My first week...

WOW! The first week is officially done. I absolutely love my job. I would try to describe my least favorite part but I can’t because my internship is phenomenal!
My first day, I got there about 30 minutes early along with another intern who was starting the same day. We were both slightly nervous as we anticipated what was to come. There were already 5 other interns working. They started three weeks prior and only have three weeks left before they leave. I’m really excited because my internship will be 10 weeks! During the first day, I went through orientation and met the staff (the press secretary, schedulers, legislative assistants, and legislative correspondents). My intern coordinator took us on a tour of the office building. It has 2 cafeterias, a post office, a gift shop and a really fun underground railway system. According to the staffers it is also know for having the best frozen yogurt (aka fro-yo) in town. The underground trains take you into the capital building. The capital is absolutely amazing. There is so much history and art that it never gets old to look at. It’s fun to think that our founding fathers and every great American leader walked through the same hallways.

Now let me fast forward to Wednesday. I believe this was the craziest day I’ve had either ever or in a really long time. I woke up at 6 am and began my normal routine. Everything was on schedule for me to leave at eight. At about 7:15 I was in the kitchen grabbing a cup of water. Directly behind me my roommate was making breakfast on the stove. All of a sudden I heard an explosion, and then orange and yellow colors were illuminating off the kitchen walls. My first reaction was extremely embarrassing and it unfortunately showed me where my priorities were. I ran out of the kitchen, not even looking back to see if my roommate was even alive, I screamed and said “Oh my gosh, I have hairspray in my hair!” For some reason I thought that since the kitchen was exploding I would too if the fire got into my hair. Once I selfishly finished checking myself for any signs of fire on me, I looked over at my roommate. She stood there watching a solid 3 foot flame rise out of the pan, all the while black smoke came fuming out of it. I yelled for her to open the kitchen window. I did not want the fire alarm to go off. Can you imagine how made the apt. building would be if they had to be evacuated before work? I believe we would have received death threats. As I was running around the apt. trying to open every window we had, my other roommates came out and yelled at the cook to throw flour on it. The cook just stared at the flames. By now our smoke alarm was sounding off (at least we know it works). Finally my one roommate Jeannine took matters into her own hands. She stormed into the kitchen grabbed the flour threw it on the pan and stormed back out. We unfortunately can’t ban the cook from the kitchen. So now she cooks at her own risk. Well, actually cooks at the risk of everyone in the apt and the building. Here is the remains of the pan…

The second crazy thing to occur that day happened while I was at work. The office interns and I were giving a tour to a group of fifth graders and their chaperones, equaling a total of 70 people. Each intern had a group of 15 people. I was shadowing one of the interns because I still haven’t learned all the ropes yet on how to give a tour. Everything was going fine. The kids seemed to be somewhat intrigued and the parents were excited to be there. When we finished the tour we walked out the west steps (the “front”) to see a huge storm rolling in over the Mall. I wish I had a camera because it set the monuments in amazing lighting that was breathtaking. Anyways, half of the group was waiting below for the bus to pull up. We met the group at the bottom of the stairs. The parents were starting to get a little anxious. Then another group started spreading word that there was a tornado by the airport. Keep in mind the airport is only across the Potomac, which isn’t to far from the Mall. Now the parents began to freak out, while the kids were excited to get wet. They just didn’t realize this isn’t the kind of rain you want to play in. We had one big problem. Since security for the Capital is so strict we could not take the group back into the building to be with the rest of the group. We had to think fast. The moms were getting upset and wanted to take cover somewhere quick. So we sent them with two interns into the closest House of Rep. Office buildings. One intern remained outside incase the rest of the group came out. It was my job to run back inside and find the rest of the group and tell them to cut it short. I was excited about the adventure, except I was wearing high heels and didn’t know my way around the building. I ran to a security guard, flashed him my badge and he let me in past security. Once I searched all of the building, I could of only one other place they could be…the Brumidi Corridors. I ran down the hall and found them there. As soon as I pulled the interns aside to tell them about the storm, the Capital intercom system came on. The only audible words in a series of sentences was “Tornado Warning!” This quickly sent the children into a panic. Their eyes started welling up with tears. A couple of them asked me if they were going to die. That is not a question I expected to answer that day. Well, be the bright interns that we are we did not know the phone number of our office. Needless to say after walking two and a half hours through the capital and through the underground system, we got the group back together and on their way home.

