Orientation, Workshops, and DC Adventures

The next few of my days in DC were filled with more orienation and workshops. Things regarding the school's services, policies, professional development, and conflict resolution. Much of it seemed repetitive and some I already knew from OU, but it wasn't too bad. One of the presenters was fun and had us watch The Office- how could I not enjoy that? Also, she and I are birthday twins! She makes the third person ever that I have met who has my birthday(I thought she was the second, but I forgot about a girl I met in college Freshman year--thanks facebook!). Over the weekend, more people arrived for our program, and we have yet another OU person! OU is taking over DC. :) And there is still just one from OSU.. victory! Friday night we ended the day of orientation with a barbecue, which was delicious. Summer would be entirely incomplete without some BBQ. Later that night, a lot of us travelled down to the National Mall to see the monuments at night. I have driven by them before at night, but this was much prettier! Surprisingly, the reflecting pool is gone. I am sure it will be back for July 4th- at least it better. I realized that I haven't ever actually seend the reflecting pool in person. I am not quite sure how I managed to do that- but it is a good little ways from the Washington Monument.

During this adventure, we all slowly broke apart. I was with mostly Oklahoma people, with one whom was made an honorary Oklahoman. After we hung out with Lincoln for a while, we decided to walk to a different metro stop and find some food on the way. THERE WAS NOTHING. We picked the wrong street, apparently. We went through GWU (which has apartment complex-style sororities/fraternities that looked legit), and asked someone where food was. They said, "7-11 behind me, TGI Fridays that way." So- TGI Fridays it was! After all, it was Friday! We got there and were immediately segregated into our own room all alone. It was fine, aside from the fact that there was an old picture (those oval kind with the rounded glass-like a tv almost) of a boy that was really creepy. It is unfortunate, because I am sure at one point that was a fabulous picture. But, it's eyes followed us, and it was just not okay. I sat facing it. At dinner, there was a sign for a free desert on your birthday if you text a number. I thought I might be able to swing that since I was just 24 hours away. So I did. Unfortunately, they sent one back saying something along the lines of, "Great! I know you are eating right now, and really want the desert right now, but you can't get it until we send you the coupon code on your birthday. That way, you can come back and eat here again for your birthday. Because I know you like to eat the same thing for dinner every night." Actually, that isn't what it said- but that is how I interpreted it. :) And you know what? I never got my text message on my birthday. Jerks. After dinner I didn't want to sleep, and neither did my friend from OSU. So he and I stayed up talking for a while about life and whatnot. Both of us are in the same boat about not wanting to make these big life decisions this next year. Womp womp.

Waking up Saturday came way too early. We had a group activity for the day. We thought it would be a scavenger hunt, but it was actually a day for us to explore the city and do the things we wanted to do in DC as a group. Our group went to Georgetown first. Boyfriend suggested a coffee shop, but unfortunately it was closed. When I told him, he was upset with DC for a quick moment, because things tend to open and close often. We walked around and found another coffee shop that also served breakfast/lunch sandwiches. They looked delicious! I had some fruit that I forced a friend to share with me because it was a very large serving. We then walked through the neighborhood to Georgetown University. The first thing we saw was a large building that we decided is a castle. We were all IN LOVE with this campus. It was gorgeous and huge. They had cemetaries even, which was kind of creepy but cool at the same time. We wondered how much money you had to donate to be buried there. ;) Really though, it was cool just how historical it was. They were having a Reunion that day, so it was fun to see the activities they had going on. We went to their gift store and I bought a t-shirt. I also asked Mom and Dad to put the house up for sale so that I could transfer schools. I love OU- but this place was truly that amazing! If only...

