I had so much fun this weekend! All New Englanders were aware we would be dumped on this weekend by over a foot of snow - so I left work early on Friday and headed home.  I made a huge pot of chili all while drinking my favorite wine (Estancia Pinot Grigio FYI) and doing  a few rounds of shoveling.  I don't know why I've always really loved shoveling.  I love bundling up and going outside and seeing the kids play across the street.  And last year I learned shoveling burns 440 calories an house so - BONUS.  My little neighbor Kyle came over and we made some snowballs and some snow angels.  Nerdy.

By 7pm my car was already covered.  I woke up early the next day to go in town and be a tourist with Hillary, John and Hillary's brother Kent, and his girlfriend Christy.  While I was in bed I was thinking "OK I'll brush my car off and park at the station."  Not the case.  When I looked outside I saw the snow had not let up and now my car was a white silhouette of itself.  So I decided to walk to the station.  Something I have definitely not done since high school pre license.  I saw a few cars spin out on my way so I knew I made the right choice.  Stopped at DD for a huge coffee and got on the T. 

One of my quests for the day was to find red tights.  So while I was waiting for the rest to come in - I stopped at Macy's.  Seriously they had EVERY other color besides red.  Truthfully I really wanted plaid tights - anywho I digress.  Our first stop together was Newbury Comics in Fanuiel Hall.  Kent and Christy were blown away by Newbury.  We spent like over an hour in there just looking at everything.  But I FOUND my red tights!  They are awesome.  Hillary made fun of me the whole time for buying them and then at Urban Outfitters - what did she buy - red tights.  We're going to be the Red Tight brigade.  We got lunch at the less glamourous Hard Rock Cafe.  The new one in Fanuiel Hall is so much cooler than the one that was in Back Bay.  Say what you want about HRC - I'm always so in awe by all the cool stuff.  We were sat at the New Kids on the Block table.  Of course.

Next stop was Mike's Pastry - it was hike and yeah we so needed it after that dinner.  I'm so embarrassed to say I've lived in Boston my whole life and I've been to the North End twice maybe.  It's so picturesque.  Kent kept saying we should be in a movie because it was so nice.  Went to Mike's which is pretty much the best bakery Boston has to offer.  I got some treats for Mom and Roger and of course a treat in the form of a cupcake for little old me (more on that later).  

We walked around a bit more just looking at stuff.  I thanked ULU, one of the companies I work with wilst walking around all day.  They sent me a great pair of  boots when I started working with them late last year.  I didn't wear them much because I really depend on my Tecnica Apres Moon Boots in serious winter weather - who I also used to work for.  I really started wearing my ULU's this year and I feel like I can walk anywhere and get over any snowbank in them - and they're adorable.  They have an amazing strong outsole probably designed for serious snow people in Colorado but lemme tell you - they're genious for a day in the city.  I had to jump over this snow bank probably 4 feet off the ground.  I glided over that shit like a Gazelle in my awesome boots.

I digress.  We hopped on the Blue Line (which got a makeover!) and went to AMC Boston Common theatre to see Yes Man!  I really enjoyed that movie.  Jim Carrey and Zooey Deschanel - what's not to like.  After the movie we parted ways and I headed back to the south shore.  It took forever on the T - and then I remembered I had to still walk home.  Not a fun time.  The snow had gotten way worse and of course no one shoveled the sidewalks.  So half way home I had to walk on the "sidewalk" through the snow.  Serious workout for the buns and calves. When I finally got home I got a glass of wine and decided to eat my cupcake.  Now I did take a picture of it but I didn't save it - when I realized this it was only a crumb.  Sad.

Hillary and I with the bells in Fanueil Hall!

The side at our New Kids table!  His little (seriously so small) tour jacket was in a case above.

(blogspot is not letting me load pics!  More later!)

So excited for only 2 days of work this week!  They're going to be busy though.  Blerg.

How about that?

39 degrees out!!!!

Oh AND it snowed last night.  Hillary and I went to the Living Room for the Mad Men party and when we left it was SNOWING!  Hillary will say it was not snow (she's from CA and in denial every year that snow might not come).  SNOWING!  It's October?? Is this a bad sign?

