I travel to keep friends.
Sorry, dude. If I were interested in chatting, I would have started a conversation with you a while ago instead of contentedly keeping my nose in my book. Please leave me alone.
Anyway, so, the Great Roommate Escape of 2007 was a blast. Traveling out to DC went fine. I finished reading Jane Eyre. IN roommate arrived shortly after I did, and B was there to pick us up – such a sweetheart. Chili for dinner with great wine and lots of bonding with the dogs that I swear I could ride like ponies. Wow, labs can get big.
Friday CA roommate and B had to work, so IN roommate and I were on our own. We slept in, took our time getting ready, and got on the wrong bus to take us to the Metro. Well, it was the right line, just going in the wrong direction. But everyone was very nice about helping us get back on track. We got down to “The District” about 2 p.m. It was hotter than Satan’s ass crack, my friends. We arrived right in front of the National Building Museum as planned. Very impressive structure, both inside and out. Only problem was that the major exhibit was closed that day. Bummer. But IN roommate was able to buy herself a fun bubble level ring. Next we headed to the Mall, where we sat in the shade, chugging water, and occasionally ventured into the sun to take pictures of the capital building or the Washington Monument. We rallied to trek over to the White House, took a couple token pictures, and wandered over to the Old Ebbitt Grill. I’m not much of a beer drinker, but we each had a draft of wheat beer to go with our crab and artichoke dip while drinking in the AC through our skin. It was very nice. The bartender was fun. The décor was pretty cool. Then it was back to the Metro and home to CA roommate and B.
CA roommate had about 3 Hefty bags-worth of clothes for us to go through. We’re starting (I know, some of you will laugh) to think that she’s got a bit of a shopping addiction. It is truly amazing to me the sheer amount of stuff she and her husband have in that house. I believe that if they were better about their spending habits (mostly her) they could have bought a house twice the size of what they have. It’s mind boggling. I’m sure if she saw my house she’d think I live like a monk. Either way, I made out like a bandit with new-to-me clothes – a good number of which still had the tags on.
Saturday we went out to breakfast at a pretty awesome greasy spoon near their house, then headed for a nearby state park. Again, hotter than Satan’s ass crack. The park was beautiful, and we enjoyed the bit of walking around that we did, but we had to pack it in after a while. Off to the truly awesome custard shop they’d found. Back at home IN roommate took a nap while CA roommate and I watched the latest Brian Regan DVD. Love that guy. Steaks for dinner. The Office on DVD for dessert. IN roommate had never seen it (that’s what happens when you don’t own a TV) and CA roommate and I had to get her hooked.
Sunday we woke up too late (nobody thought to set an alarm) and we scrambled to get bathed and packed. IN roommate’s flight was before mine, so we dropped her off and headed for a nearby shopping area until it was time to drop me off. I kinda wish we had a Nordstroms Rack in Rochester, now.
The flight home was fine. I started reading American Gods. There was a 30 degree difference when I stepped outside. Fall has come to Rochester.
It was great to see the roommates and B. We realized that it was around this time 11 years ago that we all met. Crazy to think about. Here’s to continued GRE’s.
Work has been slow this week. I was too damn productive last week. Hootenanny in the hometown this weekend. I’m staying with my stepbro on his couch. Should be interesting. He assures me that his apartment is much cleaner now that his fiancé is visiting. Thank goodness for that.