Grinchy about Holidays

My friend and I were headed to a Christmas gathering last Monday and we were both a little cranky. We were feeling a little grinchy about the holidays, and were annoyed by other random situations - so we were both in a state. But we were laughing about it so it was fun.
It led to the discussion about our favorite holiday. Hers is Thanksgiving bc all you have to do is eat and hang out. I said I like Halloween - costumes are fun, and I like Halloween decorations. Also - I like the 4th of July. All you do is hang out outside, have a few beers and see fireworks, which I LOVE. And,there is no pressure to gather the entire family from all ends of the earth, no gifts to buy, etc. Which made me come to my own conclusion a few days later - I don't really like holidays. I like other people's birthdays bc I like to find a fun gift for them, send a cute card or celebrate my friends bc I love them. But - if I really think about it - holidays stress me out and I'm not a fan.

Let's go through them: (Holidays consist of days off from work, or certain days noted on a calendar as a holiday)
- New Year's Day:
Plus: There is the potential for fireworks, but you have to stand outside in the cold to see them. It's an excuse to put on a silly crown and use noisemakers. If you have a fun party to go to you can dress up for it.
Minus: You have to stay where you party if you want to have drinks* It is super expensive to travel. Bars have high covers, even if they are in Killington, VT. A whole lot of hype for 10 seconds of excitement.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day :
Plus: A good guy to celebrate and a day off work.
Minus: You can't do fun things on your day off bc ski slopes, the mall, the movies and everywhere is crowded with people off for the day.
- Groundhog Day:
Plus: You can print out pictures of Groundhogs, color them and stick them on your roommates bedroom doors.
Minus: A groundhog cannot stop winter from continuing, and that god awful movie - Groundhog Day - exists.
- Valentine's Day:
Plus: it is one of my good friends' birthday! You can make cookies for your co workers, and no matter how old you are - you can give out little valentine day cards to your friends.
Minus: If you are single you might be annoyed at the lovey dovey day you are spending alone. There is pressure to get a gift and have dinner/hang out if you are with someone. restaurants are crowded.
- St. Patrick's Day:
Plus: I like beer, and that is how we celebrate
Minus: EVERYONE wants to go out to the bars, so its super crowded. Bars hike up the cover charges - again. Hangovers.
- April Fool's Day:
Plus: One more day til My sister's bday!
Minus: I don't like practical jokes. I don't know who to believe that day.
- Easter
Plus: Cadbury Mini Eggs
Minus: I don't like ham, I am not religious, too many pastel colors together grosses me out - especially when it is all gray and rainy and there are no leaves on trees.
- Memorial day:
Plus: Day off from work, and it's near my friend Jess' bday, sales in stores.
Minus: Expensive to travel bc it's a long weekend. It might not be warm enough for a picnic.
- 4th of July
Plus: Fireworks, beer, picnics
Minus: Traffic, crowds
- Labor Day:
Plus: Day off from work, and it's near my friend Colleen's bday, sales in stores.
Minus: Expensive to travel bc it's a long weekend. People all go their own way and do their own thing so you might end up a loner for the weekend. End of summer. :(
- Columbus Day
Plus: some people don't have to work, sales in stores.
Minus: I have to work. Columbus really wasn't that fabulous.
- Halloween:
Plus: costumes, candy, decorations, Hocus Pocus
Minus: people lose interest when we get older, attempting to come up with clever costume ideas can get tough.
- Thanksgiving
Plus: you can be lazy and no one cares. It's the perfect day to watch Home Alone. Apple pie.
Minus: Travel is expensive and can be hectic. Traffic. Christmas music starts the day after. Turkey is gross - esp after I have had to cook one.
- Christmas:
Plus: giving gifts, reuniting with family and friends, Christmas movies and songs (for about 3 weeks), decorating trees.
Minus: Missing people you can't spend the holiday with, pressure of giving great gifts and finishing everything on time, listening to christmas music since thanksgiving, people in malls, on the highway, etc. General un-excitement for the holiday bc there is nothing special about it for me right now. Some people are over zealous about it which gets old QUICK. (HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!)

So that is my recap of my take on holidays. I guess I do like some - 4th of July, and St. Patricks day maybe?



* I'm a brat now and enjoy sleeping in my own bed, not on random floors and couches.

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays!

Wii bowling - Kaitlin and Chris brought their Wii over on Christmas day. We were a little worried that Dad would hit the TV on his turn!

