Save the Date

Last week conservative Judge John Walker ruled that gay marriages could proceed starting August 18th - this Wednesday. I have received no formal invitations for weddings in California but a rush of 'I dos' is expected.

I witnessed my first same-sex exchange of vows this summer in DC where gay marriage was legalized earlier this year. The couple had been waiting for over 40 years to officially tie the knot. Now California couples can proceed with their ceremonies starting Wednesday. Let's just hope their rights are not taken away again - as they were with Prop. 8. The case is expected to be seen by the Supreme Court a year or two from now.

Goodbyes and Hellos

After being back in Lawrence a week now I have looked back and remembering the good times with my DC friends.

But I am fortunate to have my outstanding friends in college! I look forward to an amazing senior and final year in Lawrence at KU with them.

DC: So long but not Goodbye

Last week I concluded my internship with Log Cabin Republicans and my summer in DC. It was the best summer of my life, full of opportunities and exceptional experiences. What a great week to finish on as well. The Perry v. Schwarzenegger, more commonly know as the Prop. 8 trail, case was concluded. The decision from a conservative judge was in favor of equality and overturned the decision barring gays and lesbians from getting married in California! It was a great victory and amazing note to end my internship on. The Log Cabin Executive Director threw me a going away reception that evening of the trial decision; there were many reasons to celebrate. I will miss greatly my other intern friends, friends I met in DC, the others at Log Cabin, and the one I got close to throughout the summer.

Leaving DC would have been more difficult if I wasn't headed straight for Las Vegas with five of my closest college friends that I hadn't seen in three months. That aspect made leaving my dream DC home a little easier. I packed up my life in my massive two suitcases two large carry-ons and flew across the country for an outstanding party to my working summer.

Vegas was a blast! But what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas...

I am now back in Lawrence and gearing up for the beginning of my senior year and last year at the University of Kansas. I love KU and Lawrence but this is no DC. Although I will miss DC, I have remarkable friends and involvement at the university and am ready to plunge back into my busy Lawrence life with my Senate job, bothers of Delta Lambda Phi, and politics in Kansas. My eyes are forever gazed at DC and the national political arena. I plan to continue my Rainbow Republican blog so please continue to read. I also will be guest blogging for Log Cabin Republicans from time to time as well.

Thank you to all who helped this intern experience astonishing! I am extremely grateful and know I will see you again in DC, around Capitol Hill.

Lesson Learned: You are the author of your own life's story. Write a best selling novel, not a piece of crap!

Jewish Politics and Social Calendars

This past week I attended the Saban AIPAC Conference. It was held here in DC at the Grand Hyatt. This was not connected with my internship but instead my Legislative Director position back at KU. AIPAC is America’s Pro-Israel Lobbying group.

I first was introduced to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee last winter when I attended a Kansas City meeting of the organization with other leaders in Student Senate. The current Chief of Staff for KU Senate is the Liaison with AIPAC and does an excellent job in ensuring that leaders at our University are informed on the issues and attend important conferences to represent KU.

There were six members of the Executive officers from KU. They got into DC on Sunday and stayed through Wednesday. It was great to spend time with all of them and to focus on international issues that are extremely important. Between seminars and sessions we walked the National Mall and other attractions. We were able to get away for an evening and met a graduated Senate friend that now works in DC. We all went to the Capitol Grill, one of DC’s finest and oldest restaurants. Extravagant! Being around and working with my fellow student leaders reminded me of how excited I am for the upcoming year at KU and to enjoy my last year in Lawrence.

After my Kansas friends and co-workers headed home, I headed back to the office. I am working to tie up loose ends and finish projects as my internship draws to a close. I have filled my schedule in order to squeeze every last drop of excitement I can from this experience. Thursday is my last day at the office that has been my home for the summer. The time has flown by but the experiences are one’s I will never forget.

The social scene has been as extraordinary as the internship. This weekend I went to the opening of an art gallery with a well connected DC friend that I met at a lobbyist luncheon. He invited me to tour the gallery and sip champagne with him as we discussed a variety of issues. After we went to eat at a locally owned gay restaurant and bar. He introduced me to the owners and had a fabulous time.

Saturday I attended a surprise birthday celebration for a friend at the State Department who I met through my friend at Georgetown. The party was on a rooftop that overlooked DC’s up and coming neighborhood. There were several people there to celebrate and we all dined on fresh shrimp and New England Crab. Crab cracking parties aren’t an everyday event in Kansas, especially ones on rooftops with the nation’s capitol skyline surrounding you. Unforgettable!

Last night I attended a bbq in Virginia for area KU alumni, current students, and upcoming freshmen. I remember 4 years ago going to this same event in Salina and thinking how amazing KU alumni were, but now I truly know the network of Jayhawks and the significant connects that exist from simply graduating from the University of Kansas. The evening was beautiful and the hosts were very welcoming. I was fortunate enough to attend with a friend and KU grad. to the bbq. We networked and ate and drank the night away.

I look forward to my last couple of days and know that I will miss DC and the people I’ve met here but I will return soon. I will be in Las Vegas in four days with some of the most amazing fabulous people I know! That part makes leaving a little easier. This week still holds excitement, with working to help elect Congressman Moran to Senator Moran, my birthday, a going away party, and a variety of other events to end this remarkable experience on the right note.

Lesson Learned: Keeping one’s social calendar full is just as important, and sometimes more, as keeping a professional calendar booked.

Tours, Twitter, and Twilight

TOURS
I am graduating this upcoming May from my undergrad. at KU. I have loved it and look forward to my senior year. But with this end comes a new beginning – Law School. I am studying for the LSAT on the weekends and taking tours of DC area law schools. It’s said you should go to law school where you want to live and work after you graduate because that is where you will build you network and work while in school, so naturally I am looking in DC first.

Last week I took a private tour of Georgetown Law from a good friend I’ve met here and he is also a first year law student/ 1L at Georgetown. He showed me the beautiful and historic college that over looks the Capitol and Supreme Court and detailed his experience there, both positive and negative. The following day after work, I went to an information session led by Georgetown Admissions. It was excellent and helped to answer several of my questions. Being accepted to Georgetown Law would be a dream come true.

Later, I went on a tour of George Washington Law after work. It is quite different from Georgetown, with a smaller more laid back feel. It had its positives and negatives as well. The campus was gorgeous and I would love to have an acceptance letter from them as well.

