Coffee in the Corner.

The Big V

2012-02-14T18:12:00.000-08:00

Today is Valentine's Day and besides the incessant amount of flowers I've noticed everywhere, it doesn't really feel like it. Perhaps it has something to do with telling my boyfriend not to do anything special, "save your money", or perhaps it has to do with my boyfriend being horribly sick yesterday, or perhaps it has something to do with us being in different states today or lastly, perhaps it has something to do with the awful fight we got into over the weekend and the inability to see beyond those moments of anger and onto the day of love that was just ahead of us...

Or maybe, it just doesn't feel like Valentine's Day because to me, it's not a big deal and never really has been?

It could be a combination of all these things but I do know one thing for certain, from here on out I will not be telling my boyfriend, "don't worry hon, let's not celebrate" because my goodness, saying no to your boyfriend when he's offering to do something nice... well, that's just stupid.

Babe, here we are TWO years and 1 day later and we are still kickin' it :) Every awful fight (including this past one), every silly moment, every decision we make together, every shared experience, every conversation and every kiss, brings us one step closer to the strongest most united relationship I've ever been in. Something tells me we're going places...perhaps all the way to the moon and back ;)

That moment when...

2012-02-07T05:54:00.001-08:00

You realize you've forgotten to pack a bra in your gym bag and are forced to wear your stinky, sweaty sports bra all day.

Gross.

Happy Tuesday!

Go, Aubrey Go!

2012-02-06T14:51:00.000-08:00

This is the mantra I hear during my runs. Although I'm a big fan of self motivation and enthusiasm, most the times I'm thinking to myself, "would ya shut up". It would be nice if I could go for a run without actually thinking about the fact that I'm running...it would surely be nice. Anyways, I actually really did have a good run today. It was beautiful out, I was going at a good clip (thanks to my sweet mantra) and it just felt nice.

In other news, Social Media Marketing is my career of choice. Found something that I love to do and it feels GREAT. It also feels GREAT to have the support of my friends and family. It also feel GREAT to be working on a project with my brothers awesome girlfriend! I'm so over the moon with it all, it feels like I've found my niche and its GREAT! =)

Before I start to really bore anyone reading this I suppose I should wrap this up.

One more thing.

Maybe not EVERY day but I find at least once a week is a great way to keep things steady...

Happiness

2012-02-05T17:35:00.000-08:00

Happiness comes when you are at peace with all aspects of your life.

(At least thats what I believe happiness is).

And I am.

(Right now, anyways).

SO I thought it was time to say Hello and work at making this stick. "This" as in, this blog.

The thing is, I love blogging and when I don't blog, I feel guilty. Yes, I literally feel guilty about not keeping this blog alive. I'm not doing it for anyone but myself but I still feel guilty - crazy!

So I'm back because life is good and I want to remember all the good times (and even the not so good times).

'Til tomorrow....

GO PATS!

That enthusiastic cheer is for my boyfriend ;)

New toy!

2011-10-04T18:18:00.000-07:00

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In love!
Now I just need to think of the perfect name...suggestions please! :)

In other news, it's been a crazy week so far but a very fun and eventful one. Life is good.

I'M BACK!

2011-10-02T18:37:00.000-07:00

Wow, it has certainly been a while huh?!

Thing's I have learned this past year:

1. I don't like working from home. It sounds great at first; stroll out of bed when you want, set your own hours, don't have to deal with pesky co-workers and when you need a break, well flip on bravo and they always have housewives re-runs. However, it also means you are left alone with your own thoughts for hours upon hours - torture! Being the oldest of 5, enjoying commotion and not having a car to get around in, I really don't know why I thought it was going to be such a great idea to work remotely. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy the work I've been dong (social media marketing) but at the end of the day, I enjoy my sanity even more. So TOMORROW I start a new job - in an office - and I couldn't be happier about it :)

2. Relying on other people and a unreliable public transit system for transportation is not fun. For a long time I have considered having my own car to be a unnecessary expense. Well, I recently realized that in order for everything else around me to work, my happiness needs to come first and having the freedom to hop in a car and just gooooo, makes me happy. So tomorrow night I go to pick up the cutest little pixie of a car! Pics to come!!

3. I love my Mom, and want to continue working on our blog together but I also really like having this blog. I was sitting in a starbucks last week, sipping on a latte, in the corner and watching everything going on around me. That's when I realized that I like this blog and am not ready to abandon ship!

4. Relationships are hard but the deeper I get into this one, the more and more I love him.

5. These bullets are getting shorter and shorter, bedtime is very near...

Well, I know I've lost some followers but I'm looking forward to getting back into the swing of things and I hope you visit this silly little blog once and awhile! :0)

P.S. Things I saw on the internet today and liked...

YUM.

"I have only done this once before"... what the hell?

Hello Everyone!

2011-05-24T05:48:00.001-07:00

Just a reminder, for anyone who's interested in still following, I have moved over to www.givingyoumybest.blogspot.com !

It's a blog between my Mom and I, and we'd love to have you visit =)

A NEW ADVENTURE - COME JOIN :)

2011-02-26T09:57:00.000-08:00

Please come follow me at my new blog (shared with my mom!), very excited about this new adventure =)

http://givingyoumybest.blogspot.com/

Hope you all are enjoying this beautiful Saturday morning!

Hey Everyone!

2011-01-21T07:23:00.000-08:00

I know its been awhile and I have lots to catch up on but for the interim check out this company I have been helping out with:

http://www.healthangle.com/

and for their FB page click here, http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/HealthAngle/126511144832

HealthAngle is comprised of an assortment of patient narratives describing different medical procedures. Knowing what to expect is a great way to soothe ones nerves while also keeping you informed; when it comes to your health what is more important?

Anyways, I will be coming back to the blogging world shortly with a brand new blog! Very exciting =)

Day 3...

2010-09-15T07:08:00.000-07:00

Thanks for all the words of encouragement, the comments and messages I recieved have all been so sweet. Unemployment is such a difficult time, its not a "vacation" when you are constantly worrying about money and finances but I am confident things will work out, I just need to be patient. Yesterday I was in a total fog and basically just counted down the hours until it was exceptable for me to hit the hay. Ironically enough by the time it was "exceptable" I got hooked into show after show, Flipping Out and Parenthood - both mindless entertainment, exactly what the doctor ordered.

However, today is going to be a better day =) I am convinced! Oh and NO more emotional eating!! I may be saying this 5 additional pounds too late but its a start! haha I need to get back into the swing of things and find a groove - one that involves exercising on a daily basis. I have been slacking big time.

In other news check out these amazing pictures of China.

Lastly, (this is for you nellie :) Muddy Buddies are delicious little bites of heaven. Mix peanut butter, chocolate, sugar, butter, chex and what do you get?!

Check out this blog for the recipe, http://foodlibrarian.blogspot.com/2009/02/monkey-munch-or-chexs-muddy-buddies.html

They are delectable, easyyyyy to make and always a crowd pleaser!

Oh me, oh my.

2010-09-01T07:44:00.000-07:00

The past couple weeks have been a whirlwind. I feel as though I am going thru the motions but not really experiencing them, if that makes sense? Need to learn to let go and embrace the fact that there is some plan set in motion for me and I will eventually fall into step with it.

This past weekend G and I spent the entire weekend together and weren't, completely, at each others throats so I think thats a good sign :) Started off the weekend with a short run (moved verrrry slowly), dinner, walked down to the main drag for some asian styled dessert and then topped off the night with a movie (10pm showing I might add - felt way cool). Saturday we actually slept it! It was a miracle, when I discovered it was 10 am I couldn't believe it. My internal clock typically has me dragging myself out of bed by 9 am the latest. What was suppose to be a cheap, relaxing weekend turned into a slightly expensive/stressful one. On our way to Walden pond, G's car started to act funny. So we made a pit stop at Sears and came to find out the battery died, right then and there in the parking lot. I was reminded of the goodness of people when as we sat there trying to figure out a solution to our problem a car pulled up asking if we needed help; not knowing what the exact problem was we politely said no. We headed into Sears to find some tools and some stranger overheard our convo and offered his services. Being a mechanic we accepted his offer and before we knew it he had taken out our old battery and installed a new one. Crazy! It really is amazing how kind and generous people are. Over and over again I find myself in awe. Lately, during this upsetting and chaotic time in my life people have truly shown me what compassion is all about. I am so grateful :0)

So we continued our voyage to Walden pond, found a place to plant ourselves and finally found some relaxation! That is until little black bugs continued to incessantly drop on our blanket, inevitably leaving me with the heebie jeebies :-/

Next up was dinner with Cully Wully and his girlfriend Lauren (Cully Wully = Cullen my lil brother). We made pizza, walked down for an ice cream cone and ended the evening with an episode from Pillars of the Earth; a novel by Ken Follet that was recently made into a mini series. The movie is good but man oh man, if you want a thrilling/adventerous/love story you must buy the book. I promise, you won't be disappointed!

Sunday was spent GeoCaching (finding treasures in the woods!), great way to spend a couple hours. Check it out, http://www.geocaching.com/about/default.aspx and was followed by a short run and a quick peak into Payless which surprised me with some of their fall shoes. Some pretty cute flats! Lastly, I started organizing picutures. Found some real keepers...

Classic Cull - so goofy! (the blondie)

Definitely his granddaughter!

Mamarita! My aunt looks so pretty in this one :)

Happy Hump Day Everyone!!

Change in plans...

2010-08-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

Sooo typically when you give your current boss two weeks notice you do it with the intention of leaving for another job. Well that is not always the case as I discovered last week :-/ The "great" new company that hired me two weeks ago rescinded their offer the day before I was set to leave my current position. Awesome.

So now I am scrambling, trying not to panic. AHHHHHH.

On the flip side I started moving my stuff into G-dawgs apartment this weekend which is pretty exciting =)

It's starting to come along!

I may not have a job but my 3 yr old sister does...

"I go to work with Dad, chew gum and put it in my pocket"
She's an odd little duck.

Lastly - HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY HUNKALUNKA OOOOO LALA OHHH HOT DAMNNNN BOWWW CHIKKA WOOWWOOOW BOYFRIEND ;)
25. You old geeza you.

We'll be together with a roof right over our heads =)

2010-08-13T12:01:00.000-07:00

You know someones right for you when you are hunched over in pain, looking and feeling your absolute worst and he still thinks you are boootiful :)

And willingly hops out of bed, puts clothes on and runs to the store for some much needed meds...you da bomb.

Sorry for not being the most eloquent with words.

Sorry for talking about food so much.

Sorry for claiming to be non-competitive and then eagerly trying to kick your ass at everything :-p

Sorry for my constant chatter/desire to travel.

Sorry for analyzing and looking into EVERYTHING.

What I'm most sorry about is that I didn't meet you sooner because as it turns out I really just wanna "love ya and treat ya right" muah!

HAPPY 6 MONTHS BABE!

What a milestone, think we are going places ;)

Iceland, perhaps?

Checked-out

2010-08-10T13:59:00.000-07:00

So I think it has been pretty clear to my friends, family and co-workers that I am checked-out. My work is just not all that appealing or interesting to me and I am completely aware that at this point I am not helping myself or the company by staying. Sooo it is a good thing that I got a...

NEW JOB!!!

Yes, people I am moving on =) I am so thrilled and just over the moon excited. It is absolutely perfect for me. It is for a non profit, one in which I will be working with families and also surrounded by a group of terrific women on a daily basis. To top it off the hours are right up my alley (8-4:30, love having that extra half hour before rush hour!) and the benefits are even better than my current ones (6 vaca weeks? Shite fo real?!), but the real selling point is that I will leave work feeling as though I helped someone, even if in the smallest of ways. Right now it is difficult for me to leave work happy. My days are filled with filing and serving. For the most part the lawyers are lovely men and women but I just don't relate well.

Anyways, I am not sure how this will effect my blogging. Typically I blog during work hours and seeing as though my new job will actually consist of real work I find it doubtful that I will be with you all during the daytime hours. However, I do believe the time has come and a laptop is needed. Once that happens I will become a night owl blogger!

The new gig does not start until the 30th soooo I'll be back in all likely hood tomorrow! Adios ladies (and those few gentlemen that eye my scattered lil blog) hope you are all having a fantastic day =)

Long week.

2010-08-04T12:47:00.000-07:00

Loving Shark Week on the Discovery channel but I think this cartoon may be onto something...

And for a giggle check out this, oh so sweet couple...

Things.

2010-07-29T14:02:00.000-07:00

The magazine, Essence, which is geared towards the African American community, recently hired a woman to fulfill an open position as "Fashion Director". Doesn't seem as though it should make headline news right? Well here is the catch: the woman is white. Hmm I read this article a few hours ago and am still sort of scratching my head about it. I am not trying to be inconsiderate or ignorant, yet I am confused as to why this is such a catastrophe for so many African Americans in the writing/editing/publishing world. The magazine is aimed towards black women which is great. I understand that their are some issues that white women cannot relate to, however there are many topics and day to day activities that all women in general deal with - these are things that should unite us. The argument would be more valid if this company was run soley by white women but that is not the case; it is one qualified, experienced and capable woman who just happens to be white.

What do you all think? Am I way off? Very curious to see what everyone else thinks. Again, I don't mean to come across as anything more than a slightly confused, interested young woman.

In other news I was forced to ask myself a very serious question the other day.

Am I nice or just stupid? I seriously considered this question for awhile, wondering which category I fell into. Until it dawned on me that I am both. I mean you can be sweet as honey and still not have a friggin clue, which seems to occasionally be my problem. The situation that forced me to ponder this happened so quickly that it almost seemed out of my control.

I was on the train, heading to watch the bf's frisbee game (yes, he's on a team, yes, they take it very seriously, and yes, I love watching him! and no, I have no desire to play (sorry hun)), when I found myself packed like a sardine between two men. There I sat, backpack, purse and pure annoyance in tow when I fished out my book, flipped thru the last few pages and threw it back into my bag, feeling a sense of accomplishment - "another book off the list, woopie". The book I am referring to is "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo", it was so good. In fact it was so good that my Dad and I squabbled as to who was going to get the chance to read it at the beach. I won that battle and promised to read it swiftly and then get it back to him.

Well, while I was sitting there enjoying the last few moments left with the characters I had grown to love, I overheard my neighbors phone conversation, "one order of General Tso's chicken. Nope, just one order, thats all. Thank you". Instinctively I looked to see if he had a wedding band. Nope. My heart sank. Dramatic? Yes. I can't help it. He was probably in his mid fourties, not bad looking but definitely a little quirkly. I couldn't help but feel kinda bad for the guy. I went on reading my book, as said earlier, tossed it in my bag and then just went into my usual daze thinking about pizza for dinner and which book to read next.