The Mad Men party was pretty cool.  They played 60's music and played Mad Men on these big screens.  On one TV though they were playing the World Series (which people still seemed interested in after Sunday nights game - oy.  Go Phillies BTW.  Please make it a clean sweep).  

I drank some martinis which made me extra silly on our train ride back to Newton Center.  Because it was so cold we took the blue line to Government Center.  In my 26 years in Boston I NEVER have taken the Blue Line.  And when I rode it I realized why.  It's like the ugly step child of the T.  You walk down the ramp to the trains and time regresses back to 1976.  The trains are barely held together and smell like years and years of people peeing inside of them.  It doesn't go very far (I think it goes to Wonderland - which is not a place you want to be when the street lights go on).  On a normal day I would walk from GC to the Living Room but Blue Line seemed like a good idea.

When we got up to the GC platform there was a musician ( I use the term loosely ) playing his tunes.  He started with a rousing rendition of some tunes from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (creepy much) and then launched into "Singing in the Rain" which is pretty much my favorite movie/and song from a movie.  I decided to put a dollar in his hat and as I'm walking he reaches out to me and hands me a mint.  Now the question is:  Do I eat it or not?  This may never be answered but I'm keeping it.

Tuesday night my mom had a little birthday celebration for me which was very nice of her.  They bought lobsters, shrimp and lots of other fun stuff. We're such a Massachusetts family.  Seriously we have ate lobster on Christmas before.  My crazy Republican neighbor showed her face again and had to spew her republican thoughts.  I always say I won't fight with her but I end up saying something offensive.  My newest thing to say to Repubs is "Lucky for me your vote will never matter in Massachusetts!"  Mean?

My mom also surprised me with a Red Velvet cake!! OMG so good (I also had a piece as dinner after the Mad Men party last night).  Seriously who invented Red Velvet cake.  Are they married?  Cause I want to marry them.  

xok

So update on my birthday surprise!

Friday night Hillary told me NOT to make any plans for Monday night and that she had a surprise for me.  In Hillary fashion she wanted to tell me so bad but I wouldn't let her.  

Sunday night she calls to tell me it's on Newbury Street and that I should plan to meet her at 5pm.  Obviously this has my mind racing now!  I had a few ideas that it could be but I still wasn't sure.  I ended up meeting her at her work around 4 instead so as we were walking to the T to go to Newbury she told me - she set up appointments for both of us to go to the Spa for massages and manicures.  AMAZING.  Never once did that go into my mind.  When she first told me she had a surprise for me I thought it was going to be her making my favorite Carollo dinner (Poppy Seed Chicken FYI) so naturally I was super excited for the Spa.  She told me we were going to Spa Newbury but didn't have to be there till 6pm so we found it a great time to get a drink (or few) before.  

We went to Sonsie and sat at the bar and enjoyed some wine and watched the beginning of the worst game ever.  We decided we had a huge crush on the bartender and that we may have to go back JUST to see him.  By the time we left to head to the spa the game was 4-1.  Bad sign.

On our way to the spa we pass by Johnny Cupcakes and mention how it reminds us of Rachel, our friend who did a little modeling for JC and we look in the window and we see her friend Danny working there.  We bust in and hugs all around.  That store is amazing.  I've been a fan of JC for a while yet never owning any article of clothing.  His story is just so great and he's a South Shore boy so obvs I'm interested.  We chatted with Danny for a bit about his band - LionsLions and that I need to catch a show asap and about other randomness.  Since I was finally in the store I found it apropos to finally represent this brand that I respect so much.  So I took this guy home with me..

EDIT:  Ok the shirt I got is so special that it's not online yet.  But seriously go check out his shit.  If you LOVE Boston, Cupcakes and attention to detail PLEASE check out the website and or hit up his store on Newbury Street.  

Anywho. Next stop was the spa.  It was super cute and totally relaxing even in the lobby.  My massage was amazing.  So amazing I almost fell asleep (ok I think I DID fall asleep).  The room was super nice and not like the first time I got a massage.  Back story (no pun intended) I got my first massage just about two years ago and I hated it.  It was at a retreat and kind of an odd location.  The lady sucked and kept yelling at me for not relaxing (sorry lady I have an insane job) but last nights experience totally turned my massage history around.  I feel like there is no more stress in my neck or my lower back.  Amazing.  Then I got a manicure which was also fantastic and the woman who did it kept complimenting my nails.  She's like you have GREAT nails - like 10 times.  I decided to go for a red nail - the red in the bottle was perfect - the red on my fingers look like Dorothy's ruby slippers.  Still awesome.

