Are you ready for this?

The time is upon us for reflecting on 2011 and ramping up for a world of new possibilities in 2012. Of course, before we move forward, I would like to reflect on the year behind me. Oh, by the way, I am REALLY into bullet points in the new year.Yup, deal with it.

• Blizzard - for the first week of last year I was house bound in Cumming GA with Squid and his family for a winter wonderland lock-down. No one in, no one out. It started with a death trip to Kroger for ice cream and hot coco (who eats ice cream in a blizzard) and ended with cross country skiing through the neighborhood. What a mess.
• Athens most beautiful wedding - Tate got married last year on January 8th and it was incredible. She was stunning and my former company A Divine Event catered everything from the bridesmaid luncheon to the reception. It was exhausting, but worth every minute I got to spend with her. 
• Job of a Lifetime - what a big, unexpected opportunity. I can't even believe a year ago I was headed to DC for a final interview with Kuoni on a Saturday (see above's reference to the Blizzard) and over sushi that night decided with Squid that I should take the leap.
• Erica and Lindley take Atlanta - this also happened in January (wow, what a big month) that my two best friends from DC decided to make a trip South of the Mason Dixon line and go out on the town with me and my local girls. Fado in Buckhead will never be the same, and neither will Lindley's dance moves.  
• Road trip to DC - Valentine's Day weekend I headed to DC with the Squid to get settled in with John and Kelsey as their new "roommate." Little did I know that they didn't have closet space for me, however I made due and the sparkle returned to my eyes as soon as I hit East Capitol.
• The commitment of my lifetime - The Squid also fell victim to my love of DC and shortly joined me with Traveler, our faithful k-9 in our Capital city. My life has literally never been better because I am living with the man I have always wanted and the dog I didn't know I wanted. So life is bliss, just a little more hairy. 
• Learning to live without four wheels - In all of the new changes brought something back from my past. The bicycle. I can't believe how long I had abandoned it for fashion, comfort and logistical reasons, but my life of pushing pedals is wonderful. 
• Going green - with veggies that is. I only lasted about eight months this time without meat. I loved being a vegetarian, but I always gain weight. A gal from Georgia has to eat meat. Its just too good.
• Losing a wonderful man - My grandfather Sterling Wilhoit also known as "Arch" passed away this summer just before the fourth of July in Ashville, NC. He is a man that taught me so many things, from gin rummy to pool, the "Wilhoit ways" are in my blood and I should have known the strategies I was learning with cards and cues would actually help maneuver the roads of life.  I will always adore "papa." 
• Getting back into the DC scene - Networking in this city never ceases to amaze me. The events, dinners, networking opportunities are endless. No wonder this city is considered the "pulse of a Nation."
• Most likely wedding to be picked up by a magazine - My friends Kelsey and John got hitched on September 4th in a very unique style. A beautiful tent at Oxon Hill Manor and a candy table of "sweet treats" showed all of the brides DIY tricks. She did an amazing job, and I am so lucky that I was able to stand beside her when she said "I do."
• Home for the holidays - I truly believe "home is where the heart is" and that is why my holidays were so fabulous. Mom and Paul came to DC for Thanksgiving and we had a delicious meal at the Georgetown Club. Then, Austin and I traveled to Colorado to see the family for Christmas. Of course with a stop at New Belgium Brewery. Magical.

That concludes the highlights of 2011. I can't wait to see what 2012 has to offer me!

The Travel Bug

It seems crazy to think that I have never ridden a train in the US (or not that I can remember) and it is so nice. Even though it is packed, people are really nice and it is quite peaceful. I do wish I had a travel buddy to hang out with, but I guess that is what my computer is for. Even though the wireless continues to go in and out, I am finding it comforting to get back to my writing.

I am writing this post on an Amtrak heading to Philadelphia. I am going for two reasons: the first, because I have a site visit for work, and the most important because I want to see my cousin Natalie for the holidays. I miss going to my Aunt Carol's house on Christmas eve and celebrating with my cousins. So, I bugged and bugged her until she said yes. She and her husband Joel just bought a house - WHOO HOO - and I am going to break in the guest room for them!

