Monday, October 18, 2010

DC: Monumental fun...

Okokok... I am completely aware of the lameness of the title of this blog post so no need to remind me... it's tough coming up with these!

I just got back from a fantastic trip to one of my most favorite cities on Earth: Washington DC! This was one of those, "I gotta get the hell outta dodge" trips where I just went on my own to take a break from the status quo...

I don't know if you have ever traveled alone but it is one of the best feelings on Earth. You meet TONS of people, give yourself your FULL attention and, for once, do exactly what you want to do when you want to do it. It. is. awesome.

My first night I met up with friends and my friend's friends and went out to eat and got a few drinks... I absolutely love combining friends. I love that nearly every person I know can hang out with anyone and be just as awesome with them as they are with me... I guess I know how to pick 'em :). We just talked and hung out before my big, long day of hanging out with myself.

On Friday I hit up a few museums in the morning, met a friend for cupcakes and then decided to do something I had never done before and now totally love... I went to a movie alone. I have always been intimidated by going to movies alone and now I am completely addicted... it just makes so much sense! I sat down, spread out my belongings and took off my shoes... I was totally ready to enjoy myself when a dude in the row behind me asked, "What carrier do you use"... meaning my cell phone I was just holding... obviously, this guy did not give a flying you-know-what about my carrier but I humored him and let him know. Then he asked, "Are you here watching the movie alone?"... "Yes.." I said only facing him with a three-quarter turn... "Well, why don't you join me on my row?"... I told him I was actually kind of excited about going to a movie alone and I had never done it before but he was sweet and kept insisting so I moved... but not without my warning, "Now, I'll sit in your row but I have no idea who you are so I'm keeping two seats between us!"... he laughed, we watched the movie and, after it was over, I said bye as quickly as a could and ducked into the restroom to avoid the inevitable. Don't get me wrong, this guy was cute and sweet and funny but I just was not in the mood- this was my alone day! Well, to my surprise, he was waiting for me in the lobby. "I thought I might catch you out here", he said. "Can I buy you a drink".. "I told him I appreciated the sweet thought but I needed to meet up with my Uncle. He asked me if I was sure... and I was. So we walked outside only to find his car being towed! He yelled to me from 15 feet away, "Now you REALLY need to join me for a drink" and I just laughed and said, "I'm sorry!!!" and kept walking... I am completely aware that this would have been the cutest way on Earth to meet someone but I was really enjoying my date with myself at the moment and wanted to give ME my full attention ;).

I had a great time visiting my family and really getting to know my Uncle and his wife as people... you know when you're younger, you don't KNOW your older family members like you do once you can share a drink and share war stories. And I love them more every time we talk.

Saturday was epic. A day in Georgetown after a $1 bus ride. A live Jimmy Fallon stand up show with a fantastic friend and a night of debauchery with three hilarious women. We went to the W where we could see all of the monuments illuminated from the rooftop bar and enjoyed a ...ahem... $78 PITCHER OF SANGRIA!!! Excuse me but... how is that legal?? We talked with men in uniforms, practiced the running man, and loaded into a cab for dancing. As always, I fell down... it's just something I do these days, but it didn't stop me from dancing all night long with complete strangers that I claimed to be my best friends by the night's end.

After an early breakfast during one of the worst hangovers of this century, I headed home. I came home with that feeling that I found my next home. The next city to start my life in... I just wonder how long... or short... it will be until I get there... :)