with. I have two days of orientation (today the first) and then next Friday the organization has one of their biggest events.  I already love the organization...their orientation is so informative and helpful, I love all that they stand for and have already taught me. I went to lunch with my supervisor at the organization's favorite nearby restaurant and then she helped me to figure out some projects. So grateful for a Wowza-Palooza first day!

D.C. FAVORITES (so far :]): Burger, Tap, Shake, Walking around Georgetown, Walking the Mall, Lincoln Memorial, The GW Fitness Center, Blackfinn Restaurant, Institute, Trader Joe's,  spontaneous rainWHOLE THING :]

 

Below is pictures of Adventure-ville!

These pictures are of my first night in D.C. I look a little (alotta) worn out from travel but, I was so happy to finally be there. 

 

ARGENTINE EMBASSY

 



 

My roommate Brianne and I were explora-Dora's and conquered the metro.  We rode that thing like nobody's business. :]

I don't exactly know if there is a real thing called "Nevada Pride" but, we've definitely got it! I got to fly into D.C. with Daryn and adventure around the city for the first couple of days.  Having her here made the adjustment much easier and more fun. The picture on the right is of Dee sliding down a ramp by the Lincoln Memorial. YES!

 

SORRY FOR THE LONGEST POST EVER.

EAGLE OUT.

Soakin it in.

Being home has been the best in the west. I have been spending as much time possible with the fam, especially since Sky reports on his mission while I am gone. They are my favorite human beings of all time. 

You know you've had a good stay at home when...

• Your handsome Brother goes to senior prom.
• You and your momma help with the "Watermelon Ninja" station for 3 hours, for the prom group, outside of the middle school.

• Duck dynasty is watched.
• A McFlurry sister date happens.
• You get to go on a lunch date with your bro-bro to the best mexican- and spill water everywhere. :]
• You go to church at your home ward.
• You go shopping with your mom and have success.
• You find pants that fit (yes, it is possible folks!!)and don't panic shopping alone. 
• You get to celebrate your Moms birthday.
• You catch a man hoping over your back wall into your yard running from some sort of trouble.
• You get to spend time with your very cute, very pregnant Auntie. 
• You watch your coordinated sister's volleyball practice
• You watch National Treasure and Cool Runnings to get into the spirit.
• You have a miracle: your required book for the summer, "America:The Owner's Manual,"  arrives the day before you fly out to D.C.
• You pack your brains out.

It has been the GRANDEST. Got an email today from my boss & I got beyond excited. I AM FEELING VERY OLYMPIC TODAY (and hopefully for the next four months)! Thank you, Cool Runnings. 

Also, Found two treasures on my Aunt's blog from many years ago today. Hoping to keep these as my motto's as I set out on my travels tomorrow...

Treasure #1:

"There are two types of people in this world- those you love and those you don't know yet."

Treasure #2:

"Be so absorbed with uplifting, enriching pursuits and pastimes that you leave no room for the negative or the evil that might move in to fill some bored or thoughtless void." 

       ~President Spencer W. Kimball, "Privledges and Responsibilities of Sisters", 1979

Tomorrow we flyy....

:]