Banks & B-Town

The only event I really missed out on blogging about at the end of last week was our briefing at the Federal Reserve on Thursday. It was all about banks, obviously. I never knew there was so much to say about banks. I was more impressed with the building than with the lecture. We sat in the Governor's board room, which was beautiful; Chairman Ben Bernanke sits around that table... just saying. Anyway, Jessica and I spent a good portion of the lecture 'guess-timating' how much money they spent on the board room furniture alone. I'd say you could buy a house for the cost of the rug, chandelier, drapery and random furniture. It was insane.

This past weekend I went back to Bloomington to see all my friends and to celebrate Homecoming. I flew in early Friday morning and drove down with Katie and Christine. The drive on 37 made me miss fall in southern Indiana. Not that DC's not beautiful, but really.... nothing beats fall in Brown/Monroe County. I spent the beginning of my day at Smallwood with my favorites and mimosas in-hand. Followed by a nap (typical) and a cookout later at Mitch's. It was so good to see everyones' faces and banter and... everything. It's weird seeing everyone in their different places now that the 306ers have separated, but I also know that everyone is doing amazing things this semester and our senior year will be all the more special when we all reunite.

Saturday morning we woke up super early for tailgating, starting at Smallwood @ 8:30. I couldn't even tell you who we played--the game itself wasn't really a priority for me that day... needless to say we had a good time wandering around the tailgating fields, hanging out at Aj's place and cheering on the Hoosiers from afar. Arkansas! That's who they played. Aha. Anyway, it was a beautiful day--sweater weather!--and I had so much fun with everyone. I'm glad I made it back for at least one game. Scratch that... at least one tailgate. I actually usually enjoy the games themselves, so I'll be glad to get back to those next year, too. Then, Saturday night the Villa Boys had a Pajama-Rama Party, yet another 369 success! Christine got me dolled up in some of her mom's old flannels and flipflop slippers--they were fabulous. Major props and shout-outs to the boys; I miss every one of you.

Sunday I carved a pumpkin with Christine and Mitch! We were clueless as to how to carve an actual design, so we made a bunch of random geometric designs, hence the pumpkin's name, "GEO." Cute, right?... he lives outside Mitch's place. Then Sunday night we had a big group dinner at Mother Bears. YUM. I miss MOBEAR's pizza. Alex, Kelly and I got to talk a lot about next semester and our ideas for London since we're all planning on being there. (PS- Congratulations to K-Lang who got into her super competitive theatre program! Such a star!).

The entire weekend was exactly what I needed--I got to spend a lot of time with Alex and Amy and Kelly and Mitch and, well, everyone. It's always a tease, though, when you're there for such a short time, but already this semester is flying by. I'm already over half way done with my time in DC, and I have just over a month left in the program. Scary, I know. I'm trying to make time slow down a little bit and enjoy it as much as possible. The Jefferson House has already become home, Erin and Ian have already become my bests, and I definitely have a strong feeling of belonging in this city.

LOVE.