A Gentleman's Sport

Ok, so I've been doing a little bit of research on this whole Puerto Rico thing, and I'm getting so excited! But first of all, let me show you what I just read:

"Cockfighting in Puerto Rico is a gentleman's sport. The game has been legal in the island since 1933 and its considered a beloved tradition dating from Spain's colonization of the island more than five centuries ago. Club Gallistico de Puerto Rico in Isla Verde is a great place for turists to experience the sport. On Saturdays the fights go from 2-10 PM. Aside from the fights, you can watch the birds being prepared for their matches, an art in itself. As a tourist, you pay $5. They have friendly tour guides and translators to show you around. To read more about cockfighting at Club Gallistico click here."

Yes, a gentleman's sport ladies and gents! Are we going to participate in this so called gentrified activity? Well you're just going to have to wait and find out! Until then, check out this awesome island that George and I will be feasting on in a few months!

First Week Done. Only 51 Left to 2010.

Wow.

It has been so long. I am so sorry to all those who have faithfully read my posts. I guess the only reason I have for not keeping up is that I don't think I've kept up with myself. Since August, let's see...I watched one of my best friends get married, went to Oregon the following weekend to see my uncle get married, played on the beach with my other uncle, aunt and cousins that I haven't seen in years...

I got an official offer to work at the New Art Center as their Assistant Education Director, I quit babysitting and therefore quit working over 60 hours a week. George moved into the apartment, we got some awesome fish...I went to Binghamton for Thanksgiving to see all the Pechmanns, went to the Moosewood Restaurant once again, and once again it was delicious. We also saw our famous pondering statue, once again.

It was a fast and furious December. Right before getting to go home for five days, George had to make a trip to the emergency room and as a result. has a pretty epic battle wound. Will probably be an awesome scar. Kinda jealous.

Then the next thing I know, it's New Year's and I'm taming off a headache from the night before while watching the Rose Bowl on a sunny snowy day. Dang champagne cocktails!

Now, it's just the first week of the new year is over and I am wondering how the last four months of my life just squeezed on by. Phew?

It's crazy you know, a new decade and a new number to write. I always had a struggle with the new year and writing it down on paper. I can remember times in elementary school when the first few weeks of the new year would be scribbles in the date line. I'm still getting used to putting a 1 before the zero...

Anyway, just so you all know, I am just rambling on this late Sunday night before a new week. I wanted to at least send out something, which is more so to jump start me into writing again. You know sometimes you go so long without doing something, that it's hard to just begin again. It has always been a fun thing for me to tell you about the day to day here...and I would never want it to become a chore. So, I guess I had to tell myself that this isn't a chore, it's a way of expressing the fun, silly, calm, and sometimes difficult things in my life. Honestly, it's probably more of an outlet for me, than it is for you to read about the craziness here. But in any case, thank you. Thank you for reading and caring and letting me just ramble. :)

Oh and an FYI to my grandparents out there, I have started to write things...but a few I didn't finish. One...being about our fish here. I think I'll post that too, it can be sort of a "lost articles" feature.

Time for bed now...debating on whether I should read this over and make sure it's actually comprehensible....

Naww, I'll just dive into my bed and wake up another day in Boston.

Love you all!

A Collection of Lost Posts

Here are some of the posts I never finished. Some are actually quite hilarious...others I was clearly venting! Anyway, enjoy!

"So meet our new fish!

First we have Brother Sushi II, a red-eyed tetra who may actually be a girl...We started off with 2 of them, but poor Jujubee committed fishy suicide. He friggin' jumped out of the tank one morning! Seriously, who does that...?

Anyway, R.I.P. Jujubee.

"Then we have our friends that we call the Hoes. Now here is the story: We got 4 of these little guys, who are called Harlequin Rasboras. They have what looks like to be black pants on their bottom halves. When we put all of them into the tank, one little one decided to get rid of her black pants, and don some classy khakis. So we decided to call her the Housewife. Now apparently you can't turn a Hoe into a Housewife, but we were going to try and turn the Housewife back into a Hoes..." 11/19/09

"Well well, a special grandmother has encouraged me to get on my stuff and write about what's been going on here in Boston. Thanks Big She! :) I've been thinking a lot about home lately. Don't have any particular reason why, I just have. I miss all of you! I was home for about 4 days in September, but that was so quick. I did have a fantastic time though, one of my best friends got married! Jen's wedding was fast, fun and awesome. I was one of 6 bridesmaids, who all of which were pretty stellar girls. After flying from Boston to Salt Lake, then back...I thought it would be a good idea to fly back across the country to Oregon for yet another wedding the following weekend! Talk about jet lag..."

