awakening.

With Spring just around the corner, you can't help but think of renewal and a fresh start.  New hopes and new opportunities.  So much potential.  A perfect time fore reflection.

I have the tendency to focus on my have nots instead of my haves.  It's easy to stop and think about all the ways your life did go that you weren't planning on, in a negative way.  At least for me.

It's hard to let go and move on.  I like closure.  Whenever something ends, I like a reason.  Which is usually why I blame myself.  I may not like the answer, but at least it's an answer.  And then I dwell on it.  Which ends up being a pretty vicious cycle.

So I'm opting for a better approach.

"To cut my losses and let my profits run" -American proverb.

After all, there's no use crying over spilt milk.

before i die.

Yet another post as a result of browsing the internet.

This is in New Orleans. Someone constructed this chalkboard and then put it on the side of an abandoned house in their neighborhood. It's a project similar to post secret. There are buckets of chalk that anyone can use to write their goal or what they want to accomplish. When it fills up, a picture is taken, it's washed clean and the process starts all over again. SO COOL OR WHAT?

So what do YOU want to do before you die? Leave you answer in comment form. Even if you don't have a blogger, you can still leave a comment.

As for me. These are my top 5. As for now.

1. Fall in love, get married in an LDS temple for time and all eternity and start an eternal family.

2. Serve a senior couple mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with said husband.

3. Run a marathon.

4. Learn Spanish.

5. Travel the world.

más fotos.

a list worth doing.

I was browsing around the internet and came upon this link

"66 things to do before you graduate college"

I'll admit. I was ready to not be impressed. I envisioned things like "get so drunk you can't remember your first name" or "streak at as many sporting events as possible". Things that for whatever reason define the college experience and aren't exactly up my alley. But to each his own.

But when I took a look at the list I was impressed. And intrigued. And curious. And inspired.

It's a list of legitimate things to do. That not only will improve you and prepare you for the future, but make your college experience a little more memorable and worthwhile. Some increase knowledge, some widen your scope of abilities and talents, and some are just for fun.

1. Principles » Your Dashboard

What beliefs equate to success to me?

01. [] Take the Gallup Strength Finder 2.0


02. [] Host a Potluck Dinner


03. [] Read The Alchemist


04. [] Take a Personal Development Course


05. [] Read Rich Dad Poor Dad


06. [] Journal for 30 Days in a Row


07. [] Hold 2 Leadership Positions


08. [] Read a Spiritual Text Cover to Cover

2. Passions » Your Keys

What do I love doing and why?

09. [] Play an Intramural Sport for Fun


10. [] Volunteer for an Organization that Moves You


11. [] Take a Graduate School Course


12. [] Finish an Assignment One Week Early


13. [] Do a Public Speech


14. [] Start a Campus Club


15. [] Learn to Play an Instrument


16. [] Write a Business Plan

3. Problems » Your Fuel

What social, scientific, technical, and/or personal problem do I want to solve?

17. [] Wear a Costume to Class (on a day other than Halloween)


18. [] Do Karaoke


19. [] Write an Article for the Campus Paper


20. [] Recite a Poem at an Open Mic


21. [] Correct your Professor


22. [] Do something you’ll likely get Rejected from


23. [] Get a Grade Change


24. [] Take a Quarter, Semester, or Year off

4. People » Your Motor

Whom do I want to serve and how?

25. [] Attend a Meeting of a Group you Think Thinks Differently


26. [] Get off Campus and go Camping


27. [] Join a National Organization


28. [] Mentor a Younger Person


29. [] Raise $1,000 for an Organization you Care About


30. [] Go on a Cross Country Road Trip


31. [] Study Abroad


32. [] Visit your Country of Cultural Origin

5. Positioning » Your Lane

What do I want to be #1 in the world at?

33. [] Buy your own Domain Name


34. [] Start a Blog/Website


35. [] Start Tweeting (Follow us at www.twitter.com/nscsroute66)


36. [] Buy Business cards


37. [] Create a Resume 2.0 on KODA.US/nscs


38. [] Do your Future Job Now


39. [] Create a Portfolio of your work


40. [] Intern with Two Companies

6. Pioneers » Your Pace Cars

Who are my models, mentors, or guides?

41. [] Watch 20 Videos @ Ted.com 


42. [] Find an Upperclassman Mentor


43. [] Take a Professor to Lunch


44. [] Seek to Meet a Prominent Alumni


45. [] Interview your Grandparents


46. [] Shadow an Alumni on a Project


47. [] Conduct Research with a Professor


48. [] Choose something to Master and Practice Everyday

7. Picture » Your Road Map

What’s my vision for myself and my world?

