I (heart) NY

Sorry I've been such a bad blogger this week- I came down with some sort of upper respiratory infection on Tuesday and have been fighting it ever since. I'm having company this weekend (my brother is coming to visit), so I won't be able to post until Sunday. Here are a few pictures from my time in NYC with Lana last weekend- we had a blast! More to come!

Weekend Recap

Friday

6:30 AM: Wake up drenched in sweat--my air conditioner broke sometime during the night. I proceed immediately to the shower

7:15: Attempt to blow-dry my hair, but the heat is oppressive. End up taking another shower.

7:45 AM: While driving down Sayles Hill Rd, I accidentally run over a squirrel. I am crushed and cry the rest of my way to work.

8:05 AM: Pull myself together in the parking lot, put on mascara, and head on into work.

12:30 PM: Lunch to celebrate a co-worker's wedding and another co-worker's 25th anniversary with the company. (Read: two cakes and lots of frosting.)

1:35 PM: Get presented a certificate for my residency. Takes all of my energy not to cry (even though I am ready to come home, I will the people here in the office.). Use a trick I read in a magazine--hold your tongue up to the roof of your mouth.

1:45 PM: Give a short presentation summarizing my residency to the managers and directors in my department. (Not too difficult when you just have to talk about yourself, but I am really focusing on improving my presentation skills.)

6:15 PM: Get back to my apartment- late night at the office. Lay down on the couch for a one-hour nap.

7:50 PM: Arrive at the pharmacy to work an overnight shift (12 hours).

8:00 PM- 1:00 AM: The store is crazy busy from the moment I get there.

Saturday

1:00-7:00 AM: Working by myself in the pharmacy. Get lots of random calls (I mean, who else can you call for advice at 3:00 AM?)- I even had one lady who had lost her power and wanted to know what number to call. (Thank goodness for the phone book). I am busy the whole night filling and checking prescriptions.

8:15 AM: Finish my shift and head back home to crash. My body is a little confused about what day it is, so I end up taking another nap on the couch.

3:00 PM: Wake up refreshed and rested. Begin a whirlwind of activity that lasts 8 hours. I clean my kitchen, wash all of my laundry, file paperwork, start packing for the move, workout for almost an hour, and shower. I run errands and go to Target, Michael's, Dick's, and Ann Taylor loft.

11:30: Start watching "Lawrence of Arabia," a movie I"ve been meaning to watch for a long time. Make a childhood favorite from movie nights- butter popcorn (this time light popcorn) with m n m's- the heat of the popcorn softens the chocolate just enough so that they melt in your mouth. Fall asleep after about one hour (yes, on the couch again).

Sunday

5:30 AM: Wake up on the couch. Eat a small bowl of Raisin Bran (currently obsessed with that right now!), have a glass of water, brush my teeth, and go to bed.

12:00 PM: Wake up in my warm and comfy bed. (FYI- the air conditioning is back on at this point, thank goodness). Get dressed and drive to Providence to babysit Connor while his parents head out for the afternoon. He is such a happy baby with the exception of taking him up to his room to change him- he does *not* like that. (Maybe he thinks it is bedtime? I'm not sure...)

Connor and I (I look awful, but he looks adorable!)

4;30 PM: Return a few things at the Providence Mall (and also pick up a couple of things). Head home to workout, shower, and make dinner. Practice for my presentation and crash late at night after a long weekend.

Cookie Monster

During my break on Wednesday, I was eating lunch with a few other pharmacists, and we started talking about food. Now, for those of you that know me, you know I'm not much of a foodie. So when Linda asked me if I liked to cook, I said, "Well, yes, but I'm not that good... *But,* I loooove to bake!"

I have wonderful memories of spending time with my mom (and sometimes with my grandmothers) baking treats. Cookies, cakes, breads- you name it, I love to make (and eat) it. After talking about baking on Wednesday, I realized that I hadn't made anything in quite some time, and I decided I was due to make a batch of cookies. Flipping through my mental cookbook, the perfect recipe hit me- my mom's zuccini raisin cookies. Now I know these sound a little weird, but they are absolutely fabulous!

When I got home after work and running some errands, I looked into my refrigerator to make sure I had all of the ingredients. Unfortunatley, my zuccini that I had bought earlier this week didn't look so hot. I needed to go to the store to pick up some more, but I also wanted to make sure I had time to work out. So, what do you think I did? Just what anyone else would do-- I ran to the grocery store (and walked back) to buy a vegetable to make cookies. Seems a little counterintuitive, but it made sense at the time.

