Walking

Today was a beautiful day. Reminded me of the weather back home. No humidity, mid 70s, nice breeze. Perfect day for walking, which I did a lot of! I went and walked on my lunch break around the HMS Quad with a co-worker and after work I hit the gym. I actually caught the bus home today and then walked to the store and back (this photo was snapped walking back from the store, it's right next to the store and I always think about a castle when I walk by) and then went to the Sprint store and walked back and forth two times. 2 hours later I have my phone back, everything is up-to-date and it's like I have a brand new phone with all the new bells and whistles they added in this major update that was needed. So no more picture text issues!! AND I found out that I can text for free while in Montreal this weekend (just no internet or phone calls b/c I don't want to give Sprint anymore of my money). Also, apparently my call dropping issues is HUGE in my neck of the woods. Some others were in there for that very reason and the store can't do anything about it. Learned a lot about the technology (but wont bore you with details) but it's a tower issue and now I need to call and request a technician to come out to my area to check that out, and one guy got a credit on his bill because of this issue, so I'm for sure going to give it a shot! I figure if enough of us call, something might be done. ANYWAY, of course the whole phone thing turned my quiet early night into a late night walk-a-thon and I didn't get to finish up packing for Montreal like I had hoped (or chill and watch a movie). This just means tomorrow I must finish packing! One of these days I will have nothing to do but just relax, but something tells me, it's going to be awhile!

Reflection

Long Wharf where I had reflected on things last summer

A year ago today I started my first job in Boston working for an IT firm (ended being temporary obviously). I've been thinking about my first few months in Boston. It's those familiar smells, the way the wind hits me, the way the light reflects off certain buildings. I was single then, just like I am now. I had an awesome roommate who I miss, because she was great and we hung out quite a bit. Of course, this time last year wasn't nearly has hot as it is this year. I didn't have to rely on a bus to get me to work, just hopped on the T or walked. Speaking of buses, they just changed the bus schedule for the summer and I laugh because the new published times are the times the buses were actually picking us up before the summer schedule went into effect. So, basically what they did was just adjust the times to make the "late" buses actually be "on time" at least for the morning route. The evening one they totally messed up on b/c now I have to walk home if I go to the gym after work b/c I miss the bus by 5 minutes! Grrr.

So I'm single, working and have a solid group of friends. Now I have proven that I don't need a man. I'm perfectly capable of doing anything and everything without a guy giving me a hand. HOWEVER, that does not mean that I do not want a man. In fact, I am ready to have a nice man in my life. Someone I can go have a picnic dinner with in the park while watching the free summer movies; someone to walk along the wharf and stop off for some dinner seaside; someone who will actually take ME out on a date and not hit on anyone else while doing so. It's nice having extra hands around too, even if I don't always admit it. I'm ready to get my ass kicked at pool and talk sports. To sit around on lazy days and play games. I miss the companionship, talking on the phone or catching up (via one of the many modes of communication) on days I don't see him. Of course, I will have to change some things in order for me to land me someone special. For starters, I'm going to have to start making myself available to meet him. Which means, I need to cut back on my social life. I hardly have enough time for myself these days! I also need to really work hard at the gym. I like being in shape and have unfortunately fallen victim to the "freshman 15". When I'm healthier and happier with my body, I know I send off good vibes, vibes I know guys also pick up on. So this is something I'm going to work on for the month of July.

Hot HOt HOT!

What a hot one it is today! Woke up and it was already 80°. Heat index above 100° this afternoon w/ humidity. The AC wasn't working as good b/c of water cooling issues (probably b/c everyone was using the AC to try cooling their offices down). Threats of thunderstorms, but so far nothing has rolled in. The apartment is a toasty 83°. I'm not feeling that great, kind of blah and just want to sleep. Had dinner with my best friend down the street at a Tapas place (though we opted for the Stimulus 3 course meal special). I think I have over booked myself lately and just haven't had any me time to get organized and my sh!t together. I've been quite forgetful lately, kind of moody and just "off". I dunno what it is, probably the heat and always being on the go. So sorry if I've hurt anyone's feelings lately, or haven't been the best friend or sister or daughter. I just need to get through this next weekend and I'm done committing myself to anything major for a while. Anyway, I wasn't in a good mood to really try taking a photo that goes along with my complaint about the heat, so I decided to use this photo of these beautiful flowers I see every morning walking to work. I can't remember their name at the moment, but they are so pretty... I love the colors: they are peaceful, cool, calming and make me smile every morning when I pass them. I'd plant these in my garden (if I had one) along with Gerbera Daisies, Roses and Carnations. I need more flowers in my life right now to uplift my mood. I did put my bouquet I caught at Kristin's wedding in water and have the centerpiece in the apartment, but I'm not here enough to enjoy them... I think I will bring one into work so I can smile throughout my day. Just by looking at them will lift my mood (and remind me of an awesome wedding reception!).

