...and to all a good night!!
Why? Cuz it's back to work tomorrow!!!!
Sooooo unfair!! I really need a day to recover from the holidays. Just a day. That's all I'm asking!! Christmas is 48 hours of driving, eating, opening, more driving, more eating, more opening. Not that I don't love it, but when Christmas is on a Monday, it's just not fair to have to go back to work on Tuesday!!
But, cry me a river. I'm working tomorrow and Wednesday and then I'm off for the remainder of the week at the office. But I have three shifts this weekend at the bar!! Fun, fun!!
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I have some great pics from my birthday festivities that I hope to get up later this week and some quality photos from Christmas with my nutty family.
Hope you all had a great holiday!!
Monday, December 25, 2006
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
When ugly sweaters happen to good people.
Of course, it was on purpose!! I hosted my first of what I hope to be annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party on Saturday night and it was quite the success. Good turnout and let me just tell you that some people really came to play in terms of ugly sweaters.
The general concensus with regards to my sweater was that it looked somewhat adolescent, hence my childish pose in this photo. My roommie Jill and me didn't quite no what to do with ourselves as we anxiously awaited our guests, so we took pictures.
Lots of them. Again, too bad I can't figure out how to post more than one!!
Anyway, as people started arriving, we took their individual photos in front of the Christmas tree via a polaroid camera (Jill's mom got her one specifically for our party and boy are we glad she did). Pictures were then taped to our Christmas-paper wrapped apartment door so guest could see what they were in for as they arrived. I'll take a picture of the door and post that this week too.
A few rounds of Asshole, Flip Cup, and Beer Pong (with quarters because we didn't have ping-pong balls which prompted Jill to exclaim "Wait, Store 24 would have them". Ahhhhh, yeeaaah. Don't think so!!).
All in all a great time. What wasn't so great was that both Jill and I had to open the bars we worked at Sunday morning (11:30ish). Not fun. After some greasy McDonald's I was good to go, though.
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In other BTD news, I've gone on a couple of dates with the same guy (if you can believe it) and both have gone really well. We're doing some Christmas shopping together on Thursday afternoon. How cute is that?
Anyway, that's all you're getting!! I don't want to jinx this one. He's a keeper!!
The general concensus with regards to my sweater was that it looked somewhat adolescent, hence my childish pose in this photo. My roommie Jill and me didn't quite no what to do with ourselves as we anxiously awaited our guests, so we took pictures.
Lots of them. Again, too bad I can't figure out how to post more than one!!
Anyway, as people started arriving, we took their individual photos in front of the Christmas tree via a polaroid camera (Jill's mom got her one specifically for our party and boy are we glad she did). Pictures were then taped to our Christmas-paper wrapped apartment door so guest could see what they were in for as they arrived. I'll take a picture of the door and post that this week too.
A few rounds of Asshole, Flip Cup, and Beer Pong (with quarters because we didn't have ping-pong balls which prompted Jill to exclaim "Wait, Store 24 would have them". Ahhhhh, yeeaaah. Don't think so!!).
All in all a great time. What wasn't so great was that both Jill and I had to open the bars we worked at Sunday morning (11:30ish). Not fun. After some greasy McDonald's I was good to go, though.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In other BTD news, I've gone on a couple of dates with the same guy (if you can believe it) and both have gone really well. We're doing some Christmas shopping together on Thursday afternoon. How cute is that?
Anyway, that's all you're getting!! I don't want to jinx this one. He's a keeper!!
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Do I even have to ask?
Beth came by with Taylor for a brief visit on Monday night and what a treat that was!! She's getting so big (Taylor, not Beth, of course). And she's cuter than ever. She likes to make lots of noise and sounds like she can say "Hi."
On this particular night, she was really into--or trying to--eating her shoes. She's a bendy little thing, so she'd lunge forward, grab hold of one of her black shoes and try to take a big bite. After not getting what she wanted out of that one, she'd go down for the other. It was hysterical and I wish I could figure out how to post more than one pic at a time so you could see. But alas, I'm not that smart!!
Anyway, I just thought I'd just make you jealous with this post because you don't have a cute niece like this one!! Well, technically, I don't either, but there's no need to get technical!!
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In other BTD news, I'm way behind on my Christmas shopping. I got a good chunk done last Wednsday, but haven't done anything since. Resuming shopping on Thursday and hope to get it done then.
How's your shopping coming? Getting me something good?
On this particular night, she was really into--or trying to--eating her shoes. She's a bendy little thing, so she'd lunge forward, grab hold of one of her black shoes and try to take a big bite. After not getting what she wanted out of that one, she'd go down for the other. It was hysterical and I wish I could figure out how to post more than one pic at a time so you could see. But alas, I'm not that smart!!
Anyway, I just thought I'd just make you jealous with this post because you don't have a cute niece like this one!! Well, technically, I don't either, but there's no need to get technical!!
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In other BTD news, I'm way behind on my Christmas shopping. I got a good chunk done last Wednsday, but haven't done anything since. Resuming shopping on Thursday and hope to get it done then.
How's your shopping coming? Getting me something good?
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Am I the coolest sister or what?
As I'm sure many of you are aware, guys are pretty hard to buy gifts for. Especially when that guy is your brother.
Sure he likes music, but I've bought him so many Newbury Comics Gift Cards I should purchase stock!!
With the Pats season dwindling down, I noticed there were only two home games remaining on their schedule. I thought if I could find someone on Craig's List that wasn't asking for my first born, I'd snag a pair of tickets to the Dec. 3 contest against the dire Detroit Lions. A guy on Craig's actually posted that Ticketmaster was selling them for face value. Ten minutes later, I had a pair of tix in the 200's!!!
(If you are at all familiar with Gillette Stadium, you know why I was so excited about this. Those who aren't, too bad for you).
Anyway, I rang him up the Thursday before the game and asked if he'd like an early Christmas/B-Day present and let me take him to the Pats game. The rest is history.
One down, about 20 more to go!! God, you gotta love the holidays!!
Sure he likes music, but I've bought him so many Newbury Comics Gift Cards I should purchase stock!!
With the Pats season dwindling down, I noticed there were only two home games remaining on their schedule. I thought if I could find someone on Craig's List that wasn't asking for my first born, I'd snag a pair of tickets to the Dec. 3 contest against the dire Detroit Lions. A guy on Craig's actually posted that Ticketmaster was selling them for face value. Ten minutes later, I had a pair of tix in the 200's!!!
(If you are at all familiar with Gillette Stadium, you know why I was so excited about this. Those who aren't, too bad for you).
Anyway, I rang him up the Thursday before the game and asked if he'd like an early Christmas/B-Day present and let me take him to the Pats game. The rest is history.
One down, about 20 more to go!! God, you gotta love the holidays!!
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
A running diary of the Rockerfeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration, Live on NBC
In Bill Simmons style, I decided to do a running diary of the annual Rockerfeller Center Christmas Tree lighting. If you've never read Bill Simmons (aka the Sports Guy from ESPN.com Page 2) there could be something wrong with you. I'm just sayin. Anyway, here goes:
8:00 p.m. - Taylor Hicks opens the show. Typically soulful performance you would expect from Mr. Hicks. Nicely done. I like how he has seemingly rid himself of his "happy fist" dance. It's far less distracting to watch him perform now.
8:04 p.m. - Al Rocker and that Asian female news broacaster on NBC (always forget her name) are co-hosting. Oh God, that was so funny!! She just coughed uncontrollably mid-sentence. Still coughing as they pan over to just Al. Gotta love live TV.
8:06 p.m. - Oooh, Bette Midler next! Love the Devine Miss M. She seems a little under the weather and what the heck is that white fluffy thing on her head. Seriously, Bette, you look ridiculous.
8:11 p.m. - Back from commercial and they cut to Hall and Oates performing. Apparently, they're going to be performing for the crowd during commercial breaks. What crap!! Hall and Oates is a totally cool 80s band that I happen to love!! I want to see them too!!
8:17 p.m. - Sting from atop the Rockerfeller building. He's singing a classical-style original song. He sounds great, but I'm just wondering who the guy playing the horn-like guitar next to him. He looks like Gerard DePardeu, only thinner.
8:26 p.m. - Enya? Live? Is that possible? Her sound is so synthesized. How can she possibly be singing live? I don't buy it. The woman is clearly lipsynching. She's still great though. Even though all her songs sound the same.
8:29 p.m. - Brief stint with Al and guests Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin (insert shameful NBC show promotion here). Ah yes, there it is. 30 Rock is moving to Thursdays, Tina tells us. Good, now I still don't have to watch it because it's opposite Grey's Anatomy. Thanks Tina.
8:30 p.m. - Martina McBride. I don't dig country, but she sounds great. Only a small hint of a Southern twang while singing O Come All Ye Be Faithful. A joy to listen to.
8:36 p.m. - Back from commerical. Yay, more Hall and Oates. Five whole seconds of a song. Back with Al and Ann, I guess is her name.
8:37 p.m. - Yes, John Legend!! Love him and he's singing my favorite Christmas song: Oh Holy Night. Oh my God, he's so ridiculously talented. You gotta love a guy who has a song from his first album that has a line in it that says the following: "You can't say, I don't love you just because I cheat on you." Now he's singing about the night Christ was born. What a guy!! Wow. He just nailed that song.
8:44 p.m. - Back from commercial. More Al, More Ann. And two poeple from a new NBC reality show that's seeking a Danny and Sandy to perform in the Broadway version of Grease. More shameful promotion NBC show promotion. I think I'm going to be ill. That starts Jan. 7, just in case you wanted to know.
8:45 p.m. - Ooooooh. Sarah McLauchlan. Her songs helped me get through some tough times in college. I used to listen to them and think, wow, the chick in this song is a little worse of than me. Then I'd eat some ice cream and be okay. She's inspirational really. She's doing the John Lennon song "And so this is Christmas" and she's doing it well.
8:49 p.m. - Al and Ann, again. Oooooh but they're introducing someone I love!!
8:50 p.m. - Christina Aguilera singing "Hurt" from her new album, which I own, and I love. Cheesey that Sasha Cohen is skating along to it, though. (I think everyone thought like I did, Sasha Cohen? What's Borat doing there? Oh, that's Sasha BARON Cohen. Thanks for clearing that up).
Love this song and she's amazing, but why is Christina not singing a Christmas song? Is this not a Christmas special? Did she not release a Christmas album? How about singing one of those songs and not a heart-wrenching ballad about your deadbeat dad? How about that Christina??!!
She's amazing, though. Truly.
8:57 p.m. - Back from commercial and a 10 second count down to light the tree. The flick is switched and 9 tons of Christmas tree is lit!! Woohoo!! Hall and Oates are singing Jingle Bell Rock. Yeah!! But NBC keeps cutting from them, to the cast of host and guests, then to the tree, then back to Hall and Oates. It's so confusing.
8:59 p.m. - Al sounds off, yeah, OVER Hall and Oates. Dissed!!
End of show.
Gosh, that was tough. How does Simmons do it?
8:00 p.m. - Taylor Hicks opens the show. Typically soulful performance you would expect from Mr. Hicks. Nicely done. I like how he has seemingly rid himself of his "happy fist" dance. It's far less distracting to watch him perform now.
8:04 p.m. - Al Rocker and that Asian female news broacaster on NBC (always forget her name) are co-hosting. Oh God, that was so funny!! She just coughed uncontrollably mid-sentence. Still coughing as they pan over to just Al. Gotta love live TV.
8:06 p.m. - Oooh, Bette Midler next! Love the Devine Miss M. She seems a little under the weather and what the heck is that white fluffy thing on her head. Seriously, Bette, you look ridiculous.
8:11 p.m. - Back from commercial and they cut to Hall and Oates performing. Apparently, they're going to be performing for the crowd during commercial breaks. What crap!! Hall and Oates is a totally cool 80s band that I happen to love!! I want to see them too!!
8:17 p.m. - Sting from atop the Rockerfeller building. He's singing a classical-style original song. He sounds great, but I'm just wondering who the guy playing the horn-like guitar next to him. He looks like Gerard DePardeu, only thinner.
8:26 p.m. - Enya? Live? Is that possible? Her sound is so synthesized. How can she possibly be singing live? I don't buy it. The woman is clearly lipsynching. She's still great though. Even though all her songs sound the same.
8:29 p.m. - Brief stint with Al and guests Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin (insert shameful NBC show promotion here). Ah yes, there it is. 30 Rock is moving to Thursdays, Tina tells us. Good, now I still don't have to watch it because it's opposite Grey's Anatomy. Thanks Tina.
8:30 p.m. - Martina McBride. I don't dig country, but she sounds great. Only a small hint of a Southern twang while singing O Come All Ye Be Faithful. A joy to listen to.
8:36 p.m. - Back from commerical. Yay, more Hall and Oates. Five whole seconds of a song. Back with Al and Ann, I guess is her name.
8:37 p.m. - Yes, John Legend!! Love him and he's singing my favorite Christmas song: Oh Holy Night. Oh my God, he's so ridiculously talented. You gotta love a guy who has a song from his first album that has a line in it that says the following: "You can't say, I don't love you just because I cheat on you." Now he's singing about the night Christ was born. What a guy!! Wow. He just nailed that song.
8:44 p.m. - Back from commercial. More Al, More Ann. And two poeple from a new NBC reality show that's seeking a Danny and Sandy to perform in the Broadway version of Grease. More shameful promotion NBC show promotion. I think I'm going to be ill. That starts Jan. 7, just in case you wanted to know.
8:45 p.m. - Ooooooh. Sarah McLauchlan. Her songs helped me get through some tough times in college. I used to listen to them and think, wow, the chick in this song is a little worse of than me. Then I'd eat some ice cream and be okay. She's inspirational really. She's doing the John Lennon song "And so this is Christmas" and she's doing it well.
8:49 p.m. - Al and Ann, again. Oooooh but they're introducing someone I love!!
8:50 p.m. - Christina Aguilera singing "Hurt" from her new album, which I own, and I love. Cheesey that Sasha Cohen is skating along to it, though. (I think everyone thought like I did, Sasha Cohen? What's Borat doing there? Oh, that's Sasha BARON Cohen. Thanks for clearing that up).
Love this song and she's amazing, but why is Christina not singing a Christmas song? Is this not a Christmas special? Did she not release a Christmas album? How about singing one of those songs and not a heart-wrenching ballad about your deadbeat dad? How about that Christina??!!
She's amazing, though. Truly.
8:57 p.m. - Back from commercial and a 10 second count down to light the tree. The flick is switched and 9 tons of Christmas tree is lit!! Woohoo!! Hall and Oates are singing Jingle Bell Rock. Yeah!! But NBC keeps cutting from them, to the cast of host and guests, then to the tree, then back to Hall and Oates. It's so confusing.
8:59 p.m. - Al sounds off, yeah, OVER Hall and Oates. Dissed!!
End of show.
Gosh, that was tough. How does Simmons do it?
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
My first Christmas tree.
So here it is, my very first REAL Christmas tree. Since moving out of my family home nearly five years ago, I have never been able to have a real tree until this year.
At my first apartment, my roommate was a bitch and didn't want to have to "deal" with a tree even though I told her I would be responsible for it. Until recently, I was sharing my current apartment with two cats (both of whom weren't mine). I was told by my roommies that trees and cats don't mix. For two weeks now, we've been completely cat-free and I couldn't be more thrilled.
My roommie Jill and me picked up this beauty Saturday afternoon and by Sunday night it looked like this!! Call me biased, but I think it's the most perfect Christmas tree there ever was!! I wish you could see it in person because it really is the prettiest!!
At my first apartment, my roommate was a bitch and didn't want to have to "deal" with a tree even though I told her I would be responsible for it. Until recently, I was sharing my current apartment with two cats (both of whom weren't mine). I was told by my roommies that trees and cats don't mix. For two weeks now, we've been completely cat-free and I couldn't be more thrilled.
My roommie Jill and me picked up this beauty Saturday afternoon and by Sunday night it looked like this!! Call me biased, but I think it's the most perfect Christmas tree there ever was!! I wish you could see it in person because it really is the prettiest!!
Monday, November 27, 2006
Why do I even bother?
I refuse to go into details, but just know that I went on the WORST date of my life last Tuesday with Rob. Never date a boy from Dorchester! There, you've been warned!!
In other BTD news, I purchased and decorated my very first real Christmas tree this weekend!! It's absolutely perfect and I will post a picture tomorrow!!
Have a good night.
In other BTD news, I purchased and decorated my very first real Christmas tree this weekend!! It's absolutely perfect and I will post a picture tomorrow!!
Have a good night.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Another go.
Got another date tonight. This one is with Rob, a bartender friend of mine (sorry Krissy)!! We've been crushing on each other for a few months and he finally asked me out last Friday. I'm not going to even attempt to predict anything here. All I know is he's already a lot more fun than Loc was. He's got a better personality, he's more confident, and he's a bartender!
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I'm all done at work until Monday and I couldn't be more thrilled!! That is, I'm all done working at the paper for the week. I do have to cover a Thanksgiving Day football game Thursday morning, but that's it. It'll be nice to catch up on some rest after what has already been a very busy November!!
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I might offer some date details tomorrow, but if I'm not able to, I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!! What are you thankful for this year?
