So, it is now 2013. I can't even believe it! I feel like ever since my 25th birthday, time just FLIES on by.
2012 was a rough year. I feel like I went through a lot. Not complete life altering changes, but enough to where I look back and think "I don't want to repeat that". Don't get me wrong, 2012 also brought some good. I moved out on my own for the first time ever ... failed miserably and moved back home! Haha... in all seriousness, it wasn't MY fault. Is it too much to ask to have good neighbors who don't throw parties every day of the week?! I think not!
The end of 2012 did change my life, in a big way though. I packed up and moved from sunny San Diego, CA to snowy Boston, MA. I got a mini promotion with my company and within a month found myself driving across the United States (see posts 1-12).
I don't think it has fully set in yet. The whole move. Maybe that's a good thing? I like to think that I am so comfortable here in my new life that it feels like home. I mean, my first day here, my car got towed! Can't get any more home than that!!!!
The people I work with are great. I can honestly say, my bosses are truly wonderful. The dynamic in this office is a complete change and I really really love it. I'm still trying to find my groove... I am assuming it will take me a few more months to fully get it.
That being said, I definitely feel I am ready to make some more changes. Somewhere in 2012 I stopped running. I ran here and there, but my dedication was seriously lacking. When I moved here... I completely stopped (I blame the freezing temperatures), but I've still been eating like I am burning 500 calories a day! They call it putting on your winter coat. Everyone goes into hibernation for the winter. Well, that is not going to work for me. If I keep this up, by summer, you may just see me on The Biggest Loser. Okay, okay... it's not that bad. It is bad enough to where I notice though and I'm over it. Winter can suck it.
So here I go. I have never in my life made a New Year's resolution. In the past, if things needed to change, I'd change them. This now, is all about timing. I need to make some changes and the new year just happened to come around.
Here is what I hope to accomplish in 2013:
1. Get back into running 5-6 days a week
2. Run at least three half marathons by December 31, 2013
3. Go on one large vacation ... Puerto Rico, I got my eye on you!
4. Learn how to manage my money. I mean let's face it, I'm grown. Time to start acting
like it!
5. Take Harley out for longer walks.
6. Eat healthier... no fad diets... just make better decisions... no 2am chips and jalapeno
popper runs to 7-Eleven.
7. Not let things bother me so much. I always find myself dwelling on stuff where others are
concerned. No more. If it doesn't concern me or negatively affect me, who cares?
8. Be more accepting and less judgemental. This is a toughie. I'm set in my ways. I have
my views. I think it's called the "only child syndrome" or whatever ;) but I've got it bad
and I'm sure it annoys the hell out of people sometimes. Just as I don't want to be
judged, I will try not to judge.
9. Start a Food Blog. I've always wanted to. I love to write. I love to cook. My roommate
convinced me.
10. Get out and try new things! I'm in a new city, time to explore... outside of Southie!
There. I'm putting it all in writing. I think they are all attainable goals yet I am going to have to work hard to achieve them. I wish everyone the best in 2013 and good luck in achieving all of your goals, both personal and professional. That's all for now. Until next time ...
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Thursday, November 22, 2012
My Journey Across the U.S. - Day Twelve 11/4/2012: It's Moving Day
Today, I moved into my new apartment. It's perfect. Small, but Southie is fabulous. Everything is within walking distance. Grocery store a block away, Rite Aid less than a block away, vet next door, pet shop a block away, bars everywhere. Parking is scarce here, but I found a spot right in front... I lugged my boxes upstairs.
I cleaned for the next four hours. My bed was delivered. I set everything up and then went out to grocery shop. I asked the guy at the store where their alcohol aisle was. He looked at me like I was crazy. They don't carry liquor in the grocery stores. I have to go to the liquor store, but they are closed. UGH. Really?! Massachusetts, I will learn, has intense liquor laws. Sorry David, I remembered I had bought Roswell Alien beer in ABQ... I drank it. I was so tired, but so anxious to start my new job. I'm pretty sure I won't be sleeping tonight.
Michaela won't be home until Wednesday. I was alone for the next few days, but at least I can kind of settle in and Harley can get comfortable.
He seems to be relaxed...
I cleaned for the next four hours. My bed was delivered. I set everything up and then went out to grocery shop. I asked the guy at the store where their alcohol aisle was. He looked at me like I was crazy. They don't carry liquor in the grocery stores. I have to go to the liquor store, but they are closed. UGH. Really?! Massachusetts, I will learn, has intense liquor laws. Sorry David, I remembered I had bought Roswell Alien beer in ABQ... I drank it. I was so tired, but so anxious to start my new job. I'm pretty sure I won't be sleeping tonight.
