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. :)