The Jitters of Becoming an Intern and Prepping for Life in WDC

I arrived in Florence, SC on Saturday night.  I knew I was almost home when I heard those too familiar drawls of vowels on the plane from St. Paul/Minneapolis, MN to Charlotte, NC.  Since arriving, I've been getting those must-have items for living and working in WDC -- a roof over my head, professional and polished clothes, shoes and accessories, a haircut, toiletries, and other odds and ends.  The roof over my head will be Thompson-Markward Hall.  It's essentially what you might call a "women's hotel" in that it is, let me state the obvious, only for women.  The rooms are dorm-style, fully furnished, and occupants have their own private room.  Thanks to Santa and after Christmas sales, I was able to buy the professional and polished clothes from Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft, my absolute two favorite stores for work duds.  The haircut was from an Aveda salon.  As for the other must-have items, I'll presume you have no interest.  With the purchase of the must-haves out of the way, I feel more prepared and confident.

My parents, Van and Glenda, will be taking a mini-vacation to drive me and stay with me in WDC those first few days before I start.  I went to President Bill Clinton's first inauguration and haven't been back to WDC since.  I've done a lot of growing since then.  I haven't grown taller.  I was 5'2" then in January 1993 and still am now.  I've just grown a tad bit wiser.  We plan to sight-see and get the lay of the land.  We're staying at the Mayflower Hotel where FDR wrote his famous "We have nothing to fear but fear itself" speech and where Monica Lewinsky was camped up while being interrogated about her indiscretions with President Bill Clinton.

My first day is this coming Monday.  It should be low key.  I'll attend an orientation, get my ID badge made, and likely learn more about my office -- Office of Opinion Polls and Surveys for Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

I'm blogging to keep those near and dear to me in-the-know as I spend ten weeks away from family and friends interning in WDC.  If I get any other stragglers along the way who read my blog, that's great.  I hear about those people who make a moneyed living blogging, and I wouldn't mind being one of those people.

With the heart of a true dramatic, if you care at all for me, you'll want to read this blog.

Footnote:  my middle name is Leigh (hence the blog title).