To Health

Well, today was a productive day, despite getting up "early" and having to deal with heat (80° in apartment). After seeing myself in a swim suit last weekend, and the fact that I'm seeing doctors nearly weekly (and getting weighed every time) I told myself that today I would start my health kick. First, I unpacked my ottoman set. I've been eying this sucker at Bed Bath and Beyond for months now, so I took advantage of having a car and picked it up. There's 4 small ones that collapse and can be stored in the larger one and all 5 can hold stuff. Now I can read and relax while sitting on the love seat whenever I'm at my apartment. Relaxing is really something I need to focus on again. Second, I did yoga for the first time in probably a month. I've noticed a huge difference in how my body feels since quitting my morning yoga practice, especially since I've been working out at the gym an not really stretching. I need to gradually get back into my morning routine. Third, I cooked some meals for the week and have decided on days when I'm not meeting friends for dinner, I will have my protein shake for dinner and eat my larger meal at lunch time. Fourth, I took an hour of my evening to get lost in my guilty Vampire pleasure "TrueBlood" while using my new ottoman. Fifth, I drank a lot of water today. I have been feeling dehydrated lately and noticed when I fill my water bottle up, I tend to drink more than I do if I only have water in a glass. Sixth, I caught up with my best friend, my sister, and my mom today. I feel like I can finally breathe again after a crazy couple of weeks, but I know it will be short lived as I have more weekend trips ahead. Hopefully I can stick to my plan and get healthy again!

Wedding

Recovering from the whole Bouquet/Garter toss
I think I love weddings. Tonight was so much fun! I danced all night long. I missed the ceremony and I did get lost a bit even with the GPS and printed map/directions. But I was at the reception (which really is all that matters... plus the ceremony from what I hear was short and to the point). I love Kristin and Matt. I love their friends and family. It was so much fun seeing parts of her family I remember meeting when I was in elementary school (who still live in Cali). It was fun seeing all the guys I hung out with on my trips to MA before I ended up moving here. We played this centerpiece game and I won a dollar, but the guy who's dollar it was won the centerpiece and let me have both. I danced like crazy tonight. I wasn't even drunk! Their friends are so much fun!! My old roommate was in the bridal party and it was so nice catching up with her, I so miss her!


Then it was time for the bouquet... all the single ladies... yup that would be me (and about 15 other friends and family members). So guess who caught her first bouquet ever? Yup! It was me! Then Matt had to throw the garter 3 times b/c the first 2 times, the guys that caught it were either getting married in 2 weeks are engaged! So, what happened with the single guy who caught the garter? Well, I had to sit on the chair Kristin sat in when Matt took it off her and Patrick (the single guy) had to put the garter on me!! In front of everyone!!! I probably turned 10 shades of red. I had never met this friend of Matt's, so we had a brief introduction. He kept apologizing, which was cute. So he put it on my leg, but then the DJ was like, "it's on the wrong leg". So Patrick had to take the garter off my leg and then put it on the other leg. WOW!! He then bought me a shot which I got to choose (vodka!). Then I danced, danced, danced...sang sang sang... went Country (most of the songs were Country songs). At the end of the night, an older guy came up to me and asked who I was. Kristin told him I used to baby-sit her when she lived in Cali and he gave me a hug then said "my son had his hands up your dress". I probably turned red yet again! But it was so much fun, I drank nearly 3/4 of a bottle of wine all by myself and am in love with the idea of being in love.

Italiano

So, I first need to ask the question "why do Italian men have chicken legs and smoke?"... it bothers me!

Dinner in the North End... yummy Italian food. Met Angela (my Boston Best Friend) at North Station and Google Maps directed us to Charlestown. An 11 minute walk, across the bridge stumbling into Charlestown and jay walking across 6 lanes of traffic, only to find another couple looking at their phone completely lost like us. We ended up calling Nebo (the restaurant) and found out that the directions and maps are wrong (something they should fix if they were smart). So we took a nice like walk before dinner. Crossed back over the bridge into Boston and found the place. Two of our other friends were already there waiting for us, they were lucky enough to see a sign pointing them in the right direction. The food was ok, Angela's was rather bland so we will not go back there again. It was a nice night out so we decided to walk to Mike's Pastry, only we weren't thinking b/c I hate crowds and Mike's is such a tourist spot, there were long lines and no one believed me that we didn't have to wait in line (locals know to walk right in and wait over by the pastries on the left side) but whatev! I decided I wasn't in the mood for dessert and the people were driving me nuts, so Angela and I left our two friends at Mike's to wait in line and we left. I was tired and had a 45 minute T ride home and Angela was going to make some blueberry cobbler... so it all ended well. Today was much cooler than yesterday and it was pleasant walking around the North End.

Game Night

Kim miming to her team as Angela sits admiring her acting skills
Wow! After having a rough night (nightmares and restlessness) it was a rather hot day today and had to finish cleaning the apartment for Game Night. I sat at my desk watching the temperature rise a degree an hour. It was 80 when I woke up and as I left work at 4:45, it was 94. Of course it had to be hot for Game Night. I did my best to cool the place down which was 84 when I got home. But we were still sweaty. I actually went to work without makeup on today b/c I knew it would be a lost cause. At Game Night we figured out that the new ceiling fan was set on winter mode, so it wasn't blowing air down... clearly I have a problem understanding the difference between counterclockwise and clockwise, b/c I thought it was going the wrong way Monday night when I was sleeping out there, but then it looked to me like it was going the right way. Anyway, not that it mattered b/c it was still hot. I love my Game Night friends. We always have snacks and drinks and really have a blast. We played Apples to Apples (my first time ever playing that game) and the Guesstures. So much fun!

