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Tuesday, January 20th, 2009
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Email I wrote to my family describing my Inauguration experience.
Hello Everyone,
I figured I would just send out this email detailing what I did today so everyone can get a little glimpse into what it was like being in DC.
My "day" started at about 12:30 AM, yes, AM, when I woke up, layered up, and headed out to meet my friends. We managed to catch the last metro downtown around 1:50 AM or so. We exited the metro at the Metro Center stop, right in the center of the city. We walked a few blocks until we found a small waffle house and had some breakfast. The restaurant was right by a gate into the secure area around the parade route and the mall, but we decided to walk up a few more blocks to a different one. By about 4:00 AM, the streets were already beginning to swell with people. My group of seven other friends and I stood huddled in a circle trying to keep warm; we sang songs and joked around. Around 5:00 AM, the intersection in which we were waiting to enter the security check point was completely packed with people. All of a sudden, everyone rushed forward towards the black metal gates that were separating us from the security tent.
For the next four hours we stood shoulder to shoulder and face to face with complete strangers all waiting to be let through the gates. It was a surreal experience being part of a crowd that dense; at some points I barely felt as if I was supporting myself, the people that I was surrounded by were doing it for me.
At some point, our group got split up into two: me and my two friends, Maia and Sarah, and the five others. They managed to get through the small door in the black gate some time before we did. The military personnel that were directing the flow of people through the gate were only letting about eight total through at a time, about every 5 minutes. Progress was slow but we eventually managed to get through. Again, the force of the crowd literally pushed me through the gate.
After we made it to the other side of security we tried to figure out where we were. As it turned out we were on the north side of Pennsylvania Avenue, the parade route. We wanted to be on the Mall. We asked several different people for if there was any way we could get to the Mall and each time received several different answers. It was frustrating but at the same time, I was thrilled to be out of the huge crowd of people. We attempted to make our way to a supposed cross over point only to find out that by that time the Mall was filled with people. I was a little disappointed that we waited all that time and didn't manage to make it to the Mall, but at the same time, we were still there, in DC, where everything was happening.
Two of my friends decided to go back to campus; the cold and crowds were too much for them. Four of us ended up finding a nice spot to sit and wait for the ceremony to start. By this time it was already about 11:00 AM. At about quarter to 12 we noticed groups of people huddled against big windows of a restaurant, watching the TVs that were showing the ceremony inside. We found our own window and were able to watch and hear the ceremony.
Everyone was waiting for the moment when Obama would finish his oath of office. When he did there was an eruption of joy and emotion; my friends and I were moved to tears and shared a group hug. It was really an incredible feeling, regardless of my location, to be in DC during that momentous occasion.
We silently listened to Obama's first speech as president; the millions were silent, listening, reflecting on the future, and remembering the past. It was a surreal twenty minutes.
After the speech was over, we decided to go back to campus. Having spent 12 hours outside in the cold, the thought of waiting two more for the parade to begin was not a pleasing one.
My Inauguration experience wasn't what I had hoped it would be; I didn't end up where I wanted, I didn't get to see what I wanted; but I realized that is not the important thing. I was still here, sharing in the experience with the millions of people that descended on the city. I'm proud I was there, I'm proud of my country, and most of all I'm proud I'm American.
Anna
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Sunday, October 5th, 2008
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Is your last ex still someone you care about?
yes
Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?
kelsey
Whose bed did you sleep in last night?
mine
Ever kissed anyone 4 years older than you?
yep
Have you held hands with anybody in the past week?
no
Do you like to cuddle?
i do
What are your plans for the next weekend?
no idea
Ever go camping?
used to all the time
Are you someones best friend?
yes, i hope!
Biggest annoyance in your life right now?
not making more money
Have you spoken to your mother today?
not today
When was the last time you talked to one of your siblings?
few days ago texting, a few weeks on the phone
Have you ever thought you liked someone, and then found out that you really didn't?
yeah
Where were you an hour ago?
southside in kelsey's room
Do you have any tattoo/piercings?
three in my right ear, five in my left
Do you drink water?
yes
Do you think your first love affects the way you go on with life?
it's certainly been affecting mine
Do you fall for people easily?
depends
Is it easy for others to make you feel awkward?
it depends
Do you care if people hate you for no reason?
i'd prefer they have a reason
Your ex REALLY needs you at 3 am and you have to get to their house, would you go?
yes
When was the last time you wanted to punch someone in their face?
ummmm.. maybe last night?
