Week in Review

Mon 2/1: I like to think of my thing today as "recycled" - components of something old that after time, aging and some serious changes, is something entirely new. Think those bags that say "I used to be a plastic bottle." :) So what did I do you ask? I intentionally and legally had beers with my first boyfriend ever (which really is a new thing as I've never both intentionally and legally drank a beer with him, but I kind of liked the recycled metaphor). After 10 plus years of no contact, it was pretty weird seeing him again. Not even sure what to say about it. Was nice to catch up, as it had been so long and he was a major part of my life (and my most significant relationship), but weird because it had been so long and he used to be a major part of my life. But we had some good beer (Northampton Brewery makes a delicious brown ale) and it's good to know that he's doing aok and get the scoop on his fam. Good and bizarre and a little awkward all at the same time...

Tues 2/2: Was having a tough day at work - so not motivated to get anything done and just feeling kind of frustrated and sick of it (not new). I did have some distraction as the local semi-pro basketball team was in the office volunteering (this was new), but that still didn't provide enough distraction to make me like work that day... So I decided to see how much time I had left in this year long gig and made a full on countdown of the maximum number of days I could work until my position is over - 102 as of 2/2. And I still have plenty of vacation and sick days available - and I plan on using them all.
I also had a hot date with my mom :) Not new, but super fun. We went for dinner at Fresh Side in Amherst (I've never been there with her) and then we went to see the Mark Morris Dance company at UMass - we've seen them before (when I was in high school - so just a few years ago), but all new dance choreography for us. And we were talking about what we remembered from that original performance years ago - we had the same memory. Apparently the black and white piano dance was a memorable one.

Wed 2/3: Watched an HBO special called "Ghetto Ballet" Was about a dance company with a mission to bring ballet to the black population in South Africa - as it has been an art that's traditionally been enjoyed and done by white South Africans. Followed one young girl and her friends who were auditioning for a place in the all black dance company. I enjoyed it, but wanted more. Felt like they could have delved more into the story and they kind of brushed over some of the body image/expectations that came up for the young women. Anyway, for scrambling around at 9:30 for something new, was happy with this one.

Thurs 2/4: Went to trivia night in noho - and our team got our trivia butts handed to us. It was most definitely the most difficult round of trivia I'd experienced. Tough trivia isn't new. I was hoping to chat up a guy who'd caught my eye at this place recently. After no response to a smile aimed in his direction, decided there would be no picking up of this guy... so at 11 when I got home and still no new thing, I decided to pick up the cat in my house :) Might seem lame and weird, but you have no idea the risk this was. Fibo (other wise known as Nacc, Mr. Sequence, Senor Pantalones, etc) is a pretty crazy cat. He's been known to box with humans, scale walls and jump on people's backs, so I was really living on the edge by carrying this feline. I caught him in a good mood as I held him for multiple seconds - maybe even 30! Mr. Sequence and I are really progressing in this roomie relationship :)

Fri 2/5: Tried a new Sam Adams beer - Noble Pils. I was a fan - rather tasty. This was a fun night - went to karoake dance party night at the thursday night trivia bar in NoHo with a friend of mine and her boyfriend (also nothing new - tends to be my gig - hanging with my friends and their significant others). Such an eclectic group of people at this bar - so entertaining. Actually, I have to say that I think I heard the best quote ever from my pal Krista: "I wish I thought to be Lady Gaga before she did." She's a riot.

Sat 2/6: Baby day! My cousin Nikki had a baby girl on Friday and I got to meet her on Saturday. Olivia is amazing! She was a great sleeper as I could tell as she slept the entire time I held her. In typical baby style, she had amazingly soft skin and hair and was unbelievably adorable. Nikki looked incredible! I feel like I really never cease to be amazed by life - it's really so crazy how we humans make more humans... I have to say that I learned more about child birth this day than I care to remember or recount. Holy details! Although I do appreciate them as I feel like it's rare that people share them and I feel like it's only fair for women to know what they're getting into...
I also went to Heather's baby shower! I've known for 6+ months that she's "with child", but wow this was weird. Was a nice shower (was thankful for delicious food, wine and no games) - got to see lots of her family and friends I hadn't seen in ages.
Had a great time with friends and family and enjoyed celebrating with my pals, but I have to say that it's a tough day for a very single girl. I think I was asked if I was dating someone at least 5 times. Not ready to be popping babies out right now, but always great to be reminded how far away I am from that life phase. Fun times. Fun times! This really isn't to take away from the day, as it really was a nice time and couldn't be happier for these amazing women!

Sun 2/7: So you're a real trooper if you've made it this far in this entry! Note to self... don't slack on the writing for a full week. I was just saying how much I enjoy writing this thing. I'm spent. A few weeks back, Monica sent me a listing for a class at Pottery Barn on how to decorate a bedroom as an idea for a new thing (hint: I appreciate constructive ideas for this resolution). So we went. And I have to say, I'm glad it was free. They spoke for an hour and really said little/nothing of substance. It was obvious they tried - I can't fault them for that and it was a new experience, but can't say that I necessarily learned anything or gained any decorating skills from the class. Although I did get a fun filled day with Monica, so no complaints here.