Quirky neighbor - "Um excuse me but how was that book? I have seen so many people with it, any good?"
Me - "Yes, it was so good! It wasn't what I expected but I really enjoyed it, I definitely reccommend it!"
Quirky neighbor - "Oh good, I think I will have to go get a copy."
Me - "Oh yea, I actually just finished it, great ending."
(This is where stupidity enters)
Quirky neighbor - "Just finished it? Oh thats great!"
Me - "In fact, let me give it to you. I'm all done and no one else wants to read it" (sorry dad)
Quirky neighbor - "Noooo really?! Oh my gosh, wow! I have never had anyone give me anything on the train before. Now I will be certain to read it! Thank you so much."

As I am pulling it out of my bag, the realization of what I am doing starts to kick in... wait what about my dad? Shit, what the hell am I doing? Ah darn it, too late now.

Me - "Oh good, hope you enjoy it."

Fudge.

The book really was good though. If I had an extra copy I'd offer to LEND it to you... :)

My MAINE squeezes =)

2010-07-28T13:56:00.000-07:00

Busy at work today however I do have some interesting stories to share! These pics will have to suffice for now...

(Thats me!)

When do I get to go back?

Oh and odd question but to all you runners, headphones or no headphones?

Happy hump day!

Back to the Grind!

2010-07-26T13:52:00.000-07:00

Here is a preview of my trip to Maine...

A baby whisperer.

A drink with the girls.

A storm is a'brewing.

If you haven't noticed, the porch is where its at :)

Lots more to catch up on but for now its time to head out. Happy Monday everyone!

Hopping around.

2010-07-16T13:47:00.000-07:00

Back from New Orleans and I must say it was a needed and enjoyable reprieve from the usual shenanigans. Nice change in pace. Besides the company the best part about the trip was the bed. Oh the bed. It was just perfect! I woke up both mornings around 7 am and just laid there. Soaked in the quiet and the comfort - it was close to perfection. Anyways now I am off to more relaxation... MAINE. Highly anticipated trip of the year, last year was amazing and we all have pretty high expecatations this time around as well :) Before I head out to hop the train I had to post this - I sincerely hope I inherited the anti aging gene that my parents presumably have...

Thats my Dad's company by the way.

http://www.elevationexhibits.com/

A lil marketing never hurt anyone (can thank me later Daddy-o!!)

Oh and P.S. How amazing does this Stockholm library look? A little slice of heaven.

Badum Ching!

2010-07-12T13:10:00.001-07:00

HEHE.

Off to New O'rleans for a few days.

Back on Thursday!

Cleverality.

2010-07-06T13:55:00.000-07:00

So this past weekend was not your typical 4th of July but a great one just the same! Bond's family lives right on the water in a beautiful town south of Boston which provides us a great place to nuzzle up and watch the fireworks - boy was it beautiful! We enjoyed all the "ooooohs and aaaaaahs" with another couple who I have grown to enjoy a lot :) New friends!!! woohoo

Saturday:
Woke up.
Felt good.
Ready for a run in the sun.
Ran.
Felt like shit and instantly became annoyed.
Awesome way to start the day...

Luckily I worked my way out of it and did so just in time to start helping the boyf with his packing.

Oh did I mention he got his own apartment!?!?!?!? And I found it for him?!??!?!? Haha Obviously I have to throw in a little self promotion there... :) Its soooooo (the most over used word of the week) - CUTE! Hardwood floors, white woodwork, shaded by surrounding trees, tiled bathroom floor. Just perfection. Once it is in a reasonable state of decor I will post pics!

Anyways back to the packing. This is a side of my boyfriend I knew existed but hadn't come face to face with.

Pink & Mint colored slacks.

The thing about Gdawg is he is a man of many tastes, hobbies, strengths and interests. So it doesn't surprise me that I came across these but what DID surprise me was his determination to keep them from being tossed into the GoodWill pile. How was I suppose to respond? First I laughed thinking he's got to be joking. Then it transpired into panic "when is he going to wear these? Not with me I hope!!". Which obviously resulted in my annoyance - is he fo realz? "Why is he being such a baby about it???". Eventually we compromised and the mint beauties were set aside for GoodWill (a Homeless yuppie. will surely be an interesting sighting). When it was all said and done I stepped back and realized if the situation were reversed I would probably try to bitch slap him for trying to throw something of mine away that I had any desire to keep :-p

And plus now he has two pairs of pink pants, eventually we can make them into little skirts for Liv! ha =)

Totes sidetracked there. Back to business.

Packed.

Lunch with some of his family members.

Shopping.

This was also an interesting experience. Our first time really shopping together and I have to say it was a success! Lots of bargain shopping. Went to Marhsalls (fell in love with their clearance department), hit up Home Goods (great kitchen supplies) and ended it with my favorite department store - Target! Ahhh how I love it there. And Mushhhhh loved it too because they had a Starbucks there! Doesn't get much better than that! Loaded up on all the essentials and a few nonessentials. I just HAD to have a freaking gallon on Crest Whitening Mouthwash (seriously though, it works wonders) and also bought some great coasters where you slide in pictures of yourself, CUTE right?

Shopped for 4 hours.

Picked up pizza.

Had friends over.

Hopped on the boat and watched others water ski, while I indulged in some sunbathing.

(Tried the water skiing once and its just not my thing - the thought of belly flopping with skis on is just not appealing to me...)

Ended the night with some much needed Dexter.

We are addicted.

And may or may not have watched the first, second and now third season in just over two months.

Does that make us tv junkies? I mean we do watch it on a lap top, not technically a tv... :)

Fast Foward to Monday

(Sunday is a bit of a blur. It started with a 4.7 mile run at 6 am, ended with a lovely cook out at my house and in between those two saweet events we were packing.)

Monday:

Woke up.

Ate a delicious bowl of Coco Pebbles that G's mom got for me. Does he really need to leave home?!?! :(

Filled up the truck and off we went.

Unpacked.

Yuck.

Hot.

Grumpy.

Hit up fast food for the first time together - enjoyed every single bite of my BK chix sandy.

1 hour later was cursing that chix sandy.

Witnessed my boyfriend have a blonde moment.

"Cleverality"

HA.

I'm rubbing off on him...

Heard the phrase "You are right, you are always right" for the hundreth time this weekend.

If only he had thought that regarding the pink pants issue.

Shopped some more.

Rested on his new beautifully comfy bed.

Was brought out to dinner - Mango Tango Mexican. Our new fav spot!

THEN headed home.

Home.

I like it!

Oh and watched one more episode of Dexter, just to top the weekend off :)

P.S. What happened between Jake and Vienna?!?!? Did anyone watch?!

Thursday Thoughts!

2010-07-01T14:00:00.000-07:00

Just wrapped up a quick chat with an old friend and I'm amazed by how some people just "get it". It is so comforting to know that I am not alone in my thoughts; which tend to revolve around where I am and where I see myself going. I am so happy with my life and who I have in it but it wasn't so long ago that I imagined myself hopping around from country to country, meeting new people and learning about new cultures. It is scary to realize that this is no longer a desire of mine. It is a bit of a transition period, trying to figure out who I am becoming. Not to say I will not participate and spend my time travelling/challenging myself but I will now be doing these things with someone else (who is amazing). My life is taking an unexpected turn, I wouldn't change it for the world but it is definitely not what I imagined for myself - in fact, it may be even better :)

Some of my favs lately...

Boys.

2010-06-24T12:19:00.000-07:00

Thinking about boys today.

are my favorite :)

How to be FEROSH?

2010-06-23T13:57:00.000-07:00

This past year has done a number on my confidence. I feel stronger than I was a year ago and my priorities are more in check now than they have ever been before but there are times I feel as though I am losing my mind. I question my intelligence pretty much on a daily basis. When I know I am right I still question myself. When something bad happens at work I instantly think of how I may have contributed to its downfall... I have become my own worst critic and I seriously need to figure out a way to change that. I get into my own head and then it usually takes some form of activity to get out of it! Fresh air fixes all my problems these days, oh and some ice cream often helps too. I mean, yes there are plenty of times I say something without thinking. Plenty of blonde moments that oddly enough my sister, Mattie, seems to ALWAYS be around for but in all reality I am not a dumb blonde. Now how on earth do I convince myself of that?! =)

I think women tend to be too hard on themselves, what do you all do to focus on the good and step away from analyzing the bad?

I wish I could be as FEROSH as this blonde beauty!

Cruising in style.

2010-06-18T13:58:00.000-07:00

While visiting Nantucket, (Figawi weekend - big sailing race) G and I decided to take a spin on this babyyy... badass right?

Hope you all have a lovely weekend!

I will be a busy bee, cruising around and trying to stay cool - hot temps are finally here :)

P.S. Moosh, if you can handle Ruby then I dare say you can handle a Harley...

What's next?

2010-06-16T13:49:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the huge lack in postings, been busy trying to figure out my future :)

Back tomorrow...

Ta, ta, ta Tuesday folks!

2010-05-25T11:29:00.000-07:00

Thanks to this little pipsqueak,

I have fallen back in love with Disney movies. However, I can't help but think there may be some truth to this...

PS. I'm done with the boxes - thank goodness!!!

HOT DIGGITY DOG

2010-05-21T11:01:00.000-07:00

ITS FINALLY FRIDAY!

Still trudging through boxes but I can finally see the light. Hope you all have a great weekend and enjoy these pics as much as I did... now back to work!

2010-05-20T13:11:00.000-07:00

On box number 94.

My life seems rather boring today...

Up to my ears in boxes.

2010-05-11T09:42:00.000-07:00

This has been my life lately:

Sorry for the gigantic lack of posts but between mini trips, "wedding" planning and over 100 boxes, filled to the brim with files, that need to be indexed...there just hasn't been much time to dedicate to the blogosphere.

However, I have made a good dent (patting myself on the back and mentally congratulating myself - on the verge of going insane!) and hope to be done with indexing all this "evidentiary documentational support" by the end of the week. Thank goodness because I happen to think that saving thousands of documents that are over 15 yrs old and will most likely NEVER be needed again is a little harebrained and a waste of my time but then again I am just the call taker/go-to girl/fridge stocker -- so what do I know?! :)

To top this off, I noticed yesterday I have over 90 voicemails on my work phone...how does this happen? Well its known nowadays as "butt dialing" and its also known as being a huge pain in the ass! I mean honestly, what's the dealio? At first I was frantic, thinking "Oh my gosh how have I missed all these calls!?" and then when I started to go thru them and found there to be no messages but instead lots of loud backround noise on. each. and. every. single. message. I realized then that someone must not realize they have our number listed in "favorites". I have to manually listen and then delete each message.

I am on number 20.

70 more to go.

On the brightside I am on box 74 now, meaning I only have 35 boxes (approx 1,000 files) left to index.

I love my job, I love my job.

Hope you all are enjoying the blooming flowers that seem to be sprinkled about :)

FRIDAY.

2010-04-30T12:04:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posts this week, actually had work to do - imagine that!

Fun weekend plans lie ahead...

The BF and I are headed here -

Niagara Falls!!

Hopefully we will survive our first road trip together! =)

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Swimwear to Silliness.

2010-04-27T13:20:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I decided it was time.

The idea of it was crushing, and in the past has even been tear worthy but I knew it was coming and was prepared to waste away a couple hours of my life that would inevitably end badly (or nicely, depending on how you feel about insatiably consuming a pint of Ben&Jerry's).

So, I took the brave step forward and stepped into what I consider my own, slightly subdued version of hell.

Bathing suit shopping!!!

The thought of it is often cringe inducing however I am relieved to say that this experience was not nearly as horrific as past ventures have been. In fact I found myself enjoying it!! How could this be? Wellllll, thanks to my mom, I have come across a hidden gem. A boutique of sorts that most fashionably inclined women wouldn't think to consider... Lands' End Canvas. http://www.landsend.com/canvas/?cm_mmc=77739712

It has been a long time since I have been able to bathing suit shop and not feel as though I am 400 pds and gaining; part of this is because of my oh so lovely big "bubbies". The clothes are very reminiscent of J. Crew yet not so reminiscent of J. Screw price tags :)

The real kicker is, that it is only online and in Sear's stores! Sears, can ya beleive it?! Here is a little snapshot of what you will find, I spent a good hour and a half trying on different items and adding the finishing touches to my summer wardrobe.

Not to mention the fact that I find their ads to be sort of dreamy, don't you? :)

Oh and before I have to check out I have been meaning to post about this since last week, if you have time check out my friend Nikki's blog:

http://411lifefashionlove.blogspot.com/

She is hysterically honest and for that I love her! :-p Here is a preview:

"I'll admit it... I am a Fatso. I may not look like a chub monster but I certainly eat like one."

Our shared love for ice cream is one of the many reasons for our friendship =)

Lastly, I came across this quote today and thought of you. I have enjoyed every moment of silliness with you darlin'!

Cleaning shop.

2010-04-22T13:55:00.000-07:00

Ah what a day. Things with the property I have been so excited about purchasing are starting to fall thru...so bummed. I need to just trust that everything happens for a reason and there is some purpose for this but considering all the work that has already gone into it, and what a great opportunity it is I can't help but feel a bit let down. Nothing is set in stone and I am hoping and doing my best to figure it out - so cross your fingers, say a prayer, do a dance - whatever ya'll do to ask for guidance from the banker angels that lurk above us! :-p Please and thank you.

Hoping to save this day from complete disaster I decided I would be productive and clean out my computer. Meaning, I decided to go thru my "Favorites" and do some much needed deleting. Some of these go back to two years ago! My life has gone thru so many ups and downs along the way - I got a chuckle out of some of them :)

- Such a funny site, definitely check it out (great little somthin' somethin' to send your bfs way)
http://rulesformyunbornson.tumblr.com/

- A site all about "creative writing". My guess is I woke up one morning, felt the need to expand my intellectual horizons and decided to dive into the world of writing. This lasted approximately 24 hrs.

http://fictionwriting.about.com/

- This is a blog that I have been following for awhile now. Dennis Leary is from Worcester, (hometown boi!) and his wife is someone I have found to be very accessible. Not a hoity toity supahstahhh. They live on a dreamy, whimsical farm in CT. It is a very nice blog to read every once and a while. http://annleary.com/blog/

- I must have added this chica's blog to my "fav's" before I had my own blog! Love this gurl!

http://style-laurel.blogspot.com/

- Spent some time at this Inn last summer and had a blast each time. If you like woodsy, campy, upstate Maine definitely check it out!

http://www.bigmoosecabins.com/events/events.php

- Maybe I was having one of those "fat" days or maybe I was genuinley interested in running a marathon...either way its a bit laughable right now. Especially since I ran three miles last night and felt as though I was going to pass out!

http://www.bostonsruntoremember.com/boston/index.html

- Wanted to do this last summer and honestly cannot wait until I put away some time and dig my heels into this. What a great, great program :)

http://www.breadbasketministries.com/House_For_Poor_Ocho_Rios_Jamaica.html

Woah look at the time!! Gotta run but I will continue this tomm -- kinda fun :)

Fall back.

2010-04-21T11:43:00.000-07:00

Me - "Liv you need to get down before you fall and get a boo boo."

Liv - "Fall back aub."

