Tuesday, January 28, 2014

I mistakenly thought today was a bad day.

Wake up at 6:15 a.m. which is way too early for me. The birds were all chirping like "good morning! It's such a lovely birdie morning. CHIRP CHIRP!" I do not understand how they can sound so happy when it is so cold. Tell me your secrets birds, but later in the morning when I'm awake.

Get on the T and I get a seat because it's so early. Point to the good day column.

Arrive at my dentist's office at 7:30 and have teeth drilled. Annoyed at myself for making a dental appointment so early. Get into the office and realize I can't eat breakfast because I can't feel my face. This cancels out the seat on the T.

Lunch time comes and I can feel my face again! Time to stuff it with a FREE birthday burrito from Boloco. I order a gigantic summer burrito. One burrito point in the good day column.

Client calls at 5 and I stay late speaking to the client. I'm ok with this because I only stay 10 minutes later.

Walk through Copley and see there is going to be a new hot pot restaurant opening. One chopstick point for hot pot!!

Get to the T and the B line is packed. No surprise but still annoyed. But wait! A B line train comes right after the packed one and someone gets off the next stop giving up their seat. I had a seat on the B line at 5:20 p.m. Put this one down in the history books! One wiggle room point for getting on the train and one buttocks point for the seat.

So if you're keep track that's

-1 waking up early point
+1 buttocks point
-1 drilling point
-1 face numb can't eat point
+1 burrito magic point
+1 chopstick point
+1 wiggle room point
+1 buttocks point

I'm not too good at math but I think this equates to an overall ok day.

Monday, January 27, 2014

Get me out of January.

I don't have much to say today except that I am very sick of winter right now. This freezing cold is getting to me for sure. January is statistically the coldest month in Boston although to me February doesn't feel much warmer.

Doing laundry is the bane of my existence right now because it involves multiple trips outside in the freezing cold. Some day I will have laundry in my unit and I will weep with joy and do so much laundry.

Today I tried the new Ben and Jerry's flavor Rob Burgundy's Scotchy Scotch Scotch. It was really good. If you like butterscotch you have to try it.

I'm watching the Bachelor right now and Juan Pablo has decided after kissing 6 girls that he is not going to kiss anymore girls because he doesn't want his daughter seeing him kiss all of these girls. This has made for some pretty awkward moments because he has suddenly decided this in the middle of the season after already kissing 6 girls! One girl has started crying because she feels rejected. Two minutes later Juan Pablo breaks his no kissing rule for a girl who admitted she vomited in her mouth but swallowed it. How very Ana Steele of her.

Well I guess I had more to say than I thought. I kind of enjoyed writing this on the fly post.



Sunday, January 26, 2014

Married in Boston.

Boston's City Hall is known as an "ugly building". The City of Boston's Vimeo channel recently posted a sweet video about something beautiful that happens at City Hall - weddings!


One Thing That Makes City Hall Special from City of Boston on Vimeo.

This was a great idea for a video.

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Missing old pets.

I was looking through photos on my computer and came across an old photo of my cat Tigger.


He was the first cat I had and he was awesome. My aunt was working at an animal shelter at the time and had given him to us as a gift. He was declawed because his previous owners were having a baby. They decided to give him up anyways even after declawing him. I named him Tigger because I was 5 and into Winnie the Pooh.

Tigger was very smart. He knew how to open doors by reaching up and jiggling the door knob. He escaped once and came back later that night meowing at the front door. He also could be pretty dumb in that he ate anything plastic including the shower curtain. He had to have surgery to have plastic removed from his intestines. He managed to sneak down into our neighbor's apartment multiple times through the basement. He could be a pain in the ass but I loved him.

Finding this photo has me feeling a little nostalgic. I miss all my old cats and the house I grew up in. I even miss the melted siding from my neighbors plastic pumpkin that caught on fire on the front porch (see photo above right behind Tigger).


Friday, January 24, 2014

There will be bagels or blood.

Every Friday one of my co-workers buys bagels for the office. I enjoy my bagel and I enjoy that I don't have to pay for it (it's on the company). This Friday our co-worker who purchases the bagels decided not to do it. He normally does it because he controls the petty cash. Now the problem is we all expect bagels on Friday so we don't bring our breakfast and so chaos ensued.

"Why are there no bagels!!"

"I swear to God you better go downstairs and get those bagels!"

"This is going to turn into the Hunger Games really fast!" "Is that why you're holding that knife?"

"I'm going to have to eat CEREAL!"

People were digging through their desk for old oatmeal packets. It was a sad morning. Finally our co-worker caved and went downstairs to get the bagels. Crisis averted.

All is quiet around the office but that's probably because we're all shoving bagels into our mouths.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Sushi fear factor.

I've only started to enjoy sushi in the past couple of years. It took me a few tries before I started liking it and now I'm slowly working on getting Derek into sushi.

