wtf have i done??

WTFHaveIDone now. Online Dating...

2011-05-18T18:28:00.005-04:00

Never have I ever- oh wait we're not playing that game..
Question for the audience.... Who currently has or has ever had a profile on an online dating site??

::putting hand up::
::scanning the room for hands::

Who would have ever thought that I would try online dating... half of the profiles out there say the same thing...

I blame the commercials "I tried online dating because my ::insert name of relative, friend. neighbor, coworker, family pet:: met their new fiance on ::insert name of online dating site here:: and I wanted to see how it would work for me".

::chuckling::

When I see those commercials now, I cannot help but laugh. I'll give them credit though, the marketing is good. It got me didn't it? They tell you, "1 in 5 relationships start online" and you think holy crap! One in FIVE relationships??? That's 20% of relationships (or at least I think its 20%... someone check my math). When you see the commercials it sounds like a lot. But now that I just wrote that all out there, it's only 20%.

In March of 2010, I began my adventure into the world of online dating. I have had a profile on 4 popular sites, some of them I actually shelled out money for.... I know, right? I've worked on my profiles, added pictures, got opinions of friends, both male and female on how it looks, made sure I had flatering pictures up- full length shots, ones that make me look fun or funny (!!) or happy! Seriously. It's too much damn work. Especially when you get no return.

I can count on ~~one hand~~ half of one hand how many dates that I have had as a result of meeting someone on one of these sites.

In my opinion the quality of the majority of guys on these sites is well... questionable.
If you read this post by Nancy Pearl Wannabe you got a small glimpse through the looking glass at what I'm talking about.

Here's some gems that will make you cringe, or die laughing:

"Hi, I see you use skype. Are you open to talking on there? I'm looking for skype friends. Thanks".- Um excuse me? Is this your secret way of asking if I like to perform skype sex?? The answer is hell no.

"hi how are you doing? I would like to get to know you better indoors and outdoors".- WHAT?!

"I think we spend our time thinking about a lot of the same things... "- And that was all he wrote.. seriously? How does one respond to that? Well great! I myself and very glad that you think?!

And here's my personal favorite......

"Wrong Exit Off Dating Highway, Then I Found You...
How are things going for you today?
You know... I was reading the most interesting article about how men and women fall in love differently. And it was saying that men (being the visual creatures that we are) usually feel an attraction first, but that women, by contrast, usually feels a "connection" first, then subsequently becomes more "attracted." I mean, you know that kind of special connection you sometimes feel...that mysterious compelling click that takes place right THERE.
Well, being the mere "male" mammal that I am, I must confess to being rather "attracted" to the photo in your ad, but then felt, "connected" to the words you wrote to accompany it. After all, intelligence is beauty in its purest form. Am I right? "- I do not even know what to say about that one.

But they're not all bad...there are some great profiles out there. where I think there could be a connection, but then I sit at my computer and I have no idea what to write in a message..But I write because if you don't try, then why even bother?

90% of the time when I do write, I don't even get a response, ugh.

I know what you're asking, "Why do you stay on these sites?"
Sometimes I ask myself the same question. My best friend tells me that some people are just not meant to meet people online. She thinks that the two of us are those people.
My response to that is "But 20% of relationships are starting online now!!" Part of me doesn't want to miss out... what if there is someone?
Damnit.

Plus, it's really good blog fodder for y'all.
So you're welcome.

Product Reviews.. Oh and a GIVEAWAY!!*** WE HAVE A WINNER!!

2011-02-21T16:34:00.005-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS to Gina at The Crave to Save. She was lucky commenter #9 (a number I picked at random from 1-14) and won the $60 to CSNStores.com

Remember waaaaaaaaaaay back in, um, the fall.... when I told y'all about this opportunity that I received from CSNStores where you could find everything from pacifiers to a Herman Miller Earnes Lounge Chair?

No?
Okay well let me refresh your memories- with a link.

I received a lot of responses on what I should review from the site from my tweeps... but after thinking long and hard about what I actually needed... I decided to get ::drum roll please:: bakeware!!

New baking sheets (2 types) and a loaf pan to be exact! You can see in a few previous quick posts, that I linked straight from my CSNStores account that I loved the products. I have always wanted to buy calphalon products but I could never justify the costs... oh interwebs.. why did I wait so long!

I decided to make Mexican Chocolate Chip cookies and Chocolate Chip Banana Bread.
I used both types of baking sheets, just to see the difference in how the cookies came out- I took pictures, but then realized how dirty my oven looked in them and well I am not sharing that with the world.

On the large jelly roll pan the cookies came out more well done. While on the farberware pan the cookies spread out and were well.. softer. Either way they were chocolicious and yummy.

The calphalon on the loaf pan made it so easy to clean up after the fact. But I probably shouldn't have used a new recipe... because it came out more like a cookie in loaf form rather than bread. It's not the pans fault though... user error :)

Okay so enough reading about my experience with CSNstores.com.
Since I had such a wonderful experience with the site and the team, I want to be able to give you the opportunity to use the site. CSNStores.com has given me $60** to give to one of my readers to use on the site.

All you need to do to enter is to leave a comment on this post and let me know what you would buy if you won. Oh and if you're on twitter tweet about this post and link to me @wtfhaveidone.

Make it as creative as you want... I will read them all- and possibly post the best to the post where I announce the winner.

The contest will be open until March 7th, 2011 at 11:30pm EST.

**This giveaway is open to US & Canadian readers only and there may be some additional International shipping taxes that the gift code could not cover in the case of Canadian addresses.

My Review of Soft Touch Nonstick Carbon Steel 9" x 5" Loaf Pan

2011-02-21T16:33:00.001-05:00

Originally submitted at CSN Stores

A commonly requested size in recipes for yeast breads, quick breads, and pound cakes, this 9" x 5" loaf pan is also standard in many meat loaf recipes. Made of even heating carbon steel, the pan is designed for even browning. The pan has a nonstick coating that help...

Perfection in a Pan.

By JLH from Boston, MA on 2/21/2011

Love love love love this product.
I have only used a pyrex loaf pan before, but I cannot wait to use this pan more and more.

The non- stick surface was perfect for my banana chocolate chip loaf :)

(legalese)

My Review of Insulated Nonstick Carbon Steel 14" x 16" Cookie Seet

2011-02-21T16:16:00.001-05:00

Originally submitted at CSN Stores

This Farberware bakeware is insulated to disperse heat for more even browning. It is also over safe to 500°F, so it can be used to bake nearly anything. Be sure to also check out the jelly roll and pizza pans.

Features:

Insulated to disperse heat for more e...

I wish I had bought more of these

By jlh from Boston, MA on 2/21/2011

I bought this product to help me replace my very old bakeware. Its perfect for cookies, which is what I used it for... and I think I will also be making my own pizza on it in the upcoming days.

Easy to clean and maintain... My first time owning a product like this with non-stick and I will never look back!

(legalese)

My Review of Classic Bakeware Large Jelly Roll and Brownie Pan Combo

2011-02-21T16:11:00.001-05:00

Originally submitted at CSN Stores

Make perfect brownie desserts, bar cookies or other quick-bake cakes on this versatile Calphalon pan. This Calphalon brownie pan has angled sides and round corners which make it easy to remove and serve your baked goods, even the first piece! Since colors can affect overall baking perfor...

AWESOME PRODUCT

By JLH from Boston, MA on 2/21/2011

This product was just what I was looking for in replacing my very old baking sheets. You cannot go wrong with Calphalon products... so easy to clean and care for!

(legalese)

Reason #1 Why I should Go to bed at 9pm.

2011-02-06T00:18:00.002-05:00

Because I decide to finally look through the JCREW catalogue that came in the mail a few weeks ago and.... well you know where this is going.

I must have these shoes.
Look at how beautiful they are (!!) It almost brings me to tears because they are so beautiful.
Well that and the fact that they come with at $275 price tag.
I'm not about to pay that much for them. As much as I love them.

There are so many shoe websites out there that I must be able to find a pair in my price range.
Right?

Let's see... I found these...on endless.com.They're really similar, but they don't really do it for me. But at $58.00.... I put them in my shopping cart to save for later.

We're getting closer with these at Nordstrom.

But they're not brown and at $170 not what I want.

Maybe because it's almost 1am... but I can't find anything like these at piperlime or zappos.

I'm just going to hang out with my good friends Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and Sophia.
Maybe they'll know where I can find the shoe of my dreams.

BEER. And My new Project.

2010-11-24T22:40:00.003-05:00

If you know me then you know that I love beer.
Light Beers, Dark Beers and everything in between.
Most women I know like beer too.

But how many of you out there do not share my passion and lurve??
Maybe it's because you're drinking bad beer?? :cough cough budlightlime cough cough::
Luckily there are women out there who want to steer you in the right direction.
Women like my friend Rebecca. You'll meet her.....

When you click here. (to see the new project)

:)

Friday Teaser!

2010-10-22T14:39:00.002-04:00

Hello lovely readers.
Happy Friday!

Over the past few months, I have been thinking about a good way to get the blog back up and running. The obvious thing to do would just be to write... dammnit. But that's well too easy. And I am anything from easy, (that's what she said?). Luckily I was approached by CSN Stores about writing a review on one of their products. CSN stores is an online retailer with over 200 stores that sells everything from nightstands to sneakers and everything in between. Sounds cool already huh?

With the holidays coming up, why not share a new and exciting shopping site with y'all. You know how much I love my online shopping. CSN makes it easy to search for everything you're looking for all in one spot.

Now the question is, what will I choose to review.
Check out the site and leave me a comment on what you think I should review.
Can't wait to hear from you!

Been Around the World and I

2010-10-21T11:51:00.003-04:00

(I can't find my baby)

Oh Dudes.
Yes. I know it's been waaaaay too long.

I have tons of stuff to tell you and I will.
Soon.
Pinky Swear.

I just wanted to pop in to share my excitement for BLOGTOBERFEST!
Tonight!
@Ginger Park in the South End.
Where I am meeting up with NPW and some other bloggers that I lurve.

But before I go... I have to say that I agree with NPW when she says:

If you're not following me yet, well you should.
Click the little linky poo up on the right there.
Go ahead. Do it.
You know you wanna

The People vs. KGB ***

2010-07-01T17:05:00.005-04:00

*KGB the text messaging answer service- not the Russian Security Organization.

**SPOILER ALERT**
The following may give away information if you watch the TV Show "The Deadliest Catch".

Have you heard of KGB?
The service where for 99 cents (USD) you can text them a question (to 542-542) and they will send you a response. I have used this service, even though I have an iPhone, because it's fast and sometimes I like asking them obscure questions like... "what color shirt do I have on"- which they have guessed correctly by the way- creepy.

Moving on.
Yesterday my friend Dustin put up a Gchat status that said "KGB just answered one of my questions incorrectly... I'm working on getting a free T-shirt".
Of course I had to know what happened.

me: HA! what question did you ask?

10:18 AM Dustin: deadliest catch spoiler alert first.

you see last night's episode/ do you watch?

me: i do

but i usually catch the replay

Dustin: so should I answer?

10:19 AM me: yea yea

Dustin: I asked what's the name of the episode of deadliest catch where phil harris dies

and they answered "empty throne," which was last night

10:20 AM but he ended the episode in surgery, and makes an appearance in the next episode.

me: oooh snap

Dustin: yeah

Now. Most people, at least I think most people, may have just let this go.
Dustin however, wrote the company an e-mail. Which he then forwarded to me- and with his permission, I am posting here for all of the internet to see.

From: Dustin [mailto:contact@kgb.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 30, 2010 7:46 AM
To: SMS Customer Service
Subject: Incorrect Answer

Name: Dustin
Subject: Incorrect Answer
URL: http://superbowl.kgb.com/

Body:

One of your answers was incorrect. I asked "What's the name of the Deadliest Catch episode where Phil Harris dies?", and your agent responded "Empty Throne," along with the showtimes for yesterday. Phil is actually still alive in the next episode, "Cain and Abel," shown on the previews last night.

Instead of a refund, I would much prefer a KGB t-shirt, size XXL.

On Wed, Jun 30, 2010 at 2:34 PM, SMS Customer Service
<SMS.CustomerService@kgb.com> wrote:
Dear Dustin,

We are sorry for your wrong answer. You may email us your cell number that used our service or you may also go to http://542542.com/refunds and we will be happy to issue you a free credit. We are unable to issue t-shirts.

We would also like to look into the Agent that was responsible for sending a wrong answer so that we may contact their manager.

We look forward to your reply and hope that you will give us a second chance.

Thank you,

kgb_ Customer Service

From: Dustin [mailto:contact@kgb.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 30, 2010 3:22PM
To: SMS Customer Service
Subject: Incorrect Answer

Thank you anyway. I appreciate your desire for quality control and accuracy, but I use your service exclusively for entertainment purposes and initiating corrective actions against your agents isn't in the spirit of things. Don't worry, I still plan on using you in the future, shirtless or fully clothed.
-D

::Chuckling::

iHave no Patience!** UPDATE

2010-06-14T23:18:00.003-04:00

::in which I live blog while waiting to pre-order the new iPhone 4::

Oh Internets.
I am sitting here CHOMPING at the bit waiting to pre-order the new iPhone 4.
Pre-order begins on June 15th, which is 40 minutes away. Maybe by the time I finish and publish this post it will be less than 40 minutes. The waiting is killing me!!

But alas!
Betty White is on the Daily Show!
This will kill at least 10 minutes!
She looks lovely, I can only hope when I am almost 90 I will look half as good as she does.

I think I have acid reflux. I've been sick since I got back from a conference on Saturday evening. It comes and goes. But I've been popping Zantac like smarties. I'm seeing my doctor tomorrow morning, so hopefully she'll be able to figure it out before I head off on my vacation to DC next week.

Yes. Vacation to DC.
I know. I spoke in my last post about being in DC a lot lately.
Now I am spending a week with my best friends and their scrumptious 18 month old bubbala.
I can't wait to go to the park and play on the swings and maybe the sandbox!
The possibilities are endless.

Ah. The segment with Betty White is over.
That only killed 7 minutes.
Shit.

Back to Chelsea Lately. How I love you Chelsea Handler.
Hmm... Commercial.

What's on at 11:30?
Family Guy? No Thanks
Seinfeld? Eh
Golden Girls? Yes please.

Oye. My mom just IMed me on Skype. Did I neglect to tell you that I taught her how to use Skype? We both got new MacBooks in order to keep in touch via video skyping with my sister while she is studying in India. Now I have created a monster. She's online CONSTANTLY. She's now texting! TEXTING! She's actually really good at it too! Since she had a blackberry for work, she is quite quick with the responses and they actually make sense. Perfect grammar too!

She just signed off. Without saying goodbye. WTF.

OhMyGod. 20 more minutes. I think I need another Zantac.

Twitter is apparently over capacity. Do you think there are too many people tweeting?
What do you think they're tweeting about? The new iPhone?

Okay now it's 11:49! I watched the new video blog entry over at Hello Ross.com.
That was funny. He was on Chelsea Lately tonight, too funny.

Alright 8 minutes left. I think I am going to go put all of my energy into the pre-order.
I'll update after :)

Thanks for making it this far!
Was this even enjoyable for you?

12:08AM.... Still not able to pre-order on the website. Maybe it won't launch till 3am?? Which is June 15th PST? Ugh.

Soul Coughing.

2010-06-13T23:21:00.002-04:00

For years now I have wanted nothing more but to move down past the mason dixon line and down in the DC, MD, NoVA area. I have really close friends and family there and there's something about that area that when I am there it just feels like home to me.

