The Dominion Post

I just thought some of you might want to see this little article:

Living His American Dream

Funny.

Just one of those things...

I was sent this video from a friend. If you have about 15 minutes, you should really watch it. This is a video of an Australian family--they're members (the little boy makes one reference; see if you can catch it). Oh, and get your tissues out.

Click here.

Back from NY!

I'M BACK and I'M ALIVE!! That's right--New York is much busier than Washington. Someone told me that D.C. was dirtier than NY. Lies. New York is definitely dirtier than D.C. Maybe it was because the humidity and heat made it feel worse--but I just got the impression it was dirtier. However, it is still cool. I met 4-5 Aussies (I would hear them speak, and then just ask them where they were from) in New York; they were all in random places too. I also got to hang out with Nicki and Jordan's families after the wedding. I'm really grateful to both of them; one for putting me up in a Hotel room for a night; one for shouting me a few meals; AND both for making the trip AWESOME!

I also contemplated giving this post the title: "Central Park--New York's Mid-City Beach." Seriously though. Today I thought it was really weird, as I walking around Central Park, when I came across a large open grassy area only to find people out tanning and stuff. I'd never seen that before. I get it. I just never thought I'd see that in the middle of a major U.S. city. But what the heck? It's SUMMER TIME! (I'm still not going to go to Central Park to sunbathe)


Talking about Central Park, yesterday after the wedding--we all went to take photos there! The funniest part (and there were many) was when random people were congratulating and taking photos of Nicki and Jordan. I can see it now. "When I went to Central Park today, I saw this very cute couple who must have just got married. Here, look at the pictures/video on my phone/camera." People were actually videoing other people they didn't know. Well, I thought it was funny.

On my way to New York

Achievement of the week: I led my first tour of the United States Capitol. Yes, it is a little ironic that a New Zealander is showing American’s their own Capitol—I giggle to myself sometimes. However, I have to tell you that I actually REALLY enjoy history. I enjoyed taking history in my last year of high school back home, and I have enjoyed learning all about it over here in America. Also, two of the participants of my first tour are Brittany Dahlin’s two brothers! For those of you who don’t know her, we are secret lovers.

By the way, I neglected to mention why I love squirrels. I see a few squirrels everyday out here—outside my house, on my way to and from work, and on the train (okay, not really on the train). But anyway, they are so cool. Cool enough to include a picture of them on my blog (and mention them twice).

Anyway, let’s talk about homeless people. First off, I feel really sorry for them. I pass by about 4-5 everyday. One lady is ALWAYS in this one spot sitting on cardboard; she has no shoes on, and with, I assume, everything she owns in a trolley (aka shopping cart) tipped over behind her. This is probably bad, but, every time I pass by a homeless person I sing the song “Homeless” (don’t judge me) in my head. That’s all. I often wonder what led them to that point...

Finally, I’m on my way to New York on the “Bolt Bus” for Nicki and Jordan’s Wedding in the Manhattan Temple. Good times. The bus has WiFi internet.

Arnold, Squirrels and some Generals

So, today while I was learning/practicing how to be a megastar tour guide, I was walking towards Nancy Pelosi's Office in the Capitol and yup, you guessed it, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was there. I didn't shake his hand, but I was about two feet away from him. How awesome is that? I have to say that I really liked his tie. It had cool colors.

While I'm talking about people I've been around since I've been here--how about when I was getting onto an elevator with some guys in uniforms. Then, they were all talking official (I didn't say anything), and I saw the older guy get into one of those official looking Yukon's outside, as I was on my way home. I asked one of the uniformed guys who that was, and he said, "That's General Casey, the Chief of Staff for the Army." Woah? And, on Saturday I went to the GI Film Festival with my new friend Kate, where we met former Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff, Retired General Richard Myers. He is a four star General guys--pretty awesome!

Anyway, randomly I was thinking about how much I love squirrels. We don't have squirrels in New Zealand. Everytime I see them, I want to stop and seriously watch them for as long as they stick around. They remind me of cartoons and childhood. I'm sorry this post was so random. That's what happens in D.C. Wait till I share about homeless people.

