Monday, June 8, 2009
over the hill
I know there would be a point sometime in my life when I felt old. I thought about sometimes too, how I was 25 and some people felt old then, but everytime I thought about getting old I didn't feel old yet. Well, that all changed this weekend. I went to salsa on Friday night with Shanna and felt young since the male to female ration there was 2:1 and 1/2 the guys were over 50. But then on Saturday Mark took me to the red sox game. It was a lot of fun, they won, and I loved fenway park, it is so old, small, and has so much character. But when the players on the red sox came up to bat, they listed their ages, and I realized about 1/3 of them were younger then me. When Dustin Pedroia came up and I realized he was a month younger then me I officially felt old. It was sad, and it was the first time I felt old.
Monday, June 1, 2009
a walk in the woods
This past weekend Mark and I met up with Heather and Denis for a camping trip in the Berkshires and it was a great time! The campsite Heather found was perfect, with a soothing stream nearby and hikes on the premises. We got there an hour late of course since Mark had been slow to get going in the morning (as I anticipated) but even though I wanted to be mad at him I couldn't since he knew just what to joke about to make me laugh on the car ride over.
We got there a little before 1pm and set up our tent, which I have last used 2 years ago when we went on a 3 day kayaking adventure in the Adirondacks. Sadly I had forgotten that it was wet when I packed it up 2 years ago, so when it came out of the bag it was still a little wet and moldy, but after airing out for the afternoon it was liveable at night. Mark had been dreading a difficult hike, but I reassured him we would do mainly flat walks...little did we all know the 2.5 mile trail we choose was 75% steep uphill. I was definitely huffing and puffing and sweating like everyone else, but I think my running kept my legs from getting to be like jelly and shaking. Mark was a trooper and survived, and even Tina did a great job. By the time we got back we had all worked up an appetite. Heather and I took a dip in the freezing cold stream trying to de-sweat since the "swimming area: looked like sewer water and was full of obese kids and adults.
We went in to North Adams for dinner, and found a cute little Italian place called "Red Sauce" via the iphone. Then we relaxed in front of the fire at the campsite with some (forbidden) beer and wine and marshmellows, amazingly for once the vegan counterpart trumped the regular marshmellows.
Our night's sleep was a little non-exsistent since Mark and I did not have an air mattress and the ground was full of small rocks. Mark first wanted to try climbing in to one sleeping bag and using the second as a mattress, but that resulted in me having my shoulders exposed to the cold air and being half on half off of the rocky ground with no pillows (Mark kept telling me to rest my head on his chest while he had the pillows). After an hour of that I couldn't do it anymore and made Mark fork over the other sleeping bag so we slept side by side. It was warmer then, but the rocks were worse, and Mark slid down the very minor incline to wake up in the corner of the tent. Despite all of that, I was surprised by Mark's optimistic attitude in the morning. Instead of being pissy and complaining, he just said "Hun, next time we go camping, we have to bring an air mattress". Maybe my optimistic, happy attitude rubbed off!
On Sunday we just did a short trip driving up to the top of Mt. Greylock, which had gorgeous views and made me think of the scene with the mountain in Bill Bryson's "A Walk In The Woods". We called it an early day and avoided another hike so that everyone would be well rested for work the next day (well, Denis at his new job, Mark on his important project, and then me doing nothing and Heather looking for jobs is more accurate). I had a great time, and it sounds like everyone else did too, so hopefully we can pull off another short weekend trip later in the summer if I actually get any decent time off.
We got there a little before 1pm and set up our tent, which I have last used 2 years ago when we went on a 3 day kayaking adventure in the Adirondacks. Sadly I had forgotten that it was wet when I packed it up 2 years ago, so when it came out of the bag it was still a little wet and moldy, but after airing out for the afternoon it was liveable at night. Mark had been dreading a difficult hike, but I reassured him we would do mainly flat walks...little did we all know the 2.5 mile trail we choose was 75% steep uphill. I was definitely huffing and puffing and sweating like everyone else, but I think my running kept my legs from getting to be like jelly and shaking. Mark was a trooper and survived, and even Tina did a great job. By the time we got back we had all worked up an appetite. Heather and I took a dip in the freezing cold stream trying to de-sweat since the "swimming area: looked like sewer water and was full of obese kids and adults.
