Day 124/365 (November 18, 2014)

Such a freezing cold day! I went to work for a few hours then I went to the gym. I met up with Ally and she kept me company while I made a Pumpkin Cake Cheesecake. Then she left and Andrey came over, then Karen came home and eventually I tried to make Apple Cider Caramels. It went wrong first because I burned the syrup and then it went really wrong because I heated it too high. The recipe said 252* so even though I though that was wrong because it was well past the soft ball stage I went with it... yea it ended up being hard as a rock, and my heart was very sad. I also picked up my birthday gift from Sephora and finally figured out my game plan for my birthday after being so indecisive.

I also was having a bit of sadness concerning my birthday. Sometimes I wonder why I still love my birthday so much and if maybe I should try to change that because I put too much pressure on myself to have a good time and have it live up to what I want the day to be I stress out and can't decide and it makes me sad. I also have a fear that no one will remember my birthday. I also found out that no one was making me a cake or cupcake or anything and that made me a touch sad. I don't expect stuff to be crazy elaborate but it would be nice to have it done for me. I mean I made the cheesecake cake on a whim so I ended up knowing I would have that for the eating and I know how much effort everyone, especially Sasha and Karen, put into making my day special so I knew I would feel the love, but still a touch sad.

Day 123/365 (November 17, 2014)

Morning was spent at work, then i went to the gym for a bit. I made my way to Trader Joe's in Chelsea where for the second time ever I found it with no line... it was so weird and awesome!. After i brought the stuff home I went walking for a bit and got my birthday starbucks for someone since i don't really get anything from them... probably no one should ever get a venti latte but when free why not?

The whole day it was very rainy and I couldn't wait to get home for the night and dry off!

Charlie loes sitting on his scratching post like that

Day 122/365 (November 16, 2014)

well today sucked to say the least. I already knew it was going to be a rough day because of what the anniversary is but things got really bad. I couldn't think of an activity to do during the day so all i wanted to do was basically stay in bed and watch TV all day, maybe catch up on the DVR. Cuddle with Fred and Charlie, but instead I got put smack dab in the middle of a roomie quarrel. I won't get too much into it here because this is public but not cool.

Day 121/365 (November 15, 2014)

went to the gym in the morning, then came home and showered. When Lola came over we had tea party 2.0 for her benefit, costume and all! Jo Ann even came, as well as Sasha's boss and one of the little kids, and Pensk. It was super cute and Lola enjoyed it. We baked "better than brownie cookies" and the two kids decorated them. After it was over I took Lola to NJ to meet up with her dad. Cookies plus whip cream equal YUM!

Earlier in the day Giada (from the food network) tweeted that she couldn't go to Alton Brown's show anymore that night in NYC. Since Alton is big on tweeting via Post-It notes she said to post your funniest Post-It note tweet. I was like ooooo, too bad I am not funny. Then I got this idea and I dressed Fred in a bow-tie (like Alton) and wrote the note from his perspective and sent it in... to my complete shock and surprise and happiness she PICKED ME! I was pretty excited! Sadly ticketmaster was not cooperating so it took her assistant and me working back and forth like two hours before I could finally get the tickets.

The show was still really good. Things were changed up a touch, and he sped up some things and cut a tiny part out, but the really cool thing was Alton had Justin Warner come out and sing (well rap) TV Chef with him... it was ridiculously amazing! I love Justin too, so WIN!

Day 120/365 (November 14, 2014)

Another long day filled with exhaustion. I went to my Jenny appointment where I basically am back to where i started from week one with my overeating for the week. then headed to work where I ended up having to call 911 because everyone else was too afraid to when we saw and smelled smoke coming from our elevator. It was a very small one and all turned out okay but boy did we cause a commotion!

After work eventually I had training for the first time in almost 2 weeks... boy oh boy did it do a number in me!

I got a birthday card in the mail from Davenport that was Kinky Boots themed and I thought very sweet. I eventually showered and headed out to movie night since they were showing Aladdin. They had a coloring contest and well obviously i didn't win.

Day 119/365 (November 13, 2014)

It was a low key day, i went to work an got food from Trader Joe's so I wouldn't starve. I was beyond exhausted from all the travels. I go more quality cuddle time with Fred and Charlie and thankfully Jo Ann was not upset with postponing our date night because the thought of moving was too much. I stumbled on the Alice in Wonderland quote and Judge Judy ad.

Day 118/365 (November 12, 2014)

After a lovely night's sleep in a bed of amazing with blankets that were like pillowy clouds we woke up and had their amazing continental breakfast. It was probably the 2nd best continental breakfast I have ever had. The waffles failed but they had perfect toasted bagels and eggs stuff in a bagel shape!

