Week 9: I can see the end!!!!!

So this being the second to last week here in DC, I decided to leave the city and catch some waves! The TWC put together a trip to Atlantic City for any student who was interested, and me, who has never been to New Jersey before, jumped at the chance of taking a road trip.

It took us a few hours to get there, but we were on a very nice coach bus, and we were able to watch a few movies there and back. Once we got to Atlantic City, we were given some food and gambling vouchers, but the first thing I wanted to do was go shopping! There are two long street full of outlet shopping, and if I was not too concerned about having to put everything in my suitcase to go home, I think I would have bought a new wardrobe!

We then headed to the beach. It was so nice to be in the sand and have a nice breeze in my hair. The water was rather cold, but it was so worth stepping in. My roommate Julia went with me, and we met up with some of our friends and just chatted on the beach for a while. When we finally got hungry, we went to go eat seafood. We had lobster spring rolls and jumbo shrimp cocktail. It was delicious! Before we left I promised my mom and dad that I would gamble a few dollars for them. I lost, but it was really fun!

During the week I hit up two main places I wanted to see before I left. My other roommate, Alex, and I went to the Library of Congress and to the Supreme Court. They both brought so much history to life and I was very excited to see all of the unique architecture inside.

The thing that I was most enthusiastic about was being in the Library of Congress and seeing the actual props used in National Treasure II: Book of Secrets. I loved both movies, and I was really neat to see the actual props and stand in the areas the movie was filmed.

The other thing that very impressive to me was the Thomas Jefferson Library. I was unable to take pictures inside the library, but it is a MUST see when you come to DC.

This week was also the last week for several of my co-workers and classmates. I really enjoyed the company of everyone that I have met here. There are so many different cultures and personalities, and it is a real life experience to meet new people.

After my last day of class and the last day for some of my co-workers, we all went out and celebrated. It was really fun to just hang out and not have to worry about homework and deadlines! The relationships I have made here outweigh most of my experiences here! Now I am counting down the days until I go home to TEXAS!

Week 8: Lions and Tigers and PANDAS….oh my!

This week was busy! I went on two tours and took a trip to the National Zoo.

Tour 1: The White House

I have heard mixed reviews about visiting The White House. The negative points were, “We only saw two hallways,” and “It was really nothing cool.” However, as everyone should do, I wanted to form my own opinion and have the opportunity to say I set foot in The White House. I walked up to The White House (very excited, by the way) and went through security very quickly. FYI- You really should contact your congressional representative’s or senator’s office at least 6 months before you come to DC to make it MUCH easier to get a tour. I contacted my office about 2 months in advance, and although I got a tour set up, it was a difficult process.

Once inside The White House, I began a “self guided tour.” I liked the idea of going at my own pace, because I was able to see all the pictures, without being rushed, and I was able to appreciate my time in The White House. There are several rooms that visitors are allowed to see, but the West Wing is off limits. I know that everyone wants to see the West Wing, but that is not available on this tour. There are many original furnishings in the different rooms. One of my favorite antiques was tea urn that President Lincoln and his wife used during his Presidency. Overall, I was very pleased with the tour around The White House. It is nice to see some of the Presidential Portraits, and to look out the window at all the tourists looking through the black gate far, far away, and think, “I have been there before.” After Visiting The White House, I went across the street to The White House Visitors Center. All of the background information from how the White House architecture was selected to what the children in the White House did for fun was in this building. Compiling the history behind The White House with the history in The White House made my tour AMAZING!

Tour 2: The Pentagon

Once again, I heard mixed reviews about taking a tour of the Pentagon. The same, “You only go down one hallway” line arose, and I ignored it because I was determined to see the 9/11 memorial inside the building (one thing I knew I would get to see). I went with the Business and Information Technology (BIT) program from TWC, and we met at the front doors of the Pentagon. When our entire group arrived, our tour guide, an active member of the Honor Guard, escorted us around the building.

