our nation's capital

every time i leave the city and then return, i see the washington monument, the capitol building, the jefferson and lincoln memorials, and the national mall. i am reminded that this new place that i call home is arguably one of the most influential cities in the world. it's funny the extent to which it feels like home. i love how i can walk to work through a beautiful park every day. i love how i can take the metro or bus practically anywhere. i love that there are so many interesting people in this place.

it all hit me last week when i was walking and talking on my phone and then, all of a sudden, i was in front of the white house. it is such a prominent landmark all over the world, a representation of this country, in a way. how many important decisions have been made in that building? how many men (and, hopefully, one day - women) have sat in that oval office and scratched their head and said, "what the hell am i going to do?"

as i drove into the city last night, the sun was setting and all of the famous DC landmarks were shining pink. at that moment, it didn't matter that my car had broken down the day before, or that i can't afford to eat in the city's best restaurants. i was just so happy to be returning home.