Holiday Hangover

I'm the worst. I literally have minor responsibilities in my life and I can't even make my ass blog about the minor responsibilities in my life. The holidays came out of nowhere and pretty much kicked my ass.

Last I typed I was on my way to Iceland. Such a wonderful country and I greatly enjoyed myself.



Gulfoss




Blue Lagoon




Skogafoss




Glacier walk on Solheimajokull


Everything was great: the food, the quaint town, the adventure and exploration and of course, the people. Upon my arrival back home however, I was a different person for probably 2 solid weeks.

I have always been a very productive sleeper. Back when I was 18-20ish, I could easily sleep 12 hours, sometimes sleeping into the afternoon on weekends. But when I got home, I couldn't buy 5 hours a sleep a night. I tried going to bed at 10, I was up at 4. I tried 11, I was up, FOR THE DAY, at 3. Then, when I tried pushing myself to stay up until 2 or 3, I would be up at 6 or 7. It was actually painful, I have never been that tired in my life. During the same time, I was having horrible headaches and my dexterity was completely off. I have never been a clumsy person, but I was dropping everything, knocking things over, and if I wasn't bumping into something, I was tripping over it. My whole body was screwed up, my "friend" decided to skip a month too, which obviously in hind sight is a great thing, but at the time, I was anticipating it every day for over 4 weeks. Not cool.

Everytime I thought about writing, something else would come up. The best friend had her 2nd son on Dec 30th! That was very exciting news, and now I'm leaving for Virginia to meet the little tyke and see his older brother, my God son, this Sunday. I'm going down for a week, which will be the longest we've been able to spend together since Beck moved down there many years ago.

I also went to NYC for 2 days right after NYE. That was such a great time! I joined Tbag and her mom on their girls getaway and we had a blast. We did the touristy stuff during the day: Roc Center, 5th Ave, Times Sq and Canal St; then at night, we kinda just hopped around to smaller bars in the area and proceeded to have ourselves some good, drunk times. I love my Scat ladies!

In case it's not clear: I'm still unemployed. However, it's really starting to become an annoyance. I need to get back to having a real life and working toward some sort of goal. Such as a 401K.

After VA, I'd like to squeeze a mini trip to Nashville with friends in Feb. After that, I gotta make something happen job wise, and quickly gain some vacation time, I have tentative plans for a trip out to San Francisco/Napa in late spring ;)

"Right-Oh"

That was one of the favorite sayings of the wonderful Jo-Jo, my friend Eryn's grandmother. She died last week at the age of 87. Her wake and funeral and the amount of people who attended were a testament to what a great woman she was: large, loud and in good spirits. So many people, so many different families and ages, just loved her. In every setting, she was the many attraction.
She raised a great, extremely close family; kids, grandkids and 3 great grandchildren.  She made everyone feel welcome, family, friends, friends of family, or family of friends. She talked openly about taboo topics like religion and politics, and even if you didn't agree with her, you were disarmed by her charm and wit.

When E called and told me Jo Jo had died, it was sad, but we talked about what a great life she had led and that with how much pain she was in towards the end, that it was better this way. When I told my mom that despite the unfortunate circumstances, it would be nice to get all my high school girls together again, she said that one of things about getting older is that you only get to bring everyone together at weddings or funerals. It was depressing to hear that, but it's true. It's a shame that life takes over and you don't get to see the people who are most important to you until something big happens.

As sad as the last couple of days were, all I heard were these incredibly funny stories. I hope one day, my friends and family will have such great things to say about me. Jo-Jo is certainly a woman whose life brought joy to others, whether it be through dinners, stories and just the pleasure of her company.

She loved a good drink, a good laugh, and good friends. Right-Oh.

Five for Friday

A little something I'm working on. Gonna try a Five for Friday post. I'm not very good at keeping up with things, so we'll see how long this lasts. What is filling my thoughts on this Friday?

