I’m hooooome…unfortunately.  I really would give anything (well, maybe not an arm or leg, but perhaps an eyebrow?) to be back up in Boston for the rest of the summer.  Ashley and I drove up Friday afternoon and actually didn’t hit too much traffic.  As soon as we got off the good ole Mass Pike at Newton, I started to get incredibly giddy to be back in pretty much my favorite place in the world.  As in, my head was bobbing, my arms were flailing, and I was bouncing around my seat (Ash may or may not have feared for her life, as I was still behind the wheel…), and let it be known that the feeling lasted the entire weekend until I got back on the Mass Pike to come home (boooo).  Anyways, so we picked up Steve and Shwin, and headed directly toward Cafénation (wooooo).  For those of you who know me, I have a difficult time picking what to eat, but I eventually decided on the BBQ Chicken Crepe, and it was delightful (although Ash deemed it too sweet for her spice-craving taste-buds).  We went back to Steve’s after to hang for a bit, and ended up getting dinner at Wagamama with Pete and Nadia.  Aliya and Sofia got to Steve’s pretty late, but we had such a fun time.  I was pretty much dead to the world on Saturday, but we managed to go to the Museum of Science (SO MUCH FUN).  I wanna go back there when the kiddies are in school; they were hogging all the fun toys and gadgets (bastards).  We had an excellent dinner at Giacomo’s Saturday evening, where I chose the usual linguine with shrimp and scallops, doused in fracomo sauce.  We also took Aliya and Sofia to Mike’s so they could have the ultimate pastry experience.  And Sunday was nice, too; I met up with Alicia, Ash and Swhin at Panera and saw Alicia’s place afterward.  It’s such a cute apartment, and it’s exactly the kind of place I’d love to reside next summer.  We ended up going to UBurger (oh man, Big Papi with extra chipotle sauce = my favorite thing ever) and Angora (okay, vanilla frozen yogurt with fudge brownie, caramel, and Oreo crumbled on top is equally my favorite thing ever).  And then I got a coffee that was entirely too big for my own good, picked up Ashley, and started driving home.

SLASH, re-reading the above paragraph made me realize I get entirely too excited when I talk about food.  Mmm, food.

I had my first day of work yesterday, and I’m thinking I should consider it a success; only one guest wanted to murder me.  In case you haven’t been keeping up with my blog (shame on you), I’m working the front desk at a nearby hotel.  I’m very good at making key cards, scheduling wake up calls, and baking cookies (which, believe it or not, is part of my job description).  Hotel software?  Not so much.  At least, not yet.  The guy who probably wanted to kill me was supposed to have a reservation, but he wasn’t listed in my arrivals, and I couldn’t find his reservation.  And of course my boss had stepped out to lunch, so it was literally me, alone in the hotel.  Sad.  So anyways, I fumbled around for a good 10 minutes trying to find his reservation, and then once I found it (it had been mischeduled) I fumbled around with the payment process.  Disastrous.  But like I said, the rest of the day went smoothly, and I kinda had fun.  I’m somewhat looking forward to working again tomorrow and Friday (even though I have a shitty shift, from 5pm-11pm).

Can you believe all the stuff that has been going on in the world the past week or so?  I was watching the news at the gym this morning and realized just how much has been happening.  I don’t really know what to make of the ousted president of Honduras.  I had never even heard of him prior to the recent coup (if it can even be called a coup), but he’s kinda been launched to international fame as a result.  Critics claimed he was trying to change the constitution to end the one-term limit for presidents, and was thus abusing his power.  But I mean, FDR was elected to office for four terms, and we didn’t exactly give him the boot.  Then there’s Iraq, and the American troop withdrawal.  I never thought I’d see the day.  I’m glad that our troops are finally starting to get out of that mess, but I dont know if Iraq’s strong enough to stand on its own two feet to quell the uprisings.  There have already been bombings amidst the Iraqi celebrations.  I guess we’ll see.  Oh, and the recent Iranian election.  I know it’s somewhat old news, but hey, it’s still a mess over there, and from what I understand the U.S. still hasn’t recognized Ahmadinejad as the country’s President.  It’s just really fishy considering in some districts there were more votes than there were people (really, Iran?), and that the recount claimed that Ahmadinejad received more votes than originally thought.  What a mess.  And I watched a really disturbing video of an Iranian singer who was shot and killed during the protests.

