Introducing www.dominicchavez.com

Another photographer website up and complete for my very dear friend Dominic Chavez. I've known Dominic since I worked with his wife and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and was even there when they first met. I adore him and he was so patient with me as I worked on his site over the last 6 months while going through a major move to NYC. But its done and I couldn't be happier — its easy to design a site around gorgeous photographs like these! Check it out: www.dominicchavez.com.

And congratulations, Dominic, on all your well-earned success.

I Will Always Love You, Boston

Ha! Tomfoolery on you, bloggees. You think I'm talking about my last hometown (I will always love you too, fine city of Boston). However, I am speaking of another Boston in my life. I haven't yet met the dear little scoundrel but after seeing this photo, I can guess I'll get along with him JUST fine.

Meet Lynn & Matt's new baby (ahem . . . out of wedlock): Sir Boston Rodrigo Wilmer Fandango, III (or as they call him "Boston." They don't know I've tweaked it yet).

Happy Belated Birth of Christ . . . i

So. I sent Christi (aka Blogorelli) her Christmas present to Boston early because I have her birthday present in NYC with me still. So I'm not sure if its now her birthday present or an early Christmas present and I'm just even LATER with her birthday gift. Whatev. Details schmetails.

Anyhow, I thought I would share with the cyber-world. Its a gorgeous piece of design and fabrication fabulousness. And the goofy song with the video makes me giggle too.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Wowsers. Its a whirlwind over here. So much to blog about! But I will space it out a little. . . maybe another post tonight. I do promise to be better about the blogging frequency now that my life is starting to settle and take shape.

But BIG news! I have reached my fund-raising goal for the marathon! $2,503.40 is going to an amazing charity that is a very big part of my family's (in particular my sister Tessa's) life. Thank you so much to everyone. Its funny because so many people who donated said I'm an "inspiration" which, if you remember, is the most amazing and touching compliment to me. It is you folks who are inspiring for opening your wallets in such tough economic times to help out me, and more importantly, these amazing disabled athletes and generous volunteers. I can't imagine that the marathon could possibly be any more fulfilling and incredible as the fundraising.

Also, I was actually blogged about by someone else! There's an article about my fundraising/blogging escapades on the firstgiving blog and the online fundraising blog! SO COOL!!!

So again, thank you so much. I couldn't have done this without my amazing friends and family! I'll be thinking of each and everyone of you in the 4-5 hours it takes for me to kick this beast's a** on Sunday!!!

Run-ins While Running!

Today's run was quite frustrating. I'm tapering and went for — what I was thinking was an easy — 13 miler. I didn't make it. I only went 7 and negotiated with myself that I would do another 7 or 8 tomorrow. I didn't tape the arch of my left foot which almost always gets blisters after 5 miles. I thought maybe with my new shoes that were finally breaking in I'd be okay. I wasn't. So rather than letting that hot spot that was really starting to hurt turn into a ginormous blister less than two weeks from the big marathon, I stopped. Bummer but I know I can do the endurance now so its just a matter of keeping my body parts in good shape!!!

In any case, I had two GREAT surprises while I was out! First, at mile 2, I ran into my old MFA-coworker (and friend long before that) Julie! She was looking fit and great in her cute blue velvety track suit listening to tunes and going for a brisk lunchtime walk on the Esplanade. It was such a great surprise (and reason to take a 5 minute break!).

Then as I was just claiming my defeat and walking from Jamaica Pond, another super fit and cute looking gal was walking up the path past me — my old Korn-coworker Shirley! I haven't seen her in probably 9 months or so, so it was an even bigger surprise (although I was in her neighborhood after all). She was so tan and happy and rested! So it was great catching her up on all the latest and hearing what's new with her as well.

What a great day!

Swimming with Fishes

So last weekend, as part of the day of bachelorette fun, Sarah, Kim, Leah, and myself all trekked out to the quaint Walden Pond in Concord to catch some sun before heading back into the city for a night of revelry. I thought it was a perfect opportunity to practice my lake swim with the upcoming triathlon on 9/13 (which is also a lake swim because I'm definitely not ready for the ocean!).

