did i say that i love you?

isn't it interesting how every region in america has its own vibe? i was born in california but i really grew up in flagstaff, arizona. we were there for preschool-4th grade. it's really clear and crisp. we used to go drive my dad's beat up truck in the aspen forests and go skiing in the winter. it was an overwhelmingly outdoorsy place to grow up. i used to grind up plants (and grasshoppers. i admit it.) in the back yard with cinderblocks and pretend like i had my own cooking show.

anyway if i keep going like this, it could be a long night. but today was a good example of how DC feels like a northeastern city. it was drizzly and gray all day. the trees felt like leaves were bending down with rain and the slate on sidewalks and front porches was darker than usual. you just wanted to curl up with a sweater, socks and a bowl of clam chowder or cup of coffee.

but in austin, a rainy day is a whole different thing. it's usually clear until all of the sudden a big downpour happens with giant rain drops and water rushing down the streets. everything gets dark for half an hour or so and you curl up on the couch with a book, but next thing you know it lets up and it's back to normal and sunny except that everything seems a little greener and perked up.

i guess this week has just been a lot of me thinking about what kind of environment i'm looking for. i liked the adventure of taiwan but it could sometimes feel very far from home. i like austin because it reminds me of how much fun i had with big groups of friends, but they're gone now. i like DC because it's 'northeasternyness' reminds me of summers in new hampshire at my grandparents' house. it's nice to feel like i could go in any direction, but i also don't feel particularly tied to anywhere which can be a little scary.

unrelated: i made it all the way to work without slipping on rainy sidewalks and RIGHT when i walked into my building, i was rushing to the security desk, stepped off the carpet and onto the marble and my legs went out from under me and i fell right on my butt with my wrist on the floor. i get it! enough already.