49. [] Learn WordPress


50. [] Master Excel and Powerpoint


51. [] Abstain from Something


52. [] Organize a Huge Event and Build a Team


53. [] Create a Vision Board


54. [] Learn how to use Photoshop or iMovie


55. [] Learn HTML & CSS


56. [] Sell something and Make a Profit

8. Possibility » Your Destination

What would be possible in the world with me that is not possible without me?

57. [] Learn to do your own Taxes


58. [] Run a Marathon


59. [] Take the GMAT, GRE, LSAT, or MCAT


60. [] Save $5,000 to $10,000


61. [] Clear your Credit Card Debt


62. [] Learn a Foreign Language


63. [] Get your Real Estate License


64. [] Earn a Certificate or License relevant to your Path

Last but not least…


65. [] Complete the 64 Things to do before you Graduate List


66. [] Graduate 10 Times more ready for the World than your Classmates

66. Route 66. Get the car theme? I thought it was pretty clever. These were all taken from the website. I didn't create any of them. I wish I was that creative . But for now I will have to benefit from the creativity of someone else.

Let's be honest. As much as I love college, it can get a little mundane. Not to say education isn't important, it's just easy to get into the school rut. You wake up, go to class, take notes, fail a test or several and there seems to be a never ending pile of homework. Your confidences waxes and wanes. And you do it day after day. Semester after semester. Year after year.

So needless to say....I'm getting a little sick of it. It being college. I think we all do. Maybe. It seems like I'm at that weird phase. About to graduate, not really sure what exactly I want to do. I have ideas, and in a perfect world I would bake cupcakes all day and sell them at my very own cupcake bakery.

Do you ever feel like life is just happening around you? Almost like you're observing it? At times I feel out of place. That I'm just here at school ever so temporarily and preparing to the best of my abilities for whatever comes next.

I think I'm in survival mode. Just taking it as it comes. Wanting to be done and on to the next phase of my life. After all, life is about progressing and growing. And I've been in this phase for so long. Since September 2005. Granted, I did take three semesters "off" to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter-day Saints But still. I've been in this phase for quite. some. time.

Well my estimated graduation date is December 2011. After getting a hold on my account due to high credits, going on a wild goose chase to get it lifted, changing to a Bachelor of Science to avoid any further Spanish classes, getting an internship, and a list of other things, graduation is finally in sight. Finally.

So with two semesters left, it's coming down to the wire. And I'm going to make my college experience the very best that I can. Personally and to benefit my future. All while keeping my mental health in check.

as promised.

It takes too long to upload photos. Stay tuned for more at a later date. When I have more patience.

how not to teach.

We've all had a nightmare of a teacher...or two. Maybe even more. The kind that when we reminisce about our education experience it makes us shudder. Some were so bad that they may have even been the source for dropping a class.

I know that teaching is an important role and not an easy job. But just like everything in this world...there are teachers that are great and some that....fall short.

I'm currently taking a Spanish class. It has always been my dream to be fluent in Spanish. Not to mention that white boys that speak Spanish are totally dreamy. At least if you ask me.

When I was a full time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I was blessed to have served with two different people that were called to preach the gospel in the Spanish language. I remembered fairly quickly what I had learned from middle school and high school and was surprised how fast you can pick it up when you are around it.

When it came time to register for classes, I wanted to stay on top of learning Spanish (and I need foreign language credits for my degree) so I signed up for Spanish 201. Which is the last grammar class for non Spanish-Ed majors.

I was anxious and excited to take the class.

I found myself struggling. So I took advantage of BYU-Idaho's free tutoring services and started meeting with a private tutor once a week for an hour (which would probably cost an arm and a leg at almost any other school). He helped me a lot and was even willing to start meeting with me twice a week.

He hands down gets the award for world's most patient tutor. He explains things over and over and is encouraging while doing so. Exactly what a teacher should be. He never gets frustrated when I ask the same question time and time again and he usually tells me "I know you know this. You're just over thinking it." He encourages me to take some time and think about it or even write it down and look at it before giving my answer. Yet again, gives advice based on my individual learning style. Potential future teacher? Survey says: yes.

I was improving in the class but still struggling at the same time. I realized that if I wanted to improve the most that I could, that I was going to have to put forth more effort. I was going to have to volunteer answers in class and take full advantage of the classroom and risk sounding like an idiot.

