So Much Smithsonian

Today we went to finally the famous Smithsonian museums. It was a must being in D.C. I first went to the American History Museum. It was really interesting and I think my favorite part was seeing the First Ladies dresses they wore on the day their husbands became presidents. Michelle Obama's was there already and it was interesting to see how fashion has shifted throughout the ages. I also really liked seeing the American flag that was used during the Revolutionary War and how it inspired our Star Spangle Banner. I went as soon as it opened so there wouldn't be so many people. I got to wonder at my own pace and browse where I wanted. Then I went to the Natural History Museum. This is the one with the huge dinosaur bones. It was so super packed! I couldn't barely see anything. I first saw the jelly fish display. It has been my favorite animal since I lived in Coos Bay. I used to walk the beaches there and see these little clear looking objects that resembled a clear rock from a fish tank all over the sand. I found out that they were washed up jelly fish. I was so fascinated and since then have really thought they were cool. So, it was the first to catch my eye. I actually bought a jellyfish preserved in glass like a paper weight that glows in the dark from the museum. Only of the very few souvenirs I have bought.



After, I walked down to meet my friend by the river where there was a fish market. It was definitely an authentic fish market. Full of guys throwing fish back and forth and selling live crabs by the dozen. We ate (of course I didn't eat there since I hate seafood) but then we came back up to the museums. I decided to hit up the American Indian museum since I have a passion for the Natives. I watched an amazing film in a circular theater, with the whole ceiling showing the movie and four screens in front of me and screens on the floor. The first thing talked about in the film was the Indians in the Black Hills. I was proud to know that I have grown up there and have worked with the Lakota people for a while. I really enjoyed that. I also found the Lakota exhibit and enjoyed reading about them. However, this place doesn't hold a candle (as far as authentic artifacts) like Crazy Horse does. But, they had info on ALL tribes.



I really liked working with the Lakotas but am excited to begin working with the Arapahoes shortly. They are so different in values, demeanor, and attitudes. It will be interesting to see the difference first hand.

The picture below is of a sign that I saw on a huge display at the Natural History museum. I read it and had to keep rereading it. It seems like just as much of a fairy tale to me as the story of creation. However, there are no displays at the museum to support this theory. But, everywhere I turned there were signs supporting evolution. This one struck me as I can't see how this is any more factual then the story of creation. Really? Am I supposed to be convinced?

Awareness at Arlington

So, yesterday we went to Arlington Cemetary. This is the one spot that I have been wanting to see since planning this trip. My sister told me how amazing it was and so, I put this one on the agenda and the "To Do" for me. I was not disappointed in the least. It was amazing. I was so excited to see the Tomb of The Unknowns. This is a place dedicated to all those soldiers that do not have graves and we only found remains for; therefor not knowing who they were. The tomb was eracted many years ago and has since, always had a soldier that guards the tomb. Day and night 365 days a year, A soldier marches across this tomb. In the dead of winter at 4 in the morning, you will find a soldier that shows respect by marching up and down The Tomb of the Unknown. And, not just any soldier. They have to be a soldier from the 3rd infintry with a completely unblemished military record. They have to be a certain hight and body size. On top of it, their march is examined under close scrutinty and they have to pass an extensive test with a 95% or better in order to take a march that lasts 30 minutes. It is seen as a great honor and privlege to be a solider from this unit that gets to show homage to those lost in battle at such an amazing place. It was extremely humbling and chilling to witness the Changing of Guards Ceremony. Every half an hour, the huge clock sounds and a Ceremony is conducted where another soldier comes out to march. It was dead silent with hundred of people there witnessing this tradition of respect and dignity. I have never seen anything quite like it and the pride I had in my nation, at that moment, shined.



I also saw a lot of disrespect take place here. There signs placed everywhere that said things such as. "Please be quiet." "Remember, these are hallowed grounds. "Please respect those that rest here" "No running" etc. However, with such a huge crowds and so many tourist groups, this did not take place. There were so many Asian tourist groups and I don't think they quite understand the pride and significance I place like this offers and the kind of respect that an American might appreciate here. I may not know the details about how our country was formed, but I do know the price that was paid with these 360,000 plus soldiers, and I understand the respect they deserve.

