Washington D.C. Archives – Jamieson Diaries

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2018

January 15, 2018 Leave a Comment

Today we celebrate what would have been Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 89th birthday. This is one of the few times the actual day of his birthday, and the day observed for his birthday share the same day. I could type a mini book about the accomplishments of Dr. King, but instead I will share the title of a book written by Dr. King in 1967 that has become one of my favorite writings, from him, to date. I will also share a few of my favorite pictures from the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. monument in Washington D.C.

This is my favorite book to date written by Dr. King. I asked one of my friends for a book that shows us a more radicalized Dr. King, and this was his suggestion. (Thanks, Mo!) Although I’ve had the book for months, I thought January would be the perfect month to read this book, because of his birthday and to start the year off strong.

This is one of those books that somehow allows you to respect Dr. King’s fight and message even more. The hardest part to digest while reading this book is how applicable his words still are today. We have come a long way and have equally as much ground to cover before seeing true equality in this country. My absolute favorite aspect of this book is getting a non third grade history book white washing of Dr. King and his legacy. So many people who quote Dr. King don’t even realize they stand for and support the complete opposite of everything he fought for. Dr. King was definitely a non-violent man, but every bone in his body was controversial.

We traveled to Washington D.C. in October 2016. Naturally, we were to see Dr. King’s monument and park. There was a guy leaning on the wall while his friend took a picture. Once we walked up closer I noticed what he was doing and thought it was absolutely brilliant. To this day it’s one of my favorite pitcures, especially considering the circus happening in the United States government today. I also couldn’t help but to think how much Dr. King would’ve approved of this message if he were alive to see this foolishness taking place.

I snapped this picture of my husband reading one of the many beautiful Dr. King quotes in the park. There is something so poetic about my Black military husband not only seeing this quote in person, but being able to share the moment with his family. This quote is so important because as Dr. King said himself there are too many people “who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice.”

Happy birthday, Martin Luther King Jr.

All Posts, Dear Diary, Travel

Smithsonian NMAAHC

February 3, 2017 Leave a Comment

It’s been 3 months since we took our family vacation to Washington D.C. Anyone who has talked to me about this trip knows the highlight was being able to go to the brand new Smithsonian National African American History and Culture. The wait list to get tickets is still months long, and we happened to be there when it was still possible to wait in line, early in the morning for tickets. Read More

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January 20th, 2017: Good News!

January 20, 2017 Leave a Comment

If you’re feeling like most of us are feeling, today, we could all use some good news. I believe this entire week was a slow torturous countdown to this day. The band-aid was finally ripped off and here we are trying to see how long it’ll take this wound to heal…if it heals at all.

I’ll be completely honest though, I was upset for about half an hour this morning, and I’ve since moved on. I’ve decided these next four years (hopefully sooner) I need to start putting more of my money where my mouth is. We can’t expect any President to “save us” from ourselves, but we sure as hell can work our behinds off to make the changes we want to see in this country.

I was too busy, out and about, running errands with my daughter and the dog this morning to take any time to watch the Inauguration. I’m actually happy I decided to do this, because I honestly believe it protected me from feeling so much negativity, today. Not the type of feeling of wanting change because of racism, sexism, etc, but the negativity of watching something that doesn’t make me happy, for no good reason. I hope you all did something to make yourself happy as well. If you didn’t…here go some great things that happened today to brighten your January 20th, 2017!

House Of Cards (season 5) promo:

Not only did House of Cards finally drop a date for season 5, the entire promotion is perfect marketing for this day. It’s an eerie version of the Pledge of Allegiance with a dark, upside down, American flag, outside of the U.S. Capitol. Check out the promo here.

Obama.org (Presidential Center) announcement:

President and First Lady (I’m not ready to say “former” yet) Obama shared a video on their Obama Foundation page talking about their next moves post Presidency. They are asking for people to send them ideas and suggestions for the new Presidential Center in Chicago, IL. If you want to get involved and make a difference…here’s a good start!

