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

So I'm going to go a little backwards in this blog posting here.

Sunday night, Robyn and I went to see Kings of Leon at Agganis Arena in Boston. Agganis is a nice place. Unlike it's bastard step brother Tsongas Arena. The Walkmen opened but we didn't get to see any of them. We heard a little of them while we enjoyed a hot dog and a cold beer. Ran into Gary and Molly which is always nice. They got tickets like 30 minutes before the show for $40 at the ticket office and they were no lie 3 rows from the stage. I shit you not. Robyn and I were jealous, though our seats weren't to shabby themselves. KOL opened with Taper Jean Girl - which obvs couldn't have made me happier. They had a cool stage set up - nothing too fancy but these cool TV screens above the stage that flashed the performance. Not in a Gillette Stadium kind of way but in a fancy artsy kind of way. They also played my jam "Four Kicks" and a million others. Not too many from the new album. Not even Revelry which I heard is their next single. I was happy to hear "Manhattan."

Lily Allen was also in town that night. I had a dream Kings of Leon was canceled and that I was still able to get Lily tickets. So unfair. Any whosit. Walking back to the car I saw this gem parked in front of the Paradise:


Yes. The Dharma Van - Orange edition. I geeked out and Robyn tried to run away before people realized we were walking together. To my joy two guys walking by were like "HOLY SHIT! It's JUST like the Dharma Van." We were so cool. There was a bed in the back of that one. True story.

Saturday I had some bridesmaid duties to perform - my least favorite of them all - finding a bridesmaids dress. Kill me now. It wasn't too painful. Annie (the lovely bride) picked up Colleen, Robyn, Lisa and I up and we headed up to Amesbury. So far but that's where she bought her dress and the owner said they'd give us a discount if we got our dresses there. This is the dress we ALL picked. Annie had told us as long we stuck with the Burgundy/Cabernet color that we could all pick a different dress if we wanted. All four of us instantly fell in love with this dress. The pressure is on for the other three bridesmaids when they go to check it out next weekend. The link shows the green dress but ours is a dark red = kind of gorgeous.

We headed back on glamourous route one for some lunch and chats. When I got back Missy, Jess, Robyn and I headed to the cinema to see 17 Again. Did you really think I wouldn't see that?? It was so cute and hilarious. And yeah if I already wasn't in love with Zac Efron. We stopped by Not Your Average Joe's after. First time I ever went there and I thought it was amazing. Good dirty martinis and good apps = like the Phantom Gourmet I give it a thumbs up.

Friday was crazy at work so I made a conscious decision to lay low. Glad my like minded roommate was also into it. We went for a three mile walk around Abington, made a yummy healthy dinner and watched YES MAN! Love that movie.

Doing follow up on the event today - which again went amazing - and the feedback we're getting from the poeple that atttended echoes my sentiments. First night we had a grand dinner at Bonfire - Todd English's restaurant in the Boston Park Plaza (where were stayed!). We sat at this HUGE table in their private wine room. I pre-picked the courses and they were a hit. I got the Brazilian Churassco. It was a few pieces of amazing filet a top of greens and a little potato cake with a gorgonzola sauce and feta cheese. It was TO DIE. Desert I chose the banana bread pudding. Incredible. Everyone else also enjoyed their meals.

Second night we went to the more relaxed and casual Stephanie's on Newbury. I always hear how epic their Mac and Cheese is. And I discovered that not only is it EPIC - but it is - wait for it - LEGENDARY. If you ever go there i highly recommend the Macaroni and Cheese - and the Warm Grilled Bruschetta. HEAVENLY. We ordered three plates of it. That dinner was fun and full of laughs. I wowed the crowd with not only my Lindsay Lohan impressions (her e-harmony vid just came out - click to watch), Tyra impression and my favorite - Cher.

Good times indeed.

xok

The last three event days in pictures. I'll do a for real post about the event - promise.

Driving to the hotel to get set up before everyone else starts arriving. I saw this sign and laughed. Just like the SODYPOP sign. Love these ads.


Got into the hotel and I had these surprises waiting for me. I booked Towers level suites for the attendees of the event. Figured it was swankier and it comes with access to the sweet executive lounge (more on that later). I got the room list the day before - and instead of putting me in a Standard room - they had booked me in a Tower's level room. She said it was upgraded for free - I think she sensed the stress and sometimes frustrating and figured I'd need a sweet (suite?) room.

Cute little plate of cookies (and yes that blue thing is ROCK candy!). I thought Bethany may have got it too so I asked her how she liked her cookies - and she didn't get any. The missing spot is from the one she took. I didn't have any - but I did take the rock candy.

Side story: When my boss arrived we put some materials together in my room and we had a laugh about the cookies - she was like "I bet you already took a picture of it huh, when will you blog about it?"


They also seemed to think I'd be carrying on some serious big kid business and took the liberty of printing me my own letter head. I didn't. But I took them home. I will send "serious" letters on this paper.

