Randomocity.

2010-08-06T08:10:00.000-07:00

Ok I know I said I was going to start blogging here more often but things have been crazy.

But that's no excuse. I need to kick the negativity out of my life and attempt to chill and relax (what's that?) So I'm kicking it off with a list of things I'm currently obsessing over - ala Jamie Lovely:

Mint Sprint by Sally Hansen:

Not my image. (file under things I am not happy about: my BlackBerry camera breaking)

Seriously. The formula is amazing. The color is stupid pretty and you only need two coats to make it look awesome and glossy. I usually put a top coat on but you don't even need to with this baby. Oh and it cost me $2.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond. AND it dries super fast.

Destry It Goes On

I know I put this album in my 2009 album roundup but I've been putting it into heavy rotation as of late. Michelle has the most lovely voice in the whole land. Lovely early Rilo Kiley-ish. So wonderful! If you want me to send you the album leave your email in the comments!

Cat Videos

Especially this one. One of my favorite interns and I traded cat videos for like an hour the other day.

Horseneck Beach

I've lived in Mass almost all my life but I have never been to this amazing beach right on the Rhode Island border. Parking is cheap and the waves are killer. Also, it reminds me of Jones Beach - so natch - I love it.

Big Brother 12

Ok I'm so embarrassed about this one (and not the cat videos miraculously). Every summer I become absolutely obsessed with Big Brother. This season is ok. Rachel is the worst. Team Ragan.

Mad Men

Nuff said....

2010-05-25T15:17:00.000-07:00

SPOILER ALERT: I’m a huge LOST fan. I got into it a few seasons late when I was peer pressured by a few of my good friends to watch it on DVD and the rest is history. I spent the summer of 2007 watching every episode, essentially staying up all night because "just one more episode” turned into five or six at a time. It was that addicting. It was fun theorizing story lines with my friends and having nonsensical discussions about certain characters and how they got there.

One thing I quickly learned while being a Lost fan was that there are two kinds of people in this world: people who are Lost fanatics (like myself) and people who hate it and hate on the people who watch it. They did not hold back on Twitter and FaceBook. Last night I was bombarded with people I followed posting things like “I’m so glad I never wasted my life on LOST,” “I’m officially leaving Twitter until LOST is over so I don’t have to see anyone talking about it,” and “The next person who talks about Lost gets defriend-ed” (names withheld to protect the innocent).

Non-Lost fans also had a great time posting fake scenarios and spoilers throughout the night. Comedian Aziz Ansari even posted fake spoiler texts he was sending to his Lost-fanatic cousin all night, which was also pretty entertaining. http://twitter.com/azizansari

As soon as 9:00 p.m. came around I did my best to stay away from the social networking sites. I also opted to watch it by myself so I could take it all in and try to understand and absorb it all (which is really the height of my Lost nerd-ness). I was texting one of my good friends throughout the night and ended up sending Tweets to other Lost fans who were also watching the show in real time.

The finale itself was 2.5 hours long. It may seem like a long time for a finale – but let me tell you – they really did it well. At 11:28 the show ended. We had our “answers.” The majority of people I know loved it. Some hated it – so much so that they posted threatening messages to LOST’s official page on FaceBook almost as soon as it was over (no seriously, go read what’s been posted on their wall already http://www.facebook.com/LOST?ref=ts).

Add series finales to the list of things that have been transformed by social media. Today on the radio one of the DJ’s was comparing the Lost finale to the Seinfeld finale in 1997 and a caller called in and said “Well at least for the Seinfeld finale I didn’t have to ban myself from FaceBook and Twitter to avoid spoilers.”

All in all, I still have around 100 questions I’d like answered by Mr. Lindelof and Mr. Cuse – but I think that’s the point. The shows creator J.J. Abrams said today “A good question is often better than a good answer." And I have to say – I couldn’t agree more.

2010-05-25T10:06:00.001-07:00

OK ok. I've been semi inspired to bring back this here blog. I also really like the last one I posted too. I'll start my comeback with two posts that I've done for my company's website.

2010-01-25T22:34:00.000-08:00

I becoming a huge nerd in which I get really excited to check out my recommended YouTube videos based on crap that I’ve watched. This video up there came up today and I saw right away that it was from Skate and Surf Festival and I had a bit of an inside party.

Skate and Surf Festival was held in Asbury Park, NJ in mid April. For three years my friends and I trekked down from Long Island to see our favorite bands for a weekend of absolute crazyness! I can say without a doubt the weekends I spent at Skate and Surf Festival were probably the best of my life so far.

It was before the “scene” got all crappy and to it’s current state (please refer to this years Bamboozle lineup). You made a million friends whereever you went in the venue and outside and in the hotels and at rest stops. It was too fun. The poor Berkeley Hotel during those weekends (HA I was just reminded you can watch Brand New’s Jude Law and Semester Abroad video to get a hint of a taste of the things that went on there. That video was taped at the 2002 S&S). They must have dreaded that all year. Creepiest nice hotel in the entire world.

I can’t even begin to go into all the random inside jokes and bonds and epic singalongs (or the not safe for interwebz) from these trips or even sit down and make a list of all the bands I was exposed to and the like. I would like to someday.

I went from 2002-2004 to what was known as Skate and Surf Festival. In 2005 they stopped it and all of a sudden Bamboozle was the new Skate and Surf - but it wasn’t. They kept it at Asbury Park Convention Center for 2005 but in 2006 and on they moved it to Giants Stadium.

I actually was talked in to going last year and it was painful. Absolutely painful. Bands that used auto-tune, backing tracks and relyed on their style and hair product rather than actually making half decent music (I’m talking to you 3OH3). It wasn’t a total waste however. My partner in crime and I had a classy White Castle like adventure around East Rutherford looking for good eats, I got to meet some cool people (Jessica!) and I did get to see my favorite band ever - No Doubt.

Anywhosit. If you’ve made it through my blah blahing you are awesome. The video up there is from 2003 and Brand New played last on the second (first?) night. I can almost feel how epic the vibe was in there that night just watching it. What a venue to see a show in (I keep hearing conflicting stories about how it’s not there anymore? True/false?). It was this MASSIVE room but you always felt like you had the best spot. This was one of those shows where you really feel apart of something. Oh god yeah that’s nerdy - but true.

There’s also a video of BN playing from that show “Ok I Believe You…” and when he sings “The kind of song that makes people glad to be where they are with whoever they’re there with..” I remember looking at Lauren, Robyn and Liz and being like “Yeppp.”

2009-12-29T07:58:00.000-08:00

Top 10 Favorite Songs of the Year!

(promise I will get back to some legit posts soon! I got some favorite people in town for the week!)

1. Nobody Loves Me, Neither Do I - Them Crooked Vultures

2. Sink - Brand New

3. I Can Feel a Hot One - Manchester Orchestra

4. Keep Calm, Carry On - John Nolan

5. Sweet Disposition - The Temper Trap

6. Another Bag of Bones - Kevin Devine

7. Baptized by Fire - Spinnerette

8. Two Weeks - Grizzly Bear

9. Heads Will Roll - Yeah Yeah Yeahs

10. Everything Must Go - Taking Back Sunday

Honorable Mentions:

Ignorance - Paramore

Don’t Let Her Pull You Down - New Found Glory

Shake It Out - Manchester Orchestra

At Least I’m Not As Sad (As I Used To Be) - Fun.

2009-12-15T13:22:00.000-08:00

1. Brand New - Daisy

Big surprise huh. Daisy was without a doubt my favorite album of 2009 and my most anticipated of the year. I’ve read a handful of reviews of this album and all of them say old Brand New fans may fall by the wayside with this album but I think the exact opposite. I’ve been a Brand New fan for about eight years and with each album they keep surprising me and getting better and better. Something about this album is super spontaneous and different to me. The band says in interviews how this album was so random and they would record tracks and be like wait how did we get here? For so long Your Favorite Weaponwas my favorite BN record but this one is definitely fighting it for first place (YFW, Daisy, Deja, TDAG - for the record, though ask me tomorrow and it will be a different order). Ugh it’s just so good. Every week I have a new favorite track off the record. Songs that I skipped initially became my favorites when I saw them performed live. Suggested tracks: Vices, Gasoline, Sink, You Stole, Noro, In a Jar, Bought a Bride (I posted a gorgeous acoustic of that song a few weeks back)

The rest:

Paramore - brand new eyes. I’ve never been a huge Paramore fan but I picked up this album because I really liked the lead single Ignorance and I’ve been totally obsessed with it. Love Hayley’s voice to death on this record. Best tracks: Careful, Playing God, Brick by Boring Brick, Looking Up, Where the lines overlap.

Taking Back Sunday - New Again. As I stated in a previous post, I will forever be sad that John and Shaun aren’t in the band anymore but it’s hard to hate TBS when they keep putting out good records. I actually started to like Fred too. I found out a little bit before this album came out that Fred had left and a new gentlemen had come in to do back up vox and guitar. I gave him the benefit of the doubt. Truth is he sounds (and looks) like a Jonas Brother. Not a fan but there are so many favorites on this album I try to forget about it. Best tracks: Swing, Summer Man, Cut Me Up Jenny, Carpathia, Everything Must Go (the last one is my favorite).

Kelly Clarkson - All I Ever Wanted. I know I know. Forgive me that I will sound like a teeny bopper when I say this but so many of the songs on this record are super relatable. I’m excited Kelly has finally put out a really good album. Best tracks: Don’t Let Me Stop You, I Do Not Hook Up, Long Shot, Already Gone.

New Found Glory - Not Without a Fight. NOW this album should have been the follow-up to Sticks and Stones. I am an NFG fan tride and true so I won’t talk shit about those two full-lengths in between - I’m just glad they’ve turned back to their roots with this album. Looking forward to seeing them with STD in February. Best tracks: RIght Where We Left Off, Don’t Let Her Pull You Down, 47, Tangled Up.

Destry - It Goes On. As soon as I heard Michelle Nolan (Michelle DaRosa!) was starting a new band I knew I would love it. And surprise surprise I do! Shaun Cooper (ex TBS current Straylight Run) also joins her in the band and Sam Means from the Format. This album is unbelievable. Very reminiscent of Rilo Kiley. Find them on tour if you can! Best tracks: Big Mouths, Home Isn’t Home, So Far Away, Trouble.

Them Crooked Vultures - Self Titled. I got tickets to see them after hearing a 30-second teaser they released via the internet (and my love for Dave Grohl). They are that good and this album is no exception. Nobody Loves Me and Neither do I is by far my favorite song of the year. Of the decade maybe. Ok that’s a little much but seriously it’s that addicting. Best tracks: Nobody Loves Me and Neither Do I, New Fang, Mind Eraser No Chaser, Warsaw.

Spinnerette - Self Titled. This album kills. I listened to it so much this summer (my iTunes play count can attest) and never got sick of it I love Brody’s voice in Spinnerette light years more than I did in the Distillers. They need to tour like yesterday. Best tracks: All Babes Are Wolves, Ghetto Love, Baptized by Fire, Rebellious Palpitations

Manchester Orchestra - Mean Everything to Nothing. This album is a recent discovery of mine. I have a friend who is absolutely their number one fan so it was just a matter of days before I caught on :). This album is beautiful and emotional and makes you want to listen to the next line. It’s insane. Andy Hull has a gorgeous, haunting voice. So yeah this is heavy in my musical rotation right now. Best Tracks: Shake it Out (I’ve been playing it on repeat for days), I’ve Got Friends, The River, Mean Everything to Nothing, 100 Dollars.

(500) Days of Summer soundtrack - Ok so it’s not persay a new album with new songs but it’s still amazing. I literally raced to Best Buy after I saw the movie to buy this incredible soundtrack. There is a bonus track of Joseph Gordon Levitt singing “Here Comes Your Man” kareoke style from the movie and let me tell you that alone is worth picking this record up. Also my favorite movie of 2009. Best tracks: Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition, Regina Spektor - Us, Hall and Oates - You Make My Dreams, She and Him - Please Please please.. (Smiths Cover) Mumm-Ra - She’s Got You High

Least favorite albums and dissapointments coming soon!

2009-12-09T15:10:00.000-08:00

Seriously. How crappy is my luck this year..

My poor car. Yesterday I was on the way home from the gym and I had a lovely little day planned. But some tool had to plow his car right into mine. I was driving on the road and he was pulling out of the parking lot at this auto place in Quincy. His excuse “Oh I didn’t even see your car coming. It’s so small.” Really? I wasn’t going very fast but he still ripped off the whole front bumper of my car. Little sad seeing as that bumper is only just about 6 months old from the last time someone decided to crash into me.

Just one more thing to pile on me right now. I went on one interview a few weeks ago. Two actually for the same job but they had "decided to go with someone else." Which is fine but they kept me hanging forever. I just feel like I'm getting nowhere on the job front. I have so much great experience but it means nothing.

I'm really debating moving after my lease runs out in May. I just feel like there are no jobs in Boston for what I really want to do. I don't want to settle. But then I feel like I shouldn't be so picky. It's a double edged sword this career thing I swear.

I've been trying to check out new music and take chances on random bands and it's definitely making me nostalgic of my college days. I just recently downloaded a good bulk of music by Manchester Orchestra and Kevin Devine and also giving Straylight Run a second chance. I adored Straylight when they first came out with their demos. Being a fan of John Nolan I was overly excited about them. His vocals, I think made Taking Back Sunday (circa Tell All Your Friends - that's the only album he's on). I could barely stomach TBS with Fred or the new guy (who sounds and looks like a JoBro).

Anywho - I saw Straylight at their first show at the Downtown (RIP) and before their album came out a few times and they were amazing. Then when their album came out and they went on tour it was totally different. The music became so downer-like and the album was so overproduced. But I've gotten a hold of their albums after that and even the most recent without Michelle and it's surprisingly good and reminiscent of their demos.

So yeah. Music has literally been my best friend these days. I just feel out of touch with a lot of things lately, but thats the one thing that's made me super happy.

Only good news next time I promise.

xok

2009-11-30T16:57:00.000-08:00

Also on my Tumblr.

Brand New’s Homecoming Show was incredible Saturday night. Kevin Devine was on first and he was really good. I’ve only seen him acoustic playing with Jesse so it was so exciting seeing him with a full band.

Got the low-down on the acoustic stage (which was a large part of why I really wanted to go to this show - shh) and headed down to catch Vinnie Caruana’s set and Andy Jackson’s set. After years and years of enjoying Vinnie's music in The Movielife and I Am The Avalanche I finally got to meet him after his set. He was a super nice guy as I expected. Apparently I started dancing a little while we were talking *nervous tick* and totally made an ass of myself (Robyn and Heather said I played it cool - I have my doubts).

We found the super secret VIP bar and camped out there until it was Glassjaw time. We didn’t get to see Manchester Orchestra or Thrice unfortunately because we were downstairs but we heard they were awesome.

Glassjaw KILLED it last night. Even more than in Boston. Seriously. They lit that place up. Besides people in the pit and a few people in our section no one was really getting into it. People were like OMG how can you hear what he’s saying?? Why is he yelling? Ugh. Again, Daryl is the coolest guy I’ve ever known and continues to blow my mind. This was their set list.

Tip Your Bartender
Mu Empire
New Song
Ape Dos Mil
The Gillette Cavalcade of Sports
(You Think You’re) John Fucking Lennon
Pink Roses
Siberian Kiss

Epic. I could watch them all night. Brand New time.

Those above pictures are not mine obvi but I love them. Credit goes to the lovely Aviram/Lerner Photography.

BN came on at around 9:10

Welcome to Bangkok
Sink
Degausser
You Won’t Know
Ok I Believe you, but my Tommy Gun Don’t
Sic Transit Gloria
Limousine
Vices
Gasoline
Sowing Season
You Stole
Luca
Archers
Jesus Christ
Bought a Bride
At the Bottom
Play Crack the Sky
70x7

People are bitching hardcore about their setlist and how there is only one from Your Favorite Weapon. But honestly if you don’t know Brand New by now you never will. Sometimes they even change the setlist as they are up there (Jude Law and Quiet Things were on the original setlist - sorry!). I don’t know if it’s just because I have such a connection with BN but every time I see them live it’s 100% different than the last time. I’m always so excited to hear a song even if I’ve seen it played live 60 times. Jesse mixes shit up to catch people off guard and that’s one thing I’ve always appreciated about BN.

I had such anxiety about seeing them perform in such a big arena but I really don’t think they have ever sounded better. Every time I see them on this tour I start to love this new album more and more.

