Boston Science March.

On Saturday we joined thousands of others on the Boston Common for the Science March. The organizers planned it for Earth Day and there were so many people who came out to celebrate science and to support funding sciences, and to fight new (and existing) policies that make it impossible for scientists to research and share their findings. There were speakers and events for children and despite the rain -- we had a fun time! Javi always enjoys being in a crowd and I'm very glad that he's participated in 2 rallies in his little life. I'm sure there will be many more in the future. 

Funny story about Javi's jacket: I was so sure he'd be in 24 month clothes this winter because of the rate he had been growing. So I ordered this (similar) jacket and matching snow pants. But it's so big on him and he could never wear it. Since it's the end of the season, but Saturday was so cold,  I decided he WAS GOING to wear it at least once even though the sleeves were super long and he was so stiff and couldn't move! I know that it'll be too small for him next season. 

We didn't bring a sign. With a toddler already to carry it just seemed like one more thing to keep track of (and a waste of paper no less) so it seemed unnecessary. Here's a good list of some of the best signs from all the marches around the country but one of my favorites (which I didn't get a good picture of) said something like "Don't believe in science? Stop taking your antibiotics next time you get strep. See what happens." ha. :)

After the rally, we had drinks and appetizers with Sean's brother, Jamie and his girlfriend Frida here. 

It was a really good day and the amount of people who showed up to support science was an impressive relief. 

Did you go to a march this weekend?

My husband's a blogger.

I've been blogging for 5 years now, off and on, clearly as seen from the entries during the last couple of weeks. It's a hobby of mine -- much like scrapbooking or DVR. And for 5 years, Sean has been by my side while I blog. Imagine my surprise a few weeks ago when out of the blue he proclaimed "I started a blog"!

To say that blogging IS your hobby (like I do) is a bit different than blogging ABOUT your hobby (which is what Sean is doing). The title of his blog pretty much explains it all: his is a blog about brewing beer and cooking food. If you want to learn about brewing beer, see a bunch of pictures of different kinds of beer, look at photos of our creepy (to me, he thinks it's cool) basement and see recipes of all the food he prepares for me -- check it out! I just love it and it's totally worth the read!

The Boston Marathon

We had plans to go to the marathon on Monday and then Monday morning came and the thought of staying in bed and watching TV swayed us in that direction. Luckily, we took time on Saturday to visit the start line. We went with friends (I ended up going twice in one day), and stopped at a bar right by the start line and took some pictures. The bars and restaurants near the marathon route serve a special Sam Adams beer around the marathon called 26.2. I didn't indulge in the beer but I enjoyed watching friends drink and do their renditions of the "cups" song at the bar with the plastic Sam Adams cups.

Also over the weekend, I dyed some easter eggs (successfully & unsuccessfully) if that's even possible. I don't know how that is a child's activity. It was pretty difficult but they came out beautifully!

14/52

Allergy season is apparently among us and I feel like I've been sneezing three times for every single breath I breathe. It's painful. It was especially annoying while we were at Home Depot picking out flowers and vegetables to grow in our yard. I probably should have prepared for such an outing with some Claritin tablets but I guess now I know. Sean started growing hops last weekend for the beer brewery that has been founded in our house. This week, we plan to add vegetables to our growing indoor garden. Despite the sun in the photo above, it was only about 40 degrees outside. Not ideal for growing things so while the last frost in our area is around May 10th, we plan to grow indoors until Memorial Day. We don't want our time and energy and money wasted by some unnecessary cold weather. So for now, it's all maturing in our music room. 

I have plans to become self-sustaining though I don't really know what it entails. I've starting doing some research and my immediate thought went to raising chickens. It's kind of popular to do around here and I think baby chicks are really cute. The more I thought about it I realized that I obviously wouldn't want chickens to eat because that's awful and I can't imagine having to kill them! And then I thought about how I don't eat eggs -- and wondered about how that would help us truly be self-sustaining. I think it would just be a lot of work and stress since we have coyotes and other wild animals in the yard at night time. 