I broke out in uncontrollable giggles seeing this whilst brushing my teeth on Tuesday night after a fantastic dinner (more on that - I swear). Douche bonnet is so the new douche canoe.


Last night we went to Stephanie's on Newbury for the farewell dinner. Someone ordered this tower 0' onion rings. I thought it was amazing. So did Sarah. She asked me if I would tweet about it. I did.

More later I promise - lots of good tidbits. Everything went amazing. Everyone was happy and yeah I wish it could have been a day longer.

Happy Good Friday! Good Friday not because I'm religious but good because it's the end of the week. I'll eat meat today just to buck the system.

Actually that's a lie - my mom has invited me out to dinner where she knows I love the seafood. Damn that woman!

This is going to be a half ass blog today. I've been crazy busy at work. It's so good though. I feel like I'm really making strides in light of some drama that's went on (not in my office!). Big media event is next week and I'm in the last stages of planning - making sure all hotel reservations are set, everyone's got their flight itinerary, grandeur dinner's have been planned (pretty much the reason I'm starting my diet AFTER the event), client is happy and has all of her necessary documents. It's going to be really good. PLEASE pray (to whoever god you pray to :)) that we have good weather.

Went out to AAH for Jess's birthday. It was a good time. It ended up being Pat, Jess, Missy, Hill, Robyn and me. Sometimes I like little gatherings like that. She was supposed to have big gathering tonight in Boston - what can I say - I'm a hermit and I don't like screaming over people to talk.

Last weekend was fun and relaxing. Went to a super fun party Saturday night at Kaitlyn and Andy's. I've heard rumors about these parties and how they're always filled with craziness and debauchery and I had my doubts. I was proven wrong. It was SO fun (almost too much fun) and I would never have left it weren't for the fact I was falling asleep.

Kaitlyn and Andy have a legit bar in their basement and it's awesome. Not creepy basement at all. There was a random old school barbers chair in the corner and we all found it ridiculously random. Boobs were shown, Gary breakdanced, Ron danced on the table, we sang at an ungodly level to "Poker Face" which I blame my new found like (notice NOT love) for that song on that night. There was a fellow partygoer there who looked like Liz from Nip/Tuck (and I found out last night that she also on Criminal Minds!!) and Pat was overcome with joy when he saw her. it was really funny - and even funnier the next day. There was another random girl there who kept asking me awkward questions that included but not limited to "What size are your boobs", "Is that a pedicure on your toes or did you do it yourself", and asking me if my friend Jen and I were sisters not one, not twice, but three times.

Thanks to LiLu I also presented the fact that the day before, last friday was National Cleavage Day. It was a hit.

I had plans to actually do something the next day - I never left the couch. I didn't even put my contacts in - I wore glasses all day. That's a sign of a lazy day. Missy and I had a Queer as Folk season 5 (last season??) marathon. Damn that show is/was amazing. I need to start watching it from the beginning again for old times sake.

Plans for this weekend include, dinner with mom, movie and wine with roomie, out and about for "Quincy Night" as Gary calls it tomorrow night where we will no doubt consume lots of sushi and scorpion bowls and then dance like fools at Commonweath - and I wouldn't have it any other way.

xooook

I've been doing some serious neglecting of this blog here. Sorry five readers. I promise to make my life more interesting STAT.

I got my car back! Woop. She is gorgeous and sparkly.

If you remember this is what she looked like before. And anyone who has seen my car in the flesh (metal?) in the past two years knows the other side of the bumper was held together by duct tape that my step-dad spray painted black to match. Oo she is gorgeous now. I'm using the club a lot more now. I don't want anyone to steal her.

(ED Note: Yeah I totally am too lazy to fuzz out my license plate. I'm sure you nice folks won't do bad things with it.)

Went to my first bonfire of the season last Saturday night and it was glorious. The smell of wood smoke in my hair and on my clothes was invigorating. I couldn't stop sniffing myself on the way home. It was at my roommates friend house who likes in Pembroke but is a Quincy cop. I could listen to dumb cop stories all night. Seriously. I told him he should write memoirs based solely off of his hilarious stories. I could try to tell them again but it would be lame.

I have a hip hop star in my building (by hip hop star I am totally being sarcastic. He's probably 19 - tops and dances and sings in the gym - which is next to my apartment really late at night). Gary and Pat were lucky enough to catch one of his performances late last Friday night. So much so that after they walked by and saw him - they doubled back and walked by again - much to the hip hop stars embarrassment. It was super late and the roommate was sleeping so I nicely asked him to turn it down - which he did but still.

Then when I went to bring down the rent, Caitlin - the super sweet office manager tells me that the neighbor next to us complained because she thought we were playing "racist music" at 2:30 in the morning. Apparently hip hop star was holding another performance in the gym Monday night. Missy did not hear, nor did I but our neighbor was NOT pleased. Nor was the family on the other side of the gym whose baby was woken up.

