Goodbye

Today my mom left to go back home. I went to work and took her suitcase with me, then we met up at Government Center where we took the blue line to the airport. I helped her with her bags b/c Gov't Center doesn't have elevators or escalators going down and she had a hard enough time walking down stairs with her bad ankle. We got to the airport and hung out for a bit (I took an extended lunch) and then said goodbye. I'm gonna miss her. It was so fun showing her around and having her meet my friends and co-workers. It was nice sitting at my dining room table talking and eating with someone in person (vs. on the phone with numerous dropped calls to carry on just a simple conversation!) Now the apartment is lonely and dark. I'm sitting in my room with the AC on not knowing what to do with myself since this is the earliest I've been home for the past week. I am looking forward to resting and settling into my place though. It's a funny feeling having family visit and saying goodbye, b/c now it's real... this is where I live, this is where I'm starting a new life like I wanted when I decided to move to Boston. The adults in my life are quite proud of me for where I am in my life, moving to Boston and actually "making it". I don't think of it as anything special, maybe that's just how I was built. It's just something I put my mind to and did it. It's funny with my mom being here, I didn't even notice that this past weekend was my one year anniversary of moving into this apartment, an apartment which is now all mine. I was reminded of that today when I saw all these moving vans and people loading and unloading their trucks as they moved in and out, remembering that it was hot this time last year too! Funny how things change and work themselves out. I am so blessed to be doing what I am doing here in Boston and building the type of friendships I've always wanted but could never find in California and hosting parties to bring all my friends together for fun times! I'm loving Boston and am so glad my mom was able to visit me.

Harvard Sq and Dinner Party

Today wasn't too bad. Started off bright an early for a painful dental appointment, wow! Then it got hot and I took my mom on the T so she could ride on the last line to complete Boston T travel (Green, Blue, Red, Orange). We went over to Cambridge and walked around Harvard and Harvard Sq. Where I ran into the ex who I never would have recognized (b/c he looked horrible with long hair, grubby looking) except I am all too familiar with his eyes. I totally just gave him a smile, didn't do or say anything. It definitely got me shaking though, and yet, made me laugh at the same time because he had to do a like 4 double takes as he walked past me (as my mom and I walked into Chipotle). After forcing myself to eat lunch, we caught the bus back to Coolidge Corner and grabbed a few remaining items for my dinner party with my closest friends to meet my mom. I got to use my new table and serving platters. We had red and sweet red wine, bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, spinach salad with feta, avocado, blueberries and strawberries and spaghetti pizza as the main dish. Then we had dessert...ice cream in my ice cream cone glasses. It was really nice and fun to have my friends meet my mom. She approves of everyone :p I just wish that it would stop being so freakin hot every time I decide to have a bunch of people over! It really never fails. But, it was fun, many laughs were had (some at my own expense) and it was good food, great company and now all the dishes are cleaned and I am ready for bed. What a crazy busy week it has been.

Relaxin' Outside in the Country

Today was a day of rest. I am so thankful I decided to do all the running around stuff Thursday, Friday and Saturday because today was hot. We walked to church this morning and got a little sweaty. From church we headed to North Station to catch the train to North Billerica for our friends surprise birthday party up in Groton. It's so nice being out of the city. My mom got to see where our friends live and see where I go to escape the city and feel like I'm home. It was nice doing nothing today (as in not running around all over the city to do this or that or see this or that). Sitting on the back patio overlooking the forest while sipping on some sun tea was just what the doctor ordered! I never had sun tea before, probably because up until recently, I wasn't a tea drinker, but adding a couple scoops of sugar and I was sold. We then had pizza, chips and dip, beer, cake and ice cream with our friends and their neighbors and friends. It was fun. On the train back the train ticket guy didn't collect our tickets saying to use them for a rainy day. At first I was like maybe he thinks I'm cute, but he was being nice to everyone since it was the last train from Lowell. So almost back home, might be the earliest we've gotten home since my mom arrived. Then some cleaning before going to bed b/c I made a stupid dentist appointment for bright and early tomorrow morning, meaning I have to get up before I would even get up if I were going to work tomorrow.

Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise

Today was another busy day. After air mattress continued to deflate on me after using the plug, I got up early and went to Haymarket to buy some fruits and veggies for Monday's dinner. Then my mom and I had brunch at Paris Creperie down the street from me. I have never been and have wanted to try some crepes here, so I had a yummy and rich S'mores crepe which I should have split but ate the entire thing myself. My tummy was so full. We split a butter and brown sugar one and then my mom had a bacon and eggs one. We then went shopping on Boylston and in the Downtown Crossing area. We managed to come home and eat a salad for lunch before getting ready to head to the Wharf for our Boston Sunset Harbor Cruise. I've never done that either and it was fun to see Boston from sea. I took some good photos of the downtown skyline and must admit, Boston beats San Diego in sooo many ways! The cannons went off at sunset on the US Constitution (which is the one thing I have yet to see by foot- via the Freedom Trail) and enjoyed the 90 minute cruise around the Harbor. We docked at 8:30 and wanted to get some seafood. My mom's foot was really bothering her today, so I didn't want to walk too far. A lot of negative reviews were for the few places I could think of before it hit me. Irish pubs have seafood! So we walked 500 feet to The Black Rose where my mom had some Clam Chowdah and we both had some Fish 'n Chips. While eating dinner we saw the fireworks good off at the Harbor, my mom really did picked the best time to come visit Boston! We then made our way back into Brookline, where we stopped at Finales for some dessert. My mom ordered a Merlot and we split the 9 dessert sampler. Of course, my mom made me eat more than half of it b/c she got full, but we did have to take some home b/c I refuse to let a good dessert go to waste. Another busy busy day and was reminded why I don't have cable. I'm never home to watch it! We haven't even been home long enough to put on a movie or even an episode of NCIS. We've done so much these past few days, always on the go (just like it is when no one is here visiting me) but tomorrow will be a nice day of rest since we will be going out of the city for a surprise birthday party up in Groton.

Museum and North End

Today my mom and I slept in and then went to the Museum of Science for Free Friday. I've never been and this was a perfect time for my mom to visit. The human body, math, eye straining art, weather, baby chicks hatching...it was packed with kids, but I'm glad to cross this off my Boston to do list. On our way from the T station to the museum we got stuck at the draw bridge, which I didn't even know we had those here. Thankfully the watch tower told us all that were on the bridge to scoot back behind the gate (we were almost halfway across the bridge when the alarms sounded) otherwise, we would have had the bridge in our faces. Later on we met friends up in the North End. It's been probably 10 years since my mom saw them last, so we had a fine Italian dinner with a couple glasses of Merlot. They are having the Saint Anthony's Feast this weekend, so while eating dinner we were able to see the parade and then later walked through the streets packed with food, merchandise and game vendors. Of course we were so full from dinner that we had no room for the many desserts and Italian foods, but that didn't stop us from stopping at Maria's for some Cannolis to go. We then continued to walk to Faneuil Hall. After walking our friends to the T station, my mom and I walked to Beacon Hill where I picked up the plug for the air mattress (leather couches are not the best for sleeping on- in case you ever wonder and are looking for a couch, keep that in mind). I gave her a brief tour of Beacon Hill and we cut through the Public Garden to hop on the T to go back home. We were out and about for nearly 12 hours today (mostly on our feet) and were so glad to sit down with some coffee and cannolis before calling it a night.

Giving Mom the Tour

Today I went to work and had my mom hang out and wait for the washer repair guy and for my table to be delivered. I came home at noon and waited for the bus to go back to work. And of course the bus was late, so I really got to show my mom a day in the life of me. I ordered my favorite pizza from Penguin Pizza in Brigham Circle and at in the Dean's office where my mom got to meet my boss and coworker. Then I gave her the tour of Gordon Hall, the Countway Library (and the museum on the 5th floor which wasn't smart after eating lunch). Then we walked through the basement to the TMEC building, walked down Longwood, stopped to get an ice coffee from McDonald's. We then walked down Brookline Ave towards Landmark Center, where I showed her my old apartment in Fenway and then walked to Fenway Park and hopped the T at Kenmore to take her to Christmas Tree Shops and Costco. We bought some things at Christmas Tree Shops (where I slipped on the floor again hitting my bad knee). We then walked back to the T stop, got home and ate burritos. I used this stupid cheese grinder that clogged with the cheese and stupid me and knives, used my sharp knife to scrape out the cheese. Didn't think anything of it until I was half way through my burrito and my mom took a bite of her's and had a plastic shaving...which came from the stupid cheese bowl I ground up. After thinking about it, it probably wasn't from the knife b/c these plastic pieces were small and curled like the cheese, so I probably put too much pressure on the plastic thing as I was grinding. Ugh, so after consuming half a burrito with plastic, I dissected what was left and fished out quite a few pieces of plastic (which was hard to do since I had used sour cream which the plastic blended into). So if I die, it's the plastic's fault! Now we are resting our feet. Will probably play a game or two before going to bed. Another fun and busy day planned for tomorrow.

