3/29: saw a comedy musical performance March 31, 2008

My brother in law is a computer guy by day, but he also has a band. This in itself is pretty cool, but what is even cooler is that they have a show and stay in character throughout. So when you see the performance, you are seeing the band playing roles as well as music. They created the whole thing with original songs, videos, and music. I was really impressed. It amazes me that there are people who have the ability to harness their creativity and create something out of it which they can share with the world.  Here’s the website: WWW.HOOGLIO.COM (PS- my brother in law is Bombardo, not Hooglio.)

3/28: went to a benefit March 31, 2008

On Friday night, Brian and I met up with some friends to attend a benefit for the Medford Rotary Club.  They had dinner, a 50/50 raffle (which we did not win), and three comedians.  The first guy was pretty good, but he was really raunchy and the crowd was about 50 years older than what I guess his ideal audience would be.  The second guy was someone we had already seen at Kowloon one night, and his act was an exact repeat.  He was still pretty funny though.  But the last guy was hysterical.  His name is Shane Mauss and if you youtube him (is that even a verb?) you will be in for a real treat.  Enjoy!

3/27: got into the honor society March 31, 2008

As a grad student whose time in school is rapidly coming to a close (except there is that pesky business of the other program I am working on…) I was delighted to find out that I had gotten into the honor society!  I have never been in an honor society because never before have I even attempted to produce quality work.  (Yes, I know this is bad.)  Anyway, hooray for me!

3/26: tried rockclimbing March 26, 2008

At the afterschool program where I work, we rented a rock wall today because it was a half day and we try to plan really fun and exciting stuff because the kids are there for close to 7 hours. I had done this with the camp I worked at last year (I didn’t get to climb though- just supervise my group) and it was so much fun, so we tried it with these kids. They loved it! The place we used, Altitude Rocks, came with the wall on a truck, rose it up in about 2 minutes, and we were ready to go. I am so excited because I made it all the way to the top. AND the kids let me cut them in line because I got there late (was at my other job) and the rock wall was about to be dismantled. So hooray for nice children and hooray for making it to the top on your first try! If you ever need a rock wall, use this company- they were safety conscious, efficient, and at a reasonable price point.

3/25: tried a new restaurant March 26, 2008

We went to Anchovies in the South End last night and the food was excellent.  We got fried mozzarella (which is not in the form of sticks, but rather a large blob on a plate) and pizza.  I realize this is an awful lot of cheese, but it was worth it.  The service was friendly and efficient and the atmosphere was like a dive bar (not at all what I was expecting) which is just my style.

3/24: first full day at my new job March 26, 2008

Time: full

Cost: they pay me

I am working in a behavioral/emotional support program at an elementary school. The children are great (K-5), the staff is amazing, but it is incredibly challenging. I am looking forward to becoming more knowledgeable about this field and am eager to do the best I possibly can at this job. I feel incredibly overwhelmed right now, but am hoping that I figure it out quickly.

3/23: had an Easter cookout March 26, 2008

This was great: low key, easy, and delicious.  Brian’s parents made steaks on the grill and we ate in the dining room.  I fully support cookouts at Easter.

3/22: drank Rat in the Hat March 26, 2008

I got this beer at Victoria Station in Salem. I can’t find any info on this beer online, so I assume that it is brewed specifically for the restaurant.  Of course I could be wrong about this.  It was really really delicious. Brian drove home. As a sidenote, Victoria Station is a great restaurant at Pickering Wharf. They have reasonable prices, great views, and the food is great.

3/21: beat Super Mario Brothers March 21, 2008

Technically, I did this when I was in 6th grade. I was the first of my friends to do so, and Nicole’s dad took us out for ice cream to celebrate. That was when I played video games a lot, and actually used controllers. Cut to 2008- I played on my computer keyboard. It took me about 3 months to beat, so I feel a sense of accomplishment. If you know of anywhere where I can play Super Mario 2 or 3 online, please let me know.

Note: I had this listed as a bonus entry for 3/20, but I really did it on 3/21 (just after midnight) so I changed it.

3/20: froze Thin Mints March 21, 2008

How did I never think of this before?  Everyone knows that Thin Mints are by far (haha- I almost typed “by fat”) the best Girl Scout cookie in existence.  Someone told me to try freezing them and then eating them.  Results of this experiment: they increased in taste by 1000%.