7:58 p.m
Logan Airport
Gate C36
I ended my internship in D.C. I may or may not have cried while walking to work on my last day. I loved my D.C. summer life, my coworkers, my daily routine, the big black woman, Monty, who worked at my gym (the JCC). I loved stopping off at the farmers market on my way home to pick up veggies. I loved going for walks. I loved visiting my grandmother on weekends. I loved hopping on the MARC Penn Line to visit my friend in Baltimore. I loved Baltimore. For once, I had an internship where I got to do the job I would have if I worked there. And, for once, I loved the job I got to do. But, my time came to an end. I scrubbed my apartment, left some wine and a gift card for SweetGreen, packed my bags and headed North.
I saw my eye doctor in Boston before jumping on a bus down to the Cape. Carrying all my stuff from the last 3 month, eyes dilated with the 4:30 p.m. sun setting in my eyes, I staggered grouchy, groggy and blind around the J-Way streets trying to find my way back to South Station. I was a sorry sight, for sure. I made it home -- real home -- and powered off my cell phone, tucked away my computer and swore off communicating with the outside world (not so hard, as Verizon is spotchy at my parents' house). I had a lovely, hectic few days with my family. I read two books. I slept with no alarm. I got new contact lenses and had my teeth cleaned. We got sand in our shoes and ate homemade ice cream. We went sailing. We had fresh fish, smooth as butter, and baked blueberry crisp. We visited my aunt and walked her dog. We had dinner with my 90 year-old grandmother who still swims laps in the ocean. We saw my grandfather's closet, still part full a mere five months after he passed. We went for runs and walks. We saw shooting stars at the bridge down the street.
We got and gave hugs. We laughed. We cried. We changed our life plans. We yelled. We made new life plans. We loved each other. We told one another we loved each other.
We said goodbye.
....
En route back to Denver. I feel rejuvenated and excited. I found myself again this summer. I was inspired. I have ideas. I have motivation and initiative. The anger abated. The confidence came back. I am myself. I am my self.
This will be my year.
Showing posts with label dc. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dc. Show all posts
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Things to gnaw on
A few thoughts I've had and been meaning to post lately.
1. Why do I automatically think taller people are older than I am?
2. As D.C. actually has tall buildings, I ride elevators more than I do in Denver. Call me old fashioned, but I just think it's the nicest thing when gentlemen let me on and off the elevator first. I know, not so rah-rah feminist of me, but, plain and simple, it makes me feel like a lady.
3. Israeli Couscous is so yummy. Great texture. Quick to cook. Good hot or cold. I love it.
4. I really do hate summer. I try to like it every year, but I just don't. I hate being hot. I hate humidity. I hate when my clothes feel tight and stick to me. I sweat a lot. I don't feel like going outside. I don't feel like moving (let alone working out). I just don't like summer. The only thing summer has going for it is long days of sunlight. Fortunately for me, fall is my favorite season, with winter a close second, and that's what's coming up next!
1. Why do I automatically think taller people are older than I am?
2. As D.C. actually has tall buildings, I ride elevators more than I do in Denver. Call me old fashioned, but I just think it's the nicest thing when gentlemen let me on and off the elevator first. I know, not so rah-rah feminist of me, but, plain and simple, it makes me feel like a lady.
3. Israeli Couscous is so yummy. Great texture. Quick to cook. Good hot or cold. I love it.
4. I really do hate summer. I try to like it every year, but I just don't. I hate being hot. I hate humidity. I hate when my clothes feel tight and stick to me. I sweat a lot. I don't feel like going outside. I don't feel like moving (let alone working out). I just don't like summer. The only thing summer has going for it is long days of sunlight. Fortunately for me, fall is my favorite season, with winter a close second, and that's what's coming up next!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Summer wears on
It's 6:00 a.m. I'm heading to the gym in a minute.
