Orlando and I have come up with this brilliant idea to have game night with the interns every Monday night. It has been a success amongst our fellow colleagues. The first couple nights we played catchphrase. An indoor game that requires no activity, and is quite calm. Well, since then our bright ideas have progressively involved games in which we are walking away injured.
Capture the Flag
By far it is probably one of the best childhood games ever! The strategy mixed with the physical ability to win is a perfect concoction for fun. About 25 other interns from our workplace were just as enthusiastic to play the game last Monday. We split the teams into Stars and Stripes. Orlando and I (the dynamic duo) were on the winning Stars team. Orlando, the General, was the mastermind behind our strategy. Our team hid behind bushes and trees, leaving the other team bewildered and confused. One by one they were captured. As the sun began to set, I took advantage of the dusk to sneak from tree to tree to rescue my fellow teammates from jail. I, nicknamed The Sniper, finally was close enough to free my people and make a mad dash to find the flag. We WON! Or did we? We might have won the game, but that week we suffered for days with sore muscles. Before we knew it Monday rolled around again. So what is the only sport that can truly top CTF?
Soccer
Upper Senate Park was the location for a fabulous game of amateur soccer. Once again we had enough interns to play 11v.11, a perfect number for a game of soccer. For some reason I always forget playing with inexperienced players can be dangerous. Orlando and I were knocked around...and of course we knocked a few folks around too. I could feel my shins throbbing from being kicked and cleated. However, a "true" soccer player never quits because of an injury. That would be insane to do. About 30 minutes into the game I saw Orlando limping around. His hammie was shot! But like a "true" soccer player he didn't quit. As for me, the final blow that really took me down was a kick in the shin by a 6'2" mammoth of a man. I hit the ground, debated if I wanted to get up, and then decided I was a "true" soccer play. Orlando saw me fall down and instinctively eyed the person who took me down. Nothing I could say was going to stop him. Before I knew it his opportunity came to challenge the mammoth man for a ball. Orlando, with a pulled hamstring, tackled the mammoth in such a way that he use his entire body weight to flip the guy over his back. It was CRAZY! Everyone was shocked. Of course, Orlando made sure the dude was okay. But he's a mammoth nothing could harm him. After Orlando sought justice upon my behalf we realized we were done. Our injuries were to painful to keep playing.
Upon arriving back at the apartment, Orlando was immobile and I had massive bruises from my ankle up to my thigh. One is a bruise of a soccer ball...stitches, hexagon shapes, the works.
After icing our injuries last night, we are still struggling to make it around. As two gimps, we looked silly walking around in the professional environment of a think tank. So as it says in the title...if you wouldn't mind sending any crutches, wheelchairs, or hoverrounds to us...we would be greatly appreciative. Especially, if game night continues...the injuries might too.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
OD in DC Part 2: We're Back!!!
Finally...the first blog. The internet in the intern housing building has been in disarray since we arrived. All the local wi-fi spots are closed by 9pm, so there has been a very small window of opportunity to get work done. As for me I've used that opening for homework, although the blog has been a potential thought of a way to procrastinate.
Orlando and I made a pit stop in NC to visit my wonderful family for a few days. This may sound very biased, but Ireally have the best family ever. Going between Uncle Dan and Aunt Dori's houseto Uncle Barry's home was so pleasant and each host so hospitable. Our afterdinner conversations are always interesting. The best story was from a certain uncle(he likes to think he is my favorite, but all three are my favorite) who told mehow he used to eavesdrop on my mom's conversations when she was a teenager. It was brilliant and quite mischievous, yet I believe I would have been his partner in crime if I was there. Here are a few pics from our trip to the great state of North Carolina...
Orlando and I made a pit stop in NC to visit my wonderful family for a few days. This may sound very biased, but Ireally have the best family ever. Going between Uncle Dan and Aunt Dori's houseto Uncle Barry's home was so pleasant and each host so hospitable. Our afterdinner conversations are always interesting. The best story was from a certain uncle(he likes to think he is my favorite, but all three are my favorite) who told mehow he used to eavesdrop on my mom's conversations when she was a teenager. It was brilliant and quite mischievous, yet I believe I would have been his partner in crime if I was there. Here are a few pics from our trip to the great state of North Carolina...
Go Mason!
Score!
Moffitts are very sweet...
but very silly!
I am now an official intern and absolutely loving it. The organization is the best in DC and it treats the interns very well. During our orientation the intern coordinator made it very clear the organization plans everything around meals. Meaning all meetings and lectures will be during meal times. Can't complain about that! My supervisor said the joke in DC is we disquise ourselves as a think-tank, but we really are a catering service. Needless to say I've been well fed.
