Travel Recap: Ocean Reef

Sometimes, it is fun to pretend you are wealthy and important.  Like when you use the restrooms inside the Taj Boston.

Or when your fab cousin gets married at an uber-sweet gated community/resort at the top of Key Largo, called Ocean Reef.

Apologies, this is my time to gloat.

Its snowing right now in Boston.  But this was me 5 days ago.  Notice the blue skies, palm trees, pool, and my freshly painted toenails.  In 80+ degree weather, with humidity so high that my hair scrunched itself.  No gel required.  Usually not welcome, but it was so nice.

The journeys there and back were rather unremarkable, apart from every flight we took (4 all together) was 100% booked.  I guess that's what happens when you travel during February break.  And I must say that our journey from Boston to Orlando, a flight that had more children than I've ever seen on an airplane, was surprisingly quiet.  No screamers.  Well done, parents.

Now... pardon me while I live vicariously through my weekend:

We watched the boats come in before the ceremony... it was pretty gorgeous.

Check out the living room... awesome, right?

 

Yes, the skies opened up.  But that in no way hampered the wedding.  In fact, I was very impressed with the way the events staff was able to take an entire bar table, with bottles on top, from outside to underneath an awning so guests could drink AND stay dry.

(End event planner analysis.)

 

Our room... And B's superhero pose.

Our pelican buddy

The uber-happy couple.  Thanks, Liz, for choosing to get married in a super warm climate in the middle of winter.  I owe you one!

The Eleven

My duty at the office today is to input business cards into the mac address book program - cards my boss collected at a recent conference.  And apparently it was a 'lets all trade cards conference' because I'm on #82.  So yes, I got a tad bit bored.  Checked blogger.  One of my fave bloggers (Beantown Prepster, the name alone makes you smile) posted something about being tagged.

You first pick 11 things about you (randomly) and write them down.  Then you answer her questions.  Then you create 11 more questions and tag 11 bloggers.

Well - I don't know 11 bloggers personally, and I doubt the bloggers who I follow also fallow me back, apart from a few buddies (AT I'm looking at you! You're tagged, I don't care that you write a food blog!)

Here I go!

1. I really really really love my engagement ring.  I mean, I know every girl does, but I love mine so much that I don't want a wedding ring.  I just want to wear only my e-ring for ever and ever.

2. I have an alarm set on my phone for BC pills at 9:20 PM, and to run up and down the stairs at my office building at 1:00 PM.

3. I don't like drinking ice water.  Its too cold.  The ice gets in the way of my attempts to drink the water, and I get thirsty a lot.  Even if I have a straw, it is too cold for me to drink at my normal drinking speed.

4. I am a super lightweight.  I started getting a semblance of a tolerance the first time I lived in the UK, but then my 21st birthday happened, I couldn't touch alcohol for 2 weeks, and it never came back.

5. Even before I got engaged, dated B, or thought of getting married myself in the abstract, I was obsessed with weddings.  I blame my mother, who brought me to see every wedding at my Dad's church.  We would sneak into the balcony and look at the bride's and bridesmaids' dresses.  That being said, I'm letting my bridesmaids choose their own LBD for my wedding.

6. I've become a bit obsessed with wedding etiquette.  Seriously.  Ask me anything.  I'll likely know the correct and proper answer.  You may not like it, but etiquette isn't always easy.

7. The coolest thing that happened to me this year so far is seeing my picture in my sorority's magazine.  It literally made my night - even better than homemade pizza (sorry B, it was delicious though!) and watching Moneyball.

8. I really don't understand the point of twitter unless you're famous or important.

9. I sometimes live vicariously through Mom blogs.  I mean, its like being an aunt or a grandparent.  You have the luxury of learning about parenthood and seeing cute children without actually having to deal with them.

10. I'm a vegetarian who eats fish, but I really enjoy the smell of good meat being cooked (steak, BBQ, turkey on Thanksgiving).

11. B and I have the same anniversary (we just use the date we met) as an ex of mine.  Kind of weird.

Beantown Prepsters' Qs!

1. If you could have a theme song play when you walk down the street, what would it be?

See, I always ask this question, only at baseball games, asking what peoples' at-bat songs would be.  But mine is always "We Built This City on Rock and Roll."

2. If you could watch only one TV show for the rest of your life, what would it be?

It would have to continuously be new episodes, first of all.  Because I do tire of the repeats after repeats after repeats. But if they just kept on making new episodes... Parks and Recreation or The Office.

3. French fries: Skinny and Crispy or big and mushy?

Skinny, crispy, and truffled.

