Goodbye 2010

What a year 2010 has been. I've been to the doctors over 12 times this year for various issues, seeing numerous specialists. I guess it's only fitting that I'm celebrating the last day of 2010 home sick with bronchitis and a horrible sinus infection with chills, coughing and blowing of my nose instead of celebrating NYE at my best friends house (which was canceled b/c a couple of us are sick). I was up early enough to catch the clock strike midnight in Australia and know I won't be able to make it until midnight tonight to watch the ball drop in Times Square. I am so looking forward to 2011. Not all of 2010 was bad, I mean I did have a blast learning flip cup, going on a pub crawl for Saint Patrick's Day, attending a Celtics, Bruins, Patriots and Red Sox games. I made a lot of acquaintances and feel like Boston is definitely where I belong. So on the last day of 2010, I'm saying goodbye to toxic people, unhealthy decisions, putting others ahead of myself. And hopefully, goodbye to viral infections and being sick. Tomorrow's a new day, a new year, a new decade and a new start and I'm looking forward to leaving the past in the past.

Nashers

My kitty. 19 years old. We used to dress her up in doll/baby clothes and push her around in a baby stroller when we were little. I miss her so much and wish I could take her with me back to Boston. She is such a cuddle bug. After taking her to the vet the other day, I have to bathe her twice a week for a skin issue. Thankfully she is fine with baths. So now she is cuddled up with me under blankets purring. How I'm loving her cuddling.

Just Like Old Times

It poured like crazy today. Streets flooding again, no matter what you got soaked. I got up early to make it to my old gym (24 Hour Fitness Sport in Oceanside) and took a Zumba class with one of my old instructors. It's amazing how certain things you never forget (like choreography), it was as if I had never left. Then I went to my best friends house to baby-sit her two boys. Just like old times. I was shown all their toys, watched a couple movies (including Toy Story 3 for the first time). It did stop raining but was pretty cold, so we stayed out just long enough to get some fresh air and blow some bubbles. Then dinner time. We ordered from the Noodle place we used to frequent and brought the food home and sat at the old barn door coffee table in front of the TV to eat dinner...just like old times. We had the kids, the dog, the TV on to a kid's show and no hubby. Indeed, today was just like old times, and felt so natural like I had never left.

Sick

So sick of all the drama and the lies my sister is telling- (I did not beat her up, which she is telling everyone, I tried to defend myself after she threw her kid down and came at me- I even reminded her that she threw the first punch and that I made sure of that before laying a hand on her. She seems to think a jury wouldn't convict a pregnant woman for assult. I say, go ahead and see. I am so sick of her losing her temper and acting up in front of her daughter. Another fight nearly went down tonight while my dad was on the way home, she started running her mouth and telling her 2 year old to tell me to go to hell (which at that point told her to F@$k herself). Granted I need to learn to stop running my mouth back, but she also needs to stop calling me a bitch and yelling at her kids who want to say hi to me. She is getting herself so worked up that she is risking her unborn child's life, but not my problem. She so wants to kill me (her words). I said, go ahead and hit me, I'm ready to call the cops and WILL press charges b/c she needs help. So this is the last I write about family drama (promise). I'm not denying the words I said, just putting them out there b/c unlike some people, I'm not one sided. That's how the night ended, but the day was nice. Just Dad and me. We ran errands and went down to the Oceanside beach. It's so pretty, another gorgeous day here today- but rain is moving in tonight. I finally got around to taking a photo of the house that was in Top Gun, all boarded up. We also went to the recycling place to recycle all my old magazines from the late 90s early 2000s and all the cans and bottles we had. I love that I can get money for recycling magazines and junk mail. Now to top all this drama off, I'm sick again. I'm sure the enviornment I'm in isn't helping, but another respioratory infection (bronchitis). I really hope 2011 treats me better.

Some Things Never Change

Today I was reminded as to why I wanted to get out of California. It is nothing but a stressful, painful place that makes me really angry. I've already blown up at my mom twice, and said something to my sister who is pregnant that set her off and she threw my niece down and came at me. I can't very well throw punches back at a pregnant woman and so I have a scratch mark on the corner of my right eye, my arm and shoulders and a bruise on my boob where she grabbed me. I swear it was like something you see on Jerry Springer and all I can think of is the line in "The Blind Side" where Sandra Bullock's character tells her son S.J. "sticks and stones S.J., sticks and stones". She said I didn't have a husband or kids and until I do I can't say shit about things. I am so fed up with her always moaning and groaning and posting all this stuff on her FB page, it's such a pity party and they got themselves into this mess with no money and I got so fed up with her treating me like I am the Help and she is my mother that I said "you're right, I don't have a husband who voluntarily left to his family go to Afghanistan". She complains and is so dramatic, now I have nothing against the military, but she knew what she was getting into. I would feel a little different if he didn't volunteer and was chosen to go. But they volunteered and they decided to get pregnant with a third child right before he left. I have no pity for that. That's like asking a friend to shoot you and you complaining that you got shot. Well you asked for it, so shut the hell up. Of course, I let her hit me first so if anything happened I could take the "self defense" route. My mother just stood there watching us with my niece in her arms. Then my sister before finishing by pulling my hair was yelling at me to go to my room. Um, last time I checked I was 28 and you are 25 and not my mother! My mother never says how proud she is that I am the one who has my shit together. And my sister calls me jealous? Jealous of what? I have been supporting myself and have helped her and my parents out in the past. I'm not jealous, I'm pissed that she expects everyone to cater to her b/c of how sucky her life is. I swear, I am so sick of California and know 100% that Boston is where I should be. I feel bad for my dad b/c he understands my point of view and shares similar thoughts, only I manage to say them out loud. Before the fight, I had gone to my old gym and worked out with my dad. I tell ya, only in CA do I feel fat working out at the gym where all you see are SUVs parked in the parking lot. I even took a drive to the beach and walked on the shore, remembering how I used to meet my best friend there to have sunset walks and chat. It was so nice, I wore a tank top and the sun felt so good on my bare skin, it was so peaceful. So now I have a decision I have to make. Book a flight for Friday and stay with my best friend the remainder of the time and say forget all my stuff at home I was supposed to pack up and have shipped or store in storage should my parents lose their house, or do I hang in there, pack as much as I can up, stay with my best friend and come home ever so often until Monday? I was so looking forward to coming home for 2 weeks, and I didn't even last a week, can't wait to get back to Boston and away from all this drama. Have you ever yelled and cried so much that your throat and lungs hurt? Yeah, well I have on many occasions here in CA over the years, but I think this takes the cake.

Football

While Boston is getting the snow I have been waiting for, I'm stuck in a house with crazy people and 2 sick kids. I hate how San Diego doesn't show a morning AFC game even though the Chargers don't play until the afternoon game. So my nephew and I watched the NFC game, rooting for the Rams b/c it's uncle Sean's favorite team. Hayden had his football snack and was sitting on his papa's chair with his blankets and juice cup. I seriously need to get out of the house tomorrow, hoping to hit up my old gym...24 Hour Fitness.

