What Do You Want to Do After You Graduate?

I hate this question. Can I please just figure out the next few months first?

Is Chivalry Dead?

BYU has spoiled me.

If I'm walking to the library, about to open the door, a guy who is a step or two behind me will shamelessly quicken his pace so he can open it for me. In fact, I've grown so accustomed to this that I will often instinctively slow down to allow him that opportunity. (Don't get me wrong, I open doors for and help out others as well, but in my experience, our guys really have been exceptional)

While this is the most illustrative and typical example I could think of, there have been many other times during my years at BYU when the rule, "ladies first," has been applied.

It's not like that here in D.C.

Everything is a free-for-all...like getting on the Metro. No one sacrifices their precious few seconds to allow anyone to board the train before they do. I don't think this is a bad thing. In fact, in some ways it's kind of refreshing--to feel like I'm just making my way through the day like everyone else. It's just taken some getting used to on my part.

On the other hand, my guy friends who are here with me from BYU have always given up their seat on the Metro to a mother or a senior citizen whenever I've ridden with them, and it makes me feel a little proud inside.

But then again...I'm a girl who dreams of white horses and knights in shining armor :).

Growing Up

My college experience thus far has been tightly packed with lessons--academic lessons, moral lessons, spiritual lessons, and lessons simply about life. Some lessons have been fairly painless and others...well, they've taken much more time and heart, but I always emerge a little bit better than I was before. It is as Viktor Frankl points out in his book, "Man's Search for Meaning"--what we expect out of life doesn't matter so much as what life expects from us.

That's something I'm hoping my experience in Washington will help me figure out...

When I came here, I left parts of my self in California, Utah, and Arizona, all way on the other side of the country. Now, I'm certain, part of me will forever be here, in this dynamic city that is the heart of our nation. What impact that experience will have on me and where life will take me next I have yet to learn, but fortunately, I have an insatiable appetite for adventure and discovery. BYU has worked its magic on me; if there is anything I know I will grow up to be for sure, it is a "lifelong learner."

Take Me There

Today I have pictures! You can find them below...be prepared, there are quite a few!

This morning I woke up early and went for a run along the Mall. I stopped at the Korean War Memorial, which was touching. It was an especially pretty run because the sun was still rising.

When I got back, Rachel, Melissa, Lynne, and I went kayaking in the Potomac River for an hour. The water was a little gross, but the scenery was beautiful!


Some houses in Georgetown


Georgetown Campus




Reading the student newspaper


Rachel and me at Gravelly Point


Sitting on the steps at the Lincoln Memorial


The group at Gravelly Point, where we watched the airplanes take off


Right before we got very, very lost in Alexandria...


Waiting at the bus stop right outside where I work


Lynne and Melissa


The view from kayaking on the Potomac


Outside the Library of Congress


At the Supreme Court

The Real World

Yesterday was my first day on the job! My favorite part about going to work was walking along the city streets with a mass of other professionals living their grown-up lives. It makes me feel independent and important.

My office is wonderful. The receptionist told me it is 35 women (only 2 men, but I don't think they're actually in the office much), and they'll probably treat me like a daughter. Anyway, more about that later...

What I really wanted to write about was the new friends I've made! I made a goal to talk to at least one new person every day, but it's not always easy when everyone keeps to themselves on public transportation! Plus, I seem to be attracted to foreigners and I have a really hard time understanding people who speak English with an accent.

For example, yesterday I befriended Jose when he thought I looked lost after getting off the bus. I wasn't lost...just a little disoriented for a minute! He was super nice and helpful (well, he tried to be, but I think he actually pointed me in the wrong direction...) and we talked for a few minutes. Our conversations ended with him saying, "Maybe I'll run into you again," so that's a good sign, right?

This morning I befriended Mechael as I waited for the bus stop. I asked him where he was headed and he replied, "What?" We repeated this exchange about 5 times (no joke) until finally I changed my question a little and attempted to appear as though I understood his response. Then I was quiet so I wouldn't embarrass myself further, but he kept wanting to pursue the conversation further. I found out English is his second language...but I didn't understand when he told me his first. I also found out he works at the Pentagon...but I'm pretty sure that's not true so he must have said something else...Anyway, our conversation was troubled and awkward, but at least now I have a new friend!

Today my friend, Rachel, and I walked around Georgetown University campus. It's SO beautiful! Pictures soon to come...promise!