Wednesday, December 10
THE DAY BEFORE MEXICO!!!
Rush rush rush....run around....where did the time go? I wanted to see Sue and Anderson before the trip, wanted to see mom again, and so many others. Didn't happen. And today was just as busy as the last few. When I say "busy", though, I mean it in every good sense.
I had some meetings, urgent deadlines and much to do before the trip tomorrow. I'm exhausted right now, but really excited, too. Mexico with friends has got to be a fun and wonderful experience, whether a birthday was involved or not. It'll even be ok if it rains every day. Hmm...that won't happen, right?
Raychel's here!
Jodi's here!
Shannon's here!
We've exchanged some fun gifts, and we've finalized some last minute packing....and soon we're off to bed. Hmm...maybe not? We have to leave by 320am to get to Alphonso's and then to the airport by 4am. They say we should be at the airport 2 hrs before (international flight), but I've been to Logan many times, and I'm not sure they know what 330am is....but by 4am maybe someone will be ready to take our tickets, check out our passports and get us on board.
In a few hours we will be on our way to Mexico!! I'm hoping to blog while I'm there, but as they say, what goes on in Mexico, stays in Mexico. :)
Saying goodbye to my 30s has been an interesting little farewell party. All in all I have observed that my life just continued on as it was, only changing slightly to record more memories than usual, but the memories were typical - good friends, good food and really amazed at all God has done and the purpose He has for each one of us. Wow. This journey of life...like I've been saying a lot lately - with all due respect to my Buddhist friends, this is our first time at this journey for all of us. So, let's be patient, walk along the journey together and keep on moving ahead.
Yep. First time through it. I can't complain.
I'm going to Mexico!!
:)
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
4 Days
Tuesday, December 9
Today was another friend's bday - James. I virtually sent bday greetings, texting and facebooking wishes. I have know idea if he got them, but I trust his day was good. All December babies have good days.
Tonight was our BroadPR Christmas party.....We tried something new this year, celebrating Spanish style, doing a tasting menu of tappas and sangria....this was all while watching a Flamenco dance performance.
The sizzling shrimp and the goat cheese were my favorite tappas...
It was great to see the New England team, and I'm looking forward to a great 2009. We are thankful for 2008 and all it brought to each of us.
We were also thankful to avoid death on the way home. I swear Boston drivers are getting worse and worse. We managed to pose a smile while driving back, though.
For all things - Thank you, God.
Today was another friend's bday - James. I virtually sent bday greetings, texting and facebooking wishes. I have know idea if he got them, but I trust his day was good. All December babies have good days.
Tonight was our BroadPR Christmas party.....We tried something new this year, celebrating Spanish style, doing a tasting menu of tappas and sangria....this was all while watching a Flamenco dance performance. The sizzling shrimp and the goat cheese were my favorite tappas...
It was great to see the New England team, and I'm looking forward to a great 2009. We are thankful for 2008 and all it brought to each of us.
We were also thankful to avoid death on the way home. I swear Boston drivers are getting worse and worse. We managed to pose a smile while driving back, though.For all things - Thank you, God.
5 Days
Monday, December 8
Hooray for Mondays!
Hooray for conference calls and meetings!!
Hooray for scallion pancakes and crispy tofu!!
After quite a hectic day, Raychel and I drove north to see a mutual friend at a favorite Chinese spot she had introduced us to years ago. We had a wonderful visit, and in fact, closed down the place.
Who knew bean curd was so good! A little ginger, garlic and cilantro....and what more do you need in a dish?
Hooray for Mondays!
Hooray for conference calls and meetings!!
Hooray for scallion pancakes and crispy tofu!!
After quite a hectic day, Raychel and I drove north to see a mutual friend at a favorite Chinese spot she had introduced us to years ago. We had a wonderful visit, and in fact, closed down the place.
Who knew bean curd was so good! A little ginger, garlic and cilantro....and what more do you need in a dish?
6 Days
Sunday, December 7
Church was super, and it was great to see my sweetie pie boyfriend, Anderson, who is going to be a full year in January. Wow, time flies!!!
