tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42106137311460085712024-03-12T21:16:02.433-07:00Caleb J.My Thoughts. My Poetry. My Travelogue. My Friends. My Family. My Beliefs. And some of my dreams.Caleb Manscillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01520791712574274577noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210613731146008571.post-73695459653015051452010-04-18T18:12:00.000-07:002010-04-18T18:19:30.007-07:00What I am Looking Forward to This Spring/SummerI love the Spring and Summer, much more than the Winter, although the Winter certainly has it's benefits. Here are a few things that I look forward to this Spring/Summer:<br /><ul><li>Mt Whitney</li><li>Going to Jerusalem</li><li>Squaw Peak 50 Miler</li><li>St. George Marathon (technically this is in the Fall)</li><li>Trail Running</li><li>Climbing with my climbing buds</li><li>Weekend trips to Southern Utah</li><li>Swimming</li><li>Running Kings Peak</li><li>Ice Cream during hot weather</li><li>Learning how to play golf</li><li>Learning how to play tennis</li><li>A new social scene in SLC</li><li>Yankee baseball</li><li>Soccer</li><li>Sprint Tris</li><li>BBQs</li><li>The 4th of July</li><li>Fireworks<br /></li><li><br /></li></ul>Caleb Manscillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01520791712574274577noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210613731146008571.post-61140487099241241362009-10-13T18:24:00.000-07:002009-10-13T18:40:57.809-07:00Costume 5kLast Friday I accomplished one of my life goals--to direct a race. But I never expected the race to be a costume 5k. About a month ago my good buddy Ryan Coates suggested that I help him with his semi-annual soccer tournament, I was a little reluctant considering my busy schedule. A couple of days later he came to me and asked if I would direct a 5k race, to which I immediately exclaimed that I would. I learned really quickly the hardest part about putting on such a race is the marketing. To market my costume 5k I created a group on Facebook, emailed my friends, had a friend write an article about the race - http://universe.byu.edu/node/2578, and even dressed up in a santa costume and ran around BYU campus handing out fliers. The result: 85 costumed runners and one of my goals accomplished. It's worth noting that the person who won the costume contest dressed up like a hobo and pushed a shopping cart full of some of his belongings the whole way! Seeing a costumed hobo push a shopping cart for 3+ miles made all the hard work of putting this race on worth it!Caleb Manscillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01520791712574274577noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210613731146008571.post-12259646456666384172009-07-22T13:01:00.000-07:002009-07-22T13:11:13.345-07:008 Pleasant Surprises Up to This Point in the Summer1. College algebra is easy<br />2. Finding random people to run with<br />3. A college algebra problem taking me 2 hours<br />4. Working at Qualtrics<br />5. Being tired, every night, when my head hits the pillow<br />6. So excited to wake-up every morning, that sometimes I'll wake-up a couple of hours before my alarm clock <br />7. The challenge that comes with teaching institute<br />8. Being stretched beyond my ability, but through "The Enabling Power" being able to learn and grow.Caleb Manscillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01520791712574274577noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210613731146008571.post-54934971072942418022009-07-13T13:00:00.000-07:002009-07-13T13:21:13.632-07:00What I'll Miss the MostI graduate in August, exactly one month from today. Over the past few months I have been searching my memory for the gems that I haven't locked away in my BYU memory treasure chest. Back in February ish I began pondering over what I'm going to miss about BYU the very most and I finally realized what it was going to be as I watched my dad scurry across campus, waving to passing students as he went. For the last 4 years my dad has been a major boon for me. I don't know how many times I've been perplexed with an issue only to be prompted to walk up to my dad's office to talk to him. I'll never forget one problem that I had (which actually escapes me at this moment, oddly enough) when my dad was there for me. I dropped down in his extra chair and watched him try to work through a certain issue he was facing. He began talking to me about it, and I as he did I realized that it was weighing heavily upon him. At that point I chose to keep my issue to myself, until he seemed to just stop mid-sentence and ask me, "what's on your mind?" I was surprised by his abrupt mid-sentence halt, and I realized that he knew I came up to his office for a reason and that there was no use trying to get out of this now. After talking out my thoughts and hearing his thoughts and taking a lot of his work time, he hugged me and told me he loved me. There have been times in my life when all I've needed was a hug, and for those very few times--which I can probably count on one hand--my dad has been there to hug me for the majority of them. I guess it's not