No Rain

Today I was prepared for the rain the weatherman said we would wake up to and when I got up and it hasn't rained yet; I was prepared for the rain the weather girl said we would have this afternoon when I watched the weather while getting ready for work. So I took my raincoat, my rain boots and my umbrella to work today, and naturally, there was no rain. I kept checking the weather on weather.com today, the rain that was supposed to be here kept being delayed. So after work, I had to lug all my rain gear on two Ts and a bus, while I went shopping at Kohls (needed to get a CorningWare set and a work outfit). I let one T go by before I got on one, it was jammed packed on the Orange Line, but I didn't mind waiting. I have been working on being patient when it comes to public transportation in this city. My trip was a success, and still no rain (but crazy wind... it was hard to stand at times with strong gusts). It's also still in the 80s, really yucky... I am looking forward to the rain we are supposed to get because after it arrives, a cool down begins...and I cannot wait for the 50 degree weather to return. With that, I leave you a photo of the Orange Line T on my way home, much better than earlier when the entire car was jammed pack with people everywhere.

Boston

This is the view of Boston, probably the best view of Boston I've seen since moving here. Today I visited a colleague in the same building my gym is located (a Harvard Medical School building) and took this picture from the top floor. This is probably my favorite view because I can see the Pru, the State House, Fenway Park and the Citgo sign, the silly bridge, the Bunker Hill monument in Charlestown and part of the Emerald Necklace (the Fens). If I waited a few weeks, we would also have a wonderful photo of the fall leaves. Some leaves are changing and the smell of wet fallen leaves filled the air on my way to work this morning. Boston is so pretty and I would love to have an office view of this (or even an apartment with a view like this!). Glad I took this photo today; we had a break from the rain so it was really clear. San Diego may have the beautiful beaches, but I love Boston's landscape and this is how I know it was meant to be. I truly am in love with this city that I now call home.

Let's go to the Movies

A rainy day in Boston. Temps in the 70's... humid. Perfect day to go to the movies. I love going to the movies on Tuesdays. As a frequent viewer, I get $1 popcorn every Tuesday. It used to be free, but they keep increasing the size of the popcorn bag, so now I pay a buck. Do you remember when a large was the size of the current small? I do, and yet, years ago I would order the kid's size and be content, only to find myself nearly finishing off a small all by myself now (which used to be a large back in the day). I also bring my own soda. Yup, I brought in a can of Coke Zero to drink with my theater bought popcorn, along with my water bottle. Oh, and I usually spend $7 on the ticket instead of the $11.50 they charge for tickets now a days, and because I'm a frequent movie go-er and earn points, tonight's movie was free. (I really know how to live on the cheap, maybe I'll fill you in on some tips in a future blog.)

Anyway, me and my friend Suzanna (who makes a great movie date) saw "The Town". I must say, I dunno what movies my friends are watching, but there weren't any jumpy parts in this one (at least not for me, maybe b/c I love action movies and am used to blood and guys getting shot up??). It's funny because now that I live in Boston, I love watching movies that were/are filmed here. It's cool knowing exactly where the scenes take place, and yet I never see anyone filming things when I'm walking around town and have yet to run into a celebrity (I did run into Tiger Woods, literally ran into him, a few years ago, but that was in NYC, so it doesn't count). I liked the movie, but if I were to buy it, I think it would be just b/c it takes place in Boston, and not because it's a terrific movie (I didn't think it was). I also wonder what the rest of the US thinks of this movie b/c I know some of the lines we in Boston totally get because we live here, but the rest of the world doesn't have a clue (or do they? not like California's know Southie and Dorchester could be compared to some ghetto neighborhoods in L.A.). Another thing I was think, the characters could be anyone from Boston. I swear, I've ran into guys just like the ones in the movie. The look, the talk, the tats...those are not the Boston boys I dreamt about meeting when I moved here (just for the record). So friends and family from outside New England, if you see "The Town", I am curious to hear your reaction and thoughts.

Me and Dexter

Sometimes I have a hard time falling asleep b/c I am afraid of what could happen while I am sleeping. I don't get nightmares, but it's probably all the crime dramas I watch, murder mysteries I read and news stories that make me fear bad things. Now clearly, watching my latest addiction "Dexter" is not helping any... Ugh, what a day. I had a hard time falling asleep last night, then made myself get up early so I could do yoga before work. I get to the bus stop and realize I forgot my cell phone. I debate if it's worth risking missing the bus to grab. I decide to go for it. The bus never showed, same people waiting at the bus stop when I return. Check my phone for the bus location, it is 5 minutes away... now 20 minutes late. Of course, it's rainy and when the bus gets to my stop, its full so not everyone can get on it, bus driver say "there's another one behind me by 7 minutes". I'm like "bullshit" to myself of course and decide to screw the bus and take the T. Well, then Plan B screwed me. Walked to where there is usually more than 4 different buses including the LMA shuttles, and nope, had to wait for buses then too, so if I had waited the 7 minutes for the next bus I still would have been late, but not as late as I ended up. Then today I had to let the 9 hour first date guy know that I couldn't do dinner with him b/c I wasn't interested. I said yes to dinner on our second date without thinking and then had to communicate via text, despite wanting to go to dinner at The Abbey. But, I couldn't let a nice guy pay for the mattress boy's faults. So tonight, was just me and Dexter. I'm now done with the first season and can go to bed at normal hours until I get Season 2.