Last night Derek suggested we go to this sushi place in Central Square called Thelonious Monkfish. The menu was quite large and I was a little overwhelmed with all the sushi choices. They even had sushi named after Disney princesses! (I should have gone with one of those...) So the waitress comes over and I'm not ready to order yet. She comes back again and few minutes later and I don't want to send her away again so I order what I thought was a sushi sampler. When I get the plate half of it is sashimi.

I like sushi, I really do but I have not been able to get on the sashimi train yet. It's just too much fish. But at this point I ordered it so I have to eat it. I eat the actual sushi on the plate first and then it's time to tackle some of the sashimi. I pick one that does not still have fish skin on it (I just can't with the fish skin, just NO). This is the slowest dinner of my life. I'm playing with my chopsticks, I'm fixing my napkin, Derek is trying very hard not to laugh but I can see the smirk on his face. He just sits there with his hands clasped on the table while I drown my sashimi in soy sauce and shove it in my mouth.

The conversation went something like this during dinner:

Derek: Do you even know what you ordered?

Me: Apparently not. I thought it was all sushi!

Derek: Just eat one more piece.

Me: This is like sushi Fear Factor!

This was my own personal sushi Fear Factor except there was no money at the end for finishing. Derek paid for the dinner so I had to do the best I could. In the end I left two pieces on the plate. I just couldn't attempt the fish that still had skin on it.

I guess I'm not a real sushi lover but that's ok. And next time I'm going to read the menu more carefully and stick with the Disney princess themed sushi.

Friday, January 17, 2014

Proud co-founder and co-president of the "I hate math club".

My best friend from high school is the lovely Germana. We've shared many experiences together including a snowboarding trip that I still probably have PTSD from.

Germana and I have a lot in common which is why we have been best friends since junior high. One thing we bonded over was our mutual hatred of math. We did not just hate math class we LOATHED math. Now I can't remember if this was 9th or 10th grade but one year we had math together and it was first period. I mean that is just the absolute worst thing you could do to me. My brain cannot function at 7:26 a.m. and now I had my worst subject to tackle first thing in the morning.

Germana, myself and our friend Chris were all in math class hell. Our math teacher would assign us math writing assignments. We would have to write these stories that somehow involved math. Why this woman would not just admit that she wanted to teach English I will never know. One story in particular involved writing about pirates and including math problems that had to be solved to find the buried treasure. Chris basically said "fuck that shit" and wrote an amazing story about Big Bertha the hairy, drunk, pirate prostitute. Chris started reading it aloud in class (as we all had to because that's what you do in math class, read your stories!?) and the teacher stopped him and failed him for the assignment. The math was correct and he was just following the assignment.



We pretty much gave up on this math class after a month and tried to find ways to amuse ourselves. Germana and Chris started snorting pixie sticks, I just ate them and "supervised". Certain colors burn more. Did you know that? Now you know. At this point we created the "I hate math club". It was the best club in high school. You complained about math class and then you went over to Germana's house and ate chips and made bracelets. Sometimes Germana would make her world famous lazy grilled cheese (toast the bread and then melt the cheese in the microwave). Chris did not partake in this part of the "I hate math club" but he was still an honorary member for enduring the math class from hell.


We are still accepting new members and have been going strong since 1999 (ish?).

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Confessions of a sandwich bag lady.

It's time I admit to the internet that I'm a bag lady. My purse if full of sandwich bags.

Before you call My Strange Addiction, I seriously do have a reason for this. I'm worried about stuff getting all over my purse. I have lotion, hand sanitizer, tic tacs, gum, drugs (of the legal over the counter variety) and feminine hygiene products. I don't want all of this floating around in my purse or even worse opening and getting everywhere. That would just be a mess. Having everything in plastic sandwich bags seemed like an easy solution.

Once my friends found out about this stash in my purse they made me take out every single plastic baggie and face the truth. I have a plastic baggie hoarding problem.

As you can see Derek is horrified by the truth. A photo was taken and posted on facebook to shame me.


And I'm still reaching in my purse to find more!

But you know you really need help when your problem starts affecting those closest to you.


I have finally caved and ordered two small makeup bags online that can fit in my purse. The plastic bags shall be laid to rest and I will start to move on with my life like a normal purse carrying lady.

Anyone else have any odd habits? I can't be the only weird one.

Monday, January 13, 2014

Sorry future children you're going to Blaine Beauty School.

One of my co-workers is pregnant so the topic of babies and children comes up quite frequently at work. Today we started talking about how expensive kids are. If you didn't know this little fact I'd like to inform you of another fact - many forms of birth control are now completely free with insurance!

