Catch up, Cats up

I wanted to mention this before. As in, just after this happened about 1.5 months ago. Thus far, this summer, 2/3rds of the Grodek clan has traveled to this lovely city.

With this

that

and the other

able to set aside some time to see this burglar of a burgh, it's been quite possibly one of the best summers ever.


Bethany, West Virginy was even kind enough to show me what it's all about for an evening. As it turns out, the answer is Not Much. (aside from a college and winding roads). Jay came for a visit, one that was filled with park strolls, eating, country wedding music in the durtaaaay south, and more eating.


Although many of the items on my Prior to Going Back to School Activities List were not crossed off in these past few months, I was able to manage the time to hang out in Ohiopyle for a few days. Anna and I broke our bodies on natural water slides, explored an abandoned house, got invited to soothe our "sore" muscles in a random hot tub, consumed possum sauce, slept on the porch of that abandoned house, watched the sun rise over the clouds, and pseudo-spleunked in the Laurel Caverns.

Here is the view from Bowmann's Rock. Sunrise complete with clouds above, clouds below.

Class starts tomorrow. Umm. Gross.

Out the house

Brent graduated. The last of us kids.



Work orientation is almost over, and it's quite possibly the scariest feeling in my entire life (next to believing that bee swarms will eat you in your sleep). I think it will be okay once I get accustomed to the inter workings of the hospital. And saving people. Oyyyyyyy. I could, however, really get used to this working 12 hours shifts. 4 days of non-working days a week???!! It's the reason why Selena and the Boy are able to spend so much time in the 'burgh with me over the next few days! Danielle, give up the west coast!!

MeNmyBirfdayCake

Bees for Breakfast, Owls for Brunch, Ricotta for Dinner (must've missed lunch...)

The carnage...there was plenty more where that came from!

Most darling bathroom in the history of bathrooms: The Zenith. Be sure to enter the one on your left.

Chocolate Ricotta Torte. Recipe compliments of my sweet cuz Lorelei: http://favoritefamilyrecipes.tumblr.com/

I was introduced to the most amazing eating establishment this past weekend. It involved a vegetarian brunch buffet. BUFFET! All the richest, most delicious cakes, salads, and tea one could ever want. The bathroom wasn't too shabby either...

My friend DJ came to visit me! She's my first visitor from back home. We indulged in a little IKEA shopping spree. Spent lots and lotsa dough on needless household furnishings, all her influence.

Please try the above-linked recipe for a chocolate ricotta torte! It's so easy and scrumptious. Brought it to a friend's BBQ on Sunday. Should have made an extra and designated it for my apartment. Dang.

Faith +1, Grodek Style

Last morning in G town.

The Most Treacherous Day in the 'Burgh Yet

Today I attended a grueling 8-hr non-stop speak-a-thon, ie. my first day of UPMC orientation. After a hard day's work of Pull-Off-Your-Ears-Listening-To-That-HIPAA-Junk-For-The-80th-Time-Since-You-Were-Born, I came home for a little well-deserved R&R to a swarm of bees who had taken over my apartment while I was gone for the day. They gave me no notice.

Bright Lights, Steel City

I am in Pittsburgh. I like it. Kind of.

Finally got cable today and hooked up to the internet MYSELF! That's right, I didn't even need to make one customer service phone call to my mom. Perhaps I should be working for Comcast. Ha.


Seems my "first" possessions that I acquired back in Ohio haven't boded well for me thus far.

My first:
china set, I wrapped back up and will give to my brother. Too many bowls and saucers to count.
piece of furniture, a big bulky TV cabinet, I put out in the yard in front of my apartment. Didn't fit.
appliance, a second-hand electric mixer, I forgot at home in G town.

Which leaves me wondering...do I need all this junk I brought with me in the first place?