Christmas

Today was our first Christmas everyone was home for Christmas since before my sister got married. It was the first time we had the babies here for Christmas too. Of course, my niece slept through the night when I slept with my nephew who kept me up with his whooping cough (went to the ER just before dinner for his cough). They got so many toys. Hayden had to have everything opened before another present could be unwrapped. Which meant the plastic had to come off and the twist ties undone. They actually got bored and didn't open everything. We waited for my dad to get home this afternoon from work before we opened our presents. The kids finished opening their gift and then I manged to get my sisters to pose for a photo in our "sister PJs" I bought- penguin footy pajamas. Of course, they were pussy's and didn't want to put them on, but we posed for our photo and I am glad I saved the receipt so I can return theirs. I'll keep mine b/c they are actually quite cozy. I had our traditional homemade tamales (cheese and the sweet kind that have pineapple in them, which my grandma always brings down). I got what I asked for... a fondue set and Mario Kart for my Wii. I also have a new game my mom bought for me (we will have to try it out for the next game night I have), some gift cards, some Seattle chocolate (which I haven't tried yet b/c I am so stuffed from all the chocolate I've had today) and sleeping shorts. Cousins came down and we had dinner and all the kids have been playing nicely together. I'm exhausted!

Christmas Eve

This time last year I was just arriving in San Diego. Today, I went to lunch with my mom and In-N-Out. Oh, how I've missed their secret menu and french fries. Got the grilled cheese, fries and a vanilla shake. Mmm good! Tonight, my grandma, mom and I went to church (no, not going to make it to midnight mass). I do enjoy my Irish priest here and all the Latin that is spoken and sung in church (I have never heard Latin in and of the churches I've attended in Boston), however, I got so antsy. I managed to count over 75 sprinkler heads on the ceiling from where I was sitting going towards the front of the church while the priest was giving his sermon. I am so used to my 40-45 minute Sunday mass in Brookline, and tonight's 1 hour and 10 minute's mass just about killed me. It was nice to see people I grew up seeing, like Whitney Houston's doppelganger and her family. Oh, and only in SoCal (or maybe Hawaii and some other warm states) would you see hot guys in church wearing shorts and a nice collar button up top. It doesn't really feel like Christmas Eve- can't believe it's Christmas tomorrow. The weather was nice today. Flip flops, jeans and a t-shirt. A lot of memories have been flooding back to me, makes me wish I still lived here. If it wasn't for a job in Boston and the fact that I would need to buy a car again and get a mover to move my stuff across country, I think I would probably move back.

Operation Santa

The kids were excited to see Santa, even as we stood in line Hayden went "ho ho ho". The minute it was our turn, Kaileigh refused to move and then started crying, which got Hayden crying. I had to peel myself off Kaileigh so she could sit on Santa's lap for a photo. Last year they both screamed and this year was the same. Santa even said he will print the photo for his collection, it is right up there with the 2 brothers who had their photo taken, one practically hanging upside down crying while their photo was snapped.

California

I made it to California, where the rain has stopped and the water has receded. I do not remember the trip from Boston to San Diego being so long. I stopped in Phoenix but did not have de-plane. The trip to Phoenix was a little over 6 hours, and I was itchin to get off at the 3 hour mark, and we weren't even outside Denver yet. I guess those one hour plane trips from BOS to RDU have spoiled me. I'm exhausted, but it was so nice to have my best friend pick me up at the airport so we could go out for dinner. It was so nice sitting and catching up with her. The bar was calm and friendly, totally different feel than the Boston bars. It was fun people watching and comparing the people in Boston to Californian's.

Unwrapping and Packing

The snow is nearly all gone. Thank goodness I snapped some photos yesterday. Today was a typical holiday work week day. Not busy at all and I had tons of things to do at home. I have been cleaning and packing since I got home at 5. I unwrapped my gifts from people here that I had under the tree. I love what I got and am looking forward to using the mittens when I get back. I placed an ornament I got with my initial on the tree and took a pair of those cozy socks to wear at home (or on the plane). Mr. Mouse has yet to die, so I'm gonna chance it and just leave the stuff in my cabinet, I don't have time to put everything in different containers (nor do I have containers to put everything in). Just have a few more things to pack and I'll be ready to leave for the airport in the morning!

SNOW!!!!

Well I finally got what I wished for and was late to my massage appointment bc the roads were gridlocked due to the snow storm. It's New England people! It took me 20 minutes to go the length of Avenue Louis Pasture via the shuttle bus (a 5 minute walk) and got off in traffic to run and catch the T to make it into Harvard Square. I was only 10 minutes late, but learned that on snow days, the T is the fastest choice. Of course, really needed a massage after that. I got 40min instead of an hour, but it was better than nothing. Then I treated myself to Finale for a 3 course meal and hot beverage. Now I'm stuffed, wet bc my boots leak and am ready to fall asleep. The snow is nice and fluffy, but to powdery to make a snowball. I did try. It's finally winter...well, we got snow on the eve of the Winter solstice, so as far as I'm concerned...it's winter, and I got the snow I was so looking forward to. Now just need to pray that my flight on Wednesday isn't delayed (b/c of snow here and heavy rain in San Diego).

Bowling-yeah, too much partying the night before

The bowling team. M.E.'s birthday party last night so of course he was hungover. Another teammate was also out celebrating the birthday last night, while two of us were enjoying my holiday party. So needless to say, we didn't play as well as last week. No one really carried the team and I think we walked away with our first loss of the season. It was kind of a shitty day. They wouldn't even let me bring my holiday cookies in (left over from last night) so I had to stash them in a car. Grrr. Some people are just scrooges. However, I do enjoy bowling and gives me a reason to get out and flirt (or get really close and talk about things people usually talk about on dates) ;)

Holiday Party

Aly, Me, Winnie, Jenn
Tonight I played hostess. I had a great turnout and had so many interesting (yet yummy) cocktails (I honestly have no idea how much I drank). Who knew Disaronno and eggnog would make for a tasty drink? Or adding ginger ale to an appletini would make it even tastier? Tons of desserts, two different types of bake brie cheese, hummus, chips, dip. I'm so stuffed! The cocktails were a big hit. Thanks to Jenn for her bar-tending skills, she whipped up all these yummy cocktails using vodka, Kahlua, Disaronno, Irish cream, schnapps, and ginger ale. DJ ErIc-POD had the dancing tunes playing in the dance room. We had quite a few new faces come and the guy to girl ratio was perfect. I actually had the apartment prepped and was ready to go an hour ahead of schedule, so I was able to relax for a bit. I had a blast and cannot wait to host more parties in 2011. Topped the night off with an authentic Irish coffee with homemade whipped cream (compliments of Meg). I am sad I only have a few more days before leaving for Cali; I have all this food and drinks left over...the remaining 3 and I wrapped some goodies up and went next door to the Firehouse, but it looked dark like they were sleeping (it was past 1:00am) so I'll bring them over in the morning. As for the other stuff, I'll have to go through it in the next few days or leave it for my furry new roommate (Mr. Mouse) as a holiday present.

