Turns out I get distracted and forget about blogging. Here's a quick life update since April 9:
Travel - Since I last posted I've been to New York, Raleigh, Nashville, Houston, Hill Country (Texas), Lindale (East Texas), Florida (Kennedy Space Center ish), Michigan.
Visitors - Some of my Raleigh favorites have made their way to Texas to visit. First Karlie and Sarah came in May. The following weekend, Lindsay came. Man, I miss Raleigh and LOVE visitors. So everyone needs to visit.
Recent Highlights:
Going to NASA's last shuttle launch. This was for work - it involved little sleep, but was such an awesome experience - I am so glad I have amazing opportunities like this with work.
Launch photo:
Michigan. I went to visit L in Michigan (my last post was about meeting her in CA). It is beautiful in the summer - we had so much fun exploring and catching-up. We checked out Sleeping Bear Dunes (insane hike back up), Mackinac Island (no cars allowed - took a ferry over and rented bikes), saw some great lakes, and visited lots of wineries.
Lake Michigan:
Races. I signed up for Tour de Fleurs 10k. Am hoping to do a 1/2 marathon this fall. We'll see.
More updates, hopefully soon...
I took a long weekend and headed to Nashville to explore and visit some great friends - Hunter and Molly (and their almost 2 year old Jackson). Going into the trip I didn't really have too many expectations of seeing all things Nashville, given that my friends have a toddler, but was really just looking forward to catching-up. Hunter and Molly couldn't have been better hosts - we spent a ton of quality time hanging out and playing with Jackson and I got to see a lot of Nashville.
Some highlights: - Pancake Pantry - Everyone told me I had to go here - a line actually forms around the building (even when it's freezing out). Hunter & I went Friday morning and I got the sweet potato pancakes. They were sooo delicious! I see why people line up around the block!
- Music Row - Totally different than what I was expecting - all of the production companies are holed up in adorable historic houses. Really cool to drive through this unique area.
- Patterson House - This cocktail bar is amazing! They specialize in high end drinks and the atmosphere is really cool. We kicked off our night out here and it was the perfect spot to begin our night.
- Broadway - Whew! This is where all the honky-tonks are. I had a blast going out here. Hunter may have been hesitant to go to this part of town, but we all had a blast. Between Legends, The Stage and Lonnie's we had a blast. I also witnessed Molly and a friend doing some STELLAR karaoke.
- Karaoke Cab - We took a karaoke cab home - it was hilarious. Hopefully the pictures from this will never appear.
- PM - Another delicious restaurant - one of the chefs here was on Top Chef. Apparently they have the best burger in Nashville, but I opted for some great sushi.
My sweet potato pancakes from Pancake Pantry:
We also hit up various neighborhoods, parks, Franklin, Sub Stop, had a play date for Jackson, drank lots champagne and wine, all participated in nap time and more fun. It was a perfect 4 day adventure. I'm already planning my next visit.
I should also note that I have a new respect for parents. Jackson is an adorable kid, but man, kids are "on" non-stop! Hunter and Molly are amazing parents - I don't know how they do it!
