• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Strength and Sunshine
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Celiac Disease & Food Allergies
  • Coaching
  • Media & Press
  • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Celiac Disease & Food Allergies
  • Coaching
  • Media & Press
  • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
×
Home » Reviews » Welcome Back! {DC Day 1}

Welcome Back! {DC Day 1}

Published: Apr 28, 2014 · Modified: Jul 23, 2017 by Rebecca Pytell · This post may contain affiliate links.

Welcome to my DC recap #1! I don't know how many posts this will be, but I will make it bearable 😉 I just want to dive right in, but before I do I have to tell you. I just found out all my Finish the Sentence Friday answers have not been showing up in my Friday Finisher posts for the last month. I always wondered why no one really said anything about my answers. (Why didn't you guys tell me there was nothing there!?). But I was really upset about last weeks. I had such a huge important answer announcing my GW decision. So I am re-posting it in this post and all the other finisher's are fixed with the answer showing as well, so make sure you go back and read them!

The best decision I ever made was the one I officially made on Wednesday. After seeing GW last June I knew it was my #1 school. I kept dreaming about it, not only the school, but DC as well. I was so sad for days and days after we came back home. I knew I needed to go back, I knew that was where I wanted to take my life next. Well low-and-behold I applied and was accepted to my dream school and just got to visit again this week. Nothing has changed and the moment we arrived in DC, still driving in the car, I was holding back tears. The happiness and joy that that city brings me is something I have never felt. I have only ever lived here in Jersey and I haven’t experienced many places, but there is something about DC that makes me know 100% that is where I want to be. So GW is the absolute perfect place for me. First, it’s in the heart of the greatest city, literally 1 or 2 blocks from the White House. It has the most amazing opportunities at the Elliot School of International Affairs for my intended major of International Affairs focusing on national security and Middle East studies (as well as economics!). The internships I could get are like no other, the professors and speakers…just pure magic and wisdom. Everything is at my finger tips, everything I want, everything I need! The opportunity to break away from every mundane routine I have been living by for years and to finally branch out full force in to something so crazy, new, unpredictable, and exciting! So on Wednesday (the last morning we were there before we left), I went to the admissions office and signed my life away official enrollment agreement. When the girl at the desk handed me the paper, my mom got her phone out to snap a picture and I was trying my best to hold back the flood of tears again. I still can’t believe it. It still hasn’t really hit me yet. But I can’t stop thinking about it either. So with a full heart, I am proud to say that I am and will be forevermore a Colonial! Raise High Class of 2018!

Okay, now that that is cleared up, on to the recap!

We left for DC at 4:45am on Monday morning, I barely slept that night because I was so pumped! We got down pretty quickly and right when we entered DC I started tearing up, haha! I felt the welcome back vibes right away. At the hotel we were able to get in to our rooms right when we got there at 9ish which was awesome. We stayed at the Washington Marriott which is the same hotel I stayed at last summer. They have such amazing service and are so accommodating!

IMG_9214e

We had no time to lose though, so my mom and I threw out stuff into our room and ran out the door to get down to GW for my Colonial Day! It felt so amazing to be walking the streets of DC again in less than a year! It is such a beautiful, safe, clean, amazing city. Once we got down to the main building that introductions were taking place in, it was already time to head off to your specific school for talks by the deans and students. I just grabbed my official GW lanyard and headed over to another building. There we listened to the assistant dean of the Elliot School, a current senior, and an academic adviser. Everything seemed so serial! Is all the stuff really going to pertain to me in a few months? Apparently yes it is, haha! I left that conference room totally on cloud 9 and then we headed over to see a dorm on Foggy Bottom (they actually are not bad, at least the ones I saw). We also finally took a bus over to the Mount Vernon campus. I had no idea it was that far from the center of the city! All the way past Georgetown. If that campus had been closer I would have considered living on it. Vern is the green grass, beautiful new dorms, traditional residential campus, but completely out of the way and that defeats the whole purpose of living in the city!

IMG_9102e

IMG_9031e

IMG_9029eIMG_9055(This is the Mount Vernon Campus...wow!)

IMG_9070

(This is one of the kitchens in one of the dorms on the Vern...it's bigger than m kitchen at home! Way bigger!)

IMG_9075e

Of course this self directed tour would not be complete without meeting with dining services. GW actually doesn't have a traditional dining hall, but a few halls that act like food courts. Plus you have special cards that work in the surrounds DC restaurants and places like Whole Foods. But I was able to meet with one of the head chefs in the main eating hall and he assured me I would not stare due to my dietary restrictions. Plus I am planning on applying for special consideration for housing so I end up in a dorm with a full kitchen. Fingers crossed it will all be okay! I also loaded up on GW gear! Tons of car magnets and stickers, a new lovely sweatshirt, shorts, the unofficial mascot hippo! (I actually won on a spinner game they had!), a GW mug (tea tastes so much better now!), pens, and my mom got a sweatshirt too. I still need to find goof sweatpants though...

