Day 11: Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Make Me a Match

I guess being single does have its' perks.

Lately, I've been hearing a lot of, "I've got a great guy for you!" from friends, family, co-workers, and the nurse at my doctor's office. Yes, I've been on a couple of blind dates before, but I guess they weren't totally "blind." I did some facebook stalking ahead of time, and was able to find out who my blind dates were, using the name, occupation, and/or town my matchmakers gave me... yes, the secret's out, and I know I probably shouldn't have just admitted this to the world. Oh, well.

So, tonight I have my first real blind date. My always-social, never-shy girlfriend, Sarah, was sitting in the stands as her boyfriend and a few of our other friends were playing softball... I wasn't there that night. After the game, some of the guys from the other team had drinks with my friends from home. Enter Sarah: always on the lookout for a cute and single guy for me, she set her sights on a guy on the opposite team; made fast friends with him; and essentially told him that he was taking me on a date. After she managed to get his number, and got the ok from me to pass on my number, a date was arranged. One of my friends, Ryan, was also there that night and told me about how everything went down. We both agreed that Sarah is one-of-kind! He then gave my blind date the thumbs up... and Ryan rarely approves of any guys for me, so I guess we'll see what happens. Since this guy isn't facebook friends with any of my friends (yes, I looked), I have no idea what to look for. Who knows? Maybe it'll be better this way.

what I will probably wear tonight

Day 10: Most Valuable Player

Despite my lack of athleticism,  I love watching a good sports game... football, basketball, baseball, golf, tennis. Anyone will tell you that I can't throw, catch, or hit a ball to save my life; however, I do know a heck of a lot about the game.

In keeping with my "Get Healthier" theme, I joined a walking campaign at work. Our team of speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and otolaryngologists placed 3rd in the hospital last month, earning us tickets to a New Britain Rock Cats game and a water bottle. I hadn't been to a Rock Cats game since I graduated from college, so I was excited to get the chance to go with such great seats!

So, I took my co-worker, Connie, to her first Rock Cats game tonight. We found our seats, and went straight to the bar. My "goal" for today was to drink an entire beer, but by the time I'd finished my second glass of wine, the bar stopped selling alcohol. What was I going to do? I couldn't say going to a Rock Cats game was my new thing, because I'd already been to one. I took a picture with one of the mascots, but I also did that the last time I went to a game. As Connie and I watched the fireworks finale, we tried to come up with ideas, and decided that I was going to sit in the dugout. Again, I'd been to baseball games before (most recently Fenway with some girlfriends), but I'd never been in a dugout. After the pyrotechnics show, we waited for the stands to clear a little, and told Ed, the gatekeeper, about my blog. Unfortunately, he said he couldn't let us in. Discouraged, we started to make our way back to my car, when Connie suggested that I go to the fan desk, and ask for help. I told the girl at the fan desk, Kristen, about my blog... she then radioed the field, and they decided to let me in! Another worker, Ashley, walked me down to the dugout, where I was questioned a little more about my blog. After the field managers made fun of some of my blog ideas, they let me through. Thank you, Connie, for your persistence and for such an awesome time!

awesome view, right?

Connie and me with a mascot

in the dugout :)

Day 9: Hoping to Make Someone's 4th of July Happy

As the proud granddaughter, goddaughter, niece, cousin, and friend of men and women who have served our country, there aren't enough words for me to express my gratitude for all that you have done, and continue to do.

When I began to gather ideas for what to accomplish during my "60 Days," one of my favorites was to send a care package to troops deployed overseas. As wonderful as I thought the idea was, I honestly didn't know where to begin. Was I supposed to send two separate packages... one for men, and one for women? Did I need to send food in one package, and toiletries in another? What were the items most needed by our troops? What did the troops not need? Decisions, decisions. I'm sure that the troops would've appreciated whatever I decided to send. Well, last night, I opened my e-mail and found a Living Social deal from the USO that allowed purchasers to send a care package worth $50 to our troops, for only $25.

So, I made a purchase today during my lunch break. While I would've loved making a package of my own (and maybe I still will), I'm sure that those at the USO know exactly what to send to our men and women deployed overseas.  The Living Social deal expires 9 days from today, so there's still time for YOU to make a contribution. Click here to express your thanks!

Day 8: In the Double Digits

I have a tendency to make impulse purchases: I buy something I think I might really like or need, only to use it once in a blue moon. Such has been the case with my elliptical machine.

I spent the evening at my favorite restaurant, with one of my oldest and dearest friends, Amy. We went to Bricco, and I had my usual: calamari, baked rigatoni, nutella pie, and two glasses of riesling. I'm a creature of habit... same appetizer, entree, drink, and dessert every time I go there (which is often). I had a blast, catching up and gossiping with someone I've known more than half my life. I intended on being semi-healthy by skipping dessert... but I couldn't, because the nutella pie at Bricco is easily the best dessert known to man.

