Gone to Marco to Be Married!

Well, once again, I've totally not been on the blogging game... in fact, perhaps it's time to reevaluate my POV, maybe I don't have as much to say as I thought?!  More so, I feel I almost have too much to say, so much that I haven't been able to put it into words...

Since the last post, life has been quite a whirlwind, but none like I've encountered before.  See, it's finally here - Jason and I are getting married in just one week.  So, September was filled with besties' secret trips and bachelor week-long parties, another board meeting for this gal (because my request for wed-ternity leave wasn't taken seriously), surprise office bridal showers and a lot of to-do lists.  I don't know if I'll ever be able to recap it all, but maybe in the winter when things return to "normal" (does that exist?), I'll try.

At any rate, we're headed to Marco Island, FL in just a few days.  And after we become Mr. & Mrs. on October 7th, we're off to the British Virgin Islands.  I know we're in for a lot of travel, a lot of memories and a lot of love.  I. CAN'T. WAIT.

Naked Jay Journey

9.5 miles.  That's how long it took Jason and me to drive from our house to the VA ABC store at the Fair Lakes Shopping Center.  Surely, you think, there must be one closer, within a 5 mile radius perhaps?  True, but not one that carries a very special product, a little something called Naked Jay Big Dill...

Buying his first case of that crazy "pickle vodka" dream come true!

And so begins a different kind of journey... One that's not traveled by car or by plane.  No, this one comes from the heart via determination, passion and courage.  It's finally happening and I am so proud...

A Little Neglected

Today is my birthday.  And I expected this year for the day to be a little neglected due to 1) last year's 80's prom extravaganza; 2) Jason being in Charlotte for business; 3) planning a wedding; and 4) it being the last hurrah of my twenties.  However, it has turned out to be the complete opposite!

It seems that I'll actually be celebrating this gem of 29 for an entire week.  It started out on Sunday and Monday as I baked two guilty-pleasure cakes from the box (funfetti and lemon) for our association's tradition of bring-your-own-birthday-treats.

Then yesterday I was surprised by my office being wildly (as wild as three birthday banners and ceiling curly-q's can be!) decorated with party-store flair and a delivery of the most gorgeous flowers from my most amazing fiance.

Today my coworkers and I plan to enjoy the beautiful weather (another great present) and have lunch somewhere outside.  And then it's off to pack for... Secret Trip 2011!!  This brings me full circle to the title of the blog - "A Little Neglected."  For while my birthday was not at all, this poor little blog has been.  I still owe it a post about my latest business trip to Boston and I plan to have a helluva post about the aforementioned Secret Trip.

The Secret Trip is not only how I will continue to celebrate the close of my decade for the remainder of the week, it is also what the besties have cooked up to substitute as the dreaded bachelorette party - a weekend that has been described as relaxing, breezy and charming, and I have no idea where I am headed!  I've been told to pack a bathing suit, sunglasses, a huge straw hat, anything navy blue and flips flops.  And the flight is an hour in length.  Any guesses?  Girls, am I on the right track here?

Where ever it is, it will be perfect.  And my birthday has been perfect thanks to EVERYONE.  Now I owe it to this little blog to get it back to perfect - fear not bloggie, the next few months are full of fun travel, I promise!

Snacks on a Plane!

Imagine my surprise when I received a most amazing treat during my flight from Reagan National to Boston this week...

This little article describes my experience to the tee!  Well done, US Airways, well done.  I don't care how you have to get me free snacks, just get them.  And Air Advertainment, you are a genius.  Bravo.

Check out next week's post following my trip brief trip to Beantown...  happy weekend!

Bethany Bound

While sadly I won't be heading to OBX this summer, it turns out I am managing to sneak in a weekend at the beach afterall!  Jason's friend's family has invited us to their house in Bethany Beach, DE for the July 4th holiday.

Until this week, I knew nothing about Delaware except that it was featured in an epic scene from the 1992 pop-film Wayne's World (a fave of mine and many besties growing up).  But, after a little research, I've found that Delaware, or at least the town of Bethany Beach, is pretty darn cute!

Known as The Quiet Resorts (along with South Bethany), it's situated on the Atlantic Ocean just south of Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach, and north of Fenwick Island and Ocean City, MD.  According to the cenus, the town's population is only around 1,000 - however, during the summer months, it's home to more than 15,000 visitors.

A few facts about the area...  Despite it's small size, it does still have a boardwalk (albeit short) and a "bandstand" for entertainment.  The town's landmark is named "Chief Little Owl," a 24-foot totem pole located at the downtown entrance.  Some beneficial state laws include no sales tax and a ban on smoking in most of the beach regions.  Foodies should look out for Maryland blue crabs, the bbq at Bethany Blues, local craft beers by Evolution, and, of course, Five Guys (one in Dewey and one in Lewes)!

About a 3.5 hour drive from NoVa, Bethany sounds like the perfect beach-weekend getaway!