Under The Weather....

The title of this blog is in reference to the KT Tunstall song of the same title... it's a great song that sums up a lot of how I've been feeling lately.... very under the weather.... I really like it and I think you should check it out. I dare you.

So, I've been totally overwhelmed lately - with school work, school decisions, money (or actually the lack there of), working (or not lately) and just being totally stressed out about life choices, car payments, maintaining friendships - hey, they take time and work, too - and it can just be tough to do it all, not that my friends aren't the best ever, and not that I am not in a super supportive relationship... it's just all very super stressful. That's all. No pity necessary - I am just wanting to sulk a little. Hey, it's my blog and I will sulk on it if I want to.

So, I had a car accident, which I don't want to get into... all I will say is I was at a complete stop, got rear ended, am not happy, am ok but carless and regardless of when my car comes back all pretty and new, I am not medically cleared to drive for a while. I guess that until I can turn my head enough to see the left sides mirrors, I am not OK to drive.

I've had a sore throat for almost 3 weeks, a sore neck for almost 10 days, and I am about to crawl up the walls if I don't feel better soon!! I can't work, I can't lift, I can't do anything. And I can't believe it's almost Christmas. I have spent a lot of the last almost 2 weeks taking meds on the couch that I can't believe it's almost here. It SO doesn't help that it's sixty degrees out either.... I can't get in the Christmas Spirit at all.... it sucks. I am however going to bake... yes, bake. It's all I can do, it's all I can afford to give as gifts, and it's what I am going to start doing just as soon as I have enough energy to clean my kitchen enough to get started. :)

As stressful as everything has been, being in school again has been so so so wonderful - granted I am on a leave of absence until the 8th of January, but I am really enjoying it. I've already leaved soooo much! I've eaten so many things that I never thought I would try before. Lots of fish, lamb, duck... it's been interesting to say the least. My worst class was Meatcutting, even though I learned alot. It was really tough, but I did well enough to pass even thought I completely bombed part of my practical. I do have a new found respect for butchers though. My best class was Nutrition and Sensory Analysis. My teacher was young, really cool and had a lot of insight. I really enjoyed the class. It just so happened that it was my first class, too so I felt like I got off on the right foot. I've also taken Foodservice Production (we cooked for a dining room, it was cool but stressful - and we used LOTS of butter), Purchasing and Product Identification, which I really loved and I learned alot, as well as Principles of Beverage Services - which we learned mixology, coffees of the world, wine service, etc... So, my first trimester was good. And I am still learning and loving it - even with a 3.3 GPA (wish it was better, but meatcutting killed me).

As for working, when I am not hurt I am still at Brannelly's and Youville. I am liking Youville very much. The people are very nice, the work isn't killer but it's not too easy and I am learning what it is like to be on my feet for HOURS, and I am still interested in doing it... so it's working out to say the least.

Anyways, I wanted to post some pictures of life since I last posted..... but this stupid Blogger is acting up and won't let me right now. So I will just give you all some of my recent music likes/suggestions and try to picture blog later...

Blue October - Known for the "Hate Me" song that hit Kiss 108 briefly early this Fall, which is catchy but weird - well alot of their music is catchy but weird, but I like it. I suggest checking out "Into the Ocean", "Calling You", etc...

KT Tunstall - I know "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree " is weird, but you have to admit it gets you moving - go on, say it - "Woo Hoo", and "Suddenly I See" got overly popular after being on Ugly Betty but check out "Under the Weather", "False Alarm" and the rest of her album. It's really good!

Beyonce - You can't deny loving her, although I miss the other two members of Destiny's Child..... "Irreplaceable" (if you aren't already sick of it) is a great jilted lover anthem, and make sure you listen to "Listen" the Bonus Track on B-Day, from the Movie Soundtrack Dreamgirls.

Anna Nalick - I know "Breathe, 2AM" is overplayed still, but "Forever Love", "In My Head" and others are a refreshing breath, I swear.

Rosie Thomas - an indie chick for sure, she's been featured on Grey's Anatomy for "I Let Myself Fall" but it's "It Don't Matter to the Sun", "You and Me" and "Have You Seen My Love" that make me fall for her.

More Later....
Love,
Maggie

P.S. A great blog to check out if you love food science is: http://curiouscook.blogspot.com/.

Pictures....

No real time to post - since I have a project for school due in the AM, and I really want to get to sleep! But I thought I would share some pictures of Rich and I with Emma and Mark from a visit today...







Emma, Rich and baby Mark....















Me and the baby! :)




















Emma, Mark and me.

Beautifully Stated....

Rich's mom sent me a forward that really got me thinking... it was a chain and I don't want to forward it to a thousand people so that my wish will come true, but I wanted the people I love to get to see it.... at their leisure, while reading my blog....

The forward went like this....

