Valentine's Day

It started with a sprinkled donut and ended with wine and Nutella fondue. I didn't feel great and instead of hitting the gym at lunch, I left work an hour early.

For dinner I went across the street to the new sushi place. Now, I'm the type who doesn't mind dining by herself and I took a gamble on walking in for dinner by myself on Valentine's Day. The last thing I wanted while eating was to be surrounded by "lovers". To my surprise, there wasn't a single person in the place so I felt very V.I.P. I was the only won dining the entire time I was there. I ordered seaweed salad that had caviar on it- never have I ever tasted caviar in my life and was kind of grossed out, but I tried a tiny bit and eh, nothing special. I ordered 4 kinds of maki: Garden Maki- sweet potato, cream cheese and avocado; Honey Maki- papaya, cream cheese, apple and avocado; California and Philadelphia. The honey maki was sweet which was kind of nice since I'm the type who loves wasabi. I have to say, I think my favorite is still California.


After dinner, I went home and opened my package from Amazon that was on my doorstop. I'm the proud owner of a juicer! I even got raw sugar cane sticks so I can make some amazing mojitos [not that I'm using the juicer to make mojitos]. Then it was movie time. After watching Contagion, I really need to start taking better care of myself and work on boosting my immune system. I also need to stop touching my face and washing my hands when I get home from taking public transportation or going to the store. Goodness, also makes me a little more concerned about flying so much and how quickly things can spread.



After I was done watching Contagion, it was time for wine and dessert [which also counts as Dish #9]. I made Nutella fondue. Now, this isn't the first time making fondue b/c a few years back I made authentic Swiss fondue, but this Nutella fondue was super easy- Nutella and heavy cream heated and mixed together. I used my fondue set for the first time too. It was delicious with strawberries, pineapple, marshmallows and apples. I ate that over candlelight while watching Jason Statham in Killer Elite. Yummy!

So full from all the rich food I consumed today, but not a bad way to spend Valentine's Day. I didn't finish all the sushi- it will be lunch for tomorrow. I didn't finish all the fondue either, guess I'll save it for tomorrow as well. Oh, and those chocolates I got yesterday, the sponge candy from Wahls in NY? They're still wrapped, I'll have to save those for tomorrow too.

Dish #8

Sunday I used the broiler for the first time to make some fresh garlic bread. I used my garlic press and pressed 4 garlic cloves. I melted some butter in the microwave and mixed in the pressed garlic. I buttered the french bread and stuck it in the broiler for 2 minutes. Super garlicky, but way better than the store bought frozen kind.

Dish #7

Before going to the Super Bowl, I went out with a bunch of colleagues for happy hour and saw Buffalo Tofu on the menu, so I got them. For whatever reason, over the past two days, I've been craving Buffalo wings. So, tonight I fixed myself some football party food (since I missed out on that last weekend). I made homemade hummus, had a beer and chopped up celery with some blue cheese dressing and fixed Buffalo "wings" [tofu].

I used extra firm tofu and cut it into strips. Half of the strips I coated in cornmeal, the others I left plain and used some peanut oil and fried the strips. After nearly burning the apartment down [ok, I narrowly avoided setting the smoke detectors off b/c I hadn't put them up on the wall, so I moved one to my room and closed the door and then opened the door and kitchen window to air the apartment out. Who knew adding melted butter with LA hot sauce to a hot pan would cause it to smoke!?] I managed to successfully make Buffalo "wings".

Oh so tasty and totally hit the spot.

Super Bowl Sunday

I know I'll be retelling my tales over and over again for the next month, but here are some highlights of my Super Bowl XLVI experience. I had a great time and have no regrets. The weather was great and the people weren't all that bad. I hate to admit it, but there were way more Giants fans in the crowd and boy, NY has some fine boys who are into football, but I didn't talk to too many of them, I felt guilty for socializing with them. Despite the outcome of the game, this was a major life experience and one that I can cross off my bucket list. Not everyone gets to say they've gone to a Super Bowl. I'm still a fan and still love Brady. I moved to Boston b/c of him and have him to thank for this 30 hour adventure I had in Indy. What a weekend!



