I have discovered Stargate SG-1. I know, it's so nerdy, but it's also so addicting! And all the seasons are on Hulu so it's been kind of exciting to have the whole library of Sci-fi, archaeology goodness at my finger tips. I sort of want to hunt down the movie again, since I saw it forever ago. I also found the Highlander series. I'm becoming a lost cause of geekiness.
In other news, I moved to my new cubical today. I know that most of you do not envision a cubical as the lap of luxury, but really this new space is a serious upgrade. We're talking about 10x as much desk space and 5x as much light. Things are simply lovely over in my very own, new cube!
Otherwise, I spent the whole day reading for work. It was actually pretty interesting; well, as interesting as reading a bunch of handbooks can be. Still though, I enjoyed it greatly. Let me just be a nerd in peace!!! Haha!
And now it is the weekend, which is joyous. I think I'm going to spend some time with Jason tomorrow. Hopefully it doesn't snow. I also might go check out either Eastern Market or GW (as suggested by the lovely L.M.), I'll let you know where I end up!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Office Space Zen
Last Friday as I was walking home from the bus stop, I passed (literally) over 50 red breasted robins, 5 blue jays, and 7 cardinals. My walk is only about a quarter mile or so. I could have sworn that Spring had come early, what with the 60 degree weather; then it dropped back down into the 30s. I maintain that Winter just wanted a good laugh...
Anywho, this week has been rather pleasant.
Last weekend I went to the National Zoo and payed a visit to the giant pandas, big cats, baby gorilla, and other animals there. Since the weather was nice, it was a very enjoyable experience to walk around and visit the furry residents; plus, as it's winter, not everyone thinks of visit the zoo on their weekends off, so there were few crowds blocking my up-close encounters with the animal kingdom. I also finally figured out the bus route that takes me to the local Giant grocery store. It's actually pretty easy as the stop is right in front of the store. Other than that all, I mainly spent the rest of my time off doing things around the house that needed to get done, like summer applications (I got an offer to staff a project in Antigua) and laundry. Not a barrel of fun, but necessary.
This week at work has been interesting. Lots of research, learned to use the coolest scanner ever (this was a lot more interesting than it sounds), and recently have been researching a whole bunch of other stuff to see what documetns are out there. I'm really not allowed to go into any great detail about what I'm doing at work though. Just know that what I'm doing is in fact much more interesting than I can tell you. Additionally, I've been conducting personal verbal interviews with some of the BLM staffers during the past 2 weeks. Basically, this is part of the educational side of my internship, where I get to ask questions about how people got into the positions that they're in. It's amazing how many job possibilities the government has to offer to people with archaeology/anthropology degrees. And I've only been exposed to the BLM so far!!!
Otherwise, a few more things have happened. I scheduled my GRE testing for April 9th. Hopefully this time I'll be a bit more prepared. I also joined a gym, which has been fabulous in the mornings... well, as fantastic as waking up at 5:30 to get a workout in can be. And, I'm officially moving into my real office space tomorrow! No more 2ft of desk space!!!
Anywho, this week has been rather pleasant.
Last weekend I went to the National Zoo and payed a visit to the giant pandas, big cats, baby gorilla, and other animals there. Since the weather was nice, it was a very enjoyable experience to walk around and visit the furry residents; plus, as it's winter, not everyone thinks of visit the zoo on their weekends off, so there were few crowds blocking my up-close encounters with the animal kingdom. I also finally figured out the bus route that takes me to the local Giant grocery store. It's actually pretty easy as the stop is right in front of the store. Other than that all, I mainly spent the rest of my time off doing things around the house that needed to get done, like summer applications (I got an offer to staff a project in Antigua) and laundry. Not a barrel of fun, but necessary.
This week at work has been interesting. Lots of research, learned to use the coolest scanner ever (this was a lot more interesting than it sounds), and recently have been researching a whole bunch of other stuff to see what documetns are out there. I'm really not allowed to go into any great detail about what I'm doing at work though. Just know that what I'm doing is in fact much more interesting than I can tell you. Additionally, I've been conducting personal verbal interviews with some of the BLM staffers during the past 2 weeks. Basically, this is part of the educational side of my internship, where I get to ask questions about how people got into the positions that they're in. It's amazing how many job possibilities the government has to offer to people with archaeology/anthropology degrees. And I've only been exposed to the BLM so far!!!
Otherwise, a few more things have happened. I scheduled my GRE testing for April 9th. Hopefully this time I'll be a bit more prepared. I also joined a gym, which has been fabulous in the mornings... well, as fantastic as waking up at 5:30 to get a workout in can be. And, I'm officially moving into my real office space tomorrow! No more 2ft of desk space!!!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
MLK Weekend
So started the week with a wonderful 3 day weekend.
Went into China town with Jason on Saturday and then headed up his direction back on the red line. Met his cutie boyfriend, Dan, and a bunch of his housemates; it was nice to spend some time with people my age! Haha! Not that anything is wrong with the other folks I've met this past week. Oh, and I learned a new game: Banana-Grams which is like a personal, speed scrabble game. Quality, kosher fun!