I still plan to tour American University Law in the coming week while here in order to have a full experience of area schools. It isn’t a decision of whether I’ll go to Law School for me, but instead which one and how to get in to it.

TWITTER
If you haven’t joined the Twitter craze, you are missing out. I know it can be as scary as Facebook, or even MySpace was but it is amazing and how our world is communicating. As great as Twitter is though, it is a lot of work to stay on top of things, if running an account for an organization or political effort. Those who tweet are today’s journalist, breaking information and stories before news can print an official article. You can also tweet from anywhere that has cell phone reception and places that don’t allow cameras i.e. court rooms.

Last week and the week prior, Log Cabin Republicans v. United States court case was taking place in California. We worked diligently to keep our members and follows involved and informed through all media outlets, including Twitter. You can’t film or take pictures in a court room but you can provide play-by-play details through tweets. Oh technology!

TWILIGHT
My 20 minute Metro ride to the office twice a day has turned into the perfect time to listen to my ipod. But I’m not like the many others who listen to music; I choose to instead listen to audiobooks. People may think that I’m some hipster on the Metro, when instead just a nerd in disguise. What is probably especially nerdy is my choice in books. I fill my day with hard work and watching the news and decided I needed a lighter form of entertainment, so I joined the Twilight craze. I have surprisingly enjoyed the books, even though they are built around teenage love… Fortunately I am not such a crazy and am not on Team Edward or Team Jacob but instead just listen to the books to stay up with pop culture and for light entertainment to and from work. Audiobooks also offer another great way to multitask, which I could not live without.

Between touring law schools, tweeting all day everyday, and listening to love stories on the Metro I stay busy during my exciting summer as an intern.

Lesson Learned: Law Schools, new technology, or book fads – don’t knock them until you have tried them and experienced what they have to offer.

Victories and Dreams

This week held several monumental decisions for equality. From DC to California to Argentina, gays and lesbians are receiving the same rights as everyone else, and keeping up with all of these updates is my job. Twitter has taken on a whole new meaning for me.

Log Cabin Republicans v. The United States trial challenging the failed 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' (DADT) military policy that bans gays and lesbians from openly serving in the military began this week with testimony. The case was filed six years ago and is finally being heard in Riverside California. Log Cabin has an amazing team of lawyers from White & Case and moving testimony from national board members to discharged individuals from the military. The trial began on Tuesday and is scheduled through next Thursday. Log Cabin is the only court case challenging the constitutionality of DADT. If this policy is repealed through executive, legislative, or judicial it won't matter, simply getting it repealed is the final goal. The Obama administration is defending the policy even though he is pro-repeal?

Washington DC is also in the news for a court decision announced this week. They ruled to uphold the same-sex marriage law made earlier this year and continue to allow gays and lesbians equal marriage rights as everyone else in the city. I have met several people who have fulfilled their vows after the passage of the law and the other day met a couple who traveled here from Texas just to be able to have an official ceremony, even though their marriage would not be recognized in their home state. (all in good time, with the work of Log Cabin and many other dedicated workers)

A big shout out to all my Latinas! Argentina voted this week to pass a gay marriage in their nation! They are the first Latin American country to allow same-sex marriage, even though the Catholic Church highly opposed the legislation.

Congrats to any of the gays who now have equal rights! It must be nice. One small step in a sequin pump for our community! Enough talk about gays around the world, lets focus on me now!

This week was, as usual, busy and challenging. Congress is back in session after the July 4th recess and that means the entire town is back to its fast pace lifestyle. Phone calls, emails, conferences, briefings, press releases, receptions, OH MY.

I'll expand on my favorite, receptions! This week my director invited me to attend a reception for Rep. Aaron Schock! If you don't know who he is then google image him now and read the rest of this later!

It was a great event and I got my pic with Aaron and talked with him for around 15 minutes with three other gay men, naturally we swarmed him. The event was at my favorite club, the Republican Capitol Hill Club and had food and wine. The Congressman is a very nice guy and I wish him the best of luck on his next election, in office, and coming out.

One of my roommates finished his internship this week and has left for home. He was a great guy to get to know and have political discussions that often lead to debates with. I am just three weeks away to leaving my now comfortable life in DC and flying to Vegas for an exciting weekend with my Lawrence crowd and then back to Kansas for a slower lifestyle, but still just as fun. DC is feeling like home and one day I hope it will be home. I toured what I would like to be my next home, Georgetown Law this week. The law school is located in the heart of DC and I believe it would be an amazing place to attend school. But for that to happen I better focus on the LSAT studying and keep up my hard work efforts. So enough blogging and on to the books.

Lesson Learned: Never discredit any option or disregard any opportunity. Those least expected roads may be the greatest route to take in life.

Working 9 to 5

Although my social life in DC is picking up and my evenings are excellent, I wanted to share more about my typical work week and the work I do for Log Cabin Republicans.

I wake up in the morning (feeling like P. Diddy) and depending whether of not I had a social evening out on the town the prior night, I go running. Then I shower and watch Good Morning America while ironing my shirt and eating breakfast. I leave for work 40 minutes early to give time for walking and the metro ride. Recently, I've gotten into listening to an audiobook with my ipod on the metro, which helps pass the time of the ride. I begin the work day by tidying my director's desk then checking my many emails. I don't understand the people who email in the evening, there won't be a reply until the next morning. I then proceed to check and delete spam from our Log Cabin email and search for news reports to blog and tweet about for BlogCabin or What Marriage Means blogs and twitters I help to run.

I usually have an on going 'to-do' list on my desk that includes scheduling appointments for my directors and reserving rooms for meetings. Once the mail comes in, I sort the bills and donations, entering them in the computer then making copies. I take the donation checks to our bank and make deposits, often these checks are fairly large. I save our bills in a folder to once a week take to our accountant.

Often I draft letters for donations or inviting guest to our upcoming events and fundraisers. Past letters have been sent to Congress members, Senators, Laura Bush, Cindy McCain, Dick Cheney, Ambassadors, and many others. Finding out who each of these people's schedulers is takes a long time as well. It seems that I share something in common with other schedulers because we always hit it off on the phone or exchange pleasant emails. We must be sharing similar experiences throughout our days.

There is always something else to work on as well including building and up-keeping websites, wikipedia pages, returning phone calls and emails, helping on the logistics of future events, attending meetings, attending congressional briefings on issues in focus, and many other tasks assigned to me.