4. What is your guilty pleasure outfit?

Leggings and anything.  I wear leggings to work because my office is that casual.  Not all the time.  But at least once a week.

5.Soda: fountain, bottle, or can?

Fountain Diet Coke.  Be still, my heart.

6. Favorite thing to do at the gym?

I love me some stairmaster.  Also, I just learned a new exercise for the abs, back AND inner thighs.  And you do it lying down on your back.  Talk about awesome.

7. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?

I really really really love Boston.  Its so great.  I'd stay here forever if I could (I have an allergy to suburbia) but we'll probably have to move when we buy a house because we aren't kajillionairres and can't afford a house in Boston.  Darn real estate prices.

8. What was your first animal and do you remember its name?

I had TWO animals, Figaro and Natasha (I didn't name them).  My parents already had them for a few years before I was born, and man were they interested in me when they brought me home from the hospital.

9. What is the one thing you carry in your purse that you absolutely cannot live without?

You mean besides my wallet, keys, and phone?  I try to always have a book or a live iPod.  And lotion.  I need lotion.

10. What is your most embarrassing habit?

Either popping zits or playing with my hair.  I play with my hair constantly.  Like, all.the.time.

11. If you could meet and be BFFs in real life with a blogger you follow, who would it be?

Well, I already follow my BFF, La Cucina Francesca.  But if I were to pick another one - it would be Nat the Fat Rat.  She just seems so funny and down to earth.  And she loves to eat.  And I could play with her baby.

Whew!  I answered all those questions AND I have input 100 business cards.  Not bad. 

My questions:

1. What are your feelings on walking as a form of transportation vs. form of exercise?

2. Books that you wish you could read again for the first time?

3. Favorite smell(s)?

4. Favorite silly song from childhood?

5. Most favorite beauty product and why?

6. What friends had the best snacks/toys growing up?

7. What made up holiday do you wish the world celebrated?

My mind is gone after the great business card input day.  That's all I've got.  Go nuts, readers!  Leave a comment if you end up answering my Qs!

Don't know what you got

People often say things like "You don't know what you got 'til its gone".

Inversely, you don't know what you're missing until you experience it.

Since I began working at NECSI, I've held down a second, weekend job at Zinnia.  In the long history of second jobs, I'm confident Zinnia is a very good one.  I'm friendly-friends with the rest of the workers, the customers are for the most part pleasant, and the discount is an added perk.

However, clearly this puts a strain on my time off.  I'd been doing Friday nights and "eitherSaturdayorSunday" since October 2010, making Fridays 11-13 hours long and giving me one day off per week (sometimes none because of volunteer responsibilities).  A girl can get exhausted before she knows it.

This past December, I told the lovely manager at Zinnia that if she needed to cut hours in January (aka the slowest sales month known to humankind), she could cut mine.  So this past weekend was my first 'real' weekend in a long, long time.  And friends, it was glorious.  Thank you, labor unions, for creating the modern weekend.  To have Saturday AND Sunday AND Friday evening off?  It was a little piece of heaven.  The weekend before I worked Sunday, but had the MLK Jr. holiday off the next day, so in truth I had TWO 2-day weekends in a row.

Big deal, Clare, you say.  Lots of people have that.  Well, friends, it had been longer than I care to admit.  So long that it reminded me of what loveliness it was to hang out with my fiance and do nothing all day - grocery shop, wander, read and draw (I read, he drew).  

Now, I don't like to complain about my lot in life.  There are people holding down 2+ jobs who are much worse off than I am.  The economy is not great, to say the least, and people are struggling.  I am grateful for the jobs I have.

But I was also very grateful for the break.

The snow, it is snowing

I know a lot of people have some choice words to say about snow.

After all, it can cancel travel and social plans, down power lines, cause accidents, and is a pain in the butt to shovel.

In the city, snow can go from 0 to ugly in a few hours, as soon as the fresh powder stops falling.

Me?  I don't care.  Not even a little bit.  I am a city dweller, and I love snow.

There is nothing like the calm that fills the city in a snowstorm.  Everything is quiet.  Everything is peaceful.  The ugliness of a stark winter is covered by a fluffy white blanket.

We renters have a pretty sweet deal when it comes to snow.  For the most part, we don't need to shovel.  The landlord takes care of that.  And while owning a car may  have a whole heap of benefits, when you don't own one, guess what?  You don't have to shovel it out, and you don't have to find a lawn chair, traffic cone, or barrel to save your parking spot.

In fact, the snow is perfect for the walkers.  We're slowed down a little bit, which makes us enjoy the weather, makes us really breath in the air and the freshness snow brings.

