Week 3

This week has been a time for adjustment. I am adjusting to waking up early and going to bed late, adjusting to wearing buttondown shirts and ties, and I am adjusting to life within a cubicle. This melodramatic description may imply that I am not enjoying my time, but to the contrary I am--it's just a transition to a new lifestyle. I am also adjusting to the fast-paced, high intensity workplace that the EPA is proving to be. I know many of you may be reading this questioning the integrity of my words, but in fact I find myself running around to keep up most of the time. There are so many important issues that the EPA (even within only a single division) must address--it's a wonder it all gets done.

Already my internship has been rewarding. I came into this program with an interest in environmental policy, but admittedly there was a lot I didn’t know. In my internship I have been given the opportunity to research and listen in on discussions regarding current environmental health issues. In fact, I have learned about issues that I didn’t even realize existed. Certainly I am doing some clerical work, but I really don’t notice. Everything has a purpose, and because my supervisor ensures that I am involved in everything, I get to see the fruits of my labor in setting up meetings and sending out emails. Who knows maybe there will be a Secretary’s Day gift in it for me as well?

My cubic home away from home

With everything going on at the EPA, during the week I can sometimes forget about all the excitement that is taking place beyond our headquarters. As soon as the weekends arrive, however, I'm loaded with opportunities for adventure all over the city. Sadly, this weekend I was somewhat limited by a self-inflicted injury.

Early Saturday morning my roommates and I were all ready to seize the day and explore some of what the capital has to offer. Living on the Red Line of the Metro can cause some delays, on the weekends especially, so when we found out that there was a train coming in as we exited the apartment complex we decided to run. At the time this seemed like a good idea, as I didn’t want to be stuck waiting 30 minutes for the decrepit Red Line train to come teetering in (admitedly, the views expressed here may be an exaggeration of sorts).

As I descended the stairs of the underground segway that crossed the street leading to the Metro Station I quickly realized the error of my judgment. I would like to take this opportunity to note that I have achieved some respectable athletic accomplishments in my life, but I do need to acknowledge that I have only done so despite an at times literally crippling lack of coordination. Being six foot thee since the age of 13, I always had growth spurts as a handy excuse, but now many years have passed and I still have not managed to reign in this abundance of limbs I call a body. To end a painful story, my ankle kind of collapsed and I fell down the stairs.

The damage...kinda looks like a hobbit foot

For some reason I was determined to continue with the day as planned. Thus, I stuck it out and lurched through the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, the National Archives, an Ethiopian-inspired dinner (not as exotic a taste as it may sounds), and a trip to one of the local Jazz Clubs. All in all I had a great day and was happy that I pushed through my injury. We got to experience a lot of the culture and history that is housed here in DC. I just hope that my limp did not slow down my roommates too much.

Eating Ethiopian food, everyone eats from the same bowl/pit/blob

It was a long day, a good day though, except for some minor injuries to my ankle and pride

The injury was barely a blemish on my week and overall things were still great! Needless to say I spent Sunday icing and elevating my leg in hopes of a speedy recovery. I will keep my figures crossed that my foot will fit into my shoes on Monday!

Until next week…if I make it…