Photo courtesy of cupcakepanda

I love D.C. because it is my home. This city is where I became the person I am and will always be where I come back. Many people think of Washington as a place people move to for a step in their lives – maybe they come to pursue an education or a job, maybe to chase down the grand ideal of “making a difference.” My parents came here for all those reasons and also to raise a child.

The District of my youth was a dirtier place than today though decidedly more punk rock. Nonetheless, my family put down roots here. I grew up assuming Marion Barry actually was Mayor For Life and that every city had the kind of buzzy, intense energy that this one does. Time would prove me wrong on both accounts.

Each Thursday afternoon of high school, my friends would grab a City Paper and congregate by the fountain in Dupont Circle to plan what shows we would go to over the weekend, and would wear our big hand Xs with pride come Monday morning.  Each morning of my college years at G.W., I would walk through Foggy Bottom, watching scruffy college kids, business people, politicians and diplomats happily share the sidewalks. Every spring when cherry blossoms turn the world into the sweetest pink-and-white confection, every winter when a blanket of sparkling snow settles over marble, and every night the red eyes of the Washington Monument blink to remind me that I am home, I am stunned by the beauty and how lucky I am to be of this place.

Washington D.C. has spoiled me. Now, after twenty-three years, I am crossing off the days before I move away. I will be packing my bags for California sooner than I would like to admit. In the meantime, expect me to talk about stuff I love about living here and want you to enjoy as well – the music, arts, museums, and culture all around us. This is a vibrant, cool city if you just look past the stodgy clichés. Also, be prepared for a bit of District nostalgia as my days as a resident dwindle in the city I love.

Brittany Martin

Brittany has tried to leave DC, it just never lasts. She has lived in Chicago, California, and China – but she always comes back home. Brittany is a drinks, nightlife, and style correspondent for We Love DC. Between columns, you can find her on Twitter, Tumblr, or standing by the bar. Email her at brittany(at)welovedc.com.