I've been meaning to write this for a long time now. I just haven't been in the blogging mood this semester but every time I'd want to blog... it'd be this year end "wrap up" blog. But, I didn't want to write a wrap up blog in October or even November. I wanted to wait until just after christmas. Silly me - the days between christmas and new years always pass bye in a blur (okay, so maybe i watched 12 hours of trashy tv but whatever, I'm allowed to veg out right?)
So my year. Wow. The first 6 months of the year were very crazy - in hindsight, it feels like it was 5 years worth of emotions packed into (actually less than) 6 months. This time last year, there was a real possibility that I'd be engaged by now. And the only reason it seemed to be a possibility (rather than "for sure") was because I really wanted to wait until we were both done with school. But last year this time, we were doing the whole parents meeting thing and talking about apartments and puppies. And not even two months later... it was all over, sorta.
The next few months, I learned a lot about myself, I grew closer to many of my classmates (drifted from others) and reconnected with old friends. And all the while, I tried to learn how to love someone new. Perhaps it was bad timing or maybe a bad match. Either way, I dealt with the "emotional turmoil" by getting incredibly hammered quite often - but at least I had a great time doing it. Every time I thought I had the world figured out, some little thing would cause me to rethink my entire "figured out" stuff.
The summer gave me an opportunity to get away from myself in a sense. Working with low income elderly was one of the most rewarding experiences - and, though I had expected the work to be tedious and dull, I found my work pretty interesting (most of the time). And, though I didn't get to do as much "Boston" stuff as I had hoped, I made the most of my summer with several trips and fun adventures (and roomie movie nights). Perhaps I should have squeezed in NY a few more times... oh well.
September and October turned out be quite hectic. Job hunting, school, life. Honestly, going through all these levels of self doubt (from job hunting/"career decision" shit to the "love life" crap), is exhausting and draining.... and probably the reason I slacked more than ever!
But December finally came... and a chance to end the year on a good note. I started out the month with a job decision. Finally, a huge weight off my chest. And, by then, I was also ready to close the book on my 5 year saga. For the first time in 5 years, I was ready to admit that he wasn't the one (though I'd probably known it awhile). And, for the first time in nearly a year, I was ready to be alone... no crutch, no fall back. 2(.5) break ups definitely taught me a thing or two about what I want in life.
I also started to make a conscious effort to be healthy (minus the drinking) - I mean - why wait until the new year? Working out, yoga, capoeira. By mid-December, I was high - on godknowswhat. For a week - perhaps longer - I felt like I was constantly smiling - and not voluntarily. Uncontrollably happy. Finally in control of things. Maybe it was the endorphins from working out. Or maybe it was all the gorgeous snow. Who cares what it was? Of course, then I got extremely hammered and did a bunch of stuff i regret - minor setback(s)(it happened twice in december...) - but now, I'm determined to make all of 08 like the first 3 weeks of December 07.
Of course, there was lots more to 07 than my stupid emotional drama. Cal lost to the 'furd for the first time in the Tedford era, the Sox won the World Series (oh yes, and the Pats went 16-0)(and the Lakers brought back the daisy dukes - if only for half of 1 game), I visited Canada and Puerto Rico for the first time, I got my lowest GPA (ever? haha), I survived my first big(?) snow storm I guess, I grew closer to friends that I've known for years, I rediscovered how much I love reading and listening to music, I became addicted to more TV shows than ever... hm, what else? (I managed a 3 days weekend trip with no luggage and a 6 day trip with only a carry-on... perhaps only Maria can understand how impressive that is). I love the memories I made and hope to always remember the lessons I learned, but I'm ready for my quarter century year.... bring it on!
Cheers to a new year... live it to the fullest.
Oh yes, and I am going to request a moratorium on weddings and babies in 08 please. I mean, those of you who had already made plans in 07 are exempt but the rest of you... SLOW DOWN, jeez. You're making me feel old! (j/k) :)
(PS: This is what happens when you force out a blog when you don't really feel like writing. sorry it was so boring)
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
so...
its 9:30 pm. My family has been here for an hour (if that). They have already almost finished a bottle of patron and a shit load of whiskey and vodka. and my aunt is drunk.
i heart my family.
i heart my family.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
it doesn’t feel like the holidays without snow
As I was heading to the library today I saw a little boy sledding in the park with his dad. I paused for a second and watched as his dad pushed the sled down the hill and the bundled up little boy went sliding down to the other end of the park. It was so adorable.
I couldn't stop smiling the rest of the way to the library.
the end.
I couldn't stop smiling the rest of the way to the library.
the end.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
late night thoughts...
soo, i'm going to ramble - not about whats been on my mind generally because that would require ten posts - but just whats been on my mind today.
thanksgiving is a time to "give thanks" - yada yada. personally, i think its a time for feasting! For me, thanksgiving has rarely had the sentimental value that its supposed to have. (Though, Nooneh just sent out her yearly email of "thanks" and honestly, it makes me absolutely giddy to still be on it. Noon, I love you and will always love our conversations! miles apart = someone to stay with when you're miles from home and wonderful conversations when we do get a chance to chat - I STILL AM EXPECTING A VISIT FROM YOU SOON MISSY!!!)
Anyway... today started off totally strange for me - maybe it was coming off a semi-unthankful night. Towards the early AM hours, I had a dream that I was hanging out with a particular guy that I used to have a "thing" for. It was a pleasant enough dream and pretty much ended at that. Several hours later I was reading a text book and suddely drifted off - afternoon nap style.
This time, the dream sorta continued but no so pleasant. My mind wandered back to the last day I'd seen this guy - the situation and the people I was with. Suddenly, a good friend of mine was there (well, he had been there that night and that was the last night i saw him). And, as heart broken as i was, he (the friend guy) said exactly the right things - as he'd always said. He'd always sorta empowered me in the strangest way. He made me feel okay... and "better than that."
I woke up... totally thinking of calling him to tell him about my dream. And then I remembered... he's not around. And in my half drowsy state, I suddenly began reliving the moments... the moment his brother imed me to say he had passed away. Via aim - bizzare right. i actually thought it was a joke. i'm sorry. But by then, we weren't very close... instead me and his brother chatted every day so he just said it... but man. So surreal. Still surreal.
Anyway, I feel almost silly writing all this - I was definitely not one of his closest friends... and yet, I always thought of him as a brother because, when we were together, he was always protectice and sweet - trying to make sure everyone was taken care of and having fun. I remember after "the fact" (ya that) I felt very awkward for a long time - at the funeral, at the house, everything - because, I was not part of the gang - i was not supposed to be "so sad." But I guess I was sorta the kid - younger than most of his friends... which sorta meant him introducing me to a certain world and to certain people that I didn't know about. I mean, frankly, age 18-21 would not have been what they were for me were it not for him - single handedly. And, aside from all the superficial party stuff, we had our chats... again, probably not exactly the chats he had with his best friends but, we talked - he knew a bit about me, i knew a bit about him. He was just there for me to vent to - and there to always tell me what I wasn't allowed to do - big bro style. Oh ya, and it was always fun when he'd randomly stop off at my house to drop off flyers (to me and the neighbor - I wasn't THAT special hahah).
Anyway, as strange as it might be for some people to understand, he was something....someone... and, I can't exaclty look back on those years of my life without remembering him. And today... was just one of those days.
I hope he's doing well - and watching over all of us - his friends (some of whom perhaps could use the watching), his fam, and the person he was supposed to start a fam with... we all miss you :)
good night... sweet dreams.
thanksgiving is a time to "give thanks" - yada yada. personally, i think its a time for feasting! For me, thanksgiving has rarely had the sentimental value that its supposed to have. (Though, Nooneh just sent out her yearly email of "thanks" and honestly, it makes me absolutely giddy to still be on it. Noon, I love you and will always love our conversations! miles apart = someone to stay with when you're miles from home and wonderful conversations when we do get a chance to chat - I STILL AM EXPECTING A VISIT FROM YOU SOON MISSY!!!)
Anyway... today started off totally strange for me - maybe it was coming off a semi-unthankful night. Towards the early AM hours, I had a dream that I was hanging out with a particular guy that I used to have a "thing" for. It was a pleasant enough dream and pretty much ended at that. Several hours later I was reading a text book and suddely drifted off - afternoon nap style.
This time, the dream sorta continued but no so pleasant. My mind wandered back to the last day I'd seen this guy - the situation and the people I was with. Suddenly, a good friend of mine was there (well, he had been there that night and that was the last night i saw him). And, as heart broken as i was, he (the friend guy) said exactly the right things - as he'd always said. He'd always sorta empowered me in the strangest way. He made me feel okay... and "better than that."
I woke up... totally thinking of calling him to tell him about my dream. And then I remembered... he's not around. And in my half drowsy state, I suddenly began reliving the moments... the moment his brother imed me to say he had passed away. Via aim - bizzare right. i actually thought it was a joke. i'm sorry. But by then, we weren't very close... instead me and his brother chatted every day so he just said it... but man. So surreal. Still surreal.
Anyway, I feel almost silly writing all this - I was definitely not one of his closest friends... and yet, I always thought of him as a brother because, when we were together, he was always protectice and sweet - trying to make sure everyone was taken care of and having fun. I remember after "the fact" (ya that) I felt very awkward for a long time - at the funeral, at the house, everything - because, I was not part of the gang - i was not supposed to be "so sad." But I guess I was sorta the kid - younger than most of his friends... which sorta meant him introducing me to a certain world and to certain people that I didn't know about. I mean, frankly, age 18-21 would not have been what they were for me were it not for him - single handedly. And, aside from all the superficial party stuff, we had our chats... again, probably not exactly the chats he had with his best friends but, we talked - he knew a bit about me, i knew a bit about him. He was just there for me to vent to - and there to always tell me what I wasn't allowed to do - big bro style. Oh ya, and it was always fun when he'd randomly stop off at my house to drop off flyers (to me and the neighbor - I wasn't THAT special hahah).
Anyway, as strange as it might be for some people to understand, he was something....someone... and, I can't exaclty look back on those years of my life without remembering him. And today... was just one of those days.