IMG_9124e

IMG_9143e(I didn't miss the Cherry Blossoms totally!)

IMG_9154e

We were exhausted from there and headed back to the hotel to relax before dinner. (I will recap all of our eats on Wednesday!) I was so tired, but I couldn't take a nap, I just wanted to get back out there and explore the city! So after rest and dinner, my mom and I headed back out to view DC at night! For some reason, last summer we didn't go out to see the monuments when they were all lit up at night, so I knew we had to this time. The White House is absolutely gorgeous when lite up! Que the tears and dreams again, haha 🙂

IMG_9244e

IMG_9375e

IMG_9259e

IMG_9267e

White House Selfie(Yes I did take a While House Selfie! Haha livin' it up. Everyone was doing it, even men all by themselves were taking selfies, so I had to do it too! Some man asked me to take one for him, haha so awkward!)

IMG_9292e

IMG_9337e

IMG_9318I did not want to head back to the hotel, but it was getting chilly and my legs were killing me. We decided that we wouldn't go to the American campus visit I had been signed up for the next day because at this point I was fully committed to be a Colonial. No turning back! So we had all of Tuesday to sight see all the things we didn't get to last time. I was so stoked even though it was going to be another cold and windy day, I would tough it out to enjoy this amazing city. To be continued...

Jimmy's Birthday

And some other fun stuff from this weekend before I go. I finally was able to get back into a normal routine, no crazy traveling trips for awhile. We celebrated my brother Jimmy's birthday with his required ice cream cake (which neither my mom or I could eat, so it was all for him, haha! I also did some great yoga on Saturday night which I will be telling you all about on Thursday and you don't want to miss it. Plus I am officially the grilling master! Haha, well kind of. Remember how I said I have been craving grilled chicken and I wanted to try grilling chicken myself? well I took the plunge and grilled a simple chicken breast for myself for dinner. I just spiced the chicken, put it on a piece of oiled foil and placed the whole thing on the grill. I cooked it on one side for 12ish minutes and then the other side for about 8ish. I think I may have over cooked it a bit, but it is a work in progress, hey 😉 O and I also busted out a 3 page essay in an hour and a half Saturday night. Yea, I feel accomplished!

So Tell Me:

+ White House Selfie? I never take selfies but who could miss out on a chance with the big White House, haha!

+ What is you favorite city? Do you love exploring on your own, or going on guided tours? My grandparents had gotten Trolley tickets for the week so they didn't sight see with us. The trolley took them to different destinations where they could get off and explore and then catch the next one to the next location. It seemed like a good organized idea if you want to fit a lot in!

***Don’t forget to enter my Momentum Jewelry giveaway! You have until Thursday, so hop on over and enter!***

And since I didn't do a Power Monday post today, I think I will link-up with Katie for one damn Marvelous Monday instead!

———————————————-

Stay connected:
Facebook: Strength and Sunshine
Twitter: @RebeccaGF666
Instagram: rebeccagf666
Pinterest: RebeccaGF666
Bloglovin’: Strength and Sunshine
Google+: Rebecca Pytell

Related

« Friday Finisher 4/25/14
All The Walking, Sightseeing, And Barre3 {DC Day 2+3} »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mar on the Run!

    April 29, 2014 at 7:41 am

    Congratulations!!! I work at GW. Great school, great city 🙂

    Reply
    • Strength and Sunshine

      April 29, 2014 at 10:38 am

      You do!? What do you do or teach? Hopefully I'll see you there 😉

      Reply
      • Mar on the Run!

        April 29, 2014 at 5:49 pm

        I work for one of the VPs! 🙂

        Reply
  2. Kristy @ Southern In-Law

    April 29, 2014 at 7:30 am

    It looks like you had the best time! I'd totally take a White House selfie too haha

    Reply
    • Strength and Sunshine

      April 29, 2014 at 10:37 am

      Haha it was wonderful!

      Reply
  3. Michelle

    April 29, 2014 at 5:00 am

    I'm looking forward to living vicariously through your blog as you enter university!! Enjoy these years - they are some of the best and they go by too quickly!!

    Reply
    • Strength and Sunshine

      April 29, 2014 at 5:07 am

      I will definitely be sharing everything right here! I bet they will go by way to quick! There is so much that is going to happen!

      Reply
  4. Allison @ Clean Wellness

    April 28, 2014 at 3:39 pm

    Washington looks amazing! I'd really like to go an visit there sometime soon. I remember heading off to school in my first year -such an exciting time! And I've totally taken selfies. They always look slightly silly, but make for a nice memory and laugh when you look back at old photos. I enjoy exploring and travelling on my own time, not so much guided tours. Either way, as long as I'm seeing the city, I'm a happy camper 🙂

    Reply
    • Strength and Sunshine

      April 28, 2014 at 4:44 pm

      It is such a beautiful city, I hope you can get there soon! Haha, and selfies are the best 😉 Even though I never take them!
      I like to have a general idea of where to go and what I want to see, but definitely doing it myself is so much better then having to follow a structured tour!

