Corona-Cation Week 1... Part 1: Denver

It's been like.. a hot minute since I've stopped by here because this Corona chaos life is overly chaotic right now and I no longer have anything that resembles a routine. I do not thrive when there is no routine. I mean, I don't get upset by it, but I'm not as productive until I can figure out a new routine. What that really meant is that blogging went to the way-side.

So here's a probably not very short recap since when we left off... 10 days ago.. which feels like SO MUCH LONGER since so many things have happened in those 10 days.

Friday

I was in Denver when I last posted for my cancelled conference/waiting on Teh German to arrive.  It SNOWED and I couldn't stop smiling about it.

I've still not decided how pissed off I am that some "clever" barista didn't actually give me a venti beverage by putting all that stupid whipped cream on the bottom of my cup.  #RUDE

After my outing, I headed back to accomplish work things and get some dog snuggles.

Dinner was from, no shit, the Fat Shack, and I'm not sorry to admit that I ate all the fried oreos in that bag like the fatty I am.  I did NOT eat everything in the plate though, but I DID share it with the dogs, soooo it was a win for all.

My dinner cheerleaders.

After eating, Booth and I snuggled while we watched Anthony Jeselnik stand up on Netflix.

I fell asleep while watching TV and soon after, I headed to bed.

Saturday

Originally, Teh German and I were scheduled to run a 7k on Sunday, butttttttt it got cancelled on Thursday or Friday.. so instead, I found a local running group and did my 7k on my own so I can say I actually earned that medal.

I treated myself to post-run brunch.  The local ran I went to normally serves pancakes after the Saturday run, but due to Coronavirus (CV), they were not allowed, so I had to figure something out.  Boo.

I wasn't disappointed to find the Denver Biscuit Co. or something like that.

"Sweet" tea + a biscuit with fried chicken, apple butter, egg, and honey.

After feeding myself, I headed back to my host's house to shower and do laundry before heading to the airport to pick up Teh German.

Our first stop was actually burgers at Highland Bar or something to that effect, it was within walking distance of Prost, which was more important since Prost parking is a situation.

After eating, we walked over to Prost, which we've talked about since December 2018.

My new furend from Prost.

After beers, I wanted dessert.. so we walked the opposite direction of the car to check out Little Man Ice Cream (confirmed name, as it's in the photo for reference, lol) and I was not disappointed.  I ended up with a waffle cone with marshmallow ice cream that had Lucky Charms marshmallows in it.  Samples were not allowed because CV, so it was a blind choice that made me proud.

But then we had to walk back in the Denver chill (which is rather extreme once the sun goes down, mkay?) to the car and I had regrets.... and frozen fingers..

We made it back to the car and then headed to our hotel, which was unfortunately placed in a warehouse district in maybe not the best section of town.  Oops.  I didn't realize any of this when I booked it, and it wasn't even the cheapest option.  Teh German was not really pleased, but he also doesn't make our travel arrangements to sass my decisions... until then, he will deal with the travel arrangements that I make.

Once we got into the room, Teh German went to bed.  For various reasons, he hadn't slept much the 2 nights prior to coming to Denver.  I'm not actually sure how he fell asleep since it was the temperature of the sun in our room.  I ended up calling the front desk twice and finally just hauling my ass down there in my no-bra, pajama-ed outfit to complain.  I ended up with 2 box fans and opening the window, which I didn't even know was a possibility in hotels in 2020.. Butttt here we are.  Thankfully, it was a brisk 30°F outside and with the fans pulling the air in, it was rather pleasant except for the interstate and highway noise outside the hotel.  Siiiiiigh.

Sunday

While Teh German slept our vacation away, I did my research for places to eat and things to do for the day/trip.  I ultimately decided on a plan for the day.  We grabbed brunch to start the day.  Then we headed to a wildlife refuge that we could drive through.  It was actually less capturing than I anticipated... andddd I wish we would have waited a day to go, but oh well.

We saw birds, deer, prairie dogs, and buffalo.  I won't lie, the prairie dogs were the highlight for me.  IDK why, but when they'd pop up their little heads or dart away, I was supre

After the preserve, we decided to drive around.  We were going to make a loop out of Denver up into the mountains, then swing around and come out in Boulder, buttttt Teh German was like, why not just drive up to Breck?  And I said ok, since I can be flexible, dammit.

It felt like HOME.
I will not lie.

When we got up to Breckenridge, we immediately noticed that there were no people on the slopes, which was bad news bears.  But, we trekked through town towards Breckenridge Brewery anyways.  We managed to find a super sweet parking spot... and then someone tapped on the window and informed us that the brewery was closed.. which explained the super good parking spot.  Siiiiiigh.

We relocated to one of the slopes parking lots and then headed into town for some shopping and to stop in at the Irish Pub that Teh German had noticed was open as we drove by.

After some sticker and sweatshirt (for Teh German, tyvm) shopping, we headed to the pub and Teh German had a beer and we shared some tots.  We spent some time scrolling and chatting.  We had plans to see a comedy show at 7, so we left Breck by 4 to head back to Denver.  Since getting down the mountain is always faster (and more gas efficient) than going up the mountain, we had plenty of time to spare before our 7pm show.  We went to the ticket office to get tickets (since there was a $10 fee if I bought them online) and then headed to a German restaurant a block away to pass the time. 