I hope he's doing well - and watching over all of us - his friends (some of whom perhaps could use the watching), his fam, and the person he was supposed to start a fam with... we all miss you :)
good night... sweet dreams.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
How to attract law students to an event...
You know what the difference is between law school and undergrad? In undergrad, the school didn't try to lure you to events with promises of booze.
Message from Asst Dean to students:
Hi-- Just a reminder about our town hall meeting with Dean Maureen O'Rourke on Monday, Nov. 26, 4-5pm Barristers Hall. We'll have hot hors d'oeuvres and other refreshments, and soda, juice, wine and beer. She will be there to answer any questions you have, and talk about issues affecting students. Also, please feel free to email lawdean@bu.edu ahead of time with any questions you have before the town hall, and she will provide answers at that meeting.
I'm everyone will have some serious questions after a few glasses of wine :)
Message from Asst Dean to students:
Hi-- Just a reminder about our town hall meeting with Dean Maureen O'Rourke on Monday, Nov. 26, 4-5pm Barristers Hall. We'll have hot hors d'oeuvres and other refreshments, and soda, juice, wine and beer. She will be there to answer any questions you have, and talk about issues affecting students. Also, please feel free to email lawdean@bu.edu ahead of time with any questions you have before the town hall, and she will provide answers at that meeting.
I'm everyone will have some serious questions after a few glasses of wine :)
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Honey, do you remember where I put the 1.2 billion dollars?
So, we all misplace money sometimes right? or spend money without being able to account for it. ("Shit, i spent $500 this weekend? What the heck did I spend it on?")
But what are the chances you'd spend 1.2 billion dollars without being able to account for it? Well, clearly, your name isn't United (last name States).
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/10/22/dyncorp.spending/index.html
See, so many Repubs/Conservatives think the answer to the inflated budget is to cut taxes. What they don't realize is that lower taxes means less programs but not necessarily less waste. Our problem right now - dems/repubs/independents/libertarians - whoever - is wasteful spending. Billions unaccounted for, super inflated government contracts (usually taken advantage of by those same conservatives who advocate for lower taxes... since they don't want their millions to be taxed).
The problem is massive and its really difficult to figure out where to begin - but cutting social welfare programs won't reduce wasteful spending - in fact, those programs seem to be the most frugal. Its the programs that are seen as "essential" that seem to get a blank check to blow money.
Honestly, if our government was a private business entity, we'd be bankrupt. And if our government was a private business entity with the budget it has now, we'd have universal healthcare, wonderful public schools, social security and welfare programs for everyone who needs it - and still enough money left over to build schools (and implement democracy) throughout the world. Too bad we leave it all to stupid beaurecrats.
But what are the chances you'd spend 1.2 billion dollars without being able to account for it? Well, clearly, your name isn't United (last name States).
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/10/22/dyncorp.spending/index.html
See, so many Repubs/Conservatives think the answer to the inflated budget is to cut taxes. What they don't realize is that lower taxes means less programs but not necessarily less waste. Our problem right now - dems/repubs/independents/libertarians - whoever - is wasteful spending. Billions unaccounted for, super inflated government contracts (usually taken advantage of by those same conservatives who advocate for lower taxes... since they don't want their millions to be taxed).
The problem is massive and its really difficult to figure out where to begin - but cutting social welfare programs won't reduce wasteful spending - in fact, those programs seem to be the most frugal. Its the programs that are seen as "essential" that seem to get a blank check to blow money.
Honestly, if our government was a private business entity, we'd be bankrupt. And if our government was a private business entity with the budget it has now, we'd have universal healthcare, wonderful public schools, social security and welfare programs for everyone who needs it - and still enough money left over to build schools (and implement democracy) throughout the world. Too bad we leave it all to stupid beaurecrats.
conversations
Intro to International Law - sounds sorta interesting no?
No! Really, its torture!
Chatting keeps me sane. (It was either posting a convo or a quiz...)
(3:43:52 PM) classmate: http://www.journalgazette.net/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071021/NEWS07/710210355/1002/LOCAL
(3:46:15 PM) classmate: i guess i'm not taking real estate transfer finance and development any time soon
(3:46:30 PM) Alina: apparently its a little maddening
(3:46:32 PM) classmate: but...multiple assault rifles? under the influence of alcohol?
(3:46:38 PM) classmate: we don't have time for that here
(3:47:14 PM) Alina: i dont know about you
(3:47:19 PM) Alina: but i'm always playing with assault rifles
(3:47:22 PM) Alina: while under the influence
(3:47:24 PM) Alina: its kinda fun
(3:47:27 PM) Alina: helps take the edge off
(3:47:30 PM) Alina: after a long week
(3:47:31 PM) classmate: why are you not inviting the rest of us to the party
(3:47:33 PM) Alina: you know?
(3:47:42 PM) classmate: i think it's what iv'e been missing
(3:47:43 PM) Alina: oh, well, i didn't know there was an interest
(3:47:50 PM) Alina: i'll be sure to include you from now on
(3:48:02 PM) Alina: it will def make law school much more bearable
(3:48:13 PM) classmate: yeah, we can conduct the sessions outside the law review office
(3:48:17 PM) classmate: expand the job market a bit as a fringe benefit
(3:48:34 PM) Alina: hm. great idea!
No! Really, its torture!
Chatting keeps me sane. (It was either posting a convo or a quiz...)
(3:43:52 PM) classmate: http://www.journalgazette.net/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071021/NEWS07/710210355/1002/LOCAL
(3:46:15 PM) classmate: i guess i'm not taking real estate transfer finance and development any time soon
(3:46:30 PM) Alina: apparently its a little maddening
(3:46:32 PM) classmate: but...multiple assault rifles? under the influence of alcohol?
(3:46:38 PM) classmate: we don't have time for that here
(3:47:14 PM) Alina: i dont know about you
(3:47:19 PM) Alina: but i'm always playing with assault rifles
(3:47:22 PM) Alina: while under the influence
(3:47:24 PM) Alina: its kinda fun
(3:47:27 PM) Alina: helps take the edge off
(3:47:30 PM) Alina: after a long week
(3:47:31 PM) classmate: why are you not inviting the rest of us to the party
(3:47:33 PM) Alina: you know?
(3:47:42 PM) classmate: i think it's what iv'e been missing
(3:47:43 PM) Alina: oh, well, i didn't know there was an interest
(3:47:50 PM) Alina: i'll be sure to include you from now on
(3:48:02 PM) Alina: it will def make law school much more bearable
(3:48:13 PM) classmate: yeah, we can conduct the sessions outside the law review office
(3:48:17 PM) classmate: expand the job market a bit as a fringe benefit
(3:48:34 PM) Alina: hm. great idea!
Friday, October 12, 2007
Just one of those days...
So, I ended up not coming home last night. I was studying and on a roll and just decided to not come home. At some point in the evening, I talked to my roommate about the trash (today was trash day and it was my day to take out the trash). She told me she'd take it out but I assured her I'd be home in time to put it out. "In time" meant by 9 am.
Of course, I slept in this morning and, rather than leave the house at 8 like i had planned, i left at around 8:20/8:25. I figured I was still okay though since it takes about 40 min to get home usually.
But, I managed to get to the T station right as the train going in my direction left. Fortunately, another one wasn't TOO far behind. And, when I got to Park street to switch to the D line, the D was right there waiting - perfect. As I stepped onto the train, I felt relieved (obviously premature).
After smiling to myeslf and taking a few deep breaths, I suddenly looked around and realized, we hadn't left the station yet! Again, the wait wasn't too long but from Park to Brookline Hills, the ride was slow... sometimes stopping midway betweeen stops (which is common through kenmore but not as common from Fenway on) and sometimes stalling at the station itself.
9:15 am - I finally arrive at BH. As I got closer to my street, I could hear the garbage truck (actually the recycle truck) making its way down our street. I tried to make a run for it but as I turned into my street, the truck was picking up the last bins. I ran up the stairs, dropping ALL my stuff on the first floor, grabbed the bin and went running back out. I decided to go back up my street to try and catch the truck somewhere else but realized that the truck had probably already done the loop (my street sorta loops) so I changed course and ran towards Boylsotn. No sign of the truck still... darn. I picked another street and headed down a bit but soon noticed that the truck had been here too.
Darn. Mission failed.
So, I started to head home - trying to think of a plan B for getting rid of the overflowing contents of the recyclin bin. I walked up the stairs and "opened" the door...
except...
the door didn't open.
WTF? I didn't lock it! My keys were inside. My T pass was inside. My phone was inside. My computer was inside. And I looked like a train wreck (so going to school to borrow someones phone was out of the question - and even if it wasn't, it would take me almost an hour to walk to school!)
Think fast Alina! Okay, so someone must have just left the house - and they were probably on their way to the T. So, I made a mad dash for the T. But, just as I got to the little bridge that crosses over the tracks, I saw the green line pulling out. Whoever had left the house to catch the T was now on it. So much for that.
It was like, at every step of the way, I was a second late. Had I woken up on time, I wouldn't have been a second late on everything but still... at some point you'd think my luck would change right?
Anyway, I did end up getting home. And of course, there is nowhere nearby to drop off recyclables.
Damnit.
Of course, I slept in this morning and, rather than leave the house at 8 like i had planned, i left at around 8:20/8:25. I figured I was still okay though since it takes about 40 min to get home usually.
But, I managed to get to the T station right as the train going in my direction left. Fortunately, another one wasn't TOO far behind. And, when I got to Park street to switch to the D line, the D was right there waiting - perfect. As I stepped onto the train, I felt relieved (obviously premature).
After smiling to myeslf and taking a few deep breaths, I suddenly looked around and realized, we hadn't left the station yet! Again, the wait wasn't too long but from Park to Brookline Hills, the ride was slow... sometimes stopping midway betweeen stops (which is common through kenmore but not as common from Fenway on) and sometimes stalling at the station itself.
9:15 am - I finally arrive at BH. As I got closer to my street, I could hear the garbage truck (actually the recycle truck) making its way down our street. I tried to make a run for it but as I turned into my street, the truck was picking up the last bins. I ran up the stairs, dropping ALL my stuff on the first floor, grabbed the bin and went running back out. I decided to go back up my street to try and catch the truck somewhere else but realized that the truck had probably already done the loop (my street sorta loops) so I changed course and ran towards Boylsotn. No sign of the truck still... darn. I picked another street and headed down a bit but soon noticed that the truck had been here too.