Michaela won't be home until Wednesday. I was alone for the next few days, but at least I can kind of settle in and Harley can get comfortable.
He seems to be relaxed...
My Journey Across the U.S. - Day Eleven 11/3/2012: Am I Moving Or Not?
I woke up late. Kim left for work and told me not to worry about having a place to sleep. I was frantic in trying to get a hold of Michaela. I was so nervous.
Michaela had texted me that she was in the hospital. OK, at least she's real. I felt bad because I was pushy, but I needed to make sure I had a place to live before I started work on Monday. She got me in touch with her former roommate who said she'd meet me to give me the keys TOMORROW. Fine.
I slept the day away, watched lifetime movies, and ordered my bed to be delivered tomorrow. My bank account was getting low. At least I know I am closer to settling down. Kim got home from work late at night. We drank some more and talked a lot. Her house is adorable. Salem is quaint. I love it.
To bed I go. Tomorrow, I move into my new home and Monday, my new life officially starts.
Michaela had texted me that she was in the hospital. OK, at least she's real. I felt bad because I was pushy, but I needed to make sure I had a place to live before I started work on Monday. She got me in touch with her former roommate who said she'd meet me to give me the keys TOMORROW. Fine.
I slept the day away, watched lifetime movies, and ordered my bed to be delivered tomorrow. My bank account was getting low. At least I know I am closer to settling down. Kim got home from work late at night. We drank some more and talked a lot. Her house is adorable. Salem is quaint. I love it.
To bed I go. Tomorrow, I move into my new home and Monday, my new life officially starts.
My Journey Across the U.S. - Day Ten 11/2/2012: The Final Leg
So, I ended up not going to the Hershey Factory. Maybe I'll be back, maybe not. I wanted to get on the road. I'm almost there! This drive would be about eight hours, not including stops. Another long one... my destination would be Salem, MA. My friend Kimberly is letting me stay with her until I am able to move into my apartment.
I passed states super fast. I was out of PA before I could blink and into New York. I had never seen the non-city parts of NY, so I was fascinated. I forgot to get gas before leaving PA...big mistake. I decided to stop right away and gas up. The lines were ridiculous! I managed to find a station with a small line. They were out of everything but the cheap stuff. Great, Marilyn is going to flip her shit, I'm sure.
On the road again, I got through NY state and arrived in Connecticut. Gorgeous state, but the drivers are worse here than anywhere. I don't know why, but they're horrible. It was around 4pm, on a Friday, and I think people were getting off work. The traffic was insane. Marilyn did act up a bit and I wanted to cry. I really just wanted to be done with this trip. Kim was really good about keeping me going. She promised to have vodka when I arrived.
A crossed into Massachusetts and I cried. Real tears of relief and happiness and excitement. I'm here. I made it. I didn't realize how long I had to go still. Traffic was horrendous. Friday night, it was about 6pm by then. EVERYONE was headed home from work and the freeways were parking lots. The Pike (Massachusetts Turnpike) was a mess... their toll booths don't have lanes, it was a cluster. I was in the far right booth and had to make it to the on ramp on the far left. This is crazy. Then, it started to rain. OK, that's it, I'm done. I called Kim and told her I couldn't do it. I couldn't sit in this traffic. No more. I can't. "yes, you can. you're almost here" she said. Thank God for this girl, she kept me sane ... TWO hours later, I was in Salem. I got lost. Kim is by far the best director EVER. She got me to her house not using street names, but by describing what was around.
I made it. I pulled up into her driveway and I just wanted to collapse. I'm here. In one piece. Marilyn is still running. Harley doesn't completely hate me. Kim poured me some vodka and OJ and we ordered FOOD. Cheesy fries and a Philly cheese steak with a Greek salad. I am in food heaven. We stayed up late talking. She had to go to work the next day and I was trying to move into my apartment.
I had tried getting a hold of my new roommate, but was failing. I got nervous. "Shit", I thought "this was all a scam and I am going to be homeless in Boston". I start work on Monday... two days from now.
I passed states super fast. I was out of PA before I could blink and into New York. I had never seen the non-city parts of NY, so I was fascinated. I forgot to get gas before leaving PA...big mistake. I decided to stop right away and gas up. The lines were ridiculous! I managed to find a station with a small line. They were out of everything but the cheap stuff. Great, Marilyn is going to flip her shit, I'm sure.
On the road again, I got through NY state and arrived in Connecticut. Gorgeous state, but the drivers are worse here than anywhere. I don't know why, but they're horrible. It was around 4pm, on a Friday, and I think people were getting off work. The traffic was insane. Marilyn did act up a bit and I wanted to cry. I really just wanted to be done with this trip. Kim was really good about keeping me going. She promised to have vodka when I arrived.