Football- the Girls Way

Sunday football, Pats vs. the Bills. My BBFF had a few of us over for a savory dinner during the football game. Roast w/ gravy, veggies, turnip, stuffing, green bean casserole (made by yours truly), wine and apple tart with ice cream. Of course, I fixed some tofu and it was a really fun evening. Kind of felt like Thanksgiving, with savory food cooking while football was playing. The weather was strikingly different from yesterday, definitely felt like a Fall evening. The Pats won, but the Bills didn't make it easy. It was great company, conversation and food. Hoping we do more things like this this Fall/Winter; definitely cheaper and better than going out for dinner and drinks.

Fluff Festival

Today was Fluff Fest, you know that yummy marshmallow Fluff that you make Fluffernutters with? It was a hot Indian Summer day, sweaty and unpleasant. We were excited about the festival, but were utterly disappointed once we got there. We tried some Fluff smore's, Fluff with peanut butter and Nutella on a cracker and I bought a pumpkin whoopie pie and a whoopie pie with peanut butter and Fluff. Restaurants close to the Fluff Fest block had specials, like this drink I had at a pub where I had this Smortini, very sweet, very strong. This fest was geared more towards little kids I think, but glad I was able to add this to my list of "Boston Firsts". Today was also the first time I have ever spent so much time in Somerville, and the first thing I noticed was there are dogs everywhere. I can't believe how many dogs I've passed in a couple block radius. This neighborhood must be really dog friendly, quite different from where I live.

LBD

Tonight was one of my friends birthday party. It's one of many birthday I'm celebrating over the next few weeks. It took place at Marliave, a place where I went with my old coworkers a year ago, and had some memories I would love to forget (black outs, breaking down into tears, coworker leaving a pretty true, but brutal message on the boyfriend at the time's voice mail, etc.). However, tonight I made better memories. All dressed up in my LBD and red heels (thank goodness it feels like summer tonight) and a spray of my perfume I bought in Paris. Yes, feeling super uncomfortable wearing something so revealing and sans undergarments, but a girls got to do what a girls got to do. We had the upstairs bar, and I stuck to water, so no drunken mishaps on the ride home this time. It was a fabulous time seeing everyone all dressed up, some people I had to do double takes with because I didn't recognize them at first. Here I am. posing with my BBFF (who requested that she not be put in my blog so had to crop her out) and another close girlfriend/teammate of mine who didn't mind starring in my blog.

Dreams

Granted, this is Ireland and not Africa, but lets pretend.
My family are African Royals. My parents are the King and Queen, my sisters and I are princesses. I have my two friends from Boston visiting me in our African Country. The country is in turmoil, there is a coup d'etat, we and many citizens of the country must flee the land... by boat. The timing of this sucks b/c my best friends are visiting me and I wanted to show them the palace and land, so instead of getting on the first boat to leave with the rest of the Royal family, my friends and I take our time. I'm the princess, of course I'm going to be safe and catch one of the several other boats leaving. Soon to find out, that is not the case. I'm stuck. We are running. We make it back to the palace which by then has been ransacked and my room is a mess. I try my cell phone to get a hold of my father (the King), but I can't reach him. I notice that my laptop cord had been sliced so I can't charge it (this I remember I'm quite upset about). I have no idea what to do or how we are going to escape the guerrillas as I called them. I'm starting to freak, b/c I'm responsible for my friends safety! One friend says, we can catch a plan to Europe, but we have to go through Chicago. (Which makes no sense to me). I try my father again to no avail. We must have decided that we were going to hop a plane b/c right before I woke up, we were pulling up behind my parents at my real-life parent's home in California. PRESENT DAY: While dreaming of regime change and guerrilla warfare, my lil sis back home (who is a gimp thanks to foot surgery a few weeks ago) was home alone (both parents working). Her car alarm went off. Kept going off. Noticed the sensor lights in the front and side of the house were on. Saw a figure outside, panicked and called my dad. He called the O'side PD, who sent 2 squad cars and 4 patrolmen out. A break-in attempt was made, evidence was clear with a broken screen door and disturbed exterior.

