SATURDAY. 12:47 PM. The month is almost over. It feels like New Year's just happened and already over three weeks have passed by. The new semester starts next Tuesday -- my first day of classes when I get to meet another two sections of new students. I had a professional day yesterday at the university; it was as interesting as most professional days go (I learned a few things, I got to see some familiar faces, and there was free food). I even served on the "experienced teacher" panel for a Q&A with first-time teachers. On Monday, I get to go to another professional meeting.

Last night, I went out with my sister and Brian. It was their friend John-Mark's birthday. We had dinner in Adams Morgan at Fasika's, an Ethiopian restaurant. We met up with some of Alenda's friends and John-Mark's friends. I never had Ethiopian food before. It was really delicious. Most things were stewed, such as chicken (doro wat), but there were some spicy, tasty lentils (miser wat), a great whole (without head) fried fish, and couscous. The most interesting thing about Ethiopian cuisine is that you eat with your hands (no utensils) and the assistance of a flat, fermented bread called injera, which is spongy like a pancake with a taste like sour dough. I had a really good time. Next time I'll try the tej, the Ethiopian honey wine.

After dinner, the group of us had coffee at Tryst, which was a few doors down from Fasika's. The weather was bitterly cold. It was nice to get a table and drink something hot. Magically enough, we managed to get a table for eight at Tryst without much trouble. We were lucky. We got there just as another large group was taking off. Normally, the coffee shop/bar/restaurant is standing room only on a weekend night.

After coffee and dessert, people wanted to go dancing. They wanted to try a newly opened club called Five. We actually rode the #42 bus from Adams Morgan to the club, which is south of Dupont Circle. I think that's probably the second time I've ridden a Metro bus. It reminded me of riding MUNI back in San Francisco. I really enjoy public transportation (well mostly). As we rounded the circle, I suddenly realized where we were going. Five, it turns out, is in the old space where Ozone used to be, a club I used to go to a lot many years ago (it's also the site of the old Roxy). Crazy. They've renovated the space, put up a cool DJ booth with a lighted wall. It's semi-swanky. Friday nights is called "Pearl," their "trance/techno/progressive/hard house/break beat" night. With all those genres, you might as well just called it "house" music but that would probably make a few DJs angry. It also turns out that the space is now owned by the same company that owns Nation. Interesting. I'm not sure why it's called "Five" though.

The crowd was really thin even at eleven o'clock. But I figured it wouldn't get busy till around midnight. It was kind of a mixed crowd. It was mostly straight. I guess the night really didn't want to capitalize on being so close to Dupont or the word hasn't spread yet (and the homosexuals have yet to take over as the trend often happens) or the word has spread and people aren't into the night (and the $10 cover). The music was all right. That night the DJs were not on the ball. Has beat matching gone out of fashion? But I had loads of fun. I danced a lot. And it was the first time I've ever been clubbing with my sister. It was great to just move and groove.

Though the night (and the plethora of "beautiful people") has inspired a little story I might try to write for the next issue of my friends Wendy and Collin's zine Slouch.

Today, I think I'm just going to take it easy. I'm a little sore from all the boogie-ing and for walking many blocks in the dead of winter. The cold has really got to go, but until then, I'm gonna bundle up and stay indoors. I've got a few more days of freedom left before the semester sets in. I plan on enjoying it (though I don't think it'll involve the Super Bowl except maybe in relation to this).

Peace.