A Big Week

 

We'll be spending Monday night through Sunday morning in DC.  It's a big trip.

M was recently selected as a Presidential Management Fellow, and this week is the three day job fair (hard to explain exactly how this works, but it's not just a normal job fair- people are actually interviewing you and hiring you, if not on the spot, then within a week or two.)  And since it overlaps nicely with Easter- when our favorite church has our favorite service (and it also happens to be M's birthday), I get to come along, too!

It's a big week.  The reality that we will be moving back to DC once M graduates is finally really sinking in...and I honestly can't hide my excitement.At the same time, there are a lot of unknowns- what exactly will M be doing?  What will I be doing, besides basking in the glow of being back in DC?  Where will we live?  How muggy and hot will it be this summer in DC?  You know, life-changing questions.

So if you're the praying type, we would definitely appreciate your prayers.  Not just for a safe trip, but for a successful trip.  That those positions M is most interested in would also be the most interested in him.  And that, ultimately, he would be able to use the skills and abilities he's been given to make our country a better place. (Cue cheesy, patriotic music. And a few waving flags.)

 

It's the season of giving. Even for political candidates.

 

Whatever your political persuasion, I think what Bill, Breakthrough's Chief Operating Officer, says is key: it's important for people in our community (and any community) to feel that their voice matters, that someone will be thinking about them when they cast a vote or make a policy.  I know the reality of politics.  But I also know that good policy matters, even- and especially- in urban communities like East Garfield Park.

And let's be honest...the video is a pretty great advertisement for the work of Breakthrough!

It's a Pierce, Buchanan, Lincoln, Johnson Christmas

When I was in high school, I took AP American History where, in an all-night study session for the big test, I memorized the names of all the presidents to the tune of Hark the Herald Angels Sing.

Many times since then, I've impressed people with this stupid human trick and thoroughly amazed and enlightened them, no doubt.  And if this isn't a reason to invite me to your holiday party- I can do Festivus, Christmas, Kwanzaa or Hanakkuh/Chanukkah/Hawnickuh- I don't know what is.  Granted, I've had to add another Bush and an Obama, but it's relatively easy if you just smash everyone past Carter into one breath.  (Please don't shoot me for that comment, presidential historians.) And come on, it IS pretty cool when you think about it.

That is, until "Christmas music on the radio" season comes along.  And oh, friends, it's already come along.  In fact, it came along about a day or two after Halloween.

And when it does, all of a sudden, when the beautiful Christmas song Hark the Herald Angels Sing begins to play, I can't help but think about Millard Fillmore and Rutherford B Hayes.  And let's be honest.  They don't exactly inspire a lot of holiday cheer.

This face doesn't exactly say, 'Merry Christmas'...

Santa's younger cousin, perhaps?

Washington, Adams, Jef-fer-son, glory to the new born king!

Thankfully I didn't memorize all the members of the Supreme Court to Frosty the Snowman.

Date Night

For a while now (it all blurs together these days, but it started back when we were dating) M and I have set aside Friday night as date night. Sometimes it's with friends, sometimes it's low key and sometimes it's a quick jaunt to Europe. I'm kidding.

Since this Friday night's "date" was watching the Gators slaughter Cincinnati, we went out on Wednesday instead. And THIS was our date.

Yeah, it is what you think it is. But before you call PETA or stop reading or throw up or do whatever it is you do when you see a dead duck, give me a second.

Calm now? Great.

We ventured up to the Northside of the city to try out a place called Sun Wah barbeque that we had read about. It's a traditional Chinese-style place, well known for its meats and cheap prices. And let me just say... while I do NOT especially like duck, this place was AMAZING. AMAZING. The meat is incredible and you don't feel like you're filling yourself with white rice all night (since I'm no longer eating white rice, I'm happy for that fact.) They serve you tea when you sit down (don't you wish every restaurant was so nice?) and the prices? Well let's just say that we ate like four different animals and didn't even pay $30. Sun Wah is a bright spot (ha ha, sun...get it?!) on a strip of less-impressive Thai and Chinese restaurants. Go.

But since we didn't BYOB to Sun Wah, we wanted to end the night with a nightcap. After the first place we tried turned out to be pretentious and crowded, we finally made it down to our local watering hole, Woodlawn Tap.

It's not very impressive from the outside (especially since you can't even really tell it's there...Starbucks is a little overwhelming) but man, it is everything GOOD that a bar can be. Originally opened in 1948, the bar claims that it serves people from Nobel Laureates to the local pipe layer. In fact, when we walked in, we were impressed by the fact that, while practically on the campus of the University of Chicago, the mix of people there was amazing: white and black, blue collar, white collar, old, young. It just feels like a good bar should feel. (Not to knock you DC- or downtown Chicago- but bars full of Hill staffers and lobbying assistants can't hold a candle to Woodlawn Tap). They still take cash only, they use the original cash register (you can kind of see one on the left side of the picture) and they serve hamburgers, fries and hot dogs for practically quarters. We didn't try them, but they looked good.

