Happy Friday!  

So I went to a PRSA Social Media seminar at Boston University today.  It was so cool.  One thing I like about working in communications and especially PR is that people are so easy to talk to.  I met like three people in the elevator who were my bff's for the class.  I'm kind of a whacko who talks to everyone so good thing I picked PR as a profession.  I was asked at the end of the class by a gentleman who does the PRSA Boston chapter newsletter if I would submit a piece.  He said I could pick any topic I want.  While I ponder that..

They gave us these adorable professional badges that said our name, and the company we worked for.  Of course I wanted to take a photo but they made me give it back at the end.  I don't want someone else being me!!  The professor of the class Steve Quigley was freaking amazing.  He started off but showing us his 6 year old cell phone and telling us how un technological savvy he was.  The class was for "beginners" and I was quite sure I'd be all the wiser than everyone in the class but it was fascinating how all these companies are using social media as a part of everyday media relations.  He talked a lot about FaceBook - which I have only recently become a fan of.   I was such a myspace girl but now I'm over it.  I hate that anyone and their mom can try to add you.  Whenever I have a friend request on FaceBook I get excited because it's ALWAYS someone I know.

The other night I got a friend request from my mormon pen pal that I haven't connected with in probably 9 years.  After pen and paper got lame we did the email thing and the phone thing - when he went to his mission he would send me something unique from each country.  Even something as simple as a menu from a McDonalds in Russia would impress me.  We lost touch after that and I was OVER THE MOON to see that he friended me on FaceBook.  Of course he's married now with two gorgeous kids - it's just so random how social networking works.

I just like all the interaction on FaceBook - and you never have to worry about someones annoying page slowing your computer down (ROBYN!!) because they all look the same.

We also talked a lot about Twitter and all these different ways you can use them to promote your client/brand.  It was all very informative and I plan on going to another one soon.

On my way home from BU I got a call from the renters office at the apartment I'm moving in to and they informed me that both of us had been approved to move in.  I am so damn excited.  I also took on the daunting task of telling my mom.  She seemed sad and didn't really have any looming questions.  Just about how much it was.  Said nice.  And moved on.  I've been out of the house before so she shouldn't be too sad about it.  And Abington is WAY closer than New York.  I am going to put together a blog of all the stuff I am already thinking of for my room and the like.

Last and final issue:  My phone.  I think I have grown out of my enV.  I mean I like it.  But it's become imperative that I have access to email when I am out of the office and the enV does not let me do so.  I also would like a more grown up phone.  Everyone is all profesh at the meeting today with their BlackBerry's and their iPhones and here I am whipping the glamourous enV out.  So I am going to purchase the BlackBerry Curve.  I toyed with an iPhone but I couldn't go to AT&T - I just won't.  Not sure why.  The Blackberry Storm (the one my man Krasinski pimps out) is the new BB but I don't like it that much.  I get more discounts by ordering online so I'll probably do that beginning next week.

One last thing.  Totally my friday obsession.

http://www.postcardsfromyomomma.com/

Makes me miss my mom and I only saw her a few hours ago.

Have a good weekend all!

xok

Birthday Fun!  

I had a pretty great birthday weekend!  It started off with a really good friday.  Literally - the Red Sox showed us that they weren't ready to give up at 12:16 AM turning around the ACLS series (only to lose last night - Sunday - but at least they forced all seven game).  

My mom gave me my birthday present when I got home from work because she wouldn't be seeing me till my birthday was well over.  I had a really hard time figuring out what I wanted for my b-day.  I was going to ask for money for my future living space but I decided to go for my fall back present - perfume.  SO I got this guy!

Also came in a really cute Dior makeup bag and also a lotion and a body wash.  It smells heavenly.  And oddly enough I discovered my love for it from the Sephora newsletter I got in the mail.  Sephora is my love.  There are rumors we may get one at the South Shore Plaza next year.  Seriously I will camp out.  

Anywho I have the lotion and the spray on today and it's not over powering (I am alone in the office so who knows - maybe I need a second opinion).

Friday night Hill and I got take out and watched The Strangers (not good - but Scott Speedman is good to look at) - at around 11:00pm we got a hankering to watch Titanic - so random I know - we only watched an hour before we started falling asleep.

Saturday morning Hill and John took me for breakfast where we ate alot.  IHOP has my FAVORITE TYPE of crepe now (which is nutella with bananas and strawberries)!  Happy Birthday to me.  The plan was to go into Salem but alas it never ended up working out.  We drove there - and for 45 minutes we drove in traffic going in circles looking for a space.  We aborted mission and headed back to South Shore.  We were thinking of other possible ideas but we decided to do up the Ale House which always has awesome Fall themed foods and drinks.  They didn't have my favorite caramel apple martini but they had a Pumpkin Spice martini which was so good.  For dinner I got Butternut Squash Raviolis!  If you are a butternut squash fan you MUST try these.  I think a lot of establishments have them this time of year.  So good.  Seriously I couldn't stop talking about them.

Hillary for my birthday along with the amazing birthday surprise, got me the 4th Season of the OC.  I LOVE THE OC!!!  But the 4th season was sad and I never bought it but every time I see it I'm like OK I need this soon.  Just to finish the collection.  I'm such a nerd.  Hillary also got me a High School Musical pen case.  It's so funny the older I get the nerdier I get.  I also got a Camp Rock birthday card from Robyn.  Do you see what I mean?? It didn't sing to me but you bet I sang to it.  

