Day 1542

After weeks of false alarms, the snow finally came down hard last night. Today the roads are mostly cleared and it's back to business as usual in Washington. But last night, the city was in pure chaos. Due to fallen trees and live wires, well over 400,000 people in the area lost power (including me). Thankfully, I came home from work today with heat, lights and a freezer full of still frozen food. Many are still not as lucky. I heard stories today of commutes last night taking up to 9 hours...insanity. Metro and buses stopped service, roads and highways shut down, including I-95, which stretches from Miami to NYC and beyond.

I suppose it was lucky then that I had to work until 9 PM last night. Rather than suffering through the commute time and freezing roads myself, I heard report after report from coworkers, family and even the US Capitol Police officers that work outside my office. So when my sister called to say the power just went out in my condo building, I decided there was no way I was going to risk the drive home. I bundled up, pulled on my Hunter boots, and walked about a half mile to my friends' apartment to crash on her couch for the night. Yes, I did have to wear day-old clothes to work again today (but geez, I did shower and have fresh hair and makeup). But I was safe and warm last night, and able to open up my office bright and early this morning.

So not as bad and the grumpiness I displayed last night...and I greatly appreciate my friends for letting me stay the night! On the walk over, I did manage to take my gloves off for a few moments to snap a few shots.

U.S. Capitol Building (love the snowman those staffers built in the background!)



Supreme Court Building

Day 1295

Oh what a day...yet again. The circus came to town today, and by that I mean the President of the United States. Normally, Tuesday is the busiest day of my week, but adding the President's visit made it that much more so. So needless to say, I'm off to bed.



Didn't get a face picture...too busy doing my job. But when he stopped to talk to the Senate pages, we snuck a quick one. Enjoy.

Day 1181

I know, I know...it's been two weeks since my last post. But geez, these last two weeks have been so incredibly busy. The Senate came back in to start the Second Session of the 111th Congress, and I have been moving nonstop ever since. My house is a mess, my laundry is piled up, my fridge is empty...it's been a busy two weeks.

Last Wednesday, President Obama came to the Capitol to address a Joint Session of Congress and the American people for his State of the Union address. Cameras are strictly forbidden in the House Chamber, save a few professional photographers, but the real action is what goes on after the speech. The Congressional Press Corp fills Statuary Hall, and once Congressmen and Senators file out of the House, chaos ensues and the news stories come alive. This year, I decided to observe the moments just after the speech from the balcony right above outside a coworker's office...





But it hasn't been all work and no play. Last weekend, friends and I had a ridiculously fun night at my new favorite spot, George. And this Saturday, with the snow piling down on the city, I went out to watch the #7 Georgetown vs. #8 Duke game at the Verizon Center. It was amazing! Georgetown smoked Duke...Go Hoyas!...and we were sitting in this sweet box, right above President Obama and Vice President Biden.



I know the Yankee in my blood has officially come to life, because today I braved the ice and snow to pick up my cousin Jack and take him to see Avatar 3D. I wasn't really all that stoked about seeing it, but I promised him I would so off we went. And wow, was I more than presently surprised. It was SO AWESOME!!! Seriously, one of the coolest experiences watching it, so if you haven't seen it yet, run to your theaters before it's gone.

Oh yeah, and on top of all that, I've been trying to read my new book, "Game Change". Much more on this later, but it is very, very interesting. So now, I must get ready for bed and another busy week. Goodnight all!

Day 1139

Wow. Even I had no idea how truly amazing this snowfall was going to be! So, I started the day at 5:30 AM...the Senate voted very, very early this morning and I was on call today. This is what the Capitol looked like when I first walked into work:



Come midday, the votes were over, and I was running around the Capitol at stakeouts and pressers. By this time, the winter snow storm had turned into a full blown blizzard!



Typically from this view from the balcony, you can see all the way to the Washington Monument. Today, you could barely see the West Lawn.



Watching people make snow angels and sled on the North Front made me throw a bit of a pity party for myself. I wanted to play in the snow too!

