What You've Got to Love About Boston...

With both the Celtics and Bruins in the playoffs, both team flags proudly adorn the Statehouse, which is across the street from Boston Common.

My 100th Post

I am excited to be making my 100th post. Also, I am writing this at 5 on a Tuesday morning because my ability to sleep for another hour is gone. I think it is the combination of the end of school and the excitment of see my life in 9 days that has me up. I began my blog when I moved out here to Boston, about 9 months ago. I cannot believe it has been 9 months. At first, the adjustment was tough, but once I feel into a pattern, things were fine. I began my Master's program, moved into a new place, and attended a new ward.

There are so many things I love about living in Cambridge, which is across the river from Boston. There is a just a diversity among the people. Everyone is about buying local and loving the environment. You cannot even imagine how many times I have been asked to join Green Peace or make a donation to the Sierra Club. These people usually try and flag you down at the T-stops, but I never felt the urge to join Green Peace. I love by the Mystic River, which is beautiful. Now that spring is coming, everything is blooming. Everyone rides bikes out here. Whenever I am out on Saturdays this past few weeks, everyone is riding bikes. We have so many paved riding trials that I am going to jump on the bandwagon soon. Plus, there are so many great places to eat around here and the nearby squares, which include Harvard and Davis. It is always interesting to take the T. You never know who you are going to see or who is going to talk to you. I tend to attract the crazies. They just kind of ramble on and on to you about random things.

School is almost over. I love going to Simmons, but it is so different from BYU. My program is great. I am thankful for the oppurtunity I have to go here and learn about being an archivist. Some days are more exciting than others, but now I can tell you how the Dewey Decimal system works thanks to my cataloging class. I am looking forward to working this summer at the JFK library and hanging with my friends. I am planning my next trip back to Cali because it has been way too long. I need In-N-Out. Just kidding. If anyone is feeling bored this summer, come and visit me. We will go see the Sox play because they have found their way into my heart!

11 Days and counting...

I have officially begun the countdown to the end of the semester. I have 11 days left. May 7th cannot come soon enough. Aside from being the last day of class, I get to fly to Salt Lake to see my sister graduate from the University of Utah. I have not seen her in like five months and I miss her so, oh so much. I am so excited to see her graduate. I know how hard she has worked and how brilliant she is. She is the best sister. I love her. My next few posts leading up to seeing her may be sappy, but it is because I am excited to see her, my parents, Nathan, Laurel, West, Eli, Julee, and Aubree. It has been too long. However, I love Boston. I have made some great friends out here. I am so thankful for them.

I will make it. The weather here has finally turned. The past two days it has been 80 degrees. Lets just say I pulled out the flip flops and shorts. It feels wonderful. I am so excited for spring. All the flowers are blooming and the city finally feels alive. You can feel and see the awakening.

Aside from the weather, I am sure you have all seen the news about the arrest of the Craigslist killer here in Boston. I watched all the covered both and after Markoff's arrest. I have been to both the Westin and the Marriot where the attacks occurred. These are nice hotels. They are located in Copley Square which is one of the ritzy places in downtown. Just picture nice, espensive hotels, like the Westin and Four Seasons along with shops liks Escada, Tiffany's, etc. I am thankful that they caught him. He put this town on edge. You felt the relief when he was arrested. The fear was gone. Boston is a great city, but with all big cities, there are the downsides. You just hope everything works out. I remember some Fridays last semester, after getting home from class, receiving emails that a student at my school had been attacked or mugged. It happened a few times, but it is just a reminder that you need to watch your surroundings and keep to safe places.

Also, I just realized that my school is like four blocks from Fenway Park. I knew I was close to where the Sox played, but not that close. Kenmore Square, where Fenway is located is a fun place. The park is surrounded by pubs. I found the best burger place down there called UBurger. Lets just say after spending like 7 hours at school Friday finishing a paper, I craved a burger and ran down there to find this place. IT was great. It was also fun to see everyone excited to watch the Sox play the Yankees. You can truly feel Boston's hatred of this team. I hate the Yankees, which is weird, but you cannot help but love the Sox. They just find this way into your heart. Do not worry though Dad and Nathan, I still love the Dodgers!

Oh, Spring, how I love you!

Spring has sprung here in New England. After enduring some rain storms, including one that cancelled the Red Sox game I tried to attend Tuesday night, it has finally all cleared out. The sun is shining, the weather is warm and this weekend it is suppose to be in the 80s. Can you say flip flops and shorts? I am beyond excited. Everything is so green. I love seasons, well fall and spring. I will post pictures once school is done (in two weeks) and after I get back from Salt Lake, where my sister is graduating. I am so proud of her!