Sean's relieved that I nixed the chicken idea and went straight to a vegetable garden. I don't expect the garden to save us a ton of money, though it's neat to think that it may help, but I really like the idea of growing our own food. That's self-sustaining, right? I haven't taken pictures yet, but we're growing potatoes, bell peppers, habanero peppers, pepperoncinis, onion, lettuce, cucumber, green beans, broccoli, corn, tomatoes and grapes. This could either be really successful and exciting or a major disappointment. 

Fall TV.

It's that time of year. You know the one. The time of year when all I can think about are the new TV shows about to premiere. It's slightly sad, but I get really excited for this! I wait and wait and wait and once the shows seem semi-finalized I choose my picks for fall. In fact, a few Saturday nights ago Sean and I spent our night watching the On Demand previews for all the network shows. (what a date night specifically for someone who doesn't like TV all that much). But did you know they were available? You can watch 3-4 minute segments of all the new shows. It's pretty cool.

I usually go overboard with planning out what shows I'm going to watch. Like, I've made a color coordinated spreadsheet with clickable links that bring you to the shows website, and it also tells me the date it premieres. My DVR is not that reliable. In fact, sometimes it just does it's absolute own thing -- so I need a graph to remind me to check the DVR. Whatever, okay?

So, what am I watching?

Mondays:

For someone who doesn't like TV, Sean was sure vocal as far as Monday night TV is panning out. I don't think Almost Human or Sleepy Hollow are for me -- but who knows? Almost Human is about a race of robots that appear to be helping humans? Or maybe, I'm confused. Sleepy Hollow is about the headless horseman? I think. What I do know is that Blacklist and Hostages look interesting and Anna Faris looks hysterical in Mom.

Tuesdays:

A comedy by the creator of Family Guy starring Seth Green? Super excited about Dads. The Goldbergs reminds me of a mock "The Wonder Years" and it takes place in the 80s so I'm pumped to see hairstyles and clothing. Brooklyn Nine-Nine looks like one of those stupid comedies that you watch and enjoy but don't tell anyone about it? And Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.  is another one of Sean's picks. Super heroes? No, thanks.

Wednesdays:

This night is all for me. Rebel Wilson has her own show? I'm all about it. And Back in the game just looks funny. I don't even know why.

Thursdays:

The Crazy Ones stars Robin Williams and Sarah Michelle Gellar -- need I say more? Michael J. Fox has his own TV show?? Welcome to the Family is about two families that have to deal with each other because their teenagers are having a baby. Will Arnett gets a divorce in The Millers. And "Just Jack" is back on TV in Sean Saves the World. I need to be a part of that. 

Of course, this list joins all the other shows that made the cut last spring: New Girl, Big Bang Theory, 2 Broke Girls, Two and a half Men, The Following and Parenthood.

What about you? Have you looked at any of the new series coming out? I personally like to add sitcoms to my list. That way if they get canceled I know I only wasted 18 minutes each week... because believe me -- most of these will get chopped. 

Give it a try, you'll love it.

Today is a very special day because the band that Sean plays guitar in, I Invent, has released their first EP. This is a big deal for anyone whose dream is to put music out into the world.

It's available, for free (!), and I highly suggest you give it a try. It's metal music but it has pretty parts (meaning -- there's singing and it's not just screaming). It's impressive music with fun melodies and deep lyrics. If nothing else, just know, that this album has been a huge part of all our lives for the past 6 months. The boys, as well as the girls (girlfriends, fiancees, wives) have been living and breathing this EP for what seems like an eternity. In the best sort of way, of course. My listening ear has been there through the writing, the practicing, the recording, the rough edits, the "no I don't like this anymore"... and now finally, the product. It's exciting!

So, you can listen to their new EP through links on their facebook. Or if all goes well and this link is correct (I'm writing this days in advance so it may not be right...) here's a direct link to the album. Did it work? :)

And if you're interested here are some videos they created while recording this album:

Enjoy your day!

The time he brought me to see Taylor Swift.