Sunday morning I got up around 9 and visited some more with my old colleague and her kids. We headed into downtown Indy around 11ish. It wasn't as crowded as I thought it would be and the weather was gorgeous. It was a bit cold in the shade, but wearing a long-sleeved top and my fleece was just enough to keep me warm. I was dropped off as close to the festivities as we could get.

Before leaving Boston, someone from a meetup group I've belonged to but have never been to an event, posted that they were going to Indy. I had messaged him to let him know I was going and ended up meeting up with him and 3 others who drove with him from Boston. It was kind of nice meeting up with people from Boston to experience the Super Bowl festivities with.

After meeting up with the group, which was surprising easy since they were where the Roman letters were, we went to the Huddle so I could pick up my ticket. They didn't have tickets to the game, but were able to check prices and see what was still available. Sadly for me, the ticket prices did drop significantly the closer it got to the game. One guy bought a ticket in the field level, 4 hours before the game for 50% less than what I paid for my level 4, obstructed view seat.




We walked around the Super Bowl Village, this ice sculpture was right outside the Huddle. They also had stages with performers, a beer lounge, corn hole and other tailgate games, curling, and the zip line which was sold out so we didn't do that.

They had a wall with all the NFL team helmets: this one's for you dad!

Of course I had to get a photo next to the Pats helmet and then in front of the Super Bowl poster.

We went into the game about 2 hours before the game started. Security looked much like airport security with pat downs, metal detectors and bag checks. They opened the doors at 2pm, but when we entered a little after 4, it didn't take us as long as I thought it would to get inside.

After walking through the Convention Center, and going through the NFL experience, we got outside to where we would enter Lucas Oil Stadium. Walking towards the South gate, we ran into Green-Ellis' girlfriend. She looked really normal (meaning not dolled up) and was nice and friendly.

We walked around the stadium for a bit. This was the view from the guy who got the field level seats a few hours before game time...I was so jealous!

This is me in my section. I was on level 4, which wasn't too bad, except I had a pillar obstructing my view of half the Patriots goal and some of the area b/t it and the 15 yard line. I did have a TV above me, but we still missed that whole 2 point score the Giant's made.

The Patriots were the home team, but with all the Colts/Anti-Patriots/Giants fans, the Patriots fans were outnumbered more than 5 to 1. It was crazy. I was surrounded by Giants fans where I was sitting. There weren't any Pats fans to high five when we did score. It was a good game, but I was so nervous come halftime. I did participate in the halftime show, everyone was given a seat cushion with a flashlight in it. We were given instructions prior to the halftime show. So, all those lights you saw in the stands during the halftime show were the little flashlights they gve us. Because I had a TV above me, all the music and sound was off. We heard the voices and singing in real time, but the feed on the TV was quite off (behind) which drove me kind of nuts.

We did not get to see any Super Bowl commercials other than the M&Ms one since they were a sponsor. During commercial breaks, they showed highlights of the 2011 football season including best catches, bloopers and past Super Bowl highlights.

I bought nachos and a drink and was so nervous after falling earlier this season and spilling everything, but fortunately I was on the end of the aisle, so no one could trip me. I bought those just before the half, but I was so nervous and had a bad feeling that I was shaking and lost my appetite. It was horrible. So many Pats fans thought the Pats were going to crush the Giants, but I kept saying it was going to be a close game and I was nervous. I was proven right. I knew it was over after Wes Welker missed that pass. Pretty much from the Patriots first drive in the game when the Giants scored 2 points (which I totally missed b/c of the obstructed view and not knowing the rule or having the announcers explain it like they did on TV) I felt the Giants were going to win. I left with the few Pats fans that were in my section with 1 minute left in the game. I did see that missed catch in the end zone when the clock went to 0 as I got to the first level of the stadium and did not bother staying for the celebration. I wanted to get away from all the Giants fans.

I walked over a mile to wait for my colleague to pick me up and take me to the airport. I took the 12:45 am direct flight to Boston. I was fortunate enough to have the row to myself so I was able to sleep a bit on what was a very quiet flight. I am so glad I got that flight b/c it would have sucked having to fly out with everyone else the following day and deal with all the Giants fans. I felt like I kind of snuck out of Indy. The pilot kind of made a joke saying that they were going to keep the announcements to a minimum saying "the last thing you want to hear at 3am is that we are flying over the Hudson". Haha [sarcastic tone]. Oh and yes, our flight was delayed, late getting in and late to leave. We also had to wait for 6 private jets to take off before us.