After the spa we walked and talked about how great it was (and after like 15 hugs to smart Hillary) and decided we could totally go for another drink and some food.  We ended up going to Match - where I have wanted to go for years!  There wasn't anyone there so we sat at the bar and continued watching previously said tragic Red Sox game.  We got a yummy martini and a mini burger.  Mini tuna burger I must add.  So good and perfect ending to an amazing day.

Seriously I don't even know how to thank Hillary for this.  She totally gets it.  I love to be surprised and be caught off guard.  I was so happy I cried a little while I was getting my massage.  She's so damn smart.  I'm already starting to plan great things for her birthday (no seriously I am). We had so much fun and realize we should do it more often.  She doesn't read my blog but I'll make her read this one (HI HILLARY)!!!!!

After our little meal and sadness of the game we trudged to the T with all the other sad Sox fans.  When we passed by the Fenway stop lots more sad Sox fans came on and I made it a rule to allow NO Tampa Bay fans on.  Lucky for them - none took the T.  That's right.  We befriended a couple of guys who we were thisclose to for a good chunk of the ride.  Two seats became available and they grabbed them for us.  So we continue talking and one of them is like can I sit on your lap??  Totally expecting me to say NO he's like AHAH Just kidding.  I was like "No please do!".  He's like "Oh I was kidding... but now that you mention it" and takes a seat.I had to ask him the obligatory "So what do you want for Christmas" as he listed out things he would like.  Hilarious. He was too cute and so was his friend.  We got off the train, walked to Hill's car and headed back home.

Thanks Hurdy for the most fun night I have had in a LONG TIME.  

xok

Why does the weekend go so fast?  Unfair.

Friday night Hill, John, Pat, Robyn I went to Margaritas on 3A.  So random and I always wonder why I don't go there more often.  When I got there I remembered.  The food is subpar (and expensive) and the margaritas are NOT good.  Misleading for a place named so.  But I had $10 dollars off because it's my bday month so I decided it would be a good idea.  Fast forward to getting home after the Sox game I realized I didn't even use the stupid coupon.

Went to Gary's house after to watch the game (WHICH WE WON!) and everyone learned about my weird habit of folding underwear.  It just fits in the drawer better sheesh.  After the game we watched a little of Knocked Up and then I decided I was tres tired and went home to sleep.

Saturday Hills and I went on a little shopping excursion and I will tell you we did alot better than I thought we would (as in we did really good not spending a million dollars). I got myself a gorgeous pair of shoes.

They don't look as cute on the website.  I'll take a picture when I wear them out tonight.  So cute and so comfortable.  I tried on another pair similar to these but they looked so elf-ish they got nixed.  We had to hit up Old Navy because the Old Navy in Dedham is seriously the best in the area.  I picked up a cute Fall dress (that I am hopefully going to adapt for the Mad Men party I'm going to - more on that later), and some other necessities.  Totally my fourth weekend in a row going shopping there.  So bad.

We went back to her house and made dinner and watched Made of Honor (ok kind of really cute) and Sex and the City (tears).  I think so matter how many times I see that movie I will cry everytime!  Then I went home to watch the game which I almost didn't make it through.  Ok Tampa Bay - I HATE their cowbells.  Seriously is that all you've got.  You can't get riled up for your crappy team any other way.  I guess I'm just spoiled being a Red Sox fan.  And they kept showing all of the people in TB napping and shit.  Seriously if that game was in Fenway we'd be rallying.  Man I really wish I was going to the game tonight.