Lunch Break

Today I ran errands on my lunch break because there just doesn't seem to be enough time in a day to get things done. I guess this is what happens when I travel and have a billion things on my calendar. Anyway, today was a hot and humid day which means it felt great being on an A/C trolley or bus or in offices or stores. I extended my lunch by today so I could drop off the latest Sookie Stackhouse book off I borrowed from the Boston Public Library (TrueBlood is based off these books- live Vampire Eric, but that's a whole other blog). I snapped this photo before hopping back on the T to go into downtown. It's look up Boylston Street towards downtown, a street I have walked too many times to count. I was searching for Skip-Bo for tomorrow's Game Night, but couldn't find it. Then stopped in Bath and Body Works because they were having a huge sale! Bought some Lavender Vanilla wall plug-ins... hoping they will help me fall asleep faster and stay asleep if I plug them in before bed, b/c I still have sleep problems.

There were a lot of people out and about today. I do miss working downtown near all the shopping stores and hot finance guys, but my wallet appreciates the fact that I no longer work so close to all these shops! I hate this type of weather we are having... 11PM and 80°, I start sweating after being outside for a couple minutes and forget about walking home from work. People must be used to it here because it seems like I'm the only one with beads of sweat on my forehead. I am so thankful Costco had the AC I bought on sale and with a nice rebate b/c it has definitely kept me from getting sick... Lorien and heat do not mix!

Operation Clean Up

What a day! Last night was brutal sleeping in an 80* room with no cool air. I got about 6 hours of sleep and saw the ENT. Nothing wrong with me there, so now I have to get a CAT Scan done to rule out sinus stuff. I swear, I'm just accepting the fact that I'm sick and just need to continue treating myself with stuff that works. Work was all catchup after being out for two days and then coming home to the mess from the wall issue. 5 hours I spent putting things back in their place. I had my priorities though... first dresser and TV, then AC and then bed b/c there was no way I was sleeping out in the living room with no air for a second night in a row. I need my sleep! I have a very busy next few weeks and can't afford to get sick. I still have a ways to go with putting stuff back in the kitchen and my bedroom, but hopefully tomorrow I can finish it as I host Game Night Thursday and then after work on Friday I am gone for the weekend to a friends wedding. Always busy!

Sex and Jesus

Today was my last day in NC. We were kind of grumpy this morning. Went to bed late, had the stupid cat wake Kaileigh and me up at 6am. Then dealing with the puppy and Hayden and Kaileigh driving me nuts b/c I was sleep deprived, lol... that's an everyday thing my sister has to deal with and I don't know how she does it!! But I loved visiting and hanging out with family, especially my sister who I can be 100% me around. On the drive to the airport on I95 we were all giggles as we past various billboards on the side of the road. My sister was on a roll with comments for the Adult Toy place and then the Jesus and other religious billboards mixed in as we rode along. I nearly peed my pants laughing so hard, I was crying and could barely breath. Oh my goodness! LOL, just thinking about that drive to the airport makes me smile. Only in the South! Haha...wow! I cannot repeat the things that she was saying, but LOL, what a great way to end a long weekend, laughing my ass off with my sister!

Fried Green Tomatoes

Today I got in the kiddie pool with the babies. It was another hot day and the fly problem is really annoying here. These mo' fo's bite! We couldn't play outside too long unless we were in the pool b/c those damn flies won't leave us alone. It was refreshing sitting in the pool splashing the babies and getting splashed back.

For lunch I cooked one of my favorite dishes... fried green tomatoes! They don't sell green tomatoes in Boston (at least I haven't found any), so I was in heaven when I saw them at the commissary. My best friend back home introduced them to me in Cali and it's such a rare dish that I truly savor them whenever I get to make them. Whenever I have food my niece always wants a bite, so I shared my fried green tomatoes with her, which she loved! Got to love the South and their food (even if I can't eat most of what they cook)!

Auntie N

Today was another day full of AC and low-cal margaritas :) Me and my nephew chilled while the rest of the gang ran errands. We played outside with Abby, splashed in the kiddy pool, played with cars and ran around in circles. My niece was in a better mood today and we sported our sun glasses while enjoying the heat today. These kids make me laugh so much. When the kids were napping, us big kids had another round of margaritas and played Super Mario Brothers on Wii... of course I suck and my fingers were so sore from playing it (this is what happens when growing up were weren't allowed to have video games, instead we played outside). My bro-in-law has this strategy for whenever I play with them... I stay in the bubble for as long as possible so they can get past the level faster. I'm not offended, I find it quite hilarious (and that's not the alcohol talking either). We also barbecued today and unfortunately the corn didn't turn out so well, but it was fun hanging outside, baby in one hand, margarita in the other (image of a lush auntie anyone?). So now, as I write this my night owl niece is playing with the apple on the back of my laptop, seems like she might outlast me tonight.

Free Birth Control

I got to wake up to my niece and smiling nephew this morning after getting to my sister's at 2:30am. They were really cute this morning, happy to see me and showing off. Though the showing off wore off fast and they returned to normal. I honestly don't know how my sister does it day after day. My niece whines and cries a lot (at least today she did) but my nephew is just the cutest thing ever, I just want to eat him up! This morning I gave them their presents (books) and we played with Abby (their chocolate lab puppy) and ran some errands. I fixed my nephew a waffle for a morning snack and as I was putting him down to get it ready he totally poked my eyeball and that hurt like a mo' fo'! My eye is still sore 12 hours later, it was all red and I hope I don't wake up with a black eye. It was totally an accident, but already on day 1 I've been injured, lol.