It's not just an occasional feeling either.
Since I have been a single lady (ow ow!) the capitol region has been a big part of my life.
I think since October, I have been down there to visit friends or for work at least once a month. A couple of weeks ago, I spent 49 hours on the campus of the University of Maryland Baltimore County completing a training institute. When I touched down in Baltimore early on that Tuesday morning, the feeling swept over me once again. Familiar with it now, I didn't cry, as I sometimes do. Tears of JOY! Joy people. I had the privilege to meet people in my field from all around the Mid- Atlantic region and it got me more excited to move to the region.

Internets- It's time to face facts. I don't feel this way about Boston anymore.
My mother thinks I am crazy. That a bird in hand is better than two in the bush.
Yes she actually said that.

She just doesn't understand and she's worried that I am going to make a rash decision.
I have a really good job, an extensive and supportive and wonderful group of friends here.
I am lucky. Seriously lucky.
But I'm tired.

I am sure that a lot of it has to do with the fact that I spent a lot of my time living in Boston with a partner. There are memories at almost every corner, every bar, restaurant, T station of that relationship. I do not want to run away from those memories and I have no regrets.

I just need a change.

Last night a friend of mine told me about a job that I would be interested in at NYU.
I know what you're thinking, NYU is not MD. Not DC. Not NoVA.
But something is drawing me to the position.

NY is my home. Where my family lives. Most importantly my elderly grandmother (she'll be 87 in just over 2 months). I've been away from her and them almost 10 years, and I am tired of missing out.

If I were to move home for a few years, this is the time to do it.
I don't see myself living in NY forever, although you never know what's in store for you on this cray journey of life.

I just know that I would love to be around to see my grandmother more, go to museums and baseball games with my mom, hang out with my 16 year old cousin and go to his HS graduation, see old friends and make new ones.

Sometimes things happen for a reason.
I'm going to go check out that job posting.
I've got a lot of soul coughing to do.
Get ready for a crazy ride.

Sorry if you though this post would be dedicated to the band Soul Coughing. Although I do enjoy such songs as "Soft Serve", "Circles" and "Super Bon Bon". It's just a name I use for thinking or soul searching.

Wax On, F*ck Off.

2010-06-12T20:20:00.001-04:00

With the new Karate Kid movie coming out, with that adorable Jaden Smith, I have been wondering what the hell ever happened to Ralph Macchio.

Looks like I wasn't the only one.

Please enjoy.

Wax On, F*ck Off with Ralph Macchio from Ralph Macchio

No one Puts NPW in a Corner!

2010-06-07T23:25:00.005-04:00

does that title even make sense?

Wow.
Okay- so no excuses. I mean work has been busy and I have been traveling... but clearly things have been happening in my life, so at last (!!) blog fodder! FO REALZ YO!

Last week I met up with NPW and a few friends in Somerville for trivia.. which is a whole 'nother story all together- let's just say we needed degrees from Harvard to even understand half the questions asked let alone figure out what the fcuking answers were. I hate losing. So we left during the 3rd round. We will not be shown up people.

Where was I? Oh!. NPW. The last time I saw her, when RA was in town- I know what you're thinking "that was forever ago Julie WTF"- I told her that I was going to get back on the bloggy bandwagon and actual write! Funny, articulate posts! About my life as a single, vibrant 20- something in Boston.

Well.
::clears throat::
Sorry NPW. Apparantly, I lied.

But no longer!
I will write.

Seriously.

Check your google readers.
:)

VOTE FOR YETTA!

2010-04-06T11:05:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone! I don't normally self promote on here... uh that's a lie.
My sister has gotten to the top 13 in this huffington post thing where she can have the opportunity to ask the Secretary of Education her question.

Please vote for her. Her Video is #8.
On the right side of the video you should see "Rate this slide" That's how you vote.

It must be done by MIDNIGHT Tonight!
Thank you in advance!!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/05/huffpost-college-meets-wh_n_525415.html#s78600

Currently Laughing

2010-03-31T23:30:00.000-04:00

Because I can't get enough of this commercial:

Are you well informed?

2010-03-29T11:17:00.003-04:00

Where were you when the new health care bill passed?
I think I was watching Dog Bounty Hunter.
What! I think there was a marathon on. It's not that I'm not interested. To tell you the truth I was very interested in the beginning of it all. I wanted to learn! About all of it! Every detail! I wanted to be a well informed member of society.
And then well... I got annoyed, and probably a little bored.
And then I only paid attention when I watched Jon Stewart.
Hey it could be worse.

You're all thinking, where is she going with this?
Well...
My good friend Dustin has challenged me and he's challenging all of us as well.

Dustin is going to read the bill in it's entirety.
No Seriously.
He wants to be well informed.
And you know what so do I.

Want to be well informed with us?
Or do you just want to know more?
You're in luck! After every 20-50 pages or so, Dustin is posting summaries.. which will be open for comments, questions, etc. So even if you do not have time to read you can keep up.

I want to know what I am talking about if I ever get into a discussion with someone about the bill, you know over pints.

Or while I am sitting at home watching Dog Bounty Hunter.
Don't judge me.

Get out of my HEAD!

2010-03-25T11:27:00.003-04:00

Prepare yourselves. This is going to be all over the place.

For days... weeks even... I have been sitting around with lots of thoughts and ideas for posts in my head. I feel like I have so much to tell you internet! So much to talk about- and then I open up blogger and I stare at the screen and I go "Shit. What was that thing I wanted to talk about again?"

Then I usually get aggravated, close the screen and go back to doing something else. (insert watching Dog Bounty Hunter on my DVR here). By the time I have remembered what I wanted to write it's like 3am.

It's hard getting back into the swing of things after such a long hiatus.
Well you all know what's best for that; commence bullets.

I recently went to San Francisco to visit friends and take a vacation. There will be a post about this, complete with pictures. Probably soon.
On said trip I met Aimee! I know you're all jealous. More soon. Pinky Promise.
Last Saturday I had 2 dinners in Harvard Square.
One with the lovely RA, NPW and Kelli! I have met NPW and Kelli before, but I haven't seen them in a long while... which we all agreed should not happen again. But it was great to finally meet RA.
If you're keeping track that means I met 2 new bloggers in about a week.
Awesome.
Oh. I may or may not have put up a profile on a popular online dating site.
I figured it would be good blogging material.
But I don't expect a miracle.

2:00AM

2010-03-21T01:55:00.002-04:00

When did it get this late?

Last thing I remembered was coming home from a wonderful evening in Harvard Square.
I'll tell you all about that later.

I think Nanny Diaries was on lifetime. I may have watched it.
(Who plays the Harvard Hottie? God he is hot!)

Now Golden Girls is on.
I've been sitting here going through my google reader and catching up with all of you.

I've missed you all.

But don't worry.
I'm BAAAAACK.

::insert evil laugh here::

Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Advice From A Stranger

2010-03-10T10:44:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I had my yearly physical exam.
Complete with PAP.
Wonderful.

A nurse practitioner student who was shadowing my doctor performed the beginning of my exam. Nothing too serious, height, weight (blech), blood pressure, temp, etc. Then she proceeded to take my history. Or well she proceeded to ask me questions about the stuff that was already written in my chart. It was fine. She was perfectly lovely and I'm all for people learning.

In all honesty I love going to the doctor. I think it's because (knock on wood) I do not have any serious ailments. I love my physician. She is an awesome professional, seriously funny and down to earth. We chat about everything and I mean everything. Yesterday when she found out about my breakup she and I agreed that because they have a penis men think they can do whatever they wish. Nothing like some, "I am woman hear me roar action".

All that aside, I cringe when I hear the word "pap". I can barely type it without shuttering. I am well aware that there are worse things in this world to go through, but I am entitled to my opinion so here it is. PAP SMEARS ARE HORRIBLE.

Who even came up with the lingo.
Gross.

Moving on. After I left my doctors office, I grabbed a Venti Black Tea Lemonade from the 'bucks and took a seat to wait for my bus. I took out my book, (I am currently reading "You Can Run, But You Can't Hide" by the one and only Duane "Dog" Chapman). (Don't judge me people).
When this woman sat down next to me. After about 10 minutes of sitting there she started to talk to me.

"I just can't get that image out of my head"
"Excuse me?"
"I feel so guilty!"

Normally I feel like I would ignore someone trying to chat me up like this at a bus stop. But in his book, Dog talks a lot about how people are sent to you for a reason... and so well I took the bait and gave her my full attention.

She told me that she works nearby at Holiday Inn. She was fixing something in a hallway, when she heard a female screaming for what sounded like her life in a room. From what she described whatever was going on in that room was not good, not good at all. She called her manager over to try to figure out what was going on, but by the time he got there she saw the man and woman walking down the hallway and out of the hotel. I asked her if she thought she could call the police, if she had any information on that guy. All they had was his name and credit card. In my opinion that was enough.

She kept saying that the woman was no older than 19 or 20 and that she looked pretty beat up when she saw them check in. She was crying even then. The man with her was much older.

At this point I told her that she should talk to the police and maybe ask them what she could do. Because sometimes people in situations like that need help. They cannot help themselves.

She agreed.

Soon after this the bus came and our conversation ended.

During my ride home I was thinking why did this woman reach out to me, a complete stranger?
But then I remembered that people come and go into your life for a reason. This woman obviously needed to get this horrific incident off her chest and tell someone.

I hope she found my advice helpful.

Keep in the Fleeting Sunlight.

2010-03-08T14:14:00.004-05:00

It's a wonderful 63 degrees right now in Boston and I am so happy with the warmth that I do not even mind that I am stuck in my office for most of the day.
I know, I must be crazy.

The fact of the matter is, I have been waiting for spring for what feels like forever. Spring brings a rebirth and a newness that at this moment I am craving. Don't worry internet. It is not my intention to use this as an outlet for my woe and me moments. It's just not my style.

But the feeling of spring.
It makes me feel strong.
And quite invincible.
Even if the 60 degree weather just lasts for today.

It's a nice taste of what I believe is to come.

Changes.

2010-02-11T10:28:00.002-05:00

We all know that change is a part of life.

For me it seems like everything has changed.
My relationship. It's over.

My head wants to move on.
But my heart.
Oh god.
Won't let go.

Seven Years is a long time to be with someone.
So it will take sometime.

I've been thinking about coming back here to write for a while now.
But I sat and wondered... What would I say? Would anyone read after all this time?

Well.
We'll see how it goes, I guess.

Has it Really been a month?

2009-09-29T15:35:00.007-04:00

Has it seriously been over a month?

Hmm.
Okay- Well I'll leave you with these.
Maybe you'll still lurve me.

Whip It Up Week 8

2009-08-21T13:55:00.003-04:00

Um.... It's week 8?

Already?
Does that mean that summer's over????
Shit.

Okay well this week's theme was "Make Your Own Take Out".
This recipe sort of follows the theme.
I love Chicken Piccatta, and I order it a lot.
So when I came across this recipe in this week's RR Menu Planner. I jumped on it!

Chicken Salad Piccatta- Rachel Ray

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds small red potatoes, quartered
1/2 pound green beans, halved crosswise
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped capers
1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
Grated peel and juice of 1/2 lemon
Salt and pepper
1 large egg
1/4 cup flour
Two 6-ounce skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, lightly pounded
1/4 cup chicken broth

Directions:

In a large saucepan, add the potatoes and enough salted water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil and cook until almost tender, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a colander. Add the green beans to the boiling water and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Drain in the colander with the potatoes; let cool slightly.
In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon capers, 3 tablespoons parsley, the lemon peel and half of the lemon juice. Add the potatoes and beans and toss; season with salt and pepper.
In a shallow bowl, beat the egg. In another shallow bowl, season the flour with salt and pepper. In a large nonstick skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Coat the chicken breasts with the seasoned flour, then dip in the egg, allowing any excess to drip off, and coat with the flour again, shaking off the excess. Add to the skillet and cook, turning once, until golden, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and cut into strips.
Add the chicken broth to the skillet; cook over medium heat, scraping up any browned bits. Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon capers, 1 tablespoon parsley and lemon juice. Top the salad with the chicken and drizzle with the pan sauce.

This was super easy and really good.
It made a lot though, so I have been eating it for leftovers.
:)

WIU Week 7 Wrap Up: Your Favorite Chef!

2009-08-18T10:15:00.004-04:00

What a week!
Sorry that this is a few days late everyone!
Tim and I finally made our triumphant move this Saturday and we're slowly getting settled.

This week's theme was a recipe from your favorite chef.
Let's see what this week's WIU-ers came up with.

Mains:

Megan made Giada's (and yes she IS a chef) Salmon Baked in Foil.
Julie blew me away with Jose Andre's Rice with mushrooms, cuttlefish and artichokes.
Kim tried out Rachel Ray's Spinach- Artichoke French Bread Pizza.
Brandi also chose a Rachel Ray pizza recipe: BBQ Chicken Pizza.
Jennifer is perfecting her Asian style cooking with Pei Mei's Stir Fry Beef with Green Onion.
Sherry used Abe and Erin's recipe for Chinese Dumplings.

Desserts:

I finally had an excuse to watch my ~~boyfriend~~ crush Gordon Ramsay and I whipped up his Rasberry Souffle.

Laura was inspired by her favorite food blog when she decided to try Green Tea Macarons with Passionfruit Buttercream Filling.

Julie M. loved her Paula Deen Orange Coffee Cake.

Erin K. whipped up Paula Deen's Key Lime Pie with Meringue Topping and tried her luck at re-creating her favorite restaurants Onion Strings.

Drinks:

Julianne sipped on Martha Stewart's Sangria.

Others

Meredith used all of her lovely tomatoes on a Gazpacho. SEND ME SOME!!

Carissa made Zucchini Cake for this week and Picka Picka Pico Salsa for Week 6.

Next week is Week 8 and our final week!
So go! And MAKE YOUR OWN TAKE OUT!

Week 7: Recipe from your Favorite Chef

2009-08-13T18:45:00.005-04:00

My all time favorite chef, besides my mother of course, is the one and only Gordan Ramsay.
I love him.
Everything about him.
The way he swears. How angry he gets. Everything.
I guess that's why I came up with this week's theme. I have made a few of Gordon's recipes in the past. But I saw this one recently on his show The F Word... and I knew I had to try it.

Just to let you know- some of the conversions are weird... grams to whatever. But I have a scale, so I was able to convert grams to ounces. I was just too lazy to write them down... so you'll have to google them or something. Ha!

Othe than that, I changed almost everything else into US measurements. If I missed anything let me know.

Gordon Ramsay's Raspberry Souffle
Taken from The Channel 4 Website- The F Word Recipes

Serves 4
Ingredients

* 400 grams raspberries
* 2 tbsp cold water
* 100g superfine sugar
* 1 vanilla pod, split
* 1 quantity pastry cream
* 2 large egg whites
* Icing sugar to dust

For the pastry cream

* 3/4 cup milk
* 1 cup double cream
* 20g plain flour
* 15g cornflour
* 3 free range large egg yolks
* 40g superfine sugar
* 3-4 amaretto cookies
* 1 tablespoon Eau de Vie (fruit brandy)
* 80g fresh raspberries, lightly crushed

For the dishes

* 40g unsalted butter, melted
* 4-6 tbsp grated dark chocolate

Method: How to make raspberry soufflé

1. Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees.

2. Brush 6 - 8 deep ramekins with a generous layer of melted butter, using upward strokes. Dust the insides either with the grated chocolate and chill to set.

3. For the crème patissière base, heat the milk and cream in a heavy-based saucepan until almost boiling. Sift the flour and cornflour together. Beat the egg yolks and sugar together in a large bowl, then mix in the flour. Add a splash of the hot creamy milk and whisk well until the mixture is smooth, then gradually whisk in the rest of the milk. Pour back into the pan and whisk over a medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes until thickened and smooth. Transfer to a bowl, cover and cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin forming.

