Splat! Other things I've learned in DC.

While I do not miss the rigors of residency, I do miss my Dansko clogs. Twice now I've completely wiped out when I've twisted my ankle on one of my heels (both times the left one- I've learned that my left ankle is weaker than the right. This knowledge has come both from wearing heels while walking to the Metro and doing yoga.) The first wipe out came when I was running to the last day of the conference. It was a Saturday morning and the light was about to change. I thought, "I can make it!" and I jogged past the intersection. Just as I was approaching the other side to victory feeling like a real city-girl I twisted my left ankle and fell in the intersection. My shoe flew off (like two feet in front of me) and I dropped my bag. A girl was jogging the other way and asked, "Are you hurt?"
"Just my pride", I answered. I gathered up my stuff and got into the conference as quickly as possible.
The second wipe out was on Tuesday. I bought some very pretty Nine West black heels for a great price and was so excited about them! They are mules with about a 2 inch heel. Well, walking down the hill to the metro, again my left ankle turned and I fell right onto my left knee and dropped my bag. This time there was a woman walking behind me who asked, "Are you ok?" and I replied that I was.
As she walked past me I heard her say to the party on the other end of her cell phone, "No, no, the woman who was walking in front of my just fell down." When I got to the office and examined the damage I had skinned my knee pretty good BUT I did not tear my beloved black Express pants! Score! I'll take the skinned knee, it will heal.

So I've learned that my left ankle is weak and that I'm not great in heels, but better honestly than I thought I would be.
I've learned that I hate, hate, hate wind, especially cold wind! I'll take 115 any day over 18 with a blistering wind that rips your face off bit by chilly bit.
I've learned why people get mugged- because you always have to carry cash! For the Metro, for a taxi, etc. When you're not just hopping into your car, you need to have some cash on you.
I've learned that if I have a 30 minute commute to work I'd rather be on a train than on a highway.
Handing out your business card in DC is the equivalent of a handshake. When you walk into a meeting, everyone's card gets passed around. It's the standard greeting.
I've learned that while there are few physicians on the Hill, we are in good hands with our Lobby teams. Every specialty I've seen has been very well represented by their Lobbyists. They are well-versed and truly do work for us.
I'm learning to coordinate clothes each morning and how to not rely on scrubs every day.
Food in DC is incredibly expensive.
Driving in DC sucks.
I like the city (though prefer not to drive myself).

I'm sure I'll think of some more... but here are things I've learned besides politics and legislation.