Seattle Part I

Greetings from Seattle!

We all know how much I love Seattle. I visit it enough I almost consider it my second home. Just today I told Rebecca how I think I have more friends in Seattle then in NH. I was luckily enough to visit Seattle TWICE this year! One of them being over Christmas.

I started my journey Wednesday night of the 22nd. After work I jumped on Dartmouth Coach and headed to Boston for the night since my flight was at 6 am. My coworker's car recently broke down so I said he could borrow it while I was gone. He dropped me off at the bus station and I watched him drive away in my car with my dog. Goomba looked at me with those puppy dog eyes saying "why are you leaving me and where am I going?". I immediately missed him. I woke up the next morning, my taxi came right on time and I made it to the airport too early (surprise surprise). I thought I would make it through without getting electronically raped but they turned it on just as it was my turn. THEN, they said my left leg looked suspicious and I had to get a pat down. Do I really look that dangerous?? There were FIVE dogs on both my flights out here. The dogs made me miss Goomba, but also made me feel a little less guilty because all five spots were taking and there was no room for me to bring him along even if I tried to.

Anyways. Nothing else interesting happened in the journey. Oh except for the woman next to me spilled her water on me and it felt like I peed my pants the rest of the flight. I landed in Seattle. YAAAAY!!!! Rebecca and I got a drink and waited for our Dad and Debbie's (our step-mom) flight to come in. Then we went home and relaxed before going to the boat parade. I don't have any pictures, but it was pretty cool! We went down to the water and there were about 50 boats hanging out with lights on them. One big boat in the middle had the girls choir on it so they sung songs for 20 minutes then the boats all went home.

Next day was Christmas Eve. We went into downtown Seattle for the day. Dad thought it was funny how much Debbie bundled up and I left my jacket at home.

We got some seafood for lunch, cioppino for later, and halibut for dinner. We walked around some, got some veggies, then headed on the bus home. But not before looking at the Gingerbread Houses contest! There were only 6, but they were huge! And they had so much detail, they were pretty cool.

Games were played until it was time for bed. I won Dixit twice and then everyone decided to keep playing but stop keeping score. We finally went to bed and then......

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Christmas was great! It's a big deal in my family, and we all always go overboard. Everyone loved their presents though. It was a different Christmas then I am used to, but my sister did a great job of playing hostess the whole time for us.  The day was spend playing with all our new games for the rest of the day. I don't know what was in the air, but I happened to win everything! Great for me, boring for everyone else. My luck ran out the next day though, everyone got their turn. Games played were: dicecapades, word on the street, quelf, play nine, telestrations, some island game, qwirkle, and I think that was it. Qwirkle is totally my type of game. I loved it. Rebecca said it was unfair because my mind works in that way and I can play through all the possibilities faster than everyone else and that's why I was so good at it. Dicecapades was another one of my favorites. Although the very first turn I had to do 16 push ups in 30 seconds. Even though push ups are my absolute least favorite work out exercise, I did it, and on hard wood floor!

 Merry Christmas from the Kings!

John (Rebecca's boyfriend) came over the next day and we had another day of games after going out to lunch. I've already met John but this was Dad and Debbie's first time. It we well. We all gave him Christmas presents and he handed some out himself. He drove in from Portland in the morning and then drove home at night. Lots of driving for one day but we appreciate it John! Thanks for coming out!

Monday: Snowshoeing!! We woke up early, packed a lunch, and drove east to Steven's Pass. By the time we got there and put on our rental gear, we started hiking around 12. We did a big loop of about 4 km. On the first half we walked by the creek. It was awesome! I guess no one else had walked there yet because there were no footsteps to follow so I got to be the trail blazer. Every 5 minutes my dad would ask "how do you know where the path is?" I don't know. There were some markers in the trees I was following and sometimes I just went for it. What's the worst that could happen? It felt like we were just walking in a forest covered in snow. It was our own winter wonderland and it was even snowing for part of the walk. Every few steps we would stop and saying "it's so beautiful!!" then keep going and say the same thing a few minutes later. I tried to sled down a hill by sitting on my snowshoes, but we had the wrong kind so it didn't work. Actually I just about did somersaults down the hill. We all had a great time though and can't wait to do it again one day.