The skies are grey, and it would be a perfect day for crawling back into bed and calling in sick. I've got my proposal, my baby, due today. There are phone calls to Peru to make. My iShuffle playlist awaits me, as I slowly wake up on the stationary bike. These are the summer days we would come out of Mr. Tyler's pool shivering and pretty much blue all over with purple lips. Mom would be waiting with arms open to wrap us in a towel. She'd feel so guilty throwing us into swimming lessons when we're that tiny and had so little body fat to keep us warm, we knew she'd make us hot chocolate on return. With marshmallows. We had it pretty good those days. Mid July is when you start to feel that summer, in fact, is not endless. But you rest assured that there are plenty of sunny days left ahead. More ice cream on Fridays at Smugglers or Captain Frosty's. More s'mores over the cooling barbecue coals. More sunsets at the bridge and shooting stars at midnight walks.
Summer wears on.
At this time of morning just a few weeks ago the sun would be up already. At night, it has started to get dark earlier. Hard to believe I've only three weeks left here in D.C. and just about four weeks until I'm back in Denver. I have this feeling that I'm leaving my real life here. The life that I love. The life that I went to Denver to be able to have. It's a nice affirmation that what I'm doing in graduate school will get me where I wanted (and want) to go. I just have to remember I'm not here yet. One more year. If I do land a job and get myself this real life for more than a summer, it'll all seem worthwhile. It's hard to imagine being in Denver, in school, taking exams, studying things like criminal procedure and evidence, for a whole other year. But, for now, I'll get myself to the gym, pump up my music, and move on with my grey summer day.
Summer wears on.
The skies are grey, and it would be a perfect day for crawling back into bed and calling in sick. I've got my proposal, my baby, due today. There are phone calls to Peru to make. My iShuffle playlist awaits me, as I slowly wake up on the stationary bike. These are the summer days we would come out of Mr. Tyler's pool shivering and pretty much blue all over with purple lips. Mom would be waiting with arms open to wrap us in a towel. She'd feel so guilty throwing us into swimming lessons when we're that tiny and had so little body fat to keep us warm, we knew she'd make us hot chocolate on return. With marshmallows. We had it pretty good those days. Mid July is when you start to feel that summer, in fact, is not endless. But you rest assured that there are plenty of sunny days left ahead. More ice cream on Fridays at Smugglers or Captain Frosty's. More s'mores over the cooling barbecue coals. More sunsets at the bridge and shooting stars at midnight walks.
Summer wears on.
At this time of morning just a few weeks ago the sun would be up already. At night, it has started to get dark earlier. Hard to believe I've only three weeks left here in D.C. and just about four weeks until I'm back in Denver. I have this feeling that I'm leaving my real life here. The life that I love. The life that I went to Denver to be able to have. It's a nice affirmation that what I'm doing in graduate school will get me where I wanted (and want) to go. I just have to remember I'm not here yet. One more year. If I do land a job and get myself this real life for more than a summer, it'll all seem worthwhile. It's hard to imagine being in Denver, in school, taking exams, studying things like criminal procedure and evidence, for a whole other year. But, for now, I'll get myself to the gym, pump up my music, and move on with my grey summer day.
Summer wears on.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Small World story
So, there I was this morning on my way to my grandmother's for lunch and an afternoon visit. It was actually raining out this morning, a welcome change from the oppressively hot, humid D.C. weather. I made a quick stop off at the Firehook Bakery because I like to bring little cookie and scone treats for Grandma (she needs fattening up!). Of course I was running a little late, as usual, when I ran down the stopped escalator down to red line at Dupont. I get into the train, which is surprisingly packed for a weekend. I figure I'll try to get a seat somewhere in the middle because I'm going all the way to the last stop and won't need to push through to get off mid-way. I excuse myself to get by the crowd. Well! I see one empty seat - lucky me - and beeline toward it. Next to the empty seat is an attractive, my-age-ish guy who is smiling at me and patting the seat. He looks at me and says, "There's a seat for you right here" ... it was my friend, Max! Max is the high school friend of my dearest college friend. They went to high school together in Israel. He was born in Egypt, lived everywhere, does International Development theater work and last was living in Sudan. I last saw him about a month ago at our mutual dear friend's wedding in Philadelphia. Turns out, he was just here in town for the weekend or something and was going to some theater plays his friends were in. How crazy is that! We happened to be in the same city, going in the same direction, on the same train, in the same car at the same time. Small world. He said he lives "nowhere" now, was just working on a farm in PA for awhile and is possibly heading back to Sudan soon.