A Little Too Much To Drink @ Work

Today I was invited to a department holiday party at work. It was catered and there was a nice selection of vegetarian items and alcohol. I was invited by one of the guys in the department who I interact with a few times a month. The department is full of researches (read: people I do not interact with at all). So, I was forced to step into circles and introduce myself and work on networking... I must say, I think I did a good job first time in this situation. It was nice to meet some new people. I was bombarded with questions regarding the Dean, apparently to some he is like a rock star, but managed to get a couple glasses of wine and some food before realizing they had Prosecco... that's when I started to feel the alcohol and suddenly it was 7pm (I showed up a little before 5). So, I had to pack up my stuff which included a heavy box of desserts for my holiday party tomorrow night. I missed my bus so went to stand and wait for the other bus I can take, then realized I forgot my loaf of french bread under my desk which is for tomorrow's party. So I had to walk back and get that, decided I might as well go to the gym since I refused to stand around for 45 minutes in the 30° weather and couldn't walk home b/c of all my stuff. So, I went to Zumba drunk. I had a blast and am glad I did it. It's not much different than going out to a club after drinking. So this photo, it's me waiting for the last bus of the night after the gym, wearing shorts but you couldn't tell b/c my white down coat covered up the shorts. It wasn't too cold, so it felt good with bare legs. That is also the box full of goodies for the holiday party tomorrow. Oh, what a night. It was hilarious to me...in my head.

Movie Screening

Tonight I went to a very secret movie screening. So secret that we were not told the name of the movie until after signing non-disclosure forms, filling out paperwork, handing over our cellphones and getting seated in the rented out theater. The movie theater workers didn't even know the movie we were about to see- it was that secret. Once we were inside, the production company rep informed us that we were the first group in the world to see this movie which is in the post-production phase. Unfortunately, the genre was my least favorite genre, horror. Ugh! I must say, the movie was pretty good and I can't wait until I am allowed to talk about it. At the end of the movie we had to fill out a two page questionnaire, which reminded me of taking a scan tron test in school. While they were passing the questionnaires out, the director/producer walked down from the back of the theater and left, but not before people recognized him. I couldn't believe that we had just watched a movie with the director/producer in the theater! Very cool!

Another Cookie Tradition

The second night of cookie baking. This time I did our candy cane cookies. Butter, shortening, egg, powder sugar, vanilla and almond extract, salt and flour. Very simple to make, and fun for kids. Split dough in half and add some red food coloring to one half, then make long snakes and twist the two colors together, or if you get lazy, mash the two together for some interesting red & white candy canes. This dough isn't nearly as tasty as chocolate chip cookie dough or the sourdough cutout cookie dough I ate last night, so it makes a few dozen cookies. All these cookies were made in less than an hour, all done to the traditional holiday music mix which includes Mickey & Friends "12 Days of Christmas" (something my sisters and I grew up listening to at Christmas time), "Carol of the Bells" by Mannheim Steamroller, "Baby It's Cold Outside" (one of my favorite holiday songs), "Rudolph", "What Child is This" and a variety of songs by *NSYNC, 98°, Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Straight No Chaser, Tran-Siberian Orchestra, Bing Crosby...you get the picture. Now, I need to figure out how I'm going to store all these cookies. I'll figure that out a little later. Now, on to present wrapping!

Cookies!

My second year in Boston has been about me trying to make Boston feel like home. This season I've brought my family traditions to Boston. First with my advent calendar and now with holiday cookies. Tonight I made one of the cookie recipes my mom has always made for Christmas. We have the sourdough sugar cookies, candy cane cookies and chocolate chip cookies. Last year I missed out on this tradition since I flew home on Christmas Eve, so this year I decided to make all 3 cookies here in Boston. Tonight was the sourdough sugar cookie cutouts. I made a little over 7 dozen cookies tonight. I will be taking some to work and keep some here for my holiday party. I didn't get a chance to make the candy cane cookies tonight, so that will be my project for tomorrow night. And one of the best parts about making these cutout cookies all by myself, the fact that I can eat all the dough I want without having my youngest sister yelling at me and kicking me out of the kitchen! HA! Of course, now that I have all these cookies baked, I am running out of containers to put them in, and I can't eat any because I am full from all the dough I ate. Oh well, that's the way the cookie crumbles.

Holiday Partied- Out

I am exhausted and sore. I got in late last night from my group's holiday party and did not want to get out of bed. When I did get out of bed, I had a hard time walking because I was super sore. I had every intention on going to the gym to use the cardio machine, but because my boss was out today, I was running the show and didn't really get a lunch break. We also had work's holiday party, so I didn't leave work until after 6. The morning flew by, I didn't get anything completed but I was busy doing tons of things that my boss usually handles. Work's holiday party was in the cafe and it was so nice mingling with people I don't normally have a chance to talk to, looks like I have some new girlfriends to go out to lunch with! I had a few drinks, mixing beer and wine (photo of one of the bars). I do have one thing to say, Sam Adams Winter Lager tastes like Oktoberfest to me, so I'm going to say that almost all the Sam beers (minus the pumpkin and other unique beers) taste the same. So no gym today, but I haven't really had an off day since last Monday, so my body definitely needed a day to recover. I feel like this week is going to fly! So much to do so little time to do it. So exhausted, hoping to sleep like a baby and feel well rested for tomorrow.

Winner!

What an amazing weekend I had. Today was our first game of the bowling season and I had an AMAZING game! Not only did I beat my personal best score, I got 4 strikes in a row and carried the team to our first WIN! 184 is what I bowled and was on fire! Hopefully I can continue to kick ass each Sunday. It has been raining all day and warm (in the 50s) which made it tough getting to the meetup group's holiday party in town. I wore my white dress with sequins and my silver glittery heels. Had a couple of cocktails and danced until I became sore (12 hours at the gym plus over 3 hours of dancing this weekend, my body is aching). My friend Aly and I won biggest sports fans in the group, which was awesome. Of course we had the Pats game on earlier and we were watching the game at the party. In the group, there's over 65 of us, and the biggest sports fans are girls...awesome! I remember this time last year not knowing too many people and cannot believe that a year has blown by and I've made so many great friends. I'm going to sleep well tonight, it's pouring out and need a good night's sleep cuz it's going to be a crazy busy week.

