Why, yes.
I did take a favorite sweet treat and gave it a little Filipino lovin'.
Just added a teaspoon of ube extract to the melted butter and marshmallows, and voila! Instand Filipino-ness!
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
A Whole Lotta Camping for This City Girl
Dating a Nature Boy has its perks.
We definitely fuel each others sense of adventure. While I like being in nature, especially the ocean, there's still the bit of uncertainty about being in the middle of the woods.
My family is not a camping family. Whenever we went to other places, we would always stay at a hotel. Perhaps it was coming from a different culture where having a bed was more of a luxury. My mom would even question why I would want to sleep over a friend's house. "You have your own bed already. Why would you want to sleep in a different bed?" she would question. It was a similar line of questioning when it came to camping - "You have your own bed already. Why would you want to sleep outside?"
When they finally allowed me to go on a camping trip with a mentoring program in middle school, I realized I was definitely afraid of the unknowns in the dark of nature. I felt safer when we were carrying large, bright flashlights. I had to walk in the middle of the group - because if something or someone attacked from the front we would be able to see it and run away, and if something or someone attacked from the back then people in the group might not realize it right away. Being in the middle was the safer option for me.
With the Annual All Night Costume Dance Party in Vermont, I've been more comfortable with camping, mainly because it's not at all far from the rest of civilization. Though I had invited Nature Boy last year, I didn't really pursue it because at the time we were both dating other people. But this year he received the official invitation - Facebook invite and all.
This year, the theme of the All Night Costume Dance Party was the Apocalypse/End of the World. I decided to go for a silly costume, as though I was ready for the impending flood. Nature Boy went as, well, a Nature Boy, complete with fur loincloth.
He grew up with a camping family. They would often go on trips that involved setting up tents and pop-ups and things like that. So, I made sure to rely on him for his tent construction skills as well as making sure we had the right kind of gear. But his experience also made him aware enough to invest in better camping gear - like an inflatable mattress and a larger tent.
Dating a Nature Boy also means possibly going on more than one camping trip.
His brother and brother's friends were going on their annual camping trip together and invited us. This time, we were in Saco, Maine at a KOA site. Nature Boy and I couldn't figure out what KOA actually stood for, so we made up things like "Karaoke Outlawed Area" and "Kangaroos of America." But apparently, it's as simple as "Kampgrounds of America."
These campgrounds are pretty awesome, actually. I had never been in such a luxe campground, with all the amenities like clean showers and toilets. It was also nice to have access to a power source so that we could have lights, fancy meals, and charging stations for our phones. But it was also nice to get back to basics around the campfire.
We were there for Labor Day weekend, so 3 nights of camping. Three whole nights of camping. At this point, 2 was my max. But, in such a cushy situation at the KOA, it wasn't to difficult to feel comfortable. We had a tent that was large enough for us both to stand in and fit a queen-size inflatable mattress, and it even felt like we had a little entryway area. I basically had nothing but mosquitoes to complain about.
So, for a City Girl like me, nature is much more manageable with a Nature Boy around.
We definitely fuel each others sense of adventure. While I like being in nature, especially the ocean, there's still the bit of uncertainty about being in the middle of the woods.
My family is not a camping family. Whenever we went to other places, we would always stay at a hotel. Perhaps it was coming from a different culture where having a bed was more of a luxury. My mom would even question why I would want to sleep over a friend's house. "You have your own bed already. Why would you want to sleep in a different bed?" she would question. It was a similar line of questioning when it came to camping - "You have your own bed already. Why would you want to sleep outside?"
When they finally allowed me to go on a camping trip with a mentoring program in middle school, I realized I was definitely afraid of the unknowns in the dark of nature. I felt safer when we were carrying large, bright flashlights. I had to walk in the middle of the group - because if something or someone attacked from the front we would be able to see it and run away, and if something or someone attacked from the back then people in the group might not realize it right away. Being in the middle was the safer option for me.
With the Annual All Night Costume Dance Party in Vermont, I've been more comfortable with camping, mainly because it's not at all far from the rest of civilization. Though I had invited Nature Boy last year, I didn't really pursue it because at the time we were both dating other people. But this year he received the official invitation - Facebook invite and all.
 |
| campfire cuddling |
 |
| ready for the end of the world |
 |
| another dresser on fire... destructive beauty |
His brother and brother's friends were going on their annual camping trip together and invited us. This time, we were in Saco, Maine at a KOA site. Nature Boy and I couldn't figure out what KOA actually stood for, so we made up things like "Karaoke Outlawed Area" and "Kangaroos of America." But apparently, it's as simple as "Kampgrounds of America."
These campgrounds are pretty awesome, actually. I had never been in such a luxe campground, with all the amenities like clean showers and toilets. It was also nice to have access to a power source so that we could have lights, fancy meals, and charging stations for our phones. But it was also nice to get back to basics around the campfire.
 |
| embers |
So, for a City Girl like me, nature is much more manageable with a Nature Boy around.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Toesies of the Month - September 2012
Generally, I didn't think animals are really allowed in a nail salon. But I suppose some places will make exceptions depending on the circumstances.
I was getting my pedicure in the South End of Boston, where there is somewhat of a more classy and sophisticated feel to parts of the neighborhood. This one girl walks in with her little shih tzu, and I couldn't help but take a picture of it.
It was fairly well-behaved, and it was somewhat of a cooler day. I'm not a big fan of seeing dogs tied up to a tree or a post, mainly because I question why they took the dog with them in the first place if they're not going to spend time with them. So, this was a pleasant time at the nail salon.