So, I decided to exercise when I got home from dinner. Veggie burger yesterday, workout today... crazy, I know. Anyway, I bought an elliptical machine early last year. While most people join a gym to stay fit and keep their New Year's Resolution, I decided to go to the store and buy an elliptical. Similar to my story about the golf clubs, I'd never used an elliptical machine before, but I remembered a friend talking about using one at her gym. But, instead of joining a gym to use an elliptical, I figured it would be easier for me to just buy and assemble one. So I did. My first time on it, I lasted all of 2 or 3 minutes, before tuckering out. I waited a few days before I went on it again... I didn't want to overexert myself. I probably used it 1-2 times a week, 5 minutes at a time, for a period of 3 months (up until my girlfriend's wedding). I remember my friend, Denise, calling me while I was exercising the night before Risa's wedding; she could hear the strain in my voice. "Are you ok?" "Yeah, I'm fine." "No, you're not. What's wrong?" "Nothing." "Are you crying?" "No, I'm exercising on the elliptical." "Ohhh, gotcha." Well, today I went on the elliptical for 15 minutes, without stopping or taking any kind of break in between! My goal was to hit the 10-minute mark to make the double digits, but I far exceeded it. To most people, this isn't a great feat. Most might think it's laughable. But, to the world's least athletic person... it was kind of a big deal.

15:52

Day 7: Going Green

I'm a meat and potatoes kind of girl. I love steaks, burgers, ribs, hot dogs, and chicken... I don't discriminate. This surprises most people, because I'm fairly petite.

At my last physical, my doctor kind of yelled at me. When she asked about my diet, I was completely honest with her. Fruits and veggies? "About 1 serving a day." Water? "About 1 bottle a day." Dairy? "Ummm... I put cream in my coffee." Exercise? "About once a week." At a total of 209 mg/dL, I also had borderline high cholesterol. Since that appointment, I've tried to make a few lifestyle changes. I eat at least 2 servings of fruits and veggies a day. I drink about 2 water bottles a day. I occasionally drink a glass of milk a day. I fully intend on exercising more. And I now take multivitamins. Could I be better? Absolutely. Will I now make a more conscious effort to be healthier? Yes... baby steps.

So, today I decided to go green for lunch. I had every intention of eating my Crock Pot leftovers but, if you recall from my last post, it wasn't the most appetizing meal. While waiting for a patient to come in this morning, I asked my co-worker, Kacie, if she wanted to order something to eat. She also brought lunch today but, since she was working late tonight, it didn't take much to twist her arm. Kacie has always talked about "the best veggie burgers ever" at a place called the Spicy Green Bean.  I've honestly never even considered trying a veggie burger, because I love hamburgers and turkey burgers so much! But, keeping in mind my goal of trying to be healthier, I decided to try a veggie burger today... there had to be at least a few servings of vegetables in there, right? The verdict: while the veggie burger tasted so much better than my leftovers, it certainly wasn't a Plan B Bacon Cheeseburger (minus onions) or Turkey Club Burger (minus tomato, avocado, mayo).

Day 6: Betty CROCKer

“The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” To the person behind this saying, “Thank you for making my life that much more difficult.”

I clean incessantly. I organize like a champ. I find a deal wherever I go. But, I am not known for cooking. I’ve made a few meals from scratch before, and have never received rave reviews. A date once told me that I should make it a goal to try one new dish each week. I thought his idea was brilliant. My first attempt following our conversation was “Lemon Pepper Chicken.” The result: the chicken was overcooked and super sour… instead of 1 tsp lemon juice/1 cup chicken broth, I used 1 tsp chicken broth/1 cup lemon juice. After that, I decided to give up on cooking altogether. Since then, it’s been pork chops with Shake ‘n Bake, chicken breast with Wish Bone Dressing, salmon with Lawry’s Marinade, and pasta with Bertolli Sauce every week for the past year or so.

So, I decided to give cooking a try once more, and ended up making my very first Crock Pot meal today. When I bought my condo 2 ½ years ago, I received a Crock Pot as a housewarming present; up until last night, it was still in the original packaging. Last Christmas, I received a Crock Pot cookbook from a co-worker; as amazing as all the meals looked, I was afraid to try making anything because I didn’t want to fail. Today, I wasn't going to be afraid to mess up. The meal I decided to make was Dijon Mustard Chicken with Artichoke Sauce. I picked up all the ingredients at the grocery store last night, and prepared the meal before I left for work this morning; I cut the ingredients in half, because the intended recipe was for 8 and I cook for 1. Other than that, I followed all the instructions. When I arrived home from work, I found that the artichoke “sauce” was more of an artichoke “soup,” and the dijon mustard was no longer coating the chicken. Ughhh. While the meal was edible at best, it didn’t turn out the way that I had hoped… but that’s ok. I learned how to use a new kitchen appliance today, and I look forward to trying more meals in the future.


