Birthday!

Guess who's birthday is today. Yup, you would never guess, nor would I if I didn't get the email this morning. It's Malcolm's birthday. Who is Malcolm you may ask. Why, he's the fellow who owned my car before me. I brought my car into the dealer last month to get something fixed due to a recall and they updated the information on file. Although it looks like they only changed the email on file.

Thinking about it as I write this I think I realized why. Malcolm and I have the same last name. How strange is that? Granted my last name is pretty common but still fun that the car stayed in the "family". They probably thought he was still in the picture.

Note - I wrote this on November 16 and the couldn't get it to post. Just saw the draft now.

Mini Fridge

I'm trying to find a gag gift - a miniature mini fridge. Like a small 2" magnet or something. But do you know how hard it is to search for a mini mini fridge? Impossible! I just keep getting the actual mini fridge. Not a scaled down copy. I think I'm stumped. Looks like the joke was on me in the end!

Knitting Emergency

I have taken a little break from knitting this last year. I think part of it has to do with the fact that I have a basket overflowing with “finished” knitting projects that are not quite finished and I made a pact with myself to not start anything until they were finished. Basically the knitting is done just need to sew up the pieces. I think I have four sweaters.

I moved my yarn from a very prominent bookcase display in my living room up to my loft. I love it! My living room feels so much bigger and more open and I was pleasantly surprised to find the 4 by 4 cube IKEA bookcase, when taken apart can be turned into a linear bookcase one cube high that runs along the wall up in my loft. A few weeks ago I organized all my yarn into the new arrangement.

A few days ago I pulled some yarn out to make a last minute Christmas gift. I find that when I’m stumped on what to get someone - why not knit them something. I pulled out a few balls of my purple Debbie Bliss Soho yarn and was about to cast on when I found the ball in my lap had more than two ends. It was like a dozen plus. I was flummoxed at first and then it dawned on me and I jumped up. I looked at the ball closer and saw their were little worms! In my horror I put it into a ziplock bag and put it out on my porch to deal with later. And then I started going through the other balls of yarn. No eating of the yarn but I did find a few more worms that I smushed.

My question to my knitter friends - what do I do?! It looks like the worms (moth?) were just on a few balls of yarn. But I moved my yarn so don’t know what yarn was next to what yarn and if they were on other balls of yarn too. I did a visual and couldn’t find them on any other yarn. But most of my stash is 100% wool. And the worms move - when I picked up one ball, it did a quick dive into the dark regions and there was one worm I saw but couldn’t find again. I have a good deal of yarn so there’s no way I’m throwing it all out. Luckily the yarn is farther away from my clothes, so hopefully no cross-contamination. Any thoughts?

Don't you hate it/love it?!

My app for blogging on my ipad is broken and I haven't had time to fix it.  Which means less blogging (yea - that's why!)  The first two bullet points were from the quick post I was going to post but then realized I couldn't.  The rest are just add-ons that have accumulated since then:

• Why do people email/text asking you to give them a call?  If you want to talk, why don't you just call me in the first place.  Very annoying.
• On the flip side, I love it when being a broken record pays off.  For years I harp about double sided printing (or lack of it).  On one of my committees it's a running joke.  I just found out that the government official on my committee has finally made it official: no acceptance of proposals/reports unless they are double sided.  Not just for my committee but across the board.  Major win! 
• It's been a month of old and new friends.  Last weekend I checked out a performance of Handel's Messiah with a new/old friend - Theresa.  Her sister and I were good friends and went to college together.  So Theresa and I have known each other for a long time and now we are "neighbors".  It was her, me and her 6 month old son, D.  The first time I ever saw a performance with bells in person.  Amazing and I had a ton of fun entertaining D throughout - we spent a lot of time exploring the church.  It's hard to sit still for 2 hours when you're 6 months old and not napping - so much to check out.
• Last week, I popped out of work for a few hours and went over to the Children's Museum to celebrate my god son's birthday.  This picture is very misrepresentative.  He was moving a mile a minute bouncing from one thing to the next.  Apparently there's a big shift going from 3 to 4 and a influx of energy!  It was very strange going back to work afterwards.
• The weekend before last I spent the afternoon with a new friend, Sara.  We sat next to each other on a plane and realized we had a ton in common.  She was just relocating to Boston.  She's in residency so doesn't get to see the light of day much, let alone make it out to the burbs and enjoy the country.  It was great catching up and hunting down the perfect Christmas tree for me.  I ended up buying a pre-packaged tree after trying to find one to chop down but striking out.  It was easy to transport when they're all bundled up and was happy to see it was perfectly shaped when I "unwrapped" it.  On our way back we were driving by Walden Pond, a place I've driven by tons but never have had time to check out yet.  We walked around the pond and I have to say it had nothing to do with my brother having gone last time he was in town with a friend!
• I should mention that I'm finally getting free flights from the air milage I'm accruing from my work travel.  All short, eastern seaboard flights, usually a few each month.  Often I'm just spending a day popping down for a meeting in DC or NYC.  Last week I was heading down to NYC mid-morning on the train - such a civilized, old-school way to travel.  I was in an internal meeting at work (a few blocks from the train station) and saw the time and realized I was late.  I hustled down to the train station, only to be reminded that you can show up 5 minutes before scheduled departure and you're fine.  In other words, I was finally early!  I hate waiting at the airport if I don't have to so I have learned how to time it such that I get in my car at home, drive, park, go through security to my gate and walk straight onto the plane.  I've been meeting a ton of folks on my travels and even running into other people I know at the airport.  I never ran into people I know at the airport, but I guess, now I've increased my odds, traveling more and knowing more people.
• I'm so behind on gifts this year.  Aaack.

Novocain

As a recent grad I was hit with the realization - if I floss I will save money. Many years have gone by and I have to say, well, I’m not saving money. I still have not been able to get flossing into my daily schedule - the floss on the wand apparently doesn’t count. I finally found a new dentist this year - this one being the fourth one since I’ve been in Boston. Looks like it’s working out, except, I have a bunch of catch up in the dental world. This morning, I just got done having some fillings and made one last appointment. Apparently my teeth are good and all my cavities are between the teeth - where I’m not flossing. I can tell you that I will floss tonight, and again tomorrow, but then Thursday might get skipped and the rest is downhill. My dentist suggested I try a water pick. Has anyone had any experience?


In the meantime, I sit here writing this at lunch. Very very hungry. The novocain hasn’t worn off yet which means I’m a mess. I keep absent mindedly taking a sip of water at my desk while I’m working. Except it doesn’t all quite make its way into my mouth. And then I tried nibbling at some food and I’m very conscious that it’s not just my teeth and tongue that work to get the food processed while keeping everything contained. Granted, I couldn’t even begin to imagine what dental work without pain relief would be like. I’m off to research water picks.

Good News Friday

I had a colleague share with me recently a little work secret - he likes to share good news on Fridays. It's a good way to start off the weekend. Hey, who could argue with that approach?!

Well, today, I was wrapping up some work after the office got quiet with everyone heading out for the weekend. I was responding to emails including several that had just come in, including some from my boss. Next thing, I'm getting a call from my boss. We chat and then he asks if I could pop up to his floor for a quick chat.

Well, clearly I've given away the end, it was good news. But on that elevator ride up I scroll through everything it could be, from the good to the bad. The unknown can be quite fearful. My boss was in the presidents office so I pop my head in and am asked to have a seat. What could it be?

Turns out they wanted to recognize my good work and give me a little something in recognition. I shouldn't go into the particulars in public. Just a simple, you've been doing great and we want to give you something for all your hard work. I love that I didn't have to ask for anything - it was a complete surprise. I'm really loving this job.

Of course I wasn't as eloquent in my acceptance of praise as I would have liked. And of course I did a little happy dance once I was in the elevator. And of course, when I go to call folks to share the good news with, no one answers. So instead, I will share the good news with my blogland friends.

And I should add that the colleague who shared his little Friday secret - that was my boss. I gotta say, I'm appreciating his approach!