The color itself was more of a goldish-greenish in the bottle. But on my toes, it looks more gold unless I flex my toes a certain way.
The word "gilded" floats through my head when I look at my toes. At the very least, it reflects the tanning I've done this summer.
I was getting my pedicure in the South End of Boston, where there is somewhat of a more classy and sophisticated feel to parts of the neighborhood. This one girl walks in with her little shih tzu, and I couldn't help but take a picture of it.
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| Puppy Pedi |
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| Designed by Kim at City Nails and Spa, South End, Boston Color: OPI - Just Spotted a Lizard Occasion: Changing seasons September 2012 |
The word "gilded" floats through my head when I look at my toes. At the very least, it reflects the tanning I've done this summer.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Water Water Everywhere - Beach Adventures 2012
At the start of 2012, I set the goal of visiting the ocean more than I did in 2011. I am certainly proud to say that I have definitely accomplished that before the summer had ended.
Starting with going to Crane Beach even before Memorial Day Weekend, I went to the beach almost every single week this past summer. There were even times when I went several times in a week! The weeks when I wasn't able to make it to the beach, I was in some other form of water, like a pool or waterfalls. Suffice it to say, I'm pretty tan as of right now.
Crane Beach
A little more than a month after the first beach day, I rejoined those same girl friends back at Crane Beach, and I ended up going to Crane Beach 2 more times with the summer camp. Crane is really great beach, with or without kids. Other than the long stretch of beach, there's a lot of parking (albeit expensive parking), decent changing and bathroom space, a kiosk with food and cold refreshments, and an outdoor shower/cleaning area.
Revere Beach and Nahant Beach and All Points Inbetween
There was also quite a bit of time spent in the Revere and Lynn this summer. On Memorial Day weekend, a date took me to a beach somewhere between Revere and Lynn (maybe somewhere in Winthrop?), after a night of dancing at a drag queen bar. Even though there were so many mosquitoes attacking me, it was a beautiful night, and watching the planes land and take off is really quite a romantic idea.
Later in July, I took my group of kids to Revere Beach for the Annual Sand Castle Competition. I hadn't been there for quite a long time, so I didn't anticipate that there were going to be so many people and other camps present that day. But the kids seemed to enjoy the free samples being handed out, and the sand art was quite impressive.
About a week later, I ended up back at Revere Beach, and once again at night time. Originally, some of my coworkers and I were just going to hang, but when someone joked about going into the water only 2 of us were actually quite serious.
Remember last year when my girl friends and I celebrated one of their 40th birthdays by running topless into Revere Beach at midnight? Well, I got to reprise this action with a couple of changes. My guy and I both went in with just our undies, as I didn't want to go completely topless around my coworkers. It was really fun, actually. There were so many stars, and the water was relatively calm. I wouldn't hesitate to go in topless next time, as there will obviously be a next time.
On July 1st, a friend invited me to join him and some other friends at Nahant Beach. Though we got there later in the afternoon, it was still a pleasant day filled with riding around in my friend's Porsche during the day and a bit of hot tub action later in the evening.
In mid-July, I was once again at Nahant with friends. This time, it was much more sunny, though the water was still a bit colder than I would have liked.
Nantasket Beach
Early in July, we went to Nantasket Beach with the summer camp. Nantasket is located right at Hull, south of Boston. It's not too far a drive, actually. There's an arcade and playground area for the kiddos, and there's also food kiosks along the boardwalk. My only issue is that there isn't much beach between the wall that protects the boardwalk and the actual water.
But the water is shallow for a longer stretch, which allows the kids to think that we're going out much further than we actually are.
Good Harbor Beach
In the beginning of August, my guy and I decided to explore a new beach that neither of us had been to. He had heard about Good Harbor Beach, located in Gloucester, and that it was a good one for families. So one night after work, we drove up to the North Shore and discovered an amazing beach. Two weeks later, we took the camp there.
There's a couple of showers, and a small bathroom area. There's also a food kiosk with some pretty decent items, like a bacon cheese burger. There isn't a lot of space to sit and eat by the kiosk, so we struggled with that when we took the camp. But there's plenty of parking.
The waves are amazing! I mean, real actual waves. At all the other beaches, the kids would get all loud and scream when an ebb of the ocean would come at them. But these are waves at Good Harbor. Like, knock-you-off-your-balance-type waves. The kids had a blast.
My guy and I also had a great time here. I don't think I've ever been at a beach on the East Coast when it's been around sunset and dusk. I'm personally a fan of sunsets over the Pacific Ocean, but clearly I'm biased. But the way the clouds looked and just being out in the water together, well, it was perhaps one of the most romantic things I've done. You wanna sweep me off my feet? Well, well-timed sunsets and oceans are a good way to do it.
Horseneck Beach
With the end of the summer camp nearing, my guy and I decide it's time for another beach trip just for the two of us. On a related side note, it's pretty awesome that he's so into playing in the ocean. He's really much more into nature than I am, having not grown up going on camping trips with my family. He's also more willing to go into frigid water than I ever will be. Regardless, it's been kind of an epic summer because of our ocean adventures.