I didn't do so well and realized that although I'm pretty confident in a pool at this point, the whole not seeing the bottom and being freaked out anytime a fish swam too close, made me panic, gasp for air, and gulp water repeatedly. Not a good forecast.

So this lovely weekend, I headed back out with my pal Christi. MUCH BETTER! I realize, that like running, its the starting out and getting my groove that is the roughest part. I swam half-way out and back (1/2 mile?). Although it took me a hefty 20 minutes, that was because I stopped frequently so I could switch strokes or even just tread water. Something I'm not too skilled at and I felt I better feel more comfortable in case I tire out. I also took multiple moments of pause and floating to just soak up the sun and enjoy the quiet of being stranded in the middle of a lake. It was incredible and I'm definitely much more confident that I can do this thing.

Such Nice Things!

So... my sisters have always said great things to me and buttered me up as well. I love them so much for their constant ego boosts when I'm feeling low. In addition to their constant loveliness, I've had some recent things said to me by other folks that have caught me off-guard and made me feel all warm and fuzzy. I think these two recent statements rank in the top 5 compliments anyone has ever given me:

1. My friend Steve has said several times starting at the NYC Half-Marathon that I was very inspiring. Now I know that that's probably specifically relating to the running/training and fundraising but being told you are inspiring in any form is such an amazing feeling. I think that's the best adjective someone can attach to another person. I think about the people in my life that inspire me... and I'm so proud to be called that.

2. Last night I was chatting with my boss from my previous job, Janet. Janet has always, in fact, also been very inspiring to me and someone I've always respected, trusted, and loved. She asked me what race I was training for now and I said I was working on my second marathon, this one in NYC. She was shocked and I replied with "I know. Would you ever think three years ago that I would have finished even one marathon!?" And she replied "Yes. I could have actually easily imagined." And then I was the shocked one, replying "But I'm so klutzy and un-athletic!" To which she answered: "Maybe so, but you've always been so determined that nothing seems to surprise me any more." It was a very clever and funny thing to say but even more so, it was the feather in my cap that I've really been needing lately both with my marathon training and with my confidence as a designer. I am actually a very determined person and have always been so... and I need to remind myself of that and channel that determination that has somehow become a bit buried lately under feelings of doubt.

Who knows... maybe my determination will inspire someone. ;)

Sorry for the blogpost of sappiness, sentimentality and tooting my own horn.

Mr. & Mrs. Sabrina & David Ott: August 16, 2008

Check out the great slideshow of the awesome wedding this weekend (link to photos here)... everyone had an amazing time and the Ott's and Gaya's throw one hell of a great party. Congratulations, Sabrina & Dave!

Gone are the Days of "Sex in the City" and My Single Lady Friends

Obviously I'm still single and have my own love life issues . . . but there are two updates to two of my favorite former roommates and coincidentally the two girls I shared my "Sex in the City" tv-show watching days. Those were the days of going to bars and flirting with dumb boys . . . of dreaming of joining Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, and Samantha at brunch . . . and of just being young and carefree and not have the stress of planning a 5-figure party.

The most recent update: Christi (aka blogorelli) became affianced this past weekend to her fabulous boyfriend (and my roomie replacement) Mark. Very romantic . . . and very sweet (read the story here on Mark's blog). Christi has long considered herself very much a single gal and was always slightly resistant to the whole settling down thing. So it is with utmost confidence that we all know this moment is not only joyous and happy but also, obviously, the real thing. I'm so happy for them!

Additionally, I'm so ridiculously giddy and thrilled to announce my upcoming role as bridesmaid in the wedding of my other former-roommate and "single girl in crime" Miss Lynn. She was shocked to find that I was so surprised! I totally cried when she asked me! She has a lot of phenomenal friends that I've met and known throughout the year, so I was totally flattered. I'm so thrilled and we're already having so much fun discussing colors, bridesmaids dresses, her gorgeous venue, and other cute details. At this rate, we may have her 9-12-09 wedding planned out and ready by Christmas!