      Reply
  5. Tina Muir

    April 28, 2014 at 7:23 am

    Yay! So excited that you were able to explore your new home. You are going to love being there. You have to go to DC Cupcakes for me, I love it there.

    When I first moved to Philly, I walked around and explored on my own, which I loved, and I think it gives you more of an appreciation for it as it is like an adventure. I also made sure my run that day found its way to the Rocky steps, which was a very special memory for me 🙂 Have a wonderful week!

    Reply
    • Strength and Sunshine

      April 28, 2014 at 7:26 am

      Haha Thank you Tina and read my post on Wednesday (there will be cupcakes)!
      I'm am pretty scared to start exploring by myself but I know once I do, I will feel pretty badass 😉

      Reply
  6. jessielovestorun

    April 28, 2014 at 5:29 am

    Big congrats on getting accepted into your dream college! I'm beyond excited for you & this next chapter of your life. Isn't it so much fun when you know where and what you want to do? Glad you & your Mom had such a lovely weekend together!!

    Reply
    • Strength and Sunshine

      April 28, 2014 at 5:43 am

      Thank you love! It does feel good to have finally made the decision! I love saying to everyone that I am going to GW! I also love saying it to myself too, haha, I still can't believe it!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Hey there, welcome to Strength and Sunshine! I’m Rebecca and I'm so glad you're here! This is your go-to destination for delicious, fun, and (mostly) healthy gluten-free and allergy-free recipes, tips & tricks, advice, as well as celiac and food allergy coaching services! More about me



Search

Never Miss A Post

Categories

Recent Posts

  • Gluten-Free Blueberry Crumb Bars
  • Blueberry Chia Jam
  • Grilled Portobello Mushroom Steaks
  • Strawberry Banana Bread (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
  • Strawberry Chia Jam

Trending Posts

  • Slow Cooker Applesauce | Easy, Simple, No Added Sugar
  • Slow Cooker Apple Butter (No Peeling Required!)
  • Cold Italian Pasta Salad (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Allergy-Free)
  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Scones (Vegan, Allergy-Free) Healthy Starbucks Copycat
  • Healthy Lemonade Recipe (Sugar-Free, Homemade, 3-Ingredients)
  • Gluten-Free Apple Fritter Bread (Vegan, Allergy-Free)

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About Rebecca
  • Privacy Policy

Newsletter

  • Sign up for our weekly newsletter!

Contact

  • Contact
  • Services
  • Media & Press

Copyright © 2022 Strength and Sunshine LLC

Related

Soft moist pillows of pumpkin goodness studded wit Soft moist pillows of pumpkin goodness studded with dark chocolate chips 🤩🎃🍫

Super easy gluten-free soft pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, vegan and allergy-free 😘🍪

Find the full recipe on Strength and Sunshine 🥳
https://strengthandsunshine.com/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-cookies/

#pumpkin #pumpkincookies #chocolatechipcookies #vegancookies #glutenfreecookies #allergyfree #glutenfree #vegan #dairyfree #eggfree
When you want both the summer and fall vibes at on When you want both the summer and fall vibes at once…😙🍂👙

Super moist, soft, fluffy Pumpkin Zucchini Bread! 🤩🎃🥒🍞
Gluten-free, vegan, allergy-free, full of fruits and veggies! 😁

Find the full recipe on Strength and Sunshine 🥳
https://strengthandsunshine.com/gluten-free-pumpkin-zucchini-bread/

#pumpkin #zucchini #pumpkinbread #zucchinibread #glutenfreebread #veganbread #allergyfree #glutenfree #vegan #dairyfree #eggfree
Say farewell to berry season with these sweet, ten Say farewell to berry season with these sweet, tender, buttery crumb bars! 🫐
*
Gluten-Free Blueberry Crumb Bars (Vegan, Allergy-Free) 😍🤤🫐
*
These Beautifully Blissful Blueberry Bars are:👇
Gluten-Free ❤️
Allergy-Free 🧡
Vegan 💛
Kid-Approved 💚
No Added Sugar 💙
Simple and Easy 💜
Delicious Dessert, Brunch or Breakfast Treat 💖
*
With that homemade blueberry chia jam sandwiched between a tender and buttery gluten-free shortbread style crust and delicious crumb topping, served warm with some vegan vanilla ice cream...not too sweet, just enough to satisfy all your fruity blueberry dreams 🙌🫐🥰😘
*
CLICK the LINK in my BIO @rebeccagf666 for the FULL RECIPE on the BLOG! 👆👆
https://strengthandsunshine.com/gluten-free-blueberry-crumb-bars/
*
#blueberries #blueberry #bakingfromscratch #blueberryrecipes #bakingwithkids #glutenfree #vegan #dairyfree #eggfree #soyfree #nutfree #blueberrypie #allergyfree #celiac #foodallergies #feedfeed #thebakefeed #bakersofinstagram #glutenfreelife #wildblueberries #foodallergymom #kidapproved #veganbaking #vegandessert #glutenfreedessert #glutenfreefood #glutenfreebaking #glutenfreeliving #celiacdisease #dessertbars
Early Autumn Vibes in these Apple Cinnamon Muffins Early Autumn Vibes in these Apple Cinnamon Muffins! ✌️🍎