We received a few lessons about some of the historical paintings hanging in the building. You need to go to find out what it was, but one of the “historical facts” was that Thomas Jefferson had a haircut that screamed, “Business in the front and party in the back!” Our tour guide was very tall and very funny. He took us to the 9/11 site and gave us all the unique facts about the attack...like how out of all the offices in the largest low-story building in the world, there were only 2 offices open on the side that plane hit because that particular side was under construction. Because of this fact, the casualties were much fewer than they would have been if all the offices on that side of the building were functional. The tour was interesting and I am very glad that I went on it. I know that this was set up by TWC, but if you are interested in a tour all you need to do is call the Pentagon and set up a time. I don’t know how far in advance, but you do not need to be part of an organization to go. All of this happened during the week, and yet I was still able to get some work done!

On Saturday, my roommate Alex and I went to the zoo. It was very hot, but we were excited to see all the animals. Right now there is construction going to many of the exhibits, and the animals are in their habitats. We were a little disappointed, but we did get to see elephants, pandas, zebras, and a cheetah.

Entrance to the zoo

They are so LAZY

Just swinging along

After all the excitement this week, we took Sunday to rest and have a roommate brunch. We enjoyed nice French cuisine at La Madeleine’s, and bought some freshly baked 7-grain wheat bread for sandwiches this week. It was a perfect end to a busy week!

Even with all I did this past week I have made it my personal mission to get everything on my list done during the last 2 weeks I have here.

Week 7: FUN, FUN, FUN!

This week at work we had really an interesting breakfast and lunch planned. We all took a trip to Capitol Hill to meet the two IRS employees who are in charge of “predicting” what the tax gap will be and developing software for people to use to calculate their deduction and return amounts. It was fun because they told us a lot of insider information and they had cookies, brownies, and some interesting and new energy drinks for us. Our breakfast consisted of bagels and a nice chat with a man who is a manger in the IRS. He gave us some pointers and really took an interest in developing us as young professional adults.

The TWC had a very interesting speaker for us this week as well. One of the program advisors from the BIT program presented on the subject of telecommunication. It was interesting to see where we are headed in the future when it comes to technology. He mentioned things about common networking sites such at Myspace and Facebook, and how there is a possibility for all of the major internet providers to merge in the distant future. Crazy stuff to think about!

The weekend was one of the best weekends I have had here! My roommate Alex and I took a long trip to Mount Vernon, where George Washington used to live. We really did not know what to expect when we got there, but we were ready for an adventure. Our friends Aaron and Isaac met us there and the first thing they wanted to do was eat. So we went to the food court, I packed my lunch of course because it tastes better, and is way cheaper. However, Alex got a pina colada ice cream and it was the best ice cream I have ever tasted! Then we went walking around the grounds. I have to say that Washington’s view of the Potomac River is the prettiest view I have ever seen. His house was not as big as you might think he should have had, but it was beautiful!

Roomies!

Aaron, Alex, Isaac, and Me at George's house

The "Cherry Tree"

George Washington's backyard

The grounds are still being used for animals and farming. The main thing Washington grew was wheat, and there still is a large amount of wheat being produced at Mt. Vernon. Washington’s tomb is there, along with his wife and 25 of the Washington family. There are also memorials for his slaves and workers. It really was amazing to walk around and see the place Washington developed many of his great ideas. One of the most interesting things that I learned about Washington that I never knew was that he was the first person to exchange goods for currency, thus the birth of importing and exporting.

After walking around Mt. Vernon for 4 hours, Alex and I came home and crashed! Sunday was spent working on homework, TWC papers, and hanging out by the pool. It seems like things are slowing down each weekend, but I know that I will get everything I want to get done in the last few weeks I have left here!

Week 6

This week was full of grocery shopping! Julia and Alex (two of my roommates) enjoy cooking just as much as I do, so it seems like we are always at the grocery store. Well, we heard about this place called Eastern Market, which is a large farmer’s market/arts and crafts fair. We had gone once the previous week, but it was during the last day of the market and in the last 20 min of operation hours, so there really was not much left. So this Saturday we were determined to get there early in the morning.