Women’s March countdown:

The Women’s March on D.C. will be held tomorrow afternoon. Oh man, what a big deal and show of solidarity this will be. Not only will this march take place tomorrow, but over 250 sister marches all over the world will be taking place in solidarity with everyone in D.C. I’m so excited to march here in Montana tomorrow afternoon with two of my close friends. If you would like more details on the march and how you can get involved, click here.

Black-ish Spinoff:

It has been said there will be a spin-off show around Yara Shahidi’s character, Zoey, while she is in college. The inspiration for the show is my favorite show of all time A Different World. DO YOU KNOW HOW EXCITED I AM FOR THIS? I really hope it all works out and ends up being everything I imagine it can be!

National Cheese Day:

I found this out on Twitter earlier this morning. It may seem trivial to some of you, but to me, it’s awesome, because y’all….I love cheese. Like, ridiculously love cheese. If I could add cheese to everything I eat I would. So…happy National Cheese Day y’all!

What good news what you like to share with all of us, today? It doesn’t have to be anything major just something that makes you happy. I will say this, even if none of these activities and events happened today; I woke up healthy, my loved ones are healthy, and life is good.

Happy Friday folks! Have a fun and safe weekend!

(Wishing my little one and I were in D.C. tomorrow so here’s a photo of us when we were there this past October)

Brie <3

[01.20.17]

All Posts, Dear Diary, Family Love, Travel

Jamieson Family Vacation 2016

November 6, 2016 Leave a Comment

Last month we went on a jam-packed family vacation to Illinois, Tennessee, Washington D.C./Virginia, and a brief stop in Indiana. It was three weeks filled of some much needed fun and love. We spent every single dime we saved plus some, by the time we got back home, so it’s safe to say we had a great time LOL. We spent the first week in Illinois, two days in Tennessee, five days in D.C./Virginia, and the remaining five-ish days in Illinois.

We got to see my beautiful little cousin get married on October 15th to my new cousin, Justin, and as anticipated, it was an amazing time. Jordyn was the adorable flower girl who made Mommy and Daddy so proud she walked down the aisle all by herself. She was saying “uh-oh” as she stepped on the flowers while walking down the aisle LOL. Then of course we partied hard as any family should at the reception. We were all so sore the following day from all the dancing we did.

We went to Knoxville, Tennessee as a mid way stop on our drive to D.C., and stayed with our awesome friends, the Hawkins. We all used to be based in Montana together (they were lucky enough to escape ha!) and we haven’t seen each other since 2014. Our babies finally got to meet and quickly became the best of friends. They took us around town for some good ol’ sight-seeing and Tennessee culture. We also got to hang with/meet one of Kris’ friends, Matt, and his sweet boys. It was an all around great time!

Those of you who know me well know I absolutely LOVE Washington D.C. If it was in my power we would live there. I love the city and surrounding areas. One of them being Alexandria, Virginia. Kris’ Dad a.k.a Jordyn’s “Dad-Dad” met us there for the last two days which made an amazing trip even better. It was nice to go somewhere and be tourists on an actual vacation. We ate at delicious restaurants, got a tour of the Pentagon, visited the new National Museum of African American History and Culture, as well as, the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. We met famous people, visited a majority of the national memorials and monuments, and I even got to see an old college friend. We are already planning on going back for a follow-up vacation when we get the chance. It was Kris’ first time in D.C. so I’m happy he enjoyed himself!

On our way back to Chicago we stopped in Indianapolis to visit our friends the, Wilcoxs. We were able to meet their beautiful new addition to their family, Averie, as well as see her beautiful sister, Alanna, again. We were even able to see Alaiya’s memorial in the front room and visit her. (We miss you babygirl) It was a good time as always. Jordyn and Alanna had a ball playing together too. At one point Alanna had Jordyn on the ground with her arms behind her back “arresting” her. In case you can’t tell, Alanna’s Dad, Brandon, is a police officer hahaha. I wish we all lived closer to one another, but even if it was a small amount of time we spent together, it was a great time.