And the best part?

They can mix girly drinks, too! I know it's a bit sacrilegious (yes, that's spelled right, because I checked) to go to a place like this and order a Cosmo, but I just can't bring myself to drink beer. It tastes like pee. And I like to enjoy my drink, thank you.

Bottoms up, boys!! and...uh....Nobel Peace prize winners....

Hello, Neighbor!

What better way to introduce yourself to the new neighbors then hot, fresh, hand-delivered cookies?

I don't want to brag. But my chocolate chip cookies ARE world famous. And, by the way, I can say "world" because I made them in India when I lived there in 2004. For reference, this is no small feat when brown sugar is nearly impossible to find and your house doesn't have an oven. Yes, friends, you can survive-even thrive- WITHOUT an oven!!! But I digress.

So in order to meet our new neighbors, and since I don't have anything else to do yet (ie, I'm unemployed), I thought it would be nice to bake up a fresh batch of cookies, wrap them up in a cute little bag and hand deliver them to our new neighbors. (I think this would go over really well if I wear pearls, lipstick and talk with a Southern accent. Maybe Mason will even wear seersucker. Do they know what that is in Chicago?) I mean who among us would love to get fresh baked cookies from the new neighbor? I'm raising my hand. As long as my neighbor isn't that scary Russian dude who poisoned that other Russian guy.

I'm quickly learning that our new neighborhood is made up of a unique mix of characters. Again, hopefully not scary Russian dude or anyone involved with any international form of the mafia. Here's hoping. Anyway, you've got your graduate students, who make up the entirety of our building. You've got the professors, many of whom live in the beautiful old mansions on the side streets off of our street (apparently professors at the University of Chicago are doing well). You've got the middle class families who commute in to Chicago every day, and you've got the older people who have lived there forever.

And then you've got them, when they're not (ahem) busy doing other things*.

You think I'll be able to deliver cookies to their house? Maybe if I sweeten up the deal by giving the cops outside some cookies (again, with the Southern accent, pearls and lipstick), they'll let me by. And even though I never heard anything back about renting out their house, I'll let it slide this time.

I wouldn't want to deprive anyone of those world famous cookies.

*Like governing America.

FAQs

Here’s the part of this blog where I answer all of those “Frequently Asked Questions” regarding our move to Chicago. Hopefully I’ll cover them all with great aplomb.

Why are you moving?

This fall, M and I decided that it was time for him to go back to school in order to get his Masters of Public Policy. He spent most of November and December applying to schools (I believe the count was 13), never really expecting to get into all of the schools that he did. We had assumed we would stay here in Washington, DC and he would attend one of the great schools in the area, but when we found out that he had been accepted to the University of Chicago, our thoughts and feelings began to change. After talking with friends, family and M’s co-workers/superiors, as well as spending time in prayer, we decided to take the plunge and go with the University of Chicago’s program.

What are you going to be doing?

As of Monday, August 17th 2009, at 11:14am, I don’t have a job.

I take that back.

I have a part-time consulting job that will continue, but it’s only a few hours a month and, therefore, not enough to live on alone. I’ve had multiple interviews for multiple positions but still nothing. I’ve sent out approximately a bazillion emails to potential employers. No luck. I’ve applied for positions ranging from Coffee Maker to CEO, still nothing. Therefore, what I will be doing when we move to Chicago is….LOOKING FOR A JOB! We still feel very confident that we will be provided for, and I am beginning to see just how much this time of searching is refining me, humbling me and making me more dependent on the One who is my Provider. Don’t get me wrong here, though. I’ve raged. I’ve cried. I’ve thrown things (actually, I don’t think I have, but it seemed to fit with the other emotions). I’ve written letters to the President (you think I’m kidding…) I’ve felt depressed. I’ve felt that I somehow “deserve” a job. I’ve felt they must not understand how amazing I am. I’ve thought about contacting them and explaining to them why I’m so amazing. I’ve rethought why I think I’m amazing in the first place. I’m getting there.

Where will you be living?

Well, I’m sad to report that my letter to the Obamas has gone unreturned and so, therefore, we will not be renting out his house. Bummer. Instead, we’ll be renting an apartment on Hyde Park Boulevard (yes, we’ll be living on a BOULEVARD. How Parisian of us.) It’s a University Grad Student apartment, meaning all the other tenants are grad students as well. It’s a couple blocks from the church we think we’ll be attending, another couple blocks from the produce store I’m really excited about, and a quick bus ride for M to get to his classes.

What sports teams will you support?

M is extremely excited that the University of Chicago has a sucky football team (if they have one at all?) so we will continue to be Gators fans. Whew. That was a close one.
Additionally, seeing as how we will be living on the South Side, we’ll be official fans of the Chicago White Sox (and we think the Cubs are too popular already.) I know absolutely nothing about them, but hey, Go Team! We’ll also support Da Bears, simply because they are Da Bears. And we hope to go to Soldier Field in the middle of winter and watch a game. Because watching sports in -10 degree wind chill weather is apparently fun.

