“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” - Ben Franklin

I have always been a reader. When I was young I used to go to the public library and check out literally piles of books. I always finished the summer reading program early. I read all of the Babysitters' Club books and the whole Sweet Valley High series in grade school and Jr. High. As the good young lady, Jane Austen, once wrote to someone, "The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid." I don't know if I'd go that far, but I do believe that reading is important, especially in a child's life.

Anyway, to this day I still love to read for pleasure and read for knowledge. So naturally, in preparation for my departure to DC I've done a little bit of research. I've scoured two travel guides for DC to learn as much about our nation's capital. I've also done a little bit of research on topics related to my internship. However, the most fun I've had has been reading "The Georgetown Ladies' Social Club."

The book talks about the lives of five of the most powerful women in American politics in the late 1900s. These women hosted bipartisan dinner parties that brought some of the most powerful men and women in American together. So much was discussed about the current events of the day that much of what was decided at Georgetown dinner parties was later put into policy. I cannot wait to finish the book!

These women are so very inspiring. I wish there was a biography out for Teresa Heinz Kerry. She is a woman I would love to meet and an invitation to one of her dinner parties is a goal of mine for the future. The same, of course, with Michelle Obama. But for some reason I am very drawn to the work of Mrs. Kerry.

Finally, before I sign off for this post, I'd like to ask for opinions. Obviously, on the side of the blog, I wrote the places I would like to go to or visit while in DC. Does anyone have any suggestions for places I should go or things I should check out while there? If so, just post your suggestion in the comments section.