Farewell Blackberry

My blackberry for work finally petered out and today was replaced by a new iphone. I was excited and nostalgic simultaneously. I still like the blackberry over the iphone for some things. I remember when I switched jobs and went from iphone back to blackberry some friends thought I was crazy - that I could go back to being iphoneless. But it’s much easier to use the blackberry with one hand while walking and with gloves on. I do sometimes miss the extra features smartphones have though too. So am happy with the upgrade.


I wasn’t expecting the turn around to happen so quickly. That I’d have the blackberry for another week so I wasn’t ready yet to say farewell. I remembered to pull off the random photos and videos. Now the camera on the blackberry is not great so I didn’t take too many pictures. But there were a few that brought back smile.

First was this fellow who I met one night after a late night working, waiting for my bus home. The Red Sox game had just gotten out and they were on their way home. He was very amiable and friendly. The Sox must have won. I had to take a picture of him because he was all blinged out. Of course the camera didn’t capture the important part. The big glowing light is the reflection off of his California license plates. I forget what the letters were but he had gotten two vanity plates that were coded for the years the Red Sox won the World Championships when he lived in California. Gotta love the Bostonians!

This next picture was from a year or so ago when I had a play date with my man Cam.  We had gone to the Science Museum just the two of us and had a blast.  I love going to children’s museums and seeing the learning and awe through their eyes.  Nothing beats it!

Fall

I love eating autumn soups. I hate having a burnt tongue.

I love the chilly days and pulling out the sweaters. I'm on step two of my four step path to winter. First, close all but two of the windows. Second, close all the windows. Three, close the storm windows. And finally caulk the old double hung windows. I'm holding out until after thanksgiving to turn on the heat. It feels very promising after a day of 70s weather.

I can't wait for daylight savings. I've been having rushed mornings since my internal clock is having me wake up at 7 instead of 6. The pitfalls of a working lifestyle sans alarm clock. Only two and a half weeks to go!

Public Radio

Last night with friends we were sharing podcasts we love. I realized when I followed up this morning, sending links of my favorites, that I’m a public radio junky. Here’s my list of recommendations:

The Moth
Risk!
Selected Shorts
Michael Feldman’s Whadya Know
Frakonomics Radio
Radio Lab
Stuff You Should Know

This was assuming that they already listened to the established and well known shows:

This American Life
Prairie Home Companion
Fresh Air
Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me
Car Talk

And I shared that one of my favorite shows is “Says You” which does not have free podcasts but is well worth tuning into the show on your local radio station. I referenced the show in a past blog post. As I was looking for the website I was reminded that I’ve been meaning to send in a suggestion for a question for the show. So at lunch I came up with a few of the questions I’ve been thinking of. Here’s the questions - figure out which one of the four doesn’t belong.

1. Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, Kentucky
2. Delaware, Nebraska, Tennessee, Maine
3. Rhode Island, Kentucky, Vermont, Maine
4. Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey

Here’s my submission:
When I stumbled upon the discovery that my step-sister and I both lived in commonwealths (MA and VA) I realized there must be a “Says You” question in there somewhere!. Several years later I’ve finally sat down and put together a few state based questions with the “Odd Man Out” format in mind.

1. Pennsylvania, Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio. Odd man out is Ohio - the rest are all commonwealths. There are only four in the country and I thought putting Massachusetts in the list might be too obvious.

2. Delaware, Nebraska, Maine and Tennessee. Odd man out is Tennessee - the rest all end with “E” in their state abbreviations: DE, NE, ME. Other groupings could be considered. UT, MT, CT, and VT might be easier states to figure out this relationship.

3. Kentucky, Vermont, West Virginia and Rhode Island. Odd man out is Rhode Island - the rest all split from another state. Kentucky from Virginia in 1792, Vermont from New York/New Hampshire in 1791, West Virginia from Virginia in 1863. I left out Maine since it was merged into Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1691 and later split off from Massachusetts and became its own state in 1820, but could be considered.

4. Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. Odd man out is New York. There were only three states that ratified the United States Constitution in 1787. The rest of the 13 colonies ratified the constitution in 1788.

Needless to say, please use what you will, edit and fact check. I hope this provides fodder for future questions on the show. From a fan!

How cool would it be if they use something on air?!

Height

I had a great time visiting mom and the family. Nine of us descended upon her and engulfed her house. Maggie, her dog, was in heaven with everyone there. It flew by, I think in part because people arrived and left at staggered times. And I was reminded again how tall my family is. At 5'7" I was the 9th tallest! Only my mom was shorter than me.

I was supposed to fly back on a 4:30 pm flight on Monday so I'd be back at work by Tuesday. They over booked and because the people they were trying to find seats for were flight crew they went all the way up to $600! Apparently that is the maximum they can go. The next direct flight wasn't until 6:30 the next morning so they gave me hotel and food vouchers too.

It took awhile to get all the paperwork since there were several crisis the staff were dealing with, including unloading all the passengers from the plane I had just given up my seat on - technical issues with the plane. By the time I left for the hotel, which was about when I would have been landing in Boston, the plane still hadn't departed.

I swung by the main ticket counter on my way out to get a copy of my ticket for the next morning and standing besides me was this woman slightly familiar. Couldn't place her and thought at first she might be a celebrity, but then I discounted that idea to the fact that she was just nicely put together. She was a little disgruntled, I think some issue with a ticket and was checking her blackberry. When a stranger comes up and asks her something. I couldn't hear it but heard her response. She said, "yes, I'm her". Which garnered a response of, "I loved your show". She was really quite nice to the adoring fan and I finally realized she was Tracee Ellis Ross. The actor on Girlfriends and Diana Ross's daughter. She had her hair back in a bun and seemed shorter than she should be - my height. I checked online and she's 5'7" too.

So all in all a nice little adventure: I still get into work (only half an hour late), got to see a famous celebrity and am $600 richer in plane vouchers!

August Pictures

I go back and forth about the iphone vs. the blackberry. I’ve had both for work (at different times), and usually prefer the blackberry for work stuff. But the iphone has some nice non-work stuff - like maps and good photos. All this is a long winded way to say I don’t have as many pictures these days since I don’t have an iphone, but did get a new camera this year and have been using it more than the old one. The pictures are so much better although they do seem to stay trapped on the camera just as long. I finally went through and downloaded them, shared them with those I promised to share them with and thought I’d post a few here as well to share with the rest of you. These are from August when we had our little reunion up in Maine hosted by Maggie and Dave.


PICTURE DIFFICULTY - WILL TRY ON A DIFFERENT COMPUTER.
I will add that every time I forget how bad traffic is going from Maine to Boston on a Sunday in summer. It took double the time - I think 3 hours! I’ve already started to forget. And it’s really just the mile or so going through New Hampshire. The upside is that it provides an excuse to break it up and stop by the outlet mall on the way back. This time I hit upon some good jewelry and sportswear (aka lounge wear for me). You never know what you’ll stumble upon.

My Festival Date

I was chatting with colleagues today about weekend plans and one mentioned going to the Fluff festival tomorrow. Finally! I always miss it. For some reason I think it should be in spring. I've been wanting to go for years.

Now the only thing I faced was who could I talk into going with me at this 11th hour. Because you know these things are more fun with a friend.

And the friend that's joining me? Who better to enjoy a Fluff festival with than a 3 year old? I was able to snag my god son for the afternoon. I though it would be a cool way to be introduced to a new food - going to a festival dedicated to fluff. Except it looks like he's already tried fluff. The nice thing is I get to indulge in fluff for an afternoon with him and at the end of the day, return him back to his parents when the sugar crash hits! I have to say I love my life! Now, just hoping the rain lets up and the sun comes out in time for our outing.

