Excited for Philly-Filled Weekend

There aren't many nights this week to menu plan for. Buppy and I are both sick today, so the kids will likely get mac 'n cheese for dinner. Buppy works 2 overnights this week instead of his customary one, and we're going out of town Friday after work through Sunday evening. That leaves me with Wednesday, and I already have 2 pieces of meat we need to use up. Easy peasy.

So . . . very excited for this weekend. My birthday is next Monday, and while we usually throw a nice shindig at our house, we decided on something different this year. Living where we do (central Maryland), we have quite a few options close by to explore for a weekend. We're taking this weekend and heading to Philadelphia. There have been numerous restaurants from Philly featured on Food Network and/or the Travel channel, and I plan to test out a few. I know a classic Philly cheese steak will make an appearance at some meal, however I'm a bit more excited to try a roast pork Italian sandwich (roast pork, broccoli rabe and cheese) from Tony Luke's. From the  moment I first saw this sandwich on a FN show, I've craved it. And now it's almost here!

We have no plans set in stone and plan to play the weekend by ear. There are definitely sites that we'd like to see while there, like the Liberty Bell, but we can figure out more of an exact schedule when we get there. Plus, since we plan on walking a lot, the weather will come into play, too.

The following weekend I'm planning a trip to either the King of Prussia (shopping!) or NYC to meet up with an old roommate from Wisconsin. Following that will be NYC for the St. Patrick's Day parade. Thank goodness for my hotel discounts or I'd never be able to afford this kind of travel! 

There. A quick blog post. I'm trying not to be so MIA here, but between work, the gym, cooking and traveling, it's hard to find the time. So is the struggle of every adult I suppose - not enough time!

Super Duper Weenie

I was really hoping our trip to Super Duper Weenie would be . . . more impressive. While in Connecticut over Labor Day weekend for a wedding (which was lovely, I might add), I suggested to Buppy that we check it out. It's been featured on Food Network, and since I have my bucket list of places to eat for foodie reasons, how could we not stop by? Plus, we had nothing better to do during the day on Saturday.

Buppy and I both tried their New Englander, which comes topped with sauerkraut, bacon, mustard, sweet relish and raw onion; I requested mine without the relish. There were a lot of onions on both of ours, which suited me fine since I pretty much love all things onion. But here's my thing with dogs --- I can open a can of sauerkraut and put some on a dog at home. I can chop up some onion and throw on some bacon. What needs to impress me is the dog itself, and these didn't. My friend who got married said they deep fry their dogs, but from what we witness, they didn't. They split them down the middle, slap 'em on a griddle and then use a press to get them to open up a bit. I'm not quite sure why this is done; it seemed to make eating them all the messier.

Looking at this pic now, all I can think is, "Thank goodness we don't eat this stuff on a regular basis!" But it was a mini-vacay, and a spot featured on Food Network, so that means it's alright to indulge, right? Yup, that's my story.

I got a 2nd dog (I was really hungry, ok!?) and asked for onions, chili and cheese. Again, I can add onions and cheese at home. I think the cheese was a white American single placed in the bottom of the bun before the dog, so the heat helped to melt it a little. The chili was alright; would I eat a bowl of it? No. Was it better than canned. Yes.

The dogs at both of the "famous" joints we've now tried are all skinless, which might be my problem. Growing up, my papa loved and always got us skin hot dogs. These puppies have such a wonderful snap when you bite into 'em. They actually mail them to me from Wisco, I kid you not. Buppy's not that impressed with them, but they're by far the best dogs ever in my opinion.

We shared a small order of fries, which were good but appeared very, very greasy. I enjoyed the salt and pepper they sprinkled on them before handing them over.

Apparently the place has a massive following, despite my opinions. It was packed the entire time we were there. You order in a little area with 8 seats at a counter, and there's extra seating in a room next door. Counter seating? All full. Room next door. Totally full. There's almost a line out the door to order, but then the guy cookin' the dogs yells to close the door, and somehow everyone crowds in a little more. Buppy and I took our tray outside and ended up eating next to the sign out front. Good thing there's extra parking, because the 6+/- parking spots in front of the building just don't cut it.

