Coming Home- Homecoming recap

Monday again?

At least this past weekend was special.

It was my Homecoming weekend at UMaine. This means a weekend with lots of friends, food and bevs.

I worked a halfy on Friday and car pooled with Nancy.

We made a couple of pit stops.

Sonic and to pick up Katelyn.

We have our priorities straight.

We checked into the classy Black Bear Inn for a weekend of mayhem in Maine.

We made/purchased a new friend along the way.

Cave Tot is his name. Partying is his game.

This little guy was a gift from Sonic.

aka it came in my happy meal.

He hung out a lot this weekend.

We started our trip in style by visiting with the girls of Pi Beta Phi.

Drinks and lots of pictures.

Then it was time to hit up 2 of the 4 bars in town.

Drinks, dances and most importantly a tot to show us a good time.

I showed off some dance moves.

Shortly after this dancing shot it was time for bed.

We had some rest and a nutrional continental breakfast for strength.

Then it was time to tailgate!

No- we didn't really watch the game. We walked around the entire parking lot multiple times to visit people. Oh and have bevs. It was nice to see everyone and meet all the new Pi Phi's. Fresh faces!

Lots of boots were worn and lots of hugs were given.

We had a nice time. Tot even met a few new faces.

There was a gathering for all the alumnae to meet the newbies.

We had a great turn out! Thanks again to Avery for being such an awesome lady!

She made all this happen. Of course with the help of the entire chapter.

After we filled up on junk food, it was time for the final round.

It was time to get ready and get fabulous.

Emily put on a miming performance for awhile.

She actually put on a few performances. Katelyn helped with this one.

We took a lot of photos.

It was basically a photo shoot for an hour before we went out.

We danced on the traditional table.

And someone took some candids of me being a tough guy.

It was another epic evening! There was a lot dancing and sweating.

See- I did do some form of exercise.

Sadly- there isn't much evidence this night existed. I assure you- it did.

We rounded the trip off with a visit to Pat's before hitting the road.

Luckily I only ordered chocolate milk because the service was pretty bad. So were the swarms of flies.

Tot still enjoyed his time there.

I had a really fantastic weekend with friends and it was the perfect way to kick off my birthday!

I always have the best time hanging with Katelyn and Nancy. You guys rocked my socks this weekend.

I can't thank you enough for "making" me go!

It was a pleasure to share a room with Kately, Nancy, Erin and Durkin.

I hope we do it again!

Now I need your help. I'm going to dedicate a post to getting freebies. Do you have any suggestions or websites you use for free samples, surveys or giftcards?

Not singing in the rain

Howdy! Sorry for my absence.

I've been having a heck of a week. But first things first.

Last night I made some amazing chicken salad.

I took a chicken breast and roasted it.

Then I shredded it.

Then I added the chicken to craisins, almonds, cinnamon, nutmeg and some light mayo.

I enjoyed it on top of lettuce. I also had some left over butternut squash risotto. YUM!

This morning I enjoyed some banana oats:

1/2c oats

1 cup water

1/2 banana

I mashed the banana and mixed everything together.

I topped mine with splenda, almond milk and cinnamon.

A good breakfast. Not as good as pancakes.

I've been having a hell of a week.

First my illness.

Then I found out I needed new tires. Ok fine- I can still drive until I get them.

But- last night I was getting ready to hit the gym. Tried to start my car.

Click.Click.Click.

Sweeeeet. No car.

I have somewhere to be this weekend and about 24 hrs to get my car to work.

Let's see how this one plays out.

At least it is almost Friday. Right?

Rain. Rain. Go Away.

The 14 year wait is over!

The weekend is over and it's already Monday.

If you're like me, you don't have this day off.

But if you are really like me you're home sick. Blah!

I had a good weekend full of friends.

We all hung out Saturday night at Grand Canal.

Cocktails with friends are always nice.

I also saw Katie there!

We are serious babes.

Needless to say, it was a fun night and I was happy to get home and sleep.

Sunday was a lazy day full of rest before seeing Hanson!

I needed to get myself together to go meet Jillian. This included coffee and food.

