Friday after the holiday

So it turns out we stayed out a bit too late and had maybe one too many drinks for our own good on V-Day. When Doug came charging in Friday morning for class, everyone was still fast asleep. Luckily we can literally roll out of bed and make it to class (just downstairs) in less than a minute, because I'm not so sure anyone would have attended otherwise.

We're still getting into the swing of our discussion class, so nothing too exciting happened. Doug spoke a little too loud for everyone's liking, but we all managed to get through relatively unscathed. By the time we left for our *class picture* and our adventure to the top of The Washington Monument, we were all feeling much better. I absolutely LOVED the scenic view of the city from every direction. Although we aren't proud to say it, Kristine and I decided that our favorite view is not facing the White House, but rather the view looking at the Capitol Building. We fully justify our opinion in the fact that we work in the United States Senate, and travel around The Hill daily, so it hits closer to home. However, our opinion might change next Saturday when we go on an official tour of The White House! Yes, you read correctly, some of us got tickets for a private tour :)

We had to provide date of birth and ssn info early last week in order for our BACKGROUND CHECKS to be completed in time. This is serious stuff, friends. Our info will be readily available in the FBI files if that is so needed at a later date. How sweet is that?

Anyway...after The Monument, about half of us went to the National Museum of Natural History. The dinosaur fossils didn't do much for me, but the jewels upstairs were amazing. After we got to see the famous Hope Diamond, we busted out of there. Then a few of us went to see what overflow housing looked like. Kristine and I were overly jealous of how clean it was, and how much extra space the guys had for their clothes. Nonetheless, it is no longer a mystery where the other guys live. We'll probably head back over there when we need a break from the chaos 510 C is used to housing.

Five of the girls decided to try a new Catholic church. Although it is significantly closer to home, it was a bit too traditional for my liking. We appreciated the short walk, but I think we'll be making the journey back to our *home parish* next week. It's so weird to think we're already establishing *our church* when we've been here less than three weeks. However, when you say that we've been here for 18 days, it seems like much more of a significant period of time. Strange concept, I know.

Later on, Kristine and I decided to start a game of cards. Much to my dismay, my housemates didn't know how to play anything. We finally decided on Bullshit, but that got really tough when everyone realized we were playing cards and decided to join in. So then I taught a bunch of people how to play 31. After that competitive game, we ended up switching to a drinking card game. Then we were pretty much forced to go dancing at Hawk & Dove. It was a last minute decision, but it turned out really well.

ps...We were all glad that Pat and Mike finally came out with the rest of us.

**edited version**