LAST POST

EVER!

I don't know that ANYONE reads this anymore....but just in case....

I won't be posting here - EVER AGAIN. (I just really like the whole emphasis thing...teehee). A year ago when I started this blog I was hoping to marry my long time boyfriend, I was living in DC and going to school to be a librarian. I started this blog as a project for work, with no focus or foundation - really just to check out new technology. Loads and loads has changed since then. I'm single, living in Boston, working at a non-profit, and thinking - seriously - about getting a MA in pastoral ministry with a concentration in justice and spirituality.

But never fear - I have a new blog. It's not about Brasil, librarianship, or veganism. It's all about my faith and social justice convictions and the places where the two do (and don't) intersect.

I'm working hard on the blog and my first post is scheduled to publish on June 4th, 2008.

You can find me at http://faithintersectsaction.wordpress.com/. I truly hope to "see" many friendly faces there. Thank you for your support and encouragement here.

Beijos e abracos,
M

Yah, yah, yah

Hmmm....been a while, eh? Doesn't make for very effective blogging. My grandmother has officially told me she is writing me off - in the blogosphere at least.

I'm here. I'm here! Don't give up....quite yet.

I often think about blogging - just not as much as I think about all the work I have to do, or why I've started a new long distance relationship, or why I haven't worked out, or what I'm going to eat next. I think about those things a LOT more. teehee.

Updates:

Recycling: Almost every Boston T stop has a recycling receptacle for the free dailies that are distributed every morning. Yippee!!! Granted, it is a plastic garbage bag, and not a metal container (like fabulous DC) so that seems like unneccessary waste. But hey - it is something. Also, I have stolen back the recycling bin I use at home. For those of you that didn't know my neighbor had taken the bin I requested from the city and claimed it as their own. I stole it back - hopefully from the right (or shall we say wrong?) person. Viva recyling!!!

Family: I bought a ticket, busted my chops to take three days off of work and suprised my cousin Liana for her 21st birthday. Well, sort of. She knew - but it was a wonderful weekend in Atlanta and Athens, GA nonetheless. My brother also drove over from SC. We had loads of cousinly love all around. I didn't grow up with very strong family ties and feel SO blessed to be creating them at this stage in my life.

I spent today with a local cousin, Jesse. He helped me load, transport, and assemble furniture. I am now officially not living in boxes. Woohoo!!!! He is so great to have around: big/tall/strong, funny, and musical. Who could ask for more in a cousin?

Farm: I am going to be a farmer one day. I am going to buy land with Moose, Booboo, Chorizo, and Drew (those are people by the way) and we are going to operate a permaculture farm and community hostel. Information, updates, and donation solicitations to follow. teehee!

Work: HARD! personally and professionally transformative. soul fulfilling. exhausting. love it. hate it. April 17th will be my third month on the job and the end of my probationary period. I have to decide if I will commit to the position for the next 3 years. I have never had a job that challenges me to grow and pushes me to excel in such a relentless and consistent fashion. It is the only job I've ever had that I look at the clock at 6pm on Friday and think "I wish it was 4pm" and then proceed to stay until 7pm. And when I leave I still have hours left of work. I've also never had a job that gave me such a clear and direct avenue to changing kids lives. I think I'll commit and complain a whole lot about it - but be better for it. Let's see~

Boys: For the first time in 8 years I am not dating Art or thinking about Art. And I live in the same city as him!!! That phase of my life has finally reached a conclusion. A new one has begun. I thought it was going to be one of single revelry and Bostonian flirting. Instead....it is with an insanely busy PhD student who lives in.......are you ready......Washington,DC. Yes, yes - I did just move from there. AHHHHHHH!!!! Trust me - if it wasn't the most profound emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and physical connection of my life I would kick him to the curb. Sigh. Whether we date for one more day (his crazy schedule is for the birds) or the rest of my life, it doesn't really matter. He's completely altered what I believe is possible from love (and I am NOT saying I am in love with him), but he is just that amazing. He is a gift from God - in the hardship and happiness. So (much like with my job) I am completely thrilled, engaged, grateful, frustrated, and conflicted. Oh joy!

Working out: Was doing great and then fell off the band wagon this week. Wish me luck for a good run tomorrow. Almost three weeks ago I visited my folks in NYC and my pops had me do a great weight lifting routine. I was inspired....for like three days. Ugh! If I hadn't just bought all this furniture (did I mention that 3 months into living in Boston and I'm finally out of boxes?!?!) I'd totally splurge on a personal trainer. Maybe next month....I do have those 20 boxing classes that I spent $200 on and haven't used once. Monday, monday - I'll go to class Monday (maybe this Monday it will actually be true).