4. Put the raspberries in a saucepan with half the caster sugar, the vanilla pod and seeds and heat slowly, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Cover and simmer for about 5 minutes until the fruit has softened into a puree. Sieve the puree through a sieve, pushing it through with the back of a ladle. Discard the raspberry seeds and vanilla pod and leave the puree to cool. Mix the raspberry puree into the crème patissière.

5. Soak the crushed raspberries with the eau de vie. Place the amaretti biscuit in the bottom of the ramekin and scatter the raspberries round it.

6. Whisk the egg whites in a clean bowl to firm peaks, then gradually whisk in the 50g caster sugar a spoonful at a time to make a firm, glossy meringue. Whisk a third of the meringue into the crème patissière base, then very carefully fold in the rest, using a large metal spoon or spatula.

7. Divide the soufflé mix among the prepared dishes and tap them on the work surface to level the mixture. Smooth the tops with a palette knife, then run the knife around the edge (this helps the soufflé to rise evenly). Sit the ramekins on a wide baking tray and bake for 10-12 minutes until well risen and lightly golden on top. The soufflés should wobble gently in the middle when ready, dust with icing sugar and serve at once.

SOOOO GOOD!!!
And not too hard.
Seriously!

Whip It Up: Week 6 Appetizers

2009-08-05T22:11:00.002-04:00

This week's theme is Appetizers...
How did you all choose what you wanted to make??
Seriously?
That's a pretty broad theme!

I decided to make one of my favorite appetizers: deviled eggs.
I absolutely love deviled eggs... but I have never tried to make them. I think I maybe tried once, and then decided to just make egg salad because it was easier. haha

Anyways here goes:
Curried Deviled Eggs
From Allrecipes.com

Ingredients:

12 eggs
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
1 tablespoon horseradish sauce
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds
1/2 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon dried minced onion
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground turmeric

Preparation:

Place eggs into a large saucepan in a single layer and fill with water to cover the eggs by 1 inch. Cover the saucepan and bring the water to a boil. Remove from heat and let the eggs stand in the hot water for 15 minutes. Drain the hot water; run cold water over the eggs to cool. Peel once cold.
Slice the eggs in half lengthwise; separate the whites and the yolks. Arrange the whites on a large platter; place the egg yolks in a large bowl. Mash the yolks with a fork until smooth; stir the mayonnaise, mustard, horseradish sauce, curry powder, poppy seeds, chicken bouillon granules, coriander, dried minced onion, salt, pepper, and turmeric into the mashed yolks until smooth. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Spoon the yolk mixture into a heavy plastic bag; snip a corner off the bag to create a 1/2-inch opening. Pipe the yolks into the egg white halves. Serve cold.

Um.
Holy hell these things were tasty.
Originally the recipe called for 24 eggs... but I halved it considering it was just Tim and I at home.. and um well I didn't want to have to eat 24 eggs. It was pretty easy considering all the prep and separating whites and yolks...

I will definitely be making these again!

Happy Week 6!!

Whip It Up:Week5 Wrap Up: SPICE IT UP!!

2009-08-01T20:57:00.003-04:00

Whew!
Week 5 is over!
Can you believe it??
That means it's AUGUST PEOPLE.
AUGUST!!
Where does the time go??

This week's theme was spicy.
Let's see what everyone made:

Breakfast:

Brandi made my mouth water with Creme Brulee French Toast.

Appetizers/Snacks/Sides:

Julie M. made one of my all time favorites- Sweet and Spicy Nuts.
Carissa really liked her Zucchini Relish!
Julianne truly whipped up her own Easy Salsa.

Main:
I was brave and made Champ Masala.
Meredith used food from her crop share in Kohlrabi & Avocado Salad.
Ying Ying- That's a SPICY MEAT-A-BALL-A. ::Sorry I just couldn't help myself::
Jennifer's husband was super excited for this week's theme! She made- Chicken with Gongbao Sauce
Erin was less than impressed with Real Simple's Cheesy Baked Shells and Broccoli.
Julie thought Mexican and cooked a Tamale Pie.
Erin dubbed this week of fail with the Spicy Fettuccine Alfredo.

Desserts:

Lacey tried out Rachel Ray's Subtly Spicy Chocolate Chili Brownies.
Brenn baked Cinnamon Sugar Cookies.
Sherry whipped up a Butter Pecan Apple Pie. ::drooling::
KT S used the blueberries from her farmshare in a Blueberry Cobbler.

With that Spicy is over.
On to Appetizers!!
Head over to Mama Said NO!! next Sunday for the Wrap Up!

Week 5: Spice it up- Champ Masala!

2009-08-01T19:48:00.002-04:00

This week's WIU theme is Spicy.
I'm pretty sure that this was one of the themes that I came up with... but to tell you the truth, I don't really enjoy spicy foods. I know right!
When I was thinking of what I could make this week, I tried thinking of the kinds of spicy foods that I do enjoy. Only one type came to mind: Indian food.

My sister and I love Indian food. So much so that most times we're together we order take away or go out and find a new restaurant that we hope to enjoy. This past Christmas, my sister gave me a cookbook full of Indian recipes. What better time to try one out!

For your viewing pleasure:

CHAMP MASALA
Serves 4-6
Prep. Time 30 minutes
Cooking Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

2lbs Lambchops
12 Almonds, blanched
1 tsp Brown Sugar
2 2/3 Tablespoons butter or oil
1/2 tsp Cardamom seeds
1 tsp Cayenne Pepper
2 or 3 Whole Cloves
2 tsp Corriander leaves, chopped
1 Tablespoon Cumin Seeds
2 tsp Garlic Paste
2 tsp Ginger finely chopped
2 Green or Red Chillies deseeded and sliced
2 Onions, Chopped
2 tsp Sesame Seeds
3/4 cups plain Yogurt
Saffron (optional), few strands dissolved in 1 tsp milk
Salt to Taste

Preparation

1. Blend cumin seeds, ginger, garlic paste, cardamom seeds, cloves, almonds, sesame seeds, cayenne pepper, sugar and 2 tbs. yogurt to a puree, adding more yogurt if the mixture is dry. Pour mixture into a bowl and set aside.

2. Melt butter/oil in a large wok or pan. Add onions and fry till golden brown. Stir in the masala paste and fry for five minutes stirring constantly. Add a spoonful of water at a time if the mixture becomes too dry. Add the lamb chops and fry for 10 minutes on medium heat, turning chops frequently.

3. Beat the remaining yogurt and saffron together, pour it into the lamb and mix well. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to very low, simmer for 1/2 hour.

4. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.

5. Transfer chops into a casserole dish and put into the oven to cook for at least 25 minutes.

To Serve:

Remove from the oven. Garnish with chopped coriander. Serve at once accompanied by Nan bread.

So my review of this.
IN-FREAKING-CREDIBLE.
DELICIOUS.
Not un- bearbly spicy.

Sort of easy to make. As long as you can get all of the ingredients.
I will definitely be making this one again.
Maybe the next time my sister comes over.

Whip It Up Week 4

2009-07-25T21:06:00.003-04:00

This week's theme is Healthy Options.
Well.....
Hmm...

I was really craving spaghetti bolognese.
And I don't think it qualifies as a "Healthy Option" per say... but if it keeps me sane then well I guess it may qualify.

So here's the recipe that helped keep me mentally healthy.
ha!

Quick Ragu Bolognese
recipe from epicurious.com

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
18 ounces meat loaf mix or 6 ounces each lean ground beef, lean ground veal, and lean ground pork
1 medium onion, chopped
1/3 cup coarsely chopped carrot
1/3 cup coarsely chopped celery
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/2 cup red wine
2 14 1/2-ounce cans diced tomatoes with balsamic vinegar, basil, and olive oil in juice
1/3 cup half and half
2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano

1 pound spaghetti
Grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

Heat oil in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add meat, onion, carrot, celery, and garlic; sauté until meat begins to brown, about 8 minutes. Add wine and cook until wine evaporates, stirring often, about 3 minutes. Stir in tomatoes with juices, half and half, and oregano. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until thickened, about 25 minutes. Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite. Drain and divide among 4 plates. Spoon sauce over pasta. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve.

I've made bolognese sauce before and in comparison, this recipe was a little bit more tedious with the chopping. I also added a can of tomato sauce because it wasn't as "red" as I would have liked.

But otherwise it was pretty tasty.

Would I make it again?? Eh.

Whip It Up: Week 3 Wrap Up- Regional Favorites

2009-07-19T18:04:00.004-04:00

Welcome to Week 3 Whip it Up(pers)!

This week's theme was Regional Favorites.
Let's see what everyone came up with:

Breakfast

Erin made an Apple & Cheddar Omelet sans recipe!

Side Dishes

KT S needed to add more salt to the Olive and Thyme Foccacia.
Trish made an amazing Gluten Free Millet Oatmeal Bread which she then used for Grilled Cheese. MMMMMMMM
Sherry used a co-workers plethora of zucchini to make zucchini bread.
Heidikins continues to amaze me with her dishes- Sweet Potato Mishmash with Balsamic Glaze,
Zucchini Curry, Warm Red Potato Salad with Bacon & Parmesan.
Tarah tried out an old steady in Boston Baked Beans.
EP brought back her Southern Roots with Buttermilk Biscuits.

Main Dishes

Andrea spiced up a recipe for Vegetarian chili.
Julie defended her hometown and whipped up a scrumptious Chicken Pot Pie.
Sherry made mouth watering Lime Spareribs.
Carissa's Italian Wedding Soup was a hit with her husband!
Stephanie had a go at Chicago Deep Dish Pizza.
I grilled all weekend and indulged in Shrimp and Scallops Kabobs.

Pastas

Julianne's Pasta Primavera with Shrimp was a twist on a classic.
Lacey had my mouth WATERING with her Penne Alla Vodka D.A.R. Style.
Bradi made it through week #3 Rotini with Shrimp and Bacon. HOORAY!

Desserts

Bren really did it with her Dark Chocolate Sorbet.
Robin set the record straight with Gooey Butter Cookies.
Kim went Texas on us with Peach Shortcake.
Julie M. made me long for pecans with her Mexican Wedding Cookies.

Drink

Erin, did not disappoint with her sister's recipe for Margaritas!

There may be some stragglers coming in later on. We'll do our best to update as they come in!
Thank you everyone for your wonderful week 3 recipes!

Quick announcement

Kim over @ Parachuting Without a Net and a fellow WIUer asked us to promote her Pampered Chef Party which benefits her daughters' scholarship fund. You can learn more about the scholarship here. Please drop bye and show your support.

Next week's theme is "Healthy Options"!
Head over to Erin @ Mama Said No! for the wrap up on Sunday!

WIU Week 3:Regional Favorites

2009-07-19T17:50:00.003-04:00

What a week it's been everyone.
Work has been absolutely crazy... which meant my plans for cooking went out the window.

Luckily, I had a back up plan.
When I think New England, I think seafood.
Don't you?

My original plan was to go to my local fish monger and get some fresh scallops, cook them with some tomato and Voila! New England on a plate.
But before I knew it, Friday had appeared and I was on my way down the Cape with some friends for the weekend.

But boy, did we eat.
And I got to eat some scallops.
On the grill.
::Drooling::

So here we go... My attempt to half ass a recipe without having it written down somewhere:
Shrimp and Scallop Kabobs

Ingredients

Red Pepper
Baby Bello Mushrooms
Shrimp
Scallops
Skewers

Alternate all of the ingredients onto the skewers.
Drizzle with Olive Oil and Season with Salt and Pepper.
Grill on a medium flame until shrimp turns from gray to pink. (I know I am super exact)
Take off grill and eat.

We also grilled up corn on the cob, Tuna Steaks and Garlic.
It was a wonderful weekend.
I probably won't eat again until tomorrow.
Seriously.

Whip It Up: Week 2 Guilty Pleasures

2009-07-11T15:05:00.003-04:00

You would think that with a theme like "Guilty Pleasures", it would be easy to find something to make.

Wrong.
I tossed around a hundred million ideas.. okay maybe not that many, but a few. At first I thought, dessert. Definitely dessert. But to tell you the truth, I'm more a salt person than a sweets person. So then I thought... ooh risotto. God I love a good risotto.

Then I talked to my partner in crime, Erin. She made CINNAMON BUNS.
CINNAMON BUNS.
Then I had cinnamon buns in my head for like 4 days.
And I even considered making my own and just telling her it was her fault that we now had the same guilty pleasure.

But then.
Then.
I talked to Tarah. We tossed around all of the ideas that I had in my head.
And somehow.... I got to this one.

Hoisin and Honey Pork Riblets
from epicurious.com

Ingredients

3 1/2 pounds pork of spareribs, halved crosswise, preferably by a butcher, and cut into individual ribs
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 large garlic clove, minced and mashed to a paste with 1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup hoisin sauce
1/2 teaspoon English-style dry mustard
1/4 cup distilled white vinegar

In a kettle of boiling salted water simmer the ribs, covered, for 30 minutes and drain them well. In a large bowl whisk together the honey, the soy sauce, the garlic paste, the hoisin sauce, the mustard, the vinegar, and black pepper to taste, add the ribs, and toss the mixture well, coating the ribs thoroughly. Let the ribs marinate, chilled, for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Remove the ribs from the marinade, arrange them in one layer on the oiled rack of a foil-lined broiler pan, and broil them under a preheated broiler about 4 inches from the heat, basting them with the marinade, for 3 minutes. Turn the ribs with tongs and broil them, basting them with the marinade, for 2 to 3 minutes more, or until they are browned well and glazed. Discard the marinade.

Okay so a few things:
I went to Trader Joe's and could NOT find any ribs that were not already marinaded....And I was too lazy to head down the block to the store... so I bought pork loin and just cut it up. Essentially I had boneless ribs.

Was the recipe easy to follow?: Um yes. I actually wound up marinating the riblets over night because I fell asleep and woke up this morning. Ooops!

Was it good? Um yes. I think that it would be really good with regular bone in ribs. But Tim thought it was really tasty. And it made my whole apartment smell really good.

Would I make it again? Yes. It seems like a really easy dinner. As long as I don't fall asleep and wind up making them for lunch the next day. haha

So there you have it.
Week 2 done.
Don't forget to check out Erin's blog for the Wrap up!

WIU Week One Wrap Up- "Holiday" Favorites

2009-07-05T20:55:00.007-04:00

Week One of Whip it Up 2009 has officially ended!
Can you believe it??

This week's suggested theme was "Holiday" Favorites.
Here's what our participants came up with:

Main Dishes:

Sherry made a Kidney- bean Curry that I immediately bookmarked to try later on this summer!
Kristin whipped up a Mexican Corn Bake.
Erin P. had a patriotic themed meal of Broiled Flank Steak with Tomato-Scallion Relish,Red, White & Blue Potato Salad & Broccoli Hash. ::Whew::
Julie M. made my mouth water with her Boneless Spareribs.
Heidi made Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry.

Sides:

Katie tried out a favorite recipe of mine from The Pioneer Woman- Pdubs Potato Salad.
Janet's Confetti Potato Salad was easy to bring down to the 4th festivities in the park.
Julie H. (that would be me) christened her new food processor with a Basil Parmesan Dip.

Pasta:

Jane's Broccoli & Tortellini Salad was actually a Broccoli Tortellini and Corkscrew Salad!
Erin made a Classic Macaroni Salad that was a hit with her co-workers!
Heidikins made a yummy Pasta Fantastico.
Lacey made her own Christmas Special.... Everything Lo Mein, you have to see her post!
Ying- Ying made her very first Easy Tomato Sauce.

Veggies:

Laura said "Bah Humbug" to Holiday foods and cooked up Italian Tomatoes Filled with Rice.
Andrea literally had me drooling with her Roasted Asparagus.... what TMI?

