The Great Pacific Northwest and YOU!

It just dawned on me last night. I'm leaving. Soon. Real soon. So soon that in 24 days, at approximately 5 p.m. I will hop into my Tacoma, truck packed, grandma in the front seat (We'll be dropping her off at my aunt's house in Central Cali) my dad sitting shot gun, and me driving, probably merging onto the 8 west then taking the 5 north all the way up. In two days, my dad and I will have arrived in the parking lot of a hotel in Mt. Vernon, Wa; my new home for the next 16 weeks.

About one year ago, I was doing the same thing. Except I was leaving for Washington, D.C. instead of the STATE. And instead of driving I was packing two large brown boxes and two large suitcases full of clothes, shoes, books, and anything else I would need for four months.

As I look back on where I was a year ago and as well as who I was, I am baffled at the fact that I will be going up 2,000+ miles north. In a sense, if I hadn't have gone to D.C., I wouldn't be packing up my room, deciding on what books to put in storage and what books to bring (I always do this since I think I will have time to read or reread books I own, HA!)If I didn't go to D.C. I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing today, but I wonder what I would be doing.

I would probably be graduating from PLNU this spring with all my other friends. I probably would be adding another internship to the list of internships I have, either with the UT or with some magazine (since print is dying off...) I probably would be going back to school for another degree since I would probably get tired of working for a magazine and want to venture into a major that I tried to do while at PLNU but was talked into and negotiated to stay with journalism. I probably would stay in San Diego for a while. I would be surfing everyday, staying in a climate where it's 70 degrees year round, no snow, little rain.

But I'm not.

I'm glad.

I think D.C. was the catalyst in the journey I'm on right now. Sure I suffered four months of cold weather, lack of foliage, NO surf. But I think it helped me and has shaped me and directed me into who I am as I type out this blog. Sure I'm over journalism as a career. But I am going into a field where journalistic qualities (reporting, interviewing, observing) are very important to my job, to my career. I find protecting giant redwoods, endangered tortoises, and sensitive rivers to be the reason why I wake up every morning. I want this to be here for myself and others to enjoy, to future generations to enjoy. Sure writing about it is pretty important, but I have found myself drawn to the actual enforcing part of the process than then final leg of writing about it. I'm a doer.

As I start academy on January 4th, and as I sit next to my future partners and protectors of such a sacred resource, I will quietly think to myself of where I have been, where I'm going to be and where I might have been if it was not for D.C. I will ponder on where I will be more...

Zion, Yosemite, Grand Canyon....can't complain about those being my new office and home.

11.75 Hrs

I worked today. Saw the sunrise and set...but I got paid for it, so it made it worth it even more. Did a live feed, nation wide interpretive talk with another ranger I work with to CT for a conference (about the tide pools).

Pretty exhausted. No coffee too. Just carb load.

Snowboarding for the first time this Sunday with a really good friend from college. Can't wait to spend time on the slopes and with him! He's awesome!

I leave in 41 days. I pretty much have to pack my entire room (because I will be moving out for good, and my mom plans on moving to a smaller place). That'll be fun...

"There are two kinds of people in this world that go around beardless—boys and women—and I am neither one"
A quote that has plagued the minds of the male rangers at my work, they are so silly, but awesome people to work with.

I win!

So I was picked out of over 700 entries for this photo contest! (first photo contest I've ever won I think!) http://www.nature.nps.gov/PhotoContest/Winners/ Check it out!!

Six more weeks until I leave for Skagit. Just got a sick house in La Conner with three other students. Pretty excited!

Waking up at 5 tomorrow morning to do a live presentation via the internet on tidepools to a NPS conference on the east coast.

Back to brushing up on anemones and sea grass...

Ocho

Eight. That's how many more weeks I have left here. Eight more weeks until I arrive at my new home in Mt. Vernon, Washington. Eight more weeks until I begin my journey to becoming a Ranger.
I'm getting a camper shell for my truck, which I am quite excited about even though it's raping my bank account! Not to mention I'm working on getting a house with three other students (ranger house what what!). I'm really excited and each week I'm getting closer and closer.
More to come soon.

From the district to the state

I will be moving to Washington State soon--10 weeks to be exact. I just received my letter of acceptance to Parks Law Enforcement Academy at Skagit Valley College in Mt Vernon, WA. I will be departing San Diego the last week of December, en route to the great Pacific Northwest where I will train for 15 weeks to be a LE ranger for the National Park Service. I am really excited (I think a little more excited then I was when I got accepted into PLNU). Now, for the remaining two and a half months I will need to train (which I have been doing for the past two months anyways) get things packing and ready to move, and make sure I'm still on top of my school work at Loma.
More details to come soon, but this bundle of news has been over due and I can't wait until the first day of academy!!

Missing the Hill

Well, sort of. Though I do enjoy driving my truck around, and having the freedom to go where ever I desire, I miss walking to Union Station and hopping on a train towards Shady Grove. I miss stepping onto the D6 and heading towards downtown. But, it does feel good to be back home. I've been surfing almost everyday and can't believe I didn't surf for four months. I've been pretty busy and overwhelmed (in a good way) doing stuff here-from working (surf lessons and waiting for the park service to get done with a background check so I can work) to getting stuff ready for next semester as Ed in Chief to just hanging out with people and getting into the typical summer groove of things (surfing, trail running, playing around, etc.) I've started to play pick up with my friend Tim (basketball) and I'm starting up indoor soccer again. Also I'll be running a half marathon in August (OMG!!) This summer will be my active/sports summer--getting back in shape from the city life and getting tan!