Food: I don't have much time to cook or even eat out. I've just been eating the fruit and veggies that Boston Organics deliver. BUT, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the BEST Indian food I've ever eaten (which happened to be vegan). I got this dish at the Grit in Athens, GA. That curry tofu (and Liana) made it one of the best meals of my life. Not to mention their insanely wonderful vegan chocolate pecan pie. I'm drooling. No exaggeration. You may not have the pleasure of my cousin but it would still be worth going. I wasn't a big fan of the corn "thing" (in the small cup) - it was obviously canned corn. Gross! With all the ethanol production and high fructose corn syrup causing insane deman for corn you would think I could get some fresh. Oh well. Besides that it was a great atmosphere, spunky and efficient service, and great great great food. Go to the Grit!

i'm waiting and it's shorter

Yup. I cut my hair. I had to do something - I'm single, ONE HUNDRED happy percent, for the first time in a while. Oh, yeah, I've been single before. I know, I know. But Art was always there. In my heart, filling my head, lifting my hopes. And now......I'm letting that go, getting rid of the safety net. What gave me the strength??? I want him to be happy. And that ain't with me.
Anyway.....I had to do something to mark the occassion. My pops teased me that I'll probably get a new email address (that is what I have done since I had my first hotmail address at 18) but not this time. This time I went for short and sassy. Still not quite as sassy as me - but it will do for now. Until the next boy.......but with any luck that won't be for a good long while.

Thursday I am hosting a vegan dinner (with scallops wrapped in bacon for the insistent carnivore male in the group). What I cook and eat will be vegan so that makes it a vegan dinner. teehee! Not quite sure what I'll be making, perhaps gnocci with spinach pesto.

Exercise. Well, I did run three times last week. All over 40 minutes. Haven't run yet this week. But will. I will! I love it so much - why don't I make it happen???? Ugh. I fully blame the state of Massachusetts. When I lived in DC I ran - regularly. The weather here is atrocious. I left for work at 6:50am (didn't get home until 8pm). I had planned on taking a lunch break and running at 1pm. The weather didn't have the common decency to hold off on raining until I had a chance to do so. The nerve! Oh...what's that you say.......what about the gym......that I belong to......and is one block away from work.....well.....hmmm.....let's see......

Still waiting on pins and needles for the results in Ohio and Texas.......

Retraction

So not to long ago I wrote about the pitiful recycling bin situation in Boston - especially within the T stations. Since then I have noticed several green top, sheet plastic bag receptacles for recycling the newspaper. Which is great to see. Granted - they are always empty when I see them, there is no public awareness campaign to push the recycling, and there are still tons of newspapers littering the train and platform. BUT....I've got to be honest - they are there.

On an unrelated note I think Harvard Sq. is the smelliest T stop of all the ones I've been to. ugh! I would love to do a review of all the T stops on a given line. Maybe during the summer.

I'm very excited to get to know more of Boston. I just signed up to be a volunteer tour guide for Boston by Foot. (more details to come after I start the 6 week training.) Starting in April I will be attending Saturday lectures about significant historical and architectural sites. The class runs from 10-3pm, I have to write 4 papers (3 to 5 pages), and I will have a final exam. Then I am off - I will be giving 6 tours between May and October. If you visit me up here in Boston I'll be able to give you a 12 dollar tour for free. If that (plus me) isn't incentive to visit I don't know what is!

Whatta week

Superficial updates:
- I have seen two newspaper recycling receptacles at T stops (Downtown Crossing and Haymarket). Woohoo. woohoo. My personal recycling bin was stolen and hasn't been returned. Those dirty rotten.....
- I have recently watched Michael Clayton and In Bruges and read Plainsong. Interesting....very very interesting. Michael Clayton was a suspenseful tale of corrupt greed and redemption. In Bruges was a slightly anti-American, racist, dry humor shoot em up. I never thought Colin Farrell was a good actor - now I can be convinced otherwise. And Plainsong was simple, slow, and quiet. I don't read a lot of fiction and this happened by accident . The writing was sparse and straight forward. It was subtle (I'm a big fan of alliteration). Worth reading but I can't say there were any big take aways.
- There is a new raw vegan restaurant in the North End of Boston - Grezzo. Whawhawhat???? Suprise suprise. It was a small space with an intensely personal atmosphere. It was pricey and hit or miss mostly because I am NO fan of raw food. BUT the gnocchi and dessert was GOOD and filled me for the evening. I really felt very energized afterward. But I refuse to go raw. You can't cook anything above 112 degrees. That is ridiculous (said the vegan who won't shop at Walmart, buy Nike, and strives to buy fair trade, organic, and local). We have to be reasonable - I mean....what about peanut butter cookies and pumpkin muffins? I need an oven! teehee.

More profound -
- My amazing coworker lost her father to cancer this past Monday. One of my former coworkers, a beautiful, kind, spirited 31 yr old new mother is losing her life to cancer. Death is incredibly sad and wrenching. And I have faith in something beyond this tragic moment. I can't imagine otherwise.
- I've been praying. Not down on my knees wailing and gnashing of teeth kind of stuff but a silent thread that permeates my day. On the bus I'll offer the "her" (see above) up in love for healing and peace. As I brush my teeth I'll be reminded to pray for those in Darfur, Iraq and Afghanistan who are experiencing devastating loss and violence. As I lie in bed I'll pray for those with addictions - to smoking, gambling, drinking, drugs, etc. I pray that God fills them with the love and courage to feel fullfilled on their own merits. It's been a blessing to be reinvigorated to turn to God.
- I've moved beyond the quiet desperation of wanting to get married and be with someone (most of you know who). Whether that happened or not I was comfortable. And safe. Now I am questioning what I want, where I'll be, and who God has chosen for me. Well....I guess it's not too late to be a nun...I think I'd be quite a looker in a habit.

