Tourist Spotting

Staring at the Directory with luggage in tow, let me guess, you're not from here?

What Not to Wear

We have all had those days of staring blankly into our closets wondering what to wear. Nothing seems to catch our eye, fit our mood, or smell clean, leaving us to often times settle on the quickest thing we can put our hands on. However, it's a safe bet that regardless of what we settle on wearing, it's never quite to these extremes, I give you/beg you, What NOT to wear:

Exhibit #1
Dresses
While sundresses are the popular thing for the hot summer months,
A dress covering little of your body may not be the best option,
Especially to a wedding.
Unless you're Halle Berry, she can get away with anything.
Even then, she'd probably think twice before putting this piece of cloth on.

Exhibit #2
The Mini Skirt
While mini skirts were the fashion trend of the 60's
And are quickly seeping back into the 21st century,
It doesn't mean that they can or should be worn,
Especially if they're lacy and skanky.
The phrase "anything goes these days" shouldn't always be true.


Exhibit #3
The Wife Beater
Another classic summer look that should be left in the closets.
The knee high socks-basketball shorts-wife beater tank-top-tennis shoes and I have a big boom box so it's okay look.
DC, a.k.a "the hood"


Exhibit #4
School Girl
Socks, shoes, and a skirt,
Just not a good combo.
At least she was smart and knew to forgo the pigtails.


While I may not be considered a fashion expert, I think I'd make a great fashion critic.

Inside the Mind

She walked out of the building, telling everyone in sight to have a good weekend. Wednesday is her Friday. I longed to be her today.

Contentment has vanished from me, and my magical powers can’t seem to ‘poof’ it back to where it belongs.

When did walking down the streets of DC, with the Capitol, White House, Treasury, and Washington Monument in view, do nothing to spark my fancy?

Her life’s not real, not realistic, no realism involved. Just words that are too good to be true to the envious bystanders who continue to read on.

Is the grass really greener on the other side?

Still searching for the unknown.

Wishing I understood the meaning of responsibility, didn’t eat chocolate at 9:30 in the morning, wasn’t so good at day dreaming, didn’t care what other people think, and remembered that I live a good life, and I do what I want.

Mother's Know Best

Monday: generally the most dreaded day of the week since entering real world/work life. In college, I loved Monday’s. I loved going back to campus, seeing thousands of students, and secrets out, I generally loved sitting in class and learning, I just hated the tests portion of college.

Back to real life: I dread Monday’s. I don’t look forward to having zero free time between 8 am-5pm (although, as of late, those eight hours have been nothing but free time for me...in front of a computer screen anyway), which is generally very boring. I don’t look forward to being a prisoner on the 5th floor of the RRB.

Today: Bad mood and grumpy.

Solution: My dear mother, aware of said mood, told me to listen to this. Although cheesy at times, it's not surprising at all that something so simple could be just what I was needing to hear. Cheesy EFY songs, past BYU Devotionals, General Conference talks, round table discussions. The gospel is powerful!

Now: I still don’t love today, but at least my attitude has improved.

Crystal Clear

Certain things in life are ever so apparent,
second guessing yourself is entirely unnecessary.
Take dry weather and humid weather.
No questioning is needed, it's ever so apparent.
West coast living and east coast living. Basically two entirely different worlds.
Even Northern California and 'So. Cal', as they like to say,
May be the same state, but definitely aren't the same place.
Being in America versus living in a foreign country.
We Americans are so spoiled.
West coast Mexican food (the good stuff), or east coast Mexican food.
I know, it baffles me too that the east coast struggles with this cuisine.
Public transportation or driving yourself. If that's not blatantly obvious!
Not that I need to compare the two, but I give driving myself a 10
And public transportation a two, maybe a three if I'm feeling generous.
So, today when I accidentally got on the Green line train,
Lets just say, I knew I wasn't headed for home.

{I apologize if you don't live in DC and don't understand this realization.
But trust me, when I asked my friend, with hesitation in my voice,
"Are we sure this is the yellow line?"
Second guessing ourselves was entirely unnecessary.}

BCG

Beefy

Cheesy

Glory

I hate McDonalds,

But this billboard...