After that we headed down to Georgetown Cupcakes (the company of the show, DC Cupcakes, on TLC). On the way we stopped by North Face, and I found the greatest Raincoat ever. I want it, but didn't feel like spending 200 dollars on a raincoat. We shall see how much money I have left after summer ends, haha! When we arrived at the cupcake store, there was a line, but not too bad. We got there at the right time, because the line got much longer while we waited. I had a White Chocolate Raspberry, which was the special that day. It wasn't quite a Sara Sara cupcake, but it was still amazing! Definitely worth the wait! Our next stop was the White House. We tried to find a bus, but all the bus stops in Georgetown come without maps. A girl who runs track for Georgetown told us it wasn't a bad walk. After about 15 minutes and little progress, we finally found a map, a bus, and soon the White House. We took pictures outside and got to listen about a man rapping/singing about Jesus. He was actually a little creepy because after every sentence he let out a really creepy laugh. We then went to the White House gift shop. I was disappointed with the keychains, which i desperately needed for our dorm keys. Another girl found lanyards that say "White House Staff" on them, with a removable keychain part. So, I got one as well. We also got to take some great pictures at the store. I don't want to ruin them, so I will just let you see later.

After all of that, we were super tired. We headed back to campus and felt pretty dead. I laid down for a bit, but then went to hang out with boyfriend while I still could. He took me to a suburb area to a mall so I could go to an H&M. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS STORE. I could do very dangerous things there. I was good though, and only got 3 things. Well, they actually ended up being birthday presents, so it was even better! I will definitely have to find another H&M before I leave in July. I am not even kidding- it is my new favorite store and Oklahoma needs one stat. We then went to eat at (yet another) ethiopian restaurant. Bf is obsessed, but that is okay because I love it too! The area we went to was on U Street, and it was this really jazzy district and it was fun to be in. I want to go back, but bf warned me that it is next to the really bad part of town, so probably not. Then it was time to split ways so I could go figure out plans for the very beginning of my birthday!

10k for Dummies.

Today was the day

to run in my first 10k.

It thinks it's funny.

Nice weather all week-

it interrupted last night.

Windchill: 17.

7 came early,

but I was ready to go.

If only I knew

What I'd have to do.

I wish it was a whirlwind,

instead of just wind.

We jogged to warm up,

and my body said, "nice run."

I said, "ha! Just wait."

My bruised rib was fine-

it only yelled a little.

My thighs yelled a lot.

I ran in slow mo

when I turned to the North wind.

Then, started to cry.

Only small tears, though,

for they dried really quickly.

Half way there- dying.

Then I saw a friend,

Who was going to campus.

We chatted- how nice.

I had to sprint more,

and so we said our goodbyes.

Then I was pumped up.

The wind was still bad,

But the end was in my sight.

If only my throat

would stop the hurting.

My legs were two Jell-o sticks.

But I had to sprint.

I ran my heart out,

and crossed- 1 hour, Fifteen.

A friend said, "Good job."

And I found free food.

I went inside to thaw out,

But it was too warm.

Back outside I went,

Because I'm crazy, you know.

I then heard a sound-

Whiny from my throat.

Yes, I was wheezing- 'Oh my!'

My body hates me.

I'm proud of myself

and am glad to have thawed out.

I napped- wonderf'ly.

I have now stuffed carbs

at a local Carino's.

Life is amazing.

:)

Goodbye Endorphins, Hellooooo Snow!

So, my last post was all about how amazing I felt. Ironically, hours later I received some bad news which put me in a funk for the next few days. (I will not be an officer for my sorority during my last year.) I have become a good friend with rejection the past year, but this one was just a tough one. I love my sorority, and it hurt that I would not be able to serve it in that way. Also, my previous rejections were not from my friends- but from the mysterious "they" who don't actually know how amazing you are. "They" don't know what they are missing. "They" are stupid. "They" . So- I spent a few days being bitter, which is not normally my style. It was nice though, because I was able to make some fun jokes about it all, and ended up using my bitterness to laugh at the situation.

Friday night was my brother-in-law's retirement party from the Edmond Police Department. I got to see most of my family, hang out with my nieces and nephews, and get a free meal from my Pops. Saturday I went with Mallori to the Men's Gymnastics meet- and they are freaking AMAZING. I am very impressed with the power they have in their short bodies (reasons I will never date a gymnast- I am 5'10"). The rest of the weekend was filled with sorority shenanigans.

Now- as I am sure everyone knows- this week has been the SNOWPOCALYPSE. Dun dun dun!