Stairs Update

It’s been a week (almost) and here’s what I’ve discovered:

• Habits die hard. I’ve found myself walking towards the elevator and escalators out of habit instead of the stairs. Especially if I’m reading and walking - not paying attention completely.
• Elevators are more part of my world than I realized.
• Going to a project meeting with colleagues there was no way around taking the elevator up to the 32nd floor. No way I could say, “I’ll see you in 20 minutes after I’ve climbed all the stairs.” Assuming I could even pull this feat off. Thankfully I was exempt since didn’t have access to the stairs anyways.
• Walking with a colleague, it’s hard to split away mid-conversation when they head into the elevator. I gently suggest the stairs, but there are several folks with the cold that the stairs make them wheeze.
• Walking the stairs means I forget more stuff - don’t know why. Twice I’ve found I've gotten to the top of 8 flights and forgot something at my desk.  Usually the internal cursing begins at this point.
• Walking down stairs on heels, regardless of whether you are tired or not, is precocious. I learned to just pop the shoes off and pad down barefoot the 6 flights when I’m at work. Usually it’s an empty stairwell, so no issue. Going up is not an issue on the heels.
• This isn’t an original idea and I think I probably got the idea from colleagues. Found two other colleagues who have also banned elevators in their lives. One actually goes to the next level and walks everywhere. She did end up saying “I’ll see you in 20 minutes” and walked to the meeting instead of taking the taxi with us. Surprisingly we left almost at the same time and I think we got there a minute or two before her. City driving!
• I’m eyeing a new gadget - the Fit Bit ultra. It tracks stuff like steps, miles, stairs, and even sleep. And you can see if you’re meeting your targets or not, all down with pretty charts when you upload the data. I like the idea of working towards a positive target (x many steps) than a negative target (no elevators). I like to think it’ll push me to stay with it.
• I was working the Fit Bit into the budget for next month - October. It’s not cheap - $100. 
• I went to the dentist today. The Fit Bit is getting worked into the budget for November. Dental work is expensive.

So in summary, I think I’ve clocked about 600 stairs a day (30 stories). Sometimes I want to wuss out and take the elevator, but I’ve stuck with it. I don’t think my body had changed at all.. I’m hoping at the end of the second week it starts to be easier.

My Town

I've recently found out about a slew of friends (or friends of friends) who have recently moved or about to move to my town from other areas in greater Boston. They're all friends in their thirties. And exciting to have them as closer neighbors.

At first I was super excited (still am) since when I first moved to my town the people I knew were all older than me, sometimes by decades and I knew them more through my industry than hanging out with. And over the years the people I've become friends, mostly from being on committees have also been older and lived in the town much longer. But now all my contemporaries are joining my good taste in towns and I'm suddenly aware of how much I've not fully taken advantage of exploring my town and learning all the ins and outs.

I just realized this summer we had a beach - the kind with a life guard and everything. You can put it mildly that I'm not always up to date on all the great stuff. Which I never noticed before since I hung out with friends in other towns and not my own. But now that's all changing. I won't be the guru about all the neat things in town for those who visit - I'll be surpassed by some of my friends. Which is great since I can cheat and learn more easily about stuff and yet I still feel it erodes my claim to the town. I was here first - darn it!

And then it dawned on me. My name is all over town. In bronze. On the plaques of the buildings I've worked on. I have nothing to worry about - this is my town, and I'm happy to share it.

Stairs

As most of my friends know, I’m anti-gym. It’s just not my thing. The last thing I want to do is exercise for exercise sake. I like exercise to be done as a bi-product of something else - something fun. I didn’t get as much bike riding to work done this summer as I had last summer and I’m feeling a bit guilty. I’ve been looking around trying to find a good fit and bringing more exercise into my daily life. I’m feeling older and realize that this is something that I probably need - both for mental and physical health. I’ve dabbled with the idea of doing yoga again - classes or at home, but that hasn’t happened yet. I’ve looked and looked and looked and have finally decided to face the obvious elephant in the room standing right in front of me and write it down. I’m forgoing elevators.

There I said it - I wrote it down. No more elevators for me. Funny to say considering I spent the first 18 years of my life in a town that I think only had three buildings with elevators (ok, maybe it wasn’t that small, but there weren’t any elevators in my daily life). But now, I’m a big city girl. And, I finally work at a company where we occupy the whole building so the stairs are unlocked and accessible during business hours. I’m also going to add escalators to the list, but with a caveat - here’s the exceptions:

- If the stairs are locked because it’s after hours - then I can (and should) use the elevator.

- I get one free pass a week for using the elevator at work instead of the stairs. To be used when I’m tired and have the heels on.

- Use stairs instead of escalators unless I’m trying to catch a train and the stairs would make me miss it.

- I get to use the escalator going up at Porter but have to walk up it. It’s a long haul out of that station.

- I get to use the escalator/elevator when traveling and I have luggage.


It sounds like a good plan - works on the thighs and cardio - good target areas for me. I must run up and down between floors at least a half dozen times a day. I’m going to guess I average about 20 flights a day at work (up and down). The whole heels thing made it easier to excuse myself from running the stairs, especially when I was overworked and more likely to stumble. So, what do you think? I wrote it down, so that means it’s going to happen right? This morning I was reading and habit kicked-in and I took the elevator up. But the rest of the time so far (4 hours) I’ve taken the stairs - so far so good!

Thursday Travel

Remember how I mentioned I had a lot of travel coming up? Well today was the first trip which almost didn't happen. Last night I started getting a wicked headache. No problem, my "medicine" for headaches is sleep so I crawled into bed after arranging for a cab to pick me up at 6 am the next morning.

But then I woke up with the headache not only still there but getting worse, verging on migraine level. In classic style, I ignored it and went running about getting ready. It wasn't until I was sitting in the cab on my way to Logan airport that by pausing the headache just slammed into the foreground.

By the time we arrive at my terminal, I'm barely holding onto not being sick in the cab. I slowly walk through the door and make a bee line to the row of seats just inside. I spent the next 20 minutes trying to master this headache that's descended on me. I've been popping pills, drinking fluids and spent the time slowly eating the English muffin I had brought with me. It wasn't looking good. I had a few more minutes before I had to make the executive decision whether to shakily make my way to the gate or call it quits and call Nick to come get me - no way I could make it through another cab ride.

I make one last try to force mind over matter and muster my last bit of focus and stand up and start walking to my gate. Interestingly the more I walked the better I started feeling. This might be doable. I make it through security, pick up another bottle of water and walk right onto the plane - no waiting. I settle in and proceed to take 10 minute cat naps throughout my flight.

By the time I land, I'm much better. Something did the trick - water, food, drugs (baby aspirin mind you) or sleep. The headache is no longer front and center. Throughout the day it hovers in the background. And I've been worried it will jump front and center but I'm almost home - just one more cab ride.

And the best thing - not only was my meeting a success and I was able to catch up with staff in our DC office, I was able to snag an earlier flight! I was scheduled to get home after 11 pm - long day. Very long day when you've been wrestling with a headache.

Travel Notes

This week marked the second week in a row of traveling for work where they weren't just day trips but multiple destinations back to back. You can tell I've been traveling a bit more than usual when:
1. I run into a coworker in one of those snaking lines to get through security. We traded notes on recent projects we've both been traveling for when we'd pass each other. A fun way to make it through security.
2. I forget to write down my destination address but find when I get in the taxi at the airport I spit it out without thinking - apparently I have it memorized.
3. I realize I should get a taxi to Reagan Airport when an alert pops up on my email while I'm on a conference call saying I'm departing in an hour and a half. Time to hussle!
4. I go to check-in at the airport by swiping the credit card at one of the self check-in kiosks and I'm stumped when it asks me to put in the first three letters of my destination city. Got it on the second try and apparently I'm heading to Newark (Philli was my first guess).
5. I don't politely wait at the end of a ridiculously long and poorly managed security line at Terminal B (mental note - don't fly out of this terminal, stick with JetBlue). It's shear chaos since the number of people goes half way down the terminal way beyond the ribbons that keep people in queue. Half the people are keeping the four lines and the other half of the people just ignore the lines and butt in at the official entry of the lines. I realize the line I'm in isn't moving partly because of everyone cutting so pop over and cut in the next line which was brilliant - it was the only line that moved. It allowed me time to pop into the bathroom which I was dying to do since I was on the conference call back at the office.
6. I have no idea where I'm going when I land but the great thing is I have all this technology that allows me to get away with preparing properly. Or so I think!
7. And I pack 10 minutes before I head out the door this morning. Threw a bunch of stuff into my weekend bag and cross the fingers I didn't forget anything.