The rest of the night was epic. I have no idea why I’m not sleeping right now

2009-11-22T18:13:00.001-08:00

Just occurred me that I made my blog private a few weeks ago. Why? I have absolutely no ideaaaaa! I promise more updates after Slapsgiving and my weekend back to Long Island (or as I affectionately like to call it - Wrong Island).

2009-11-18T09:37:00.000-08:00

Also posted this to my Tumblr. Sorry if anyones seeing doubles ;)

So I saw Brand New last night. Incredible show. The best BN has sounded in years. I wish I got some better pictures as I was on the side of the stage but they still turned out shitty. Thanks BBerry.

I know right..

This set-list couldn’t have been any better:

Welcome to Bangkok
Sink
Degausser
You Won’t Know
Tommy Gun
Sic Transit
Jude Law
Seventy Times 7
Limousine
Vices
Gasoline
Sowing Season
You Stole
Luca
Archers
Jesus
Bride
At the Bottom
Play Crack the Sky

Ok that’s a lie. I would have died for Logan, Millstone and Not The Sun - but I’ll take it. Oh and Soco. I’ve already submitted my requests for the Long Island show. Which I have finally been convinced to going to. Can’t wait. Already making a list of places I want to visit while back at my old stomping grounds.

GlassJAw opened and they were also incredible as always Haven’t seen GlassJAw since Aug 2003 but I’ve gotten the pleasure to see Daryl’s side band Head Automatica quite a bit - so it was great to see at the GJ guys together again.

Here was their incredible set list.

John Lennon
Tip Your Bartender
Mu Empire
Ape Dos Mil
Cavalcade
Pink Roses
Jesus
Glue
Two Tabs of Mescaline
Siberian Kiss
Babe

They had a super random stage set up and had almost no lights so again with the no pictures thing. There was a guy in the very front who kept professing his love for Daryl and every time he did Daryl would just stop and laugh. He was super in love. And the best part was that he looked like a total “dude” guy.

Again. Can’t wait till November 28 to see them again in Long Island. Along with CIS, GlassJAw and BN - Thrice, Manchester Orchestra, Andy Jackson solo and Vinnie Caruana solo will be performing too. Hello 2002-2003

2009-10-26T15:13:00.000-07:00

Happppppy Halloween!

This past weekend marked our first official big time party in our apartment. I know I know we've totally lived here for 7 months (WOW) and finally had our first party. It was so fun and lots of great people showed up - and we're still cleaning. I was Bee Girl from Blind Melon fame. See below in my photo vomit.

Miss Lynch and I - clearly up to no good.

Wolverine, Pauly Bleeker, Juno and Suzie (aka misc slut as Pat put it)

Can you tell he raided my closet?

Some random Prisoner stopped by.

I think I made a bad ass bee girl :)

2009-10-19T19:08:00.000-07:00

Tumblr!

Ok I haven't been here in a while and I have not ditched blogspot - however I have started a Tumblr too. It's a little bit easier for me to keep up with and has some cool features. And I'm spazzy.

So check my shit out.

2009-09-17T09:53:00.000-07:00

Blah blah blah. I can't believe it's September!

Wedding #2 was last weekend and as expected it was fun on epic proportions. I know so many people who barf at the thought of going to weddings but me - I LOVE THEM! You get to whoop it up with great people and celebrate. Anywho. I went on the hunt of dress hunts for this wedding. I was so positive I would find an awesome dress because of the score I got when I got a dress for my mom's wedding. However lightning only strikes once a year apparently. I couldn't find a thing. Tons of dresses online but we all know how I feel about buying crap online.

Last resort was Burlington Coat Factory. I have previously hated this place but I found it actually not so bad. I ended up finding a few dresses I loved all under $10. Yes ALL UNDER $10. They weren't the best dresses but they'd pass. So I ended up buying one for $6.99. Like I would have been dumb not to. I was super psyched about it and then come Saturday I put it on again and realized I hated it. Like I had it on until like 10 minutes before P Dunn came to pick me up. With the shoes and sweater it just felt really tent-like so I ended up wearing this cute Old Navy dress that I got last year. Dispite it being a little see-through - it worked.

The wedding was gorgeous and the reception was so nice. We danced it up, drank too much wine and laughed till our faces hurt. The DJ told the groom he's never seen any group dance so much at a wedding. We ended up staying over and leaving super early (it was at the classy Quincy Marriott). Though the details of what happened after the reception are still foggy and that I was still drunk in morning - I would do it over the same way.

Jenn, Me and Dawn

Pat, Justin and Me

Me and a sexy groomsman ;)

One month exactly until Annie's wedding. Super excited about it. Should be a good time.

Tuesday night Pat and I went to see the live show of The Nightman Cometh by the cast of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia at the House of Blues in Boston. The House of Blues is definitely a shitty venue because its like 3 times the size of Avalon and if you're on the Upper section it's nearly impossible to see anything. Especially if it's a play/musical. Like I'm sure bands aren't bad in there because you don't necessarily need to "see" them. We had a sweet spot for a second and then we got kicked out because it was being saved for the "waitress" from It's Always Sunny. We ended up leaving a little early because it was such a bummer.

Going back there Oct 11 to see These Crooked Vultures so we'll see how it goes then.

xok

2009-08-26T17:05:00.001-07:00

I can't believe the summer is almost over. It was definitely a good one. Even though I was mostly jobless - it was probably one of the best summers I have had in a while. I got to take a lot of beach days and got to hang out with my favorite people every weekend.

I am however pretty glad to see the Fall come. It holds my birthday and some weddings I'm looking forward to. Speaking of weddings I picked up my bridesmaids dress last weekend from the bridal shop. I loved it when we picked it out and I love it even more now.

When they sized me I went a size down than they recommended because it always lights a fire under my ass. I did good for a while but for the past few weeks I've kind of fell off the wagon. To my surprise the dress is still too big! Weee. I'm definitely not going to pay to get it altered so I'm going to use some safety pins and "Tim Gunn it" and make it work. I'm so crafty. And who's going to be taking pictures of my back.

The same night I picked my dress up P. Dunn and I went to this place called the Waterclub for one of his friends birthdays. Seriously don't look at the site it's misleading. All I have heard is that it's douche bag central and boy was I right. We walked around Marina Bay for a bit searching for an ATM. When we walked by we both kind of looked at each other and said "I don't think I want to go in." But alas we went against our better judgement and went in. No more than 20 minutes in we decided to peaceee out. Think of Ed Hardy just throwing up everywhere and that's it. Lame. We left and had to run back to the car cause it was all of a sudden like a stage 4 hurricane outside. Eff you Bob.

Today I had to go into Boston to appeal the surcharge to my insurance after the accident. Even though it appeared to be my fault I stood by the fact that I would have had plenty of time to stop as I was far away from the car and going way under the speed limit, but the snow made it impossible. I think it went really well. After my recorded interview with the attorney for the state, he looked at me and was like I can't say on record until the letter goes out but this will be cleared up and not to worry.

So I decided to shop around while I had a whole day in Boston to myself. Newbury Street is ALWAYS bad news for me and Marc by Marc Jacobs is even worse. After spending forever in there talking to the wicked awesome sales dude I left with this gorgeous lady:

Except for it's purple instead of pink but the M by MJ website didn't have an image of the purple. So. cute. Also left with a cute purple change purse. I like it. A lot.

Also bought two new books: Dead After Dark the first novel of the Sookie Stackhouse series (I LOVE TRUE BLOOD) and Sloppy Firsts which I have been hearing nothing but good things about.

Word.

xok

2009-08-21T14:21:00.000-07:00

So I just got back from seeing maybe my new favorite movie of all time.

(500) Days of Summer

Incredible. And the soundtrack is just as equally awesome. I actually went and saw it by myself, something I've recently realized I have to get used to if I like random movies. And I'm not working freelance right now so I have my days free.

Anywho. I LOVE this movie. LOVE it. It had all the makings of a great movie. Great cast (my love Matthew Gray Gubler from Criminal Minds - Fig 1 see below), amazing music and a good story. I don't want to giveaway too much but right after I left the theatre I decided I hated the ending. But then after thinking about it - I realized how good it was. How much sense it made and how it pulled the movie all together. The whole movie just made me smile. Even the sad parts. And I love love love the music (email me at KZemeitus@gmail.com if you want me to send it to you). I listened to the soundtrack to and from the theatre and it made me super psyched.

Fig 1. My love Matthew Gray Gubler aka Paul aka Reid in Criminal Minds (and apparently the voice of Simon from Alvin and the Chipmunks). He plays Tom's (Joseph Gordon Levitts character) friend in the movie. Obsessed. I first laid my eyes on him when my roommate got me into Criminal Minds. Ready to see this movie again - esp for him.

And just so you know - I believe every movie now needs a choreographed dance sequence to Hall and Oates:

Oh and kareoke to the Pixies - this movie COULDN'T get any better.

Long story short - who wants to come with me when I see it again!?

xok

2009-08-10T20:28:00.000-07:00

Whattt a weekend! Friday I went to the beach with my friend Jen, her sister Julie and their crazy cousin Andrew. Fun was had and I finally went into the ocean for the first time this summer. It's finally tolerable (but only after like 10 minutes of feeling frostbitten). We had a grand time. Their cousin was only 16 but whooped it up with us anyways. We went to a fancy ice cream parlour in Duxbury and acted inappropriate and all the housewives were throwing us dirty looks.

I met the gang at Chili's for dinner. It was lovely. I met Pat, Jen and her husband Justin after at the Cabbyshack in Plymouth and more fun was had. I drank more and laughed at people. There was an old lady who was dancing but she looked like a fake old lady - kind of like the old Six Flags guy. I enjoy that place a lot. Plymouth used to be so lame but it's totally the summer version of Quincy but still fun. Every outside bar looks out into the ocean and if you're lucky you'll see a fake palm tree. I tried taking pictures but it did not work.

Saturday I went back down to the southern parts to float around with Pat in his sweet ass pool. We floated, drank and talked crap about people and repeat. Oh and this happened.

Pat tried to get in with style and grace but ended up going for a fall. The typical hammock snafu. Don't worry he was ok - I checked before I told him to not move so I could take a picture. Twas funny. Thanks for letting me put this on the internet for all to see.

I had to haul ass back to Abington so I could hit the supermarket for my guac ingredients for Nicole's Bachelorette party. She already had one in Ft Lauderdale so this was one was going to be apps, alcohol and silly games. Jen and I got there about 7. The bride was late so we chatted with her sisters and her mom and her awesome bridesmaids. We played pin the macho on the man (the mans face was Ron's - her fiance so we all had a good laugh). We all got to pick certain "units" as the package (no pun intended) instructed. I've always been a fan of eggs and bacon.

(Don't mind my sloppy nails). I did not win the contest. I placed the eggs and bacon no where near goods.

We chatted a bit more and decided to go to Blue 22 - a nice little place in Quincy Center. The Local Locals (can't find a site for them but they're really really good) were playing and they were nice enough to buy us all shots - they called it the Local Local shot and it tasted something like a grape crush. Twas yummy. Nice little bar. Not too crowded - it was literally the band, the bachelorette party and the people who worked there. Of course I took a ton of pictures.

Mrs Ewell and myself. I've known Jen the least amount of time out of all of my girlfriends but I swear we must have known each other in a previous life. We're such kindred spirits and are constantly finishing each others sentences and laughing till our faces are red. I adore this girl and her awesome husband (who has my dead MacBook in his work room in 1 million little pieces - sad).

Anywhosit. We went back to Jill's sweet townhouse and gabbed till about 330 when we decided it was probably time to go home (and ok for us to drive lol).

I woke up the next day to an text from Pat requesting my presence for pooling and boozing. I wasn't feeling much up to booze but I did so anyways. Nikki also joined and we had a grand old time. Nikki confirmed some suspicions I had about certain people - but there is so much good shit in this blog I will not bring it down my negative people. Pat cooked and it twas good. His roommate and his family came over and more fun was had - and this happened.

Pat just started slinking off his chair.

Speaking of Pat - he linked me tonight to his infamous blurty for an example of why he does NOT like the beach and I got caught up in reading 4 years of Pat madness. I've read them before but they're funny every single time. I'm begging him to publish them ala I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell. Checcck it.

I'm going to quit drinking till the weekend.

2009-08-04T13:54:00.001-07:00

Woo! Welcome to the first blog post from my new MacBook Pro!

I have finally saved up enough money from my freelancing job to buy a new Mac. I don't know how I lasted so long without a computer of my own. It was ok using my mom's when she was on vaca. But super lame.

I was going to get the same computer I'd had (white MacBook) but I decided after much deliberation (yes I took it as seriously as America's Next Top Model) I opted on the MacBook Pro. I love it. LOVE IT.

Had a busy weekend. Friday night I went out for John's birthday to the Abington Ale House. So SO many people that I hadn't seen in a while (Andrea and Josh!!) and it was a good time. I kept telling myself that I had to go home to cook (for Annie's bridal shower the next morning) and I couldn't stay out late. Of course that didn't happen. After AAH Gary talked me into going with him to Bella's in Rockland to meet a friend of ours. Fun times were had and more drinks were drank. Nicole's friend Kim made us "special" drinks and I swear they were on a time release. I drank it and didn't feel it until I got home and got into bed. Going to bed with the spins = not a good time.

Annie's bridal shower was amazing. She got awesome gifts and she enjoyed herself. We ended up renting a hall for cheap and bringing/making all the food. I probably would not do that again. But hey half of us are jobless so it worked well. It was just a lot of work. After I helped Annie and James bring all their new presents home I went back to the apt.

I got like two hours of sleep the night before because I stayed up feeling sick most of the night so I wanted to pass out. But I was going to see Incubus with Missy and some of her friends. We had a great time and Incubus exceeded my expectations big time.

Sunday was Nicole's wedding shower where I had a blassst! I won the center piece and it's gorg. Also the favors were these mini shakers full of hershey's kisses. So cute. Later that night I headed to Annie's to help her address her wedding invitations. Needless to say I'm wedding-ed out.

This weekend I have Nicole's Bachelorette which should be fun. I hope she gets a stripper.

xok

2009-07-16T10:16:00.000-07:00

I'm back!

Ok I still don't have a computer but I can see it in my near future. I've been working on a freelance PR project that's been keeping me pretty busy (and at my mom's house to use her PC). Luckily the sun has FINALLY decided to show it's face this summer so I've also been able to work on my tan. I think it's because I went to the Dominican at the beginning of the summer but I am tanning like a crazy person this summer. I could stand out in the sun for 10 minutes and when I get in I'm nearly another nationality. It's kind of awesome but reminds me that in the fall I'll go back to looking my yucky self.

The fourth was amazing. I went to my family's cabin in New Hampshire for a surprise party for my cousin Lisa. I don't think she was very surprised when she saw all of us up there but hey she pretended. My mom and I played beer pong together which was hilarious and I wish someone taped it. We actually won like three games before my cousin Chris came in and killed us all. I made an incredible buffalo chicken dip and some fourth of July themed cupcakes. Color me domesticated yo.

I've been working out a ton and trying to eat well. No more snacks in the apt (except for the runs to Cresent Ridge this amazing ice cream joint near my apt) and I'm really really trying to stay away from the carbs (I had a piece of bread on sat night!). I've been doing Zumba two-three times a week now and I can totally see a difference. Along with Zumba I have also been trying to go to my Boot Camp class at the other gym on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I have lost just about 15 pounds (ok 13 but it will be 15 by the time I finish this post!). I see it in my face and arms the most and when I wear my jeans they nearly fall off me. So yay! I have two weddings (one in Sept and one in Oct) one that I am in so I'd like to at least look presentable.

A little bit of sad news. My enV kind of died. I'd wanted to get a new phone anyways so I was kind of excited about it. So I went to Verizon and found out that I could get the BlackBerry Curve for free pretty much (I paid $70 but then got a $70 rebate). I love it. Like if I could marry this phone I would. It's helped SO much while I do not have a computer at my disposal at all times. I will pay a little bit more a month but I think it's totally worth it. Oh and it takes greatt photos (see below).

This past weekend we went out for Pat's friend Ron's birthday. It was fun. We went to East Bay Grille in Plymouth. They have a really fun outside bar that we pretty much camped ourselves at after dinner. The place was filled with dbags and sluts but we made it happen anyways.