Do you have a friend you can tell stuff to and you're sure they wont tell?
yep
Who did you hangout with last night?
kelsey, kinda tim madison and vinny
How many hours did you sleep last night?
way tooo many
Could you go a day without eating?
probably but i wouldn't be happy
Do you know anyone that smokes pot?
yep
Do your parents force you to go to church?
they used to
Is there someone you want to fight?
not really
Has anyone ever told you they're in love with you?
kinda
Do you like waking up in the morning to find that you have missed calls?
doesn't normally happen, but the one time it did i was very happy
Are you usually wide awake in the mornings?
once i'm up, yes
Who took your profile picture?
ellen
How many times have you lied today?
none i think
Are you in the middle of texting someone?
no
Are you wearing rings?
i used to
What's the last thing you put in your mouth?
key lime cheesecake mmmmm!
If we were to look in your text inbox, what would we find?
some saved texts and then my last weeks worth of texts
Are you confident in yourself?
sometimes
Are you friends with someone who's older than you?
yep
Would you tattoo someone's name on your body?
no
Do you cry when you get stung by a bee?
i did when i was younger
Are your fingernails painted black?
nope
Who's the last person of the opposite sex you hugged?
some kid from georgetown hahaha
Does it bother you when you text somebody and they take forever to text back?
yes
Are you currently doing laundry?
no
What color are your eyes?
hazel
Are you in an argument with someone important?
nope
How old do you look?
i've heard various estimates
What is your current mood?
i feel like a fatty for eating so much at the cheesecake factory
What color shirt are you wearing?
blue
What are you listening to?
i'm watching tv
How long is your hair?
short. very short.
Last thing you ate?
key lime cheesecake.. still
Are you happy right now?
i'm not sad..
Are you wearing make-up?
i put some on earlier today but it's pretty much worn off
What were you doing at 11:30 last night?
babysitting
What are you doing tonight?
tonight is over
What have you done today?
slept til almost 1, ugh, worked from 2-5.. then went to friendship heights to have dinner with kelsey
Have you smiled recently?
yeah
What are you wearing?
leggings, pj shorts, t-shirt
Where were you when you heard about the World Trade Towers?
in school
Do you like your phone?
it's okay
Do you ever keep arguing even when you know you’re wrong?
yeah haha
Do long distance relationships work?
i think it depends on the people involved
Last time you took a nap?
this evening
When was the last time you cried really hard?
a few months ago
Can you play guitar hero?
yes!
You prefer warm or cold weather?
i like when it's comfortable to wear either jeans and a tank top and flip-flops, or shorts and a long sleeve shirt
Last thing you bought?
just ordered groceries online
Have you ever shared a drink with anyone?
yes?
How much money do you have on you?
ummmm.. like 90
Do you have a reason to smile right now?
eh
How many windows are open on your computer?
four
Are you sarcastic?
yep
Are you shy?
in group situations, yes. one-on-one i'm fine
What are you doing tomorrow?
hopefully waking up then going to the gym then doing work all day
In the past week have you gotten sick?
nope
In the past week have you felt stupid?
umm yes. in my economics class i basically made a fool of myself
In the past week have you felt sad?
not really
Has someone disappointed you recently?
i don't think so
Do you have unlimited texting?
sure do. thank God
Did you kiss or hug anyone today?
no
Who woke you up this morning?
well i woke myself up, but then later my roommate
Anything you're giving up on?
maybe
Eh. I don't know why I bothered to fill that all out. I was just in the typing mood I think. Anyway. School has been going pretty well. Classes haven't been too difficult and I haven't really had a crazy amount of work to do, which is nice. Not exactly looking forward to mid-terms and such.
What I am looking forward to is parents' weekend when I get to see my mom.. and KALYN! It's going to be the best weekend ever.
Won't be home again til Thanksgiving, which is a little rough but I think it's a break that I need. It will be nice to be home for Christmas and everything though. And I'm looking forward to working at the Inn over break. I miss everyone from there =(
Anyway. Guess that's pretty much it for now.
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Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008
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No classes on Fridays. Working at the Dav only two times a week. Babysitting for three hours two days a week. I'm thinking this is shaping up to be a pretty good semester.
Let's hope I can keep myself motivated.
Go to the gym!
Stay on top of readings!
Apply for internships!
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woke up at 6:30 today.. what???
Honestly, how many people have you completely fallen for?
one
What were you doing at 11:00 last night?
going upstairs to bed
What are you doing tomorrow?
working at night
Are you ticklish?
kinda
How's your heart lately?
lonely
What do you spend most of your money on?
gas, food, little things
How long does it take for you to take a shower?
ten or fifteen minutes
has anyone of the opposite sex told you they loved you?
yeah
Where were you last night?
doylestown
How many people do you talk to everyday?
maybe two this summer.. during the school year more
What time is it?