We went in to North Adams for dinner, and found a cute little Italian place called "Red Sauce" via the iphone. Then we relaxed in front of the fire at the campsite with some (forbidden) beer and wine and marshmellows, amazingly for once the vegan counterpart trumped the regular marshmellows.
Our night's sleep was a little non-exsistent since Mark and I did not have an air mattress and the ground was full of small rocks. Mark first wanted to try climbing in to one sleeping bag and using the second as a mattress, but that resulted in me having my shoulders exposed to the cold air and being half on half off of the rocky ground with no pillows (Mark kept telling me to rest my head on his chest while he had the pillows). After an hour of that I couldn't do it anymore and made Mark fork over the other sleeping bag so we slept side by side. It was warmer then, but the rocks were worse, and Mark slid down the very minor incline to wake up in the corner of the tent. Despite all of that, I was surprised by Mark's optimistic attitude in the morning. Instead of being pissy and complaining, he just said "Hun, next time we go camping, we have to bring an air mattress". Maybe my optimistic, happy attitude rubbed off!
On Sunday we just did a short trip driving up to the top of Mt. Greylock, which had gorgeous views and made me think of the scene with the mountain in Bill Bryson's "A Walk In The Woods". We called it an early day and avoided another hike so that everyone would be well rested for work the next day (well, Denis at his new job, Mark on his important project, and then me doing nothing and Heather looking for jobs is more accurate). I had a great time, and it sounds like everyone else did too, so hopefully we can pull off another short weekend trip later in the summer if I actually get any decent time off.
a weekend free of commitments
Last weekend I promised Mark I would not plan anything for the 2 of us since the weekend before had been a whirlwind of various graduation events and parties, and the weekend after would be spent camping in the Berkshires with Heather and Denis. I figured he really needed some Mark time and would not be upset if he didn't want to do anything with me all weekend. He didn't really believe me and kept asking all week "So what are we doing this weekend?" and was shocked when I answered "Nothing that I know of" each time.
Saturday we relaxed together, then Sunday I went and ran the Boston's Run To Remember Half Marathon with his roommate Sean. We left an hour before the race started since it was only a 15 minute drive to the place, but sadly with the lines of cars for parking we ended up sprinting to the start line to get there on time. It was a good run in the sense that it was my first race since recovering from IT Band, and my knee was fine, but it was super humid and I was quite miserable in that regard. I don't know my official time yet, but I think it was something around 2:03. Mark had kept asking over and over again if I wanted him to come, but I stuck to my promise and told him to sleep in like he wanted. The way I see it, if we are together for a long time I will be running a few races every year, and I can't expect him to come to all of them, so I will save asking him to come to the ones I need someone to drive me to the start. ; )
Later that night we went out to dinner with Mark and Amy at Grasshopper, a vegan chinese restaurant that I have never been to and decided I needed to visit before leaving Boston. (Again, I told Mark he didn't have to come, but he wanted to, and we both had a great time chatting with Mark and Amy). It was, well, not bad, but very greasy. The foods were all fake meats smothered in sauce, the fake meats themselves were tasty but there was too much crap on the dishes and not quite enough flavor. Probably won't go back, but was glad I went.
By Monday (Memorial Day) even though we had gone to dinner the night before we were both pretty bored and the weather was great. Mark wanted to do something outdoors, so I suggested on a whim that we drive to Providence, RI to go to the zoo. It was the perfect day for the zoo, but of course hundreds of families thought that too, so we were overwhelmed by kids in strollers and crying babies. Even Mark who likes kids more then me started to panic. We saw the zoo in a little over an hour, and then I drove us in to Downtown for the best falafel I have found in the US yet at East Side Pockets. It was delicious and hit the spot. putting us both back in to a great mood.
