Here's to pearls, lumen gentium, branding, and recess (confessions of a major dork)

I am rapidly approaching the end of my time here. This experience has been incredible, there's a lot to be said for walking past the Supreme Court on the way to work every day. But a retrospective will be coming in a week or so, but right now let me catch up on what I have been doing since my last post.

Last week the race to the finish line for the senate. If you haven't heard (which I sincerely hope you have) on Thursday night they confirmed Sotomayor as a supreme court justice in a bipartisan vote and she was sworn in (right down the street from me) on Saturday. The senate also gave more money to CARS aka Cash for Clunkers. In addition to witnessing these events and the insanity that is preparing to go back home and talk about health care I also got to sit on the senate floor for awhile and watch the magic and witnessed 'press time' which is when a member of congress does a call or two with reporters from home and they get to ask questions to use in stories, and get sound clips for radio. As a total PR nerd I loved it.

Kathy also came to visit this weekend. We went to the American History Smithsonian. I fulfilled my life long dream to see JACQUELINE KENNEDY'S PEARLS!!!!! And also in the exhibit I learned what my future roles as First Lady will be: campaigner, hostess, public advocate, and public face. Basically all of my favorite things.

There was also a wall dedicated to how a First Lady donating a dress to the collection became a staged media event to promote the First Lady and the Smithsonian (combining all things that I love).

I also saw Julia Child's kitchen and Dorothy's ruby slippers and a few Stratvarius violins.

Fun fact: Polo Ralph Lauren sponsors the showcase of the Star-Spangled Banner... can you say perfect name placement for a company that brands itself as the definition of American style!

I also ventured to eastern market, another thing I will really miss about this city.

On Sunday, several other people and I went to Catholic University of America for mass at the Basillica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. I had been there before, but it is always a great time. After mass we went on a tour. My favorite facts: 1. The back wall of the church has artwork inspired by Lumen Gentium, my fave VII document 2.The Society of Jesus donated the portion of the church where the Joyful mysteries of the Rosary are depicted (my fave order and my fave mysteries!!)

This week is my last full week here. In fact at this time next week I will probably be packing and crying. Recess is now in full swing. Basically that means we can wear jeans (it's seriously like having a free dress day at a catholic school) and get out at 5 so I can watch gilmore girls (hey, it's the simple things in life!).

I'll try to add some photos later... currently the internet is a little too weak to do so.

Also *WITH AN OPEN MIND* take a look at the new website the White House has put together to help Americans understand Health Care reform. Despite popular belief we are NOT going to a socialized single-payer plan like Canada. And these changes will help everyone, but if you like your health care you're not going to have switch providers. http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/ And obama did a great job at his town hall describing health care reform today, so if you missed it be sure to find some clips online.