It's Time to Go!

Hurrah! Our vacation time has finally arrived. As you can imagine, it's been hectic this week, trying to tie up loose ends at work, clean the house, and pack. I've realized that my mom's obsession with cleaning the house before a vacation has rubbed off on me. I used to laugh (and roll my eyes when I was a teenager and was being told to clean my room) and never quite understood why she would go crazy the day before a vaction, cleaning the house from top to bottom. Well, I completely understand now! I washed our sheets this morning so that we come home to fresh, clean sheets, we spent every night this week vacuuming, straightening up, etc, just so we come back to an organized house.

Luckily, we were able to do some packing over the weekend, so I think we're both in pretty good states of mind. There should be no rushing around or frenzied packing this afternoon, thankfully. I saw some good travel tips on things to pack, since waters/gels/lotions can't be packed. Since we're flying overnight, we typically like to freshen up before landing - brush the teeth, wash the face, etc. Well, since we're not allowed to take toothpaste or a liquid facial cleanser, I saw a great tip that suggested those brush ups, and I found some facial cleansing pads that you add water to (which we CAN do once on the plane) and then you can wash your face. We loaded up the iPod this week so we have lots of music to listen to on the flights and while we drive.

I think the cats suspect something is up. Camper has been laying on top of each of our suitcases this week, while Samba nestled in and laid IN one of the suitcases. Of couse, Samba laid in Markus' suitcase which caused him to freak out. I swear, I think she tries to test his patience. I wouldn't have minded if she laid on my clothing, but she must have some kind of animal intuition that told her that she could lay in his suitcase and get away with it. Smart cat! :-)

We had Markus' team over for a picnic this past weekend. It was fun, and delightful for me because for the first time, we bought most of the food that we served. I usually insist on making most of the food and stressing out about it. I didn't have time though because I didn't get home from Indy until last Friday afternoon. It was like turning over a new leaf for me, and boy did I like it! I had time to bake chocolate raspberry bars and seven layer bars, which was fun for me. But then the rest of the food was already bought and made, so it was a really enjoyable preparation overall! I also made white wine peach sangria. It was so pretty, I had to take a picture.

With that, we're off! We'll post some vacation pictures upon our return. Oh, and the day after we return? Our second wedding anniversary! Do you believe it?!

Markus visits Indianapolis

That's right, Markus had a trip to Chicago and came down to Indy for the weekend so we could both do some sightseeing in this town that has become my second home. I work in an office park/suburban type of area, so it was nice to stay downtown and see what the Indy city life is like.

It's a smaller city than Philly, Markus and I equated it to Reading or Allentown in terms of the size of the downtown district. There are other neat city neighborhoods outside of downtown, but you have to drive to those. It's a spread-out Midwestern city. Downtown Indy was nice, very easy to navigate, and we like whoever has done their city planning. They have a new canal walk that is lovely at night, along with several new museums, a new baseball stadium for their AAA team, and a new Colts stadium is being built. It's a very clean city and the people are friendly. We even found a winery on a side street so we kicked back to a jazz quartet and sipped some Indiana wine before we moved on to a German bar that's been around forever, where Markus had a couple of big beers. We spent time on Saturday checking out the various neighborhoods of the city and love the Arts and Crafts style of the homes. There are vibrant colors, and the design is just plain cool. On Sunday, I dropped Markus off at the airport only to discover that his noon flight was cancelled (those were the three voicemails we received at home from an unknown number...). So, I turned around and we headed to the Speedway for a look around and then we went back downtown to see the Indiana State Museum and have some Bazbeaux Pizza (rated one of the top ten pizzas in the US by USA Today - it was pretty tasty!). Then I dropped him off for his 5:55 flight, which left late, but at least he got home.

I was in Indy for eight days straight, my longest stretch so far - and I only did that so we could spend a weekend there. Anyway, it was a long time to be away, and I was glad to be home last week. I'm enjoying my 10 day stretch at home before heading out west again next Monday. I've been cooking a lot (yup, we're still trying to eat well), this week from my new issue of Cooking Light. So far, the recipes I tried were all good (Grilled Salmon w/veggies, Cucumber Soup, Seared Tofu) but some weren't worth the effort. I know my mom reads Cooking Light but I'm not sure which other blog readers might; anyway, if you're curious about what I made and what I wouldn't make again, send me an email. No baked goods (remember, trying to be healthy) this week, unless I lose my willpower! :-)

Markus has two more classes left before he graduates, for those of you counting down with us. The prospect of no homework is very exciting for both of us, though probably more for Markus since he has to do all of the work!!! And, our vacation is quickly approaching. We'll have to start packing and getting ready after I return from Indy next week.

Oh, I also checked out the new Macy's that opened in the Wanamaker Building (it was Lord and Taylor before that closed in May). The layout is the same as L&T, still a big shoe and handbag department (woo hoo!!!), and some of the same brands. A couple of shoe brands that L&T carried aren't carried by Macy's but I'm sure I'll live. The only disappointment is that there's not a housewares department in this store; it makes me sad because I always liked the housewares department at the K of P store. I guess I'll have to stick to online ordering, Williams-Sonoma, and Fante's in South Philly.

No exciting house news to report. As for my urban garden, it's pretty much dead. We had our roof deck resealed while I was away, and with only joists to walk on, it makes watering seven windowboxes rather difficult. Markus moved the tomato plant to our patio, and two tomatoes are finally getting ripe! And, now that it's not on the roof deck, the squirrel hasn't eaten any more of my tomatoes!! I have a couple of smaller tomatoes growing, so I figure that I should be able to get one or two good tomato and mozzarella salads out of it...(I know, that's it? you're thinking; hey, I'm just glad I have one tomato left after that squirrel ate three of my biggest ones). I'll report back on how my two almost-ripe tomatoes taste after I pick them (they better ripen before I have to leave next Monday is all I have to say about the matter). With that, Markus should be home soon and it'll be time to head to the gym. We'll post some Indy photos, and perhaps some tomato photos if they look good. :-)