Cupid

On my walk home from work tonight I took a moment to appreciate the window displays in my neighborhood.  A few Beacon Hill shops have playfully decorated their window displays just in time for the upcoming holiday.  Valentines Day.

People have a love/hate feeling towards Valentines Day.  I guess it's the same way we feel about men and our birthdays.

Good

North River Outfitters

Night Cap

Perfect song to end my eventful weekend...Random thought but I think Ric Flair was my fave WWF wrestler in the 80's.......Wooooooo!

Timing...

Timing is everything...

When did 22 year old unemployed spoiled girls think they are experienced, cultured in life, and have uber important career advice to give out? Maybe if your talking to someone who has been locked up for the past 10 years and has not had access to men, music, or a major city for the past five.

Here is the jam that I want to end the night with...enjoy!

Geared up for the weekend...

I had a nice relaxing dinner at Silvertone's with my girlfriend Ryan followed with a delicious bubble tea to start my weekend early! Boxing in the morning, work all day and night, hopefully checking out a friends DJ after work, and brunch on Saturday with all the girls filled with shopping indulgences and shameful conversation topics. Sunday I have to get back to the grind but hopefully followed up with a relaxing evening filled with some leisure time and good eats.

Throughout the weekend I hope to have taught myself a new thing or two in iWeb, discovered some new jams, and improved my right hook!

Half Life

I just can't get enough...

Great upbeat melody for my jam of the day.

'Girl you push me to the edge make it hard to take a breath, keep on pushing to the end. Baby are you coming out...I'm through wasting time...Know you feel the same.'

New personal project of the month to teach myself iWeb. I'm excited to start designing again even though I need to learn to be patient. Patience is a virtue...

Music and Muscle

Music is my muse and the best thing for your heart and mind in good and bad times. I'm sure some of us have had to count our lover's at some point in our lives :) Plus I love the fact that the girl in this picture has her hat covering her eyes.  Sometimes its better off that way.

On another note, I went to one of my favorite workout classes last night at Exhale Spa in the Back Bay and can't get enough of the sport core fusion class.  Seriously one of the most exhilarating and 'blast that ass' workouts I have ever been to.  It's a crazy hard workout but you feel amazing after.  Check it out if you are ever in the Back Bay and want to tone up for bikini season!

http://www.exhalespa.com/Locations/MABoston/default.aspx?LID=74746

Monica's Mercato

Hands down best Italian sub in Boston!  Monica's is a hidden market/deli on Salem Street in the Northend that has the best mozzarella, stuffed olives/peppers, and speciality meats in town. I always stopped into Monica's in the past for olives, cheese, and crackers but didn't try a sandwich until last night and it was life changing :)

Again to all of you that know me well my life does revolve around food so I was as happy as a bird with a french fry!

http://www.monicasboston.com/#

Smooth, Relaxing, and Sexy...kinda like my weekend

This jam by James Blake has my mind wandering on a stroll down an abandoned dark hallway yet pleasantly satisfied with the shadows, lack of noise, and empty space.  I can't take the credit for the great music find so I give props to TH during his ADD subway ride and discovering the Brit artist.

My weekend was filled with of course work but I was able to find a little time for friends, boxing, vino, an amazing breakfast burrito, and relaxation while watching a few 80's classics starring one of my fave's Mr. Swayze. The start to another work week calls for discipline and an extra heavy winter jacket considering the temp outside right now is 'zero' with a wind chill of -20. I'm sure one of my scarves will help keep me warm!

Afterwork Jam

Enlightening

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love”
(1 Corinthians 13:13, NIV)

The Bible tells us that love is patient. It is kind. It does not envy; it is not proud. It is not rude. Love is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrong. Love never fails.

Notice that these characteristics don’t have anything to do with feelings. Love is a choice. You can choose to walk in love toward people even when you don’t feel like it! 

Baby it's cold outside...

Splendor

Below are my favorite pictures from my trip to the South of France.  The cities I visited included Marseilles, Monte Carlo, Menton, and Aix en Provence.  The most calming, tranquil, and beautiful place on earth.  I will definitely plan another trip to this part of the world again but take more time to appreciate the splendor of it all.


Here's a random quote I find inspiring:
People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so you can appreciate them when they're right, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can come together.  
Marilyn Monroe

Weekend Summary

The long weekend consisted of a short visit to NYC filled with good friends and random incidents. Including gay bars with my friend Nick, The Hudson Hotel with SW, Lucky's Lounge on Sunday in the company of my girl Ryan, and boxing classes in Southie to kick my ass into shape.

