5x

Tonight, I just had three of the most emotion-packed hours. I know that seems hyperbolic and redudant, especially since I said something similar last week after meeting Justice Thomas, but this was an entirely different experience.

One of the members of our group was so fortunately able to arrange a tour of the Pentagon through his internship. He told us about it very early on in the semester and have been excitedly waiting for the date to approach. However, I was more eager to see such a monumental building and where such unthinkable jobs for our country take place without even realizing that it survived 9/11 attacks as well. Although the tour did include walking by incredible attractions and offices, I walked away from the tour feeling more touched than I could have imagined.

The Pentagon is literally down the street from our apartment without even needing to really cross except to actually entire the site. As soon as we approached the property as the sun was setting at 6:40ish, I felt such a moving sensation. I knew I was about to experience something special.

There are so many trivia facts and anecdotes (sad, funny, and just plain interesting) to tell. Well, first of all, the building is enormous. There are numerous "corridors" and "rings" to the layout. It is way too easy to get lost. The tour guides said they change everything around so often that once you train your brain to a track, you need to relearn another path. We never really walked a path twice during the entire tour. One of the members of our group actually remarked with confidence, "We have definitely been here before!" And the tour guides jokingly retorted with quick speed, "Nope!"

It was also interesting to see how closed in the building is. The windows are very small and the hallways are so wide. Therefore, you could not tell that a plane would be coming to the building and smoke can easily clog up the hallways. They actually added doors that can come down in case of an emergency after the tragedy. Then, the building is so huge and compartmentalized that something so violent as 9/11 that took place on one side of the building did not even register to some people on the other side. The tour guide jokingly described his shock, "I was wondering why so many people were sending pizza. I knew that something must have been wrong. Whenever you see pizza being sent in heaps, you know that something happened somewhere that affects this building." There is actually a case that holds some of the most prized donations that the Pentagon received from September 11. I never realized that people sent so many meaningful gifts to the Pentagon, although it seems so obvious now. It is so nice to see how much the people at the Pentagon appreciate the gifts like the various homemade quilts.

We also were able to see two memorials --- a private one inside and an absolutely beautiful one that is open to the public outside. The one inside was moving enough, as it was constructed in a small area in order to give a more intimate tone. The outdoor memorial, however, was just breathtaking in such an exquisite way. Words cannot truly capture the essence, especially since we saw it at night. It is something that I recommend everyone to go and see. The unique design and its symbolism is just so moving. The one that really settled with me is that the moving water is symbolic for the whispers. I did not take any photos because I just wanted to absorb it all, but I would if I went back.

A just very awesome attraction to the tour was going into the IEOC, the Integrated Emergency Operations Center. The tour guides had to go in first to tell them we wanted to enter, so that they can remove screens that we are not allowed to see. Then, a green light turned on outside and we were able to enter. The funny thing is, it looked like a newsroom or control room at my internship. Instead, the screens consisted of shots of outsides and "GoogleEarth-esque" satellite images. There is only a slight difference in substance between work and the IEOC!

The amazing aspect of the tour was that it was three hours - 180 minutes - of very personal details. It was not a generic our by any means. Everything had significant meaning to the tour guides from the architecture to the Pentagon's services (like CVS and the food court) to the 9/11 memories. It is not a script that could be replicated with the same genuineness.

The title of this post may be a joke (ha ha--- Pentagon has 5 sides), but the tour was clearly not a frivolous tourist occassion. Don't get me wrong, we joked around along the way. (For instance, when we walked by the Department of Defense - particularly Panetta's office, someone jokingly commented, "They have been extremely busy the past few weeks." Then, I sarcastically added, "They have?" For those who are confused, we were alluding to the Libya attack of the U.S. ambassador.)

In retrospect, I now realize that the headline 5x is actually quite reflective of the evening--- Moving, personable, easy-going, inspirational, and simply awesome.

FULL-LIAGE-Foliage

After weeks of complaining of how much I miss foliage, this week unraveled some true fall colors to the District. Thank god. Now, all I am missing is apple cider doughnuts!

On my way back from the tour en route to Union Station to go to work, I strolled through the beautiful colors of the Captiol. It is so refreshing to see the beautiful signs of autumn and even nicer to see it on a sight that has become less of a touristy landmark and more of a sign of home.

