First poll question is: What do you like the most about D.C.?
A. The Museums C. The White House
B. The Monuments D. The Metro
Saturday, July 30, 2011
And the Votes are in...
Seeing how every four years, the watchful eyes of the nation fall to D.C. as a president is elected. Since voting is the process in which it is done, I figured that a little voting might be a good thing. Every five to six days (or whenever I feel like it really) I will post a new poll question. It can be found to the immediate right, above the "About Me" section. You all need to take part int the voting because it's fun and it will answer some of the most pressing questions I have to ask.
First poll question is: What do you like the most about D.C.?
A. The Museums C. The White House
B. The Monuments D. The Metro
First poll question is: What do you like the most about D.C.?
A. The Museums C. The White House
B. The Monuments D. The Metro
Last Free Weekend
It's official. On Monday at 9:00 a.m. my City Year experience will officially commence. With that being said, today was used so far to clean up the apartment. In what is another hot day in D.C., I've decided to keep on coolin' while I still can. I may go into the city a little later, but for now, I'm diggin the rest because come Monday, rest will be few and far between.
One must expect me to go rangin tonight though. It is again, my last free weekend. So in about five hours I'll start hittin people up, and get a crew to come rock it. While I sit and listen to Sean wail on the guitar, I'm thinking of ways to improve the blog. Obviously pictures would be good, but the lack of camera is prohibiting that, so I was thinking maybe some polls, or a Mike's Favorties sidebar. It would serve as a way for you the reader to get to know me better. You will see something pop up on here shortly.
Oh and if you're in D.C. and wanna paint the town with me tonight, just hit me up. If you don't have my digits, get at me on facebook. If we're not friends on facebook, there is a great chance you're not reading my blog.
I'll holla back in a few.
One must expect me to go rangin tonight though. It is again, my last free weekend. So in about five hours I'll start hittin people up, and get a crew to come rock it. While I sit and listen to Sean wail on the guitar, I'm thinking of ways to improve the blog. Obviously pictures would be good, but the lack of camera is prohibiting that, so I was thinking maybe some polls, or a Mike's Favorties sidebar. It would serve as a way for you the reader to get to know me better. You will see something pop up on here shortly.
Oh and if you're in D.C. and wanna paint the town with me tonight, just hit me up. If you don't have my digits, get at me on facebook. If we're not friends on facebook, there is a great chance you're not reading my blog.
I'll holla back in a few.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome Me Back to the 21st Century
Today, I rejoined society in being one of the millions of people to have Internet access readily available in their residence. It's a great feeling let me tell you that! Its like eating the freshest donut and having it melt in your mouth good.
With that burden off of my shoulders, today is a chill day. Last night me and my friends went HAM in DuPont Circle. Dollar beers at the Madhatter? Uh yes please! Flipper night at The Mighty Pint getting me a free draft? Absolutely. Taking a shot with a guy from Cleveland and deeming it acceptable because football season doesn't start for another month? Why not! And party rockin' all night long? Is there really any other way? When it was all said and done, last night was a blast. No fancy synonyms. No crazy phrases. It was simply a blast.
With that burden off of my shoulders, today is a chill day. Last night me and my friends went HAM in DuPont Circle. Dollar beers at the Madhatter? Uh yes please! Flipper night at The Mighty Pint getting me a free draft? Absolutely. Taking a shot with a guy from Cleveland and deeming it acceptable because football season doesn't start for another month? Why not! And party rockin' all night long? Is there really any other way? When it was all said and done, last night was a blast. No fancy synonyms. No crazy phrases. It was simply a blast.
This was at the Madhatter with my friend Andrew(who is the nephew of Ben Howland(UCLA's Men's basketball coach)) Picture courtesy of Ciri.
Today, I'm gonna make like Bruno Mars and not do anything.
Tomorrow, I'll probably get back to my city adventures, but until then, I'm gone!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
The Most Indescribable Feeling Ever
It is in moment's like these that lugging my laptop around D.C. in the heat all day is totally worth the shoulder pain.
I just stepped out of the most historic room in America. The Rotunda, in the National Achieves Museum is by far, the most breathtaking place in these United States. In this room, are three of the most important documents stating the ideals and beliefs in which this country was founded.
The Declaration of Independence. Easily one of the most recognizable documents if not in the worlds history, at least American history. On the 4th day in July, 1776, 13 colonies announced their separation from Great Britain. The Revolutionary War was fought over these highest ideals: liberty, equality, and the right to self-determination. Today, this document is still the basis for our society. People come to America for liberty, an opportunity they wouldn't necessarily get in their native land. We don't pledge our allegiance to a king or ruler of some sort, nor do we pledge it to a territory, rather a piece of parchment, animal skin, written on by a quail pen. The actual document is sadly fading, yet the words are as iron penned as ever. The famous signature by John Hancock is one of the few still easily discernible. Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, where he quotes the declaration in that "All men are created equal" has really brought that document to the forefront in recent times.
The Constitution of the United States probably has gained more significance as the years have progressed. We the People. Not the President and it's citizens. Not the King and his peasants. We. The. People. That is who wrote the Constitution and that is who the Constitution protects. Just reading those words that were transcribed over 200 years ago...absolutely marvelous. People don't speak or write with the same passion and eloquence that our founding fathers once did. Slang has become such a part of everyday life and it is rather sad. The beauty of words and the power of the pen is being lost in this Era.
*Fun Constitution fact: There are only 12 states on the Constitution. Rhode Island didn't approve of it, therefore the didn't send any delegates to sign the Constitution. Remember that they only needed a 75% vote to get it ratified, meaning 9 of 13 had to sign. Also Pennsylvania is spelled Pensylania on the Constitution. Not until the 19th century did the second 'n' get added.
The Bill of Rights were added to the Constitution as the first 10 amendments, most notably freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly. I'm not as familiar with the Bill of Rights as I am with the other two documents, but it didn't take away for the "awe" value.