Weeken Leftovers

• Strained a muscle in my neck a week ago. Initially it was splitting migraines anytime I moved my head. Slowly it’s gotten better/I’ve learned to live with the headaches. Almost healed now!
• Self diagnosed that the strain must be a result of: stress, sleeping weird, my heavy bag I carry everyday (with the ipad), and/or my long hair.
• I chopped off a foot of my hair - I now I have a shoulder length bob and bought a flat iron this last weekend in my attempt to keep the look I left the salon with. After the first cut it felt like my neck grew - such a weight was lifted.
• Traveled to Princeton Thursday. Here’s how it went: Packed the night before. Woke up, got ready and drove to the airport, didn’t hit any major traffic. Found a good parking spot (one of the last). Waited through security. Walked to my gate and onto my plane. Sat down and off we went. Perfect timing! Landed in Newark and made my way to NJTransit. Chatted with the attendant while waiting for my train - swapping deals we’ve found on shoes, clothes and bras at TJ Maxx - gotta love NYC. The rest is boring work stuff.
• Then on my way back up to NYC Thursday after my meetings, I got thinking, what should I do for dinner. Called Noah and caught him a moment before he was heading back home to Brooklyn - perfect timing! Got out at Penn Station at 6 pm - the que for taxis was ridiculous so walked the 15 blocks to my hotel - which looked out onto Time Square, up on the 36th floor. Result - blistered feet and an annoyance with people on the sidewalks - it was crowded. Ended up dining at ABC Kitchen - fabulous meal attained after hovering by the bar for seats to clear up. Started with a marvelous melon salad - sweet and light and salty and hot and minty - perfect combos. Followed by a squash blossom three cheese gourmet pizza - love fresh ricotta on pizzas - I always forget. Then for the main, had a “suckling pig” where every bite just melted on your mouth - done to perfection - this is the stuff you can’t come close to making at home. Topped off with a specialty donut plate. Perfect amount and a meal to remember - great food, great company and great ambiance.
• Friday, after my morning meeting, lunch at the famous Les Halles (home base of chef Anthony Bourdain - I don’t watch cable but if I did I’d know this guy), I took a cab to the airport. Luckily I double checked - almost went to Newark instead of LaGuardia - opps. Showed up at the counter and they were able to bump me to the earlier flight that was just leaving. Waited through security. Brisker walk to the gate this time and directly onto my plan. Sat down, off we went, I nodded off, and next thing I know we’ve landed and I’m home!
• Except, it took me another half hour to find my car. Flew out on US Air, flew back on United. One is terminal A the other terminal B. Wish I could whistle and my car would come running to me. Instead I made one last treck and sunk into the warm embrace of my air-conditioned car. The dogs were barking but it was Friday afternoon and I was getting home early! No complaints.
• Slept for almost 12 hours Friday night!
• Laid low recharging the battery this weekend and only got half the chores done, but splurged on a shopping trip to TJ Maxx - the NJ Transit got me missing the place.
• Now I’m back at work wearing my new Escada grey wool turtleneck sweater celebrating this little window of fall before the high heat returns later this week and getting freaked out watching this video of this guy who photographed himself every day for 12 years. It’s like a staring contest you can’t win.

Bachelor LIfe

It’s been two full weeks with Nick as a house guest and all’s well! We’ve gotten a fairly regular pattern going and I have to admit I’ll miss having him around once he leaves. That being said, I do have to add the latest of my observations that gives me a glimpse into his bachelor lifestyle.

Saturday morning, I was working on chores while Nick was doing his thing. At one point I went into the bathroom after he’d taken a shower. The floor was sopping wet. Nothing damaging, just wet and slippery. The first time I noticed it, I let it pass, thinking he might have forgotten and didn’t see the bath mat. The second time he wasn’t around and I forgot to mention it, etc. So this time was perfect, I come out of the bathroom and casually mention that it looks like he forgot to use the bath mat. He was very good and apologized saying that he’d totally use it next time. Where was it again? I reminded him it was just below his towel on the rack - same navy blue color. And then… then, he followed up after a slight pause, and asked, What’s the bathmat for?

You gotta love it! And I’ll attest to the fact that we grew up using bathmats, so it’s not a new concept, it just disappeared for a bit.

Friday Leftovers

Friday Night Leftovers
(combined from several Fridays)

 

Older

• I pulled some late nights working on a project for my dad’s 75th. The beginning of the week was rough during the days and I look at the situation and sigh. When I say “late night” it was nothing past 1 am. That used to be nothing, I’m really starting to feel my age.
• Side note, I can stay up to 1 am socially and have no problem. Add the stress of meeting a deadline and I’m drained. No more grad schools for me.
• I just booked my last free weekend of the summer. I’m touring New England this month - northern Mass, Maine, Connecticut and Vermont. I couldn’t squeeze in New Hampshire and am worried I might have missed blueberry season in Maine. And I just used up the last of my frozen blueberries from last year’s picking.
• My car’s check engine light came on and I brought it in last week. While I was there they fixed the other light that’s been on forever - low tire pressure. The light was on not because of the tires but because the sensors on the tires - the batteries were dead. Driving my car with no lights on the dashboard is a breath of fresh air. It’s like it’s a new and improved car!
• I’ve started setting small goals at work that will improve my state of mind. First up was email management. I hunkered down in my free time and cleared out the 800+ emails in the inbox that accumulated. I’m down to 50 and my goal is to keep it at that number. I feel like a weight has been lifted. No more remembering in the middle of the night that I didn’t respond to someone. Baby steps.

 

Newer

• Finally paid my first mortgage payment. It’s starting to feel real, that I really own my place now. It was so long in the making it’s still not fully sunk in.
• Note to self, new place + pinterest = danger. I’ve been perusing the site for ideas - decorating, remodeling, painting. Many hours have been spent.
• While in Vermont I got some blueberry picking in. Not as big a haul since the berries got baked on the bushes after the recent heat waves. Still, I feel better knowing that I’ve got berries in the freezer again.
• Besides bringing back berries, I brought back my brother who has been staying with me. Total of three weeks. Wednesday this week marked the half way point and I have to say I’m pleasantly surprised how it’s gone. We usually get along great but then again, we haven’t spent more than a week together in a long time. To keep it real, Nick “tortures” me by not always cleaning up, and I “torture” him by watching Big Brother. It took him awhile to realize the show is on three times a week! We’ve found ways to coexist - I clean up and he goes reads a book when the show is on.
• Nick and I made special buttons/pins to acknowledge my cousin in his third Oliver production, down in CT. And his first professional production. I’m pretty sure I’m maxed out on Oliver now. My pin read “Tyler Glorious Tyler”, Nick’s was “Consider Yourself… Tylered” and we realized that the pin we made Tyler’s mom was inadequate, it should have read “Oliver’s Mom!” She was very proud.
• My car light came back on - tire pressure issues again. That lasted all of a week or two.
• Current inbox email count - 19! I’m doing good. It’s taken a lot of diligence, but the peace of mind is worth the extra work. I missed a day this week and was over 200, but buckled down.
• Due to having a house guest, I’ve been a bit better with chores and cooking and cranking on the to-do lists. I’ve got an ambitious list of tasks for Saturday before heading over to visit my god-son and his sister.
• Big task accomplished this week - financials are almost all in order. I rolled over my old 401Ks, paid off some loans, including my student loan (yay!), and adjusted the budget for the new expenses associated with going from renting to owning. It feels good, especially since I had been holding off on all this stuff until the house stuff cleared.

Crazy Travel

Normally I don’t like to write about my travel until afterwards. You know, in case the burglars are checking out my blog and making plans to break into my place while I’m away. But I feel compelled to share what’s ahead of me the next several weeks.

Week 1: DC

Week 2: Princeton, NYC

Week 3: DC, NJ

Week 4: week off from traveling

Week 5: NJ

Week 6: DC

Week 7: NY

Some of the trips are just popping down for the day, others are back to back. There’s trains and planes and rental cars. By the end, I’ll have a new appreciation for home sweet home!

Subway upgrades

This week there are new signs on the subway stations that now tell you how many minutes until the next train arrives.

Also this week the amount of people on the subway platforms quadrupled.

Conclusion - I'd rather not know when the next train arrives and instead have less people to fight against to get on the subway. Already gave up boarding the first train that arrived. Crazy crowds - wish they put the money to running more trains. And summer's not over yet - after labor day the crowds will be back.