Seventh inning stretch

So I have about two weeks left here. Today is my last day at my internship. I will miss it and I have learned a lot working at the Washingtonian but I am looking forward to sleeping in, wearing sweats, and not sitting at a desk in front of a computer for eight hours. But I will miss my bus-ride every morning, wedding cake tastings every Thursday, hearing the latests news on restaurants, bars, and entertainment and being able to go to events.

I have started to work on my Term paper that is due next Friday. I am researching the 1996 catastrophic Everest summit, highlighted in Jon Krakauer's book "Into Thin Air" and the controversies that followed after the article and book was published.

I am also thinking about doing a Master Cleanse otherwise known as the Lemonade Diet. My diet in D.C. has been quite different from back home, fresh fruits and veggies are not only more expensive but harder to get since I can't hop in a car and go to a grocery store, I have to spend an hour and a half round trip on the metro to go to Whole Foods if I want quality veggies. So! in the last two weeks here, I am going to try and attempt to follow a ten day cleanse starting Monday as I spend the next three days in preparation (limiting processed foods, dairy and meat and transitioning my body to be able to only intake fruits and veggies--vegan diet) I hope to end on the 29th and then resume a post-cleanse diet, vegan going towards vegetarian.

I did a similar cleanse a year and a half ago but it was only a five day cleanse--I couldn't handle the ten at the time since I performed it the second week into my Fall semester.

So we will see how it goes...

One week exactly until Kiki (my sister!) gets here! I am really excited to take here and show here around the city!

20 more days

I had a fun Easter weekend. Went to a Good Friday service with one of my roomies to the church I have been going to here. Then Saturday I went rock climbing up in Rockville, and Sunday had a great Easter with the roomies and friends ate a huge lunch which everybody helped prepare ( I made a chocolate cake and a chocolate ginger cake as well as helped with one of my roomies make homemade mashed potatoes). In between I did a lot of reading for my term paper I have due, and some other homework.

I only have three more weeks left, this week is the last week of my internship, but I'm looking forward to starting to get some projects planned with the park service.

I'll be pretty busy the next couple of weeks, and can't wait until my sister comes to visit in less than two weeks!

NPS

So, about a month ago, I went to this environmental film fest and I went to one of the screenings at American University and in the small room I was in, there was a panel of speakers, one women worked for National Geographic, the other was a student premiering a film, and the other gentleman was a director/producer for the National Park Service. He described to the audience what he did, which was go around and film for the park service in different parks. During intermission I went outside the room to where he was and talked to him. I really was interested in what he does and wanted to find out how I could possibly get started with something like that but with photography/writing. So we chatted it up for a bit and then he told me to send some photos of nature/wilderness and he would see what he could do. So I was pretty excited but didn't have my hopes up just because I didn't want to be disappointed if nothing came out of it. So, about a week and a half ago I received an email from another official in the park service and he wanted to set something up with me. He was very impressed with my photos and wanted to meet up to talk about what we could possible do. So, last Thursday I met up with him after work and we talked about the possibilities. This summer, I will pretty much be working for the park service, going around to Yosemite, Kings Canyon, J Tree, Mojave, and all the main wilderness throughout the west, take photos, write articles, and create more content for the park service use. I'm really excited because not only have I wanted to land a job in the department of Interior (and it is really hard to get in, you either have to have legacy or know someone pretty much) but this will pretty much secure me a career position after college if I still want to do this!!!

So excited...more to come on the details.

I will still be coming back home in 25 days! But I will most likely be coming back out here for a month to do some work for the Park Service at the headquarters which is in D.C.

SOOOO excited, I'm really glad I went to that film event because if I didn't this wouldn't have happened!!!

Cherry Blossom beginnings

This weekend marked the start of the Cherry Blossom Festival. Here are some pictures I took from yesterday's activities, which included flying kites



































Too bad it had rained the day before and was all gloomy, but luckily it wasn't too cold.


The peak of the blooming will probably happen between April 1-4, according to the National Parks Service

To bad I will be headed south, so hopefully it will bloom early. Most of the cherry blossoms are starting to bloom as well as some magnolia trees. Spring is definitely trying to shine through between the spring showers.

Thirty-three more days until I'm home. Hopefully they go by fast, I just want to be home doing my normal thing. I actually can't wait to start working, considering I don't have a job here (I don't count the fact that I help out during family dinner once a week and make like 14 bucks...that's not a job). So I hope to just crank through and then leave on Friday, April 1st at night, and fly home!

But for now, I'll take advantage of being here obviously, finish out my internship, get through these classes and come home!!!

