Indian Food
I live with a man now that loves to cook. And he's Indian. So the food is amazing. I can get used to this for sure.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Trip to DC....
I did a marathon trip to D.C. Friday. I left at 8am and I returned home by 1:10am. It was.. a long day.. but I got to do some of my favorite things... like Trader Joe's and Chick-fil-A and the true reason for being there..... it was well worth it. :)
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Glimpse into my future, I dare thee
Emptying my box!
"thank you for dinner again :-D"
"she really really doesn't want u to think she is rude"
"u guys are having waaaaaay too much fun there"
"hi... we miss you"
"im NOT happy... all the cool kids are getting pizza!"
"Im getting my hair straightened today. 400 bucks every few months. Computer has to wait. So does tuition. Gotta have priorities"
"if he isn't digusted by my girth, we should hit it off."
"i dont know why you wont talk to me"
"hi"
"So full"
"Hey are you ok?"
"My unsolicited opinion-" [..snip..] "It can only go badly."
"Yikes Luke! i dont even know where u r going"
"oh mah gah when did u take that!"
"Lol jealoussssss!!"
"ohh shit ohhhh shit"
"Beautiful like you"
"do u wanna get lunch"
"are you trying to jump the rochester ship luke???"
"Of course. This is my exciting life!"
"Breakin hearts. <3 u"
Photo by Pat T.
Monday, July 26, 2010
African Lion Safari
I just won tickets off the radio for African Lion Safari! I wanted to go here for my birthday, so it's so timely and awesome. Ahaha!
Things to miss; things to cherish
This weekend was a real whirlwind. Sometimes I don't realize how much I squeeze into a weekend until I am asked to recount it to a couple coworkers on Monday. Everything this weekend was really non-stop and fun, and it's sorta sad it's all over. Each morning I would get up and go for a nice, long run, and then move on to start my day by 9am. And while the humidity and weather weren't perfect all weekend, it still wasn't that bad!
On Friday night, I had dinner at Aladdin's in Pittsford along the canal. I love the place. Had a really great evening with a couple friends, ate a nice large salad, drank a couple glasses of wonderful wine, and enjoyed stimulating conversation in the midst of a light breeze out on the outdoor patio. The food was delicious, and just relaxing after a workweek was wonderful. Plus, afterward, we all got some ice cream and ate along the canal, watching the people in boats, listening to the blues band playing in the lawn, and people watching for awhile.
Also had a wonderful meal at Longhorn Steakhouse with a couple other friends. I brought a coupon (no surprise there), and had a nice big steak salad, got a huge shrimp appetizer for the table, drank a couple glasses of wine (ok, this seems to be a pattern..) and enjoyed great chitchat for over two hours. I love the restaurant, and these guys had never been there. My pleasure to introduce them! Such great food, and I treasure any opportunity to enjoy it with good people.
The other night, we had a nice goodbye dinner for Scott. He's leaving for Afghanistan soon (this week?) and we all gathered at The Gate House for a little celebration of sorts. He's voluntarily going there for work, and being well paid for it too, so it's only good times for him. And this restaurant is a FINE American establishment, with upscale burgers and dishes. I... got a great salad, skipped the wine, but enjoyed the evening with the Bells & Scott. I haven't actually spent much time with them recently, so it was great catching up and doing it at one of their favorite places to eat.
So my new housemate, Rajesh, is all moved in. He's a great guy! He also brought a friend with him, who is staying with us until Tuesday. It's been interesting living with a guy again. Not used to it, but it's not bad. I've enjoyed living with women in the past, so it'll be quite the little bachelor pad in the meantime. He's a cooker, too! He's made quite a bit of food since he got here last week. He asked what the best grocery store was (Wegmans), where to get good vegetables (Public Market), where to get loose leaf tea (Java's) and where to find eye candy (eeerrmmm... the beach?). They're both good guys, and they hail from San Francisco. I'm even sending my resume and business cards back with his friend, hoping for a connection back in Cali for a possible job lead sometime in the future. It could work. They have really great connections, and Rajesh's story on how he got his current job (the one he's in Rochester for 3 months for) is hilarious and very timely.
Nola has been out of town for several days for her future sister-in-law's wedding. She's gorgeous in the pictures she's been sending, and I imagine the wedding is absolutely gorgeous. That family has no limitations on how much they spend on weddings. And in their culture, the man's family pays... and they're based in Chicago. Quite the event, I'm sure. So I've been taking care of her cats while she's gone, and being all envious of her travels. I miss traveling!
