It is easy to forget that I live in the nation’s capital: the proximity of everything, the frequency with which I pass famous places makes everything seem so normal. The Capitol rotunda becomes just another part of the skyline on my bus route; Ford’s Theater is on my way to grab frozen yogurt. It’s strange living my life, while surrounded by such history.
I say this not to be boastful or showy, but because I believe it is important to be in awe, to remind myself why I live in this city, and why I love it so much.
This week was particularly stressful, but I stole away during my lunch hour for a much-needed walk, and spied this pretty bed of tulips in Lafayette Park, just north of the White House (I’m sure I also ended up in a few tourists’ photos).
I felt sort of silly bending down to take this photo, with all the eighth graders running past me and taking photos of their own.
But every now and then I need to be a tourist, too.
Capital Comment 
Nothing wrong with being a “tourist” who resides in DC. If you ever leave that town you will always cherish your time spent there. If you remain, well, you get to enjoy it more than most Americans ever can. Win-win for you!
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That’s a good way of looking at it, Mom!
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Good for you, Meg, taking time to savor the wonderful city in which you live and work. And thank you for sharing the beautiful photo. During an earlier stint in my career, I spent three days a week in DC. Each time I drove into the city from my home in PA, I was awestruck by the White House, the Capital Building, the monuments, etc. For all our cynicism about government these days, Washington, DC remains a pretty amazing place, as are the people who work there. I include you in that category.
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Thank you for the compliment, Rebekah. I’m sure I will always remember my time in Washington fondly. This “consciousness” of my surroundings is something I’m working at — it is far too easy to become cynical or to slip into routine. I will fight for wonderment!
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