Doughnuts and Tampons

I look down at my phone to check the time and see that I missed a call from a 302 number. Since there was no message, I figured I would just let it be, the area code is from Delaware and I couldn't think of anyone I know from that state. People call the wrong person all the time, nbd, I totally did that the other day and hung up on the person who picked up because I panicked when I realized my mistake.

An hour later I notice my phone going off, and again it is that same 302 number. I figure I better pick it up and just let this person know I do not know them. To my surprise it was a recording from Bank of America. The company was concerned that my credit card may have been compromised. Recent charges indicated that the account might have been hacked. To determine if there was fraudulent activity I had to confirm that the last three charges were in fact purchases I authorized.

My mind began to race as the data loaded on the phone. I was preparing to hear about big screen tvs, internet porn, designer splurges, something along these lines. I was ready to hear my credit card was maxed out and I was about to have a major headache. Nope.

What were these crazy three charges?

1. My bar tab from Phoenix Landing
2. A doughnut from DD
3. A small purchase at a locally owned drug store in the Southend (tampons)

They were all legit and all by me. I would love to know what algorithm is used at BoA to determine fraud. What is wrong with alcohol, doughnuts, and tampons being purchased in a 12 hour period of time?? I guess we will never know.

Summer Resolutions

This past weekend QVC had Christmas in July - my mom's a fan. Which made me think about if we can have Christmas in July, why not New Year's Eve. Ok, so the countdown to midnight would be pretty anti-climatic, but honestly what makes July 1st 12:01 am so special? My thought was now that we are half way through the year, I have new resolutions in mind that I would like to declare out loud so that I can feel the public pressure of following through with them.

1. Wash my dishes every day

Basically I have found that I go days without washing my dishes. This normally doesn't get too bad, but when I don't do them for a few days and then go away for the week - eeeeep is my sink funky.

2. Strengthen my core

A friend sent me the link for Two Hundred Situps. It is a perfect solution to my dilemma of what to do. In terms of finding the time, why not jump onto my floor while I watch all my trash tv. Think about it, between The Real Housewives, Bethanny's Getting Married, Bridezillas, and Teen Mom (who am I kidding, I will so watch season 2 of the Jersey Shore) I have have hours each week that I can devote to a strong midsection.

I am not deluded to think I can have rock hard abs or some crazy lady six-pack. But I do want to feel tone and get rid of that pouch that shows up when I eat too many potato chips.

If I can think of any other resolutions, I will let you know. But really, I think anything more than two is just being way too ambitious about changing my lifestyle. :)

Midnight Madness and cupcakes

Davis square has the glorious tradition of allowing shoppers to do some Christmas shopping late night. A number of local stores have gotten together to offer discounts to shoppers if they wish to come around between 7 and 12 pm. As the night progressed so did some of the discounts.

This was the first year I knew about the event (thanks Twitter) after spending 3 Christmases here and I am so happy I decided to head up after dinner at Game On!. A couple of girls joined me and we had some major success not only shopping for others but also shopping for ourselves.

Magpie was the first store that I hit when I was wandering around waiting for my fellow shoppers. Since I started my shopping just after 9 pm, I got a 30% discount! Awesome! This allowed me to purchase more stuff for people, as I set budgets for presents and if I get discounts that simply allows for me to get bigger or better things as it is about what I spent, not what it was worth. Overall, this store is as adorable as it is small. It has tons of graphic t-shirtss that are snarky and clever. They also sell bags, calendars, magnets, aprons, and jewelry. There was an awesome tumbler set that I was so tempted to purchase for a friend of mine. The set that I was eyeing were Rolling Rock bottles. The artisan takes bottles, breaks off the tops, and then sands them down so they become glasses. Really awesome.

After my friends joined up we went over to D-squared. One of the items that we found particularly interesting were these feathered headbands. The discount here was only 15% and since the bands were around $42 we figured we would pass. Honestly, they were gorgeous, New Year's Eve worthy, but it would be harder to find another time to wear it.

Black and Blue was one of the final stores that we went into, it is a small clothing boutique. The stuff they sell and price range somewhat reminds me of Mint Julep. It was after 11 when we got there so, 40% off!!!! Here was where I got a present for myself. A beautiful purple wrap dress and crazy structured tank top.
I have wanted a wrap dress for a long time and have never been successful in finding one that flattered me. Here was the dress made for me. The color is amazing, the picture does not do the dress justice.

The tank top has all of this bunching to it that helps give a girl some shape. I can use all the help I can get. For a better feel of its powers, here is a picture with me in it. In general the tank would be worn as part of a more layered look as the shoulder/strap area is a little strange. 40% off was really the reason I went for it. After the discount, it was only a few dollars more than the tank tops I normally buy for layering and this one will provide so much more help with my shape.

Our shopping adventure concluded with us getting some samples of pickles from Dave's Fresh Pasta and then a discounted Lucky Cupcake from Kickass Cupcakes. (My fortune said "be afraid, be very afraid" - not so nice.)

In addition to getting myself a new outfit, I was able to get some Christmas gifts for friends. There were tons of people walking around, so I want to think the night was a success for the businesses. There were lines at every register. Keeping stores open late like this was genius. It is hard to be motivated to go shopping right after work, especially if you work late. Getting the opportunity to start shopping at 9 pm was simply amazing.

You can't teach graceful

When I was five, I was a great ballerina. I was graceful, I got to dance with older girls and everything. By age seven it was over. I was clumsy. We don't know what happened, but I lost my ability to float across the stage. By no means did I give up dance right away and instead put myself through pain and embarrassment for a good 8 more years. Fortunately, I came to see the truth and retreated to the world of basketball, softball and swim.

Just like I stepped away from ballet some women need to step away from heels. Clomping around like an elephant is not exactly going to bring the boys to the yard. I have seen more women teetering, limping or stomping (but not in a fierce way) down the street lately. Heels can be a lot to deal with. As an expert, you should see me run in them, I recommend building yourself up. Start with some kitten heels and go from there. Obviously, the higher the shoe the better your legs look, but no one will be admiring your gams if you're stumbling all over the place.

Whenever I am out in the city in my heels I always focus on my walk. I think about Tyra Banks from ANTM. She always reminds the girls to stay fierce, walk hard, and you have to just ignore the pain.

Basically, if you are not up for the challenge keep the heels at home. :)

Clean Streets Cost Money

I have been slowly getting through emails in my gmail account. Honestly, I should consider un-subscribing to a few lists, I had to clear out my Google Reader because I was over a 1000 unread stories yesterday -- eeep. Yes, I am an addict.

I got around to opening the one from the Somerville Parking Office that was politely reminding me that street sweeping was starting up again. Last year they put flyers on our windshields and that same day it downpoured, so the notices were not so useful. This year, they went email. Way better and eco-friendly to boot.

Seems like the city is trying to find ways to make more money because they upped the fee for not moving your car!

"Failure to comply with street sweeping parking regulations will result in a $50 fine."

I am relatively certain it was $20 before, but maybe that was in Medford...

At least the office is nice enough to remind us why it is necessary for me to move my vehicle every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month...

Street sweeping is an essential public works activity that not only keeps the city looking cleaner, but also reduces the risk of flooding due to catch-basin clogging and storm drain back-up.

I mena, good thing the sweeping is done, I can't imagine how much worse those puddles could get if the drains weren't cleaned. As it is, one good rain and I am walking through 4 inch puddles due to all the freekin potholes.