The trip recap (or tales of the directionally challenged)
MA
I got to spend time with my brother, sis-in-law and niece. My brother and I had a good visit. It was the most time we've spent together in ages and we got along much better than we have in the past. It should be noted that I was able to safely (and without getting lost) navigate Boston and get to my brother's place but once in his neighborhood, I drove by their street twice before I finally stopped at a gas station and asked. It was, of course, 1 block away.
I also got to hang out with Shayde and Topaz on Saturday while they worked on the new deck with the help of Cat's family. Zack, Morgan and I went for a walk in the "wilderness" (the wooded area behind homeport) while the guys worked. Ellen stopped by with Quinn and we all had dinner together. Oh, and I followed MapQuest's directions and they sent me to the wrong street, so I got lost going to Shayde's house.
NY
I got to see Underworld while I was in NY. Mmmm, Kate Beckinsale. We also went out to a nice seafood restaurant while I was there. I stopped in the NY office of the company where I work and went out to lunch with my co-workers. It was good to finally meet some of them (since most of our conversations are either on the phone or via IM) and see again the ones I'd met before.
We also caught a Broadway show (Avenue Q). Think Muppets but with adult themes. It was a riot. I liked it so much that I bought the soundtrack afterward.
I managed get from NY to NJ without too much trouble. I remembered a lot of the roads. I picked the wrong highway once I got into NJ but since I was familiar with the area, I didn't panic and just found the right roads and got to where I was going (Ubercon).
NJ, part 1
I stopped by Ubercon and helped Shayde & Points get their stuff set up for registration. Afterwards I headed down to my dad & stepmom's house. The three of us plus my stepbrother and his partner went out to dinner for Dad's birthday (on his birthday even!) It was wonderful to see all of them again. I was also able to set up Trillian for my stepbrother so now we'll be able to talk regularly.
PA
I headed over to Statia's old place (taking a brief scenic detour (ie, I went one exit too far on the PA Turnpike). Nicole and Statia's friend Chris were there (Statia & Mr Fish had gone to pick up the U-haul). Sphinx arrived with her Mister and the moving began. Statia's new place is nice, even with the moving-challenged staircase. Chris made dinner for Statia and me and then we headed back to her place and sorted through her Rubbermaid containers a bit. In the morning, we unpacked most of the kitchen stuff and then I headed back to NJ.
NJ, part 2
For the second trip to NJ, I visited my mom and stepfather. The drive from Philly to Cape May is a very familiar one and also one I haven't done for ages. There were no scenic detours involved in this drive.
MD
I actually made this part of the trip without getting lost too though the drive from Cape May to the Delaware Memorial Bridge seemed much longer than usual. I took a different route this time, so I'll have to be sure to get directions from my stepfather next time! Many meals were eaten with Tom and assorted company. This morning, Adi dropped me off at BWI and I flew back to Colorado.
Good Causes
Silly Stuff
The weather in Boston
