5 days in DC

I went to DC this past week for work(Wed-Sunday): a conference that I have attended about 8 times in the last 10 years. It started out the norm.... getting to my place of my first destination to begin with... the trade show floor... I was kind of dreading it like I always do, but as soon as I got there, three others from my company were there that I have worked with many times throughout those 10 years......It was nice to see them.
The first day was busy. That night I went to a reception in the Ronald Reagan Building- it's a beautiful building and place. The reception that night was held in the building by ACP (American College of Physicians), and they are a bunch of fun people. Margaret, one of the leaders, actually lives just miles from me in NJ, and I love her. She's so sweet and fun, and knows how to throw a party. The theme of this was Gaming/Casino. First of all.. the food was awesome. It was a buffet style which I'm sure everyone knows I love. And, I love tuna, they had tuna steaks and the lady there encouraged me to eat this apple butter sauce on it. Now I love Apple Butter- it is so good! If you the chance to ever have this, I highly recommend. Anyway, I invited my friend Irene to come and join me at this function. I got her on the list- as I said, Margaret is awesome! I haven't seen Irene in a while- I met her about 13 years ago, we worked together at this mental health thing and just became great friends. She's the kind of friend you can tell anything to and know she's love you anyway. We always have so much fun and laugh constantly. Well, we gambled with fake money- I love to play craps, even with lots of drinks in you playing craps with fake money can be fun. We all had an awesome time. My co-workers loved her, too.
I realized that these things I go to are like reunions, I have known many of these people for 10 years. I also realized I can do my job anywhere, and I'll be alright.... so... I'm gonna move and it'll be ok. I really do have an awesome job.
Anyway, the next day was fun, too. I had a great dinner with my old friend Rob, he's a good guy with a big heart. His partner was not feeling so well, so Rob and I did dinner alone and then went to the Cobalt for a bit and had a drink or two... Ok.. so, here's another story. I have been talking to this guy on line for 5 years now. His name is Freddie... and, yes, he's married. To a girl... I actually met her first.. it's a long story, but it is a work related so I won't get into the details since it's not that exciting, anyway, I ended up going to dinner with this girl once about 5 years ago, with a bunch of others, and she ended up bringing Freddie, her husband. They were high school sweethearts... .. you know the story. Anyhow... Freddie and I bonded that night, we all went out, had a ball with too much to drink... somewhere/somehow.... Freddie ended up kissing me that night. It was the craziest thing... to make a long story short, we kept in touch, talk all the time via email and IM'ing, but never met again. I wanted to many times, but I know better than dragging myself into that.. cuz he's so 'dreamy'- did I just use that word? There were many times I have been in DC since then, but promised myself b/c he is married that I wouldn't call him when I'm there. Why punish myself. He is so handsome/sweet/funny...if things were only different.. how many times have I said that? But, he does have the best smile and eyes I have ever seen in my life..here's his smile.

So..anyway, he would always get mad at me when I was in DC and never call him and let him know... but...I'm no fool. He's got a wife, right? Right!
So... Rob and I leave the bar... and walk around... next think I hear is 'Mike?' 'Mike, Mike??' and as soon as I turn around..who is there.... YES Mr Beautiful Smile. I was in shock(with a huge smile on my face) He looked incredible. The most beautiful blue eyes and that smile that will make anyone melt. Anyway, it was a nice to see him. Rob had to get back home for a 5 am flight, Freddie and I went for a beer, a long walk... he really is a sweet guy. Much better looking then I remember..... Yep.
Next day was work for a few hours, then Irene picked me up. She had a full day planned. We went to this Amazon thing... I don't recommend Cuma water, if anyone tries to sell it to you, say no thanks! well, we only lasted about 5 minutes there...but we had a good time.. NOT. Then we went to a Greek Fest thing in DC up by American Univ. Beautiful area. That was fun, and so much great food. Irene is Greek and I think most of her family was there. It was a blast.
Somewhere in there I got to see Brett...handsome guy. I meet him only one other time.... it was nice to see him. We just both happen to be in the same city at the same time.

I do love DC. I miss it sometimes. It was probably my favorite place to live.
It was a long trip though and so nice to come home to my own bed, but.. I can't wait to go back again!
I realized that I can do my job anywhere and still be happy. I guess I should start packing, huh?

It is rare to find friends that you can feel so comfortable with and have so much fun with. I do appreciate my friends. Irene- your the best and I love you!