important to remember the said problem that I had, but I'll never forget how my dad has been there for me during my BYU experience. I will miss those random, office visits. Thank you, dad.Caleb Manscillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01520791712574274577noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210613731146008571.post-81549805551020304612009-07-12T19:24:00.000-07:002009-07-12T19:29:17.351-07:00Rainy RodeoLast night my friends and I created our own rodeo, and as I sat on the fence like the Man from Snowy River watching my buddies herd the sheep I thought to myself, "self, I think I was born to do this." Okay, so I'm putrid at roping sheep, but it was a lot of fun. The highlight came in the evening on a grassy knoll overlooking southern Utah Valley. A cold rainstorm began to soak those who were watching our made-up barrel racing. And as I sat there I thought, maybe I should find shelter underneath something... but the longer I sat there the more drenched I became and the more it oddly felt good. Sometimes we avoid things like a rainstorm, when it may just be the refreshment we need.Caleb Manscillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01520791712574274577noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210613731146008571.post-40178790197958058772009-07-06T15:07:00.000-07:002009-07-06T15:12:00.934-07:00Like an OceanIt comes in waves, like a lapping ocean over driftwood. <br />The sun quietly slips behind its abyss begging you to follow. <br />But, a certain mold is created by sitting and waiting on warm sand. <br />It's better that way, plus the sun will be there tomorrow.Caleb Manscillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01520791712574274577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210613731146008571.post-83795671832693397522009-07-04T12:54:00.000-07:002009-07-04T13:24:25.247-07:00My 3rd of JulyThe 4th of July is my favorite holiday, for many reasons that I won't go into detail about. But this year's 3rd of July may give the 4th a run for its worth. After getting two hours of work out of the way, I hiked to Stewart Falls. I don't know how many times made the jaunt to those falls, but I forget every time how beautiful those falls and the surrounding greenery is. My only regret is that I didn't get up there before anybody else to really take in the beauty instead of all of the people awkwardly sliding and slipping down the falls' embankment, as entertaining as that was. There's nothing like quiet contemplation in a place that really brings out gratitude and the meaning of more important things.<br /><br />In the evening a group of friends indulged ourselves in eats at Brick Oven Pizza. For probably the second time in my life I didn't look at the menu. I knew exactly what I wanted: cheese, extra basil, cooked romano tomatoes, and almonds--it was a large and I left two uneaten pieces.<br /><br />Afterwards, I enjoyed the usual June 3rd festivities of camping out for the Freedom Festival parade. It's fun to see Provo transform into a bustling metropolis... well, sort of, when the blue suits and gold badges let it become more like a metropolis.<br /><br />At 3:00 AM I finished my last two pieces of pizza that I save. But, the absolute highlight came at 3:35 AM (which was really July 4th) when a friend called me to ask me a question. We talked for about a hour and when I hung up I laid in bed thinking about what we talked about and what we didn't talk about. I gained so much from our conversation that I almost decided to forget sleeping for the night. My mind eventually relaxed and at 7:50 AM my alarm woke me up... for the official start to my favorite holiday, but the 3rd of July will be on my mind, hopefully for a long, long time.Caleb Manscillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01520791712574274577noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210613731146008571.post-17297876926503625212009-06-08T17:19:00.000-07:002009-06-08T17:31:36.449-07:00There were thousands of peole cheering for me.... it was unbelievableWell, sort of, at least in my mind. As I finished the second to last leg of my 50 mile race last Saturday, I found myself enshrouded by Quaking Aspen and Oak Willows. As I sprinted (at least it seemed like a sprint after 45 miles)a mild breeze shook the trees leaves and for a moment I thought that I heard thousands of people cheering for me, it was kind of a fun moment. I almost stopped to bow and blow kisses to my cheering fans, but I opted to save myself from an embarrassing moment if by chance another racer stumbled upon me; which would have been partly okay, considering I was probably a little bit delirious. I realize I didn't place in the top twenty in this race, but I was so happy that I could push myself to such limits and through such pain and trial. It didn't matter if there were thousands of raging fans cheering me through my last few miles or if there were thousands of tree leaves shaking from a natural breeze, either way I finished the race and I look forward to the next challenges and opportunities in my life.Caleb Manscillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01520791712574274577noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210613731146008571.post-41548869367962429932009-04-13T17:47:00.000-07:002009-04-13T17:50:50.124-07:00It hurts......because the air is zero temperature, the smells are beginning to bloom, the foothills are beginning to green, and the mountain tops are capped with snow--I just want to go running, but instead I need to finish my final papers. It hurts, but it's okay, Wednesday will come :)Caleb Manscillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01520791712574274577noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210613731146008571.post-48342585421705896842009-04-12T19:09:00.000-07:002009-04-12T19:17:23.270-07:00Easter Dinner Conversation with my Family-Hottie McHottenstein: Dean's biggest crush in American Government<br />-Jesse breaking the Manscill Curse<br />-Tanner being home schooled in Israel (yeah, right--he needs friends)<br />-Dad instructing Jami on the art of landscaping<br />-Jami's update on our neighbors we use to live next to in New York<br />-My mom's paper route<br />-Easter traditions (my dad made up a few new ones this year)<br />-Trevor Harmon... he just asked Kaitlyn to prom... need I say more.<br />-How mom treated us when we were sick growing-up (she was always good at saying, "get-up and just go to school")Caleb Manscillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01520791712574274577noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210613731146008571.post-70424367634321575442009-04-07T20:50:00.000-07:002009-04-07T21:10:53.780-07:00Transending IntrigueContent on walking the hall of fatigue<br />For it's ballad is one I love and seek<br />Tiredness wakes but mercy claims intrigue<br />Tis all worthwhile when I reach the peak<br /><br />Heavenly rays fall gently upon my face<br />Rest ensues, rejuvenation enters and stays<br />It sets the tone pulling me a quiet pace<br />Too beautiful to look away, please,stop and gaze<br /><br />Sojourned and journeyed, grateful and ready<br />I forge and look forward to what lies ahead<br />No stoppage time here, mercy claims fatigue<br />Content on walking the hall of intrigueCaleb Manscillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01520791712574274577noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210613731146008571.post-2505401897889611622009-03-18T14:38:00.000-07:002009-03-18T14:45:44.551-07:00I love the sun......on my legs during my long run last Saturday<br /><br />...on my face as I finished lunch at Rock Canyon Park <br /><br />...keeping me warm as I walked home from school yesterday <br /><br />...when it brings back memories of long runs and quiet hikes<br /><br />...on a hot rock I'm climbingCaleb Manscillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01520791712574274577noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210613731146008571.post-13980924012118491832009-03-05T21:19:00.000-08:002009-03-05T21:44:53.591-08:00Remembering Sayed SaifA dear friend of mine, Dr. Sayed Saif, passed away February 16, 2009. I met Dr. Saif last summer when I traveled to Egypt to help out a US NGO. I'll never forget the first time I met Dr. Saif. I was taken to his home and they sat me in a room to wait for him to come home. When he entered the room he graciously shook my hand and then told me that this was my home and that I was his son and that if there was anything that I needed to just ask. I felt his sincerity and the love that he had for me instantly. Over the next few weeks I had many opportunities to sit and talk with him about the my beliefs, Muslim beliefs, and life in general--those were very special moments for me. Dr. Saif will not only be missed by but by thousand if not millions of people around the world. To honor him I am reposting a post that I wrote about him:<br /><br />Dr. Saif is a man that I deeply, deeply respect. He is the head of the school of Opthalmology at Cairo University. He is a devout Muslim who is constantly seeking to do what is right as well as to serve others, especially those who cannot afford eye care. He spends at least 40% (my own guesstimate) of his time checking the eyes for those who cannot afford it. He often will see a patient and learn that they cannot afford the medicine, eye glasses, or surgery that he prescribes. Instead of telling them good-luck with a pat on the shoulder, he absorbs the cost himself so that all that come to him can have proper eye care.<br /><br />For over 40 years he has traveled to the poor areas of Egypt and with other doctors he exams hundred of people per visit, pays for their surgeries, and at times glasses. All of these visits are on his or his son's dime (not to mention time, which is the most valuable commodity).