These past couple days have been quite interesting. My arrogance got me caught in a hail storm and out $20 worth of food. I know, I know...not very smart. Union Station is a couple of blocks from my apt and I went over there to get some food. My great idea was to buy a whole pizza to have leftovers for a couple of days. Well, by the time I was walking out of the station with my large pizza pie in hand it started to rain. It wasn't just a small rain shower. It was pouring! Folks were hiding behind the columns to block the wind and rain. (This is where my idiocy kicked in) I thought to myself "These wimps! I'm from Florida, hurricane country...this is nothing. Let me show them how it's done." Well, I proceeded to role my jeans up (I hate when the bottom of my jeans get wet) and pulled out my umbrella. I began to cross the street. Umm yea...when I got half way through the street I realized why they say DC has a terrible drainage system. The water was up to my calf (So much for keeping my jeans dry). Still with my pride intact I proceeded onward. After about a block, I realized the rain drops were feeling a lot harder. Well, it was hail about the size of pennies. But nothing could stop me now. I was just praying the hail didn't get any larger and knock me unconcious and kill me (I know, that thought was very morbid). After crossing through a couple of more flooded streets, pelted by hail along the way, I made it to the lobby of my building. To say I was drenched would be to mild of a word. To say the pizza was drenched would also be to conservative of a word. (Shoutout to Orlando. He was a sweetheart when he ran to a pizza parlor and bought me some pizza.)One thing is for sure any stubborness and pride I had got washed away in the rain. I don't think I will be charging into any more hailstorms with my Florida flag of pride raised high in the air.
I really look forward to blogging this summer about all the things I learn and
experience. My hope is you will enjoy hearing about Orlando and my adventures. Feel free to leave comments. We love when you do.
Until next time...
Yuumm...Tortilla Coast...Ouch! way to expensive for interns!
I found a little bit of heaven in DC.
Hello Everyone!
Danielle and I are starting the OD in DC blog again! But before I begin, I want to thank everyone for reading, writing, and providing feedback for last year's blog. What's more though, is that a year ago we were writing on this blog. It feels like yesterday when I first came to DC. I was shocked at how big the Capital was, how beautiful and majestic the WWII memorial was, and how lucky I was to have Danielle with me to experience it all. Now, we do it again. For those who did not read last year here is the synopsis of what we do here. In this blog we are going to keep up with the things we experience, the lives we change, and the world we shape. (More of the latter will occur, just kidding!) In fact this first blog will document Danielle and I's magical mystery trip Washington DC.
Tired, cranky, and did I mention tired we started on the road at 6:30 in the morning. Our trip up to the seat of the America's crony capitalistic system is a 2-day trip; it consisted of a brief stop in Brunswick, to stop at a friend's business, and a two nighter at the North Carolina Moffitt's houses. After dragging ourselves out of the bed into the car we began the first 7 hour leg of the journey. The ride between Jacksonville to Brunswick was quick, and before we knew it we were there. My best friend, whose name is Mike Werner, works for CUTCO. He is amazing at it and sells an amazing product, Cutco cutlery. (That was a shameless plug.) This summer he owns his own branch in Brunswick and he is doing a phenomenal job. Between hiring and filtering employees, filling out the required tax work (and more will be coming with the increased taxes on business,) and keeping up with the price points, Mike is well on his way to being the next Bill Gates, Mark Cuban, Michael Bloomberg, or Steve Jobs. I just hope he remembers this plug and gives me a couple thousand dollars when he makes it big. Below are some pictures of him. I just want him to know that my family and I are very proud of him and wish success!
Danielle and I are starting the OD in DC blog again! But before I begin, I want to thank everyone for reading, writing, and providing feedback for last year's blog. What's more though, is that a year ago we were writing on this blog. It feels like yesterday when I first came to DC. I was shocked at how big the Capital was, how beautiful and majestic the WWII memorial was, and how lucky I was to have Danielle with me to experience it all. Now, we do it again. For those who did not read last year here is the synopsis of what we do here. In this blog we are going to keep up with the things we experience, the lives we change, and the world we shape. (More of the latter will occur, just kidding!) In fact this first blog will document Danielle and I's magical mystery trip Washington DC.
Tired, cranky, and did I mention tired we started on the road at 6:30 in the morning. Our trip up to the seat of the America's crony capitalistic system is a 2-day trip; it consisted of a brief stop in Brunswick, to stop at a friend's business, and a two nighter at the North Carolina Moffitt's houses. After dragging ourselves out of the bed into the car we began the first 7 hour leg of the journey. The ride between Jacksonville to Brunswick was quick, and before we knew it we were there. My best friend, whose name is Mike Werner, works for CUTCO. He is amazing at it and sells an amazing product, Cutco cutlery. (That was a shameless plug.) This summer he owns his own branch in Brunswick and he is doing a phenomenal job. Between hiring and filtering employees, filling out the required tax work (and more will be coming with the increased taxes on business,) and keeping up with the price points, Mike is well on his way to being the next Bill Gates, Mark Cuban, Michael Bloomberg, or Steve Jobs. I just hope he remembers this plug and gives me a couple thousand dollars when he makes it big. Below are some pictures of him. I just want him to know that my family and I are very proud of him and wish success!