My first and last Greyhound

If you plan on traveling using a Greyhound bus--put aside our entire itinerary and don't having anything special planned a good five hours before you arrive to our final destination. I arrived at the bus station at 3:30 p.m., an hour before my bus would leave and the exact time the website said to arrive, (an hour before your schedule bus departure time). So I stood in line for my bus, since seating is first come first serve. I kept looking at my watch, anxious and excited to know where I would be in what I thought would be six hours. 4:30 rolled around and the line hadn't budged. The door to the platform wasn't opened and no official was even explaining why we weren't driving down the road already. I began to become worried and frustrated. At first I thought I was in the line for the wrong bus, and then began to assume that my bus had already left, and then began to panic at the thought that I would have to wait God knows how many more hours for another bus to take me down to Raleigh, North Carolina--my chosen destination. Since there wasn't a Greyhound employee in even earshot for me to holler at to ask why in the world my current location wasn't on a bus and instead standing in line, considering by now it was 4:45, I began to listen to the people around me to see if I could gather any info from their frustrated panicking as well. To some relief, I was assured I was on the right bus from the fact that one lady was going to Charlotte, so we were going in the same general direction. I stood there not only confused and frustrated, but helpless. It's not like my complaining to the bus driver would actually make us go faster, but a little info update would be nice. The doors finally propped opened and we were admitted on and herded on the bus. I found my way down the aisle and sat in an empty window seat, a traveling requirement I've established whether I am taking a train or plane and now, bus. We left Washington, D.C. at 5:05 p.m.--35 minutes behind schedule.

"Good afternoon," the bus driver's voice thundered throughout the bus cabin. I unenthusiastic "good afternoon" came from the passengers (I could only imagine why).

"You guys are pitiful! Good afternoon!"

We then responded a little more joyful in our response,"Good afternoon!"

"This is my home and you will respect it as such. Now my name is Andrea."

She went to go on to explain some simple rules of the road to us, such as cell phone volume, personal electronic device volumes, disposing of trash along with some personal hygiene regulations.

"I speak one time and I'll cut it dry, keep your shoes on and break your wind to a minimum!"

Off we drove out of D.C. west over the Potomac and onto Richmand, our first stop and transfer for some passengers. The bus needed to be serviced when we arrived so we all had to exit the bus. I brought a magazine with me, my wallet, phone and iPod. After using the restroom, I found my way to a bench next to an older African American gentleman. I began to read my Running Times and listen to my music.

"Is that hiking?" the man next to me asked. I took out an ear bud and asked,"Padron me?

"

"Is that hiking?"

"No, he's running, it's a running magazine, I run, but I mean I hike too."

"Do you run to lose weight or keep up your endurance?"

"Well, I mean I ran all throughout middle and high school in sports, so I just do it, I like it."

I was a little shocked he asked about my personal motive for running, especially the weight loss one. I run primarily because I like being active and it keeps you in shape and healthy, but not for weight loss. We began to talk about where I run and I told him that I run from my apartment towards the Capitol and down the National Mall, past all the monuments and sometimes, across the Potomac.

"I live in D.C." I had heard myself tell him. I live in D.C.



I couldn't believe I said that. This really startled me as I began to continue a conversation with Ty, as he later introduced himself. Up until that point, I would say I live in California but just here for the semester. I wouldn't say I live in D.C. I mean, I know I technically do live in D.C. but it was an idea that I didn't want to acknowledge and define myself with. I was a Californian, I was from the West Coast, where the sun sets over the Pacific--I wasn't going to give myself credit for being an East Coaster. But I did. three months after adapting to city life, carrying flats to work while keep high heels in my desk, socializing and talking about the latest gossip in D.C. (mostly political) and dressing a little more business than casual, I was beginning to see the assimilation take place. Not only am I a Californian, but I'm also a Washingtonian.

We began to casually talk about our lives. He told me that he had lived throughout New Jersey, D.C. and was now headed back towards his current home, Atlanta to start a quilt making company. He had told me how he had, for a couple years, an organic deli, but had to close it because of rent increases.
Ty was soft spoken with a sweetness in his voice. Probably in his 40s, his skin was weathered and aged but gentle and friendly. His brown eyes, sparkled in the florescent lights from above. His thick, curly black beard was peppered with gray strands like neatly placed stitches in an embroidered piece of fabric.

We soon wrapped up our conversation as he had to get in line to board his bus, which turned out to be the same bus I was on. I had a reboarding pass, so I was able to board first. Luckily, for Ty striking up a conversation with me, I had forgot the fact that we arrived in Richmond at 7:35 pm, five minutes past the time printed on my ticket that we were suppose to be leaving for Raleigh. As new passengers made their way on the bus, we didn't leave the station until 9:06 p.m.--a good hour and half behind. I wasn't as pissed at this point, more so there was nothing I could do and me just getting upset would just make my stomach hurt and life miserable. So in went my iPod headphones and up went my feet on the seat next to me. I tried to dose off to sleep, but the fact that the seats weren't that comfy and my back was up against the cold, metal windowpane, I just sat there with my eyes closed, listening to the Garden State soundtrack on shuffle.

I arrived in Raleigh, North Carolina...FINALLY!! The lights inside the bus flipped on as we pulled into the station. My eyes burned and I squinted trying to find my friend Andrew outside. To much light, my contacts were dry and I could barely manage to look two feet in front of me. I stumbled off the bus, exhausted, yet overjoyed with the fact that I had made it, only two hours later than the expected time of 10:35 which was printed on my ticket. Though I had made it, Andrew and I still had another three hours to go to Charlotte. But at least it wasn't on a bus.

