Yesterday was a good day, and not just because I finally completed Mass Effect 2 after 40+ hours. Who says you can't play video games when you're a parent? For anyone curious, Mass Effect 2 is a great game! I thoroughly enjoyed the game, even though the object of my desire, Yeoman Kelly Chambers, melted into tiny bits before my eyes. I'll have to replay it at some point to actually get a happier ending.
Mass Effect 2 aside, I had the opportunity to hang out with my friends (Marc, Kelley, and Andrea). Unfortunately, Karen could not attend the shindig. She was still feeling the effects from her fever. Yes, it's almost a week now that she has been sick. And like any good husband and father of a twenty month old, I said to her "Later, chump" and made a mad dash out of the house for my brief minutes of freedom. Just kidding.
On the agenda for the night was starting season three of Community. Now, I suck at Community. All of us have been planning to start the third (and possibly last) season of the show for some time. Our schedules have been busy this month and it just seemed like we could never get everyone together. Needless to say, we started the third season yesterday. (And for anyone curious, Karen assured me that she would watch the episodes online so as to catch up with all of us.)
As usual, the episodes were hilarious. We actually made it through six episodes last night, meaning that by the end of our next get-together we should be all caught up with the series. Too bad the show is currently on hiatus. Damn you NBC!
In addition to Community, we also ordered food for dinner. Andrea was coming directly from work and consequently would not have the opportunity for make dinner at home. So all of us decided to order from the Fowler House. I ordered the burger. Even though I devoured my burger (and most of Andrea's), I would say that I was not that impressed by the Fowler House burger. I attribute my voracious eating more to my bottomless pit of a stomach, than to the great taste of the burgers.
All in all, it was a good night of just hanging out and having fun. And naturally, with my bizarre train of thought, I ended up thinking about which Community character all of us would be if my circle of friends were similar to those of the Community characters. Kelley and Andrea suggested Troy for me.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
I Suck At Subway
Sadly, the highlight of my Monday involved eating. On Monday, my mother and I grabbed a quick bite to eat from Subway. Now, I suck at Subway. I have not eaten at Subway in quite some time.
My parents were down visiting the golden child known as my twenty month old daughter (Briana). As I was ill-prepared to make lunch for the day, I offered to grab takeout. And by ill-prepared, I mean I was lazy. As a parent, there are just days that I want to take a break from things and Monday happened to be one of those days.
Anyway, my mother suggested grabbing food from Subway because she had heard about some promotion for $2 subs. It turns out, Subway is offering 6-inch meatball subs and 6-inch cold cut subs for $2 for the month of December. Always one for a deal, I said "sure, why not?"
Needless to say, I ordered 5 meatball subs. And interestingly enough, they were good. I devoured 3 of the 5 subs. In my defense, I was only planning on eating two. Karen was not hungry, so I ate hers. After all, subs don't reheat well.
It was definitely filling. If Subway keeps the promotion for all of next year, I may partake in the Jared diet. Just kidding.
Naturally in keeping with the food theme, I also decided to continue my devouring ways later that day and eat some gummy candy from
Sugar Plum Chocolates. My friends (Marc and Andrea) recently took a day trip to New York City. Among the things they brought back from their trip was this gummy Outrageous Alphabet by Sugar Plum Chocolates. In case anyone is curious, the gummy letter they got me was an M.
The gummy letter is huge. I think it actually may be bigger than the ginormous gummy bear that my friend (Aimee) gave me awhile back. If it's not bigger, it is just as large. Well, it didn't take me long to polish off the gummy letter. And might I add, I was completely stuffed after eating the gummy letter. Those 200 calories were worth it though.
My parents were down visiting the golden child known as my twenty month old daughter (Briana). As I was ill-prepared to make lunch for the day, I offered to grab takeout. And by ill-prepared, I mean I was lazy. As a parent, there are just days that I want to take a break from things and Monday happened to be one of those days.
Anyway, my mother suggested grabbing food from Subway because she had heard about some promotion for $2 subs. It turns out, Subway is offering 6-inch meatball subs and 6-inch cold cut subs for $2 for the month of December. Always one for a deal, I said "sure, why not?"
