Resolution

I will blog more often. I will blog more often. I will blog more often. I will blog more often. I will blog more often. I will blog more often. I will blog more often. I will blog more often. I will blog more often. I will blog more often. I will blog more often. I will blog more often. I will blog more often. I will blog more often. I will blog more often.

Much to write about this time, folks! I guess that's what happens when you take a multiple month hiatus from blogging. That's not to say I didn't think about blogging, however. Anyway, 2009 is off to a fast start.

Highlights of the first month of two double-o nine:

Living in DC during a historical Inauguration
As if there aren't enough people in this city... just add 2 million more, and what do you get? Chaos! Luckily, I was permitted to work from home both Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as well as Inauguration Day. I would have joined the fun on the National Mall.. but thought twice after flipping on CNN when I awoke at 7:00 a.m. on the cold morning of January 20th. The metro lines were absolutely insane. People would fill up the trains at the very ends of the lines, making it almost impossible for anyone to board on the stops leading up to the center. This resulted in masses of people waking up early, freezing in the cold, and not even making it to see the Inauguration. However, I did enjoy the port-a-potties at the metro and believe they should stay up year-round. Makes for a better metro ride for a late Saturday night. Speaking of, I did go out with friends in Adams Morgan on the Saturday before Inauguration. Although it was fun, the amount of people crowding the already over-populated city was clear. It took almost 30 minutes to get a drink. And we met lumberjacks. All in all, I am excited to be in our Nation's Capital during a most important change in our Government. Go Democrats! America's faith seems to be on an uphill climb to restoration.

Speaking of faith...
"Miracle on the Hudson"
All I can say about this is, "WOW!" I followed this story for days. I believe this truly is a miracle. Sadly, I couldn't believe how the news coverage on this story lessened and almost ceased to be as the Inauguration crept closer. Many props to the Captain. I cannot imagine the ways the passengers lives have changed since their dance with death just a few short weeks ago. Many say this restored faith throughout the United States. My heart-beat quickened after first hearing of the event, and then my heart was filled with happiness after hearing all aboard are safe and sound. Truly a miracle!

Smithsonian 2.0
The two-day Smithsonian 2.0 gathering explored how to make SI collections, educational resources, and staff more accessible, engaging, and useful to younger generations (teenage through college students) who will largely experience them digitally. Over 30 creative people from the web and new media world met with 30 Smithsonian staff members to generate a vision of what a digital Smithsonian might be like in the years ahead.
Make sure to check out the event details at: http://smithsonian20.si.edu/default.html
I was able to work this event through Booz Allen by providing audio and visual support during the two days. I am awe-struck by the knowledge and ideas of the digerati whom were in attendance. I believe many exciting things are in the near future for the Smithsonian Institution. It's hard to believe only 1% of the entire Smithsonian collection is on exhibit/shown at one time. Imagine all that is not! and now, imagine being able to see everything from your computer, phone, or who knows what other ways to access the hidden artifacts SI will come up with! I was able to go on a Behind the Scenes tour of the SI Libraries as well as the American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery. I was inspired by this event. And know many others were as well.

Upcoming Events
While January comes to a close and February opens up with still no snowfall in DC, many exciting things are planned in my world. Beginning this weekend, a trip to WVU to reuite with some friends and jam out to bluegrass. The Superbowl... I don't care who wins as long as it's NOT the Squealers. Turning 23 on Monday. Wow, I am old. I'm not sure I like this age. Actually, maybe it will be better than 22... too much responsibility and not enough respect. Zac Brown Band concert next week, because you know I like my chicken fried. Taking my chances at skiing in Deep Creek, MD soon. I'm not so great on solid ground.. I'm going to need some help on the icy slopes. Going to see Avenue Q at Warner Theater. So excited for this what-i've-heard-was awesome show! Valentine's Day mid-Feb. For once, I think I'm excited for this "holiday" ;) and then it's smooth sailing through the rest of February until Vegas, sunny sin city Vegas, at the beginning of March.

Have a great day, each and every one of you.

Oh yeah, my resolution isn't just to blog more often. It's really to begin year 10 of no pop (or soda free as people say it here) as well as watch more movies, and of course, work out more. Isn't that on everyone's list!?