Reality Check: Not just another chapter in a book

I love to read, I love to be transported into another person's life and see how their story progresses.  There's something magical about being pulled into a book and not having to worry about your own life for a few hours while the characters go through a series of changes and plot twists.  I've read about terrible things happening in the world to these characters and never gave it a second thought.    Then, something happens and I realize that it's actually happening to me and it's not as magical as I thought it would be. 

Yesterday, during our marketing meeting, my father's cell phone went crazy with news updates and he said "there was a bombing at the Boston Marathon."  My heart stopped and my mind went blank.  We immediately went online to Twitter and the local news sites and started watching as the updates came through, it was heartbreaking. 

Suddenly the quiet office, I work with a bunch of developers and engineers so you can usually hear a pin drop in the office, exploded with people texting and calling loved ones, checking every single news source out there and trying to get more information.  My phone was inundated with messages from friends and family members checking to make sure that Ian, my family and I were okay, it was surreal.  Thankfully, all of my friends who are in Boston and running the Marathon are safe, shaken up, but safe.

But the worst part of this entire experience has been the video coverage that has been playing in the news.  In it I can see a street I am very familiar with, a painting on the street that I've taken so many picture of, buildings and stores I've gone to frequently and the people of Boston, a city I love and cherish.  One second the footage was of victory and triumph and the second the screen was filled with people running, panicking, and offering to help.  And then you hear the screaming, the same screaming you hear in the movies or on the TV of imagine when you read about it in a book. However, this wasn't a different life or world, this was my world, my city, and people I might know.  It made it so much scarier, terrifying, and heartbreaking.

I'm still reeling and and so confused as to why anyone would want to do that to innocent people who wanted nothing more than to cross the finish line with their friends and family cheering and congratulating them after running 26 miles. Part of me feels like this is just another scene in a book I've read and that it hasn't really happened, but I know that isn't true.  My heart goes out to all of those who were injured, killed, scarred, and affected by yesterday's tragedy.  I am thinking of all of you.

Wedding Planning Checklist: Finding the perfect DJ

Ask anyone who knows me, I love to dance.  Well, depending on who you ask they might say I love jumping up and down and spinning around, but hey we all have different definitions of "dancing."  So naturally, the most important thing on my check list (aside from venue and date) is finding the PERFECT DJ for the event. 

Before I left for Colorado, I e-mailed a few different DJs to see what their availability was and to get the process started.  I came back to their responses, and replied with the general message of

"I'm sorry for the delay in my response, but I was in Colorado with my family on vacation for the week.  I'm back now so let me know when you can chat!"

A few called, a few e-mailed back and one asked if he could call me last Friday at 6 when I got out of work.  I agreed and when the phone rang at 5:55 I was impressed by the fact that he was early, said hello and had the following conversation.

Me: Hello?
Him: Hi, this is Pat from the Colorado State Police, I believe you were here the other week and we need you to come back immediately.
Me: What?
Him: Yes you apparently had too much fun while you were here and I think you need to come back and have a little more.
*Quick note: My sister and I went out to a bar the last night we were there and i left my credit card at the bar.  Since we were leaving at 6am the next day I didn't have time to get it back so I just canceled my card.
Me: (starting to panic) Did you find my credit card?  Where did I leave it? 
Him: Yeah, we need you to come back immediately and retrieve it.
Me: (thinking I'm being arrested or something) Seriously?  I can't just pack up and come back to Colorado I live in MA. 
Him: Isn't it great to know you are talking to a DJ with a sense of humor?
Me: WHAT?!?!?!?! Holy Crap!!  So I'm not in trouble?

I'm sure there are some people who wouldn't find that funny or appreciate the crank call, but I LOVED it and was completely won over.  The rest of the conversation was very easy and not uncomfortable like it was with the other DJ.  So, we set a time for the following Wednesday (yesterday) at 5:30 for  Ian and I to meet with DJ Pat face-to-face. 

I went in knowing he was the one I wanted, and Ian was quickly won over as well.  This guy knows what he's doing, he's been to Church Landing so many times and knows both coordinators.  His price covers the ceremony, cocktail hour and the entire reception.  I'm so excited to have him on board, it's going to be an amazing par-tay!!!

