Taking Back my Twenties

I’ve Moved

Laura — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 16:02:35 +0000

…to a new host. To keep reading, update readers or go to www.takingbackmytwenties.com.

Thanks!

Bear With Me…

Laura — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 01:55:08 +0000

Sorry about all the crazy changes today! I’m attempting to move the blog to a self-host. Hopefully, I’ll be back tomorrow with a recap of last night’s dinner and festivities. Night.

And PS: update any readers to www.takingbackmytwenties.com!

Toast

Laura — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 22:59:52 +0000

Hi Friends,

This weekend has been quite relaxing so far. Honestly, today has been most settled I’ve felt since the move back in June. All our furniture is here and the only thing we have left to do is hang a million pictures. My body also seems to be adjusting to my work schedule because I actually had the energy to go out last night.

Matt and I walked over to Toast, a little cafe on Main St. that pairs imported Italian meats with fresh local ingredients to make amazing sandwiches.

I ordered a panini with portobellos, fontina, tomato and arugula.

It was divine, but Matt’s kale, ricotta, and sweet and spicy pickled peppers panini won my heart. We ended up trading fourths. I experience food envy often.

And thanks to a giftcard from Matt’s mom, our dinner was free!! Thanks, Candace. We’ll definitely be going back because there are many more combinations I want to try and it’s so close to our apt.

After dinner, we walked over to Central Park to say hi to my dad (he was listening to free blues in the park) and then we met some new friends for drinks at West End wine bar. I obviously went with a German riesling, although my second drink was a Fat Tire because wine was making me too thirsty. Our evening was filled with good conversation and then deep slumber.

—

Today has included a treadmill run, a Trader Joe’s visit, and a trip to DSW for new flats for work. Now it’s Saturday night, and you guessed it, I’m about to pop a brew and then go out to dinner. Enjoy the evening.

Hectic

Laura — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 14:00:17 +0000

Today was busy busy. I was working on two big projects at work that were due today and tomorrow, and then I got a third semi-last minute assignment. I’m usually not one to stress out too much, but since I’m new, I’m doing things really slowly. And then there was a miscommunication and I had to start my task all over again! I didn’t even have a second to enjoy my lunch because I had to shove it in between phone calls and spreadsheets. But just when I thought I might need to spend the night in the office, three people came over and helped me finish everything! It’s so nice to work in a team-oriented office. Despite the hectic day, I do love being busy at work and the hours flew by, which means I’m now closer to Friday. But, enough about work.

So, I went to my first Duke spinning class today. It wasn’t bad or good, just really different than my Northeastern classes. The Northeastern gym was intense and strict, but the spinning classes were serious and the equipment and space were really nice. Duke spinning was crammed in a corner of the basement, one of the speakers wasn’t working, and it was very casual – i.e. people were texting during the class!!! The instructor was really good, but we did three long loops and I prefer doing something different for each song. I also felt like I didn’t challenge myself as much because the class was so informal. But, it felt great to be back on the bike and I’m sure there will be a lot of variation based on the instructor.

After days of fun food and drinking, it was time for a salad night. It was loaded with good stuff though: a masala burger, sweet potatoes, and chili feta with peaches and hummus toast on the side – it hit the spot.

Any fun plans for the weekend?

I actually don’t have any at all, so I’m curious to see where the weekend will take me!!

Tasting Tobacco Town

Laura — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 14:00:01 +0000

So where did I leave off yesterday? Ahh, yes, the basil beer.

I’d seen this on tap in Hillsborough and practically ran towards it when we arrived at Fullsteam last night. I love farmhouse style beers and saisons – and with a hint of basil? Yes, please.

It was subtle, but certainly detectable, and expectations were met.

Once I quenched my thirst, I surveyed the food trucks. I really wanted to try the Korean bbq that was recently written up in the NY Times, but the line was way tooo long and the other food trucks did not disappoint.