7:30 AM
Have you talked to a complete jerk today?
nope
Are you comfortable with answering personal questions?
it depends
Do/did you do good in school?
i was happy with how i did
Do you believe exes can really ever be "just friends"?
not really but i'm trying anyway
Have you made any mistakes recently?
sure
What is one thing you have learned lately?
hmmmm
Would you ever donate blood?
possibly
Do you wish someone was with you right now?
yeah
Ever kissed someone who smokes?
yep
Where were you at 2:02 am this morning?
in my bed
Do you think you will be in a relationship three months from now?
it seems highly unlikely
What was the last movie you saw in the the theaters?
get smart
Do you have a lisp?
no
How often do you hold back from saying what you are thinking?
pretty often
Who was the last person you talked to last night before bed?
my mom
What's the longest you've ever talked on the phone?
over an hour
Who knows you better than you know yourself?
probably my bff.
Who was the last girl you talked to?
my mom
Who was the last guy you talked to?
alex
Who was the last person you talked to in person?
my mom
Who's Myspace Password Do You Have?
mine
Something you're happy about?
i leave for california in a week!!!!
Getting married tonight?
no way
What did you do Friday night?
it was my last night at the shore. got ice cream from the ice cream truck. walked on the beach. read. slept.
Where are you right now?
my room
Do you wish you were somewhere else right now?
kinda
Who last called you babe/baby?
no idea
When was the last time you talked to your number 1?
don't really have one
Have you ever kissed anyone whose name started with a J?
i don't believe i have
What did you last eat?
chocolate chip cookies
What time did you go to sleep last night?
11:30 ish
Are you excited for the future?
i suppose
Where are your siblings?
my sister is at my dad's house
What color shirt are you wearing?
gray.. ron jon sweatshirt
Where is the next place you will travel to?
california!!!
Have you ever worn the opposite sex's underwear?
nope
Have you cried today at all?
no
What were you doing at 8:00 this morning?
it's not even 8 yet
Do you say sexy a lot?
no
When was the last time you saw the person you liked?
who knows
Where was your default picture taken?
lbi
What was the weather like today?
looks like it might rain
Do you like sushi?
never had it
Own bright colored underwear?
yep
Do you like to cuddle?
of course
Have you ever kissed anyone whose name started with C?
yep
Have you ever kissed anyone whose name started with M?
yep
Does anyone call you babe?
nope
What was the highlight of your week?
seeing my boss drunk
Do you think the whole day is better if you smoke pot?
nope
Favorite flavored pie?
pumpkin!!
Does it bother you when someone says they will call you and they don't?
depends
Are you allergic to anything?
no
When was the last time you went swimming?
wednesday in the ocean!
Do you like cheesecake?
mmmm yes
Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?
alex for a minute
Have you traveled outside the country?
yep
Do you have any strange pets?
no
What is your favorite show at the moment?
will & grace
What was the last movie you watched?
hunt for red october
Where was the last house you went besides your house?
my boss' for a partayyyyy
What's the first thing you notice about the opposite sex?
i don't know
Are you comfortable with your height?
yeah
How tall are you?
5'2 ish
What is something that really annoys you?
when people are obnoxious when i am waitressing
What is the best thing in your refrigerator right now?
milk? i love milk.
Have you broken a bone or had stitches?
nope!
Do you tend to rip the paper off waterbottles?
yes
If the mob was after you, what would you do?
move somewhere else
When you shut off your alarm clock, do you tend to fall back asleep?
sometimes. but i tend to wake up at just the right time
What are you looking forward to in the next few months?
being back in the district
How many pillows are on your bed?
three
What song are you currently listening to?
i'm not listening to anything
Have you ever passed out from drinking?
ummm.. no.
Are you waiting for the person you like?
not really
Do you have any cousins?
let's see: laurie, mike, marybeth, mike, chrissy, katie, will, mariah, george, david
and my second cousins: kaitlyn, brandon, miles, jade, kevin and kiera
Can you imagine yourself living in a cardboard bOX??
nope
Who was the last person you talked to?
my mom
What was your dream this morning?
everyone i knew was basically involved somehow
How many times have you seen your favorite movie?
a ton. i would watch it like once a week
If puppies stayed small forever, would you buy one?
i'd buy one regardless
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i think this might be my first update about riegelsville.
you know what? i have really started to enjoy going to work again. there was a little while when i felt a little left out but i think i've finally come out of my shell. so that's good. although it isn't quite the same without our sassy itailian dishwasher, rita. hopefully i'll see her again some time. she was a character.
besides that i don't really have much to update with. i have hardly done anything note worthy this summer. ho-hum.
here's a survey i stole from my best friend:
80 Things You Might Not Know About Me
Whats your middle name?
