So many firsts...

I have now been in D.C. for about two and a half weeks, even though it seems so much longer! It's such a great place to live for an extended period of time, with so much to do, see and explore! I have experienced so many "firsts" since I have gotten here, most good, but some bad.

Some of those include:

• Walking out my front door to see the US Capitol, Hart Senate Building and the Supreme Court building
• Eating Thai food (which Claire was appalled by!)
• Seeing my first rat/mouse while running by the Capitol
• Hearing a U.S. Supreme Court Justice speak (Sonia Sotomayor)
• Visiting the famous monuments on or around the Mall/Capitol
• Starting work at 9 am
• Being 2 feet away (literally!) from Sec. Of State Hillary Clinton and hearing her speak at the World Food Prize event
• Having squirrels chase you while carrying food
• Walking past Senator McCain on the tram
• Having to pay for plastic bags at stores
• Playing slow pitch on the mall infront of the US Capitol/Washington Memorial
• Giving directions to tourists (I think that makes me no longer a tourist!)
• Shaking hands with Iowa Secretary of Ag. Tom Vilsack
• Getting lost in the underground tunnels of the 3 Senate Buildings
• Being able to eat popcorn no matter what time of day while at work

I am sure there are so many more things that I have experienced or done for the first time since I have been here, but those are probably the highlights. It truly is an extraordinary city and I can't wait to see what else it has in store for me!