We arrived in Boston a little after 3am. I was able to catch a cab and the cab driver was very friendly. He asked where we were all coming from without having bags with us. When I told him the game he was like, "oh wow, they told us a flight was coming in but didn't tell us from where." He said he felt sorry for us having been there and spending all that money, feeling more sorry for us than everyone else in Boston. He said it was surprisingly quiet after the game and that they had shut down Government Center and Kenmore Square. We discussed the game and experience the entire drive into Brookline and he said if anyone asks if I regret going to say not too many people get to go to a Super Bowl. He was very kind and even asked if I wanted him to wait for me until I got inside, which I said no, but that was kind.

I arrived home at 3:45 am and finally fell asleep around 5am. I had to change out of clothes I had been wearing since 10am Saturday and it was nice to shower and climb into my bed. I slept until 1pm today and will be avoiding the news and anything football for the next week, much like I did the week leading up to the Super Bowl. I have other things to look forward to, on deck in 4 weeks, I'll be on my way to South America!

Getting to Indy

Well the trip started out much like every other trip of mine. We did board the plane in Boston on time, but never fear, we lost power and were delayed from pushing back from the gate. Then, we were held on the tarmac for 15 minutes. This was the reason I decided to fly to Indy the day before the Super Bowl instead of Sunday morning.

It was so boring traveling so light. I had my word search which I do during boarding and must complete before take off, I brought a small book to read but I had nothing else. The lady sitting next to me shared one of her magazines with me, which helped pass some of the time in the air. I can't tell you how strange it was flying with just a purse.

The flight from ATL to IND was completely full. There were a lot of crew members on this flight to help bring us all back home after the game. There were over 100 private jets on the tarmac in Indy. The fans on the flight were mixed, thankfully I sat near Pats fans and crew members.


As I walked through the IND airport, all you saw were posters and greeters for the Super Bowl. I was wearing my Pats AFC Championship shirt and one of the greeters saw me and said "your husband called to have him bring back a Super Bowl shirt". I just laughed. If I had a husband, he would have come with me.

My colleague from my Golden Hour days in San Diego picked me up and we went to Chili's for dinner. I don't have a Chili's in Boston that I can go to so I enjoyed myself one of their margaritas and avocado black bean burger. We stayed up late catching up on things and had a great time. I was so thankful I had someone to pick me up and visit with and it was nice staying with her and her kids instead of forking over money for a hotel.

Ready for Indy

So, yesterday I received an email saying my ticket was upgraded. Today the NFL ticket rep called me to inform me that my ticket was ready to be picked up and that I am now one section over from where the ticket I purchased was. So, look for me in section 420. I think I'm on the Giants (away) side, but in the corner.

I left early from work today to relax and let it sink in. I couldn't concentrate after everyone kept coming in talking about the Pats. I talked to my friend I'll be staying with in Indy and was informed that the weather isn't going to be that bad. I'm so excited!! It's finally sinking in. I printed all the maps, confirmations and info I'll need and plotted my route to catch a cab back to the airport after the game (I'm stressing hoping that I wont miss my flight after the game). I heard from a guy from a meetup I belong to who is driving to the game from Boston with 2 others, so we exchanged phone numbers in case we want to try meeting up on Sunday before the game.

I have my game gear in a plastic bag since I am only allowed to bring a small purse into the game, so everything in the bag is what I'll wear on Sunday and will pack the shirt I wear tomorrow into my purse. I have the bare minimum packed and I can't believe I'm going on a plane with only a purse!! This is the lightest I will ever travel.

So, I'm ready to go. Now, I just need a good night's sleep and I'll be ready to get this party started!! Look out Indy, here I come!

Me and the New England Patriots

Most people know my story, but for those who don't let me start from the beginning. I remember the 2001 football season. I remember September 2001 not only b/c of what happened on the 11th, but because during week two, Drew Bledsoe was injured, forcing the New England Patriots to put in Tom Brady. A hot quarterback who I just so happened to see play on a game televised in San Diego. (San Diego is known for not showing a second AFC game when the Chargers are playing, but for whatever reason, I do remember seeing quite a few Pats games that season). I was a fan instantly. I'll never forget the Snow Bowl in 2002 with the Pats vs. the Raiders, screaming at the television. To this date, that is my favorite Pats game. I think that year was the first time I watched the Super Bowl for the game instead of the commercials, and so began 1o years of watching the New England Patriots.

