Farewell DC

It's a bit of a shame that my last me memory of DC is going to be Dulles International airport feeling a bit like cattle as I wait to board the plane.


This week has so far been running pretty smoothly.  I finished packing before 11pm last night.  I had a spent some quality time with Thomas and the beagles this morning.


But now, Air France has over booked the plane, so I could not upgrade away from economy, couldn't get into the Air France lounge, and won't get a seat until an hour before departure.  I still don't understand how confirmed means standby.... I bought a ticket for a flight for a certain time, so why don't I have a seat yet?


Lesson learned for the day.  The extra money for premium economy is worth it. Next time, take the money and book the flight yourself rather than having the organization pay... Especially since they would always buy economy.

Honey Badger Don't Quit

Cleaning up my old computer I came across the journal entry I wrote the night before I ran the Marine Corps Marathon.  I thought it was a good reminder about why I do things- Grad School, Peace Corps in West Africa, Move to Paris for a job...  When things start to get overwhelming, keep focus and keep moving forward.

Marine Corp Marathon Oct 31, 2010

At the eve before the marathon, I started to have a bit of panic about what I was about to attempt tomorrow.  Bouts of self-doubt penetrate the mind. Questioning motivation.  Why am I doing this?  Because I want to challenge myself.  Challenging myself to make me a better person. Challenging myself to show that I can determine a goal, create a plan to reach that goal, and then accomplish it. Challenging myself to prove that I can mentally overcome fear, and doubt and run 26.2 miles.  I am ready. I am strong.

DC Bucket List. Things I've done and the things I've yet to do.

After many years of living in the DC area, I have finally managed to get myself overseas once again.  With my time in DC winding down. It's time to reflect on the things that I've managed to do in this area, and make a list of the must see before I leave.

Things I've done:

• Witnessed the spectacular that is the Cherry Blossom Festival
• Visited the West Wing of the White House (Thanks, Craig!)
• Visited the White House Garden (Thanks, Keri!)
• Used the private office bathroom of a sitting member of Congress (Thanks, Steve!)
• Saw the moon rock fixed into the stain glass window of the National Cathedral
• Located the Darth Vader gargoyle on the National Cathedral
• Had a Ben's Chili Bowl half smoke
• Ran the Marine Corps Marathon
• Ran the Cherry Blossom 10K
• Visited Mt. Vernon and Monticello
• Flew a kite a during the Kite Festival
• Hit the following museums:  National History, American Indian, Building Museum, Museum of Natural History, Freer Gallery of Art,  Sackler Gallery, African Art Museum, Air and Space, Hirshorn, National Portrait Gallery, and National Gallery of Art

Things to do:

• See the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution at the National Archive
• See the Shuttle Discovery at the Air and Space Museum at Dulles
• Visit Fords Theater
• Visit the Holocaust Museum

With 5 weeks left. Maybe I should keep expectations low.