Shake It Like a Polaroid Picture

I realized that I haven't shared any pictures of me recently. Like months. See previous post for list of excuses! So this is the perfect post for a blogger feeling a little lazy today. I'm not saying I can compete with baby Bella's preciousness. But here are some highlights from the last 2 months or so.

Before I moved, I went to my last South Carolina State Society Oyster Roast. It was a muddy, rainy day, but all of the food, music, and friends added up to a good time!

Shucking away....



The color coordination wasn't planned, but made a good pic!



My friends gave me a fabulous backyard cookout going away party! Miss you guys!



With my dad and sis at my stepbrother's wedding a few weeks ago......




(I'm trying this new thing called wearing color. I'm still getting used to it. If I wore this pink dress in DC, I would stick out like a sore thumb in the sea of black and gray.)

With my cousins.....

( Yes, I'm aware that I don't look anything like my family. No, I wasn't adopted or switched at birth. My sister and I have the same laugh and that has to count for something.)

On Spratt's Side

I typically don't get political on here. Most people that know me, already know my political leanings and I try not to push that on anyone else. I have lots of friends on the other side of the issues and am glad to say that I don't let politics come before my friends.

For anyone that may not be aware, I was fortunate to participate in a Washington Semester program offered through my college. I spent a semester on Capitol Hill working in Rep. John Spratt's office. He's a 14 term Congressman representing the Rock Hill area in SC. I know I'm a little biased here,but I spent 4 months observing the man and he's definitely one of the good guys. Even some "R" friends (that will remain nameless) have serious respect for him. How else would he be able to win a republican district time and time again?

Mr. Spratt is up for reelection this year and like most districts around the country, it has potential to be a tough race. He has a proven record of advocating for his constituents on important issues (like the community health center program that I work for) while always being fiscally conservative and responsible. He's the chairman of the House Budget Committee and is incredibly careful with our precious public dollars. He's one of the smartest people I've ever been privileged enough to be around. And I for one want only the smartest people representing me! I wouldn't stand on the side of the road waving signs at on coming traffic honking their horns for just anyone!

I have to back up for a second and recognize that I would never have had the opportunity to spread my wings in DC if I didn't have loans to help me pay for college. I'm still paying them off, but sincerely believe that they're an investment for our country. Congressman Spratt just introduced a bill that would extend a federal loan program. Now more than ever, we need to invest in education to help us get out of our current economic mess. I definitely know that I would not be where I am today if it weren't for this loan program.

I wanted to show my support for Rep. Spratt and thank him for planting the seed in me to work in public policy on behalf of people that can't always speak for themselves. I can only dream of one day making as big a difference as he has! Check him out, and if you're so inclined, support him however you can!


Here's more info on the bill. Read it on his website here.

Spratt Introduces Bill to Continue Low-Income Students' Access to College and Preserve Thousands of Jobs

May 27, 2010 10:29 AM

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) today introduced legislation to extend the life of the Perkins Loan program, giving 500,000 low-income students greater access to college each year and providing jobs to thousands who administer and service the loans nationwide.

“Education is the engine of job creation and economic growth,” said Spratt. “By helping students attend college who otherwise might not be able to afford it, we are giving them the opportunity to succeed in today’s economy.

“In my district, two companies employ almost 300 people servicing Perkins loans, and the results speak for themselves: it’s a successful student aid program with a low default rate,” Spratt said.

The bipartisan Perkins Loan Extension Act was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Spratt and cosponsored by Education and Labor Committee Chairman George Miller (D-CA), Rep. Tim Bishop (D-NY) and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA).

Bob Perrin, President of Williams & Fudge, Inc., a Perkins loan servicer in Rock Hill, South Carolina, said, “Williams & Fudge, Inc. is very thankful for Congressman Spratt’s leadership, dedication, commitment, and support to preserve the Federal Perkins Student Loan Program. In a community that is experiencing double-digit unemployment, 240 professional jobs at our company are dependent upon the continuation of the program. These same 240 employees who are proud of the role they play in providing future opportunities for students also dine and shop locally, thus adding to the economy.”

Under current law, colleges will begin repaying prior federal funding to the Treasury in October 2012 instead of continuing to make new loans with the funds, a change that would spell an end to the program. The recall date was pushed back a number of times in past legislation, most recently in the 2007 College Cost Reduction and Access Act.

“Allowing the program to end in 2012 will jeopardize college access for low-income students,” said Spratt. “It will also eliminate jobs for thousands of people who administer and service the loans.”

Spratt’s bill changes the repayment date to October 2013, extending the Perkins loan program to allow colleges more time to plan how to continue providing assistance to students who are eligible for Perkins loans.

“Unlike some federal aid programs, there’s a human touch to Perkins loans, where colleges choose the students who apply and then either work with the students or hire companies to service the loans,” Spratt said.

Lori Hartung, Regional Sales Manager for Todd, Bremer & Lawson, Inc., a Perkins loan servicer with about 40 employees in the 5th District, said, "It is great news that Congressman Spratt is taking steps to continue the Federal Perkins loan program that helps make college possible for many people. His leadership in supporting this important loan program will make a difference for people in our community and students across the country."

BACKGROUND

Perkins loans are low-interest (5 percent interest) loans that go to about 500,000 low-income college students at some 1,700 college campuses each year. Students can have their Perkins loans cancelled if they undertake certain public service jobs for a specified length of time, thus reducing their total debt and making it easier to choose to pursue public service.

The program is financed by past federal capital contributions, college matching funds, and student repayments of past loans that are recirculated in a college’s revolving fund. The President’s budget included a comprehensive change to expand and extend the program, but Congress did not include the proposal when it approved changes to student aid programs earlier this year.

Big News!