Needless to say, I ordered 5 meatball subs. And interestingly enough, they were good. I devoured 3 of the 5 subs. In my defense, I was only planning on eating two. Karen was not hungry, so I ate hers. After all, subs don't reheat well.
It was definitely filling. If Subway keeps the promotion for all of next year, I may partake in the Jared diet. Just kidding.
Naturally in keeping with the food theme, I also decided to continue my devouring ways later that day and eat some gummy candy from
Sugar Plum Chocolates. My friends (Marc and Andrea) recently took a day trip to New York City. Among the things they brought back from their trip was this gummy Outrageous Alphabet by Sugar Plum Chocolates. In case anyone is curious, the gummy letter they got me was an M.
The gummy letter is huge. I think it actually may be bigger than the ginormous gummy bear that my friend (Aimee) gave me awhile back. If it's not bigger, it is just as large. Well, it didn't take me long to polish off the gummy letter. And might I add, I was completely stuffed after eating the gummy letter. Those 200 calories were worth it though.
Monday, December 12, 2011
I Suck At Pseudo Christmas
Yesterday was the holiday tradition in Karen's family known as Pseudo Christmas. Now, I suck at Pseudo Christmas. I think Modern Family's "Express Christmas" has a better ring to it.
Pseudo Christmas is held in the lovely land of Lowell. There is a lot to like about Lowell or so the residents there will tell you. It just so happens to be where Karen's aunt, uncle, and cousins live.
Personally, as much as enjoy Lowell, I think Karen should have skipped her family tradition this year. She has been battling a fever this entire weekend. She actually almost cancelled going to my BFF's (Kerry) holiday party on Saturday due to her fever. So going out the following day, even if it's family tradition, probably isn't a good idea. But that's just my opinion. As I am posting this, she is still battling fever-like symptoms (and it's Monday). Oh what people do for "tradition".
Anyway, it was a nice Pseudo Christmas. With Karen being sick (and pregnant), I actually spent most of the day making sure our twenty month old daughter (Briana) was not getting into things. I actually missed out on the majority of the "silly swap" that Karen's family holds because Briana wanted to play elsewhere. Luckily for me, I drew an early number. So I could just pick a gift... leave to attend to Briana... and no one would miss me.
For me, probably the most memorable part of Pseudo Christmas was taking a break to go to a discount auto parts store with Karen's cousin's husband (Tommy) and my favorite brother-in-law (PJ). PJ needed to pick up some light bulbs for his trailer. We weren't gone that long, but the break from being a responsible parent was definitely nice.
One of the other things that I'll probably remember from Pseudo Christmas 2011 is Karen's grandmother's sister (Mary) and her love of apple pie. Suffice to say, Mary is mentally not all there. She is being taken care of by her son (Kevin), who interestingly enough told me a side story about how someone calls him "Mike" now because he was spotted wearing a jacket I brought to the silly swap of Pseudo Christmas 2010. I brought an old high school jacket with my name on the sleeve. Kevin (or Mary) was the lucky recipient of the jacket last year. As a result, Kevin uses it as his smoking jacket and apparently someone whom he vaguely knows greeted him with a "Hi Mike" the other day.
Anyway, Mary had a slice of apple pie for dessert. She wanted a second helping of the apple pie, but Kevin told her that there was none left. So back and forth they went over the apple pie and how she wanted another slice and how Kevin said there was none left. Of course, while this is going on PJ is egging Mary on about getting another slice of pie. It seemed like the discussion of the apple pie lasted forever. And truthfully, there were two slices of apple pie left. I happen to know that because I ate one of the remaining slices. Apple pie = yum! (Mary was right.)
Pseudo Christmas is held in the lovely land of Lowell. There is a lot to like about Lowell or so the residents there will tell you. It just so happens to be where Karen's aunt, uncle, and cousins live.
Personally, as much as enjoy Lowell, I think Karen should have skipped her family tradition this year. She has been battling a fever this entire weekend. She actually almost cancelled going to my BFF's (Kerry) holiday party on Saturday due to her fever. So going out the following day, even if it's family tradition, probably isn't a good idea. But that's just my opinion. As I am posting this, she is still battling fever-like symptoms (and it's Monday). Oh what people do for "tradition".