I can give you tours

That's right. Today, I was trained on some of the inner workings (mainly history) of the Capitol Visitors Center and the Capitol building itself. I learned about the history of Congress and the parts of the Judiciary. More than 6 hours later--I can tell you that I stayed awake the WHOLE time! I know. It really was pretty interesting. Just in case you want to know, I can also evacuate you from the building. Good times.

So, if you want a tour from me here! Then, come before August 21st! (While stocks last)

Adam made C-SPAN

So, since I arrived, I've been helping to research a bill called: The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act of 1986 for the Rules Committee--we have a little bit to do with the national elections. Anyway, yesterday we had our first hearing (since I've been interning) and it was interesting. I helped put together the briefing books for the staff and then just got to sit and listen.

However, I wanted to let you know that I'm actually in Washington, D.C. by showing you a clip of me in the background of a C-SPAN broadcast that is now online. As a part of the hearing, "Problems for Military and Overseas Voters: Why Many Soldiers and their Families Can't Vote," Sen. Pat Roberts made a statement. After some joking with the chairman of the Rules Committee, Sen. Roberts began and there I was, in the background! Now I can actually say, I have arrived (in both senses of the word). Ha ha.

If you were interested to actually see it, click here and then click on "View Archive Webcast" and I'm at 90:34mins (but who's paying any attention to numbers. Ha ha).

You're not in Utah anymore, Toto.

So, everyday I'm in D.C. I realize more and more that I'm not in Utah. Duh. There are heaps of really funny and 'different' things around here. Like the fact that the police are named by monument (at least the ones I've seen). We have the Pentagon Police, the Capitol Police and I recently saw the DC Public Library Police driving around in a car.

After work and on my way to find a barber, because I desperately need a haircut, I passed by two different Washington, D.C. helpers--they are so cool. They have bright red jackets and they exist to help people find their way around D.C. Catherine, my second helper, said that people come up out of the Metro and look confused, "Then, there we are. We can answer their questions." She also gave me two maps of the city; one for another person, in case they got lost.

Story of the day: While I was eating my McDonalds Salad in the restaurant tonight, I was being watched by two black men. One was outside and looked pretty homeless; and the other was inside, an older gentleman, and drinking a coffee or something. I actually had a little chuckle to myself and decided to write this blog post about it. Ha ha. Oh the joys of D.C.

The Senate Rules Committee Intern

So, today was my first day at work and it was great! I found some work colleagues that helped me get to the Senate buildings via the train and bus--so it worked out fine. I got sworn in and I got a Senate Badge today as well (as you can see). A few of the things that I'll be doing in the Senate Rules Committee:

• Prepping for hearings (making sure we have all the facts)
• General Office duties (mail, media clips, errands etc)
• and Capitol Building TOURS!! I'll be doing those weekly on Monday's starting the last week in May.

Fun?! If any of you want to come out and visit the office, I'm pretty sure I can hook you up with an amazing tour of the Capitol building (as soon as I get trained). Also, Senator Bennett's wife takes the interns on a special tour of the White House sometime this month. I'm really excited about that.

Cross that off my list...

That's right, I now officially live in an attic. I get to my attic through the room of one of my roommates (it looks like I'm walking into one of the closets). Tonight, I got in pretty late, because I've been at an AIPAC conference, and I have never met my roommates 'officially.' But I've walked in one of their rooms while he was asleep. Weird. Although, I can't figure out how he could stay asleep during my 'quiet' walking around the house. Ha ha...

Anyway, wish me luck for my first official day of work tomorrow! And, you better believe that I have to take an oath.

Good things Utah...

You've probably not seen this show before--neither have I really--it was on the other day and I replayed the jingle in my head. "Good Things Utah"

Anyway, I'm not sure when I'll get back on here, but, in an hour or so, I'm off to the Vegas airport. I'll see ya'll in about four months. D.C. here I come!

Love ya...