Let’s take a 14 hour flight away from Japan so I can share my other news…Witty in the City is moving to Philadelphia! (Thank heavens I had the foresight to choose a generic-ish name for this website.) Tears have been shed, both happy and sad, about leaving DC– our home for the past 10 very transformative years. Our move is precipitated more by fate than by choice: David graduated from medical school (hooray!!) and was placed at a hospital in Philadelphia for his residency. So away we go.

One very exciting part of our move has been finding a new place to live. After 10 years in dorms, apartments, and condos, we will stretch our legs in a real-life house. And, OUR KITCHEN HAS A WINDOW!! I can finally photograph food without schlepping it back and forth!! The house hunt was an adventure in itself, especially navigating a portion of it while we were literally on the other side of the world. Lucky for us, my sister is a newly-minted Philadelphia realtor and 100% spectacular. She listened to what we wanted, showed us fantastic options (including this awesome skyline view), managed a mountain of paperwork on our behalf, and was patient, reliable, and calm throughout. When did my little sister turn into such an ass-kicking professional lady?

For contrast, Exhibit A: What we found when we foolishly went to open houses without my sister. So, if you’re looking for a realtor in the Philadelphia area, email me…I know a good one. P.S., Not to be left out, my other sister is a nurse (I have had the good fortune not to need her services).

Exploring Philadelphia was also eye-opening. The city is so different from how I remember it. The historic streets are full of organic details and charm, and I can’t wait to explore the restaurant scene.

Stella has already done some socializing in the dog parks and even knows how to lead us from the street straight to my sister’s door.

But just when I thought she was excited for the move, she staged a protest. After picking up 10 million pieces of cardboard, the packing and journey continue.