Shortly after these photos were taken, the storm really picked up. Buses and metro shut down, and Mayor Fenty even called the city into emergency mode, urging citizens to stay home no matter what.

That is, except for the Senate, who carried on their work. I finally left for the day at 6:30 PM and I literally had to dig myself out of the Capitol to get to my ride. But seriously, it is so, so beautiful! I have never seen this much snow in my entire life, and I couldn't have been happier being outside, by myself, wondering around the Capitol grounds taking photographs and eating snowflakes.









Also today, my friend Beth and I had a bit of fun at work. Enjoy my Christmas present to my Senate friends!

Twas the Night Before Passage, by Shawna Blair and Beth Crowley

Twas the weekend before Christmas and all through the Chamber
Leadership lined up votes. Will it pass? A cliffhanger!
Press Conferences, calls and amendments to be read
"Let’s finish before Christmas!" Senator Reid nearly pled.

The weary Senate staffers all wished for their beds,
“Convene before 7:00? They’ve all lost their heads!”
Reporters stumbled in, too blurry-eyed to type.
And maybe for some (Stanton), they’ve just finished out their night.

The pages brought water, clerks marked nay and yay
And then began more reading…this will take all day!
Changes and tweaks, and whole new subsections
Dispense with the reading? Republican objections!

When out in the hall there arose such a clatter,
The Ohio Clock Corridor was the scene of the chatter.
So down to the second floor, we flew in a flash
To hear the breaking news (by our own Dana Bash):

At the crack of dawn, in the midst of a blizzard
Ben Nelson said yes! – Is Harry a wizard?
In front of the mikes, the Dems were a-glowing
(But if you’re so good, why is it still snowing?)

"Now Lincoln! Now Landrieu! Now Pryor and Baucus!
Now Schumer! Now Nelson! The whole Democrat Caucus!
To the White House to sign! The President, we’ll call!
Now Health Care! Health Care! Health Care for all!"

Then reporters raised questions as the blizzard was ending
“Will Snowe be on board?” That answer still pending.
“What about your quest for a bi-partisan bill?”
Says Reid, “We’ve got 60, majority wins on the Hill!”

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the lawn
A victory cheer…I think that was Rahm!
As I drew in my head and was turning around,
Through the carriage entrance, the White House Press Pool bound.

Those Press Gallery ladies, now don’t you all love us?
Gave a “Heads up, the President’s among us!”
So crowded around were our very best scribes
Awaiting to hear what our Leader cries!

He was dressed in his suit, with a grin ear to ear,
“Folks…it’s been a hell of a year,
But I knew all along, Reid & Co. had my back
And after months of debating, we’re finally on track.”

His eyes-how they twinkled! His dimples how charming!
(Though Secret Service behind him, always a bit alarming).
He gave the press a thumbs up and patted Reid on his back
The stake-out was smitten, (liberal bias is a fact?)

He took not a question, but went straight to his lines,
And filled filing deadlines and made new headlines.
Then one more thumbs up and he turned on his toes
And following him out, the reporters all rose.

He sprang to his motorcade, his detail gave a sign,
And away they all flew, to Hawaii on our dime.
But I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight,
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”

Day 1051

Late last night while I was at work, the U.S. Senate passed Senate Resolution 277, a bill authorizing September 2009 as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. As such, I feel it is my duty to do my part in creating Prostate Cancer Awareness.

The fact is, sadly, if dad and the rest of us had been more aware of the signs and symptoms of Prostate Cancer, maybe we would have caught it early, treatment would have been effective, and he would still be here with us today, enjoying his 60th year of life. That's not the case, and I don't want anyone else I love to have to say "Would".

What is Prostate Cancer?

According to the National Cancer Institute, Prostate Cancer is defined as "Cancer that forms in tissues of the prostate (a gland in the male reproductive system found below the bladder and in front of the rectum)." They estimate that in 2009, there will be 192,280 new cases of Prostate Cancer in the United States and 27,360 deaths.