On one hand, I felt like, See! I have so many friends here in the city that I "run into" people randomly. Of course, it was especially nice to run into Max. I always have a particular soft spot for Max because he is such a good friend of my dear friend. I also partly have a soft spot for Max because he and I seem to have similar careers and lifestyles. But, on the other hand, somehow there was something about running into Max that made me pensive and feel a bit sad. As if, out of the whole city, the only person I know is a chance encounter with a friend of a friend. Both of us just passing each other by. We have just 3 stops together before one of us is off in another direction again. And, neither of us actually has a permanent life here, or really anywhere. It was all so quick. Pretty much like all of the times I've been around Max, there was not (will there ever be?) enough time to get to talk about the real things in life.
Isn't that weird, though? Running into someone I know made me feel independent in a small world, and yet immensely alone in a large world. Who knows, maybe it was just the dreary Saturday morning rain...
On one hand, I felt like, See! I have so many friends here in the city that I "run into" people randomly. Of course, it was especially nice to run into Max. I always have a particular soft spot for Max because he is such a good friend of my dear friend. I also partly have a soft spot for Max because he and I seem to have similar careers and lifestyles. But, on the other hand, somehow there was something about running into Max that made me pensive and feel a bit sad. As if, out of the whole city, the only person I know is a chance encounter with a friend of a friend. Both of us just passing each other by. We have just 3 stops together before one of us is off in another direction again. And, neither of us actually has a permanent life here, or really anywhere. It was all so quick. Pretty much like all of the times I've been around Max, there was not (will there ever be?) enough time to get to talk about the real things in life.
Isn't that weird, though? Running into someone I know made me feel independent in a small world, and yet immensely alone in a large world. Who knows, maybe it was just the dreary Saturday morning rain...
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Back at it
Oops, I didn't update for quite awhile. I'm back, though! There's almost too much to say, it's overwhelming. I suppose this is why I left it for so long.
Yesterday I saw a bunch of Orthodox Jews walking by the White house. They were wearing tall black hats, full-length black coats and suits underneath. It was 101 degrees. They weren't walking on the sidewalk, but in the street. I wondered if that was because women were walking on the sidewalk. Then, they were stopped at the crosswalk because cars in the other direction had a green light. One way was clear, so the Jews started walking across the street in a huge pack. But, then a massive truck came rumbling down the street. The Jews hesitated. Some took a step forward, others a step back. Most froze right there in the middle of a four lane street with oncoming traffic. It was like sheep, or a pack of freshmen girls going to a college frat party. Then a car came from the other direction. More confusion. One Jew reached the other side but the rest spread out in a line clear across the street. I thought for sure I was going to witness a Jewish Abby road album cover gone-wrong version.
I can tell the days are getting shorter, although perhaps it's the ridiculous humidity in the morning that diffuses the light differently. I'm not sad that summer is ending because I love fall. I am a tad bit sad to think that my life here in D.C. is ending. I love what I'm doing, have friends here, like having my weekends and evenings (mostly) free. I like being able to hop on a bus up to NYC to visit my brother. I love Trader Joe's and how curly my hair is on the east coast. I love walking to work and catching up with college friends. I like visiting my grandma every weekend.
(The Cuteness. Grandma, not me.)
I had lunch with my boss today. Just the two of us. He wouldn't let me pay, even though I invited him. The internship business is a whole other post, but I am really enjoying my internship and feel so lucky to be having this opportunity.
