Washington, DC

I have been up in VA/DC since last Monday and have been enjoying my time with my niece.  My mom is also up here right now while said niece's parents, my brother and sister-in-law, are on vacation in Hawaii.  I really love it up here.  The weather is changing and so it is getting cooler (way better than FL weather anyway).  I had the opportunity of getting together with Nelson, a friend attending seminary in DC, and went to a good chili joint, Ben's Chili Bowl.  I recommend the chili cheese fries.  

Like I said, I have been enjoying my time with Ella.  I'm glad for at least a little while to be able to input into my niece's life and see her grow up.  It is often hard to live with a 14-month old because you have to cater to their every needs, you don't always know what they want because they cannot really talk, sometimes they scream uncontrollably making the neighbors think you might be abusing them, and they have this baby smell that never really goes away.

BUT, they are probably one of the best things that could happen to you and your life.  First, it is most amazing to watch how they play and interact with the world around them.  Secondly, they teach you humility.  When raising a child, now don't get me wrong I've never actually done this, you have to be willing to give up time and really all of you in order to meet the needs of the child.  It is a 24/7 job.  It will humble you.  You cannot be selfish and be successful at this I do not think.  And this is what I have been kind of/slowly learning while being up here.

It has been a great time.