Weekend adven-Cha.

Class Excursion took us to...

 

VALLEY FORGE

 

 

PHILADELPHIA

 

Gorgeous flowers in the park....

 

 

Famous Phili-cheesesteaks. YES. Geno's vs. PAT's

 



Reading Terminal Market

It was the most ideal indoor market. Sweet treats galore, French linens, homemade soaps, every type of food you can imagine, tribal jewelery, THE WORKS! It was a blast and a half.  

 



 

 

The new temple in Philadelphia is underway! We made a special visit by the site while we were there. It is in the middle of the city and will be BEAUTIFUL.  Our next step in life was the Rocky steps and statue. I was actually super giddy about this moment in time. My dad raised us to love football and Rocky. It was in honor of him!

 



 

GOOD TIMES IN PHILADELPHIA.

 

To come...

Nationals Game, National Zoo, Bird poop stories, & more adventure time.

:]

Dreams.

Dreams & cool things come true people. 

 

 

I am currently living in a torrential rainstorm/hurricane/tropical rainstorm/tornado land. Ya know?

 

This past week has been just wet. There was one day last week that as I was walking to get a free Krispy Kreme and there was so much moisture in the air that I felt more like I was swimming. But bring it on I say. The wet-er the air the bigger my hair. Seriously, the inner lioness/Shirley temple has been unleashed with this humidity.

 

One of my favorite things here that I get to do is my calling as FHE Co-Chair. We have had the opportunity to organize some really fun activities and talk a lot about missionary work. This weeks activity I think was one of my favorites... The MAC&CHEESE Cook-Off that changed my life. We broke up into four groups and had 30 minutes to make the most creative and innovative mac. I expected it to be tragic but, that was not the case. The only thing it was tragic for was my thighs and my waist line. I ate my share for sure. There was a Mexican mac, a mac with pretzels crushed on top, salsa, and mozzarella mac. I was super impressed. Also, speaking of things tragic for my waist line.... The word "treat" has become a much too prominent word among my fellow Barlow-ites and I. We have the innate capability to find something to celebrate everyday. Besides the fact the we are living in the capital! :) Not to mention "treats" are made three nights a week for institute and FHE. But hey, no complaints.

This week I got the email no one ever wants to get...the title says it all...worst and most hilarious email you could find hanging out in your inbox. I actually died of laughter from this email. Elder Fulkerson ( who is our building manager and the missionary assigned to the Barlow Center) sent this email out after our disappointing cleaning inspections one morning.  We have been warned about cockroaches over and over again...we have apparently failed at our attempt to keep them out. :]
My favorite lines from the email are kind of gross...but I chuckled:

"The garbage can in the 1st Floor Lobby was being used by a group of live cockroaches as a breakfast buffet as they consumed the wet garbage left overnight.

REMINDER:  THE GROUND FLOOR AND THE BASEMENT ARE THE AREAS THAT ARE MOST VULNERABLE TO ROACHES AND RATS AND OTHER PESTS.  DO NOT HAVE PITY ON "BEN" AND HIS ASSOCIATES BY FEEDING THEM.  PLEASE CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELVES."

 

It cracked me up that Elder Fulkerson named the pests "Ben." Another one of my favorite things about this past week was when Elder Fulkerson taught me how to turn off the fire alarm.  He was concerned with our macaroni cook off that someone would set off the alarm and so he made sure I was prepped for that little adventure.  He then took me down to our great room.  This room is known for being freezing and inconsistent.  He told me he finally found the trick to the room and taught me how to regulate the temperature in the room.  After he finished teaching me he said, "Now you can add all that to your resume." I immediately thought of my papa. That is totally something he would say to me.
 