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I'm all done at work until Monday and I couldn't be more thrilled!! That is, I'm all done working at the paper for the week. I do have to cover a Thanksgiving Day football game Thursday morning, but that's it. It'll be nice to catch up on some rest after what has already been a very busy November!!
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I might offer some date details tomorrow, but if I'm not able to, I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!! What are you thankful for this year?
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Why my roommie Jill is so funny?
This is Jill dressed as a "Rocker" (as in Jem and the Rockers) on Halloween night giving this guy dressed as a life-sized "Transformer" fake head.
Need I say more?
Need I say more?
Monday, November 13, 2006
I'm getting too old for this.
This has been one of the longest weeks of my life!!
It's high school tournament time in Massachusetts and that means my life is turned upsidedown for a week. I've had soccer games practically every night of the week. Between soccer games I had to squeeze in three bar shifts. Sleep hasn't exactly been something I've enjoyed over the last week. But then again, I've learned to function pretty well on little sleep!!
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Anyway, nothing really new going on. Last night, my last soccer team was ousted so I finally have some time to catch up on my social life...although not tonight.
You could probably guess by now that things with Loc have cooled. I broke it off because I really just didn't have the time to pursue a relationship. It was just bad timing, meeting him two weeks before the tournaments started. He works 9-5 and has weekends off. I don't, which means lots of dates during the week, which means lots of late nights and lots of grogginess at work the next morning. It just wasn't working out, unfortunately. Too bad, but there's plenty of other guys out there...and don't I know it.
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Everyone gearing up for Christmas? Oh yeah, not even Thanksgiving, but it looked like Christmas Eve in the mall today. I stopped in to exchange something at Old Navy after work and I saw Santa. On Nov. 13!! There's something wrong with that!! Seriously!!
Well, that's all for now. I hope your weekend was more fun than mine!! Although, you probably didn't make $800 in three nights like I did so screw!!
It's high school tournament time in Massachusetts and that means my life is turned upsidedown for a week. I've had soccer games practically every night of the week. Between soccer games I had to squeeze in three bar shifts. Sleep hasn't exactly been something I've enjoyed over the last week. But then again, I've learned to function pretty well on little sleep!!
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Anyway, nothing really new going on. Last night, my last soccer team was ousted so I finally have some time to catch up on my social life...although not tonight.
You could probably guess by now that things with Loc have cooled. I broke it off because I really just didn't have the time to pursue a relationship. It was just bad timing, meeting him two weeks before the tournaments started. He works 9-5 and has weekends off. I don't, which means lots of dates during the week, which means lots of late nights and lots of grogginess at work the next morning. It just wasn't working out, unfortunately. Too bad, but there's plenty of other guys out there...and don't I know it.
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Everyone gearing up for Christmas? Oh yeah, not even Thanksgiving, but it looked like Christmas Eve in the mall today. I stopped in to exchange something at Old Navy after work and I saw Santa. On Nov. 13!! There's something wrong with that!! Seriously!!
Well, that's all for now. I hope your weekend was more fun than mine!! Although, you probably didn't make $800 in three nights like I did so screw!!
Monday, November 06, 2006
Gosh darn work!
Hello all. I had a busy weekend and I've got a busy week coming up. What does this mean? That I'm essentially going to be ignoring you for the next few days. I'm swamped with work and trying to get over the carnage I witnessed at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro last night. $100 bucks to see the Pats beat themselves against the Colts!!!!! Just horrible!!
Okay, I'll write again when I can. Have a great week!
Okay, I'll write again when I can. Have a great week!
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Taylor's first Halloween.
Awwwwwwww! How cute is she??!!
This is niece Taylor as Elvis. Momma Beth wanted to get a baby wig for her with some sideburns to complete the look, but no luck. Rather than stick her baby in a furry animal suit of some kind, Beth went the other way and made her kid something cool for Halloween!! Good move, B. Good move!!
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Have a great weekend!! I know I will!! Going to the Pats/Colts game at Gillette on Sunday night. Peyton and Co. are going down, baby!!
This is niece Taylor as Elvis. Momma Beth wanted to get a baby wig for her with some sideburns to complete the look, but no luck. Rather than stick her baby in a furry animal suit of some kind, Beth went the other way and made her kid something cool for Halloween!! Good move, B. Good move!!
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Have a great weekend!! I know I will!! Going to the Pats/Colts game at Gillette on Sunday night. Peyton and Co. are going down, baby!!
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Why my friend Mike is so funny.
This picture about sums it up, but here are a few other reasons.
1) He grew the beard and mustache out a month before Halloween.
2) He tried his darndest to find a pair of ass-less chaps...and was really ticked off when he wasn't able to come up with any.
3) He refused to break character throughout the night, asking patrons in a high-pitched, stereotype gay tone "Hey guys, what can I get you?"
I just love this kid.
1) He grew the beard and mustache out a month before Halloween.
2) He tried his darndest to find a pair of ass-less chaps...and was really ticked off when he wasn't able to come up with any.
3) He refused to break character throughout the night, asking patrons in a high-pitched, stereotype gay tone "Hey guys, what can I get you?"
I just love this kid.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Halloween at work.
So here I am on Saturday night working at the bar. We had two huge Halloween parties upstairs and about 85 percent of the people dressed up. That's a really good showing, I thought. I was in a room where people were pretty lame and not dressed up, but that didn't stop us!!
...Well, the staff HAD to dress up, but we didn't mind. It's fun to be part of the scene, I think. Anyway, I'm supposed to be a gangster/mob-boss. I wore a black and white pinstripe suit with this red corset and a black hat. This fake tat was painted on me by a face-painter lady we had working that night. It literally took her five minutes to do. I was amazed!! Washed right off too!!
Anyway, I'll have more fun pictures after I go out with some of my co-workers on Halloween night!! Good times!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Didn't do much else this weekend. Met up with Beth and the baby yesterday for brunch then dropped by the Stadium to see Loc and his buddy Chris and take in some football. Loc and I are going out to watch Monday Night Football (Pats/Vikings) tonight, well at least the first half of the game because we're both old and have to get up in the morning!! Should be a good time.
That's all for now. How was your weekend?
...Well, the staff HAD to dress up, but we didn't mind. It's fun to be part of the scene, I think. Anyway, I'm supposed to be a gangster/mob-boss. I wore a black and white pinstripe suit with this red corset and a black hat. This fake tat was painted on me by a face-painter lady we had working that night. It literally took her five minutes to do. I was amazed!! Washed right off too!!
Anyway, I'll have more fun pictures after I go out with some of my co-workers on Halloween night!! Good times!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Didn't do much else this weekend. Met up with Beth and the baby yesterday for brunch then dropped by the Stadium to see Loc and his buddy Chris and take in some football. Loc and I are going out to watch Monday Night Football (Pats/Vikings) tonight, well at least the first half of the game because we're both old and have to get up in the morning!! Should be a good time.
That's all for now. How was your weekend?
Thursday, October 26, 2006
The verdict.
I know you're all chomping at the bit!
Honestly, it was one of the best first dates I've ever been on. No lie. There was lots of conversation with NO lulls. Lots of sharing, lots of laughing, lots of smiling, lots of flirting, lots of honesty, and lots of getting to know each other. Lots of fun and lots of anticipation. Lots of being comfortable.
There was also a little smooching. ; )
All in all, it was a great night and I'm really looking forward to our next date. Unfortunately, I have to work all freakin weekend so we planned on meeting up Monday night for some grub and to watch the Pats on MNF!! Well, at least the first half, because we're both old and have to work in the morning!!
You should be happy for me readers. I really got a good feeling about this one!!
Honestly, it was one of the best first dates I've ever been on. No lie. There was lots of conversation with NO lulls. Lots of sharing, lots of laughing, lots of smiling, lots of flirting, lots of honesty, and lots of getting to know each other. Lots of fun and lots of anticipation. Lots of being comfortable.
There was also a little smooching. ; )
All in all, it was a great night and I'm really looking forward to our next date. Unfortunately, I have to work all freakin weekend so we planned on meeting up Monday night for some grub and to watch the Pats on MNF!! Well, at least the first half, because we're both old and have to work in the morning!!
You should be happy for me readers. I really got a good feeling about this one!!
Monday, October 23, 2006
Here I go again.
Met a new guy and I hope I'm not jinxing myself by saying I've got a good feeling about this one. I met him a week ago yesterday at The Stadium (a bar we go to to watch football. He's one of the guys who recognized me from karaoke at the Junction). We've already been out a couple a times in group environments, but Wednesday is our first "official" date.
Here are some details:
* His name is Loc. Short for Lochlaughn (I think that's how he spells it. It's pronounced Lock-land). His grandma's maiden name was O'Lochlaughn, so his mom dropped the O and made it his name. He calls it cruel. I said it makes him unique.
* He also lives in Southie, just a few streets away, in a place he owns. I'm miles away from owning property. Miles and miles.
* He's older, which I LOVE. He's 33. I'm two months away from 29. Perfect.
* He grew up in Easton, Conn., a town that neighbored the town in which I attended college. It's been fun talking about that area of the country and how bad it sucked!!
* He has cool friends and likes mine too. This is huge in my book. Hate the idea of having to babysit a guy around my friends. No chance of that here.
* He already says really sweet things to me, but not in annoying way.
In short, I'm hoping he's a keeper because to be honest, I'm tired of the grind. I want to be off the market. I'm ready to be off the market. Wish me luck.
Here are some details:
* His name is Loc. Short for Lochlaughn (I think that's how he spells it. It's pronounced Lock-land). His grandma's maiden name was O'Lochlaughn, so his mom dropped the O and made it his name. He calls it cruel. I said it makes him unique.
* He also lives in Southie, just a few streets away, in a place he owns. I'm miles away from owning property. Miles and miles.
* He's older, which I LOVE. He's 33. I'm two months away from 29. Perfect.
* He grew up in Easton, Conn., a town that neighbored the town in which I attended college. It's been fun talking about that area of the country and how bad it sucked!!
* He has cool friends and likes mine too. This is huge in my book. Hate the idea of having to babysit a guy around my friends. No chance of that here.
* He already says really sweet things to me, but not in annoying way.
In short, I'm hoping he's a keeper because to be honest, I'm tired of the grind. I want to be off the market. I'm ready to be off the market. Wish me luck.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Karaoke Night, now my weekly adventure.
So, tonight is karaoke night for me at the Junction. It’s funny because I try not to go EVERY week, but somehow, I always end up there. Last week, after visiting with Taylor, we took her momma Beth out for what we thought would be an evening of baseball. (You see, Beth still has a team in the playoffs: the St. Louis Cardinals. Must be nice, lady, to have your team in the NLCS practically every year!! Now they’re one win away from going to their second World Series in three years!! No, I’m not bitter!! Not at all!!).
…Phew, now that that’s out of my system…
Game 1 of the NLCS (that’s National League Championship Series for my female readers who aren’t Jacks) was rained out last Wednesday. But Jacks and I were too busy gushing over the baby and Beth was too busy getting primped to notice this before we left the house. We grabbed some apps at El Guapo’s before moving on to the Cask n Flagon to watch the game, only to find out there was no game being played. (Stupid rain in New York).
So after some discussion, we decided to head back to Southie for an evening of singing. Well, Lady J’s the only one who does any singing, unfortunately. Still, a good time was had by all. I get to belt out my favorite diddy’s and my friends get drunk and cheer for me as if I were Kelly freakin Clarkson. It’s great.
What’s been really funny lately is that I’m starting to get noticed around town, Southie and beyond. Last Saturday, a girl came up to me while I was working the bar and said I did a “great job singing the other night.” So embarrassing!! Then, while watching football at Stadium with Mare Sunday, a guy came up and asked, “what, there’s no singing at this place?” Too freakin funny!!
So anyway, now I’m famous! I’ve got to start working on being a diva. You know, having my favorite chair at the bar reserved for Lady J and exclusive access to one of the two bathrooms in the place. I’m not going to get all Madonna and request a new toilet seat just for my famous tush. That’s a little extreme.
Long story short, I was planning on skipping this week and catching up on some rest, but my roommie J-ill apparently has a little crew going to the Junction. Obviously, I have to be there!!
God, help me. I just can't stay away!
…Phew, now that that’s out of my system…
Game 1 of the NLCS (that’s National League Championship Series for my female readers who aren’t Jacks) was rained out last Wednesday. But Jacks and I were too busy gushing over the baby and Beth was too busy getting primped to notice this before we left the house. We grabbed some apps at El Guapo’s before moving on to the Cask n Flagon to watch the game, only to find out there was no game being played. (Stupid rain in New York).
So after some discussion, we decided to head back to Southie for an evening of singing. Well, Lady J’s the only one who does any singing, unfortunately. Still, a good time was had by all. I get to belt out my favorite diddy’s and my friends get drunk and cheer for me as if I were Kelly freakin Clarkson. It’s great.
What’s been really funny lately is that I’m starting to get noticed around town, Southie and beyond. Last Saturday, a girl came up to me while I was working the bar and said I did a “great job singing the other night.” So embarrassing!! Then, while watching football at Stadium with Mare Sunday, a guy came up and asked, “what, there’s no singing at this place?” Too freakin funny!!
So anyway, now I’m famous! I’ve got to start working on being a diva. You know, having my favorite chair at the bar reserved for Lady J and exclusive access to one of the two bathrooms in the place. I’m not going to get all Madonna and request a new toilet seat just for my famous tush. That’s a little extreme.
Long story short, I was planning on skipping this week and catching up on some rest, but my roommie J-ill apparently has a little crew going to the Junction. Obviously, I have to be there!!
God, help me. I just can't stay away!
Monday, October 16, 2006
How cute is she? P2
Picture's worth a thousand words here!! This is Taylor at six months old. I visited with her last week and took some shots. She loves this puppy (as you can see by the look on her face)!! She's getting so big!! She's starting to talk a little too and she rolled over all by herself last week!! I'm such a proud auntie!!
After our visit, Jacks and I took her Momma out that night for some fun. Got her good and loaded and then sent her in a cab back home!! It was a great night!!
After our visit, Jacks and I took her Momma out that night for some fun. Got her good and loaded and then sent her in a cab back home!! It was a great night!!
Thursday, October 12, 2006
What the heck is he doing in there?
There's this guy in my office. We call him Lyle, as in Lyle Lovett.(Although, the name had more significance before the MF chopped his hairlast week, but we still like to refer to him as Lyle). His real name isMatt, but Lyle is more fun. Of course, we don't call him this to his face.
Anyway, in my new area of the office is the men's bathroom, a place Lylelikes to frequent. Seriously, he goes in there at least four times a day andthis is only the times that I see him. Who knows how many more times he goeswhen I'm gone. This isn't the basis for this post, however. It's what hedoes when he's in there. The guy makes so much freakin noise it's ridiculous. He coughs, he makesnoises like he's yaking, and right before he exits, he always makes this"I'm hacking up a luggie" noise. It's gross. His actions of course promptlaughs from the people seated outside the restroom, but then we have toforce the grins off our face when he exits.
My question is this: Does he not have any pride? Does he not realize fourpeople are sitting right outside the men's room and can hear everything he'sdoing in there? It's just plain strange. I mean office bathroom etiquette is a subject my girlfriends and I havediscussed many a time. For example, I like to exercise the following:
1) If I have to take a No. 2, I make damn sure no one else is in there. Itypically like to take care of this kind of business downstairs in thebathroom outside the advertising department then I race back upstairs beforeanyone knows it was me!!
2) Don't talk to someone when you're both on the bowl. I just don't getthose people that try to talk when you're in abutting stalls then raisetheir voices so you can hear them over their stream. It's gross.
3) Wipe down the sink area when you're finished washing your hands. Our sinkgets waterlogged for a couple of reasons. First, the geniuses who designedthe bathroom put the soap dispenser on one wall and the paper toweldispenser on the other. Second, because our kitchen is downstairs, peopleoften rinse out their Tupperware lunch containers in the sinks.
4) Always spare a square.
For the most part, women in my building seem to follow this same code ofbathroom ethics. Lyle clearly doesn't on the men's side. Not sure what to doabout it, but in the meantime, it's certainly been entertaining for us.
Anyway, in my new area of the office is the men's bathroom, a place Lylelikes to frequent. Seriously, he goes in there at least four times a day andthis is only the times that I see him. Who knows how many more times he goeswhen I'm gone. This isn't the basis for this post, however. It's what hedoes when he's in there. The guy makes so much freakin noise it's ridiculous. He coughs, he makesnoises like he's yaking, and right before he exits, he always makes this"I'm hacking up a luggie" noise. It's gross. His actions of course promptlaughs from the people seated outside the restroom, but then we have toforce the grins off our face when he exits.
My question is this: Does he not have any pride? Does he not realize fourpeople are sitting right outside the men's room and can hear everything he'sdoing in there? It's just plain strange. I mean office bathroom etiquette is a subject my girlfriends and I havediscussed many a time. For example, I like to exercise the following:
1) If I have to take a No. 2, I make damn sure no one else is in there. Itypically like to take care of this kind of business downstairs in thebathroom outside the advertising department then I race back upstairs beforeanyone knows it was me!!
2) Don't talk to someone when you're both on the bowl. I just don't getthose people that try to talk when you're in abutting stalls then raisetheir voices so you can hear them over their stream. It's gross.