There's only one other time I've dreamt something bad and woke up feeling strange...it was September 11, 2001. Today was the second time I have had something like this happen (I'm not really counting the whole premonition, dreaming about the ex and then having him contact me or run into that day). Makes me really think and continue to pray for my family and friends, since I'm so far away from everyone these days...and a reminder of my own safety. How it might be smart to securing all my windows now.

Harvest Moon

Felt like a warm summer day today. And after having 5 nights in a row of getting home after 9pm, a much needed night off. Cooked some food before heading up to the Reservoir for a 4+ mile walk with a neighbor. Since it was still in the mid 80s when I got off work, we waited until 6:15 to go walking in hopes that it would cool down a bit. It didn't. So I sported a t-shirt and shorts. Of course, I got bit by a few bugs on one leg, I should have used my Off wipes that I have which I bought and have never used. I'll know better for next time. We got to see the sunset and then the bright orange moon (the Harvest Moon as I learned today). There were a lot of people out walking today, even though it was getting dark fast. We felt safe enough since us two girls were walking together and there were still a lot of people walking and jogging with us. We left at 7:30, after 2 laps and an hour walking time, and it was dark. Made me think that after the time change, there's no way I'll be able to walk alone after work and I don't know if my neighbor will want to either since it will be dark before I get home. I can't wait to go walking again (even if I can only squeeze it in on the weekends). The leaves are starting to change and I so want to try capturing the stages of them turning.

What is Fall?

In honor of the first day of fall tomorrow, I'm gonna tell ya'll why I love Fall

The changing of the leaves. The crisp in the air. The urge to bake apple pies from scratch. Soaking in a tub filled with bubbles as opposed to quick showers. Pumpkins. Grilled cheese sandwiches with soup. Apple cider. Sweaters. Cozying up with a blanket and good book or movie. Spending time in the kitchen baking or cooking up comfort food that warms the body inside and out. Getting together with family and friends. New seasons of my favorite TV shows. Halloween parties. Pumpkin ales and Sam Adam's Oktoberfest beer. Scarves. Corn. Apple picking. Holiday shopping. Longer nights. Giving Thanks. Walking around the city without dripping in sweat. Football games. Lower electric bills. Feeling calm. Candy. Baked apples. The colors. Good travel deals. Sleeping hard. Opening act for Old Man Winter.

So, yes, I will be welcoming Autumn tomorrow...in a skirt. After all this is New England, and it's supposed to feel like summer with temps in the 80s.

Sailing

Well, I can cross another thing off my "Boston Must Do" list! Left work early to go sailing with a friend. I've never been on a sailboat and was looking forward to it, despite my little fear of falling into the water. I honestly don't know where that fear came from, but it exists... probably didn't realize I had one until a couple years back b/c I've never grew up on boats or other water crafts. It wasn't too comforting when our instructor started off by informing us she hadn't sailed in 5 days, and that it took her like 20 minutes from the time we got in the boat to get everything ready and the sails up. We got going and I steered a little bit, before going back to my post at the right side of the boat (starboard side) assisting with the jib. It was super windy out and the wind changes so often in the Harbor that we ended up reefing (which is what took our captain forever in setting up the boat). There were time where it felt like I could kiss the water, and yes, I freaked out, but I made it. I don't think I'll need to sail again. My face hurts from the combination of the wind and salty water that sprayed in our faces. I think from now on I'll stick to the larger boats where I can sip cocktails while relaxing. I'm definitely an earth girl (Taurus), and not a water baby.

[hope I used the correct terms, there was a lot of information being taught]

Brunch, Flatts, Traffic

Today I was summoned to brunch by my BBFF so I could fill her and another girlfriend in on last night. So far we are girls 0 brunch 2. Aquitane in Chestnut Hill. We didn't have reservations and they treated us like crap. We weren't seated until after 12, 15 minutes after we arrived, so we couldn't order from the special menu. Then it took 45 minutes from the time we were seated til the time we got our drinks. The Belgium waffle was good, but not the best brunch experience. Then off to see Chris Young, Kellie Pickler, and Rascal Flatts. Loved the concert. The arena reminded me of a theme park in a way...woods, a little dining area for VIP folks, than a concert venue. Cowboy hats, cowboy boots, beer and a southern twang. I like Rascal Flatts b/c of their twang/gospel style singing. They put on a good show, that's for sure. Traffic in the parking lot sucked getting out. We waited nearly an hour without moving, then finally decided to follow some cars along a barricade, and got out in less than 5 minutes. But while we waited there were guys sitting on the tailgate of their pick-up trucks listening to more Rascal Flatts songs, this girl dancing in the middle of the cars in our section of the lot, doing cheer leading, stripper, choreographed dance moves to nothing in particular. Anyway, short weekend, just got in and am exhausted, tomorrow is going to be one heck of a Monday to get through...6 hours of sleep if I'm lucky, I'm going to be bitchy...guarantee it.

