For the past year of my life I’ve been traveling several times a month the 2 hours each way from DC to West Virginia to hang out with the coolest people to ever set foot on this earth.
That’s all going to change in 2 weeks. By the grace of the job gods and a little push from a few excellent ladies who know who they are, I have a new position outside of the city. I’m (hopefully) signing a lease this weekend and moving my stuff into a place in Maryland.
I’ve never been so scared AND excited in my life. Mostly excited. The truth is I love my current life. My mom is the best person in the whole world and the house I’ve lived in for all these years is comfy and perfect in my eyes. It’s where I had my annual new years eve sleepovers, fell in love with countless high school boys (who of course all turned out to be bad news), and got lectures from my dad about why it was inappropriate to wear a leopard mini-skirt to school.
My three lovely cats are assholes, but also excellent and cuddly. I get full control over the DVR. There’s an endless supply of hot pockets.
My current job can be pretty cool sometimes and I couldn’t ask for a better boss. I still have an amazing group of friends from my high school class and former jobs, and even though most of them only pass through the area on holidays, there are a few in the area that I’ll really miss.
But it’s time to move on.
I’ll miss West Virginia. It’s pretty and there’s always a back road I can take home with no traffic, no matter the time of day. The people can be horrible as they can be in any place, but mostly they’re great. As cheesy as it sounds, it’s sometimes nice to see a familiar face walking down the street. This slow, laid-back atmosphere will be the hardest thing to shake. West Virginia has been good to me.
But it’s time to move on.
So I’m packing my boxes. I’m trying to figure out whether one really needs four feather headbands, two hundred pairs of earrings, or five different kinds of body wash. I’m leaving this place. For good? Who knows. It depresses me beyond belief to think that I’ll never live in this house again, so I just won’t think about.
All I know is I’m moving to “DC.” I put it quotations because I know for any of you who live inside the city, living in DC is means living inside the city limits. But for a girl who is excited beyond belief to be able to get to a metro stop– any metro stop– without driving an hour and a half, where I’m going is DC. I’ll be proud to call it my home.
deutlich says:
those 200 pairs of earrings should DEFINITELY come with you
just sayin
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November 10th, 2009 at 5:59 am
moooooog35 says:
Wow. Big step.
Dial-up Internet has lost it’s best customer.
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November 10th, 2009 at 6:01 am
BigSis says:
Congrats! You will make the Metro DC area more fun!
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November 10th, 2009 at 6:07 am
Patrick says:
Congrats on the next step of your life- it will be challenging but you are going to love it!
BTW that song was written for VA, haha!
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November 10th, 2009 at 6:22 am
Daisee579 says:
That is awesome!! I’m moving in 2 weeks too!!! But to the extreme opposite of the country – I’m moving to California. Good luck with your move, I know you’re going to enjoy it! And as for feeling depressed about leaving home? You’re only going to be an hour and half away, so you can always go home to visit
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November 10th, 2009 at 7:10 am
Slightly Undone says:
Oh my gosh! I am so excited for you! You are living my dream
I’m stuck in Richmond, VA…not too far but def not DC.
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November 10th, 2009 at 7:15 am
Ben says:
So excited for you!
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November 10th, 2009 at 7:18 am
GingerMandy says:
whooo! congrats! jealous, party of one…
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November 10th, 2009 at 7:29 am
MinD says:
Best of luck with the big move!!
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November 10th, 2009 at 7:30 am
Jamie says:
That’s awesome Maxie! I’m so so excited for you. I need to come visit.
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November 10th, 2009 at 7:38 am
notsojenny says:
moving sucks but being in a new place is awesome!! congrats!!
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November 10th, 2009 at 7:47 am
emrlds says:
seriously, SO excited for you. it is definitely a big move, but it will be totally worth it. i’ll be thinking lots of good thoughts for you! =) xo
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November 10th, 2009 at 7:47 am
Amanda says:
That is awesome! Congrats! YAY for no more dial up!
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November 10th, 2009 at 7:52 am
flippy says:
Moving to a new place (especially when you’re uprooting your life) is always bittersweet and difficult, no matter the circumstances. While it will be tough at first, you’ve got dozens of people who will definitely be there for you when you need them — whether it’s a friend to go out with or a shoulder to lean on.
Yea to no more long weekends of driving!
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November 10th, 2009 at 7:54 am
lemmonex says:
Max, I am so happy and really think you have handled this all so well. It is a lot of change at once and, as always, you are going about it like a star.
God, I think there is about to be way more tequila in my life.
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November 10th, 2009 at 8:10 am
k8 says:
You can be a little melancholy, but girlfriend! You are taking a leap of faith here. Go! And enjoy! And know that you’re taking the next step your fabulous life. As my recovery dad always says, “Make a decision. And if it’s not what you thought it was going to be. Make another decision.” It really is that simple!
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November 10th, 2009 at 8:11 am
Liebchen says:
Congrats on everything! DC-proper or not, you’re still a heck of a lot closer.