The ambience of the Rotunda is very hard to describe. People examining the documents were very revered. The feelings that overwhelmed me while I experienced the greatest part of D.C. are impossible to describe. It's a mixture of national pride, adoration, and stupor all combined into one. I had goosebumps the entire time, and the Rotunda completely took my breath away. Chills were felt throughout. The physical beauty of the documents may not be in pristine condition, but that's it does not diminish the indelible meaning of the documents. The legacy left, and to see how a nation has flourished in a mere 200 years after the script is one of the most beautiful things I've ever laid my eyes on.
Many of you know that early American history is a huge fascination of mine and that room was the Mecca. I hope everyone of you gets to experience the feeling that I felt today whether in the same historic sense or in another faction of life.
We may struggle in life to find what we want to do or where we want to be. But because of the brave Patriots and incredible scholars, we are able to live in a land where nothing is impossible. Make your own breaks. Be what you want to be. And don't let anyone stop you. The colonists didn't let the British. Find whatever is holding you back, and make that your Britain. And if you have to call on some friends for help (aka the French) they'll come too and help you win that fight.
May God Bless you, and God Bless America.
I just stepped out of the most historic room in America. The Rotunda, in the National Achieves Museum is by far, the most breathtaking place in these United States. In this room, are three of the most important documents stating the ideals and beliefs in which this country was founded.
The Declaration of Independence. Easily one of the most recognizable documents if not in the worlds history, at least American history. On the 4th day in July, 1776, 13 colonies announced their separation from Great Britain. The Revolutionary War was fought over these highest ideals: liberty, equality, and the right to self-determination. Today, this document is still the basis for our society. People come to America for liberty, an opportunity they wouldn't necessarily get in their native land. We don't pledge our allegiance to a king or ruler of some sort, nor do we pledge it to a territory, rather a piece of parchment, animal skin, written on by a quail pen. The actual document is sadly fading, yet the words are as iron penned as ever. The famous signature by John Hancock is one of the few still easily discernible. Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, where he quotes the declaration in that "All men are created equal" has really brought that document to the forefront in recent times.
The Constitution of the United States probably has gained more significance as the years have progressed. We the People. Not the President and it's citizens. Not the King and his peasants. We. The. People. That is who wrote the Constitution and that is who the Constitution protects. Just reading those words that were transcribed over 200 years ago...absolutely marvelous. People don't speak or write with the same passion and eloquence that our founding fathers once did. Slang has become such a part of everyday life and it is rather sad. The beauty of words and the power of the pen is being lost in this Era.
*Fun Constitution fact: There are only 12 states on the Constitution. Rhode Island didn't approve of it, therefore the didn't send any delegates to sign the Constitution. Remember that they only needed a 75% vote to get it ratified, meaning 9 of 13 had to sign. Also Pennsylvania is spelled Pensylania on the Constitution. Not until the 19th century did the second 'n' get added.
The Bill of Rights were added to the Constitution as the first 10 amendments, most notably freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly. I'm not as familiar with the Bill of Rights as I am with the other two documents, but it didn't take away for the "awe" value.
The ambience of the Rotunda is very hard to describe. People examining the documents were very revered. The feelings that overwhelmed me while I experienced the greatest part of D.C. are impossible to describe. It's a mixture of national pride, adoration, and stupor all combined into one. I had goosebumps the entire time, and the Rotunda completely took my breath away. Chills were felt throughout. The physical beauty of the documents may not be in pristine condition, but that's it does not diminish the indelible meaning of the documents. The legacy left, and to see how a nation has flourished in a mere 200 years after the script is one of the most beautiful things I've ever laid my eyes on.
Many of you know that early American history is a huge fascination of mine and that room was the Mecca. I hope everyone of you gets to experience the feeling that I felt today whether in the same historic sense or in another faction of life.
We may struggle in life to find what we want to do or where we want to be. But because of the brave Patriots and incredible scholars, we are able to live in a land where nothing is impossible. Make your own breaks. Be what you want to be. And don't let anyone stop you. The colonists didn't let the British. Find whatever is holding you back, and make that your Britain. And if you have to call on some friends for help (aka the French) they'll come too and help you win that fight.
May God Bless you, and God Bless America.
This Lack of Internet Thing is Kinda Beat
As I type this latest post, again from the Library of Congress, I realize that this lack of Internet thing is kinda beat (Note the title). The last time before right now that I had access to it was 48 hours ago. Now yeah, that may not seem like much, but for me it feels like light years!!! Check it, there are people (not how I'm not gonna say older people...oops...)who are less technologically sound than I, yet they are able to access the Internet all willy nilly. I have to plan when I'm going to be able to blog, read local newspapers, check emails, etc...Verizon has been blowing me off, so I'm going to try Comcast today.
Yesterday was pretty sweet. We had registration at the City Year office and believe it or not, I got lost again. By a show of hands, who here is surprised? However, I was able to find it in time and got to talking with some people before it started. I met this dude, Derek, who went to the College of Wooster and knows Matt Barnes(childhood friend). Talk about a small world. City Year broke us down into smaller groups at four stations. The first station was about, the bus and metro passes, the financial award given at the completion of the program, and my personal favorite, food stamps. Living will become much easier once all of these kick in.
The second station was where we went over the contract...word for word...fifteen pages...35 minutes...It was a good thing, however, as I now know that I have to put a disclaimer in this blog that everything I write is solely my views and opinions and does not necessarily reflect the same views and opinions as City Year, Inc. Legal mumbo jumbo, but hey that's what good ole Marietta College prepared me for!
The third station we tried on some of the uniform and played this ice breaker game called Zoom. It's kinda like "never have I ever" but without the alcohol. When it was all said and done, I met some pretty awesome people including this chick, Brittany, who is deaf. I've picked up a little sign language from hanging out with Jane, but now I really wish that I knew more so I could've engaged in conversation with her. That's now one of my new goals. Learn ASL. I'm sure her story is very interesting and I'm going to find it out.