When we arrived, the market was alive! It seems as though we hit the jackpot of fresh fruit, vegetables, and homemade breads, pastas and pastries. There were several people around, but you could tell who the locals were. They were the ones at the produce tables bargaining and buying veggies at a low cost. All the local producers were there selling their fresh, organic food, and at a lower cost than the grocery stores. I got some fresh green beans, red potatoes, cherries, zucchini, tomatoes, cucumbers, a French baguette, and several fresh pastries. I was very excited about my finds! When we came home, I boiled my red potatoes and they were the best potatoes I have ever had! We have all made a vow to each other that we will go to the market once a week.

Locals shopping at their favorite produce provider

Saturday night Julia and I went to Rockville to watch a “movie in the park.” Well, it is not really set in a park, it is in the town center and it is beautiful! There are many shops and restaurants around, and the trees are lit up with Christmas lights. There are a few grassy spots so families bring their blankets and chairs for the kids. For those of us who do not have chairs, there are chairs already set up in the front, but you have to get there early in order to secure a spot.

Movie in the middle of the square

The restaurants around also have outdoor patios that are very pleasant if you want to pay and eat while you watch the movie, but I am guessing you have to get there like 3 hours in advance. We brought our own food, so we were content sitting on the chairs. Julia went into one of the local ice-cream shops in the square and she said it was the best ice-cream she has ever had.

Evan Almighty was the feature movie. I had already seen it, but it was fun to see it again. Especially since I did not recall that it was filmed in Washington, D.C.! It was really fun to see all the monuments and places that I have been on film. They even showed the street that I work on in a few clips! It was a blast to see a funny movie--it helped wind the day down.

Sunday was really a day of rest. I worked out a bit (in our really nice gym), and lounged around by the pool. There were many assignments due for class and TWC that needed to be attended to, so I just worked on that most of the day.

There are more sightseeing plans for next weekend, I can not wait!

Week 5: Fireworks!

So this past week consisted entirely of getting ready for the 4th of July. I know that it is tradition to be excided about our nation’s independence, but for some reason it means so much more to me this year because I am in the nation’s capitol! It all started on Friday. I had the day off, thank goodness, and a few friends and I were scheduled to be in the Independence Day Parade. I have never heard of this particular parade, but I was excited to be in it.

When we got to the volunteer entrance, we found out that we would be holding onto balloons. I had no idea that they meant the gigantic balloons that one sees for the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade! We walked several blocks, and it was very exciting to see the thousands of visitors all along the road enjoying the festivities. We walked all along Constitution Avenue and the sights were amazing! I walked past the IRS building, The White House, and several other buildings that we decorated with American flags and such. AWESOME!

Me waiting for the balloons to be inflated

They were huge! This is Uncle Sam.

After the parade, my friend Keona and I went to a BBQ put on by some people that I have gotten to know here. We really did not know what to expect, but it was probably the fanciest BBQ that I have ever been to! There were many different homemade salads, slow cooked pork shoulder, homemade sangria punch, and several tasty sweets. It was a nice and relaxing break from the heat!

That night we went to watch the big show. We left a little late from my apartment, and I did not know if we would be able to get a good view of the fireworks, but all my worrying was for nothing. We got in, sat right in front of the Washington Monument, and watched the fireworks to the west. I would definitely recommend watching the fireworks in the mall area at least once in your life. There are other options for watching the show, but this is an experience that I will always remember! They were so big!

Saturday was a day to regenerate. My roommates Alex and Julia, and my friend Keona went to Bethesda and watched Wanted, with Angelina Jolie and James McAvoy. It was a little graphic, but very good. Then we walked around and went into a few cute little shops along the way.

This is my roommate Alex. Love her!

Things were great this weekend, but I am excited about shopping next weekend!

Week 4: Futbol!

This past week at work we were super busy. We had several work meetings, a few conference calls, and we even celebrated a co-worker’s birthday! I have to say that I really lucked out with my internship because the work we produce is really appreciated and actually used throughout different divisions of the IRS. Also, our supervisors bring us food goodies, set up meetings with top governmental employees for us to talk to, and take us out to eat ice cream. At our ice cream outing, they wanted to get our thoughts about the work load we had, and wanted to see if there was anything that they could be doing better or anything else that we wanted from them. They are amazing!