Music Discovery

You gotta love NPR! I was looking up something I heard last month that I wanted to reference and stumbled upon “The All Songs 24/7 Music Channel”. Every now and then at work I have a chunk of time I’m cranking on work and want to listen to music. My music collection is limited and my work blocks many of the streaming music sites. Often I end up streaming NPR/PRI shows - mostly PHC and TAL (that would be Prairie Home Companion and This American Life for those of you non-die-hards). The All Songs 24/7 is great since I already have a predilection for their music selection. Thought I’d share- enjoy!

What's changed?

Notice anything different in the picture? I took it last Thursday on my way home. Home being the operative word since I had just closed on my place - finally! Crazy how long it all took and thank goodness I wasn't moving.

It was strange walking up the sidewalk, like always, somewhat anti-climatic after handing over all that money. Actually I wired it the day before so all I did was right a check for about $50. The whole process was surreal.

But I'm a proud home owner now! Still letting it all sink in but have already made a list of decorating ideas (painting and other low cost items to personalize the space even more). And I rearranged several rooms.

And the great news is that I think when all is said and done it might cost me less to own than rent and that doesn't take into account the equity being built. I'll really know next year after I do my taxes and take the credit. Thank you to all those out there who supported me through this process, even if it was just commiserating how long it all was taking!

Mr. Mouse

I’m sitting cross-legged on my couch at 1 am in the morning – on a work night. Granted the 90% humidity and me being stubborn about putting AC in isn’t helping right now, but the big reason is because of a stupid mouse. I get pulled out of my night sleep by this squeaking. It’s a few squeaks here and then a few more. Sounds like that toy mouse I got the boys awhile back that was a mouse with a battery operated squeak in it. Only it drove me nuts at night so I grabbed it and stuffed it in a drawer. And recently I found it again – or rather Winston did and it finally made its way into the trash. Which means this isn’t that toy mouse making those noises. I jump up and slap on the lights to find Walter following closely his big brother into the living room. And the squeaks continue. As I turn on my lights I notice Winston has something in his mouth. I say his name sternly a few times and down goes the toy mouse in his mouth. Except when it gets dropped on the floor it’s flipping like a gold fish. How the hell do I have a squeaking gold fish in my house? And then it flips and runs a bit before Winston grabs it again. Crap, I saw enough (and heard enough) that it’s a mouse – in agony of being a toy to this big monster of a cat.

I flip on my porch lights, I guess thinking, if I can’t grab the mouse, I’d at least move Winston with the mouse in his mouth into the stairwell – closer to the outside. At which point Winston drops him again, to get a better grip or who knows what and I see my chance. I grab they boy by the scruff and his neck. And a split second later grab his brother by the scruff of his neck too as he sees his chance to move in on this awesome new toy. I instinctively throw them into my bedroom a few feet away and close the glass door.
They’re now looking out the door as I hold it shut (it doesn’t stay latched properly) watching in agony as their mother botches the whole thing and the mouse runs a way. I hear a last squeak here and there around the corner while I hold the bedroom door. A moment later I let go and step back into the living room – barefoot, to see what I can do about helping the little guy outside. And he’s gone. No sign of him. It’s like I imagined the whole thing. I bravely get down on my hands and knees to see if I can see the little guy hunkered in some corner. Nope, he’s gone.

How the hell do I have a mouse? I live on the second floor. This is ridiculous. And a moment later, as I’m scanning the living room, and my glance rests on the large pile of boxes in the corner, do I finally realize what happened. The mouse is from Vermont. I brought the boxes back from my dad’s last week. The boxes were in the basement. The basement I helped clean out and organize – the extra family furniture and boxes of old family silver and stuff. I brought these boxes home to take inventory and pack up properly and then return. And apparently the “and stuff” includes a mouse. I then I realize it might be plural – mice. We did find some mice droppings in amongst the furniture. Crap.

So now, I’m stuck with a mouse in the house. On the second floor. In a fairly small house. With two cats who think he’s a toy. And will play with him until he keels over in terror. I’ve gone through this before – with these very same cats. I had mice when I owned my place in Michigan. I managed to rescue each one and release them outside. This time, I now get to go back to bed knowing there’s a mouse scampering around. He’s already adjusting things for me. Since I was up I took a leak and may I saw it’s a little challenging with your feet up in the air – he could’ve run into the bathroom when I wasn’t looking and was hiding in the dark corner behind the toilet, my mind thought and my feet reacted.

Actually, I’m fine with the mouse in the house. It’s more what the boys will do to him while I’m gone – play within him, which keep in mind is play for them and torture for the little guy. They’re domestic indoor only cats. They don’t hunt the mouse and snap its little neck immediately upon catching him. Plus that last thing I want to pick up after my boys, and I’ve picked a lot of gross stuff up after them, is a disemboweled little mouse.

Well, I stayed up for a little while now, hoping I might see the guy scamper across the room and I can snag him and close this chapter. But no luck. I’m kept company at the moment by the boys lounging on the floor after doing a sweep of the house and not finding him. So to sleep, with one eye open, and waiting for what’s next. I just hope he doesn’t get into my pantry of food, crawl off into the wall or some other hard place to reach and die, and then rot and stink up my place. And please, please, please let there only be one mouse that was in the boxes and that there aren’t any more in my house, or for that matter, my car where they were for hours – even overnight since I loaded up my car as we went along, cleaning out the basement.

Daily Life

This one I didn't think I would be able to document! Trying to quickly and stealthily pull out a big iPad to take a picture is... well, not easy.

Where I grew up we had squirrels. You saw them so often you didn't see them anymore. Here I see squirrels, not as many, but they're still around. But added to them are... rabbits! I've seen them in the neighboring park on and off for years. But this year... they're in my front yard! My neighbors asked if I'd seen the baby rabbits. For days I kept an eye out each morning and evening. And then finally I saw him. He was just on my sidewalk this cute little thing that could fit in the palm of my hand.

Now every evening I slowly walk up my front yard and look. Most times I can't se him but at least once a week - there he is.

Daily Life

For all my complaints about the commute I do appreciate working in the city and enjoying the hustle bustle of rush hour. During the last round of the job searching I was considering companies closer to home or outside of Boston (reverse commute).

But I would miss a lot. This picture is down on the edge of the financial district in Boston. I was able to pass by all the protesting that happened last year and in this picture you see the remnants of the farmers market. Also this is where the excellent food trucks will park for lunch. The produce is expensive but the food trucks are cheap for good eats.

There's nothing like surging out of the subway station with the masses in the early morning and coming back together at the end of the day.

Daily Life

One afternoon on my way to the T-stop, I saw this person staring straight up at this building. I was curious but in a rush so the next day on my way home, I looked up. I was astonished. It's striking isn't it?

I had never given it a thought. Discarding it as a boring windowless wall. But standing at the base, looking straight up, it's a striking perspective of manmade meeting mother nature. Especially on a bright sunny day. Nighttime - it's not as striking.

Now, if I'm not in a rush, I look up.

Daily Life

I've been meaning to document my daily route. This came up when I thought I might be moving and wanted to catch all the moments I take for granted and might forget.

This is a strange photo to start with but I won't let that hold me back from starting.

I take buses everyday. Different buses at different times at different stops. This picture is the bus stop I'll grab when it's raining out and it's late.

It reminds me of Ann Boleyn right before she is beheaded - fighting for her life. I think that's because I was stuck here for awhile one time waiting for a delayed bus reading a book about that time.

There's some nice cobalt blue tiles but not much more. Thank goodness there are benches and a window into the subway station bustle.

New Toys

Right on schedule - I’m getting my one post in for the month. Life has been busy. Popped down to DC for work and squeezed in a visit with Joanne and her family. Made it up to VT for father’s day and some strawberry picking and canoeing. Unfortunately my first batch of jam didn’t set properly. Still good in yogurt. We’re just coming off of an official heat wave - three days with over 90 degree weather. And humidity is in the mix making it quite a challenge. However, I’ve held off putting in the AC. I’m not a huge fan and since I’m at work most of the day, fans and low activity do the trick. However, with the onslaught of the heat arriving, I was getting in some cleaning. The boys haven’t been doing so well so several sick cats mean lots of cleaning and some strange smells going on - worse than usual. Even after the cleaning, there was still a lingering smell - realized it was the carpets so I finally pulled the trigger on getting a small steam cleaner. We’ve been flirting since I saw this guy at Christmas. He’s small, green and under $100. He arrives on Wednesday! I’ve been reading a bunch about the Irish famine, so think I’ll name him Paddy. Haven’t figured out where to keep him yet.

