The Haymarket in Baltimore!

So you all know about the trouble I've gone to trying to find that magical scoop of ice cream. And although we did find that one place a while back (the one that also sells donuts), I've felt there has been a void in my life due to the lack of Ivanna Cone in Baltimore. But good news - I've found Baltimore's version of Ivanna Cone! It's called Sylvan Beach, and my oh my! It's located in a village of Mt. Washington, inside a brick building. Get this: they even write their flavors on a chalk board just like Ivanna Cone! I had Honey Graham and Cake Batter, and Evan had Cake Batter and Peanut Butter Cup. It's locally owned, so that really made us like it even better.

This is the crazy part, and the reason I titled this post "The Haymarket in Baltimore." While we were eating our DELICIOUS ice cream, I was looking around at the different buildings around us...then I noticed it. The building next to Sylvan Beach housed "Amazing Glaze," a paint-your-own-pottery store...just like Paint Yourself Silly which is next to Ivanna Cone!! I could not believe it! After this discovery, I even mentioned to Evan that I couldn't wait to write about this on the blog! Yay - Baltimore has a Haymarket like the one in Lincoln! :)

Busy, busy!

Oh, goodness. I just realized that I haven't updated this blog in forever! To my many loyal followers: my apologies! So much has been going on these past few days. Highlights include a weekend visit from my parents, starting my new job and a Chi Omega alum get-together at Little Havana for$10 margarita pitchers!

It was AMAZING to see my parents last weekend. They flew in to D.C. last Thursday, and then we picked them up at the New Carrollton metro station on Friday afternoon. I surprised them with my culinary skills and whipped up an amazing dinner that night: parmesan tilapia, skillet-fried zucchini, rice pilaf and individual peach cobblers for dessert - delicious! Saturday was spent shopping and checking out Evan's office on Hopkins' campus and seeing my new workplace. They bought a lot of dress clothes for me, since I'm a working woman now, and I appreciate them doing so! We went out to eat at Mother's Federal Hill Grille. You may recall that Evan and I joined his fellow classmates there back in June, when he had the Heart Attack on a Plate burger - my dad tried it this time! I actually ended up getting a hamburger also, which is "blog-worthy" because I haven't had red meat since before the wedding. Yes, fish, turkey and chicken fill my plates these days! But I must admit, that BBQ burger with cheese and fried onions was amazing! The rest of Saturday night was spent playing Yahtzee and Smart Ass - a favorite game for both Evan's family and mine! We were sad to see them leave on Sunday, but we so enjoyed having them visit! We sure hope Evan's parents can make it out here now!

I will post more about my new job in the next few days. This week has been hectic! I hope everyone is enjoying their week!!

Pictures

Employment?...Ok!

Yesterday was the best day of my life...ok, right after the day Evan proposed, and of course, our wedding day, and finding out Ashley was pregnant...but still, it was great! This whole "job search" process has been long and daunting. We've been here for two months now (exactly!), and each day was spent updating my resume, researching businesses, writing cover letters and hearing NOTHING. The past couple of weeks picked up a little bit, though. I had that temporary position and actually had interviews with two different magazines that are published in Baltimore.

Corridor, Inc., is a business and political magazine that covers issues in Baltimore and Washington D.C. I had two interviews with them for an advertising sales/event planning position. They are a very small company, so I saw a lot of room for growth. I got the call from their editor yesterday, and she offered me the position, BUT I TURNED IT DOWN!

I am now a proud employee of Urbanite, a magazine for "Baltimore's curious." It is the most interesting magazine I have ever seen. It targets the trendy, hip, environmentally-conscious people who have a disposable income in Baltimore. The general manager, who I did most of my interviewing with, was very outgoing and very kind to me during this entire process. I had an initial interview that lasted almost 2 hours! She then invited Evan and I to their August "roll-out" party - the "roll-out" parties are held once a month, and it celebrates the publication of the new issue...fun venue, food and drinks = fun! I then tagged along on a sales pitch with a Senior Account Executive and then went out for dinner with the general manager. Basically, they really made an effort to show that they were interested in me. They offered me an advertising sales position yesterday, and I accepted!

Check out the website: Urbanite Magazine

Evan and I are really excited about this opportunity. What I'm super happy about is that this job relates to my degree - I'll actually use the stuff I learned during college! Plus, I'm not just holding a random job to get by - this is the start of an actual career. I've learned to trust God a lot during this entire process and am excited about what He has in store me. We are truly blessed!

Greater Baltimore MD Alumnae Chapter

When I first found out that we were going to be moving to Baltimore, I checked on the National Chi Omega website to see if there was a Baltimore alum group. There is one, and I came into contact with some of the members. Evan and I went to a Chi Omega BBQ back in July (I believe I mentioned that in a previous post). Anyway, last night I went to an organizational meeting - the alum group out here is not an "official" alum chapter, so we're going through the process to become one. Although I enjoyed my time in Chi Omega during college, I always looked forward to graduating, so the numerous meetings and activities would stop. However, I've found that I just can't let go! I'm excited to use my knowledge of Chi Omega to help the Baltimore alumnae chapter get started. It's also a great way to meet people! I created a website for the group - the link is below. Obviously the website is only in the beginning steps, but I think it will turn into something great!