I indulged this weekend quite a bit. I stopped at Abundance Food grocery a couple times, picking up some nut butters and nuts. They have this amazing all natural cashew spread, and then also these amazing tamari almonds and curry cashews. I could die happy if I could eat that stuff every day. Unfortunately, it kind of knocked me off my plan for the weekend, and I paid for it. But with anything, life is only worth living if you live it. And it's back to the grind with my eating. I have too many goals VERY close to even remotely think I should alter my efforts. Good with the bad, I guess!
Caught up, friend wise, this weekend. I spent some quality time with Marni, as we caught up on a couple episodes of Kathy Griffin, and then also caught up on the current states of our... *cough* professional aspirations. She's great, doing great, going places, seeing things, traveling to far off places, exhibiting awesome artwork, and just being an amazing exhibitor. I'm envious of her summer, to a great deal! I also caught up with Seth & Kelly (and their babies!). Seth was on baby duty Friday evening, and I went over with him, Josh and Scott, and played a couple board games. Did it again on Saturday after dinner. They were joking that we were there until 1am.. and that was late. Late? I'm up that late every night... ha!
In sad disgusting news.. there was LOUD and angry commotion outside my house last night. So like any.. homeowner.. I went outside to see what was what. There were probably 10 men walking around, talking to my neighbors, carrying bags (???) of stuff behind the garage and loudly talking about crap and doing random things... like horseplay and rough physical interactions. OK. Whatever. But the yelling was annoying, so I asked if there was a problem. "Nope." After going back inside, I did end up listening for a bit through an open blinded window.. and what I heard was offensive, disgusting, derogatory, bigoted and just extremely ignorant. Not sure how I feel about it, but it's... definitely.. out of left field. And it left me.. extremely uncomfortable in my own home for the first time.. ever. EVER.
But in happier news, I helped a friend adopt a dog this weekend! She's absolutely adorable. He wanted to get a dog from a breeder, and I insisted we at least LOOK at rescues from Lollipop Farm. So on Saturday, we did. And he fell in love with the first dog! She has such a sweet history, lame reason for being given up, and has such an awesome demeanor and sweet personality that he basically signed papers then and there. Fortunately, he asked his mother to come back with him later in the day to check the dog out to be sure, but he got her! And the dog has absolutely fell in love with him. They're attached at the hip! So on Sunday, I offered to help him buy some supplies at petco and also to start with simple behavioral items, like how to walk the dog, how to command it, being consistent, etc, etc. Plus I wanted to see Letchworth! Ha. But after a long day, he's still fully madly in love with Ruby, and they make a great pair!
Busy week ahead! I have Seabreeze with my friend Kieth tonight, Schlock Night on Wednesday, premier of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World with a couple friends, MY birthday game night on Thursday with an awesome cake (promised!), dropping Scott off at the airport at 5am, travel to D.C. on Friday, travel BACK from D.C. on Friday (I know..!), a birthday dinner for ME on Saturday, and I bet a million other things in between. I'm really glad Rajesh will be living at the house now. With how busy I am ("Are you ever here?" he asks.), I need someone at the house. And if things change for me in the next month or two, it'll be critical that someone be there. Especially after my neighbor's disgusting behaviors/comments.
Birthday plans next weekend include a possible trip to African Wild Safari in Canada, my sister's graduation from Nursing School, a trip to Sterling Renaissance Festival, Deb's birthday, and MAYBE a birthday for me. I still don't want a party, but who knows. And I think I might be in D.C. that Friday. Lots of travel!
Today has been an awesome day. After two VERY terrific phone calls, I have no doubt my future is brighter than it has ever been. EVER. I'm blown away how everything is clicking into place.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Take me away
Wants
Droid X ($99)
iPad ($199)
Kindle 3 ($175)
Road bike ($200+)
iPod ($200)
Designer frames ($300) ♥
Garmin GPS ($80) ♥
California vacation ($600)
Needs
Dehumidifier ($225) ♥
Stair repair ($700) ♥
Closet doors ($500)
Suit tailored ($90) ♥
Attic work ($300) ♥
Car repair ($350) ♥
You can guess what will win out.
EDIT: I updated the list above to indicate what I've done!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Scott's Goodbye Dinner
Having an awesome time saying goodbye to Scott at the Gate House at Village Gate tonight. Food is amazing as always.