Good stuff.

Work is CRAZY lately but is definitely going really well and I'm learning a whole new facet of my job - event planning. Usually someone else does all the logistics and such - but she left in November. Then we hired someone else to do it - but with tiny budgets we are trying to keep the work as close as we can - making me the new event manager. It's amazing and confusing but totally redeeming. I think this may be my forte actually. I love pitching and media outreach - but this is also really fun. Helps me be really organized. I'm also the holder of the budget - which is scary.

Speaking of jobs - one of my best friends, Miss Robyn - got laid off last week. She has the WORST job luck ever. I feel awful for her. She's also not going on vacation anymore to Dominican with us - and she was part of the reason why I wanted to go so badly. When I found out she was going I was psyched! Now her and Matt are not going. I'm still as excited for the trip - just bummed she won't be joining us.

This weekend holds promise for a good time. Tonight is my mom's birthday so I'll be providing cake at her dinner party. Pretty excited. My mom is the only older adult I know who get's super psyched about her birthday. I hope I get that excited when I'm 54 (sorry mom). Whcih reminds me - I should probably call her to wish her happy birthday.

Tomorrow Kaitlyn and Andy are having a rager at their house. Super excited because as I have never been to one of their parties, I know last time Pat was there he had so much fun that he stayed real late and passed out in his car (which was parked in their driveway) and called me like 85 times to tell me how much fun it was and also to share his Lost theories. So I'm looking forward to it. They are an amazing group of people for sure.

Music minute. Not sure if I've shared this with my blog - but the new New Found Glory album is pretty effing incredible. I hated, despised thier last two albums (OK OK Catalyst wasn't AWFUL - but that ONE song that doesn't even deserve to be mentioned - ruined it for me). Their new one Not Without a Fight was produced by the genious that is Mark Hoppus - who also produced MCS's brilliant Committ this to Memory (and is also doing MCS's upcoming record. WOOP!) - so I thank Mark Hoppus for re-introducing me to the 2002 version of NFG. So good. So good, that, first day of Bamboozle (also when they are playing) I will be wearing the infamous NFG All Stars Steve Klein shirt. The shirt that both Lauren and Robyn want me to leave to them in my will. Yeah. It's THAT cool.

Work time. xok

Good weekend. I swear I don't remember any of it though.

What I do remember is drunk face-booking someone I may or may not have a crush on. Great. I'll let you know where this one goes.

Friday night Pat and I went to Chili's for some drinks and apps. So yummy.

Saturday I woke up early to drop my car off in Lawrence. One of my step-dad's friends is going to fix it on the cheap (hopefully). I should be getting an update soon. Wasn't a good sign that when he looked at it he was like "Oh that's worse than I expected!" Yikes. I also picked up my rental. 2009 Toyota Corolla. So nice. Probably one of the nicest cars I've ever driven. I'm a Honda Girl for life but I would consider buying one after my Civ goes to the junkyard (knocccck on wood). It's super sleek looking. Love it. I have it until Friday.

Stopped at my aunt and uncles to have lunch and chat. Had to talk with my awkward cousin who's around my age but has the social graces of a 8 year old. She always makes me feel so awkward and weird. Stopped at Lisa's (my favorite cousin) to see her and her husband and daughter Julia. Love her.

Hillary had her crepe party later that night. I was exhausted I should have napped before hand but I didn't have time. I made my guacamole and Robyn made really good buffalo dip. Crepes were amazing and I could probably never make them as good as Mrs. Hagler. I'm going to try dammit. Seven bottles of champagne were had. Twas a good night. We played Apples to Apples (LOVEEEE) and some other game where you reveal this funny stuff about yourself and each time a different team would have to decide who said what. Can't remember the name but it was wicked fun.

Sunday I went out with my mom to the Curtain Factory to find some curtains. I got some pretty sweet pomegranate color curtains. Gorgeous. I haven't put them up yet because I need a step stool to do so. Sure different not living at home with my step dad the handy man of handy mans. Another few stops at BJ's, Walmart (ugh) and Shaw's and I was DONE for the day. I went to CVS and printed out like over 100 pictures from both of my digital cameras. I never realized how many great pictures I had in there. I went back to the APT, did some laundry and filled up some frames I bought at Ikea.

Also when I saw Hillary on Friday night she gave me a few housewarming gifts. She gave me one amazing frame that fits four pictures and this wooden K. Sounds silly - but she has this H that she got in Pheonix a few years ago and I always tell her how much I want a K. Well when she went to Pheonix in Feb she bought me my K!!! It's so sweet. So is the frame. It's heavy so I'm not sure yet where to put it on the wall. Again I need someone to tell me where the studs are so I can make sure it doesn't come flying off the wall in the middle of the night.

I was extremely productive. Doing laundry was NOT bad at all. I dragged it down to the basement. No one was in there so I had pick of the machines. Reminded me SO much of doing laundry in college! So funny.

