Week 9

It’s week nine…wow, it’s really week nine. The time has really flown by; and while I have been working at the EPA, going to class, and venturing out in the city, spring has begun. This is a strange concept for me since it’s only March. In NH there are feet of snow remaining at this time of year, with more expected to come. Along with the springtime, the tourists have arrived in the nation’s capital. In my short time here I already become somewhat of a “native” in my own mind.

In other words, the tourists stand out, even from the perspective of this back woods hick. The tourists just don’t quite fit in. They don’t understand the escalator etiquette in the Metro, they always look lost, and they do not have to submit themselves to the same torture of wearing a tie everyday. I don’t really have any animosity towards them, although I have been warned by locals to heed their arrival. I just wonder if the true DC natives can pick out my naiveté of the city with the same observational ease. Does the way I wear my tie stand out? Does my slightly miss-fitting “professional attire” attract the eye of a true professional? Do I always look as amazed and stunned by everything new as the tourists do (and as I truly feel in my head)? Oh well, I am enjoying myself, I don’t really mind if I constantly look like a rube.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival, DC’s biggest annual event (I imagine the inauguration every four years is more significant) begins this weekend. This is a huge tourist event, one that the tourist in me is looking forwarded to anxiously. The main festivities take place at the National Mall—a field/park in downtown…not a shopping mall. Hopefully some great pictures will come next week.

Some gifts from the Japanese...I wonder what we gave them in return? (Photo source:
http://www.aolcdn.com/features/blossoms-monument)

Also this weekend I am excited to report that I will be participating in another DC tradition--The Suntrust Capital Marathon and Half Marathon (I'm competing in the latter). Despite my ankle injuries I feel that I will be able to participate. This will be my longest road race thus far, a milestone that I am happy to accomplish here in DC. I also feel that an unintended consequence will be a great look at the monuments and downtown DC from the street level as oppose to the tunnels of the Metro—a welcome opportunity with warmer weather approaching! If I write again next week, you will know that I survived this venture…we can only hope injury free.

At work, I’m steadily making progress on my projects. I feel really good about my own professional progress as well. My boss had to leave on Monday, and left me alone to complete my work. This is the first time he has done so relatively voluntarily. In my head this says that he trusts in my abilities and competence, and has faith that I will not ruin his good name when left to my own devices. I feel as though it is a gratifying milestone.

Until next week…