The Halfway Point.

This week marks the halfway point in my summer adventure here in Washington, DC. I began this journey thinking that 2 months would be the perfect amount of time for me to try & venture out on my own in the world, knowing that I would surely be ready to move back to North Carolina afterward....but as we all know so well, nothing ever quite plays out the way we think it will. After whining about not knowing anyone in the city and being bored for the few couple of weeks, I came to a conclusion that I had two options: 

1) I don't change a thing, and continue to be bored

2) Put on my big girl panties, take some initiative and find myself some friends & things to do. 

Obviously I had to live up to my own motto, and make some changes in order to get new results; and I must say, that stepping out of my comfort zone to meet new people and try new things in DC has been the best decision I've ever made. Over the past few weeks, I've met some AMAZING new friends that have been showing me all the best spots to hangout in the city, I've gone on numerous running adventures on the weekend to explore the different neighborhoods in DC, and I've learned more about myself over the past month than I have in the last 22 years. 

My assignments and projects at the Alzheimer's Association have challenged me to my wit's end...and I love every second of it. The Association staff have welcomed me with open arms, giving me countless opportunities to learn and grow in Public Policy. I've visited Capitol Hill with the Federal Affairs team, meeting with 3 different members of Congress; attended the Council for State Governments forum with the State Affairs team, in which I got to sit in on the Suggested State Legislation Committee meeting; and assisted the Advocacy team with countless projects with the Alzheimer's Ambassador Program. And that's only the beginning......Over the next few weeks, I will be attending the National Alzheimer's Project Act Advisory Board Meeting (which is a long time dream of mine!!), hosting a conference call for more than 400 Ambassadors, and even starring in a video that we're going to be making! 

I've met a group of friends in DC that are absolutely amazing! It's 8 people (4 guys and 4 girls) that all live in one house together and call themselves "The Brothel!" haha. Every one of them comes from a different background with different types of jobs around DC (Energy Consultant, High School Teacher, Live Events Coordinator at NPR!..plus more). They've immersed me into the night life here in the city, shown me all the best spots to hang, and have even given me the title of being an "Honorary Broth-lite"!  I am so lucky to have found such great people while I'm here. 

I've tried to make time for evening runs around the city at least 4-5 nights a week so that I can explore my surroundings, and I must say that I have definitely found some hidden treasures in the city. I've ventured from gorgeous residential areas such as Logan Circle and Dupont Circle, the ritzy areas of Old Towne Alexandria and Georgetown, and to the popular bar hopping neighborhoods of Adams Morgan and U street. 

I know I've been a little slack on my blogging lately; but as you can tell, I have been super busy lately. I wanted to update everyone on how my first month has gone & give a little taste of some of the exciting memories I've made so far. Look forward to a few new posts this coming week on "tricks of the trade" where I will share all of my secrets to living/visiting in DC!