all over town!

In the past few weeks, so much has happened! Maybe if I updated more often, I could break things down a bit more :)

Work just keeps getting better and better! I have been at the UN Foundation long enough to feel like I'm part of the family now. I still love my job, and although working until 6ish is beginning to feel like a routine, I am really busy for almost the whole day all through the week! A few weeks ago, we had a cut-a-thon sponsored by a local salon, where all the proceeds went to HIV/AIDS awareness for women in Africa. My boss, Amy, and I went to check it out and make sure everything was going smoothly (classic public affairs), and we decided to get our hair cut for the cause... When I was done and was waiting for Amy to finish getting her hair cut, the stylist who cut my hair came over to me and told me that they were having a photo shoot at the end of October and asked me if I would consider modeling for it!

The shoot actually took place last Sunday, and it was amazing! My hair was crazy, some parts curly, some parts straight, pulled into an updo with bits sticking out everywhere and big silver bobby pins. The makeup was even crazier: big dark eyes and blood red lips, kate moss-style. My shoot was really edgy, textured and industrial. I know it sounds really weird. I should be getting a CD with the pictures soon.

On a more intellectual note, I've been going to a Smithsonian museum almost every weekend. I've been to the National Zoo, the American History museum, the Natural History museum, the Hirshorn Modern Art galleries, and the National Galleries. The great thing is that there's always more to see! I'm also interested in visiting some of the other, less mainstream art museums around town...

Kelly, Dave and Mom and Dad visited me on three consecutive weekends... It was great to see everyone. Kelly and I went out and had some of the best nights we've ever had! Dave's parents invited us to Charlie Palmer's, an amazing steak restaurant across the street from the Capitol... one of the best meals I've eaten since I've been here! It was so good to see Mom and Dad again... being away really makes me realize how fortunate I have been to have them so close all along, and it made us really miss Annika, who's having a blast in Brazil.

Another great event was seeing Jon Stewart from the Daily Show at George Washington University. I went with a friend from work, and we met some great people at the show. Jon wasn't particularly hilarious, and he did quite a bit of old material, but the experience was fun anyway!

So much more has happened... a tour of the White House, speakers at the World Bank and the Department of State, eating out all around town... but I think this is enough for now... I'll update again soon!

One more thing: I'll be home for Thanksgiving on Tuesday, November 22... See you then!