DC Diaries Part 9 + Moving On From My College Years

Well, it’s been quite a while since I have shared a little bit about my life here in Washington, DC. To say the least, it has been a bit of a journey since I last wrote a DC Diaries blog post. However, through it all, it has been a rollercoaster but I have realized that I am coming out of these past few months ready to take on the world now more than ever before. At the same time, I am starting to move on from my college years and even embrace the new world that I am living in.

Once I graduated from college, I almost felt like I was still in college. I still had my friends, despite living up in Washington, DC. Though I did have my friends and professors’ support from afar, my life was changing and so were my fellow Class of 2021 friends’s lives. Many of us started jobs or graduate school programs or were deciding just what to do next. Whatever the case may be, we will always be one another’s classmates, but we wouldn’t be seeing one another on a regular basis like we would in our college years. Consequentially, I also didn’t start my job until 2.5 months after my college graduation – something that I am extremely grateful that my company suggested I do. So, it was a weird feeling going from the college world to the working world. I missed seeing others my own age regularly, especially as I was working from home. Needless to say, it was quite strange going through all of the motions of being in a setting with all of my classmates who all happened to mostly be my own age to being around people of all ages.

To be honest, the transition from college life to the postgraduate world SUCKS and it really SUCKS. I have always been one who likes to tell the truth and not hear things in a sugarcoated fashion, most specifically when it could hurt me in the long run to hear it in that manner. When you aren’t around those your own age constantly, it can be hard and I have felt it on and on and on again. Personally, I started to go through my college years and try to relive things that I missed about them, whether it be friendships or relationships that never seemed to blossom. But, after careful reflection, I realized that the more reliving I attempted to do, the more I was trying to fill a void within my own heart of missing the college years that I had just left. It’s a weird time and it is quite difficult for anybody to process – even my coworkers who are older than me have said that.

Although I do miss my college years, I am glad that I am not in college anymore. My college years are over and they are over for the better. I had four extraordinary years of college, and I am eternally grateful for them. While in college, I was ready for a change. I knew that while I did love Raleigh, I did not love it enough that I wanted to make it my home after college.

As for my life in Washington, DC, I am *finally* starting to figure out what I want to do next. There are some exciting ways for me to get involved that I have yet to share, but will in time’s due. I am also looking at starting something exciting and doing some event planning within the scope of my company. The opportunities for me outside of work are rolling in and I couldn’t be more excited!

When times get tough, I am a firm believer that better times are always to come. Remember that, my friends and fellow readers.

XOXO – Katie <3

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DC Diaries – Part 8

Life in the nation’s capital has been an adjustment in recent times. While moving is exciting when you’re in a brand-new town, it is also very very very much of a transition, too. Like many things in life, life while moving is a rollercoaster – there are several ups and downs. Through it all, I know that my move to Washington, DC is the right move for me at this time in my life.

There have been a ton of adverse affects of COVID-19 on everyone’s lives in general and those affects definitely pertain to the work life, too. It is super nice that we can all work from everywhere and anywhere. Indeed, I know so many companies that allow their employees to telework and will be moving forward. Teleworking is great and I have appreciated and reaped the benefits of it. On the same token, it is super challenging to get connected within a new city when you are working remotely and primarily so.

Personally, to say the least, I have been struggling with making connections in my new town. I think a lot of my lack of connectivity in Washington, DC has to do with the fact that I am working remotely. Despite the fact that I LOVE working remotely and really truly value the flexibility and comfort that it has offered me, I also miss seeing folks face to face and making those face to face connections. That being said, I am luckily able to go into my company’s office and will be doing so a few times a week on days when others will be in the office, too. On the same token, I feel very lucky that I have been able to make connections in a remote enivronment. Even though I may not be able to see my company’s office life pre-COVID-19, I can reap the benefits of going into the office in a fresh and new light and still make connections both virtually and in-person.

