So here’s the skinny. It’s the last week of my internship and I am just about ready to finish it off. The experience has been rough, rude, and at times frustrating as hell. But it will be rewarding looking back on it, and that is what I am excited for. I am pumped about the opportunities in the future where I can look back to specific moments from this internship, draw from my experience in that moment, and use that to make decisions that will benefit my professional and political future. Also, the highlight of my weekend was a Climate Change Rally, which featured outstanding music and really terrible speakers, including everyone’s favorite reverend, Jesse Jackson. But enough of this boring medium of writing; let me express to you my thoughts in a more right-brained fashion: haiku.
Sitting at my desk,
Confused about work’s meaning?
Nope, I’m just hungry.
Sick of intern work,
Lowest on the totem pole,
Youth, though, has some perks.
Was this worth my spring?
Sometimes it’s yes, sometimes no,
But I did learn much.
Concert last Sunday,
Music was great, speeches weren’t.
Sting is not so smart.
No more office job,
It cuts years off of your life,
Joy in life is key.
Boston, Mass. next week,
Fenway Park will be awesome,
I love to travel.
Journals have been fun;
I enjoy sharing my thoughts,
Until the next time...
Peace and love,
Noel
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Discourse on politics, life, and fear...
This week’s discussion will be a different; it will be on a topic that literally rules the world: fear. Fear plays a major role in my life, in your life, and certainly in the political life of Washington, D.C.
The US currently has about 10,000 nuclear warheads in arsenal. Maintaining these warheads are very costly and cost the taxpayer roughly $30 billion. But, out of fear, and to strike fear into others, we hold onto nuclear weapons, even though they are extremely costly (I don’t think we will ever use one again, but the threat of having enough of them to blow the Earth into smithereens is what we are after).
Presidents and Congress use fear to persuade public opinion and ram policy through the process and into law, or to stop legislation from being pushed. Health Care is example A, B, and C here. This also applies to much of the New Deal, the Patriot Act, and Obama’s proposed financial regulations.
Both Democrats and Republicans fear the Tea Party movement. Democrats hide their fear by throwing completely fictitious statements out there in an attempt to discredit the movement. See Keith Olbermann constantly calling the Tea Party Movement “racist” (even though a significant amount of video evidence is out there showing a racially diverse populace inside the Tea Party movement). Or listen to Jon Stewart imply that Tea Partiers are simply stupid white trash (although a recent NY Times survey found that Tea Partiers are better educated and more prosperous than most Americans). And Republicans are scared to death as well. Tea Partiers are generally more libertarian than the GOP and thus more truly conservative, especially on fiscal policy. They champion Ron and Rand Paul, while the GOP discredits the Pauls at all times. Tea Partiers are realizing that W., while perhaps a likable guy, wasn’t a true hero of conservatism, and thus they are changing their mindset from a GOP vote to an independent vote. They hate Michael Steele almost as equally as Obama.
Fear is also playing a large role in my life recently, with the fear of “not knowing what I’m going to do” or “where I’m going to be”. I have fears about not doing well enough on the GRE to get into a great school. I have fears about choosing the right place to continue schooling. I have fears about relationships, friendships, and family. And I have an insane fear of being “unexceptional”. We right-brained individuals don’t want to fit into the accountant/lawyer/doctor mold. We all want to be exceptional.
But lately I have been reminded of an old Argentinean poem (which for the life of me I can’t find on the internet) about a woman’s fear of walking outside in the rain without rain boots, because she might get sick or something akin to that. But when she gets outside, the splash of water against her skin is exhilarating, and the reward of feeling great outside in the rain was more than worth the risk of going outside without rain boots. Come to think of it, that may not be the correct ending either; the details are pretty fuzzy, it was a long time ago I heard this poem, haha.
It doesn’t matter though- the point is… the greatest rewards in life absolutely come with the greatest risks. If you don’t risk embarrassment or failure, you won’t receive your exhilarating rewards.
Peace and love,
Noel
The US currently has about 10,000 nuclear warheads in arsenal. Maintaining these warheads are very costly and cost the taxpayer roughly $30 billion. But, out of fear, and to strike fear into others, we hold onto nuclear weapons, even though they are extremely costly (I don’t think we will ever use one again, but the threat of having enough of them to blow the Earth into smithereens is what we are after).
Presidents and Congress use fear to persuade public opinion and ram policy through the process and into law, or to stop legislation from being pushed. Health Care is example A, B, and C here. This also applies to much of the New Deal, the Patriot Act, and Obama’s proposed financial regulations.
Both Democrats and Republicans fear the Tea Party movement. Democrats hide their fear by throwing completely fictitious statements out there in an attempt to discredit the movement. See Keith Olbermann constantly calling the Tea Party Movement “racist” (even though a significant amount of video evidence is out there showing a racially diverse populace inside the Tea Party movement). Or listen to Jon Stewart imply that Tea Partiers are simply stupid white trash (although a recent NY Times survey found that Tea Partiers are better educated and more prosperous than most Americans). And Republicans are scared to death as well. Tea Partiers are generally more libertarian than the GOP and thus more truly conservative, especially on fiscal policy. They champion Ron and Rand Paul, while the GOP discredits the Pauls at all times. Tea Partiers are realizing that W., while perhaps a likable guy, wasn’t a true hero of conservatism, and thus they are changing their mindset from a GOP vote to an independent vote. They hate Michael Steele almost as equally as Obama.
