tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90855180640867292402024-03-14T07:13:47.927-07:00 Sigh No MoreCynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045204886923709168noreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9085518064086729240.post-17954388120519040402016-07-10T10:06:00.000-07:002016-07-10T10:06:08.171-07:00Little Missionary MomentsI have been trying to be a better member missionary, and while I hardly succeed in great and epic ways, the little things I do are triumphs to me.<br />
I used to be so good at it in High School, when I was surrounded and belittled all the time by people who probably didn't mean to offend, but nevertheless did so. At BYU I had a safe haven, and was lured into a false sense of security because I never had to be a missionary. Tulsa was a wake-up call, and while I tried (and failed) there, I have been doing better in DC.<br />
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- Telling my boss about temple work and our love for our families extends in both directions. We believe in eternity.<br />
- Bringing up the importance of morality and ethics in LITERALLY EVERY POLICY DEBATE in school, because we must develop righteous principles that lead us to do what is right.<br />
- Defending to my fellow students why 3hr church is actually a blessing, and why I love keeping the Sabbath.<br />
- Giving an old friend a Book of Mormon, and praying that he'll accept it.<br />
- Taking new friends to the temple and feeling the spirit on the grounds.<br />
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I believe in sharing this thing that brings me such to joy to others who come into my life. Sometimes I take it for granted. I never ever ever ever want anyone to come up to me and say, 'You had a gift you could have shared that would have been precious to me. Why didn't you?'Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045204886923709168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9085518064086729240.post-62380993207490796812016-06-26T18:11:00.001-07:002016-06-26T18:11:08.066-07:00The Great WarIf you haven't seen any of the youtube channel <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRAfhf6zsmc&list=PLB2vhKMBjSxMK8YelHj6VS6w3KxuKsMvT&index=23">The Great War</a>, I think you should give it a whirl. It's a week-by-week analysis of what happened in WWI, and <i>it. is. so. well. done</i>. The research, the narrative, the perspectives, the depth - the creators are doing really great things. It's my new binge-watch thing.Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045204886923709168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9085518064086729240.post-61159080100902842362016-06-16T13:20:00.000-07:002016-06-16T13:20:55.494-07:00visit ALL THE FRIENDSThe title of this post pretty much describes what happened. I had a long break between semesters, so I went galavanting all over the American West.<br />
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To kick it off, I went to UTAH and Shana, Calista, and I fulfilled our 8-year dream of going to Goblin Valley TOGETHER (they went without me once, those twerps). It was cloudy so I didn't get any good stargazing in (still bitter), but the rocks and the wind and the sky and sunshine sang at me and I wasn't mad. A piece of my heart will always long for the desert.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These girls are like, the coolest. duh. </td></tr>
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While in Utah, I got to visit a bunch of old college pals and some of my girls. (For the uninformed, I was an RA at BYU and for some reason the girls I watched over for a year are, in my heart, 'My Girls', even though we're obvs friends as well.) I always love catching up with them and seeing how their lives are playing out. They are so funny and adventurous and wise and inspiring. They make me a better person. </div>
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NEXT UP I went to Dallas to see Shannon!! Someday I will tell the story of how her great(x2 or 3) grandfather tried to kill my great (x2 or 3) grandfather. It is actually pretty interesting, considering the fact that in our first encounter Shannon tried to kill me with poison, and a few years later I accidentally tried to kill her too. Keeping the traditions ALIVE!! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She is so awesome. Like, seriously.</td></tr>
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Last stop: TULSA! My heart positively cries for Tulsa, I have missed it so much. I felt like I never left and that my other life in DC was all a bad dream. Being with my friends in the place that I love made my heart so happy. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This place and it's never-ending skies!! </td></tr>
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It is always great to be with people who know you and love you and understand you and support you and who make you laugh. My friends are definitely some of my greatest blessings.Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045204886923709168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9085518064086729240.post-26367910040747495392016-05-12T08:50:00.000-07:002016-06-16T11:49:39.107-07:00Notable Quotables Part 2Now that the semester is over, I present to you other noteworthy and funny comments my teachers have said. Remember, my classes are in intelligence, arms control theory, and international security.<br />
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"The appropriate answer is 'Senator, I do not recall'."<br />
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"It's not the offense that gets you, it's the cover-up."<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Russian Joke about nuclear fallout:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">"What do you do if you see a mushroom cloud?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Put on a blanket and crawl slowly to the graveyard."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Why slowly?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">"So you don’t create panic!"</span></div>
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“We want to get in there and mess with
people.”</div>
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<o:p></o:p>“We are never deceived. We deceive ourselves.” – Goethe. </div>
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“Never assume conspiracy when simple
incompetence will suffice.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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"Russia always cheats." </div>