Impressed

So, it take a lot to impress me. And I told you that this would not turn into a dating blog, but when I spend more than half my waking hours on a first date, there really isn't anything else to write about. Started with coffee and pool and continued on with 2 games of bowling. Then on to what would have been the second date (dinner) at a Thai place on Boylston, followed by a stroll through the Common/Public Gardens (where this photo was snapped of the State house), where we continued on to Faneuil Hall, the waterfront, back through downtown crossing and up Boylston. Where, on our way back to Boylston, I had what would have been a Marilyn Monroe moment had I been wearing a dress tonight. Didn't realize there were subway vents on the sidewalk pushing air up, which lifted my shirt (ever so slightly), jacket and hair when we walked on it. That would have been quite a story to tell had I wore a dress, which was still funny as it was. Then we went on what would have been the third date (which would be grabbing a drink) at Kings where we also played a round of air hockey, where I graciously got shutout. Then walked all the way home, where he walked me to the door. No guy has walked me to my door ever! He also paid for everything but bowling (which I told him I would get), opened doors for me, handed me my coffee. I was so very impressed that there are good guys still out there. Of course I admitted to my addictions such as coffee and Facebook (which I went a whole 9 hours without checking or posting!!), and my love for John Mayer. So, basically our first date was like an overachiever's date night, covering dates 1 through 3 all in one gorgeous night. Oh and here's a kicker which I also learned tonight...Tom Brady just bought a place in the neighborhood!! Haha, I moved to Boston bc of him and then he moves to my town! How awesome is this?! :) And there's an Ikea going up where the Christmas Tree Shop is, holy cow!!...this was another good day!

It's Friday Night

I don't have a photo today, so here's an oldie. There's only so many photos of rainy days and buses I can take before getting bored. Today was the first day I felt crazy busy at work since last semester. Friday's are the busiest days for me. I caught up with my sister today, after I bought my flight tickets for going home over the holidays. I'm finally going to Vegas!! While we are both home, we plan on driving to Vegas like the good ol' days and laughing our asses off at my expense. Cannot wait! But, back to today. Another cloudy/rainy Fall day. I manged to strike up a conversation with the cute bus driver that took me to the gym tonight so I could take Zumba. I love dancing. Not only do I love this instructor, but I love how I look in my gym clothes, how I feel dancing with others around me all focusing on themselves, I love how it makes me feel during and after, I love how I can shake my hips without being laughed at (by my sisters), I love how it makes me smile and not want to stop. I could feel all my stress/depression/blues just melt away the minute the instructor put the music on. This is me. This is what I loved doing. This is something I must continue to do. And then, have the same cute bus driver pick me up to take me home. Nice! Oh, yeah, and I confirmed a coffee and pool date with a guy in the neighborhood. All he said was "hi" and he got me at "I also think that Roger Moore was a better Bond then George Lazenby but thats besides the point." He's the only other person I know who knows there are 6 actors who have played Bond! People think I am crazy when I mention that one guy who played Bond in just one movie. Of course, he may also be saying that Roger Moore sucks (but, that's fine, it could be a conversation starter). Now Ms. Traveler does not date. This blog is not going to turn into date stories, so this will probably not get written up tomorrow, unless I make an ass of myself or something and feel the need to write it up so my friends can laugh with me. Stay tuned...

Tonight

I don't really know where to begin, other than, today I went somewhere in Boston that I had never been before...the Christian Science reflecting pool, where I met two of my friends before heading out to Arlington for a special game night. I've walked past this area of Boston on numerous occasions, but never took the time to walk past the pool and fountains. Tonight I remembered how much I like being friends with guys. Tonight I realized I can be kind of bitchy (stubborn is probably more like it and wanting it my way, but whatever). Tonight I demolished a container of dip with another friend. Tonight I was right more times than wrong (I love arguing with guys...and then them admitting they were wrong and I was right). I learned that I'm no match when people kid, when I'm tired. I turn red sometimes when I have no reason to...no, I don't own any Kama Sutra cards (but that doesn't mean I wouldn't). You can try to google the question "Who is whiter than the Irish" but won't get an answer... so I guess right now, no one is whiter than me and we will never know where the fairest skinned people come from, so at least in my group of friends, the Irish are the whitest (which clearly I am). Tonight a friend nearly said goodbye to another friend by ending it with "ba"... then admitting that he almost said "babe" instead of not putting it out in the universe. Tonight, I was in a car and we cut off a school bus and NO ONE honked at us when we turned on a yield when there were cars going straight. Tonight I played a new game that mimics the stock exchange (Pit)...it was super fun. Tonight I showed that I hate losing. Tonight has turned into morning and should really go to bed.