A common rumor out there is that most people don't die of prostate cancer...not true. Because Prostate Cancer is a slow growing cancer, there is a good chance of successful treatment, if caught early. But the facts are, Prostate Cancer is the most common type of cancer found in men in the United States, and the second leading cause of cancer death in men. One man in six will get Prostate Cancer at some point in their lives. One in 35 men will die of this disease.

Signs and Symptoms

If Prostate Cancer is found in the very earliest stage, many signs and symptoms will not yet be present. This is why I strongly urge men to routinely get an annual physical. If Prostate Cancer is not caught at the very onset, one or more of these common signs and symptoms may present:

•A need to urinate frequently, especially at night
•Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine
•Weak or interrupted flow of urine
•Painful or burning urination
•Difficulty in having an erection
•Painful ejaculation
•Blood in urine or semen
•Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs

These symptoms are not all inclusive or always indicative of Prostate Cancer, but one or many of these problems are in occurrence, I urge you (or your man) to see a doctor.

Screening for Prostate Cancer

One of the first tests you may take in determining the occurrence of Prostate Cancer is a PSA Screening. According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation,

PSA is a protein produced by the prostate and released in very small amounts into the bloodstream. When there’s a problem with the prostate, such as when prostate cancer develops and grows, more and more PSA is released, until it reaches a level where it can be easily detected in the blood. During a PSA test, a small amount of blood is drawn from the arm, and the level of PSA is measured. PSA levels under 4 ng/mL are usually considered "normal," results over 10 ng/mL are usually considered "high," and results between 4 and 10 ng/mL are usually considered "intermediate."

The PSA test cannot diagnose Prostate Cancer, but it can signify a need for the need of a biopsy to examine prostate cells and determine whether or not they are cancerous.

Stages of Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer is diagnosed in three stages.

Stage One, Localized Prostate Cancer, means the cancer is confined within the prostate.

Stage Two, Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer, means that most of the cancer is confined within the prostate, but some has spread to the immediate surrounding tissue.

Stage Three, Metastasized Prostate Cancer, means that the cancer has spread outside the prostate, possible even to distant organs. Dad was first diagnosed with Stage Three, Metastasized Prostate Cancer.

Treatment

Since treatment is determined by a number of factors--age, stage level of the cancer, other health factors, etc.--I won't go in to treatment specifics. It is important to consult your doctor for any information regarding treatment options.

I would, however, like to take the opportunity to thank the wonderful doctors, nurses and especially the people at CARTI (Central Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute) for their amazing support and treatment to dad throughout his three year battle with Prostate Cancer. I am convinced that without you all, the prayers and support of so many others, and honestly, his strong (some would say stubborn) will to live, that he would not have survived as long as he did.

Dad's story

Like I stated above and so many times before, dad was diagnosed in the Fall of 2003 with Stage Three, Metastasized Prostate Cancer. He had reoccurring symptoms for months, which for a while he did not share with us, but instead of seeing a doctor (because he did not have adequate health care coverage...won't even get into that one right now), he self medicated with Saw Palmetto, a natural supplement used to treat an enlarged prostate.

Anyway, he went to San Diego for the U.S. National Swimming Championships (dad was a swim coach for those newbies out there), and while there was complaining about severe neck pain. When he came home, he went to see a family friend who is an Orthopedic Surgeon. While in the waiting room, he collapsed in pain and was rushed to the hospital. That night, we found that his severe pain was caused by a tumor the size of a baseball that was located on what used to be his spinal cord at the base of his neck. The tumor had eaten its way through the bone.

The next few days were a bit of a blur, but much was found. He was diagnosed with Stage Three, Metastasized Prostate Cancer. We found that where it metastasized to was not good...far away organs...spots on his lungs and in his bones. He had to get two titanium rods surgically placed in the back of his neck, where the tumor had eaten away his spinal cord. This limited the range of motion in his neck to about 45 degrees either way. Because of this, he never swam again.