Yesterday I decided to go for a walk at Castle Island.  I will admit that I hadn't gone there all summer (except for the time Robyn and I attempted to go in the Spring but it was too cold). Also that structure that was in the middle of the sugar bowl is not there anymore (the thing Donnie Wahlberg runs on top of in the movie Southie - yeah never understood how he got up there).  Yesterday was the PERFECT fall day.   Not too hot and not to cold and perfect for a walk in a hoodie.   It was TOO gorgeous there and obvs I had to take pictures:

 

Those picture defines what I love about Boston.  It's so exciting and pretty much the best city in the world but there are places like this also.  I had a nice walk while playing the plane game by myself.  Not as fun but whatever.  The plane game goes back to being a real little one playing at the playground there.  When you see the plane coming in (CI is RIGHT next to Logan Airport) everyone guesses what airline it is and whoever gets it right - is the winner lol.  We used to say who ever won would get to go first on the slide (or get the best swing).  We'll have to think of some new prizes.

I have some sort of birthday surprise coming to me tonight but I don't know what it is.  Hillary can't keep secrets but I told her NOT TO TELL ME.  I heart surprises.  Keep you posted.

xok

Lots of good stuff going on just very little time to actually blog about it.

Travelled last week to Minneapolis for work party and other good things.  The company I work for is very cool.  Their proper "Holiday Party" is actually St Patricks Day themed in March and includes beer, donuts and bagels in the am.  Literally 9 am I go to get myself a bagel and there is a line at the beer.  The reason we were out there is because if you're new you have to perform in the talent show.  O'Gong show as it is called.  Much like the Gong Show in the 80's you perform until you get gonged.  Mike, Lori and I decided to be hula hooping cowboys.  We really didn't think we'd make it through the first few notes of "Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy" - but we did.  We were begging to be gonged - and finally about 2 minutes in it ended.  So fun though.  B's team won second place with their rendition of Welcome to The Jungle complete with brooms as guitars and pens as drum sticks.  They looked great.  After the show we were whisked away to the airport to make our way back to Beantown.  I had of a lot of  and got to meet a lot more people that I missed in January when I visited.

Saturday night we attempted to celebrate St Patricks Day early so we went to the brew house and enjoyed some Magners and themed drinks.  What I love about the Brew House is there is a jukebox.  Well not an old school one obvs but one of those fancy ones you can put your credit card in (which didn't work).  I don't have to listen to crappy music (unless someone plays it).  Anywho one of the guys in there looked like a super music snob so he was totally challenging us.  Hillary played SOS by Jonas Brothers and seriously we sang so loud and laughed so hard.  This guy looked like he absolutely wanted to murder us.  So he goes and spends like forever trying to pick some new songs.  As soon as he's done Hillary gives me some money so I can go trump him.  I find  Foo Fighters "Hey Johnny Park" and it gives you the option to play it or PLAY NEXT - which in turn means interrupting the previous persons song choices.  So I do it.  It comes on and he's like WTF and throws his arms up.  Seriously though he'd JUST played "One by One" by the Foo and now he's all mad that I'm playing a better song from a better album (The Colour and the Shape FTWWWWW).  He wasn't pleased.

After the Brewhouse we went to Annies (who JUST GOT ENGAGED!!!!  Damn should have taken a picture of the ring for my blog) to check the ring out and say hello.  Yes Annie and James just got engaged and I'm so excited!!! Robyn on the other hand is not.  She is sad because she thought she'd be next.  Sorry Crickett.

[Disclaimer: Robyn is really happy for Annie.  I just like to pick on her for it]

But yeah October 2009 Annie will be Mrs Fernandez and I will be 27!  Congratsss guys!

Sunday Robyn and I went into Boston to see  Funny Games (as previously mentioned).  I read a few more reviews about it and I think I like it a little bit more.  We also walked around town and made fun of people.  We're 13.

Last night for St Patricks Day Jess, Hill, John, Robyn and I went out to the Half Door for some celebrations.   God I have been drinking so much in the past two weeks.  I think I'm going to take a drinking sabbatical.

Work is going good. Last few weeks have been crazy.  I have days where I just want to cry because NOTHING is going right but then I have days where I just feel like on top of the world.  I just officially joined a new account team today so I'm super excited about it.  Can't wait to get my hands on new stuff.

Lauren moves back to NYC next week and it's really struck a cord in my head.  I really miss New York.  I feel like something is pulling me back there.  Like I'd miss a few friends like crazy and I'd miss my mom but sometimes I feel like the odd girl out here.  Everyones getting engaged and married and it's like where do I fit in?  I don't know. Just a thought.  I mean I do need to find a man so I can beat Robyn down the aisle (I kid I kid).

Back to work!

xo