I was just stumbling, and I came across the following by Gandhi:

Seven Blunders of the World
1.  Wealth without work.
2.  Pleasure without conscience.
3.  Knowledge without character.
4.  Commerce without morality.
5.  Science without humanity.
6.  Worship without sacrifice.
7.  Politics without principle.
-  Mahatma Gandhi

Gandhi was a wise, wise man.  I’ve been thinking about these seven “blunders,” and it’s striking how relevant they are, particularly in today’s world.  I think they are at the root of most of the problems and conflicts we face today as a global community.  Thoughts?

I also stumbled upon The Eight Irresistable Principles of Fun.  It’s slightly longer than a short video (maybe about 3 or 4 minutes?) but worthwhile watching.  It basically just tells you to lighten up and live your life because it’s too short to take for granted.

SUN!  Finally!  Too bad I spent the first 6 hours of this sunny day inside, training for my new front desk job at a local hotel.  So yes, I finally have a job, I will finally be making money, and I will finally stop bitching to you guys about being unemployed.  But rest assured, I will find other things to bitch about soon enough.  So, sun!  As soon as I got home, I sat outside, smiling gleefully as the sun beat down on my pasty, Irish/Norwegian skin.  It was the best.  Like, actually the best.

I’m reeeally looking forward to this weekend, which for me is going to start Thursday evening.  I’m going into the city to meet up with Adam, we’re going to his company outing.  Which, might I mention, is a 311/Ziggy Marley concert.  Which, of course, will be quite fun.  And then early Friday morning, Ashley and myself (and maybe/hopefully Aliya?!) are driving up to Boston.  And I just have to get this out of my system…WOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!  Okay, so in case you couldn’t tell, REALLY excited.  I miss the good ole’ T and my favorite restaurants and just the city itself.

Anyways, dinner time!  My mom’s making burgers, so I’m crumbling mine up and putting it on a salad with yogurt ranch dressing (delicious, surprisingly somewhat healthy, and I highly recommend it).

I have no idea how I’m going to make it to August.  It’s only June, and I’m already going crazy here in the 845.  I think I’ve been bummed due to the fact that most of my best friends aren’t here this summer, it has been raining pretty much every day since I’ve been home, and I’m making zero dollars because I’m still unemployed.  I woke up this morning, and realized I have NOTHING to do again.  You can only do so much reading and television/movie watching, and I think I’ve done more than enough for a while. I  mean I would love to work out, but I’m taking it easy on my legs because my shin splints are coming back.  I would love to go to the mall, but I’m trying to save my money.  Same goes for the movies.  It’s raining, so I can’t go out and take photos anywhere.  Ugh.  Ideas?

Anyway, Ashley and I had a Lost marathon yesterday to catch up on the last few episodes of this past season.  We have yet to watch the season finale, but we watched all of the episodes up to it.  I know the show is ridiculous, but I’m still hooked.  We also met up with Julie, Sam, her boyfriend Jeremy, and Eva in Nyack for dinner.  We ate at a cute Thai place called The King & I.  I ordered #39 (haha uhhh, I don’t know why I remembered the numebr?) with two peppers (aka pretty spicy) and it certainly sent a “tingling senation through my mouth” as their menu said it would.  I think it was the spiciest dish I’ve ordered out in a long time.  And by long time, I mean ever.  I was sweating profusely, but it was still really good…and I’m still excited for leftovers.

Gee, I woke up this morning and was astonished to see that it was raining.  I mean, it hasn’t rained 13/14 days the past two weeks.  It’s probably a good thing, because I wouldn’t know what to do if I saw that big, yellow thing…I think it’s called the sun?

