"the more that you read, the more things you will know. the more that you learn, the more places you'll go."

That's a quote from Dr. Seuss. A rather relevant quote, as it comes directly from the book that was read to me today by a third grader at WVSA ART's Connection. Yep, I'm volunteering as a reading buddy at a school here in DC.

It's kind of random actually. The school's right across the street from my office, and last week on my way back from lunch I saw a bunch of adults reading to kids on the front patio of the school. Obviously, I was drawn in, and today was my first half hour session with Matthew. I'm already excited to go back next Thursday, and I actually wish we had more then half an hour. It's nice, I can do it on my lunch break, and still have enough time to go eat afterword. It's a nice break in an otherwise monotonous day at the office. Plus, I've always thought that adults need to take a more active role in childhood literacy.

I don't know what Portland Public schools are like now, but I do know what they were like when I was in grade school. We were really fortunate to have gone to a school that was so focused on literacy, and more importantly made it fun for us - made us want to do it every day. Every kid got to pick out a book from the principle on their birthdays. We did "Bring your own bear night" where all the kids crowded into the school library in their pajamas with their teddy bears and were read to by the school librarian and principle (who were also in their pajamas). We did "Book Baggers" where one night a year the students packed their sleeping bags, pajamas, and books and crowded the gym, where we read ourselves to sleep and were picked up the next morning by our parents. I'm convinced that these programs, combined with a family that read voratiously, are what were responsible for my loving to read. I think it was invaluable. These programs may not even exist anymore (though I hope they do), and if they don't at least Oregonians are still commited to the SMART program. But that's just portland, and from what I can tell, many places - DC included, aren't as lucky.

What I do know, is that Matthew loves to read, and he does it well. He was enthusiastic, taking the lead and showing me his favorite place in the shool to open a book. He was quick to ask questions when he could sense that he was mis-pronouncing something. And when the half hour was up he walked back to class, turned around with a big toothy grin on his face and said "see ya next week!" Keep in mind that before today I was a complete stranger to him.

I can't remember when the last time was that I read with a kid. I forgot how much I loved it.

these boots are made for walkin'...

I work on 17th and L street in DC. The White House is on 16th and Pennsylvania. I've worked in the city for three weeks now, and because my commute is entirely underground on the train I had never realized (until today) that my office was a mere three blocks behind the White House. This makes me feel kind of silly, mostly because the White House is one of those locations that you should just always know where it is. It's like being able to point North without using a compass. For all you Portlanders out there, it's kind of like how you can instinctively point in the direction of the Willamette River, regardless of the weather, your location, or if you can actually even see it.

It made me start thinking about how I need to be more observant. Back in Portland I used to walk EVERYWHERE, so I knew where everything was (not to mention the fact that I got a lot more exercise). Now, because we live outside of the city in Virginia, and because I take the train to and from work every day, the extent of my walking is from my apartment to the grocery store, or from the Metro station to the office. So, not only am I finding myself directionally challenged, as I have no points of reference while in a train underground, but I also never know where the heck anything is. Plus, I really miss walking!

So, today, after having discovered the silliness of my ways, I decided to forgo the hoards of liberated nine-t0-fiver's amassed in the Farragut West Metro station, and chose to take a leisurely stroll past the big white house to the Smithsonian station. I figured that by the time I got there I would have missed the initial 5 o'clock rush, and *gasp* may actually stand a chance of getting a seat on the train.

Along the way, I slowed to observe the tourists who (even though it was gray, dreary and a little drizzly today) were grouped, as they always are, outside of the White House fence. You can always tell a tourist from someone who, well...isn't one. It really isn't the camera in hand, or the oversized day bags toting overpriced and half empty bottles of vitamin water, or the fact that they travel in small packs that gives them away. It's the big grin on their faces when they're getting closer and closer to the White House, and the angle of their necks as they strain to see through the trees in Lafayette Park that blocks their views up until almost the last moment. And the not-tourists? Well, they look a lot like me; sneakers with slacks (because their heels are in their purse), i-Pod ear buds snugly in place, and most likely cell phone in hand (rather then camera) probably texting so-and-so for happy hour plans (instead of gazing awestruck at the big man's house). Now that's not to say that I don't appreciate my location anymore. I really do get why people love this city so much, but it's my city now too, and I can see this stuff whenever I want. It's pretty neat, and it also means that I can text Tim wile walking by the Washington Monument and not even look up to see it, and also not have to feel bad about it.

I think I'm going to try to take the long rout every day (now that I know where I'm at). The walk is nice, and I get to chill out before being herded onto the Metro. Plus, I don't think I'm ever going to get tired of the fact that within a twenty minute stroll I go by the White house, Washington Monument, and the Smithsonian museums, even if I do occasionally choose not to actually look up. :-)

choosing to ignore the supposed seperation of church and state, and sitting down to eat banana bread and coffee with all the "important" people

I normally don't get star struck by famous people. I'm not one to see a movie star on the street and run up and ask for their autograph. I actually think that would be kind of embarrassing for both them and me. But, for me it's different when your talking about politics. There's something about the people who make all the big decisions that makes me go all goo goo eyed. As was the case Thursday morning when I, having found my way through the throngs of international dignitaries and congressmen, passed U.S. Secret Service security checks, and took my seat at table 156 inside the grand ballroom at the Washington Hilton to eat banana bread, drink coffee and listen to our newest president talk about faith and government at the National Prayer Breakfast.

Seated at my table (my uncle and I were not seated together, he was somewhere on the other side of the room) was an older couple from California, a mother from Virginia, a couple from Maryland, someone from South Africa, and the Ambassador to the United Nations from Trinidad and Tobago. Seated on the stage, among others, was President Obama, the First Lady, Vice President Biden, and former Prime Minister to Great Britain Tony Blair. I never in my life thought I'd be in this company.

As a side note the room seemed to be kind of surprised the Vice President was in attendance. Apparently, this was the first breakfast in five years that the VP has been allowed to attended. It makes sense if you think about it. Generally speaking it's not a good idea to have your two highest ranked political figures sitting in the same room. What if something were to happen?

Anyway, below are excerpts of both Obama and Blair's speeches. Obama was fantastic, as you would guess, and I found that Tony Blair has a pleasantly surprising sense of humor (which isn't captured by the excerpt below).

Gosh I'm glad I moved to this city.