Birthday Weekend

It's time for a real post I'd say. I will finally relieve the suspense for those who are in it wanting to know what I'm doing with my life for the past few weeks. Currently I am laying in my bed, the same spot I've been for the past 12 hours basically. I went home early from work because I wasn't feeling well. Not the first time I've been yucky, but the first time leaving the office. I slept for 3 hours this afternoon which helped tremendously. I also consumed many Clementines and reused a tea bag 3 times (it wasn't the most flavorful by the end), along with filling up a glass of water many times and taking vitamin C. This has been my day.

But luckily the weekend was much the opposite of my recent activities. Here is what has happen starting Friday morning of my birthday: Beth, Kristin and I made a traditional pre-work birthday stop at On the Hill Coffee. Carrie and Annie came up for a visit along with their housemate Megan and it was so great! Many volunteers of Baltimore gathered together to help me celebrate my birthday on Friday by ice skating and having such a great time (I did not fall once!) and I received SO MUCH chocolate I have more than I know what to do with! It was such a great night!

Then with my friends in tow we walked to MICA just down the street and gave ourselves a tour of the facilities. It was mixed with great conversation about ourselves and personalities and what we hope for in the next year. Things are still unclear, but it is so nice to know we're not alone in that.

Then after a dinner of sushi, our trip down to DC took place where this sickness in my head began. I went through 3 or 4 cough drops and couldn't calm my soar throat. I met some very nice friends of my friends and they took care of me. The next morning I felt much better and we went to one of those churches that makes me really question what Christianity is all about, with the big projector screens and bigger congregation who all look like they own Mercedes or something and the pastor reminded me of one you would see on TV. But the message was one I did connect with about our purpose in life. It made me think that mine, as well as for others, is one that will continually change during my life or at least these next couple years. I also met very many great people who gave me hope about living in Baltimore and having this experience. I know I have been learning a lot about myself and can see changes that have happened. I will hopefully reflect back on this year and think that it is a gem that I can share with others. Oh life.

We moseyed through the National Art Gallery after a lunch at Union Station and saw some very beautiful artwork. I also realized when asked who my favorite artist is, that questions like these are too broad for me. I need to have less options to come up with an answer on the spot. But after thinking about it, I'd have to say Chuck Close and Jasper Jones are both up there for me.

It finally came time to say goodbye which always seems to take a while. I headed North on the Metro, took a bus to BWI, and met Kristin and Beth who were listening to the Glee soundtrack. I came back in time to watch Joseph prepare for our joint birthday celebration at 8pm. There was so much food and great company for the house. We had to each give speeches of what we wanted from this year. I said I will finish MVS and figure out what's next, and everyone will have to wait with me on that one.

After a great birthday weekend with friends and exuberant amounts of chocolate, I will call it a night.