Fear is also playing a large role in my life recently, with the fear of “not knowing what I’m going to do” or “where I’m going to be”. I have fears about not doing well enough on the GRE to get into a great school. I have fears about choosing the right place to continue schooling. I have fears about relationships, friendships, and family. And I have an insane fear of being “unexceptional”. We right-brained individuals don’t want to fit into the accountant/lawyer/doctor mold. We all want to be exceptional.
But lately I have been reminded of an old Argentinean poem (which for the life of me I can’t find on the internet) about a woman’s fear of walking outside in the rain without rain boots, because she might get sick or something akin to that. But when she gets outside, the splash of water against her skin is exhilarating, and the reward of feeling great outside in the rain was more than worth the risk of going outside without rain boots. Come to think of it, that may not be the correct ending either; the details are pretty fuzzy, it was a long time ago I heard this poem, haha.
It doesn’t matter though- the point is… the greatest rewards in life absolutely come with the greatest risks. If you don’t risk embarrassment or failure, you won’t receive your exhilarating rewards.
Peace and love,
Noel
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Caught in a limbo...
My current situation is a frustrating one, indeed. D.C. has grown on me quite a bit in the past month; so much, in fact, that I really enjoy being in the city whenever I can. Not that the Tech house is a hostile environment. It's certainly not. We are still getting along quite well even though we are a few short weeks from being back home. But things are really starting to heat up here and the city is finally ALIVE.
The problem is… we are back in session and I am stuck at work everyday until 6 or later. Work has been a great experience. I have learned about how ugly policy making can be, and I have learned how broken the system can be. I have learned that there is still hope for a better political future and I have learned that older, more tenured members of Congress or staff members really aren’t as intimidating as one might think. The future of Washington, right now, belongs to young guns. It belongs to bright, creative, right-brained young guns who want to serve their constituents, their states, and their country.
But back to the topic at hand… I am caught in this limbo because I need to finish out my job strongly and with the same enthusiasm I started it with, so that I can secure a great connection with those up who will still be up here in the office, who will become my possible letter of rec candidates and my job references. But I do feel that I have experienced just about everything I wanted to. I have met many members of Congress, I have schmoozed with some celebrities, I have passed out hundreds of business cards, and I have developed a real strong understanding of the true political process. Now I am just burnt out and the only thing I have desire left to do is explore the culture of the city and the surrounding areas everyday, from sunup to sundown. Alas, it doesn't work that way and I must continue to work for the boss.
I have been going full speed lately with creating new experiences. Almost every night of the week I go out for walks or runs or explorations into the deepest inner cultures of the D.C. neighborhoods, especially up in the north part of town. I have spent time with non Tech friends, and I have visited almost every bookstore in the town. But last Friday, my friend Coleman and I decided on a whim to do something wild- we drove over to America’s Playground: ATLANTIC CITY, NJ.
We gambled all night long at 5 different casinos, met tons of Jersey Shore trash throughout the night, and fist pumped our way to empty pockets. We both started real hot at the blackjack table, but by 6am we had cooled down and lost it all. I am NOT a fan of video poker or slot machines... What a waste! No worries though, we both set out a very minimal amount to be played with for the night. Once that amount was gone though, we had nothing else to do but head back to D.C.
The job experiences and all the connections I have made have been outstanding, but it’s those kinds of experiences (of the Atlantic City type) that I will miss the most when I head back to TX.
Until next time…
Peace and love,
Noel
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Heating up in D.C...
I think I am going to miss this place. If you would have asked me a month ago, I would have told you that I am very much ready to go back South where the people are friendly, the egomaniacs don't run wild, and the quality of life is much higher (and cheaper). But it's amazing what warmer temperatures can do for one's judgments of his location. D.C. is now warm, colorful, and sunny until 8pm or so. When I get off of work I can still enjoy some quality time in the sunlight running or playing basketball or tossing around the frisbee. And that little change is what has made me really start to reasess my place here. I still think most everyone who works on Capitol Hill is way too uptight, way too self-centered, and way too power hungry. I think the Federal Gov't is terribly inefficient and has a major major personnel problem. But D.C. is growing on me... a lot. I absolutely love getting outside of the power hungry places, going outside of downtown to Dupont or Adams Morgan or Georgetown, or down south to Virginia. These neighborhoods are hip, young, and cultural.
Until next time...
Peace and love,
The tidal basin has also become a recent favorite place of mine, as Cherry Blossom season is in full bloom. The tress, which start out pink and then mature to a pure white blossom, are a phenomenal sight when placed right next to the Jefferson and FDR memorials, as they are in the tidal basin. Photo below.
In concluding with my optimistic tone, I would like to discuss all the great things April has in store for us Tech interns:
-Chances to check out baseball games for cheap at beautiful Nats park (even though the Nats are terrible)
-Ultimate frisbee on the mall
-Goin' down to check out the gorgeous UVA campus in Charlottesville soon one Saturday
-Cherry Blossom parade and festival
-Lots of days where we aren't in session (this means lots of days Congress can't come in and screw more stuff up and we can get off work earlier)
Until next time...
Peace and love,
Noel
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Recess is just as nice when you're 22...