Family - give me more

Visited my Uncle Ben (whom I haven't seen in 13ish years) his wife - Aunt Robin and his two sons, my cousins Jesse and Thom (and Jesse's girlfriend Lauren). I got there at 1:45 and left at 7pm. We spent five hours laughing and talking. As I was leaving it struck me how lucky I am. I always missed strong family connections growing up and in the past year have been blessed to realize it isn't ever too late. Uncle Ben is easily accessible by public transportation (only 13 dollars round trip and under 2 hours from my door to his), I LOVE my cousins, he served great red wine, Robin was incredibly warm and welcoming, and their dogs are super cute. But no treadmill. I guess their thoughtful consideration of my vegan diet, hilarity, and kindness will just have to suffice.

I still haven't worked out. ARGH!!!! I'm moodier, less energetic, even less organized, not to mention insecure and whiny. I had a very strategic plan for working out today and somehow ended up making pumpkin muffins instead. But I've been reading the Run with Dogs blog which is motivating and causes me to feel shame. I will run tomorrow. I will!!!! (unless I talk myself out of it - which I easily allow the frigid temps to do). I tried to emmulate my DC running group that originated with a craigslist posting but the results were disastarous. I never met up with the two people that responded but the one chick ended up being PSYCHO and sending me rambling tirades calling me stupid, harsh, attitudey, and a princess (even though she never met me). Ahhh...the joys of craigslist.



My sassy Saturday night was shopping at Harvest Coop in Cambridge. It took me 8 minutes to get there on the 64, but over an hour an half to get back. Bus schedules are like men - can't figure them out and just when you think you have - they change on you...with no notice. I spent over NINETY dollars at the grocery store. How do I do that????? Well....I buy things like a small bag of $6 vital wheat gluten because once I walk through the grocery store doors I enter a state of delusion. All the vegan organic products transport me to a fantasy world where I am going to made homemade seitan. It isn't until I am dragging the seriously heavy bags home that reality hits me, I won't. In my defense I bought cleaning supplies and vitamins.

I'm Back

Whoa - that was a LONG break. One day just turned into the next which turned into a month - with no photos and no energy. But about 6 people have told me that this blog is how they keep track of me, and I love to write and talk about me, so why not??? So for those 6 people, this one's for you!

Let's try this format....5 thoughts at a time: fitness, my adopted city, food, free time, and faith.

- I haven't worked out consistently since I moved to Boston. I am working out about 1x a week and eating way too much. I did take one class (and sign up for 20 more classes) of women's boxing at Boston Boxing. It will take me about another week to make it to class again because of work (and I work the least in the office). Even though I've only gained 3 pounds I feel like a beached whale. Myself and some coworkers signed up for a 5 mile run in Jamaica Plains on April 13th. Lets see...

- Boston was recently voted an very green/environmentally friendly city. But my biggest pet peeve is that the T (subway) is LITERED with the free newspapers, Boston Now and Metro, that are distributed every morning. There is NO recycling at any stations. So annoying. I guess there was some talk of MBTA (they run the subway) of recycling more - but that was back in 2006 and ain't nothing happened!

- I ordred the 27 dollar box of produce from Boston Organics and my first delivery was this week. Since one of my New Year's Resolutions is to eat 5-7 servings of fruits and veggies a day I thought this was a great idea. It's not - not nearly enough produce. So then I thought of buying a CSA (community supported agriculture - you buy a share of a local farm and get a weekly produce box). I was thinking about Parker Farm but then I read he doesn't have orchards and grows a lot of fennel. I hate fennel. What is an incredibly lazy but caring girl to do?

-I get about ten tv stations and still waste too much time watching tv. I got home today and after eating way too much (a falafel sandwhich, vegetarian vegetable soup, and loads of dry rice chex cereal) I proceeded to watch Two and a Half Men (disgustingly horrible and cliche), Jeopardy (I hate when contestants select 1600 and don't start at the top of the category), and Medical Mysteries on ABC - which was fear inducing and cringe worthy. Why do I do this to myself?

- It is Lent. My prayer life sucks. I'm not volunteering anywhere. I tell myself I'm going to fast every Wednesday and I only last until about 6pm. Ugh. double ugh. Not to mention I went from being surrounded by bible thumping craddle Catholics last year to progressive aetheist/agnostic coworkers this year that warily treat people of faith as just a little bit slow and seriously unenlightened. triple ugh. I've been asking myself a lot lately why I am Catholic - I don't believe homosexuality is wrong, I won't picket at abortion clinics, and I'm often ashamed of the church's stance on issues (especially historically). What I wouldn't give (sometimes) to be a straight forward liberal, unencumbered by faith. If only I didn't believe in the real presence of the eucharist (which I haven't taken for MONTHS), the importance of Mary, the reverence of saints, the holy trinity. Then....then I could be Unitarian or nondenominational. If only~

I blame the 6 inches of snow on my bahhumbug mood.

