happiness

Even before I read The Happiness Project, I was re-evaluating my life. I have lots of awesome things going on in my life, but sometimes I forgot to be happy. I really believe that you have to work at being truly happy. Because it's easy to get caught up in our lives and forget to actually enjoy life. I'm in a scary, new place on the opposite side of the US than I'm used to. Though it has been rough, but the fact that I'm pushing myself and following my dreams, I've been the most at peace with myself than I have been in awhile.  I've been thinking about what has made me really happy in the past, and this is the list I came up with.  I highly recommend it.  Just thinking of a list helps! Do it!

10 Requirements of Happiness

Michelle's Version

1. Be Michelle.

2. Just breathe.

3. You don't need to worry about every. little. thing.

4. It's OK to have fun.

5. It's impossible to make everyone happy, so just make yourself happy.

6. Do what makes you happy, even if it's not "cool."

7. Follow your dreams.

8. Be kind.

9. Forgive.

10. Have patience with others and yourself.

singles wards

I have lived in 7 singles wards in the last 6 years. I was at BYU when they changed "BYU YSA" to just "YSA."  And I was present today for the reconfiguration of the Colonial boundaries. There were tears. There was heartbreak. There was joy. Above all, there was anticipation.
Interesting things, singles wards.
Interesting enough to write a poem, Michelle?
Yes.


Take a breath, take a program
And walk through the door
Take a seat, take a look
Eyes shift nervously to the floor

Gotta wear my cutest outfit today
Gotta make sure they don't think I'm cray
Wear high heels so my legs look good
Can't use sarcasm so I'm not misunderstood

Anticipate the ward menu
Take notice of a select few
Roommates make bets on who to date
Hope that you are not too late.

Look forward to Sunday to talk to a boy
Catch his eye and act real coy
Drop a number and a hint
If he buys it, then you're mint.

FHE then can be tricky
Score a bad group and it can be icky.
Plan fun things to find some romance
Hoping a "brother" will give you a chance.

Then there are the dances with the shifty eyes
Avoiding the dancing alone guys
Stand in a circle and step side-to-side
During a slow dance you "go to the bathroom" to hide.

Let us also consider the odds.
Competing with the other broads.
Two to one just isn't fair.
We need more men around, I swear!

Don't get me wrong, they are pretty fun,
A good way to try and find the One.
But sometimes I want to step back and see
If it would be less crazy to work in primary.

Books as of late

One perk from being graduated is the opportunity to read for fun. It's nice to be able to read on the metro. I have a list a mile long, so it's a about time I got to it!
I'm reading a book right now called The Happiness Project, by Gretchen Rubin.  This woman set goals to be happier for a year.  She wasn't necessarily unhappy before, but she realized that she wasn't as happy as she could be. This is a perfect time for me to be reading this book since I, too, am working on not worrying about the little things and finding happiness where I am at in life.  I recommend finding your own methods of finding happiness, ones that fit to you, but reading this book is good inspiration. What I love about it is the fact that she is trying to "Be Gretchen."  I'm just trying to "Be Michelle," no matter what. Not "What-other-people-want Michelle" or "People-pleaser Michelle." Just Michelle. My mom read it and sent it to me, so we have a new mantra of just doing what makes us happy. Because why not?

I also read The Perks of Being a Wallflower, since I saw the movie first (totally against my beliefs of reading before movie, but whatever). The book is very sad, but well-written.  Some of my friends read it in high school and I was thinking "why the heck did they let kids read this in high school?" just because it's a little intense and so think about that before you pass it along to your child.

I also read How the Garcia Girls Lost their Accents, by Julia Alvarez.  I also just read In the Time of the Butterflies, by the same author, which was one of my recent favorite books.  Garcia Girls wasn't too bad, either. If you're in to Central/South American history, look these ones up.

If you want to discuss any of these books or if you are in need of any suggestions, I am here and ready for ya!
Go read something today :)

Bureau of Engraving and Printing and NMAH

What I love about working at the Ripley Center is the fact that I have access to 3 museums/galleries without even leaving the building (shhh, secret tunnels...).  So during my lunch breaks, I have been venturing underground to the different sections, a bit at a time. Thursday, I went to the Freer Gallery, where they have mostly Asian art.

The Peacock Room was my favorite--click here for the interesting story behind the room

Yesterday I learned how money was made, which was probably not the smartest thing to do right now seeing as I am unemployed and in need of money. It's hard to not have income and see that they make $64,000,000 in bills a day.  Why don't they just donate some to me? Huh? Come on, I'd totally help with pumping it back into the economy (a trip to the mall, anyone?). No? Ok.

The tour was short, since it's pretty straight forward how they make money. Coding and coloring to make sure no one duplicates our bills. Special paper. Franklin on one, Jackson on the other. A guy working the last machine--that does the final cutting and packaging--held a stack of bills up and a sign that said "$100,000" (the sign was because we were behind glass). Thanks a lot, man, way to just wave it in my face!