Venting and nachos made me feel better

I went outside, shoveled, got soaked and tired - annnnnnnnnnnnd got over some of my annoyances. Also - Jen and I made round 1 of nachos* (the appetizer version) and are now all warm and watching the Patriots game so I'm happier. **

*Round two is buffalo chicken nachos
**the game is on FOX which has that super annoying animated robot.

Cranky

Snow is beautiful and can be fun. In small, manageable increments. It has been snowing non stop since Friday at 2pm. . we have at least 1ft, and 3-5 more inches falling today. Jen and I have back pain from shoveling! (i.e. we are getting old) So - I'm bummed and sort of annoyed that I am stuck in the house today bc I have a few things to do today that I apparently can't get out to do. To be honest, I'm just not thrilled at the idea of doing laundry and cleaning my room.

So - I'm cranky because people are inconsiderate. I've been annoyed often lately at the ridiculousness of people not picking up after themselves in our house. I don't know what to do to make it clear that they need to think twice before doing things - like messing up the internet router 3x's in 2 days, or leaving the house for the weekend and leaving a mess. Maybe the people I live with read this blog - but I'm not sorry for talking about it here. I already sent an email telling them that if you leave the house for an extended period of time it's not fair to the rest of us that now have to clean up after them if we want to use pots and pans. So - it's not anything they don't already know I'm mad at. CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELVES!

Last - our lovely (terrible) neighbor*, who we nicknamed Joan Jett thinks that it is acceptable to put cones in the street 'saving' her parking spot when she goes out. Um - no. We ALL shoveled out our cars, we ALL have to park here. Get over yourself, or put in a driveway please. I sort of want to move her cones.

*Joan Jett is the neighbor who complains to our landlord** that we park in front of her house. She lives directly next door and does not have a driveway. There are 5 people living at our house (4 here, 1 downstairs) and room for 2, maybe 3 cars in our driveway. Joan Jett thinks she is entitled to park in front of her house bc she doesn't have a driveway, and thinks we should accomodate her. Too bad it is public parking on a city street! She has even left notes on cars telling us not to park in front of her house - when someone left their car there for 3 days over a weekend. Ridiculous.

** Our landlord told her she needs to install a driveway in her yard bc she can't tell us where to park.

Missing

So I randomly looked at pictures of our old dog Molly tonight and got incredibly sad. I miss having a dog like you wouldn't believe. . and it's just not possible with work, roommates, etc. So that's not ideal but I have 9 months to figure that one out.

Anyway - Molly was a sweet girl, after she grew out of her terrible 2's, and 3's. .She passed away about 2 years ago right around this time, and it caught me off guard that I still get so sad missing her

.

weird dream

Last night I had a strange dream - that I was at a summer camp/resort type place with a friend, J. We wandered around, and at one point decided to take a sailboat out for a bit. I guess everything we came across was free for us to use? Who knows. So neither of us know how to sail, but had no trouble w/ the boat and when we get out to the water - a helicoptor picked us up for a ride. What?? Weird, I know. The helicopter brings us back to the boat,and we go back to the dock. Coming into the dock, it is rainy and the sailboat has a windshield.* So it's all cloudy and we hit the dock, but the boat is fine and I jump off as quick as I can.
Next - it is sunny and hot and we are about to go swimming.** But J realizes his bag is missing, and we need to find it. Suddenly it is dark and we are going to a bonfire. We tell someone at the summer camp/resort that the bag is missing and they say we have to search the premises with flashlights. Not just us but everyone there. J says, that's impossible, I have to catch a flight in 30 minutes. I say - what good is it to leave without the stuff that you need? He says, they can ship it - we're leaving.
And then I woke up.

*Impossible.
** Why didn't we do this when we were out on the boat?

team sports

I just found out about this site and want to share it w/ everyone.
It's www.sportsvite.com and basically - you go on it, make a profile listing the sports you are interested in, your skills, etc. Then you can search for teams in your area, create teams, or see what is going on that you might want to join. Super idea.

If Santa was real...

