Politics, Baseball, and Thoughts of Home

Well, this week a slight wave of homesickness finally set in. I'm not sure whether this was the result of spending time with my boss and her kids or hearing about all the fun times my friends are having back home, but something did it and there came that point when I just needed a slight taste of home. Initially, that taste came in the form of a Chipotle burrito bowl because nothing reminds me of good times with friends like the familiar spice of Chipotle. Later, I found comfort in a most entertaining Skype date with my mom and my Aunty Dy. There's something about a day spent by the pool with your sister in the sun, with no kids, and a good bottle of wine that makes you a prime Skype date and believe me, they were!

I must have been here for just enough weeks to be settling in because my week was definitely too busy and too exciting to cause me to miss home too much. Early in the week, thanks to my CMC alumni mentor, I had the opportunity to talk with some lawyers who work in government relations in DC, each of whom offered a unique and interesting perspective on what it is like to work in law and politics in Washington, two fields I am becoming more and more interested in. Thursday morning I was lucky enough to attend a Golden State Roundtable Breakfast with one of my internships where many of the freshman Representatives from Central and Northern California spoke. As much as I loved feeling the camaraderie of the Californians in the room, I was happy to meet and chat with a fellow CMCer who happened to be from Oregon! (Insert cheesy phrase here about how much I love my school) I was supposed to finish off my politically-driven, networking-filled week with lunch at the Capitol Hill Club (the prestigious Republican Club in DC) with my boss on Friday, but when I arrived at the Club it was surrounded by at least five firetrucks and I was promptly informed that the fourth floor of the Club was on fire. We went and got cheesesteaks instead.

One of the most exciting events of my entire week was when my PeacePlayers boss offered me and my fellow interns his front row tickets to the Nationals game. Front row tickets right at third base weren't too bad for my first major league baseball game! Not only were the tickets amazing, it was a fun way to get to know my fellow interns even better outside the office and to feel like a local for a few hours.

The remainder of my weekend including surviving the monsoon that hit Friday (think high-speed winds, flash flood alerts, and thunder so loud you think the sky is falling), visiting the Supreme Court (which I will never tire of), and welcoming a new roommate, who I am so thankful to say enjoys listening to country music while we get ready as much as I do! I also had a chance to visit Eastern Market with my internship bestie, checking out the farmers market (and the baked goods :) and the amazing jewelry for sale at the flea market. If you're ever in DC for a weekend, this is a must-do!

Feeling a little sassy at the Eastern Market flea market

Luckily, this week promises to be just as exciting as the last with a CMC visit to the Nats game on Tuesday and the city basically shutting down for the Fourth of July on Thursday. Oh and did I mention MOM AND MERE MERE ARE COMING ON WEDNESDAY?!? I'm just a little excited, in case you didn't get that. But more on that wonderful weekend next time. For now, I'll wish those of you back home luck in surviving the heat wave coming through, keeping in mind that my sympathy is low since it's nearly as hot here but we are enjoying 70% humidity. Please enjoy the pools, the rivers, and your families for me. As much as I love being here in DC this summer there are some things you never get used to and the lack of nature and missing my family are two of those things. Keep checking in and I'll see you all soon. Enjoy your July!

Who in their right mind wouldn't be a little homesick after seeing this??