A crossed into Massachusetts and I cried. Real tears of relief and happiness and excitement. I'm here. I made it. I didn't realize how long I had to go still. Traffic was horrendous. Friday night, it was about 6pm by then. EVERYONE was headed home from work and the freeways were parking lots. The Pike (Massachusetts Turnpike) was a mess... their toll booths don't have lanes, it was a cluster. I was in the far right booth and had to make it to the on ramp on the far left. This is crazy. Then, it started to rain. OK, that's it, I'm done. I called Kim and told her I couldn't do it. I couldn't sit in this traffic. No more. I can't. "yes, you can. you're almost here" she said. Thank God for this girl, she kept me sane ... TWO hours later, I was in Salem. I got lost. Kim is by far the best director EVER. She got me to her house not using street names, but by describing what was around.
I made it. I pulled up into her driveway and I just wanted to collapse. I'm here. In one piece. Marilyn is still running. Harley doesn't completely hate me. Kim poured me some vodka and OJ and we ordered FOOD. Cheesy fries and a Philly cheese steak with a Greek salad. I am in food heaven. We stayed up late talking. She had to go to work the next day and I was trying to move into my apartment.
I had tried getting a hold of my new roommate, but was failing. I got nervous. "Shit", I thought "this was all a scam and I am going to be homeless in Boston". I start work on Monday... two days from now.
My Journey Across the U.S. - Day Nine 11/1/2012: Headed to Hersheytown
This morning I left for Harrisburg, PA. An estimated 11.5 hour drive. BLAH! It started out a bit rough. Marilyn was acting up again. At least, by now, I knew how it went. Marilyn acts up, I pull off the road, turn her off, and re start - she's good to go. I call her a bitch, apologize, and tell her we have ten hours and then she can sleep. Yes, I talk to her. She's named after Marilyn Monroe and she lives up to the diva part.
I also stopped three times before three hours ... I had to pee a lot today. T.M.I. once again. Usually, I stop every three to four hours to gas up and walk Harley. This was going to be a long day.
I hit traffic just outside of Knoxville. I was at a dead stop. Interstate 40 is such a shitty highway. There's construction everywhere and truckers are assholes. The farther East I got, the more aggressive the drivers became. Marilyn had another fit at dusk. I have been putting the most expensive grade of gas in her since Oklahoma..still only $3.59/gallon...awesome! I sweet talked her. I was only two hours away from my hotel. She behaved and we reached the Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel around 5 or 6pm.
So far, the people have been a little less than welcoming at each of the hotels...all Starwood. The norm when you're staying on an employee rate.
This hotel broke the mold. The girl at the front desk - I forgot her name - was so sweet. Harley and I were put on the dog floor. It was a nice room, away from elevators, stairs, and it wasn't an accessible room! Brownie points! As a former front desk girl - I busted my ass, smiled, and was nice to everyone regardless of who they were and what they were paying - I was impressed with this hotel's service.
I was now starving... for alcohol. Hahahahahahaha! I went to the hotel restaurant - they were the only hotel who offered the 50% F&B discount. I ordered a pizza and some wine. Everyone thought I was writing a book as I sat there and wrote in my journal. They were all really nice. Helping me with which route to take as I was headed into New York the next day.
The bar is full of athletes...of course I have no idea who. Most likely just an extracurricular league, but they were cute. Ahhhh, East Coast Men. I'm loving the accents. I had a few more glasses of wine...and by a few, I mean four and then headed to bed.
I'm finally on my coast. The right coast. I'm excited! Tomorrow is my last drive. Thank God! I'm tired, I'm over driving, and I think all this red bull is giving me chest pain. I want to go to the Hershey Factory tomorrow, but I also just want to get to Boston. We shall see.
I also stopped three times before three hours ... I had to pee a lot today. T.M.I. once again. Usually, I stop every three to four hours to gas up and walk Harley. This was going to be a long day.
I hit traffic just outside of Knoxville. I was at a dead stop. Interstate 40 is such a shitty highway. There's construction everywhere and truckers are assholes. The farther East I got, the more aggressive the drivers became. Marilyn had another fit at dusk. I have been putting the most expensive grade of gas in her since Oklahoma..still only $3.59/gallon...awesome! I sweet talked her. I was only two hours away from my hotel. She behaved and we reached the Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel around 5 or 6pm.
So far, the people have been a little less than welcoming at each of the hotels...all Starwood. The norm when you're staying on an employee rate.