A few of us went out for dinner at Buffalo Billiards, this pool bar. Decent food, eh atmosphere. So we ducked out and found this dive Steelers bar that had $2.00, 22 oz. Miller Lights. I met the owner, we chatted it up, cause well you know, I'm a Steelers kinda guy. Their specials all week are awesome. I think I'll be frequenting that bar, now if only I could remember the name of it...ah yes, The Mighty Pint(thanks Google...btw D.C. has sweet names for bars and restaurants...)
Anyway, yesterday was good. I'm now free until Monday when orientation actually starts. I'm going to find a bank and open an account today and hopefully check out some museums. I'd love to say that posts will occur daily, but as of right now, that's just not possible. You all will know when I do get Internet though, but until then, the beat goes on...duh duh dun da dun dun. (Eminem reference...people who are less technologically sound, I'll give you the link :) )
Yesterday was pretty sweet. We had registration at the City Year office and believe it or not, I got lost again. By a show of hands, who here is surprised? However, I was able to find it in time and got to talking with some people before it started. I met this dude, Derek, who went to the College of Wooster and knows Matt Barnes(childhood friend). Talk about a small world. City Year broke us down into smaller groups at four stations. The first station was about, the bus and metro passes, the financial award given at the completion of the program, and my personal favorite, food stamps. Living will become much easier once all of these kick in.
The second station was where we went over the contract...word for word...fifteen pages...35 minutes...It was a good thing, however, as I now know that I have to put a disclaimer in this blog that everything I write is solely my views and opinions and does not necessarily reflect the same views and opinions as City Year, Inc. Legal mumbo jumbo, but hey that's what good ole Marietta College prepared me for!
The third station we tried on some of the uniform and played this ice breaker game called Zoom. It's kinda like "never have I ever" but without the alcohol. When it was all said and done, I met some pretty awesome people including this chick, Brittany, who is deaf. I've picked up a little sign language from hanging out with Jane, but now I really wish that I knew more so I could've engaged in conversation with her. That's now one of my new goals. Learn ASL. I'm sure her story is very interesting and I'm going to find it out.
A few of us went out for dinner at Buffalo Billiards, this pool bar. Decent food, eh atmosphere. So we ducked out and found this dive Steelers bar that had $2.00, 22 oz. Miller Lights. I met the owner, we chatted it up, cause well you know, I'm a Steelers kinda guy. Their specials all week are awesome. I think I'll be frequenting that bar, now if only I could remember the name of it...ah yes, The Mighty Pint(thanks Google...btw D.C. has sweet names for bars and restaurants...)
Anyway, yesterday was good. I'm now free until Monday when orientation actually starts. I'm going to find a bank and open an account today and hopefully check out some museums. I'd love to say that posts will occur daily, but as of right now, that's just not possible. You all will know when I do get Internet though, but until then, the beat goes on...duh duh dun da dun dun. (Eminem reference...people who are less technologically sound, I'll give you the link :) )
Book Em Dano!!!
Today(Monday) I actually did something related to City Year! Holla holla!!! Six days after I arrived in D.C., I went and met about 25 other corp members for a background check. The whole process took about two hours, but time went much quicker.
Sean and I arrived at the destination and immediately started making conversation with people around us. Learning about new people, why they joined City Year, and their future plans is righteous. Everyone is so driven, but that seems essential for this program.
One chick, Carly, went to Miami and studied architecture, and seeing how Jim is an architect, it gave us a talking point. Another kid, Jared, is working to become a Marine and another dude, Matt, is from Gettysburg and does paranormal research. I told him about my paranormal experience while staying at my Mom's. It's kinda freaky, but here's how it went.
One night while watching my Grandpap at night, I was awoken around 4:00 a.m. to someone banging in the kitchen. I sounded like a mortar and pestle (Science reference, if you don't know what it is, look it up!) As I opened my eyes, I saw a green ball of light by the doorway and suddenly the orb disappeared, so immediately I thought to myself, aw hell no and tried to go back to sleep. As soon as I closed my eyes, I saw a ghostly figure and woke back up and turned on the t.v. until I fell back asleep with the light on. When I told my Mom and Grandpap about it the next day, my Grandpap didn't dispute it and actually said he thinks Anna, his wife (my grandma), is roaming around. Kinda nuts huh?
Back to D.C. After the fingerprints, Sean and I met up with Hunter and our friend Kate at Lucky's. We've been there before, but tonight it was for happy hour. Best deal ever. Tacos for 50 CENTS!!! They were mini tacos, but still, nine mini tacos for $4.50!? Uh yes please!!!
The only bad part of the day was when I messed up a SmartTrip transaction yesterday. I "put" $10 on my card, only forgetting (or not knowing because it was my first time reloading my card) to retap the scanner. It looked like the money was on my card so I wasn't worried, until I go to get on the Metro today and it didn't go through. I'm going to try to get it back, because it really was a honest, learning, new kid in the new town mistake.
Tomorrow I'll meet more people at registration. It's always a good day when I meet more people. Oh and I beat the computer at Chess today. So that's one thing that Jim and my computer have in common...I've beaten each of them once! #Winning
Sean and I arrived at the destination and immediately started making conversation with people around us. Learning about new people, why they joined City Year, and their future plans is righteous. Everyone is so driven, but that seems essential for this program.
One chick, Carly, went to Miami and studied architecture, and seeing how Jim is an architect, it gave us a talking point. Another kid, Jared, is working to become a Marine and another dude, Matt, is from Gettysburg and does paranormal research. I told him about my paranormal experience while staying at my Mom's. It's kinda freaky, but here's how it went.