Still jobless, but I went for an interview at Comfort Suites over on 17.  My dad met the general manager at a networking thing and was talking about me, and he casually mentioned that I was looking for a job.  Fabulous, eh?  So keep an eye or an ear out, I might be dirty Jersey’s number one hotel receptionist (haha title thanks to Victoria).  The pay is kinda shitty, but at least it’s something.  I’d still rather babysit, or tutor, or do anything that isn’t taxed (so if you know anyone…LEMME KNOW).

Anyways, I was stumbling around the web and came across the barrel monster.  I have to say, I was pretty damn impressed; I’ve never seen such a beautiful piece of vandalism/artwork, and I’m not joking when I say I kind of want one of my own.  I would put it right next to Ashley’s Zac Efron, I think they’d be the best of buddies.

Courtesy of Netflix, I have also started watching some EXCELLENT television shows: 30 Rock and Weeds.  Tina Fey is great, and I find myself grinning throughout the entire show.  Which means I just grinned for 3.85 hours straight, since I just watched more than half of season 2.  And is it weird that I kind of have a crush on Jack Donaghy?  He’s not really attractive, and his voice is kind of bizarre, but I love his personality because he’s just so ridiculous.  Yeah, I know, I’m crazy.  And I watched the first season of Weeds yesterday, and I loved that too.  I love Jeffrey Morgan, the guy who played Judah in the first few episodes.  Crazy coincidence that he played the dead boyfriend/husband in PS I Love You, too…what is it about that guy that makes him such an excellent lost loved one?  Anyways, I’m gonna watch some more 30 Rock.  My face is going to hurt tomorrow.

Hey guys!  So I just got back from Saratoga a little while ago, and it was so much fun as usual.  I went up with my brother to see my 14th and 15th Dave Matthews Band at SPAC.  We left Friday afternoon and didn’t hit too much traffic (which was a nice surprise).  Tailgating was fun as usual, my brother wore his Red Wings jersey (and got harassed for it), and we saw a good show Friday.  Saturday was even better, though.  We went to a pretty big tailgate called Ballsfest (the guy who organizes it every year had testicular cancer, and the money raised is donated to a cancer research organization I believe) and hung out there before the show.  What’s even better is that fact that I met up with Steve, Aliya, Gayle, and Sofia on the lawn to watch the show, and it was great even though it was raining the whole time.  And seriously, can you just look at how amazing this setlist is?  I think it’s the second best show I’ve ever seen (…I mean, nothing can top James Brown coming out in a sequined silver jump suit to do sex machine with the band eight years ago).  But yeah, here’s the setlist:

Shake Me Like a Monkey
Typical Situation
Alligator Pie
You Might Die Trying
Dive In
The Stone
Funny the Way It Is
Lying in the Hands of God
Lie in Our Graves
Why I Am
Jimi Thing
You & Me
The Song That Jane Likes
Crash Into Me
Time Bomb
Two Step
Encore:
#40 (partial)
Granny
All Along the Watchtower
Halloween

I still can’t believe we got a 4 song encore, nor can I believe the song selection itself.  And the new album is just as good live, if not better.  More later, I’m exhausted.

As I was cruising back to my house from the gym this morning, I saw a ridiculous truck that said Pet Butler on it.  I was thinking, “Wow, cause my dog needs a butler…?”  So anyways, it got me curious, and I decided to do some research when I got home.  Turns out its a waste clean up service that charges $113.67 per month to have the crap removed from your yard twice a week.  I mean, I guess it could be useful if your dog takes industrial sized dumps that you don’t feel like cleaning up…but really, can’t you just grab a shovel and scoop that (literal) shit yourself?  We have services for EVERYTHING these days, it’s just kinda crazy.  I dunno, I’m starting to think we’re lazy…

Anyways, that’s that.  I gotta run and finish packing for this weekend.  I’m going up to Saratoga with my brother to see Dave Matthews Band.  The two shows I’m seeing this weekend will be my 14th and 15th.  Aaaand I’m pretty pumped, because as I mentioned in an entry a few days ago, their new CD is great.  And Emily may be going tonight, and I’m meeting up with Steve, Gayle, Aliya and Sofia tomorrow for the show and a camp-fest afterwards.  Should be fun!  Let’s hope it doesn’t rain.  Woooo, smell ya later!