'I'm lovin' it'

Identity Crisis

Not by myself, but by individuals encompassing the metropolitan region.
A city I once thought was classy is starting to prove me wrong.
A world where people go to the extreme just to be different.
Why can’t we all just be normal...in the loosest sense even?
Maybe I just don’t understand because my normality isn’t loose enough?
Perhaps I’m too critical and like finding reason to be an arbitrator.
Or, perhaps the real reason is, people are just weird, simple as that.
At least her hair matches her shirt.
If that’s a fashion statement, maybe I should wear red more often.
Although, that's much more than a fashion statement.

It's a fashion error.
My fashion statement is wearing shorts to work.
So maybe that’s where I’m weird?

Ahoy

Ever since last Saturday when Andrea and I spent the entire day shopping, only to return home with a car too full to fit all of our stuff, we made a bet with each other to see who could go the longest without spending any money.

While the bet is still going on, I'd like to think I won.
Today she broke down and bought salsa, claiming it's for
her co-workers birthday party tomorrow,
and I broke down and went sailing.

My disclaimer is that I was told it would be free,
and I didn't actually pay for it.
I also didn't have my wallet on me,
which makes not spending money really easy.

$10...free...either way, sailing down the Potomac River was worth every cent,
or lack there of.



Sailing, it's a dream come true...literally!

Friday at the Market

Three weeks ago, something that involves six dollars and a bucket was discovered.

Take this bucket...

And six of these...

And the end result is a whole lot of this...

Sugar, corn oil, and kernels.

and a whole lot of goodness.

Is it unhealthy? Of course.

But does it taste divine? Absolutely.

Three weeks in a row and counting.

I love forming new traditions.

I love the Farmers Market on Fridays.

And I love co-workers who encourage my newly discovered addictions.

Hopefully this week the bucket doesn't hit empty by Saturday.

So Long, Farewell

Auf wiedersehen, adieu, to my favorite brother and sister in-law.
Let's get sentimental for a few minutes.

This week has been semi-emotional for me, and yes, it's only Wednesday.

For the past year I've been living in Washington, DC, I've been pretty blessed

To have all of my siblings close by.

With Andrea and I living together,

Rob and Lorena 20 minutes away,

And Brittany and Brian an hour and a half south of us,

I've been one lucky girl.

As the youngest of four, I've often felt like the only child,

Since everyone left home while I was still in junior high.

Luckily, I landed an internship in DC last year,

And could come out to the east coast to

Hang out with my siblings for one last

Hurrah, before we all really have to grow up

And go our separate ways once again.

Well, the time has come,

And Rob and Lorena have left the east coast

To live in Sweden for the next three years.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't sad about it.

In fact, I didn't expect to be this sad to say

Goodbye!

Rob cried the day I was born.

He wanted a baby brother, not another little sister.

I think I pleased him with the way I turned out.

Not that I turned out to be a boy, that would be trouble.

But I was the sibling that Rob could turn to when he wanted someone to

Beat up. I was tough. I could handle it.

Rob may have cried the day I was born.

So, I just returned the tears the day he and Lorena left.

That's what little sisters are for, right?

My brother and I have a special bond.

I think it's because we have a lot more in common that he expected

He'd have with a little sister.

I'm going to miss having him and Lorena around,

But I'm excited for the adventures they have

Ahead of them.

The next time I see these two, they'll be the proud parents

Of Biggie Smalls (a.k.a. Michael Robert Candrian).

I can't wait to see my big brother as a Dad.

I can't wait to see his sentimental side emerge

As he cradles an infant in his arms.

And quite frankly, it hasn't even been 24 hours since I last saw them,

But I can't wait to get to hang out with them once again.

I'd love when my brother would call me up on a Friday night to go to dinner,

just he and I.

I'd gladly drop any plans I had with friends

To get to hang out with him.

And it's sad that I won't have him as an excuse anymore.

I love you guys, and I miss you like crazy already!
They've been my DC experience,
And it's not going to be the same without them.