I had some apple schnapps and made sure to send a selfie to Papa G, since he's the king of schnapps.  After 1 beverage, we paid up and headed to the comedy show.

The show was pretty funny, it's crazy how different regions have different types of humor.  This is probably an over-generalized statement, but based on what people were laughing at in Denver vs what people laugh at, at comedy shows in Charleston.. they are not always the same things, in the same ways.

Either way, we were glad we went.

After, we debated on dinner and opted out since we weren't really hungry, heading back to our hotel room for relaxin' time instead.

If you aren't using this trick to close your hotel's curtains, you are wrong.

Monday

Monday was the day that everything in Denver shut down...  Booooo.  We ended up eating breakfast at the hotel so that we had room for our 1pm food tour.  In almost all the places we went to, we were informed that we were the last people that would be in the restaurant until CV passes.  Which was kind of a bummer, but also kinda cool. 

We had 6 different noms and nothing hurt my feelings.  Actually, the hot dog was too spicy for me to eat, but that just meant more for Teh German.

1. Neapolitan pizza
2. "Please wait to be meated"
3. Something delicious from the Butcher Bistro.
4. Hot Dog from a famous hot dog place.
5. Soft shell kobe beef taco from a fancy taco place.
Not pictured: Fancy sheeps cheese with apricot preserves.
6. Ice cream from Union Station.

Walk alone. Pave a maverick's trail, or venture hand in hand together with hope.  Seek out hidden treasures buried well within the cockles of this fair city's heart that is home to the adventurous, where passion churns deeply.  This city summones dreamers to come and do.

Never eat more than you can lift.

I can resist most everything except temptation.

You are cleverly disguised as a responsible adult.

After our food tour, we were out of things to do... and unfortunately, everything was closed by that point.  I even called Prost to ask if they were open and you could only get take-away beer from them.  Boooooo.

So we headed back to the hotel to be lazy for the rest of the afternoon.  I did opt to pick up Cheesecake Factory for dinner because dat pineapple upside down cake cheesecake is LIFE.

We spent the evening watching some show about people who live off the grid in Alaska/Washington state and I have never NOT identified with anyone more than in that situation.  Eventually, it was bedtime.

Tuesday

I had asked for late checkout on Monday when we came back to the hotel, so we lounged around until we had to check out at 2.  We had Cheesecake Factory leftovers for brunch... and I also had the rest of my dessert.

Dis my excited face.
The more chins = the more excitement.

Photographic evidence of our laziness.

We checked out of the hotel and headed straight to the airport to drop off the rental car and get through security.  Security was a breeze (thanks Pre-Check) and we found our gate.  We scrolled for a bit and then decided to go grab Smashburger for dinner since food wouldn't be served on the flight and we were going to be getting in after dinner time east coast time.

We got boarded and endured the 3 hour flight back to the east coast.  I, unfortunately, made poor life choices and did not hoard enough media to entertain myself throughout the flight.  I used all my Disney Emoji Blitz lives and finished a book and then had nothing else to do.  Siiiiigh.  I did manage to use the plane's wifi to watch an episode of Reba (it's a guilty pleasure, mkay, mind yo bizness)... but then the 2nd episode wouldn't play no matter how many times I reset the wifi, sooo I just gave up and started playing solitaire until we landed.

We made it home by midnight.  I had everything unpacked and the suitcase put away before Teh German came upstairs.  We were in bed by 1245...  and the "normal" routine started at 0530...

Weekend Review {07/15}

FRIDAY

Friday morning was like a normal workday, except that my backpack was heavier than normal since I packed a weekend's worth of outfits in it.  Thankfully, it's summer, so just the backpack was actually an option.  I'm silly and brought a long sleeve shirt "just in case" which is laughable after the fact.

I brought Teh German to work, then I went to work until I needed to leave to get to the airport.  I picked up Teh German, brought us to the airport, and then Teh German headed back to work while I enjoyed my TSA Pre-Check life.

The flight was quick, which was great.  After we landed, I hoofed it across the airport to find that the rental cars desk was NOT in the airport as advertised, so I had to take a bus to the rental car pick up place, ugh.  Not that I didn't have the time, just that I don't like being inconvenienced in anyway.

Once I got the rental car situation sorted out, I left the airport, the long/wrong way, and stopped by IHOP for pancakes because I have been craving IHOP pancakes since Germany.

On the trek to Pax River, I almost finished my audiobook.  It was good I had a GOOD audiobook to distract me from the shittiness of DC/NoVA drivers, which I had forgotten about.

When I arrived to Teh Running Bestie's house, everyone was excited to see me, as excited as I was to be there!

We didn't have any plans so we hung out and did nothing but chat and scroll and laugh.  Around 5:30, we headed out to KFC to pick up dinner, then headed to St. Mary's College to eat and endure the heat and wait for the concert to start.