Dad went through what seemed every type of treatment option out there. He had what he called a "turkey baster" of a needle shoot hormones into his stomach. This was one of many experimental treatments he had. He did many series of radiation treatment of different parts of his body where tumors grew. He did chemotherapy and hormone treatments and a combination of all of the above. Some worked for a bit. Some didn't help things at all. Some made him lose his hair, grow breasts, gain weight, lose weight, make him throw up every hour and lose his ability to walk. But until the end, he always got out of bed each day.

In the end, almost three years after his initial diagnosis, it was a fall that put him in the hospital one last time. The cancerous tumors in his bones were most present in his hips, and he had to first use a cane, then a walker (a man in his mid-50s in a walker...doesn't help your mentality), and then his ultimate last fall. It was in the hospital that he contracted a number of infections. And I won't go into my last night with him alone, the last night he remained conscious before his death a few days later, but let me just say, I never wish that on anyone ever. Ever. Cancer is no joke. The pain that those struck with this horrific disease go through...it's unbearable.

When he finally passed, it was as if we were almost thankful that he was no longer suffering, no longer in so much horrific pain. And I miss him every day of my life without him. So if anything, I hope you all will take this novel of a blog post, take the pain I hold onto and the education I am now sharing, and please pass it on so others can learn from our story. From dad's story.

There are many resources out there to learn more about Prostate Cancer. The American Cancer Society, The Prostate Cancer Foundation, The National Cancer Institute and the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation have both been good resources to me for more knowledge on this disease, and were all helpful sources for writing this blog post.



Also, this Friday, September 25th, several restaurants in Arkansas are participating in Dining for Dudes, in which a portion of their lunch sales will benefit the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation. For more information, see the website: http://www.arprostatecancer.org/diningfordudes.php.

Below is a commercial produced I believe last year by the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation. I've showed it here once before, but felt it was appropriate to reair. My brave sisters were involved and I am so proud of them for taking part in this important message.



So now you're educated, I encourage you to share this information with all. Share it with your dads, your brothers, your husbands. Share it with your girlfriends and sisters, so that they may pass it on to the men in their lives. Prostate Cancer, if caught in an early stage, is one of the most treatable cancers there is out there. The first step is knowing what to look for, but maybe the scariest step is taking action towards it. Take it from me and my family...my father was always healthy, never sick, always worked out and took care of his body. But he ignored the signs, we all ignored the signs, for months. And it was too late for him. He died, but it's not too late for other men out there.

Day 1019

August recess...the time of year we get to sit back, take a breathe and if we're lucky, really reflect and admire the amazing opportunities we have as Congressional staffers. We are witnesses to history, working (and sometimes living) in the building where our Nation's leaders have worked for a better America and, at times, changed the course of history.

This morning I got to work a bit early, so walked across the Capitol to the House side to get breakfast. This is what I saw:





Not a soul in sight, just me and these amazing rooms in the United States Capitol where so much of our history is made. Everyday, hundreds, maybe thousands of tourists make their way through these two halls. They glance at the portraits, marvel at the Rotunda Dome, and shuffle there way from one chamber to the other. But I wonder if they really get to take in the beauty and history, as I did this morning. Just me and the walls talking. What stories they can tell. I am incredibly lucky to have such an experience.

Day 1012

So a lot has been going on in the three weeks since I've posted. Judge Sotomayor was confirmed by the Senate as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. In that work period, the Senate also passed a number of bills that were tough to get through--meaning many long nights for myself and my coworkers.

I also caught up with old friends, and celebrated the last weekend of a very dear friend who moved from Washington to Arkansas. Two friends moved away this summer...seems like a chapter has closed.

But a new one is beginning. All week I've been in Little Rock, and after a quick trip to the lake for a wedding, have been catching up with all my very best of friends in Arkansas. I've met new babies, toasted future ones and mourned the loss of one whom I still can't believe isn't with us. The morning I spent at my dear friend's house was so nice, so peaceful and gave me so much hope and strength, set by her example, that trusting in God is the only way. The time I spent with all my friends this week has made me see just how special each and everyone in my life is, and how truly blessed we all are, no matter what the circumstances.