We are finally in a two week recess from House business (it's been a long four weeks) and I can say it is well needed. The entire vibe on Capitol Hill is so much different when we are in recess. The basement tunnels are kind of dead. The dress code is much more casual. And typically, people kind of stroll into work a few minutes late every morning. In other words, it reminds me a lot of back home in the great relaxed state of Texas. One of the things I have consistently told people up here is that I am a firm believer in not getting stressed. I don't care if you are a burger flipper or you are a Congressman. Stress is counterproductive. Motivation is good and needed, but stress leads to unhappiness, high blood pressure, and panic. I feel like that is what goes on in this town 85% of the year. That could also be a reason why lawmakers suck at doing their jobs. They aren't ever in a good frame of mind to think of positive, responsible and constitutional solutions when they freak out or get high strung. There is nothing wrong with deadlines or time crunches. But in the big picture, stressing over it won't do any good. Pull up your big boy pants and just sit down, relax, and come up with some solutions without having a heart attack.
Last weekend I treated myself to a couple of really fantastic outings. On Friday night my staff assistant told me about this Urban Arts, Beats, and Lyrics shinding going on in D.C. Sounds right up my alley, right? There were displays of graffiti art, other urban art media, and there was a stage where local hip hop/funk groups played while we enjoyed the art work. It made me miss Houston and it also made me wish I could pull off wearing dreads for a short period of time.
Then on Saturday, I got my first glimpse into the quaint old town of Alexandria, Virginia. I did some window shopping, took a great boat ride down the Potomac, and found my new favorite sports bar (free pizza buffet with purchase of a beer? Heck yeah!). Also, I got a sweet shirt that says, "Virginia is for lovers". I am going to rock that shirt as much as I can.
You know, the more I get to travel around Virginia, the more I like it. I don't see myself raising a family in D.C. (too much concrete, not enough green space, high crime, very rude people), but should I work here I could certainly live in Virginia.
Easter weekend is upon us, and now is as good a time as ever to once again be thankful for my Father, my friends, my family, my university family, and my youth. No pictures this week, but as soon as I put new batteries in my camera I will take some photos of the cherry blossoms which are reaching their full bloom around D.C.
Until next time...
Peace and love,
Noel
Last weekend I treated myself to a couple of really fantastic outings. On Friday night my staff assistant told me about this Urban Arts, Beats, and Lyrics shinding going on in D.C. Sounds right up my alley, right? There were displays of graffiti art, other urban art media, and there was a stage where local hip hop/funk groups played while we enjoyed the art work. It made me miss Houston and it also made me wish I could pull off wearing dreads for a short period of time.
Then on Saturday, I got my first glimpse into the quaint old town of Alexandria, Virginia. I did some window shopping, took a great boat ride down the Potomac, and found my new favorite sports bar (free pizza buffet with purchase of a beer? Heck yeah!). Also, I got a sweet shirt that says, "Virginia is for lovers". I am going to rock that shirt as much as I can.
You know, the more I get to travel around Virginia, the more I like it. I don't see myself raising a family in D.C. (too much concrete, not enough green space, high crime, very rude people), but should I work here I could certainly live in Virginia.
Easter weekend is upon us, and now is as good a time as ever to once again be thankful for my Father, my friends, my family, my university family, and my youth. No pictures this week, but as soon as I put new batteries in my camera I will take some photos of the cherry blossoms which are reaching their full bloom around D.C.
Until next time...
Peace and love,
Noel
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Too long in between posts...
First off, I am very very sorry for the long time in between posts, but as I'm sure you are aware of, things have been crazy, all thanks to the Health Care debate and Spring Break. Work has been so tiring, and then when I get home I am just so exhausted that one of the last things I want to do is write about how tiring and crazy my day has been. But just to play catch up, since the first week of March, things have been snowballing, going downhill at 90 mph.
Go Rockets!
Peace and love,
Abbie came in town and we enjoyed a really great weekend. Highlights included visiting the monuments and seeing THE Jamie Cullum live in concert, front row nonetheless, at the 9:30 club in D.C. Jamie Cullum is a phenomenal talent, and his live performance was one of those life experiences I will always remember. His voice is pure and smooth, and his piano chops are excellent. Add a great rhythm section and a wonderful sax/trumpet duo and you get a dynamite backup band. Jazz/pop/rock/fusion all in one night? Yes, please.
Tuesday, March 9 was a day I had been looking forward to for a while. The Houston Rockets, my hometown team that I have followed for 18+ years, came into town to steadily take care of business and beat up on the Washington Wizards. The entire 1st floor and many from the 3rd floor joined me in goin' to the game. We had a great time, and I proudly sported my custom Rockets jersey (pictures below).
The following weekend, a few of us on the first floor went to Philly! While my ultimate goal of licking the liberty bell wasn't fulfilled, and while it did downpour the entire time I was there, we still enjoyed a nice cheesesteak, some great historical sites, and a very humorous bus ride to and from (on one of the shady Chinatown bus companies). It's amazing the things you can learn simply eavesdropping on random conversation on a 2 hour bus ride, including the incredibly scientific similarities between George W. Bush and Darth Vader (haha), and why Disney is really just the puppet of the hidden Hollywood government.
