Here's To Me Grog!

Can You Say Cranberry Sauce?

Thanks for all the comments from my last post, my fams! I like hearing what you have to say about my funky and slightly awkward moments in The Hub.

So I'm looking forward to this week because, #1 it's pretty much two days until I get a long 5 day weekend! Mini-vacation! And #2 because I get to taste this apparently delicious Halupki when I go to Binghamton, NY for George's family Turkey Day. It's a dish that he fully described to me last night after our "Jump-The-Gun-Turkey-Run" soiree, which was also fabulously feasted with succulent turkey that Mr. G$ seared and roasted to perfection...anyway, the turkey run has now finished it's 2nd year, where we all get together with friends and have our own baby mama drama before the real thing happens with families all across the country. ;) But seriously, last night I was stuffed to the gills and I probably get to do it all over again in a few days...but what else is Thanksgiving good for besides gluttony? It's not like those pilgrims and indians were important at all...

Next up?

Post Thanksgiving update and the Mustachio Bashio. Oh and I also have forgotten that it's almost the time that I started this thing...and I haven't finished my "best of" for 2007! Tisk tisk...I'll have to get on that before the clock hits midnight in a month.

For any who are curious...check this out:

http://novembeard2008.blogspot.com/

Oh and did I forget to tell you how I got sprayed in the face with a fire extinguisher? Yeah, that stuff stings. :)

Honest Mistake

So imagine this:

It's Sunday evening. You're having a lovely dinner with your family. Conversation is flowing, your aunt is trying to get Sally to eat when all she wants to do is run and bounce off the walls, Uncle Tom is feeding the gabbing baby while awkwardly picking at his own roast beef. Then to everyone's sudden surprise, a girl in a white beanie holding a book and a large bag stuffed with technology comes waltzing through the front door.

Forks are dropped, along with jaws. Sally suddenly stops in her tracks. Looks go furiously from inquisition to "who in the hell..?"

This girl seems torn, face crumpled. Obviously scared and embarrassed. Her steps edge backward as if walking away from a carnivorous canine.

The door shuts.

....

I wonder what conversation ensued after that click of the handle...because...THAT OBLIVIOUS GIRL WAS ME!!!

After sudden fear and complete idiocy, I ravishly laughed while walking down the stairs of the wrong house, as the boys behind me giggled and informed me that they were actually yelling, "this is not my house!"

I just wonder how many years grandpa will be telling stories of, "The girl who busted down our door."

(...as I slap my palm over my forehead...)

The Framing of the Roger

What a whirlwind of a month right! So much that I can only remember Halloween, job searching and Obama.

You know I remember about two winters ago, I was in Philadelphia and New York, and in passing I heard this name Obama. Who knew that two years later, I would be watching history being made. No matter what the speculation or who you voted for personally, we can all agree that it's prime time to make some significant changes in our lives. From changing to new and efficient light bulbs or living within our means and taking more walks, we should all strive to become healthier in every facet of our lives. I'm just happy for the optimism and excitement we have ahead of us.

This is also the first time an election has truly taken an impact in my life. I voted last election, but I feel now that I wasted it, since my excitement for just taking another step into adulthood overtook the need to make an informed decision. I took the time this time. And let me say not only was it exciting yet tough, it was also entertaining! Especially when I saw "Super Dale" on the ballot for governor! In my information searching for Utah candidates, it came to my surprise that this "Super Dale" guy was that dude in all those commercials from so long ago! Did that ever take me back down memory lane! Also, my old elementary school principal running for senate my me giggle...I do recall her yelling at me once...

Nonetheless, I voted and I am happy.

Other than that huge event in everyone's lives, Halloween was a hoot...although I can't say I was an owl! (Oh! Gotcha! Haha...) First of all, I ordered a perfect red-sequined dress from China. Ebay is wonderful isn't it? The day my dress arrived, I rushed down the T to the Coolidge Corner post office. A big bag with my name on it always makes me smile. So while standing back at the T station, I ripped open the bag to find lots of sparkly fabric and a bib. Yes a bib. Those Chinese...it was a thank you for ordering from me. Bibs, who would've known!

After a bit of alteration and some major purple make-up efforts, I transformed into Jessica Rabbit. And no, she's not a rabbit! But Roger is! Yes, George was a sewing master and crafted an amazing Roger Rabbit costume from scratch. Ok, so he got the ears and bunny tail from a "sexy bunny" costume, but we all know he's a sexy bunny right? ;) If there was a best costume contest, there is no question who would've won. We had total domination. Sorry Burger King, king...maybe next year when you have your pickled princess with you. You want it your way right?

Unless you can send me pictures and convince me otherwise, I will humbly take the prize.

On another note, I'm still searching for a better opportunity for me. A job that will help me grow and develop my skills and talents. This is probably not the best time, but at the same time, a great time for new ideas. Who knows if I can create my own position somewhere? Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers, I need it everyday.

The brighter side is that for my internship, I have been so nicely asked to develop and re-vamp an existing exhibit at the Museum of Science...painting and all. Prayers could also be used to bring back all those young years of painting class in elementary school!

Love you guys!

PS. Would you kill me if I listened to 2 Christmas songs today? ;)

Always Remember the Gravitron.

Well hello again!

It's officially Friday and the weekend will start in T-minus 60 minutes, woo hoo! So since my last post, sorry that sounded all depressed-like, though it was not my intention. :)

In this time of all our uncertainty, I just need some wise advice from all my dear loved ones you know? Thank you to all who responded and had some very kind words to offer. XOXO!

Now, what have I been up to otherwise? Well I'll tell you! Birthdays, Ashley visits, Flying, Camping, DA HOOOF!, Fairs, Corn dogs, Traffic..oh the traffic, Portland! Oh so much! Here are a few pictures to summarize:

A few points?

Always tell the boys that we need to leave 2 hours earlier than we really do.

Don't forget DA HOOOOF!

Don't piss off the witches of Dogtown.

Be wary of ticks in your bum.

Always go to George's Place in Gloucester. Seriously, their breakfast kicks some major tush!

Oh! And ALWAYS go on the Gravitron and eat TEXAS-sized corndogs, when you get the chance!

Ps. Careful of those carnies!!!

