Sunday, July 19, 2009
Sotomayor Confirmation Hearing
This last week, I had the opportunity to go to the Senate Confirmation Hearings for Judge Sonia Sotomayor, who was nominated by Obama to be the next Associate Judge on the Supreme Court. We got in line early on Thursday, about an hour and a half before the hearing began. Luckily, Sotomayor was still be questioned when we got in as opposed to the many witnesses to follow. They shuffle the public in and out in twenty periods, so I didn’t get to see a lot, but it was still a very interesting experience. The first Senator speaking was Dianne Feinstein from California. She was very friendly and commending towards Sotomayor, calling her a role model for young women and supporting her future. This was a very different tone from the following Senator, Lindsey Graham from South Carolina. He was much more aggressive, leading Sotomayor into questions and trying to get a tripped-up answer. His topic was “fundamental rights” and what would constitute that for America, particularly with reference to the second amendment. I have to admit, I was impressed with Sotomayor’s composure in the face of his questions/comments. That is certainly not a position that I would ever want to be in! It was fascinating to see our government in action, even though a lot of it seems to just be games and political maneuvering, as opposed to action.
Gettysburg
Last weekend, I had the chance to go to the top of the Washington Monument. It was an awe-some view to be able to see beyond the city into other states. You could even see the temple to the north. The windows were a little disappointing in size (they were really small), but it could still take your breath away. They also had illustrations of how the view had changed over time, and it was fascinating to see how the landscape had transformed. The city has built up, but they have also done a great job creating the mall and an area where one can appreciate the history. 
On Saturday, we had a field trip to Gettysburg and Harper’s Ferry. Gettysburg was a really fascinating experience. We watched the movie in the museum, and saw the cyclorama, which is a painting that goes in a circle, and you stand in the middle of it on a platform. They had a narration and lights lit up the painting at certain times. It gave me a much greater appreciation of the importance of the battle in Gettysburg, and the magnitude of the civil war. I’m really grateful that we remained unified, and eventually gave rights to those who were mistreated. We also got to tour the grounds with a guide on our bus, and it was interesting to find out more about the commanders and the monuments.
After Gettysburg, we drove to Harper’s Ferry and saw the little historic town there. There was an old church that was interesting to see, and also there was “Jefferson’s Rock” where Thomas Jefferson supposedly said that the view was worth crossing the Atlantic for. I thought the view was nice, but that seemed to be a little exaggeration! But it was beautiful nonetheless, and the shops in the village were interesting to see as well. I do have to admit that my favorite part was the custard shop!
On Saturday, we had a field trip to Gettysburg and Harper’s Ferry. Gettysburg was a really fascinating experience. We watched the movie in the museum, and saw the cyclorama, which is a painting that goes in a circle, and you stand in the middle of it on a platform. They had a narration and lights lit up the painting at certain times. It gave me a much greater appreciation of the importance of the battle in Gettysburg, and the magnitude of the civil war. I’m really grateful that we remained unified, and eventually gave rights to those who were mistreated. We also got to tour the grounds with a guide on our bus, and it was interesting to find out more about the commanders and the monuments.
After Gettysburg, we drove to Harper’s Ferry and saw the little historic town there. There was an old church that was interesting to see, and also there was “Jefferson’s Rock” where Thomas Jefferson supposedly said that the view was worth crossing the Atlantic for. I thought the view was nice, but that seemed to be a little exaggeration! But it was beautiful nonetheless, and the shops in the village were interesting to see as well. I do have to admit that my favorite part was the custard shop!
4th of July
The fourth of July weekend was a lot of fun. On Friday, we did not have any class (yay!), so in the afternoon we went to the Folklife Festival on the mall. There were three cultures being displayed- South American, Welsh, and African-American. They had bands, foods, and many displays about different aspects of the cultures. It was really interesting to see all the differences. I really liked the South American music, and there was a person there making yarn out of clumps of wool. It was amazing to see him make something out of the hairy mess!
On the fourth, I went to the Bishop’s house for his annual party. He had a massive backyard with lots of grass and a tennis court, so it was a lot of fun! After that, we headed out to the mall. We wanted to get a seat on the West lawn of the Capital, so we headed to the Capital at about 3 pm to stake out a spot for the concert starting at 8 pm. There were a LOT of people there, but we managed to snag a patch of grass. Luckily it was unseasonably cool out, so it wasn’t too bad sitting out all day. 