With this trip, I have officially caught the travel bug. I will be in Philly for a few days, then next week I head to Colorado for the Christmas holiday and then on the 7th of January I am hopping on a plane to go to Turks and Caicos! Whoa nelly! I have my luggage secured, camera charged and the charger cords for all my electrical devices...life has become complicated. So, here is a little travel food for thought.

• Check the expiration date on your passport. If its expired DEFINITELY choose the expedited service. Mine came in one week door to door. (Oh, you don't need a passport on the train, Philly isn't  its own country, its for Turks and Caicos.)
• Don't wait to pack the morning you leave because you will take a ton of random things, and forget all that is important, like underwear.
• Don't drink too much the night before you have a train ride...hangovers and train tracks DO NOT mix. Trust me on that. Also, everyone will look at you if you keep going in and out of the bathroom.
• Make sure to bring plenty of food and drink (especially if you are traveling alone.) Even through there is a dining car, you will lose your seat if you venture to it. I  have never been more parched in my life. 
• Check your computers compatibility to WiFi networks. - it sucks to be disconnected
• Bring a variety of things to keep you entertained, ie Kindle, iPad, magazines, games...but do not miss looking out the window - it is really important to take it all in and you never know what you are going to see. 
• Don't miss your stop because you will get kicked off the train. Seriously.

Whatever traveling you may be doing over the holidays, have fun and be safe. I know that I will be doing the same!

The fall and the fury

As we move into the fall season, a time of year that is so nostalgic to me because of the fall foliage, college football and the cooler temperatures I have been craving since the spring, I am hit with a wave of anxiety. I have realized that moving forward in life doesn't necessarily get easier. The more we grow the more responsibilities we have and the more we have to do. I am currently in my "busy season" at work. Long hours and weekend work has reemerged, but its nothing compared to the work I did just two years ago. I am also feeling lonely even though I am sharing my life with the man I love, I am feeling lost in my profession and longing for the companionship of my friends. What a "fall down."

It doesn't help that a year ago this past weekend I lost my grandfather and it seems like so many ends are happening all around me. One of my best friends just lost her beloved Gaga, and last night Paul lost his secretary in a horrible wreck. Life is so short and I can't help but feel I am filling mine with all of the wrong things. As my mother said recently, it might be time to re-prioritize my life and the things in it.

It has been weeks since I have enjoyed catching up with friends, and I finally picked myself up off the couch to visit with a few of my girls this weekend. But I know it isn't enough. My sanity and heart can't take it much longer. The drifting apart that we all experience is shaking me to my core and I hope that I can bounce back.

I don't mean for this entry to be a downer, I just need to focus on the things that can make me stronger, laugh louder and be the best version of myself I can be.

So I am proposing a challenge to all of you. Make time for you loved ones - even those who seem too busy. Reach out to your friends, they need you more than you know and enjoy the little things. They all add up and will make you feel complete.

Oh yeah, and if any of you have fabulous new fall clothes, please send pictures...fashion is definitely still a priority.

All my love,

Lacy June

August Already?

I just looked at my calendar and realized it is August 8th! Where did the summer go? I guess I have been hiding indoors since June because of the blistering heat. We had company all summer and very little time to relax. A quick recap...

We had Austin's mom in town for a few days in July. It was great! We took her to all our favorite places and I finally got to have someone on my side about cleaning the house, walking the dog and getting rid of some bikes. She organized the house and helped in the transformation from bike shop to home! Hallelujah! I had a quick work trip to Annapolis during her stay and fell in love with the capital of Maryland. What a charming city!

Then my sister 's visit to town was like a whirlwind. I was recapping the visit to a friend and couldn't believe all the things we did while she was here. Touring the monuments, restaurants, bars, put put, Truckeroo (the most fun food truck festival ever,) Eastern Market, Old Town and lots of wine...I am still recovering and she has been gone for two weeks! My cousin Natalie came down as well and we got some great family time. We haven't all been together since Nat's wedding last summer!

This past weekend I survived my friend Kelsey's bachelorette party with only a sunburn from Tubing. It was so nice to hang out with her, get to know her out of town friends and laugh about how she and her future husband met. They are so wonderful for each other!