A brisk autumn day in the park --- JUST KIDDING. It was actually in the 70's! Can't have your cake and eat it, too, right?

My thought process at this point, "Wait. It's only 11 am. I told work I'd be there at 12:30 p.m. Do I go a half hour early or do I go look at the foliage at the capitol..."

Guess what I decided... The grotto greeted me to a brilliant decision.

At this moment, i lost my breath. But really, can you find it? It's really missing...

It makes me cry to see these autumn leaves! The colors pop like fireworks to my eyes

Casual.

I MET CHANDLER BING'S GAY DAD!

...But I did.

The woman with the VERY low voice who plays Chandler Bing's dad on my favorite show - Friends - was on the show today! She is an old friend of the host's from the 1980's when she was famous and is now not only acting, but is an activist for women's rights. The host has been really wanting her on the show due to her success in a play here in DC, but it worked out so perfectly that she couldn't come on until this week because of Monday's presidential debate's emphasis on women's issues (particularly Romney's vagueness in his stances regarding fair pay and contraception).

Anyway, it was exciting when I did get to bring her from the lobby to the studio because I actually do know one of her movies from the 1980's called Body Heat, but when my friend told me later this evening that she was also Chandler's dad on Friends, I almost died. DIED. Diiiiiiieeeed.

Rehiked the Highest Court of the Land

One visit to the Supreme Court, the highest court of the land, was not sufficient for our judicial desires. Yesterday, the majority of our group returned to take a curator's tour, which Justice Thomas' clerk graciously helped set up.

Casual morning detour to the Capitol

We've been here for two months, but we're still awkward tourists...

Supreme Court, or is it? It's under construction (like everything in this city!), so this is actually a cover)

We had 20 minutes to spare and since the Capitol is literally across the street from the Supreme Court, we decided to seize the opportunity for a photoshoot. Although all fifteen of us were not there, it was nice to finally have a group photo in front of it!!! The week is busy since we all work all day and do homework at night, but I do love our group.

Once we were finished strutting our stuff, we strolled over to the court for the tour. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable. She herself used to be a judge of a local court, so she knows a LOT about law and judicial history.

Actually, funny story about that--- When our tour guide introduced herself, I could have sworn she referred to herself as an "intern." Now, not to stereotype, but the woman was clearly older and interns are typically young undergraduate or sometimes graduate students. So, it struck me as odd and i whisper to my friend, "That's weird how she's an intern like we are..." All he replied was "Yeah," so I assumed I did hear her correctly. Well, I presumed wrong (as usual).

Of course, when we were all in an elevator to go from the library (which was GORGEOUS by the way) to the ground level, I wanted to make small talk. I mean, we were on top of each other. I did not have any questions about the tour, since it was pretty generic to be frank despite how awesome it was, I wanted to ask her a more personable question. So, naturally, I asked, "How long have you been interning here?" Immediately, people from my group gave me shocked and even some disgusted looks. I think my face turned because I definitely felt SO embarrassed from that moment. Then, she replies, "I'm not an intern. I'm a curator. Not that it matters, but interns are usually much younger.  I do this for fun." OOPS!!! I need to start making a list of safe small-talk questions to ask since I seem to box myself into these corners often! (Refer to blog post called "Intern Moment.")

John Marshall, the supreme court justice who is thought to be the best to date, greeted us at the entrance

Can there BE anymore marble?!

Separation of Church and State --- KIDDING! Bad, nerdy joke. This is, however, the curtain that separates the court from the hallway.

Where the justices sit --- The curator said there actually is an order to the seating with the most important justice appropriately seated in the center

The Chamber of Secrets!!!!!! ... But actually...

Nbd, we've only been here before... (East Conference Room where we talked with Justice Thomas last week)

OBVI where the supreme court justices meditate

Actually, another funny story about that--- Last week, after Justice Thomas pointed to the courtyard and then across it to Justice Scalia's chambers, my friend and I were talking about how often we think the justices actually lounge/study there. We joked about how we definitely couldn't envision Justice Scalia as the type to meditate outside...