The Slutcracker

The nice thing about living in the city is the unique things one can do. Like tonight 10 of us (organized by yours truly) went to see The Slutcracker in Somerville. It's a burlesque version of the Nutcracker. I sported a scarf as a top, which was to be somewhat slutty. It's one like I saw at an airport that said you could wear it 6 ways, so I decided to give my scarf a try...yeah, wont do it again. The Somerville theater sells wine and beer which is awesome and they also have a Museum of Bad Art down in the basement, free with admission. There were some interesting pieces of bad art. The show was good, very entertaining and was surprised by the variety of people that came to the show (quite a lot of guys and older people- older as in 40+), the show itself had ladies of all sizes too. Afterwards, 4 of us made our way off the beaten path to Sagra for an appetizer and drinks. It was definietly a "Lorien" bar. Somewhat upscale, with sports on TVs. I fell in love when the DJ started playing a Lord Tariq and Peter Gunz song from the mid nineties "Deja Vu- Uptown Baby". Suzanna wanted to dance but I protested because no one was dancing, but she won and we danced. Us white girls dancing on an empty dance floor, it was like we owned the place. Now I wore that scarf as a top in honor of Slutcracker, so I had a problem keeping it up dancing and that sucker made me hotter than normal, but the hip hop music was the best I've heard in Boston and one of the guys did say he liked my top (now was it b/c it was fuzzy or made my boobs look bigger? I will never know). Slowly some F.I.N.E. brothas started dancing on the dance floor with us, man this place was crawling with hot guys who outnumbered the ladies (shocking in Boston) and the place wasn't crowded which made it better. Now, I don't understand why certain men feel the need to wear shades in a club, but man, if I wasn't wearing that damn scarf as a top, I would have stayed longer b/c man oh man, it was like I died and went to heaven with all these hip hop loving guys dressed so nice and smelling so good! We will definitely have to go back, dressed better so I'm not so hot and losing my top. This has been one of the funnest nights out I've had in months! And welcomed the mid 30° weather outside the place, I walked for a few minutes in my tube top scarf before putting my coat on to cool myself down from all that dancing.

Gym

I started an intense workout routine this week. I clocked 12 hours at the gym these past 5 days. From spin, to weights; from dancing to cardio and yoga. I tried a 1.5 hour yoga class and disliked the yoga teacher. She not only gave me a hard time about me wearing socks (my feet sweat and if I don’t wear socks I slip and can’t hold the poses) and then the poses had to be done her way, so when modifying she would come over and try to get me to do it her way which I explained to her I can’t do certain poses b/c of an injury. Now I will not take that class again and will just continue doing my Baron Baptiste DVD which is the exact same routine this yoga nazi I had today uses- only Baptiste gives modification and makes us listen to our body and what it says in the day’s practice what we can and cannot do. ALSO tonight this new gay guy in my Zumba class was totally pissing me off. OMG, I just wanted to punch him! He was all up in my space even hit me at one point (by accident) b/c he was hogging up the entire middle space of the room Instead of staying in his own little spot. GRRR. Not to mention his short shorts he wore – ugh, I’m being mean but I am hoping he doesn’t come back b/c I don’t know if I can put up with him again. Anyway, I’m exhausted but feel great.

Broken Coaster

Tonight was game night. I had 4 friends over and cooked homemade mac n cheese which I kind of ran out of cheese making it, we still ate it but wasn't as cheesy as I normally make it. I also made homemade buttermilk biscuits. Cocktails, wine, beer were served and we had sweet potatoes, sauteed kale and the guys brought dessert from the bakery down the street. I love having friends over, it's fun, it's cheap and I love the company. We watched a bit of the old school claymation Christmas movies (like Rudolph) before we started playing one of my new games "The Game of Things". There's a topic like "Things that make you cry" or "Something Naught" and everyone writes down a response, gives it to the reader, who reads them out loud and the person to the left guesses who wrote which response. We had a blast. We also played Catchphrase but it's difficult when there's an odd number. Chris broke one of my glass photo coasters which started the night off and made it's way into some of the answers in the "Things" game, as did a friend who wasn't even at Game Night. Before we knew it, it was 10:30 and I sent my friends on their way in the 20° weather (thankfully the car drivers gave the T riders a ride home tonight! Thanks boys!). Good food, good drinks, good company, great friends. I'm so glad I started having monthly Game Nights.

Potato Latkes

I remember a store my mom used to take us to to buy grocery's up on the hill near O'side High. I remember parking in that parking lot after the store closed down on the 4th of July because it was free and close to the beach. The Canned Food Store I think it was called. Anyway, I'm not Jewish but I am German so I don't think it's strange when I say I used to love eating these potato pancakes (or hash browns as I called them when I was a kid b/c they look like larger versions of McDonald's hash browns). They are a part of a traditional cuisine for most of Europe (at least Eastern Europe- including German, Austria and Switzerland). So today, when I walked to the store in below freezing weather, I noticed these potato latkes on sale (probably b/c it's Hanukkah) so I bought 2 of them since they were BoGo. Man, I don't remember seeing these in the store since I was a kid, so I'm pretty excited. They look nothing like the Jewish potato latkes I attempted to make one year and I just today put two and two together...you say potato latkes, I say hash browns, but anyway go ahead... say "oy vey". I love breakfast so I know I will eat them, I just hope they are as yummy as I remember b/c it has been decades since I last had me some. The store was also a place I nearly panicked b/c I lost my brand new extra toasty gloves...but thankfully some guys saw them and I was able to get them back. I would have been mad if I lost them since I just bought them, but crisis averted.

Relationships

Good Relationship, me and best friend Angie

I’ve been hear over a year, I started making the friends I had this year about this time last year when I started participating in the meet up I joined. It served its purpose; I made friends. Now that I have friends and am making friends outside the group, I’ve had a chance to step back and re-evaluate my relationships I’ve made since transplanting myself in Boston. This time last year the BF starting pulling the “fade away” breakup crap and I was a mess. This year, it seems like the same shit is happening only with people I thought were friends. I’ve been struggling to weed out the people who are hazardous to me and to be honest, I’m fed up with being taken advantage of, used, teased, and just overall brought down by negative people who refuse to use words or signs to communicate. So, I’m done. I’m the nice girl, who has a hard time saying no, but you cross me and I become someone many never see. Friends can sometimes piss each other off, but true friends get through it. Of course, in order to be a friend you have to really know the person. I think a lot of the people I’ve met would fall more under the acquaintance column than friendship column b/c they don’t really know me. Some know me better than others, but they don’t really know what makes me tick, what drives me, how things from the past have shaped me. I may have a hard time letting certain people in and I think I need to guard my heart even more than I already do and learn to keep my damn mouth shut! I know who my true friends are. They’re the ones who can say shit that pisses me off b/c it’s stuff I don’t want to hear (like LL being a player), but they’re also the ones I appreciate for being honest and telling me like it is. Sometimes I need a slap in the face to see clearly. This leads me to Latin Lover. An ok relationship? LL and me
He was my first love, he changed my life around (in fact, he played a huge part in my journey to Boston), he made me light up and smile, he got me to live life and he has always been the one I turn to whenever I have too much negative energy. So, of course when he said I could visit him in Denver I was beyond ecstatic. Tickets have been bought and I’ve started this rigorous workout regime to lose as much weight as I’ve gained since moving to Boston and toning back up to how I used to look, when he tells me TODAY MIND YOU, that he is sort of in a non serious long term relationship and connecting the dots I figure out it’s the same girl he was seeing this time last year (when I so badly wanted to drive down to his family’s house last year for Christmas b/c of my need for some positive energy after mattress asshole). WTF does that mean?!!!!! So yes, my best friend may be right about him playing me, but I hate it when I let people in, I trust them, I love them and then they keep me around b.c the sex is great or b/c I am a great planner. If I had a therapist, he’d say that I should be doing this crazy workout regime I’ve started for no one but myself. He’d say that LL served his purpose and I can’t keep going back to 2007-2008 to be happy. That I need to continue working on finding people similar to me and to keep those who like the entire package instead of the a la cart friends who like me or need me or use me for a few of my assets instead of appreciating the entire package. He’d probably suggest me going through my FB friends and delete those who should not be on there. Damn it, I am worth it so screw those who have used me, and thank you for those who take me as I am and not taking advantage of me, or trying to lesson my worth. Man, I do feel slightly better now.