Here's the recipe....

Zuccini Raisin Cookies

-3/4 cup shortening
-1 1/2 cups white sugar
-1 egg
-1 tsp vanilla
-1 1/2 cups grated zuccini
-2 1/2 cups flour
-2 tsp baking powder
-1 tsp cinnamon
-1/2 tsp salt
-1 cup raisins
-small amount powdered sugar

Cream the shortening and sugar. Beat in egg and vanilla. Mix in the zuccini. Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Add to zuccini mixture. Stir in raisins. Bake at 350 degrees on a greased cookie sheet for 15 minutes. Allow to cool, then sprinkle with powdered sugar.

I recommend that you use a finer grater for the zuccini- it helps to give the cookies a better texture.

Speaking of baking, here are some pictures of my first days in the kitchen....

Cutting out sugar cookies. Would you believe that I still own (and still wear) the shirt I have on in this picture?

I just adored my play kitchen and my fake foods. I never had an Easy-Bake oven, but I didn't need one.

I think that hat is bigger than my head. My second favorite part of this picture is the bowl- my parents recieved it as a wedding present and still have it today.

Another one of my favorite baked good as a kid was lemon cake with lemon frosting. My Mom used to make it for Ryan's birthday every year. At some point, I decided that I liked the cake, too, so now I've had it for my last several birthdays. No secret recipe here--you'll have to call Duncan Hines for that one.

Megan and Ben's Wedding Weekend

Sorry to have been such a stranger lately- I've been a busy bee! I have been picking up extra shifts in the stores during the week nights and on the weekends, plus volunteering at the free clinic in Providence. I can't believe that I only have a little more than 4 weeks left!

Last weekend I flew back to Indy for Megan and Ben's wedding. Well, I guess I also flew back to see Nick, considering I hadn't seen him since mid-March. He just returned from his rotation in China. He had an amazing time with lots of cultural adventures, but I think he was ready to come back to the States.

Friday night, Nick picked me up from the airport, and we went straight to the Rathskeller. There was an unofficial get-together after the official rehersal dinner for the wedding. The weather was perfect for a night at the outdoor biergarten.

Aakash and Lana

If you couldn't guess, David is not camera shy.

I hate my hair in this one (ugh- I need a haircut! Plus, after being awake for more 16 hours, my hair tends to lose its style), but I thought it was a good one of Nick.

Plus, I owe Nick a fashion apology. When he got back from his trip, he was describing some of the things he bought to me over the phone. After describing what was this shirt, I said that I wouldn't like it (I know, I hadn't even seen it yet). I was imagining a ringer tee, which aren't flattering on most people. However, he proved me wrong- I think he looks handsome.

On Saturday morning, we woke up at 6:30 AM for a big breakfast and golf. Nick and 3 of his friends had a 7:50 AM tee time, so they wanted to make sure I was up, moving, and ready to go by 7:25 (who, me, not a morning person? Never! I'm actually getting a lot better, if you can believe that!) The golf course let me tag along with them for free and even gave me a six iron to borrow for the course. (I would have used Nick's clubs, but they are for lefties.) I think I surprised Nick's friends when they found out I could actually hit the ball. I mean, it was nothing to write home about (even though that's kind of what I'm doing now), but it looked pretty good for someone who hadn't picked up a club in more than a year.

Make way for ducklings! Mr. and Mrs. Mallard lead their ducklings (is this what I am supposed to call them?) to water.

Assessing the green situation. I grew up watching golf tournaments on t.v. with my Dad, and looking at the slope has always seemed to me like it takes *forever* for golfers to do.

Doesn't this water station remind you of Snoopy's dog house?

Pretty close if you ask me!

After walking nine holes, I decided that I needed a little R and R for myself. Not really knowing where I was going, I took off to find a place to get a manicure and pedicure. I was in luck- there was one that was less than a mile down the street in a Kroger plaza (when in doubt, strip malls, especially those with grocery stores, are great places to look).

Later than afternoon, we went to Ben and Megan's ceremony at the Methodist church at 38th and Meridian (NW corner). I had never been in there before, but the sanctuary was "fancier" than I thought it would be- stained glasses windows went around 3/4 of the room near the top. I meant to take some pictures before and/or during the ceremony, but someone with a giant head (a bird ran into my giant, freak head!!!) ended up sitting in front of me. Not only that, i was sitting in the very middle of the pew, in the middle of the section, which didn't help my situation.