Wow . . . 2009 is the year of the wedding for me! I'm so excited!

Montreal Temporarily Postponed

Bummer but no big deal. Silvia and my trip to Montreal is temporarily postponed... til August or September. Its probably better anyhow as the weekend we were planning to go was exactly a week before the half-marathon and between needing to run 12 miles and not needing to drink as much as I'm sure we probably would have.

But in the meantime, I'm heading over to her and Dominic's tonight for some 4th of July celebrating.

Hope you all have a great 4th as well! More posts to come this weekend (including some belated Japan posts of some of my favorite / weirdest memories!).

Polo in Newport

Well, it was Cape Cod versus Newport at the Polo Match on June 28 for Braden's birthday. I'm pretty sure if I remember correctly through all the cava, champagne, and prosecco that Newport won (sorry Kristen)... but we had such a great time that who the hell cares? This was a must re-do event! Can't wait til Braden turns 31!

Two Engagements and a Baby

No, folks... that is not the title of a new reality TV show. Rather, its a summary of my previous week (or friends' weeks, I guess... I actually haven't been QUITE that busy).

Congratulations go out to:

1. Ian and Melinda. Ian is my coworker and was born to be a daddy — I could tell the minute he told us his wife was expecting. Meet Lukas Michael (photo below), born June 22... so cute and apparently a pretty good guy so far from what I hear. I cannot wait to meet him and I'm so happy for Melinda and Ian.

2. Jen and TC. Too cute... TC proposed to Jen last week on a hike in Virginia. They've been dating for longer than I've known either of them. Which is weird because I feel like I've known them forever — that may have something to do with the fact that (1) they adopted my sister and I for Thanksgiving last year, stuffed me with turkey and Tusker beer and then went on to to humiliate my Wii ass and (2) they have seen me officially drunker and dumber than I ever want to remember (luckily I don't). No matter how long I've known (or feel like I've known) them, I couldn't be more thrilled for these two. I cannot wait to toast you two with a nice martini (but not 4!!).

3. Lynn and Matt. Ok, let my just tell you how this went down (yes, Lynn, I'm still gonna whomp on you for this)... Jen and Lynn are very good friends. I heard about Jen's engagement and was talking to Lynn about it last night on the phone. We also talked about my running progress and the Achilles Club, her recent exam that she had been studying her pants off for, life in general, the weather, our families, the Johnson's house expansion, and pretty much every other topic possible... when 10 minutes into the conversation she says nonchalantly: "so I got engaged today." Even though I knew the likelihood of her and Matt getting engaged soon was very high considering how long they've been dating and how stinking cute they are together, I totally did not believe her because (a) I thought she was joking given Jen's engagement news and (b) how the hell could she hold that in for 10 whole minutes! I know her too well to not have known she had these kinds of acting talents! Anyhow... hilarious. But I'm still going to whomp on you, Lynn. And then I will hug you and scream really really loud and jump up and down with you! I'm so happy for Lynn and Matt and know that they will have a great life together!

*sigh* I'm exhausted already from all this fun. Alright... who else has news for me?

Today Let's Celebrate 30 Years of Gorgeousness

It is my good friend Braden's 30th birthday today... and what a great friend to celebrate. I met her about a year and a half ago through Danielle at her New Year's party and I'm so thankful for it. From being a dedicated horse-rider (she goes every weekend), an awesome drinking buddy (oh the memories of 28 degrees, Excelsior, and Harvard Gardens), to a (I just learned we have this in common) huge jigsaw puzzle and sudoku fan (gotta love that dorky side to someone like her who is so gorgeous that it is unexpected). She's so hilarious, so intelligent, and a phenomenal friend.

Happy 30th Braden!

(Polo photos to come... we're going to Newport this afternoon to see a match and have a picnic in celebration)

Oooo Dang... Making Plans to Hit Off Another Life List Item This Summer

WOO HOOOO! Could I be more excited about the weekend of July 18? My fabulously awesome friend Silvia and I are making plans to go to Montreal! Neither of us have ever been... not only will I be checking off #45 of my Life List, but it will be so much fun to go on a trip with her. That girl knows how to have fun!