And now we are on to this week. Health Care, my parents visiting, and spring break. Well first off, we don't get a spring break. I worked all week. But everyone else in Texas apparently did, so I was super super busy giving two or three 1 and 1/2 hour tours everyday. I have more random facts about the U.S. Capitol building memorized than the members of Congress themselves. Then of course there have been the phone calls, letters, faxes, and random drop in visits regarding the health care debate. I have heard every argument, on every side of the aisle, and have learned more about power politics this week than I ever thought I could know. I have read and re-read essays by libertarian, liberal, neo-conservative and statist think-tanks regarding their scholarly position on national health care.
Now my views are a bit skewed because I tend to lean pretty libertarian-conservative on all things, and I also work in an office that is very very GOP influenced, so I get to hear their arguments all the time. But the one thing I am certain of is that Nancy Pelosi is either completely oblivious or is very audacious. I really do think that Democrats will lose their majority in the House if they pass HC. But I believe Pelosi either doesn't believe that, or she doesn't really care and is just straight up Kamikaze-ing her party all in the name of "history making legislation". The great thing about America is that every single gov't official outside of the judicial branch is accountable to the American public every 2 to 6 years. So if you don't like something, you can vote to change it.
Lastly, my parents just left D.C. this morning after a nice 5 day stay here. They absolutely loved visiting me and hangin' out in the city. They have never been to D.C., but they let me know that if I ended up here, they wouldn't mind one bit coming to visit. I think they were really impressed by everything, and they loved all the history and culture.
Enjoy these photos, and until next time...
Abbs and I w/ Lincoln
Some Liberty Bell action
Some Liberty Bell action
Go Rockets!
Peace and love,
Noel
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Weekend out west and Tech days on the hill...
D.C. is one of the most urban of urban jungles. Within 10 minutes walking there are so many options for entertainment one cannot possibly be bored. But with all that cityscape, one does get a strong desire for some down home easy going country time. Well, luckily for me I got that chance last weekend as I went back to Lubbock for the first time in 3 months. Actually, I was only in the LBK for not even a full day, as I spent most of my weekend in the mountains of New Mexico (which are absolutely gorgeous). Either way, seeing my Tech friends and getting some time away from the urban jungle of D.C. was just what the doctor ordered, as I had an amazing weekend and was completely refreshed and refueled to finish out this internship back here on the East Coast.
This first week of March has been nothing short of wonderful. And how could it be anything less? For Texas Tech was on full parade this week on the Hill. Monday night meant free dinner with Tech President Guy Bailey, VP for Research Dr. Eighmy, and others. Wednesday night included a great Tech reception on the Hill including many members of Congress, Dr. Bailey, and Chancellor Hance. I also got the unique opportunity to sit down in the lobbying meeting between Hance, Bailey, other Tech reps and my congressman. I will tell you this: Hance is the consummate politician. I mean… he doesn’t turn it off. He is in politician mode 24/7. He can schmooze and remember crazy stories from way back when, and he is great with names. I can learn many things from someone like him.
There are some great things coming up in the near future as well!
-Abbie is coming to visit this weekend!
-We are going to a Jamie Cullum concert Sunday, which I am super stoked for.
-Houston Rockets game vs. the Washington Wizards on March 9.
-Goin’ to Philly in a few weekends to tour and check out UPenn.
-The parents are comin’ to D.C. for a few days in two weeks, and it should be a lot of fun.
P.S. - Everyone check out my article in the Daily Toreador (www.dailytoreador.com) this week about country music.
Enjoy the photos below and until next time…
This first week of March has been nothing short of wonderful. And how could it be anything less? For Texas Tech was on full parade this week on the Hill. Monday night meant free dinner with Tech President Guy Bailey, VP for Research Dr. Eighmy, and others. Wednesday night included a great Tech reception on the Hill including many members of Congress, Dr. Bailey, and Chancellor Hance. I also got the unique opportunity to sit down in the lobbying meeting between Hance, Bailey, other Tech reps and my congressman. I will tell you this: Hance is the consummate politician. I mean… he doesn’t turn it off. He is in politician mode 24/7. He can schmooze and remember crazy stories from way back when, and he is great with names. I can learn many things from someone like him.
There are some great things coming up in the near future as well!
-Abbie is coming to visit this weekend!
-We are going to a Jamie Cullum concert Sunday, which I am super stoked for.
-Houston Rockets game vs. the Washington Wizards on March 9.
-Goin’ to Philly in a few weekends to tour and check out UPenn.
-The parents are comin’ to D.C. for a few days in two weeks, and it should be a lot of fun.
P.S. - Everyone check out my article in the Daily Toreador (www.dailytoreador.com) this week about country music.
Enjoy the photos below and until next time…
Peace and love,
Noel
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Pondering the future and a return to Congress...
The past few weeks have certainly been interesting, and busy. My boss has been getting lots of radio and tv time lately, and for me that means LOTS of constituents calling in to chime in with their two cents on the things said in the interviews. Also, Congress is busy with this whole Toyota recall thing, so I am getting calls from people in Oregon, Rhode Island, Virginia, all over complaining about their Toyota or Lexus. I just be quiet and let them vent for ten or so minutes. They feel much better just knowing that someone in Congress doesn't mind listening.
While we are on the subject of Congress, let me just say never have a I ever worked before in an institution that so much of America disapproves of. I read today that just 10% of those surveyed thought Congress was doing an excellent or good job. OUCH. Secretly, I kind of like it. Secretly, I kind of think it would be awesome if every incumbent was voted out of office this election year. It would be mass hysteria, but it would be awesome.
And now for the serious part of the post...
