One Journey's End

I have spent 29 days in Wisconsin.  I left Miami 31 days ago.  This fact astonishes me.  My life has changed dramatically in those few weeks and it is just going to change again after we get to our new home in Seattle.  J and I have accomplished so much in such a short time.  I didn’t think it was physically possible to do it all… in fact, tears were shed over how overwhelmed I was with everything on our to-do list as well as the things that popped up (like both cars needing repairs/attention). 

Here was the original list I posted awhile back (I crossed off what we did do):

1. Join this century and get an iPhone
2. Visit Greenfield News and Hobby with Dad
3. Madison (we saw the Farmer’s Market, State Street, Arboretum, Campus, Chazen Art Museum, Bluephie’s, Alchemy, Cooper’s Tavern, Genna’s, and the Old Fashioned with our friend Abe)
4. Make a trek up to MN to see a very special friend and her very adorable baby
5. Check out the Rusty Quarters arcade while in MN (instead we went out the night before)
6. Visit with J's high school buddy in MN
7. Go to my family's cabin
8. Brewer's Game (for J)
9. Go back to my old sanctuary: The Milwaukee Art Museum
10. Comet Cafe for Old Fashioneds and oh-so-bad-for-you-but-oh-so-good food
11. Sprecher’s Brewery Tour
12. Red Raspberry Frozen Custard at Kopp's
13. American Science and Surplus
14. Date at Alterra and Discovery World  (instead we saw Monster’s University and Despicable Me 2)
15. Dentist
16. Girl Day with my future sister-in-law
17. Treat our newlywed friends to dinner
18. Meet up with an old friend from middle school
19. Bake a Rhubarb and Raspberry pie with my grandma
20. Special Dinner with the 'rents
21. Enjoy time with my new puppy-sister
22. Barbeque with the Z's
23. Makin' stuff with Mom
24. Visitors! Emmy and her boyfriend in WI
25. Dream Items: karaoke, paintball, and/or laser tag!

I also managed to fit in a lot of family and friend time that didn't originally make that list.  It made for a very packed July.  Here is a sneak peek at the things that required scheduling... it doesn't show all of the impromptu errands and events.

Instead of writing a insanely long post regarding each and everything we did, here are just a couple of pictures of fun places and fun events:

I have always loved these giant, pink plastic snails in Coral Gables.  They added some humor to my time there.

I have a thing for funny statues.  Can you tell?  This orange moose was spotted on the way up to Minnesota and we made a point to stop by it on our way back to Milwaukee.

The Milwaukee Art Museum is one of my favorite places on earth.  We spent hours there.  It was a windy day, so the "wings" were in, but our guests still seemed to enjoy the art and the architecture.

Madison!  Specifically the view from my first dorm.  I miss it a lot.  I kept reminding myself that I didn't miss winter, though.

A favorite stop for me and my dad: Groppi's Italian Food Market on the South Side of Milwaukee.  I'm not Italian, but I love the old-world feel of the place.

A new favorite piece for me at the Chazen Art Museum.  It is L'Amante by Beth Cavener Stichter.

A view from a farm off of "M" road.  This was one of the few places we had cell phone coverage at my family's cabin.

Speaking of their cabin... isn't it just the cutest?

Beautiful flowers from the local Farmer's Market/Amish Market in town.

Two of my favorite things in this picture: the hubs and oodles of books.  This is from my favorite used bookstore in town.

My mom and I went to the opening party for this bookstore a couple of years ago and they had a live band play.  It was really neat and the atmosphere was very welcoming.

Food from the local co-op.  New Glarus is a Wisconsin brewing company that only brews locally.  I'm not a big beer drinker, but their Serendipity, Raspberry Tart, and Apple Ales are amazing.  The kombucha is my weak way of bringing some health to my cheese-heavy diet.

We saw a lot of fun things while antiquing in town.  I bought an old camera.

The drive to Seattle is going to be rough, but my friend Miss E made me the sweetest care package to keep me occupied for the four days on the road!

So we didn’t get to go to the Rusty Quarters Arcade, but we did get to go out with a good friend.  And we didn’t get to go to Alterra (just the two of us) but we did get to go to some movies.  I didn’t get to see my middle school friend either, but I did get to see five girl friends from college and a Miami friend came to visit.  

Our stay in Wisconsin thoroughly covered friends, family, and terrain.  We did a lot in Milwaukee, a lot in Madison, and we even made it to Minnesota and spent some time in southwestern Wisconsin.  We did a lot of driving… and we are about to do a lot more.  

We are excited to take the next step in our lives.  I’m also a bit nervous too.  We have a lot of responsibilities to take care of as soon as we hit Washington.  I also should detox from the amount of dairy food I’ve consumed while in Wisconsin.  Thank you for joining me on this journey from Milwaukee to Miami and back again.   Maybe I’ll write about my life Seattle, but if I don’t, this was a fun project to chronicle what I’ve done and seen.  This Midwesterner is still adventuring…

Girl Reading by Johann Georg Meyer

... while she studies for her Master's in Library and Information Sciences.  Wish me luck!

In case you were wondering...

We made it to Wisconsin.  The drive was okay (2 days).  We are busy.  Very busy.  Here is what I look like after a long drive:

Three very tired girls.

Here is what makes me feel better from said drive.

An epic Bloody Mary at Benelux in the Historic Third Ward.

Summer Bucket List

21 days left.  3 weeks!

We've been so busy with packing, working, and fitting in last minute fun.  In the last month or so we've been to the Miami Symphony Orchestra (Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98 and Piano Concert No. 1 in D minor, Op. 15 with Eduardo Marturet as the conductor and Philippe Entremont on the piano), A La Folie, Fox's Sherron Inn, the arcade, an Italian Greyhound meet-up in Broward County, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden with Emmy, Lan Pan Asian Cafe, dim sum at South Garden (twice), Bahama Breeze dinner with my office mates, lunch with some professors at Peru Criollo, and some drinks with my friends on Miracle Mile -first at John Martin's for Happy Hour and finishing the night at 100 Montaditos to soak up some of that liquor, but they had good sangria too! ;)  J and I have also managed to sneak in a last meal at Ms. Cheezious a couple of weeks ago. 

Farewell to my favorite Miami Food Truck!

Close-up of a Rainbow Eucalyptus from FTBG

The Cannonball Tree at FTGB is in bloom this month!

You can see where it gets it's name from...