I finally went to Rosie's. It smelt like heaven in there.

I had a pumpkin spice iced coffee and had to sample their brownies on the counter.

They were super delicious. I usually don't order sweet things but maybe I'd consider on my next trip in there.

There will be another.

I made it to Jillian and more importantly, we made it to Hanson at the House of Blues.

I'm a firm believe that good things come to those wait. I waited 14 years to see them in concert.

It was well worth my years of wait.

I was a serious super fan and my entire room was decked out in Hanson. I had my mother buy every single Tiger Beat magazine with them on the cover. I had books, movies and even their Christmas CD. It's still one of my favorite holiday albums.

It was so fun and a great location. The bad news was that I was super sick.

I had to stay in the back for the most part because I was getting sick every few minutes.

It was awful. I didn't want to vomit on any one's feet in the crowd so I stayed away until I felt better.

I got a second wind when they started to sing MmmBop. Yep, they sang it.

While they don't sound like 13 year old pubescent boys anymore, they are actually really awesome and chill guys.

After the show, we waited around and guess what happened to me?

Zach Hanson came out to meet people. I looked like hell and probably smelt of vomit. But- it was worth the wait. He was super nice and met with all the fans. Honestly- I didn't really say much. I had the picture snapped and it was time to retire home.

Kids- dreams do come true. After years and years I finally made it to a show. Honestly- I'd probably go to another one. They were really great and their newer music is really good stuff.

Today- I'm home sick. I am pretty much the worst sick person because:

1- I can't sit still and I do things all day long in the apt.

2- I don't sleep as much as I should.

3- I feel guilty.This is the big one for me. I could be on my death bed and I still think I should go to work. No matter what.

I found the door to hell

Coffee. Woman's best friend.

Yesterday I had a Dr's appt mid afternoon and had to get there.

There was a huge hold up on Cambridge Street. So I walked there.

I walked a total of at least 10 miles yesterday. I have issues.

Luckily, I ate a sandwich before leaving.

Fuel! PB&J. I'm really happy I discovered the sandwich thins. Life changing.

Work was work. I counted the minutes until it was the weekend. I was going for a movie!

Me and Ashly went to see "What's your number?"

Before going to the theater, we walked across Boston for Berry Line.

 The flavor was Fruity Pebbles. You read that right.

It was heaven in a cup! Well worth the walk.

Holy hell. It was amazingggg. Mine has the chocolate on it.

I always have to have a little chocolate sauce on top!

The movie was awesome and I laughed my pants off.

Which made for an awkward walk home.

This morning we went to this intense class at Ashly's gym. It was all weights for 1 hour.

But non stop. I was in pain. Now I cannot turn my head. I feel like the Situation when he has to wear the neck brace.

We can home for fuel! Fooddddd!

Then I went to the farmer's market for more food.

No eye candy today. Unfortunate for my life. Food > Men.

At least I have my priorities in order.

I made out like a bandit at the market today!

$7 spent. I bought an heirloom tomato, brussel sprouts and hummus!

The hummus was heavenly!

I made a quick sandwich with tomato, pesto, egg and cheese on anotherrrrr Sandwich Thin!

Delicious. There was hummus on this plate but I devoured it.

After a mini nap, I went for coffee and snacks at Whole Foods.

It was a success!

These are a new type of bar. But it's a snacky one and only has 150 calories. Pro Bar rocks.

I was on my walk home when I looked around.

The neighborhood is fun. There are decorations everywhere!

It was a nice walk home.

I did find the door to hell in case you were looking.

I'm looking forward to a fun night with friends downtown.

Enjoy this summer-ish weekend!

A love of hummus

Happy Friday!

Do you find it sad that we are constantly counting down to a weekend? Then it ends and you just start counting again. It's kind of a bummer.

Well, as many of you know Steve Jobs passed away. I found it extremely sad and it felt like I lost someone in my family. He was a profound man with an insane vision.

I stopped in Kendall where his stone is on the walk of fame.

I arrived at dinner with my gal pals. We went to Cafe Barada. 

I immediately ordered a beer. Seasonal!

It was a good pumpkin beer. Not overly pumpkin-e.

