Cheese, cheese and a little more cheese

I actually stayed in both Friday and Saturday night which is very rare for me. I tend to be a bit of a social butterfly but I can actually stay home once in a while. I did get out of the house on Sunday for a fashion swap brunch.

I try to be good and leave with less items than I brought but it's not always easy. I came with a box and left with two shirts, one dress and a purse. Not bad.

My brunch contribution was a broccoli and cheddar quiche. The crust was store bought but the filling and baking was done by me. I admit that I always make something I want to eat when bringing food to a gathering.

I wasn't done with Sunday Funday yet. Fiona and I reunited from the earlier fashion swap for our Walking Dead night and she brought along her roommate for the fun. This weeks food offerings were a cheese plate (this is a requirement) nachos and some garlic cheese knots. I think tomorrow might need to be a cheese free day...

Fiona with her garlic cheese knots

The weekend flew by! I have a pretty busy week of trial prep at work but at least that will make the work day go by faster.

Birthday steak and a $24 glass of wine

All dressed up

Saturday night we got dressed up and headed downtown to Abe & Louie's for a nice steak dinner to celebrate our friend Andy's birthday. Andy is married to my best friend Germana and they also got married in 2017. Derek and I got to the restaurant early so we settled into the bar and ordered a drink. I ordered a glass of wine and had a bit of sticker shock when the bill came and the glass of wine was $24.00! Serves me right for not checking the menu first.

Our table was right by a giant ornate mirror. Germana and I had some fun with that.

Double vision

I love giant mirrors

It was tough deciding which steak and sides to order but we persevered. I ordered the bone-in filet. All the sides were delicious but the lobster mac and cheese was my favorite.

The birthday boy digging in

After we thoroughly stuffed ourselves we took an Uber to Bond for cocktails. It was pretty dead for a Saturday night so we had no trouble finding seats at the bar. I have a bit of a soft spot for Bond since it was where we had the after-party for our wedding.

View from the bar at Bond

Despite my best efforts, I lost my umbrella. I'm a bit notorious for leaving umbrellas and I wonder how many are scattered throughout Boston.

A foggy Boston after the rain

After Bond we had one more stop at Golden Temple. We didn't last long though as we were feeling the effects of a large dinner and a few drinks. At least I did spot my favorite GT patron, 80s hairband dude before we headed home to bed.

The Beautiful People

Many months ago tickets were bought and a ladies night was planned to see Marilyn Manson at the House of Blues. A few days before the scheduled show Marilyn Manson was injured on stage by a giant prop pistol and he cancelled nine tour dates. Last night the makeup date finally arrived.

Before the show at Yard House

We met up at Yard House for some pre-show drinks. The bartender probably thought we were a little nuts but he was a good sport.

Waiting in line

The main event

The show was great. Manson sang all my favorites and the crowd was really into it. It was a much better show compared to the last time I saw him.

At the end of the night.

It was slow going this morning but I persevered. Next up is AWOLNATION which will also be at the House of Blues. I love concerts but ticket prices seem to be increasing at a rapid pace. I'm going to have to be a little more picky about who I choose to see. Sorry Justin Timberlake but I'm not paying $80.00 to sit in the rafters of the Garden where I can barely see the stage.

New work friend

Rescued from the trash by my boss and gifted to me. He seems pleased to join the firm.

Early birthday gift

From my friend Germana. I love it.

Back to Waltham

We had a busy day yesterday that included a trip back to my home town of Waltham. I picked up Bosco's ashes at the vet. They also include a paw print in cement with his name on it. It's a nice keepsake. I did get teary unpacking the urn and the paw print. I miss him and the apartment still doesn't feel right with out him.

Since the vet is not far from my home town we decided to have lunch at Jake n Joes and then go food shopping at Market Basket.

My new favorite sangria

The food was good and the red sangria was even better. After lunch we braved Market Basket. We don't have a Market Basket near us and I'm still amazed at how much cheaper groceries are there. The only downside is how busy it is. This plaza didn't exist yet when I lived in Waltham which I'm a little bitter about. It's close to where I lived and would have provided more restaurant and shopping options.

Saturday night we went to Golden Temple for some dinner and dancing. Derek doesn't like to dance but there's beer to keep him entertained. The music was a little odd. There was a lot of lesser known 90s music and I'm pretty sure Despacito was played 3 times. I did get some dancing in though.

The dance floor at Golden Temple

The crowd is always interesting at Golden Temple. There was one guy who looked like he came straight out of an 80s hair band. He had acid washed jeans and one long earring. I used my cousin Lauren to try to get a picture.

Mysterious 80s hair band guy and Lauren

Our last stop was Washington Square Tavern. One of the guys at the bar said he used to work there and remembered me and Derek. I didn't quite remember him but I had had a few beers at that point. The bar was pretty dead which was nice after Golden Temple.

The rest of my long weekend will be a little more low key but I'll take the extra day off.

A 90s Throwback

I have to give credit to my friend Fiona for always finding random fun things to do. Apparently the Coolidge Corner theater has a Rewind! night. One Thursday a month they show "small screen classics" followed by an after party at Osaka. When she asked me if I wanted to see Romeo + Juliet of course I said yes.

I can't believe this movie came out 21 years ago. I was in middle school at the time and I remember having a huge crush on Leonardo DiCaprio. I'm pretty sure every young girl had a crush on him back in 1996.

The ceiling in the theater

I love the Coolidge Corner theater. They are an independent movie theater that's been operating since 1933. The decor is fantastic and the popcorn is always super fresh. They also serve beer and wine (hollah!)

It's been a long time since I last watched Romeo + Juliet and I realized I missed a lot of the humor in the movie when I watched it as a teen. There were quite a few times where we all laughed out loud. Of course we all know how Romeo and Juliet ends so the movie ended with tears. Fiona went through all of her tissues.

The after party at Osaka was sold out so we missed out on sushi and 90s music but we consoled ourselves with "Irish" nachos and drinks at Harry's. We staked out a table by the open windows but quickly regretted that decision when we realized it was actually a bit chilly. Luckily beer helps with that. The husband, Lil-Anne and Phil ended up joining us and the sushi after party was soon forgotten.

Fiona and the "Irish" nachos

We made it home much later than planned but I have no regrets. Ok, maybe I regret eating so many "Irish" nachos but how could I resist?

Party in the White Mountains

I'm back from the mountains of Lincoln New Hampshire. The bachelorette party was so much fun and I think the bride-to-be really enjoyed herself. I know I certainly did.

I left Thursday night with Fiona and Kerry to head up to the cabin in Limerick, Maine. The three of us stayed up until the early morning hours talking and listening to music around the fire. The next morning we were a bit tired but rallied with a good breakfast at the Hungry Hallow.

lake view from the cabin in Maine

It was tough to say goodbye to the lake but the mountains and the bride-to-be awaited us. We took the Kancamagus highway which goes through the White Mountain National Forest. I don't think I've been up that highway since I was a child. I forgot how beautiful it is. We pulled over a couple of times to take in the mountain views.

mountain selfie

After our scenic stops we finally arrived at the house on Loon Mountain. The house was beautiful and huge. We had no close neighbors so we didn't have to worry about disturbing anyone else with our bachelorette shenanigans .

view from the balcony

getting ready for the bride-to-be's arrival

Friday night we hung out at the house eating pizza and listening to music around a campfire. There was dancing and glittery temporary tattoos. Saturday morning was a little rough after staying up late Thursday and Friday. I took a nap to rally for Saturday night.

Saturday night we had dinner at a Mexican Restaurant in town called El Charro. The waitstaff was excited to have a bachelorette party and enjoyed our music selections on the jukebox. We also brought an inflatable blowup man we named Bernie. He was a big hit especially with a toddler at the table next to us.

Dinner at El Charro with the girls and Bernie (bottom right corner)

One of the waitresses suggested that we check out Woodstock Inn Station and Brewery since they usually have a live band on Saturday nights. After consulting the bride-to-be we decided that's where we'd head next.

Bride-to-be with her lightsaber.

The Brewery was packed and there were a lot of bikers who were in Lincoln for a bikers rally. We met Spyder, Buddy and Froot Loop. Sadly I did not get any pictures of them. The band was excellent and so was the crowd. There was one intoxicated woman who latched on to Germana and became a bit obsessed with her lightsaber. Germana's wedding is Star Wars themed so it was a necessary prop. Luckily she got distracted on the dance floor and we made a quick escape to the other side of the bar. We also met a bride who had just gotten married at the Brewery. We were all a little bit tired from Friday night so we headed back to the house around 12:30. and watched a movie on Netflix before bed. Partying in your 30s.

Sunday morning came all to quickly. We cleaned up the house and headed out to Benton's Sugar Shack for breakfast before the ride home. After we were full of pancakes and bacon we said our goodbyes.

Benton's Sugar Shack.  Worth the wait.

I would love to go back to the White Mountains with Derek at some point. I need to go to the mountains more often.

Mountains everywhere you look.

Impatient

The bride-to-be (L) and me from recent night out

This is a short workweek for me but it certainly doesn't feel like it. This weekend is my friend Germana's bachelorette party in New Hampshire and I'm not so patiently counting down the days. Who wouldn't be excited for a weekend away with friends? Thursday night I'll be heading up to Maine with Fiona and Kerry and spending the night at Fiona's family's cabin. We'll make the drive to New Hampshire Friday morning to start decorating the house we rented before the bride-to-be and other guests arrive.

We received a group text tonight from Fiona (bride-to-be not included) informing us that she dropped the cake she was making for the bachelorette. I feel for her because this is a total Ginny move and she spent hours working on this cake. Luckily, we think the cake can be salvaged. If not at least we have cupcakes and a funny story to tell Germana. I am responsible for decorations which will be absolutely fine if dropped.

Bag of goodies

Bag of goodies to be revealed in future blog post.

Ladies night

Sometimes you need a night of dancing with your girls.

A Taste of Spring

When it's in the 70s in February you need to spend as much time outside as possible.

You also need a friend who has a fire pit in their backyard.

The only thing lovelier than this weather are my friends.

Can everything just be planned already?

I've been absent from my blog for a week! Well that's not like me. I have good reason though.

First of all it was Derek's birthday Tuesday. He's finally 30! I've been waiting two years for him to join me in the 30s club.

Second of all I have actually started really getting serious about this wedding planning business. The guest list is already giving me anxiety. I have a large family and by inviting some cousins I have to invite ALL OF THEM apparently. I have 6 cousins on my father's side and 9 on my mother's side (two are off the guest list at least for various reasons). Is it horrible that I hope some of them RSVP NO so I can invite more friends? I keep in touch with quite a few cousins (two of them I consider good friends) but some I never see, pretty much ever. But my mother said I have to do the right thing and invite them even if many of them won't come. Aunts and uncles are also invited so my mom is right, I can't not invite all the cousins then.

We are checking out a venue next Wednesday. It's in Boston and it's a restaurant where we could do the ceremony and reception. My boss is letting me leave an hour early to meet with their event planner with Derek and check out the space. I'm hoping it's one and done. I just want to nail down the venue so I can stop worrying about it. Apparently you need to book things 5 year in advance! Ok I'm exaggerating but everyone has been telling me I need to book the venue now for next spring. I really want a wedding in the city because Derek and I are city folk and so are most of our friends. 

Make it happen universe!

And in other wedding news, my BFF Germana got engaged yesterday. Andy is a great guy and I'm so happy they're engaged! We're having dinner with them soon so I'm sure I'll hear all the details.

Before I go, I'd like to thank everyone for their comments on my last post. I really appreciate it.

Ask and you shall recieve

My friend Todd commented last night that he has not been on my blog in a very long time. Todd is correct. Asketh and you shall receiveith.

We met on craigslist years ago under the "I need a crazy roommate" section.

I like it when someone is like "hey, I haven't been on your blog in a while". That means they actually read it.

I have today off of work for a vacation day. Derek and I don't know what we're doing yet but we will be doing something!

Taco Tuesday is worth it

You know what makes Tuesdays better? Mexican food, friends and plenty of cerveza. Fiona hosted another great Taco Tuesday last night. I might have gotten home a bit later than I planned. Oops. There was even homemade apple crisp with vanilla ice cream. Not Mexican at all, but who cares it's apple crisp.

I brought Cards Against Humanity which is always fun with a group of tipsy people.

I killed it the last time I played Cards Against Humanity but this time I had no luck. You can't win them all even when you think you should. I thought I had some pretty great cards.

Thankfully I manged to make it to the bus stop right before the bus arrived or I would have gotten home even later. I was yawning my way through the day today. I desperately wanted coffee but it's not worth the suffering that would follow so I sucked it up and silently felt bad for myself. To those of you that think you can't survive with out caffeine, you can, it just sucks. I don't recommend it unless absolutely necessary.

The week's not over yet and there's not way I'm going to bed early tonight when it's the season premiere of American Horror Story.

Yard borrowing

I saw this photo on my phone from last night and laughed.

I didn't realize it was a blurry mess when I took it. I think we all had a good time at Kerry and Doug's cookout. We all crammed into the little side yard which is what you have to do when you have a cookout in the city. I haven't had a yard for a few years so I must take advantage of my friend's yards even if they're small.

Today I'm trying to tackle some packing for our impending move. Bosco is tackling being lazy and in the way as usual.

He's cute though, I'll give him that. He thinks all of these boxes are for him to sleep in or on. Did you know that if you're in the military they will send people over to pack everything for you? That would be nice. I really hate moving and as August 1st gets closer I'm anxious about getting everything done.

Hopefully I'll be seeing Jurassic World with my mother tomorrow. Bring on the dinosaurs!

What is dream Ginny up to?

I've decided on days that I don't have anything to blog about I'll post about the best part of my day. It won't always be easy because I can be a bit moody on the crap days, but I'm going to give it a whirl as they say. (ok no one says that but let me amuse myself)

Today a friend of mine who lives halfway across the country posted on my Facebook wall that she had a dream about me. It was a silly dream involving a trip to Wahlburgers, which was a place I took her to when she visited last spring. 

Is it weird that I enjoy when someone shares a dream they had about me? I like to know what dream Ginny is up to and it's no surprise that it involves burgers. It's also nice to know a friend was thinking of me.

30th birthday > 21st birthdays

One of my best friends celebrated her 30th birthday last night. It was 80s themed and we had the whole basement part of the bar to ourselves.

 Tron legs.

There is a trail of glow sticks around my apartment because I thought it would be fun to use them to light up the bathroom.

Happy 30th Germana. I hope you save that light up tutu for your 80th birthday in the retirement home. Also, I'm sorry that once again I got you a necklace that you already have. At least it's something I know you like.