Also, I am on a mission to buckle down and start working hard at biking, running (I have been recovering from an injury since mid July) and getting back into yoga! The summer is almost over, and I have a lot of crunches and push-ups to do before getting in a bridesmaid dress. My sister motivated me so much to really take care of my body and kick it up a notch! I also FINALLY ordered some cycling shorts and gloves so I can be more comfortable when I commute to and from work. The whole diet and exercise thing only works when you have dedication and motivation (which clearly I lack considering this is maybe the 10th post having to do with weight.) So please send me your thoughts to make smart choices and be active instead of lazy. No one likes a couch potato!

Tonight is yoga with Melly, so I am starting the week off right! :)

Pedals or Pavement?

So I have been riding to work on my bicycle for almost a month now. Three times a week, which is awesome. Now, last night after a full day of work and biking almost 20 miles, the squid wanted to go for a run. If it was anyone else I would have declined but I don't like letting him down. SO, I took a deep breath and a swig of water and out the door we went. It wasn't twenty steps before it hit me - I wanted to DIE right there, on the side of the road. I could barely breathe, my legs felt like lead and the squid wasn't too happy. "Get it together wussy," was being yelled at me as we dodged oncoming traffic. What happened to my love of putting my feet to the pavement? What a horrible friend I am to my running shoes! I just couldn't do it, not one more step.

Thats when I realized I am not getting enough nutrition and hydration into my body each day. I think I mentioned that I was ravenous lately because of my change in physical activity, but I am not doing positive things in order to correct it. So here is to eating right, staying healthy and drinking water. AND spending more quality time with my running shoes, I deserve it.

White Walls

It has been five months to the day since I moved back to DC. I can't believe how the time flies. I was thinking today about how I have developed such a wonderful routine, reconnected with old friends and have made several new ones. The only problem is that YIKES-my apartment is in shambles!

When we decided to move to DC together I gave the squid permission to use his creative eye to decorate our apartment. Oh boy was that a mistake. I am now living among six bicycles, after the exodus of two others, avid collection of miscellaneous bike parts and the infamous Traveler-our lovable (and hairy) 90 pound dog. Even with all of that, my heart still has connected to Earl in a way I never expected, and I have great admiration for my hybrid bicycle so I am finally taking action and embracing a new design style-cycle bohemian chic. I can no longer look at these cold white walls unless they are covered in personality.

I started with a few purchases at Urban Outfitters inspired by an email from my friend Amanda. I got a duvet cover with bicycles and a floral pattern, a few organizational pieces and I plan on getting a few vintage ceiling tiles from Eastern Market to hang out the walls. My new lifestyle has awakened my soul in a way that nothing ever has before. However, in order to stay sane and not throw the bikes from the fourth floor, I figured I might as well try to incorporate the bicycles in my way instead of letting them take over.

Yes friends, I know this sounds like night and day from my palace on eighteen, but it is SO much more my speed. It also has introduced an entirely new element, a live-in boyfriend. It is the most exciting and fun part about it all. It is going to take a lot of work, but at the end of the day, I have my bicycles, my dog and my love. I must say, even though I have moved down fourteen floors, I have certainly traded up!

I love you Earl.

It has been a week and a half since I started riding my bike to work. I have managed to bike 6 our of the 10 workdays. I am SO happy. It is so interesting that starting a routine can either make or break you day. I have always been such an active person, always doing yoga or running to loose weight or change bad habits. Every time I have always dreaded having to do the task at hand and inevitably loose steam and give up. This is the first time I have truly looked forward to something. From the moment I wake up my new mindset is - brush teeth, make coffee, put on biking clothes and then I am off to work! I never have a feeling of displeasure, its only when I can't bike in that I am devastated and agitated. Funny how things change.

I never really properly introduced my bike. His name is Earl. He is from the Trek Family and dashingly handsome in his powder blue suit. He listens, is always on time and waits on me hand and foot. Literally. He has my back, but sometimes even the good ones can let you down.