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It was such a wonderful, difficult, challenging, mind-numbing, intellect-building semester. As it should be. And now I am looking forward to long break. Utah, here I come!! </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045204886923709168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9085518064086729240.post-18143490372729079872016-05-04T19:09:00.001-07:002016-05-04T19:09:38.555-07:00I heart visitors! Kylie and Jess came to visit a couple weeks ago! I was Kylie's RA at BYU, so I know all the dirt and awkwardness. Our mutual love of John Krasinski and all things English really cemented the bond.<br />
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Kylie and Jess have been to DC before, so they had some great ideas of places to go that I have never visited. They are also big art nerds, but joke is on them cause I love art! I loved the museums they dragged me to.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the Renwick Gallery's 'Wonder' exhibit! It was stunning and I have been thinking about it a lot since we left. I even went back to see it again. Def one of my most fav modern art installations. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRM1B4srVU4JiSRuFhGmkhyphenhypheniAx1uPSzq-X5jKBSilpcxl0TnonwwtTxsvtTCRE7CAAfeYp54hW41uniOnFwd6_Rh2kk97m-76layY3iYMiYBbG7F5Noa81-j04Zizb9WN3MNrXr0ot9Y/s1600/20160423_234852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRM1B4srVU4JiSRuFhGmkhyphenhypheniAx1uPSzq-X5jKBSilpcxl0TnonwwtTxsvtTCRE7CAAfeYp54hW41uniOnFwd6_Rh2kk97m-76layY3iYMiYBbG7F5Noa81-j04Zizb9WN3MNrXr0ot9Y/s400/20160423_234852.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was at the FDR memorial! We walked all around the monuments at night (honestly the best time to see them!) and I had never been to this one before. There were a bunch of kids taking Prom pictures at the Lincoln Memorial. How adorable is that?! #PromGoals</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise surprise, I took visitors to the temple! I can't get enough pictures of this place. </td></tr>
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I love it when friends come to visit! They always show me a new side of DC, be it in actual places we visit or their different perspectives on the city. It's so great to see this place through fresh eyes. <br />Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045204886923709168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9085518064086729240.post-1254375947367713872016-04-27T11:35:00.000-07:002016-04-27T11:35:16.532-07:00PalmyraIn March I made a last second decision to run away from DC for a couple days. So I hopped in my car and drove north to Palmyra, NY. Finally got to see some church history sites!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8eGw5B1lmsfKBw3KB_Ng_3Q5SsmLrqdWZneTJb2R6-gxm_FcbzTgSuykqOGHZo6YyM5oO5lIEJHtsiDyhh7Q-8xfKoggl5lywG1JRDZ7Uqb_JTNomDvMZ5w1j8JLRdRmdq3dlZ-mjRk/s1600/20160325_160805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8eGw5B1lmsfKBw3KB_Ng_3Q5SsmLrqdWZneTJb2R6-gxm_FcbzTgSuykqOGHZo6YyM5oO5lIEJHtsiDyhh7Q-8xfKoggl5lywG1JRDZ7Uqb_JTNomDvMZ5w1j8JLRdRmdq3dlZ-mjRk/s400/20160325_160805.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a cold spring day, but walking around the grove was so special and sweet. I felt so happy and peaceful. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IxI6Z89QJg6ZihCaqGmfYiDZqMibVr3xwXtgrY1MRhk73fu6Eq0ZO_IOpSFQ0iwz7iN_eNcAf5eUUAnzH99tgE6pMF7JU5ot8-3vYLd3ro3O8qTbz-J6Ri7YIohS0xSETVTICfLhYtU/s1600/20160325_202445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IxI6Z89QJg6ZihCaqGmfYiDZqMibVr3xwXtgrY1MRhk73fu6Eq0ZO_IOpSFQ0iwz7iN_eNcAf5eUUAnzH99tgE6pMF7JU5ot8-3vYLd3ro3O8qTbz-J6Ri7YIohS0xSETVTICfLhYtU/s400/20160325_202445.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved that the stained glass in the temple was all trees! And it was the same design as the OKC Temple, so it made me feel vaguely homesick.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEKMJyUFWEe9gCEen49VCuzDGRDDr6Ft3GUuuvGelDjQMyqS9Fjf1QldEmfdy6QP-k7CMvsuWwrbA27cw74nVC6spO5YfDAT59vCEDFRxixKkGsSXOo3GowZWsHx4BWmcLBF2prOCpVg/s1600/20160326_121948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEKMJyUFWEe9gCEen49VCuzDGRDDr6Ft3GUuuvGelDjQMyqS9Fjf1QldEmfdy6QP-k7CMvsuWwrbA27cw74nVC6spO5YfDAT59vCEDFRxixKkGsSXOo3GowZWsHx4BWmcLBF2prOCpVg/s400/20160326_121948.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Smith Cabin!! Where they were living when Moroni came to Joseph. </td></tr>
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The whole weekend was so special. I walked around the farm and the grove and went to the temple and reveled in not being in DC. Spontaneous adventures are the best adventures.Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045204886923709168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9085518064086729240.post-11862072265206665872016-03-24T08:02:00.000-07:002016-03-24T08:13:59.713-07:00Music ABCsMy sister Kelly is my usual go-to music suggester. But I managed to find these hot babies <i>all on my own</i>! Here's the ABC's of what I've been rockin' out to lately. Youtube <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLT6uDUMdTcaYmRDOoNUHeylMX0r9nR9yK" target="_blank">playlist here </a><br />
I'm always on the hunt for new tunes. Send your recommendations my way! But only if you have good taste.<br />
*Songs I particularly love.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">A</span></b>rchitects - Open Letter to Myself<br />
Walk the Moon - Work this <b><span style="font-size: large;">B</span></b>ody<br />
*Breaking La<span style="font-size: large;"><b>c</b></span>es - Astronomy is my Life, But I Love You<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">D</span></b>NCE - Cake by the ocean<br />
The Av<span style="font-size: large;"><b>e</b></span>tt Brothers - Ballad of Love and Hate<br />
*Walk O<span style="font-size: large;"><b>f</b></span>f the Earth - Rule the World (love those trumpets!!)<br />
*Rossini - The Theiving Ma<b><span style="font-size: large;">g</span></b>pie<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">*<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUSRfoOcUe4avCXPg6tPgdZzu--hBXUYx" target="_blank">H</a></span><u><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUSRfoOcUe4avCXPg6tPgdZzu--hBXUYx" target="_blank">amilton</a></u></b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUSRfoOcUe4avCXPg6tPgdZzu--hBXUYx" target="_blank"> (AMAZING)</a>(listen to the playlist!! you will not regret.)<br />
M<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I</b></span>A - Bad Girls<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>J</b></span>R JR - Gone<br />
The <span style="font-size: large;"><b>K</b></span>illers - Shot at The Night<br />
Spada and Ellen - Coo<b><span style="font-size: large;">l</span></b> Enough<br />
*Magic<span style="font-size: large;"><b> M</b></span>an - Paris<br />
Mika - Ordinary Ma<span style="font-size: large;"><b>n</b></span><br />
Walk Off the Earth - Hold<span style="font-size: large;"><b> O</b></span>n<br />
*One Republic - <span style="font-size: large;"><b>P</b></span>reacher<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Q</span></b><br />
Adele - When we We<span style="font-size: large;"><b>r</b></span>e Young<br />
The <b><span style="font-size: large;">S</span></b>truts - Could have been me<br />
Sidney Bichet - Si <b><span style="font-size: large;">T</span></b>u Vois me Mere (I want to fall in love to this song.)<br />
M<span style="font-size: large;"><b>u</b></span>mford and Sons - Hopeless Wanderer<br />
Ch<span style="font-size: large;"><b>v</b></span>rches - Mother We Share<br />
*Imagine Dragons - <span style="font-size: large;"><b>W</b></span>arriors<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>X</b></span><br />
Mika - Last Part<span style="font-size: large;"><b>y</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Z</b></span><br />
Lady Antebellum - Compass<br />
Demi Lovato - Stone Cold<br />
Mumford and Sons - Ditmas<br />
<br />Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045204886923709168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9085518064086729240.post-2801145017282663662016-03-15T12:49:00.000-07:002016-03-15T12:49:44.998-07:00Sydney and Day Trippin'Sydney came to visit!! We kicked off her first trip to DC with a day downtown, where I forced her to go look at the beautiful art in the National Gallery, and then to the Air and Space Museum WHERE WE TOUCHED THE MOON. BECAUSE I STILL FREAKIN LOVE THE MOON. Syd is the best for indulging me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_8nRUWuSnBD6p6LXWce6z3SA7KSv_Nvrvysf-fY3ac_8pctkmuuDiipyDwPi36lsEY5fbG98Is7-1zOObN-txR21RkYqswUkeJMOjI1kLMm0IIBK8UfDDIY0wOrOaaDgphxclpb6PNk/s1600/20160309_153212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_8nRUWuSnBD6p6LXWce6z3SA7KSv_Nvrvysf-fY3ac_8pctkmuuDiipyDwPi36lsEY5fbG98Is7-1zOObN-txR21RkYqswUkeJMOjI1kLMm0IIBK8UfDDIY0wOrOaaDgphxclpb6PNk/s400/20160309_153212.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The National Gallery has some really lovely JMW Turners. And since he is my fav, I have to go see his stuff every time.</td></tr>
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Next, we went on a couple day trips! We went to Monticello to see the legacy of Thomas Jefferson, and boy, it was worth it. The house, the grounds, the mountain top, even the creepy tunnel, were all wonderful and amazing. I love being in this area with such great history. Montpelier happened to be on the way, so we made a little detour and saw James and Dolly Madison's place as well. (Heart eyes emojii at Dolly M.)<br />
We also traveled up to Antietam National Battlefield, the site of the bloodiest single-day battle in American History. I remember reading a lot about this place in High School, so it was kind of sobering and sad to be there. But it made me grateful for the people who fight for freedom.<br />
Syd and I went into town a few times, but my favorite time is always at night. The monuments at night are glorious, and really beautiful to look at. Just a heads up for all those who come to visit me - we're going to go look around at night. <br />
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<br />Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045204886923709168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9085518064086729240.post-16593425913086599302016-03-03T09:02:00.001-07:002016-03-03T09:02:38.623-07:00Wathis!! Wallis (aka Wathis) came to visit me!! We painted the town red. 3 days and 50,000 steps later (she has a pedometer on her phone, I am not making up that number of steps!) I'm pretty sure we saw about 30% of what DC has to offer. Except for that moment where I couldn't get into the national archives to steal the Declaration of Independence, because my pocket knife was <strike>too rad....</strike> too knifey.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7AfCZMr-hRjGrg073MO1dIegRP_zaFWHToRhDnYBctW5_VIoGxJCiayAFdtoAdWXPQNq5XLC87fqiB5oabOiHOvTNn01tWlcAfBxDxz6g0MBzhWMFhvXeuFk79twUohcL48DjYbYXJWY/s1600/20160228_173950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7AfCZMr-hRjGrg073MO1dIegRP_zaFWHToRhDnYBctW5_VIoGxJCiayAFdtoAdWXPQNq5XLC87fqiB5oabOiHOvTNn01tWlcAfBxDxz6g0MBzhWMFhvXeuFk79twUohcL48DjYbYXJWY/s400/20160228_173950.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jefferson Memorial at sunset. It was the most gorgeous day!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpb3TyBWXJ3UzlWTuI0FOHX1cvxHEfwqpBUedEOb2kSDr0G0D_cc-0cHzSSmZceaAc9h5MlLFJnUD5wF3aWf6n4sPR_Q5hiGgp5KvVcQH9GC4TLXkdXeAkCQmqbev4KpKFbml38FGVZk/s1600/20160228_160005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpb3TyBWXJ3UzlWTuI0FOHX1cvxHEfwqpBUedEOb2kSDr0G0D_cc-0cHzSSmZceaAc9h5MlLFJnUD5wF3aWf6n4sPR_Q5hiGgp5KvVcQH9GC4TLXkdXeAkCQmqbev4KpKFbml38FGVZk/s640/20160228_160005.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guys, the DC Temple is so magnificent. I love it so much. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77YB_2hNZ9Ilurv3bAsbb2A1a8bStl1YEJq_LADQI8PaC3G3VNf1UPM8OUytWk1RGuyNQGAkAm0cchwV9ogZ9LmQpt-XiSzvr8jLNk2h2t8EAuWB9tEa_Fn49Abt-yAJyxURKJ67TE-Y/s1600/20160227_135536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77YB_2hNZ9Ilurv3bAsbb2A1a8bStl1YEJq_LADQI8PaC3G3VNf1UPM8OUytWk1RGuyNQGAkAm0cchwV9ogZ9LmQpt-XiSzvr8jLNk2h2t8EAuWB9tEa_Fn49Abt-yAJyxURKJ67TE-Y/s200/20160227_135536.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt. Vernon! We love George Washington. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxFiNvzgHOGy5MzWeeE2l3yJGOpzVkohbwaUl0fA-OLdP8VWJT7owt7EUDJhv8jNtRFANQLv5L4NZm0FfVpnYhVGPfk3VbU3RApjv6GVM_MfWSMK2xA4yhHdWfu3b-3t3Of2HoCiZ7jA/s1600/20160227_212147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxFiNvzgHOGy5MzWeeE2l3yJGOpzVkohbwaUl0fA-OLdP8VWJT7owt7EUDJhv8jNtRFANQLv5L4NZm0FfVpnYhVGPfk3VbU3RApjv6GVM_MfWSMK2xA4yhHdWfu3b-3t3Of2HoCiZ7jA/s200/20160227_212147.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This pizza is THE SHIZ. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She loves Bei-Bei, who we went to see TWICE!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14oBT1ufh5xhLBPnfDCLt6mw_0A3JFhtcVCKDHvwFtZ5_MpqNHN3ImzJzBD-ILYLsbFbkcoHAYgmoBV2Lo3R9XBCNMMTJbRY5q58oHozcEPt3HD4UqUXBfVJ1J6H2lzpoAnthOVeo06I/s1600/20160227_192250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14oBT1ufh5xhLBPnfDCLt6mw_0A3JFhtcVCKDHvwFtZ5_MpqNHN3ImzJzBD-ILYLsbFbkcoHAYgmoBV2Lo3R9XBCNMMTJbRY5q58oHozcEPt3HD4UqUXBfVJ1J6H2lzpoAnthOVeo06I/s200/20160227_192250.jpg" width="112" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Babe-raham Lincoln Memorial. We love him. </td></tr>
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Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045204886923709168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9085518064086729240.post-18566681744747045752016-02-21T16:32:00.000-07:002016-02-21T16:32:00.054-07:00The Pursuit of Happiness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Day by day it seemed like nothing was changing, until suddenly I woke up yesterday and realized I had been wonderfully happy for the past two weeks. January was so hard and I swear there was a night I could actually feel the devil laughing at me, but (as I wrote in my journal) I got through it, and I feel so much better. "[Here] but for the grace of God go I."</div>
