Oh, no. Hell no. No way. Far from that state, thanks. I just really wanted to use this picture.

So yeah, I am the blogging tortoise, bringing up the rear while my fellow bloggers run circles around me. But it’s been an eventful few weeks.
Spent a weekend in Philly lurking around the ALA conference (but mainly to see S.) Burmese food was had. Landmarks were spotted. Wawas were in full effect. Drunken, disoriented libs everywhere (well mainly in the bars :-). Italian and Reading markets did not disappoint.

And getting lost in the dark on a rainy night was just an excuse to say the word “Schuylkill” many times over, and mispronounce it slightly differently each time. So satisfying. Skoo-kull! School-kill! Shoe-kill! Yeah!! Beetle-fuck! Whatever!! Say it ten times fast, tap your Converse All-Stars three times and end up in the ghost of the civic center, shooting jumpers with Dr. J. School-cool!

The next weekend, New Mexico, to see M. After some I finally got into ABQ and met M, and promptly scheduled a mini road trip (yay!) Hit Santa Fe the next day. Beautiful city. Drove into Taos at night. I should say that the sight of snow capped mountains emerging at night, the hint of jagged white slivers against a starry sky, never fails to enchant (even in a state known for such things). And a trip to the Earthship Biotecture was very cool. Because deep down, I want to live in the middle of nowhere in a house made from mud and recycled bottles. Seriously. I want an earthship. Will have to save that for retirement, I guess. Back in ABQ, a trip up the Sandia tramway and a hike in the mountains.

Interspersed with some truly inspiring food. Green chile breakfast burritos at Frontier and Golden Pride. Blue corn enchiladas at Maria’s in Santa Fe. Chile burgers at the Lotaburger.

Then. The bible study. Yeah. A post unto itself, but better to ask me in private. Over beers. It’s a good story but not for here. A great time had overall. Very refreshing.

And THEN. The coup de grace. The successful move BACK to Washington DC. The heart of Capitol Hill, in the shadow of the monuments. Thanks so much to my brother Rob for assisting me here. And the movers, yes, the movers. Getting a sectional sofa into a third story walkup apartment is something best left to professionals.

So. I’ve explored a bit. Already know the neighborhood well. Ate way too much BBQ the first few days (doesn’t help that the best joint in the city is across the street). Spent time on the rooftop deck. Bought some freshly ground coffee from the local beanhouse. Ethiopian yummy. And just now getting settled. And I’m wired up. So I can post from home sweetness home!

*Home* punctuated by a slip on the icy pavement. Oomph! A nice welt. But it’s a DC welt. I’ve been rubbing it fondly.