Photos of "Disneyland"

Ok, so just so everyone knows, when I post a picture, I don't see it until it is "officially" posted. What I see before is a bunch of code that magically turns into a picture (I don't know why I can't just see the picture at all times). Anyway, that is why there are no subtitles. So, I will list what I have included and then I'm sure you will be able to match the picture with the name.

1) Washington Monument
2) Lincoln Memorial
3) WWII Memorial
4) WWII Museum
5) Jefferson Memorial
6) The White House
7) The Vietnam War Memorial
8) The Korean War Memorial
9) The US Capital Building
10) The US Supreme Court Building

Life in "Disneyland"

So, I don't know if I mentioned this in a previous post, but I came up with a good analogy for me and Washington, DC...it is my Disneyland! I am fascinated by anything-DC! Call me a nerd (my co-workers did), I don't care. That being said, here is what I have been up to during my stay here so far:

1) Running an academic conference with a mix of good students and children who are raised thinking they are entitled to anything they want and thinking they are exceptions to any rule (thank you parents!)
2) Visiting Capital Hill (more visits to come with just myself!)
3) Visiting the National Mall
4) SPENDING ALL DAY ON THE MALL (I read at the Lincoln and the Jefferson memorials...I even slept at the Jefferson memorial! Oh...it was bliss!!!)
5) Passing the White House in hopes that Pres Obama were taking a little stroll outside (I know, the likelihood of that happening is the same as me becoming the next president!)
6) Best of all...a trip to the Washington, DC LDS Temple

Further plans include the following:

1) A visit to Arlington Cemetery
2) A visit to the cathedral
3) A visit to Capital Hill
4) A quick trip to New York City
5) A Smithsonian or two
6) Another trip to the National Mall
7) Hopefully, a trip to Mt. Vernon

Now, before you all start getting jealous, do not worry. I am now providing some pictures of my fun so you can all participate vicariously :) Enjoy!!!!







PS...because I have so many, I can only upload a few pictures. I will add another post with additional pictures :) Don't worry...I'm always thinking of my loyal readers!

Vacation and Family

To my thousands of avid fans out there, I apologize for the delay in posting. I know you all wait with baited breath for news about me! Well, here we go...

So, I graduated from BYU with my MSW (FINALLY!!!!) It was great! Here are some pictures. NOTICE THE HOOD!!!! That, along with the black robe! (It's very Harry Potter-esque...don't you think? I do!)



Anyway, that was a lot of fun. Shortly after, I took my licensing exam...AND I PASSED!!!!! I then applied for a CSW license (Certified Social Worker) in the State of Utah, which came in the mail shortly afterwards. Now, I can start looking for a job without being denied because I don't have a license (which is what happened, and was a great source of annoyance and frustration!)

After graduation and testing, the fun began! I went to NC to see my sister and brother-in-law. I absolutely love NC! It's green, with trees everywhere, and on the east coast! I had a great time. It was great seeing my sister and her husband and spending time with them. I am still waiting for them to move back to UT (or for me to move out to NC, whatever comes faster!)

In NC, we went to Duke Gardens (I have to go there everytime I'm in NC. I never get enough of it!), New Bern (I guess it used to be the capital of NC. It's an older town and had some of those amazing old houses!!! Also, we went to the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola and had a pepsi!), and an air show. I had a blast!!!! My sister had that new Dyson vacuum (the one that moves on a ball in the center). I begged her to let me vacuum. She relented and I had fun! Plus, her carpet is the best kind to vacuum!

When I got home, we had family who were up for a baseball tournament. We had a houseful, but it was so much fun to see them! I had my first taste of IHOP, which was better than I expected! We also watched the final American Idol (and yes, I still chuckle when I think of the showdown between Kara and DBG!)

I then hopped on a flight to NM to see my brother and his family (we went down to see my niece blessed in church). I had A BLAST!!!!! My oldest sister and her family drove down, along with my youngest brother and his girlfriend and my parents. We had a full house that was overflowing with energy, laughter, and good times. However, we still were not complete!!! My two other siblings were unable to attend.

The next week, it was time for me to head to DC. I was quite anxious about it because I was starting an internship. As most of you know, I have a tendency to worry/freak out/stress/etc over anything that happens. Luckily, after getting to DC, I was able to calm down. Washington, DC is my "Disneyland".

Anyway, I was able to escape from campus every once in a while to see some sights. Unfortunately, my camera was not able to escape (no worries, it now goes with me everywhere!) I did manage to get some photos of the "white house". Here's an eye-feast!!!!!




(And yes, I took them myself!)

Well, you are all up to date. However, things change quickly and I will try to keep you informed. I have many places to go here in "Disneyland" and many photos to take. So, stay tuned...!