DC Update

I just got back from a run and feel great! I feel like I did not give DC enough props yesterday. My run was not planned but I ran along the Mount Vernon trail. I wanted to run as long as I felt like without any speed or time criteria. It was amazing. It is so green here with so much activity. There were many people out running, cycling, playing soccer, and hanging with their families. I could not resist the lure of the Memorial Bridge and I am glad that I went over there. You can see many of the amazing monuments and beautiful aspects of the city along with the Potomac River--the Washington, Lincoln, and FDR Memorials, Arlington House on the hill overlooking the cemetery, and the 9/11 memorial. It is all very beautiful, peaceful, and filled with so much historic relevance.

Another amazing part of the Mount Vernon trail is Graveley Point right off of the main runway at National Airport. You can sit and watch planes take off and land right over and in front of you. It is really cool. The planes are so graceful and beautiful as they move along and above the runway. I like the possibilities that this represents--where are people going? what are they doing?

So, I may have had some weird consequences related to visiting DC, and I am still not sure if I am going to volunteer for any work trips any time soon. However, I no longer think that the city is out to get me--HA.

DC = Emotional Trouble

For this post, I need to start at the beginning which is to say that I used to live in the Washington, DC area. I moved away with a conscious choice of lifestyle over career potential. I was also sick of the politics, crazy post-9/11 security concerns, and my general dissatisfaction with the area. Over the years I have come to appreciate DC for the beautiful areas, the great museums, and the great friends that I am still in touch with. In fact, I thought that I was coming to an understanding with DC and have mildly flirted with moving back from time to time over the last year or so.

I don't think that DC wants me back! I travel there for work between three to four times per year. In the last four trips, something relatively horrible has happened to me. Last September, my grandfather died while I was enroute to DC. While waiting for my flight home, I ran over the Memorial Bridge to the World War II monument that always reminded me of him. This past February in DC, my estranged husband and I finally agreed to start divorce proceedings via e-mail. While not a surprise, it was still emotionally draining. That night I discovered the most decadent peanut butter and jelly sandwich at Potbellys. It was probably 5,000 calories and delicious. The story goes on...in June my Grandmother died while I was on a trip that included DC. I diverted home to another funeral and found myself back in DC grieving. I took a boat ride on the Potomac one night marveling at the peacefulness and beauty of the lights and the river.

I am currently in DC and what could possibly happen? My 'boyfriend' breaks up with me out of the blue via text message with no explanation. If this wasn't happening to me, I would be laughing. In the meantime, I am going to run over the Memorial Bridge to a Potbellys to get a PB&J and take a boat back to my hotel via the river. Maybe that will center me.

In the meantime, I am not sure what to think about my next trip to DC...or if I even want to take it.