Yes, Mom; you raised a dork

So, in case you don't already know, I pretty actively write reviews on yelp.com; such as the rave review I gave the Hi-Way 101 diner in Washington (can't wait to, ahem, go back).


Anyway, today one of my reviews for Brooklyn Boulders rocklclimbing was featured in the weekly yelp newsletter (Brooklyn edition).  It's near the bottom.


I know it's pretty dorky to be as excited about this as I am, but New York is a large market with tons and tons of reviews written daily, so it feels nice to be singled out. hehe.

2011 is off to a good start!

I have been a slacker- I’m sorry.  At any rate, it’s been a busy new year though!  To bring in 2011, me and 2 of my girlfriends did the 4 mile fun run in Central Park.  A lot of people wore costumes, and they set off fireworks right there in the park, so we got to see, hear and even smell them, we were so close! Heather and I went to Trapeze again- the last time was in March.  I was much less frightened this time… although I suppose my listening skills still need some work as I was consistently doing things before I was specifically told too. Oops!  I’m excited to go back.  Last weekend I went rock-climbing in the huge indoor Brooklyn Boulders.  I may have dropped my friend Claudia while spotting her… the package we bought includes 2 trips, so hopefully I can convince her to go back.  Over MLK weekend a big group of people rented a cabin in Pennsylvania so we could go skiing.  Good thing Ben gave me a lesson when I visited Utah in February- I managed to escape the mountain unscathed, although only barely.  There was an extremely close call with me and some tress.  Suffice it to say I have yet to master the pizza wedge brake technique, and steering remains elusive as well.  I will blame the adrenaline/ endorphin rush from missing the trees for what happened later that afternoon back at the house: video now exists of me rapping.  Yea… I’m Bossy. Yikes!

It’s been a belated resolution to write more, and hopefully I will have some fun new updates later this week.  Health-wise I feel good, I scheduled all my doctor’s appointments and check-ups for Monday though.  I’m curious to see what my A1C looks like- I'll let you know!

It's been a month?

Wow, I'm not sure how a whole month passed by.  Merry Christmas everyone!
While it's hard to be away from family this time of year, I am spending the holiday with friends.  My awesome roomie also stayed in town.  We plus some other friends are going to Brooklyn Bowl- which is a bowling alley, live music venue + fried chicken restaurant.  They have 3 bands playing tonight, so it should be fun.

Thanksgiving Plans

While I will miss terribly mom’s coconut cream pie and rolls; andwould have loved to be in Sequim; things worked out that I will be in NYC for the holidays. I’ll be watching the parade on the TV set- replace ‘Party’ with crowd and this diagram explains why (via http://thisisindexed.com):

 At any rate; I am looking forward to having Thanksgiving with my friend Brenda, who I work with.  She sent the cutest e-mail today, calling it “Girls Thanksgiving Extravaganza” and reiterating what each of us will be bringing. We ladies get things done! Note: it’s the last line of this that I really love).

What: Thanksgiving Dinner @ Brenda's

Date: Thursday, November 25

Time:  5 p.m.

Address: 123 E. 123th Street, Apt 1A (btwn Ave and Ave)

Main Entrees:

§  Turkey (Brenda w/ Lillian prepping) / Gravy (Brenda)

§  Mashed Potatoes (Gigi)

§  Stuffing  (Lillian)

§  Cranberry Sauce (Lillian)

§  Yeast Rolls (Gina)

§  Brussel Sprouts (Andrea)

§  Green Salad (Laura)  <<(score!)

§  Sweet Potatoes (Liz)

           

Dessert:

·         Pumpkin Donuts with Cream Cheese Glaze (Gina)

·         Apple Pie (Gigi)

·         Coffee

Utensils:

·        Orange, red and yellow knives, forks and spoons

I don’t know why, but it really cracks me up she felt the color of the utensils was important enough to include in the invitation. 

Progress

What a great weekend! I actually took it kind of easy, and made great strides with the apartment.  IKEA was exhausting, but the living room looks great; and my bedroom is nearly done.  I have one corner exactly the way I want it.  I read about Tempaper, which is basically removable wallpaper.  I got it in an orange/ gray art deco pattern, and put up my shelves where I store my jewelry, and various mementos.  (Yes, that’s my birth certificate up top).  It makes me happy.

