Dirty Jerz

I've been to yet another state!

This past weekend I went with a few friends down New Jersey for an evening of adventure (to say the least). Another friend, Jamie, lives down there and works at the Northern New Jersey office branch of my company.

We left Connecticut about 2:00PM on Saturday and headed on our way. We did hit a little traffic, but we made good time. My friend's apartment is amazing! Super put together and classy. My apartment always looks like I'm a hermit... things in random places.

Basically, we walked in the door, hung out for a few minutes, and went to the packie for booze. We walked back in the door and commenced drinking. After a while of drinking, we went out to dinner. Went back to the apartment, and then went to a bar. Casual.

The bar we went to after dinner was pretty cool-Jersey Boys. The bartender was this big dude who was pretty nice and gave us all a few free drinks. I guess I can blow up his spot a little and announce that he was fired from his last job for shitting in a glass and essentially giving it to his boss after she pissed him off. I think it's funny how open people are with me.

The ride back took twice as long as the ride there. To be honest, I don't think I could do the drive on my own. So many turns and so much traffic. It was fun to people watch in the traffic though. One car had somehow managed to run over it's own bumper. This driver decided to hang out in the passing lane while the bumper lay securely under his car. My feelings were that maybe he should have gotten out and attempted to remove it-although it's possible he had tried and failed some time ago. Doubtful.

We didn't spend much time in Jersey, or maybe we didn't spend much time experiencing the Jerz soberly in the sunlight. The best part of being in New Jersey was definitely getting to see my friend.

Mmm.. FOOD

I've been to another restaurant! Nordelli's in Middletown.

I was told by a co-worker that this place was "amazing" so I knew I had to experience it. Walking into the place, I instantly saw what was so different about it. Normally in a sandwich shop there may be a deli case, and in this deli case is usually just salad and dessert choices. This place differed in that within this deli case, with the desserts and salads, all the sandwich fillings were placed in troths. For example, if you wanted a buffalo chicken sandwich, the cook behind the counter would go into the deli case and take out the buffalo chicken (from the 20 other pre-buffalo'ed chicken pieces) and heat it up. While this seems strange, well, it kind of is. I got the buffalo chicken sandwich with tomato, onions, and blue cheese. The chicken, although it was alright in the taste department, was soggy. I tend to like my fried chicken with a little crunch. My friend got a pulled BBQ pork sandwich and she stated she had enjoyed it.

To be honest, if I ever go back it will only be to try a HUGE cannoli.

Good Eats

NEW RESTAURANT!

My best friend moved to Kansas to live with her boyfriend just under a year ago. Sad. Yeah. Life. Happens.

So, she came to visit her family this month and this weekend we got to hang out!

She brought her boyfriend with her. I do like him... but I obviously would have liked to hang out with just her... Can't really girl talk with the boyfriend sitting right there. What can ya do?

On Sunday we went to a restaurant on Main Street. First and Last Tavern. We looked at quite a few menus and settled on this place because the bread looked good. Haha. What a way to chose a restaurant?! But, hey, neither Amie nor I can make a sound decision to save our lives... Garret took the final say.

To be honest, the menu doesn't impress me greatly. And the entrees are on the pricey side. Well, closer to the side-possibly kicking rocks off the edge.

Amie ended up getting a pizza and only ate two slices. It was sad to waste so much, but she wouldn't take the rest home with her and it didn't look very good to me. ALTHOUGH! (and my mom will be curious about this...) I TRIED A PIECE OF EGGPLANT. One of the things in my life I WILL not eat... I couldn't even be forced to eat it. It was fried. And they were small little pieces. So, it was actually kind of good.

Garret got a steak and cheese grinder. He really enjoyed it. I got a turkey grinder which was really good. It was huge too. I could only eat half of it.

The main event? The bread. I think it was mostly great because of the dipping oil. Whole roasted garlic cloves. Amazing!


My Updated List!

Pretty Blue

There's this moment in anyone's life when they come to some sort of realization of their parents.

I needed to return a Redbox movie (two days late of course) so I decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather and walk down the street to the PriceRite. As I walked, a few cars whilst wizzing by beeped their horn at me (and by cars, what I really mean is the person within who happen to be driving). It made me think back to my childhood, sitting a car with my father as a pretty girl walked by on the street. He was the creeper with his fool head half out the window staring at her behind.

What a class act.

Pizza

Well, here it is.... a complete life. I found the best pizza I have ever eaten, and it is right down the street. Walking distance. Illianos. I got a piece of buffalo chicken pizza and it was simply amazing. I could have eaten an entire pizza, I'm sure. But, come to think of it-that slice was damn expensive. I think I paid about $4 for it.