So that’s toy #1 I get to play with next week. Not really too much of a toy, but something that’s been on my list for years. Toy #2 I got this week from work - an iPad. I’ve got it set up and running and was using it for the first time on my commute yesterday. It’s a bit like when I got the iPhone for the first time - a little anticlimactic. Don’t get me wrong, I’m excited to have it, but all the cool stuff has limitations. However, I just downloaded a blogging app, so if I’m inclined, I may post more. Still figuring what works out best for me. And being price conscious I’ve been limiting the apps I download to free (or reimbursed by work), except for three exceptions.

First is the Catch the Bus app. I had it on my iPhone and it was the biggest thing I missed when I switched back to a blackberry. It gives me real time for the buses I take. Think it will translate well to the iPad.

Second is the Star Walk app. A colleague had this on their iPhone and used it when we were in Costa Rica for a project. It was soo cool - identifying the stars you see in the sky - especially when it was a different sky you were under. Although I probably won’t be outside at night with the iPad often, for those winter months on my way home, I think it’s work the price.

And finally, I got the Stylebook app. I’ve been struggling with how to make getting dressed easier for work. Sounds strange doesn’t it. Here’s the deal. Some days, I come up with great outfits that I love. Other mornings, I stare in the closet and can’t figure out what a good outfit is. Or end up at work with something that’s not all put together. I’ve been trying to make things simpler, and short of overhauling my wardrobe to one style of outfit, I’ve been thinking of taking photos and making a matrix of good outfits I can reference. This has been on the books for months (really years, but just got the new camera at Christmas). And then with the iPad, I thought, I bet there is an app for this. And low and behold I think this will work. So am off to catalog and track outfits this weekend. Wish me well.

Any cool apps (preferably free/low cost) that you recommend for the iPad?

iPad Blogging

Testing to see if I can post from an iPad.

Easter

I always forget what month Easter is in - I think it's April. Which means this post is a bit overdue. For my birthday, not in April, I finally got a new digital camera - and it makes a world of difference - no more shaky blurry pictures! Still trying to break old habits of not taking pictures. I was able to snatch a few at Easter. Mom and Nick were visiting and we were invited over to the Braun's. Mom being a good guest, picked up some easter gifts for the kids - including some bubble machines. Needless to say, it was a big hit!

Final Decision

If I were to add up the numbers they would be daunting: number of hours spent house hunting, number of towns considered, number of house viewings, number of scenarios considered, number of numbers crunched. And in the end? I followed my gut. Of all the places, I still like my current place best. So I’m moving forward with purchasing my place! Crazy that it took all that work to come to this decision.

I realized I was superimposing what other people/society thought onto my thinking. I would look at places and think - well that looks more impressive, that has a more comfortable dining room, that has a larger guest bedroom, that has a garage to park my car. But at what cost was I paying for all these things - financially I was purchasing space that I rarely use. I estimated the guest bedroom was used about 14 days last year - 4% of the year. The dining room I rarely use - mainly when I have guests and an occasional dinner party - again about 4% of the year. My car is perfectly fine living outside. I don’t use it daily so dealing with snow isn’t really an issue.

I also was sacrificing the now for the future, and in some cases the future for the future. My place is unique, it’s unconventional, it’s small, it’s really just a one bedroom so how would it resell. Should I live in a more conventional single family house that would be more straight forward to sell? Even if it wasn’t as nice and I would be financially strapped? The nicer places I could afford would mean a much longer commute with less flexibility. So I would be living a life where I spent most of my time in the car/train commuting with very little pocket money. And for what?

In the grand scheme of things, I figured I’d rather be in a comfortable place that I enjoy living, than try and fit into the mold of what I thought I should be buying. I never thought I’d own a condo. My place is small and cozy - it fits me well for this moment I am in. I continue to practice a relatively low carbon footprint, living in a dense urban area and using public transportation. I live in the best neighborhood of all the places I looked at and feel safe and secure. To top it all off, it’s the cheapest option I reviewed so I can pay back the loans for the down payment much quicker. It’s even cheaper than renting somewhere else!

So that’s where I’ve landed. I still have about a month to go before it’s legit - the paperwork, inspections, financing, etc. But I feel good having finally made a decision - I didn’t end up with a compromised living situation. Thank you to all those out there who shared their thoughts and experiences and support. It’s good to be reminded about the important things.

Next step - pull out the decorating books and start dreaming up what I want to do next with my place! I’ve had my eye on some really nice decorator wall paper for the small guest room and I’ve been eyeing some painting swatches.

Tick Tock

I just learned that my coworker that is house hunting just won the bidding war on a place in Melrose. Here’s the list of reactions I went through:
1. That’s awesome - I’m so happy they found something.
2. Man that was fast - I thought I would be first in finding/buying a place.
3. The house is really nice. Why did I not more seriously consider buying it? (It’s a restored Victorian, but about 15% over my top limit and more house than I really need - 4 bedroom).
4. Wait, what about me. This isn’t fair, I’m the one with the looming deadline.

I’ve been operating on less than about 5 hours of sleep for the past few nights (late nights trying to figure this whole thing out plus restless sleeping) so I’m sure this is influencing things. I’m exhausted - mentally, physically, even emotionally. If it was just the house hunting, I’d be totally fine. But it’s not on my terms, so I’ve got the deadline thrown in, plus the financials not where I would like them to be, plus work has been wearing me thin with all the roles I end up playing, to all the other stuff in the mix. I’m just tired.

I’m looking at a multi-family tonight and hopefully another one tomorrow. I’m becoming more comfortable with this scenario than the others but the trick is the financing part. I’m pursuing multiple scenarios so hopefully one fits just right.

Small World Stories

Started writing this Friday.

Last night I attended the AD2012 Gala. It was one of those networking events where you get to look at wonderful art that you could never afford. Ended up running into a few people I knew. But also was striking up conversations with random people. Ended up talking with this older fellow standing next to me. Turned out he was Mr. Arcari of Landry & Arcari rugs. He mentioned being involved in the 5 under 40 awards celebrating up and coming designers. I happen to know that a friend of mine, Nima won said award a few years back and designed a rug. Mr. Arcari knew of my friend Nima and spoke well of him. I was amazed, probably more than Mr. Arcari, what a small world it was. In this grand setting full of high class people, outside of my usual circle, I found a connection. And we ended up talking about other commissions he’s done. He was interested in potentially working my field into a motif for a design. He left me with a business card and the instructions to contact him with any ideas I come up with. I think I will pass for the moment. Wait for inspiration.

In the world of house hunting I’ve been taking advantage of working at a large firm with people living all over the metro Boston area. I’ve gotten into the habit of asking people where they live and what the neighborhoods are like. I’m slowly getting a feel for the areas. Friday, I asked a plumbing engineer I work with the usual question only to find out he and his wife are actively house hunting too. We compared notes and turns out we’ve been looking at the same places pretty much. Same towns and price range. At first we were leery sharing houses we liked. However, after the one Lexington property, nothing has grabbed me. He shared one place he really liked in Melrose but his wife didn’t like. It made me realize that although I would love to have a partner to bounce ideas off of and help in such a big decision making milestone, there are advantages to going it solo. If and when I find a place, I only have to convince myself that I like it. It’s been hard finding a place that just I like, can you imagine the odds of finding a place where there are two of us. I hadn’t thought of that before.

