The President's Budget or the Ambassador

It is Monday, and it is snowing. Strike number one. The shrub on the city land by the building was finally cut, but very poorly, and only one of the hot water heaters is working. Strike number two. Posted in the hallway were signs highlighting an opportunity to attend a session on the President's Budget or one on the New Ambassador for Young People's Literature. Strike number three for some folks regarding the budget but a great opportunity for others who love reading. Technically I could not attend the session on the budget- that is typically reserved for Congressional Research Service types and other congressional staff, but the other one is open to the public. I was again reminded during my walk this afternoon that I am working in a building that hosts a variety of interesting and one of a kind events. So, the snow, the shrubs, and the hot water heater are certainly and do remain my priorities, but they are definitely not of any significance for a lot of other people around me. Or maybe they are?

Wonder what he'll be doing?

Good luck

Government Shutdown - Again?

Since last April, the Federal workforce has been threatened with the potential of a government shutdown. The first time was rather scary- because it felt imminent, and a lot of my co-workers were talking about it. Administrative staff spent a lot of time making sure policies were prepared in the event it actually happened- and it never did. The second time was just a couple months ago, and I lost my enthusiasm about even finding out about it. This time is literally a joke. No one even talks about it. I have never heard of such nonsense. In the private sector, this sort of thing just would not happen- or you would go out of business. We are already in the third month of the new fiscal year that started in October- and do not have an approved budget in place. It really balls up normal operating procedures... does anyone really care?

Let's get this show on the road once and for all

A few days off (for me) wouldn't be so bad

Lunch in the House

Every few months, my husband comes over to the Library so we can go with a colleague & friend from Florida to lunch in the House Office Building. It's usually an interesting walk through the tunnel over to the Longworth Building. This day was less active than usual, because most of the Congressional staff and staffers were over in the Capitol Building to discuss the debt ceiling bill. But, once we got to the cafe, it started to get busy with tourists and staff ... people do need to eat! There were a few folks who looked rather tired... one young man was sleeping/staring at his pizza. All the House pages were sitting behind us. Apparently, they have stayed to work over the summer because of all the out of ordinary meetings underway. Washington is usually devoid of House and Senate staff at his time of year. Well, sometimes vacation plans get changed - even for them.

Through the Cannon Office Building

The old entrance to the Capitol Building still requires security screening

People still get their shoes shined?

Grab on to the railings- it's slippery going down the ramp

Tourists and Congressional staff

The events of the day are televised in the gift shop

Souvenir?

On the way back - no one at the shoe shine stop

Army Band Concert on the Capitol Steps

Every summer, the Armed Forces bands take turns playing on the Capitol steps on Friday evening at 8PM. It was the perfect night last night for such an occasion. We strolled over and took our favorite seats by the fountain in front of the Capitol Building. The security fences and main stage for the July 4th concert are already up, or still up from Memorial Day. For some reason, we typically hear the Army Band. This night it was Pershing's tunes. I prefer something a little more popular, but the scenery and atmosphere cannot be matched. It's a very different vibe from the holiday celebrations. We never went to any free concerts in Milwaukee that I can remember, and I'm certain that we could not have walked over to them.

Getting set up before the concert

The ever present Capitol Police

Our favorite seats shared with visitors

The Band Leader

A large crowd on the Capitol steps

The logistics are amazing

A lot of the locals bring their blankets and enjoy the sights & sounds

Memorial Day Concert at the Capitol

The preparation is underway for the annual Memorial Day Concert at the Capitol. It takes quite some time to get everything set up, particularly all the security measures. We usually try to attend the "dress rehearsal" the day before. It's a little less frenzied, and always a pleasant way to spend the evening. This is one of the best reasons to live on Capitol Hill. We just walk over, 2-3 blocks, and we're there!

This scenery somehow makes the place look tacky

Getting the stage and lighting set

The Symphony orchestra typically sits below the canopy

Always a majestic sight

BUDGET WOES

The need to be efficient and cut back has reached us here in the work place. The idea of being accountable and maximizing resources has been on my radar screen since the 70's. All during my "first" career in healthcare, that lasted 30 years, we were managing productivity, looking for best practices, and monitoring outcomes. I thought I had escaped the constant conversation about budget talk when we moved here to DC and I started working for the federal government. Today we had a meeting where the likelihood of consolidation and improving processes is being tauted. I feel like I'm back where I started. Darn it! But it always made sense to me then, and it makes sense to me now. I'm not sure others feel the same way. Time will tell.