But don't fear! I took lots of pictures at the reception, which took place at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. This was the first wedding I had been to there (I've been to a concert and a dance there), and I was impressed with their level of service. The room is very unique- lots of architectural detail (Click here for my post on IRB from earlier this year.) The food was pretty basic and didn't stand out too much, but I'm not much of a foodie and definitely should not be the judge of food.

Nick and Lee after the ceremony in their new suits. Someone said that Nick looked like a Secret Service agent when he was wearing his sunglasses (but that's not necesssarily a bad thing!).

Allie and I during the cocktail hour- she graduated this year but will still be in Indy next year when I move back- yah!

The boys are back in town! (from left to right)- Mike, Nick, David, Aakash. Mike is moving to Wisconsin (Madison) to start his residency, and David moved back to NYC on Monday for his residency. Both Nick and Aakash will still be at IU this next year.

I don't care what Nick says, I will miss you, David!

Roommates for 2 years, friends for life (cheesey, I know)

Lana and Mike on the dance floor. I love the way her dress looks in this picture- I think they look like models for Express.

I couldn't decide which picture of Nick and I was my favorite, so I'll let you be the judge. Nick and I have differences in opinion on the best photo (I don't like when my smile gets too "gummy," he doesn't like it when his chin is tucked in). Which one is your pick?

Photo #1 (My hair is in the way a little)

Photo #2 (This one is great because this is Nick's real smile- his smile is like a rare type of jungle cat. It might be there, but you can't always catch it on film. I'm not a fan of the left half because I think my smile is too "gummy.")

Photo #3 (I made a total rookie mistake- never put your arms against your body. As you can see, it only makes them look bigger.)

Photo #4 (Nick's head is tilted back)

Which picture is your favorite???

Someone's Trash Is My Treasure

Another busy weekend in Rhode Island.... I picked up extra shifts in stores on Friday and Sunday to make some extra money (moving trucks are expensive!!). I am definitely going to have to get used to standing on my feet for long periods of time again... my legs were aching when I woke up this morning.

After breakfast on Saturday, I packed a backpack with a reusable bag, a poncho, a water bottle, snacks, sunglasses, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and cash. No, I wasn't going hiking, but you're not that far off. I drove to Massachusetts for the Brimfield Antique Show. The Brimfield Antique Show is the largest antique show in the United States. Along with some of my other adventures, it is also in my "1,000 Places to See Before You Die" and "10 Best of Everything" books. Instead of re-creating the wheel, here' s a short synopsis of what the show is all about:

The Brimfield Antiques Show began in the 1950's and has become the largest and best-known outdoor antiques show in the country. Running along Rt. 20 for a distance of perhaps a half-mile and perhaps 500' or more, back on each side of the highway, the Brimfield Show is a huge, vast undertaking, filled with thousands of dealers dealers over the course of the week, selling everything from the finest antiques to 'yard junk', requiring a day or two to see everything there is to see. Food courts and rest facilities abound, and the Shows are filled with hidden treasures and the 'right kind of people', creating a safe and fun environment for everyone, children included. Shows are patrolled by uniformed and undercover police, and rarely is there any trouble of any kind.

Brimfield is a quaint, picturesque rural New England town, home to 3,000 residents. Founded in 1731, (the year before George Washington was born), the town's 35 square miles are surrounded by apple orchards, horse farms, and wooded hills in an area known as the Pioneer Valley, and Foothills of the Berkshires.
During show-times, the town's population balloons to over 250,000 visitors and over 5,000 dealers for the 6 days the Show operates. The Show has a carnival-like atmosphere, appropriate for all ages, where good vibes prevail, (and few, if any problems ever present themselves).

Dealers come from all over the world as do visitors. From millionaire world-famous rock stars and movie stars to the local resident from down the street, the Show is a Mecca for serious and casual collectors of all kinds of antiques. A few of the Fields require an entrance fee on the initial opening, usually $5.00-10.00, which tends to be waived later in the day. Most fields do not have any entrance fee, and generally, you can move freely from field to field.

