Hello, DMV. It’s late on Friday, Feb. 6.
It has been two days since “Your Role Is Eliminated” landed in my inbox. I spent more than 8 years in the Washington Post newsroom, then was abruptly fired by email. Harsh.
I’m still processing everything that happened. The 10- to 12-hour routine of my waking hours dissolved in one fell swoop. It’s discombobulating. At times, my monkey mind runs amok. At others, my brain cogs feel gummed up.
Today I responded to reader messages, I met with colleagues and did yoga … to gently propel my life forward. Then tonight, my family and I went to see “Paranormal Activity” at Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Harman Hall, and for a few hours, I left this reality and was taken into another realm.
The fear in the theater was palpable. At times, I was on the edge of my seat. I even put my hands up to my cheeks … like an emoji or Edvard Munch’s Scream. I was rapt.
On the Metro and bus ride home, I realized that I had truly let go of my woes tonight. And for the first time in days, after a night at the theater, I felt good.
Before I sign off, I wanted to let you know that I realize my timing is a bit off this week, but I’ll plan to land in your inbox on weekday mornings and join you at sunrise as you take in that first whiff of your fresh brew.
And here is my first reader-submitted photo. I’ll try to figure out a smart way to collect your submissions, but for now, please email me photos of your life around the DMV for a future newsletter.
Burke Lake in December. (Mike Finkelstein)