 

The dreams & cool things of this week:

• I got to do baptisms and go to the DC Temple. Beautiful & Necessary
• I SAW MY FIRST FIREFLY. THEY ARE PURE MAGIC. Seeing fireflies was at the very top of my list of things to see and it made my heart so happy.
• I made an amazing grilled cheese sandwich that may or may not have involved garlic and cream cheese...
• You know that moment in the  movies when the actor is walking along the street in the big city and gets splashed by a bus on the street corner...well, that is a real thing. And that real thing happened to me this week! It was kind of awesome...
• Good News Moment Work Edition: my boss invited me to be his guest at a fundraising networking event and I met some great contacts.
• More mail from grandma and momma. :]
• I ran to the Lincoln at night twice this week. One of my favorite places in the world.

 

TOMMOROW= PHILADELPHIA & VALLEY FORGE

ADVEN-CHA.

My favorite day[s]. Yesss.

Questio-mation of the day:

I have lived here for a month?!

 

 

This week I got letters in the mail from my angel grandmother & my momma, from my Rachel on a mission and thriving, and from a Chase (a guy friend from home) who is also serving a mission right now. What more could I ask for?! Seriously. It has been so great.  There is something special about good old snail mail. So much more personal even though it is not the most convenient.  Getting mail feels like Christmas morning for me...twelve times better than newspaper ads everyday! 

 

I have also had some great discoveries at work this week.  I started to feel the definite love of what I am doing. We got to visit the trade show floor again and I find it so interesting.  The work of associations is becoming more clear to me.  I also go to go to a lunch this week with my supervisor and a very important sponsor to our events.  I was really intimidated at first when I observed where we were eating and the people we were eating with.  It ended up being an amazing opportunity that I am grateful it  was allotted to me. I was able to pick the sponsor's brain on his knowledge of the hospitality industry.  I learned so much from him and from simply participating in the experience. Also, I am starting a project, "The Interview Project," where I am going to interview professionals in my office and get their best advice on life, events, and careers. Trying to make it the most. :] Stay Tuned!!

 

 I explored DuPont Circle with Daryn tonight and she found a really cool vintage store.  There were some skirts in there that inspired me to sew replicas! Also, on the metro on my way home I witnessed something I have wanted to the whole time I have been here...breakdancing in the metro! I recorded it. FOR SURE. Thursday serve as the Barlow kids pseudo-Friday.  We are a little stir crazy and ready to go out by Thursday and have class and briefings on Friday morns. Tonight we discussed the men with the greatest hair in the world over ice cream and a stroll through Georgetown. Mitt Romney and George Clooney were the clear winners of the competition. We talked about how men have an easier time looking classy as they get older.  It was a rainy and cool night tonight and so the walk was more than a bueno thing.  To top it all off, we practiced headstands in the commons. With that I called it a night.

 

TOMORROW IS MY FIRST MLB GAME.

I can feel the excitement in my bones already.

:]

 

Last weekend was one of my all time favorites. We went paddle-boating at the Tidal Basin which is right next to the Jefferson Monument. It totally felt like a mini lake day.  We were out it the hot sun just paddling around. It was like a mini heaven for me that day. It was cheap, we got to wear sweet life jackets, and laughed our guts out. What a dream. Pictures of the dream to follow....

 

 

One of the most hilarious humans alive.

This is the man that leads the runs we go on every week.  We always end up running through some dark, wet, hidden, scary, forest-y trail- and all of us still go every time! I should know by now that I am not just signing up for a run but for a full on adventure every night.  Two nights ago we ended up at Roosevelt Island, which is just on the Potomac. You cross a small bridge to get to it.  It was so dark in there but we made it to a really cool look out point. We ended by running through the Georgetown canal.  The next night we ran through another random trail and ended up on Georgetown Campus...which is BEAUTIFUL. It is a fun and interesting way to see the city. There is a whole herd of us that goes now and I love it. 

 

Below are pictures from our night out in Old Town, Alexandria on the pier.  There were all kinds of street acts going on the night we were there- a magician, caricature artists, people playing all kinds of instruments, the works.  

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. :]