Ugh!

I was so hoping that I would see snow flurries today so I could write my first flurry blog, but no, it didn't happen today. So, I have a lot to say tonight but am going to keep it simple. I do not sleep with the heat on in my room b/c I like it when it's cold. I enjoy wearing my PJ's and sleeping socks (yes, sometimes I sleep in nothing but my sleeping socks, and while there are some guys that hate that, I know others who have slept in nothing but their socks too- but I digress) and I have the coziest bed (my winter flannel sheets, my ever-so-soft plush blanket and my down comforter. I sometimes wake up hot, even if it's 28° out. So since I keep my radiator knob turned off and the heat setting knob thingy down to the lowest number, I was surprised when I turned it on to warm up the room a tad (and make sure I don't freeze any pipes) to see water streaming out of the pipe!! Yeah, that's not good. And the floor looks like it has water damage, don't cha think? So, it stays off (which is fine) and if it gets too cold I guess I'll have to call the maintenance guy (who I have been avoiding ever since that awkward lunch) to come fix that, change the light bulb in my hallway that decided to burn out last week (having really high ceilings suck otherwise I'd change it myself but am managing without that light for now) and check the wood floor near the door b/c to me it looks like it's rotted and I have this fear of falling through the floor. I'll wait until I leave for Cali, then maybe have him come over and fix everything on my list while I'm gone. Ugh, sometimes I wish I owned my own place, cuz I'd rip down walls, redo the floors (carpets baby!!) and install central air and heat. Oh well, it's a renters world until I decide to settle down somewhere.

My Last Free Sunday

Today was my last free Sunday for the next couple months. Bowling starts up next week which means I wont have the luxury of sleeping until noon and staying in my PJs until 2pm. I made some money renting my parking spot out last night and went shopping for some work clothes but ended up buying more stuff for entertaining. Took a nice walk down to Coolidge Corner and back with a friend. It's so weird not seeing the streets decorated like in Cambridge or stores with holiday displays in the windows. This might have to do with it being a Jewish town, but they have blue lights and isn't Light the whole point of Hanukkah? There was only enough oil for one night but it lasted 8? I mean, it doesn't need to be Christmas lights, just lights and I would be happy. That's why I got excited when I saw that this one shop had a small Christmas Tree outside their door. Now, 34° and my ears are still frozen...time to start wearing hats when I go out the door, we may not have snow, but it sure is freezing out and only going to get colder. Winter is here!

Dessert Wine Tasting

Tonight was my first large social appearance in over a month. It was a great night. My friend down the street hosted a dessert wine tasting with pairings. Everyone brought a dessert wine and/or a dessert to pair the dessert wines with. Let me just say that when you do dessert wines and dessert you are unable to get drunk by downing drinks. Many of the dessert wines are too sweet to drink like a normal glass of wine. Eve was smart in having small tasting size cups, making it harder for people to drink too much at once and allowed for the perfect tasting size. The desserts were amazing, most if not all were homemade. We had a decent spread (photo of just the beginning, when everyone arrived the table was covered from side-to-side with wines and desserts (salty food and cheese were on another table in the living room). There were about 18 people (give or take) that showed and we did not finish all the wine or the desserts. I did find another yummy dessert wine that I like and walked away with a slice of cheesecake I was too full to try and some homemade biscotti (which will go perfect with my daily cup of eggnog latte). I loved that it was 2 blocks down from me, about a 5 minute walk. Which meant I could get drunk or stay out as late as I wanted without having to worry about the T since I just walked. Now, I didn't get drunk, and it was one degree above freezing when I walked home, but it felt so nice considering how sweaty I was from all the bodies in the apartment (note to self and others: dress in easy layers so you can shed your long sleeves at my holiday party). A fun night out, met a new guy and had great conversations, didn't take me long to travel to and from the party and no money spent...nearly a perfect night out! 'Tis the Season, let the holiday parties commence.

BIDMC

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a Harvard Affiliated, has decked out their trees in the courtyard off of Brookline Ave. I've never seen so many blue lights in one place before. It was chilly tonight getting off the bus (yes, cute bus driver dropped me off) but I made it to the gym (my second time today). I put on my dancing shoes (my gym shoes) and danced a bunch of Latin styled dances (I dislike the Flamenco for the record). A newly acquainted male friend of mine was slightly mislead by my gchat status "got my dancing shoes on" but it started a conversation. Growing up in Miami, he learned to dance salsa at age 12 (and no, he's not Latin- at least he doesn't seem to be). It's been over a month since I last took Zumba because of being sick. Now that my asthma is kicking in, I find myself struggling if I run or do anything too strenuous, so I need to be careful about how far to push myself. It was peaceful walking back to the bus stop (yes, cute bus boy picked me up to take me home too) seeing the blue lights in the trees, but man, it was windy and I was so thankful I decided to bring my extra warm gloves with me, otherwise my fingers would have turned blue (or purple). Not sure how night gym classes are going to be in the winter, I refuse to wear a thick coat b/c I have to rush to get out of class to catch the bus, so we will see what happens, my sweatshirt was ok for the shore time I was outside.

