Fortunate Friday! {First week in DC edition}

Hey everyone!

 

Hope you all had a great week. Today is the culmination of the second week at my internship and I couldn’t be happier with all that I am learning so far. I have to be honest--- the environment is a little bit intimidating at times. You may or may not know that the finance/investments world is ruled mainly by man. What does this mean for me at the present time? I am the only female intern in the investing department and probably the 2^nd female employee in the entire department as well (the other girl is a permanent analyst). Isn’t that crazy?! So pretty much in a room of about 50 people, there are only 2 females.

 

Another factor that has made me feel a bit out of place at times but that actually motivates me to work harder is that I am constantly communicating with individuals who know a lot more than me about investing (especially when it comes to valuations aka numbers and spreadsheets!). So, while that may not be my strength currently I am definitely in the process of crossing that hurdle and becoming an even better investor. Definitely looking forward for what’s to come.

Anyways, sorry about all the work talk. Let’s get in to my Fortunate Fives for the week:

1.    I was able to switch my housing (dorm room) in Washington from a quad to a double--- O.M.G so, I walked in to my originally designated room on Sunday afternoon and almost fell in to a black hole of depression considering: how super small the actual room was, the lack of privacy, and the idea of having to deal with 3 other different personalities for 6 weeks this summer.

      Instead of crying my life away I walked around a bit, pulled myself together, and then made  a call to the housing department for a room change. Thankfully a double opened up and I was able to switch rooms immediately! I may not have my own space any longer but dealing with one person is a million times better than dealing with 3. So, halleluiah for that! The person I am rooming with seems pretty okay, also an intern, goes to bed at a reasonable time, and doesn’t snore. I am super happy about those factors alone.

2.    Being walking distance from the White House and pretty much right in the center of DC for the summer--- that makes up a bit (or a lot) for the fact that I have to share a room with a complete stranger. I also have a whole foods and a trader joes at walking distance. Made a quick run to TJs the other day just to explore the route and look forward to running more as my stay here progresses. Here is a photo from my first visit to the white house this past Tuesday:

Picture of my 1 mile run :)

 

3.    My enthusiasm to explore—Since I’ve been here I’ve walked around a whole lot and am becoming pretty familiar with the area where I work as well as where I live. I love just walking around, taking photos, exploring the town and the people. I actually have been lucky to find individuals whom simply ask me if I need help with directions, etc. Is it just me or people in DC are a whole lot nicer than in NYC?!

4.    I have a visitor coming to visit me this weekend—he gets here today. I am super excited.

 

5.    Feeling more comfortable in my environment, making friends, having family near.

 

That’s all folks. I am looking forward to a great weekend filled with activities (affordable/free ones to be exact) and just enjoying everything.

 

Tell me, do you enjoy being in a new environments or are you one of those people that avoids change at all cost? Would love to hear your stories!

For me, new environments always make me a little scared/anxious but it usually takes me a day (or 3) to adapt and then I am good (for the most part ;)…

 

Favorite Meme of the Week:

Old Town Alexandria... and a Nice Reunion

Hey all! Hope you all had a great Saturday so far! I had a great time giving myself a "personal tour" of "Historic" Old Town Alexandria here in VA.

The original plan was for me to move in to my aunts house tonight and then move my stuff again over to the place where I am officially staying in Washington. However, I decided to stay one more night at the Virginia spot so I could get a chance to explore some of the "tourist" areas and by that I mean Old Town. Also, this gives my aunt a chance to come help me tomorrow with my bags so it all worked out perfect.

I slept in a little late and woke up around 9-ish. To be hones, when I got up this morning I was feeling a little down. Not sure why but maybe because I woke up alone in a new town with no "set" plans. However, I didn't let my emotions rule my day. I got up, took a shower and made myself some breakfast. I then proceeded to do one of my favorite things: Catching up on blogs! :)
 

 

Turned on the TV and caught most of the "Naughty Professor" (the first movie). Forgot how great it is :). My mood began turning around almost immediately.

 

...After some Saturday morning lounging I got ready and excited to explore the town!

Bathroom "Selfie" before heading out.

 

I have to say I fell in love with Old Town! Is such a simple yet very historic and entertaining place filled with multiple shops, restaurants, and cute little stores. Most of the locations where inside old buildings which help keep the history of the town intact. I took over 70 photos! Most of them I posted on Facebook. No possible way I could post them all on here so I selected some of the main ones:

 

 

 

Little shops (including multiple cupcake spots..yum!):

 

 

The free trolley which transports people from the very beginning to the end of the town. I walked almost 4 miles before I realized it was free. No biggie considering part of my plan for today was to get some exercise in. Mission accomplished!

 

 



The very end of the town opens up to a pier:

 

 

I had such an amazing time on my own. It had been a while since I spent some nice quality time with myself :)

 

...Yesterday after work I met up with an old college friend whom I hadn't seen in 9 years!

 



 

We had such an amazing time catching up on the good old days. I remember I used to call her "my angel" in college but I cant remember why. Maybe because of the positive vibes I always felt around her. I recall we worked on one single project together but that was enough for us to become good friends. I am glad we kept in touch all these years and that I had a chance to see her again!

 

 

Tell me, How was your Saturday? Any exciting things planned for the rest of the weekend?