The Boston Marathon

Today, in Boston (and all over Massachusetts) we celebrated Patriot's Day (yeah for no school). Patriot's Day is also when the Boston Marathon is run. I met up with my friends Sarah and Jen and we walked over to watch. We got a spot about two blocks from the finish line on Boylston. Here are some highlights:

Two Army Guys, running with packs on their backs
Words cannot even describe what I felt at that sight of this man.

Such an inspiration.

Jen, Sarah, and I. It was a sunny day, but the wind made it cold.

The finish line in Copley Square. It was crazy.

American Kara Groucher, who finished third. We stood by a man listening to the race who was giving us updates.

Ryan Hall (in the white), he finished 3rd.

Ryan Hall, the men's winner raced by like 5 minutes before.

Part of the pack. It was fun to cheer all the racers. People were ringing cow bells and yelling out words of encouragement. We stood by these guys who cheered for every single person that came by.

Some signs in the window behind us.

I am glad I went to the Marathon. It was a great experience. You saw the best in people and I was amazed by these athletes. They ran 26 miles. Some you could see the pain on their faces, but I think the crowd's encouragement carried them through. They are true athletes. Truly amazing.

My Baking Adventure...White Forest Cherry Cake

For my Sunday dinner group, I decided to be adventurous and expand my baking capabilities outside of cookies and brownies. After looking through various recipes and successfully baking Martha Stewart's lemon cake last weekend, I decided to try making a White Forest Cherry Cake, which is a spin on Black Forest Cherry Cake. Instead of chocolate cake, you use vanilla cake and vanilla frosting. Thank you Betty Crocker. I made everything from scratch, with my biggest challenged being the cherry filling. The filling consisted of bringing one cup of cherry syrup with sugar and cornstarch to a boil, whiile stirring constantly. After doing that, I added some vanilla extract instead of brandy extract. It tasted delicious. The cake is a yellow whipped cake. It is made using whipping cream. It is delicate. The frosting is made from beating whipping cream with powdered sugar. After making all the elements, I made two cake layers. I spread the filling between the two and then frosted it. I topped the cake off by adding cherries that I also dipped into the cherry filling mixture. Here is the finished product. It is not that spectacular because I am not a cake decorator, I know that and will proudly admit that. I wish Aubree had been here to lend her creative talents to me. I can bake, but not decorate. The cake is delicious and that is what matters. I am really proud of it because I wasnot sure I could do it.

The cake...I put grated sweet chocolate around the sides.
The cherry topping....

The finished product.

After completing this cake, I reflected on where this baking talent came from. It comes from my mom and my aunt Julee and from my Great Grandmother Litchfield (nee Hall). It is our Welsh baking genes that come out. Yeah for the Halls. My ancestors were truly talented cooks and this passes down through our family. We are Welsh bakers/cooks. It is in us, all of us. Renee, Julee, Aubree, me, my mom, and even Nathan (or as I refer to him as Alton Brown Jr). We just love to cook and bake. I think it sometimes bewilders my mom because none of us really wanted to cook/bake growing up, but now we love it. I loved it over Christmas when Eli helped me make Peanut Butter Cup Cookies. He will be good because both of his parents make good food. Laurel makes these amazing rolls that I always look forward too. Whenever I see them, I am like screw the diet and bring on the carbs.

I am proud to have inherited this talent because I love to bake. I learned from the best, I really did. (FYI, for my birthday I really want a cookie scoop and a sifter, how nerdy is that). Thank you!!! No one will ever cook a better meal than my mom. I love her dearly. She is so amazing and wonderful. I am luckily to be her daugther. I cannot wait to see her in a few weeks when my wonderful sister Renee graduates from the U. I am so proud of Renee. She has worked so hard for her degree. I love her. Okay, I am going to stop now before this turns into a big love fest.

The Tax Man AKA My Dad!

In honor of tomorrow's tax dealine, I want to pay tribute to the best father on this planet. You see my dad is an accountant and loves April 15th....

Me and my dad at the Omni Parker House in Boston.
Papa and Eli. My dad loves being a grandpa. He loves Eli and West so much.

Papa holding West. I love this picture because you can just tell by his eyes how much love he has for this little boy.

My dad and mom. They have been married 29 years and counting.

My dad works crazy hours every year for both this deadline and the October 15th deadline. However, though it maybe crazy, he loves his job. He is very good at it and I am thankful for how hard he works because it has afforded me with many oppurtunities, like school and travel. I do not take any of this for granted. He is an amazing husband, father, grandpa, and uncle. He works hard to provide for his family, but know his top priority is his family. His faith in the Lord is strong. He always reminds us to look at things in term of the eternal perspective. I could not ask for a better father. I love him very much.