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I loved this talk by Elder Busche. The whole thing is excellent, and this clip is really extraordinary. </div>
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Notable quotes: "Avoid at all costs any negative, pessimistic or criticizing thoughts. If you cannot cut them out, they will do you harm." SO TRUE. "Be grateful for every opportunity to serve. It helps you more than those you serve."</div>
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<br />Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045204886923709168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9085518064086729240.post-5482308809873465272016-02-10T09:52:00.000-07:002016-02-10T09:52:05.395-07:00Notable QuotablesSome worthwhile statements from my grad program this last month. I am taking classes in Arms Control and Intelligence, so I'm sure you can guess which quote goes with which class.<br />
<br />
"Never trust the French! Trust the British less."<br />
<br />
"We never play by Moscow Rules."<br />
<br />
"Cancun is the only place international diplomacy actually moves forward. Everyone wants to drink and go to the beach, so negotiations move along <i>fast</i>."<br />
<br />
"Don't get caught!! DON'T. GET. CAUGHT."<br />
<br />
"The ends don't justify the means. But sometimes they do."<br />
<br />
I am like 70% certain one of my teachers is at least 80% Communist. Debates about U.S. policy are always lively, to say the least. <br />
<br />Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045204886923709168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9085518064086729240.post-89867113457367363012016-02-02T22:18:00.000-07:002016-02-02T22:18:19.005-07:00National CathedralI definitely moved from Hufflepuff to Slytherin.<br />
Today I was a tourist and went to see the National Cathedral. It is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture and the stained glass work was some of the best I have ever seen. I love stained glass! Interestingly, Hellen Keller is interred at this Cathedral, and stumbling upon her plaque was neato bandito.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ah, the Rose Window. Iconic and stunning</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnvpECz6MPcYmpd2KxoHE2q84sT1sR6REBUGanCP1nYsNIs8xCS9k_5KXP10WAZ04xZNlmRzGjPwePMlGU93FMWhEGOcb0d9-WwEl9tNFYNKM1jLbIWZOa5h-EwdgaF0hb099JuI5bbk/s1600/20160202_122425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnvpECz6MPcYmpd2KxoHE2q84sT1sR6REBUGanCP1nYsNIs8xCS9k_5KXP10WAZ04xZNlmRzGjPwePMlGU93FMWhEGOcb0d9-WwEl9tNFYNKM1jLbIWZOa5h-EwdgaF0hb099JuI5bbk/s640/20160202_122425.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you don't love stained glass you are wrong. And just look at those arches! Magnificent. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRw8uTl8JGT4_5NnSlS0LWn_9A1PoUEcuI4WyJsLyUJzqfoszoeKZQfzpoVznMPZ8M0laSe20Y7WWSIrxe0mVPmgSLgDqPNg3G_i2q6JrZgtH2DLelgKlwEHp46PZp_R1nqI1tlp3o3fY/s1600/20160202_122555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvhw9P-sAbWtaiR0D0WKXGt2oJSEsvTl6Q0lz4Asp0MkoV2iP_smSJQXC1QDJnMnqOsJRxaod9-VsOrCt54t4kyiM-MRezq0QbMKlM3LjsFD12Vyn3wShGOxkMHttRrrMmLKnT447LKc/s1600/20160202_123659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvhw9P-sAbWtaiR0D0WKXGt2oJSEsvTl6Q0lz4Asp0MkoV2iP_smSJQXC1QDJnMnqOsJRxaod9-VsOrCt54t4kyiM-MRezq0QbMKlM3LjsFD12Vyn3wShGOxkMHttRrrMmLKnT447LKc/s400/20160202_123659.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Memorial for Helen Keller! And it's transcribed in braille. Very fitting. This was in St. Joseph of Arimathea's Chapel, beneath the main kanve. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jWhK4DiRgcS_pcY-178Tw66lSn6oi0oTvnfg1oKFtQc_dWIHYPlyJjiezbWWRaA0Dur5CA-lF1nS5RrmZwQwssMY7LU8NwKIu2SdEt1EVfSZgl15wrPNnfv5bM-DD2FqIy49yhUOAZw/s1600/20160202_124705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jWhK4DiRgcS_pcY-178Tw66lSn6oi0oTvnfg1oKFtQc_dWIHYPlyJjiezbWWRaA0Dur5CA-lF1nS5RrmZwQwssMY7LU8NwKIu2SdEt1EVfSZgl15wrPNnfv5bM-DD2FqIy49yhUOAZw/s640/20160202_124705.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you look reeeeeaaallly close, you can see a Darth Vader gargoyle!! I love it. So American. So cool.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnvpECz6MPcYmpd2KxoHE2q84sT1sR6REBUGanCP1nYsNIs8xCS9k_5KXP10WAZ04xZNlmRzGjPwePMlGU93FMWhEGOcb0d9-WwEl9tNFYNKM1jLbIWZOa5h-EwdgaF0hb099JuI5bbk/s1600/20160202_122425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvhw9P-sAbWtaiR0D0WKXGt2oJSEsvTl6Q0lz4Asp0MkoV2iP_smSJQXC1QDJnMnqOsJRxaod9-VsOrCt54t4kyiM-MRezq0QbMKlM3LjsFD12Vyn3wShGOxkMHttRrrMmLKnT447LKc/s1600/20160202_123659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8kEaAYPRP6IkuQss1S21lmaytnQZ2M-xc4Y91YQ_z-ZY-_ii-u5Rps_B8wnCqyqsFAEgKMHbXD78Ba5DAX-5umfpKpUXqAwYrOl59vkRt9Ia7KVcQr_cug1gYkX5i5NOpKy7eyOEud8/s1600/20160202_133911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8kEaAYPRP6IkuQss1S21lmaytnQZ2M-xc4Y91YQ_z-ZY-_ii-u5Rps_B8wnCqyqsFAEgKMHbXD78Ba5DAX-5umfpKpUXqAwYrOl59vkRt9Ia7KVcQr_cug1gYkX5i5NOpKy7eyOEud8/s400/20160202_133911.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My old stomping grounds</td></tr>
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I decided to go back to the place I prefer to forget, just for kicks. I had this wave of nostalgia, missing Lindsay and Jackie and Jimmy. It's weird to have such wildly different emotions about a place - I hated the work but I so loved the people. I got a sandwich at Potbelly's - as per tradition - and sat in Lafayette Square thinking about my time here. My takeaway lesson? That I cannot plan my life at all. It is taking such a wildly different shape from what I imagined 10 years ago, 5 years ago, even 1 year ago. There's a double meaning in that somewhere, but I'm not sure what it is yet.Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045204886923709168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9085518064086729240.post-83843202517328940922016-01-24T22:37:00.001-07:002016-01-24T22:37:41.361-07:00It's really quite lovelyJust add 'blizzard' to the list of natural disasters I have lived through.<br />
