Home is Where the Heart is.

Especially when you know you'll be in the company of these two:

NASHVEGAS

There is something so exciting about a city where people go simply to pursue their dreams.  Nashville, I think I love you.  It's true.  I just may move back --- the only thing it's lacking is a coast.  I spent 3 weeks there and could have still been satisfied had it been 33.  I apologize once again for being a terrible blogger. This is obviously not meant for me, so I'll just keep it updated as I am able.  There were so many great things during the stay in Nashville that I don't even know if I could remember them all but I'll try.

1.  Halloween

Nursery Rhymes gone wrong.

2.  Honky Tonkin' on Broadway

Lynyrd Skynyrd's guitarist: Sparky at Tooties

3.  Country Music Hall of Fame

Wall of Gold Records

4.  Ryman Auditorium (Original Grand Ole Opry)

5.  Arlene's visit

6.  Franklin, TN

The I Do was made for Carrie Underwood's wedding cupcake tower.

7.  Arrington Vineyards

8.  Parthenon (in Centennial Park)

9.  Autumn

The tree we loved outside my front door.

10.  Great eateries

& much, much more!

Spending time in Tennessee's capital was a blast, and I will definitely be back!  Maybe even permanently.  Who knows?  Between Nashville and Des Moines (the next stop on this grand adventure), I decided to break away from tour life and visit home.  Even if it was for 48 hours, I'd take it!  The trip was super short but felt like a huge break once I returned to Munchkinland.  During my stay at home, I visited a few family members, relaxed at home with the puppies, my parents and sister, and did absolutely nothing too productive.  It was perfect.

Two-Weekers...

...go by so fast!  That's right, folks.  I skipped through Richmond, and now reside in Nashville.  Here's a brief synopsis of our time in Virginia:  Good friends.  Good food.  Good time.

Ok really.  That's not so entertaining.  Here's how it really went down... in a nut shell.

On our only day off a friend, Linda, and I drove to an area just west of Charlottesville and enjoyed a little wine tasting.  And by a little, I mean four different vineyards, each having around 8-10 wines to taste.  Did you know that October was Virginia's Wine Month?  How convenient.  Linda being a Cali native and wine enthusiast, thought the Virginia wines were definitely up to par with California wines.  Between the two of us, we bought back practically two cases of wine, which Linda gladly offered to travel for me.

Afton Mountain Vineyards

UVA's Rotunda on Campus

Afterwards we stopped into Charlottesville for a bite to eat and surprised my BFF and PT school roommie (thanks to Dan).  Before the surprise, Dan gave us a quick tour of UVA.  There is so much history in that state.

Later in the week, Lucy joined me in Richmond for her fall break.  She finally got a peak into what I actually do and was able to meet a lot of my co-workers/cast/crew.  Chelsey and Dan made the trek to Richmond for the last weekend we were playing there.  More to come on that.

PT-wise, I was faced with my first traumatic show-related injury mid-show.  Not only did I feel impressed with my education to make an accurate diagnosis, but she is up and back in the show, practically 100%!  Makes me feel a little more confident in the huge amount of debt I am currently in now thanks to PT school.

BALTO

I was fortunate enough to drive a cast member's car from Pittsburgh to Richmond, instead of taking the company bus.  In doing so, it gave me the opportunity to stop through Baltimore, MD for a couple days and visit some long, lost friends.  In the matter of 43 hours, give or take, I:
 - met up with Katherine, ate dinner at BistroRx and caught up on our lives
 - walked to the Curtis' row home, hung out with Karin and the monster (Brody)
 - had a late lunch with Lee at Nacho Mama's in The Square
 - drove to the Egolfs' residence and had a lovely meal prepared by Elise and Zach
 - caught up with Dylan and Karin for a while before bed
 - walked to Starbucks, Fells Point, etc. around Baltimore with Karin and Brody before having to pack up and head to Richmond.

Unfortunately, we were unable to check this place out.  It is most certainly on the Bucket List for the next Baltimore trip.

It was a fun, jam-packed couple of days, but I was so happy to see everyone and catch up on life after months... or years... of not seeing them.  And, of course, I ate plenty of crab!

High of 46 Degrees

... has NEVER been something I want to hear.  Add a little wind and a lot of rain.  It was then I knew my time in Pittsburgh was through.  Moving on to bigger and better (and warmer) things!  Here are some final shots from our one-month sit. 

My fave PT room thus far! 

Home for a month.

Oldest tavern in Pittsburgh.. technically, since 1892.

Haufbrahaus - Pittsburgh with Marissa

Celebrating Michael & Chris' birthday not a minute too late!

Andy Warhol museum entrance.