So even though I promised to keep that last 4 day weekend Lindsey-commitment-free, we ended up doing a lot together on a last minute basis, and had a great time.
Saturday we relaxed together, then Sunday I went and ran the Boston's Run To Remember Half Marathon with his roommate Sean. We left an hour before the race started since it was only a 15 minute drive to the place, but sadly with the lines of cars for parking we ended up sprinting to the start line to get there on time. It was a good run in the sense that it was my first race since recovering from IT Band, and my knee was fine, but it was super humid and I was quite miserable in that regard. I don't know my official time yet, but I think it was something around 2:03. Mark had kept asking over and over again if I wanted him to come, but I stuck to my promise and told him to sleep in like he wanted. The way I see it, if we are together for a long time I will be running a few races every year, and I can't expect him to come to all of them, so I will save asking him to come to the ones I need someone to drive me to the start. ; )
Later that night we went out to dinner with Mark and Amy at Grasshopper, a vegan chinese restaurant that I have never been to and decided I needed to visit before leaving Boston. (Again, I told Mark he didn't have to come, but he wanted to, and we both had a great time chatting with Mark and Amy). It was, well, not bad, but very greasy. The foods were all fake meats smothered in sauce, the fake meats themselves were tasty but there was too much crap on the dishes and not quite enough flavor. Probably won't go back, but was glad I went.
By Monday (Memorial Day) even though we had gone to dinner the night before we were both pretty bored and the weather was great. Mark wanted to do something outdoors, so I suggested on a whim that we drive to Providence, RI to go to the zoo. It was the perfect day for the zoo, but of course hundreds of families thought that too, so we were overwhelmed by kids in strollers and crying babies. Even Mark who likes kids more then me started to panic. We saw the zoo in a little over an hour, and then I drove us in to Downtown for the best falafel I have found in the US yet at East Side Pockets. It was delicious and hit the spot. putting us both back in to a great mood.
So even though I promised to keep that last 4 day weekend Lindsey-commitment-free, we ended up doing a lot together on a last minute basis, and had a great time.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
a good job
My vet school graduation was filmed this year and I am tempted to spend the $10 for the dvd when it comes out since I thought some of the speeches were great. Dr. White, our prof speaker, gave advice as always, but he also went off about how we were so lucky to be going in to veterinary medicine since all of us will most likely love our jobs and not think "Crap, I hate Mondays....Wednesday, hump day, and then THANK GOD it is Friday". Sure I will appreciate my time off a lot, but he was right that our career is very rewarding and that most of us will never want to retire unless poor health or something unforseeable occurs. I couldn't agree more. But there are two other possible careers I secretly wouldn't mind either. I will never be good enough, but I would love to be a professional marathon runner, training and running over 150 miles a week, and being pushed to the limit. I also think a second career (or additional career) might involve opening a vegan restaurant. Not all of my creations are restaurant-worthy, but I have gotten enough compliments and rave reviews that I think I could get a staple menu going. But hopefully I just land the perfect vet job and never have to worry about that while still having enough time to make dinner every night and run every day.