Small Pushes

This is probably the most confusing time in my life. With about a million resumes and cover letters strewn throughout my files, I have yet to find something that will put me on a path to success and fulfillment. It's a major rollercoaster. It kind of goes like this:

1. Excitement. Ooh, you've found something that could possibly be a foot in the door to the future institutions you'd want to work for.
2. Motivation, thrive for learning about the company, going to every meeting/info session, a real pride for where you are.
3. Time flies when things are calm, getting into a routine.
4. But then, suddenly a drop! People leave, things change! What once was not broken must now be fixed, and you're right in the middle of it.
5. Haha, then you try and get your self out of the whole mess by any means necessary. New ideas, new attitudes...new place? But to no avail, it seems.
6. You can see the hills up ahead and know that you can't avoid them..but why is the second hill so damn hard to get past??

Advice anyone?

The Countdown

Oh man, work is almost done for the day and I reeeeallly need to pee! The trials of life! Sheesh!

Biggest Little City In The World

Well, the day is almost done and I'm off tomorrow morning at 7 sharp to go see the Tinker side of the fam damly. :)

Surprisingly, we can ALL make it this weekend! We'll see what a little Tinker action has in store for me the next few days...

Finally Back

Here's the story, or rather, stories...of my life within these past few weeks. It's a story told with pictures, since you all know how much I love me my photos.

It all started off in lovely Utah. My home that will always be. I miss the skyline, the mountains and the 'wide open spaces'. Nothin' brings me back like the sweet words of the Dixie Chicks...


After the extra long jaunt home through DC and Chicago, George and I finally made it back. It wasn't that long until our social calendar filled up with dinners upon dinners with families and friends. One in particular stands out as the most merry of the bunch. Michael Gunnuscio and friends, or rather family, put on a great show! Mike's dad, who is the head honcho when it comes to Italian cooking, gave George's and my parent's a real treat of chicken marsala that Monday night. I don't really know what I was expecting when coming to the Gunnuscio household, but what I got was something unforgettable. A big family dinner with banter and tales of drunken boat sailings...things that kids intended on parents not to hear...and sightings of love through random hugging of restaurant employees. I can't tell you how much fun I had. (and how much that wine was making me flush, even if we weren't talking of "do you want to go somewhere and talk?" talk.) Nonetheless, I thank the Irish-Italian peas in a pod of a family for the truly wonderful night. (And to Amy for reminiscing of our equally unforgettable SOUL circus!)

Next on the agenda was George's 'Big Wednesday'. Basically a pub crawl where a pub crawl might seem absolutely impossible without putting your wallet on fire. Salt Lake City. The theme was 'Hawaiian Luau' and it was sure to impress as Sasha, George's tall frenchie friend, came waltzing through the door garbed up as a PALM TREE! The only thing UN-great about that nut-holding tree, was his palm leaves brushing in my face every five seconds. No wonder I can't remember how many drinks I had that night!

Even PRB and his roomie showed up!






So finally, here we come to the awaited prize. The Mt. Man Rendezvous. Let's just set the scene with the arrival of George and I, and the words of my grandpa, "Don't you get too comfortable over there, your tent is over there..." As he points to the shower tent.

"Here" I say, as I hand my grandpa a bag full of beer.

"Hmmm...ok, ok, this is looking good. You got any money to go along with this??" He gloats.

And the festivities began!

George started with a look that was considered 'good enough for now..' But as soon as he added fringe on the vest, he was kickin' some heels!

I got to show off my own guns with this extra-long muzzle. (If that's what you call it??) Apparently, I have the 'woman hips' to hold guns like these. Or so the toothless mt. man said to me in the shop...

We came across a handful of toothless men, by the way. Each offering libations. Ok, only one offered us libations, only after we stumbled upon his fart-making-tent! But I am not bragging when I say, we made him elated with our smiles. Rich.


Magic shows, kites, cannons, cannonballs...haha, and storms, all hailed the 2008 year of the rendezvous. I think when it was all said and done, we both had rosy burnt flesh and cold hail-battered bruises...but all worth it in the end. Plus, I even acquired a megatoothed tent! Thanks Grandma!

After we got back to the safety of the valley, the only thing on the agenda was Brewvies and rest. Oh and fabulous haircuts, that we desperately needed.

Lovely before shots:


*Note the full scruffiness...

Now, let's see a nice after picture, shall we?





*Note how clean cut we are...


Now, let's see how our plane ride back to Boston went.....



*Now note the highlighted area of the picture...

FU MAN CHU! Boy 'der was I a lucky little lady to be ridin' with such a slice a homepie!

(Don't worry everyone, it got progressively funnier/worse with columns too. Haha, sorry I just had to show you all what you're getting into when you hang around this muscle man.)

Well we got home alright, and I couldn't believe how pungent the smell of the ocean was when we walked out of the airport. Man I love that smell. It's funny how you get used to things over the months. I need to go down to the harbor more often.

(Doesn't George look like a regular 'ol tourist?! Hee hee!)

Boston has been nice ever since we've been back. Weather-wise anyway. Sunny and summer-like. Quite a difference from when we left, which felt like monsoons every other day. Sheesh! But both coming home to new apartments, and myself to new roommates, we've had our share of stressors. Funny story though, so George, Mike and Aaron were supposedly getting new couches and felt kind enough to give my new abode a new look with their old ones...however, as soon as they were about to pick up their new couches, the dude told them that his wife changed her mind and was not going to be selling anymore. What a bummer! Haha, now I'm sitting on their couches while they're sitting on crates! Well maybe not crates...but that would be funny.

Last weekend, we all went up to New Hampshire to participate in a high school fundraising 5K. Guess what? We ALL won medals! Friggin' schweet! Mike, Ben and George swept their division winning 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. And I, my friends, won 3rd in my division. Ok, so there were only 3 women in my division...but still! My only 2 goals were to not stop running and to make it in at least 30 min. Done and Done. I'm pretty proud. The only question I have about this organization though is, who gives away 30 pounds of chocolate as a raffle at a race?!


Apparently New Hampshire. :)

Anyway, my life is hectic. But I absolutely love it. Thank you to all of my friends and family who came to see me and spend time with me while I was home. You don't know how much it means to me, especially being so far away for the better part of the year. I had a blast and will be looking forward to the next time I can get paid to dress up in 1840's garb and hang out with palm trees.

My room still needs dusting. Paint needs to be on the walls asap and I have class readings to do. Life is going, and that's all I can say. I just have to keep in the now and not worry about if my car registration will get done in the future. It will. (Promise Dad, I promise!)

Hope you enjoyed the tales. Obviously this is the "long-shortened version" but alas, I'm only so adept. I love you all, keep writing to me. And if you want to send me more pics of the rendezvous, (grandparents...!) I wouldn't be opposed to it!

Cute Bunns!