Its Saturday.  B and I are both home, a weekend rarity.  Relaxed music plays.  Until recently, I sat in the window drinking tea and reading the latest VF.  B is drawing.  We're cozy in a way one can only be on a cold winter's day.

Wish List

Dear Santa, I've been awfully good this year.  I eat up all my veggies, I'm kind to animals (and my fiance!)  I'm always respectful in my work-related emails, even to disgruntled people.  And I work two jobs, so you know I'm responsible.  So here is (part of) my list...

The aptly named Audrey dress by Boden.  On sale at a whopping $188, but I'm sure your elves could make a knockoff for less.

I've waxed poetic about my love of Miss Kaling in a previous entry, but I'd love to get my lil' hands on this book.

Alex & Ani are some fab jewelry designers.  I'm still on a Zinnia/Forever 21/H&M jewelry budget, unless there's something special (and even then, I use my discount at Zinnia).  But when I have more cash, or the next time B asks me about what I want for a gift, Alex & Ani make everything I want in a good bangle.

For stocking stuffers, I always love some good quality candy.  These things are currently my crack cocaine.  I've tried to limit myself to 3 per day.  Sometimes it works.  Sometimes it doesn't.

Seriously.  Don't even tell me that those red stripes are not enticing.  I'm not normally a white chocolate fan, but this is my one exception.  AND B doesn't like them at all, so I get the whoooooole bag to myself.

So, I already own this, but.... if you're looking for a good CD to give to a female, try Florence & the Machine's newest release, Ceremonials.  I freaking love Florence, she is just empowering and airy and haunting at the same time.  If there is anyone on your Christmas list who likes good music, get them this CD.

I SO want these for my birthday (Feb. 18 for anyone who wonders). Tom's makes these great shoes that I always like on other people, but wonder what they'd really be like on yours truly.  They're a little too hipster for me.  Until now.  Coming in Spring 2012, Tom's is debuting a line of ballet flats.  Which works for me, because I practically live in ballet flats (and flippie-flops.)  My eye is drawn to the pale pink, but I could easily see myself in the bright blue, or black with off-white toe.

And last, but most certainly not least - the Harry Potter Box DVD Set.  Films 1-8.  Expensive, but so worth it.  If someone has the foresight to gift this to me, I might take a mental health day this winter and watch every.single.one.  And the deleted scenes.  And the directors' commentary.  Thank goodness the Hunger Games trilogy is only 3, because once those films are all out I'll be asking for the same thing.


Happy Happy Holidays, friends! (If I don't get a chance to blog before then).  May your festive winter holiday of choice be filled with love and cheer.

A Girl's Guide to Walking in Boston - Winter Edition

A lot of people inquire about my intent to walk to work during the winter months.

"Of course you walk when its sunny and 75 out, but you can't possibly walk once the weather gets cold!"

Au contra ire, friends.  I absolutely intend to walk during the cold months, and have in the past.  Just as hardcore runners laugh in the face of cold temps, I, too, do not give up my love of the long walk to work.

My current jaunt is 4.06 miles at its shortest (75 minutes of cardio at my quick clip).

I will try to explain to my fair readers how to walk in the wintertime.  It is doable.  I should know, I didn't skip a day of walking across the Massachusetts Avenue bridge from Boston to Cambridge any day, regardless of snow, sleet, or wind last winter.  (I will admit that once in Cambridge, I cut through MIT buildings, but that is beside the point since the Mass Ave Bridge is probably the windiest point in the Greater Boston Area.)

1. Attire matters.

You need a good coat, people.  A good coat needs to be in a size larger than you would buy a shirt or a sweater, because a good coat is one that can be layered under.  I own an awesome Old Navy Parka (XL since they didn't have any larges) and a Guess wool button-up coat (L) for precisely that reason.  The Guess coat appears to fit well, but there is ample room for a fleece or hoodie.  The parka is for more extreme weather, like blizzards, and can fit a hoodie, fleece, and down vest.

2. Size matters

Not only in a size above, but the length of the coat.  A good coat covers the bum.  People say you lose 90% of body heat from a bare head?  Well, you lose the other 10% from your bum.  I don't know what it is about an uncovered butt, but it just makes you colder.  Plus, if you also invest in tall boots, a long coat leaves a mere 6-10 inch gap of uncovered leg.

If you can, find a coat with sleeves that cover your hands.  That way, when its too cold for bare hands, but too warm for mittens, you still keep your hands nice and toasty.