3) Wipe down the sink area when you're finished washing your hands. Our sinkgets waterlogged for a couple of reasons. First, the geniuses who designedthe bathroom put the soap dispenser on one wall and the paper toweldispenser on the other. Second, because our kitchen is downstairs, peopleoften rinse out their Tupperware lunch containers in the sinks.
4) Always spare a square.
For the most part, women in my building seem to follow this same code ofbathroom ethics. Lyle clearly doesn't on the men's side. Not sure what to doabout it, but in the meantime, it's certainly been entertaining for us.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
It's time to play: Will they remember us?
So, it should come to no surprise to anyone who’s ever been to Vegas that you meet a ton of people when you’re out there. Most of the people I try to meet are those who are the locals. Last year, Jacks and I met oodles of people and I made it my mission to remember them when we went back. My plan was to pester them until they remembered—or at least pretended—to remember me/us. At some places it worked!!
In looking back over the experience, I thought it would be fun for me to describe a scene and then question whether you think he/she/they will remember us when we go back next year. Here goes:
Mark – Taxi-hailer at the Hard Rock
We bumped into this guy on Friday night and I actually did recognize him. Already with a couple drinks in me, I exclaimed, “Hey, I remember you from last year!” To which he replied, “Oh yeah? Where you girls from?” And just as Jackie had started to answer “Bos…,” Mark declared, “Boston, right?”
Now, I couldn’t be sure if he actually remembered us and where we were from or if he was able to pick it up by my accent, as in, “I remember you from last yeeeeaaaah.” Anyway, I thought it was cool that he at least obliged us and promptly offered us passes to Body English. We were on our way to Pure, so we politely declined, but I had already hashed a plan to hit him up for Saturday when we got back to the Hard Rock that night.
Sure enough, he was there when we returned and I asked very coyly how difficult it was to get into English on a Saturday night. He asked how many girls there were and I said there’d be eight. Then he said to come and see him when we were ready and he’d see what he could do. Flippin’ sweet.
Fast-forward to the next night. We return to the Hard Rock after dining at the Wynn and there’s Mark. After getting a few drinks at the Center Bar, I run back outside to see what’s doing. He hands me a stack of eight complimentary passes to English and then guides me and the rest of my crew to the front of the line. There, we are met by a promoter who leads us in and we were set!!
(Just for the record, we had tried to give Mark a tip, but he declined to let us. He just kept saying, “Have a great time.”). I’m sure he does this for a number of nice people (i.e. girls), but I think he’s going to remember us and I consider him a guy I know now in Vegas. Sweet!!
Shane and Juan – Bartenders at ESPN Zone
So on Sunday, we decided to go to ESPN Zone in New York, New York to watch the Patriots game. Jacks and I did this last year and had an absolute blast!! We met two very nice bartenders, well…one was a bartender, the other was a barback. Anyway, they were both cool and we were hoping to see both when we returned this year.
To our surprise, the girl bartender who was there a year ago was there again!! We were stoked. We made it obvious we were ecstatic to see her and she definitely remembered us…and our big tip, apparently. She informed us her shift was over, which was a bummer, but she told the two guys replacing her to “take care of us.” Well, that they did.
Shane and Juan were great, and apparently both gay. I know I’m stereotyping here, but I found it a bit odd that two supposedly gay guys were working at a sports bar. Well, Juan was pretty obviously gay in that he told us he was, but Shane had me completely fooled and to be honest, I’m still not convinced!!
Anyway, anytime Shane got us a drink, he didn’t make any adjustments to our tab. Sweet!! We probably got about $50 knocked off our bill because of it. Obviously, we tipped him accordingly!! It is because of this that I think he will remember us. That and the fact that I have a picture of the two of us!!
Seemingly sweet bartender who turned out to be a raging bitch – Bartender at English
So, the group split up on Saturday night. Me, Michaela, Liz, and Andrea stayed at English, while Jacks, Amanda, Tami, and Erin decided to check out Tao. Michaela and I had a tab at the bar and the female bartender was being very good to us…or so I thought. She always seemed to remember what I drank and was very polite when I ordered (it’s been my experience that a lot of attractive, female bartenders who work in Vegas aren’t like this).
Apparently I judged her too quickly because she unleashed the beast when we paid the tab. I told her I’d like to close my tab but NOT to run my card because we wanted to pay cash. Well, she drops the bill in front of me and there’s a charge of $36 on the bill. I flagged her down and asked why she charged the card. She said she had to charge the first round because blah, blah, blah. (We were in a club so I couldn’t totally hear the reason). I then asked her to make sure I received a void slip and she was utterly annoyed at this point. She drops a new slip in front of me and says ‘See? Amount charged to your card: Zero!” I sarcastically responded, “Thank youuuu!”
So, the tab was $92 and we paid with $95. We wanted to physically hand her the $20 tip we were giving her because we wanted her to feel like an ass. Well, she basically ignored us prompting us to ask the guy bartender to fetch her over. She then threw up her hand all “talk-to-the-hand” style and we were fuming. I put the $20 in the guy’s hand and said, “Here, make sure she sees this 22-percent tip and tell her to go F herself!”
I think it’s safe to say she’s already forgot us!!
Guys who served us dinner Friday night – Nero’s
This one’s easy. They won’t remember me, Jacks, or Michaela, they’ll only remember my shirt. I call it my Open Heart Surgery Shirt because it’s slit right down the middle. One by one, different male servers kept coming over to the service window at the bar to check out the shirt, which they made painfully obvious by practically tagging each other in to do so.
Well, this one’s gone long, so I’m going to quit.
In looking back over the experience, I thought it would be fun for me to describe a scene and then question whether you think he/she/they will remember us when we go back next year. Here goes:
Mark – Taxi-hailer at the Hard Rock
We bumped into this guy on Friday night and I actually did recognize him. Already with a couple drinks in me, I exclaimed, “Hey, I remember you from last year!” To which he replied, “Oh yeah? Where you girls from?” And just as Jackie had started to answer “Bos…,” Mark declared, “Boston, right?”
Now, I couldn’t be sure if he actually remembered us and where we were from or if he was able to pick it up by my accent, as in, “I remember you from last yeeeeaaaah.” Anyway, I thought it was cool that he at least obliged us and promptly offered us passes to Body English. We were on our way to Pure, so we politely declined, but I had already hashed a plan to hit him up for Saturday when we got back to the Hard Rock that night.
Sure enough, he was there when we returned and I asked very coyly how difficult it was to get into English on a Saturday night. He asked how many girls there were and I said there’d be eight. Then he said to come and see him when we were ready and he’d see what he could do. Flippin’ sweet.
Fast-forward to the next night. We return to the Hard Rock after dining at the Wynn and there’s Mark. After getting a few drinks at the Center Bar, I run back outside to see what’s doing. He hands me a stack of eight complimentary passes to English and then guides me and the rest of my crew to the front of the line. There, we are met by a promoter who leads us in and we were set!!
(Just for the record, we had tried to give Mark a tip, but he declined to let us. He just kept saying, “Have a great time.”). I’m sure he does this for a number of nice people (i.e. girls), but I think he’s going to remember us and I consider him a guy I know now in Vegas. Sweet!!
Shane and Juan – Bartenders at ESPN Zone
So on Sunday, we decided to go to ESPN Zone in New York, New York to watch the Patriots game. Jacks and I did this last year and had an absolute blast!! We met two very nice bartenders, well…one was a bartender, the other was a barback. Anyway, they were both cool and we were hoping to see both when we returned this year.
To our surprise, the girl bartender who was there a year ago was there again!! We were stoked. We made it obvious we were ecstatic to see her and she definitely remembered us…and our big tip, apparently. She informed us her shift was over, which was a bummer, but she told the two guys replacing her to “take care of us.” Well, that they did.
Shane and Juan were great, and apparently both gay. I know I’m stereotyping here, but I found it a bit odd that two supposedly gay guys were working at a sports bar. Well, Juan was pretty obviously gay in that he told us he was, but Shane had me completely fooled and to be honest, I’m still not convinced!!
Anyway, anytime Shane got us a drink, he didn’t make any adjustments to our tab. Sweet!! We probably got about $50 knocked off our bill because of it. Obviously, we tipped him accordingly!! It is because of this that I think he will remember us. That and the fact that I have a picture of the two of us!!
Seemingly sweet bartender who turned out to be a raging bitch – Bartender at English
So, the group split up on Saturday night. Me, Michaela, Liz, and Andrea stayed at English, while Jacks, Amanda, Tami, and Erin decided to check out Tao. Michaela and I had a tab at the bar and the female bartender was being very good to us…or so I thought. She always seemed to remember what I drank and was very polite when I ordered (it’s been my experience that a lot of attractive, female bartenders who work in Vegas aren’t like this).
Apparently I judged her too quickly because she unleashed the beast when we paid the tab. I told her I’d like to close my tab but NOT to run my card because we wanted to pay cash. Well, she drops the bill in front of me and there’s a charge of $36 on the bill. I flagged her down and asked why she charged the card. She said she had to charge the first round because blah, blah, blah. (We were in a club so I couldn’t totally hear the reason). I then asked her to make sure I received a void slip and she was utterly annoyed at this point. She drops a new slip in front of me and says ‘See? Amount charged to your card: Zero!” I sarcastically responded, “Thank youuuu!”
So, the tab was $92 and we paid with $95. We wanted to physically hand her the $20 tip we were giving her because we wanted her to feel like an ass. Well, she basically ignored us prompting us to ask the guy bartender to fetch her over. She then threw up her hand all “talk-to-the-hand” style and we were fuming. I put the $20 in the guy’s hand and said, “Here, make sure she sees this 22-percent tip and tell her to go F herself!”
I think it’s safe to say she’s already forgot us!!
Guys who served us dinner Friday night – Nero’s
This one’s easy. They won’t remember me, Jacks, or Michaela, they’ll only remember my shirt. I call it my Open Heart Surgery Shirt because it’s slit right down the middle. One by one, different male servers kept coming over to the service window at the bar to check out the shirt, which they made painfully obvious by practically tagging each other in to do so.
Well, this one’s gone long, so I’m going to quit.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Oh no I didn't. Oh yes, I did.
This is what happens when you get ready in a hurry.
Friday night, I got home from working at the bar, quickly changed into a pair of jeans, threw on a pair of boots, and ran out to meet Jacks. About an hour later while sitting on the toiley, I looked down and discovered I had apparently put on one brown and one black boot.
Fortunately, I was the only one who noticed!!!
Friday night, I got home from working at the bar, quickly changed into a pair of jeans, threw on a pair of boots, and ran out to meet Jacks. About an hour later while sitting on the toiley, I looked down and discovered I had apparently put on one brown and one black boot.
Fortunately, I was the only one who noticed!!!
Monday, October 02, 2006
Doing my part to keep Trot in Boston.
Taking a quick break from the Vegas posts in honor of my favorite Red Sox player Trot Nixon.
On Friday night, I was at Fenway to see him play in right field for fear I would never again. You see, Christopher Trotman Nixon is a free agent at the end of the season and it's very likely, he will not be picked up again. He's played his entire professional career in Boston and doesn't wan to play anywhere else. Sure, GM Theo Epstein and Co. could offer him the hometown discount and Trot would take it, but there's a good chance he could get Bronsoned!!
Anyway, I spent my Wednesday night carefully crafting this sign and made it my mission Friday night at the game for him to see it!! Well, in the ninth inning, he finally did. And when the last out was recorded, he gave me a wave in appreciation.
I'll miss you Trot, the original Dirt Dog. Thanks for all your blood, sweat, and tears over the last 13 years. I hope the Baseball Gods find it in them to let you stay, but if not, I wish you nothing but the best for the future.
Keep your fingers crossed!
On Friday night, I was at Fenway to see him play in right field for fear I would never again. You see, Christopher Trotman Nixon is a free agent at the end of the season and it's very likely, he will not be picked up again. He's played his entire professional career in Boston and doesn't wan to play anywhere else. Sure, GM Theo Epstein and Co. could offer him the hometown discount and Trot would take it, but there's a good chance he could get Bronsoned!!
Anyway, I spent my Wednesday night carefully crafting this sign and made it my mission Friday night at the game for him to see it!! Well, in the ninth inning, he finally did. And when the last out was recorded, he gave me a wave in appreciation.
I'll miss you Trot, the original Dirt Dog. Thanks for all your blood, sweat, and tears over the last 13 years. I hope the Baseball Gods find it in them to let you stay, but if not, I wish you nothing but the best for the future.
Keep your fingers crossed!
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
The Vegas Crew - 2006
Before I start rehashing my trip to Vegas, I felt it necessary to introduce you to the crew who went. This way, I won't have to keep explaining who people are every time I start a new story. So you better pay attention because this is your first and last introduction to the girls on the trip!
Now we were without a couple of regulars this year as Katie-Belle and Krissy, my sister, weren't able to come due to lack of funds.
Understandable, because I don't know who's money I thought I was spending, but it was more than I had budgeted!! Oh well, you only live once right.
Anyway, this year, Jacks, my best friend, and I were joined by Amanda and Michaela. For Jacks, this trip was her fourth straight. For me, it was my fifth. Michaela had been to Sin City at least once before, but Amanda was our very own Vegas virgin. Here we are on the first night (Thursday) at the Center Bar. This is a circular shaped bar located in the middle of the Hard Rock Hotel Casino, slightly raised above the casino floor. We spend a lot of time here because it's an early place to see and be seen. From left to right are: Amanda, Jacks, me, and Michaela.
We didn't meet the rest of our crew until Saturday night. My friend Liz and her friend Andrea joined us for dinner at Bartolla in the Wynn Hotel. It was upscale Italian food and the menu was designed as a three-course meal. I felt horrible when I told Liz it was only moderately expensive because pasta dishes ranged from $13-$20. But OOOOOHHHH NOOO, that price was for the appetizer portion. We had to double it for the dinner. I'm not complaining about paying $26 for pasta, but tack on another $13 for a "mixed green salad" that was essentially iceberg in a bag, plus another $18 for two tiny
vodka drinks and I was all set with this place. It was good, but not THAT good.
Anyway, here's Liz and Andrea well on their way to drunksville at the Golden Palms, a karaoke bar well off the strip. Essentially, we were in another universe, although only three minutes from the strip. Michaela came with and we all agreed it was the divey-est place we'd been to in Vegas. But that don't mean it wasn't fun, especially because we were drunk!! Used condoms on the bathroom floor? Who doesn't want to see that?
There were two more girls on the trip--Tami and Erin--whom I hardly knew. They met up with us for about an our on Saturday night. Just wanted to let you know that at one time we were an eight-woman posse!!
So, now that you know the crew, I hope to start getting into some stories and more pictures tomorrow. Stay tuned!
Now we were without a couple of regulars this year as Katie-Belle and Krissy, my sister, weren't able to come due to lack of funds.
Understandable, because I don't know who's money I thought I was spending, but it was more than I had budgeted!! Oh well, you only live once right.
Anyway, this year, Jacks, my best friend, and I were joined by Amanda and Michaela. For Jacks, this trip was her fourth straight. For me, it was my fifth. Michaela had been to Sin City at least once before, but Amanda was our very own Vegas virgin. Here we are on the first night (Thursday) at the Center Bar. This is a circular shaped bar located in the middle of the Hard Rock Hotel Casino, slightly raised above the casino floor. We spend a lot of time here because it's an early place to see and be seen. From left to right are: Amanda, Jacks, me, and Michaela.
We didn't meet the rest of our crew until Saturday night. My friend Liz and her friend Andrea joined us for dinner at Bartolla in the Wynn Hotel. It was upscale Italian food and the menu was designed as a three-course meal. I felt horrible when I told Liz it was only moderately expensive because pasta dishes ranged from $13-$20. But OOOOOHHHH NOOO, that price was for the appetizer portion. We had to double it for the dinner. I'm not complaining about paying $26 for pasta, but tack on another $13 for a "mixed green salad" that was essentially iceberg in a bag, plus another $18 for two tiny
vodka drinks and I was all set with this place. It was good, but not THAT good.
Anyway, here's Liz and Andrea well on their way to drunksville at the Golden Palms, a karaoke bar well off the strip. Essentially, we were in another universe, although only three minutes from the strip. Michaela came with and we all agreed it was the divey-est place we'd been to in Vegas. But that don't mean it wasn't fun, especially because we were drunk!! Used condoms on the bathroom floor? Who doesn't want to see that?
There were two more girls on the trip--Tami and Erin--whom I hardly knew. They met up with us for about an our on Saturday night. Just wanted to let you know that at one time we were an eight-woman posse!!
So, now that you know the crew, I hope to start getting into some stories and more pictures tomorrow. Stay tuned!
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
I'm not dead, just recovering.
Hello all! I'm back from Vegas!! Survived a four-day excursion and had more fun than I could have imagined. Great weather, great clubs, great people. The works!!
As to be expected, I'm swamped at work. Flew in yesterday morning and was in the office at 2 p.m. I'm the only one in my Vegas crew who sucked it up and went to work!! Kudos please!!
Anyway, I'll try to at least start the process of reviewing the weekend tomorrow. Later!!
As to be expected, I'm swamped at work. Flew in yesterday morning and was in the office at 2 p.m. I'm the only one in my Vegas crew who sucked it up and went to work!! Kudos please!!
Anyway, I'll try to at least start the process of reviewing the weekend tomorrow. Later!!
Monday, September 18, 2006
Let's crank the freak switch to 11 and get it on!
