from capitol hill to the dirty south

i'm leaving dc. i'm leaving this place where i found home, this place where i found family, this place... i'm a little heartbroken at my decision to leave. leaving behind those few places that trigger good memories and +vibes. but the harsh reality is that there is nothing left for me in dc. i've grown tired of the monotony and speed of my life, and the cold (i live in a basement, it's always cold; even in the summer). the monotony has everything to do with the job i worked that after 2years (i worked there nearly 3) in a gross environment has forced me to use an inhaler before+after each work day; doctor's orders. what sewer or factory has caused the deteriation of my lungs? the luxurious grand hyatt in the heart of downtown washington, dc. i tell you this simply so you never stay there. it wasn't too long ago they were on inside edition for disturbing practices in their sleeping rooms, so try to imagine the mold, fungus+pests (mice) that exist in their back halls that i used to walk everyday - the same back halls they'll use to bring you your room service. please excuse the rant, but seriously, never stay there. i understand that i have the ability to change the monotony and speed of things for myself but i have an agenda that involves saving money in hopes of traveling the world in the nearest future possible; and it seems that anything worth doing with those worth doing things with always involves money. and so i cringe. i go out at least half the time but going out means more living paycheck to paycheck and less saving for my dreams, which i just can't have. there are still great people here that i would like to see more of, but the opportunity to better my life has presented itself and i've taken it. in new orleans, louisiana, nola as the natives refer to it, is waiting a new life which i'll begin on the first day of the new year. a new job promising me new opportunites and a new lifestyle awaits. a lower cost of living (maybe because it's the murder/crime capital of the states) and more money awaits which can only help push my dreams to reality. i don't know how i'll adjust to living in the south besides consistantly warmer, darker skin but i figure a year in new orleans might just give me the finances needed to leave this country behind me and find even warmer climates still. i've never done well with stupidity+prejudice, both of which i've been warned exist in mass in new orleans, and tend to speak my mind too bluntly which could simply get me killed once i mouth off to the wrong people. and even though i told myself i'd never live in a red (republican) state, i know nola is quite liberal and as long as i avoid the inbred rednecks on the outskirts i'll hope to avoid trouble and keep my cool. the art community, uptown (where i intend on living) is massive from what i'm told and have researched, and the music scene in new orleans has never quit; ie. the airport is named 'louis armstrong international' (msy for those of you who come visit). food in new orleans is incredible and something i'm really looking forward to. any fish, meat, poultry or reptile can be made into a po' boy and generally speaking all food has a lot more fire than much of the country; it is the home of cajan afterall. they have a festival for damn near everything - the lamest of which seems to be mardi gras. i'm much more interested in jazz fest, voodoo fest, gumbo fest, seafood fest, pie fest to name a few. the casino's are reopened since hurricane katrina and i have been known to play a card or 2 from time to time. there are drive through daquari stands, no open beverage laws, and scores is about to reopen. oh, and i've already looked into joining the local football league which i can't wait to get back into. so it appears there are advantages to the new orleans move beyond financial and i truly look forward to making the move, the change and getting into warmer climates, particularly with the gulf of mexico a short drive away. the beaches in my dreams are never as warm+calming as the real thing and it's been too many years since i've seen a good one. so (pending a terrifying piss test tomorrow) i'm leaving this place, washington, dc, with a little heartbreak but i'll take with me all the memories worth remembering (plenty really) and those worth their salt will be down to visit. dc has been good to me. thanks for the memories, for the family... but most of all for the home. talk soon.