Anyway, it was a nice Pseudo Christmas. With Karen being sick (and pregnant), I actually spent most of the day making sure our twenty month old daughter (Briana) was not getting into things. I actually missed out on the majority of the "silly swap" that Karen's family holds because Briana wanted to play elsewhere. Luckily for me, I drew an early number. So I could just pick a gift... leave to attend to Briana... and no one would miss me.
For me, probably the most memorable part of Pseudo Christmas was taking a break to go to a discount auto parts store with Karen's cousin's husband (Tommy) and my favorite brother-in-law (PJ). PJ needed to pick up some light bulbs for his trailer. We weren't gone that long, but the break from being a responsible parent was definitely nice.
One of the other things that I'll probably remember from Pseudo Christmas 2011 is Karen's grandmother's sister (Mary) and her love of apple pie. Suffice to say, Mary is mentally not all there. She is being taken care of by her son (Kevin), who interestingly enough told me a side story about how someone calls him "Mike" now because he was spotted wearing a jacket I brought to the silly swap of Pseudo Christmas 2010. I brought an old high school jacket with my name on the sleeve. Kevin (or Mary) was the lucky recipient of the jacket last year. As a result, Kevin uses it as his smoking jacket and apparently someone whom he vaguely knows greeted him with a "Hi Mike" the other day.
Anyway, Mary had a slice of apple pie for dessert. She wanted a second helping of the apple pie, but Kevin told her that there was none left. So back and forth they went over the apple pie and how she wanted another slice and how Kevin said there was none left. Of course, while this is going on PJ is egging Mary on about getting another slice of pie. It seemed like the discussion of the apple pie lasted forever. And truthfully, there were two slices of apple pie left. I happen to know that because I ate one of the remaining slices. Apple pie = yum! (Mary was right.)
I Suck At Holiday Parties
Saturday was my BFF's (Kerry) annual holiday party. Too bad I suck at holiday parties. For the past ten years (I think), Kerry has been having a party North of Boston during the holidays.
This year, Kerry mentioned it may be her last holiday party. In essence, it would be her holiday party to end all holiday parties. So we'll see. Attending the possibly last holiday party North of Boston were my friends (Marc, Kelley, Andrea, Cass, and Ellen).
Early on, the party would be divided by geography. Kerry's friends from Massachusetts would be in one room; Kerry's friends from Rhode Island would be in the other; and never the twain shall meet. Logistically, it makes sense because people tend to go toward what they are comfortable with. Over the years, her friends from both states have started mingling together. And this past holiday party on Saturday was just that.
Although as an interesting side note, I think Kerry may now be attempting to keep some of her friends from mingling. Karen and I found out on Saturday that Kerry's friend, Sam, is also from the South Shore where most of her friends from Massachusetts reside. Sam lives in the mean streets of Weymouth to be exact. All of us have met Sam before, but that interesting tidbit somehow never came up.
I actually find Sam pretty funny and personable. When I first met her, she had a lot of love. She loved watermelon. She loved quinoa. And she told everyone with such enthusiasm. It was bizarre, yet funny. And of course, she didn't even bat an eye when seeing Marc in his skimpy mesh track shorts from high school that were way too small for him now. Now, my friend Garv on the other hand was blinded by the sight.
Anyway, it was nice seeing friends and hanging out with everyone. Karen and I actually did not stay too long because our twenty month old daughter (Briana) was not liking the fact that we were out and about without her.
One of the main topics of discussion from the night was the hierarchy of geeks, nerds and dorks... since most of the people in attendance were either geeks, nerds, or dorks. Cass didn't think he fit into any of the categories... and I'll agree with him. After all, he's going to be the future mayor of Quincy! Vote Cass for mayor!
Another topic that got me thinking was what superhero I would be. It only makes sense since the previous topic was about the hierarchy of geeks, nerds, and dorks. That thought (about what superhero I would be) entered my mind because Marc and Kelley suggested that Kerry could dress up as the Black Canary and attend a comic book conference. Much like my original suggestion from years back to Kerry about attending a Star Trek convention... the ratio of women to men is greatly skewed in her favor.
Naturally, when Marc and Kelley suggested that Black Canary was actually fitting for Kerry, that got me thinking about what superhero I would be... much like what actor would play me in the movie about me. I suppose if you combine the two, I can have an actor play me becoming a superhero in the movie about me...