Almost Caught Up On Life

Keep an eye out for tomorrow! I will be posting about my trip to Mt. Man AND my amazing race from this weekend where I won 3rd Place! Woot!

Jonesy and The Leeches

Did you know that leeches will chase you?

Well, my friends, let me be clear; leeches CHASE YOU! I'll say that I have never had an experience with a leech until this last Saturday morning when George woke me up (at the crack of dawn, mind you...) to take me fishing...

We headed out Friday evening, to camp in New Hampshire's White Mountains, Russell Pond to be exact. After a pit stop in Tilton, NH where the nightlife is beamin', we grabbed our wood and hurried to relieve Ben from a 3 hour stint trying to keep a fire alive and a buzz in his belly. I really haven't been camping in a long while, so I was ecstatic when we started setting up the tent in the thick green thicket and roasting marshmallows on the fire. Just when we were getting cozy, a large bright light swept over our camp and the thudding hum of a truck screeched to a halt just at the foot of the path. With the lights still on, a few men stumbled out and started walking to the fork. George went down to check out the scene, since that scratchy truck was basically on my car's rear end.

"Jerry!?" cried the man.
"Um no..." I'm assuming George said this...

Then another group of men from the campsite yonder came to meet the obviously intoxicated individual.

"Can you believe how f&^*ing green this is!" said Jerry's first mate. Then with probably a breath of 'hello' Jerry's friend tumbled into the said green bushes with a loud thud.

As you know, we all were watching the new development with an eyeful of fervor and consequently started laughing our little behinds off! It was probably the funniest thing I have ever seen while sitting around a campfire. So funny, that I started snorting (thanks Jen..) and holding my area of relief (thanks Becky..) to keep from putting out the fire!

Side note: Funny that I did not realize this earlier, but we had our own Sailor Jerry to laugh to...(wink wink)

Anyway, after the commotion, we calmed down for a night under the starry sky. This brings me back to the leeches. Morning rose with a beautiful mist. The water on the pond was so calm and crystal clear, I actually thought we had to do some seriously climbing to get down to the shore. The shore was no more than 5 feet away at this point. George lured me to wade in the water to get to a farther and better fishing spot. After realizing the water wasn't that bad in the cold department, I hear from behind me, "I hope that's not what I think it is! Oh wait, it is..." A leech! I have never seen a live, slimy squirmy, red, gross leech before and here was this little rascal chasing after my leg!!! George came to my rescue after the thing came back, scooped it up and threw it to it's demise on the dirt-ridden land. This wouldn't be the end of the leeches during the trip, but it was at least out of sight to me. (I'll have you know though, that this is the same feeling when you have a spider in your bed, or crawling up your pants; you just keep feeling them all over. Paranoid, you constantly check every limb, OCD-like, for the remainder of the day.)

After fishing, catching frogs and newts, cheesy egg scrambling, rain-proofing and lunch-time napping, we went back for some more water fun. George and Ben decided to find a better place to fish and ended up swindling our kind neighbors to lets us use their kayak. They rode around for awhile, then switched it up to let George and I go for a spin. We ended up finding a nifty little rope swing on the other end of the pond. Let me tell you, this was wicked fun! We took a few turns and then headed back to grab the rest of the bunch. The plan was to let Mike, Amy and Ben hop on over and then taxi George and I back, but alas this did not happen the way it was planned. I blame too much fun. The rest of the day pretty much went like this:

More frog catching.
More rope swinging.
More napping.
More fishing.
More eating.

Then the rain came. After our Brats and Beer, a clap of thunder hit and you could literally hear the rain sweeping across the pond. I knew it was coming, fast. After sitting in our rain proof hut, the night wore thin and I grew tired. While I thought it was a good idea to go to bed, George Mike and Amy thought it was a good idea to go catch more amphibians. (are you starting to notice a trend with these frogs...?) Yeah me too. So this was about midnight. I slipped in the tent, fell asleep and woke up and hour and a half later to Mike coming back to refresh his stock. I thought to myself, 'oh they probably won't be too much longer. Half hour maybe...' The next thing I know, I'm waking up at 3:30 in the morning and they are still not back. Worried, I get out of the tent and use the only light source I had, my ipod. I know, lame. But in my best efforts to go looking for these crazy fools, I got too scared to walk in the intense black of night, during rain nonetheless. So I climbed in the tent Ben is sleeping in.

"Hey. They aren't back yet. What should we do? I'm worried."
Sleepily Ben mumbles, "Huh, ummm I don't know..."
He looks at his watch.
"Well I'm staying in here until they get back"
...
...
"Maybe they got taken in?" Ben says.
That sets my mind off racing...all sorts of situations run through my head. Taken in by cops, held behind bars with one phone call, which I actually thought at that point it might be good to check my phone, attacked by bears, attacked by hitchhiking crazy murder men...

Then we hear voices coming up the path. And then a light. It was them, they were back. I step out of the tent and say, "Where were you!?"

"You don't want to know," all three chime in together.

Turns out, the frog hunting was a success. Then, they thought it might be a good idea to commandeer a canoe sitting helplessly on the shore of the pond. After floating out into the middle of the pond, Mike accidentally tips to the side and isn't quick enough to correct, which ends up capsizing the canoe which then became impossible to flip back over. To make this long story short, they came back soaking wet from swimming for an hour or more to shore, each with only one shoe and Amy with a leech in her behind. (Dang leeches!) After I hugged them all and said "I'm glad you're ok.." I slapped them all silly! I was worried! Making me think they'd been taken in an exit-only manner by some pedophiliac New Hampshirites! Geez!

After all the slapping and blood sucking and water logging I believe this weekend was a camping success. I mean, after all Jonesy, who was a very lucky little fly ended up living after accidentally falling into Mike's beer! That's got to be good, right?

All Kinds of Witchery Things

"Witch witch! She's a witch, he's a witch! Your dog's a witch!"

Although there is absolutely no validity to this quote, I'm pretty sure that's what was said in 1692, the year of the infamous Salem Witch Trials. Sure everyone has heard of the trials, but how many times have you gotten the chance to see where these people lived? Up close and personal even!

Amy and I started off toward Salem, which is actually not too far from Boston...about a half hour. It's a small cluttered town and once you enter, prepare for everything witch. Besides the multitudes of museums, there are little stores filled with trinkets and glittery toys, all to enchant your sorcery imagination. Tarot, palm readers, witch dungeons, and magic dominate the common area. There are tall, ominous-looking mansions and 17th century cottages all wrapped around the Salem Harbor.