It was in the 90s today and ever so muggy, but my niece and I were outside off and on with Abby. I'm extremely tired from my long travel day yesterday and after making margaritas (and drinking 2 glasses) I was ready for bed at 7pm. After laying on the couch, my niece went upstairs and brought down two of her blankets and laid down with me (giving me one of her precious pink blankets). She then brought the books I bought her and started reading to me. Of course we hadn't had dinner yet, so I was doing my best to not fall asleep. It was the cutest thing having my niece "mommy" me. My nephew talks so much, he loves tractors and airplanes and tonight he sat in my lap and we watched and listened to Elmo Live with his blanket, he nearly dosed off in my lap so I was able to put him to bed with no problem. (My sister took a picture of us sitting and watching Elmo, but it didn't turn out that great b/c of the lighting.) It's times like that where I wish I was a mom, but then the craziness and whining that goes on during the day, really makes me not want kids. At least I know that there is no way I'm ready to be a mom right now.

Up, Up and Away!

I love traveling. Airports are comforting to me. I’ve been flying on planes since I was 3 months old. Many of my fondest childhood memories take place on a plane. I love the smell, the interesting people. Today when I went through airport security at Logan airport (one of the first US airports to get those full body scan machines) and was chosen to go through them. Now, you have a right to opt out of this and instead get a pat down. So I elected for the pat down. The female security person explained everything and I’m thinking to myself, “just get on with it” and kept asking me if I wanted to do the screening in private. I said “no” as it didn’t bother me, I’ve been patted down before. When she was done she made a comment about it being a lot of work. And I thought to myself “that’s not my problem. It’s your job and I have a right to opt out of exposing myself to these machines (even if they emit less radiation than TVs as the male TSA agent told me). I don’t agree with these machines and so it was my way of boycotting. I just found it hilarious.

Anyway, my flight was supposed to leave at 8:47PM, it is now 10:24PM and the flight from Buffalo which is our plane to NC just arrived. The bars are closed and the CNN TV's can't be changed to the NBA game. I'm quite thankful for free internet and it's nice that my fellow passengers are not complaining about this 2 plus hour delay. The old me (pre Boston, would be livid and all bitchy, but not anymore, I've learned to just go with the flow and not get upset over things that are out of my control). I won't get into NC until 1am and then its an hour or so drive to Fort Bragg. It's going to be a long night, but super excited to see my niece and nephew. Last time I had a delay at Logan it was trying to get to Buffalo last summer, ironic that the reason I am delayed to NC tonight has to do with a flight originating in Buffalo. Oh well, time to board finally!!

I don't need no man!

So today was an interesting day. I still haven't learned to listen to my gut. Like today I was out the door early but just missed the earlier bus by 1 minutes. So my gut said to walk to work instead of waiting 15 minutes for the next bus, which is my usual bus (the bus that is never on time and has no schedule). But instead of listening to my gut, I waited and was late for work because said bus was late (shocking!).

I skipped the gym after work and worked my muscles by moving my flat screen off my dresser and into its box, my dresser, my bed (which weighs a ton), and smaller dresser out of my room and into the living and dining area of the apartment. All that is left is my AC unit in the window. The guys are coming at 8am so I am hoping they can help me lift the AC out of the window, b/c no matter how much I say I don't need no man to help me... I really do need an extra hand with the AC b/c the two hands I have just aren't enough. But I feel quite accomplished that I was able to move things out...it is nice having hardwood floors instead of carpet b/c things slide so much easier. Can't wait until this is over!

Tonight I had organized a dinner at a Japanese restaurant in my hood... Fugakyu. 8 of us had our own private room, we had to take our shoes off before entering the room and sat at this table which is hard to describe. It was pretty cool. I had some sushi and sake, ramen noodles with tofu (taking 1/2 of it for lunch tomorrow) and red bean fried ice cream. It was delish and met some new people. Looks like I'll have to organize another ethnic dinner next month. People seem to really enjoy my leadership skills, and I enjoy having people to do stuff with :) So now it's bed time, sleeping on my bed in the living room tonight. Hopefully the firetrucks next door don't make too much noise. Tomorrow is going to be a very long day and can't wait to see my sister and the babies! Good night y'all.

Rooftop Fun!

Tonight the meetup I joined last winter had a meetup on a rooftop bar across from Fenway Park. New and old members met and mingled. I rocked my Clay Buchholz shirt tonight and didn't even know that he was pitching tonight's game. It was beautiful out and I got free drinks at the bar (I was only drinking soda, but I'll take it... thanks cute bar tender!) Half the people who came I already knew, but met some new faces (however, only the guys names stuck). It was a fun evening and it made me miss living over by Fenway; last summer was so much fun! Of course, tonight was the big Celtics/Lakers game so I don't even know what the final score of the Sox game was as they turned the B-ball game on. The picture is of Fenway Park from the top of the Baseball Tavern's rooftop.

Now it's time for bed, I'm exhausted and have packing and moving to do tomorrow before and after my dinner event down the street at this sushi restaurant in Brookline. My new line "Always connected, Always on the Go!"

