Recently...

Since this blog is titled "My Life AND Other Girly Goodies" I figured I'd include some actual things that have been going on in my life rather than the normal girly goodies I've posted about. My internship is quickly coming to an end. This week will be my last week in DC, and I head back to Alabama on Monday. I'll take a pit stop in South Carolina to break up my traveling time and to visit one of my best friends, Trey. Until then I'll be packing, organizing, loading up my car, and preparing myself for the severe sadness that I'll be going through when I head back down South.

Quick mood change now, didn't mean to take it to that level. Let's backtrack a couple of days/weeks to some interesting things I've been up to! My family and I picked the most amazing weekend ever to see the cherry blossoms. We went on St. Patty's day! They were in full bloom, and absolutely amazing. We packed a picnic, and hung out on some grass while playing ball in between bites of food. Here's some pics from that:

My mom came to visit during the last weekend of March! I was so excited to see her and have some much needed mom time. Her plane was delayed on Friday so we didn't do much. We ordered room service (pizza and cokes) and hit the sack. On Saturday we did some shopping and sightseeing. We ate at fun restaurants and watched movies. I even talked her into seeing the Hunger Games (the second time for me). Sunday we did a little more shopping (our favorite past time if you can't tell) and rented a movie in the room. We relaxed, talked, laughed, and had a blast. Here's some pictures from our short time together: 

The last blog worthy thing I've done lately is attend the White House Easter Egg Roll! It was pretty cool to walk around the White House grounds. Obviously, the focus is toward children, but it was so fun to see Summer's face when seeing new exciting things. Autumn is too young and enjoys herself regardless of the location, White House or not. But here's the one picture from the White House that will upload. There are many others on facebook, but I'm still annoyed that I can't upload more here... oh well.

Now that I'm all caught up blogging on the fun DC experiences I've had it's close to being time for me to leave. I can't believe 4 months have gone by so fast, but we'll save the emotions for another post. For now, I'm happy as a clam and having an amazing end to a semester well spent with wonderful family and new friends :) 

Just another day in the office...

Sometime last week, I can't remember the exact day so let's go with Tuesday, I went on a tour of the Dome of the Capitol. The tour isn't exactly open to the general public, because you have to attend with a Congressman or Chief of Staff... lucky me! I had no idea what to expect, but this tour exceeded any expectations I did create in my mind. Many people have seen pictures of the dome of the Capitol, but very few have been inside it. Let's just say I didn't know I was afraid of heights until this day. I had been on the floor of the Rotunda (which is the room where you are standing at the bottom of the dome) but never on the top looking down (which I don't recommend for those afraid of heights-18 stories is a long way to fall). Here's a picture taken from my cell phone looking down from the dome to the floor of the Rotunda:

After what felt like a million steps, we made it to the top of the dome which was amazing. Looking down from over the rail wasn't quite the same effect, but being that close to the top of an 18 story, 9 million pound piece of architecture is pretty cool to say the least. Once you get to the top you get to see the 4,500 square foot painting called The Apotheosis of George Washington. Here it is:

And like always the picture does it no justice. After seeing the artwork on the top of the dome, you climb more steps and head outside to the 2nd highest building in DC, behind the Washington monument. The balcony of the top of the Dome circles around the entire building, allowing you to see all of the DC area in one place. Here's the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court.

Oh, and who could forget the Occupy Congress protestors who stood outside of the Capitol in freezing cold, windy weather and even entered the building to "occupy Congress." Sorry for the crappy quality, it was taken from 18 stories high (I'm aware I keep repeating how many stories high I was, but it adds dramatic effect, and makes it seem so much cooler) from an old beat up Blackberry. Also, notice the Capitol police perfectly lined across the entrance of the building.

Needless to say, my legs were flubber for two days following this event. This is one of the neatest experiences I have had so far. Being at the top and outside of such a prestigious and recognizable building was humbling. That may sound cheesy, but it's an experience I'll never forget...especially now since I'm writing about it in my blog and posting it on the internet. 

Goodnight from the nation's capitol!