Today is Sept. 11. I can't believe it's been two years since September 11, 2001. Part of me feels like it was yesterday; part of me feels like it's been forever. I've seen footage of the attacks, watched news specials, read articles-- but I still get goosebumps whenever I read or watch about it. Of which I'm kind of glad. I hope I never get so used to it or so immune to it that it stops shocking me.

When I get to the Metro station this morning, I noticed security people who aren't usually there. While I was riding the Metro, the train stopped at 8:46 (at the Pentagon station, coincidentally) and we were asked over the intercom to observe a moment of silence. I was struck by how weird it was to be in D.C., near the Pentagon.... I can't even imagine being here two years ago. (I was also struck by these two guys, and a guy and a girl near them, who were having not so quiet conversations during the minute of silence. Did they not know it was a moment of silence? Or did they not care? I wonder...) When I got off the Metro, I noticed a bunch of American flag posters in people's windows, and huge American flags hanging off buildings... including my building. I work a block away from the White House, so I'm thinking at that exact moment, the President was probably on the front lawn doing something. Everything seemed very normal, except for these small examples that reminded me that 9/11 will never be an ordinary day.

The point of this reflection? I don't think there is one. I'm just feeling very melancholy and sad today. I need a hug.