Beyond the work world, I miss getting to know others and establishing a social life. Let’s get this straight: making friends in a post-graduation world is HARD! It is such a challenge not being around folks my own age 24/7, whether it be in class, extracurricular activity, or a social event through school. Needless to say, I have spent a lot more time alone than I have in the past. Yet, I am not upset about it. I am using this time to simply focus on myself and figure out what comes next in my social world and where I want to connect with others. I am strategizing ways to connect beyond the working world too and I have some thoughts in mind that I am striving to connect through. Not knowing is hard for us all. And guess what?! That is OKAY!

Through it all, life in the nation’s capital has been a bit of a struggle. I am definitely not in the happiest part of the post-graduation transition. But, I also think it’s important to be honest with myself and others in that I am not perfect and my life is not perfect 24/7. In fact, NO ONE’S is! At the same time, like everything, things will and they do get better. I am striving to connect more inside and outside of work and my work put in to maintain connections with others WILL pay off!

XOXO – Katie <3

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DC Diaries – Part 6

Transitions, adjustments, and changes, oh my! These three words describe some of the hardest pills for people to swallow. Case in point, my move to the Washington, DC area, my transition into the workforce, and changing up my blogging schedule a bit to accommodate my new work schedule. When changes come into our lives, it can be challenging to accept them and move forward, whether they’re good or bad. Transitions, adjustments, and changes are tough at times, but they can also allow us to grow and excel in our lives the ways that we are meant to.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6

Personally, I feel that making transitions, adjustments, and changes to our lives is important. I believe that there is a plan for each and every one of us in this thing called life. Whether or not you identify with a religious faith, I personally identify as a Christian. My Christian faith has projected my belief system in that I see how God has a plan for each and every single one of us. God or whatever higher power(s) that you believe in have set aside a plan for your life and that plan involves many many many twists and turns and ups and downs. Whether you have a liking to those plans set aside just for you or not, is up to you. But, whatever may be put in your way is there for a reason and leading you to be the person that you are meant to be in life, if it is for a stage in life or something more.

Case in point, when I moved to the Washington, DC area, there were a lot of transitions, adjustments, and changes that popped up along with the move. However, there is a reason for them all and they have made me and will make me into a better person – the person that I am meant to be.

My move to Washington, DC has been an exciting times. I have found it hard over and over and over again to talk and even touch on the tough subjects in life. But, they have led me to truly be able to enjoy my life in the nation’s capital. The hard parts in life are what always lead us to the greatest things that have been yet to come.

At this moment, I have been able to adjust successfully to my new life in Washington, DC. Although there are still some transitions, adjustments, and changes to come, I know that I am where I am meant to be. It all happened the way it was meant to and making me into the person that I am meant to be thanks be to God (or whatever higher power that you believe in). Today, I will leave you all with one of my favorite Bible verses – Deuteronomy 31:6 – “be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you.”

XOXO – Katie <3

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DC Diaries – Part 5

The other day, my Big Sis Stephanie and I were talking about how this summer has felt stranger than others. The same idea went for when I saw my friends Haley and Violet the day before, too. Many of us are feeling that this summer has been a bit more bizarre than summer’s past. Although this summer has been a bit more peaceful than years past for me and those around me, it is about to end for me.

Starting next week, I will be starting my job. I couldn’t be more excited. Personally, I live for the hustle and bustle – something I have missed this summer. But, before I start my job, I have learned a lot of things over the course of my summer time off. I have mastered my commute to work and gained an extra sense of independence via navigating the Washington, DC area’s public transport all on my own. I have started to learn budgeting and financing and how much money I should allocate to different things. I have learned to set limits on what I can do and afford financially while saving and preparing for things that I want in the future, whether it be big or small. Moreover, adulting is a literal grind that NEVER stops, and it is something that I have learned!

