Wine and F21 Online

I have made some serious progress in my quest to enjoy a nice glass of wine. A few weeks ago I went so far as to buy a bottle, for myself. Yes folks, this was huge.

At the liquor store I realized that I had NO idea whether or not we even owned a cork-screw (sad, I know). I wasn’t about to go all the way home with my First bottle of wine, and not even be able to open the damn thing. So, I purchased a cork-screw for $4.99 at the counter. Problem Solved. Uhhh, until I got back to the apt and found one. GAH.

It took me a few tries to get the cork outta there. See.

seriously. concentrating.

Anyway. I’m not gonna lie, I thoroughly enjoyed that bottle of Chardonnay. So, white wine and I get along quite well now. Bottle #2 was a Sauvignon Blanc (had to Google that spelling) , at the advice of my Mom. Browsing lane up on lane of wine bottles is ridiculously overwhelming. Asking my Mom what kind I’ll like is much easier. I have no idea what the difference is, but so far both of them taste just fiiine to me.

Monday was a long one. Our class lectures focused solely on Resume-editing, job-searching, interview etiquette, etc etc etc. The level of anxiety that built up gave me a headache. Well, that, on top of sitting in a room for 4 hours. Monday night, I decided a glass of wine was in order. It was 5 o’clock and my brain was tired. Sooo, I poured a glass, grabbed my comp and laid on my bed to read blogs and listen to Pandora and do pointless things online. Love.

Around 6 I was more than half-way through glass #2 and I thought “Oh, this is what a wine-buzz feels like. Sweeeeet.”.

I texted this to LB, knowing she would fully appreciate the fact that I was on a Monday-night whine high. Me, the official non-wine drinker of our former apt. She totally did. Then I thought about shopping. Random? Yupppp.

I haven’t shopped online in monthsssss. I don’t let myself go there anymore, it’s too dangerous. Being in a store and walking out before I spend money isn’t too bad. Staring at something online and browsing for hours while just sitting in my sweats? Not so easy to walk away from. Add wine into that mix and we’ve got trouble. Especially when it’s “Forever 21″ and everything is a “FABULOUS Find”! Really. It is.

My “bag” quickly accumulated to somewhere around 9 items. I initially had no intentions of “Checking Out”, but ya know…..there were some pretty cute Fab-Finds in that bag. So, basically I let it sit there all night, just taunting me on a Tab in Firefox. “My Bag”. That stupid bag. Full of things I want, not things I Need. Full of fabulous tops and summer dresses and scarves. Oh, F21.

In my defense, I reduced it to “3 items” for less than $30 (ooooh, F21). I loved that S.B. and I love my new purchases.
Successful.

A Song for the Piano Girl

I think of it as a “hobby”, not a talent or a skill, just something I am able to do and love to do.

I learned what I could through two wonderful teachers, on and off for about 10 years. My first teacher was Fun, and she set the tone. Playing would always be something I associated with enjoyment. My second teacher pushed me. As a high-school student, she knew our “time” was limited, my attitude was a little up-and-down (ehh),and she took advantage of that! She filled in some gaps, and probably taught me almost too much in 2 years. Not that I’d change any of it. I have her to Thank for what I can do today.

I’ve spent six weeks walking into a lobby with a big black Grand Piano. A grand piano is to a pianist what a shoe sale at Manolo Blahnik is to Carrie. I’m just drawn to it. I marvel at it’s perfect craftsmanship, the way it shines, the way I just want it. After about two weeks I sent my Mom a text: “Could you send me some of my music? “

The only time I ever play anymore is at home. Christmas break, over the summer, here and there. My siblings are good sports, considering I’ve been playing the same songs for about 5 years now. I can look at new music and teach it to myself, but….that takes patience and practice. Sometimes I go for it. But most of the time, I’m like ‘Hey I’m only home for 2 weeks, where’s that book from 5th grade?! Thats a good one”. And it’s right back to the classics.

Anyway. My point is that all of my music is at home, and usually stays there. But now? I wanted it here, with me. I want to sit down on that shiny black bench and play that Grand and hear it’s gorgeous sound. And my Mom is awesome, so she mailed me what we’ll call “Round 1″. A book from high school (aka the “harder” stuff) and two other songs. When I got that package in the mail I was so damn excited. I took the music the next day, and left for work a little bit earlier so I could play.

It took me a few minutes to warm up my fingers and my Brain, getting back in the grooooove. But once I did? It felt so good to just play. After a few morning sessions and a few improvising, I even retracted some of my faaaves from memory and could bust them out. Love.