Darn. Mission failed.
So, I started to head home - trying to think of a plan B for getting rid of the overflowing contents of the recyclin bin. I walked up the stairs and "opened" the door...
except...
the door didn't open.
WTF? I didn't lock it! My keys were inside. My T pass was inside. My phone was inside. My computer was inside. And I looked like a train wreck (so going to school to borrow someones phone was out of the question - and even if it wasn't, it would take me almost an hour to walk to school!)
Think fast Alina! Okay, so someone must have just left the house - and they were probably on their way to the T. So, I made a mad dash for the T. But, just as I got to the little bridge that crosses over the tracks, I saw the green line pulling out. Whoever had left the house to catch the T was now on it. So much for that.
It was like, at every step of the way, I was a second late. Had I woken up on time, I wouldn't have been a second late on everything but still... at some point you'd think my luck would change right?
Anyway, I did end up getting home. And of course, there is nowhere nearby to drop off recyclables.
Damnit.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Yay for today
What a glorious day! Or am I just high off Boston?
What is it about this city that just makes me giddy? Why is it that so often when I walk home in the afternoon, I get a sudden rush of endorphins that make me want to smile ear to ear?
Today is one of those gorgeous almost autumn days. The sun is bright. The weather is warm. The puffy white clouds look like cotton candy against the backdrop of the bright blue sky. And the cool breeze just makes you want to sigh – one of those relaxed, content sighs. You know?
After a full day of classes, I was a little eager to get home but my walk to the T stop seemed to pass much too quickly and I didn't like the idea of wasting this beautiful day inside my room. So, on my way home, I made a little detour and headed up to the reservoir. Unfortunately, I took my camera out of my bag this morning or else I would have snapped a pix for you all to see. But it is so soothing to just sit here – typing, listening to my ipod. I feel like I should be doing yoga or something.
Its almost fall/autumn. I know you Californians think you rock with your great weather but there's so much to be said for seasons. I'm looking out now across the water and I see countless green trees. But in a few short weeks, those green trees will be wonderfully colorful. As I was walking home today, I noticed that the colors are slowly starting to change – its only a few leaves right now – not very noticeable but soon. I hope my mom and sister get to see it when they get here.
Speaking of which, my mom and sister are coming to BEANTOWN. Wootwoot. Did I mention that already?
My sister is driving across country – across the south and up the east coast. My mom decided she'd meet my sister in New Orleans and they'd drive up to Boston together. I'd like to mention – my mom has not been on a plane since 1978 (I don't think) and she's never left CA (except Nevada – Vegas/Laughlin). Wow. I know. I hope she loves this city as much as I do but I'm not sure she will. Hopefully I can be a good tour guide.
Oh yes – and they have a third family member with them – TOBY! Yay. Boston peeps, I'll bring him to school hopefully. Yay. I miss him so much – he's my cuddle buddy – and let me tell you, he is an AWESOME little spoon.
So back to Boston – the other day I was walking down Aspinwall (did I spell that right)/School St/Cypress (yes, because in 3 blocks the street changes names 3 times – okay, more like 5 blocks) – and I was in my typical giddy mood. Cute houses, tree lined streets, Quaint. Is that a good word for it? I guess quaint sounds too cottage town-ish but still. I love walking around Brookline and Boston – um, I can't say the same for Alston.
And btw, to all my fellow hs x-country runners, the HS kids here get to run their laps around the reservoir and Jamaica pond. I'm so jealous. Although, I don't know how motivating it'd be to run here – I'd probably zone out and run in a complete daze at a slow jogging pace – and Bailey would probably laugh at me and call me "cloudy" for "cloud gazing" (we once lay out on the field trying to find shapes/animals/objects in the clouds – and for some reason, I was the only one who was made fun of for it – for the rest of my "track/x-country" career – short lived as it was).
Anyway, I should probably head home already. Its Lev's bday today – we're going to Match. If you haven't been there – go! They have awesome burgers. (I am salivating thinking about the lobster burger right now!)
What is it about this city that just makes me giddy? Why is it that so often when I walk home in the afternoon, I get a sudden rush of endorphins that make me want to smile ear to ear?
Today is one of those gorgeous almost autumn days. The sun is bright. The weather is warm. The puffy white clouds look like cotton candy against the backdrop of the bright blue sky. And the cool breeze just makes you want to sigh – one of those relaxed, content sighs. You know?
After a full day of classes, I was a little eager to get home but my walk to the T stop seemed to pass much too quickly and I didn't like the idea of wasting this beautiful day inside my room. So, on my way home, I made a little detour and headed up to the reservoir. Unfortunately, I took my camera out of my bag this morning or else I would have snapped a pix for you all to see. But it is so soothing to just sit here – typing, listening to my ipod. I feel like I should be doing yoga or something.
Its almost fall/autumn. I know you Californians think you rock with your great weather but there's so much to be said for seasons. I'm looking out now across the water and I see countless green trees. But in a few short weeks, those green trees will be wonderfully colorful. As I was walking home today, I noticed that the colors are slowly starting to change – its only a few leaves right now – not very noticeable but soon. I hope my mom and sister get to see it when they get here.
Speaking of which, my mom and sister are coming to BEANTOWN. Wootwoot. Did I mention that already?
My sister is driving across country – across the south and up the east coast. My mom decided she'd meet my sister in New Orleans and they'd drive up to Boston together. I'd like to mention – my mom has not been on a plane since 1978 (I don't think) and she's never left CA (except Nevada – Vegas/Laughlin). Wow. I know. I hope she loves this city as much as I do but I'm not sure she will. Hopefully I can be a good tour guide.
Oh yes – and they have a third family member with them – TOBY! Yay. Boston peeps, I'll bring him to school hopefully. Yay. I miss him so much – he's my cuddle buddy – and let me tell you, he is an AWESOME little spoon.
So back to Boston – the other day I was walking down Aspinwall (did I spell that right)/School St/Cypress (yes, because in 3 blocks the street changes names 3 times – okay, more like 5 blocks) – and I was in my typical giddy mood. Cute houses, tree lined streets, Quaint. Is that a good word for it? I guess quaint sounds too cottage town-ish but still. I love walking around Brookline and Boston – um, I can't say the same for Alston.
And btw, to all my fellow hs x-country runners, the HS kids here get to run their laps around the reservoir and Jamaica pond. I'm so jealous. Although, I don't know how motivating it'd be to run here – I'd probably zone out and run in a complete daze at a slow jogging pace – and Bailey would probably laugh at me and call me "cloudy" for "cloud gazing" (we once lay out on the field trying to find shapes/animals/objects in the clouds – and for some reason, I was the only one who was made fun of for it – for the rest of my "track/x-country" career – short lived as it was).
Anyway, I should probably head home already. Its Lev's bday today – we're going to Match. If you haven't been there – go! They have awesome burgers. (I am salivating thinking about the lobster burger right now!)
Where is the Human Outrage
Not a long article - and a good read. I agree.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/09/12/martin/index.html
By Roland S. Martin
CNN Contributor
-->
(CNN) -- When federal prosecutors in Virginia released details of the dogfighting charges against Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, all hell broke loose.
Folks were protesting, calling for him to be immediately kicked out of the league, and demanding long jail sentences for Vick and his co-defendants.
Many lawyers went on television and admitted that had Vick beat a girlfriend, shot or even murdered someone, he wouldn't have been slammed as hard as he was for the vicious acts committed against dogs.
I suppose those lawyers are right.
Just look at the case of Megan Williams. The 20-year-old West Virginia woman, Megan Williams, was kidnapped by six sadistic individuals and held in a mobile home.
They raped her, forced her to eat rat and dog feces, made her drink from a toilet, stabbed her multiple times, and called the black woman a "nigger" every time they beat her.
Thank God she lived, and may be released from the hospital in a few days.
But it still raises the question: What causes such outrage and fervor in one case involving dogs and not another?
-->
The same thing was said about the shocking details surrounding the deaths of Channon Christian and Christopher Newsom. The two University of Tennessee students were on a date when they were carjacked by several men. They were taken to a house where they were held. Christopher was raped, doused with gasoline, shot and his body dumped on the side of a road.
Channon? She had a household cleaner poured down her throat and was later raped. She, too, was murdered.
Although the two were white and their alleged attackers black, police say race was not an element in this case.
These two cases are heinous and despicable. But why do we respond with speed to one case and not another? Is it celebrity? Or do we not have the same compassion for human beings as we do for dogs? Was the Vick case that more important?
Take, for example, the U.S. Senate floor speech of Robert Byrd, the senior senator from West Virginia.
Calling the allegations sadistic, Byrd thundered: "Barbaric! Let that word resound from hill to hill, and from mountain to mountain, from valley to valley, across this broad land. Barbaric! Barbaric! May God help those poor souls who'd be so cruel. Barbaric! Hear me! Barbaric!"
He later added: "I am confident the hottest places in hell are reserved for the souls of sick and brutal people who hold God's creatures in such brutal and cruel contempt."
So, Sen. Byrd, where is the floor speech for a woman from your own home state? Where is the outrage when a woman is viciously attacked?
This is when the media gets slammed. We've determined that Vick, Paris Hilton and the shenanigans of Lindsey Lohan are far more important than the viciousness of what took place in West Virginia and Tennessee.
But maybe the problem isn't just the media. Maybe the problem is you. The reader. The viewer. Maybe you've decided that you care more about discussing a celebrity than nobodies like Megan Williams, Channon Christian or Christopher Newsom.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/09/12/martin/index.html
By Roland S. Martin
CNN Contributor
-->
(CNN) -- When federal prosecutors in Virginia released details of the dogfighting charges against Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, all hell broke loose.
Folks were protesting, calling for him to be immediately kicked out of the league, and demanding long jail sentences for Vick and his co-defendants.
Many lawyers went on television and admitted that had Vick beat a girlfriend, shot or even murdered someone, he wouldn't have been slammed as hard as he was for the vicious acts committed against dogs.
I suppose those lawyers are right.
