Week 2

So this week was better. Everything is still so new and exciting to me, but now I know where I'm going and how to get there. Let me explain...

I ride the bus to work everyday. The first day I got onto the bus and my monthly "Charlie Card" (unlimited bus and subway fare) wasn't working. The bus driver snorted and told me to pay up. Luckily, I had some loose change in my pocket. One by one, I placed the dimes, nickels, and quarters into the slot, hands shaking, trying not to notice the snorts and put-off sounds coming from the large crown behind me.

The next day, I came fully prepared with dollar bills and the exact change, as to not hold up the line again. Boarding the bus went smoothly; thank goodness. As we rode, however, I started noticing that a guy here was giving me a dirty glare, a girl there was staring me down with a look of scorn. I thought I was just being uber paranoid until a little kid gave me the stink eye as he boarded with his grandma. It was then I looked up to the window and read the words "Reserved for the elderly and disabled." Just my luck, I would choose one of the only 'resevered' seats when trying to play it cool on the bus. Once I realized, I got up and made the walk of shame to another seat on the bus.

Since then, I have become a pro at riding the bus. My charlie card finally started working, and having unlimited bus and subway fare is pretty great.

Long story short, when you come visit me, I will make sure you aren't a victim of transportation ridicule.

Week #1

I moved into my apartment last Saturday. It's very cute and located northeast of downtown in a place called, Charlestown. Yes, it's the same place 'The Town' was filmed and no, there aren't bank robbers running amuck.

I started my new job on Monday, and so far I'm enjoying it. I sit on the 16th floor of a very tall building in the heart of downtown Boston. Unlike my last job, I now have a cubicle. Turns out cubicles are pretty great; I get to decorate my own space and not have to see people all day.

After sitting at my desk for hours on end, I decided to go running after work one day. I ran down to the harbor, which had a gorgeous view of the city. Hopefully, this will be great motivation to start a new running regime.

On my way back from running, I made a detour past the Bunker Hill monument. (I can see the monument outside my bedroom window, so I decided I had to go visit.) I walked around it for a bit and wanted to climb to the top, however, it was closed by the time I got there. Oh well, something I can look forward to doing later.

Today I headed out to Haymarket. It's an outdoor market they have here every Friday and Saturday. It's not a farmer's market because the produce is not locally grown. The vendors buy produce from wholesalers that haven't sold all of their produce yet. After reading reviews online, they mostly said the produce was old and too ripe to buy. However, I decided to check it out anyway. To my surprise, the produce was terrific. I only had a $10 bill in my pocket, but I bought all of this!

(Bananas, sweet potatoes, grapes, oranges, strawberries, apples, green beans, and lemon pears--had to try them and, unfortunately, they aren't that great)

Change is....GREAT!

Well I am officially a Masshole, a Bostonian, a Beantown kid.

A few months back, prior to having any thought other than the random voices in my head, my parents came to visit me in Salt Lake City. You see, I had just signed a lease for my first ever, very own, roommate-less apartment and my parents came out to help me move in. It wasn't until we were driving through downtown when reality hit.

Through the midst of a typical conversation with my parents, my mom blurted out, "Doree, isn't it great that you live here? You always wanted to live in the big city and now you finally do!"

I about hit the fire hydrant we were passing when I heard her utter these words. I just responded, "Uh....yeah." But I was dying inside, thinking, Salt Lake City is not a big city, this is not my dream, I've already been here 2 years longer than I wanted to be, help!

Anyway, my parents left, I unpacked my boxes, a few weeks passed, I quit my job in Salt Lake, I repacked my boxes, and I got a job in another city. This time I made sure it was a big city, a city which I am pleased to be the newest resident of, a city I am so excited to explore and embrace as my new home, a city called Boston.

I couldn't feel more blessed or more excited about this next step in my life!

The Best Cinnamon Rolls Ever....and They're Vegan!

I have a vegan friend who is always asking me to make her vegan food; this week her request was cinnamon rolls. Now, I am not a huge fan of cinnamon rolls. In fact, I'd probably eat any other sweet treat before eating a cinnamon roll, nonetheless, i was up for the challenge!

I looked online and found a recipe on a blog called Bitter Sweet. I didn't realize how time consuming making the cinnamon rolls was--but once the dough had risen, it went by pretty fast.