One night while watching my Grandpap at night, I was awoken around 4:00 a.m. to someone banging in the kitchen. I sounded like a mortar and pestle (Science reference, if you don't know what it is, look it up!) As I opened my eyes, I saw a green ball of light by the doorway and suddenly the orb disappeared, so immediately I thought to myself, aw hell no and tried to go back to sleep. As soon as I closed my eyes, I saw a ghostly figure and woke back up and turned on the t.v. until I fell back asleep with the light on. When I told my Mom and Grandpap about it the next day, my Grandpap didn't dispute it and actually said he thinks Anna, his wife (my grandma), is roaming around. Kinda nuts huh?
Back to D.C. After the fingerprints, Sean and I met up with Hunter and our friend Kate at Lucky's. We've been there before, but tonight it was for happy hour. Best deal ever. Tacos for 50 CENTS!!! They were mini tacos, but still, nine mini tacos for $4.50!? Uh yes please!!!
The only bad part of the day was when I messed up a SmartTrip transaction yesterday. I "put" $10 on my card, only forgetting (or not knowing because it was my first time reloading my card) to retap the scanner. It looked like the money was on my card so I wasn't worried, until I go to get on the Metro today and it didn't go through. I'm going to try to get it back, because it really was a honest, learning, new kid in the new town mistake.
Tomorrow I'll meet more people at registration. It's always a good day when I meet more people. Oh and I beat the computer at Chess today. So that's one thing that Jim and my computer have in common...I've beaten each of them once! #Winning
Monday, July 25, 2011
These Shoes Were Made for Walking...
Ever since I moved back to Marietta in February of 2010, I have really taken a liking to walking when I need to get to places. Sure, there are times when that's just not feasible, but if there is extra time, walking for a few hours to get to a place is fine by me. One, it kills time, two it's a great form of exercise, three it's better for the environment and four it saves money.
On Saturday, after spending the afternoon in the Library of Congress taking care of some essentials, I decided that I would walk to Adams Morgan, which should've taken about an hour to an hour and a half. Two and a half hours later, dripping in sweat, I arrived at my destination.
Side note: People in D.C. are very friendly! Being new, I'm not afraid to ask for directions and the locals are always willing to help out. A few guys busted out IPhones for directions. One fellow asked if I had one, and I thought but didn't say, "Now if I had one, I wouldn't be lost now would I..." I'm so far behind in the technological game, but it's all gravy.
Bolton had some of his friends over, so we played some video games and let me tell you, I am not good at them anymore. Oh well, it's just something I grew out of supposedly.
The night was enjoyable as I met knew people and enjoyed the libations of the evening. I crashed there for the night and decided to walk back this morning. Beautiful morning for a walk. Nowhere near as hot as it's been the past few days and even a slight breeze allowed me to get to DuPont Circle quickly.
While waiting for the bus, I enjoyed a good conversation with Jim, who was on his way back from Indiana with Tammy. They went to a wedding. Very envious about that. After I got back home and blew up my air mattress again, it was decided that today will be a day for coolin'.
I'm writing this post with a little sadness as I pulled an Anna today and seemed to have lost my camera. The day after I finally get to take some snapshots of this picturesque town, it quite possibly got jacked. Hopefully it shows up so I can show you what I get to walk around daily.
I do have to give mad props to Anna however, for undertaking the Cinnamon Challenge. You try to eat a spoonful of cinnamon essentially. It's not fun and it actually hurts a little. Because she tried it however, her boyfriend, Kevin, took her to the mall and agreed to buy her whatever she wanted. ::Rolls eyes::
Well as I sit on my ever deflating mattress, I think I will lay down and listen to O.A.R.
What have I learned recently? It's alright to ask for help when you don't know. If I didn't ask for help, I'd still be walking around D.C. trying to find Bolton's apartment.
On Saturday, after spending the afternoon in the Library of Congress taking care of some essentials, I decided that I would walk to Adams Morgan, which should've taken about an hour to an hour and a half. Two and a half hours later, dripping in sweat, I arrived at my destination.
Side note: People in D.C. are very friendly! Being new, I'm not afraid to ask for directions and the locals are always willing to help out. A few guys busted out IPhones for directions. One fellow asked if I had one, and I thought but didn't say, "Now if I had one, I wouldn't be lost now would I..." I'm so far behind in the technological game, but it's all gravy.
Bolton had some of his friends over, so we played some video games and let me tell you, I am not good at them anymore. Oh well, it's just something I grew out of supposedly.
The night was enjoyable as I met knew people and enjoyed the libations of the evening. I crashed there for the night and decided to walk back this morning. Beautiful morning for a walk. Nowhere near as hot as it's been the past few days and even a slight breeze allowed me to get to DuPont Circle quickly.
While waiting for the bus, I enjoyed a good conversation with Jim, who was on his way back from Indiana with Tammy. They went to a wedding. Very envious about that. After I got back home and blew up my air mattress again, it was decided that today will be a day for coolin'.
I'm writing this post with a little sadness as I pulled an Anna today and seemed to have lost my camera. The day after I finally get to take some snapshots of this picturesque town, it quite possibly got jacked. Hopefully it shows up so I can show you what I get to walk around daily.
I do have to give mad props to Anna however, for undertaking the Cinnamon Challenge. You try to eat a spoonful of cinnamon essentially. It's not fun and it actually hurts a little. Because she tried it however, her boyfriend, Kevin, took her to the mall and agreed to buy her whatever she wanted. ::Rolls eyes::
Well as I sit on my ever deflating mattress, I think I will lay down and listen to O.A.R.
What have I learned recently? It's alright to ask for help when you don't know. If I didn't ask for help, I'd still be walking around D.C. trying to find Bolton's apartment.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
A Line from Pops
Some of you know because I have called expressing this, but for those of you who don't I have a confession. For as much as I move around, I have a really hard time adapting to new situations and surroundings. This is one of the hardest things, aside from the lack of monetary income right now, that I've been enduring since moving to D.C.