I do an extensive amount of writing and researching, more then I would have ever imagined. My official title is Staff Assistant, which is very fitting because even though I am an intern, I am blessed with additional responsibilities. Communication is also a significant portion of my daily activities. Written and online communication takes place during my work day and interpersonal and face-to-face communications at evening events networking and spreading the name of Log Cabin.

Working with Log Cabin Republicans has been and still is an amazing experience. It is one that offers challenging tasks to develop and grow skills. To be able to work at a place where I have a passion for the work we do and can see the results is absolutely remarkable. This summer has been one full of issues that strike a passion for gay rights and rebuilding the Republican Party and prove that "Inclusion Wins!" (Log Cabin tag line). I now know the importance of an internship and hands on experience learning. These lessons are ones you simply cannot teach in Bailey or Blake Halls but must instead be learned here in Washington.

Lesson Learned: Multitasking is a blessing when done correctly. Be constantly working but don't forget to follow through to the finish, paying close attention to the details.

Fabulous Fourth

Independence Day in our nation's Capitol! What an amazing American weekend. I drank American beer, watched red, white, and blue fireworks, and attended a bbq party and social. I tried to plan all my weekend events around the holiday, making them extra patriot.

I got off of work early on Friday, most of the town took the entire day off. After work, I met up with my neighbor and friend for a fun happy hour. I had been invited for later that night to attend a jazz evening and ribs by a lady who worked at the Dole Institute as a fellow this past semester, Wilma Goldstein. She was one of the very first women to work for the RNC and has done great things in the Republican Party. She also brought another political friend that now teaches campaign classes at American University. I went with my alumna friend from KU and we had a great evening of American jazz and ribs. Never have experienced much jazz, I thought it was pretty excellent and added some culture to my life. After the great experience, Wilma took us home (I hadn't been in any car that wasn't a taxi is almost 6 weeks, weird!) then I got ready to go out with some friends.

On Saturday I met up with Mason, a friend from KU, and we walked around the Mall and went to see the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Three remarkable documents that have led our country for hundreds of years. The history of these documents is important to remember and why we actually celebrate the Fourth of July. Mason and I grabbed some food then I headed to a going away party for another friend from KU that is leaving for Ireland to attend graduate school.

Sunday, the 4th, Mason came over and we headed to a bbq together. We decided to walk and avoid the tourist filled metro. It was extremely hot and we soon regretted our walking decision. The bbq was being hosted by our KU alumna friend. We had food, fun, and met several other young professionals. The bbq lasted all afternoon and into the evening where we all headed to the National Mall to watch the fireworks together. We got there only 30 minutes early and still found great seats with the Washington Monument in front of us and the Capitol to our backs. The fireworks were phenomenal and created an American memory.

From sea to shining sea, I hope everyone remembered that freedom is not free and how fortunate we are to be in a country that is free, democratic, and protects our rights. Yet our great country is still a work in progress. We still are working everyday to ensure that every American has the same rights and there is still a lot work to be done to do this, but remember history, the Constitution was not written in a day and certainly hasn't be interpreted in a day either. "God Bless America, land that I love."

Lesson Learned: There isn't a lot of money to be made as an intern, but great memories and experiences are priceless and last a lot longer.

NYC Pride

"In New York. Concrete jungle where dreams are made of. There's nothing you can't do, now you're in New York. These streets will make you fell brand new, the lights will inspire you. Let's hear it for New York, New York, New York!"

After a 5 hour bus ride, Jeff and I arrived in the big city! The Executive Director of Log Cabin was also in the city for a conference so once off the bus, Jeff and I met him for cocktails. We hauled our luggage from the bus stop 20 blocks to a great little gay bar to hydrate ourselves. Luckily this was at 5:30, Happy Hour!

We checked into our hotel shortly after. It was down in the business district and next to Ground Zero. The tragedy is still under construction but we were able to see from high above on the 36th floor down into the zone. That evening we headed to Lucky Chang's, a famous and quite crazy drag dinner show. I had been there before during another weekend in New York with my friend May. It is an eye popping show, with never a dry moment and anything can happen and does! Monica, a friend from home, is interning in New York outside of the city and joined us for the weekend, we met up at dinner. We then had an entertaining rest of the evening and it's true, New York is the city that never sleeps!

The next day we got up and walked around Times Square, Central Park, and 5th Ave. We met up with Molly a friend and now KU alumna, she recently moved to New York to work. She took us for cocktails and then we headed to Mamma Mia, the Broadway Musical. It was a great show and it was great to see a show that was we already knew the music to, thanks to Meryl Streep! After the musical, we went out to an eventful evening in the gay West Village. You think you have seen it all, then you go to New York!

Sunday was our last day in NYC and the parade was in the afternoon, so we headed over early to ensure great standing area. The streets filled quickly as attendees lined the New York sidewalks. The parade was led by Mayor Bloomberg (only after we left, did I figure out there was an open invitation to walk with him from the New York Log Cabin chapter! Thank goodness that these opportunities aren't stopping) After the Mayor marched, the three Grand Marshalls led the parade; the mother of Matthew Shepard, the gay teen that was brutally murdered, the lesbian teenager from Mississippi that was disallowed from Prom because she insisted to bring her girl friend, and the famous soldier, Dan Choi, that was discharged because of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. The parade had politics, supporting members of the churches and communities, bars, and simply proud GLBT peoples. It was a long and crazy parade that will I will remember for lifetime. The crowds were insane and so many people were in attendance, with many allies present. We even met up with another friend from KU that transfered to a cooking school in NY. After the parade, Monica headed back to her area of the state and Jeff and I caught the bus back to DC.

I am so thankful that I am out and not living a lie. I have pride in who I am and what I believe in. There were several religions present and numerous politicians from both sides. Diversity was definitely visable and it enriched the atmosphere. The GLBT community is a diverse one with many types of people and many different ideas and opinions. I am fortunate that I am comfortable about who I am and have many supporters in life. I want to work continuously to ensure that everyone can be prideful and have others accept them in our country without discriminating against anyone. Thank you to Jeff and Monica for a great weekend of pride!

Lesson Learned: Bus trips are long and hot with a rank odor, but like anything in life, if you have a fabulous friend next to you it's pretty hard to complain!