As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back. Don't be afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never begin. ~anonymous~

I just thought it was beautifully stated... and it's meaningful after a conversation I had today. I was talking to Carl, one of my regulars at the bar, about a bunch of things, but most notably about how his wife Mary just passed away last week at 59. She had been in the hospital (and in my prayers) for the last 10 weeks - being treated for colitis (spelling). She was sent to a rehab last week in the hopes of coming home, where she went into respitory failure and died before Carl got to meet her at the hospital. He said for over 30 years she has been his saving grace, his caregiver, the mother of his children and more... she was his best friend. I couldn't make the services last week since I had to work, but I feel that even more than going to the wake, talking to him today brought him a little peace that he was seeking. He is a retired Boston Fire Fighter, who went out early on disability after a spinal cord injury on the job so he has a lot of time on his hands, and now he has a huge void in his life. Unsure of what to do in life, he is stuck thinking about all the times they had. The thing that stuck with me is that he said he knows, without a shadow of a doubt that even though he wasn't there with her when she passed, that she knew exactly how he felt about her. He said he never went a day without an "I Love You", never went a minute taking her for granted.

Our conversation reminded me of all the times I have gone to bed pissed at Rich, or the times that I don't realize what a great boyfriend he really is. And then I got this forward from his mom, and it made me think even more - I do blame him sometimes for something an old boyfriend did... and I have been let down by him, and done the same to him. But he really has brought something wonderful to my life, and for that I am grateful.

So I guess the moral of this story is never forget to show how you feel. To anyone - a friend, a spouse, a family member. Don't be afraid to say "I Love You" too often, and don't put off until tomorrow what you can say or do today - because as Carl can tell you another tomorrow isn't a promise, it's a privilege.

Rest In Peace Mary Johnson.
And thank you, Carl - for in your pain, you share your wisdom.

I have things to say.... and now's the time to say them!

You know how you can't always tell someone's tone in an email or on their blog? Well here's a tip.... I am annoyed, and on many levels. So read this as you will... but be well aware that anything that seems to be a rude remark more than likely is.... but probably not at any of you who read this. But, on the off chance that the two people who I am annoyed with/at ever read this, I will have gotten it all out into the world wide web....

Annoyance Number One (and for the record this is an old one...)

People who forward pictures off of someone's blog and comment (rudely, I might add) in the hopes that it might make them feel better about their miserable, pathetic, little lives. To said person, you know who you are, you obviously read my blog, you've been found out and you SUUUUUUUUUCK! Granted, this is not my battle to wage, but consider yourself a target from now on. Yeah.... pissed.

Annoyance Number Two (and for the record this is an ongoing MySpace/blog/phone call one...)

People who meddle in other people's relationships "innocently" and then play the victim when they are given the cold shoulder for being the only one to "tell the truth". All of this was over but you started it again.... I will state, yet again to said meddler, that I never asked him not to see you, talk to you, or to be your friend. I have yet to play that card and I've always said that what he decides to do is on him. What's on you though, is that while you describe him as a good friend, and say that you care so much about his happiness, you were extremely quick to throw him under the bus when you thought it would give you the one up on me. Funny thing is, you didn't gain any ground. It's made us stronger and now you are even lower on the totem pole of people in his life, if on it at all. So, to you I say.... Continue to discard and pick up "cards" in your "game of life"... I hope you get the hand you want since it's finally apparent to you that you can't have mine. Dejected? Not me.

On a lighter note, here some other random annoyances of late... credit card bills, the Red Sox getting swept at home by the Yankees this weekend, the price of gas, working weekends, laundry, dishes, and cleaning.

Other than that, I am doing ok.

Lots to write home about!

Let's see... since I last blogged I have:

Switched jobs...
Went to two weddings...
Went on a ten day vacation...
Officially became a full time student...


Let's elaborate:

Switched jobs... At the end of May I decided to give notice that I was going to be taking classes and soon could no longer work the hours I had been. Long story short, we parted ways June 1st in a less than comfortable way, but the more I look at it, the better I feel about it. I was good at my job, but it's not what I wanted to be doing in my heart of hearts, so it was an ok decision for me to leave. I would have liked to work out my notice, but in hindsight it would have sucked to work so many hours over the summer. I am now working at the Goddard House Assisted Living 4 days a week and at Brannelly's on the bar Mondays and waitressing 2 - 4 nights a week.... it's paying the bills for now!

Went to two weddings... On June 18th, I adventured to Falmouth, MA to witness Meghan and Andrew come together as husband and wife. It was a fantastic affair. The weather cooperated after all the rain we got, it wasn't too hot but it was sunny and beautiful. The dresses were a gorgeous navy blue and Meghan's gown was to die for. The entire bridal party looked amazing and it was a lot of fun. The Saint A's crowd was all there and it was great to see everyone. (I took NO pictures, can you believe it?!)

On July 8th, I traveled to New Port Richey, FL to witness Elizabeth and Wes come together as husband and wife. It was another amazing day. I got an insiders ticket for the getting ready stages of the wedding with the bride and the bridesmaid's. I even got to do some makeup! I did take pictures (lots and lots) of the rehearsal dinner, the getting ready, and of course, the reception! I will have a link up to snapfish soon, but here are some pictures to quell your desire....

Maureen, Elizabeth and Peggy after Peggy caught the bouquet!