I'm ready for the work week to start which for me begins at 3:00 pm today...

This jam was the soundtrack of my weekend

My Mood

This is my song of the day. Makes me want to get back into playing the guitar again.

The Barstool

At times tending bar to me is not a job, a chore, or discrepancy to my day.  It’s my responsibility to be there for my clients ‘regulars’ I like to call them.  I play the role of almost a nonexistent friend or even estranged wife at times.  I get you a cold beer when beckoned (many times without even asking I have one ready for you as soon as you touch the barstool), I listen, I converse, and I even give you shit once and awhile to keep you on your toes (many people misinterpret this as flirting but it’s honestly me keeping you in line). 

I pride myself in my chameleon like role and the fact I know the deepest secrets of my clients family, relationship, and job issues yet I spend about 30 minutes a week with them.  I give advice on dating, event planning, surprises to loved ones, children, finances, and work issues. Why do people feel so comfortable divulging information to a person-tending bar (specifically me)?  Maybe because I’m not directly associated with their lives there is a safety factor?  I have no judgment?  Either way I value every relationship and conversation I have with new and old customers everyday.

Some of my regular clients I don’t even know their names but I make an effort to make them feel welcomed or even special when they come in.  I like to make people happy and smile because in the end that makes me happy. 

I ended my short shift tonight with a regular of mine complimenting me.  I never have had a conversation with this gentleman but I always remember what he drinks, eats, and I make sure to be attentive since he frequents our establishment.  He states, ‘I don’t know how this works but I come in all the time and you’re the only one that has a freaking clue what is going on and is always attentive and great to us.  Thank you.’  As he preceded to hand me an extra tip he told me to put away for myself J It’s nice to be appreciated in the service industry once in awhile since the other 99% of the time people forget your a human.  

Snow Day!

Perfect tunes for a snow day working at home from my computer, baking seven layer bars, and cooking chili. Gotta love life!

Les Zygomates

One of my new years resolutions is to workout my les zygomates.  Any suggestions?

Hold It Against Me

You feel like paradise...and I need a vacation tonight

Les yeux ouverts

Finally the end to an eventful and busy weekend.  I'm always sad on Sunday evenings thinking that Monday is right around the corner. But than again it lets me start thinking about what I'll be having for breakfast!  My fave meal of the day...I'm always thinking about food.  Like I always say, 'food is the only thing that satisfies you every time!'

Next time your in Central Square in Cambridge check out Luna Cafe for brunch

http://cafeluna-centralsq.com/menu/

Great new discovery by TH and the brioche french toast is bomb!

Plan D

My Friday night consisted of a few glasses of wine at a friend's apartment, takeout pizza, and a pit stop at Cafe Vittoria in the Northend.  The humorous part is my last call for a beverage on a Friday night was a decaf cappuccino at 10:30 pm.  I'm starting to feel old with the fact I was pleasantly content and happy with my night and company, 'Plan D' Diana.  Mission accomplished.

Lastly, Diana got a cat call from a local 'Frankie' asking for some spare change followed with his handout of personalized cards with his phone number on it.  Diana was a doll accepting his number and told him she would get him next time with some change.  The amazing part was Frankie's response 'Thanks girl, I'll give you a call on Monday!'  Diana was like wtf!  I get bumped to Monday like he has a booked calander!  Too funny to handle.

Femme and Fierce

I had the pleasure to discover an amazing new boutique in NYC on my last visit over the holidays.  Irregular Choice is a hidden jem in the neighborhood of Nolita in NYC. Women and Men fashion taken to a level of fantasy meets the girl next door yet keeping the style fresh and fun.  Over 10 years of creativity and a fan base that fully appreciates the designers pushing boundaries with each collection.

http://shop.irregularchoice.com/blog/

Most authentic/original/creative store! 

Check out The Boxer-Kele

Great album with amazing vocals and sick beats!

All The Things I Could Never Say

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaZ61A6Dy3A

Reminisce

This song takes me to an underground martini bar near Farringdon Road in London smoking a cigarette in the dimly lit room enjoying the melody while slowly sipping my cocktail.  Time is of no concern and many nights were spent conversing with locals and fellow scholars.

Seven years ago this would have been my second day living/studying in London and the start of an amazing journey with unforgettable adventures that continue everyday of my life.  Experiences like this develop us into the people we are today, for good or bad.  Fortunately mine are mostly good :)

http://www.dollargrills.com/

Here we go...

Another year ahead and looking forward to every minute of it!