Ahhh!!! What a stressful/crappy-ish way to end the week. Just a rough afternoon at work. Things just weren't going as they should, although to be easier on myself a lot of it a) wasn't my fault and b)couldn't be helped. BUT still. I like to leave work on a happy note, enjoying the brisk walk to Union Station on a nice sunny summery day (which it finally finally was today. No rain, no humidity. It was lovely.) I will move on. but I'm still, clearly, a little worked up over it.
Otherwise, I would say that the job has been great all-around. I like giving lectures in the Courtroom (had my largest crowd yet. 260 people) and I love love love giving private tours. But mostly I just like answering questions and talking with visitors who actually want to learn more and are interested in the history and stories that go along with most things in the building. Been working on some projects, too, and just got the one that I will be doing for the rest of the summer. From scratch, coming up with a plan for people to "self-guide" around the exhibits and spaces that are open to the public. Sounds a little vague, but thats pretty much because I'm starting at the very beginning. Should be interesting.... But, its all been good. I like the time I spend there, don't get bored (which is amazing. Thats always been one of the worst things about past internships/jobs. the lack of variety), and I think, I hope, that I am right about this being the field that I want to go into.
Just a few more items about work-- J. Ginsburg passed right by me the other day and I just smiled the biggest grin you can imagine. I heart her. Haven't actually met met any of the Justices but I have now seen all of them, been in the same room, etc. Got to sit in the Non-argument session yesterday morning for the handing down of opinions. Gets a little over my head when they start talking about Latin phrases and past precedents and statutes but its exciting just to be able to witness them doing Court stuff.
OHH! Its been so long since I updated that I havent gotten to mention that I saw Pete Williams from Nightly News. Like 3 times now! The second time we actually passed each other in the hallway and I smiled and nodded. And afterwards kicked myself for not saying Hi and how much I love NN. He knows B. Will. and therefore I am that much closer by degrees of separation of knowing him myself. :)
I'm the only one home this weekend. Pancho has been in Boca for the past week. And then Phil went to a conference so its just me, some cookies from my mom, and a night of watching What Not to Wear. actually sounds perfect. I like our new apartment. Its a total sty right now, but its such a vast and superior improvement over the rowhouse. Its as if I was living in squalor there compared to this. lol.
Just started reading My Life in France by Julia Child. I saw a preview for a movie coming out this summer about a woman who decided she was going to make all 500-something recipes in the Julia Child cookbook and thought it looked good. And then I saw the memoir at B&N (sidenote: there is not a Borders within miles. like several faraway miles. I cant use my Rewards coupons! its annoying. but thats why I was at bn which is literally 2 blocks away) and I know basically nothing about her and I figured since I like most cooking related things, why not give it a go? And its great so far. Its humorous, getting some cooking tips obviously, I'm learning more about Paris, its even inspiring me a little bit to brush up on my French.
Found out one of the other interns goes to UF. The Gator Nation really is everywhere! :said with childlike glee and wonder: So it was nice being able to reminisce. Talked about how much I miss Flaco's. Oh, its painful even to bring it up. What I wouldn't give for a twisty pastry with guava and cream cheese...
Last little tidbit: How absolutely cool are these White House cupcakes? I dont know if I have the talent to make little SCOTUS ones though. lol
Friday, June 19, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
<3 Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is awesome. I started last week, and it has been amazing. The other interns are cool, we've become a little pack. Nice to know you always have people to go chitchat with or eat lunch together. We're going out for Happy Hour tomorrow after work. I'm still learning how to do things, but definitely getting the hang of it. Every morning when I walk up to the Court, I think OMG, I'm just walking in, no big deal. It's incredible. Haven't given my first lecture yet, but I think it might happen this week. I'm ready. Can go on at length now about the history, the justices, architecture of the building. I'm curious to know how long I'll retain these many many trivia facts. I love it. It's going to be a great summer.