I'm glad I can say I've been there, but I have no urge to go back. *sigh* We did find it interesting that they're not open for dinner; I think they close at 4pm. Perhaps such a small dwelling couldn't handle that rush? Who knows? Odd nonetheless.

Recovering From Vacation

Well, vacation is officially over (has been since Sunday evening when I landed back in Bmore) and I'm almost completely settled back into work. Good thing, too, because I've taken over duties for our social catering sales person for the entire week, plus those of our corporate catering sales person for today, tomorrow, Monday and Tuesday. Between 3 emails to monitor, 3 voicemails to check, my normal work load, incoming phone calls, non-appointment clients and an insane RFP (request for proposal) I have to complete by Tuesday, I'm almost wiped. Almost. By the time the bid (proposal) is complete, I'm pretty sure I'll be 100% spent.

It didn't take long to break back into the swing of things work-wise. It's definitely taking longer to unload my suitcase and do/fold/put away laundry. My toiletries still aren't in order, but I don't care. Honest. As long as I can find my deodorant, brush and perfume each morning, I'll survive. 

Saturday is the fundraiser for the charity organization I belong to (where Buppy works). It's unfortunately slated for a day where there are several other large events in the area, so we have no idea what type of crowd we'll draw. We're hosting a beer pong tournament, but no, it's not simply a drunkfest. We actually put water in the cups for play, not beer, per official beer pong tourney rules. Yes, there is an official beer pong tourney organization --- crazy, isn't it? Well, anyway, Buppy and I will both be working the event, along with 1 other person, and we have to take the kids too. Should be an interesting day. I'm taking the camera and will hopefully have some fun shots to post next week.

Other than settling back in, there isn't much new here. I have to menu plan for next week this weekend; my mom helped me come up with some fun ideas while I was in Wisco, so thanks Mom! I already made the sloppy Joe's, and they were a hit. It's one of the first recipes she ever taught me, and it's as delish as ever! Oh yeah, not mention super simple, so I'm all for it. 

I have a few vacation pics, a few new recipes/pics and some random posts I need to work on soon. I've been a slack-a-saurus again blog-wise. Shame on me. Off I go now to try and finish the arduous process that is unpacking. Wish me luck folks!

Winding Down on Tuesday

A quick bit about work here this evening. Finding employment under my old supervisor has been stellar thus far. The fact that they pay me quite well (for my industry --- I'm not making millions here folks) is huge. A new perk: a bonus structure has just gone into place. My commute is beautiful, although I'll most likely call it treacherous once winter hits. I pretty much love going to work.

Today my supervisor asked me how I'm liking things, and I told her exactly how I feel. She found me minutes later (on our way out the door) to tell me that the owner of the property recently called me "a breath of fresh air", and the general manager said they "upgraded" when hiring me, which says a lot because everyone loved the girl whose spot I took. I don't think there is a sincerer compliment, and I beamed as I pulled out of the parking lot.

Enough of the gloating. Onto more important matters, like what to do for Memorial Day weekend. I think, although I'm not positive, I have Monday, 5/30, off for the 3-day weekend. No kids that weekend (praise the Lord), so both Ocean City and Atlantic City have been thrown on the table. Gambling? Beaches? Six Flags (oooooh, already thinking that will be swamped)! Going to see my sister in OH? Hmmm, come to think of it, I wonder what she's doing . . . that has potential, although gas is outrageous. We could even hit up NYC, and possibly do lunch with my bestie bride-to-be Rhi-Rhi in CT. Oh pooh, now I've given myself so many options I have no idea how to make a decision. I need a coin with more sides! Or, as Buppy so kindly pointed out, a dice. What to do . . .?

Keeping Busy

August was a rather busy month for Buppy & I, and things don’t appear to be slowing down for the Fall either. It’s in a good way though, as the events we’re attending are mainly for pleasure instead of work. Mainly.