Friday, July 23, 2010
When provided grapes....
Things are moving full speed ahead. For those that know what I'm referring to, there is good news on the horizon. Very good news.
So my old housemate moved out! She left around the 10th. She finished her internship, cleaned the house, moved her stuff into a moving van, and was gone before I knew it! She was a great roommate, so I have no major complaints. I'll even miss her a little bit. :) She's actually in like Estonia right now on vacation... so... well, good for her. She also said she'd invite me to her wedding.... when she gets engaged. Soon! Plus I re-rented her room out to a new guy.. named Rajesh. He's moved in now... he arrived last night. In the dark. After those horrible storms, we were without power for over 14 hours. So he moved in, in the complete dark. He's great, and I'm going to look forward to living with him. Seems very decent and normal. All the better!
All week long, I've had family in town. Unfortunately, they're staying at my grandmother's house, which is an hour away. I've been trying to go down and visit them as much as I can, but they're leaving Friday, and I can't see them again before they go. I usually have a ton of fun with them (see previous posts!) and a week seems to never be enough time. They'll be back, though! Maybe I'll go down and see them, sometime!
Tonight was Scott's goodbye party at game night. Josh and I were trying to think of a good sendoff for him... and it's only so appropriate to do it at a game night. I hosted game night this week, so it fell on me to host/cook/clean/work hard for the evening. I bought a bunch of pizza, and everyone brought dishes to share. We had so much pie! My god! And chips, cookies, brownies, stirfry, popcorn, etc, etc... beer, drinks, wine, soda, etc, etc... so much food, it was more than enough for the 20 people that showed up. They finally left around 11:30 tonight.. but it was a great time.. and nobody got so mad they stormed out after cursing me out! ALL the better! Ha!
I've been on my own the last couple weeks at work due to both my bosses being out on vacation. It's been really nice working at a pace I'm more comfortable with, since as of late everything has been so rush rush I feel anxious and nervous at every turn. I've gotten a lot accomplished, and it feels good to be solving real problems again, instead of "causing them" and disappointing people. Oh well. But they're back Monday, so back to the busy busy busy!
After getting my eye exam, I decided I wanted to get some nice designer frames. So I've been trying them on at different places. I want to be able to wear them out a couple days/nights a week.. and I've been enjoying the experience. It's hard, because my face seems to be not exactly complementary to frames.. but I'm almost there.. and I'll let you know when I've finally nailed down a pair (or two). In related news, I've been considering getting LASIK to fix my vision. But I've kind of ruled it out. I didn't realize it was $4,500... and while I have that in my HSA, it's just a huge amount of money... and then I wouldn't get to wear great frames! So I'll put it off for another year or so. We shall see. No rush!
In sadder news... I have finally taken the advice that has been given to me for months by at least five friends (Sh, Ci, Ga, Co & An).. and stop communications with a friend. It is for the best, I know this. It was not healthy, and I need to move on. It finally hit me in Baltimore, and it needs to be final. Bye.
This weekend will be super busy. I had this party tonight, tomorrow night is dinner at Alladin's, then games at the Bells, Saturday morning is brunch, then Lollipop farm to help Tad find a puppy, then dinner with the Bells/Scott to say goodbye, and finally Sunday I'm headed to Letchworth for some hiking. I am also taking care of Nola's animals this weekend while she's in Chicago. I think I'm also catching up with Marni for some trashy tv that we have all queued up. Let's hope! I am so incredibly busy with my entire life... it feels good. But I'm not sleeping enough, and I'm gonna crash. But sleep when you die, I suppose. That reminds me... I have to be up in a few hours to go for an hour run. I slacked off today!
“The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving.”
Albert Einstein
Thursday, July 22, 2010
My.. heart... stops...
Let's go all the way tonight
No regrets, just love
We can dance until we die
You and I
We'll be young forever
Game Night in full swing
Saying goodbye to Scott at tonight's game night. Twenty people in my little house!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Family Time (dunna dunna dunna..!)
My family from South Carolina is up for the week. Spending some quality time with them in the evenings. Having a blast, as always. They're such good folk.
My other immediate family is hilarious, making fun of us for taking so many goofy pictures.. but we have a great time, and that's the point.
And my family from S.C. are the same! They took many of these pictures! And they cook so well... I'm gonna gain like 10lbs just from their dinners! Tonight I brought a great casserole to the family picnic... went over very well.