I'd ask him for the following things:

- a dog, and a shorter commute home from work so I could actually take care of it

- more patience - mainly in my personal life

- a dog

- infinite plane tickets to SF and a few other places

- no more bills (car loans, school loans, mortgages, etc.) for my family members and friends

- a winery that I can own and run

- a new computer

- did I mention a dog? I need to figure out how to have one

Polar Express

Medford, MA is on the Lowell commuter rail line, and yesterday hosted a Polar Express ride to see Santa.
There were tons of cops managing the foot traffic of kids, parents, etc. all in line to get on the train to ride who knows where. If I was a kid, or had kids, I'm sure it'd be fun - looks like a cute idea. . even though it was awful for traffic downtown!

Come on, try harder

I cannot make this stuff up.
I live w/ 3 people*and we are all in and out of the house all day. Friday night - the internet stopped working. One roommate - A - said to me on Saturday AM - hey did you know that if we turn off the power cord** that the extension cord /plugs are all in, the router/modem goes off, so the internet shuts down. So, I put a note near the power cord that said, Unplug the christmas tree by the cord on the floor, otherwise, you will end up turning off the router/modem.
That did not sink in to someone in our house. I came home later that day to find the extension cord(that has the router, modem and tree plugged into it) UNPLUGGED from the POWER CORD. Come on. I said the plug for the tree was on the floor. Not on the shelf with the power cord. If you stop and think for .2 seconds then you will realize that the extension cord needs to be plugged in for the modem, router, tree, etc. to work.
So - since the router had been unplugged for HOURS, the wireless profile I had set up and made secure reset itself. Oh for the love.. now I have to call linksys and have them tell me how to do it again. Thanks for making me do extra work because you did not understand how to turn off the tree.*** And, if anyone has called telecommunications customer service before, you know that you are in for at least 30-90 minutes of fun.
Now, in an effort to be COMPLETELY clear -
1. There is a note ON the Christmas tree plug that says, 'Unplug this to turn off tree.'
2. There is a note on the router that says, 'Do not unplug router or modem.'
3. There is a note on the extension cord that says, 'Do NOT unplug this.'

I can't wait to see what happens.

*yes, that is a lot of people, yes, I am ready to live alone.
** to shut off the christmas tree lights
*** Sorry if anyone I live with is offended, but I use this to vent sometimes.

Hey, Jealousy

No, not the Gin Blossoms song. . but an obnoxious reality.
I really really really cannot stand being jealous. It is a useless and frustrating emotion that is hard to control. And it is striking its viciousness into my life.
And - the little snake that it is, is coming at me in a few directions. One - I am jealous of something.* Two - someone else's jealousy is messing with things.*
1. I need to get over it. I need to work harder to get what I want so I won't have any reason to be jealous. I think it bothers me most when you want or need something, and can't get it and see other people with things they may not appreciate.
2. In the second instance - it is sad to say that many, many years after high school, some people still thrive on petty behavior. I hoped that later in life those situations and actions would die down and people would grow up and act like adults, but clearly it continues.

* Unfortunately, I cannot divulge all the details of either situation.

Mom Weekend

My mom came to visit me in Boston this weekend - Friday night - we had dinner at PF Changs, which my mom had never been to! She is now also very fond of the lettuce wraps appetizer.
After that, we went to see the Grinch at the Wang theater. It was cute - a bit silly, but fun. There were a lot of kids for the 8pm show - and there was a fairly obnoxious group up in the balcony. I get it, they were excited, but they were talking, yelling, etc. and clearly did not have the proper adult/child ratio.

The Wang Theater

Park Place, outside PF Changs

Saturday - we attempted some Christmas shopping, but were overwhelmed by the crowds. So - we went to the movies and saw "Four Christmases." It's pretty funny, and I love Reese Witherspoon. That night, we went to dinner in the North End, came home to watch White Christmas and write our Christmas cards.

Sunday - we made cookies before she left for CT!

It was fun to hang out, and have a girls weekend.

Slacker

I have not kept up with the blog probably in about two weeks. Quick recap :
Thanksgiving - you can see the entire recap on Heather's Blog, but the highlights include - being incredibly grossed out by the turkey, and cooking it upside down:
Seriously, we had no idea it was upside down til Amy told us. Doesn't it look normal in that pic??Just spending a week with Heather was fantastic. I miss her so much! Napa was fabulous -

and of course I loved a wine that is not distributed. It is sort of pricy so maybe that's a good thing! When I left, Heather and I both cried. I was sad to leave, because I miss being able to hang out with her, Erik and Evie. Hopefully we will schedule another trip soon!
Oh and of course, I had fun seeing Miss Evie and hanging out!