love the A/C, hate the money
I did it. I bought a new car. I had over $3000 of repairs needed for my car, so rather then do that I bought a new one. I think I got a good deal too, but it still leaves me with this sinking/nauseating feeling because it is still a lot of money. I traded my 2003 Honda Civic, they took it for $4600, and I got a 2009 Toyota Yaris, with all the features I wanted (power locks and windows, a/c, cruise control and 35mpg on the highway). I also got $1000 off because of being a new college grad. Then I added in the extended 6 year/100K warranty, so when all was said and done my monthly car payment is roughly $220. While it still makes me feel a little sick to my stomach that I just spent this money, I am sure I will be grateful in the 85 degree weather today having A/C again!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
sometimes I feel blessed
Even though I don't believe in god, sometimes I really feel blessed and so lucky to have such amazing people in my life. I have so many close friends, not as many from vet school, but ones that I have been close with since high school. I have an amazing family, and my grandma is one of the kindest people ever. My boyfriend is incredible. And the veterinary school I attended had such outstanding doctors. I was lucky enough to get a job at the wildlife clinic from my first year, and have become very close with the clinic over the years, including doctors, volunteers, and staff. They have also been close with me. And the other night I received the "wildlife award" at awards night. They asked me to come over today and have a "proper good bye" at the clinic. I was expecting some hugs, maybe a small gift, and I brought a cake I made for them as well. I was not expecting a huge award. Elaine, one of the amazing volunteers at the clinic, donates $1000 every year to a student who works tirelessly at the clinic. And this year I was the recipient. On top of it, Elaine and I are both runners, so my gift basket was full of books on and by runners, all signed personally by the author with specific messages to me like "Good luck with all your Boston Marathons in the future" from Lorraine Morel, a famous female marathoner. I was shocked, and so grateful. I spent an hour chatting with them, and Mark Pokras, the clinic director, is going to put me in touch with some zoos/aquarium/wildlife places in Connecticut near me so that I can volunteer a couple days a month as the vet for those places, which will be SO rewarding (Heather, I might get to be a penguin doctor after all). After leaving the clinic and driving home, I truly felt blessed.
Monday, May 18, 2009
damn it feels to be a doctor
actually, it doesn't feel any different, it just feels great being done with school.
This weekend was a whirlwind, but quite a fun one. I got so many errands done last week on my week off. Then this weekend of graduation celebrations started off Friday evening, I had to pick Mark up from work, from there we drove to Grafton for the awards dinner. It was very large, and a lot of profs came, so it was nice chatting with them. Dinner sucked, but it often does at these big country clubs and hotels where they host a lot of our vet school formal events. I received the wildlife award, which came with the newest zoo and wildlife medicine text book, and meant a lot since the people at wildlife have been such a huge part of my life in the last 4 years.
As soon as the awards were over Mark and I booked it back to Boston, since it was his roommate and best friend's bday weekend and he was having a get together at the Bell and Hand, one of the most popular bars in Boston...so sadly when we arrived at 11pm we had to stand in line for half an hour. But it was worth it, and despite being DD I had a great time dancing the night away with Mark and meeting new people as well as becoming more aquainted with Mark's Raytheon co-workers. We left at 2ish, and as we walked down the stairs the lights when on and the bar started closing, so it was good timing.
Saturday Mark really wanted to go to Foxwoods to play some poker and de-stress, and since I didn't have any plans for the day I agreed to accompany him on the long drive. I spent most of my time there reading my novel and a veterinary emergency textbook. Mark won some money, so it was a very stress relieving trip, and we got home around midnight.
Sunday was graduation day. I was super nervous since Mark's sister had told him she had graduation on the same day only a week earlier, and with hers being in Rhode Island I wasn't sure if Mark would make mine in time, but as was the great trend with the weekend, it all worked out. I had wanted to go to her graduation too, but it started right as I would of had to leave for mine to make my set up/rehearsal in time. My family arrived in Medford around 11:30 (mom, grandma, and bro), and we went to lunch in Teele Square. Then we headed to Tufts in Grafton, explored to school store, and then at 2pm I had to leave them to go get my class picture taken and get all lined up.
