Bored at work blog...

It seems like the weather always affects my moods, so I better not move to Seattle.

“Gilmore Girls” ended on Tuesday night and I am sad. The fall schedule looks bleak, although there is another show that was created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, so that is one bright spot. I’ve been watching “Shear Genius” lately, which I really like. I loved the episode where they had to recreate a hairstyle for a certain era in history—the styles were from the Medieval era, the Elizabethan era, the Victorian era, the 1920’s, 1940’s, 1960’s, and 1980’s punk. Tyson, who styled a woman’s hair for the Elizabethan era, won the challenge. They even dressed in costumes to compliment their hairstyles. On the show last night, Tyson and Tabitha were eliminated. This surprised me, because their relationship with each other (basically, just Tabitha hates Tyson) was the most dramatic element on the show. They were both extremely talented, too. But they were eliminated when they worked together as a pair for the bridal party challenge. Daisy and Anthony won (I really like both of them) and created the coolest up-do for the bride. I like the other two hairstylists left, as well; they are Dr. Boogie (great name) and Ben (the tattooed, pierced guy with a kind heart). Personally, I hope that Daisy wins, because she seems cool and her hairstyles are the best.

Also, “Big Love” is returning this summer (although I don’t have HBO) and Top Chef will also run its’ third season. I wonder when “Project Runway” will start. I cannot wait!

On Tuesday, I was able to achieve some sort of miracle. I finally got online to buy Red Sox tickets, after it seemed virtually impossible. They are pretty terrible, because we don’t even have seats, but I think it will be fun. It’s in this general seating area somewhere around 1st base. The Sox are playing the Cleveland Indians for the game, which is May 30th, so hopefully, we will win. This pitcher for the Indians went to my high school; he is a big jerk and he has a losing record this year, so hopefully he won’t be pitching. Well, he was a jerk in high school. I actually saw him three years ago when his college team (Vanderbilt) played Ole Miss in baseball. He was at the restaurant where I worked and he and his parents were cordial. It’s kind of embarrassing when you have to serve people you know. I’m glad I don’t have that kind of job now.

Anyway, I bought the tickets because Brian’s thirtieth birthday is on Saturday. He wasn’t as happy about the event as I thought. It’s hard to please him, it seems. But his emotions are more laid back than mine, so I should think about that. We’re going to the Steely Dan concert tomorrow night, which should be fun, although it’s going to be raining the whole time we are driving to Connecticut and the temperature will be about fifty degrees. Yay.

This weekend will be busy with the concert and then my choir concert and church thing.

My dad lost his job again. This is what, like the twelfth time. I worry about him and I don’t know what’s going to happen to him. He is fifty-five and basically has no retirement savings. He can’t keep doing this to himself. I hope that I won’t be like him at all.

The cat is still sleeping on my pillow at night, which means I have half a pillow most of the time. However, she is a darling to me.

Tell me why, I don't like Mondays...

This is the mother's day cake I made for Gretchen yesterday! Yes, it is very blue. We went to their house for dinner last night and she had the most beautiful garden. I want to have a yard so badly.

I bought some great clothes at Old Navy-- two pairs of cropped pants, a swimsuit, two short-sleeved shirt, a button-down shirt for work, a green flowy shirt, and I got two polos for Brian. It was a success.

A good week...and some weird dreams

Well, I am finally feeling better from my back and "other" problems. I went back to the doctor for a check-up on Monday and she told me to eat more fiber. Yay. But the cereal I bought (Fiber One) is even better than Kashi because it has 14 grams of fiber and only sixty calories per serving. I swear, sometimes, I sound like an old person who needs fiber! That is scary.

Choir was fine on Monday, although we (and myself included) need more practice on all of the songs. They are difficult though, but I feel like we don't do enough sectional rehearsals in the beginning just to get our notes correct and that is what is hindering us now. I miss being in the Ballard choir because, well, I think we were amazing. Our concert is on May 20th in the afternoon. I am singing with Sarah's church choir in the morning, so that will definitely be a very musical weekend. Plus the Steely Dan concert is Friday night.

On Tuesday, I went to the gym (my average is still about twice a week) and watched "Gilmore Girls." Oh, I am so sad that it is ending next week but it's about time. Although I feel like I kind of grew up with Rory even though I didn't watch the show the entire way through its' run. I have to thank the show though for something. When Ryan and I broke up in the fall of 2004, I really started watching the show on the Family channel in syndication. To be honest, the show was comforting to me because it makes you feel good, at least to me. During this time of my life, I was so depressed about everything and I didn't really have anyone to talk to about my breakup with Ryan and my feelings about hopelessness and leaving school without a planned future. It was so difficult. I read something once that said people are most depressed in the morning right when they awaken. This was true for me. I remember waking up at the Theta house and getting in the shower and crying most every day. I'm so happy now that I got through those three months alright and that I successfully completed school. I didn't want to do anything; I just wanted to quit Ole Miss and come home. And coming home, being far away from Ryan and all the other issues, was what finally cured me. I know I just went into a long harangue about that whole episode, but that is what I will relate to most with the show.

On Wednesday, I got off work early and Brian and I went to see "Spider-Man 3." It was a little long and silly when Tobey started dancing, but otherwise, it was pretty good and I really liked the story. I wonder if there will be a fourth movie.

I've had some very strange dreams lately. In the first dream, I slept for four months, between May and September. I missed all the lovely summer weather and I woke up when the leaves were turning colors and people were wearing coats. Maybe this dream is telling me that I am missing out on something. In the second dream, I went to visit my friend Kelly in New York (he's moving there in August) and he lived with my ex-fiance and his wife. And we all got along!

I'm pretty tired now from the week. I'm doing laundry now and watching "Finding Nemo." Adorable movie; actually, I own it. Tomorrow, I have to work and then I'm going to Old Navy to get a new swimsuit and some summer clothes for work and for my trip to Arizona. I love to shop!

The Sun Shines Bright on My Old Kentucky Home...