Ending our evening out at 100 Montaditos

During that time I've still be volunteering, reading towards my goal of 85 books in 2013, and making a lot of crafts.  I made a project for J's friends that I cannot wait to show you, but for now it needs to stay a secret!  I also made little glass ornaments that were almost like cards for my office-mates.  On the front it showed their initial and on the back was a small saying of appreciation.  I embellished with dangling beads and keys that said Memory, Love, and Heart.  I didn't get a picture of them, but I plan on making one for my Craft Night friend.  I also finished my secret project for my future sister-in-law.  I've been busy! :)

We have some plans for what we want to fit in while we are still here.  We're hoping to get some good pictures of the graffiti at Wynnwood, some of the trees in Coral Gables, FIU campus, pictures off of the Rickenbocker, maybe of the Venetian Pool from the inside, the Country Club Prado promenade, us by my favorite pink snail sculpture, and picture/video of our Coral Way drive home.  I want to take a picture walk and get some of the smaller details too: the awesome tile at the library, a close-up of Miami oolite rock, the lions at the nearby bank, and more.  Right now J takes almost all of the pictures for this blog and has to e-mail them to me.  I wish I had an iPhone to take pictures of those small moments from my daily life that make me smile... maybe this summer.

Which brings me to the main point of this post: Our Summer Bucket List.  We will have less than 30 days in Wisconsin to see all the special folks, visit the places we love, and eat the food we've missed.  While talking to J, I ticked off on my fingers all of the people we're making plans with, events to attend, things to do, and mini-excursions to plan and it was more than one thing a day.  We'll be busy.  Here is -some- of our Summer Bucket List:

1. Join this century and get an iPhone
2. Visit Greenfield News and Hobby with Dad
3. Madison (definitely going out, definitely eating some yummy food, definitely seeing friends, definitely visiting the arboretum, probably hitting up State Street, the Chazen, and MoMA)
4. Make a trek up to MN to see a very special friend and her very adorable baby
5. Check out the Rusty Quarters arcade (J and I love arcades!) while in MN
6. Visit with J's high school buddy and his lovely girlfriend in MN
7. Go to my family's cabin
8. Tailgate at a Brewer's Game (for J)
9. Go back to my old sanctuary: The Milwaukee Art Museum
10. Comet Cafe for Old Fashioneds and oh-so-bad-for-you-but-oh-so-good food
11. Brewery Tour
12. Red Raspberry Frozen Custard at Kopp's
13. American Science and Surplus to see if we can get some funny stuff for our new apartment
14. Date at Alterra and Discovery World
15. The Dentist! (I love my dentist.)
16. Girl Day with my future sister-in-law
17. Treat our newlywed friends to dinner (we are leaving Miami the day they get married!)
18. Meet up with an old friend from middle school
19. Bake a Rhubarb and Raspberry pie with my grandma
20. Special Dinner with the 'rents
21. Enjoy time with my new puppy-sister
22. Barbeque with the Z's
23. Makin' stuff with Mom
24. Visitors! Emmy and her boyfriend might come to WI to see where we're from
25. Dream Items: karaoke, paintball, and/or laser tag!

Of course, there are more items that are more personal and specific to special peeps in our lives, but you get the general idea.

I have missed some Wisconsin things and Wisconsin people, but I have realized there are people and things that I will miss down here in Miami (despite still not being too too fond of the place).  I found a little family here that I will miss terribly.  Everyone in my office is on to bigger and better things, but we've all expressed the sentiment that we're going to miss our team and the well-oiled machine that we've become.  These people made me feel loved and cared for here.  I didn't make a lot of friends, but I think the friends I've made are quality friends and I hope they come to visit me and my new life in Seattle.

Now I'm off to clean the bathroom and maybe try my hand at a new recipe.  Catch you later.

Craving: Sentimentality

I am a picky eater.  Not by choice.  I'd like to think I have refined taste buds.  If I try something once or twice and I don't like it, I can't see the point in forcing myself to eat it.  I also have a sensitive gag reflex.  I can't think of a prettier way to say that, so, pardon me.  There are some dishes that I cannot even hope keep down (calamari bad, takoyaki -fried balls of octopus- good).  So, the next time I politely decline food, don't take it personally... it would be far more rude to lose my lunch all over yours (first grade, wild rice, and my mom made me write an apology note).  Why am I randomly writing about this now?  Well, because I was thinking about the foods that I am fiercely fond of earlier today.  I wanted to write about it, and even though it doesn't have a whole lot to do with my Miami life, I figured I would put it on this blog.

I was eating a tomato a few moments ago.  I love tomatoes.  I crave tomatoes.  I despise those mealy, shiny, red spheres the average grocery store passes off as tomatoes.  The uglier the tomato, the better it is.  Red, orange, yellow, brownish purple, and green... I want them all.  Down here in Miami, I usually go for heirloom tomatoes.  They are very good, but they are nothing compared to a homegrown tomato that has warmed in the afternoon sun, so ripe it comes off the vine with the lightest tug.  One of the first treats that I can remember was sharing a tomato from my grandpa's garden with my grandma and my little brother.  We picked it right off the plant: a big, fat, juicy tomato and we took turns taking bites out of it like it was an apple, sprinkling it with a bit of salt... I think of that happy time whenever I eat a fresh tomato.  Now I usually cut it up and garnish it with sea salt and pepper.  If my husband is lucky, he'll get a slice or two.  Every time I see one of those ugly, glorious tomatoes in the store I buy a couple, but I know I'll never recreate that moment in the sun, when I was very young.

Mushrooms are another food I adore.  I should be disgusted by them, like I said, my preferences are irrational.  They are fungi and I am a neat freak, but that is fungus I can get behind.  I love sauteed mushrooms.  I have good memories of meeting up with a friend in high school and we would just fry up an entire carton of them: butter, salt, mushrooms.  Delicious.  And the first time I had morels?!  My mouth waters just thinking about those hideous, spongy things.  They remind me of being in Southwestern Wisconsin with good, honest people, sharing a meal of fish (I skipped that- reasons later) and foraged morels.  They remind me of a time when I used to be outdoorsy and the teensiest bit wild.  These days, when I come across a dish in a magazine that has mushrooms as the star ingredient the page gets ripped out and thrust into my husband's hands.  "Make this for me, please?"  He's an excellent cook, even if we disagree on how long to cook them (he likes them on the raw side).

I have so many memories tied to food that are both good and bad.  The time I choked an a fish bone from a fish fry: bad.  The time I did it again: worse.  I keep a wary eye on lake-caught fish fry to this day.  The first time I had sushi with friends: so much fun.  I already disliked fish and I couldn't imagine eating it raw, but I was hooked (pun intended), and the plum wine didn't hurt, either.  My first oyster, purchased for me by my brother-in-law: a risk.  I loved it.  Sliding an oyster down is like taking a tiny gulp of fresh ocean.  Now, the fried oysters I had in San Fransico's Chinatown: I didn't like so much.  Duck tongue during the same meal?  I tried it.  It is off the bucket-list.  Never to be repeated.  Especially since I accidentally swallowed the tiny bone inside.  

