Mulumbe!

I'm going to Africa! Yes, you heard me right, but given the potentially high shocker value, let me say it again...

I'm going to AFRICA! And I'm bursting with excitement for it!

First, let me tell you about where I'm going and what I'm doing there. Bumwalukani is a small mountainous village in Uganda where Arlington Academy of Hope was founded, and where I will fulfill my dreams, live amongst banana trees, and help paint a brighter future for children. My primary responsibilities will be teaching in a primary school and assisting in a health clinic. As many of you may know, I'm passionate about health and education, curious about cultures, and I love people and service. This is an amazing opportunity for me to combine all of that in one experience.

Check this out...

So where am I in the process? Honestly, this isn't coming out of nowhere - I decided to do this last spring and I plan to go for the next term, February through April, 2008. (Yes, that's three months and I'm certain I'll be OK.) I've researched the organization, volunteered with them here in the States, met with people who've gone before, and pondered and prayed about it. My friend Hollie shares her experience at Life and Times in Uganda. Also, I spend ample time learning about Uganda, its people, and the current issues in the surrounding area (Save Darfur!).

Let's talk $$$. So far, I've raised over $2500 for program fees and everything provided for me by AAH. Now I need about $1500 more for a plane ticket, vaccinations, and other expenses I'll encounter. Please feel free to contact me if you can help or if you have ideas on how I can find fundraise.

I look forward to learning about and experiencing a new and unique culture first hand. My hope is to improve lives (especially my own) a little at a time and this is an incredible way to do it. As I have much to contribute and share with these beautiful people, I feel that what I receive in return will be a thousand fold.

I'll be back

I'm going on a blogging break.

See you again soon!

Where is September?

Is it just me or does September seem lost to you? October is here and I have no clue what happened to September. I continued through the month as if it was still summer, and low and behold, August consumed September and October snuck up like a ghost.September, from the Très riches heures du duc de Berry

My Passion for the Arts

I found two artists today whose stuff I really like. Lately, I've been interested in contemporary works of up and coming artists. I find their interpretation of modern times fascinating and provocative. It's refreshing to have visual conversation about about events and issues of our day. Sometimes I agree with what's shown or the artist's intent, sometimes I don't. One rule of thumb I go by is to not decide if I like or dislike an artist or series of works until I've seen at least 3 pieces. I suppose that rule works for other things too, like dating... haha!

Enjoy...

1) Maira Kalman - She's an illustrator/columnist/poet. She's clever, somewhat whimsical and ironically realistic.

This image and more can be found here.

2) Jos De Mey - He has a remarkable way of depicting the impossible. Honestly, Surrealism freaks me out. Much of it is marked by bizarre juxtapositions of imagination and is influenced by Freud's theories of madness and darkness of the mind. Think Dada and Salvador Dali.

De Mey's art resembles Surrealism; however, he focuses more on what he calls "constructive illusionism" and impossible structures. Basically, he takes the best part of surrealism, which is the juxtaposition and imagination, and tones it down a notch by using geometrics. In my opinion, this gives off a more realistic essence, as opposed to melting objects in space. You have to look twice. It's really cool.
You can find out more about him by clicking here.

He Fell Out of an Airplane?!?!

I think the best part of my job is hearing about peoples lives. In fact, I'm obsessed with the elderly population that we serve because these people are SO cool!

Today, I spoke with a man who fell out of an airplane. No joke! He fought in a war and took a jump out of a plane. His parachute didn't open, but fortunately he came away alive.

Yesterday, I spoke with the 100 year old man's son who told me that the old man is still a practicing attorney. Seriously, he's still taking cases! He also mentioned that he can hold a pretty mean debate about the war in Iraq. Sharp as a tack!

Nice to meet you!

I met a man who is 100 years old!!! Unbelievable! He said the trick is to stay sharp. I shook his hand and am taking his advice!

Too Many Gummy Bears...

Ack!

Deal of the Century!

You guys, no joke... after 85% off summer clearance items, no sales tax on shoes in Minnesota (they're a necessity), and 20% off overall price for opening a Herbergers' card, my mom and I bought 16 pairs of shoes for the whopping huge price of $110.00!

Unbelievable!

