trey, my favorite four letter word

Last night I intended on spending a usual Thursday evening with Babs doing what we do best --- hot yoga followed by shameless eating and watching of multiple episodes of our favorite Showtime and HBO series. The HHiC had different plans in store for me.

For too long than I should admit, he was trying to get my attention to casually surprise me with the "second half of my birthday present." I was, however, lingering in my post-workday coma on the couch, psyching myself up for the yoga class. Finally, curiosity of his goings-on in the kitchen caused this lazy nerd to rise from the couch and investigate. As he quizzed me about my plans for the evening, like he does every night, I poked around the kitchen organizing items strewn about counter top. That's when the tickets haulted my gaze. What's this? Two tickets to see Trey Anastasio at the Orpheum? Holy cow!! Color me dumbfounded. Even as they rested in my hands and I read the deets, the notion of seeing Trey perform that evening didn't sink in until Nils reassured me that the tix were for that night, and yes he did take a profitable night off to celebrate with nerds. I was surprised, happy and flustered, but I got it together and off we went to see our friend McFee at Red Sky for a pop before the show.

the show /

Trey and Classic Tab were amazing. His mojo is back. The show lasted from 7:30 until around 11:30, and the entire room was packed with groovin' peeps of all ages. The whole set was a jammin' orgy for my ears of solo and Phish tunes. When he gets into his zone the music is palpable and time is no longer of the essence. I cannot wait for the Phish revival in March!

A date like no other

Encouraged by:

1. The amazing time we shared with Jen and Russ and our crew at their wedding;

2. The impending one year anniversary of our engagement;

3. Desire to answer the questions: When's your date? Do you have a date yet? When are you getting married? posed to us by every single person we encounter every single day;

we picked a date for our wedding! This whole process has been very organic. We've had time to simply enjoy being engaged. On the drive home from R&J's wedding two week ago, the moment arrived for both of us, but Nils voiced it first: We really need to pick a concrete date.

Cell phone in hand, I scrolled through the calendar, running my eyes over the numbers of the days, saying them out loud, envisioning them on hundreds of pieces of paper, and as a day we'll celebrate each year...We vowed from the get-go to stay away from mid-summer as we don't want our shindig to be a "summer ruiner." But, the weather last spring was too dreary to imagine for a beach wedding. And, fall, well, that's turning out to be a cold one yet. We narrowed it down to June. Nils objected to 6/6/09 as he thought his mom would rag on him for obvious reasons. Then we just did it. We made a choice.

June 20, 2009

I admit to getting all girlie and jumpy in the car. Oh here we go, he laughed...

With this date, we will plan. Now, it seems so very real and solidified. I like that I've had just shy of a year to compile many tearsheets and printouts from The Knot and Etsy. I even have purchased the first of the bridesmaids "fun" gifts. Now, the real planning can begin, and we've both stored up enough ideas and contacts to get the ball rolling quickly.

That's that. The save-the-date cards will be out in January, but I just want to give you all the scoop.

That's our final answer.

Chai spices up a wardrobe

Inspiring. Classy. Edgy. Richard Chai's collection at Target encompasses all of these style attributes and more. I've already come clean about my addiction to Target's Go International wears. Therefore, it should be of no surprise that I've visited a couple locations already in search of this collection.

His style makes a subtle yet memorable statement. I tried on the following, but only the sweater made the cut. As soon as I slipped my arms into the long cuffed sleeves, I imagined pairing it with my vintage Frye boots, skinny jeans and crisp white tank or tee.


I also will give peace a chance with these itsy earrings designed by Dean Harris. Delicate and dainty but heavy with meaning.

the essentials

As brides, we delve into every little detail of the big day. Today, I spied some help---a bridessentials kit at Paper Source.

Not only is this kit adorable and pleasantly portable, it's a must-have as it includes wedding bands. Come on now :) They really thought of everything for us!

Kit's contents boast:

Folding Hair Brush with Mirror, Hair Spray, Bobby Pins, Earring Backs, Facial Tissues, Blotting Tissues, Emery Board, Clear Nail Polish, Nail Polish Remover, Mending Kit, Scissors, Safety Pins, Double-Sided Tape, Stain Remover, Static Remover, Antacid, Pain Reliever, Breath Freshener, Dental Floss, Deodorant Towelette, Adhesive Bandages, Tampon, Super Glue, “Something Blue” Heart-Shaped Crystal, Extra Wedding Bands

Their Web site offers a multitude of other kits, such as those for cheerleaders, moms-to-be, working gals, etc. Seems they've got everybody's back, even grooms. I'm keeping them in mind for our wedding day. I also purchased little trinkets today for bridesmaids despite not having asked anyone yet! I know, I know...I'll get there.

listen and you will run

First, my feet whispered. I listened but didn’t get the message.

Next, my shins cried out. I started to get the idea.

Finally, my lower back sat me down and gave it to me straight.

Get new sneakers or we’re going on strike. Try us, just try us.

They stayed true to their word. After a few couch-bound gym-less days, I gave in. It had been two years and many miles since I’d bought running sneakers. Perhaps my body was right after all.

Being the semi-brand loyalist that I am, I stepped into the virtual Asics store. This time round I wanted sneaks for off-road running. The nooks and crannies, dips and curves of both trails I run along the Charles and in Mattapoisett warrant such structured support and ruggedness.

This aisle boasts seven selections for wear. I read each description a few times and opted for the GT-2130 Trail. Bone, taupe and cherry red color these kicks delightfully neutral. These tomboys boast enough traction, cushion and support to coax me along any trail, and the waterproof upper offers me no excuse for not running when the weather is less than ideal. With the American Podiatric Medical Association’s stamp of approval, how could I go wrong?

As soon as the tags were clipped, I sported them for a run around the ‘bridge. My body was pleased and quickened my usual pace in harmony over the uneven bricks of the sidewalks and through the spell of rain that serendipitously arrived a few minutes into the run. They were also welcomed by the treadmill.

I listened to my body and it knew best…

worth the read

Click cover to read an excerpt on NPR.

No One Belongs Here More Than You

Miranda July does not coast around uncomfortable issues. She dives right in, witnessing the dark landscapes of her characters’ lives. This collection of short stories is intriguing, uncomfortable, comical and depressing. You may blush, overt your gaze, laugh, or be stunned. Either way, you will read, and perhaps reread each tale.

I respected the characters in their honesty and lack of apology or embarrassment. These are folks lost in World, and some have fallen between the cracks of society. Not many understand or relate to them, but they don’t ask for such justification---they are true only to themselves.

The four different fluorescent colored covers will attract your eyes. The text that follows will further the distraction from your usual summer chick lit reads.

happy birthday to my favorite hhic

Today is Nils's birthday! I planned a last min surprise get-together for him at The Barking Crab on Monday night. He was surprised, especially when we yelled it upon his exiting the men's room :)

Happy Birthday my Head Hippie in Charge!