He has this big, warm loving heart. You can feel his love, especially when my two little nephews are around. Though he will never admit it, when he knows they are going to be at his house, he always tries to get home early from work. I can confirm this because when he talks about taking off early, he just gets this big grin on his face because he is excited to see them. He loves playing with Eli, whether they are playing blocks or building train tracks. He was so excited to meet West when he was born. When you see him with them, you can see the love radiate off of him. Love always radiates off of him. He is so patience, which he has to be to deal with some parts of our family. But it pays off. He loves my mom more than anyone in this world. He only wants to make her happy. Mom, you got a good one as you constantly tell me. He loves his children too and only wants us to be happy. He supports every decision we make, even if it may seem crazy. I love you dad!!! Thank you for everything you do. We would not be where we are without you and mom's love and support.

Loving Banana Republic

Yesterday, my roommate and I decided to head over to the mall to do a little shopping because we just needed a break from school and work. We decided to look through Banana Republic because she had to return some pants. Also, they were selling dresses for $98 and less. I decided to browse through the sales racks because they had tons of clothes. Looking through the pants because I need some black slacks for work, I was not finding anything good. Then bingo, I came upon these pant wide leg pants. Looking at the price tag, they were on sale for $13.97 and they were in my size. Originally, they were $98. Score!!! I tried them on and they fit perfectly. Also, I tried on this green and white summery dress. I liked it, but it was expensive and I could not justify purchasing it. Another time. So I got the pants. The girl at the cashier did a double take, but she was like you got the best deal ever. Yeah for good deals!!! Now, if only that dress would go on sale. Well, it was, but I do not consider $98 a bargain. Sorry, sales girl who tried so hard to get me to buy it. I had will power.

Also, happy easter to everyone. My day was fabulous. This was the first easter I spent away from my family, but I had such a good day. Church was great and afterwards, my roommate and I put a on brunch for some of our friends. It was good. I made two quiches, one with bacon, spinach, and swiss cheese (Thank you Paula Deen) and one with red pepper, spinach, and cheddar cheese (this one without a crust too). Plus, I made this fantastic lemon cake by Martha Stewart, which I cannot stop eating. The gym will be fun tomorrow. If anybody wants the recipes, leave me a comment and I will post them. They were fantastic. A few people who did not like quiche, told me I converted them. My roommate, Rebecca made waffles. Other dishes included potatoes, pepperoni cottage cheese bread (the best bread on this planet, my friend Eric made it and it is delicious), fruit, and a cupcake bunny cake. Plus, our conversations ventured from everything from frictionless cars to bird surgeries to bugle time sharing. During this last mentioned conversation I could not stop laughing. Bugle time sharing was just hilarious. We are a crazy bunch. It was good.

On another note, gosh this post is going everywhere, I am thankful for my friends out here. They are my second family. When I moved out here in September, I made the decision to meet people quickly. I tend to want to flee and be by myself, but I knew I could not do that. I would not survive that way. I took up offers of hanging out or going places to get to know people. It has really paid off. The people out here, both in my ward and at school, are great. They are one of the reasons I can do this. The starting of this semester was rough to say the least. I was homesick, stressed about finding a job, beginning school, and I broke up with my boyfriend. Everything just caved in on me at once and I did not know what I was doing. My emotions were all over the map, just ask Renee. My family back home was very supportive, but I think it was difficult to truly articulate what I was going through to them. They were some days I just did not want to get out of bed. I did not feel it was even worth it. I hit rock bottom.

My mom would just say go do something and I would and it helped. However, it was these people out here who made the difference. They invited me out to do things or just lended an ear. I never had a weekend go by when I was not out doing something. This past weekend, one of the talks focused on ways of overcoming challenges. One of his suggestions was laughter. Laughter works. It is a great cure all. I laughed with them about stupid things, i.e. bugle time sharing. They helped get me out of this awful period of my life. I do not even think they knew what they were doing, but they were an answer to my prayers. I am very thankful for them. I love them very much! Happy Easter!!!

Hello Spring, Good-bye Winter!!!

Officially, I can now say I survived my first New England winter. I sloshed through snow, survived bone chilling winds, dealth with four o'clock in the afternoon sunsets and lack of light, and did not freeze to death. From this, I found that my new favorite pair of clothing are silk long johns. They really keep you warm. Plus, you become a fan of layering, thicks socks, and rain boots. I love rain boots. I remember growing up laughing at the phrase "When it rains, it pours." Guess what, out here, it is true, but you survive it by wearing rain boots and having a sturdy umbrella. WIth steady rain, I mean it rained for days and days without letting it, many puddles developed and having rain boots allows you to walk right through them and protects your pants. However, they are not the easiest things to wear. I ate it walking up stairs a few times, but that was probably due to the lack of any coordination skills.

Now, the weather is turning to spring after surviving five straight days of rain to begin April. At least it was not like the beginning of March, where the newscaster was laughing that we had not had one day over freezing to begin the month. It really rings true out here the saying "April Showers, Bring May Flowers." Everything is just waiting to bloom. I am so excited because spring is beautiful out here. The trees to go green and purple flowers bloom everywhere. Do not worry, I will take and post pictures. The weather is nice before the arrival of summer and humidity. Oh, the joys of living by the ocean. But I made it. Winter did not kill me and I am better prepared for next year.