I also saw the eternal flame at Kennedy's memorial. The flame never goes out and is always lit. And I saw the famous quote, "Ask not what your country can do for you but for what you can do for your country."




Our day did not stop there. Next we headed to Alexandria Old Town in Virginia. We ate at the best Thai restraunt. I had so Bamboo Ew something or another. It was amazing. I checked out an antique store there since I love antiques and they were so expensive, I quickly left. We went to the River and walked around. They have an amazing art square there where you can watch the artists work. Then, we scheduled a cruise to take up back to Georgetown. It was beautiful. When we got home, I went down to the restraunt while the other two girls swam. I met some great people and spent the evening with them. DOn't freak out, mom and dad, when I tell you that I took a cab with them to this great Italian restraunt. My friends went for seafood and I will not eat it so, my two new friends offered to let me come with them. They were super rich. One being a cardio surgeon. We had a great dinner, and they picked up the tab for everything. I had an amazing evening and only spent 5 dollars of my own money. Now that's what I call Grand! They got me back to my hotel safely and I struck up a convo with a couple from New York. They proceeded to talk about politics and I finally had to cut them off and just leave for the room. I was so tired. But, met lots of interesting people.

Vacationing in Virginia

The last two days we have spent in Virginia enjoying the beutiful landscape and history that rests there. First, we started at Mt. Vernon. Home of George Washington. I am officially a horrible American as I had to have my friend from the Czeck explain who he was. Ok, I knew that he was a president but beyond that, I had to watch the informational video at his estates to learn who he was. I know, I know, that's horrible. Apparently in school I was too busy with everything but learning and, now, don't know much about our history. They made fun of my and my ignorance but it was all in good humor. We got to tour the house, see where he died, and witness where many important decisions were made. Before we left, we took a scenic cruise on the Platomic River. It was beautiful and definately worth the extra money.

This is the Manson at Mount Vernon where George Washington lived. We got to tour it, see the slave quarters, and all the other amazing areas on the estate.



On the cruise I bought a drink and it was $6.50. I wanted another one but didn't want to spend the money so I went back down to the lower deck and told the man, "Yes, can I need a free drink." And he obliged. :)


This is what is known as the Necessary or Privy in England. It's the bathroom that the slaves or others would use while on the estate and not near the house. I learned that not only was George Washington our first president but he also was extremely senstaive to hygine issues.




After, we headed back to D.C. and decided to try some food from one of the corners of the world. We settled on Ethopian food. I had no idea what I was ordering, how it would come, or if I would like it but I was bound to try something new. And boy, was it new. They don't eat with silverware. That was the wierdest part. They give you this sticky bread rolled up like tortilas and you use those to pick the "slop" up with. It was SO good though. I tried all on my plate. Some was good and some was not. The stuff that was good. Was very good.



After supper, we put our pregnant friend to bed and Lily and I walked downtown to a place that was known for good people watching. We sat there and had great conversation, met some local girls that I visited with, and finally ventured home after a long day. Very good time. Great company, and I always love meeting new people.

The Horrific Holocaust

Today we went to the Holocaust Museum. By the time I was at the last level of the museum, I just gave up and left. I could not take seeing another dead body and hearing about how horrible it was anymore. It is great that there is such a spectacular place to remember those lost and those that suffered at the hands of such tyrants but I could only take so much. I think my favorite part of it was the hundred of shoes they had piled up. The quote above them read something like "We are survivors of the holocaust. We are only survivors because we are made of leather and not flesh and blood." It was quite intense to think of all the souls that walked in those shoes. We were also given a little identification card upon entering of a person that was in the holocaust. I picked a male thinking the story might be more interesting since I knew most women and children were killed before others. As you go through the museum you are supposed to flip the page to hear the next part of "your person's" life story. By the time I finished my reading my identification card, I was dead. But my son lived cause I sent him away.