This morning we woke up and made breakfast before driving Dad and Debbie to the airport. We all said our goodbyes and sent them off their way. Rebecca and I came home to eat lunch and just watch tv and talk all afternoon. Perfect relaxing time before gearing up for a day of snowboarding tomorrow!

High: It's against the rules to name more than one, but it's Christmas! There are too many! Either playing the games or trail blazing while snowshoeing. 

Low: The woman sitting next to me on the plane spilling her water in my lap.

On Deck: The rest of the week! Seattle Part II. Wednesday: Snowboarding, Thursday: Hanging around with Seattle people, Friday: More snowboarding and New Years, Saturday: Something fun and then flying home. Sunday: traveling all day then reuniting with my two boys!

Goomba King

It has been a looooooong day coming, but it finally came! I am the proud owner of a boxer. His name is Goomba (yes, that is a Mario reference) and he is 3 months old. And I am completely in love with him.


It started when I was 14 and wanted to work, or even just volunteer, at the local kennel/vet for the summer. Carol said no, but if I came back next year they would pay me. So I came back the next summer, and two more after that. I was the person who walked down the kennel petting the dogs which were super cute (obviously) and also petting the dogs not as cute because I felt bad for them not getting as much attention.


I returned to the dog scene the summer of 2006. I was suddenly moving home for the summer and needed a job. My friend Kristina told me about a doggy daycare she worked for. I applied and got the job. Working at a doggy daycare was awesome. I got to hang out with tons of dogs in a huge enclosed area playing with each other. I was sad to leave, but just like my summer job at the kennel, I had to go back to school.


Next came You Work I'll Play (YWIP). Another doggy daycare for the summer, but I ended up staying to work during the school year too. If you live in Asheville I highly recommend bringing you dog here. Jill and Jason (the owners) are awesome people and really love the dogs. It was so much better then the other doggy daycare I worked at in so many ways. I decided if I couldn't have a dog yet then I'd work with them to get my dog fix in. I loved that place.


So that is my dog history. I clearly have wanted a dog since forever but being the responsible person I am was putting it off until I knew I was financially ready and stable. Because you better believe I'm going to spoil this dog. That time came a few months ago. I started looking, for real. There were a few dogs and rescue places I applied to and talked (or tried to) to people. I always knew I wanted a boxer (but didn't care if it was a mix) and was happy to get one already 2 years old. Skip the house training and all that jazz. Everything kept  falling through. No one got back to me about Morris, Bailey was adopted already, and someone slipped in before I could get there in time for Falco. Falco broke my heart and I needed a few days to recover before looking again. I got back on the wagon and found Sugar Ray (who will from this point forward be known as Goomba). A puppy would be a lot of work but I knew I could handle it. I sent my application and someone replied IMMEDIATELY. I knew this was a good sign. I tried really hard not to get my hopes up, not to get excited, and not to tell hardly anyone about this. I didn't want to jinx things or have another Falco incident telling everyone it didn't work out. I would not even let myself smile when I thought about this dog, although a few smiles slipped by. My application checked out, they got the landlord approval, someone came over for a home visit, and then I got my approval letter. Goomba would be ready for me to pick up Saturday December 4th.


I woke up on Saturday and told myself to act normal and don't rush because I have a tendency of getting everywhere too early. I left my house around 11 to drive to Hampton, NH where the dogs would be dropped off at 3 by Last Change Highway. I stopped in Manchester on the way to get things like a crate, food, bowls, beds. I got to the Hampton rest area around 2. A full hour early, but I didn't even care. I was playing on my phone and at 2:36 looked up and saw the truck! OMG HERE HE COMES!!! I got the biggest smile ever on my face. Everyone started getting out of their cars holding leashes and also sporting that same huge smile and excitement.


We formed a line and when it was our turn we told them what dog we were picking up. I said Sugar Ray and he replied, "Oh one of the twins." I said, "uh....okay? I don't know". I don't know why no one told me he was a twin because I am sure I would have taken both if I only knew. He reappeared from the truck holding my dog and my jaw dropped. He was so much cuter then in his picture. I loved him instantly. It is a feeling that's indescribable and unforgettable. I'm now glad I got a puppy because when he's all grown up he will forever be my little Goomba. I sat in the car for about half an hour taking pictures and petting him before I left. This is our very first picture together.

He slept most of the drive home, but once we got him he was the happiest puppy there ever was. He was running around wagging his tail, licking my face, playing with his toys. Deb was right during the home visit when she told me the dogs just know they are being rescued. He knew he was now somewhere good.


