21 December 2007

I'm seeing a White Christmas

"Let it Snow" is the current theme around here. Not just any snow, but heavy, wet, thick snow. It has been falling (and falling and falling) from the sky for the last week. It started with a bang last Thursday creating 3-4 hour commutes. All the lucky people who thought they'd be home early by leaving at 2pm found themselves in a snowstorm with everyone else.

I stuck around work until 5pm, with no real desire to sit in traffic. My 15 minute commute because 1 hour and 10 minutes. It was insane. There were too many cars on the road for the snow plows to get through. Luckily we only slid once. And Nick did a great job of controlling the car so no harm or foul.

It rained, snowed and then sleeted on Sunday. Some snow or sleet most nights this week and snow all day Thursday has resulted in no where to put it. The snow drifts are over 5 feet tall in some spots. Our backyard is about 2-3 feet deep. We did get to see them clean the streets in town Wednesday. They use a bobcat and a dump truck. The snow plow moves the snow during the day. At night the bobcat collects the snow and dumps it into the dump truck. I'm not sure where it goes from there, but I'm sure the open fields are used.

This was not the weather I was expecting when I came back from Florida.

18 November 2007

Time Flies with Visitors

Sharon, Nick's mom came out to visit the end of October. We started her off right with a visit to the North End for cannoli's from Mike's Pastry's (the best. The absolute best!) My favorite are the chocolate chip ones. We also enjoyed Italian (there's no Italian like North End Italian, except maybe Italy Italian but until I make it there I can't compare. And of course I'm sure Italy Italian doesn't have the entertaining Boston-Italian accents.)

We took her to Boston on a "Duck Tour". It was my first one too. You ride an amphibious vehicle around the town checking out the architecture, listening to history, and "quacking" at walking Bostonians. It wouldn't be amphibious if you didn't splash into the Charles River to view Boston from the water. Of course it rained while we were riding. It wasn't too bad as plastic windows and heaters keep you warm.

We also visited Salem, MA. Normally, Salem is one of my favorite haunts. I love the small town feel, and how there's history around every corner. It's wonderfully dog friendly which makes it easier to bring Stitch. There's even a shop lady who puts out a large bowl and a small bowl of water for dogs. Sadly, due to it being October and almost Hallowe'en it was insanely busy. Too busy to really enjoy it. We did see some interesting street acrobats.

After she left, we had just over a week to reclean our house, and get ready for Adam. Adam and Nick spent most of the time playing videogames - their favorite thing to do with each other. We did drag him to Boston one night, and Nick took him again during the day to get some pictures. The hotel was full, so Adam spent the time in our living room which contributed to late night playing.

When Adam left it was time to reclean the house again. This time we hope it will stay clean! But I doubt it. Hopefully, it will stay clean enough that I can get some scrapbooking done.

24 October 2007

They Might Be Busy

Wahoo! We went to the They Might Be Giants concert last Friday. I really enjoyed it! There was so much energy in the room. It was held at the Roxy in the theatre district of Boston. It is a smaller venue, so you feel really close to the performers.

In between preparing for my mother in law's visit and working, I have found time to enjoy the fall leaves. Oh, how I love all the colors. The combination of red, yellow and orange all on one leaf really catches my eye. Stitch likes to chase the leaves. His favorite days are the windy ones where the leaves are flying away from him and he has to run to get them. What a silly puppy. Fall is definately present in New England. Nippy mornings heat to warm middays which turn to crisp cool afternoons.

I was called to team teach the 3-4 year olds at church. What a great age. They are so open to what you are telling them, even with short attention spans. They are also very rowdy. I'm hoping they will calm down a little when we start church at 9 am instead of 3:30 pm. If not, oh well. They are still fun.

18 October 2007

My Birthday

My birthday was great! Nick surprised me with a new 2 GB memory card for my camera and a new scrapbook to go with it. The scrapbook is Tinkerbell in honor of my Disney World trip this December with my family. Nick unfortunately doesn't have the PTO to go. My Aunt will be there too. Very exciting. At work I received a present that my Visiting Teacher dropped off. It was way cute-a pair of slipper socks, some fresh cookies, and some hot chocolate. It was neat because in answering who gave that to me, I was able to mention the church without being preachy. I like moments when missionary work just falls into life. It happens often in Boston. Not drinking coffee in a Dunkin' Donuts happy town, and doing something on weekends besides going to bars and getting drunk adds to the 'mystery' of who I am. I like the position also of giving just a few tidbits or facts about the church, and if they want more letting the missionaries do their job.

After work we caught the T into Boston and went to P.F. Changs. I love their lettuce wraps! The crisp, cool taste of lettuce against the slightly spicy, crunchy warm inside. We also had beef with broccoli, vegetable coconut curry vegetables, chicken lo mein and steamed brown rice. I love that they serve brown rice. It's nice to be able to find brown rice easier and easier.

After dessert of fried chocolate sticks dipped in caramel peanut butter sauce we wandered over to Barnes and Noble. I purchased "The Five Languages of Love". We covered part of it during our Eternal Marriage Institute Class, and I have been wanting to read it since. Nick bought the latest Nick Hornby and Harry Sherear.

27 August 2007

Boston?!?!?

Yep, that's right. Nick and I made it to Boston. He is working as an assistant manager at a hotel.

We started this year by adding a member to the famliy: Stitch. Stitch is a border collie mix. He is great company, and loves to play, cuddle and make mischief-just like me. Being almost all black he has a habit of popping up at night when you least expect it.

The year began with us living with our familes (Nick's mom specifically), but in March Nick got the call that took us across the United States. We landed out here in Boston. He left in April, and I followed at the end of May.

We found a lovely basement apartment in a quiet suburb. There is room for Stitch to play, and a lovely porch to sit and read on.

I love it out here. It is such a change from dry and hot to humid, and cooler. The people are friendly, although driving is a nightmare. I didn't think there was anything worse than Utah drivers. I was wrong-Massachusettes drivers. However, there isn't half the construction, no make that 1/8 of the construction Utah has which frees up the roads a lot.

I am working for a payroll company. It is stress free, and normal hours (M-F 8-5). While it's weird adjusting to a 'normal' schedule, I am slowly getting there.

I have postponed school for the moment (have you seen the non resident tuition!). However, I am learning lots about accounting and taxes through my job.

We visited my family in Canada few weekends ago. It was great to see my family. I miss my nephews, and siblings. But I love the opportunity we have been given.

Ta Ta For Now,

N & C