I've been reading various magazines at the gym. Harper's. The Atlantic. The New Yorker. I really like Harper's. What do other people think? Do you read magazines? Post a comment and tell me which ones you read and like!
Yesterday I saw a bunch of Orthodox Jews walking by the White house. They were wearing tall black hats, full-length black coats and suits underneath. It was 101 degrees. They weren't walking on the sidewalk, but in the street. I wondered if that was because women were walking on the sidewalk. Then, they were stopped at the crosswalk because cars in the other direction had a green light. One way was clear, so the Jews started walking across the street in a huge pack. But, then a massive truck came rumbling down the street. The Jews hesitated. Some took a step forward, others a step back. Most froze right there in the middle of a four lane street with oncoming traffic. It was like sheep, or a pack of freshmen girls going to a college frat party. Then a car came from the other direction. More confusion. One Jew reached the other side but the rest spread out in a line clear across the street. I thought for sure I was going to witness a Jewish Abby road album cover gone-wrong version.
I can tell the days are getting shorter, although perhaps it's the ridiculous humidity in the morning that diffuses the light differently. I'm not sad that summer is ending because I love fall. I am a tad bit sad to think that my life here in D.C. is ending. I love what I'm doing, have friends here, like having my weekends and evenings (mostly) free. I like being able to hop on a bus up to NYC to visit my brother. I love Trader Joe's and how curly my hair is on the east coast. I love walking to work and catching up with college friends. I like visiting my grandma every weekend.
(The Cuteness. Grandma, not me.)I had lunch with my boss today. Just the two of us. He wouldn't let me pay, even though I invited him. The internship business is a whole other post, but I am really enjoying my internship and feel so lucky to be having this opportunity.
I've been reading various magazines at the gym. Harper's. The Atlantic. The New Yorker. I really like Harper's. What do other people think? Do you read magazines? Post a comment and tell me which ones you read and like!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Saturday of nothing
Okay, it was not a Saturday of nothing, but I saw someone this morning with a yellow, 80s-ish tee-shirt that said, "My Saturday of Nothing Tee-shirt" and I thought that was a pretty darn good idea. I couldn't have a nothing Saturday today, but I'm definitely doing it next weekend. Who's in!?
What'd I do? I finished my paper! It's probably not, no wait, I know it's not so good. But, at this point I don't really care.
I skyped Charlie who is now in a subsidized apartment in NYC. Coolness! It was really pretty special getting to see him eat his cereal, especially with the occasional freeze screen. Good stuff.
Anyway, then I rushed off to the Metro and took it all the way to the end. From there I caught a bus and got off in random-land suburbia. I walked 1/2 a mile to my grandma's and showed up smiling, sweaty and received with open door before I even walked up the driveway. Seriously, how did she know I was there? We did chores. (She told me what to do and I did it.) We lunched. I cleaned. We chatted. Goodness, sometimes I just get overcome by emotion! She said something to the effect of "I still talk to Grandpa sometimes, I know that sounds crazy!" and then "I have his Redskins jersey sitting out and I like to touch it and remember Grandpa." Ohhhh, so sad. How does one pull it together to get on with life after losing the person who has been your love, your companion, your best friend, your in-it-together-for-life partner for over 60 years?
On the bus back I sat next to this African guy who had the longest legs. Ever. I swear. The length of my hip to my knee was half of the length of his hip to knee.
I got back and tried to take a nap (humidity + motion induced sleepiness) but couldn't sleep mid-day. I don't do naps. Put in some laundry and meandered over to the gym. I took my time, for once. No paper to write. No study or reading to do. No plans. No nothin'. I loved it!
Actually, I haven't seen any friends all week. I've just seen work people at work (all of whom I met just 4 days ago). Kind of weird to think about that. I'm not lonely, just basking in my ME time to do what I want, when I want. I think I'll live in anonymity a little while longer before I jump into the D.C. world, trying to meet people and learn the city. By the way, I did get 2 lovely pieces of mail from Denver friends -- a card and 2 pairs of running shorts. Lucky me! I have such good friends. :)
Finished off the night by making some Brown Rice, Spinach, and Squash Gatin. It'll make for good lunches. Ah, my Saturday of nothing really was pretty darn good.