I hope this week passes fast. I need another day to veg wicked bad.

Oh BTW I'm going to Punta Cana in June! Super excited. Anyone who wants to go it's SUPER cheap. Like $800 cheap (that's including airfare!). All inclusive. So excited.

xok

Thank the lord it's almost Friday. Every morning seems harder to get out of bed (which is pretty much the most comfortable bed ever. Be jealous).

I didn't do anything on St. Patricks Day besides wear a little bit of green. Doesn't matter who the hell you are - in Boston on St Pat's day - EVERYONE IS IRISH. I usually go out and do a little drinking and gallivanting but this year being it two days after I moved I opted on staying in. Missy and I went food shopping and to Target to find some stuff for our kitchen.

The cart we wanted for our kitchen was sold out but we also needed a lamp for our living room. Badly. When you come in late at night you have to pretty much walk clear across the apartment to put the kitchen light on. So we bought this bad bitch:


It looks kind of ugly in the picture but trust - it's way better looking in person. This took me two hours to put together. Ok I took a break to watch Adam's horrendous performance on AI and of course to refill my wine (maybe that's why it didn't make sense) but this thing was a pain in the ass. Sometimes I'm such a guy - I HATE directions. Of any kind. I DO NOT ask for directions driving around. I feel like if I just keep driving I'll figure it out. I also don't like directions for furniture and the like. Maybe that's why my Ikea dresser fell apart after two months. Long story short. If I read the directions it probably would have taken me at least half the time it did.

Anyways. It does wobble a little bit still after three times of taking it apart and putting it back together. But it looks nice and definitely helps because Saturday night I was almost impaled by our old shower rod trying to put the light on.

Last night I went to dinner with Greg and his mom. Being the daredevil I am I decide I want to get the "Knock you on your ass wings." Not a good idea. I was starving so I went to town when they got to my plate. Not more than half way through the first one I can feel my face heating up and my mouth on fire. I almost spit it out - but since they know the owner I decided against it. She brought out bread thinking it would help soak up the hotness (it didn't FYI). I had to take my damn sweater off. And my arms are less than desireable at the moment so you KNOW I didn't want to do it. I had to bring them home - again feeling bad that they had just bought my dinner. So anyone up for a challenge please let me know so you can take them off my hands ;)

I think I growled a little bit at them this morning when I went to make my lunch.

I'm getting really settled in. It already feels like home. Missy went to California yesterday to see her mom so I was alone and it was a little scary. Yeah I know I'm a dork. I had a water bottle out on the balcony and the wind hit it and it scared the LIVING SHIT out of me. Not knowing what it was yet I grabbed my butter knife that I used to butter my toast and I opened the patio door just to make sure no one was out there (I live on the Brockton line - give me a break!). Just my water bottle rolling around. Silly me.

xok

Drug Rug.

So Pat and I went to see this band called Drug Rug a few weeks ago and I'm finally getting around to uploading the video I took. Drug Rug is this fantastic band from the great city of Boston - and yeah - we just love them. Spread the love.



We saw them open for the Cribs (an equally as awesome band natch) and we were officially hooked.

Some extra pictures:

Sarah's hair was so cute that night.


On the way home driving through Roxbury we saw this sign:

Pat was mortifed that I stuck my arm out the window to get this picture. He was ducking for cover (google Roxbury and I'm sure you'll find some colorful information). It was too good not to take a photo of it.


xok

Well. Moving is finished. Unpacking is another story.

It wasn't as bad as I expected it to me. Roger and his best buddy helped Missy and I move all of our heavy stuff from our respective previous living spaces and into our new place. We took all the boxes up. Despite moving into the third floor without an elevator it wasn't so bad. All the deliveries and set-ups came on time so that was good. Except for my mattress that I had to wait around for (ok it was totally worth it - I've never slept so well).

Last night our last piece of furniture arrived and it really pulled everything together. We really need something over our big couch - any thoughts?

Ok well in true Kristen fashion I documented the whole move. With my real camera - not my shitty camera phone quality:

Goodbye old ugly bedroom. Yes there is my cat. She did NOT want to leave. For the record I did have pretty things on the wall - besides that cross.



In the new place we have this abnormally large closet with one HUGE shelf. We keep joking that we could fit someone in there. Well Pat (BTW go read his blog - it's a gem) was up for the challenge. He grabbed his favorite (ok favorite name) book off of my book shelf (Hot Mess for the record) and took it to read in there. Looks pretty comfy huh.


He was really into it apparently.

Finished product of the living room. The second couch really made it look homey. I love it. All we need is some art in there and it will be perf (my longtime neighbor at my moms house gave me a $50 gift card to Home Goods! I'll probably look there soon!).

I'll post some bedroom pictures soon. I need to clean it a little bit more and get some stuff on the walls. Or maybe I'll be like Mariah Carey and keep my bedroom private ala her Cribs episode. Yeah - no :)


So Friday I went back to my mom's house to clean what was left of my room. I came back Sunday for lunch to see my mom has already turned it into her own little gym. So cute.

