Oh and Happy Thursday.

"I bought a whole bunch of apartments. I bought a black apartment."

Is it crazy that in less than two weeks it will be December??  I think so!

Though I can't wait till next week because it's short!!

So, ok update.  Someone asked me about my apartment hunt the other day and I didn't even realize I didn't fill anyone in about my experience.  Ok so this is my first apartment hunting on my own so it's been pretty daunting.  I found a really cute place that I got a tour of on Halloween.  I find it amazing how some people can take photos to make rooms/spaces look HUGE because this place that I looked at seriously looked HUGE.  Then again for the price I guess that was wishful thinking.  

It was cute and probably the PERFECT size for me except two small issues.  OK the first one is a big issue.  There was ONE closet and it was in the bedroom aka for clothes.  My big problem right now is SPACE so I NEED at least one closet besides the one in the bedroom.  Ok well I'll give them the benefit of the doubt - there was TWO closets but they put the fridge in one of them.  Weird. 

Second thing was that the bathroom was in the bedroom which I thought was weird.  People have been telling me it's not but I think it is.  For ex to go to the bathroom you have to go through the bedroom.  I don't know it just caught me as weird.  Then she took me in the basement to show me the washer and dryer (good!) and the "storage" which had the largest dead cockroach/beetle in it.  Yah not putting my stuff down there.  

So I'm going to halt my search to at least February.  Gives me more time to save and I really love my mom's house around Christmas!

Work has been insanely busy.  More lately than ever.  Lots of new business pitches and presentations happening and I'm trying to lend a hand wherever I can.  Sad news came to us yesterday - one of our smaller clients called us to tell us they'd laid off a ton of people and they most likely wouldn't have us work for them anymore which makes me so sad.  I LOVE this client.  I love everything they stand for and the products we represent are AMAZING and I feel really proud doing PR for them.  I would work for them for free but sadly it's a lot more complicated than that.  We have some new business opps in the coming weeks so I'm hoping things will look up.  I mean - I've seen client teams fall apart because the client leaves.  Scary stuff.

My two co-workers (I always think of Jim from the office when I say co-workers because he says he could never call his co-workers friends - but in my case my co-workers are friends of mine) and I went out to dinner and drinks. 

We went to the Cheesecake Factory which was a unanimous vote.  My boss totally got pulled over getting there because she challenged me to find out which way was faster: Rt 123 or Rt 3A.  She said she felt the competitive nature take over and she ran a red light without even knowing.  She only got a warning but we had some giggles about it (and I plan calling her out at the all staff meeting tomorrow!).

We had so much fun.  I laugh SO hard when I am with them!  I swear the waiter thought we were psycho because of the laughs that were coming from our table.  We were talking SO much about work that Kathleen was like OK let's share something with each other that we wouldn't know otherwise.  So I told them the story of my NSYNC obsession when I was 16 and sending in a FANatic video.  I pretended to be naked in the middle of the road (I had a top pulled down and shorts on) and I held a poster board over my body that said "I AM NSYNCS BIGGEST FAN."  Wonder why I didn't win.  They liked that one.  

I told them I had a blog and that I'm not hiding anything so they can read if they want.  They know how obsessed I am with funny pictures/signs so were asking about which ones make the cut.  Kathleen asked me about one that I don't think I ever put up here:

From the Graves 601 Hotel in Minneapolis.  Probably the nicest place I've EVER stayed (seriously there was a tv in the bathroom but the shower was weird. I kept looking for a door but there wasn't one.).  They had this mile high sex kit in the minibar so obviously I had to take a picture of it.  Enlarge it to read the text better (that's what she said?).  I showed my boss the next day and she couldn't believe it.

I have some more gems from my phone that I've never posted on my blog. Stay tuned.

xok

Need this.

http://www.amazon.com/Scene-It-25738-Seinfeld/dp/B0017WDWTG

So bad.

So Wednesday night, Robyn and I went to see The Academy Is.. at the Roxy.  I can't explain my love of them.  I don't follow the whole Fall Out Boy/Cobra Starship/Gym Class Heroes bull but I just love The Academy Is...  Their albums are always strong and I generally love every single song and yes I might have a fan girl crush on William Beckett.  I know he weighs as much as my boobs but he's just so cute.

