So I’m settling back into life in the greater DC metropolitan area. I feel like I’ve been gone a long time. While I miss NYC very much, I am determined to enjoy and appreciate the opportunities I have here.That's not always very easy.
Friday: In the afternoon I went into the city and, on my way back, I got reacquainted with one of my least favorite aspects of Washington. The metro train I was riding ground to a halt one stop before the one where I needed to get off. An announcement over the loudspeakers told us the next stop was closed. There were no further explanations and certainly no refunds of our fares. We were told shuttle buses would be coming soon to pick us up. I waited an hour as the crowd got larger and larger with each new train that pulled in. Even if metro sent ten shuttle buses, we wouldn’t all fit.
Eventually, I took matters into my own hands. The local university has its own bus service. My house is right by Ikea. I started running up to every university bus that went by, asking, “Do you stop at Ikea?” When I finally found one that did, I realized I didn’t have any cash on me. Luckily, the driver understood my predicament (it was pretty obvious with that huge mass of stranded people right there).
So that was unpleasant, but then Friday night I got to go see Prince Caspian together with my dad. This raised my spirits.
Saturday: I went to a bridal shower for a friend in the morning. I love bridal showers, and I got to wear my new Gap clothes.
I spent most of the rest of the day reading Prince Caspian the book. I enjoyed it so much that I’m going through the whole Narnia series again. I read the sequel Voyage of the Dawntreader Sunday evening. Monday I finished The Silver Chair, and maybe at some point today I’ll take some time for The Horse and His Boy (that one was always my favorite when I was I little. I am curious to see if I will still feel that way).
Sunday: I went to church in the morning. It was wonderful to see so many of my friends again. In the afternoon I went to a book club. I was inspired to do this by the book club I attended in New York. We were discussing a biography of Shakespeare. Unfortunately, they didn’t have anyone appointed to lead the discussion or present a question. You just kind of sat down and asked the person sitting next to you:
“So what did you think of the book?”
“I really enjoyed it. What did you think?”
“I really enjoyed it too. So what do you do for a living?”
I did try to ask people questions about the book and present my opinions but my efforts met with little success. I felt more like I was at a party where I didn’t know anyone than at a book club. Oh well. The next meeting is in June. I’ll probably go.
Monday: My friend Tina came over for coffee. She’s leaving to be an au pair in Spain soon so it was great to see her and catch up a bit. Our friend Liz joined us later for tea.
So, as you can see, I have not slowed my aggressive pace of social activities. I’m also doing a lot of work (as usual). I had a wonderful conversation with one of my authors this morning. I’m trying to be a nurturing and encouraging editor for them, but they encourage me so much too. I’m really so blessed to have such a great job.