Breakfast(ish):

Jennifer had some fun making Brown Sugar Bacon Waffles.

Drinks:

Meredith was our lone drink maker with her Sangria debut.

Desserts:

Julianne made a mouth watering Blueberry Buckle.
Heidikins whipped up Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting.
Kim looked in her pantry for inspriation and made Butterscotch Cooke Bars!
Bren covered strawberries in a Hot Fudge Sauce.
Carissa baked us a Strawberry Rhubard Crumble.
Brandi had me at Peanutbutter in her Peanutbutter Chocolate Dessert.
Robin intrugued me with Yucca Root in her Cassava Heavy Cake .
Julie made a 4th of July Triffle AND Chocolate Covered Pretzels.
Trish's gluten free Orange Bars were a hit!
Tarah made a Passover friendly Angel Food Cake.

Thank you to everyone who posted for this week!

This week's theme is Guilty Pleasure.
Look for Week Two's Wrap Up over on Mama Said No!

Whip It Up! Week 1- "Holiday" Favorite

2009-07-04T07:24:00.003-04:00

Well it's finally here!
Whip it Up 2009 has begun!
This week's theme was "Holiday" Favorites.
When Erin and I were thinking about what themes we wanted, holiday foods was one of the first ideas that came up. There's something about certain foods that you eat during gatherings with friends, family and loved ones that makes you feel like you're at home.
I put the word holiday in quotation marks because, well... I wanted everyone to use the term loosely. Be creative, etc.

I wanted to find a recipe that would provide me something new to bring to gatherings. Something that was easy and good and that everyone would like.
I think I did good here.

Basil Parmesan Dip with Pita Chips

4 (6 inch) pitas
Cooking Spray
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup lightly packed basil leaves (about 1/2 oz)
3/4 cup finely grated Parmigano- Reggiano cheese
3/4 cup reduced fat sour cream
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 garlic clove

1. Preheat oven 375.
2. Split pitas; cut each half into 8 wedges. Place wedges on a baking sheet. Coat with cooking spray; sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon pepper and salt. Bake at 375 for 12 minutes or until crisp.
3. Combine remaining 1/4 tsp pepper, basil, and next 4 ingredients (through garlic) in a food processor; process until smooth. Scrape into serving bowl using a rubber spatula. Serve with pita chips.

Yield 8 servings
Recipe from Cooking Light Magazine July 2009

So as for the WIU questions:

Was the recipe easy to follow?- Incredibly easy. Plus I really wanted to use my new food processor... so wins all around.
Did the dish taste good? Um. DUH.
Would you make it again? Yes. It would be great for cookouts and pot lucks throughout the summer.

Head on over to our headquarters to see what all the other participants have whipped up this week!

Well.

2009-07-03T14:38:00.002-04:00

It's funny... getting "older".
I never go out on Thursday nights anymore, since you know I have to work Fridays.
But since July 4th is a Saturday, I have today off.

Last night I went out with a bunch of ladies to celebrate another ones birthday.
I had never met the birthday girl, but by the end of the night it was like we had known each other our entire lives.

It was a pretty normal night out.
Plenty of dancing and drinking.
Creepy guys hovering over us.
I got hit on by a woman in the bathroom.... then later on that night she stepped on my toe with her stiletto. I think my toe is broken.
Nothing out of the ordinary.

Tim met up with us later in the evening.
All in all a wonderful night out.

And oh.
He's decided to NOT go to Maine this weekend.
We're going to drive up together next Sunday and spend the day hanging out and eating tons of seafood.

::Smile::

In Which I lament and Whine Like a Baby.

2009-07-02T10:32:00.004-04:00

This should be fun.
::Clears throat::

Bear with me here people. This has the ~~potential to~~ is about to turn into an emotionally induced rant.

Last week Tim asked me if I was able to take any time off from work.
Weird question coming from him considering he never gets any extra days to take.

Seems that Tim's boss has asked him to do some "work" on her house up in York Beach, Maine. Now whether or not he can actually do the work, (in my opinion she should get a professional) is another story. So while he heads up to assess the situation this weekend, his boss has given him permission to stay up there on his two days off.

Sounds great!
Finally something that we could do together, a nice getaway.

Except I must have done something in a past life to upset the UNIVERSE.
I have to be at work on Monday. It's one of the only days in the entire year that I CANNOT miss.

Great.

Tim works an anything but normal work week.
His days off are really important to me. For the past few months the schedule has been consistent and he has had Sundays off. Which works out to be our day together. Our only day during the week where we have nothing to do but be together.

And yes I know it's only one day.
And that he'll be back Monday night.
But seriously.
I don't want to share that one damn day that I have with him.

Ugh, here come the tears. I am such a mess.

Am I over reacting here? Part of me is thinking, "Julie what the fuck is wrong with you? Why are you getting so upset about this? You've been alone a lot, you'll find something to do. You'll be fine"

And yes, I will be fine.

But you know what? I'm done with being alone. I'm done with doing fun things alone or without him. And I sure as hell don't like it when gets to do fun things without me.

And yes that sounds HORRIBLE. And I feel horrible for thinking like this and feeling that way.
But when you do things alone all the damn time and all you want to do is share them with the person you love and want to be with forever it's frustrating to see them doing them without you.

Besides the fact that he's working on our nation's birthday.
Which happens every year.

So there you go.
Thanks for sticking it out and making it this far.
:)

God. It's ONLY MONDAY. BULLETS!

2009-06-29T13:58:00.006-04:00

My brain is already done.
It's only 2:15.

I received the most ridiculous e-mail from a student. I have spent the day trying to figure out how to share it with you all without getting fired. Any ideas, let me know.
One of my university trucks got a ticket for double parking while loading something onto the truck.
Only to drive to the building where they were unloading and get ANOTHER ticket.
From the same guy.
$75 a piece. Heads are going to roll.
It's orientation time around here.
Means lots of parents with pre-freshman who look like they're 12.
It's only session B out of K. (That's 11 sessions). Pray for me.
I just got a call that someone in the orientation building may have bed bugs.
GREEAAATTTT.
I was sick all weekend with a fever.
Which made me miss a close friend's bachelorette shenanigans on Saturday.
That SUCKED.
I'm feeling better now.
It's been raining in Boston for like 2 weeks.
It's almost July.
One of my absolute favorite people that I work had the nerve to get a nice new job somewhere else.
He's leaving this week.
I'm sad.
But he gifted me books that I am going to read and then pass along.
So there's that.
Thank god for this.
I didn't know what I would do without it.
On my non planned trips to Europe.
WHIP IT UP starts this week!
Are you excited????
Good.
Yes it's too late to sign up.
Unless you ask me nicely.
Then I may let you.
I acknowledge that 4 celebs died this weekend.
Glad that's over with.

At the bachelorette festivities this weekend, there was a book with all these funny things to do in them. One was to come up with as many names for penis as you can. When I looked at the book yesterday.... there was only 3. WELL SHAMEFUL. So of course I had to get Tim involved:

me: oh and tim and i came up with some more penis names last night

schlong

dong

me: pecker

purple header warrior

mushroom

pull tag

Alexandra: Hahahahaha

We are talking about special ed right now. That is so inappropriate!

me: hey i mean you chose to go to class today

and talk to me online

me: so if you were talking about non special ed it would be MORE appropriate?

Alexandra: Haha good point

me: oh dinky is another

Did I miss any?

Save Me. From Myself.

2009-06-04T21:15:00.003-04:00

Candy Buttons.
They are my weakness.
Just look at it.
This beautiful rainbow of colors.

Mmmmmm.
Rainbow of colors.

Shit.

**** Don't forget to sign up for Whip it Up 2009!!!!

Whip It Good!- AGAIN.

2009-06-03T13:07:00.005-04:00

It's BAAAACK!!!!

Did you participate in the Whip It Up Recipe Challenge last year?
Did you enjoy it?
Do you want to do it again??

Good.

This year, the lovely Erin @ Mama Said No! and I have partnered to bring you this year's installment of Whip It Up.

The basic idea is that Erin and I will try and post about one new recipe each week for 8 weeks and we'd love it if you joined us in our culinary journey! Last year's challenge had 57 participants who tested out recipes of all sorts from beverages to breakfast. Imagine all of the recipe swapping that will occur! I'm getting so excited just thinking about it all!!

What's Involved?

The challenge will run for 8 weeks, from June 28th- August 22. Every Sunday Erin or I will post a weekly wrap up with all of the recipes that people have tried.

Every week, there are three simple steps:

Cook! The only strict rule is that you attempt and post about one new- to you recipe each week. The type of dish, cooking method, and quantity are all up to you. The most important aspect is that you have never tried the recipe before.
Post! Write up your experience on your site including photos, if you can. You can be as in depth as you'd like, but posts should answer the following questions, in addition to providing the recipe: Was the recipe easy to follow? Did the dish taste good? Would you make it again?
Tell us! Email us the posts permalink and it will be included in the Sunday wrap up.

Just like last year there's a prize involved! Every participant who successfully finishes the challenge will qualify for a raffle to win a choice of three cookbooks.... which at the moment are TBD. But I can tell you they are the most fabulous TBD cookbooks that you can imagine!

Erin and I will NOT be accepting any excuses about why you cannot join in our fun.
So save your... "but it's the summer and I'm going on vacation!" and your "I'm too busy" and your " I don't know what to make" and your "Everytime I cook the fire department shows up"... because all we will be doing is putting our fingers in our ears and yelling "I'm NOT LISTENING!!!!!!!!!!!!"

We understand that it is the summer and you may take a vacation and blah blah blah blah... so we will allow you to post a maximum of 2 recipes per week if you will be away and miss a week. I'm trying real hard hereto be sympathetic to all of you going away ::cough cough:: can you tell that I am not taking a summer vacation this year??

Sign up! Email us with your name and website address, and we will add you to the roster.
You have until Monday June 22nd to join.
Make sure to grab yourself a badge and join the WIU photo pool.

So what are you waiting for??

Et Tu, Tuesday?

2009-06-02T12:19:00.003-04:00

I am almost positive I have used that title for a post before... but WTF (!!!) it's appropriate today.

I feel super stressed out right now and I can't figure out if its the Venti Iced Coffee that I have been drinking and the fact that I haven't had anything to eat yet today or it's real stress.

Let's hash it out, shall we?

I got a new job. Sort of a promotion if you can call it that. This promotion comes with more responsibilities and a on campus apartment. Woohoo! Therefore, Tim and I will be moving in approximately 2 months.

So okay, that's stressful.

This job does not allow Bailey to come live with us.
Luckily I have wonderful friends who went to great lengths to find an apartment close by and will be our permanent Bailey babysitters. This really works out well because my mom was not too thrilled with taking Bailey and to tell you the truth I didn't really want her to be that far away.

As much as I can cross that worry off my list, I am still stressing about that because I don't know what Bailey will think. We're not abandoning her, we will be living in the same neighborhood and see her very often... but we just won't be living with her. So while its the best we could do, it's pretty sad.

So okay, that's stressful.

I have been under the weather for about a week now with something that I just can't seem to shake. I just feel yucky. It could be allergies, but I have never suffered from allergy symptoms before, so I have no idea. But seriously if I sneeze one more fucking time I swear I am going to flip my shit.

Okay, that could be a little stressful.

The department that I work in is being re-organized and it actually makes a lot of sense for the future. Things should eventually run smoothly if they keep with the change and give it a chance to work itself out. However, there are some decisions that were made that kind of well really suck and while they do not directly affect me, it involves people that I care dearly about. It's just not sitting well. Especially when I am taking on a new role come August.

That's definitely stressful.

Tonight is the first kickball game of the season. I should be really excited. But I don't know if its the "allergies" or what, I'm just not feeling it right now.

And on a completely random note.
What's the difference btw "who" and "whom"???
Because not knowing that right now seems to be stressing me OUT!

As Seen on my Commute to Work

2009-05-28T14:02:00.001-04:00

Could you imagine what type of Museum that would be??

First Year- In the Clear

2009-05-18T12:25:00.002-04:00

As I type this I am sitting in my ~~little~~ younger sister's freshman dorm room waiting for her to get back from taking her last exam so that we can pack up, put everything in storage and then mosey on down to Boston for the night on route to our final destination of Brooklyn and my Mom's house.

Oh! Bells! Ringing!

Where is that coming from??

This is the first time I am seeing the campus and it made me think about our college choices and how they reflect the differences in our personalities.

I went to a medium- large private urban university with a huge D1 sports program.

She's at a smallish private elite rural college that has a D3 sports program.

But the similarities are all around.

The furniture in the room is oddly familiar.

The sound of "goodbyes" and "have a good summer" coming from outside the window.

The smell.

Oh god the smell.

Of a room that you and 2 other girls have lived in for the past 8 months.

People don't think that girls rooms have a smell.

But they do people.

Trust me.

My last final exam freshman year was Anatomy and Physiology 3 (Neuro- Anatomy)

Fitting really.

It was the only course that had given me significant trouble all semester.

And I had to take it on the last day of finals, at the last possible time slot.

Here we are, almost 7 years later.

My younger sister is off, taking her last final exam of her freshman year.

On the last day.

In the last possible time slot.

In the subject that has been giving her trouble all semester.

Advanced French.

I failed my final. With FLYING COLORS.

But she won't.

She's a fighter.

Much more than I ever was.

Well about Neuro- Anatomy anyway.

Congrats Yetta*!

Thanks for letting me be your older sister.

Even though most days it's me that learns from you.

*this is not her name. Have I ever told you why I call her this??? If not, I should. It's a really great story.

Jeepers Creepers.

2009-05-08T14:23:00.002-04:00

Background Information:
I work at a university.
My office is in a Residence Hall.
There is one other staff member whose office is also in the residence hall.
As of last week, my office is in a closed residence hall.
Okay- that should be the only background that you need.

A little while ago I was in my colleague's (also named Julie) office, which is right next door to mine and we noticed some guy, with NO SHIRT on, walking towards the front door of the building. Now that the building is closed anyone who walks up to the front entrance of the building is suspicious because there are only 3 of us that are supposed to be in the building.

Plus this man was shirtless. So of course we were even more suspicious.

We sit there and watch as he goes up to the door and pulls on it.
It's locked.
Obviously.
The building is closed for the summer.

After trying a few times to pull the door open, the half-naked man turns and begins to walk towards our open office windows.

Julie and I proceed to FREAK THE FUCK OUT and run out of her office and into the hallway between our open office doors. We then hid behind the wall hoping that he couldn't see us there.

My office door is still open, so I peer in to see if I can see him walking away. But he's not there.

I then turned around and peeked into Julie's office and there he was staring at me through the open window! Nipples and all. He's half naked remember.

Him and I proceed to have the following horribly awkward conversation:
(As I stood as far as I could from him in the doorway)

"Hey, are you the manager of this building?"
"Why"
"What? I can't hear you"
"WHY?"
"I need to shut the water down"
"Why?"
"What? I can't hear you"
"WHY???"
"What's with all the whys"
......
"Oh I don't know... I'm a little effing freaked out by your shirtless-peeping-tom-ness right now"

He continued to talk to me about other buildings that is was going to affect and asked me to contact them... which I then told him NO and that he needed to do that himself..... and then he took off.

Julie stood out in the hallway silently laughing the entire time.

Did anyone else have a half naked man peep on them today??

Well... You know....

2009-05-07T11:38:00.002-04:00

Hi hi hi hi hi.

Now that things have somewhat settled down, I plan on being back here regularly.
Or well as regularly as I can be.... hahaha I am ALREADY Coping out. LOVE IT!

Catching you up in BULLETS (!!)

