I see DC

I had a few days off (two) and decided rather than lounging around I was due to see more tourist stuff. On Thursday I headed to DC for the day to see a few sights I had missed the first time around. I got up at 6:00am so I could catch the 8:10am MARC train that runs from downtown Baltimore to Union Station in DC. I took the Metro into Baltimore (thats a train). Grabbed a light rail (also a train) ride to Baltimore Penn station and barely managed to make the MARC train to DC. I accidently passed the stop to take the light rail train shuttle that takes you to Penn station. On the MARC train to DC I got stuck with a guy next to me who yawned once a minute at least. (How much oxygen can this guy lack heading to the brain?) I swear he was studying me and trying to make ME yawn. He would pause, yawn, and perhaps out of the corner of his eye watch me and wait for the contagious yawn to spread to me. I refused to yawn so he would yawn again and again and again. I should have given him one hearty yawn to get off my back. Sheesh. Well after awhile he stopped yawning and I started, but I only yawned three times. Yes I counted as weird as that sounds. Anyway so I arrived at Union station looked at the inside and thought "Wow this is beautiful" When I stepped outside I thought to myself "This building could be straight out of the White City" Later when I looked up info on the building in the book I saw it was designed by Daniel Burnham! (who was head "creator" for the White City) Anyway so I stopped by the National Archives, Ford Theatre, the house across the street, the Old Post Office, Korean War Memorial, National Gallery of Art, and a few buildings of architectual distinction. I sat on a bench on the mall and pinked my face. I also saw a motorcade for a Pakistani official (man do those motorcades fly!). It was nice I was in DC for about 8 hours and had a nice time. I was asked for directions in both Baltimore and DC so I continue that whole weird record of getting asked for directions. Got quite the list running! It was nice if a bit lonely by myself but was happy I bothered to go down there. touring by yourself is not as fun in your own country. Next time I will stop by Georgetown and go into the US Capitol. Sigh now back in the old Charm City.

One month in three (or so) to go

It has been about one month since I posted and I figured it would be a good time to update. I have been living in Baltimore for about one month now and working at Johns Hopkins. The job is good sadly I am not really being challenged like I had hoped. Neurology is interesting, but I do not find the patient load or daily grind mentally challenging. I think I will really find my "challenge" happiness in an ICU somewhere. No floor nursing quite like 11 east! They came to my mind tonight when I read an article on MSN about Axelrod. Boy does THAT bring back memories.
As for where I live....Baltimore is not a place for me to settle. Aside from it being the third highest per capita in violent crimes, I don't want to live here. By December it will be time to go!! I love the accessibility to DC, Philly, New York and numerous histric areas. I have taken trips to Philly, Harpers Ferry and small surrounding towns you most likely never heard of. Lovely being on the coast though. I am really surprised how much I miss Chicago. Nothin' beats it!!
So I have seen plenty of this dirty city (I went waltzing through the projects the other day) and am finishing up some of the areas around (Annapolis ect.) . Not much else to say. Watching the Wild Card closely (GO TWINS!!!) and wondering if the Sox will bounce back (they will). Drop me a line my friends!!!