the fourth in dc

I've always been a big fan of the fourth of July. Celebrating the 'birthday' of my country is a special time and I feel like it brings the country together in a time where patriotism and unity seems to be fleeting. I know I feel more patriotic and it gives me a time to reflect upon the love I have for this country. I am grateful to have the freedoms I do and the ability to have an opinion and power to express them.

This year my brother, Matt, came into town for an interview and stayed for the weekend! On Saturday we went to the Capitol Fourth dress rehearsal concert with my roommate, Kristina...

We joined thousands of people on the steps and lawn of the Capitol building to watch performers like David Archuletta, Reba McEntire, and Lang Lang

The best part of the night was seeing this girl! We all grew up together in Ohio (seriously, since we were babies) and we don't see enough of each other anymore. Whenever we get together its like we are in high school again!

Then on Sunday, I had the Hunters over to watch the DC fireworks from my balcony. It turned out that we couldn't quite lean over far enough to see them, but we did get QUITE the show still. Across the horizion, we were able to see the local Virginia, DC, and Maryland fireworks shows for 2.5 hours straight. For as far as we could see, there were fireworks lighting up the sky. We estimated that we saw at least 3o shows simultaneously. We couldn't even tell where one ended and where another began!

All in all, it was a great first DC fourth for me.

When you're surrounded by friends and family, it's hard not to be happy :)

my dear oyster

Oyster. You know who you are. I told you that I was going to write a blog today, and it turns out that I have zero time. Soooo I thought I would give you a quick shout out and tell you that you are amazing! I promise that I will write a much longer, more fulfilling blog tomorrow, when I will have a nice day of relaxation from every form of work. Hopefully the wait will be worth it!

I. am. job.

Do you remember the part from Mrs. Doubtfire when Robin Williams is calling with various identities in reference to the nanny job in order to make his desired phone call look better? My dad and I ALWAYS quote the lines because we think that part is just hilarious. One of our favorites is when he disguises his voice as a foreigner who can't speak english and just says "I. am. job." This is the exact thing my dad told me at graduation a month ago and we both knew that was his way of saying 'okay, it's time for you to get a real job now.' So when I got the job offer, I called him up and said "I. am. job." and he knew right away what that meant.

I have been working in the corporate office of a property management and development company for the last couple weeks as a receptionist/office services assistant. Waking up at 6am, taking the Metro to work, having to go to bed "early"...it's all new to me but it really is great. I have found my first 'grown up' job and it feels good. It's not my dream job, but I have learned already that it will help open doors for me later. Couple that with excellent benefits and a great corporate staff and you've got my current employment!

In this entire graduation/moving/job search process, I have seen the Lord's hand guiding me every step of the way. I had to make some extremely difficult decisions but I tried my best to do what felt right and things are falling into place now. I know I am where I am supposed to be, even if it's not always easy. But the best things in life are rarely easy, right?

On my own?

My roommate Kristina and I after a session in the DC Temple

Believe it or not, it is still sinking in that I have graduated from college. You'd think that going through the whole commencement and convocation process, complete with your ugly cap and gown, saying goodbye to your friends, packing up everything you own, driving across the country, and moving into a new apartment in a new city on an opposite coast would do the trick, but alas it still doesn't quite feel true.

But has been quite the fun adventure moving to the DC area without a job. Everyone I talk to tells me this is the best place to find a job and 90% of those people tell me they moved here without a job in sight as well. At least that makes me not feel like such a loser! The job offers aren't pouring in but I am getting interviews, which is a plus.

My roommates are incredible.

I am turning into an aggressive driver.

I am enjoying the fresh air and green scenery.

I have walked the city in heels.

I have become a victim of major Metro delays.

I got attacked by a squirrel.

I think Virginia will be good for me...