Snowmageddon 2016 hit with stunning force this weekend. I showed my usual daring-do spirit by walking out in a blizzard for two hours to capture these photos for you, my lovely three readers. And also because, you know, I like low-stakes adventures that include me walking around alone at night. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8UDtUibGbJmaoOC-CMuKmP9-BLQGY31b6le8yVnWXfwXW-JrU9Fx7UEjPAXlg9Zkq-OXR9lNJa03PJzaBjy7c9yTxaHkdyg1jcuoXFLVOWFOM130OJDZyZ9dKNlDmMyPX7cVI4LIwy8/s1600/20160123_231014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8UDtUibGbJmaoOC-CMuKmP9-BLQGY31b6le8yVnWXfwXW-JrU9Fx7UEjPAXlg9Zkq-OXR9lNJa03PJzaBjy7c9yTxaHkdyg1jcuoXFLVOWFOM130OJDZyZ9dKNlDmMyPX7cVI4LIwy8/s400/20160123_231014.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look, I found Narnia! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHPa60QU4FxNcMuDb1zeS9lN6aqnsBihnPo88zpVa-2fBMAxzMO6ihAP0G-dlCRVO7YzzlD_E6jYpCpf8VqfeivPMOD5xMXdvO1zgLSpsnuYrJkT61AkQFl5PImZ9i-I7PHvog6ciZIA/s1600/20160122_235250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHPa60QU4FxNcMuDb1zeS9lN6aqnsBihnPo88zpVa-2fBMAxzMO6ihAP0G-dlCRVO7YzzlD_E6jYpCpf8VqfeivPMOD5xMXdvO1zgLSpsnuYrJkT61AkQFl5PImZ9i-I7PHvog6ciZIA/s320/20160122_235250.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gratuitous snow graffiti </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnmSFuR8q7rdRd0AOQSadDOHYgcvS4wMxUseHKHy-9zruMShiHnhC5xqcs5YRVX3GueV-qOoq0VOM6G3VHXphE_xSRFBm4Eh0u9TfO9cXCIDq6p1eZgQdlV7TW-GYoTGm_ZAYZCNpMUY/s1600/20160122_183927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnmSFuR8q7rdRd0AOQSadDOHYgcvS4wMxUseHKHy-9zruMShiHnhC5xqcs5YRVX3GueV-qOoq0VOM6G3VHXphE_xSRFBm4Eh0u9TfO9cXCIDq6p1eZgQdlV7TW-GYoTGm_ZAYZCNpMUY/s320/20160122_183927.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was after it had been snowing for only 6 hours. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwXamwEBxQKizUS7lHl0oN6FGWt8etEd87rb_AW2kpKdjGc7QXc6xX1phjDtxCsVEljQEJmEpfAaRvGRRQiZcwwPtL8NODm9D9JGZ671HPXidEvL1fpoSMnkjqTKzvg09U1YZ9ly1HWw/s1600/20160123_231548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwXamwEBxQKizUS7lHl0oN6FGWt8etEd87rb_AW2kpKdjGc7QXc6xX1phjDtxCsVEljQEJmEpfAaRvGRRQiZcwwPtL8NODm9D9JGZ671HPXidEvL1fpoSMnkjqTKzvg09U1YZ9ly1HWw/s320/20160123_231548.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This tree is prettier than every other tree on the planet. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3m4VcJWYWdM70mPDhFmXyXhaVjgUeXLAXxANqz9OX1mogYqRMaSDxYuredk4lr3Y42nH9oX2VCCkE6nxEGFyis9R1gudy2T_1Gmyxgx79kCkmSc7YuWBulNagU0zMqs4pFFLGuVhvzyw/s1600/20160122_235452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3m4VcJWYWdM70mPDhFmXyXhaVjgUeXLAXxANqz9OX1mogYqRMaSDxYuredk4lr3Y42nH9oX2VCCkE6nxEGFyis9R1gudy2T_1Gmyxgx79kCkmSc7YuWBulNagU0zMqs4pFFLGuVhvzyw/s320/20160122_235452.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Footprints' #soartsyyouguys </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">The first night I was able to actually walk around with some ease. The snow was only just past my ankles. Saturday afternoon it was at mid-calf and walking around became supremely difficult. That night I walked around again, though this time it was more like walking burpees, since I kept falling down in the snow and crawling back up. The snow was past my knees. We hit 30 inches in 36 hrs! <br /> </span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70Lf96t1uqIepOek6X_3foTR-u-Rl_aBi09DO6lmMTtOgECsx0d7_j3Afyb3kWjn0YYl4Nza2ndv8cUPV9vzPQrrYfomZQ2xS_btGjYPgGx-Xtj2Rw6p41C3NEzYBJ-MNlYCtyCKhv_o/s1600/IMG_20160124_190100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70Lf96t1uqIepOek6X_3foTR-u-Rl_aBi09DO6lmMTtOgECsx0d7_j3Afyb3kWjn0YYl4Nza2ndv8cUPV9vzPQrrYfomZQ2xS_btGjYPgGx-Xtj2Rw6p41C3NEzYBJ-MNlYCtyCKhv_o/s400/IMG_20160124_190100.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OKAY LEMME TELL YOU A THING ABOUT HOW HARD IT IS TO SHOVEL OUT YOUR CAR. IT IS REALLY HARD. This took two hours and I was so sore and cold and I don't even have to drive anywhere for three days!! I am not working out for at least a week. #armday</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJM9AdmykMBz0-adEvRGP74OLAg0V5VtN4tm37soMjLMESzQy7SdeWGSSCFXvpKqJ6I3fAuqieJBcmQ0hXbaZRronAnW8eD_Ffgr1-XgCULoySUJp8CJnndknLfUBOCcB9-JnKOZu0kEk/s1600/20160123_001501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJM9AdmykMBz0-adEvRGP74OLAg0V5VtN4tm37soMjLMESzQy7SdeWGSSCFXvpKqJ6I3fAuqieJBcmQ0hXbaZRronAnW8eD_Ffgr1-XgCULoySUJp8CJnndknLfUBOCcB9-JnKOZu0kEk/s320/20160123_001501.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was so peaceful and serene</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ounmc0SkHE-rSD5_0bL4XNX6-Me0uo1s4kkI0ZOplrl_qhYnifR-Yuvpsj2wU_yW_IMODBeahX2hAHpC_kRTo6yheLh1hVZ97DjaB3jR33QkswQsFAElB7e31XrlBpy1WnDVvEpVLsw/s1600/20160122_234756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ounmc0SkHE-rSD5_0bL4XNX6-Me0uo1s4kkI0ZOplrl_qhYnifR-Yuvpsj2wU_yW_IMODBeahX2hAHpC_kRTo6yheLh1hVZ97DjaB3jR33QkswQsFAElB7e31XrlBpy1WnDVvEpVLsw/s320/20160122_234756.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Did you see her hem?! Six inches deep..." in snow. This was the first night.</td></tr>
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It reminded me of the storm my sophomore year of high school. My dearest friends and I roamed from house to house, playing in the snow and drinking hot chocolate. That was when Shannon and I walked around at 3am and decided that the prettiest things were sunsets, sunrises, snow, and stars. I still think that's true. There's something about walking around alone at night when the world is muted and still. It's better than yoga and therapy.<br />
But not better than oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, of which I had four after my workouts today.Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045204886923709168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9085518064086729240.post-34230425115897223942016-01-22T23:34:00.002-07:002016-01-22T23:34:34.788-07:00Here We Go AgainAnd now for my next trick, I shall go to grad school!<br />
New adventures, new travels, so let's kick up this place again.<br />The new place is lovely and cozy (one of those cute terms for 'small'), and I like it. It is still weird to see my stuff in a place that doesn't feel like home, but I assume that will change. Incidentally, it gives me all sorts of feels about 'what is home' and 'do I even know what home is anymore' and other philosophical thoughts a physicist should not be thinking.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhuhD2_uYULQOP7b79rEs2UTDZJVnV-BkBjwRK3b1yD0ii_ZVBed7IANwJPQVIYiEwV0bxPGeVaU0tpD5Eojsk2CK5673LumDz4HynGuZkRNDXsIRvXvO9bMF6XCxAytrv1YotXtHJMxU/s1600/20160123_005513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhuhD2_uYULQOP7b79rEs2UTDZJVnV-BkBjwRK3b1yD0ii_ZVBed7IANwJPQVIYiEwV0bxPGeVaU0tpD5Eojsk2CK5673LumDz4HynGuZkRNDXsIRvXvO9bMF6XCxAytrv1YotXtHJMxU/s400/20160123_005513.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the only part of my apartment that is currently tidy, so it's the only pic you get.</td></tr>
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<br />
Notwithstanding the first week of nightmares, things have gone smoothly. Classes are entertaining, and I collect such great quotes from my teachers. Gems like "He was a mushy-headed liberal poo" and "We like to use Whack-A-Mole diplomacy" really make me enjoy this program. It's gonna be so good, you guys, I can just feel it.<br />