Harvard, Starbucks, Veg Food and Plays

Today I found myself on the other side of the river. It took less than 20 minutes to get from Longwood to Harvard. There was a little celebration at the Holyoke Arcade tonight with President Drew Faust, free yummy cupcakes, pizza and amazing hot cider and Christmas carols being sung by Harvard students all promoting a toy drive and getting me in the Christmas spirit. Every time I go over there I feel like I’m in a foreign country and out of my element. Even in the Harvard Coop where I bought some presents, it felt weird like I was out of place. The streets were decked out in Christmas lights. I walked from there to Central Square where I stopped at Starbucks for their 2nd day of Christmas: buy 1 get one free of their Christmas blend coffee (can't wait to make my eggnog latte with that blend instead of the French Roast I have). I read my book while waiting to meet a friend for dinner. We ate at this healthy vegetarian place “Life Alive” which was actually really good before crossing the street to the Central Square YMCA to see our friend Gill perform in some 1 Act plays. Christopher Durang was one F#$&ed up dude! That’s all I can say. Interesting performances, I’ve never been to any thing like it and I’ve seen lots of live stage performances ranging from kids->high school->college->community and Broadway. It was entertaining for sure, and it got better with each short. Maybe because I caught on to he theme and/or the shock/confusion/surprise wore off and I began to see where things would go. Gill performed in the last two shorts. The first was a minor role with no speaking parts and his last where he was the main character and did great! Thanks Gill for telling us ahead of time of your performance, looking forward to the Goat one next month :)

Happy Hanukkah

No, I'm not Jewish. I was born and raised Catholic, but there may be some Jew in me down the line. I have celebrated Hanukkah before (well sort of) b/c my ex in Cali is Jewish. I have a dreidle from when I was a kid (no idea where I got it but I do remember I used to know the symbols on the sides and would play with it using chocolate coins). Living in a predominate Jewish town now, it's funny seeing blue lights instead of the colorful lights and white lights I grew up seeing. Where you see menorahs from the windows instead of Christmas trees. The other day I was out in my living room and had the curtains open with the Christmas tree lights on and I heard a girl walking by with her friend say "ohhh a Christmas tree!" So clearly, I've been noted as being a gentile among the Jews (or so it feels).

This Advent calendar I have had since I was a kid. Every year my mom would hang it up so the 3 of us could take turns putting the plastic Christmas figures up on the Christmas tree to countdown the days left 'til Christmas. The felt has thinned over the years and faded, we still have all put one piece (for the 25th) and to be honest, I do not even remember there being a 25th figure. So 25 stays blank and we open presents when it gets to that day. A few years back I had to put Velcro on the tree because the felt was too thin to hold the Velcro-backed figures. Since I am the first born and it holds more sentimental value to me, I brought it with me last year. This is the first time I've had it up in my own place, a touch of "home" is proudly displayed in my dining room. Tonight I placed the elf on the tree. For those who are counting...24 more days until Christmas and I hope you all take time to enjoy these 24 days because they are going to whiz by.

Free!!

The day dragged. I waited in line at the post office to see if my insurance reimbursement for my gym membership had enough postage because they didn't have a self serve spot. Of course it had enough postage, and wasted my lunch unable to hit the gym. I got free screening ticket to see "The Fighter" about a boxer from Lowell (a MA town I'm familiar with). So, I had to rush to bowl 2 games (did it in 30 minutes) before waiting for the screening. I had the entire bowling alley to myself, and guess what? I won another free bowling party. I'm nicknaming myself "Striker" because I strike when it counts. :) So now, I have 2 parties to set up. Go me!

The movie was good. Chatted with one of the leaders of the group that come to all these movie screenings. I am seeing quite a few movies I normally wouldn't see b/c of these screening passes (thanks Kim!). I like Mark Wahlberg and now I know more about the sport. Free bowling party + free movie before it hits theaters = great night.

In other news, after last nights blog about boots and comments about UGGS, I read that my man, Mr. Tom Brady is teaming up with UGGS to promote their new man boots. Ugh! Seriously?! I'll save my rant on this for another blog.

We Three Boots of Orient Are

It may have taken me a year to figure this out, but I have learned that tennis shoes will not cut it once the temperature dips to freezing. In Boston, one needs 3 pairs of boots. 1.) Rain boots. These are for those rainy days, but not warm enough to wear when it snows. Mine have leaks so if it’s raining too hard my feet get wet (unless I wrap my feet in plastic bags before sticking them in the boots). 2.) Snow boots. I had a pair of snow boots (or so I thought) last year. They were warm enough, but they too leaked when it got all slushy. At the end of the winter season earlier this year, I bought myself some actual snow boots and am looking forward to wearing them this year. However, I learned the hard way yesterday that there is a third boot one needs and that leads me to…3.) Cold weather boots. So, rain boots aren’t warm enough and are quite uncomfortable to wear unless it rains. And you don’t want to look funny walking around in snow boots when it’s not snowing. So, you need cold weather boots to wear when it’s dry but freakin’ cold out! (Wearing tennis shoes with those air holes in them froze my feet walking around the city yesterday!) My first pair of “snow boots” I bought last year I think were actually meant to be cold weather boots and not made to wear all winter long, but they did keep my feet warm and I learned after my first mild New England winter that I really needed true snow boots. So, these black ones (old snow boots) are going to be my new “cold weather boots” as they will keep my feet nice and warm when its cold out and I can wear them commuting to work since they are black. It is time to pull out the boots and probably put my sandals away (also my shorts and t-shirts that I wont wear until Spring so I have room in my drawers for my cold weather gear). So my 3 Boston boots will last me the season, but have made a note to put “cold weather boots” on my end of season shopping list so I am prepared for next year now that I understand winter footwear a bit better. Boots weren’t too popular in sunny San Diego, so it took this transplant a while to catch on :)

Pumpkin Pie Pancakes

First day of Advent and I made it to church. I always sit in the front few pews and from time-to-time I compare my Irish priest from back home and his church with my current church. I miss Latin mass (or having parts of mass said in Latin). I miss the accent because it was nice to listen to him talk. However, my current priest says mass in 45 minutes and his homily he always brings something current into it, which somehow ties into the readings. Like today he talked about that rock-climbing movie, 104 or something Hours. After church, my friend and I went to the Pour House for some brunch. I've been wanting to go for their pumpkin pie pancakes and was so satisfied after ordering them with a scoop of ice cream. I nearly forgot to take a picture, but managed to before I demolished the rest of my plate. To work off what we ate, we walked around the city for a while. A cold day, about 40 degrees, but wore my new extra warm gloves (my finger tips didn't get cold!!), my new scarf and a coat. It's wintertime for sure. Kids were ice-skating on Frog Pond, something I cannot wait to do this year since I didn't go last year. It was a nice afternoon to spend with a friend and catch up.

Thank Goodness for an Extra Pay Day in December!