Short Recap

Read up on places to watch bball during March Madness in the D.C. area.

This week went to the Newseum, pretty amazing. Only spent about 5 hours there, but could have spent more. I was really captivated by seeing part of the Berlin wall in person, as well as the exhibit on 9/11, which was very emotional.

I think I've seen the sun first the first time in a while here. It is sunny, clear skies and high 50s low 60s!!!

Going to North Carolina this weekend too! :)

Back at it

See how close I was to Colin Powell

My visit home was great, I had some good times, enjoyed seeing the ocean everyday, eating carne asada burritos, and surfing.

But I did miss D.C.

Once you are here, it gets into your blood and you can't get it out of your system.

Also, I started Twittering....Tweet Tweet....look me up!

Home sweet home!

Just landed an hour ago. I'm sitting at home, just finished raiding the kitchen--I know I should go to bed since I'm three hours ahead...but I'm just so excited to be home!

How to party like a CPACer....by Shanley and Coco

Scene: "But I'm moderate!" I yell across the dance floor.

Too late.

Paul, the Republican from Ohio who has so recently offered me a dance and drink, is halfway across the room.

"We'll dance when you change your affiliation!" he yells over his shoulder.

Welcome to partying during CPAC week, where political affiliation is a dividing line on the dance floor.

Disclaimer: In our observations of the events below, we, in no way manipulated, fabricated or fallaciously added to the text of what we witnessed and participated in. This is, by no means, a reproduction of Stephen Glass’ work. With that said, we shall report to you on the story of partying with Young Republicans in Washington.

Thought: Should we pretend to be conservatives all night and see how it goes?

Whispered conversation: Should we have code names? Where should we say we’re from?

Interruption: Tall conservative asking me why I’m not dancing.

Location: Hawk and Dove, Pennsylvania Ave., Eastern Market.

Scene: Business suits everywhere—clean cut and freshly shaven.


Tip #1: When partying with conservatives, understand that the appropriate clubbing attire looks a lot like a casting call for “The Office.”

Moment: With a mouth full of Fish and tartar sauce, I survey the outfits around me. Take a drink of coke. The woman at the bar wearing a high collared shirt and small sandal heels. The men in ties to my left. The boy in a polo and khakis handing the bouncer, dressed in a black t-shirt and distressed jeans, his I.D. The woman in pearls and an argyle sweater smiling on a bar stool to my right. I giggle, and lean to tell Coco to catch a glimpse of someone behind her.

Tip #2: When partying with Conservatives – don’t hit the dance floor right away. Instead? Stand stagnant on the dance floor, and make political conversation over drinks.

Thought: Why are they not dancing?

Moment: Walk over and post up along the wall on the dance floor. Observe a small group of people trying to dance…they can’t really stay in rhythm with the song. Make eye contact with Shanley with raised eye-brows. Something out of the corner catches my eye. Two guys—crew cuts, t-shirt and baggy jeans, typical military look—are staring at us. They are making hand gestures towards us and begin to walk over. I look toward Shanley. Taller guy asks if we want to dance. I look at Shanley. Have fun! Shanley looks at me with impartial look. Guy directs her to dance floor. I watch them, make sure I don’t have to intervene. Five minutes later. S.O.S. sign on Shanley’s face.

Tip #4: Honkey-tonk music can take a dead room and turn it into an instant party.

Thought: These people started moving so fast there must be a safety hazard – and the fire alarm sounds a lot like “Get out the way of Cotton-Eyed-Joe…”

Moment: Sipping on my coke and giggling with Coco, I look out over the quiet awkward people, and moved my head to the beat. Before I know it, Cotton Eyed Joe has started – there’s screaming, yelling, everyone gets into line and starts dancing like crazy: people running into each other, laughter. Mayhem. The awkward silence is over. The party has begun. An hour later the cupid shuffle comes on to keep the party going strong…and everyone breaks out of their bump and grind routines to begin the two-step. Tip #4: Forget stilettos and your favorite eye-liner, you don’t need to be beauty pageant material to win a partner, you just have to love Sarah Palin, or, perhaps, look like a hockey mom.

Thought

Conversation: Paul (OH-R): “You guys here for CPAC?”
Shanley and Coco: Yes, of course!
Paul (OH-R): Bull S**t
Shanley and Coco: Well, actually, we live here. We’re interns on the hill.
Paul (OH-R): Bull S**t. I don’t believe your names. You have false names. Let me see some ID. Shanley and Coco: *Shrug*, pull out IDs

Thought: I can’t believe I’m showing Paul (OH-R) my I.D. to prove my name. Paul (OH-R): Okay, fine. So you guys are here for CPAC.
Shanley and Coco (business lie – different than a normal lie): Now we are!

Moment: Feeling emboldened (and a little bored) I tell Paul I’m not a Republican. “WHAT?” Paul takes his hands off me like a baby off a hot stove. Paul abruptly walks away from me.

Thought: He’s joking.

Second thought: He’s definitely serious.
Third thought: This is ridiculous



visit Shanley's blog to follow links we added to this

Less than 48

And Yes I am wearing a skirt with Uggs, got to keep the Californian living still alive here on the East Coast.