That's Hott

Whoever decided that we should make DC the nations capitol obviously didn't spend a summer here first! Extreme heat this week with some record highs, reported several weather stations. I am simply just getting used to constant heat and humidity. Dress clothes are not the coolest clothing either. "Its hot out so lets wear a long sleeve shirt, tight around the neck, and then wear pants and a jacket too!" What's worse, is back in the founding fathers days they had wigs, more than my hair, and heavier clothing. Poor Ben and George! I came back to work from a meeting yesterday and the receptionist greeted me and said I smelled like outside. Randy (Lawrence roommate) tells me the same thing, I have no idea what it means. I think I smell like tanning.

This week at work has been a busy one. Full of scheduling meetings for my Executive Director. I also have drafted letters for several great Republicans like Laura Bush, Cindy McCain, and Dick Cheney (all Republicans that support marriage equality, even if their partners and husbands are quite there). Other time has been spent working with donations, website arrangements, and blogging for BlogCabin.

Tuesday was KU Alumni day at the Nationals baseball game. They were playing the Kansas City Royals. I went with a KU alumna who now works at the RNC. KU people got a discount on tickets then all sat together. We had fun, got a little rained on, but still a great time cheering with KU people. It was also "out" day at the game. Ironic that it was both KU and out day for the same game, maybe?

I did the dreaded laundry this week too. I can't decide what I hate more laundry or mowing. They are both terrible and I will never do either once out of school. Plus, laundry is so expensive! I could buy a bottle of vodka for how much it costs to do laundry. I have never had to pay before so this is a learning experience. THANK GOD, my intern house has laundry facilities and I don't have to go to one of those terrifying laundry mats. They scare me in Salina, so I can just imagine what they are like here, doubt I would make it out alive.

This week I also was on the Hill several times attending congressional briefings. These are like information sessions with a panel of speakers who are pretty high in their fields and respected. The one that I related with the most was "Reversing the Rising Incidence of HIV, STDs and Viral Hepatitis Among Gay Men in the U.S." I went on an alternative break this year and worked for the Houston AIDS Foundation, so I had a background on this topic already. The briefing was sponsored by LGBT Congressional Caucus, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) serves on this group and is one of Log Cabin's biggest allies. The event was excellent and I took a lot away from it, learning more about the federal government and its funding and how they are engaging to address this critical issue. "We need the adequate resources but that not mean new money, just better focused money. It will cost, but without it we costing lives."

My great friend Jeff arrived yesterday from Kansas. I met him at the airport and then we went out for an evening of cocktails, gossip, and great conversation. Its remarkable how much I am missing my friends and this was a perfect halfway point to have one visit me. Tomorrow we are busing up to New York for New York Pride this weekend. SO EXCITED. It will be an outstanding time. My last trip to New York with my friend May was amazing, the bus ride though was a different story, from what I remember...

Lesson Learned: Being outgoing and social to meet new friends is great, but remember to keep the old ones close.

The Young and the Beautiful

DC may appear to be full of old white politicians but I am learning it is almost the opposite. This town is young and vibrant, full of outgoing young active people who work hard and enjoy their evenings.

Friday was a busy day of scheduling meetings with Senators and Military Legislative Assistants for the Executive Director. Lunch, though, was with the Q-Street organization, which is a group of gay or lesbian lobbyists and staffers. We socialized and described what each office is currently working on and how we can help each other and use our resources. I enjoy hearing everyone's stories and then networking with people over a great lunch. Members from The Advocate, Human Rights Campaign, and several others are all in attendance. After work, a friend and KU alumna, invited me out for cocktails at the Capitol Hill Club. This club is for Republicans and membership is required. She is a full member and took me as her guest, it was great. We shared stories over drinks and enjoyed the company of other young Republican influentials. We sipped vodka and proudly wore our "Fire Pelosi" buttons. After cocktail hour, I met up with another friend that just moved here from KU and hit up a couple of the fun bars.

On Saturday, I had a relaxing day and caught up on some TV and the dishes. That evening I went out with a couple of my roommates and neighbors and another intern friend from KU. We had a great night out and sang some good ole nineties songs.

Sunday was used as a study LSAT day and catch up on some personal emails. I worked on several Student Senate items as well. The weekend is very much appreciated to catch up on relaxing and sleep but also to enjoy the evenings with some new and old friends.

The upcoming week will be both exciting and busy. My 'to-do' list at work is always growing and I stay busy all day, which is great if you know me. I cannot imagine a life without constant multitasking. My friend Jeff is also coming to visit and this upcoming weekend we are headed to NY for Pride! I believe there will be several young and beautiful people there as well!

Lesson Learned: Never underestimate the importance of a cocktail hour and networking that comes with it.

Live and Work

I wanted to simply share some pictures of where I live and work. Enjoy and have a little insight into my life as an intern.

This is my own office where I do everything from scheduling to blogging. Notice President Reagan watches over me.

The office building where I work. I love the giant American flag, just proves that Republicans are good Americans. Our offices are on the 5th floor.

My bedroom! I sleep on the bottom bed on the left and use the dresser and have a closet for my clothes. Pretty packed but its alright, for just three months. Naturally, I have KU items for everyone to see.

Our living room. Nice TV, with sports on... There is a great patio attached.

The building where I live. The entire building is full of interns and I've met several pretty fun ones. It is just a block from the metro and House Office Buildings.

Capitol Pride

"What have you done today to make you feel PROUD?"
This past weekend was the Capitol Pride parade and festival. I walked in the parade for an openly gay candidate running for the city council. It was an amazing opportunity. The gay energy and enthusiasm were outstanding.

On Friday evening, after happy hour with the neighbors, I met up with a friend from Lawrence who just moved here. Chris moved to DC for work. It was great to go out with someone that I actually knew.

Saturday was the US v England World Cup game. A week ago I ran into a girl going to the metro and she remembered me when we were both interns in the Kansas Senate. She now works full time for Rep. Jerry Moran (hopefully soon Senator Moran). She invited me to a pub to watch the game at and cheer on America! We shared some beers and clapped when everybody else in the bar did.

After the game, I headed to the Pride Parade and met up with the other campaigners for Mark Morgan's race for city council. Naturally, the parade was in the evening so the gays could have a cocktail during. Throwing beads and giving stickers to the drunks was a memory that I will remember forever! After the parade, the candidate took all the volunteers out for some drinks then I met up with Chris and a few of his friends (one a KU alumni I knew from the Dole Institute!)

