Not far, but far enough that I no longer watch the DC news, but the Baltimore news. I am 30.3 miles from downtown, but the drive felt like it took forever. Really, the time was almost as long from my house to that meeting location based on traffic, but this new "commute" passed more places and involved freeways.
Tuesday and Wednesday I moved all my things to the Favorites house and into storage. I am my father's child and can be very single-minded when I am on mission. I just thought through the details of the to-do's and what-have-yous; neglecting to consider what moving all my things out of my apartment actually meant. It's been a hectic few weeks with all the unknowns and changes, so I controlled the things I could and just went with the flow for everything else. (I am very good at compartmentalizing.)
Today, I turned in my keys.
I said goodbye to my landlord- the East coast cool guy; who is the least affectionate guy ever, sort of a dweeb, but frat guy at the same time (not sure how one does it, but he did). And he hugged me and said how much I'll be missed.
And my throat tightened and my eyes stung with tears.
I left.
And cried.
I cried because I am sad to be closing the chapter on this year of growth. I never expected to live here, ever. It was never part of my plan. But it seemed like a good idea and things fell into place, so I got here. I struggled with people and places and fast learning curves. I got beat up. But I came out stronger, smarter, and better for it. (I may have also gained a pants size too...ugh.) I made it through all of that and am really hitting my stride here- personally and professionally. I have a wonderful community of people that really care for me (and me them). Those people will not fall off the face of the Earth, but it will take more planning to play.
I will miss going next door to grab a cup of coffee when I forget to buy some. Or to hop on a bike and ride down to the grocery store, or the Target. I will miss the ease of hitting up the Farmer's Market. I will miss the vibrancy of an ever-busy city. I will miss visiting Bernice and her random stop-bys. I will miss being "neighbors" with the Obamas (whom I never became friends with!), and George and Abe (my pet names for the monuments). And I will miss the awe of walking downtown and seeing any one of the National sites and still being surprised, pleased and amazed that "I live here".
I know it's all silly things and that my new surroundings will have many ups, too, but I will miss it.
Believe me, there are things that I will not miss-- street cleaning days (!!!), lack of parking and dragging groceries a few blocks. But really that's it. Not much, which makes me realize how happy I was in my little space and community.
I'm not leaving the DC area, but my life is going to change. Not for the worse, at all. But change.
And I think leaving a place you love should always be acknowledged with a bit of sadness when you leave it. There are chapters in life and living in DC was brief. One year. That's not to say I won't be back once the dust settles, but I have no idea.
So today I am a little sad.
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