Winding down in Washington

It's 10:58 p.m. on April 21, 2010. Coming up with something entertaining to say is actually quite a task. The only reason for this post is for a change of scenery. I'm afraid that the 3 people who actually read my blog will lose a bit more respect for me every time they see a picture of Barbie and the Rockers. Although those memories are dear to my heart, I don't think they should be the welcoming face to my blog.

Thinking about my time in DC is interesting. It feels like I have been here for so long sometimes. I've finally started feeling pretty comfortable at the office (handling angry constituents has become a pleasure, really). I guess the main reason this journey has seemed so lengthy is because of the relationships I've made here. I've reached the point that it's hard to understand how I had a life before knowing some friends I've made. People in the office, in the ward, and in my home have been a huge influence on my life - and mostly good influences.

One of my all-time pet peeves used to be when people would say, "I've learned so much about myself," or something similar. I now know what people mean when they say that and why they say it. I have learned some good things about myself - surprising and reassuring. Other things aren't so good, again surprising but certainly not reassuring.

Coming home will be, as the saying goes, bitter-sweet. I'll miss the eye-popping buildings and mind-boggling history this city has. It will be nice to have a car, though (I don't feel bad at all for missing the Metro cars jam-packed with summer tourists who get in the way and sweat too much). I'll miss most the relationships I made that will be left here, especially those I wish could have been stronger.

Anyway, I hope those are enough words to push Barbie to the bottom of the screen.