By SheelaR

Living in D.C. has changed me in ways that I did not expect. It’s not taking much to make me happy these days. Some days, all I need is a good book, soul stirring music, and something good to eat…and I’m perfectly happy. I’ve picked up a few habits and let some go. These days, I make it a point of going to bed at a decent hour; no more working happily into the wee hours of the morning; carbs have become my go-to cure for all that ails me; and I’ve become a much better cook. Yes…you read that last one right.

Being away from everything and everyone that I love has had profound effect on me. While I appreciated my close tight-knit circle before, I appreciate it far more than I ever did. However, this has been good for me. Despite all the nights that I’ve laid awake crying because I was homesick, I’ve learned to appreciate all the wonderful people and experiences I’ve gain during the short amount of time I’ve been here. Leaving will be bittersweet.

My neighbors look out for me like I’m their little sister; my staff checks on me if I’m not in the office when they arrive; the guys at the concierge desk have Starbucks waiting for me when I step off of the elevator in the morning; and my buddy next door…always got a bottle of Riesling on chill for me…don’t worry, I drink in moderation of course 🙂

The one thing that I didn’t expect happen was my deep loving relationship with my uncles’ children. In the beginning, I resisted all their efforts to infect my life with their presence. Leaving them will feel like a knife in my chest. They’ve taught me a lot of patience and given me several nasty colds. They cook, clean, and do my laundry. Industrious little buggers they are. I came home from a gala event, and they had even redesigned my blog. They’ve added richness to my life that can only be gained through the most purest form of love.

There is a huge conflict growing in my heart. The thought of coming home makes me happy in ways I can’t even begin to verbalize, but leaving D.C. makes me sad in ways I had hoped it wouldn’t. There have been no lemons here, only lemonade.

“Be present in all things and thankful for all things.”

-Maya Angelou