<br /><br />Currently there is a rampant endemic of trachoma in Egypt. Years ago Dr. Saif engineered a solution that helps eliminate this disease from the person who uses the eye drops. Trachoma in many places has now been eradicated. Dr. Saif is well known in Egypt. He is respected and revered amongst many, many people, including myself. His son is now a wit behind him.Caleb Manscillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01520791712574274577noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210613731146008571.post-32223724357317215872009-02-24T12:16:00.000-08:002009-02-24T12:25:44.829-08:00February 23, 2008Inspired and remembered--I ask for details<br />Happy and warm--I carefully walk home<br />Hurried and distant--I push the shopping cart<br />Hesitant and planning--I get lost in a building<br />Confused and surprised--My legs start to ache<br />Pensive and submissive--What is the answer<br />Dizzy and lightheaded--my head hits the pillow<br />Morning and sunshine--I can't wait to start overCaleb Manscillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01520791712574274577noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210613731146008571.post-49630857484242684082009-02-23T12:15:00.000-08:002009-02-23T13:10:06.889-08:00Waiting For the Sky to Turn PinkAbout a hundred amazing thing happened yesterday, but my Sunday highlight had to be watching the sunset with my little three year-old niece, Sydney. My brother, Jesse, just returned home from his mission so he spoke in church. After church my family got together to spend time together and I think my nieces wore everyone out asking them to come and jump on the tramp with them--it was quite humorous. Towards the end of the evening our family was sitting on the back porch and I asked my little niece Sydney if she wanted to watch the sky turn pink with me. She climbed up into my lap and I told her stories until the sun tucked itself behind the mountains. Unfortunately there wasn't much of a sunset, and there definitely wasn't any pink, but I loved that little moment waiting for the sky to turn pink.Caleb Manscillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01520791712574274577noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210613731146008571.post-1555151815035211312009-02-07T12:11:00.000-08:002009-02-07T12:35:14.252-08:00Please, lets focus...I have a 4 page essay and a memo I need to create in just 5 hours... but I can't stop thinking about real-estate in Northern California, the GMAT, Lose the Shoes soccer tournament, next weekends cabin excursion, and a number of other things. I'm hoping that this blog entry will clear my head and help me focus...<br /><br />4 page essay: The main idea that I have for this essay is how the government will roll-out a troubled assets program--specifically for banks that are holding onto assets that are weighing them down...<br /><br />I'm also thinking about writing about how President Obama focuses on in on the economy via his inauguration speech.<br /><br />...Okay, I think I'm ready to buck-up and get this done. Thanks, blog.Caleb Manscillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01520791712574274577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210613731146008571.post-85482473714777808142009-02-02T16:45:00.000-08:002009-02-02T16:50:50.842-08:00I hopeI hope you slept well<br />I hope you have a good day and<br />I hope I get to talk to you today, especially if you slept horribly and you had a horrific day.Caleb Manscillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01520791712574274577noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210613731146008571.post-86606675517621180742009-01-24T01:16:00.000-08:002009-01-24T01:27:09.398-08:00Draper Temple Open HouseIt was amazing. The last temple open house I went to was when the Timpanogos Temple opened 14 or so years ago (at least I think it was 14 years ago), which I was too young to appreciate and understand. Which made my visit to the Draper temple all the sweeter. I have never visited a temple that was so art intensive. The Teichart's, Dewey's, and other famous artist's paintings adorned the walls of the temple. I was especially impressed with the many paintings that depicted the life and teachings of the Savior. The stain glass was picture perfect. And the interior design leaned heavily towards a warm home. I almost expected to see a couple of family portraits, a picture frame stuffed with pictures of grandchildren, or a coat lazily draped over the banister. As I finished the tour the family ish atmosphere turned my thoughts to my parents and siblings, I surely love them and am grateful for them. I'm grateful for the temple that serves as poignant reminder of the most important things in life.Caleb Manscillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01520791712574274577noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210613731146008571.post-51200074781129162032009-01-09T16:16:00.000-08:002009-01-10T15:20:41.305-08:00If a Camera Could Capture What I Felt...there would be no purpose to this blog post, but since a camera will never be able to capture true feelings and emotions, I hope, in some small way this post will capture what I don't want to forget.