So Tuesday I had a travesty happen - I wrecked Earl. His condition is stable; the squid checked him out and he's gonna be fine. I totally forgot how embarrassing it is to bust your ass in front of a ton of people. Not to mention it brought back memories of an adolescent biking accident when I thought I was Evel Knievel and flew down a hill in my neighborhood and smashed through a pine tree with my blue Schwinn bike. OUCH! It still can make my sister cry with laughter. Thanks Kate.

Anyway, it was hot, I was gaining confidence with every pedal push and Earl was on a roll. I also knew that because I had a program to operate for work I wouldn't be able to ride again until Friday. Bummer, I had really been getting used to our hot, sweaty dates.

I was just crossing back into the District on 14th Street bridge, passing the Jefferson Memorial (Which is my all time favorite monument)  and I come to a large group of teenage girls. In my former life I was one of these girls - thinking I was hot shit and owned the sidewalk I was strutting down. The girls were spread across my path about eight bodies deep - you know, one of the big sidewalks that could also double as an access road for work trucks - and I had no where to go but the grass. So I gracefully jumped off the sidewalk into the grass to pass them by, speeding up as I did to look "cool." Then as I tried to reconnect my tires to the sidewalk - BAM! I was down and sliding down the gravel in front of the wide-eyed girls. "Are you ok? Do you need help?" and I jumped up and yelled "you need to watch out for bikers and share the sidewalk" I added "little bitches" under my breath. Karma - 1, Lacy - 0.

There really is no moral here, but two things I would like to add. The grass is no place for my Earl. And this is a habit I do not intend on breaking.

Ease on down the road

I have wonderful news - I am officially a bike commuter! Well, a "cycling" commuter I guess is the appropriate term according to the squid. I have been tip-toeing around the idea ever since I got back to DC and decided not to bring my car. My commute was 1:15 door to door by walking and taking the Metro. It was so exhausting and left me feeling drained everyday. Just awful.

Then of course birthday month rolled around and the furthest thing from my mind was hopping on a bike, throwing on a helmet and riding. Until I received the most amazing birthday present ever - a new bike from my love. It is baby blue, has a super cute clock AND a place that you can open beers. I'm SPOKED. Hehe.

So last week, the inaugural bike ride occurred. It was epic. I thought it best to start my journey in Alexandria to get me home after a long day of work. Luckily, Nicole had picked me up and driven us in that day after a few meetings we had. I wasn't sure what to wear, so I grabbed my Lulu Lemon pants, comfy top and my Tom's. I picked literally the hottest day so far this year to try this out, but at least I knew it would get better. I started out on my journey and quickly realized - wow, no wonder everyone wears the shorts that look like a diaper - Potholes hurt and there is no shortage of them! I took the Mount Vernon trail, passing the airport, intermural fields and then went over the 14th street bridge down the National Mall to my house. I managed to do my first trip in 45 minutes! I have ridden everyday since then and I couldn't feel better! I get 18-20 miles a day on a bike, the perfect combination of function AND exercise. I like doing things that take me places - I am hooked.

If you don't have a bike get one. It is the most satisfying thing you can do on wheels. Just watch out for the potholes.

Mosquitoes? Mosquit-OWES

I am finally back at my lovely hotel in Key Biscayne tonight and what a rough day it has been. Even though it seemed like EVERYTHING was going wrong, I was enjoying the fact that it was super sunny, blue skies all around me and a day of possibilities. Earlier I was waiting on a cab to head to the airport for client arrivals and all of a sudden positivity turned into panic. I looked down after a few minutes resting my feet and my legs had spots on them! I blinked and looked again and realized I hadn't contracted a strange Southern Florida disease, I was in fact COVERED in mosquitoes. SO then I naturally did what any sane person would do - I started slapping myself and hopping around the outdoor furniture as bell men ran to my rescue. I was acting as if I was engulfed in flames!

This made me begin to really think about these pesky little bugs. They are so small, but they cause such pain and irritation. NO matter how much you do to prevent their attack, bug spray, candles, pants - somehow they find there way to your flesh. This also made me think about how all day long I had minor issues to troubleshoot, and they also were all small and irritating. These issues were like the mosquitoes of life. Small, insignificant things that just cause more pain than they are worth. Over the past few years I have developed somewhat of a tough skin. Almost to the point that I thought it was impossible to penetrate by intruders. Unfortunately I was wrong, and the bugs got me again. My mother always said bugs bite me because I am so sweet. Hopefully clients will believe that too.