Well, this week has been one of ups and downs for me. Last Sunday was very fulfilling, as my friend Mary and I went to a U2charist in Framingham. Being a huge fan of U2 and an Episcopalian, well, sometimes, this service was quite perfect for me. And for any U2 fan! U2's music is often very spiritual and could ambigiously be about God and religion. I believe that their earlier music was very religious, but I'm not positive about some of their later stuff, especially the whole Zoo TV/Popmart Era in the 1990's. So, Rev. Paige Blair from York, Maine, and some of her congregation go to different Episcopal churches and hold these U2charists, complete with U2 music and a message about what we as individuals can do to change the world. The service left me absolutely elated, and I believe it had the same effect on Mary. Here is a list of the songs that were played during the service:

Beautiful Day
Pride (In the Name of Love)
MLK
One
40 (Psalm 40)
When Love Comes to Town
Sunday Bloody Sunday
One Step Closer
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
Window in the Skies (by the way, this is my new favorite song)
Peace on Earth
Walk On

All I have to say is that it was a wonderful service and I would be delighted to go to another U2charist!

On Monday, my back was still hurting at work, so I decided to call the medical office where I go for "other" appointments to actually acquire a primary care physician. I went to an appointment, however, not with my official doctor, that afternoon. She really couldn't find anything wrong with me and I had to get some x-rays, which was somewhat unpleasant because the woman was aggressive and pushed me around on the table. They did discover some digestive problems (I won't get into it) and I was told to get some meds myself. However, they didn't give me a prescription. I went home and got sick bascially Monday and Tuesday night. On Thursday, I decided I needed some kind of pain killer prescription, so I went back to another doctor at the same office and was successful in getting Naproxin. Although I have been feeling well for most of the weekend, I woke up this morning with a back pain again. It stills hurts now.

During the middle of all of this, Brian and I went to dinner at the Wildwood Steakhouse for our two-year anniversary. We had an excellent dinner, but I feel things are weird between us. Maybe we're just too comfortable with each other. Also, Brian's thirtieth birthday is in two weeks and I really don't know what I can get him. Perhaps I can get him Red Sox tickets, but those seem impossible to get these days. However, I did get Paw Sox tickets (the Red Sox's AAA affiliate) for a July game when they play Louisville!

Anyway, I love my Brian but I often feel like he is not serious about me, which is a problem I've been faced with in the past.

On Tuesday, I got my very cool Razor phone. Well, now I'm hip, only a year too late. I have two great ringtones-- U2's "Where the Streets Have no Name" and the Outfield's "Your Love."

Yesterday was Derby Day and I was quite nostalgic for home. This was the year to be at the Derby because Queen Elizabeth II was present! Of course, both of my brothers were there because they have connections and all that. Eliot even won $1750 on one race (although it wasn't the Derby itself). One misconception I find that people have about the Derby is that they think there is just the one race the entire day, but there are actually about ten races. The Derby just has the biggest purse to win. I made two bets yesterday for $5 apiece on Curlin and Scat Daddy to Win and Place respectively but Street Sense won. Curlin ended up being third and Scat Daddy was like eighteenth. Anyway, Brian and I were over at Keith and Sarah's house, where we watched the race on their big screen projector. I made eggplant parm and derby pie; it was a lovely meal.

I miss my home so much when I see the Derby. Next year (if I am still here), then I am going to take a few days off and go home for Derby week. Mom is going to attempt to get tickets to the Oaks, which is the day before the Derby and features the race for the fillies.

Summer is almost here and the weather has been nice. It's going to be very warm next week, too. So, I have two weeks until my Arizona trip, for which I am so excited. We made reservations for a campsite at Cape Cod in June and then I will be home in August for a few days.

If I could be sweet...I know I've been a real bad girl...

I have to do my complaining first. The weather has just been bad, seriously. My lower back has been hurting me since Tuesday, which means that it is difficult to sit in my chair at work and sometimes in the car and also hard to get out of bed or the car. I have also been a little bored lately and definitely getting on Brian's nerves. And I have been the victim of too much television-- Reality TV, the Virginia Tech shootings (which I am very sorry for the victims and their families and friends, but I never want to see that Cho guy's face ever again), etc. There is too much hate and evil in this world. Oh, and it is just great (I'm being sarcastic here) to see a movie trailer that promises "nine people will die, and you get to watch" the same week as that horrible tragedy in Virginia.

There are just times of the year when I get a little sad and that is happening now. I mostly blame the weather. It is almost May and still 45 degrees outside. I also miss my family a lot, too.

My job is still going well and I am enjoying working at my branch. I've walked to work several times, which is great, but it has been limited because it has rained a lot here. One very cool thing is that I sometimes stop at Starbucks for a drink (and their mango empanadas are excellent) on the way to work. I've also become quite addicted to Dunkin Donuts iced coffee with cream and splenda.

I've asked off for some vacation time in the summer. Because I started in April, I have fifteen days off. Next year, I will get twenty. In June, I'm taking a day off so that Brian and I can go camping in Cape Cod again and in July, I'm taking a day off so that Paul can come visit. I'm going home for a few days in August, too. I'm still really excited for my Arizona trip next month; I talked to Abby last night and we're planning a few things, like a day trip to the Grand canyon.
I may not be able to go home for Christmas, which is sad for me, but I'll go home for Thanksgiving instead if that is the case.

Brian's brother and his girlfriend are moving here in July or August so that Geralyn can go to Pharmacy school in Worcester. Sometimes, I'm not so sure what I feel about that. I do like Geralyn though.

Rainy days and Mondays always get me down...

It's been a little while since I last updated my journal. The last two weeks have been nice and kind of fun, too. March 29th was my last day at Banknorth and it wasn't so bad. The manager actually bought me a little cake, which I didn't eat. Too much cake lately with the decorating class anyway. The next day, I set out for Horsham, PA, to see Paul. I left at 11:30 in the am, and basically drove through the busiest part of the Eastern Seaboard (Boston to Philly via New York City). I caught a lot of traffic in New York and New Jersey, and the drive took me about seven hours. However, it was kind of neat to drive through Connecticut because I have never been there (and I thought about Gilmore Girls the whole time) and New York, where I crossed over the George Washington Bridge and saw the beautiful skyline of Manhattan. It is very cool to know that I live so close to New York, even though I haven't really been there since November 2005. Hopefully, Brian and I will be able to go this summer or in the fall. Anyway, when I got to Paul's, we went out to this seafood restaurant and then to see the movie "Reign over me," with Adam Sandler. It wasn't bad, just a little different than I expected and very sad. On Saturday, we went to the town where Paul teaches and saw his school and walked around the cute little town. It is right on the Delaware River and we also walked over the bridge to New Jersey. That afternoon, we went home, relaxed and watched most of "Marie Antoinette." I watched the rest of it later and I will say that it an exquisitely beautiful movie (for scenery, costumes, and the lovely desserts that shown, really), but it is a little short on content and a little slow as well. That night, we ate at this wonderful Italian restaurant where I had eggplant rolatine and it was so good. I ate far too much that night. We went to a bar afterwards and had a few drinks. On Sunday, we had brunch at a diner and then I left because I didn't want to get stuck in too much traffic. It was still crazy going home, but it took about an hour less. A couple of interesting things I learned on my trip: you cannot pump your own gas in New Jersey, you only pay a toll one way on the GW bridge, and there are some large towns in Connecticut. Oh, and the New Jersey Turnpike is purgatory!