I started off by making the dough and letting it rise for an hour. It had risen way more than I thought, so if you attempt making these, this recipe could and should be halved.


After the dough was practically swallowing the bowl, I divided it and rolled out half onto my counter top. There was so much that the dough took up the entire surface of my counter. I added the innards (vegan butter, sugar, cinnamon) and rolled the dough up. Then I cut the dough and placed the rolls into pans, pans, and more pans...


They only took 20 minutes to cook. When I got the cinnamon rolls out I drizzled them with my makeshift frosting. (I didn't quite have all of the ingredients so I just improvised.)


Wrap up: So after the cinnamon rolls were finished, I decided I had to at least take a bite for all of the effort I'd put into making them. And let me be the first to say, DELICIOUS. I feel like I've been jipped my whole life by not eating cinnamon rolls. If you're looking for the best cinnamon roll recipe, you've got to try this recipe.

Here's the link to the recipe at Bitter Sweet.

Summah Vacation in Maine!

I spent an enjoyable 7 day vacation relaxing in Maine! The entire Speidel family (parentals, Jake & fam, Molly & fam, Hannah & her boyfriend-of-the-year, myself and finally, warren-but just for one day) all went up to the little town of Greenville, ME.

We had a wicked enjoyable week...

Living in this,

Flying,

Fishing,

Boating,

Trying to stay dry...while wearing clothes...on a raft...in the middle of the lake...,

Eventually getting soaked right after Jake threw in his first victim,

Bonding with my beautifully, wonderful sisters,

Admiring my amazing parents,

Trying to convince Warren to stay, (but I always lose to planes),

Filling my RedBull addiction (thanks Jake)

Hiking,

Playing with the 'twins' (Dash & Kate),

Riley,

Nate,

AND Exploring lil' ol' Greenville, Fireworks, S'mores (some more of what?), Movies, Swimming, Eating, Playing Rummikub, Shopping, Eating pickles on the Swing, Lounging in the Hammock, and LOVING being with family for a whole week!

I Promise, I Don't Have an Addiction

I love pickles. Like really, really, really LOVE pickles...borderline addicted to pickles. They are by far my most treasured food of all time. I love the way they taste. I love their saltiness. I love whole pickles, sliced pickles, hamburger-cut pickles, zesty pickles, pickle spears, pickle relish, giant pickles, basically anything with pickle in the name. I love the euphoria that comes when I bite into a juicy pickle. I even love the occasional shot of pickle juice. Wow, just writing this is making me salivate.

A few years back, I realized that I was a little too in love with pickles and decided that I couldn't buy them anymore...the reason? Whenever I open a brand-new pickle jar I would eat the ENTIRE jar in one sitting. It's sad and it's true. (although very delicious and satisfying)

The last time I bought pickles, and evidently ate the entire jar, was the night before Anna's bridal shower. I bought them for sandwiches and wanted to eat just one...but before I realized what I was doing, the jar was empty--every pickle devoured.

Yesterday, as I was grocery shopping, I found myself in the pickle aisle. I decided my self-control was pretty good, so I picked up a jar of zesty dills.

However, today I came home from work, looking for a good snack, and those zesty dills caught my eye. The results...

Sadly, I am out of pickles yet again & have consumed a ridiculous amount of sodium.

Update!

Wowzas, it's been FOREVER since I last posted anything. I have had quite the busy life lately and sadly, but unintentionally, neglected my little blog.

Well in recent Doree news, my best friend ever (that's right Anna, it’s you!) got hitched! After 3 years of being away, I finally got to go to my home town of Littleton, CO and see my mamacita, my old hood, and some of my closest friends growing up. Anna looked simply radiant and it was so fun to share the day with her and her family (aka: my second family), and to catch up with all of my beloved Colorado friends.

I was surprised by how much I LOVED being in Colorado. I guess after being gone for so long I forgot how beautiful and fun Colorado is. Best.state.ever! I literally could not get enough of it, and wished I could have stayed longer. We had some time in between brunch and the wedding, so my mom and I drove past our CO home and creepily sat in the rental car and just stared at it...of course my Mom stared and cried. We have some great memories in that house. :) Being in Colorado was simply lovely and I loved every moment of it. Alas, it was short lived, as I had to head back to good ol' *cough* Utah *cough* on Sunday.

Anyways, I want to give a shout out to the bride and groom. Anna and Eric, you two are the perfect match for each other and I wish you a lifetime...no, an ETERNITY of marital bliss! Love you ShmAndersons!