We started with the sampler.

Hummus, lentils, baba ganoush and tabouli. It was heaven on earth.

I could have just eaten this with pita for dinner. The hummus tasted just like the hummus in Egypt.

It was authentic and freaking awesome!

Me and Katie shared a Texas sized falafel sandwich for diner.

Again- heaven. I love love love Mediterranean food. It was so fresh and delicious.

I devoured this.

I also made a huge mess. My sandwich was leaking oil everywhere.

We also laughed so hard I almost spit my water out. Instead- it just went through my nose.

Cute look for me.

We talked a little about life and my serious fear of death. Sorry- I can't go into on here. I'll have to go into all the details of my fear.

We did talk a lot about Steve Jobs. Mostly because he was so successful at going after his dreams and doing exactly what he wanted. If there were no barriers holding you back and money was no object- what would you do? It's a valid question.

We also talked about Hummus. I seriously love hummus so much. So much that I compared it to the Lion King and how I was smear it on my child after they were born.

Too much? Ok- I wouldn't do that but I seriously could drink hummus. But only the really good kind.

Now- I'm off for a Friday of work. Wahoo for the weekend! Enjoy- I hope it's full of some of these delicious beauties.

Birthday countdown: 10 days!

Things in 3's

Do all things come in three's?

I think so. So first it was my phone.

remember that?

Then it was my car.

Then my blow dryer. All things broken. Shoot.

As if I wasn't broke enough- now I have some serious repairs.

I need a vacation.

Good news- tomorrow is mid-week!

To celebrate- I made Zucchini "Burgers" for dinner. I found this recipe out in blog land on Beth's Journey. I made a few changes/additions.

Here is what you need:

1 Zucchini

1/3c carrots- shredded

1 egg

1/3c onion- chopped

1/3c red pepper- chopped

1/4c whole wheat flour

1/4c feta

salt and pepper and garlic

1- Shred Zucchini.

2- Squeeze water out of Zucchini. Be prepared- It's a lot of water!

3- add carrot, onion, pepper and egg. Mix.

4- add flour. Mix.

5- Add feta. Mix.

6- Form into patties.

7- cook 'em.

8- enjoy!

Yes- those are sweet potato waffle fries!

I'm off to the gym to attempt a run while watching Glee. 2 birds and 1 stone!

There goes the bride.

I had yet another awesome weekend in Maine.

I took a long weekend to do some quality fam hang time.

On Friday I took Lily to see The Lion King in 3D.

We had some fun after the movie.

She tested some beds at Kohls.

We got home and played with the replacement dog.

Bruno!

My fun wasn't over.

I decided I could afford to have drinks with a friend the night before the wedding.

We had the best beer sampler everrrr at the Liberal Cup.

But it was early to bed and early to rise. I had a wedding to get to!

Kayla was a beautiful bride and it was a beautiful day.

We busted some moves and danced the night away.

I spent Sunday at home with my fam. Getting some sleep and trying to eat some food.

Today was a Monday. You know how Monday's go.

I worked the day away and then made a delicious dinner.

Spaghetti Squash Lasagna. Here is what's up:

1 spaghetti squash

1/2c ricotta cheese (I used part skim)

mozzarella cheese (I used part skim)

Parmesan cheese (just a dusting)

1 c pasta sauce

mushrooms (optional)

Cut squash in half and bake at 425 until you can pierce the skin. About 20 minutes. Remove from oven but leave oven on.

Saute mushrooms with some garlic and olive oil.

Sauce the bottom of your pan.

Layer in squash, sauce, ricotta, mushrooms and mozzarella. I did two full layers.

Finish with some parm on top and bake.

So delicious!

Overall- a pretty decent weekend. A few bumps along the way. One even gave me a flat tire.

See-ya later bank account. My car is getting repaired as we speak. Turns out I need new brakes as well.

Good thing I have a birthday coming up to receive these goodies as a gift.

I have to wake up for an early morning run tomorrow. I signed myself up for a 16 miler. Ok- it's not until May so I have plenty of time to prepare but I've also been considering some other races in the mean time. Wish me luck!