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Last weekend was our housewarming party with Adrian's family; this weekend was the one for our friends. We had a bunch of folks over last night, the last ones leaving around 2am for an hour-long drive home. We are so, so lucky to know so many great people; how we got this lucky I'll never know.

It was interesting to see two different "camps" develop -- inside, on the couch and chairs, is where the folks I've known since the early 90s gathered (folks I used to work with and friends I've since met through them). Outside, on the balcony, is where you'd find the folks I met the last time I lived here, and these are also the people Adrian tends to know a little better. A number of people commented on this, so I know it wasn't just me.

One of the downsides to hosting is that, in talking with everyone, you don't get to spend as much time as you'd like talking with any one person. Everyone always understands that, of course, and it just means we have to take more time to see our friends one-on-one. It's tough sometimes, especially with the folks in relationships (more schedules to plan around) or those who live way outside the Beltway. And let's face it, during the week people are often too tired or wrapped up in daily tasks to get together. But dammit, we were so social when we were here before, and after a few years with a couple really good friends but without the strong circle of friends we've always enjoyed before, we have some lost time to make up for.

I've always been careful not to let myself stagnate, to try to keep meeting new people and learning about the world through them. So it was great that a number of people brought new friends for us to meet. Alabama Michael brought a friend we've seen at a couple parties, Dancin' Mike brought his friend Aaron, Arlington Michael brought the guy he's dating -- coincidentally enough, also named Michael (and I must say, he's definitely the cutest guy Michael's dated since...well, you figure it out) -- and Josh brought his friend Melvin who'd just moved here the day before (so really, this party was a "Welcome to DC"-fest for him).

You know, about a year or so after we left, after I'd returned for my dissertation defense and Adrian was back for Christmas and then we returned for my graduation and then I was here on business, I remember Arlington Michael saying "would you guys just leave already!" OK, he was kidding (I think) but it's nice to know that we've managed to maintain some pretty great friendships over the years we were gone, and we're still meeting wonderful new people. I guess that's what comes from having such amazing friends.