Thursday, December 17, 2009

Employment, the Holidays, and Random DC Moments

December is over half way done and it truly has been a crazy month.  Going back to Thanksgiving, I had a great time in Boston. It was odd not to be home for Thanksgiving. Stephen and I miss our annual game of Battle of Sexes Trivia Pursuit, which is always dramatic and someone ends up mad for a short period of time, but the game is finished (unfortunately with the boys usually winning).  It is unfortunate to miss the game because I am finally at an age where I know the answers to questions and can do a little more than just roll the dice. But it was a great Thanksgiving weekend filled with family.  


On Tuesday after returning back to DC, I got offered a part-time job with HFA and by Thursday I got a full-time job.  I have since accepted the full-time position and will start full-time in the middle of January.  I have been working the last few weeks part-time though.  My official title is still being worked out, but since they are creating a position for me, I have gotten to shape it to what I want in a lot of ways. I will be working with the Federal Policy Director and then taking over some of the Office Management position.  It will be a really good learning experience.  They are really supportive and want to ensure that I am getting what I need out of the position. I have already sat in on conference calls and am giving my opinion on a discussion draft of a bill about educating people and physicians about bleeding disorders, specifically Von Willebrand Disease. I have also gotten to spend time just reading and watching the current healthcare debate. I am now getting paid to do what things I already did! Kisa, who is the Policy Director, is phenomenal.  I have a great deal of support and good people to work with in this position.  


I am going to have to find a balance between my personal opinions and the HFA stance on things. Also, it is also going to be interesting to find a place for my experience with bleeding disorders in this position.  I am looking forward to the challenge and hopefully continue to help the community for as long as I can.  I know that I bring a different perspective than many of the other employees so I look forward to discussions about different policy ideas. 


I am also able to walk to the HFA office, which is very nice.  I am not always a morning person, so the brisk walk helps me wake up and get ready for the day.  Unfortunately, there isn't really a better way to get to work, so for days in the future when it is raining or snowing, my walk to work may become more challenging! 


The Saturday after this, we had our first snow of the season.  It was lovely to watch it fall, but not very fun to walk outside.  DC has a mild winter in comparison to Massachusetts (where most of my family is) but this month it seems to be at the awful temperature of 30-34 degrees. This means that when it is raining, it is an icy rain and when there is no cloud cover, it is just COLD! Compared to what I am used to, this has been something to adapt to.  I am not sure what do after I put on a few layers and still walk outside and am cold! I know I will have a couple of months to figure the weather situation out.  


I have been working close 50 hours a week for the past few weeks, which has been interesting.  I work in the mornings at HFA and at night at the restaurant.  I have been going to museums or coffee shops in between the jobs but also just coming back and taking a nap occasionally.  I will continue to work at the restaurant after the New Year because I do enjoy it and it has been a major place for me to meet people. 


I am looking forward to the next few weeks. I am so excited to go home on Monday. I am going to see a combination of Chapman friends, high school friends, and family.  I am going to be so busy but with the people I love! I am so excited to see everyone because I have learned how many great friends I have on the other side of the country.  I am excited to bake cookies with my Mom and see the family! I am so lucky to have such an amazing place to call home and no matter how long I am away I know that San Diego will always be my home.  


Here are a couple pictures of a few friends and me at the White House Christmas Tree. It was beautiful and a great night in the city! 




Friday, December 4, 2009

Employment

So it has happened. I have found a job. The details are still up in the air and have changed twice this week. I have started working at the Hemophilia Federation of America (HFA).  The week started with a part-time position on the table, but today they offered me a full-time position.  I am going work with them and see what the details are early next week.  


I will update this soon but I thought I would let you all know the exciting news!