Derek and I have discussed having kids. When you're in a serious relationship you talk about these things. I always joke that I'm going to have twins (seriously I really don't want twins but I have this gut feeling I will). Derek's response is "No way, we can't pay for college for two kids!" My response is "We're paying for our children's college education? It will be so expensive by then, we'll have to sell organs or something."

Honestly it's a very nice sentiment to want to pay for your future children's education, but today at work I realized an easy solution. Our future twins are going to Blanie Beauty School. I'll pay for that and then we get free hair cuts. Ok maybe just me because Derek shaves his head. And if they choose something like auto repair I'd be fine with that too. I need someone who can fix my car on the cheap.

I'm really glad that I've figured this all out.

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Sucked back into the Real World

I haven't watched the Real World since the first Vegas season. I don't know why I stopped watching but I did. I decided to start watching again once I saw the previews for this season. You win MTV. I will watch your Ex-Plosion season of the Real World.

Jenny is my favorite so far. She's kind of a weirdo which I can relate to.


She likes garlic and bananas and can make hot cocoa with her feet - or so she says.

The Golden Globes are tonight and Tina and Amy are hosting again. I probably won't watch the whole thing because Downton Abbey is on tonight as well, but I can at least catch the first hour.

In non tv news there seems to be a leak in the ceiling in our bathroom. We have a drop ceiling in every room of our apartment except for the main hallway and the kitchen. I was in the bathroom this morning and I noticed a large stain on one of the ceiling panels. I felt it and it was wet. I hate having to call maintenance because I'm paranoid about the cats getting out.

It's Sunday and beautiful out. I've gotten a taste of spring the last two days and it's going to be tough going back to the reality that it's still winter. For today though I'm pretending it's April.


Saturday, January 11, 2014

Reliving my early 20s. Sort of....

Derek and I went to dinner at Washington Square Tavern last night and for fun I decided to send my friend Daryl a text that I would send him a couple times a week in my early 20s.

Tavern??

I thought it would be funny to text him that for old times sake. To my surprise he actually showed up. It would have been a full reunion if Melissa was back from Florida.


Derek got to hear a few stories from my "party years". Sometimes I miss those days but I do not miss the drain on my bank account or the hangovers. Ok I still have hangovers but they are much less frequent now. I still go out but my nights no longer end with running through a play ground or an empty dentist office in Melissa's building.

Besides 30 is the new 20 right? I'm still a young spring chicken but a more responsible spring chicken.

Friday, January 10, 2014

Morning commute music - Hypnotize by System of a Down

I listened to this twice on my way into work this morning.


I'm just sitting in my car and waiting for my girl.

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Well that's the last time I try to be helpful

I bought Derek a new pillow for Christmas off of Amazon. I reviewed the pillow on Amazon and when you review a product on Amazon if someone has a question Amazon will email you and ask if you can answer the question. So I got an email from Amazon with a question someone had about the pillow.

"has anyone seen the foam of the pillow? Is it yellow? the contour one"

I decided I would be helpful and answer despite the description of the pillow saying it is a memory foam pillow, it does not say it is a contour pillow.

I responded with:

"It's a memory foam pillow but there are other pillows that actually say "contour" in the description so I would look at those."

His response back:

"well yeah its a memory foam pillow but the foam is it yellow? cud u unzip it and check pls"

I'm not going to respond. I draw the line at unzipping my pillows to see what color the foam is. Does it matter what color it is? That some how will tell you if it's a "contour" pillow? Just buy one that says contour in the description!

I am no longer going to be helpful. You're on your own for pillow shopping.


Tuesday, January 7, 2014

I love space movies but I prefer to stay right here on earth thanks

I watched Europa Report on Netflix and I thought it was a pretty good space sci-fi. The one thought that continually crossed my mind while watching the movie was that there is no amount of money you could pay me to go on a ground breaking space mission. I guess I'm a wuss or I have too much of a wild imagination.


Beautiful but terrifying.

If someone in a space movie volunteers to go outside to "fix" something or to "investigate" I start panicking a little. I want to tell them that this is not going to end well but since it's a movie I just sit there freaking out for them on the inside.

I think the most panic inducing moment in a space movie for me is the scene in Event Horizon when Baby Bear is possessed and hits the outer door lock button. He then comes to and quickly realizes what will happen to him. I still freak out no matter how many times I've seen it.

Monday, January 6, 2014

Rome was not built in a day and neither was my fat ass

I've been sticking to an exercise routine for a month now and every time I get on the scale I'm disappointed. I want immediate results damn it! So this post is about how I'm staying motivated while just getting back into an exercise routine.


I'm doing this for my health: Yes losing weight is part of the reason that I started exercising again but it's no longer my number 1 reason. I have high cholesterol and have had high cholesterol since high school. I will always have to be mindful of that. My grandmother also had a major stroke despite being healthy, I want to try to reduce my risk as much as possible and exercise can help with that. And last but certainly not least, my acid reflux is horrible right now and losing even a small amount of weight can help.

