Dear DC

Dear DC,

Well, I've been home for almost two days now and as much as I enjoyed every minute of my time with you, I can't say I'm missing you yet. There's definitely something to be said for the serenity of the rolling hills of West Linn. They bring about a peacefulness that your exhaust fumes, ambulance sirens, and public transportation can't quite measure up to.

But before I get too deep into explaining why I'm so happy to be home, I want to thank you, Washington, DC, for such an amazing summer. The past eleven weeks truly felt like a once in a lifetime experience. Not only was I living on my own for the first time, it was the first time I had a real job with a real company and the first time I had no one to answer to except myself (and my bosses).

I learned a lot about myself this summer. I learned I truly hate grocery shopping. Some people complain about laundry, but I would do loads and loads of laundry if I meant I didn't have to go grocery shopping in the city again. I learned that I am capable of successfully completing projects that people throw at me, sometimes with little direction. I learned that I enjoy being able to decide 100% of what I do in my time off of work. And lastly, I learned that no matter where I go or how much fun I am having in that place, home truly is where my heart is. Then again, anyone who knows me probably has known this for a long time.

As a city, you have so much to offer. Thank you for showing me your museums, your food, and the quintessential "summer in DC" experience. There were a few weeks where I thought I might melt from your unforgiving heat and humidity, but you must have heard my complaints, because my last few weeks were quite pleasant. As the weeks went on, I came to trust you and feel like I belonged—not like the obnoxious tourists who continually block the escalators on the Metro. You showed me a world I have never seen before and for that I am grateful. Five hours on a plane is a long way away from my small Oregon town, but someday I'll be back. For you, DC, I'll make an exception to my anti-East Coast feelings. West Coast will always be the best coast, but a small piece of me will always be in DC.

Thanks for everything, but mostly, thanks for sending me home with all the wonderful memories I created over the last 11 weeks. Be sure and keep in touch.

Fondly,

Jennifer