From the South v. "Southern" also known as "Questioning my American Citizenship Status"

Friday night I met up with Tiffany, an ADPi from my UCLA days, and her friends to see THE HUNGER GAMES.

It was so nice to have a group of girls get together and go out on a Friday night... although I will announce one thing -- GEORGETOWN IS NO WHERE NEAR ANY REASONABLE METRO STOP. Rude. I walked at least 20 minutes from the Foggy Bottom metro stop with the sun in my eyes. Unacceptable.

I really enjoyed the movie, as reading the trilogy basically took over my life for a weekend in October. Could not put the books DOWN!

Here's the meat of this post -- it involves my first interaction with the most Southern person I have ever met, and our interesting, if not challenging, conversation. We both looked at each other as if we had an extra head at one point or another. I probably had that look on my face most of the time, due to trying to understand his accent. Anyway, below is my absolute confusion/interaction with him.

This morning I had grand plans to go to the Eastern Market Swap Meet, but the weather forecast accurately predicted rain, and I did not go. Instead I met up for brunch with my two coworkers Carlie and Brittney, and their two roomies, Cecelia and Margaret, and Margaret's coworker, Stevan (pronounced STEH-vehn).

HE IS SO SOUTHERN. He made it very clear to me that there was a difference between being "from the south" and "southern" and he was a southern gentleman. He also announced he didn't wear his BELT BUCKLE since it was a casual brunch but then pointed out to me that he was classy enough at this brunch to be wearing a needlepoint belt.

I'm sorry. What? A needlepoint belt? What decade are you from? He's from Florida, but goes to school at USC... University of Southern Carolina (yeah, don't worry, I was very confused for a while too... because he would probably be eaten alive in the ghetto that is USC LA version). His next great magic trick was to ask me if I recognized the pattern on his belt. Thinking that he assumed that since I was female, I must know my needlepoint patterns, I'm sure I made some witty response. No, no. He meant the graphic pattern. Nope. A tree silhouette on the night sky?

He told me the pattern on his belt was that of the South Carolina flag, and was mildly horrified I didn't recognize it. His response was to ASK ME IF I WAS AMERICAN. Are you KIDDING me? Allegedly the South Carolina flag is the most widely used state flag symbol after Texas. Well la-di-dah. WHY WOULD I KNOW THAT? WHY DID YOU ASK IF I WAS AMERICAN?

To follow up his question on my citizen-status, he asked how could I follow sports if I didn't know the states and their schools? I answered I didn't watch sports and didn't really follow any particular team, but that I had made a bracket at work (though UCONN failed me in the second round... dangit!). He STARED at me as if I had taken my crab benedict and put it on my head instead of in my mouth. He then asked me again if I was American, but then answered his own question by telling me that it must be that I'm from California and don't really have any sports to support anyway.

This creature from the south. Sorry. This "Southern" creature baffled me. I was not aware that my American-status could be put in jeopardy simply by not knowing all the state flags or creating a decent basketball bracket or knowing the best college football teams. At one point in elementary school I'm sure I LEARNED all the flags. Heck, I did a report on Montana in 4th grade, and it was AWESOME. Sports were not really ever my "thing," though I don't mind sitting on the couch with friends and family and watching a game or even going to one.

I know most of the countries of the world and can point them out on a map. I wonder how many people can claim that. Actually, if you gave me a blank map of the USA, I could point out where probably 48 of the states are correctly, knowing full well that I always get the ones around the Mississippi River as it heads north mixed up. THAT'S RIGHT. I KNOW WHERE THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER GOES. But here is this guy asking me if I am American, and making me feel like I'm some sort of idiot. If I gave him a map of Africa or South America, could HE tell ME where something was? What about the flag of Egypt, which I recognized the other day when heading into the NW District?!?! Would HE have known it was the Egyptian Embassy?