We continuously had to remind ourselves where the correct camera dot was.

Sunset over the river.

The River Concert was a-ok.  There was some chorus stuff, that Teh Running Bestie enjoyed more than I did, as she was a Chorus Nerd.  As the concert went on, it got better.  There was a light show and at the end, one of the chorus dudes did a solo and he was walking through the crowd like it was his personal concert hall, owning the place like the MFin' boss he was.

By 9:45, we were back home and scrolling and laughing and chatting with our dudes and dogs.

To ensure a proper bestie weekend, bed sharing and talking yourselves to sleep is #1 requirement.

SATURDAY

Our schedule got rearranged by the greyhound hauler, so we went to the Groomathon in the AM and then had a full day of laziness.  Welll, I did.. Teh Bestie had to accomplish some adult shit.  This wasn't a bad thing because it meant that I got to see my old, and best, landlord ever.  It was great to be able to take some time to chat with him and catch up on life.  It's crazy that we've loosely been part of each other's lives since 2013 and his daughter has gone from a little girl to a big girl who does cool shit with him.

Olive begging for extra breakfast.

Scritches with Olive

New retired racer!
I have no idea what his name is.. only that he peed for like half my life and then just stood there in pee-stance, not peeing.

I also finally got to meet the new puppy, Dash.
He's a monster.  I love him.

On the way home from the Groomathon, we stopped by Mission BBQ to pick up lunch to bring home.  When we got home from the Groomathon with 2 foster dogs, they were put in crates to chill out while we were eating.  One of them was more serious about his chill out time.  Sadly, I didn't get a photo of the 2nd foster, who is a cow-dog.  They were both good boys.

In the evening, after the roof person and landlord had come and gone and the backyard poop spot had been mowed, we did lazy things together.  Eventually, we decided on Blizzards from Dairy Queen for dinner.  We sat at DQ for a long while because it was perfect outside in the shade with the breeze and the not melting hot.  Also, I tried the Sour Patch Kids Blizzard.  Not my jam.  I enjoyed the flavor, but not having to pick gummy shit out of my teeth.  No thanks.

We sat there for long enough that we got kinda hungry again, so we agreed to go to KFC again for "dessert".  #NoRagrats #SorryNotSorry #BestieWeekend #NoRules. We got our KFC to go and brought it home.  Teh Running Bestie packed some stuff after dinner and then we had some screen and significant other time.

Olive napped before bed.

After significant other time, I did some research on Samsung smartwatches, which led me down a rabbit hole until after 0015.  We were in the bed, talking each other to sleep when the foster dogs downstairs started singing the song of their people and we were both extremely confused until I heard the sirens go by on the street nearby.  So that was a fun good night ode from the beasts.

SUNDAY

The worst day of Bestie Weekend, my go home day.  We had a slow start and Teh Running Bestie made pancakes for breakfast and she learned about my pancake batter addiction.  I did more watch research and got absolutely no where.  I let Olive help clean the breakfast dishes because I'm a good Momma Megan and I don't often get to spoil my Golum-Girl.

Around 1:45, I headed back to DC.  I was happy/sad when my good audiobook ended.  In preparation for this situation, I already had another audiobook ready to go.  Traffic wasn't as annoying as when I arrived.. Apparently, DC Sunday drivers = my level of aggressive driving now.  So there's that...  I stopped by and filled up the tank when I got into Arlington, then returned the rental car at the airport.  I learned there was a walkway to the terminals from the garage, which post-annoyed me for Friday.  Oh well.

Thank Allah for TSA Pre-Check, because, again, I walked right through security without having to wait or take off my flip flops and walk barefoot through security (which I wouldn't have worn if I didn't have Pre-Check to be honest).  Personally, I believe that Pre-Check is better for those individuals who live at major airports, like DCA/IAD/BWI+, rather than smaller airports, like CHS, but I'm not sad that I paid for it, as I hate waiting and it's like every time I go through "peon" security, the persons in front of me have no idea what they have to take out of their bag or which shoe they need to remove and never empty their pockets.. and just... no.

Left: Sad I'm leaving.
Right: Glad I'm going home.

At my gate, I checked out the eating options and ended up at Wow Bao for some delicious (airport) bao.  I noticed a Five Guys in the corner, but the milkshake menu appeared to be covered up, so I figured their machine was broken.  Butttt, curiosity got the best of me and I decided to go over and ask if it was working.  Of course it was.  So I picked up a strawberry oreo milkshake and if it hadn't been $6, Five Guys would be my new go-to milkshake place... but I'll stick with the $4 Cookout thick-ass milkshakes because I'm cheap AF.

In the area where I was sitting was a Mom and her 3 older teenage boys.  She was the hovering type of mom that really grates on my nerves and just couldn't seem to settle and was always asking the boys, who were fully immersed in their screens, things that weren't important or making comments.  At some point, a phone started ringing and she kept asking Christopher if that was his phone ringing.  I finally pointed at the desk and said, "It's the desk."  She didn't hear me and more insistantly asked CHristopher if it was his phone ringing.  BTW, CHristopher had earbuds in...  Again, I repeated, "It's the desk."  At which point she said, "Wow, ok, you didn't have to be short!"

