Chill out? Hell yes.

I decided that one thing I want come back home from Washington is a more relaxed attitude. This may sound funny, but I feel like working in what could have been one of the most stressful and high-paced environments has really helped me put things in perspective.

I have a lot of stress in my life--quite a bit of it I bring upon myself. But the thing is--stressing won't solve life's many problems. Whether it's grade or being a poor college student (or poor young professional or whatever), worrying about money or school won't magically make your problems disappear. Balancing work and play is important, and it seems to be key that you are able to enjoy yourself at both.

I took my side job here way less seriously than I have taken any job ever, and I still got rave reviews from my boss. I guess maybe I'm slowly learning how to let things roll.

I've worked with some awesome and laid back people. They do their jobs very well, but they understand that they can't control everything. They have fun, and they seem to have everything in perspective, that is, it's all really just a job.

I'm not saying I've completely abandoned the high-stress way of life. I think my priorities have gotten a bit more straight though. Change is hard to make. I just like to think that the devil-may-care-come-what-may part of my life has come out a lot more while I'm here, but only in the best way.

DC is like Crack

[Author's note: I have never done crack, so I don't know if this is an accurate comparison. However, it sounds right, so I'm gonna run with it.]

DC is awesome. It's fun, it's crazy. There's always something to do or see, from exploring new neighborhoods to the multitude of national museums. The energy is absolutely addicting. There's no way not to look out from a high spot and not feel a rush.

But this place is also surreal. Things that matter in DC, don't matter anywhere else, and things that would matter other places don't matter in DC. It feeds the addiction, living in this bubble. The economy is fine here, but people are still trying to fix it for everyone else. It's almost not real.

I guess the only thing left to decide if DC is as debilitating as crack.

Thing Two

It's Monday...

The worst part of being here is not being able to be around the people you love and care about, especially in their time of need. I'm the kind of person that doesn't always know the right thing to say, but when a friend is in need, my first reaction is to want to provide any support necessary, even if its just my presence.

So the lesson of the day is kind of an obvious one, but here it is: living hundreds of miles from your family and friends means you can't be there for them when they're hurting. And ya know what, I gotta be honest-- that one kind of sucks.

Thing Two

Snowverkill

We’re from the north, and we appreciate seasons. A little snow here and there can be nice, even in warmer climes. But for the record, this DC snow is getting ridiculous. I mean, 55 inches this season? That’s as tall as a small child. Or Snookie from Jersey Shore. And after today’s blizzard, I would assume the majority of it has come in the past week.

In an attempt to be positive, here’s a list of good things and lessons that have happened because of Snowmaggedon:

• Time off work means more clean work clothes!
• Hanging out with friends in and watching sporting events with them is as fun as back at school, and especially is a treat on a typical work night.
• We’ve been able to explore parts of the city within walking distance that had previously been ignored.
• Guy friends are good for a lot of things, but they are especially good at making pancakes. We’ve been treated twice this snowmaggedon!
• Wellies/hiking boots are essential for the slushy sidewalks.
• Getting stranded in Metro Center is scary, but surviving it is worth the story.
• Everyone likes working so much more than they let on.
• Snow days are the perfect chance to go to Georgetown Cupcake early enough to get the free cupcake of the day, and a half dozen more to share with one's roommates.
• LSAT prep is a productive way to spend a snow day. Shopping works too though.

So, even when you’re stuck at home on a 4, 5 or even 6 day vacation, you can still learn thing or two J.

Much love,

Thing 1 and Thing 2