By the way, Paul is a middle school social studies teacher and he is trying to convince me to take the teaching tests in Massachusetts so that I can become a history teacher. I would really like to become a teacher (I think), but have to be sure I'm going to live somewhere for a while before taking the tests. Also, I will eventually have to get my master's degree, which would be fine, because I want to go back to grad school someday, but probably not next fall.

I started my new job on April 2nd, and even from the first day I knew that it was nice. There were only four of us in the training class and they bought us lunch on the first day. I feel more like a valued individual here than at my previous bank. We had our training, which was the same as most other banks, but it seemed better. Plus, I already know the system they use, so that makes it more simple. I also met some really nice people, including another member service representative who is also new to the job. Her name is Sally and she works at another branch. She already invited Brian and me to one of kid's birthday party, so that is cool.

During the week, I went to my last cake class and made some very colorful cupcakes (I didn't take a picture), but I do have a picture of the Easter cake I made two weeks ago. It was delicious, until the cake molded because I forgot that I put whipping cream in the filling and forgot to refrigerate it. The picture was taken before this occurred.

This past weekend was fun. Brian and I ate at the beloved and fattening Friendly's, where I love the chicken strips and the reese's pieces sundaes. On Saturday, I went to the gym, and then we went to Spencer for Keith's thirtieth birthday. Brian's thirtieth is in a month. We stayed over at their house because on Easter Sunday, we participated in their church service. Brian got paid to play the trumpet, and I sang in the choir. After church, we tried to get lunch at Qdoba or Moe's (there isn't one very close to Marlborough, so I never go), but they were both closed because of Easter. Instead, we ate sushi. It reminded me of eating Chinese on Christmas. However, I'm glad a lot of places are closed. That afternoon, I decorated more cupcakes with the grass tip and made some very colorful treats. We took them over to Gretchen and Andy's (Brian's parents) and had a lovely ham dinner and an exciting game of Party! pictionary.

On Monday, I went to do more training at the St. Mary's main office and then went to choir. Tuesday, I went to the branch and went to the gym. The people at the branch seem nice. Several of them are foreign, which is cool. One is from Portugal, one is from Brazil, I'm not sure where the head teller is from, and the manager is from Ecuador. He is really nice and his wife is due to give birth next week. He really seems to care about his branch "team." We have instant messenger at work (only internally) and that is really different, but nice.

So, I have to work the next three Saturdays, but I have the two off in a row that I need in May, so that is fine.

I am so sick of the cold, rainy weather. I just want it to be warm so I can walk outside. And I can't wait to go to the beach!!
I guess April showers do bring May flowers, but they also bring sad feelings. Well, I'm happy, though; I just want sunshine on my shoulders.

Frozen Lemon Custard is my new favorite flavor...

The rest of the week has been fine. It's been awkward still at work but I really don't talk about leaving and no one really talks about it with me. The head teller has made some stupid comments about it, but you know what, she's kind of a loser. And as much as this sounds mean, I don't want my life to be like hers. High school was like the pinnacle point of her life, she talks about it all the time, and frankly, it annoys me very much. I graduated six years ago from high school and I barely even talk about it. I really don't want to sound bitchy, but again, I'm happy that I only have four days left at Banknorth.

It's been a little lonely here in Marlborough. Well, I just really miss my family and friends in Louisville, although sometimes, I don't even know how true some of my friends are there. I miss having at least one good friend here to talk to about stuff with. I can always can Abby and that is great, but she is across the country, and that makes things difficult.

So, this weekend, Brian and I didn't do too much. I worked from 8:30 until 6:30 on Friday and we had some great barbeque for lunch. Then, I came home, Brian and I ate leftovers, and I went to bed early because I had to work the next day. Saturday, I worked, went to the grocery store, and came home. Although it wasn't really that warm, Brian and I went to take a walk by a reservoir a few miles from our apartment. When the days get a little warmer, we'll go into the city and do some fun stuff there. I made risotto for the first time for dinner (and it turned out great; I can't wait to make more), and Brian made some steaks (which were okay, a little overdone, we haven't quite perfected that yet). Other than that, it was kind of boring. I rolled coins from our coin jar ($36!) and we watched SNL with Peyton Manning.

Today, I really wanted to go out for breakfast but we didn't end up going anywhere. I did watch "The Way We Were" with Barbra Streisand (great song, okay film), and went to the gym. I was on the elliptical for forty minutes, did the rowing machine for just two minutes, and walked for ten. I weighed myself, but we won't go there. I don't really think of myself as fat; yes, I guess I could lose some weight, but I don't really eat a lot of junk and at least I do exercise a few times a week. Plus, I drink a lot of water, I don't consume very much alcohol, and I don't smoke cigarettes.

I haven't been to the mall in over a month, so Brian and I went to a mall in Natick, which is absolutely a monstrosity. It is being renovated, they are building a bunch of new stores, etc. and it is just crazy. We drove around twice trying to find the entrance. We went into Crate and Barrel and Williams Sonoma and I pined for all the great kitchenware, especially the Kitchen Aid mixing bowl in sage green for $299. Yikes. I won't be getting that for awhile. Although I am getting an extra $2000 on my taxes because an education credit from last semester. But that will be going towards new glasses, a new computer battery, paying back loans, and possibly a passport, well, just because someday I may need it.

Of course, we went into Sephora (there are two at that mall!), and I bought Frozen lemon custard shower gel. It is very light and summery. I also bought a few car air fresheners and a Brazillian passion fruit candle (a small one) at Yankee candle. Because of a $10 gift card I received at work the other day, I only spent $15 at the mall; I was very, very good. There were some cute shirts at Banana Republic, but nothing really looked good on me (or was a little too expensive), so I decided not to buy anything.