We then checked out and said goodbye to Casey and went to try and get into our original hotel. When we got there we ran into the maintenance man who it turns out also found the place locked. He said he was only able to get in because he found an open window in the back. It turns out the kid who was supposed to be working was afraid and decided to lock up the hotel tight, not take the portable phone with him, and went to sleep in one of the guest rooms. Needless to say we were extremely disgruntled. We left an angry note for the manager when he got in since it was 2 hours later and headed out. I finally got to speak with him and irate Tamra doesn't happen often but I was ticked off so I really let him have it. he apologized and i think was going to fire the person... good because that was beyond unacceptable.

We made good time, got home, I did some minor unpacking then went to work for a bit before coming home to finish unpacking, and have some quality cuddle time with Fred and Charlie while making a birthday card.

Day 117/365 (November 11, 2014)

We got up and left so early, we made good time and there wasn't much traffic. Checked into our hotel that was not the qulaity we were expecting and we were the only guests that night.

Then we went out to get some food and found this cute cafe... I had the best meatball sub of my life. As we were leaving and throwing our stuff out i told Karen "oh look someone got the hot chocolate flight" and then we left... we had just gotten to our car and I saw an Alton Brown tweet where he showed a picture of him WITH THE HOT CHOCOLATE FLIGHT from that place, we had missed him by moments and I was crushed... I looked terrible so probably for the best!

Then we went back to the hotel to rest and clean up before going to the meet and greet/show. I freaking met Alton Brown after years of LOVING him... my heart was soaring! He was so nice and as he was signing my badge he said that way there I could get at least $3 for it on eBay and i was like oh no it is worth much more than that I have loved you for years and he was like oh im not worthy of that and i was all yes you are!

The seat we had was up close and awesome. his show was so freaking funny, i was in stitches. he did a Q and A and had told people to tweet pictures with selfies and mine popped up first and when he saw it he was like oh you are sitting right over here aren't you and came to me... then he told me that i looked much nicer in person than my selfie but thanks for listening to his how to take a selfie tip... LOL!

The day would have been perfect except after the show we got dinner since we were starving and by the time we got back to our hotel we were LOCKED OUT!

We spnt over an hour freezing and needing to go to the bathroom trying to break open the door, and swipe our keys fruitlessly, and banging on the doors, and calling the front desk to no avail. the phone would ring, then switch to the portable we could see in its cradle. Finally we felt we had no choice and gave up and went to the hotel that was close by. The guy who was working there was beyond friendly and helpful and gave us a discount. The hotel was so nice, so so nice! wish we had been there from the start so thank you Hampton Inn and Suites, I will be a repeat customer thanks to you and Casey!

Day 116/365 (November 10, 2014)

Got up super early to run a few errands before the funeral. Karen and I had to go pick up food from Michael's. go to Dunkin Donuts to get the coffee and munchkins, then drop off all of that to the church before heading to the funeral home.

The funeral was difficult and lots of tears were shed but it was a nice service even if the pastor kept singing. It was nice of the family to put aside their drama for a few hours and come together as one.

After the funeral we went to the church for the reception and the church lady that helped set everything up put me and Karen to work. I am pretty sure she ended up not liking me but whatever. I couldn't believe I was made to help serve everybody, this was as much for me as everyone else but she was a scary lady.

After it was all over we came back to my mom's and then people started coming over in droves to see Grandpa. I did have probably the longest conversation I have ever had with Grandpa at one point which was nice, and Tessa wanted to read me stories. It ended up being so loud and chaotic and Colson bit me. Luckily i had a sleeve protecting me or he would have broken the skin!

Eventually Karen and I said our goodbyes and went over to my Auntie Margaret's to get a good night's sleep before our early morning travels the next day, since neither of us had been sleeping well while in MA.

Day 115/365 (November 9, 2014)

I basically consumed small amounts of liquor all day... not one of my finer moments but it helped get through the day without hurting anyone. The morning started off with Karen and I joining my cousin Maureen (Mo) and Katie for breakfast. It was a much needed happy way to start a non-happy day.

We got back to my moms and after a tiny bit of time we got ready to head to the wake. It was difficult seeing my Nana in the casket and it took me a long time before I could bring myself to go up there to say goodbye. I am so thankful Karen had been with me, she was a great help for me and my family this whole time.

After the wake had ended we went to pickup the food to have for the reception after the funeral at Donelan's. There were so many trays of food. I also had to take on the coffee and munchkin responsibility because people were making it way too difficult. I had mostly Fireball in Apple flavored water all day, but ended it with this flavored Bailey's that tasted like a cherry cordial.