3. Uniqueness matters

Take it from a girl who was in a sorority.  Its really, really hard to find a black peacoat in a sea of black peacoats.  If you really like a common coat, add something like a ribbon or a pin to make sure it doesn't get mixed up at a coat check or a winter party.

4. Accessorize!

There are so many cute hats, scarves, and hand-warmers out there that are warm.  I recommend a good hat that has a double fleece lining in the ear-area.

Pashmina scarves offer generous warmth, and can be wrapped around the shoulders when you reach your destination.  Knit scarves are just as good at keeping out the cold.

I recommend lined mittens, rather than regular gloves, for hands.  Mittens keep the fingers together (except poor thumb, which can easily chill with the rest of the fingers if you don't need it for anything) and therefore warmer.  The best type are knit, then lined with fleece.

5. Carriers

Invest in a good bag that will stay on your shoulder.  Many bags require physical handling when faced with a puffy shoulder, and fall without hooking a hand around a strap.  I have a great shoulder-bag from H&M that I can strap across my chest, and it stays on.

6. Safety
When traipsing through the city, one must be wary of anything bigger than oneself - like cars and trucks and bikes and buses and other things that go.  And one does NOT want to be that darn dumb pedestrian who darts across the street willy-nilly, paying no mind to oncoming traffic.  Because that darn dumb pedestrian makes those in large vehicles dislike us in general.

- Be aware of your surroundings.  Make sure you look for oncoming traffic while crossing the street, and keep an eye out for sidewalk traffic as well.  If you're at an intersection with flashing lights rather than stop and go, be extra careful.  Cars are looking for gaps in traffic, not necessarily at people who want to cross the street.

- Its ok to dislike bikers who ride on busy sidewalks.  If they hit you, its THEIR fault.

- Try to give a 'thank you' wave to drivers who let you cross if they don't need to.  It keeps up the good walking karma.

- Similarly, you may give dirty looks to cars that speed across crosswalks as you wait to go.  They are, in fact, jerks, and deserve the evil eye.  If one decides to be funny and speed up as you cross, take note of their license plate and car make and model.  Even if police tell you they can't do anything, you will feel better if you report that sort of activity.

7. Helpful hints!

- Invest in earring backs for any wire/hook earrings.  Scarves and wind have a tendency to kidnap earrings.

- If you're in a hurry, keep to the outside of the sidewalk nearest the road.  One can easily dodge slower walkers by walking on the curb.

- Relax your shoulders.  The cold, for whatever reason, causes people to hunch up their shoulders, which can lead to discomfort.  If you remain aware of your shoulders, you're more likely to keep them relaxed and hunch-free.
- During snow storms or showers, don't bother to apply make-up (specifically mascara) until you reach your destination.  I speak from raccoon-eyed experience. 
- If you walk for fitness, like I do, its fun to keep the exercise going while waiting for the crossing sign - I do calf raises at intersections.  Sure, people think I'm a little nuts, but it works the muscles!


I was going to upload some walk-related photos, but the camera won't turn on and my battery charger is at home.  So y'all will just have to picture me in my little hat and long coat for now.

Happy Walking!

The klutz stands alone

I was super excited last night to have the apartment to myself.

Don't get me wrong.  There's nothing I like more than curling up next to B on the couch on a cold winter's night.  Especially a cold winter's Thursday night for all our favorite shows right in a row (Community, Parks and Rec, The Office, Its Always Sunny, and The League).  Honestly, I try not to make plans on Thursday nights, because I love the NBC comedies so much.  Can't wait until 30 Rock comes back!

Anyway, back on track.  I was going to use last night to catch up on some of the shows B doesn't like, i.e. Parenthood.  (Why is NBC so low in its ratings when I feel like all my favorite shows are on that one network?)

Then Mom called, and we started chatting, and I started cleaning, because I can't sit still when I talk on the phone, and rather than pace in the apartment back and forth I decided to be productive.  I was pledging the woodwork - dresser, windowsills, etc, and decided to get behind the TV, which is always super dusty because I don't always remember to pledge there.

So I'm chatting with Mom, the TV is on in the background, I'm in the back of the TV with the wires and cables I have no clue about, and then suddenly, the TV goes black.

That's right, folks.  I was dusting so violently, I knocked out not one, but TWO cables in back of the TV.  And those are some heavy-duty cables.  Obviously there are always more cable holes than cables, so I couldn't figure out where the darn things went.

B comes home at 10 after dude night at the new BBQ joint, and is mildly exasperated at my inability to dust without damaging anything.  Hey.  At least I dust!  If he gets to snort when I trip over my own two feet as a klutz, he can't judge when I knock out cables as a klutz.