How long will you be in Chicago?

We don’t know for sure, but we hope to come back to Washington, DC once M graduates, which will be in two years. A lot can change between now and then, but as of right now, that’s what we’re thinking and feeling.

When are you going to have babies?

If I don’t find a job, I will seriously consider becoming a welfare mom. You have my word, and I’ll have your tax dollars.

When are you finally moving?

We pull out of DC on Sunday morning, August 30th. We’ll be stopping and staying with family in Columbus, OH, and arrive in Chicago on Monday, August 31st. Our last day at work here in DC is August 27th. You can come help us pack on Saturday, August 29th. No really. We would love to have you.

Are you excited? (Note, this is the most often-asked question that we receive)

WOOHOOOOOOOOOO! YEAH YEAH YEAH!!!!!! TOOT TOOT! YAY!!!!! YIPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

YES, we’re excited. Admittedly, not having a job is a bit of a downer, but we’re excited for this new adventure, for new friends and for this great educational opportunity. Saying goodbye is never easy or fun, but we are certain this is what is right for us. Being so newly married, the thought of going off together where we’ve never been known as anything other than a husband and wife is really exciting. Neither of us could have done this alone, and that’s why we’re so thankful that in this perfect timing, we have each other to travel with, encourage and minister along side. I don’t think we could ask for more.

What would you say to the President?

Our good friend over at www.betterthanmachines.com works down near the new Nationals Stadium and missed meeting Obama by thismuch at the Five Guys across the street from where he works (you may have seen part of this on NBC last night). You don’t understand quite how shocking it is that our friend WASN’T there. But we’ll blog about hamburgers and our friend’s love for them later.

Our friend’s close encounter with the President, and the subsequent video he sent us of the scene, made M and I think about what we would say if we just happened to be ordering a burger next to the POTUS one day. We’ve both seen him in his motorcade, and the inauguration, and will undoubtedly see him walking out somewhere before we leave. But this is different. You have to be cool, you have to make an impression, and it would be AWESOME to make him laugh. “I made the President laugh everybody!” I would probably make a shirt that said that.

But here are a few rules: First of all, it would be completely inappropriate to harpoon him about some hot button political issue. Dude just wants to get a burger, people. That said, it would be really great to slide in a little witty comment about some sort of current issue. It’s a balance. Secondly, it would also be really awkward to ask him about something that you only know because the media follows his every move (such as that basketball he signed when he was doing that whole Brian Williams interview thing. WAY too much information. Or the fact that he plays with a Florida Gators football. Also only know that because you look at White House pictures. I mean, so I’ve heard.) You have to be cool enough to act like you know enough, but don’t follow his every step on people.com (actually, the only pseudo political star/person whose every step you can follow on people.com is Bristol Palin. Not kidding. Look it up.) Third, do NOT use acronyms. One, they’re way over used. Two, if anyone has too many acronyms spinning around in his head, it’s the POTUS. Unless you’re cool with the POTUS saying vaguely, “Oh, yeah, EITNDELIFS. You guys do great work.” Finally, do not show too much emotion one way or the other. COMPLETELY inappropriate to scream like you’ve seen a rock star. Also COMPLETELY inappropriate to throw your burger and fries on the ground and stomp out because you cannot imagine having to eat in the same place as that guy who you can’t stand (after which you drive off in your car that still has the McCain/Palin sticker on it, with the McCain part scraped off. Partly covered by a Jindal 2012 sticker).

Some of the people on the video were really, really awkward. One girl asked to take a picture and then said “We’re all the way from California!” Should we applaud you for that? (Speaking of which, the Governator was out in front of my office building the other day. As was the Newt. Not together. But anyway.) One guy asked POTUS if the job was what he thought it would be. POTUS responded that there were more problems than they ever knew there would be (scary) but that they had a good handle on them (nice save). Other people just sort of stood their awkwardly with huge grins on their faces.

So M and I talked through some of the things that WE would say if we found ourselves in a casual interaction, such as the one at Five Guys, with the President. Here’s what we’ve come up with:

* We’ve got a great deal for you on your house in Hyde Park… (see post below. This is not going to die, people)

*No really, can we rent it?

*So I’ve been looking for a really good American car. You know anybody?

*It would be really helpful if the leaders of North Korea weren’t all called Kim Jung, don’t you think?

*So about that house…

*Got $789 billion we can borrow? We’re totally good for it. Much better than China.

*Who do you like better: William Kristol or Peggy Noonan? Yeah, me neither.

This is just the beginning of a list that will no doubt grow. Feel free to add your own, following the rules above. And should we ever find ourselves eating a burger with Obama, we’ll definitely use at least one of them.