Discombobulated

Discombobulated. A verb meaning "to throw into a state of confusion", as defined in the online dictionary.

That's what I feel my blog is, which in turn relates to how my life is. Thrown into a state of confusion.

Each day - or rather, each post (since I don't post every day) - is something different. I envy the blogs who are comfortable in what they are. The wedding-themed blogs, the blogs my friends operate that are food, fashion and TV recaps (you ladies have no idea how much those Grey's recaps helped catch me up!) and the blogs that convey somebody's life, but in a clear, concise way.

I'm not quite sure what this means about me or my life. Does it mean I have too much going on, or maybe not enough going on? Or maybe it means that I am just a blend of lots of things and that is reflected in what I choose to write about.

Did I confuse you?

I Wish I Had My Camera This Weekend

It was the perfect weekend for us and I didn't bring my camera. So, in lieu of me being forgetful, I downloaded pictures of the places we were to show you my weekend.

Ashley's roof deck - last year's party. Only the outfit changed since then. Scenery hasn't changed a bit.

Next day, picnic in Boston Commons. Only it rained on us - twice. We were soaked, but it was awesome.Singing Beach, Manchester-by-the-Sea. Perfect. There is nothing better after getting soaked in the rain one day to get baked by the sun the next.

After a day at the beach, Capt. Dusty's Ice Cream. Nothing better than a giant scoop of Rocky Road Ice Cream.

*Thanks to all those who posted these photos on Google Images for me to download and show a picture montage of my perfect weekend in Boston.

I'm Here

I apologize for the delay, but I've been busy catching up. I'm back from vacation and I have a post ready to go detailing the wonderful Mexican adventure, but I know there are some of you waiting for a particular update - and if you aren't, then you clearly haven't read my blog, and you should probably start. Go on. I'll wait for you. Yes, that means you. Start from the beginning. I'll even make it easy. You can start from 2009 if that helps.

You're back? Understand everything now? Ok, good. So, to answer your question...


Drumroll please...


The answer is...


No.

I did not get engaged on the trip. But believe me, there were a few opportunities that would have been the perfect moment. This just leads me to believe that when the opportunity comes, it will be even more perfect than those perfect evenings we shared in Puerto Vallarta.

I promise a post soon detailing the trip. I just wanted to cut the suspense.

I'm Baaaaaack!

We're back from our paradise vacation, and I'm pleased to report it was just the break I needed. We rested by the pool and/or ocean nearly every day, ate our way through some gourmet restaurants, and took a boat to a private island and zip lined through the jungle. And yes, I even ran while on vacation. Here are just a few photos:

View from our hotel room - perfect weather

our candlelight dinner on the beach at Las Caletas

The sharks that were out while I was runningRappelling down the waterfall

If you're interested in seeing the rest of the photos from our trip, you can visit my Picasa page here and here.

They Could Put Strychnine in the Guacamole

"I said I'm stressed out... so tired... my days... so long... I NEED A VACATION"

The above is the chorus of the song that resonates most in my life right now from Young Jeezy, titled, "I Need a Vacation."

This image is one I've been picturing in my head since December. This image is the only thing saving my sanity, so imagine my terror at the thought of having to postpone this image due to this image:

The A (H1N1), aka swine flu, has been top-of-mind since it spread like wildfire through Mexico and Texas last week (and to the rest of the world days later.) I've been rabidly monitoring coverage for any break in sickness, ANYTHING that would allow me to take my vacation.

I called the promotional company who is handling our trip logistics about their recommendations, which they recommended to wait until just before our trip to see what happened; I looked for news every day, and every little ounce of good news I stored in my arsenal to convince myself that I could - and would - take this trip. I mean, it's my sanity we're talking about!!

Stephen told me my judgement was impaired, fueled by my need to escape the city for a week. To some degree he was probably right, but it was more than that. I know how the media works, how sensationalism works. This was the media's dream story, all packaged with a pretty bow.

It's been just over a week since the flu broke out. People aren't dying anymore, and the media coverage has died down (no front page story on The NY Times today!) I've done my due diligence. I called my physician to explain the situation and what, if anything, I should do. The doctor explained to me how the flu has been sensationalized, and explained that the Mexico resorts haven't had any serious reports. He said to take some flu medicine in case we get sick, but that things aren't nearly as dangerous as they thought last week. He said to GET OUT OF TOWN!

That image, the one I've been holding on to for months, will be replaced by this image come Sunday.

I need a vacation... and thankfully on Sunday I'll get one.

A Break is Never a Bad Thing

Last week Stephen was on a beach in North Carolina with some of his former colleagues. It's the first break we've had from each other since I moved to Boston, and I have to say it was probably a good thing for both of us.

Here's what I learned while he was gone:

-- I hate going to sleep alone and waking up alone, but apart from that, I had a good time being alone

-- I get shit done when it's just me. I had no problems scrubbing down the house and making some transformations.

-- I can come home whenever I want.* I went out with some of my girlfriends several times throughout the week and stayed out late (for me), and didn't have to call Stephen to let him know I was ok and would be home soon.

-- I revert to old eating patterns. I cook for us. When Stephen was gone, I used maybe 2 dishes the whole week. Some nights I didn't even eat because that's how easy it is for me not to notice small details when Stephen's not here.

-- I REALLY like sleeping in the middle of the bed. I do anyway, but this week I didn't get nudged to move over to one side of the bed.

Despite all the fun I had, it was the nicest feeling waking up next to Stephen on Sunday morning.

* I can always come home when I want, but as a courtesy I check in with Stephen whenever I'm out late.