We started off at the Witch House, which (haha, see what I did there? ;) is actually the house where the weathly town sheriff George Corwin lived. He was a prominent man who was involed in most of the village's hysteria. It was crazy to see how "wealthy back then" was simply a 4 room house with a fireplace. And one interesting fact? You can tell how much money a family had by measuring the heigth of their ceilings! The higher the room, the more money you had. Basically since you had more money to heat the bigger room.

Next we paddled around to the Witch History Museum, where we walked through a basement of diaroma exhibits depicting the stories of the 3 afflicted girls, Tituba the carribean servant, the townspeople, George Burroughs the minister getting pulled out of his house, Gallows Hill where most of the accused where hanged, and the cemetery where Giles Corey, an accused man who refused to respond with a plea, was buried. Corey was actually smashed to death with piles of rocks! Uck!

The next stop was the Witch Dungeon Museum, which was basically the same thing, except for the little acting out of a trial and the actual beam from the dungeon itself. The dungeon was a place where all the accused were held. And get this! They actually had to pay for their accomodations and food! So, you can imagine if you were a poor farmer...yep, they called them "coffin cells" You couldn't even lie down in these things! I think people died from just mere exhuastion of standing 24/7!

After some lunch at the Upper Crust, a delicious pizza joint, Amy and I hit the last stop: The Pirate Museum! I know, witches? Pirates? Relation? Well this was the late 17th century and piracy in the New England area was full force and abound! Now these pirates called the Salem Harbor their safe haven because, well, Boston Harbor was just too dang big for their briches! I mean, well they didn't want to get caught. So we learned about Blackbeard and William Kidd, and also the first woman pirate, who was in fact the last pirate to be hanged here in New England. It was a mighty good time! Our tour guide was a little fast talker but after the 'arghs' and 'gahrs' we made off with all our appendages. Also, an interesting tid bit...the reason why pirates are missing an eye, leg or hand? Well there was a pirate bonus for anyone who lost a body part during battles. Talk about workers comp!

Anyway, that's my history lesson for ya'll today. Brief and golden. I'm on my way to go camping in the White Mountains for the weekend...so keep an eye out for some tall fish tales! Here fishy-fishy! Here fishy-fishy! And a good AAARGGH! (just for good measure.)

:)

The Pen is Blue!

So I'm off to the Salem Witch Museum.

When I get back, prepare for a history lesson! This week has been full of history, from the infamous Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, to the polygamist communes I've been reading about in "Under the Banner of Heaven". You guys have no idea how 'different' some people can be...

I'm sure I'll have plenty of stories from those crazy Puritans that once ruled all of New England! Wait, they still do! Crazy blue laws...did you know that the Puritans once banned Christmas for 200 years in 1659?

Cheese and Wine

Ok! I admit it! I saw Mamma Mia before seeing Batman!

There, I said it.

Aw man, that's been on my chest for the last 24 hours...phew!

So now before you go chastising me, I must tell you Mamma Mia had some very fine points. It had glitter, glamour, song & dance, Grecian landscapes and Pierce Brosnan singing. All that make up for some fine and purely entertaining cinema. Yes really. Ok, it started off completely and ridiculously cheesy...but then the cheese aged and it grew into ripe deliciousness. Pure cheese, pure satisfaction. All I needed was some fine wine...

....which Batman had promised and delivered to be! Oh and what a fine wine it was! Christian Bale, Heath and that new Ken-esque guy...

This weekend was surely not a disappointment.

A Weeks Worth of Llama's and Fireworks

Well well! I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July! As some of you may know, it's one of my favorite holidays...but then again I just love holidays in general. Here's the thing: I love holidays because it's an excuse to get dressed up in some silly garb and spend time with friends and family, whether it's eating roasted duck, singing Irish drinking songs, or watching parades and fireworks! But wait, I just had a thought. I don't really need an excuse to do all that, right? I mean Andrea, Camille and I got dressed up all the time for no reason. I remember one night, Andrea and I wanted to watch The Sword and the Stone, (or was it The Road to Eldorado??) anyway, we decided to dress up like medieval princesses. (it must have been The Sword and the Stone then..) Well, she ended up looking like a British punk pop diva and I ended up looking like a Grecian harlet. Ahh, the times!

Nonetheless, the weekend was filled with fabulous and spectacular down home enjoyment. It actually started off with a trip to the UniverSOUL Circus, and let me emphasize SOUL. Haha, all I saw when I went to grab the tickets were cornrolls and finger snappin'. If you know what I mean by that, well then good for you. It was so cliche. I'm serious...fried chicken jokes included. Anyway, Mike's little sis Amy, is staying with all the boys for the summer so I decided to try and get her out of the house by taking her to the circus. Plus, I've never been! We got to see zebras, llamas, tigers and elephants. Clowns and acrobats, Chinese flippers as well! There was even a "little" sidekick, who had some killer dance moves! I'll tell ya, I've never felt so pasty in my life! And it was awesome!

Friday morning we were well on our way to go cove kayaking on Spectacle Island, but unfortunately due to "island maintenance" we had to forgo that idea and instead see the Gloucester Sea Chanty and Clogging Band on Georges Island. (yeah, would you believe there really is a 'georges island' ?) Although when we got there, there was no clogging to be had and they in fact were not from Gloucester. Oh good 'ol Gloucester! They did sing Yankee Doodle though and played the pogo bass/thingy, yeah that. :)

We stopped and had some delicious meat, burgers, rice, noodles, pound cake, more meat and soda from the family that George carried coals for on the ferry to the island. They were incredibly sweet, and would not stop handing us food. They could've rolled us of the side of the island and we'd have floated back home no sweat! The remainder of the day was filled with tourists, arm painting, cell-phone hugging, BBQing and watching fireworks from a penthouse apartment with a killer view of the entire city!

Saturday, we got up early once more to make our way to the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in Merrimack, New Hampshire! Oh and the boys were super excited! For what I say?! Ok, who am I kidding...

After learning how the brewery worked and that Budweiser, Michelob, Natural (light or ice..no just natural..) were all the same company, we sat down in the "hospitality center" to have a few samples. Our conclusions? I love the Michelob Ultra Raspberry Pomegranate beer and the Summer Ale was OK. The Clamato beer was Uck! and the Lime infused was not so bad for me, but the boys hated it. The stout definitely puts hair on your chest, so I passed on that one. And the porter was a close second. I'll stick to my pales and ambers. :)

After the brew-haha, we took off for some poolside BBQ and a little lacrosse playing. The night rounded down with some lighting of our own fireworks in which the "Grand Canyon" was AMAZING!!! Sunday the day was good enough to head to the beach where some wave surfing was definitely in order!