The preceeding sentence was used in a hilarious TV commercial about Mohegan Sun, but I thought it was just as appropriate for blog about Vegas, which is where I'll be in just over 48 hours. Yup, me and some girlfriends are taking off for a weekend of fun and partying in Sin City. Can't wait!! Seriously, the next two days could quite possibly be the longest of my life!! The waiting will be worth it, though.
Staying at the Hard Rock, the coolest hotel in Vegas--not to mention the best place to spot a celeb. Over the last five years, I've either met or seen the following celebrities (and I use this term loosely with some of these peeps) at the Hard Rock: Ian Ziering (Steve Sanders), Dave Navarro, Courtney Love, J-Lo and Ben Affleck (when they were dating, of course), and Weeman. Can't wait to see who'll we'll spot next!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So the office renovations are going pretty well. They were slapping some paint on the walls today. Two shades of blue throughout the building and an awkward green and yellow combo in the new kitchen. I'm not trying to be that skeptic homeowner on "Trading Spaces" who mocks Doug's design choices without seeing the finished product, but I got to say I'm not wild about the color scheme. It's almost too un-office like, if that's possible. I guess that's a good thing, though. I'm going to see how it all plays out before I form an opinion.
Might be my last post until after Vegas because I'm going to be pretty busy for the next couple of days. I should be able to squeeze in a farewell of some kind on Wednesday, if you're lucky.
Staying at the Hard Rock, the coolest hotel in Vegas--not to mention the best place to spot a celeb. Over the last five years, I've either met or seen the following celebrities (and I use this term loosely with some of these peeps) at the Hard Rock: Ian Ziering (Steve Sanders), Dave Navarro, Courtney Love, J-Lo and Ben Affleck (when they were dating, of course), and Weeman. Can't wait to see who'll we'll spot next!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So the office renovations are going pretty well. They were slapping some paint on the walls today. Two shades of blue throughout the building and an awkward green and yellow combo in the new kitchen. I'm not trying to be that skeptic homeowner on "Trading Spaces" who mocks Doug's design choices without seeing the finished product, but I got to say I'm not wild about the color scheme. It's almost too un-office like, if that's possible. I guess that's a good thing, though. I'm going to see how it all plays out before I form an opinion.
Might be my last post until after Vegas because I'm going to be pretty busy for the next couple of days. I should be able to squeeze in a farewell of some kind on Wednesday, if you're lucky.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Huh?
I hate being sick. I'm a great big baby when I am, to be quite honest. I was one of those kids who was never sick. I rarely missed a day of school and was one of those dorks who routinely got perfect attendance. (That was until my freshman year in high school when I was one of about 20 kids to receive a "Perfect Attendance Award" in front of the entire school at the awards banquet, prompting boos. As soon as I got home that day, I told my mother I would HAVE to be absent at least one day a year for the remainder of my high school days!!).
Anyway, I was miserable on Monday and Tuesday, but then I took some Claratin and now I feel much better. This miraculous little pill is probably as close at it gets to a cure for the common cold. It's expensive, but I swear by it. Best stuff on earth if you're sick.
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So what is it with me and psycho guys? Long story short, about a month after I broke up with the man I'd been seeing for two years, I made out with a guy. He was a friend of one of my roommates and was hanging out one night. It was a good make-out session, but that's as far as it went. We said our goodbyes and that was it.
Last Friday night, he showed up for a party we had for Jillian (my roommie). This is a good three months after our drunken make-out session and keep in mind, we haven't spoken since. I politely said hello when he arrived, but didn't really pay much attention to him the rest of the night. Not interested. At all. But he, apparently, is so the whole night, he's trying to get my attention and trying to get me to hang out with him, which I didn't do.
Later, when I'm doing some cleanup in the kitchen, he asks if he can take me out to dinner and a movie, mind you, we haven't spoken at all that night and I gave him no indication that I was interested. I paused and asked him, "Can I just say no? Is that okay?" He was all, "Why? You're so different than before. Are we going to talk about this?"
Excuse me? TALK ABOUT WHAT?? I just went off and said something along the lines of, "Look, three months ago, we were drunk and made out. I'm not sure what it meant to you, but to me, that's all it was: A drunken make-out. I haven't talked to you since, so I'm not sure what you think we have to talk about. We don't have a relationship and I'm not interested in one. You dig?"
What a freak!! I mean, aren't we supposed to be the drama queens? I seriously might swear off guys for a while. That is, until a week from now when I'm in Vegas, the drunken make-out capital of the world.
Seven days and counting!!
Anyway, I was miserable on Monday and Tuesday, but then I took some Claratin and now I feel much better. This miraculous little pill is probably as close at it gets to a cure for the common cold. It's expensive, but I swear by it. Best stuff on earth if you're sick.
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So what is it with me and psycho guys? Long story short, about a month after I broke up with the man I'd been seeing for two years, I made out with a guy. He was a friend of one of my roommates and was hanging out one night. It was a good make-out session, but that's as far as it went. We said our goodbyes and that was it.
Last Friday night, he showed up for a party we had for Jillian (my roommie). This is a good three months after our drunken make-out session and keep in mind, we haven't spoken since. I politely said hello when he arrived, but didn't really pay much attention to him the rest of the night. Not interested. At all. But he, apparently, is so the whole night, he's trying to get my attention and trying to get me to hang out with him, which I didn't do.
Later, when I'm doing some cleanup in the kitchen, he asks if he can take me out to dinner and a movie, mind you, we haven't spoken at all that night and I gave him no indication that I was interested. I paused and asked him, "Can I just say no? Is that okay?" He was all, "Why? You're so different than before. Are we going to talk about this?"
Excuse me? TALK ABOUT WHAT?? I just went off and said something along the lines of, "Look, three months ago, we were drunk and made out. I'm not sure what it meant to you, but to me, that's all it was: A drunken make-out. I haven't talked to you since, so I'm not sure what you think we have to talk about. We don't have a relationship and I'm not interested in one. You dig?"
What a freak!! I mean, aren't we supposed to be the drama queens? I seriously might swear off guys for a while. That is, until a week from now when I'm in Vegas, the drunken make-out capital of the world.
Seven days and counting!!
Monday, September 11, 2006
The day no one wants to remember, but will never forget.
There's construction going on in our building right now, all in preparation for the influx of new staff heading this way in about two weeks. It's so unbelievably loud and I really don't know how I'm working right now. All I've been able to do is edit some stories and write a few myself. Making a phone call, however, is out of the question. I can't even hear myself think let alone hear someone on the phone. So vexing!! Couldn't they have done this over the weekend, when our office wasn't full of reporters trying to work? Oh no. It has to be Monday morning, when I'm hungover from the Patriots season-opening game, and cranky, and sunburned, and hungry, and
tired. Waaaah!!
So in an attempt to rid my ears of the noise of construction, I've been listening to Howard Stern's rebroadcast of his radio show from Sept. 11, 2001. Since he's on Sirius, I'm able to listen online with my headphones. It was tough to listen to, but I think he did the right thing by rebroadcasting it. I was at work when planes hit the World Trade Center towers five years ago today. I had listened to Howard earlier in the morning on the drive down to work. He was talking about how he kissed Pam Anderson and was getting razzed by the guys about how he didn't "close the deal." I wanted to hear the rest of the story and remember being ticked that I was going to miss it to go to work.
Then, we were attacked.
We watched the coverage on TV in the newsroom, looking on in horror as the unthinkable happened. Of course scared, confused and angry, I'll admit it was a little easier to take because I was so far away from it. That was not the case this morning listening to Howard. Hearing him and his staff and people who called in all experiencing it right then and there was unbelievable. They were so confused and so unaware of what was going on. Hearing that now, knowing what we do, was insane. Listening to them try to take it all in and try to figure out what was happening then, knowing what was coming next was surreal. They revealed to me what it was like to be in New York City on that horrible day and it was so gripping. It was a very moving morning to say the least.
How are you dealing with today?
tired. Waaaah!!
So in an attempt to rid my ears of the noise of construction, I've been listening to Howard Stern's rebroadcast of his radio show from Sept. 11, 2001. Since he's on Sirius, I'm able to listen online with my headphones. It was tough to listen to, but I think he did the right thing by rebroadcasting it. I was at work when planes hit the World Trade Center towers five years ago today. I had listened to Howard earlier in the morning on the drive down to work. He was talking about how he kissed Pam Anderson and was getting razzed by the guys about how he didn't "close the deal." I wanted to hear the rest of the story and remember being ticked that I was going to miss it to go to work.
Then, we were attacked.
We watched the coverage on TV in the newsroom, looking on in horror as the unthinkable happened. Of course scared, confused and angry, I'll admit it was a little easier to take because I was so far away from it. That was not the case this morning listening to Howard. Hearing him and his staff and people who called in all experiencing it right then and there was unbelievable. They were so confused and so unaware of what was going on. Hearing that now, knowing what we do, was insane. Listening to them try to take it all in and try to figure out what was happening then, knowing what was coming next was surreal. They revealed to me what it was like to be in New York City on that horrible day and it was so gripping. It was a very moving morning to say the least.
How are you dealing with today?
Thursday, September 07, 2006
A Thursday one-liner.
Straight from the website “Overheard in New York”, I offer you the following:
Chick on a cell phone: “Yeah, he wouldn’t watch my kid last night because he was hanging out with Wilmer Valdarrama.”
Boy, if I had a nickel for every time I heard that one!!
Chick on a cell phone: “Yeah, he wouldn’t watch my kid last night because he was hanging out with Wilmer Valdarrama.”
Boy, if I had a nickel for every time I heard that one!!
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Have I mentioned I HATE Monday holidays?
Well, I do. With a passion. That’s why you haven’t heard from me in days!! Hopefully, I’ll be able to get more in depth tomorrow, but it’s not likely. Going to the Sox game with my Dad, so I’m going to have to rush out of work to make it. Perhaps I’ll talk to you in the next millennium, when I’ve finally sifted out of the rubble from under my desk.
Hope your week’s going better than mine!!
Hope your week’s going better than mine!!
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Wave of sickness.
Irregular heart beats? Possible cancer? Are we in a hospital or Fenway Park?
Good news: Papi checked out okay. He spent two days getting his heart tested for irregular beats at Mass General and was released last night. Phew! If there's anything good that can come out of this season, it's his race for the Red Sox single season homerun record. Foxx's record is 50. Papi currently has 47. He is expected to be back on the field next week.
Bad news: Our promising 22-year-old starter, Jon Lester, has enlarged lymph nodes. He started complaining about having a sore back and hasn't pitched in weeks. The news broke yesterday that he could have more than just a bad back. He could have cancer!! So sad!! Of course, this is the worst case scenario, but it's still pretty scary to even think of it as a possibility.
I've never been one to give up, but I think the Sox should just scrap the rest of the season and give their players a headstart on recovering. I mean, let's run down the list of the injured: Tim Wakefield, Matt Clement, Lester, Lenny Dinardo, Jason Varitek, Doug Mirabelli, Ortiz, Alex Gonzalez, Manny Ramirez, Coco Crisp, Trot Nixon, and Wily Mo Pena. Four are pitchers, two are catchers, four are outfielders, one is our shortstop and the other is our MVP.
Going to the game tonight and I have no idea who's going to be on the field. Guess I'm going to have to learn my friend Katie Belle's art of being at the game without actually watching the game.
Good news: Papi checked out okay. He spent two days getting his heart tested for irregular beats at Mass General and was released last night. Phew! If there's anything good that can come out of this season, it's his race for the Red Sox single season homerun record. Foxx's record is 50. Papi currently has 47. He is expected to be back on the field next week.
Bad news: Our promising 22-year-old starter, Jon Lester, has enlarged lymph nodes. He started complaining about having a sore back and hasn't pitched in weeks. The news broke yesterday that he could have more than just a bad back. He could have cancer!! So sad!! Of course, this is the worst case scenario, but it's still pretty scary to even think of it as a possibility.
I've never been one to give up, but I think the Sox should just scrap the rest of the season and give their players a headstart on recovering. I mean, let's run down the list of the injured: Tim Wakefield, Matt Clement, Lester, Lenny Dinardo, Jason Varitek, Doug Mirabelli, Ortiz, Alex Gonzalez, Manny Ramirez, Coco Crisp, Trot Nixon, and Wily Mo Pena. Four are pitchers, two are catchers, four are outfielders, one is our shortstop and the other is our MVP.
Going to the game tonight and I have no idea who's going to be on the field. Guess I'm going to have to learn my friend Katie Belle's art of being at the game without actually watching the game.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Hands down, worst summer ever!...
...Weather-wise that is. I mean honestly!! Was I really forced to wear socks to bed last night because I was that cold? For the last three days now it's been nothing but rainy and cold. Temps are in the mid-70s, but it feels a lot cooler. What gives?
First, we have essentially no spring with five-weeks of rain in May-June. Then we have a month-long, scorching heatwave through July. Two weeks of glorious weather followed at the beginning of August. Now, we have this.
Summer's almost over, yet it already feels like Fall around here. Don't get me wrong. Fall is actually my favorite season in Boston. Leaves changing, crisp air, sweaters and jeans, football. It's great. But it's still August, at least for one more day, and quite frankly, I'd like it to feel that way. Is that too much to ask? (Insert smart-ass comments from West Coast readers here).
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Gearing up for poker night tonight at our Southie pad. Should be a blast. Roommie and me played last week at her friend's place and I won a whopping $20!! I'm hoping for a better showing with the homefield advantage and all.
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22 days and counting until my Vegas trip!! Woohoo!!
First, we have essentially no spring with five-weeks of rain in May-June. Then we have a month-long, scorching heatwave through July. Two weeks of glorious weather followed at the beginning of August. Now, we have this.
Summer's almost over, yet it already feels like Fall around here. Don't get me wrong. Fall is actually my favorite season in Boston. Leaves changing, crisp air, sweaters and jeans, football. It's great. But it's still August, at least for one more day, and quite frankly, I'd like it to feel that way. Is that too much to ask? (Insert smart-ass comments from West Coast readers here).
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Gearing up for poker night tonight at our Southie pad. Should be a blast. Roommie and me played last week at her friend's place and I won a whopping $20!! I'm hoping for a better showing with the homefield advantage and all.
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22 days and counting until my Vegas trip!! Woohoo!!
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
The saga continues.
So, after nine days of no dialog with Dennis, I receive yet another text. This after I rejected his two text requests to see me last week.
Here's his latest text: "Thinking about going to the Sox game on Thursday. Any plans?"
I responded via text: "Already going with the girls. Too bad the Sox suck." He wrote back: "Yeah, they do suck. Maybe I could meet you for drinks. kit." (short for keep in touch, of course).
Ahhhh, how bout no, Scott!! (or Dennis). I didn't respond.
Is it just me or is this kid a little nuts? Whatever his mental state, I think it's very clear he has no idea what he's doing with regards to women and relationships. I don't want to bash the kid, but I don't want to coddle him either. If I just ignore him, that's going to create an uncomfortable environment inside the Cask 'n Flagon. I guess that's why I've responded to the texts, but they've been as brief and un-flirty as possible.
It's just bizarre to me that after nine days of not talking to each other, he continues to text to ask me out. Not that I'm interested anymore, but seriously, why hasn't he picked up the phone to call me and ask me out. If he really is interested in seeing me, shouldn't he be interested in catching up?
Long story short, I think the kid likes the idea of dating someone, but doesn't quite know how to do it. He likes me perhaps because I'm so chill, but what he needs to realize is that the reason I'm so chill is because I have NO INTEREST IN SEEING HIM SOCIALLY ANYMORE.
If he does show up at the Cask on Thursday, because I really am going to the game, I'm not quite sure how to handle it. I'm a little too much of an adult to ignore him, but I don't want to lie. I feel like hearing what turns me off about him might help him in the long run. I'm pretty sure he might start to cry, though. God, guys suck!!
Here's his latest text: "Thinking about going to the Sox game on Thursday. Any plans?"
I responded via text: "Already going with the girls. Too bad the Sox suck." He wrote back: "Yeah, they do suck. Maybe I could meet you for drinks. kit." (short for keep in touch, of course).
Ahhhh, how bout no, Scott!! (or Dennis). I didn't respond.
Is it just me or is this kid a little nuts? Whatever his mental state, I think it's very clear he has no idea what he's doing with regards to women and relationships. I don't want to bash the kid, but I don't want to coddle him either. If I just ignore him, that's going to create an uncomfortable environment inside the Cask 'n Flagon. I guess that's why I've responded to the texts, but they've been as brief and un-flirty as possible.
It's just bizarre to me that after nine days of not talking to each other, he continues to text to ask me out. Not that I'm interested anymore, but seriously, why hasn't he picked up the phone to call me and ask me out. If he really is interested in seeing me, shouldn't he be interested in catching up?
Long story short, I think the kid likes the idea of dating someone, but doesn't quite know how to do it. He likes me perhaps because I'm so chill, but what he needs to realize is that the reason I'm so chill is because I have NO INTEREST IN SEEING HIM SOCIALLY ANYMORE.
If he does show up at the Cask on Thursday, because I really am going to the game, I'm not quite sure how to handle it. I'm a little too much of an adult to ignore him, but I don't want to lie. I feel like hearing what turns me off about him might help him in the long run. I'm pretty sure he might start to cry, though. God, guys suck!!