I still don’t feel any closer to coming to a decision and I have less than two weeks - ugh! My latest venture is looking into being a real estate investor and purchasing a multi-unit place. I’ve got a coworker who was running the numbers with me. Normally I wouldn’t even consider it, but right now I’m an open book. I don’t know if it’s due to my cautious upbringing (we are not a family of risk takers) or perhaps being female (women tend to take less risks overall - studies show). But part of me is wanting to buck these pre-conceived ideas I have and go out and invest. It would entail developing an LLC and everything - lots to study up on but I know several people who have gone this route (all men), so something to consider. Of course, the other part of me is yelling, “are you crazy”, what if… and there is a list of all that could go horribly wrong. But nothing ventured, nothing gained. Regardless, need to do due diligence and it’s a great exercise. I do wonder where I will end up. Change is good - I must keep repeating this as I grow old and comfy in my daily ways.

Butterflies

Note: wrote this awhile back in long hand and just got around to typing it up.  Think this was around early October 2011.

Mondays. I was rushing out the door in a mad dash to get to work for an early morning meeting only to realize when I reach my desk I had meant to drive in today. I messed up. I could have been into the office at least 30 minutes earlier (or left a little later in a calmer stet) and now I had to figure out how to fix the issue.

The solution I came up with is lugging my laptop home at lunch to jump into my car and hoof it over to a meeting at an architect’s office two towns over from where I live. Then, instead of having a nice short commute home I need to drive into Boston to meet a friend for dinner on Newbury Street. Fingers crossed parking doesn’t annoy the dickens out of me. I’d reschedule, but we’ve already done that once and it’s taken us forever to find a new time that works.

So I leave the office a bit later then intended – hop onto the T and keep reminding myself it’s out of my control for the moment – to just relax. I grab a seat on the crowded car and a moment later in piles a dozen plus young teenagers.

I cannot even begin to describe the surreal experience I had for the next few stops. This is something I love about public transportation. It throws you into a larger mix you wouldn’t usually see or overlap with – it’s so much better than reality TV.

This group of youngsters was you’re typical bunch. I think there were one or two chaperons. The kids were from diverse cultural backgrounds and a mixture of young boys and girls. And they were talking a mile a minute, bouncing form one friend to another, choosing to stand and test their balance and talking to each other across the subway car. And there I was in the middle of it all. In and of its self, this isn’t that unusual – happened before. This time, there was a twist – they were all deaf. So there I am in the center of all this flurry of movement. They’re sitting and standing and moving back and forth between friends to get their attention. EVERYONE was talking. I was fascinated but didn’t want to appear I was staring. I suddenly became very conscious of my hands in my lap. At first there were half a dozen individual conversations. But then there was a point – in the silence of the train rumbling, where there was a burst of laughter. Someone had made a joke in all that flurry. I was intrigued at first that conversations could be carried on with one hand holding on and yet by the end my intrigue was refocused on the dynamics of the group – who was trying to talk with whom. The flirting, the playing it cool – all the regular teen stuff. Needless to say by the time my stop quickly arrived all my stress had dissipated and I made it to my meeting with time to spare. You gotta love city life!

DC Trip

I popped down to our DC office for a meeting yesterday and have the following observations:
- I remembered at the last minute that I could just drive and park at the airport and didn’t need a taxi - one less thing to worry about. So nice to be able to just pop out to your own car at 5:30 am!
- The only parking left was at the top of the parking garage - outside. As I was waiting for the elevator I was bombarded by fake bird chirping being piped through the sound system. Strange, and later I realize, slightly foretelling.
- As I walk up to my gate, I see a fellow starting to nod off while waiting to board. Turns out I knew him - he heads up our IT department and was heading down to our DC office too. So far I’m 2 and 0 for running into coworkers on my flights down to DC.
- I lugged my heavy work laptop and it was useless. Besides the battery being completely dead, it kept freezing and wouldn’t work. Apparently it only works at my work desk. Strange and annoying.
- The meeting I had went well and took a lot less prep work than I used to do. Nice to see the progression over the days.
- I saw the early buds of the cherry blossoms - they’re coming!
- Waiting for my flight home, I found a quiet corner away from my gate. I heard the familiar bird chirping and realized it wasn’t being piped in - there was an actual little bird trapped inside. I was starting to pack stuff up to go find someone when I saw him fly off into the ceiling. It looks like he’s made the airport his home and has a way in and out (I hope). And this, after waiting an extra long time to get through a very scrutinizing security check point. Funny seeing he has a much easier way in than I do.
- Of course, my flight was delayed. I don’t know why, but I have yet to catch a flight back home from these day trips that isn’t delayed. Luckily I had brought entertainment.
- I made good progress on a sock I brought. I love that jetblue has TV. I caught up on the cable shows I don’t have access to - some nice mindless watching after a long and busy day.

And on my way home from the airport, I couldn’t resist driving by a house I was interested in. The housing situation has been a roller coaster that doesn’t even stay on the coaster track but goes all over the place. I don’t like the time pressure I’m under. And yet this is not an unusual situation for many people. This was the first house I really felt good about - a good fit. It was in a solid town, cute little neighborhood, next to some conservation land, near public transportation, move in condition but allows for improvement. And I was just torturing myself by doing the drive by. It went on the market end of last week. I saw it on Sunday, contacted my realtor on Monday and by Monday night had scheduled to see it Wednesday morning. Only to have the meeting canceled an hour later. Turns out the owner already received 5 offers and accepted one. I’m so crushed. I was so close.

I can’t help but note that I feel like I’m in a relationship drama. I’m a homebody, so my residence is important to me. And it feels like my 6+ year relationship with my current place has come to a cross roads. It’s like “Jason” asked me to marry him and I just can’t decide if I want to commit. He’s a great “guy” and I feel comfortable with him, but is he really what I want to spend the next 10+ years with? Is he mature/large enough? So I’ve been looking around. I wouldn’t call it cheating, but I want to play the field to make sure I’m making the right decision. And I’m finding some crappy places out there that makes me really appreciate “Jason”. But I can’t help but see other places that look like better fits, only they’re too expensive, unavailable, etc. I’m in turmoil. And to add to it all “Jason” has put an ultimatum out there - you have to answer by xx date. I don’t actually have the date yet, but it’s bearing down on me. And I’m not one to settle. Ugh!

Home Sweet Home

So I'm writing this down so that I can come back in a years time (or so) and see how things have changed.  I know things will work out but man am I stressing.  I don't have a timeline but the clock is ticking on when I will have to move.  When I was looking for an apartment all those years ago the big challenge was figuring out where I wanted to look not knowing the towns and neighborhoods being a newbie to the state.

Now, there are no apartments.  What happened?  I guess it was the housing market crash.  I vaguely remember hearing on the news that there are a lot more renters now.  Didn't worry me as I was comfy, nestled into my sweet digs.  Now, I'd kill for any of the apartments I looked at before settling on this one. 

And then there is the housing market.  At least there are some of houses on the market.  But living in a big metropolotin area means the prices aren't cheap.  I could afford the mortgage/taxes/insurance on a bunch of nice places, but it's the downpayment, that is the kicker.  I've done the math forwards and backwards, and nothing.

The thing that I'm stresing about is that I have no plan, no back-up plan, nothing.  Initially I thought, find a new apartment, won't be as nice, but that's ok.  This would be my back-up plan as I look into purchaing a place.  I've run a ton of scenarios and now I wonder, how do people afford to live in this city.  I know it will all work out, just like it has in the past, but I feel like any of my options is moving me downwards and backwards.  Frustrating.  Little did I know how much I was taking for granted my little home sweet home.

Presidents Day Weekend

On the bus ride home after work Friday, I ended up sitting behind the younger sister of an old college friend, Andrea (does that sentence refer the name to the sister or the friend? – ah grammar). Haven’t seen or talked with either since just after college – ages ago. Theresa just moved to my town a few months ago – looking forward to catching up after all these years. Small world.

Just found out this weekend that my landlords are putting my apartment on the market this spring. I have a month or two to find a new place – or consider buying this place. I’ve found over the years that I don’t mind change, as long as I get to make it. Not the case this time so I’m stressing. Between trying to find another wicked cool home like this one and the thought of packing and moving everything- I’m not a happy camper. I’ve definitely nested here. Wish me well on my search.

My way to deal with things I don’t want to deal with is to organize. Having organized most everything, I went off script a little and decided to memorize the US presidents – finally organizing them in my head. Don’t ask me why, but over the years it’s useful to know so-and-so was in term during such-and-such a time period. So I made flash cards and everything. Don’t know how long it will stay in the old noodle, but I can comfortably say I know all the presidents in order, their terms and number. I even started learning what their home state is/was. Did you know there were four MA presidents? There’s the three you expect – the two Adams and Kennedy. Do you know who the fourth was? Bush Sr! Who knew?