Ladies and gents, every time I give tours of the Capitol complex (which is often) I am asked by the guests, "What are your future career plans?". A few months ago I would have told them that I could see myself running for Congress one day. But now I am almost certain that if I do return to public service, it would be in a different capacity. And of course part of me still thinks I need to become a rock star... (not really a rock star, but a touring, recording musician somehow)
All I know is that I am completely open to wherever God takes me and whatever capacity that is in. I just hope that my experience here doesn't completely make me turned off to a possible God given opportunity to come back and work in Congress.
My friend Amanda from Tech came up for CPAC (conservative political action committee) which I pseudo attended last weekend.
Until next time...
Peace and love,
Noel
While we are on the subject of Congress, let me just say never have a I ever worked before in an institution that so much of America disapproves of. I read today that just 10% of those surveyed thought Congress was doing an excellent or good job. OUCH. Secretly, I kind of like it. Secretly, I kind of think it would be awesome if every incumbent was voted out of office this election year. It would be mass hysteria, but it would be awesome.
And now for the serious part of the post...
Ladies and gents, every time I give tours of the Capitol complex (which is often) I am asked by the guests, "What are your future career plans?". A few months ago I would have told them that I could see myself running for Congress one day. But now I am almost certain that if I do return to public service, it would be in a different capacity. And of course part of me still thinks I need to become a rock star... (not really a rock star, but a touring, recording musician somehow)
All I know is that I am completely open to wherever God takes me and whatever capacity that is in. I just hope that my experience here doesn't completely make me turned off to a possible God given opportunity to come back and work in Congress.
My friend Amanda from Tech came up for CPAC (conservative political action committee) which I pseudo attended last weekend.
Until next time...
Peace and love,
Noel
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Mid-day rant...
I am working, so this is probably a no-no, but it is crazy slow in the office today anyways...
I am starting to get really tired of the attitudes of federal workers in Washington, D.C. Probably close to 99% of staffers or congress members whom I have met are simply partisan puppets or closet independent/libertarian defeatists who argue that while some reform of government or the budget or any sort of thing is worthwhile, it is not practical and therefore nothing should be done but continue in this super inefficient, frustrating state that is the federal government. When legislation is 1300 pages of 10 point font, with ammendments here and there that have little to no relation with the actual bill, or when spending by Obama is expected to outpace FDR 3x over, or when nothing can get accomplished because the Republican and Democratic parties control their respective members of congress with iron fist, it's a wonder this place allows for anything good to come out.
STOP being a practicalist defeatist who thinks our current dual-party system is the only way to go, and STOP creating legislation that has to have 1000 pages, 100 earmarks, and has to be approved by 200 advocacy or political action groups before it even reaches the floor for debate. And please please please stop being power hungry elitists.
End of rant.
I am starting to get really tired of the attitudes of federal workers in Washington, D.C. Probably close to 99% of staffers or congress members whom I have met are simply partisan puppets or closet independent/libertarian defeatists who argue that while some reform of government or the budget or any sort of thing is worthwhile, it is not practical and therefore nothing should be done but continue in this super inefficient, frustrating state that is the federal government. When legislation is 1300 pages of 10 point font, with ammendments here and there that have little to no relation with the actual bill, or when spending by Obama is expected to outpace FDR 3x over, or when nothing can get accomplished because the Republican and Democratic parties control their respective members of congress with iron fist, it's a wonder this place allows for anything good to come out.
STOP being a practicalist defeatist who thinks our current dual-party system is the only way to go, and STOP creating legislation that has to have 1000 pages, 100 earmarks, and has to be approved by 200 advocacy or political action groups before it even reaches the floor for debate. And please please please stop being power hungry elitists.
End of rant.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Missin' home...
D.C. has been such an interesting and eye opening experience so far. I have so much enjoyed the past month. But it seems like every semester I go off somewhere for a little bit, it takes just about one month and then I sit and think about all the things I took for granted seeing everyday back in Houston or Lubbock that I really miss...
Things like:
-southern hospitality... shoot, even just common courtesy
-the Rec at Tech (especially playing basketball... though I did find an outdoor court around the corner for when it gets warmer)
-cheap food, cheap drinks, cheap movie tickets!
-my real family and my Tech family
-economics classes... no joke. I LOVE learning.
-driving
-sleeping in
-a shower with actual water pressure
-a Walmart and Target without using the Metro
-Rockets basketball on TV
-the easiness of finding many different groups of people to hang out with
The little things I miss quite a bit. But I know I am here for a purpose, and every day I am trying to take in things and learn and grow.
In other news, Snowpocalypse 2010 is over (for now) and we are back to a full time work schedule. Tour season is starting up and it looks as though I will be giving a Capitol Tour almost every other day from here on out through April. But that's a good thing. My favorite part of the day is getting to meet constituents and talk with them, and hopefully get to teach them some things and make them laugh a little while giving them a tour.
Over Valentine's Day I traveled to the bustling metropolis of Iowa City, IA, where my girlfriend Abbie goes to school. It was very relaxing getting to hang with her and her friends and it was a much needed break from D.C.
Work this week should be pretty easy, it is district work week, meaning the congressman and staff are out in Texas for work within the district, so it's just a few staffers and I for most of the week. And that means lots of Olympic coverage on the tv's in the office this week (U-S-A, U-S-A, U-S-A).
Until next time...