He's the dude in the middle for those who are wondering ;).  It took me forever to pick a picture of them I actually liked.  Clearly they all spend way too much time on their hair and  I don't care.  

Did I also mention we were the oldest people there who weren't accompanying children?  I made the merch guy feel totally inappropriate of course.  There was an adorable hoodie - and as I've learned before everything sold at shows like this are actually in Abercrombie sizing.  A large really means an extra small.  So I put it boldly:

Me: What size is that?

Awkward merch dude: Medium.

Me: Hmmm well me and the girls here, we take up alot of room.  **as this point it grab my boobs** (and before you say OMG slut I was a C cup in third grade so I've been dealing with this crap forever!)

Awkward: Ahh emm umm

Me: Can I try it on?

Just like I predicted there was enough room everywhere else but the boobies.  Rats.  

Anyways we got there early enough to see We The Kings who were adorable and did a really cool cover of "Feel Good" by the Gorillas.  The lead singer is a raging redhead and in his part to "Save the Redheads" they sell a shirt at the shows that says "I love redheads."  That provided me endless giggles.  They also have a shirt that says "We the kings will own your face."  I appreciated that too.

TAI came out for about an hour (WTF is that about boys) but packed it with all my favorites but not Sleeping with Giants which is prettyyy much my favorite.  I was all set to hear them play "The Test" acoustic as I mentioned on this post.  Instead they came out and played a new song - which apparently was the first time they've ever played it.  All in all they were fucking awesome.  I have pictures and one video so hopefully I'll get a chance to load them this weekend.  I was going to have two videos but "Checkmarks" makes me so happy that I couldn't focus on taping - I just needed to dance.

In other amazing exciting news - I discovered there is an ULTA in Massachusetts!!! Yes you have seen right.  I guess this means very little to people who are just experiencing it for the first time but it is this AMAZING store that's better - yes BETTER than Sephora.  They had one in New York and Lauren and I would go all the time.  It's like a Sephora but instead of all high end stuff it's high-end stuff, middle stuff and also products from Cover Girl, Clairol and maybe even the old favorite - Wet N Wild.

I went up to see my good friends Hillary and John last night at their new apt and we decided we could explore the area a bit and grab some food.  As we are pulling into the parking lot I see it - I probably gave poor John a heart attack and I knew as soon as I told Hillary what it was she would die.  I immediately apologized for the heart attack and for the fact that Hillary would find a new place to spend money.  They have EVERYTHING here.  I was sure they would have my discontinued Frederic Fekkai shampoo and conditioner - sadly they did not.

Since I've been little I've always had an obsession with shampoo.  I would get my allowance and walk down to Shaw's of F&M (omg remember that place!!) and I would buy a new conditioner and shampoo.  I just love that first day with a new shampoo - the honeymoon phase if you will.  After discussing my love of FF with a sales gal she brought me over to Biolage and said that this one variety was the best for my hair.  Side note: When I was looking for that link I saw that it got a Self Health and Beauty Award in 2008 so that's exciting!!  Working in PR I know how hard stuff like that is and that award winners go through vigorous testing.  For the record my hair feels amazing (Pat I am so sorry I know I told you I would stop talking about hair and dresses!!).

Anywho I am very happy with my purchase.  Also I couldn't walk out without a new OPI nail laquer called Don't Toy with Me.  That link does NOT do it justice.

xok

THEY'RE BACK!

I've been a buzz since I heard Letter's to Cleo were performing together again for a very brief reunion.  PS Don't know why the picture is weird and being cut off.  I really do like USA Mike. Obvs I got tickets right away but I just can't wait.  Trent went to Saturday nights show and it's just made me more excited.  I have a dream set list and I'm holding back from asking him because I want to be surprised.  Is that nerdy.  Ok here is my dream set list:

I See

Wasted

Here and Now (obvs)

Come Around

Because of You

Find You Dead

Veda Very Shining

Co-pilot

Anchor

I got time

GO! (which BTW is featured in the latest JC Penney commerical.  Rando.)

