So, perhaps you're wondering, where is Christine these days? Short answer: I've been laying low. After working really, really hard these last few months (when I say hard I don't necessarily mean the hours but the pressure, stress, and intensity of the position), I realized a good healthy break was in order. That is what this week has been. Monday I went to the Washington Nationals opening season baseball game against the Florida Marlins. Of course, the Marlins would beat the Nationals 9-2, but it was an amazing day for a game, sunny, dry, 80 degrees. What better way to inaugurate one's week off than a game at the ballpark. There's something about the energy of the fans, their bright red and blue shirts, their youthful enthusiasm, sometimes overly aggressive cheering, and of course, the compulsory wave. When you enter the stadium you are transported into a different world where only the pitcher, batter, ump, and the other 8 men on the field, the balls, strikes, hits, foul balls, frankfurters, sausages, and ice cold beer matter. You could be sitting next to a lawyer, a UPS man, a dentist, a doctor, a teacher, a butcher, an engineer, a waitress, or a 12-year old on spring break. That's the joy and the wonder of the baseball park.
The rest of the week I've had a combination of catching up with people, taking care of errands that have piled up, cleaning the apartment, and having some quality quiet time, reflecting on Holy Week. Today I actually took a leisurely walk to the Tidal Basin which is home to many of DC's famous cherry blossom trees. It took a good chunk out of my day, but it was worth it. I love the fact I can walk from my little old apartment to downtown DC, to the heart of the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall and to the Tidal Basin. Now, most people who live in Arlington, VA might find me a bit extreme (it took me close to 3 hours for the whole trip), but if you know ME, you know I love to WALK. I'm a believer. Yes, I took a good number of pictures of the cherry blossoms, but I shall wait to post them. You know, I'd like you to come back to read so there needs to be a lure.
As for finishing up work, I have to say last Friday was the one of, if not the best, last day I've ever had. I basically closed up shop and took every advantage of connecting with people before I left. I went with three other colleagues for lunch at Mount Vernon, where we sampled some of George Washington's original whiskey recipe and indulged in southern cuisine. I have to say this Yank is getting a bit soft around the edges! These southerners sure know how to make a fine barbecued shredded beef and scrumptious little pumpkin and spice tarts. Driving back along the George Washington Parkway along the Potomac river, I was in awe of the natural beauty of this area. When you sit in a cubicle most of your day, you forget that this whole other world exists. I definitely needed this breath of fresh air.
Friday after work my colleagues at work took me and another PMF Brad out for drinks. It was simply a fun time to have all the conversations we never quite got to in the work environment because, naturally, there is no time for such talk. Or maybe that is just me stuck in my stress bubble! Anyway, I was really touched by the people who came out and the open doors to several friendships. I'm happy to say Brad is returning to his respective federal agency which is also located in what some people affectionately term the 'fed get' (federal ghetto - a sterile couple of blocks along Independence where a number of agencies are situated). So, it looks like I'll have a lunch buddy now and then. I walked away on Friday night breathing a sigh of relief that this chapter was finished and on a good note and that I was blessed by making yet a few more friends. I do hope we'll keep in touch. Actually, I think I'm on the hook as a result of one conversation to organize a breakfast for Faiza with my mother's famous belgian waffles sometime in the near future.
A final note on my rotational assignment: it was one of the most challenging things I've done, working press issues, being out of my element, thrown into a frying pan of sorts with deadlines and curve balls around every corner. To say the least, it stretched me beyond my limits. I don't know about you guys, but do you ever feel like you're in over your head? Do you ever wonder how on earth and why you have been placed in a certain position? Well, I often have those thoughts. And, at those times I dream of life as a barrista. Starbucks from what I understand has a generous benefits package for its employees.
Well, I've been humbled -- that is the best way to describe it. But, I'm also leaving feeling incredibly privileged to have served (albeit briefly) with my colleagues during this critical time in our nation's foreign policy. And, yet again, I'm immensely grateful for God's sustaining strength during this time.
Now on to Good Friday tomorrow and meeting up with my parents in Baltimore.
Wishing you a very blessed Easter.
Christine
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