And you know what I just put together as I enjoy the last part of my long weekend. It’s presidents weekend, specifically presidents day. I had totally forgotten what holiday it was. Strange that the subconscious must have been working and came up with the idea of memorizing the US presidents. About time!

Not your average commute

I’ve been slowly shifting my schedule of when I go into work. I’ve been catching an earlier bus each morning. Although more crowded, it feels like I get into work faster. Although, I just noticed this morning, it still takes me about an hour. I grabbed a seat yesterday next to a fellow and opened up my book. I do have to say, for good or bad, there a more and more of the ebook tablets in the hands of my fellow commuters. My neighbor had one and I glanced over to see what he was reading before diving into my own book. (Side note: I was reading “March” by Geraldine Brooks and although an interesting tale and some parts of the story will stay with me long past the reading of the book, I didn’t think it warranted the Pulitzer Prize. Still - a fast read if you are looking for a book).

I forget the title but it was something like thermodynamics. On the page was text but also higher-level equations. My initial thought was it must be interesting but a dry read for the commute. I learned in my early twenties that although I love the Russians, they were not meant to accompany me on my daily commute - hard to give the requisite attention required.

And then I find my place on the subway train and am about to dive back into my book when I glance over to my new neighbor. He, thankfully, is reading a good old fashioned paper based book (I’m a bit of a luddite when it comes to the ebooks). And strikingly, on his page is text and higher-level equations - more square roots and a bit of calculus thrown in.

And if that wasn’t enough, on my bus ride home that same night, once again I’m about to pick up my book and finish off the last chapter when I realize the two ladies in front of me are animatedly discussing the latest episode of “Downton Abbey”. I had held off watching this show on PBS, mainly because I missed the first few episodes and never really got into “Upstairs Downstairs” - a similar PBS show from an earlier era. But this month, I caught up on season one from last year and the first chunk of season two that started airing in January. And I’m hooked - only one more episode to go and then it’s all over - until season 3 starts up. It’s quite a well-written series and a classic PBS quality period piece even if it is a glorified soap opera.

The events were interesting book ends to the day and a far cry from what some of my colleagues face on their daily commute. I definitely have one of the higher-brow/more educated commutes.

12 in 12 in 2012

I’ve decided to copy my friend Amanda who recently came back to life in blog-land (yay!). She’s working on making 12 changes over 12 months. There is always that list of things hovering in the background that you never get to. I’m quite efficient at work cranking through project after project, but when I get home, I seem to lose momentum and focus. So besides having a catchy title, this is really a way for me to focus on tasks at hand. I don’t quite have each month planned out but am tweaking the goal to knock out projects not necessarily behavior (although that might be in the mix).

Well, month #1, what did I get accomplished that I’ve had hanging over me? Loans. I hate debt. I was brought up to not buy anything you can’t afford, with the one exception of the mortgage. I’m proud to say I’ve never had credit card debt, and until this century, never had any loans. But college number 3 (or 4 depending on how you count), pushed me into student loans. And then a few years back I decided to get the car I wanted with the assistance of a car loan (I struggled with this one for a long time).

I sat down this month and put together a plan to accelerate the payoffs. I just finished all the paperwork implementing the new plan. And boy does it feel good. I wrote the check to payoff the balance of the car loan – yay! I wrote another check towards the student loan – yay! And I just doubled my monthly student loan payment. If I did the math right, the loan will be paid off by year’s end! I’m on a super tight allowance but it’s doable – I’m good at economizing and this is not the first time. This 12 in 12 in 2012 helped me get out of limbo. All the guidelines say to keep the low interest loans and work on your savings. But in today’s market, with such low returns, it just didn’t seem right. So I finally went with my gut feeling. I may not have a lot in the savings account but being debt free will feel so good. I’m glad I have a plan finally and look forward to seeing the loan balance quickly reach zero!

Next up for February? I think I’ll stick with finances and work on my retirement. I’ve accumulated a bunch of 401ks and can’t remember the last time I rebalanced. My goals for February:
- Consolidate retirement into two accounts
- Update Retirement Record Book
- Determine portfolio allocations (30% mid-cap, 10% bonds, etc)
- Determine best balance between savings and retirement (how much can I manage to put away each year)

Christmas 2011 Update

I realize this blog is a way to post little moments for older me to look back and remember. And yet I have these huge gaps where it seems I haven’t done anything. In truth it’s the opposite and I don’t get around to posting about it. So here goes - so much to say so am limiting myself to bullets:

- Christmas at work: my group ended up doing Cookie Day. It’s like a Christmas coolie swap but instead, over two weeks, we each had a day (M, W or F) and brought in cookies. It was super delicious and made Tuesday and Thursdays harder since they were cookieless.

- Christmas in Vermont: quiet little pre-holiday the week before Christmas. Nick and I went up north and it was just the four of us. No snow, as it’s been strangely warm weather. Made my traditional sticky buns and we went to church on Sunday since we weren’t attending Christmas services this year. Made it seem like we were celebrating winter solstice more than jolly old St. Nick.

- Christmas in Ohio: after Vermont, Nick and I fly to moms. First Christmas gift was receiving free flight vouchers since we got bumped for our flight for a later one same day. Cousin Catherine and Tyler joined us and we had a larger celebration of holiday festivities that included everything from scoring a free Christmas tree the eve of Christmas eve to trying out many new recipes for meals to making the traditional sticky buns - round two.

- Christmas in Boston: more like a recuperation from all the festivities. I worked some the week before new years. Nice and quiet and cranked on projects. Cece dropped Cameron off at my place Thursday morning and I took him to the Science Museum Thursday morning - half the time was spent getting there on public transportation which I suspect was the most fun for the little fellow. I loved that he and his sister had a blast at my place at the beginning of the day. As they were walking up the walkway they were both super excited to see me - how can you not love them. Maggie insisted on me picking her up and her showing me her boo-boo. They are such little gems (didn’t hurt they were at the beginning of the day - well rested and fed).

- New Years Knitting: I get that itch periodically to go through my projects and try starting some news ones. I’m starting to notice it happens at the beginning of the year. I’ve “completed” all my sweater projects. There are three that are ready to be sewn up and blocked. And two that need to be ripped back and modified. So technically none on the needles right now. I finished my hat and am looking at scarves. Strangely I was looking at socks too although I have three 1st socks on needles. I was good and only cast-on one new pair. I finally put away everything the other day with the goal of truly finishing most of the sweaters before casting on any more and getting at least two pairs of socks done before casting on any more in that category. But giving myself a free-pass to start a scarf. I have a feeling the scarf will be my procrastination tool.

- New Year’s Resolution: I’ve put finances on the top of the list. I’ve already gotten my credit reports and am scheduling a call to talk with some financial advisors. I’ve always been fairly responsible with my finances but want to have that secure feeling that I’ve explored all the options and am doing what’s best for me at this moment. I hate to be a passive investor.

- New Years Reunions: Last weekend, went out to dinner to The Gallows in the south end to celebrate my friend Dave’s birthday. He and Maggie (old highschool friend) came down from Maine and we were joined by another David for a night of foodie exploration. The Gallows had these boards with great pates and boar’s sausage. I had the goose confit which was a bit too salty for my liking but the venison and flank steak were heaven. The next day we had a nice reunion with an old teacher from middle school - Mr. Weisman. I hadn’t seen him since…. well, middle school when I had him for wood shop. It was strange talking with him because his distinctive voice just kept bringing me back several decades to my childhood. It was great to catch up and the bunch of us from highschool spent the afternoon reminiscing about the old days. Great afternoon and so good to enjoy the company of old friends. And the great news, I think I know where this year’s vacation might be for me. They have a place on P.E.I where they spend their summer and a generous open door policy. I’ve always wanted to visit so am hoping this works out. How beautiful would that be?!

And that, in a nut-shell, is my last 4 weeks minus a lot of stuff I’ve already forgotten about.   I really need to get a new camera.