Saying goodbye is never easy even when you know it's coming. When Mark and I moved from Montgomery, Alabama to Washington, DC in 2010 I was so excited about our new adventure that I didn't fully understand exactly how difficult the move would be. It's not just the process of moving all of your stuff that is hard but also being in a new place that you don't know.
For our move from DC to Paris, I was determined to approach it differently this time. I mentally prepared myself for 3 months. I took time to really appreciate the city that I love, made sure to see it's beauty. Enjoyed time with friends. Visited some of my favorite restaurants. Got one last haircut with Michael. Worked out a lot with Lana and Juliet. Spent plenty of time at Whole Foods.
When we moved to DC, Mark and I were blessed to both have a best friend in the city (shout out to Josh Knight and Bree Beckham Straessle), and we are even more blessed to leave with many more friends.
When we arrived Mark was beginning business school at GWU, and I was newly unemployed after leaving my job due to the move. Our lives have changed so much since that day in August 2010 when we drove into the city with Lilly for the first time.
I am not going to lie and say everything in DC was perfect; life just doesn't work that way. We experienced many low times, like the loss of family members and one very unexpected diagnosis. But at the end of the day, when I look back on our time in DC, I won't see the sad moments. Sure I will remember those important lessons learned, but that isn't what represents our time there.
These are the things I will think about:
Our first night in DC with Lilly at the Westin
Lots of job interviews (too many at the Chamber of Commerce)
Job offers
Mark's graduation on the National Mall
Meeting Anna Schmidt for the first time
Yoga and Pilates
Bree and Brian's engagement at the Lincoln Memorial
Girls Brunches
Über - I like to ride in style
My special salad at Chop't
Huge purses and walking shoes
Karaoke
Ben's Chili Bowl
The best sandwich in DC - Nobadeer at Jetties
Valentine’s dinners from Dupont Italian Kitchen
Eastern Market
Rock Creek Park with Mark and Lilly
DCA - such an easy and convenient airport
Lincoln - you are the only man I can tell Mark I love and I know he doesn't judge me because he loves you too!
MLK Memorial Dedication on the Mall with Mark, Bree and Brian
Slumber parties with Bree, Brian and Cafe Romeo
Drinking Pink Panthers with Whitney Miller and Anna Schmidt
Being a Juliette Stovall groupie with Lana
Touring the West Wing with Shannon as our guide
Driving back into DC any time I left - such a beautiful city
A Dog's Day Out - They loved Lils!
Rooftop grilling and pool time
Dinner parties with friends
Cocktails at POV and Off the Record
Cookouts at Leigh's
Weekend road trips with best friends
Spading that ace with Josh and Anna
Fist pumping with Todd Stacy – well, this happens anywhere with Todd
Many, many birthday parties illuminated by glow bracelets
Number 9 with Matt, Rick and Harry
Healthy bite (ACC)
Nat's baseball with Audrey and Caroline
Learning the importance of a down coat and UGGs
Hosting our wonderful family and great friends
Granny visiting DC for my 27th birthday
Monday night dinners in Del Ray
Watching Lilly play in the snow
Driving 45 mins for BBQ with Mark, Josh and Anna
Couples tennis matches
Taste of the South
Gold Cup
Lots of shopping
Picnics
Jazz in the Garden
Pole Pressure
Georgetown Cupcakes
And many many more great memories!
I also wanted to include some photos from our time in the District. Before we moved, we did a photo shoot with Deb Lindsey on the National Mall to commemorate our time in the city. This was also an attempt to capture some pics of Lilly. Here are some of those pictures and many others of fun times with friends and family.
I learned so much about myself in DC. Because of great travel opportunities I was able to realize long term goals for my life. They might not happen until retirement but at least I know where my passions lie.
Dear Washington, DC:
I want you to know that I had a blast. I learned a lot and know... we ARE NOT finished! If it is up to me, the Dixons will be back! DC is the first city I actually felt like I belonged and was understood. I hope our story will have another chapter or two!
Lana - get ready because when I do return, I will need lots of spin class, Vida RX and Body. You're coming with me!
Love ya!
EEHD
C'est la vie y'all! Thanks for reading.
For our move from DC to Paris, I was determined to approach it differently this time. I mentally prepared myself for 3 months. I took time to really appreciate the city that I love, made sure to see it's beauty. Enjoyed time with friends. Visited some of my favorite restaurants. Got one last haircut with Michael. Worked out a lot with Lana and Juliet. Spent plenty of time at Whole Foods.
When we moved to DC, Mark and I were blessed to both have a best friend in the city (shout out to Josh Knight and Bree Beckham Straessle), and we are even more blessed to leave with many more friends.
When we arrived Mark was beginning business school at GWU, and I was newly unemployed after leaving my job due to the move. Our lives have changed so much since that day in August 2010 when we drove into the city with Lilly for the first time.
I am not going to lie and say everything in DC was perfect; life just doesn't work that way. We experienced many low times, like the loss of family members and one very unexpected diagnosis. But at the end of the day, when I look back on our time in DC, I won't see the sad moments. Sure I will remember those important lessons learned, but that isn't what represents our time there.