Stupid Medical Tests

Let the testing begin!
Today was the day. 7 days off allergy medicines + 33 skin prick tests on the back of my arm + 17 shots + blood work = 3 hours in the Allergist office and [drum roll please] allergic to NOTHING?!! That was my morning. I honestly have no idea how the hell all the tests turned out negative (wont know the results of the blood work for a week) but there is something definitely wrong with me. I'm so thankful that I can go back on my meds again and I am now being referred to an ENT specialist b/c the allergist thinks there might be something they are missing that could be sinus related that share the same symptoms as what I have thought were allergy symptoms. According to these tests, I'm no longer allergic to cats and yet the minute I walked into my friends house last night (who has 2) I immediately felt their presence. So, it's a medical mystery right now as to why I have itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing, puffy feeling lips, congestion and post nasal drip. So in a month it looks like I will see the specialist and try to figure this one out. But for now, I have to carry on thinking I have allergies until these medical specialists can figure out what is wrong with me. Grrrr! All I want is to feel better and not wake up all stuffy with itchy eyes. Cant wait to take my Zyrtec tonight and hope tomorrow is a better day!

Fire Fire Fire

What a day this was. This morning I had an asthma attack around 8:00 this morning. Now, thank goodness I only have one more morning to get through before I can get back on some medicine. Because of this asthma attack, I was sleeping lightly and heard this alarm going off for like over an hour. I thought it was a car alarm, but after waking up and using my inhaler the noise was bothering me. So I get up out of bed and guess what? The alarm which was going off for an hour or so was actually my buildings fire alarm that is in the entryway/staircase of the building (so no alarm going off in our actual unit). Since all my windows were open and our alarms weren't going off inside, I figured that it was a false alarm, especially since I didn't smell smoke and we live right next to a fire house and there were no sirens or anything. And I imagine if there really was a fire, I'd have heard the fire fighters banging on the door or breaking in to make sure no one was home. About 10 minutes after I get up and get dressed to go outside the fire alarm gets shut off and my neighbors went back inside, so I went back to bed. I'm a little worried that had I not had an asthma attack and there really was a fire, when would I have woken up? With my air filter on and my door closed, I honestly think I would have slept through the alarm if it were a real fire and that would mean I would have to wait until the smoke came into our unit making our unit's smoke detectors go off... and would that be too late?? Thankfully it wasn't anything and I did go back to bed and slept for a little longer.

Didn't make it to church, but did go to bowling and was not on my "A" game, but had fun with my friends nonetheless. So instead of taking a photo of some firemen (I was at a T stop later today and some people got stuck in an elevator and there were firemen all over the place and a firetruck, and thought I should take a photo of the firemen but was told no that it was wrong) So, I had to use this photo I snapped walking to the bowling alley today. It was during a Red Sox game so you can see people in Fenway Park... and I caught most of the humongous billboard that always catches people's attention as they walk or drive past here. It says "We Sell Guns. No background check" which got cut off, but you have to read it all, otherwise you're like "WTF?"

Bring on the Rain!

I love rainy Saturdays. After staying up a little too late last night and getting up a little too early today, I really had no energy to do much of anything. I did go with friends across the river for some cheese tasting and then bought a whole bunch of shorts at Target (since I somehow lost the few shorts I had with me last summer). I came back home, put my iTunes on random and started to take down all the stuff hanging on my walls, including the hardware for drapes and what not. I don't have much left to do, so I think I'll be good this week with being able to get everything out of my room before leaving for NC on Thursday. Just going to need an extra set of hands to help me with my AC unit, bed and dresser by Wednesday.

So after all of that, the Betty Crocker in me felt like baking! I love baking on rainy days so I decided to make some homemade banana crumb muffins since my banana's were starting to go bad and I didn't want to waste them. They are oh so yummy. No nuts b/c I'm not a big fan. I wish I had someone to bake for b/c half the fun is sharing what I make with loved ones. Oh how I miss the days when I used to bake apple pies on Saturdays during hockey season and watch the James Bond marathon on TV... so even though I have no one to share these muffins with, I'm going to put on a couple of my James Bond DVDs, enjoy my muffins and call it a night.

Across the River

Entering this one late b/c I had a late night last night...


Friday was a good day. I had made my monthly massage appointment for 7pm over in Cambridge and since I don't like going over to that side of the river, whenever I make my massage appointments I try to do something afterwards in Cambridge since I'm already over there. I met up with friends for drinks and dinner at Fire + Ice. I've only been there once before for drinks, so I didn't really know what type of a restaurant it was. For those of you who are clueless, let me fill you in. You pay a flat fee and go up however many times you want. There's pasta, salad, raw meets, fish and tofu. There's veggies and different types of sauces. You get a bowl and put what you like in it, grab some sort of sauce and then take it to the big center grill, where you line up and they cook your food right on the grill in front of you. When it's done, they give you the cooked food and you take it to your table to enjoy. It was a wild experience. My first time up I had a tofu dish so they cooked mine in the kitchen so the meat juices wouldn't mix with my dish. My second time up, I went for mahi mahi to make a fish taco. My thoughts on the whole Fire + Ice experience = pretty interesting. It's quite overwhelming, especially as a first timer, with all the stations and what not. But it was good. After dinner we had some ice cream. I know I said I probably would be done with ice cream until next year's Scooper Bowl, but I couldn't resist. So we went to this little ice cream shop near Harvard Square and indulged in some yummy ice cream.