At 3 it all began, and after skipping my undergrad graduation I was not prepared for all the cheesiness of the graduation, but it was still nice. We had to march in slowly, then there was about an hour of speeches. As the Dean started her intro speech I glanced back and saw my aunt, uncle, and two cousins had made it to join my family, and Mark was running in to the back of the tent, just on time. (I had expected him to be a little late, so that was a lucky plus). The ceremony was cute, if not a little long. Our dairy professor, Dr. Gene White, spoke, and as always, was hilarious! He is such a modern day James Harriot. Then Danielle Diamond, our outspoken classmate going in to the army after school spoke, with a laugh out loud speech. I especially loved her talking about how in first and second year "female students kept dropping off like flies, with more and more coming back from weekends married or engaged, but for single women like me we all know vet school is where single women go to die. Those of us who were single tried to balance our education and budget with just enough savings for a match.com supscription since we all know there is only one Kevin Koerning in vet school." Then we all got our hoods and diplomas (which is huge by the way) and became officially doctors!
After the ceremony my family and I went to Hisa in Westboro for some tasty Japanese, then called it a night. I was EXHAUSTED, but it was such an amazing weekend.
This weekend was a whirlwind, but quite a fun one. I got so many errands done last week on my week off. Then this weekend of graduation celebrations started off Friday evening, I had to pick Mark up from work, from there we drove to Grafton for the awards dinner. It was very large, and a lot of profs came, so it was nice chatting with them. Dinner sucked, but it often does at these big country clubs and hotels where they host a lot of our vet school formal events. I received the wildlife award, which came with the newest zoo and wildlife medicine text book, and meant a lot since the people at wildlife have been such a huge part of my life in the last 4 years.
As soon as the awards were over Mark and I booked it back to Boston, since it was his roommate and best friend's bday weekend and he was having a get together at the Bell and Hand, one of the most popular bars in Boston...so sadly when we arrived at 11pm we had to stand in line for half an hour. But it was worth it, and despite being DD I had a great time dancing the night away with Mark and meeting new people as well as becoming more aquainted with Mark's Raytheon co-workers. We left at 2ish, and as we walked down the stairs the lights when on and the bar started closing, so it was good timing.
Saturday Mark really wanted to go to Foxwoods to play some poker and de-stress, and since I didn't have any plans for the day I agreed to accompany him on the long drive. I spent most of my time there reading my novel and a veterinary emergency textbook. Mark won some money, so it was a very stress relieving trip, and we got home around midnight.
Sunday was graduation day. I was super nervous since Mark's sister had told him she had graduation on the same day only a week earlier, and with hers being in Rhode Island I wasn't sure if Mark would make mine in time, but as was the great trend with the weekend, it all worked out. I had wanted to go to her graduation too, but it started right as I would of had to leave for mine to make my set up/rehearsal in time. My family arrived in Medford around 11:30 (mom, grandma, and bro), and we went to lunch in Teele Square. Then we headed to Tufts in Grafton, explored to school store, and then at 2pm I had to leave them to go get my class picture taken and get all lined up.
At 3 it all began, and after skipping my undergrad graduation I was not prepared for all the cheesiness of the graduation, but it was still nice. We had to march in slowly, then there was about an hour of speeches. As the Dean started her intro speech I glanced back and saw my aunt, uncle, and two cousins had made it to join my family, and Mark was running in to the back of the tent, just on time. (I had expected him to be a little late, so that was a lucky plus). The ceremony was cute, if not a little long. Our dairy professor, Dr. Gene White, spoke, and as always, was hilarious! He is such a modern day James Harriot. Then Danielle Diamond, our outspoken classmate going in to the army after school spoke, with a laugh out loud speech. I especially loved her talking about how in first and second year "female students kept dropping off like flies, with more and more coming back from weekends married or engaged, but for single women like me we all know vet school is where single women go to die. Those of us who were single tried to balance our education and budget with just enough savings for a match.com supscription since we all know there is only one Kevin Koerning in vet school." Then we all got our hoods and diplomas (which is huge by the way) and became officially doctors!