Our lives will never be the same from this point on,

But I'm confident that no matter where in the world

Each of my family members ends up,

We'll always remain a close knit family.

Because lets face it, we're all pretty dang cool!

Men in Black...

...with an earpiece, now that's what I call a TURN. ON.

If only every Monday, (actually every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday) I could walk into work and be surrounded by these fine looking gentlemen, my life would be a lot more exciting than it already is.

And the obsession I have with secret service agents still lives on.

Having them surround the Ronald Reagan Building on Monday made my day{slash}week. I'm never afraid to walk right up to them and begin chatting away as if we're BFF's. Secrets out, I. WANT. TO. BE. THEM. But, I realized, I'd never be able to focus at work if I they were my colleagues. I'm far too attracted to secret service agents that they'd be nothing more than a distraction in the work place. Let's face it, my emotions would be running wild. Is that wrong?!

3 in 1

It's not often anyone gets to take a seven week vacation, especially one where your job is still paying you as though you were sitting at your desk for eight hours each day, slaving away. While I was technically working for the six weeks I was in Africa, there were times when my job definitely felt like it was an all paid for vacation. A few complaints may have found their way to my lips. I may have wasted my time here and there, and not basked in the entirety of Botswana's glory like I ought to have. I may have been eager to come home on occasion. But looking back on the experience, it was an incredible journey that, two weeks later, has quickly turned into a memory. This week I woke up to my wake up call from reality, and reality was far more eager to welcome me back than I was willing to accept. Although I've only been back to reality for four days, four days is the longest I've gone with out driving or flying to a different state (or country) in the last four weeks. Now I'm back in the office, sitting at my desk, and staring at a computer screen for eight hours a day, but my mind can't help wonder back to all of this...

My 3 in 1 trip home

Trip #1:

Home...pictures n/a

Trip #2:

Island Park, Idaho

Where boating, tubing, waking boarding, 4 wheeling, go-carting (is that a word?), family, and laughing ensued

Trip #3:

San Franciscio, California

Where Giants games, running along the Embarcadero with my Dad, crab sandwiches, Hamburgers at Reds, fresh sourdough bread, Pier 39, and a little bit of heaven took place

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't tired after all of my traveling, but I will ensure you all, it's been WELL worth the stinging eyes, constant yawns, and dozing off in meetings.

36 hours later

I'm finally back in America.

Having endured a 10 hour "layover" at home in DC.

And am finally at my final destination...until tomorrow morning, that is.

God Bless America, how I've missed you!

Day 37.5

In just three short hours I'll be boarding my flight to home numero uno:

Then, it's off to home numero dos.

As tradition would have it:

God Bless America!

I can't wait to be home...to both homes that is.

Day 37

The benefits of being a girl:

It's a amazing what a smile with a touch of courteousness can get you.

The Situation:
We were both checking out of the hotel at the same time, and I overheard him saying he'd be back in 10 days. I instantly thought to myself, he stole my line. In the last month, I've checkd out of the Walmont five different times.

We ended up on the same shuttle to the airport, the same bench, side by side. He started talking to me, and I struggled to gather his words. From Jerusalem, name is Mosha, in English it's Moses, and is here on business. We both ended up checking in for our flights, standing in the same line, side by side. I did my best to understand his explanation to me that my bags would be overweight, and how to avoid paying a large sum of money. I played rearrange with my luggage, while he held my place in line.

We landed in South Africa, and ended up walking down the terminal together, side by side. He offered to carry some of my belongings, and I let him be the gentleman. We finally went our separate ways, he checked in for his flight to what sounded like Ethiopia, but I know that wasn't it, and I checked in for my flight to Washington, DC.

After passing through security 30 minutes later, and making my way towards my gate, I shouldn't have been shocked when we were walking through security, heading towards the gate, side by side.

His business class status was enough to get him free access to the lounge, where free food, drinks, internet, and nice restrooms are in plenty. My messily economy status doesn't have those same benefits. But for $2000 more I could upgrade to business class...I decided to pass. He tried to articulate that he wanted me to come up to the lounge with him, and I tried explaining that I didn't have his same privileges. I went along with it anyway, knowing what his true intentions were.