On top of that I have been finalizing paperwork and getting everything ready to close on my condo on Monday. I can't even believe that in just 3 days, I will own a home of my own. Mom, Marissa and I have also been running around looking for last minute ideas on color, furniture, rugs, fabric, etc. I must say, I think when we finally get this all fixed up and moved in, it is going to look fabulous.

So with all the running around and work load and stress about getting to closing, I have come down with some sort of ugly, energy-draining sickness. Again. Tomorrow I'm going to get a massage...hopefully that will help some...but I really feel like I have mono all over again. I can't move, I'm so tired and my throat couldn't hurt more. Why oh why does this always sneak up on me at the worst times? My body is obviously telling me to figure out my stress. Guess I should start listening. At least I have a few more weeks of August recess to do just that.

Day 989

Last week was really busy with the Sotomayor confirmation hearing. The days were long and then even longer. The cool thing was being on the cover of The New York Times twice in one week. Let me clarify, I was strictly in the background, but hey...still cool, right?

Friday I flew to Fayetteville, AR for the wedding of one of my good friends from college. It was a blast and she was the most beautiful bride I have ever seen. I'll post pictures when I get them. It had been about 4 years since I had been in Fayetteville last, and boy, a lot has changed. But it was so great seeing all my girls again and meeting some of their kiddos that I haven't met yet.

Today I am at home sick with a summer cold. Ugh, I do NOT feel well today at all. I've already taken in two naps and about 800 calories of OJ, trying to get myself back on track again. I really need to be packing right now, but just feel awful. Like most things in my life...not the best timing, huh?

I thought since my camera's been down and I haven't posted any pictures that I would post some I just got from my friends' Shelley and Mike's wedding in Detroit a few weeks back. Lots of fun with my favorite DC girls.

Day 980

So, to say the least, work has been a bit crazy lately. Lots happening on the Hill, and today was the start of the circus I had been preparing for the past few weeks. The Honorable Sonia Sotomayor began her confirmation hearing this morning before the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary to be an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

And here I am, busy at work.



Of course, I would be turned in the only picture I could find of me during the opening seating. See me? Black suit jacket, hair pulled half back and head turned to the side, directly behind her.



This one's a bit more of distant, but I'm standing right next to the television.

So tomorrow's an even longer and busier day, so I'm off to eat some dinner and head to bed. I'll try to update more tomorrow.

Day 850

**UPDATED**

Two great stories to share, but I have a yoga class that I don't want to miss, so I have to put this down on screen now so I remember to come back to it later. One involves my co-worker calling me a cougar and my 7-year-old cousin Jack commenting on that in his gchat status. Classic. The second involves the Sexiest Man Alive and the perks of my job. Here's a sneak peak:



Be back later to report.

Okay, I'm back. So first is the cougar story...a few days ago, my boss, coworker and I were talking about my upcoming trip to the beach, and somehow it got turned into me going on Spring Break and partying like it's 2009. And that's when it happened...my coworker called me a cougar. I thought my boss was going to spew his coffee across to the other end of the Capitol. I'll admit, it was pretty funny, especially watching J. eat his words for about 30 minutes afterward, but now it's the running joke of the office. We even had to have a full blown, all out debate with many of my reporters about what actually constitutes having cougar status. Classic.

So of course, I change my gchat status to, "My coworker just called me a cougar...am I really that old?" Well today, I noticed that my 7-year-old cousin Jack that-is-entirely-too-smart-for-his-own-good changed his gchat status (yes, he's in 1st grade and has an email account...at least I have someone that emails me everyday to say he loves me 10000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 times...big on the heart icons too). "What to," you ask? He changed it to, "Shawna, you are not old enough to be a cougar."

My question is this: How in the world does my 7-year-old cousin Jack that-is-entirely-too-smart-for-his-own-good know what a cougar is? Because he totally does know. And a follow-up: How would he know that I am not part of that cougar definition? Too funny.

Okay, now for the Sexiest Man Alive. I don't care if Hugh Jackman got the title this year...after seeing Mr. Pitt up close and personal (well, not as personal as in my head), he will always be my number one.