This time it was my Uncle Mike getting hitched. Let me tell you how fantastic this weekend was! First of all, I got to see all the Tinker side of the family, which is hard to come by. We all gathered at this quaint hotel outside of Portland, called the Grand Lodge..." 11/04/09


"The saying always goes, "Keep a plant alive and then you can get a pet. Keep a pet alive, then you can think about children..."

I say, "babysit four nights a week for a 6 and 2 year old...and you'll rethink everything!"

Ever since I started sitting for a nice Jewish family in Newton, I've had many fun evenings. Most nights consist of playing house and going on walks..." 7/22/09

"So, tomorrow will be my last day at the MFA." 2/19/09

"Getting escorted through Fenway Park is going to be on my "To-do in Life" list...and it will be crossed off. :)

So Kristen and I, being the fabulous girls we are, got all gussied up to attend a nice evening birthday party near Fenway. Actually, the address of the apartment was indeed on Yawkey Way, which is the address of the Park. Hooray to all you baseball fans out there!" 9/15/08

"So, a little venting time: sorry in advance.

A little piece of advice for those who are upset and are calling to request assistance. More specifically, if you're waiting to get your parking validated and no parking attendant shows up and you call the members desk asking for help...don't assume they'll be able to drop everything to run across the street to stamp a card for you.

#1. I don't even know how to use those stamper things!

#2. Although I'm sure if you just stick it in, it would work it's magical wonders and put silly little numbers on your card.

#3. Be a rebel sometimes! If you aren't being helped, do it yourself!

(I can't tell you how many times I've been in a clothing store and got that little metal arm thingy and pulled something off the wall. PS...retail associates in Boston are really lame at customer service!)

#4. If you do call, realize that who you are calling is a person who has frustrations just like you.

#5. Don't assume they don't know what they're doing.

#6. And don't patronize them by saying they are smart and should be able to figure things out" 7/11/08


This is just a song...

"I've faced my demons Wrestled these angels to the ground And all that I could find Was a thin line between All the saints and villains It was crossed in my own eyes Someday I'm gonna find it Wish I knew what I was looking for Inside the disarray (inside the disarray) I woke up this morning Don’t know where I’m going But it’s alright I wouldn't have it any other way I’m struggling between the facts and fiction I’m alone But I'm alive Everyone around me is trying to make a statement, then there's me I’m just trying to survive Someday I'm gonna find it Wish I knew what I was looking for

Inside the disarray (inside the disarray) I woke up this morning Don’t know where I’m going But it’s alright I wouldn't have it any other way If this was any other day I pretend to know where I stand I Just don’t know (just don’t know) I Just don’t know Someday I'm gonna find it Wish I knew what I was looking for Inside the disarray (inside the disarray) I woke up this morning Don’t know where I’m going But it’s alright I wouldn't have it any other way Someday I will find it Wish I knew what I was looking for Inside the disarray (inside the disarray) I woke up this morning Don’t know where I’m going But it’s alright" 3/28/08

Kind of fun to look at the things that got left behind. Some important things going on here. It's good to look back and see...

Bowel Movements

Hello hello everyone!

So, things have been busy here in Boston since the last camping trip. July flew by, August flew by and what do you know? I'm directing the last 3 weeks of the summer art program here at the New Art Center! Since the Assistant Education Director left last week, it's been my job to finish out the season and make sure things run smoothly. As it looks now, I have the interim position of Assistant Education Director and come Fall, if I do well and interview spectacularly for the full-time position, then I will be the next Assistant Education Director! If this happens, I'll be planning school vacation weeks as well as summer vacation programming. I'll also be helping the Exhibition Director in their Connections program, where they bring students into the New Art Center throughout the area, giving them tours and talking about what art is and how it affects them. I could use all your good vibes coming my way, in hopes I secure the job!

Other than that, I'm still babysitting for the 2 little rascals. Now, tell me if this is common...