What'd I do? I finished my paper! It's probably not, no wait, I know it's not so good. But, at this point I don't really care.
I skyped Charlie who is now in a subsidized apartment in NYC. Coolness! It was really pretty special getting to see him eat his cereal, especially with the occasional freeze screen. Good stuff.
Anyway, then I rushed off to the Metro and took it all the way to the end. From there I caught a bus and got off in random-land suburbia. I walked 1/2 a mile to my grandma's and showed up smiling, sweaty and received with open door before I even walked up the driveway. Seriously, how did she know I was there? We did chores. (She told me what to do and I did it.) We lunched. I cleaned. We chatted. Goodness, sometimes I just get overcome by emotion! She said something to the effect of "I still talk to Grandpa sometimes, I know that sounds crazy!" and then "I have his Redskins jersey sitting out and I like to touch it and remember Grandpa." Ohhhh, so sad. How does one pull it together to get on with life after losing the person who has been your love, your companion, your best friend, your in-it-together-for-life partner for over 60 years?
On the bus back I sat next to this African guy who had the longest legs. Ever. I swear. The length of my hip to my knee was half of the length of his hip to knee.
I got back and tried to take a nap (humidity + motion induced sleepiness) but couldn't sleep mid-day. I don't do naps. Put in some laundry and meandered over to the gym. I took my time, for once. No paper to write. No study or reading to do. No plans. No nothin'. I loved it!
Actually, I haven't seen any friends all week. I've just seen work people at work (all of whom I met just 4 days ago). Kind of weird to think about that. I'm not lonely, just basking in my ME time to do what I want, when I want. I think I'll live in anonymity a little while longer before I jump into the D.C. world, trying to meet people and learn the city. By the way, I did get 2 lovely pieces of mail from Denver friends -- a card and 2 pairs of running shorts. Lucky me! I have such good friends. :)
Finished off the night by making some Brown Rice, Spinach, and Squash Gatin. It'll make for good lunches. Ah, my Saturday of nothing really was pretty darn good.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Officially an Intern
Wowzers, I am pretty tired after my first day of work! I'm interning at the American Bar Association. They have an international division called Rule of Law Initiative and I am working within their Latin America and Caribbean office. So far it's great! Basically we are consultants for international development that focuses on legal systems and promoting good governance and rule of law. The projects involve developing legal systems and laws, implementing reform to make countries have better governance and stronger rule of law. They just got grants to start multi-year projects in 3 countries: Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Belize. They already do work in Mexico, Ecuador, and Panama. I'm super excited and already have fun assignments to work on. For example, part of my job is to read news from Latin America (in English and Spanish) and keep the group informed about daily going-ons. How cool is that!?
Other cool things about the internship: there is a roof top for eatin' lunch, a park a block away, the White House a block away, it's a 20 min walk from my apartment, I have my own nice cube, computer, printer, phone and desk, there's a fitness center (yet to be seen) and my hours are 9-5:30ish. Hurrah!
I made a little shopping trip because I felt a little under-dressed. I also signed up for the JCC gym which is across the street from my sublet apartment. I'm pretty exhausted and didn't get much done on the paper front. Boo.
Other cool things about the internship: there is a roof top for eatin' lunch, a park a block away, the White House a block away, it's a 20 min walk from my apartment, I have my own nice cube, computer, printer, phone and desk, there's a fitness center (yet to be seen) and my hours are 9-5:30ish. Hurrah!
I made a little shopping trip because I felt a little under-dressed. I also signed up for the JCC gym which is across the street from my sublet apartment. I'm pretty exhausted and didn't get much done on the paper front. Boo.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Back in D.C.
Hi all!
