Some things I'm getting used to

- my change doesn't amount to much (and is so light)
- clothing (more sporty clothes) flip flops everywhere, workout shorts, running shoes
- amount of overweight/obese people
- portion sizes
- amount of processed/prepared foods at grocery (a lot that I am admittedly happy to see)
- most food products come with a resealable zipper!  (or some sort of convenience feature)
- general shopping - selection, amount of STUFF - it's truly one of the biggest shocks and it's overwhelming.  I've heard stories of people crying at Target. 
- ice water at restaurants
- commercials - tv in restaurants
- eavesdropping - hearing convos
- coffee options (Starbucks has made people so picky about their coffee)
- very friendly people
- disposable everything - put everything in a paper or plastic bag - wrap it in some more paper - lots of trash...too many receipts
- grocery store - bagging for you - I feel I must help
- loud talkers
- TV is terri (flipping through at the gym...I did settle on Wheel of Fortune..lovin' that)
- miles and inches! lovin' you.
- radio gets on my nerves more easily (prob. bc I haven't listened to it in 3 years bc I didn't drive)
- iPhones everywhere
- no tram - can't easily walk - bus system kinda cruddy
- sports mania and paraphernalia
- pretty old style American homes with pretty yards...all unique with cute porches
- no easy system for recycling

 

Art's junk pick.

Mine.  Hello Peppy Farm.

And, that's it for now.  There's more.  I feel myself starting to get mostly adjusted.  I think Art adjusted after 8 hours.  He's had about 836 Philly cheesesteaks.  I forgot how hard and weird it is to be living in a new place where you know no one and don't have a life there yet.  We're getting there.  The heat is gone (for now) and I'm getting caught up on work and getting our home set up before I go to Houston next week!

Oh, and the belly is kickin'.  Literally.  Any slight incline and I'm winded.  And Pitt is hilly.  Have you seen the steps to my house?  Yikes. 

Elsie's doin' good too.  There's a grazing bunny in our backyard every morning that she rips my arm out of socket over.  She loves all the easy access to everyone's yards and she's likin' her new summer haircut:

She did not, however, appreciate the 9-hour flight and crate lockdown.  When we went to pick her up in baggage her whole crate was shaking back and forth and the guy next to it goes "washing machine?".

Right now I'm at Starbucks (I just asked for a tall iced coffee...and I think it made her uncomfortable that there weren't 8 adjectives before it) and I'm doing some work and waiting on the arrival of my newest niece in Austin!  Any hour now.  Her darling nursery by my talented sis to be debuted soon!

Tschüß or shall I say...later! 

Don't think I haven't said 'danke' to quite a few peeps.

Fam & Pitt

I stole these pics from my sister, Molly, cause I didn't take any while my family was here.  They left last week and this week has been filled with getting electricity, hot water, internet, some furniture..you know, all the fun stuff.  Art's already gone to work and I've tried out the bus system (uh, nein).  You can walk here in some parts, but not get around predominantly that way.

It was so fun to see my parents and my sister and have them here when we arrived. 

Perked at Target. (My enthusiasm has waned by now...I've been 6 times already for necessities.)

In front of the Cathedral of Learning

 The Austrian Room!

 Beautiful Lobby

Wondey flamingos at The National Aviary.

With my sis overlookin' Pitt.

The whole fam at a restaurant at the top of the Incline that overlooks the city.  Art and I just drove across the bridge at night yesterday...real pretty! 

(That mustard and ice tea on the table are exciting.)

It won't be long 'til I greet them again in Houston in July.  Hopefully I can get some stuff done around here before I go!

Here.

We arrived safe and sound in Pittsburgh and already had a great 3 days with my parents and sister getting familiar with our new city.

All I've got to show for it for now is this.  

Oh, Mac, I've missed you.

You too, Molly.