Just like old times

Last week, I had the rare opportunity to go back to DC for an in-house meeting. With all of the budget cuts and changes in policy, I didn't think I would ever get to go back home on 3M's dime, but they actually approved this training trip and decided to bring all of the PM's in-house.

I dreaded having to go into the office. Firstly, I don't fit into any of my old work clothes. Yes, it's nice to have an excuse to go shopping, but it's also a little sad to think of all those cute things taking up 75% of my closet that are just a little "too tight" now. Second, I have gotten very complacent working in my PJs and not having to add in the extra time to get showered, dressed and commute to work. Getting up at 6am (East Coast time, no less) to be dressed and ready for work was definitely culture shock. I have gotten used to hitting snooze 3 times, then being able to "be at work" 15 seconds after jumping out of bed. But once I walked into the building - with new 3M signs out front and having to scan a badge to get into the front door - it actually felt kind of nice to be part of society. And it was great seeing my coworkers and finally meeting those team members who I spend hours every week on the phone with, but not knowing what they look like. When I met Tim for the first time last week, he said "Wow, you do sound like the person on the phone!". I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing, considering we all hate how we sound on answering machines...

It was great having a reason to catch up with family and friends.
On Monday, I met up with my Uncle Rody and Frank, and got to meet their new dog Castor. He is adorable, and the sweetest puppy I have met in a long time. He is so cheery, that just being in the same room with him puts you in a good mood. Frank and Rody are doing well, too - although I think Rody has too much free time for hobbies than is healthy for him. He has another cut on his hand from a mishap with a drill.

I then met up with the majority of my friends in Pentagon Row on Tuesday. It was great seeing them, and hearing of all the things that have been keeping them busy over the year (most of them now have kids!). As I was driving to Virginia from Silver Spring, I took my normal route from work to my old house - 295 to South Capital Street. As I was coming down the strip with the Capital Building looming at the end, I drove by National Stadium, right there smack on the side of the street. What a big change, and I can only imagine what my commute would be like on game days... But this did make me very nostalgic for the grandiose of living in DC. How many people can say they drive by the Washington Monument and the Capital every day to work? And I really missed the hustle and bustle of traffic - strange, I know. And of course, the endless opportunities to just go out any night of the week and find yourself amidst plenty of people and good friends and food.

I still don't think I want to move back to DC, but this feeling surprised me. I think it was just a memory of the old times, the old friends, and the place that will always be home to me.