Peace and love,
Noel
Things like:
-southern hospitality... shoot, even just common courtesy
-the Rec at Tech (especially playing basketball... though I did find an outdoor court around the corner for when it gets warmer)
-cheap food, cheap drinks, cheap movie tickets!
-my real family and my Tech family
-economics classes... no joke. I LOVE learning.
-driving
-sleeping in
-a shower with actual water pressure
-a Walmart and Target without using the Metro
-Rockets basketball on TV
-the easiness of finding many different groups of people to hang out with
The little things I miss quite a bit. But I know I am here for a purpose, and every day I am trying to take in things and learn and grow.
In other news, Snowpocalypse 2010 is over (for now) and we are back to a full time work schedule. Tour season is starting up and it looks as though I will be giving a Capitol Tour almost every other day from here on out through April. But that's a good thing. My favorite part of the day is getting to meet constituents and talk with them, and hopefully get to teach them some things and make them laugh a little while giving them a tour.
Over Valentine's Day I traveled to the bustling metropolis of Iowa City, IA, where my girlfriend Abbie goes to school. It was very relaxing getting to hang with her and her friends and it was a much needed break from D.C.
Work this week should be pretty easy, it is district work week, meaning the congressman and staff are out in Texas for work within the district, so it's just a few staffers and I for most of the week. And that means lots of Olympic coverage on the tv's in the office this week (U-S-A, U-S-A, U-S-A).
Until next time...
Peace and love,
Noel
Sunday, February 7, 2010
SNOW2K... SNOWmageddon... SNOWpocalypse
Where to begin?
The week as whole went really well. Work is ever so slightly becoming more and more enjoyable every day, with my office beginning to more and more trust me and allow me to take on the more fun and challenging duties. I gave tours last week (and loved them), I sat in on the House Floor during a vote (AWESOME), and I went to three different meetings/briefings about things I care about (a briefing on the Obama administration's spending problem held by the CATO Institute, a religious education briefing, and a reception for public school principals/superintendents).
The Tech house is the Tech house... Anytime you get 19 people in one complex (and 8 sharing a single apartment) you are going to have some annoyances and drama. But we all know we are a family who has to look out for eachother and take care of eachother. Capitol Hill is one of the most stressful places, and it's really nice that we can relax and sometimes when necessary vent to others in the house who know EXACTLY what you are going through. The Tech house is really more of a blessing than a curse.
But back to the SNOWpocalypse... On Saturday, we sledded down Capitol Hill... like the literal hill. It was one of those things where some day looking back I will be able to tell kids/grandkids/friends/peers in the nursing home that I sledded down the Capitol lawn during one of the largest snowstorms in D.C. history. It was stinkin awesome.
I went back to National Community Church this morning, and I realized this was where I am supposed to be this semester. There are tons of opportunities to get involved in small groups, community service projects, and just meet other young people. I even met some people that want to practice Spanish together once a week, and we may start trying to translate a Spanish bible together to stimulate our Spanish minds! Things are starting to fall into place here, and I'm thankful and blessed by all that is around me here to make me feel comfortable in this temporary home away from my other homes (Houston and Lubbock).
Got some pictures of SNOWmageddon for ya, and until next time... 
Great pic of some of the first floor kiddos 
I have never been in a snowstorm before that left 2 and 1/2 feet at my doorstep. Friday morning it started snowing, and then it just didn't stop. Literally like 36 hours straight of snowfall. And it was gorgeous... every flake. To see D.C. blanketed in snow was one of the most beautiful sights in my 22 years of life. God is the best painter.
The week as whole went really well. Work is ever so slightly becoming more and more enjoyable every day, with my office beginning to more and more trust me and allow me to take on the more fun and challenging duties. I gave tours last week (and loved them), I sat in on the House Floor during a vote (AWESOME), and I went to three different meetings/briefings about things I care about (a briefing on the Obama administration's spending problem held by the CATO Institute, a religious education briefing, and a reception for public school principals/superintendents).
The Tech house is the Tech house... Anytime you get 19 people in one complex (and 8 sharing a single apartment) you are going to have some annoyances and drama. But we all know we are a family who has to look out for eachother and take care of eachother. Capitol Hill is one of the most stressful places, and it's really nice that we can relax and sometimes when necessary vent to others in the house who know EXACTLY what you are going through. The Tech house is really more of a blessing than a curse.
But back to the SNOWpocalypse... On Saturday, we sledded down Capitol Hill... like the literal hill. It was one of those things where some day looking back I will be able to tell kids/grandkids/friends/peers in the nursing home that I sledded down the Capitol lawn during one of the largest snowstorms in D.C. history. It was stinkin awesome.
I went back to National Community Church this morning, and I realized this was where I am supposed to be this semester. There are tons of opportunities to get involved in small groups, community service projects, and just meet other young people. I even met some people that want to practice Spanish together once a week, and we may start trying to translate a Spanish bible together to stimulate our Spanish minds! Things are starting to fall into place here, and I'm thankful and blessed by all that is around me here to make me feel comfortable in this temporary home away from my other homes (Houston and Lubbock).
Got some pictures of SNOWmageddon for ya, and until next time...
Great pic of some of the first floor kiddos
Me sleddin' down Cap Hill!
Peace and love,
Noel
Sunday, January 31, 2010
The SOTU and Snow...
Hello to you all!
