Update...Finally!

So here I am...(rather than the preferred story-telling beginning of "so there I was...")

Day Three of working for MI went very well. I like the hotel very very much and the people there are incredibly welcoming, friendly and fun. We've been having a good time and I've definitely been learning A LOT. It's an interesting transition going from a private hotel to the biggest hotel in this city! I wish it was a little more hands-on, but I know I need to be patient and learn more about the gargantuan place before being front and center.

Other than work, life is good. I've been frequenting the vinyasa yoga studio about 5 blocks from here regularly and have been enjoying it. Last night, I didn't want to stay in Adams Morgan, so I set out to Dupont and walked around a bit. It was a good idea to get out of the neighborhood and spread my wings a bit. I found the salon I'm going to tomorrow for a desperately needed haircut and also the Bikram yoga studio. I'm still a little scared of the 105 degree temperature in the room for that yoga, but I'm gonna try it. I'll never know (or grow) unless I try it! After my Dupont exploration, I found myself at the Cathderal of St. Matthew which is absolutely stunning! Mass had just ended so I went inside to pray for a bit, and was overwhelmed by the beauty of it. Talked to Gashwin for a bit and then met up with Nauru for dinner at Mexicali. It was quite delicious and, as always, good company. We hung out for awhile just talking and enjoying the gorgeous night.

Tonight I am laying low. It's been go go go! since arriving, and I am looking forward to just chillin'. Plus, getting up at 5:30 a.m. every day this week is starting to catch up with me! Tonight it's in for dinner and maybe a movie or something.

Tomorrow is work, haircut, and then who knows what. I definitely miss having my nights constantly planned out and friends always on-call (or calling me), but this is good for me. It's allowing me more time to think, pray, write, read and just BE.

Adjusting

It's been a good 36 hours since arriving in DC--had a good day yesterday despite being sleep deprived and a little cranky. We got together with some friends and watched "Til the End of the World" which was interestingly good at times and horribly bad at others. It ended up being a long night and I slept quite well.

Got up this morning and tried to put some of my clothes and other stuff away without much success. All the clothes are technically unpacked now, but they're just strewn about in various locations making the task of finding something to wear close to impossible. I have a dresser coming on Tuesday, so that will make the situation much better.

Went to Mass at Holy Trinity in Georgetown today. It's a Jesuit parish (woohoo) and the priest presiding at today's Mass was great. Afterwards it was to the grocery and other errands before heading out to my first vinyasa yoga class. I was a little nervous going since I always worry about being the "new girl." However, upon arrival, I found out that I wasn't the only new person and chatted with a girl who just relocated to DC from Florida. It was a great class and really helped ease my anxiety and stress.

Tonight's early to bed because I have to be at work a little before 8. Should be a good day allowing me a better chance to feel like I'm actually living here now rather than just visiting.

Thanks to all of you who've called or sent texts or emails--I appreciate it so much!!! And as for La Madeline--sounds like a terrific idea!! Georgetown is definitely close by and that might be just a perfect way to spend a morning post-yoga and pre-work. THANKS!

Ready. Or so I think...

I stopped procrastinating and got it done. This morning was a piece of cake packing up the remainder of my stuff and cleaning. I have mixed feelings at the moment about leaving, but I know that's just normal. It feels almost surreal in a sense, that it's not really happening.

It feels good to not be at the NAC and I just wish the damn sun would come out so I can go sit by the pool and enjoy my last day in Columbia! Oh well--I am sure that no matter what we decide to do it will be fun.

This social butterfly is starting to poop out

As the days seem to fly by, I am realizing more and more how unprepared I am for this move. I have been prioritizing my friends (which seems like the logical thing to do) and have NOT been putting much effort into the packing, sorting, shipping, & storing process. While I have plans for tonight and each night this week and continue to work during the day, I am beginning to wonder when this packing, etc. will ever get done. I need to stop procrastinating and get to work!


So here I am at work browsing the Washington Post's "City Guide," and I stumble across the article "How to Put a Stop to Putting Things Off." How appropriate! After reading it, I realize that I need to GROW UP and stop doing what I want to do and get done what I need to do. Research suggests procrastination stems from fear--the fear of failure or success perhaps. Some of my fears are being displaced from my oh-so-comfy lifestyle and also letting my friends down before I leave. I worry so much about spending time with them and making sure they know how much I will miss them, that I neglect what needs to be done in order for this move to happen. The move is inevitable, my time is finite, and no matter how long I wait to pack, it's still going to happen. And I know that if I wait until the very last minute, I am bound to be frantic and careless and will end up forgetting who knows what!