P.S. All of their wedding photography was done by one of my greatest friends ever, Kenzie! She's awesome, so check out her site!

On a side note, I also got a bike that I LOVE! Yay!

Life As I Know It

So it's been a while since my last post, but that's probably due to the fact that nothing monumental has happened in the past few months. So just to keep you up-to-date, here's a list of a few great things that have been going on...

1. Anna's Surprise Bridal Shower
This was the greatest b/c all of our friends from CO and some from college came to celebrate Anna's big day. I hadn't seen most of the people that came for a while, so it was fun to catch up.


Thank you all for traveling from afar, it wouldn't have been the same without you! (Also, for those of you not pictured above, I loved seeing you guys too!)

2. Warm Weather
For about one week in March, we had a warm spell. After a long winter, I took advantage of the beautiful weather and tried to go outside and do things for at least an hour a day after work. (Walking, running, skipping rocks, tanning, fighting off kidnappers, you know, typical things.) Unfortunately, the weather was short lived and here we are with snow again.


3. Hogle Zoo
One Saturday, Martin and I decided to go to the SLC zoo. It was kinda last minute, but we couldn't have planned it any better if we tried. We went after the first session of conference on Saturday and when we arrived there were literally no people there. We felt like the zoo was reserved just for us. It was fun to see all of the animals and get private tours through the exhibits. As much as I love the zoo, I did feel bad for a few of those animals b/c of their crappy habitats, however, for the most part the animals looked content.


4. General Conference
It was the first time I have ever been to Conference in the Conference Center. Martin's aunt works in the Mayor's office and got us great seats on the ground level. However, due to an unexpected spout of snow, we were late and our seats were given away. We did, however, manage to get great seats in the second level. It was such an awe-inspiring experience and I never wanted to leave.


Oh and Martin and I were photographed while standing outside. Maybe we'll make it into the Ensign!

5. Company Kickball Team
That's right, we have our very own kickball team. I'm not real sure how well we'll do when we're actually playing against other teams. We had practice this week and needless to say, it was a complete mess. The day after practice, we all came into work with bruises, sore muscles, and some people were even limping. Our first game is the end of the month, so hopefully we'll pick up our game by then. The plus side is that we (the girls) are going to wear these fabulous knee-high socks. At least we'll be the most stylish team playing. ;)


6. David Archuleta
Be envious every 13 year-old girl, because I saw your idol, David Archuletta live. He even rode in on a Harley. What a stud muffin.


Oh and it was his mother, Lupe's, birthday. What an added treat!

7. First Ever Heavy Metal Concert (probably my last too)
Not real sure I can categorize this one under great. It was a new experience for sure. Screaming, moshing, being knocked down... sounds super fun, right?


Well that about highlights my life for the past month or so. I'm just soaking it up and enjoying the simple pleasures.

Hair, Hair, Hair

As many of you know, I have very long, pin-straight hair. I think my hair is so long because I got it cut short once and absolutely hated it, so I refused to get it cut ever again. Well, this lasted for a while until I started getting annoyed with the length of my hair. I promised myself that if I ever got the chance to donate my hair to "Locks of Love," I would. Welp, it was time. I mentally prepared myself to go in and get 10 inches (base requirement) cut off and end up with a fabulous mid-length style.

So today after work, I went to a salon downtown and asked for *the best* stylist I could get. I got this man who had been working there for 10 years, so I trusted him. I basically told him that I wanted to wash and dry my hair and cut ONLY 10 inches off and then keep the length. After that, I told him he could do whatever he wanted, as long as, he kept the length. Welp, time passed and then he finally spun me around in my chair. I was shocked to witness not only 12 inches of ponytale laying on the counter, but another 2-4 inches laying on the ground! Seriously. The back of my head is shorter than short and then I have random long pieces in the front.

As much as I hate my hair. I loved the experience. It was something that I've always wanted to do, and I did it! It's fun to have a drastic change and I know it will grow back. I figure that this is one thing that I could do so easily for someone else. So if you have more than 10 inches of hair and are ready for a new do- donate!!! It's super easy and very rewarding.

(And yes... this was taken after the make-up was cried off.)

Funny. Couldn't Resist Putting It Up.

Sundance!