The concert was pretty cool- Aretha Franklin, Barry Manilow, and Natasha Bedingfield were the main attractions, and they were pretty good. The orchestra was amazing. But the most spectacular sight was when the fireworks began as the orchestra played the 1812 Overture with live cannons. It was amazing to see fireworks lighting up right behind the Washington Monument, which is a constant reminder of the history of this city. Our country is so young, but it has a dazzling history and a strong future. 
On the fourth, I went to the Bishop’s house for his annual party. He had a massive backyard with lots of grass and a tennis court, so it was a lot of fun! After that, we headed out to the mall. We wanted to get a seat on the West lawn of the Capital, so we headed to the Capital at about 3 pm to stake out a spot for the concert starting at 8 pm. There were a LOT of people there, but we managed to snag a patch of grass. Luckily it was unseasonably cool out, so it wasn’t too bad sitting out all day.
The concert was pretty cool- Aretha Franklin, Barry Manilow, and Natasha Bedingfield were the main attractions, and they were pretty good. The orchestra was amazing. But the most spectacular sight was when the fireworks began as the orchestra played the 1812 Overture with live cannons. It was amazing to see fireworks lighting up right behind the Washington Monument, which is a constant reminder of the history of this city. Our country is so young, but it has a dazzling history and a strong future.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Portugal, Lisbon Mission
This week, a long process of waiting finally came to an end. After checking the mail every day for the last two weeks, I resolved to check it twice a day to show that much more determination! On Thursday, I was lucky enough to get off of work an hour early because of the holiday weekend. I got home at about 4:30pm, and per my routine checked the mail. I was so mad that my mission call was not in it! That meant I would probably have to wait over the weekend to get it, and I had already been waiting so long! Despite my frustration, I decided to be productive with my extra time and went to the gym before dinner. When I got back an hour later, I thought, “Why not check the mail. You never know.” Imagine my delight when I opened the box and there was a big envelope in it addressed to “Sister Juliana Geiger”! My mission call had come!!
The first thing I did (after screaming) was to call David, so he could set up the phone-conference for the fam. After waiting three weeks (and a lot longer), I decided I could wait two more hours to open the call so that more people could be there. So at 7:20 pm, in a common room crowded with Barlow Center residents, my phone rang and it was David with everyone on the line except Rachel. (doesn’t that seem ironic?!) After one more failed try to get ahold of her, I opened my call.
I have to admit, I don’t think I have ever been as nervous as I was for a minute as I broke open the seal on the envelope. Finally my mission, which has seemed somewhat like a dream, was going to be given a tangible reality. I think my reaction to the assignment- Portugal, Lisbon mission- was solely comprised of shock and excitement. To be honest, Portugal was probably the last place in the world I would have ever (and never had) thought of. The first couple days was still a slight state of shock and not being able to take it in, although I was really excited.
In the last day or so, I think it has started to seem real to me, and I have been able to absorb that I will be serving in Portugal. And I am so excited!!! I may not know much about Portugal now, but I know that Portugal is where I am meant to serve, and that I will have a purpose there and I am so excited to get to know about the country and culture. In a way I wish I could just leave now, instead of waiting until October 7.
I am so excited to get to be a missionary and honored to receive the call to be a representative of the Lord. I know that this gospel is true and want to share the joy that I feel with others! I have never been so excited or felt more right about anything before in my life.
The first thing I did (after screaming) was to call David, so he could set up the phone-conference for the fam. After waiting three weeks (and a lot longer), I decided I could wait two more hours to open the call so that more people could be there. So at 7:20 pm, in a common room crowded with Barlow Center residents, my phone rang and it was David with everyone on the line except Rachel. (doesn’t that seem ironic?!) After one more failed try to get ahold of her, I opened my call.
I have to admit, I don’t think I have ever been as nervous as I was for a minute as I broke open the seal on the envelope. Finally my mission, which has seemed somewhat like a dream, was going to be given a tangible reality. I think my reaction to the assignment- Portugal, Lisbon mission- was solely comprised of shock and excitement. To be honest, Portugal was probably the last place in the world I would have ever (and never had) thought of. The first couple days was still a slight state of shock and not being able to take it in, although I was really excited.