The weekend wasn't all moving and no fun though. Friday night I went to Chili's (surprised? I know - hold your gasps!) with Pat, Hill and John. We came back to my new pad (officially called Area 51 - there is a cell phone tower behind our parking area. It lights up like a space station at night) for a tour and some hangs. Saturday I met my good friend (soon to be MARRIED FRIEND!) for lunch. I later met up with the bridesmaids for her wedding for a pow-wow. I was convinced we wouldn't get anything done but we actually did alot. I was dreading it but it was kind of fun.

Saturday night we went out for Natalie's going away party at Fuji. Natalie is my current roomates old roommate (and really good friend of mine) and the reason I got to move out (I mean that in the nicest way possible). She moved to Texas to live with her mom and to go to school. It was so nice and I think I cried a little when I said good bye. Lots of drinks and sushi were had.

I left Fuji around 10:30 to go visit Ann Marie in RockVegas for her bar party. Her husband built a bar in their garage. Sounds kind of crimey but it's amazing inside. Probably the nicest bar I've ever been in. Literally when you're inside you feel like you're in a legit bar. A nice one at that!!! I watched everyone play RockBand for a while and then I had to go home to sleep.

Woke up early next morning to help Missy bring over some last things (and our couch!) to the new place. To my surprise Natalie was still there finishing up her packing for the moving truck. I had to say good-bye again. It was worse this time because it was final. She was really gone. But it gives me a chance to go to Texas!!! No joke I'd really like to visit Texas.

Anywhosit. I'm cooking my first dinner in the new place tonight. Few ideas. I'll brainstorm on the way home. Maybe take some photos.

Oh BTW anyone have Kelly Clarkson's new album. Seriously so impressive. I've been listening to it nonstop since last Thursday.

xok

"It could be worse...". Is what I have been saying to myself since I left work yesterday.

I was on my way home. I was planning on going to Home Depot to pick out shelves for our pantry and then to Ikea for the bookshelf I'd like to build before all the crap in my room comes.

Then this happened.

I was cruising along 123. Not going too fast as it was sleeting, icing and raining all at once. Perfect recipe for a car accident. I was nearing the end of 123 and I come up on this street on the left. Well the car two cars in front of me stops suddenly to stop and turn as does the lovely car in front of me. You can guess what happened next. I slammed my breaks but they were impervious to the sleet and rain - but I attempted to move my car to the right so I wouldn't hit it.

I tried my best. But as you can see my right bumper got right up in the rear passenger bumper of this guys car. His car looks 100 times better than mine. He probably has a basketball size indent in that back right corner and no damage to his lights. Sweet older guy. Probably in his 70's. Tells me his wife pushes him around more than my car hitting him. I made sure he was ok 100 times. We traded information and the cops pull up. I was happy to see them just in case this man went home and complained about pain because when the cops and fire trucks (yess FIRE TRUCKS. Plural! For my stinking little accident) came they all asked him another 100 times. The cops were also super nice and helpful.

Went home and Roger and Mom had a good laugh about me now having two messed up bumpers. I did not laugh. I kind of got really bummed about it. So many things are going awesome and I was saying that this amount of positive things NEVER happens to me. This had to come and smack me in the face.

But I went to sleep early. Slept on it and realized it could have been way worse. My car could not be driveable. His car could have been way worse. One of us could have been seriously hurt. I'm back in good spirits today! I somehow lost my registration after giving it to the cop last night so I went and got myself a new one today. I went to the Norwell Police station to do an accident report and I called my insurance company and started a claim.

Going to build the shelves tonight in the pantry and hopefully finally get in that trip to Ikea. All is well.

xok

Ahhh the end of the weekend.  Sunday night is seriously my LEAST favorite time of the week. Actually no - Monday morning at 7:30 is.

This weekend has been just non-stop.  Friday I left work early to go pick up the keys at my new apartment!!!  So excited.  Just having the keys makes it all real.  Missy and I went to Target and picked up a bunch of cleaning supplies.  The maintenance people did a really good job cleaning up the place but who knows what kind of crap they use.  Anywhosit.  Jess came over to check out our new (albeit empty) apartment.  We did some cleaning and then went to Acapulco's for some din-din.  I was going to go back to my Mom's house and pack up a load to take over but I started getting a little delirious at dinner so I figured it best to go home.  

I hadn't actually packed a thing until that night.  I didn't have any boxes.  So I went to Curtis Liquors were I am embarrassed to say they know me by name - and they gave me a ton of boxes which ended up being perfect for my DVD's.  Saturday I woke up bright and early and went to U-Haul to buy some larger boxes for books and the like.   Needless to say I am right now sitting in my empty childhood bedroom.  All I have is my bureau and my bed to move and they will be making the trip Thursday.