This hotel broke the mold. The girl at the front desk - I forgot her name - was so sweet. Harley and I were put on the dog floor. It was a nice room, away from elevators, stairs, and it wasn't an accessible room! Brownie points! As a former front desk girl - I busted my ass, smiled, and was nice to everyone regardless of who they were and what they were paying - I was impressed with this hotel's service.
I was now starving... for alcohol. Hahahahahahaha! I went to the hotel restaurant - they were the only hotel who offered the 50% F&B discount. I ordered a pizza and some wine. Everyone thought I was writing a book as I sat there and wrote in my journal. They were all really nice. Helping me with which route to take as I was headed into New York the next day.
The bar is full of athletes...of course I have no idea who. Most likely just an extracurricular league, but they were cute. Ahhhh, East Coast Men. I'm loving the accents. I had a few more glasses of wine...and by a few, I mean four and then headed to bed.
I'm finally on my coast. The right coast. I'm excited! Tomorrow is my last drive. Thank God! I'm tired, I'm over driving, and I think all this red bull is giving me chest pain. I want to go to the Hershey Factory tomorrow, but I also just want to get to Boston. We shall see.
My Journey Across the U.S. - Day Eight 10/31/2012: A Little Bit Country
Well, today is Halloween. My most favorite day of the year and I am not dressed up :( BUT it's a small sacrifice and I was more than happy to spend the day Nashville.
I went into downtown Nashville around lunchtime. First stop, Tootsies! This place was tiny and kinda smelly. The guy performing was quite good. Great voice, he played guitar, and had a great personality. He entertained the group of cougars in the corner well!
Right as I sat down at the bar, the bartender told me I put my purse on someone's seat...my bad... no one was even around. She eventually came around, and was definitely your typical southern girl. Bottle blonde, blue eyes, dressed in jean from head to toe, and cowgirl boots. Her accent was adorable. She immediately struck up a conversation with me. I love it here. This would never happen on the west coast. You have to force people to look you in the eyes let alone speak one word to a stranger.
She showed me photos of her kids - she thought I was their age, late teens! I thought she was closer to my age than she really was. She was stunning. I found out she was their for the CMAs. Her work sent her and her mom... she said it was a pity invite, her husband had just left her, so the big boss gave her his tickets. I'd take a pity invite to the CMAs any day! She finished her drink and was on her way. I sat and finished my beer then headed on out to Broadway.
I went in and out of stores - the "Honky Tonks". I found a store that has a buy one, get two free on boots! Holy shop girl heaven. Of course, the buy one pair that I wanted was $300. Not in my budget right now. I still needed to buy a bed. Next time. I've already decided I'm coming back next year. I will save for my boots!
After walking off my beer, I stopped at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville for some food. To my surprise, another live act! This duo, Brittany Taylor and who I'm guessing was her husband were singing. They sounded lovely. I took video and tried uploading it to Facebook, but it didn't work. I googled her later and saw that she also performs in a band called Tumbleweed. She's pretty amazing and obviously I felt her talent was worth a shout out!
I stuffed my face full of food and more beer... I think I've gained five pounds by now. Now it was time to get educated, in country music. I made my way to the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum. It was unbelievably huge. They were featuring Taylor Swift. I'm not a fan of her, but she does have some catchy ass songs. I'm not the biggest country music fan. I bought Tim McGraw's first album and Billy Ray Cyrus' "achy breaky" YEARS ago - did I just admit that?! I love Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert and God knows I love country men. Anywho, I enjoyed walking around. I can't believe how much stuff is there. You can't even see half of the stuff. A lot is in "the vault". One part of the museum, they have people working on preserving old records. Kinda cool.
I spent two hours in the museum... My feet hurt... all I own are heels and flip flops. It was time to head back. On my way back to Franklin, I purposely got lost in my new favorite town. I arrived "home" later in the evening and Mary and Kerry handing out candy to the kiddos. I had wanted to take them to dinner, but Darcy warned me they would most likely say no. They did. Instead, they wanted to take me out to dinner for my last night. Another live act! I love this!!!!
My last night in Tennessee, what a better way to end it than to watch Nashville?! Mary and Kerry are simply wonderful. I think the nicest people I have met in my 28 years. Darcy, you are truly blessed to be part of this family - I'm jealous! I'll go ahead and make myself the adopted daughter!
My time spent here was unforgettable. Seriously, I want to come back ASAP. Thank you Mary and Kerry for your hospitality and Darcy and Brandon for making the call to help me out. I am truly blessed to have you as friends and I am so happy I was able to meet your family!
Tomorrow, I am heading to Harrisburg, PA... my last stop before heading to Boston.
