The Flight

So I am off to DC! I was given two journals, both of which I packed and am unable to get to while I am on the plane. I am sitting in between a man reading a magazine about guns, what they do, and how to use them…scary! On the other side of my I have an old woman who is reading a book about Aura and Chakra. I am sitting in the middle listen to Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus (Alyssa gets credit for that one!), and various other quality artists reading about racism and community. It is funny how life works like that.

I had an amazing time at home the last few weeks. It was relaxing and nice to see my San Diego friends! I was enjoying what California has to offer—sun, Disneyland, the beach, and fun restaurants with twinkle lights =)

Leaving my friends and family is really hard, but I don’t think it has hit me yet. I think it will take time to realize this isn’t just another trip but a move. Craig (a friend from Chapman) is going to school at the University of Maryland. He has been there since July. He is being the most amazing friend and picking me up from the airport and letting me stay with him for a little while. I will also be taking him with me to look at places to live! I cannot thank him enough because without him I don’t know that I would be going through with this entire move!

I have been in contact with a few people who I will meet this weekend to potentially live with. Some are outside the city and some are in the city. I really want to live in the city because if I am going to do this I should go it right! I think it is time to get out of the suburbs for a little while as least.

A few things that I am really excited about—

▪ Going to museums for free all the time

▪ Taking the Metro and busses to get from home to work

▪ The potential for anything to happen

▪ To meet new people

▪ To be able to go from Maryland to Virginia and back again within the matter for an hour!

▪ Day and weekend trips to a new state!

▪ Exploring DC—finding my favorite coffee shop, painting and restaurant/bar!

▪ Taking advantage of the constant flow of free speakers that go through DC

▪ Skype and gmail video chat

▪ A plethora of diversity, in every sense of the word

A few things that will this adventure more challenging

▪ Weather—this is something I am excited for because I think that the Fall and Spring are beautiful, it is the other seasons that make me a little more nervous

▪ Job hunting—I am trying real hard but it is definitely not the ideal time to look for a job!

▪ As many of you may be aware, DC is not one of the safest cities in the United States. Last summer I lived in one of the safest cities in the United States. This may restrict my ability to explore on my own, at least for a little while

▪ Being so far away from my friends and family that there is a 3 hour time difference

Thank you for reading this! I am so grateful to have so many amazing friends and an amazing and supportive family. I am taking a BIG risk and I have had some heated discussions along the way but have gotten so much support. You all telling me that I can do it and at the very least it will be a fun adventure for a little while, is why I believe that I can do this! You have given me the confidence to give the crazy world of Washington DC a try!

I love and miss you!