Afterwards I had picked a place to go dancing, since I've been wanting to dance to hip hop. But was so disappointed that the Redline was so not happening. It was past 11 and the DJ was spinning but the hip hop music they played wasn't what I like and no one was really dancing, and I need a crowded dance floor. So back up plan was to go over to Central Square for some live Motown music at Cantab. Got there on the late side and I hate dancing to songs I don't know but EVERYONE else seems to know. I just wasn't a happy camper, no matter how hard I tried. I plan and when things don't go as planned, it irritates me. But it was no one's fault really, by the time I got my massage and we finally ate, I was grumpy from being overly hungry and having a headache from not eating and so everything else just went down hill b/c of my mood. But my Boston besties rule, they put up with me, the night turned into yet another early morning before going to bed, and the night ended on a good note. So, no complaints really.

4 Days off Drugs

Today I actually didn't have anything interesting happen. It was a boring day at work. It was rainy out and much cooler than it has been. It's my 4th day off my allergy medicine b/c I am getting tested on Monday and can't have any antihistamines in my system for a week to get accurate readings. This would be fine except my room has been making me sick since moving in last September. The walls are crying [photo is recent tears on one of my 3 walls that will need to be replaced] and crying even more so with all the spring showers we've been having. Mold is living in the walls, which I am highly allergic to. It sucks that I spend the most time in my room (sleeping mostly) and waking up with itchy eyes, plugged nose, coughing and sneezing. So, thankfully I will be on vacation next week and my walls will be torn down and everything replaced and rebuilt. So between getting allergy tested and deciding if I'm going back on injections or try different allergy meds and getting the mold out of the walls, hopefully my health will improve soon so I don't always feel so yucky! It pisses me off that I having been paying to live in a place that makes me sick and wish I had had someone inspect the place before I moved in (lesson learned for next time around).

In other news, we had out first Brookline Girls Night. Four of us that live within 2 blocks of each other met at one of our apartment's for homemade veggie lasagna and apple crisp for dinner. It was so yummy, the apple crisp might just be better than my apple crumb pie! I've come a long way since last year. This time last year I only knew one person in the city and spent many nights, days and dinners all alone. Now, I'm lucky to have a night alone every few weeks! But no complaints. Boston is where I need to be, at least for now!

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream!

So today I was giddy. I was so excited about my second time going to the Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl. Last year I went and consumed 16 scoops of ice cream on a cold June 9th. Today started out nice, but of course by the time I got off work and made my way to Gov't Center, it started sprinkling. But I was determined to beat my record of 16 scoops. I worked it 2 cups at a time. Finishing 11 scoops in the first 30 minutes, downed a couple glasses of water and worked my way through the booths. Did I do it? Did I consume more than 16 scoops? YES! In under an hour I beat last year's record and consumed 17 scoops of ice cream... in the rain (which is no easy task!) I could have gone for more but then it dawned on me that that would mean I would have to eat even more next year to beat this year's record. So I stopped at 17, which is fine with me.

You may wonder how I'm feeling after all of that. I'm actually feeling fine. Just really tired, hence doing my blog a few hours earlier than normal (and why it's shorter than most of my other ones). And the good things just keep happening... once again the T came right away so I didn't have to wait for it... I really shouldn't jinx it but it makes me smile not having to wait 20 minutes for the C line.

Girls Night Out!

Me & Fabio

Some people are born leaders, other followers. I am the former, and being how I am, once I started working at HMS and felt secure and somewhat settled, I wanted to get some girls together for a "Girls Night Out". So, in March I shot the idea around with some of my work friends and close girlfriends I met in Boston, aiming for a small, close-knit group of girlfriends (read = young professionals, caring and nice...no drama queens or bitchy snobs) to get together once a month. And was able to get 5 other girls together who wanted to participate. Since I'm a planner, I tend to be the one organizing and coordinating our Girls Nights which seems to work for everyone :) Now, if you follow my Facebook, you know that there was a time when I was extremely confused about what exactly tapas were. So I decided to do tapas for our 3rd Girls Night Out. After doing some research I picked Bar Lola off Comm Ave, a place none of us have ever been to. 2 pitchers of sangria, veggie tapas, seafood tapas, meat tapas (for the omnivores in the group)... and of course dessert, typical Girls Night topics and our hottie latin server... Fabio ;)

So what happens during Girls Night? Well, first we order drinks... then we catch each other up on our day, work, parking, etc. Then as the alcohol sets in and we start eating, we get to the juicy stuff. We finally update each other on the guys in our lives, major events that have happened since our last Girls Night; we give advice, get advice, confess things that stay within the group and just have a great night that typically lasts about 2.5-3 hours. Tonight was probably the cheapest Girls Night. The food was amazing, no complaints about the Sangria, I really give it a 2 thumbs up. We had excellent service, Fabio was fabulouso making sure he didn't interrupt our girl talk during the juicy parts and even took some photos for us. Now, many of you know I have a thing for latin men (who I've learned are good for one thing and one thing only, but that's a whole other story) so the girls thought it would be fitting for me to have a photo taken with Fabio. I love these girls!! And to make the night even better (sangria, girls night, brownie sundae, Fabio), the Pru was all lit up green for the Celtics game AND amazingly enough, I didn't have to wait for the C line when I got in the T station to go home, so I didn't have to wait (that NEVER happens)!! Yes, my luck has definitely turned for the better :)

On a side note (something I'm pondering). I'm not really sure what is going on with the planets, but since finally feeling 100% single (no more ex) I've noticed that guys are noticing me way more than usual. Now of course, I'm not really sure which is which... is it that they always noticed but I just didn't notice them noticing me b/c I was still hung up on mattress boy? Or is it that I am sending off a different vibe now that I am over mattress boy, a vibe that is making guys notice me now? OR could it be a combination? Hmm... well, whatever it is, I kind of enjoy it. And yes folks... I am smiling again :)

