Stories this week...

This one I actually wrote on Friday, but it didn't go up online until Sunday. I contributed to the second brief. It's nothing big.

Here's one for my New England paper.

And another.

The self-guided walking tour of Courtney M. Hime

I do not take photos. I've gone for three years of my college career without a digital camera.

But, in August, I bit the bullet and bought a camera to use while I was in D.C. Two weeks in and I hadn't taken a single photo. Apparently, you can't teach an old camera-shy dog any sort of new photography tricks.

Then people started pressuring me for photos. Strange, I know.

So today, in an effort to get some exercise and appease those who clamor for photos, I went on a walking tour of the major monuments in D.C.

Here is what I came up with for you to enjoy...

Stories this week:

I wrote this. Here's the actual print version of this story.

And contributed to this.

And wrote this.

Not a bad week.

A long time coming...

Well, I'm here. I'm finally here. And while I know that I promised many updates, you have to understand that I've been hesitant to sit down in front of my computer long enough to really put time and energy into a blog that's up to my standard of writing. Sadly, I'm not sure I can claim that with this post, but I'll do my best. The good news is, though, that I'm out actually enjoying my time here instead of staying in being homesick - though I am a little.

Basically, I'm in love with this city. I love public transportation. I love how much I have to walk. I even love the weird looks I get when I mutter things like "Wal Mart" and "Hoosier." I'm definitely a little overwhelmed, but on the whole, I think this semester is going to be amazing.

So far, I feel like I've done everything - which is, of course, impossible. We've been very busy this past week, but at the same time, haven't done that much. The week was full of orientation and house keeping. I spent the week in and out of meetings being filled in on what I'll be doing all semester. I also am now in possession of a shiny new press pass that gives me tons of access throughout the Hill (slang for Capitol Hill for those of you who aren't up on the lingo...haha!). Orientation provided us with an open-top bus tour of the city, which was very nice. I've also been on an informal tour of the Capitol - and actually got to sit on the House floor last Friday as the Republicans continued their post-session talks on their desire to pass the American Energy Act. This began on August 1st and has continued without much deviation ever since. From what we've heard from a few of the communication directors for the various congressmen - including one from Ohio that I might be covering - they intend to continue these talks until the bill goes up for a vote. They are hoping for a vote next week, so we'll see. Keep your ears open. It's all very interesting.

Anyway, as you can tell I'm also brushing up on my current events. This is, in all honesty, the hardest part for me. I'm doing my best, but I can already tell that not being as informed as I should be will ultimately be my biggest weakness. Oh well. I will overcome...I hope.

As for the most important things...I've sectioned them off for the remainder of the post. These are the most common questions I get asked, so hopefully it will help paint a picture of what I'm doing. Please please comment. If you ask a question, I promise I'll answer!

My roommates...

...are amazing. We've said it between ourselves, but we can't imagine a better group of people to be grouped together. I have four roommates: Jackie, who shares a room with me, Ilinca (Linka) who has a single, and Jenny and Nicole, who live together. All four of them are students at Boston University. Actually, almost everyone in the program is actually a BU student, but they've been great. We share stories about our respective universities. And there's a slim chance that I might go up to Boston with them toward the middle of November - which is very exciting as I've only been to Boston's airport.

Jackie, Linka, and Nicole are doing the internship program, and are working at various places in the city. Jenny and I are both in journalism. Interestingly enough, we are the only two undergrad students who are focusing on print-journalism (meaning: everyone else in the program that is working for a newspaper is in grad school). Even more interesting is that, I believe, Jenny has more experience than any of the grad students. Incidentally, I may have more experience than a lot of them as well - but that's not important. We've had a great week so far and, while I can see that tensions could mount as we get more stressed out, I think we'll really enjoy living together. We've gone out a few times since we've been here and have just been having a blast.

My job

I've learned a lot more about what I'm doing now, which is good. On Mondays and Fridays I will be working at the Columbus Dispatch as an intern. I imagine there will be some coffee getting, some story contributions, and a few bylines, but not tons. On Tuesday, Wednedsay and Thursday, I'll be working as a correspondent for The New Bedford Standard Times - which is a local paper for Massachusetts. I'm working to cover the 4th district, which is overseen by Congressman Barney Frank (D). I'll be pitching story ideas to cover in both of my jobs, which is going to be a huge challenge for me, especially as I was blissfully unaware of some of the issues that impact New England - like fishing...who knew!? Um...I'll know more about my job next week, as I'll actually be reporting for duty starting tomorrow/Tuesday.

My thoughts

- I made the right choice coming to this city during this semester.
- I love these girls. I couldn't have been given better roommates.
- Being 21 in this city is very nice.
- I could see myself living in/near DC for a time.
- I'm open to the possibility of political reporting as a career.
- Going back to Greencastle for a semester is going to be tough.
- I still do not take pictures.

Happy now?!

One for the conservatives

To be fair.

More DC blogging to follow.