Evie May

Erik, Amy, Heather, Me @ the Bus Stop

Andretti Winery - Napa

Alamo Sq - The Full House St.

Start me up

I woke up today because I heard someone on the stairs* and looked at the clock telling me it was 7:30. F. I should have already been in the car! So, I get up, get ready and leave by 8 a.m. – and should hopefully be at work by 8:45 – 9 if all goes well. All did not go well.
I got about a mile from the house, and look down at my gas gauge – damn, I need gas. The next thought – oh crap, I never took my wallet out of my other bag last night. So – I turn around and go home bc I don’t want to get stranded in Canton or anywhere else in between tonight. (At this point, we can add 7-10 minutes to my trip.)
8:25 – at the gas station. I get back in the car and smell gas. It followed me into the car – probably on my rain boots, hopefully not on the bottom of my pants.**Then, I hit super fun traffic getting onto 93, and get through the tunnel at 8:45. I call my mom bc who else would listen to my ridiculousness? She seconds the notion that staying in bed would have been a better option, and sends her best wishes that my day improves, and I was in a better mood after talking to her.
I get to work by 9:05 – so not a huge deal, but not when I like to show up.
All in all – not a horrible morning, but a pretty hectic start. In the grand scheme of things, life could be MUCH worse. Next time I wake up and think, I should stay in bed, I might just do it.

*thankfully we have wood stairs and multiple people in the house to wake me up when I turn off my alarm.
**I worried about this the entire ride to work. . what would I have done if my pants smelled like gas all day??

ARgh.

I was typing a blog about how I was having a horrible, no good, very bad morning - and at the end, there was some random error, and the entire thing was deleted, proving my theory that staying in bed was the better option today.

gutsy

we all do things at work that are not 100% work related - making appointments, emails to friends or family, reading the news, etc. but it's probably not best to make it so obvious that about 70% of your day is devoted to personal errands and issues. Just saying..

Sondre Lerche

I saw Sondre Lerche in concert this weekend. I love his songs - his lyrics are fabulous and the songs are pretty upbeat. I am still consistently impressed by artists who can find ways to describe things in songs that are felt in real life. Clearly - these emotions and situations are not unique to just one person, but at the time, it always feels like you are the only one with that issue. I am a little jealous that some people can find creative ways to express it, and I just have to play their songs on repeat.
Sondre talks a lot to the crowd too which I liked. I also realized he sort of looks like James McAvoy. Or at least reminds me of him.

Homemade chili is better than Papa Gino's pizza

Sunday - I went over to Colleen and Emmett's to watch the Patriots game. Emmett had a few friends over, and Colleen made all sorts of yummy food - like chili, pumpkin bread and guacamole. (This may have inadvertantly guaranteed that their house will be the favorite football viewing house!) It was such a switch from a year or two ago - when we'd all go out on a Saturday night, get up late, and all lay around in the living room watching football and ordering pizza. I know I have written about things that remind you that you are an actual adult, and it shouldn't really be that surprising to me - but I think sometimes I am caught off guard by it all. I'm not complaining by any means, but I wonder if people are always this conscious of the transistions in the lives?

Curious

Another celeb had a baby and named it something weird. It makes me wonder, are these people REALLY naming their kids strange things, or do they come up with these fake names so they can have a tabloid moniker? That way - the paparazzi can never really pull up information on their kid - no official public records, etc. What would make Ashlee Simpson name her baby Bronx Mowgli, really? A love of NY and The Jungle Book? It seems silly. I bet its real name is something ordinary - like Pete Jr.

Still funny

Something triggered my memory of this commercial and its 'instructional video' today. . I forgot how funny it was, and wanted to share.

Where to go

Apparently, the Butcher Shop is the place to go if you are a celeb visiting boston!

Check out who was the latest celeb seen there. (not by me)

An old favorite

I strayed from DMB for quite some time, and it's funny that I randomly thought of this song and cannot get it out of my head. I've been listening to all my old favorites and it is such a flood of random memories.

Thanks for the warning.

Last Saturday it was in the upper 60's and sort of humid. Sunday - 40's and super windy. Today when I left for work it was 24 degrees.

Upper 60's to 24 in 3 days is a huge shift. I haven't even broken out all the sweaters from the attic, since I have sort of been in denial that winter is coming so quickly. I feel sort of caught off guard by this frigid temp. No gloves, no hat. (Ok that's my fault - but still.) I'm not ready for Winter to be here yet. . luckily - I live in New England and I'm sure in two weeks it will be 58 degrees again.