Sad story.  I just cooked up some chicken and decided to try a new recipe (something along the lines of pan-seared chicken with gravy).  Bad idea.  My gravy looked like vomit.  Someone booted on my chicken.

Oops?

By the way, Pete Yorn = new obsession.  I’m pretty much in love with his album called Music For the Morning After.  Ch-check it out.

I absolutely love thunderstorms.  This is why I woke up with a little smile yesterday morning, as my entire house shook from the boom that only an amazing storm could bring.  I was still half asleep, which was most unfortunate due to the rain pouring in my window and splashing my (electric) fan.  It was weird because I knew I needed to close my window, but my body simply wouldn’t get out of bed.  At least, not until the thought of getting electrocuted by either my wet fan or a stray lightning bolt entered my consciousness, at which point I leapt out of bed, grabbed my fan, and closed my window.  But I digress.  Thunderstorms are amazing.  I think I used to be scared of them when I was a little girl, but over the past 5 years have grown fond of them.  The magnificent bolts of lightning that race across the sky remind me of the power and beauty nature possesses, and the slow rumbling of thunder soothes me.

So I actually have to run, I’m going to see the Hangover with Ash and Kris.  I’ll probably write more when I get back, I have a lot on my mind (ants, downloading crappy music, tea, and geosense just to name some of the things bouncing around in my lil’ brain).  Toodles!

I did it.  I finally purchased the new Dave Matthews Band CD, Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King!  I’ve been listening to it all day, and it’s amazing!  I’m in love with Funny The Way It Is,  Dive In, and You & Me.  I love the artwork, too; Dave drew everything and apparently had some kiddies color it in (which he discussed on an interview for the Today show).  The concert up in Saratoga is going to be awesome this weekend, and I’m trying to convince my brother to see the Friday night show with me, too.  So yeah, invest!  It’s good.  Anyways, I’m putting the lyrics to “Funny The Way It Is” at the end of the post; they’re definitely worth mulling over.

Moving on.  I’m super burnt because I’m an idiot and sat outside all afternoon without sunblock.  You would think that doing Relay For Life for 5 years would have cured me of that, but nope.  I’m still dumb.  The only good thing that will come out of this is not being milky white (as my brother described me, although he’s pretty Casper-y himself).  Teehee.

Anyways, nothing new to report, really.  Oh, I’m not gonna be working this week because my boss ran out of things for me to do.  Which means I’m actually unemployed at this point.  I’ll be tutoring for another couple weeks, but other than that, I have no idea how I’m going to make money.  My brother suggested I collect cans (fabulous?) or work as scorekeeper at the hockey rinks he plays at.  He thinks they’re looking for people, and apparently pay $20 per game.  Any other ideas?  Keep me posted, please.

Lying in the park on a beautiful day
Sunshine in the grass and the children play
Sirens pass in fire engine red
Someone’s house is burning down on a day like this

The evening comes and we’re hanging out
On the front step and a car goes by with the windows rolled down
And that War song is playing
“Why can’t we be friends?”
Someone is screaming and crying in the apartment upstairs

Funny the way it is
If you think about it
Somebody’s going hungry and someone else is eating out
Funny the way it is
Not right or wrong
Somebody’s heart is broken and it becomes your favorite song

The way your mouth feels in your lover’s kiss
Like a pretty bird on the breeze or water to a fish
A bomb blast brings the building crashing to the floor
Hear the laughter while the children play war

Funny the way it is
If you think about it
One kid walks ten miles to school, another’s dropping out
Funny the way it is
Not right or wrong
On a soldier’s last breath, his baby’s being born

Standing on a bridge
Watch the water passing underneath
It must have been much harder when there was no bridge, just water
Now the world is small
Remember how it used to be
With mountains and oceans and winters and rivers and stars?

Watch the sky, a jet plane so far out of my reach
Is there someone up there looking down on me?
A boy sees a bird, so close but every time
He’ll never catch her but he can’t stop trying.