Then spent my day Sunday sending out emails to programs for this summer after updating my resume. While I was expecting a bunch of rejections just based on the fact that a lot of programs have set staff from the get go, I have received a couple of positive emails back from some really cool programs around the globe. Keep your fingers crossed that at least one of them works out for me, kids! Oh, and as you know, I'm kind of an expert at keeping my options wide open, so in the next month I'm also going to send in some internship applications for this summer too. There are a bunch of paid archaeology jobs with the Dept. of the Interior Bureaus out West for the summer which look like they could be a good option; so, I figure why not at least send in an application or two and see what happens!
Yesterday was a good day too. Daddy came down for the day and we checked out the National Museum of Crime and Punishment. It was interesting and lot like the Spy Museum (which conveniently was just down the street): lots of personal bios, weird torture device, criminal's guns, and strange memorabilia from every which time period throughout the USA's history (ex. Salem witch trials, wild west, mob and gangsters of prohibition, and serial killers from the 60's). A bit morbid? Yes. Fascinating? Indeed! And it was super nice to spend the day with mi padre. We even had an adventure trying to find lunch (which is surprisingly hard in downtown D.C. on a federal holiday). We ended up in downtown Silver Springs which is a sort happening place. It's was nice to finally get down that direction.
Anyway, it was back to work today, which wasn't so bad, despite an early morning bus fiasco. I ended up on a 17 bus, instead of an 18, and was driven to the Silver Spring metro station instead of Takoma. It was probably really good that I ended downtown yesterday or else I would have had a serious panic attack once I realized I was driving away from where I was planning to go!!! But, everything worked out, and now I have options in terms of which station I choose to go to in the morning.
This week is looking like it will be a good one. I have an appointment to go check out a gym by my office tomorrow night and bunch of cool things planned at work this week too. I'm really happy here, and it nice to finally feel like I'm settling in.
Went into China town with Jason on Saturday and then headed up his direction back on the red line. Met his cutie boyfriend, Dan, and a bunch of his housemates; it was nice to spend some time with people my age! Haha! Not that anything is wrong with the other folks I've met this past week. Oh, and I learned a new game: Banana-Grams which is like a personal, speed scrabble game. Quality, kosher fun!
Then spent my day Sunday sending out emails to programs for this summer after updating my resume. While I was expecting a bunch of rejections just based on the fact that a lot of programs have set staff from the get go, I have received a couple of positive emails back from some really cool programs around the globe. Keep your fingers crossed that at least one of them works out for me, kids! Oh, and as you know, I'm kind of an expert at keeping my options wide open, so in the next month I'm also going to send in some internship applications for this summer too. There are a bunch of paid archaeology jobs with the Dept. of the Interior Bureaus out West for the summer which look like they could be a good option; so, I figure why not at least send in an application or two and see what happens!
Yesterday was a good day too. Daddy came down for the day and we checked out the National Museum of Crime and Punishment. It was interesting and lot like the Spy Museum (which conveniently was just down the street): lots of personal bios, weird torture device, criminal's guns, and strange memorabilia from every which time period throughout the USA's history (ex. Salem witch trials, wild west, mob and gangsters of prohibition, and serial killers from the 60's). A bit morbid? Yes. Fascinating? Indeed! And it was super nice to spend the day with mi padre. We even had an adventure trying to find lunch (which is surprisingly hard in downtown D.C. on a federal holiday). We ended up in downtown Silver Springs which is a sort happening place. It's was nice to finally get down that direction.
Anyway, it was back to work today, which wasn't so bad, despite an early morning bus fiasco. I ended up on a 17 bus, instead of an 18, and was driven to the Silver Spring metro station instead of Takoma. It was probably really good that I ended downtown yesterday or else I would have had a serious panic attack once I realized I was driving away from where I was planning to go!!! But, everything worked out, and now I have options in terms of which station I choose to go to in the morning.
This week is looking like it will be a good one. I have an appointment to go check out a gym by my office tomorrow night and bunch of cool things planned at work this week too. I'm really happy here, and it nice to finally feel like I'm settling in.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Almost done week one.
So, ex-secretary Rumsfeld and I apparently get to work at the same time. We've exchanged pleasantries 3 days in a row now. He apparently likes trench coats and hats.
...That's all I've got on that topic.
Otherwise, I jumped feet first into some NAGPRA stuff today. It's exciting to actually know what people are talking about. I'm learning a lot, and I feel like I actually have some valid questions now. So, work is going well. I'm not exactly sure how much I can write about on here, but just know that I'm a happy camper.
Oh, and I made a buddy on the bus today and befriended the security desk lady.
Things are good.
...That's all I've got on that topic.
Otherwise, I jumped feet first into some NAGPRA stuff today. It's exciting to actually know what people are talking about. I'm learning a lot, and I feel like I actually have some valid questions now. So, work is going well. I'm not exactly sure how much I can write about on here, but just know that I'm a happy camper.
Oh, and I made a buddy on the bus today and befriended the security desk lady.
Things are good.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
My fresh start in D.C.
