From Sunshine to Snow.. My Life in New England

Bah

2009-04-15T11:18:00.000-07:00

Although I deny it in my mind...I really miss him... He's out of town for the week and I am really noticing it and bah...I miss him!

I am trying to hold back my feelings cause I don't want to be hurt again, but I really am starting to like this guy, i'll refer to him as "J". "J" is a new guy I have been seeing and he is a great guy from what I am learning. I want to like him so much more, but I am afraid of getting my feelings hurt. After my last relationship, I kind of built that wall back up again. I would give guys a try, but none of them would worth it to break the wall down again.

J is different, I really hope he keeps proving it. We'll see how things pan out. We've been seeing each other for about a month now. It is just dating, no relationship, but we'll see. I mean, not like I am seeing anyone else right now, but I dunno...again, we'll see. That seems to be my response to things lately.

Wow...just realized it has been ages since I last posted! Oh well, only school, work and J going on in my life momentarily. Oh, I did go to the land of Mickey Mouse last week...I love releasing my inner 5 year old :)

I give up

2009-01-13T12:19:00.001-08:00

Why did I even try...apparently I have no game, lol! But honestly, I am probably jumping to conclusions, but I rather suppress my emotions now while I have the energy. Who knows, I am probably over analyzing like usual, but at the same time...I don't know, haha!

Whatever, it is good I don't have someone to distract me because I need to focus on MY life momentarily.

NYE

2008-12-30T19:24:00.000-08:00

So excited about it! I have friends coming into town and it is going to be a blast...just need to get through work tomorrow!

I was thinking about how AGAIN, I don't have anyone to kiss at midnight this year. But then I think about it, not like I can anyway cause I am still getting over my yucky sicky coughy :( Oh well, kisses on the cheek don't hurt, right?

Happy New Years to Everyone! Be safe and have fun :)

List of things to do:

2008-12-05T20:26:00.000-08:00

- Actually send out the Christmas cards I never sent out from last year
- Study for finals
- Work on Recipe Book for work
- Start back up going to the gym
- Start dating again...3 1/2 months is a long enough moratorium, haha
- Clean my apt from head to toe
- Christmas Shop!
- Laundry
- Actually cook the food I have in my fridge instead of ordering out, haha

There is more, but I need to shower and hit the sack....opening tomorrow, blegh!

Until Next Time!

Lacking motivation..

2008-11-25T12:06:00.000-08:00

The semester is almost OVER! You would think I would gather what energy I had left and push through...full steam ahead! But man, I am just so exhausted! Between work, school, projects and papers - all I seem to want to do is sleep or relax by cooking copious amounts of yummy food, which I end up throwing out some. That is cause I end up getting sick of it by day three, blah.

Also knowing that Thanksgiving is two days away and the semester ends in two weeks, my mind is on a frenzy! I am just anxious to get back to my parents' house for a couple of days and just be...that's it, just "be".

I really should be writing a simulation paper for my wine class, but yet again...no motivation. Although, I am sure my ass will be kicked into gear soon - my goal is to be finished tonight.

You are probably wondering how everything else is going. So far, not too bad - can't really complain. Excited about the holiday break around the corner, but also at the same time EVERYONE is leaving Orlando, while my sorry ass is here working itself off. By the way, since I last updated, I am in limbo of what to do with my job. Do I stay or leave and start my new job at the restaurant? Which is going to be beneficial for my career??

Sigh...I hate growing up sometimes. I miss the days of just deciding who's house I am going to play at, or deciding what to wear on my first day of school. Those decisions were all based on the present. Now, the decisions I make have an affect on my future - both in my personal and professional life. GAH! I wish someone could make the decision for me, but I know in the end I have to decide. Oh the joys of growing up!

Side note: Even though it is still a year away, I am so excited about my friend Ashlie's wedding! She is one of my dear friends back in Providence and she is getting married next December! I can't wait to book my ticket to Vermont, as well as helping her with her wedding cake :) Tag teaming it! Wow...lots of exclamation points, but they were sincerely used.

Hmm...I guess that is it for now. Hopefully next time I update, I will be on my holiday break and working like a mad woman.

Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone! Remember to be thankful for what you have in your life, and no I am not talking materialistically. Because there is someone else out there who may not be as fortunate as you are.

Until next time...

Exciting new things!

2008-11-04T08:01:00.000-08:00

For once, a positive and exciting posting :)

First off....Today is Election Day! GO VOTE! Vote for whomever, but if you don't vote, you don't have a right to bitch!