Well, I didn't see any rockstars, but I saw plenty of other people. It's hard to really understand how many people are packed into such a small space until you are there. All things considered, everything runs very smoothly. ... I didn't see any fights, hear any cars honk, or any other type of chaos (not that most people interested in antiques would start a riot or anything). It was very easy to find parking (I had a harder time finding my car later in the day), and I didn't have to pay to get into any of the "fields. The traffic turned out not to be that bad on my way in (especially since I came later in the day), but I had a slight delay on my way home (only a half an hour, so not *that* bad). The whole "Fields" and "Promoters" thing can be a bit confusing ,so I'll break it down for you:

1. The Show does not have any formal organization with the exception of the dates, which are chosen by some county auxiallary group. It occurs for five-six days three times a year. The days and times are dependent upon the Promoters...

2. The Promoters are the people that host the "Fields." They are generally local townspeople who rent out their yard/field/space during the show. They are responsible for providing bathrooms, security, etc. Depending on the location and the Field, the promoter charges the antique dealers $XXX to have a booth at their field.

3. The Fields are where the show is held. Each field is run by a different promoter and given a different name. For example, two sisters (the promoters) run "J & J Productions" (the Field) that is known for its high quality and rare items (from the dealers).

Here are a few of my pictures from Saturday...

The show is set along the highway, but the highway becomes more of a sidewalk three weeks a year

There are food vendors with everything from a pickle on a stick to fried dough, lemonade to root beet floats. Yum.

Cowboy boots made of metal, anyone? You laugh, but I saw a guy carrying one later that day.

There was a beautiful display selling salvaged fountains and statues... I would have bought this metal archway/gazebo (not sure what to call it), but it wouldn't fit in my car.

Lots of old furniture...

And buddha statues? This place has everything! (Think: Ghostbusters quote)

I didn't go to the show looking for any specific items, so I did a lot of wandering and people-watching. However, I did find a few things I couldn't live without (of course!). I bought about a dozen old Indianapolis postcards that featured downtown highlights and the city. Not only do I love to write letters, the postcards themselves are adorable. On top of that, the artwork isn't copyrighted, so you can reprint the images. I'm thinking of using them for a craft project I've been wating to try. I also got a few cigar boxes ($3 each!), which are great for getting organized. I like to keep cards or jewelry in them.

My favorite find of the day came within the first 20 minutes I was browsing. Both my Mom and I really like vintage linens, i.e. tablecloths, runners, aprons. These items were so carefully hand-crafted back in the 1940's and 1950's- you can't find anything like them in stores today. Aprons are often hand-stitched and featured special appliques, and tablecloths were hand-printed. There was a mega-booth (probably the size of a medium-sized garage) that only had vintage linens. Even though I was by myself, I felt like I had come with a dozen other ladies. We were all oooh-ing and aaah-ing over finds one another had pulled out of the pile.

I hadn't really found anything that I loved, so I headed to the back table to look at 'Novelty" tablecloths. As I sorted through the pile, I came across the most wonderful vintage tablecloth I have ever seen. It was pink and light green with flowers on it. When I started to look closer, I noticed that there was a present on it... and then a cake... and then an umbrella. Yes, it was a tablecloth for a bridal shower! I talked to the owner of the booth, who told me that she had only seen two of these in 15 years of collecting vintage linens. I had the feeling that if I walked away, I would never see it again. It wasn't cheap, but I don't regret getting it at all. I haven't taken any pictures of it, but I'll be sure to post some soon. Someone hurry up and get engaged- I'm ready to throw a bridal shower!

America's Storm Warriors

While I was in the Cape Cod area, I was sure to check out the beach before heading back to Rhode Island. The Cape Cod National Seashore is featured in two of my books: "1,000 Places to See Before You Die" and "10 Best of Everything: an Ultimate Guide for Travelers." (Some of the entries in the books aren't my cup of tea, but this area has earned the right to be on any traveler's life list.) Henry David Thoreau described the area in the 1800's by saying "A man can stand there and put all America behind him."

