I drag a new friend from classes to the hash and she poses for a nice picture. She's a fellow career swapper, so we've had a ton to talk about!
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Rainy Day at the Hash
Here's a picture of me running through the streets of Boston with the Boston Hash House Harriers. We went all through the North End, along the waterfront, through South Station and ended up near the Boston Common... not a bad tour of the city! Apparently the camera man was slower than me :-p
it's been a while
I guess I have been really wrapped up in school stuff of late. I spend at least a day of each weekend studying for anatomy as well as a couple of nights a week.. craziness. And, I'm only getting an A-! I know, I should be happy with that figuring that I didn't major in anything related to anatomy in college and half the class are ex-exercise physiology majors, but I'm used to putting forth much less effort for better grades. I guess I could always go back to being an engineer, but what is the fun in that, right?
Well, I am definitely learning that I need to balance things out more. I need to take nights off to spend with Brian and my friends and I need to be ok with A-s, B+s, and hell even the occational C... ok, maybe that's taking things too far!
It's just a lot harder to change your life than I thought: more effort, lack of free time, and a ton of questions as to whether or not you are doing the right thing. At least there are others there in the same situation, and I think each of us has already had a day or two where we've contemplated going back to the our familiar former lives. Perhaps in a couple more months I won't believe I ever doubted myself. We already have had one girl withdrawal, and it was really sad.
Grad school is definitely more than I thought it would be!
Well, I am definitely learning that I need to balance things out more. I need to take nights off to spend with Brian and my friends and I need to be ok with A-s, B+s, and hell even the occational C... ok, maybe that's taking things too far!
It's just a lot harder to change your life than I thought: more effort, lack of free time, and a ton of questions as to whether or not you are doing the right thing. At least there are others there in the same situation, and I think each of us has already had a day or two where we've contemplated going back to the our familiar former lives. Perhaps in a couple more months I won't believe I ever doubted myself. We already have had one girl withdrawal, and it was really sad.
Grad school is definitely more than I thought it would be!
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Ithaca
Brian and I spent the holiday weekend in Ithaca with his Cornell friends, and I was pleasantly surprised with how the trip turned out. I was expecting a typical college town with your usual ugly 70s-style buildings (which there were some of) and dive bars (there were those too), but I was blown away by the gorges. You could park a block from campus, walk down a ravine and be in a completely different place. It was great! Besides the gorges it reminded me a lot of Burlington, VT: very laid back, hippy-like rural town with more democrats then Dunkin Doughnuts (can the state of MA claim that?) Although I was worried about not having a weekend to really crack the books, I am really glad I went on this trip... and I did manage to read an entire chapter about the Abdomen in between gorge swim sessions :)
Friday, July 01, 2005
Crazy new schedule
Wow, I've found absolutely no time to email friends, update this blog, or even really hang out with people this week. I've been getting up at 6 or 7, either heading to class or studying, breaking for an hour lunch, and then in my anatomy class or lab till 5pm. By the time I'm done with all that, I barely have enough energy to make myself dinner and I usually do more reading.... I'm afraid at this pace I may burn out soon. I think I may need to stop taking the weekends "off" and spread out the work load a bit.
I guess the good news is that I am starting to understand a lot of it, but on the flip side I don't really remember what my friends look like. :(
I guess the good news is that I am starting to understand a lot of it, but on the flip side I don't really remember what my friends look like. :(
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Sweet Dreams are made of these....
Derek brought a kareoke machine to the ice rink and Ainsley and Jonah decided to rock out to some nice hits from the 80s.
Marisa wearing skates in style!
Derek and I had an Ice Skating birthday party at the Burlington Ice Palace:
Check out Derek's girlfriend modeling her lovely skates. (Don't worry Marisa, I won't tell anyone that the skates didn't stay on too long :-p)
Check out Derek's girlfriend modeling her lovely skates. (Don't worry Marisa, I won't tell anyone that the skates didn't stay on too long :-p)
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Steph gets married
Ok, so Steph is the first of my high school friends to get married and to start a family. Congrats Steph!
... now I'm officially old!
... now I'm officially old!
Orientation take 3!
Ok, so here I am in my first week at MGH and my third time going through the orientation process: highschool, college, and now this... I'm a pro at meeting new people now :-p
Actually, this orientation has been really different since everyone comes here with such different backgrounds. We have some right out of college, a professional dancer, a lawyer, an engineer (ok, that's me), and people who worked for non-profit for the past 5+ years. Very interesting, fun group. So far, we've had all the faculty introduce themselves, toured the school and hospital, and recently did an "Amazing Race" around Boston yesterday... I think there are pics of that, so I'll try to post me and my team, The Professionals. :)
Today we are headed to the dissection lab. We have two classes this summer: Professionalism, and Gross Anatomy. My friend Ainsley has warned me that the dissection lab takes some getting used to and I'm hoping I don't get sick or pass out!