Lots of new things have been going on in the past couple of weeks, which keeps my life slightly exciting...or at least interesting for the most part.

First, I just moved into my new apt. Albeit that it is only a couple buildings down from my old one, my current apartment is much more cozy! My room is slightly smaller (I think because the ceilings are lower), but at least now my bathroom is attached to my room. Only time I actually have to leave my room is to eat - and we all know I love to eat! Foodie at heart - what else can I say?

Second, I got a new job. Yes, yes - I know I said this back in August that I had a new job, but now I have another one. This job is much closer (i.e. 5 minutes down the road) and it will not be so physically demanding. Don't get me wrong! I LOVE being in the kitchen, but I think I would be more happy working the line in a restaurant making and plating desserts versus working in a store where they make only one product. Yes, they do make many variations of their product, but it is still one product in my eyes. So in other words, I'll be trying my hand at FOH - I have already started training myself on using other words, in place of profanity!

Downside to this new job is that they are still in the construction phase and start date got pushed to the 12th of December - more than a month after my initial start date. Apparently, they are six weeks behind schedule in construction. It's all good though because the finished space is going to be AMAZING! I will be working in a restaurant that will be two floors, thousands of square feet and it was just be absolutely gorgeous - as far as the plans I have been fortunate to see :) Due to the push in starting date, I am actually going back to my old job for the next month. I could say that I could go for a month without working, but HELL NO! Not with the holidays a comin' and bills a girl has got to pay! It is probably good I am going back for a bit cause I know they have been in a slump and they could use the extra help in the kitchen.

Everything else in my life is going alright. I really cannot complain - I think I would say I am actually content with my life. Although there may be some aspects of it that are lacking, I am getting through it....I just have my moments where I fill in those lacking aspects by indulging in a pack of Oreos or that sinful Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate from Starbucks - mmm.... BUT at least I can say that I have lost weight :) I dropped below a certain number I didn't think was possible. I just hope I can continue, or at least maintain...and during the holidays, that will be so hard!

I better stop procrastinating now and finish this spreadsheet I am working on, BUT I hope everyone had a fabulous Halloween Weekend! I spent mine back in Jacksonville with the family and some friends. I threw on my butterfly wings from a previous Halloween, handed candy out and carved pumpkins - I call that my cup of tea :)

Until next time!

I really need to stop...

2008-10-25T14:33:00.000-07:00

but he is still on my mind...even if I try to "forget about him", too many things around me remind me of him. Sadly enough, I miss him...goodness I am lame, lol!

Maybe I should have had them schedule me for today...this is what happens when I actually get a free moment to think!

/end rant...

Until Next Time

Oh and btw...start my new job n FOH in two weeks! I am actually going to miss BOH, but this should hopefully be a good experience to add to my resume *fingers crossed*.

The irony of things...

2008-10-08T06:23:00.000-07:00

At this point, all I can do is just throw my head back and laugh one of my sarcastic laughs...

HA!

Gee

2008-09-24T07:44:00.000-07:00

It's been exactly a month from today....it seems so much longer then that.

Yesterday would have been 3 months.

No, I am not dwelling...just an observation after having looked at my calander.

I need to listen to my own advice...

2008-09-17T17:37:00.000-07:00

"Treat others how you would like to be treated" -I follow this one...Now this following one is something I need to start doing...

"Now if they don't treat you how you would like to be treated...feed them what they dish out"

In high school, I used to let people walk all over me. I would keep my opinions to myself and just be like whatever.

Although that has gotten better over the years...I am not so closed on my opinions, I still find myself being walked all over and taken advantage of. I need to stand up for myself and be more assertive. Assertiveness is a quality that I lack, I find it to be one of my weaknesses. I tell myself now that if I want to be more confident with myself and the decisions and the actions I take, I need to turn this weakness and make it my strength.

I think I am just hitting that point in my life where I need to get things figured out, at least to make sure I am sending myself on the right path to having self esteem, confidence...pretty much self actualization. Oh Maslow...you are so right!

It's that time...

2008-09-03T18:48:00.001-07:00

I think I need to move on...apparently I am the only one who has not...

Thursday Afternoon...

2008-07-24T10:10:00.000-07:00

Is finally here! Just one more week of classes, then I am on break for a couple of weeks until Fall starts back up.