Alouette and Me (has it been confirmed that this is NOT about cheese?)

Never Tell

Secret Agent

Dreams cover

Demon Rock

Acid Jed

Pizza Cutter

Do What you want, yeah

I Want You to Want me (guess it wouldn't be a cleo set list without this)

Ok so my favorite album is GO! w/e. 

Just about a month away. Weee.  In other tickets news: I wanted to get Killers tickets for Jan 26 at Agannis arena.  I totally forgot - two days later I went to see if I could still get them and alas I could not. Sold the fuck out.  I have such bad luck.  Still kind of dancing around the idea of going to see The Academy Is... wednesday night.  It's in Boston so that helps (as opposed to Worcester - I'm such an old lady I can't go out there on "school" nights).  Eh I don't know.

My car has been on the fritz a bit.  I'm getting it checked out tomorrow am (check engine light is on and it died TWICE on Saturday but since then has been fine) so let's hope it's nothing crazy.  

I also got myself a pretty "holiday parties" dress.

Cute right?  So obsessed.  BUT see that little tie?  Yeah I didn't like it because it kind cut me off at a weird point - so I cut it off and moved it up closer to the bust.  Marc Jacobs eat your heart out.

XOKZ

Weekend fun.  Killer's performing "Girls Just Want to Have Fun."

In other news my blogspot dashboard is all in spanish?  Que?

Crazy-ness!  I'm still in awe over Obama winning.  It still gives me the chills.  Hope you all saved your newspapers from yesterday.  My favorite though are the people who are like "OMG I'm moving to Canada, Mexico etc," I think Switzerland was the best one so far.  Seriously - if people can't see how positive this will be for our country I'd be happy to see them go.  

Halloween was fun!!  I went to Target on Friday trying to find a costume and obviously found nothing.  However I did keep my devil horns on all day.  Someone at the party was like ok I know what you are!  You're a horny teacher.  So I took that as my identity for the night.

That's moi in the middle.  That argyle sweater was $20 at Target.  Get it.  Heather was a pregnancy pact girl from Gloucester.  Best costume.  Better seeing as Chris totally dropped her at one point.

The party was SO fun!! Alysse and I are kind of the Queens of beer pong but after our first game took like an hour we decided to call it quits.  Next time!  Lots of amazing costumes and good people.  They really went all out.  Kudos.

Next day I went to a beer tasting at Curtis Liquors which was awesome.  I ended up falling in love with Woodchuck and ended up buying a 12 pack (which earned me two free pint glasses).  So good!  My reason initially for going there was to get Hillary her favorite wine before I made the trek to go see her in Winthrop.  I make it seem far but really it's not!  Bad wine selection up there though.  

Went to Hill and John's new pad and helped them unpack/organize.  Their couch, which is the best couch EVER - didn't fit in the new place so they traded with their new neighbor (who helped them get the place!  Not a rando).  Not the best couches so we went to Target for more randoms and a slip cover (best invention EVER?).  We also picked out curtains and some other items to beautify (you'd think it was my apt too).  

When I got home later I found out that my uncle had passed earlier in the week.  Back story is I don't really talk to my Dad's side of the family.  They kind of forgot about me after my Dad died 16 years ago.  In an odd twist of fate - my uncle Richie - the one who just passed, had contacted me this year and we had been trading emails for a while up till about Oct 25.  We finally made plans to get dinner and drinks Nov 14.

I wondered why last week he wasn't emailing and I found out that he was found dead Oct 27. Cause of death is still pending.  Luckily I didn't miss the wake and found out it was Sunday.  I was a ball of a nerves all day.  Should I go, should I not go and send a card.  NO.  I was going to go.  For 16 years I have had something missing - I was super close with my cousins and aunts before that and I had missed it so much.  I tried to tell myself I didn't and that I was the better person -but after this year and reconnecting with uncle - I really felt like it was time to try and mend a relationship with them.