I then walked across the mall to the National Museum of American History. I think that this is my favorite museum and it has my favorite object from the Smithsonian: The Star-Spangled Banner. I get goosebumps every time I see it! Some other highlights from this museum are: Dorothy's shoes from the yellow brick road scene in "The Wizard of Oz," Elphaba's dress from the musical "Wicked," one of the first telephones, and Kermit the Frog.  They currently have a special exhibit about the Emancipation Proclamation and black rights and they have the counter where the sit-ins happened at Greensboro. 

The Star-Spangled Banner room

Hi-hoy, Kermit the Frog here!

A copy of the Declaration of Independence and Jefferson's desk where he drafted the declaration

Counter from Greensboro sit-ins

piece of the LDS Nauvoo Temple--we love Mormons!

defying gravity

records-->tape players-->walkmans-->iPods

Last night, Taryn and I saw "The Hobbit" on IMAX at the Air and Space Museum. I've already seen it, but it was cool to see it on the HUGE screen and to be at the Air and Space after hours ("Night at the Museum"-esque). 

I'd say that the Smithsonian has been treating me well this week! :)

inauguration/MLK Jr Day 2013

I was looking up trips to take to leave the DC area on this crazy weekend where thousands of people will flock to the mall for inauguration.  But then I realized that I am living in DC during an inauguration, so when in Rome...Some of us were thinking of going early for standing room, but then Taryn and I happened upon tickets for behind the reflecting pool and it all worked out swimmingly!

Where Taryn and I stood in the cold for 5 hours

It was a very cold and long wait, but Taryn and I were (over)prepared with snacks and games. It was a great experience and I'm glad that I had the opportunity to go--even though I was a bit out of place without any Obama paraphernalia. 

early morning sun glare

SO many people

good spot!

I was REAALLY excited for Beyonce. Who else can be asked to sing for a presidential inauguration and be cool enough to only have their first name on the program? We all know her last name(s).  But you only need her first.  Seriously, people started to walk away after the swear-in, but then they stopped and turned around and said, "Wait. Beyonce hasn't sung, yet. We have to stay for Beyonce." 

James Taylor and Kelly Clarkson also performed and that was awesome, too.  The kids choir that performed before it started was so darling and one of my favorite parts of the day.

the POTUS is there. can you see him? yeah, neither could I haha

As you can tell, it was a bit crowded, so Taryn and I stayed in the city for lunch so the metro lines would die down. We went to Nandos for my first time since moving here! So many memories with that place. #londonwinter2010forever

The coolest part about my inaugural inauguration experience was turning around from facing the Capitol and seeing a sea of American flags. I love being an American. I hope we never forget how lucky we are to have a country such as ours.

making friends and scones

This weekend has been so fun!
Friday night, I went to the Kennedy Center, where they put on free shows at their Millennium Stage at 6, 365 days a year. Friday night, the Poor Old Shine was playing.  They are a fun and talented Americana/folksy group that is along the lines of Mumford and Sons and that I possibly like more than Mumford and Sons, but don't tell anyone. (I feel like I should like Mumford and Sons, I really do, but I'm looking forward to more variety than banjo build-up to angry shout-singing--help me out here, boys)
Anywayssss.
This is the best I could find on the Tube of a favorite.

Afterwards, we went back to Artfully Chocolate in Del Ray.  Holy moly, I love that place. The Marilyn converted me to white chocolate.
Go. There.
Then the evening proceeded to birthday party hoppin.  Again, more making friends tactics.

Saturday morning, I joined the group of my new friends, Marjorie and Joe, called The Greatness Initiative Social Club (GISC) to do service at the Points of Light service event in honor of MLK day.  We put together kits for our troops abroad.  The Director of Homeland Security, Mrs. Napolitano, was a speaker and I got to shake her hand!

my lovely roommate, Taryn, and Isis and Napolitano 
(stole this from Taryn cuz I didn't get a picture)

We went through the lines a couple of times and the last time we went, there was a huge crowd at one of the tables. I soon realized that it was VP Joe Biden making kits! Uh, I've only been here for 16 days and I have already seen the VP of America.

all I could think of was "Parks and Rec," when Leslie Knope fulfills her lifelong dream of meeting Joe Biden

But the most important figure I met was...wait for it...I know you're excited.....
Bullseye, the Target dog!!! I KNOW!!! BE JEALOUS!!

But, honestly, I didn't know that these people/dogs would be there and I am so glad that I had the opportunity to serve the men and women who help keep America safe. Thanks to Marjorie and Joe for letting me participate! #supportourtroops

I tried out Potbelly, which is a local sandwich joint that one of my roommates highly suggested to me when I moved here. I was not disappointed!

Last night, Taryn and I had a hot cocoa and scones party at our house. Neither of us had made scones before, but they were a hit! 

Taryn made Orange Almond Scones and I made Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones (added the chocolate chips, of course) and Strawberry Lemonade Scones.  They were all pretty easy to make and they were so yummy!!

Add some hot cider and cocoa with the mixins and a fire pit out back, and you have yourself a party!

blurry backyard

Have a great Sabbath, y'all!

Oregonian

Yesterday was super humid. The rain clouds came out and it did something to the air that, I dunno, made it thick. I was excited about the familiar rain, but as I sat on the Metro, I realized that I was the only one without a coat on. NOT used to humidity.