Horseneck Beach is located on the Cape of Massachusetts. It might as well be in Rhode Island, as it's at the bottom part of the state. The beach houses are all eco-friendly, with no-flush toilets and automatic sensor faucets and paper towel machines. There's a shower to rinse off the sand right outside the bathrooms, and an outdoor changing station. The best amenity, really is that parking was only $7!! On a weekend!!! Most of the North Shore beaches request about $25 just to park, which is ridiculous to me. So $7 to park at a gorgeous beach makes the longer drive worth it.
Oh, and the waves were awesome!
Old Orchard Beach
On Labor Day weekend, we went with his brother and friends up to Saco, Maine, for a weekend of glamping - that's glam-camping - at a KOA. Basically, I was still in a tent, but there were restrooms and showers and a laundry room and electricity hook-ups. There were also little extras, like a swimming pool, a playground, and bikes and trikes you could rent by the hour. There are even cabins folks can stay in for the non-campers.
I had never been to Old Orchard Beach until then, but it reminded me a lot of Santa Cruz. There's a trolly that picked us up from the campground and dropped us off right in the center of it all. Old Orchard Beach has a small amusement park, with a couple of rides, games, and arcades. There was also some fairly decent food choices at the boardwalk as well.
Now, the beach itself was nice. It was packed, naturally, on this holiday weekend. I noticed quite a number of folks speaking French, and I'm assuming they came down from Canada.
But holy-mother was the water FREEZING!!! I mean, even the wet sand started to make the bottoms of my feet go numb! But, being that my guy was going to go into the water, I was at least going to be brave enough to submerge myself in the water several times.
And then there were the dead bugs I'm assuming they were little gnats of some sort. As we were walking towards the water, I noticed rows of little things in the sand. I was pretty sure they were bugs, but that's always my assumption. "No way! They're just plant matter!" he said. But when we got in the water, I was even more certain they were bugs, and he couldn't deny it any more.
So, the water was freezing and filled with dead bugs. I looked around and realized that I was the only person of color actually submerging myself into the water. There was one man who was only in the water up to his ankles. I joked saying that I was starting to really dislike white people at that moment, but it felt kind of real as my body went numb.
Venice Beach and Santa Monica Beach
That's right. I got to go to some West Coast beaches as well. After the freezing waters of Maine, it was a wonderful change to be back in California.
Naturally, I wanted to bring my guy to the beaches, even though he's been there, just to provide a comparison.
The waves were the waves that I so loved playing in. He seemed to enjoy himself in the water as well. So much so that even though we were only really in town for 48 hours, we got to go to the beach twice.
For the most part, my friends and I had explored Venice Beach. It had been quite some time since I had stepped foot on Santa Monica Pier. But when we went to meet up with one of his friends from college, we met at what basically was a playground for adults. There were rings, balance beams, ropes, and tension ropes.
Truth be told, everyone was so fit and athletic that it made me extremely self-conscious of my own body. I knew there was no way I was swinging on the rings like a monkey. But I decided to give the tension ropes a try.
16 Beach Trips Total...
...as of today. With fall in the air, I'm sadly putting away my bathing suits. But, who's to say that there won't be a randomly hot day that calls for the beach?
I'm still quite satisfied with all the trips to the water I was able to make this year. It made for a truly epic and unforgettable summer.
Starting with going to Crane Beach even before Memorial Day Weekend, I went to the beach almost every single week this past summer. There were even times when I went several times in a week! The weeks when I wasn't able to make it to the beach, I was in some other form of water, like a pool or waterfalls. Suffice it to say, I'm pretty tan as of right now.
Crane Beach
A little more than a month after the first beach day, I rejoined those same girl friends back at Crane Beach, and I ended up going to Crane Beach 2 more times with the summer camp. Crane is really great beach, with or without kids. Other than the long stretch of beach, there's a lot of parking (albeit expensive parking), decent changing and bathroom space, a kiosk with food and cold refreshments, and an outdoor shower/cleaning area.
 |
| beautiful sunny day at Crane Beach |
There was also quite a bit of time spent in the Revere and Lynn this summer. On Memorial Day weekend, a date took me to a beach somewhere between Revere and Lynn (maybe somewhere in Winthrop?), after a night of dancing at a drag queen bar. Even though there were so many mosquitoes attacking me, it was a beautiful night, and watching the planes land and take off is really quite a romantic idea.
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| Logan Airport in the middle of the night |
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| even the artist was impressing himself enough to take a picture... |
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| how do they do it??? |
Remember last year when my girl friends and I celebrated one of their 40th birthdays by running topless into Revere Beach at midnight? Well, I got to reprise this action with a couple of changes. My guy and I both went in with just our undies, as I didn't want to go completely topless around my coworkers. It was really fun, actually. There were so many stars, and the water was relatively calm. I wouldn't hesitate to go in topless next time, as there will obviously be a next time.
On July 1st, a friend invited me to join him and some other friends at Nahant Beach. Though we got there later in the afternoon, it was still a pleasant day filled with riding around in my friend's Porsche during the day and a bit of hot tub action later in the evening.
 |
| a little topless action in a Porsche |
 |
| trying to touch the sun |
Early in July, we went to Nantasket Beach with the summer camp. Nantasket is located right at Hull, south of Boston. It's not too far a drive, actually. There's an arcade and playground area for the kiddos, and there's also food kiosks along the boardwalk. My only issue is that there isn't much beach between the wall that protects the boardwalk and the actual water.
But the water is shallow for a longer stretch, which allows the kids to think that we're going out much further than we actually are.