Also - I'm sad the leaves are all gone. Trees in winter are so sharp and unfriendly. Only when it first snows and they are all covered in white do they look nice again. ugh. I may need to leave extreme season-ville. Who wants to go on a vacation to somewhere sunny and warm anytime between January and May?

Random work place quirks

One sure fire place for an awkward interaction is the bathroom at work. In our building the bathroom doors are across from each other, so there are plenty of chances to run into someone on the way in/out. People always feel like they need to say hi, which is nice - we are a friendly group - but then people strike up random conversations, and it's just weird, bc clearly you were headed somewhere with a mission!

Also - some days I go into the restroom and there is water* all over the sink, paper towels on the floor and toilet paper on the floor of the stalls. wtf? Aren't we all adults here, and why can't we just be neat and clean up after ourselves??

*and ew - sometimes there are random strands of hair.

B*O*R*E*D

Mondays are good because "How I Met Your Mother" is on, which makes me laugh. Today at work was busy, long and I couldn't wait for it to be over. I am looking forward to a few things this week, so I think that's why Monday dragged a bit.
We were also watching "Intervention" tonight. It was creepy - a girl who had a lot of emotional and abandonment issues was addicted to huffing. She would buy spray cans of electronics cleaner - the spray air- and would breathe it in. I couldn't believe she wasn't dead already, or was still able to function w/o permanent brain damage. She got this really creepy blank stare on her face right after she huffed. I would be nervous to be around her, and incredibly sad if I was in her family. If someone in my family was acting that way - I would do all I could to help them out. I guess at some point if people don't accept it you can't do anything for them.
I'm bored tonight. I was watching dumb TV and got annoyed, now I guess it's time for bed.

monday

This weekend was nothing to complain about. Friday night karaoke - will probably occur more often than necessary. It was super fun, and too short. Saturday - rainy and crappy and gloomy. I did not accomplish much besides washing some towels and watching random movies on TV before and after my 2 hour nap. (Much needed after Friday night, and knowing I was going out Saturday night too!) I finally woke up, got motivated, ate dinner and went out w/ friends for Lori's bday. It was hot (ok, only high 60's but after 40 degrees* - that is hot.) and humid. So we went to Clarke's and I randomly saw a girl from high school. She was up w/ her bf visiting his sister, and thought - who do I know in Boston? Oh kimmy! I wonder if I'll see her, and within 5 mins. there I was. Strange.
Anyway - Clarke's was fun even though we were hot and gross. Then when we left it was a free for all hunt for a cab. The cab driver did NOT understand what a left turn was, and almost went right, then straight. He was not a happy camper. It was pouring rain and he had his back windows open. Dumb.
Sunday - I met my parents for lunch in Sturbridge. I'm also now carting around 2 computer monitors until tomorrow. Work is collecting unwanted electronics for only a $10 donation to the company's community fund, which is way cheaper than other places.
I got really tired when I got home from lunch/dinner, and started watching a strange movie w / Jen and Greg - Son of Rambow. I will probably rent it again bc the first 25 mins were intriguing. . but I couldn't stay awake for it. Funny enough, I tried to go to sleep and couldn't. Figures.






*Ever wonder why there is not a degree symbol on the keyboard? If there is and I'm missing it, let me know.

Tonight

should be super fun. As previously mentioned, I am meeting friends for drinks, and karaoke - Amy has already decided that we should sing "Hold On" - which will be a reprise from Colleen's wedding.
The story:
At the reception for Colleen & Emmett's wedding - after the speeches, after the toasts, we were eating dinner, or about to be served dinner? tough to say. Anyway- Hold On, by Wilson Phillips came on. I'm not sure who started it, but somehow the two tables of the wedding party, and the bride/groom - maid of honor/best man table were all singing "Hold On." I don't think any of us considered the fact that there was a room full of people watching us. Colleen thought it was funny - as did the rest of us. I think they picked a great wedding party - since we all knew the words and were happy to sing it! haha. I wish someone had that on video. Mortifying - I'm sure.

rainy friday

It is so frustrating to wait for things that do not come. You get your hopes up (against your better judgement) and then ... crickets. arggggggggggggh.
guys suck.

And it is cloudy and drizzly, spitty rainy.