Anyway. It was fantastic. I'd say worth the money.

Veggies

I've done it! I went without meat for a month.

It really wasn't that difficult for me as I don't eat a lot of meat anyway. The hard part was that I couldn't just stop and get a quick bite to eat, because most "quick" places are not veggie friendly. It was also hard going to out to eat for that very same reason. I feel as thought restaurants are getting a lot better and moving to having healthier options on their menus. Healthier options don't always mean no meat, but they often mean more veggies-so at least a vegetarian can opt out of the meat and still get something of substance.

The thing is now... I don't know if I want to eat meat anymore. I don't want to be a vegetarian, because I love chicken and I love BACON! At the grocery store this Sunday I couldn't bring myself to buy that nasty looking raw chicken. So, maybe if someone else makes it for me I'll eat it.


My Updated List!

Veggie Tales

So, I spent three days in South Carolina to see my baby cousin, Elizabeth, graduate from Marine Boot camp. I've decided that SC doesn't count as a new state because I am almost 100% positive I spent a night there on the way to Florida with my best friend, Amie, and her parents after 8th grade. As a matter of fact, I saw my first cross dresser in a gas station parking lot in SC-s/he was fabulous.

South Carolina was fun, though, even if it was rainy and kind of cold. It was just very cool to see my cousin accomplish something so amazing. She did something that most people could never do-at least certainly not complete. She says you're so scared that you just do whatever they tell you-but I can't believe it's only fear. I think at the root of it is determination and a level of courage the majority of the world's population doesn't even know exists.

The real purpose of this post is my attempt at vegetarianism. It's been almost a week and a half. In all honesty, I don't eat a lot of meat anyway-but it's still a challenge for me. I'm not use to having to think about what I'm eating. There are things I don't eat, but I don't eat them because I don't like them. How easy is it to walk into subway and order a turkey sandwich? Well, very easy since I happen to love turkey. But see, imagine having a restricted lifestyle? A lifestyle that most people question, don't understand, and will not accommodate for. A lifestyle that keeps you on your toes because at any moment someone could thwart your attempts at purity, whether purposefully or ignorantly. I mean, who would think there was meat in broccoli cheese soup (chicken broth)? The waiter assumes since there are no chunks of meat, it hasn't been made with meat and doesn't bother to ask-next thing you know, your insides are out. Not fun. I am nowhere near to that place of veggieland and, of course, I am being just a tad dramatic anyway-but draw your own parallels to some more intense aspects of human life... My mom has been dodging cows for years, fyi. Those big brown baby eyes just melt her heart.

Now, I'm not doing this because I feel bad for the animals, because I don't-if I don't eat that yummy chicken breast, someone else will. So, where's the win? I'm only doing this because I have a really hard time committing to things, projects, people... This is just a small challenge for myself. A challenge in commitment. A challenge to follow through with something. In all honesty, I just need a small victory to boost my moral.

No Title

So, I've done a few things on my list.

The one for which I am most proud is: I've eaten an apple a day for a whole month. And, okay, this is almost lie. The second to last day I did not eat an apple. I was busy hanging out with my mom and completing another item on my list-visiting a new restaurant... which I will explain later. But, it was actually very difficult, main reason why I shall count this as a win. Some days I would be on my way to bed, remember I had forgotten my daily apple, get pissed, and grab an apple. As I said- I'm proud of myself! Can only get through one day at a time.

Other news-I have been to a new restaurant. It's called "Esca," calls itself a wine bar, and is located on the corner of Main and Washington in Middletown. My mom and I sat at the bar, ordered a drink and attempted to order bruchetta. The bartender looked at us, waited for a moment and then stated, "Is that going to be enough? It's only two small pieces." My mom and I looked again at the "happy hour" specials, each listed at $4.00, and decided to get two. This equalled four small pieces of toast topped with tomatoes, EVOO, basil, mozzarella and garlic-for those of you unaware of this amazing idea of a food dish. Unfortunately, what this really meant, was that we had now spent $8.00 on "happy hour" specials and still only got a taste. Tricky bastards. But hey, those little toasts were very delicious.

So, the smaller items on my list-I've written a letter to my Baby Marine cousin. She should be graduating from boot camp this coming Friday. I've run (slowly) a few miles. I've also tried a few new recipes-one of which is still in my freezer because I feel bad throwing it out, but I also don't really want to eat it.