BITCH PLEASE.  I get "proper" southern women, and she was one of those.  Not giving a fuck, I instantly responded, "You didn't hear me the first time."  At which point, she purposely turned herself away from facing me, which was hilarious since I was directly in front of her, and she started viciously whispering at the son beside her, "Did you hear the way she talked to me?"  I almost felt bad for the boys who were travelling with her, who wouldn't hear the end of it until someone else pissed her off.

Thankfully, they boarded within 5 minutes of the situation and I wasn't sad.  A mom and her son took their places and a teenage girl with blue hair came over and sat near me.  The girl complimented my blue hair and I complemented hers back.  We started chatting and she told me about herself and her (lofty, yet admirable) plans for college.  Then we went back to our screens.

When it was almost time to board, the little boy across from me with his mom was excited about the planes outside and I started chattering with him.  At first he was shy, but he quickly came out of his shell as I asked him if our plane was leaving us or if the planes were going to crash.  Then he saw our place under the walkway and showed me where it was.  It was cute, there I said it.

Finally, it was our time to board, and the mom and son were behind me in line to go through the gate.  He kept saying, "Fucker, fucker, fucker..." and I'm dying laughing and apologized for laughing since it only encourages them.  Also, I was worried I had said fucker and he had heard it from me....  But I had purposely not cussed since I was sitting across from the WASP and didn't need that in my life... and then I spoke with a teenage girl and I was trying to be good.  It was difficult, but I was pretty sure I hadn't said anything he had picked up on.  The mom asked if I had kids and I said no.  She responded that she was surprised since I was so good with them.  I laughed and said, nope.

They ended up sitting right behind me on the plane.  I, luckily, was assigned a window seat, in a row with pretty cool dudes.  While we waited to push off, I chatted with the men in the row.  They were impressed I'd been able to fit my backpack in the overhead storage area (#likeaboss) and the man beside me and I ended up chatting and I found out that he was a professional wakeboarder who had actually made a trip to GTMO with the USO as a morale trip.  Not at the same time as I was there, but he perked up when I said Cuba after I listed out my duty stations.  For some reason, being in the Navy had come up, and he asked where I'd been stationed.  Then the guy on the other side of the aisle ended up being from Eastern Tennessee and knew where Home, Home was.  #SmallWorld

Once we pushed off, my rowmate put in his earbuds to watch his phone.  I put in mine and attempted to take a nap.   Because the part of the day that I haven't mentioned yet is that I woke up fighting a headache.  I had medicated at Teh Running Bestie's house, but it progressively got worse and worse throughout the day.

I realized while I was sitting at the airport that I hadn't had any caffeine the entire day, which is not normal.  I figured that was the cause.  I also had lunch a bit late.  Anddd it's summer time which means a 50% chance of rain/storms on any given day at any given time. 

By the time we landed in Charleston, my head was really hurting and I had to try to power through it.  When Teh German picked me up with his radio at a normal level, the first thing I did was turn it down and changed the channel to something with less screaming.  And when he started whistling?  There was death in my glare, that he didn't see.  I was trying to be strong, so I didn't complain and just hoped he'd stop whistling.  He did.. eventually.

When we got home, we had to make dinner, which was thankfully quick.  After eating, we sat down to watch an episode of The Americans before bed.  A few minutes into it, Teh German had to go fetch something from Teh PT Husband, so he paused the show.  While he was gone, the throbbing in my head progressively got worse and worse the longer I sit-laid on the couch.  I noticed when I stood up, the nausea from the pain lessened.  At which point, I decided to have a Lindt chocolate ball for some caffeine with 3 aleve and then went upstairs to bed.  I knew I couldn't endure an hour of bright screen time.

Thankfully, Teh German was understanding.  He didn't come to bed right away, but that was fine.  I managed to bring my backpack upstairs, leaving it to unpack Monday morning, and brushed my teeth and washed my face and gently placed myself in the bed and turned off the lights.  I laid in the bed groaning and feeling nauseous every time my heart pumped.  I finally realized that if I laid completely (and I mean COMPLETELY) still, I wouldn't feel as nauseous and my head wouldn't throb so bad.

Teh German came to bed within 10 minutes of me laying in bed dying/groaning.  I was glad because I didn't want to be woken up later and have to deal with going back to sleep.  At some point in the middle of the night, I woke myself up when I rolled over and realized I could move again and that I wasn't going to vomit when I moved, so that meant that I was recovered enough to not dread the next day.

______________________________________________

Thankfully, when I woke up this morning, my headache was completely gone and it didn't come back.  We got our tests back from last week and I made a 79.  I'll take it.  I prefer 80s+, but almost all the questions I missed were questions that I'd marked that I hadn't understood how to answer, so I didn't feel bad about this score.

UNfortunately, in true Monday form, driving to school this morning, a rock popped up from the road and (finally) cracked my windshield.  I've been waiting on this to happen for a while now, just because I-26 is a disaster waiting to happen.  I've got so many chips in the paint on the hood of my car and chinks in the windshield from rocks that I try not to even notice anymore.