I don't have Monday or Friday classes, so I will have been out of school for 11 days before having class again. I am afraid of what is to come when class resumes, but I have enjoyed getting to be lazy this week. Michelle and Katy boot camp has been put on hold, so the Endorphins are low. However, I have been able to stay happy with Goldfish, Cookies, Nilla Wafers, and 80s movies. Right now I am in debate as to whether or not I start reading The Hunger Games or if I start working on my classwork. Oh- decisions, decisions.

I think I am going to start posting random stories about my life. I used to write them up in Microsoft Word just for fun, but those have all been lost. Lots of shenanigans occurred in my life (due mainly to my 3 older brothers), and I think they would be lots of fun to share.

Back to school

Monday June 28, 2010

We got off the train at about 7:20 and battled our way through a sea of Chinese people. Yang Laoshi was waiting for us, and after a few minutes we all made it out alive. We were tired the whole way back, and wanted to nap before going to class two hours later. Rachel and I had to do our hw for calligraphy, however. We ended up not really having time, and went to class tired. I did get in a ten minute nap, though. Our normal teacher was getting a physical for a job, so Yang Yang Laoshi was our teacher. He made us use our brains a lot more than we had been intending (having our teacher play hangman with us and getting him to let us out early) and we hardly had any of our break time. There were only three of us there, which meant we had to talk even more. It was really helpful and I learned a lot, but I was hardly able to speak clearly by the end of class.

After class I napped before calligraphy. Calligraphy went by slowly, so I worked on my character workbook to prevent myself from falling asleep. We hung out a bit after class, and then Rachel and I went to dinner. We chose the restaurant that we went to on our first day, Heavenly Manna. The boys wanted to go to Mei er Mei, which we have been going to a lot lately, so we went off on our own. It was delicious. We had been missing food like that, meaning not just noodles. We had spicy potatoes, spicy pork, a beef and pepper dish, rice, and broccoli with mushrooms. We were really full, and very happy. We spent about as much as we would have at Taco Bell in America. We got some sorbet/gelato after we ate, which was also delicious. Very full we were, but in very good moods.

We went to Tai Chi a little bit later, and learned some new, fun kung fu moves. I plan to master them and have a random new talent. Haha. When we got back I took a warm shower and drank hot chocolate and read. It was very relaxing. I have decided to start taking showers at night, as it guarantees me hot water. Also, I decided after my stressful week of hating people that I need a night to relax each week, if not more. I think it is a good decision. I got to sleep about 10:15, but woke up about 11 because my stomach hurt. I couldn’t go back to sleep for a while, but didn’t want to continue reading, because I knew I was to a part where I would be sucked in. I eventually fell asleep though, thank goodness.

Yoga, McDonalds, and Warm Water

Thursday June 03, 2010
“Day 6- warm water”

This morning Rachel came out of the bathroom saying that she has finally gotten warm water in the shower. You can only get it out of the bath faucet, but that is better than nothing! Finally, warm water. :)

Class was a lot of fun today. The girls all got off a tangent with Liu Laoshi (Comprehensive Chinese Teacher) about how to get our nails done and how much it would be. It equals just a few dollars American. We were very excited. We decided to go tomorrow after class, and our teacher will come with us! Our teachers are wonderful.

We had our first Hulusi class today, which is a Chinese gourd wind instrument. Our teacher doesn’t speak any English, and we didn’t get a translator. He would put music on the board, and the 12 of us would play. It was very noisy. Our teacher would be off on his own in the corner practicing. He looked like he really didn’t want to do this.

We decided today to do the P90X Yoga that Michael had. It was pretty intense, but fun. Afterward, we decided we would make the trip to the city center for Mcdonalds. It was the greatest Mcdonalds I have ever had. We were all very, very happy. We went to one store to see if it was a Polo brand store, but it was just another Polo-like brand. I got a wallet there though, that would fit my Chinese money. We then went to Carrefore, which is a French Wal-mart. It was gigantic. It was Michael, Jeremy, Rachel, and I. There were about 4 floors, and the guys wanted to leave almost immediately (after finding fans for their rooms) but of course Rachel and I wanted to look around a bit. We ended up finding a children’s book section, and I bought some to help me learn.