Bailey is recovering nicely. I am thinking about posting picture of her stitches because I think they are really cool. But I am weird.
I officially have my Masters which is AWESOME. Like I didn't know how much of a big deal it was until I went to the ceremony, which sucked btw but that's another story.
I got a new job! I am not moving, well not leaving Boston, so there will be more about that to come.
WTF is up with SWINE FLU. CHILL PEOPLE.

I think that's it.

My google reader is at 1000+ unread... so if I am commenting on stuff that you posted like 2 months ago... Mea Culpa. And if I am commenting on like every post that you wrote and my comments are totally irrelevant now, feel free to leave me a comment and tell me.

(This is all a ploy to get you to lurve me again)
(is it working???)

Home and Healing.

2009-05-02T15:23:00.003-04:00

What a whirlwind few days it has been.

We brought Bailey home from the hospital a few hours ago. She's doing well and has good energy.
Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers and good wishes. It meant more than you would ever know.

While Bailey was recovering from surgery, I got hooded at a graduation ceremony @ Northeastern. Officially a Masters I am.

Now sleep.
And some Gordon Ramsay....

UPDATE

2009-04-30T14:27:00.001-04:00

Bailey is going in for emergency surgery sometime this afternoon.

:(

Thank you everyone for your support

Exhausted and In Need of Prayers.

2009-04-30T11:28:00.003-04:00

Bailey is really sick again.
Tim and I brought her to the emergency room late last night because she was vomitting and lethargic and looked like she was having trouble walking.

They admitted her and are running tests today.
When we called this morning for her 10am check in they said her energy was high and that she was acting normal. So fingers crossed that we can bring her home tonight.

I could use the love today internet.

CONTEST WINNER.

2009-04-14T20:38:00.002-04:00

I know you have all been waiting with baited breath-
The winner is- Kettler!!

The contest was really close until the final four.
Kettler was the ONLY participant with both Michigan State and UNC in the finals with UNC as the champion!

CONGRATS Kettler!

Thank you everyone for playing!

My apologies for not posting the winner sooner, things have been horrible.
Work computer troubles and Bailey is really sick.
We're just spending as much time with her as we can because lets face it she's 12 and who knows what can happen.

I'm just praying it will pass so I can have a little bit more time with the old broad.

;)

When Did my Life Become an Episode of "I Love Lucy"

2009-04-01T10:21:00.006-04:00

April 1st is really just like any other day to me, always has been, always will be.
The last time I can remember playing a prank on someone on April Fools Day was back in Junior High, and even then the memory is fuzzy.

Here is my question for you today:

Is it possible that the Universe can play an April Fool's Joke on someone?

Think about that for a second.

Can the universe, in all its vast wonderful glory pinpoint one person to pick on?
I believe that the answer to that my friends is yes.
For that one person today, is me.

Let's weigh the facts, shall we.
I woke up just as I would any other weekday...... LATE.
Hurried to rush to shower and get ready.
Still very normal.

I entered the kitchen to grab my coat from the closet to take Bailey out for her morning walk.
Upon opening the closet door to grab my coat, I knocked over her water bowl, spilling a considerable amount of water on the floor.
Once again, normal.
I do this at least twice a day.

However, due to the amount of water spilled on the floor, I actually decided to clean it up.
So I stomped over to the paper towels, grabbing one from the newly placed paper towel roll, which I have to say is really too big for my paper towel holder to handle. The over-filled-ness (yes that IS a word thankyouverymuch) of the roll caused the holder to fall over, which then caused the jelly bean holder on my counter to fall over.... spilling hundreds of jelly beans all over my living room floor.

Did you just gasp?
I heard it.

So now picture me trying to get the vacuum out to suck up all of these things while trying to hold Bailey back so that she would not EAT THE GOD DAMN JELLY BEANS BECAUSE HOLY SHIT I CANNOT AFFORD TO TAKE YOU TO THE VET FOR AN INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION AGAIN THIS CENTURY!!!!

After that fiasco was finished, we went for our walk and then I went to work.
And here I am.

Sitting nicely at my desk.

One of my students just came in to inform me that someone hung a pirate flag from the roof of the building.

Well played universe.
Well played.

********UPDATE**********************

I just got a weird call from Ari's office in DC... (same first extension, different last numbers), I pick up and it's this guy who I have never heard of before.

He tells me he's calling because he needs to put in a request for a facilities issue and then is like rambling on about it for 5 minutes. Mind you its probably the most ridiculous thing I have heard, and remember I work for FACILITIES/RES LIFE at a major university.

Finally I say...

"Do you know Ari?"
'Yes, he's my co-worker".
"Okay, well Happy April Fools, this is really funny... hahaha" (totally sarcastic)
"You think I am playing a joke on you?"
"Aren't you?"
"No I am calling you because I need to put in a work order to fix something... What did you say your name was again"
"Julie"
"I apparently have the wrong number... I apologize"

::Click::

I just got off the phone with Ari. Who is laughing hysterically, but said that it was NOT a planned joke... just a funny coincidence that I happen to work in facilities.

Fuck this.
I'm going home after lunch.

Friday Letter

2009-03-27T15:22:00.001-04:00

Dr. Man Cutting his Nails on the Bus:

You're gross.
Seriously.

Do that shit at home,

Julie

CONTEST UPDATE!

2009-03-26T14:53:00.003-04:00

Hi Everyone!!!
I apologize this week has been OUT OF CONTROL (!!!!!).

Soooooo quickly before something else hits the fan around here and I have to catch it/clean it up.
Here is an update in no partcular order of how you are doing in the contest:

3Carnations: 50 points

Janet: 41 points

Lindsey: 46 points

Will: 33 points

RA: 42 points

Paul: 47 points

Kettler: 54 points

The Hotfessional: 49 points

Monika: 47 points

Ari: 49 points

Jujie R: 43 points

Greg: 46 points

Heidi: 52 points

Lara: 51 points

Tarah: 48 points

Mrs F.: 50 points

TJ: 47 points

Alan: 52 points

Johanna: 44 points

Laura: 42 points

RC: 39 points

Dana: 47 points

Don't be discouraged if your points are low... there are a lot of games left... with a lot more points to get!

Oh and if you're curious as to how I am doing... If I was in this contest, I would have 55 points.

March Madness- Presidential Style

2009-03-19T11:12:00.002-04:00

So apparently I am not the only one that loves the NCAA tourney....

Our Commander- In- Chief loves the dance too...

Check it out- here.
********************************************************************************************

Thank you to everyone who entered the Bracket Contest....
Check back for updates as we go along.

HAPPY FIRST & SECOND ROUND!

CONTEST DEADLINE APPROACHING!

2009-03-18T12:41:00.003-04:00

Don't forget to enter my contest...
The deadline is tomorrow (THURSDAY) at 11am EST!

Just for clarification's sake:

Go to this link.
You can use the GIF version of the bracket to give me your picks.... that way you can input your picks through paint... or another program.

OR

You can go to this link and fill out an excel version.
Just make sure to put your name or team name on it somewhere.

OR

You can e-mail me your picks round by round.. I can input it into a paper bracket.
Either way.
Comment or e-mail me if you're confused.
And good luck to all of you!

Let the Madness BEGIN- CONTEST TIME!!!!!!!

2009-03-16T11:16:00.005-04:00

It's my favorite time of year.... MARCH MADNESS.
Those of you that have been keeping up with me over the years.... you've noticed that I am a little obsessed with my bracket.

It's been about 12 hours since the selections were made for this years tourney..... and I am once again, doing research, talking to friends and freaking out over who will win this years dance. Now last year I managed to pick all 4 final four teams, both final teams and the winner, which is why I am awfully puzzled as to why I did not write about it..... Needless to say this year I have some pretty high expectations.

Since I know many of you out there love the Tourney... and admit it some of you could careless- I have decided to make things a little more interesting for you all- with a contest (!!)

Here are the rules:

1. Go to this link. Fill out a bracket. ** Note I changed the link to make it easier for everyone.
2. Come up with a crazy team name.... this part is optional- but fun!
3. E-mail me your bracket by 11:00 AM EST on Thursday March 19th in order to be considered for the prize.
4. Points will be awarded as follows-

First Round correct pick- 1 point
Second Round Correct pick- 2 points
Sweet 16 Correct pick- 4 points
Elite 8 Correct pick- 6 points
Final Four Correct Pick- 8 points
Championship Correct Pick- 10 points
CHAMPION Correct Pick- 20 points

I know it's confusing... but don't worry about all the details. Leave that up to me.

The tourney begins Thursday and the Championship game is April 6th....So I will update you all with you totals at the end of each round.

So go forth!
And Pick.
Oh the prize.... I almost forgot.
The winner will get a $75 gift card that can be used at Old Navy, GAP and Banana Republic.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR???!!!!!!!!

Weekend Woes

2009-03-11T10:03:00.002-04:00

Recently Tim's hours at work have changed. I know what you're thinking, but it's not all bad.
He now works Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday days and Friday and Saturday nights. Therefore Sundays and Mondays are his days off.

It's been this way for over a month now, I think? It's hard to keep track.
I love love love love having him home at night during the week, being able to sleep in with him on Saturday before he has to go to work and then spending all day Sunday together.

However I am finding myself running out of things to do on Friday and Saturday nights.
I've made due for now.
I've relaxed at home.
I've had friends over for dinner.
I've attended NU athletic events.
I've gone out with friends.
I've gone out with friends and drank alot. (More about that later)
I've closed at the GAP one Saturday night.

And now I am beginning to panic.
I am really okay with not having him around these nights because well what are you gonna do, you know? It's not ideal, but I'll live, it's not forever.

My friends are wonderfully awesome and I love them.
But they have their own lives and partners that they want to spend time with on those nights.
And I am starting to feel that I am becoming that pathetic girl that's always looking for something.
I don't want it to become a burden to them to hang out with me, that would suck.
But I also don't want to do cool things by myself. Although I am not afraid of doing that too.

Don't get me wrong it's not that I don't mind the occasional relaxing night at home alone in front of the TV.

But it's always more fun when you have something to occupy your time, don't you think?

So help me.
Those of you who are still here with me.

What are your suggestions for my Friday and Saturday nights?
BE CREATIVE.
I'm not scared.

Unless I should be?
Should I be???

Every Dog Has Its Thursday: RA wants to Know

2009-02-05T13:04:00.000-05:00

So I know on Thursdays I generally post about Bailey... But Bailey has been kind enough to relinquish her day this week... so that I can finally do something.

Thank you Bailey.
You're welcome Mom.

Since it's been about, oh I don't know, a month since I asked RA to send me interview questions... I figured it was time to answer them.

Why did you start blogging?

Well you know it's funny. I started blogging because I thought that I had a lot to say. Originally I think I focused on things that happened in life that frustrated me. But eventually I began writing other stuff and even though I am not the most popular blogger out there, I think that I have a few loyal readers that may think I am funny/interesting to read?
That is when I post stuff. I know I have been bad. Mea culpa.

What skill do you wish you had?

I wish I was a better writer. Somedays I can write about something that I am thinking about and have it actually make sense. Other days I'll sit here with the posting screen open and write and erase it, write it and erase it for hours. I think I need to stop being critical about what I have to say and just say it. Easier than it sounds.

What was your best birthday party like?

Hmm... I remember having a lot of really awesome birthday parties when I was a little kid.
My birthday was always around the first day of school in September, so I used to have my parties over the summer with friends that I knew in class and then have one with my new friends in my new grade. Double birthdays= double fun. But I have to say that my all time favorite birthday party was for my 21st. I spent it in San Francisco with my best friend Ali and Timmy. We traveled all the way out there to see the Dave Matthews Band at Golden Gate Park... and I will never forget that experience.

What would your teenage self think of the person you are now?

I have actually been thinking about this question recently. I think that my teenage self would be wondering a few things like... why aren't you in the pool anymore? Why have you let swimming leave your life? I think that my teenage self would be shocked that I decided to begin a career in education. I think that if I had to give my teenage self advice I would say not to rush things. Because it's all over too soon. And you don't get a second chance at somethings in life.

What are you looking forward to?

Oye. So many things.
I am looking forward to spring.
I am looking forward to May 1st when I walk across that stage and receive my Masters degree.
I am looking forward to being successful in my career and making a name for myself in the field.
I am looking forward to getting married (someday) and having a kick ass reception (someday).

:)

Does anyone want to be interviwed by me???
Leave me a message in the comments and I'll come up something!

Straight To H-E Double- You Know What

2009-02-04T10:14:00.001-05:00

By posting this video I fully acknowledge the fact that I am not making the best of impressions on St. Peter.... But you know what???

I Can't help it! This kid is so funny.

Happy Wednesday!

Stoned Little Kid After Dentist Visit - Watch more Free Videos

Every Dog Has Its Thursday

2009-01-29T22:05:00.001-05:00

Busy.

Gratutious Cute Dog Picture.

hehehe.

Every Dog Has It's Thursday: Bailey's Boyfriend

2009-01-22T16:58:00.005-05:00

Hi Everyone!
Things are crazy around here today, but I just wanted to let you know that Bailey has found herself a boyfriend. His name is Gunner he's 3 years old (younger man Go Bailey!) and lives with Alex and Dustin, who are good friends of ours.

Alex, Dustin, Tim and I get together pretty regularly and most times Gunner tags along so that he can see his girlfriend.

Aren't they cute???

Love it!!

What are Bailey's friends up to this week?- Daisy, Kaya, Rufus, Smalls and Ben.
Go Check Them Out!

On This Day.

2009-01-20T16:18:00.005-05:00

December 2, 2007

It's hard to believe that it's been that long.

As soon as I received the e-mail inviting me to a "Massachusetts Rally for Change", I was on the horn to Tarah, my political partner in crime.

"Wanna Go?" I asked
"Sure, seems like interesting stuff."

We met downtown around 5:00. The doors didn't open until 6pm, so we took our place in line about halfway down the block from the entrance. Not bad.

The line grew longer behind us and it began to snow.
We welcomed the change in weather and stood there and waited in line alongside supporters, undecideds and others.

In awe of my surroundings, I was a little memorized by the excitement and overall feeling once inside the Castle. I had never been this close to a campaign before and wanted to take it all in.

Trying to edge our way to the front near the stage, Tarah and I were stopped by a campaign worker.

"Hey! Do you two ladies want to be on stage when Senator Obama speaks?"
We both looked at each other with some reservations said, "Sure!" and were suddenly whisked away to the side of the stage.

We stood there and watched as the Castle quickly filled with supporters anxious to see the Senator speak. Thinking about it now, it all feels surreal. Waiting there felt like a lifetime.

Finally we were prepped and swept up on stage with about thirty other lucky people.
Some of us were handed pro- Obama signs to hold up during the nights events.

I remember a wonderful woman, (around my age) talking to the crowd about how she was inspired by Senator Obama. So much so that she dropped everything and joined the campaign staff. She spoke wonderfully about knocking on doors and getting people involved. I remember thinking, it seemed so simple and that I needed to get on board.

After she was done speaking, she introduced the man himself.
The crowd exploded. We stood on stage clapping and cheering.

I remember it being really warm.
I remember the lights shining on my face.
I remember being really nervous about my posture, about my facial expressions, about how I looked in front of all these people.

Then he began to speak.
And I began to smile.
And I began to clap.
And I began to cheer.

And when it was over and he finished speaking, he turned around to greet us.
And he shook each and every one of our hands.

And I remember thinking that I just shook the hand of the man that could potentially be our next President.

Who knew at the time, right?

As I watched today's events, I was a bit overwhelmed.
I kept thinking of that day back in December of 2007.
Before the caucus.
Before the primaries.

I'm excited for the future.
I'm ready for change.

"On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas that for far too long have strangled our politics.

We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness."