Just look at the case of Megan Williams. The 20-year-old West Virginia woman, Megan Williams, was kidnapped by six sadistic individuals and held in a mobile home.
They raped her, forced her to eat rat and dog feces, made her drink from a toilet, stabbed her multiple times, and called the black woman a "nigger" every time they beat her.
Thank God she lived, and may be released from the hospital in a few days.
But it still raises the question: What causes such outrage and fervor in one case involving dogs and not another?
-->
The same thing was said about the shocking details surrounding the deaths of Channon Christian and Christopher Newsom. The two University of Tennessee students were on a date when they were carjacked by several men. They were taken to a house where they were held. Christopher was raped, doused with gasoline, shot and his body dumped on the side of a road.
Channon? She had a household cleaner poured down her throat and was later raped. She, too, was murdered.
Although the two were white and their alleged attackers black, police say race was not an element in this case.
These two cases are heinous and despicable. But why do we respond with speed to one case and not another? Is it celebrity? Or do we not have the same compassion for human beings as we do for dogs? Was the Vick case that more important?
Take, for example, the U.S. Senate floor speech of Robert Byrd, the senior senator from West Virginia.
Calling the allegations sadistic, Byrd thundered: "Barbaric! Let that word resound from hill to hill, and from mountain to mountain, from valley to valley, across this broad land. Barbaric! Barbaric! May God help those poor souls who'd be so cruel. Barbaric! Hear me! Barbaric!"
He later added: "I am confident the hottest places in hell are reserved for the souls of sick and brutal people who hold God's creatures in such brutal and cruel contempt."
So, Sen. Byrd, where is the floor speech for a woman from your own home state? Where is the outrage when a woman is viciously attacked?
This is when the media gets slammed. We've determined that Vick, Paris Hilton and the shenanigans of Lindsey Lohan are far more important than the viciousness of what took place in West Virginia and Tennessee.
But maybe the problem isn't just the media. Maybe the problem is you. The reader. The viewer. Maybe you've decided that you care more about discussing a celebrity than nobodies like Megan Williams, Channon Christian or Christopher Newsom.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
parenting is not a right
All through con law class I remember this argument about the right to raise your children as you please. Its the most bogus statement in the world. First, you DON'T have the right to do as you please (just try spanking your kid in front of a social services worker) and second... you SHOULDN'T be allowed to raise kids the way you want.
Having children is not a right. Its a privilege. If it were possible, I'd vouch for parenting licenses! Perhaps we could have a system where every woman automatically gets her tubes tied and isn't allowed to get the procedure reversed until she passes some comprehensive parenting classes, background checks and psych evaluations.
The problem isn't only with women who get pregnant and have kids... and are awful mothers (yes, I should bag on fathers too but unless you are being raped, you have just as much of an opportunity to prevent pregnancy as the guy - and physically, you are the one who deals with the consequences)... the problem is also our country's foster care system. I constantly read in the news about the poor abused adopted children. Several months back I posted an article about a woman who had been keeping several adopted and biological kids in the shed. Now THIS!!! (click here) Honestly, how does this slide by government officials? I knew a woman who was trying to adopt - really wonderful lady. Boy, was she having a heck of a time. So how does this piece of trash end up mooching $180,000 off the gov't. GR!
Anyway, moral of the story - stop adding babies to this world unless you plan to take care of them. I know for so many people (esp anti-abortionists) adoption seems like a wonderful option.... and yes, some adoptive parents are wonderful. But you never know where your future baby will end up. Use a condom.
(As for the woman, I'm vindictive and believe in an eye for an eye justice - lock her up, throw some zip ties on her and feed her ramen - but only once every two days - until she dies. Sell all her properties and split the money between the kids.)
Having children is not a right. Its a privilege. If it were possible, I'd vouch for parenting licenses! Perhaps we could have a system where every woman automatically gets her tubes tied and isn't allowed to get the procedure reversed until she passes some comprehensive parenting classes, background checks and psych evaluations.
The problem isn't only with women who get pregnant and have kids... and are awful mothers (yes, I should bag on fathers too but unless you are being raped, you have just as much of an opportunity to prevent pregnancy as the guy - and physically, you are the one who deals with the consequences)... the problem is also our country's foster care system. I constantly read in the news about the poor abused adopted children. Several months back I posted an article about a woman who had been keeping several adopted and biological kids in the shed. Now THIS!!! (click here) Honestly, how does this slide by government officials? I knew a woman who was trying to adopt - really wonderful lady. Boy, was she having a heck of a time. So how does this piece of trash end up mooching $180,000 off the gov't. GR!
Anyway, moral of the story - stop adding babies to this world unless you plan to take care of them. I know for so many people (esp anti-abortionists) adoption seems like a wonderful option.... and yes, some adoptive parents are wonderful. But you never know where your future baby will end up. Use a condom.
(As for the woman, I'm vindictive and believe in an eye for an eye justice - lock her up, throw some zip ties on her and feed her ramen - but only once every two days - until she dies. Sell all her properties and split the money between the kids.)
Saturday, July 28, 2007
I'm back...
from yet another trip to NY. Thank you Brian (or is it Bryan) and my female lovers (Nat, Milen) for a fantastic time. And thank you Armen - its never a bad time with you - esp when there's afternoon drinking involved! (mental note - no pitchers before long bus rides anymore!)
And...
Congrats to Dave and Debra on their engagement (another one bites the dust - JUST KIDDING!). Send some love their way. (I'm sure most of you Cal folk remember my friend Dave - the honorary Armenian.)
Tomorrow, I am going to unpack and then pack again for my next NY trip on Friday. Yay for seeing Emus!
And...
Congrats to Dave and Debra on their engagement (another one bites the dust - JUST KIDDING!). Send some love their way. (I'm sure most of you Cal folk remember my friend Dave - the honorary Armenian.)
Tomorrow, I am going to unpack and then pack again for my next NY trip on Friday. Yay for seeing Emus!
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Early morning naps....
Every morning, I take the D line train from my house to north station (between 25-40 minutes depending on the time of morning, number of people, etc). Then, I take the commuter rail out to Lynn (2 or 3rd stop depending on the train). The ride on the commuter rail is usually about 25 minutes - and sometimes they let us on the train 5-10 minutes early - that gives me a good 25-35 minutes to nap!
Most mornings I read my book. Some mornings reading makes my eyes burn (because I'm so tired) so I just listen to music. Other mornings, I lay across the seats and "rest my eyes" so to speak.
This morning, I decided to sleep. Not nap. Not rest my eyes. But sleep. Well, I guess it wasn't really a decision. I thought I was awake. Its sorta like - in the morning, when your alarm goes off and you hit the snooze and decide to just keep your eyes closed for a "few minutes longer" - and when you open them, you are fairly certain only 10 minutes has passed when in fact its been 45. Ya, I had one of those.
I got on the train at 7:55. Foregoing the usual make up and reading ritual, I just put my headphones on and lay down. I opened my eyes once and noticed we were just barely rolling - the train had just started moving. 25 more minutes to go! I closed my eyes again - you know, to "rest" them. At our first stop, I jumped awake. I knew it was our first stop - I had been half awake and felt it was the first time we had stopped - but, I had this sudden fear that I might have actually been asleep and have missed my stop. Luckily, we were only in Chelsea (stop one). I put my head down again. One other time I popped up to see that we were not yet at Lynn but probably halfway between Chelsea and Lynn. I closed my eyes again. Somehow, in the next 10 minutes, I fell into a deep sleep. When I opened my eyes again, I caught a glimpse of the last person stepping off the train - and no one was really getting on (which means, the train was about to close its doors and take off again). I frantically sat up to look around at the signs... SWAMPSCOTT?!?!?!? WTF? Where am I? Yep, I had "overslept." I grabbed my pass (thank god i didn't forget it like that other time), gathered my purse, did a check of my "area" to make sure I had grabbed "all my personal belongings" (you know, like those flight attendants tell you to do) - and ran down the aisle to the exit. I'm sure I knocked some people out with my big bag swinging all over the place.
I got on the platform and gathered my thoughts - WHERE AM I? HOW DO I GET BACK? Obviously I could catch another train in but I had to be at the office by 9:15 today because we had to leave to go elsewhere for a meeting... and the commuter rail does not come often (sometimes it doesn't come for over an hour!) I noticed many people standing on the opposite platform - indicating that there was most likely a train coming in soon.... but there was no way to cross the tracks. OH! there must be an underpass by the little makeshift station. So I walked down a ways - nope, no underpass. AHHHHHH! Then I heard a tractor which I thought was the train so I started running. Right as I found the underpass, I heard the train coming (the real train - not the tractor). Luckily, I did manage to run and catch it in time! Yay. I got a few strange looks - I wonder if people saw me get off and on - and I also wonder if I had strange marks all over my face (from falling asleep on my bag). Oh well. I made it to the office in time and thats what counts right?
So I guess the next time someone says, "How do you nap on the train? Don't you miss your stop?" I won't be so quick to say, "Of course not, I just always know when we get to my stop - even when I'm half asleep!"
Most mornings I read my book. Some mornings reading makes my eyes burn (because I'm so tired) so I just listen to music. Other mornings, I lay across the seats and "rest my eyes" so to speak.
This morning, I decided to sleep. Not nap. Not rest my eyes. But sleep. Well, I guess it wasn't really a decision. I thought I was awake. Its sorta like - in the morning, when your alarm goes off and you hit the snooze and decide to just keep your eyes closed for a "few minutes longer" - and when you open them, you are fairly certain only 10 minutes has passed when in fact its been 45. Ya, I had one of those.
I got on the train at 7:55. Foregoing the usual make up and reading ritual, I just put my headphones on and lay down. I opened my eyes once and noticed we were just barely rolling - the train had just started moving. 25 more minutes to go! I closed my eyes again - you know, to "rest" them. At our first stop, I jumped awake. I knew it was our first stop - I had been half awake and felt it was the first time we had stopped - but, I had this sudden fear that I might have actually been asleep and have missed my stop. Luckily, we were only in Chelsea (stop one). I put my head down again. One other time I popped up to see that we were not yet at Lynn but probably halfway between Chelsea and Lynn. I closed my eyes again. Somehow, in the next 10 minutes, I fell into a deep sleep. When I opened my eyes again, I caught a glimpse of the last person stepping off the train - and no one was really getting on (which means, the train was about to close its doors and take off again). I frantically sat up to look around at the signs... SWAMPSCOTT?!?!?!? WTF? Where am I? Yep, I had "overslept." I grabbed my pass (thank god i didn't forget it like that other time), gathered my purse, did a check of my "area" to make sure I had grabbed "all my personal belongings" (you know, like those flight attendants tell you to do) - and ran down the aisle to the exit. I'm sure I knocked some people out with my big bag swinging all over the place.
