Good Stuff from Joan Eisenstodt

Today marks my 30th anniversary as a Washingtonian.  I moved to DC on this date, 1 July, in 1978. 

My early years were spent in Dayton, Ohio.  For school and early jobs I lived in Des Moines, IA, and South Bend, IN.  My Midwestern roots are strong.

When I moved to DC, I had no idea that it was a place where the residents had taxation without representation.   In those first months, I met and got to know the wonderful  Jo Butler, a long-time advocate for rights for DC's citizens.  What an amazing woman - so full of life and a desire for liberty.  She certainly shaped my early days here and helped me always remember to promote rights for District residents. (That sure wasn't taught in the Dayton public schools!)

DC easily became my home - the  museums and public spaces that, though owned by the Federal Government, are the places DC residents, along with tourists and suburbanites, learn and play, and relax.  This small town, in spite of being the seat of government,  is a place that gave me access while never intimidating me.

Interestingly, with the tens of thousands of miles I travel each year, I have learned to make "any place I hang my hat" my home. (Thanks, Johnny Mercer and Harold Arlen.)  Recently, at a hotel in Seattle, a friend visited.  She too noticed that I did make my room feel like mine - that I had my 'stuff' (like Opus) out and my clothes unpacked even for this short 3 night stay.

Like many of you, I sometimes wake up in a hotel room and panic - having no clue where I am.  Or once home in DC, wake up and wonder why the light is on the other side of the room.

Home - sometimes I think of it still as Dayton; sometimes it's the hotel room in which I find myself for a night or two; always, it's DC - not a city really - just a District and a place where I will feel at home for many years to come.  I am glad I chose it.