During potty training you're supposed to put them in their crate to sleep. It's safe to assume I broke this rule. I tried twice but he cried so hard I couldn't take it anymore. So I let him sleep in my bed with me, where he belongs.


I still look at him every few minutes to remind myself that I actually have a dog, after all this time. Dreams really do come true! And that's what I'm reminded of whenever I look at him. Goomba and I are really happy together and he follows me wherever I go. I've already got a plan for when and where to start puppy socialization and obedience training. He's already started picking up some things and it's only day 3! My dog is going to be so smart.


Best birthday present ever! :) I leave you with some pictures.

Thank you for the photos Adam and Liana.

Wrap Up

So the holidays are over. For now anyways. The rest of my visit was good. I hung out with my mom on Saturday and did some Christmas shopping. I can't wait for my canisters from Williams Sonoma to arrive! Here's a tip I learned while at home: put a piece of bread in with your brown sugar and that will help keep it moist and not go hard.


Sunday I got to see all my old friends. I drove to Alexandria (it's weird enough driving a mini-van, but I'm so used to my Prius that sometimes I forget what to do with keys in general, it's bad) to see Kendra (my bff who I met on the very first day of college). She just moved in with her boyfriend! Exciting times for the two of them.

Kendra and I went to see Harry Potter, IN IMAX! This was my first IMAX film. Honesty I wasn't that impressed. It was bigger but not overly noticeable. The movie was great though. I'm a huge Harry Potter fan. I absolutely love Ron and the love story with him and Hermione makes me smile. I can't wait for the last movie to come out in the summer!


Then we walked over to the Rock It bar and met Laura (who has been my bff from Kindergarten through high school) and her fiance, and Kelly (who I have also known and been friends with since elementary school) and husband Barry. The six of us had a great time talking about what we're up to and remember old times (I did anyways).

Monday was a slow day. I sat around working until it was time to leave. I taught my mom a bunch of stuff about her iphone. My flight landed and there was no open gate so we hung out on the runway. I seem to do that a lot. Finally we pulled in and I waited for my bus. I don't like sleeping while traveling because I'm scared I will miss my stop. I finally made it to the New London bus stop shortly after 11 pm and as everyone else who got off walked into a warm car with their loved ones, I sat in my cold car waiting for it to defrost. I was just happy it turned on! Anyways, I made it home super late and was happy to fall asleep in my own bed.


Thank you for the wonderful holiday at home NOVA (and you too Mom).


High: Seeing my friends!


Low: I was minutes away from home after a great visit and remembered I forgot the stockings. This year I will not be using Grandma's stocking but instead something that has no sentimental value.


On deck: A very special post to come this weekend. Nothing to do with traveling, but still live changing.

Thanksgiving

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I'm here to tell you all about mine. Well, SOME about mine anyways.

Part 1
Mom and I woke up early Thursday morning and drove to Richmond for Thanksgiving with her brother and family (7 of us in total). This was our first time seeing their new house and we also took a walk to check out where Micky* and Ricky* go to school. They are pretty fancy schools. I think they are almost as big as my college, with a green in the middle and different buildings all around. We watched some football (Patriots had a great second half) and played some games. Games played at this house were: Wits and Wagers, Guesstures (a family classic, it was fun to watch mom act out a lion), and A to Z. For a few hours there was a scare of the turkey not being finished, but my uncle managed to make it happen. He had to make up for spilling half the pumpkin pie in the oven the night before. Dinner was fabulous and I was able to stop myself from over eating. After dinner and coffee mom and I left to go home. And we got to start listening to Christmas music!! YAY!!

Part 2
Mom and I woke up Friday morning to drive to Mommom's for Thanksgiving number 2. But first we had to stop in Baltimore to give Lemon Pledge (LP)* a cabinet. We traded them the cabinet for Thing 1* and Thing 2* (my cousins). Then it was off to Mommom's again. With my 2 aunts and families, cousin, and Grandma, there were 11 of us in total. Games we played: Befudiom, letter line-up, scribblish, hilarium, and 30 seconds. Dinner was wonderful of course. Later Thing 2* sang some songs for us. We played some more games (I love 30 Seconds, it's one of my favorites) then Mom and I left to drive home once again.