SHE'S SO BADASS!

Eating.

2010-04-16T13:43:00.000-07:00

Hmm where to begin with this...

It was inadvertently brought to my attention that eating is constantly on my mind, even during inappropriate times.

From the moment I wake up, (after I am thru trying to convince myself to take a sick day) I start thinking about breakfast. However, since I am not really a breakfast person I usually go straight to lunch and am thinking about what could possibly hold me over until that glorious hour of the day, 1 pm, hits. Once I am thru with lunch I then start thinking about how full I am and how I really must moderate my intake, which then leads to moments of depression and I find my hand digging into the candy bowl.

Luckily the struggle to maintain self control in regards to this very tempting bowl of heaven has begun to simmer down a bit; it may have something to do with the TWO cavities my dentist told me about last weekend...ops.

Anyways, so after the candy I am finally at peace...or so one would think! After the chocolate cravings have ceased I then have to focus on the 1 1/2 commute that must be dealt with and how do I mentally prepare myself for this? I THINK ABOUT DINNER!!! Oh and dinner is not dinner without dessert, correctomondo? haha It's a perpetual cycle; one that I am usually ok with and actually at times I am proud that I am a girl who is not afraid to eat but I realized last night that maybe it has gotten out of hand.

After having a great "reggae pizza" night with the bf and some of his friends, we decided to hit the hay early and get a good nights sleep. Well, instead we ended up talking and talking, chit chatting about this and that, the future and our pasts yada yada. A lovey dovey moment of sorts. Well finally we decided it was time to go to sleep and we both closed our eyes. Just as I was starting to drift off into la la land I sprang up and the following convo ensued,

me - "OH MY GOSH, GUESS WHAT"

G - "What?"

me - "Bolocco has the perfect sized burrito now - a mini! ANDDD a mini sized milkshake too!! Who woulda thunk it!!!"

G - "Wow. Were you just thinking about what you are going to eat for lunch tomorrow?"

me - "ummmm noooo. not at all...."

And that folks is that last thing G and I talked about before we drifted off into dreamland. Romantic right?

TGIF

But seriously, you gotta check it out. It totally made my day today!!! Baby burrito/milkshake - perfect!

Hi Dad!!

2010-04-15T13:54:00.000-07:00

So one interesting little factoid that I learned this week is that apparently most of my family reads my blog :-o

At first it kind of threw me off because, yes, as my dad pointed out "thats why people write blogs so that others can read it" which is true and I have never been overly shy about letting people know I have a blog. However, for me it has always been more of just something to do during the day, a filler. Also a bit of a creative release. I am not an extremely creative person (if you haven't noticed!) but I have found writing these posts to be a great way for me to hold onto a bit of the past. I don't keep a diary and have been trying to get better at not hoarding things (keepsakes or what is more commonly referred to as "dust collectors") so this blog has been a great source of nostalgia for me, a walk down memory lane; the time frames in the last year or so that I wasn't blogging were times that I don't really want to remember! The absence of posts is reminder enough =) So at first when I came to the realization that not only friends but also family members (which is a bit more daunting. Why? I have no idea! I suppose I value their opinion the most and find that maybe I worry what they will think...which is odd because they are very non judgemental people anyways! Ahh my thinking is so off kilter huh?) were reading my blog I was a little freaked out but now I am totally comfortable with it. Soooo without further ado --

Hi Mom
Hi Dad
Hi Mattie
Hi Cull
Hi Laur'nen
And Hi Jack (feel obligated to say hola to #3 even though I am quite certain he has no interest in this blog)

One more thing before I skidaddle and hop on the 5:00 boat. YES, I am taking a boat home today!! woohoo I am happily headed to the bf's house for the night, whom decided to take the day off and instead messed around getting a root canal or something of that sort, then jetted off to the store to get stuff to make pizza tonight. YUM.

So my dad noticed that he is barely mentioned in any of my posts soooo I hereby dedicate this post to you daddio =) Plus, ya know we keep looking for a special song and although this can't compete with Matties song or Liv's bumpin Beyonce song, you and I have talked a few times about how much we love this particular Van Morrisson song...so how bout we just make it ours?! :)

You can take all the tea in china

Put it in a big brown bag for me
Sail right around the seven oceans
Drop it straight into the deep blue sea
She�s as sweet as tupelo honey
She�s an angel of the first degree
She�s as sweet as tupelo honey
Just like honey from the bee

You can�t stop us on the road to freedom
You can�t keep us �cause our eyes can see
Men with insight, men in granite
Knights in armor bent on chivalry
She�s as sweet as tupelo honey
She�s an angel of the first degree
She�s as sweet as tupelo honey
Just like honey from the bee

You can�t stop us on the road to freedom
You can�t stop us �cause our eyes can see
Men with insight, men in granite
Knights in armor intent on chivalry
She�s as sweet as tupelo honey
She�s an angel of the first degree
She�s as sweet as tupelo honey
Just like honey from the bee

What do ya think? :)

Hope everyones having a great day!

2010-04-14T13:55:00.000-07:00

Things that were brought to my attention this week:

There are no words for this site, you just have to see it to believe it...

This is what left me in awe today,

http://thisiswhyyourefat.com/

This is where my daydreaming has taken me, http://www.costaricatreehouse.com/house_treeHouse.html

And this is what got a chuckle out of me today,

http://www.passiveaggressivenotes.com/

Funky Friday.

2010-04-09T14:10:00.000-07:00

I have been in a funk people! I don't know what it is. The last couple days I have just been a bit down in the dumps and I really have no reason to feel this way; worst of it is, I can actually feel myself looking to pick fights! haha How horrible is that? Anyways, it is Friday afternoon and that I am grateful for. Hopefully I will be able to hike this mood out of me during a trip to Mt. Monadnock tommorrow. I have a nice night planned with friends and the bf - dinner and comedy act!

Something that did brighten up my day was being tagged by Sarah over at http://allthewittynamesaretaken.blogspot.com/ ! She sent this little gift my way,

Five questions, Five answers, and five people to pass it on to!

1. Where were you five years ago?

1. Five years ago...wow I was a freshman in college.

2. Ending things with my first boyfriend (the first guy who I count as a bf anyways...!).

3. Hmm I believe it was right around this time my grandfather passed away. Sad but a sense of relief, he had been suffering for a long time. Also, he "mentall and emotionally" died long before he physically passed.

4. I was getting ready for a summer full of ice cream scooping and bar hopping in central WOSTAAA. Classy. "Do you love it?" that phrase pretty much sums up the summer.

5. Is it bad I can't think of a 5th thing?

2. Where would you like to be 5 years from now?

1. I would like to be completely and totally happy. Fulfilled. I am almost there, I feel like I am just on the brink! There are so many aspects of my life that make me happy but unfortunately the one that I spend the most time with is my job, which does not make me happy! haha This too shall pass...

2. I hope that 5 years from now I will have found new people to spend time with, I have some great freinds now but I also hope to find new ones. People who find drama petty and are open minded.

3. I would like to be married :) You all saw that one coming right?? hahaha

4. I would also like to have traveled to Alaska and Europe again by that point. I know the latter of the two will happen and I'm crossing my fingers for Alaska!!!

5. Hot air balloon ride.

6. 5 years... hmm I'll be nearly 29 years old at that point. Well I have always thought I'd have a child by the time I'm 30....woah. hahah!! So I suppose I'd like to be preggo at that point (earmuffs sweets if you are reading this!!).

3. What is on your to-do list today?

1. Call the auto shop about paying my bill, which at this point is almost 2 months overdue!! Ahh I swear its not that I don't want to pay them, and its not that I think they don't deserve it buttt I just KEEP forgetting. ops :-/

2. Figure out our mini trip to Maine. The travel agent I am working with is the biggest pain in the ass (pardon my french), how difficult is it to book a room for two night?! Granted, I would do it myself but its a free trip I received sooo I have to go thru these peeps.

3. Talk to lawyer about my new studio. Thats right, I have a lawyer - am I cool or what? Ha ha ha. Not at cool as it sounds...as leah was sure to point out to me :)

4. Figure out the next best time to go to Zumba. Went to it last night and at one point I was literally in the middle of the room, surrounded by a good 10 to 15 women and as they sashayed, shook their bootayyy and tapped around me I just stood their. It was so bad! Poor Leah must have been kicking herself in the bum for inviting me to go :-p I just have no coordination. When everyone goes right, thats when I decide to go left. However, practice makes perfect and it was a great workout!

5. Figure out plans for tonight. Its nearly 5, and I still haven't done that. Ops.

4. What five snacks do you enjoy?

1. Chocolate.

2. Ice cream.

3. Cookies.

4. Chocolate.

5. Ice cream.

That was easy!

5. What five things would you do if you were a billionaire?

1. Buy new toothbrushes far more often than I do. That sounds kind of gross, but its only because I love the feel of a new toothbrush!

2. Hire a fulltime landscaper/cook for my mom. However this may backfire, I don't know how long I could go without my mama's cookin!

3. Take the whole family to Jamaica.

4. Buy more properties.

5. Donate to the vatican.

HA gotcha! No but I would donate a lot of it to different charities, particularly African oriented ones.

Ok folks that does it for now!!

Ohhhh I know some of you are looking for a good pic of the bf and unfortunately I still don't have one of his face! hahah But I do have these, kind of better than the last one, right?! hahah He's got to work on his zoolander posing... ;)

Enlightenment.

2010-04-07T13:42:00.000-07:00

"The Secret inside the IPAD. Someone broke into the iPad first... who wouldve think it?!."

http://www.bored.com/image

Haha I love it. I am not very tech savvy but I really am not quite sure I understand the whole Ipad rage...its just a larger sized Iphone and or a smaller sized laptop - right? Someone enlighten me because I feel as though I am off in another world on this topic.

Back tommorow with more!

New boss lady is totally interrupting my little blogging hobby - how rude.

In a little bit.

2010-04-01T13:31:00.000-07:00

"In a little bit." This is my 3 yr old sisters response to everything lately and I have been getting such a kick out of it. So much so that I decided I needed to incorporate it into my post today! So here we go:

In a little bit

I will be hearing whether or not my offer was accepted on the studio I am hoping to BUY.

I will be heading into traffic.

I will be eating yummy leftover pasta.

I will be working my bum off trying to workoff the pasta (hello mr. bike)
I will be watching greys with my sis!!!
I will be munching on this (my boss is trying to make me fat!)

I will be hanging out with this little diva

Unfortunately, its going to be a little more than just "a little bit" before I get to hang out with this cool dude,

(awful pic but you get it)

Not only does he get on the floor and play with the "diva" but he also sends me saweet pics of me and our unborn children...

He's a keeper, right?

SBD.

Whirlwind

2010-03-23T13:41:00.000-07:00

Pictorial review of my life lately.

Giggles, shopping, drizzle, reading, and Liv time (she's in two of these pics, can you find her in both?).

Life is really good right now (minus a minor sap moment I had yesterday), I sometimes forget to keep looking forward and not get bogged down in the past. I have amazing people in my life and am so grateful for all of them. To help me come back to earth and put things into perspective I usually take a minute to either read, play with Liv, or chat with my mom.

What do you guys do? Have anymore tips to stay focused on the good?

PS. Laurel over at Beyond Function has a great idea that I think I may do sometime this week!! Doesn't have to be "lurve" as she pointed out, it can be in regards to friends, work, life in general - whatever you want =)

Bizarre.

2010-03-18T13:49:00.000-07:00

So in the last 5 months, or so, I have received four different texts, from four different unknown numbers from four weirdos!

Ex #1 "I'm trying to get rid of an 80, and some tens so let me know."

I'm no druggie or drug specialist butttt I have a feeling this statement may be pertaining to something illegal. Just a hunch.

Ex #2 "Who is this?" me - "haha um Aubrey, whos this?" "Nick Boots?" me - "how did you get my number?! lol"

And that was it, no repsonse. Weirdo right? I mean "Nick Boots?" that just seems made up to me.

Ex #3 "Go home right after, we need to talk and come alone."

Scary!!!!

Ex #4 "And i did to, i want you to F&*^ me now so bad Ahh where are you"

Wow. Received this one last night (2 am on St. Patties day, go figure).

Sorry for lack of posts, family friend passed away this week sooo my mind has been in la la land. Having a hard time focusing on anything but I was finally able to crack down today, get some work done and concentrate long enough to blab on about my random little text messages. Oh anddd while I am here I can't help but mention the crazyness going on in politics right now. It just seems insane! This bill is over 2,700 pages long and no one seems to truly understand it. I get tid bits here and there but dems and repubs have ill feelings towards it. Now theres talk of it being accepted and legalized without an actual vote on it? From what I understand congress would vote on different parts of it but not vote on the bill as a whole, "Deem and Pass" is the name of this sort of process. To cap it off Obama was recently quoted saying,

"I don’t spend a lot of time worrying about what the procedural rules are in the House or Senate."

Ah what?! Does it make sense that our President is saying this?! Then he goes onto say this,

"And the reason I’m confident that it’s going to pass is because it’s the right thing to do.”

According to who?!?! I wish I had longer to go on and on about this because I have a lot to say about it but the clock is a tickin' and 5 o'clock is quickly approaching!! However I will post this link, I mean not to toot my own horn or anything but I think I was kinda right -- check it out!

http://aubdawg.blogspot.com/2009/01/we-have-new-president.html

Happy belated St. Patties day!

Poo.

2010-03-11T12:48:00.000-08:00

Not feeling so great today, think it may be from a compilation of these things:

- Two tickets this week. One parking ticket, the other for ACCIDENTALLY driving thru a fastpass lane.
- Not knowing the difference between bananas and plantains.
- Watching the Bachelor Wedding (gag).
- Eating far too many sweet things, can't stop munching this week! Means I may be a bit of a grump next week ;-)
- Dealing with a total jackass this morning. Small man = huge ego!
- Rainy weather today and apparently it will only get worse as the week goes on.
- Not exercising as much as I normall do during the week. Serious lack of motivation the past few days!
- Spending way too much time playing UNBLOCK on my Iphone. I think I am addicted.

These are a few reasons for why I may not be doing my best today but mostly I think its just because theres a cold going around the office and it has finally decided to grace me with its presence. Gonna try to work it out of my system tonight on the bike!

However, amidst all my sickness, I actually do have many reasons to be smiling today. Heres the HAPPY list:

- Finally catching up with one of my besties tonight! It has been too long since I have had a good chat with this lady :-p
- Had a fantastic dessert last night, oreos are a perfect substitution for bananas =)
- Skiing with friends next weekend :o)
- Mum and Daddy-o both come home this weekend :)
- Bikini waxes are fun to dream about...errr um well, I got a good chuckle out of it at least.
- I had time to paint my nails TWICE this week! woot woot A relaxing pastime of mine 8-)

Hmm I think thats about it...oh and one more thing,

Bond is now officially the BF =)

Kk, thats it for now! Be back tomm with the deets =)

Lastly, totally forgot to pass on this award to 4 other bloggers, so here it is. The Gorgeous Blogger Award goes to:

1. Laurel at http://style-laurel.blogspot.com/
2. Ari at http://epluribusunum21.blogspot.com/
3. Queenbee at http://queenbeeswain.blogspot.com/
4. Lindsey at http://learningtobeawife.blogspot.com/

All of these bloggers are fun and bring something different to the table. Go check 'em out folks!