I love broccoli

They look like little trees. They are green. But can broccoli help prevent heart attacks? There was a study recently that suggests that broccoli can reduce the risk of heart attack. Personally, I can eat some steamed broccoli without any encouragement - but that sure would be cool, if it were true. What I like about Medical News Today is that they evaluate the claim by summarizing the study, the results, and the researchers interpretation and then give their own. MNT isn't quite sold on the claim BUT they say broccoli can't hurt.

Since I'm speaking of broccoli I should probably post a recipe. But....I don't have one. I just steam mine and eat it - straight up. Plus, I haven't worked out or cooked much since I got to Boston - hence the reason I feel like an obese buffalo. So instead I'll just point you to the broccoli bisque at Don't Get Mad, Get Vegan. I haven't made (yet) but I have faith that it is delicious!

Work is......well.....intense. I'm totally inspired by what they do but not quite sure if I'll fit into the office culture or get the hang of mentoring. They keep telling me they don't expect me to pick up the interview/mentoring techniques naturally or by intiution but evidence is to the contrary. I haven't cooked much, as stated above, but I did bake pumpkin muffins from Vegan with a Vengeance on Friday. I'm not sure if they were a hit or not but I liked them.

Alright. Off to find and go to mass (I missed 8am mass at St. Anthony's in Portuguese), do some grocery shopping, and watch Their Will be Blood. I got my syllabus yesterday for one of my classes, which starts next Saturday. AHHHHHHH!!!! Lots and lots and lots of reading. I'll be one busy lil bee.

where did it go?

time that is! It has nearly been a week since my last post.
In that time I started a new job, hosted a cousin I haven't seen in probably 15 years, attended my roommates housewarming party, reconnected with another cousin, started reading for a class that starts next Saturday, and did three loads of laundry at the sketchy laundry mat down the block.

FOOD:
I kept food nearly vegan for my cousin (who is vegetarian, and practically my twin in background, humanitarian concerns, and sense of humor). We ate breakfast at Bagel Rising and Veggie Planet. She took pics of the yummy blueberry waffles at VP but alas, I did not. (We, the cousins, discovered that not taking pictures runs in the family). My cousins also loved the Lebanese food at Reef. And I whipped up a batch of chocolate chip muffins from a Cherrybrook mix that were a hit. (the mixes happen to be on sale at Shaw's).

ACTIVITIES:
It was cold. Really, really, really cold. Bitterly so. But my cousin, from Georgia, was a trooper (and an incredibly light packer to boot). Somehow she ended up going to the MFA three of the four days she was here. I am responsible for two trips, once was to see The Axe in the Attic, a truly moving documentary on post-Katrina realities and the filmmakers point of view. The women who sat behind us were big talkers, which I decided to tolerate in the spirit of my Brasilian influences. That only lasted until they started making lunch plans for McDonald's. The second trip, the next day was to use my free museum pass and see the Napoleon exhibit for $8 instead of $23. It was well worth $8, I'm not sure I'd say the same about $23. I took her for a brief stroll around Boston Commons and for a quick look around the Boston Public Library at Copley. But mostly....we just talked. About Cuba, and Brasil, and East Asian languages, and the difference between knitting and crocheting, and family, and boys, and the weather. It was fantastic.

BEST:
-The fact that my cousin took the risk of spending nearly 300 dollars to meet a stranger. To know her is to love her. She has an infectous laugh, she is beautiful, smart, and not at all cynical. I miss her already.
-That my other cousin, who lives in eastern MA, is just as great. And can sing. Woohoo.
-When the three cousins got together we planned an AMAZING trip to the Grand Canyon from August 9th to August 16th. All the cousins are invited, but no matter how many attend I couldn't be more thrilled.
-I also really enjoyed meeting one of my roommates friends who is consider becoming vegan. I really liked showing her cookbooks, hearing her own journey to veganism, reviewing local restaurants, and articulating my own reasons for being vegan. I love being vegan!

Falling in Love

Love....a racing heart, butterflies in the stomach, an inexplicable smile. I've started to notice that I'm exhibiting some of the symptoms. What is his name you ask? Well, it is a tad more complicated then that.

I feel myself falling in love....

1. BOSTON
My first week here I was regretting my decision. It's cold. SOSOSOSO cold. A MBTA bus driver is just as likely to watch you run to their bus (stopped at a red light) and drive off without opening the doors as they are to ignore your pleas for directions. I was on my fourth interview, to seemingly no avail. The vegan food scene leaves something to be desired. The museums are pathetically few. But then....something happened.....and I've started to fall in love.
I had fun walking through the beautiful newly fallen 6 inches of snow yesterday.
I got the job (and start tomorrow). Woohoo!
The grocery stores here have TONS of vegan options.
I saw people cross country skiing to work. Awesome!
They say warsh. I could listen to that accent all day.