Pancho and I are finally into our new place. Spent the last week moving in, along with being utterly exhausted from my first week at work (The 1.5 hour commute each way takes a little getting used to...). It's nice, no mice (!!! sweet victory!), I can walk barefoot. These are big accomplishments. The only downsides are that there isn't a washer and dryer nor a dishwasher in the apt. but I will take that tradeoff for the next 3 months.
a few random sidenotes--- Au Bon Pain has really great vanilla lattes. I enjoy the new season of Jon & Kate Plus 8 but think that they should stop filming. Those kids are not having a normal childhood. I'd like to stay up tonight to see Conan on his first night but 11:30pm is quite frankly late for me these days.
Pancho and I are finally into our new place. Spent the last week moving in, along with being utterly exhausted from my first week at work (The 1.5 hour commute each way takes a little getting used to...). It's nice, no mice (!!! sweet victory!), I can walk barefoot. These are big accomplishments. The only downsides are that there isn't a washer and dryer nor a dishwasher in the apt. but I will take that tradeoff for the next 3 months.
a few random sidenotes--- Au Bon Pain has really great vanilla lattes. I enjoy the new season of Jon & Kate Plus 8 but think that they should stop filming. Those kids are not having a normal childhood. I'd like to stay up tonight to see Conan on his first night but 11:30pm is quite frankly late for me these days.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
After days upon days of endless rain, this weekend turned out nice and sunny-- quite unexpectedly. Good weather for sitting outside watching the Bluejays. Hopkins made it through Round 1 of the Lacrosse Playsoffs yesterday, (I saw Bill Belichick on the sidelines, watching the game; he's friends with the JHU coach) so I think we're headed down to Annapolis next Saturday to see them play again (and I have been wanting to go visit there anyways, so it seems like a fun idea). Slurpee run to recover from the heat. Perfect thing to cool off.
Watched Marley & Me which was both hilarious and so sad! I loved it. Pancho really wants a dog now. But I think its going to be awhile before that happens. Also, sidenote, Pops has been gone for almost a month now. Went to a nice family in Virginia apparently (I was gone for the weekend when he was sold) so its been quieter now and much much less doggy hair around. Although now I feel like our "breaking in" potential is higher. urgh.
Pancho splurged and bought Guitar Hero for PS3 last night, so needless to say, that was what we did last night. and this afternoon. My hands are hurting. but my drum playing has seen definite improvement... unlike my singing which is still tone deaf but passable.
Less than 3 weeks left in this house so we're starting to do some cleaning. It's all just so gross. Although there's another push to reclaim the downstairs from the mice. Set 3 traps. We'll see.
Baking and cooking again. Last week, I made apple cinnamon muffins and cornbread. Also been using the grill a lot more - Shish kebobs and grilled chicken with corn on the cob. And we ate at an Afghan restaurant, The Helmand, downtown on Friday night. It was good (I had an eggplant and yogurt appetizer with beef and lamb meatballs) but honestly not that different from other Middle Eastern cuisines. And the service was so fast, we finished and I thought 'Did I just have a complete dinner?' I'm talking 38 minutes from sitting down to walking out the door. We are still on a quest for decent sushi in Baltimore (and a good Cuban/Spanish bakery for that matter).
Watched Marley & Me which was both hilarious and so sad! I loved it. Pancho really wants a dog now. But I think its going to be awhile before that happens. Also, sidenote, Pops has been gone for almost a month now. Went to a nice family in Virginia apparently (I was gone for the weekend when he was sold) so its been quieter now and much much less doggy hair around. Although now I feel like our "breaking in" potential is higher. urgh.
Pancho splurged and bought Guitar Hero for PS3 last night, so needless to say, that was what we did last night. and this afternoon. My hands are hurting. but my drum playing has seen definite improvement... unlike my singing which is still tone deaf but passable.
Less than 3 weeks left in this house so we're starting to do some cleaning. It's all just so gross. Although there's another push to reclaim the downstairs from the mice. Set 3 traps. We'll see.
Baking and cooking again. Last week, I made apple cinnamon muffins and cornbread. Also been using the grill a lot more - Shish kebobs and grilled chicken with corn on the cob. And we ate at an Afghan restaurant, The Helmand, downtown on Friday night. It was good (I had an eggplant and yogurt appetizer with beef and lamb meatballs) but honestly not that different from other Middle Eastern cuisines. And the service was so fast, we finished and I thought 'Did I just have a complete dinner?' I'm talking 38 minutes from sitting down to walking out the door. We are still on a quest for decent sushi in Baltimore (and a good Cuban/Spanish bakery for that matter).
