My Heart's Chambers are Filled with Friends

Last week I was in Washington, DC* and New York City visiting and celebrating with friends. It was one of the best trips I've ever taken. I am still bouncing around, happy from it all.


Highlights::

• Staying at my friend, Doe's, house. This place will always, always, feel like home. I love it there (and Doe) so very much.
• All the green things and flowers that grow in the area this time of year. It is so diverse and rich and wonderful. 
• Hanging with JV and little V, who is almost one! 
• Brunch with JB and Bibliodiva. Funny story: JB used to annoy the HELL out of me. And now he is someone I love. Quite fiercely, in fact. And Bibliodiva is such a good friend. I mean that in all its possible depth. We've stayed in touch over the years and have grown closer. I do treasure her so. I think of her often in my day, but most especially when I wear a slip, knit, proofread, and shine my shoes.
• The National Gallery East Wing. I love visiting Rothko. 
• Who am I kidding? I love the West Wing as well.
• Traveling with V. There is nothing like a train ride with a sick one-year-old! (I thought she did very well, but her mama was pretty stressed.)
• Lunch at Union Station with the woman who has had the most profound impact on my professional self, as well as personal. She knows exactly when and how to call bullshit to facilitate the most growth. Love you, L!
• Meeting Alice.
• Dinner at a fantastic Lebanese restaurant in one of my favorite neighborhoods, Old Town, VA with my most favorite Republicans. They also happen to be my favorite everything. 
• Meeting my sister-in-law and her honey in Hell's Kitchen. I think I had the best burger I've ever had. It was so fun to see them on their own turf.
• Walking around NYC and not getting lost! Go, me!
• DPR getting hooded with his PhD from Columbia. I might have cried a bit. Frequently. We have known each other since our first semester of freshman year. For nearly eight years we were inseparable, and then I made a questionable decision and moved away. (Grad school.) I am insanely proud of him. 
• Partying with old and new friends alike!

I miss all of these people so much. I am so fortunate to call all these fine folks my friends, but I still reserve the right to complain that we are nearly 2,000 miles apart. Regardless of who moved first.


I even met a bloggy friend, Alice!!!!! I even got to hear this story - IN PERSON! I didn't experience any awkwardness, especially as she is the very same person in real life as she is online. She is genuine, and I just adore her. Thanks for meeting me in a sketchy Rosslyn bar, Alice!


Stupidly, I did not take any pictures with Alice. I took very few pictures the entire week. This did not surprise A. one bit. As he said, "You get distracted, you know, because you experience the moment, rather than photograph it."  Or, I am a simpleton who cannot remember to get my camera out of my purse.


It was truly a fantastic week. I saw so many people dear to me. I missed a few, too. (RB!!)


Friends are good. They are powerful, indeed.


The title of this post may seem a bit much, but I stand by that statement all the way.


++++


*I feel like a goober spelling out "Washington, DC" instead of just stating, "DC." A. says it is a stuck up Washington-insider type of thing. I don't think so. Do you think of "Washington, DC" or "DC" when you think of that bastion of corruption and super inflated egos?

Friday Five

1.
I am trying to remind myself that all people deserve respect in that they, too, are human beings with their own dreams, disasters, loves, and losses.

But it is so hard in the face of so much stupidity, selfishness, and just plain meanness.

I have a long way to go.

2.
Suddenly, I have become and "involved" sort of person. I am serving on a community committee to form and improvement district through the county and serve on a committee of our local Main Street Program.

Much to my surprise, I am loving it.

3.
My Thesis Advisor is also on this committee. I decided "fuck it," I am doing what I want and giving this man not one more ounce of control over my life, ever again.

4. A. and I watched We Bought a Zoo last night. A few things:

• I cried my eyes out. So many, many things in this movie resonated with me, quite deeply.
• I HHHHHAAAATTTEEEE crying at movies, books, etc. I try to avoid such experiences whenever possible.
• If I were guaranteed to have my child be that little girl, Rosie, I would get knocked up RIGHT NOW. She would be fun to raise. Oh, my lord, did I ever adore her. 
• I want to buy a zoo. 

5.

I leave tomorrow for DC, then I am taking a train to NYC for my best friend's graduation. Mr. Smartypants is getting his PhD. I am so stinking proud of him.  Holy cow, you guys.

I cannot wait! Friends! City noises and commotion! Food!

I am soooo looking forward to the food! I miss good restaurants. Which is a bit of a problem, what with all this Weight Watchers nonsense. I finally, actually, stuck to it for a week and lost 3 pounds! Now I shall gain that all back and more, I am sure! And I will be disheartened.

I'll do the "don't eat bread at dinner," " choose one: a drink or dessert?" kind of stuff, but it shall be no match for the yumminess I have in store. Besides, I am so far removed from such possibilities in my everyday life I am not really creating behaivors I could possibley carry out here.

In other words, this next week is a Special Occasion. And I shall take full advantage of it.

Yay to fabulous restaurants!  DCers - what are some of your favorite places? Also, want to try to meet up somehow?

Happy Friday to you!