Along Cape Cod and other parts of the East Coast, there are old houses that used to serve as Life Saving Stations. The Life-Saving Service was the predecessor to the U.S. Coast Guard (the Life-Saving Service merged with Revenue Cutter Service in 1915 to create the U.S. Coast Guard) and was formed to rescue sailors and passengers from nearby shipwrecks. Stations were classified as life-saving, lifeboats, or houses of refuge. Each manned station was run by a Keeper (manager) that ran a tight ship (no pun intended). On the East Cod, the stations were generally manned from November to April, when shipwrecks were most likely to occur. Below is a short description from the US Life-Saving Service Heritage Association:

"The Keeper and surfmen had a daily rigid schedule that was standard throughout the service. The primary responsibility was to be on constant watch for ships in distress and to keep a record of passing vessels. On clear days, from sunrise to sunset, a surfman on day watch always manned the lookout tower. At night and on foggy days, the men walked beach patrol. They would light coston signal flares to warn off ships straying too close to the shore. While men with small-boat-handling experience were wanted in the service, it took extensive training and continual practice to be able to successfully launch a lifeboat or surfboat in heavy seas and shoot the Lyle Gun to a ship offshore to set up the breeches buoy. Just about every day required some sort of practice to be performed. Along with these practices were cooking, cleaning and maintenance and keeping things in good order. The men took turns serving as the cook."

This Life-Saving Station at Raceway Point was one of the initial nine station in the Cape Cod area. It was built in 1872 but was to Raceway Point in the late 1970's to accommodate more staff. The original building (shown) serves as an education center, but there is a working station less than 1/2 mile from this location.

A boat used to rescue sailors and passengers... It's named Nauset, which is the marsh I kayaked in the same weekend

The Lyle Gun was shot out to the ship like a cannon ball. The metal "bullet" was meant to serve as an anchor to assist in bringing men ashore.

The "Breeches Buoy" was passed back and forth between the boat and land using a rope and pulley system. The man being rescued put his legs through holes in the lining (you can't see these) and wore the life-preserver like a pair of pants.

The entrance to the beach

You have to be careful where you walk. There are lots of protected nesting areas for the piping plover, an endangered series of birds found both in the Great Lakes and along the Atlantic Coast. Their eggs are camouflaged so well you wouldn't know you saw one until you stepped on it. Click here to see piping plover pictures (say that five times fast!).

It was a little breezy and cool... perfect weather for enjoying a quiet day at the beach

Definitely not your typical "beach scene".... there are lots of marsh grasses and reeds

We only saw a handful of people on this part of the beach (most of them were walking with their dog- Izzie would have a blast here). Along with not being the warmest weather, we were at the very last beach at the tip of Cape Cod.

Just in case you're suspicious.... Yes, I was actually here and took these pictures

The water was much colder than what it looks like here

Last but not least, my new favorite picture (and currently my computer background)

It's taken me almost a year to get comfortable with Rhode Island and New England (but mainly RI), but now that I'm ready for some real exploring, it's time for me to pack up and leave (only 7 weeks left of my residency!). My adventurous solo trips have been part of what has made this year so special, and Cape Cod was no exception.

Doing Something for Those with Nothing

Last Friday my department spent half of our day performing community service at the Rhode Island Food Bank. They have a new marketing campaign they'll be launching at the beginning of May, and they needed assistance assembling displays that will be distributed to Dunkin' Donuts and Whole Foods stores in the area. Before we began, there was a short talk by the director- did you know that a $2.99 donation can provide 10 lbs of food to a family in need? It just goes to show that a little can go a long way.

I really enjoyed interacting with my co-workers outside of the office environment- I am lucky to have such a great team. (No, I'm not just saying that- most of them don't know I have a blog or know and don't read it.) Even though I'm excited about moving home, it will be hard for me to leave my RI work family.

Here are a few pictures from our department outing...

Our group picture--the lighting was not the greatest in the warehouse where we were working. Naturally, I'm on the left side right in the streak of sunlight and can't be seen.

Deb and I taking a break for a photo op

Here are the cans that we had to stack on the displays. Jim, Amy, and I raced Bill, Kevin, and Lauren to see who could stack the cans the fastest (we're not competitive at all!). The cardboard display was made of two parts, a top and a bottom, both of which had to be socked with empty tin cans (labels out, Dan!). After assembly, the team had to place a cardboard cover over the display without disrupting the cans! You'll be happy to know that my team came out on top.

Doesn't Lorna have a great smile?

Glenda (left) and Jeanne make building boxes look easy

Don't mess with Jim!

Deb! In the office (and outside of work, I guess) I always call Debbie by her first and last name together, so it feels a little incomplete to just type her first name.

Look for more pictures to come- I'm having some difficulty loading the rest of them onto my blog.

And speaking of volunteering, I'll tell you about the clinic I've been volunteering at in Providence later this week.