Indiana

I know, I know. I've been slacking on the blog.

I can't promise it will get better any time soon. But I'll try. Just trying to soak up all of our time at home while we still can!

This past week we got to go to Indy for a few days. I got to spend some much needed time in the office and see all of my coworkers! It was the perfect time to go as we got to enjoy the holiday party while we were in town. Always a good time. It's certainly refreshing to be back in a familiar place surrounded by such great people. And as always, just as sad to say goodbye again.

Our time was limited, but we packed in as much as could. Every night we had something going on, and I think the bags under my eyes by the end proved it. For example, Friday night we got back to the hotel around midnight (I have to mention how strange it was to stay in a hotel in Indy, when we've had a home there for eight years.). We were up before 7 a.m. to meet Katie and Kelly for a delicious breakfast at Patachou. We left there to run a quick errand, then met Sheila, Chris and Landon downtown at the Children's Museum. We were there just over an hour then headed back up to the northside to meet Erin, Mom Medjeski and D$ (Dylan's alter ego) at McAlister's. Then it was the three hour drive back up north. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see all of our friends. But maybe a Facetime session is in order.

Landon was excited to have a picture with Buzz and Woody at the Museum. 

So yes, I finally got to go to McAlisters! We even got two gallons of sweet tea to bring back home with us to enjoy before we go. And we got a super sweet travel survival kit from Mom Medjeski! Matt got to enjoy his favorite Indy meal, the Heartstopper  from Chatham Tap, too. So it was a successful trip for him as well! Just exhausting!

But, we got all of the stuff for our Visa packets finished and mailed. That's a huge relief. Now we're just hoping we did everything correctly. Fingers crossed!

Beyond that, we're finishing our Christmas shopping and getting the few last minute things on our Dominica shopping list. And hoping we can then fit all those things in our suitcases since our barrels are officially on a boat to Dominica! Woot!

We had our first snowfall! It didn't stick around too long, but we're hoping we can get another in before we leave. 

I'm still avoiding looking at the calendar. It's surreal to think we'll be leaving for 16 months soon. I know it's a great opportunity and all the positives that come with it, but it is still extremely intimidating. And then there's the whole fear (phobia is a better word) of flying. I firmly believe that if flying wasn't so traumatic for me, I wouldn't be as intimidated as I am.

But on a lighter note, Indiana has been spoiling us with some beautiful skies, so I thought I'd leave you with a taste of the beauty we've been seeing! This is one of the reasons why I love being home.

Bye Bye Indy

Today we packed up and moved out of our apartment in Indy. It still seems like not too long ago I moved out of this small town to the big city to take on a new adventure. Now, I'm moved back, getting ready to take on another big adventure.

Indy is where Matt and I met, where we made life-long friends, and where we made our first home together. You've been a great city, Indy, and a part of us will always be there.

Many, MANY thanks is owed to our family and friends for helping with the big move today - especially in the sweltering summer heat. Here's a look at what the day entailed.

Made sure to label all of my belongings!

Taping up our final box.

The loading begins.

We thought we'd take him, too!

Check out that view.

Adorable.

The best little helper. Notice the sweat? He really did work hard!

And of course we had to have a little fun.

And after a full day of packing, and then traveling for three hours just to unload it all, this is how we all feel....

So now, we have two weeks until we leave for Freeport. I'm sure these will be the fastest two weeks. So we'll spend this time with our families and celebrate my birthday on the 17th! Take note!

The Heartstopper

One of the most important things Matt and I wanted to do before we moved is stop by our favorite restaurants for one last delightful dish. Tonight we visited Chatham Tap and took full advantage of the situation.

Chatham Tap is one of our most favorite places to eat.  We first found Chatham Tap when we lived downtown. And now, there's one on the northside. Woot!

First, the breadsticks are To. Die. For. Not literally, but you get the idea.

 Agree?

The native Hoosier in me LOVES the garlic pork tenderloin sandwich. Delicious.

 So good.

And then there's Matt's favorite dish - the Heartstopper. Yes. It is seriously called the Heartstopper.

Straight from the menu....
The Heartstopper - Two angus beef patties with three cheeses, sauteed mushrooms and onions, rasher bacon, egg and mayo. 

Yep, you read that right. Take a look at this beast of a sandwich.

 
Wow.


This sandwich never ceases to amaze me. Check out this progression.

Mmm, this is so good. I love the Heartstopper. I'm so hungry!

Half way done. It smells like breakfast and tastes like Heaven.

Who cares if its socially unacceptable to unbutton my shorts. I think I've got a baby in here.

So yea, that was our night. Now you know why you're getting those love handles my dear.

Many people have asked us what are the main dishes in the Bahamas. Again. since we haven't been before, we are trying to figure this out. Ross has a bit of information for us, and below is the paragraph on staple foods.