The best part of this picture is one of the dbags that was talking to us told us he was a photographer and he could take one for us. The one he took was not good. it was mostly of our boobs. Go figure. This is the one I took via my brand new phone.

Ok I'm finally going to post this as I've been working on it for two weeks.

xo
k

2009-06-25T12:32:00.000-07:00

True story. I have not died. I'm still alive. And it's not that I'm busy or anything - I just have no energy to blog about my bad luck.

Vacation was amazing. Couldn't have been better actually. We stayed at the Riu Bambu in Punta Cana. It was so incredible. It only rained like three times and it was all when we were already done with the sun for the day. We did water aerobics and bingo everyday. Call us the old folks. My tan is still kicking it too.

I have no pictures however because my camera is no longer working. I tested it the night before we left and nothing. It turns on - and then off. Very random. I swear I can't touch anything remotely valuable without it breaking. My computer is still a no show. Justin took it and fooled around with it and said it's got non dairy creamer caked all over the middle. Seriously folks - MacBooks are thirsty - do not quench their thirsts while checking your email on a Sunday morning. My options are:

A. Get a new logic board ($350)
B. Buy a used one from Ebay ($475-700)
C. Buy a new one

Currently I have no where near any of those amounts thanks to Massachusetts Unemployment - so I'm using my rents computer which is I'm sure just what hell is like. It's like moving back in. But not. It's awful.

However there is a silver lining in my bad luck year. I got a freelance job doing PR and media relations for a cool clothing brand. I don't know when I'll get paid for my work because it's all a little confusing right now but when I do - I'm buying myself a new MacBook. I damn near cried over one in the Apple store in the mall the other day.

My car also decided to be shitty on me. Last week my exhaust snapped in half leaving me with a car that's sound probably could break the sound barrier. I hid it from my rents for a few days and finally my step-dad found out. So my mom gave me some money to get that fixed - which wasn't a lot - but I HATE borrowing money!

Ok no more of this awful crap. My mom got married!!! it was a lovely little ceremony/reception. My mom looked GORGEOUS!!! So did my step-dad. They both looked very dapper. I was obsessed with my dress. My mom took me dress shopping and I moaned and groaned the whole way (seriously I am a thrill to be around) and the first dress I picked up was the winner. See in photos below!

Me and Bff's. It wasn't as poofy as it looks in that pic. It's was a little windy. Pretty much the most comfy dress on earth.

My sisters and I with Aunt Claire.

The whole gang.

More pictures are up on my FaceBook. Thanks to those who took pictures and printed them out for me :)

After the reception we went back to the rents place for the after after party. Jess and Missy came and picked up Robyn, Hill and I and we headed to No Doubt!! AMAZING. We had SO much fun even though it was raining and we were on the lawn. Well actually it didn't rain TOO bad. But once the music started it didn't even matter. Just made it THAT more epic. We were all trying to get good pictures of Gwen's abs for inspiration. Seriously. That woman is INCREDIBLE!

Hillary, Meghan and I.

We had too much fun.

I'm HOPING and praying to get tickets for the Killers in Sept before they sell out because that would pretty much make my life.

Hope everyone is doing well!! I promise to keep up with my blog now even though I'm sure I've lost a few of my 4 readers lol.

xok

2009-05-18T11:25:00.000-07:00

Computer is still out of commission. When I recieve my severance I'm going to bring it to an independent computer fixer upper. I've already done some research on some in the area and I'm suprised by how many do not know their way around a Mac. Of course my nerdy PC friends are like "Told you not to buy a Mac." Whatever.

In the meantime I have to give serious props to my amazing roomate and my mom for letting me use their computers. Both PC's.

Friday night, the ladies and I went to see Angels and Demons. I loved it. I haven't read the book yet but I wanted to see the movie badly. It made me want to go to Rome. Badly. Or at least made me wish I had studied Art History in college. We went back to Hillary's apt and hung out and got pysched about our vacation (which is 12 days away!). I can't wait. I feel so useless not doing anything. At least when I'm on vacation I'll feel like I'm doing something.

Another bummer about my computer being out of commission is the fact that my resume is on it. So I just dragged out a hard copy and I'm going to go to my moms house tomorrow and re do the whole thing. It's a great resume and it would be impossible to re create off the top of my head.

Speaking of which I feel like I may be getting dumber. I've been saying really dumb things. I think my brain is tired and not used to being unstimulated all day every day. I mean really there are only so many Keeping Up with the Kardashians and Maury's that I can watch. So I've been playing Puzzle Quest and Sudoku like it's my job (could it be my job??).

Saturday Hillary's hubby came over and pimped our apt (attached our Wii and hid our wires - yeah we were so lazy). I went over to Greg's for a bit and hung out with him and his mom and new nephew who is so so so cute. Rest of the weekend was a bust. I've drank an insane amount of coffee and took like 6 naps. I neeeeeed some good news in my life.

Also, I woke up with the itchiest foot EVER!!! Like I wanted to stick it into a fan because it probably would have done the trick. Someone told me it meant I'm coming into money. Then someone else pissed on my parade and told me it may mean I'm going to get into a fight.

Please let it be money.

xok

2009-05-14T10:36:00.000-07:00

In my string of bad luck I literally threw a cup of coffee on my MacBook. It wasn't even a lot. But since it was hot - I screwed myself. The screen was working and loading per usual but the mouse pad and the keys weren't registering.

I brought it right to the Apple store at the South Shore Plaza. One of my best customer service stories is from Apple so I had high hopes - sadly the woman that helped me pretty much laughed in my face and told there was nothing I could do - just wait until it dried out. She didn't listen to me and kept interuppting when I wanted to tell her what happened. She kept talking to me like I was an idiot. Which added to my frustration even more.

Sunday was the same deal. Everyone was telling me to take the battery out and turn it over. So I did. Praying Monday it would be better - I put the battery back in to find my computer with no life at all. Mom and I headed for lunch at out favorite place, the Rustic Kitchen at Derby Street so I brought my computer because there is also an apple store there.

The guy there was slightly nicer - the kicker is - he told me if the person in Braintree would have un screwed the back (which he did) and taken the RAM out it probably would have been a very easy problem to fix. But since she didn't right away - my computer is pretty much fried. Oh and is probably going to cost $800 to fix. I have a few people who are going to look at it but I have little hope.

Another thing that drives me crazy is that Apple Care DOES not cover liquid damage. I bought it because I was told if anything happens to it my Apple Care will cover it. It wasn't everything except for a, b and c. So I pretty much paid for Apple Care in case something within the computer - that is out of my hands - goes wrong with it.

So sad. I'm heartbroken over this. This is worse than being laid off.

Also have thought of selling some of my nice handbags online. I do NOT want to - but being laid off - without a job, I really have no choice. My resume and cover letter are on there so naturally I need it badly. But can't get to it. Thankfully my roommate is letting me use her computer :) She's a damn saint.

Oh and I'm not getting my severance pay - which I need badly - until my last expense report is paid. Another thing that is out of my hands. I sent it in the day I got laid off. So because accounting hasn't got to it yet - I don't get my severance. The card is under my name - do they really think I'm just not going to pay it when it's my credit at stake?? Not going to happen. That call is what started my day.

I had a really fun time last night and I thought finally maybe things would be looking up. My roommate and I went into town with two of her guy friends for some Italian food and good times. We had a blast. One of the guys we went with is like the mayor of the North End. I wish I could remember the place we had dinner at (this was before the wine - promise. I just don't remember!). It was incredible and after this I will probably enjoy my leftovers. After, we went to Cafe Vittoria for coffee and snacks and then went downstairs which was a cigar bar. People were smoking cigars, hooka, everything in there. So bizarre. The secrets that place must hold. It was all older men in three piece suits discussing business. One of those places you only see in the movies. I wanted to take pictures but figured I'd have the mafia on my door step the next morning if I did - so I refrained.

Best thing about the cigar bar is that they played the most random music. Chumawumba, late 90's Britney Spears, Jodeci and All Saints. Yeah. We had a good time.

That's really as exciting as my life gets these days. I feel so useless sometimes. The only thing I'm looking forward to is my vacation! Then after that I'm not sure what to do. I need a job like yesterday.

Time to get back to Lost! Hope all my blog friends are doing well!

xok

2009-05-04T18:02:00.000-07:00

Last week was definitely a huge bummer. Well most of it was grand. Never saw it coming.

I got laid off from my job on Thursday. It's funny how things work like that. I had a huge revelation on Wednesday night. I was feeling super positive and was really hitting all my marks and getting really great feedback.

Then Thursday morning the head of my office walked in and shut the door and I was like - eh. I knew it wasn't going to be good. Eight of us got laid off that day. They have been laying people off since October. I guess they were banking on scoring a few pieces of new business - but because they didn't - they had to make the decision to get rid of some people.

There is a lot I would have changed about the experience (besides the whole not having a job thing). I really loved my job - but more I liked the people. I'll really miss working everyday with Bethany and Kathleen. I'll miss the routine. I already have gotten up at 7:30 and started to get ready - to only remember that I don't have a job. Just sad.

Anyways. This weekend definitely made up for my shitty week. Friday night, I went out to this place Hanabi in Marshfield with my favorites. REALLY good food and they have one of those tepanyaki tables where they cook the food in front of you. We opted to sit in the main dining room. Super cute. We then met more folks in the bar area for some drinks and dancing. This band Six Foot Sunday was playing and they were pretty sweet.

Saturday I woke up bright and early for the trip to New Jersey for Bamboozle. I picked up Robyn and we were on our way. I was a little hungover but as soon as we loaded up on some Dunks we were good to go. I love driving down there. Reminds me of college. So many random memories on 95 South lol. We made it down there around 12:30. We killed some time and then headed down to Meadowlands.

Bamboozle is now like an two day Warped Tour. I miss it being at Asbury a little. JUST a little. First band we wanted to see was the Bloodhound Gang. Also one of the bands that convinced me to actually make the trek down. They were awesome. They played Ballad of Chasey Laine, F.U.C.K., Uhn Tiss, Three Point One Four, Bad Touch and Fire Water Burn. I love Jimmy Pop. The crowd watching them was really cool too. No 14 year olds. This was the best picture of them I got.

We also watched New Found Glory, and Ace Enders and a Million Different People. Ace was great. Made me miss TEN a little bit. We killed some time before Third Eye Blind. Right before Third Eye Blind there was supposed to be a "Special Guest". Circa 2004 at Skate and Surf in Asbury we were also promised a special guest. It was Joan Jett. This year - it was Journey. YES. Like Don't Stop Believing Journey. I also learned the next day that the lead singer was NOT Steve Perry. It looked just like him. We were far away.

Third Eye Blind was AMAZING. They played all the goodies and again the crowd watching them was really cool. Met some fun dudes who enjoyed them as much as we did. We peaced out after that as we didn't really want to see Fall Out Boy and we were starving. Thanks to VZ Navigator we found a Taco Bell REALLY close to our hotel. Roads in Jersey are totally screwy so we got lost of course. When we finally got back to the hotel we scarved and passed out. The hotel wasn't bad for the $90 we paid and the people who worked there were super sweet.

Next day I picked out a cute outfit (yeah whatever) to only find out it was pouring. Again, giving props to my VZ Navigator, I decided we should search "diner" and go to a legit Jersey diner for brunch. We picked the Gotham City Diner in Ridgefield NJ because we liked the name. Duh. It was amazing and super affordable. I got some glares and dirty looks with my red sox hoodie (with ended up coming with me for the rest of the day - smart).

When we left it was still crazy downpouring. So again with the trusty navigator we found a Borders and killed some time. I seriously could kill a day in Borders (and probably will with my current state of non-employment).

We headed to the venue again. It was probably the grossest place I've ever been (next to Warped Tour 2005 in Northhampton MA). It had been raining all day and they didn't clean up from the day before. So use your imagination. It was insane. We actually got to catch this really cool band from Florida called Versaemerge. They were playing on one of the smaller stages. There were a ton of carnival rides at the venue. We didn't check them out because we thought you had to pay for them (we're that poor - did I mention hot dogs were $5 and beer was almost $9). Well the second day we checked it out and road the ferris wheel. SO cool. Wish the weather could have been a little better.

That was our view of the venue from the top. Cool that you can see the New York skyline in the back.

We then watched Demi Lovato (who was adorable and seriously bad ass for holding her own up there) and The Used (who I used to LOVE but they are really not good anymore). Bert is WAY less crazy and both him and the instruments were really hard to hear. After that we went to dry out inside Giants Stadium and sit. They actually let us sit in the stands. It was cool. This is also the time that Robyn and I enjoyed an Arepa. I don't know the background of these amazing works of food but - they are two flat cakes of cornbread and in the middle is mozzarella cheese. AND it was really good. We had some laughs about how random it was.

We then headed back down and decided we wanted one more ride on the Ferris Wheel. We got paired up with two really cool dudes. We bonded over the fact that we were all over 25. LOL. Nerds. After the Ferris Wheel we went to go check out Taking Back Sunday. Before TBS we stopped at the Gen79 tent to meet one of my favorite blogger gals, Jessica, over at tried to live forever everyday of the year. She is SOOO super sweet and was rocking the LAMB like myself. We chatted for a bit and then met up again to watch No Doubt. We watched TBS from the No Doubt stage because we really wanted to get a good spot for ND. TBS were good and I think I'll try to see them again when they come to Boston.

No Doubt was incredible. Speechless. I got the chills when they came out and opened right into Spiderwebs. I was wet and cold and tired but I danced and jumped my booty off. Amazing. We left about three songs early to make the 15 minute walk to the car, so we did "hear" the rest. Finally got back to my apartment at 3am and I was showered, hydrated and snoozing by 3:15. Good times. Good times.

Cinco De Mayo celebration tomorrow night!!!!

xok

2009-04-28T08:19:00.000-07:00

I give this weekend a B.

Friday night was fun as it always is when P. Dunn and I do the Chilis thing. They have a sweet happy hour menu from 9pm-midnight where all these apps and burger/sandwich combos are $3.99 each. I got a grilled chicken sandwich and french fries (I know. I couldn't resist). But we all know the real reason I like to go there on Friday's - Nikki makes me the best dirty martinis. The best. I have been in this sordid love affair with dirty martinis for the past year or so. But I will only drink it at certain places and I would probably never dare to make one on my own - but I love them - especially if the establishment stuffs the olives with blue cheese (ie. Cheesecake Factory, Not Your Average Joe's). I always get the most attention when I drink them as well - men will come and be like "That's a serious martini" then I will do my best to act flirty - but we all know I'm as smooth as Liz Lemon, so instead I ramble on about a story on how much I love salt which makes it the perfect drink for me.

I'm a classy broad. All that talk really makes me want a DM now.

I digress. Pat has a friend named Norm who we like to mess around with after a few drinks. We send him (ok Pat does - but I provide content) random Friends synopsises' and see if he gets them - he generally doesn't but usually takes it in stride. He used to think it was really funny but this Friday night he was NOT amused. He send Pat back very mean text's and a scathing voice mail. Ohh Norm.

Saturday I woke up early and cleaned and I promised my long lost best friend Mrs. Hillary that I would go up to North Shore and visit her. They live on the beach in Winthrop - so I put on a little sundress ready to get some color. Little do I know Hillary and the hub are decked out beach style in bathing suits and stuff. Little serious for April you think? When we were getting some sun, our friend Jess mentions she's never been to Hooter's. In my very PR way I tell her why it's so awesome and not because boobs are awesome. I've always had a really fun time at Hooter's. First time I ever went in like 2000 this douche bag was harrassing our waitress so in my 17 year old glory I totally yelled at this guy - I don't know exactly what I said but it wasn't nice - sorry dude - but she was a sweetie. She was so appreciative she bought my friends and I a round of beer. Beer? Yeah I was a late bloomer and all I drank at 17 was like two sips of Zima and some watered down white russians (thanks Roger!). So I asked for the only beer I knew at that time - Bud Light. God we were so cool. We took like 18 pictures of our beers and couldn't wait to show our friends at school on Monday.

I digress again - I just think the gals there are the sweetest and the food is good. So we cleaned up and headed to the new Hooter's on Route 1. Obvs we had a blast and watched the Red Sox OWN the Yankees. It was cool because you didn't feel weird jumping out your seat and cheering for the game - because everyone was. We weren't that one LOUD table as we always are. So fun. SO many families there too. Like lots of little kids. Do you think recently breast fed kids try to reach out for the gals boobies?

And think Hooter's is only for boobs and games. Don't count Hooter's out when you're planning your next date.