Bottom: The initial crack when I got to school.
Middle: The crack when I left school to go to work.
Top: The crack when I left work to go home.

Probably one of the reasons SC insurance is so expensive, but our insurance covers 1 free windshield replacement per year at $0 deductible, so that's a positive.  But, it means I have to go through the hassle of getting a new car wash sticker after the windshield is replaced, so that's annoying.

I did drop off my laptop at Best Buy tonight and because I was late for my appointment, they tried to tell me I had to make another appointment and I was very clear about the fact that I'd be dropping off my computer tonight and not making an appointment.  I learned after the Agent came out that the store had lost power because of the storms that were rolling through the area, so even if I had been on time, they might not have been able to help me.  That said, anyone who has lived in the area for more than 5 minutes knows that if it's raining ANYWHERE, rush hour traffic will be fucked up, so my being late shouldn't have been a surprise or a hassle.  /EndRant

Anyways, my laptop is on it's way BACK to the repair place and hopefully I'll see it again soon... I say soon, knowing that it will be 3 weeks.  /RAGE

This week is a quiet week.
Just operations as normal.


PS.  It was Prime Day today.  Kind thoughts are requested for my poor credit card.

Weekend Review {03/18}

We're going back in time to Spring Break week.  After our #TreatYoSelf weekend, I worked all day on Monday, and then I worked in the AM on Tuesday, then it was time for adventures!

TUESDAY

After working in the AM, I met Roux's Humom at Charleston Animal Society since she had picked up my forgotten phone from our house and brought it with her so I wouldn't have to go all the way back home before going to the airport.  She da best.

I headed to Teh German's Company and ate my lunch.  Since I was earlier than expected (since I didn't have to go home), I ate alone and then Teh German delivered me to the airport.  We have finally figured out a drop-off situation that works.  I drive Teh German to work and then go about my business until it's airport time.  Then, I go and fetch him then we go to the airport, where I get dropped off and Teh German drives Willow for the rest of the day.  This works since I have to do more during the day excursions than he does.

I checked.  Teh German left up my love notes.  :)

Got checked in and through security, where I discovered I had forgotten to empty my water bottle.  Oops, sorry TSA lady.

I flew from Charleston to Baltimore.  The flight was mostly uneventful (after the last disastrous flight from Denver to Baltimore) and Teh Chief Smartass picked me up and we headed back to his house for Secret snuggles and to wait on Teh Running Bestie to get off work and come home.

This is the staredown you get when you do not touch the TOUCHMEALWAYS dog.

We had agreed to go out for dinner since cooking still meant going to the grocery store and having to make the decision on what to make.  That is really the toughest part for me.  We also had to go by the mall for an Apple Store visit and I was hunting for a rain jacket, which I ended up finding on super sale at JCPenny ($25 for a Columbia rain jacket?  kthx).  We ended up at a Mexican place that was delicious and then a stop at Cheesecake Factory for to-go cheesecake for dessert.

SMORES CHEESECAKE IS A THING PEOPLE.
*PRAISE HANDS!*

When your Bestie gets you.
She bought this for me as a Christmas gift and smores cheesecake reminded her to give it to me, lol.

After dessert, it was check the internets time, and then to bed.

WEDNESDAY

Not an overly early start on Wednesday, but I did get up and accomplish some work things while snuggling with Lovey, the current foster resident.

This ho-bag (Secret) ensured that my shoe was properly relocated to upstairs, where she believes all shoes should reside.

By 1030, we were on the road to Pittsburgh.  THERE WAS SNOW ON THE WAY!!!!  Teh Running Bestie said her back was hurting, and since we didn't have evening plans, I suggested getting massages.  She was down.  I spent a while searching for places in Pittsburgh where we could get a massage that night, which really narrowed down the options.  I even accidentally made appointments for us in a town we were driving through because the map on the mobile device kept messing up and UGH frustration.  I did eventually find a place and made appointments for us at 7:30.

After getting checked into our hotel and checking up on work things to make sure nothing had imploded during the drive, we determined a dinner plan: head up to near where the massage was and then kill time and have dinner then get massages.

We discovered an At Home within 5 minutes of the massage place, so we perused the aisles and I picked up 2 new dog toy baskets and some other items I'd been needing to pick up but didn't want to make a special trip out for.

After At Home, we headed to the ever-fancy Olive Garden for dinner.  We made it to the massage place 20 minutes early and sat in the car until it was closer to time to go inside.  Once inside, we filled out paperwork and then it was massage time.

My masseuse ensured me that she did not do relaxation massage and she set about working all the knots out of my body.  Just the way I like it.  I had discovered they had a Yelp special ($10 off) when I checked in, so I purchased it.  When my massage was done, I went to pay and it didn't let me tip!  I was super disappointed, but the masseuse ensured me that it was ok.  She said she had enjoyed massaging me since we had chatted and laughed the whole time, and that made it worth it.

I still have guilt.

After massages, we headed back to the hotel.  I did a little work, skyped with Teh German, and then it was bedtime.

