Thoughts under the sun: October 2005

life in the district

Well, I pretty much suck at posting... so here's a quick wrap up until I can get my computer fixed.

Last Thursday, I went out with the lobbyist from my internship to the Capitol Hill club. I'm not sure I've ever felt so out of my league... heh. It's the club across from all of the House building where Congress Representatives hang out after work. It's the behind the scenes part of DC. Lobbyists basically shmooze all night with them and pay for everything, while the Members and their staff enjoy the "rich" feel. While it was fun to meet staffers and some members, I don't know if I could ever live that life. It's too superficial. Everything is about who you know and how much money you have. I know these people do get important things done, but the other stuff that comes along with it seems a bit ridiculous and meaningless.

On Friday, after sleeping in, I wandered over to the Botanical Gardens again, which screams of God's creativity and beauty. The newest Smithsonian, the Native American Museum, showed the diversity of the Native American people that spread from Alaska to Chile. Their beliefs about the Mother Earth are so prevelant in their culture that it was an incredible religiously based museum. There was the thread of truth in all that they believed, yet something strangely missing. They never wasted anything that they used, whether it was an animal they killed or a tree they cut done. Americans today could learn from their way of life.

catch up time

The paper is turned in.... completed. If you ever want to debate immigration, let's just say I could go on for a while about it. Words I'd like to not here again for at least a month: "comprehensive immigration reform" and "border security" heh.

Grandma and Mike came to visit last week which was AMAZING. I'd post pictures, but currently my computer has decided to completely break. We'll figure that out later when I have the energy to. Anyway, their visit was a wonderful break from the paper and this program. I think they've officially declared me insane due to this program... but alas, I haven't quite lost it... just close.

We toured. We walked. We laughed. We got wet in the rain. We ate... yummy. I think Mike and I officially wore out Grandma, but all had good time.

Ever wonder what Congressional staff during the evenings? Well, they have Video game lobbying receptions where everyone walks around playing the latest video games, drinking wine, and eating lovely appetizers.... all for free. yes, this is how Congress works. Lobbying parties to get people to like certain associations. So last night, I took a short break to attend the Entertainment Society of America's annual reception on the Hill. heh. Good times.

this program will make you insane

We needed a homework break so we Brianna and I enjoyed eating dinner on our roof while watching the AMAZING sunset. As someone put today, "I think God is my favorite artist." agreed.

Hotpockets... yummy college student dinner. It's Sean and I, with Brianna curled up in the background. It's getting cold here, yay for actual seasons!

Excitement in the apartment over a multitude of options of hot chocolate flavors (thanks mom and dad for the carepackage... it's made lots of people's days). It's the UN of hot chocolate, according to Tim and Megan at least.

I think I've officially lost my mind. Immigration is complicated and an incredibly emotionally based issue. The Library of Congress is a beautiful place to work, but you won't get anything accomplished because it takes 2 hours to get your research then you can't take the books with you and you have to wait forever even for a copy machine that's gonna rip you off. Oh, and enjoy the crazy security checks too. hmm.... told you... i've lost it. :)

Stop. wait. look. Find out what you've been missing. Each day we walk by people we never actually see. We cannot respond to what we do not see.

issues. issues. issues.

So there are too many issues in this jacked up world.

i should be in bed.

so i've officially picked my topic: the human rights aspect of employers abusing illegal immigrants.