On Friday night we went to the Taylor Swift concert. For those of you who wrote that I would have an amazing time -- you were right. The girl puts on a show; a spectacle really. I was in awe. I was staring at the stage, and hearing 55,000 people around me shout, and scream, and kind-of/sort-of sing with her and just had this overwhelming feeling of happiness. Imagine, being her for a split second? I just can't even believe that one person is able to captivate an audience like that. It's crazy. In the totally perfect, wouldn't want it any other way, kind of way.

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You know that surprised look that Taylor always has when she wins awards? And from behind the TV, you're like "really? you win like everything, why are you so surprised?" Well, seeing it in person -- I believe it now. I no longer think of it as a "surprised" look but rather a "I'm genuinely grateful for this to still be happening" look.

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I guess I should have looked up what "being at a Taylor Swift concert" entailed. If so, I would have found pictures of girls (young and grown) in sundresses, cowboy boots, cowboy hats, red clothes, cut-off shorts, cut-off shirts, red bandanas, face paint, holding home-made signs, with writing all other their arms, tears in their eyes, and smiles on their faces. Now, on Friday night it was cold. At least, it was cold for July. It rained all day, it rained on and off during the concert and at times it straight poured. But that didn't stop anyone from enjoying themselves. It didn't stop anyone from shouting and dancing and singing. And it surely didn't send people running for cover or heading home.

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The thing I noticed about T. Swift is that she has fans from every decade. We saw children who looked like they just started walking last week; and we saw grown adults who could probably be Taylor Swift's great-grandparents. My favorite people: the parents who so clearly would not be in attendance if not for their children. Sometimes it was a mom, sometimes it was a dad, sometimes it was both mom and dad; shelling out money for t-shirts, holding their daughter's hand-made sign underneath their jacket so that it wouldn't get ruined or wet, and just all around asking things like "are you having fun?" or even better saying "you were right, this is fun".

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Now, Sean and I clearly don't fall into either of those categories of people. I wasn't in red (I wore navy, oops), I didn't make a sign (but was absolutely jealous of all the creativity) and we aren't parents (this treat was for me). Which leads me to another group of people present: couples.

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Sean made an observation that is probably pretty accurate; for every 50 girls at this concert, there may have been 1 guy. Maybe. Most of those guys looked a lot like Sean... as in, they were holding a beer, leaning against something, scrolling through their phone (occasionally were asked to take pictures of the girl they were with), while using up their slightly fake "yeah, I'm totally having fun" face. In fairness, a concert like this wasn't totally horrible for him; there was never a line for the men's bathroom or to buy a beer (perks of being somewhere that the majority of attendees can't drink), and he got to watch Ed Sheeran who is extremely musically talented. But let's face it: he did this for me.

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And for that, I'm so grateful. Because it really was the best time ever.

Riding on a motorcycle.

When we started dating, I enjoyed riding on Sean's motorcycle. At the time, he had a different bike than pictured above. Since we've been together he's had a total of four bikes. But riding on whatever bike he had at the time was fun, a cheap way to go a long distance and as long as I wore sunscreen I could get a pretty decent tan. But for two years now, I've tried not to get on it. It started to scare me. I guess it's become one of those things I used to enjoy but now I'm afraid of (like flying or scary movies or roller coasters). Because I don't offer to go on it, Sean rides less than he would if I enjoyed it. He claims it's not as fun to be alone.

In the fall and winter, Sean keeps his motorcycle in his parent's garage because we don't have one. Since we're making the payments on it, just for it to sit in a garage, we figured it was time to get it, bring it to our house, and ride it when the weather cooperates. For two months, he's been watching the weather to see when a good time would be for him to bring his bike to our house to keep for the summer. Unfortunately, every day has included t-storms but we'll be moving into August in no time and soon after that it'll be fall again. Which means -- it's time.

We have to ignore what the weather apps tell us and brave the storm (if one should pop-up). So on Thursday night, we got his motorcycle. He followed behind me in my car back to our house. It's about 30 minutes, mostly on the highway. That's when I realized: it's more nerve-wracking to watch someone you love on a motorcycle than it is to be on the back of the bike itself.

Every time someone cut in front of him, my heart sank. Every time someone edged out of a side street and tried to cut in front of him, my heart sank. When I saw people swerve into his lane, way too close, my heart sank. I wanted to yell out my window "REALLY?!" or some other choice words. I looked back in my rear view mirror way more than usual just to check on him. Is his still there? 