I asked for the rest of the music that I usually play, and my Mom sent Round-2. It got here Saturday; my last day at this “work” was Friday. But, I knew the package was coming and pretty much told my managers “I’ll be back! I want to play that piano!”, and they were just fine with it. Which worked out well because I would’ve come anyway.

That I did. Sunday afternoon I drove back, a little hesitantly. It’s one thing to be “working” and just sit down for a few minutes. It’s another thing to just show up, in my normal clothing, and take up the Piano in the lounge for an hour or two. What if someone else wanted to play? What if someone was reading and they didn’t want to be distracted? What if they’re like why does this girl keep playing that thing?!!!!. Ehhhhh.

Luckily, the retired Residents were very accomodating, as usual. For about an hour I was generally left alone, with an occasional smile, a few “claps” in passing, and a visit from one of my managers to come say Hey. But around 4, when the dinner crowd starts to gather, I had an ‘audience’. Normally I get really nervous playing in front of people, but since I knew they weren’t exactly there just because I was, I just kept going and stayed collected. Honestly, I could sit at that piano for hoursss, going on and on, and be completely content. But, I only have so many songs, and I’m sure people only want to hear that thing for so long (they’re reallyyyy loud).

When I got up to leave, someone stopped me and started the interrogation. Whats your name?? Do you work here?? Are you always here on Sundays?? Why did you stop? Will you be here next Sunday?

Yup. I have intentions of going back, because just that little taste isn’t enough. This is a hobby. And without really thinking I said ‘Sure! I”ll probably be back next weekend if I can.” She pulled out her planner and asked what time, to pencil me in. Uh, whoa. I’m scheduled, apparently.

Anyway. I’ve rambled. I just love that I have outlets. Running is easy and I can do it anywhere and I will always love it. Playing the piano? I can’t always do that, because you don’t just see those things lying around. Now that I have it there, I’ll be playing it.

It’s a good week

I’ve been in a pretty damn good mood this week. I like it.

Tomorrow is our last day of Food Service. Yessss! To be honest, I’m a little sad because I love the people we’ve had a chance to work with for the last 6 weeks. Seriously, restaurant people are fun. There’s almost always that good-group-dynamic in a restaurant. Everyone has to help each other out at some point or another, and when the group has been together and they like each other, it really shows. Some kick-ass management also helps. We’ve got all of that. It’s good stuff.

Another thing that we can all be excited about tomorrow? THE FIRST DAY OF SPRING. This is a fierce contender in my list of “favorite days of the year!!!!”. I love this day. Even if it’s not warm, it stands for something that I’m very very excited about – warm weather, flip flops, sun dresses, moving on (end of a semester….now internship, whateva!), wanting to be outside, sunshine, bbq fiestas…….on and on and on. Love. Spring.

On top of those two things, I’ve got some options on the line for this weekend. I’m reallyyyy hoping that the plans will include a roomie-reunion. While it will be brief, it’s always needed. If it doesn’t work out, there are other things to do. We “won” another happy-hour thing! The roomie will be “Free” drinker this time, and I’ll suck it up and pay a whole $2 for what I want. That’s just fiiiine. I learned that Free drinks during the 7-9 hours on Friday are dangerous! Why? Well, at 9 you’re ready to gooooo and everyone else is like “Uh, getting ready! Be out soon!” and you’re like – Ugh HURRY UP. Whew.

Oh, it’s also Thursday. Did you know this? You have to Loooove Thursdays. It’s almost Friday, and “the office -30 Rock” is on. And you just reallyyyy can’t go wrong with that. You can’t.

Engaged and Single

I remember specific conversations that we’ve had about this. I remember being a freshman in college and thinking She’s crazyyyy! How could somebody already know thats the person you want to marry?! Just. Crazy.

Then, we went through four years of being roommates, and she didn’t seem so crazy. We took road-trips to visit him, he took road-trips to visit her. Them together? That’s just how it was, and how it should be. No questions about it!

We’ve looked at Bridal magazines ( nope, you certainly don’t need a ring to do that!), and talked about her wedding stuff, found dresses in said magazines that are So-Her (and fabulous), etc etc etc. We’ve complained together, vented together, and been like Ooooh BOYS together. Ah, the joys of girly things.

Saturday. I finally got that text that I’ve been waiting for: “I”M GETTING MARRIED!! Call you soon!”