THURSDAY

Thursday morning we woke up and did work things.  Eventually, we settled on a breakfast place that was within walking distance, Waffles InCaffinated.  It was a solid life choice.  Look at all those colored potatoes!  And all those MUSHROOMSSSSS, NOOOMMMMMMMMM.  The waffle was also delicious, although I added way too much syrup and actually had to wring my waffle out.  It was weird, but delicious.

After breakfast, we headed back to the hotel for work purposes, then eventually got the car and headed out for Pittsburgh touristy things: The Incline and Randyland, specifically.

I don't really have a good photo of The Incline from far away, but essentially, it's a rail system designed to transport people up/down a hill.  There are multiple locations.

The Incline Station

Heinz Field

The Incline in progress.

Since I had a millionty coins, I was willing to part with a quarter for the view finder.

Headed back down The Incline.

That chicken was peer pressured into moving to the front of the car.
#NotSorry

The ceiling of the car was really fancy.

At the base

After The Incline, we headed across town to Randyland, the home of a Pittsburgh resident who repurposes trash into art.

Yellow bridges were confusing at first.

Deutschtown!
Germans in Pennsylvania isn't really an oddity, but this was very specific and it made me giggle.

You used to call me on your.. rotary phoneee.

I wasn't really into interacting with the art.. other than the dinosaur phone call and grabbin' dat ass.. but we checked on Instagram later and apparently a lot of models go to Randyland for shoots.

After Randyland, we headed back to the hotel to do work things.  I may have also taken a nap because I knew we were going to have a late night.  We had originally planned to go to Primanti Brothers for dinner, but after a suggestion from Lara (that blogger I met in Raleigh a millionty years ago (2015) for the Tarheel 10-Miler) that we go to Butcher and Rye, we switched it up.  Also, Butcher and Rye was within walking distance of our hotel and the arena, so that meant not having to take the car out during rush hour, which worked out better than we had anticipated, since we hadn't anticipated rush hour traffic.

There were no tables available, but a spot in the bar area opened up with 2 chairs soon after we arrived, which meant to me, that it was meant to be!  We, as always, ordered several things and shared them all.  Brussel sprouts as an appetizer, dirty pasta with duck, and scallops over blue crab risotto.  Also, the server made me sweet tea that met my Southern standards, so I was sassified.

For dessert, we stopped by The Milkshake Factory for milkshakes.  Although, had we known there was a kiosk at the Arena for The Milkshake Factory, we probably would have waited.  #TheMoreYouKnow.  Still, there were no regrets about our smores milkshake (me, duh) and salted caramel milkshake (Teh Running Bestie).

GET IN MAH BELLYYYY.

EVEN MORE BELLY THINGS!

I refuse to put "Milkshake" lyrics here because I fucking hate that song, but you can if you want.

After milkshake obtainment, we headed to the Arena for the Mumford & Sons (M&S) concert that we had traveled to Pittsburgh for.  Cat Power was the opening band and we were not fans.  Made me sad, since usually, opening bands are a fun discovery time for me.  So many opening bands I've gone on to stalk and love.

I will commend M&S for being PROMPT AF.  The opening band was off-stage by 8:15?, and there was sufficient time to set up for M&S, who came out at 9pm on the dot.  There was a brief intermission around 9:45, but the show went on until 10:30, when they were finished performing.  I was sad it was over, but I can appreciate some promptness.

Oh, how did I like the concert?
I FUCKING LOVED IT!  It was everything I didn't know I needed.  I didn't cry like when I saw Goo Goo Dolls, but I started looking for tickets for the Charleston show before the concert was even over.  CHS was sold out, but was I willing to do StubHub or SeatGeek?  It would depend on Teh German's desire to go see M&S.  Teh Running Bestie and I M&S geeked out and sang at the top of our lungs and clapped all the way through.

Did you know that vigorous clapping and stand-dancing ensures you are well-over your step goal for the day.  Looking at my heart rate after the concert ended made me lol.  It was like a workout!

LOOOLZZZZ

After the concert, we trudged back to the hotel, thankfully less than a 10 minute walk away (had we taken a vehicle, it would have been more like 30 minutes to get to our close hotel just because of the traffic jam).  After a skype session with Teh German, I couldn't fall asleep (maybe the THREE sweet teas I consumed at dinner?) and I ended up being awake until after 0200.  I generated the Friday post and also deleted a millionty passwords that Chrome has saved since its inception, that included passwords for other people who have ever used any of my computers for anything.  It was creepy.

FRIDAY

Friday morning was work things, then for lunch we headed to Primanti Brothers.  Honestly, it was not my jam.  This could have been for 2 reasons.  After explaining to the server that I don't do spicy foods, he suggested the fish.  The fish sandwich was boring AF.  There was NO sauce or mayo or tarter sauce on it so it was dry and depressing.  Teh Running Bestie ordered the bologna sammich and the thing Primanti Brothers is known for is putting all the sides on the sandwich, fries, slaw, everything.  This does not appeal to me.  We split our sandwiches, and neither of our lives were changed.

