Internationals

I am really enjoying my job--and that's a good thing. It's a little more challenging than I had anticipated. I thought that since I was an intern I had a pretty good idea of the tasks I'd be doing as an associate. It turns out that the tasks are only a small part. As an associate, you take ownership of a project, which requires a lot of communication as well as responsibility to problem solve when things don't go as planned. Today I got to give an "exit interview" for one our visitors and it gave a new perspective to the programs that I prepare. I love being able to meet with them and discuss their interests. Sometimes I wish that I could host them at my apartment, have them over to dinner, or something more social with them so I could get a chance to talk with them and get to know them. Tonight would have been a great night to go out and do something with one of our visitors. This is something I'll have to think about for the future.

beck

DC after Kentucky

So I lied and I didn't take any pictures in Kentucky--at least not of people. I spent right close to 36 hours in Kentucky and I had a marvelous time. I drank Ale81, saw the Louisville temple, watched a movie in bed, ate at Outback, played with beautiful twin boys and had a home-cooked Kentucky meal. I didn't cry at all! (until the drive back to DC)

Last Friday night, I barely made it into Lexington before 2am. But my brother was so sweet and stayed up to greet me. We were both pretty tired, but he stayed up and we talked and laughed for about an hour before finally going to sleep. That was my last alone time with him. All the rest of the weekend we were with other people--still fun though I had to share him. I'm so glad to have that memory. I can't wait for him to report, because that just means he'll be home sooner. :)

beck