A Fine Lunch

The office seems a bit different than it has been for the past two months. There are several LAs gone for the week/day and the office seems to have moved into an easy pace compared to the thomping routine we have been setting. I remember before and shortly after the ACES Bill was voted on that my ear felt like it was starting to burn after the long days on the phones. Don't get me wrong, it's nice to be able to slow down after working so hard, but I do sort of miss the energy that comes with the busier schedule.

I had a special lunch break today. I had the privelage to spend lunch with the Chief of Staff and to thank him for his support and the opportunity to be a part of the team this Summer. We went to a restaurant named Charlie Palmers, which is one of the better places to dine near the Capitol. We had a very enjoyable meal wrapped around a great conversation. It was a special treat for me because it was a chance to get to know him a bit better and where he's coming from and what his personal and professional goals are. It was also a chance to discuss and get his feedback on my academic and possible career plans. For me, it was really exciting to be able to have had the chance to get to know someone who has done so much in their career in government and to get to chat with them in such a 'normal' way.

It probably sounds cliche to say that the people who are in such powerful positions as the Chief of Staff are just like us; as in real people, with real lives. However true that may be, they are doing very important work, day in and day out. Sure they may have some more routine parts of their jobs, but everyone probably does, but in the end, they are working to make something happen through their Representative's actions. The Chief of Staff position is responsible for coordinating the work that prepares and executes the Representatives agenda, and their success (or failure) ultimately reflects on them and their reputation with constituents.