I got on the platform and gathered my thoughts - WHERE AM I? HOW DO I GET BACK? Obviously I could catch another train in but I had to be at the office by 9:15 today because we had to leave to go elsewhere for a meeting... and the commuter rail does not come often (sometimes it doesn't come for over an hour!) I noticed many people standing on the opposite platform - indicating that there was most likely a train coming in soon.... but there was no way to cross the tracks. OH! there must be an underpass by the little makeshift station. So I walked down a ways - nope, no underpass. AHHHHHH! Then I heard a tractor which I thought was the train so I started running. Right as I found the underpass, I heard the train coming (the real train - not the tractor). Luckily, I did manage to run and catch it in time! Yay. I got a few strange looks - I wonder if people saw me get off and on - and I also wonder if I had strange marks all over my face (from falling asleep on my bag). Oh well. I made it to the office in time and thats what counts right?
So I guess the next time someone says, "How do you nap on the train? Don't you miss your stop?" I won't be so quick to say, "Of course not, I just always know when we get to my stop - even when I'm half asleep!"
Thursday, July 19, 2007
adventures in lynn
I had to run an errand of sorts for work today.
I had to go find the dead guy's car.
My boss has been out of the office for a few days and he asked me on Tuesday if I could go find this guys car. His instructions were... "Somewhere in these boxes you'll find his keys, his registration, and the title to his car - find those then go look for his car."
Yesterday it was raining all day so I figured I'd go today. Unfortunately, I hung around the office for a bit too long waiting for some woman to return my call (it was a little urgent) before I headed out. I finally found the guys "stuff" in his box and was on my way out when I realized I hadn't grabbed his current address. Back up I went. Found the address. Left again - then I realize - car? what do i do when i find it. Back up I went to ask the other boss. We called him - he said just find the car. Thats it. So I headed out again.
As I stepped out - I noticed it was gloomy. Eh, what are the chances it'll actually rain? I kept walking. About a block away, I felt a few drops on me. I feel "a few drops" so often - and quite often, it does not turn into rain. So I decided against going back for my umbrella and kept walking.
A few more blocks, I passed a happy couple. Actually, the guy seemed miserable and the woman was complaining about something as he stared into space. They were trailer trashy looking people.... not exactly the classy type (I'm guessing late 30's ish). As I walked past them, I heard a kiss. Nah, I must be hearing things... The woman was clearly angered by something though because she kicked it up a notch and started chewing his head off. When I felt I was at a safe distance, I turned around - there he was, head resting on his hands which were resting on something (it was either a tool - like a shovel - or just a piece of wood) staring in my direction. Ew.
I kept walking. At this point the drops had turned into a drizzle. A little drizzle never hurt anyone... I semi folded the papers down the middle (I didn't want to crease them) and stuck them under my jacket, under my arm. By jacket, I mean, thin black cardigan (under which I was wearing a sleevless top). I finally arrived at the building. I pulled out the papers and quickly read the VIN number and type/make of the car - hoping they wouldn't get too wet white I was standing there. I looked up and down the street - no luck Then I turned the corner - BAM! Right there in front of the building was the exact make and model - and probably the same year. I quickly read the VIN. First three letters.... I was ready to go home! But I kept reading - fourth one didn't match.... This paper must be wrong. I whipped out the title. WRONG!?!?!? Damnit! I walked up and down the parking lot (small lot fortunately) and then headed across the street to another parking lot. I finally found the car but apparently aroused some suspicion. As I was leaving a resident of the building (its an old folks home) called out to me, "Whatcha lookin for?" "A car. I found it. Thank you sir." I smiled and kept walking. I KNOW after 2 months of working with them how these old people can be - and one simple explanation leads to endless questions so I just kept on walking.
The rain picked up. So did the wind. My hair was wet by now and dripping down my face. I tried to pick up my pace but my flip flops were also wet and my foot was sliding all over the place. I was getting pebbles under my feet and I could tell that my pants were soaking up the water from the ground. Great!
I hurriedly crossed a street and as I made it to the other end I heard a man shout from across the street - "Hey Girl!" I almost didn't turn around. Thank goodness I did. "You dropped some papers," he shouted, pointing to the intersection.
AHHHHHHHHHH! What? I ran back to the intersection but by now the light had changed - a few cars had just barely missed the papers but a truck was dangerously close (the papers - paper actually as I later discovered - was more towards the curb than the middle of the street) so I ran and jumped in front of it (smart, i know) and quickly grabbed the paper. I was relieved to see that it had barely even gotten wet (landed on a higher spot and not in a puddle) and turned and shouted "Thank you!" to the guy across the street and started walking. The whole time, I assumed the other papers were still under my arm. But as I came to put this paper back with its paper friends, I realize... uh oh.
"Hey Girl - There's more." Great! I turned around but didn't see any papers - I looked at the guy again hoping for some "direction" - he pointed and said, "back there." And thats when I saw them. The title and the registration laying in the middle of the street. The wind had blown them back and cars were coming at it - this is an awful street - between two intersections - one with a green light and the other with no light - where cars are constantly making super fast left turns - and no one was stopping. Another truck (red like the first one) was coming down the street again - this time, the truck was not "dangerously close" but rather, directly in line with the papers. Again, I jumped in front of the truck (in the background I heard the man yelling, "Dont get hit by a car" - Don't get hit? Did he realize these were important papers?). This time, it was a little more scary. The previous truck had seen me running and had slowed down - this truck had no idea I was coming - I held up my hand, praying he would stop....
He did. And thank god because I don't think I'd make good road kill. I quickly grabbed the papers - trying hard not to rip them - and ran. The papers were drenched but in tact. I carefully tried to unfold and uncrinkle them and put them with the other paper. They were too wet to roll up and put under my arm again so as I started walking I decided to use my jacket as a sheet protector. As I started stripping off my jacket (which is apparently what it looked like to some people) - I heard a group of guy sitting on some steps across the street say, "That's a cute one."
What am I? A DOG? I kept walking. My pants wet up to my knees almost. My hair - still dripping in my face - stuck to my head in parts and medusa-esque in other parts. I felt my head starting to hurt. I managed to get my jacket off and as I was wrapping it around the sheets of paper, one of the aforementioned "gentleman" came up alongside me and started walking with me.
"Hi"
"Hi" Is he serious? I have mascara running down my face and I look like a wet dog... he can't really be serious!
"Its a little rainy today"
A LITTLE RAINY? "Sure is"
"I was wondering if I could get your name? ... if you don't mind"
I mind buddy! I started laughing. "Sorry, I don't "give out" my name"
"Oh, alright. I understand." (...something something somethign - at this point, he stopped walking and I stopped listening but he was saying something about being safe "nowadays")
RIGHT!
Home? Almost? Yes, I was almost home. Sorta. But the rain was not helping. I finally reached the familiar path - under the bridge, along the train tracks, cross the street, up half a block to our building. Home.
So the moral of the story? Don't leave home without an umbrella. If you do, bring cash so you can buy one - or get a cab. And don't drop important papers that your boss asked you for in the middle of the street on a rainy day. Oh ya, don't try to stop a truck by running in front of it either. Any more? Don't pick up on girls when its raining outside and they are clearly wet adn cold and want to go home.
I had to go find the dead guy's car.
My boss has been out of the office for a few days and he asked me on Tuesday if I could go find this guys car. His instructions were... "Somewhere in these boxes you'll find his keys, his registration, and the title to his car - find those then go look for his car."
Yesterday it was raining all day so I figured I'd go today. Unfortunately, I hung around the office for a bit too long waiting for some woman to return my call (it was a little urgent) before I headed out. I finally found the guys "stuff" in his box and was on my way out when I realized I hadn't grabbed his current address. Back up I went. Found the address. Left again - then I realize - car? what do i do when i find it. Back up I went to ask the other boss. We called him - he said just find the car. Thats it. So I headed out again.
As I stepped out - I noticed it was gloomy. Eh, what are the chances it'll actually rain? I kept walking. About a block away, I felt a few drops on me. I feel "a few drops" so often - and quite often, it does not turn into rain. So I decided against going back for my umbrella and kept walking.
A few more blocks, I passed a happy couple. Actually, the guy seemed miserable and the woman was complaining about something as he stared into space. They were trailer trashy looking people.... not exactly the classy type (I'm guessing late 30's ish). As I walked past them, I heard a kiss. Nah, I must be hearing things... The woman was clearly angered by something though because she kicked it up a notch and started chewing his head off. When I felt I was at a safe distance, I turned around - there he was, head resting on his hands which were resting on something (it was either a tool - like a shovel - or just a piece of wood) staring in my direction. Ew.
I kept walking. At this point the drops had turned into a drizzle. A little drizzle never hurt anyone... I semi folded the papers down the middle (I didn't want to crease them) and stuck them under my jacket, under my arm. By jacket, I mean, thin black cardigan (under which I was wearing a sleevless top). I finally arrived at the building. I pulled out the papers and quickly read the VIN number and type/make of the car - hoping they wouldn't get too wet white I was standing there. I looked up and down the street - no luck Then I turned the corner - BAM! Right there in front of the building was the exact make and model - and probably the same year. I quickly read the VIN. First three letters.... I was ready to go home! But I kept reading - fourth one didn't match.... This paper must be wrong. I whipped out the title. WRONG!?!?!? Damnit! I walked up and down the parking lot (small lot fortunately) and then headed across the street to another parking lot. I finally found the car but apparently aroused some suspicion. As I was leaving a resident of the building (its an old folks home) called out to me, "Whatcha lookin for?" "A car. I found it. Thank you sir." I smiled and kept walking. I KNOW after 2 months of working with them how these old people can be - and one simple explanation leads to endless questions so I just kept on walking.