After making a few trips to the apartment (with my mom and step dad) I decided I needed a little me time.  So I went and got a manicure.  Nothing makes me feel better than getting a mani.  My nails are getting so long so I want to keep them all purty.  I digress.

I took a 45 minute nap (ok more like 30 - I was really compelled by THS Bret Michaels) before I had to get ready to go meet Justin and Jen at Fuji for some dinner before we went to South Side Tavern to see "The Bitter End".  

I got my favorite sushi.  It was so amazing I needed to photo it.

Justin laughed at me.  I got Spicy Tuna and a Spider Maki.  Spider Maki is the one that looks like - well - a spider (actually soft shell crab).  Justin's food came out first and the waitress was like "Oh sorry about the wait - the spider takes a little more time to cook."  Jen and I were dying.  We both got the same thing.  Dinner is going well and all of a sudden Jen starts choking and spitting her food back up into the napkin.  I thought she was going to throw up at the table.  She made a bee-line to the bathroom and when I rush to follow her in I see her doubling over laughing.  She's choking and laughing which made me start laughing.  People must have thought we were crazy.

We then made it to South Side Tavern to meet Ann Marie and the rest.  I have a confession to make.  I really love local cover bands.  Especially The Bitter End.  They're so good.  Ann Marie's cousin Paul plays the guitar and the lead singer is a really cool gal named Kimberly.  They're just so fun.  I don't know if this makes me a "townie" but if so I'll take it. Beats going to Tequila Rain like last weekend ANY DAY.    Oh yeah last weekend we went to Tequila Rain (aka the WORST PLACE IN THE WORLD - OBVS not my idea) to celebrate Hillary's promotion.  If I wasn't able to make fun of all the tragic cases in the room I wouldn't have enjoyed myself at all.

I digress.  Again.  P Dunn ended up joining us for some tunes and dancing. I wish I took a video of the Ann Marie vs. Pat dance-off.  Epic. We had a lot of fun but we were sitting next to the speaker and it was really fucking loud.  I seriously couldn't hear a thing and my ears were buzzing when I got home.  We decided next time we need a quiet playdate.

Best part of the night was finding out one of Ann Marie's friends who I see when we go out - also lives in Abington Glen.  How random!  I'm super stoked.  She's a really sweet girl so I can see a lot of hanging out in the future.  I told her to give me the deets of the place since she's lived there for a year - and she said that she really had no complaints besides the laundry some times.  So that was really good to hear :)

Today I met Missy at Natalie at Abington Ale House for some lunch and another trip to the apartment.  This time I took all my purses and pretty much everything in my closet.  Also my "file holders" which are actually a little handheld box and then my most recent addition  - a large Coach shopping bag.  

We put up some art and cleaned our dishes and lined the cabinets with the contact paper (NOT EASY). Natalie and I had the task of putting together Missy's shot glass cabinet (another NOT EASY).  But once we got it together it and put the glasses in it looked amazing.  She is so well traveled.  The farthest I've been is Mexico.

I took some photos to send via text - so here they are:

It doesn't look like much yet - but where the small couch is, is where our entertainment center that will hold the amazing TV (yeah I got a 42" TV!  It's so sweet) will go and the wall on the other side will be the big couch and smaller couch.  Also you can see our sweet balcony - which doesn't look so sweet in this photo but trust me - it is.

My room was even less cool than the picture of the living room so I took a picture of the bathroom.  I LOVE the art so much.  Missy picked them out at Bed Bath and Beyond and as soon as I saw them I fell in love with them.  

I'm still feeling a little messed up from this time change bull crap. 

xok

My Horizontal Life.


It's no surprise that I have taken a little reading sabbatical. I read Twilight last year. I wanted to see what all I hype was. I still don't buy it totally but whatever. I tried reading the second book New Moon and I was just tortured to finish it. I will read Eclipse and the rest in time.

I bought Chelsea Handler's book My Horizontal Life on Sunday. I rarely buy books in book stores (woo Amazon) but I kept hearing so many amazing things about this book so I decided to just pick it up while I was out shopping.

Whenever I go and the subject of books come up I have to profess my love for My Custom Van by Michael Ian Black. Almost every time someone will follow that up with "Have you ever read My Horizontal Life?"

Anywho. I think it's because both books are comprised of short side spliting stories and then they move on to another. Maybe it's because of my increasing anxiety and ADD as an adult - but those types of books really resonate with me now.

I would give this book a 25 out of 10. Absolutely genius. I swear Chelsea may be my long lost older sister. Granted I'm not a pathological liar nor do I sleep with midgets - but there is a lot in the book I can laugh about and relate to. I wish I had it with me so I could share some of my favs.

The second to last one "Rerun" was probably my favorite of the whole book. I won't give all the awesomeness but it has something to do with Chelsea wearing a M&M costume to a costume Valentine's Day party at a complex that resembled the one in Melrose Place.

