Rain in June!

I didn't notice it initially, but now I'm seriously wondering if I missed a memo. It feels like April - what with all the showers. Don't get me wrong, I'll take cool showers over hot sticky summer days anytime. It's just strange and I have two complaints:





1. After 3 years of being an only child/plant - my African Violet had to make room for a bunch of new herbs this spring. My reasoning is that I like to cook with fresh herbs, I don't like to pay $3.99 to buy a few cut sprigs from the grocery store, and plants are good. After setting up the plants, dealing with the cats wanting to eat them (and then throw them up), realizing that my 3 season porch facing South doesn't really get sun due to the surrounding trees, and remembering to water them, not over-watering them and remembering they are there - I get to report that there is one plant left. My oregano died within the first week. The chives limped along for a good showing of a month or so but they died. The rosemary and thyme looked like they could endure - being hearty enough, but alas the rosemary was declared dead this morning at oh-seven-hundred hours. The thyme is all that's left, for now. I am currently blaming this failure to keep plants alive on the weather - there not being any sun for quite awhile. But, honestly, I'm slowly remembering why I've had a fairly plant free adult life - I have trouble keeping plants alive. At least the cats are doing well.





2. Second, why do people feel the need to be obnoxiously self centered and use a giant golf umbrella to walk around the crowded streets of downtown Boston? It's a GOLF umbrella, used on golf courses (or sometimes they're red sox umbrellas, but same principle). Use a normal umbrella like everyone else - it's just water, so if you get a little bit on you, unless you're the wicked witch of the east (or was it the west?), nothing will happen.





In other news, I'm a little worried about my weekend plans - specifically, I had my heart set on some strawberry picking. If it's not pouring, I'll still be out there getting my stash of fresh berries - I read June is the month for Massachusetts and strawberries.

Big Red

I can't believe I almost forgot to blog about this today. On my way into work this morning, I end up taking the "slow" bus when I should have just waited for the "fast" bus that was just 5 minutes behind. But you never know if they're on time, so you take what you can get. Anyways, finally arrive at the T and am waiting for the next train when over the intercom they announce the next train will be a high-capacity train. Immediately I start thinking about things to blog about this upcoming experience. Many of my friends know me as a "sitter" so you can see how the idea of a subway train with no seats does not bode well for me.

Well, I enter and am faced with a feeling of awkwardness in the air. No one quite knows where to go and does already in the car are awkwardly waiting for the car to fill up. At first I thought - not so bad. I was able to claim a spot against the wall, there's a bar, I'm not wearing heels, it's not that crowded. And then I proceed to have the longest commute feeling commute ever. Well not quite as long as that time I felt ill on the subway. And then proceeded to be ill in the T (station not car thankfully). That was a long ride home. But I digress, yet again. This ride was not that pleasant. I'm tired and feel uncomfortable trying to lean and read. It wasn't that crowded, but if I had to vote, I'd rather pay a little bit more a month to be able to ride a train with seats then deal with that again. Unfortunately I'm personally not a big fan of the Big Red. Good idea but not for me.

Biking

Here's the short version, from the beginning:

1. I feel blah lately - work's wearing me down, overall tired, mentally drained.

2. I know exercise on a regular basis can help bring positive change.

3. I hate exercise - only way I can stomach it is if it's a by-product of something else.

4. No extra time - at least that's what it seems like.

5. Brilliant idea - bike from my apt. to the T station. It's on a bike path - beautiful and safer. The T station has tons and tons of bikes there already - infrastructure in place.

6. My bike's not wonderful.

a. It's not my bike, but my brother's that he got cheap while in school.

b. It's a cheap bike.

7. I start telling people my brilliant idea as my first baby step. I say that if I bike for awhile to work and it looks like I'm committed I'll consider investing in a decent bike.

8. I buy a bike lock last weekend. (The bikes cheap, but I'm not naive enough to think if I leave it unlocked it won't just "roll" away).

9. I make a pack to start Monday.

10. Monday doesn't work - I had an early morning conference call. My biking start date gets shifted to Tuesday.

11. I've already forgotten why, but Tuesday didn't work - maybe it was rainy.

12. Wednesday - another early morning conference call.

13. This morning I’m blah. I’m running late in the morning. Its overcast – showers imminent. I consider pushing it off to Friday.