RDU to BOS

I don't know what it is with flying from RDU to BOS, but it sucks! My mom's flights were all delayed today because of weather in NY that rolled into Boston... stupid fog! It poured today and was glad that it started to die down this evening. I for sure thought I would have to find Noah or build myself an Arc. Anyway, in the time it took me to get from Central Square to my apartment to drop off some items and get to the airport, my mom flew from NC to BOS. Amazing! So after a few hours of delays, I gave her a brief tour via the T and my hood as we ordered Chinese food from across the street (my first time ordering there after it was recommended numerous times by my boss) and ate at home. The food was so yummy, but it was a late dinner- 9pm. Then I blew up the air mattress and it was missing the plug so I had to stuff a sock in it...hopefully that will hold for tonight, otherwise I might wake up on the floor. I'll be going to work in the morning for a few hours while my mom waits for the washer repair guy and for my table to be delivered. It was so good seeing her and am looking forward to spending time with her.

Rock Climbing...Take 2

Today was another cold and rainy day. This fine misty rain with fog turned into just rain. It has been so cool though and my hair is über curly, but it's not going to last much longer. One more day and then hot while my mom is visiting. After work my friend Kim and I went indoor rock climbing. This time we were taught how to tie knots as the climber and belay (person who holds the climber). After our lesson we were able to climb for as long as we wanted, taking turns as the climber. I'm so out of shape and I know I'm going to be sore tomorrow, but it's super fun and there are a lot of HOT (read=in shape, skinny but muscular guys) at the rock climbing gym. Yummy! There was even a guy doing a tight-rope, bouncing on it and stuff...not to mention the guys doing the boulder climbs. Wow! Unfortunately, I did scrape my right knee on the wall and it skinned the area already scabbed from my gracious fall a few weeks ago. Once I got home, I cleaned that up, cooked dinner and cleaned the apartment. The place is now ready for my mom's visit...can't wait for her to get in tomorrow night!

Fall

It's still Summer, but today reminded me of Fall. It was cold and rainy. I wanted to stay in bed. I had to layer to stay warm today and brought out the rain boots, rain coat and umbrella. I had forgotten how much it sucks commuting in the rain, but I'm not complaining. I am looking forward to Fall and Winter. The buses were not my friends today. Missed the bus b/c it showed up 2 minutes early. Then when I ran errands today during my lunch break, I waited 20 minutes in the windy rain for a bus, when I could have walked it in 15 back to work. Later after work, went to Best Buy again to pick up 8 DVDs I ordered and the bus I wanted drove right past me. I got home, I cooked and cooked and cooked. Then I started to clean the place to prepare it for my mom's visit. I also rented my parking space for September. I still have quite a bit to do before Mom arrives, and as you can see I didn't get to bed early like I had hoped, nor did I open a single DVD to watch. I just ran out of time. Looking forward to another Fall-like day, of course, it won't last long, Summer will return in a few days, just in time for Mom's visit. But for now, here's what it looked like as I left work today, if I was quick with my camera, I would have tried taking a photo of this MassHole with his gigantic umbrella that took up the entire width of the sidewalk making it impossible for speed walkers like myself to pass him.

Rain = no beach day

Six hours of sleep after drinking the day/evening before is not the best combination for one who must have at least 8 hours of sleep to feel good. Woke up to gray skies and rain. It reminded me of May Gray and/or June Gloom. We had a nice breakfast. Belgian waffles, OJ, Coffee, fruit and some sausages for the meat eaters. We then packed up and went to play mini golf. It was so much fun, despite us freezing b/c we forgot to grab a jacket and I personally was not expecting cold, rainy, Fall-like weather this weekend on the Cape. We followed that up by driving to Hyannis where the Kennedy Clan reside. The downtown area is quite sketchy and full of tourist gift shops, not what I was expecting. But we stopped and had some lunch at an Irish pub where I tried yet another new Irish dish (Colcannon cakes) and loved it. Then, we hit traffic leaving the Cape until going over the bridge. I had fun, but am so exhausted. Looking forward to catching up on sleep when I take a few days off this week when my mom comes to town. I'm all ready for bed, it's before 10pm and it's raining outside. I am going to sleep like a baby tonight!

Cape Cod

Well, my first time on the Cape and it reminds me of home. The salty, ocean air is so refreshing. My friend's mothers house where we are staying at is less than a five minute walk down to the beach. I have successfully fulfilled my one day beach quota for the year. At 3pm we went down to the beach and put sunscreen on...I'm thankful because despite using SPF 45 and 30 I'm slightly pink. The water was surprisingly warm compared to what I was expecting. It's nice and peaceful out here. If it wasn't so cloudy this evening, I would have loved to have watched the sunset. Perfect temperature, good seafood, a couple glasses of wine and later some cocktails and winning a game of Spades, which I just learned to play. Hoping to get a good nights sleep.

T.G.I.F.