After filling the bathtub up with water, plopping the cherub in, I turn away for two seconds only to find upon my return, the babe squatting in the water with a sour look on his face. What may this be?

Yes, poop. Poop ALL over!

Gross.

Never having kids...

Ok, maybe I will. :)

But seriously people, that is the first time...and I pray the last time, this will ever happen to me. Tell me good luck, because I'm sure you'll all say it could be a lot worse.

So that's what's going on in my life as of the moment. I've got my own desk (finally), a fully bowel-functioning 2 year old to watch, another NY camping trip this weekend, and delicious sushi tonight with a special man-friend! Life is great!

Crosswords and Camping

Crosswords, I have found, become quite addicting. First you think you are awful at the things, then you get a few easy ones. Next, you finish an entire puzzle. Then you start seeing the same clues, written in different ways and start to think, "man, how dumb do these people think I am?!"

After a few of those and it's a damn near heart attack if I don't get my daily fix. Seriously! Every night, even if I'm completely exhausted from working 12 hours a day, I'll still work out a couple of clues. It's so sad. Good news is, I hear it keeps your mind alive so you don't get Alzheimer's, so I've got that going for me. :)

In other good news, I just found out yesterday that I will be receiving a raise for the last 3 weeks of my summer (full time, paid!) internship! Sweetastic, eh?

Also, I just found a decent deal to come home for Christmas. I impulse bought. So now, I'm helplessly asking for donations of early Christmas presents to help me actually fund the trip. Any takers? :) I'll be coming home on the 22nd and leaving the 28th, oh and I want to bring Ashley back with me for her birthday! (Haha, that would only be in a perfectly optimal world...but seriously Ash...think about it.)

As for recent happenings, I just got back from camping in upstate New York! The Finger Lakes to be specific. It was an awesome trip! A mere 7 hours from Boston, we got to our campsite at Keuka Lake around dinnertime. We set up camp, roasted up some dogs and drenched ourselves in bug repellent. We smelled terrific! The boys got up early to do some fishin', although none were big enough to keep.

We started of the day with swimming in the lake, well more like wading. I was the only one to get all the way in! Since we had 2-3 functioning scientists/engineers, we had a blast turning over rocks to find sneaky little crawdads! Equipped with nets and strawberry plastic containers, we collected enough to have for the next morning's fish bait. (and yes, George caught a fishy with a crawdad the next day! But still was too small to keep...)

We gathered up our things and headed out to taste the fruits of the region...grapes! More specifically, the wine. Up and down the narrow paths and unsigned streets, we took many sips of delicious Reislings, Blushes and Cabernets. We even had a taste of the "Foxy Lady", which was fantastic as well. We went on an unforgettable wine tour at Bully's and sang songs about how Napa Valley is really just an autoparts store. We went the the "pretty" place, where I found a semi-dry reisling to buy, but sadly I left it in a car that belongs to upstate New York. Sad panda am I.

Later that night, we headed to the Yates County Fair in Penn Yan, New York! How the country folk were flying that night, holy moly! Let's just say that the "front butt" is not a good look...on anyone! Fried food galore, we feasted and then took a ride on a gravitron-like ride. Ugh. Bad idea, and the first ride at that! Bumper cars, enoromous slides, scramblers and getting denied for the swings because we were too heavy, left us satiated and satisfyed.

The rest of the week, we headed up to Ithaca where the great Cayuga Lake stands. We hiked around Watkins Glen and Robert H. Treman State Parks, waded up the rivers and gorges and saw amazing waterfalls. We found abundant wildlife including toads, snakes (a black rat snake!) salamanders, fish, and spiders. George was even working on the trip as he taught and showed the snakes to kids hiking along the way. We even ran into some good old Utah folks! Crazy.

There were many shenanigans along the rest of the way, including catching fireflies, dropping watermelon in the dirt AND still eating it, trying out the Asian Squat and of course, the Hoofah. But all those are stories for another day.

Alright, I've done my laundry and now need to put it away. That is the worst part. I absolutely hate putting laundry away. Doing it? Fine. Putting it back? Agony. I think Mom will attest to this...

Ok, Here It Comes!

Before you read this, you must know...you should probably grab a latte and have a seat. This may take awhile.