After the ceremony my family and I went to Hisa in Westboro for some tasty Japanese, then called it a night. I was EXHAUSTED, but it was such an amazing weekend.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
updates and parties
An update on the apartment hunting: I picked my favorite, the spacious one BR 2 minutes from one hospital, near south norwalk, with the condition that if I need help my grandmother will help cover any rent I can't afford all of it. I am so happy about that, I know I will enjoy things much more living in a place that I love and can call home.
Last week I finished rotations for good. I was on surgery, and while there were tragedies unrelated to me, I had a great time, and on Friday I neutered one dog, spayed one fat, in heat dog (it was a tough surgery since her uterine vessels were all engorged and friable due to her being in heat) and spayed on tiny little 2# kitten. It was great.
This past weekend was my graduation party, and it went wonderfully. I had decided rather then pick and choose who to invite, I just hit "select all" and invited all my friends on facebook, all 600+. Well, I didn't think much of it until my boyfriend called me a week before and said "My parents are coming to your graduation party" in a shocked voice. Ha! Well, it all worked out GREAT! Heather and Denis came from Montreal. Mark helped Ryan with ice and the grill. Mark's parents had a great time. A vegan friend started stimulating and enjoyable conversations as opposed to the argumentative conversations I was scared of. And Erik, Jenn and Alvaro all made it out from Albany! There were a lot of people there, and I think everyone had a great time. My sunflower shaped cupcakes were DELICIOUS. The rest of the food was awesome. The morning after I went to breakfast with Ryan, Mark, Alvaro, Heather and Denis at SoundBites in Somerville, which was tasty as always.
This week has been hectic despite being free. I went to the dermatologist on Monday, then drove to Albany with my kayak and bike. Went to dinner with the Krauses Monday night, was sad to hear my bro is a little down in the dumps, then back to Medford. Tuesday I had a financial aid meeting in the evening. Then Wednesday I drove to connecticut to sign the lease and start up my electric account. Today I spent an hour on the phone with various student loan lenders, got that squared away and worked out twice. Tomorrow I will be a work out guru again and try to get my iphone, then to the dean's awards dinner at night followed by sean's bday party. This weekend, graduation, will be CRAZY busy and juggling lots, I will be glad when it is over and I am a doctor officially!!!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
apartment hunting
Toady was my first day searching apartments in Connecticut. It really reinforced how much I am going to miss Boston. My first appointment was in Bridgeport. I had heard parts of Bridgeport were shady. I drove up towards the first apartment and just kept driving, cancelling the appointment. I seriously was in the slums, it looked like all run down houses and crack joints, so I skipped that appointment.
The next apartment was in Bridgeport as well. It was a $1100 2BR. The apartment itself was nice, and the landlord was awesome, He was from London and we instantly got along. The street itself looked ok, but all the surrounding streets looked like the first apartment's had, so while I checked out the apartment, I know I won't want to live that close to that neighborhood.
The next two were right next to each other, in Black Rock, a small community on the outskirts of Bridgeport. They were $875 each, both 1BRs. One on the first floor, the other on the second. The neighborhood was ok, reminding me of Washington Ave. or Mystic Ave. in Albany, I guess it was where all the college kids from Fairfield University live. On the outside the apts. looked a little shabby, but on the inside they were nicer. They looked a little dirty, but nothing I couldn't fix with a vacuum when I move in. No washer and dryer. Very decent size. All pets allowed. I feel like if I want to live like a student and save some money, I will live there, but won't be proud of where i live.
The last apartments were all in Norwalk, which is more expensive, but I loved them all. The first was a 1BR, $1200 including heat and hot water, in a small brick building complex. It was spacious. Washer and dryer in the basement. Garage parking. Cats only allowed. But it was on the 4th floor (I would have to hire movers since I don't think Mark and I could handle 4 flights with all my stuff). Beautiful view of the connecticut River behind. The kicker: the last tenant was a smoker and the smell has not disappeared yet.
