Tuesday, July 25, 2023
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It’s crazy how fast this summer has flown. I really don’t think I can put into words how stressed I am about making the most of the time I have left with all of these amazing people. I’ve already accepted that my bucket list will remain unfinished which only means that I’m obligated to come back. I don’t mind the thought of that at all.
Instead of completing the bucket list, I’ve ventured on many side quests when I’m not trying to consolidate 10 weeks of work into an 8 minute presentation (stay tuned for those by the way I’m excited for what my fellow interns will bring to the table). On Monday I spent at home doing some experiments with my silly putty. I also made the best homemade eggs benedict I’ve had all summer and was incredibly satisfied with myself. After I dropped my friend off at the airport, I joined Julia, Ruthie, MJ, Janessa, and Eva for dinner and a cabaret show. As it turns out, physics and showtunes are actually the ultimate combo. We went there to hear Julia sing and stayed for almost our entire group to join in with impromptu performances. Then we stopped for dessert afterwards and headed home for some much needed rest after the day’s activities.
Tuesday was a day of self-care. I had a meeting rescheduled so I had some extra time and decided to wander over to DuPont and see what was happening. I found a nice coffee shop to work at and the barista gave me a deal where she’d give me a discount if she could surprise me with a drink. I wholeheartedly recommend taking them up on this offer if it’s ever presented to you because WOWZERS that was the best latte I’ve ever had. Then I found a vintage clothing store with a ton of cool pieces that I ended up showing to Tiffany and Devin again on Saturday. After I got home, I hung out with Gizem and Janessa for a bit and we taught Janessa how to use chopsticks! Proud mom moment for sure. Then we enjoyed a movie with the girlies (shoutout Julia for the projector) and headed off to bed.
Wednesday was long. I had my meeting in the morning then went to ACP to get some work done. Since the metro is closed for our last two weeks, this would be one of the last times we got to use the building. I planned to take it all in and have my emotional goodbye moment, but I didn’t plan on being there until close to 6pm (thank you Jaden). Once we got back, Emily, Tiffany and I headed over to Tonic for happy hour and enjoyed a nice little evening complete with warm cookies! All in all it was a fantastic day.
On Thursday I went to Call Your Mother for the first time and enjoyed one of their famous bagels. I worked there and then switched to a different coffee shop once it got too busy. Honestly, the city was pretty suffocating by then so I ended up going on a run around the national mall to get some space and my goodness was that a dumb decision on my part. For those of you that don’t know, DC is currently under an excessive heat warning and it’s not recommended to do any intense outdoor exercise. Oh well. I’m still here but barely. Anyways, I got back home and then realized that I had some extra hair dye that Emily had lent me so I dyed my hair bright pink. It feels good to be lava girl again:)
Friday marked the last day at ACP. I met with my professor in the morning then took my final morning metro ride to College Park. Even the metro seemed nostalgic. I got some work done, used the gym, ate some fantastic Greek food, and then wandered around longingly like a girl in a dramatic goodbye music video (Miranda Lambert - The House That Built Me for reference). Thankfully, me and Hannah got to have our Titanic moment on the rooftop and I will cherish that forever.
Friday night was pretty fun! I met up with some friends I hadn’t seen in awhile and had a little get together at our place. We then woke up the next morning bright and early in order to enjoy some brunch at Rakuya, an asian restaurant in DuPont. I devoured my Bento Box and spent the rest of the day doing some household chores and reading.
Sunday was lovely. I woke up to a FaceTime from my sister and my best friend both giving me the rundown of our classmate’s wedding on Saturday that I wasn’t able to attend. I then worked on my presentation for a little bit and then headed off to the Wharf with Gizem as a little date for the two of us. We went to Hank’s Oyster Bar and I had some of the most delicious food that I’ve ever eaten. It was heavenly. We walked around for a bit and then came home and made some brownies as a sweet treat. We enjoyed our dessert with a side of Too Hot To Handle and went to bed happy as clams (get it because oyster).
Another stellar week for the books. I’m not looking forward to saying goodbye, but I’m happy I’ll have these blogs to look back and remember how great of a time I’ve been having with these awesome people. And, since I’m writing this late again, I already know that next week is jam packed and has some awesome adventures you should stay tuned for:)
Until next time!
Brynn Schierenbeck