Friday, June 12, 2009

My life in boxes and keys.

This past week I celebrated my one-year anniversary of living in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area. And I must admit, I've caught the beltway blues more than once during my 365 days in presence. I had to transition from a small, country town in Ohio -- where my uncle is the mayor, everyone knows everyone, there is no cell phone service, no red lights, a town square, and sitting on the porch with lemonade and listening to the rain is a good time. I quickly found myself in a fast-paced "city" called McLean/ Tyson's Corner where there are more people in one apartment complex here than there are in my entire hometown. My office is 7.5 miles away from my apartment-- there are 34 stop lights (most of which are usually red) and 4 stop signs on my way to work. There are next to no sidewalks in Tyson's corner which results in having to drive everywhere. A few days ago, a 2.1 mile drive took 26 minutes and 47 seconds. I wish I were joking. However, when I reflect back on the past year, it's not all complaints. I've met some great people, learned so much through my job, cherish the fact that so much history is simply down the road, and can honestly say I haven't been bored since I moved here. There is so much to do! Whether it's playing baseball at the National Mall, getting a mind, body, and soul workout at Dancing Mind Yoga, or going to concerts at the local venues-- I've been successfully kept busy.

Tomorrow, I move from the Terror of Tyson's Traffic, to Arlington, Va. Ahhh.. a place where you can walk to get your groceries, easily access bike and running paths, only steps will take you to the metro-which opens doors. It's funny how packing up my belongings throughout the past week has made me think back to the first day I moved in. I would get lost literally every single time I left my apartment. I owe a lot to Google Maps. But seeing my room almost empty, just as it was when I first arrived, has reminded me of how much can change in just one year.

Now, the other part of this title is 'keys'. My key ring has exponentially grown. Last year at this time I had one key - my car key. Now, there are Harris Teeter, Petco, Borders, Giant little tag cards swinging right next to my car key. There are also two apartment keys (two locks-would be better if we had 3 because we live in the ghetto) and a mailbox key. Then, I began volunteering at the yoga studio and have two keys to allow access. Yesterday, the biggest key was added. The key to my boyfriend's apartment. Yes, it really is the biggest- metophorically and literally. Tomorrow, I will be giving away my apartment keys and getting new ones. I'm left to wonder how the ring will change and what I'll be carrying around next year. What's on your key ring?

I'll close with Hello, Arlington! Goodbye, Tyson's.
My new home..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4T1RMuoQnKo