I have a new addition to my household as well-Sadie. A little black and white cat. She was found in a snow bank. And she's got a few things 'going on.' AKA-issues. Part of her left ear broke off-the very tip. I suppose maybe it had something to do with the snow bank. Her tail is dead too. Unfortunately, I'm going to have to get it cut off. Poor cat. But she does seem happy. Especially when she's meowing at 4:30 in the morning. I think she needs a playmate.


My Updated List!

Lessons

I had a teacher in high school who use to tell us that we should never complain about something we won't try to change.

New Restaurant

My mom came to visit me this past weekend. On Saturday we walked up one side of Main St (this one street with shops and many many restaurants) and down the other side. For lunch, we stopped at The New England Emporium Eatery.

What you do, is go up to the counter, order, then go pick a place to sit. Before you leave the counter, the cashier hands you a little number on a stick. Cautiously, my mother and I adventured into the eating area. We chose a two seater all the way to the street side of the place. The area reminded me of a stage, it was like we were sitting on a stage backed by a huge window. I do enjoy a little people watching while I enjoy a meal and good company. As we waited for our food, I became increasingly aware of the fact the, no doubt, completely capable workers may never see our stick number perched in the middle of our table due to a perfectly placed pole in the possible line of sigh. I moved the number stick toward my mother.... then I moved it to the other side of my mother and toward the cashiers counter... at that point I was satisfied.

My mom ordered falafel. I ordered a turkey sandwich with cranberry relish and stuffing. The cranberry relish was a little too sweet, so I had to scoop some of it out of my sandwich. Following the relish extraction, my sandwich was pretty darn good. My mom seemed to enjoy her lunch too. I'd say it was a success.


My Updated List!

New State! *Wisconsin*

I just spent the last two weeks in Wisconsin. My job sent me to this strange land to learn how houses are built so that I can better understand my job. I can say that I was on information overload the whole two weeks and a good amount of that overload, has poured over for good-but I think the training will help.

I thought that Wisconsin would be barren, cold, and boring. It was actually none of these things. The weather was actually more pleasant than that of the great New England. While I was in Wisconsin, New England was battered with snow and cold. It was definitely cold in Wisconsin, but it really didn't snow that much.

I was also able to adventure out a little bit. We, my training class and I, went on a Brewery tour the Saturday we were in Wisconsin. Our tour guide was immensely funny, and the tour was very entertaining and interesting. They give us each four wooden chips with our $7 entrance fee. With each of these chips, you can get a beer. And they don't make you wait until the tour is over to indulge. While it was fun, by the end of the tour I had to pee so bad my eyeballs were literally floating. Lakefront Brewery.

The day after the brewery tour I went to adventure with just one of my training mates. We went to a local science museum and then to a history museum. Both were very small, but still fun. The history museum featured a Houdini exhibit. The two of us learned how he completed his 'tricks' and learned that he called Appleton, WI his home. Only interesting because, again, I was previously sure that there was nothing to Wisconsin except cheese. I was very wrong, and I openly admit that. The only downside to the day was lunch. The two of us sat at the table unhappy with our water because it tasted bad. We asked the waitress for something else to drink and it honestly seemed as if she was angry at this request. At the end of our meal she didn't even bring us our change, the manager/owner did. The girl I was with mentioned that he had been looking at us strangely, this made me uncomfortable because this just made no sense. Did it have anything to do with us, or me? Or was it just us simply over analyzing the situation...

Anyway, little Megan traveled off the east coast for the first time. On the way there I stopped in Detroit, and on the way back Chicago. So, I've technically been in three new states, but I have decided not to count airport time. I still love my east coast, but I hope to explore more of the US in the very near future.


In jail at the Houdini exhibit.

Five Guys Burgers

Today I went to 5 Guys Burgers. I've never been to this place before, so I was overwhelmed when I walked in. I ordered a bacon cheese burger with BBQ sauce, mushrooms and onions. Oh, yeah, and fries. I didn't know what I had gotten myself into.

My plan was to sit and eat in there, but as I stood there waiting for my burger, one of the cooks stood across from me staring. I grew more and more uncomfortable. By the time I got my burger, I was so uncomfortable and hot, I had to leave. As I exited that building, the cool outside air graced my body. This burger... was two patties, too much cheese, and way to much bacon. I ate about half of it before disgust took me over and I had to dispose of my failure. I'm not bashing Five Guys, because the burger was good-it was just too much for me. And my body will remember that burger for at least a week. Maybe it will force me to eat healthier for a while.