Encounter #1: I just happened to get off the back staff elevator at the first floor of the Capitol (okay, I was totally going to stake him out), and I see a mass of people rushing toward me. In the center of it all, hot sex Brad Pitt. Behind him, a sea of female staffers running after him. That was pretty amusing, more so because I didn't have to be one of them running in my 4-inch pumps. Exhibit 1 & 2 below:




Photo by Shawn Thew

Encounter #2: After that great moment, I pretty much went up to my office to tell my boss I wasn't going to work for the rest of the day and instead run around the Capitol and stalk Brad Pitt. He was totally cool with that, so off I ran to abandon all responsibilities and realize my dreams of making the Sexiest Man Alive leave Angie for me. What? He could suddenly decide he's more into curvy, crooked nosed, thinner lipped women than he's currently used to.

First, I went to talk to the photographers to get a status update. Word on the street was he was meeting with the Majority Leader first, so I run downstairs to be the first in line. Yeah, but as I round the corner...there are like 500 Senate pages, high-heeled women, and strangely, many men readying their cameras to get pictures for their "wives". Yeah right, they want the Pitt like the rest of us.

Luckily, I bestow my press authority and head straight on up to the Leader's door, just in time to see the back of his entourage run down the back staircase. Damn. Pitt 1, Blair 0.

After that there was nothing left to do but just march straight over to the Speaker's Office and find my man. Me and 50 other photographers, cameramen and the gaggle of female staffers that won't get out of my way. But ha, ha...once again bestowing my press authority, I was able to secure a prime spot in the front corner, while all those non-press authority ladies got to stand in the back with the cameras blocking them. My karma is totally going to come back and haunt me at this point but whatever...suck it ladies...I'm up front!

So about an hour later, he and Speaker Pelosi came strolling out, and I started drooling. Probably not the best idea for getting him to fall in love with me, but geez, he is the Sexiest Man Alive. I couldn't help myself. See for yourself.







Anyway, that was my day. Can't complain, can I? I'm going to go ahead and go to bed now so I can dream about Brad Pitt dumping Angie for me. It totally could happen...I saw him eyeing me and my killer Senate ID picture/Blackberry holder clipped to my hip. He dug it. For real.

Day 808

Still exhausted and I had another long, almost 12 hour day at work today. But I got a lot done, and am looking forward to resting up this weekend.

I did get some pictures from the Southern Inaugural Ball today, and wanted to share them. The Southern Ball was one of the 10 Inaugural Balls that the President, Vice President and their wives attended, and it was an honor to be there with them. You can tell by the photos how extremely tired we all were by this point, but we still managed to celebrate one last night. Enjoy!

Day 807

Wow, what a ride these past few days/weeks/months have been! It is beyond incredible the experience I took in yesterday...a literal front row seat in probably one of the most important days in American history. A long day, and even longer nights the eve of and on Inauguration day, has made me a very tired girl.

The night before was the Arkansas Inaugural Gala...needless to say I was running on about 3 hours of sleep on Inauguration Day. Didn't matter really, the adrenaline, excitement and gallons of coffee running through my body kept me bright eyed throughout the day.

The brisk walk from my house to the Capitol at 6 AM was not as I had feared. I had no problems making it through the streets and into the building. Some last minute work was done when I arrived, and then I was out into the cold (and I mean COLD) to witness this historical day. All our very hard work was done, so now we were able to enjoy ourselves and savor the day.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette quoted me today as saying I was "celebrity shopping"...they weren't hard to find. Every time I turned around someone famous was making their way to their seats right behind me.

Last night I attended the Southern Presidential Inaugural Ball, one of the 10 official balls attended by President and First Lady Obama and Vice President and Mrs. Biden. I didn't tote my big camera, but I'll post pictures from that as soon as they get emailed to me.

I'll save the rest of my details for when I finally get some sleep and my brain gets defogged. Enjoy my day! And please remember, below freezing temps and 3 hours of sleep is not friendly to my face...yikes!

January 20, 2009
Inauguration of President Barack Obama
U.S. Capitol
Washington, DC