the tomorrow so many have waited for is finally here

I think it finally hit me yesterday when I was driving back into the District from running errands in Virginia. When I was stuck in traffic amidst people from all over the country, I realized that this really is history in the making. And I'm here for it. Who knew that the reason I didn't want to move here- the fact that DC is the nation's government center- would allow me to view and be a part of history. While every Presidential Inauguration is an important part of United States history, I feel like this Inauguration is an important part of World History. It makes me excited to see Americans from all different backgrounds supporting Barack, but it makes me even more excited to see people from across the world supporting our new leader. Take a look at this photo album posted on the New York Times website.

Tomorrow is here.

I have a friend. Her name is Sasha.

So I'll start with the big news first... Santa brought me a puppy! I left for Denver to visit a friend on Dec. 21st (more on that later) and when I came home on Christmas Eve, there was a furry friend waiting for me. I'm still not sure if now is the perfect time for a puppy, but does "the perfect time" actually exist? She's a Shih Tzu poodle mix and is currently 3 pounds. As my neighbor said, "all puppies are cute, but she's adorable!" She gets lots of attention when we go on walks around the neighborhood.

While Sasha was the highlight of Winter Break, there were many other exciting happenings. I was able to stop in Chapel Hill on my way home and visit with some of my best college friends. As always, it was good to be in the place I called home for four years. My extended family got together for lunch at my cousin's house. I got many hugs from my cousin's daughter, Sam. And Sam got me a Christmas present!- a pink unicorn like hers for me to sleep with. :) It may have been my 2nd favorite present.

The day after our family luncheon, I flew out to Denver. This was a semi-last minute trip that could not have worked out better. My friend Rachel's parents moved to Denver this summer and her family invited me to come stay for a couple days over break. I'd never been to Colorado, so I was so excited for the opportunity to see that part of the country. We could see the Rockies from a park near her house! We spent time lounging around, exploring downtown via light rail, visiting crafty stores in Boulder, and we even went to the Nutcracker! Rachel and I met at UNC at Convocation and spent alot of time together during our college winter breaks. It wouldn't have felt like the holidays if I hadn't been able to see her.

I came back to DC on the 28th and had to return to work on the 29th... I spent this last week training the students who work at the front desks of the residence halls. It was a draining and stressful week so Sasha and I will probably lounge around this weekend watching movies... and probably will take a trip to Petco- she sure chews up her toys while I'm gone during the day!

Happy (belated) New Year!

Much love,

Michelle & Sash

snowflakes... real and fake

I'm in the process of creating my own winter wonderland, complete with paper snowflakes and twinkle lights. :) And while I love my wintery creation, I loved yesterday's real snow even more! Yes, SNOW!!! It stuck to the rooftops of cars for maybe an hour and then all evidence of the wonderful white fluff was gone. Hopefully there is more to come.

This past week was quite busy. The online package system experienced what one of the Desk Coordinators called an "Epic Fail". Thus, I spent many hours emailing residents to notify them that "there is currently a package addressed to you at the front desk of such-and-such hall". Sometimes I wonder what will happen when the entire Internet crashes. We'll have to read books, talk to people face-to-face, and go to the store to make purchases.

I'm very thankful for the Christmas season this year. I still haven't made many friends in DC, so it's good for me to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. And while friends and family are an important part of the Christmas tradition, they are not the reason we celebrate. HE is.

baby, it's cold outside.

Now that I've made that the title of the post, clearly I want to listen to the song. And then I'll want to watch Elf. Sometimes I feel like I'm stuck in my own version of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.

I wore my winter coat for the first time today! I knew I bought that coat on sale at Gap in the middle of Spring for some reason. I'm so glad I have it now. I think I may even wear gloves tomorrow. I look ridiculous when I walk into work with my coat, scarf, gloves, and boots. I may not look stylish, but at least I'm warm!

This week I'm conducting interviews for new Desk Receptionists. Only half of the current receptionists are returning, so I'm looking to hire as many as 20 new ones. It's quite a chore to review applications, hold interviews, and then make decisions on who to hire. Not only that, but we're already preparing for summer conferences. Right now I'm just trying to make sure the residence hall desks are running smoothly and that we have enough students working to keep them open (AU desks stay open 24 hours a day- which is very different from Carolina).

I feel like my two greatest challenges at work are: a) having enough time to get everything done and b) finding my place in the social scene. I continue to learn that things eventually get done even though it's hard to see that when the list never ends. But as far as the social aspect- I feel completely lost. In college, I always had a group of people I could call to hang out with. People invited each other everywhere. While I'm sure there were cliques, I felt like there was something that tied us all together- creating a community unlike any other. To say the least, I don't feel that anymore. For a while I was getting hung up on the exclusiveness I've experienced, but I'm trying to re-orient myself, gain a new perspective, and focus on the good.

I'm going to end this post with some photos from this weekend. My visitors always make it to the blog! Maybe one day YOU will be a featured guest on "Do Not be Wise in Your Own Eyes". :)



Rachel and Laura Beth at Busboys & Poets, a very fun restaurant/lounge/coffeeshop.








Rach and I at the Capitol building on a cold and windy day.

ever after

The title of the post is in honor of...

a) the movie I am currently watching (it's a classic!)
b) the blast from the past day I had (AIM is pretty much amazing since it keeps me in touch with former supervisors and friends that are abroad- shout out to Danielle who is in Namibia!)
c) the wedding pictures I am about to post (congratulations to my married-for-almost-a-month friend Ashton!)

Reunited at last! (me,
Ashton- freshman year roommate,
French- freshman year suitemate)

The happy couple at the

Rehearsal Dinner!

The beautiful country

church where they
were married. What a
perfect October day!

Bridesmaids having fun
with the bride at
the reception!!!

I loved being in North Carolina and would love to take another trip soon, but I know that I cannot have a life here in DC if I'm always traveling to NC. I don't know how to compose my thoughts on current feelings about work so I'll leave that for another day.

I'll leave you with this fun fact- UNC football is bowl eligible. And basketball season starts soon. Go heels!