Actually, this orientation has been really different since everyone comes here with such different backgrounds. We have some right out of college, a professional dancer, a lawyer, an engineer (ok, that's me), and people who worked for non-profit for the past 5+ years. Very interesting, fun group. So far, we've had all the faculty introduce themselves, toured the school and hospital, and recently did an "Amazing Race" around Boston yesterday... I think there are pics of that, so I'll try to post me and my team, The Professionals. :)
Today we are headed to the dissection lab. We have two classes this summer: Professionalism, and Gross Anatomy. My friend Ainsley has warned me that the dissection lab takes some getting used to and I'm hoping I don't get sick or pass out!
Sunday, June 05, 2005
Back in Boston (part deux)
I just logged in to my gmail account after being offline for the week I was in Florida and I have 69 unread messages!
I plan to try and back-post the pictures from SF and tails of FL, etc. Right now it's 1 am and I'm just getting into bed after racing home from the airport. Brian and I managed to chase after 3 trains, ride up and down at least 7 escalators and trek up and down 2 sets of stairs with bags weighing in over 50 lbs. You have to love Logan airport and all of the inconvienent ways to get to and from there! Believe it or not they have made another T adjustment that makes no sense: It turns out they are installing new state of the art ticket machines to help elimate tokens and the T employees that take too much time to count them. A great idea, however, this new ticket system has only been deployed on the Blue Line and the $5 ticket Brian was required to purchase to get on the subway at the airport cannot be used on any other line currently. Well, the ticket is valid till December 2006....
Anyone care to wager on whether or not Brian will get to use that ticket on the redline? What's the current over/under on Boston mass transit project deadline slips? 2 years? 10?
I plan to try and back-post the pictures from SF and tails of FL, etc. Right now it's 1 am and I'm just getting into bed after racing home from the airport. Brian and I managed to chase after 3 trains, ride up and down at least 7 escalators and trek up and down 2 sets of stairs with bags weighing in over 50 lbs. You have to love Logan airport and all of the inconvienent ways to get to and from there! Believe it or not they have made another T adjustment that makes no sense: It turns out they are installing new state of the art ticket machines to help elimate tokens and the T employees that take too much time to count them. A great idea, however, this new ticket system has only been deployed on the Blue Line and the $5 ticket Brian was required to purchase to get on the subway at the airport cannot be used on any other line currently. Well, the ticket is valid till December 2006....
Anyone care to wager on whether or not Brian will get to use that ticket on the redline? What's the current over/under on Boston mass transit project deadline slips? 2 years? 10?
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Back in Boston
I'm back in Boston now, although I seem to still be on west coast time. I've been getting to bed around midnight, but sleeping till 10am. I guess my body needs the rest.
The last couple of days in SF were beautiful: clear skies, and perfect temperature. I have to admit that Boston is currently sporting the opposite: constant rain and 40 degrees! Apparently this should last through the weekend. Luckily Brian and I will be on a plane to FL on saturday. Hopefully we can encounter some nice weather there. Of course I have 2 predictions for how I handle Floridian weather.
1) I will sunburn within minutes regardless of the SPF of my sunscreen
2) I will not be able to stand the humidity, especially after a shower when I'll keep wiping myself with a towel but never feel dry!
I plan to back post pictures while in FL so there will be some from the SF trip and some from FL.
Currently I am trying to sketch out everything that needs to get done for school: fill otu loan papers, choose insurance, get together transcripts from my last class, etc. I wonder if there was this much paperwork for undergrad, or did mom just take care of things for me.
The last couple of days in SF were beautiful: clear skies, and perfect temperature. I have to admit that Boston is currently sporting the opposite: constant rain and 40 degrees! Apparently this should last through the weekend. Luckily Brian and I will be on a plane to FL on saturday. Hopefully we can encounter some nice weather there. Of course I have 2 predictions for how I handle Floridian weather.
1) I will sunburn within minutes regardless of the SPF of my sunscreen
2) I will not be able to stand the humidity, especially after a shower when I'll keep wiping myself with a towel but never feel dry!
I plan to back post pictures while in FL so there will be some from the SF trip and some from FL.
Currently I am trying to sketch out everything that needs to get done for school: fill otu loan papers, choose insurance, get together transcripts from my last class, etc. I wonder if there was this much paperwork for undergrad, or did mom just take care of things for me.
Monday, May 23, 2005
Kate and I
Here is a picture of Kate and I at the Japanese tea garden in Golden Gate park. We walked around with the rest of the tourists on a busy Saturday. I wish I had known they served authentic tea in the center pavillion. I think it would have been great to be served it the garden... next time!