Good Harbor Beach
In the beginning of August, my guy and I decided to explore a new beach that neither of us had been to. He had heard about Good Harbor Beach, located in Gloucester, and that it was a good one for families. So one night after work, we drove up to the North Shore and discovered an amazing beach. Two weeks later, we took the camp there.
There's a couple of showers, and a small bathroom area. There's also a food kiosk with some pretty decent items, like a bacon cheese burger. There isn't a lot of space to sit and eat by the kiosk, so we struggled with that when we took the camp. But there's plenty of parking.
The waves are amazing! I mean, real actual waves. At all the other beaches, the kids would get all loud and scream when an ebb of the ocean would come at them. But these are waves at Good Harbor. Like, knock-you-off-your-balance-type waves. The kids had a blast.
 |
| mermaid in the waves |
Horseneck Beach
With the end of the summer camp nearing, my guy and I decide it's time for another beach trip just for the two of us. On a related side note, it's pretty awesome that he's so into playing in the ocean. He's really much more into nature than I am, having not grown up going on camping trips with my family. He's also more willing to go into frigid water than I ever will be. Regardless, it's been kind of an epic summer because of our ocean adventures.
 |
| mermaid and merman |
 |
| clear blue-green waters |
 |
| Wheeee! |
On Labor Day weekend, we went with his brother and friends up to Saco, Maine, for a weekend of glamping - that's glam-camping - at a KOA. Basically, I was still in a tent, but there were restrooms and showers and a laundry room and electricity hook-ups. There were also little extras, like a swimming pool, a playground, and bikes and trikes you could rent by the hour. There are even cabins folks can stay in for the non-campers.
I had never been to Old Orchard Beach until then, but it reminded me a lot of Santa Cruz. There's a trolly that picked us up from the campground and dropped us off right in the center of it all. Old Orchard Beach has a small amusement park, with a couple of rides, games, and arcades. There was also some fairly decent food choices at the boardwalk as well.
Now, the beach itself was nice. It was packed, naturally, on this holiday weekend. I noticed quite a number of folks speaking French, and I'm assuming they came down from Canada.
But holy-mother was the water FREEZING!!! I mean, even the wet sand started to make the bottoms of my feet go numb! But, being that my guy was going to go into the water, I was at least going to be brave enough to submerge myself in the water several times.
And then there were the dead bugs I'm assuming they were little gnats of some sort. As we were walking towards the water, I noticed rows of little things in the sand. I was pretty sure they were bugs, but that's always my assumption. "No way! They're just plant matter!" he said. But when we got in the water, I was even more certain they were bugs, and he couldn't deny it any more.
So, the water was freezing and filled with dead bugs. I looked around and realized that I was the only person of color actually submerging myself into the water. There was one man who was only in the water up to his ankles. I joked saying that I was starting to really dislike white people at that moment, but it felt kind of real as my body went numb.
Venice Beach and Santa Monica Beach
That's right. I got to go to some West Coast beaches as well. After the freezing waters of Maine, it was a wonderful change to be back in California.
Naturally, I wanted to bring my guy to the beaches, even though he's been there, just to provide a comparison.
The waves were the waves that I so loved playing in. He seemed to enjoy himself in the water as well. So much so that even though we were only really in town for 48 hours, we got to go to the beach twice.
For the most part, my friends and I had explored Venice Beach. It had been quite some time since I had stepped foot on Santa Monica Pier. But when we went to meet up with one of his friends from college, we met at what basically was a playground for adults. There were rings, balance beams, ropes, and tension ropes.
Truth be told, everyone was so fit and athletic that it made me extremely self-conscious of my own body. I knew there was no way I was swinging on the rings like a monkey. But I decided to give the tension ropes a try.
 |
| quite difficult...but fun to try! |
...as of today. With fall in the air, I'm sadly putting away my bathing suits. But, who's to say that there won't be a randomly hot day that calls for the beach?
I'm still quite satisfied with all the trips to the water I was able to make this year. It made for a truly epic and unforgettable summer.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Get-Away in the Berkshires
Before the summer officially started, my friends, coworkers, and I had been saying that we could almost sense how amazing this summer was going to be. We could just sense that it was going to be filled with adventure and good times.
This summer was perhaps the first summer in a long time that actually felt like summer vacation. I mean, I was working full-time and definitely keeping busy. But, it truly has been an amazing summer.
Having a little summer romance just seemed to highlight all the great parts.
Some close friends sent out an invitation a to hang at their house in the Berkshires of Eastern Massachusetts, which I forwarded to my close work friends. But in the end, I ended up just bringing my summer romance.
The last time I was at this house, it had been in the dead of winter. I believe others went skiing, but I chose to chill at the house. Being that this was the weekend after the 4th of July, this was the first time I was able to explore the grounds and greenery around the house.
Apparently, there's an amazing little pond right behind the house called Hallockville Pond. The house itself was located in the Hawley State Forest, so it was quite idyllic. There were several tents along the pond's shore and a camp site on the opposite side from the house.
We ended up taking advantage of a rowboat that sat at the shore of the pond. I'd have to say that I had never felt like I was really living a scene from Disney's "The Little Mermaid" until this man started rowing me around the pond.
I was literally waiting for a little crustacean to appear and start singing. It was honestly hard not to completely geek out at that moment! But, unlike the movie, we actually chatted a bit as we rowed around. At some point, he asked me if I wanted to try rowing for a little. I was a little nervous that I was just going to have us spinning in a circle, but I think I did I pretty decent job and managed to row us around for a bit before going back to the house.
