Last Weeks in Washington

As I write this post, President Barack Obama is walking toward his platform at the Inauguration; one of the amazing experiences that come with living in Washington. Even though I live a few blocks from this ceremony, I've chosen to stay in my warm home in order to avoid the crowds.

Leaving Washington will be bittersweet. There's really no other place in the U.S. where I would prefer to live...Washington will always feel like home.

Every time I go for a jog around the U.S. Capitol Building, down the National Mall and past the Washington Monument toward the Lincoln Memorial I become completely awe struck; how did I end up living in one of the most beautiful places in the world? Sure, it's not pretty in the "Grand-Canyon- Meets-Estes-Park" sort of way, but the history of these monuments is overwhelming.

After dark, these monuments become even more extraordinary. Super-great-boyfriend and I go on walks to the Capitol after dark to walk off a big meal. We've had plenty of special moments in front of the lighted dome of the Capitol. These walks have been a great way to enjoy each other's company and take time to appreciate the beauty of the city we live in.

This Inauguration weekend, we made a genuine attempt to enjoy our city. Saturday, we had Brunch with great friends at Ted's Bulletin in Barrack's Row.

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We chowed down on cinnamon rolls, blueberry cheesecake pop-tarts, and a traditional American breakfast.

After loading up on coffee, we headed toward Eastern Market.

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Our friends live in Maryland and have never been to the Market, so I really enjoyed showing them the cheese stand, the butcher's stand and the bakery inside the old market.

Then we walked around the stands. Perhaps due to the weather, there were fewer stands to enjoy but our friends were able to get a sense of what we experience every weekend.

As our friends headed off to watch a basketball game, super-great-boyfriend and I headed to the Pentagon City Mall...okay, so this is in Virginia and not in DC, but it only took us 15 minutes to get there by metro.

The mall is huge and typically crowded with tourists but it has all of my favorite stores, so I'm willing to push my way through the masses.

Wiki Photo

Saturday night, we headed to super-great-boyfriend's going away party at Satellite Room, a new bar near U Street located just behind the 9:30 club. An eclectic group of friends from all parts of the country and the world - fun was had by all. :)

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Sunday morning, in less-than-perfect form, we headed to our favorite coffee shop down the street from our home, Peregrine Coffee. Peregrine coffee is my morning ritual...I almost never miss an opportunity to grab an Americano from Peregrine (and my bank account provides plenty of evidence for this...).

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So now it's Monday. I should be preparing for the big move, but instead I'm enjoying the Inauguration on TV and an Americano (from Peregrine of course!).

I'm moved by how our country comes together for these amazing events. Malia and Sasha Obama are growing up in front of our eyes and the first lady looks as elegant as ever. I wonder what is going through the President's mind today. How blessed he is to have such an amazing family? How screwed he is to take on the trials that face our country today and the more challenging issues that are sure to pop their heads up to tomorrow? Maybe he's just thinking he doesn't want to screw up his speech...after all, it may be the most important speech of his second term.

I'm so happy to have lived in this amazing city for four years.