But of course, to fill up that time...I am going to pick up where I left off on the job hunting. That in itself is a job! I thought that with the wine shop gig, I would be a shoe in. I mean, the words they used and the way they talked made it sound like I got it. I mean they were ready to offer me the position right there, but I guess the other people they interviewed after me for the second round were more "Desirable"...oh well. Shows what happens when you put all your eggs in one basket.

So my goal today is to apply at three places...a resort and two restaurants. People say it is so easy to get a job in those fields because this is Orlando, but yeah...not with how the job market is going nowadays. Wish me luck that I at least get a call back...geez...I need to call some of these places and find out why they did not want me... I need to correct me mistakes! I hope my past references are not saying bad things...not like they legally can anyway. But I need to nip this in the butt...along with other things in my life, but that's another story.

Anywho...Happy Weekend to those starting today, as well as tomorrow :)

Until next time...

Rant #1,000,529...

2008-07-20T20:02:00.001-07:00

So this blog has ended up turning into an outlet for me where I speak negative words on my life at that moment in time. Whatever, it's my blog so I can say what I want....it's your fault if you read it, haha...oh how the sarcasm is coming out in full blows!

It is only Sunday night and this week is already slowly killing me. Thinking about how I have a big exam tomorrow night and not knowing what I have in that class is freaking me out. I hate when professors keep one in fucking suspense. I mean, it is my fucking grade...post the damn bitch so I know how I am doing...don't email the whole fucking class telling us half the class failed, but fails themselves to mention who did. I am trying to study, but it isn't possible...my mind is in such a cluster fuck over this exam, along with all the crap going on in my other class. Tomorrow is going to be a fucking long day and all I am going to want to do is crash when I get home Monday night...

With my other class...we have a presentation this week and we test out our menus and blah blah...ugh, I just want to get it over with. I am afraid I am going to snap on people that don't deserve it, they just happen to make contact with me at the wrong time. Let's hope I have self control over my emotions this week...also pmsing doesn't help the situation either...it is coming in spurts, ugh...

And then not being able to see my significant other till the end of the week doesn't make this any better. My fucking schedule this week conflicts with his and it makes me sad :( I mean I know people go for months without seeing their other half, especially in the whole long distance thing, but we are not doing that...so I think that's what is getting to me...gosh, I shouldn't even be complaining. I guess right now, everything is building one on top of the other - leaving me in a mood where every minuet thing bothers me, when it really shouldn't. It might be a good thing that he doesn't see me until towards the end of the week because I am going to be such a bitch this week...that's a warning right there, haha! Last thing I want to do is go off on someone and they did nothing wrong, lol.

Gosh...I complain a lot. Whatever...I guess I just have to try to keep my head up this week and pray things go somewhat smoothly...or at least I can just get through it....

Can it be Thursday afternoon yet?

4th of July

2008-07-03T07:13:00.000-07:00

Most people look forward to this occassion, not only to celebrate our nation's birthday, but it also results in getting a long weekend. For a lot of people, they are lucking out and getting a four day weekend - by the way, you suck!

Now for those in MY industry and similar ones, July 4th and any kind of major holiday constitutes in being slammed and busy - meaning working like whoa! The resort is at max capacity this weekend, so I am going back and working this weekend (I need to anyway). Instead of working in my normal department (pastry, woohoo!), I'll be playing hostess in one of our restaurant outlets.

It'll be the first time I am truly working FOH and I am way excited...hopefully adding this other double coded position on my resume will make me look desirable to a future employer - minus the shitty economy and people being picky with who they hire. I understand though, shit...if I were in their position, I would have every right to be picky too!

Anyway, I better hit the road back to Jacksonville (Orange Park).

Have a great 4th!

Until next time...

Ranting...

2008-06-30T09:05:00.001-07:00

I know I keep bitching and complaining about this whole job hunt thing down here, but it freaking sucks. At least I actually heard back from one place, but unfortunately the answer was a negative. Whatever...I'll move on. I think an appointment with my career department on campus is in order...figure out what the hell I am doing wrong in these interviews!

I knew this process was not going to be easy, but damn! Oh well, I'll just keep trudging along and trying...thank goodness for my position still back in Jacksonville *knocks on wood*.

I guess not everything in one's life can be perfect...some things have to go wrong, haha! I guess at the moment, I am looking at things half empty...but flipping that to half full...I have a wonderful family and friends, a great boyfriend, I am doing really well in school and for the most part, I am content with things.

