I helped write a letter to the Commissioner of the FDA this week. It was, by far, the most difficult task I've been assigned. My first draft didn't go well, and I wasn't even proud to call it my own when I turned it in. However, with help, the letter was edited and sent out. I also addressed an envelope to The White House (yes, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave!!!). It sounds cheesy, but not everyone can say they mailed something to the The White House that would be considered to have a great deal of importance.
The best part of the week came Thursday afternoon. Joe and I were given permission to watch a vote on the Senate Floor. As we were caught up with all of our projects, we went a little early to catch some debate on The Floor before the vote was scheduled. Little did we know that there would be several delays on the vote, and we would hear several senators discussing morning business. We even heard The Majority Leader, Sen. Reid, get into it with a Republican senator from Texas about recent fillibustering tactics. It quite intense. When the vote actually took place, my adrenaline was racing. It was great seeing all of the senators milling about The Floor and discussing business (or pleasure). Although Barack, Hillary, and McCain were not present for the vote, we did get to see other big name senators like Dodd, Biden, Kerry, etc. We were a little star struck, no lie! My senator was fun to watch on The Floor, and I told him that once we got back to the personal office. (Sidenote: While on another high from a great experience, I decided to brush off the senator's shoulder. He was very appreciative. I'd say we're getting close to friend status!) And just in case you were wondering, the Consumer Product Bill (most popularly dealing with lead and other toxins in children's toys) passed, with all 48 amendments :)
Because we were out of the office for quite some time (apparently 2 hours), we had to stay late to finish a few things before leaving. Although that wasn't a major deal, we were a bit frustrated that our appearance at The Monocle (a very famous restaurant for Congressmen) was delayed. The reception there was really fun when we did finally get there...great food, delicious drinks, and friendly conversation among Iowans (and a few wannabes) in the city.
A fellow intern and I decided to head out together and take a stroll. It was a gorgeous night in DC. He was very interested in seeing my *lovely* home, so I brought him over to take the grand tour and meet my housemates. However, almost everyone was out for supper together. So we continued our walk around The Hill and sat in my favorite spot in front of the Capitol Building before hanging at home with everyone else. I guess my housemates (and the guests we have this week) are much more interesting than his, so it was a good time.
Class was class this morning. But we got to tour the Supreme Court today, and have Chelsey (fellow CHIPmate) give us a lecture in the courtroom. It was pretty amazing. However, I greatly missed my other half on today's outing. After today, I couldn't be more grateful to have Kristine out here with me. I can't imagine living through this semester without her here, because I'm certain the experience would not be nearly as wonderful as it has been and will continue to be.
***Special thanks to everyone who contacted me this week. It's good to know you are all keeping up with me while I'm so far away.***
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment