True story. I have not died. I'm still alive. And it's not that I'm busy or anything - I just have no energy to blog about my bad luck.

Vacation was amazing. Couldn't have been better actually. We stayed at the Riu Bambu in Punta Cana. It was so incredible. It only rained like three times and it was all when we were already done with the sun for the day. We did water aerobics and bingo everyday. Call us the old folks. My tan is still kicking it too.

I have no pictures however because my camera is no longer working. I tested it the night before we left and nothing. It turns on - and then off. Very random. I swear I can't touch anything remotely valuable without it breaking. My computer is still a no show. Justin took it and fooled around with it and said it's got non dairy creamer caked all over the middle. Seriously folks - MacBooks are thirsty - do not quench their thirsts while checking your email on a Sunday morning. My options are:

A. Get a new logic board ($350)
B. Buy a used one from Ebay ($475-700)
C. Buy a new one

Currently I have no where near any of those amounts thanks to Massachusetts Unemployment - so I'm using my rents computer which is I'm sure just what hell is like. It's like moving back in. But not. It's awful.

However there is a silver lining in my bad luck year. I got a freelance job doing PR and media relations for a cool clothing brand. I don't know when I'll get paid for my work because it's all a little confusing right now but when I do - I'm buying myself a new MacBook. I damn near cried over one in the Apple store in the mall the other day.

My car also decided to be shitty on me. Last week my exhaust snapped in half leaving me with a car that's sound probably could break the sound barrier. I hid it from my rents for a few days and finally my step-dad found out. So my mom gave me some money to get that fixed - which wasn't a lot - but I HATE borrowing money!

Ok no more of this awful crap. My mom got married!!! it was a lovely little ceremony/reception. My mom looked GORGEOUS!!! So did my step-dad. They both looked very dapper. I was obsessed with my dress. My mom took me dress shopping and I moaned and groaned the whole way (seriously I am a thrill to be around) and the first dress I picked up was the winner. See in photos below!

Me and Bff's. It wasn't as poofy as it looks in that pic. It's was a little windy. Pretty much the most comfy dress on earth.

My sisters and I with Aunt Claire.

The whole gang.

More pictures are up on my FaceBook. Thanks to those who took pictures and printed them out for me :)

After the reception we went back to the rents place for the after after party. Jess and Missy came and picked up Robyn, Hill and I and we headed to No Doubt!! AMAZING. We had SO much fun even though it was raining and we were on the lawn. Well actually it didn't rain TOO bad. But once the music started it didn't even matter. Just made it THAT more epic. We were all trying to get good pictures of Gwen's abs for inspiration. Seriously. That woman is INCREDIBLE!

Hillary, Meghan and I.

We had too much fun.

I'm HOPING and praying to get tickets for the Killers in Sept before they sell out because that would pretty much make my life.

Hope everyone is doing well!! I promise to keep up with my blog now even though I'm sure I've lost a few of my 4 readers lol.

xok

Computer is still out of commission. When I recieve my severance I'm going to bring it to an independent computer fixer upper. I've already done some research on some in the area and I'm suprised by how many do not know their way around a Mac. Of course my nerdy PC friends are like "Told you not to buy a Mac." Whatever.

In the meantime I have to give serious props to my amazing roomate and my mom for letting me use their computers. Both PC's.

Friday night, the ladies and I went to see Angels and Demons. I loved it. I haven't read the book yet but I wanted to see the movie badly. It made me want to go to Rome. Badly. Or at least made me wish I had studied Art History in college. We went back to Hillary's apt and hung out and got pysched about our vacation (which is 12 days away!). I can't wait. I feel so useless not doing anything. At least when I'm on vacation I'll feel like I'm doing something.

Another bummer about my computer being out of commission is the fact that my resume is on it. So I just dragged out a hard copy and I'm going to go to my moms house tomorrow and re do the whole thing. It's a great resume and it would be impossible to re create off the top of my head.

Speaking of which I feel like I may be getting dumber. I've been saying really dumb things. I think my brain is tired and not used to being unstimulated all day every day. I mean really there are only so many Keeping Up with the Kardashians and Maury's that I can watch. So I've been playing Puzzle Quest and Sudoku like it's my job (could it be my job??).

Saturday Hillary's hubby came over and pimped our apt (attached our Wii and hid our wires - yeah we were so lazy). I went over to Greg's for a bit and hung out with him and his mom and new nephew who is so so so cute. Rest of the weekend was a bust. I've drank an insane amount of coffee and took like 6 naps. I neeeeeed some good news in my life.

Also, I woke up with the itchiest foot EVER!!! Like I wanted to stick it into a fan because it probably would have done the trick. Someone told me it meant I'm coming into money. Then someone else pissed on my parade and told me it may mean I'm going to get into a fight.

Please let it be money.


xok

In my string of bad luck I literally threw a cup of coffee on my MacBook. It wasn't even a lot. But since it was hot - I screwed myself. The screen was working and loading per usual but the mouse pad and the keys weren't registering.

I brought it right to the Apple store at the South Shore Plaza. One of my best customer service stories is from Apple so I had high hopes - sadly the woman that helped me pretty much laughed in my face and told there was nothing I could do - just wait until it dried out. She didn't listen to me and kept interuppting when I wanted to tell her what happened. She kept talking to me like I was an idiot. Which added to my frustration even more.

Sunday was the same deal. Everyone was telling me to take the battery out and turn it over. So I did. Praying Monday it would be better - I put the battery back in to find my computer with no life at all. Mom and I headed for lunch at out favorite place, the Rustic Kitchen at Derby Street so I brought my computer because there is also an apple store there.

The guy there was slightly nicer - the kicker is - he told me if the person in Braintree would have un screwed the back (which he did) and taken the RAM out it probably would have been a very easy problem to fix. But since she didn't right away - my computer is pretty much fried. Oh and is probably going to cost $800 to fix. I have a few people who are going to look at it but I have little hope.

Another thing that drives me crazy is that Apple Care DOES not cover liquid damage. I bought it because I was told if anything happens to it my Apple Care will cover it. It wasn't everything except for a, b and c. So I pretty much paid for Apple Care in case something within the computer - that is out of my hands - goes wrong with it.

So sad. I'm heartbroken over this. This is worse than being laid off.

Also have thought of selling some of my nice handbags online. I do NOT want to - but being laid off - without a job, I really have no choice. My resume and cover letter are on there so naturally I need it badly. But can't get to it. Thankfully my roommate is letting me use her computer :) She's a damn saint.

Oh and I'm not getting my severance pay - which I need badly - until my last expense report is paid. Another thing that is out of my hands. I sent it in the day I got laid off. So because accounting hasn't got to it yet - I don't get my severance. The card is under my name - do they really think I'm just not going to pay it when it's my credit at stake?? Not going to happen. That call is what started my day.

I had a really fun time last night and I thought finally maybe things would be looking up. My roommate and I went into town with two of her guy friends for some Italian food and good times. We had a blast. One of the guys we went with is like the mayor of the North End. I wish I could remember the place we had dinner at (this was before the wine - promise. I just don't remember!). It was incredible and after this I will probably enjoy my leftovers. After, we went to Cafe Vittoria for coffee and snacks and then went downstairs which was a cigar bar. People were smoking cigars, hooka, everything in there. So bizarre. The secrets that place must hold. It was all older men in three piece suits discussing business. One of those places you only see in the movies. I wanted to take pictures but figured I'd have the mafia on my door step the next morning if I did - so I refrained.

Best thing about the cigar bar is that they played the most random music. Chumawumba, late 90's Britney Spears, Jodeci and All Saints. Yeah. We had a good time.

That's really as exciting as my life gets these days. I feel so useless sometimes. The only thing I'm looking forward to is my vacation! Then after that I'm not sure what to do. I need a job like yesterday.

Time to get back to Lost! Hope all my blog friends are doing well!

xok

Last week was definitely a huge bummer.  Well most of it was grand.  Never saw it coming.

I got laid off from my job on Thursday.  It's funny how things work like that.  I had a huge revelation on Wednesday night.  I was feeling super positive and  was really hitting all my marks and getting really great feedback.  

Then Thursday morning the head of my office walked in and shut the door and I was like - eh.  I knew it wasn't going to be good.  Eight of us got laid off that day.  They have been laying people off since October.  I guess they were banking on scoring a few pieces of new business - but because they didn't - they had to make the decision to get rid of some people.  

There is a lot I would have changed about the experience (besides the whole not having a job thing).  I really loved my job - but more I liked the people.  I'll really miss working everyday with Bethany and Kathleen.  I'll miss the routine.  I already have gotten up at 7:30 and started to get ready - to only remember that I don't have a job.  Just sad.

Anyways.  This weekend definitely made up for my shitty week.  Friday night, I went out to this place Hanabi in Marshfield with my favorites.  REALLY good food and they have one of those tepanyaki tables where they cook the food in front of you.  We opted to sit in the main dining room.  Super cute.  We then met more folks in the bar area for some drinks and dancing.  This band Six Foot Sunday was playing and they were pretty sweet.

Saturday I woke up bright and early for the trip to New Jersey for Bamboozle.  I picked up Robyn and we were on our way.  I was a little hungover but as soon as we loaded up on some Dunks we were good to go.  I love driving down there.  Reminds me of college.  So many random memories on 95 South lol.  We made it down there around 12:30.  We killed some time and then headed down to Meadowlands.

Bamboozle is now like an two day Warped Tour.  I miss it being at Asbury a little.  JUST a little.  First band we wanted to see was the Bloodhound Gang.  Also one of the bands that convinced me to actually make the trek down.  They were awesome.  They played Ballad of Chasey Laine, F.U.C.K., Uhn Tiss, Three Point One Four, Bad Touch and Fire Water Burn.  I love Jimmy Pop.  The crowd watching them was really cool too.  No 14 year olds.  This was the best picture of them I got.

We also watched New Found Glory, and Ace Enders and a Million Different People.  Ace was great.  Made me miss TEN a little bit.  We killed some time before Third Eye Blind.  Right before Third Eye Blind there was supposed to be a "Special Guest".  Circa 2004 at Skate and Surf in Asbury we were also promised a special guest.  It was Joan Jett.  This year - it was Journey.  YES.  Like Don't Stop Believing Journey.  I also learned the next day that the lead singer was NOT Steve Perry.  It looked just like him.  We were far away.

Third Eye Blind was AMAZING.  They played all the goodies and again the crowd watching them was really cool.  Met some fun dudes who enjoyed them as much as we did.  We peaced out after that as we didn't really want to see Fall Out Boy and we were starving.  Thanks to VZ Navigator we found a Taco Bell REALLY close to our hotel.  Roads in Jersey are totally screwy so we got lost of course.  When we finally got back to the hotel we scarved and passed out. The hotel wasn't bad for the $90 we paid and the people who worked there were super sweet.  

Next day I picked out a cute outfit (yeah whatever) to only find out it was pouring.  Again, giving props to my VZ Navigator, I decided we should search "diner" and go to a legit Jersey diner for brunch.  We picked the Gotham City Diner in Ridgefield NJ because we liked the name.  Duh.  It was amazing and super affordable.  I got some glares and dirty looks with my red sox hoodie (with ended up coming with me for the rest of the day - smart).

When we left it was still crazy downpouring.  So again with the trusty navigator we found a Borders and killed some time.  I seriously could kill a day in Borders (and probably will with my current state of non-employment).  

We headed to the venue again.  It was probably the grossest place I've ever been (next to Warped Tour 2005 in Northhampton MA).  It had been raining all day and they didn't clean up from the day before.  So use your imagination.  It was insane.  We actually got to catch this really cool band from Florida called Versaemerge.  They were playing on one of the smaller stages.  There were a ton of carnival rides at the venue.  We didn't check them out because we thought you had to pay for them (we're that poor - did I mention hot dogs were $5 and beer was almost $9).  Well the second day we checked it out and road the ferris wheel.  SO cool.  Wish the weather could have been a little better.

That was our view of the venue from the top.  Cool that you can see the New York skyline in the back.

We then watched Demi Lovato (who was adorable and seriously bad ass for holding her own up there) and The Used (who I used to LOVE but they are really not good anymore).  Bert is WAY less crazy and both him and the instruments were really hard to hear.  After that we went to dry out inside Giants Stadium and sit.  They actually let us sit in the stands.  It was cool.  This is also the time that Robyn and I enjoyed an Arepa.  I don't know the background of these amazing works of food but - they are two flat cakes of cornbread and in the middle is mozzarella cheese.  AND it was really good.  We had some laughs about how random it was.

We then headed back down and decided we wanted one more ride on the Ferris Wheel.  We got paired up with two really cool dudes.  We bonded over the fact that we were all over 25.  LOL.  Nerds.  After the Ferris Wheel we went to go check out Taking Back Sunday.  Before TBS we stopped at the Gen79 tent to meet one of my favorite blogger gals, Jessica, over at tried to live forever everyday of the year.  She is SOOO super sweet and was rocking the LAMB like myself.  We chatted for a bit and then met up again to watch No Doubt.  We watched TBS from the No Doubt stage because we really wanted to get a good spot for ND.  TBS were good and I think I'll try to see them again when they come to Boston.

No Doubt was incredible.  Speechless.  I got the chills when they came out and opened right into Spiderwebs.  I was wet and cold and tired but I danced and jumped my booty off.  Amazing.  We left about three songs early to make the 15 minute walk to the car, so we did "hear" the rest.  Finally got back to my apartment at 3am and I was showered, hydrated and snoozing by 3:15.  Good times.  Good times.  

Cinco De Mayo celebration tomorrow night!!!! 

xok

I give this weekend a B.

Friday night was fun as it always is when P. Dunn and I do the Chilis thing. They have a sweet happy hour menu from 9pm-midnight where all these apps and burger/sandwich combos are $3.99 each. I got a grilled chicken sandwich and french fries (I know. I couldn't resist). But we all know the real reason I like to go there on Friday's - Nikki makes me the best dirty martinis. The best. I have been in this sordid love affair with dirty martinis for the past year or so. But I will only drink it at certain places and I would probably never dare to make one on my own - but I love them - especially if the establishment stuffs the olives with blue cheese (ie. Cheesecake Factory, Not Your Average Joe's). I always get the most attention when I drink them as well - men will come and be like "That's a serious martini" then I will do my best to act flirty - but we all know I'm as smooth as Liz Lemon, so instead I ramble on about a story on how much I love salt which makes it the perfect drink for me.

I'm a classy broad. All that talk really makes me want a DM now.

I digress. Pat has a friend named Norm who we like to mess around with after a few drinks. We send him (ok Pat does - but I provide content) random Friends synopsises' and see if he gets them - he generally doesn't but usually takes it in stride. He used to think it was really funny but this Friday night he was NOT amused. He send Pat back very mean text's and a scathing voice mail. Ohh Norm.

Saturday I woke up early and cleaned and I promised my long lost best friend Mrs. Hillary that I would go up to North Shore and visit her. They live on the beach in Winthrop - so I put on a little sundress ready to get some color. Little do I know Hillary and the hub are decked out beach style in bathing suits and stuff. Little serious for April you think? When we were getting some sun, our friend Jess mentions she's never been to Hooter's. In my very PR way I tell her why it's so awesome and not because boobs are awesome. I've always had a really fun time at Hooter's. First time I ever went in like 2000 this douche bag was harrassing our waitress so in my 17 year old glory I totally yelled at this guy - I don't know exactly what I said but it wasn't nice - sorry dude - but she was a sweetie. She was so appreciative she bought my friends and I a round of beer. Beer? Yeah I was a late bloomer and all I drank at 17 was like two sips of Zima and some watered down white russians (thanks Roger!). So I asked for the only beer I knew at that time - Bud Light. God we were so cool. We took like 18 pictures of our beers and couldn't wait to show our friends at school on Monday.

I digress again - I just think the gals there are the sweetest and the food is good. So we cleaned up and headed to the new Hooter's on Route 1. Obvs we had a blast and watched the Red Sox OWN the Yankees. It was cool because you didn't feel weird jumping out your seat and cheering for the game - because everyone was. We weren't that one LOUD table as we always are. So fun. SO many families there too. Like lots of little kids. Do you think recently breast fed kids try to reach out for the gals boobies?

And think Hooter's is only for boobs and games. Don't count Hooter's out when you're planning your next date.

Hilarious. This kept me entertained for a few minutes. Get your wings and your champagne.

After the game I was just going to head home but ended up meeting up with some pals for a Breast Cancer Fundraiser. Twas fun. The band was really bad but the drinks and the company were good. I tried not being in any pictures because I looked gross ( being on the beach all day can do that to you) but alas - I got caught.

Cute!

Sunday I lounged around all day and it was glorious. Yep. Last night after work the roomie and I decided to catch a movie. We saw "I Love You Man" and it was incredible. SO FUNNY. I love Jason Segel - my love just grows and grows for him. Legit. Funny movie. Totes McGotes.

Did I mention I'm getting ridiculously psyched for this weekend and Bamboozle. Can't wait.

Zumba tonight!!

xok

Wow. Three posts in one week. Color me shocked. I have been inspired by the lovely Jessica at tried to live forever every day of the year. She does a Friday playlist every Friday and I have decided to make my own.

I have also been asked by a journalist who came to the event last week if I could make her a running mix (apparently along with my talents she also thinks I have good taste in music - yeah I don't know what she's thinking). I have mixes on the brain.

Here are my songs that are currently getting me through this workday:

1. Dire Straights - Money For Nothing
2. Peter, Bjorn and John - Nothing to Worry About
3. Kelly Clarkson - I Do Not Hook Up
4. Demi Lovato - Get Back
5. Kings of Leon - Four Kicks
6. Kings of Leon - Use Somebody
7. Letters to Cleo - Find You Dead
8. Iggy Pop - Candy
9. New Found Glory - 47
10. Lily Allen - Everyone's At It
11. Weezer - It's Easy
12. The Raconteurs - Old Enough
13. MGMT - Electric Feel
14. Motion City Soundtrack - It Had to be You
15. The Killers - Neon Tiger

Happy Friday!

xok

Just realized I forgot something pretty exciting that also happened this weekend: My mom and Roger (step-dad) are finally getting married.

I feel like everyone I tell is WAY more excited than I am. I am excited - don't get me wrong but I'm just like "jeez finally." They've been together for 17 years. I'm just not surprised. They've been engaged for over 10 years and have told me they were getting married like 6 times.

They were supposed to be married in 2000 - I even sent Joey Fatone from NSYNC a letter to see if he wanted to be my date (still waiting on my rsvp - FYI - oh yeah did I mention I was 18). But they didn't. Plans fell through.

Come two weeks ago at my mom's birthday I break the news about my vacation. Roger is often a professional parade pisser-on-er so I told just my mom. She's like WHAT! We were going to get married on May 30!

Oh. Well excuse me. I guess since I don't live in their house anymore I am void of big news. They both get all flustered that I didn't tell them sooner.

Sunday, I'm in the gym (where BTW Missy and I found a condom wrapper - hip-hop superstar must be seducing the ladies in there with his sweet moves) and my mom calls. I tell her I'm on a plan to look fierce at Annie's wedding (see previous post for bridesmaid woes) and before I can finish she's like "Oh! We're getting married June 20. We already paid for the luncheon at Common Market." Pretty exciting - but again I'm kind of over it. I can't wait - and it's going to be amazing but I feel like they're already married so it's no big shakes. I've been calling Roger my step dad for years - he's been in my life longer than my biological father was - his daughters (regardless of my liking for them) have been my sisters - I like his family more than I like my own. So many of them have shaped my life for the better. So I'm looking at this wedding as a party - official merging of families though it's already happened years ago.

Weird. Actually putting that out there has made me more excited for their wedding. If only I could put a veto on crazy step-sister attending.

Moving on. As a part of my seriousness of getting into shape and eating better (I haven't had a bagel or bread all week - go me!) I have decided to broaden my workouts. I did Zumba a few years ago at a Women's Retreat (totally mom's idea - leave me alone) and it was fun. It's all he rage now. Every gym has it - except for mine. I found out that Bayshore Atheltic Club in Braintree has a Zumba class and you don't have to me a member to join the class. All you do is spend $7 ($5 for members). So, mom's friend Kim asked her to go, mom asked me to join and I told Missy about it.

I have never had so much fun working out. I didn't fill my water because I was like "Ohh dancing - how much will I need to hydrate." The answer is "A LOT." After some serious giggles I got into it and I was sweating a TON (TMI?) I felt like my clothes were getting heavier and heavier. I rolled up my pants like a hip hop gangsta. It was insane. I have never sweat so much. Sooo worth the $7. Did I mention I'm the worst dancer ever? I'm going back tonight and have recruited a few more gals to come with so I'm even more excited.

Time to get back to work. <3

xok