The class is taught entirely in Spanish. Which is hard and challenging but effective.

So today we were reviewing for an upcoming test.

My teacher was reviewing the subjunctive with time clauses. She asked "Class, when do we use the subjunctive with time clauses?"

I remembered reviewing this with my tutor. I was grateful that I was starting to grasp and remember the context.

I answered...."With commands and the future tense."

"Well.....uh....we already knew that. You always use the subjunctive with commands"

Which is only slightly true. The actual word that is the command is formed the same way as the subjunctive tense, but its possible to have a command in a non subjunctive sentence. Just saying.

Well whatever, it's not like teachers haven't shot me down before.

We started reviewing something else. My teacher was talking about when something is either indefinite or nonexistent. I raised my hand and said that I didn't understand the difference.

"Well....(shooing hand wave)...you'll figure it out."

REALLY?! I mean really.

You're a teacher. By definition you get PAID TO ANSWER MY QUESTIONS.

Everyone around me was on my side. They said that they didn't know the thing about commands and subjunctive and they quickly whispered that they would explain the difference after class.

How is this supposed to encourage me? And I know that I'm not alone. I know plenty of students in this class and in general are discouraged by their teachers. Which is pretty sad, if you ask me.

I know that she can't hold our hand the entire way, and that at some point I'm going to have to learn this on my own. But that's just it. AT SOME POINT. Like say, after class? After she teaches us? After I graduate and I have sufficiently taken the classes I need and I'm no longer a student.

Isn't school for LEARNING? For asking questions and getting answers?

Maybe I've been wrong all of these years.

hooligans, at the ridge, with a snowman head.

It's Saturday in Rexburg.

Well now it's technically Sunday.

My sister and I were lounging around the house and watching GLEE on my laptop out in our living room. It was about 12 am. Curfew. The tow cars were roaming around the parking lot looking for cars without permits, boys were scattering from the girls apartments and others were screeching into parking spots and running up to their apartments to be home in time.

When all of a sudden we heard a loud CRASH. Loud enough to wake the dead.

Not to mention it interrupted Puck's cover of "Fat Bottom Girls" in an attempt to woo his current crush, Lauren Zizes.

I was a little freaked out, but I figured it was some crash outside.

Katie shot up like a bat out of h-e-double hockey sticks.

WHAT WAS THAT? I'M GETTING A KNIFE (Katie with a knife? Probably scarier than the noise of the crash).

She ran to the knife block, grabbed a knife (as promised) and headed down the hall checking each bedroom to make sure there weren't any intruders.

Checked the first four bedrooms. They were good to go. The door on my bedroom was closed.

With knife in hand and in position to shank if necessary, she kicked the door open.

"Christine. ohmygosh. ohmygosh. ohmygosh. comehere comehere comehere."

I walked in to behold this lovely site.

what. on. earth.

We were freaked out. Can you blame us? We called the emergency number for our manager. No answer. Ran downstairs to our RA. No answer. Ran back to my room. Called the manager again. Called theRA again. Ran back to the room again.

Somewhere in the runaround I noticed this.

That's funny. I didn't recall eating carrots in my bedroom anytime recently. And I especially don't remember dropping any on the floor. But I was in too much of a frenzy to really think through it.

We still couldn't get a hold of anyone.

I started to diall 911...but wasn't really sure if it was emergency noteworthy.

We called our only other roommate in town. Well, Katherine did.

I ran back to my room. And noticed this.

And then I put the pieces together.

Carrot+giant snowball=Snowman head.

You got it ladies and gentlemen. Someone threw a snowman head at my third story bedroom window and promptly through two panes of glass and onto my floor. We found out later that their goal was to knock down the giant icicle in front of my roommates window, but severely missed instead.

glass was everywhere.

My manager texted us. The RA ran upstairs. And our roommate said that we should call the cops. So we did.

They came. Took some pictures. Called the manger. And got the name of the culprit.

Apparently when the glass shattered, he made a run for it. Little did he know there was a witness. The towing man. Who chased him down. Got his name. And said that if he didn't turn himself in, he would.

My roommate, sister, and I cleaned up the glass.

Garbage bagged and cardboard boxed the window up.

And shut the door.

You better believe I'm not sleeping in my room tonight.

Not to worry. All is well in Rexburg.

rexburg for the win

Rexburg is known for a lot of things.

It's the home to BYU-Idaho.

Cranks out the most engagements and marriages in record time.