We entered the lounge, and like predicted, a fee was required for me to pass go. My options; pay $40 US dollars, or R250, which equals to $25 US dollars. I'm still trying to digest why they have two different prices, but either way, I would be entering the lounge. What else do you do on a six hour layover? Bless Mosha for pulling out a $50 bill and granting me free access to internet, food, drinks, and a 10 minute awkward conversation before he had to catch his flight.

Sometimes being a girl comes in handy. Too bad my "charm" didn't snag me an upgrade to business class for my 19 hour flight home. It worked for my 45 minute flight to South Africa.

Day 36

Africa, it's time I bid thee adieu.

I may have not loved you in the beginning,

In fact, I may have not loved you at all,

But with time I learned to adore you.

With time I learned who you are.

In 36 days and you opened my eyes,

To a world that's real and alive,

A world that's opposite my own.

A world who knows how to survive

Off of the bare essentials,

Which is unlike what I see at home.

You've changed the way I see things,

And made me realize I have it alright.

But I won't envy your ways,

Or long for the days

Where power and water are scarce.

Where I think A.W.A.

Africa Won Again,

Because those are the days,

When you humbled my ways,

And taught me a lesson or two.

So, here's to you Africa, as I bid thee adieu.

I'll long for our differences.

I'll long for your crisp nights.

I'll long for the game that surrounds.

And I'll long for your adventures that ensue.

I'll long for the eyes of the children,

Whose eyes pierce my soul to the core.

Their innocence and their beauty,

The charm in their smiles is there.

They're more than just a gift from heaven,

They're God's way of lifting and cheering this world,

That can often times forget it's purpose

When dark clouds seem to have settled in,

But the light from the children will always shine through.

And hope is alive once more.

Thank you for teaching me some of life's lessons

And humbling me along the way,

You'll always have a place in my heart,

But for now I must wake from this dream,

And face reality once again.

Ke a leboga, Botswana.

Day 34

I'm less than four hours away from Johannesburg, South Africa, meaning less than four hours away from them...

What am I doing watching this game on TV?

Days 30-32

{First car I've ever seen with my name on it's licence plate happens to be in Africa, awesome}

DAY 30-32?!? Who knew I could survive 30+ days in Africa alone, not me? Get me to day 37, and I'll be home in DC...for at least 10 hours anyway. I don't know if I'm looking forward to that or not? I'm congratulating myself on being out of the country for an entire month! I know, not that big of a deal, people do it all the time. But other people do things like this, not me. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine having an experience quite like this, especially one that's paying me as my eyes become opened to this magnificent world.

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine I'd enjoy staying in accommodations that looked like this...

That's right, I basically spent the last two nights in what I like to call a "deluxe" tent. When we pulled up to Nguma Lodge in the Okavango Delta, my first thought was, "You've got to be kidding me?" But it didn't take long for me to LOVE everything about this place. And how could I not love it when the trail to the lodge and my tent looked like this:

Where I feel asleep to the cries of the birds, and the stomping around of hippos, and splashing of the fish.

{hippo tracks}

I couldn't help waking up with a big smile on my face as I listened to the sounds of monkey's swinging from the trees, and birds out singing their songs.

Both mornings I'd stand at the end of the dock mesmerized by this view:

Simply breath taking. But it gets better.

My last night there I went out on a boat ride and captured all of this...

The most dangerous creature in the Okavango Delta...the crocodile...just look at those teeth!

The beauty of the Delta:

And a sunset that I couldn't capture quick enough...

The exact same spot two different times of day, sunrise, and sunset:


However, the real reason for visiting the Okavango Delta wasn't for pleasure, wasn't for capturing those amazing sights, and it definitely wasn't to see more animals that I've yet to see since I've been out here. All of those reasons were merely added bonuses to this trip. The real reason for this visit was to meet with various NGOs and stakeholders to learn more about what we can do as the U.S. Government to help them...

Who happen to live in huts that look like this..

.

Botswana is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to be, and I'm not so sure I'm going to want to leave next week!