What an interesting and event filled week this last one was. Last last weekend I spent a good amount of time exploring the city some more, and got to hang a little bit with a great high school friend who goes to school in D.C. Georgetown is a really sweet part of town, and is crazy high-class and upscale!
This week was full of business and interesting events. The most interesting thing that happenned though was Wednesday night, in which I went to a TX State Society pre-State of the Union party, met tons of Texas congressmen, and then went out for Alexa and Zach's birthdays at this great pizza place called Matchbox.
The State of the Union itself is ridiculous tradition. And we can thank Woodrow Wilson for that. Back in the day, the President used to submit via writing a "State of the Union" address to members of congress and to the judiciary. Every once in a while, the President would address these other government members in person, but it wasn't super formal, and it certainly wasn't every single year in January. But I really don't like the SOTU as it has been the last hundred years. The applauding every ten seconds. The mass-like standing and sitting of the peanut gallery. The rockstar like worship of the President with his backup band, the Vice President and Speaker sitting behind him nodding approvingly and looking deeply interested. And worst of all, I can't stand the rhetorical nature of SOTU speeches. It's all fluff and no substance. And this is not just Obama. It's been like this for a long time. When was the last time a SOTU actually accomplished anything or left a positive impression on the American public that held over past one week? The executive branch of government is simply too large, with too much power, and is too worshipped. So no, I didn't watch the whole SOTU. Not worth it.
About now, I am realizing how negative I always sound in these posts. I don't mean to, and if you know me, you know how positive and loving I am. But I do realize there are many things here in D.C. that I simply don't understand or can't stand. As someone who respects our Constitution and someone that understands the pain of the American public, many things sicken me about our government. But there are some really good things happenning here, too. There are some really caring and genuine members of congress, staffers, and interns. And if you are going to make a positive impact on Capitol Hill, you MUST do it from the inside. People here simply don't respect your views unless you have been working in the political process in D.C. for some time. But I am very optimistic about my generation and what they will do for the American people and for the government as a whole. Reform is coming, and it will be LEGEN- wait for it...- DARY!
Today (Sunday), we checked out the National Zoo and got a great look of the Giant Panda that is soon to be shipped back to China. The whole zoo was so cool, and FREE (gotta love free museums in D.C.). We also experienced our first snow fall, and it came down hard. About 6 inches or so I heard. It was absolutely beautiful!
Lastly, a heary congratulations goes out to my dear friends Ryan Marcum and Kat Moffett, who recently got engaged. Congratulations to both of you!
Some recent pictures of happenings are below, and until next time...
The group at Alexa and Zach's bday dinner
Nate and I at the TX State Society reception
A cold day at the zoo
Peace and love,
-Noel
What an interesting and event filled week this last one was. Last last weekend I spent a good amount of time exploring the city some more, and got to hang a little bit with a great high school friend who goes to school in D.C. Georgetown is a really sweet part of town, and is crazy high-class and upscale!
This week was full of business and interesting events. The most interesting thing that happenned though was Wednesday night, in which I went to a TX State Society pre-State of the Union party, met tons of Texas congressmen, and then went out for Alexa and Zach's birthdays at this great pizza place called Matchbox.
The State of the Union itself is ridiculous tradition. And we can thank Woodrow Wilson for that. Back in the day, the President used to submit via writing a "State of the Union" address to members of congress and to the judiciary. Every once in a while, the President would address these other government members in person, but it wasn't super formal, and it certainly wasn't every single year in January. But I really don't like the SOTU as it has been the last hundred years. The applauding every ten seconds. The mass-like standing and sitting of the peanut gallery. The rockstar like worship of the President with his backup band, the Vice President and Speaker sitting behind him nodding approvingly and looking deeply interested. And worst of all, I can't stand the rhetorical nature of SOTU speeches. It's all fluff and no substance. And this is not just Obama. It's been like this for a long time. When was the last time a SOTU actually accomplished anything or left a positive impression on the American public that held over past one week? The executive branch of government is simply too large, with too much power, and is too worshipped. So no, I didn't watch the whole SOTU. Not worth it.
About now, I am realizing how negative I always sound in these posts. I don't mean to, and if you know me, you know how positive and loving I am. But I do realize there are many things here in D.C. that I simply don't understand or can't stand. As someone who respects our Constitution and someone that understands the pain of the American public, many things sicken me about our government. But there are some really good things happenning here, too. There are some really caring and genuine members of congress, staffers, and interns. And if you are going to make a positive impact on Capitol Hill, you MUST do it from the inside. People here simply don't respect your views unless you have been working in the political process in D.C. for some time. But I am very optimistic about my generation and what they will do for the American people and for the government as a whole. Reform is coming, and it will be LEGEN- wait for it...- DARY!
Today (Sunday), we checked out the National Zoo and got a great look of the Giant Panda that is soon to be shipped back to China. The whole zoo was so cool, and FREE (gotta love free museums in D.C.). We also experienced our first snow fall, and it came down hard. About 6 inches or so I heard. It was absolutely beautiful!
Lastly, a heary congratulations goes out to my dear friends Ryan Marcum and Kat Moffett, who recently got engaged. Congratulations to both of you!
Some recent pictures of happenings are below, and until next time...