... Spicy Cheesy Bread from Madison's farmer's market?  I dream of that and have never been able to find anything remotely like it here.  Oregon strawberries?  They are red all the way through and taste like no other strawberry I ever had in my life.  My grandma's dumplings?  Such a simple recipe, but I love it because it reminds me of my 13th birthday, when she came to my house and spent the day showing me how to make them.  My other grandma makes -THE BEST- chocolate chip cookies.  In our family she's famous for her fudge, but her chocolate chip cookies are my favorite.  How does she get them like that?  So soft.  So perfect.  Not too sweet.  She tells me it is the Tollhouse recipe, but I'm not sure.  It's probably grandma magic.  Another sweet I am fond of: Kopp's Red Raspberry frozen custard.

... And then there are my auntie's fruit pizza and veggie pizza.  Oh, it is not a party in my family unless my auntie brings something.  I loved coming home from college and enjoying a slow morning breakfast made for me by my dad.  I've tried to replicate his french toast and bacon- alas, I cannot.  Or what about my brother's scrambled eggs?  His are the simply the best.  He's  ruined scrambled eggs for me, though.  I stopped liking them after I was spoiled by his.  My poor husband- I won't eat them when he makes them.  Brunch with my future sister-in-law at the local Greek diner is always better with her than any I've had down here (even if it is just toast, an over-easy egg, and greasy hash browns).  My mom always knows to stockpile the Diet Coke and string cheese when I come for a visit.  And I like sharing a meal with her after a day of card making at Archiver's in Middleton.  I usually talk her into getting pretzel rolls from Sendik's because my youngest brother and I both love them.

... In my family, on both sides, Easter and Christmas are time for Adamczyk's Polish sausage.  When I was little my brother and I frequently requested pork chops, peas, and mashed potatoes from my grandma.  Interestingly enough, I only liked her pork chops.  I didn't eat pork (bacon aside) otherwise growing up.  Her peas were from a can, cooked in a rue that turned green.  They were only loved by me and my brothers because they make my parents gag (I told you I have odd tastes). General Tsao's Tofu and an egg roll from Asian Kitchen in college were almost as good of a reward as the grades that came from late night studying with buddies in the library.  Bluephie's, Dottie Dumpling's Dowry, Ian's Pizza, Harvest, Mickey's Dairy Bar... high brow, low brow, it didn't matter what the price point was, I miss those places equally.

... In Miami I found joy in tapas and bubble tea and Ms. Cheezious and red grapefruit frozen yogurt that is as sour as the sour gummi worms I top it with.  Those are new food traditions I share with my husband.  We discovered we like home-made risotto and spring rolls.  I will have some of these foods when I leave Miami, but there will be some I leave behind.  We will find new ones in our new place, wherever that may be.  There are just so many foods and dishes that I miss from home, but looking back at this post, it is the people who make the food, provide the food, and the ones I share the food with that bring it to life.

So I didn't like the duck tongue, but I shared that with friends in a great city and it made us laugh.  So I don't like lake-caught fish, but it was always caught by my grandpa or my dad and that made it special.  I may not be the best cook, but there are some recipes I'm good at.  I married a man who grew up with a rich family food history (his mom regularly wins blue ribbons at the State Fair, I could do an entire post on her amazing food alone).  My food history may be different, but just as rich as his.  I had grandparents who wanted to show me they loved me with food, but the thing I remember and admire about them the most was how they respected food by growing it, preparing it, and preserving it themselves.  I have a grandma who always took the time to put out her signature fudge and cookies at nearly every gathering: fudge on a heavy plate covered in saran wrap and cookies in that iconic tin.  I grew up with aunties (related by blood and not) who came to parties bearing Polish sausage and perfect dishes.  I have a dad who can cook and grill really well, even if he doesn't do it that often.  His respect for nature and hunting gave me a unique perspective on how I want to eat (a challenge here in Miami).  I remember not wanting to try the duck and the rabbit that he caught, but those are some of the most memorable meals he made for us and I liked them.  I have a mom who produces events that Martha Stewart would approve of.  She makes her home the perfect backdrop for family gatherings and she brought my wedding plans to life.  I'm sure good food would be good food eaten at a card table, but good food eaten in a warm and beautiful environment enhances the experience.

I have to clean the dishes now.  My husband made a very good vegetarian lasagna... lasagna reminds me of my brother, he always asked for my mom to make it on his birthday.

Since September...

I haven't posted since September... yeesh.  In my defense, J has been working diligently on his thesis and I have been trying to help around the apartment in little ways (planning meals, cooking dinners, cleaning, keeping a watchful eye on animals). He's finally done with writing and he'll be defending his thesis in the beginning of November.  I'm incredibly proud of him.  Aside from working like crazy for school, he is an excellent puppy parent, an avid runner, and he's been working on side projects like his blog: http://www.wxnotes.com/blog/

Our animals have been keeping us busy.  We've been taking the dogs to a new dog park that was recommended to us by a fellow UW-Madison graduate.  Sometimes we meet up with her there on the weekends.  We've started Lily in Puppy Classes with the same trainer that worked with Ruby.  We keep them busy because happy dogs are tired dogs... but that also makes for tired dog owners who'd rather relax than blog.  Guilty. 

I haven't been lazy though!  I have been working hard on my goal of reading 75 books in 2012.  I am currently reading two books (60 and 61).  If you want to keep up with what I am reading, you can check out my Shelfari account.  (http://www.shelfari.com/beccaf)  There is no doubt in my mind that I will meet my goal, but despite my fast reading pace, it still takes a lot of time to read that much.

I also was able to go home for a week in late October.  My mom and dad paid for my ticket to come home so that I could celebrate my second cousin's wedding.  It was really beautiful.  She and her mom did some cool things for me when I was planning my wedding so I would have been disappointed to miss hers.  Aside from the wedding, I was able to spend good time with my family.  My mom and I hit up a Wisconsin farm-stand and I bought goodies for the girls at work.  I also indulged in New Glarus Raspberry Ale and cheese curds.  I was able to get all of my favorite food stops in: Kopp's for Red Raspberry frozen custard, Bluephie's for Ooey Gooey Pasta (with two of my best buds), Noodles, and The Comet Cafe.  It was a really good trip.  I was dying to get as far away from Miami as possible for the last couple of months.  I needed a reality check: somewhere where people are nice and there are a few of them who care about me.  Sometimes it is hard living so far from family and friends- even if it is an adventure.

Going back to Wisconsin helped also get me back into my creative groove.  One day my mom and I made a pumpkin still life that was inspired by some of her home decorating magazines.  I miss having a crafting buddy.  I always did my scrap-booking and card-making with her.  I hate doing those things alone- so I haven't done them in years.  We made a lot of elements for my wedding together and making those pumpkins was a fun activity.  When I came back to Miami (after I was sicker than a dog for two days) I pulled out my crafting supplies and started on some new projects.  I'll add some pictures below.  You can see more at my Etsy site.  And speaking of Etsy- I made my first "outside" (as in someone I don't know) sale two days before my trip!!  Someone in Nova Scotia bought some magnets.  I jumped for joy!

Current projects I've been working on:

The first altered Moleskine journal I made.