A Walk Down Memory Lane

Fenway Victory Gardens

Yesterday I drove past the Fenway Victory Gardens, something I used to walk through every day last summer when I first moved here. So today I decided to walk through my old neighborhood on my lunch break. I kind of miss living on Park Drive, and it would be a 10 minute walk to work if I still lived over there. So my understanding about these individual gardens is: people who live in Boston can join a non-profit, membership organization and if there is no waiting list, for a small fee, are given a plot of ground to plant seeds, flowers, veggies, herbs, etc. Living in the city is so hard when I'm used to planting a huge garden every spring and harvesting my fruits and veggies back in Cali. That's just something I can't do here, but the Victory Gardens (which are historical, going back to WWII era) is one way people get to dig in the dirt and still live in the city. Depending how Year 2 in Boston goes, I might look into having my own garden in the future. But for now, it is so peaceful and pretty to just stroll along the 500 different gardens, sometimes catching people tending to their gardens or relaxing to some music while sitting in their outdoor garden furniture.


Also in the photo is my favorite Boston landmark... the Prudential Center (which is simply referred to as "the Pru" by locals, something I learned real fast last year). I used this as my point of reference when I first moved here and didn't know the way of the land. As long as I could see it, I knew I would be ok. Today, it's a building that makes me smile. (If only it knew how important it was to me my first year here!) I love being able to see it from just about anywhere in the city and even when I cross over the "river" [that's the Charles for my friends back home, which separates Boston from Cambridge] or make my monthly Costco trip to the 'burbs. I just love being able to see it in the Boston skyline. The Pru is also a shopping mall and has offices in it, among other things. Some day (maybe when I have a nice boyfriend who treats me well and isn't a mass-hole) I hope to wine and dine at the top of the Pru; the view from up their must be amazing!

So to close, today was a big day for me on Facebook. I finally changed my relationship status from "it's complicated" (meaning I was still dealing with mattress boy) to "single" (meaning I'm finally done with mattress boy 100% and moving forward to bigger and better things!) Maybe I needed the worse week ever to get me to where I am now... b/c it looks like my luck has finally turned around and I'm feeling so much better! :)

Strike

Jillian's... Where I bowl on Sundays.

So today was a typical Sunday. Walked to church and then went bowling. It's been over a month since I rocked my cool bowling shoes and I wasn't as rusty as I thought I would be. I scored above the double digits in all 3 games which is my goal for practice games like these. League doesn't start until the Fall, but I think it's time to start bowling more often to get my scoring up and work on throwing consistently. I also need to work on bowling closer to a 300 so I can try getting myself a new car (thanks Uncle, but I think it's gonna be awhile before I do that, so don't worry too much).

It was another humid day with more passing thunder and lightning storms and was fortunate enough to not get caught outside in the downpours like a few days ago. I also hung out with a handful of guys, which is something I haven't done in months. Of course, this time around it was under very different circumstances [read= in a good way]. It was quite entertaining to say the least. Why is it that guys have no problem farting in front of other people? I just don't get it, lol. It was nice to meet a couple new people today out in the 'burbs and learn what guys talk about... kind of funny b/c I feel this weekend a few guys broke guy code by sharing things with me, but whatever. Now I have something to report on this week during girls night :)

Sleepy Day

So after rolling into bed at 4:30am, I slept until 12:30 today. It was hot and muggy and we were supposed to have passing thunderstorms so people changed their plans for the day, so it was one of those sit around and do nothing sort of days. I was well recovered from last night's Wine Club. I think I am learning how to drink so I don't get sick the morning after. Yay!

My day was "off" since I slept through most of it. Around 2 I met a couple girls from the neighborhood and we cooked a late lunch/early dinner and just hung out. It is so nice having friends now. I remember what it was like this time last year: not knowing anyone, doing stuff alone or not doing anything at all. That is one major different from Year 1 in Boston. Grilled squash and eggplant, cheese and french bread, ice sweet tea and lemonade. Then berries with homemade whipped cream. Before I knew it it was already 7 and headed home. I didn't hear any thunder today, so either we didn't get a thunderstorm or it passed so quickly that we didn't notice over the hum of the AC unit.

Of course, besides sleeping past noon, I noticed that it was much lighter out at 7pm, throwing off my sense of time even more today (I forget that it stays lighter longer up here in the North than it does in San Diego during summer). The photo I snapped at 8:45pm and it was still dusk (though it's hard to tell in the photo) as I waited for the T to meet another friend for a few games of pool. And as you can tell from this post, it's another late night and am hoping to get a good nights sleep.

Dunkin Donuts, Wine Club... oh what a night

So I remember this day last year, when Dunkin Donuts was giving away free donuts if you bought a drink. Growing up in Cali, Starbucks was what we had (sorry DD, but America does not run on Dunkin since So Cal didn't even have one!!). Well like last year, I decided to participate. Ice vanilla coffee with cream (no sugar b/c if you ask for sugar you are practically drinking sugar! Today I tried drinking it without sugar only to realize that they put so much sugar in it to mask the yucky flavor of their coffee (like I said, I'm a Starbucks girl), but I got the last chocolate donut with sprinkles (my favorite) and after putting a packet of sugar in my ice coffee, I was able to drink it down :)


So tonight was Wine Club and I had loads of fun with 15 of my friends who convinced me to go out to listen to a cover band at the Burren. I've never been and so since I was in the neighborhood, I went. I had fun, then went to an after party in Central Square where we partied on the the rooftop deck only to have Cambridge cops tell us to take it inside (2:30am, people were complaining). Then it started to rain and thunder and lightning. It was pretty cool to watch without having to swim in it like yesterday. Anyway, fun times were had, it's 4:09am east coast time and am dedicated to keep this blog a day going (even if I technically skipped Friday since it's not technically Saturday). Not sure what tomorrow may bring, but regardless, I know I will have fun. Now off to bed I go!