what it was supposed to look like

what it actually looked like

And just so we’re clear: the reason behind learning to cook (and all my other “60 Things”) is to become a better version of me. Somewhere along the way, I became lost in the idea of what and where my life should be by now. I put this added pressure on myself that was starting to take the fun out of my 20s. It’s in trying something new or different each day that I feel a sense of excitement, pride, and accomplishment. While I may joke here and there about guys and relationships, my goal ISN’T to find myself a boyfriend through any of these experiences. My goal is just to find me again.

Day 5: Score (and Fore)!

"I've died and gone to heaven." Those were the first thoughts that came to mind, and the first words that came out of my mouth when I arrived for the final round of the Travelers Championship.

I attended the 2nd round of the tournament with my dad last Friday. We didn't stay long because of the weather, but I quickly took note of all the cute guys there. Let's be honest, though, was I really going to try picking up any guys with my dad by my side? My mom thought that I should have, but I wasn't ready to be that bold. So, I was anxious to go to the final round today with my friend, Lauren. Having been to the driving range and the golf course a few times, I knew that there were lots of good looking golfers. But, being at Travelers today took things to a completely different level. Everywhere I turned, I saw some cute spectator sporting a hat or polo by Nike, Titleist, Taylor Made, Under Armour, Adidas, Puma, Ping. I was in heaven!

So, Lauren tried to help me think of something new or different I could do while I was at Travelers. As I said before, I've seen lots of cute guys at the driving range; however, I've never approached any of them... until today. I was walking past a group of guys, and ended up chatting with one of them. We talked briefly about how the final round was shaping up, and after learning that he golfs, I challenged him to play me one day. He was up for it, and we exchanged info. Even if nothing becomes of it, it was just the boost I needed for the next time I decide chat it up with a cute stranger at the golf course. And then there was the chipper challenge: 3 shots to get a hole in one, with a prize of $100 to charity. I waited in line for a long time, but figured it would be worth it. As I watched everyone give it their best shot, I thought, "Wow, this is going to be so easy." Well, I clearly haven't been to the driving range since last summer, as evidenced by my misses and subsequent "hee hee hee hee."

Day 4: Red Red Wine

I am notorious for being a creature of habit. If I know I like something, I don't see a reason or need for change... I always order the same meal when I go to my favorite restaurants, and I always get the same drink when I go to the bar.

A few months ago, my co-workers and I bought a Living Social deal for a wine tasting at Haight Brown Vineyard. I was excited about getting together at the vineyard as a department, because I love wine and I always have fun with them. The first thought that popped into my head after clicking "Purchase" was, "I hope they have riesling!" It's no secret to those who know me, that I love sweet, white wine... riesling, gewurztraminer, moscato. Happy hours, for me, are always happier when I have a glass of riesling in hand. I've never really been able to get into red wine. I've tried a few reds before and thought they were ok, but I've always reverted back to my "safe" drink... a cold glass of riesling.

So, I decided that I would do something different when I went to Haight Brown today. While I've been to a few vineyards on the Connecticut Wine Trail before, I'd never been to Haight Brown and I've never left a tasting with anything other than a bottle of riesling. During the tasting, I sampled 7 or 8 wines (and felt really good afterwards). As expected, I found myself liking all the whites, especially the riesling. The first red wine we sampled was their "Picnic Red," which I found to be sweet and fruity. Surprisingly, I really liked it (though I didn't really care for the other reds we sampled). At the end of the tasting, I decided that I was going to buy my first ever bottle of red wine. When I got home, I put the bottle in my wine rack next to all my bottles of white wine. I fully intend on opening my Picnic Red when I learn how to cook a steak on my grill.

Day 3: Get in the Hole!

“Really?” That's the response I usually get when I tell people that I love golf. As much as I enjoy watching it and attempting to play, I’ve never been to a tournament on the PGA tour.

 I started watching golf a long time ago, because my dad has always watched it. Along with my mom, the three of us would sit on the couch rooting for Tiger. Then that whole “incident” happened, and I jumped ship. My parents continue to remain loyal to him, but you can find me cheering for Lefty on Sundays.

 Anyway, I loved watching golf so much that I woke up one morning a few years ago and said, “I think I’ll become a golfer.” Easier said than done. That same morning, I went to Dick's and bought myself a set of clubs because 1) they were on sale, and 2) they were pink. Since I'd never touched clubs before, I decided that I should take lessons. Well, by the end of my second lesson, the instructor said, “Don’t come back until you can hit the ball three times in a row.” I know it might've sounded mean, but I'd like to think that he meant well. That summer, I never hit the ball on three consecutive swings, so I didn't go back. The following year, I continued to go to the driving range, and eventually took lessons with another (cuter) instructor. Now, I can say that I do make contact with the ball almost every time... but where the ball actually ends up is a completely different story.