Snow today....70 San Diego weather tomorrow!! I get in around 11 PM-- CANT WAIT!!

I had a crazy week last week...

Almost freaked out that I am here ...still!! Felt very gloomy and expressed my longing for the sun and the sand...

Went to the Kennedy Center on Thursday to see a performance by the National Symphony Orchestra...um amazing!! Sat in the center of the seventh row from the stage (mind you these tickets I received for free!)

Then CPAC was in town (AKA young Republican youth) and went out and interacted with then at night at a local bar/dance club. That was very interested, I never knew you could be more attractive to a guy if you were a member of the Republican party than being cute....whatever it takes I guess...I'll stick to not attracting people by my political affiliation. (should have dressed like Sarah Palin...next time dress more like a maverick...)

Info

http://www.washingtonian.com/authorprofiles/12218.html


Cool bio of me on the Washingtonian site...I can't pose for a photo for the life of me. HAHA

From Sea to Shining Sea

"We go eastward to realize history and study the works of art and literature, retracing the steps of the race; we go westward as into the future, with a spirit of enterprise and adventure."

~Henry David Thoreau from Walking

I came across this quote while reading A Journey North by Adrienne Hall, who quoted Thoreau in her novel which is based on her experience on the Appalachian Trail.

This quote called out to me.

I have gone eastward...to study the works of...journalism (and literature I would presume). I am here for academic purpose more so then by my own spirited will. I'm not trying to say I don't want to be in Washington D.C., I do, but I'm not here to live forever. I generally like living here, knowing that this is not permanent. I enjoy not having to sit in traffic or drive (even though I do miss my truck at times). I enjoy riding on the metro and walking everywhere. I enjoy being able to run to the capitol building and the Lincoln memorial while I zip zag through the clusters of tourists. I enjoy being in a location where so many influential people congregate only eight blocks from where I live. D.C. has so many historical sites from landmarks to museums--even walking through Union Station gives me chills to know that I live here.

But as I soak up all the monuments and buildings, all the exhibits and congressional leaders, I know that my future is westward. Being here makes me realize how much of a west coaster I am, how much I appreciate my life back home and how much I want to continue to live my life that way.

But I would trade running along the path of the reflective pool between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument for running around Balboa Park. I think the historical significance alone can vouch for that.

Will you be my Valentine Washington, D.C.?

So I joined a small group at the church I have been going to. The group is called AT (Appalachian Trail). We did a small hike today at Great Falls on the Maryland side. It was GORGEOUS! Rocks every where in the most beautiful formations. We even spent some time climbing up some, A couple of us did a fun one that was maybe three stories high! (not to mention the landings for all of these were terrible, but the climbs were still fun! and worth it!) I want to go back there with my climbing shoes and give 'em all a go again. I was wearing my hiking boots which go up to a little past my ankles so they weren't the best for climbing on vertical walls with very little edges.

Great Falls

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Also, check out this link




http://www.washingtonian.com/blogarticles/artsfun/afterhours/11221.html

Another Blog online I wrote! yay! iPhone apps!

I had a really awesome day today.

I'm beginning to like DC again. Back to the honeymoon stage.

But 16 more days till I'm back on the other side of the continent for a bit!

Natrual Selection

Happy Birthday Charles Darwin...


http://www.washingtonian.com/blogarticles/artsfun/afterhours/11196.html


...and Abe Lincoln too!

I'm Leaving on a jet plane....

I had to purchase it! The departure times are to good to be true!
My Itinerary:

Depart D.C. a little after 5:30 on Tuesday evening with a connection in Texas, then arrive in San Diego after 10:30 pm that night

THEN,

I am here (home) from Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday AND SUNDAY. But I leave Sunday evening a little bit before 10 p.m.!

YA! Five full days home, I can't wait.


Sorry this isn't a description of the last two days, all I have had is class yesterday mixed with two naps (I was exhausted from my weekend of climbing and hiking) and reading of the two outdoorsy books I have, A Journey North, by Adrienne Hall and Into Thin Air, by Jon Krakauer, to promote and stimulate my constant day dreaming of the fresh air, tall pines, and somber grass fields. When I went hiking Sunday to, what D.C. claims as a National Park known as Rock Creek, I finally had the chance to hear wildlife. I heard the quite hooting of an owl, perched on top of a branch above me. I was almost hypnotized in place, as if God had broken through a thick billow of clouds above to call my name.

I joined this Hiking group from the church I have been attending and this Friday night is their first meeting. We are going to get dinner and then go ice skating in preparation to get to know everyone for the following day's hiking venture. I am really excited, not just to hike local trails, but to meet people in the city with a common interest.

But I am beginning to realize I'm going to have to take advantage of living here at some point...I mean I still got three months here...

I did find this environmental film festival that will be in D.C. in March that I am looking forward to, considering most of the films are FREE! There is a film on the Appalachian Trail that I am looking forward too and one on the addiction to plastics. A lot of the films will be premieres as well.

21 more days

I left my heart in SD

I have come to the conclusion that living in the city (without personal transportation) is not for me. I can't hop into my truck, leave the concrete jungle and head to clean air and trees. Nope. Not in D.C. It has begun to wear on me, I am a little irritable at times, and though visiting museums are all fine and dandy, I like being outdoors. I'm not trying to whine or complain about being here. D.C. is a great place, but not for me to live in it.

