The Dinner Party

I hosted a dinner party tonight. I love to cook, drink wine and enjoy times with friends. I enjoy playing host and tonight was no exception. My menu consisted of delicious recipes made from the vegetables, cheese, and bread I got at the farmer's market this morning right around the corner. A nice group of friends came and I felt lucky to have their friendship.

The party was a secret celebration of sorts. It is my reward for getting the Peace Corps application & references in. My interview is next Friday. I am very excited. But with that enthusiasm comes the inevitable question of where will I be in a year?

I could be in Africa. You can now feel the fall breeze in DC. Will this be the last fall breeze I feel for a while? My guy friends were updating us on football scores throughout the evening. That could be the farthest thing from the culture I'm a part of next fall. We are talking comfortably in English. Even that could be taken for granted a year from now. So could the electricity in my apartment, the running water in my kitchen and bathroom, the air conditioner that keeps me cool if I need it.

While I do feel I can withstand missing these creature comforts, I am trying to soak in the moments now and appreciate them. Because, my guess is when I am in the Peace Corps what I am going to miss is the cool fall breeze, the changing of the seasons, the colors of the leaves in the fall, watching college football, and these wonderful friendships.