In the afternoon, the group of us went to a more swimmable pond. The Plainfield Pond was a little more than a mile away, but there was a little bit of beach attached to it. There were several families taking in the sun that day, including a family of ducks which would sometimes get close to the humans with food items.
The pond itself was fun to swim in, but we would continuously feel plants and other unknown algae-feeling things at our feet. After a while, it just started to creep me out a bit and I needed to get out of the water.
Later that night, after the delicious feast of bbq and veggies from the garden, we decided a bonfire with Smores was needed. It was nice to have a little fire pit a bit away from the house, enough that we could see stars.
Honestly, it was an amazing weekend. It felt nice to be away from all the business and noise that's part of a city, especially knowing that the summer camp was starting that following Monday.
On Sunday, we got to spend a bit of time in the sunshine before driving back to Boston. Hopefully, next time we go out there, we can explore some of the other attractions in the area like zip lining or hiking. Either way, this city girl is learning to enjoy these country get-aways.
This summer was perhaps the first summer in a long time that actually felt like summer vacation. I mean, I was working full-time and definitely keeping busy. But, it truly has been an amazing summer.
Having a little summer romance just seemed to highlight all the great parts.
Some close friends sent out an invitation a to hang at their house in the Berkshires of Eastern Massachusetts, which I forwarded to my close work friends. But in the end, I ended up just bringing my summer romance.
The last time I was at this house, it had been in the dead of winter. I believe others went skiing, but I chose to chill at the house. Being that this was the weekend after the 4th of July, this was the first time I was able to explore the grounds and greenery around the house.
Apparently, there's an amazing little pond right behind the house called Hallockville Pond. The house itself was located in the Hawley State Forest, so it was quite idyllic. There were several tents along the pond's shore and a camp site on the opposite side from the house.
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| campsites at Hallockville Pond |
 |
| "percussion...strings...winds...words..." |
 |
| "there you see her, siting there across the way..." |
 |
| duckies! |
Later that night, after the delicious feast of bbq and veggies from the garden, we decided a bonfire with Smores was needed. It was nice to have a little fire pit a bit away from the house, enough that we could see stars.
 |
| apparently, Smores are called "Pogos" or something in Canada... ??? |
On Sunday, we got to spend a bit of time in the sunshine before driving back to Boston. Hopefully, next time we go out there, we can explore some of the other attractions in the area like zip lining or hiking. Either way, this city girl is learning to enjoy these country get-aways.
 |
| gorgeous weekend |
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Toesies of the Month - August 2012
It certainly has been a while since I've had time to sit and blog.
But here I am, near the end of this most amazing summer, to share my latest pedicure experience.
Well, let me catch you up a bit before I get to the toes.
I'm once again in a relationship. Truth be told, he caught my eye when I first met him, but we were both in circumstances that wouldn't have allowed for anything to happen. But I've learned more about myself in the experience of getting to know him better.
It's been a busy summer as I've still been at the summer camp. There's been lots of beach trips, laughs and frustrations, and a lot of sunshine. I really have a lot of adventures to blog about. Just looking back at my calendar makes me have flashbacks to all the things that have happened in the past 2 months.
But let's get back to the pedicure experience.
I don't know how, but I managed to convince a boy to get a pedicure. It's kind of amazing, really. I told him it was my treat to myself, and that the spa chairs help to make it a good experience. He had been complaining about foot pain, so I figured it would be a good way for him to start taking better care of it.
The nail techs were thoroughly enjoying the fact that a man was getting a pedicure. They kept asking if he wanted to pick a color, and he continued to politely decline. The infomercials on tv were the most ridiculous, one of them being about a bra.
I could tell he was so absolutely uncomfortable. But he was a trooper. He stuck it out with me til my toesies were ready to hit the road.
Speaking of which...
You can't really tell, but there are specks of gold in the aqua. It's gorgeous, and it matches what this summer has been all about.
I promise to blog more about my fabulous summer soon.
But here I am, near the end of this most amazing summer, to share my latest pedicure experience.
Well, let me catch you up a bit before I get to the toes.
I'm once again in a relationship. Truth be told, he caught my eye when I first met him, but we were both in circumstances that wouldn't have allowed for anything to happen. But I've learned more about myself in the experience of getting to know him better.
It's been a busy summer as I've still been at the summer camp. There's been lots of beach trips, laughs and frustrations, and a lot of sunshine. I really have a lot of adventures to blog about. Just looking back at my calendar makes me have flashbacks to all the things that have happened in the past 2 months.
But let's get back to the pedicure experience.
I don't know how, but I managed to convince a boy to get a pedicure. It's kind of amazing, really. I told him it was my treat to myself, and that the spa chairs help to make it a good experience. He had been complaining about foot pain, so I figured it would be a good way for him to start taking better care of it.
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| man-pedi...NOT mani-pedi... |
I could tell he was so absolutely uncomfortable. But he was a trooper. He stuck it out with me til my toesies were ready to hit the road.
Speaking of which...
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| Designed by Betsy at Nails 2000, Jamaica Plain, MA Color: OPI - My Fave Wave Occasion: Summer Lovin August 2012 |
I promise to blog more about my fabulous summer soon.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Tosies of the Month - June 2012
Wow...well, I really thought I had posted this...
But, obviously, I had not. Here it is!
