First NBA Game

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

Free Bowling Party = Another Free Bowling Party

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

Old Accident & New Health Plan

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

Oh Christmas Tree, My Christmas Tree

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

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

Furniture

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

Lets talk about Boobs

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

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

First Light Festival

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