Louise
How big is your bed?
twin
What are you listening to right now?
nothing except my air conditioner
What are the last 4 digits in your cellphone number?
5849
What was the last thing you ate?
oreos!
Last person you hugged?
my sister? maybe?
How is the weather right now?
maybe a little humid?
Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?
my dad
What is the first thing you notice in those that you like?
if they make me smile
Favorite type of Food?
too hard to choose
Do you want children?
i suppose
Do you drink?
it's been a while
Ever get so drunk you don't remember the entire night?
new years eve hahahaha
and one time on south side at eric's dorm
Hair color?
kinda dark brown. my last haircut took off all the light hair i had left
Eye color?
hazel/green
Do you wear contacts/glasses?
nope
Favorite holiday?
probably christmas. but i really like christmas eve the best
Favorite Season?
the fall
Have you ever cried over a girl/boy?
yep
Last Movie you Watched?
the kite runner
What books are you reading?
currently: over the edge of the world (about magellan's voyage)
fair game by valerie plame-wilson
a book about roanoake, although it's been a while since i've opened it.
and i think that's it
Piercings?
7
Favorite Movie?
lord of the rings =)
Favorite college football Team?
american! oh wait.. we don't have one!
What were you doing before filling this out?
watching deadliest catch
Any pets?
sadie
Dogs or cats?
dogs! cats creep me out a little
Favorite Flower?
i don't really have one
Have you ever loved someone?
i don't know
Have you ever fired a gun?
nope
Do you like to travel by plane?
uhhmm.. it depends.
Right-handed or Left-handed?
left!
If you could go to any place right now where would you go?
new zealand
Are you missing someone?
yeah
Do you have a tattoo?
nope
Do you still watch cartoons on Saturday mornings?
no
Are you hiding something from someone?
kinda
ARE YOU 18?
only a few more weeks
WHAT IS THE WALLPAPER ON YOUR CELLPHONE?
the river
DID YOU GET ENOUGH SLEEP LAST NIGHT?
sure did
FIRST THING YOU THOUGHT ABOUT THIS MORNING?
wow i don't have to work on a sunday morning
WHAT DO YOU HAVE HANDY AT YOUR BEDSIDE?
my books, tv/dvd player remotes, the picture of me and danny from mcfly
GRILLED OR FRIED?
depends what you're talking about
WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE?
everything
ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE DARK?
it depends
FAVORITE HANGOUT?
i don't really have a hangout
3 THINGS YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT?
people that are important to me
FAVORITE SONG?
hmmmm.. can't think of one right now
WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF?
spiders!
ARE YOU A GIVER OR TAKER?
it depends
WHAT ARE YOUR NICKNAMES?
anna banana, anna cabana, jersey, annabell << favorite!
WHAT IS YOUR DADS MIDDLE NAME?
Andrew
WHATS YOUR MOTHERS MIDDLE NAME?
Elizabeth
IF YOU WERE STUCK ON AN ISLAND WHAT ONE THING WOULD YOU BRING?
harry potter and the goblet of fire. because i can read that book a million times and still love it!
FAVOVORITE TV SHOW?
all time? the west wing
now, the office
FAVORITE COMMERCIAL?
the one for sonic where the guy is like, i've always been bad with food math. and the other guy is like, how many sandwhiches do you have in your hand? and the first guy says, i don't know, fifty? and the other guy is like, fifty? so the first guy is like, eight?
lmao. i crack up every time.
oh OR the berries and cream one!
WHO'S YOUR CELL PHONE PROVIDER?
Verizon.
FIRST THING YOU'LL SAVE IN A FIRE?
i don't know.. i probably would grab something stupid and then remember something better after it had already been burned to a crisp
Whats your favorite color?
blue!
WHAT ARE THE THINGS YOU ALWAYS TAKE WITH YOU?
my cell phone.
WHAT DID YOU WANNA BE WHEN YOU WERE A KID?
a vet or an astronomer
WHAT DO YOU USUALLY DO WHEN THE CLOCK TURNS 11:11?
nothing
THE COLOR OF YOUR BEDSHEET?
gold
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT BEFORE YOU GO TO BED?
usually changes all the time
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