Marine 1 just flew by my house!

All in all, I would say week one was a great success. The first couple of days in the office were relatively slow as I aquatinted myself with my coworkers and tasks. Obama managed to liven things up with his speech and from Wednesday onward the phones rang off the hook. Constituents had comments about everything from Joe Wilson for President to support for nationalized health care. Meanwhile, I attended a briefing of the Congressional Dairy Caucus and one on the state of the economy. The photo is a view of the potomac from my balcony.

As it turns out agriculture policy may just be one of my specialties. The dairy farmers have been badly hurt by this economy which has been made worse by heavy regulation. Who knew the government controls dairy prices? I have a meeting with constituents next week to discuss this matter--very interesting.

Long story short, there is no definite answer about the state of America's economic recovery. Consensus seems to be building around the fact that we have hit bottom, but nobody knows when we will actually start to enter into a recovery phase.

Perhaps the best part about being here is that you have access to some of the brightest minds in the world on every topic imaginable. Literally, anything issue you want to know about is at your fingertips.

By way of entertainment, today was a beautiful sun shiny day in the mid-80's. I took a self guided tour of Georgetown (which is fabulous) and acquired a great dress. I am going to have to limit my trips there--too many shopping temptations! Last but not least, my coworkers are amazing and even provided a place to watch the husky game last night. Go dawgs! Can't wait for the upcoming week.

Arrived!

I have finally arrived and settled in D.C.. My boyfriend, Mike, travelled with me. We spent the last couple of days walking all over our nation's capitol visiting the monuments, smithsonian, and our favorite--the National Zoo.

My apartment is in the Watergate complex, in the Foggy Bottom area. Shopping, Starbucks, and the Metro are all very close by! Not to mention, my neighbor is the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Wow! Mikey left today but I am settling in to my new place nicely. Most of my things are already unpacked and it is starting to look "homey." My kitchen lacks cooking supplies but I have quickly arranged to have that fixed. Pots and pans are on their way! I would sorely miss not being able to cook for myself. For now, though--plastic plates and silverware. I suppose presentation is less important when you are cooking for one!

On Tuesday work starts and I could not be more excited. I am completely humbled by the opportunity I have been given and I can't wait to get to work. The unemployed summer was a welcome respite from graduate school but I really missed being busy. I assume that is going to change very quickly! These are historic times in our nation's capitol and I am anxious to be a party to it. Great adventures lie ahead!