Balancing Act

Today I am flustered by all of my responsibilities and struggling with the whole idea of a healthy balance of work and life. It seems like when one area excels the other suffers and vice versa. I have some friends going through rough times and separation with their partners while climbing the corporate ladder, and other friends going through life changes such as marriages and new relationships at the same time they are leaving the work force or switching jobs. Can happiness on both fronts coexist?

People say "put your heart into it" when you are trying to make something work. This saying is universal when referring to work and life. If you succeed at putting your heart into work, you are subsequently not putting your heart into your relationship? I don't know if this is true, but it raises a lot of questions to me.

I am heading out of town for work for five days. I am putting my heart into a successful program for a client. It isn't going to be easy, but I know that it will be meaningful for the client and myself. However, I am leaving behind the most wonderful man I have ever met. I can see it now...we will find it hard over those days to connect, through missed calls, opposite work schedules and the sheer exhaustion of having to talk on the phone for an extended period of time. Not fun. Who is winning in this scenario?

I have always been willing to bury myself in my career. Through all of my adult life, I have found confidence, stability and happiness in the work that I do. I was always willing to move jobs for myself, leaving friends, family and opening a new chapter. It was so easy, but not anymore.

Unfortunately I don't have answers this go-around, but I am searching for the balanced scale. I will let you know when I achieve it.

Rain can't dampen my mood

Rain rain go away...it seems that as soon as I moved back to DC, that we have been hit with all sorts of rain showers. At first I didn't care because I was back and happy as a lark. But as I commuted to work today I felt myself fall deeper and deeper into a gloomy state. But the main reason I think I was so down is because I have really wanted to ride my bike into work, but every time I find the motivation, I have to do a “rain” check and let the rain wash away my hopes of an uplifting ride. Bummer.

Austin has been trying to get me to ride my bike to work, not only to get me there in a more timely manner (it would shave about 15-20 minutes off my commute which is already an hour both ways) but it is such a great source of stress relief and exercise. Of course as soon as I begin to get comfortable with the idea, Nicole and I passed a cyclist last night (not biker as I was corrected by Austin) that had been run down by a car. It was terrifying to think that I could be in that same position, flat on my back wondering how many injuries I just obtained - not fun. I guess also what is holding me back is that I don’t want to walk into the office and smell like outside or look like I was just run through a wash cycle. I am lucky that I can know my schedule a day in advance, but my hair would just look awful! Hummm…something to think about.

On the flip side, the rain is also washing away all the traces of the last few days of pollen. Washington DC has quite a high pollen count and I have seen the worst of it this season. Now instead of going for a tissue, I just grab a dirty t-shirt or towel…gross I know, but I am sick of watching the paper fly off the roll. SO wasteful. Also, I think that Austin is going to develop a tick if I continue to sneeze incessantly in his ear as we watch TV and my account coordinator at work calls me the “sneezy girl.” Great, real professional. Hopefully this time the pollen will stay away for a while or I will be forced to insist on a discount at the counter when buying my next family size bottle of Benadryl.

So today and the rain has dampened my hair and mood, but can’t wash away my hope for a great afternoon.

Birthday Month is here!!!

Yes, yes. You heard correctly - it's BIRTHDAY MONTH!!! I can't believe it is already here, and it is so nice since I am coming off SUCH a fabulous weekend! Austin had the weekend off from work, so we met up Friday at a little Belgian place called Belga Cafe. It is SO super yummy and has the best beer list around. On Saturday, we ran, had breakfast at Ted's Bulletin and then biked around the monuments all afternoon. Such a great day in Washington!

Then I joined Lindley, my fabulous friend as her plus one to the Capitol File White House Correspondence Dinner After Party. We had dinner at SEI, a great new-ish Sushi place in Penn Quarter and then headed to the Reagan Building for the celeb sightings. We saw David Arquette, Alyssa Milano, Michelle Trachtenberg(Oh Georgina!) Jeremy Piven, Omar Epps, Tim Daly, Cheryl Hines and many others. It was so fun to see the step and repeat and watch the flashbulbs explode as they entered the room. The decor was green themed, and the editor of Capitol File, Kate Bennett, was the most stunning individual in the room!