******************
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| Designed by Nail Technician Unknown at Soleil Tan & Spa, Jamaica Plain, MA Colors: Sephora by OPI - Mermaid to Order and Essie - Shine of the Times Occasion: Warmer weather June 2012 |
Thursday, June 28, 2012
New Generation of Mermaids
I assumed that most of the little kids and girls would enjoy watching it. But I didn't even think that many of them hadn't ever seen the movie.
I told them that I would most likely be reciting lines from the movie, and that I would even do a bit of a song and dance routine.
As "Part of Your World" came on, I ran to the stage, and proceeded to sing and mimic the moves from the movie. Obviously, I was trying to be really corny for the kids, but it was also just plain fun. I got a bit of applause from the kids as I took my bow when the song ended.
Then, when "Under the Sea" started playing, a coworker joined me on stage for a little bit of a dance routine. It was really quite fun and silly. The kids even put on the spotlight for us.
I'm sure the kids assumed that we'd continue to sing songs, but those were really all we had energy for. I actually got a bit of a burn on my knee when I was getting all dramatic during "Part of Your World"!!!
It still stings...but it was so worth it.
At the end of the movie, when the kids were filing out of the auditorium, one of the youngest kids came up to me. She said, "Cecilia, I never saw The Little Mermaid before, but I love it!!!"
It was perhaps the most heartwarming and best thing a little kid has said to me in a while. Some of the kids in my group thoroughly enjoyed the movie, also saying that it was the first time they saw it.
I'm hoping that I hooked some of the kids the way I got hooked when I first saw the movie. I'm hoping that I'm creating a couple of new mermaid fans for the next generation.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Dance Walking - I'm Hooked!
With all the flash mobs that have popped up all over the place, it's a wonder how any one is able to stay so serious. For the most part, they seem to be about having fun or spreading some sort of message.
Back in April, I participated in International Pillow Fight Day, and I was really eager to participate in more random fun activities. So, naturally, when I heard about Dance Walking, I had to get involved!
Basically, dance walking involves going down the street, grooving to whatever happens to be playing into your headphones. No one else can hear what you hear, but when you feel the beat you just have to move.
I had been trying to recruit friends to join me, but to no avail. It honestly made me a little sad to go by myself, especially since I wanted to share something fun with other people. I almost didn't go just because I didn't want to feel lonely.
I would have felt like an idiot if I stayed home just because I had to do something by myself.
It was SO worth it!
I made sure to prep my usual workout music with more dance tunes, and I was happy to see a lot of other eager and excited faces. I found the group along the Commonwealth Avenue parks, and we traveled through the Public Garden and Boston Common to finish in front of the fountain near the Park St. T Station.
Back in April, I participated in International Pillow Fight Day, and I was really eager to participate in more random fun activities. So, naturally, when I heard about Dance Walking, I had to get involved!
Basically, dance walking involves going down the street, grooving to whatever happens to be playing into your headphones. No one else can hear what you hear, but when you feel the beat you just have to move.
I had been trying to recruit friends to join me, but to no avail. It honestly made me a little sad to go by myself, especially since I wanted to share something fun with other people. I almost didn't go just because I didn't want to feel lonely.
I would have felt like an idiot if I stayed home just because I had to do something by myself.
It was SO worth it!
I made sure to prep my usual workout music with more dance tunes, and I was happy to see a lot of other eager and excited faces. I found the group along the Commonwealth Avenue parks, and we traveled through the Public Garden and Boston Common to finish in front of the fountain near the Park St. T Station.
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| dance walking through the Public Garden... |
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| getting our grooves on... |
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| safety dance! |
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| I think I was changing my music... |
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| someone busted out a bit of the robot... |
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| collective groove... |
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| jazz hands! |
It was really way more fun than I could have anticipated. We were all hoping that more dance party sessions would happen throughout the summer. I remember thinking at one point how much I just love random spontaneous dance parties, so this felt like a natural thing for me. When it was all over, I almost couldn't stop myself from continuing to groove down the street and during the T ride home.
I'm pretty sure I'm going to attempt to make my kids at the summer camp do a bit of dance walking as a daily activity. Who says it all has to be serious when you grow up?
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Interesting Offers on the First Beach Weekend of 2012
It had been too warm of a winter. And now it's been somewhat of a cloudy summer. Still relatively warm, don't get me wrong. But still not the consistently sunny-with-a-couple-of-pretty-clouds-in-the-sky kind of summer I would hope for.
Actually, let me take that back. It's not even officially summer.
But, on the days when it has been beautiful, I am certain to be spending it outside in some fashion.
A couple of weeks ago, we had quite a bit of rainy days followed by a beautiful weekend. Two of my girl friends and I made our way to Crane Beach, one of the North Shore beaches here in Massachusetts.
On a complete sidebar, do you remember that so-horrible-I-can't-stop-watching-it afternoon soap opera, "Passions"? It was the only soap I watched ever. It was so bad. So cheesy. I loved it! But, if you remember, the wealthy family lived in "Harmony, New England," and their last name was Crane! Well, Crane Beach is part of the Crane Estate, and though it's now a public area (but there's still fees for everything), I can't help but think back to Passions.
Anywhos, back to my story.
So, here we are, lounging on this gorgeous beach. The sand is warm, the water is (relatively) warm. It's beautiful.
I notice this one large man carrying a large gallon of water. I thought about how strange it was since it wasn't that hot. Then I realize that he spots the 3 of us on our towels, and he proceeds to park himself on a nearby spot. I roll my eyes internally.