Raychel's friend Diane came down to hang with her around lunchtime, so we raced home to see her....we all hung out for a bit, and then they did the shopping thing downtown (mostly window shopping and catching up), while I went out to central Mass to see my niece's Nutcracker performance. She was a soldier AND an angel. What a terrific job she did!!!
So proud of her...
The make-up...
Her hair up....
Those several inches she grows each week....
Well, she looks older than 9, that's for sure. Her mom and dad will have trouble when she's a teenager. Actually, probably not. She's a sweetie and a good kid. She's also got some great wisdom. I pray that God would keep her safe and wise, always.
He has already made her beautiful, inside and out.
Church was super, and it was great to see my sweetie pie boyfriend, Anderson, who is going to be a full year in January. Wow, time flies!!!
Raychel's friend Diane came down to hang with her around lunchtime, so we raced home to see her....we all hung out for a bit, and then they did the shopping thing downtown (mostly window shopping and catching up), while I went out to central Mass to see my niece's Nutcracker performance. She was a soldier AND an angel. What a terrific job she did!!!
So proud of her...
The make-up...
Her hair up....
Those several inches she grows each week....
Well, she looks older than 9, that's for sure. Her mom and dad will have trouble when she's a teenager. Actually, probably not. She's a sweetie and a good kid. She's also got some great wisdom. I pray that God would keep her safe and wise, always.
He has already made her beautiful, inside and out.
7 Days
Saturday, December 6
The day started with a bunch of errands and various things....can't really recall what they were, but I'm sure they were important.
And then, it was my aunt's 50th anniversary, and Raychel and I crashed the party. Who is married for that long anymore? Well, my aunt and uncle, that's who! Congrats to them! They've been married so long they had no tips. 
The evening was capped off with a house warming party for my friends Qin and Jonathan. Bill, Meredith, Ming, Raychel and I jaunted over to Melrose. Their place is gorgeous. The food, drinks and conversation were all so nice. Congrats to them!
Was really pooped and fell asleep around 11pm....early night considering the other nights weren't over until 1 or 2am...which is really late for an old broad. ;)
The day started with a bunch of errands and various things....can't really recall what they were, but I'm sure they were important.
And then, it was my aunt's 50th anniversary, and Raychel and I crashed the party. Who is married for that long anymore? Well, my aunt and uncle, that's who! Congrats to them! They've been married so long they had no tips. 
The evening was capped off with a house warming party for my friends Qin and Jonathan. Bill, Meredith, Ming, Raychel and I jaunted over to Melrose. Their place is gorgeous. The food, drinks and conversation were all so nice. Congrats to them!
Was really pooped and fell asleep around 11pm....early night considering the other nights weren't over until 1 or 2am...which is really late for an old broad. ;)
8 Days
Friday, December 5
Fabulous
Friday
Freeport
Yep!! We trekked up to Freeport, Maine to do some Christmas shopping, and to see the pretty lights and various things going on in that cute town. It truly was fun!
Didn't buy TOO much. As most people know, shopping is NOT my favorite past time, but I found a fabulous scone and tea, so I was more than delighted. :)
On the way home, a stop at the Portsmouth brewery was a must.
Fabulous
Friday
Freeport
Yep!! We trekked up to Freeport, Maine to do some Christmas shopping, and to see the pretty lights and various things going on in that cute town. It truly was fun!
Didn't buy TOO much. As most people know, shopping is NOT my favorite past time, but I found a fabulous scone and tea, so I was more than delighted. :)
On the way home, a stop at the Portsmouth brewery was a must.
9 Days
Thursday, December 4
Raychel's bday is today, and my card was lame...it essentially was a card with well wishes and a promise of a gift in the future. LOL!!! Last minute Lucy!! OK, so I know she'll like what she gets, as she will end up picking it out. HA!