OMG! Today the mom of my "family away from home" and I went to a craft fair in Sturbridge, MA. We drove through Ayers (where the Army base has been converted to a civilian community) and I got to see parts of Worcester (which has a very old New England town look to it). Remember the 500 tread count sheets I stayed up past midnight to get the other day? Well, they had 1500 tread count sheets for $25. They were so soft, I couldn't resist, even though they probably counted the piles (fibers) that make up the actual piece of thread, thus inflating the number, but they are so soft, it was still a good deal. I also bought some potpourri that smells of Christmas. There was so much stuff there, stuff made in China and stuff that was handmade. There was one booth that made ornaments out of old fashion salt & pepper shakers. They were so neat, but pricey. We had a nice lunch in town before she drove me back to Boston. I put all my stuff under the tree and son of a nutcracker, it looks like Santa already came! Thank goodness I have an extra pay day in December... sure going to need it to pay off all my Christmas credit card purchases. I spent the rest of the afternoon and evening putting things away, decorating, hanging up my new curtains (I'll post my photos on FB soon), washing all my holiday entertaining dishes and hanging lights. I left the presents that I need to wrap under the tree, I'll get to those later. My apartment finally feels like a home, it's amazing what the right window dressings can do to a room. I also understand how those rich housewives feel when they get their mansions all decorated for the holidays. I so want to show my apartment off! You spend so much time decorating, it feels like a waste if no one comes around to see it. I'm definitely going to enjoy it and am looking forward to hosting activities in December. 28 more days to Christmas!

12:01am - Black Friday Shopping

So this was the first Black Friday that I actually shopped before going to bed. I hit up Walmart at 12:01 and as they were pulling off the wrapping for the good deals, I ran into my friend who had grabbed a bunch of the 500 thread count sheets I've been trying to get 2 years in a row ($19.88). They had no more on the shelf by the time I got there, but thankfully my friend picked me up one. So I made my way through the crowded (think traffic jam) aisles and picked up my first Blu-ray disk, a Wii game ($7) and a few movies (under $2) before checking out and driving back to go to bed. Hit some rain and light snow, but nothing stuck. Got back around 2am and slept until 10:30. Hit up Kohls for some things, then overdid it at the Christmas Tree Shop, Target and then Costco. Ugh... spent way too much...like over $500 and most of it was for myself (well the apartment and for entertaining, cables for the TVs and boxes). So I am done shopping for the year. Now it's time to wrap stuff up and stick them under my tree :)

Thanksgiving

I'm thankful for having my family away from home here in Groton, MA. Took the train in this morning. It's such an easy ride up to North Billerica. It was a small Thanksgiving this year, just the immediate family and me. I can't believe I used to babysit these guys. So much good food. Two pies bought from a bakery and one homemade. Let me tell you, the homemade pumpkin pie stood way in front of the store bought apple and chocolate pies. Next time I'll bring my homemade apple pie as we have decided no more bakery pies, from now on they will be homemade. Watched the Pats beat the Lions next to the fireplace with the fire going (it's freezing up here...mix of snow and rain expected over night). Planning on hitting up Walmart at midnight to get some blu-ray discs and Wii games and 500 thread count sheet sets. I plan on coming back in, sleeping and then head out a little later Friday morning. It's been a fun night. Watching the second game and watching Phil get creamed in the face with whipped cream his son put on his hand while he was sleeping on the couch. It's officially Christmas in my world, for the next 42 days (until the Epiphany). I've already started having mild anxiety attacks (they started last night) regarding holiday shopping. I just want to get in and get out and get the stuff I need and want.

Happy Thanksgiving my American friends. I'm thankful for my family and my brother in Afghanistan sacrificing his family for the country. I am thankful for a job, a place to stay, food in my fridge and for my dearest friends who are always there for me no matter what. I'm thankful for realizing that some people aren't worth fighting for, while others are definitely worth it. I'm thankful for finally feeling better. I am thankful for being able to support our economy. I am thankful for the Pats win today and for Tom Brady who brought me here to Boston.

First NBA Game

After getting off early, I decided to do something I haven't done in a while. I became a tourist for the day. I walked over to the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), passing my old apartment on the way. The museum was free today and I have never been, so I am able to add that to my list of "Boston Firsts". Poked around for awhile before hopping the T to Government Center, where I grabbed some Mac n Cheese in Quincy Market. Faneuil Hall had the Christmas tree all lit up, reminding me that once again I missed the tree lighting ceremony. Walked over in the blustering wind to the North End for a cannoli and latte. Then, I went to TD North Garden for my first ever NBA game. I bought a Shaq shirt inside the store there and sat in the Promenade- which was awesome! Just one row of chairs around the arena with a counter. No lines to buy drinks, no line to use the restroom, no drunken college kids or crazy youth groups sitting behind or in front of us. It was like box seats for under $40. I'm glad Shaq is a Celtics player. I remember wanting to go to a Lakers game back when he played, so I'm glad I can support him in Boston, as a Celtic and not as their rival LA Lakers. He played his best night of the season tonight- I like to think that it's because of me :) I now can name 5-6 players and recognize them by their numbers. (Woot woot!) I can wait to go to another game! So two Boston firsts tonight: a visit to the MFA and my first NBA game. Oh, and yes, the Celtics beat the New Jersey Nets...89 to 83.

Free Bowling Party = Another Free Bowling Party

Tonight I had my free bowling party. I mixed up the group and had my friend Suzanna bring some boys- cute, hot, fun to flirt with boys!!! I had quite a few people cancel on me last minute, but it all worked out. Yes, I was the first one to win another party. I didn't think I could seeing as though I was there for a free party, but we could win as many times as red pins popped up, and let me tell you, we had plenty opportunities to do so. One of the new guys in the group, who is on our bowling team, also won a free game tonight. The people at Jillian's probably got tired of us calling them over (since they have to witness a strike on the red pin in order for the deal to be valid) I know I got tired of running over to get someone's attention- and after awhile had others grab someone's attention. FUN NIGHT!! All this joy and happiness because little miss bowler here knows how to throw when it counts! I had so much fun tonight, this is the most fun I have had in a really really really long time. I like new people, I like socializing, I like bowling and being competitive. I like people that don't drink too much but can still have a good time (since that is how I am). Now I have to plan another party, squeeze it in before I leave on Holiday towards the end of December and between all the parties and festivities going on between now and then. Thanks to those who came out, especially Suzanna for bringing the Miami boys...Luis and Mike! Great time, can NOT wait for round two!

Old Accident & New Health Plan

It's been a little over 3.5 months since my texting while walking accident. This is the photo of what it looks like now (see August 4 post if you want to see the before photo). It is still sore and I have a feeling I am going to have that nice little bruise for a while still. So attractive. I now have a war story to tell though :) I have been doing a better job taking care of myself. I started using a new app that records all my calories and exercise. I can search for everything and it tallies up all the nutritional values and tells me at the end of the day if I am under or over my allotted calories for my weight loss goal. I like this because it's easy, it also helps me see just how much I eat and what nutrients I am lacking and the best part about it, it was a free app! I noticed that by mid-day I was over my allotted sugar intake and that was from just normal foods I eat (not from candy or desserts). I have a little over 600 calories left for today, looks like I get a gold star! I like this b/c I can still have my own eggnog lattes (less calories than the ones at Starbucks) and I can still have sweets if I desire, just not as many. I almost walked to work today to burn some calories and get some fresh air, but missed the T that would take me down 4 stops (saving me 18 minutes and from being late for work) but just missed it so I ended up taking the bus which was approaching and got off the stop before I normally do. Granted, it wasn't that much farther of a walk (maybe an extra 5 minutes to my usual 5 minute walk) but it was more than what I've been doing. It was pretty too, all the leaves falling off the trees and that wet Fall leaf smell filled the air. So, after nearly a month of being sick, I'm finally getting my energy back. Started a new health routine, made it to the gym and did yoga at home...keeping my fingers crossed I can lose 25 pounds by February.