When we woke up on Sunday, Sean asked if I wanted to go for a bike ride. I was still sort of sleeping and I thought he meant bicycles, which I do not know how to ride, so I hesitated. Once I realized what he meant, I hesitated more but decided to suck it up. It's been two years. We got ready, and set out for a ride. Surprisingly, it wasn't that bad. It was actually pretty fun. I'm slightly sore, because Ducati's aren't the most comfortable mode of transportation for passengers but I did get a tan. I know you're supposed to wear long-sleeves, all in the name of safety, and I know it's stupid to say "it was really hot" -- but it was. I wore long pants, and flip-flops (I know, that's really bad, also).

As nerve-wracking as it was to watch him ride behind me, it was equally frustrating to be on the bike and have people cut us off, try to cut us off, brake quickly for no reason, brake quickly for no reason without having brake lights, swerve into our lane, etc. All those things are aggravating when you're driving in a car but at least you have something protecting you. On a motorcycle, all you have is a helmet; and let's be honest -- that's like wearing your seat belt on an airplane. If something happens... well.

While sitting on the back, I try to stay focused so I don't forget to hold on. I sing to myself. I wave thank you to the drivers who wait, wave us on, let us turn left in front of them, etc. It's also pretty nice to see the scenery that you probably miss while driving in a car. You really do get a 360 view.

All in all it was a good day. We went out to breakfast, drove up a mountain, and it didn't rain on us. I'm calling it a success -- maybe next weekend, we'll do it again.

Music that matters to me.

While I was driving today I saw a sign on the highway that was letting people know about traffic up ahead due to a concert; Warped Tour to be exact. It brought back so many memories for me because Warped Tour used to be the concert I made sure to go to every year in middle school and all through high school and even in my first few years of college. It was one of my favorites. I loved the multiples stages, planning out the day prioritizing who to see. I also loved the food, and the skateboarders, and the vendors. And I loved going with my friends. I always remember Warped Tour being held on the hottest day of the entire summer and one year in particular it was the immediate day after Ozzfest (and yes, I attended that, as well). Two days in a row in the hot blazing sun with thousands of other people nearby --now sounds like a nightmare but back then? I couldn't imagine a better way to spend my time.

source.

This all got me thinking about music in general. I heard somewhere that the music you listened to at the age of 14, is music that stays with you throughout your whole life. Something about that year being the age in which you make your own decisions and form your own likes and dislikes about music (opposed to just listening to what your parents are listening to). I don't know if it's totally true but I will say that when I think back to the music I was listening to at 14 -- it's all music that still to this day I hear and love; even if I don't actually listen to that genre anymore. But those songs, those albums... I can't help it.

some examples...

Now I don't know if I had actually formed my true musical tastes by the age of 14 and I was definitely influenced by other people (adults, friends, etc.). I had a very eclectic CD collection -- that's for sure. But if it was a concert -- I wanted to be at it. In just a few years, I saw everyone from Blink 182 to Marilyn Manson, Christina Aguilera to Eminem, and absolutely everyone in between. And all-day festivals? Well, like I said -- I couldn't imagine anything more fun.

So while Warped Tour still holds a special place in my heart (as do the rest of the artists I discovered at 14) we didn't go this year because Sean's not a fan of "that" music. :) So instead I listened to "Saves the Day" radio on Pandora all day long. It was just like being back in the year 2001. Perfection.

Make the switch to Bloglovin'.

You know those relationships where the other person is mean to you 

and makes you break off things first 

so they don't have to feel guilty about ending it with you?

I feel like Google Reader is doing that right now.

When I got the "notice" last night that as of July 1st, Google Reader will be dunzo, I felt like it was their way of being mean to me and forcing me to make a decision to end things first. Annoying.

I've had an account with Bloglovin for a while, but it never seemed to make sense to me.

But they're truly enjoying the fact that Google Reader has kicked us to the curb.

I dove all in, stayed up until 1AM trying to figure out how to transfer blogs I follow 

(and then categorize them), and slowly watched my followers go up. 

