Washington, DC: Day 1

So, it's going to cost me $29.98 to blog for the next three days. Well, I'm lying. It's not going to cost me, it's going to cost Child and Family Services. I need to be able to access my email and the only way I can do that is to buy the Internet for 3 days.

Aaron took the day off from school today... he wasn't feeling too well and I think he really wanted to bring me to the airport himself. I was glad to have the company before I left for my trip. I spent a good part of the day packing, running errands, and being Aaron's "snugglebug." After I was all packed up and lugged my suitcase downstairs, I think Rocko was none-too-happy that I was leaving :(

I am here safely. It's a little lonely but with me is a really great friend, Hilary. We are already annoying people because there are some really uptight therapists here, and we like to have a good time. When it's time to work we'll roll up our sleeves, but, when it's our private time we're all about having fun. It's not like we are obnoxious, we just don't want to be talking adolescent treatment 24/7. We are in DC people! Live a little!

The flight was okay, but not the best of flights. There was some turbulence and I hate to fly, so I watched my life pass before me with every little bump and sway. I also hate using the bathrooms in an airplane. I have bathroom anxiety to begin with, so to think my life could possibly end while crouching over a toilet in a 2X2 airplane bathroom is a HUGE fear. Thankfully the flight was only an hour and a half from Manchester to DC, so I only had to use the latrine once.

We landed safely, managed to get to baggage claim, and take a taxi to our hotel. Now, you have to realize how much of an accomplishment this is for me. I have been sheltered- my entire life- by my brother, sister, and now, Aaron. I never have to drive or think about maps, highway systems or the like. Truthfully, I just say where I want to go and it gets done with no expectation that I need to make any effort to do it myself. In theory it is nice, I know I am spoiled. But in reality, it has set me up to be in a position where I feel like I can't do it. Today I did! I felt so self-sufficient and self-reliant.

This is my room. I love it, except the blankets, which are down. I am allergic to (everything) down. I'll peel them back and be sure to take my medication. I brought plenty because I know the cherry blossoms are out.

My room, as you can see, has a view over the courtyard. I am on the sixth floor so I can discreetly spy on people below me. I am loving this.

Tomorrow is my first day of the conference. I am going to head off to bed.

Aaron, you would laugh as some things never change. Here I am, laying in bed wearing my sweatpants watching TruTV. You would like it here right now, the weather is beautiful and I can't stop thinking about how much you would love to be riding your bike in this weather. Also, there were so many "I-spy" opportunities between landing and walking to find a place to eat. I wish you were here, and I miss you. B&B!