Day 2 Downtown

Last Monday I got off work a little early, so we decided to go see some more sights for the evening. We went to the Mall and saw the WWII memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, and just as the sun was setting, the Washington Monument with a beautiful pink glow (from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial). It really is cool being able to go down there so easily!The top left picture is the Lincoln monument from the view of the WWII memorial. At the memorial, there were two walls with a bunch of bronzed scenes from different parts of the war. It was really cool.

Tanaya's Job!

After a long month, I have found a job! I am a Health and Fitness Specialist at Prince William Hospital Fitness Center in Manassas, VA. It is the same idea as my last job-I work for L&T Health and Fitness, but I am a contractor into the hospital. The hospital fitness center is different than other fitness sites because the fitness center is not only for employees, but for anyone in the community who would like to join. Because we're at a hospital, doctors may recommend us to patients, so about 80% of our population is over age 60. I love it!

As some of you know, I was the Gerontology Department Secretary at BYU for a year and a half, and I was able to organize the Gerontology Conference and participate in the World Senior Games for two years in a row. I love the older populations! I like the fact that the people at the fitness center are there to solve/prevent real health issues, and I've already seen progress in some of our members.

As a health fitness specialist, I get to perform health assessments which include body composition, blood pressure, cholesterol, flexibility, and cardio testing; write programs and train members on them; teach group exercise; and promote health in creative ways to people. I've been there for 7 days now, and I'm excited about the position as well as the fact that I have a job.

Annapolis

If you've ever seen the movie, you'll know that Annapolis, MD is home to the US Naval Academy. Tim and I decided we need to do more while we are "retired for a short season," so we drove up to Annapolis and spent the day seeing the sights. Below are pictures of us at the Academy (shout out to Nick and Sarah). Does anyone know why this big red indian statue is on the campus? Besides the Naval Academy, we went to Sandy Point State Park and played at the beach of the Chesapeake Bay, then saw the town. Annapolis is unique, because the entire downtown district is listed on the national historic site registry. It was really pretty to walk up and down the streets by the bay.

I Heart Vienna

Okay family, you are now allowed to come visit due to the one Nielsen's Frozen Custard Franchise east of Utah. Yes, right here in Vienna, VA which also happens to be my favorite city in Virginia. It is located just north of Falls Church, so the trail I run on goes right through the middle of the city where there is a train depot, a Saturday morning farmer's market, and cute stores. The W&OD trail (Washington and Old Dominion) was built on an old rail bed and runs about 30 miles north and south. I love going on my long runs there Saturday mornings with all of my (many) fellow runners and bikers. Each time I go north on the trail, I am reminded by the lush green surroundings (I mean everywhere) and bright red birds that I am not in Utah, but I can appreciate each place for its own beauty.
So, Vienna is a cool place, and you should all come visit so we can take a walk on the trail and finish up with some custard from THE custard masters.

Old Town Alexandria