I have lived within a 7 mile radius my entire life. I’m from Maryland, where the steamed crabs are abundant and where “O!” is yelled louder during the national anthem than anywhere else in America! Because my hometown is so small, I usually say I’m from Baltimore. But then I typically get the response, “like where The Wire was filmed??” No. I lived inside the beltway in Baltimore County. I grew up within walking distance to my elementary and middle school. I have vivid memories of getting snowballs with extra marshmallow dipping down my Styrofoam cup, decorating my bike for the local Fourth of July parade, and having more pizza places and hair salons around than people! It was the perfect mix of down-home feel with a dash of city. So, needless to say, when I decided to move to Northern Virginia it was a BIG deal. Yes, it’s not across country but when I told my family and friends, you would have thought I was moving to Denmark.
One thing I’ve learned since moving is Virginia is HUGE! The roads and highways are incredibly wide. There are people walking, running, biking, and driving everywhere. Whole Foods and Targets here are the size of villages. And the trees. The trees are magnificently statuesque. Another thing I’ve learned is you’ll see a lot of this beautifully massive scenery while behind the wheel of your car. Me and my car are now in a serious relationship with one another. Apparently big roads equal bigger traffic. I don’t think I’ll ever understand how something 4 miles away can take 30 minutes to get to or why there’s bumper to bumper traffic on 495 at 10:45pm on a Wednesday evening. Besides the traffic, NOVA (what the cool kids say) has so much to offer. I am having a fabulous time checking out all the different towns. Falls Church, Reston, Leesburg, Old Town Alexandria, Arlington, Tyson’s Corner, and Vienna are all so unique and exciting to explore. I just wish my bank account could handle more of these field trips!
Not only did I move, but my boyfriend, Sean and I decided to get a place together. After countless horror stories about dirty clothes on the floor and toothpaste in the sink, I am happy to say I love living with him:) He is more than I could ever ask for in a boyfriend, friend, and now “roommate”. Now his dog, his dog is a whole other blog post! To add to this monumental time in my life, I helped open the second location of Up-Do's For I Do’s. Our studio is located in the sweet town of Vienna and is stunning! I still can’t believe everything we’ve accomplished and all the amazing things to come. Sky is the limit from here and I can’t describe how immensely happy I am to be a part of it all. Go Team Updos!!
So while I miss the “grittiness” of Baltimore, I have to say I’m liking Virginia more and more each day. While it will never take my hometown’s place, I think it is the perfect area to make new memories in during this crazy thing called life.
xoxo Mindy
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