Watched a little bit of the game with Robyn, John and Hill but they were all seriously falling asleep on me.  Around 5th inning I went to Lydia and Phils to finish the game and see all of them.  Their house is SUPERRR spooky because they're gearing up for the mother of all Halloween parties.  Seriously Alysse has like body parts in her bathroom.  For real.  Anywho.  They had a really yummy cake for me (pictures coming!)!  

Red Sox won on my birthday as they always do.  I got a little nervous for a while there thinking the game may go into October 19 but it didn't.  We watched SNL after and I decided that Sarah Palin was a waste of space.  She didn't even do anything funny.  Honestly if she had done the rap that Amy Poehler did for her I would have died.  Or if her and Tina got in a bitch fight.  Genious.  Best part of SNL was this.  Obviously.

Sunday Annie, Hillary and I went to lunch at Cheesecake Fac and it was amazing.  I go there and I tell myself I will get something new but I always come back to the Barbecue Ranch Chicken Salad.  Seriously best salad on earth.  We did a little shopping (obviously because we were in the mall) and I got a really cute long jacket/sweater.  I NEVER shop in Macy's but this time of year they have the cutest stuff.  I also got some new Clinique goods and I was very happy when the saleswoman strayed me away from the old folks line of moisturizer.  Ok I know I'm only 26 but as I said before - I think I look old in my new license pic.

We made a quick trip to Target after to pick up some presents for our friend Andrea's kids birthday.  We got Abby the CUTEST little halloween outfit and Joseph a "scary" movie.  They are the cutest kids.  Andrea and Joe make the cutest kids.  Officially.  No word yet if they're going to go for a 4th :)

Went home later to do laundry, a little catch up work (New York marathon please be over soon) and to watch the Red Sox lose.  I also watched Mad Men during the game (Yes I am the only living soul without a DVR).  I need to get ideas for the Mad Men party I will be attending with the bff's on Wednesday night.  The Pheonix and WFNX (Boston paper and radio station, respectively)  are having a Mad Men party at the Living Room (the one in Boston not Rhode Island thankfully).  I have a cute dress that will work and I'll just wear my Mary Janes but I am struggling with hair.  I want to do the Joan Holloway but my hair is not that fun.  Boo.  WWJD.

So I think old age is setting in officially.  As many of you know - my 26th birthday is this coming Saturday.  Also Saturday my current license expires.  So I decide I'm going to go to the registry because I may or may not want a new mug shot on that baby.  

The woman asks me to look in the eye thing to check my vision.  Which is bad duh.  So I put my eyes to this machine I think is the vision checker and she's like "Ma'am.  That's the camera."  D'oh. Then she asks me to spell my last name and I spell it wrong!  What is with me today!

So I got a new picture and it's horrendous.  The woman procedes to tell me I have the same smile as Jessica Simpson.  Thanks.  I guess.  I even think I look OLD in my new picture.  AND my forehead looks huge.  I tried telling Bethany how awful my pictures are when they're straight on because it also shows my crooked nose - why can't I strike a pose in my license picture honestly.  

Yesterday at work we did some serious Fall cleaning.  We are growing out of our space.  So much we can't even see each other when we were sitting at our desks.  Also, we would have to move boxes around to even close the door.  Anywho.  Anything we couldn't send out anymore, mostly Spring 08 apparel, we moved into appr 7-ish boxes into our conference room (which is shared).  After I took like 5 bags of swag, Bethany's kids and mom came down to sift though and while she's there this crazy woman who works down the hall from us is like OOOOO this stuff is so great (meanwhile totally waiting for me to tell her she can take a few things if she wants).  So I'm nice and I'm like "Well feel free to look through a take a couple of things you like."  She takes a ton of shit.  But whatever we NEED to get rid of it.  A few hours later I go to check the mail, and I come back and there are two women and their kids standing around the boxes.  I'm like "Hi?" and my boss is like oh these are Terry's friends.  Thinking Kathleen is talking about her husband Terry I'm like "OH Hi!  So nice to meet you.  Yes please look through and take what you want."  Then I follow my boss in to my office and she's like "WTF!! I can't believe she sent her friends here."  Yep crazy lady's name is ALSO Terry and she sent her neighbors in to look through our boxes.  Seriously.  This is not a yard sale, lady.  

Long story short if anyone wants some tanks, socks, pants, polos etc please let me know before someone comes and rummages again.

XO

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

Tune-age.

I'd like to keep up with this more but sometimes I forget.  I bring you my top 10 most listened to artists in the past 7 days:

Yeah I'm listening to Miley Cyrus and Katy Perry.  Both ladies have fun rocking albums and I have no shame.  Been in a wicked Killers mood for the past 4-5 days hardcore.  So good.  Still wish I saw them at Foxwoods.

So I watched Fringe last night and I think I liked it a lot.  JJ Abrams has a fetish with plane disasters and likes to recycle music from Lost.  No big shakes.  I liked it.  Joshua Jackson is reason enough for me to stick around.  Bonus: The show takes place in Boston (but unfortunately is filmed in Toronto).  Some of the sky scenes were obvs very Boston but when they were in "Chelsea" it looked way nicer than what Chelsea actually looks like.  Sorry Chelsea.

So I know my birthday isn't till another month and some odd days but I'm thinking about a return trip to Salem ala last year but actually on my birthday (Oct 18 for those who feel sad for not knowing).  I'm thinking HUGE mojitos from that bar we watched the Red Sox own in, rando witch tours, candy apples and Salem Beer Garden.  Thoughts?

xok