President Barack Obama

Lazy Monday

2009-01-19T14:15:00.005-05:00

Ah.
Thank you Dr. King for giving me this day to

Clean out my DVR.
To not think about homework.
Even though I should be doing some reading.
To watch an entire season of "How I Met Your Mother".
Because I just watched my first episode of that show last week and I am in love.
To do laundry that has been OVERDUE.
To play outside in the snow with Bailey.
To nap.

How are all of you spending your day?
And to those of you who are not off, I am sorry. But just think about how much harder it will be for those of us who were off today to get back in the swing of things tomorrow...

Valentine Swap- Blogger Style.

2009-01-12T12:00:00.003-05:00

Hey Everyone.

My good blogger friend Aimee is hosting a Valentine's Day Swap over at her place.
And because I love her and getting presents I signed up.

Nothing too expensive, like $5- $10 gift, maybe send a card along.
What do you think?

Sign up and you'll even get a cute button to put on your blog!
Which may or may not look like this:

Head over to Aimee's to sign up by Thursday the 15th.

Come on.
You know you wanna.

I promise I am NOT DEAD.

2009-01-12T10:42:00.002-05:00

Just Incredibly Lazy.

Seriously. I have never met a lazier blogger than myself.
Maybe they should make a Bloggie Award in that category.
I would totally win.
That if I took the time to nominate myself.
But that would probably go against the laziness.
Okay I need to stop before I hurt myself.

What's been going on...?
Here's a semi- quick recap that will probably make your head spin because I thoroughly plan on being all over the place.....

Tim is in Jamaica on his company's annual "Let's go away somewhere and pretend to have one meeting so we can write it off as a business expense" trip. Of course I miss him, but he will be home on Thursday night. He works a lot of nights, so I am used to him not being there when I go to sleep. I think it's just the whole not being able to pick up the phone and call him whenever I want thing that' bothers me the most when he goes away on these things. Well, that and I only have Bailey to talk to when I am home at night. Which don't get me wrong is fine really- she's just not one to hold a conversation- is all I'm saying.

When he left late Saturday night, he told me to try not to text or call him not because he will be busy doing work stuff (otherwise known as DRINKING ALCOHOL) but that because it's expensive (duh). However I have received four phone calls from him already and two text messages.

I love that he misses me.

I had the most fun that I have ever had on a New Year's Eve this year and I truly mean that. I don't generally love New Year's... no particular reason, although there probably are a reasons, I am sure that I have repressed them so far into my psyche, that coming up with one right now is an issue. Maybe another day.

This year I spent New Years celebrating the 30th year of a friend's existence.
Internet.... when I say celebrated I mean drank about 7 Extra Dirty Martinis.
Dirty Martinis + Julie= FUN

I am in my final 12 11 weeks of graduate school.
It's kicking my ass.
Seriously.
Can you get Senior-itis in Grad School? Technically I guess you can.
Maybe it's called something else?
Anyway- I am ready to be done.

I'm taking a little time today to catch up with my google reader. So expect to get about 10-15 comments from me today.

You've been warned.

Ho ho holidays!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-19T10:01:00.003-05:00

Tim and I have been dating awhile. If you're an avid reader over here you should know that by now. Seriously a long time.

This Christmas will be our 7th together. However in all of those years, last Christmas was the only one that we actually spent the day together. Unfortunately most of the day was spent in the car driving from NYC to Worcester. Which I guess you can still count as together. But to me it just wasn't what I wanted. It didn't feel like the holiday.

Last year was the first time we compromised on how we would spend the holidays.
We drove to Brooklyn early Christmas Eve morning, and got there in time for a late breakfast. The day was spent driving around Long Island from one cousins house to another. Filled with food and presents and fun. I of course loved every minute of the whole day. Even though I was exhausted.

Christmas morning we spent a couple of hours with my mom and sister in Brooklyn. Opening gifts and having bagels. Then we got on the road and headed to Tim's family in Worcester for a late dinner. Which was perfectly wonderful. But by the time we got there everyone else was already done eating and doing other things. I hated being there so late. Like we had missed something.

I think that what I didn't like most about the arrangement was not seeing my grandmother on Christmas. Sure I had spent the whole day with her on Christmas Eve. But I had never gone a Christmas without seeing her or the rest of my family.

A few weeks ago I vowed that I wouldn't miss another Christmas in New York.

Is that selfish?
I'm pretty sure I know the answer already.
But really, am I being ridiculous?

We had to wait to get Tim's schedule for the next few weeks before we could figure out logistically what we were doing for the holiday. Luckily he's off the 24th- 26th. So we have a little bit of wiggle room to work with.

What I really want is for him to come down with me for Christmas Eve, stay through Christmas Day and then we'll drive home on the 26th sometime. We'll see relatives of mine that I haven't seen in a year. We'll have my Uncle Paul's amazing lobster spread on the eve and we'll go to Carmines in the city for a nice big dinner with my family on Christmas Day.

But it's not that easy.
Tim wants to do what we did last year.
See problem above.

Naturally because I am who I am when he told me that he wants to spend the holiday with his family, I got upset and perhaps a little angry. Which was not the best way to deal with it, but I don't know. I am more upset at the fact that who knows if we will ever be able to come up with any sort of compromise in the future.

And now I am sitting here at work with not much going on.
Waiting for this monster snow storm that's supposed to hit us in a few hours.
Thinking about what type of monster selfish girlfriend I am.

Every Dog Has It's Thursday.: Special Holiday Edition

2008-12-18T15:17:00.007-05:00

Bailey is really excited about this year's Christmas Card.
So excited that she wanted you all to have a look at it.

Don't worry. Some of you special people out there will be getting yours in the mail soon.
We're a little behind around these parts lately.

Happy Holidays everyone!
( I think it may be a safe assumption that I won't be posting again until 2009!)

It's The Most Wonderful Time......

2008-12-15T10:09:00.002-05:00

For the past three holiday seasons, I have bitterly sat on the sidelines, complaining that Tim's company does not invite partners or spouses to their holiday function. I have bitched and moaned to no end that it's un- fair and really Scrooge-like to not allow your employees to bring their significant others along. I mean I could understand if they had hundreds of employees, allowing that many people to bring someone would get a little out of hand. But there's 15 people max that would be attending this thing. Plus the owner's get to bring their wives....

(And please spare me the "Well the own the company they can do whatever they want" bullshit. Tim gives me that too and if it doesn't work for him, well then you know).

Well someone must be sick of my complaining, because this year I'm invited.

And I am FREAKING OUT just a little bit about the whole thing.

Should I go?
Will it be awkward?
What do I wear???
Do I even WANT to go??

I've been wrestling with myself about this for a week now. Should I just not go? But if I do that then I can't complain about not being there. Is this something that I even want to be at? I'm not sure. They usually announce where the staff will be taking their annual "Let's go to some tropical island and get sloppy drunk trip", do I really want to be there when that happens? Since you know I am not invited to that, yet (baby steps here people).

The shindig is nothing too fancy and is being held at one of the owner's homes.
Do I bring something??? It was at the same home last year so I asked Tim if he brought anything, or if anyone did and of course he's a boy so he didn't know.

Help me internet.
What should I do.

Oh and it's tonight.
So I hope you're reading this now.

Thankyouverymuch

Every Dog Has its Thursday

2008-12-11T13:33:00.005-05:00

Oye Internet.
It's been a week let me tell you.

Bailey has an ear infection!!
I know how in the world did that happen. I have no idea.
But anyway, all week we have to clean out her ear and put these drops in them. Sounds easy enough right? Well wrong!!!

Bailey does everything in her power to move and squirm and not let you get to her ear. It's come to the point where Tim has to physically hold her and I have to figure out how to get the 8 drops in her ear. I wish I had a picture of this because if I was someone that was just watching and not actually having to do this, I would be laughing pretty hard.

So instead of showing you a gross picture of Bailey's ear... which is actually much better now since its been a little over a week.... I will show you one of the pictures of her that I have put on our Holiday card. Which some of you lovely people will be getting. ::Wink Wink::

How are Bailey's Friends this week?- Smalls, Rufus, Ben, Kaya and Daisy!

Jon Stewart Rules

2008-12-10T16:25:00.001-05:00

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Mike Huckabee Pt. 2

Barack Obama Interview
John McCain Interview

Sarah Palin Video
Funny Election Video

Daddy's Little Girl

2008-12-04T08:59:00.004-05:00

I know.
I've been gone too long.
I need to tell you about my trip over the pond.
Yes. I know.

But internet.
Something BIG has happened this week.
(No, I am not engaged)
Whatever it's bigger than THAT anyway.
Yes I know what could possibly be bigger than that.

Remember my friend Ari?
I post about him often enough, so you should by now...
At 5:51pm on Monday December 1st, he became a DADDY to a beautifully healthy and adorable baby girl Jillian Emma.

I. KNOW.

Since he called me on Monday to tell me the good news, I have been calling friends and family and sharing my joy with everyone. I even put a little message up as my gchat status.

I wanted to share with you the reponses I have gotten.
Because well, they're pretty damn funny.

Daniel: Ari is a father?

Oh jesus.

Oh god no.

It's all over.

Sarah: Ari

Ari's a father?

to unborn baby??

me: no

to a BORN baby

All the rest have just been Mazel Tovs and wonderful wishes....
I'm so excited to see her when I head down to DC in a few months!!

Okay, I promise a post or maybe two about London next week.
Thankyouverymuch

Muffin-centric

2008-11-24T15:53:00.002-05:00

This idea has been copyrighted, trademarked and all rights preserved - so don't get any ideas.

About two months ago, Julie and I (Tarah) came up with the best idea for a new business, probably ever. It sprung from a conversation* about scones that evolved to the topic of muffins in general, the tops in specific. It may sound like the Seinfeld episode, but we've thought it through and will be smarter, better.

We don't want to discard the tops and be wasteful. Nor would we want to back them without the cup from which the tops may rise. No disc-muffins for us. But here's The Quandary: What to do with the inferior baked good that is the muffing bottom? Here is a menu of sorts that resulted from our conversation:

Primary item sold: Muffin Tops of varying flavors.

Other items:
Muffin Croutons (for things like porridge, oatmeal - could go well on salads)
Muffin Pudding (using muffin combinations such as blueberry and lemon poppy or pumpkin spice and cranberry nut)

Beverages:
Coffee
Espresso Drinks (including year round gingerbread lattes)
Champagne drinks
Thai Iced Coffee
Thai Iced Tea

We won't expand our products too much, a la Dunkin' Donuts, at the expense of our quality. To say the least, this place will rock.

* - See below for the conversation

julie: ps starbucks has raspberry scones now

WOW

me: really

interesting

I used to really not like scones

julie: i got one this morning

me: way too dry

julie: its not like a real scone

its not dry at all

me: but I think i was eating crappy ones

julie: its more like a squashed muffin

me: because I've had some really good ones lately

lol mmmm I do like muffins

I've been thinking about a muffin that I had a year ago lately

julie: uh

me: I got it at this coffee shop in the north end - it was like, whole wheat nut cranberry. and just the top

julie: yea muffin tops are the best the stumps suck

me: it's true

I wonder what they do with the stumps... and if it's at all like the seinfeld episode

julie: EXACTLY

i wonder though if you could make it without it

me: I was thinking about that too

julie: or maybe you could use it to make something else?

me: or if you needed the cup to make it rise so it's top like, not disk like

julie: right

ok so lets think of ways to use the stumps

me: muffin pudding? they make bread pudding

julie: and this may turn into a blog post for today

hmm

true

me: lol

julie: it could be all different flavors

like blueberry muffin pudding

me: or you could combine two muffins for ultimate pudding fusion

like blueberry and lemon poppy

julie: oooooo

yeaaa

i think we're on to something

me: oatmeal croutons

julie: oooooo

me: (croutons for oatmeal, that is)

julie: right

lol

me: we should obviously open a bakery

julie: obviously

me: muffin centric

and not expand to other bakery products and lose the quality like apparently dunks did

julie: yea they did

me: for drinks, various coffee products and champagne-breakfast drinks

hear me out

gingerbread lattes

all

year

round

~*~*~*~*~*~ (those are gchat jazz hands)

julie: i think we need to serve Thai iced coffees and teas

me: I concur

julie: awesome i am making this into a sweet blog spot**

**Said blogspot was never posted because dear Julie, is a busy girl. I'm sure hers would have been far better than this, but I did what I could. And remember. The idea is copyrighted - so no stealing!

Every Dog Has Its Thursday- SPECIAL EDITION

2008-11-20T05:35:00.001-05:00

Hey, Julie-readers. It's me, Audrey, the guest-poster who was afraid of Finding Nemo.

Today I am not here to embarrass myself by telling you what other "harmless" (read: terrifying) things frighten me, but rather to make sure the ever-adorable Bailey gets her weekly hour in the spotlight while her mom's away.

Let's take a look at this picture, shall we?

Here we see Bailey, who looks surprisingly like my dog Smalls, playing tug-of-war with Tim, who shares a name with my husband, Tim (duh). This picture amuses me on a few different levels. There's the obvious adorableness of it, of course -- don't even try to tell me you can look at this picture without smiling a little. But there's also the fact that this scene could very easily take place in my living room -- just swap out the Tims and trade Bailey for Smalls or Ben, and there you'd have it. And, knowing my Tim and my dogs, nobody would be surprised at all.

See, Julie and I recently talked a bit about how her Tim and my Tim are pretty much the same person. Not literally, because that would be, well, adulterous and awful. But figuratively, you know, in the sense that our Tims are very much alike. I recently posted a picture of my Tim getting friendly with a giraffe, and Julie said her Tim would do the exact same thing. And now Julie sends me this picture of her Tim playing toy-in-the-teeth tug-of-war with Bailey, and I'm thinking, "Yup, my Tim would definitely do that." Tims are a ton of fun like that -- everyone should have a Tim in their lives. I'm sure Bailey would agree.

It's Not Easy Being Green... Or Is it??

2008-11-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

While Miss Julie is off gallivanting across the pond, she has asked me, Lindsey
to guest post here at WTF have I done? Since the last time I posted
on my own blog was months ago and all I did was post wedding photos, I
warned her that she may want to reconsider her request. I wouldn't
want to tarnish her blog's good reputation. At the very least, she
recommended, I could use this post as a way to let people know that I
am actually ALIVE! Maybe this post could be like my comeback to the
blogosphere. Only time will tell if this is more like a "Britney 2007
VMA performance" or a "Britney 2008 VMA appearance" type of comeback.
But if I suddenly come toward your car wielding an umbrella, I'd hit
the gas and get out of there, stat.

Last week (election week) was all about Change--for the better I hope
(YES WE DID)!! This year has been full of changes for me, large and
small. Dudes, I totally got married! Like, I'm a wife...? WTF HAVE
I DONE? But, I digress. I try to make a conscious effort from time to
time to be better...to be a better friend, a better daughter, a better
sister, an overall better person. Sometimes I even try not to nag so
much. Seriously though, pick up your effing clothes off the bathroom
floor and really, you brought your dirty dishes one foot from the
dishwasher and set them down and left? Really? Is it THAT hard?
Well," that's what she said."

Don't we all aim to be better? Isn't that the American way?

Little by little I have been trying to change the way I treat the
environment. Not because going green is trendy, but because I think
small changes in the way we do things can have a big impact on our
surroundings. Plus, it just feels good to do good things! When I
lived in New York, which was the majority of my life up until four
years ago, my family and I always recycled. Was there any other way
to do things? It was just what we did. Then I moved to Virginia, got
an apartment with my now husband and suddenly we were throwing
bottles, cans and paper away left and right. We just got lazy, and
plus, I think it would have cost money to recycle. Paying to recycle?
That is kind of a strange concept to me. Three years ago we moved
into the house where we currently reside. It is free to recycle!! Yes
we can! For some reason though, it wasn't until earlier this year that
I made it a house rule. Now it's easy, routine and dare I say it,
fun?