I guess only time will tell on what happens with my fucking career, ha!

Until next time...

R.I.P Tastespotting

2008-06-18T09:03:00.001-07:00

So my favorite blog of all time has been closed :(

Tastespotting was amazing because it was like the watering hole for all of these different food blogs. It was a Google Reader for food! So to my disappointment, they have closed. But After finding this update on their site today, I have some hopes...we'll see :)

While I procrastinate getting ready for work...

2008-06-14T03:59:00.000-07:00

I figure I would update! It's brief, but to the point :)

- Gas is ridiculous....I paid 3.99/gal at the Shell I always go to, in the morning. After work, I drove by again and it was up to 4.01/gal...cry me a river!!

- My phone is dead cause I forgot my damn charger :(

-I keep having interview after interview, but no luck in getting past the first...why does this remind me of my dating life?

-On the man front...things are starting to look up! Let's hope Round Two moves onto Round Three, haha! Then I can break this pattern of a bunch of first dates...whatevs, hehe...

Okay...I guess I better throw some work clothes on and head out the door.

Until Next Time...

Along the lines of my love life...

2008-06-03T20:37:00.001-07:00

So I think I have my answer as far as this guy goes that I went out with. Fine with me, but at least I have a better understanding with myself to why it won't work out. Instead of it just dying off and I wonder what went wrong.

There are plenty of other guys out there, so I am no worried. Plus, when I am not looking is when they pop up :)

Amos Lee

2008-06-03T19:59:00.001-07:00

Before today, I had only really knew only one song by Amos Lee called, "Arms of a Woman". Which I love! But now that I am listening to more of his stuff, including songs I have always listened to, but didn't realize it was him. I think I have fallen more in love with his music.

Amos Lee is categorized on I-Tunes as Folk Music, which I think is pretty befitting if he is alongside such artists as Jenny Gillespie - a local musician from Chicago whom I think is amazing and I hope she gets her time in the spotlight!

His music is very relaxed and mellow. It is perfect for a rainy day, sitting next to the window with a nice cup of coffee. With the mesmerizing sounds of Amos' voice and the patter of the rain just sounds so delightful.

One song that I think everyone would be familiar with is, "Sweet Pea". I think it has been in commercials and on films. It is just so darn familiar to the ear and I will admit to squealing when I heard it! If you are a fan of Fiona Apple, Ray LaMontagne and Aimee Mann, you will truly enjoy the sounds of his music and voice.

And keep in mind, his new album will be out on June 24, 2008! Support this guy, I sure as hell will be! Including seeing him in concert here in Orlando @ The Social on August 1st.

www.amoslee.com

It's been a long time...

2008-06-02T20:25:00.001-07:00

So I created this blog soooo long ago. Well, more like a year ago! It was supposed to record my life while I lived in New England. As you can tell from the plethora of posts I have (note: sarcasm!), I never really kept up with it.

So on an update, it is now June 2008 and I am living down here in sunny Orlando, Florida! Home of Mickey Mouse, the Hulk ride at IOA and countless outlet shopping malls.

So I guess you could say the title of my blog does not hold much truth to it anymore, but I am still going to keep it :) Unofficially, I shall title it, "From Sunshine to Snow, Then Back to Sunshine again! My Life Back in Sunny (sometimes) Florida".

Okay, so that's it for now. BUT I will start posting stuff now. Just had to put this notice out there :)

Until next time...

Second Home?

2007-03-24T18:00:00.000-07:00

So, just to start off, I will introduce myself!

I am 22 years old and am originally from the south, but decided to come up to the New England area to attend college. Previously at another school, but realized that the direction I was going in was not my desire. My desire, my dream...my passion laid in the kitchen. So, here I am, living in Providence going to my dream school. I am loving every minute of it, minus getting homesick, but that's just something to be expected from me. (Side note: I am very close to my family, so it's hard on me momentarily...it's called learning to grow up)

Anyway, I've been living up here for the past, let's see...about 7 months now. I will have to say, experiencing a real fall and winter has been amazing! Seeing the seasons actually change is such a delight. Back home, it's either "hot" or "hotter"!

Another thing that I have been getting used to is actually making a life for myself. I came here knowing no one, only my cousin and her family an hour away in Boston. It was depressing at first, but to get by, I explored what Providence had to offer. Don't worry, I have friends now!

