Rain, Rain Go Away.....

When I moved to Washington a good friend of mine called me to say that he had sent a farewell gift in the mail. When my doorman notified me that I had a package waiting in the lobby, I rushed downstairs to retrieve it, as the anticipation was absolutely eating me up inside. (I don't do too well with announced surprises.)

So I take the precious package to my apartment and rip it open like a kid at Christmas. After a fight with the packing tape I open the box to find....more boxes. It reminded me of Dutch Nesting Dolls; the boxes just didn't end. Eventually I find a little red umbrella. All that packing for an umbrella? However, my confusion was not so much about Samsonite's packing methods, but rather, why did Aaron send me an umbrella?

I called Aaron to thank him for such a thoughtful (?) gift. He assured me that it would come in very handy in my new surroundings. After a couple years in DC, I have used my little red umbrella at least a hundred times - and it fits nicely in my purse for easy access.

Well, today I finally learned why Aaron felt an umbrella was the perfect gift. It has been raining for days now, but there was a break in the rain so I decided to go out for a movie this afternoon. About 10 minutes into my walk it began to sprinkle....I reach into my purse to get my little red umbrella....I get it out and the rain gets heavier....by the time the umbrella is extended it feels like someone just dumped a bucket of water over my head. I am soaked. From head to toe, I am drenched in water. All this even with an umbrella....maybe I should invest in a poncho. It works for the homeless man across the street.