We found ourselves a grand ol' time!

One of my mom's favorite parts of me being a travel nurse is the personalized vacation she gets with each new location I land a contract. This contract was no different!! We had willed this trip into existence before I had even solidified my extension here in Charleston because of a deal Southwest Airlines was having. This left us plenty of time to anticipate the trip and plan every little detail to make it absolutely perfect.. even though we just ended up winging the whole thing and going with the flow, which was surprisingly very refreshing --even for two type A control freaks! The cheap flight and free lodging left plenty in the budget for good food and an even better trip all around.

We started the visit off at 132 Spring Coffee & Kitchen Bar where we found some of the best (and most decorated) avocado bagel sandwiches we have ever indulged in. Also on the menu for the week was one of the most tasty fall salads in Casa de Catfiddle (aka "home" here in Charleston). We continued the homey feel at Hyamn's Seafood (which was supposed to be followed by a night cap at the Gin Joint, but instead was followed by a walk back home looking for my earring that somehow managed to JUMP out of my ear on the walk down). Continuing with the home cooking were two other meals, one cooked by chef Momma after a full day of dance which was particularly reminiscent of my high school dance days. On mom's final night in town, we had what might have been my favorite meal of the trip at Melfi's which happened to be right across the street from Dance Space, one of the studios where I have been dancing for the past few months.

While we may not have successfully found my missing earring on our walk back from dinner, we did still manage to make it to the Gin Joint later in the trip (where the bartender asked if I was the girl with the missing earring.. psychic? creepy? a special talent you must possess to work there? alas, it was none of the above, I had posted on the local facebook page hoping someone who was out and about would happen to notice it and I could have a little Cinderella moment.. they are in fact my favorite earrings!! I did a little mix and match moment with one gin earring and one martini glass earring just so I wouldn't completely miss out on the opportunity, so she must've made the connection that way). While I was only sporting one gin earring, I did enjoy two wonderfully crafted gin drinks- the first one came with a tree! The Gin Joint is neat because you can play a little drink roulette with a "bartender's choice" where you pick two words and before you know it, a drink appears in front of you. Can you guess which two words I chose to get my beauty of a cocktail? Better question is which two words do you feel like most describe me as a person.. the answers to the two questions may or may not be the same..... (be sure to scroll through the pics to see the words!)

We thankfully had more luck finding plenty of geocaches and answers to Adventure Lab questions. Mom would do a better job at explaining both of these things, but I have tagged along to enough of her adventures to get the gist. If you are ever looking for a way to get some steps in and give yourself a tour of a new town while learning a few fun facts, Adventure Labs and Geocaches are excellent ways to do that. All you need is your phone and the apps and next thing you know you're on your own personalized scavenger hunt around town.

I made up my own little scavenger hunt trying to see how many animals-- and more specifically doggos-- I could find on our hike through Congaree National Park. While it is close to 2 hours from Charleston, it was definitely worth the drive. It might just be my favorite hike the two of us have ever gone on. I found lots of doggos and even gave myself bonus points for the snake and two wild pigs we spotted. Honorable mentions went to the surplus of squirrels and birds we saw and heard.

We continued with our theme of a hunt venturing through thrift stores and a vintage market-- I mean are you even the slightest bit surprised? It wouldn't be a true Mom visit without thrifting/vintaging being added to the agenda. Sometimes it is more fun to just look around and almost make a museum of these places, but ya never know, you may find the most amazing shirt to wear to next summer's annual Baglio Pig Roast!

I also was on a bit of a mission to find the sun, again, as per usual. I found her both peeking through the trees on our hike and over the trees and buildings back in Charleston. One thing I am missing in Charleston is good sunset views, I can't manage to get myself high enough to see over the buildings, so I have been just taking advantage of any glimmer of cotton candy skies I can get. I did find myself on a boat recently which allowed for some breathtaking views. You can see those if you toggle over to the instagram tab on my blog here (along with a surplus of other sunsets!).

All in all, we found ourselves having lots of fun balanced with plenty of relaxation which is exactly what I needed. These days I am dancing my little booty off after work (and before and on days off..). I have two shows coming up- one on Sunday, November 20th called The Rat King. They have in person tickets and livestream tickets (ps all the underlines are hyperlinks!) if you're interested! Then, just a short 13 days later, I'm in another "show" which reminds me more of my recital days with another studio, Dance Space. Saturday, December 3rd, I'll be performing in "Empty Spaces, an original concept on feeling and filling the void. Join us as we dance through life experiences that we can all relate and find comfort in." So far I've only seen in person tickets, but stay tuned for a way to watch if you're a far away fan ;).

Before I talk any more about my dancing (which is a large reason why it has taken me so long to get this post published), I'll close out this blog. It's also fitting that I get this post published before I venture back to see my momma in Maryland for a wedding we're attending tomorrow! So, until next time, stay well, and be sure to go find yourself a good time somewhere!!