So what do you get when you play hard all weekend? YOU SLEEP HARD! And that's definitely what I did the last two nights. Too bad it was too much of a sweaty hot mess over here to use any blankets, or clothes for that matter....

KIDDING!

But I'll just say it was minimal. ;)

Seeds and Sweat

Hello my everyone! It's officially summer now, can you believe it? June has flown by, but this assures me that I'll get to see all of you that much sooner!

I am really excited to come home for a bit.

One thing today that would make me really happy is if you all checked out this website:

http://www.lifeisgood.com/festivals/LIG-kids-foundation.aspx

And then, consider donating because George is going to kick some major tush by competing in the Boston Festival this year!

Synopsis:

"A playful spirit and a love of quirky games. You'll compete and laugh your way through a number of non-traditional events, including seed spitting, Frisbee toss, and bocce. The only sweat you'll break will be on the obstacle course, and the competition is decidedly low-key and friendly. That is, until the drama of the final rounds, when the crowds swell, records are challenged, and a bragging-rights title is within grasp."

Let me tell you how excited he is...wait there aren't words for his excitement! I mean a seed spitting event? Come on now, that just screams George! So, here is his webpage for donations, I'm sure he'll appreciate anything you can give!

http://www.firstgiving.com/georgerocks

Thanks, I love you all!

Well Look At What We Gone N' Dun Now...

Well what do you know!!!! The Celtics are our champions! After a long fought out battle, we (and look at me saying 'we' jeez) won our 17th championship...on the 17th nonetheless!

Although I am very happy for the C's, I will never ever ever stop being a Jazz fan. They came close this year...they came close last year. Getting into the finals I mean...because let's face it, if the Jazz beat the Spurs last year and the Lakers this year, yeah we would have been in the finals...but actually not choking and winning...well maybe if we got to keep Derek Fisher.

Anyhoo! The city has erupted in green. It's like St. Patrick's Day all over again. Woo hoo! Can I be 24 now? Kidding! I'm glad I still have 3/4 of the year left before that...

I hope all you enjoyed the finals. Too bad we couldn't have a 3 game sweep over here with sports. Now is a good time to be in Boston!

A Lesson in Life

Question.

What do you do when you're waiting for someone to come out of a bathroom in the back of a grocery store and that someone turns out to be a rather large fellow with a blue wife beater and track shorts too short to match that says, " Aw man! Don't go in there! I'm sorry...uh...really.. is there some air freshener back here? (as he rummages through dirty hoses and paint supplies) Really, I've just had a hard day and well my, you know... (as he grabs his robust belly and gives it a jiggle) I'm sorry, ah I gotta go..."

?

So I thought to myself, well should I go in anyway? Can I just hold my breath? Not breathe through my nose? Do I have to go that bad? Hmmm...he is quite a large species...I'm sure he could create a rather large specimen...What do I do?!

I didn't have to go that bad.

There are just those times, I suppose, that 'just holding it' is necessary. :)

Killer Bruise Man!

It is unbelievably hot today.

It was hot yesterday.

It will be hot tomorrow.

The crazy thing about New England is that it can go from being 50 degrees one night and the very next morning be 95 with 70% humidity. Yes, I have forgotten what humidity feels like. Oh the days in South Carolina, stepping out of the shower and then outside only to find the beads slowly forming, even when standing still. Yes the power of that huge star lying within our heavens, it is a bittersweet mistress...

Good news is it won't last long. In only 2 or so days, it should be back down to normal breathing temperature of 75 degrees. A comfortable and lovely feeling.

In other happenings, I'll let you all know that I'm a bruised son of a gun today. Yes, during the crazy notion of playing ultimate frisbee yesterday..yes crazy..I was unfortunately knuckled right in the collarbone. It was like slow motion, suddenly the white disk came into view...that sweet round piece of victory and then the next thing you know I see a white shirt in my peripheral vision. (Good thing it was the right peripheral, but not that that would've made any difference anyway!) And then BAM! Throbbing pulses through my right upper shoulder. Did I fall? I can't even remember...

I look down to see what everyone is staring at. And then it was like a scene out of a sci-fi movie--I actually did think about Iron Man in that precise second--here just below my neck was a tiny speckle of red, flaring out like mini veins through my skin. I could see the blood vessels popping! A blue spot here, a burst of red there! Oh the awe! Then I had to look away. I said I was fine. I was...kinda. I ran around for a bit more, tough and rugged, just like any lax alum should do. Let's just say the next game, was devoted to running in the probable pee-ridden fountain in the playground. It was divinely cold, to say the least, which was exactly what my sweat glands and popping blood vessels needed. :)

I am happy to say that I should have a pretty killer bruise in the next couple of days though. I mean, it's not too cool looking now, just red and pink with splashes of blue on the top...but when it starts turning yellow...now that will be the ticket! Haha!

Also, my first day of my internship at the Museum of Science was pretty schweet if any of you want to know more about it...especially the time when I put together an ostrich skeleton!

I Couldn't Have Written It Any Better

So, I'm not sure if most of you know about the recent "event" this weekend. Well remember when I told the story of how George and I took a trip up to Hampton Beach, only to accidentally find ourselves in Gloucester (pronounced Glah-ster, for all you newbies...)? So in spite of that unfortunate yet inspiring event, we decided to go back for an intentional visit, just for fun. And this time, we took Mikey along! Once the stage was set, I knew we'd just be getting ourselves into some sort of shenanigans. So since I couldn't have written the story of our time in Gloucester any better...here I give to you the play by play straight out of Mike "our Italian savior" Gunnuscio's mind.

Ahem:

"This weekend George, Jessica and I took a field trip to Gloucester. This town in Massachusetts is the oldest fishing port in America. It is also where they filmed the movie The Perfect Storm. I was told before leaving that it has the best beaches in New England. Go ahead and giggle about "beaches juxtaposed with New England". I cannot say much for the beach atmosphere, partly due to the overcast weather we had that day, but it is very beautiful. There is a very pleasant fishing motif heavy present as well. It seems every house had lobster traps in the front yard. The houses are the typical grand New England style you would expect.

We did not have an agenda, and since Jessica had left her Tourist for Dummies guide book at home I found myself once again aimlessly walking through an unknown town talking to strangers. The people are refreshingly friendly and helpful. Without much prompting they will not only offer great advice, but also share their life story. We met Kristen upon arrival who had moved from California to take care of her ailing grandmother. Jay had a very impressive job as a resort appraiser, and boasted that he grew up in the most picturesque house in Gloucester. By far the most memorable people were met would be the local mafia.