2. LIBRARIES
If you didn't know I moved to Boston to complete my masters in Library Science at Simmons College. I was starting to wonder if that was what I wanted. At Simmons I HAVE to meet with my advisor and fill out an annoying sheet with my plan of study. The only classes I want to take are at Mt. Holyoke - TWO hours away. Every library I've walked into recently seems to be a silent tomb devoid of life. But then....something happened....and I've started to fall in love (all over again).
I signed up for my bright orange BPL (boston public library) card and was reminded of all the amazing services that libraries provide (books, dvds, internet, meeting space, classes).
I picked up a free museum pass to the MFA (museum of fine arts) using my library card.
I read about all the cool programs the main library at Copley Square offers.
I got the reading list for my "Young Adult Literature" class and am excited to read the books.
I didn't have to buy books for class because I checked them out from the library. sweet!

3. COLD WEATHER
This will come as a shock to my friends and family but it is kinda true. Sure, as I walked down the street today tears and snot were streaming down my face it was so cold. I haven't run outside since last Friday (or worked out at all) because I lose feeling in my toes after about 3 minutes. And next week an Artic Front is rolling in. Cold weather from the ARTIC - it gets much colder apparently. That is gonna be cold. But I can't help it....
I look cute in scarves, hats, and gloves.
I like how rosy my cheeks get from the near hypothermia.
I really enjoy walking fast and the weather gives me an excuse.
I adore my black clunky snow boots, despite their ugliness, and now have a reason to wear them constantly.
I have a jacket fetish and now have a legitimate reason to buy them.

I just hope I also fall in love with boys, classes, and work. That remains to be seen.....

Boston - Jan.14th to 21st....no....17th

Awesome. We (me and the fellow residents of New England) are supposed to get...oh I don't know....up to 10 inches of snow between today and tomorrow. I don't know that I've seen that much snow up close this century. If I am able to open my front door there are some things I'll be looking into this week and some stuff I just think sounds cool.

MONDAY
*Wine Tasting for the Complete Novice (6:30pm)
The Boston Wine School has a 4 class series starting this Monday. I won't be attending because of price, time, and probable lack of vegan/organic wines. BUT....I thought it sounded too cool not to include. Cost - TWO hundred buckaroos. Sidenote - I used to hate wine and then I turned 28 and my vision got worse, my cellulite doubled, and now I like wine. Doesn't seem worth it......

*Eyes on the Prize: 4 Little Girls at Boston Public Library (6pm)
The Boston Public Library (I love libraries) at Copley Square will be showing 4 Little Girls at 6pm. Cost - FREE (because libraries are the best use of your tax dollars ever!). Here is a January calendar of events. Depending on the weather (moan, groan, moan) I may go.

*Madeleine Albright at the JFK Library and Museum (5:30pm)
She will be talking about her new book. I definitely respect the controversy surrounding decisions she did (or didn't) make during her tenure as secretary of state, but regardless - this woman is a powerhouse. Requires registration. Cost - free?

TUESDAY
*Hummus Taste-Off at MIT (12pm)
Ummmm....yeah. Why not? It is open to the public and free.

WEDNESDAY
*Human Rights Watch International Film Festival (16th, 19th, 20th of this week)
A description of the event and each film can be found here. I will probably be dropping in for The Axe in the Attic, Cocalero, and Nanking. I am most interested in Cocalero but it is unlikely I will make it due to work (with any luck), a long lost visiting cousin (woohoo), and house warming party that night. At my house. Cost - ranges from $8-12.

*Third by Wendy Wasserstein (various times)
Third, a play written by Wendy Wasserstein, is playing at the Hungtington Theater. The Boston Globe did a write up on the play - I think it sounds good (my sophisticated analysis reveals my deep understanding and appreciation of the performing arts). Cost - the worst seats imaginable go for $15 and the next price point seems to be $40.

*Coit Observatory at BU - "Public Open Night at the Observatory" (7:30pm)
Depending on the weather (I pray that it isn't still snowing) the observatory at BU is open to the public on Wednesday nights starting at 7:30pm (during the winter). Call 617-353-2630 at about 5:30pm to see if it is still on. I'm all about astronomy (a class that I got a 4.0 in college and yet learned absolutely NOTHING) after going to the Hayden Planetarium. I probably won't go this week since I plan on attending the HRW Film Festival opening. Cost - free?

THURSDAY
*The Winter's Concert (8pm)
Don't forget - the benefit concert for Spare Change will be Thursday night at the Paradise Lounge. The mission statement: "Spare Change and the Homeless Empowerment Project (HEP) is to play a role in ending homelessness in our community by providing income, skill development and self-advocacy opportunities to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness." My cousin flies in from Atlanta (and hopefully doesn't pass out from hypothermia) but I'll still be going before her arrival. Cost - $10 and WELL worth it.

*Gardner After Hours (5-9pm)
A cool new nationwide museum trend is to stay open late with music and sometimes alcohol. This one occurs the third Thursday of every month. Haven't been to this museum, much less their after hours festivities, but it can't hurt to check it out. Cost - $12 for adults, $5 for students, more if you get tickets to the concert piece as well

-Third (listed above)

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Okay. I've been at this for over 2 hours. It is really a lot of work. (especially since I don't even think anyone that lives in Boston reads my blog or can use it....) If I have time tomorrow I'll try to research some more for weekend events. If you have any ideas or insider tips feel free to pass them along.