I won't get into all the details that will probably make me cry again - but the whole thing turned out great (minus the fact we were at a wake) my family cried when they saw me, I cried and everyone was just so shocked to see me.  They put pictures of me on these picture collages they made for the wake and it was one of the FIRST thing I saw when I walked in an it immediately made me feel better.  I met two cousins I never even knew about!  They're so cute.  I really regret not making sure I saw my uncle sooner but things happen for a reason - and in an eerie way I feel like maybe he knew he wasn't doing well and he would bring everyone back in the end.  He was only 48 - and looked WAY younger.  I'm so curious to know what happened.  

My aunts and I traded emails and my aunt who lives in Milton - emailed me the other day the sweetest note - that yes made me cry - now you know why I've been an emotional wreck this week.

Seeing my family inspired me to bring out some old school pics!  So I present you with Kristen circa 1980's:

My cousin Nicky and I in front of the old Dorchester house (which is now a spanish realtors office - tres sad).

Kim and I!  St Patrick's Day parade in Southie.

I loved that stinkin doll.  She's kind of scary now that I'm thinking.

This is my uncle and I.  I Must be like almost three.

My trip down memory lane.  You can see the others at my Facebook page (it's a public link you don't need a password - but feel free to add me!)  So happy the people I tagged were good sports lol.

Last order of biznass.  MUSIC!

I made it the Top 11 this week because I love the Cribs so much and I've been giving them a ton of love.  I love that new Coldplay album so much.  I wouldn't have even gotten into it if Pat didn't ask me to steal it (which I haven't done in FOREVER thankyouverymuch).  It's phenomenal and kind of matches my mood this week.  Somber but positive.  42, Lost! (with the exclamation point lol) Lovers in Japan, Life in Technicolor, and obvs Viva la Vida are the standouts.  So good.  I'm taking a break from my pod today and enjoying Sky.fm on itunes radio.  Seriously the best for non-stop 80's hits.  I'm talking like Foreigner, George Michael, Debbie Gibson, Madonna, and Aha (right now I have Take on Me!  Helll yes).

Good stuff.

Once again GOBAMA!

xokz

Say hello to the new first family!!

Words can't express the emotions I felt even walking into the voting booth knowing that I was voting for someone I KNEW could turn this country around.  I really wanted to scream it from the rooftops.  But my pin showed where my loyalties were (which BTW they made me take off in the voting room and I hurried to put it on before I was barely out).  

His acceptance speech was awe inspiring.  I couldn't stop crying, this week has been an emotional one (more on that later - maybe) so that's probably why I was so choked up - but man I am just so floored about this.  I'm going to buy a paper today and put it away so I can show my kids someday - "This is when America became a place I was proud to live in."  I really have never been so proud of my country.  I wished so bad I could be in Grant Park last night hearing his speech in person, waving an American flag.  

The hate that people have for this man makes me sick. Well guess what.  He won by a landslide so he's doing something right.  I am so happy today!!!!  And still wearing my pin.

Quick update!

Work has been insane hence the reason for my neglect.  But while I'm faxing media alerts for the New York Marathon I decided to update-ish.

Music time again!

I've been in a wicked The Academy Is mood as of late.  Not sure why.  I'm finally warming up the new album after hearing a live acoustic version of "The Test" on William Becketts blog I kind of gave the album another chance.  It's so good.  I'm really tempted to see then Nov 12 at the Roxy in Boston but I'm trying to hard to save money so - maybe next time :)  Caitlin and I saw them last November and they were AMAZING.  I was so impressed.  I thought William would be totally cocky and assey on stage much like other emo band singers but he was so charismatic and sweet.  IF he ONLY wasn't so damn skinny.

Anyways!  Been doing alot of listening to bands that begin with a C! LOL random.  Coldplay was JUST not close enough to make the cut.

Speaking of Coldplay I adored them on SNL last week and also adored their host!  I am in love with Jon Hamm.  Seriously.  Jon Hamm's John Ham.  Genious.  Why was I the only one who thought it was funny!  And the Mad Men sketch combined with one of my favorite sketches EVER - Two A-Hole's was just amazing.  Now all I need is Amy Poelher to bring the "Rick and Kaitlin" sketch back and I'll be happy.  We can find a new Rick!  Oh and Kristen Wiig needs to get on a new Tareeeget lady speech.  Am I the only one who sings "approved" when my debit card goes through?

