My parents came down for a quick visit this weekend.  And because they were only with us for less than 48 hours, we packed in as much as we could!

FRIDAY

My flight out of Chicago was at 6:30 pm, which meant that I got into Tampa around 10:15 pm.  Needless to say, by the time we got home, I was exhausted.  I pretty much went straight to bed and fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow!

Quick side note – I got to use my TSA pre-check status on Friday!  You guys.  It was freaking awesome.  While the regular security line was super long, the pre-check line took about five minutes (if that).  For someone who hates to fly, this little perk made a usually frustrating experience quite bearable! 

Not only did I fly through security, I also got to relax in the Admirals Club with my coworker Ivette.  Ivette has status on American, and I got to tag along since we had an hour or so to burn before our flights!

SATURDAY

My parents were due to get in around 1 pm on Saturday, so we got up and got to work.  Vishnu and I tag teamed cleaning the apartment and washing two loads of laundry. I also made a quick trip to TJs to stock up some essentials for the week. 

When my parents arrived, I had lunch ready for us to eat – stir-fry with tofu, soba noodles, and a peanut butter lime sauce!  One of our all time favorites!  Luckily, they enjoyed it too!

In between lunch and dinner, we just hung out, talked, and watched TV.

For dinner, we went to a place called The Avenue because I was once again in the mood for a burger!  My mom and I ended up sharing a mac n’ cheese veggie burger (a veggie patty topped with a scoop of mac n’ cheese).  In addition to their own burgers, my dad and Vishnu each got a Stella.  They were then asked to pose for a picture!

While we ate our delicious burgers, we listened to an amazing live band play fun songs, both old and new!  Get this – they played “Get Low” by Lil Jon and the East Side Boys…but acoustically!  AMAZING!

SUNDAY

Sunday was beach day!  We headed to Madeira Beach a little after noon for a few hours in the sun.  As you all know, I’ve been yearning for a day at the beach for a few weeks now, and I finally got it!  So much fun!

My dad was like a fish – once he set foot in the ocean, he didn’t want to leave!

Sunday also included some dahi puri for me (crispy puffs filled with potatoes, peas, yogurt, and sweet and spicy chutneys.  And for everyone else, Mediterranean food!

And of course, it wouldn’t be a day in St. Pete/Tampa without some rain!

And just like that, we’re back to the grind – my parents are back in Atlanta, and Vishnu and I are gearing up for another week and a new rotation (ER)!

Did you have a good weekend?