To contact me with your messages, you can either email me at michael.washabaugh@gmail.com or check me out of Facebook: Mike Washabaugh and don't forget that everyone is able to comment on the posts as well.
My Dad emailed me this quote from Cheri Huber:
One of the things I like best about Buddhism is that there are no answers. There is no handbook that says, in case of this, do that. You just have to sit still with each experience. One time it might feel right to do something, another time it might not.Very fitting for the situation I'm currently in. I urge all of you reading this to send me your words of wisdom or leadership styles and will gladly post them on the blog for all to see. I'm a huge believer that one can never stop learning. No matter how young or old the person is, if they're offering advice, it's in our best interest to stop and listen.
To contact me with your messages, you can either email me at michael.washabaugh@gmail.com or check me out of Facebook: Mike Washabaugh and don't forget that everyone is able to comment on the posts as well.
Life Without Internet
In the technological era that we are in, people often wonder what it would be like to live without cable or Internet. I'm currently living that life and let me tell you...it SUCKS!!! I mean our society has become so enamored with surfin' the web that is has become almost as necessary as food to survive. Cable, I can do without and have been reading more, so I count that as a blessing actually.
I tried to get my apartment hooked up with the Internet two days ago. I ended up making around five phone calls totalling close to two hours to Verizon, but something always went awry. Apparently the apartment was a foreclosure and our sucky-ass(sorry kids had to use that one) leasing agents don't know the past phone number for the apartment and won't find it out. Hell, they don't even know if the apartment is capable of an Internet hookup!
I digress. I had to come to the Library of Congress today to check my email and figured it would be a good time to catch everyone up. Yesterday, my roommates and I met these three chicks at the Burger Joint( I know...awesome name for a restaurant. I mean can anyone go there not knowing what is going to be served?) So the six of us chilled all day and during the most productive wandering trip, we ended up at the Smithsonian! How awesome is that. I saw Julia Childs' kitchen, learned about birth control, tried to emulate splitting an atom and saw a tiny HIV/AIDS display.
The one girl and I were taken aback by how small the display was considering how prevalent it is in D.C. 24% of kids will contract that virus. How sad is that. To top it off, one of the main reasons why I chose D.C. was because of the AIDS program that City Year does in the schools. They cancelled that program this year. I'm not sure if it was because of funding , but I think that these kids need to learn about HIV and AIDS. I may try to take them to the Smithsonian to learn about it for an excursion if allowed. Check out these staggering numbers...
Jumping ahead...
Last night Sean, Hunter, and I went to Adams Morgan to check out the nightlife. Most of the bars were bumpin!!! We went to three different ones, the last one being a jazz club with a live band. These guys could play. Well worth the five dollar cover charge. The only bad part was the amount that alcohol costs. In Marietta I'm used to paying $2.50 for a Miller Light. In D.C. $4.00! So let's just say I won't be drinking on the town that much. We got back around 4:00 a.m. and after I had a leftover stuffed hot dog from dinner, I went to bed in my sagging air mattress. Gotta really figure that thing out...Oh and to all those who I may have called while inebriated, my most sincere apologies.
I tried to get my apartment hooked up with the Internet two days ago. I ended up making around five phone calls totalling close to two hours to Verizon, but something always went awry. Apparently the apartment was a foreclosure and our sucky-ass(sorry kids had to use that one) leasing agents don't know the past phone number for the apartment and won't find it out. Hell, they don't even know if the apartment is capable of an Internet hookup!
I digress. I had to come to the Library of Congress today to check my email and figured it would be a good time to catch everyone up. Yesterday, my roommates and I met these three chicks at the Burger Joint( I know...awesome name for a restaurant. I mean can anyone go there not knowing what is going to be served?) So the six of us chilled all day and during the most productive wandering trip, we ended up at the Smithsonian! How awesome is that. I saw Julia Childs' kitchen, learned about birth control, tried to emulate splitting an atom and saw a tiny HIV/AIDS display.
The one girl and I were taken aback by how small the display was considering how prevalent it is in D.C. 24% of kids will contract that virus. How sad is that. To top it off, one of the main reasons why I chose D.C. was because of the AIDS program that City Year does in the schools. They cancelled that program this year. I'm not sure if it was because of funding , but I think that these kids need to learn about HIV and AIDS. I may try to take them to the Smithsonian to learn about it for an excursion if allowed. Check out these staggering numbers...
A June 2011 D.C. Department of Health report found that the number of HIV/AIDS cases qualified as an epidemic under World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Among its findings for 2009 are:
- § An estimated 16,721 Washingtonians over the age of 12 were living with HIV/AIDS;
- § 75.2 percent of these with HIV/AIDS were African-American;
- § Residents between 40 and 49 years of age have the highest infection rate among District residents (7,393 per 100,000 residents
Jumping ahead...
Last night Sean, Hunter, and I went to Adams Morgan to check out the nightlife. Most of the bars were bumpin!!! We went to three different ones, the last one being a jazz club with a live band. These guys could play. Well worth the five dollar cover charge. The only bad part was the amount that alcohol costs. In Marietta I'm used to paying $2.50 for a Miller Light. In D.C. $4.00! So let's just say I won't be drinking on the town that much. We got back around 4:00 a.m. and after I had a leftover stuffed hot dog from dinner, I went to bed in my sagging air mattress. Gotta really figure that thing out...Oh and to all those who I may have called while inebriated, my most sincere apologies.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
It's Getting Hot in Here!!!
How does a heat index off 115 degrees sound? Now imagine that in an apartment with no air conditioning!!! I have a few fans in my enlarged box that is a room, but it's just blowing hot air around. It's so hot **Everyone reply: How hot is it?** It's so hot that the heat somehow managed to deflate my air mattress yesterday (Yes, I'm sleeping on an air mattress for 10 months), so I blew it back up right before I went to bed, and in the middle of the night I sunk down into the middle of the thing, almost to the point where my back was touching the ground. Not the most comfortable night.