Oh, now I have your attention I am sure.

It was around 11pm when we realized we had never gotten around to the delectable seafood dinner we had planned. Our search for food was proving extremely difficult, each place we entered had stopped surviving anything but a liquid diet. We resorted to walking the streets asking people in hopes of finding the local seafood midnight jackpot. I approached a group of gentleman smoking cigars on the sidewalk. I introduced myself and asked if they knew of anyplace to get dinner at this hour. The quickly replied that we should step inside the establishment they stood in front of explaining there was a italian buffet inside. George and jessica being famished quickly entered. I lingered speaking more to these kind older guys, and entered with them. I immediately noticed two things. One, this was not a restaurant. Two, every person in the place was Italian and seemed to be starring at me. I found my way to the back to find George and Jessica merrily enjoying plates of italian appetizers. Still feeling the skeptical examining gazes I explained that we "probably should not be here, and that I think we might get our own pairs of cement loafers is we stayed." My friends seemed only mildly bothered. Soon a few rough looking men approached me and started what became a short interrogation. After answering a few questions with responses like, "I don't know anyone here" and "please don't make me take a dirt nap" I was saved by the guy that invited me in. He seemed to be affluent and once he said "they are with me" no one really bothered us again. I chatted with him for a while trying to make a good impression. He actually asked for proof of my Italian heritage, which I made by showing him my passport.

A DJ started playing dance music, with almost no one dancing and this is where we go from being outsiders to relished guests. The three of us, no doubt elated at not being "offed" danced up a storm. In fact George and I started pulling heavily made up women onto the dance floor. Many were thrilled. Let's be honest, they were all thrilled. However the respective husband was not always thrilled, and more than once our dance partner was pulled away from us, or we were persuaded to find a new one by a subtle but threatening look of disapproval. We made friends, ate their food, drank their booze and danced with their women. Best of all I am alive and well and writing you the story of how it happened. I will end by saying at the end of the night we thought it better to leave the town and make our way safely back to Boston."

And there my friends, you have the story to pass on through generations. :)

Aww, nighty night.

I just have a few things to say tonight. First of all "So You Think You Can Dance" is back on and running strong! Woo hoo! I can't wait to see what's in store this year. Oh, and this question is directed toward Kaye, "Did you watch it? And if so, did you see Mia Michaels do the 'freudian slip' about the Italian dude?" Haha! It was hilarious!

Secondly, check out these ridiculously gross pics of Tara Reid. Do any guys find this attractive?

http://x17online.com/celebrities/tara_reid/tara_gets_baked-12182007.php

And lastly, I read this pretty great line during my 'me time' night out at the bookstore, which was so badly needed:

"If you're lucky, putting together your life is a process that will last through every single day you're alive." ~Ann Patchett

I thought that was particularly profound.

Happy Memorial Day to the Lucky Ones

It's 80 degrees out this Memorial Day and I'm stuck inside answering non-existent phone calls. Today at the museum we have an Open House, however I can't imagine anyone not wanting to get out and enjoy this phenomenal day by sailing, boating, playing park games or BBQ's. I guess that's just what I'd imagine myself doing. That OR watching the National Lacrosse Championships at the Patriot's stadium in Foxboro!!! Yeah that's today too and George, Aaron and Ben will be in attendance. I do have to say that of all the lacrosse players out here, they are for sure missing an integral part of LAX appreciation: ME!

Haha, ok enough complaining. I'm not a complainer really. I'll just vent a few sentences and then get over it. I'm also over it now because I'm making overtime money, which is something very needed right now. I filled up my tank yesterday and guess how much the bill came out to? Any takers? 50 buckaroos. Yep, 50! For my little car! I can't imagine my fellow friends and family who have SUV's still...sheesh!

Anyway--these past few weeks have been quick, but full of adventure! I spent a few days up in Ogunquit, Maine a couple weeks ago with "Das Pechmann's" as I've heard them be called. We filled our time by going on a lobstering cruise where we learned how to catch those delicious creatures. And yes, they ARE delicious! I had never eaten lobster before that night, and I don't think I can go back to being a non-fish/crustacean eater. Seriously. If I can entice you at all to come out here and visit me in the Northeast, the succulent lobster should do most of the talking! So come on over and I'll take you on an 'wicked adventchah'! (horrible attempt at an accent included!)

Not only did we experience the Lobstah, but also beach bocce ball, fireside talking, a rousing game of pool, touristy window shopping, brewerys, a natural wildlife reserve, the senior Bush compound at Kennebunkport, picnic lunches, lighthouses, ice cream and finally a 400 pound pig! Holy moly was that pig awesome! It just happened to be sitting in a yard full of random animals off the side of the road in Maine somewhere. We actually turned around so we could drive by again. I thought I had been seeing things, but I do believe we have the picture to prove it...but I may have to post that picture later, as it goes that my camera is definitely kaputt right now.

I've actually been spending much time up north of Boston, for this past week Andrea was here to visit. Wednesday, we took a drive up to Hampton for breakfast with her friend who was to be married and then Saturday I drove to Lake Winnepesaukee for the ceremony and reception. It was beautiful right on the lake shore, although a little chilly because of the wind. The food was superb, can we talk about surf and turf?! Yummy steak and shrimp! We danced the evening away with odd flashbacks of the Wedding Crashers montage when they played "Shout". Yeah that montage, you know the one with the flying women's...well assets. Haha!

After driving to Portland that night, we had a bit of Red Sox ice cream, hit the sack and woke up to drive back down to Boston to catch a plane. After saying my sad goodbye to a good friend, I hit up the usual frisbee game back home. It was a great day for roughin' around in the dirt. I say that because I was falling down and diving most of the game...no blood=you're not trying hard enough.. ;)

So that brings me back to here today. I'm sore. Haha, sore and daydreamy. Day dreaming that I was out and about...but alas *sigh*... The good news is that June is almost here and I get to experience a Boston summer! We'll see how sweaty I get...

Also, keep you're fingers crossed for me while I continue my search for advancement opportunities in the career section of my life...

An Odd #5

I have officially been living in Boston for 38 weeks.

Now while figuring out this number, I thought to myself, "well that's not that long..." but after putting into perspective that there are only 52 weeks in a year...well that number jumps up quite a bit. Only 14 more weeks until I've been here for one year.