One the way home, Ian and I are talking about the next steps and the next thing on my list is the photographer.  Now that I have the party down pat, I need someone who is going to capture it and make my kids go "wow mom, you looked amazing!"  Ian's main concern?

"When do we get to try the cakes and stuff?  That's what I'm talking about!"

Sigh...

Waving Goodbye to 2 Pounds!

Since attending my own personal pity party last month, I decided it was time to turn my life around, start eating healthy and working out.  I found new recipes I wanted to try, spent hours looking through workout routines, and "Pinning" motivating images.  Much to my surprise, nothing happened and I went off to Colorado out of shape and in need of a new (larger) coat.

Jules cooking in Colorado

After 5 days of "living" with my dad and sister, I realized what I was doing wrong... I wasn't DOING anything!  My eating habits didn't change, I wasn't actually going to the gym, and those motivating images weren't changing my appearance (go figure).  While in Colorado I received a how to cook healthy (yet good) food tutorial from my family.  We made pineapple chicken, stuffed peppers, and chili and had Greek Yogurt for breakfast.  I also noticed that my sister rarely snacked and when she did... she grabbed an APPLE not the pretzels or cookies.

Now, I realize that this isn't such a revolutionary idea, but seeing it put in practice made it seem more tangible than anything else I've come across.  So... Sunday Ian and I went to the grocery store after planning a few healthy meals out.  We actually spent less than we normally would have and we had three very healthy, very easy and very yummy meals.

• Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo (made with Greek yogurt)
• Chicken and tomato stuffed spaghetti squash
• Turkey, onion and rice stuffed peppers (Jillian's recipe)

The best part of these meals... Ian loves them and, I've lost 2 pounds!!  Okay, okay so it might not just be the meals, but I am eating smaller portions and I'm snacking less. I haven't quite gotten into the working out aspect, I can't figure out which one is the lesser of two evils, waking up early in the morning or getting home after 8 to cook dinner. Hmmm decisions, decisions...

Eric Whitacre: Composer, Conductor, Cracking Jokes

For the past 6 months I have been bugging Ian to plan a date that didn't involve the following three things

1. Pizza
2. Movies
3. Pizza

So, last month I'm at work and I received an IM from my lovely fiance saying he bought us tickets to go see Eric Whitacre, his favorite composer & conductor at the Boston Symphony House.  He was so excited and proud of himself, it was absolutely adorable!  Apparently he's been trying to see Whitacre perform for like 7 years but he's never gotten the chance. 

So, on Tuesday night I find myself getting all dolled up to head into Boston with Ian, and I'm craving some Melting Pot dessert.  Sadly we don't have time, which I guess is good for our wallets and my diet but still... chocolate covered bananas, marshmallows and cake sounds amazing at all times.

When I got the program, I noticed that we would be listening to a choir or the "Whitacre Singer" instead of the symphony I had been expecting... interesting.  I think the last time I heard an actual chorus perform was in high-school when I was in the band and we had a competition down in Disney and had to watch the choir perform.

Anyways, the lights dim and a man comes out who looks very much like David Spade; apparently lots of women find him attractive, no joke they went crazy for him like we were at a Backstreet Boys or *NSYNC concert.   I just didn't see it, he's too scrawny and blonde.  However, He's actually pretty funny as he introduces each song and I found myself drawn in to each piece, searching for the story and getting goosebumps from their beautiful voices.

Now, I'm not saying I'm not musically inclined (I can play both piano and clarinet, sight read and I love to sing in the car) but I just couldn't hear what Ian was telling me to listen for.  For one song, "Come Sweet Death" originally created by Bach, was played twice, once the way Bach had intended and another where the tempo was slower and everyone sang it at their own pace and used hand gestures while singing it.  I was so confused because all you hear is people singing "aaahhhh" on the same note and yet somehow they are going through the lyrics. 

After the song Ian looked at me and went "Wasn't that amazing?!?!?!?" I didn't know what to say... it sounded like they were warming up and doing some type of Taekwondo, not singing!  Apparently I'm not as refined as I thought!