Missy Higgins

Tonight, I was invited by some friends to hear a free concert by Australian artist Missy Higgins at the Boston Public Library. She is huge in Australia and after tonight, I understand why. Her music is beautiful. Her song "Where I Stood" is so beautiful. Go to I-Tunes and check her out.

Weird Happenings

Today, while riding the train to work, I noticed this guy staring at me. He was cute and dressed in a suit and Red Sox cap. As we are approaching my stop, he comes up to me and says, "Sweetie, you should remove your Calvin Klein label tag from your coat sleeve." On the bottom of my coat sleeve, was this small tag. Honestly, I did not know I needed to remove it. I wore it all winter and no one said anything. That is why the world needs gay men. They help us with any clothing needs.

Second, Red Sox baseball has officially begun here in Boston. Yesterday though the game was rained out because since April began all it has done is rain. It makes me miss the snow. The town has basically come to a stand still. People have camped out since Sunday to get tickets to opening day and my school is like right down the street from Fenway. I now have to plan my commute around game times because trains get crowded at odd times. Oh, how the Sox are beginning to effect my commuter patterns. Everyone is dressed up in their gear. Opening day needs to become a holiday out here.

Third, as I am exiting the train station, on my way home from work, there are people passing out literature. This was just not any literature, but on why London and the G-20 summit is destroying the world. It was hilarious. I just glanced at it and then tossed it. But this makes me look forward to being asked to join various organizations from Green Peace to the Democratic Party over the next few weeks. I never imagined I would be asked to join Green Peace, but I have. You can join for a small donation.

Those are my weird happenings for the day. On another note, I love my job. It is so great.

White Chip Chocolate Cookies

This weekend, I moved from pumpkin unto white chips. These are great cookies (a Nestle Toll House recipe), especially if you love white chocolate. Instead of using brown sugar, I used Splenda's brown sugar blend and they still tasted great.

Ingredients:

2-1/4 cups flour
2/3 cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup packed brown sugar or 5 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon brown sugar blend
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups (12-oz package) White Chocolate Chips

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in small bowl.
3. Beat butter, sugar, brown sugar and vanilla in large mixer bowl until creamy.
4. Add one egg at a time, beating well after each addition
5. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in chips.
6. Drop by well rounded teaspoons unto ungreased baking sheets
7. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until centers are set. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Makes about 5 dozen cookies.

If you want to make them a little healthier, substitute unsweetened applesauce for the butter.

Enjoy!!!!

On Ode to Renee!!!

Lately, I have been missing my sister. Though we talk all the time on the phone, it is hard to go long periods of time without seeing her. I go through what I term "Renee withdrawals." She is my best friend and the one person I tell everything too. I love her much and am so excited she is graduating next month. She is one of the smartest people I know and besides being a great sister, she is an awesome aunt, good daugther, and great friend. Plus, I love shopping with her and just hanging out. Here are some pics...

Renee and I at Canyonlands this past summer. We are rocking the leggings. I love leggings.
Renee at the Getty Villa in Malibu. It is gorgeous there and she loves this place. It is right on the ocean and is an Italian villa. She is going to run this place one day.

Renee and I (I realize I am wearing too much bronzer) on our way to a Police concert at the Hollywood Bowl. It was awesome.

I love this picture of Renee and Eli. She loves Eli and West more than anything in this world.

Renee and I at Disneyland this past New Year's Eve. It was fun and cold.

Only a few more weeks until we can hang out. I will be doing a mad dash from here to Salt Lake to get to her graduation. Lets just say my last class is the day before she graduates. I will be taking off after class to get their. I am so proud of all her accomplishments because she has worked for hard for everything. You are the best sister!!! Congrats on everything. I love you!!!

My New Job

Above, is a picture of the JFK Presidential Library and Museum, where I began my new job as an Oral History intern. As I am officially employed by the National Archives and Records Administration, which is a goverment ran agency, I was finger printed and am in the process of going through an extensive background check. This involves remembering where I lived for the past five years and so on. Lets just say it took awhile to fill out the forms.

The Library is located right on Boston Harbor and in the pavillion, there is a huge glass window that overlooks the ocean. It is beautiful to look out. However, I am down in the basement that has no windows, but I am loving my job. I am helping to transcribe oral history interviews and get them ready for publication on the library's website. The people I work with are fun and some are my fellow classmates. I am thankful for this oppurtunity as it allows me to further develope my skills as an archivist. Plus, I am learning much about JFK and his legacy. I love the museum. If you come visit me, you will have to come check it out.

Happy birthday to my sister-in-law, Laurel. You are the best!!!