I cannot wait (between that and the iPhone and the NYC half-marathon and the fact that I'll hopefully have my stupid air conditioners installed by then, July's going to be a kick-ass month)!

Artichoke Hearts and Onions, Here I Come!

So today I biked (slightly hungover -- thanks, Kate!) up to the Cambridge Institute of Culinary Arts for the Knife Skills class that Danielle, Kristen, and Liz signed me up for as my birthday gift (along with the SCARIEST but AWESOMEST butcher knife ever!).

It's official: #72 on my life list — "learn to chop food like a pro" — check! (although I need practice for my speed!)

It was great... learned the different types of knives, what to look for when buying a knife, how to both hone and sharpen your knives, how to hold them, and then the fancy tricks and techniques of cutting. Let's see if I can remember everything I cut:
- oranges (we tournered them first and then cut them into little slices by cutting away the "parchment" in between and moving it to the side as we moved around the orange)
- cucumbers (sliced)
- zucchini (julienned then chopped)
- basil (rolled, then sliced)
- lettuce and radddichio (same way as basil)
- onions... (this was my fave... we halved them but kept some of the brown stemmy part on... then from the bottom of the half we sliced our way up without cutting through, then sliced perpendicular to the stem, then parallel to have nice little diced perfect onions) also with the onions, I was able to teach the other students a trick as they didn't inform us of the perfect way to cut an onion without crying... keep your mouth closed! seriously, if you don't talk and only breath through your nose... not a single tear... I've also heard that burning a candle works but I don't like the scents mixing in my kitchen. they did tell us that the safest cure if you're already tearing up though is to open the freezer and stick your face in for a few seconds. interesting...
- garlic (sliced then minced)
- parsley (bunched into ball and minced)
- peppers (sliced and diced)
- cantaloupe (again with the "tourner" and then quartered and then sliced the middle seeds out — very different then my usual technique)
- mushrooms (simply sliced)
- artichoke... we simply cut out the hearts so it was a lot of choke wasted if you're buying per pound... but it was a very intricate process for getting those clever little artichoke hearts out so I simply could not explain in words... sorry
- pineapple (tournered and quartered and sliced out middle)
- butternut squash (this one is still tough... tourner and then chopped)
- potatoes for fries (peeled and julienned)

And at the end of class, we had a lovely green salad (with the cooked artichoke hearts and oranges), butternut squash soup (amazing... we only used water too and no stock... SO easy, cheap, and less sodium!), frittata (no cheese necessary with so many awesome veggies), and french fries.

It was SOOOO much fun. Thank you girls! I owe you dinner...

Next I get to go back with the gift certificate from Christine and Alex... I think I'm going to take a sushi class which will be great because it is with the same teacher (Hong)... she was great!

Vacation 2008: Days 1 + 2 (San Francisco)

As an addendum to the post I wrote earlier, here are some photos (I can't believe I didn't take any at dinner/drinks with Danielle + Scott!).

The photos are all along my early morning run (6 miles... although as you can see, it was more of a scavenger hunt since I stopped so often to take photos!).

Vacation 2008 :: San Francisco

Well, I'm just getting ready to leave for the airport to head to Tokyo.

I've had an incredible 14 hours in San Francisco. I had a bit of hairiness with my flight to Chicago -- all flights were delayed about two hours so I tried to get on standby for the earlier flight so I wouldn't miss my SFO connection... to which they said there were only 2 vacant seats and 12 people on standby so they wouldn't even put me on the list... but I proved it pays to be persistent. I stayed near and miraculously was the second to last lucky person to hop on my flight since many people never showed up!