5. New skin care remedies: I'm always trying to find ways to combat breakouts. Mostly because when I have them, I can't leave them alone, which leads to scarring. So I was beyond happy when the counter lady suckered me into buying Clinique's Even Better dark spot corrector. It has worked on old spots, but the price was a little high for Miss Unemployed (approx $45 for 1oz).  But then to find Garnier's Skin Renew dsc at Targ at $12 for 1.7oz?! Gosh, I love a deal, especially if it works...TBC

4. Crazy NE weather: yesterday, I was thisclose to turning the heat on for the first time since March. Sat and Sun are supposed to be record breaking. Hello 80s! Global warming anyone?

3. American Horror Story: I was so excited for this premiere. After seeing it, I'm now scared to watch the 2nd episode, or have a husband, or buy a house, or move. I'm just plain terrified.

2. The Ides of March: I could pretend I'm torn between being under the Clooney/Gosling spell or really being interested in a political thriller. Please, even half of their faces are hot, I'm in it for the eye candy!

1. My Rebes is a grownup! Congrats to Beck and her growing family on the purchase of their beautiful Virginian home! After weeks of "maybes", "almosts" and "not quite yets", they official closed today and got the keys to their first house. Now that I have my own room, gotta book a flight!

Bonus for the inaugural FFF:

Suri's Burn Book:  I came across this amazing site over the summer, but then lost track of it. Luckily for me, and now you, the lovely Jessica B reminded me of just how hilarious it is. You're welcome.

I'm ready to be scared, and to take advantage of my friend's good fortune

Finally! Glee bought their B game last night. I wouldn't say "A" because it still didn't have the amazing Top 40 selections of Season 2. Although Coldplay's Fix You was the certainly incredible! WTF is up with the next 3 weeks being reruns, though? Because my Sox are out, the MLB Playoffs are a ridiculous reason to stop the momentum Season 3 is starting to gain. One step forward and 6 steps back, Fox. Not cool.

American Horror Story starts tonight! Oh how I've missed you, Dylan McDermott. I'm very excited, but I think it might be a nervous excitement. Especially after seeing this preview:

In non-terrifying news, Martha pretty much made my day yesterday. She travels for business, and I was lucky enough to tag along during one of her England trips. As much as I loved London and Paris, I was hoping to reap some of the bennies of a traveling friend stateside. Unfortunately (for me), her territories are D.C., Virginia Beach, Upstate NY and other been-there's or undesirables.

MZ and I in Paris

Yesterday I got the news I have been waiting for: Marth got herself a new territory, and it's in Nashville!!! Nash is currently #1 on my US where-to-next list. Now, if she could just weasel herself Northern California, I'd really be in biz.

Now this is where unemployment comes in handy, it doesn't matter when she goes. It could be M-W and it wouldn't matter, mama's sched is wiiiide open! I'm hoping to be line dancing my way into some cowboy's heart by end of year!

I gotta say it was a good day

Does this man not freak you out? I watched his new show the other night before bed, and I had some creepy dreams. The face with the voice does serious damage, FYI.

Creepster host of Sweet Genius on the Food Network

Even with the bad sleep, I had a pretty good Tuesday. I made some returns at Target. While there I also got a Starbucks to bring around while I shopped. I decided on the Pumpkin Spice Frappucino. Good choice. When the guy handed me my drink he said "you're all set", I was confused because I could have sworn I had not paid him. Then he told my the register was down, so I got that pup for free!! Dammit, I knew I should have gotten the Venti!

After Targ, I got my nails done and then made an expensive trip to the grocery store. It had been about a week since I saw my g'parents, so I swung by there too. My sweet, fragile "Bump", gave me $10 as I was leaving, and then Nan walked me to the door and hand me a C-note. I love that woman. But shhh, don't tell my g'father.

I <3 my grandparents!