Hilarious. This kept me entertained for a few minutes. Get your wings and your champagne.

After the game I was just going to head home but ended up meeting up with some pals for a Breast Cancer Fundraiser. Twas fun. The band was really bad but the drinks and the company were good. I tried not being in any pictures because I looked gross ( being on the beach all day can do that to you) but alas - I got caught.

Cute!

Sunday I lounged around all day and it was glorious. Yep. Last night after work the roomie and I decided to catch a movie. We saw "I Love You Man" and it was incredible. SO FUNNY. I love Jason Segel - my love just grows and grows for him. Legit. Funny movie. Totes McGotes.

Did I mention I'm getting ridiculously psyched for this weekend and Bamboozle. Can't wait.

Zumba tonight!!

xok

2009-04-24T09:54:00.001-07:00

Wow. Three posts in one week. Color me shocked. I have been inspired by the lovely Jessica at tried to live forever every day of the year. She does a Friday playlist every Friday and I have decided to make my own.

I have also been asked by a journalist who came to the event last week if I could make her a running mix (apparently along with my talents she also thinks I have good taste in music - yeah I don't know what she's thinking). I have mixes on the brain.

Here are my songs that are currently getting me through this workday:

1. Dire Straights - Money For Nothing
2. Peter, Bjorn and John - Nothing to Worry About
3. Kelly Clarkson - I Do Not Hook Up
4. Demi Lovato - Get Back
5. Kings of Leon - Four Kicks
6. Kings of Leon - Use Somebody
7. Letters to Cleo - Find You Dead
8. Iggy Pop - Candy
9. New Found Glory - 47
10. Lily Allen - Everyone's At It
11. Weezer - It's Easy
12. The Raconteurs - Old Enough
13. MGMT - Electric Feel
14. Motion City Soundtrack - It Had to be You
15. The Killers - Neon Tiger

Happy Friday!

xok

2009-04-23T09:39:00.001-07:00

Just realized I forgot something pretty exciting that also happened this weekend: My mom and Roger (step-dad) are finally getting married.

I feel like everyone I tell is WAY more excited than I am. I am excited - don't get me wrong but I'm just like "jeez finally." They've been together for 17 years. I'm just not surprised. They've been engaged for over 10 years and have told me they were getting married like 6 times.

They were supposed to be married in 2000 - I even sent Joey Fatone from NSYNC a letter to see if he wanted to be my date (still waiting on my rsvp - FYI - oh yeah did I mention I was 18). But they didn't. Plans fell through.

Come two weeks ago at my mom's birthday I break the news about my vacation. Roger is often a professional parade pisser-on-er so I told just my mom. She's like WHAT! We were going to get married on May 30!

Oh. Well excuse me. I guess since I don't live in their house anymore I am void of big news. They both get all flustered that I didn't tell them sooner.

Sunday, I'm in the gym (where BTW Missy and I found a condom wrapper - hip-hop superstar must be seducing the ladies in there with his sweet moves) and my mom calls. I tell her I'm on a plan to look fierce at Annie's wedding (see previous post for bridesmaid woes) and before I can finish she's like "Oh! We're getting married June 20. We already paid for the luncheon at Common Market." Pretty exciting - but again I'm kind of over it. I can't wait - and it's going to be amazing but I feel like they're already married so it's no big shakes. I've been calling Roger my step dad for years - he's been in my life longer than my biological father was - his daughters (regardless of my liking for them) have been my sisters - I like his family more than I like my own. So many of them have shaped my life for the better. So I'm looking at this wedding as a party - official merging of families though it's already happened years ago.

Weird. Actually putting that out there has made me more excited for their wedding. If only I could put a veto on crazy step-sister attending.

Moving on. As a part of my seriousness of getting into shape and eating better (I haven't had a bagel or bread all week - go me!) I have decided to broaden my workouts. I did Zumba a few years ago at a Women's Retreat (totally mom's idea - leave me alone) and it was fun. It's all he rage now. Every gym has it - except for mine. I found out that Bayshore Atheltic Club in Braintree has a Zumba class and you don't have to me a member to join the class. All you do is spend $7 ($5 for members). So, mom's friend Kim asked her to go, mom asked me to join and I told Missy about it.

I have never had so much fun working out. I didn't fill my water because I was like "Ohh dancing - how much will I need to hydrate." The answer is "A LOT." After some serious giggles I got into it and I was sweating a TON (TMI?) I felt like my clothes were getting heavier and heavier. I rolled up my pants like a hip hop gangsta. It was insane. I have never sweat so much. Sooo worth the $7. Did I mention I'm the worst dancer ever? I'm going back tonight and have recruited a few more gals to come with so I'm even more excited.

Time to get back to work. <3

xok

2009-04-21T07:42:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good times indeed.

xok

2009-04-16T18:09:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2009-04-10T10:30:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

xooook

2009-04-03T07:12:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good stuff.

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

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

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

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

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

Work time. xok

2009-03-23T10:23:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

xok

2009-03-19T09:26:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

xok

2009-03-17T08:46:00.000-07:00

Drug Rug.

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

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

Some extra pictures:

Sarah's hair was so cute that night.

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

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

xok

2009-03-16T12:38:00.000-07:00

Well. Moving is finished. Unpacking is another story.

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

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

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

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

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

He was really into it apparently.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

xok

2009-03-10T11:40:00.000-07:00

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

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

Then this happened.

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

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

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

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

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

xok

2009-03-08T18:48:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

xok

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

My Horizontal Life.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More weekend awesomeness later.

xok

2009-02-27T09:33:00.001-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oh BTW. My obsession of the week:

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

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

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

xok

2009-02-25T07:39:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Everyone have a sweeeeeet Wednesday.

xo

2009-02-19T12:38:00.000-08:00

I patience is fleeting today. I'm 100% sure my computer almost blew up and 1 hour later anonymous IT guy tells me it could have been my iPod poisoning it. How dare he accuse my iPod of being toxic! He suggested I take it to the doctors aka the genious bar to make sure it is void of all CTD's (computer transmitted diseases - I just made that up. I'm so fucking clever).

Last night I decided to take a SPIN class at the gym. I haven't went since the last time, which was like three years ago when not only did my ass hurt for three weeks, but when I got up to get a drink of water my legs gave out and I fell in front of the whole class.

But I decided that I need to get my ass into gear. Annie's wedding and my 27th birthday (which happen to happen consecutive days in a row) are creeping (ok more like 8 months) close. SO I go to Spin. Sweet - someone I know. We shoot the shit and I soon realize I have to get a pass to be in the class so I sprint downstairs - get one - come back up. The agro instructor is like "where were you? Are you this late to work and other engagements in your life." Whatever.

SO I get on the bike - get situated for my height etc. Get into the stance and start going. This may fall into a slight category for TMI Thursday - but for those who don't know me in real life - I have really big boobs. Like big ones. I got my first brazierre at 8 and from then on it was boob-city. Of course I get the joke all the time - "So do your boobs hit in you in the face when you run." Umm I wear two sports bras - so no.

I can finally say YES. Yesterday as I'm pedaling and getting into the stance - my boobs are kinda slamming into my face. I can't believe I am even admitting this. I couldn't stop laughing. The only way I could get comfortable was to stand on the bike - pretty much the whole time. Funny back story: I was telling my coworker that day that I didn't think SPIN would be intensive enough to require two sports bras. But oh it did. My butt does not hurt like it did when I first did Spin but my legs are really paining today. It's a good pain for sure. I plan on taking it again next Wednesday.

Maybe my next foray in TMI Thursday will be more exciting.

In other news one of my former likes (note: not loves) has been trying to nudge his annoying face back into my life via FaceBook. Really?? I like FaceBook as much as the next day but really you want to check up on my life and shoot the shit - call me. Use the freaking phone. I'd even take a text. I'm NOT going to write back to your one liners about how much you'd like to see me when you're in town etc etc. You suck at life and I let you go for a reason. That's the rah-rah side of me. The other just wants to have some fun :)

Oh did I mention I have an IRL (in real life - for those not so savvy) crush. I'm sure I'll be over it by Monday but it's nice while it's around.

So we measured the apartment on Tuesday and if it is possible - we actually fell more in love with the place. They fixed our balcony door and it's so cool. We stood out there talking about how damn excited we were to move in and how awesome our place was. Everything that we noticed last time has been fixed (I'm still missing a closet door!) and the bathroom is super shiny now. It was kind of grimey before. This week I've been looking at TV's, mattresses, wine racks (obvs), TV stands and kitchen tables. I wasn't going to buy a new mattress but I watched a special on mattresses the other night and I got skeeved out. They say mattresses really shouldn't have two owners and my mom gave me her mattress about a year ago when she bought a new one. Oh and she told me today that my mattress is 17 years old. Greattt.

After my computer debacle I got really lazy and really just read blogs for like a half hour. So naturally I need to pass them on:

Maxie - I Hate So Much.
(ok if you're not absolutely on the floor laughing after you read her blog you may have a problem. Her most recent post is one of my favs. Also this one. Oh and this one. Read them all!)

LiLu - Live It, Love It.
I just discovered LiLu's blog last week after Maxie linked it in one of those posts up there. I envy both of these ladies wicked exciting lives and wish I had the cojones to write about what they write about. They both are religious with posting on TMI Thursdays (seriously go read them) which is what helped me to share my embarrassing Spin class. Her series on "Shizz her boyfriend says" is AMAZZZING.

Jessica - tried to live forever every day of the year
I love Miss (soon to be Mrs!!) Jessica. She reminds me alot of myself except she's way cooler and lives in New York City.

Jess - Classy In Philadelphia
This Jess also reminds me quite a bit of myself. She is super into PR (and did one semester at my alma mater Hofstra!). She's super sophisticated (alot more than I was at 20 and probably now at 26) and I love reading her blog! Woop!

Rachel - Confessions of a Jersey Girl
Rachel's blog is so fun to read. She tells amazingly heartfelt stories that have made me cry a few times and is also a really good person to follow on twitter (as are the rest of my blog friends).

Cake Wrecks - Need I say more. My coworker and I absolutely are in stitches when we waste precious time on this here blog.

Postcards from Yo Momma - Everyones Mom says dumb stuff. Next time she does - submit it to this website.

Ok I realized that I have like 57 blogs in my reader that I love. If I did not shout you today your time will be coming soon!!

And like I would shout out my IRL friends that have blogs. Ahemm.
Mr. Patrick Dunn (who needs to get his ass posting more. He's HIGHLARIOUS and not to mention - a total stud. From our first meeting in the line to get our tickets at the airport for Vegas when the guy yelled at us - I knew I wanted him to be my friend)
Ms Lizzy Mann who - now don't be jealous - was able to live with me in college and spent ENDLESS hours in the car from New York to Boston and rinse and repeat.

Ok one more. Lauren Melanie Brown. Yes she shares half of her name with a Spice Girl but she also has a kicken super stylish fashion blog. Did I mention she also was my favorite roommate in the whole entire world and we were probably sisters in a past life? Yep. True fax.

Now that I have came out of the "i love to blog and bloggers" closet I must be packing up my stuff so I can go test out some mattresses.

xok

2009-02-17T08:34:00.000-08:00

Just tid-bits this time. I tried updating yesterday and then I realized I had nothing interesting to say (do I ever?).

Weekend was cool.
Saw My Bloody Valentine 3D with Lydia. There was a two year old child in our row. Fucked. Up.
Got a mani pedi with my mom before her big day in the city.
Watched Secret Life of Bees and cried my eyes out.
Napped and watched too many shows about people getting married.
Went out for Valentine's Day with my date - Robyn.
Played Beer Pong and met tons of new people.
Saw a lot of characters out at the Commonwealth including a guy who had a mesh zip-up shirt on with a sparkly sequin shirt over it (YES I took a picture with my cam phone but it didn't come out!!!!)
Started organizing for the big move.

Speaking of the big move we're officially getting our keys on March 9. My plan is to move most of my stuff in Monday and Tuesday and then move my bed March 11 because I'm taking Thursday and Friday off to get everything else situated.

Tonight, Missy and I are going to the apartment to measure and make sure everything is cool when we move in. I'm super excited. Oh in my weekend my Mom and Roger went to look at TV's for me. I'm finally going to join society with a big kid plasma TV. It's going to be sweet.

I'm getting really anxious about what might be under my bed. Seriously. I hope my yearbook is under there - that thing has been MIA for years.

Yep. Still uninteresting,

xok

2009-02-09T06:55:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday. Ok not Happy Monday - I hate Mondays. I just thought I'd stick with the Happy * insert day here* theme I have been taking.

Friday night I saw "He's just not that into you" with Missy and Jess. We met up at Olive Garden for drinks and good food and then headed over to the theatre. We bought our tickets in advance and I'm really glad we did. The theatre was PACKED.

We all loved the movie. Ginnifer Goodwin was amazing. Lots of LAUGH OUT LOUD moments. She was insane in the movie. But some of things she did or thought of - I think every girl can definitely relate. I'd rather not admit all of the traps I've fallen into but a few times I cringed thinking of how dumb I must have looked. Definitely a live action bible for us girls.

Saturday I went to the Wrentham outlets in a hunt for a new purse. I was going to go to the Coach boutique but I decided I should try to see what kind of deals I could get at the outlet. I got my state refund back and I decided I would treat myself to a new bag and put my federal return in my bank for the big move. The Coach Outlet in Wrentham has doubled its size and is just so overwhelming. I went by myself so naturally when I picked out a bag I took a photo of it and sent it to my friends for the opinions. There was one bag. I couldn't stop staring at it. Actually this woman was kind of mulling around it and I was like please don't take it, please don't take it.

I'm regretting not buying it. I did not get it because I realized it's the same color scheme as my Signature Tote. But the inside was the tattersall print. Oh god I want to go back and buy it. Ok no. As I'm toying over this bag I spotted this gorgeous little clutch out of the corner of my eye.

Totally not my color - but I figured sometimes I need a burst of color in my wardrobe. The flap opens and flips up and the inside print is the anniversary pattern. Not going to lie. it's kind of what sold me on it.

Click here to see the inside and all the crap I can fit in it. You can't see but I was able to fit my skinny mini wallet, phone, cell, keys, lip gloss and everyones favorite - visine. My contacts get dry alot k.

I took this lovely lady out with me to meet Justin, Jen and Pat for dinner at Fuji. Hmm just the thought makes me want to get their amazing sushi. Pat and I shared two Scorpion Bowls which were so good. I got the Philly roll and the Spicy Tuna roll. So good.

Pat's the best model ever. I don't think this picture actually does the scorpion bowl the justice it deserves. It actually looks bigger in real life.

Somewhere during dinner Justin hijacked my phone and went through my pictures. He then made me tell him all the random stories that go along with some of the pictures. He's like you have the BEST stories. So someday I think I'll dedicate a blog to all my random photos.

Did I mention how much I love Justin and Jen? They are as good as they come. Jen could be my long lost sister - for real and Justin is just so nice and if Pat and Gary didn't already make me laugh until I'm on the floor - he's also one of the funniest people ever.

Oh also at dinner - I saw my oldest BFF ever Miss Paula. How excited was I. I bump into her in the most random places. I will be calling her this week for a dinner date. Picture throwback time!

How do you all like my Farrah Fawcett hair? We're super sexy.

After dinner we went to the South Side Tavern to see Ann Marie's cousins band called "The Bitter End" play. The place was SUPER small but actually quite quaint. The crowd was a little bit older. The band was awesome. The girl singer would come out and let us sing in the mic. Yeah we were so cool. I have a thing that when I go out to see local bands that play 90's music I'll yell "Letters to Cleo" like a heckler. Of course they never played but this time after I said it they played "I want you to want me." Ok I'll take it. I know a number of people who thought that was their song. I won't call them out. It also smelled like blueberry muffins in there. Most pleasant bar smell ever.

I have a video on my white Mac that I'll load when I get home. It's really funny. This one girl was dancing like Molly Ringwald in Breakfast Club. I always like hearing my commentary when I get home and watch them.

Rock steady. Did you all hear Blink 182 is reuniting??? You can't tell in that picture but Tom is standing like a foot away. Maybe they smell?

xok

2009-02-06T07:09:00.000-08:00

Did you know that you can make a wish-list on Bed, Bath and Beyond? Ikea needs to create one of those things!

I need so many lame things for when I move. We haven't done a huge count of the things we need yet but these are the things I know I'll need.

Here is my list so far.