When we arrived back in Chicago we were all beyond TIRED. We had originally planned to hang with friends the last few days, but as it has seemed to become a tradition, Jordyn and I caught colds. (My Grandma and Mom are the real MVPs for nursing us back to health lol) We were out of commission for two of the four days. We did however win tickets to the Chicago Bulls season opener, the night before we left back for Montana, thanks to my awesome Mommy’s nomination, and my friend John’s huge heart. The Bulls won their game and we all won Chick-fil-A and McDonald’s during the game. It’s safe to say we went out with a bang! Lol.

As much fun as we all had on vacation we couldn’t WAIT to get back in our own beds and back to our “normal” every day life routine. Yesterday made an official week of us being back in Montana and I’m already anxious to leave for vacation somewhere else…ha! Thankfully, Thanksgiving is two and a half weeks away, and we’ll have family and friends in town. Followed by Christmas when we’ll have family in town again. Life is great and I can’t/won’t complain.

I dubbed the month of November: #ThankfulNovember and it’s only right I share how thankful I am for our vacation this year. I’m thankful we’re blessed enough to be in a position to take family vacations, have so many people to love/love us, and create beautiful memories together. I’m also thankful for safe travels to and from our many destinations. What is there NOT to be thankful for? Thank you, Lord!

Brie <3

[11.06.16]

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Remembering 9/11

September 11, 2015 Leave a Comment

September 11th, 2001, is a day many of us will never forget. I’m sure, like myself, most of you can remember exactly where you were, what you were doing, and even what you were wearing when the news of the first plane hitting the World Trade Center south tower had been reported. Most people my age remember being at school, and having televisions rolled into the classroom to watch the news coverage. However, I was at home sick for the day, and was watching the live news coverage with my Grandma. I had been asleep in her bedroom when she woke me up telling me a plane crashed into one of the World Trade Centers. I was a little groggy, and didn’t quite comprehend what she had said to me until I walked into the living room, and saw it plastered all over the news. I can’t really explain my initial reaction besides “confused”. I think most of us were confused though. We were confused because in the beginning we didn’t even realize we were being attacked by terrorists, but believed a plane may have lost control and made an unfortunate crash into the building. It was once the second plane crashed into the second World Trade Center, on live television, that all of our confusion turned to fear and sadness. These emotions were only heightened once we heard of the third plane aiming for and hitting the Pentagon, but thankfully the plane was full of courageous people who had the opportunity to take a stand before more lives were lost in the Pentagon. What stood out to me then, and still to this day, was the realization of that horrible day in history, and being alive to live through it. As a middle schooler at the time, we spent so much of our time in classrooms learning about the atrocities that have happened in history, but it seemingly being so far out of reach because we weren’t around for it. And here we were, living a history that our children, and grandchildren and every generation to come, would read about in text books, also feeling so far removed from it.

Fourteen years later and we’re still feeling the effects of this disaster in everyday life. Whether it’s the constant reminder for those who lost loved ones, those who survived this vicious attack, those who walk by the memorial in New York City every day, those who have lost a loved one in the war against terror, or those families who are still torn apart because their loved one(s) are currently serving tours in Afghanistan or Iraq. (As a military spouse, I pray everyday for those spouses and children who lost Fathers and Mothers in this war.) I also pray for those who still battle the demons of losing someone close to them on, or directly related to, such a tragic day.

Today, I will spend the entire day with my family. As I enjoy the day with my family, I will be thinking of all of those families who lost loved ones, and continue to remind myself how blessed I am to spend this day, and any day, with those I love. Today, I hope we all remember how much damage evil and hatred can do, and in return, share as much love and positivity as we possibly can. Love is so much greater than hate, and I pray that all sadness be turned into joy.

No matter how many years go by, we will always remember 9/11/01.

Brie <3

[09.11.15]