But, we did have lunch with my mom at Paparazzi, and that was a blast. Mom had lots of goodies, and it's always great to see her. As per usual, she gifted the waitstaff with her homemade peppermint bark. So sweet! They, in turn, treated Raychel to a birthday Apple Crisp. Yum!! 
Later that day, in between meetings and work stuff, we had pedicures and then dinner with friends at a place neither of us had tried - Rocca in the south end. Cool! Then, Gits stopped by, and we all discussed politics and recent current events - Canadian, Indian and American politics....certainly an interesting time.
So many bdays in December....wowza!!! Guess it means March or April was a romantic time of year. :)
I think she had a great day. I know I did. Great food, good friends, God bless Raychel in the upcoming year! Happy birthday, girl!
Raychel's bday is today, and my card was lame...it essentially was a card with well wishes and a promise of a gift in the future. LOL!!! Last minute Lucy!! OK, so I know she'll like what she gets, as she will end up picking it out. HA!
But, we did have lunch with my mom at Paparazzi, and that was a blast. Mom had lots of goodies, and it's always great to see her. As per usual, she gifted the waitstaff with her homemade peppermint bark. So sweet! They, in turn, treated Raychel to a birthday Apple Crisp. Yum!! 
Later that day, in between meetings and work stuff, we had pedicures and then dinner with friends at a place neither of us had tried - Rocca in the south end. Cool! Then, Gits stopped by, and we all discussed politics and recent current events - Canadian, Indian and American politics....certainly an interesting time.
So many bdays in December....wowza!!! Guess it means March or April was a romantic time of year. :)
I think she had a great day. I know I did. Great food, good friends, God bless Raychel in the upcoming year! Happy birthday, girl!
Saturday, December 6, 2008
10 Days
Wednesday, December 3
Fun day!! Lots of meetings and work things that are so much more enjoyable doing with someone. You can even get more done (sometimes).
The day ended when Reena, Raychel and I went to hear a talk given by my friend Chelsea, a young woman living with HIV. She spoke with Lance, another young adult living with the disease. Their stories were powerful, and it was so awesome to see Chelsea again. Once again, they are speaking out on behalf of those living with HIV, showing they can have productive, fulfilling, and yes, healthy lives. They are also speaking out to those who do not have the disease, knowing fully that this is something that does not have to spread one more day. It's preventable. Period.
Denise also came out on a whim, and we three girls were together again...the Ghana crew. So good! There's discussion of going next year, but we all need to look at timing and cost. It's certainly on my heart and has been since the day I got off the plane.
Later that evening we gave a mini-tour to Chelsea and Lance, who really had never toured Boston before. Actually, they still haven't. We drove them to Cheers, pointed out Fenway and a few other highlights downtown, and then we proceeded to get them to their final destination - a hotel in Revere.
We wrapped up the night with good conversation and a few laughs.
Fun day!! Lots of meetings and work things that are so much more enjoyable doing with someone. You can even get more done (sometimes).
The day ended when Reena, Raychel and I went to hear a talk given by my friend Chelsea, a young woman living with HIV. She spoke with Lance, another young adult living with the disease. Their stories were powerful, and it was so awesome to see Chelsea again. Once again, they are speaking out on behalf of those living with HIV, showing they can have productive, fulfilling, and yes, healthy lives. They are also speaking out to those who do not have the disease, knowing fully that this is something that does not have to spread one more day. It's preventable. Period.
Denise also came out on a whim, and we three girls were together again...the Ghana crew. So good! There's discussion of going next year, but we all need to look at timing and cost. It's certainly on my heart and has been since the day I got off the plane. 
Later that evening we gave a mini-tour to Chelsea and Lance, who really had never toured Boston before. Actually, they still haven't. We drove them to Cheers, pointed out Fenway and a few other highlights downtown, and then we proceeded to get them to their final destination - a hotel in Revere.
We wrapped up the night with good conversation and a few laughs.
11 Days
Tuesday, December 2
Crazy busy day, but filled with good things...figured out the info for Chelsea's speaking gig in Boston for tomorrow night, and picked up Raychel at the airport. She hadn't been to town since late July!
