Pullman, WA: Laughter and Laziness (Beauty)

I usually go out of my way not to mention individuals. Mostly that's because I don't ask them about being put up on the blog. But I'm going to break that rule with Jon. Primarily because we stayed with him for so long--5 days--but also because he was so cool.



Jon is a friend and Andy and Morgan. He graduated from Albright College and is now getting his doctorate in chemistry at Washington State University.



He picked us up late Tuesday night. He gave Matt, whom he hadn't met before, a big hug upon his arrival at his van in a mildly-sketchy parking lot on the corner of two streets. He helped us fit our bikes into his mini-van. He made us act like we were pedaling in his minivan all the way to his place. He cooked us food and provided drink as we were showering. He shared his wisdom with us. And his plans over the next five years. He's really quite a remarkable guy. He's brilliant, as you might guess, given his current undertaking, but his disposition is one that draws you to him. He was the perfect guy to spend five days with.



And the process I'm about to describe to you is why:



We woke up Wednesday--and after eating--went to play disc golf. You know, just to say we did something that day. We returned, with more food, to sit in front of the television and watch the television show "Big Bang Theory." We then played the board game "Settlers of Catan." Then we ate. Then we watched more Big Bang Theory. Then we played more Catan. Then we watched a movie and fell asleep. We woke up the next day and put in a few episodes of Big Bang. We started cooking breakfast while we set up another board game. Then we watched a mid-day movie, followed by a few episodes of Big Bang (which I will reference with BB from now on). Then a board game. Then BB. Then dinner and another game. A friend came over during the board game. We put in a movie to watch while we were playing. We fell asleep watching the movie.



Nothing really changed, except for our leaving the house for food, or a few social functions. It was beautiful. When you're on a bike everyday, nothing is better than sitting in front of a television while you're mindlessly entertained. Did I mention we were sitting on a couch? It was a perfect five days. We grew attached to the characters in BB. We grew attached, and more attached to Jon. We grew attached to the situation (which might not have been a good thing, I'm not sure).

There's nothing like spending five days sitting with someone in an apartment with nothing in particular to do. Especially when you're laughing a lot (laughter is a non-verbal signal that is often done in order to build relationships. Spend a significant amount of time--5 days, for example--laughing with someone and notice the bond you build).



And so it was rough riding away from Jon's place that next Monday. But all good things must come to an end. It was back into the dessert.