Reservoir

I had no idea such a beautiful places existed less than 10 minutes from my apartment! Me and a neighbor went up to Reservoir at the end of the C line and walked a little over 5 miles during my favorite time of day. It was so peaceful and beautiful; I can't believe I've lived here for over a year and just now learned of this place! I would have totally made walking around this 2.25 mile reservoir part of my daily routine had I known it was so close! It reminded me of the walks I did with my BFF in Cali (minus the kids and dogs though). This is another thing I've forgotten about myself. I enjoy walking outside, being in nature and just letting my stresses melt away. Not to mention a good hour long walk with a friend to catch up with. It is also closed to BC (Boston College) and I was suddenly hit with a memory from high school, traveling in the marching band to football games. I was reminded I missed out on College Football b/c my university didn't have sports, and now I want to go to a football game! Looks like I might have to try convincing some of my friends to go with me to a Harvard football game or something (I know I get free tickets for a game coming up). Another experience I need to have now seeing as though I'm living like a 2nd year college student (minus the classes and homework). Oh so much to do, today was a good day :)

Eyes Rolling

Anyone who knows me, knows how good I am at my favorite form of expression... the rolling of the eyes. I sometimes do it subconsciously, and have been called out on it a few times with me not purposely doing it. Sometimes I do for an effect. I usually roll my eyes at comments or when certain people walk into the room. Sometimes I do it out of annoyance, sometimes because it's my way of non-verbally saying "oh brother" when talking with friends. I rolled my eyes a lot today and as usual, it was towards the fellas.

Like the one who wrote me on OkCupid telling me I'm bad at math and not adventurous in bed (coming from someone who has not met me, nor will meet me after that comment). Or the needy guys who must have all the attention and talk about himself all the time and how great he is, blah blah blah... makes you feel sorry for them when you realize just how low their self-esteem...but that person can just walk into the door and I probably do an eye roll (but I'm nice to him and make him feel he is important and go along with telling him how great he is). I guess to sum it up, if you're a guy, then I'm sure at some point or another you have witnessed my eyes rolling at you.

So besides the eye rolling, I also freaked out b/c my ex from CA sent me an email today asking what I sent him and looked and saw that my hotmail email was hacked and Viagra and Canadian pharmacy links were sent to everyone in my address book and getting me all worried that someone is out to get me and going to break into my apartment and kill me an no one will know until it's too late...(I really need to stop watching and reading all these crime shows and books that take place in Boston). HOWEVER, thanks to voices of reason and computer IT guys (oh, how I miss working with a bunch of IT/Computer guys) I feel better falling asleep tonight and knowing that changing my password to something not found in the dictionary will help keep stupid hackers out.

Real-Time

Today I read that Boston's buses finally got those GPS trackers for real-time bus tracking. So today I downloaded an app for that! It's not the greatest app. I have to keep refreshing the route I take to and from work and so it's not as cool as the LMA shuttles which actually track better, without having to refresh, but it's a start! Now, if I miss the bus in the morning, I can see where the next bus is and decide if I want to wait or hope the T and take an alternate route, same with going home from the gym or work. This will be nice in the wintertime, so I don't have to stand outside in bad weather as long, can just check to see where the bus is and decide when to leave the apartment or office. So, we will see how it goes. I tried to see when this bus would come after the gym today and it took forever to load. But then, this particular time's bus driver is the crazy Talladega driver who goes super fast and always honks the horn, lol. So maybe it just couldn't keep up with her speed racing down Brookline Ave. Oh, the joys of riding the bus 15 minutes to get to and from work.

Church, Fundraiser Walk, Parade and Football

What a day! It's Fall, it's in the 60s, kind of gray out and it's football season. Walked to church today before heading up to the end of my T line to meet one of my girlfriends to watch the Pats game. Only, that is when my adventure began. First there was a Jimmy Fund cancer walk, and my friend was having a hard time making it from Brighton to Brookline. I had never taken the line to the end or walked up some of these streets to get to Brighton where Plan B was to meet a Brighton Beer Garden. In Brighton there was a parade so tons of streets were blocked off, making it impossible for her to get anywhere. So by the time she dropped her car off at home after being in it forever and walked, I was able to walk and meet her at the said location, only to find that there were no tables left. So we walked to Allston and caught the B line (slowest line on the Green Line!!) Where it took us forever to get to Kenmore (near Fenway Park) and tried Game On, but that was too crowded, so we settled in during the end of the 2nd quarter to Boston Beer works, where we ordered drinks and food and watched the rest of the game. My head hurts, my feet hurt and I am ready for bed. I loved the Watermelon Ale I had, it came with a nice large chunk of watermelon, which tasted good after sitting in the beer. The Pats won, but to be honest, I was too distracted by the Bengal's hideous uniforms to pay attention to the Pats today. Now, I'm in my PJ's and might take a nap or put on a movie. And somehow, my internet is back in full bars in my room, so I can get internet in the living room and bedroom, so maybe I'll watch some more TV shows. I love lazy Fall days.

