Seeing People... you know, casually.

So I am trying to make the rounds to visit everyone for the last time ever, which I think is something I have been available for, but in truth I haven't. Every one of my friends are starting to realize that I am going to be gone for 27 months and I will probably not talk to them all that much unless we e-mail, which many of them rarely do (thank God, I hate getting forwarded messages with pictures of animals doing really human stuff like driving a car, I mean if I wanted to see that stuff I would just watch americas "funniest" home videos) and hell, most of my friends rarely call. I think those are the reasons they are my friends, but they're calling now. I've had three invites to the cubs game this Saturday and to be fair, two of those invites are from friends I have to see. The point is, that I know I am going; I know I won't be able to see you, but I still love all of you and I won't think less of you if you don't write me. In fact I am enforcing a no letter writing rule! Seriously, I don't want any letters mailed to me. This is not because I am heartless, but rather because it costs $70 to mail a letter to Ethiopia, which isn't even guaranteed to get there and if it does it will take four months to arrive.

Tonight I saw Andrew and Stevi. It was awesome! Not only did I eat a $60 meal at Stevi's really posh restaurant, but I also drank some amazing wine. We played this game that Andrew probably invented (if he didn't, which is likely, I am starting the internet rumor that he did right now) where you name a movie and someone has to name an actor or actress in that movie, then the next person has to name another movie with said actor or actress. You get three strikes and have to go in order. It was so much fun, but that was mostly because my love, Beverly D'Angelo came up like 6 times.

On the way home I drove through downtown since they live on the North side (said with a really nasally aristocratic tone) and I live on the South. I thought it would be great to swing through the circle instead of taking 465. I was really happy I did, because I know how much I am going to miss Indianapolis. I know I've spent the past few years working/schooling out of town, but there is a lot to love about Indy. I've been so lucky to live in such a beautiful city, to have the material things I've had, to be a child of the parents that I am, and to be given the opportunities those awesome parents afforded me through example and support. I'm lucky to be able to join the Peace Corps and give back to the city, state, and nation that put me through school. I'm just a lucky guy.

So I will be sure to make time and visit everyone before I place them on the no letter writing rule. I will be sure to provide quality online contact information. I will eventually pack the crap I need to take (still need a non-stick skillet and a bedazzled alarm clock[j/k on the alarm clock]), I will leave the USA without my usual unfinished business.

Adam and Nikki - Tomorrow
Duke - Tomorrow or Sunday
Mike and Family - Saturday
Andrew and Stevi - once more if I have time
Uncle Don - ASAP (if he is awake at 3 am)
Mom, Dad, Brother - every waking hour

To all the people I wasn't able to visit, because you are so far away and lets face it I hate you (j/k). I will miss you every day and the pictures I am taking of you will be sloppy/worn raw with kisses. That means you Ethan and Whit! and you, Alex and Ashley!