Today was my co-workers birthday celebration at the office and I got an ice cream cake from J.P. Licks. I had nearly 2 pieces this afternoon and still feel the effects from it. Also had dinner in Beacon Hill with the Southern Gals. I don't know what the hell is wrong with Beacon Hill, but I refuse to eat there ever again. Every time I eat at a restaurant something gets spilled on me (mac and cheese last time... this time a broken wine glass shattered all over my feet (thankfully I didn't get cut or worse, cut in the neck and died like that guy at the Lansdown Pub last week). I tell ya, it's a sign that I don't belong in any of Beacon Hill's restaurants. I did miss the outdoor movie along the Charles. I think I might have one more week left of movies in the park, so might end up taking mom to one next week when she's in town. I'm so exhausted from a very busy (packed) week and realized on my way home tonight that I need to stop saying "yes" so much and not worry about pleasing others. I'm losing myself again and am going to rectify the situation by doing things solo again. I miss strolling around the city by myself, acting like I'm visiting from California. There are things I miss doing by myself, and also feel I'm past due for a solo trip somewhere. I'm not one of those people that have to date just b/c I can't be alone. I don't like dating and prefer the relationships I've fallen into over wasted hours and money on first dates with guys I met via online. And I like doing things regardless if there's no one else to do them with. I have forgotten the Traveler inside me and what I walked away with after traveling so much by myself. I can be happy without a guy in my life and I don't have to always do things with others to have fun. So, I think it hit me tonight that I'm ready for a change. I have this feeling that I need to do something different (and not just color my hair different, I'm talking about change something up in a big way). Not sure what it is yet, but when the timing is right, I will know. But for now, I'm all packed for a relaxing weekend on the Cape (Cape Cod for non-New Englanders). And yes, that is my overnight bag for the Cape ... I'm a light packer which is a reminder that I am not the average gal... and I'm ok with that! :)

It's ALWAYS so hot when I...

host game night! I don't know what it is, but it's been super hot these past few months I've had Game Night. It stinks. Another fun night, called it an early one compared to other Game Nights. We are in desperate need of some new games to play. Also, I kept thinking today was Friday. At work it was dead and I ended up watching one of my new favorite TV shows before leaving early. It wasn't just me that thought it felt like Friday. I am quite disappointed that I have to go to work in the morning and that it's not Saturday. Oh, and the cutest thing happened to me. My niece who is a night quite 2 1/2 called me on my lunch break saying she packed her suitcase and was going to the airport to see me. She was so cute! I miss her and wish she could visit. I have a feeling I'm going to be the cool aunt that they come visit during the summer break when they are school-age. Can't wait to see my family again...November can't come soon enough!

Girls Night

Girls Night during restaurant week, location Rialto in Cambridge. $33.10 for 3 courses. I have to say, every time I eat at a really nice restaurant in Cambridge, they are overly priced and you are served small portions. Of course, this time was during restaurant week where they do serve smaller portions to make up for the price they charge, but then slow service put on top of that and it makes me thankful I don't go across the river all too often. The food was good, but service was slow...we waited like 15 minutes between our entrée and dessert. We waited a while before our waitress came once we were seated and waited a long while before we got bread. My water cup had food particles floating in it, so I had to ask for a new glass once the gal came back to fill some of the other glasses up. Over 2 hours for dinner. The company was good though, quieter than previous Girls Night, but then again there were a few new faces thrown in the group so it kind of felt like our first Girls Night where it took people a while to warm up. Dessert did finally come and it was good. And once again I've gotten home too late to do any drilling and hammering to hang my shelves...so no gym tomorrow b/c I have to come home after work to finish getting things ready for Game Night.

Tipsy

Tuesday night is becoming somewhat of a drinking night with one of my friends at work. Today after working out at the gym we hopped over to The Savant Project for some tapas and cocktails. I had this chocolate espresso martini with some yummy Polenta logs and some spicy Empanadas. Another hot and muggy day and this place was quiet and warm...not to mention the fact that the Empanadas has Jalapeno peppers in them so needless to say I started to get beads of sweat forming on my face. We then hopped over to another pub that is quite popular with the college kids and everyone else in the area, a place I only heard about after reading a script for a pilot regarding med students at HMS... the pub is called The Squealing Pig. Got to love the Irish bartenders all over the place out here. Our first round was paid for by someone who knew my friend (she used to live/work in the area so pretty much everywhere we go in that neighborhood, she always runs into someone she knows). Once again my friend succeeded in helping me get tipsy...1 cocktail and 2 beers later and "Giggles" starting to show her face. Where is the drinking gene from my Irish/Scottish/German heritage?? Of course, after getting home I had a hard time drilling holes in the wall to hang some of the items I purchased over the weekend, but right now I have to get some stuff up and put away before I host my monthly Game Night... the place has to be somewhat organized for my first guests to visit since the now ex-roommate moved out :) So Cheers...to friends, summer nights and good times!