It was also really strange for me to hear about not just Hitler but all the Germans that stood for such mess. I also read many statements and quotes about those that were not actively involved in the NAZI party but that did nothing to either help or resist it. My mother is a full blooded German which makes me half. More than what a lot of people can say these days as there are so few people that are full blooded anything now. I have always been proud of my German heritage and still am, but would not have told a soul in there that I was German. It seemed as if I thought maybe I should feel ashamed, but I'm not. My friend from Europe went with us and we were talking about it. She said that Germans are still really hated around many parts of Europe and that Europeans do not hold a kind light up to Germans because of what happened. However, as history has shown Germans also tend to feel better than others and entitled to things that most nationalities don't even think about. A quote from Hitler I saw really struck me as I walked around that huge museum. It was out of a book of policies that Germans should enact on those from inferior races. It states, "... and the doctrine that it is divine law to obey the Germans." Then, just a little while later, I was passing through a doorway and on the side, I pass a Mezuzah. Those that know me know that I dated a reformed Jew for over 5 years. I thought of his family often in there. How kind they always were to me, their willingness to let me participate in Shabbot dinner, hearing the shabbot prayer, and seeing the mezuzah that would always be nailed into the entry to their house. And then, knowing that I am very much german, gave me a weird feeling.A torn feeling.

Anyhow, after hours at the museum we ventured to see the Capitol building and on the way passed the Supreme Court and many other regal buildings that look like a cheap knock off of what I think old Rome would look like. It was kind of ammusing when I was thrown into a picture with an Asian family. I remember being in Indonesia and them just being fascinated with white people; always wanting a picture with you thinking that you were famous. Well, yesterday, I'm standing by the Capitol and an Asian man speaking no English just says, "picture picture" pointing to his little daughter. So, I oblige and let him snap several pictures of me and his daughter with the Capitol behind us before his wife comes to take the camera and asks that I continue to stay so she can get pictures of her husband and another daughter that jumped over to take pictures with me as well. I just smiled and let them take their pictures. It was kinda fun. Then we went to botanical gardens and walked around before venturing back to our hotel. I didn't get to join any cool protests while at the Capitol, but that wasn't for lack of trying. There just were none going on.



Later that night, my friend and I met her friend from the Slovackian Embassy and went to a nice supper. We got in our nice black cocktail dresses and I finally felt like I fit in. You can SOOOO tell that we're a bunch of West Coast slobs in our flip flops and hippie attire. Everyone here, regardless of the heat, is in black pencil skirts, pen striped suits, nylons, dressy heals, and fitted vests. I can't imagine how these women walk for blocks and blocks in their heals. Everywhere you go, it looks as if sophistication just ooozes out of these people; or at least they all hold super important jobs. Oh yeah, another thing I have noticed that is different then the west coast is the use of Ipods in public places. So many people; old, young, business suits, sweats, jogging outfits, have ipods on. Wonder if they all just walk around listening to music or if they have a streaming news station playing. Can't imagine these old business men walking around listening to Frank Sinatra staight off of work. Who knows. But, dinner was great. The place we went was famous for their margaritas and so super busy. The food was amazing, and finally feeling a little bit of sophistication myself in my black dress was great!

Washington D.C. August 18th

Me with my "noise maker" for the protest I joined against BOA. Funny they gave me the Diet Coke since that's all I drink. Must have been fate!



I left for D.C. yesterday. It was an early morning. Up for the Rapid City airport at 3:30am. It was a tough night since I stayed in Custer. I love seeing my friend, but that place still feels like home and it's hard being there in the middle of a beautiful summer night knowing that I will probably not ever spend much time there again. It also makes me feel overwhelmed knowing that I have to recreate that feeling all over again in Sheridan. But, I put that behind me and focused on our wonderful adventure that awaited us on the East Coast.