Sunday, May 22, 2005
Hot Night in the City
Friday night was girls night in San Fran. Courtney offered up her place as crash space for Kate, Joanna and I and planned a fun outing for us and some of her classmates. It started out with multiple bottles of wine and yummy snacks complements of our amazing hostess. We then headed out in 2 cabs to the first bar.
I don't remember exactly who's idea it was to find a kareoke bar, but I do know that we ended up walking almost 10 blocks to one near the Castro. I suggested to Kate that we sing George Michael's Faith, her favorite song, and she rushed to put our names in as soon as we got there. (I think she was drunk at that point.)
We ended up chatting it up with some girls at the bar while listening to a group of guys circle through random country songs I'd never heard before. These girls were definitely fun and ordered a round of shots for Kate and I. Later in the night, Abby ( the girl who ordered the shots) pulled me aside and told me that her friend thought I was wonderful and she wanted my number. I had to inform her that although we were in a gay bar, I had a boyfriend and wasn't currently looking to date a woman. Although I do believe Brian said it wouldn't be cheating if it was with a woman... :-p
Kate and I got many applause for our rendition of Faith, and I accomplished 2 firsts that evening: I've now sung Kareoke in a bar full of strangers and been hit on by a woman!
I don't remember exactly who's idea it was to find a kareoke bar, but I do know that we ended up walking almost 10 blocks to one near the Castro. I suggested to Kate that we sing George Michael's Faith, her favorite song, and she rushed to put our names in as soon as we got there. (I think she was drunk at that point.)
We ended up chatting it up with some girls at the bar while listening to a group of guys circle through random country songs I'd never heard before. These girls were definitely fun and ordered a round of shots for Kate and I. Later in the night, Abby ( the girl who ordered the shots) pulled me aside and told me that her friend thought I was wonderful and she wanted my number. I had to inform her that although we were in a gay bar, I had a boyfriend and wasn't currently looking to date a woman. Although I do believe Brian said it wouldn't be cheating if it was with a woman... :-p
Kate and I got many applause for our rendition of Faith, and I accomplished 2 firsts that evening: I've now sung Kareoke in a bar full of strangers and been hit on by a woman!
Friday, May 20, 2005
Touring around SF
I spent the last 2 days walking around SF seeing the sights and trying to keep dry. Yup, the rain finally caught up with me :(
I introduced Josh to Dim Sum as we started our Wednesday out in Chinatown for lunch. We went to pier 39, checked out the Giradelli chocolate factory (more of a store now, I think they still produce everything in Oakland), and walked around North Beach area. Unfortunately I walked us through the ghetto trying to find the Asian Art Museum near the civic center. To make matters worse, we got there too late to go in. Basically I endangered our lives for nothing!
Yesterday I toured Alcatraz... fascinating! The audio tour was narrated by ex-cons and former guards. Having them explain conditions while your standing in their tiny cells makes you appreciate the fact that you've never had to live that way. I was amazed at how small the place was in general. I guess that made it more managable for top criminals. There was a former inmate there signing a book he had written about his time in Alcatraz. He was a bitter old man who didn't seem to want to ask a bunch of questions from tourists. I guess you can't blame him. I was impressed that he was able to marry, adopt kids, and have a normal life after 14 years in prison. I don't feel that is the case anymore. Perhaps you just don't her about the people who actually "rehabilitate" in prison these days.
I left Alcatraz after 2 hours, not because there wasn't enough to see, but because I was getting a bit bored be there by myself. So, I headed back to the mainland and then up to Berkeley to see Kate and Joanna. We hung out at a local Berkeley coffee shop and chatted before heading to a great wine shop and the most amazing pizza place: Cheese Board. The make one vegetarian pizza each day and it's sold by the slice. We had one with corn, onions, pesto and pinenuts... yum!
I'm heading up to Berkeley this morning to tour that area with them before headed to SF for a girls' night with Courtney. The plan is to head out after dinner to some local bars and spend the night at Courtney's in order to enjoy a tasting brunch together in the AM. I definitely miss hanging out with Kate, although it sounds like she is doing great in Seattle.
I introduced Josh to Dim Sum as we started our Wednesday out in Chinatown for lunch. We went to pier 39, checked out the Giradelli chocolate factory (more of a store now, I think they still produce everything in Oakland), and walked around North Beach area. Unfortunately I walked us through the ghetto trying to find the Asian Art Museum near the civic center. To make matters worse, we got there too late to go in. Basically I endangered our lives for nothing!
Yesterday I toured Alcatraz... fascinating! The audio tour was narrated by ex-cons and former guards. Having them explain conditions while your standing in their tiny cells makes you appreciate the fact that you've never had to live that way. I was amazed at how small the place was in general. I guess that made it more managable for top criminals. There was a former inmate there signing a book he had written about his time in Alcatraz. He was a bitter old man who didn't seem to want to ask a bunch of questions from tourists. I guess you can't blame him. I was impressed that he was able to marry, adopt kids, and have a normal life after 14 years in prison. I don't feel that is the case anymore. Perhaps you just don't her about the people who actually "rehabilitate" in prison these days.