So now that the recycling has been going well, I was looking for
another way to be better. I hate to clean. Hate. Loathe. Uber- Ick.
I am totally Type A though and am at my happiest when the house is
organized and clean. The thing I hate most about cleaning though is
the cleaning products. No wait, it's the actual cleaning itself, but
feeling like I am breathing in cancer and all things bad for you is
the second worst part about cleaning. I remembered an episode of Jon
and Kate Plus 8 (OMG, Julie totally got me hooked. I can't wait for
the wedding in Hawaii episode!!) where Sara Snow came to visit Kate
and teach her all about green living. I remembered she said all you
needed to clean counters, etc. was vinegar and water. I looked up the
details online and decided to clean my house using only baking soda
and vinegar water. Let me tell you, I'm hooked!

I used the baking soda to clean the shower floor and the bathroom
sink. Do you know how long I've been trying to get the rust off of
the drain part of the sink? A long time. Truth be told, there is
still some rust there, but it is a serious improvement. I used the
one part vinegar to one part water to clean the shower walls, mop the
floors and even clean the toilet. The best part was that when I
turned on the water to rinse the shower walls, my eyes didn't start
burning. It didn't taste like burning either. Edgar was totally
dying over the smell of vinegar, but I really don't mind it. Once it
dries you can't smell it anymore anyway. You have to try it! I
swear, you'll be hooked too...and totally craving salt and vinegar
chips! mmmm

The only thing I really miss (so far) is using Pledge to dust with.
Instead, I just used a regular ol' rag. I wonder if there is a green
dusting product. Do YOU know? I also can't bring myself to get rid
of the real stuff yet "just in case." I mean Lysol...I might NEED
that if Edgar gets sick and his nasty sick germs get on the doorknobs.
Sick people. Yuck. Again, I digress.

I'm not perfect and sometimes I do things that aren't the best for the
environment, like using paper plates or buying bottled water. I heart
Clorox wipes, too. I'm trying though and you should too. As I like
to say, doooooooo iiiiiiiiiiiiit. I mean, if you want to.

Julie Should have Shoved ME in her Carry-On.

2008-11-17T06:49:00.003-05:00

Hi, Julie's readers! It's me, Erin, from the state that i am in. What do you mean you don't know who I am? I'm Rufus' mom! Oh, now you know who I am. Perhaps you should get to know me a little before this guest post. Let's see...when I'm not dealing with poopy pants at school, I'm at home writing blog posts for my dogs. Yeah. That's about it!

Since Julie is off in London, I thought I’d share a little bit about my trip to Londonn 2006. Our trip to London was my first trip out of the country, and the first vacation Ted and I went on alone (despite having been married for nearly 2 years).

Since we were fairly poor at the time, we did London on a budget, which isn’t easy. It really just meant that we went any place that was cheap or free. And we ate at Pizza Express, which was a lot classier than you would think! Still, we took some amazing photos, but Julie will bring back her own amazing photos. I want to show you a couple things that Julie might not think to take pictures of.

First up, the tube escalators:

Julie might like to take a picture of these, but I would advise against since we may have gotten in a bit of international trouble. NO PICTURES IN THE TUBE. I swear, we aren’t terrorists!

Now, for some exciting British signage:

This sign begs the question – is it all right to feed the other birds?

That wasn’t the only signage we found amusing. This might be my favorite picture from out trip:

You can’t go wrong in a place that cages children but allows dogs to run free!

And finally, some good advice for all international travelers:

Happy Traveling!!

Girlfriends WOOT!

2008-11-14T06:00:00.002-05:00

Hi All! Aimee of Old Guys Dig Me here. As you all know, Julie is off vacationing and having fun. So in the interim you get me. Sorry. :P

For those of you who read my blog, you might know already that I have a cousin that I really don’t like. In the past I’ve tried to help her because she’s come to me, asking for advice about not having any girlfriends. She’s spent most of her life with the same guy (she’s in her mid 20s and they’ve dated since high school) and she’s pretty much created a life that revolves only around him. I’ve tried to invite her places and introduce her to other women that I thought she would really like. And she’s responded with blowing people off and being generally snotty.

Next month, she’s getting married.

With my new engagement (I know!!!) and the thoughts of her concerns and her upcoming wedding, I’ve really been thinking about how awesome it is to have such a great group of girlfriends. I really am very blessed to know the women that I know, and to be able to call them friends. There were moments in my 20s where I thought, OMG all women are backstabbing bitches (I’m sure we’ve all been there), which makes these friendships all the better.

My local friends and I spend at least two nights a month together. We are involved in book club and bunco. We try to make other times to get together for puppy play dates or tennis or shopping and lunch. Each of my friends is very different and sometimes our personalities really compliment each other, and other times we clash and keep each other honest. These friends would do anything for me and know I would do anything for them.

And then there are the not-so-local friends, some of whom are “blog friends.” The fact that we haven’t spent time together in person (or that time has been very limited) doesn’t diminish the fact that these women are fabulous friends. I received an email yesterday from a blog friend that I haven’t heard from in awhile…she was concerned that she hadn’t been there for me when we were going through Chance’s illness and death. The honesty and the genuine concern made me tear up, and things have just picked up where they left off before.

Some people think that people who meet people online are weird. They think that when you talk about a friend that you know from the internet, you aren’t really talking about a true friend. These people obviously haven’t met the people that I’ve met. I love you guys. Thank you for being such great friends, even though the miles keep us separated. I really like this poem/story, I hope you enjoy it too.

http://www.hugsandsmiles.com/girlfriends/

(Don’t you love how this nice post about friendship started out with bitterness? It’s just SO ME!)

Every Dog Has Its Thursday: House Guests Edition

2008-11-13T00:24:00.006-05:00

Hi All. Tarah here. I'll be popping in here and there while Julie's away frolicking in London.

So Bailey and I go back a few years. We've had lots of fun times together and I've watched her a bunch of times when Julie and Tim are out of town. Here's a picture from one of our first times together.

Can't you feel the love? Well, I'm sad to report, it's gone.

...Okay. Maybe not gone. But the alliances have certainly changed. She's now met Matt. And I have to say, she very much so loves him. She's more excited when he come home. She wants to play with him more than me. And she just can't seem to stop looking at him. She even gave him kisses of her own volition. Sigh.

Here she is hanging out at Matt's feet. Note the duck.

Of course none of this changes the fact that Bailey is one of the coolest dogs ever. But more on that later this week.

Have Bailey's friends Rufus, Kaya, Ben, Smalls, and Daisy made a new friend? Check 'em out!

Everything you've ever wanted to know about Processing Pineapples... But were too bored to ask

2008-11-12T06:00:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone on Julie's Blog! I'm Julie's friend Dustin!
While she's away I get to take over and post some of MY stuff. I'm an engineer, so I thought I'd teach you something engineering... something neat... something that would totally bore the crap out of Julie's regular blog readers...

I got it: this is how you process pineapples!

Pineapples are native to South America, and were named that way by the European colonists who thought it looked like a pinecone. One pineapple plant, which kind of looks like an aloe plant, grows a flower in the middle. The stem of the flower eventually gets fat and spiney, and grows one pineapple once per year. The flower on top turns into leaves (sometimes left on in the supermarket), and the pineapple is ripe about 5 months after it blooms. Workers break it off of the plant at the bottom and bring it to the processing facility.

At the facility they're washed over and over again in chlorinated water to get rid of the bugs, dirt, poo, and frog eggs (frogs like to lay their eggs in pineapple leaves where they collect water). They're then classified on basically how pretty they are: the best are exported, the second best are sold near where they are grown, the third set gets turned into dried and canned pineapple, and the uglies are juiced.

Since the best looking ones are pretty much ready to sell, they're coated with a layer of wax, boxed up, and shipped. Some still have leaves, or crowns, and some do not, so they're sorted and shipped as such. Grade 2 pineapples are just shipped to market: no work to be done there.

The juicing is pretty simple, too: workers skin the pineapples with huge knives, and they're ground up and squished. If you've ever seen apple cider get made, just add the "pine-" and it's the same thing.

Third pineapples are skinned by hand by workers with big knives. The skin is so tough they have to be sharpened every half hour. The core is removed by a big piston, and the meat that's left is cut by a 12-blade reciprocating saw, which cuts doughnut shaped slices about an inch thick. From here they're either canned as is, cut into chunks and canned, or manually laid out on racks and baked at 150 degrees for 24 hours. The slices are packaged and shipped around the world, and can be eaten up to 18 months after they're made.

Yummy!

Still awake??

Bow Wow Wow Yippie Yo Yippie Yay

2008-11-11T06:00:00.002-05:00

Helloooooooooo my avid 'WTF Have I Done?' readers!!! I have been
asked to provide a posting for ms. Julie since she is too busy living
the debonair life in London dropping 'bollocks' and eating fish &
chips with Gwynnie to her heart's content...

For those who don't know me, my name is Melanie and I am one of Julie's
bestests from college...she was kind enough to be one of my bridemaids
and help me sustain my sanity, so the least I can do is try to fill
her shoes while she's off spending Tim's paycheck at Harrods...

So, without further adieu, my post:

As many of you may have heard, we have a new president-elect…it is
kind of a big deal in that we seem to have finally broken the racial
barrier as to the leader of our country. Mind you, there is still a
lot of work to be done, but we are FINALLY headed in the right
direction!!!

I woke up first thing last Tuesday excited to have my voice heard –
this is the third presidential election that I have been able to cast
my vote – that makes me feel old. I did vote in the previous two but
alas, like Ben Affleck, whomever I voiced my support for seemed to
lose…(sorry Gore & Kerry). I may not have as an emotional story as
Julie (which was a moving one), but the same excitement coursed
through my veins as I walked with my husband to our polling station at
of 7:00 am. I am proud to say the nation finally seemed to agree with
me and we did it. :o)

So what to me is the most exciting thing about having a first family
that is adorable, compassionate, hardworking, dedicated (not only with
the nation, but with one another), and down to earth? The fact that
in his acceptance speech Barack promised his little girls a dog for
the White House.

To those who may now know, I am a HUGE animal lover (and thank
goodness Massachusetts voted to ban dog racing). This promise
prompted me to start a list of possible names for the first pooch.
They are as follows:

• Mobama
• Change
• Trigger
• Cali(fornia)
• Hope
• Virginia
• Equality
• Florida
• Hillary
• Russia
• Fred (Armisen)
• And my personal favorite: Maverick

Thoughts???

P.S. I think it's about time that Microsoft Word starts to recognize
Barack Obama…make sure you add it to your dictionary…

London Calling

2008-11-10T12:01:00.002-05:00

I am just hours away from heading to the airport to hop on my flight across the pond!
Aren't you all excited??
No?
Well you should be.

Don't worry, you will still be entertained while I am gone!
I've hired some wonderful guest bloggers who I know will tickle your fancy.
(Some lost blogger may or may not have slipped into the guest spotlight)

As well as my good friend Tarah, who is kind enough to stay at my apartment at take care of Bailey, will also be posting on here.... in kind of a behind the scenes look at a week in the life of Bailey.

It's going to be awesome!
So come back tomorrow!

Please?

:)

Retired Life

2008-11-07T13:22:00.002-05:00

My newly retired and empty nested mother has taken upon herself to learn all that she can about how to use a computer. Surprisingly she's not all that horrible. Her job came with a Blackberry and well she knew how to use the hell out of that thing... but now she has no clue what to do on the iMac sitting in my sisters room (while she's away at college). Save me all the BC about how PCs are better... because you won't get very far with me on that one.

Very often, I get calls from her at work. They usually go like this:

"I pushed something and I don't know what happened, but I can't get back to what I was looking at"

"How do I...."

"Why does it..."

And well, you get it.
Every Friday afternoon my sister DJs a radio show on her college station. Of course being the proud mother that she is, she listens to it through iTunes every week.

Yesterday, my mom called while I was looking at funny things on FailBlog. Since I was laughing so hysterically into the phone, she wanted to know what was so funny. So I sent her the link. She had a little trouble figuring it out at first, but soon she was laughing and I was laughing/crying and then before you knew it I had to go to a meeting.

This morning I got the following e-mail from my mom:

"Since I am listening to Jena's show, I revisited the Fail Blog link you sent me and by chance, scrolled down and noticed a million comments under the pictures. I don't understand some of the e-mail language. What's lolspeak? I'm afraid to ask what some of the other abbreviations are".

Oh boy. I knew this day would come.

So, here's where you come in.
I am reaching out to you my fellow bloggers/loyal readers.
Let's make an abbreviation dictionary for my mom.

The only ones that I could remember off the top of my head were:

LOL
LMAO
BRB
TTYL

Yes I am LAME.
I know you all have more.

Please leave your abbreviations in the comments section and I will compile them all into a reference guide blog post.

Now go FORTH and COMMENT!

Every Dog Has Its Thursday

2008-11-06T12:22:00.004-05:00

So while others where out at Election night parties, your fearless blogger and her dog were home alone. Watching nervously, yet patiently for all of the results and projections to trickle in.

Bailey must have been really nervous. Because she would not leave me alone all night.
She was literally in my face.
Like this.

What did Bailey's friends do on election night? Go Check 'em out!- Rufus, Kaya, Ben, Smalls, and Daisy.

The First Tuesday In November

2008-11-04T17:28:00.003-05:00

Growing up Election day was like a holiday.
Schools were always closed.

My mom would wake me up early in the morning and we would go out for breakfast. The local diner was always filled with older men and women, police officers coming off and going on shift, and other parents and children enjoying their day together.

We sit at a booth near the front. I order my standard chocolate chip pancakes. Sitting here writing this, I can distinctly remember the way they tasted, so sweet that no syrup was necessary. While we ate, my mom would tell me how important it was to vote; because others don't have the freedom. That she hadn't missed voting in an election since she was old enough to cast her ballot.

Our talks never got political, even when I was old enough to understand the issues. Not because the issues weren't important, of course they were. It was because to my mother, voting was such a sacred thing that to her it didn't matter who you backed, as long as you voted. Although that didn't necessarily mean she wouldn't argue with you.... she did plenty of that.

After breakfast we would drive to the elementary school where my mom would vote. We'd park the car and she'd take my hand as we walked into the cafeteria. When I was too young to sit alone, she bring me into the voting booth. I remember peeking under the curtain to see what was happening on the other side. After a few minutes Mom would say, "Would you like to pull the lever?" And with that, we were on our way home.

Today I cast my first non- absentee ballot.
While walking to my polling place, all of the memories of past election days came rushing back. Something felt weird. Something just wasn't right.

I got to the school. Stated my name. Got my ballot. Filled it in and placed it in the machine.

There was no peeking underneath the curtain.
There was no lever.
There were no pancakes.

All of a sudden I was an adult.
I walked out of the building and up the street.
And immediately called my mother.
Because dammit, I voted.

Every Dog Has Its Thursday

2008-10-30T14:44:00.003-04:00

Hey Everyone!

It's me Bailey, aka the Laundry Monster. Aren't I so creative in my costume choice??
I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Halloween and stuff. Don't forget to give all your four legged friends treats. We like getting them too!

I know that my mom has been a less than stellar blogger lately.
I think that she thinks her friends are all mad at her, because she has sent me to ask you all for a favor.

You may or may not know by now that my parents are heading to London in like 10 days, yea I know, boo on them. But my mom is looking for some brave souls who still lurve her to be guest bloggers!!!

Wait! Don't leave!!
Seriously, my mom lurves all of you. And I know she's been in and out lately, but she's been busy. Really. I mean I hardly even see her anymore. Which is super sad.
But that is why I am begging you to guest blog!

Post a comment here or e-mail her.
She leaves November 10th, so it would have to be in by that day sometime.