Today I went with two of my really great friends to the Sundance Film Festival in Park City. It was A-MAZ-ING! We left around noon and headed up to Park City.

Once we arrived, we drove downtown through Mainstreet. It was so fun to just people watch as we drove slowly down the road. The streets were filled with hundreds of people looking at stores, eating at restaurants, watching for celebrities, and enjoying the festival itself.

Once we found parking, we got on the bus and headed back to Mainstreet. We walked around for a while, then found a Mexican restaurant to eat at. It was delicious.

After dinner, we walked down more of Mainstreet. We saw a group of people surrounded by a staircase waiting for someone to come down, so we decided to join in. We outsmarted the crowd and stood on the bridge just over the staircase. After a bit, everyone in the crowd started taking pictures of someone going down the stairs. It took awhile for us to realize who it was, but then we figured out it was Ben Affleck. So fun! We also saw a few smaller-name actors and Paris Hilton, but they weren't as great as Ben.

I loved the whole experience! My favorite part of Sundance was just watching everyone around me. There was such an excitement in the air and something everyone should experience.

Change of Heart

For those of you who read my previous post about snow, I'd like to write an addendum.

Today I got snow tires put on my car and, boy, what a difference they make! Along with cute little puppies, I now have a new found love for the snow. I have been driving around with confidence all day long. I'd like to apologize for any previous comments that may have offended you or the snow and hope there are no hard feelings. All I have left to say is, "Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!"

Laughter Makes My World Go Round

So, as you all know I love to laugh and I laugh a lot! It’s basically one of my favorite things to do in life. In fact, I don’t understand why people don’t laugh more. It’s not that I’m immature (well not always) or that I don’t take things seriously (cause I do). I just find humor in mundane things. Well after many a years, I have come to the conclusion as to why I laugh so much.

My laughing problem lies in overanalyzing things. I like to think of myself as being someone who can roll with the punches and not overanalyze every little detail. In fact, my #1 go-to-advice when talking to friends is to not over think things. However, (plug your ears, Anna) I do overanalyze. EVERYTHING. I have decided that the over analysis of these mundane things is what makes me explode.

For instance, my coworker just said this to me, “Oh great, I’m being followed by the NudistColonyofUtah on Twitter.” To which another coworker replied, “Oh you aren’t a fan of nudist colonies?” To which the first guy replied (in a very serious, monotone voice), “Well, I’m not a fan of nudity in general.”

This one was just asking for laughter, yet neither of these coworkers laughed. I couldn’t help it, so I just looked away and bust out laughing to myself uncontrollably, hoping they’d think I was laughing at something on my computer.

You see, in my head I thought about how funny it was that they were both so serious about such a humorous topic. Then I thought (WARNING: X-rated content to follow) about how sad that is for his wife. Then I thought about how awkward that was for him to say because everyone else in the office was probably thinking about his poor wife, too. And then the laughter came. And I could not stop.

So if we are ever together and I bust out laughing, just know that there is a whole thought process behind it. A thought process that is profoundly stupid, yet utterly hilarious.

Much Needed Break

So Thanksgiving was a success. We had a lovely 4-day weekend from work, so I was able to get out of town. I spent Thanksgiving in beautiful southern California with my Grandpa and step relatives. I also got to spend the rest of the weekend with Warren and his family in LA. The weather was so nice and it was such a wonderful break from cold Salt Lake.

What Are You Thankful For?

This is the time of the year when most people reflect upon what they are thankful for. Like many of you, I have an abundance of blessings in my life that I am so grateful for. I won't list them all, but here are the top ten in my life right now.

1. The Gospel
2. Family
3. Friends
4. Job
5. Car
6. Place to Live
7. Food to eat
8. Prayer
9. Love
10. My talents

I hope you all have a fantastic Thanksgiving and count your blessings!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tuwid8_O8dk&feature=topvideos

This is Cute.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnsSUqgkDwU

Mr. Truck Driver, Red Box, and Me

So last night I went over to my friend Christene's house. We decided that we wanted to watch a movie, so off to the nearest Red Box we went. As we were looking through the movie options, this man came up to us. He was short, had a beer belly, and was wearing a stain-filled, pink sweatshirt with horses galloping on it. He had just gotten out of a semi truck and had a map in his hand. Clearly confused.

"Excuse me ladies, can you tell me what that intersection out there is."

We both looked, "Well it appears it's 126 S. 13th W."

Blank stare.