I left Alcatraz after 2 hours, not because there wasn't enough to see, but because I was getting a bit bored be there by myself. So, I headed back to the mainland and then up to Berkeley to see Kate and Joanna. We hung out at a local Berkeley coffee shop and chatted before heading to a great wine shop and the most amazing pizza place: Cheese Board. The make one vegetarian pizza each day and it's sold by the slice. We had one with corn, onions, pesto and pinenuts... yum!
I'm heading up to Berkeley this morning to tour that area with them before headed to SF for a girls' night with Courtney. The plan is to head out after dinner to some local bars and spend the night at Courtney's in order to enjoy a tasting brunch together in the AM. I definitely miss hanging out with Kate, although it sounds like she is doing great in Seattle.
San Francisco Bay
Here's a great picture of Kate, Joanna and I in front of the Bay Bridge in San Fran.
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Bernardus Winery, Carmel Valley, CA
This is my new favorite winery! Josh and I met an employee of this winery in Napa on Monday and he suggested we check this place out. Boy am I glad we ran into him! There wasn't a wine we didn't like at this place, and I added 2 more bottles to the collection I'm bringing home with me (shhhh... don't tell security at Logan. Actually, I think it is ok to bring wine back as a carryon just can't ship it there... yet)
The woman pouring for us suggested that we stay around and do a wine tasting dinner at a local wine store. There were doing a Chile vs. Argentina head to head competition with gourmet appetizers. We decided to check it out. The room was filled with abotu 30 wine enthusiasts and local winery employees. We were a bit out of our league. What is it they say, "fake it till you make it?" Well, Josh did just that. The Heller Estate employee thought Josh had great taste in wines since everytime her asked if Josh liked a certain wine, he said "yes. It's pretty good." I don't think he realized that that was all Josh ever said about the wine.
Regardless, we had a great time and I even have a nice list of wines to look for at local Boston wine stores... in case you are wondering: Argentina won the face off :)
The woman pouring for us suggested that we stay around and do a wine tasting dinner at a local wine store. There were doing a Chile vs. Argentina head to head competition with gourmet appetizers. We decided to check it out. The room was filled with abotu 30 wine enthusiasts and local winery employees. We were a bit out of our league. What is it they say, "fake it till you make it?" Well, Josh did just that. The Heller Estate employee thought Josh had great taste in wines since everytime her asked if Josh liked a certain wine, he said "yes. It's pretty good." I don't think he realized that that was all Josh ever said about the wine.
Regardless, we had a great time and I even have a nice list of wines to look for at local Boston wine stores... in case you are wondering: Argentina won the face off :)
Wine Barrels
I learned an interesting fact on our wine tour at Chateau Julien even though I didn't care for their wine. Apparently oak wine barrels that don't come from France are made in the USA, and the wood for the american barrels come mainly for Pennsylvania. :)
Perhaps some of the trees that Uncle Dave cuts down actually make their way into wine barrels. That would explain the massive amounts of money in the logging industry. A little home state pride there... too bad both PA and MA aren't too keen on receiving wine shipments from CA. Hopefully the redcent supreme court ruling on interstate wine shipment will change all that.
Perhaps some of the trees that Uncle Dave cuts down actually make their way into wine barrels. That would explain the massive amounts of money in the logging industry. A little home state pride there... too bad both PA and MA aren't too keen on receiving wine shipments from CA. Hopefully the redcent supreme court ruling on interstate wine shipment will change all that.
On the pier in Monterey
Yesterday we headed down to Monterey to continue our wine tasting and to spend some time on a nice beach. Here Josh is watching the waves as we check out Cannery Row before heading over to Chateau Julien for a vineyard/ winery tour.
We also spend time on the beach in Carmel, which was beautiful and a little posh compared to Monterey.
We also spend time on the beach in Carmel, which was beautiful and a little posh compared to Monterey.
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Me tasting the fine wines at Cliff Lede
I told Josh that I needed a picture of me at the wine tasting here at Cliff Lede, and he attempted to take the picture one-handed while still holding his wine (he has priorities). He didn't realize the zoom was on, but oddly enough I like how this picture turned out.
Today we are headed down to Monterey to taste the wines down there and to check out the coast. Hopefully the good weather holds out.
Today we are headed down to Monterey to taste the wines down there and to check out the coast. Hopefully the good weather holds out.
Walking around outside Peju
Here's Josh walking around outside the 3rd winery we went to on our tour of Napa. The servers here sang, rapped and danced... it was quite humorous! The wine was good too, so we left with 3 bottles between the 2 of us :)
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