Lookin for the rainbow after the storm

The sun was out but it was raining when I got off work today, and yet, no rainbow. The humidity is back (as I could tell when I got up and looked in the mirror... thanks curls)... after 5 nights without using the AC... it will be going on tonight. Today was my first day back to the gym since my boobs...I mean... knee injuries ;) I was sore this morning from canoeing and did some yoga before work and I burned 500 calories on the elliptical machine and didn't break a sweat (really unusual considering I was burning more calories than normal). Then I met a guy from okcupid at Jillians to bowl...and here's how that went... (note... I went into this just to make a friend)

He said we would meet around 8, he showed up at 8:15 after I just got a lane to bowl b/c I was tired of waiting. He lives like an hour away (which I didn't know). He's nerdy, but really nice... but not the type of nerd I can handle. I carried the conversation. I'm still learning more about myself. Like I'm extremely outgoing and adventurous. I may not be jumping out of a plane any time soon (unless magically Striker asked me out and I could fly for free to practice indoors) but I enjoy trying new things and doing things by myself if I have to. I love sports. Tonight was the first online meetup I've been on since 2007. All the other guys I've seen/dated/etc. I met through work or met at a mattress store. I don't like the online thing. I rather meet the person and know within a few minutes if it would be worth my time to even consider going out with him. I think online is just a waste of time unless you're just looking for some action (which, I'm not). So I feel really bad b/c this guy was super nice, nothing wrong with him, but just didn't do it for me. He wants to take me out to see a live band in Fenway area but he knows I'm super busy and I said September sometime. So now I have a few weeks to figure out what I'm going to say b/c I could tell he liked me and said it was worth the travel to get to Jillian's...

The rainbow...I've come up with qualities that I need a guy to possess: he needs to enjoy sports more than I do, be outgoing (but not the conceded flirts) and adventurous, has traveled to more than a handful of states and interested in traveling abroad even if he hasn't traveled outside the US. The more I think about it, the more I think my type may have been the California boys I grew up with. Outgoing, adventurous (surfers, desert rats who owned dirt bikes), tall and thin but with muscles...leave it to me to travel across the country to figure out what I've wanted was always right in front of me!

Canoeing

Shop til I drop...dropped about 3pm. Me and my BBFF went to Ocean State Job Lot (like a Big Lots), DSW, Dollar Tree, Ikea, Christmas Tree Shop, and Costco today before me and my other friend Megan went canoeing. I bought so much liquor at Costco, finally found a pair of red high heels and silver slipper heels (which I've been looking for for 2 years now) anyway, I am all shopped out! No sectional, but that can wait. OMG, I don't even want to know how much money I spent this weekend!! Needless to say, the Bostonian Transplant will not be shopping anytime soon and will definitely be throwing a party in September and October!

I've never been canoeing and I've learned I do have more fears in life besides dying during labor and falling to my death. I get nervous on water. I remember when my brother in law tried to sink the boat in the bayou in Texas and I so didn't want to sink when there were water snakes swimming by nor did I want the boat to flip. Which was what I was worried about today; I was so afraid the canoe would tip. We were given no instructions, just climbed into the canoe and we started to paddle. It was overcast, but comfortable. We came to this area where my paddle was hitting sand and I started to freak thinking we would get stuck in the sandbar (do they call it that when your in the river??). Megan reassured me we would be fine, but I wasn't able to relax until we crossed over it safely. So, I have a fear of being stuck in the water or falling into yucky water (ocean, river, pond, lake, etc.). We figured we canoed about 4-5 miles in the 2.5 hours we were out on the Charles River in Newton. My shoulders are so sore! It was peaceful and now after taking a nice warm bath, I hope to sleep well tonight.

NH makes HOT GUYS!!

Indoor skydiving in New Hampshire today and I have a huge crush on my instructor, Striker. Tall, thin but with muscle and strength...if I wasn't such chicken $h!t I would have asked if he is single. Damn. So you know Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory? Where they are in this glass tube with bubbles and they have to burp to get down? That's what the thing looked like. An expensive hobby, 2 two minute sessions inside with wind gusts from 80-100 mph. It was weird and I cannot explain it. Afterwards Striker got to show off and man, I so want to be able to fly like he did. Oh so impressive.

Before leaving NH, stopped at Chili's where they took FOREVER, but had another hot guy serving. Order was wrong and it took like 2 hours for lunch. Grr. Then hit up Kohls for some shopping and stopped and bought 5 bottles of wine, a bottle of champagne and some Bailey's. It feels like I was outside at the beach all day. My face is chapped and after 2 conditioner treatments and nearly breaking my comb, I was able to de-tangle my matted hair from flying. What a fun day!