I finished it in less than a day. I guess the snowday helped. My huge pile of my "to read" books were glaring at me from the box I packed them in to get ready for the move. Did I mention I'm moving Friday? I'm not having a TV in my bedroom so I'm hoping I'll be more motivated to do some reading before bed instead of watching re-runs of "Will and Grace" (fav show ever).

I just ordered Chelsea's second book "Are you there vodka? It's me Chelsea" off Amazon and also another one called "I was told there'd be cake" by Sloane Crosley. Super excited.

More weekend awesomeness later.

xok

Scratch that. Five people got laid off this week. The last person was on vaca so she was told on Tuesday. What a great way to come back from vaca huh. Le sigh.

So I've been really getting back into fitness hardcore. I did SPIN again Wednesday night. My mother called me during the day to inform me that her and my stepdad would also be attending. Great. They're going to try to talk to me the whole time and ruin my attempt at a zone out state when I'm working out. When I got there I tried to set my bike up just enough space away from them to not make it look I was trying to avoid them but just enough so I didn't have to talk to them.

I totally kicked ass this time. The new sports bra helped (yes it's really called the Ta Ta Tamer - and tame the girls it did). I see my stepdad totally struggling and I can't help to giggle a little bit. I'm horrible I know. He's always like I have the energy of a 24 year old kid (he's 55) and he does - most of the time. He's always super competitive too - which is probably where I get it from. I see him get up and whisper something to my mom. And he bolts. Before I could even start to tease him after the class he gave me 18 reasons why he couldn't finish the whole class. And he EVEN had a butt pad for the seat. Which I may need to invest in. My butt bone really hurts after SPIN. I'm sure it has a technical name. But yeah it hurts. I'm glad my seat at work is nice and cushioned.

I also went to the gym last night to see my favorite instructor who's been on vaca. That class is a mix of free weights, cardio and strecthing. Just what I need after SPIN. Then next week I'm going to do a Zumba class down the street from my house with Chris. Hope I can keep this up once I move. Our apartment building had a gym - and it's right next to our unit. Perf.

P. Dunn and I are seeing Drug Rug tonight. We love them.

I'm so boring lately. As I was cuddling into bed with some tea and wine - yes I drink both at the same time and have no qualms what-so-ever - I noticed my two precious kitty cats were sleeping side by side on my bed. It made me sad that I would have to leave them. My bed is their home. Then I heard that my room will be used as a "junk room" when I leave because they're doing the bathroom over and it's next to my room. Where are the kitties going to sleep? These are the things that keep me up. Ok anywhosit. I took a picture and planned on uploading it today but the birthday girl - my office mate - took her camera cord back. We share everything in here. Soon my blogger friends - soon.

Oh BTW. My obsession of the week:


I know it's a few weeks old but I am obsessed with it. I had only seen the uncensored one on NBC and on TV so I hadn't gotten the full effect. "Fuck land. I'm on a boat." Has Andy Samberg been spying on my friends and I?

So about a year and half ago my best friend announced she was getting married - ON A BOAT. The whole idea of a cruise really spazzed me out. I don't know just looking out and seeing sea - all around me was making me anxious just thinking about it. So one night we all got together for drinks and dinner for a friends birthday and our friend Jess - who is the champion lightweight gets wasted and is trying to sell me on the cruise. She is naming all the reasons why being on a boat is cooler than land - and ends her very eloquent speech with a very loud "FUCK LAND." We all thought this was hilarious so the boys are trying to get her to say it as much as possible and with each time she is getting more and more passionate about how much she hates land. Well she is so infamous so this rant she is sometimes called "Fuck Land" - hey is Fuck Land coming? It's probably one of the most overused sayings in my little circle. And for good reason. it's high-larious. While I'm sure we're not the only ones that hold "fuck land" close to our hearts - I'd like to think that's our own personal little shoutout.

So ladies and gents. Happy Friday. Oh and .. FUCK LAND.

xok

Happy Hump Day!
This week so far has been agonizing work wise. Four more people got laid off at the company I work for. First it was a number of senior management in October. I was pretty confident I would be safe as my salary is quite low and I'm sure it wouldn't make a difference if they were to let me go.

Then Monday we got an email about a emergency meeting 10 minutes from then. We knew it had to be about people getting laid off. Bethany and I sat there staring at each other being like "They'd have to call us if we were getting cut right... right??" Then all of a sudden my phone rings. My heart probably stopped for like two seconds - I'm sure of it. It actually was my supervisor letting me know she wouldn't be calling in but she wanted us to tell her what was being announced.

Four really good people got laid off. What's scarier is that they were at my level. One of the guys that got laid off had been working on an account with me - now that he's gone I'm getting his hours and his work - it sucks but - I couldn't be happier to take on more work! Two of my favorite gals also got laid off. One who was a Assistant but man she was awesome. Another who was my total BFF during the election. Total liberal asshole like myself. We also did Boot Camp together and if she wasn't there all the times I wanted to break down - I probably wouldn't have made it.