Tonight, we're having dinner with my future in-laws. Well, I'm not exactly sure of that yet.

Happy Birthday to my stepfather, Walt! My mom took him to see Wynonna Judd and the Louisville symphony last night and they had a great time...

Oh, can't you see what love has done, what it's doing to me...

It's been a relaxing day, even though I worked from 8:30 until 3:30. Last night was a very fun cake class, even though my cake was very "crumb-y" and it almost fell off the revolving cake stand (oops!). But in the end, as you can see from the pictures from my last journal entry, it turned out very well. And roses are very fun to make. Next week, I plan on making another chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream frosting and strawberry filling.

Anyway, I gave my almost two-week notice to the manager on Monday. She was a little shocked and kind of questioned me, but I really didn't want to say anything, for fear that they would fire me immediately. However, that didn't happen and so my last day is next Thursday. The head teller wanted to know where I was going and reluctantly, I told her. They need me for the next two weeks anyway. After I leave, basically the assistant manager and the head teller will have to work every single Saturday because the manager refuses to work any Saturdays at all. And she is the one who proclaimed that this is retail, therefore we work Saturdays. Apparently, she spends time with her elderly mother all day Saturday (the manager is in her fifties). I'm so glad that I will be out of there in merely a week.

It hasn't gotten warm here yet. But I'm very positive that spring will come soon. And love seems to be blossoming more every day in the Koning-Honaker household. Brian has always accepted me for being myself, this very strange girl who is both vain and un-self-confident at once, who loves all kind of music, who cannot decide what political party she belongs to, and can be very mean and amazingly sweet all in one day. He is so loving, kind, and calm, and I hope that someday I will share his name and have his child. Honestly, I can't tell you when that day will come, but I've got to be patient for now. I rushed into getting married once, and look what happened to that situation. Besides, living with Brian is making me a very happy, elated woman.

He looks a little funny in this picture, but I'm drunk in love with him. Oh, sappy-ness.

A Great Cake!

I'm very happy with the cake I made tonight.

I start my new job on April 2nd!

Next weekend, I'm going to visit Paul in Horsham, PA.

Also, I purchased my ticket for Phoenix today. Yay!

Some librarians are very, very rude, especially the ones at the Marlborough Public Library.

Bonne Nuit, world.

There's nothing like a snowy St. Patrick's Day, with a gorgeous new hair color and free flowers...

I can't even tell you how happy I am to have a new job! Even if it is still a bank job, hence, not the "dream job," it is still a better job, I am sure, than the old one. Pretty much since I got the full-time job at BankNorth, I have not liked it very much. No, it hasn't been terrible or anything, but we are very understaffed (and will be more so with the subtraction of moi), and the staff that are there, besides the headteller and Dottie, who works are Saturdays, are not great to work with. My manager will not learn how to work a teller drawer (apparently it is beneath her), will not work on Saturdays, and is general, snobby. She also has no previous banking experience. The assistant manager is a nice guy, but he is pretty irresponsible and basically doesn't want to work part of the time. I'm pretty sure he wants to quit, too.

Anyway, I've been looking for a new job for a while, and finally, I have one with St. Mary's Credit Union in Marlborough. They are a small bank and only have five branches. I will be working at a branch that is a quarter mile away from me; hence, I will be walking to work most of the time. And there is a Starbucks on the way!! Yay, so I can spend money on coffee and not on gas for my car. Plus, I will get paid more (about a 7% raise) and have three weeks of vacay per year.

Well, anyway, so I'm very euphoric about all that. I'm not sure what will happen when I turn in my resignation letter on Monday. I'm giving BankNorth my two weeks notice, but honestly, they may not let me stay because I am going to a competing bank. However, if this happens, I will just try to start at St. Mary's earlier and possibly go to Pennsylvania to visit Paul next weekend or the week after that. I was going to visit him Easter weekend and take two days off, but I can't really do that once I start a new job. But I know I will get to visit him sometime soon.

Another trip is being planned as well. Abby moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, and I am going to visit her over the Memorial Day Holiday. I've never been to the Southwest and I live to travel, and I really am so excited about seeing Abby. I've been looking up some things to do and there are several museums, lots of shopping, and great Mexican food. Plus, the scenery! Desert sky, dream beneath the desert sky...Now I just need to venture to the Joshua Tree National Park in California.

Well, after a lovely week in weather and a seventy-degree Wednesday, we had a huge snowstorm yesterday. I'm not sure how much snow we got here, but it was over half-a-foot. I worked until 6:30 yesterday and it was a little bad on the roads getting home, but not terrible. Then, Brian and I went to dinner at a place called Lombardo's, which is right across the street. It was a lovely, yummy dinner complete with riesling, bread and cheese, portobello mushrooms, red snapper for me and salmon for Brian, and some delicious risotto. We watched the snow fall on the lovely night of a thousand stars.

Today, I didn't have to work (yay), and I went to get my hair colored and cut. Now I have brown hair again. I stopped at a flower shop on the way home, which is owned by a lady I know who comes into the bank, and bought two gerber daisies and she gave me some tulips and daffodils, gratis. I also bought a cute catfood dish at a pet store for Morgie.

Anyway, today is St. Patrick's Day, and we had two invitations tonight, which is a rarity. The first was to dinner in Boston, which would be really fun on St. Patty's day, but I think we're going out to Spencer to spend time with Keith and Sarah.

It has been a good week.

Bad sneakers and the pina colada, my friends

I love Steely Dan! So, a few thoughts from today. And it has been a much better day than yesterday.

-- I may have a new job by next week (keeping fingers crossed), in which I would get paid more and get more vacation time (and believe me, I'm all about time off of work)

-- Hopefully, this won't interrupt my trip to Pennsylvania to see Paul next month

-- Memorial Day weekend, I am going to Scottsdale, Arizona, to see my other best friend, Abby!!! I've never been there and I am so excited about traveling out west and seeing Abs. Go West, young woman [sic[!- Frederick Jackson Turner

--I love my cake decorating class; it is adorably fun and wonderful. The cake doesn't look that great, but well, I'm an ingenue at this type of thing.

Now I must go to bed. Oyasumi Nasai.