First of all we have a trip I took almost 2 months ago! Yes, 2 months. The only question is, "Where has half the summer gone?!" It's already July 6th and I'm headed into the last half preparing myself for new jobs and new responsibilities, already! Whew!

Alright, so the summer so far...

(Breathe...)

So it started of with a flight to Chicago, where George and I dove right into the cultural hodgepodge of Art, Marine Biology and Natural History. We sampled pizza, $2 beer from Haagen Daaze, walked forever to Navy Pier and got followed by nuns! Our friend Jesse got mistaken for a "Dad", we got lucky with a ladybug and saw the great Chicago skyline! I also left my favorite comb there, in case Thaxton ever reads this. We had great weather, a once in a million thing according to some, and enjoyed Chicago-Style brats by Lake Michigan. Fantastic!

After meeting some more of George's family, we drove up to Beloit Wisconsin to see his sis Jessie graduate from Beloit College. We stopped in for a quick beer and game of pool at the local college hangout, where George showed his pool hall shark skills! I had no idea, but let me tell you...I wasn't complaining! ;)

Graduation Day was beautiful and happened to be the lucky outdoor graduation that hadn't happened in years! Jessie graduated in Anthropology with a minor in Museum Studies. Yes, she's got the bug too! We toured around the campus, did a little rubbing elbows with some important people and discussed the finer qualities of brewing your own home brew with some of Jessie's friends.

That night, we hit up the EconoLodge pub. Fantastic little place...so fantastic that I almost peed my pants when the barkeep told me two drinks only cost $5 buckaroos! She was so delighted at my reaction that she gave out a graduation round on the house. Again, we played pool where George schooled us all, although his dad was getting the hang of it and almost sweeped the table.

After picking up some good Wisconsin cheese, we headed out on the long road trip home! The highlights were many, so I'll just mention the big ones.

1. Corn Palace, Mitchell, South Dakota (let me tell ya, they love their state and will decorate with corn like no one's business!)
2. Badlands, South Dakota (Eat your heart out Bruce!)
3. Mt. Rushmore (actually pretty amazing...)
4. Wall Drug Store (if you're ever there...please let me know...we'll have stories for hours!)
5. The Sinclair in Upton Wyoming!
6. And finally Yellowstone! (truly and amazing sight...)

There is so much to write about Yellowstone and the awesomeness that is...but seeing that I already have so much to say, please feel free to look at the "extended version" of pictures on Facebook. The album is called "The Grand Chicago Wisconsin Plains Yellowstone Road Trip" Dive in at your own will! It's even a sort of "photo essay" if you will...

After making it to Utah, I had a fantastic time visiting friends, friend's babies and family. P.S. Everyone is having babies lately. Just so you know.

Ok, you need a break yet? Feel free.

So after getting back home, we had about 5 days before the month of visitors began. First up was Leslie, who was the infamous one that introduced George and myself. Everyone had pretty much the same response to the fact..."Oh, so you're the one responsible..." (with a slight grin) Ben Gobin actually bowed, but I won't go into that now. :) Leslie, George and I took a trip up to New Hampshire where we met up with a friend named Ross. Ross was awesome and showed us around Portsmouth on bikes, and helped us fly wicked awesome kites on the beach! We won a $25 dollar gift certificate to Portsmouth Brewery thanks to my killer ring toss skills. Yeah, I'm pretty proud.

Next round, the Grandparents! The Aunt and Uncle and cousins as well! So let me set the scene for you:

Boston has been rainy and gloomy for approximately 2 weeks, and it's not waning any time soon.
I pick up Mr. and Mrs. Wonderful at the airport and show them the ropes of Boston subway transit. Little did they know that, it gets pretty muggy down there. Let's just say, the whole train knew how much love was still there when Grandma Sheila spouts out, "You're makin' me hot just lookin' at ya!" Ow, ow! Grandma! Now I know it's your anniversary, but keep the clothes on the T at least! ;) Haha!

After the summer lovin' on the train, we had some cooler dinner at George's place and enjoyed a nice evening. The next day, I showed them around the Tufts campus as well as my exhibition at the art gallery. We stopped at Trader Joes for some provisions and 2 Buck Chuck (thanks guys!) then went out for some fabulously amazing crab and lobster at the Barking Crab. Holy Hayday, it was good! (thanks again guys!) So much finger lickin' goodness.