Monday, August 28, 2006
Shame spiral
I'm officially done. Seriously. No, seriously!! Hate that I have three games left to go to, including this Thursday.
How does a team just buckle like this? Sure, there's nothing really left to play for, but the team shouldn't be thinking that too!! First, Manny doesn't slide into third base on Saturday night and gets called out, ending a rally, and then he shows up on Sunday afternoon and tells Tito he doesn't want to play that day because his hammy is sore.
Sure, it's "Manny being Manny" at it's best, but this is where I draw the line. The guy's punking out. He doesn't want to play because he doesn't see the point. There's a little more than a month left to go in the season, but he's done now.
Thanks, Manny. These actions are exactly what I would expect from a World Series MVP. Thanks.
How does a team just buckle like this? Sure, there's nothing really left to play for, but the team shouldn't be thinking that too!! First, Manny doesn't slide into third base on Saturday night and gets called out, ending a rally, and then he shows up on Sunday afternoon and tells Tito he doesn't want to play that day because his hammy is sore.
Sure, it's "Manny being Manny" at it's best, but this is where I draw the line. The guy's punking out. He doesn't want to play because he doesn't see the point. There's a little more than a month left to go in the season, but he's done now.
Thanks, Manny. These actions are exactly what I would expect from a World Series MVP. Thanks.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Another one bites the dust.
So, I think this thing with Dennis is over before it really even began. What gave it away? The fact that I haven't blogged at all about the dates we've had?
Long story short, the guy has issues, which we all do. But this isn't something I should be discovering on the first or second date. This is supposed to be the fun time. When we laugh, joke, flirt, and of course, make out profusely (sorry Mom). Well, it's pretty hard to get all worked up to kiss someone when they're constantly talking about how much they hate their life and how they don't know what they want to do and wah, wah, wah, wah. It's come up on both our dates and then again when I saw him on Sunday before the Sox/Yankees game. He just seems really emotionally unstable and has exhibited some symptoms of perhaps being bi-polar. One minute, he's cute, sweet, and totally in to me. The next, he's drowning his sorrows over a beer and hardly paying any attention to me. It's just too much drama too soon and I'm over it.
Some other reasons?
- He texts me to ask me out. Never calls.
- He asked me to go to the Sox game, but didn't have tickets. Something I learned the day before our first date. I end up going online all day to try to find some and ultimately call my ticket guy.
- Everytime I've tried to talk about something serious, he starts to dish and then says "I don't really want to talk about it."
- He admits to me that he's been "spoken to" at one of the bars he works at for drinking on the job and that he's "on the list" of people to watch at his other bar gig.
- One of his co-workers tells me after our first date that he has "issues with women."
Are you getting the picture now? Am I overreacting? Would you continue to see this guy? Cuz I wouldn't. No matter how cute he is. Just not worth it.
Long story short, the guy has issues, which we all do. But this isn't something I should be discovering on the first or second date. This is supposed to be the fun time. When we laugh, joke, flirt, and of course, make out profusely (sorry Mom). Well, it's pretty hard to get all worked up to kiss someone when they're constantly talking about how much they hate their life and how they don't know what they want to do and wah, wah, wah, wah. It's come up on both our dates and then again when I saw him on Sunday before the Sox/Yankees game. He just seems really emotionally unstable and has exhibited some symptoms of perhaps being bi-polar. One minute, he's cute, sweet, and totally in to me. The next, he's drowning his sorrows over a beer and hardly paying any attention to me. It's just too much drama too soon and I'm over it.
Some other reasons?
- He texts me to ask me out. Never calls.
- He asked me to go to the Sox game, but didn't have tickets. Something I learned the day before our first date. I end up going online all day to try to find some and ultimately call my ticket guy.
- Everytime I've tried to talk about something serious, he starts to dish and then says "I don't really want to talk about it."
- He admits to me that he's been "spoken to" at one of the bars he works at for drinking on the job and that he's "on the list" of people to watch at his other bar gig.
- One of his co-workers tells me after our first date that he has "issues with women."
Are you getting the picture now? Am I overreacting? Would you continue to see this guy? Cuz I wouldn't. No matter how cute he is. Just not worth it.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Phew!
Good news. I still have a job!!
Today, everyone is being called in for individual “informational meetings” with our managing editor and our editor-in-chief. Basically, you find out today whether you still have a job. I do.
Apparently, they’ve hired someone from one of the other companies to be the “Sr. Sports Editor” and I will be his right-hand man…or woman. I was happy to hear this, but also a little disappointed that I wasn’t considered for the Sr. position. Then again, I’m not really management material. I like to be among the people…except when it comes to beer at Fenway. I liked being a VIP. (Yeah, still harping about that).
Anyway, they tell me that this Sr. Editor and I will basically be working together to layout the new sports department. So, I guess technically, I’m a manager to some extent. I told them I’d like to have input with regards to the towns I cover and they said I would. They really didn’t have all the details mapped out yet, but I guess that’s what I’ll be figuring out with this Sr. guy within the next month. Flippin sweet!!
Today, everyone is being called in for individual “informational meetings” with our managing editor and our editor-in-chief. Basically, you find out today whether you still have a job. I do.
Apparently, they’ve hired someone from one of the other companies to be the “Sr. Sports Editor” and I will be his right-hand man…or woman. I was happy to hear this, but also a little disappointed that I wasn’t considered for the Sr. position. Then again, I’m not really management material. I like to be among the people…except when it comes to beer at Fenway. I liked being a VIP. (Yeah, still harping about that).
Anyway, they tell me that this Sr. Editor and I will basically be working together to layout the new sports department. So, I guess technically, I’m a manager to some extent. I told them I’d like to have input with regards to the towns I cover and they said I would. They really didn’t have all the details mapped out yet, but I guess that’s what I’ll be figuring out with this Sr. guy within the next month. Flippin sweet!!
Monday, August 21, 2006
Nuf said.
Went to Game 3 of Sox vs. Yankees last night and I've had just about all I can take. We're going down a shame spiral. I still have three games left to go to and to be quite honest, I don't even want to. We're not giving up on them, they've given up on us.
Bring on the Pats, baby!! September 10th couldn't come soon enough.
Bring on the Pats, baby!! September 10th couldn't come soon enough.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
To have and have not.
Last Tuesday night, I lost something very special to me. Something I've held near and dear to my heart for several months. One of the most unique things I've ever encountered, really, and it's gone, quite possibly forever. It's almost too difficult to talk about but I'm going to try to look through my welled-up eyes and get through it for you, oh loyal readers. Last Tuesday night, I lost...oh this is too hard. Last Tuesday night, I lost my...I'm trying, people. I'm trying. Okay, here goes. Last Tuesday night, I lost my beer hook-up at Fenway Park!!WWWWWAHAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!! (I'm really crying right now. People just poked their heads out of their cubes to get a good look!!).
Okay, here's a little back-story. My Mom went to the Sox game on Friday night and mentioned that she hadn't seen Phil (aka, my Miller Lite Guy) at his station. Puzzled, she said she asked the blonde who works next to him where Phil was. "He took the night off," she replied. Being a bartender myself, I found this rather bizarre. I mean, the guy only has a job when the Sox are in town and to take a Friday night off seemed strange. "Eh, he must have had something really important to do," I said to my Mom when she told me the story on our way into the game last night.
Well, come to find out when we go up to Phil last night to get beers and give him crap for taking the night off, that he didn't actually take the night off. He was forced to after being suspended!!! "Suspended??!!," I exclaimed. "For what??!!" "For doing what I do," he replied sadly, meaning hooking people up with beer!! Apparently, I wasn't the only one. (Not that I thought I was, but still).
It was all I could do not to start balling right then and there. I mean, God damn it! I still have four more games to go to this season, including Sunday night against the Yankees, a game I know I'm going to need to slug a few back more than ever. I want to know who the dumb-ass was that ruined it for the rest of us!! I'm just glad it wasn't me. I could tell last night that Phil was really torn up about it. I guess the blonde got in trouble too, but Phil got it worse because "he's the guy," she said. He said next season, he'd have to figure something out. I hope so, Phil. I hope so. Until then, I'll cherish the 16-game VIP beer status I had this season and try my best to adapt to life among the little people again.
RIP beer hook-up. Go with God.
(For the record, I've been trying to post this since Wednesday and Blogger has been very disagreeable!!!! Still have date news to come and weekend recap).
Okay, here's a little back-story. My Mom went to the Sox game on Friday night and mentioned that she hadn't seen Phil (aka, my Miller Lite Guy) at his station. Puzzled, she said she asked the blonde who works next to him where Phil was. "He took the night off," she replied. Being a bartender myself, I found this rather bizarre. I mean, the guy only has a job when the Sox are in town and to take a Friday night off seemed strange. "Eh, he must have had something really important to do," I said to my Mom when she told me the story on our way into the game last night.
Well, come to find out when we go up to Phil last night to get beers and give him crap for taking the night off, that he didn't actually take the night off. He was forced to after being suspended!!! "Suspended??!!," I exclaimed. "For what??!!" "For doing what I do," he replied sadly, meaning hooking people up with beer!! Apparently, I wasn't the only one. (Not that I thought I was, but still).
It was all I could do not to start balling right then and there. I mean, God damn it! I still have four more games to go to this season, including Sunday night against the Yankees, a game I know I'm going to need to slug a few back more than ever. I want to know who the dumb-ass was that ruined it for the rest of us!! I'm just glad it wasn't me. I could tell last night that Phil was really torn up about it. I guess the blonde got in trouble too, but Phil got it worse because "he's the guy," she said. He said next season, he'd have to figure something out. I hope so, Phil. I hope so. Until then, I'll cherish the 16-game VIP beer status I had this season and try my best to adapt to life among the little people again.
RIP beer hook-up. Go with God.
(For the record, I've been trying to post this since Wednesday and Blogger has been very disagreeable!!!! Still have date news to come and weekend recap).
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Baby Taylor. How cute is she?
So, this is the little one I like to call my niece. World, Taylor Madison Teixeira. Taylor, World. There, you're introduced. I've done my part.
Anyway, she's just the cutest little thing and I wanted to share her with you all. Of course, she's all smiles sporting a Red Sox one-zie!! Although, her mom would just assume it be a Cardinals one. (Momma's from St. Louis, you see). But her Poppa (born and raised in the Ville in the Hill --Somerville, Mass.) and me like to see her in Sox gear.
Just keep listening to Auntie J, Taylor. Keep loving the Sox and eventually, even if it's 86-years later, they'll love you back!!
Anyway, she's just the cutest little thing and I wanted to share her with you all. Of course, she's all smiles sporting a Red Sox one-zie!! Although, her mom would just assume it be a Cardinals one. (Momma's from St. Louis, you see). But her Poppa (born and raised in the Ville in the Hill --Somerville, Mass.) and me like to see her in Sox gear.
Just keep listening to Auntie J, Taylor. Keep loving the Sox and eventually, even if it's 86-years later, they'll love you back!!
Monday, August 14, 2006
Victory!
Lady J's gotta date!! Holla!! Yes, finally, my crush Dennis asked me out. Went up to visit him at his bar with Jackie before meeting Kev and his friends Friday and on the way out, Dennis asked me to go to a Sox game with him Wednesday. Woohoo!! Perfect first date, in my eyes.
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We had a great time with Kev on Friday. After leaving the Kinsale, Jacks and I hopped on the train and met him and his buddies at the Cask for the Sox game. Many drinks were drunk, much food was eaten, Sox won. Perfect. We ended up back at the Bell (place where I work) and by midnight, Jacks and I were ready to bail. God, I hate being old!! We couldn't hang with the kids and we said our goodbyes. I was in bed by 1. But lets keep in mind, we started at 5 p.m., when I got off the bar. That's a long A** day of drinking!!
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Didn't do much before work Saturday. Needed some down time. Was happy to see my friends Chuck, Troy, and Chris come in that night to visit me at the Bell. The night goes by so much faster when you have visitors!! Got them good and drunk on Gin and Tonics. It was a good night.
Ended up going over to Meri's for a couple of beers after work and rolled into bed around 6 a.m. Was woken up by Danielle around 11. She was in a panic looking for her phone. A phone she had on the kitchen table with me, Meri, and our friend BJ all night!! In the morning, it had disappeared!! So there we all were going through bed sheets, looking under every piece of furniture, leafing through the trash. Yuck!! We called the phone 100 times and couldn't hear anything.
After a good 40 minutes, Danielle proclaimed fairly uneventfully that she had found her phone. It was in an ice bucket next to the kitchen table. How it got there is anyone's guess. I'm just glad we found it.
A few hours later, I went up to Danielle's place to enjoy a lovely Sunday afternoon by the pool. Her friends Shelly and Joe met up and we had an impromptu cook-out. Good times.
That's all for my weekend. How was yours?
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We had a great time with Kev on Friday. After leaving the Kinsale, Jacks and I hopped on the train and met him and his buddies at the Cask for the Sox game. Many drinks were drunk, much food was eaten, Sox won. Perfect. We ended up back at the Bell (place where I work) and by midnight, Jacks and I were ready to bail. God, I hate being old!! We couldn't hang with the kids and we said our goodbyes. I was in bed by 1. But lets keep in mind, we started at 5 p.m., when I got off the bar. That's a long A** day of drinking!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Didn't do much before work Saturday. Needed some down time. Was happy to see my friends Chuck, Troy, and Chris come in that night to visit me at the Bell. The night goes by so much faster when you have visitors!! Got them good and drunk on Gin and Tonics. It was a good night.
Ended up going over to Meri's for a couple of beers after work and rolled into bed around 6 a.m. Was woken up by Danielle around 11. She was in a panic looking for her phone. A phone she had on the kitchen table with me, Meri, and our friend BJ all night!! In the morning, it had disappeared!! So there we all were going through bed sheets, looking under every piece of furniture, leafing through the trash. Yuck!! We called the phone 100 times and couldn't hear anything.
After a good 40 minutes, Danielle proclaimed fairly uneventfully that she had found her phone. It was in an ice bucket next to the kitchen table. How it got there is anyone's guess. I'm just glad we found it.
A few hours later, I went up to Danielle's place to enjoy a lovely Sunday afternoon by the pool. Her friends Shelly and Joe met up and we had an impromptu cook-out. Good times.
That's all for my weekend. How was yours?
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Serenity now!
Painting sux. It's that simple. But the end result is worth all the hard work.
In what was the most recent project in my apartment, my roommate Jill and I decided to slap some paint on our living room walls. We both got out of work early yesterday and banged out the room in about two hours. Every muscle in my body hurts and I have a pair of blisters developing on my hands, but as we sat on the couch admiring our work, it all became worth it.
It's amazing how much a difference a little paint makes. The room is a completely different room and all it took was a couple of hours of grueling work. I'm thrilled we did it and I love the room!!
Oh, it's a nice, deep green color, in case you were wondering. Works very well with our tan-colored furniture.
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Argh! My boss from the bar just called and left a voicemail on my cell. I know what this means. She wants me to work tonight. Yeah, it's just common practice for her to just blaze up people's cells at 12:30 on a Thursday to ask them to work that night at 6. Because I don't have any plans tonight and I have nothing better to do than be her beckon call...bartender.
She's actually said in staff meetings that we should be able to "break plans" for each other. Meaning, if someone needs a shift covered and we say no because we have plans, she thinks we should have no problem breaking those plans because someone needs us. Spoken like a true spoiled brat millionare!! That's what she is. Born into money, still making money, and therefore, thinks she's entitled to anything at anytime. Well not tonight sweetie!! I've got plans that are unbreakable. My friend Fusco's bartending at a place around the corner tonight and he wants to get me and my roommies wasted, and by God, I'm going to let him!! Heck, we're walking home. Why not? Of course, I won't tell her this when I call back. It'll be something along the lines of, "oh, sorry Deb. Some of my friends from college are up for a few days. No can do." She'll buy it!!
In what was the most recent project in my apartment, my roommate Jill and I decided to slap some paint on our living room walls. We both got out of work early yesterday and banged out the room in about two hours. Every muscle in my body hurts and I have a pair of blisters developing on my hands, but as we sat on the couch admiring our work, it all became worth it.
It's amazing how much a difference a little paint makes. The room is a completely different room and all it took was a couple of hours of grueling work. I'm thrilled we did it and I love the room!!
Oh, it's a nice, deep green color, in case you were wondering. Works very well with our tan-colored furniture.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Argh! My boss from the bar just called and left a voicemail on my cell. I know what this means. She wants me to work tonight. Yeah, it's just common practice for her to just blaze up people's cells at 12:30 on a Thursday to ask them to work that night at 6. Because I don't have any plans tonight and I have nothing better to do than be her beckon call...bartender.
She's actually said in staff meetings that we should be able to "break plans" for each other. Meaning, if someone needs a shift covered and we say no because we have plans, she thinks we should have no problem breaking those plans because someone needs us. Spoken like a true spoiled brat millionare!! That's what she is. Born into money, still making money, and therefore, thinks she's entitled to anything at anytime. Well not tonight sweetie!! I've got plans that are unbreakable. My friend Fusco's bartending at a place around the corner tonight and he wants to get me and my roommies wasted, and by God, I'm going to let him!! Heck, we're walking home. Why not? Of course, I won't tell her this when I call back. It'll be something along the lines of, "oh, sorry Deb. Some of my friends from college are up for a few days. No can do." She'll buy it!!