Live to 100

I decided that I want to live to be 100 just so I can say I did it.

Such a classy lady

There is an older gentleman at my work named Willie. I don't know the details of his story, but he is a full time volunteer at the hospital. Rumor has it that he once was a top administrator here and had some sort of accident or stroke that damaged his mental capacity. Doctors at Georgetown saved his life so once he was better, he enlisted as a full time volunteer. I asked him a few weeks ago how long he's been here and he said, "I have volunteered at Georgetown Hospital 18,500 hours." That's like 9 YEARS of full time employment.

Willie does simple tasks. He sorts the mail, delivers stuff, sits in a chair, files, and best of all, he brings me a glass of water with ice and a lemon every morning- without fail. I always tell him thank you, but Willie doesn't say much. Sometimes I ask him how he's doing and after a short "I'm well," he bee-lines out of the room.

Today I ran into him at the refrigerator in the break room. In his extremely awkward approach (that I've gotten used to), he said, "Good morning, Charlee," patted me on the back and continued, "you look nice today. You're such a classy lady."

Hahaha! I love it... I'm a classy lady! Thank you, Willie! I'm so grateful for your kindness and for the water every morning!

You're a Cowboy!

Favorite thing I heard today:

Comment #1: "Your name is Stetson and you live on Wyoming Ave?!?! You must be a cowboy!"

Comment #2: "Oh! You're wearing all black? I thought it was just a fashion statement!"

Our nurse practitioner said this to a patient who is a priest.

Sometimes I am Mean

You guys, I have to admit this... I am mean sometimes. I generally have a pleasant and patient attitude, demeanor, personality, or whatever you want to call it. But sometimes, I lash out. (Imagine that!) And I usually lash out to someone who didn't do anything to me. Today, the American Express Card customer service lady got it. So right now, I'm giving a shout out to all those customer service folks who put up with everyone else's bad days... Thanks for taking it, and sorry I gave it!

On a better note, I helped someone with the last name Snodgrass today. hahaha! That's just funny to me. :)

NYC, baby!

Yes folks, I have been to NYC 8 times in the past 3 months. I pretty much give in to being A-D-D and that city is the perfect place for someone with a short attention span.

Highlights from last weekend's trip include:

"MacGyvering" my way into Ben's house to steal his money and passport and then rushing to the Viet Nam Embassy before it closed... there's a lot more to that one.

Finding enough parking for 3 cars on W 76th st. We helped an ungrateful New Yorker squeeze his Suburban into a parallel spot in front of is. He didn't even say thank you!

Dining at the Deluxe Diner with NYC friends. Dinner was their compliments... They're SO good to me - maybe that's why I keep going to NYC!

Meeting up with Amber's Chile friends in the Village. Just as it started pouring rain, we slipped into a restaurant on 4th Street where we chatted for hours into the night.

Sleeping with Amber in a twin bed while the new roommate slept in the same room. "Shhhhh! He's sleeping!"

Running in Central Park. Mmm... best way to start a NY Saturday.

Holding sweet babies. The purpose of the trip was Caitlin's wedding. I was given babysitting duty during the Temple ceremony.

Wedding pictures in Central Park. Weddings are a big deal in NYC... like bigger than usual. Not only was the photographer taking pictures, but so were the tourists and passerbys. Tour buses honked, traffic stopped, people gawked. The wedding party was beautiful and Caitlin's dress was incredible!

Eating hummus from "The Hummus Place." I don't even know where to begin to say how much I LOVE this hummus. This time, I got it to go and ate in a playground park down near Washington Square while watching a street basketball game.

Meandering through the subway in order to find the reception.

Sleeping - napping - on the rooftop of 2 Gold St. The patio garnered phenomenal views and peaceful benches... I couldn't help myself!

Pizza at 11:00pm.

Going to 169 Bar to listen to a band with the Bush brothers. I loved the beat. Will someone please help me remember what the band was called?!?!?!

Telling Amber at 2AM that I didn't want to take her to the Airport the next morning.

Helping Ben recover his lost luggage.

Taking Amber to the airport. I stick to commitments... even if it puts me out (even at 6 AM).

Walking through Central Park on Sunday Morning with Jeff.