The group at Alexa and Zach's bday dinner
Nate and I at the TX State Society reception
A cold day at the zoo
Peace and love,
-Noel
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Cap Hill, Cap Tours, and the Cap Lounge
Well, one week in, one nice long weekend gone and I am back in the saddle for week 2. After a full week, I can now take a deep breath and say... "Well, okay... It's not going to be too rough." My office is starting to warm up to me, my work is getting more complicated and thus exciting, and I will be giving tours of the Capitol soon! So overall, work is getting better (even though I don't see myself working for a Congressman ever again), and I am starting to really feel comfortable here in D.C. I even got to go to a press conference with my congressman the other day. I took some pictures for his Twitter and Facebook accounts!
Also, this past three day weekend served as my first real chance to sight-see! I was able to check out most of the sights (the National Art Gallery is great for cool contemporary works), and even got to hang in some of the better local night spots with the really awesome, super chill other Tech students, especially this hip little place called Capitol Lounge (pool and shuffleboard? Yes, please).
Some of the deeper thoughts running through my head these past few weeks include the typical culture shocks, and some probably misplaced stereotypes. But it's worth it to vent, anyways.
-We aren't in Lubbock anymore. The people here, in general, are rude and don't give a flip about you or other strangers. But, that's business as usual in the East I guess.
-Capitol Hill runs on one thing. EGOS. It's all about ego and who has power. For the most part, all the staffers I have run into think they are hot stuff, or think they will soon be hot stuff.
-I'm afraid my fears about members of Congress are true... that they don't really know a whole lot about the things they speak on.
All the negativity aside, the experience, even though just two weeks in, is really great, and every once in a while some real hope filled moments creep in.
For example, I found a great great church already. National Community Church meets at various locations around D.C., but the one I went to on Sunday morning, at Ebeneezer's Coffee House (which NCC owns and operates), was awesome. There was great worship, a real Biblical message, a hip, young congregation, and a real passion for social justice that made me realize this was the church for me this semester. It's those moments you really have to soak in.
In future news, a bunch of us bought tickets for the Houston Rockets vs. Wizards b-ball game March 9, and I am super pumped to watch Aaron Brooks and the boys come to town and take care of business. And I'm hoping to go see Abbie over Valentine's Day in Chicago. And this weekend we are going to hit up Virginia (Pentagon, Monticello, Univ. of Virginia in Charlottesville,etc.). I'm pumped.
Below are some pictures... Have a great week and until next time...
Me, Shelby, and Laramie at the Capitol
Guns up at the Smithsonian
my best Nixon impression (scandal aside)
Peace, love, and God bless,
-Noel
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Life in the Federal Gov't
Let's start this blog out by reminding you readers that I am certainly not an easily intimidated type of person. I am super confident, and very comfortable in my own skin and around people of all kinds. But the last two days of work have been nothing short of intimidating! To simply be working in the House of Representatives for a senior level congressman is intimidating. Add that to the fact that my office is full of Aggies who rag on me a lot for being a proud Red Raider, and you have an intimidating work environment. But I feel that I am starting to slowly but surely gain the trust and approval of those who work in the office with me, and hopefully that will mean that I can let my hair down a little bit and be able to be my comfortable confident non-restrained self around them. But besides being intimidated a bit, the work experience has been great so far. I am learning quickly how to do the typical office work needed to be done everyday, and I hope to show the staff that I can move on to more challenging and rewarding duties as they arrive.
The Tech house is located just 5 short minutes from the house office buildings, and that makes it the most convenient and easy part of the whole experience so far. To be able to walk to work and walk home for lunch is AWESOME and is saving me quite a bit of money! The people in the Tech house are good, down home Red Raiders, and it is nice to share some of the stressful and embarassing stories from the work day with other first time interns who have experienced the same experiences as I have the first two days.
On my floor, the 1st floor, we have:
Jett
Kat
Laramie
Jennifer
Alexa
Shelby
Zach
and upstairs are 10 or 11 more Tech kids. 19 of us in one building. Let the drama ensue!
So far, because it has been so cold outside (highs in the 20's), we haven't gone too much out on the town (I did buy groceries, explore the Metro, and find the nearest Target), so I don't have any great photos of the monuments or Capitol yet, but they will come soon.
Love you guys- thank you for the prayers and support- it is comforting to know that even when I am freaking out trying to make good impressions in the office, or gettting made fun of for being the low life intern Red Raider, I am loved and prayed for.
Peace and love,
Noel
The Tech house is located just 5 short minutes from the house office buildings, and that makes it the most convenient and easy part of the whole experience so far. To be able to walk to work and walk home for lunch is AWESOME and is saving me quite a bit of money! The people in the Tech house are good, down home Red Raiders, and it is nice to share some of the stressful and embarassing stories from the work day with other first time interns who have experienced the same experiences as I have the first two days.
On my floor, the 1st floor, we have:
Jett
Kat
Laramie
Jennifer
Alexa
Shelby
Zach
and upstairs are 10 or 11 more Tech kids. 19 of us in one building. Let the drama ensue!
So far, because it has been so cold outside (highs in the 20's), we haven't gone too much out on the town (I did buy groceries, explore the Metro, and find the nearest Target), so I don't have any great photos of the monuments or Capitol yet, but they will come soon.
Love you guys- thank you for the prayers and support- it is comforting to know that even when I am freaking out trying to make good impressions in the office, or gettting made fun of for being the low life intern Red Raider, I am loved and prayed for.
Peace and love,
Noel
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)