I was so excited to get home that day and rest. I was sitting on the sofa talking with my roomie and Orlando. All of sudden, Orlando got up and ran into the sunroom. I thought he saw somebody jump off the roof from the expression on his face. He finally pointed to what he was looking at. A huge hole was right in the corner of our window. I believe the tornados caused the damage. A person came to fix it, but now we avoid being in our sunroom. Here are the pics…

Howdy

Now that I have been in Washington for a little less than 2 weeks, have a general mastery of the metro system, aware of the social code Washingtonians adhere to, and an understanding of the national mall, I now feel like a resident and no longer like a tourist. In these 2 weeks I am numbed to fact that politicians are sharing metro cars with me, that I walk by embassies on my way to class, and at any moment I am within 200 feet of a homeless person. I am now unimpressed when I see a Pentagon badge or when I see a motorcade. Also, what happens is that you slowly began to despise tourist. I look down at tourist because they annoy me. They do not understand that they must stand on the left of escalators, and walk on the right. They do not know when to cross the street, and then stop without warning right in front of you, to take a picture or because they have no idea where they are going. What results is that I have slowly become that rude city slicker, the one that taps his foot, or says “Excuse me” and begins pushing. I feel like they are now the hyenas or vultures, who muddle with my Serengeti. Although that is the case with tourist, I am the hyena or vulture that muddles up Chwat and Company. This was my first week at work, and I have never been so overwhelmed. Last summer I went to New York City with my dad, and I noticed professionals would were still in their offices, or just getting out of work, at 7-8pm. I was initially shocked by that, but my dad and I talked about it and he said what it is takes to succeed. Because of that, I for the last year, promised that was how I would work in the corporate world. Now that I am here, I finally realize how easy it is to do that, because of the work load, and how hard it is to fight the urge to leave. At Chwat and Company I research, help promote, and work continuously on bills that people should put through Congress. I would have gone into greater detail, but I signed a confidentiality agreement. So I can finally say the following words, I am not at liberty to say. What I can talk about, however, is my TWC class; which is a no joke class. I am taking a class called, “Immigration and the Contemporary Debate” and it is going to be interesting. The only downside is that I will have to carry the mantle of Conservatism. In my class there is nothing but college liberals, which means completely green (green as in the environment and marijuana) students who believe the government can solve all problems. Now, I know some people will probably say, “Orlando, just let them say it and keep your head down.” But, I am in the most political city on the planet, and this city was made of arguments, for arguments, and by arguments (Thanks Lincoln.) So argue I will.

I wanted to write a note to my family. You all have been such a help. Sandra, thanks for your help, you are an amazing sister and my hero in so many ways. That Pryor is on fire! Veronica you have been just as amazing. Thanks for your constant support. Soon we will take a spill on the hill. I love you. Mom and Dad, I cannot express my love enough. You guys are my rock, and I love you so much. I will call you all very soon.

Darn Television and Movies

In every movie or television show there is always that one scene where the protagonist(s) must accomplish some immense task or project. That scene is always set to music with the protagonist(s) working late in the library, puzzling over paperwork, or constructing some monolithic building. This montage is always inspirational yet is totally deceitful. I am a fan of the show The West Wing, and in almost every episode there is a montage. In it, the characters are working late into the night, and then suddenly they were done. As if, in that 30 second to minute interval of work (with accompanying background music) summed up all the work they had to do. Strangely enough, that was the idea I had when I started this program. However, having now worked 3 days at my internship, I have been robbed of that idea and I have true appreciation for the hard work and immense creativity it takes to pass a bill before Congress. Do not get me wrong, I love my job. I am currently doing what I dreamt about for years. I am researching bills, looking for potential Congressmen to cosponsor certain bills, and thinking of ways to convince other Congressmen to vote for them. It is just that disillusionment has occurred and I am vaguely disappointed. Yet, my disillusionment has been replaced with a sense of joy that only comes with the acquirement of knowledge. I have been studying American Government since senior year of high school; however, I have learned in the last couple days more about the political process than in the last couple years. We are all taught that it is the Congressmen who are moving the American government forward, but that isn’t the case. Congressmen are the people soaking up the limelight, while the real pushers are despised by the American public. Lobbyists (or special interest) are the people doing the leg work, alerting the Congressmen, and writing the bills that Congressmen pass. There was an article in the Wall Street Journal called “In Defense of Lobbyist” by Tom C. Korologos which accurately represents what is means to be a lobbyist. I believe it is a must read, and after reading it you suddenly realize that, “Hey…Lobbyists aren’t the great demon everyone portrays them as.”

Well, those are my thoughts.

Pictures!!!

Orlando infront of the Capital Building during his scavenger hunt through D.C.

The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum!

Orlando and Darby-Darb infront of a space thingie.
The eagle has landed.
I don't know what is going on but it seems to be intense.
Practicing my cat like reflexes! Astronauts usually score 200, I scored 180!!!

Hey Michael, I bet you can't beat me!

Orlando is doing some serious piloting.
Uncle Orlando wants you!
Attempting to strike a JCPenny pose, but I couldn't stop laughing

Orlando successfully doing the JCPenny pose in the Smithsonian Sculpture Garden.
The Louvre
The Saturday sightseers!