Another winter's day in Paris and Rome, and I want to go home, let me go home...

My trip home was really, really wonderful and in fact, I never wanted to come back to Mass., save for Brian's love and my furry friend, Morgan (umm, my cat if you don't know already). Actually, the trip didn't start off so hot considering I got to the Providence airport at 5:30 am and my flight left at 6; I was very late and frightened that I would miss my flight, but I made it on time. The problem was that it snowed on Thursday night (the 22nd) and on Friday, we had to leave at 4 am, and we woke up at 3:40. Long story short, Brian couldn't get out of the parking lot he parked in because of the steep hill, and so we had to take my car, which I almost didn't get out of either. It was scary. Anyway, we flew out on time, I had an hour layover in Cleveland and arrived ten minutes early in Louisville. I cried when the plane landed; I was happy to be home. Mom picked me up at the airport and we went to Eliot's house, where we got ready for Jennifer's bridesmaid luncheon. I didn't look so hot, but mom looked nice and we headed over to 211 Clover Lane. It was a nice lunch hosted by my cousin Hunter, her mother Jeana, and her grandmother and my favorite great aunt, Jane Hope. I had salad, shrimp and grits, and a lovely chocolate mousse. After lunch, mom and I went to Grandad's house, I had an eye exam at Walmart, and then I went home and dyed my hair because it looked horrendous. Then, Mom and I went shopping at Oxmoor, where we attempted to find some cool panty hose for her for the wedding the next day. When that didn't pan out (she wanted fishnets, I said no), we went to Buca di Beppo and met Walt, Graham, Kenny, my stepsister Mel and her husband Mike, Yvette's (my other stepsister) kids Clayton and Stirling, and Katherine and Eric. I love the Buca, and they changed the Pope room to reflect Pope Benedict the whatever number. It was cool! The food is semi-semi, but the ambiance is excellent for large groups. Mom brought a lovely home-made red velvet cake (a southern girl's favorite) and Stirling (our six-year gigolo-in-training) met some high school girls who wanted a picture with him. After dinner, I went out to Kat and Eric's to see their little Mabel and she is such a cutie.

Saturday, I picked up my friend Nora for brunch at Lynn's Paradise Cafe, a quirky Louisville restaurant that is renowned for egg-cellent breakfasts (that is hokey!), ugly lamp contests, and fabulous southern cuisine. Nora was dating Brian's friend, Matt, who actually dated Kyla and introduced me to Brian two years ago. However, they broke up amicably about two weeks ago. They lived together for the past eleven months, and are now moving to separate places. Gosh, I don't want that to happen to Brian and me. Anyway, he's moody and I understand the reasons for their separation and she really just wants to be single right now, I think. Nora's a great person to talk to and we have a lot in common anyway. Random note: she likes William Faulkner a lot.

After brunch, we drove over to Off Broadway shoes and World Market. I drove her home and went to Target to buy a few cool shirts on sale. I rested a little bit at home and then drove to Christ Church Methodist about a half hour before Jennifer's wedding, so that I could see her in her lovely dress. Jennifer's twin sister, Melissa, was the matron of honor and is also five months pregnant, but she is small, so it didn't show much. Anyway, the wedding party looked splendid and the wedding itself was great, fine, you know. It was raining, which is apparently a sign of good luck for a wedding. The reception was at the Seelbach (very expensive), and the band was great. The food was so-so, but the cake was fabulous-looking.

Sunday, I went over to Stephanie's house to see her son, Hayden, before we went to lunch at Buckhead's in Indiana with Lindsey and Linda, two other people I worked with at Stockyards. It was great to see them, but the service was horrible. However, we got our food for free because of the screw-ups. Steph is pregant, too, and her baby is due nine days before Melissa's. There seem to be a lot of pregnancies right now; Sarah Rutkiwicz (Keith's wife; he plays Friday night gigs with Brian) is also preggers (oooh, I hate that word). She's not due until October, though.

It has become an annual tradition that my family participate in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters bowling tournament. We've done this for the past four years. It's quite fun; we raise money for charity and get two games of bowling, shoes, and pizza for free. That was also, coincidentally on Sunday afternoon. It was great and I got to meet Eliot's new little brother, Trey, who is really cute and very talkative. And I scored 128 on my second game; bowling is like my new favorite pastime. I kept thinking about "The Big Lebowski" and the Jesus (character played by John Torturro) the whole time.
The rest of the trip was fun. I went to my friend Natalie's house to watch the oscars and see her wedding pictures. Then, I made an appearance at Celeste's and watched the rest of the show with her and Phil. Kyla and Brian also stopped by to say hello. On Monday, Grandad and I met Mom and Walt at my favorite bakery, Plehn's and said our goodbyes before Grandad took me to the airport for my 11:20 flight; needless to say, this time, I was quite punctual. I had a lovely layover at the newly remodeled Detroit airport (which has a cool light show between the concourses and a futuristic tram in the Northwest terminal). I got into Providence at 3:30 and Brian surprised me by parking and meeting me at baggage. We went home and then went to Acapulco's, where we got some much needed Mexican food. I was happy to see my love and my cat. Brian said something about engagement rings being expensive; I don't know what that means. I decided to skip choir because I was tired.

Work has pretty much been bad this week. Well, not terrible, but, I just want to leave!! So, I'm waiting on this credit union for an answer and I am so qualified for this position. My boss Marie is such a b, she knows nothing about banking, she's a shitty manager in general, and the list goes on and on and on. I can say other things about the other people I work with, save for Dottie, but I won't mention them here.

I only went to the gym twice last week, but that is alright. I know I talk about food alot, but I feel like I should be a critic sometimes.

Friday night, Brian and I went to Sakura in Worcester with Keith and the newly-pregnant Sarah; she didn't eat a lot of fish. We had a good, but quite expensive sushi dinner. We went home, fell alsleep very early and I had to get up to work (of course) on Saturday. Work was okay and I like gossiping with Dottie about the ultimate doom of the bank. Dottie only works Saturdays and the manager doesn't work any Saturdays because it is beneath her, so she has never met Dottie. Therefore, Dottie doesn't like the manager. I had choir rehearsal afterwards because we have a concert next week. After choir, I came home and relaxed with Bri for a bit and then we went to Autozone and the grocery, where Brian and I bought $177 worth of groceries (including a $30 Brita water purifier). Everything is more expensive here, I swear.
I invited Brian's parents over for brunch today and prepared four foods for the occasion-- pineapple casserole, fruit salad, interesting Martha Stewart muffins, and the familiar favorite, spinach quiche. I think it was a successful meal and we always have fun with Brian's parents. We ate and played Hearts until Brian lost with a score of 100. The game is about having a low score, not a high one.
The only other mentionable thing that happened today is that I got an oil change and the freaking door handle on the driver's side of my car is broken, so I have to crawl over from the passenger's side. I mean, it's not that big of a deal, but I need to get it fixed this week and it will be a busy one.