Another altered journal.

Another.  I'm sort of addicted.  I have to wait and see if these sell before I buy more journals to alter.  I don't want to end up with too many sitting around like some of my other crafts. *See footnote*

A Fairy Ornament that I decided to try.  The idea came to me when I was trying to sleep and after I thought of it I couldn't actually fall asleep because I was so excited to try it out.  It finally gave me an idea of what to do with all of the bits I've collected/found over the years.  This one is sea-themed.

This one is Halloween-themed.  I wanted to do one in colors that reminded me of the holiday.  Please don't judge my photo styling.  I'm not a photographer and I was trying to get the pictures taken while there was still some natural light outside.

Where my ornaments are currently residing: on the wine bottles that we don't drink. :)

On Monday I go back to work.  I know I'll have a lot on my desk.  I was supposed to go in to work the two days after I got back, but I was sick on Thursday and worse on Friday.  I got up and took a shower at 7:00 AM both days.  On Thursday I was exhausted from traveling and had a headache/sore throat, so I didn't even bother getting dressed.  On Friday I woke up feeling even worse, but I figured I really had to go in since it would only be me and one other office member.  I pulled on my clothes, told Joe that I might be home early, drove about a mile, and then pulled into a gas station so I could get sick all over myself.  I called my co-workers and explained that I would not be in, I needed a shower and different clothes, and then I went home and got sick three more times.  It was, by far, one of the worst days of being sick/having a migraine in my life.  I couldn't keep anything down: water, saltines, Sprite, or medicine.  I just iced my head in bed until 1 AM when I finally fell asleep.  On Saturday I still had a bit of a headache, so I took it slow in the morning, but by Saturday night I finally felt better.

I should go get ready for my first day back at work since the 17th.  Besides the work I have to get a campus parking pass and schedule an allergy test- a tale for another day- so I'm sure tomorrow will be crazy.  But I kind of don't want to get up to make my lunch right now.  I have two tuckered puppies cuddling my feet and I don't want to disturb them.  They look so angelic... then they wake up.  :)

 - - -

* I went a little crazy with the magnets I was making.  I liked repurposing magazine pages and it was so easy to put the magnets together that I made more than I needed.  I personally like the painted ones best, but I can't make too many at a time without getting a headache from the fumes.  When I was meeting with another Etsy crafter (http://artzazzle.blogspot.com/) she mentioned that it would be cool to leave crafts like geo-caches.   I used to geo-cache with my mom and I loved the idea.  I'll save the geo-cache idea for when I live in another city, but I decided to leave some gift bags around town of some surplus magnets, my business card, and a note that reads, "Surprise!  A gift for you or someone you love.  Just a little way to brighten your day."  I hope people find them and enjoy the fun that is finding a little secret. Who knows?  Someone will probably find it, hate it, send me an e-mail telling me what a jerk I am for some inane reason, and then instead of making their day better they'll ruin mine.  (I've been living in Miami too long; I expect the worst of people.) *

Food for Thought: Brimming with Ideas

I'm back in good old Miami. Well, I've been back for awhile. Sorry about the delay in posting. I had a very good holiday break in Milwaukee. It was nice to recharge my batteries in the real world. There are things I don't miss about living in Wisconsin, but all in all, I love being with basically decent people. While we may not see eye-to-eye on some things, me and those Wisconsinites, I can count on them to hold open the door for me. And they can count on me to extend the same, basic human courtesy. Because- after all, we all get boogies and have gas. We all laugh and we all cry. And we all know that cheese is supreme.

I was able to see a couple of my girlfriends. I missed you Violet, Tini, and Airbud! I know I'm sort of a solitary person, but I miss those friends that slugged through college with me. Most importantly, I was able to spend time with my family. I got to take a couple of trips to the Hobby Shop to stock up on my reading supplies (Stuffed, Art Doll Quarterly, Art Journaling, Sommerset Studios, etc...) and take a peek at the comic books. Yes, I'm a secret nerd. But I'm a broke secret nerd, so I don't buy them. I only own one issue of Batman and it was a righteous birthday gift from one of my aunties. (Ask J, I'm a sucker for almost all super-hero movies. I've even seen the bad ones. And he is an odd boy because he hates them. To torture my husband I don't make him watch chick-flicks, I make him take me to X-Men: First Class.) I got my time in at the Hobby Shop and then me and my mom went shopping for her upcoming cruise. We also made the ever-so-necessary stop to Archiver's in Madison. Do not ask me how much I spent. Do. Not. Ask. But- unlike my love for comics, I can turn those crafty purchases into gifts for people.

I also indulged in a lot of food. I gained weight. But I didn't care! No. No one will stop this gal from getting her cheese fix. As an end of the year "HUZZAH" in dining I had a lot of good eats. I went to the Comet Cafe. It's a favorite for me and J. He got his usual: the meatloaf sandwich. I got my usual: the B.E.L.T. We enjoyed Old Fashioneds (his sweet, mine sour) and I also had a screwdriver. I couldn't help myself! I haven't seen such an awesome and reasonably priced drinks menu in ages!! And they were DELICIOUS! (J was the D.D.) The New Glarus gods also smiled upon me with their Apple Ale. They only make this stuff once in a blue moon and I just so happened to be home when they had some. They say on the bottle: we may never make this again. So I got two cases. J's dad bought one for us to share and I bought one all for myself. Yum. I had cheese curds at Culver's a couple of times. And butter burgers. But those seriously pale in comparison to the glory that is Dotty Dumplings Dowry. I attempted to go once with J and Violet, but they were closing- the turds!! So we hung out at The Vintage where they were having $1 Wisconsin beer (Heeeelllo PBR!). We all split some yummy fried foods and J and I enjoyed our first Bloody Marys. HOW ON EARTH did I go through college at Madison and never have one of these?! They are delicious. I also got my favorite Ooey Gooey Pasta when J and I met up with Airbud. (Airbud isn't her real name, obviously. My friends all have super secret identities that I have to protect.) Ooey Gooey Pasta is to die for: chicken, peas, noodles, all smothered in an amazing sauce. I drool just thinking about it. And the portion is ridiculous. I also had my first deviled egg, and second, third, and forth on Christmas Eve. My grandma made her yummy strawberries, bananas, and cream dessert for Christmas Day. It is so simple, and yet so divine. Let's see, what else? Ooh, I had some really great hard goat cheese. Darn, I wish I knew the brand name. It was perfectly salty, yet not overpowering. I got Ann's pizza- my parents spoiled me. They are the best pizza in Milwaukee. Oh yes- I almost forgot: I HAD MY KOPP'S RED RASPBERRY FROZEN CUSTARD. Two scoops. I don't care if I look like a piggy when everyone else only orders one scoop. I can't get any of these things in Miami. (Well, I could make myself drinks and deviled eggs, but it wouldn't be the same.)