Purpose

Ugh - what is this bleepin' blog about? I love talking about myself and all my inane ideas/opinions but I need a flippin' purpose. (bear with me, i'm lovin' abbreviatin' words) On Monday I will hopefully be getting a full time job (after two in-person interviews and two phone interviews I deserve it!!!). Additionally, classes start at the end of the month which will require me getting a stinkin' shuttle at 7:15am every Saturday morning -taking two classes- and getting back to Boston at 6:15pm (stupid Simmons doesn't offer the classes i want at the times i want on main campus, oh....and....i registered for classes late). So if I don't have a lot of time to waste writing LONG aimless posts what will I do?


WON'T/CAN'T/SHOULDN'T DO.......


- Food. Posting vegan recipes is a joke when so many others do it and do it 100x better then I could. I love to cook but I don't do it all that often and feel like a dork when I take pictures of food.


-Restaurants. Would love to just review vegan food at restaurants but once again my dislike (or is it just inability?) of food photography rules this out.


-Veganism. Could post links about veganism but I'm really just a fake vegan who eats honey and wears thrift store wool sweaters. I do think feeding ducks until they nearly explode so they get fatty livers is mean but I think genocide and rape in refuge camps is meaner. So....I'll leave awareness outreach to others.


So.....hmmm.....what do I care about? What am I good at? Possibilities:


*I am going to be a librarian one day (and on that day I'll be 30,000 dollars in debt) so posting resources and/or links actually really appeals to me. But to what????


*I love health related issues - like ways to prevent type 2 diabetes (healthy diet, exercise, and over 6 hours of sleep a night), pointing out that there may be some value to processed foods (processed tomatoes may have higher lycopene bioavailability), or letting people know that calcium can decrease severity of menstrual cramps. ** just remember that 1 cup cooked collard greens has more calcium then 1 cup nonfat milk (as compared by the USDA)**


*I love cultural events. One day I hope to love Boston. I'll combine the two and review/advertise local happenings.


*I worry about social justice and hope to be a part of the solution, not just a whiner. I can also push causes I deem worthy.



I think I'll do a combo of posting/pushing/informing "you" about the three.


Alright - new blog mission statement

"blah, blah, blah" (work in progress)


How to know what is what.....LABELS!

Editorial: a post labeled editorial will be my witty, ingenius, fantastic views on some issue

Review: a post labeled review will be my witty, ingenius, fantastic views on an event or product

Health: a post labeled health will be a link or reference (that my witty, ingenius, fantastic self has selected) to an issue pertaining to diet or exercise

Plug: a post labeled plug will be my witty, ingenius, fantastic way of trying to advertise a worthwhile cause, event, or pressing issue

Bye-bye Bill - the other one

Looks like New Mexico governor Bill Richardson will be dropping out of contention for president.
I personally am bummed about it. I think he was/is the most accomplished and capable of all the contenders - and Hispanic to boot. woohooo!
I, unfortunately, don't get to vote in a primary or caucus - which almost makes me wish I lived in Iowa - but I can't say that I know who I would vote for if I did.
I did get back to the U.S. just in time to hear about Hillary crying and that Oprah had selected Barack for her book club....I mean president. With all respect to Edwards it loooks like the race is between two senators that didn't really impress me as senators. Looks like in November I'll be voting for a female Clinton who knows all about villages and Republican conspiracies or a pseudo-rockstar that gets all the single women swooning. I am not quite sure who I choose.
The pundits tell me Hillary pulls in the vote for those that make less then 50,000 (ME!) and Barack for those that are considered highly educated (ME! - if I say so myself). Left me kinda liking Bill (not to be confused with Clinton).
Whoever I end up voting for, I'm just glad we have a political process that requires GADS of cash, celebrity endorsements, and good hair.

Things to do in Boston

Get First Aid/CPR certified
Yesterday I spent the day at the RedCross in Cambridge receiving my Adult First Aid/CPR & AED certification. It was $75 for both certifications. Most participants were there for their jobs, just one other man and I were there to get the skills in case of an emergency. I am so glad I spent the money and time to do so. None of the skills I learned are "common sense". Last January a fellow coworker told me about a man that chocked to death on a piece of steak at a holiday party. At that time I would have had NO CLUE what to do, now I have a much better idea. I thought the program was very well organized, informative, and extremely beneficial. I highly recommend making the investment.

Run (very walkable city translates to very runnable city....dependent on temperatures)
I ran yesterday morning as well, for the first time in almost two weeks. It was nearly 50 degrees when I ran so I can't say it required a whole lot of motivation but I am glad that I did. I just ran straight down Commonwealth Ave (a.k.a. comm ave) so it wasn't adventurous but a paltry 32 minutes was still a challenge. I was cursed out by an aggressive cyclist and considered removing my name from the bike lane petition but decided to let this one slide. It rains today and gets progressively colder. Lets see if I continue to run. I stopped by a nearby gym to get some price information - $149 down, $79 a month. Whoa! At those prices I don't want to belong to a gym. But how else will I do cardio when it snows or lift weights? Ugh.