I guess I'm just lucky to still have a job. So I'll leave it at that.

The weekend was great. Friday the whole gang (minus P. Dunn) got together at Chili's for some drinks and apps. Twas a good time! But I'm totally jumping ahead of myself. Before I met the gang at Chili's I bought a new mattress!

I was super intimidated as I always am when it comes to buying big items. I hate when people are super eager to sell you something - it makes me so nervous. So I marched in and I was like "Listen - I did my research - THIS is the bed I want." He made me feel smart and also made me get on this super scientific bed to figure out my pressure points and how I like to sleep. He kept making awkward gestures to my "top heavyness." To alleviate some of his awkwardness I was like yeah I know I have big boobs let's move on. My mom was mortified. Oh yeah I harrassed her into coming with me. And it's a good thing I did because he took $100 off the mattress I wanted because she bought her mattress there last year. So I got me a sweet new matress and boxspring for $542 and that includes delivery.

After Chili's a few of us moseyed on to The Half Door in the always lovely Quincy Center. It was fun - but super crowded. Robyn and I saw our BFF from High School who looked and smelled totally cracked out. She awkwardly wanted to take a picture with us. So bizarre.

Saturday Missy and I went around to some places looking for stuff for the apartment. We found an entertainment center and a coffee table but are still looking for the kitchen table. Nothing that we've fallen in love with yet. I got a new duvet from Ikea and some frames (which reminds me I need to go to CVS and print out a shitload of photos from my cam) and also some cute decorative stuff.

Later in the day Hillary, Robyn, Alyssa and I went to see the Wrestler. How painful was that movie? I felt like I was watching an episode of intervention. Mickey Rourke was amazing and would have deserved the Oscar (but Sean Penn won and deserved it more!). It was just so depressing. Wrestling was his drug. When things were going good he stayed away from it and when things were hitting the shitter he would torture himself.

Then we enjoyed a dinner at Abington Ale House (which is a stone throws away from my new apt) and stopped at Target to buy the Dead Like Me movie. I was pysched it was there. They were actually selling the first two seasons and the movie together for $50! I'll have to save my review till the next blog because I promised Pat I would not tell him about it (and he's one of the 6 or so people that read my lousy posts). After that we split up and I decided to go stop by Great Chow to meet Jen and Justin for some drinks. We had so much fun. Pat and friends ended stopped by a bit later. Meanwhile drama is unfolding in the parking lot. A girl that was with Jen's sister got arrested in the parking lot - second DUI in one week crazy huh. After she got arrested she CAME BACK! I'm really thankful I was never that rebellious. I'm kind of glad I was a total nerd. The girls at the table behind us were also causing their own brand of crazy. They were like pulling down their shirts and making out and just - yeah it was funny. So Pat made me capture some of it in only a way I could:

Ladies and gents I present to you - the sly photo. I made it seem like I was taking a picture of P. Dunn but no I was taking a picture of the ridiculously tragic girls behind us who in the picture above - one girl was giving the other a lapdance and was in mid of pulling her pants down. Crazy people I tell you. Towards the end of the night one of the gals had a breakdown and was crying all into her drink. Then the folks she was with got in a fight outside and the cops and an ambulance came. I swear it was like a live episode of Cops that night.

Sunday was the day I wait for all year!! THE OSCARS!! I went to Annies and we had a great time. I made my famous guac and Colleen made Buffalo Dip (which totally overshadowed my amazing guac!) which was amazing and Annie made all these different variations of popcorn (her engaged state has made me so domesticated like). I was very happy with the results of the awards! So happy for Slumdog Millionaire taking home all it's awards and also for Sean Penn and Dustin Lance Black on behalf of Milk. Go google their acceptance speeches. Amazing.
Obviously we kept score. Robyn got first, I got second and Annie got third. It was fun.

We all pretty much had a big fail on the technical ones but we all did well on the big ones. I really liked the show this year. The format was cool and so was Hugh Jackman. Oh and my friend Jessica has done a great blog featuring the best/worst dressed - which BTW I totally agree with.

Oh also - Maxise at "i hate so much" - is featuring a doozie of "Would You Rather Wednesday" - so go check it out. I haven't answered yet. This is a hard one :)

Some of my other favorite blogs this week. This may be my favorite blog of LiLu's so far. Like I mentioned in my last post - this gal is hilarious and would probably be my bff if I lived in DC. Well she blogged about something yesterday that is near and dear to my heart - THE SNUGGIE. Please go read it and tell her how genious it is.

And my last comes from the lovely and talented Kay Hanley. She likes Google Analytics. Alot. Maybe a bit too much. Anyways - go check out her blog (and her post about the Oscars) and read this awesome blog about what she learned about herself when she saw all the things people type into Google to get to her blog.

Everyone have a sweeeeeet Wednesday.

xo