Anyway, I tried to see what was out there and what I could make my own. Some of the places I found that I absolutely fell in love with are:

1. Tazza (Westminster St/Downtown/restaurant/bar)
Awesome cafe/restaurant/bar! My first discovery after moving here. The environment and decor is so modern and fun. The couches that wind around the back wall make for great seating. They also offer live music majority of the nights. If there is not live music, you will definitely find a DJ spinning there. I recommend their bar (great liquor selection, although they didn't have Disaronno when I had gone *sad*). As far as eats go, definitely try their spinach salad....soooo good!!!

2. RISD Works (Retail)
Love this place! I bought my IPod case from here :) The products in this store are made up of products produced by RISD Alumni or RISD Affiliates (instructors, etc). They range from crazy practical art like purses or things for your home, to Family Guy memorabilia, to RISD totes. I will say, I am in love with the chocolate brown and teal RISD tote. If you are into supporting local and upcoming artist and designers, GO HERE! Profits earned go back to the University.

3. Wild Colonial Tavern (South Water Street/restaurant/bar).
If you want to go somewhere dark and not too crazy busy, but just enough people where you can have fun, go here! They have an amazing selection of locally brewed beers, domestic and international beers. My new favorite thing to get there is a Stella Artois. Given I can get it back home, I still like to get it here, along with any of my German wheat ales :) Also, for those who like their beer sweet, you can order a snakebite! It is a mix of a cider and a wheat ale. I am not quite sure of the name, but I'll get back to ya'll on that one. Mostly RISD students and others that live in the area, including some Brown U students that venture down College Hill.

4. Trinity Brewhouse (Fountain St. Across from the Dunkin' Donuts Center/restaurant/bar)
Love, Love, Love! If you are into locally brewed beers, pretty much brewed in the same establishment you are dining in, this place is for you! They brew about 4 to 5 different beers, my favorite being the Patriots Ale. They are reasonably priced, especially since it is brewed onsite. The location is great if you are going to a concert or show over at the DD Center, especially if it is a Monday! 20 cent wings! Can't get better than that eh? Well probably could, but we'll stick to this for now. Their wings are huge and when I went, I had two other friends with me. We barely eat the 50 wings we ordered and it only costs 10.00! I mean hello? CHEAP! The rest of their menu is just as good, especially their burgers...mmm...

5. The Red Fez (Right by McFaddens/restaurant/bar)
I swear, this place is a hole in the wall! If i didn't have a friend who took me there, I would never know about this great establishment. It has a dark, Arabian feel to it. Lots of reds and lots of monkeys wearing a fez. It is small and intimate, especially for that first date when you are trying to get to know someone, yet not so intimate where you feel intimidated. Their menu is so yummy! I love goat cheese and I love quesadillas...who would have though they would be amazing together! Also, their baked macaroni and cheese is to die for...never seen so much cheese used for one dish. Their menu changes every so often, so don't always expect to see those quesadillas on the menu, but you will with the mac n cheese! Also, another staple on their menu is their hummus, which is made on site! Fantastic, eh? Such a fresh and clean flavor, it was great! Their bar selection is just as good, offering both liquors, wines and beers.

6. Bowl and Board (Westminster St./ Retail)
I swear, if you are on Westminster St. no doubt, I will love you! Anyway, Bowl and Board is a retail shop that sells items for your home, ranging from kitchen, to living room to the bathroom. They also sell jewelry that up and coming artists make, it is so great! I have a necklace from there that had a charm circle with the words "Serenity" engraved...brings a sense of calm into my life during hectic times. I also love how they carry many many Umbra products :) The kitchen section is not too shabby either...I would love to buy all of my equipment there!

7. Bank of America Fleet Center Skating Rink
In the winter, this ice skating rink is open to the public for a fee, about 4 dollars to skate, 6 for rentals. If you are a college student, Wednesdays, you get a discount, $6 total for skates and entrance. It is a great way to meet new people and mingle. As well as bring your own group of friends and just have a gliding good time! No pun intended :) No whipping the rope on the ice! It's a no no for them :(

That is all I have for now, but if I think of more or come across more places, I will definitely post more!

So overall, I am really loving living here, but I am also looking forward to going home for the summer. I meant to start this blog when I first got here, but I just got so caught up in things, but hey...better late then never, eh?

I hope my information helps you out! Believe me though, I won't always just be talking facts and reviews. I am going to warn you now, I will bitch and complain from time to time. You know what though? It's my blog, so I'll do what I want! HAHA

Until Next Time :)