Me, Julie and Mo at the wedding towards the end of the night!

Elizabeth and I before the reception.

By far the best shot I got all weekend... the Father/Daughter dance.
A candid shot of the flower girls on the way into the church!

As you can see, the Bridesmaid's wore yellow and the dresses were absolutely beautiful. I especially liked the flower girl's dresses. Brier and Taylor were SO SO SO cute! Pictures do nothing to show how excited they were to be a part of Elizabeth's special day.

Went on a ten day vacation... The vacation started on the July 5th when Mo and I landed in Orlando. We rented a car (never use Thrifty... the employ bitchy customer service reps.... trust me) and started the trek to the Tampa area for the wedding. Not able to find a Chik-fil-A we went to Steak 'N Shake.... which as good as it is, will never take the place of Chik-fil-A in my book. Then we made it to check in at the hotel and see the family. Lots of family and friends from the NorthEast were in the area for the wedding so we went to see the Red Sox play the Devil Rays on Thursday the 6th. Before we got there the boys were in a little slump... about to get swept by the D-Rays... but leave it to Mo, Nancy, Julie and myself along with Peggy, John, Fred and Anthony to being some much needed luck to the boys. The Sox won that night and all the idiots with brooms looked like they worked for maintenance. HA!

On Friday the 7th, after the wedding rehearsal and dinner a bunch of us went to the hotel lounge for drinks and kareoke. Nancy, Julie and I went up and sang a few songs. We were the life of the geriatric prom... let me tell you our ages combined were still younger than about 95% of the people in there. The only group under 70 years old was our table!

Obviously, the wedding was the 8th and I had a blast. The Tarpey and Pipe families are awesome, they threw an amazing rehearsal dinner and wedding reception and it was flawless start to finish. As someone who loves food and wants to make it a career... the food was great! The chicken cordon bleu that I had was moist and yummy. Not always the case when you are cooking for the masses, but the Spartan Manor did an awesome job by my standards!

The 9th was move to SummerBay day! We had to leave most of the family who were going home, but Maureen's aunt Julie and uncle Paul came with us to SummerBay. Later, Arlene and Anthony and Mary and her boys would join us. It was a long tiring day but we got to the pool ASAP and the stress of driving melted away.

The 10th through the 15th are a blur of pool time, mass alcohol consumption, sunbathing, SeaWorld (I forgot that Atlantis is a flume and a rollercoaster.... well I didn't really, I just forgot how shit-my-pants-scared I get!!!) good laughs, WalMart, finding a Chik-fil-A, more pool time, a missing $40 and an "I feel so dirty" laughter moment. I was sad to see the week end, but have lots of pictures and great memories. Thank you again for having me, Tarpey Family!

Officially became a full time student... While I was away Rich paid my deposit so I am officially a part of Johnson and Wales Culinary Arts program. I start on September 5th. Orientation is the 2nd and the 3rd of September.... which are the days of Danielle and Chad's wedding and of Vito and Jillian's wedding... both of which we RSVP'd to not thinking that it would be orientation time.... ooops. I will figure that out.... but it's official. I am a full time student. AHHHHHHHHHHHH! What the hell was I thinking?!

So, I hope that answers what the hell have I been up to! More later!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Today was my Grandmother's 76th Birthday. We went to her house and did yardwork for her and I made a cake.... It was a lot of fun to decorate.

Here's a picture of my Grandmother with some of her grandkids (and a friend) who helped with the yard work:

All in all it was a great day! Happy Birthday Grandma!!!

Another Month Of No Blogging...

Sorry ya'll.... not blogging is becoming a bad habit. Come to think of it, I started this blog after a few drinks, and alas I find myself at that threshold again.... after a few drinks I find my life so boring that I feel the need to expose you all to it.

Anyways, your asking, what the heck have I been up to these days? Well.... working. The refinancing business is going well. I am gaining a lot more confidence and although my application streak has been broken, I am handling it well and had my best month ever - 7 loans closing in one month. :)

And, I got my financial aid package for school. For those of you who don't already know I am toying with the idea of cooking school full time in the Fall. It's $21,000 for a year and I have no money and still want to go. I got $15,000 in mostly loans although $4,000 is a grant so that is good..... So, if I can figure out a way to pay for the rest of my life I am thinking of going back to school in the Fall.... we'll see..... that is still to be determined.... even though I really want to!!!

I am team captain for "Team MacKinnon" for the Kidney Walk in Boston.... to learn more about the event, join our team or sponsor me visit this page.

Also, some sad news: Emma's father's leukemia has returned in FULL force. For those of you who don't know, Emma is Rich's (my boyfriend) niece. She is eight. Bob is a really great guy. His story can be found here. There is a National Bone Marrow Search Mother's Day weekend. We are hoping that a match will be found for him and that the cancer will go back into remission. A Bone Marrow transplant is his only hope.

But other than that, I have to clean; not that that is any surprise. It's messy all the time at "Casa de Maggie y Rich".... but tis the season to be Spring Cleaning. And watching the Sox kick butt.... off I go to do both....

Love to you all!
More this month I promise!! :)