The next two places were in the same building. It was a 6 unit victorian house just outside of downtown norwalk, in a beautiful area. The place allows pets and has a washer and dryer in the basement and a parking lot. One unit was a $950 studio/loft, with a full kitchen and bathroom. I would have to put my bed up on the loft, and the rest of the studio is adorable, but there is no way I would be able to fit my stuff in it so I would have to use the storage in the basement for a lot of things.
The next was my favorite of the day, of course it was also the most expensive. It was a huge 1BR in the same house, for a total of $1200 (no utilities included). It was just outside of my range I originally was searching for, but I loved it. And if Mark were to actually come and live with me for some time (I know it is not set and I should not get my hopes up, but he is looking for possible jobs) it would be ideal for the two of us.
I need to do some serious thinking. I really want the $1200 1BR in the victorian, but if I am being smart I will take the scrappy 1BR in Black Rock since I will only be in connecticut for one year, and I will save some money doing that. hmmm....
The next apartment was in Bridgeport as well. It was a $1100 2BR. The apartment itself was nice, and the landlord was awesome, He was from London and we instantly got along. The street itself looked ok, but all the surrounding streets looked like the first apartment's had, so while I checked out the apartment, I know I won't want to live that close to that neighborhood.
The next two were right next to each other, in Black Rock, a small community on the outskirts of Bridgeport. They were $875 each, both 1BRs. One on the first floor, the other on the second. The neighborhood was ok, reminding me of Washington Ave. or Mystic Ave. in Albany, I guess it was where all the college kids from Fairfield University live. On the outside the apts. looked a little shabby, but on the inside they were nicer. They looked a little dirty, but nothing I couldn't fix with a vacuum when I move in. No washer and dryer. Very decent size. All pets allowed. I feel like if I want to live like a student and save some money, I will live there, but won't be proud of where i live.
The last apartments were all in Norwalk, which is more expensive, but I loved them all. The first was a 1BR, $1200 including heat and hot water, in a small brick building complex. It was spacious. Washer and dryer in the basement. Garage parking. Cats only allowed. But it was on the 4th floor (I would have to hire movers since I don't think Mark and I could handle 4 flights with all my stuff). Beautiful view of the connecticut River behind. The kicker: the last tenant was a smoker and the smell has not disappeared yet.
The next two places were in the same building. It was a 6 unit victorian house just outside of downtown norwalk, in a beautiful area. The place allows pets and has a washer and dryer in the basement and a parking lot. One unit was a $950 studio/loft, with a full kitchen and bathroom. I would have to put my bed up on the loft, and the rest of the studio is adorable, but there is no way I would be able to fit my stuff in it so I would have to use the storage in the basement for a lot of things.
The next was my favorite of the day, of course it was also the most expensive. It was a huge 1BR in the same house, for a total of $1200 (no utilities included). It was just outside of my range I originally was searching for, but I loved it. And if Mark were to actually come and live with me for some time (I know it is not set and I should not get my hopes up, but he is looking for possible jobs) it would be ideal for the two of us.
I need to do some serious thinking. I really want the $1200 1BR in the victorian, but if I am being smart I will take the scrappy 1BR in Black Rock since I will only be in connecticut for one year, and I will save some money doing that. hmmm....
Monday, April 27, 2009
another family weekend, this time with the Nielsens
Well I think I definitely over did it this weekend, but despite being overtired and exhausted Mark and I had a great time. On Friday I had the day off, and so did Mark. I brought my car to the shop to have the non-functioning locks in the doors and the a/c assessed...I didn't authorize any repairs until I got estimates...so the locks are broken and cost $700 to replace, and the a/c needs a new compressor and sensor which is $1200. That is just the cost of parts, not labor. It solved my problem...screw it, I need a new car. I am starting to look and will probably buy one in the next 3-4 weeks.
The Mark's co-worker threw a BBQ, and I got WAY Too drunk. I was so embarassed when at 4am I woke up at home with Mark and had no recollection of how I got there. The last thing I remembered was playing flip cup. Thank goodness Mark said I hadn't embarassed myself too much, and he wasn't upset with me at all.
