Tuesday, January 24, 2012

DC, I love you, but it's time to part ways...

Well, I am no longer on pins and needles.  I got the news early Monday morning via e-mail that I didn't get the job.  I was disappointed but I knew it was a 50/50 shot.  I am still a little bummed out to be honest but I promised myself that I would draw a line in my job search.  And this is the line.  Life goes on.

DC has been a great home to me for the past year.  I have been fortunate enough to gain some great experience through my many internships.  And I've been able to try out different work environments in interning for a PAC, a non-profit, a PR company and lastly, in working for a publishing company.

I am going to miss my awesome friends here in DC so, SO much.  I am coming back to visit and harass you, never fear.

And this is going to sound cheesy as all get out but DC you will always be in my heart!  Here is what I will miss most about the District itself:

1. The metro!  Or as I like to call it 'The Tro.'  While public transit has its flaws, overall the DC metro system is convenient and clean.  And it makes for excellent people watching.  People of all colors, shapes and sizes.  Professionals riding alongside homeless people.  Crazy, creepy, angry, annoyed, ridiculous people.  I love seeing this crazy mixture of humanity.  Even when I am shoved into some guy's armpit, I am disgusted but simultaneously comforted by the fact that I will be cracking up about it later on.  Just writing this down is already making me miss the 'Tro.

Ring around the tro-sies

2. The walkable streets.  For those who haven't lived here, DC is divided into four quadrants with the Capitol at the center.  Unlike other major cities, walking home from work is plausible especially if you live close to a metro stop.  When I am rich and move back to DC, I am living right by a metro stop.



3. Awesome cultural events/festivities.  It seems like there is always some major event going on here.  A few of my favorites from the past year:  Festivals on the National Mall,  July 4th concert on the Capitol Lawn, Labor Day concert with Chuck D,  free events at the Kennedy Center,  International Festival, the Stewart/Colbert Rally to Restore Sanity, DC Art Night, the Cherry Blossom Festival, and the MLK memorial dedication.  Whew.



Bottom line:  DC, I will miss you.  And I will be returning to visit your land and its people.  Also, if you haven't visited the Chocolate City, please use any excuse to go.  And if you don't have anyone to go with, go by yourself!

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Waitin' and wonderin'

Have you ever felt as if you were on pins and needles?  That's how I have felt for the past few days waiting to hear back from a sales position here in DC.   After following up by phone and e-mail last week, I finally got a phone call on Friday afternoon saying that someone would let me know by this next Tuesday.  I know I shouldn't be dwelling on what they will decide as I have no control over it but here I am dwelling. So, I could be back in Texas come this weekend or I could still be here in DC and on the apartment search. Either way I have decided I will be fine.  It's just the not knowing part that I don't enjoy!  I should take Dad's advice though and trust that God will know what is best for me.

In the meantime, here is a list of what I need to do following either decision:

If I get the job:  Find a place to live by Feb. 15.

If I don't get the job:
Box up all of my stuff and book flight with three suitcases.
Look to head home by this next Monday (30th)
Party with friends in DC for last time!
Continue job search in Houston.

If you are still reading by now, congrats!  I know that was a terrible to-do list with no relevance to your life.  And you are awesome for caring to read this far.

Bottom line:  I need to prepare to leave and just be pleasantly surprised if I hear a positive response instead.  I will keep you updated.

Monday, January 9, 2012

Grabbing the world by the lapels

"I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels.  Life's a bitch.  You've got to go out and kick ass."  -Maya Angelou

I read this quote on a friend's facebook status today and just thought, wow!  What an awesome thing to say.  I clearly need to read up on Ms. Maya Angelou.

I identified with it because I am back in DC and trying to make it happen.  I'm looking at sales positions now.  Interviewed last week....hoping for another interview this week.  I extended my deadline to Feb. 1 to find a job up here.  If not, I am going back to Texas.  And I am OK with it now.  I will write more later but I am tired like no other, just needed to get that awesome quote etched in stone on here.