 Last night, we also had our Glee night again. This time Gwen made apple crisp (w/ pumpkin ice cream) and pumpkin beer! So amazing! Wish I could say the same thing about the GD episode though. Another let down. I've decided I'm giving it 2 more episodes to give me 4 Top 40/current songs that I actually know and like. If not, I'm done with Ryan Murphy and his damn glee club. The preview for next week's show seems to have Coldplay's Fix You. Amazing song! That's 1 down, 3 to go.

Homemade apple crisp with pumpkin ice cream....yum!

New York State of Mind

I have never been a big fan of NY, too big, too loud, too many people. If it weren't for my little Pierogi, MZ living there with her hub, I'd never visit. This weekend they hosted a 1st anniversary party at their neighborhood dive bar. The ride down there, whether it be by bus, train or car, is like death to me. But Martha would do just about anything for me, so I wasn't about to miss her big night. I'm so glad I went, because when all was said and done, the wknd as a whole hit my Life Top 5 list.

Friday night we went to Pio Pio, a glorious Peruvian restaurant. Their menu has one main item on it: chicken. I have no clue what they do to this chicken, but sweet jesus, it is amazing! Like finger-licking-good amazing. I'm getting hungry again.



Saturday was the big day. How do you start out a day at MZ's? On the couch, in front of the tv. Her wonderful, sent from Heaven husband, went out and brought us home breakfast. So we sat and eat and tv'd for a few hours. So enjoyable. Then Chris and his best man took off for their day and Marth and I headed out for ours.

Marth wanted to do something nice before the big night, so we decide to treat ourselves to a little pampering. Marth got her nails did and then we went to a salon and both got a wash and blow out. After the salon, we went to Shake Shack. Soooo amazing. Better than I was anticipating. We planned to go to Bloomngdale's and hit up the comestics section for a free makeup application, but Sephora is right nextdoor to SS, so we just went there. Luckily for us, the rep for Urban Decay was in the store and she did a whole face for both of us. We couldn't believe how great we looked. Marth got a heavy eye and nude lip and I got the cat eye look and bright lip. Both of which we have never had before, so it was a nice change of pace.

Cat eye and a bold pink lip

 So for $40, we each got a wash, blow-dry and a full face of makeup. Definitely recommended for a special night out!
That pretty much gave us nothing to do to get ready, so we met W. Hartford's finest, Ally and Rob and went back to the apt. We had some drinks, watched Clueless, threw our dresses on and literally crossed the street to the bar. I'm a pretty easy girl when it comes to plans, I'll do just about anything, anytime.  Having everything done FOR me is pretty much at the top of my list of amazingly awesome things!

The party was so fun, just a small group of Martha and Chris' close friends. Weddings are usually filled with 2nd cousins and friends of your parents, so it was nice to just have an intimate group there to celebrate with them. I'm really happy I went. Marth and Chris are always such great hosts and they are great friends of mine, so I would have been sad if I missed a chance to toast (a lot) their 1st year as a married couple.

I had so much fun in fact, that I made up an entire new life for myself while talking to strangers at the bar and totally kept it going! FYI, I am a very successful entertainment lawyer with a undergrad & law degree from Yale. Holler!

Hot Guys, New Phones and Kenny Freaking Chesney....oh and Irene

So just wrapped a very busy and super fun week. This is probably the best week I've had, staying local, since I got laid off. Which was 8 months ago, for those of you keeping track at home.

                                               
On Weds, I made a significant purchase, I bought an iPhone. Very exciting news!! Now if I could just get this bitch to work like my blackberry and we'd be in business. Many cool things about it (Words With Friends, built in ipod, flashlight) but some things I still need to get adjusted to (not being able to delete email from both handset and inbox jointly).  As much as I wanted an iPhone, I just wasn't financially ready for such a splurge. But the BB had other thoughts, 2 weeks after taking a 6 story dive off Lindsey's balcony, she finally went schizo. It was pretty rough, mostly for my credit card, which took a $220 hit, to leave BB for the Apple fam.