And this was just the beginning. It will be a month to remember people! So if you dare, join in on the fun! My crowd always has room for one more!

Wings or Roots Part II

So I am heading back to Georgia this weekend for my wonderful friend Miranda's wedding. I am so excited and filled with joy as I decide what to pack, who to see, etc. It is so nice to be far away because there is nothing better than the feeling of being missed, and coming home to people that you love.

However, I have been feeling slightly disconnected lately - I haven't spoken to my friends as often as I used to, I didn't get home for a friends wedding, I have to opt out of my ten year high school reunion because I am busy, the list of things I am "missing" goes on and on. But the truth of the matter is that I love these people, but my life in DC is just perfect. Could it be that I am planting roots here? Am I finally finding a home somewhere far from it?

All my friends that I have talked to since I have been back recite the same line "you're finally home" and it is like music to my ears and makes me feel complete. But people who don't know me ask "where are you from?" and all I want to scream is DC! But alas, I can't deny my Georgia roots. Oh...wings or roots. This is still tripping me up on my road to enlightenment.

Teenage Waist-land

Harsh reality hit me this weekend as I joined friends in Baltimore shopping for bridesmaid dresses - I no longer have my teenage body. Not that it was ever that impressive, but gosh it was tan, tight and two times smaller! I realized that it is time for a body makeover, just in time for Miranda's wedding on May 7th. The major setback that set me off - my bridesmaid dress doesn't fit.

It was mailed to me before I left Atlanta. I had requested a size 6 but apparently J. Crew thought I was looking pretty hot and sent me a size 4. At that time in my life, I was stressed to the max, drinking my feelings instead of eating them (this time) and I was roughly 10 pounds lighter. Not to mention I have the smallest breasts on the planet. The dress fit, it zipped AND it was rather fetching for a maids frock.

But coming back to the land of many - restaurants that is - I have enjoyed my meals and my cocktails. The pounds have just packed back on and the kicker is my breasts have grown and now I can't zip the damn dress! I'm talking cleavage without makeup shadowing. They are bouncy - and voluptuous compared to the former bug bite versions (or cones as my sister fondly calls them.) I don't know if it is my diet, or if my boyfriend has been wishing on every star that they would grow. Thanks Austin :)

I remember in high school how I would drink liters and liters of water, run on the treadmill while watching my favorite shows (sex in the city was on HBO at the time) and tan to my hearts content. Now, I continue to gain even though I have been walking and biking everywhere since I am a commuter, running with the dog and doing yoga once a week. I guess old habits die hard like late night pizza and Chinese food.

So today I started the three week Lacy detox (I feel like this is Deja Vu.) I started reading about a few things I can do, and of course they are all really practical and the main thing is to curb your appetite. So it is no alcohol, light meals, yoga twice a week, TONS of water, running and biking any chance I get! I will keep you posted between potty breaks :)

Men are from Mars...

So this whole living with someone thing...it is quite a recipe for something special. Can you sense the sarcasm in my writing? It is so interesting what you learn about someone once you decide to cohabitate. Mother's around the world scream "don't do it for financial reasons!" and "he will never buy the cow when he gets the milk for free!" Well, when was the last time any of us actually were smart enough to take our mother's advice on love? Silly little girls...

Austin and I have been living together for one month and five days. I think the epiphany happened on day 30 that I couldn't take it anymore. When we first got here is was so much fun - we were organizing, arranging and enjoying each other so much. Then it happened.

Issue #1: The Closet. Ok, so I know that when you merge two lives you have to give certain things up - but why he thought it was going to be one inch of space in MY closet, I will never know. I mean, I have created TONS of space for him in the rest of the house with all his gear. Cycling gear, hiking gear, camping gear, climbing gear...the list goes on and on! So I just want one spot for my things. And he doesn't even know about the three boxes my mom just shipped up from Georgia. (insert evil laugh here)

Issue #2: The Kitchen. We have a 3x12 galley kitchen or crap kitchen, whatever the correct term may be. He LOVES to cook, and he is wonderful at it. But we did discover his worst allergies - dish soap and water! Seriously? You can't wash a dish? Grow up and put on some gloves. Don't worry about the fact that they are pink.