I verified yesterday that I have Labor Day off. While not in the handbook as a “holiday”, since I’m management, they’re letting me have it. And really, who would call to book their wedding or corporate event on Labor Day? No one, so good call boss man. Since my sister has visited us here in Maryland 3 times now and I haven’t made it to Ohio yet, Buppy and I are heading west this Friday after we’re done with work for a mini-vacay. We figure we’ll get in late on Friday night; sister said it’s about a 7+/- hour drive. Check into our hotel [thank goodness I get a huge discount with 2 major hotel chains!] late Friday night, then spend time with sister all day Saturday & Sunday. We’ll leave Monday morning since we have to be back Monday evening to pick up the kidlets. All in all, we’re looking at some good quality time this weekend!

What else do we have coming up? A wedding I have to be at work for on 9/11, which seems an odd day to me to get married, but whatever melts your margarine, right? The weekend of the 18th/19th we’re planning to hit up the Maryland Wine Festival, although we haven’t narrowed down which day yet. Should do that soon so everyone can plan ahead; I invited all friends to our house before and/or after for some potluck action, so I think we’re leaning towards Saturday the 18th. I’ve tried to contact our favorite winery to see if I can volunteer [and then get in free the opposite day!], but haven’t heard anything back yet. Boo. Maybe I should just pick up the phone instead of relying on email. Ah, my laziness.

We’re also planning to attend a Renaissance Festival near Annapolis for a friend’s birthday, a motorcycle ride hosted by Buppy’s work to benefit charity [and I can actually ride with Buppy on his new Harley!!], a possible Halloween party, a magician’s event at work that I should probably be here for [although I don’t really want to be], a trip to the Maryland Zoo, Six Flags & a Blue Man Group concert.

The boys at the Poker Run '09.

And the ladies at the Poker Run '08.

Wisco - Top 5

What are the top 5 things to do [or at least that I did] while in Wisco on vacation? Here's my list, in no particular order....

1.) Eat Johnsonville brats grilled over a wood fire. Eat 'em as if you'll die tomorrow, because, well, they're that good. To be honest, they're good when we grill them here in good ol' MD too, but over the wood fire on my parent's porch . . . they're unbeatable. I've been a brat freak since I was knee-high-to-a-grasshopper, so maybe that has something to do with it. I don't know, but they rocked my socks.2.) Meet with up the best friends a girl could ever have. I drove an hour-ish, they drove 2 hours [ish?], we met at the mall. Lunch was enjoyed, we window shopped, we let their kids play in the play land at the mall. A few hours together was definitely not enough, but better than withdrawal for a whole 'nother year!

3.) Have dinner at a fantastic hibachi restaurant in Green Bay with a friend I hadn't seen in over 3 years. I enjoyed a martini, some sushi, hibachi dinner, then some mixed drinks and few shots of Patron XO Cafe before saying our goodbyes. On the up side, said friend will be making a business trip to the Bmore area during the first few days of Sept., so we'll get to hang out a little more!

4.) Spent some super quality time with family, all of them. I hadn't seen my brother since March '08. My whole family [parents, brother & sister] haven't all been together for more than an hour or so since . . . well, to be honest, I can't actually remember when. It's been a long time. It was so enjoyable! We picnicked at a campground near our house, my brother introduced me to a new hiking trail [that we think is at least 53 miles long!], went shopping and simply hung out. Oh how I miss it already.

5.) Spent time with a friend I hadn't seen since 2001. We used to work together at Spencer's in the mall in Green Bay back in 2000, then I saw him once after that. We hung out, spent time with his totally wacky friends, had dinner at the most amazing little whole-in-the-wall taco joint and then walked along the water and saw the Tall Ships in Green Bay. Little did I know The Pride of Baltimore, usually docked in the harbor here, was in Green Bay for that event --- surprise!

It was a fantastic 8 days spent in Wisconsin, and hopefully Buppy will get to accompany me next time. Thanks to all who made the effort spend time with me while I was home; I love you guys!

Bring on Wisconsin!

Ah Thursday --- if I can only survive you and make it until 3pm tomorrow, I'll be golden. 'Cause that's when my vacay starts!