Now I am back to eating organic produce and sensible meals. My clothes are still a little mad at me, but it was worth it. :) The biggest change in my diet is my New Year's Resolution: no meat. I didn't really think I was going to go complete vegetarian, but I read Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer after getting back, and I am livid with the practices of factory farms and slaughterhouses across this country. Over 95% of our meat comes from them, and I- the ardent steak lover- have put down my fork and kept my dollar when it comes to supporting them. Now, I'm not going to say anything more, other than that if J and I could find a great farmer and a reliable butcher, we'd be eating meat. We both like it. The reason we first went to eating less meat was environmental, and because we have a little dog who, when added with all of the other doggies, can make a huge environmental impact. So, we started for that reason, but we're ending up doing it for another. I hope I haven't offended anyone. My choice is for me alone, but I wanted to explain myself because I've often said how much I love a good steak or burger on this blog, and for me to go vegetarian is almost a one-eighty. I never want to get preachy, and I won't criticize how others live. J and I have made a decision that is best for us that we hope will have a positive (albeit, slight) impact. Anything is something.

So, that mini-food tour of Wisconsin was also a little farewell tour. We've been back for a couple of weeks now and a lot has already happened. I got the sinus infection of a decade. I was miserable. I don't know how I made it to work. The only time I took off was to go to the doctor at the tail end of it and I wasn't going to take the full day, but after a three hour visit- time in Miami is measured by the hours you have to wait for things- my boss suggested I just stay home. I've been dealing with some hearing loss- no nerve damage thank goodness- and major pressure in my sinuses and ears. I have had that pressure in my ears for awhile, but it was so bad on Friday that I had to call my doctor and beg for something more helpful than nasal spray. So far, I seem to be getting better.

Right in the middle of that nasty sinus infection we had a visitor. I wish I could have been my usual self- and I'm sure I sent the impression that I loaf around on the couch watching television all of the time. I tried to keep up and spend time with J and his friend on South Beach (NOT partying, just sight-seeing), but I think I may have pushed myself a little too hard. Oh well, I've only had a sinus infection like that since middle school, so hopefully I'm not due for another one for a looooong time. I especially hope I'll feel 110% when Abe comes to visit me in the summer. I am dying to see her because we missed each other over Christmas. And I'm going to beg E to come back and bring her special someone too!

Even though I was super sicky and busy with getting back into the swing of things in the office, I managed to keep myself even busier with ideas. I've been brimming with them! I think those magazines I got at the Hobby Shop really help: I love admiring the artwork of other people, even if I do something that is nothing like that (Art Dolls, for instance). I've been toying with ideas and learning new things. Volunteering at the gardens ensures that I'm never bored. I just learned how to do some basic knitting last week and I'm currently working on a funky scarf made from some recycled t-shirts and interesting yarn. Tomorrow night I will learn how to make felt flowers. I've been mass producing some little projects (secret stuff: some people are getting them in my Pay-It-Forward craft project for 2012). I cannot wait to share my work with others and I hope they like it as much as I enjoyed making it. I would like my kitchen table back, though. I'm sure J would too. These projects take up a lot of space!

I'm slowly pulling elements of the life I want into the life I have. I'm working on character development for a story idea. I'm also reworking old stories in my head. I take time everyday to browse the internet for fun projects or to see what amazing things creative folks are up to now. Hopefully I can find a niche for myself in one of those communities. In the meantime, I'm enjoying my time with J (I missed him over the break- he stayed with his folks) and I'm loving my little Ruby. She's in Adult Training classes now, so hopefully that little chickadee will learn how to walk nicely. I may not be where I want to be right now, but I'm excited for the future and I'm trying to make the most of the present. .:Insert super mushy stuff about hubby here:.

Have a good week! Stay warm my Wisconsin friends! (I'm sweating.)

November's Nearly Done

It is official. Holiday season is upon us. I'm a slight scrooge, so I do not acknowledge the upcoming holidays until the Thanksgiving meal has started digesting. (To me, Christmas music anytime before the week of Christmas is just annoying.) This year I'm slightly more festive than last. Last Thanksgiving, J and I had Chinese food and went to the beach. I was unemployed and less than thrilled about my current city. This year, things have changed: I'm employed. :) We were invited to a traditional dinner hosted by my co-worker's mom. (We do crafts together once a week.) I love Chinese food and I had a great Thanksgiving with J last year, but I love Thanksgiving food even more. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, so it was nice to spend it in a more traditional way this year. It was also nice to be around a family, even if it wasn't mine.

The food was amazing, and I wouldn't expect any less from my crafting guru. She makes awesome brownies, but even better stuffing and mashed potatoes. The turkey was good and the gravy was made from scratch. There were croissants and green beans and baked ziti. (Ziti is their family tradition, but I held off in order to maximize the space in my stomach for stuffing and potatoes. Starch, starch, carbs- I love starches and carbs!!!) Dessert was pumpkin pie and brownies. J and I were happy campers.

After dinner, J and I kept our tradition by going to the beach. We looked for shells and enjoyed the cooler weather. Once we got home, we did a big clean up and then set about decorating. J and I had purchased some ornaments from Target for a couple of bucks (literally, these things were twenty five cents) last year, so up they went. Instead of a tree, we did a garland. The cats and Ruby would have had too much fun with a tree and since we will be home for the holidays, we didn't want to bother. The theme this year was snowflakes, navy, and silver. J and I don't agree on much, but we agree that we hate red and green. Getting the garland up was actually pretty tricky. We admired our handiwork with beer and hard lemonade.

Also keeping us busy is our adorable four legged baby. (That conjures up a funny image.) Ruby is everything we could have hoped for and more. We are simply mad about her and I understand now why people get so obsessed with their dogs. She's my Best Thing Ever. She knows to be calm when I'm upset/sad about something. She knows the sound of my car and when I come home later than J, she is anxious to greet me at the door. She's happy to see me in the morning- and in the middle of the afternoon when I've been home for hours. Ruby's smart... and a little stubborn. We're still diligently working on potty training (the dog attack and broken leg were huge set backs for us). She can be a little sneaky sometimes and she likes to eat fuzz. But she's great at her tricks and commands: sit, stay, wait, come, paw, high five, spin, twirl, drop it, leave it, and lie down. The only one in her repertoire that she is really missing is: "POTTY. Now, please?" She just got fixed last week. She was miserable the first day. She couldn't sit, so she'd just lean on me. And she was drugged, so her puppy eyes were especially sad. But the next morning she was already full of her signature joie de vivire. She's my bounce-back kid. I love her tenacious, precocious, sweet mannerisms. She gets car sick, just like me. And although she's not very vocal, she's got a fierce little growl when playing tug and she makes the funniest whimpers and grunts in protest of having to ride in the car.