Saturday called for a Super Duper Walking tour of Boston, starting with the Museum of Fine Arts. We cultured ourselves, then went up to the Top of the Hub for a fancy cocktail and to look at the view. We lucked out on the rain, it was pretty dry the whole day. Grandma did have to get some alternate shoes at CVS though, I know the feeling. I've gone through so many shoes here. It is the walking city you know!

We had a cold Sam Adams while looking at a cold Sam Adams...eh eh? Along with all the dead revolutionaries, we saw most of the city with the exception of the North End. Seriously, you have to come back for this...it's awesome up there. Instead, we happened to be surprised with tickets to Beerfest. (I'm just noticing how much beer has come up in this post...I blame it all on George!) Anyway, we grabbed our silly hats and headed to the Trade Center for some tastings of delightful hops! The funniest thing about that night? Grandma, who started with the idea of not liking beer too much, ended up saying, "Alright guys! We need to stand in line while we're drinking, come on, more beer!"

Ok, that's probably not verbatim. But, I'd like to think that's the gist of it. :)

After the brew, Sunday brought brunch, Becky, Rhett, Jake and Alex. I was so happy to see everyone! We feasted and then headed to the Red Sox game. Although misty, we enjoyed the usual peanuts and beer (there it is again!) and watched a home run in the beginning and a walk off homer against the Braves. It was a great day of baseball, and I even think we may have swayed Jake a bit to become more of a Sox fan instead of those dang Yankees!

That night we feasted on some pretty amazing supper. Jake and Alex had "the best noodles and butter ever!" Or so they say. Mmm...a big thank you to Val for being and amazing chef and hooking us up with a pretty good deal.

Monday was the last hurrah. We started off at the Museum of Science, where we caught a Duck Boat Tour. Tim Burr was our tour guide as he showed us the way of the city in a huge military vehicle. The best part was one, counting to see how many umbrellas would get turned inside out in the torrential Boston wind, and two, Jake and Alex drive the Duck on the Charles River. Alex couldn't stop giggling and Jake got hounded with Yankee questions by Mr. Burr (obviously trying to trip him up...) Let me say though Jake, I didn't even know all those players!

After the tour, George showed everyone the cute, fuzzy, furry, scaley and stinky animals in the Live Animal Center, a usual stop for any Boston guest. Shortly afterward, I was sad to see everyone go...but I hope you all had a wonderful time and come back soon! (And not only that, but to try and get others to follow in your footsteps, word of mouth fellas, word of mouth!)

The very next weekend, we had a visit from George's friend Carl Edwards and a surprise addition, Dennis McMillan. Old college buddies of his, and very awesome indeed. We had a quick weekend of fun full of grillin' and chillin'.

So this brings us to the Fourth of July!

Seriously.

Ok, so we headed up to New Hampshire with good old Ben Gobin! He was back in town from St. George and had a lot of catching up to do! After the good north, we came back down to Boston for a rousing game of KICKBALL! Woo! I haven't played kickball in forever, and let me say...it really works out some odd muscles. I'm still sore!

More grilling and a little Independence Day watching left us itching for some real fireworks, so we headed to my roof and watched the city light up with color! It was a fantastic view and I couldn't have asked for a better 4th in Boston. I did miss Park City, as always, though I was so happy to get picture updates of the Grandparents starting their own silly hat collection. Damn, we're good. :)

Well, so that puts us to about now and what do you know? I'm leaving on Wednesday to go camping at the Finger Lakes in upstate New York. Spoiled I know. But you know what? I deserve it! As crazy and busy as this summer has been so far, I've worked and been working really hard to have a little fun. So watch out mini NY mountains, I'm gonna come and hike your booty off! (and stop for a little wine on the wine trails along the way...heck yes!)

Thank you to all of you reading and keeping up with me, even if it's been few and far between. I love to let you know what's going on over here and also for me to recount my time in Boston, because you never know when it's going to end.

Peace and see you after camping!

Coming Soon

Hey guys! So yes, I've been back for...3 weeks? You want to know about my trip right? Well, funny that I told Facebook before I wrote on my blog about it. Don't you worry, I'll compose something soon. However, right now...my Grandma Sheila and Papa Tim are in town! Oh it's been great so far! I picked them up at the airport, we had a great quote about "hotness" and had some "business" in the kitchen!

Stay tuned for more!