Let's be honest. I write for myself and because I want to. But it's nice having an audience. Amirite?

I feel like I need to give Bloglovin an honest try.

Thank goodness, I'm on vacation so I can spend every waking moment figuring this out.

Just kidding, but it's really very cold outside and I have nothing else going on.

Here's what I like:

- You can set-up an account for free.

- You can add a widget linking to your blog here. 

- You can transfer your blogs from Google Reader by following this.

- You can add an extension to your browser. I use Chrome so I used this extension.

- From there you can easily scroll through the blogs you follow. 

- The blogger gets a page view (unlike when they read your blog through Google Reader).

- You're on the actual blog so it's easy to leave a comment (which was not true for Google Reader).

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Here's what confuses me:

- I can't figure out how to tell who is following me. I like this feature of Google Reader since it helps you know who your audience is, and lets you follow them back so you get to know the people who are getting to know you. Maybe, I'm missing something?

- I can't figure out how to link my Facebook page with Bloglovin. It looks like you can link your personal Facebook account but not a Facebook page?

Here's something that amazed me:

- At first my blog was listed twice. I don't know why or how. But I emailed them and not only did they fix it within a few hours but they emailed me back to tell me it was all set. Oh, customer service -- how I appreciate thee.

So, make the switch. It's fun and exciting over here. 

The Oscars.

Usually, I go to bed at 10PM.

I just can't function during my day without a decent amount of sleep.

But last night, the Oscars didn't even start until 8:30,

and I felt like they were only giving out an award every 40 minutes.

It was slow-moving. For sure.

I was hesitant about Seth Macfarlane hosting since I rarely get his humor.

Except for Ted. I like Ted.

However, he was the saving grace in our house,

and the only reason, I think, Sean was semi-interested in the awards.

At 10, we moved to bed and watched the rest of the show on our tablet -- 

since, we don't have a TV in our bedroom.

Yup, we can get live TV on our tablet.

Don't ask...

Well, I thought I was watching and thoroughly enjoying the show...

and the next thing I knew Sean had switched it and was watching Stand By Me.

Say whatt? DON'T YOU KNOW THE OSCARS ARE ON?

I said, "hey! I was watching that!"

*insert a rude tone of voice and a 90's "duh!"*

And his response was "um, I shut it off 15 minutes ago. Go back to sleep"

:) so I read about the rest in the AM.

Let's just say:

Jennifer Lawrence was my favorite part of the Oscars.

Hands down.

Every time I watch her on something, I wish she was my friend. 

In real life.

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And then I saw this, and it made me realize that a lot of people feel the same way for her.

When I read that she tripped.

Oh, so sad.

I just love her more.

I'm sure she's consoling herself with her OSCAR.

Meanwhile, I fell at my high school graduation...

and had to console myself with a bloody knee, and lame diploma.

A golden statue would have been so much better.

She'll bounce back...

I mean, I totally did. 

;)

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Who do YOU read?

So, the fact is: I read a lot of blogs.
But I feel like I could follow more.
I'm not the best commenter.
I wish I was better.
I just find myself as more of an introvert.
And often converse with the blogger in my head, but don't click "comment".
I'm that blogger.
It's a goal of mine to be a better commenter.
But also to find new blogs to read.

I used to only read wedding blogs.
Then I started reading newlywed blogs and then mommy blogs.
Not that I have kids, but it's like looking into the future.
I love home decorating/decor/organizing blogs.
I love lifestyle blogs, travel blogs, random blogs, and fashion blogs.

Basically, I love reading. Everything.

There's probably hundreds in my Google reader.
So here are some blogs I read... not all of them though.
And they're in no particular order, because I think they're all great.
Some are just starting out and some have thousands of followers.
Some post every day or multiple times a day and some post a few times a week.
They all post things that matter. And that's what I love.

Across the Pond

Handpicked Notions

Things to be Stroud of

Sending Postcards

Tiny bits of Nonsense

Love, life and marriage

Mackey Madness
Don't quote the Raven

So, do you read these blogs?
Who do you read that you think I should read too?
It can be your own blog... I don't mind either way.
:)

You can find me on Facebook, too.
So if your blog has a Facebook page we can like each other!
Leave a comment with your link.