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Finally got a long overdue haircut. I love when its blow-dried by a stylist, it does all the flippy, bouncy look of a real hairstyle that I cannot accomplish on my own. Its always sad to wash it and know that it wont look this good until my next cut. lol
Watched Vicky Christina Barcelona the other day. It was good, different; I suppose it was totally what I would expect of Woody Allen. Not sure that the ending was what I expected but it certainly fit for the style of the movie. Mostly though it made me want to go back to Spain. Maybe movies just glamorize how laidback and fun life is there but it sure does seem like things are just enjoyed more, life is taken a bit easier. Under the Tuscan Sun is another example of an idyllic foreign residence.
Graduation mania starting to overtake the House. Just helped Pancho with his announcements, the boys are getting all geared up for Senior Week. It's extremely interesting to find out what people are heading off to do now. I think now is when friends and acquaintances will be more far flung across the country, more so than going off to college. This semester has gone by both fast and slow. Hard to believe that I've had this much time off when it still feels like there are lots of things I still want to do around here. Guess thats what the summer is for.
Watched Vicky Christina Barcelona the other day. It was good, different; I suppose it was totally what I would expect of Woody Allen. Not sure that the ending was what I expected but it certainly fit for the style of the movie. Mostly though it made me want to go back to Spain. Maybe movies just glamorize how laidback and fun life is there but it sure does seem like things are just enjoyed more, life is taken a bit easier. Under the Tuscan Sun is another example of an idyllic foreign residence.
Graduation mania starting to overtake the House. Just helped Pancho with his announcements, the boys are getting all geared up for Senior Week. It's extremely interesting to find out what people are heading off to do now. I think now is when friends and acquaintances will be more far flung across the country, more so than going off to college. This semester has gone by both fast and slow. Hard to believe that I've had this much time off when it still feels like there are lots of things I still want to do around here. Guess thats what the summer is for.
Monday, April 20, 2009
April showers...
It has been raining all day, since I woke up. I really like it when its raining and I can sleep in. Its nice to hear it outside, and the room feels more cozy and just makes me want to snuggle under the covers. That said, I was enjoying the lovely spring weather from Saturday, all sunny and mid 70s, so anytime that comes back would be lovely.
Had a great weekend. Friday afternoon was gorgeous out. Sat on the Beach with the usual group. Never thought I would sit outside in 65 degree weather and think it totally fine to be in short sleeves and it be pleasant. Used to be sweater weather for me. Lots of kids were out, they were all proud of the rare occasion when Hopkins looks like any other college campus. People actually looking like they are having fun. Not too much school spirit around here for the most part. Sort of sad, but makes it all so much more appreciate UF. Then, Pancho and I went on this dinner cruise around the Inner Harbor on Friday night with grad students from the BME department. Typical Hopkins slightly socially awkward crowd, but there were drinks included and the harbor at night was really pretty. I got pictures of the big paddle wheels on the boat. When I saw it, I immediately thought Tom Sawyer, Mississippi River, big white paddle boat.
This was Homecoming Weekend so lots of alumni in town. Saturday was also gorgeous out so Pancho and I threw a little tailgate. Burgers, hot dogs, frozen margaritas out on the front porch. Was perfect. So glad to be able to host a little something. Then went to the lax game against Navy. They won, I was more concerned with being super thirsty from the margaritas :) Walked around and got ice cream, sat on the Beach again. A very casual, summer-like day. Makes me think how awesome this summer IS going to be.
Got my official offer from the Supreme Court. I start in 5 weeks. Making more money than I thought AND they are subsidizing my monthly pass on the train to commute! Yay. More money for those work clothes I need to get! I think its going to be a lot of fun. Have to learn all about the Court now, and the architecture of the building. My boss seems awesome though from her emails so I'm happy about that. Lots of good stuff to look forward to.