This year, Kerry mentioned it may be her last holiday party. In essence, it would be her holiday party to end all holiday parties. So we'll see. Attending the possibly last holiday party North of Boston were my friends (Marc, Kelley, Andrea, Cass, and Ellen).
Early on, the party would be divided by geography. Kerry's friends from Massachusetts would be in one room; Kerry's friends from Rhode Island would be in the other; and never the twain shall meet. Logistically, it makes sense because people tend to go toward what they are comfortable with. Over the years, her friends from both states have started mingling together. And this past holiday party on Saturday was just that.
Although as an interesting side note, I think Kerry may now be attempting to keep some of her friends from mingling. Karen and I found out on Saturday that Kerry's friend, Sam, is also from the South Shore where most of her friends from Massachusetts reside. Sam lives in the mean streets of Weymouth to be exact. All of us have met Sam before, but that interesting tidbit somehow never came up.
I actually find Sam pretty funny and personable. When I first met her, she had a lot of love. She loved watermelon. She loved quinoa. And she told everyone with such enthusiasm. It was bizarre, yet funny. And of course, she didn't even bat an eye when seeing Marc in his skimpy mesh track shorts from high school that were way too small for him now. Now, my friend Garv on the other hand was blinded by the sight.
Anyway, it was nice seeing friends and hanging out with everyone. Karen and I actually did not stay too long because our twenty month old daughter (Briana) was not liking the fact that we were out and about without her.
One of the main topics of discussion from the night was the hierarchy of geeks, nerds and dorks... since most of the people in attendance were either geeks, nerds, or dorks. Cass didn't think he fit into any of the categories... and I'll agree with him. After all, he's going to be the future mayor of Quincy! Vote Cass for mayor!
Another topic that got me thinking was what superhero I would be. It only makes sense since the previous topic was about the hierarchy of geeks, nerds, and dorks. That thought (about what superhero I would be) entered my mind because Marc and Kelley suggested that Kerry could dress up as the Black Canary and attend a comic book conference. Much like my original suggestion from years back to Kerry about attending a Star Trek convention... the ratio of women to men is greatly skewed in her favor.
Naturally, when Marc and Kelley suggested that Black Canary was actually fitting for Kerry, that got me thinking about what superhero I would be... much like what actor would play me in the movie about me. I suppose if you combine the two, I can have an actor play me becoming a superhero in the movie about me...
I Suck At Little Duck
On Thursday, Karen, my twenty month old daughter (Briana), and I had our weekly get together with friends. We ended up going to Quincy where my friends (Marc and Kelley) live. My friend (Andrea), who has since become Kelley's drinking buddy, was unfortunately not able to join us due to work-related issues. So for the second straight week, all of us were not in attendance. Someday, we'll get to season three of Community (such a great show!).
Anyway, it was great to hang out with Marc and Kelley. Kelley recently returned from her trip to Germany (Sprechen sie Deutsch?) and we were able to see all of her pictures.
Aside from that, we just hung out, laughed, and watched some things they had recorded on their DVR. One thing in particular was recorded just for Karen. It was an episode of the Daily Show which had Betty White on as a guest. Gotta love Betty White.
Oh, and we also did something we haven't done in a while: we ordered takeout from the Little Duck. Now, I suck at the Little Duck. I haven't eaten there in awhile, but since Karen was craving it (and really, who would deny a pregnant woman her craving?) we got dinner there. As usual, the food was delicious. Oh Little Duck, how I missed you so! Okay, so maybe I had a craving too...
All in all, it was a great night as usual hanging out with friends.
Anyway, it was great to hang out with Marc and Kelley. Kelley recently returned from her trip to Germany (Sprechen sie Deutsch?) and we were able to see all of her pictures.
Aside from that, we just hung out, laughed, and watched some things they had recorded on their DVR. One thing in particular was recorded just for Karen. It was an episode of the Daily Show which had Betty White on as a guest. Gotta love Betty White.
Oh, and we also did something we haven't done in a while: we ordered takeout from the Little Duck. Now, I suck at the Little Duck. I haven't eaten there in awhile, but since Karen was craving it (and really, who would deny a pregnant woman her craving?) we got dinner there. As usual, the food was delicious. Oh Little Duck, how I missed you so! Okay, so maybe I had a craving too...