Clean Slate

Today the ex-roommate removed her remaining items and left the keys... so the apartment is officially mine, all mine!! Today I called and got a repair guy to come out for the washer. There is a filter in the middle spinning thing that had not been cleaned since it was installed in 2008! (GROSS!!) So that clogged the fabric softener release thingy which is why it looked like the clothes weren't being washed. Stupid airhead! Thankfully the guy found 2 of the 4 belts that hold the bin snapped off which causes it to spin out of control, so there was something to fix. Now that I have all the paper work for things, I will no longer need to call for anything unless something major happens. The belts will be installed in a couple weeks when my mom is visiting, but the guy said I could still use the washer in the mean time. So tonight, instead of going out like I have been every weeknight this week, I opted to stay in and do 4 loads of laundry (still have a few to go), clean the now empty dining room, and organize my papers. Clean slate. Blank canvas. I'm so looking forward to Sales Tax holiday this weekend. Hoping to buy a dining table set, a sectional, a nice rug for the living room, and decorative items. Woot woot!

Boston Common

It was another B-E-A-UTIFUL day in Boston. I have been sleeping quite well lately and have been walking around and getting some vitamin D. Took my lunch outside and chatted with my best friend the entire lunch break. I so miss her and our chats. I have gotten back into reading again and just feel so relaxed and like me again. It's also nice not having cable. I feel like I'm accomplishing more than before and am living once again. I don't really know how else to describe it. Today a colleague came down to introduce me to a new hire. He had said "this is the one who fled San Diego and hasn't looked back". That got me thinking. Fled has such a negative connotation attached to it. Did I really flee CA? I wanted out to start a new life, but hmm...maybe I did flee the traffic, chaos, the bad memories from past relationships, the weather?? But, I don't think I've looked back either. I feel Boston is the place for me to be. I may not know the reason, but firmly believe that everything happens for a reason and that things have a funny way of working themselves out. So whatever the reason, I'm here. Living life in a wonderful city, even if the reasons why I wanted to move here in the first place aren't what's keeping me here. No longer am I searching for a husband with a Boston accent. No longer am I here because of Tom Brady. No idea why I am here, all I know is I am and that there isn't a place in San Diego like the Boston Common :)

Zaftigs

Tonight was stop two on my "Tour of Brookline". I've been wanting to try out restaurants in my neighborhood and found some people that live in the area, or close enough to it, that will dine with me. All I have to do is organize. Tonight was Zaftigs, a Jewish Delicatessen. It was a good time as always. One guy, four girls. I ordered chocolate french toast... which wasn't sweet and looked like a piece of rare meat in the lighting from the raspberry sauce (flash took away the rare meet look on the camera). But I was SO FULL after eating that and pieces of potato pancake, potato knish, cheese blintz, and noodle kugel. Thankfully I decided to walk home, but not before Chris and I (different Chris- not the ex) went into the puzzle store. This store I pass every time I walk from my apartment to Coolidge Corner and have never been in. They sell tons of puzzles and games. I could spend hours in there playing with the various puzzles they have. I also browsed the games and found a few potentials for Game Night. Thankfully Chris spent his money and I walked out without dropping a dime. Of course, now every time I walk down to Coolidge Corner, I might have to pop in and test out some of the puzzles again ;) Fun night with friends, perfect way to end a beautiful day!

Landmark Center

Today was a good day. Went to the doctors and only saw him for 2 minutes before I was out and on my way to work. Talked about a 50/50 chance of getting surgery in the near future. Doctor’s office is near Landmark Center. I used to live across the way from it. There’s a Best Buy, a Bed Bath and Beyond, Panera Bread, a few other stores/restaurants and a Regal movie theaters. Tonight after moving some things around in the apartment, I went down to Landmark Center again and went to the movies (a favorite past time of mine). My first summer here when I didn’t know anyone, I would be a frequent movie go-er. I haven’t been in a long while and treated myself to $1 popcorn and “The Other Guys”. I was surprised that my reward for going to the movies was a free movie on next visit. I just love being a frequent movie watcher, and if you go often enough and don’t have a frequent viewer card for Regal and/or AMC… you’re missing out on some free stuff! The movie was really good, pleasantly surprised seeing as though I’m not that big of a Will Ferrell fan. And there are some pretty decent movies coming out soon, which I’m excited about! A good night and it’s still pretty early!

L's in the Kitchen

Today I cooked! The apartment is starting to feel like home. I cooked my first meal tonight for dinner and hung out in the living room (instead of my bedroom). I was sent a zucchini grinders recipe, so I made that along with baked sweet potatoes. I am getting tired of cooking pasta dishes, so I'm trying new recipes and plan on cooking more. The zucchini grinders were yummy, and I have another one for lunch this week. Right now the brownies are baking in the oven and of course, the night I do all this it's super hot out with 90% humidity. My hair is super curly b/c of the high humidity. No matter what I use to style it, the little curly ringlets all around my forehead just do their own thing. I'm done fighting it.

