Winter Break 2: Milwaukee Boogaloo

Now, I know what you're thinking: of all the exciting, exotic locales I could visit for my post-finals break, why choose Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the middle of January? It certainly wasn't for the snow.

Upon arrival, Julie and I did perhaps the most Milwaukee thing there is: a tour of the Miller Brewery. Now, I'm not a big Miller fan, personally, but hey, if it's free, I'll take it. Although, I did have to draw the line at the Leinie's Sunset Wheat (rotten cranberries!). Working on a light buzz from a few beers and no food, it was time for Chipotle. Oh, how I've missed the 'potle. The resulting burrito coma required that I watch Beauty and the Beast with Julie and her brother, Chris (aka, "Yaley McFreshman"). Julie promptly fell asleep, so Sara V. was a little confused when Chris and I were watching B&B together in the dark. Don't judge. The night went on, and Paddy's Irish Pub called out our names. All the cool kids went: Julie, Mia, Ellen, Dan O, Mark, Manning, Katie M., Kathryn Bilhorn, oh it was good times getting to see the gang again. Even if the owner wouldn't let me sit on Mark's lap in the big chair. Since coming to Boston, I had forgotten just how smoky the Milwaukee bars could get. We moved on from there to Caff's. Even though I graduated only last year, it was weird to be back at the campus bar. First, I just felt out of place. This was clearly a college bar, and I am not a college student any more (and glad for it). Second, it required a lot of rounds of people I recognized, old residents, and randoms that I vaguely recalled but couldn't remember their names. While it was no longer "my" bar, it was a good night.

Sunday was another great day. I went out to lunch with the bro, played with Dana and Julie, had some glorious Chinese food for dinner with Ellen, Dana, and Dan O (including fantastic spicy crab rangoon), and played with Dana and Julie some more. Did I mention I got some kick-ass gifts? Orange Pez lip balm! Finally, I went down to Straz to visit the Bergens, then Dan and I split a pitcher down at Miller Time Pub. Ah, the moment that we had both waited for. No longer supervisor/employee, but two friends sharing drinks and great conversation.

Monday was filled with more great visits. I had coffee with none other than the great Karen Nelli. It's always such a great experience getting to see the students I worked with grow and develop into such wonderful leaders and such amazing people. Jackie was back in town from Africa, and was now conscious.

Tuesday was a long day. After waking up from a late night and little sleep, I had to get ready for a day of interviews in Madison. So between the driving and the interviewing, it was draining. But the great news is that the U.S. Attorney's Office in Madison offered me a position for the summer! So, it's a huge relief to know that I have a job (especially when what I want to do is work for DOJ). I haven't decided yet, but since I still have to hear back from some of my other interests, but it's looking like I might be going back to Wisconsin for the summer. After getting back to Milwaukee, I popped over to the NRHH folks at MULC 2. It was a treat to see so many great people and the great new directions as well as traditions. Cap the evening off with P.F. Chang's and me collapsing on the couch around 10:00.

Wednesday, my last day in town was a morning of interviews. I did get to check out the top of the US Bank building, though. I think it went well. After popping in to the old Apartments' office to see Dan, Stacie, and Erin, I had to pack and fly back to Boston.

What more could I have asked for in a vacation? I got to stay with Julie and Jackie (great couch, by the way. Seriously, so cozy, I miss it.). I got to see some of the most important people in my life, let them know just how much they mean to me, and enjoy the presence of their company. What more is there?