Thanks again for coming to my going away party. I know we didn’t hang out that much in the Twin Cities, but you’re seriously one of my favorite people. I love that you can show up to a party like that knowing only me and leave with a ton of new friends. I’m trying to become more like that – open and trusting of other people. Able to have conversations with ease with perfect strangers. Seriously, thanks for giving me a model to aspire to. I really appreciate it. And, on a positive note, I’m totally getting there.

So I just completed an epic road trip. I left Minneapolis on 1/25 and drove to Chicago where I stayed with a friend of mine until Sunday. My friend in Chicago is super awesome. She’s one of the most positive people I know and it really works for her. I am trying to implement a system similar to hers in my own life. We had a great time chatting and catching up. Plus, she lives in this swanky building downtown. There were a ridiculous number of hot, young men wandering around her building. Sadly, I didn’t meet any of them, but eye candy is always appreciated.

I left Chicago last Sunday and drove all day to Arlington VA. It’s a suburb of Washington DC. I have a cousin who lives there with his fiance and my favorite aunt also lives in Arlington. I am so grateful to have been able to take the time to spend with them and get to explore Arlington. My cousin’s house is in an area that has a lot of new construction and feels really affluent. The house itself is old and, well, dilapidated, but I loved it. It just all worked somehow. And it was really cool to be in such an affluent area with this dichotomy. I also went on a date with this guy yesterday. We met for lunch around where the White House is. I really liked him. I told him I’d be more than willing to travel back down there for another date. For so long I was unable to allow myself to have my heart broken. Being vulnerable is such a tough thing to do. I’m finally ready to fall in love and if that means taking risks, so be it. I haven’t quite figured out his deal yet, but I’m going to lay my cards down soon and if I get rejected it’ll hurt, but I’ll get over it. I’ve spent my first 30 Valentine’s days single… I don’t want to spend the next 30 in the same boat.

This afternoon I made the final leg of the trip to Newark which will be home base for at least a couple months. It feels great to be back here with my friends. I have so much fun with them and I can’t wait to see what NYC has to offer. I’m starting my sketch comedy writing class on Monday and I’ve got a bunch of other plans next week with random friends in the city. I’m really hitting the ground running… as it were. Hopefully I’ll really be running soon, but we’ll see how that goes. Actually, I realized yesterday my doctor told me I had to wait 6 weeks to run. The day after I turn 31 marks 6 weeks… I can’t think of a better birthday present! Now I only have to wait another 4 weeks. I’m sure it’ll come very soon. Tomorrow I’ve got another date scheduled, this one in Newark. The guy seems really nice and we’ve been texting for a couple weeks now – since I left NJ the last time. He’s an artist, which is perfect. I have every intention of turning my friends’ house into my own personal art studio while I’m living there by myself (as it gets renovated). We’re also going to start working out together… he’s in great shape so I’m hoping he can show me a few things about working out. I’m really excited to get back into that after my 4 month hiatus from the gym.

I hope this email finds you well! How are things in Minneapolis? I told you I like sending long winded emails and you mentioned you like getting them…. Can’t wait to hear back from you and to hear about all of the exciting things you’ve got going on in Minneapolis. And again, thanks for coming to my going away party. You’ll never know how much that meant to me.

Best,