A Year In The Life

April 21, 2007 was the first day of my lease on U Street. The lease was symbolic for many reasons, but most importantly it symbolized my freedom in the city I loved. I had been thinking about this blog for awhile but the other day while I was walking home I was flooded with the memories. It has been a year of ups and downs on U St and I dont think I would change a minute of it. This is my look back at a year gone by:

The Good

To the summer I spent training for the 32 nd Annual Marine Corps Marathon, the marathon that kicked my ass. Those who came out an supported me, from fresh water to bundles of grapes and horrible bright green t-shirts, the marathon was a great experience because of you. You pushed me and believed in me.

The Nights on 18th St in any dive bar that would serve us. To the stumbling both to and from Jumbo Slice, manna to drunks everywhere.

Walking around in my undies cause it was too Fudgin hot in my apt to wear clothes.

My brother living with me and subsidizing the utility bills. I could afford summer debauchery because of you.

My Wings Wednesday Crew. $0.25 Wings, Good Beer, Great Convo

To The Fed Life, what a pleasant career change.

The new and lifelong friends that I have made along the way. Those I can open myself up to completely.

To Obliviana, you kept me entertained, and allowed me to express myself in healthy ways. An update on the story:

A new year has rolled around in Obliviana, and as is true in nations far and wide resolutions were made. After much celebrating to bring in the New Year, “the people” of Obliviana were excited to hear what the Royal Court had in-store for this fledgling nation over the coming year. In rather unceremonious fashion, Prince Half-Baked let it be known he would attempt to right the ship he had begun to sink at the end of the year. His first goal was to step down from and, gasp, remain off his thrown for the time to come. He had seen the joy and satisfaction that could be had from supporting yourself. He too would “find a plot of land” and make a living for himself. He even had aspirations of pursuing higher learning. The Kingdom was shocked, pleased and excited to see what the year had in store for its youngest son.

With so much good news coming from the Prince the people had worked themselves into a fervor with the possiblity of more good news via Princess Peapod. Would she rebuke her ways and bring equality to the land? Would a social democracy take hold where all opinions were considered and all were not made to grovel at her feet? As the Princess ascended her soap box to announce her resolutions, the land fell silent; a pin drop could be heard on distant fields.

“Behold my kingdom, I shall be as great as I have always been. My clothes will be as fabulous as always. I will eat from some of the best restaurants and continue to fail to fufill a valuable role in society as before. I do resolve to be a better Princess.... no the GREATEST Princess ever.”

As audible gasp rippled across the land and the hopes of the people were sufficiently crushed, life went back to its previous state. The people would continue to suffer for the remainder of the Princess reign of terror. 12 months to go.


The Bad:
Dirty Dishes & Clothes Everywhere
Space Invasions & Unapproved Borrowing
Family Drama
Three Jobs to Survive

One more year on the lease, and then I will be looking to blaze new trails on my own. This roommate thing is ok, but I need space or to live with someone that is more similar to me. Not to mention I need to cut some expenses.