Is August Easy?
That was the mantra I always heard when I moved here. Traffic is diminished, no one’s on the Hill, everyone’s at the beach. That was what I was told, anyhow. I never quite believed it, not working in politics. I had to be downtown, same as always, in the midst of the damp heat, through thunderstorms and sweat, how was this easy?
Is August really easy for anyone in this town? It’s not like most of the Hill staffers are paid well enough to take the month off and head to the beach with their erstwhile public servant bosses. Perhaps those who work on K St. can snag a bit of a respite in all this, what with all the lobbyists disappearing, but I suspect somehow it’s not nearly that simple, either.
What’s the real truth about August in DC? Is it all beach parties and short days? Or is just more insulting to be left working while all the upper level folks head to the beach?
As someone who technically works on K. Street, (hey, K St. flanks my office building), I’d have to say that August is easier commuting-wise (thank you Route 66 for being open for my non-HOV ways) and yes, clients and bosses alike tend to take off more time in August than any other month of the year, leaving us plebs open to longer lunches (word to the wise: steer clear of the crescent trail if you don’t want my slacking from working arse to run you down between 12 and 2 p.m.), as well as earlier happy hours.
I wasn’t aware they lifted HOV on 66 in August, really?
Hm. The second time someone has throw in the “No HOV in Aug” teaser. Is this for real ?