Go West, young (wo)man

The road less taken.  No regrets.

When I graduated from high school, my father asked if I wanted to take a gap year.  Silly Dad, I said, I'm American.  Americans don't take gap years, and besides, I've already received scholarships for next year.  I can't defer them!

When I was in college, Dad asked if I wanted to go abroad.  Dad, I said, I can't.  I switched majors, and now I won't finish my requirements in time if I go study in France/Egypt/the UK.

And when I was ensnarled in an office job in DC, but on vacation with my parents, my American father offered this previously unknown story about his own gap year:

"A bunch of us Americans were in similar programs in London, and we decided to hire a van and go to Istanbul."  

Really?  That's quite adventurous in the pre-EU days.

"Well, you see, we all had two weeks off at the same time.  The van wasn't very well kept, though, and the driver was what you would call sketchy."

What do you mean, Dad?

"We're pretty sure he was smuggling."

Say what?! 

Six Tips to Beat the Crowds at the Cherry Blossom Festival

A few years ago, I posted an open invitation to join me at the Cherry Blossom Festival on my Facebook page.  My friend Jess came, with husband and baby in tow.  We were so excited...until we hit the crowds.  All of a sudden, instead of letting our thoughts drift away with the blossoms on the breeze, most of our attention was focused on simply not losing each other.  As a lovely afternoon in the sun became a chore, we lost our enthusiasm, cut our losses, and vowed to be better prepared next year.

Fast forward, and another friend, Kelly, and I decided to meet at sunrise and commute into the District for an impromptu cherry blossom date.  And it was magical.

Who knew Wednesday morning under the cherry blossoms could be so magical?  Obviously, this well-prepared fairy.

Lesson learned.  Actually, six lessons learned...