For about the next ten minutes we tried to convince this man that all he needed to do was go east on 126th and he'd get on the freeway in no time. He was very hesitant and insisted he find our exact location on his map. (Why don't truckers use GPS'?)

After we pin pointed our exact location on the map, Mr. Truck Driver took the liberty of telling us his whole life story. For the next 20 minutes, standing in the freezing cold, we listened to one story after another of the new Walmarts on his route, and about the new Target trailers he has been transporting. Oh so fascinating.

Both of us were very polite and listened intently on every word Mr. Truck Driver spoke. But, in the middle of one of his stories, I realized I had something on my face.

Oh, am I wearing my sunglasses? No it's night time, silly. Oh, then I still must have my glasses on from work then? No, those came off when you went to the gym. What the?

Just then I realized this is what I looked like...





I had put on these geek glasses I found in Christene's car and forgot to take them off. No wonder Mr. Truck Driver was hesitant to listen to my directions.

My Vernacular

In Facebook, you can create a "status cloud" to see what words you have used the most in your Facebook status' since the beginning of time. This is mine. I'm pretty sure I haven't used the word "Portuguese" more than once, but the almighty status cloud tells me differently.

How Do I Love Thee, Let Me Count the Ways

The snow. When I think about it I cringe. However, I've decided that I can either hate on the snow for the next five months, or I can appreciate it. So I have decided to embrace it and list some of its great qualities.

Top 10 Things I Love About Snow...
1. It gave us countless days off at school growing up- some of the best memories of my life
2. It is beautiful- until it starts melting and looks disgusting
3. It makes hot chocolate appealing- which rarely happens for me
4. It makes it possible for tow trucks to have a successful career- let's pray I don't need their business this year
5. Sledding is enjoyable- for about 10 minutes
6. Building snowmen- a simple pleasure in life
7. Snowshoeing- one of my favorite past times ever
8. Building igloos and forts- pretty fun
9.
10.

Ok, I can't think of ten and while I was making the list I couldn't resist thinking about the things I hate about snow. So here you go.

Top 10 Things I Hate About Snow...
1. Cold, miserable, depressing- self explanatory
2. Skiing- not fun...EVER
3. Layers- claustrophobic madness
4. You can't walk fast or else you'll fall- which brings me to number 5
5. Slipping on the ice- oh so degrading
5. You have to drive extra slowly - which means you have to leave extra early for everything
6. You have to scrape snow/ ice off your car and wait for your car to warm up - which means you have to leave extra extra early for everything
7. Can't enjoy the outside without at least 30 minutes of getting prepped- again with the ghastly layers
8. Snow ball fights- getting snow pummeled in your face causing a seemingly unbearable brain freeze is not my idea of fun
9. Wet floors- I don't mind taking off my shoes at the door, in fact, I love it. The problem is when that token person tracks water through the house creating little puddles that you inevitably step in causing your socks to get wet. So frustrating.
10. Having to get into a freezing car and wait until the heat kicks in- and the heat never starts until you arrive at your destination

Welp, I hate snow. Always have, always will. It does provide some great memories, but not enough for me to love it. Sorry Snow.

When Did I Grow Up

Since I graduated from college in July it seems like I've been on the fast track to adulthood. I suddenly went from being a carefree college student to a 9 to 5 working professional. I now have coworkers, a salary, a parking pass, health insurance, the whole shebang. I have to be responsible. How did this happen?!?! How did I go from living my own life, running on my own time to this?

Ever since I was little I always imagined myself in the workforce. Mostly I pictured what business attire I would get to wear and how cute I would look everyday...pencil skirts, blouses, blazers, heels...*sigh* In my naive head, a typical work day consisted of walking to my office dressed to the nines, sipping my Starbuck's steamer, and running into cute businessmen in elevators.

As usual, my perceptions let me down. When I first stepped into my office I noticed there were no pencil skirts, no blouses, no heels, no Starbuck's, and definitely no cute businessmen in the elevators. (I'm still trying to decide what's worse, no heels or no businessmen.) I felt jipped and disappointing, especially because I no longer had a good excuse to go on a new-business-wardrobe shopping spree.

I believe that wearing fancy office attire is a rite of passage to becoming a true professional, but for now I am relieved that I'm not required to dress up. Dressing casually keeps me from realizing that I am truly in the real world with real time responsibilities and I like it that way.