Speaking of the night. Last night I hung out with fellow Blue Liner (Marietta Alum for you Pittsburgh readers) Andrew Bolton for a good five hours, which provided me with the best experience of D.C. so far. We got a bite to eat and went back to his place, watched the D.C. United soccer game and slugged a few beers. Then I got a call from my roommates who wanted to meet at DuPont Circle. This place is where the nightlife happens. But it was a Wednesday. Even in D.C., no one goes out on a Wednesday. We barhopped for a little, found a soccer pub with the Paraguay and Venezuela game on, and some raucous fans in attendance. Very cool atmosphere. Now we decide to go home and head for the Metro only to find out that our Metro train doesn't run that late. Sweet. We have to take a cab. So, we jump into this unmarked one driven by a Moroccan with a GPS. He gets lost about five times, and it takes close to an hour to get home. Out $29 dollars.
All in all, yesterday was full of up and downs, which seems like that's how the whole trip has been progressing. I'm thinking I'll be spending mostly all day in the Library of Congress because it's so hot out, so I may actually do some research on Marietta. Very cool town, rich in history. Similar to me: Very cool, just not that rich...
Speaking of the night. Last night I hung out with fellow Blue Liner (Marietta Alum for you Pittsburgh readers) Andrew Bolton for a good five hours, which provided me with the best experience of D.C. so far. We got a bite to eat and went back to his place, watched the D.C. United soccer game and slugged a few beers. Then I got a call from my roommates who wanted to meet at DuPont Circle. This place is where the nightlife happens. But it was a Wednesday. Even in D.C., no one goes out on a Wednesday. We barhopped for a little, found a soccer pub with the Paraguay and Venezuela game on, and some raucous fans in attendance. Very cool atmosphere. Now we decide to go home and head for the Metro only to find out that our Metro train doesn't run that late. Sweet. We have to take a cab. So, we jump into this unmarked one driven by a Moroccan with a GPS. He gets lost about five times, and it takes close to an hour to get home. Out $29 dollars.
All in all, yesterday was full of up and downs, which seems like that's how the whole trip has been progressing. I'm thinking I'll be spending mostly all day in the Library of Congress because it's so hot out, so I may actually do some research on Marietta. Very cool town, rich in history. Similar to me: Very cool, just not that rich...
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Washington D.C. Day Two-Library of Congress
After kind of sleeping in today, I woke up and decided I would put my room together, which is a little bigger than a spacious closet. I somehow managed. I also got a nice workout it by inflating my queen-sized air mattress with a handheld pump. #Jacked.
I then made my way onto the bus system, which only cost a dollar (suck on that Pittsburgh), and found my way at the Metro station. There I purchased a SmartTrip card to use while I wait for my MetroPass through City Year. I asked around how to get to the Library of Congress and eventually made it. Once inside, I went and applied for and received a Library of Congress reader card. This thing is more legit than some of my media credentials!!! So, as I "do research about Marietta..." I am also updating you, my friends and family, about the whirlwind of events that have taken place in the oh 29 hours since I left Pittsburgh. Do you miss me? Cause I sure miss all of you.
And you know how I always say I'm hot and this and that, well of Friday it's supposed to get up to 115 degrees here...even I'm not that hot...
I then made my way onto the bus system, which only cost a dollar (suck on that Pittsburgh), and found my way at the Metro station. There I purchased a SmartTrip card to use while I wait for my MetroPass through City Year. I asked around how to get to the Library of Congress and eventually made it. Once inside, I went and applied for and received a Library of Congress reader card. This thing is more legit than some of my media credentials!!! So, as I "do research about Marietta..." I am also updating you, my friends and family, about the whirlwind of events that have taken place in the oh 29 hours since I left Pittsburgh. Do you miss me? Cause I sure miss all of you.
And you know how I always say I'm hot and this and that, well of Friday it's supposed to get up to 115 degrees here...even I'm not that hot...
Washington D.C.: So the Adventure Begins...
Yesterday, the journey began. A little over two hours into said journey, it stopped. Unexpectedly. Some might say I hit a road bump. I just say I blew a tire. Shortly after crossing into Maryland, cruising in The General at a mere 70 mph, my rear left tire blew. So, I managed to get to the shoulder, evaluate the situation, realize that I had packed my entire life into the car, thus making it really hard to get to my donut, and call for a tow. Now the nearest town was just a mile a way, Hancock, buuuuuuut, I wasn't thrilled about the experience. I'd use harsh profanity to describe the town, but there may be kids reading.
After going to two different garages and waiting TWO hours to get a new tire in a town no bigger than Westwood(Pittsburgh reference) or Harmar(Marietta reference), I was out $140 but back on the road. Now I was in a time crunch. I had to meet my roommates at a hotel at 5:30 p.m., and rolled up at 5:28 p.m. Yeah, be impressed. So, I literally jumped out of my car, into another, and went into town to sign a lease. The leasing agent was from Israel, was very jumpy and unorganized(only one set of keys for three people), and managed to take two plus hours to get this done.
We then went to the apartment and began to unpack. About three hours later, dripping with sweat, starving from near 11 hours of not eating, and being tired and kind of grumpy about the whole experience so far, our belonging were all moved in. My roommates and I found a McDonald's, scarfed down a midnight meal and we were off to bed. How about that for a first day...
Leadership quality possessed and practiced today: Patience
After going to two different garages and waiting TWO hours to get a new tire in a town no bigger than Westwood(Pittsburgh reference) or Harmar(Marietta reference), I was out $140 but back on the road. Now I was in a time crunch. I had to meet my roommates at a hotel at 5:30 p.m., and rolled up at 5:28 p.m. Yeah, be impressed. So, I literally jumped out of my car, into another, and went into town to sign a lease. The leasing agent was from Israel, was very jumpy and unorganized(only one set of keys for three people), and managed to take two plus hours to get this done.