Attending the Manhattan 8th ward.

Driving home with Ben and Jeff. We stopped by the Meridian Hotel on our way out of the city to indulge in rumored highly incredible hamburgers at a highly recommended diner. I can see why they're known to be so good... mmmm!

Driving to work on Monday morning with NO gas! I put 13.4 gallons in during my lunch break... I actually don't know how many gallons the tank holds, but I'm pretty sure that's the emptiest I've ever let it get.

Needless to say, I had a blast of a weekend!

Do you like it?

I want a change - thoughts? How do you like the new template? Let me know what you think.

I'm keeping busy these summer days. I spend them enjoying golf, exploring DC, new restaurants, movies at Screen on the Green, dancing in Dupont, road tripping to Palmyra, NY, biking to Eastern Market, reading good books, working with funny patients, chatting with friends, running "the bridges," checking out museums, sleep overs with girlfriends, and so much more... keeps me super busy and I love it!

A Great Escape

I just helped this rad lady who lives in a nursing home. She told me about how she ran away at 3:00 am a couple weeks ago. She got down the hall and out the door without anyone seeing her. A cab was waiting and she went to McDonald's. It was what she wanted to do. She had planned it all out. She almost got away with it until she came back and a few of the workers saw her getting out of the cab. Now she has to wear a "chastity belt" - a wrist band that goes bazerk (is that even a word?) when she enters the elevator without permission. But she said it was worth it because "you just have to live a little." Her visit to the doctor's office today was a treat and she topped it off by having a slice of pizza in the cafeteria. I hope I grow old with that kind of pizazz!

Another patient just called and told me that he received a kidney transplant for his birthday this week.

It's been a good day.

Mmm! Blueberries... and, what?!?! peaches?

Many of you know that blueberries are hands down my favorite food. One summer, I ate them with nearly every meal. I especially love how unpredictable they are - sometimes they're a bit bitter and other times, they're pure joy in my mouth!

Today, however, I experienced a close rival to my blueberry obsession. I had a perfect white peach that dripped juice as I bit into it. Messy, yes, but sassy in my mouth!

Mmmmm... I love summer fruits!

070707

I've been raving about it since January 1st. I tell everyone - friends, family, patients (at work), strangers. 070707 is my Birthday! It's pretty cool that I was born 25 years ago at 1:37 in the morning on July 7.

Here's the plan for the day:
- Sleeping in
- Morning run
- Horseback riding in the afternoon
- BBQ with friends
- Fireworks in Old Towne (Yes, the entire city is celebrating! How did they know I love fireworks?)

It's going to be a fun day!

A lady told me this week that getting old isn't for sissies and another gave me the advice to stay young. I've spent a lot of time this week thinking about the turning of an age, the year behind, and the year to come. I think I'll like 25.

Welcome to my favorite month!

I know, I know... I've been MIA for a few weeks. Believe it or not, blogging takes a lot of time. Nevertheless, sorry for neglecting you.

Now, on to better things -

I would like to welcome my favorite month of the entire year...

JULY!

I love July! Everyday in July is my favorite day. I celebrate them all. When I was younger, I loved July because it was as far away from school on both ends as I could get. Not that I didn't like school, but I certainly loved the summer. And now, I just love it because it's summertime.

July also hosts a few really good holidays, namely Independence Day, Pioneer Day, and my BIRTHDAY!!!!!

Have you ever seen the movie, Sandlot? The 4th of July scene in that movie is kinda like how mine were growing up. The entire neighborhood came out to celebrate it together. In SD, it's legal to buy wicked cool fireworks and set them off in the country or in the neighborhood. Going to the firework stand usually happened on or around the first of the month, and it was a big deal. I can remember driving out of town to the fireworks stand, the smoky smell of explosives, and the shiny wrappers with Chinese writing. We would scour the isles to find the coolest best fireworks and then compare when we got home. The next four evenings consisted of night games and fireworks. We shot roman candles, had tank wars, conglomerated rockets out of PCP pipe in order to maximize bottle rocket and black cats, threw snaps, and lit up roses and fountains and sparklers.