My love for Tom Brady expanded to the early 2000s team. Vinatieri, Bruschi, Law, Branch, Faulk, Light and Belichick, Weis, and Romeo made a great team. I saw the Pats play in San Diego in 2002. I drove to AZ for the Cardinals home opener against the Pats in 2004; I remember the Cardinals paid tribute to Pat Tillman who lost his life to friendly fire fighting in Afghanistan during that game.

9/19/04 Home Opener in Arizona- scrapbook page b/c I didn't have a Mac or FB back then.

In January 2007, I went to the AFC Championship game in San Diego. I was booed and remember being escorted out of the stadium after the Patriots won, surrounded by my body guards (family friends who were big guys) b/c San Diego fans hate the Patriots.

1/14/07 AFC Championship game in San Diego

In 2008, a year after that AFC Championship game in San Diego, I decided to go to New England for the AFC Championship rematch, Patriots vs. Chargers. [Partially to piss off my coworkers who were Chargers fans.] I had never been to Boston before, and a week before the game I decided to buy a ticket and had some friends help arrange my visit and got me in touch with a friend who lived in Boston who was wiling to go to the game with me. It was cold, I remember wearing layers, snow boots and using those hand warmers inside my gloves...I also saw snow flurries for the first time. I had the best time rooting for the Patriots, my first time rooting for them in a stadium filled with Pats fan (no longer rooting for the away team, in the minority). They ended up beating the Chargers and made it to the Super Bowl in AZ. I was very tempted to drive to AZ and go to the game, but didn't. Unable to say they had a perfect season after losing to the NY Giant's in what was a very painful loss, I was quite thankful I didn't make that 8 hour drive to AZ. I remember leaving my friends house in San Diego right after the game, feeling like I had been punched in the stomach and felt ill for a few days afterwards. [To this day I still say they had a perfect regular season game...b/c they did and refuse to acknowledge that game in AZ]

1/20/08 AFC Championship Game in Foxborough, MA

Fast forward to 2009. I had quit my job in San Diego 5 months after the Super Bowl loss, taking time to travel the States and Europe. I spent a month in 2008 staying with friends in New England and in 2009 was offered an apartment in Boston for the summer. I was still traveling and used that opportunity to see if I loved Boston enough to make it home. I ended up loving Boston, and have lived here ever since. I've been to 4 Pats games since moving here. I had dinner with the team after a game in 2009 and got to go on the field [thanks to my roommate at the time dating a Pats equipment guy].

10/4/09 Gillette Stadium after the game

This year's home opener against the Chargers, I was 3 rows from the field on the home side. The best seats I've ever sat in. Fast forward to the AFC Championship game. That Pats win going to the Super Bowl. I'm praying the Giants lose the NFC Championship, but nope. It's a rematch to the 2008 game. I think back to 2008, my trip to Boston and I contemplate going to Indy for the Super Bowl. Less than two weeks before the Super Bowl, I do what many think is crazy, I buy a ticket to the Super Bowl and book a flight to Indy. The only reason I ever came to Boston was because of Tom Brady. This is the Patriots first Super Bowl since I moved to Boston. Tom Brady isn't getting any younger, who knows if I'll have another opportunity to do something crazy like this.

9/18/11 Home opener against the Chargers

Now I don't know what it was like in Boston all those other years when the Pats made it to the Super Bowl, but I am so sick of hearing and seeing all the photos and commentary and specials on TV and the Internet. I realize there's a lot more hype b/c this is a rematch, but for my own sake, I have boycotted watching the news and anything football related b/c my nerves can't take the buildup. 3 days to go before I touchdown in Indy and I'm starting to get anxious, nervous and excited.

Stay tuned b/c this Bostonian transplant is going to have a whole lot to write about in the coming days...and all b/c 10 years ago I fell in love with a hot, young quarterback from Northern California who went on to become the star quarterback of the New England Patriots.