14. I notice a pattern – it’s now or never. Well not really, but need to get over this hump.

15. I gear up about the time I should be in to work. Tires are flat. Get everything loaded up – change of clothing, helmet. I’m ready.

16. I bike and it’s such a pleasant way to get into work.

17. I’m sore moments in – poor little muscles. They need to grow!

18. I’m surprised how fast the ride goes – I’m at the T in no time. Less than 15 minutes.

19. It takes me awhile to lock up – everyone has the U locks. I don’t. Hopefully that’s not a problem.

20. While relaxing on the subway, it hits me. The same issue that I faced a few years back with my food share – what goes down must come up. My whole bike ride was downhill. Tonight will be interesting – end of long day at work, and I’ll have to climb my way back up to home. My poor wee muscles. At least I have all evening to get home, hopefully before it gets dark.

Bruno the Lobstah!

I have to post this picture. This was sent by an old colleague of mine. She learned how to knit last year when we were at the same company. Instead of starting on scarfs like other coworkers she dived into knitted food to feed her fetish. This is her latest which is pretty amazing considering it's probably only her 4th project. The pattern I stumbled upon here and immediately forwarded, which is about the limit of credit I can take for this project.



To give you a sense of her background, she was able to complete this project after only asking two questions:

1. What does "Work stockinette stitch" mean?

2. What is m1?



Pretty amazing, no? Can you imagine knitting up a whole gaggle of lobstahs?

Trains, Texts, Landscape and Fish

It looks like I'm on a role this week - so many posts after being silent for so long. Although I haven't been posting, I have wanted to write and record some events. Unfortunately I've forgotten most of them. So before it disappears into the land of the forgotten, I thought I’d share last night. Three things converged – I left work at 5 pm, I had switched my phone to vibrate for some reason, AND I actually felt my phone vibrate (not always the case). It was a text from a friend asking about lunch tomorrow (which is today). I immediately looked up to see if I could see him on the platform of the T station as we share a parallel commute. I sent a quick text back asking – he was two stops up. Long story short, wonderful city life, we were able to catch up on our way home. He got off and jumped onto my train that was right behind his. It was really neat and I’m totally not capturing the moment. There’s something about being jarred back into the living during the daily grind of the commute. Plus I have to admit txting does have its advantages after all.



And to add, just this morning, I was thinking how I actually don’t mind my commute – it’s generally 45 minutes each way and could really wear on you if it was in a car. This while I was desperately delayed getting into work. There was a fire on Mass Ave backing traffic up beyond belief so I sat on my bus double the time. Only to get on a train that was held up between stations due to switching problems. For me though, it was a nice excuse to not get into work right away and enjoy the end of my book – The Devil and the White City. I know the world fair must have burned down, but haven’t gotten to that part yet. I’ve lucked out as the previous book I just finished, 1776 also was a good read and kept my attention during the commute. (I love Dostoevsky, but don’t try reading him on the train).



I’ve had several recent acquisitions to report – small ones really. One I can’t mention as I bought two, one for me and one for mom for Mother’s Day but it just finally came this week and don’t want to ruin the surprise for Mom, although it’s not really that much of a gift. I did acquire a small, beautiful loveseat and chair of the Danish Modern era. Need to take pictures though as I forgot to save them from the craigslist posting. But one acquisition I can share is the nice little package I received a few weeks back of an Abstract Landscape in oil on hardboard. I was brought up in a home filled with art (mom’s an artist and both parents shared their love of culture). I used to think collecting art was something you did when you were grown up. I finally realized that I was grown up so have been acquiring little pieces over the years supporting local artists. One of my favourite pieces is an etching I bought from an art student while at Michigan. This piece below is from an artist on etsy. It’s just 6 inches square and a complete bargain (art is priceless anyways, right?) Now I just have to figure out how to hang it and frame it.



Finally, I have to report I did dive into the CSF. I’m afraid it’s a lot of fish for just little ol’ me. And I’m afraid of what I have to do to prep the fish. But I can share my share and learn some more cooking skills. I do hope the lobsters and everything is dead. Granted, they’re still needing a certain quota for my pick-up location, so it might all be a moot point. Time will tell.