I've been a little preoccupied over the last few months...hence the light blogging! Here's the story:


Six years ago, I was an excited college graduate ready to spread my wings and move to DC. It has been a journey that I could have never imagined. I've had experiences and opportunities that have greatly enriched my life. I first worked for a United States Senator and then found my way into the public health advocacy field during an historic time in our nation's capital.

For a while now, I've wanted to be closer to home. The last year has been difficult knowing that I wanted to be someplace else. Looking for a job from a distance in this little thing called a recession, was incredibly challenging. In the end, the most perfect opportunity opened up and couldn't have been more timely.


I'm so excited to share the news that I'm going to be moving back to SC later this week! I can't believe that things finally fell into place. There are obvious mixed emotions about leaving a life I've lived for the past six years. It's never easy to say goodbye. But while it is bittersweet, I feel at peace with the new direction I'm moving in.


I will never be able to thank all of the people that endured my endless stressing and worrying. I only hope they know how much I appreciate them and that I share this happiness with each of them!

Field Trip to the White House

I recently had the opportunity to attend not one, but two White House events. Both events were held at the Executive Office Building, which is on the White House grounds. I've been on a tour of the Executive Office Building and the West Wing of the White House, thanks to a family friend that was working there. But had never been to the Executive Office Building for anything official.

The bigger of the two events feature the First Lady. She gave her first big speech on health care reform, which got a lot of press. It was a fabulous speech on women in health reform.

Moments like this remind me of why I moved to DC in the first place. This sort of opportunity doesn't come up all that often. On our walk there, we saw Chuck Todd- NBC's White House Correspondent! (DC star sightings aren't like they may be in NYC or LA.)

Anyway, in typical DC fashion, we saw some interesting sights on the walk there and back. Protesters....

Playing Tourist

I usually reserve the touristy DC stuff for when I have out of town visitors. I should probably take advantage of the museums and such, but when you live here, it's hard to do!

The American History Museum was closed for a few years for renovations. It reopened in January (I think) and I haven't had a chance to see the new and improved version. So I braved the August heat and crowds of summer tourists to see it for myself. The favorite exhibits such as the American Presidency and America on the Move are still there.

I was immediately drawn to the Julia Child exhibit. It was a small exhibit, but packed with information for the kitchen/food lover! I didn't realize until later in the day, that Saturday would have been Julia Child's 97th birthday. I love how trendy Julia Child is these days!

Another impressive exhibit was on Abraham Lincoln. It's a must see!

Next up will hopefully be the National Portrait Gallery. I'm embarrassed to say that it's located just a few blocks from my office and I've never been!

Eastern Market

Eastern Market is one of the most charming treasures in DC. There are many local artists and crafty types, as well as flowers and fresh food. It's become a favorite place for family members to visit when they're here. If I lived closer, I would make it a much more regular part of my routine.

The historical building that housed part of the meat and food vendors was damaged in a fire a few years ago. The reconstruction is finally done and it looks great. I didn't get any photos of the inside part, so you'll just have to go see for yourself!

I bought some delicious, fresh peaches, nectarines and blueberries. I also couldn't resist buying some small lavender plants for my room which smells oh so good!

Some colorful sights from Eastern Market last weekend....

If you've never been, get yourself there while the weather is nice! If you don't live here, make this a stop on your next visit to DC.

DC- versary-

This month marks 5 years in DC!

It was May of 2004.

A 22 year old version of myself, and recent Columbia College graduate, is waiting to hear about a job. A few weeks earlier, I had my first ever phone interview with the Legislative Director in a Senate office. I was nervous to be talking to a "senior" senate staffer for Senator Hollings, both of whom I had never met. I don't remember much of what we discussed. But I do remember poaching through the Senator's somewhat antiquated website to learn about his position on issues. Here I was, studying up on issues, including the upcoming 2004 election, and the question that threw me completely off was, "Do you by chance play softball?" Ummmm, what?

Of course I'd only "played" in the parent-youth softball game at my church in high school. And I'm pretty sure I was more concerned with my crush of the moment rather than the mechanics of the game.

It turns out that the Senator's office had a long and proud tradition of having a good softball team. They had apparently lost some solid players. I was sure they would choose someone more useful to the the team.

Despite my lack of softball skills, I was called back to have an interview with the state director. Thankfully, softball did not come up. More time passed and I was called back for a third interview the week of my graduation. This time I met with the Chief of Staff who was in town.

I graduated. Had the party. Spent a week worrying. Finally, it was good news! I spent the next week packing and planning. My mom was frantically teaching me how to cook so I could survive. My dad made me learn how to change a tire and bought me tools.

Two weeks after I graduated, I started my first job as a Legislative Corespondent. I had no idea what I was doing.

But I learned. And when the 2004 election went terribly wrong and there weren't very many jobs for people of my political persuasion, I found a new job. When my first roommate decided to leave DC, I found a new place to live. I've made some really great friends along the way.

It's hard to believe that when I moved here, there was no MLB team. The Verizon Center was the MCI center. The old convention Center was still here. Friendster was the social networking site of choice. There was a very different political atmosphere as President Bush was in his 1st term and Republicans controlled Congress. I'm not really sure what I watched on TV since there was no Grey's, Gossip Girl, Big Love, or Brothers and Sisters.

To be completely honest, people that know me know that I haven't maintained a love affair with this place. I don't like the winter or traffic. There's no decent sweet tea. And I hate missing out on my family's birthdays and other special occasions.

But in the end, I'm here for a reason and still surprise myself that I've made it here.

I vividly remember when a certain old bf was trying to teach me how to drive and learn my way around the one way streets and infamous circles. He thought there was definitely no hope. He told me that people like me need to either walk or take the metro....anything but drive. But not only have I learned, I've been asked for directions from other people!

I've learned. I've grown. I've survived.