And I was like: “YOU BETTER CALL VERYYYYY SOON!”

A few hours later I had the full story, and had asked a million questions, and had this huuuge smile on my face for her. Even after four years of knowing this day would be here soon enough, it still seems so weird that she’s engaged! That for the next many many months we will be talking/planning  wedding things. And loving it!

It also feels so weird for my Best Friend to be engaged after 5+ years of dating her guy, with me Single for the first time in 3+ years. We’re in two very different places, but we are both SO happy with life. That feels gooood.

simple Love

Lately, I’ve been excited by a lot of little things.

I love.

.doing nothing for an entire Saturday afternoon. Movies, magazines, and the couch – are all equally good dates.

.running 11 miles on Sunday morning, and enjoying it.

.putting away my laundry while I laugh on the phone with my baby Sis.

.knowing that there’s probably only one other person who finds the word “Tachos” (tator tots with cheese! according to FL residents, apparently!?!!) as freakin HILARIOUS as I do. the baby Sis.

.receiving and reading a free People magazine every week (x 3 months)! Thanks to the fact that I signed up for a race. Awesome.

.being done with our big Food Service project, and crossing it off the List. Yessssss!

.getting that text from my very best friend, and getting reallyyyy excited for the wedding.

.knowing Friday is the first day of Spring. Oh, I’ve been waiting.

.talking to my Mom on the phone while buying wine; her expertise is much needed.

.knowing that I’ll be getting Reese’s PB Easter Eggs in the mail soon!

.sitting down to play the Piano, and having the songs come right back to me.

.finding my Puma sneakers in the miscellaneous closet-shoe-box.

.looking at the weather forecast for this week, which includes nothing under 53 degrees. Helloooooo Spring.

.sleeping, while wrapped up in fresh-out-of-the-drier Flannel sheets.

Signing the list does you good

Last week, while the hot-doggers were still around, we all hit up a “PSU Happy Hour Event” at a bar in DC. I joined the DC-area Alumni Association (sounds so adult-ish….) and let me tell you, these people are having events left and right! Whew.

So, we ventured out on a Thursday night (sounds so college-ish….) and joined them. It was fun! They even had name-tags for us. See….

Uh. Anyway. There were a lot of those advertising people walkin around; the people who promote certain drinks, or “sign the happy hour raffle list!!”, or Boxing Classes in Georgetown (wait, whaaat? )….you know, those people.  Well since I was the only one in attendance who actually lives anywhere close to the place, they shoved that list at me and I said “Sure!” I’ll sign it. Why not?? Who doesn’t love getting Spam e-mail from random bars, right? Ehhhh.

Well, well. I got that Spam e-mail yesterday, which I almost didn’t check because who cares whats in the Spam box? But, it was a lone ranger. And I hate seeing that ” (1) ” next to the Spam. It’s annoying. So I clicked it to clear it.

What do I see? “Congrats! You’ve won a FREE OPEN BAR at ___________  !!” So I clicked that. I hesitantly responded to get the “details” and found out that I drink for Free, and my “friends” get drink specials from 7-9. I’m sure there are like anywhere from 5-10 “winners” per night/weekend/week/whatever. But hey, I won!!

So. I’m pretty pumped about it. And pretty glad I signed that list, because it gave me a Friday night of Free drinks! Which I’ll go ahead and say is well deserved after this week.  Good stuff.

Thinking ahead

While this may be a “slow” week compared to the last three, its still far from it. Theme meal is tomorrow. Agh. Lately, I’ve just been thinking ahead…..

….to anytime after 2 p.m. tomorrow. Luncheon done and successful? Fingers. Crossed.  Then I’ll really feel closer to June, when this is Completely over.

…to St. Patty’s Day!! On a Tuesdayyyy. Uh, whoooo. I’ve never done anything celebratory for this holiday besides wearing green every so often. I wasn’t 21 to celebrate in college until Senior Year. And I can’t, for the life of me, remember what we did last year. Not because I was that drunk, I just….really, can’t remember. It was Monday, so my guess would be work or something? And it was probably still snowing so I was probably like ,wtf?! Hmmm….Who knows.

Last night I actually Googled “events”/”best bars” in Baltimore for this crazy Irish holiday. The results were pretty interesting! And the fact that I even did some research is saying a lot right now. Sooo…we’ll see where this goes…

…to March 20th. For no other reason than this: FIRST DAY OF SPRING. Even if the high is nothing more than 40 (well…. lets shoot for like, 50? how about that?), it will no longer be Winter. And I’ll just smile about that.