Nothing is open past 11 pm.

But I would say the thing that it is most known for and its greatest skill would be its ability to turn an entire town into an ice rink in the blink of an eye.

Rexburg, Idaho has the most random weather patterns I have ever experienced. And I'm convinced it would take home the blue ribbon if it ever went up in a global competition.

It's usually bitter cold throughout the week, way nice on Saturday and a majority of Sunday, and then Sunday night there's a freak snow storm. Just in time to turn all of Rexburg into a lethal ice rink as students brave the sidewalks on their way to class. Which only Kristi Yamaguchi or Scott Hamilton could ever appreciate.

My teacher once told me that the city of Rexburg has two concers that when combined turn into one giant problem.

1. They don't want to ruin the streets.

2. They don't want to ruin their snowplows.

So when they go out in the morning to "plow" the roads, they don't scrape right against the skreet. No, they scrape about an inch above the skreet. Thus creating a sheer sheet of ice, encompassing the entire town. Perfect for slipping.

I bet they could have saved money if they purchased a zamboni instead.

Every February, you'll be my Valentine.

I'm sorry that this post is coming a little late, but I wanted to recount the Valentine's Day events from this year.

My oh so gracious parents put money into my account so that my sister and I could go get something nice and delicious for Valentine's dinner. Neither of us really felt like going to a sit down restaurant. Since everywhere was sure to be super busy.

So we went down to Quiznos for dinner and then WalMart for some Vday treats. We got it all to go so we could go home and eat.

Now, backtrack for just a second.

The car that my sister and I have up here is a trooper. It's a '94 and still runs well, considering how old it is. The odometer has already been looped and is well on its way to getting up to 200,000 miles.

The gas gauge has never worked incredibly well and it always runs for quite a while even though it says empty. And, when it's cold, it's even more off.

So the needle had been on empty, for let's say, close to a week. I knew we had to get gas one of these days. My sister, Katherine, mentioned as we were pulling out of WalMart that we needed to make sure that we get gas tomorrow. Good thought.

Then I said "Sometime I just want to run the car completely bone dry just to see how many miles this thing can TRULY get."

More famous last words had never been spoken before.

We headed home (we even flipped a U turn RIGHT IN FRONT OF A GAS SATION after giving the poor dancing statue of liberty advertising Tax season a zebra cake) and as we were headed up the hill to our apartment...something in the car changed. It started slowing down and wouldn't speed up if I pushed the gas. It may have been making a weird noise or two....I can't remember.

"Just try to make it home and then we'll go get gas somehow" -my sister Katherine.

Make it up a hill that we are already losing speed on?! If only.

Now my car and car repair knowledge is beyond limited. I can put gas in it, windshield wiper fluid (if really necessary) air in the tires, and that's about it.

So I pulled over and turned the car off. I tried to start it a few times, and it would rumble but not turn all the way over. The lights and everything still worked, so we had that in our favor. It wasn't an engine or electrical problem.

We called our roommate.

She came and got me.

Took me to get gas.

Katie waited in the car that was parked on the side of the road next to a sign that said "NO PARKING".

Turned the hazard lights on.

We went down the street and got a portable gas tank holder thing and put one gallon in it. It's all it would hold.

We were on our way back to rescue the car. I was still hoping that there wasn't something else wrong with the car, even though I was pretty sure it was only a gas. As I've mentioned before, I'm a perpetual worrier.

As we were heading up the hill, I noticed some flashing lights. That were slightly brighter and redder than our flashing lights.

I said to my roommate, Audrey, "I wonder if a policeman stopped?"

"No. I'm sure it's just your hazards"

Well as we topped the hill, sure enough a cop car was there.

He noticed the car with the flashing lights on and stopped to make sure everything was OK. He also wanted to make sure we weren't lost. My sister had SO MUCH JUNK in the car from being at school so long and moving around so much, that he thought we were moving and maybe didn't know where we were. Such kind law enforcement in south eastern Idaho.

Audrey and I pulled up with the little red gas holder to the rescue.

"So...does your gauge not work....or did you forget to check it?" Mr. Cop

"Uh.....both...." me.

We put the gas in our tank and it puttered back to life. And yes, we went directly to the gas station and filled up our faithful little car.

tender mercies.

I know that a lot of people don't believe in God.

But I do.

And this is my blog. Which means that I can write whatever I want.

(At the risk of offense, several wise men have once said that being offended is a choice.

Something that I am still working on.)

