Week 13

This week can only be described as hectic. Even though I am not in the traditional college setting, I am still experiencing the traditional end of the semester overload. I must admit, though, that this is a watered-down version of what I normally go through, so ultimately I am grateful. Many things are coming to a head in these next few weeks--the portfolio, registering for classes in the fall, and final projects for class. The real difference from a normal semester is that I have to learn to deal with all my academic responsibilities while maintaining a regular full-time work schedule. This is "real world" time management--the kind that I will need to utilize if I ever allow myself to enter the "real world."

Washington D.C. has again showed me the unique opportunities that our nation's capital holds. This time I didn't heara high-ranking official speak or sit in on a Congressional hearing, but attended a concert inspiring social change. I have always read about national concerts like Live 8 or Live Earth, but never before have any of these events been close enough for me to enjoy first hand. This time, with the Earth Day Network's collaboration with Green Apple Fest, I was able to see the concert on the National Mall. It was great. I was able to get into the second row of people, granting me a great view of the stage. However, my view was at times blocked by a shield of umbrellas protruding from the dense crowd of listeners. Oh well--what is a music festival without torrential downpour and a crowd of concertgoers running to seek shelter from an electrical storm? The whole things was fun. We got to hear some great bands like OAR, and see some notable celebrities like Chevy Chase (a great honor considering one of my all time favorite holiday movies is Christmas Vacation) and Edward Norton (I don't think he has ever been in a bad movie). I happen to like the rain; it adds some more adventure to the experience.

OAR--one of the headliners for the concert. At this point the rain let up, so people put away their umbrellas and I could actually see.

CHEVY CHASE! When I saw him being blown by heavy wind and staggering on stage I thought it was a gimmick, it wasn't. As soon as he came out the electrical storm that sent us all running into the Smithsonian (which would not let us in) also come out.

Edward Norton, I don't think he has ever made a bad movie. Based on
the aggression he had in his speech I can see where he pulled from to
do Fight Club.

We are loaded with work to do at OAR (the Office of Air and Radiation now, not the band). One of our main focuses is a Global Partnership on Mercury. The technology and innovations in this field are really interesting. Whereas I am very interested in international policy it has been an invaluable lesson in the function, scope, and operation of global environmental partnerships. Right now we are working with people from the UK, India, China, Russia, and South Africa. It has been really interesting seeing how this partnership functions. The only downside is all the international meetings are taking place once I am gone; my supervisor was in Thailand a few weeks before I arrived and next winter he will be in Africa. There are meetings in Geneva and Australia as well. If only I could go to any of theses places with him--but I guess there would probably be no need for a special assistant at these meetings.

Until next week?