I woke up Sunday and headed to the festival to work the Log Cabin table. It was already extremely hot by 9 in the morning. I knew it was going to be a gay sweatfest. I worked and talked with people at the table for three hours then walked around the festival and tanned. I ended up in the beer gardens to watch the stage performances and drag shows. There were some truly fabulous and timeless drag queens that entertained me for the afternoon. I hung out with another volunteer for Pride that I met at the auction. We chilled and had some drinks to cool down, but we were helped by the weather also when an instant down pour occurred. Its raining men, Hallelujah. The rain only lasted a couple of minutes but it was long enough to soak everyone. Then the sun came out again. The drinks were almost as strong as the sun, it was almost like being at a beach in Mexico, but with out the beach...

As the afternoon progressed, a couple that had been together for 30 years got publicly married. The two men have loved each other for half of their lives and with the recent passage of gay marriage in DC they were allowed to get married and they chose to do it at Pride. It was beautiful and pretty moving. It was my first gay wedding and it has taken years and a lot of work to do something as simple as a wedding ceremony for people in the gay community. What a journey, one that still has a long way to go.

After the wedding, I ran into yet another person I knew at KU! It sometimes is a smaller world than I ever thought DC would be. It has been fun continually and miraculously running into Kansas and KU people! We hung out for a while then went out for an after Pride party.

An entire weekend to make me and thousands of others proud to be who they are! Thank you Capitol Pride for the great past week and weekend. Sometimes it takes close friends or a festival to do that, but do something to make you feel proud.

Lesson Learned:It helps to be tall, blonde, loud, and memorable. I am easily recognized and stand out in a crowd.

Pride Week

The weeks are flying by! The internship is keeping me busy and I am always on the lookout for ways to increase my social life.

Monday, we met the neighbor girls. My building is like a large house with many individual apartments. Most of the interns have now moved in for the summer and I am slowly meeting each room. Its just like meeting the people on your floor in your college residence hall! The girls across the way were great. They came over and were like "who wants to go grab a drink?" ME! We chatted the night away and had a great time meeting one another. It will be great having friends in the same building.

Tuesday was a major election primary day for several states around the country. It is fascinating the affect the tea partiers and angry voters are having. It is understandable that people are upset with incumbents, but I wish more people understood the political process instead of just grabbing their nearest lawn chair and cooler and go to the park to shout about at the government. I agree that there are some changes needed but with those changes we must realize that we are in a poor economy and a huge budget deficit. You cant spend your way out of a problem.

On Tuesday evening, Christian took me to one of our local chapter meetings. The North Virginia chapter met over dinner and it was cool to see the more grassroots organizing of Log Cabin Republicans.

Wednesday, I volunteered at for a charity auction for Capitol Pride. It was great! The event was held at the Donovan House Hotel and Zen Tan Restaurant. This was the exact restaurant that I ate at with my Student Senate friends when we were up lobbying earlier this year. Small World! The auction was $20 to get in and then had amazing art and signed items from celebrities of Cindy Lauper to Neil Diamond. My job was to entertain guests, get them drunk, and encourage competitive bids. I was outstanding at it. I had a blast. Several influential people were there as well. The first man who started Pride was there and the city official who pushed for gay marriage in DC. I met several other volunteers and after the auction we went to an after party on top of the hotel that over looked downtown DC. Great view and great times....

Thursday, we met more of the neighbors and shared some wine! There is no better way to meet others then sharing a good drink and a smile. We have a large porch on our place, so we are planning on throwing a party soon for the neighbors.

Today we moved the office around and I now have my own office. How many interns get their own office? There was a lot of lifting and sorting, so naturally now I am ready for a drink. The plan is to hit up happy hour with the roommates. I am excited for the weekend with the Pride Parade and the festival. If someone told me I was going to march in a Pride Parade, I would have laughed in their face just a year ago.

Stay Fabulous friends, lawrence, and family. Remember to add culture to your lives this weekend by watching the World Cup. Cheer on our great nation, USA!

Lesson Learned: Embrace new challenges and suck up any discomfort you might have. Be outgoing. The auction started off weird but I am so glad I volunteered and did it.

Gardens and Galleries

I spent today (Sunday) as a tourist. I have been trying to go running in the mornings and decided to go in some of the museums and other places that I've been running by. I started by having a bagel at a fun corner bistro then went shopping at Union Station. Union Station brought back some fun high school memories when my choir performed there. I then went walking around the gardens at the Smithsonian. I had bought an LSAT prep book and started studying in the gardens. It wasn't an hour before it started to rain so I dodged into an art museum. It rains a lot here and makes it extremely humid. YA! I love humidity... I spent all afternoon in the art museums and and have now headed back to my house to continue my LSAT prep.

This past week at work was a short one because of the Holiday weekend and Congress is in recess. The entire town changes when Congress isn't in session, everyone dresses down and the attitude is more relaxed. Funny how much power, even on what we wear and our attitudes 535 people have. I have volunteered to help out at Capitol PRIDE events this upcoming week and weekend. I had two planning meetings detailing all what volunteers are doing and signing up for other ways to help out. I will be helping with the parade, dont worry I'm not on an underwear float, and also helping with a charity auction and the street festival. Some PRIDE events have already started and I have attended a few. The Log Cabin Republican Washington DC local chapter had a fundraiser for Service Members Legal Defense that is working to repeal Dont Ask Dont Tell. It was a bachelor auction with free drink coupons and gift packages along with each bachelor. I was enjoying myself and helping to boost the money for Log Cabin by upping others bids. I wasnt being careful enough and accidently won a bachelor and $50 in free drinks! Luckily I got the deal for way less and got a date out of it, too bad I had to pay for it though!

On Friday, I went to the office of the Minority Whip, Eric Cantor. His outreach director and I had met at an event at the Capitol Hill club and she invited me to come by sometime so I contacted her to set up a meeting. We chatted for a while and had a great Friday afternoon. Later that day, I met up with the couple that approached me at Target the last week who were KU alumni. We went to a fun Central American bar, Cafe Citron. We talked everything from KU to law school to the hot places of DC. They were great people and I am so happy that they approached me at Target and that I decided to contact them for a Happy Hour. I hope to get together with them again soon.

This week was also a sad week with the passing of Rue McClanahan, Blanche from The Golden Girls. She was my absolute favorite and I see a lot of myself in her character. I celebrated her life with a couple of cocktails and a fun and relaxing weekend with going out Friday and then going to Chinatown on Saturday. Chinatown was smaller than I remembered, but had a good meal and cosmopolitans before going to finally see Sex and the City 2. The movie and evening were outstanding but would have been better with my Lawrence friends. I am glad though that being alone isnt forcing me to stay in and watch Roseanne all night.