So, I moved into my new abode on Saturday, started work Monday, and am already half way through my 1st week at the BLM! Things are going well. I have public transportation pretty down pat already, made friends with the house dog, checked out the Department of the Interior, walked by the White house, bonded with my awesome anthropologist housemate, went to a WAPA Christmas party, and am getting to know my super cool new boss pretty well. I'm liking my time in Washington so far, and I know there's a ton more to come. Now, I just have to finish up being processed into the system at work so that I can get my schedule pretty set. And find a gym. But these things come with time...
Also, I'm restarting my preparations for the GRE! Take2 is going to be so much better, and I have a study plan already in place to help keep me focused. I'm thinking about taking the test in April, which gives me about 2.5 months to prepare. If I really crack down and study every day, I should be more than good!
Other than all that, I'm just continuing to get settled here. I think I'm going to see my buddy, Jase, this weekend, and he'll be able to show me the city a bit more.
So, so far I'm loving D.C.; let's hope it stays that way.
Also, I'm restarting my preparations for the GRE! Take2 is going to be so much better, and I have a study plan already in place to help keep me focused. I'm thinking about taking the test in April, which gives me about 2.5 months to prepare. If I really crack down and study every day, I should be more than good!
Other than all that, I'm just continuing to get settled here. I think I'm going to see my buddy, Jase, this weekend, and he'll be able to show me the city a bit more.
So, so far I'm loving D.C.; let's hope it stays that way.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
I'm no longer homeless!
I have a place to live! I will be moving in with a fellow Anthropologist just north of the city on Saturday. I'm super excited; my room has a separate office, there are 2 baths for 2 people, and she has the cutest dog ever.
I think this is going to be an enjoyable living situation for the next 4.5 months.
I think this is going to be an enjoyable living situation for the next 4.5 months.
Friday, January 1, 2010
2010
Happy New Years, Kiddos!!! Looks like 2010 is going to be an interesting year (seeing as past May, I have zero concrete plans other than applying to graduate programs next fall), so let's hope it's also going to be fantastic! I'm a hopeful kitten.
And, in the spirit of the new digits, I have very non-creatively come up with a list of resolutions for 2010. They are as follows:
1)Send out the most amazing graduate school applications possible, meaning (hopefully) undeniable acceptance to a world class Masters/PhD program.
2)Start running seriously/train for at least a half marathon this year (though preferably a full marathon, as it seems so much more bad ass). This also means working out at least 4x a week.
3)Get my motorcycling certification.
4)Take a daily multi-vitamin.
5)Lose 10lbs by bikini season (which should be easy with all the running).
6)Stick to a $50/week food budget until the end of May (out of pure necessity/practicality). We'll see how possible this is once I get to D.C.
7)READ MORE. I think this can be accomplished by not having a TV in my bedroom. I hear that removing the TV from the bedroom can also improve my sleep quality. And, I think it will be significantly easier to get book time in now that I don't have homework assignments!!!
8)Don't touch my saving account for anything other that career furthering activities (i.e. travel expenses, graduate school application fees, necessary dig gear, etc.).
9)Drink more water, meaning copious amounts of H2O and multiple liters on a daily basis.
10)Fold my laundry within 24hrs of it coming out of the drier/Do my dishes with in 24hrs of using them.
BONUS:
11)Jump out of an airplane. (If this doesn't get completed this year, I won't be too surprised; but as it is on my bucket list, I figure it's worth at least trying to get it done sooner rather than later.)
I'm looking forward to making this year my best one yet, or at the very least, the start of a beautiful adulthood. Haha!
And, in the spirit of the new digits, I have very non-creatively come up with a list of resolutions for 2010. They are as follows:
1)Send out the most amazing graduate school applications possible, meaning (hopefully) undeniable acceptance to a world class Masters/PhD program.
2)Start running seriously/train for at least a half marathon this year (though preferably a full marathon, as it seems so much more bad ass). This also means working out at least 4x a week.
3)Get my motorcycling certification.
4)Take a daily multi-vitamin.
5)Lose 10lbs by bikini season (which should be easy with all the running).
6)Stick to a $50/week food budget until the end of May (out of pure necessity/practicality). We'll see how possible this is once I get to D.C.
7)READ MORE. I think this can be accomplished by not having a TV in my bedroom. I hear that removing the TV from the bedroom can also improve my sleep quality. And, I think it will be significantly easier to get book time in now that I don't have homework assignments!!!
8)Don't touch my saving account for anything other that career furthering activities (i.e. travel expenses, graduate school application fees, necessary dig gear, etc.).
9)Drink more water, meaning copious amounts of H2O and multiple liters on a daily basis.
10)Fold my laundry within 24hrs of it coming out of the drier/Do my dishes with in 24hrs of using them.
BONUS:
11)Jump out of an airplane. (If this doesn't get completed this year, I won't be too surprised; but as it is on my bucket list, I figure it's worth at least trying to get it done sooner rather than later.)
I'm looking forward to making this year my best one yet, or at the very least, the start of a beautiful adulthood. Haha!
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