After brunch we walked back to Union station together, and we talked about clothes. He sounded horrified that California, in my words, is very diverse and is based on the "individual" style. Stevan said he and his dad basically dressed the same and that was what most of his friends and family dressed like as well. Except he didn't like Rainbow sandals, which are allegedly popular there. Those blessed shoes grace my feet more often than I cook food when I'm home.

Also, he made it a point to inform me that they don't wear cargo pants like "you Californians" do, and his shorts all fall directly above the knee. I should have given him a gold star or a cookie. Well, no, those rare treats should have been bestowed when he informed me he had brought 6 suits and 2 sport coats to DC, and that all of his suits were tailored. WHO ARE YOU AND WHERE DO YOU COME FROM? While I am ALL for a man who can dress well, people our general age don't own a wide selection of suits, nevermind have them tailored. In fact, most of the guys here that I know have one or two suits and just keep changing out the shirt/tie combo. That seems easier to me, and provides more money for things you need..... like FOOD.

Anyway, to address the "California Clothing Crisis" -- you have Southern California, where people wear more casual clothes, LA where people are more into making a"statement", then Central Valley where there is a lot of agriculture and yes, cowboys (because this is what Stevan referred to... he knew about the cowboys in California... I'm sorry... THAT's your impression?), and the farther north you go, the more environmental/hippie/free-flow you get. This is my very base assessment of California style.

I told him about my brother, who loves wearing suits to Debate competitions, but every Wednesday night goes and shoots trap. This pleased Master Stevan, and said that all his friends were well dressed but knew how to shoot properly as well. Um, I wasn't aware these two great feats were mutually exclusive, but I'm very proud you can tout this accomplishment.

We parted for our trains on very good terms. There was no bad blood despite our "heated" conversations with respect to our different views on things (although I don't know if I can ever bridge that gap knowing he doesn't like Rainbow sandals....). I enjoyed, on the whole, my introduction to a truly southern person, and he provided excellent entertainment for me.

At the very least, it's good to know that should I ever take up needlepoint again, there is an excellent southern market for belts.

Finally found the fish market

Today, after studying for Econ for what seemed like forever, I walked down to the water and found the wharf. It's about a fifteen minute walk and the weather was cool but sunny. It's been in the 70s almost all week!

I showed up at Captain White's market and made friends with the guy laying out the squid and octopus [photo] and he shucked me a free oyster. So tasty!

Then I wandered through the masses trying to find a place just to buy one or two small cooked crabs. That was a struggle so I simply asked the man running the BUSHEL O CRABS section. Next thing I know, I have two cracked-open crabs in my hand -- one male, one female -- FOR FREE! [photo]

Next I took my crabs to the cooked area and purchased a half pound of seasoned shrimp [photo] and a lemonade. Sat down on the edge of the parking lot on a cement slab and went to town.

The weather was great, the food (while difficult to access) was delicious, and the experience and people watching was wonderful. I really just wish I had someone to share it with. Ken would have loved it. Ellen would have run away from all the fish and headed for onion rings. It is more of an adventure to share with friends, laughing over the ridiculousness of finding the meat and drinking beers, instead of looking like Schmeigel cherishing your crab, but I'm still new in the city so I'll take what I can get.

Hopefully this experience occurs more often while I'm here. I love seafood and more importantly, I love when other people cook my food.

First Day at Work

Last night I told myself I'd go to bed by 10pm. By 1am I was a bit of a nervous Nellie, but Ken finally talked me to sleep. I slept horribly, waking up constantly worried I'd be late for work!

In the end, I got out the door and everything worked out just fine! The commute on the metro took 15 minutes, I arrived a half hour early, and I was nice and calm.

First off, I greatly enjoy the people in my office. Caitlin runs the show and is my age, but she's been doing this for a while. Emily is an intern who has been in the office since January, Peter is a lawyer who is an intern simply because he doesn't want to take the bar in DC I guess, Carlie is another intern who matches my personality and sarcasm, and Brittney started with me today. Andrew runs communications and is hilarious, Jessica is the Legislative Aide who was ADPi (random, I know!) and I find completely entertaining, and Stephen is quiet but has great commentary. Damon was out of the office, so I don't know him yet.

