Have you gotten a chance to see the Justin Timberlake's new SNL sketch
with his "Ville" series? Used to be Omeletteville, Homelessville, this
time... he's introduced
VEGANVILLE.
After watching this, I realized how much I have changed my eating habits since moving here to my new neighborhood. I live in a spot close to D.C. that has a little "village" of its own, complete with a "restaurant row", theaters, library and supermarket. There are many words I could use to describe it...
Upscale, modern, green, gluten-free, contemporary, fancy, new-age, neo, happy, artsy, clean... I digress.
So, since I have moved here, I have somehow adapted to the lifestyle of the villagers here. They walk their dogs all the time. There's never a day I don't run into a dog either in the elevator or outside of the building trying to do their dirty business (or clean business... it depends I suppose). The canine types also do a great job in promoting fitness, as proven by the large biking/running community here. If everyone here can take their dogs outside and endure the gusty winds and snow and humidity to run it out, why can't I?
In ADDITION to the large active community here (parks everywhere), most of the restaurants/cafes here are not complete without their gluten-free/vegetarian/vegan options. People talk about Whole Foods and Trader Joe's--in Oak Harbor, I had never stepped foot in one of these stores. Cooking for one all the time leads to TONS of leftovers. I can basically eat the same dish for five whole workdays. When I make a dish with brocolli rabe, tofu and squash, pasta and random vegetables... I'm set for a while. Saves time on cooking and leaves more for fitness during the week, usually after a sedentary workday (hello cubicle tour).
ALSO...
Transportation -- they promote such an active lifestyle, and a greener planet (more than I've ever felt even in Seattle) by providing access to a metrobus/metrorail. My car drives 7 miles total each work day. On weekends or weeknights, I take the bus located ONE block from my apartment.
How can you not get sucked in?
So when the weather started to get better (post our so-called "Snowquestration" holiday), every runner came out of the woodworks. The sun (however still windy) called my name and I took an opportunity to do my last "long run" before the big race. Enjoy the pictures.
A women's crew team practicing along the Potomac River
Running towards the monument from the West
Had to stop and take a quick photo of the Lincoln Memorial
Carousel on the National Mall
What I thought to be a Powder Puff football going on (lots of guys and girls in Pink)
Reached the Ulysses S. Grant memorial and the Capitol
fun fact: the Grant statue is the second-largest equestrian statue in the U.S., fourth-largest in the world
Washington Monument from the East
Living here is better for my health and mental well-being. I'm relatively stressed out, and there is plenty to learn out here... I'm glad I made the choice to move to such an area so rich in diversity, history, and culture. Plus, it seems like everyone I've ever met has found their way to this city as well...
:)
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