After making a damn car payment sized dent at Verizon,  I had to rush to Tbag's. We went to Milan Lucic's "celebrity" softball game in Lowell. Besides the hockey players, Lenny Clarke from Rescue Me was the biggest name there. That is unless you count the sports and weather guys from the Boston tv stations and the traffic girls from radio. Which I don't. It was at the Lowell Stadium where the Spinners play, so only room for about 5,000 people, very intimate.  It was super fun and very inexpensive: tix were $10 and beers were $4.50. The best? Dennis freaking Seidenberg was there! And Nathan Horton! So. hot. I said to Tbag, if it wasn't for all the damn kids and the crazy, super Bruins fans, we would've had a front row seat and they would have fallen in love with us. But alas, it wasn't meant to be.
                                            
Then to make my week even better, I spent Saturday at Country Fest!!! So much freaking fun, even though stupid Hurricane Irene came a little early. But I actually liked the rain. I was never enough where you had to take cover, but enough to make it fun. It kind of tied everyone together, with all the ponchos and umbrellas. One of my favorite summer activities is tailgating at a country concert and this time was no exception. There is just something about the atmosphere, everyone is friendly and welcoming. Cornhole, Beirut, ladder golf (or in this case, Redneck golf), drinks, music and people are everywhere. Zac Brown AND Kenny Chesney? If it wasn't for them, I could stay out in the lot all night.

  

Now, I am officially broke, so the fun stops for awhile. And don't think I don't make a connection between my funds being wiped out and the end of summer....it's a horrible coincidence.

As for Irene, she was a major bust in my neck of the woods. I'm thankful of course. Hearing about the death and destruction up and down the East Coast is just horrible. I know that it is better to be safe than sorry, but people in MA stocking up for 2 weeks of life cut off from the outside world is slightly ridiculous.

Also, ease up, huh Mother Nature? A tornado, earthquake and a hurricane in 6 month's time....in Massa-freaking-chusetts? I know we're dropping the ball as a nation, but for shit's sake.

Ms. Kearns to Mrs. Corr



My Gwendy got hitched!

Last Friday, my wonderful friend Gwen and her longtime bf, Pat tied the knot! I had a great time, as I obs expected. They had a photo booth AND a candy bar. What more could a girl want? I brought my forever friend Katie, as my date. She's sarcastic, opinionated and doesn't take shit from anyone; we get along famously! Gwen looked absolutely beautiful (no surprise there) and Pat cleaned up pretty well. They just bought, fixed up and will be moving into their first home upon return from their Mexican honeymoon. Quite an eventful time for these two! Congrats and Best Wished Gwendy!!! Can't wait for Glee night and book club at the Ocho! xoxo

PS: look at her freaking amazing wedding shoes!

Kate Spade delights!

Happy Bachelorette Gwendolyn!

Went to Agave in Newburyport tonight for Gwendy's bach dinner. She didn't want a crazy plastic penis filled night out in Boston. Well, we didn't go to Boston. If I ever had a child and it was girl, I would pray she would be like Gwen: even-keeled, appreciative, no-drama, low-key, down-to-earth, driven, self-deprecating. You know, all the hyphenates. I always have a good time around her.

This is my first bachelorette party where I wasn't really friends with anyone out celebrating. But, I had a great night with her friends tonight.  We had a nice time at dinner. Obs, it's Mexican. Not liking Mexican is a pretty un-American thing to do, if you ask me. Gwen opened all her slutty outfits in the middle of the dining room, which obviously drew the attention of all the men, even those sitting with their ladies. We then walked in the progressively heavier rain to the Black Cow. We were immediately accosted by unattractive middle-aged men overlooking their boats docked right next to the bar, who referred to themselves as "daddy". My personal favorite was the 50 y/o Steve Sanders look alike, complete with a blonde, fro-like mullet.  It was like I was right back in BH in the early 90s.

