Jen's trip to DC

Just after Jess and Andy's visit--or more precisely, about 12 hours before they left--I headed back to DC to pick up my Labor Officer of the Year award, meet with colleagues in Washington, and enjoy a weekend back home. It was great to be back in the US, and even better to be in Washington! I could walk down the street (wide sidewalks not impeded by street vendors or roaming dogs), understand everything everyone said, go browse at a bookstore (as opposed to shopping online and waiting 3 weeks for my books to show up), drink a gingerbread latte, and enjoy cool weather.

The Awards Ceremony itself was really cool. The State Department really knows how to do these things right. It was held in the Diplomatic Reception Rooms--the 8th floor wing of the State Department where foreign dignitaries are entertained. There was a full military color guard and both the Director General, George Staples, and the Undersecretary for Political Affairs, Nicholas Burns, gave good speeches. The Department of Labor even sent one of their top dogs, James Carter, to help present my award (which was given jointly by the Depts of State and Labor). It was a bummer that Condi wasn't there. She was originally supposed to be the one handing out the awards, but the original date in October was scrapped due to her urgent travel following the North Korea nuclear test, and they could never find a time on her calendar after that.

Me with James Carter, Labor Department Deputy Undersecretary for International Labor Affairs and Nicholas Burns, State Department Undersecretary for Political Affairs.

Highlights of my time in DC include:

• A private tour of the West Wing courtesy of my State Department Colleague Richard Miles, who is currently working there as the Executive Assistant to Deputy National Security Advisor J.D. Crouch. Sadly, no photos are allowed inside, so you'll just have to imagine. This was the coolest part of a very cool trip--definitely something we'll remember.
• Reuniting with my uncle and cousins to fill out the McIntire Clan contingent during Alexandria's Scottish Clan Walk.

• Catching up with lots of friends!

I met Geoff, Michael and Maryanne's newly adopted son, for the first time

Dumbarton friends Mike, Barby, me, Howard, Melinda, Greg, and Pam

Gustavus friends Scott and Michelle