Fluffy, bakery-style muffins, gluten-free, vegan, and allergy-free! Filled with fresh chopped apples and coated in cinnamon sugar goodness! 😋🥰🍎

Find the full recipe on Strength and Sunshine 🥳👇
https://strengthandsunshine.com/gluten-free-apple-cinnamon-muffins-vegan/

#apple #applecinnamon #applecinnamonmuffins #veganmuffins #glutenfreebreakfast #allergyfree #glutenfree #vegan #dairyfree #eggfree
Are you still holding out on the pumpkin or have y Are you still holding out on the pumpkin or have you given in? 🤔

Let your first taste of pumpkin spice be these copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Scones! Gluten-Free, vegan, and allergy-free, one of Strength and Sunshine’s fan-favorite pumpkin recipes! 🎃🥰😋

Find the full recipe on Strength and Sunshine 👇🥳

https://strengthandsunshine.com/gluten-free-pumpkin-scones-vegan/

#pumpkin #pumpkinscones #pumpkinspice #veganbreakfast #glutenfreebreakfast #allergyfree #glutenfree #vegan #dairyfree #eggfree
The solution for your bounty of blueberries!🫐 * The solution for your bounty of blueberries!🫐
*
Blueberry Chia Jam (Vegan, Gluten-Free) 😍🫐
*
This Berrylicious Blueberry Jam is 👇
Gluten-Free ❤️
Allergy-Free 🧡
Vegan 💛
Sugar-Free, Keto, & Paleo 💚
Kid-Approved 💙
Healthy & Customizable💜
Quick & Easy, 2 Ingredients 💖
Sweet Spread, Filling, Topping, & More! 💝
*
Just like the strawberry chia jam you all loved, this blueberry chia seed jam is just as easy with two ingredients and endless customizations and uses! Blueberry jam is one of my favorites for a PBJ and you’ll need a batch for an upcoming recipe I’ll be sharing in 2 weeks! 🫐🤩
*
CLICK the LINK in my BIO @rebeccagf666 for the FULL RECIPE on the BLOG! 👆👆
https://strengthandsunshine.com/blueberry-chia-jam/
*
#blueberryjam #blueberrychiajam #blueberry #blueberries #wildblueberries #chiajam #chiaseeds #homemadejam #summerfruit #blueberryrecipes #glutenfree #vegan #dairyfree #eggfree #soyfree #nutfree #allergyfree #keto #paleo #celiac #foodallergies #feedfeed #glutenfreelife #foodallergymom #kidapproved #eatrealfood #glutenfreefood #glutenfreeliving #celiacdisease
If you’re not grilling your French toast…what If you’re not grilling your French toast…what are you doing? 🧐🔥🍞🍁

Grilled French Toast and Grilled French Toast Skewers! 🤩

Both recipe are perfect for those end-of-summer and fall camping adventures you have! Both are perfectly gluten-free, allergy-free bad vegan of course! No need for perishable ingredients here! 😋🥰🏕️

Find the full recipes on Strength and Sunshine 🥳
Classic: https://strengthandsunshine.com/gluten-free-grilled-french-toast-vegan/
Skewers: https://strengthandsunshine.com/gluten-free-grilled-french-toast-skewers-vegan/

#frenchtoast #frenchtoasts #frenchtoastrecipe #veganbreakfast #glutenfreebreakfast #allergyfree #glutenfree #vegan #dairyfree #eggfree
Healthy Allergy-Free Pad Thai? Of Course! 🤩😋 Healthy Allergy-Free Pad Thai? Of Course! 🤩😋🥳

Perfectly gluten-free, allergy-free, and vegan! That means no soy, peanuts, eggs, or fish. Naturally gluten-free with those rice noodles of course 😎🍜

Find the full recipe here 👇
https://strengthandsunshine.com/vegan-pad-thai-gluten-free/

#padthai #veganpadthai #glutenfreenoodles #vegandinner #allergyfree #nutfree #glutenfree #vegan #dairyfree #eggfree #soyfree