*GASP!*

One year? I've never been anywhere other than Utah for longer than 3 months. And at that time, I thought 3 months was long. It's crazy to think that I've woken up 266 times, gone to work about 146 days and have walked miles and miles in this unique and bustling city.

When I first arrived I was nervous, but somehow survived by running off the excited adrenaline pulsating through my bones. I met unknown relatives, got lost for hours in my car trying to find one-way and name-changing streets, I applied for multiple jobs, looked for hours at apartment ads, and met very bright people while feeling somewhat inadequate in graduate classes. Oh, and lost a bunch of money learning my lesson of parking in the city. (I wish very much I could forget that memory...!) Looking back I remember feeling at times overwhelmed and claustrophobic. Every building was tall and outside the city, every tree and bush barricaded my view from any glint of horizon--horizon that I was so used to seeing back home.

Now, 38 weeks later, I somehow feel comfortable and safe. Taking the train to work and walking to the grocery store is now normal for me. Seeing sunshine in the morning and rain in the afternoon happens all too often and parallel parking is still a pain--especially when I notice appearing car bruises constantly--but the rush of it all keeps an air of open-mindedness and opportunity. And this, this is why I'm enjoying this whole experience. I thrive off this feeling of opportunity. There is always something new to see, to do, to enjoy. There are always options, there are always ventures that you haven't quite got your feet wet in yet. There is always tomorrow, but never a forgotten memory.

I remember at one time before a class last fall, I was walking up the stairs on this Tufts campus that oddly reminded me of Utah State. I saw that there was an open terrace on top of the library. As I meandered my way through the boxed flowers, the sky suddenly opened. It was a horizon...I saw the Boston skyline, I saw the dense trees of the upper Northeast, I saw a glimmer of ocean, and I also saw the sunset. I can't describe how incredible it was to see that sun drop beneath the trees. I felt as though I could breathe again, so I did. I took a long and deep breath, and although it wasn't the spectacular sunsets we often overlook in the West, it was a bit of familiarity and comfort that said, "it will all be ok..."

Right now, even though I feel a stall in my life's goals and a lull in the action, I know that I'm still moving at the same pace as when I first moved here. Every sigh of relaxation brings me peace, but I know the hard part is not over. I don't think the hard parts of our lives will ever be over. There is always going to be some obstacle that we must hurdle, or some water that we must cross, but maybe if we all paddle a little slower and splash a little more, we'll enjoy and appreciate the scenery around us at the time. I'm taking my time. I'm enjoying my scenery and throwing water balloons at the people around me. I'm living my life out here! I never want to quit living my life by worrying about the future...

I started off this blog by wanting to talk about being a college graduate. The number 5 on my list of greatest things of 2007. But after reading a mind-stumbling quote by the Dalai Lama in Time magazine this morning, my mind slowly wandered to the thankfulness I have in every single day and the opportunities we have in this life to learn from our experiences, from each other and to understand the world around us. I am so thankful that I have had the opportunity to be out here, and to learn even more about myself. Who knows what will come later, but all I can hope for is that I never stop wanting taking those chances and dance in the smiles that surround me.

"Without relying on religion, we look to common sense, common experience and the findings of science for understanding." ~Dalai Lama

I know this quote may come as perplexing to some of you who know me, as maybe something that I wouldn't find worth remembering. But it actually describes my current state of mind quite well. Without relying on religion, and instead a God to give a mind that is capable of searching for better understanding of this world, I can put my faith in a uniquely fused-together universe that allows for both the acceptance of spirituality and science. To give a second look to an this ideal is so captivating, and this is why I say it's a 'mind-stumbling' quote.

Well the weekend I can now say is finally here. I'll be watching softball, movies and friends turn 30. (I know 30...totally different world out here) I'm really excited to see a Boston summer and all that can be offered. I'm sure you'll all be listening as I make my way through these next 14 weeks, so I just want to thank you all for caring. Until next time...

Two-Steppin' Astronauts

So it's been awhile, yes I'll admit. But you have no idea how much stuff went on this past week!

First of all, a week ago today, I was priveleged enough to see and hear the 4th man to walk on the moon--Alan Bean--give a lighthearted yet inspirational talk about doing whatever makes your heart happy. When he started by saying, "Each and every one of you is different..." I almost started to tear up. Well ok, I did tear up...but no droplets came out I swear!

Mr. Bean was 76 years young and seemed to be teeming with life and vigor! He spoke about his obvious accomplishment of being one of the great men who have seen Earth from the dust prints on the moon, but what I loved most was his little anecdotal stories of his life. Somewhere on the moon, there is a small silver pin lying in the dust and whenever he looks back up at the moon, he wonders where it landed...How amazing it was to see someone standing before my eyes and to know that he has stepped his feet on land out there in the universe! But this was just an ordinary guy who told jokes and talked about Texas football!

Alan Bean is also an artist. He said that he had always loved painting, so why not paint something no one has ever painted before? The coolest thing? In some of his paintings, he has taken little bits of his journey (US flag patch, moon dust, NASA equipment pieces..) and has put them into his art! Wow! On of my favorite paintings that he showed was the one of him and another astronaut throwing a football across space. He said, "I thought 'why didn't I throw a football up there?' so instead I painted it! I used my artist's license!" He was hysterical. The night ended spendidly with a surpise guest in the audience, a Russian who asked how he felt about the Russian space program and how the KGB controlled everything. I felt like the music could've swelled with some high drama action beats and Sydney Bristow busts in decked out in a perfectly put-together costume, saying 'Da' all night long. Ahhh...but 'tis was not so...

Anyway, Alan Bean has given me new hope. New hope to get out there and not be afraid of what we feel we cannot do, but to have the courage and faith to do what we imagine to do!

So that was only Tuesday. :)

Wednesday and so forth brought on lots of cowboy hats and honky tonk dancing at a rare country club in Danvers. I mean rare, seriously rare. No one knows what country is out here! Except for Danvers-ians. And thank God for them!

You can tell spring is in the air though because Friday held a time for a great BBQ and Saturday for a short shorts extravaganza! Don't worry, it was just a house-warming party...nothing to get your panties all twisted in a bundle about! But man did I see legs! All I had running through my head all night was, "She's got legs! And she knows how to use 'em!" Thanks ZZ Top. I love you to pieces!

Well then, you may be "bored now" or you may be intriqued to check out Alan Bean and ZZ Top. I know peculiar combination, but try it out! Tell me how it fares. Until next time, which will be soon I swear...Love you all!