I know this is cheesy, but I will do it anyways. I am thankful to have so many people in my life who care about me. I'm so thankful to have such a massively large family because I love you all. I am thankful that my sister is my best friend. I am thankful for all my friends because you guys make me laugh. I'm thankful for an education, a job, and a roof over my head with food on the table. I am thankful to be so blessed and happy. As we give thanks and think about our family and friends over the holidays, I'd like to take a minute to remember the loved ones we have lost and those who are ill. We think about you constantly and miss you every day.

So, did I have a good Thanksgiving?

High: LP was awesome at guessing my words in letter line-up. The card was person and I said "dad", she guessed Stephen King immediately. Next round the card was character and I again said "dad" because I didn't get B to say blue, after a few seconds she yelled out Papa Smurf. YES! You were on your game yesterday LP.

Low: I wasn't sure I was going to make it to Mommom's house. Luckily, neither was Thing 1*. So my mom made up a game to take his mind off of being sick and thankfully that helped me as well. Good save Mom.


On Deck: Between Harry Potter and seeing all my friends tomorrow night I'm sure I'll have something to say again before this trip is over.

*No real names were used in this posting

TSA

I am a frequent traveler and fly out of Boston so I have a lot of experience with security and these new body scanners. I remember when I used to walk up to the metal detector, my mom would blop her purse on it, then we'd sit and wait at my gate. You didn't need a plane ticket to get through, no one showed any ID, there were no lines. Yeah those were the days.

A lot of people have a big problem with these new scanners. Apparently they can draw an image of your naked body so people are opting out and getting a detailed pat down. I am not one of them. Boston was the first airport to get these scanners so I've already walked through them several times before Thanksgiving. So if anyone in Boston opted out they better have opted out from the beginning and not walked through it before but opted out on Wednesday. That just proves that they are doing it for the attention and are not thinking for themselves. I don't understand why they want a pat down instead. Personally, I think a pat down is MORE invasive and embarrassing. It's an etch-a-sketch drawing, how accurate can it really be? But a pat down, that leaves even less to the imagination. I don't want my husband touching me when we go to sleep and I'm an awkward hugger, hell no I do not want a pat down. Don't touch me!

Like I said, I'm a frequent flier and I remember what things used to be like. I am so fed up with EVERYTHING involving airlines and flying that this security thing is just icing on the cake. What's the point of fighting this security scanner when everything else is so messed up still? If I could pick one thing to fight for, it'd be the cost of checking a bag. There's no way you can travel for a week without checking your bag. That is just unfair and the airlines are taking advantage of us. Why? Because we continue to do it having no other options. Stop making us pay to check a bag, and stop taking away our food and drink on the flight. You know what else is disgusting? AirTran charges $6-$15 depending on the seat just for you to PICK your seat when you purchase your ticket. You should be ashamed of yourself AirTran.

What I'm getting at is even if you "win" this security battle, you've still lost because airlines will always win until we get high speed trains as an alternate means of transportation. Is this security device an invasion of privacy? Yes. If you don't like it, then don't fly. It's as simple as that. Don't try to purposely hold up the line and make everyone else late. That doesn't punish TSA, that punishes all the innocent people who just want to get home to see their families. You have to pick your battles in life and I just don't think this one is worth fighting. The airlines have already taken more of my time making me get there early, I don't want to give them any more. I'd rather give them a big middle finger and move on with my life.

One more thing to TSA. Do you really think this new device is going to help? We seem to constantly be one step behind the enemy. You increase security? They put stuff in their shoe. You make us take off our shoes? They put stuff in their underwear. They seem to keep figuring out a way. You can keep on upping the security but where there's a will there's a way. In my opinion, this isn't going to stop anything and if someone wants to cause some sort of trouble, they will figure out a way. I would really appreciate it if I could stop worrying about which socks and shoes I'm wearing when I travel.

High: Safer traveling?

Low: Taking off your shoes.

On Deck: I will write about both Thanksgivings later tonight.

I'M HOME!

...and I could not be more happy. I'm a few beers in, so hopefully my blog will make sense and not ramble too long. But it's vacation, don't judge me. I know for a fact all of you reading this wish you were drinking as well.