Fish!

Interestingly enough I'm not talking about the fish I've been talking/writing about for a year now but haven't actually posted. What I mean is that when anyone even mentions the word fish, I automatically think of this:

I've been knitting fish day in and day out for a year now I think. Ok, a bit of an exageration, but there have been a lot of knitted fish in my life recently. I finally finished the blanket this weekend and it now belongs to the proud yet oblivious new owner, baby Braun. I didn't leave Sunday until it was done. I'll post pictures soon and release the posts that I had blogged over the months.

No, what I'm talking about today is real fish. Real, fresh, local fish. When I first moved to Boston I was so excited to have fresh fish. But I couldn't figure out where the fish market was. The best I could figure is to go to my local Whole Foods which just doesn't seem right. I wanted to go to the source. Granted I didn't do a lot of research, but I did ask around. Don't get me wrong, I've managed to enjoy a lot of great seafood - especailly my favorite clam chowder. But all at restaurants. Looking back, this might be for the best as I don't really know how to cook fish. I'm not really a meat/seafood cooking kind of gal. My strength is the baked goods and I subsist mostly on vegetarian fare in the house (with some bacon on the side). That is why I'm on the fence and have decided to sleep on it before deciding.

'It' being a local CSF that was passed on by my local CSA. New to me, CSF is Community Supported Fishery. And the one recommended was Cape Ann Fresh Catch (CAFC). I started reading and thought, absolutely this is wonderful, just what I want/need, sign me up. But then I read some more and realized I didn't know exactly what I was getting into. Still maybe a good idea but nothing to rush into (although these things have a tendancy to fill up fast). The questions I have are:

1. When they say "the fish will be dressed - cleaned and gutted, NOT filleted", what exactly does that mean? I think I figured out that means they'll still have the scales. I can deal with scales, I think. I've done scales on some fish before. Will they have heads and eyeballs? Will there be bones? Will there be a tail? What do you have to do with a cleaned and gutted fish before you start cooking it? I have really no idea.

2. When they say the fish will be placed on ice, how much ice? There's really only two pick up sites for me to consider - one in Boston and one two towns over from where I live. Boston is handy if the location is near work, but maybe not if I need to lug a bunch of ice home. Can I leave the ice? Will the fish be ok? Do I need the ice? I don't have any ice at home? I live in a fairly ice-free apartment. I don't really want to hop into my car every week and deal with rush hour traffic to pick up fish but maybe that's the easier way to go.

3. What do they mean when they say "half share of whole fish: 4-6 lbs per week"? Is that a lot of fish? Do I get several different types of fish each week? You can freeze fish right? All types right? I do like fish don't I? I hope so.



So those are the big three I need to wrestle with. I think I'll do it. It supports a good cause so won't be completly wasted if it doesn't work out. Plus I bought a seafood cookbook last year I really should try out. It doesn't really matter that I've only cooked fish probably less than a dozen times. I'll manage. Plus who wouldn't enjoy "a variety of the freshest haddock, cod, flounder, hake, dabs, grey sole, monkfish, pollock, and redfish - and possibly other seafood such as clams, lobsters and scallops." I hope the lobsters aren't still alive. I recognize I need to deal with my food having a face, but still don't want to deal with the death part.

Dress for Success

Last week, work was rough - busy. Unfortunately it's sounding like a broken record. I feel like I'm starting to get a handle on things (for now), but in an attempt to keep burn-out in check I had a three day weekend. Grandiose plans of running errands, spring cleaning, sleeping, laundry, knitting and watching my netflix movies. Well, I got two done on the list (sleeping and movies). Still feel like I need a break though - a nice true vacation, change of scenery However, in an effort to address the problem, I'm trying to pace things better at work, which brings me to the subject at hand - clothes.

Clothing for me is a nice escape. I don't have a large clothing budget. My style and approach has changed (I like to think the word to use is evolve) over the years. Half hobby, half scavenger hunt, half artistic expression (of sorts). Like everyone, my body isn't perfect, but I'm more comfortable in my skin these days, and skinny is in (not like it ever wasn't). And I've always been the type of person who dressed up to take a big exam - nice clothing makes you feel, well nice. There is a correlation. In a way clothing is therapeutic for me. I love the colors and textures. And I need therapy.

