Hello, Maryland.

We've already been in Maryland just over a week.  Hello!  In some ways I'm still in shock.

A week ago Thursday, we hopped on a plane, and hoped for the best that our cars and belongings would someday make it to MD.  A few days go we got word that our belongings had successfully made it, and just this morning, these two showed up, luckily in one piece.

Whew.

For the first few days we were here we shopped around like mad men for a place to live, and luckily we found something great!  Move-in day is Oct. 8th.  So our stuff will patiently be waiting (somewhere?) for some annoyed mover dudes to haul them up 4 flights of stairs (sorry guys...)

We've been loving the weather and the GREEN here!  It's been so nice to be able to enjoy being outside, with the exception of the humidity today because of the night rainstorm. This is a cute little shopping area just a block or two away:

I spent the afternoon here the other day, and it was lovely. Not to mention it has one of Wolfgang's most favorite places to eat, Nando's, of which is originally from England, and about died when he first found out that they had locations in the states (but only on the east coast).

Another food establishment that we have become friends with, looks something like this:

Mmmmm.

And did I mention how much we love the green?  But we do know that places only become green one way...rain and snow.  But we don't want to talk about that right now, we're just enjoying the fall for now.  Here is a picture I took in the town that we will be living in.  Isn't it gorgeous?! I instantly fell in love with the place, and we were just lucky enough to find our future (rental) home there.

And tomorrow's plan?  Returning our rental car and going somewhere great.  Any guesses? Hint: It's not Nando's.

This is exactly what I have been craving for a while now- a beautiful day where I can enjoy being outside, sitting, and just taking in the sun and beautiful scenery. I've got to take advantage of this before it gets too cold for this AZ girl!

More to come shortly, when I'm near my computer.

Today on this day of my birthday, we decided to celebrate by having movers pack up all of our stuff and take our cars. How sweet of them, right? 

Can I go back to the birthdays where my mom would decorate the dining room?

Well, at least it's not me doing all the packing.

My dad's uncle gave him this book over the weekend during a visit to NM, which was one of his ancestor's. The book was published in 1907 and is in czechoslovskian. I love the pressed plant book marker. I wish my czech co worker was here today to translate.

It brings a smile to my face to know that mine and my family's love (obsession?) for plants, just might be in our blood.

Whenever I get close to moving to a new place, I sometimes get sad when I think about having to leave friends who I care about, and know it'll never be the same again.

Today, this quote gave me comfort. :)

The News

Now, for the news that I mentioned in my last post...

We are moving to Maryland!!

I still don't really believe it when those words are coming out of my mouth.

Wolfgang landed a promotion with Marriott and will be working at their headquarters. He's been looking for a change in his job since the beginning of the year, and now all the many applications and interviews have finally paid off for him.  He's SO excited about his new job.

We've told the good/bad news to family, friends, and co-workers and it's all going to become a reality, in just a few short weeks. We both have never been to the east coast (except for one minor exception, when Wolfgang was flown out to Baltimore right before our Europe trip for an interview. That job didn't end up working out) so this is quite the adventure for both of us.

It's all very exciting, emotional, and scary all at the same time.

These next few weeks are going to be rough and will fly by so fast, I get overwhelmed just thinking about it.

So there you have it.  Any input about Maryland?  Send it my way. 

Oh, and this marks my 500th blog post. (!)