People find it so funny that I hang dry almost EVERYTHING. Ever since I was a kid we never used the dryer. Like ever. In the summer it's pretty much non existent. We hang everything on the clothes line. Then in the winter we hang everything inside. The only thing we dry are jeans really because with the way they make jeans now - it's a necessity to always dry them.

So that explains the stand dryer :)

We ended up scoring a sweeter apartment after all. The one we were supposed to get - on the bottom floor; the people decided not to leave. So they offered us the chance to look at two more apartments. The first one they showed us was a different layout. WAY smaller. And on the bottom floor. It's in the "basement" but has windows at foot level. We both didn't feel the same vibe we did from the other one. So then they showed us the one on the third floor (*note to all that will be helping us move in - the third floor is the second floor because you walk in the building on the second floor :) ). The one on the third floor is amazing. It's the same layout as the one we liked and - it has a balcony!! A sweet one. SO yeah we're excited. And they also said we could paint if we wanted. Sweet! Did I also mention it's NEXT to the gym? Yes. I will have NO excuse.

Going to the movies tonight to see "He's Just Not That in to You" with some lovely ladies. We're grabbing dinner and drinks before. I'm super excited! Tomorrow we're seeing some band in some bar in Quincy. Ha that sounds funny. I also hope to work in a lot of sleep and maybe a little organizing/accessing shit I should get rid of.

xok

2009-02-04T07:39:00.000-08:00

Happy Hump Day!

I can't believe it's Wednesday already. I for one couldn't be more excited. Wednesday signify the almost end of the week. Can you tell I'm just dying for a day off?

I had a pretty chill yet fun weekend. Friday night Robyn and I went to Chilis before heading to Lydia and Phils for Grace's rave themed birthday party. Unlike the goth party - I did not dress up for this one. I was just starting to feel the beginnings of a cold roll over me and I was up so early for the seminar. So my story was to tell them the only knowledge I have of a rave is from the movie GO! so I dressed normal like Katie Holmes' character. It was fun. I feel like I so rarely get to see those guys so it was good to see them. I didn't stay long as I was pretty much falling asleep on the couch. Yeah I was THAT girl.

Saturday Robyn and I went to the mall for some shopping and chatting. We decided we might have to go to Bamboozle because of the KICK-ASS lineup. In short: No Doubt, Third Eye Blind, Taking Back Sunday, Bloodhound Gang, Fall Out Boy and probably others I'm missing but those are the best. It's not in Asbury Park anymore to my dismay but it's now held at the Meadowlands in Jersey so it's only just about 4 hours away - also exact mileage that I used to drive when I went to Hofstra.

I was going to hang in on Saturday night to nurse my looming cold but I remembered that my friends Dawn and Chris were having a Wii night at their place so I really couldn't pass it up. Pat met me at the Home Depot in Rockland (how classy of us) as I have NO idea how to get to their house and we made our way over. Jen and Justin who I adore were also there and Gary and Lisa showed up later with their party pants on shortly after. We played Mario Kart (well ok I didn't but everyone else did) and then the boys cleared the room while the ladies played Wii Cheer. Holy shit. There isn't a more fun game to play. I absolutely need to buy this game when I have a Wii. Then Dawn played Dancing With the Stars on the Wii. The rest of us hung back because she was clearly better than the rest of us.

The boys came in after the coast was clear and played Punch Out on the Wii. I guess it's like this old Nintendo game that all the guys in the room had stories about playing it when they were lil ones.

Meanwhile I played with Dawn and Chris' new puppy Harris! He is a gorgeous brown lab! Sweetest dog in the world. Seriously. I tried taking him home. They would not let me. Also spending the night with us was their daughter Regan who is the toughest little kid I've ever met. I swear she is destined to be a stunt woman. She is fearless. I kind of tried to take her too.

I don't know how the next part of the night happened but all of a sudden we're watching the dog show on Animal Planet. We were so entranced by this show - we must have watched it for two hours. Exciting us the most were the names of the "handlers". One of the bests was Boy Sukit. Yes that was his name. The laughs I had - I swear they cured my cold. Then Gary and Pat were telling stories about causing trouble in that same neighborhood when they were kids. It never ceases to amaze me all the voices Pat and Gary can do. I think I heard renditions of Pats Mom, Pats dad, Norm (my favorite), Norm's dad, Pat's grandfather, Ron and many more. I laughed so hard my stomach hurt.

Sunday I did typical sunday things. I did a workout class on demand. The one I did this time was Biggest Loser Cardio and the hot host Bill (Bob?) from The Biggest Loser leads it. It was so awesome. I did some laundry and also cooked some SuperBowl-ish food. I did NOT watch the game. I watched a few commercials and tuned in for the half-time show so I could rouse my boss about Bruce Springsteen ( she LOVES him). We've had a picture of The Boss (Springsteen - not MY boss) on our door for months.

Monday I felt like death. I didn't sleep at all Sunday night. Monday night I slept better and by Tuesday my cold was gone. However last night I was back to hardly sleeping at all. My mind is racing with apartment things. When should I start cleaning my room out, where will I put everything, what IS under my bed and other prodding questions. I also have picked out a few things from the Ikea catalog which I am planning to feature in an upcoming blog.

Oh I also finally told my mom and step-dad I was leaving. They're already making plans for the room when I go - so yeah they took it well :)

xok

2009-01-30T11:39:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One last thing. Totally my friday obsession.

http://www.postcardsfromyomomma.com/

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

Have a good weekend all!

xok

2009-01-28T16:58:00.000-08:00

So I worked from home today because we were supposed to get this epic snowstorm and my boss told me yesterday it would be cool for me to just stay home and work. I got all my necessary documents I would need and forwarded my office phone to my cell phone. I was all set.

I woke up to hardly any snow and mostly sleet. However I woke up at the time I would be getting to work so I just set myself up a nice little desk and did my work. I discovered that my mother watches embarrassing day time TV like the View, The Doctors and the hour of the today show that Kathie Lee is on. Therefore while doing my work I watched those as well. Kathie Lee has really had some work done.

Anyways. Working in your PJ's rules. I did most of my work at the kitchen table and then I went to do a conference call in my bedroom. While I was on the call, my cat comes up and sits square on my planner that I had spread out. Clearly I wasn't allowed to do anymore work.

Yes he is the cutest. I need to make a LOLcat of this for sure.

About an hour later I played Sudoku on my DS (I am addicted). I left to go to the bathroom and I come back and see this:

Apparently I wasn't able to play the DS either. I am going to miss seeing his cute face everyday when I move out!

xok

2009-01-25T17:33:00.000-08:00

What a weekend. I am exhausted. I need a few more days to rest.

I suppose I can announce my big news since it's probably 99.9% locked in. I'm FINALLY MOVING OUT OF MY HOUSE. I've been looking on my own for a while but I've pretty much stopped my search since I knew I couldn't afford to move out without a roommate. Last week a good friend of mine, Missy, asked me if I was still looking for a roommate because she would be needing a new one. She's been living with her BFF Natalie for like EVER but Natalie has decided to move to Texas and go to nursing school (her mom lives there and is going to buy her an apartment rent free or something).

Anyways. Missy either could choose to go to San Diego (she's from LA) or stay in Boston and find a roommate. That's where I come in. We found a pretty sweet apartment (the people that own her current apartment told her about it). It's so nice. It's in Abington which is appr 10 minutes from my mom's house. A little bit closer to my work and close to really cool hangout spots. It's a two bedroom obvs and both rooms are HUGE. I can fit my bed, dresser, and hopefully a bookcase and a chair (I went to Ikea yesterday!) in it. The living space is big and there is a dining room area separate from the kitchen.

Now, this won't be my first time living away from home. I moved to New York for almost five years for college both living on campus and off. In 2006 I moved home - and have been here ever since. So yeah - Im itching to get out. March 15!!!

Friday night Hill and I saw Doubt. I didn't like it to much. It was boring and slow - but I'm glad I saw it. I still need to see The Reader, The Wrestler and Frost/Nixon and I'd really like to see Slumdog Millionaire again. We met up with her hubby after at Chilis.

Saturday I kidnapped Robyn and we went to Ikea to get some ideas on some stuff. We ate in the glamourous Ikea food court (I say that honestly. I love it). Got some really cool ideas. Then I had to go home and get ready to go out for Gary's birthday. We met the crew at Fuji for lots of drinks and less food. I had a glass of wine and a mini version of a Scorpion Bowl. Speaking of Scorpion bowls - they were totally the hot item of the night. I'm quite sure Pat and I were the only ones not to get the big guys. Hey Gary only has a birthday once a year. After Fuji 20 of us of so headed down to Commonwealth. I had a pretty bad taste in my mouth about Commonwealth. I mean - it is the new Pat Flanagans. I was pleasantly surprised that it does NOT look like P Flans inside and almost - ALMOST - had a little touch of class. They were playing some pretty sweet 90's r&b tunes courtesy of En Vogue, that band that sang No Diggity, Blu Cantrell, and the band that sang about hard ons. They ended up getting into more recent tunes but not before playing Boston classics from New Kids on the Block. Two guys with us willingly expressed their loves for the said boy band.

I bring you pic-a-tures:

Jenn Ro and I

The Birthday boy and I.

The Gals!

The lovely Ms Tesorero and I.

Funny story about the first picture. I have been playing with new hair styles and have been watching a lot of Hills on DVD. And I'm not going to lie - but my little side braid was inspired by Lauren Conrad (and also Blair Waldorf at the Van Der Woodsen/Bass wedding - but I digress). When I got to Fuji, Jen was like I want your little side braid!! So Dawn - being the fabulous hair dresser that she is - takes Jen to the ladies room and does up her hair. Well it was WAY better than mine - so Dawn did mine too. So naturally we needed pictures together of our awesome hair.

I had seriously so much. It was one of those drama free nights. If all nights out could be as awesome as last night I'd be out alot more!

BTW just got my Brain Age down to 44!!!!! I started at 75! Woop!

xok

2009-01-21T12:48:00.000-08:00

Monday, this article hit the net and to no surprise made it on to all of our desks. Then it came in memo form from the big man in the corner.

Ketchum employee's Tweet causes client controversy

Now I twitter, blog and have facebook. I try to keep client names secret but so did that guy!!! The Tweet came from James Andrews VP, director of interactive at Ketchum (a competitor PR agency of the one I work for) who goes by keyinfluencer on Twitter who said "I'm in one of those towns where I scratch my head and say "I would die if I had to live here". Referring to Memphis as he was there for client meetings - FedEx.

Someday over drinks ask me for some good client stories and I'll tell you - cause lord knows I won't talk about them on here anymore. I have a handful of friends on Twitter - but on FaceBook I have half the company as my friends. I sometimes have to sensor what I say ex. new job opportunities that were offered to me and take tags off pictures that may be viewed as distasteful ( I know you're thinking Kristen, distasteful? No) . I speak my mind and stand up for myself but I just know if I didn't take that shit off then I would most definitely be called out by senior level folk.

Part of me wants to say how dumb this guy was (who I just added to my twitter BTW!) by doing that and being a prick - but I've done it too. I feel a little bad for him but he seems to be loving all the new followers he has gotten on Twitter so I'm sure he's doing just fine. He even got the attention of the head of FedEx who wrote a letter to him and made really valid points. I think it's towards the end of the article.

What do you guys think about this whole debacle? And it applies to industrys outside of PR, Marketing etc etc - I've talked crap about even the shitty retailers I've worked for.

Also, NO the guy did NOT get fired!

On a totally random and unrelated note: I have been listen to Sky 80's on iTunes radio for like 5 months. I went on a hunt for a new station today and found Big 5 radio - 90's alternative. AMAZING. It will change your life.

On a slightly related note to the previous note - NO DOUBT IS TOURING THIS SUMMER!!!!!!!! More deets later.

2009-01-20T18:44:00.000-08:00

Ok I really have to become better at blogging every day. Work has been insane (I feel like I ALWAYS start my blogs with something work like). I've been feeling super accomplished and it's making me a lot more productive at work and more positive overall.

I had a really fun weekend. Friday night Pat and I hit up the usual haunt and then met some of his friends at JP Ryans in Abington. Robyn also ended up meeting us. Pretty cool hang. There was a band playing called The Pak. They were really great. Great 90's alternative!! We were pretty much back to back with the bass player. It was high-larious. We danced and sang and played air instruments all night. We also decided we would start an air instruments band. It was probably the coldest it's been all winter that night also. Not fun.

Saturday I met John and Hillary for breakfast at my favorite (yeah I've been there twice - BEST breakfast on the north shore) breakfast place called Hi Tide ( total beach town). Anyways. We're sitting there enjoying the best breakfast ever and Matty from Big Brother 9 walks in with his "girlfriend". Laugh. But to Hillary and I - HE is a celebrity. I love that freaking show and that season was one of my favorites. I try so hard not to be obvious but I'm like "Hillary - Matt from Big Brother just walked in." She turns around and is like "Who's Matt's brother." Totally blowing our schitck. He didn't notice.

He's the dude in the picture. Obviously. After our brush with celebrity we went to Old Navy. Seriously everything was WAY on clearance and then %50 off the clearance price. I got a few things for Annie for her birthday and I got this gem for myself.

Seriously obsessed. I got in a tweed color (not this one - little less gray) and I also got it in red. Only $12!! It's very Michelle Obama meets Blair Waldorf. Which is precisely why I wore it today, inauguration day! It's so cute. SO cute. Hillary got Annie the one in the picture - the exact one.

Saturday night was Annie's party. It was a hoot as always. I made guacamole that was not as awesome as it usually is. The avocados at Shaw's were SO hard - so I had to make due. Needless to say the bowl was clean by the end of the night anyways. It's the first time all of the bridesmaids (minus Kayla) have been together since Annie told us. Good talks about making plans and making sure Annie has the best bridal shower and bachelorette EVER. I'll probably be blogging about it a lot - she is getting married October 17, 2009 (yes the day before my birthday)!

Sunday I met Tim, Matt and Robyn at the Brewhouse for some beers and chats. I was introduced to an amazing drink called Apple Pie which is really just half Winter Warmer and half Cider Jack. It was so bad on the roads so they were impressed I made it out. I saw cars that were WAY nicer than mine and probably cost 5 times as much, spinning out all over the place. Take that Mercedes Benz. My car is the best, even though we fight sometimes.

I have some pretty exciting news but I'm going to save it till I know for sure. Woop!

Oh and on Sunday after beer I rented the whole third season of How I Met Your Mother. I figured there wasn't a ton of episodes because of the strike. I should have returned it by now - alas I have not. I just saw one of the Britney Spears episode that fan girls nearly peed themselves over - she was actually a little bit funny.

Who knew?

xok

2009-01-15T06:49:00.000-08:00

God it's like 8 degrees in my office. I want to close the door but I'm waiting for a very important delivery from FedEx so I must keep a good eye out.

Tuesday night when I got home I realized it was too late to go to the gym so I checked out OnDemand for those fitness classes. Don't laugh. They're really good and sometimes I get a better workout from them as opposed to going to the gym. So I decide - I'm going to try Jackie Warner's shows. Jackie Warner is the head personal trainer in "Workout" which is a reality show on Bravo. She's such a jerk so I figured her class would kick my ass. Well kick my ass, shoulders, stomach, and legs she did. I did three of her segments - upper body, lower body and core. I could barely walk yesterday. The upper body and lower body were fun - the core was just torture. So bad that it pains me to laugh or cough. I went to Greg's for dinner last night and he would make me laugh and I would laugh and be like OWWWWW. I guess they say no pain no gain for a reason. I'm going to the real gym tonight so I'm sure tomorrow will be real fun.

So I had dinner with Greg and his mom last night. First time since his dad passed that I'd been over. They're kind of like my second family so I've been so worried about them - especially his mom. She said a million times how happy she was that I came over for dinner because she still cooks for three people. Luckily she's an amazing cook and I was starving. She had so much left over so she gave Greg and I little tupperwares so we could bring them to work.

So I got myself and some members of my entourage these Office quote day calendars for Christmas. Did I mention how much joy I get from ripping them off everyday? Todays quote is:

"Ryan wants everything in our company to be about e-mails and IM's. But I think he is forgetting about the original instant message: letters attached to baskets of food" - Michael Scottt

I LOVE that episode. I'm trying not to peek at coming days - but tomorrows is good too :)

I'm so happy tomorrow is the weekend. I see a few bottles of wine in my near future.

xok

2009-01-12T08:28:00.000-08:00

I promise I won't complain anymore - but work is kicking my ass. I'm dying to leave almost everyday. Luckily it seems that I will be getting to work on some new accounts soon - hopefully that is just what I need to jumpstart my work karma.

