April 13, 2017 The last week in snapshots. I went to D.C. with a friend to visit another friend for a quick weekend trip. The three of us went to high school together, and since we live semi-close again, it's been nice to see each other more often. We arrived late Friday night and left early Monday morning, squeezing in brunch, dive bars, and plenty of walking around the Mall. I honestly forgot how much I love that city. Incredibly corny but true: when I was fifteen, I saw the Capitol building for the first time and cried because I was SO excited to be in the heart of our democracy. I'm not as naive as I was then, but I still get chills when I see all the government buildings, museums, monuments, etc. I'm happy that I was able to go back to D.C. and feel relatively "normal," considering that was the place where I was assaulted. I avoided the area near the hotel where it happened, and I had a strange surge of emotions when I saw the planes landing at Reagan airport. Returning to Chicago in January was different; that was my second home and a place I loved - and still love! - despite the reasons I loved there. D.C. has been a part of my life for a long, long time, and has always been a place I enjoyed visiting, and I've even pondered moving there in the future. But if I can be honest, both times I drove through there on my way to Disney in January and February, I found myself bawling because the memories of that night came back with vivid detail and strength. It was an odd reminder that while I've come so, so far, the trauma hasn't entirely gone away. Maybe it never will. That said, this trip was nothing but wonderful, and I'm ecstatic that D.C. is mine again. Anyway, this week has been great. I went on a short run on Tuesday - the weather was warm and stunning!! - and then another short one along the river today (after working out at the gym first). I met a cute golden lab on the way and took and extended break to play with him. Precious! Oh, and the trees/flowers are in bloom and I am loving it. 💕