<br /><br />Over the last few months I have mostly blogged about my love for Washington, DC. In fact, most of my Washington, DC, blogs are rants and raves about the national mall, long, leisurely runs along the Potomac banks, breakfast from my favorite eatery--Eastern Market, or spending time with Talai, Aaron, and Owen. All those posts are good, and I'm glad I recorded some of my thoughts and feelings, but I felt slightly agitated as to my sheer DC focus. Since last evening I haven't been able to stop thinking about how quickly I can forget my love for Utah--specifically walking home from campus as the sun slips behind the Oaker Mountains in the West:<br /><br />I finally finished my school day around 6pm. I made my way out the JSB, and slipped out of the building and turned my stare to one of my favorite views--The Oakers, I was taken aback at the deep purple clouds that were brilliantly highlighted by the last rays of sunshine before the sun laid it's rays to rest. As I walked my thoughts vacillated between wishing I had a camera and not wanting this glorious sight to end. <br /><br />In my amazement I looked around to see if anyone else was enjoying the natural fireworks as much as I was and I was disappointed to find a couple of girls next to me talking incessantly about their future internships. As I listened to them talk about their futures I ached a little bit hoping that they would live in the present and simply enjoy the beautiful sunset with me. I interrupted their jabber and exclaimed "Look at that, isn't it beautiful." As I pointed at the sky. They both chuckled looked up, and quickly agreed. I let it slide and said hi to them, but simply couldn't get my mind off the beauty of the resting of the sun. As I thought more on that interaction I was cheered by the fact that I had taken the time to let that moment seep in--I was living in the moment. At times in my life I have thought too much about the future and and have forgotten to enjoy the little things in the present, but today I was victorious. As the colors began to fade, I promised myself that I would blog about it, and try to capture what I felt inside of me--because I knew that a camera could never capture what I felt, nor can it help me remember to live and enjoy each day of my life.Caleb Manscillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01520791712574274577noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210613731146008571.post-8123318387552152742008-12-30T21:41:00.000-08:002008-12-30T21:43:33.967-08:00Wanted: Somebody to go...I saw this sign when I walked into my mechanics shop:<br /><br />Wanted: Somebody to go back and time with me. This isn't a joke P.O. Box 322, Oakview, CA 93022. You'll get paid after we get back. Must bring your own weapons. Safety is not guaranteed. I have only done this once.<br /><br />It made my day :)Caleb Manscillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01520791712574274577noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210613731146008571.post-56329268880516949662008-12-15T09:22:00.000-08:002008-12-15T10:14:37.490-08:00Will you miss me DC?Leaving someone or something you've come to love is never easy. But the difficult parting is a good sign of deep investment, hard work, and sacrifice--all of which I felt I gave to my experience in Washington, DC. Because I can't stop thinking about my experiences, friendships, and lessons learned in DC, I figured that I would flesh them out a little bit so that I can preserve the wonderment and the love that I feel for that place and people. DC I will miss you, will you miss me?<br /><br />I will miss:<br /><br />Running to Eastern Market--blue-buck pancakes, grits, and season special french toast--Eating autumn apples, and fresh dip from vendors--Meeting Abby, Jordan, Patrick and others at our favorite breakfast eat in town.<br /><br />My internship. Partly because of my supervisors and partly because I loved the work and industries that we were involved with.<br /><br />Networking opportunities. DC is made of people that are passionate and hard-working. Everyone is always trying to position themselves for greater success and there is countless opportunities for careers, for political involvement, to learn, and to grow.<br /><br />The architecture.<br /><br />Playing late-night team-risk.<br /><br />Eating in Georgetown with people from my program.<br /><br />Spending time with Talai, Aaron, and Owen (who are all amazing examples to me).<br /><br />Eating Talai's cooking--I always tell her, but she doesn't believe me, so, for the record: She has got some mean dishes... I really don't know how she developed as a great chef. I'm guessing it was a little nurturing from the world famous eats of Jana Manscill.<br /><br />Running along the Potomac or National Mall, either by myself in quiet contemplation, or with friends talking about whatever was on our mind.<br /><br />Learning from Senators, Chief Justices, CEOs, Chairman of large companies...<br /><br />All the people from my program (although I will see the majority of them next semester, at least I hope so).<br /><br />Abundant greenery.<br /><br />Reviewing Edma's papers.<br /><br />The constant discussion of politically charged subjects.<br /><br />Giving Barlow haircuts.<br /><br />Every minute of my time in Washington, DC, even the sleepless, work-filled nights.