We ended up at Rockfish, which pretty much smelled like one upon entry. Immediately took the shots that they wouldn't give us at BC. Then this group of guys walked in and bought us another round. What is it with men and bachelorette parties? Like moths to a flame. Or hookers to a back alley. Either way, one in particular (who happened to be married) spent the rest of the night pointing all his attention toward us, including being our photog (always wanted one of those). He was very nice and he didn't act creepy, which is a rarity. He invited all 7 of us back to a party at his friend's house, but we're ladies, we don't do things like that.

Can't wait til August 19th, Gwendy!

Great Friends and the AFC East

SPORTS

THANK GOD!! Nnamdi Asomugha signed with the Eagles. So now I don't have to listen to the dumb ass Jets scream from the podium about how they are the best team in the league and my personal favorite: "Super Bowl or Bust". Shut your face. I hate you.


The Patriots reclamation project continues. It seems like every few years the Pats grab a player that seems to be heading towards a life outside of the NFL. Dillon, Moss, or even Harrison and Seau. Those all seems to pan out for the most part. Dillon and Harrison got rings. Seau and Moss were part of the 16-0 season. Not too shabby. I've learned my lesson and I hope the Pats have too. An undefeated season is nice, but a Super Bowl is the end game. Get 'er done.


LIFE

As the years go on, my list of good friends that I really want to see and spend time with, is dwindling. But I honestly couldn't be happier. I'm so over/too old for trying to keep friendship together when they're obviously not important to one or both people anymore. I'm all set. The friends I have are great and I love them.



Tonight I'm heading to a pre-wedding (no bachelorette party) dinner for Gwendy. She is getting married in 3 weeks and I'm so excited for her. I'm also super excited for guacamole and margaritas that await me.

Teacher's pet & True Life

**Last night I went out with my former high school health teacher. I love her. She is such a great person, kind, hilarious and probably the most popular teacher we had. She's a great, non-judgemental listener, who's good for an incredible dirty joke/story while downing drinks. My kind of lady! We went downtown and sat out on the Tap's patio, where we proceeded to comment on every person, group or outfit that passed by. Good times had by all. Hopefully we don't go another 2 years before seeing each other again.


**Just watched the latest episode of MTV's True Life. The title was something like "I'm trying to go straight". Now, not straight like straight edge, no drugs. Straight like I'm gay but I'm gonna try to cure or pretend or pray the gay away. The description of the episode is "two young adults who changed their sexual identities because of the pressure they felt from their families" Are you MF kidding me?! Being the liberal person that I am, I can not fathom that there is a reason for this kind of crazy.

The two kids were a girl from Chicago and a totally effeminate guy from Washington state. At least the girl seemed to really be struggling with what or who makes her happy. She valued the emotional connection above all else. The guy, for the love, was just completely denying who he was and it was just as irritating as it was sad. He goes on and on about how his life as a dating gay man was so miserable and that he was homeless at one point, and now that he's seen the "error of his ways", his life is fulfilling and blessed. Well you were probably homeless because your parents turned their backs on you and kicked you out and now treasure you because you're back on  Then he goes on and on about a girl he met in class and how she seems great, but he doesn't want to get involved with anyone until God lets him know he's ready. Listen, God is not Chuck Woolery, he's not getting involved in your dating life. The reason you don't want to date the girl is because you wanna do it with dudes. Just accept it so we can get back to more important episodes like "I'm an Albino", "I Have Tourette's Syndrome" or "I work in the Sex Industry".


**Every year around this time, ESPN does a week of Make-A-Wish grants for kids to meet their favorite athletes. Sweet Lord, gets me every time. Sobbing like a baby.


** Congrats to the USA women's soccer team. If you're gonna come in 2nd, doing so to the team from a  country only a few months removed from a devastating earthquake and tsunami that killed 25,000 is the way I'd choose it. Plus Hope Solo, while an incredible goalie, has a way of always shoving a foot in her mouth. Last night, she said she was getting tired of always being compared to the '99 USA World Cup winning team. Certainly don't have to worry about that anymore.

