Evening ride home, its after 7, the metro is still busy, some friends talking in russian. The reminder of the people, eyes closed or practicing the etiquette of the thousand yard stare, no eye contact, find a point on the car door, seat or even a poster and proceed to stare at it, eyes unmoving.

Day much better, the people from yesterday returning calls, a great meeting with a small creative company over in Georgetown, trying to think of the last time I was there, it much be 6 or 7 years, its not changed much, just enough to cause a slight disorientation of where I was. The feel of Georgetown much different from DuPont Circle, more DC in terms of people being more professional or monied, a contrast to the urban funkiness of Dupont. Much more big chain restaurants, the Clyde's, Five Guys, Gap, more corporate. Which strikes me that aside from a Cosi, Chipotle and a Starbucks, the northern side of Dupont doesn't really have any chains, shop or restaurant.

The customer themselves, a small 10 person creative company, as ever marvelling at the work, and the beauty of truly great creative design. Also it reflects in their surroundings, the layout of the offices and personalities, Xboxes and Foosball tables lying around, felt good to be introduced to the staff as "Our new partner", that's another one officially in the bag.

I saw this Maya Angelou quote today while at my client visit. "If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love. Don't be surly at home, then go out in the street and start grinning 'Good morning' at total strangers."

Much of what she says appeals to me, this one particularly, possibly because of the changes I've recently been through, and through breaking out of that rut, and also my demeanor even when things weren't so good in recent months. That a smile, and not putting on a happy face for the sake of others but in finding something good in each day really makes a difference. I always pause outside of the door of the office, collect my thoughts a second before coming in, greet Randi with a cheery hello and answer of "Splendid", "Great" or "Wonderful" when asked how I am..it really makes that difference in other people. Randi made a comment this morning that she just realised after I came in this morning, that I've only been here three weeks, and yet the mood has changed, there's an optimism and a happiness where before it was a quieter, people doing their own jobs culture - I don't feel that is down to me at all, but everyone else as a team, and a few of the things we've done together building everyone's attitude, not mine. This really is a great place to work, as Randi said on her Birthday, though she only works morning with us, this is the best place she could ever hope to be. Though as she is now on her way with family to London for vacation and will be going to Carluccio's tomorrow night in Covent Garden, that view should bloody well change, hope she doesn't forget my Marmite and cookbook :-).