Weekend was good. I got to meet the elusive David The Gnome *aka David Thegnome at Gary's place. He lost a leg in the blizzard of December 2008 but he's still raging.

Sarah is NOT picking her nose BTW.

We had some drinks - the girls talked about hair, shopping and other things to send the boys to their corner to talk about boobs (I'm sure we were talking about boobs too) music and crap girls don't care about. Everyone almost broke their necks on Gary's steps because they are pretty much totally covered in ice like in Home Alone when Kevin sprays his stairs so Marv is unable to walk up them - hilarity ensues - I ensure you no hilarity would have ensued if one of us had fallen (ok maybe a little).

Saw Revolutionary Road on Saturday. I won't even give this movie the benefit of the doubt. It was awful and if I were you I'd save my $10.50 ($8 if you choose to attend the matinee).

I really need to see The Wrestler this weekend but it's only playing in Harvard Square - I'll make the trek!

I have to take a minute and talk about my love for last nights Gossip Girl. Call it fluff but that show is awesome. Last nights episode was OMFG moment after OMFG moment. I love my Monday nights. Such good TV. I used to be really into CSI Miami but I'm kind of on a break from it (even though Smalls from The Sandlot was one of the main guys last night). It's getting kind of boring and I haven't heard Horatio do this classic one liners. I think he's distributing them few and far between because they're such a damn joke now.

On Gossip Girl last night they played the new Franz Ferdinand song and I totally had a eureka! moment when I was reminded how fucking awesome they are. Their show remains one of my favorite from my times in New York City! Their new song Ulysses is fun. Wicked.

I reckon I'm going to leave promptly at five today so I can go kick some booty at the gym (or rather have it kick my booty).

xok

2009-01-07T12:44:00.000-08:00

I love this blogging everyday thing. It really helps me stay on my toes for some reason. I think of things I need to share - good and bad and blogging is a really therapeutic way to express it even if people don't want to hear it. Weird. Yes.

So Amazon totally redeemed itself from the Christmas present debacle of 2008. I cancelled this gift for and I didn't get to present it to Mrs Hagler with all her other gifts. I assured her it was on the way. Truth is it wasn't. I checked every brick and mortar store I could and then I went online. Everyone always tells me how amazing Overstock.com is but I think I might disagree. Everything was SUPER expensive including the digital photo frame I wanted to get her. I have to admit I am a bit of a review snob and like to stick to brands I know. I wanted to get her the Kodak one - not the no name one or this ugly one or that random one. I know that I probably paid more for the name but it's just one of my things. Finally, I went back to Amazon to look again. To my surprise they were cheaper from the first time I got it and still offered free shipping. I ordered it this past sunday night (1/4) and I received it via my favorite UPS guy yesterday (1/6) in super condition.

Car drama. So I have been having so many car problems since November. First my car just wouldn't start. Then my check engine light would go on. Etc. Etc. So I (along with my step dad) went to Highland Mechanics in Braintree to get it fixed. The guy tells me I have a lazy thermostat and that a censor needs to be replaced so the light will go out and oh also that my battery and starter are going. Roger tells the guy to fix the thermostat and the censor. $500 dollars later I feel like nothing has changed but Roger is really smart about these things so I trust his opinion. Three weeks ago right before Christmas my car dies again in the driveway. Roger taps the starter with a hammer - it starts. Next day Roger put a new battery and starter in (seriously having a jack of all trades around is SOOOO worth it even though he drives me bananas - he can also electrocute proof your pool). $250 later I'm convinced it's all good.

Fast forward to yesterday. I bundle up for work make my way to Dunkin down the street from my house and what do you know - CAR WON'T START! Yeah. I try like 10 times before I call Roger (who BTW was mad at me for putting a hand print on the door he just stained - oops) to come and rescue me. I tried everything before calling a tow truck. So my baby is at Honda in Weymouth and turns out the reason it wasn't starting is because when I got a new thermostat the guy totally crossed all these wires or some crap and the new thermostat was moving closer and closer to crushing these wires everyday - yesterday was the day all the wires to start the car were crushed. So $197 to figure that out. I am so over it. I'm not saving my money for my car - I'm saving for my apt.

Today I took the commuter rail to work. I had flashes back to when I would take the LIRR into NYC for my internship because the commuter rail looks just like LIRR. But I got to listen to music and play my DS and drink my coffee so it's not a bad deal.

Work is getting better. Monday I wanted to die. I seriously contemplated updating my resume because of my lack of work to do. Since November I stopped work on three accounts. One because they don't need me anymore, one because they went bankrupt and the other because we resigned their business. The last one I mention was a huge part of my time and also stress (as mentioned in the last post). I got to talk to my boss yesterday though and she had a really positive outlook and I feel like I'm really starting to take ownership over my new projects. It's and with a client whose industry I have never worked in but I feel like I'm really getting the hang of it. I also was just asked to be part of a new business pitch for a cool new client so yeah work feels better.

Oy.

2009-01-06T10:42:00.001-08:00

For the first time in years I've really thought of some great concise resolutions for 2009:

Stop procrastinating: I have been a hardcore procrastinator since college (hell probably since junior high) and it's continued into my professional work life. I get all my work done on time but it's the last minute and usually includes me working at night after work "hours." I do love getting things done ahead of time and I love the feeling of wow that's done - so getting to have that feeling without the stress of "shit - where's this and where's that" - will be a good thing.
SAY NO: I'm such a people pleaser. I do whatever people want me to do and usually it drives me crazy. Reminds me of Yes Man alot - which BTW was a great movie - but instead of me saying YES all the time - I need to say no sometimes. I need to say no and know when to speak up when I think something is just ridiculous.
Stop Worrying: I worry about everything. Literally everything. I try to control situations so I won't have to worry but I have to realize I can't do that and that I should probably chill out. I look calm from the outside but the anxiety and crap in the inside is just painful. It feels like it's sitting on my lungs. So I'm really going to make an effort to stop worrying and realizing it's ok if so and so is mad at me for a day - they'll get over it. I think things will change now that a certain client of ours is no longer on our roster. SO much of my stress was stemming from that. I already feel a little bit better.
Exercise and eat better blah blah blah: I'm serious this time. I used to be so good at going to the gym - but work being such a time suck in the past year had not make it easy to fit it in (this goes hand in hand with the stress resolution - me stressing less about things I can't control will make it easier for me to gym it!). And it shows. So yeah. Stop eating like shit and get my booty to the gym. Did I also mention one of my best friends is getting married this year and I need to start doing the bridesmaid dress thing in March? Oh and my stepsister is getting married (the one I like!!) next April. I need to be the prettiest bridesmaid so I can bring home the best man (SO kidding on this one at least at Annie's wedding eek). PS What are the guy's men called? Groomsmaids? LOL
EDIT: Just thought of another one!! Do not stay at work past 5:30 on any given day (unless it's life or death and hopefully I'll work to realize nothing in work is "life and death"). It's currently 5:08 EST.

In conjunction with New Year's I decided to perform a full overhaul on my bedroom on Sunday. I got rid of four heavy duty bags of clothes I haven't seen or worn in probably over a year. I really had to look at this crap and be like OK will I EVER wear you again? NO probably not. I good-willed studded belts, band shirts (I had alot!!) included some classics that I kind of wish I didn't get rid of (oops) but no this is always my problem - I won't wear them so WHY keep them. I cleaned my closet out for probably the first time in four years. I found like 10 pairs of shoes that I thought were long forgotten!! I found a really cool pair of vans with these pink skulls on them - totally forgot I had them. I tossed like 10 pairs of ugly jeans that will hopefully never see the light of day again and also a long lost pair that still fit (woop!). I got rid of all hideous shoes and brought my bags down to the good will. What a great feeling of just knowing you have so much room - and I guess giving clothes to the less fortunate is cool too ;) Before I went back to battle the mess I bought a over the closet shoe hanger. Lifesaver much.

That picture should turn itself up soon (if it doesn't just click on it. It's a goodie) - anywho that's what I got for 10 bucks at Bed, Bath and Beyond. And I filled all spots! The missing holes are from my New Balance's (they were already packed for the gym bag! Zing!) Also the fact that the closet door is open all that way is also somewhat of a miracle. I'm trying to see how long I can keep it up!

2009-01-05T07:12:00.001-08:00

Everyone is doing a top 10 of 2008 so yeah I will too.

I'm not too much of a movie buff (ok lies I am) so here are my top 10 albums of 2008 (in no order - that would take WAY too long).

The Killers - Day and Age

Ok I love this album. It's not Hot Fuss and it surely is NOT Sam's Town - but I definitely think it has promise. Mr. Flowers and his friends are trying out lots of new instruments which I can totally respect but as Pat mentioned it does, at times sound like a Savage Garden album [EDIT: Per Pat's request he asks that I mention he thinks the whole album sounds like Savage Garden at all times.] Which is no big shakes to me because I liked SG but it does come off a bit fluffy at times. Best tracks are Spaceman, Neon Tiger, I Can't Stay, Joyride (totally Savage Garden like). But hey I'm into fluff.

The Raconteurs - Consolers of the Lonely

This may be my favorite album of the year. EVERY song is good. Especially the title track Consolers of the Lonely. Before I saw them in June there were a few questionable tracks - Old Enough and You Don't Understand Me - but when I heard them live they both became my favorite songs. This would also be in my top 5 concerts of the year (I may have only gone to five oops). I didn't get to hear Carolina Drama which is the last track and my favorite song on the album. It's a creepy and haunting song and I love it. Best tracks are Consolers of the Lonely, Old Enough, You don't understand me, Attention, Top Yourself, Carolina Drama - yeah they're all good.

Miley Cyrus - Breakout

Say what you want about this annoying tween - this album is fun and oddly relatable. The title track Breakout makes me want to dance so bad and Ms. Cyrus' take of Girls Just Want to Have Fun is - well fun. The album gets a little old after Fly On the Wall but until then it's all killer no filler. Funny. My favorite summer jam See You Again was also added to the end of the album to make it even better. Ask anyone who I've made listen to it in my car - it's a fun fluff piece. Best tracks are Fly on the Wall, This Driveway, Come Around, 7 Things, These Four Walls and Breakout. Oh and my favorite lady Kay Hanley sings backup for her.

New Kids on the Block - The Block

Yeah I laughed with everyone else when I heard NKOTB would be releasing a new album. I laughed when I saw the videos for Summertime and Single and I even moaned and groaned through them when Robyn and I saw them in Sept. But something compelled me to buy the album - still. It is SO good actually and Single is totally a good song after 10 listens. Summertime reminds me of Nantasket Beach (because BOTH times I saw new kids they shouted out Nantasket Beach while performing this but on the album the shout out Jones Beach - which hello is a beach I frequented during my time in Long Island - NEW YORK.) which by the way is still a yucky beach but makes me laugh. This kind of falls into the Miley category and EVERY song is about how they want to sex you up but it's just good. Best tracks are Dirty Dancing, Big Girl, Grown Man, Single, Close to You (my favorite!).

Kings of Leon - Only by the Night

This album is another one where all the songs are quality. I used to skip the first two but since hearing them on Gossip Girl (yeah yeah) I've actually started to like them a lot. Aha Shake Heartbreak had it moments but I definitely like OBTN more. Best tracks are Closer, Use Somebody, Sex on Fire, Be Somebody, Cold Desert, Frontier City, Manhattan, Revelry - pretty much all of them. Did I mention the lead singer has the sexiest voice ever?

Mamma Mia Soundtrack

Favorite movie and favorite soundtrack of the year. One of those where I go straight to Best Buy after the movie to buy the soundtrack. So good. I've never been an Abba fan nor did I really know what Mamma Mia was about but I knew the songs were totally sing loud in the car worthy when I saw the movie. Best tracks are Lay on your love on me, Gimme Gimme, SOS, Voulez Vous, Does Your Mother Know That Your Out and obvs Take a Chance on Me.

Weezer - The Red Album

I actually did quite a bit of Weezer listening in the year 2008 (thanks LAST FM). Much thanks to the Red Album which came out in June. Such a whacky CD. The first time I ever hear "Greatest Man that Ever Lived" I was like WTF for 3 minutes. It takes on all these different genres of song in ONE song - 80's monster ballad, hip-hop, emo, indie - it's the most bizarre song ever but it only took me one listen to realize I loved it. I think Perez Hilton called it the EMO Bohemian Rhapsody. I think I agree. Best tracks are Pork and Beans, Greatest Man..., Troublemaker, Automatic, Dreamin, I Can Love, and It's Easy.

Panic at the Disco - Pretty. Odd.

The PATD boys dropped the ! this time around. Any non believers who didn't like their first album I would suggest this one. Almost has a bit of a Beatles thing. I feel like it's also a bit more grown up. Song titles are a little shorter but still oddly named. Best tracks are I Have Friends in Holy Spaces, Pas De Cheval, Mad as Rabbits, That Green Gentleman, and Nine in the Afternoon.

Coldplay - Viva La Vida

Never a huge Coldplay fan, I downloaded this album for my good friend P Dunn in June. I liked Viva La Vida so I put the whole thing on my iPod also. I usually get a good chance to listen to music while I'm at work so I told my co worker I was going to put on the new Coldplay - we were both super impressed. Every song was better than the one before and they all have such feeling. I still think Chris Martin is a super douche but this album is kind of genius. Best tracks are Viva La Vida, Lost! (with and without the !), Lovers in Japan, Strawberry Swing, and Cemetaries in London.

Drug Rug - Drug Rug

LOVE this band. Pat, Gary and I saw them open for the Cribs in March and we were hooked. I talked about them in another post a while back but I think they deserve all the attention they can get. They're Boston based (bonus points) and totally funky. They have a chic singer who is not prissy at all. I'm not even sure if this album came out this year but it's HIGH on my fav list. Best tracks are, For the rest of your life, Day I Die, Winter Time, Walden, and the Sound Alone. Not sure if this album is widely available but if anyone is interested I will burn it.

Other honorable mentions:

She and Him - Volume One

The Academy Is.. - Fast Times at Barrington High

Katy Perry - One of the Boys

Fall Out Boy - Folie a Deux

Jack's Mannequin - The Glass Passenger

Kind of a letdown:

Alkaline Trio - Agony and Irony

I almost feel bad for even putting this down because they've been my favorite band for so long but - I just can't stomach it. Then seeing them live made me even sadder about the album not being good because they weren't good at all.

Albums that I listened to A LOT that did not come out in 0h-eight:

The Cribs - Men's Needs, Women's Needs, Whatever

Paramore - RIOT!

Letters to Cleo - Wholesale Meats and Fish

Weezer - Pinkerton

Darjeeling Limited Soundtrack

2009-01-01T17:48:00.000-08:00

Happy 2009!

Definitely one of the more fun New Years in the past few years due to it's lack of drama. I drank JUST the right amount, I spent it with some great people, listened to some great music and everyone was generally in good spirits.

I went over to Nikki's "Black and White" party. Which you would think would be easy for me -but I really wanted to wear this cute purple sweater and jeans. It was a wind chill of -10 degrees. So I decided on black leggings, a black jersey dress and a white scarf. A good idea until someone wants to walk to liquor store. Yeah I froze. I wore my Uggs (and yes I get crap for it but I LOVE my Uggs!!!!). Freezing.

The crowd was good and I got see lots of folks I haven't seen in forever. Loves.

Carolyn, Pat and I

This picture radiates awesomeness. Carolyn, Pat and the scallops that were wrapped in breadcrumbs and then wrapped in bacon. Pretty much Pats wet dream.

I have one more semi awesome photo but blogspot really doesn't let me post more than two photos without being cranky.

Trust me. It included my pink champagne and my nails that matched. I wore the OPI color Don't Toy With me that I bought on my trip to Ulta.

So I bought Season two of How I Met Your Mother today because I loved season one so much. Two is good but one was still better. Currently having a HIMYM marathon.