Mixing it Up!

2010-03-05T12:30:00.000-08:00

Friday!

Need I say more? I am a happy camper and am so looking forward to the weekend. Heading out with friends tonight (may have done a little lunch time shopping for this...H&M, I heart you), tomm I have some volunteer work for that campaign I have mentioned in previous posts and then another date! Hiking, dinner and cozying (word? eh I'm just gonna roll with it) up on the couch with a good flick. Actually, does anyone have any good movie reccommendations? It can be tricky finding a good movie to pop in, there are so many options and I often find myself just so impatient about the whole process that I allow the boy to choose which more often than not is a big mistake! :0) SOOO please, ladies help me out with this one!

Ok so I know that these past few weeks Fridays have been devoted to quotes BUT I was given an award this morning, first by Nelly, such a sweet, honest and motivational blog. I absolutely love how she is so open about something that I find hard to talk to even my closest of friends about -- weight, dieting, yada yada. It is truly inspiring to read her blog and see that she realizes how important health is but at the same time we only live once, so if you are craving the brownie, just have the brownie! Haha I have really enjoyed getting to know this blogger better =)

And secondly, I recieved the same award from newbie blogger, Laurel. Laurel is actually my only "real life" friend in the blogging world (as of yet anyways) and her blog is fantastic. It is very different from the many blogs I read, mostly dedicated to random rambles and daily observations (which I happen to thoroughly enjoy!), hers is more in depth and geared towards making sense and understanding both the triumphs and the tribulations that life presents us all with.

Both these blogs are definitely worth taking a looksey - you won't be dissappointed!

Ok now onto the acutal award.

The laws of the land with this award is to introduce to the blogging world 6 things about yourself that you haven't already shared or that people may not know about you. So here goes nothing...

1. I am a registered Independant. I am fiscally conservative but socially liberal.

2. Ok that was kinda boring right? Hmm well here we go, lets try this one - I once met Michael Jordon and asked him what his feelings on "doggy style" were. Its amazing what whiskey can do to ya huh?! Well if anyone is interested his response was, "I'm a fan". Oh ladies, what a freaking nice smile this man has!! Not to mention he was extremely polite and nice.

3. I wish my boobs were smaller.

4. When I am in my car alone, I often think I have a great voice. I have even thought to myself, "wow I am American Idol material", voice of an angel right here - this is what I think while driving alone anyways. When I am with someone else I am forced to deal with the fact that my voice isn't good at all and that me thinking it is may have something to do with the volume being up so high that I can't actually hear my own voice. Oh it is a sad life I lead...no A.I future for me :(

5. I prefer stapling to taping.

6. Last but not least: I was named after a song. Check it out; its totally hippie inspired and took me years to actually enjoy it but I am now a true fan of it. Its called "Aubrey" (duh) and its by the band Bread.

THANK YOU for the award ladies!!

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend; see you all on Monday!

I Ate his Heart.

2010-03-04T13:01:00.000-08:00

Oh goodness.

Mid-week dates can be awful. I, for one, am usually in my PJs by 7:30, plopped on the couch counting down till bedtime on these "school" nights. I wasn't sure how well I was going to function during our school night date and was mentally preparing myself all day for it :o)

Ok ok, I am not typically THIS lame but it has been a pretty busy week (actually more like, couple of weeks) and I was nervous I was going to have no energy left for this poor boy. Well, as I walked out the office I purposely gave myself a good kick in the butt, sucked in the fresh air and headed to the closest cabbie thinking, "I am a big girl, this will be fun - stop thinking about the hour long car ride home you have after this date!" and with that I was ready to go =) Actually, I was more than just "ready to go" Bond had told me earlier in the day he had gotten tickets for some sort of small local theater production in the South End but refused to tell me exactly what show it was so I was excited to not only be going but to also be going to something that I didn't have to plan. In past relationships that has typically been my role - something I truly don't mind doing but also its nice to be surprised every once in awhile too - it was a breath of fresh air.

Back to the school night date.

We had decided to meet up at this small Thai restaurant that he had been to before, at 6 o'clock. Despite being in heels in the windstorm of '10 I made it on time which was a triumph for me (I have been having some troubles with punctuality as of late ops.), linked arms with Bond and headed in. Well it wasn't the quaint, little hole in the wall joint I was expecting it to be BUT it was absolutely delicious. Hands down the best Pad Thai Chicken I have ever had. Plus an added perk was that it is right next to a favorite pizza place of mine: Little Steves. A girlfriend and I use to be V.I.P here...Oh Batista those were the days!!!

Anyways, so there we were eating our dinners, chatting in between noodle sucking (not the easiest thing to eat elegantly while on a date but oh well) and sipping on tea. About half way thru I started focusing mostly on the chicken for I haven't exactly mastered those dang chopsticks yet and they were getting in the way of our very important convo regarding Japanese motorcycles and the sauna like temps the room had started to feel like. So as I said, I started unearthing and digging up the small pieces of chicken that required no cutting (hard to cut chicken with chopsticks...) when Bond abruptly places a piece of chicken on my plate. I zoomed in, examined the golden piece of heaven, realized it was a piece requiring no "cutting", smiled at Bond and gobbled it right up.

Bond just kind of stared at me while I was off in la la land enjoying my munching and finally said,

"Do you know why I gave that piece of chicken to you?"

I smirked and gave him a "duh" kind of look replying with,

"Yea, because you saw I was only eating the small pieces of chicken."

Bond laughed in awe and countered with,

"Why would I give you a piece of my chicken when you have plenty of your own?! I gave it to you because it was SHAPED IN A HEART."

Ha ha ha so this is what happens when cute boys try to do cute things for me.

I eat them up.

However, I must say it really was a delightful bite :)

Kind of out of the blue but I was listening to NPR this morning and they were talking about vending machines in Japan which are designed to clean your pets for you. After some googling about, I came to realize there are actually many many weird vending machines out there.

Heres what I found, ENJOY!

Some Pep in my Step!

2010-03-02T12:06:00.000-08:00

Thoughts on my way into work this morning:

The Bachelor is over - thank goodness.
The sun was shining this morning - lots of smiles attributed to this.
Eggplant for dinner - never again.
Edys ice cream - $2.99, nearly 2 whole bucks cheaper than B&J!
Driving vs Train - neither one, wish I could fly :(
Coffee - love. Not such a fan of the way my skin reacts to it (dryness city).
Tuesdays - Use to be grandparents for dinner "day": eclairs, tea and lots of silliness =)

This past weekend was jam packed with lots of small scaled yet fun filled adventures. A "house" party on Friday night, which turned out to be a lot of fun but definitely not what I was expecting. Attendees of this soiree were engaged, married and in one case even preggers! Eikes, I think I have officially entered the land of grown ups... frightening :-p Saturday I helped my mom with a really yummy recipe for granola bars, they came out delish. After this is where things began to get rather interesting.

I had a date!

Hmm lets call him, Bond (if he ever reads this he will understand why). We had gone out before this past Saturday but only for dinner and lunch, so each rendezvous was a bit short lived and we were definitely on time restrictions. Well this time around we went skiing and were forced to stick together for most of the day (I had a getaway plan though just in case!! hehe). It ended up being a blast :) After skiing we bummed around my house (yes the fam met him and 100% approve, they can be tough cookies too, so I am happy), then went out for some sushi and planned on ending the night with a movie. After the movie we headed back to my house to wrap up the night, but it turns out poor Bonds stomach had other plans! Living over an hour away from me, driving all the way home wasn't an option. My mom set up a little sick spot for him and we all did our part to make him feel at home and comfy; even though we all know when you are sick all you want to do is be in your own bed, being comforted by your own mom :(

It was most likely food poisoning because even though the night was awful for him, the next morning he woke up and was more or less brand new =) In tip top shape! He spent the morning with my family and I must say for such a wacky turn of events to happen it all kind of fell into place rather perfectly. We saw each other at our worst; him with his head in a bowl, me with no make up on and we got to wake up with one another, granted we were head to head on a sectional but still it is certainly a memory! He was awfully embarrassed and felt like he was imposing but honestly I wouldn't have changed it one bit. No matter what happens with him and I, we will both always remember that date; starting with some ski "swagger", throw in some sickness :( and end it with some head snuggling. All in all it was a memorable day :-p One for the books, I'd say!

No matter what kind of spew he tries to throw my way, how could I really turn down the guy who sends me sweet messages like this?

Oh and check out what I have to look forward to this summer!!!

MAINE

Friday Shenanigans!

2010-02-26T09:00:00.000-08:00

"Everyday is a gift, thats why they call it the present."
Anonymous

I love this quote! Haha I came across it and found it to be on the lighter side and something I think most of us can agree with (most days anyways). Everyday really is a gift, and one that we should all be thankful for. There is not much to it, and it is certainly not as "deep" as previous quotes but I just thought, eh the sun is out, people are happy, its Friday and I have a lovely weekend ahead of me - why not pay homage to the great gift that everyday really is.

I also found this awesome assortment of quotes that got a chuckle out of me, hope you enjoy!

The tooth fairy teaches children that they can sell body parts for money. - David Richerby
Better an empty head than an empty bed. - Anon
This could be entertaining, meaning embarrassing. - Anon
Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. - Anon
When you have someone by the balls their hearts and minds soon follow. - Anon
Any child can tell you that the sole purpose of a middle name is so he can tell when he's in trouble. - Dennis Fakes

2010-02-25T11:56:00.000-08:00

What a week! Things seem to be finally wrapping up and I am happy that the weekend is finally within our grasp :) As life goes, there have been some family issues in my life these last couple weeks and I must say we are all ready for the waters to calm and the sun to come back out (literally -- where are you sun?!) but instead we are faced with more snow and rain. Blah! This is my mature and reasonable response to everything these days. Although I should be honest, I alternate between "Blah" and "Gah" I really must expand my vocab a bit; Dr. Stepanski would be so ashamed. Nonetheless my attitude it starting to perk up again and figured it was about time I come and write a real post. Not just a montage of pics and quotes but something of interest. Something everyone is thinking but does not want to reveal in their own blogs. These are serious times, and I am here to provide a serious POST. My, oh so serious subject matter is....

.......................................................................
.....................................................
...................................
...................
........
...
.

Just what exactly is happening to Shiloh??!?!

I warned you it was going to be a serious post :-p

So I have a younger sister, 3 1/2 to be exact and I must say that rarely does she have much control over her wardrobe. It is not because my parents are oppressive tyrants that command she look a certain way at all times but more because she is a toddler and could really give a shit about what she looks like. Meaning, on occasion she will pull certain things from her closet but most the time she just wants to hurry up, get the whole dressing process over and be done with it so she can move onto the more important part of the day: torturing my mother with her pitiful breakfast eating habits (tears upon tears have been shed because of the lack of "popcorn" that is on the breakfast table...oh life can be so sad).

I understand many kids like to play dress up, my sister included, but in terms of the day to day stuff it is the parents who are responsible for dressing their kids and sooo people I ask you all, why do Brad and Angelina continually dress their cute little girl in dark, drab boys clothing? I am not trying to come across as though I am judging this "look" but more am just curious as to what their motives could be. Plus if you look closely at the picture above its clear those shoes have to be far too big for those little piggies of hers, right?! haha

Just when signs of Spring were starting to peek thru...I find myslef trudging along in this.

2010-02-24T08:37:00.000-08:00

Friday Shenanigans!!!

2010-02-19T08:10:00.000-08:00

Morning everyone! Sorry I have been outta the loop this week, its been a stressful one. It would be nice to go a month or so without some hurdle to jump over but I suppose its every bump in the road that makes one a more compassionate/stronger person (or so I keep telling myself :-/).

"Whoever undertakes to set himself up as judge in the field of truth and knowledge is shipwrecked by the laughter of the gods."

Albert Einstein

I had to read this quote twice to understand it but once I had I realized its one of my new favorites =)

As I get older I realize how often others take it upon themselves to judge their peers and supposed "comrades". Instead of trying to understand or take a brisk walk in this persons shoes they instead jump to conclusions, assuming the worst and then dealing with it however they feel inclined; many times by gossiping or just cutting off ties with that person all together. Whichever route is taken causes pain and hurt; as if there aren't enough reasons in the world to feel this way!! :-p I just think that if everyone tried to take a step outside of themselves every so often, and imagine what it would feel like to step inside someone elses world for a day or two than it would be more difficult to cast judgement on anyone. Coming from a family that has gone thru many ups and downs, I have realized we all have weakness's and to judge someone for these "faults" limits our abilility to understand humanity and the society we live in. This is how it would be in the perfect, little, innocent, happy world of mine anyways :)

All this talk about judgement and walking in anothers shoes, reminds me that a certain pro golfer will be making a public announcement shortly...do you all judge him because of what he has done? Its hard not to, right? However, I can't help but wonder what kind of life he has had that would guide him into such a crazed and promiscuous lifestyle. Who knows...

One thing I do know is I am loving this model, check out the story here:

http://www.lemondrop.com/2009/08/21/finally-a-glamour-models-belly-looks-like-ours/

Commute.

2010-02-10T04:56:00.000-08:00

Train ride home last night.

And they wonder why I am cranky by the time I get home.

2010-02-09T11:55:00.000-08:00

This is where my mom and little sis are heading today,

Playa Del Carmen, Meixco

And this is where my dad is heading on Thursday,

Barcelona, Spain

And this is what is supposedly coming my way tomorrow,

Boston, MA

Not fair, just not fair!

Friday Shenanigans!

2010-02-05T07:38:00.000-08:00

Soo my friends whats your take on this quote?

"The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone."

Harriet Beecher Stowe

Its important for me to tell those who are losing someone they love, to say what needs to be said; don't walk away until you know they know how you feel about them. Its sad to feel as though you missed an opportunity for closure but its even sadder to think that the person you loved passed away feeling alone.

On a lighter note, ITS FRIDAY!!!!!

I have a pleasant weekend ahead of me, dinner with girlfriends tonight, house hunting tomm, a jewerly party tomm night and then superbowl festivities on Sunday - not too shabby =)

Random notes:

Some fun blogs to check out,

http://niccageaseveryone.blogspot.com/ Nicolas Cage at his best.

http://autocompleteme.com/ Google at its finest.

Quack Quack.

One more thing!

2010-02-03T09:38:00.000-08:00

Anyone interested in a little pick-me-up should head over to Mine all Mine . She is having a great giveaway, well if you like makeup you will think so!! =)

Here is her latest post,

http://hopenow1201.blogspot.com/2010/02/im-sick-my-first-giveaway.html

Just some babbling...