On the Fourth, American flags graced every doorstep and families came out for picnics. In the evening around dusk, everyone would head to the banks of the Big Sioux River to secure the cheapest seats for the fireworks show put on by the Empire Fairgrounds near the airport. Oooooooohs followed by Aaaaaaaaaawes slipped from our lips as lights danced with bangs in the sky. When I was really little, the sounds scared me, but I never admitted it then. On an Independence Day when I was in school, I wrote a poem to capture the moments of the day and express the patriotic feelings I felt. If I can find it, I'll post it.

Awe, so there's a little memory lane for ya. As for the present, I don't really have plans for the Fourth, but I'm sure it will entail a BBQ and fireworks shows. I'm definitely residing in the right place for this holiday.

Let July begin!!!!

Summer Kick Off: Duck Beach!!

It's officially summer now, which means it's totally kosher to wear white pants and linen.

My favorite part about Duck, you ask? hmm...

Well, besides Duck crushes, let me display:


Definitely being knee deep in the sand with the sun blazing on my back!

All I can say is, LET THE SUMMER BEGIN!!!!!

I heart NYC

I visited my sister in NYC this weekend.

And I quote her:
"We had a great time going to Serendipity Café, shopping in SOHO, and the NYC ballet. We also managed to fit in a game of two-hand touch football with some kids in the park. It was a great time."

I LOVE having family on the East Coast! It's the perfect excuse to take off for the weekend.

School's out for the summer!

I finished my psychology class today. Yay for summer and for figuring out what I want to do when I grow up! Well, at least for the mean time...

Fun Monday

Recently, I've discovered an interest that I've never fully embraced until now.

Fashion.

I consider myself a hometown Midwestern girl and with that comes a carefree low level of maintenance. I like to think that I'm naturally beautiful and don't need the trends of fashion to accentuate my looks.

Lately, I've put off my childish ways. Not that I'm going all out vogue, but I'm having more fun. There are a number of reasons for this.

1. We live in a culture that is brutal to a woman's body image. Even small women have complexes. I got over mine! I love my body - I love what I look like and I love finding fun clothes, accessorizing, and wearing make up. (I feel like I'm 14 again!)

2. I live in a cool city that has some great shopping. Yes, Nordstrom is a 1/2 mile from my house. Also, I work in Georgetown - it's dangerous to be so close to Wisconsin Ave and M Street.

3. Spain. See below. I don't know what Europe did to me, but I came back with a much greater appreciation of styles, good clothing, and dressing well. People there don't wear their gym shoes (shh! I still am the dork who wears them to and from the metro).

I bought a yellow shirt the other day that has a bizarre brown pattern and buttons on it. I have new skinny jeans with designs on the butt pockets. I love puffy sleeves, and I'm even sewing a dress for myself. What has gotten into me?!?! The best part, I'm finding fantastic deals. Shopping takes skill! ... and $$$. ha! Can I just say that allowing for shopping in my budget makes all the difference in the world (even when it's a meager amount)!

This Monday evening, after celebrating a birthday at Pentagon Row, I stopped by La Vand, a small boutique near my home. They have way cute trendy stuff that is decently priced. I'm so excited to have discovered this store so close to home! I didn't buy anything tonight, but I think the place has promise for another time.

OK, now I need to study.

Exhilerating!

I saw a movie this evening that intrigued me. "Namesake" is a beautiful celebration of culture, generations, and identity. I cried, laughed, felt so awkward, and related to parts of the film. It's about growing up, tradition, family, seeing the world, America, India, and life. The movie is filled with poetry, literature, and good music. I especially appreciated the obvious struggle between the individualist American culture verses the more collectivist Indian culture, and how the infusion of the two required compromise of values from both sides. The family maintained its heritage while pursuing the "American Dream." Check out the trailer and go see it if you're in to artsy indie type stuff. I came away feeling exhilerated and desiring to go see the world.

Who does this remind you of?

shoes! shoes! shoes!

My recent fetish is shoes! I never knew I had it in me, but I'm all about shoes lately. Someone once told me that I should always check out a guys shoes - it's what grounds them, it's their roots. That sounds kinda ridiculous, but I guess one could surmise a few clues about a person based on what they chose to put on their feet.

