My day | Peaches Prattlings

{September 20, 2015} Start with a 5k, end with a musical

That sounds like a pretty good day, doesn’t it?

Well, that’s what happened. Until earlier in the week I had forgotten that I had signed up for a 5k, go figure! So…the alarm goes off at 7am, we leave about 7:30 for what I didn’t know was a five minute drive to the start of the race! It was the Cambridge Fall Classic 5k, http://classic5k.com/fall-classic. I registered too late for the pint glass, darn it! We waited a bit and a few minutes before 8 I picked up my race bib and t-shirt. Hey what do I always say is why I do races…for the t-shirt! Why should this be any different!

We had quite a bit of time to kill, so we went to Dunkin Donuts so PSM could get some breakfast, I can’t eat more than a granola bar or banana before I run. Then we took Mollie back to the house and headed back to the race start, it was due to start at 9. I’m glad we showed up when we did to get my packet, the place filled up quickly. A trip to the port-o-potty. which, first thing in the morning is just fine. I think I was the first person to use it, it still smelled clean and the toilet paper hadn’t been opened yet and there was hand cleaner Wahoo!

I thought the race started at 9am, I was wrong, so PSM hated to leave, but he had yoga scheduled and we didn’t know when this thing would start! Besides, he’ll be there for my half marathon next month! The run finally started about 9:30 and I ran the first mile, then walked the second and did run/walk for the third mile. I thought I did pretty well since I haven’t much running in the last few weeks because of my back. So…43:54, I’m happy!

I accomplished my 3 goals: #3 – Time under 45:00, #2 – Finish with people behind me, #1 – FINISH! Check, check and check!

After the race I walked back to Paul’s place, showered, chilled and waited for him to get home. After he got home and showered, we headed to brunch, a veggie omelet with my fake cheese, yum! Gluten free bread, not bad and an order of French toast made with gluten free bread, honestly not bad.

Then a jaunt down to Marathon Running, http://www.marathonsports.com/, the running store by the start of the Boston Marathon, we passed over the start line, pretty cool. I got a new pair of my running shoes. It turns out they retired the ones I had, Mizuno Wave Runner 16, boo. They are now on 18, oh well, I like them, they’re just not the same. And when went to look for them online, no dice, wow! But it is a very cool store, the shoes weren’t too much, for that brand, gotta break them in before my next 2 races!

So…if you happen to find a pair of the Mizuno Wave Rider 16, size 8, please pass them my way! http://www.ethostream.com/CentralAuth/success/success.php?siteid=25504&mac=50%3A1A%3AC5%3AFA%3A57%3AA3&osmmodal=&RemainingTime=86400&portal=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.elementhotels.com%2FLexington&primaryAdProviderName=ValueClick“

Then next door to the candy store, where else! We bought smarties, no high fructose corn syrup! for us and Necco wafers for PSM. We had a total of one smartie each tonight! Let’s see how long it takes for us to finish these!

Then on to McGreevy’s Irish Pub and Sports Bar, this is the bar owned by the Drop Kick Murphy’s, big fans of the Patriots! how cool is that! http://www.mcgreevysboston.com/.

But wait…there’s more!

We head down to the Huntington Theater, http://www.huntingtontheatre.org/, to pick up our tickets for the evening. We don’t do things small around here!

After we picked up the tickets, we went to Ginger Exchange, http://www.gingerexchange.com/symphony/, a great restaurant that used to be Betty’s Noodle House, but Betty retired about two years ago. It really was enjoyable, I had vegetable pho soup with rice noodles, veggies and tofu, quite pleased. PSM had udon soup and got to add fresh red pepper chili paste, I think I saw some tears, he was happy.

After dinner, we walked the half a block back to the theater to settle in with everyone else for ‘A Little Night Music’, http://www.huntingtontheatre.org/season/2015-2016/a-little-night-music/, a wonderful musical about reunited lovers, passions reignited, jealousy, a weekend in the country, yup, that’s about it. And it’s where “Send in the clowns” comes from, kinda cool. After seeing it the show, the song makes more sense which in and of itself is cool.

After the show, it was back to PSM’s to get my stuff and head back to the hotel so I can tell you all about our day and what a day! Are you tired yet? You should be we walked 18,409 steps!

{September 19, 2015} Black light yoga! Score!

Tonight we did something kinda cool.

I think I’ve told you that PSM likes yoga, let me rephrase…he lllooovvvveeessss yoga. So it took all of about 10 seconds after I saw the posting to sign us both up for this event.

The event was called Soul Pose Yoga, http://soulpose.com/, an outdoor yoga event, starting at 7pm, black light to be exact. How cool does that sound?!

We got there about 6:30, signed in and got our yoga mats, towels and special Soul Pose bracelet and charm. We did get some souvenirs of course, I couldn’t let this go by! I got us some belts for stretching, a bag for my new yoga mat and a water bottle for PSM.