West coaster at heart (and body).

Museum-ing

Since I work for the Smithsonian, I figured it would be a good idea to see all of their museums while I'm here. Good idea, right?

I started last week during my lunch break. I work in the same building as one of the museums, so I skipped on over there (I didn't skip, that's weird).  They are the Freer and Sackler galleries, which consist of mostly Asian exhibits. It's a good museum for a lunch break cuz it's small and I saw most of what I wanted within a half and hour.  For more info on that museum, go here. 

Friday night, since I have no friends, yet, and I don't want to sit by myself at home, I went to the National Portrait Gallery.  This one has the portraits of all of the US presidents, which is pretty cool, along with portraits of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young.  There I was, walking along the hall, when I turn the corner and think, "That looks like Joseph Smith!....It IS Joseph Smith!"  So that was a cool surprise.  The labels for the portraits were a little...weird...but cool to have those pieces in the National Portrait Gallery! I think it was a really cool museum for the pictures of famous early Americans.  

(c/o NPG)

The Great Hall in the NPG--used to be the biggest room in America.

The modern art section wasn't TOO strange, except for a piece that I really truly thought was a real woman sitting at a table, like she was just resting from walking around.  It creeped me out when I figured out she was fake. I just stood there and looked sideways at her and was frozen in fear.  Then I almost ran into the big wooden horse next to her. I like to play it cool in public places.

A really cool/artsy picture of Abe. He's my fav.
(c/o NPG)

They also had an exhibit about Amelia Earhart.  I like her because she seems like she was a woman of gumption.  

(c/o NPG)

Then this week, I ventured over to the Museum of African Art.  I was wanting to go here because of an exhibit I had been promoting from Lalla Essaydi, who has an exhibit of women with beautiful colors and writing all around them.  I thought most of the exhibit was very beautiful (there is a section for adults only that you should avoid...).

(c/o NMAA)

A supervisor of some other interns that I met my first day asks her interns every day, "And what did you learn today?"  Every day, I'm not only learning more about my job itself, but about all other things.  I learned the other day that out of the 800 species of fireflies, only 80 actually have glowing butts.  Who knew?  I also learned at the African Art Museum that Walt Disney was an avid African art collector and he donated his large collection to the Smithsonian.  It is now on display and I was able to see it.  Who knew?  I think that's what I like most about working for the Smithsonian--I love to learn and I love to help others learn.  It's a pretty nice fit, I'd say!

So if I haven't bored you with my geeking out about museums and learning, stay tuned while I try out the other museums around DC!

Old Town Alexandria

I have been having a fun time exploring my new home here in Alexandria. It is just how my romantic mind imagined the east coast to look. The homes in my area are straight from movies about the Civil War and the old town is historic and adorable. I mean, I live in a city where George Washington lived before he was president. This is where the Union swept down on the Confederates. I'm surrounded by history and it is so cool.
Today I walked down Old Town to see the cute shops. I found a bookstore and a cupcake shop, so I'm set :) I'm an easy one to please.

Waterfront walk along the Potomac

King St Trolley

George Washington Masonic Temple

Week One

It has been a busy busy week! I am loving the city and I have found my groove (for the most part...maybe it's more like an awkward slow dance at a middle school dance).  Either way, I know where I work, I know where I sleep, and I know where to get food.  That's not a bad start.
Every day is exciting. There is so much to do here (that is freeee).  And the people are so nice. The only way I can describe these people is that they are really hard-working, but you know how hard-working people can act like stiffs? Well, everyone is hard-working and NOT stiff here.  We just enjoy life and we work hard at the same time.
I've had the chance to meander around where I live, and the city is exactly how I imagined the east coast to look like.  Quaint little (and not so little) symmetrical brick houses that look just like they came from George Washington's neighborhood.
Everyone I've met has a really cool job and I'm learning so much at my internship and I hope that soon I can figure out what I want to do with my life post-internship.

lunch break--yeah, I work on the Mall!

roommates and I tried out the new burger place in our neighborhood, Holy Cow. It was really good!  Bonus: they donate $0.25 to a local charity of your choice. Good food and good feelings!

Join me on this adventure of discovery of myself and my future in this fantastic new place! -MEE

Day One

Hello from the Nation's capitol! Everything has gone smoothly and my house is super cute and I am excited to get to know this city!
My first full day here was yesterday and so I explored downtown.  My fam and I visited a couple of years ago, and that definitely set me up for my move.  Also, dependency on public transportation in London has helped me out, too.  So far, so good!
I walked along the mall all afternoon and took a progression of pictures that I sent to my parents with captions that I thought were clever. Heh heh. Here are some of those along with extras.  #sorrynotsorry about the awkward selfies.

waiting to be picked up at Ronald Reagan

Smithsonian Castle

where I will work

across the street!

potty break at Washington Monument

Oregon!

frozen reflection pool and stone cold Abe

lunch with the Obamas

view at the end of the walking tour

Well, here I am! Today I am going to tour my own new town and see what this place is all about.  I hear that George Washington used to live around here, so maybe I'll go check that out ;)