Making Chicken Fajita Crescent Braid tonight, recipe sounds yummy, and so excited for a new Gossip Girl!!
Had a great weekend. Friday afternoon was gorgeous out. Sat on the Beach with the usual group. Never thought I would sit outside in 65 degree weather and think it totally fine to be in short sleeves and it be pleasant. Used to be sweater weather for me. Lots of kids were out, they were all proud of the rare occasion when Hopkins looks like any other college campus. People actually looking like they are having fun. Not too much school spirit around here for the most part. Sort of sad, but makes it all so much more appreciate UF. Then, Pancho and I went on this dinner cruise around the Inner Harbor on Friday night with grad students from the BME department. Typical Hopkins slightly socially awkward crowd, but there were drinks included and the harbor at night was really pretty. I got pictures of the big paddle wheels on the boat. When I saw it, I immediately thought Tom Sawyer, Mississippi River, big white paddle boat.
This was Homecoming Weekend so lots of alumni in town. Saturday was also gorgeous out so Pancho and I threw a little tailgate. Burgers, hot dogs, frozen margaritas out on the front porch. Was perfect. So glad to be able to host a little something. Then went to the lax game against Navy. They won, I was more concerned with being super thirsty from the margaritas :) Walked around and got ice cream, sat on the Beach again. A very casual, summer-like day. Makes me think how awesome this summer IS going to be.
Got my official offer from the Supreme Court. I start in 5 weeks. Making more money than I thought AND they are subsidizing my monthly pass on the train to commute! Yay. More money for those work clothes I need to get! I think its going to be a lot of fun. Have to learn all about the Court now, and the architecture of the building. My boss seems awesome though from her emails so I'm happy about that. Lots of good stuff to look forward to.
Making Chicken Fajita Crescent Braid tonight, recipe sounds yummy, and so excited for a new Gossip Girl!!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Spring!
I have been absolutely loving the Spring weather. Its still pretty cool out, but its sunny (most of the time at least), and I can actually open the windows or sit outside and read. The Beach really is a nice spot to relax and overhear some Hopkins gossip. inevitable.
Looking forward to Easter. Its not one of my top holidays but I still like decorating for it (duh!). Not too keen on any of the candy, either. Don't like Peeps, jelly beans, Cadbury eggs. Just SweetTarts Chicks, Ducks, and Bunnies. So I've been planning for awhile for this weekend. Got Pancho's basket all set to go, ready to dye eggs, baking some Pillsbury Easter Chick sugar cookies, and cinnamon rolls on Sunday morning. So excited!
However, the schedule might change a little bit because I think I'm going up to New York. My grandmother is pretty sick and my mom is there now, and since its only a 5 hour drive for me, it makes sense that I should be there. And then on the drive back, I'm arranging a visit to Penn. Still working out meetings with professors and stuff. Really want to get a feel for the campus and the area, see if I can visualize myself there. Maybe spot the cafe I will take up residence in, with my mountain of books and articles to read and a pressing need to have direct access to caffeine and baked goods. lol. So, things are certainly happening, or rather, things are about to be happening.
Kaplan job not really for me, as it turns out. I realized that I shouldnt be doing things that I dont enjoy. Life's too short. Probably should really enjoy these last few weeks I have off before the summer starts. Therefore, Pancho and I are going to an Orioles baseball game tonight. He is so excited about the start of the new season. (Naturally, I'm excited about all of the game park food. Hot dogs and funnel cakes? Heck yes.)
Oh, so I'm not feeling well. Picked up another little cold, and I really wanted Matzo ball soup last night. We finally find that Whole Foods has it for Passover. Make the 15 minute drive over there, and they dont have it until today! Actually very disappointing. I dont like when I cant satisfy my inner Jew. We went to Pei Wei instead. lol
Looking forward to Easter. Its not one of my top holidays but I still like decorating for it (duh!). Not too keen on any of the candy, either. Don't like Peeps, jelly beans, Cadbury eggs. Just SweetTarts Chicks, Ducks, and Bunnies. So I've been planning for awhile for this weekend. Got Pancho's basket all set to go, ready to dye eggs, baking some Pillsbury Easter Chick sugar cookies, and cinnamon rolls on Sunday morning. So excited!