We get to the airport and the Delta check in was INSANE. I've never seen so many people that early in the Rapid air port and half of them had NO IDEA what they were doing. As if they had never flown before. There were open kiosks not being used and, in good form, I yell if anyone is using them and if not I'm gonna cut and check myself in. After I checked myself in, I realized that people didn't understand how to use them and Delta having amazing customer service like they do.... I started helping others check in. Going through security, there was this women behind me that was so nervous and didn't know what to do she was literally shaking. She was trying to pull out her I.D. and her hands were just trembling. I asked if she needed help and she said she was ok. When she tried to go through security she was so nervous that she didn't take her sneakers off or her jacket. Poor women. Must have never flown. Anyhow, finally we get to our gate, and guess what.... the plane was delayed for "technical difficulties" for an hour. Meaning that we were going to miss our flight in the Twin Cities. Oh well. Finally we got on the plane and landed in Minneapolis ten minutes before our next flight was supposed to leave. We rushed to our gate and found out that we had enough time because the pilots for that flight were also our pilots from Rapid City so they were late as well giving us time to board.

When we got to D.C., our friend Lily met us at the airport since she couldn't check into our hotel early. We took the metro, got checked in, and changed real quick before we left for the mall, capitol, and white house. We are staying only a few blocked from all of it so it was an easy walk there. I joined a protest in front of the white house :) It was against Bank of America. "WE BAILED THEM OUT AND NOW THEY NEED TO BAIL US OUT!" I was even given a rattle to shake after every sentence. And... it's as if they knew me cause I was handed the Diet Coke rattler. YES! My friends had to drag me away and up the street. I didn't want to depart with my rattler but didn't have a purse and they refused to put that dirty thing in their nice purses. Oh well... there went my protest souvenir.

Then we ventured to all the memorial. It's really quite surreal standing there and thinking of all the administrations that have come through this city; including our new one. And oh yeah, every minute I'm reminded of how out of shape I am! All these gorgeous runners stampede through with their svelte bodies every second. I mean, If I lived by the Washington Memorial and could run through a beautiful park everyday I WOULD TOO! Well, maybe for the first week.

I guess I'll add pictures later cause apparently the Holiday Inn downtown D.C. isn't fast enough to get er' done! What if I was an important diplomat or something!?!?!

Biking Bliss

Yesterday I was informed that Afton learned how to ride her bike. I was so excited for her and promised that I would be over later to witness her new found skills. When I got over there we went to the park where she would have room to zoom zoom zoom. She was so cute; as always. Her legs are so scraped up from fiddling with the pedals. She had a couple spills but, in good form she got right back up and got on again every time.


Isn't she just darling!!!

Auntie showing how it's really done

Horrible Aim. Horrible!

I shot a bow and arrow for the first time since I was a little girl last night. I was HORRIBLE and could barely even hit the box, but... did a good job sticking them into the shed.

Operation Apartment Complete

I have found my new apartment. Official move in date is the 26th. Below are some pictures of it, the view from my window, Art Festival, and me downtown.

Weston County Fair Fun

Every year I go to the county fair. I mean, what's Wyoming without an old fashioned county fair when all the cowboys come out with their good ol' boy attitudes, tight wranglers, and horribly large egos that get even larger with every beer they drink and every steer they wrestle. You really wouldn't be able to appreciate this mentality but if you've grown up around it as I have. This environment (once a year) can sometimes make for a good evening. Or at least a good fist fight between a couple testosterone driven cowboys arguing over something like who has the bigger and better Chevy truck. So, I actually enjoy making my annual appearance at the county fair and this year was no exception.

I didn't think that I was even going to make it since I've been so busy but Cory and I heard that there was live music so we attended one evening. First we witnessed the egg toss content. Next on the list was the ever popular tug-a-war fights where all those egos come out in full force to prove, in front of all those in the grand stands, who truly earns the title of Man and Boy. It was quite entertaining. Then, we crossed the dust ridden road over to the lawn for the live music. I actually had an amazing time watching Brock Finn. It was just dusk, a slight breeze after a hot day, chilled grass curling around my feet, and wonderful company with great music in the background. As I walked across that dusty road, memories flooded through me. All the days I spent marching up and down that road. From end to end, day to day. As I walked across that road and saw the breeze blow up the ever familiar film of dust, I noticed that same snow cone machine placed in the exact same spot some 15 years later, that same announcer's stand, and that same swing set I used to swing on for hours. Smelling those oh so good chili cheese nachos coming from the same old concession stand that STILL needs a paint job after all these years gave me such a feeling of home. And although Newcastle is not and has not been my home for many years now, it will always be my home and nights like that, night at the fairgrounds, remind me of why I loved my childhood so much.