Here's a depiction of my most recent indulgence: (That's 6 pair - it happens in Spain)
Now amongst this pile of is one particular pair that I'd like to talk about.

These are particularly sassy. They're totally Anthropology in a wardrobe of BR and JCrew.
Now look closely, and you'll see why I bought them...

They say "BUY ME"!!! So for 5 Euros, I obeyed.

Now, in case you didn't catch it from the top, here it is loud and clear on the bottom. Eeew! Forgive me for the nasty sole - I've already worn them a few times.

So there ya have it! Errr, I guess I should say, there I have it - shoes! shoes! shoes!

Now I ask, what would you surmise of me based on these roots?

Why I Loved Spain...

Here's my first reason:


These trees explain my next reason:





I only stay in a room like this once in my life:


Playa de Oriente:


See through the Mediterranean Sea:


Some of these are pretty self explanatory:




The running man is the exit sign:


It was amazing! I spent a day exploring Madrid and a week soaking in rays in the Costa del Sol region. The Alambra in Granada was awe striking; the pueblos blancos and ravine in Rhonda were like nothing else; the bullring and paellas in Mijas were delightful. I did ti-chi on the beach; collected sea shells, rocks and glass; shopped tons; woke up to the sunrise; drove through the countryside; and celebrated my mom's birthday. And... My brother and his girlfriend got engaged on the beach!! Check out where we stayed. I could see Africa and the Rock of Gibraltar as I stared at the calm steady waves of the Mediterranean Sea while lounging on my towel in the sand.

Spain is definitely on my list of place to return to, and I highly recommend it!

Where is for lovers?

I live in Virginia and have yet to figure out exactly how the phrase "Virginia is for Lovers" was coined. I mean, there is some beautiful scenary and all, but there´s nothing about the state has created a spark for me. Let me tell you about a place that is for lovers...

Cross the Atlantic and skip over the country of Colubus´ maiden voyage and you find the oldest country in the world. Spain. And yes, this place is for lovers.

I am here, in Spain, to spend a week with some family on the southern end of it, particularly Estepona. Í spent today in Madrid and one of the dominant observations i´ve made is that these people are all hooked up and they don´t mind showing it to the world.

Aside from lovers, I found myself a hostal for the night, figured out the metro system, fed myself, and spent the afternoon exploring streets and the halls of the Museo del Prado. It´s like walking through my art history text book.

Let´s just say, I love my life!!!

random...

speaking of random, one time, my friend told me that nothing is ever random. then he went on to explain how every single event is the result of another happening and therefore, random doesn't really exist. for instance, although i would describe my awakedness at this late hour on a work night (yes folks, i think i just made up the word awakedness, but i could be wrong) as random, that's not really the case. i'm up this late because i went to dinner late, exercised late, talked on the phone late, can't sleep, etc. so really it's simply relatively aberrant from my regular behavior. i don't know why i said relatively in that last sentence... relative to what? the regular i guess... haha... i like it when my brain gets like this. :)

ok good night now.

follow up on 'my brain'

uhhh... that was random.

my brain

lately, i've entertained myself by thinking about my brain. for instance, today made me very aware of the fact that when I lack sleep, my brain suffers the most. sometimes it seems like i can feel my brain - like when i'm processing a heavy load of new information. also, i always complete sentenses and thoughts in my brain, but not always when i'm talking out loud, which, i do realize, is just my brain being lazy.

so then i ask myself, why in the world am i up at 12:30 AM mumbling about my brain when it's far past my bedtime? the answer to that question is two fold: my stomach and my muscles.

late running and late dinner = not tired at bedtime.

hmmm... actually, now that i think about it, i am sleepy. maybe that's why i'm rambling about this nonsense.... zzzz :)

i miss the world!

I've been MIA! Totally out of commission. Fallen off the face of the planet. Hmmm... Gone. Not available.

Maybe a better word for it is... work.

First Week

Holy cow! I feel like I drank out out of a fire hose. Starting a new job is exciting and exhausting. I survived my first week and here are a few of my impressions:

1. I fell into the perfect place! My five year plan entails becoming a physician's assistant. There is no better way to prepare for PA school than by working in a vascular surgery department.