Issue #3: The Bed. This isn't where I talk about our sex life. If you want details, ask me offline, my mother is all over this blog. I am talking about changing sheets and making the bed. Again, is this not something that a man understands? There is nothing better than clean sheets after a long day and I certainly don't want his dirty ass all over my clean sheets. ARG.

Issue #4: The Dog. You will be hearing more and more about my favorite K9 Traveler, but we are talking about his hair on this one. And I am not faulting him for the hair all over the place, I am faulting his dad because he lacks the ability to push around a swiffer.

Issue #5: Clothes. I am a clothes-horse for sure. There is no denying that. But Austin undresses and stacks his clothing in little piles around the room. It is bizarre, but I guess in his own little way it is his way of organizing. Heaven forbid I touch these piles because there is hell to pay if something goes missing. It's like the man from mars is making crop circles.

Issues don't equal problems, I actually laugh more than I ever have and have a happy heart everyday. But it is nice to vent every once in a while. Also, I have come to the conclusion, I love aliens...especially the ones from Mars. :)

Wings or Roots...Part I

Well, this is a LONG overdue post. It is my two month anniversary of being back in our Nation's Capital. I can't believe I am back and that I have been here for two months! It took a lot of soul searching, tears and money to get back here, but I have never been happier!

On this journey back to my hearts home, I have struggled with the wings vs. roots debate. This isn't new for me, I have bounced back and forth for most of my life now, and have realized that it is a daily battle. Of course we all want roots - family and friends that we rely on and have known us for years, familiar streets and places that are safe and reliable and a sense of nostalgia of times spent with these people in these particular places. But I am also intrigued by my wings - how far they can carry me, what new adventures they will lead me to and the people and places I will discover along the way. There is nothing better than that feeling of the unknown and unfamiliar. Each day is filled with hope and uncertainty. Its truly exhilarating. So lets talk about these wings of mine...

I have settled into a cozy little one bedroom on 9th Street NE in the Capitol Hill neighborhood - technically I am in the Atlas District - the hottest up and coming neighborhood (that status currently rivaled only by U Street) home to Grandville Moore's delicious mussels, Rock and Roll Hotel's crowded dance floor and Sticky Rice's tasty tots. I have given up my love of driving for a 7300 Trek bike. The brick building I live in was built sometime in the 1920's and I love to tell my friends that I have a Carrie lock on my door (Sex in the City's famous fashionista.) I am living with my boyfriend and his dog, Traveler. Yeah, this life is different, but SO fun.

I commute each day about 1 hour each way to and from home. Yes, it is hard to get my lazy bones out of bed, especially on rainy mornings, which we have not been in short supply of. I don't remember ever having this much rain, but today is beautiful and sunny (thank you Spring!) My office is located in Old Town Alexandria. It is such a quaint and interesting town with SO much history. I have retired most of my heels for flats, and bought my first pair of Tom's that already have been worn through. I have said "so long" to fabulous purses and bags to take my North Face backpack everyday to work. I don't mind that I look like a college student, it makes me look younger. :)

My job is wonderful. I handle something new everyday and have appointments and meetings all over the city. I have become very close with my coworkers and we are in the process of introducing ourselves to the city and the key players in it. Each day is new, and fun. I have programs in town all the time, and I entertain and operate each program to the best of my ability. I will travel to Boca next month to work. I am so happy that this company embraces my love of travel.

This is a lot to take in, but exactly why I love my wings. I soak in my surroundings all the time, taking in each new experience as a positive step in the journey of my life. Of course I miss my parents and friends in Atlanta, but this experience in indescribable.

Everyone has wings - they may be the size of a beautiful Eagle and allow you to soar with little or no effort to the greatest heights, or they might be chicken wings that don't allow you to fly at all. The point is, you have them and you should have the courage to try them out. If you are disappointed by the outcome, that is OK - at least you attempted to fly. :)