The 35th State

Today was the shortest drive I have had on the trip to go from one host to another while going to a different state. The total distance in the drive from Virginia to Maryland? A whopping 13 miles. A short drive like that only has enough time to play maybe three songs from my iPod, which makes the next thing even more ironic. There I was, on my way, and the first song to play includes the lyrics, “on my way to Maryland.” Of the playlist of my favorites, about 715 songs, that’s got to be a pretty small chance of happening. I don’t think I have another song that mentions the state Maryland. A similar thing happened on my way driving out of Los Angeles in December. And any song of mine that mentions the name of a state now has a different meaning.

Here I’m staying with Charles and John. I’ve been in touch with Charles for close to a year, well before I left for my trip. Charles graduate from Michigan State in 1987, he actually lived in the same dorm building as I did, just with about 20 years in time difference. It’s going to be a comfortable stay here in Potomac. Once again I have a bedroom and bathroom to myself, which is very nice. It doesn’t happen often. Lately there have been several couches and floors and I’ll be sure to enjoy it and a few other luxuries such as the space of a 10,000 square foot house and a 70" television. Now if you think that’s big, it’s not. Compared to some of the neighbors this is just a dollhouse. Charles gave me a quick tour pointing out “mansions” that have four to five times as much square footage as this. Only a few miles from D.C. there are a lot of big names in the area from business men, congressmen, and even officials from other governments. These are some of the biggest homes I have every seen.

What’s great is how much Charles and I have in common. We both love Apple computers. We can’t swim. And MSU is the only school that we both applied for and are proud to each have MSU alumni license plate frames on our car. It’s going to be a good week and I’m anxious to tour D.C. and meet some more people.

Also, help Charles raise some money for cancer. Check this out and see how he’s doing it. He was looking for a personal challenge and is hoping to raise $2,000 for cancer research while he also attempts to run his first marathon.

Here in Potomac, this side of the river is known for being blue politics and across the river in Virginia is known for being red, or so I’m told. I’m in the middle of politics in this part of the country. This town specifically is referred to as a “bedroom community,” where people build huge big houses to entertain themselves and the town itself has not much more than a couple restaurants and a grocery store. Neighbors often don’t know each other a sidewalk is hard to find. Another great stop to see the diversity of lifestyles, living conditions, and especially different towns and communities.

Thanks Charles, for keeping in touch and being a big supporter throughout the entire trip. I finally made it this far!