Sputnik

I think I mentioned before how blessed I am on the day to day opportunities I get from being a working party on Capitol Hill. So much for a wide-eyed newbie like me to take in, but just when one amazing thing happens, another tops that. Take today for example.
So the day started like any other, with daily tasks and routine I could probably do in my sleep (and judging by the long hours/lack of sleep, I probably have). Sorting mail, answering phone calls (Lots of people are pissed about Blackwater. And likely, those same people will be pissed about whatever else MoveOn.org tells them to complain about next week.), and sending out letters. But then something interesting happened. The Congressman out of the blue pulls me out and says you're with me. OK.
Next thing I know, I'm pulling a handcart out to the front of the Longworth House Office Building as men in white gloves unload a gigantic wooden box onto it. Then they open it up, and I see what the fuss is about. Sitting in the box is Sputnik. Well, one of them.
You see, the Soviets made seven of them, but only launched one of the originals into space. Somehow, one of the remaining six ended up in the possession of a constituent in our district, Jay Walker (founder of Priceline.com). Mr. Walker is friends with the Congressman, and since Sputnik was in DC this weekend to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its launch, he asked the Congressman if he'd like to show it to the other members for an afternoon and thats exactly what happened. For the afternoon, the Congressman, his executive assistant, and I tended to the Sputnik as the silver-topped members ogled at the scientific wonder. I mean, its smaller than one would think, and quite rudimentary too. But it was revolutionary and thats what makes it priceless.
It was interesting hearing the members talk about how they remember where they were when it was launched and where they could see it from. It's very shiny, only 150 miles off the ground, and was propelled by rocket, so it was quite visible to the observers. To think, this piece of aluminum almost started a war. And now its on display in the US House of Representatives. It certainly says how far our society has come.
I really had a blast today and was quite grateful I was given the opportunity to tend to such an important part of our world's past. I really am liking my job with all these amazing opportunities. Things couldn't be any better. OK, thats a lie, maybe I wouldn't have to sort so much mail.