Greater Baltimore MD Alumnae Chapter

No Such Thing as a Free Lunch

Yesterday was the last day at my temporary position - thank goodness! I can't believe I survived 8 days there. I tried to keep a positive attitude - I kept telling myself that I should be thankful that I had a temp. position, and that many people would be ever-so-grateful for a chance to make money. And although I was very appreciative of the position, I must admit that I am SO happy it's over. First off, it was a construction/contracting company. I am in no way degrading this job sector - but the men at this office were very rude/crude. Honestly, I heard a nasty word about every 5 minutes - just not my idea of a professional atmosphere. Also, my boss was a piece of work, and I'm sure I could describe him for you, although I don't think the words would necessarily be appropriate for this fun blog! :)

So for my last day yesterday, my boss took me and another worker out for lunch. I REALLY didn't want to go, and I tried to come up with random excuses, but he wasn't taking "no" for an answer. So alas, I went along. And it was the MOST AWKWARD situation I have ever been in. In fact, there were times during the lunch that I just wanted to start laughing at the situation I was in - mainly because about 15 minutes went by with NOTHING being said. Yes, complete silence. I thought it was pretty funny! Anyway, they did pay for my lunch (yay), but I'm going to apply this "free lunch" to something I learned in economics classes (Mom & Dad - I'm probably making you proud - I did learn something in college!). So here's my theory: in economics, they say "there is no such thing as a free lunch." Mainly because you have to give something up (a cost) in order to receive a benefit. I gave up my relaxing lunch break eating a pb&j sandwich while surfing the web in order to attend the WORST lunch date I've ever experienced. So really, the lunch wasn't "free." :)

As for a good lunch situation, Evan and I are meeting a couple for lunch at the Blue Agave (Mexican restaurant) in the Federal Hill district today. Sarah was a Chi Omega and we met her and her husband when they hosted the Chi Omega Alum BBQ here in Baltimore a few weeks ago. We're excited to get to know them better!

Broken Glass & Waking Up Late

So here's two great stories that showcase high moments for both of us. After enjoying a wonderul late dinner on Sunday night, I went to the kitchen to start rinsing off the dishes. All of a sudden...CRASH. I look over at Evan who is standing still looking at the shattered glass surrounding him, while hold a broken drinking glass. He can't remember exactly what happened - just that he thinks it started to slip and he tried to catch it and hit the table. So anyway, I notice blood on his hand and he covers it up and won't show me! That's when I knew that it was pretty bad because he kept telling me to stop trying to look. After much convincing, I was able to see the cut on his finger and it definitely called for stitches (well, probably one stitch) - it was very deep! He refused to go to the hospital, and the next morning he found some super glue and glued his finger together. I think it actually worked!

Story 2: I had the LONGEST day of my life yesterday. I was up at 4:30 working on stuff for an interview that I had on Tuesday at 5:00 (which I went straight to after leaving my temp. position). Anyway, I was tired last night. I went to bed at 9:30 and passed out! So of course, when my alarm went off at 6:00 this morning, I just wasn't feeling it. Next thing I know it's 7:01 and I leave for work at 7:15. Do the math - crazy morning, huh?!? But I'm here now (and obviously working so hard, since I'm updating the blog!). I actually arrived at 8:03, so only 3 minutes late. Not bad!

Sailing

Saturday was an adventure! We rented a sailboat with Chris and Lauren down by Alexandria, Virginia (basically, Washington D.C.). We sailed in the Potomac River, and it was so cool! Evan and I had never been sailing, and Chris and Lauren are pretty experienced, so we appreciated having them teach us everything. We caught on quite well! There was hardly any wind when we first started, but it definitely picked up. There were some scary moments, although I think I was the only one on the boat who was scared! When you hit a strong wind line and start to turn (an "attack" or "come about" - I can't remember all the terms!), the boat starts to tip...a lot. It makes me nervous just thinking about it! Evan loves water, so of course he was as excited as could be! All in all, it was a lot of fun!

After sailing, we decided to get some ice cream and found a great spot in the cutest little neighborhood in Alexandria. It was called Dairy Godmother's, and they served frozen custard and sorbet. I had warm peach cobbler with raspberry sorbet, and Evan had chocolate-chocolate chip frozen custard. To die for!

Once we got home, we were pooped. We had a late night on Friday, as we went out with some people in Evan's program. Plus, we were just tired from the week's activities. Our intention was to take a 30 minute nap...add on 3 more hours, and that's what we got! Yes, we took a nap from 6:30-10:00 on Saturday night. I'm not even sad to admit that...ok, maybe a little. But it did feel great!