The Birthday Weekend Continues...

It went a little something like this...

I thought I would have this grand posse (do people still say posse, or is it entourage now?) going out, making a big wild spectacle, and all of that. But, in reality, the way it worked out was probably more manageable.

The way it was planned was as follows. My friend James was in town visiting his sister, Elise, who is interning out here in DC as well, except she is really smart, and will have a real job in no time. She also did go to law school (which she strongly advised me against doing!) Anyways, my plans were to meet up with them that night for dinner, have my roommates and MSU friends come meet up with us after, and have a ridiculous night to (if all went well) not remember. I met James and Elise in a neighborhood with lots of unique restaurants and bars called Adams Morgan. This is the neighborhood you don't want to be caught alone in after 1 pm, but, you are generally safe! For dinner we went to a 5 story bar/saloon called Madam's Organ. I know, confusing right, eating at a place called Madam's Organ in Adams Morgan. Say that 3 times fast! Dinner was good, birthday cocktails much appreciated, and the night was shaping up well. After a few more cocktails, we moved on to a bar called Bourbon where we were meeting with Elise's roommate, and my friend Dennis from work (and supposedly my roommates and people from MSU). Well, Dennis came, and Elise's roommate Marie came, but no people from MSU. They were doing other things. It was nothing like the birthday last year in Roma, my 21st, in which everyone who I talked to at some point in Italy came out, and the club was practically half my b-day party. I did have a great time with the small group I did go out with, however, as the 5 of us got fairly wild. Being over 21 is somewhat different than previous birthdays in that cake and pizza has turned into something entirely different. But this phase only lasts for a few more years, then you have to grow up, right? After Bourbon we went to a place in Dupont Ciricle, Lucky Bar. Lucky Bar is almost the fall back place if nothing else seems appealing. We did have a good time there, and it was totally worth it. Well, it was worth it until the next morning when I woke up and was useless for most of the day! I have to give myself credit, though, I did pull myself up for the run that cures all headaches!

Today, Sunday, one week from my return, I have found myself reflective. Maybe my reflection came on the 6 mile walk to the Zoo, or maybe it was on the walk back from the Zoo (quite the accomplishment really), but anyways, reflection did occur. I find that I get frustrated thinking about the future, but happy thinking about the past. This semester has been great minus the garbage housing we have. I have seen a historic inauguration of the first African-American President of the United States, I have walked the floor of the U.S. Capitol, and tomorrow I am going to the White House. I have made friends, worked full time, reunited with Rome-ers, and more. But, now 22, and without plan, or passion for anything in particular I find myself jealous of the kids headed off to med school, or to law school, or other such grad schools. Those who are student teaching, or moving around the country to follow their dreams. I just go blank thinking about the next move. After 16 years of school, what now? What has it all prepared me for? If you have any thoughts, please, email them to me and let me know. I know that tons of kids are in this exact same situation, and we all have to get through it, but, I don't want to settle at the same time that I don't want to make a wrong move. I don't want to miss out on an opportunity because I am law school when I shouldn't be, or otherwise not go to law school because I am working a minimum wage job flipping fries at McDonalds (not that that is a poor career decision).

Ok, enough for now, I have to go get some sleep for the Easter Egg Hunt with Barry tomorrow.

Andy