I really like the days when everything clicks—when I’ve been productive, engaged, and fully present in the world around me. I recently had one of those days.

After wrapping up a busy day at work, I headed over to Pints, Policy, and Politics, a local event at Silver Branch that brought together a state senator and both current and former attorneys general. Events like this are a reminder that democracy isn’t just about elections—it’s about showing up, asking questions, and staying connected to the people who represent us. It felt good to listen, learn, and be in a space where real dialogue was happening. Silver Branch was a great venue for it—familiar, welcoming, and full of people who care about the direction of our state.

After the event, I met a friend for dinner at Talea in Cleveland Heights, DC. He’d just returned from a three-week trip through Italy, and we spent most of dinner talking about his adventures. From photos of Cinque Terre to stories about getting lost in winding alleyways and finding unforgettable meals in tiny towns, it was the kind of conversation that pulls you out of your routine and into someone else’s experience. There’s something energizing about hearing firsthand travel stories from someone who fully soaked it all in.

Talea was the perfect spot for that kind of catch-up. The food was excellent, the service attentive without being overbearing, and the space had a good rhythm—easygoing but with attention to detail. I’ll definitely be going back.

By the time I got home, I felt tired and satisfied. It was the kind of day that fills you up—work that mattered, civic engagement that felt meaningful, and time spent with someone I care about. These are the moments that keep me feeling connected to my life—not just moving through it, but actively participating in it.