2010-02-03T07:09:00.000-08:00

Got into the office this morning and was thinking about an email I received from a good friend last week - this is how it ended:

And ps, don’t put stress on yourself to know all the answers right now!! Do any of us ever know all the answers?!?! Just know that things have a way of falling into place on their own!

Thought I would share it with all of you because if you are anything like me, stress and confusion is part of your daily routine. When its all said and done, do we have much control? So everyone raise your glass and heres to, learning how to roll with the punches, stand when we feel like stumbling and halting when we want to run like hell!! =)

And just for the heck of it, here are some neat Irish toasts that I dug up. Enjoy!!

May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night, and a smooth road all the way to your door.

May you live as long as you want and never want as long as you live.

Always remember to forget
The troubles that passed away.
But never forget to remember
The blessings that come each day.

May you have the hindsight to know where you've been,
The foresight to know where you are going,
And the insight to know when you have gone too far. (Really like this one!)

May misfortune follow you the rest of your life, and never catch up.

'Sláinte chuig na fir, agus go mairfidh na mná go deo.'
Health to the men, and may the women live forever!

Happy Hump Day

Food for thought.

2010-02-02T14:00:00.000-08:00

Thanks to those who left comments on Fridays post, the thoughts and explanations for that quote were great!

I also think that a lot of people are frightened of change, the unknown can be a scary thing but it can also often be a wonderful thing. It is what pushes us to grow and thrive, expand into fuller and for the most part, better human beings. I try to embrace change but I won't lie, there are times I am fighting it all the way. As I get older I truly see the significance and the empowerment it can bring into ones life. It is in the moments that you feel least comfortable that you grow the most. That is my opinion anyways. So I say, Yeaaaa to change!! Anyone who tries to stop it or get in its way will stay a close minded and sheltered human, which is a sad and pitiful thing to encounter.

Next up - Award shows.

I use to love love love watching award shows. I mean I seriously would count down the days to any award show, including Miss America! My best friend growing up was the same way, so we would often use this as an excuse to sleepover one anothers house, eat ice cream and jibber jabber about whose gowns were the prettiest! Oh they were so much fun growing up, thinking maybe someday I would be the one holding the golden man or wearing the crown, a girl can dream right?? :-P

Well anyways, this has dramatically changed. I no longer have any interest in these monstruous productions. I know that these shows are in actuality much more than just "shows" and its a time for artists to be recognized and praised for their hardwork but I just have no desire to sit down for hours on end, and watch these people gloat while they prance around as though they are the greatest thing since sliced bread... harsh?

The best thing about these ceremonies are the dresses and I can easily check that out online the next day in about 10 seconds, no need to subject myself to hours of merciless acceptance speeches and overly exaggerated performances (although I do wish I had seen Pinks act on the Grammys the other night!). I just think its all the "hoopla" around these shows that make me slighlty uneasy. I'm not saying all but there are definitely many actors/actresses/singers and so on who already think they are a big deal, so why spend my night confirming their wildest beliefs, indulging them?

Although I must say I may have a bit of a crush on all the men from Kings on Leon.... ;)

Lastly, I have fallen in love. So crazy in love I don't know what to do about it. He is out of my league (a little pricey), and it would be a long distance relationship (not so great at those). But he is beautiful, gives me lots of space to think and live the way I want, lets me dress/decorate him however I want and he lends me unconditional love - no expectations!!

To buy or not to buy?

Friday Shenanigans.

2010-01-29T09:59:00.000-08:00

Hey gang, so I have an idea!!! (uh oh...haha)

Every Friday I will post a quote, and I hope you all will leave your interpretations of its meaning in my comment box! As the day goes on I will update and add the different explanations to the original post. I think it will be a good way of "broadening our horizons", looking at things from another perspective :)

In the future I will do this post earlier in the morning...

I heard this quote awhile back and believe it to hold so much truth. Whats your take on it?

"If you want to make enemies, try to change something." by Woodrow Wilson

Words of wisdom or words of waste?

Max Mulberry
Truer words were never spoken.

It would seem that individuals are so involved, so content in the "now", that any attempt to rile said comfort would create discontent. Alas, we are still evolving :)

Meg
i think it's absolutely true... i'm met with cold looks from at least one person everytime i try to change the smallest thing at work! it's infuriating.

Mr. Sparkle
Maybe I'm a little off but I can relate it to relationships. If one person eventually wants out it can ruin everything, even friendship. Fortunatley, I've remained close to the one I cared about the most.

Oh and also, check out this guys photography blog -- sure he may be on the other side of the Atlantic ocean but hes got talent fooo shooo =) Worth a peak I would say!

http://charlwoodphotography.blogspot.com/

Lastly, I have my first campaign adventure tommorow, wish me luck!!

This and that.

2010-01-28T11:18:00.000-08:00

YOU KNOW ITS TIME TO GO HOME WHEN:
1. You have absolutely no idea where your shoes are.
2. You've just had to get someone to help you pull your pants up in the ladies room.
3. You suddenly decide you want to kick someone's ass.
4. In your last trip to "pee" you realize you now look more like Tammy Faye Baker than the goddess you were just four hours ago.
5. You drop your 3:00 a.m. burrito on the floor, pick it up and carry on eating.
6. You start crying.
7. There are less than three hours before you're due to start work.
8. You've found a deeper side to the office nerd.
9. The man you're flirting with used to be your 5th grade teacher.
10. The urge to take off articles of clothing, stand on a table and sing becomes strangely overwhelming.
11. You've forgotten where you live.
12. You've started to sound like Jessie Ventura from the cigarettes you've smoked, because (as you've mentioned like 10x's by now) you only smoke when you drink.
13. You yell at the bartender, who (you think) cheated you by giving you just tonic, but that's just because you can no longer taste the gin or vodka.
14. You think you're in bed, but your pillow feels strangely like pizza.
15. You start every conversation with a booming, "Don't take this the wrong way but..."
16. You fail to notice that the toilet lid's down when you sit on it.
17. Your sloppy hugs begin to resemble wrestling take-down moves.
18. You're tired so you just sit on the floor (and why not!).
19. You show your friends that girls can pee standing up if they really want to.
20. You start making-out with middle-eastern men on dance floors

Found this list and got a chuckle out of it, some of them I can unfortunately relate to :o)

Sorry to have been a bit M.I.A the past few days, took a mental health day yesterday. Turns out reading the news online right before bedtime is not so much my thing, haven't had nightmares like that since I was a child. So I decided to comfort myself with what I thought would be a day in my pjs, bad tv and possibly some ice cream. Instead, I happily ran errands for my mom and took care of the babe for a good chunk of the day - I will say this; having a little one around makes everything in the world seem ok. No matter what awful stories you may hear about and or read about (particularly on the 11 o'clock news), seeing a little pip squeak get a kick out of a a good tickle makes everything seem like rainbows and lolli pops again. I am thankful to be able to come home to that :)

Oh and also thank you to everyone who commented on my last post. I was being a grump, and everyone was right - I need to get a hobby, enjoy time on my own!!! Sooo I signed up to volunteer for a campaign which is underway in Massachusetts right now. I will get back to you all and let you know how its going once I have my first experience with it!

Sunday, fun-day?

2010-01-25T12:02:00.000-08:00

Sundays. Hmm I really am not sure how I feel about this day of the week. I love the thought of Sunday, because in my mind it is the perfect day to relax and catch yourself up on, well, yourself =)

However, I think Sundays can also be the day of the week you feel most lonely. I am incredibly lucky to have great family/friends and am enjoying my "singlehood" but for some reason Sundays continually seem to bring out the more pathetic side of me. Maybe it is because as a child Sundays were always a time for family to get together, it became ingrained in me that this was when those who loved you most surrounded you for the day and everyone enjoyed one anothers company. Now that we are all older, this is not so much the case anymore - who can compete with college life (i.e. hangovers and term papers?!). Its also the day that I most like, when I am in a relationship. Sundays, in the past, have typically been the day that myself and whomever I'm with, would spend together; recouping from a weekend spent with friends and family.

Its a "together" day.

So that is my gripe with Sundays. Perhaps it is time I find a new hobby, anyone have any suggestions?

Besides this little ongoing tiff I have with Sundays, my weekend was great :) Drinks and chinese food with family friends, house hunting with my mom, skiing and cocktails with friends! What do I really have to complain about?!? lol

Pictorial Review: Captured Moments from the Weekend.

Liv and I enjoying the last few moments of sunlight while at the playground on Saturday. Brr it was chilly!

Searching for something in my moms "junk" drawer when I stopped and realized what a neat collage of items this was. It sums my mom up sort of perfectly. Passport (loves to travel), Toys R'US receipt (mom of 5, including a little one), Bracelet (elegant and classy), Grandfathers brush (things of his cover the whole house, hes always close : ), moola (even if its a buck, she knows its worth!), pixie cup holding her wedding rings (simplistic yet treasured). My dad would cringe if he saw that pixie cup... :-p

Hope you all had a nice weekend.

Facebook: In my face a bit too much.

2010-01-21T13:57:00.000-08:00

Dear Facebook,

I sincerely appreciate you bringing us all together.

However, for a world that is so big you somehow make it feel so small.

Please do something about this and the fact that my young adolescent cousin deems it appropriate to swear and be somewhat scandalous (does she realize its a fishbowl, everyone can see what she writes?!) on her profile.

Sincerely,

Committed FB follower.

Does anyone else feel like FB has more negative aspects than good ones? I was chatting with my mom a few days ago and she was telling me that not everyone you meet is suppose to stay in your life; regardless of what facebook and other social outlets of the sort may claim/instigate. It was a "ah ha" moment for me. My mother has never been more right about anything. I blindly have been under the influence of facebook and all its mind games that I had begun to think that it was important for me to keep tabs on people, even those I don't really like. Its difficult not to when their status', pics, and comments are shoved in your face on a daily basis. It can sometimes feel as though you cannot get away, especially from those who you so desperately need to get away from. I have even gone as far to "hide" certain people from popping up in my newsfeed; sound pitiful, well sure it is but it has saved/preserved my sanity. You all know what I'm talking about...who really wants to see pics of thier ex's actually enjoying the fruits of life without you?!?! Am I right or am I right? :)

Anyways, I started thinking about all this facebook nonsense mainly because an acquaintance recently posted something on their livefeed which I found to be terribly offensive, (rude enough to get me to respond) and I then started questioning things such as etiquette and manners. Some people seem to have forgotten that just because you are in the land of "virtual socializing" does not mean its okay to name call and or belittle others. And lastly, just because I didn't vote the way you think I and the rest of the state should have, does not mean I don't understand the opponents practices and beliefs - I can "THINK" perfectly fine, thank you very much.

Ha well now that felt good! Thanks for listening to me vent everyone. Thoughts on this?

This lovely lady talks a bit about facebook and all its torments in her blog here, http://iwokeupinnyc.blogspot.com/2010/01/truth-series-living-for-me-younot.html.

2010-01-20T08:38:00.000-08:00

I have taken the pledge and so should you. A very dear friend of mine recently received the Kindle as a gift and loves it. At first I had no freaking clue to what she was talking about and when she explained it to me I found myself both, happy for her and slightly sad for the world. To think you can now buy and then read books electronically is disheartening. Being a reader, theres nothing like holding a new book in your hands, opeing up the crisp pages to find a whole new world just waiting for you to dive into. Or how about something as simple as turning the pages, knowing you are one step closer to the end of a mystery?! No more book marks? No more bookshelves?! I often find that one of the most telling things about a person is what you can find in their book nook, bookshelf, bookcase (whatever you wanna call it). You can get a real feel for a persons interestes, hobbies, passions and so on by just taking a quick glimpse at their book collection, right? Well I think it would be a trajedy if this no longer became an option. So hop on the bandwagon and take the pledge! :-p http://readtheprintedword.org/

In other news, look what I found last night... Oh Boston boys, such keepers!! haha

Ya'll rock my socks ;)

2010-01-19T13:13:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to quickly thank those of you who left comments on the post regarding "online" dating. It is so trivial when you start comparing your worries about "virtual dating" to the worries in the world that really matter. Nontheless its something that has been on my mind a bit lately and it really was nice to hear everyones calming words and positive attitudes towards going this route.

In other news, the helicopter ride was great! It was so refreshing to wake up on a Saturday and have something new and out of the ordinary to do :) My friend and I left around 9, and by 10:30 were up in the air. I don't think either one of us realized how quickly it would all happen, we didn't even have much time to be scared (which was probably a good thing!). It was amazing, we flew north to New Hampshire where we circled Lake Winnipeasakee and then LANDED on the ice!! There is a bay that one of the local towns shovels off every year and for about a month (while the ice is thick enough) they allow small aircrafts to land. So there we were with probably two dozen small 2 to 4 person airplanes. We then went in, grabbed some coffee at a local diner and chatted. Wellll my friends, this is where I made a fatal and rookie mistake: I drank my coffee like it was going outta style and I soon felt the after effects. We were up in the heli before I knew it, with an hour long ride home and the sun beaming down on us - I felt as though I was going to barf the whole way home! ahhh sorry for the tmi but it was awful!! Not to mention it made me feel like crapola the rest of the day. However, it really was an amazing experience, one that a year ago I may not have been so apt to explore or be part of.

Over the last year I have really learned how important it is to step outside your comfort zone and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. In the past I have been pretty easy to please, and definitely still consider myself to be an easy going person however I have realized the rewards and benefits that come from pushing yourself - both mentally and physically. I love being able to end my day feeling accomplished, even if it is something as silly as riding around in a helicopter for a few hours. The fact that I can sit back and say "wow I have done that!" inspires me to do even more. We only have one life to cram it all in, might as well start now right? :)

And plus I mean I think I kinda rock at the whole co-pilot look... ;)

Dum de dum

2010-01-18T07:07:00.000-08:00

Spending my day off playing in the snow with the littlest of us Burkes! And spending tonight with the second to littlest laying on the couch, indulging in some of the worst t.v around... The Bachelor!!

Hope everyone is having a good day - be back tomm!!! =)

So peeps, lets talk.

2010-01-14T13:13:00.000-08:00

Hmm where to begin with this one?

Online dating.

There, I said it! Why does it carry such a bad name? I mean, maybe it is just me but for some reason the idea of it is just insane. Pssssh whoever is part of an online dating site must be a wicked. major. total. losaaa.

Well my friends, according to my own thoughts: I am a wicked. major. total. losaaa.

So basically I was having lunch with a friend of mine (attacking a generously sized slice of pizza) when my friend, someone I consider to be very witty, interesting, beautiful and totally normal, dropped a bomb on me,

"So I went on a date with this guy I met from a dating site the other day."

At this point my eyes bulged, my upper body leaned back in exasperation and my mouth full of pizza opened in such an ungainly manner that I was probably close to losing that exquisite bite of yumminess! My friend probably thought I was about to seizure and took protective measures by leaning over and knocking some sense into me, "haha Aub, relax!". So I did and as she continued on with her story I sat there in a confused and bewildered state, wondering what had the world come to that my terrific, sane, lovely friend has had to resort to an online dating site?!?!