Let's start from the beginning. I caught the bus in New London this morning at 9:50 (hell if I'm going to leave my car in Lebanon ever ever again, I'm still extremely bitter if you can't tell). Got to the airport, walked straight to security. What's this? No line. SWEET! The only hold up was the time it took me to take off my shoes and get out my laptop. I won't go into my opinion on TSA and security and airports in general, but I didn't opt out and was not held up. I bought some fudge from that place to bring with us at the various places we go this week. Aidan better tell me I'm his favorite cousin for not picking any peanut flavors. It was hard to resist with my new found appreciation for Reese's. It was weird though that at the Jetblue terminal they did not accept the Jetblue card. You might want to get that fixed fudge stand.

I landed at IAD. Yay! Nothing can replicate the smile I make when I land at a destination. I normally like to walk through airports, but I'm still fascinated by the new train system at Dulles. It's so pretty! Being in row 4, I was off the plane and out the airport probably before some people were off the plane. I told Mom I was at door 3 but coming from the cell phone waiting area it took her a long time because of the traffic. There was confusion on if I was walking towards her, or towards the last door, or standing still. I said I was between door 2 and 3 and would stop moving. All of a sudden I see my mom ZOOMING by. What?? What is she doing? Where is she going? I go running after her jetting through this sea of people while laughing and debating if I should stop to get my phone and call her. Then she realizes that the door numbers were going UP and not DOWN and she stopped. If you know me or my mom at all this story shouldn't be that surprising or hard to picture, but it was still funny. I seem to find myself running for a real reason while laughing a lot (example: Ingles, which most of you know and probably just "lol"ed).

I get home and am still in awe of the beautiful new kitchen. 

The first thing my mom says to me when we get home? "What wrong with your hair?" Yup....that's my mom. Welcome home. In her defense, my hair did look bad due to traveling and wearing a hat. She made up for it by cooking my favorite meal and giving me presents. My birthday came early this year (I had to open them in case we needed to exchange them since I have NOTHING in Lebanon). I must get my awesome gift giving gene from my mom. Thank you Mom, for everything you have ever gotten me because I always love it all. Part of the present was as simple as money to spend as I please. I find this funny because after TWENTY YEARS of asking for a dog and never ever getting one, my mom is finally (indirectly) getting me a dog.

Some of you may have heard about my magic fridge. There's a magic fridge that lives in my basement. Whenever I come home it's full of beer. I drink it and then when I come home next it's full of more beer. This magic fridge has moved from the basement to the garage. I love you magic fridge.

And now for my mom quotes, because I love her and she is funny.
1) "[lol] This woman's last name is Papajohn. I got an email and though it was spam from the pizza place. No it's my coworker." I guess this is why I too laugh at people with silly names. Like mother like daughter.
2) "I CANNOT WAIT until the 30th. What day is that? I will be downloading a CD" Me: Tuesday. What CD? Mom: BLACK EYE PEAS. They sang a version of "Favorite Things" on Opera. Me: Oh really? Did you see the AMAs? They sang a cover of another song. I've had the time of my life. Mom: Oh yeah maybe that was it.
3) Something that cannot be said because it involves possible Christmas presents for someone. But it was funny.

Also, she is giving me money to buy a mini laptop for Christmas. Yay! This is perfect because I was just complaining today about how heavy my laptop is. I need to talk to you Mr. Technology to make sure I want a laptop vs. an ipad.

New development: Mom just told me she got creative and bought a book but then lost the motivation to do anything.

I obviously want to make something from it real bad! And by something I mean EVERYTHING! But she didn't get any of the ingredients. They are all designs off of cake balls which we made last year. Maybe I can talk her into making one of them on Saturday. If not, I found some fancy white chocolate brownie mix thing that we can make.

Unrelated, but I'm glad Amber lost custody of her child because she's a horrible mother and person, I'm mad at the Thunder for hurting Rondo and keeping him out YET ANOTHER game, and a picture my mom just gave me from Labor Day.

High point: Stepping off the plane and feeling at home.

Low point: My mom dissing my hair.

On deck: Tomorrow. Thanksgiving 1 in Richmond. (Yes, it is Thanksgiving ONE because Friday is Thanksgiving two. When you have a nurse in your family sometimes you have holidays twice.)