This weekend was also KC PRIDE and I know that all of my friends were there and getting crazy, as we are known for. I've had several fun PRIDE memories with them (cough cough, you know what I'm talking about). I hope it was fabulous and as crazy as the past couple of years.

Lesson Learned: When someone offers to meet with you and gives you a business card, actually do it and meet with them. It is so worth it. NETWORKING

Memorable Memorial Day

There is just something spectacular about being in DC for a Memorial Day event. All of my life, I attended the quaint Memorial ceremony outside of the Assaria Lutheran Church. At the beginning of my life sitting on the step railing then in the church yard, listening to the names of the veterans that served our community and country. This year was a little different. I attending the National Parade that honored every war American has ever fought in. It was truly remarkable. Hearing taps while looking at the national monuments is inspiring and touching.

I missed out on the National Program the previous evening because I, naturally, was out enjoying myself with some cocktails. I did, fortunately, catch it later on TV. I was invited to a bbq in Arlington, VA by my boss so I decided to take the almost hour Metro ride out of DC to have what turned out to be an enjoyable afternoon. This was a gay bbq so it consisted of margaritas and finger foods! We don't cook, we cater!

This weekend also turned into one of KU alumni. Two of the people at the "bbq" were from KU. KU is a topic that I LOVE to talk about, so I chatted the evening away filling them on the replacement of The Crossing with The Oread and other enormous changes at our great University. They were saddened by the loss of our drinking establishment, The Crossing but once I informed them of the remarkable facilities and bars in the Oread that soon faded.
I wore a KU shirt out grocery shopping this weekend also and as I walked Target, someone shouted "ROCK CHALK!" I turned to see a young couple who said they were KU alumni and we chatted for a bit ending with them invited me out for cocktails to welcome a fellow Jayhawk to DC.

After attending the Memorial Parade, I decided to continue to get some sun in the hot weather and exercise, so I walked through the Mall and the War Memorials. I ran into a family who also commented on my KU shirt, (a different one, don't judge me Randy). There was a family visiting from Lawrence and said it was nice to see a smiling Jayhawk out celebrating America's veterans.

I had planned on doing some laundry and homework this weekend, but that was unsuccessful. There is something about being in a fun new city that makes me not want to stay inside to do that type of work. I went out both Friday and Saturday evenings to continue to meet people and have a great time. It is seeming easier to bring myself to go alone and approach people. It is either I am becoming more outgoing, or I am getting tired of paying for my own drinks. Either way, I am feeling more comfortable and not as lost without my Lawrence wing men/drinkers.

We have also now filled out the small apartment with the other roommates. One is from Michigan and is working with environmental type stuff. It sounds terrible to me, working all day outside in this heat to preserve plants! SICK. The only way I'm going to be outside all day is if I am by the pool with a nice cooler full of beverages beside me! The other is from Baltimore and works for a senator. He goes to school in Scotland, so that is pretty interesting. I don't know why anyone would leave this great country to be educated anywhere else, but to each their own.

It was a great Holiday weekend and I look forward to what experiences lie ahead this week. Have a fabulous week! Play hard, work hard, and (to my bros) frat hard!

Lesson Learned: No matter where in the world you are, there is a friendly Jayhawk to make you feel at home!

Inclusion Wins!

Last night was a significant step toward a full repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. The House and the Senate Armed Service Committee both voted to repeal the policy yesterday. Although the vote was mostly Democrats, a few Republicans stood up and cast their votes for equality. Representatives Biggert (R – IL), Cao (R – LA), Djou (R-HI), Ron Paul (R – TX), and Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) were the Republicans in Congress that voted on the right side of history. Senator Susan Collins of Maine was the one Republican vote on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Log Cabin Republicans are thankful for these members of Congress and look forward to working with them again. Unfortunately, there were no votes from Kansas and very few from the Republican Party. But working within the party is the reason I am here and the work that the Log Cabin does is especially important. We worked and strived to get these votes and will continue to work to get more in the future.

It’s been a great week with a lot of exciting and interesting things going on. We worked extremely hard in the office this week, meetings on The Hill, reaching out to members, and attending events. I am overjoyed at the vote with Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and am pleased with the Republicans that voted for repeal. I hope that the process continues to move forward with support for both sides. That goes to show that having conversations and actual facts for Congress members is more influential than waving signs or protesting. No offense to those that take part in that type of activism but that simply is not how you get your message heard and more importantly voted on.

Everything will be fine in the end, if it's not fine, it's not the end."
This is a quote I often say to myself in my daily life. Before receiving the internship with Log Cabin Republicans, I received several denies from other places and congressman. Yet after this week, I am more than pleased to be in the Log Cabin office. I have the pleasure of actually working for something I believe in. Instead of giving tours of the Capitol to constituents, I work on actual issues and am truly learning the strategies of successful lobbying. Log Cabin is also an amazing organization in that, we take on the job that everyone else has given up. Other GLBT advocate groups are simply ignoring meetings with the Republican side of the aisle and considering Republicans a lost party. Many of the members of Congress have actually never been approached by advocacy groups and have been failed to be educated then. Log Cabin fills that gap and works within the party to ensure equality.

This week was also great for famous receptions and banquets. I have shared a beer with Senator Scott Brown to pee next to Minority Leader Boehner to meeting the newest Congressman Djou.

On Tuesday Christian invited me to attend a fundraising reception at a local pub for Charlie Baker who is running for Governor of Massachusetts. Scott Brown, the centerfold, gave the welcome and then walked around the room meeting people. Wilma Goldstein, a past fellow at the Dole Institute at KU, was there and we chatted for a while. She is an amazing woman and I was excited to see her there. After the event, I ran home to change and head to Nellie's Sport Bar for a Lady Gaga party. They were showing the Glee episode that focused on Gaga. There were fun drinks and a lot of "gleeks." I am just getting into the show, thanks to my Lawrence roommates, but had a fabulous time anyways. Scott Brown to Lady Gaga, interesting switch.

Wednesday I went to a reception at the glorious Capitol Hill Club, a Club exclusive to the Republican Party and invite only. There was a Young Gun reception for Republicans around the country running for Congress. The members were introduced and then went around the room meeting the various people and lobbyists. The club was beautiful, like everything Republican is, and all of the candidates were very outgoing and exciting. I wish them the best of luck and hopefully a few seek our endorsement so we can have a Republican majority again in Congress!

