Labor Day Weekend...

Today is the most perfect day in D.C.--and the first that hasn't been insanely hot and unbearable. It's Labor Day, which means no class and no internship; also means catch-up time for reading. Unfortunately, that means I haven't been able to spend much of the day outside, unless you include the 30 second walk to and from the Starbucks at the corner. Soooo convenient, and will probably be a godsend as school gets a little more hectic.

Last Thursday and Friday were my first days with my internship at APHSA. Day 1 was intense. I keep with my supervisor's hours, so my schedule is 8-4, which means I have to leave my apartment no later than 7:15 to walk to the Metro and get up to the NW side of town--and everyone reading this knows I am NOT a morning person. Plus, I don't really like coffee, so major struggs.

On a good note--I have my own office, with my own computer, phone and the works; it's really nice. And my door's right across from the office kitchen and vending machines, which is always a plus, right? Everyone in the office seems really nice and helpful, including my supervisor, but he's a little intimidating. He also talks really fast and with a very strong British accent so he's not the easiest to understand, which sucks because he also doesn't like to repeat himself. Day 1 was a nightmare; I have a daily e-clip assignment where I compile relative articles for their website--which is pretty easy, but it was my first day and I completely screwed it up, had to start over, and ended up not finishing. Needless to say I didn't make the greatest first impression; I believe my supervisor described it as a "disaster?" I'm somewhat of a perfectionist with my work, so I was really disappointed after the first day. Plus I'm super sensitive, so seeing my supervisor's disappointment had me on the verge of tears. Luckily I bounced back Friday and completed all the assignments thrown at me (which meant working through lunch and staying an hour past the 3:00 day-end allowed for the holiday weekend).

I'm hoping this weekend goes a bit more smoothly as I start to get into the routine. I'm also hoping that my assignments will start to be a bit more writing-oriented. Supposedly I'll have the opportunity to cover some congressional sub-committee meetings and write some really interesting pieces for the organization's publications, so I'm hoping my work with that will start very soon and the administrative work will lessen as time goes on.

I flew back to Chicago Friday night for Katie's wedding, which was amazing! It was the most beautiful wedding I've ever been to, and it was really nice to meet Jan Bart's family who came all the way from Belgium! (and who are insanely beautiful people). Katie looked gorgeous--as did Kelly (who gave the most incredibly heart-felt speech I've ever heard--made me cry). Actually, the entire family looked hott!:) As always, I had such a fun time with everyone, esp. the cousins @ the cousin table:) So much dancing, so much laughing, so much fun! (especially when our request for Spice Girls played--WANNABE!) It was also the first marriage for a grandchild, so I think it was especially important for Grandma--she was so nervous, it was so cute. And...I took Mitch- so he got to meet the Moss family, which is always an interesting experience for a newcomer.

My favorite part of the wedding was a 'FRIENDS' slideshow that Jan-Bart's Belgian friends put together for him and Katie--they all dressed alike and copied the opening credits of the show--it was so adorable...heads up for those of you that will one-day be in attendance at my wedding, whenever that may be--I want a slideshow!

In other news--I just enjoyed a dinner made specially by Ian. Homemade meatballs, and now lava cake. YUMMMM. must. go. eat. more. ADIOSSS.