the future

Is it sad that all I feel is relief? It's finally over, for better or worse. And I'm looking forward to the future.

Cheers.

Permanency?

So today, as I was about to leave work, I let Debbie, my boss, know that I would like to put my name into the pot of possible people to take my position permanently. It kinda scares me that this would be a full time thing, but truthfully, I'm excited. There's a chance for me to travel; a magical fridge that has free drinks in it; two really nice people that I get along with that make up my office as well as the rest of the larger umbrella company downstairs (who are also all very friendly); a quiet environment that has a view of the capitol building from the balcony (it looks straight down Pennsylvania Avenue); a swanky building that's right downtown and near the redline... the list could go on...

But I think what seriously excites me the most is the idea of settling down somewhere. I have felt as if everyone else around me has already hit the real world whereas I've been wandering around still in this temp mode... And this temporary feeling was filtering into all parts of my life including my attitude towards my apartment. It's probably fairly obvious that I'm a very homey person. I like to make the area feel personal, make it feel like it is my space. Optimally, I would like to live here in DC for at least 2 years. I want the chance to make the space mine and to see it fully decorated. I want to have the time to do all the little things that would make this apartment a home. Besides, I like DC; I really like DC. It's got so much to offer both personal and career wise. Even in this sticky, humid heat, I feel like I belong here. And the idea of having to deroot myself all over again and find another place where I find this much community is disheartening. I want to live somewhere long enough that putting down roots won't seem like a waste of time.

And getting a full time job in the city is beginning to represent my chance to do just that. With the regular salary I can start to save up for a few decorative things. It also means that I am putting myself down to stay for at least a year or so. Getting this job would mean that I'm making a permanent commitment to this city and that maybe, just maybe, I can start calling this place home.

Wouldn't that be nice?

Cheers.

Thoughts of the Day

Walking to work the last two mornings, I have wandered by a woman who does some kind of meditation, yoga, tai chi in a nicely tree-d, shady spot in the Police Memorial. This morning as I walked by her again it struck me just how out of place she was in the city. Here she was in the middle of a bustling city, surrounded by cold, marble and stone courthouses during the height of rush hour, and she looked like the most peaceful person in the world. Her face was so focused and relaxed, which was in complete contrast to everything around her. Even though it sounds fairly cheesy, I was reminded that even in the most hectic of times it's important to stop and just relax and refocus the mind. There was a serious part of me that wanted to go ask if I could join her even though I knew that would make me late to work.

But, what I find most amazing is that even in the few seconds that I watched her as I walked by, I could feel myself becoming more relaxed. It was as if I was the one doing the meditation. One has to wonder if cities everywhere should encourage men and women like her to practice their routines outside. Would it have the same calming effect on other people?

So anywho, I should get back to my non-existant to-do list. Take a deep breath, everyone, and remember that this is your one shot at life... so enjoy it.

Cheers!