Coco's countdown to sanity:
24 days until I am in San Diego for a week to visit.

and

82 more days until I am back in the motherland.

Yesterday, I decided to go to a rock climbing gym in Maryland to revive my spirits. The 35 min metro ride seemed relaxing, as I brought one of the books I had purchased to remind me of the outdoors (Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer, I'm about a third into it, and so far, it's a good read) I then proceeded a little more than a half of a mile of the metro station platform in Rockville towards the Earth Trek climbing gym. I walked in, and was greeted with the familiar musk. I purchased a 7 visit pass (and I plan on going every weekend) and proceeded into the gym to put my bag down and get ready. I was at home. Just seeing the familiarity of this environment made the trip there forth it. I walked through towards the back where the bouldering walls were. It wasn't too packed, but being it my first time, I checked out all the marked problems. After some debate, I proceeded to start off on a reasonable V2 to warm up on. I was so excited that I almost sprinted up the wall, until I was at the top and looked down.
"Is this the last one?" I asked a young guy below me, he looked friendly enough to not blow me off and instead provided a friendly response.
"Ya, it doesn't look like it tops out, you're good!"
The reason I asked was because the way the wall hung over a bit and I really couldn't see the markings on the holds.
I came down.
"That was pretty good," he said.
I humbly thanked him for the compliment and thanked him for his spotting.
I didn't have the notion that he was from around these parts.
We began talking, and Wes told me he had just moved to D.C. for an internship from Boulder, Co. He was feeling the pain of living in the city as much as I was. It was nice to meet someone who had the same magnitude of frustration of not being able to see mountains and trees.
We continued bouldering, he helped spot me on some harder problems before my arms got too pumped out. For not bouldering for almost four weeks, it felt amazing to climb.

I climbed for about an hour and a half and before I left, I gave him one of my new business cards and told him that if he ever needs someone to go trail running (in what trails they have in the city, which are quite pathetic compared to back home) that he had a running partner as well as a climbing parter. It was nice too, to meet people outside of the program I am in. There isn't really anyone in the program that would rather run to the National Mall and along the Potomac or go to Rock Creek instead of shopping in Georgetown. I mean their aren't any west coasters, true outdoorsy west coasters out here that are in so much abundance back home. I miss it. But I know that this is not permanent and is just a season in my life. Hopefully this season goes by fast.

Lomaland invades D.C.

In 24 hours, I will be assimilated among the Washington gatekeepers. The gatekeepers of entertainment, food, dining, and lifestyle that is. I start my internship at the Washingtonian
tomorrow morning. I really don't know what to expect. Don't get me wrong, I am ecstatic over the fact I get to work in such a prestigious office. But I am not hold up expectations of being able to do certain things. I know that I will be blogging and working on their online content (uploading stuff) as well as I will be able to go out to events. I share an office with a young women whose name I will become refreshed with tomorrow since I am so bad with names. and I get my own desk top iMac! I really think that being in a magazine instead of working for a newspaper will really help me career wise since that is the medium I am looking to dive into (Outside magazine being only of my ultimate goals along with National Geographic, ESPN magazine, or Sports Illustrated.) So I hope this is the right step forward--I think it is.

The last couple days have been ...pretty boring actually. I mean I've done stuff but they haven't been as jam packed. I was fortunate enough and grateful to see three people this weekend; Dr. Sue Atkins, and Bob and Linda Brower. I felt like Point Loma had come to me for a couple days. See those familiar faces really helped suppress some feelings of being homesick which have been acutely trickling upwards. Thursday Dr. Atkins (a professor at my school who, I believe has really shaped my writing--WRI250 and WRI110 i believe) took me out to dinner to a great Thai restaurant near Eastern Market. But before we could enjoy some curry since the restaurant didn't open until 5, and we arrived early, we enjoyed a cup of coffee and some donut holes. It was really nice being able to talk with her and get to know her more and vice versa.

Sunday, I met up with Browers (the President of my school and his wife) at Union station for church and then they took me, Christina (Natalie's roomie) and Natalie Anderson (other Natalie who is from Olivet Nazarene) out to lunch at the Thunder Grill. We had a great time and a wonderful lunch. I really think that if I was not at Point Loma let alone a small school, I would not be able to get this personal, one-on-one relationships with faculty and professors. Point Loma is provides such a blessing through community on their students and staff. I miss being there, but I am glad it was able to come here for a couple days.

Walking in a winter wonderland

I felt like I woke up in a snow globe this morning. A blanket of powder whiteness covered the sidewalks and parked cars on the street. The streets were quieter than normal, the snow falling from the sky created a stillness in the air. Mesmerized by the occupation of frozen water demonstrating the principle of gravity, I stood staring out the window like a small child peering into a giant toy story. Wide-eyed with a grin on my face, I thought to myself, "I can't believe I'm living where it snows!" Coming from San Diego, I know I am blessed to live in a place where I can go to the beach in less than ten minutes. But here, the beauty of living in a city with a climate that allows such performances by Mother Nature, has began to sink in. Though the nearest sandy beach is a good three hour drive or so, I am not tempted to make the homage towards my once addicted ecosystem. Don't get me wrong, I still love the beach, I just am captivated by the difference in weather and surroundings in D.C. as opposed to San Diego.

