1 week down, 10 to go . . .

Well, I have officially been out here a week, but if you were to ask either Britton or me, we would tell you that it feels like it's been a lot longer than that! I felt pretty helpless when I first got here, but figuring out the public transportation system liberated me. I have already done so much since I have arrived and there is still so much more to see!

My first day in the city and I run into my old roommate Brooke at the National Museum of Natural History! What are the odds? I wasn't even planning on going there originally, but just felt in the mood. We spent about four hours together looking at the exhibits and talking.


Success!! After my first day at work I finally found a Potbelly's and ate lunch there. Who can beat $4.50 sandwiches and the most amazing ice cream sandwiches ever?! Two large, freshly baked oatmeal chocolate chip cookies with vanilla ice cream in the center; ahhh, it's heaven. I did feel like a bit of a walking contradiction eating this enormous (and messy) treat while sporting my workout attire, but there was something deliciously satisfying about biting into my ice cream sandwich while watching joggers pass by and feeling no guilt at all. :)


I also recently visited the beautiful botanical gardens by the Capitol building. My favorite part was the section with all the orchids, but the "garden primeval" was also very beautiful; lots of ferns and moss. Oh, have I mentioned how green it is here and how much I love it?



This is the building where I work. Unfortunately the photo does not capture the vastness of the building, nor its architectural uniqueness. It is absolutely amazing! There are several atriums in the building with huge circular staircases in the center. Bridges branch out from the staircases which lead to the "pods" where the offices are located. It reminds me of a spaceship in this way. The atriums have pools of water and fountains and plants and all kinds of interesting artwork and sculptures. I wish I could just go exploring because there is still so much of the building I haven't seen. It would be so easy to get lost in!



There are so many great things in D.C., but one of my favorites (so far) is the National Archives; home of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. I have a great respect for the Founding Fathers and those who have worked so hard to achieve and maintain our freedom here in this country. I can't imagine (as it said there) "the audacity" these men had to risk their lives and declare independence from their sovereign nation; to create a government of their own, a democracy. I believe that these people were truly inspired and their words are absolutely beautiful. I was especially moved when I read the Gettysburg Address which was written on the wall in one of the display halls.

Me in front of the National Archives building.