ships and sailors

It's been too long since I've posted. I know. I need to keep up. I am down to my last three weeks here in DC - which means that alongside homework and long-winded essays about property crimes and sexual assault, I am also trying to cram everything DC into my schedule. Officially, my last day at IACP is the 16th. I will be leaving my intern housing on the 23rd - so, I have one solid week of freedom to do as I please.

I made my top-ten list and so far have crossed out two adventures. This past weekend, Tyler came to visit me from Baltimore. We walked through Old Town Alexandria and rode a riverboat across the Potomac and into Georgetown. From there, we attempted to grab a cupcake at the ultra-famous Georgetown Cupcake, but to no avail. The line was outrageous and we wanted to see other things. After a beautiful stroll through cobble-stoned streets and classy shops, we took the boat back to Alexandria for home-made ice cream. The sky was blue, the company was wonderful.

All-in-all, I've seen a whole lot in my time here. I will document these adventures in a later post. Right now, I want to examine my After-DC plans. I don't have a job lined up here. For as many connections as I've made, for as many applications and resumes and cover letters I've sent out, it doesn't appear that I've had any bites.

I will be packing up my life from the castle and in one swoop, will be back at home, square one. Though, as out-of-character and ludicrous as this idea might seem, I've decided to look into the military. It is obviously not an overnight decision - I've been looking into my options for the past month, tasting the words on my lips, talking it over with my family. Specifically, I've been looking into the Navy. I spoke with a recruiter on my last visit at home and he provided me with some insight. When I unpack myself at home, Mama and I will make the trip to Pittsburgh, where the nearest Officer recruiter is located, and speak with that person. I've spoken with several females my age who are in the Air Force and Navy and are very happy with this decision.

I think it could give me direction, a plan for my life, some semblance of order and purpose and regularity. It is something that I will consider, and train for, and not make a decision about until after Christmas - after I have talked it over with several recruiters, several people who have been/are in the military, and listened to my own heart for a while, I will make my decision.

Until then, however, I will lay low at home. I will plug away at two more classes. I will pick up my shifts at Cracker Barrel. And, of course, I will continue to apply for more jobs. And I will train for the Navy as if my life depended on it, because I need to be in top shape if that is the route I choose to take.

It's all a little bitter-sweet. But I am determined to make the most of the rest of my time here in DC, and after I get home - my life will begin again in a completely different direction, wherever the winds blow!