<br /><br />DC, I hope you'll miss me. If possible, please save a place for me because I will be back, hopefully sooner than later.Caleb Manscillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01520791712574274577noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210613731146008571.post-27741382584644068062008-11-05T18:38:00.000-08:002008-11-05T18:48:23.860-08:00DardenOn Sunday night I traveled to my sister's home slept the night then awoke early to journey to Charlottesville, Virginia; my purpose: to check out UVA's MBA program.<br /><br />When I got there I noticed that most of the potential MBA students were all dressed in business casual--I immediately felt uncomfortable in my old jeans and moc shoes, but felt much better when the director of admissions shrugged it off and gave me my name tag. I had an enjoyable time meeting with first and second year students, visiting a macro-economics class, dinner with a second-year, and then a Q and A session with a panel of Darden students. I was particularly impressed with how it the program was heavy on being led by the students. Which was interesting, considering that UVA's program is often ranked #1 in regards to their professors. I loved that kind of learning, the students really dug into the economic and business issues. As listened to them I realized that that is exactly the way I learn. <br /><br />After my Darden experience I ended the day hanging out with one of my old companions from the mission and friend at BYU, Tyler Cuff. We walked the grounds and talked about old times, which was fun and refreshing. We then grabbed some pizza at an old college joint and Tyler and I continued to talk about old times which was fun, but probably extremely boring for the friends that were with us. As I drove away from Darden back to Washington DC I began to miss it... even though I had spent only a few hours there...Caleb Manscillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01520791712574274577noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210613731146008571.post-18275209682729040582008-10-18T11:06:00.000-07:002008-10-18T11:37:55.766-07:00Peeps, Places, and PassionsAs I was running back to my apartment near Georgetown from an early morning food market, I was feeling a little selfish... I always do when I feel like I have had some amazing experiences or discovered a place or person that helps me to grow in my knowledge and understanding. So, to help shake my selfishness here is a list of experiences, people, and places that have really shaped my experience here in Washington, DC.<br /><br />--Going to the Court of Appeals, or the second most powerful court of the land, and meeting with Chief Judge Griffith<br /><br />--Running along the lit up memorials in the national mall<br /><br />--Eating pancakes at Eastern Market with friends from the Barlow and DC 2nd<br /><br />--Learning from my supervisors, Steve Richards and Jozsef Szmaolvi (I’m not sure if I spelt that right—in fact I’m sure I misspelled his name) and people that my supervisors have introduced me to<br /><br />--Learning about clean energy technology and clean energy programs<br /><br />--Sitting down with people who are passionate about politics and foreign policy<br /><br />--Taking running tours of Washington DC<br /><br />--Interviewing professional lawyers, executives, chairman of different organizations, company executives, and graduate students<br /><br />--Traveling the Eastern seaboard<br /><br />--Eating at and enjoying Georgetown<br /><br />--Having time to plan for post graduation<br /><br />--Reduced load of homework and assigned reading so that I can work on projects and read books that I choose to read<br /><br />--The opportunity to meet and talk to new people almost every second of the day<br /><br />--Starting brand new… new city, new people, new ward, new work place… it’s a beautiful thing to start over again, it has pushed me to lengthen my stride<br /><br />--Solidifying some of my political views<br /><br />--Choosing the path of my passions<br /><br />--Room to breathe and dream again<br /><br />forgive the short details, but if you're interested in learning more about some of these experiences then please give me a call!Caleb Manscillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01520791712574274577noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210613731146008571.post-70624396717930667062008-10-12T18:24:00.000-07:002008-10-12T19:55:06.190-07:00NYCOur bus left from Chinatown in Washington DC at 3:30am. The drive to New York City was suppose to take only 4 hours, but it took us about 6 hours because our bus broke down on the highway... it was quite funny. All I remember was that I woke up from my early morning nap to to our bus stopped and the driver simply saying in a Chinese accent, "Ladies and gentlemen, the bus is broke down." I chuckled to myself and put my head back against the window of the bus and kept sleeping, I woke up about two hours later to switch to a new bus. <br /><br />While we were in New York we enjoyed our time at Central Park, 5th Avenue, Times Square, the Pier, Chinatown, and Little Italy. The highlights of the trip included riding a horse merry-go-round in central park, a hot dog on the pier, the smell of trash on the night streets (that smell reminded me of walking back from Yankee stadium with my dad as young child), and the hustle and bustle of New York.