West Conference Room --- They were preparing for an ice cream social for that day! We clearly chose too early of a time to take the tour...

The Master Staircase --- I see you.

My favorite part of the tour was actually the library. Maybe, it's the English major in me that favors a room full of books, but I found the room fascinating. Not only was it so beautiful in its very intricate designs, but the amount of books amazed me. I believe that most peoples' initial connotation of a judge is that they simply listen to a case and use their natural instinct to make a final decision. Although I am sure many of us - even those of us who are well educated - actually know that this isn't true, it is easy for us to envision judges like that through shows like Law & Order. However, the amount of history, laws, facts, and details that the supreme court justices, judges, and lawyers need to know is outstanding. Just looking around at all of the books and cases gave me a new appreciation for the judicial branch beyond the criminal side. It made me appreciate how law involves so many realms of thought from history to ethics to analysis to politics. It truly is such an interesting field. I see what Justice Thomas meant  by saying that his experience in that branch was surprisingly pleasing.

Just a bunch of fools, making a monumental exit

A Brunch to Remember

On Wednesday, my friend and I who have that day off from work went to a DC-famous restaurant called Founding Farmers in Foggy Bottom. It's about a 5 minute walk from the White House.

They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but their breakfast is the most famous! If you are ever in town, you NEED to go there. It is amazing. The first time I went, I went the conventional route, but still had a DELICIOUS meal - buttermilk pancakes with strawberries. Sipping - I mean gulping - my cup of hot chocolate was not an ordinary experience. It was so rich and creamy that I swear my soul warmed up. I now know what Swiss Miss' brand truly means.

Anyway, the second time I went, I had one of their legendary breakfast delights --- waffles with fried chicken. You'd think that would be disgusting at 10:30 in the morning. Yet, the chicken somehow completes the meal. It is the perfect "bitter" balance to the waffle's sweet. Plus, the eggs on the side is just the cherry on top that made my taste buds dance in glee.

Life complete.

May I order the court? Size supreme, please?

On Thursday, I had one of the most memorable, cherished experiences of my life. Supreme Court Justice and Holy Cross alum, Clarence Thomas, invited us all to the Supreme Court to simply talk.

We gathered in the East Conference Room of the court house.

When he arrived in the room with a security guard, we all had to stand until he told us we can sit --- Kind of like if he were the Queen! Then, he gave us a very personable introduction, but allotted the majority of the time for an intimate Q&A session. I came in with the intention of not asking any questions, only because I couldn't think of any other than very generic ones. However, as he spoke, he talked about his experiences in the three different branches (executive, legislative, and judicial), but he was "pleasantly surprised" by the judicial.He foundthat people were not blinded by their political views and their own selfish ambitions to climb the political ladder. They did were there to do their job - a very important job - correctly. Hearing about the innerworks of DC and especially how the judicial branch (one that fascinates me deeply) is different encouraged me to ask him to elaborate. His insight was very interesting and certainly informative. Although I do not foresee myself pursuing law, I am not going to lie, his talk made me want to be a supreme court justice!!

Becoming BFFz

He answered other questions about how he chooses cases, the media's role in the judicial process, and other similar questions. Then, he was nice enough to allow us to take individual photos with him. This was so grat to not only have a personal memento, but to also have a chance to talk with him individually. Turns out, he has driven through Watertown before in one of his RV trips!

Afterward, we took a few minutes before heading to work to take photos in front of the Supreme Court and the Capitol, which was across the street.

DC Roommates in front of the Supreme Court

Girls (minus one) in front of the Capitol

The Golden Snitch!

It is Christmas morning here in Arlington.

Well, it is actually 12:31 in the morning and I am still restless from receiving my ABSENTEE BALLOT.

The Secret Weapon has arrived.

Kidding again. I am not up this late due to this, BUT I am nevertheless beyond excited. I am waiting to fill it out because the power is just too overwhelming. This is an infamous election. Although I am only another tally mark in a sea of voters, I cannot wait to vote in this election - particularly the presidential and Connecticut U.S. Senate races.

New England Girl Reunited with Foliage

For about two weeks now, this spoiled Connecticut girl has been complaining about the lack of fall foliage in DC. I am not going to lie, I did not realize how much I would miss New England autumn! From the leaves to the apple orchards, it is now confirmed that I am truly a Connecticut girl at heart.

