Another East Coast Weekend


Lauren's October trip to Philly/York/D.C.

This weekend I was fortunate to visit my Grandmom in the hospital. While she's still in a lot of pain after breaking her hip a few weeks ago, in my opinion she looked extremely good for a 92 year old with a major injury. She said my visit made her feel better -- though I think that had more to do with the chocolate cookies that came with me. Regardless of the cause, I was thrilled to hear that she made it out of the hospital before I even got back to Austin.

Sunday I made my first trip to York, PA where Doug, Liz & the gang have settled. It's a beautiful little Northeastern town (though according to Liz, it's on the brink of being too big for her -- I guess that's what 10 years in Watertown, NY will do to you), and the plot of land they will be building on is really great. According to my quick Internet research, it turns out that York is the "Factory Tour Capital of the World." As an active citizen of the "Live Music Capital of the World," I was very excited to take a tour (Peppermint Patties? Barbells? You name it), but we had much better entertainment waiting for us --

Bonnie and Jacob were big stars in the York Community Theater production of an unusual musical called "Escape from the Box ." They were both fantastic, with lots of speaking and singing parts. I barely even got to congratulate them afterwards, as they were stuck signing autographs for the masses! We had a huge Arbittier cheering section though -- Mom, Dad, Emma and I drove up, Mike, Ben & Sam followed us, Uncle Jerry, Aunt Lisa and Mike made the trip from New York, and my father's cousins in York joined us too. I'd have pictures, but there was a strict "No Photography" rule -- this was a major production.

After the play and a little sight seeing around York, Doug drove me to BWI Train Station, where I took a quick ride down to Washington. Old high school friend Jordan and his newly fiance'ed Adam (that's right -- another wedding next year!!) picked me up and we had a great time catching up over dinner. Marc and I have both spent a few occasions of quality time with Jordan and Adam and we both not only think Adam is great, but agree that the two of them are perfect together. We're very excited to participate in their commitment ceremony next summer.

After dinner, Jordan and Adam dropped me off at my hotel and I spent 2 days at the "Serious Games Summit," a conference for the ~500 people in the country who focus on video games that serve another purpose along with being fun (education, social change, military training, etc.). My Liemandt Foundation work was highlighted, and it was fascinating to learn about new projects that have cropped up since the last summit in March.

Tuesday night I was excited to get back to Austin, where I will be staying for A WHOLE MONTH (if you don't include camping or a weekend in San Antonio) before our next flight (Thanksgiving in Philly!)...

Posted: Tue - October 19, 2004 at 09:24 AM        

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