Things to Keep in Mind When Riding the D.C. Metro

1.) Plan for the Metro to break down, ESPECIALLY during rush hour. A train somewhere in the system will break down when you are riding it, and it’s better to be insanely early to work and sit in a quiet Starbucks to pass the time than to be late. Although being a few minutes late because of the Metro is generally a legitimate excuse in this town.

2.) The Metro’s are EERILY quiet. It’s amazing because there can be a fully packed trained car and all you can hear is the sounds of the train moving down the tracks. So just be prepared.

3.) Look at people’s bags. Seriously. A lot of people are issued messenger bags or tote bags from their companies, and it’s a great way to see the kind of work places there are in the D.C. area.

My friends Derek and Lauren ... you'll rarely see people this excited to be on the Metro.

“Mrs. Landingham! What’s next?”

So, I feel obligated to explain the title of this blog before delving into it. As many of my friends know, I’m a huge fan of “The West Wing”. I have the complete series (yes, the Presidential pack with DVD folios), and have watched every episode, an incredible feat considering I was introduced to the show only a year ago.

In the very first episode, as President Bartlett’s staff dismisses from its first of many meetings in the Oval, the President calls out to his assistant, “Mrs. Landingham! What’s next?” This phrase became the catch-all statement for the series, the staff always wondering, “What’s next?” and the audience always wondering the same question.

photo courtesy of http://www.kathrynjoosten.com/gallery.shtml

As I think about my time at The Washington Center, and in D.C. this summer, I also ask the question, “What’s next?” It seems the most appropriate question when thinking forward to this new and unknown world I’m about to enter. So, what is next? I don’t yet know, but I am excited to find out!