If it's DC, it's Becky's blog

In a spur of the moment decision during senior week I decided to book a flight to visit the one and only Liz Judy in sensational Washington, DC. My decisions regarding staying in Milwaukee verses living in DC this summer were long and tedious, full of pro/con lists and mass uncertainty.

Now it is no secret that summer in Milwaukee was not exactly what I thought I was signing up for. But that is a story for another day and time (which I assure you, ultimately has a very happy ending).

For now, let me just say that the idea of DC got me through the last 8 long weeks. And that for the next year the same thoughts of being back on Capitol Hill will get me through teaching Freshman English (not that I'm not excited for the adventures of my classroom, but let's be honest we all know where my heart is). But I had my concerns about returning to the city. What if it wasn't the same vibe I had the last time I was there? Maybe the dome of the Capitol building or the rounded roof of the Jefferson Monument no longer filled me with joy. My fears were never realized. Instead I was ecstatic to see that beautiful white dome with Freedom on the top and my heart still skipped a beat as Jefferson peaked out from across the Tidal Basin.

Friday morning, the day of my scheduled departure from MKE to DCA was one of great panic as to if my flight would even take off. Milwaukee had been hit by a great flood the night before (again people, the world is ending sooner than we think) and the airport was closed all morning. I was devastated. But luck ultimately was on my side. My flight took off on time without a hitch. Unlike the poor woman who sat next to me who had been traveling from San Diego to see her boyfriend in Baltimore for the past 2 days and got stranded in Milwaukee. (He was refusing to pick her up from the airport by the way, and asked her to take the MARC. I feel like I should have told her to dump him, but I digress...).

I made my way to the Metro (I looked kinda like a tourist for a moment, very embarrassing) and then hopped the blue line to Capitol South. Naturally I then proceeded to Good Stuff! Met Liz on the street (ala Elizabethtown) and ate to my heart's content. Spike still has it. Giuseppe also met me (and was a total gentleman and carried my vera back to 4 4th. Man for others.)

That evening I lived the life of a Hilltern once again- minus the red badge of courage. While at a local drinking establishment a man claimed he played for the Washington Wizards as a player he simply was not - don't try to claim you're a different race when you're clearly not. And you messed with the wrong girl. He dissed Lazar, I told him he missed out on a great player and walked away. Red Sox fan as well, what do you expected? Then I introduced Liz Judy to the Hawk and Dove dance floor. Nothing has changed, I am pleased to report.

On Saturday morning I woke up completely content with the world. I was so happy knowing I was in DC I didn't even think I would need to get out of the apartment and it would still be the best weekend ever. But of course, Georgetown J. Crew and Cupcakes were calling my name. So in 100 degree heat- gosh I am dedicated to shopping on M street- Liz and I journeyed to G'town. I finally got stirrup leggings (you know you're jealous Liz Lynch) and a BLUE AND GOLD PREP SCHOOL STYLE CARDIGAN! (I am so ready to teach those little hilltoppers). A sweater at J. Crew rounded out the mini-shopping spree. And while at J. Crew a bride and her bridesmaids were there trying on their dresses with the Mother of the Bride. I freaked in excitement. And then the M-o-B got emotional and announced she was paying for all the girls dresses, something she had promised her daughter a long time ago. It was so sweet.

We then were among the scads of tourists waiting in the 40 minute line for Georgetown Cupcake (why must the show have skyrocketed their notoriety even further?) But the wait was of course worth it. Had a delish strawberry cupcake (again, who am I with this fruit kick?) and then we decided to go look at Georgetown's campus. As we first approached campus we both discussed how we should have studied harder. But then we determined it simply was not Marquette. Tours with 20 people each, disgraceful. And a lame coffee shop. And not as many signs telling you what buildings are. Only one place can be perfect, I guess.

We took the bus/metro back to the Hill and went to the long awaited for WE, THE PIZZA! Everything was being given for free to celebrate the opening. So free delicious pizza and beer was enjoyed by the two of us. All while we got to watch Spike yell at an employee just a few inches away from us about making sure the pizza cools before cutting it. My life was fulfilled.

We chilled after our day for awhile, 100 degree heat can take it out of you. And had a lovely life chat about politics and religion, which is why I love DC. The two most taboo subjects are ones that everyone has to get involved with in that city.

On Sunday we went to mass at the Church I love (though their music could use some serious help) and then to Eastern Market. My jewelry collection has been revitalized with a few great pieces that I am obsessed with. Then we headed to DuPont for brunch at a bookstore that is also a restaurant. Dream come true. I got to read peruse bookshelves while waiting for our table. We met up with Katy, who was in DC with me last summer and reminisced about all our wonderful times over a great meal.

Then we headed to the National Portrait Gallery which has a special exhibit of Norman Rockwell paintings right now. It was incredible. So interesting to see his progression and analyze his influence on American life and how he told a story. Certainly one of the greatest storytellers of all time, especially when you consider he was doing it in a single frame. Also saw JFK's portrait. SO COOL. And totally how I envision him in a lot of ways. It's more abstract and uses warm, pastel colors.

Next up was the mall, saw WWII memorial, which simply never gets old. And then visited Abe and sat on the steps like Wedding Crashers- except in broad daylight with 100s of tourists and boy scouts around. Seriously, the boy scouts took over the city all in their uniforms, it was a sight to behold.

Liz and I then went to dinner in Chinatown at a tapas restaurant. Food was incredible, as of course was the company. And it meant we took the red line home, so we walked through Union Station and by the Hart building and the Capitol. So great to see both in all their glory... at 10 at night.

And then the moment I have been waiting for for approximately 73 days. MAD MEN SEASON 4. A strong start to what is sure to be a great season. Highlight of the weekend un-related to DC: Chris sending me a text message saying I was not allowed to contact him about the episode because he lives in Alaska and therefore will be behind, I was to wait to be contacted by him.

I then convinced Derrick to pick me up from the airport this morning at 8 am, causing him to miss out on an hour of sleep. That would be the definition of a good friend. I woke up at 4 am Milwaukee time. No, I have no idea why the 7 am flight seemed like the PERFECT one when I bought it in May. It was not, I am an idiot. But I rallied... and slept on the plane.

It was an incredible weekend. One for the books, really. And that is what I love about Washington. It always delivers. The ideal mix of politics and fun, history and adventures. My love was rekindled and stronger than ever. So saddle up for a year of me obsessing over DC jobs and my future, yet again.

And with the end of this weekend comes the realization that I will be stepping foot in a classroom and molding young minds in exactly one month. In the meantime I am working on seeming more intimdating. Because every guy I encounter has the first reaction of "Don't be a pushover." Finding my inner-Detroiter by listening to Eminem will be frequent.

Also today marks the 20th Anniversary of the American Disabilities Act. It's hard to imagine America without this watershed legislation which truly changed the face of America. Yea Senator Harkin!

Lovely chatting with you, way to stick it out to the end. Someone else must be bored at work too.