Over the past few months, I have wondered what it would be like if I chose to stay in Raleigh. Would I have ever mastered the public transportation systems or even used public transportation? Would I know how to budget? Most importantly, would I be the person that I am today and becoming? Who truly knows!

XOXO – Katie <3

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DC Diaries – Part 4

Ever since writing my very last DC Diaries, my life in the nation’s capitol got just a bit morning exciting! Surprisingly enough, I did not explore the city that much until about 2 weeks ago. Once I started my explorations of my brand-new backyard, I have not wanted to stop! So far, I have admired the walls of two Smithsonian museums, the several sights to see around me right in front of my eyes at the National Mall, and the fireworks right in front of the city’s many monuments. My time in Washington, DC has most definitely gotten more and more exciting, and I am oh so excited to see what is in store next, too!

Since writing my Washington, DC Bucket List, I have since enjoyed a few photoshoots along the National Mall, including the National Monument, Korean War Memorial, and the United States Capitol. I have also devoured a delicious brunch at the oh-so Instagrammable brunch spot of Urban Roast. I took a day trip to the charming town of Annapolis, Maryland and went for a sail boat ride with family. Lastly, I *finally* was able to visit the National Cathedral after over a decade of wanting to and enjoyed a burger and fries at Shake Shack.

At the same time, I have been able to make some new and exciting plans for the next few weeks and months! I am planning to go and visit one of my friends at the Tyson’s Corner Center Mall in Tyson’s, Virginia – the 10th largest business district in the United States. I will also be planning some outings to the charming Washington, DC neighborhood of Georgetown home to Georgetown University where one of my best friends from Meredith will be attending graduate school. For a belated Father’s Day gift, I will be taking my Dad for a day to George Washington’s Mount Vernon this Fall and I will be taking my Papa to one of his favorite restaurants nearby our house, too. Three or four of my friends will be coming to visit me in August, so I am super pumped to be able to spend time with them and allow them to explore my backyard with me as well.

My apartment has also been set up after a long long long awaited time of waiting and setting it up to be. It has been a blast with some hard work to set it up, but I am super happy to be settled in and enjoying living here. Each week, I have been providing y’all with different types of reveals related to my apartment. So far, I have revealed my Bedroom, Kitchen, and Jewelry Organization with much more to come in the coming weeks!!!

Overall, I am starting to get settled into my new apartment in my brand-new city and enjoy it, too. Here’s to making many more memories very very soon!

XOXO – Katie <3

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DC Diaries – Part 3

My move to Washington, DC has been a whirlwind of emotions – happiness, sadness, excitement, grief, and so much more. Moving to the big city has been OH SO exciting. However, what is even more exciting is the fact that I am finally moving into my new place and getting my feet off the ground and, yes, it is exciting!

The past few weeks, I struggled to feel as if I had my ducks in a row. You know, the feeling when you feel as if NOTHING in your life is in place?! Yep – that feeling. I have been living in a guest room for the past few weeks as I wait to move into my apartment and for it to be ready for me to do just that. Having my items literally in suitcases and boxes has made me go a bit crazy and feel as if my ducks are anything but in a row. Naturally, I do not know many people who enjoy living out of a suitcase unless they’re traveling, and it can feel overwhelming and exhausting for sure. I feel very fortunate that I do not start my job until July 26 and that my company wanted me to have 2 months off before even starting to work. It has been such a blessing, and I cannot thank them enough for giving me this time. So, I am very excited to get settled in and get prepared more so for my job.

Although I will not share too much about the company that I am going to be working for and prefer to keep that information private, I will tell y’all that I am extremely excited to be working there! The company culture and everyone I have met there are extremely kind, driven, and willing to learn and grow. It is such a great place!!!

In the past few weeks that I have been in the Washington, DC area, I have missed having friends to hang out with. As I have mentioned before, it is most definitely weird to not have my friends living in the same apartment complex as me or even within the same exact square mile – something that my readers currently in college and/or graduate school and living with college friends need to savor every moment of!!! Never did I ever think I would download Bumble again, I tried multiple dating apps but they are just not for me and I currently want to focus on my career and love being single, but I did.