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045204886923709168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9085518064086729240.post-86399117141900872382013-03-09T11:13:00.000-07:002013-03-09T11:13:22.813-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Recently I went to Mt. Vernon, home of our grand and wonderful first President, George Washington. Besides my deep and abiding love for Mr. Washington, I was filled with all sorts of patriotic feelings for the nation and its founding. It is such an excellent place.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX174oxnz6qp7vZ74P4AKt5LADD2b3KLlJilIZSSrSta9agSnZMTyMnY4kqLiP3o9HSmwDVPBJhiLFLaxSxlNlMIssZlbF-TpBNYdDur3pSiDkEU8DNSWlK-Q6gqLbC2p47yOhLce-BlI/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX174oxnz6qp7vZ74P4AKt5LADD2b3KLlJilIZSSrSta9agSnZMTyMnY4kqLiP3o9HSmwDVPBJhiLFLaxSxlNlMIssZlbF-TpBNYdDur3pSiDkEU8DNSWlK-Q6gqLbC2p47yOhLce-BlI/s200/003.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oldest tree on the property and the Potomac</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHPmuxwe2AJlMNc6PO9T2pN4fU2JkaVpXiJtiIR4NmV50HG_E-KBYijERcvHG0Jx7MLZW17vfDAqlff0ytjblKC1QHYUUDx6BYic9PmLfJLAMjc9zpe3qn1TtnzpN7eHgYsyOzAhYu5Wk/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHPmuxwe2AJlMNc6PO9T2pN4fU2JkaVpXiJtiIR4NmV50HG_E-KBYijERcvHG0Jx7MLZW17vfDAqlff0ytjblKC1QHYUUDx6BYic9PmLfJLAMjc9zpe3qn1TtnzpN7eHgYsyOzAhYu5Wk/s200/004.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The grounds were so lovely! </td></tr>
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They have many historic things at the house, including the bed GW passed away on, some of his original inventions, documents, and personal effects. One of the coolest pieces of history, I felt, was the key to the Bastille, given to GW by the Marquis de Lafayette. Lafayette said that the key to the Bastille was a symbol of freedom, and he wanted to give it to the Father of freedom and liberty. It hangs in the entrance of the mansion. We weren't allowed to take pictures inside! I wish I could have broken that rule....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSshm0kFliNSff0nGt7Kq9IRfeQTiz-bVv8Y7VF_0XPcgzN8qlwVMeZnmrSrf6RBik1dAN4sC-OGFzPKcQOVk7GExBi-sNcQSOtrqA2JTqm78-RrkmkV-BsvjxOno6zZQqbxsJeWBvLk/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSshm0kFliNSff0nGt7Kq9IRfeQTiz-bVv8Y7VF_0XPcgzN8qlwVMeZnmrSrf6RBik1dAN4sC-OGFzPKcQOVk7GExBi-sNcQSOtrqA2JTqm78-RrkmkV-BsvjxOno6zZQqbxsJeWBvLk/s400/006.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More of the expansive and lovely grounds! </td></tr>
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The grounds were so lovely. They reminded me of the English countryside, but more foresty.<br />
You can tell that this was really the home of a man who worked. Whereas the old mansions of Europe are all pretty and clean and for looksies, this mansion glorified in it's functionality. The upper gardens, lower gardens, fruit gardens, pastures for the animals and barn were what made Mt. Vernon pretty and wholesomely American. But maybe that's me projecting. I don't know, I just know that I loved it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTI84QnOyY4idqxRCwhMswkP40myxSwPJUYa039eFVB4dDJBFebUo0AIssfhKyOFfs10i_g0mr5Vrz1Kgzi94fu4ipX550XJkoT8J-fpMY-qUeF4MhhKJktP0h-_JF3J06H689FNsectk/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTI84QnOyY4idqxRCwhMswkP40myxSwPJUYa039eFVB4dDJBFebUo0AIssfhKyOFfs10i_g0mr5Vrz1Kgzi94fu4ipX550XJkoT8J-fpMY-qUeF4MhhKJktP0h-_JF3J06H689FNsectk/s400/007.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tomb.</td></tr>
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This is the tomb where the Washington family rests. I think it's George on the right, Martha on the left, but I actually can't quite remember. Either way, their old bones rest here, and it makes me so happy that the Father of my nation got to be buried on his land that he loved so much.<br />When you go to Mt Vernon, be sure to buy some cherry jam. They make it there, and isn't it a law that you have to do something cherry related when you're at George Washington's home?Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045204886923709168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9085518064086729240.post-4713556202366780022013-03-07T20:52:00.001-07:002013-03-07T20:52:09.379-07:00That Awesome moment.... That awesome moment when you talk to your perfectly hearty and healthy Nana, and she says, "I hope I live to see you get married!" and then proceeds to tell you the family history of various spinsters in the family and the ages they <i>finally </i>married.<br />
Guys, I come from a long line of Wives and Mothers. It's such a shame the tradition is going to die with me. C'est la guerre!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8no5uFNYh7NZEypGLJSZ4EFum9HJ3dyZ0lNqQKCSq66ttCJBJ3KhOL-4tJZjkTQkAmS0n_s_hqUMpbOWBeAYuSINQDVH_hAGREBGGJmUFo9joUcTba9fe5qNPpSDKBNLJSKlQpFeSDs/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8no5uFNYh7NZEypGLJSZ4EFum9HJ3dyZ0lNqQKCSq66ttCJBJ3KhOL-4tJZjkTQkAmS0n_s_hqUMpbOWBeAYuSINQDVH_hAGREBGGJmUFo9joUcTba9fe5qNPpSDKBNLJSKlQpFeSDs/s400/2.jpg" width="295" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I could totally work that cap and lace. Gotta work on that "Get the heck outta here" face though. </td></tr>
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Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045204886923709168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9085518064086729240.post-6174857926390769702013-03-07T20:44:00.000-07:002013-03-07T20:44:28.586-07:00The Introvert Myth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOf9rbG06XRWuI_ax__i6LYhZTfRqmBTnobajw1uesywu4Yv4bi71k39OyEl0BIVChqNOoUGI-IQK9VkVxaKe9q4mGg_VnhFW06SN-yWktqRI9ync_7KxOcgkWzyzwRlZe4KL4Ib2ookU/s1600/cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOf9rbG06XRWuI_ax__i6LYhZTfRqmBTnobajw1uesywu4Yv4bi71k39OyEl0BIVChqNOoUGI-IQK9VkVxaKe9q4mGg_VnhFW06SN-yWktqRI9ync_7KxOcgkWzyzwRlZe4KL4Ib2ookU/s400/cat.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
It seems that introverts get a lot of flack for being...well, introverted. And since these past two month have been a whirlwind of busy and adventure and newness, I have had to schedule alone-time. Yes, this introvert cat meme understands me!<br />
Let me take a minute to clear something up for them that don't know: introverts are not necessarily shy! INTROVERTS ARE NOT NECESSARILY SHY. That's like the biggest myth about us. ever. In fact I have met many a shy extrovert. It happens. I have never been shy, but if you put me around people non-stop for more than 8 hours a day, pretty soon I become unbearably snarky and huffy. yeah, <i>huffy</i>.<br />
And extroverts seem to have a real issue with people who seem to just want to get away. I'll give them that though. It seems humanity evolved to be in a community, and I'll bet you introvert cavewomen went along with it in order to get along and probably cause their husbands and childrens were all like "come plaaaaaay with meeeeee!!!" and really, who can resist that?<br />
