Thursday, February 24, 2011

Page Entry #7 (2/24/2011)


Today I saw something I didn't think I would ever see, a little kid around age seven who testified in a committee. I actually saw him talking to the local channel five news crew in front of a camera. Some things this little kid mentioned were about simple stuff like how many straws we use and how we could help the world if we did simple things like use reusable straws. One really cool thing he mentioned was the device he made, a solar powered popcorn machine. The other main highlight of the day was tables and tables of food tasting in the cafeteria towards the end of the day. The food was delectable, cheeses ranging from flavorful goat cheese to sharp Cabot cheddar. Treats like maple truffles and ice cream. It was all foods from Vermont and someone I know was even there - Nathalie Feldman who makes salad dressing and she took our picture. Everything was great and hopefully the predicted storm tomorrow makes no serious adjustments to my plans for another great day.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Page Entry #6 (2/23/2011)

The house was ridiculously long today, about three hours! Also, my record of 62 messages delivered was passed by an impressive 70 messages. We have a test tomorrow about all the faces of the representatives and senators, I think I am ready because I've really learned the faces and names really well. One funny thing that happened today was that one of the doorkeepers told me to ask another how their interview went at some biker bar in town. So, I did just that and the one that told me to do it gave me a dollar. Overall the day was great and I hope I can get my record back someday.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Page Entry #5 (2/22/2011)

First day of week two and I got as many messages as I thought I would. 62 messages was the total and it was staircase after staircase. I was very busy and had a great panini for lunch. It's probably going to be a really busy week and I was surprised that the senate session today went for about an hour and a half. The house only went for 15 minutes, this was strange because usually it's the other way around. All in all it was a good day, a very busy day, and i'm ready to go back tomorrow.

Page Entry #4 (2/18/2011)

I was in the senate again today and I got absolutely zero notes, while my partner named Dylan got seven. It was an alright day overall though because my secondary job was the sergeant at arms office and you get more notes there than anywhere else. I delivered a total of 57 messages and notes today, I kept a tally with me at all times. I'm really getting to know a lot of people and I can recognize all 30 senators. Next week I am at the sergeant at arms office all week so I expect to get a lot of messages. It's been a great week and I can't wait for the next one.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Page Entry #3 (2/17/2011)

My primary job today was to be in the Senate Chamber, but it was a joint session which was in the House Chamber. A joint session is a session where the senators go over into the house and join in with the representatives. So, I barely had any time in the senate today, I'll have much more time tomorrow. One thing that was pretty cool today was that I got the chance to talk to Governor Peter Shumlin, he was in an office that I went to and we had a good 30 seconds to chat. The job I had most of the day was at the Sergeant at Arms office. I just waited for messages and searched for as many messages as possible. It's a pretty good job because you get a lot of notes and today I realized that I have it all week next week for primary and secondary. So it better be a decent job. The day went well and I had a lot of messages to deliver, I'm excited for the Senate Chamber tomorrow and hope I am as busy as I was today.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Page Entry #2 (2/16/2011)

Well in the morning today it was ridiculously busy. I must've brought 20 messages around the place. The session in the house today was longer than yesterday but it seemed like less was going on. I have to say that I feel like they could be much more productive in the house. I've also noticed that not a lot of people ever say nay, it's like this, " Are you ready for the question? If so, here is the question. All in favor say aye (chorus of aye's) all against say nay (no nay's are really said at all.) The aye's appear to have it, the aye's do have it. " There was free Ben and Jerry's ice cream today, I was relieved from the House Chamber for about ten minutes to eat some. I had some time to do homework but most of the day I was trying to put names on different faces and remember committee rooms. It was a good day overall and I think I am starting to remember some representatives and senators.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Page Entry #1 (2/15/2011)

My first day was today, it was great! I was assigned to working in the House Chamber, where I ran messages around and took notes around the room. After that my secondary job was to check in at the Secretary of the Senate and the House offices. The Secretary of the Senate was every 15 minutes and the House offices were every hour. I had a lot of fun getting my green blazer with my name tag and my Vermont tie. I met a lot of representatives and senators and I had a lot more free time then I thought. I'm planning on bringing homework and a book tomorrow. Overall it was a great first day and I'm looking forward to move on with my new job.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

My Turn in Montpelier is Coming Up

I'm going to be a legislative page in the second session of 2011. In Montpelier, Vermont I will help everybody in the government by doing whatever they need me to do. I am really excited and will keep you all updated on the exciting things I encounter. I believe this will be an inspiring experience and I will take away many important life lessons from my time in Montpelier.