Starting to feel like a local

So I'm really beginning to feel like I know what I'm doing in this city.  I've become very sure of my actions, and I am learning the ins and outs of how to get around the city. For example:

• I no longer need to use the metro map. Well, at least when I'm using the red line, the line which stops closest to me and takes me to work. 
• tourists suck
• I can come out of the metro and orient myself by observing the nearest cross-streets (DC is mapped out as a grid system; Letters starting at A that begin at the Capitol - go north and south and you'll encounter B, C, D streets... then Numbers also starting at the Capitol - and by going east or west you'll cross 1st, 2nd, 3rd...and all the diagonal streets are states.

I'm also enjoying a lot of the "cool and hip" places to hang out in the city, mostly things that only locals know about and are tourist-free. Additionally, I'm really enjoying being able to see the sights one by one, day-by-day. And I even get to eat my lunch in cool places! This week, I took my sandwich and ate on the White House lawn and another day I at ate the Navy Memorial (see below) in front of the Archives building. Loving it!

During the week I find it hard to do any sightseeing, since I come from home from work after 5:30 and am EXHAUSTED after making myself dinner and doing any homework I have to get done. This program wasn't lying: they're keeping me extremely busy!! My professor just assigned us our first bit of homework, I SHOULD be doing a questionnaire assignment right now, but I'm choosing not to... then work, after work events sponsored by the Washington Center and other organizations, and my Civic Engagement project, which starts next week. I found out I will be helping to build a "Green Roof" - a sort of garden oasis on a rooftop. Apparently they're very good for the environment in cities such as this one!