Back in the States

Last week I had to be back in CA for work.  While I hate to be away from the family, there are definitely some pluses to work travel.  Such as...getting to watch both Argo and Lincoln on the plane the day of the Oscars.  What a treat.  I absolutely loved Argo.  Lincoln felt a bit slow to me but the acting was pretty incredible.  I particularly enjoyed the scenes with Tommy Lee Jones and was routing for him to get the statue.

And then the weather, which was just glorious.  Sunny and in the 70's.  I packed way too many sweaters and long sleeves and had to make an emergency visit to H&M for some short-sleeve shirts.  With the temperature close to freezing in London, it was hard to imagine that elsewhere in the world you might be warm.  Plus, the cherry blossoms were just beginning to bloom which always screams springtime (photo from the campus at work).

And best of all, seeing lots of dear friends.

On the way home I stopped off in Chicago for the weekend to visit my friend Jan and her family.  It was a quick trip but a welcome one.  Always good to connect.  And, we topped the weekend off with Shamrock Shakes.  'Tis the season.  Yum.  We decided it was best not to tell her daughters that when we were in high school our daily lunch event was a trip to Burger King for shakes.

Traveling back to the states every few months and being able to check in with friends certainly makes London feel a little closer.  But it's also good to be home.