If you don't want to do it for her... Do it for me. Bailey. The dog who likes to eat socks, bark at the television and lick the carpet.

Forever Yours-
Bailey

Every Dog has its ThursdayFriday.... So Shoot me Okay?

2008-10-24T17:08:00.005-04:00

As all of you know, I received an iphone for my birthday this year from Tim.
However, since my old cell phone plan does not expire until November 6th, I still have my old phone. Whatever.
Not a big deal....

One night this week, I was going through the pictures stored on my phone to save some of them and I found this one....

And again my heart melted.

How EFFING cute is my dog???

Happy WEEKEND EVERYONE!!!

Life is Happening A little Too Much Lately.

2008-10-22T22:58:00.002-04:00

As I was walking up my street yesterday morning, I saw my bus sitting at the stop before mine waiting for the light to change. So of course I did what any other commuter would do in this situation.... Run like Hell down the street to catch the bus.

I get there just as the bus is pulling over to let people board.
A little winded but happy that I made it in time, I quickly get on, tap my charlie card and stay towards the front since it's really crowded.

And we're not going anywhere.
Why aren't we moving???

All of a sudden the driver yells, "I apologize everyone but my supervisor is telling me that I am a minute and thirty seconds ahead of schedule, so we have to sit here for a minute and wait".

Um excuse me??
Since when is it a bad thing to be early.
I can understand like 6 minutes or something more significant....
But 90 seconds early???
You lose that by waiting for a light...

You know what I think?
I think there's a secret conspiracy going on here in Boston.

Yea.

See here's what I think.
Make all of the passengers so angry with the service that you provide, that they will find other ways to reach their destinations.
That way, you can say "Hey, ridership is down so we're not making any money.... We must raise the prices".

See?
Did I lose you?

Well whatever.
By making my bus driver wait until she was exactly on time, she actually hit traffic and wound up over 5 minutes behind schedule.

And I was almost late for my meeting.

Go figure.

21 Days and Counting.....

2008-10-20T14:45:00.002-04:00

AHHH!!!!
I am freaking out.
I leave for London 3 weeks from today.

Let me tell you what I have done to prepare:

Called one credit card company to tell them that I will be away.
Figured out through my bank what ATMS I can use while I am over there that do not have an ATM or conversion fee.
Called AT&T to have them tell me that it is going to cost me my first born child to be able to use my iPhone while I am there.
Researched into how I am going to communicate with people through a pay as you go sim card used in a phone that I have not used in like 2 months.
Got luggage from my mom.

That's enough for now? Right?
Does anyone know anything about using my iPhone over there???
I believe I have exhausted my search but if anyone has any thoughts on what I should do, let me know.

Can you believe it's only 21 days????
AHHHH!!!

Homecoming.

2008-10-17T10:32:00.003-04:00

For three years of my college career, I was the Homecoming chair person on my university's programming board. This usually meant from April through October/November each year I was busy planning, budgeting, committee meeting-ing and navigating the inner-politics of the school. Obviously each year became easier and easier and more and more student groups wanted to get involved. I am pretty sure that I can take most of the credit for taking the Homecoming from a struggling fall program and making it the HUGE deal that it is on campus today.

Okay so maybe I was a little bitter when I was not invited to the banquet where Homecoming won the award for Program of the Year.

But that's not what this post is about.
You're probably asking yourself what the hell are you getting at Julie?
Well I'll tell you.

Homecoming is this week at NU.
So I am a little sentimental. I spent an overwhelming amount of my time planning, preparing and executing everything to the tiniest detail that it feels weird to be here and be so very left out of the loop of what's going on. Sure, I know that most of the weeks events are for current students and I should be fine with that. I did my time. I graduated.

But is it weird that part of me misses it?
The craziness.
The mess.
The aggravation.
The laughs.
The fun.
The memories.

I hate being old.

But the good news is, I am going to the comedian that's coming to campus tonight.
You may have heard of him.
He's kind of a big deal.

Every Dog Has its Thursday: With BULLETS!

2008-10-16T14:23:00.005-04:00

I know I am lame lately. But you know what?
It's not that I don't have anything to say to you all.... I just don't have a spare minute in the day to tell you all of it.

So I am hijacking Bailey's day to give you bullets:

I went to Dallas.
The conference was eh.... but I met two awesome bloggers and wished they lived closer, because y'all (haa) did you know that Texas is FAR from Boston?
I have been working and working and doing school work and working and trying to save money to go to London.
Which is in like 20 days.
So excited!
I'm seeing Jon Stewart tomorrow night.... which is really exciting too.

Okay, I think that's all for bullets.
On to Bailey.
She has decided that she is going to dress up for Halloween this year......

AHHH!!! It's the laundry MONSTER!! RUN AWAY!!!!

Beatrice Barclay: The London Lookout

2008-10-15T09:17:00.003-04:00

This is a long over due post, and many apologies to Julie who has been waiting for something to happen. I finally have something to report.

Last weekend, my boyfriend took me to a filming of the show Unsigned Acts. http://orangeunsignedact.co.uk/ This is a UK reality TV show to find the best band. Whoever wins gets a contract and a record deal.

Not knowing what to expect, I naturally went along. We arrived around noon, having "priority tickets" I thought I would be in the front row sitting next to the equivalent to Simon Cowell, unless he was there, which would have made my afternoon that much better. (Yes, I have a strange crush on Simon). We arrived at the University of London and waited in a queue with other people. Having "priority tickets" meant that we got to enter first...to a room that was a standing room. They created a set to make it look like we were at a real intimate rock concert where people would rock out.

They introduced the judges and I had no idea who any of them are. Apparently, they are well known in the UK. Then it was time for them to introduce the celebrity judge: Kelly Osborn. Knowing this was going to be a fantastic story for Julies blog, I tried to get up close and take pictures. She is actually prettier in person and not as massive as she looks on TV.

Overall, there were four bands and they were decent. Only one of them were voted to the next level.

Later that evening, as I was walking home, a fancy Land Rover was stopped at a traffic light. Now I always look into Land Rovers in this neighborhood to catch a glimpse of who it might be. Right away I saw this person and said, OMG I know who it is! It was Tommy Hilfiger. Thank goodness for MTV where I watched that reality TV show years ago about his daughter and that friend of hers. I totally reconginzed him right away. And it made sense that he was on the road I saw him on, since his store is about a 10 min drive away.

Anyway, thats the updates on London. I still have heard more Kate Hudson reports and sitings but I have yet to see her.

xx

Dallas Here I Come!

2008-10-07T23:39:00.002-04:00

Sooo quickly:

Tomorrow afternoon I leave for a short (4 day) conference in Dallas, TX.
I'm feeling kind of "eh" about the trip.
Except for the fact that....
I am having drinks with her tomorrow night.
And dinner with her Friday night!
So I'm pretty excited.
I'll let you know how it goes.
I would have typed this earlier, but the power went out on my entire street tonight.
Luckily it came back on just in time for the debate.
Otherwise, NSTAR and I would be fightin'
Seriously.

Okay enough bullets!
See y'all later!!

P.S. I have spoken with Beatrice... and tomorrow's post is going to be PRETTY incredible. So come back and get it out.

You Gotta Be Like Julie

2008-10-03T11:29:00.000-04:00

Please take 5 minutes and watch this.
If you haven't already seen it.....

Every Dog Has its Thursday

2008-10-02T08:00:00.004-04:00

So it's been about a week since the whole Bailey puking up socks fiasco....
We put her on a bland diet from Friday until yesterday and she seems to be doing well.
Nothing else has come up, or been obstructed... but who knows if we're out of the clear yet.
I just go to work everyday and pray that I come home to normal Bailey....
Not puking sick swallowed a sock Bailey.
I'll keep you all posted.
But just keep thinking those positive thoughts for her!!

Sorry Ma.
Love you!

How are Bailey's friends doing this week? Go check 'em out!- Rufus, Smalls, Ben, Kaya, Zapp and Foxy.

BLOGGER HAPPY HOUR- BOSTON STYLE

2008-09-30T16:11:00.002-04:00

Calling all BOSTON bloggers!!

Tomorrow night is the first of what we hope to be many Boston Blogger Happy Hours.
Even though the happy hour is technically in Cambridge...... we will be meeting at Grendel's Den in Harvard Square tomorrow at 6:30pm.

I wish I had some pretty flier to put out there... but I am NOT creative enough and I have NO TIME.

:)

So If you're in Boston and you Blog.... come over to Grendel's tomorrow night at 6:30pm.

P.S. I am super excited to meet everyone... especially NPW!!

Every Dog Has its Thursday- Special Friday Edition

2008-09-26T12:13:00.004-04:00

Hey Everyone.
We had a little bit of a scare last night with Bailey, which is why I never got online to post.
Tim called me at about 330 while I was in a meeting at work to tell me that Bailey was sick and vomiting. She managed to bring something up that looked like part of a sock. Of course after what happened last year we thought the worst. I immediately called the vet and she wanted to see Bailey right away.

Around 630 after waiting awhile in the waiting room, we finally got to see the vet. They did a full exam and took x-rays. Luckily, they did not see anything that was causing an obstruction, which is good. However, there was definitely something in her stomach... but it could have been food, since after she got sick, she went over to her bowl and ate.

But we're not out of the clear quite yet. A few things could happen.

There could be the other sock or other part of the sock in her stomach and it has not yet gone through her intestines...... so a blockage is still potential.
She could have eaten it into pieces and just thrown up the big part that she ate. If it is in small pieces it could pass without causing a block.
There could be nothing else in her stomach besides the food she ate and we could be all good here.

We're not sure though, so Bailey was fasted last night. Which was awful, she just sat around and looked at her bowl, like "WHEN ARE YOU FEEDING ME!!!" She's on a bland diet for the next few days. So we fed her about a tablespoon of chicken and rice a little while ago. Hopefully she will keep everything down and nothing will happen and she will be fine and NOT NEED SURGERY AGAIN. Because I seriously can't go through that again.

It's raining around these parts today...

How can you seriously not love that face?

Beatrice Barclay: The London Lookout

2008-09-24T15:08:00.000-04:00

TWO MORE WORDS:
Hugh Grant!!

I heard another report today that my colleagues saw Hugh Grant in the same area they saw Kate Hudson last week. And lets not even talk about how many times everyone is seeing Kate Hudson.

I am going to leave you now to go look for them. Hopefully I see them and have more to report next week.

Until then....

B
xxx

Shennaniganing- Yes that IS a word

2008-09-19T12:05:00.003-04:00

This morning... on G-Chat.

Tarah: p.s. why have your blogs only been Beatrice and Bailey lately

I love them both

but I miss the other stuff

Tarah: the random conversations. tim or ari's shenanigans

me: i don't talk to Ari on gmail anymore

bc his job doesnt allow it

i guess there haven't been much shennaniganing going on

Tarah: there needs to be shennaniganging. life isn't the same without shennaniganging

...you didn't let them in on how the birthday went?

me: true

sheesh

what are you the blog police

Tarah: you're supposed to be my mental health break at work!

I'm losing it over here!

spiralling down

Tarah: into actual productivity!

me: ok ok ok

ILL TRY

HARDER

*************************************************************************************

So I'm sitting here in my office thinking, what the hell can I write about?
Have their been shenanigans?

Just then my phone rings. It's Tim.

Me: Hey what's up?
Tim: Can I eat one of your sugar pills?
Me: Um, what?
Tim: The week of sugar pills in your case. Can I eat one?
Me: I don't think they're sugar pills.
Tim: Oh.
Me: But if they were would you still eat them?
Tim: Maybe.

Uh seriously. This is the man I am in love with.

How's that for shenanigans?

By the way... Mea Culpa on the the not posting about Bailey yesterday..... It was a LONG LONG day.

Have a good weekend EVERYONE!!!

Beatrice Barclay: The London Lookout

2008-09-17T16:49:00.002-04:00

Two words: KATE HUDSON.

No, I did not see her, but apparently my colleagues did! It is Fashion Week here in London and stars are everywhere! However, as I am chained to a desk that the stars don't seem to come visit I instead live my life through others! I was so excited hearing the report. I knew my instincts were correct that there are people living in this neighborhood higher on the celebrity list than the "Weakest Link Lady".

However, some reports on Kate Hudson:

1) She is shorter than expected. Apparently she looks taller on TV. She was running through the neighborhood and looked 'short'.
2) She is gorgeous. Airbrushing is apparently not needed for her as even in her most sweaty moments of jogging she is still beautiful.
3) Even thought she is gorgeous, she had some pimples on her forehead :)

I think for lunch I am going to walk around the neighborhood staring at people that are running around :)
If you are in London, check out some of the London Fashion Week events or some of the shows at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) http://www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/

Till next week....

Beatrice
xx

Every Dog Has Its Thursday.

2008-09-11T20:25:00.006-04:00

Hey Everyone!!!
My birthday turned out to be pretty awesome.
Somehow.... Tim realized how upset I was.... and got some of my favorite people to surprise me at dinner. Which was at one of my favorite restaurants in Boston. Yummy!

Everything is once again right with the world.
For now :)

Anyway... On to Bailey.

She loves to be scratched by her ears.

Yeaaaa That's it.......

HEY.
Why'd you stop????

Oh and by the way I took these pictures with my new iPhone!!!!
Thanks Timmy!!!!

Do Bailey's friends have favorite scratch spots???? Go see- Rufus, Smalls, Ben, Kaya, Zapp and Foxy.

Beatrice Barclay: The London Lookout

2008-09-10T09:50:00.001-04:00

In hopes to complete my A-list goals, I allowed myself to be harassed by a person in Soho to view a 'special screening' of a movie that has not been released. This woman heard my American accent last weekend and came running after me saying "Excuse me! Excuse me! Are you American?" Being very scared, I responded that I was and quickly learned that it was safe to candidly answer as the woman was only looking for someone to participate in her movie focus group. Being focused about movies (stars that is) I decided to sacrifice myself and mobile number (we don't call them cell-phones in this neck of the woods).

I think I signed something tonight that does not allow me to disclose publicly what I saw, but I will tell you it was a movie staring Eva Green. Naturally, and naively, I thought that perhaps Eva Green herself would attend this special screening to see what I have to say about not only her acting but the movie itself.

A group of us gathered in this bizarre office building in Soho. For those of you not familiar, Soho is the red-light district of London. Since we all seemed to have our 'golden ticket' at hand that allowed us access to see this movie, I was totally expecting a 'Willy Wonka' moment where some weird guy would bring us into a room and make us eat ice cream that never melts. Instead, we just waited to see this very boring film that I will not disclose the details of.

Once the film was done, I was ready for Eva Green to come and explain why she let her agent allow her to act in such a piece of trash. But unfortunately instead, I was stuck in the middle of a focus group with other Americans and some British giving their opinion of the film. Apparently, I am a minority as people thought this film was 'compelling'. Eva Green did not pop out and give me her autograph and invite me to the pub. Instead, I was informed that the film makers were in the back row and listening to our critiques of their rubbish film. Turning my head hoping that Steven Spielberg was back there, I was disappointed only see a row of no-bodies.

Another week, another miss at the A-list. But if I was near movie directors, does that count for something?

Until next time….Cheers!

~Beatrice

Birthday....

2008-09-09T13:37:00.002-04:00

Happy birthday to me!

Thank you all so much for your well wishes and support through yesterday.
I am doing much better now that its actually my birthday.

My boss took me out to breakfast which was wonderful.
A co-worker that has the office next door decorated my office with birthday stuff and her and her staff even sang happy birthday to me as I blew the candles out on a whoopie pie (my fave!!).

So it's all really good right now.
I've heard that there may be a surprise on the horizon for tonight, so we'll see.
I'll be sure to report back ASAP.

Thanks again everyone.

Here's to 25.... I've heard it all goes down hill from here.
Haa!