Operation Fall in Love with DC.

Everything has fallen into place so perfectly for me over the last few months. I have an amazing and intellectually stimulating job where I am surrounded by interesting and fun people. I live in close proximity to my family and many of my very best friends. I have a great apartment of my very own. I’m young. I’m healthy. I’m happy. Life is good.

BUT I am not in Boston. And as much as I try to shake it, I can’t ignore the fact that I still miss the city terribly. At least once every single day (yes, every single day), I am struck with the sharp realization that I. am. not. still. there.

You would think that by now I would have adjusted, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. As much as I love everything about being where I am right now, I am not in love with where I am right now. Yes, there is a difference.

And so, on that note, I have decided to embark on Operation Fall in Love with DC, Operation FILWDC, if you will. I know that a piece of my heart will always remain in the city of Boston, just as a piece of my heart will forever reside in the city of Antwerp, but in order for me to be completely present in the here and now, I have to let go. I have to open my mind to the possibility of loving this place.

I know it won’t be easy. And I know it won’t happen over night. But I also know that definitely it won’t happen if I remain resistant towards the idea. And so, starting today, with a little bit of sunshine on my side, I will officially begin the Operation.

Stay tuned.

I love the newness. [part two]

So it’s been awhile, huh? Maybe it hasn’t actually been very long, but it definitely seems that way for me. So much has happened throughout the last couple weeks.

I’ll go ahead and give you the cliffs notes version to catch you up to speed:

– I got a job offer

– I accepted the job offer

– I moved into a new apartment

– I start my new job next week

It’s funny. If you had asked me where I would be in two weeks, two weeks ago, I never would have pictured myself where I am right now. But here I am. Starting my new life. And loving every second of it. Which brings me to the continuation of my previous post.

The newness.

It’s kind of like riding a roller coaster for the very first time – you never really know when the next sharp, exhilarating turn will appear or when there will be a sudden drop causing your adrenaline to skyrocket.

As I settle myself into my new life, I feel like I am riding a new roller coaster each and every day. Everywhere I turn, I see something different, something unexpected. And I love it – I love it with every ounce of who I am. My only wish (as of right now anyways) is for the newness to stick around for a while. I am all for establishing a routine, but I’m not quite ready to figure it all out just yet.

I love the newness.

One of my favorite parts about going someplace new is the opportunity for fresh exploration. I love everything about it…

I love passing different faces on the street. I love discovering interesting restaurants and hidden hideaways. I love learning about the subtle nuances that make each and every place unique in a way that cannot be duplicated. I even love getting slightly lost or turned around because a little misdirection forces me to quickly get to know my new surroundings.

It’s all part of the adventure.

It’s all part of the adventure that I got unexpectedly caught up in during my last trip up to Washington, D.C.

It is no secret that I am having a hard time adjusting to my Boston –> D.C. transition. I still don’t go more than a couple days without mentioning my love for Boston or how much I miss New England. Actually, that may be too generous…I don’t think I have even gone ONE day without mentioning something concerning my beloved Boston.

That being said, I think I experienced a turning point during my last trip up to the city that could soon be my new home. I didn’t necessarily fall head over heels in love with the District, but I think I may have developed a little crush. Granted, I don’t think my crush was on the city itself, but rather with the newness of the experience. Regardless, I feel like it’s a good step in the right direction.

We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths. — Walt Disney