We then went to the apartment and began to unpack. About three hours later, dripping with sweat, starving from near 11 hours of not eating, and being tired and kind of grumpy about the whole experience so far, our belonging were all moved in. My roommates and I found a McDonald's, scarfed down a midnight meal and we were off to bed. How about that for a first day...
Leadership quality possessed and practiced today: Patience
Monday, July 18, 2011
Save Tonight, Fight the Break of Dawn, Come Tomorrow, Tomorrow I'll be Gone
For the second time in two months, tonight is my "Save Tonight" night. Tomorrow I make my trek to Washington D.C. to begin my 10 months in the nations capital. Don't get me wrong, I couldn't be more excited for this opportunity, and there is no doubt that I'll have a blast, but saying bye to your parents, siblings, and loved ones is never easy. As I sit here and type this with a little lump in my throat, it is great knowing that I do have the support of all my family members.
I reverted back to my ways at Marietta College in procrastinating when it came to packing. "There's no minute like the last minute." I had to pack up all my clothes, toiletries, and living essentials, and pack them into my 1994 Volvo named General Jasper. I've taken so many trips with him however, that I can call him simply, "The General." My mad Tetris skills came into play as I somehow managed to fit everything I need into my small whip.
I learned that it is almost impossible to plan your life years in advance. Check this out. Along with Kevin McMillan, Mark Jackson, and Zack Myers, I was supposed to be living in Pittsburgh for this upcoming year. We all are best friends and couldn't imagine a better living situation. However, life happened. Kevin got a job which would prohibit him from living with us, I got accepted to City Year and now have to move to D.C. and Zack is now living in Florida. All of this happened in 45-60 days!!! How people expect to know what is going to happen years in advance is mind-blowing. Each of us had a situation come up, and even though it would separate us, we knew that these favorable circumstances don't come around everyday. Live one day at a time and if something comes up that is appealing, jump on it, because you don't want to live in a world of regret. NEVER REGRET. You can't change the past.
The next time I write in this blog, I will be in WASHINGTON D.C. Wish me safe travels and Godspeed!!!
I reverted back to my ways at Marietta College in procrastinating when it came to packing. "There's no minute like the last minute." I had to pack up all my clothes, toiletries, and living essentials, and pack them into my 1994 Volvo named General Jasper. I've taken so many trips with him however, that I can call him simply, "The General." My mad Tetris skills came into play as I somehow managed to fit everything I need into my small whip.
I learned that it is almost impossible to plan your life years in advance. Check this out. Along with Kevin McMillan, Mark Jackson, and Zack Myers, I was supposed to be living in Pittsburgh for this upcoming year. We all are best friends and couldn't imagine a better living situation. However, life happened. Kevin got a job which would prohibit him from living with us, I got accepted to City Year and now have to move to D.C. and Zack is now living in Florida. All of this happened in 45-60 days!!! How people expect to know what is going to happen years in advance is mind-blowing. Each of us had a situation come up, and even though it would separate us, we knew that these favorable circumstances don't come around everyday. Live one day at a time and if something comes up that is appealing, jump on it, because you don't want to live in a world of regret. NEVER REGRET. You can't change the past.
The next time I write in this blog, I will be in WASHINGTON D.C. Wish me safe travels and Godspeed!!!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Playing Catchup...Yesterday's Activities
Let me get you all caught up on yesterday. I went golfing with my Dad, which was awesome and had a few ice cold brews at the conclusion. Nothing better than gulping down a cold one after a hot day on the links. After that I met up with my brother, Jim, at Best Buy and purchased a new laptop. It was necessary because well, I can't take my Mom's computer with me, and the one that I was previously using, doesn't really run...to put it bluntly. Following my new purchase, I went to Schenley Park and met up with one of my friends from Marietta College, Mike Scalise, and we played a round of Frisbee Golf and later crushed a pizza. All in all a great day.
While sluggin beer with Pops, we engaged in a conversation about leadership. I'm always anxious to hear the perspective of the subject from others, especially those who hold a leadership position.(He's a fire chief for the city of Pittsburgh) He explained that he molded his style after one of his commanders in the Navy. They both work strictly off of the rewards system. His story is as follows:
When enlisted, he and the rest of his squad work their tails off daily in the blistering heat while they readied the ship for deployment. After the last day of work before the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk was ready to set sail, his commanding officer called a mandatory meeting at the dock. When everyone arrived, the officer had readied a picnic consisting of grilled food, kegs of beer and pickup games, all as a result of their tireless work.
What I learned from this is that many times the work that we do will go unheeded but it doesn't mean that someone isn't watching and paying attention. Don't expect to be lauded for your efforts, but put forth a meaningful effort every time. Someway or another you will be rewarded. Sometimes it will be in the physical form such as the Navy picnic, other times it will be from silent gratification from the looks on the faces of those affected by your goodness and other times you will get personal pleasure knowing that you did make a difference.
While sluggin beer with Pops, we engaged in a conversation about leadership. I'm always anxious to hear the perspective of the subject from others, especially those who hold a leadership position.(He's a fire chief for the city of Pittsburgh) He explained that he molded his style after one of his commanders in the Navy. They both work strictly off of the rewards system. His story is as follows:
When enlisted, he and the rest of his squad work their tails off daily in the blistering heat while they readied the ship for deployment. After the last day of work before the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk was ready to set sail, his commanding officer called a mandatory meeting at the dock. When everyone arrived, the officer had readied a picnic consisting of grilled food, kegs of beer and pickup games, all as a result of their tireless work.
What I learned from this is that many times the work that we do will go unheeded but it doesn't mean that someone isn't watching and paying attention. Don't expect to be lauded for your efforts, but put forth a meaningful effort every time. Someway or another you will be rewarded. Sometimes it will be in the physical form such as the Navy picnic, other times it will be from silent gratification from the looks on the faces of those affected by your goodness and other times you will get personal pleasure knowing that you did make a difference.