Happier things - I am going out tonight w/ friends for martinis at the Cheesecake factory, and then off to karaoke. haha. I would be lost w/o friends I think.

figures

That on a day when it REALLY does not matter if I am at work on time - I have to leave my street early bc of street sweeping, there is not a lot of traffic, and I am in the office by 8:15.

Dreams

I had a strange dream the other night - I was in a city which was a combination of Chicago, San Fran and LA - Strange I know, but it had little pieces of each of them. So - in this city - I am walking down the street with my sister (H), and a girl I was best friends w/ in elementary school (D). H, D and I were headed to a conference and it looked like there was a storm in the distance, across the water. We were nervous and thought - oh no, what if a hurricane or tornado comes before we get inside. Instead - the sky continued to get dark, it was windy and then the buildings (all gray, 2 pink) started to crumble. Huge pieces of buildings dropped from the sky and everyone panicked. Cut to the next scene - we were in a fast food place, and inside it was blue and red. (Burger King maybe?) I was with D but H was missing. Out the window of the restaurant I could see a large field of grass, and people were streaming towards us. H came out of the bathroom and was pretty calm and casual about the whole city crumbling incident. Then I woke up.
What in the world does this all mean??
- I have not talked to D in AGES. Though we are facebook friends.
- I don't go to BK, but do drive past one everyday.
- I have not been to Chicago in about 1.5 yrs at least, but was just in LA and am going to SF in 2 weeks.
- I talk to H every day so I'm never surprised when she shows up in dreams.
- Crumbling buildings, tornados and hurricanes?? no clue.

Little annoyances

How many times a day/week/month do you think to yourself, wow, who does (insert name) think they are? Or, did (insert name) seriously just say that? I shouldn't be surprised since it continues to happen, but I think I'm still caught off guard sometimes by the way people handle things. In work, in regular life, wherever - people create a fuss to get what they want and then change their minds. Or one of the worst to deal with - people who are convinced that they are always right (and can't admit they are not), even if the other person can back up their information and is right! It's silly and I wish it didn't infuriate/frustrate/bother me. I guess this is a lesson in dealing w/ people and practicing being patient (sometimes I struggle with that.)

10/31 - Again, late on the fun event posting. Oops.

My mom made a fabulous costume for me! (thanks again :) )

The lovely and delicious cupcakes Jen and I made.

Beer Maid and Olive Oil

Our gracious hosts - Kevin's costume was gruesome and scary. Lauren - the naughty nun - smoking and PREGNANT! (for real pregnant, the cigarette is fake.)

The picture right before Kevin broke the news that Lauren is pregnant with a Baby Jordan!

Lori is a fierce doughnut eating competitor.

And also fierce at bobbing for apples. She won vs. the Conlan sisters. It looked dangerous.

Colls and Emmett

adios

I was spoiled last week - not being in the office building from 4:30 - 5 when the friggin sun sets, and life gets depressing. I guess I didn't really notice too much that it was so dark so early- since we were out of the building at 8pm anyway. Now, I am sitting at my desk, and sad to see that it is PITCH BLACK. ugh. This is where the trouble starts. Now I will want to go home, make dinner, and possibly curl up in my bed - not go to the gym or be productive like I should be. I feel like it is about 8pm right now.
I should have prepared myself better for this.
Clearly, I am not ready for, or embracing the approach of winter. Or maybe I didn't want to admit the impending official end of summer/fall.

Oh Daylights Savings - we are not friends right now.

Rocky Road

Whoa, things are not good in business. (Not like we didn't know that...but still. ) DHL is ending its U.S. only operations. And cutting 9,500 jobs. Yikes. (per the article) DHL said it was making the cuts to improve profitability and "to prepare the company for the economic challenges ahead."
The state of this country seriously worries me. And as much as I am worried and nervous, I am confident that Obama is the right choice to get us back on track. I don't have a back up plan for what I would do if my job was suddenly cut - and I guess I should since there is so much uncertainty everywhere.
At least this is good news for UPS..(and FedEx, but clearly I'm biased bc my dad works for UPS.)

too much alone time in the weekends makes me overanalyze things.