However, the weather took an interesting turn this past weekend. On Saturday, I left for Starbucks at 11:30 am to do work n shorts and a t-shirt. I left at 9 pm and was FREEZING. It was down to 55 degrees! Since then, the past few days have been in the 50's, which has been so refreshing honestly. I have been waiting for real fall to come to the Hill!

On my way home from work today, I saw my first sightings of foliage! Needless to say, I unhesitantly whipped out the iPhone to take photos.

Are those spots of orange, I see?!

YES, indeed. I threw it on the groundddddd! (Reference to The Lonely Island of course)

Look at that orange spot!!!

Sunsets Are Guiding Me Home

As October has already arrived (eek!), I have been granted the opportunity to enjoy the sunset on my commute home. Here are some poor quality, iPhone snap shots from the past two weeks.

Foggy Bottom (George Washington University Campus): I stopped at Trader Joe's on my way home from work one evening last week and had a Kodak moment. This image does not adequately capture the beauty of the sunset with the Washington monument and the highway car lights in the background.

This was just yesterday (Thursday, October 4) on my metro ride home over the Potomac River

October 16's metro ride home over the Potomac

Christmas in September... It happened.

A couple of weekends ago, the fifteen of us had a Christmas party in one of the apartments! It must be something about an intimate group size that brings in the holiday spirit, right?! Nah, we just wanted to decorate and a reason to socialize. I just wanted egg nog, but my search found negative results...

Anyway, here are some jolly photos from the joyous ocassion.

Christmas Eve! Decorating the night before

Santa and his elves! (Or reindeer?)

Christmas card photo <3 XOXO

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Oh, The Places You'll Go

The Daily Sights of DC/Pentagon City

Pentagon City metro stop

What the metro looks like inside

The LONG escalators that inhabit the DC metro system

 

Tenleytown: The area by the metro station that I get off to go to work

The picturesque night view from the apartment's balcony (Yes, that bright dome is the Capitol)

The view of the Potomac River from the metro ride

After going to brunch with my friend at Founding Farmers, we took a 5 minute stroll to the White House.

The Executive Office Building (Next to the White House)

Pentagon City "Fashion Centre" aka the mall - Right across the street from the metro and on my way to Pentagon Row (where the Starbucks is)

My favorite restaurants thus far:
1. Ray's Burger: SO DELICIOUS. BEST BURGER I'VE EVER HAD. ENOUGH SAID, YET I CAN GO ON FOR DAYS.
2. Founding Farmer's: Absolutely delicious brunch. I couldn't decide what to order because everything looked so appetizing. My friend got waffles with eggs and FRIED CHICKEN. Crazy farmers!

Finding My Niche

Sorry for the vulgarity, family and friends! However, it is true: Sh!t's getting real.

The leaves are starting to change along with the course of the semester--- It's time to really crack down on my thesis.

Pentagon Row - The plaza where we studied

We finally received our Georgetown library cards, which you avid blog readers know that I was excitedly waiting for. Well, BUZZKILL! My friend and I hiked up there this past Saturday to find out that it really isn't an ideal study spot at all. I'd hate to insult one of my fellow Jesuit schools - and obviously a very prestigious one at that - but it was certainly not Holy Cross. Walking along the campus to the library made me miss the beautiful campus back in Worcester.

The other side

Although it was great to be back at a library cubicle again (I'm a nerd, okay!), it was definitely not Dinand. I miss walking into the sounds of the printers going in the gorgeous reading room that looks like a room from Hogwarts. I missed not seeing 8349202 people I know as soon as I enter the building. Instead, there were a ton of Asians quietly studying to themselves in an ugly, bland room.

The Starbucks that we go to on the weekends to do some thesis damage

I know I sound completely elitist here, but Dinand is my home at Holy Cross and Georgetown did not fill the hole in heart.

We sometimes stop grab a quick dinner at Noodles & Comp., which has great macaroni and cheese

Starbucks, which is a 10 minute walk from the apartment, has been a much better study solution and a great caffeine-filler.

For those who don't know, this is Dinand <3