Support homeless empowerment
I recently bought a Spare Change News for $1. There is a similar paper available in DC. Their mission is "to present by our own example, that homeless and economically disadvantaged people, with proper resources, empowerment, opportunity, and encouragement are capable of creating change for ourselves in society." Who doesn't support that???? Make sure to buy the papers from vendors that wear an organge 2008 badge. Also, on January 17th, 2008 there will bea holiday benefit show "Winter's Concert" at Paradise Lounge at 8pm. Four artists will be performing: Destroy Babylon, Worlds Collide, Justin Shorey, and black button. I know nothing about any of the artists and am pretty sure they weren't chosen for their skill but for their willingness to help put. Regardless, I am going to set aside the 10 dollars and go. My lil cuz is flying in that day but I still have time to stop by for a little. I am all about empowerment - and this paper gives homeless a forum to write, publish, and distribute their issues and concerns.

Read about Mitt Romney
The papers in this city definitely cover their former governor far more then anywhere else. I'm actually impressed with Boston's political coverage. It doesn't rival DC's (for obvious reasons) but it far surpasses Southern California's. There is none of the political apathy or insanity found in my previous locales (as a gross overgeneralization). I am not sure who I want to win the Democratic nomination but I love all the interest in the political process.

First Boston Weekend

I'm in Boston. because I live here. Permanently. Hmm.....
I always forget how disorienting moving to a new place can be. Luckily, whenever I move, I am always able to piece together a haphazard network to get me started. Here in Boston I have my exboyfriend - who helped me unpack, navigate the T (NOT metro), and took me on a date to the Hayden Planetarium, the movie Juno, and Veggie Planet; there is my mom's best friend and fellow ex-pat who I call "tia" in the Brasilian style - she has invited me to dinner, offered suggestions on local gyms and looked into why I got no response on a resume I put in at BU (they hired internally); there is my uncle and cousin just 30 minutes away that I hope to see soon; and a friend I met in Brasil a few years ago - she was the first vegan I ever knew. So with my ragtag group of supporters I am not alone. But being alone or with friends isn't what makes being in a new place hard for me - it is finding my niche.
Sometimes the transition can be difficult. I have found that I don't do being cold so well, or unpacking (hence all the boxes still on the floor), or working out (it has officially been a week since I've done any exercise). The first two days here I wasn't liking my decision - I would almost be done with my degree if I stayed at CUA (nevermind the fact the program had almost nothing in my field of interest), DC is familiar and loaded with friends (nevermind that there were few Brasilians and opportunities to speak portugues), DC was warmer (nevermind the oppressively suffocating summers). I was wallowing a bit.
But a few adventures have brought me around. Going to my interview on Friday I got lost by taking the wrong bus. Now - how I can navigate Sao Paulo, a megacity of about 20 million, or NYC, a city of about 8 million, or even the comparably sized DC, of about 1/2 a million, without getting lost I don't quite understand. But I did - I took the 57 bus instead of the 66. The bus driver made my day though - he gave me all sorts of advice and tips and had a whole conversation with me about how it is supposed to warm up this week (in order to cheer me up a little). He was right - 42 degrees feels like a heat wave, honestly!
And then there was the interview itself (I made sure to call and say I was going to be late). The organization really seems amazing and I couldn't be more excited about the possibility of working there. "The mission of Summer Search is to find resilient, low-income high school students and inspire them to become responsible altruistic leaders by providing year-round mentoring, life changing summer experiences, college advising, and a lasting support network." Ummm....yeah! Sounds good to me. I have my second interview today and am hoping for the best.
I'm a little disappointed in Boston's vegan restaurant scene (I've been grossly spoiled by NYC). There is no Veg-Out Boston. There is for Chicago, Washington DC, San Francisco, Seattle and Portland, Denver and Salt Lake City - but not Boston. This doesn't bode well for my new city. So far I've eaten at TJ Scallywaggle's, Grasshopper (don't recommend the vegan cheesecake - the canned fruit topping is depressing and the texture is grainy, but all other food a go), My Thai Cafe and Bubble Tea (get the vegan cheesecake here instead), and Veggie Planet.
I really want to like TJ's food but I've eaten there twice.....and.....don't. I just don't think it is good food. The vegan cheese doesn't melt and ends up in chunky flavorless pieces. The bread and meat for the chikhin cheez sub was dry. The garlic bread was really bad - image taking a burnt piece of toast and dumping garlic powder on it, with little or no vegan margarine. It isn't pretty (I didn't take pics to avoid embarrasing them). But you know what - I'm going to keep giving them my money (I mean they are like a 5 minute walk from my house). I just really appreciate their role as a vegan community resource center. I support their petition to get bike lanes in Boston, I like their library (obviously) and that they make veg magazines available for reading, I like that they have a stated mission of building a progressive community. I've had the calzone, chikhin cheez sub, and garlic bread and not been a fan - but what do I know. Lots of people love their food so take my review with a grain of salt.
But my new favorite restaurant on the PLANET is VeggiePlanet. Their brunch was amazing and their business model is inspirational (they state 70% of their ingredients are local and they earmark profits for combating homelessness in Cambridge). They aren't quite as close to my house but worth the hike. I ordered the vegan oddlot on the pizza dough - the olives, spinach, garlic, and tofu-basil mash on that whole wheat thin crust - delicious! I handed the waiter my empty plate and said - yeah, obviously not that good. He replied, with concern, "oh - what did you have?" It took him a moment to realize I actually loved it and that is why I ate everything. I wish I had taken a picture but I was so hungry I couldn't wait. I don't recommend going hungry, especially during brunch - things move at a leisurely pace. Next time I am getting vegan waffles.
If you are ever visiting Boston, or live here, I highly recommend Hayden Planetarium at the Museum of Science. I went and saw the "Night Sky" program. Darryl, our "tour guide", was animated and passionate about teaching us how to look at the sky on our own. He showed us our very own urban sky here in Boston and convinced us (or me at least) that I can go out at 6pm, or 9pm, or 11pm, and see a variety of different constellations - even Mars! If you go on Friday night at 7pm admission is reduced to $6.50 (normally $9). Either price point is well worth it - and it is a great date idea.
To round out my conversion to liking Boston was my attendance at St. Anthony's on Sunday. The mass was in Brasilian Portuguese - and the church is just a mile walk from my house. It was a beautiful mass and (unlike when I was in Brasil) I loved that I didn't quite understand everything. My fluency has a long way to go but it isn't going anywhere if I don't practice.