Boys and Balls

A typical Sunday. Church, shopping, cooking and bowling. Bowled with half my bowling team today. There were 4 cute boys that were in the lane next to us and had a blast. Unfortunately, none of us got a strike when the red pin was in the head position. There was one guy who was obsessed with my scabbed up knees, lol. I said they would be a conversation starter. I catch people all the time staring at them, trying to figure out what I did. This guy Ross, said he had many stories he made up in his head and when he found out how I did it, you could tell he was slightly disappointed with my story. I should come up with some elaborate story (like falling while rock climbing or something). Also, these guys were trying to figure out how us girls were scoring higher than them. We told them we were in a league. I scored really good all 3 games, kicking the guys butts each time :)

Also, hit up Othello in the Boston Common. Shakespeare on the Common was on my list of "Boston things to do"...free, Shakespeare in the park. Grab a blanket, meet up with some friends, eat some food and watch a performance. Was so much fun and perfect weather! It's such a shame I've missed the movies in the park this year along with concerts in the park, but there will always be next year.

Dirty

If I had to pick one word to sum of my day, it would be "dirty". I cleaned some more. Scrubbed the tub, vacuumed and mopped, scrubbed the ex-roommates bathroom, took out her trash. Went to get my friends couch and cabinet out of storage and when she opened the door... dirty! Someone had gotten in and there were dirty boxers (stained... so I totally disinfected and wiped that sucker down with Clorox wipes when I got it in MY apartment) and a spilled coffee. No idea how anyone got in there, but there's the evidence. Maintenance guy took me to lunch b/c he keeps bugging me and I've already managed to get out of the last time he wanted to take me out to dinner. It was awkward at the end when I used my friend to get out of driving back to the apartment with him. He did the European kiss and hugged me saying if I ever get lonely and want to go out call him. GROSS! I told him I really want to keep things professional. I even offered to pay for lunch to say thank you for him helping us get the furniture into the apartment. So hopefully he got the message. And I am so glad to have taken a shower to wash off all this dirt! Washing machine is still broken, the repair guy the landlord told me to call said he's too far to fix it and I need to call someone else. So, unable to wash all my dirty laundry. Thankfully VS is kind enough to supply me with free undies so I'm good for a month, but if I don't get this washer fixed (and now dryer as well... thanks ex-roommate!) I'm gonna have to just break down and lug stuff to the laundromat. It was a GORGEOUS day in Boston today, and with all the cleaning and running around I did today, I missed out. Hopefully tomorrow will be just a nice, because I will be going out tomorrow and having some fun...apartment isn't going anywhere!

B!tch

By the time I left for work at 8:30am the roommate's movers had nearly emptied the place. It was a slow day at work and I got off early. Hit up Kohls and came home to MY apartment. Then I was pissed. She did not clean the living room, her extra closet or her bedroom. There was cat litter all over the living room and cat hair clumps everywhere. She used my vacuum but clogged the tube and then just threw it in the closet without even bothering to wrap up the cord. She left the trash piled in the kitchen. Took the shower curtain rod. Used a bowl of mine for cereal and just put it in the cabinet without washing it or putting it in the dishwasher. Threw stuff down the garbage disposal without making sure everything was grounded up. Her cats hairball throw up is still sitting in the dining room. I emptied the fridge out and threw out all her stuff she neglected to take or throw out. So before going out tonight with for a friend's birthday across the river, I cleaned. I cleaned some more when I got home a little after 12:30am. And am now hopping into bed. The washer is still broken and the repair shop never called me back. Oh, and it looks like she broke the dryer too, the side looks like it's gonna fall off! I have so much to do that part of me doesn't want to sleep. But sleep I must. Knees are healing slowly, kept both open today and the right one is cracking and scabbing and I pray that I don't scar (or get an infection). An exciting day and yet until I get the keys back from her and the rest of her stuff she can't put in her new apartment goes away, the apartment still doesn't feel like mine!

Oh what a day!

