Greetings from Baltimore!

I'm in Baltimore, away from Pearl and Jeff again! I guess you could say I have now officially started my new job since I left Saturday for a week long class on violence and injury prevention. I guess I can't complain too much because I am getting credit for the class for my MPH (if I get the paper done) but it is sooooooooo boring! And the chairs are extremely uncomfortable so sitting on them for 8 hours a day is nearly killing me! I'm always amazed that after sitting all day that the last thing I want to do is go walk around or exercise but I've made myself go down to the gym or at least walk around the neighborhood a little to get the wiggles out (and help my sore bottom). My hotel is nice though and is near the George Washington monument. I guess it was the first monument dedicated to GW. We also went down to the Inner Harbor tonight before the storm rolled in. It had a really cool atmosphere and I found a super cute tee-shirt for Pearl. Here are some pics and yes, I even made sure to get one with me in it.

Here's the tee-shirt I got Pearl. Even though she does get a little "crabby" she is still super cute!

Don't know why, but I thought this little fish was kind of cool. I really wanted to get a picture of me kissing it but since I've only known my new co-workers for a few days figured I better hold off the fish kissing photos. Maybe tomorrow I'll get one!

Ok, so this picture is for Jeff. I saw the ESPN Zone and immediately thought of him. I promise to go back to Inner Harbor tomorrow and look for a cool shirt from him!
This building is the aquarium. It was closed when we got to Inner Harbor but was still a neat building I thought.

I figured me by a cannon was about as cool of a picture as I was getting this week.

This is Inner Harbor. It had a cool vibe, with people playing music all over the place and shops and restaurants galore.

Washington Monument right across the street from our hotel. I really don't know the history behind it but there is a big statue of George himself on the top. There is also this gorgeous cathedral behind it.

I've never been to Baltimore before and didn't realize how hot and humid it was out East. Tonight though a severe thunderstorm is rolling in. And for anyone who really knows me, they know I am terrified of thunder and lightning and the wind. I know moms have to be "big girls" about this whole thing but since I'm not home with my sweet Pearl, I can be a big baby alone! I even called Jeff and told him I was scared and he laughed. I guess you never really get rid of your childhood fears.

Speaking of Jeff and Pearl, boy I sure miss them. A week is way too long to be away. Oh sure, it's nice to sleep in a bit but I would give that up to go home and see them right now. I'm really homesick and every time I call home, Pearl is more interested in playing or pushing buttons on the phone than talking to me. Not that she really talks but even a little babble or "mama" would make my whole day. Jeff is the best though, he's had her the whole time and always does great with her. Yesterday he took her swimming and out to dinner and has gotten up early with her every day I've been gone. And he does it without complaining! He really is a great husband and is very helpful around the house and with Pearl. But just to be clear ladies, he's already taken!!! Although he does like to joke that he is ready for a trade-in. Too bad I'm not returnable!!!