Boring

No photo today. I slept in, did some cleaning and organizing, printed photos to send to my sister. I then, resisted the temptation to contact the ex, which was so hard, even though I know I shouldn’t and he has changed (heck I’ve changed too). Stupid senses reminding me of this time last year. I’m beginning to hate being alone. The whole no one to talk to or hang out with while I am home, missing getting dressed up to go out on the town and feel no pressure b/c I was with someone. I spoke like 12 words today to a person face-to-face and that was only to say that I had a groupon to bowl 2 games. Which I did, bowled 2 games in less than 30 minutes, where I then came back home, ate dinner, watched a few episodes of NCIS, Rizzoli & Isles and Psych. So, there really isn’t anything to take a photo of today.

Wine Club

Wine Club is back and this time around we were a little more aware of the amount of wine we poured. We had 14 bottles of wine, some yummy food and it was probably the most relaxed, quiet Wine Club we have had to date. I decided to have a large dish of pasta before going over to BBFF (who was hosting tonight’s Wine Club), which I am hoping helps so I am not out of commission tomorrow. I have another chill weekend, which I am digging. I will read, catch up on a TV show or two and maybe even get back into working on my scrapbooks from my 2008 travels. I was sober enough to find it hilarious at all the young drunks catching the T. It’s so funny who I’m starting to feel old (even though I’m still in my 20s) and yet I still feel like I haven’t quiet lived enough. Back to the wine, I still haven’t found any new wines that I like, so not sure how well this whole Wine Club is working, however, I do enjoy the company and great laughs. It’s a large, tight knit group we have, where we all feel like family. Praying that I don’t feel hung over or get sick from all the wine, even though I truly had tasting pours vs. the drinking pours others had.

Baklava

Turkish dinner w/ one of my friends in Brookline Village tonight. Stop 3 on my "Tour of Brookline Restaurants". I had a really good time. He is sometimes a vegetarian so we always get something I can eat to share and then order something else for us to eat individually. He got whatever our waitress said was the best dish (looked like goulash but the meat was in these little noodles, so sort of like a ravioli). I got stuffed baby eggplant, which was really good and filling. Two and a half hours later after great conversation, Turkish Kola and more food than we could eat... we had to get our desserts to go b/c there was no way I was leaving without getting baklava and there was no way I could eat any more. I might have one triangle before I jump into bed, but the rest will have to wait until tomorrow. Topics over dinner ranged from work to Broadway shows, from Sanford and Son to YouTube, from hooking up with someone they met on LinkedIn to an okcupid blog which broke down most commonly used words in profiles by gender, race, religion, etc. I learned that Jersey Boys is a musical I must see, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons I grew up listening to, so I'm kind of excited to see when that show is in town. It was a good time. I'm so stuffed! Now I need to do some research for the next Brookline dinner for October.

I'm Gellin'

Exhausted. Slept ok after a late night. Woke up not from my alarm clock, but mother nature's clapping of thunder and flashes of lightning. Followed by 5 different sirens within a 10 minute period. Half inspired by last nights performance, I wore my new red heels to work. I love the gel insoles I bought for them, they make walking in heels so much more comfortable. Back on the health kick, I hit the gym at lunch, taking a weight class. I'm taking tomorrow off, because I'm so sore from 3 days of power yoga, spin class, climbing tons of stairs and weight class. When I put my mind to it, I just jump right into things...no easing into things for me, it's all or nothin'. I also helped my BBFF rearrange her living room tonight. Small spaces make it tough to work my magic, but we did rearrange the place slightly, so its more welcoming and open. Now I'm home and gonna rest my tootsies; I'm beat!

Popular! You're gonna be pop-u-lar!

I must say, after seeing "Wicked", I must go and watch "The Wizard of Oz". What an amazing show! I think it's my favorite show I've seen and would totally see it again. Before the show, while waiting for another friend to join us, my coworker and I had a blast people watching. The demographics were interesting. The males are there because of their wives or kids or because their girlfriends dragged them. You could tell which ones were dragged because they were the ones who were checking out all the ladies as they walked by. (Which there were tons more females than males in this group.) Then you had the pregnant ones, and then the girls who got all dressed up wearing heels they could barely walk in. You had the young couple, not too far into their relationship, where you know the girl bought that new date dress just to wear for this night. Oh, and we mustn't forget the red shirt guy whose flip flops were too small for him, who came walking up the side walk, walking like he was the shit and knew it... he wasn't going to the show, but part of the fun was just observing the sea of people before the show. I highly recommend "Wicked". I can't say much about it without blowing it, but it was amazing. I even turned my phone off and didn't turn it back on until I was walking out of the theater. Can you believe it? I went 3 whole hours without my phone, without posting on Facebook, without chatting through gchat! Some people around me who heard me say this cracked up. But it's so true!! I'm so happy I live in Boston. I could not see as many shows in SD as I have seen here; the traffic alone and the travel time to see shows back home (especially if they didn't come to San Diego and had to go to L.A.) kept me from seeing many of the shows I wanted to see. I'm glad I'm able to see so many Broadway shows here in Boston, it reminds me of growing up watching numerous stage productions. It's part of me that I have missed. Next up "Mary Poppins". Oh, I can't wait!