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Can I get some sleep? Can Charles get a contract? Can Krissy not die taking a surf lesson?
Something I hate? When I purposely try to be good and not drink and go to bed early and it totally backfires!! Case in point: Last night, I got home from work, made myself dinner, made a black bean salad to share at work the next day, and played a little solitare on the computer. This was all in an attempt to resist the urge to go to bed before 10. But why was I resisting? I was tired, the roommies weren't home, I was bored, and the Sox were losing. Why not go to bed early? I guess I was trying to wait it out to catch the new episode of the Real World, but it's not like they won't rerun that shit every hour on the hour this weekend, so why not hit the sack. So, I reluctantly did at 9:46 p.m.
Because it was a nice evening, I had one of my two windows open and utilized the "fan only" option on my AC. I was comfortable and was out like a light. Fast-forward to 2:12 a.m. and I hear what sounds like a party going on in my place. OH NO, that would be the apartment next to me with a trillion people out on their balcony. In the middle of the week. At 2 a.m. On a school night. What's up with that?? Still in a sleepy haze, I angrily got up, slammed my window shut, and turned on my AC. Of course, it took a while to get back to sleep and when the alarm went off at 6:50 a.m., I, of course, felt extremely groggy!! Damn neighbors. I think in the two-plus years I've lived in Southie, this was the third time the neighbors have had a party. The previous two times? Oh yeah, one on a weekend, the other a Sunday holiday. GRRR!!
Now, I know I'll get no sympathy from my sister Krissy, who lives on the corner of two main streets in San Francisco and has to use a fan year-round to combat the noise. But to be honest, I'm not looking for sympathy, just to gripe!! Waaaah, I got woken up in the middle of the night!! WAAAAAAHHH!!
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In other BTD news, the Randolph BOS finally stopped ignoring Charles and took some action Monday night. This with a room full of firefighters and about 12 fire chiefs from across the South Shore, of course. In short, we had to wait the WHOLE meeting for something to come up, but finally, Billy Alexopolous (Charlie's friend and a selectman) brought up how he feels like the board is giving him no direction with regards to the fire chief's contract. He was wondering if the board had responded to a letter from Charles' attorney sent after the last meeting two weeks ago because if they had, he didn't know what that response was. Soon after, the chair (former chief) and another selectman claimed not to know what letter they were referring to and diverted the question to the Executive Secretary...who in turn said he forwarded the letter to the board. OH THAT LETTER, right. This prompted one selectman to make a motion to extend Charles' contract to Sept. 25 by which time a negotiation committee with two of the board members would be formed and a new contract would be in place. Phew!! When all five members approved the motion, we cheered and the meeting was promptly adjourned. Victory!!
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In other, other BTD news, my sister has informed me she's taking a surfing lesson on Saturday. This is not a good idea because a) she's not the best swimmer. b) she used to be called "clutsy Krissy". c) she'll be in shark-infested waters. d) all of the above. I'm going with D!! Hope she has fun, though!!
Because it was a nice evening, I had one of my two windows open and utilized the "fan only" option on my AC. I was comfortable and was out like a light. Fast-forward to 2:12 a.m. and I hear what sounds like a party going on in my place. OH NO, that would be the apartment next to me with a trillion people out on their balcony. In the middle of the week. At 2 a.m. On a school night. What's up with that?? Still in a sleepy haze, I angrily got up, slammed my window shut, and turned on my AC. Of course, it took a while to get back to sleep and when the alarm went off at 6:50 a.m., I, of course, felt extremely groggy!! Damn neighbors. I think in the two-plus years I've lived in Southie, this was the third time the neighbors have had a party. The previous two times? Oh yeah, one on a weekend, the other a Sunday holiday. GRRR!!
Now, I know I'll get no sympathy from my sister Krissy, who lives on the corner of two main streets in San Francisco and has to use a fan year-round to combat the noise. But to be honest, I'm not looking for sympathy, just to gripe!! Waaaah, I got woken up in the middle of the night!! WAAAAAAHHH!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In other BTD news, the Randolph BOS finally stopped ignoring Charles and took some action Monday night. This with a room full of firefighters and about 12 fire chiefs from across the South Shore, of course. In short, we had to wait the WHOLE meeting for something to come up, but finally, Billy Alexopolous (Charlie's friend and a selectman) brought up how he feels like the board is giving him no direction with regards to the fire chief's contract. He was wondering if the board had responded to a letter from Charles' attorney sent after the last meeting two weeks ago because if they had, he didn't know what that response was. Soon after, the chair (former chief) and another selectman claimed not to know what letter they were referring to and diverted the question to the Executive Secretary...who in turn said he forwarded the letter to the board. OH THAT LETTER, right. This prompted one selectman to make a motion to extend Charles' contract to Sept. 25 by which time a negotiation committee with two of the board members would be formed and a new contract would be in place. Phew!! When all five members approved the motion, we cheered and the meeting was promptly adjourned. Victory!!
~~~~~~~~
In other, other BTD news, my sister has informed me she's taking a surfing lesson on Saturday. This is not a good idea because a) she's not the best swimmer. b) she used to be called "clutsy Krissy". c) she'll be in shark-infested waters. d) all of the above. I'm going with D!! Hope she has fun, though!!
Monday, August 07, 2006
Kev's home.Yippee! and Why the Randolph BOS sux!
So I have wonderful news!! My friend Kevin is coming home from his second tour in Iraq today. He'll be at his base in upstate New York before returning home to Mass. this weekend. Couldn't be more delighted that he's back in the states. Kev was the only person I knew over there and he was one too many! So happy to have him back...and this time, for good.
My sister and I first met Kev while working at a grocery store (Sudbury Farms) during the high school years. We were cashiers and Kev was a bagger extraordinare!! His great sense of humor and deadpan delivery made most shifts easier to get through. He's truly a gem and I can't wait to buy him a Sam Adams...or two...or three...or four on Friday night when we take him out!!
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In other BTD news, I'm going to a meeting tonight in support of my stepdad, Charles. He's the fire chief in Randolph and the Board of Selectmen are refusing to offer him anything other than a temporary contract, which is total BS. Basically, it limits his power enough so he can't promote existing firefighters or hire new ones. Again, BS.
So, he's been working without a contract for a few months and the board is basically threatening him to stop paying him until he signs on. They have a meeting tonight to try to come to a compromise and I hope, for their sake, they make the right decision.
Charles has been the chief for six years. He has completely turned the place around and is garnering respect from his own staff, fellow officials, and neighboring firehouses. More than 30 fire chiefs from around Mass. attended the last selectmen's meeting two weeks ago in a show of support. He knows just about everyone in the town, most of whom have written letters or made calls on his behalf. In short, the board is toast.
The guy causing all the drama is the selectman chairman, who just also happens to be the man Charles replaced as fire chief. Essentially, he's jealous about how well-received Charles has been since becoming fire chief and feels the need to torment him simply because he has the power to do so. Ridiculous!! There's a petition going around to have him recalled and if that happens, he'll be out of office!!
Two of the other four selectmen are on board with this guy, one of whom happens to be someone I was once in a brief relationship with...that was until he told me he was gay!! He's such an attention-starved, power-hungry jerk and I really feel like outing him tonight!! Can't wait until he sees me!! He'll be shaking in his boots!!
But what's perhaps most troubling is that this chairman is still a member of the Fire Fighters Association of America, an organization that was developed to help promote the sense of family amongst those who serve their communities so bravely. These guys eat, sleep, and work together and are essentially brothers. We all saw how they banded together in the wake of 9/11, most of us have seen at least one episode of Rescue Me, and we all know what to expect to see in the soon-to-be-released movie, World Trade Center. These guys are heroes and Charles is one of the best firefighters I know. For someone who served to turn their back on another would be like me disowning my sister. Just shouldn't happen.
Anyway, keep your fingers crossed for Charles. I think the board's going to get what they deserve!!
My sister and I first met Kev while working at a grocery store (Sudbury Farms) during the high school years. We were cashiers and Kev was a bagger extraordinare!! His great sense of humor and deadpan delivery made most shifts easier to get through. He's truly a gem and I can't wait to buy him a Sam Adams...or two...or three...or four on Friday night when we take him out!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In other BTD news, I'm going to a meeting tonight in support of my stepdad, Charles. He's the fire chief in Randolph and the Board of Selectmen are refusing to offer him anything other than a temporary contract, which is total BS. Basically, it limits his power enough so he can't promote existing firefighters or hire new ones. Again, BS.
So, he's been working without a contract for a few months and the board is basically threatening him to stop paying him until he signs on. They have a meeting tonight to try to come to a compromise and I hope, for their sake, they make the right decision.
Charles has been the chief for six years. He has completely turned the place around and is garnering respect from his own staff, fellow officials, and neighboring firehouses. More than 30 fire chiefs from around Mass. attended the last selectmen's meeting two weeks ago in a show of support. He knows just about everyone in the town, most of whom have written letters or made calls on his behalf. In short, the board is toast.
The guy causing all the drama is the selectman chairman, who just also happens to be the man Charles replaced as fire chief. Essentially, he's jealous about how well-received Charles has been since becoming fire chief and feels the need to torment him simply because he has the power to do so. Ridiculous!! There's a petition going around to have him recalled and if that happens, he'll be out of office!!
Two of the other four selectmen are on board with this guy, one of whom happens to be someone I was once in a brief relationship with...that was until he told me he was gay!! He's such an attention-starved, power-hungry jerk and I really feel like outing him tonight!! Can't wait until he sees me!! He'll be shaking in his boots!!
But what's perhaps most troubling is that this chairman is still a member of the Fire Fighters Association of America, an organization that was developed to help promote the sense of family amongst those who serve their communities so bravely. These guys eat, sleep, and work together and are essentially brothers. We all saw how they banded together in the wake of 9/11, most of us have seen at least one episode of Rescue Me, and we all know what to expect to see in the soon-to-be-released movie, World Trade Center. These guys are heroes and Charles is one of the best firefighters I know. For someone who served to turn their back on another would be like me disowning my sister. Just shouldn't happen.
Anyway, keep your fingers crossed for Charles. I think the board's going to get what they deserve!!
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Weekend at Mach Speed.
Apologies to my readers who don't dig the Sox as much as I do. But when you go to 20 games in a season, it's hard to write about anything else. Sorry, I'll do my best to cut back.
My weekend at mach-speed:
Went to visit Beth and baby Taylor on Friday before working at the bar.
Saturday, I moved my new couch into my place...or should I say, I watched my stepdad Charles and my friend from the bar, Jose, move my new couch into my place. Watched in agony really as they pushed and pulled my 8 1/2-foot sofa up four flights of stairs in a poorly ventilated hallway and into my apartment. They are god-sents really. For some reason I thought me and Charles would be able to handle it ourselves. I must have been still asleep, because there would have been no freakin way we would have been able to have done it with just us. So, I called in some reinforcements and boy do I owe Jose!! I picked him up last minute and he truly saved the day!! After lounging on my new piece o furniture all day, I mustered up the energy to shower and go to work...again.
Sunday, I went to brunch with Jacks and did some afternoon drinking while watching the Sox blow a four-run lead and surrender a walk-off homer and their second loss to a ballclub that's been in the cellar almost since it joined the Majors!!
Now, I'm impatiently waiting to watch Entourage. Thought I would have a post waiting for you all on Monday morning. Enjoy!!
My weekend at mach-speed:
Went to visit Beth and baby Taylor on Friday before working at the bar.
Saturday, I moved my new couch into my place...or should I say, I watched my stepdad Charles and my friend from the bar, Jose, move my new couch into my place. Watched in agony really as they pushed and pulled my 8 1/2-foot sofa up four flights of stairs in a poorly ventilated hallway and into my apartment. They are god-sents really. For some reason I thought me and Charles would be able to handle it ourselves. I must have been still asleep, because there would have been no freakin way we would have been able to have done it with just us. So, I called in some reinforcements and boy do I owe Jose!! I picked him up last minute and he truly saved the day!! After lounging on my new piece o furniture all day, I mustered up the energy to shower and go to work...again.
Sunday, I went to brunch with Jacks and did some afternoon drinking while watching the Sox blow a four-run lead and surrender a walk-off homer and their second loss to a ballclub that's been in the cellar almost since it joined the Majors!!
Now, I'm impatiently waiting to watch Entourage. Thought I would have a post waiting for you all on Monday morning. Enjoy!!
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Random fun on a Tuesday night.
So, I’m 11-5 now in Red Sox games attended and not happy about it. Although, I was kind of expecting a loss with crappy Jason Johnson pitching. Long story short: He’s a rookie and he sucks.
Despite the loss and the sweltering heat, the game was actually a great time. I took my friend from the bar, Danielle, because we’d never been to a game before. In short, we had a blast. Rolled into the Cask n Flagon (best darn Sox watering hole in the Fenway area) around 5:30 p.m. and started drinking. In between chatting with fellow Sox fans and scarfing a plate of nachos, I was stealing glances at my crush, Dennis, behind the bar. He’s so darn cute!!
Went over to the game, got beers from Phil aka “My Miller Lite Guy” and since I had seats in the Bleachers (located in centerfield with the sun blazing down on us), I decided to scope out the situation in the handicapped area. Debbie, an usher Jacks and I had met one game, was thrilled to see me and promptly directed me to two open chairs. (Debbie commandeers the handicapped seating area, which is essentially a platform just above field level, 15 rows back that accommodates people in wheelchairs. When there are no handicapped people in the section, which is almost always the case, Debbie seats people there). Besides the better view, there are other perks to these seats: A) Nothing but wide-open space in front of you. B) Bathrooms are located directly at the bottom of the ramp. C) Phil’s beer station is located directly beside the ramp. Other perks: Debbie’s willingness to spritz us with her water bottle to cool us off and her pleasant conversation. In short, it’s my favorite place to sit.
At this point, Danielle was pretty much in shock about how well I was treated at Fenway. Just to remind you, I get free beer, free food, free water (essential on a game like last night when bottles are $4.25 apiece), and seating upgrades. Now I ask you, why wouldn’t I buy tickets for 20 games this season when I get treated so well? The way I see it, I have only two more hook-ups to master: Parking and Tickets. That’s parking ANYWHERE in the city and tickets to ANYTHING in the city.
After the game, we went back to the Cask and I was thrilled to see Dennis had been cut and was chilling at the end of the bar with my friend (and former roommate) Beth, mother of this cutie.
I chatted him up and basically made it really obvious I was interested. We laughed, we had arms around each other, we shared a prolonged kiss on the cheek before I left. In short (gosh I’ve used that a lot in the post), he seems interested too, but still hasn’t asked for my number. Lady J confused!! Anyway, I told him I’d drop by to visit him at the other bar he works at (close to mine) before my shift on Saturday and he seemed happy to hear that. I’ll try to get something going then. God, I hate being the aggressor!! I’ve literally got no game!!
Sorry, this post is all over the place!!
From the Cask, we went over to the Bell (where I work) to visit another bartender, Meri, and make my karaoke debut. At this point, we had Meri’s friends Natalie and Danielle (yup, another one) in tow. I sang two songs (One Way or Another; Spiderwebs) in front of several co-workers and regulars who had never heard me sing and they were stunned. I carry a pretty decent tune and I think I took them all by surprise. Got one of them swinging a towel in the air. God, I’m such a karaoke whore!! It’s going to be funny when I go in there to work on Thursday. Hopefully, they won’t rag on me too bad!!
To quote Eric the Midget in his disgruntled tone: “By for now.”
Despite the loss and the sweltering heat, the game was actually a great time. I took my friend from the bar, Danielle, because we’d never been to a game before. In short, we had a blast. Rolled into the Cask n Flagon (best darn Sox watering hole in the Fenway area) around 5:30 p.m. and started drinking. In between chatting with fellow Sox fans and scarfing a plate of nachos, I was stealing glances at my crush, Dennis, behind the bar. He’s so darn cute!!
Went over to the game, got beers from Phil aka “My Miller Lite Guy” and since I had seats in the Bleachers (located in centerfield with the sun blazing down on us), I decided to scope out the situation in the handicapped area. Debbie, an usher Jacks and I had met one game, was thrilled to see me and promptly directed me to two open chairs. (Debbie commandeers the handicapped seating area, which is essentially a platform just above field level, 15 rows back that accommodates people in wheelchairs. When there are no handicapped people in the section, which is almost always the case, Debbie seats people there). Besides the better view, there are other perks to these seats: A) Nothing but wide-open space in front of you. B) Bathrooms are located directly at the bottom of the ramp. C) Phil’s beer station is located directly beside the ramp. Other perks: Debbie’s willingness to spritz us with her water bottle to cool us off and her pleasant conversation. In short, it’s my favorite place to sit.
At this point, Danielle was pretty much in shock about how well I was treated at Fenway. Just to remind you, I get free beer, free food, free water (essential on a game like last night when bottles are $4.25 apiece), and seating upgrades. Now I ask you, why wouldn’t I buy tickets for 20 games this season when I get treated so well? The way I see it, I have only two more hook-ups to master: Parking and Tickets. That’s parking ANYWHERE in the city and tickets to ANYTHING in the city.
After the game, we went back to the Cask and I was thrilled to see Dennis had been cut and was chilling at the end of the bar with my friend (and former roommate) Beth, mother of this cutie.