In the last day or so, I think it has started to seem real to me, and I have been able to absorb that I will be serving in Portugal. And I am so excited!!! I may not know much about Portugal now, but I know that Portugal is where I am meant to serve, and that I will have a purpose there and I am so excited to get to know about the country and culture. In a way I wish I could just leave now, instead of waiting until October 7.
I am so excited to get to be a missionary and honored to receive the call to be a representative of the Lord. I know that this gospel is true and want to share the joy that I feel with others! I have never been so excited or felt more right about anything before in my life.
I'm Legal!
On Friday, it was my birthday and I turned 21! We were planning to go camping that weekend, and there were still things to do, so when I woke up and 6:30 am I decided to just get up and at ‘em. There was a little birthday excitement J I made myself a yummy breakfast, and I opened my card and presents from Mom and Dad. They were the perfect touch to start off my birthday- a really sweet card and perfect presents- English chocolate and “The Holy Temple” by Boyd K. Packer. It was a great start to my day!
That day our class was a tour of the Supreme Court. It was really neat to be given a tour by interns there and see the rooms where they meet to discuss, the main court room, and the old library. We also had a law clerk to Justice Kennedy talk to us- it was really interesting to hear what it is like working for the swing vote in the Supreme Court!
That evening, about 15 of us went to Trap Pond State Park in Delaware and camped for the night. It was a really fun camping experience- pretty forests, a cool pond, and a nice isolated camp site where we were semi-secluded (we did have one person come over and say we were too loud!) But we got the campfire going and had traditional roasted hot dogs and s’mores. Some people also brought some cakes that I didn’t know about to celebrate my birthday, so that was really fun. We used up a whole bottle of bug spray in one night, but I think everyone had a pretty good experience!
Taryn and I 
AJ cutting one of the cakes
The next day we drove another hour to Ocean City, Maryland. The beach is beautiful there, and we drove all the way down to the south coast there. The beach was busy, but not too crowded, and the weather was perfect with a bright and hot sun! The waves were pretty good near the shore, and the sand was fun to play waffle-ball and Frisbee once it cooled off so it wasn’t burning our feet. A couple of us ended up staying there the whole day, until about 9 pm. I think the best time of day on the beach is the evening- the sun is setting, people are gone so you have the beach to yourself, and the sand isn’t burning anymore. You can just enjoy the beauty and serenity of the world as God made it.
We got back pretty late from the beach, around 1:30 am, but it was so worth it! I am so grateful to be living so close to so many beautiful things and to be able to have all these new experiences. This was definitely a great birthday to remember.
That day our class was a tour of the Supreme Court. It was really neat to be given a tour by interns there and see the rooms where they meet to discuss, the main court room, and the old library. We also had a law clerk to Justice Kennedy talk to us- it was really interesting to hear what it is like working for the swing vote in the Supreme Court!
That evening, about 15 of us went to Trap Pond State Park in Delaware and camped for the night. It was a really fun camping experience- pretty forests, a cool pond, and a nice isolated camp site where we were semi-secluded (we did have one person come over and say we were too loud!) But we got the campfire going and had traditional roasted hot dogs and s’mores. Some people also brought some cakes that I didn’t know about to celebrate my birthday, so that was really fun. We used up a whole bottle of bug spray in one night, but I think everyone had a pretty good experience!
Taryn and I 
AJ cutting one of the cakesThe next day we drove another hour to Ocean City, Maryland. The beach is beautiful there, and we drove all the way down to the south coast there. The beach was busy, but not too crowded, and the weather was perfect with a bright and hot sun! The waves were pretty good near the shore, and the sand was fun to play waffle-ball and Frisbee once it cooled off so it wasn’t burning our feet. A couple of us ended up staying there the whole day, until about 9 pm. I think the best time of day on the beach is the evening- the sun is setting, people are gone so you have the beach to yourself, and the sand isn’t burning anymore. You can just enjoy the beauty and serenity of the world as God made it.
We got back pretty late from the beach, around 1:30 am, but it was so worth it! I am so grateful to be living so close to so many beautiful things and to be able to have all these new experiences. This was definitely a great birthday to remember.
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