Montreal

I woke up on Wednesday and decided to leave the country. Okay that’s not true, but I did wake up and drive to Montreal. Work wanted me to go for a training class and I was excited to go because it’s always fun when you have to use your passport. I was nervous driving over the border just because I didn’t know what to expect. There was no line, I gave her my passport, said I was coming for work, leaving Saturday, leaving nothing in Canada, and was on my way. As simple as that, I was driving in another country! Luckily for me, I bought a Prius last year and with one touch of a button I switched my speedometer from mph to km/h. Pretty cool! Once I got to Montreal I drove every street 5 times before finding my hotel, which I saw while driving past it and had to go around the block again. Then I had to drive around YET AGAIN to park after I checked in. The hotel was in the middle of the Chinatown of Montreal. Weird, but kind of cool I guess. I was finally read to relax and enjoy the city. It was nice having coworkers already here so I had people to talk to and go out to eat with. We went to old Montreal and had a steak (which I had been thinking about since one of them posted on his facebook earlier in the week what an awesome steak he had). Naturally when the company is paying you get a dessert even when you are too stuffed. I had a yummy slice of cheesecake which reminded me how I want to learn how to make it (Rebecca I want a spring pan for Christmas).

So far Montreal seemed to be alright. Then came Thursday. Dun DUN DUN! I woke up feeling like it was Christmas. I was going to sit through class and go look at a dog I was convinced I would get. After over a month and two lost connections, my time to get a dog was finally here. Time went by sooo sloooow but finally ended and I ran to my room to dump my laptop, then rush over to the metro just across the street. Oddly enough, I needed to take the orange line. I should know by now, whatever city I’m in I’ll probably want the orange line. That seems to be my color when it comes to metros. I counted 12 stops and got off, then stood in the middle of the street not knowing what to do next. I'm so used to counting on my phone and google maps to figure out where to go but I didn't have that, now what was I supposed to do? It was like I was back in the 80's and had to use maps and just hope I'm walking the right direction. I finally found the SPCA building and said I wanted to talk to someone about adopting Falco. “Falco gone” she said as she shook her head no. NOOOOOOO. They had another boxer just come in, but after talking to me and reviewing his file it was determined we were not a good match. I was heartbroken and tried not to cry in front of the volunteer because it wasn’t his fault and I didn’t want him to feel uncomfortable or think I was crazy (and he was kind of cute, especially with that French accent). I was so sure this was it that I felt not only like I didn’t get the dog, but like he was taken away from me. On top of that, I had to hop on the subway to get back to my hotel, and then go to dinner pretending like everything was peachy with my coworkers. Needless to say from that moment on my view on Montreal was tainted and added to the “this city is worthless” list, right next to Albany, NY.

Unfortunately for me, I booked my hotel room through the weekend, before all this dog drama happened, thinking, “oh it will be fun being in a new city I’ll want to explore and stay the weekend since I drove and can leave whenever I want.” I sat through class yet again on Friday and was going to go to the biodome in an attempt to enjoy my visit to Montreal. We had dodgy internet in class but I could access outlook so I asked my sister to look up the biodome and see if it seemed look and worth it. She replied back, Yes it looks cool, but IT’S CLOSED! Well shoot. Now what am I going to do all day? Class ended around 3 and with no dog and no biodome, my last attempt to enjoy the city was to walk around old Montreal some more. It didn’t take long before I was cold and wet. Looking outside you wouldn’t think it’s raining but it was just enough to get you damp and extra cold without needing an umbrella. Once my legs and face got so cold that I couldn’t take it anymore, I headed back to my room. I guess paying for a hotel room another night was not the best idea I’ve ever had. I’m sorry Montreal, I tried to like you and have a good visit, but you just weren’t helping me. At least I got my Starbucks fix.

It would be an understatement to say the drive home was lonely. I kept thinking about how there was supposed to be a dog in my backseat. No dog, just me. Trying to look on the positive side, I thought since I DON'T have a dog in my car that means I can make a stop on the way home. Burlington Mall. A little retail therapy. Burlington is a very cute town and I will definitely be going back there. I made a deposit in the "eliz wants to wear more skirts" project, got one last Starbucks before I was back in my small town, and hit the road again. What's the best thing to do while driving alone? Mariah Carey. Loud. Old School. Not any of this new stuff. Yes, I was feeling better already.

High: The pride of being able to drive and figure out the subway in another country.

Low: Walking out of SPCA with no dog.

On deck: Thanksgiving in Fairfax, VA. Although my boss just announced a meeting next week while I’m the only one in town, so possibly Boston next week.