You all know I’m happy here in Denver. That doesn’t mean the move didn’t come without any pain.
I grew up in the suburbs of DC, went to college in upstate New York, and then lived in DC for 5.5 years. I recently realized that this is the longest I’ve ever been away from home. Yes, I still refer to the DC area – and my parent’s house – as home.
I’m going home next week for 10 days and I’m very excited. The upcoming trip is reminding me of all the things I miss in DC.
An easy bike to work. I used to get to work in 15 minutes flat. It was all downhill so I could wear my work clothes and barely break a sweat (except in July, of course, when you break a sweat from being outside for more than 2 minutes).
The monuments. 
This picture was taken to help one of my cousins with a school project
Pete’s Apizza. I’ve had some OK pizza in Denver, but nothing compares to Pete’s. There are a bunch of other restaurants I miss, but anyone who read this blog during my marathon training last summer knows my obsession with Pete’s.
Being in the know. I knew about awesome restaurants and bars in DC. We’ve gone out to here, but I still don’t know much outside my neighborhood.
Rock Creek Park. I spent many days walking or running through RCP. It will always have a special place in my heart. Except the times Leela tore her Achilles. 
Swimming at Wilson. This pool is not only amazing, but FREE for DC residents. I’ve heard Denver has some nice rec pool, but for now I’ve been using the tiny pool at my 24 hour fitness. With every stroke in my little gym pool, I miss the big, beautiful pool at Wilson. Luckily I already have a swim date with Nyema lined up!
Our house. Neil and I bought our first house, in Columbia Heights, in summer 2009. We are currently renting it out, so technically it is still ours, but obviously it is not the same. This house holds a lot of memories – including our engagement on the front porch.
Family and friends. This doesn’t really need explanation. I’m close to my parents and I had met some wonderful people over the years.
It has been a lot harder than I thought it would be to start over. Sometimes I’m sad that I don’t have a ton of friends in Denver yet, but I’m thankful that I do have a few people who I already know will be in my life forever.
See you in 8 days DC!
hey lady! i hear you on missing stuff from home (and by stuff i mean food, people, and animals too). i think i’m still in the honeymoon stage with denver, but i definitely hate feeling like all of my friends are doing fun things that i’m not, and that my parents are bored without their fabulous daughter around. but pretty soon we’ll have memories and those comfortable home-like feelings about about denver. i am optimistic. i hope you have fun on your trip back east!
oh and your little little elopement story is just adorable.
I still call MD home too. It’s funny though, I feel like I am totally in the know about restaurants and bars and stuff in Atlanta but when I go to DC, I know absolutely nothing.
If Pete’s truly is “New Haven style” then I totally understand why you miss it!! I live in CT and used to live right in New Haven, around the corner from one of the best – Modern Pizza. New Haven style pizza is awesome.
I plan to be in your life forever- I hope you dont mind.
I have the same feelings about DC as well.
But here’s to making memories in Denver!
what you don’t miss: the weather of the last week. glad you are here visiting!
Hey Liz,
Glad you’re liking Denver. Do you have an email address associated with the blog, or any method by which you can be reached that’s less public than the comments section. Congrats on starting Insanity; GL! Thanks!
I’m catching up on your last few posts! Are you in DC now? I’ll be out in Denver next week!
I think about the things that I’ll miss when we eventually move out there- and there are lots. But really, I don’t think anything can compete with the beauty that you see every single day (and I’m pretty sure you don’t take those mountains for granted!)
Oh- and I’ve got to try that pizza place I guess!