Peas and rice, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, chicken, fish (grouper, snapper, turbot, etc.), crawfish (lobster), conch (pronounced "konk") are standard local dishes. Locally grown fruits include bananas, papaya, guava, avocado, and mangos. Unusual fruits known to this region include sapodilla, sugar apple, hog plums, gwineps, and sea grapes.

First reaction - yuck. Peas and rice, mac and cheese and coleslaw? Disgusting. I'm a fan of chicken. But I don't eat seafood either. So, I guess my diet will consist of chicken. And fruit.

And if anyone can enlighten me with what exactly hog plums, gwineps, sapodilla and the other unusual fruits are, I would certainly appreciate it.

Weekend of Goodbyes

This weekend was filled with many goodbyes.  It's been easy to get wrapped up in the thought of moving away from friends, family and Emmy to this country we've never been to and be swooped into a negative spiral. But through these goodbyes, I certainly got a look at what we have been blessed with. So, here goes, and I'll try not to get too sappy.

Friday night I had a send-off party with my office. Working with these ladies, and few token males, has been such a blessing. There's not much I can say to convey the appreciation for the opportunities I've been afforded working here. I know I'll keep in close contact after the move, but it will be hard not seeing everyone in the office nearly every day.

Our sweet Emmy dog also got freshly groomed on Friday night. Doesn't she look great?!

Emmy is my baby. I am having a very hard time coping with the fact that I have to leave her. Just look at those sweet eyes - do you blame me? She brings such joy to Matt and I. We are lucky to have her and thankful to know that she will be taken care of while we're gone.

Saturday, I  got my hair cut at the best salon in Indy, Salon Orange Moon with Jess! (If you're ever in Indy, and need a fresh look, you MUST check them out. You can't go wrong with anyone in there!) I will certainly miss coming in and visiting, as an afternoon with Jess will always put me in good spirits.

We also had a going away party with our friends Saturday night. It was a very bittersweet night seeing so many of our friends all together again. It certainly feels like 'home' whenever we are all together. We are so thankful for our wonderful friends and all of the happy memories we have made together.

This morning, we got our 'mug and a hug' from Pastor Ryan at First Mennonite. We get the official coffee mug, hug and best wishes from our congregation. First Mennonite welcomed Matt and I with such open arms when we first started coming!

After church, my sister, her husband and my favorite little guy, Landon, came for lunch. Of course, after lunch, we had to visit the pool.

What a cutie?! Seriously - that ornery grin, floaties and dinosaur trunks are just too much cuteness for one photo. Love this little guy. And he certainly knows how to get whatever he wants from his Aunt Mimi and Uncle Matt.  After a hard afternoon at the pool - what better way to rejuvenate than with frozen yogurt. As Landon would say, it's delicious - and I know my licious.

 The rest of our afternoon consisted of some downtime - watching the Wimbledon recap and napping with the husband and Emmy dog. That is certainly a blessing. 

Hot Indy

Never would I have imagined the following scenario.

Never say never I suppose. Considering both of us have NEVER been the Bahamas, we don't really know what to expect regarding the weather. But Indy calling for a high nearly 15 degrees higher than anywhere in the Caribbean is just absurd.  Not only did we have a mild winter with NO snow days, we are now setting record-high temps. This heat streak here in Indy has got to go.

Maybe Bahamian weather won't be too bad. Of course, we'll be there July - November, which is peak hurricane season. Wonderful! (note the sarcasm) Side note - when looking for an apartment, hurricane shutters were listed as an amenity. Here's hoping we won't need them. One thing we've learned, though, is that it rains. Often. Regardless of hurricane season. Matt and I prepared ourselves with new umbrellas, and I got a flashy pair of yellow galoshes. (Galoshes were 50% off at Target. Love it!)


So I guess this is Indy's way of preparing us for Freeport. That way, once we get to Freeport, it will be a relief from the heat....maybe?

Eight Years

Matt and I will be flying out on July 28 to Freeport. We have exactly one month left here in the States. However, we only have a couple more weeks here in Indianapolis. July 13 we will move out of our apartment and up north for two weeks before the big move.

Matt and I at Super Bowl XLVI in Indy

When thinking of moving, I had thought how hard it will be to leave home - mainly Shipshewana. It will be hard to leave family, friends and 'home.' I didn't anticipate how hard it will be to leave Indianapolis. I've lived here in Indy now for eight years. It's hard to believe it was eight years ago that I moved into the dorm at UIndy, then lived by myself downtown and now with Matt.

Looking back through the past eight years, I have never once regretted coming to Indianapolis. Indy has been very good to me! Earning my degree, meeting Matt, making wonderful lifelong friends, getting a fabulous job and getting engaged to Matt has all happened in these short eight years.

Matt and I have been compiling a list of things we want to do before we head out - namely visiting our favorite restaurants for one last good meal - Bazbeauxs, Chatham Tap and Kilroy's to name a few!

So thank you, Indy! You have evolved from a college home to a real home. We will miss you!