After lunch, Teh Running Bestie dropped me off at the airport for my flight back to Charleston.  While driving up to Pittsburgh was ideal since we could spend more time together, driving back with her and then still having to fly back to Charleston was less appealing due to all the travel time, so I flew back from Pittsburgh.

After getting through security, I headed to my gate and discovered PITS Paws, a therapy dog group who came to the airport.  Apparently, we have this in Charleston, but I have NEVER ONCE seen that group, so they do not exist to me.  After getting lovins from the pups, I headed to my gate and worked and waited for my flight.

It was alarming when I was boarding the plane and thought I saw Teh German's Stepmom.  Then I realized it wasn't her and I was sad (because it wasn't) and relieved (because why wouldn't she tell me?!).

The flight back to Charleston was extremely turbulent and I don't think a single person the plane enjoyed the flight.  The lady beside me commiserated with me about how much we did not like the feeling of falling from the sky.  This actually happened and at least half of the plane had outbursts, including myself.  Landing was a blessing because we were all ready to deboard and forget about the experience.

Teh German was waiting at cell phone parking for me.  I had been texting with Teh PT Wife when we were landing and we arranged to do dinner together.  Teh German and I headed home to meet Teh PT Wife/Husband and we headed to Tanner Public House for dinner.

After dinner, we headed to the Bilo next door since my present company had never been in a "super" Bilo.  They were all unimpressed.  We did pick up a few things, so that didn't hurt.  After our grocery store trip, which cemented the fact that we are definitely in our 30s since we went to the grocery store as an adventure, we headed home and it was bedtime.

SATURDAY

Saturday morning was a kinda late start.  Teh German and I had said we were leaving at 0830 to head to Boone Hall Plantation for the Rugged Maniac race.  We left after 0845, but it was NBD.  We had our packets and headed to the start line for the 1000 wave.  We were originally scheduled for 0945, but we had to wait for my friend to park and hike to the start area.

There were no muddy photos taken, we are going to rely on the professional photos for that (which aren't posted yet), but we did take a post-"shower" selfie after finding a coworker.

Medal selfie!

I did announce at the 2nd to last obstacle that I would NOT be doing another obstacle run.  Yes, half marathons can get boring, but I'd prefer boring over having to deal with the vomitous feeling of being high up on a net that I could fall through at any point or jumping over ditches where I could fall in and break one or both of my legs.

Also, I lost both my shoes in the first mile, in a foot of mud.  BOTH OF MY SHOES CAME OFF.  And then, I was squishing through the mud in my socks, which was fine, until Teh German pointed out there could be shit in the mud that might stab my feet, which made me high tail it out of the mud and onto the side.  I then had to force my muddy feet and socks back into my shoes, which was a feat.  AND THEN.. Teh German dared to say, "Why didn't you tie your shoes tighter?"  I think I need to teach him the concept of, "Is what I'm about to say helpful in this EXACT moment of high stress?" because he has a bad habit of "offering" "advice" when I am pissed off/freaked out/stressed out and it only serves to make me EXTREMELY angry and even more stressed out.

For the rest of the race, I got to enjoy packed mud in one of my shoes, which made it even more difficult to run through uneven fields.  Then after getting wet and caked with more mud, the seat of my pants was almost down to my knees, making it even more difficult to run, and almost impossible to swing my one good leg over things (because bad hip doesn't allow for that kind of movement anymore, I tried, it hurt, I didn't like it).

I will say, Teh German was very helpful when it came to getting OVER obstacles.  He waited until last in case I needed a foot prop to hoist myself over and after the mud incident, he realized that when I needed help, I would ask for it, but it was best not to offer right away.  At least let me try it once or twice and before I got frustrated, I'd ask for help.  So kudos to him for that.

There was a situation, thankfully AFTER we had rinsed off, where the "showers" stopped working.  Thank Allah, we had already rinsed prior to that, or I would have been pretty disgruntled.  That said, I had brought 3 dog sheets in case we needed to cover the seats of the car.

Also, if you've never done a mud race... it is advised NOT to carry anything with you.  ANYTHING.  As in, I didn't even wear my watch or my rings.  I wore a silicone band instead of my wedding ring.  I took out all my optional earrings.  We also brought a change of clothes and flip flops for after the race and donated our shoes.  For the 2nd time in a row, we realized we should have brought trash bags for our dirty clothes, but we wrapped them in our towels and put them back in the bag and it was not a big deal.  Hardcore mud runners have been spotted carrying 5 gallon buckets for their stuff, which is smart, but I'm not that hardcore... and I'm done with mud runs.  I have a massive bruise and knot on my shin and scrapes and bruises elsewhere and I'm too old for that shit.  Give me my boring ass half marathon anyday.

After the race, we headed to Vicious Biscuit for brunch.  I mixed it up and got the crab benny biscuit.  It did not disappoint.

#MyRack

After a real shower, it was couch time with my Monkey-Doodle.

It was lazy dinner, so I had cereal and Teh German had leftovers and we spent most of the evening watching The Office until bedtime.  We are finally in the final season and I will not let Teh German scroll down to view the rest of the episodes in case there is a photo of a spoiler for the final episode.

