led astray

It's errand week, and I'm realizing I can only take it a step at a time because wtf, how do people drive in cities?  One way streets that curve every which way and flashing signs and pedestrians everywhere.  My blood pressure will never be the same again.  But at least downtown living means less dependency on Sunny after I figure out how to get custody and change his tags, etc etc (damn, I hate going to the DMV).  Which is good because poor thing has been worked almost nonstop to get here.

1239 miles on mostly open highway was the easy part.

Moving in was a bitch and a half.  Those damn stairs.  Thank goodness one of my new roommates (who is local - I envy the ease of moving and the option to bring anything and everything) was there to help unpack my carefully fully-packed car.  And yet, it still feels like I forgot everything (regretting the decision to leave the processor at home the most.  And apparently forgot the honey.  And soy sauce.  And a very specific button down I won't need until winter but want now.  And more clothes hangers.  And more pillows.  And my blanket from NM.)  No furniture of any sort is more of a struggle than I initially thought.  Back when we moved to NC, we slept on the floor for the first couple days, so that's not a problem.  I was mainly hoping to salvage the problem of where to put my water glass and tools to paint on the face.  So I sucked it up and took my car out of its ridiculous parking spot, nestled between two houses (I was quite concerned I couldn't even get Sunny between the walls) to venture to Target.  I can literally feel the impatience and irritation from other drivers (note the NC license plate, please!).  Then there was the moment I realized I forgot about the tools to actually build my new shelf//low-to-the-ground desk (because I don't want to buy a chair... I know, I know... Amelia is ridiculous), so I gave up, ate two cups of Goldfish, and took a nap.  And that marks the end of errands for Day Two in Madison.

[I should've asked my dad to come help.]

So it's coffeeshop (because free wi-fi) and recounting those 1239 miles time.

Stop #1 was actually an extension of being at home, as titled.  Free food, lazing around all day until everyone gets home from work/daycare, strolls around the neighborhood when deprived of sunlight and air.

Stop #2 - stupid Pittsburgh, as Bernard lovingly says.

We caught the end of restaurant week (my favoriteeeee) at Proper on my first night.  But then didn't actually participate.

Bernard's Pesto pizza.  Just as you'd expect a well-made pesto pizza would taste.  Though I'm more partial to crispy thin crust, the pillowy-ness of this was reminded me less of doughy dense crust and more of a glutinous piece of naan bread.  And the little chunks of house bacon, oh myy.  Wouldn't turn another slice down is all I have to say.

I got Sweet & Hot roasted peppers with huge unexpected chunks of their house-made mozzarella.  I'm such a sucker for these kinds of plates and was fully satisfied with this decision
...which balanced out with my less-than-satisfactory dessert plate.  I ordered this off the restaurant week menu and was blissfully unaware (first of many of my ditsy moments that weekend) of the fact that I ordered a sampler platter.  I think I've mentioned my obsession with peaches before... well, I'm here to share with you the valuable lesson I learned about how obsessions can lead you astray from time to time.  I thought I actually ordered a bowl of warm peaches with ice cream.  Nope.  It was cold.  And then I didn't really care for the other two pieces on either side of the deceptive half peach.  I regretted not getting the Bacon Candy starter long after paying.

The one touristy thing we did was trolley up the Duquesne (try to pronounce that) Incline ("What a smooth ride!" "Are we supposed to get out? ... But we got a two way pass.") for the prettiest view of the city because I'm also a sucker for nice views (you can interpret that in every way that can be interpreted).  (I think I overuse parentheses.)
According to Bernie, Pittsburgh aka "Most Livable City" doesn't know how to use superlatives.  Playing it fast and loose with those buzzwords like "best" and "most" on this one.  We passed by this restaurant next to the Incline that seemed to only offer a $75 chef's menu for dinner.  Had to take a picture anyways, of course.  Guess I'll never know what romance is.  At least it looks super romantic from the outside *shakes head* and that price tag is like an extra layer of romance... yeah maybe if someone else picked up the check for me.
But seriously, the city did look damn nice from up here.

Stop #3 - Cincy (I always fail at spelling it out correctly the first time.)
The place was nothing as I expected... although I can't really say what I expected.  My entire idea of the Midwest was pretty one-note.  Cute German-style houses everywhere.  In the one afternoon I was there, Lynn (also the nicest//most thorough host ever) took me to Graeter's and Eli's BBQ.  Not the biggest consumer of ice cream but that black cherry and chocolate chip... mmmmm, I'd purchase a pint.  And trust me, a kid's size is plenty.  Not the biggest fan of turkey but the smoked turkey sandwich with cole slaw was all kinds of delicious and totally worth the 1 hr wait (BYOBAS - bring your own bottle and snacks for sure).  The outdoor venue was cute, too, with picnic tables and food trucks and kids and their puppies and, the piece de resistance, a bubble machine.

Destination - Madison.  I like it.  I'm okay with dedicating at least 2.5 years here.