Day 114/365 (November 8, 2014)

In a failed attempt to upgrade my phone while close to NH Karen and I went to Pheasant Lane Mall... I failed but we also got some stuff at Micheal's and found these cute candy cane gifts with little flavored pinnacle vodkas in them! I also got a little TLC from Sophie

I also got the food order in with Sean and we went to my Auntie Margaret's for a bit.

After we came back we went over to Michael's again to do some cookie baking with LeiLani. At first it was quiet but then it was crazy and finally Karen and I just had to leave, so we went over to Becky's for some time. We saw Tessa and Colson and I discovered that Barcardi Torched Cherry Rum in Pepsi tastes like Cherry Pepsi... it was amazing, and then Colson finally fell asleep.

Day 113/365 (November 7, 2014)

This day was fun and trying at the same time. Met up with Becky over at Michael's and then her, Colson, Karen, Angie, and myself went to the florist to order the flowers for Nana from everyone. I think i mentioned before Colson is the most energetic 2 year old I have met. I wanted to participate in the flowers but he was being what a 2 year old should be so Karen and I ended up trying to distract him. Then all of us (except Angie) went to BJs to pick up the paper products we need for the reception after the funeral and see what their pricing was for food. Then we met up with Samantha and Xavier for lunch. It was nice to have us all there, and there was some Burlington Coat Factory poking as well. It was a full day of Colson wrangling which was fun but tiring. Eventually we ended back over at Michael's that night and I decided I needed to take charge of the food situation so that it would get done.

We also went to Maureen's and I got my hair trrimeed.

Day 112/365 (November 6, 2014)

It was a slow morning an Karen, my mom, and I went shopping at Target for some things, then ended up getting supplies at the liquor store to get through the next few days. We discovered this lovely new flavored vodka from UV called candy bar. I also got a small bottle of Fireballs.

When we got back to my mom's Becky was there with Colson and Samantha was on her way. She tried stalking us but failed so had to call to find where I was. It was nice to see her and Xavier and Mike for a bit,

Later that night we all went over to Michael's to look an pick pictures an discuss food and everything for the funeral services. The family was a hot mess. So much chaos, disorganization. They kept going through the same stuff over and over and taking way too long. I ended up bidding (and winning) on an auction of Lunch with Hunter Parrish while in a particularly bad moment in an attempt to make myself happy. it did. It could have also been the mix of Fireball and Vodka. Nothing ended up being completely decided that night but Becky and I made plans for the next day to get some needed supplies and do some food recon.

Day 111/365 (November 5, 2014)

The day started off fine and then i found out my nana had died. Needless to say my day was not good. I forced myself to go to work and get things done so I could head to MA with a clear head. Karen decided to come with me so we left later that night... this is Sophie, always nice to see my mom's cat.

Day 110365 (November 4, 2014)

Oopsie I rushed Pippin this morning.... I mean it will be closing Jan. 4 and I want to see Josh Kaufman. I was going to wait a couple weeks to give him a chance to grow in the role before seeing him to give him a fair chance, but the closing notice forced me to go sooner, and it has been 6 days since I saw it... I need to tone it down though if I plan on seeing the tour and not dwindling my savings account on theatre.

I went to the gym and came home to try to take a peaceful bath instead Charlie cred the whole time. eventually i went out to see Pippin. I do love the show. Josh is trying really hard and he sounded really good during Morning Glow and On the Right Track. He needs some time and to realize saying lines loudly does not equate to acting/high energy. However I didn't dislike him as much as I thought I would and the fact I could see how hard he was trying and cared is enough for me to give him another shot in a couple of weeks. My anonymity at the show is officially gone... all the looks form the acrobats and actors are very fun and appreciated. The cute acrobat girl I finally spoke with the other night saw me in the aisle and ran to give me a hug at the beginning of Act 2 which was pretty sweet. I got a picture with Mike in his Lewis costume since they were collecting for BC/EFA, Baby Orion (the Australian) finally was in the whole show so it was nice to see that.... he is doing a pretty good job and the fire juggling can now be back!

Then after the show they were having a "fan appreciation party" to welcome and celebrate Josh joining the cast. I ate way too much cheese and other little foods. It was nice to hang out an chat with some of them, and ones I don;t usually get to like Andrew Fitch and Charlie for a hot minute. I met Josh and he was very nice. I met Baby Orion and had some nice convos with two of the acrobats and one of the little Theos (Eli). It was a late but really needed fun night, my only regret is all the food i stuffed in my face because I need to work on my self control.