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