These are the things I will think about:
Our first night in DC with Lilly at the Westin
Lots of job interviews (too many at the Chamber of Commerce)
Job offers
Mark's graduation on the National Mall
Meeting Anna Schmidt for the first time
Yoga and Pilates
Bree and Brian's engagement at the Lincoln Memorial
Girls Brunches
Über - I like to ride in style
My special salad at Chop't
Huge purses and walking shoes
Karaoke
Ben's Chili Bowl
The best sandwich in DC - Nobadeer at Jetties
Valentine’s dinners from Dupont Italian Kitchen
Eastern Market
Rock Creek Park with Mark and Lilly
DCA - such an easy and convenient airport
Lincoln - you are the only man I can tell Mark I love and I know he doesn't judge me because he loves you too!
MLK Memorial Dedication on the Mall with Mark, Bree and Brian
Slumber parties with Bree, Brian and Cafe Romeo
Drinking Pink Panthers with Whitney Miller and Anna Schmidt
Being a Juliette Stovall groupie with Lana
Touring the West Wing with Shannon as our guide
Driving back into DC any time I left - such a beautiful city
A Dog's Day Out - They loved Lils!
Rooftop grilling and pool time
Dinner parties with friends
Cocktails at POV and Off the Record
Cookouts at Leigh's
Weekend road trips with best friends
Spading that ace with Josh and Anna
Fist pumping with Todd Stacy – well, this happens anywhere with Todd
Many, many birthday parties illuminated by glow bracelets
Number 9 with Matt, Rick and Harry
Healthy bite (ACC)
Nat's baseball with Audrey and Caroline
Learning the importance of a down coat and UGGs
Hosting our wonderful family and great friends
Granny visiting DC for my 27th birthday
Monday night dinners in Del Ray
Watching Lilly play in the snow
Driving 45 mins for BBQ with Mark, Josh and Anna
Couples tennis matches
Taste of the South
Gold Cup
Lots of shopping
Picnics
Jazz in the Garden
Pole Pressure
Georgetown Cupcakes
And many many more great memories!
I also wanted to include some photos from our time in the District. Before we moved, we did a photo shoot with Deb Lindsey on the National Mall to commemorate our time in the city. This was also an attempt to capture some pics of Lilly. Here are some of those pictures and many others of fun times with friends and family.
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| The Mark Dixon laugh, you know what I'm talking about! Photo by Deb Lindsey |
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| Photo by Deb Lindsey |
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| If you wonder what Lilly is looking at, its water - she is obsessed! Photo by Deb Lindsey |
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| This is us telling her she can't jump in the reflecting pool. Photo by Deb Lindsey |
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| Photo by Deb Lindsey |
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| Still staring at the water but I love this picture! Photo by Deb Lindsey |
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| MBA Graduation Gala |
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| Every now and then you have to Jolie your leg! |
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| WE DID IT!! |
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| Friends and family, always a good combination! |
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| Best friends brave the crowds and hot sun to attend your husband's graduation so you don't have to sit alone. |
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After what was a very successful picnic! 
Easter in DC - croquet anyone?
Memorial Day pool party
 Welcome to DC Todd Stacy!   
Hey Girl, it's Paul Ryan!
After the cocktail competition where Josh became an internationally recognized mixologist!
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New Years eve moped wreck in Bermuda. Matching hospital gowns. Pain killers already consumed!
My hair looks AWESOME!
Donating my hair in 2011
In honor of my amazing big sister Shea
MLK Memorial Dedication
Great mom and a great view!
Sister time at the Newseum!
Mom, Dad and Granny came for my 27th Bday!
You can't see it, but she loves me more!
My boo!
I learned so much about myself in DC. Because of great travel opportunities I was able to realize long term goals for my life. They might not happen until retirement but at least I know where my passions lie.
Dear Washington, DC:
I want you to know that I had a blast. I learned a lot and know... we ARE NOT finished! If it is up to me, the Dixons will be back! DC is the first city I actually felt like I belonged and was understood. I hope our story will have another chapter or two!
Lana - get ready because when I do return, I will need lots of spin class, Vida RX and Body. You're coming with me!
Love ya!
EEHD
C'est la vie y'all! Thanks for reading.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! DC misses you, and can't wait for your return?! In the meantime, we can show Paris how DC girls work out (soon)!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lana, I miss DC so much! Are you still planning to come visit so we can eat, shop and workout all over the city?
DeleteI just got a little teary eyed at work reading this. I miss you so much!!!
ReplyDeleteBree, I miss you more! I hope you liked all of your shout outs. There aren't many memories from DC that don't include you and Brian!
Deletejust discovered your blog and i am obsessed......my husband lived in alabama, i lived in paris, and we both lived in dc! kindred spirits! love your blog & can't wait to follow along! xoxo the well-traveled wife
ReplyDeleteEmi, thank you so much for messaging me - what a neat coincidence. Where in AL did your husband live and how long were you in Paris? I love reading blogs so I will start reading yours now!
DeleteErin, you've inspired me to finally get a move on and try to put together a Buenos Aires blog! Loved reading this, esp since I still feel like DC was the only place where I belonged and felt understood :) - sarah kate
ReplyDelete