Anywhosit.  Two A-Holes!

BIG NEWS!  It seems that EVERYONE has the moving bug these days so I decided to take the initiative and move out of my mom's house.  Yes I live in my mom's house currently.  Which whatever I don't care - but I need my own space.  Badly.  Hillary and John are pretty much gone (helping them move a ton tonight), Robyn called me from her new *and first time away from mom* apt and Pat is currently playing Bert and Ernie with his roomie as they do over their new place.

Well I'm going to check out two places this and next week.  One is in Weymouth near the Cameo I believe, and the other is in Abington near the Depot (GREGG!!!) and Target.  They are only like $20 bucks different and the realtor told me the one in Weymouth has a walk in closet.  Umm DO WANT.  I'm checking out the one in Abington Friday morning after my dentist appt and the Weymouth one probably next week.  So exciting.  Just the thought of getting to move out gets me so excited.  Yeah the bills and rent are going to suck but I think of all the unnecessary shit I buy during a month and it's crazy.  I can do it.  I haz become adult?

ALso Friday is Halloween and Lydia & Crew's Big bash.  So exciting.  I can't wait.  I don't have a costume yet sadly but I'm hoping something will come to me. I wore an angels halo at Missy and Nat's party but I feel like I might have to bring out the big guns at Lyd's place.  Hillary and John are going as Hillary and Bill (Clinton duh).  Hillary already tried out the Hillary mask this weekend at Missy's and I will tell you it's frightening.  It's like I am really with Hillary Clinton.

xok

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

Music time!

Hmm.  Well New Kids on the Block have ended their reign at #2 with the introduction of the new amazing Kings of Leon album "Only by the Night".  I LOVE Revelry, Manhattan, Use Somebody, Cold Dessert, New Frontier.  Ok they're all fantastic tracks.  I also bought (yes bought!  I am taking a sabbatical from stealing music lol ok not really but I got an iTunes gift card) the new Cold War Kids album - "Loyalty to Loyalty".  It's no "Robbers and Cowards" but I'm trying to give it a fair listen.  They were in Boston last week and when I tried to get tickets in August-ish they were already sold out.  Hoping they'll come back real soon.  

I'm predicting Letters to Cleo will be #1 at least until December 8 when we go see them at the Paradise.

I am so tired and sooo not in a working mood today.  After my cleaning expedition last week, my office is returning to it's normal messy ness.   I currently am set up 3rd grade fort style - I have 4 ft boxes on all sides of me making it not so easy to get out - but when I'm getting product together it's good to have it near me.  Kathleen and Bethany are both out this week, vacationing and conferencing respectively and each day that passes I say that I'm going to fix up this place.  I still have yet to send the rest of the product back to the client.  It just breaks my heart to send all this good stuff.  I'm not going to take it all and I don't want to just bring it to good will - so back to Colorado it goes.  

Oh and I have to send out like 200+ mailers before Friday.  I seriously want to hire an assistant for a day.  Damn.  Guess I should get back to work.  

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.

Update on the women who randomly popped in yesterday for our "sample sale" lol.  Also the women I complained about in the last post.

  

She just came and brought these to us along with a note thanking us for all the swag.  She also added that the recipe is Barefoot Contessa.  Does this woman already know me?

And yes there is real lemon zest on the middle ones.  Sadly me and Kathleen are the only ones in the office today.   We'll have to share with the other offices.  Maybe not.

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

Ahh so last night's FAKE SNL or TNL (Thursday Night Live for the abbreviated challenged) Weekend Update totally redeemed itself for all the sucky Weekend Updates that have been in the regular episodes thus far.  Last nights TNL also brought back my favorite favorite segment called "REALLY!!! With Seth and Amy" regarding AIG and their half a million dollar company retreat after their $85 billion dollar bailout.  Hillary and I have a special place in our hearts for REALLY!!  Hill,  I was thinking we could just start our own and film them.  Yep.  Anywho - thanks to NBC you can see it if you missed it.