She told me the name of the site and said, "You should check it out, there are actually a lot of normal, good looking guys on there. If nothing else, it will keep you entertained while at work." I may have scoffed a bit and just nodded my head while thinking "ha I am so not one of those people...".
Sure enough, 3 o'clock rolled around and instead of going for my daily piece of chocolate, I resisted the urge and made my way onto this infamous site.

I have been a member ever since.

Mostly, for entertainment purposes because if my friend was right about anything, it was that it sure can eat up a couple hours of your day! Holy snikies I sometimes find that just perusing thru various profiles takes up the whole train ride in! I have received many messages on the site, and a number of the guys have been actually pretty interesting and handsome men. However, it really is very different from meeting a guy at a bar or out at a social scene - it seems as though an ongoing complaint between fellow "cyber daters" is that some people do not look and or act as the way they look and seem on their profiles. The virtual world of dating is based much more on truly getting to know someone and less about physical attraction.

Proof: I was talking to a guy, who I thought to be very good looking and charming to boot. Well after a few weeks of chatting we finally got to the convo of "facebooking" one another (kind of funny, one social network to another - the progression of dating sure is changing). I have never been one to judge soley on looks and have dated some lookers and not so great lookers but let me tell you - this guy looked as much like the pics in his dating profile from his facebook pics as a frog looks like a horse. Bad analogy? Well you get my jist. Absolutely a different person. I was shocked and upset because here I was "getting to know" this man, only to find he was in a way decieving me... sound shallow? Well I suppose it is, but as we all know the attraction part does matter.

How do you all feel about online dating? I need some moral support here! :) I know people who have had real success and who are not shy about sharing it with the world, why do I feel as though I am cheating the system by having an account? More importantly why do I feel like such a losaa? Thoughts?!?!?!

*Note - The site I am on is a free online dating service and if you would like the name of it, feel free to email me and ask :)

Oh and on another note, guess what I will be riding in, this Saturday?

Soooo excited!!!

Mapping out a route.

2010-01-13T12:30:00.000-08:00

I think it is fair to say we are all in constant need of a direction. Whether it is towards or away from someone; choosing one job or the other, finding a home here or there, settling for what you are or what you could be; each and every one of these decisions mandates some sort of direction on your part. How do we choose which way to go? How will we know which is the best route?

I was trying to figure out which countries to visit (currently planning a backpacking trip for this summer) and as I pin pointed different locales on this map (imaginary arrow points below) it occured to me that I could really use a map like this one, in all aspects of my life.

(by the way this is a really greaaat map)

Wouldn't it be lovely if there was some sort of guarantee in life, the way there is in traveling, that if you start here, hop a plane and end there, that you will be blissfully happy?! Well ideally that would be great, to know the outcome of all actions made on your part. However, I often forget that, even in traveling, its often the journey and NOT the destination that accounts for a great trip. Looking back, I must admit that even with all the turbulence, all the bumps in the road, all the delays and set backs, it has still managed to be a great journey.

So, as they say, we should all just sit back and enjoy the ride :)

On the other hand, I really do like hearing about other people in their 20's and how they are fairing this "trip" we are on. It sure does seem to be difficult at times, not really knowing where we all fit in and how we are suppose to find a spot for ourselves in this great, big world. To ease my worries I have found that this site has done wonders. Please head here and check it out!

http://iwokeupinnyc.blogspot.com/

Oh Thursday, how I love thee.

2010-01-07T13:14:00.000-08:00

This time last week I was driving up to maine in some pretty slippery conditions, making every pit stop my lovely co-pilot and I could possibly make (Panera you are such a good friend!!). This week I will be driving in equally scary conditions: city traffic! However, as there was last week, there is a light at the end of the tunnel - dinner, beer and um, errrr, hmm how do I put this in a way that I can sustain any sort of dignity? Don't think there is a way, so instead of saying it I will resort to this:

Yes, it is awful and yes I am ashamed. But oh goodness is it not the best sort of "pick me up" around?! Pure, unadulterated fun. I get to spend an hour of my night completely in tune with this group of people, that week after week continue to amaze me with their wit? beauty? intelligence? Ha I have no idea what it is that has me hooked, but it sure ain't none of those (oh gosh I think their lingo is starting to rub off on me). Whatever it is that I find so compelling in these self proclaimed "Guidos" and "Guidettes" I have decided that it is time to expose my interest to the world. So thank you Blog, my cover is blown and my honesty is restored! I am a fan and will continue to be so until one of them becomes educated, removes the hair gel and or fake boobies or realizes that tanning is actually very bad for you...

Has anyone ever had any interest in going to Alaska? I met someone over the summer who has made it a bit of a life goal to get there and it wasn't until I met him that I realized how beautiful it really is. Leave you all with some of the perrrty pics :)

Saw so many moose this summer, I am telling you its a sight to behold - for such gigantic animals they move so gently!

It has been too long.

2010-01-06T13:13:00.000-08:00

What a year it has been. I have never been happier to say goodbye to a year, and from what I hear there are many who feel the same way. It is funny to think that one day can hold so much hope, so much faith is stored in January 1st; as though this day will be an end all be all to all the days prior. As silly as it is, I am a follower, I was counting down the days to the New Year, wholeheartedly believing with a new year would come a new me, a new start, a new life. Ha, I may be being a bit dramatic butttt I must say I really needed this hope, something to help me move on and look torwards the future.

This New Years meant more to me than any other New Years in the past; it held a lot of weight and significance in my life. I feel like its a fresh start for me, and as I cozied up in the boonies of Maine, watching some unexpectedly beautiful fireworks, sipping on champagne, surrounded by new and old friends, counting down to 12:00 I realized: life is good. Its really good, and I can appreciate it because of all those sometimes not-so-good moments. I have shed more tears this past year than any other year, 2010 will be the year I smile more than any other year.

Don't mind the cocktail, may have indulged a bit this year!!

How was everyone elses year? I hope you all haven't totally given up hope on me!! =)

PS. Tommorow I will try to go into bits and pieces of this past year but will also keep it light and breezy, as I have in the past.

2009-03-17T06:08:00.000-07:00

You know you are Irish if:

You will never play professional basketball
You swear very well
At least one of your cousins holds political office
You think you sing very well
You have no idea how to make a long story short
You are very good at playing a lot of very bad golf
There isn't a huge difference between losing your temper and killing someone
Much of your food was boiled
You have never hit your head on the ceiling
You spent a good portion of your childhood kneeling
You're strangely poetic after a few beers
You're poetic a lot
You will be punched for no good reason... Some punches directed at you are legacies from past generations
Your sister will punch you because your brother punched her
Many of your sisters are named Catherine, Elizabeth or Mary... and one is named Mary Catherine Elizabeth
Someone in your family is incredibly cheap It is more than likely you
You don't know the words but that doesn't stop you from singing
You can't wait for the other guy to stop talking so you can start talking "Irish Stew" is the euphemism for "boiled leftovers from the fridge"
You're not nearly as funny as you think you are, but what you lack in talent, you make up for in frequency
There wasn't a huge difference between your last wake and your last kegger party
You are, or know someone, named "Murph" If you don't know Murph, then you know a "Mac" or a "Mc"
If you don't know Murph, Mac or Mc, then you know "Sully"
You'll probably also know Sully McMurphy

~Wish I was back here with these cool peeps~

HAPPY ST. PADDY'S DAY EVERYONE!

Odds and Ends

2009-03-06T09:02:00.000-08:00

Crazy week. Enough said. These are some things I have been looking at and thinking about this morning:

-The fantastic stuffed peppers I made the other night and the even more fantastic company I had. An oldie but a goodie :)

-How odd I find this family to be. I appreciate difference and respect when people choose to be different but after watching a couple episodes of this show I find the family dynamic to be completely suffocating. It is one thing to invite your children to live a certain way but it is another to not encourage them to experience any sort of diversity. They are told that their way of living is the best and that is that. The kids, (all 17 of them) have a warped vision of what the "outside" world - they are home schooled and seem to only be friends with others whom are part of their congregation. I think they preach ignorance, not acceptance. However, I am mesmerized by the show and will most likely continue to watch it when its on, what does that say about me...

I need a life???

-And how much I have been enjoying this mans photography,
http://hmmm.co.za/lates

Photography by Daniel Cuthbert

A Funny thing Happened on the Way to the Office...

2009-02-26T05:57:00.000-08:00

Ah I can't believe how long it has been since I last posted! Things have been kind of crazy lately, I have actually had work to do (I can't believe those words came from my keyboard) and I was in a bit of a funk last week and when that happens all energy seems to dissappear. Soooo I am back and back with a vengence :) I have a bit to do this morning but I wanted to just pop in and say hello and let everyone know that I haven't actually dropped off the face of the earth, I just took a minor break from it.

Pecularities

This is what I witnessed during my morning commute:

A woman stuffing her face with these two ingredients. Is this perplexing to anyone else?
Healthy - yes.
Gross - wicked.

My second odd observation from this morning happened when I was exiting the train station. I was just about (like literally two inches away) from opening the door when I man, probably in his mid 30's, swirved in between a group of people to situate himself right between me and the door. He then went and opened the door for me but then scooted back behind me so that he could exit through a different door. I said thank you and then started giggling; my typical response to just about everything that happens in my life.

Its a funny world out there.

Ramblings

2009-02-12T11:56:00.000-08:00

So since just about everyone seems to be writing about that lovely, lovable, loving day that is just right around the corner I figured I should probably throw in my two cents.

*WARNING - DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER IF VALENTINE'S DAY IS SACRED TO YOU.

I am not a huge fan of Valentine's day.

(Insert Gasp)

I know, I know it is crazyiness! I just don't see the big deal. Not that I don't enjoy giving and receiving gifts but I would much rather receive a gift on just some ordinary day rather then have that special someone (giggle giggle) try to conform to a pre-existing mold that every other man is also trying to do on V-Day. However, I have a very nice weekend planned out for my guy and myself but not because Cupid will be looming over us but because it is suppose to be beautiful out and we haven't seen each other in a month!! YIKES :)

* On a side note I do realize the importance of V-day for married people. In marriage it seems as though sometimes the "love"aspect of the relationship is put on the back burner and people need to be reminded every once in awhile to appreciate one another. AKA - Men need to be reminded that their wives are pretty much goddesses and should be treated like queens more often :-)

I found this while perusing through random sites this morning and thought it was worth sharing with all you good folks. It is pretty funny and pretttty much right on target.

Dictionary for women

Argument (ar*gyou*ment) n. A discussion that occurs when you're right, but he just hasn't realized it yet.

Airhead (er*hed) n. What a woman intentionally becomes when pulled over by a policeman.

Bar-be-que (bar*bi*q) n. You bought the groceries, washed the lettuce, chopped the tomatoes, diced the onions, marinated the meat and cleaned everything up, but, he, "made the dinner."

Blonde jokes (blond joks) n. Jokes that are short so men can understand them.

Cantaloupe (kant*e*lope) n. Gotta get married in a church.

Clothes dryer (kloze dri*yer) n. An appliance designed to eat socks.

Diet Soda (dy*it so*da) n. A drink you buy at a convenience store to go with a half pound bag of peanut M&Ms.

Eternity (e*ter*ni*tee) n. The last two minutes of a football game.

Exercise (ex*er*siz) v. To walk up and down a mall, occasionally resting to make a purchase.

Grocery List (grow*ser*ee list) n. What you spend half an hour writing, then forget to take with you to the store.

Hair Dresser (hare dres*er) n. Someone who is able to create a style you will never be able to duplicate again. See "Magician."

Hardware Store (hard*war stor) n. Similar to a black hole in space-if he goes in, he isn't coming out anytime soon.

Childbirth (child*brth) n. You get to go through 36 hours of contractions; he gets to hold your hand and say "focus,...breath...push..."

Lipstick (lip*stik) n. On your lips, coloring to enhance the beauty of your mouth. On his collar, coloring only a tramp would wear...!

Park (park) v./n. Before children, a verb meaning, "to go somewhere and neck." After children, a noun meaning a place with a swing set and slide.

Patience (pa*shens) n. The most important ingredient for dating, marriage and children. See also "tranquilizers."

Waterproof Mascara (wah*tr*pruf mas*kar*ah) n. Comes off if you cry, shower, or swim, but will not come off if you try to remove it.

Valentine's Day (val*en*tinez dae) n. A day when you have dreams of a candlelight dinner, diamonds, and romance, but consider yourself lucky to get a card

Also I have been meaning to post about how much I have been loving Masterpiece Theatre. I just finished watching Sense and Sensibility and was glued to it the whole time. I also watched Tess of the D'ubervilles which was just as good. It is really a wonderful channel and the movies they develop are so rich in character that you forget you are watching remakes of already classic movies/stories. Perfect entertainment for a lazy afternoon.

Tea Gueland

2009-02-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

Did you know that "Tea Gueland" is another word for Ireland? Just a little Tuesday tid bit for you :) And an excuse to post this pretty picture...

Oh how I wish I was back there!

To Maintain A Healthy Level Of Insanity

1. At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With Sunglasses on and point a Hair Dryer At Passing Cars. See If They Slow Down.

2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice!

3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something, ask If They Want Fries with that.

4. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks . Once Everyone has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions, Switch to Espresso.

5. In the Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write ' For Marijuana.

6. Skip down the hall Rather Than Walk and see how many looks you get.

7. Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat, with a serious face.

8. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is 'To Go'.

9. Sing Along At The Opera.

10. Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can't Attend Their Party Because You have a headache.

11. When The Money Comes Out The ATM, Scream 'I Won! I Won!'

12.. When Leaving the Zoo, Start Running towards the Parking lot, Yelling 'Run For Your Lives! They're Loose!'

13. Tell Your Children Over Dinner, 'Due To The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go.'

And The Final Way To Keep A Healthy Level Of Insanity

14. PICK UP A BOX OF CONDOMS AT THE PHARMACY, GO TO THE COUNTER AND ASK WERE THE FITTING ROOM IS.

Thanks Amy for this!!

Tag, your'e it!

2009-02-05T12:03:00.000-08:00

Milestone in my blogging career:
An icon!!! Excitement of the week!

Wow my lifes worth was just brought down a peg however its all about the small things right? So anyways I would like to thank Princess Freckles for fulfilling my blogger wishes and tagging me in an activity that inlcudes a mascot of sorts. Here are the rules and regulations folks so listen up, this is serious business we are dealing with here:[1] Choose a minimum of 7 blogs for brilliance in content/design. [2] Show the winners and let them know. [3] List at least 10 honest things about yourself.

READY. SET. GO.

1. I have two alarms set for the morning. The first one is a forwarning, a heads up to let me know that quickly approaching are the worst 15 minutes of my day. The second one is a kick in the stomach, I am aware of the physical and mental pain to come and force myself to reconcile with my not too distant future. I steady myself, pull it together and after a few minutes of debating whether or not I should call in, I hop out of bed and turn the bright over head light on - which in no way will let me slide back into my layers of comforter heaven.