The rain picked up. So did the wind. My hair was wet by now and dripping down my face. I tried to pick up my pace but my flip flops were also wet and my foot was sliding all over the place. I was getting pebbles under my feet and I could tell that my pants were soaking up the water from the ground. Great!
I hurriedly crossed a street and as I made it to the other end I heard a man shout from across the street - "Hey Girl!" I almost didn't turn around. Thank goodness I did. "You dropped some papers," he shouted, pointing to the intersection.
AHHHHHHHHHH! What? I ran back to the intersection but by now the light had changed - a few cars had just barely missed the papers but a truck was dangerously close (the papers - paper actually as I later discovered - was more towards the curb than the middle of the street) so I ran and jumped in front of it (smart, i know) and quickly grabbed the paper. I was relieved to see that it had barely even gotten wet (landed on a higher spot and not in a puddle) and turned and shouted "Thank you!" to the guy across the street and started walking. The whole time, I assumed the other papers were still under my arm. But as I came to put this paper back with its paper friends, I realize... uh oh.
"Hey Girl - There's more." Great! I turned around but didn't see any papers - I looked at the guy again hoping for some "direction" - he pointed and said, "back there." And thats when I saw them. The title and the registration laying in the middle of the street. The wind had blown them back and cars were coming at it - this is an awful street - between two intersections - one with a green light and the other with no light - where cars are constantly making super fast left turns - and no one was stopping. Another truck (red like the first one) was coming down the street again - this time, the truck was not "dangerously close" but rather, directly in line with the papers. Again, I jumped in front of the truck (in the background I heard the man yelling, "Dont get hit by a car" - Don't get hit? Did he realize these were important papers?). This time, it was a little more scary. The previous truck had seen me running and had slowed down - this truck had no idea I was coming - I held up my hand, praying he would stop....
He did. And thank god because I don't think I'd make good road kill. I quickly grabbed the papers - trying hard not to rip them - and ran. The papers were drenched but in tact. I carefully tried to unfold and uncrinkle them and put them with the other paper. They were too wet to roll up and put under my arm again so as I started walking I decided to use my jacket as a sheet protector. As I started stripping off my jacket (which is apparently what it looked like to some people) - I heard a group of guy sitting on some steps across the street say, "That's a cute one."
What am I? A DOG? I kept walking. My pants wet up to my knees almost. My hair - still dripping in my face - stuck to my head in parts and medusa-esque in other parts. I felt my head starting to hurt. I managed to get my jacket off and as I was wrapping it around the sheets of paper, one of the aforementioned "gentleman" came up alongside me and started walking with me.
"Hi"
"Hi" Is he serious? I have mascara running down my face and I look like a wet dog... he can't really be serious!
"Its a little rainy today"
A LITTLE RAINY? "Sure is"
"I was wondering if I could get your name? ... if you don't mind"
I mind buddy! I started laughing. "Sorry, I don't "give out" my name"
"Oh, alright. I understand." (...something something somethign - at this point, he stopped walking and I stopped listening but he was saying something about being safe "nowadays")
RIGHT!
Home? Almost? Yes, I was almost home. Sorta. But the rain was not helping. I finally reached the familiar path - under the bridge, along the train tracks, cross the street, up half a block to our building. Home.
So the moral of the story? Don't leave home without an umbrella. If you do, bring cash so you can buy one - or get a cab. And don't drop important papers that your boss asked you for in the middle of the street on a rainy day. Oh ya, don't try to stop a truck by running in front of it either. Any more? Don't pick up on girls when its raining outside and they are clearly wet adn cold and want to go home.
Monday, July 16, 2007
excitement, anticipation, stress, anxiety.... ah!!!
I am so excited about this upcoming school year. But, I'm also stressed. There is just so much riding on the first few weeks of the fall semester. AND there is such potential for a great year. AH!
The stress part - obviously - is the job hunting. I'm looking at a list of 200 law firms... and I can't tell one from the other. They also say the same thing - same pay (give or take a little), same practice areas (for the most part) - same same same. They all say the same thing about their summer associates and their summer programs. So obviously websites aren't the best way to go but any other way is just so time consuming... its taking forever. It doesn't help that I have no idea what type of law I'd like to practice. And it ESPECIALLY doesn't help to know that this job is potentially where I'll be for the next several years of my life. It's July 2007 and I have to figure out what exactly I'd like to do between September 2009 and sometime in 2014 (I mean, you can leave when you'd like - but ideally....) I can't make petty decisions about what to eat for dinner - how am I supposed to decide where I'd like to work? What if I get it all wrong? Heck, what if I apply to all the firms that DON'T want me! ah!
Basically - AH! WTF DO I DO!?!?!?!
But the better stuff?
I made it onto International Law Journal. I really wasn't expecting it. I don't think I did well on my writing competition (that's what happens when you go to LA and celebrate your birthday rather than staying back and working on it!) - and it seemed that a lot of people were interested in ILJ. But hey, I won't question it. It was my first choice (aside from the obligatory Law Review at the top of all of our lists..) and I think it'll be fun. Oh, and it seems we have a pretty fun group going so far. Of course, two social lubers in a journal together might make for some... uh... interesting.... journal family outtings.
Oh ya, ILJ has a great office with a gorgeous view of the Charles River. Nanee nanee boo boo. (I know, I know, many of the offices have decent views - I'm just excited - seeing as how I'll likely be spending a great deal of time in there - I've always wanted an apartment with a view!)
And then there's all the other fun stuff. SGA (student gov't - or student bar for you law students) = booze cruise, ski trip, bar reviews, prom, and more! International Law Society - with Jen and Kaitlin running the show, its bound to be an interesting year. And then of course the Legislative Clinic (working with the Mass Legislature in the Spring semester - woohoo!). AND! Moot Court. Okay, so, we still have to figure this one out... but Lisa and I just decided that we're going to tough it out because neither of us were willing to finish our law school careers without some moot court competitions! We're going to kick ass for sure.
The stress part - obviously - is the job hunting. I'm looking at a list of 200 law firms... and I can't tell one from the other. They also say the same thing - same pay (give or take a little), same practice areas (for the most part) - same same same. They all say the same thing about their summer associates and their summer programs. So obviously websites aren't the best way to go but any other way is just so time consuming... its taking forever. It doesn't help that I have no idea what type of law I'd like to practice. And it ESPECIALLY doesn't help to know that this job is potentially where I'll be for the next several years of my life. It's July 2007 and I have to figure out what exactly I'd like to do between September 2009 and sometime in 2014 (I mean, you can leave when you'd like - but ideally....) I can't make petty decisions about what to eat for dinner - how am I supposed to decide where I'd like to work? What if I get it all wrong? Heck, what if I apply to all the firms that DON'T want me! ah!
Basically - AH! WTF DO I DO!?!?!?!
But the better stuff?
I made it onto International Law Journal. I really wasn't expecting it. I don't think I did well on my writing competition (that's what happens when you go to LA and celebrate your birthday rather than staying back and working on it!) - and it seemed that a lot of people were interested in ILJ. But hey, I won't question it. It was my first choice (aside from the obligatory Law Review at the top of all of our lists..) and I think it'll be fun. Oh, and it seems we have a pretty fun group going so far. Of course, two social lubers in a journal together might make for some... uh... interesting.... journal family outtings.
Oh ya, ILJ has a great office with a gorgeous view of the Charles River. Nanee nanee boo boo. (I know, I know, many of the offices have decent views - I'm just excited - seeing as how I'll likely be spending a great deal of time in there - I've always wanted an apartment with a view!)
And then there's all the other fun stuff. SGA (student gov't - or student bar for you law students) = booze cruise, ski trip, bar reviews, prom, and more! International Law Society - with Jen and Kaitlin running the show, its bound to be an interesting year. And then of course the Legislative Clinic (working with the Mass Legislature in the Spring semester - woohoo!). AND! Moot Court. Okay, so, we still have to figure this one out... but Lisa and I just decided that we're going to tough it out because neither of us were willing to finish our law school careers without some moot court competitions! We're going to kick ass for sure.
Friday, July 13, 2007
another day... another blog
I'm on a roll.
I went for a jog/walk yesterday. This time - jogged the reservoir and walked around the pond. It was a decent workout...
When I was jogging at the pond the day before, I passed a little boy - he was maybe 2 (I'm so bad at guessing baby ages!). And as I jogged past him, he started to run after me. He was so adorable. He had the biggest smile on his face and he was doing that unstable wobble run that little kids do when they aren't quite stead on their feet yet. His mom kept calling him back but he just kept jogging along next to me. I slowed down and smiled at him and he stopped and smiled ear to ear. I told him to go back to mommy and he just sorta stared for a few more seconds - then I ran off and he finally gave up.
It was cute. (What? I've given up on the older ones... they're all imbecils and cheats... might as well get them while theyre young! it worked for that teacher...)
(i'm just kidding - they're not all cheats...)
Anyway.
I've been listening to a lot of armo the past few days thanks to mike. There's this song harout sings - Zoganch - (the guy's mother in law). As you can imagine, its meant to be an amusing song. My fav line he says - My mother in law is a sick woman. Her left ear hurts a lot. But her tongue is very healthy... (there is another line here that I can't figure out - Mike? Lev? Lilith? - its about 4:40 into the song)
I think that line is pretty amusing.
So, Harout is going to be singing at my wedding (someday) (hopefully) - would it be inappropriate if he sang that song? Would it come off as an insulting dedication from my husband to my mother? Arbel, would mom even notice?
I think it'd be hilarious. C'mon, its a wedding - i'm sure there are plenty of in-law jokes flying by then.... We can have a little fun with it too, no?
I went for a jog/walk yesterday. This time - jogged the reservoir and walked around the pond. It was a decent workout...
When I was jogging at the pond the day before, I passed a little boy - he was maybe 2 (I'm so bad at guessing baby ages!). And as I jogged past him, he started to run after me. He was so adorable. He had the biggest smile on his face and he was doing that unstable wobble run that little kids do when they aren't quite stead on their feet yet. His mom kept calling him back but he just kept jogging along next to me. I slowed down and smiled at him and he stopped and smiled ear to ear. I told him to go back to mommy and he just sorta stared for a few more seconds - then I ran off and he finally gave up.