Saturday morning Mark and I left early for Long Island. It was a tremendously long drive. But we got there early enough to enjoy a nap in our amazing hotel before the wedding.
We made it to the wedding, my cousin Alicia and her husband Angel, just in time. We met up with my aunt Carol and cousin Craig and Debbie. It was great, I hadn't seen them in several years, and it was such a nice experience catching up. I didn't get to talk to my aunt Betty and uncle Denny (the bride's parents) much, and I only talked to Alicia and Angel once, but Mark and I had a great time. The music was so fun. There was an open bar. We loved catching up with my family, and Mark got along with them great too. (I think he was quite flattered when Carol hugged him goodbye and said "I love you ! You passed the test" and when Debbie told me so he could hear "Linds, he is a keeper!". I def. am lucky and know I found a keeper : ).
The onyl strange thing for us was how late everything went. The wedding started at 7pm, and dinner was not served until 11pm. We left at midnight before the cake or bouquet.
Then on Sunday we went to Albany. We grabbed some food at bombers since I have been ranting about the bbq tofu there for ages, and then made it to be with my family for Easter dinner (late) at 530. By the time it was all over we were both exhausted, and disgustingly sweaty since the a/c in my car doesn't work. But we had a good time, enjoyed tasty burritos, and watched the infamous easter egg hunt my grandma does for the boys every year (I could totally imagine Mark participating some year with the other boys).
On the ride home I think I realized how burnt out Mark was, but I was too, and I was so proud of both of us for not getting cranky and just agreeing that if we did this again we would space it out over multiple weekends instead of drive 12 hours in 2 days thru 3 states to all these events (of course, the idea had been mine originally, but I think Mark was right and it was too much to pull off in one weekend). I really did catch a keeper. ; )
The Mark's co-worker threw a BBQ, and I got WAY Too drunk. I was so embarassed when at 4am I woke up at home with Mark and had no recollection of how I got there. The last thing I remembered was playing flip cup. Thank goodness Mark said I hadn't embarassed myself too much, and he wasn't upset with me at all.
Saturday morning Mark and I left early for Long Island. It was a tremendously long drive. But we got there early enough to enjoy a nap in our amazing hotel before the wedding.
We made it to the wedding, my cousin Alicia and her husband Angel, just in time. We met up with my aunt Carol and cousin Craig and Debbie. It was great, I hadn't seen them in several years, and it was such a nice experience catching up. I didn't get to talk to my aunt Betty and uncle Denny (the bride's parents) much, and I only talked to Alicia and Angel once, but Mark and I had a great time. The music was so fun. There was an open bar. We loved catching up with my family, and Mark got along with them great too. (I think he was quite flattered when Carol hugged him goodbye and said "I love you ! You passed the test" and when Debbie told me so he could hear "Linds, he is a keeper!". I def. am lucky and know I found a keeper : ).
The onyl strange thing for us was how late everything went. The wedding started at 7pm, and dinner was not served until 11pm. We left at midnight before the cake or bouquet.
Then on Sunday we went to Albany. We grabbed some food at bombers since I have been ranting about the bbq tofu there for ages, and then made it to be with my family for Easter dinner (late) at 530. By the time it was all over we were both exhausted, and disgustingly sweaty since the a/c in my car doesn't work. But we had a good time, enjoyed tasty burritos, and watched the infamous easter egg hunt my grandma does for the boys every year (I could totally imagine Mark participating some year with the other boys).
On the ride home I think I realized how burnt out Mark was, but I was too, and I was so proud of both of us for not getting cranky and just agreeing that if we did this again we would space it out over multiple weekends instead of drive 12 hours in 2 days thru 3 states to all these events (of course, the idea had been mine originally, but I think Mark was right and it was too much to pull off in one weekend). I really did catch a keeper. ; )
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