Ruby's been spoiled with the company of a friend for the last week. We're puppy sitting for a friend's dog. It's a toy poodle that J and I have sat for before. This dog is such a sweetie. She's so well mannered and loving. The only problem is that she's a couple of years old, so she can find Ruby to be annoying. It is sort of like sisters, except one is a "too-cool" teenager and the other is a sticky-fingered two year old. They still play nicely, and once in awhile J and I can get them to both calm down and rest on the couch at the same time. We will all be sad when her owner comes to pick her up. (It has helped with the potty training a bit. J and I are consistent with the older dog- and it's a good model for Ruby, even though there still have been accidents...)

Work has been surprisingly difficult. I thought it would calm down. Even though the pace is not as frantic, the work seems to multiply and I find every minute of every day occupied with helping students, helping co-workers, answering e-mails, fixing the copier, unjamming the printer, getting more paper for the copier or the printer, etc etc. I have a hard time just making it to the bathroom. And the scary thing is: there are now four of us in the office who are doing this ALL DAY LONG. I'm looking forward to December because after the second week the semester ends. So, aside from being a puppy parent and working hard, I've also been working towards the holidays. Just because I'm a scrooge doesn't mean I hate Christmas. My favorite part of the holiday is giving gifts. I have a "token of appreciation" problem. I like to give people stuff. Mostly small stuff. Sometimes hand-made stuff. But I'm a stuff-giver. So Christmas is a great time for a stuff-giver. And even though the holidays don't start for me until after Thanksgiving, I still anticipate gift giving long before hand. When purchasing gifts, I start in September. This year I had a goal of making 50% of my gifts, so I started in July. I upped the goal to making 90% of my gifts. I will only buy things for J, since he does not want beaded jewelry or dyed silk scarves. :) I'm still making him little things though. It is a challenge to think of what people could possibly appreciate- and I have a feeling my brother(s) would rather have something spiffy, like an xBox Kinect- but I'm on a budget, people- and a mission to fight corporate America. Even if I am one person. So I've been a good little elf- toiling away at my kitchen table/workbench, trying to beat the clock.

And there is a homecoming to prepare for. My dog is basically naked (if you want a dog that doesn't shed, get an Italian Greyhound). But she's a wimp when it comes to anything below fifty degrees. She already has a sweater (its a black and white striped number with a skull and crossbones) and she actually likes wearing it. I know, I know. I sound like one of those crazy ladies with the monkey for a pet, "He likes dressing up. Don't you? See, he's chewing my face with his teeth, that means he likes it." But when I say, "Sweater?" She runs immediately to me and practically barrels her head in the neck hole. She also has a hard time parting with it. I don't blame her- it's nice to be warm, and to be warm and stylish. But a wimpy sweater that only covers her chest and back isn't going to cut it in a Wisconsin winter. So we ordered her fleece, hand-made dog jammies (from Etsy). They have little monsters on them. Because she's my monster- nothing too girly for my baby girl. (If my dog was named Lola, she'd be decked in pink, but Ruby's signature color is red, and she's too rough and tumble for tutus.) ;) She also has long skinny legs, so we got her booties. And a hat for her thin ears. She's going to be more layered than me! I'll have to get a picture of her in full Wisconsin weather regalia. (The hat she hates- so that might not last. But I'd rather have a warm dog than a frozen one.)

Whew- this post was far longer than I intended. I'm just so excited about going home. And for my family to meet the apple of my eye. I'm looking forward to family, friends, and food. (Speaking of food, J and I went back twice to Rancho Grande- their burritos are the best I've had down here. We also tried Taco Rico- service was super fast but food was so-so. The price for the portion is great, but I'd rather have Rancho Grande.) I don't know if I'll carve out the time to post before home, but if I don't:

HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES!! Stay warm, my Sconnies, and travel safe.

Mmmmm Miami

It is now “Fall” in Miami. By “Fall” I mean that it is no longer blazing hot and the threat of hurricanes have subsided. I still don’t consider it to be truly Fall because the leaves don’t change colors and any décor of Halloween or Thanksgiving looks simply ridiculous down here when it reaches 80 degrees on a regular basis. One of the things I liked most about the changing seasons back home is the pseudo hibernation you go into- layer on thick knits and eat massive amounts of yummy food. I hear it has been snowing back home. =)

I’ve been keeping busy with work. At the end of the summer we had to gear up for the upcoming season. I’ve had some technical and slightly difficult tasks added to my job description. This doesn’t bode well for a perfectionist like myself because I constantly stress. There are a lot of people relying on me to do the data entry correctly. It could have major consequences for them if I don’t. When I was in college, I worked well under pressure, because I was the person applying the pressure. I don’t work well under pressure when a whole department or organization has high expectations. It gives me knots in my shoulders and searing pain behind my eyes.

Therefore, I’ve been laying low on the evenings. I read, I craft, I watch television- I avoid being on the computer as much as possible at home since I’m on it all day at work. I’ve also started volunteering at a local botanical garden that I’ve been taking some crafting classes at. I’ll be volunteering more this weekend for an Art Fair. I was asked to submit some crafts for the Art Fair since I took some of their classes. I worked pretty hard on dying about a dozen silk scarves and I submitted a couple pieces of jewelry. We’ll see if anyone wants what I make! If so, I might consider quitting my day job and open a crafting business. I’m only half kidding.

The biggest reason I work is to have money to enjoy myself (second to paying bills of course). So I’ve been exploring more of the dining options down here. I know I’m a very picky eater. I’m probably worse than a toddler. But, for all of my pickiness, I love food and I enjoy going out to dine and try things I like prepared in different ways. (I still will never like cooked veggies or avocado.)

The first restaurant I tried was actually a whim. I love buffalo sauce, but I hate eating wings off of the bone. I had been at a Halloween party with some acquaintances and I was really hungry after I left (first one to go, I’m so boring, I know). I had been dying for wings and BW3s boneless wings have not been cutting it. I had gone to the party as a hipster. No one got it. It was meta-hipster. Part of the costume was Pabst Blue Ribbon. To stay in character, I had a couple, and when I drink- even the slightest amount- I get super hungry. So, I was hungry and craving buffalo sauce. I decided now was the time to try real wings at a local place that I’ve been hearing of called The Sports Bar. It’s an original name, I know. I ordered wings, and cheese fries. It was the best decision I’ve made in awhile. The wings were amazing! The perfect amount of spicy for the slight burn you feel in your mouth that only blue cheese can cool. The fries were seasoned really well and they came with two cups of nacho cheese. It was a truly gluttonous experience.

I’ve never eaten a large amount of wings off of the bone (I’ve tried one here and there), and it was good I had a couple of beers in me because I basked in the glow of the flavor with wing sauce giving me a “Joker” smile. Why so serious? For those of you who know me well- mostly my dad- you know this is a huge step for me because I’m not that crazy about chicken, and I’m even less crazy about bones. For the entire time I lived at home, I daintily cut my meat and handed my dad the bones (with plenty of meat still on them, and YES- I know, the best flavored meat) but I cannot help it. I don’t do caveman well.