It was cute. (What? I've given up on the older ones... they're all imbecils and cheats... might as well get them while theyre young! it worked for that teacher...)
(i'm just kidding - they're not all cheats...)
Anyway.
I've been listening to a lot of armo the past few days thanks to mike. There's this song harout sings - Zoganch - (the guy's mother in law). As you can imagine, its meant to be an amusing song. My fav line he says - My mother in law is a sick woman. Her left ear hurts a lot. But her tongue is very healthy... (there is another line here that I can't figure out - Mike? Lev? Lilith? - its about 4:40 into the song)
I think that line is pretty amusing.
So, Harout is going to be singing at my wedding (someday) (hopefully) - would it be inappropriate if he sang that song? Would it come off as an insulting dedication from my husband to my mother? Arbel, would mom even notice?
I think it'd be hilarious. C'mon, its a wedding - i'm sure there are plenty of in-law jokes flying by then.... We can have a little fun with it too, no?
Thursday, July 12, 2007
This one is for Mike (and Levon)
Mike is right - I forgot to mention Niagara.
So, on our way home, the three of us decided to make a short stop at Niagara. Mike had to catch a plan in Buffalo at 2:45 so we had to make it quick. First we had a parking issue - you see, the boys had spent all their loonies and toonies (no, not cartoons - canadian money) because they figured they couldn't do anything with the funny money in the states. As we pulled into the first lot we realized that between the three of us, we had almost nothing. Well, I had about 2.50 in quarters and mike had a loonie and a toonie and lev had two dollars... or something like that. Parking was 10. So we went to another spot - some bird thing (like an aviary) and when we told the guy it'd only be for ten minutes, he seemed to shrug us off "Ya, i've heard that before!" - well, apparently we won him over because he let us park for $5 (instead of 10). Then we made a mad dash over to a little lookout/view point thing. We took a few quick pictures - stared in awe - took a few more pictures - then the boys ran back to get the car while I waited (ya I'm lazy - so what?). Soon we were on our way.
By the way - those darn people at the border... scare me. "Where were you? When did you go?" (they ask everything twice - and rephrase it - to try and throw you off). When he asked for the second time if we purchased anything in canada I felt like saying, "some hemorrhoid cream, penis rings and depends.... wanna see?" - i didn't. maybe I should have told him we had bought some alcohol and i could puke it up for him if he cared to see. anyway, they let us through (mike was a little worried - he was almost NOT let back into the US on his first trip on friday....)
And the town by niagara is awful. There was one gas station - full service - one pump (from like 1952 or somethign) - i wish i took a picture. The entire city (it wasn't super tiny) was just falling apart. so sad.
And for those who care... we did get mike to the airport on time.
One last thing - I should mention that if it wasn't for Levon, I wouldn't have even gone on this trip so thanks Lev for making it happen.
So, on our way home, the three of us decided to make a short stop at Niagara. Mike had to catch a plan in Buffalo at 2:45 so we had to make it quick. First we had a parking issue - you see, the boys had spent all their loonies and toonies (no, not cartoons - canadian money) because they figured they couldn't do anything with the funny money in the states. As we pulled into the first lot we realized that between the three of us, we had almost nothing. Well, I had about 2.50 in quarters and mike had a loonie and a toonie and lev had two dollars... or something like that. Parking was 10. So we went to another spot - some bird thing (like an aviary) and when we told the guy it'd only be for ten minutes, he seemed to shrug us off "Ya, i've heard that before!" - well, apparently we won him over because he let us park for $5 (instead of 10). Then we made a mad dash over to a little lookout/view point thing. We took a few quick pictures - stared in awe - took a few more pictures - then the boys ran back to get the car while I waited (ya I'm lazy - so what?). Soon we were on our way.
By the way - those darn people at the border... scare me. "Where were you? When did you go?" (they ask everything twice - and rephrase it - to try and throw you off). When he asked for the second time if we purchased anything in canada I felt like saying, "some hemorrhoid cream, penis rings and depends.... wanna see?" - i didn't. maybe I should have told him we had bought some alcohol and i could puke it up for him if he cared to see. anyway, they let us through (mike was a little worried - he was almost NOT let back into the US on his first trip on friday....)
And the town by niagara is awful. There was one gas station - full service - one pump (from like 1952 or somethign) - i wish i took a picture. The entire city (it wasn't super tiny) was just falling apart. so sad.
And for those who care... we did get mike to the airport on time.
One last thing - I should mention that if it wasn't for Levon, I wouldn't have even gone on this trip so thanks Lev for making it happen.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Dear Mr. Sinanyan/Sinanian...
...I'm interested... call me! (j/k)
---------
Great post about Armenian last names. Towards the end of the article, you'll see the reference to Sinanyans...
http://www.cobjectively.com/2007/05/23/all-about-armenian-last-names/
---------
Great post about Armenian last names. Towards the end of the article, you'll see the reference to Sinanyans...
http://www.cobjectively.com/2007/05/23/all-about-armenian-last-names/
Why oh why...
does this guy still have a job?
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/07/10/gonzales.fbi/index.html
and...
I love HUSTLER - and Mr. Flynt. Honestly, this guy is 100 times cooler than Heff.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/07/10/gonzales.fbi/index.html
Why do I love him? Well, you may have heard of the wonderful Senator Vitter (R - yes, R for Republican - from Louisiana) who recently confessed to having sex with hookers... (too bad he couldn't get head from his intern - it might have prevented this scandal). Well, apparently, Flynt played a role in bringing this information to light (see above article).
Here's my favorite part:
" Flynt took out a full-page ad in The Washington Post in June to offer $1 million for "documented evidence of illicit sexual or intimate relations with a congressman or senator."
Flynt launched a similar campaign in 1998 in an effort to counter the drive to impeach then-President Bill Clinton over allegations that he had lied about his relationship with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky. Moldea worked with Flynt in that effort as well.
Hustler's search led to the resignation of House Speaker-designate Robert Livingston -- whose congressional seat Vitter won the next year."
Did you get that last part? Same seat. Haha. Looks like the wives in that county don't put out...
Oh yes, and another interesting point: This Vitter supported a ban on same-sex marriages. I guess he too would like to argue that gay couples destroy the sanctity of marriage. I guess he doesn't see infidelity as a threat to marriage.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/07/10/gonzales.fbi/index.html
and...
I love HUSTLER - and Mr. Flynt. Honestly, this guy is 100 times cooler than Heff.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/07/10/gonzales.fbi/index.html
Why do I love him? Well, you may have heard of the wonderful Senator Vitter (R - yes, R for Republican - from Louisiana) who recently confessed to having sex with hookers... (too bad he couldn't get head from his intern - it might have prevented this scandal). Well, apparently, Flynt played a role in bringing this information to light (see above article).
Here's my favorite part:
" Flynt took out a full-page ad in The Washington Post in June to offer $1 million for "documented evidence of illicit sexual or intimate relations with a congressman or senator."
Flynt launched a similar campaign in 1998 in an effort to counter the drive to impeach then-President Bill Clinton over allegations that he had lied about his relationship with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky. Moldea worked with Flynt in that effort as well.
Hustler's search led to the resignation of House Speaker-designate Robert Livingston -- whose congressional seat Vitter won the next year."
Did you get that last part? Same seat. Haha. Looks like the wives in that county don't put out...
Oh yes, and another interesting point: This Vitter supported a ban on same-sex marriages. I guess he too would like to argue that gay couples destroy the sanctity of marriage. I guess he doesn't see infidelity as a threat to marriage.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Qwe-Beck-Wah
I'm BAAAAAAACK!
What a weekend! Where to start?
How about the beginning? We had an awful time leaving Boston on Friday. We woke up early (6:00 am) with the intention of leaving Boston by 8am. We got to the rental place close to 8:30 only to find out that they wouldn't rent to us because we had CA licenses and no "return trip" itinerary. So we had to shuttle it back to the airport and find another place to rent from. We ended up at Budget but the line was out the door so it took forever! The nice part was that the guy gave us a Ford Escape for the price of an economy car (ya, i know, gas guzzler - not ideal for a 10 hour drive... BUT it was nice inside, comfy - and had a cd player unlike the enterprise car we were planning to rent - assholes. don't rent from enterprise).
Anyway, so we finally hit the road around 11. Mike was landing in Buffalo around noon. Buffalo is a 6-7 hour drive. We managed to get to buffalo around 5:30. Mike had taken a day trip to Niagara while waiting for us so we waited for him to get back and return his rental then we all hopped in the car and headed across the border.
We stopped for food and gas - and went in the wrong direction for awhile - so it was 9:30 by the time we got to our hotel (still light outside! yay!). Andy took the stage just as we were walking to our room - needless to say I was quite bummed about that. We all changed and started boozing before heading downstairs. In the elevator we bumped into the "philly boys" (the guys I met/partied with while I was in DC) and an old friend from HS. It was so random to bump into them in the elevator. Especially someone from GHS! So we made a detour to their room then back down to Andy... just in time to catch his last song (he did a duo with Armenchik). So, Levon now owes me an Andy concert.... (haha, he is dreading that one for sure). Armenchik was great. We danced... danced.... kept dancing. Let me tell you - jumping around in that heat can be exhausting. I was drenched. And hot. But thats just the price you pay at an Armo fest. Def. worth it.
Saturday we slept in then headed to downtown Toronto for lunch. After lunch we took a little trip to the lake where the boys spent half the afternoon skipping stones and killing ladybugs. I mean, the didn't intentionally kill them but I blame them for the ladybugs' suicide flight into the water....
Next we headed to the CN Tower - had more lunch (okay - maybe early dinner?) and dessert. After a nice meal we went to the glass floor level where i had a hell of a time convincing Mike and Levon to stand on the glass floor and look down. Mike had finally managed to step onto the glass when someone started jumpnig up and down right next to him. Mike's reaction was truly priceless (I'll post a picture - promise)... Levon had to be coaxed and coerced onto the glass... and thanks to Mike, we have it all on video... muahahahaha!