Before heading out to the airport, a friend (thanks, Don!) called me to tell me the moon, Jupiter and Mars were all hanging out in the sky, brightly showing off. I then discovered it was really Jupiter and Venus (thanks, Sue!). The most important discovery, however, is that you simply can't capture such things with a digital camera.
Off to Logan I went. Pulling up to the curb, I could tell she had even more luggage than usual, but much to my surprise the extra really large item (3+ feet) was for me!! She asked if I could guess what it was, and I suggested it might be a painting of some sort. It wasn't.
We tried to head to the Helmund for a random dinner, but they required reservations, so we ended up going to Flora, a nice little place near me. We enjoyed the food and headed to my place, where finally, I would get to open this really large item (wrapped in cellophane and 2 slabs of wood)....
I ripped open the cardboard, plastic and then wood pieces....and much to my surprise, I discovered a really beautiful array of stained glass, all framed in a lovely white wash wood! It's gorgeous!!! Brandon and Raychel jumped through hoops to get it made just right, including the collusion of a friend who broke into my place (yup!), measured the window over my couch and provided the information needed to create a masterpiece. Wow! Anyway, thanks to their shenanigans I have the most gorgeous window in Cambridge!! Now....to figure out how to hang it...hmm. 
Cool to have RayRay back in town, and so thrilled about the special gift from her and her hubby. Thanks, guys!!
Crazy busy day, but filled with good things...figured out the info for Chelsea's speaking gig in Boston for tomorrow night, and picked up Raychel at the airport. She hadn't been to town since late July!
Before heading out to the airport, a friend (thanks, Don!) called me to tell me the moon, Jupiter and Mars were all hanging out in the sky, brightly showing off. I then discovered it was really Jupiter and Venus (thanks, Sue!). The most important discovery, however, is that you simply can't capture such things with a digital camera. Off to Logan I went. Pulling up to the curb, I could tell she had even more luggage than usual, but much to my surprise the extra really large item (3+ feet) was for me!! She asked if I could guess what it was, and I suggested it might be a painting of some sort. It wasn't.
We tried to head to the Helmund for a random dinner, but they required reservations, so we ended up going to Flora, a nice little place near me. We enjoyed the food and headed to my place, where finally, I would get to open this really large item (wrapped in cellophane and 2 slabs of wood)....
I ripped open the cardboard, plastic and then wood pieces....and much to my surprise, I discovered a really beautiful array of stained glass, all framed in a lovely white wash wood! It's gorgeous!!! Brandon and Raychel jumped through hoops to get it made just right, including the collusion of a friend who broke into my place (yup!), measured the window over my couch and provided the information needed to create a masterpiece. Wow! Anyway, thanks to their shenanigans I have the most gorgeous window in Cambridge!! Now....to figure out how to hang it...hmm. 
Cool to have RayRay back in town, and so thrilled about the special gift from her and her hubby. Thanks, guys!!
Monday, December 1, 2008
12 Days
Today was World AIDS Day, the 20th year. It's not over, but at least we know much more about the disease. Coincidentally, a friend of mine living with HIV will be in town this week. Just found out. She lectures at schools, churches, community events and anywhere they will listen. We met during our trip to Ghana earlier this year, and it will be wonderful to take some friends to hear her talk.
Work was cool today. Lots done. Happy clients. Lovely.
Oh, and the actual day was incredible in terms of weather. If this is global warming, I'm hoping it sticks around (j/k). My car temperature gauge read 79 at one point, and while it was largely due to being parked in the sun, once it got rolling it only got as low as 62. On Dec 1? Something's fishy. But, I'm not complaining. My daily walk actually took place today, and it was a good one. The moon almost fell from the sky, and I swear I could touch the stars. Secretly, though, I'm hoping for blustery weather, perhaps even a blizzard, while I'm in Mexico. How rotten of me.
Raychel comes out tomorrow, so we will be working hard and playing hard. Typical Broad strategy. Stay tuned for the adventure....
Gotta rest up for it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