My List:
http://twenty-s.blogspot.com/2011/01/101-things-in-1001-days.html

101 Things in 1001 Days

So, I've made a list of 101 things I would like to do in the next 1001 days... There are rules, and explaination that goes along with this, but here's the link: http://dayzeroproject.tumblr.com/

Here is it:

101 things in 1001 days

Art/Entertainment/Media
1. Listen to a live jazz band
2.Don’t go on facebook for a week
3.Don’t watch TV for a week
4. Paint 10 paintings (10/10)
5.Go to an art museum
6.Learn a full song on the piano
7.Re-start piano lessons (DONE!)
8.Go to a concert
9.Go to a play on Broadway
10.See 2 plays off Broadway (0/2)
11.Go to a local high school or college play performance
12.See two comedians (0/2)

Literature
13. Read 10 more books off the Modern Library's top 100 Novels (0/10)
14. Ask 10 friends to suggest one book, and read them all (3/10)
15. Write 10 new poems (0/10)
16. Write 5 new short stories (0/5)
17.Submit a short story for publication
18.Read a book in a day
19.Learn a poem by heart
20.Spend an afternoon reading in a park
21.Read everyday for a month

Education
22.Re-take the GRE DONE! Can't say my scores much improved...
23.Apply to 4 grad schools (0/4)
24.Take a painting class DONE!
25.Take an acting class
26.Go to a wine tasting DONE!
27.Learn to Rock-Climb
28.Visit a brewery DONE!
29.Take a cooking class

Health/Fitness
30.Lose 20 lbs
31.Run five 5k races for charity (1/5)
32.Run a 10k race
33.Run a half marathon
34.Run 365 miles (19/365)
35.Run a mile in under 10 min.
36.Run a 5k in under 30 min.
37.Join Weight Watchers (and complete 17wk program)
38.Go without alcohol for a month
39.Take a belly dancing fitness class
40.Drink nothing but water and decaf tea for two weeks
41.Do a 30 day detox
42.Do 50 'real' push-ups

Others
43. Send flowers anonymously to a friend
44. Visit an old teacher
45.Write 5 letters to 5 people who changed my life (0/5)
46.Write to a Death Row inmate
47.Donate blood - which scares the shit out of me
48.Write a letter to someone I admire
49.Volunteer at a soup kitchen
50.Volunteer at an animal shelter
51.Write inspirational quotes in my apartment's parking lot one night for people to see in the morning.
52.Send 20 letters to my Marine cousin (1/20)
53.Leave 10 operation beautiful messages in random places (0/10)
54.Send a soldier a care package
55.Give 10 “I saw this and thought of you” gifts (2/10)
56.Visit my best friend in Kansas DONE!

Random
57. Plant a window box herb garden
58. Go swimming in the ocean at night
59.Write a detailed zombie apocalypse plan
60. Write a message in a public bathroom
61.Get a massage
62.Write a fan letter
63.Watch the sun set on the beach I say a sunrise counts!
64.Submit a secret to Postsecret.
65.Shoot a gun.
66.Send a postcard through Post Crossing
67.Send a message in a bottle
68.Complete a 500 piece puzzle
69.Buy a disposable camera and take pictures. no re-dos!

Personal Enrichment
70..Write a list of things that I like about myself
71.Write a list of 20 things that make me happy
72.Write a personal mission statement
73. Write a letter to myself to open in 10 years
74.Write all my bad memories on paper, burn this paper afterwards
75.Sell something i made.
76.Jump into a body of water fully clothed
77.All my pictures need a place to go! Scrapbook/Photo Albums/Collages/Photo Frames
78.‘Unplug’ for one whole weekend – no cell phone, no Internet, no TV, no computer.
79.Look great naked
80.Create a self-portrait
81.Dance in the rain

Relationships
82.Kiss in the rain
83.Write a list of what is important to me in a relationship
84.Write a love letter
85.Take a chance on someone.
86.Take myself out on a fancy date
87.Adopt a kitty DONE!
88.Flirt with a bartender DONE!

Travel
89.Visit 2 new states (2/2) DONE!
90.Spend a weekend on the Cape-by myself.
91.Go camping.
92.Go on a road trip without a pre-set destination
93.Stay in a Bed and Breakfast

Good Eats!
94.Try 30 new receipes (3/30)
95. Eat at 6 restaurants in Middletown, CT (6/6) DONE!
96.Eat an apple a day for a month DONE!
97.Be a vegetarian for a month DONE!
98.Make something from a Food Network show
99.Don’t eat fast food for a month
100.Have a picnic
101.Get a blender to make healthy smoothies.


Todays date is: Monday, January 17, 2011.
I think after 1001 days it will be Sunday September 29, 2013.