(And *four* feather headbands? That’s kind of awesome.)
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November 10th, 2009 at 8:41 am
KT says:
Congrats on the job and the big move! I’m so jealous you’re going to be living in “DC!” But this means I can come down and draw you like a tiger every weekend…
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November 10th, 2009 at 8:43 am
jenniferalaine says:
I’m SO EXCITED for you and proud of you and I am even more motivated to find a job in that city so we can drink and go to brunch and be awesome.
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November 10th, 2009 at 8:46 am
phampants says:
Maxie, I’m so glad that you’re moving closer to DC. I can’t wait until I’m back out there and we can start our debauchery again. Only then will you no longer be dead to me. =)
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November 10th, 2009 at 8:50 am
Ed Adams says:
Congrats.
You moving to the murder capital of the world.
Enjoy!
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November 10th, 2009 at 9:00 am
Tricia says:
Cheers!!! I’m moving from WV back to MD here by the first of the year as well!!! So excited
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November 10th, 2009 at 9:04 am
Tricia says:
Cheers!!! I’m moving from WV back to MD here by the first of the year as well!!! So excited
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November 10th, 2009 at 9:05 am
Alice says:
YAY!!! ’twill be awesome. your feather headbands will make dc a better place.
and plus, you’re only 2 hrs from your home and your family. it was super easy to get to dc whenever you wanted to, so it will be just as easy to get back to WV whenever you want or need
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November 10th, 2009 at 9:09 am
Laura says:
Congrats! Good luck with the big move.
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November 10th, 2009 at 9:39 am
JoLee says:
DO you know how happy I am that you’re only two Metro stops away from me??? Two! The Metro DC area welcomes you with open arms… please be kind.
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November 10th, 2009 at 10:03 am
miss. chief says:
YAY! Adventure time!
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November 10th, 2009 at 10:49 am
Paula says:
OOOHHHH, how exciting!!!
All the best with your big move Maxie!!!
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November 10th, 2009 at 10:59 am
Jess says:
Yay! I’m so excited for you! This is going to be AWESOME.
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November 10th, 2009 at 11:00 am
brad says:
I feel like our team just landed the most sought after free agent around. We’re awesome, but you will make us so much better.
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November 10th, 2009 at 11:06 am
RachelSmiles says:
congrats maxie! we’re happy to have you closer!
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November 10th, 2009 at 11:18 am
LA Cochran says:
Welcome! (And don’t even get me started on the city versus suburbs crap.)
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November 10th, 2009 at 11:19 am
Jaime says:
You should see my collection of body wash…
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November 10th, 2009 at 11:43 am
Meghan says:
Everyone should have four feather headbands. It should be the law.
And congrats on taking the leap, you’re not closing the door but opening another one wide open for adventure.
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November 10th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Marie says:
YAY!!! Congrats on everything lady! It’ll be so great having you here!
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November 10th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Toe says:
Congratulations on the new job and new place.
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November 10th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
E.P. says:
How exciting for you! Looking forward to all the adventures you are sure to have in the DC area!
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November 10th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Katie says:
I am so incredibly excited for you to be moving on this way! It’s the right direction and being scared means its just a new realm for you to explore.
I’m coming to visit you ASAP.
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November 10th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
bianca says:
Congrats Maxie! That’s really exciting!
When I moved to CA, I told myself that it was only for the 4 years of college and that I would definitely move back to Chicago when I was done. When I decided to stay in CA, it was the most exciting and scariest experience of my life. Crying and being upset about never living “at home” again while being over the moon excited about calling a new place home is really complicated, but I promise that it’s worth it. I’m sure you’re going to have an amazing journey!
And yes – you absolutely need all the headbands, earrings, and body wash.
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November 10th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Megkathleen says:
So exciting! Good luck on the move!
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November 10th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Courtney says:
Yay for moving, but nay for packing. I hate packing. And living at home.
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November 10th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
Angela says:
Congrats on the new job Maxie! I’m excited FOR you for the move!! I hope you don’t stress too much when the time gets closer!
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November 10th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
katelin says:
so excited for you! i can’t wait to hear what stories come out of your dc adventures now that you’ll always be there
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November 10th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
Walter says:
Change holds great opportunities. Be sure to learn along the way and keep your eyes open.
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November 10th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Allison says:
very exciting and good for you! You won’t look back!
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November 10th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
alexa - cleveland's a plum says:
i’m so proud of you my friend.
love you.
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November 10th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
Kez says:
I wish you all the best! A new chapter of Maxie-mum adventures huh? Yes, I made a BAD pun out of your name.
Have fun
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November 11th, 2009 at 12:30 am
Andrea says:
Congrats on the big move! That’s so exciting and awesome. And of course, if yinz (hah) ever find yourselves up my way, let me know!
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November 11th, 2009 at 7:52 am
Susan says:
Good luck with the move and congrats!
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November 11th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
Mermanda says:
Such a thoughtful post.
Good luck, Maxie. Your adventure awaits you!
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November 13th, 2009 at 9:38 am