Tomorrow I am catching up with my favorite cousin. We're going to shop and be silly and shop silly. I crack myself up. I am NOT looking forward to going back to work on Monday. I keep waking up in the middle of the night thinking and stressing over things that have bothered me at work in the past few weeks. Then I have dreams of my co workers making a softball team and not asking me to be on it. You get the point.

xok

2008-12-30T17:42:00.000-08:00

Things I love this week:

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

So I saw this with John and Hillary on Christmas Day. Twas a very good movie and totally my pick for best film at the Golden Globes (until Sunday - more on that later). I usually shy away from big movie types around Oscar season but this movie was a gem. I even liked Brad Pitt in it. If you're not familiar it's about a guy who ages backwards and the girl he's in love with ages normally. What I learned from this movie is that Brad Pitt will look amazing in his 50's. It was a very touching film with great direction and photography - I found out later that David Fincher (Fight Club) directed it and that he's up for a Golden Globe for it. It was super long and it was the kind of long where you check your phone to see what time it is. I almost fell asleep too. Reminded me of Forrest Gump a bit. Brad Pitt's performance was flawless which impressed me because I always see him as a fluff actor.

Milk

This is BY FAR the movie I was looking most forward to seeing. I LOVE Gus Van Sant - and pretty much all of the actors in it - Sean Penn, Emilie Hirsch, James Franco etc etc. I loved the political background and the relevance it still holds 30 years later. The film is about Harvey Milk a gay rights activist in the 1970's and also the first openly gay man to ever hold a spot in congress. He is fighting in San Francisco for equal rights for gays (in the 70's the government tried to take jobs away from anyone who was gay or supported a gay lifestyle). The culmination plays out around Prop 6 - a proposition that church leaders were trying to pass to take said rights away from gay citizens - which pretty much mirrors Prop 8 - a vote that was held in California this year to take marriage rights away from gay citizens and was shot down by a strong backing from the Mormon and Christian churches.

Luckily in the 1978 election Prop 6 was NOT passed - giving gay men and women equal rights in California and from then on other states followed suit. The opposition for Prop 6 was lead by Harvey Milk - and because of him and his unwavering hope and fight for equal rights our country made huge strides. SPOILER ALERT. Though most know the story - Harvey Milk was assassinated by a fellow supervisor in California who was crazy and pretty much jealous (and closeted gay as Robyn and I suspected). Sean Penn has been nominated for his role as Harvey Milk at the Golden Globes. He can really play any part he wants. Genious. I hope it gets a Best Movie nom at the Oscars.

Slumdog Millionaire

Jesus. This movie was freaking amazing. Not lying. I know I usually like all movies I see but this takes the cake and I will put all my eggs in the Slumdog Millionaire basket for the awards season. I didn't know much about this movie until someone sent me the clip below and I was sold. Hillary then told me more: It's about his young boy from Mumbai India who you see at the beginning is going on India's version of "Who wants to be a millionaire." The host gets the police who sends him to to a torture cell because he is sure a kid of 18 from the slums can not know all those answers and demand to know how he's cheated his way to 20 million rupees. They go through each question and why he knows the answer to every single one and you get to see him as a little boy through his early teen years and then in present time. A beautiful, genius film directed by Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, 28 Days Later, Sunshine, A Life less ordinary) Slumdog Millionaire better take all the accolades it deserves in awards season.

Other awesome things I have been able to enjoy since I have been on mini vaca are:

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

I LOVE this show. I've always watched it off and on but I finally bought Season 1 and 2 at Target the other day. This show is hilarious and is a way more modern and uncensored version of Seinfeld. I absolutely laugh out loud while watching this show (and if you don't then you have serious problems). I may have to go and buy season three. Like yesterday,

How I Met Your Mother

This show is also quite the gem. I've always meant to watch it but since I don't have DVR other things take precedence. I LOVE THIS SHOW. Jason Segal. Hello! Love him. He fill my Freaks and Geeks void. Ted, the main guy is also quite amazing. Oh and Neil Patrick Harris is totally the best character. He plays someone 100% opposite from who he is in real life which makes it all the more funny. Watching this show always makes me want a dirty martini though - they're always drinking them in their fun little hangout bar called McClarens. I'm watching the season one finale as I speak and it's awesome. Not Jim and Pam awesome but definitely worthy. I hope season two of this is still on sale because I need to go and buy it.

2008-12-28T19:50:00.000-08:00

Holidays in a nutshell.

Christmas Eve was full of family awesome ness and for the second year in a row I got a good Yankee Swap gift: The Office DVD game! Woop.
While all the family awesomeness was going on I was also getting wasted. Classy. One of my step sisters couldn't finish her wine - I couldn't let it go to waste - chugged it. LONG RIDE HOME.
Passed the heck out with my glasses on and I woke up and I could see - obvs a Christmas miracle.
I got a tea maker and a DS among other sweet gifts. Tea maker is kind of the best. If you ever want to get me a pres go to Teavana.
BrainAge is still telling me I am stupid.
I have seen Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Milk and Slumdog Millionaire since I have been on my mini vaca. In second half of said vaca I promise reviews.
Returned the present Robyn got me (Pushing Daisies - already had it obviously) and in return I bought first two seasons of "It's always Sunny in Philadelphia" and first season of "How I met your mother." Both of which are amazing and full of lolz. Can we talk about the racist episode of always sunny. Ridic.
Played the game Apples and Apples and I think it may trump Scene It! and ruin a few friendships in the process. Seriously I thought someone was going to throw down last night.

My red tights. Killer. Hillary's Alice in Wonderland tights. Killller.

All the cousins. Minus two. And Roger. We tried getting him out of the picture. More pictures to come.

2008-12-22T07:30:00.000-08:00

Online shopping.

How annoying can online shopping be?

So I thought I was for real done with my Christmas shopping (except for a few things I told my stepdad I would pick with for my mom).

I ordered my friend her present off of Amazon (which will remain a secret- she sometimes reads my blog :)) last Monday. I got a really good deal and also got free shipping. Yesterday, six days later after ordering it I get an email telling me it's not coming. Yeah. OK. They said it's because sometimes when things go out of the warehouse they don't get updated on the website. So it was telling me it was in stock when I ordered it but it wasn't really. At least they never charged me.

Lame. So now I must go on a hunt tonight to go find one at the same reasonable price I got it for on Amazon - which totally won't happen.

2008-12-21T14:50:00.000-08:00

I had so much fun this weekend! All New Englanders were aware we would be dumped on this weekend by over a foot of snow - so I left work early on Friday and headed home. I made a huge pot of chili all while drinking my favorite wine (Estancia Pinot Grigio FYI) and doing a few rounds of shoveling. I don't know why I've always really loved shoveling. I love bundling up and going outside and seeing the kids play across the street. And last year I learned shoveling burns 440 calories an house so - BONUS. My little neighbor Kyle came over and we made some snowballs and some snow angels. Nerdy.

By 7pm my car was already covered. I woke up early the next day to go in town and be a tourist with Hillary, John and Hillary's brother Kent, and his girlfriend Christy. While I was in bed I was thinking "OK I'll brush my car off and park at the station." Not the case. When I looked outside I saw the snow had not let up and now my car was a white silhouette of itself. So I decided to walk to the station. Something I have definitely not done since high school pre license. I saw a few cars spin out on my way so I knew I made the right choice. Stopped at DD for a huge coffee and got on the T.

One of my quests for the day was to find red tights. So while I was waiting for the rest to come in - I stopped at Macy's. Seriously they had EVERY other color besides red. Truthfully I really wanted plaid tights - anywho I digress. Our first stop together was Newbury Comics in Fanuiel Hall. Kent and Christy were blown away by Newbury. We spent like over an hour in there just looking at everything. But I FOUND my red tights! They are awesome. Hillary made fun of me the whole time for buying them and then at Urban Outfitters - what did she buy - red tights. We're going to be the Red Tight brigade. We got lunch at the less glamourous Hard Rock Cafe. The new one in Fanuiel Hall is so much cooler than the one that was in Back Bay. Say what you want about HRC - I'm always so in awe by all the cool stuff. We were sat at the New Kids on the Block table. Of course.

Next stop was Mike's Pastry - it was hike and yeah we so needed it after that dinner. I'm so embarrassed to say I've lived in Boston my whole life and I've been to the North End twice maybe. It's so picturesque. Kent kept saying we should be in a movie because it was so nice. Went to Mike's which is pretty much the best bakery Boston has to offer. I got some treats for Mom and Roger and of course a treat in the form of a cupcake for little old me (more on that later).

We walked around a bit more just looking at stuff. I thanked ULU, one of the companies I work with wilst walking around all day. They sent me a great pair of boots when I started working with them late last year. I didn't wear them much because I really depend on my Tecnica Apres Moon Boots in serious winter weather - who I also used to work for. I really started wearing my ULU's this year and I feel like I can walk anywhere and get over any snowbank in them - and they're adorable. They have an amazing strong outsole probably designed for serious snow people in Colorado but lemme tell you - they're genious for a day in the city. I had to jump over this snow bank probably 4 feet off the ground. I glided over that shit like a Gazelle in my awesome boots.

I digress. We hopped on the Blue Line (which got a makeover!) and went to AMC Boston Common theatre to see Yes Man! I really enjoyed that movie. Jim Carrey and Zooey Deschanel - what's not to like. After the movie we parted ways and I headed back to the south shore. It took forever on the T - and then I remembered I had to still walk home. Not a fun time. The snow had gotten way worse and of course no one shoveled the sidewalks. So half way home I had to walk on the "sidewalk" through the snow. Serious workout for the buns and calves. When I finally got home I got a glass of wine and decided to eat my cupcake. Now I did take a picture of it but I didn't save it - when I realized this it was only a crumb. Sad.

Hillary and I with the bells in Fanueil Hall!

The side at our New Kids table! His little (seriously so small) tour jacket was in a case above.

(blogspot is not letting me load pics! More later!)

So excited for only 2 days of work this week! They're going to be busy though. Blerg.

2008-12-15T16:19:00.000-08:00

I think I'm done with my Christmas shopping! I say this and I'm sure I'll be running back to the mall for something. But I'm done shopping for all the important people in my life.

I was torn between getting my mom and stepdad a night in Boston Park Plaza Hotel for New Years (only $179 a night!!!!!) and dinner at the Melting Pot, or tickets to Fleetwood Mac. I decided (and after polling people in my office) to get them Fleetwood Mac tickets. My mom is so not up on it so I don't even think she knows they're on sale so it should be an awesome surprise. Pretty good seats too. I think everyone will be excited with my gift giving this year.

Hillary and I went to Jingle Ball last Thursday night. So NOT my scene at all but we got VIP passes and I heard there was an open bar - so obvi I was in. Oh and I really like Katy Perry. We got in and decided to grab some food and drinks and grab a table - before we even walk in a young handsome man strolls by - and he is followed by about a half dozen screaming girls - we were like WTF!! It was Jesse McCartney - totally the best Justin Timberlake wannabe out of all the wannabes. We get our drinks and sit down and Natasha Bedingfield is walking toward us. Like I said NOT my scene - but when I see someone famous I can't help but to get a little giddy - so I'm like Hi Nastasha! Yeah I'm so lame. Hillary is lamer though because whenever one of the acts came by I'd have to tell her who they were (or does that make me the lamest?).

Next act was coming on. We didn't hear the announcer but we heard 12,000 screaming voices - David Archuleta - now I am and was David Cook fan but we decided to tell David we voted for him anyways if we came up. While we were watching Archie (that's what the kids call him), Lady Gaga and her entourage of crazy looking men walk by. She is prettier and less tranny looking in person but looked WAY coked out.

Hinder came on next. OK I love Hinder - the two songs I know by them - but really I love their lead singer the most. True story I didn't know his name until that night but since they've been around I've just been enamoured. His name is Austin Winkler. What a name. Anyways I'm telling Hillary how much I like him - how you know he would totally pull your hair in bed - ok going way off topic. They're awful. They weren't even allowed real instruments. Seriously agonizing. Don't worry I'm going somewhere with this story.

Katy Perry came on next. We went to sit in our real seats which really weren't seats at all. They were kind of hanging over the stage so we pushed these little bitches out of the way. She played four songs: Hot N Cold, Thinking Of You, my personal favorite Waking Up in Vegas and the worst song EVER, I kissed a girl. The amount of girls under 15 who were singing that was insane. INSANE. I really want to see Katy when she tours now for real. Her album is so good. I Kissed a Girl is awful - but if you give her album a chance you won't be sorry.

Anyways we decided to go back to VIP to see if we could run into Katy. We grabbed another drink and sat down at a bar table. We decided we were going to leave but decided to people watch during a band (artist?) called Kevin Rudolf. We see a gaggle of ladies (mom's seriously) run towards this group of guys and we see through the glitter and the sequins of the tweens- that it's Hinder. I'm dying. Pretty much. Again not my scene, so I just sit back and watch - meanwhile Hillary is like fidgeting with her camera phone for a photo op. They get free of the giggling gals and as if the lead singer - Austin - is reading my mind he walks over to me caresses my arm and kind of holds my hand for 4 seconds - and is like "Hey you" in his sexy voice. I'm not over exaggerating at all seriously. Maybe I look like someone he knows but yeah - we connected. Ask Hillary she was like HOLY SHIT - HE totally came to YOU! I decided if they stayed around for drinks I was going to chat him up - but they looked like they were on their way out. Dying. Like a 15-year old I was like "NEVER washing this sweater." In love. I googled him when I got home to find him married to a Playmate. Great. Yeah totally my nerd moment of the year.

My weekend was chill. I did my Christmas cards, finished the shopping and got a matching mani pedi in festive holiday colors. Work is super super stressful lately - literally every day I get to keep my job is a good day (not because I'm not good at my job because I am! Just some major major shifts happening). I'm just counting down the days till my mini vaca - I am vowing to shut my email down for a week. Totally NOT going to happen but hey.

Oh and my nail salon gave me this as a christmas gift (note festive holiday color):

Ho ho ho!

2008-12-09T16:56:00.000-08:00

So Letters to Cleo was amazing just as I expected.

Pat and I started out the evening at (club) Chilis. We decided didn't want to see the opening band so we left Braintree around 8 and headed into Boston. We got a little lost because last time we went Gary drove and I didn't pay attention. But we ended up finding our way onto Comm ave. Parking behind the Paradise was $5! So lucky. You figure we had taken the T we would have pair $7 for park (YEAH $7 to park at B-tree now) and then $4 bucks each for us to take the T. Lame. That's my problem with the MBTA they encourage people to T-it but then raise all the prices to park.

Anywho when we got in we checked out merch and I got the "When DID we do that" CD they were selling exclusively at the shows - pretty much had all b-sides, remastered versions and stuff they did for movies on it (yes it has Cruel to be Kind, I Want you to want me and Dangerous Type on it).

We got some drinks and parked ourselves up on the second level. It was like 25 degrees out and we realized it would probably be cold in there to - not so - it was probably 90 degrees in there. Seriously. Pat may or may not have seen the infamous Kaitlin standing in front of us.

Show started and the place was electric. I felt chills when they came out and started the first notes of Demon Rock. With many of my favorite 90's bands alot of them played at Middle East, TT's, Paradise - 18+ - Letters to Cleo and Third Eye Blind stick out most. I remember being 14 and having a hour long conversation with an employee at Sam Goody's (that is not there anymore and has been replaced by Forever Slutty-1) about how I was going to be Kay Hanley for Halloween because they were playing at TT's on Halloween and I couldn't go because I was, well, 14. So yeah hearing the beginning of Demon Rock almost put a little tear in my eye - 12 years overdue.

Ok enough blah blahing. Here is the set list (not in order it was played obvs - that would be too easy):

Big Star

Rim Shak

Wasted

Here and Now

Mellie's Coming Over

Because of You

Find You Dead

Veda Very Shining

I'm a Fool

Disappear

Demon Rock

Fast Way

Jennifer

Awake

Pizza Cutter

Laudanum

Little Rosa

WTFAMP (also known as Where the fuck are my presents) The Christmas Song

I want you to want me

Pete

Yeah that setlist = amazing. I never heard WTFAMP (the x-mas song) before and I loved it. I can't believe Kay is 40!! Seriously - I swear people like her and Gwen Stefani are freaks of nature.

Find you Dead was a total treat because when I peeked at the LA setlist I didn't see it so I was a little sad. It's so weird songs that bring you really distinct memories. Like that song and especially Because of You - remind me of freshman year and standing at the "Jesus" in front of Archies waiting for my mom. Acid Jed reminds me of my thirteenth birthday. I walked to Caldor (PS click that link and read about the "scandal" holy shit) and I bought the Jagged Little Pull tape and the Wholesale Meats and Fish tape. Weird.