Living Quarters
The final snag in the moving to D.C. process has finally come to an end! Thanks to the diligent work of my roommate, Sean Eagan, along with Hunter Wilson, I now have a place to live. From what I understand, it's in NW D.C. and is rather spacious...enough so that we all have our own room. It's definitely NOT like Marietta in which we had three guys rooming in an attic, sleeping on air mattresses, and most nights someone was on a couch. Nonetheless, it all added to the great experience we had living in the town that gave us our degrees.
With the announcement of the new apartment also came news of an earlier move out date for myself. I had originally planned on leaving Pittsburgh on the 20th, now it's the 19. Not a big deal, but still one day sooner than I had preparing for, so now it's time to go into pack mode.
Pictures will come when I get down there...
With the announcement of the new apartment also came news of an earlier move out date for myself. I had originally planned on leaving Pittsburgh on the 20th, now it's the 19. Not a big deal, but still one day sooner than I had preparing for, so now it's time to go into pack mode.
Pictures will come when I get down there...
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Countdown to D.C.: T Minus 8 Days-Shots
As the big day gets closer, I'm been taking care of busy work that is necessary for the program. Today included going and getting a TB shot. See, I don't know why people get all bent out of sorts over shots. I understand if you're afraid of needles, but really, it doesn't even hurt. I think it's actually rather neat to see the vaccine go into the skin, but that's just me.
Like in any situation, regardless of how exciting the prospective of traveling to a new city and meeting new people is, it genuinely sucks to have to say goodbye to family and friends. I should be used to it by now as I've moved plenty of times, but even though I know "it's not goodbye, it's I'll see you later", it doesn't make it any easier.
Tonight I got my "goodbye" dinner with my Mom and brother. We went to Vincent's, a good Italian joint, with delicious pizza. Spending time with my family is always a favorite of mine because I don't know when I'll see them next. For instance, my sister went back to Penn St. and although she's coming back on Saturday, I might not be at home when she is, so there is a very realistic chance that I won't see her until Christmas.
One thing that I have to continue to do is not forget who I am. I want to improve myself but not at the cost of losing my principles and changing for the worse. That said, with the MLB All-Star Game on right now, I'm peacin' out and continuing a tradition that I've done for as long as I can remember, watching the Midsummer Classic for the sport that I absolutely love.
Like in any situation, regardless of how exciting the prospective of traveling to a new city and meeting new people is, it genuinely sucks to have to say goodbye to family and friends. I should be used to it by now as I've moved plenty of times, but even though I know "it's not goodbye, it's I'll see you later", it doesn't make it any easier.
Tonight I got my "goodbye" dinner with my Mom and brother. We went to Vincent's, a good Italian joint, with delicious pizza. Spending time with my family is always a favorite of mine because I don't know when I'll see them next. For instance, my sister went back to Penn St. and although she's coming back on Saturday, I might not be at home when she is, so there is a very realistic chance that I won't see her until Christmas.
One thing that I have to continue to do is not forget who I am. I want to improve myself but not at the cost of losing my principles and changing for the worse. That said, with the MLB All-Star Game on right now, I'm peacin' out and continuing a tradition that I've done for as long as I can remember, watching the Midsummer Classic for the sport that I absolutely love.
Monday, July 11, 2011
An Introduction
I'm guessing many of you are wondering how exactly I decided to join the Americorp, let alone City Year. This goes back to my time at Marietta College when I studied leadership at the McDonough Center for Leadership and Business. Not until after graduation did all of this leadership stuff start to make sense. It was hard to grasp during my time at Marietta because it wasn't the real world.
After working in different settings, the skills that my professors instilled in us started to reappear. It was at that time that I began realizing the magnitude of my Leadership certificate and was really proud of what I accomplished as a student. Then I began remembering why I wanted to join the program and study leadership: to help others, change the world, and make it a better place than I found it.
After being rejected to graduate schools, I began to scurry for ideas for my immediate future. Some of my friends mentioned the Americorp, so I applied, was emailed about City Year, and being that it is a situation in which I am very familiar with, inner city schools ( I attended Perry Traditional Academy on the North Side of Pittsburgh, a city school), I was able to empathize and very quick knew that this was a journey in which I needed to embark on.
Giving back to the community is something that each one of us can do, but very few actually will. By taking on this role and showing kids that education can take you anywhere, I am hoping that this will blaze the path for people in the future who read this blog.
Throughout the next 10 months, my life will be dedicated to bettering the lives of those less fortunate, those who don't have the strong support group that I had growing up, and hopefully expose these kids to ideals and activities that they otherwise would be sheltered from.
I urge you to check back regularly as I hope to have a daily update with pictures!!!(Sometimes pictures say more than words, and some of my friends would rather look at pictures than read my posts anyway).
After working in different settings, the skills that my professors instilled in us started to reappear. It was at that time that I began realizing the magnitude of my Leadership certificate and was really proud of what I accomplished as a student. Then I began remembering why I wanted to join the program and study leadership: to help others, change the world, and make it a better place than I found it.
After being rejected to graduate schools, I began to scurry for ideas for my immediate future. Some of my friends mentioned the Americorp, so I applied, was emailed about City Year, and being that it is a situation in which I am very familiar with, inner city schools ( I attended Perry Traditional Academy on the North Side of Pittsburgh, a city school), I was able to empathize and very quick knew that this was a journey in which I needed to embark on.
Throughout the next 10 months, my life will be dedicated to bettering the lives of those less fortunate, those who don't have the strong support group that I had growing up, and hopefully expose these kids to ideals and activities that they otherwise would be sheltered from.
I urge you to check back regularly as I hope to have a daily update with pictures!!!(Sometimes pictures say more than words, and some of my friends would rather look at pictures than read my posts anyway).
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