However, the schedule might change a little bit because I think I'm going up to New York. My grandmother is pretty sick and my mom is there now, and since its only a 5 hour drive for me, it makes sense that I should be there. And then on the drive back, I'm arranging a visit to Penn. Still working out meetings with professors and stuff. Really want to get a feel for the campus and the area, see if I can visualize myself there. Maybe spot the cafe I will take up residence in, with my mountain of books and articles to read and a pressing need to have direct access to caffeine and baked goods. lol. So, things are certainly happening, or rather, things are about to be happening.
Kaplan job not really for me, as it turns out. I realized that I shouldnt be doing things that I dont enjoy. Life's too short. Probably should really enjoy these last few weeks I have off before the summer starts. Therefore, Pancho and I are going to an Orioles baseball game tonight. He is so excited about the start of the new season. (Naturally, I'm excited about all of the game park food. Hot dogs and funnel cakes? Heck yes.)
Oh, so I'm not feeling well. Picked up another little cold, and I really wanted Matzo ball soup last night. We finally find that Whole Foods has it for Passover. Make the 15 minute drive over there, and they dont have it until today! Actually very disappointing. I dont like when I cant satisfy my inner Jew. We went to Pei Wei instead. lol
Thursday, March 26, 2009
UMD
Lovely visit to DC over the weekend. Finally got to Georgetown Cupcakes. Only 20 minute way outside, and made it in plenty of time so wouldn't be turned away again. Tiniest place, and they were just moving people in and out. I got Mint Chocolate and Vanilla squared and then 2 chocolate peanut butter fudge for Pancho and Ira. Delicious but super messy (All the frosting). Also went to Lauriol Plaza, this great Mexican restaurant with amazing margaritas. Maybe had a glass (or 2 or 4) more than necessary. But tons of fun ;)
Then had a great visit to the University of Maryland on Monday. Learned all about the course requirements, the campus is absolutely gorgeous, met with some professors. Lots of Women & Gender faculty, so lots of classes that I would be interested in taking. No language requirement (woohoo!), and the current grad students were nice and seemed to have a very active history grad student group. Everything was what I could have hoped for, and now I'm just waiting to hear from Penn before really making that final decision.
Interviewed at Kaplan yesterday, I've moved on to the training program. Turns out I'll have to re-take the SATs if I want to teach them because its been almost 5 years so the last time. Sort of a turn-off to the job. But I'll see how things go, I get paid for training at least. Should hear from the internship next week, so still keeping my fingers crossed for that. Sigh, just some more waiting for me to keep doing. lol.
I've parallel parked twice in the last 2 days on my first attempt. Finally making progress!!
Been a super rainy day today, definitely a snuggle up with a book and tea kind of day, just a little house tidying to do first. ehh. Lots of really cute Spring/Easter baked goodies on the blogs recently to check out. Maybe this weekend I'll tackle some creme brulee or decorated cupcakes...
Then had a great visit to the University of Maryland on Monday. Learned all about the course requirements, the campus is absolutely gorgeous, met with some professors. Lots of Women & Gender faculty, so lots of classes that I would be interested in taking. No language requirement (woohoo!), and the current grad students were nice and seemed to have a very active history grad student group. Everything was what I could have hoped for, and now I'm just waiting to hear from Penn before really making that final decision.
Interviewed at Kaplan yesterday, I've moved on to the training program. Turns out I'll have to re-take the SATs if I want to teach them because its been almost 5 years so the last time. Sort of a turn-off to the job. But I'll see how things go, I get paid for training at least. Should hear from the internship next week, so still keeping my fingers crossed for that. Sigh, just some more waiting for me to keep doing. lol.
I've parallel parked twice in the last 2 days on my first attempt. Finally making progress!!
Been a super rainy day today, definitely a snuggle up with a book and tea kind of day, just a little house tidying to do first. ehh. Lots of really cute Spring/Easter baked goodies on the blogs recently to check out. Maybe this weekend I'll tackle some creme brulee or decorated cupcakes...
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