Within about 5 minutes, he proceeds to start doing pushups, superman's, snow angels, and crunches. Then he goes for a jog and returns to chug from his gallon jug.
At some point, one of my friends heads to the water. Immediately, the man, let's call him Gallon Man, stands up and slowly follows behind her. My other friend and I are watching intently to see what will come of this situation.
Eventually, he seems to say something to her, as we see her turn towards him. They separate ways. Oh, man! I couldn't wait to see what she had to say!
We get up and walk towards her, ready to hear what he had said to her. Apparently, he said, "Compliments on the view."
Wooooow. Ballsy.
When we all head back to our towels, Gallon Man is back at his. He overhears our conversation and proceeds to chime in. I believe it had something to do with Norway and the Baltic area. He shared that he had been to that area, also stating that he had been to "Swedish." Oops.
After sharing a bit about his experience, he then proceeds to get up and approach us three, asking how we knew each other. When we explained that we knew each other through Middle Eastern dance, he then explained he knew we were dancers. We walked so "gracefully," and the way our bodies moved definitely meant we were dancers.
It hasn't even gotten to the good part, y'all.
He then tells us we're all "Goddesses." He would love the chance to "worship" us. If he put all of our bodies together we would be some sort of supreme goddess. He said something about my strong legs, my friend's butt, and my other friend's lower back.
Believe me, I was face down in my towel trying not to laugh in his face.
He continued to ask if he could "worship" us, and I had to speak up and ask him to clarify. He said he would just love to give each one of us a quick kiss on those parts of our body he decided were worship-worthy. He even said, in a somewhat begging voice, that he would do upside down push ups for a chance to worship us.
What the heck are upside down push ups? I honestly feel like he would have to be on his back or something. But my friends said he was talking about being in a handstand position, then doing the push-up movement.
Ridiculous. Just ridiculous.
After laughing a bit about him, and learning that he was some Buddhist martial arts instructor, we settle back into our respective towels.
Eventually, he got up to leave and began to virtually beg us to let him "worship" us. We end up convincing one of my friends to let him kiss her lower back. It was kind of hilarious, really. She said it felt really "chaste," as though if was one of us giving the other a quick peck.
He then grabbed all his belongings and went along his merry way. We couldn't believe any of that actually happened. I wondered out loud if he was going down the beach to try it on some other schmucks, or perhaps it was a dare, or perhaps he was actually genuine.
Still. This is the most ridiculous thing to happen to me on a beach in recent memory.
If this is any indication of how the rest of the summer is going to be, I can't even express to you how excited I am!
Actually, let me take that back. It's not even officially summer.
But, on the days when it has been beautiful, I am certain to be spending it outside in some fashion.
A couple of weeks ago, we had quite a bit of rainy days followed by a beautiful weekend. Two of my girl friends and I made our way to Crane Beach, one of the North Shore beaches here in Massachusetts.
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| beach supplies |
Anywhos, back to my story.
So, here we are, lounging on this gorgeous beach. The sand is warm, the water is (relatively) warm. It's beautiful.
 |
| sparkly sand |
Within about 5 minutes, he proceeds to start doing pushups, superman's, snow angels, and crunches. Then he goes for a jog and returns to chug from his gallon jug.
At some point, one of my friends heads to the water. Immediately, the man, let's call him Gallon Man, stands up and slowly follows behind her. My other friend and I are watching intently to see what will come of this situation.
Eventually, he seems to say something to her, as we see her turn towards him. They separate ways. Oh, man! I couldn't wait to see what she had to say!
We get up and walk towards her, ready to hear what he had said to her. Apparently, he said, "Compliments on the view."
Wooooow. Ballsy.
When we all head back to our towels, Gallon Man is back at his. He overhears our conversation and proceeds to chime in. I believe it had something to do with Norway and the Baltic area. He shared that he had been to that area, also stating that he had been to "Swedish." Oops.
After sharing a bit about his experience, he then proceeds to get up and approach us three, asking how we knew each other. When we explained that we knew each other through Middle Eastern dance, he then explained he knew we were dancers. We walked so "gracefully," and the way our bodies moved definitely meant we were dancers.
It hasn't even gotten to the good part, y'all.
He then tells us we're all "Goddesses." He would love the chance to "worship" us. If he put all of our bodies together we would be some sort of supreme goddess. He said something about my strong legs, my friend's butt, and my other friend's lower back.
Believe me, I was face down in my towel trying not to laugh in his face.
He continued to ask if he could "worship" us, and I had to speak up and ask him to clarify. He said he would just love to give each one of us a quick kiss on those parts of our body he decided were worship-worthy. He even said, in a somewhat begging voice, that he would do upside down push ups for a chance to worship us.
What the heck are upside down push ups? I honestly feel like he would have to be on his back or something. But my friends said he was talking about being in a handstand position, then doing the push-up movement.
Ridiculous. Just ridiculous.
After laughing a bit about him, and learning that he was some Buddhist martial arts instructor, we settle back into our respective towels.
Eventually, he got up to leave and began to virtually beg us to let him "worship" us. We end up convincing one of my friends to let him kiss her lower back. It was kind of hilarious, really. She said it felt really "chaste," as though if was one of us giving the other a quick peck.
He then grabbed all his belongings and went along his merry way. We couldn't believe any of that actually happened. I wondered out loud if he was going down the beach to try it on some other schmucks, or perhaps it was a dare, or perhaps he was actually genuine.
Still. This is the most ridiculous thing to happen to me on a beach in recent memory.