So, in a shameless plug for introverts everywhere, if I say I want to do something alone, or not play with you, or simply don't talk about awesome things in my life, it's not you, my extrovert friend. It's me. We can still be friends though.Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045204886923709168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9085518064086729240.post-23984188120162749352013-02-26T20:00:00.001-07:002013-02-26T20:00:07.846-07:00Geeked outI WENT TO THE AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM AND IT WAS MARVELOUS AND FANTASTIC AND I SAW THE APOLLO 11 CAPSULE (!!!!!!!!!!!!!) AND A MOON ROCK GUYS I TOUCHED THE BIG BEAUTIFUL MOON WHO IS MY SOUL SISTER WE'RE BASICALLY BFFS NOW.<br />
<br />
This was a public service announcement. Brought to you by the letter M.<br />
<br />
But for real, they had so many interesting things about flight and planes. I learned a lot about jets and planes, and then I got to play tour guide in the space part. I love space, did you catch that?<br />
My friend Jayson teased me for beelining (bee-lining? belining? whatever) towards a huge globe that used to be owned by the CEO of PanAm. The globe goes up to the waist of an adult, and the CEO used to map out flights on that thing. It was lovely. I like globes and old things, okay?<br />
It goes without saying that the space stuff was ah-mah-zing. We even went to a planetarium show about detecting planets. It was really neat because it related to the work I did in Germany and some of the classwork I did at BYU. Light profiles and variable stars and what-have-you.<br />
DID I MENTION ABOUT THE PART ABOUT THE MOON ROCK CAUSE I FEEL LIKE MAYBE YOU FORGOT THAT BIT. I touched the moon, nbd. High point of my life, really.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmxU3uQXYoIE7R39XYLRhvtxwZa-4FMuGC0qROizeKABHIkgawRyPIaq2__MtXVBN7vBVilJEpfaecW0GvIH-iv_wEwpfic2la2H5x6NLx9YiEc9PtgwcP0slpA3GJQ7aoF9jBoyDw3Q/s1600/moon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmxU3uQXYoIE7R39XYLRhvtxwZa-4FMuGC0qROizeKABHIkgawRyPIaq2__MtXVBN7vBVilJEpfaecW0GvIH-iv_wEwpfic2la2H5x6NLx9YiEc9PtgwcP0slpA3GJQ7aoF9jBoyDw3Q/s400/moon.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">who doesn't love the moon?!</td></tr>
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Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045204886923709168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9085518064086729240.post-88921763607787579372013-02-25T20:43:00.003-07:002013-02-25T20:43:20.099-07:00Ugh.... Remember how I'm supposed to take advantage of all my opportunities and live the high life?! That so didn't happen this weekend.<br />
I watched 4 movies, moaned pitifully on my bed, and glared at my wall when sad thoughts came into my head.<br />
When I read old books about people who were solitary for long bouts of time, I wonder if I would have gone crazy or been okay. If this weekend was a measure, I prolly would have gone crazy. By Sunday night I was recreating those solo dance parties from Germany. And chastising myself Gollum-style. I guess crazy isn't far from me.<br />
On the up side, I read some, which is like a balm. Here's a great quote from one of the gentlest souls who ever lived. This is from the autobiography of Jacques Lusseyran, a French resistance fighter during WWII, who went blind when he was 8.<br />
"Colors, shapes, even objects, the heaviest of them, all had a vibration. And today, every time I assume the attitude of tender attention, I find the same vibration once again. In those days, when people asked me what was my favorite color, I always answered "green." But I learned later that green was the color of hope."<br />
Lusseyran was captured during WWII and sent to a concentration camp. He talks about light and humanity and blindness and compassion in the <u>most</u> interesting and sincere ways. I love his book, <i>And There Was Light. </i><br />
<br />
<br />Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045204886923709168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9085518064086729240.post-88346445024834266032013-02-09T21:00:00.004-07:002013-02-09T21:00:34.626-07:00Things I love1. <a href="http://www.normons.com/" target="_blank">this website</a>. just found it. love it.<br />
2. Gilgamesh and Enkidu<br />
3. Temple trips! DC temple is loverly. I saw a couple get engaged! I love love.<br />4. talks with Tashsa. which always vault me down a path of semi-catharsis.<br />
5. sleep. glorious, beautiful, warm, comfy sleeeeeep.<br />
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and this pic:<br />
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<br />Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045204886923709168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9085518064086729240.post-20195861547830806142013-02-09T08:23:00.000-07:002013-02-09T08:27:40.887-07:00DC Adventures <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8RD4zHnobVKYAeo1dTzkywytk2-QjYnI00RjD2cTvDPxIqIyJlitJLsUJ1H6igmsi2_MqsU6as4AiW9l56wGF1QVqsYIQ_mj54u3tsekV4xhFBYaOaEQywaSX2GadQIuPNEAtTCVuz0k/s1600/Sprinkles-Cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8RD4zHnobVKYAeo1dTzkywytk2-QjYnI00RjD2cTvDPxIqIyJlitJLsUJ1H6igmsi2_MqsU6as4AiW9l56wGF1QVqsYIQ_mj54u3tsekV4xhFBYaOaEQywaSX2GadQIuPNEAtTCVuz0k/s320/Sprinkles-Cupcakes.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sprinkles is better than DC Cupcakes! I said it! </td></tr>
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Almost a month without an update! How did my faithful 3 readers survive? Don't worry pearls of my hear, I haven't forgotten you. I just like sleeping more than I like blogging.<br />
You'll see that I am making the most of my time here... with cupcakes! My first Saturday and inauguration day found me at a lovely little shop in Georgetown called Sprinkles. Which sells delicious cupcakes... cause that's a thing now?<br />
Not that I'm complaining. They have a s'mores cupcake that's a little bit life changing. I loved it. Don't let people drag you to DC cupcakes... it may be famous cause it's on TV, but Sprinkles is so much better. Trust me. I've done the taste test. Also, Georgetown is adorable. It's a like a cookie cutter town on a Christmas card! I absolutely love it. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really want to go to a Senate or House hearing one of these days! </td></tr>
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<br />
My favorite part of my first weeks here was arriving to work an hour before I actually have to start. I would walk around the mall and see all the memorials and statues. I particularly love the WWII memorial, but the big famous ones are also lovely. I have all sorts of poetic-y and patriotic feelings whenever I walk around the mall and see the symbols of my great and favorite country. Never forget, my 3 readers: I may have traveled a lot, but I always loved and missed the US the most.<br />