My new roomie is significantly less interested in decorating than I am, and she said I’m inspiring her.  She told me she basically went through all of law school without bothering to get a sofa- she used a pillow and a box as a table.  That’s her jumping off point for living conditions; she loves the improvements I’ve made to the place so far; and seems awed by how nice it feels to live somewhere nice.

On Friday I did go to a comedy show though- a friend of a friend was one of the comedians.  Because of this connection, we got a reserved table: the closest one to the stage.  My friends stuck me in the first seat.  This puts me in a spot to get heckled anyway, but what made it worse is that I’m used to improve where audience participation is expected.  In stand-up, it’s rhetorical.  Not really understanding this concept, when the comedian asked who takes the bus, I happily raised my hand.  Let the heckling begin! It was hilarious though- I was laughing so hard I was crying profusely… and the comedian brought me some tissues (and heckled some more).  Very therapeutic AND I got an ab workout!  

Query: what's the lesser of 2 evils?

I am exhausted! I did NOT prepare well for the move (which went well) and otherwise being a responsible adult- like I should have; I have been continuing to accept social invites: Last week I went to a concert on Tuesday, to an art show on Wednesday, to see Paranormal Activity 2 last night (which my friend hilariously described as the dullness of a French film with an American HD camera.  Yea, it’s not a good movie).  The day before the move I had my overnight shift volunteering.

But the move went well, and is over.  Now I just have to unpack! Here’s the thing though.  I met my new roommate, at our new apartment- and was under the impression that she lived there.  She did not! She is in the process of moving in as well! So, there are 2 girls with many many boxes- mostly clothes.  Instead of fixing my place up this weekend, I am headed to the Catskills with Maria and Aimee.  There is no cell phone service, no internet… and no cable TV! Eeek!  I am taking some Tv series on DVD (Mad Men), and some fun books (again, not being responsible and taking my literature class book).  It should be verrrry relaxing.

On a new note- please share your opinions about this.  A lot of my colleagues have been bringing treats in: for Halloween, specialty pastries from their preferred country-of-origin bakeries (aka Mexican pan dulce, Brazilian… something).  People are super insistent that everyone gets to try some.  My co-workers know I have the diabetes, but obviously its not top-of-mind for them.  The times I have reminded people of this when they are sweetly offering me sweets- I end up feeling horrible after they start making effusive apologies.  I don’t want to make anyone feel bad for doing something that comes naturally and is actually really nice (trying to share yuminess!); so I’ve been accepting the treats, and discreetly throwing them away.  Well. My manager caught me doing this, and thinks its wrong.  People would understand she says, and now I am wasting food. So… what’s the worst offense?  Take food knowing that I will be putting it in the trash OR unintentionally make someone feel bad?  Thoughts?

So tired... better stay busy!

This weekend was great- I got to see Kelly, Lino and Izzy.  Cecelia I get to see slightly more often, and it’s always awesome.  Even so, it’s always great to hang out with them as a group: good genetics makes for a family of pretty, smart and funny people, which is always good company.  In the evening I went with one of my girlfriends to go see a new musical, ‘Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson.’ It was pretty amazing.

I decided the worst part about moving is… everything.  I have so much stuff! And I have moved already this past year and really pared things down… so how do I still have so much stuff?  Also, for the record: moving on Halloween is probably best avoided in the future.  Lastly, many of my friends are going to a rally in DC this weekend; so… oh well.  The movers are booked, and Obed offered to help too- it should all work out.

I guess the stress is messing with how I’m processing the insulin though, because my sugar levels have been higher than in the past few weeks, all other factors remaining the same.  For example, 2 weeks ago when I had a PB&J for breakfast and 1 unit of Humalog, my post- meal level was at 115.  This morning it was at 160.  Which is not terrible, but I was hoping for some consistency.  (I know, I know: zzzzzzzz).

Anyway, since I’m stressed; instead of packing tonight like I should be, I’m the +1 of my friend Whitney to go see Bare Naked Ladies. Should be fun!