All in all, it was a great night as usual hanging out with friends.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
I Suck At Attending A Service For Remembrance
It's good to know that I can still feel pain.
On Tuesday, Karen, my twenty month old daughter (Briana), and I attended the 19th Annual Service of Remembrance at the Old South Union Church located directly across from South Shore Hospital. The service is held for families who have lost children. Too bad, I suck at attending a service for remembrance.
I've been attending the service ever since our son (Braden) passed away in 2008. As a result, this year was the fourth annual service I've been to. It's amazing how quickly time goes by.
For anyone curious, the service in addition to remembering the lost loved ones allows for people to share encouraging stories with one another. And every year at the service, I always wonder what it is that I would say if I had that opportunity. I don't think there's really much I could say other than the experience sucks. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.
Luckily for everyone, I did not share that encouraging thought. Instead, I spent the entire service at the "crib room" complements of my loving daughter. My always curious daughter was definitely not going to sit patiently through the service. So off to the "crib room" we went... at the start of the service.
The crib room is essentially a play area to keep little children occupied during the service. The room also broadcasts the on-going service, so that you don't really miss out on anything that is said. Interestingly enough, Briana and I were not the only ones there. When we got there, a mother and two of her children were already in the room.
I generally think Briana is a handful. She's curious and on the go until she sleeps. Fortunately for me, Briana pales in comparison to one of the children I met in the crib room. The girl was slightly older than Briana and she literally ran non-stop circles around the room for the entire service. It was impressive... and insane at the same time.
Needless to say, despite the interesting experience in the crib room, I did get to hear Braden's name over the speakers. It was good to be able to dedicate a night to him, which is something I think I don't do as often as I'd like.
And as proof as to how soft I have become, I actually teared up in the crib room. It was not even for Braden. The grandmother of the other two children in the room was telling me how her daughter lost her son. To me, it was just an awful story about how the unborn child was near full term and just one day, the mother could not feel any movement. The baby simply had passed away. I think what struck me as the worst part of the story was that the mother had to deliver the deceased baby. I felt so sad when I heard that. Heck, I feel sad typing it right now.
Anyway, it was good to remember Braden. I still wonder what he would be like right now if he had survived. I miss you, Braden. Please don't forget that I'll always love you.
On Tuesday, Karen, my twenty month old daughter (Briana), and I attended the 19th Annual Service of Remembrance at the Old South Union Church located directly across from South Shore Hospital. The service is held for families who have lost children. Too bad, I suck at attending a service for remembrance.
I've been attending the service ever since our son (Braden) passed away in 2008. As a result, this year was the fourth annual service I've been to. It's amazing how quickly time goes by.
For anyone curious, the service in addition to remembering the lost loved ones allows for people to share encouraging stories with one another. And every year at the service, I always wonder what it is that I would say if I had that opportunity. I don't think there's really much I could say other than the experience sucks. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.
Luckily for everyone, I did not share that encouraging thought. Instead, I spent the entire service at the "crib room" complements of my loving daughter. My always curious daughter was definitely not going to sit patiently through the service. So off to the "crib room" we went... at the start of the service.
The crib room is essentially a play area to keep little children occupied during the service. The room also broadcasts the on-going service, so that you don't really miss out on anything that is said. Interestingly enough, Briana and I were not the only ones there. When we got there, a mother and two of her children were already in the room.
I generally think Briana is a handful. She's curious and on the go until she sleeps. Fortunately for me, Briana pales in comparison to one of the children I met in the crib room. The girl was slightly older than Briana and she literally ran non-stop circles around the room for the entire service. It was impressive... and insane at the same time.
Needless to say, despite the interesting experience in the crib room, I did get to hear Braden's name over the speakers. It was good to be able to dedicate a night to him, which is something I think I don't do as often as I'd like.
And as proof as to how soft I have become, I actually teared up in the crib room. It was not even for Braden. The grandmother of the other two children in the room was telling me how her daughter lost her son. To me, it was just an awful story about how the unborn child was near full term and just one day, the mother could not feel any movement. The baby simply had passed away. I think what struck me as the worst part of the story was that the mother had to deliver the deceased baby. I felt so sad when I heard that. Heck, I feel sad typing it right now.