Made it through wedding season. I had such a nice time at both weddings and seeing all my wonderful friends. How fun! I am so lucky to have such smart, interesting, thoughtful, pun-y and funny friends. We laughed a lot. The wedding in Nashville was just delightful with a live blue grass band, wildflowers, soul food, and a thunderstorm outside our lantern-lit tent. I had the honor of being a bridesmaid and of reading the seven Jewish blessings. I loved being a part of the celebration.
I have just one paper left and I start my internship tomorrow. I suppose I'll actually start exploring D.C. this weekend or next week when I'm done with the paper. Sigh. I feels like summer but I'm just not quite there, yet. Anyone know anything about how China and Islamic empires are similar, even though China didn't really have religion and Islamic empire did? Submit answers within. I'll footnote you!
One quick story - on the plane home today, Memorial Day, Southwest said a few words of praise for the military and then let any military persons off the plane first as a show of gratitude. A thin, fit woman was the only one who walked off. Then, after she got off, someone on the plane (who, I kid you not, could not buckle his seat belt because his belly/gut was so big) said, "I bet she was just a military brat and just followed daddy around." I could not believe it! Some people are so rude and inappropriate (and insecure?) that they have to disrespect others like that. I was truly ashamed for this man, especially because of how quickly I felt shamed in stark contrast to how proud and impressed I felt when I saw this woman walk off the plane on her day of honor. Really, people? I wish I knew I should have said and then I wish I had the guts to have said it.
What would you have said? In all honesty: is there an appropriate, respectful remark I could have made? Leave me a comment!
Made it through wedding season. I had such a nice time at both weddings and seeing all my wonderful friends. How fun! I am so lucky to have such smart, interesting, thoughtful, pun-y and funny friends. We laughed a lot. The wedding in Nashville was just delightful with a live blue grass band, wildflowers, soul food, and a thunderstorm outside our lantern-lit tent. I had the honor of being a bridesmaid and of reading the seven Jewish blessings. I loved being a part of the celebration.
I have just one paper left and I start my internship tomorrow. I suppose I'll actually start exploring D.C. this weekend or next week when I'm done with the paper. Sigh. I feels like summer but I'm just not quite there, yet. Anyone know anything about how China and Islamic empires are similar, even though China didn't really have religion and Islamic empire did? Submit answers within. I'll footnote you!
One quick story - on the plane home today, Memorial Day, Southwest said a few words of praise for the military and then let any military persons off the plane first as a show of gratitude. A thin, fit woman was the only one who walked off. Then, after she got off, someone on the plane (who, I kid you not, could not buckle his seat belt because his belly/gut was so big) said, "I bet she was just a military brat and just followed daddy around." I could not believe it! Some people are so rude and inappropriate (and insecure?) that they have to disrespect others like that. I was truly ashamed for this man, especially because of how quickly I felt shamed in stark contrast to how proud and impressed I felt when I saw this woman walk off the plane on her day of honor. Really, people? I wish I knew I should have said and then I wish I had the guts to have said it.
What would you have said? In all honesty: is there an appropriate, respectful remark I could have made? Leave me a comment!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
May flowers
Here I sit at a vegan-only cafe in Philly with the hippest of the hipsters and the punkiest of the punks. I have let the bloggie fall to the wayside with the understanding that I would be blogging daily again in the summer. I'm not done with my Quarter work (1 paper, 1 final left), but I've left Denver, not to return until mid-August. The past Quarter was especially hard - law school politics and slaps in the face, grad school politics and less-than-stellar professors, and my internship took a turn for the worst. I have been battling plantar fasciitis and heel spur, so running has been iffy, slow, and painful, if at all. I haven't been dating or meeting anyone. All meals have been pretty much alone and, well, all of Denver has been pretty lonely. All told, I'm pretty much ready for a break from Denver and school.
