Spring Break 2012

Spring Break is here and gone!

The trip to DC was an absolute success and fun was had by all!  We actually ended up being there right at the peak of Cherry Blossom season - they bloomed early this year!  After the many times I have been in DC, this was my first time to experience them.  I was surprised by the fact that so many trees were white and not pink.

Overall, the DC trip started out pretty relaxed - just exploring the city and visiting some of the museums like the American History Museum and the Holocaust Museum.  As the week went on things picked up and much more walking occurred.  We finally got to see Kelsey and Brandon's apartment and she took us to see the Georgetown Law campus.  It was cool to see where she'll be going to school next year.  We also walked to Georgetown to visit all the shops - my favorite being Georgetown Cupcake, from the show on TLC, where I had an amazing Vanilla Birthday cupcake.

While were in DC we got to meet up for dinner with Cole's dad's fraternity brother and his wife.  If you ever visit DC I highly recommend eating at Pizza Paradiso off the Dupont Circle metro stop.  It was suggested to us by Cole's brother and sister-in-law and earned an A+ in all of our books.  The restaurant had great pizza (and fancy beer).

We visited Arlington Cemetery to see the grave sites of the Kennedy's and President Taft.  We also watched the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  It was pretty impressive.  Later that same day we went to the National Zoo, where I was slightly disappointed that most of it was under construction and the lions had already been put in their inside cages for the night.  However, we did get some up close and personal time with the Panda bears :)

To finish off the week we had a White House tour and a Capital Dome tour.  With the Dome tour you climb stairs all the way to the top of the Capital and come out at the very top of the dome over-looking DC.  I'm pretty scared of heights, but being the 4th time I've done it it was a little easier.  Sadly, it was overcast that day and hard to get some good pictures, although I didn't mind the cool weather. 

Overall, it was a fantastic week.  It was nice getting to stay with my dad and spend some time with him over break.  It was the first time I've seen his new Senate office and I was very impressed - I especially loved the picture shrine on the corner table, filled with pictures of me from my childhood :)  My mother keeps calling Cole's parents "troopers" for putting up with Cole and I for the whole week.  (I personally think we're a joy to be around).  Jane and Kevin were wonderful "chaperones" and, as always, great travel buddies.

After we came back to Kansas, Cole and I headed back to my house to spend a little time with my mom and of course, the best cat in the entire world, Little Bear.  It was nice to relax and unwind after a busy vacation.

Now I'm back to K-State and school is in full swing, picking up with a Microbiology test and an Anatomy and Physiology test next week.  I have been added to the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 2016 Facebook page.  It's kind of cool to see who all will be in my class next year - a group of students from all across the United States. 

That's all for now :)

Spring Break

Spring Break has finally arrived - and is much needed.  Cole and I head for KC tonight with his parents to stay and fly out to DC in the morning.  Our agenda for the week?  Capitol Tour, White House Tour, Museums, Monuments, Shopping, and my favorite part... THE ZOO!  Pictures and stories to come :)

The Results Are In...

AND WE WON!!!!

Might I add, with an amazing 71% of the vote!  I'm so proud of everyone who helped make our campaign successful.  It was a lot of work, but it's great working towards something you care about, and getting to know all of the people involved with it.

Now time to relax at home and get caught up on all of my homework - and bond with Little Bear (my cat). 

Love,
A

Brains and Campaigns!

And here we go with Post Numero Dos - Just a brief update on what has been happening in the world of Alex lately :)

We dissected brains in my Anatomy and Physiology class yesterday.  Each lab group got 1/2 of a cow's head to examine the brain and the skull, the connections between the two, and the different sections of the brain.  After getting over the initial grossness (I'll spare you all the pictures), I found it really interesting.  Anatomy and Physiology has by far been the most challenging class I'm in this semester, but definitely the class I'm most excited to go to.  All of the dissections are preparing me for vet school - and the part I'm the most nervous for.  I'm much better at memorizing facts and processes than the hands on stuff.

On another note... Today's the day!  The general election polls for K-State's Student Body President and Vice President close at 6 PM today and I cannot wait to hear the results.  I am currently the Volunteer Coordinator for two of my close friends' campaign.  After over 8 weeks of hard core campaigning, the results should be announced a little after 6 tonight.  They won the primary last week with over 60% of the vote, however everyone has taken this victory as an excuse to let off the campaigning - not the best way to finish strong!  Win or lose (hopefully win), I'll finally have a life again after the campaign is over.  I think I get asked to do these things because people keep assuming I'm an expert campaigner.  I would have to disagree, although I would say I know how to participate in a clean and classy campaign :) I'll keep everyone updated on the results tonight!

While the campaign is almost over, I still have two more tests standing between me and Spring Break.  I feel like all I do is take tests.  Anatomy and Physiology last week, Microbiology this week, and now both of those lab tests next week!  The light at the end of the tunnel is my Spring Break trip to Washington, D.C. with Cole and his parents.  Cole is definitely much more interested in politics and history than I am and loves D.C.  I mostly just love traveling.  His mom has never been to D.C. before so it should be really fun to get to show her around and let her experience it all.

That's all for now! I'll keep you posted on the election results :)

Love,
A