Our Carolina Vacation

Good friends sitting in a big booth.

 We took a roadtrip to Greensboro, NC to visit Shawn's family and our friends. We took the time to lunch, supper, and toast to some good times. I checked out Blu Martini on Elm St. (Not the Blue Martini chains found in Florida), and invited everyone out for a cocktail.

Of Course, I made the crowd request a breakdance from you know who.

 But not until he had the floor wiped. Diva.

Most importantly, we spent quality time with Shawn's mom. Country park and Battleground park are the best places in Greensboro, and we went there everyday. Th air is crisp and Bully feels at home.

  And we had some Shawn & Leilani time, mostly on the road. 

On the dance floor

and in Savannah.

 It went by fast.

How to meet people

Young couples, young at heart couples, singles, or anyone legal: here's how to meet people if in new place. Or if you just want to meet new people. 

• Sit at the bar. I hate waiting for tables, anyway. At least at the bar you get instant service. Maybe some free drinks. A couple of business cards. Digits. Apparently, we sat next to Dave Grohl's cousin at our local Mexican place last Saturday. 
• Find a sports team for whom to cheer. I just wait till playoff season. Yes, I'm one of those.
• Walk a dog. People can be stone cold until they see your dog at the end of a leash. By people, I mean, me. I figure dog people are worth the smile.
• Walk an interesting looking dog. People stop me ALL THE TIME asking, "Is that a wolf?" Say yes, and the conversation can go either way.
• Go shopping in a mall where no one speaks English, and make friends with the store associates. They especially appreciate celebrity impressions.
• Catch someone else's frisbee.  Everyone's strangely ok with this. Especially on the beach.
• Just hang outside. If you have a porch, stoop, patio, or front door, stand outside for a while. You'll strike up a conversation with someone eventually. Maybe the cops. 
• Share friends. Take your spouse's co-workers. In case he doesn't want to see Bridesmaids.
• Pay someone, like your gym trainer. You will get their full attention for at least 30 minutes a week.

These worked for us. Or, I dunno, maybe we annoyed everyone we've met so far. Like I said, can go either way.

;P

Recap: Celebrations and Farewells

      We are Floridians, though I'm not sure in which city we live. I think it's Plantation, but I have already sent all our necessary business to Sunrise. I really hope the postal carrier has half a brain.

The past week and a half has been hectic, celebratory, hopeful, and stressful. There were some tears. Joyful tears and stressed tears. If I ever see a car carrying Budget truck in front of me on the highway again I will have nightmares.

One thing is for sure: we will hire movers next time. I'll save up for it if we have to. Our next move will be pretty local and hopefully less than a year. The Bull needs a yard a playmate. I won't even have to pack my underwear. Someone will do that for me. In fact, I 'd like to hire someone to make me lunch right now.

 The move went well, and only one Hello Kitty plate broke. So Good-bye Kitty. Survival of the fittest. Our condo is a disaster. It was more of a disaster on the first day, but we've since painted the terra cotta wall in the bathroom. He wanted a Carolina blue and I wanted Tiffany. We compromised with a nice seafoam. We did some touch-ups. Had a maintenance man stop by to verify we needed a new washer. Nice welcome, huh?

But enough with that until I can show you how it turns out.

Instead I'll show you a recap of the last week, including a Cinco de Mayo graduation party at Bin 33, our going away party hosted by Erin, Matt & Meg,  the after party at Snackbar (I'm still waiting for my food), and a farewell at my work.

Good-bye, Greensboro

 Seriously, WHERE is our food???

 Farewell at the "office:"

Thanks for the good times, friends!