I know that every internship position is different, but when you come to D.C. with the TWC, make sure that you are at an internship that you like. If for some reason you are not happy or think that you are in the wrong position make sure that you let your TWC advisor know ASAP! Your advisor is here to make sure that everything goes smoothly and they care about your learning experience, so never feel like you are “stuck” with something that you are just not happy with.

Coworkers...Love them!

As far as the weekend goes, WOW! It all started with some of us going out to a nice restaurant and walking around D.C. I was not sure what I would be able to accomplish this weekend because it was supposed to rain the ENTIRE weekend, but we were able to do things before the rain hit.

Natural History Museum

On Saturday, we decided to walk around the mall area again. This time we went to the Vietnam Memorial, Korean Memorial, and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. While we were at the Jefferson Memorial, we found this little paddle boat place on the Tidal Basin, so we decided to check it out. It cost $8 for a boat for two (so only $4 a person) and you can be out on the water for 1 hour. It was AMAZING!!!! We paddled all along the basin and got a workout in! That night, we went out and hung out with friends.

Best View! A must when you come to D.C.

Sunday was definitely the big day! We went to the DC United vs. LA Galaxy soccer game. I like soccer, but I loved seeing David Beckham! DC United won, and the best part of the game was watching the fans in action was probably the best thing of the entire game! There were smoking guns, crepe paper, glitter, chanting, jumping, and very large banners all around. It was one of the best sporting events that I have attended by far (and I have been to many events).

The best fans in D.C.

LA Galaxy vs DC United

Once again we have another eventful weekend, and I am looking forward to this next week! Pictures are on the way...

Week Three: I LOVE BASEBALL!!!!

This past weekend I went to the BBQ Battle that Washington D.C. hosts every summer around this time of year. There was BBQ everywhere, but it was a little different from what I was led to believe. From all of the material I read up on, it seemed as though I had to pay $10 to get in and then I would be able to get all the free BBQ that I wanted. Well, that was a little misleading. You have to pay $10 to get in, and then you have to pay anywhere from $5-$15 for food. There were a few free samples, and at the one tent that had an assortment of free samples there was a 1 hour wait to get to the front. At the end of the day, it was all worth it, especially since out original $10 went to the Washington D.C. Boys & Girls Club.

Aaron, Keona, Debbie, and Me waiting in line for BBQ :(

On Sunday, we went to the Nationals game. Baseball is one of my favorite sports and I was happy that the Texas Rangers were in town. Even though I am not really a Rangers fan, I went to support them (my baseball team is the Chicago Cubs, thanks to my dad!). It was an exciting game because there were several homeruns and we got to see the fireworks go off several times. I think the best part of the entire game was when they had the “Presidents” race. A group of past-presidential characters with oversized heads ran from center field to the first base bag, Abraham Lincoln and the Rangers both won!

Washington Nationals Park...did you know this is the first year of the ballpark?

I told you they were big heads!

This week with the TWC BIT (Business and Information Technology) program, we went to the Newseum. All I can say is WOW. There were so many interesting pieces of media in many different galleries to be seen and heard. There were heart wrenching Pulitzer Prize photographs that made me tear up, and there was an exciting “travel through history” 4-D movie that was not to be missed. The great thing about this trip was that we didn't have to pay because we went with TWC! Most museums and such have free admissions, but the Newseum charges $20 to get in. I thought that twenty dollars was kind of expensive, but once I went through all the galleries, and saw a piece of the Berlin Wall and 9/11 tower, I realized that the $20 is totally worth it.

The Berlin Wall...so much history and warfare associated with this concrete.

I know that I have not given much advice about coming to D.C. yet, but I will work on that. Here is my first “food-for-thought”: Do not come to the TWC or Washington D.C. if you are not going to participate in the city life and socialize with other TWC students. The internships here are wonderful, but why would one want to spend all that money to come to a new city only to work and stay in the apartment all day? As you may notice, I LOVE to sightsee, and luckily there are so many different personalities here that you will find at least five different people who will have a common interest with you and will share in the fun (i.e. concerts, jazz clubs, Broadway shows, book clubs, movies under the stars, etc.).