Wish me luck on getting a new job-- very, very, very soon!

I also want to tell the world that I love my Brian so much, everyday. He is great, and even if we don't get married anytime soon, and maybe that is best if we wait, I don't care. He is a wonderful man and friend to me. That's all.

I'm going home!

This has been a good and exciting week. I wish that I could motivate myself to write in my blog more often, but it doesn't always work out that way. Valentine's Day was really nice, aside from the weather. Brian and I have started this tradition of not going out on Valentine's Day. And besides, the roads were pretty bad from the ice and snow, so unless we walked to one of the restaurants on our street, we really couldn't have gone anywhere. Brian got me a large vase full of flowers-- stargazer lilies, roses, tulips, etc. It is still very beautiful and incredibly fragrant. He also bought me a card and a box of chocolates. We had a fabulous gourmet dinner, which I already posted the menu for last week. The chocolate ganache (courtesy of the Martha Stewart website; yes, I'm actually a fan of hers) was excellent, as were my potatoes, the green beans, and the steak. Brian did a good job cooking the filet mignons. Valentine's Day even came yesterday when I received the most wonderful iced sugar cookies from my very sweet mother. Thanks Mom! Anyway, on the 15th, I just basically worked early, went to the gym, did laundry, and fell asleep during yet another movie. I also cleaned the apartment in preparation for our weekend guests, Kelly from Ole Miss and Anthony Cekay, who went to U of L with Brian and now goes to school in CUNY in Manhattan.

I came home early on Friday to meet everyone, and Brian went into Boston to pick up Kelly and Cekay (who came in on the $15 Fengwah? bus), but the traffic was so bad that they didn't get here until 8 pm. We then went to this pub down the street and had a pretty good dinner and beer. We were all pretty tired and Kelly and I went to sleep early while Brian and Cekay jammed a little on the trumpet and saxophone, respectively. Saturday, I had to work (of course), and then I came home for an hour and drove to the T station to go to the city to meet Kelly. Brian had brought both he and Cekay back to the city for music stuff. Kelly auditioned for a master's program at the Boston Conservatory. We met at Hynes at 2:00 and walked to the Prudential mall, where I visited Sephora and bought some lovely "Philosophy"cal treats for my friend Nora, who sent me the box full of goodies. We walked a lot that day, to the Common and then to Fanueil Hall and Quincy Market. We had a lot of dessert that day, too-- Ben and Jerry's, gelato, and then creme brulee cheesecake at Bertucci's later. Oh, we were devilish. I also bought some wicked cool Northface gloves at City sports. We took the T to Cambridge to see Harvard and then we had dinner. Then we went back to the apartment and watched "Little Miss Sunshine," which is one of the best movies I've seen lately.

Sunday, we ate breakfast at the Main Street Cafe and I had delicious blueberry pancakes. We took Kelly to Logan airport (a scary experience) and then stopped at Target on the way back to Marlborough. Monday, I went to the gym and then went to Shrewsbury to see Gouri about helping me with my Mass. taxes. I've already done the Federal and state of Kentucky taxes and I can't wait to get my refunds (they're really not that big but it's something). Then I went to Trader Joe's, because it is right by Gouri's house. I love that place; I bought frozen blueberries, chocolate covered bananas, chai tea latte mix, dinner stuff, etc. It is the best store. Anyway, I went to choir, per usual. I sat next to a lady who said that I sounded like I had been singing for a while and that she liked singing next to me, which was a nice compliment.

Tuesday night, I went to visit my friend Mary from Northeastern and we went to eat at this restaurant in Billerica called Naked Fish, which was amazing. I had coconut encrusted Haddock and Mary had grilled chicken and we both had yummy veggies like plantains and sweet potatoes. Then we hung out at her apartment, talked about school and life, and then ate some wonderful King Cake. King Cake is a traditional cake (rather like a cinnamon bread with yellow, green, and purple colored icing) made on Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras, the day before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of lent. Mary even put in a little plastic baby Jesus! It's kind of a different tradition, but I like it. I miss Cajun food and celebrations.

Not much of note happened yesterday, other than that Brian and I made chicken parmesan together. Oh, I did have an interview with St. Mary's Credit Union again. Hopefully, I will get this other job. There are just a lot of problems at Banknorth, period.

Tomorrow I will fly home for the weekend. We have to leave Marlborough at 4 am to get to the Providence, RI, airport on time for my 6 am flight. I am going to a bridesmaid's luncheon at noon, then an eye appointment at 3:30, and finally, dinner at Buca di Beppo wtih lots of people at 7. And more for the rest of the weekend later. I'll come back on Monday afternoon.

Tonight, I have to pack and then we may go see a movie. Possibly "Breach" or something.

I was dreaming of the past, and my heart was beating fast...

Happy Valentine's Day, John Lennon.

Today has been a bit of a spontaneously good day. This morning, I went to Starbucks to get my favorite chai tea latte with a shot of espresso (they call it a dirty chai; I'm a dirty girl). Haha. Anyway, I also bought a John Lennon album while I was there. It's like a greatest hits album and there is this really wonderful song called "Jealous Guy," which is kind of like an apology to Yoko or something. A very sweet song. I went to work and Lisa and I worked together alone for most of the day. Our manager brought us pizza at like 2:15 in the afternoon and that was okay. Greasy, Papa Gino's, but whatever. After work, I went to the grocery store to buy filets for tomorrow night. Here is the lowdown on menu for Valentine's Day:

Caesar Salad
Crescent rolls from a can
Angus Beef filets
Green Bean Casserole
Mashed Red skin potatoes
Angel Food Cake (in mini bundt shapes) with a chocolate ganache, whipped cream, and strawberries

And of course, red wine. I bought Brian a shirt from Land's End last week, and he's getting a card, but that's really about it. I'm not expecting much from him; sorry, but he's not one for good surprises-- I got Britney Spears' perfume for Christmas. Okay. But that doesn't mean that I don't love him.