SUNDAY

Sunday was a slow start.  And then Auntie P messaged us to ask if we were ready for Skype and I finally roused myself from the bed and went downstairs for a chat.  I think it was finally suggested/decided that I should attend the Goethe Institute in Dusseldorf and we'll make a weekend trip to Hamburg, which Teh German and Auntie P both raved about.

After our chat, I started working on the weekly menu.  When pulling items from the freezer for thawing, this bag of hurricane ice FINALLY decided to come out.  I guess it shrank enough and it was stuck to something else I was pulling out, so I was able to get my fingers under it to lift it out.  FINALLY.  I had told Teh German that removing the ice bag was his responsibility since he's the one who insisted that I freeze gallon bags of water so the food wouldn't go bad, despite the fact that the hurricane wasn't even coming at us.  Annnnyyyywayyyyssssss.

After getting the dinner situation sorted out and making a store list, I spent a while doing homework.  After accomplishing all that was going to get accomplished, I headed to the couch for snuggle time with my Fuzzy Dog.  We ended up taking a nap, which I wasn't sorry about.

After I woke up, Teh German and I agreed on going to dinner (we had agreed on Friday night that I'd get ramen/pho at some point over the weekend since Teh German wanted wings on Friday night), then doing our Sam's/Walmart run.

I hate going during post-Church times since the stores are crazy busy and I hate people.  Going during the evening was infinitely better for all involved.

This is a trifecta box of joy.
Don't bother arguing with me.  I am not wrong.

After the store, we headed home and took the beasts on a walk.  Perks of longer days.  When we got back home, I packaged out freezer items into smaller portions and then it was time for The Office until bedtime.

MONDAY

Monday was "Kegs and Eggs" day as our Company St. Patrick's Day celebration.  I picked up the Walmart Grocery order on my way into the office and started making hard boiled eggs right away.  While I was doing that, Twin Dad made regular waffles for those of us who do not appreciate Guinness waffles (i.e. ME).  After the eggs were peeled, someone else took over waffle duty and Twin Dad started working on scotch eggs (soft/med boiled egg, wrapped in sausage and fried).

In the end, there were regular waffles, Guinness waffles, Jamison caramel, Bailey's whipped cream, soda bread, and scotch eggs.  I sat at my desk and did work things for about 15 minutes before it was time for me to head to school, marking the official end of my Spring Break.

I celebrated my return to school with a parking ticket, that is completely my fault since I parked at the end of a parking row where FOUR extra spots could be, but they refuse to put parking lines down.  Assholes.  I was going to be late, so I risked it.  I've risked it before with no consequence, but Monday was not my day.  #YOLO

After school and gym, I headed home and made some EPIC chicken and mushroom quesadillas.

I sat down at the computer after my post-gym shower shortly before 8pm and saw that a friend had posted on FB asking if anyone wanted to go to the Mumford & Sons concert, because they had tickets and couldn't go.  UHHHHH, MEEEEEE!!!  I asked Teh German if he was willing to go and he said yes.  I got ready in under 10 minutes and Teh German took almost 20 minutes to get out of the house and it was a heroic effort not to pull out my inner drill sergeant and rush him on.

I knew that it was meant to be, not only from the free tickets, but especially when we got to the Coliseum and our normal hockey game parking area had spots available!

We had missed the opening band, which didn't hurt my feelings in the least, after already enduring them once before.  We made it to our seats around 8:48, with a few minutes to spare since I knew that M&S would be prompt about coming on stage at 9.  I was correct.

The guy behind us was photobombing others, so we just included him in our selfie.
#EmbraceThe Photobomb

TWICE IN ONE WEEK!!!
SQUEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

YYYYYYAAAAASSSSSSSSSSS.

As I did in Pittsburgh, I stood for the entire show.  There were a few differences in the concert and the lineup was different than in Pittsburgh.  I definitely got a good laugh when everyone sat down during a "slow" part of the concert and the lights lowered and the fireworks went off and every stood right back up.  I was already standing.

Monday night concert heart rate tracker, loool.

The concert ended shortly after 10:30, but we were home by 11, which was perfect.  After bedtime chores, it was bedtime.  I slept super good.  It was a delight.

______________________________________________

So yeah.. that was a long post.. but obviously a lot happened.
SO MUCH AWESOME!!!!!

Yay for the ability to telework and still be able to do fun things.
Yay for Bestie time.
Yay for Mumford & Sons.
Yay for free tickets.

I am super sad that Spring Break is over, but I only have 1 more Spring Break left, so I gotta LIVE IT UPPPPPPP while I still can! lol
But really though, I'm on the downward side of finishing this degree and my excitement is almost palpable.  4 more weeks of the Spring 2019 semester remain, I can do this, I can do this.  I will keep on chugging.

After finals, it's Germany.
Then it's some other European destination for a short bit.
Then it's back to Charleston for Chemistry II, please shoot me now.
Then it's Fall 2019.
Then it's Christmas.
Then it's Spring 2020.
THEN IT'S GRADUATION.

Big things are coming people.
Hold on.