This morning, as i got ready to go Downtown for my interview with the Online Editor of the Washingtonian, I was a little skeptical of my attire. I knew that snow made the air temp slightly warmer, but I was more worried about my shoes. I knew the possibility of sporadic ice skating would occur, but I wanted to limit my chances. At the same time, I didn't want my feet to become soaking wet from the slush I would have to endure as the day wore on, and the trampled snow melted from pedestrians, cars and salt. I decided to blend fashion and function together and go with my black scrunchy , high heel boots I had purchased from Target back home. I knew they would keep my toes warm and dry but I would just have to make sure I didn't drag my feet which might lead to an epileptic pirouette.

Walking to Union Station, the snow was coming down moderately like powdered sugar being sifted on a plate full of french toast. With every step, I just became more and more amazed that I live in such a beautiful setting. The snow would set in my eyelashes, on my nose and on my lips, my tongue savoring the fresh tasteless flakes like truffles. To some who live in areas like Vermont or Minnesota, my ecstatic and overzealous reaction my appear quite odd, and some people could even call me silly. I mean I've seen snow, I played in two feet of it before I left when a storm had dumped it on Mt. Laguna. But it is living in it, commuting in it (though I heard the metro encounters some problems and driving sucks) but its just different.

Back to the Basics...a Born Again Brunette

I am losing my native roots! Being in Washington, being around corporate and political officials, with their conservative attire and flair wears on you, or at least on me. Being from California, I'm use to the mellow, sunny, shorts, Rainbows, t-shirt wearing scene. Not here, no sir. It's all about professional-dressed and cleaned cut. Now I'm not opposed to this, but it is just different. Tomorrow morning I have an interview with the Washingtonian. I must dress up for the interview, which I don't mind doing, since I had to buy all sorts of cute outfits for the occasion, but I felt the need to kick it up a notch. The other day, Natalie suggested I dye my hair, she said I would look really good with dark hair. Well, considering the sun has spent many hairs customizing the golden strands on my head along with a couple hairs spent at Paul Mitchell downtown to enhance some of them, I juggled the thought. Maybe I would look more mature, more classy, more professional. So today, Natalie's roomie Christina and I ran down ( and I literally mean ran-with my Camelbak on) to Pennsylvania about a mile down the road to CVS and got some dye. Natalie then took on the role as hair stylist and massaged the dye through my hair, eliminating all signs of California.

I'll miss my blond, sunshine-glistening locks, but in this city, I think it's more appropriate...more professional. But hey, don't worry I'm not changing who I am, just the color of my hair. And I got a great before and after sequence I will post later.

Oh and by the way, if you have nothing better to do watch this video I not only shot all the photos for (except for the live video) but also directed and edited. It was my first time using imovie! :)

I think I am really blessed to have such a great friend...Natalie. This girl is my twin sister, but from a different southern state....Tennessee. If you haven't been noticing that I make a lot of references to her. We are inseparable. I don't know what I would do without her in the program with me, I don't think I would be enjoying it as much.

Last 48

Ok! So I am such a geek! I don't mean like computer geek or comic book geek or WOW geek. Pretty much to justify my meaning, you need to visual me jumping up and down in a hallway in the U.S. House of Reps on the fifth floor, in between an American flag and the state flag of California. A bronzed plaque displays the name "Susan Davis". For about three minutes, I felt a little closer to home. What even made the experience of signing the guest notebook even better, was that above a door in the left wing of the office, hung a PLNU pennant. :)

Still proceeding in fulfilling the tasks in our list for my groups scavenger hunt, we had to visit the House of Reps to get a picture of Mark in front of (the only guy in our group) his front of his representative's door.

After leaving, Natalie and I decided to venture off on our own, and we stumbled upon a quaint bookstore.

The smell of old, used books was intoxicating for me, you could even say euphoric. My eyes raced across the stacks and shelves full of titles. The suddenly stopped on the front cover of a book with a blurred picture of a woman's back loaded with a green and red pack among a mosaic of blurred leaves. The title "A journey north". I was intrigued. I picked it up and briefly read the bottom of the cover underneath the picture. "One woman's story of hiking the Appalachian Trail." I was sold! I've been doing a lot of reading on long distance hiking about the PCT and John Muir (Last American Man is a good one!) and while I'm here on the East Coast would like to even just go for a day hike on parts of the Appalachian Trail. I needed an escape for the concrete jungle.

Though, I'm pretty surprised on how much I like the city. Actually, I'm pretty surprised on how much I LOVE the city. I think it is a great change from San Diego. One thing here is that you walk EVERYWHERE. I probably walk on average 5 miles a day, sometimes seven. And not to mention I've been spending at least an hour in the gym everyday.

For today's agenda after class, our group went to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception ("Can I buy any more prepositional phrases please?"-Natalie) Ascending up the hall to the upper church, I gasped as I looked above me. Large mosaics plastered the ceiling. The ecclesiastical art was unbelievable. I was consumed by its spiritual and historical grandeur. I took a seat about ten pews from the front and began to soak it all in.