I went into downtown Nashville around lunchtime. First stop, Tootsies! This place was tiny and kinda smelly. The guy performing was quite good. Great voice, he played guitar, and had a great personality. He entertained the group of cougars in the corner well!
Right as I sat down at the bar, the bartender told me I put my purse on someone's seat...my bad... no one was even around. She eventually came around, and was definitely your typical southern girl. Bottle blonde, blue eyes, dressed in jean from head to toe, and cowgirl boots. Her accent was adorable. She immediately struck up a conversation with me. I love it here. This would never happen on the west coast. You have to force people to look you in the eyes let alone speak one word to a stranger.
She showed me photos of her kids - she thought I was their age, late teens! I thought she was closer to my age than she really was. She was stunning. I found out she was their for the CMAs. Her work sent her and her mom... she said it was a pity invite, her husband had just left her, so the big boss gave her his tickets. I'd take a pity invite to the CMAs any day! She finished her drink and was on her way. I sat and finished my beer then headed on out to Broadway.
I went in and out of stores - the "Honky Tonks". I found a store that has a buy one, get two free on boots! Holy shop girl heaven. Of course, the buy one pair that I wanted was $300. Not in my budget right now. I still needed to buy a bed. Next time. I've already decided I'm coming back next year. I will save for my boots!
After walking off my beer, I stopped at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville for some food. To my surprise, another live act! This duo, Brittany Taylor and who I'm guessing was her husband were singing. They sounded lovely. I took video and tried uploading it to Facebook, but it didn't work. I googled her later and saw that she also performs in a band called Tumbleweed. She's pretty amazing and obviously I felt her talent was worth a shout out!
I stuffed my face full of food and more beer... I think I've gained five pounds by now. Now it was time to get educated, in country music. I made my way to the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum. It was unbelievably huge. They were featuring Taylor Swift. I'm not a fan of her, but she does have some catchy ass songs. I'm not the biggest country music fan. I bought Tim McGraw's first album and Billy Ray Cyrus' "achy breaky" YEARS ago - did I just admit that?! I love Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert and God knows I love country men. Anywho, I enjoyed walking around. I can't believe how much stuff is there. You can't even see half of the stuff. A lot is in "the vault". One part of the museum, they have people working on preserving old records. Kinda cool.
I spent two hours in the museum... My feet hurt... all I own are heels and flip flops. It was time to head back. On my way back to Franklin, I purposely got lost in my new favorite town. I arrived "home" later in the evening and Mary and Kerry handing out candy to the kiddos. I had wanted to take them to dinner, but Darcy warned me they would most likely say no. They did. Instead, they wanted to take me out to dinner for my last night. Another live act! I love this!!!!
My last night in Tennessee, what a better way to end it than to watch Nashville?! Mary and Kerry are simply wonderful. I think the nicest people I have met in my 28 years. Darcy, you are truly blessed to be part of this family - I'm jealous! I'll go ahead and make myself the adopted daughter!
My time spent here was unforgettable. Seriously, I want to come back ASAP. Thank you Mary and Kerry for your hospitality and Darcy and Brandon for making the call to help me out. I am truly blessed to have you as friends and I am so happy I was able to meet your family!
Tomorrow, I am heading to Harrisburg, PA... my last stop before heading to Boston.
My Journey Across the U.S. - Day Seven 10/29/2012: Shopping for Winter Clothes, Not So Easy
I slept in this morning and it felt SO good. My mission today would be to find myself a jacket. I headed for the mall, AGAIN. I literally walked this mall three times and tried on at least fifty coats. With a little help from my new roomie, Michaela (who I had yet to meet), my mom, and her friend, I chose a cute grey wool coat from Express - just in case you wanted to know :)
After hours on my feet, I was ready to relax. I went back "home" to Franklin - seriously the cutest town EVER. I took a little catnap and Mary cooked some yummy baked chicken with grilled veggies, sweet potatoes, and cornbread. At this point, I don't think I ever want to leave!
I am going to bed early because I want to be a tourist in Nashville tomorrow. The CMAs are in town, so it should be interesting!
After hours on my feet, I was ready to relax. I went back "home" to Franklin - seriously the cutest town EVER. I took a little catnap and Mary cooked some yummy baked chicken with grilled veggies, sweet potatoes, and cornbread. At this point, I don't think I ever want to leave!
I am going to bed early because I want to be a tourist in Nashville tomorrow. The CMAs are in town, so it should be interesting!
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| This is the view from my room |
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| Fall leaves |
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| The houses are so beautiful here, I couldn't stop taking pictures |
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