So over lunch, I spent time reading my blogs, several of which are fashion. I always love the Sartorialist - which I think is on everyone's list who follows fashion. I like the underlying approach of "old fashion" - buy a few key quality pieces that last over time - very french. My local TJ Maxx has the wonderful Designer's corner that I like to pick through periodically for affordable quality pieces. That's where I discovered Theory and Eli Tahari (elegantly understated fashion) which have to be my two favorites represented in the closet these days. They have some "of the moment" fashion but in their lines they also have some good solid pieces. Almost all my blazers and slacks are from them.

And I'm adding Teenflo to round out the list. I never heard of the brand before and although I don't love the name, they have a wonderful line. I recently discovered them at a Boutique store in Harvard Square, that is going out of business. On a side note, I never noticed the store before on JFK. Killing time before meeting a friend for dinner, I popped in. Apparently this was just the location for their liquidation. They were located around the block on a side street, up on the second floor. It might be the economy, but I think it might have had a bit to do with location too. Just a guess.

So now I find myself buying less clothing and it's working out marvelously for this city girl. In my apartment, I have one dresser and one small closet. When I moved in three years ago they were stuffed full. Now, with the new clothing style approach, I have a much smaller quality collection. Yes, I spend $60 on t-shirts, but I have less t-shirts this day that take up less space. Overall it's the same amount spent, just on less. Ok, that last part I did write unmercifully just to see if Dad is reading this. To clarify, I do buy $60 t-shirts but at very deep discounts. I used to scoff at people who would spend so much money on something like a t-shirt, but I understand now why they do. Having quality material next to your skin, walking around in clothing that fits well, cut for your shape is marvelous - you hold yourself differently. However, I still don't understand people who spend money on expensive t-shirts who can't afford to. There's a big difference - spend within your means (but that's another rant for another time).

So the whole buying less thing is working out wonderful. I write this statement, while sitting here in Marc Jacobs pants. Marc Jacobs!! The day I thought I'd being wearing Marc Jacobs, was the day I would own a Jaguar. Granted, no Jaguar on the horizon - have to see how Tata handles the new ownership. I wasn't wild about the whole Ford era. Again, rant for another time though, I digress.

The point is, finding that little special piece is wonderful. It's very much a process shopping approach versus product shopping. My poor brother would be miserable as he has a stamina of about 10 minutes for shopping. I understand this approach isn't for everyone, maybe not everyone will understand it. But stumbling upon new clothing lines or bargain places is marvelous. It's like when I discovered Webs. Yarn I could afford that wasn't synthetic. Amazing.

My latest find is through another blog, Daddy Likey, and is an online store. I'm not sure where I stand on online clothing shopping. I did luck out on my winter jackets this year but haven't had a wonderful track record in years past with catalogues. I do like to try things on and feel the material. But still, this place has some really nice vintage/retro yet still modern items. And from up and coming designers - it's no Gap. I was "window" shopping, and cam across an item I'm tempted to buy:

I like the longer tops these days - more elegant and also more practical - in the northeast exposed skin gets cold. The real clincher though, is the marketing - the piece is named, A Prairie Home Companion! How could I not buy it? I really wish I could see it up close and feel the flannel. It's not cheap, but with skinny jeans and not fully buttoned up and some jewelry could be quite cute. My theory is that by being retro, it's timeless. Not sure if this is true, but it does seem retro is more often 'in' then 'out'.

Now, I'm not sure if I've convinced you of my ways. But feel I should provide full disclosure. There is one down side to the "less is more but choose quality" approach. It doesn't work well when your life is such that you work many hours, crash when you get home and have no energy or time for chores. The Achilles heel to this fashion approach is laundry. I have to admit it's been nearly 2 months now since last I did a load. It's not because the laundromat is far - it's not, laundry is in the basement. It's not because I share the machines with my neighbors - I don't, I have my own set. I blame it purely on my old college trick of always making sure you have 3 months worth of underwear. That's all you need really. The rest you can make do with what you've got.