I stood there watching the performance,surrounded by familiar faces, visiting with friends, and with Cory's arms around me, a small grin crept across my face as I had a moment to reflect on how much I have enjoyed this summer, after all these years, home.

Apartment Hunting

Yesterday my mother and I went to Sheridan to go apartment hunting. First, though, I had to go and get federal and state finger printing done for my new job. Then, I had to take them to my new place of employment. It felt really good walking in there knowing that I had the job instead of just another interview. Things are extremely professional and you can definately tell I have entered a managment position in the way that I am being treated. It's small subtle things like, I was sitting in the business office and the women, instead of telling me what my salary will official be, slid a piece of paper to me pointing on the final approved salary coming from the capitol in Cheyenne. We discussed all necessary figures that will accure and set up payment accounts for me for my paycheck and then a miscelaneous account for if I have to travel or buy things out of my own pocket. I was then given binders full of paperwork that I have to go through. When leaving, I ran into quite a few people that were in my interview who approached me, shaking my hand perfusely letting me know how thrilled they were that I have accepted the position. I was also told to feel free to come before my official start date and get my OWN office set up. Take my time to get settled in and to call if I have any questions or if there's anything they can do to make my transition any smoother. I actually feel valued and it's a good feeling!

So then, I went to apartment hunt with my mom and my newly met cousin from the colony. I was STRESSED! Finally, the last place we went, I found a great apartment. However... it's not cheap living in a city at the base of the mountains, that is also a college town, and everyone wants to live in. Location Location Location, and I tell you what... Sheridan is a beautiful location that requires a little extra money to live in, but I shall live. Now, it's just a matter of actually moving me there! EEKKKKK

Washington DC Lets Have It

It may not be the most tropical exotic location, but it will be a good time. Finally booked my flight for a week with friends in DC. I've never been and should get the chance to see a lot of new stuff. Most excited to see:.... not sure yet. If you have any cool ideas besides the obvious, let me know!

Have A Little Tact

You know what I can't stand... I can't stand people that don't have the courtesy to respect others with their language. I have noticed a huge shift just in recent months of how "OKAY" it is to cuss no matter where you are or who is around. And if I have noticed it, that's pretty bad since I work in environments that I have become desensitized to it for the most part.

For example, I have gone to the LAK with my nieces and nephew quite a bit this summer and a majority of the time, I end up having to tromp across the weeds and yell at a bunch of people who think it's ok to cuss LOUDLY while there are others around. Well, not yell at them but kindly ask with authroity that they watch their mouths. And I'm not just talking about children. Adults do it as well. And I don't care if I don't have kids around me. When I'm standing in line waiting for food or at the movies or any other public forum that doesn't already have a generalized disclaimer that language will obviously be present, I don't think I need to or should have to be subjected to it. It's really quite insulting. I was driving home from Riverton a couple days ago, (which, by the way, I got offered the parole agent job there) and was in the gas station buying a pop. The cashier asks him how he is and he responds by saying he has a shit ton to do. Now, this may be something that I would say as well under closed doors talking to a friend or in my car on the phone, but there's people standing all around and he throws out cuss words like it's completely normal and EVERYONE swears on a regular basis. I gave him this look like "Are you kidding me?" And he just kinda looked at me and you could tell that it somewhat registered as to why I looked disgusted. You know, I don't mind the cuss words near as much as I mind this shift in the mentality that it's okay no matter what forum you're in and the complete disregard for people that may not appreciate hearing that when they go to the grocery store. I mean, I cuss and can have a pretty bad mouth at times, but not in public loud enough for others to hear and not around those I know don't cuss, and certinally not around children! It's as if they don't even realize it's wrong. When I go to the LAK and end up yelling at a bunch of people for their lack of respect, they all comply but look at me like they never even thought about it or it never crossed their mind that it might be offensive. Come on!!! HAVE A LITTLE TACT