You have to skip to around 2:09 to see Really!  but the stuff before was pretty funny too.  The extra treat is that they debuted a NEW segment called "OMG ARE YOU SERIOUS!  With Seth and Amy".  I think I got like 5 texts come in at that exact moment with AHH PERFECT!  

Work has been getting me down a little bit this week for a variety of reasons so I'm hoping the weekend will be exactly what I need to be rejuvenated.  I just feel no matter how hard and late I work, and all the projects I take on so I can look valuable to senior employees - I'm still at the bottom because I'm a junior associate.    I liked when we were all equals - but I guess that's what comes with corporate america.  I have a few projects to finish up today but I'm alone in the office so I can play my music all loud and zone out (it's the little things really). 

No big plans this weekend besides drinking alot of wine and going to DSW for a new pair of shoes!  I have $15 dollars off on any purchase - $5 because it's my bday month and $10 from a random coupon they sent me.  I don't even know what I want to buy but I need a transition shoe.  Something between sandals and Uggs?  Maybe even something more complex than flats because lord knows I have a million of those.  I've been checking out the website but I can never tell how much I love a pair of shoes till I see them in the flesh.  Shoe politics.

I still want to go apple picking.  At Nashoba Valley you can pick apples and go on a wine tour and taste a ton of wines.  When I went there in the summer we just drank a ton of AMAZING wine - but if I could combine two of my favorite things - wine and apples - then hello!  I love wine.

Oh!  One more thing.  I just joined 20 Something Bloggers.  So add me!  Or join if you're not a member yet. 

View my page on Twenty Something Bloggers

xokz

Ok so like I said in my previous post:  I really love the new New Kids on the Block album.  I act surprised but I am privy to boy bands.  Thus I post my most listened to artists in the past week:

So Letter's To Cleo.  I'm dying.  In my cleaning rampage Saturday I finally found my ancient copy of "Aurora Gory Alice" and I rejoiced.  "GO!" is still my favorite album but man was I jazzed to find AGA.  I am beyond excited to see them in December.

No Fringe last night made me sad.  I am really over this election.  Well no - let me rephrase that - I can't wait till it's over.  I think politics are very exciting but I feel like it's all anyone talks about.  For example: My neighbor who I love just came over to chat and she's like "O I can't vote for Obama - he's friends with terrorists" - seriously??? Do people really believe this shit??? My favorite is "I think Sarah Palin is more than qualified to be VP.  She's hardworking, classy (!!!!!!) true to herself and her country."  Honestly.  That's all you got.  Well gosh darnit - I'm all those things.  Am I qualified.  NO.

Ok done.  No more politics.

Work was so irritating today.  There are some people who seriously never happy with anything.  I just love it when clients ask for things - you do them - exceptionally might I add - and you still get shit on.  You can never win with some people.  It was one of those three cups of coffee days.  Thank you Dunkin' Donuts.  

I totally just realized today that my birthday is next week.  Bananas.  Plans changed slightly last night after Hillary and I had a few glasses of wine and we're thinking Foxwoods or a cruise.  Well alas, Foxwoods is all booked my bday weekend and respective jobs would not be pleased if we just picked up and left.  I'm saving money for the future apartment.  Speaking of money and such I went to check my bank balance yesterday and I see that my credit line has been increased.  Thanks economy.  THANKS.

Really excited for Pushing Daisies tonight.  Too excited. Lee Pace may or may not be my secret love affair.

Ugh Monday!

Thursday night Hillary, John and I watched the Vice Presidential Debate.  

One of my college friends welcomed me to the world of Palin Bingo!  So fun.  I was making my own list of Sarah Palin "buzz words" but Palin Bingo did it for me.  I did NOT win but I did enjoy some wine and some healthy arguments with John.  Even though I didn't win (Hillary did - for the record ) I had fun waiting for the buzz words.  Oh and we also drank lots of wine as you can see.