Anyway, we're expecting this huge snowstorm tonight and both of us had to park in a covered garage across the street. I hope that it is not too bad. Tomorrow, I'm supposed to go to this training class in Worcester and honestly, I do not want to go.

Ugh, we had stir fried shrimp and veggies for dinner and homemade chocolate fondue and angel food cake bites for dessert. It was great, but now I am so full.

Not too much else is happening now. I went to the mall with Gouri last week and bought a light grey suit and a really cool dress to wear to my cousin Jennifer's wedding. I'm reading "The Year of Pleasures," which I haven't really gotten into yet. My mother has now officially sent me dishtowel for every holiday except St. Patrick's Day (you just wait, I know I'll get one).

My friend, Kelly Burns from Ole Miss, is coming to Boston this weekend and he is staying with us in Marlborough. He is auditioning at the Boston Conservatory (he is a fabulous tenor) so we will spend the day on Saturday in the city. I haven't been into Boston in two months. That may sound weird, but I feel very isolated from the city. It's like another world away from here.

Yay for Swedes!

Brian and I had a fun weekend, well, about as fun as I've had in a while. We stayed at home on Friday night and he cooked spaghetti for dinner. We were planning on going to see a movie, but it snowed, so we decided not to see "Pan's Labyrinth."

***I have to interrupt here because I just saw a preview for "Bridge to Terabithia" by Katherine Patterson, which is my favorite childhood book. The movie looks terrible, except that I really like Zooey Deschanel, who plays the teacher.***

Okay, back to reality. Anyway, I finally had a Saturday off at work and I woke up (still a little early) and watched Gilmore Girls Season 5 episodes, on DVD. And of course, I ate my kashi; I really love their cereal and pretty much all of their food. I went to the gym to walk on the treadmill for fifty minutes. I've been reading this book, "American Psycho," as of late, and frankly, even though I like some of it, much of the material is offensive and disgusting. It is very misogynistic and very graphically violent. The book, which was made into a movie in 2000 with Christian Bale, is about a yuppie Wall Street broker, who also happens to be serial killer. Very scary. Almost scarier than the actual crimes is the society he lives in, this uppercrust New York pre-Rudy Giuliani, which is very shallow and devoid of any kind of emotion. I'm almost done with the book and am looking forward to a more euphoric novel for my next project.

Saturday night, Brian and I went to Gretchen and Andy's house for dinner, where we had crab enchiladas and played an old board game called Outwageous, which is like Trivial Pursuit, but different. Then we went to Brian's friend Chris's house in Worcester for a small birthday party. The party was fun; Sarah and Keith were there, too. I watched SNL with Drew Barrymore and fell asleep for a minute. Brian also played trumpet upstairs in the studio with Chris and company.

Sunday, I got up kind of early, watched more Gilmore Girls and went to the gym to walk. My friend Gouri and I were supposed to go to the mall, but she works at H&R Block on the weekends and got tied up at work, so instead we are going tomorrow night. So, Brian suggested that we go to Stoughton to the huge IKEA store, which is like the coolest Swedish superstore for the home. Stoughton is like an hour southeast of Marlborough, and I've never been there in the past. The place was crazy! There were people directing traffic and a parking garage and everything. We didn't really buy too much--just some things for the kitchen and bathroom, and cinnamon rolls and lingonberry preserves from the Swedish foodmart. It was really a fun time, but the next time I go will probably be on a weekday. We got a little lost on the way back, and we ate leftovers for dinner and watched part of the Superbowl. Go Colts!

Yesterday, I worked; Mondays go by fast, which is wonderful. Except that we had this dumb meeting. I guess I'm glad that I stayed at BankNorth, but really, I need to find another job that makes me happy at some point. I miss working with Gouri, too. And I feel like I will never be trained for my new position.

I went to choir in Stow last night. It wasn't a bad rehearsal, but our concert is in five weeks and I hope we are ready! By the way, I love being an alto!

I only worked for four hours today, for comp time because I am working on Saturday. It wasn't bad at all and I went to the grocery store afterwards and bought food, Valentine's cards, etc. Then I came home and relaxed, read for a long time, and watched some TV.

Oh, I forgot to mention that I got a surprise gift from my friend Nora, who is Matt Lawson's girlfriend. I was awaiting my philosophy purchase and thought that was it, but then I got this package, which contains a book, a journal, notecards, bubble bath, tea, a bath towel, and chocolates. She is really sweet to send this to me. Anyway, I wish I had a friend like her here, because she is great to talk with and we have a lot in common.

Baby, it's really cold outside...

First, I will start off by saying that I love the skincare line, Philosophy. They make wonderful products like the one in the picture, which is a 3-in-1 shampoo, bath gel, and bubble bath. I just ordered this flavor, Red Velvet cake, today; in the past, I've gotten Cinnamon Buns, Pumpkin Pie, and Lavender Pound Cake, as well as their wonderful face wash-- purity. Honestly, I wish I could try every kind.
Well, enough about skincare. Yesterday, I worked at another branch of the bank in a town called Westborough, which is about fifteen minutes from my apartment. The people who work there are nice and it is much more organized than my branch. My friend Gouri will be working at that branch starting next week full time and I will miss her. I left work at 5, picked up my dry cleaning (which was a whopping $30 for six pieces), and then came home. Brian and I went to Keith and Sarah's house in Spencer for dinner and fun. I made this oreo dessert (in a box) for them and we had take out from this pizza/sandwich place. They just got the Wii nintendo game system and it is really fun. I'm not very good at playing video games myself, but it was fun to try.
Since it was freezing yesterday (the high temperature was 15 degrees) and we like to stay up late, Brian and I spent the night in their guest room. We also had to leave early in the morning because I had to work today at the bank. Haha, next week I don't have to! Yay! We stopped at the ubiquitous Dunkin donuts for breakfast sandwiches and coffee and then I went to work until 12:30. Brian picked me up after I went to the grocery store (which is next door to the bank and I go there every day) for fruit, etc.
Today has not been full of activity. I watched TV for a little while, Brian and I played this computer game called Dreamfall-The longest journey, and I went to the library to pick up some videos, including the Gilmore Girls seasons 5 & 6. Right now, I'm watching "Real Women Have Curves" with the excellent America Ferrera.
I finished "The Devil Wears Prada" on Wednesday and started "American Psycho" Thursday but haven't gotten into it much. However, it looks great.
Brian, wake up soon, so that we can eat!!