I chatted him up and basically made it really obvious I was interested. We laughed, we had arms around each other, we shared a prolonged kiss on the cheek before I left. In short (gosh I’ve used that a lot in the post), he seems interested too, but still hasn’t asked for my number. Lady J confused!! Anyway, I told him I’d drop by to visit him at the other bar he works at (close to mine) before my shift on Saturday and he seemed happy to hear that. I’ll try to get something going then. God, I hate being the aggressor!! I’ve literally got no game!!
Sorry, this post is all over the place!!
From the Cask, we went over to the Bell (where I work) to visit another bartender, Meri, and make my karaoke debut. At this point, we had Meri’s friends Natalie and Danielle (yup, another one) in tow. I sang two songs (One Way or Another; Spiderwebs) in front of several co-workers and regulars who had never heard me sing and they were stunned. I carry a pretty decent tune and I think I took them all by surprise. Got one of them swinging a towel in the air. God, I’m such a karaoke whore!! It’s going to be funny when I go in there to work on Thursday. Hopefully, they won’t rag on me too bad!!
To quote Eric the Midget in his disgruntled tone: “By for now.”
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
My boy is in danger.
So, my boy Trot Nixon, the rightfielder of the Boston Red Sox, left Sunday night’s game with a strained bicep. He had an MRI yesterday and was quickly placed on the 15-day disabled list, but is expected to be out for at least three weeks. Great. Last night, catcher Jason Varitek pulled up lame after running from first to second on a Coco Crisp single. After limping home on a Wily Mo Pena (I’m not kidding, by the way. Coco. Wily Mo. These are real names.) triple, he was pulled from the game. No word on how serious his injury is or how long he’s going to sit out.
The injuries concern me for a few reasons: A) They couldn’t be occurring at a worse time with Sox only holding a one-game lead over the Yankees in the AL East race. B) The Yankees, who have been battling injuries all year, are starting to get some of their injured back AND have just signed outfielder Bobby Abreu. C) With Trot not playing for three weeks, his return is sure to be lackluster, putting his future with the Sox at risk as he will be a free agent at the end of the 2006 season.
Again, I’m at a weird point in my fandom of the Red Sox. Because we won it all in 2004, there’s no longer that desperation to win a title. The Nation took a big sigh of relief in 04, but it doesn’t mean we don’t want to win. By this, I mean, we want to beat the Yankees. I can only speak for myself, but I think the next logical step in exercising the demons is to win our Division, not the wild card, and prevent the Yankees from even making the playoffs. That’s my goal for the team this season. And this feat will be tough to accomplish without the likes of the usual suspects who’ve been there before: Trot, Tek, Tim Wakefield, a knuckleballer who’s currently on the DL.
Injuries aside, my biggest cause for concern is the future of my favorite Sox player, Trot Nixon. There are many reasons why I like Trot, none of which are because I think he’s cute. He’s a decent looking fellow, but let’s be honest, the guy rarely cracks a smile and could probably pick up some obscure radio station in Japan with those ears of his. I like Trot because he’s a blue-collar player. One of those guys who’s not really the star of the team, he just performs day in and day out and always does something to help. He’s been with the Sox since he was drafted in the first round in 2003 and he’s said in my own presence that he doesn’t want to play anywhere else. These have always been my favorite types of players and it would break my heart to see him go. With the injury, it’s looking like that could almost be a certainty, especially when Wily Mo fills in and goes 3-for-4 with a run scored and three RBI.
So, it is with a heavy heart that I go to my 16th Red Sox game of the season tonight. Typically, I wear my No. 7 (Trot’s) jersey and make people in the stands “Pat the back” whenever he does something good. (Trust me, they love it. I’m the life of the party at Sox games!). With no Trot on the field, I probably won’t don the jersey. It would just be too hard. Well, that and it’s supposed to be about 96 degrees at game time and this weather is really not conducive to polyester.
The injuries concern me for a few reasons: A) They couldn’t be occurring at a worse time with Sox only holding a one-game lead over the Yankees in the AL East race. B) The Yankees, who have been battling injuries all year, are starting to get some of their injured back AND have just signed outfielder Bobby Abreu. C) With Trot not playing for three weeks, his return is sure to be lackluster, putting his future with the Sox at risk as he will be a free agent at the end of the 2006 season.
Again, I’m at a weird point in my fandom of the Red Sox. Because we won it all in 2004, there’s no longer that desperation to win a title. The Nation took a big sigh of relief in 04, but it doesn’t mean we don’t want to win. By this, I mean, we want to beat the Yankees. I can only speak for myself, but I think the next logical step in exercising the demons is to win our Division, not the wild card, and prevent the Yankees from even making the playoffs. That’s my goal for the team this season. And this feat will be tough to accomplish without the likes of the usual suspects who’ve been there before: Trot, Tek, Tim Wakefield, a knuckleballer who’s currently on the DL.
Injuries aside, my biggest cause for concern is the future of my favorite Sox player, Trot Nixon. There are many reasons why I like Trot, none of which are because I think he’s cute. He’s a decent looking fellow, but let’s be honest, the guy rarely cracks a smile and could probably pick up some obscure radio station in Japan with those ears of his. I like Trot because he’s a blue-collar player. One of those guys who’s not really the star of the team, he just performs day in and day out and always does something to help. He’s been with the Sox since he was drafted in the first round in 2003 and he’s said in my own presence that he doesn’t want to play anywhere else. These have always been my favorite types of players and it would break my heart to see him go. With the injury, it’s looking like that could almost be a certainty, especially when Wily Mo fills in and goes 3-for-4 with a run scored and three RBI.
So, it is with a heavy heart that I go to my 16th Red Sox game of the season tonight. Typically, I wear my No. 7 (Trot’s) jersey and make people in the stands “Pat the back” whenever he does something good. (Trust me, they love it. I’m the life of the party at Sox games!). With no Trot on the field, I probably won’t don the jersey. It would just be too hard. Well, that and it’s supposed to be about 96 degrees at game time and this weather is really not conducive to polyester.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
And the verdict is...
Okay, do you want the good news or the bad news? I’ll give you the good news first.
Good news: Gatehouse Media has elected to build on CNC, my company, as opposed to MPG, formerly our direct competition now our brother. What this essentially means is that they will be using many of our papers as a base for combined growth. The MPG offices will be closed in October and Gatehouse will do their best to distribute their employees throughout our company. Those papers that overlap will be looked at closely and it will be determined on a case-by-case basis whether they will be referred to as “Mariners” (a CNC logo) or “Reporters” (an MPG logo).
Bad news: They have no idea what’s going on with the staffing of these papers. They said there would obviously be staff reductions in some of the papers that overlap and in those areas where things are redundant. I think the newspaper editors are more at risk here, not so much the sports department. Regardless, they have people looking at our product and evaluating the talent and decisions will be made accordingly. They couldn’t have decided to do this while our high schools were in season and I was writing 10-12 stories a week?? Oh no, they have to wait until the dog days of summer, where virtually nothing is going on and I’m writing about 3-4 stories a week. Bugger!!
The bottom line: I still have a job…at least for now.
Good news: Gatehouse Media has elected to build on CNC, my company, as opposed to MPG, formerly our direct competition now our brother. What this essentially means is that they will be using many of our papers as a base for combined growth. The MPG offices will be closed in October and Gatehouse will do their best to distribute their employees throughout our company. Those papers that overlap will be looked at closely and it will be determined on a case-by-case basis whether they will be referred to as “Mariners” (a CNC logo) or “Reporters” (an MPG logo).
Bad news: They have no idea what’s going on with the staffing of these papers. They said there would obviously be staff reductions in some of the papers that overlap and in those areas where things are redundant. I think the newspaper editors are more at risk here, not so much the sports department. Regardless, they have people looking at our product and evaluating the talent and decisions will be made accordingly. They couldn’t have decided to do this while our high schools were in season and I was writing 10-12 stories a week?? Oh no, they have to wait until the dog days of summer, where virtually nothing is going on and I’m writing about 3-4 stories a week. Bugger!!
The bottom line: I still have a job…at least for now.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
To have a job or not to have a job.
So my office is pretty much in a panic right now, wondering what the fate of the company—or more importantly OUR fate in the company—is going to be. You see, our newspaper group was recently sold by the Boston Herald to Gatehouse Media. That’s fine and dandy, but Gatehouse also owns our direct competition, MPG. Like us, they are a group of weekly newspapers and several of our towns overlap. So the question is, are they really going to keep two newspapers in each overlapping town? Common sense would suggest the answer is no. So the other question is, who stays and who goes? Is it CNC, my company, or MPG? We’ll find that answer out tomorrow as Gatehouse has scheduled a meeting with our CNC office in the afternoon. We’ve been told it’s going to last about two hours.
I’ve been saying since I first learned we were getting sold that we will be fine. CNC has a great circulation, better readership, has won more awards, and just produces better all-around newspapers. Over the past few months, Gatehouse has undoubtedly been drawing comparisons between the newspaper groups and it’s my opinion that they couldn’t possibly think MPG produces a better product. They’re a small, tabloid-style paper with no color options for photos, barely any staff photographers, and front pages covered in ads. In short, there’s no content. Our papers range in size from 28-48 pages and are packed with local content, beautiful photos, and glorious sports coverage…of course.
While I don’t think it’s CNC that’s going to get the ax, I do think there will be some changes made. This both frightens me and excites me. With Gatehouse owning daily papers like the Ledger and Enterprise, it seems the opportunity to advance would be much better than it is now. Furthermore, getting rid of one of the newspaper groups could free up some money and allow for more positions in our office…like, perhaps, a senior sports editor, which of course I would be all over.
I’m trying not to get freaked out, but I’m also trying to prepare myself for the worst. Our bigwigs seem as cool as can be and I’d like to think they wouldn’t be able to conceal a pending house-cleaning so easily if it were actually going to happen.
Keep your fingers crossed for me between the hours of 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Probably won’t be able to blog immediately after, but I’ll try to give you an update Thursday night. Thanks in advance for your support.
I’ve been saying since I first learned we were getting sold that we will be fine. CNC has a great circulation, better readership, has won more awards, and just produces better all-around newspapers. Over the past few months, Gatehouse has undoubtedly been drawing comparisons between the newspaper groups and it’s my opinion that they couldn’t possibly think MPG produces a better product. They’re a small, tabloid-style paper with no color options for photos, barely any staff photographers, and front pages covered in ads. In short, there’s no content. Our papers range in size from 28-48 pages and are packed with local content, beautiful photos, and glorious sports coverage…of course.
While I don’t think it’s CNC that’s going to get the ax, I do think there will be some changes made. This both frightens me and excites me. With Gatehouse owning daily papers like the Ledger and Enterprise, it seems the opportunity to advance would be much better than it is now. Furthermore, getting rid of one of the newspaper groups could free up some money and allow for more positions in our office…like, perhaps, a senior sports editor, which of course I would be all over.
I’m trying not to get freaked out, but I’m also trying to prepare myself for the worst. Our bigwigs seem as cool as can be and I’d like to think they wouldn’t be able to conceal a pending house-cleaning so easily if it were actually going to happen.
Keep your fingers crossed for me between the hours of 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Probably won’t be able to blog immediately after, but I’ll try to give you an update Thursday night. Thanks in advance for your support.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Hey Ford, time to cut the cord!
Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE American Idol and I couldn’t have been happier when Taylor Hicks beat out Katherine “Fly me with balloons” McPhee (obscure Howard Stern show reference) for the title. But if I see or hear Hicks’ Ford commercial one more freaking time, I’m going to scratch my eyeballs out!! It’s on the radio, it’s on TV. If Sirius had commercials, it’d probably be on there too!! (Thank god for satellite radio!!).
You have to know the one I’m talking about. “I go where I want. I do what I please.” Good for you, Taylor!! So do I and I drive a Toyota!! A message to Ford: Your commercial doesn’t make me want to run out and buy a Ford, it makes me want to run out of the room or change the channel. I can’t imagine I’m the only person who feels this way. So, for the sake of them…and my eyesight…please scale back on this commercial. I really don’t want to be blind, so help a sista out a little bit, Ford.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Elsewhere in BarTop Dancer-land, things are relatively ho-hum. Worked all weekend at the bar and went to an after-hours at the creepy “Greek’s”** place when we all got out on Saturday night (well, morning really). Strolled into bed about 6 a.m., got up at 11ish, went to brunch with Jill and Danielle and did laundry, and counted the hours until Entourage and Dane Cook’s Tourgasm. Exciting, eh?
**Just some background on “The Greek.” This is like a 40-something guy who lives in the North End and works at the TD Banknorth Garden (where the Celtics and Bruins play) as a cameraman. He frequents several bars in the area, moonlighting at the Bell, where I work. He’s not an attractive man (big bug eyes, crater face, curly mullet), but is a good tipper, so we tolerate him. He’s extremely touchy-feely with the ladies and basically thinks he’s a stud for hosting these after-hours parties in his cheesy basement apartment. We go because it gives us all a chance to hang out together, a rarity among people who work every weekend. Sure we say hello to him when we walk in, but for the rest of the outing, we essentially ignore him, drink his hidden stash of booze, stay until we’re no longer welcome, and leave. Minus The Greek himself, the parties would be great!!
How was your weekend?
You have to know the one I’m talking about. “I go where I want. I do what I please.” Good for you, Taylor!! So do I and I drive a Toyota!! A message to Ford: Your commercial doesn’t make me want to run out and buy a Ford, it makes me want to run out of the room or change the channel. I can’t imagine I’m the only person who feels this way. So, for the sake of them…and my eyesight…please scale back on this commercial. I really don’t want to be blind, so help a sista out a little bit, Ford.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Elsewhere in BarTop Dancer-land, things are relatively ho-hum. Worked all weekend at the bar and went to an after-hours at the creepy “Greek’s”** place when we all got out on Saturday night (well, morning really). Strolled into bed about 6 a.m., got up at 11ish, went to brunch with Jill and Danielle and did laundry, and counted the hours until Entourage and Dane Cook’s Tourgasm. Exciting, eh?
**Just some background on “The Greek.” This is like a 40-something guy who lives in the North End and works at the TD Banknorth Garden (where the Celtics and Bruins play) as a cameraman. He frequents several bars in the area, moonlighting at the Bell, where I work. He’s not an attractive man (big bug eyes, crater face, curly mullet), but is a good tipper, so we tolerate him. He’s extremely touchy-feely with the ladies and basically thinks he’s a stud for hosting these after-hours parties in his cheesy basement apartment. We go because it gives us all a chance to hang out together, a rarity among people who work every weekend. Sure we say hello to him when we walk in, but for the rest of the outing, we essentially ignore him, drink his hidden stash of booze, stay until we’re no longer welcome, and leave. Minus The Greek himself, the parties would be great!!
How was your weekend?
Thursday, July 20, 2006
I left my heart in San Francisco.
So, like my friend Melati, I’ve been a little lax in writing about my trip to San Francisco to visit my sister. Rather than write numerous posts highlighting some of the funny stories, I thought I’d try to tell them through pictures and brief descriptions. Sorry, Krissy. It’s the best I can do at this point.
One of the things I was dying to do out there was sing Karaoke, so Krissy planned a night a place called “The Mint” and invited a bunch of friends along. I can’t even begin to remember all their names, but they were all pretty awesome. Many apologies to the one who was forced to listen to my bitching and moaning while waiting an hour to sing. This is me giving Krissy the thumbs down because I wanted to sing and had to wait. Her friend Tom is next to me, but he wasn’t the one who dealt with my pissiness!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/54965825@N00/194001101/
I think this picture about sums up the Karaoke evening. I’m here with Krissy (on the right) and her friend Rebecca. Can’t tell you which of my three songs I’m singing here, but it had to be one of the latter ones because Krissy jumped up to be my backup dancer towards the end of the night. This could be me wailing No Doubt’s “Spiderwebs.”
http://www.flickr.com/photos/54965825@N00/194001102/
The next day, while slightly hungover (Krissy more than me. I was just tired.), we opted to go to the beach. It was about an hour-long drive to Capitola, Cali., but we didn’t mind, why? Four words: Electric Blue PT Cruiser. This thing was the last car we were hoping to rent for the weekend, but we ended up loving this little ride. Here we are posing in front of the Cruiser outside my Aunt Ann’s place. Yes, we kind of look like a lesbian couple, but oh well. Ann took about five pictures, even though we asked her to take one. That’s our Aunt for you!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/54965825@N00/194001103/
Anyway, pretty much the whole ride down to the beach we were stuck behind this camper that kept spewing something off of its roof. Honestly, we thought the thing was falling apart before our eyes. It looked like some kind of insulation foaming. We just couldn’t believe they didn’t maybe feel a draft or perhaps see the orange foam flying off of their camper. Maybe they just didn’t care. Bizarre.
Saturday was our big day out at the Giants/Oakland game. I wrote about that already, but here are some fun pictures from the day. This is Krissy modeling the excessive sunblock she had on her nose.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/54965825@N00/194001105/
Here’s me pretending to try to lift these ridiculously large baseballs that lined the sidewalk outside the park. I’m proudly sporting my Boston cap, of course.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/54965825@N00/194001106/
Saturday night we went to a cool loungey place whose name I can’t recall before heading over to a dancey place across the street. Drawing a blank on that name too!! Had a great night…that was until we tried to get a cab home. Our frustration can pretty much be summed up by this very unattractive picture. Here I am flipping off Amie Barnes while Krissy still tries her darndest to hail a cab. Amie and I walked up the street and got one shortly thereafter and Krissy, Mike, and Krista caught another.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/54965825@N00/194001107/
All in all, it was a great trip. Krissy couldn’t have been a better host and her friends couldn’t have been nicer to me. Can’t wait for my next visit!!