After the Young Gun reception we headed to another event at the Capitol Hill Club for Charles Djou, the newly elected special election candidate from Hawaii, Obama's old home territory now led by a Republican! Log Cabin was one of Djou's first endorsements and he has stuck with us through his vote for repeal this week. He was just sworn in on Tuesday. The reception was excellent and many powerful Republicans were present and spoke. Minority Leader Boehner was there, so tan, and he gave a speech praising the Republican Party and Djou. We spoke for a bit, as we used the restroom beside each other. I was able to meet several people from the RNC as well, and one of the ladies invited me to go to a Happy Hour with the National College Republicans down the street after the Djou event.

At the CR Happy Hour were several other interns that were working with Republicans and around town, so I finally met others in my rank. After a couple of drinks and meeting several people I headed home and decided to try line dancing at a bar close to my house. When I think of line dancing, I think country western and boots and my dad. But this bar was far from. This was gays line dancing to techno and Beyonce! It was pretty great. I joined in on one of the lessons and learned a salsa Latin type dance. Oh, I am so diverse! Watch out Patty, I can shake it like a Latina now.

It was an amazing eventful day that ended perfectly. What a city! I can be at a prestigious political club one hour and the next be salsaing drinking margaritas.

Thursday we worked all day to get last votes for the repeal and were happy to celebrate later that evening. I am helping Log Cabin out with our involvement in the Pride festival as one of my tasks and the Capitol Pride committee had a meeting on Thursday so I went to that. Naturally being led by gays, the meeting was at a bar with drinks. I met a couple other festival people and am excited for the two weeks of events that starts this weekend. After the "meeting" I met up with Christian and Clark, from Log Cabin, at an event at the famous Hilton Hotel, where Reagan was shot. There was an outdoor event celebrating the kickoff to Pride. We had a couple of drinks to celebrate our win towards repeal and had a fabulous evening.

This has been an outstanding week and I am beginning to assimilate into the DC life. I still do though avoid the crazy lady by our office that I believe is casting spells at the business folk. I am missing my friends like crazy, especially with the release of Sex and the City 2! I wish everyone well and continue being fabulous and thanks for reading about me!

Lesson Learned: Never assume a vote in politics i.e. Ron Paul voting for repeal (Remember him in Bruno?)

First Week

On my last trip to DC , I took a tour with May Davis (a good friend from Student Senate) of the Supreme Court and learned that above the actual court room is a basketball court. So this morning when I got up, with a little hangover, I decided to go over and see if my boy John Roberts wanted to shoot some hoops. He was busy so I walked by the Library of Congress and then remembered that I am here to lead - not to read!

My first week of intern work is now over and it has been excellent. Each day has offered something different with a variety of challenges and numerous exciting moments.

Thursday was a full day of work in the office. Part of my job is to write the Log Cabin Blog, research news stories that affect the party or GLBT concerns, and run the twitter and facebook. Completing these tasks and my ongoing work on the website filled my day on Thursday until around 6:00pm. After work, I decided that maybe it was time to purchase bedding and a pillow and get off of the couch. I took the 20 minute metro ride to the nearest Target and Bed, Bath, and Beyond. This is one of the strangest aspects for a midwest person. In a city you literally have to carry your groceries and items back on the metro and carry them home, meaning you are limited to about two bags. DC also charges people to use sacks so you better bring the reusable bags, if you are my friend then bring your census bags! In Lawrence, I shop about once every three months and stock up in order to save time and effort. That method is practically impossible here. The Target is built above the Bed, Bath, and Beyond which is built on a Payless, not the typical shopping I am used to. There is also no Walmart!!!! and a lot of hippie expensive organic places, that I am sure my sister would love. Thank goodness, I was able to find bedding and make it back to the house with time to get ready and go out for the evening.

Going out is a very different concept for me here in DC. In Lawrence, my friends and I wouldn't even think about leaving the house until around midnight but on weeknights here the metro ends at midnight. So I changed and headed out at 9:30!!! CRAZY right Lawrence friends!?! I don't know a soul here yet and decided to suck up my fear and just go to a bar alone and see if I could meet people. I headed to a gay district area of town and fortunately met some people who were just visiting DC. We were both new so we were in the same position and just sat at outside a corner bar and had a couple of drinks together and chatted. He was from upstate New York and invited me to a Drag show the next night. He knew the famous Drag Queen Pandora Boxx and invited me to join him at her show the next evening. I was so excited! I had made a friend, but he was leaving after the weekend. Eh, I at least got a club invite out of the evening. I headed home a little tipsy and had the metro directions in my pocket so I wouldn't drunkenly get turned around. Once back at the house, I chatted with the new roommate a little and bonded more. Booze makes bonding with new people so much easier!


Friday at the office was a great day! Our new Executive Director started. He is excellent. He served in the Iraq war and then in the Bush Administration. His contact list and experience are extensive and extremely benefiting for Log Cabin. Him, Christian and I went to a lunch with around 30 prominent GLBT people in the DC area. The group consisted of lobbyist to human rights activist to business people. There were Democrats and Republicans present. I made some excellent contacts and met some outstanding members of society and my community.

After work I decided to try out a happy hour that I had heard so much about. No one does Happy Hour like DC! I went to a bar with unlimited beer for $8! I had planned on just having a couple then heading back to the house to freshen up but then got to talking to people and stayed until my new friend came and we went to the Drag Show together. Pandora Boxx was absolutely amazing and hilarious! I was able to attend her after party performance as well and talk with her a bit. After that I headed to the famous gay bar called Nelly's Sports Bar. A KU alumni owns the bar and it was featured on The Real World DC. It was pretty busy with a lot of young interns and political workers. I enjoyed myself and even let a guy from Mizzou buy me a drink, lucky him!

This morning after bypassing basketball with John and skipping the library, I went on a stroll around the Capital to the Lincoln Memorial. I called my girl RanDee and friend Nick, who is in Vegas now, to keep up with friends. I then went to the National Asian Culture festival in front of the Capital. I had some great bubble tea and remarkable Thai food. Martial arts, belly dancers, and arab drums were my entertainment for the afternoon. At 5:00 I decided to do what any person in DC would, go have a beer! I then called the family members to fill them in. I am headed out again tonight in order to make friends. I left an amazing social life in Lawrence with many popular great friends to DC where I drink alone at bars and force myself to chat with anyone sitting close to me. I hope to make friends soon, but either way I am enjoying myself!

