Fall Trip #5: New York City

Shortly after returning from Rhode Island, I unpacked, repacked, and took a short trip to New York City, Oct. 20-21. This one was for school - as part of one of my classes, I had to attend a conference for professional development this semester. I chose the BizBash show because 1) it was one day and 2) it had very cheap registration.

Here are my three favorite things about NYC:

1. BizBash - This was a really fun meeting/trade show for me to attend. I generally am working with a very small budget on educational meetings, and this show allowed me a glimpse into how the other half does it- the people who get to spend lots of money on things like strolling tables. I met up with two GW friends to spend the day attending educational sessions and perusing some pretty cool products and services on the trade show floor. Alanna and I had our photo taken with the Screaming Queens:

2. Christopher! - It's always a NY fave when I get to catch up with him. While we didn't have a ton of time together, we made the most of it, reminiscing about our high school days and beginning way too many sentences with, "I saw on Facebook that..."

3. Serendipity - I've been trying to make it to this place for a couple years and it's just never worked out. So I was excited when Christopher and I got to go there for dessert. And not just any dessert... the Forbidden Broadway Sundae:

All in all - a quick, but fun and worthwhile trip.

Fall Trip #4: Connecticut and Rhode Island

Then... I went to Connecticut and Rhode Island, October 14-17. Some work with the boxing docs, and some fun, too! Faves:

1. New states! This was my first trip to New England. We flew into Providence, then drove to the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut for the meeting. I must say, I'm a fan of the northeast, especially during fall. It's definitely a gorgeous place to be. And as a bonus, I accidentally went to Massachusetts. I'd never been there, either, so I am coloring a total of three states in on my map!

My house after I get my fancy Master's degree? haha

I think I could sit in that chair for days.

2. Mystic Pizza. We all know I am a big fan of pop culture, so I was excited to stop at the famed Mystic Pizza. The food there is actually really good. Mystic, CT, is a neat place, in general. Plenty of - you guessed it - cute little shops.

3. People I don't see too often. Mom came along with me on this trip, so it was fun to spend some time together. I also got to see Arleen, a school friend who usually lives inside the computer.

This is on the Cliff Walk in Newport, RI. Ahh... ocean.

Next: NYC!

Fall Trip #3: Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Next up was Gatlinburg, October 8-11. Strictly a fun trip!

Favorites:

1. Super awesome traveling companions. There were nine of us this year, on what I've deemed our "Second Annual" Gatlinburg trip. I have some pretty darn fun friends. From just sitting on our porch chatting to outlet shopping to sharing disappointment that the salt and pepper shaker museum was closed, we pretty much have a good time no matter what we're doing.

2. Fannie Farkle's. You know, this may be my passion in life. Perhaps I should move to Gatlinburg and work there? Ok, not really. But I do enjoy visiting. Sauerkraut and skee ball. What a fantastic combination. With this year's winnings, I got a deck of cards AND a yo-yo.

3. Ashley! Just like last year, I got to meet up with Ashley and we went to the yummy Mexican place. She was a good sport and wandered around with us despite her back injury.

Fall Trip #2: Austin, Texas

[Wow, I am seriously behind. I shall try to catch up! First I have to remember where I've been...]

September 28 - October 2 I visited Austin, Texas. It was a combined work/fun trip. Hey, if I'm already there, why not have a little fun, right?

These were my three favorite things:

1. The Jordans! I had some time to visit this fantastic family of Texans who fled Indiana for their homeland nearly two years ago. During my time with them, we went to IKEA, I learned all the crazy ins and outs of the school carpool, and there were some crazy shenanigans involving Elias's tooth:

2. Some pretty darn good food. Not only does Austin know how to barbeque, but they can also make a mean cupcake. My favorite spots were The Iron Cactus, County Line Barbeque, Rudy's, and Hey Cupcake. Yum!

3. The people I'll be working with in April. We have a big meeting in Austin coming up in the spring. I met with several hotel staff and vendors we'll be working with, and they were all pretty fantastic. These are the people who can make or break the meeting. And I'm sure they're going to make it.

Festivalpalooza '09

There are some haters out there who think Indy is a boring place with nothing to do. Apparently they have never been around on the second weekend of September. Ever the resident to wants to experience all my fine city has to offer, not to mention celebrating my last weekend of freedom from school, I decided to challenge myself to visit all six festivals going on in the city last weekend. Luckily I have a faithful friend who is always willing to take on such difficult challenges with me.

We hit two festivals on Friday night - accompanied by some other friends - then four more on Saturday.

Festival #1: Greek Fest

Best thing: By far, the food.

Worst thing: The crowd. Greek Fest moved to Carmel this year, and I'm pretty sure that all of Carmel was in front of us as we waited in line for our fabulous dinner.

Here's my pastry-

Festival #2: Oktoberfest

Best thing: The pretzel pictured below was really the only good thing about Oktoberfest.

Worst thing: Where to begin... well, I think everyone was at Greek Fest. And I don't know about you, but I don't go to Oktoberfest to purchase things like windows and Tupperware.

One pretzel; six people-

The gang at Oktoberfest: Jeff, Meg, me, Jess, Jenni, Rich, Kelly

(Kelly has mad self portrait skillz!)

Festival #3: Penrod Arts Fair

Best thing: Touted as "Indiana's Nicest Day," this is probably the best art fair around. Artists from all over the country bring their photography, paintings, jewelry, sculptures, and random instruments they use to play "Tears in Heaven" to this one-day event on the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

Worst thing: While fun to look at, the vast majority of the art is way too expensive to actually purchase.

Beautiful weather = big crowds-

Festival #4: French Market

Best thing: I was a first-timer at the French Market, and I must say, it was probably my weekend favorite. It was crowded, but not too crowded. There were crafts, food and entertainment. But the real highlight for me was the pizza. It was ah-mazing.

Worst thing: I can't really think of a worst thing about this one. Hm. I really liked it that much.

Incredible pizza-

Festival #5: Chinese Festival

Best thing: This was just the second year for the Chinese Festival, and it has some definite potential. It had a lot of cultural and educational information. (The other best thing was Jessica's comment on the way there, "Steph, we're going to get you a baby here!")

Worst thing: Nothing bad about this one either. It was a little smaller than the others, but props to the Indy Chinese community for celebrating their culture.

People doing Tai Chi-

Us-

Festival#6: Zionsville Fall Festival

Best thing: This festival was actually pretty impressive, though we probably didn't fully appreciate it since it was at the end of our journey. Unlike the others, which were all international, this one was much more representative of Indiana- corn, pork tenderloin, and all.

Worst thing: This isn't the festival's fault, but one can only see so many necklaces made of bottle caps.

Before heading home; after six festivals in 22 hours-

Couldn't Help Myself...

(Get your own here!)

Sunday Afternoon Project

I am a little bit in love with the wall art project I just completed. It was not only easy, but also inexpensive. I picked up these Mighty Magnet Photo Cables at a cute little store in Holland last weekend.

... and I found a lamp today, too! A productive day, indeed.