One of the psychologists in the article asserts that procrastination is a knee-jerk reaction to discomfort and that to overcome it, it's all about revamping how you think about things, overcome inertia and manage your time better (and stop making excuses). I also think that since fear is driving my procrastination, I need to talk myself down off that ledge. I'm telling myself "My friends will still be my friends if I can't go out one night. If they don't understand the pressure I am under, then are they really my friends?" I know I need to abandon this "people pleaser" mentality and push through this anxiety. I have to "feel the fear and do it anyway."

So here's my plan:

• I will accept the discomfort that I am bound to feel when I am at home this evening, having cancelled my plans and fearing that my friends interpret that as me not wanting to be with them. I am going to accept it and push through it (and hopefully realize that it's ludicrous!)
• I will remove the obstacles like the computer and the phone and get to work!
• I will break it up and not allow myself to become overwhelmed by the enormity of the project.

Now to put it all into action and get this stuff done! WOO HOO!

Things to Do...

There are a few things that I definitely want to do when I am in DC for the summer. Some of them aren't specific to DC necessarily, but I am using this as a catalyst to try new things, live a little more and be present in each moment. Here's my list (for now) of things I want to see, do or find:
1) The National Museum of the American Indian
2) Bikram Yoga--yoga in a room heated to 105 degrees. I might puke, but that could be part of the fun!
3) Vinyasa Yoga-constantly moving in a flow-like manner with an established series of postures
4) Mass at the Basilica
5) Drag Queen brunch at Perry's
6) Meridian Hill Park-free yoga on Sunday nights, drum circle, and a cool Joan of Arc statue

Families: can't live with 'em...

Most of my (9) readers know that my relationship with my family is less than perfect and more dysfunctional than anything else, especially in dealing with my mother. But there's neither enough time nor space to write about her right now.

I just told them all about my upcoming move and am preparing to deal with the raised eyebrows, harsh judgments and incessant questioning that will be soon headed my way. However, I feel extremely confident in making this decision and truly feel it is for the right reasons and at the right time. For the first time I feel comfortable enough to approach my detractors and listen to what they have to say but stay strong to still do what I feel is best. I am (finally) beginning to understand that it's MY life and the individual fulfillment I seek is up to ME, and I can't keep going around doing things to please others.

It's always been difficult for me to follow my heart because so many people have their own opinions to offer on how they feel I ought to live my life. I usually allow this to interfere with my resolve and second-guess my intentions and my goals. But with this newfound confidence and faith I am more apt to disregard unsolicited advice and simply listen to my inner voice, and bravely forge a life path that is as unique as I am.

I know my family hates change. I know they think I am off on some whim, footloose and fancy free, tromping around the world, dancing to the beat that plays only in my head. To them, I am not doing what I am "supposed" to be doing (i.e. finding a husband, settling down, having babies, working harder to climb the corporate ladder) therefore I am the "wild one" of the family. It hurts to know they don't get it or me, but in the grand scheme of things it doesn't really matter. I could wish and wish and wish upon a star but they're not going to change. And it's about loving them for who they are, faults and all. I just wish it was reciprocated.

So it's bound to be an interesting (to say the least) few days with the phone calls coming in and eventually having to tell the one person who hasn't yet been informed: mother. She's going to be LESS than thrilled for reasons I'll never begin to even hypothesize about, let alone understand. Things between she and I are horrendously bad at the moment, so this is going to probably put the nail in that coffin. But what am I supposed to do? I can't live in Columbia and work at the N for the rest of my life just because it makes her happy. The best thing I can do is be honest with her and let the chips fall as they may.

(Disclaimer: This broad generalization of my family does not include each and every person. There are a few who are the greatest supporters in whatever I decide to do, love me unconditionally, and exhibit true happiness for me. Disclaimer II: Only one or two people in the family know about the blog, so this should be safe. If not, oh well. Maybe it's time the cat got out of the bag.)

SO COOL

Mags is at a conference and had the pleasure of meeting Terry O'Connor who was on the medical team of the Discovery Channel's Everest Expedition. She said his lecture was fantastic and they talked for quite some time afterwards. I'm so jealous she got to meet him!!!

KARAOKE!

Several pictures from Switzerland were sent my way from the newlyweds and this was one of my favorites! I believe this was during "Baby Got Back" but I can't exactly remember. :)

New Beginnings

I've been in Washington, DC for the weekend for a wonderful job opportunity in the area.  I went into the interview today feeling confident and well-prepared (thanks Nauru) and I landed the job.  It's a Front Office Manager position with Marriott and I feel confident in accepting this position.

Although it's a huge change and one that will come sooner before later, I feel that this is a great fit, a wonderful opportunity and something that isn't to be passed up.  I will be leaving Columbia in less than 2 weeks and the sentimental part of me can't believe that chapter of my life is over.  However, I understand that times change, people change and that this is something I really need to do for myself.  It's been awhile since I've done something for myself so I am thrilled at this chance.  

So when I get back into town (Monday evening around 7) let's get together and have some fun!