2. Dinner is not dinner without dessert.

3. I really enjoy decorating. I believe I get this from my mom, she is a great decorator and I hope I will have the same talent has her :) It is something that I was looking foward to do when I moved into my apartment this fall, however within weeks I realized it was useless while living with two boys. "GIRLS RULE AND BOYS DROOL!".

4. In the past I have been guilty of flipping to the end of a book to read the conclusion. If and when this happens it is simply just evidence of a great storyline, one too good to wait for.

5. I use to be very shy, but finally came out of my shell in high school and am now the one you can sometimes find dancing on the bar or for that matter simba style while being held up in the air by massive basketball players (odd but true).

6. I have a lot of friends but few very close friends. Growing up I thought quantity mattered but as I have matured I have realized quality is what matters most. I choose to stay in touch with some and out of touch with others. Your friends say a lot about you and I am proud to say mine are the best, caring and most thoughtful people I know :)

7. I prefer tea to coffee. However, I rarely drink tea. Tea tasted best while drinking it with my grandfather.

8. I love the idea of doing nothing on a weekend but when it becomes a reality I quickly get a bit stir crazy.

9. Marriage scares me a bit.

10. I eat far more chocolate then I let on. I seriously eat or drink some form of chocolate probably everyday. AH now that is honesty for ya!

Ok so now I tag:

Ops that was 8 wasn't it? Ah I am such a rebel

Lazy Daisy

2009-02-03T11:53:00.000-08:00

Winter blues have held me with a tight grip these past couple weeks but I am happy to say that I have finally sprung free and so far this week has been great! Granted it is only Tuesday buttt I am being optimistic :) Last week a few of my friends, including my mom, all lined up and did the unthinkable - weighed ourselves in front of one another! Well to be honest I waited until it was only my sister and I...
We then went on and measured oursevlves in all the necessary area's and called it a day; vowing to stay true to the competition we had submitted ourselves to (lose goal weight by June, winner takes home jack pot). Last week was our first week of dieting and exercise. Want to know what I said to that?
"HA I am going to go straight home every night and get into bed. I am then going to gorge myself with as much food as possible. I am going to eat ice cream as much as I want. I am not going to exercise. And I am going to do this everyday for the rest of the week."
And that is exactly what I did! It was so dreary and rainy and snowy and gross and blah blah blah - I can think of a hundred excuses for my unhealthy week. Yet, what is important is that this week I woke up with no excuses, only plans :) For one, I went to the grocery store last night and cooked up all healthy meals for the rest of the week. For two, I went and got a gym membership yesterday and am heading there right after work. FYI Power Fitness is a realllly cheap and great gym. $20 bucks a month, can't beat that! The sun finally decided to grace us with a bit of warmth and light the past couple days and I think I can safely thank mother nature for my renewed energy and spirit!

On another note, I just signed up to be part of a local "Wine and Dine" book club. I am so excited to meet some new people and get involved in something a bit out of the norm. However, we are trying to choose a book to read and can't come to any conclusions. This is the list I provided:

Josephine Tey, The Daughter of Time

Antonio Munoz, Sepharad
Ann-Marie MacDonald, Fall on Your Knees
Wally Lamb, The Hour I First Believed

Does anyone have any other suggestions?

At the moment I am reading, The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski.
I just started it and although it is written beautifully I have found the storyline to be a bit to0 subdued and uneventful for my liking. I believe the writer hoped for it to be more poetic then anything else and that it is. The story, so far, is about a young boy who is growing up on a farm. His dad is a dog breeder and much of the novel takes places in and around the crevices of not only the relationships formed on this farm but the farm itself; every leak and creak having a tale of its own. I have yet to get to the climax of the story but once I do I will let you know if it gets any better :)

Ok folks, I am off to brave the windy wicked weather that has swept into Boston this afternoon!

Have a lovely night :-)

Dum de Dum

2009-01-30T12:35:00.000-08:00

ITS FRIDAY!
Ok so first on the agenda for today is to finally join the Letter Game that Emily from Vineyard Vogue (http://vineyardvogue.blogspot.com/) sent me. If you want to play just leave me a comment (as I did) and I will send you a letter :) All you do is post ten things that you enjoy in life that begins with the letter you are given. If anyone comments on your list or post you send them a letter and yada yada, I think you probably get the point by now. OK, so my letter is L, hmmm what oh what do I LOVE that starts with the letter L...

1. LOVE. I like everything about love. Whether I am knee deep in my own puddle of love or I am watching others flying sky high, with that "I'm in love, nothing can phase me" kind of look - I love it. Sure there comes messyiness and sometimes hurt but what would life be like without it?This is a great site and has a fantastic collection of what love looks like through a lens, http://leloveimage.blogspot.com/.

2. Limos - who doesn't?
3. Lady Bugs - They are good luck and definitely the cutest of all the little critters.
4. I love lamp. Hehe I couldn't help myself! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VGM_jAzPj8
5. Lace is always pretty, its one of the few fabrics that I unconditionally love. It can do no harm in my book.
6. Leo.

7. LIPSTICK JUNGLE - I sooo hope it doesn't get cancelled :(
8. Lists. I always have a running list for about 4 different categories. Banking list, food list, calendar list, life list.
9. Lightening but only during the day. I think I may have been struck by lightening in another liftetime or something.
10. Lollipops! O, lolli lolli POP!
Friday Fun Fact:
Shakespeare invented the words "assassination" and "bump."

I HOPE EVERYONE HAS A FANTABULOUS WEEKEND!

Holy Smokes

2009-01-28T13:24:00.000-08:00

What a day!!!! Ah, this has just been a topsy turvy, upside down, in and out, crazy daisy, "for realz?!?!" sort of day. It is almost 4:30 and I feel like I just woke up. Where has the day gone?!?! As happy as I am to know that it is ending, I am just as unhappy to know that the unavoidable will soon be happening - my horrible, no good, awful commute home. However, it will all be worth it when I get into my nice comfy cozy bed :)

Ok, my bed is not quite as nice but you get the jist.

I have lots more to say but have to get ready to head out into the gross slushy muck that is sure to be covering my entire trail home tonight. Wish me luck and I will be back tomm with all my other things I have been meaning to talk about this week!

PS. Thank you Vineyard Vogue for sending that little game my way :)

PPS. I thought this was cute.

2009-01-23T12:57:00.000-08:00

ITS MY 20TH POST!

Don't have time to write anything else, but have a great weekend :)

2009-01-20T11:58:00.000-08:00

We have a new president. Or did you already know that? Barrack Obama is the new president. Or did you already know that too? Well unless you have been hiding under a big old rock, chances are you already know this. There is not a person in this continental state that should not know that Barrack Obama was sworn in today as the 44th president of the United States, not a person. HOWEVER, does anyone else get the feeling that everything that has happened in the last few days has been a bit over the top? Or how about the feeling that President Obama has been president for less then 4 hours but seems to line himself up with the greats - Lincoln, King ect? Maybe it is the media that has categorized him as such but when a person in the lime light starts out as a hero and savior before they have even proven themselves to be one, I get a bit nervous that perhaps they will prove not to be.

I did not vote for Barrack Obama, but he seems to be a skillful diplomat and promises to stay true to bipartisan statutes. I have faith in the system and believe that he has been elected for a reason. As a president it is his duty to this country to represent Americans well on the international front as well as the domestic front. He is responsible for securing our civil liberties inside our borders as well defending our sovereignty within the international community. Now can you imagine having this on your shoulders (as well as hundreds of other tasks) AND having to be the SAVIOR that so many are expecting you to be? It is a sham and although I think it is terrific to see so many people out and about refueling their patriotic tanks and gearing up to support a man they view as the "change" this country needs, I feel as though this may come back to bite them in the tushes. He is only a man and that is something that has seemingly been forgotten.

PS. Wouldn't it have been nice if all the millions of dollars that went into this huge, gigantic celebratory ceremony had instead been alotted to different charities or perhaps used to help the hundreds of thousands that are out of jobs right now? Or maybe have even used the concerts as a venue for fundraisers? Just a thought...

On another note -

Wouldn't it be odd to share your wedding with 699 other couples?

"On October 16th, in the Republic of Artsakh,internationally known as Nagorno-Karabakh, the country celebrated a mass wedding of 700 young couples. Artsakh is a small, aparently soon to be thriving country, in a territory disputed between Azerbaijan and Armenia. This was sponsored by the Nagorno-Karabakh as a way to stimulate growth and optimism for their country. I’m sure this will help them with a population increase…"

NAGORNO KARABAKH REPUBLIC
NKR, STEPANAKERT
REPUBLIC NEWSPAPER

One of those days

2009-01-09T09:04:00.000-08:00

So it is almost noon and I swear I am just running around in circles today! I have been unusally busy but I have absolutely nothing to show for it. I have been doing this and that, personal stuff as well as business stuff but none of the "projects" I have been concerning myself with are panning out - ei curumba. One thing that I have done particularly well this week is eat right. I have mostly stuck to veggies and fruit with the occasional slip (i.e - I had some carbs and ice cream on wed with the bf, ops) but for the most part I have done pretty well and I finally am starting to feel lighter and more energetic after the holidays. Oh and my BIGGEST accomplishment for this week was ...

I DID NOT DRINK ANY COFFEE!!!

I am still flabbergasted with myself. Instead I have inserted water as my staple drink. So since I have been so good about drinking and eating healthy this week I have to reward myself right? Well drinks with friends and the bf tonight will be my reward :) Does anyone know of any low calorie ALCHOLIC drinks? Something I have been thinking about a lot this week is a blog that I started reading this month, its creator is the gorgeous actress, Gwyenth Paltrow. She has an incredible body but she this is a day in the life of Gwyen;

7am (or upon rising): Glass of room temperature lemon water

8am: Herbal tea

10am (breakfast): Raspberry and Rice Milk Smoothie (follow method for Blueberry and Almond Smoothie)

11:30am: Coconut water

1:30pm (lunch): Miso Soup with Vegetables

4pm (snack): A handful of almonds

6pm (dinner): Steamed fish, quinoa, roasted squash

Yum? I mean I suppose the food doesn't sound all that bad but who would actually stick with this diet? This is part of her "detoxification" after just about every holiday. I can see how it works, I simply can't come to terms with it. Life is not suppose to be about starving yourself but to be healthy while at the same time enjoying the taste of food. Where I thought cutting coffee out of my daily routine was drastic I can't imagine what a day in the life of Gwyen would be like. Not to mention most people I know do not have the time or finances to make some of these meals that she has posted on her site. Here is her blog - http://goop.com/ What do you think, am I over reacting to this form of diet?

In other news, I love Scrubs! I watched it for basically the first time (the 1st time actually putting some real interest in it) and I am a new found fan. Heres a clip I found exceptionally funny hehe :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfOmCwp7PmI

Oh and I was lucky enough to come across this little gem while randomly searching random sites this past week :)

"The Beerbelly The Beerbelly is just that, a belly full of beer. This belly allows you to smuggle in and chug alcohol at concerts, in the mall, or even at your kid’s tuba recital. With the Beerbelly, you can hold over a six pack in a pouch on your gut. One user said, “I sat next to a guy drinking an $8.50 Bud. I just unzipped my fly, stuck a cup between my legs, and poured myself a cold one.” It also comes in beer boobs—the Winerack. I guess this is useful—I’d wouldn’t mind enormous titties full of free beer—but it still makes me wonder what in the world they were thinking."

Well the fact that the model is kinda cute does help this whole scenario a little bit but for the most part it is just weird and bizarre.

Friday Fact:

In every episode of Seinfeld there is a Superman somewhere.

Back to Reality and to my Tiny Little Blog

2009-01-05T11:57:00.000-08:00

I am out of hibernation! Yet would do anything to climb back into my little den and not come out until Spring. I took the last two weeks off from work and quite literally did not lift a finger, not even to blog. Not to say things weren't crazy and hectic but I did not do anything forcibly and have decided that that is how I wish to live my life. I mean who really needs work? Those bills, they are JUST paper and with a quick toss they could be flung into the trash... OK SNAP OUT OF IT! Ugh Mondays after vacation are the worst, (almost as bad as waking up in a puddle of your own drool as I unfortunately did this morning). Nonetheless I was woken by my own impermeable biological clock and then soon after forced to reconcile with my even more impermeable alarm clock that went off at 6:30 AM. Once my feet touched the floor I knew there would be no going back- or so I thought. After taking a freezing cold shower and then walking into a freezing cold hallway I decided my not so freezing bed would be a perfect spot to warm up. So I gave myself 10 extra minutes of bed time this morning and I have to say without it I do not think I would have had the energy and patience to deal with my commute to work. Apparently the incessant taps up against the windows last night wasn't actually rain but God deciding he would make things a bit more adventurous and hazordous for us all who take the "heel toe express" to work. He gifted us with freezing ice that made my walk to the train more of a anxious glide. I braced myself for what I thought would be the inevitable fall but luckily and somewhat smuggly got though the voyage without creating any sort of embarassing scene (so unlike me) - yippee!

Anyways, a lot has happened in my absence.

For one its a new year, 2009!

I am now a brunette and pretty happy about the overall look. However, I was lightly accused of not staying true to my blogger identity as a "BlondeBookworm" and for some reason "BrunetteBookworm" just doesn't have the same ring to it, with time and a bit more caffeine in my system I will think of someway to solve this worldwide kataklystic problem :)
I have been able to prove to family and friends that my boyfriend does exist and is not a figment of my imagination. I have dragged him along on almost any family event I could and I get to continue this task for TWO MORE WEEKS!!
Plans for a trip to Mexico with my sister, cousin and this girl we like to call "Poca" have been made and our excitement is followed by the dread of knowing bathing suits must be worn. Hence the power bar and apple that I had for lunch today - :(

These are just a few things to catch up on but of course I have been up to a lot the past couple weeks and two of my favorite trips were 1.) To see the movie Slumdog Millionaire and 2.) To see an exhibit of photography at the Museum of Fine Arts.

This movie is a MUST. It is probably the best movie I have seen since I saw "The Visitor" last year. It is heart-felt and heart-racing throughout the entire movie. The character development is superb while the good guys gradually become even better and the bad guys gradually become even worse. It is truly a beautiful movie that makes you want to do A. Lead an exciting life B. Go on and kick ass at Who Wants to be a Millionaire C. Learn how to dance Bollywood style.

The exhibit we saw at the Museum can be found here, http://www.mfa.org/exhibitions/index.asp?key=894. It pretty much speaks for itself - mesmerizing.

Well now that I have done a quick recap I am off to finish some work!

klsadjfklsadjfkls!

2008-12-19T09:22:00.000-08:00

SO EXCITED I CAN'T EVEN THINK OF A TITLE!

Early Release here in the office due to SNOW (my new best friend!!)

