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 :).