Then you can't really call it a party. I like Pasadena a lot. I do. I think it's a great town, a cool microcosm of Los Angeles and a wonderful destination for tourists and locals alike. That being said, because I keep it at arm's reach, it never loses its novelty while always maintaining its familiarity. After taking an express bus from Encino to Pasadena (one that had an inordinate amount of Filipinos), I found myself hopping and skipping on campus. It's weird, but I feel at home. And it's a good thing I left because I was immediately bored.

Ath food was overrated, but it was nice that Kim (no, not that Kim. Not even the other Kim. Jesus, is this some kind of joke?) still has her connections there, and the Class of 2000 were able to enjoy a little bit of bubbly to go along with the meal. Beer Room is still as is, and while there's talk of renovation to the student houses, walking through Page it's like it's the same house it was when I left. Someone left life on Pause and I'm not sure if anything has really changed. And there's something to be said about tradition and consistency, but there is also stagnation. There were a few minor cosmetic improvements, but on the whole it's the same place. Comforting, yet tragic.

I spent the night at Richard and Joanna's pad, and we all indulged our inner and our very visible outer dork by playing board games. Even the next day, while waiting for my brother to arrive and for the bookstore to open, nothing quite beats the heat like watching TiVo'ed episodes of Family Guy in between World War II games.

So while I expound on and on about the importance of progress and what not, in the end, I'm still most comfortable trying to move the Allied troops against Axis forces, or watching Peter make an ass of himself, or going crazy over Caltech-emblazoned shirts and jackets. Instead of focusing on always being on the move, maybe I'm better off learning how to enjoy standing still.