I am going to go home and do absolutely nothing, and it is going to be fantastic :) Then tomm off to NYC with my wesbian wover, Stacy. Shopping and cocktails, can't get much better then that!

Friday Fact

Karoke means "empty orchestra" in Japanese.

Pesky People

2008-12-16T12:36:00.000-08:00

Ever had one of those days where the people around you are simply being PESKY? I have had one of those days for sure. However, it has not really been "people" but rather one person, one individual who has really been a pain in my arse. It started off this morning when I realized this person had displaced all my belongings, the ones I keep on my desk, simply because she was annoyed. Now being the rational person I am, I took one deep breath and had a COMPLETE MELTDOWN! This has not been the first incident I have endured with this co-worker and I genuinely came into this job wanting to be friends with her because she happens to be one of the few people in my age group but no no no, apparently she finds ME to be PESKY. I have yet to figure out what I have ever done to her, besides exist, but once I do I will be sure to tell her that "Pesky people do not make friends!".

On another, less aggressive, note I was reading an article the bf sent me about a woman who sold her twin newborns in order to pay for lyposuction (horrible and odd, I know) when I came across this little gem, http://timescorrespondents.typepad.com/charles_bremner/2008/12/paris-artists-m.html

I looked at it and then quickly looked around to make sure no one was walking by and dove head first into the article. These 15 people are nude models that art teachers use to direct students. For generations these models have received, "le cornet" a small tip from each student after each session. This tradition, as of late, has been disregarded and is now coming face to face with its official end. The models (the courageous people who bare their bodiesto strangers, I admire them so!) are demanding that this traditions continues to live on and that they are recognized for their contribution to the world of art. To make a point and stand out they decided to stand naked in front of part of the University in the freezing cold temps!

"We are as important as the teacher and the painter because without us they could not teach or paint," said Salvatori, one of the protesters. "Without Gabrielle, who would Renoir have been?."

What lengths would you go to in order to attain or maintain your rights?

Oh and by the way I had a fantastic weekend! We got up late Friday night and spent all day Saturday enjoying one anothers company while eating, drinking and oh yea scaling up a mountain and then "bushwhacking" our way down in snowshoes. Definitely a day to remember :)

Not great pics, but the best I could do!

INGREDIENTS TO A PERFECT WEEKEEND...

2008-12-12T12:06:00.000-08:00

Ok listen up ladies, this is what it takes to produce a lovely and just about perfect weekend.

First we add a little bit of this,

Then toss in a little bit of this,

(As in your own PERSONAL ones, although I would take the actors too)

Oh and throw in some of this too,

(kisses from the boyfriend, yay!)

Dont forget this important part,

AND LASTLY, THE MOST IMPORTANT INGREDIENT OF ALL,

A FREE WEEKEND AT A SKI RESORT!!!!

I don't know what you all have planned for the weekend, perhaps some hustling and bustling of Christmas shopping, or defrosting the ice that has recently attacked MA but MY weekend is going to be all of the above and more. I have sooo been looking foward to this trip! I need to thank the one and only Amy for inviting my friends and I on this adventure, you are the best :)

Friday Fact:
Turtles can breathe through their butts.

Driving - Maybe us women are as bad as THEY say we are...

Oh, this happens all the time!

Honest mistake, who knew there would be a boat there????

No biggie, she simply wanted to make a statment of some sort...

5th Wheeling it and Lovin it (kinda)

2008-12-10T09:29:00.000-08:00

So, first of all I would like to explain that I have actually been busy these past few days at work. I know, I know it is hard to believe but it just so happens that I have been furiously working from morning til night...on my brothers term paper. HA who knew that I would put so much pressure and stress on myself just to "proof read" aka REWRITE a college paper. I found myself in the middle of a huge english majors nightmare - mispellings and verb tense errors GALORE. It was a 14 page paper and I put every drip of energy I had into it and this is why I have sadly ignored my tiny little blog these past few days.

But now that I am back there are a few things that need to be acknowledged, such as my new found love for this man, Paul Potts. He was a contestant on the British version of, American Idol which is Britains Got Talent. If you watch this video, you will understand why I get the chilli bumps listening to him :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k08yxu57NA

Now onto the meaning of the title for this post... Last week I went to this great little bar in the South End with some friends ->

(that is a pic from outside the bar) and it was a really nice time. I had to be dragged out by my persistent and lovely friend Weebes and once there I was grateful for his insistence :) We munched on some tasty appetizers and waited for the rest of the clan. Soon there were 4 of us and shortly after that there were 5 of us. Two couples and then me. I didn't stay long after the 5th person got there but not because I felt uncomfortable or lonely but because that one beer was slowly starting to enter my system and my droopy, drowsy eyes were beginning to make an appearance! But as I walked home I started thinking about the situation I am in with my boyfriend. While he is away studying and being an uber dork (hehe jk sweets) I am here in Bean town being forced to succumb to that ever so dreadful label "The third, fifth, seventh wheel" BUT I have discovered I happen to actually enjoy this! This was my epiphany as I trudged home last Thursday night, and every other night I play third wheel to friends (my two neighbors in particular) I like watching other couples interact and most of all I like the feeling I get leaving these situations; it makes me miss him but it also makes me really value our time together. Being with other couples reminds me of what I have to look foward to when the bf comes home. So that was my big moment of "enlightenment" last week, did you have one?

Just for a chuckle, here is how the ever so knowledgable "Urban Dictionary" defines a third wheel, (note - is not factual and extremely crass!)

1. Third Wheel
One who deters the socialization of a couple, perhaps when being invited out of pitty or through a feeling of duty. This person may be eased into the situation by being allowed to stay in an envirnment he or she has become accustomed to (perhaps a kitchen, where the third wheel can bake cookies for the couple.) The third wheel may feel uncomfortable about watching the couple canoodle on his her her sofa, but none of this is taken into consideration.

2.
Third Wheel
A person hanging out with two people (usually a couple) that are in a sence leaving him/her out. Called the third wheel because either: -Having any odd number of wheels on an object generally messes it up. -Third wheel on a bike makes a tricycle, something thats safe for kids be left alone with.
Well, if your bringing your girlfriend, I'll have to take my cousin with me, don't wanna be the third wheel.

3.
Third Wheel
To be the friend that sits there while your friend gets some and you get nothin but yourself.
The other day when I was sittin in my basement with Nate and this female I had to third wheel it

PS. I would like to make a shout out to my first ever follower!! Thank you Princess Freckles for making feel part of the blogging world :) http://princessfreckles.blogspot.com/

Christmas is the one time of year when people of all religions come together to worship Jesus Christ. - Bart Simpson

2008-12-03T11:19:00.000-08:00

And the COUNTDOWN begins!! (a couple days late, ops!)

I love love love Christmas time. Mostly I love it because it signifies time with my family, who I can't get enough of. BUT there are a few other reasons why I love this holiday, and seeing as though we have 22 days left until the big day, I am going to list 22 reasons why I love Christmas time!

1. EGG NOG (obviously)
2. The holiday bustle, everyones so excited!
4. Fires in the rarely used fireplace :)
5. Little kids xmas outfits
6. Xmas ornaments and all their sparkle!
7. Driving around admiring and comparing
others outside decor
8. Snowmen
9. SLEDDING!!!!!!!!! (I love it, can ya tell?)
10. New socks, I always get them at xmas!
11. Midnight Mass
12. The food (kind of a given)
13. Stocking stuffers
14. Having New Years to look foward to!
15. Elf
16. The coziness of bars (odd but true!)
17. Hot chocolate
18. Mariah Careys xmas music hehe
19. Mistle toe!
20. Dorky Santa hats that everyone wears
21. Icicles
22. VACATION TIME!!

Well there you have it, my 22 reasons for excitement!

Plus a little bonus fun, congrats on making it to hump day!! :)

2008-12-01T12:11:00.000-08:00

Wishing my lovely life away...

Monday mornings stink! They really do. All morning I have been saying over and over again, "I WISH it were the weekend. I WISH I was still in bed. I WISH I was not at work right now." Blah blah blah, I WISH I wasn't WISHING my life away! I tend to laugh it off and remind myself of the hundreds of thousands of others just like me; waking up on a drizzly Monday morning and mumbling to oneself, "I WISH I could get back into bed." But then when I really think about it and indulge myself, I realize this is not how I want to live for the rest of my life and this is when I start perusing through Monster.Com.

If anyone knows of a fabulous/super/fantastic/wickedawesome job that needs to be filled, please contact me at, DESPERATELY/BORED/EMPLOYEE.COM! Thanks :)

In other news I just started a new book, called "The Other Queen". It's by the same woman who wrote "The Other Boelyn Girl" so I have high hopes! Has anyone read this before or perhaps anything else by the writer, Philippa Gregory?

PS. For anyone who is into BIG BRAND names/labels, this site, Ideeli.com is most likely your future lova. A woman that I work with swears by this site (not knowing that I actually prefer shopping at the Gap and that I never spend more then $20, ok maybe $30 on a bag) and claims that the sales are the best thing since sliced bread. With the holidays quickly approaching maybe this will help!

http://www.ideeli.com/closed

Rain Rain Go Away

2008-11-25T06:23:00.000-08:00

Cold + Rain = Dreary and Unattractive Morning

My morning really started at 1 AM because thats how late I was up reading an excellent book called, Sarah's Key. It is truly a terrific book so far (hence me staying up until the wee hours of the morning!) I won't say too much about it but it covers an

event during the time of the Holocaust that not many people are aware of. It happened in Paris and French policemen were the faces of cruelty, not the Nazis. It is a heartbreaking tale but also superbly written and has a lovely message of hope and endurance. I completely, 100% recommend this book to anyone looking for an easy and interesting read!

Anyways, back to why this morning was "unattractive". Well, before immersing myself in my book last night, I thought I had overheard the weatherwoman say something about "rain and horrific commute" but I shrugged it off thinking "it couldn't really be thaaaat bad" boy was I wrong! It is cold and rainy and to top it all off I have pretty tacky raingear, as well as a non rainproof suitcase that I had to lug to the T stop that happens to be 10 minutes away and then to my job which also happens to be a 10/15 minute walk once off the train. Don't understand my slight frustration with the morning? Maybe this will enlighten you.

My LIME green raincoat

My HOT PINK umbrella

Last but not least, my HOMEMADE rainproof suitcase

Through the misery of this yucky commute I did catch glimpses of sunlight, for two reasons.

1. Dragging my suitcase through puddles and mud is worth it because it is what I will bring home with me tonight, when I will go and spend time with family and friends this week :)
2. I got the chance to don my super cute rainboots!

Patience is a Virtue...but such an Inconvenience!

2008-11-24T10:58:00.000-08:00

I am a mature, intelligent young woman yet this picture depicts me best in terms of my patience level...

1.The constant supply of dirty dishes in the sink.

2. The daily run to catch the train.

3. Then once on the train, the ability to over look every gross smell, and sneeze or cough that I swear is always propelled in my direction.

4. The ever present long line at Dunkin Donuts.

5. The fact that I always seem to buy yogurt that goes bad in 2.3 days!

AND ALL OF THIS IS JUST WHAT TRIES MY PATIENCE FROM 7 TO 9 IN THE MORNING!

My patience is something that I seem to lack in as I get older, and considering I am only 23 I am nervous for my sanity and the sanity of those who have to put up with me :) However, I have heard the first step to overcoming any problem is admitting you have one in the first place. So here goes nothing;

I, Aubrey Burke, am no grasshopper with patience. One step at a time...

Pretty things!

2008-11-24T03:34:00.000-08:00

What do I do to stay optimistic and happy in my cold, boring office?

Well, for one I keep extra caffeinated with this,

Then I like to look at pretty things, like this

(thanks bf for the pretty flowers!)

When things start to go really down hill I turn to this,

http://www.firefighterscalendar.org/index.html

When I have exhausted all these options, I blog :-)

2008-11-21T07:26:00.000-08:00

I AM BUZZIN FOR TWO REASONS:

1. I received my first ever comment today!! Woohoo, thank you Brooke, who knew blogging could supply you with such a high!

2. I am reading a fantabulous book called, The Secret Life of Bees, and it is quite possibly one of the best books I have read in the last month or two.

It is sweet and endearing yet maintains a thread of core values and life lessons throughout the whole story. Being a recent victim of the big four lettered word (L.O.V.E, just in case I had to spell it out for ya) the pages inspired by love and hope had me kind of spellbound.

"Did you know there are thirty-two names for love in one of the Eskimo languages? And we just have this one. We are so limited, you have to use the same word for loving Rosaleen as you do for loving a Coke with peanuts. Isn't that a shame we don't have more ways to say it?"
- pg. 141

Do you have a different way of saying that lovely word that implies the feeling of love? Maybe if we can get the words we use out there and into the open, then we (as well as the eskimos) will have 32 ways of saying it :)

Just for the heck of it -
http://www.romancetracker.com/101-different-ways-to-say-i-love-you/
http://www.columbia.edu/~sss31/rainbow/i-love-you.html

(Ta gra agam ort Jeff - just for being a good trooper sweets, I told you I'd write about you at some point!)

Lastly, Belle Maison, http://www.bellemaison23.com/ has fantastic decorating sites that are definitely worth taking a look at.

Oh and One More Thing...

2008-11-20T13:32:00.000-08:00

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT (no this is not about my BF)

How do we feel about these shoes?? I know its just the beginning of winter but a girl can still dream about the summer right?!?

I am thinking about getting them in black, I am a total sucker for anything with thick straps and a wedge like heel!

Oh and they are from DSW and onlyyyyy $49. 95 - talk about a bargain.

Oh Hawt Damn this is My ...Blog??

2008-11-20T12:03:00.000-08:00

So I have gone and taken the big plunge into the world of blogging, and so far I am feeling pretty good about it :) After casually and very politely stalking peoples blogs for the last couple months I decided that having an outlet for all my thoughts, may be kinda nice. Also, a blog may be just the thing I need to help pass my time at this very uneventful and monotonous job I landed just a few months ago. Although I am not all that happy here, I realize that in times like these I really can't complain and understand that receiving a pay check is something I should be grateful for.

While on the topic of paychecks and jobs I can't help but be reminded of the sight I saw last night during my commute home. On one of the possibly coldest night of the year I found myself scurrying past a man and his child. They were standing by the train and the man was holding a sign that said, "PLEASE HELP, SON AND I ARE HOMELESS". I was surrounded by a herd of bustling pedestrians trying to get on the train and yet stood there pretty much just gawking at the picture before me. The image has stayed with me and I can't help but feel a tug at my heart everytime I think about it. How could things be so bad for a family that they are forced to resort to this? How sad must that father be, having his son beside him in a dirty train station, hoping for a few pennies thrown his way? How horrible is it that I didn't see anyone stop to acknowledge the situation and give what they could? Just some food for thought...

On a lighter note it is almost the weekend and I have successfully completed my first blog! YIPPEEE :)

PS. Please come again, I'm nervous no one is going to be interested in my tiny little blog! haha