Hold your horses, though, I downloaded Bumble BFF NOT Bumble dating, and, yes, there is a version of Bumble where you can meet friends and ONLY friends. Let me tell y’all, I LOVE Bumble BFF! My friend Claire told me about it and how she met some pretty cool folks on there, so I decided to give it a try, too. Bumble BFF is pretty fun and it has been a great way to meet friends who are also looking for friends and starting out in the Washington, DC area, too. I am also pretty lucky to have a few friends back at home from high school – shoutout to Wyatt, Haley, Violet, Laura, and so many more – as well as fellow influencer Talia of Dresses and Democracy. I am also a new member of The Blogger Union’s Washington, DC chapter and I am going to an event with them along with Talia and I cannot wait to meet other influencers in my own backyard. Through and through, it is always nice to make new friends as well. Like I said, the more the merrier!!!

While these next few weeks will be crazy, my life in Washington, DC is also getting crazy exciting! AND, my ducks are beginning to *finally* feel as if they are getting in a row. Cheers to a great week y’all!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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DC Diaries – Part 1

After years of living in the South, I am have made the move of my dreams – a move to the nation’s capital. I will be stepping foot into brand-new ground, groundbreaking ground. I will be living just minutes away from where decisions all across our globe are made. I will be living in a city full of diverse people who think similarly to me and differently from me. I will be living in a Mecca full of people figuring out what they want to do with their lives. There will be so much opportunity for me to explore, learn, and grow.

In the South, I had it all – the friends, the style, the walk, the talk, and all of the involvement and everything in between. Indeed, I had the life and enjoyed the Southern way of life. In fact, in high school, I was crowned Homecoming Queen, and I had it all then too. I had the big parties and played hostess. I had the social media friends and followers – a big crowd of them, too, which I continue to have to this exact day. I walked with stride. I had the style, kindness, charisma, and poise. Everyone knew my name both at my high school and at my college, and I befriended practically everyone. Life was and had been good. However, I knew I wanted much more beyond what I knew.

Since spending time in the South, I have learned a lot about myself and what I want in life. I knew that I craved excitement: something that is a driving factor in my life and in my many life’s decisions. Growing up, I knew that I wanted something more than the suburban way of life. However, one day I think I may crave that lifestyle again – who is to say though! I wanted to get out and explore and feel like the woman who I am meant to be both strong and independent. I have consistently been a workaholic who prides on never sitting down and being on the go. I live for the hustle and bustle – a city lifestyle meets those needs for me – and the constant need to get out and explore, even in my own backyard. My backyard is about to expand a lot and in ways that I would have never ever expected it to.

As an LGBTQ+ woman in the South, I have found the world of love and romance to be a quite tricky one. Even though I have had encounters in the past within my romance sphere, nothing leads up to the plethora of LGBTQ+ folks in the city of Washington, DC alone. The District of Columbia is notorious for having just around 10% of its total population identifying as apart of the LGBTQ+ community. That is, not to account for the several LGBTQ+ people who live outside of the city in nearby Virginia and Maryland. Personally, I have struggled with the dating world within my own backyard in the South. There is still a continuous source of LGBTQ+ hate and homophobia within the South and many people potentially remain closeted – afraid to show their true colors. Sometimes, I even felt scared to do just that. That being said, I am more than ready to take on the new in a fresh and positive light. I am ready to showcase and open the doors to my closet where a beautiful rainbow lies from within. I am truly ready to present my true colors and be the best me that I can be.

Moving to Washington, DC comes with several unknowns. Who will I meet? What will I do? Where will I go? How will my life change? When will all of these things occur? How will I get started? The answer is: who knows! However, one thing’s for sure is that I may have had it all in the South, but I am just getting started here in the nation’s capital.

XOXO – Katie <3

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