Oh Christmas Tree, My Christmas Tree

I started the week off by going to church, something I haven't done in a long while. It felt good to get back in the routine and ran into one of my friends/neighbors when I got inside. It is nice being able to recognize people and run into friends when I am out and about now, something that didn't happen this time last year.

It was 34° when I walked to church, 38° when I got out and I think that was as high as we got today, so I stayed in after getting back from church and worked on the tree. It's not the type of tree I am used to, so it will take awhile for me to get it right, but I did the best I could today. Stringing the lights were the hardest, I guess there is a reason why we always let mom do those. Colored lights, lights that blink to the sound of Christmas songs, white lights that don't blink and then white lights that blink (but not to the music). All my Christmas ornaments I have collected through the years are all back home, so I decorated the tree with the ornaments my friend gave me. I did find some of my mini ornaments so I did add some of my own touches to it. I had my Christmas music playing while doing this of course. I even made some table centerpieces out of the ornaments (yes, I got my craft on and now me and my apartment are covered in glitter- thanks Suz!). I'm in the holiday spirit. This is the first time I've been able to decorate MY own place and decided to put the tree up now b/c I'll be gone for half of December practically- I want to be able to enjoy it. Plus, the lights really make the place feel warm and welcoming. Now I want to go ice skating out on Frog Pond and yes... I can't wait for the first snow fall!! I'm ready to have a snow ball fight, make a snow angel and go sledding.

Furniture

Today started with me waking up at 8am to wait for the rest of my furniture to be delivered. I drifted in and out of reality and dreams for 2 hours before getting up. While I waited for the guys to arrive, I did laundry, finally got around to taking my AC unit out of my window and did some cleaning. Once my furniture was delivered, I went with my friend to the furniture store to help her pick out her own living room set. The TV guy that helped us was so hot, we had a fun time with the electronics portion of the package. Saw part of the original Enchanted Village at the furniture store before heading to Costco for some lunch and shopping. Stopped off at a friends house on our way back so I could pick up my newly acquired Christmas tree and decorations (yay!). When I got home I moved my TV onto the new stand and assembled the tree. Might have to invite some friends over next week or the week after to help me decorate, think it might be more fun than doing it by myself. I also think I'm going to have to do some furniture rearranging b/c I have too much stuff and not enough room for everything to fit the way I currently have it set up. After all that, it was jammie time, decided to put my Blu-ray player in my room so I could check out all the Wi-Fi features since I get internet access in there. Pretty cool, I even got a $5 credit for Amazon Video on Demand. Looks like I might be doing some TV watching on my TV for a change (instead of on my MacBook). I'm also thinking after the holidays of getting my own internet so I can do Netflix, since my Wii and Blu-ray player can stream Wi-Fi, I think it would be fun to have since I refuse to pay for cable and only use the TVs for video watching or the Wii. Now off to bed, I'm finally starting to feel well again, just need a few more days of rest and might be able to do some exercising (of course, I'll have to use my inhaler b/c I get winded super easily). Another story for a different day.

Lets talk about Boobs

Anyone who has ever met me has noticed my boobs. Some say I am blessed with these 100% natural 34DD's, while I consider myself cursed (damn me for praying when I was younger for large boobs when I grew up... be careful what you wish for!). I do my best to not draw attention to them, but sometimes it's hard to hide them. Many of you may not know this, but I fear getting breast cancer. When I was in my early 20s, I had to get ultrasounds done for some lumps the doctor found. They never called me back, but every time I see an OBGYN doctor, they always make a face and jot down the same 1 & 10/11 o'clock location on one of the breasts. Last time I was in CA, I had to get my ultrasound disk for my MA PCP to see if they could compare the suspicious areas, but then was told that they needed a radiologist to read them and that they would charge me to have her do so. First, can they not read the radiologists notes on the disk, I'm pretty sure I could since I've been reading words since I was 5! Second, are they not trained enough to look at slides and notice any suspicious areas, I'm pretty sure the doctor's on Grey's could! Third, if I keep seeing different doctors (PA, PCPs, OBGYN's) how will there be documentation on any changes over the years?? So of course, nothing further has been done. Well, the last few days, I've had aching pains in those "suspected" spots. I don't know how many of my girlfriends actually do self exams, but let me tell you this. I try, but I have no idea what I'm really feeling, what should be there and what shouldn't be there. I also can't poke around too long otherwise I start feeling nauseous (yeah, no way in hell I could be a doctor). So for all you girls who are jealous of my bra size, let me tell you why you shouldn't be.

Try finding cute bras that can be worn with thin strapped clothing.
The bras for these babies cost more.
You can't really sleep on your stomach b/c it's uncomfortable.
You can't go bra-less under a cute top or dress.
The larger they are, the denser they can be making it harder to find lumps that shouldn't be there.
There's a lot of cute outfits out there that you simply can't wear b/c they don't make them big enough.
You can't help but feel self conscious after having one too many guys stare at you.
Running and jumping are impossible (and uncomfortable) not to mention damaging which can cause them to sag.
They get in the way (like when you're trying to pass through in a crowded T, bus or club)
They bounce a lot more than the fake ones, and guys, it's not comfortable!
I cringe thinking about how much they could grow if I ever become pregnant.
Good luck finding a comfortable bra- if they do exist, I have yet to find one.

First Light Festival

So tonight I stopped at Trader Joe's b/c I took the shuttle from work instead of waiting in the cold and darkness for the usual bus. There were booths out with free cider and popcorn and various other things and a DJ (that's him in the photo as I wait for the T) playing everything from Oldies to the latest hits which I couldn't help bopping my head and tapping my foot to the music while I waited for the T to take me home. Apparently, tonight was Brookline's First Light Festival...the kick off to the shopping season. With free food, fun, and music. They even have a town scavenger hunt that goes through December 2nd, how fun!! Of course, I had some friends over and we had Chinese food and played a game, but had I heard about this beforehand, I totally would have suggested this. It totally felt like Christmas. You had the Salvation Army guys ringing the bell for change to go in the bucket, the DJ, live performances, balloons, tons of families and groups of friends walking around. It was almost like Halloween in a way, just minus the costumes. Not sure if by "1st" they mean the first ever or meaning it's the first night of shopping sort of thing. Will have to remember this for next year though.