Work was slow because Congress isn't in session, so I did a lot of manual reading and shadowing, and setting up my computer accounts. When things start picking up, it will be a really cool, fast paced environment, which I think will be great.

There's underground tunnels that link everything; so cool! I went on a brief mini-tour of the Capitol as an overview (one of my duties as intern is to give tours), and ate lunch with the girls in the cafeteria. My food for today? INDIAN!

Caitlin asked if any of us would be comfortable with public speaking in some kind of "panel" to a large group of middle school students in a few weeks. I volunteered, especially since I just left a job working with that age group. Hopefully it will be a cool experience.

Came home, popped by the grocery store to pick up some fish, and came home to cook! Tonight's menu was garlic tilapia, garlic spinach, and blanched kale with feta. For dessert I tossed together some almond milk and berries drizzled with honey. Success!

Now I'm working on Econ homework and plotting my day. On the books for tomorrow is getting into work early because I have an "Ethics" class that all interns have to take, and since I am going in early I get to leave early, and I have a networking/resume evaluating dinner. Good thing I received my business cards in the mail today!

Speaking of, thanks Mom for sending me a card! It's going up on my wall.

Great news -- I am not a social leper! Carlie from the office invited me to go see the circus parade tomorrow night after my networking dinner. I guess Barnum & Bailey or something is coming to town. Huzzah! Weird social activities!

Aaaand in other news, I am borrowing the gym membership card of the woman whose room I am renting. Double success!

Thaaaaaaaaaaaat's all folks!

One Week!

Today marks my one week mark here in DC. Ok, so I arrived at 11:30pm last Friday, but a week is a week, people.

Wednesday night was the sorority alumnae happy hour where I ran into a sister from UCLA and that simply made me feel better knowing another person here who isn't a stranger! AND if you want to talk about karma, I ran into the American Red Cross guy from the UC Alumni Networking night on Monday -- his going away party was at the table next to ours! Go figure.

Yesterday I met Lauren for lunch and then went to meet a family friend who works for Johnson and Johnson, and she introduced me around. Her colleague and I hit it off fabulously, as we both discovered we were from Southern California, had lived in Jersey but don't speak of it, love wearing bright colors and big jewelry, and studied in Cordoba. Granted, she is a good twenty years older than me, but we were twins. To top it off, this wonderful woman who extended her hand and resources to me said, at the end of our meeting: "I feel like you are my sister from another mother."

Glad to know my upbeat personality is enjoyed outside of LA!

Now I'm packing up and heading to Northern Virginia on the metro with Lauren. She and Henry are having a Wine Dinner and I'm staying the night after consuming what I can only expect to be twelve kinds of delicious (remember, self proclaimed food and wine snobs!). As far as my own cooking, I made a chicken/spinach egg scramble this morning, then ate chicken and butternut squash for lunch... and then realized it is a Friday of Lent and I shouldn't have eaten meat at all.

Off to pack for my night in "NoVa" (Northern Virginia), and finish up some last minute Poli Sci homework! Tomorrow night I may meet up with Chris and his friends and go out in the District. Yay for friends!

Weather

I don't understand the weather here.

Monday, it was grey and SNOWING outside (though it never stuck to the ground) and then was a bright blue, sunshiney day.

What?!?!

Last night it was so windy and cold I felt like if I cried from the pain of the wind whipping at me, my tears would freeze.

Naturally, I put on a sweater, gloves, a scarf, my hat, and a peacoat to leave the apartment at 4pm today.

IT WAS SO HOT OUTSIDE... relatively speaking... when one is wearing 4 extra items to keep in heat. People were in either t-shirts or skirts. I simply don't understand. Yesterday was freezing! I wasn't imagining it!

This place is far too confusing for weather. But I will admit I absolutely love it here.

Day 3 in the District

Last post for a while, as I'm really only playing catch-up right now.