2. So much to learn! I took a lot of health classes during my undergrad so many of the terms I heard this week were familiar; however, I now need a working knowledge of biology, anatomy, and health information. Already, I can tell that I will seep in so much of this practical understanding by being in this new environment.

3. Big organization v. Little organization: My previous employer was a tiny nonprofit. Now I'm working in a huge top ranked hopsital that's been recognized as one of DC's best employers. The contrast is interesting. The small nonprofit afforded me a lot of autonomy, while the hospital seems quite bureaucratic. But I think I'm going to really excell in the structural environment. And to say the least, heck yes for employee benefits!!!!!

Well, I have a lot of adjustments to make, but soon enough, I know that I'll love this new adventure.

The Day Club

I'm enjoying my first and only week of unemployment. Really, I have no excuse to not update my blog everyday this week. Well, maybe I have a few....

Here's what I've done:

- toured the East Wing of the White House
- ate Eastern Market breakfast
- saw all sorts of critters at the Zoo
- ran 4 miles with Amber (glad to have her back!)
- ate at Aria Trattoria
- ice skated at Pershing Park
- drove down the Washington Memorial Parkway
- went to the DMV to get new license plates
- Mano cut my hair
- paid for school and parking at NVCC (what! what!)
- stretched, balanced, and worked it at yoga
- met with an old work colleague
- read books
- shopped for groceries
- made dinner with Amber
- went to Institute
- ate lunch with Mel at Old Ebbett's Express
- saw increadible art at The Phillips Collection (loved the Rothko room)
- toured the Supreme Court
- did homework and attended my psychology class
- ate cookie dough with my roommates while watching Grey's Anatomy
- went to Home Depot and bought paint
- painted the ceiling in my room
- stayed up and read late into the night
- visited with friends
- organized my closets
- did my laundry and drycleaning
- took a donation to Goodwill
- drove around a lot

And now it's time for the weekend! I'm pretty much up for anything, so we'll see what excitement comes my way!

Saying Goodbye

This is my last week at my current employer. Exciting and wonderful as change is, it still tugs at my heart strings when it comes to actually doing it. For much of the past 2 years, I ran a one man, er - rather woman, show as the Director of Government Affairs for a non profit organization Washington, DC.

Today, I attended a regular meeting on the Hill where I see the same people every week. As we've worked on common issues, pushed legislation, signed and circulated group letters, supported efforts, activated grassroots, attended events, battled against "the other side," held meetings, and been through thick and thin to accomplish good in the federal government, these folks have become my co-workers. They're the people I see regularly, even though we aren't employed by the same people. I've had the honor to speak to them and keep them informed about my particular issue, abstinence education. Just last week, I spoke to them about our 2007 expectations.

At the end of today's meeting, the magnitude of what goes on there and all that I've been a part of blew me away! As I said goodbye to dear friends, I couldn't help but think about how the fight keeps going, even while the fighters come and go. I felt grateful for the opportunity to be a part of something huge - to contribute to something that I feel strongly about and to actually make an impact. When one friend said, "Charlee, you can't go!" I cried! (I'm such a baby, I know, but sometimes when i'm ineffable, I cry. In that moment, my heart filled with gratitude, and I realized how important my part has been.) The affirmation encouraged me. I am proud of what I've done here!

On my way back to the office, I said goodbye to a few other people who are part of my life. They're the folks in the street who smile at me everytime I pass by. Clayton, my homeless friend, kindly told me he'll miss me (after mentioning that he's broke! I told him that it's ok because I am too!) Then he informed me that he's still reading the Book of Mormon. Now that's AWESOME! I hope that is how I influence people in all areas of my life.

So I'm going to go learn something about the world. I'll be back someday. I am excited for the new path I am embarking on!

Hi Mom!

Watch out, Tiger!

Watch out everyone - I'm a golfer now! I recently received my very own set of golf clubs. I'm just an amateur, but I think I have a bit of a natural knack for it. The weather in Washington has been phenomenally balmy for January; yesterday we had sunny skies and temps in the sixties. The perfect day for the inaugural use of my new club.

Guess how far this one went!

This is Brian - he's great for tips and buckets of balls at the driving range.

Four!!!

ps - I'm still figuring out how to do pictures on this thing!