my friend Kate

Taylor Swift will forever remind me of sweet Kate.

I woke up Friday pumped for the Halloween weekend and excited about muffins for one of the intern's going away party. I got my morning coffee at Ebs and starting walking to work. On the way I decided I wanted to listen to the new Taylor Swift CD (I got it for $4 by the way) so I pulled out my phone. After reading texts that Kate had passed Thursday evening I couldn't breath for what felt like 20 minutes but was probably more like 20 seconds. I tried to go to work but that didn't work out so I spent the day roaming around the city thinking of my friend Kate.

The memory that most invades my mind is the first time we met. We were in in 8th grade and I had just joined NCL. We were having a meeting at the home of one of the girls and Kate walked in. I remember her hair... gorgeous is the only way to describe it. I was always a little jealous of her hair. I remember her smile and attitude. Everyone seemed a little happier just because she had entered the room. I always felt a little out of place at those NCL meetings as shy Alyson liked to creep in specifically around those people. That wasn't the case with Kate. She had a way of making me feel comfortable in any situation. I don't remember our conversation but I remember laughing and having a great time listening to her stories. I wanted to be friends with her.

It took a few years for me to actually be able to call her one of my close friends, but it happened. Praise God for Jonathan Appler. We had a very close knit group of friends, but it was completely unnecessary for Mrs. Appler to tell us to be nice to Kate as we all LOVED her already. Jon could not have chosen a better girlfriend. All of our gatherings were better with Kate. Her attitude and laugh lifted everyone's spirits, and it was obvious when she wasn't around.

One of my favorite memories is when we were getting ready for our National Charity League Senior Presentation. We had to take ballroom dancing lessons with our fathers at Arthur Murray dance studio. Our dads were a hoot. Every time Kate and I caught each other's eye we couldn't help but laugh. Thank you dad and Mr. McCook for being our entertainment that day. Senior Presentation was a very special time I got to share with her.

I could go on and on, but I will end with the joy and gratitude I feel for being able to call her my friend. Although a sadness to the point of numbness enters my heart when I think of the reality that I will never be graced with her presence on earth again, I am altogether thankful. Thankful that she has made me and our friends better people. I would have been a changed person just from being her friend when she was healthy, but her fight with cancer made at profound impact on me. Even when she told us of the extreme headaches, the way couldn't stand for long, and the never ending treatments and therapies she was never complaining. She always had a tone of thankfulness. Thankfulness that there was hope and thankfulness that people loved her. She fought with courage, joy, patience, and hope. In the midst of her sickness she was profoundly concerned when I had to spend time in the hospital... her selflessness in those moments humbles me and I pray will always humble me.

I thank God for the time Kate spent on earth. I thank God for McCook family.

I pray that we will learn from Kate. Live with courage, strength and hope. Be compassionate even in the midst of your own struggles.

Love you all,
aly

fall

It's been a while...

I'm obsessed with fall here. I had no idea leaves could be so gorgeous.

Update: With the exception of a few key pieces (couch, table) we are all moved in into our sweet little house. As much as I love my house I love my new roommates more... praise God for answered prayer.

I can't really remember the happenings of my life since the last time I've posted, but I do know that I've enjoyed (almost) every moment here. I suffered from a few days of homesickness, but the anticipation of seeing my dad in a few weeks has helped cure that :). I just miss being around people that I really know and that really know me. One of my very favorite things to do is go shopping and think "ohh ___ would LOVE this!" and I have yet to know what any of my new friends here would LOVE. I feel so blessed to have so many dear friends across the country and I am excited to add some DCers to that list.

I went to the Normal Rockwell exhibit on Tuesday (so great) and it inspired me to enjoy even the simplest of things in my day-to-day, and of course take more pictures. As soon as I get internet at home (eeek) I will put some pictures up on Facebook.


love,
aly

Left out...

I have heard several times from several people that DC is the most fit city in the nation. I believe it. I decided to count the runners around me starting at the Capitol and about three quarters of the way to the Washington Monument I lost track at around 60... which means I probably saw at least two hundred runners in the course of my day (and it is only 2:00). I feel left out. I don't like to run... never really have, and it doesn't help that about a year ago I got hit by a car while running. Embarrassing, I know. One of my new goals is to get over my fear of running and learn to enjoy it. Wish me luck.

Thursday was the best day this week. The boss came back in town to take about 40 WWII veterans on a Capitol tour. It took about an hour to get them all through security. Each time one walked through the metal detector it went off due to wheelchairs, metal knees, and numerous other medical devices. Something to look forward to... not. The men were so sweet and so excited to be on the tour though. After the tour Congressman Gohmert took a few other interns and me on a dome tour. Amazing. I had no idea what I was doing until half way up the dome when I finally asked the guy behind me. To get to the top you have to climb up this very narrow staircase between the original dome and the one that exists now. The scariest part was actually when you are inside the Capitol dome at the top looking down, but the most amazing view of the city is seen from the top of the outside of the dome. Sadly I didn't have my camera, but hopefully I can get some of the Congressman's pictures.

Today I woke up early so I could get a ticket to the top of the Washington Monument. They start handing out tickets at 8:30, and by the time I got there at around 9:30 they were out of tickets. My fault for spending too much time at Starbucks this morning. Next week I'm going to reserve tickets ahead of time... I'm pretty sure it will be worth the $1.50. Today I saw: the Washington Monument, the WWII Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the FDR Memorial, the George Mason Memorial, and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Lots of walking. After that I sat and ate a very yummy chicken panini at a cute little cafe and then walked to the Eastern Market where I bought a very pretty bracelet at the flee market and some apples. Great day. Later tonight I am going to see Life as We Know It with Laura and some of her friends!

love, aly

P.S. WE GOT THE HOUSE!! I don't know when I am moving in yet, but I am so excited. My sweet brother, Arthur, is getting me a bike since the house is kind of far from work. I'm a little nervous to ride it, but maybe next time I'm home I will be able to go riding with him and my dad :).

It's a small world after all

FLASHBACK: Junior year of high school at Disney World with the Royales.

I was told when I came here that DC is like a small town, and if I have learned anything while I have been here it is that DC is like a small town. I met some great girls this weekend who randomly all ended up knowing each other. Here's the story... meet Alex, friend of Jacob Davenport, who I called the day before I came here telling her my sob story about housing. Then comes Courtney who I started emailing with about renting a room in her house. Come to find out Alex and Courtney are roommates. Enter Meagan, who emails me about moving into her house (I said yes by the way). On Friday I had coffee with Meagan and our potential soon to be roommate Jennilee, and on Saturday I had coffee with Alex and Courtney. During coffee with Alex and Courtney I found out that Jenilee is one of Courtney's best friends in DC. Love it.

Moral of the story: God is faithful. Always. I don't know why I ever worry when His plan for me is always better than anything I have for myself. I'm gonna go out on a limb right now and say my favorite attribute of God right now is his creativity in the way he works out all things for the good of those who love Him.

I'm gonna go pay three dollars to do one load of laundry now... I just love DC :)