 So, it’s only fitting that my next “thing” would be to go to the Travelers Championship in Cromwell. My dad and I went this afternoon when I got out of work. But, about an hour after we got there, they suspended play for 45 minutes due to weather. They resumed play for about another hour until the weather took a turn for the worse, and play was stopped for the rest of the afternoon. We spent the next 2 hours stuck in traffic, doing some father-daughter bonding. The added bonus: I got a free reusable tote and poncho courtesy of Travelers. I'll be back for the final round on Sunday with my friend, Lauren. Guess we'll have to see what that will bring!

Day 2: Stop and Smell the Roses... Literally

When I'm in the grocery store, my favorite thing to do is walk through the floral department, because the smell of fresh flowers always manages to put a smile on my face. 

I love flowers... so much so that I have fake ones all throughout my condo. Fake flowers on my coffee and kitchen tables, and then in the basement, my bedroom, and both bathrooms. But, I can't remember the last time I had real flowers in my home. I think the last time it happened was in the fall, when a guy gave me an assorted bouquet on our first (and only) date. Since then, I've resorted to rummaging through the aisles of Home Goods and Pier 1 for all my floral arrangements.

So, when I went to Whole Foods tonight to pick up dinner, I decided to stop and buy myself flowers for the first time ever. Sure, the thought had crossed my mind once or twice before, but I could never justify spending $15 or $20 on flowers for myself "just because." Instead, I would spend that money on vegetables that went bad and chicken that I always overcooked. But, today was a little different. Today, I decided to spoil myself just a little bit because I deserved it... then again, all girls deserve flowers every once in a while "just because," no matter who buys them for her.

Day 1: Off to the Police Station!

Well, it was bound to happen. After years of driving, I don't know how I ever managed to avoid a car accident. Most people fear being a passenger in my car. I like to refer to myself as a "safe and cautious driver," but others don't usually see it that way. I occasionally push 70 on the highway. I sometimes go the wrong way in the parking garage at work. I might've hit a snow bank while test driving cars last winter. I failed my first driver's ed test after running a red light... it's the only test I've ever failed in my life.

Last weekend, I was driving by the mall. I was stopped at a red light, and ready to turn right. All of a sudden... BOOM. I was rear-ended. The good news: everyone was ok, and it wasn't my fault. The bad news: I had my first car accident, and my "Vivi" has a boo boo. After calming me down, the police officer told me not to worry, because it was the other driver's fault and it would all be taken care of. He told me the police report would be ready in a few days, and that I would have to go to the police station to pick it up.

So, today I went to the police station. First (and hopefully last) time there. I was expecting to see bars and striped jumpsuits. No such luck. I paid $1 for the police report and went on with the rest of my day. But, saying that I had to go to the police station today sounds a little exciting, right? Here's the proof:

"I'm Just Getting More Awesome"

This e-card I saw on facebook is the motivation behind my "60 Things in 60 Days."

As of late, it feels as though my life has become stagnant. Monotonous. I wake up, go to work, come home, eat dinner, go to bed. Repeat x4. Don't get me wrong, I love my job (and the people with whom I work). More often than not, I don't know what I am going to walk into at 8 o'clock in the morning. That being said, I'd like to lead an even more exciting life outside of work. Yes, I go out with family and friends on the weekends, but that's only if they're free. Lately, it seems as though they haven't been as "free" as they have been in the past. Let's face it, our lives are changing. We're growing older. I log onto facebook, and there it is... Susie is flashing new bling on her left hand. Martha is posting a sonogram. Larry just closed on a house. While I am happy and excited for everyone, I want some excitement, too. Honestly, a part of me is sad that when my best friend calls and asks me, "What's new?" my response is almost always the same... "nothing."

So, after a little talking with some friends and a lot of reflecting, I've decided that my "theme" for the summer is going to be "60 Things in 60 Days." Starting today, and for the 59 days that follow, I will be doing/trying something new or different each and every day. Now, don't expect me to do big and crazy things 7 days a week... like jump out of a plane or swim the English Channel. While I intend on trying a few "big" things to add some zest to my life, I'm mostly looking to do things differently, to learn about myself, and to become "better." Maybe I'll put milk in my coffee instead of cream in an attempt to be healthier. Maybe I'll take a cooking class to make my meals more edible. Whatever that "different thing" may be, I intend on documenting it here. If anything, my hope is just to be a little more "awesome" by the end of my 60 days. Enjoy!!!