After we signed in, we painted each other’s faces with glow in the dark paint. I wish I could show you, we’ll, I’d show you him…he gave me a bright red moustsche…hmmm…

Then we walked down to the field past the mansion that was lit up for the event. I thought the night session would be more fun than the morning session, I was right.

We looked for new mats, any mats that were still rolled up, part of the package we got. We got settled in and looked out in the sea of people. The only requirement was to wear a white top, very cool to see, especially after the sun went down.

There was a vibe in the air as we started, the instructor was certified in something like 14 different forms of yoga, impressive. She wore a mess ‘o day-glo stuff on her head, fingers.

It was a nice session with music, nothing too difficult, I say that as someone who does not do a lot of yoga. PSM enjoyed it, definitely got a good workout. She also had a good sense of humor, keeping us all entertained and moving.

It was great to do all this as the sun was going down and then it was night time and we were all aglow.

Ok, now…the best part? PSM didn’t know a thing until we got near the sign in tent and we heard a call to all yogis! Then he was all excited and like a kid!

The calendar invite said only “something you’ll like”. Was I right? You betcha!

Ohm…

{September 18, 2015} A double date…The Book of Mormon

Tonight was so much fun!

After work PSM and I headed downtown to meet GES and ACS at Rock Bottom Brewery for dinner before going to the theater. They had gotten there first so had settled into some wings while they waited for us. We got there and placed some orders, my sister knows me so well, they waited to order guacamole, I do love it so! Oh man, there was so much garlic, yum! Those chips were sal-ty! A good combo!

It was great to sit together and enjoy each other’s company, we actually haven’t done that before, had dinner, just the four of us out on the town, very nice. It really was enjoyable to sit and talk, laugh, joke, find out more about each other and just relax, that was the best part, relaxing with my best friends.

After a really good dinner, let me tell you, their veggie burger was great! I had forgotten how much I liked it! Everyone enjoyed their food, bonus! We all headed to the theater in time to climb to the balcony, find our seats and settle in to enjoy the show. Luckily the two people who don’t like heights were fine! This is the second time I’ve seen the show and it was just as good as the time I saw it with dad on Broadway, but everyone else was seeing it for the first time and I can tell you they all enjoyed it, it was a great performance and a lot of surprises, things you might not expect, which may have made it even better.

The show pokes fun at religion, tied up in a Mormon blanket. It is clever and funny and if you are open minded, I think you’d really like the show.

So kids…what’s next?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Book_of_Mormon_(musical)

{September 17, 2015} Yes, I’m still a vegan, that was just kind of rude…

I am an ovo-vegan, I’ve told you that on more than one occasion.

What does that mean? I’ll tell you what it means. It means that the only animal byproduct I eat are eggs and occasionally, butter.

The only reason I still eat butter, on occasion, is because the butter does not upset my stomach, and as you know, I’m highly allergic to dairy, becoming worse as time goes by, but I’ve been moving away from it for a while now, especially since I’ve started on this new diet for my fructose intolerance and there’s not much I can put butter on! I’ve told you before that I like to say “I’m vegetarian by choice, vegan by force”, I thought it was funny!

I know people joke that “How do you know someone is a vegan? Don’t worry, they’ll tell you” ha ha…

It’s not like I tell people when I first meet them…”Hi, I’m JJ and I’m a vegan [now let me tell you all about it]”. When we go to dinner, I just have to make sure there is something on the menu I can eat, as long as they have salads or a salad, I’m set. My friends are more worried about it tan I am, which is nice and touching and I appreciate it. I can tell you, and I probably have, that being vegan is harder than being vegetarian, I’m still getting used to it.

So many people make fun of vegetarians or vegans, it’s easy, I guess. ‘I eat the food that food eats’, ‘Meat eaters eat second hand salad’, the list goes on. I don’t make fun of ‘meat-a-tarians’ as some of them refer to themselves, why would I. I also don’t comment about what you’re about to put in your mouth, someone already killed and cooked it, someone has to eat it, that’s just the way it is.

I’m not judging anyone, so why are you judging me? This morning I asked for an omelet, asked the guy to use my vegan cheese, next he started adding the vegetables I asked for, then asked if I wanted bacon, no thank you, I’m vegan, I don’t know if I said vegan or ovo-vegan, his response instead of just making the omelet, “So, you’re not a vegan” and it was in a condescending tone. Gee thanks.

What am I supposed to say? How am I supposed to respond? Disagree which just gives fuel to the fire, more teasing and condescension. From my friends, that’s one thing, but from strangers, it’s just plain rude and I’m not rude to you, why do you have to be rude to me? Did I point out that you touched meat and then the cheese in the case, I’m glad I wasn’t eating any of that!

How do I end this? Not a clue, I’m over it. I’m hungry, let’s go get some marinated tofu! [tee hee hee]

{September 16, 2015} Do you really care about your customers?

I want to have a hot frothy beverage like everyone else.

I know I don’t have to talk to you about my dairy issues, what happens if I get a touch of dairy, moving on.

