I haven't written because I don't have too much to say.
Well, I guess since the last post I had nice visits with both sets of parents and siblings. But that's mostly who reads this, so you probably know that already.
I'm pretty much done with my big EPA report, and just have to edit, do my presentation and work on some side projects. That might be more work than I expected, though. So I've still been sitting in a cubicle and typing all week. I think that's what the "aaaargh!" is for.
We went on some site visits- a wastewater treatment plant (the biggest advanced WW treatment plant in the world!), an air force base, a ritzy neighborhood with arsenic in the soil. I don't love looking at waste and contamination, but it's nice to see how they clean it up. Last week we had an intern "photo shoot" with the Administrator of EPA- basically over 100 interns standing behind the Administrator in a big room. It's a really fun picture, though- kind of like a Where's Waldo.
That same day, The Make A Wish Foundation was granting this kid's wish--to be President of the United States for a day. So he did presidential things, like go talk to troops, do meet & greets at various agencies. Apparently, one presidential duty was talking to the EPA interns to tell us what a good job we're doing. So while we were gathered, he came in and we had to pretend he was the president (assuming we liked the president)- we cheered, crowded up to shake his hand, took pictures. It was really sweet. I think his speech was pretty much what the Pres. would actually say.
I've been having fun on weekends, but nothing outrageous. Saw the rest of the east wing of the National Gallery of art- the contemporary section. I was one of the first people in town to see the Henri Rousseau exhibit. I went to a Nationals-Cubs game- their stadium looks exactly like the old Riverfront stadium. Went to a little waterpark last weekend-really little- 3 slides and a wave pool. But it was great because it's HOT here, like almost everywhere else. This weekend we're going to 6 flags. Kind of a last hurrah, since most of us are moving in the next 2 weeks. I guess I've done stuff, but this is a month's worth of fun.
When I get back to school, I'll be going back to my roots, as a biology TA (roots..haha). It will be nice to get out of the SPEA building, nice to shape young minds, hopefully not make them hate biology. Maybe I can get some tips from Raj on what not to do.