So far I have only been to two museums. Such a tragedy! I did make it to the National Gallery, where they have a marvelous collection of... well... everything. I have yet to go into the impressionists wing. I just know the moment I step into it, I will be there for the whole day. I love me some impressionists.<br />
AAAAAAAAND I ALSO FOUND OUT THEY HAVE SOME ORIGINAL TURNERS SO I HAVE TO GO SEE THOSE PRONTO.<br />
Turner is the best. Full stop. If you disagree, I am judging you a little bit.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome, indeed! </td></tr>
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It's been a great first month. Learning my new job and the true nuts and bolts of how the government functions, as well as meeting other nice and fun people, seeing such amazing sights, and just soaking it all in is what makes my polymathic heart flutter! I hope I get to stay in DC.<br />
And when you come to visit me, we will go to Sprinkles. NOT DC cupcakes. And also the Air and Space Museum, because this nerd loves her space. And since you love me, you love it too.Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045204886923709168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9085518064086729240.post-39052771398729776682013-01-13T08:55:00.000-07:002013-01-13T08:55:23.858-07:00Sorry, GastonI don't know how you'll read this. There <i>are no</i> pictures!<br />
<br />
So, week 1. It was exhausting.<br />
I joked before I came that I would probably have to work 12 hour days and not get a real lunch break and have to be in a constant state of "gogogogogo".<br />
Turns out it was no joke!<br />
I do only work 11 hour days, but with an hour commute on each side, I feel like 13 hour days just aren't fun. But first weeks are always the hardest, so I'm trying to not be a downer here.<br />
This week was a cycle of wake up, go to work, come home, sleep. That is precisely how this week went! It's like college all over again! Except without my dear friends to make me laugh.<br />
But the work is fun and exciting and definitely more involved than I thought it would be. In my eternal endeavor to not judge too quickly, I am still gathering info on what to make of the job, but suffice it to say that I think I will really, really love it... as soon as I get used to it. Training always makes me feel stupid, and since I know I'm not, it's terribly frustrating.<br />
On the bright side, the other interns are a lot of fun!<br />
On the SUPER BRIGHT SIDE that french palace I work in? It's even prettier on the inside. So since I don't get breaks, I am forever contriving to be the person to run a document over to another office, just in an effort to see more of the building. When I was in Europe I despaired over the fact that America doesn't really seem to have a lot of fantastic buildings like Europe does, and lo and behold, I work in the only one the country DOES have. So, there you go.<br />
My absolute favorite feature is the way different parts of the building have different doorknobs. I think that is funny. They are finely engraved brass knobs that have seals from different government departments. I try to not look like an idiot every time I enter a new office and bend down to examine the knob. I'm not really succeeding though.<br />
On to week 2! (This is the week all the other interns start, so we have an official orientation. And I am supposed to help. With my own orientation. Talk about hit the ground running.)Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045204886923709168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9085518064086729240.post-16274308710440978072013-01-07T18:44:00.001-07:002016-01-22T23:07:47.635-07:00ch-ch-changeshola my beloved 3 readers.<br />
I live in DC now, and so far I love it. East Coast is turning out to be pretty aaaah-mah-ZING.<br />
today was my first day of work and I am suuuper tired. that is why i am not really focusing on punctuation. or coherent thought.<br />
suffice it to say, i really like this new position, and i am very excited about all the new aspects my professional career is taking. (can a career take aspects? see above re: lack of coherence)<br />
<br />
2 years ago today I started in London. Today I thought about that and how much I missed it. That was a marvelous time. I hope this is just as marvelous a time. I think it might be.Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045204886923709168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9085518064086729240.post-54301933082448735472013-01-05T19:33:00.003-07:002013-01-05T19:33:33.356-07:00Freedom today while walking by the White House we passed a food truck and Ashley said, "mmmm! It smells so good!" to which I responded, "it's the smell of freedom! and capitalism! and democracy!"<br />
<br />
I'm going to be so obnoxious here. I can feel it and I don't know how to stop it. gah. C'est la vie!Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045204886923709168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9085518064086729240.post-88290796013705291472013-01-05T19:19:00.000-07:002013-01-06T15:35:54.003-07:00The Mall, the job, the sights, the artToday I had a Big City Adventure!<br />
I took my little 'ol self and my new metro card (that was given to me by the family I am currently living with. They are so kind and nice. And funny!) and I went to work.<br />
Well, not really work. I just had to go figure out where I am supposed to go to work, and how all my first-day things will work out.<br />
I mean what I am about to say with all the passion I am capable of feeling: I WORK IN THE PRETTIEST BUILDING IN THE UNITED STATES CAPITAL. Fo' realsies. Here is a picture:<br />
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I WORK IN A FRENCH STYLE PALACE.<br />
I don't care how un-American that sounds. That building was stunning. HA! Take that White House!<br />
After I was done oggling my new workplace, we walked down the mall, and I saw the Washington Monument, the Capitol Building, various and sundry Smithsonian buildings and monuments, and spent a long long time in the National Gallery of art. They have the unfinished David-Apollo by Michelangelo, which is super interesting. But the real David is better.<br />
GUYS I WORK IN A FRENCH PALACE. IN CASE YOU FORGOT. CAUSE I DIDN'T.<br />
The Mall is so lovely. I have a feeling I will spend many a lunch break walking there and enjoying the sun. It reminds me very much of Hyde Park. I also found out DC has a Pret A Manger. I am so excited to be here!<br />
After toddling around the super touristy sights, I went to Georgetown. Holy-super-cute! ah! I loved it. That town looks like something off a Christmas card. We went to get cupcakes (at Sprinkles AND Georgetown cupcakes - cause I have to compare the two! Sprinkles won with a stunning s'more cupcake.)<br />
I am very excited to be here. I had such a careful and meticulous plan for my life and it did not include...well....anything I've done. But what's life without a little adventure?Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045204886923709168noreply@blogger.com0