Fridays Bring Smiles

Ok, so I fibbed. I didn't update like I said I would yesterday. Sorry! Other things on the mind ya know?

Anyhoo...I've got a few great things to say. First of all, for all you who are interested in seeing part of the Boston Marathon, I've got a video of Brett, George, Mike and myself running around like idiots..but mostly just Brett. ;) But I mean it is his podcast so...

But in other news, Brett a.k.a. The Amtrekker, was on Good Morning America this morning! It was so exciting to see our own V list celebrity movin' on up the ranks as he chatted with Robin Roberts about his life and list! Also, a stunning surprise, they were so glad to get the one and only Donald Trump on the telephone, so Brett could cross the "Tell Donald Trump he's fired" item off the list! Wow! I bet Brett is feeling pretty surreal right now. I hear he's headed back up here to Boston to tell us all about it!

So what else could be more exciting than running with Boston Marathoners and watching a friend tell Mr. Trump he's fired?

SAILING! Yep, the preppy yuppy in me is gonna get all geared up in stripes and anchors and hop on a free ride around the Charles this Saturday. Oh and perhaps tennis in the morning. Man! I'm turnin' into a regular old Ivy Leaguer here!

Well I hope you all have a great weekend! I know I will...I'll leave you with Marathon Madness!

Thursdays Always Come So Soon

Good morning to all! I have woken up basking in sunshine! Mmmm, the best way to wake up most definitely.

Well, I'm off to work. Tonights events should be busy, but I have to say that I'm doing MUCH better after my resting day yesterday. When I get to work I'll have more to say, but until then...say thank you for the things you have right in front of you. :)

I wonder if I made it on TV when Lance Armstrong ran by...?

I'm feeling totally obliterated today...just so you know. I'll have more stories soon, but right now all I can think about is the rolling of my liver inside every crevice of my body.

Thanks Marathon Monday.

In the mean time, check this out:

Would you do it?

"The fierce Kingda Ka is simply the tallest, fastest roller coaster on Earth. This remarkable thrill ride breaks all world records for coaster speed and height, zooming from 0 to 128 mph in 3.5 seconds and catapulting you 45 stories into the sky.

Get propelled horizontally at 128 mph via hydraulic launch
Hang on tight as you shoot 90 degrees into a quarter-turn
Blast 456 feet high, then plunge vertically into a 270-degree spiral
Experience weightlessness as you swoop down a valley and up a 129-foot camel hump"




So...whaddya think? Think I could do it? Think I could do it TWICE! Hells yeah! Man what a weekend I had! Let me tell you about it.

First George and I were intending on driving up to Hampton Beach, New Hampshire to see Josh Kelley and Collective Soul in concert with Ben. We started off right on track and continued on I-95 while having good stimulating conversation about college and our experiences with crazy roommates and Ramen noodles. Anyway, the next thing you know I start to see cars ahead of me slow down...up ahead was a rotary. A ROTARY! (a round-about for all you non-knowers of the term rotary. Yeah I have a funny story about that too...let's just say a rotarian does not sit in a rotary over on the East Coast..) Alright, so thinking it's kind of weird to have a rotary in the middle of the freeway, George says..."Gloucester?! We're in Gloucester!" (pronounced GLAHSS-TAH) We quickly refer to my trusty map that got me across this large country.

View Larger Map

So you see the green arrow? That's where we were! And do you see the little town up the coast north of there called Salisbury? Well that's where we were supposed to BE! Being the smart and saavy travelers that we were, we re-routed to go across towns and backroads to try and get to the casino ASAP without going ALL the way back. Bad luck hit again though when we came to the bridge to cross into New Hampshire. "Bridge OUT OF ORDER!" And yes, it was screaming at us. Bridge out! You've got to be kidding me! We had to back track again...to finally find a through road to the 95. Once there, getting to Ocean Blvd. was easy. Though to think how much time we could have saved by actually paying attention to the signs. Boston officially gets my vote for city with the worst signage system. Officially.

After skipping through the sceevy slash mildly amusing town of Hampton Beach, we finally arrived to see Josh Kelley on the stage...and man was I happy. :) Oh and Collective Soul was pretty good too. All those early 90's songs I'd forgotten about, came around full force in my memory!

Man, but the weekend just gets better.

But rather than writing a novel that I know none of you have time for, I'll just summarize bulletin-stylie!

• After concert, got pulled over in Burger King parking lot for missing tail light. (That damn tail light just loves to give me trouble doesn't it! Thanks for the jail record Mr. Tail Light!)
• After warning ticket, we find out BK is closed. Humf.
• Sleep, but only for 4 hours.
• Wake up, get pulled over again...by the SAME cop. Exact words? "So we meet again..."
• Drive through terential rain to NYC.
• Cross George Washington Bridge to find we have to go back to pick up 1 Amtrekker.
• Pay 8 bucks to fix that mistake.
• Have eggs in a sans English shop in the Bronx.
• See 1 Amtrekker wandering aimlessly.
• Yell at 1 Amtrekker.
• Accidentally hop on the fast track on the turnpike, have to pay MAXIMUM TOLL!
• Drive to Jackson, New Jersey
• See Angel, get in for free to Six Flags Great Adventure! Wahoo!
• Get VIP treatment, escorted to the KINGDA KA! The fastest, tallest rollercoaster in the world!
• Then the rain starts, shutting down the ride.
• We wander aimlessly throughout the park, riding kiddie rides compared to the King...
• 20 minutes waiting for the worst ride that we never got to ride..blah!
• And then...FINALLY! We see the clouds clear and the rain cease, to find ourselves with exit passes to ride the KING! Sheer exhileration!
• Tiger show...

Haha, and then finally as we exited the park...where we were High Fived by all the newbies, or that's what I assume they were. We drove back to Boston that night, making excellent time and making sure that our stimulating conversation was NOT distracting us from the task at hand. All I knew is that I did not want to end up in Ohio or West Virginia...oh Lord please Not West Virginia....

And while I passed out peacefully in my bed, George and one kidnapped Amtrekker continued on throughout the night chasing fooseballs and kitty cats. And that's all. 2 days, a million roads, and one very happy camper.

Whoa Purple People Eater!

Alright, so who has seen the NEW $5 Dollar Bill?

I'll admit, I was a bit freaked out this morning when I was counting money and all of a sudden I realized there was color on the bill. BUT WAIT! Not only that, I flipped it over to find a purple 5 on the back! Now that's craziness.

I just thought I'd share...Check your pockets for lurking magenta imposters! They're almost cute. :)