Labor Day

I'm trying to remember what I did this time last year and I think I was settling in to my apartment over Labor Day weekend, which fell a little earlier last year. This weekend has moved so slowly, it is amazing how much time one has when not running around to various events. I finished an entire book and the last half of another, and started another book today! Today I made sourdough Belgian waffles and mimosas for breakfast. A half bottle of champagne for breakfast started the holiday off right. I didn't have much to do so I hit up my favorite store for an exchange and some little items and that was it! I didn't do the whole shop til I drop thing and came home to cook and bake some goodies for this week. I watched "The Back-Up Plan" thanks to 1st Monday of the month Redbox freebie, and really liked it. I've done yoga 2 days in a row now and it's kicking my butt, but I'm gonna stick to it. My favorite time of year is approaching and I have some dresses I want to get into :) Looking forward to the first day back to school. No more casual dress and flip flops, but I'm actually looking forward to dressing up in my new heels and maybe having some cute boys do double takes when I walk by ;) Fresh school year = fresh start and I am welcoming it with open arms. 2010-2011 is going to be a great year :)

Reflections

To everything (turn, turn, turn)/ There is a season (turn, turn, turn). The sun was warm, but the air had the autumn crisp to it. It's September. School is back in session. Starbucks has their Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Oktoberfest and Pumpkin beers are coming out. The leaves are starting to turn, turn, turn. It's no longer Summer. Today I bought some donuts at DD and a coffee at Starbucks and planted myself in front of my friends TV and got hooked on "Dexter" and "The Tudors". Thank goodness I don't have TV, cuz I might just never leave my apartment again! It is nice having down days, with nothing planned. The perfect time to reflect...

I came to Boston hoping to land me a fine New Englander with the accent, however, now I'm beginning to think that the boys who possess that particular accent are the uneducated, alcoholic, smoking, and rude males I want nothing to do with. So, I am retracting that part of my "why I moved to Boston" statement. :)

The T has some interesting characters, like this black lady last night on the T who was probably in her 30s. She sat down next to me and had a backpack on and every time she moved, she would hit me with it bc it was still on her back. She didn't even seem to care or notice that she kept whacking me with it. She was carrying a doll, like the kind a 3 year old can't depart from without throwing a fit. She then started talking gibberish to these guys who looked like they just came from a Red Sox game. As she exited the T, she kept tapping one of the guys on the back who reacted by said "please don't touch me". She probably has some mental disorder, like many of the Boston interesting T characters, but it's still entertaining.

Dear want-to-be Vegas Lounge singer that rotates from T station to T station. You may earn some money as it is now, but you'd probably make more if you didn't seem to shout into the microphone making it nearly impossible to make out the Motown songs you're trying to sing while having the soundtrack blast from the stereo speakers as loud as you do. Just sayin'

Cambridge reminds me of the last time of NYC... once I got there, I couldn't wait to leave! Too much going on and I fell claustrophobic every time I'm in Harvard Square.

A pretty girl walking into an empty Dunkin Donuts shop where a lonely male worker sits behind the counter, will get a dozen donuts discounted (as I did today).

In California, there is a Starbucks on every corner. In Boston, not only is there a Dunkin Donuts on every corner, there are also bars in every other business space.

New Englander's hunker down come wintertime. Me, I become alive wanting to go out and have fun, while they all want to hibernate.

All these negative feelings from this time last year are creeping up in my body, all I can do is smile and try holding it together. I have the means and motive to make better memories for this year!

I still can't believe that I am living on my own, thousands of miles away from where I grew up, away from my family and friends. Every day feels like a dream, a dream I don't want to want to end.