I do agree Sarah Palin did not fail.  But it irritates that are giving her so much praise for doing well - she did well because the bar was REAL low.  She was more personable but still condescending - much like her maverick John McCain.  I like Joe Biden because he stutters a little and often tries to push words out faster than they want to come out - much like myself.  SNL did a GREAT parody of the debates (complete with a Palin Bingo/drinking game shoutout).  

Friday my office mate begged me to go home at about 2:30 because I was still so sick.  But not sick that I couldn't work - she just didn't want to get sick. Understandably she has two little tykes!  So I went home - did a little more work and got ready to go out for Pat's birthday.  I got him lots of Office themed pieces - including Serenity by Jan candles.  SO awesome.  Hillary got him a pack of mustaches (EDIT: PHOTO HERE!).  I think that was the Hollywood.  After dinner he gave one to the parking attendant.  Pat only gets classier with age.

Soon Hillary, John, Pat, Gary and I headed into Boston to enjoy some asian faire at PF Changs.  Seriously so good.  We had a great time and realized the first time most of us bonded was at PF Changs in Vegas.  First time I realized I liked Gary was at PF Changs.  Long story short he got wasted and called a friend of a friend Beefcake.  It just fit so well and stuck.  After dinner the boys got little desserts.  Really little.

 

Cute and only two bucks!! I was done with food for the night so I just watched.

My fortune cookie also had a great message:

Hope it's true.

We went to leave and Pat thought he would do a cartwheel in the parking lot.  I missed the act of the cart but I got him paining after.  We all get old.

Saturday I spent the day cleaning.  I cleaned all day.  I washed tons of clothes, tons of sheets and made some bags for good will.  I have a confession to make and it kind of dawned on me while cleaning:  I really love the new New Kids album.  Honestly I thought it would be awful and I laughed at them making a new album.  It's good though.  Like really good. Totally my new cleaning and working out album.  Don't worry friends, I won't make any of you listen to it (unless you beg).

Robyn and I met up later to go see Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, which was good.  I'll give it good.  The plot had a ton of holes,  too much Juno-ness (Michael Cera: PLEASE PLAY A NEW CHARACTER) and a really disappointing ending.  However all the New York ness of the movie and the character of Caroline, made up for it.  Seriously.  Caroline is my hero.  And she reminded me of Heather.  The music was also pretty amazing.  Really makes me wish I'd get back into discovering music.  In college I found new bands like every week and I feel like I just don't have the time anymore (this may be the reason for my New Kids explosion).  

Sunday was spent chillaxing and reflecting.  I bought some blank CD's. I know.  Very exciting. I had a dream my computer crashed and I lost all my amazing music.  So I took all my music off onto CD's.  So smart Kristen, I thought while smiling to myself.  I really want to buy the new iPod touch but I am resisting heavily.  Can't. Won't.

Watched DH where I got to see my love Gale Harold.  He dates Teri Hatcher's character which is disappointing but hey at least I get to see him every week.  Mad Men was incredible.  Pat and I both geeked over the return of the creepy boy next door.  Majorly creeped out by Betty's dad trying to grab her boob when he thought she was her mom.  Tried to stay up as late as possible to catch the rest of the Red Sox game but I could not.  We lost.  Sad.  My boss is going tonight. Jealous.

xok

You know why my boss deserved the "World's Best Boss" cup.

This is why!

Because she goes apple picking and brings me some back!!  She knows my obsession with apples and all things fall.  She came back just for me. (And to sign my expense report :))

OMG They are so good!! They're both already gone.  Thanks for lunch yo!

Don't mind my messy mess and my FedEx order.

In other awesomeeee news.  Letters to Cleo are touring again!!!! Only a few shows your bet your ass I'll be there singing my face off!!!!

PS When I was looking for an image some images of No Doubt came up instead.  Stupid people.  Get your awesome female fronted 90's bands straight.  Two favorite Boston based bands have reunions, New Kids on the Block and now Letters to Cleo.  What's next?? LFO? :)

I ran my face off last night after work and I think I'm sick now because of it.  Sometimes when I run in the cold it just beats down my immune system.  I can't breathe and I feel like a whale is sitting in my ear.    

xo