Ok back to the show. They told fun stories before some songs like they were asked to write a christmas song for a charity - so they came up with "Where the fuck are my presents". The charity told them nicely they thought it was too "mean spirited" and Kay was like "Yeah I mean, I didn't think it was at all - down deep isn't everyone like - where they fuck are my presents." Sweet. I really hope they make a recording from that show - or really any from this "tour" would be great. They closed with Rim Shak which is one of those live songs you're like "wait where is this on the CD?" because it live is just on a whole other level. Every song they played was just 1 million times better live. For Little Rosa Kay and USA Mike (her hub) came out and Kay sang and he played the guitar. It was amazing. Just how the song should be. The only song I didn't get to hear was Acid Jed. Maybe next tour guys???

The show ended at about 10:15 and as soon as it was over I knew I wanted to go again to the next show (tonight - actually probably starting in like 10 minutes). I schemed a little bit at work today and really considered going alone (who knows the next time they'll come back) but alas I decided to hang in and go to bed early. When I started writing this post I was still considering going.

Some fun from the show:

Yeah I know my pictures suck. This one was the best. The rest are here.

These are better:

Fast Way

Here and Now

I had intentions of taking video of my favorites but I was too busy dancing and singing to do so. You know how it goes.

xok

2008-12-08T08:33:00.000-08:00

It's tonight!

Letter's to Cleo at the Paradise tonight! (ok I know this is not a photo of the whole band however I think Kay looks so lovely in it!)

Saw this article at Boston.com today and I got super excited.

I love that in the article they mention they won't be recording an album - which to be honest makes me pretty happy - it could be awesome - or it could just be bad. I'd rather not know. So many bands make "comebacks" and NO one wants to hear their new shit at the show. We want to hear the classics.

Oh and I did say I wasn't going to ask anyone about the LA setlist or go searching for it. But I did. Last week. I will be a happy girl if they do the same - happier if they add a few more. So excited.

I'm going to try and sneak my camera in so I'll post a review and photos later this week! Woop.

2008-12-04T08:55:00.001-08:00

I find it odd that I'm not able to put a title on any of my blog postings. Anyone know why?

Anywho. I went over to Greg's last night to return DVD's and books I have had for literally 2 years and to catch up on some good TV. My two favorite Wednesday night shows have been cancelled or paused indefinitely: Pushing Daisies and Dirty Sexy Money.

Networks keep the shittiest shows and always dump my favorites. I absolutely LOVE those two shows. But thanks (or no thanks) to ABC come January 21 Lost will fill my Dirty Sexy Money void. Pat also posted this new Lost clip but I must do it as well. Not because it's pretty much the most exciting show on TV - but my first dad crush on TV makes a cameo.

Yes Graham Chase. My first older man crush on TV (way before Dawson's dad on Dawson's Creek!!). He's looking a bit husky in this clip but still holds my heart.

Let's take a moment to reflect on awesome Angela's dad was:

Wonder if he would like Playin' Dead.

So with the loss of my awesome Wednesday nights we searched for something new to obsess over. I think I have found it. It's called Secret Millionaire. I feel so embarrassed for admitting this - but I think it's my new favorite show.

It's about these really rich people who pose as poor people in less fortunate areas and convienently meet all these people that inspire them for being "poor". At the end of the show they have to distribute at least $100,000 of their own money to the people they meet - breaking up however they want.

So anyways. The first rich people is this dad and his son. The dad pretty much brags that he has the best job in the world because when people lose their houses he gets richer. His son is a total brat who smokes pot and plays the guitar all day. They go to Imperial Beach, a city in CA near the Mexican border. The people they meet are: this lady who looks like a dude who fell off a ladder years ago and because she didn't have health insurance they took her house, second is this woman (who they meet in a grocery store??) who takes in a ton of kids and feeds them with her social security, third is this little girl (they see her picture on one of those cans in a liquor store? So random) who has bone cancer and they can't afford treatment anymore. I was sure they'd give her at least $100,000. Come to the end when they're giving out the checks (which is the best part because they have to tell the poor people they just exploited that they are really loaded) and they give the first lady $25,000 (THAT'S IT?), the second lady $50,000 and the girl with cancer the same. Seriously!!? Dad brags about all this money and he only gives out $125,000. It's a tax write off - hello! Oh and a snafu I noticed was that the check they give to the old lady and the girl with cancer have the same check # on it! FAKE!

Second hour - they people are way cooler. They go to all these areas hit hard by Katrina and live in a trailer park for their week. They gave each person they met with $100,000. Take THAT rich guy from first ep!! Another little editing error I noticed was that on their checks the date was 4/31/08. Yeah there are only 30 days in April. Got you FOX! However Greg, who works in a bank told me they would probably still take the check.

I still loved it. It's like Extreme Home Makeover but the people don't lose their houses after because they can't afford the taxes.

2008-12-01T07:21:00.000-08:00

Ok the new Killers album is amazing. I had my doubts as I was not a huge fan of "Human" but I got an email from iTunes about it coming out a day early so I decided to go for it.

It's brilliant. I may be as bold to call it my favorite album of 2008 (and probably 2009). It's the perfect hybrid of Hot Fuss and Sam's Town with extra awesomeness thrown in. I sit here and listen and I hear something new everytime. They're definitely experiencing with new instruments and sounds (I Can't Stay - probably my favorite song on the album makes me feel like I'm on a Caribbean island). So genious. Other great tracks are Neon Tiger, Spaceman (second single) Tidal Wave (iTunes version only), This is your life, Dustland Fairytale - ok the whole album is great. Get it!

Thanksgiving was alright. I made a pumpkin cheesecake from scratch. This one to be exact. I had all intentions of taking photos of the finished product for this here blog but it was cut and gone before I could. It was a hit obvs. My mom ended helping me prepare it the night before T-day and we had so many laughs about how much harder we were making it for ourselves. I have a tendancy to jump the gun when I'm baking - like I'll put something in before it's supposed to go in. But it still turned out good. I think I'll be making it again for Christmas Eve.

Thanksgiving wasn't so bad. It ended up being my mom and Roger, grandmother and aunt, evil stepsister and I. Oh and evil stepsisters baby. I tried so hard to be a little nice to her. Evil stepsister - not the baby. The baby is cool. I'm so not a kids kind of girl. I've never had any younger siblings and not really any cousins I was really close to. I end up talking to babies how I would talk to my cat. Anyways after dinner and amazing dessert I made the hike up to Hillary and Johns to spend the night so we could get up early and shop our faces off. We drank festive beverages and played the new SceneIt! for Xbox which is way more fun than the first one (even though I do way worse on this new one). We looked a pictures from the cruise/wedding last year and remembered that this time last year we were somewhere floating in the ocean. Sooo wish I was back there again.

Black Friday was slightly a bust. I ended up scoring at Kohl's (twice actually) and got some great jewelry for mom and robyn (and who am I kidding I got something for myself). The jewelry there is so nice and it was all like 75% off. YEAH! Target was too busy but we were able to grab Sex and the City and Forgetting Sarah Marshall (both which were so cheap). We pretty much attacked a young Target employee who was carrying a stack of SATC movies. We attempted Best Buy but the line was insane so we left. We were actually looking for a space longer than we were in the store.

We ate a yummy breakfast at Hi-Tide in Winthrop and I packed up my stuff and went home. Took a solid 3 hour nap and went out again to Circuit City (which was a SUPER bust). Decided to go see Four Christmases with the fam. I enjoyed the movie but the end was AWFUL. But I still love me some Vince Vaughn.

Friday night I met Liz at OG for some food and chats. Probably more chats than food seeing as I brought home my whole meal. That's what happens when we get a talking. Love that girl. We spilled about jobs, new developments in our lives and realized we need to hang out more often. I'll bring the wine if you provide Joaquin goodness.

Saturday night I went over to Robyn and Matt's new APT and Matt's friend Tim made us dinner (home made raviolis and chicken sausage! Yum). We played Wii Baggo (so fun! I won! And I think we should get points in the real life game when you get the bag on the box. Just sayin. We could prevent the 6 hour game we played in the summer). Also played Wii trivia and I made a new Mii. The boys giggled at some comedy show and Robyn and I watched the little known but classic 2003 film, Grind.

Sunday Annie and I trekked in town to see the Grinch musical at the Wang Theatre (now called the Citi Performing Arts Center. Sad). So good!! There were a ton of kids there who all got really excited - dare to say Annie and I were right there with them. Wasn't going to go but Robyn got tickets for both shows yesterday through work so we took two of the day time tickets and Matt's mom and little brother took the other two. Good times. Love that damn movie (animated and Jim Carrey version). Went to lunch at PF Changs and it was so good. We forgot our doggie bags. Talked about Annie's upcoming wedding and my dislike for bridesmaid dresses. I have to go in March to pick mine out. Which means I have appr 3 months to look fabulous. After Christmas I'm getting serious with this diet and workout crap. I need to be the hottest bridesmaid (you hear that Alison and Robyn :)) - in all seriousness - Hillary's wedding was amazing but I looked like poop. The dress was TOO big for me and my hair was a frizz ball (thank you Mexico heat).

Time to work. Entourage's new featured "My Day" is staring me in the face with all my to-do's for today.

2008-11-26T07:07:00.000-08:00

TGIW! Thank god it's wednesday. I am seriously over the moon that I don't have to work and wake up early for the next two days. Actually that's a lie. I will be taking advantage of black friday sales on Friday morning. It annoys me that the sales don't come out till tomorrow - but I'm an industrious young lady so I found them online at Black Friday 2008.

Based on what I saw there I will be hitting up Target, Best Buy, Kohl's (maybe) and Old Navy (another maybe). I plan to put together a list of people who I'm getting xmas presents together and killing it in one fowl swoop. Totally won't happen but I'll try.

I don't really like Thanksgiving. I don't like the food and my mom always invites her crazy brother and sister and their equal if not more crazy kids. She thinks they're crazy too and generally trys to stay away from them but always ends up calling them. To top it off crazy stepsister will also be attending. I predict my anxiety will either a. keep me hidden in my bedroom or b I'll probably end up leaving and making an excuse that someone else invited me over.

When I get married and have kids I'm not going to make a big deal about Thanksgiving. I'm going to let them vote on their favorite foods and I'll make it all. Kind of like Signs. Except we won't be abducted by aliens.

Anywho. Last weekend was eventful. I saw Twilight. Yes I did. I thought it was great and I expected way more crazies than I encountered. This one group of girls next to us we're echoing our sentiments of crazies and then they proceed to tell us they waited 18 hours at the local mall to meet Robert Pattison. Um yeah that's crazy. Overall I really enjoyed the movie. Maybe even more than the book. It was fun - though the movie Hill and I would be like "I totally pictured their house being brown" or "Really that's what they think Eric looks like." They set up the end perfectly.

Grattuitous Robert Pattison photo:

Saturday I lounged around, drank alot of coffee, lunched with Annie and took a nap. I haven't napped in years. It was exhilarating. Seriously amazing. I hadn't seen the elusive Patrick Dunn in like year (ok more like a few weeks) so we planned some major hangoutage. We went to Club Chilis - which is actually Chili's but since our hero Liz Lemon called it Club Chilis so will we. After other defunct plans we decided to go hang out with Gary who was still in his pajamas at his house. We played SceneIt! Seinfeld and it was all I hoped it would be. I'm not as good as I thought I would be. Gary and Molly were the best. While Gary got ready I played with this dog he was dog sitting and Pat played selections from his iTunes. The dogs name was D'Artagnan but Pat kept calling him Diedre. Super cute.

We then trickled on down to Rockland hot spot Player's (Club - we'll add club to anything). This place is cool because it's got alot of everything. Darts and pool tables, a pimp bar and huge TV's and then another area for functions and bands to play. This band called the Smoking Jacket's were playing Saturday night and they were good! They knew EVERYTHING. They would go from Sublime, to Tom Petty to Justin Timberlake. The ladies danced while the boys chatted. There was some shadyness going on at one point while we were outside getting fresh air (It was like 25 degrees outside but 125 degrees inside). I get a frantic text from Pat so I come back in and he's running towards the door "Fight!". What? Yeah there was a fight between this HUGE guy who promoting for Alex's and the bar tender. BY that time we decided to leave anyways. We talked on our respective rides home and I listened to Pat's philosophies on where signs should be in relative to their actual location, why I should watch my favorite shows WHEN they are on if I don't want them to be cancelled (Pushing Daisies and Dirty Sexy Money RIP) and other goodies. Pat I will make a book someday of all your thoughts.

Got to hustle if I want to leave early. I'm stupid and scheduled a conference call with my account team at 2pm EST. Hoping to get out after that.

xok

2008-11-24T19:38:00.000-08:00

The new Killers album is amazing. Mind blowing if you will. While perusing the internet for gossip I found one of my FAVORITE Killers vignettes from Jimmy Kimmel two years ago. It was actually one of the first things I ever put on my blog. So until I bring you a full review of Day and Age, here is a video of the Killers telling Jimmy why they are called the Killers:

"Gift baskets."

2008-11-20T14:00:00.000-08:00

Oh and Happy Thursday.

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

2008-11-20T13:09:00.001-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

xok

2008-11-14T19:38:00.000-08:00

Need this.

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

So bad.

2008-11-14T12:48:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

Me: What size is that?

Awkward merch dude: Medium.

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

Awkward: Ahh emm umm

Me: Can I try it on?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

xok

2008-11-10T11:51:00.000-08:00

THEY'RE BACK!

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

I See

Wasted

Here and Now (obvs)

Come Around

Because of You

Find You Dead

Veda Very Shining

Co-pilot

Anchor

I got time

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

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

Never Tell

Secret Agent

Dreams cover

Demon Rock

Acid Jed

Pizza Cutter

Do What you want, yeah

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

Ok so my favorite album is GO! w/e.

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

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

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

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

XOKZ

2008-11-09T17:47:00.000-08:00

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

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

2008-11-06T08:10:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Last order of biznass. MUSIC!

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

Good stuff.

Once again GOBAMA!

xokz

2008-11-05T06:59:00.000-08:00

Say hello to the new first family!!

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

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

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

2008-10-29T11:34:00.000-07:00

Quick update!

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

Music time again!

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

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

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

Anywhosit. Two A-Holes!

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

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

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

xok

2008-10-23T07:11:00.001-07:00

How about that?

39 degrees out!!!!

Oh AND it snowed last night. Hillary and I went to the Living Room for the Mad Men party and when we left it was SNOWING! Hillary will say it was not snow (she's from CA and in denial every year that snow might not come). SNOWING! It's October?? Is this a bad sign?

The Mad Men party was pretty cool. They played 60's music and played Mad Men on these big screens. On one TV though they were playing the World Series (which people still seemed interested in after Sunday nights game - oy. Go Phillies BTW. Please make it a clean sweep).

I drank some martinis which made me extra silly on our train ride back to Newton Center. Because it was so cold we took the blue line to Government Center. In my 26 years in Boston I NEVER have taken the Blue Line. And when I rode it I realized why. It's like the ugly step child of the T. You walk down the ramp to the trains and time regresses back to 1976. The trains are barely held together and smell like years and years of people peeing inside of them. It doesn't go very far (I think it goes to Wonderland - which is not a place you want to be when the street lights go on). On a normal day I would walk from GC to the Living Room but Blue Line seemed like a good idea.

When we got up to the GC platform there was a musician ( I use the term loosely ) playing his tunes. He started with a rousing rendition of some tunes from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (creepy much) and then launched into "Singing in the Rain" which is pretty much my favorite movie/and song from a movie. I decided to put a dollar in his hat and as I'm walking he reaches out to me and hands me a mint. Now the question is: Do I eat it or not? This may never be answered but I'm keeping it.

Tuesday night my mom had a little birthday celebration for me which was very nice of her. They bought lobsters, shrimp and lots of other fun stuff. We're such a Massachusetts family. Seriously we have ate lobster on Christmas before. My crazy Republican neighbor showed her face again and had to spew her republican thoughts. I always say I won't fight with her but I end up saying something offensive. My newest thing to say to Repubs is "Lucky for me your vote will never matter in Massachusetts!" Mean?

My mom also surprised me with a Red Velvet cake!! OMG so good (I also had a piece as dinner after the Mad Men party last night). Seriously who invented Red Velvet cake. Are they married? Cause I want to marry them.

xok

2008-10-21T12:17:00.001-07:00

Music time!

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

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

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

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

xok

2008-10-20T06:47:00.000-07:00

Birthday Fun!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2008-10-16T10:01:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

2008-10-16T08:21:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

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