With apologies, this blog post will probably be more of an update than any kind of thoughtful expression. I find that my main motivation for writing on the blog at all these days is that someday I’ll ask, “What was life like in 2010?” and I won’t have anything to jog my memory. Still, it’s good to reflect on life and adventures, and as life gets even busier I do value this space to write and share.
My trip back east with Keise was a bit impromtu, despite the fact that we had discussed the trip as early as last Spring. Given my complicated health problems I decided to wait until I had surgery scheduled to buy tickets. Once we figured out the possible weekends, I also planned the trip to coincide with Colbert’s march to keep fear alive (which I knew my brother, sister-in-law, mom and allison were also attending). And since Keise wanted to go to NY, but I had no days off from work, I planned my usual whirwind weekend.
The basic itinerary:
1. Fly out Friday afternoon, land in BWI near midnight
2. Wake up Saturday morning at 8am, make breakfast with Jessie and Sarah Beth; Leave around 11am for D.C. with my mom and some of her friends to take the Metro in for the rally; meet up with the Dorseys and Ben and Jenna; hang out in DC and eat dinner; get home around 8/9pm
3. Wake up at 4am on Sunday morning; drive my mom’s car to Baltimore; bus to NYC; Times Square, Central Park; 5th Avenue; MOMA; Subway to Brooklyn; Walk the Brooklyn Bridge; Greenwich Village; Times Square at Night; Back on the Bus; Arrive in Baltimore around 11pm; Midnight milkshakes at Chick N’ Ruths in downtown Annapolis
4. Get up Monday morning at 7am; in DC by 9am; I work while Keise naps; Lunch walk to the White House and the mall; Keise explores the mall on her own while I finish up work; Metro to College Park to meet Jessica O and Jessica G (and Ethan for a bit); Tour of the University of MD for Keise; Dinner at Franklins; Metro back to DC to meet my mom; Driving tour of the tidal basin with a stop at the Jefferson Memorial; Home around 10:30pm
5. Get up Tuesday morning at 8am; Keise explores DC while I work; Lunch with Allison at Cosi; Keise does HW; Metro to Union Station; Buy train ticket to BWI and meet my mom to say goodbye; Train to BWI (while on hour long conference call for work – I put my phone on mute and kept it on while I went through security!); Fly home; Get in bed around 1am
No rest for the weary. I know I bring this upon myself. My mom has warned me that these abilities are nearing their end, which only makes me feel like I have more to do and see.
Despite being so busy, I also had some good reflection and conversation time, mostly with my mom and with Keise. It was one of the best trips with my mom in a while, and I think we’re finally starting to figure out who the other person is as an adult (as opposed to just a parent or child). Growing up is a funny thing. It was also neat to see my mom interact with Keise and think about what she might have been like when I was a teenager (my memory is warped). She’s a natural teacher and really wanted to reward Keise’s inquisitive mind.
Keise and I had lots of time (usually while traveling) to talk about life, taxes, college, work, friendships, travel, and much more. She asks such great questions and always wants to know more, which of course I always respond well to. Jessica O warned her that I like to pretend I know things, so she should be aware that I might make things up from time to time…haha 
I’m thankful for good friends who try to keep me honest.
Like every time I go back, I felt rushed and sad that I didn’t get more time with people, and that I didn’t get to see others that I would have loved to connect with. At the same time I’m glad that I made time with my mom a priority, and I hope I can strike a good balance with our next trip. I’m also hopeful that I’ll be able to travel more easily to the East Coast now that I’ve figured out how easy it is to work out of the foundation’s D.C. office!
Click here to see more pictures of our east coast adventures!