On the Horizon -
There are other reasons right around the corner to increase my love of this newly adopted city. Frances Moore Lappe will be at Brookline Booksmith on January 21st (she wrote Diet for a Small Planet - a sacred text for all those who eat with purpose) and the Cure will be at Agganis Arena on May 12th (I LOVE the Cure). I'm sure more will appear daily and I'll keep you all posted.

Where in the world is Melissa?

Growing up I loved that computer game ~Where in the World is Carmen SanDiego~ and now I feel a little like her. One week ago I was landing on a flight that originated in Sao Paulo, Brasil. I spent three days in New York, caught a bus to Washington DC where I had a fantastic New Years Eve and tried to fit in quality time with as many friends as possible and yesterday I drove up a PACKED minivan to begin my new life in Boston. If you ever drive from DC to Boston here are my tips:

- I made one stop for gas, in New Jersey, and I'm glad it was there. It is mandatory full service (so I didn't have to stand outside) and gas was $2.88 a gallon, compared to $3.25 in NY or CT.

- When you get to the George Washington Bridge take the LOWER route (Local). I took the Upper route (express) and am still bitter about it. All trucks have to take the upper route so the traffic is much more congested (but you don't know that until after you make your choice). And once you select upper there is no switching over, unlike the lower route. If this makes no sense - that is okay - all you have to know is LOWER.

- Carry small bills and coins. I went through 8 tolls ranging from $1.25 to $6.45 for a total of $26.45. I had exact change each time so it went a little quicker. (sidenote - each and every tollbooth worker, in the freezing cold, was incredibly kind....smiling, saying hello, wishing me a great day - it was almost a pleasure to give them my few precious dollars)

- The trip isn't that long, just about 8 hours, so I brought along three sandwhiches I bought at StickyFingers Vegan Bakery ($16.34) and a bag of Tings from the supermarket ($2 - on sale). It was more food then I ate (except the fact that I almost ate a whole bag of Tings for about 800 calories, ugh). Take along food, don't waste money or calories on junk food.

- Watch out in Massachusetts. That is the state that easily had the most state troopers with radar guns just waiting to pounce.



All this travel comes at a cost. I haven't worked for 4 months, I just spent 600 to move my stuff (rental car, gas, tolls, snacks), and I've spent a huge amount of money on clothes and food this past week. I have a job interview today - lets hope I get it. I'm sick (and uninsured for the first time in my life - with any luck the wind chill out there doesn't knock me over and break my leg). And I feel discombulated - I haven't worked out since Monday (I was on such a roll), my new house just isn't my old house, and despite warnings of chilly temps I had no recollection of what 11 degrees actually felt like (it is cold). When I was in DC I didn't feel like I had a place there anymore, but I don't a place here either. No worries, I know this feeling well (3 states in the past 5 years). I adjusted really quickly to DC, I expect the same will happen here.



I plan on keeping busy. Looking for a job (and hopefully getting one) will occupy lots of time. I'm going to join the Boston Vegan Association (I've already linked up on facebook). They seem pretty active - I just wonder if a human rights activist can fit in with animal rights activists. I've already joined the Michigan State Alumni Association and hope to watch the basketball game Saturday night. I need to find a gym. I ran outside during the winter in DC but it must be at least 20 degrees colder here. I couldn't walk across a grocery store parking lot last night, I just don't know if I can run. I will say that I did see several "natives" yesterday with no jackets, hats, gloves, or scarfs - I can only hope that one day I too have lost my ability to feel as well. I saw the ex-boyfriend last night. That is complicated. I just think I don't want a boyfriend, even the old one. There is too much I want to do (including starting up a organic farm based on permaculture with a group of friends in DC). I feel selfish. I don't want to divide my time with a boy. I like feeling that way.



Okay. Off to prepare for the interview and unpack a little. I have really good feelings about 2008 and now that I am in one place I hopefully can start getting a handle on this new year and all my many resolutions.

(this is before, it may take a while before I post an after picture. teehee)