Chantilly, VA (USA)

Tough to wake up early (0600), but didn't want to be late! Found out that getting on the Fairfax County Parkway was actually really easy from Bob's - took it all the way back to I-66 (not much traffic). Discovered a few radio stations, including "Federal Radio"... Only traffic I encountered was at the VA-28 and I-66 intersection - but still was about 45 minutes early for my new job orientation in Chantilly. Had a great breakfast at a place called Eggspectation - a high-end place with unique egg-related food (very good, actually). Orientation started nearby around 0845 - a great experience. Not only was I excited about getting into something new, but it has been over 20 years since I was true civilian and this was totally different than a new squadron indoctrination brief. Met some nice people, including Phil, who will be working at the same office as me. Finished the introductions around 1215 and then explored "The Campus" of the HQ. Lunch at the cafeteria there. Heard more about the chaos at the company who hired me in June (but never got me started over the Summer...). Glad I've joined this firm! Phil and I split up and headed into the city - he went via Orange Line and I drove back to Huntington to try the commute from there. It wasn't too difficult (just traffic on the way there and then a train that sat at the station for about 10 minutes for some reason...). Got off at L'Enfant Plaza and found my bearings OK - I'm so close to the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum I've been visiting for years (at least THAT is familiar). Found Lee waiting for me at the School Street Office - got introduced around the building and set up with my cubicle and computer... Spent a few hours there before departing for home (1700). One of my new co-workers, Sabrina, showed me how to use another Metro Station entrance and find my platform (she uses the Yellow Line, too). When I got to the Huntington Station again, I followed the masses and realized that nothing in the parking garage looked familiar. I walked nearly every level in the place before I realized there were three different garages and several ways to get in/out of the Station. This the first time in as long as I can remember where I was truly worried I'd be unable to find my car! Eventually, I found it in the last place I looked - at the bottom of the complex near Huntington Avenue (I hope I don't make THAT mistake again!). Limped home to Bob's place and had leftovers for dinner. Watched some football (good game, actually) before heading to bed (tired...).