Dan, Orlando, Jason, Amanda, Darby

This is my new favorite tree, a Dogwood. The first time I saw it I thought there was snow on the trees!
My date for a night out on the town. Unfortunately he was stuck with other priorites, so he couldn't come with me.

The Capital Building at night.

Come on Jason strike a pose! In front of the Library of Congress.
The eastside of the Capital.

I can't wait to take a spill on the hill w/ you Ron Jon!

I promise Jason was just as excited as I was to be there for the private tour.

The small Senate Rotunda
Gorgeous chandelier worth $4 million.

Practicing the tour. The guys were great sports!

Old Supreme Court Chambers
The only statue that shows the most likeness of George Washington and is his exact height.
In front of Nancy Pelosi's house. Could this be Orlando's future office?!?

The Rotunda and the Apotheosis of George Washington

Taking notes

This is Jason's excited face :)

Beautiful view of the Mall. You can see all the way to the Lincoln Memorial.

Orlando's favorite picture. Toot-Toot!

Waiting for our train. The wait is a lot longer during the weekend!

So we started to play games to pass the time!

Update

(Side note: I am sorry that I have not been posting on the blog. But, not being able to access internet through my laptop makes this a daunting task and, as a result, writing posts on my blackberry requires very strong thumbs. So, the posting will be slow going.)

I am going to brief you guys about the living and happenings thus far.

Living

I am currently writing this post on the ninth floor of the Meridian Apartments at Braddock Station. I am a good 30 minute metro ride from “the District” (Washingtonian slang for the Capitol) and in a pretty nice area. The Meridian is located in Alexandria, Virginia. If you are familiar with the term “wrong side of the tracks” then you would understand how Alexandria is set up. One side is filled ghettoes, while the other side is filled suburbs. My apartment is a 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment, with a common area, a patio, and kitchen. It is a nice, not spectacular and I am rooming with 3 other people. There is Jason, who is interning with the DOD (Department of Defense) and he has access to top secret stuff. Then there is Darby, who is working for some political/teenage activist think tank. And lastly there is Zhambim, who is working for SBA (Small Business Agency.) All and all I like where I am and who I am with.

Happenings

The last 2 days have been Orientation, and one that is filled with the annoyingly repetitive icebreaking games. Besides having to constantly stand up for yet another icebreaker between slides, the programs and presentations have been informational. They have one on the faux pas of interning, and another on places to go. But, the highlight was the scavenger hunt, which led us all throughout the city. We visited the National Mall, and the sites therein, as well as other places in the D.C. area. A funny story was when we first received the list for the hunt, our group was immediately divided. One half of my group wanted to go to a bar get drunk, while the other actually wanted to do the hunt. We hunters won, ran everywhere, and had to drag the drunks. And even with their subtle derision, I had a blast.

I will write more later.

Thanks,
O

PLANES, TRAINS, and AUTOMOBILES IN A POLITICIAN’S DISNEY WORLD

Right now I am sitting in my sunroom (kind of like a closed in porch but with glass-sliding windows). I am eating a bowl of lucky charms (thanks Mrs. Pryor) and I am enjoying the sounds of the city. For some reason I am always awake hours before my roommates. So, the apt. is quiet and calm, which is perfect for a Sunday morning. The apartment building is only 10 mins. away from Ronald Reagan National Airport. Being on the ninth floor I can see the planes taking off and landing. I like to watch and imagine who is flying on those planes. I do know my mom and bro will be on one of them soon. (I'm so excited I can't wait for you guys to come!). If you were to look out the sunroom in the other direction, then you can see Braddock Station. We are so close to the metro station that I listen to the trains at night when I'm going to sleep. It's actually kind of peaceful.
I am so thankful I was able to bring my car. The first night Orlando and I couldn't sit around in the apts. We were like little kids who couldn't wait to go to Disney World for the first time. We had to get out and explore our new surroundings. So we started driving down the main street in Alexandria (US 1). We were passing the airport when Orlando started shouting for me to look ahead. We could see the monuments lit (literally lighted) in the dark sky. Like bugs attracted to the light we braved the crazy drivers on I-395 and made our way to the base of the Washington Monument. All of the monuments are so breathtaking in person. Just being around them infused me with more gratitude for my country and those who fight to protect it. So here are a few snapshots from that evening...

Orlando couldn't wait to touch it.

This was at the WW2 memorial. I wish we could have taken a picture of it but it is just something you have to see in person. President George W. Bush really left his mark right in the middle of the Mall with this memorial. It is absolutely breathtaking.
Flo-rida!

The Lincoln Memorial and the Reflecting Pool.

If you look closely the Lincoln Statue is right above Orlando's head. We found after many attempts it is extremely hard to take pics at night of the memorials.

Orlando reading the speech on the wall.