... Thus! I'm in D.C. for the summer doing an internship. My generous friend, Elizabeth, has kindly let me stay in her Dupont Circle one bedroom place for the summer. It's a beautiful apartment with a twelfth floor view of the city, matching red kitchenware and plenty of books on Latin America. The JCC is across the street and gives 35% off to students. Monty, a big black woman - perhaps not Jewish? - sits at the front desk and takes good care of me. Work is 1 mile away (hellooo showing up sweaty to work!), and I'm excited to start on June 1. More on that later. For now, I hopped on a bus up to Philly for my dear friends' wedding. I'll be here playing with Andi, Uti and Oni (3 yrs) and Kai (4 weeks) for the week, while also working on my paper. Then, I head to Nashville to see Jessica and celebrate Ariel and Sam's wedding.
It feels so good to be back on the east coast. My mind can stop constantly figuring out what time it is ET. My hair is back to true curly with the humidity. There are black people around, and Indians, and Asians, and even white peo who look different from each other. There are people down the street who I want to look in the eyes, talk to, and smile at. I don't feel stressed, even though there are school things to do still.
I will miss the ability to hop on my Italo, my bike, and go for a 60 mile ride. I'll miss meeting Katie on the Platte for a quick 2 hour ride. I'll miss the births of 3 of my friends' babies. I'll miss dry, sunny trail runs until 9 p.m. and bananagrams at St. Marks with Tony and Gracie. I will miss those things. But, I'm looking forward to rejuvenating myself -- will I get to a point where I am excited to be back in Denver, where I feel proud again to be a DU student? I'll just have to see where I will be in 3 months. For now, I am pretty happy to be somewhere new, to be myself, and to be far away from Denver.
... Thus! I'm in D.C. for the summer doing an internship. My generous friend, Elizabeth, has kindly let me stay in her Dupont Circle one bedroom place for the summer. It's a beautiful apartment with a twelfth floor view of the city, matching red kitchenware and plenty of books on Latin America. The JCC is across the street and gives 35% off to students. Monty, a big black woman - perhaps not Jewish? - sits at the front desk and takes good care of me. Work is 1 mile away (hellooo showing up sweaty to work!), and I'm excited to start on June 1. More on that later. For now, I hopped on a bus up to Philly for my dear friends' wedding. I'll be here playing with Andi, Uti and Oni (3 yrs) and Kai (4 weeks) for the week, while also working on my paper. Then, I head to Nashville to see Jessica and celebrate Ariel and Sam's wedding.
It feels so good to be back on the east coast. My mind can stop constantly figuring out what time it is ET. My hair is back to true curly with the humidity. There are black people around, and Indians, and Asians, and even white peo who look different from each other. There are people down the street who I want to look in the eyes, talk to, and smile at. I don't feel stressed, even though there are school things to do still.
I will miss the ability to hop on my Italo, my bike, and go for a 60 mile ride. I'll miss meeting Katie on the Platte for a quick 2 hour ride. I'll miss the births of 3 of my friends' babies. I'll miss dry, sunny trail runs until 9 p.m. and bananagrams at St. Marks with Tony and Gracie. I will miss those things. But, I'm looking forward to rejuvenating myself -- will I get to a point where I am excited to be back in Denver, where I feel proud again to be a DU student? I'll just have to see where I will be in 3 months. For now, I am pretty happy to be somewhere new, to be myself, and to be far away from Denver.
Monday, November 30, 2009
At long last
Quick update:
Philly was fabulous. I love it there. I went to campus and the button, walked by Clark Park farmer's market, ate Ethiopian food, saw my bestest of friends, played with little O., walked around campus, got a new comfy Penn sweatshirt.
Marathon - PR!! WOOOoooo! I finished in 3:10. More on that in another post. I was just so happy, felt stronger (mentally and physically) than I had in other marathons and had an awesome time. I was extremely sore for 2 1/2 days and then life got better.