Nothing like swimming home from the gym

Well, today was a fun day. I get to work early b/c I was supposed to be in an all morning training class, but it was rescheduled. I felt funny since I had dressed down knowing I'd only be in the office for half the day, but then it turned out I was in the office all day. Thankfully as I logged into my computer the first email I saw notified us that we are now casual dress until Labor Day... bring on the flip flops and jeans, I no longer felt funny for dressing down!


So, I've been doing pretty well getting myself to the gym after work. And today I started lifting again. The weather called for thunderstorms as the temperature rose over the last few hours of the workday, and of course, the thunderstorms were expected to hit Boston after I got off work. Well, I made it to the gym without any problems. Of course, leaving the gym was a whole other story. (Photo above is as I walk out the building). Making sure I caught the bus home, I had no choice but to face this storm, and unlike the smarter people who opted to wait the storm out, I made the choice to head out in the rain (and got a free shower out of the deal!). And boy was pouring elephants! Not raining a lot... but torrential downpour with 4 inches of water flooding the streets. Thunder and lightning clapping overhead. I had an umbrella, but that did me no good. My feet (gym shoes and socks) were soaked, my purse and the items inside, drenched... my backpack with all my gym stuff, so wet that I left a puddle on the bus when I got off! Inside, my Fitness magazine completely ruined, my library books- soaked (hope I can dry them so I don't have to replace them!). You know the saying, when it rains it pours? Well, that pretty much sums up my life lately. If it's not one thing it's another. Things happening so frequently these days, that I can't help but laugh. And that's how I know I've grown. If this was the California me, I'd be so pissed off at the world and everyone around me, you'd be calling me a bitch with a capital B. But not now, I may complain, but at the end of the day, I just laugh and think to myself... I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!



Streets flooding with 4 inches of water rushing
down Longwood Ave.

Mmm Mmm Good!

Before I get to the description of the photo, what would a Bostonian Transplant blog be without another T story? Tonight it was my turn to cook dinner for my Boston best friend. I hit the gym after work and went to the bus stop to catch the 5:47 bus home. Well, 20 minutes later, no 5:47 bus, 10 minutes after that, no 6:07 bus, so I decided to walk home (which I should have done to begin with as it takes 25 minutes). So of course, I'm late for my own dinner. Anyway, it was a comfortable day, so it wasn't that big of a deal. But for those who are keeping count L=0 T=4 for the week.


I've never actually cooked for anyone, so I was looking forward to having my Boston best friend over. I made pasta pizza with corn on the cob as the side. And no meal (or get together for that matter) is ever complete without a bottle (or two) of wine. Since it was so nice outside today, we sat out on the back patio, which was actually cooler than inside the apartment for a change. I snapped this photo just as we were getting ready to eat. Tonight was very relaxing, catching up on things us girls talk about. THEN it was dessert time!! Now this is how I did it in Cali and being a Bostonian Transplant (read= city girl) I had to improvise when we made S'mores since there are no fire pits in the middle of the parking lot. [Kids, I don't recommend this by the way, always have an adult help you.] Large fork...check, graham crackers... check, chocolate bars...check, marshmallows... check, gas stove...check! Placed the marshmallow on the large fork and turned on the gas stove, placed the marshmallow over the flame and cook as you would over camp fire. They turned out oh so good! And that my friends is how I ended a perfect night with my Boston best friend...with yummy, gooey, Mmm Mmm good, chocolaty s'mores :)

I'm Just a Little Black Rain Cloud

Funny how when I was a kid watching Winnie the Pooh I used to love it when it rained. But, when it's hot and muggy and it rains, I'm not a happy camper. Oh, how I doubt when Pooh said "tut tut it looks like rain" to Christopher Robin was it 80° out and muggy. Today at work I couldn't help but think of Pooh Bear and his buddy Eeyore as I watched the passing thunder and lightning storm. I feel like the past few days I've been walking around with a rain cloud hanging over my head, and I'm not just talking about getting poured on Saturday with no umbrella either. Last night there was an awesome thunderstorm that kept me awake. I managed to reset my alarm, but forgot to turn the alarm clock on. So this morning my phone alarm (which I had set to alert me that I had to be out the door to make the T in time to make it to my 8am doctor's appointment) went off and woke me up. 5 minutes I was out of bed at waiting for the T. Of course it was muggy and I was soaking wet but I made it to my appointment, but no wonder my blood pressure was slightly elevated. I made it to work and was able to regroup. 60° in the office and I was not complaining. The morning did improve and it was relaxing to watch the afternoon thunder and lightning storm pass through. I snapped this photo just after it passed, instead of trying to snap one during the storm, for fear of being struck by lightning (with which the way things have been going, I wasn't taking any chances). So this is the "Quad" at work, my view every time I look out the window.