It's too bad they're only here for 5 days.. but we'll make the most of it. Each night something is going on, and even though I cannot make it every night, I'll do my best. My family is a hoot & a half.
Never a dull moment. Love them so much.
Frames up for order
Tried on a bunch of frames today... OK, this post might be a little creepy, so if so, ignore. I needed to take pictures to help decide. Not deciding yet, but I like these the best!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Sticky Lips to celebrate!
Having an awesome day! Eating amazing BBQ to celebrate. So much more tonight! On the go!
Rochester Pride Parade
Drove a Jeep in this year's Rochester Pride Parade for Assemblyman Joseph D. Morelle. I was asked last minute to help out, and I got Nola to drive with me! We had a ton of fun, and he parade was crazy good.
Nola & I drove a Jeep for our local assemblyman in the parade today! Had a ton of fun. So much going on, can't keep up!
Friday, July 16, 2010
The way this west was won.....
You know the drill.
"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!! Thanks for all the help, well, doing EVERYTHING."
"We miss you already."
"Sounds fishy"
"Oh no dont be sad just be drunk!"
"And thats why god invented vodka. So we can deal with them"
"I'm drooling..."
"Dont leave me. Lol. Je is playing games :("
"OMG. I hate youuuuuuuuuuuu."
"Prolly shouldn't bring me up"
"I wish you were here"
"you are him. im thinking"
"The only good thing about extreme heat: loss of appetite"
"This is GREAT! U must be very happy."
"You dont talk much uh?"
"the left coast awaits [insert beach picture here]"
"One's feelings are never silly. Confusing but not silly."
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Shore Leave Group Shots!
I was able to grab all the group shots we took together this past weekend for a single post. Fun!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Baltimore Vacation - Shore Leave - Day 4
So, yeah. The party lasted forever.. and I was having a great time. I danced with Margo and Ros.. and a couple other random girls...having a great time. When I got pulled away for a problem, Dac was all sad that I was being pulled away. Hilarious.. or at least it was in my very buzzed stupor. But someone told me Margo was down for the count.. in the bathroom.. and couldn't get up. 
So I said my goodbyes.. and headed with the group to the bathroom door to await Margo. After 30 minutes with no progress... I went back to the dance floor! Ha. Probably not the best "friend" thing to do, but eeeeehhhhhh... Margo would have wanted me to have fun. But after another hour or so, she was up, they took her to the car, and I was pulled off the dance floor again to go back to the hotel.
Late into the early early morning, the gang all hung out and chattered about serious topics about our group's interactions, our friendships and a lot more. SO much fun. Unfortunately, it also pumped me up for staying awake, and I got a second wind. I was up until 5am talking to people, talking to them, and talking to people online (why are you up at 5am??). There was a lot of tweets and talk of a Taco Bell run and whatnot, and people even went. Our hotel literally was in the BEST location ever on the strip. We could walk everywhere. But it also meant I'd be running on EMPTY all day long. That's OK. I'm young, and I can push through it.
This was the day that everyone would be leaving... and checkout was around noon. I figured that's about when everyone would go. I didn't want to leave until 5 or so, and the convention had more events all day until then. So the morning was back at the convention with Remco (while Micco stayed in bed sick), and after a very productive morning, we headed back to the hotel to checkout and eat some lunch with the crew. I woke Micco up about 10 of, I packed the car, and everyone gathered around noon to head over to Five Guys for lunch.
We had a great lunch... just hung out.. laughed at the pictures from the previous night of craziness. Margo had the hangover of a lifetime, but her husband took good care of her. We stayed at the place for what felt like forever... but it had to end... people had to get going and get on the road... and I wanted to get to the convention again for the afternoon. The long goodbye around my car was bittersweet. Remco broke the ice by continually asking in his odd accent (from Holland) if it were time to go? He was riding back with Melissa and Ken to Michigan. No, Remco. We're saying goodbye. Nobody want it to end.
But we separated, I left, and I got back to the convention for a fun afternoon of Q&A's, talks, and fun. I went through the vendors and checked everything out, watched people perform, watched the autograph line not move, and finally got through the last session with Kevin Sorbo. The whole weekend was amazing. Amazing. I can't believe I haven't gone in the past. My group has been going for years.. and now I regret it. But I will go next year, and we're talking about doing the convention in Las Vegas, too. Can't wait! Such a great time.
Melissa, Jay and I!
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