I firmly believe, and nobody will ever change my mind, that God's hand is in our lives. That He allows things to happen so that we can feel of His love.

Even something as simple as the thought to send a friend an email, thank them for something, and then go to their blog and read a post that was exactly related to the email that you just sent.

What do I call that? A tender mercy.

And since this is my blog, I'm allowed to be a cryptic as I want. But I know that at least two people (besides myself) out there know what I'm talking about.

thank you.

some people have their own bowling ball, their own bowling shoes and no friends.

My sister started a bowling team. And she needed people to be on it for her first "game" tonight. However many people bowled and we took the top four scores and added it up for a collective score against our opponent.

Oh, what was my score you ask?

38.

That's right baby. Read 'em and weep.

I think I only scored on about five frames and I had 16 by the eighth frame. I made some pretty good catch up the last two frames. If you ask me.

So if you care to find me, look to the Western sky.

The Rexburg sky. To be exact.

I'm back at school. It's bittersweet. Like many things that have happened in my life lately.

I'm trying desperately not to be "that RM" that can't talk about anything but their mission to the point that it becomes annoying. I don't think I've hit that level yet, but I'm starting to have more sympathy for RM's. I understand why they talk about their missions SO much in any setting and at any chance.

First of all, it was what they were doing for the past 18-24 months. It's only to be expected that they talk about it. A lot. Doesn't everyone talk about what has been happening with them lately? Whether it was the birth of a child or their past year at school.

And secondly, it most likely changed them. I know my mission changed me. And when things change us, especially for the good, it's natural to talk about them.

Not to mention, missions usually make for some pretty good stories.

So I'm on to adjustment phase two. Being at home was a piece of cake in comparison. It still had it's rough moments, but I was mostly with my family and didn't have to get out of my comfort zone that much. But now I'm back at school. With thousands of people that I don't know. Thank goodness I'm living with my sister and the rest of my roommates are just as awesome. One is even a RM, so we can adjust together. Or rather, she can help me adjust since she's done a pretty good job herself.

I have classes again. I have to study and take tests. I have to make sure that all of my homework is done. And done on time.

I have to worry about myself instead of worrying about the progression of others in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I liked being on a mission because all of my worries and stresses got put on the back burner. There really is no other option. You serve others on a mission. Sure you grow and learn and progress and do a lot for yourself, but it comes in the process of doing things for others.

Not at school.

Sure, I can still serve others. Whether through a church calling or by choice. But I'm still here for me and my education and my future. Which is good for me. I need to face my downfalls head on and tackle them once and for all. And of course I can still be a member missionary. But at BYU-Idaho, it's a little different. I think there are only like 26 non members out of the 12,000 or more students on campus. And I don't even know a single one of them. Who knows, maybe I'll meet one of them on campus one day.

But at the end of the day, I'm excited to be back and I'm looking forward to a rocking semester.

Who knows when I'll graduate.

2011.

Happy New Year.

Here comes 2011.

What's my resolution?

To make it the BEST. ONE. EVER.

And this is how I'll do it.

2011 goals/bucket list

Become as close to fluent as I can in Spanish.

Read the Bible.

Run a half marathon.

Maybe a full marathon.

Go on a trip with my best friend.

GRADUATE COLLEGE.

Get in shape/live a healthy life.

Become a yogi.

Be a spin class master.

Get back into playing the piano and violin.

Excel in racquetball.

Visit Virginia and North Carolina.

Go to as many LDS temples as possible.

Be HAPPY.

happy christmas.

I could not have asked for a better time to come home from my mission. Right at Christmas time. So many friends and family to see and so much to be grateful for.

I love Christmas.

Serving a mission has changed my out look on Christmas.

I love my Savior.

I love His Gospel.

I am eternally grateful for the redemption that he brings me through his infinite sacrifice, the Atonement.

What greater reason to celebrate than the birth of our Savior?!

myth: busted.

Here it is. I'm about to bust every myth about sister missionaries. But I'll start with this disclaimer: I know that not everyone thinks these things about sister missionaries, but they are common myths that are out there. And I may or may not have thought these exact same things at one point.

1. Sister missionaries are frumpzillas.

Sister missionaries have ample space to express their personal style. Our mission president's wife told us to wear COLOR. Now, for those of you that have received that lovely mission prep pamphlet that came with your mission call, pictures would prove otherwise. But we're keeping up with the times. And rumor has it that they are even recreating that pamphlet that they send. Or it's already in circulation. I'm not sure. I haven't seen it, but I've heard about it and heard others talking about it.