The one song I was most excited for was "Animal Crackers", no not Shirley Temple's version (although I had hoped they would sing Animal Crackers in my Soup!).  The lyrics are funny on their own, but once the music began personality was added to each little poem and it was downright hysterical!

THE PANTHER
The panther is like a leopard,
Except it hasn’t been peppered.
If you behold a panther crouch,
Prepare to say Ouch.
Better yet, if called by a panther,
Don’t anther.

THE COW
The cow is of the bovine ilk;
One end is moo, the other milk.

THE FIREFLY
The firefly’s flame Is something for which science has no name
I can think of nothing eerier
Than flying around with an unidentified glow on a
Person’s posterior.

THE CANARY
The song of canaries
Never varies.
And when they’re molting
They’re pretty revolting.

THE EEL
I don’t mind eels
Except as meals.
And the way they feels.

 

THE KANGAROO

O Kangaroo, O Kangaroo,

Be grateful that you’re in the zoo.

And not transmuted by a boomerang

Into zestful tangy Kangaroo meringue.

Despite the fact that I don't have the same musical ear and appreciation as Ian does, this was a perfect date for us.  It reminded me that while we each like different things, it's important that we are able to share our interests with each other.  I love that we switched it up a little bit for this date and didn't go to the movies or a restaurant or order pizza and watch Duck Dynasty (Ian's current obsession). Now it's my turn to plan a date... stay tuned!

Boarding in Colorado: WOW

I've been either skiing or snowboarding since the 3rd grade and I can honestly say that there is nothing like an amazing day on the mountain.  I used to think that there wasn't anything better than a sunny, warm day at Cannon Mountain... until I went to Colorado and found Utopia (aka Vail).

A few years ago, on a trip to Florida, my dad did something crazy and purchased a time share at Breckenridge Ski Resort.  He took Becca last year and this year he took Jillian and I.  O.M.G.  

At the top of one of the bowls at Vail, there's another over the ridge

 We fly in on a Sunday and make the 2 hour drive to our condo at Breck, and are immediately transported into a different world.  The mountains are HUGE and straight up majestic they took my breath away (although, it could have also been the lack of oxygen there).  I should have known I'd be overwhelmed by the size and beauty of both Breck and Vail, but I wasn't thinking of that at the time.

Day one: Breckenridge
 
First day of boarding was spent at Breck and it snowed the entire day.  I've always been a decent snowboarder, I raced in college and I can tackle almost any trail on any mountain in New England (except moguls and glades, I'm not crazy).  However, the combination of being out of shape and not having enough oxygen left me panting at the end of each trail.  My dad and sister gave me enough time to unbuckle myself from my board before jumping onto the chairlift and guiding me towards yet another black diamond.  By the end of the day I was sore, exhausted, tired, and loving it. BTW we spent the entire day trying different trails and routes and only covered the left half of the mountain.

Day Two: Shopping
 
Day two was a day of rest, Jules and I went shopping.  She was looking for pink snow pants, I was looking for a new jacket. What we found were these delicious, homemade cookie sandwiches that we couldn't resist.  I did find a new jacket, but these cookies were the highlight of our shopping spree.  

Day Three: Vail Mountain

Top of the China Bowl, check out my new jacket!

When you first drive up to Vail, it looks like a normal ski resort with its gondolas, ski trails, and lodges.  The only difference is that it looks much larger and isn't as crowded, until you get into the gondola and see the other side and your jaw drops.  I literally sat down and cried I was so overwhelmed by its size and vertical.  You know how they say a picture is worth a thousand words?  Well, they never went to Vail.  I couldn't capture it with my phone or camera the bowls just went on forever on both sides and the mountains in the background just added to this feeling of being of being so small, lucky, and somewhat terrified. 

I have to say if it wasn't for my dad and sister, I would have turned around and spent the day on the trails of the other side of Vail.  Instead we tackled the bowls, trying one side then another, always choosing a different path.  Powder, groomed trails, trees, steep verticals, nice inclines, bowls in the middle of nowhere (Siberia Bowl) and even the flat runs.  All. Day. Long

It was the best day of boarding I've ever had.  The sun was shining, there was fresh powder and I really challenged myself.  Most importantly, my family was there and we had a fantastic time.  I was stuck more than once, with the realization of how lucky I am to be able to come out to a place like Vail and spend the entire day with my sister and my dad.  Not many people have that luxury and I hope that I can share this with my kids one day.