One of the things I was dying to do out there was sing Karaoke, so Krissy planned a night a place called “The Mint” and invited a bunch of friends along. I can’t even begin to remember all their names, but they were all pretty awesome. Many apologies to the one who was forced to listen to my bitching and moaning while waiting an hour to sing. This is me giving Krissy the thumbs down because I wanted to sing and had to wait. Her friend Tom is next to me, but he wasn’t the one who dealt with my pissiness!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/54965825@N00/194001101/
I think this picture about sums up the Karaoke evening. I’m here with Krissy (on the right) and her friend Rebecca. Can’t tell you which of my three songs I’m singing here, but it had to be one of the latter ones because Krissy jumped up to be my backup dancer towards the end of the night. This could be me wailing No Doubt’s “Spiderwebs.”
http://www.flickr.com/photos/54965825@N00/194001102/
The next day, while slightly hungover (Krissy more than me. I was just tired.), we opted to go to the beach. It was about an hour-long drive to Capitola, Cali., but we didn’t mind, why? Four words: Electric Blue PT Cruiser. This thing was the last car we were hoping to rent for the weekend, but we ended up loving this little ride. Here we are posing in front of the Cruiser outside my Aunt Ann’s place. Yes, we kind of look like a lesbian couple, but oh well. Ann took about five pictures, even though we asked her to take one. That’s our Aunt for you!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/54965825@N00/194001103/
Anyway, pretty much the whole ride down to the beach we were stuck behind this camper that kept spewing something off of its roof. Honestly, we thought the thing was falling apart before our eyes. It looked like some kind of insulation foaming. We just couldn’t believe they didn’t maybe feel a draft or perhaps see the orange foam flying off of their camper. Maybe they just didn’t care. Bizarre.
Saturday was our big day out at the Giants/Oakland game. I wrote about that already, but here are some fun pictures from the day. This is Krissy modeling the excessive sunblock she had on her nose.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/54965825@N00/194001105/
Here’s me pretending to try to lift these ridiculously large baseballs that lined the sidewalk outside the park. I’m proudly sporting my Boston cap, of course.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/54965825@N00/194001106/
Saturday night we went to a cool loungey place whose name I can’t recall before heading over to a dancey place across the street. Drawing a blank on that name too!! Had a great night…that was until we tried to get a cab home. Our frustration can pretty much be summed up by this very unattractive picture. Here I am flipping off Amie Barnes while Krissy still tries her darndest to hail a cab. Amie and I walked up the street and got one shortly thereafter and Krissy, Mike, and Krista caught another.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/54965825@N00/194001107/
All in all, it was a great trip. Krissy couldn’t have been a better host and her friends couldn’t have been nicer to me. Can’t wait for my next visit!!
Monday, July 17, 2006
Is this thing on?
Is anyone reading my blog? Anyone? Bueller? This is heart-felt stuff below and ZERO comments!! Come on people!! I write this for me, but also for you and when you don't comment, it makes me wonder why I'm even doing it. So please, comment, will ya?
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Fear and loathing in Boston.
I’m afraid of my city. Not because of the rising murder rate or the fact that the terrorists responsible for flying planes into the Twin Towers on 9/11 took off from Logan Airport. I’m afraid of my city because of a little $14-billion project called The Big Dig.
Over the last decade, the Big Dig has exceeded its budget and surpassed its deadlines. To residents of Boston, the project is a joke and basically, we think it’s never going to be finished. Especially if its workers keep cutting corners, something that became horribly evident Monday night.
Milena Del Valle had just returned home to Jamaica Plain from a long day working at the Mississippi’s Restaurant in Roxbury and was enjoying a heartfelt foot rub from her adoring husband of 16-months, Angel. A few minutes later, Angel said he had to leave for the Airport to pick up his brother and insisted his exhausted wife stay home. But Milena is fully aware of her husband’s tendency to get lost and the concerned wife didn’t want Angel driving out late alone. Little did she know, in just a few short minutes, he’d be alone forever.
While driving their Honda through the I-90 connector tunnel that leads to Logan airport around 11 p.m. Monday, the couple watched in horror as a trio of concrete ceiling panels began falling in their path. Angel tried to speed up and swerve the car out of the path of the falling concrete while Milena attempted to leap into her husband’s arms. Their efforts were in vain as the trio of 3-ton concrete panels crashed down on their car, killing Milena on impact. She was 38 years old. Angel was somehow spared and crawled out the window, begging motorists to help him save his wife.
I’m angry because it’s something that just shouldn’t have happened. Since it began the Big Dig has been buried in controversy, mostly surrounding the Big Wigs stealing dough. But the bad eggs had been weeded out and things were seemingly going very smoothly. The brand new I-93 tunnel was improving traffic congestion through the city and the I-90 connector tunnel made getting to Logan a breeze.
But over the last two years, things have turned sour for Boston’s golden project. In Sept. 2004, a gusher burst inside the I-93 tunnel. In March 2005, inspectors reveal that the wall panels are defective and there are more than 2,000 leaks inside the I-93 tunnel. Later that month, a chunk of ice fell from the Zakim bridge onto at least one car. The next month, three cars and an ambulance transporting a patient were badly injured by falling debris in the I-93 tunnel, this is a day after the Federal Highway Administration deemed all tunnels structurally sound, of course. In May, the attorney general learned that Big Dig officials had been secretly patching a leak in the Fort Point Channel Tunnel that was spewing 20 gallons of water through the cracks.
Until Monday night, Big Dig mistakes had led to only minimal damage to person and property. It’s unfortunate that it took the tragic and unnecessary death of Milena for these people to really take action. In today’s Boston Herald, it was revealed that investigators have found 60-plus defects inside the I-90 connector tunnel where Milena was killed. The same tunnel my mother drove in last Friday morning to pick my sister Krissy up from Logan and the same tunnel I was in three weeks ago heading to Logan airport to visit my sister. It could have been anyone, but unfortunately, it was Milena.
God bless you and your husband Angel. I only hope your death wakes these Big Dig jerk-offs up and encourages them to do things right the first time and quit cutting corners. In death, you ensure the safety of thousands of others. At least I hope.
Over the last decade, the Big Dig has exceeded its budget and surpassed its deadlines. To residents of Boston, the project is a joke and basically, we think it’s never going to be finished. Especially if its workers keep cutting corners, something that became horribly evident Monday night.
Milena Del Valle had just returned home to Jamaica Plain from a long day working at the Mississippi’s Restaurant in Roxbury and was enjoying a heartfelt foot rub from her adoring husband of 16-months, Angel. A few minutes later, Angel said he had to leave for the Airport to pick up his brother and insisted his exhausted wife stay home. But Milena is fully aware of her husband’s tendency to get lost and the concerned wife didn’t want Angel driving out late alone. Little did she know, in just a few short minutes, he’d be alone forever.
While driving their Honda through the I-90 connector tunnel that leads to Logan airport around 11 p.m. Monday, the couple watched in horror as a trio of concrete ceiling panels began falling in their path. Angel tried to speed up and swerve the car out of the path of the falling concrete while Milena attempted to leap into her husband’s arms. Their efforts were in vain as the trio of 3-ton concrete panels crashed down on their car, killing Milena on impact. She was 38 years old. Angel was somehow spared and crawled out the window, begging motorists to help him save his wife.
I’m angry because it’s something that just shouldn’t have happened. Since it began the Big Dig has been buried in controversy, mostly surrounding the Big Wigs stealing dough. But the bad eggs had been weeded out and things were seemingly going very smoothly. The brand new I-93 tunnel was improving traffic congestion through the city and the I-90 connector tunnel made getting to Logan a breeze.
But over the last two years, things have turned sour for Boston’s golden project. In Sept. 2004, a gusher burst inside the I-93 tunnel. In March 2005, inspectors reveal that the wall panels are defective and there are more than 2,000 leaks inside the I-93 tunnel. Later that month, a chunk of ice fell from the Zakim bridge onto at least one car. The next month, three cars and an ambulance transporting a patient were badly injured by falling debris in the I-93 tunnel, this is a day after the Federal Highway Administration deemed all tunnels structurally sound, of course. In May, the attorney general learned that Big Dig officials had been secretly patching a leak in the Fort Point Channel Tunnel that was spewing 20 gallons of water through the cracks.
Until Monday night, Big Dig mistakes had led to only minimal damage to person and property. It’s unfortunate that it took the tragic and unnecessary death of Milena for these people to really take action. In today’s Boston Herald, it was revealed that investigators have found 60-plus defects inside the I-90 connector tunnel where Milena was killed. The same tunnel my mother drove in last Friday morning to pick my sister Krissy up from Logan and the same tunnel I was in three weeks ago heading to Logan airport to visit my sister. It could have been anyone, but unfortunately, it was Milena.
God bless you and your husband Angel. I only hope your death wakes these Big Dig jerk-offs up and encourages them to do things right the first time and quit cutting corners. In death, you ensure the safety of thousands of others. At least I hope.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Lady Madonna: What a performer.
Madonna…check!
Last night, I officially checked Madonna off my list of icons to see live. Show was great! Madge is definitely a diva to the highest degree, but man can she put on a show. The sets were amazing. Her dancers? Unbelievable. Her figure? To die for! I mean, seriously, who wears a lycra bodysuit? Madonna does because she doesn’t have an ounce of fat on her!! And having seen her show, I now understand why. Madge put on a full two-hour show taking maybe two three-minute costume-change breaks along the way. She was constantly running around, riding a fake merry go round horse, clamping herself to a cross, climbing fences, rolling around on the ground. I mean, the woman just never stopped performing. It was amazing.
My only gripe? That she didn’t play enough old stuff. But I guess I already knew that going in. We were treated to “Like a Virgin”, “Lucky Star”, and “Live to Tell”, but that was about it. She snuck on-their-way-to-oldies like “Erotica” and “Ray of Light” in there too, but the bulk of the show were songs from her new album. That was fine by me, though. I have the CD and love it. They’re all very catchy numbers and are beats I hear on a routine basis working at the bar. Among my favorite new songs? “Sorry”, which was one of the cooler performances of the night.
Perhaps the real star of the evening, however, was my friend Brooke. A former waitress now bartender at the Bell, Brooke’s boyfriend Carl is the electrician at the TD Banknorth Garden, the venue for the Madonna show. In other words, he can totally hook people up. Brooke sauntered into “The Harp”, the bar where we pre-gamed, and told us she had some Loge seats for my crew and me. This was excellent news, of course, considering our seats (Jackie, Michaela, Renee, and myself) were in the East Bumm balcony, almost in the rafters. My mom, her friend Rosie, and my sisters Krissy and Maryanne were also in the Loge a few sections away.
Little did I know that our particular Loge seats were directly to the right of the stage!! Madonna was essentially yards away from us. When she performed on the elevated ramp near our section she was a few feet away from us. Amazing seats! Thanks Carl and Brooke!! I owe you some drinks for sure!
Last night, I officially checked Madonna off my list of icons to see live. Show was great! Madge is definitely a diva to the highest degree, but man can she put on a show. The sets were amazing. Her dancers? Unbelievable. Her figure? To die for! I mean, seriously, who wears a lycra bodysuit? Madonna does because she doesn’t have an ounce of fat on her!! And having seen her show, I now understand why. Madge put on a full two-hour show taking maybe two three-minute costume-change breaks along the way. She was constantly running around, riding a fake merry go round horse, clamping herself to a cross, climbing fences, rolling around on the ground. I mean, the woman just never stopped performing. It was amazing.
My only gripe? That she didn’t play enough old stuff. But I guess I already knew that going in. We were treated to “Like a Virgin”, “Lucky Star”, and “Live to Tell”, but that was about it. She snuck on-their-way-to-oldies like “Erotica” and “Ray of Light” in there too, but the bulk of the show were songs from her new album. That was fine by me, though. I have the CD and love it. They’re all very catchy numbers and are beats I hear on a routine basis working at the bar. Among my favorite new songs? “Sorry”, which was one of the cooler performances of the night.
Perhaps the real star of the evening, however, was my friend Brooke. A former waitress now bartender at the Bell, Brooke’s boyfriend Carl is the electrician at the TD Banknorth Garden, the venue for the Madonna show. In other words, he can totally hook people up. Brooke sauntered into “The Harp”, the bar where we pre-gamed, and told us she had some Loge seats for my crew and me. This was excellent news, of course, considering our seats (Jackie, Michaela, Renee, and myself) were in the East Bumm balcony, almost in the rafters. My mom, her friend Rosie, and my sisters Krissy and Maryanne were also in the Loge a few sections away.
Little did I know that our particular Loge seats were directly to the right of the stage!! Madonna was essentially yards away from us. When she performed on the elevated ramp near our section she was a few feet away from us. Amazing seats! Thanks Carl and Brooke!! I owe you some drinks for sure!
Monday, July 10, 2006
Crossing Madge off the list.
Very excited to be going to see Madonna tonight at the Garden! Never seen the Material Girl live so I’m really looking forward to it. She’s one of the performers I think you just have to see in your lifetime. And she’s pushing 50, so I thought this might be my last chance to do so. Also on my icon list of artists to see live?:
* Prince
* Janet Jackson
* David Bowie
* Clay Aiken…
…Kidding, of course! Although, I wouldn’t mind catching a concert featuring Idol alum Kelly Clarkson. Love her voice!! She’s coming to town this month and if I didn’t think I’d be the oldest person there I might consider going!! Damn kids!!
Anyway, to date on this list, I’ve only seen Bowie. Took Krissy one year for her birthday and he was GREAT!! What a performer. He played mostly new stuff, so I didn’t know a lot of the songs, but I didn’t have to. He’s a true rockstar!!
Who I would have liked to have seen when they were alive?:
* Janis Joplin
* Kurt Cobain with Nirvana
* Queen (the Freddie Mercury era)
* Karen Carpenter…
…again, kidding. Not that I don’t appreciate what raw singing talent she had. I just don’t think I could sit through a Carpenters concert without laughing because I was thinking of that scene from Tommy Boy. You know the one: David Spade and Chris Farley belting out with tears in their eyes: “Don’t you remember you told me you loved me baby. Said you be coming back this way again, baby. Baby, baby, baby, baby, oh baby. I love you.” Comedic geniuses!!
Anyway, Madge is playing her third show in Boston tonight and I’ll have a whole crew in tow. It’s Krissy’s last night home before she jets back to the Left Coast (booooooooooooooooo!!) so we’re going to try to live it up as best we can on a weekday!! So looking forward to the performance. What am I not looking forward to? Sweating like a pig in my seat because Madonna refuses to use AC and will only perform in 85-degree temps!! Great. Guess I’m going naked!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In other news, Mom’s 50th birthday party was a smashing success!! We had one for her Friday night at the bar I work at and it’s been a while since I’ve had that much fun with my family. We had a great turnout and a healthy mix of friends and family. Food was good, service was great, and my mother had the best time. In short, it was an absolute blast!! She said she couldn’t have imagined a better party for her 50th!! That’s all I was aiming for!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well, that’s it for today. Got to get some work done before I take off to see Madonna!! Via Italia!!
* Prince
* Janet Jackson
* David Bowie
* Clay Aiken…
…Kidding, of course! Although, I wouldn’t mind catching a concert featuring Idol alum Kelly Clarkson. Love her voice!! She’s coming to town this month and if I didn’t think I’d be the oldest person there I might consider going!! Damn kids!!
Anyway, to date on this list, I’ve only seen Bowie. Took Krissy one year for her birthday and he was GREAT!! What a performer. He played mostly new stuff, so I didn’t know a lot of the songs, but I didn’t have to. He’s a true rockstar!!
Who I would have liked to have seen when they were alive?:
* Janis Joplin
* Kurt Cobain with Nirvana
* Queen (the Freddie Mercury era)
* Karen Carpenter…
…again, kidding. Not that I don’t appreciate what raw singing talent she had. I just don’t think I could sit through a Carpenters concert without laughing because I was thinking of that scene from Tommy Boy. You know the one: David Spade and Chris Farley belting out with tears in their eyes: “Don’t you remember you told me you loved me baby. Said you be coming back this way again, baby. Baby, baby, baby, baby, oh baby. I love you.” Comedic geniuses!!
Anyway, Madge is playing her third show in Boston tonight and I’ll have a whole crew in tow. It’s Krissy’s last night home before she jets back to the Left Coast (booooooooooooooooo!!) so we’re going to try to live it up as best we can on a weekday!! So looking forward to the performance. What am I not looking forward to? Sweating like a pig in my seat because Madonna refuses to use AC and will only perform in 85-degree temps!! Great. Guess I’m going naked!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In other news, Mom’s 50th birthday party was a smashing success!! We had one for her Friday night at the bar I work at and it’s been a while since I’ve had that much fun with my family. We had a great turnout and a healthy mix of friends and family. Food was good, service was great, and my mother had the best time. In short, it was an absolute blast!! She said she couldn’t have imagined a better party for her 50th!! That’s all I was aiming for!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well, that’s it for today. Got to get some work done before I take off to see Madonna!! Via Italia!!
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