Starbucks came out with coconut milk and I was so excited because now I can have coconut milk lattes with hot tea, yum! Now…being on this special diet, based on my fructose intolerance, no coconut milk, boo.

So…Dunkin Donuts, my second choice, has almond milk, wahoo! But…unlike Starbucks, they do not have separate steamers, one for milk, one for non-dairy. Starbucks even has a separate one for soy milk and another for coconut milk. I have only been to one Dunkin that had a separate steamer, it was great.

I walked into a Dunkin Donuts today ready to get an almond milk with decaf tea and I asked if they had a separate steam because I am highly allergic to milk. She was standing in front of the sign that said “Please let your server know if you have any food allergies”. Well, I told the woman behind the counter, she said, “I only have one steamer, everything goes into it”.

What’s with the sign? If I tell you that I am allergic to something, do you plan on giving it to me anyway? Not nice! Doesn’t really follow the “Good Customer Service” motto, now does it? I started writing to Dunkin Donuts, but I think I’ll call tomorrow.

I know I can make this stuff at home, warm up the “milk” in the microwave, but it’s not the same, I want it steamy, hot and frothy, can’t do that at home unless I get an espresso maker.

Who’s with me? I want my frothy drink just like everyone else!

{September 15, 2015} A fabulous evening

I was covered up in family tonight!

I knew GES was busy tonight and ACS had talked about dinner tonight, so after work I called and we decided to go out for dinner and we met at Bertucci’s.

It wag me, ACS, EJS and MGS. We had veggies, pizza, salad and mac-n-cheese. Everything was yummy. It was nice having one-on-one time with them.

After dinner I got on the phone with SDL and Miss A, what a treat! We caught up and laughed and got silly, made plans, commiserated and had the best time. I really miss them. Sigh…

It was the perfect capper to a good day. Sounds good to me!

{September 14, 2015} L’Shana Tova

A happy, healthy and sweet new year I wish for you.

As we talked about yesterday, last night, Erev Rosh Hashanah, marked the beginning of the Jewish New Year. I know we’ve talked about it before, but I thought we would chat about a few things tonight.

The symbols you see are all representative of Rosh Hashanah.

As you can tell and might know, the dove is the symbol for peace and love, apples dipped in honey is something we eat to help us have a sweet new year.

The shofar is a rams horn that is blown at different times in the service, symbolizing joyous new beginnings, this is a powerful expression and brings so many emotions to heart. It is not an easy thing to do, many try and it’s wonderful to hear new people try, especially kids, but when someone experienced blows the shofar, I have to tell you, there is nothing like it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5FcH5hKGqs

This is a time of reflection, understanding, welcoming and asking for your name to be written in the book of life. “On Rosh Hashanah it is written, on Yom Kippur it is sealed”.

I wish you happiness, health and a sweet new year.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosh_hashanah

{September 13, 2015} A full house

What would a weekend be like at GES’ house if it wasn’t filed with people?

Based on what I’ve told you in the past, you’re probably saying “well, duh” and you would be right!

Tonight is Erev Rosh Hashanah, the eve of Rosh Hashanah, this being the beginning of the High Holidays which are the holiest of holidays also known as the beginning of the Jewish New Year. You know I’ll tell you more about it tomorrow, tonight I just want to tell you about the full house, full of love and laughter and people.

We were expecting about 30 people! Some might think that’s crazy, that’s just par for the course!

So…Saturday GES and I got down to it…cooking. We made treee chickens, chicken soup, matzoh balls (for thirty!) a really good barley and corn recipe and blondies for desert.

Everyone brought something..appetizers, fruit, side dishes and dessert. Apples and honey to start off the new year right…stupid…for a sweet new year.
I think we’re going to be alright.

We started with blessings over the holiday, challah and wine and then got down to it. What a treat! Almost all of the kids were occupied so it was the perfect opportunity for the parents get through an entire meal, on their own, imagine that!

It was the opportunity to be with loved ones, celebrating a new year, beginnings and being together.

Seems like that is the theme at my sister and brother-in-laws house no matter what, doesn’t it?

{September 12, 2015} It’s opening day!

Today was opening day for soccer and softball. How cute are they?

I wasn’t there, but EJS started her day with soccer. Then it was MGS’ turn, so cute! I remember when EJS first started playing soccer, soooo cute, like hearding cats!

These girls were great and adorable, of course! MGS also had a great cheering section of course. I think she had fun, just needs a little practice and confidence.

A few hours later, it was time for EJS’ first game of the season. She was great! I haven’t been to one of her games yet, so this was a real treat!

I saw her get to bat twice and do something new…catcher! Check out her form, pretty impressive, don’t you think?

And what a cheering section! Me, My dad, MGS, GES, ACS and M&C O and their dog Bella, PSM and his dog Mollie. Pretty impressive, wouldn’t you agree?

Today was just the beginning and I’m looking forward to many more opportunities!