Nothing A Little Girls Night Can't Fix

One Weds night, the girls and I went to see Something Borrowed. I had 4 Groupons that were about to expire, so it was a great, cheap option for a weekday night. We went to this great theatre that has tables and all the chairs are bucket seats from old Cadillacs. Plus you can eat and drink there, so it's pretty much the greatest invention of the 20th century. We got a movie, 128oz of Coors Light, popcorn, and dinner for $18 each! Tbag, Little Linds, and Rach had all read the book, so they knew the whole storyline, I was going in blind. But it's a Rom-Com, so I pretty much knew the ending before the previews stopped rolling. You can't really expect too much surprise from a Rom-Com, it's not like it's a M. Night Shyamalan movie, where you will undoubtedly see a major twist. In 99% of RCs, the good girl always gets the good guy, and that's exactly why I love them!

Plus, I am such a fan of Ginnifer Goodwin, mostly because she is the anti-Katherine Heigl.  The best guy friend was played by John Krasinki, who is just so adorable, and perfect in this role. Plus he's married to the British beauty Emily Blunt, who was fabulous in The Devil Wears Prada. Extra points because he's a Boston boy. Of course the big name on the movie was Kate Hudson, but let's be honest, Colin Egglesfield was the main attraction. WOW! 2 thumbs up for the casting department on that one! Seriously, where has he been all this time? I'll tell you where, wasting his and my time in minor, non-leading roles. Which is a miscarriage of justice if you ask me. Yowza.

Anyway, I really enjoyed the movie. A great pick for a girls night out!

Luckily for me, girls nights are fastly becoming a weekly occurrence in my life again. There was a time a few months back where I was barely picking up my phone, nevermind making plans with a gaggle of girls. Just in the last 6 weeks or so, I've finally crawled out of my depressed unemployment hole.

The first month of umemployment was sweet.  It was very much: "who needs work?, I'll stay up late and sleep til noon", ya know, The Good Life. The worst part was when everyone would ask what my plans were, and what did I want to do, blah, blah, leave me alone. Most of the time I knew they meant well, but it became difficult dealing with everyone's constant questioning. Then the 2nd and 3rd months, I hit a wall. Couldn't find jobs that seemed decent, couldn't even get a damn response from potential employers! ugh. I pretty much stopped leaving the house. Not my best look.

So I started this blog. I needed to do something to keep my brain active. As much as being free of work and responsibility can have it's advantages, after awhile, it becomes a painful bore more than anything else. 

Well, now, I got my swagger back! I'm unemployed and I ain't ashamed. I have all the free time in the world and lucky for me, my unemployment checks cover my bills with a little left over to have a life (bc God knows my savings is nonexistent). Now I have plans 3-4 nights a week. Whether it be lunch on a deck when the weather decides to cooperate, or a girls night in with Skinnygirl and playoff games (Bye Celts, hello Bruins).

I'm just trying to make the most of a difficult situation. It certainly doesn't hurt to have girls around who love a cocktail and some gossip as much as me!

what's with the low self esteem?

Judge me if you will, but sometimes I watch Teen Mom. I am a whore for reality tv, shoot me. Tonight I watched the reunion show. Sweet mother of God. These little piss ants are ridic. Chelsea, the one with the dead beat baby daddy finally got her act together and broke it off on the finale. Come reunion time, they are back on. WTF. He cheated on her multiple times, he looks like a heroin addict and he never has a nice thing to say about her. He has ruined almost every other relationship she has. Yet she keeps going back.

She is on Teen Mom, so she obviously has a track record of dumb ass decision making.

to spend or not to spend

Today I did nothing more than wish for things that aren't going to happen. I wished for the snow to be over and warm weather to arrive, open the window.....sorry. I wished for a very successful, attractive, engaging man with a sexy accent and a filled passport to be by my side when I woke up. Rolled over....um, no. I wished to be independently wealthy where vacationing was my job and giving to charity was my hobby. Called the bank to check my balance, 0-3.

I really want a Kindle.  With my limited funds, the less time I spend outside, the less money I spend.