So I made it into San Francisco at about 8:05 to PHENOMENAL weather... hopped in a taxi to Danielle + Scott's house in Russian Hill. Arrived very timely (and HUNGRY)... to be introduced to their cute and cozy apartment (I use 'cozy' as an ambiance and decor description as their place is ANYTHING but small. its in fact very airy and spacious). So we headed down the street to a great small plates seafood place called Pesce on Polk Street. The food and 'refreshing' prosecco was all amazing and the company as well. It was so good to see them after so long and it made me sad that I didn't hang out with them more when they lived in Boston (I guess that mean more San Francisco visits, eh?). Afterwards we headed to Rex bar down the street for some Chimay.

I woke up early this morning and went for a 'run'... I did in fact run but I stopped so much for pictures that my nike ipod says my pace was 18:00 miles for the 5.5 miles I trekked. Funny...

I first went just down the street to the Marina... the sun cast a gorgeous glow on everything even making Alcatrez look picturesque. Went along the bay towards the Golden Gate Bridge and then back-tracked past Ghiradelli square and down the Embarcadero with the sound of the barking sea lions on Pier 39. Kept going until I found the notorious Filbert Steps (which I had never experienced when I lived here in 2000)... my thighs were burning but the views were worth every second of it... as were the unique and brilliant flowers everywhere. Finally made it to the top to Coit tower for more panoramic views...

Then I headed back to Danielle and Scott's house stopping first for some cute white tulips for them and a phenomenal (and well-deserved, I might add) iced coffee and almond croissant from the most adorable French bakery around the corner from them.

Can't wait to show you the photos...what a great morning! I'm trying to edit my sure-to-be massive album already but there are too many great scenes to capture.

Off to Tokyo!!! Syanora!!!

More Photos from my Birthday Dinner

Jen sent a lovely collection of photos... where the heck is she in all of them though?!?

The Big Birthday ... Continued

The 30th birthday is officially over, I've caught up on sleep, although I'm still waiting for someone to reveal that I am not actually an adult but a teenager in disguise (a la that dumb movie "13 Going on 30").

Last Friday, we went to the Beehive. It was a great time and I had many "Angels" -- a framboise and champagne cocktail. I did not, however, have any food. Apparently, turning 30 does not make one figure those kinds of basics out. Still had a blast, despite Raj getting kicked out for (1) being Canadian and (2) having a disgusting attitude. (Number 2 so not being true ever of Raj). Thanks to all who turned out. And my apologies for being drunk and silly.

Saturday night, the festivities continued. My sister Tessa and friends Jen + Lynn came up from NYC. We went to Stella with Liz, Kristen, Laura, Umar, Pierre, + Danielle for a fabulous dinner (mmmmm), fabulous conversations, fabulous friends, and fabulous gifts (books, a planter, jewelry, beauty products, ANOTHER cooking class and to go with it an AMAZING cleaver! I didn't even know I wanted a cleaver but I was tickled pink over it! Geniuses. My friends and all their amazing gifts (although unnecessary) are all geniuses and know me SO well!). I'm so grateful

The night continued upstairs at my apartment for a pajamie-jammie-jam. Candy, karaoke, movies, champagne, MATCHING PAJAMAS (how did I not get that photo!?), chocolate fondue. It was awesome... and, um, HELLO!?! Life List #109: Throw an old-school all-girls pajama party sleepover... CHECK!

Great birthday! Definitely better than when I rang in my last decade (nothing bad happened - I think it was just uneventful).

Thanks to everyone! Images to come in that sidebar soon!

Do you Know Whose Birthday it is Today???

Barbara Streisands, actually. And Kelly Clarkson too.

Its been a great start to my thirysomethings -- flowers from Jessica, lots of email/phone birthday wishes, and last night something I've never had in my twenties, teens, or as a child -- A SURPRISE PARTY!!!

I really was totally fooled and totally surprised! It was so exciting! All from work and their significant others were there... along with my good friends Silvia, Christi, Jeff, and Sarah. We had pizza, cheese, chips and salsa, and, of course, CARROT CAKE! Oh, and lots of champagne (man, do they know me well).

I received some amazing gifts as well -- I'm officially spoiled! Thank you so much everyone! (if you couldn't make it, check out my slideshow on the sidebar in the right).

I love my thirties!