Wheeling away down the road of life

Chris and I didn't ride any bicycles built for two during our brief honeymoon (part 1) but I did wear this Two Wheeler bike print dress a lot. I tried not to make much of a fuss about honeymooning because it was kind of last minute and brief from necessity. I had to get back to work. I don't really have the time for a big trip until December so that is when we're going somewhere. But we decided to visit DC to eat, drink, do some visa paperwork for honeymoon part 2, and be merry/married. Speck came along because the Hotel Madera (along with all Kimpton Hotels) allows pets with no restrictions. I've come to really adore their hotels for the warm service and quirky decor. Because they caught wind of our wedding, they put us on the top floor in a suite with a balcony. And they greeted us with a bottle of wine and a cheese plate.

While in DC, we ate at Jaleo which was amazing. Our server was the sweetest man who was so enthusiastic about the insane amount of food we ordered. My favorite part of the meal was the squid ink black rice paella with cuttlefish and shrimp. Although we were stuffed (and had to take most of the paella home) we managed to eat the delicious dessert he gave to us in celebration of our matrimony. We also visited the Tacklebox and Two Amy's Pizza. Here's Chris walking Speck around Georgetown and enjoying the delicious Tacklebox spices.

I found myself walking around in a dreamy daze, so soon after the wedding. Everything felt very special and exciting, but I was also perpetually on the verge of emotional overcome. I don't know if I was feeling sad, but I was a little somber. Somber in the sense that nostalgia can feel melancholic. I couldn't (and still can't) stop dreaming about the wedding. It didn't escape my immediate frame of mind at all during the trip. I guess that is to be expected? I don't mean to sound like a Debbie Downer.

In so many ways I am glad the wedding happened. It was wonderful and I am glad it is behind me. But I also felt for it such immense excitement and anticipation. With it behind me, there is a slight void. I never thought I would be among the "post-wedding blues" contingent, and I would never ever describe what I feel as blue. Instead it feels surreal. I already have so much nostalgia for it. And with those pangs of nostalgic longing come the inevitable melancholia. I am happy it is over but I wish I could rewind myself to relive parts that are blurry already in my memory. I can't wait for the video and although I was reluctant to have video, I am grateful that my mom insisted.

Part of me was sad to leave Pittsburgh at all (where some friends were still in town after the wedding, including Robina and her beautiful family). Part of me was sad to spend such little time in DC. I couldn't catch up with DC friends or meet the new members of a few of their families because our time was so limited. We checked in late, were there for about 36 hours, and had to return to the 'burgh. I guess this is one of those times when I can just accept that I have too many feelings (tm Robina). Regardless, this DC trip was a nice memory and a wonderful way to kick off married life.

Adventures in Nautical Trompe L'Oeil!

My neighbor has a sailboat, which Chris has spent some time on the last few weeks, preparing it for the summer season of sailing. Accordingly, I have been fantasizing about summer events and outfits that will comprise my summer wardrobe. Because that wardrobe now includes a reason to be even more obsessed with all things Nautical than I am every summer season, I found it fitting to pick up this Trompe L'Oeil sailor dress from the Annie Creamcheese consignment and vintage shop in Georgetown.

Too patriotic? Too silly? Perhaps. I admit that it is somewhat costumey but my other outfit idea, (to wear white linen pants with my navy cashmere anchor sleeve sweater from Blanc Bleu in St. Barths) might not be practical, due to the heat and my epic clumsiness.

The tshirt style dress is scandalously short so I've had to layer underneath it an exposed slip by Hanky Panky. Hopefully I won't look too jaggy when just a dream and the wind will carry me.
I hear the canvas can do miracles. (I realize I age myself when I quote such lyrics, but whatever).

Sound of Silence: Going Back to DC

I left for DC on Saturday and am living in the beautiful, historical, and boutique-heavy neighborhood of Georgetown for all of May.

(photo from http://www.thedctraveler.com)

I already bought some small items at the souvenir shop of the museum in which I am a Smithsonian predoctoral research fellow: the newly-renovated National Museum of American History.

Being in DC for a month is good for my brick and mortar shopping habits, as the options are much more vast. But it is bad for online shopping, since I won't really be able to do it while here. I don't have regular access to the internet so my posts will be sporadic until I return to Pittsburgh in June.

Thank you for reading and bearing with me!