We then headed to the Nationals Ball Park-mind you, it was already past 7 p.m. and when we got off the metro at Navy Yard, there were no one on either sides of the streets. We walked three blocks over to the field and came in contact with only two people ( two security guards to be more specific). Natalie and I plan on going to a Nationals game when baseball starts, I can't wait.

It's Chili, for breakfast!

Today was the second day in a row I beat the sun. I woke up at 5:30, and you want to know why? To walk tens minutes to Union Station, take the Red line towards Chinatown then transfer to the Green line towards Greenbelt to get off at U st./Cardozo to eat at Ben's Chili. Bill Cosby ring a bell? Yes, the Famous Ben's Chili where just eleven days ago our President as of yesterday had visited. For the WJC program we have to go do this scavenger hunt and it involves going around the city taking photos (we ALL have to be in the photo) and one task was to eat at Ben's. We tried going on Sunday, but the line was a block long, at least over a two hour wait for a bowl of 5 dollar chili--we weren't willing to comp the time. Time spent on one task, meant less time towards the other five or so that require us to frantically run about the city to distinguishable and significant landmarks.



Outside a large ice sculpture of Obama's name is red, white and blue stood outside on a table in a tray of ice. It greeted us as it gleamed in the twilight and orange glow of city lights. Inside, about four cooks were bustling behind the counter, frying eggs, taking orders and pouring coffee while hungry, bundled early birds were waiting for their worm. Pictures of

Natalie and I split eggs, potatoes, and toast (she had grits instead of potatoes-she is from the south now). The five of us enjoyed out dawn patrol meal in the corner of the restaurant, sleepy eyed and numb. At first it felt good to eat warm food, but as soon as it settled down and we began to make our journey back to the apartment, I definitely felt like sinking into the concrete or curling up in a ball under a bench...my stomach isn't use to such heavy meals early in the morning.

I do plan on going back some time to get chili (even though I'm not a huge fan of it, especially eating it at 6:30 in the morning) but I will forever remember getting up at the crack of dawn to go there....forever. It was probably the most ridiculous thing I've done here...so far, all for a scavenger hunt. A scavenger hunt that I have to pay for mind you.

Well, as everyone else in the entire apartment complex wakes up now that we have returned, it is now onto class, then a meeting for a job, no lunch, then class again, then off to check off another tedious task then dinner then probably study.

I can't wait for the weekend to finally enjoy a day of not frantically running around.

1.20.09 -- Surreal ecstasy at the Capitol Building

I didn't want to go.

The raucous sound of my alarm went off at 5:20 a.m. Sirens and cars were bustling on the street outside on this frigid Tuesday morning. I hate crowds. All I could think about were the annoyance of rude people engulfed around me in mass hysteria.

After forcing a meal of cereal and tea down in fear of not knowing when I would be able to refuel that day, I quickly got dressed, grabbed my camera and notepad and headed downstairs from my apartment with my roommate to meet the four other people in our group. We all stood in the lounge area, bundled up, our faces the only skin exposed, ready to endure the elements.

We had no formal route or itinerary; our goal was to get to the mall somewhere between the Washington Monument and the Capitol Building in front of a jumbo tron, somehow.

It probably took us an hour of weaving in and out of the city blocks, southwest, going almost all the way around the backside of the Capitol building. After an hour of following an endless crowd, we arrived towards the back of the Mall near the Washington monument. You could sense that this day was long overdue...

We made our way as comfortably close as you could, directly in the middle of the lawn. Small American flags stretched out of the crowd like blades of grass among beanie-covered heads sporting Obama paraphernalia. The attitude of change and renewal hung thick like an intoxicating smoke in the almost single digit degree Washington air. Though I was beginning to lose the feeling of my toes, fingers and face around 10 a.m., I was to preoccupied to be to concerned about the first stages of hypothermia that was being numbed by the anticipation and excitement of being able to not only witness but be a part of history, just two hours away.

As the caravan of delegates, officials, and senators arrived along with superstars like Beyonce and P. Diddy ( or is it Puff Daddy.....or just Diddy? well which ever name he goes by now) Obama soon appeared on the jumbo tron, content and lacking any severe facial expressions.

Minutes later, it was time.

Obama stood in front of Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., right hand raised in the traditional manor of typical oath-swearing posture and took the oath as the 44Th president shortly after 12 p.m.

As soon as he finished the famous words of the oath from Article II Section I of the U.S. Constitution, the placid crowd, who had been patiently and attentively listening, savoring every word like a sip of a well-crafted pinot noir, the stillness of the sea of people was broken. People were cheering, screaming, jumping, hugging--any form or embrace and celebration were preformed. The end of an era and the beginning of a new one was born.

I kept rotating in a circle, watching the crowd of about 2 million people around me--I was excited, overjoyed, ecstatic. I wanted to cry, scream and laugh all at the same time. Now, ten hours later, I am still processing and can't even really grasp what just happened today. I'm still chewing at the neck bone but ready to for the feast that is being prepared for not only this nation but the world. Though it won't be filled with exotic dishes and savory morsels, we can definitely hope for it to be a better meal.

Fast Times

Three days in already.
I am beginning to get use to mass transit...mainly the metro.
D.C. is def different from San Diego...


It's snowing right now outside....