…to Cherry Blossom Season! Apparently this is gorgy in DC, so I’m excited for it. I don’t need an excuse to hop on the Metro and explore the streets of DC for an afternoon. I love it. If hundreds of pink blooming trees are thrown into the mix, I’ll love that too.

….to the last weekend in March. Half-marathon #4! In Pittsburgh, again! All of which means I get a half-day off of work, a road trip, and a weekend with one of my faaavorite college roomies. Good stuff.

…and….to bedtime. Like, now. I’m exhausted, and there’s a Big day ahead.

Hello Detox, I need you

The hot-doggers are gone, and life here is back to ‘normal’. Hm, sad day.

On the other hand, my body went ahead and Demanded a detox week. I woke up this morning feeling like craaaaap, popped some Motrin and tried to survive 5 hours of “class”. Gah. That was rough.

I know that three weeks of going out, happy hours, driving, less sleep, more running, work and class…..it’s catching up to me.  Not that I would’ve changed a single thing. It was too fun!

As much as I’d love to say this week is devoted to “relaxing”, it’s far from true. This week we’re finally executing our “theme meal” (one of a few Big projects we have on the agenda throughout the Internship). It’s been 4 weeks of planning and working on it, and now it’s time to decorate, make the food, serve the food, and get it overwith! I know that the event itself will be fun. I also know I can breathe easy on Fridayyyy. Lookin’ forward to that.

So, I’m off to begin my “more sleep, less drinks” week. Hopefully the running will stay intact and the achy-sick feeling will Not.

Adventures with the hot-doggers, Round 2!

Almost three weeks later, they’re still here!

LOVE IT .

Turns out that in the process of being re-located (ah, the life of the Weinermobile)- Annapolis, MD → McLean, VA – they are just about the same distance away (actually a little closer), in a different direction. This area continues to amaze me. So, in the meantime, the adventures have continued.

As you can read about below, DUFF (from Ace of Cakes!) called LB and was all for the Weinermobile making an appearance at the famous Cake Shop. This rendezvous was all set for Monday at Noon. WELL. Let’s just say, I spoke too soon. Rather than continuing the pattern towards warmer weather and hopes of Spring, the Maryland sky decided against our little date. Instead, it dumped 8 f-ing inches of SNOW all over the state on Sunday night. Subsequently, I didn’t give my scheduled presentation Monday morning, the 27-foot hot dog car couldn’t make it out of Annapolis, and even my “work” day was cancelled. Whaaaat?! It snows like twice this entire winter. Where did this come from?! Nobody knows. Gah.

Uh. Anyway.

After rescheduling 3 times (whoa, those bakers are busyyyy), it ended up that I couldn’t make it. Instead I was sitting in a Maryland State Senate meeting listening to debates. Random? Yup. But LB and AA had a greeeeat time, and I think you will enjoy these pics!

Charm City Cakes and BIG BUNNN.

LB: Master Hot-dog cake maker!!! Aaaand, next addition to the CC-Cakes team?
Love that cake.

They’re Awesome and did get me a little card signed by Duff, and provided tons of pictures. They Also captured the famous peeps on camera: Weinermobile Chats with Ace of Cakes
Check. It. Out.

Other adventures? Look and see.

Me: Lowest score x 2 games in a row. Yea. I gots skilllllz.

Before the party, it’s the hotel lobbyyy. Or bar.

Just Love. Another night in the cittyyyyy.

Now, I get to hang with these people for at least one more weekend before they jet-set to their next destination. See ya when normal-life resumes!

Adventures with the Hot-Doggers, Round 1

The visitors have left MD and moved on….to VA. Yup, still close! Love it.

But, the past 10 days have been packed with photo-ops and good times. So! Here are a few glimpses into the Life of a Hot-Dogger, and us tour-guides/roomies that gallivant around with them!

Me, LB and Ash. Too. Much. Fun.

The Wienermobile…..Inside. Front….

…..Middle…..

…and Back. Yes. This thing is huuuuge.

From the outside……JUST AS FREAKIN BIG.

We headed up into Baltimore and around Fells Point again. LB loves the water, and I love the cityyyy.

.Gazing.

Oh, there’s water in Annapolis too. Yup, we love that too.

Exploring adventures were cut a little short by the fact that it was chillyyyy over the weekend.
But we saw a lot during Round 1!