Shortly before that, I was given an amazing empanada at work. I’ve never had one before, and from what I understand, they are usually fried, but this one was baked. It’s like a mini-calzone without sauce. Something with a bready covering? Yes. I’m there. Cheese? Hells yeah, I’m double there. You don’t even have to ask. Melted cheese runs sluggishly through my veins. I had half of one of those babies and I was addicted. I held my colleague up to the wall by the lapels of his shirt and demanded where he got such goods. (Actually, I asked him nicely and he gave me a business card for the restaurant.) It was an Argentinian place called Puerto Maedero. And the next day I went. I’m so very glad I did. The interior was very cute and it was a bakery, a butcher shop, a deli, and a restaurant all rolled into one. There wasn’t a lot of seating and the tables were a little close, but I didn’t care, I was staring directly at a case of the most delicious looking tarts, pastries, and cakes. I went with the daily special- tiny potatoes in a cream sauce complete with bits of bacon and the most delicious filet mignon. For $15!!! I started the meal with an empanada, of course, for around $1.50. I left the restaurant a very happy camper. When my dad called to see if I was still alive- he hadn’t heard from me in awhile, I gushed about the meal. My dad and I have a lot in common, but one of the big things is a love of red meat. I cannot wait to get back to this restaurant!

On my way in to the Argentinian place, I noticed a Mexican restaurant. In Milwaukee, these are a dime a dozen. Down here, Cuban cuisine reigns supreme. (I stole that line from Iron Chef, I know.) So, my interest was piqued. The next week, I went to El Rancho Grande. It was, again, amazing. I felt lucky to have found three great restaurants in a month. I ordered the flautas. There were three and they came with refried beans, rice, and sour cream –hold the guacamole- picky eater over here. The servers were very sweet and attentive. The food was to die for, but the horchata was probably the best discovery of the night. I’ve never had it before. I’m a chai junkie, so it was a nice find.

Last weekend, I tried the Yard House. I’ve been told it has an amazing selection of beer. Contrary to what you might believe, given my Wisconsin heritage and previous mentions of PBR, I am not a big drinker- and not a big beer drinker at that. But, when I hear beer, I think of burgers, fries, and comfort food in general. The Yard House was the closest restaurant to my apartment of the four, and in the most “fancy schmancy” locale. Unfortunately, it broke my winning streak. It was crowded and noisy. I’ve been having some hearing problems lately, and it really bothered me that I couldn’t hear my waiter or my companion above the din. I was also frustrated at the amount of TVs. I’m here to eat, not to watch CSPAN. After a lot of deliberating, we got the spinach artichoke dip to start. It was lack-luster. I ordered the menu item that spoke to me the most- macaroni and cheese with bacon bits and sautéed mushrooms. I love mushrooms! I love cheese! I love bacon! So I ordered and what got delivered to me made no sense. I’m not a pasta expert, but it seems to me that mac’n’cheese should be made with tubular pasta that will hold the sauce. This one was made with flat, twisted noodles. Most of the sauce was left on the plate. I did not see any of the bacon that they advertised. I also learned an important lesson: mushrooms and mac’n’cheese don’t go together. The portion was decent, but the price- $15 for only pasta- was ridiculous. I left a bunch of it on my plate and stared despondently at NASCAR blaring on the fifteen televisions- unable to communicate how much this whole experience sucked. The Yard House is actually a chain, which disappointed me, because I like to find “gems.”

It was living in Madison that made me a foodie. (I probably cannot call myself that if I refuse to eat half of the things on the menu.) The few times I went out with a group of girl friends, we usually dined at a chain restaurant like, Chili’s or Olive Garden because that is what a whole bunch of broke college kids can agree on. Those times were about the friends, not the food. But when it was my chance to dine with family I usually picked Bluephies for their Ooey Gooey Pasta and Sweet-Tarts Tini. Or if it was a date I would beg to go to Harvest, L’Etoile, The Old Fashioned, or Dotty Dumplings Dowry- just to name a few. There were amazing dining options, and most of them were at really reasonable prices. If you asked for pizza, I could give you several options for the East Side, Downtown, and the West Side. Same goes for Italian, Burgers, or Chinese Food.

There is a plethora of dining in Miami. The problem is that it is often so damn expensive! If I could afford to drive to, park on, and dine at South Beach, there area whole load of options. But I can barely afford to eat a couple of blocks from my apartment. If I do, I should probably walk, because there is no free parking unless you are in the suburbs. So that’s where I’ve been looking for food. A lot of these places are tiny and hidden, but they are the “gems” I seek. Now, I just need to move to Portland, so I can dine at a great restaurant with my little Ruby. THAT would be the life.

Home Is Where the Heart Is

Once again, I've been bad about updating. But other than being surprisingly busy, I have a legitimate excuse this time. (Seriously, you guys.) My laptop is down for the count. Permanently. I've been using J's computer for brief moments, but he needs it for school. Thus, my computer usage has been mostly relegated to the few moments I can spare at work. Last time I wrote I told you all about the new dog and I promised posts on my trip home and my friend's visit. I'm going to roll those two together and title this post, "Home is Where the Heart Is" because I had a wonderful time at home, and I got to share my new home with my good friend E (and she made life here just that much better for the few days she was visiting).

I went home towards the end of July, and let me tell you, I sorely needed a reality check. Living in Miami is my current reality, but I'm used to a slower paced life, where I don't fear for my safety every time I get in a car, and where people hold open the door for you instead of cursing you out for some inane reason. I've never been told-off so much in my life. It's can be really grating to be here, and I was desperate to get back to Wisconsin to recharge my batteries. That three hour plane ride could not go fast enough. And as soon as I got off the plane, I was happy to see that I was back with my "people." You know, chubby, pale people who enjoy cheese without torturing themselves? Those people. I cried immediately upon seeing my dad and littlest brother. I was just so happy to be back. I went straight to my grandma's house to surprise her. There we got Cousins Subs, ate Popsicles, and picked raspberries like the old days: me, my dad, and my brothers. Of course it is not the old days and I still miss my grandfather, who would have been outside, picking berries with us, but it brought back wonderful memories. I took some of my grandma's rhubarb home (so hard to find it in Miami) and promised my family a rhubarb-raspberry pie. This is my only baking specialty and they seemed to like it, even though I forgot to tent the pie crust with tin foil and the edges got a wee bit burnt. That night I got to have dinner with one of my closest college friends. I'll call her Abe. (Because that's what I call her sometimes.) It was so nice to catch up and laugh. Abe is hilarious and J and I have shared many memorable moments throughout the years with her. I miss having good friends in Miami and I especially miss the good girl friends I had in Madison. Abe might come to visit next year. I cannot wait. I know hilarity will ensue.