Anyway, that was great fun. Afterwards we headed back to the room to get ready for Armenchik and Paul. (We had a drink for the ladybug that lost his/her life in the lake). Saturday night we were a little more determined to drink and put quite a dent in the alcohol... and we all know what that means - Drunk Alina! Yay. I don't remember much - except that I kept having to run upstairs to pee. Shortly after Paul came on, I headed upstairs (again) and apparently this time I passed out. So sad. Its okay though - I'm not the hugest Paul fan.
Sunday - I was hungover all day so I went to eat with the boys then went back to the room to "nap" while they went to the Hockey hall of fame. Um... I didn't quite get to nap because I felt like my heart was going to stop. We later took a trip to the icky indoor pool and then came upstairs and relaxed in the room for a while. After getting ready we listened out the window and figured Tata wasn't on yet so we lagged it some more and had some more drinks... of course, Tata WAS on so we were about an hour late to see him. (Tear).
Tata was... GREAT. First off, it had rained that day so the ground was wet and the air was humid. I don't mean humid like "sticky" humid. It was sticky - but it was also just WET. It was like being in a damn sauna. The tent didn't help. Neither did the several hundred people dancing. Being the groupie wannabes that we are - we squeezed towards the front so we could scream and shout and sing along. Tata was great - and the crowd loved him - as Mike said, "Tata was a rockstar, he could have peed on the audience and they would have gone crazy" - okay, so maybe not pee - but he was squirting water at the crowd and giving out waterbottles and people were just going crazy. He sang all the best songs. (Does Tata have un-great songs?) We went upstairs for intermission and ended up in the elevator with Tata and his bandmates. I had left my camera with Mike so I looked at Lev and said something along the lines of "gr, my camera" and lev said to tata, "she wanted to take a picture with you" and he said something like, "haskatsa" (I understood) which seemed very RUDE to me. It broke my heart. This guy is supposed to be my wedding singer. He can't be rude. And he's so fun on stage. I really was bummed. Anyway, we found out that part of his band was in the room next to us and the rest of them were mostly somewhere in our hall. We were going to try to hunt them down but by the time the concert was over I was so tired (and my poor feet were hating me) so we sorta gave up. (Actually, thats a lie - I did sit in the hallway by the elevator for awhile but I only saw the band go up - Tata either took a back door and went up before/after the band did and I didn't catch him. damn!) YES! I am a loser. But its Tata. Dude. Shabadabadashdash. Must I say anymore?
On the way back down we bumped into a Tufenkjian from SD who became best buds with Mike (Tufenkjians are famous for those who don't know). She told us all about her wealth. I did not really want to hear about her homes in the bahamas. After a while, we went back to our spot near the stage but about 30 min later we gave up and started dancing on the sides... towards the end we just started dancing by the bar. Sunday ended around 1 (the other two nights ended around 2/2:30). But I was tired so ya, that was the end of the night for us.
On the way back, I drove for a bit. I got to drive in Boston for the first time. It was as bad as I thought. But I was happy to finally find my way around... it was nice to figure out where things are in relation to each other (its difficult when you're always on the T). The strangest thing about this state though is those damn "Lane Shifts" - for a few hundred feet they post these bright orange signs that say "Lane Shift" "Stay in Lane" - then suddenly the white dotted lines become solid (for some odd reason, theyre worried that you won't be able to change your lane during a lane shift) and then the road sorta curves... very softly... like honestly just a few degrees. Nothing that you'd even slow down for. (Seriously, its like a 5 degree shift!) Yet for some reason, the speed limit is 45 in these zones. I just don't get it.
As for Qwe-beck-wah. Well, we were trying to figure out what the Q.E.W. highway in Toronto stands for. Mike called it the Qwe-Beck-Wah and it just stuck.... At one point we asked a police officer for directions and when he told us to get back on the QEW I was momentarily confused and almost asked, "Do you mean the Qwe-Beck-Wah" - thank god I controlled that blond moment.
Thats it for my loooong post. Cheers.
What a weekend! Where to start?
How about the beginning? We had an awful time leaving Boston on Friday. We woke up early (6:00 am) with the intention of leaving Boston by 8am. We got to the rental place close to 8:30 only to find out that they wouldn't rent to us because we had CA licenses and no "return trip" itinerary. So we had to shuttle it back to the airport and find another place to rent from. We ended up at Budget but the line was out the door so it took forever! The nice part was that the guy gave us a Ford Escape for the price of an economy car (ya, i know, gas guzzler - not ideal for a 10 hour drive... BUT it was nice inside, comfy - and had a cd player unlike the enterprise car we were planning to rent - assholes. don't rent from enterprise).
Anyway, so we finally hit the road around 11. Mike was landing in Buffalo around noon. Buffalo is a 6-7 hour drive. We managed to get to buffalo around 5:30. Mike had taken a day trip to Niagara while waiting for us so we waited for him to get back and return his rental then we all hopped in the car and headed across the border.
We stopped for food and gas - and went in the wrong direction for awhile - so it was 9:30 by the time we got to our hotel (still light outside! yay!). Andy took the stage just as we were walking to our room - needless to say I was quite bummed about that. We all changed and started boozing before heading downstairs. In the elevator we bumped into the "philly boys" (the guys I met/partied with while I was in DC) and an old friend from HS. It was so random to bump into them in the elevator. Especially someone from GHS! So we made a detour to their room then back down to Andy... just in time to catch his last song (he did a duo with Armenchik). So, Levon now owes me an Andy concert.... (haha, he is dreading that one for sure). Armenchik was great. We danced... danced.... kept dancing. Let me tell you - jumping around in that heat can be exhausting. I was drenched. And hot. But thats just the price you pay at an Armo fest. Def. worth it.
Saturday we slept in then headed to downtown Toronto for lunch. After lunch we took a little trip to the lake where the boys spent half the afternoon skipping stones and killing ladybugs. I mean, the didn't intentionally kill them but I blame them for the ladybugs' suicide flight into the water....
Next we headed to the CN Tower - had more lunch (okay - maybe early dinner?) and dessert. After a nice meal we went to the glass floor level where i had a hell of a time convincing Mike and Levon to stand on the glass floor and look down. Mike had finally managed to step onto the glass when someone started jumpnig up and down right next to him. Mike's reaction was truly priceless (I'll post a picture - promise)... Levon had to be coaxed and coerced onto the glass... and thanks to Mike, we have it all on video... muahahahaha!
Anyway, that was great fun. Afterwards we headed back to the room to get ready for Armenchik and Paul. (We had a drink for the ladybug that lost his/her life in the lake). Saturday night we were a little more determined to drink and put quite a dent in the alcohol... and we all know what that means - Drunk Alina! Yay. I don't remember much - except that I kept having to run upstairs to pee. Shortly after Paul came on, I headed upstairs (again) and apparently this time I passed out. So sad. Its okay though - I'm not the hugest Paul fan.
Sunday - I was hungover all day so I went to eat with the boys then went back to the room to "nap" while they went to the Hockey hall of fame. Um... I didn't quite get to nap because I felt like my heart was going to stop. We later took a trip to the icky indoor pool and then came upstairs and relaxed in the room for a while. After getting ready we listened out the window and figured Tata wasn't on yet so we lagged it some more and had some more drinks... of course, Tata WAS on so we were about an hour late to see him. (Tear).
Tata was... GREAT. First off, it had rained that day so the ground was wet and the air was humid. I don't mean humid like "sticky" humid. It was sticky - but it was also just WET. It was like being in a damn sauna. The tent didn't help. Neither did the several hundred people dancing. Being the groupie wannabes that we are - we squeezed towards the front so we could scream and shout and sing along. Tata was great - and the crowd loved him - as Mike said, "Tata was a rockstar, he could have peed on the audience and they would have gone crazy" - okay, so maybe not pee - but he was squirting water at the crowd and giving out waterbottles and people were just going crazy. He sang all the best songs. (Does Tata have un-great songs?) We went upstairs for intermission and ended up in the elevator with Tata and his bandmates. I had left my camera with Mike so I looked at Lev and said something along the lines of "gr, my camera" and lev said to tata, "she wanted to take a picture with you" and he said something like, "haskatsa" (I understood) which seemed very RUDE to me. It broke my heart. This guy is supposed to be my wedding singer. He can't be rude. And he's so fun on stage. I really was bummed. Anyway, we found out that part of his band was in the room next to us and the rest of them were mostly somewhere in our hall. We were going to try to hunt them down but by the time the concert was over I was so tired (and my poor feet were hating me) so we sorta gave up. (Actually, thats a lie - I did sit in the hallway by the elevator for awhile but I only saw the band go up - Tata either took a back door and went up before/after the band did and I didn't catch him. damn!) YES! I am a loser. But its Tata. Dude. Shabadabadashdash. Must I say anymore?
On the way back down we bumped into a Tufenkjian from SD who became best buds with Mike (Tufenkjians are famous for those who don't know). She told us all about her wealth. I did not really want to hear about her homes in the bahamas. After a while, we went back to our spot near the stage but about 30 min later we gave up and started dancing on the sides... towards the end we just started dancing by the bar. Sunday ended around 1 (the other two nights ended around 2/2:30). But I was tired so ya, that was the end of the night for us.
On the way back, I drove for a bit. I got to drive in Boston for the first time. It was as bad as I thought. But I was happy to finally find my way around... it was nice to figure out where things are in relation to each other (its difficult when you're always on the T). The strangest thing about this state though is those damn "Lane Shifts" - for a few hundred feet they post these bright orange signs that say "Lane Shift" "Stay in Lane" - then suddenly the white dotted lines become solid (for some odd reason, theyre worried that you won't be able to change your lane during a lane shift) and then the road sorta curves... very softly... like honestly just a few degrees. Nothing that you'd even slow down for. (Seriously, its like a 5 degree shift!) Yet for some reason, the speed limit is 45 in these zones. I just don't get it.
As for Qwe-beck-wah. Well, we were trying to figure out what the Q.E.W. highway in Toronto stands for. Mike called it the Qwe-Beck-Wah and it just stuck.... At one point we asked a police officer for directions and when he told us to get back on the QEW I was momentarily confused and almost asked, "Do you mean the Qwe-Beck-Wah" - thank god I controlled that blond moment.
Thats it for my loooong post. Cheers.
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