Friends in the U.S.A.!

It was a spectacular visit to see some old and seriously good ass friends in the U.S. It wasn't really planned-- just looped together as it worked so well to meet up with folks when I was in a training in Baltimore. I was able to head to DC for the weekend and rendez-vous with oldy and goodie Lauren Freeman who I grew up with as neighbors. We used to live in DC at the same time- so it was such a joy to return to some of our favorite old haunts and see what has changed. I totally lucked out- there was a cool snap so we were able to walk 9 miles from DuPont Brunch with her sister Ally to the MLK Monument, then Georgetown shopping, pizza to go, and back to her house for more chatting. The night before we had Mexican food at our favorite spot and talked for like 5 hours- avec margaritas :) I will say, returning to explore DC as a person who has an income it is way better :) No wonder I had no income for my 20s! Nobody can get ahead with DC prices as an intern :)

old pals

Then it was Sunday brunch with my old college roomie Sarah who just got married, helped her hubby celebrate his graduation from law school, packed up their apartment in Chicago and moved to DC to start afresh as he begins his clerkship for a DC judge. You go Sarah!!

And then. last but not least- a Milwaukee trip with this stunner of a new Momma! I hadn't been to Milwaukee since Beth got married! A trip to see her, their home, and her new bundle of joy Will was long overdue. It was a pure delight to see how her life has transformed over the years-- and it all feels like the pieces have fallen into place so perfectly. I can recount many days of questions--what am I doing with this degree? etc.-- just as I constantly ask lol-- but as someone who can see from the outside in-- it sure looks like as we near the end of our 20s, we seem to be getting things right! Beth has a bad-ass new job managing all of the health projects for United Way (talk about a lot of pressure) and the proud new mom to Will, plus a pretty stellar partner to Andy- who I loved to discover is an 80 year old man trapped in a young body- it was fun to be around for the drinks, the coffee, the morning newspaper, the baby bath time, and cooking up dinner :)

Cheers to friendship at the Beer Garden!