D.C. was pretty good. Saw the lovely E. for tea at a beautiful little shop with nice wood floors and tables upstairs. Then, got to A. & S.'s place, which was awesome. Such a nice neighborhood, I thought I was walking in the wrong direction because I didn't believe they could live in such a grown-up, nice neighborhood. A. made a delicious dinner, which we enjoyed while visiting with our friends S. and G. (Soooo many couples!). Broken escalator at Dupont circle was my worst nightmare, give post-marathon soreness. Next day I spent with A., visiting her apartment, walking around the mall, work at a cafe and then dinner at good Thai. We baked a little to bring with her for Thanksgiving to M.'s family in Jersey. Finished the day watching an episode of The Office and collapsed into bed.
Wednesday - at long last - saw the family!! Walked a mile down to the Nat'l Geo Museum and waited in a cafe until family trickled in. We went to the Terra Cotta Warriors exhibit (didn't compare to Incans!) and saw a photo exhibit, too. Walked by the White House, had lunch in the old post office building and then Nat'l Gallery of Art. People peeled off in their own directions and baby brother L. and I walked down to the capital building. Sat there and watched the sun set, then got a snack and took the Metro out to 'burbs. Made Cheesecake & watched a movie.
Thanksgiving - hung around, had the meal at cousin's house. Pretty good food, but skimpy on the vegetables and no stuffing! Watched Brother's Bloom with L. that night.
Friday - unveiling. Spent the morning with grandma, went to the cemetery for the unveiling. It was nice, a little sad, but mostly just a nice family gathering. Bummed around at Aunt's house eating without being hungry and talking to sibs.
Saturday ended up being flying back, getting a new phone because the old one died and going to the grocery store. Welcome back to Denver. :/ Miss the fam. already. :(
Back to studying for me...4 finals, 1 paper and 1 presentation before it's over and I go home to play with D.
Philly was fabulous. I love it there. I went to campus and the button, walked by Clark Park farmer's market, ate Ethiopian food, saw my bestest of friends, played with little O., walked around campus, got a new comfy Penn sweatshirt.
Marathon - PR!! WOOOoooo! I finished in 3:10. More on that in another post. I was just so happy, felt stronger (mentally and physically) than I had in other marathons and had an awesome time. I was extremely sore for 2 1/2 days and then life got better.
D.C. was pretty good. Saw the lovely E. for tea at a beautiful little shop with nice wood floors and tables upstairs. Then, got to A. & S.'s place, which was awesome. Such a nice neighborhood, I thought I was walking in the wrong direction because I didn't believe they could live in such a grown-up, nice neighborhood. A. made a delicious dinner, which we enjoyed while visiting with our friends S. and G. (Soooo many couples!). Broken escalator at Dupont circle was my worst nightmare, give post-marathon soreness. Next day I spent with A., visiting her apartment, walking around the mall, work at a cafe and then dinner at good Thai. We baked a little to bring with her for Thanksgiving to M.'s family in Jersey. Finished the day watching an episode of The Office and collapsed into bed.
Wednesday - at long last - saw the family!! Walked a mile down to the Nat'l Geo Museum and waited in a cafe until family trickled in. We went to the Terra Cotta Warriors exhibit (didn't compare to Incans!) and saw a photo exhibit, too. Walked by the White House, had lunch in the old post office building and then Nat'l Gallery of Art. People peeled off in their own directions and baby brother L. and I walked down to the capital building. Sat there and watched the sun set, then got a snack and took the Metro out to 'burbs. Made Cheesecake & watched a movie.
Thanksgiving - hung around, had the meal at cousin's house. Pretty good food, but skimpy on the vegetables and no stuffing! Watched Brother's Bloom with L. that night.
Friday - unveiling. Spent the morning with grandma, went to the cemetery for the unveiling. It was nice, a little sad, but mostly just a nice family gathering. Bummed around at Aunt's house eating without being hungry and talking to sibs.
Saturday ended up being flying back, getting a new phone because the old one died and going to the grocery store. Welcome back to Denver. :/ Miss the fam. already. :(
Back to studying for me...4 finals, 1 paper and 1 presentation before it's over and I go home to play with D.
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