Republicans of a Different Variety

My dad officially retired this past Monday. While I am sure this is shocking enough for him, I too am reeling. Of course I am excited for him as he enters this new stage in his life – however, the feeling that this milestone for my dad also signifies a change in my own life overwhelms me. Yes I did just buy my first tube of Icy Hot earlier today in hopes of soothing a running injury, but I imagined I would also be a little more mature in other ways by the time my parents were retiring. Alas, that is not the case. Now I just have to work on what I will say at my dad’s retirement party/ roast. Right now I am leaning towards leading with an anecdote about when my dad asked my prom date to sign a contract, only to be asked to dance at the prom by a young fire student who wanted to be able to say he danced with Capt. Thompson’s daughter. Shocking I didn’t date more in high school I know…and why am I still single? Ha! But then I guess I will say something nice about his inspirational work ethic, and what it taught me…

Tonight I take a red-eye to Washington DC. As usual I will be medicating myself into an anxiety-free sleep as I cross the continent. Hopefully rested to start a busy Friday when Kim arrives to pick me up at Dulles. I have made a few resolutions for this trip that will remain unspoken. If you know anything about my last trip to see Kim, then you probably know there are two specific occurrences that will not be repeated. And while I got a good introduction to DC’s nightlife last February, I hope to expand beyond Adams Morgan, and hopefully participate in more daytime activities this time around. Plus, this time I don’t have to study all day in Dupont Circle. And while trying to walk in ski slope-like conditions to study while Kim went to work was an experience I will never forget, I will happily bypass the smoke-filled cafes for a day of shopping and a long-awaited trip to see the National Archives. More details regarding my trip are forthcoming… but to give you an idea of what is in store, Kim promises I can meet these elusive people called Republicans (a different variety than the type they have back home in Redding)