Monday after I organized the apartment, I took the Metro and walked in the BLUSTERY COLD WIND to the UCDC Alumni & Student Networking night. After THAT choice encounter with nature (not to mention me tripping UP the stairs at the metro... typical), I have not left the apartment without a scarf, gloves, AND a hat. I need to get one of those earmuffs things that wrap on the BACK of your head. Eh, anyway, I turned my scarf into a hood and survived.

Networking night was AWESOME! Yes, Dad, I already put all the business cards where they need to be and am following up! I even ran into a UCLA girl I knew my senior year and, best part, ANOTHER ADPi from UCLA! She was actually the woman who guided me through recruitment, and I didn't know she was ADPi until I pledged. The world works in such weird ways, said goodbye, and I met up with this guy Chris, who works in the Airforce with Jess Giffin.

As I entered this Irish Pub on the circle, I met Chris, the unlucky receiver of my rant about the weather. Even though Chris was a stranger to me, we had talked on the phone while I was in LA after Jess connected us, and I was happy to eat dinner with someone other than my reflection on my first night alone. He is an example of how absolutely lucky I am to have amazing friends who support me and volunteer their friends to show me around. *Thanks Giff*

Tuesday I spent most of my time organizing business cards and finally catching up on things I had put off during the move. Then I popped over to the Safeway and as I was coming out, my friend Vic pulled up (thank god for that car) to take me to dinner. Now, I am used to carrying my own groceries and when I was in Spain I huffed it around everywhere on foot.

It's a totally different story when you live in a moderately questionable neighborhood (calm down, Mom), have literally a dozen bags, and the carts lock up 20 feet outside the store. Since I didn't bring shampoo and all the essentials with me, my bags were laden with the necessary things for me to be presentable in society, and the usual kitchen staples for people who mooch off other people's spices. I get three feet outside the store, and one bag rips open, so I'm carrying my giant package of kale like a small child while trying to balance eggs, and you can see me slouching to one side since the woman put all the bottles and bathstuff together in a too-heavy bag. Vic referred to my walk as a "waddle" and continued to reference how ridiculous I looked all night.

He helped me take my groceries upstairs and we talked about UCLA. Vic was a few years older than me in the Beta Theta Pi fraternity, and best friends with my senior-year roommate, Stephanie. After graduation, he went into the Marines (he had done reserve stuff too) and was relocated out here to finish up school and the like. This summer he's heading back to Southern California to work in the 11th Marines at Camp Pendleton -- don't worry, I already told him he has to be new best friends with the Dana Point group, even though he won't be a 5th. We drove to Georgetown to pick up Evan, another Beta I knew in college, and went to dinner for Indian food. Funny thing is, I probably would have eaten Indian food on this particular night in LA too.

After dinner, Vic was nice enough to drive me to where my NEXT apartment will be in the Northeast Quadrant. It isn't exactly close to anything, to be completely honest. I'm reconsidering if I will move in there, even though the building is nice in a nicer area. I like having a grocery store one block away.

Basically, I am ok and have people here that I can call if I need something. Tonight I am going to meet up for an ADPi Happy Hour in DuPont, and I have already overcooked 6 or so chicken breasts, so I will be fed until Friday.

Anyone want to let me know if I should have just kept them in the fridge or frozen them instead of cooking-to-tupperware-ing them? I thought getting the messy cooking out of the way was smart. Now I have overcooked chicken. Edible, but not my best.

I can see the wind raising flags and plant life outside. Here I go to track my commute to work!

The New Apartment

Here are photos of the apartment. Lauren drove me into the city on Monday morning and dropped me off around 9. I then proceeded to nap until 12noon because I was still on CA time and exhausted. I live in the Southwest Quadrant of DC... super near the SEU Waterfront Metro, in case the family would like to look me up. Don't worry, I have in no way given away my specific location.

FIRST! The entrance. You can see the door mat in the hall -- that's where you enter. The kitchen is directly in front, the hallway to the bedrooms on the right, and the hallway to the living area on the left.
Living area! A tiny card table is our dining table, and I can use a bike to get around.