The next day my mom hosted a party for her mom's 75th birthday. It was so nice to see my extended family. And eat lots of food. LOTS of food. (I have an aunt who calls me "Peaches" that makes amazing party food. I crave the stuff. Crab spread. Taco dip. Fruit Pizza. Veggie Pizza. Ohmygosh. Just thinking of it makes me hungry.) I hadn't seen many of my family members since Christmas, so it was an especially meaningful reunion. The next day my parents, my littlest brother, and I escaped to our family cabin in the beautiful region of Southwestern Wisconsin. It's the "driftless" region. Glaciers didn't make it there and it is a sight to be seen in autumn. Sometimes I daydream about spending a summer up there to read, write, devote to art, and commune with nature. Or maybe September and October when it's not so hot? (We don't have running water, so if it was summer and I was sweaty I'd be stinky and unfit to come back to civilization.) I tend to do a lot of reading out there. And sleeping. I fixed up the fire pit that I had made years and years ago. I wish I could have gone for a hike, but it had just rained and the ravine can be a bit treacherous. I will have to go hunting for geode rocks next time. We roasted marshmallows and made s'mores. Then my parents treated me to a play at American Players Theatre. We have a tradition of going to see a Shakespearean play once a summer and I'm glad that I was able to see one this year. Back in Milwaukee I had to run errands at my local bank, get my teeth cleaned (this is seriously one of my favorite things to do, as I love my dentist), and ship stuff to Miami. I also got a double scoop of my favorite red raspberry custard at Kopp's with my family and my Aunt R and we ran into my second cousin, which was a wonderful surprise. The day I was supposed to leave, I ended up missing my flight by two minutes (the plane still hadn't taxied away from the terminal). Long story short, I left the next morning. But let this be a lesson to all of those flying out of MKE... the airport security, God bless them, move like slugs there. Get there early!!

I SO did not want to go back to Miami. Of course I missed my husband, but I was having fun with my family and I was enjoying Wisconsin. I will tell you that it was hotter in WI than it was in Miami that weekend, and that stunk. I am feeling more and more "okay" with living in Miami, but it just doesn't hold the same comfort of HOME for me. And "home" to me is not just the house I grew up in. "Home" is a combination of family, friends, food, smells, memories, and places. My "home" could extend from the beach of Lake Michigan through Milwaukee, snake down the highway to Madison, take time to stop for a drink at the Weary Traveler, extend through the isthmus, and continue on to the rolling hills of the Kickapoo River Valley. I feel at home when I talk to my friends on the phone and visualize the stories they tell me, laughing and interjecting with "Oh heck no" all the way through the conversation. But I also knew that it was time to be "home" with J. He is truly the person who understands my idiosyncrasies better than anyone else. He knows me as the late-teen and adult whereas my parents knew me best as the child. (I will say that I am most carefree and childlike in the safety of my childhood home, in the company of my parents. That is a wonderful gift they gave me.) But, like I said, it was time to go back to J, who holds my heart, to pick up my adult life, and to return to Miami, my current home. Besides, a couple of days after my return home, my friend E came to visit!!

My friend E is the one who helped me do the huge move immediately after my wedding. In the course of a few days she came to Milwaukee, did my rehearsal and dinner with me, stayed the night, helped me with the last minute details for the wedding, stayed for the wedding, drove back to Madison, came back the next evening, and at five am the next morning we moved me, my car, and my stuff to Miami. It was a 22 hour drive. We stayed for a night in Chattanooga, and on the ride down the next day, we got really mad at the state of Florida for putting a turnpike through the boooooring Everglades. And THEN she stayed with me for a week to help me unpack, organize, and explore. Oh, I forgot, she also helped me move OUT of my apartment in Madison less than two weeks before that. To say she did me a favor is a HUGE understatement. I have told her I owe her moving out, moving in, a cross-country trip, and a wedding. :) I had not seen her since that move. 11 months is a long time to go without seeing a friend.

I was so excited to pick her up from the airport, and for her to meet Ruby. In four short days we hit up three different beaches, went shopping, went to the botanical gardens, experienced the greatness that is Mz.Cheezious, and dealt with a minor crisis. Even though we only got two hours of sleep the night before she had to leave, and even though we were a bit worried, it was E who I would want with me for any hairy situation. She's like a calm, collected parent who knows her way around a smart phone and GPS. The only thing E cannot do is drive stick, but neither can I. She knows how to bake, pack knives for moving, jam a car full of stuff, MAKE jam, find a good deal, knows when you are down and you need a message/card the most, and much, much more. Driving around the better part of Southern Florida with her brought back memories of us, in Madison, accidentally driving through a mental institute, finding any excuse to go to Octopus Car Wash, and grabbing copious amounts of Starbucks, Panera, and/or Noodles and Co. It felt like home.

Shortly after her visit, things got super crazy at work. Like lines of 10+ people for most of the day, three phone lines ringing off the hook, countless e-mails, countless complaints, countless angry "customers." It was a nightmare. To put it in perspective, between Thursday afternoon and a Tuesday morning my phone missed 1016 calls. No, that does not count how many I actually picked up. And one night I stayed at work until past 6 with my co-workers to return 46 voice messages. For the record, we were getting voice mail throughout the day as well and trying our best to return those phone calls. I was exhausted, and cranky, and ready for another vacation. I wanted, so badly, to be laughing at the silliest stuff with my parents. Or to be in the ocean, chatting with E, watching J swim around like a tall, skinny fish.

Things have slightly calmed down. I'm still busy at work. I'm still depressingly poor. (J paid for my flight to WI and will most likely have to pay for my new computer- whenever that happens.) I'm still looking disheveled and slightly sweaty. (Although, E surprised me with a haircut and color, so now my hair is darker and shorter. A slightly more chic way to do the sweaty Midwesterner in Miami.) But things will soon be looking up. J was awarded a grant for this year from NASA (my smarty pants), and soon it will ease some of the financial tension. I have been taking crafting classes at the local botanical garden. We have been doing puppy classes for Ruby (well, really they are for us, let's not lie). And I have once again kicked up the "career" search. I've been asking myself questions about what I want out of life and what I want in a career. Right now I have a job. It's not something I see myself doing for the long term. The other day I was talking to my mom on the phone about living in Miami. I've been thinking back to some people I went to high school with because my littlest brother just started. I may not always like living in Miami, I told her, but at least I'm living in a large, metropolitan area that gets name-checked in rap songs, mentioned in books, and "hosts" some television shows. (They are obviously filmed mostly in LA. I'm no dummy.) As I think back to some of the kids that were not so nice to me, I realize that many are living with their parents. They've been living an extended version of high school for years. I have friends who have lived in France, Wales, NYC, moved to MN, CA, and are in various stages of life. I'm happy to be on the adventure I am and ultimately that means I am happy to be where I am. I look forward to experiencing new places with J. I like my apartment and the little space we've created for ourselves. Home is where the heart is: in the memories, the houses from my childhood, the experiences, the food. I know I can and will find "home" anywhere and with those I love.