Weekend Recap

On Friday we had PT (Physical Training) where we learned some steps and cheers and exercises that we will do on multiple occasions. The latter part of the day we learned about the Civic Engagement team and what that all would entail. Best part of the day, we got let out about an hour and a half early!!! Weekend...annnnnnnnnnnnd GO!!!!

Friday night proved to scare me more than any other experience I've ever had. I was taking two buses instead of the metro to get to Andrew's house. It was supposed to save me 20 minutes. I got to all of my locations on time, but when I was about to get on the last bus, I was way out of my element. I walked off the bus in an Abercrombie and Fitch t-shirt and nice jeans. I'm the only white boy again on the block, this time at night, and I'm alone. My butt hole has never been tighter. Long story short, the bus was late, so I had to get out of that area, caught a different bus back to Anacostia where I felt so much more safe (never thought I'd say that) and on the drive back, saw five cop cars and an ambulance a block up from where I originally got off the bus.

I met up with Brittany. Her brother was in town and there were a few deaf parties going on, so I told her I'd kick it with her before going to Andrews. They were definitely different, but not in a bad way. It was a unique experience and I learned how to say "beer" and "vodka" in sign language. After a little while I leave to meet up with other friends.
Now I'm at Andrew's and along with about eight other people, we're enjoying the evening. We decided to go to a few of the local watering holes on H St. The first place we went to was the Country Club, where we added to our group with more CY kids. It was beat after a while so we peaced for the Sticky Rice. Our crew made the way to the back, and staked claim to a table where a few of us, including me, decided to dance on the benches. It was the place with the most room. The night ended with a nice walk and talk back to the metro then to the pad to crash at 4:00 a.m.

Liane and Me at the Sticky Rice

On Saturday, I was woken up around noon with a call from my Dad. Since I was then up, I decided to make a chicken stir fry for lunch, then went down to DuPont Circle to meet up with Andrew and Ciri and her friend, who became our friend, Caroline. I got stuck in a torrential downpour, soaking my clothes because in my opinion, its just water and umbrellas are for the birds. The four of us went to the Public Bar. It was a really cool sports bar and like always, more CY kids showed up. After a while we went back to Andrews (he lives the closest) and picked up where we left off last night.

Me on the floor at the Public Bar after Andrew "got me"

This time we started at the Sticky Rice, but it was so crowded it became hard to dance, and so we bolted for the Country Club.

Me and part of my crew (L-R: Mike, Caroline, Ciri. Shay, Cathy)

Why don't I ever get piggyback rides home?

Breakin it down on booths

The night was winding down when my jam, "Teach Me How to Dougie" came on. I started breaking it down like only this white boy can. This other dude saw me and thus began the ultimate dance off. Well, it really wasn't that ultimate, but still fun non the less. I represented for City Year, and held my own. I even had a few people tell me I won! Great night.

Me during my epic Dougie dance off

On Sunday, Brittany, Hunter, Kate and I went to the Eastern Market. It was very cool. Picture it as a mixture between a farmers market and a crafts show. The had the freshest, juiciest peaches I've ever eaten!!! They were so succulent, my mouth is salivating just thinking about the goodness that was those peaches! So delicious. During the whole day, Brittany was teaching me sign language. I started to pick up on it a little as well. This was the first time where our conversations didn't include a notepad or cell phones for texting. Sure I struggled, and at times, it had to have been frustrating for her, because I wasn't able to have a substantial conversation, but I tried and am getting pretty good at finger spelling. The four of us walked to Union Station where we all parted ways.

As I type up this post, I must say the weekends are much more fun when you're "working" for them. It feels like you have a right to just go out and let loose and forget about the stress and the tiresome days Monday through Friday. D.C. is awesome and I'm having such a great time! I couldn't have made a better decision for both the kids I will be helping and for me personally.