Beating the winter blues: I'm at that point now where I am so DONE with winter. It's barely even started and I'm ready for spring.


After I exercise I feel better about the freezing temps outside and I'm exercising at home so there's no "it's too cold to go out and go to the gym" excuses.

Buying new clothes: If I keep it up, at some point I will need to buy smaller clothes. Who doesn't love an excuse to shop? I am currently looking for a new pair of sneakers. Mine are pretty old and I think a nice new pair will give me a little boost.

Patience is a virtue: I am not naturally a patient person especially when it comes to exercise. We all want results fast but the truth is it took me 5-6 years to gain the weight, it's not just going to all come off after one month of exercising and trying to eat healthier. If it was that easy we'd all be thin and trim. I'm also not that over weight. When you see people on the Biggest Loser losing 10lbs in a week it's because they have quite a bit of weight to lose. When you're closer to a normal weight like myself you're not going to lose that much in a week. So I'm practicing being patient and focusing on the benefits exercise is providing me now.

One month in and I'm trying to stay positive. I didn't gain any weight over the holidays which I'm very happy about. I'm just going to keep with it and try to stay away from my precious french fries as much as possible.

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Fried chicken and sushi and singing Eminem

Last night I met up with Germana at BonChon for some sushi and fried chicken. Germana got me a really cute bracelet for Christmas.

Derek came too because who can say no to BonChon fried chicken? It's so good!

We went to Patrons after for drinks and Hailie's Song by Eminem started playing. I forgot how much I love that song. I think it's the only song that Eminem actually sings in. I'm not an Eminem expert though so correct me if I'm wrong.


I've been snacking all day today so I'm distracting myself by watching the Mighty Ducks.


"Yes sir, Mr. Ducksworth. Thank you very much, Mr. Ducksworth. Quack, quack, quack, Mr. Ducksworth!"

Clearly I'm having a very productive Sunday.

Friday, January 3, 2014

A plea to all fashion bloggers

I've been noticing a trend lately with fashion bloggers. It's actually close to pandemic levels.

Why are fashion bloggers posing in snow with either no pants, no boots, no coat, no sweater, or all of the above?! I'm talking open toed heels in the snow. Standing in the middle of a frozen lake with no coat on while it's snowing. I just don't get it. It's ok to wear boots. Winter boots! *GASP* I'm sure Tory Burch must make some.

I really hope you don't actually walk around outside in the snow with heels and no coat. You're going to get frostbite on your toes and then you will never be able to paint your toenails with the newest color again. Mani pedi time will be ruined! Toe amputation will not work well for a fashion blogger, unless you plan on starting a fashion blog about how you have no toes and how best to accessorize a toe-less foot.

Now I know that a lot of fashion bloggers photoshop anyways so just pretend you're outside and it's snowing. Just take a look at this photo of me below (it's old but that's ok).


You would never know that I was not outside in the snow. Fireworks really make your photo special, who cares if there aren't any fireworks actually happening. This is for your blog. Every picture must look perfect.

Notice my hands are up in the air because you have to act like you've never seen snow before and are having the best time of your freaking life!!

You might be wondering why you should take advice from me. I'm not a very popular blogger but I have photographic evidence that I would be an amazing fashion blogger. I just don't want anyone stealing my fashion secrets so I tend to keep them to myself. I will share with you a bit of my wisdom because I'm feeling generous today.


Posing by a Christmas tree. Every blog must have the "today we went shopping for a Christmas tree" post. I think it's a rule written down in the blog bible. No one needs to know that this is not my house, that I'm allergic to real pine or that I was probably intoxicated when this was taken. You can photshop out intoxication though right?


It's best to take fashion blogging pictures alone because you don't want anyone upstaging you (unless your hubbie or boyfriend is around as your "my life is perfect" prop)  . If you must have someone else in the picture make sure you are posing better than they are and place yourself in a more prominent location in the photo.


Remember to take multiple photos of the same outfit from every angle. Also make sure the photo does not look staged. You want people to think this is a for real photo.


Make sure your makeup looks perfect. The flash from a camera can really wash you out so double up on your makeup - especially fake tanner. It may seem over the top but your photo will turn out beautiful.

And last but not least - make sure you entitle your blog post something classy but fun like "Whimsical Christmas princess time".

So please fashion bloggers - take my advice and wear some warm clothes and if you can't, photoshop it while you're adding on all those filters.

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Perfecting the bitch face for 2014



Happy New Year everyone!

I swear I was really happy and having a good time. I did not puke for an hour in the ladies room (poor girl, whoever that was) and I didn't wander around very drunk slurring and angry hug talking people. I also kept my shoes on because I worse sensible footwear.

Here's to being 29 and responsible!