2. Sister missionaries are on their mission because they had "nothing better to do".

I had plenty of companions that were at a stable point in their life. Working, going to school, about to graduate, etc.

3. Sister missionaries are on missions because they couldn't get married.

Now, although I wasn't dating anybody before I left on my mission, it doesn't mean that other sisters weren't. I have known several sisters that were in perfectly happy, healthy, functioning relationships before they left on their mission.

I would say that those are the top three. If you've heard any others, send em my way. And I'll be more than happy to bust them.

pictures.

I thought I had more pictures than this on my computer. I am having a TIME trying to get my pictures to upload from my camera to computer. I'll figure it out one of these days. But for now...here are these.

Enjoy.

if she wants to rock she rocks if she wants to roll she rolls she can roll with the punches as long as she feels like she's in control.

My dad is in this thing called Rotary club.

Heard of it?

I'm not sure what exactly it is. Some group of business types. I think it helps get your name and your company out there. Or something.

Anyway.

He was in charge of arranging for the guest speaker today. He set up with a doctor that my mom works for to come talk about stress management.

Can I get an AMEN?

If you were to look up stressed in the dictionary you would see a picture of me and then a foot note that said "see Christine Leigh Fleming".

I tend to be stressed. A lot. And it stems from me being a perpetual worrier.

I know it's my own fault. But we all have things that we are working on, right?

Dr. Amit Sood talked about a lot of really interesting concepts.

How we can de-stress.

And it all starts with perception. And being in control of your life.

Afterall, we generally can't change what's happening around us, but we sure can change how we react to it.

Virginia is for LOVERS (and missionaries)

So.

After EIGHTEEN months, how do you even begin to update?!

I can start by saying this. That the past 18 months were the

hardest

saddest

happiest

most frustrating

most enjoyable

BEST

18 months of my LIFE.

Hands down.

More to follow. Including pictures.

ps. I mentioned in an earlier post that the mission boundaries included Maryland. And it sure didn't. I thought that the Eastern Shore, that little part under MD was part of MD.

Fun fact for ya: IT'S NOT. Shows how much I paid attention in Geography.

T-18 months.

Tomorrow I enter the MTC, and I'll be there for three weeks. And then I head to Virginia to finish the 18 months Which means no more blog posts.

So check out these in the meantime. They're some of my favorites.

http://taffrine.blogspot.com

http://jacobdivett.blogspot.com

http://beccaobsesses.blogspot.com/

http://www.benkeamy.blogspot.com/

Peace out.

DC = cool - lame crowds at museums.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I. Hate. Crowds. Hate them, hate them, hate them. I took a psych class and the teacher said that the fear of crowds, enoclophobia, means "fear of the marketplace" and you don't like them because you're affraid that if something happens to you there would be too many people for someone to notice. Or something like that. Either way there are too many people in one small space.

Why do I hate crowds? For starters, I have a huge personal bubble. I don't like people getting that close to me. So you better keep your distance.

Secondly. When a person is in a crowd, it seems that all previous unwritten rules that every human being knows, go completely out the window. Like budging in line, being polite, and randomly singing while in public that's not at a performance, and everything like such as.

Example.

My family and I took a trip to Bethesda, Maryland this past week to be part of a medical study. After being poked and prodded at for a few days, we had a day off. We took the metro to DC to do some touristy things. It was raining that day. Of course. So the three Smithsonian museums that we went to were super crowded. Perfect. I'm guessing they're all usually pretty crowded, but since it was my first time going, I had nothing to measure it against. And there were about 50,000 screaming kids running around that were there on a school field trip. Double perfect.

The American History Museum holds the American Flag that Francis Scott Key saw that inspired him to write the Star Spangled Banner. Pretty cool. Of course there was a long line, but it was worth the wait. The line went outside of the room that it was in and people were lined up in single file fashion. But once you got into the room it was like a mad house of people trying to push their way up to the front.

Really?

Wait your turn. There are lines for a reason. And people will shove all up in your personal space as long as they get to look at whatever they've been waiting in line for. In this case, a flag.

And I won't even tell about the crowds when we saw Honest Abe's hat.

As much as I don't crowds it was still a pretty sweet museum. That museum had all sorts of cool crap. And I'm sure the other ones had just as much. We only made it to three of the who knows how many Smithsonian museums.

If you go to DC, I suggest not doing it on your one day off from medical tests. Spend a whole week there.