Here is the living area, well, one wall of it. We even have a balcony overlooking the park and Souteastern University nearby.
Here is the other part of the living area -- stacked high with magazines because the woman I share the apartment with is getting married in April.
The Kitchen! It took me a while to find things, but things went as smoothly as cooking ever does for me. In the last post, you saw my success of butternut squash, kale/spinach, and chicken. I can now say that the chicken is overcooked, the garlic on the greens was burnt, and the squash was smooshy. But still, I am fed.

By now I have figured out the photo settings!


When you walk into my bedroom, this is the view! The bedspread/sheets combo is very me, and there is an almost-matching grey rug on the floor. My room comes off the balcony, so one wall has a giant window, the other has a sliding glass door onto the balcony (don't worry, I am many floors up and the door is LOCKED!).




All in all, I think this will be a great place for me to be for a month.

My first cooked meal

Cut up butternut squash from Safeway that I added cinnamon to, garlic spinach and kale, and probably overlooked chicken. I call it a success!

Nothing came from a box. Be impressed. I took out the juicer this morning and figured out how to use it.... All over the counter. I should have known after the minor debacle with the popcorn air popper yesterday... It was like that episode of I LOVE LUCY where Ricky misjudged how much rice to cook. Ay carumba!!!

My first 48 Hours in DC

Some weird kind of "Wizard of Oz" sculpture at the Dallas Airport. I wanted to sing songs from "WICKED" and see who else had my same thoughts.


Welcome to National Airport -- the ceiling of the Ronald Reagan Airport. My first sight of DC... blocking me from the RAIN.

I am safe and sound in DC. While I have officially been here 48 hours or so [at the time of this post, I've been here 3 whole days and am on the 4th morning], I am already enjoying the people and have the highest hopes for this experience. First, I am not homeless! After the Leadership Conference for the sorority, I reconnected with an alumna who had connections in DC -- she sent out an introduction, and from there, I found so many more willing, wonderful alumnae to help me on this journey. From those introductions, I have a place to stay for both March and April. Before I find a place for May, I will know if I am staying through the summer, and that will affect the length of that particular sublet -- 1 or 4 months. Wish me luck!

Lauren, a UCLA ADPi alumna and her Henry (recent corporate world-retiree and now recording pianist who lived in SPAIN!) picked me up at midnight in the RAIN at the airport and drove me to their house in Northern Virginia suburbs. They couldn't be nicer, have better discussions on what I'm going to do in DC, the people I should meet, and thoughts on opportunities here. Also, they are wine and food "snobs," and I find it hilarious/love it.... mostly because I still think there's nothing better than Kraft Mac and Cheese. They finished up a dinner party to retrieve me from the airport, and welcomed me into their home, stuffing me with leftover Puerto Rican pork and beans with rice and a home-made chutney. I don't even know what a chutney IS, but I was pleased with non-airport food. (This morning Henry made fantastic oatmeal pancakes, and for lunch taught me how to make Spanish Tortilla de Patata... ummmm hello "best food I'll eat while in DC") The short of it is... while I am excited for the "Mega Juicer" or whatever it is that is in my first subletted apartment... this seems like the better option.

Yesterday, We went to Costco yesterday and I picked up coconut water and dates. I don't stick out like a California Hippie at allllllllll. It's actually funny -- a HUGE selling point here, that I heard multiple times in the sales pitches of the sample-offerers, was "grown in California" "made in California"or whatever. I thought, "well, then the winds are with me if I am awesome simply for being from California." Last night, Lauren, Henry and I drove into "The District" to attend a UCLA Alumni Dinner (Dinner for 12 Strangers). Guess what? THE HOST WAS ADPi TOO! We actually knew people who crossed over between our college years, and it was a laugh. I met a lawyer, a man who worked for NASA/DARPA(?), two women doing the UCDC quarter from UCLA (who also knew mutual friends), a woman doing a Dept of State internship (HELLO! THAT IS WHAT I HAVE APPLIED FOR FOR SUMMER!), three people doing a Sustainable Tourism graduate program at GW (HELLO! I WOULD LOVE TO TRAVEL FOR WORK!), a woman who works on the Hill in the building next to me and has done the same fellowship I will be applying for next year (HELLO! NEW FRIEND AT WORK! POTENTIAL REC FOR THE FELLOWSHIP APPLICATION!), and a woman my age looking for work in foreign policy/security (HELLO! SIMILAR INTERESTS! LET'S BE FRIENDS!). Needless to say, this was an excellent introduction to DC, through UCLA, through ADPi. Simply put, what a wonderful place. I took business cards/numbers/emails and came home to immediately work on a business card for myself.

