If you're fairly sure your riding is going to be on pavement, get a road oriented hybrid. You might even be interested in a touring or cyclocross. If you go that route, kind of be aware that the drop handlebars are not for everyone. Bars can be changed; you can also spend a lot of money replacing new bars and components with other new bars and components. I incline to the hybrid choice, but that's just me.
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Some people are like a Slinky ... not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you shove them down the stairs.