So it's sort of funny that Heather and I both are having a 'life realization' moment at the same time. The difference - Heather has an idea of where to go and what to do and I'm just wondering, what am I doing, what is the plan, and where do I go next?
I am a little bored with my life. I need a new project or hobby to keep me occupied. Work is fabulous, I love my team, I love my job, and am a supporter of the brand I work for, so I'm not having trouble with that. (finally!) But, I can't figure out what else I want. I know I want to go to grad school, however, I don't know what I want to go for. I know - don't go unless you really know what you want to study. I don't think I need a master's for my current job - but did sort of set in my head that someday I'd get one. The only thing that I can think of would be to get a masters so I can teach someday.
I have always said that I want to figure myself out before I worry about figuring things out w/ someone else as a part of my life. But I've realized that is sort of silly. Maybe I was able to say that because I don't have that person in my life that I want to include in everything, and make sacrifices for, or compromise with in order for us both to be happy. And since I'm not there yet, shouldn't I be doing more things that I know I want ?

President Obama.

Last night, we were driving back to the hotel (I'm in CA for work) and the final result had not been announced. I looked it up on cnn.com on my blackberry and literally caught my breath when I saw he was the winner. I was speechless and thrilled. I wanted to jump up and down and cry and scream. I am so proud of our country for making this decision. I am excited to be part of such a momentus occasion in our history. I'm excited to have voted for the first African American President.
I know there are people who are sad, or disappointed or mad that he won, but that was us in 2000, and 2004. . it's time for us to be proud of America. I think I just realized yesterday what that means. I don't believe I have been in a position before that allowed me to be so involved and so committed to my own beliefs and decisions to truly understand what it meant and felt like to be a part of something so big. In 2000, and in 2004, I was disapointed that my choice wasn't selected. The 2004 election especially defeated my faith in the american people, who (I think) were a bit jaded and scared to pick anything different - after having been scared by the 9/11 tragedy and the war Bush got us into.
I went on facebook today and saw so many of my friends had their status about their happiness in the outcome. Many have comments similar to mine in this blog - about being proud, or hopeful, and excited for the future. I think the outcome of this election will continue to inspire voters, and citizens to be a part of the process and expect a bit more from our government.
Also - I was impressed by both speeches. McCain was graceful in his concession and I admire his support of Obama. Even though his supporters were booing the announcement of Obama as President - McCain basically said, He is my president and he is yours, and we need to get on board. I also really admired Obama's mention of the voters that didn't pick him. If I hadn't chosen Obama but heard him say - we need to figure out how to work together, and I know we have different views, but we need to make it happen - I'd feel like he at least would acknowledge the opposing points of view and consider them in his decision making. I don't ever remember hearing Bush say - there are some of you who didn't pick me, but I am still listening to you.

Famous blog

Random - My blog was featured in comments on hbo.com: *not the best discussion but funny that someone mentioned my blog.
Basically this message board was talking about how much they love Gabriel Byrne, and someone noted he had been in Boston, per my blog/sighting. Somehow they were alerted by Google alerts?

Today's the day

I'm anxious for tonight when we find out who our next President will be. I sincerely hope there are no shenanigans like in 2000, and 2004 to delay or alter the outcome of the race.

I am glad it will all be over soon though. I'm sick of the ads, the comments, and the signage. I think it is great that people are passionate about their candidate, and about this country - but enough is enough and it's time to move on to something else.

Two of my favorites

Favorite holiday and favorite pup!

Jack O' Lanterns

Last night Jen and I carved our pumpkins. Jen forgot how gross the innards were - and had some difficulty with the smell. It was pretty nasty in there. But the end result was two cute pumpkin faces!

Kim's

Jen's

Rant of the Day

If you are on a conference call at your desk, do not put the phone on speaker! Yes, the call is about our new benefits plan / open enrollment and there may be a number of people around you listening too, but some of us are trying to work!

Happy Fall

Sunday, my parents and I went to Silverman's farm in CT to get apples and pumpkins. We also ended up with some fabulous pies!

Saturday - in Long Island at a wedding

Kelly & Me having fun w/ the masks

C & E get married (a little late on posting this)

Kacie scraping the frost off the windows to go get our hair done

The beautiful bride, getting ready.

7 of 9 bridesmaids

On the way to the reception!

Yum!

Jen and I love to dance.

I am way late posting these because the wedding was 10/18! But - it was so much fun. Colleen and Emmett are the cutest couple!

Highlights from the wedding day include :
- The choreographed bridal party entrances into the reception.

- The cowboy hats that were passed out during the reception

- Riding out of the parking lot in the back of Kevin's truck, when Lori yelled, "Live Free or Die!"

Click here for more pictures