In the Groove

Wow, what a whirlwind the best couple months have been! Last time I blogged I had just returned from vacation in California...which was back in September. A lot has happened since then, but I'm going to attempt to keep this short (I promise).

In early October the White House hosted the fall garden tours, where the public can tour the South Lawn of the White House. I helped to coordinate the volunteers, as usual, and all went well. The other thing that occurred in October was the big meeting that I had been planing since March. On the records as the 'Millennials in the National Park Service Roundtable Discussion', the meeting brought together top NPS officials, program managers, and a selection of youth working for the NPS to discuss the millennial experience working for the agency. There was a lot of fruitful discussion that will hopefully lead to some concrete actions. We discussed things such as hiring opportunities, career paths, generational differences, and trends that attract/turn away our generation. The meeting also presented me the opportunity to then sit on a Department of the Interior 'Hiring Excellence' panel, where I helped hiring officials and folks from HR better understand the new generations perceptions and frustrations with hiring and the federal government. Lastly, I closed out October by helping with the grand opening of the new REI store here in DC. The National Park Service has a partnership with REI and has a first-of-its-kind visitor contact station inside the new store. I helped staff the visitor contact station for the opening weekend and had some great conversations with folks about getting outside!

November started out with getting outside myself, going on the second annual CVA trip to Shenandoah National Park. I had another great trip to the mountains with friends. Always a great place to see the fall colors and get a breathe of fresh air. Both October and November at work with filled with planning and coordinating the ornaments project, similar to last year. Work also included preparing for the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and the Pathway of Peace display. Since writing any more about this topics would probably make you fall asleep, I'll leave it at that :) At the end of the month I was able to go home for Thanksgiving, which was relaxing and a much needed break. It's always nice to be back in Minnesota and see the family.

December kicked off with the National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on the 1st, where the President and First Family lit the tree and there were numerous performances. I got to see Kelly Clarkson perform, as well as Garth Brooks, Yolanda Adams, Chance the Rapper, and others. We had over 200 volunteers for the event, which requires a lot of coordination, communication, and logistics, but all went well. Then, I had the opportunity to go on the White House Holiday Tour, where the house is decorated for the season. Every time I tour the White House I remember what a historic place it is and all that has happened there.

The past few months has also included a few visits from friends, including the Murrays, the Westbergs, the Walzs, and college friends Megan and Kathryn. As I have said before, it is always fun to have visitors, so if you're thinking about visiting call me up!

All and all, the past few months have been very busy at work but have been very fulfilling. I have done a fair amount of reflection and I can say that not knowing what life would look like when I move here a year and a half ago, things have worked out and I like where I'm at. Although it may not be what I had imagined (at all!), around every corner opportunities present themselves, and for that I'm very grateful. As I close out the year, I hope that 2017 allows me to continue to embrace the adventures life presents to me!