If this is any indication of how the rest of the summer is going to be, I can't even express to you how excited I am!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
"Mermaids: Body Found"
Absolutely geeking out over this!!!!
The acting is horrible, and I completely get the science fictiony stuff. But man, I love that this is "based on some real events and scientific theories."
So, forgive me while I *squee* uncontrollably.
The acting is horrible, and I completely get the science fictiony stuff. But man, I love that this is "based on some real events and scientific theories."
So, forgive me while I *squee* uncontrollably.
Monday, June 11, 2012
I Don't Plan to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse
I've been going to outdoor bootcamp for over a year now. I've finished my first 5k, and I've participated in several of the bootcamp's challenges and obstacle courses.
So, I figured that the Run For Your Lives Zombie Run would be a logical next choice.
On the 2nd day of the Zombie Run, Sunday, May 6th, two of my friends and I drove up way up to Amesbury, MA, to see how well we would do if/when the Zombie Apocalypse was upon us.
We were given 3 flags to wear around our waists. Once all flags were taken by zombies, you would finish the race as one of the dead/undead. But this didn't mean that you would start ripping flags off other runners.
The obstacle course starts you off in a dark tunnel with agate and smoke at the other opening. We went in waves, so the slower runners went first, then the medium runners, then the faster runners. I told my friends that I was definitely planning to be one of the slower runners. I also told them to just go for it and let me get behind them. But, in hindsight, I should have suggested that we finish as a group.
When the gates opened, we had to run up a steep hill to where the main course was. Immediately, we saw an open field, some parts had mud pits, some parts had wooden structures. All parts had zombies.
There was actually a lot more running than I anticipated. I mean, I knew there would be running. Rule #1, after all, is Cardio.
But I did think there would be more obstacles we would have to climb, or crawl under, or figure our way through. The biggest obstacle was probably the Day 2 mud that had accumulated in the course. I'm pretty sure that 2/3rds of a mile was all mud at one point.
I quickly learned, though, that it was best to jog a bit until you came across a bunch of zombies. The zombies weren't everywhere, necessarily, but they would gather in groups. In essence, when you were avoiding one, you were avoiding several of them. At this point, you just sprint across as fast as you can without getting your flag taken off.
I even managed to stay "alive" a lot longer than I anticipated. My strategy mainly focused on slowing down for most of the course, but sprinting with a group when I encountered zombies. I definitely utilized other people as somewhat of a shield as I ran through the zombie mobs. The ground was extremely uneven, so I got a bit nervous about tweaking my ankle, which I did a couple of times. But, that adrenaline rush really keeps you going.
The make-up job on the zombies was awesome! Some of it looked very detailed, and honestly a bit unnerving. Some of the zombies would break character when they saw that we no longer were a target. Some of the zombies didn't break character at all, and that was even more frightening.
What if there were real zombies out there who heard of the event and said, "Dude..we could totally get some brains here and people would think we were in costume....rraaaaaawwwrrrr..meeehh..brraaaaiiinnsss...."?
I wasn't really going to try to find out.
I'm actually really proud of myself for finishing this! All muddy, wet, and tired from falling into the mud, it felt great to finish it. I didn't know until the next day that I managed to get quite bruised from the event.
I'm so ready to do this again next year! But it also gives me courage to try for other challenges and 5k's. Hopefully, they're just as fun as this one was.
So, I figured that the Run For Your Lives Zombie Run would be a logical next choice.
On the 2nd day of the Zombie Run, Sunday, May 6th, two of my friends and I drove up way up to Amesbury, MA, to see how well we would do if/when the Zombie Apocalypse was upon us.
We were given 3 flags to wear around our waists. Once all flags were taken by zombies, you would finish the race as one of the dead/undead. But this didn't mean that you would start ripping flags off other runners.
The obstacle course starts you off in a dark tunnel with agate and smoke at the other opening. We went in waves, so the slower runners went first, then the medium runners, then the faster runners. I told my friends that I was definitely planning to be one of the slower runners. I also told them to just go for it and let me get behind them. But, in hindsight, I should have suggested that we finish as a group.
When the gates opened, we had to run up a steep hill to where the main course was. Immediately, we saw an open field, some parts had mud pits, some parts had wooden structures. All parts had zombies.
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| The photo will connect you to the Facebook photos from the event. |
 |
| From "Zombieland" |
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| I love that it looks like I'm about to bust into a Thriller dance... |
I even managed to stay "alive" a lot longer than I anticipated. My strategy mainly focused on slowing down for most of the course, but sprinting with a group when I encountered zombies. I definitely utilized other people as somewhat of a shield as I ran through the zombie mobs. The ground was extremely uneven, so I got a bit nervous about tweaking my ankle, which I did a couple of times. But, that adrenaline rush really keeps you going.
The make-up job on the zombies was awesome! Some of it looked very detailed, and honestly a bit unnerving. Some of the zombies would break character when they saw that we no longer were a target. Some of the zombies didn't break character at all, and that was even more frightening.
What if there were real zombies out there who heard of the event and said, "Dude..we could totally get some brains here and people would think we were in costume....rraaaaaawwwrrrr..meeehh..brraaaaiiinnsss...."?
I wasn't really going to try to find out.
I'm actually really proud of myself for finishing this! All muddy, wet, and tired from falling into the mud, it felt great to finish it. I didn't know until the next day that I managed to get quite bruised from the event.
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| that's just my right leg |
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| done and dead |
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