Jules sitting in fresh powder at the top of the China Bowl

Day Four: Back to Breck and Becoming a Lobster

After spending an entire day out in the bowls of Vail in the sun, I was cooked.  I didn't just have the "goggle tan" I had what I call a "Colorado Beard."  My face was swollen, red and bumpy; not a pleasant site.  I spent the first half of the day avoiding any sunlight out with dad and Jules on the other side of Breck before calling it a day when we came in for lunch.

That night we went beer tasting, got a little tipsy and then Jules and I went out downtown.  We returned pleasantly intoxicated only to wake-up 4 hours later, hungover and ready to make the 2 hour drive back to the airport.  

Now... I'm still rocking the Colorado Beard.  I'm dreaming of our next trip out to Colorado only this time I'll be in shape and wear sunscreen!

Pity Party, Party of One!

So yesterday was rough, I went to the doctors for a check-up and they had to get my height and weight.  Normally I just turn around and close my eyes while the tiny little Medical Assistant silently judges (in my mind that's what she's doing) my alarming weight.  However, this girl didn't just look at the number and write it down, oh now she said it out loud.

"5'3 and 1#0 pounds!"

The number was about 10 pounds more than I actually thought I was and I was heartbroken.  So.. what did I do as soon as she left the room?  I checked the "fat chart" to see how I measured up and came to one conclusion

I am Obese, not just overweight, OBESE!!

No joke, I wanted to start crying and almost broke down right then and there in the doctor's office.  However, my actual doctor came in to finish the rest of the appointment, so I had to save the pity party for the car ride home. I have a fantastic 20-25 minute pity party and was really getting into it when I pulled into the driveway at my dad's house (I stay with him a few nights a week).  

Well, my dad was not about to allow my pity party into his house and we sat down for a nice heart-to-heart.  I gave him every excuse I had, my work schedule, long commute, Ian's eating habits, Ian's Schedule, I don't like the gym, I can't get away during lunch, I don't have time to cook, I don't like cooking, I don't like working out, etc.  His advice was very "old Asian Man"

The most beautiful coral is found in the roughest part of the ocean, not where it is calm.

The coral in the calm part of the ocean is white and bland

Basically, the best things in life take a lot of effort.

So, I'm still not happy and I'm still throwing a silent pity party.  However, I did wake up at 6:30 this morning to run 3 miles while my dad was on the elliptical, so I guess that's progress!

Welcome to Adulthood Becca!!!

This past weekend my youngest sister, Becca, turned 18 and has officially become an adult.  At the risk of sounding like a parent, she grew up way too fast and I'm not quite sure how it happened.  One second I was fighting with Jillian over who got to hold the youngest Bassi Girl for a family photo, the next she was graduating elementary school, then middle school and now she is getting ready for her high school graduation and getting into almost every school she has applied to (2 more left!). 

 So, despite the cold and snow, Ian and I made our way into Boston to joing Becca, a few friends, my dad, Jules and Wes to celebrate Becca's birthday with a little something from Mike's.  Ian didn't need much convincing to go out, a) he LOVES Mike's and is always ready to go into Boston for  Red Velvet Cheesecake or Whoppie Pie and b) Becca is like a little sister to him and he would do ANYTHING for her.  It's amazing to know that my fiance and youngest sister (all my sisters actually) get along so well, but I really to chalk that up to Becca.  She is such an open and fun-loving person it's hard not love her.  <3

As soon as I walked into Mike's and saw her and her friends all dressed up for a day out in Boston, I did what every amazing big sister should do: I SCREAMED Happy Birthday and watched her face turn beet red.  Honestly, it was fantastic and I only wish I had someone managed to get everyone there to start singing to her! Hmm... maybe next year ;)

After stuffing ourselves with dessert, dad took the girls home, Jules and Wes went out to dinner (Christmas Gift from Becca) and Ian and I grabbed some food at the Hard Rock Cafe.  We then went home to finish our desserts in front of the TV while we watched the Oscars. What a fantastic Sunday!