Relaxing

Today was one of the most relaxing days I've had in a long while. Started off sleeping in before getting ready for my massage in Cambridge. After the massage I went over to my BBFF's place to take care of her dog and chilled in her apartment where I watched some TV and kept the dog company. I then came back to my apartment and curled up on the couch to read book one of my new favorite book series "Rizzoli and Isles", which has been turned into a TV show on TNT named "Rizzoli and Isles" and is about Boston Homicide division and takes place in the city. Though, reading the books kind of freaks me out b/c it talks about murders taking place in Boston (fictional perhaps, but we all know things like what is written actually do happen in real life). I had forgotten what it's like to sit on a couch, with peace and quiet and just get lost in a book. I see myself doing quite a lot of this as the weather gets colder :) I also met up with a friend today and caught up, having dinner in Allston. Not the nicest part of Boston (but certainly not the worst either). This photo I was trying to show how different that area is compared to my neck of the woods, but at the twilight hour, it's kind of hard to see much. We had Thai food at Brown Sugar, which was really nice on the inside. The food was ok, but then again with most Asian dishes, I'm pretty limited to what I can eat and it's not always exciting. I spent the rest of the evening talking for an hour with my BFF in Cali since it had been a week since we really had a chance to catch up with everything going on with my mom visiting and the time difference. I also watched Tudors thanks to Netflix on Wii and completed my dog sitting duties for the night. That day went by slowly, which was nice. I didn't have to be anywhere at any given time except for my much needed massage. I look forward to more weekends where I have no plans and take time to relax.

Day Off

Well, ok... I did go into work today and did about an hours worth of work, but it was pretty much a day off. My last day to wear shorts, t-shirt and flip flops because school starts back up next week so it's back to business. My coworker and I headed to the Savant Project for lunch and learned that the server who is always there is from Cali. He was great so I tipped well. They just put in a new draft, a pumpkin beer. Yum! It was light and refreshing and I am so happy that the Fall beers are coming out! We were lucky that it didn't rain until after we left since we were sitting out on their patio. It has been raining off and on for a bit thanks to Earl. After leaving the cool AC office building (basically after lunch time) I sweated my ass off organizing all my files and records in my file box at home. Of course, I've been wanting to make some crunchy granola so I turned the oven on to do so. Of course, I had my AC blowing and the kitchen fan on, so it wasn't so bad in the kitchen, but unfortunately I think I burnt the granola just a bit. Oh well, I'll still eat it, it tastes amazing right out of the freezer with blueberries with milk. Of course it could be also that I substituted wheat bran for the oat bran the recipe called for, so maybe it's supposed to taste the way it does and looks darker than last time I made it b/c oat and wheat bran are slightly different colors?? Oh well. Now I don't know what to do with myself. I might go to the gym and take a Zumba class in an hour since I told myself that this month I need to start focusing on my health. So, after Zumba, I'll be all ready for a movie and bed. Tomorrow is going to be a fun day; I'm getting my monthly massage and treating myself to Finales :)

Hot and Steamy

Another hot day in Boston. 91° here right now, kind of hoping Earl will do something to cool us down! I wore shorts today at work and took spin class during my lunch break. It feels so good getting back in the saddle! I got off work early and had me some ice cream around dinner time before hitting the grocery stores. I met up with a friend down the street at Trader Joe's, then ran into another gal in the neighborhood club at the Brookline Farmers Market (should have taken a photo of that for tonight's blog!). We then walked up to my place, ordered Chinese food and crossed the street and ate at my place. It was fun catching up and doing this impromptu dinner, I guess things like this happen when you don't have every night of the week booked with events... which is something I'm trying not to do this month. Yesterday the girls next to me in the other building moved out and I believe it was their internet that I was using in my bedroom, so I am slightly bummed about that, however, right now I am using some other internet that seems to be working ok, so I am going to hold off a bit longer before deciding what to do. I also called Sprint again regarding my freakin' dropped calls (getting worse) and they said that the towers are supposed to be worked on starting today, so I'm giving it another week before calling them back. I really hate not having signal in my apartment... though I can get text messages and internet on my phone inside (go figure). So tonight, I'm turning on the AC, watching another episode of NCIS and going to bed early.

This photo was taken of a building walking with the girls tonight, it is on the opposite side of Beacon so I don't usually walk past it... they have pretty cool looking windows and those condos look expensive...if only the angle was a little better.

September 1st

Can you spot a moving truck?

Boy, I didn't realize what a mess September 1st is. In Boston, it is move in day. I counted 13 moving trucks this morning as people along the street moved in and out of their apartments. The E line (above ground near work) was delayed and stopped service outbound at Brigham Circle b/c of all of the moving trucks blocking the lanes. It's crazy how bad traffic is because of all the students and young professionals moving in and out today (they weren't lucky enough to move in early like some over this past weekend). What a nightmare it is on the streets today. It is also a new month, a fresh start. Time to start remembering to take my vitamins daily, do my morning yoga and start prepping my body for winter by doing my BAT exercises (things that target my butt, abs and thighs). I'm quite optimistic about September. Even though I need to save money and really stick to my budget so I can get ahead for my rent payments, I'm doing my best to plan some fun yet cheap events. Work is really light, bosses are out this week, so I am taking advantage of it by catching up on my TV shows, planning events and just taking it easy while chilling in the AC building. I'm thinking of baking some scones so I can start having tea time at work in the afternoons. Don't laugh, tea has some great health benefits, and that is what I am focusing on this month! Good Health and Well Being.