Matt quickly went to the sausage wagon (because it had the shortest line), while I waited for Indian tacos. The sausage was small, so I only had a bite, but it was heaven in a bun. The tangy mustard? or relish? it came with was fabulous.

At the Indian truck, I got spicy chickpea tacos. And, they were spicy. And awesome with a flaky soft naan-ish crust.

And because we couldn’t resist (and the bill was on Fuqua), Matt and I split a crazy slice with pesto, banana peppers, roasted potatoes, fresh mozzarella, and NC sausage from Pie Pushers.

It really doesn’t get any better than this.

Working Lunch

Laura — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 15:00:44 +0000

Today was the first day at work that I really felt like I was in the swing of things. I didn’t get up early to work-out this morning and I noticed a major difference in my energy levels and there was no headache (I had one the first three days). I also had a meeting and a couple of projects to work on, so the hours few by.

The best part about today though, was my discovery of the lunch break workout. It’s the perfect compromise. I don’t have to get up early, I don’t have to dread working out all day, and it’s a great way to warm up from cold office AC and break up the day. I’m lucky to be surrounded by gyms and showers at Duke, so I went over to the small gym in the building next door, ran a quick three miles, and then rinsed off. I’m sure I was bright red and kind of gross afterwards, but I don’t think anyone noticed. Then I ate lunch at my desk, which I actually enjoyed because taking bites between mouse clicks helped me pace my meal. When I ‘take’ a lunch break to eat, I usually just scarf down my sandwich and sit there for another 50 minutes. T’was a really enjoyable work day.

Tonight’s activity involved beers at Fullsteam brewery (BASIL beer!!!) and dinner from Durham’s famous food trucks. I’ve heard so much about food trucks, especially because they were starting to get big in Boston, but I’ve never eaten at one. I NOW LOVE THEM. Cheap, gourmet, local, delicious.

I’m heading out the door to the much-anticipated 80′s party in Chapel Hill, so I’ll have to tell you the rest of the details tomorrow. k bye

Barbecue in the Garden

Laura — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:23:00 +0000

So I think I jinxed myself when I said I was excited for a Monday full of work – it was the longest day ever. I felt exhausted by 11 am and I didn’t have much work to do, so the time passed more slowly. I was also anticipating the evening, so it felt like a Friday. Unfortunately, when 5 o’clock finally hit, I had a massive headache. Despite how I was feeling, I met some really nice partners while I was waiting for Matt to arrive at dinner.

The orientation barbecue was held at Duke gardens, right where my sister had her wedding reception! I got there early, but within 20 minutes, this area was covered with 440 new students. There were lots of babies there too and they were fun to watch.

Dinner was burgers, dogs, and bbq chicken. I had the chicken with tons of these delicious beans. They tasted so sweet and tangy.

I had a bite of a cookie before handing it to Matt,

because I wanted cobbler. I had peach and it hit the spot. I haven’t had cobbler in forever; it seems like no one makes cobbler or pie these days, but between the cupcake craze and my cake obsession, maybe I’ve just overlooked it?

I’m trying to recover from this headache, so I can make it over to the party across the street. There’s soo much going on, I can’t keep up!

Do you sacrifice sleep for fun events or give in to tiredness and potentially miss-out?

[edited to add: I did go out and it was so much fun. If this party had only been on a Friday night...]

Hi new Matt:)

Night.

Monday Fun

Laura — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 17:30:59 +0000

Happy Monday. Although getting up at 5:45 again didn’t sound too appetizing last night, I will say that I was excited to go back to work! I just love having an organized desk and hearing the little bell on outlook when I get an email:) I used to use outlook in college (when I had a Dell), so it reminds me of long hours at my desk senior year.

Yesterday I mentioned that I’d be attending a brunch for incoming partners of MBA students – it was an informal gathering with Panera bagels and sandwiches (they had the best sweet cream cheese) and it was exciting to meet other partners from around the world. It’s amazing to think that families have moved from China, Russia, Singapore, Spain, and Columbia, ect. to spend two years in NC. Everyone else I met was married though, so I felt very young.

