As all other bloggers have said, it's crazy we've been here over three weeks. Between my internship, teaching myself how to cook, spending time at happy hour and my TWC assignments, time is flying by! I feel like my whole life changed in only a few short days. I must say though, it's been a pretty easy transition into the D.C. lifestyle.

One of the best things about going to a new place is trying out new restaurants and finding favorites. D.C. really has a wide variety of foods and flavors from food trucks to international specialties. The food in the area is eclectic and diverse just like the people from all around the world that call D.C. home. Good eats and good values can be found all around the city, especially if its happy hour.

I never had experienced a happy hour before moving to D.C. and I have to say they really are a blast. After the work day is done (usually on Thursdays and Fridays) you can hit up local bars and restaurants to decompress and chat with friends and colleagues. Friday at 5 o'clock hoards of people flood bars to celebrate the arrival of the weekend. It's a great time to mingle and meet new and interesting people. One I'll point out is 18th Amendment -- because an immediate favorite of mine and a few other interns from TechAmerica. The cool atmosphere, bumping jams, and most importantly half-priced flatbread pizzas quickly put it at the top of our lists. Definitely check them out, they have awesome food and drink specials. Another fun place to go with co-workers is Penn Quarter Sports Tavern. It's the ideal spot to catch the game and though I must warn of pricey drinks, they have Angus sliders that are to die for.

Happy Hours -- a D.C. staple!

Fashion

In the last few weeks of my life has changed dramatically -- and so has my wardrobe. No more college comforts like jeans and sweats. It's time for the big leagues and a big fashion improvement. Before heading to D.C. it was definitely time to go shopping. Having a professional wardrobe is really important so that you are taken seriously in the work place. I'm sure a lot of the interns put effort into work appropriate outfits before starting their internships. After some fashion-savvy research I knew what I was looking for and I bought a lot of mix and match items. A few messy dressing rooms later, I found myself dressed head to toe in professional attire and definitely ready for my first week of interning.

This past Thursday Georgetown hosted a huge event called Fashion's Night Out. I hit the town with my new roommates to get a taste of D.C. trends as well as free goodies along the way. Restaurants throughout Georgetown graciously offered hors d'oeuvre and wine to fashion guests all around. The event was a huge hit and a great way to meet people and catch up on what's hot in the D.C. area.

Ladies night out in Georgetown!

Fashion has also come into play in my life in a different way. For my Civic Engagement project I have decided to partner with an organization called Suited for Change. The organization helps women make a positive life change by not only holding numerous skill and confidence building workshops but also by giving women suits and other professional clothing to go on interviews and job searches. I really appreciate the organization's mission and plan on holding a drive to donate to their clothing bank and Suited for Change boutique.

Fabulousness

D.C. is definitely welcoming to a fabulous lifestyle. Waking up and going to work is so different from college life. D.C. just makes you feel so official. Each day starts off with taking the metro. Now the metro isn't exactly something I would describe as fabulous, but its definitely a unique way to start the mornings. For those who love people watching, the metro is the prime observatory. There are so many different types of people -- each with their own morning mission. No matter what is on the agenda you can tell people bustling to work are feeling normally all-but-fabulous. It's early, stuffy, and crowded but one way or another everyone finds their way to work!

I, on the other hand, am loving public transportation. It's easy, fast, and most importantly for college students -- cheap. I've never used public transportation before moving to D.C. and my experience so far with it has been positive. Once at work I get to sit down at my own work space, get coffee, and excitedly receive my assignments for the day. It's exceptionally fun when I get to attend various TechAmerica committee meetings. The conversations are interesting and there are always important industry figures.

Another really cool thing about TechAmerica is getting to eat lunch on the roof and overlook the city. I and the other interns have had some great chats up there and really enjoyed the atmosphere.

Rooftop lunches with a view to die for!

For those of you who love the fast-paced and enjoy being productive, D.C. is definitely the place to be. It is fabulous in it's own way and such an exciting place to live. I can't wait to see what other adventures the city has in store for me.

Elise, enjoying the Metro (perhaps a bit too much)!