Scrambling
We officially have only 5 more days (including today) to get things accomplished for our trip. J did an insane amount of laundry yesterday and we started setting aside things that we potentially want to take with us. Our goal is to pack only two small bags (weekender-size) with everything that we'll need. Since we'll be lugging them around on trains and up small flights of stairs for most of our hotels, I want the luggage to be as manageable as possible. So, that means probably 2 pair of pants, 3-4 shirts, a jacket, light rain jacket, and toiletries.
Thursday night, we ran a few errands in the neighborhood. J got a couple of 50/50 t-shirts at American Apparel for their quick-dry and non-wrinkle properties. I won't even go into my feelings on the store and their products (I was totally not into being there, but they do make t-shirts that fit J really well). Then, we stopped by Powells to pick up a couple of used paperbacks. We want to bring books that we don't mind leaving behind when we're finished. Luckily, Powells has an awesome Mystery section and we got an entire series of George Pelecanos novels that revolve around Detective Derek Strange. We have listened to a few of Pelecanos's more recent novels on audiobook and really enjoyed his writing -- especially since most of his novels are set in D.C. I love Powells because they have every book you could ever want and we got all three used books for about $5 a piece -- some were only $2.50. That's like buying a magazine!
Also exciting news? My Mom sent a special care package from Louisiana (she and my sister drove out to pick up my grandmother for a visit to Florida). I was thrilled when J opened the box and found a package of Cajun Beef Jerky from Bourgeois Meat Market in Thibodeaux. This isn't your average beef jerky with ground, processed mystery meat full of chemicals (and god knows what else). It's delicious strips of beef that's house smoked and cured. It's up near the top of most amazing foods I've tasted. J and I first had it when we went to visit my grandparents in 2008 (the same day that we picked up three varieties of Boudin and had a feast for lunch). Since it's so fresh, it only lasts for 2 weeks after being opened, so J and I have just been staring at the package and trying our best not to rip into it before we leave. I'd probably take it with us for snacks on the road, but I'm afraid it'll get taken away at customs. I think I'll just leave it at home for a tasty treat when we return.
Thursday night, we ran a few errands in the neighborhood. J got a couple of 50/50 t-shirts at American Apparel for their quick-dry and non-wrinkle properties. I won't even go into my feelings on the store and their products (I was totally not into being there, but they do make t-shirts that fit J really well). Then, we stopped by Powells to pick up a couple of used paperbacks. We want to bring books that we don't mind leaving behind when we're finished. Luckily, Powells has an awesome Mystery section and we got an entire series of George Pelecanos novels that revolve around Detective Derek Strange. We have listened to a few of Pelecanos's more recent novels on audiobook and really enjoyed his writing -- especially since most of his novels are set in D.C. I love Powells because they have every book you could ever want and we got all three used books for about $5 a piece -- some were only $2.50. That's like buying a magazine!
Also exciting news? My Mom sent a special care package from Louisiana (she and my sister drove out to pick up my grandmother for a visit to Florida). I was thrilled when J opened the box and found a package of Cajun Beef Jerky from Bourgeois Meat Market in Thibodeaux. This isn't your average beef jerky with ground, processed mystery meat full of chemicals (and god knows what else). It's delicious strips of beef that's house smoked and cured. It's up near the top of most amazing foods I've tasted. J and I first had it when we went to visit my grandparents in 2008 (the same day that we picked up three varieties of Boudin and had a feast for lunch). Since it's so fresh, it only lasts for 2 weeks after being opened, so J and I have just been staring at the package and trying our best not to rip into it before we leave. I'd probably take it with us for snacks on the road, but I'm afraid it'll get taken away at customs. I think I'll just leave it at home for a tasty treat when we return.
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