Adjusting to life here in the Mass...

Well, I think that I am just going to stay at BankNorth. This is being bolstered by the fact that I like my co-workers, I don't want to keep switching jobs, I don't have to totally re-train, and the glorious fact that I will receive almost $500 in incentive money next Friday. I can't believe it-- I want to buy a light grey suit with the money and maybe some new perfume or makeup or something that I wouldn't normally buy for myself. Anyway, so much for talking about shopping but I simply love to shop! I really want to go to IKEA--there is one in Stoughton, which is like an hour away and it looks like fun.

This is the first week in six months that I will be working forty hours again, and to be honest, I don't mind a bit. Yes, I like a vacation once in a while, but I like to have a set schedule. You could say that I'm a pretty structured person; I try to be a little more relaxed but it doesn't seem to happen. Like I yelled at Brian for not cleaning today; it was a bitchy thing to do. So, anyway, I am happy with working, but am sometimes bored at work when there is nothing to do. I am often on the internet, looking at newspaper websites, imdb, or whatever.

Last night I went to yoga at the gym; I haven't done that in six months either. It was a little hard, but I think I will get back in the swing of things. My arms are a little sore today, but I still love the yoga. I hope to go at least once a week; yoga is offered Tuesday and Thursday nights and Sunday mornings.

Well, I'm pretty sure that I am going to take a cake decorating class at this high school that offers a lot of night/adult ed. classes. It starts in March and lasts for five weeks. This is something I really want to do, so I'm going to register this week.

My new favorite show is on right now-- "Top Chef." I love it because I really like food, and the drama, of course. The finale is next week and I have no idea who I want to win.

Well, the picture is of my sweet little cat, Morgan. She is a little doll who loves to eat crab, play on the bed when I am trying to make it, and she loves playing with her toy mouse and cuddling with her owners. Oh, I am not turning into a cat person, I promise.

They do the walk, they do the walk of life...

There are new revelations in the job field and I feel happy today. So yeah, I obviously didn't get the Fidelity job (although now that I'm reading "The Devil Wears Prada," the "thankless" job appears more like that of Miranda Priestly's lackey and the boss did look kind of like Stanley Tucci), but now I have been offered the Bank North job and I have yet another interview with the Credit Union (although for a different position) on Thursday. It is exciting and a little nerve racking. With the BankNorth job, I already know the people I will be working with and the teller system (it's a teller/customer service position); it is also a larger bank and I could have more opportunity to advance within the bank. However, the smaller credit union is more like Stock Yards bank, I would get paid a little more, and I still know the systems on the customer service side. Well, I won't make any decisions until I find out about the St. Mary's job. Oh, and both jobs are only two miles from my house, so I will save money on gas regardless. Yes! I am helping the environment (sort of ).
The Stow choir is fine. I've been to three rehearsals so far and I am now a glorified alto. I really enjoy singing in my lower range. To be honest, even in my last few semesters of choir, I was struggling with the higher notes. Also, I'm meeting some new people, but I'm not sure about potential friends yet. You could say I'm kind of reserved when it comes to making new friends sometimes.

Listening to Bruce Springsteen...

Yeah, I don't really listen to him very much, but Gretchen (Brian's mom) is really into him, especially since he started writing this music about 9/11. It's pretty good, but so far what I've heard sounds like the E-Street band circa 1983 or 85/"Glory Days." He reminds me (and many others I'm sure) of Bob Dylan because his singing voice is not so great (although better than Dylan's) but he is a good lyricist. Actually, I like some of the songs Bob Dylan sang himself rather than songs others have performed, like "Mr. Tambourine." To me, his version is more genuine, honest, and is a good song to play when you want to go to sleep.

Alright, I have digressed. I'm not going back to school this semester. I just found out on Thursday, which is the day I was determined to find out the answer anyway. So, now I'm really trying to find a full-time job. I had the interview at Fidelity on Wednesday, which I haven't heard about yet. I have an interview at St. Mary's Credit Union in Marlborough tomorrow. Also, there is a full-time position open at my branch now, which I will take, but I would honestly probably rather work somewhere else. I also am hoping to get interviewed for another position at Fidelity, this time a customer service position.

To bide the time and also to get involved with extracurricular activities, I joined a community choir last night in Stow, Massachusetts, which is about twenty minutes from here. There was a small fee to join, and they have three concerts a year, with the first one in March. We are singing a Bach piece, "Komm, Jesu, komm," and "Missa Dei Filii" by Jan Zelenka. It's pretty neat and I really missed being in a choir. There are a lot of old people in the choir, which is normal, and one girl about my age, but I'm not sure what I think of her yet. I also am going to join a gym again and went with a free pass to Gold's Gym in Marlborough. I was going to attend the yoga class tonight, but my stomach feels bad. I'm also reading books for recreation again, and pondering whether to try Faulkner's "Absalom, Absalom," or "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy.

Not too much happened this past weekend, except that I ate out both nights--on Friday with Brian at this Mexican place called Acapulco's and on Saturday with my friend from work, Gouri, who is from India. I really wanted to eat Indian food and we went to this place in Shrewsbury called the Bollywood Grill. It was so good! We had chicken tikka for an appetizer, this really good spicy shrimp, a spinach dish called palak paneer, rice, and bread for dinner. I know that we have some diversity in Louisville, but not nearly as much as we have here in suburban Boston, so I find that really cool. Gouri is a very nice person and she has a lovely family, too. She has the cutest daughter, Aishi, who is two years old.

On Sunday night, we went over to Brian's parent's house for dinner. This is kind of becoming a weekly tradition. We had a nice dinner and then played the game of Life, which I either have never played or just haven't played in years and years.

This week, I'm just working the normal twenty-two hours or so. Tomorrow, we are going to this nice restaurant in Worcester, courtesy of Brian's nice gift certificate to me for Christmas. I also will go to the gym and to my interview. And hopefully, I will keep looking and will get called back about some other possibilities.

The cat tried to get in the shower today, while it was running. Silly Morgan.