May 20, 2011

Three hours on the road found us in Charlottesville today to visit the University of Virginia and find Shannon a place to live for August when she starts law school in the fall.  With the unpredictable rain, this was the best picture I could get of the best parts of the campus Thomas Jefferson built, leaving him penniless.  I always enjoy spending time on other campuses, imagining what it would have been like to go to school here, there, or wherever.  Tucked in among the Virginia hills, the University of Virginia is an absolutely stunning campus with perfectly maintained lawns and gorgeous architecture.  While we didn't have enough time to explore the entire campus, I was struck by its simple beauty and, despite its age, its contemporary appeal.  It's an inspiring campus, explaining the University and its graduates' reputation.

May 19, 2011

While we enjoyed a wonderful meal at Tabaq Bistro, interesting company at The Front Page, and great music at Garrett's today, the real story was my successful arrival in Washington D.C.  Due to a poorly set alarm clock, I barely woke up before Danielle was at my apartment, bright and early, to take me to the airport, giving me fifteen minutes to do my hair and last minute things (Thank you, Danielle!).  Despite this, I got to the airport on time, got a coffee, and went to my gate with a few minutes to spare.  The true test, however, was on the flight from Chicago, where I had the pleasure of sitting next to the female version of Gary Busey.  She was interested to know why I was "opposed to fun" in between her ordering double screwdrivers on an hour and a half flight and yelling at other passengers for talking.  I'm curious to know how she defines "fun," although I think I caught a glimpse of it today.  I was afraid I was going to become a casualty of her wrath if I didn't play my cards correctly.  Thankfully, I arrived safely with nothing worse than an absolutely fantastic story. Welcome to Washington, D.C.!