Sean's new band: i invent.

Sean and some friends formed a new band.

Which is a good thing because since the break-up of Widow Sunday, his last band...

He's been antsy. And motivated to get something new started.

I'm really proud that he's the type of guy that will make things happen for himself.

When he believes in something, he goes for it and his passion is unyielding.

And when he no longer sees something working out for him, he walks away.

Life's too short, right?

His new band includes some past band members, some long-term friends, and some new friends that will soon become family.

That tends to be how a band works.

You're suddenly in a relationship with four more people, plus their significant others.

It's strange, but interesting.

So, here's to i invent.

...May the odds be ever in your favor.

Recapping 2011!

It's that time of year again -- and honestly, I feel like I just wrote a recap of 2010? But apparently, 2011 is over, too!

So here we go...

January

The first of January meant that it was a big year for us because it was the year of our wedding! I bought my wedding shoes and reserved the boys tuxes. In non-wedding related news, we moved into Sean's parents house to save money for a house the wedding, it snowed an awful lot, and we celebrated my dad's birthday!

February

In February, I received something in the mail that was so special, Sean's band had their first show at the Palladium, we started our dance classes, went to our cake tasting & our food tasting, and spent a weekend in New York City.    

March

In March, I had my first hair trial, finally made some decisions and booked our honeymoon, had my amazing bridal shower & was featured on Jacin's Lovely Little Details blog, our invitations arrived in the mail, and we celebrated Sean's birthday. 

 April

In April, I realized I didn't love our wedding invitations, made our table numbers & love banner, traveled to Maine for Easter, took a countless amount of pictures with our table numbers in Maine for our seating cards, went away to New Hampshire for scrapbook weekend, and celebrated my cousin, Lizzie's, birthday.    

May

In May, I revealed what I did during my scrapbook weekend in April, continued having wedding nightmares, "ran" my first 5K and assembled my wedding invitations, mailed out those invitations, received some RSVPs, created my 101 in 1001 list and accomplished the first thing: hiking a mountain.  

June

In June, I found my something old, was obsessed with these socks, attended the Bruins parade, had so many to-do lists, got my something blue, tried not to get tan lines, did so many DIY projects, celebrated our anniversary, started my Montessori training and filed for our marriage license!  

 

July

In July, all the work and planning and time fell exactly into place and our wedding day arrived, I spent weeks recapping the wedding on this here blog, we bought our first large purchase together - a new car, celebrated my mom's birthday, my garden produced many zucchinis, spent a weekend in Maine, spent time with friends, and I finally started thinking about things other than the wedding.

 August

In August, we traveled to Ireland for our honeymoon, threw a ladies luncheon for my cousin Lindsey, celebrated our one month anniversary, I went back to work, Hurricane Irene took away our electricity for 3 days, and I spent the entire month recapping the wedding & the honeymoon. 

 September

In September, I recapped our summer, turned 25, saw my cousin Lindsey get married, got an acoustic guitar, was very excited about new Fall t.v. & clothes, saw Sean's friend get married, and spent lots of time with the dachshunds. 

October

In October, I was a bad blogger, went to the Cape for a girls weekend, carved pumpkins & finished my wedding album, got the new iPhone, got really excited for the new Twilight movie, started grad school, mother nature gave us our first Halloween blizzard (we had a snow day!) and gave out candy with the dachshunds.    

 November

In November, I was a realllly bad blogger, my husband surprised me with something terrific on a day that wasn't so terrific, I realized I don't take enough pictures, saw the new Twilight movie (twice!), Sean grew out his beard and was in the newspaper, celebrated Thanksgiving as a wife and had a marathon shopping event on Black Friday. 

 December

In December, we took pictures for our first Christmas card ever, had weekends filled with Taco Bell and gossip magazines, saw my friend get married, participated in my first ever blog link-up, hosted our annual cookie exchange, saw the Patriots play on Christmas Eve, spent lots of time with friends and family, and put a deposit down for a new apartment!  

I guess we had a busy year! How about you?