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...