Today, I helped Lauren prepare for her older-ADPi-alumnae wine and cheese soiree she held this afternoon for roughly a dozen ADPi women. It was wonderful to meet more sisters and make connections, and this 35+ older group allowed me to really see that this sisterhood is a lifetime. I already have an upcoming Friday lunch date on the Hill with some of these women, and they have all offered support in one way or another. This makes life SO much easier... not that I will need even HALF the help (hopefully) but it's wonderful to know it's an option. Lauren & Henry have already invited me back for their Wine Dinner on Friday. Please believe, I am excited to return at the end of the week of cooking for myself to normal, delicious food.... that didn't come from a microwave package.

Monday (tomorrow), Lauren and Henry are helping me move into the new apartment in the morning. During the day I will orient myself with my neighborhood and pick up the essentials. In the evening, I have the option of attending a UC-Alumni networking night (which conflicts with the "Show Tunes & Cocktails" event at the Jefferson... DARN!) and Wednesday I will meet more ADPi women at a Happy Hour. I moved out here a week early thinking I'd need the time to apartment hunt, but now will have the time to adjust to the city. Honestly, I wish I could stay longer with Lauren and Henry, which they have graciously offered, but I should get acquainted with my new city. They explained their home is my home whenever I want to come out. Including the ability to do LAUNDRY! That offer may be the nicest thing anyone has said to me HAHA!

Warning: FISH MARKET

Ok, Ok, I know I haven't posted anything about being here YET... but I'd just like you to get excited... BECAUSE THE FISH MARKET IS SUPER CLOSE.

Oh yes, I have grandeur plans of purchasing fresh seafood from local stands (ok, and paying the extra for someone ELSE to clean it), bringing it back to this apartment (perhaps the only truly wonderful thing about living by the Waterfront... metro and FISH MARKET access!), and attempting to cook something wonderful... followed by whining and confusion as I don't know HOW to cook it... or eat it.

Anyway -- STAY TUNED!

A Different DC

Hello everyone!

As many of you may know, I kept a blog when I was living in Spain and traveling Europe/Africa/Asia in the Spring of 2009. This is the same idea, but not linked, as I feel who I am as a person has changed since then. However, if you'd like to revisit that blog, you can go to http://jameegoesabroad.blogspot.com/ and peruse.

As all my friends and family know, the job I had in high school/college that caught everyone's ear and attention was working as Wonder Woman, the female superhero for DC Comics. Oddly enough, any time I Googled anything generalized as "DC" during my research for my move to Washington DC, it would pop up with both the comic company AND Washington DC. I found this oddly fitting. From my first job to this current position... DC follows me!

As perhaps not everyone knows... I have recently moved to Washington DC! It was suggested I apply for a Congressional Internship in late January, and before I knew it, I was interviewing and accepting a position. Within a month, I was tying off loose ends in Los Angeles to pack up and move to Washington DC.

I arrived Friday-Saturday at midnight, and it was pouring. My friend Cheyenne said the rain symbolized a "fresh start" -- let's hope it's the start of something amazing. I've been here 48 hours and can already tell this is the experience of a lifetime and I could not be more grateful for the love, support, and encouragement from friends and family. It's quite the leap, but the timing could not be better.

Feel free to follow along as I share my experiences working on Capitol Hill. Perhaps I have a different form of "Wonder Woman" within just waiting to flourish in this dynamic city. Let's hope so.