Memorable Memorial Day

There is just something spectacular about being in DC for a Memorial Day event. All of my life, I attended the quaint Memorial ceremony outside of the Assaria Lutheran Church. At the beginning of my life sitting on the step railing then in the church yard, listening to the names of the veterans that served our community and country. This year was a little different. I attending the National Parade that honored every war American has ever fought in. It was truly remarkable. Hearing taps while looking at the national monuments is inspiring and touching.

I missed out on the National Program the previous evening because I, naturally, was out enjoying myself with some cocktails. I did, fortunately, catch it later on TV. I was invited to a bbq in Arlington, VA by my boss so I decided to take the almost hour Metro ride out of DC to have what turned out to be an enjoyable afternoon. This was a gay bbq so it consisted of margaritas and finger foods! We don't cook, we cater!

This weekend also turned into one of KU alumni. Two of the people at the "bbq" were from KU. KU is a topic that I LOVE to talk about, so I chatted the evening away filling them on the replacement of The Crossing with The Oread and other enormous changes at our great University. They were saddened by the loss of our drinking establishment, The Crossing but once I informed them of the remarkable facilities and bars in the Oread that soon faded.
I wore a KU shirt out grocery shopping this weekend also and as I walked Target, someone shouted "ROCK CHALK!" I turned to see a young couple who said they were KU alumni and we chatted for a bit ending with them invited me out for cocktails to welcome a fellow Jayhawk to DC.

After attending the Memorial Parade, I decided to continue to get some sun in the hot weather and exercise, so I walked through the Mall and the War Memorials. I ran into a family who also commented on my KU shirt, (a different one, don't judge me Randy). There was a family visiting from Lawrence and said it was nice to see a smiling Jayhawk out celebrating America's veterans.

I had planned on doing some laundry and homework this weekend, but that was unsuccessful. There is something about being in a fun new city that makes me not want to stay inside to do that type of work. I went out both Friday and Saturday evenings to continue to meet people and have a great time. It is seeming easier to bring myself to go alone and approach people. It is either I am becoming more outgoing, or I am getting tired of paying for my own drinks. Either way, I am feeling more comfortable and not as lost without my Lawrence wing men/drinkers.

We have also now filled out the small apartment with the other roommates. One is from Michigan and is working with environmental type stuff. It sounds terrible to me, working all day outside in this heat to preserve plants! SICK. The only way I'm going to be outside all day is if I am by the pool with a nice cooler full of beverages beside me! The other is from Baltimore and works for a senator. He goes to school in Scotland, so that is pretty interesting. I don't know why anyone would leave this great country to be educated anywhere else, but to each their own.

It was a great Holiday weekend and I look forward to what experiences lie ahead this week. Have a fabulous week! Play hard, work hard, and (to my bros) frat hard!

Lesson Learned: No matter where in the world you are, there is a friendly Jayhawk to make you feel at home!