I'm excited. Excited to see family & friends, but excited to be done with work for a week. I'm sure I'll continue to check emails as some of my clients have very time-sensitive needs, but to be out of the office and in Wisco [with temps in the low-to-mid 80's!] will be awesome. I'll admit though, I'm scared of what the staff will do in my absence. Oh well.

This week has been uber stressful at work because I found out on Tuesday that come next Monday, they will be renovating our 2nd floor, where the majority of my meeting rooms are. I've shifted, canceled and moved groups to other hotels even. Luckily one was nice enough to honor the same rate we charge a client, but it's been crazy. Especially because our restaurant on-site is being demo-ed at the same time, so we have to find alternative spots to put up the continental breakfast.

So I'm leaving here tomorrow at 3pm, going home to grab my luggage and then heading to the airport with Buppy. My flight leaves at 6:40pm and arrives in Wisco at 10:10pm with a layover in Detroit. Buppy and I figure we'll get to BWI early and perhaps have dinner and a drink together before I leave. When I fly home next Sunday, we'll be home together for week, then Buppy heads to San Fran for a work conference. We were hoping I'd be able to make that too, but I just don't have enough time to take off work. Shell-Bell, we'll do our best to get out to see you sometime this fall or winter. Cali in winter would be nice!

I don't have much planned for my time in Wisco so far and plan to play a lot of it by ear. Lunch with an old co-worker in Appleton on Monday, then one of my best friends [and her fam] is coming to see me on Wednesday. The only other plan is for Thursday, when I'll likely have dinner with one of my favorite guests from the hotel I used to work at. Other than that, I just plan to spend some quality time with my fam, perhaps go hiking and maybe get in some rafting. Relaxation is calling my name . . .

Let's do lunch. On Monday. In Appleton.

Can't wait to see you Thursday H!

For Lack of an MPM

I thought about menu planning for this week but kind of decided against it. Well, I shouldn't really say that. I menu planned for tonight [Monday] and Wednesday night, which are the only 2 nights Buppy & I will be eating together this week. It's not really exciting to post a menu that only plans for 2 days, so I decided against it. We're having chili dogs & grilled potato spears tonight, and some crazy spin off of a cuban sandwich I plan to invent on Wednesday night. Buppy works late tomorrow night, then works his overnight on Thursday and I fly out to Wisco for my vacay on Friday after work. FYI: I hate packing.

This weekend was rather uneventful. Sat out on the deck reading or chatting on the phone a lot. It was nice to have a few days that weren't [or at least didn't feel like with the humidity] 100+ degrees. The kidlets played outside a lot. Buppy mowed the lawn and changed his oil. I scored a few deals at Rite Aid yesterday afternoon. I baked some fantastic lemon bars. Not much else. Oooo, I slept in until noon on Saturday! Ah, I love those days.

I recently scored a fabulous deal from work that I'm super excited about. So......I really dig Boca burgers. Everyone thinks I eat 'em because I want a meatless meal or am trying to be healthy. While admittedly those are perks to them, I eat 'em because I think they're fantastic tasting. Since I'm not a huge ground beef eater, I guess that shouldn't surprise me. Anyway, our restaurant here at work had a case of them in the freezer; I'm the only person I know who has eaten any since I started here back in Oct. Well, the case of them holds 48-5 oz. patties, and I scored the rest of the case! Out of the 48, I'd be willing to bet there are about 40 or so left. They're not on the menu anymore, so our F&B director said I could have them. Love-love-love scoring a deal like that! I must say the original, which is what's in this case, are much better than their other varieties [bruschetta, mushroom & onion]. We picked up a few of those on clearance awhile back and they were [are] disappointing. I haven't eaten many of them, but Buppy & I both enjoyed an original patty on Saturday night. Loaded with lettuce, tomato, smashed avocado [in place of mayo] and raw onion [for me] with a side of corn on the cobb, it was a super tasty and healthy meal. Yum!

Vacation starts Friday, and I haven't seen my entire family for more than 3 hours or so for a few years now. I'm happy to say my parents, sister & brother will all be home when I'm there. I can't wait!

The house in Wisco where I grew up.