<br /><br />There are two main highlights though that I want to briefly touch on- the friends that I went there with and an Italian man I saw in Little Italy.<br /><br />One great blessing in coming to Washington DC has been the friends that I have made. I have had a blast getting to know everybody that is interning within the same program as me, a few of them have really become very good friends of mine. On Saturday I went to Washington DC with Kyle Carmichael, Sara "Palin" Sonntag, Ashley Mitchel, Paige Morton, and Kristen Staib. It was fun hanging with them and seeing how they reacted to certain situations... that in itself deserves its own blog post.<br /><br />The second highlight was when we were walking around Little Italy after dinner. I had splintered off from out group in hopes to find a place to watch the BYU game (I didn't watch it, I guess Italians don't like BYU football that much). As I was walking down the crowded street a little Italian man came out of his restaurant and yelled to everybody shuffling by, "Best Italian food ever" and then he walked back into his restaurant. I had to laugh because New York is kind of the only place that you can do that... I mean, you couldn't do it Provo because there's barely anyone that would be there to hear it. Anyways, it's fun to experience new environments/cultures/conditions, whatever you want to call it. I walked away from that man thinking two things: 1) I love living in a place where people, including myself, can just do what that Italian man just did; 2) If it is the best Italian joint then I better make sure that I come back and eat there, I mean it's the best, right? <br /><br />At the end of the night we walked down near the Brooklyn bridge and enjoyed the view and Ashley and Sara Sonntag dancing, which was almost as serene as the cityscape. We jumped on the bus at 9:30 and drove back to Washington DC and got home at about 2:30 without breaking down.Caleb Manscillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01520791712574274577noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4210613731146008571.post-11212761076569664282008-09-21T12:18:00.000-07:002008-09-21T13:00:22.779-07:00Pleasant SurprisesI've come to like the term "pleasant surprises". Many surprises come to us, some welcome and others we wish had never reared their ugly head. I think we can probably name a few surprises we've all had in the last few weeks or months... as of late I have felt very fortunate, and have been pleasantly surprised numerous times since I have made my stay in Washington DC.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Johansen's</span>--The Johansen family encompasses my sister Talai, her husband Aaron, and their child Owen. I came out here a couple of weeks before I began my internship and was able to spend some time with the Johansens. While I was growing-up my sister and I were always pretty close, and would trade secrets from time to time, but with her marriage and move to the East Coast it has been harder to maintain the relationship we enjoyed (and maybe at times despised (since then I've grown-up a little bit)) while growing-up. Those two weeks, and the dinner outings with Talai, Aaron, and Owen has endeared a level of love and friendship I may have not have experienced otherwise. The time that I've been able to spend with them has given me a stronger love for Talai, a deeper respect for Aaron, and a heart that melts when Owen smiles at me (I'm still trying to get him to laugh for me).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">My Roommate, Jim Bird</span>--I didn't really think much about who I was going to room with, mostly because I feel like I'm so laid back and can get along with anyone, but when I learned that Jim is a journal writer, scripture reader, fashionable dresser, hip-hop lover, country lover, and ladies man I knew that I was in for a great semester.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The City</span>--I've visited a lot of cities, but I have never lived in one, and in the past I always said that I couldn't live in a city--living in DC has proved me wrong. I love the city. I love the arts here. I love taking the public transportation, mostly because I get to meet new people almost every day or I can dig into a book or newspaper without worrying about driving off the road, for me it's one way to unwind. I have come to love the city life so much that I am now looking for jobs in New York City, Chicago, Washington DC, and San Francisco.<br /><br />Honorable Mentions: Apple dumplings, Steak and cheese, Aunt Shauna and Uncle Dave, Uncle Chad and Aunt Tracy, running along the Potomac, finance, the humidity, watching couples walk hand in hand on the river trail, updates on the BYU game from Tanille, and sharing what means the most to me with others.Caleb Manscillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01520791712574274577noreply@blogger.com4