So, today was an interesting day. Maintenance guy again honked at me while waiting for the bus this morning and gave me a ride to work (a whole other story). Then on my lunch break I ran errands in the city. I love Boston during the summer because companies always give out free stuff. Last year I remember getting free cold soda and energy drinks while walking along Boylston Street. Today I got some free Yoplait Parfait (photo of them handing them out). Used some coupons for some cereal and got a free gallon of milk for buying the cereal. Headed to Marshall's and found some awesome mirrors which I might buy to fit above the fireplace ($10). It was super hot and muggy and wasn't a good idea to wear pants today to cover up the knees. In fact, they hurt really bad today, so tomorrow I'm just gonna have to show my wounds and wear a skirt. It poured this afternoon with thunder and an awesome lightening storm. It was like white out from all the moisture and got dark too during the passing storm. Thankfully I worked some over time to make up my hours from coming in late b/c of the doctors appointment. So by the time I got off work, it was cooler and the rain had stopped. Then, I got home and changed and went to Target with my friend Megan. We then had a couple beers the neighborhood Tavern across the street from me. So yes, I am typing this while slightly drunk. I didn't have much to eat today and skipped dinner so I drank on an empty stomach which is not a good thing especially since I'm a light weight as it is. But it was super fun. Had a great night. This time tomorrow I will be roommate free. Life is good!

Don't Walk and Text

What a day. Another doctor's appointment, x-rays and new drugs. Went outside for lunch to listen to the band playing in the Quad. Then, as I was walking and checking my email on my smart phone, I didn't see a step (like a curb) and totally ate it. I'm so lucky I didn't break my knees or ankle. I ended up scraping my knees, my left palm, my water bottle and phone which were in my right hand, saving my right palm from any scrapes. Let me be the example kids... do not walk and text at the same time! The knees are still bleeding, and I have already changed them once. I need to ice them b/c Lord knows they are going to be sore as hell over the next few days. I did go walking for 4 miles today and the knees didn't bother me, but now I won't be able to do yoga for a long while (which I am upset about). So needless to say, I'm a mess. Oh, then, walking up the metal stairs to my apartment, I nearly fell climbing up! I don't know what the hell is going on, but I seriously need a break. I want to hop and plane and relax on a beach with my toes in the water, ass in the sand and a nice cold piña colada in my hand!

Green Monstah

Red Sox game! Tonight I actually though of San Diego. The 3 years with an ex who L-O-V-E LOVED baseball. The summers going to PetCo (or Jack Murphy Stadium before it became the "Q"). I miss being around guys who LOVE sports and can talk sports. I miss being able to impress people with my baseball knowledge. And, I had another "why is there even a 2nd baseman if there are two short stops? :P (Short story for those who did not know me back in the Cali days or don't know enough about sports). My 3rd Red Sox game evah and my first time sitting somewhere besides the outfield bleachers. Before the game (which I walked to from work...go me! getting my 2 miles of walking a day in) me and one of my friends met up for dinner. We ate at a place I've only been in for drinks and it was an Irish pub, which had yummy fries and the bread for my grilled cheese was like a soda bread...I could have just had the bread it was so good! Fenway, being so old, has obstructed views. Like this stupid pole that was blocking my view of 2nd base (there's no such thing as a second baseman anyway, right? lol). The seats are like bleacher seats, or folding metal chairs. I should have taken a photo b.c it's hard to explain. I did bring in my own water and Cracker Jacks to save myself like $8, and really missed going to see the Padres play... tonight brought back a lot of baseball memories. Oh, and seat 1 (which I had) was all the way in against a wall, so the only way to get out was to cross 18 people (thankfully I went to the restroom before going to the game so I didn't have to get up except when we left). Which by the way, we left early (I'm tired and have a bright and early doctors appointment tomorrow), not too early though, the middle of the 8th with the Sox beating the Indians, but missed a fight :( So now I'll have to read about it tomorrow when I get to work. It was warm out tonight, not liking the humidity...where is the Fall like weather?

Bowling!

So today I went bowling and one of my friends who plays on our team joined me. We got to play on the second level because the third level was closed for a private party. It was fun bowling and catching up since it's been a few months since we've seen each other. We miss the gang and I can't wait for the league to start up again. We both bowled pretty good our first game; neither one of us have played for a couple months. She was on her A game tonight, and I was happy with bowling above 100 both times. I'm glad she joined me because the place was dead so I would not have been able to mingle with others like I planned if I were going alone. Maybe because there was a Sox game, I dunno. Afterwards I walked 2 miles to Coolidge Corner then hopped the T the rest of the way b/c my eyes started itching like crazy and watering to the point they hurt to keep them open. I don't care what they say, there is something in the air that is making me sick!

Another Lazy/Relaxing Sunday

A few miles walk with the dog. Chillin out on the back patio deck overlooking the forest. Ice cream from the ice cream stand. That's it as I enjoyed my last day in Groton before heading back to the apartment. I'm dreading going back b/c I don't want to deal with the bitch and have no idea what I am going to walk into.

Just got back and she has shit everywhere, we could barely make it to my room to stash all my purchases. Will have to post photos of before and after, but after she moves. Now I'm looking for something fun to do since it's too early to go to bed.