Lesson of the Day: Get out of the house and into the streets to truly enjoy a city.

Great First Day!

After I had posted my last message I met my new roommate for the summer, he was just getting back from church. He just finished his sophomore year (under 21) and is a social conservative from Missouri. Needless to say we have little in common. But this is a journey and I am positive about all experiences and he knows DC better than I do, so his help is greatly appreciated. He also informed me that we have an iron and ironing board in our hall closet. FAIL! I'm so glad that I spent three hours looking for winkle spray!

I woke up plenty early the next day because, as my mother taught me, always plan time to get lost. So naturally I got lost twice and my commute to work that should take 15 minutes took an hour. Luckily, I was only a couple of minutes late and the director was very understanding. The DC Log Cabin Director's name is Christian Berle. He has been involved with the Log Cabin Republicans for a couple of years and is very outgoing and has made me feel welcome. Our office is located within the Arent Fox LLC building that focuses on lobbying and law within politics. I am slowly meeting several people around the office and this upcoming Monday the new Executive Director will move in.

Christian and I started the day grabbing coffee and going over several expectations and tasks for me. This will definitely be a great learning experience because my first task is to update our website.... TECHNOLOGY! I am also writing the Log Cabin Blog and running our twitter, so watch for those updates as well. After some time in the office starting the website, Christian treated me to lunch. We grabbed salads at a local cafe (there weren’t any business women's specials unfortunately) and ate in the park at Dupont Circle.

After lunch, we headed to the Brookings Institute for a speakers panel on "Lessons Learned from the Service of Gays and Lesbians in Allied Militaries." The program discussed gays and lesbians serving in foreign militaries. Military leaders from Canada, the UK, Australia, Israel, the Netherlands, and Sweden all gathered to describe their experiences and share the policies that allow homosexuals to openly serve in their militaries. The allied military leaders shared the consensus that the problems are few to none by allowing homosexuals to openly serve, and actually strengthen their forces.

“Gays and Lesbians are just as effective as straight soldiers. Sexual orientation has no effect for how well a person does their job,” declared Commander Luc Cassivi, a seasoned naval officer of the Canadian Forces.

It was a great session and I learned a lot. I worry though that the military leaders were too positive and neglected to share any negative learning experiences. I was fortunate enough to meet several influential people at the panel, such as Dr. Nathaniel Frank. Nathaniel has spent most of his professional life focusing on homosexuals in the military and authored a world famous book Unfriendly Fire: How the Gay Ban Undermines the Military and Weakens America.

Later that evening Christian, remarkably, invited me to a personal dinner to celebrate Nathaniel and his work. The dinner was at an upscale townhouse in DC. (Almost 200 years old restored) Some of DC's most prominent LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, for those of you unfamiliar with the community) activist were in attendance. I networked with numerous influential people and had a great time in conversations. The catered meal was outstanding and of course wine too!

I was at the dinner and event until around 10:00PM, which left me no time to purchase bedding anywhere so another night on the couch, oh well. It was worth it. I received a signed copy of Nathaniel's book and was surrounded by inspiring people who have tirelessly worked for the cause of repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" to ensure equal rights for all Americans. I look forward to joining this campaign and contributing my efforts for a more equal inclusive nation.

It was a long, yet fabulous, first day with Log Cabin Republicans!

Lesson Learned: Always have a glass of wine in your hand and a smile on your face to ensure a successful dinner party

Arrival!

I discovered today that my life, at least three months of it, weighs 131 pounds. This past weekend I cleaned, packed, and sucked the air from all of my clothes with the amazing Space Saver bags (don't worry I didn't buy them from the commercials). It was all jammed into two suitcases and ready for travel.

This morning I woke up at 5:00AM at my sister and her husband's new home in Overland Park. I had decided to stay there the previous evening in order to be closer to the airport and have a relaxing evening with family. GUARANTEED if I had stayed in Lawrence with my great and crazy friends, I probably would not have slept and would have struggled to find a sober driver at 5:00 in the morning. I was amazed by how busy and bustling the airport was this morning. For almost an hour I waited in line for security. If you know MCI then you know that this is pretty rare. I assume it is simply a flock of students and others returning home after graduation or headed to vacations. As I stood there in line I thought "Shoot, better get used to this security! Thank goodness I enjoy people watching so much."

Around 1:00PM I got off of the plane with no problems at the Dulles Airport, which is about a 30 minute drive outside of DC. Prior to that I had a quick layover in Chicago. I had planned on taking a taxi into the heart of DC where my townhouse was located but changed my mind after striking up a last minute deal for a personal luxury driver. It seemed like the simplest, stylish, and least stressful way to travel. After he drove Miss Daisy aka me to the WISH office for check-in, he drove me to my actual location at a four story old townhouse that has several smaller living areas in it. WISH stands for Washington Intern Student Housing. I heard about if from several previous interns that I knew from KU. It is "fully" furnished with furniture similar to the Reserves Apartments in Lawrence, and if you know what I'm talking about then you know the quality. The location is outstanding. It is across from a large park that I "might" think about running in some morning and just a 5 minute walk to the metro.

Once arriving at my apartment it was around 3:00PM and naturally there was no one there. The historical apartment is on the first floor and has one bedroom, one bathroom and a kitchen and living room. It is no penthouse but will work efficiently. The entire building is full of interns from various walks of life. There are men, women, liberals, and conservatives. I am excited to meet each of them and look forward to our social being hosted next week.

I brought in my suitcases and decided to head out and grab a bite to eat and to try to pick some items up at a Walgreens or a CVS. Those stores are on every corner, correct? Well they're not! I walked around for several hours in the misty 50 degree weather before figuring out the metro system and locating a CVS. I enjoyed my Tuesday walk around touring the city on foot, but set out to find winkle releasing spray and bedding for my small twin bed. Unfortunately I am going to bed on the couch tonight and have laid out my wrinkly clothes on the bare bed in hopes they will be ready for my first day tomorrow with Log Cabin Republicans.

Tomorrow I start my morning off by attending an event called "Lessons Learned from the Service of Gays and Lesbians in Allied Militaries" Battling the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy will be one of the major items my summer agenda for Log Cabin. I plan on discussing more topics about the actual internship in future posts. Also, don't worry Lawrence friends, these posts won't usually be this long. Have a beer or a case for me tonight boys!

Lesson of the Day: Space saver bags = good idea for traveling IF you have an iron or wrinkle releaser when unpacking.