"Do we have plans this weekend?" was how it all started. From this one question rolled a snowball of amazing that became my weekend.

She didn't say anything about where we were going, just that we needed to get away and to pack a bag to do it. She wanted to tell me, I wanted her to tell me, but she didn't. By the time I had met her at her house to begin our trip, I had figured it out simply by remembering all of the times she had told me about how much she loved the city and how it was on her top 5 favorite places to go of all time. We packed the car with bags and snacks, plugged in the GPS, and began our trip to...

I learned this weekend that I am very deprived since I haven't been to half the places many have been, seen the movies that most have seen or had the experiences most have had. Also? I don't do well with allowing people to buy me things. This is an issue that most all of my friends are aware of and became animately clear this weekend. I nearly had a panic attack when I had 2 drinks in front of me - neither of which I had purchased.

However deprived I am, I enhanced my culture and experience this weekend in one of the most beautiful and awesome cities I have ever been to. Granted, I haven't been to many cities, but of the one's I've been to, Washington D.C. tops my list by a landfall.

Though it rained pretty badly from the time we arrived on Saturday night to the wee morning hours of Sunday, my friend and I had a blast sight seeing and navigating the streets of D.C. After we were knee deep in wet jeans, we headed to dinner at Capitol City Brewery where they have huge Kegs and non-"Happy Birthday" singing bus boys. I enjoyed a cup - no, a chalice -FULL of Coffee Infused Beer. It wasn't the best tasting beer on the block, but I surely was halfway to Happy Town by the end of that glass. Also at CCB, we had a cup of amazing Jambalaya soup. Typically I'm not a spicy food fan ( I do prefer my men spicy - don't mistake that, bitches) but I loved the jambalaya.

I was also introduced to 2 of KT's friends who live in the DC area. We had an evening of shenanigans which included but was not limited to, pregaming, story telling, dance partying, pin selling, and almost strip-club attending. We were taken care of, and at no point did I feel like an extra wheel. I made whatever jokes came to mind and didn't have to worry about anyone taking them the wrong way. Sensitivity and life problems were left at the door and we had an amazing time. Not once did I have to compete for attention or did I come second to a text conversation.

My weekend "crew" assured me that this was just practice and next week would surely be even better. I'm not quite sure how it could be, but I can't wait to see it. They were as excited as I was about my birthday. It's sure to be an awesome celebration this weekend.

As I get nearer and nearer to 25, I'm beginning to realize what's important and what isn't. Who's there, and who never has been. Where I like to spend my time is where I spend my time. Different people have different priorities and I respect that. My friends are always atop my priority list - and I'd be lying if I didn't say that it feels a bit more fulfilling knowing I'm on some too.

This is shaping up to be one of the best birthday celebrations I've ever had, and it's not even my birthday yet.

Thank you.