After meeting up with the BM (Branch Manager or…) we got back on the road. We got out of Georgia and were cruising through SC when suddenly we, going 75 miles an hour, got a flat. Thankfully Dan the Nascar fan skillfully got us over three lanes of traffic and safely on the shoulder. When I jumped out to change the tire, and after Dan prayed, a South Carolina Transportation Officer came up; he changed our tire to the spare and pointed us in the direction to get a new tire. It was truly a blessing! Don’t get me wrong I “know” how to change a tire, but I wouldn’t want to ride on that tire afterward. A couple hours later, after Danielle was adequately ogled by a bunch of Mexican car workers, we made it to the most hospitable family ever, the Moffitts!
23 hr road service???
There is truly no way to sufficiently express the overall warm disposition of the (North Carolina) Moffitt family. They are truly a welcoming and godly family, who opened their doors and hearts to me, for a second time. Nevertheless, I want to again thank the family for giving me the mass and the vacation needed to start the arduous internship that I will soon begin.
After 2 days in North Carolina going to tee-ball games, making chants for Mason, playing tennis, watching tennis, getting beat by TJ at soccer, watching cricket break the porch, eating pancakes at IHOP, sliding down slides, and having a great time, we leave for the new operational headquarters of GM.
-Orlando
PS: Dad, Mom, Sandra, and Veronica...I miss my family so much! I will pray for all of you!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Despite Recess the Hill is Energized about Energy!
It is the time of year that most Hill inhabitants despise. At the beginning of August the Senate and House go into recess for five long weeks. If you happen to be one of the staffers stuck on the hill for the duration then life pretty much slows down to a pace that makes each hour seem like three. The Hill is like a ghost town, there is no hearings to go, no laws to pass, no senators or congressman to appease. It is the hum-drum part of the year that allows staffers to come dressed in jeans and a polo because there really is nobody of significance to impress.
Yet, this year has been different. The House Republicans have refused to leave. They're still giving floor speeches to Nancy Pelosi (although she is MIA and won't acknowledge them). It began last friday when the House was adjourned by the Majority, yet there was still a line-up of GOP congressmen and women who still wanted to solve the energy crisis. They feel it is wrong for the lawmakers to leave for five weeks and not do anything to solve the energy crisis. So, they have revolted. On Friday, the majority party turned out the lights, turned off the microphones, and turned off C-SPAN. The republicans ushered constituents into the gallery and answered their questions from the floor. It lasted for 5 hours before the protesting congressmen and women decided to call it quits for the weekend. Now I do say the weekend, because today they were back at on the house floor. I invite you to read some more articles and watch this video about what they are doing for the American people.
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/gop-energy-revolt-presses-on-dems-dismiss-stunt-2008-08-04.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs-dNopBDeQ
These men and women are taking the time they have from campaigning for re-election, visiting their districts, and attending to their families, to fight to find a compromise to solve the energy crisis. Yet, the house majority is refusing to acknowledge them. Even if you would like to call the congressmen and women to give them your encouragement and also your appreciation, I know they would be thankful to hear from the American citizens.
Yet, this year has been different. The House Republicans have refused to leave. They're still giving floor speeches to Nancy Pelosi (although she is MIA and won't acknowledge them). It began last friday when the House was adjourned by the Majority, yet there was still a line-up of GOP congressmen and women who still wanted to solve the energy crisis. They feel it is wrong for the lawmakers to leave for five weeks and not do anything to solve the energy crisis. So, they have revolted. On Friday, the majority party turned out the lights, turned off the microphones, and turned off C-SPAN. The republicans ushered constituents into the gallery and answered their questions from the floor. It lasted for 5 hours before the protesting congressmen and women decided to call it quits for the weekend. Now I do say the weekend, because today they were back at on the house floor. I invite you to read some more articles and watch this video about what they are doing for the American people.
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/gop-energy-revolt-presses-on-dems-dismiss-stunt-2008-08-04.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs-dNopBDeQ
These men and women are taking the time they have from campaigning for re-election, visiting their districts, and attending to their families, to fight to find a compromise to solve the energy crisis. Yet, the house majority is refusing to acknowledge them. Even if you would like to call the congressmen and women to give them your encouragement and also your appreciation, I know they would be thankful to hear from the American citizens.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
The Moffitt DC visit!
Thank you Uncle Dan, Aunt Dori, Kaley, Taylor, Mason, Ashley, Lacey, Cytauni and Rierson. We had a great time showing ya'll around D.C., despite five miles of walking. Let us know if you find an answer to your trivia questions. We are still stumped on the origin of D.C.
Colin Powell
One of the great things about being on the Hill, is the opportunity to go to different lectures and hear some great Americans speak. This past Monday, we had such an opportunity. In short Powell was fantastic. We really wish he had run for president.
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