Anyway, it was good to remember Braden. I still wonder what he would be like right now if he had survived. I miss you, Braden. Please don't forget that I'll always love you.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
I Suck At Alba Restaurant
In celebration of Karen's birthday, my friends and I went to the Alba Restaurant located in Quincy. Now, I suck at Alba Restaurant. I don't believe I have ever been to Alba's. My friend (Marc), however, seems to think I may have been there over three years ago when there was an incident involving him being doused in water by the waitstaff (accidentally, of course). If it is true, I sadly don't remember that incident and it just goes to show how terrible my memory really is.
Regardless, Karen has never been to Alba's. She wanted to try their breakfast as the Brioche French Toast was recommended to her by one of her friends. So off to the Alba Restaurant we went for breakfast on Sunday. Joining in on the celebration were Marc, my friends (Cass, Ellen, Garv, Leeann, Andrea), and my BFF (Kerry). Cass and Ellen's baby daughter also joined us as well, which gave my baby daughter (Briana) someone else to play with. And by play, I mean look at it.
Anyway, I ordered the Alba Special, which was an omelet with feta, tomato and spinach that came with potatoes and an English muffin. The meal was good. The problem, in my opinion, was the service.
We waited... and waited... and waited for our meals to arrive. There was never once a mention of the reason for the delay, or even an acknowledgement that they were taking longer than expected. When I say we waited, it was a ridiculous amount of time for things as easy as french toast and eggs. Other tables that had come in after us had already finished and left before we got served our food. Not to mention, when the food did arrive, the food came out in waves where a few of us received food while the rest of us had to watch and wait for a prolonged amount of time for for the next food item to arrive. It was terrible.
In my opinion, if Alba simply acknowledged they were having problems, I would have been okay with that. But nope. Nothing. It seems to me like that should be basic customer service 101. I also found out later from Karen, who was equally disappointed with the experience, that the bathrooms did not have any toilet paper. That struck me as equally terrible because we arrived for breakfast when the restaurant opened. To have no toilet paper in the bathroom during the opening hours is just a sign of bad management.
Needless to say, even though the food was decent, I probably would not recommend the Alba Restaurant in Quincy. The service was just that terrible. Sadly, the celebration was for Karen's birthday... which was back in October. But at least we got to hang out with all of our friends and enjoy our time together. So that part was nice.
Regardless, Karen has never been to Alba's. She wanted to try their breakfast as the Brioche French Toast was recommended to her by one of her friends. So off to the Alba Restaurant we went for breakfast on Sunday. Joining in on the celebration were Marc, my friends (Cass, Ellen, Garv, Leeann, Andrea), and my BFF (Kerry). Cass and Ellen's baby daughter also joined us as well, which gave my baby daughter (Briana) someone else to play with. And by play, I mean look at it.
Anyway, I ordered the Alba Special, which was an omelet with feta, tomato and spinach that came with potatoes and an English muffin. The meal was good. The problem, in my opinion, was the service.
We waited... and waited... and waited for our meals to arrive. There was never once a mention of the reason for the delay, or even an acknowledgement that they were taking longer than expected. When I say we waited, it was a ridiculous amount of time for things as easy as french toast and eggs. Other tables that had come in after us had already finished and left before we got served our food. Not to mention, when the food did arrive, the food came out in waves where a few of us received food while the rest of us had to watch and wait for a prolonged amount of time for for the next food item to arrive. It was terrible.
In my opinion, if Alba simply acknowledged they were having problems, I would have been okay with that. But nope. Nothing. It seems to me like that should be basic customer service 101. I also found out later from Karen, who was equally disappointed with the experience, that the bathrooms did not have any toilet paper. That struck me as equally terrible because we arrived for breakfast when the restaurant opened. To have no toilet paper in the bathroom during the opening hours is just a sign of bad management.
Needless to say, even though the food was decent, I probably would not recommend the Alba Restaurant in Quincy. The service was just that terrible. Sadly, the celebration was for Karen's birthday... which was back in October. But at least we got to hang out with all of our friends and enjoy our time together. So that part was nice.
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