After brunch I got my toes painted and then went to Whole Foods for the weekly trip. I’ve been enjoying grocery shopping because there are so many things in the Durham WF that are different than the Boston one and it’s fun looking at the local products. I found these spinach and fontina chicken burgers that are tasty and easy. I’m still not feeling like cooking and I’m not sure why. Maybe I haven’t bonded with my new kitchen? I’m hoping I’ll feel like it once things settle down. The good news is that I don’t have to cook dinner for the next three nights!

I did manage to throw some green beens in a foil packed with oil and rosemary though. I got these at the farmer’s market and they tasted very crisp and summery.

Tonight’s the orientation kickoff at Duke gardens and then a party downtown. Too bad I have to work in the morning:(

Celebration Dinner

Laura — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 12:40:57 +0000

I forgot how weekends fly by when you’re working:( I got home Friday evening with intentions to go out on the town, but as soon as I sat down on our new couch and started sipping on this intense Imperial Black Ale, I knew it wasn’t gonna happen. I was exhausted from getting up at 5:4 5. I’m hoping I’ll get used to the new schedule, but I’m guessing Fridays will be low key. The beer was fabulous and we made chicken sausage dogs and fries for dinner, so it was quite relaxing. Now that we a couch, we finally set up our tv and were able to stream Netflix for some movie-watching as well. I love the new setup and I have a feeling I’m going to be a couch potato for a while because I’ve been without one for a month!

—

Yesterday, I slept late and then Matt and I walked over to the Durham farmer’s market. It seemed like the selection was good – there were a lot of local meat vendors and tons of produce, but we got there late and many of the vendors were out of the best foods. We still bought some peaches and corn and have a few ideas for things we want to get next week.

I finally have my Duke card and my gym membership set up, so I biked over to the gym yesterday for some mid-day stair climbing. Oh my gosh, I missed this machine!!!! I only did 20 minutes, but I was absolutely soaked because I haven’t climbed in over a month. It felt glorious. I have to say though, that the Northeastern gym spoiled me because this one is a lot smaller and doesn’t have the really nice lockers, magazines, ect. I’m glad to have more options though and I can go to spinning soon!!!!

We spent the afternoon running errands and choosing a coffee table, and then we drove to Hillsborough for dinner with these ole country bumpkins:)

My parents’ alma mater, Matt’s new school, and now, my place of employment:

I went back to Boston with one of these…tasted so refreshing after a 100 degree day.

My dad made a caprese salad

And my mom slow roasted pork with corn, rice, and Great Harvest cheddar rolls on the side.

Mmmmm. We also celebrated my recent accomplishment with champagne!

Boy, this stuff goes down nicely.

Dessert was multiple mini pieces of a sugar cookies cake that my nephews baked earlier in the day. They are staying with my Mom this summer and were doing some kind of exposure therapy because one of them is afraid of the moon? Thus, the round, yellow cake.

We had planned on going out again on Saturday night, but after a huge thunderstorm and lots of conversation around the table, we didn’t get home until 11 and were too tempted to go to bed.

Today is going to be another busy one because I’m attending an orientation brunch for Fuqua partners and then need to go the grocery shopping and set up the new coffee and accent tables we acquired yesterday. Oh, and prepare for a packed work week because I have orientation events Mon., Tues., and Wed.!!

Enjoy your Sunday.

An Adult, Officially

Laura — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 02:14:50 +0000

Well I survived my first day of a real job, which makes me officially an adult. At one point during the day I was organizing my desk and I stopped and thought I’m getting paid for this! It felt so good to have a desktop computer and voicemail and filing cabinets and other adult things that I never really had at my internship. Space just for me! Now I hope I like the actual work.

Although apparently it’s not a common occurrence, my office hosted a happy hour today. The bar was only a block from my apartment, so I parked my car at home and walked over for a glass of riesling. I’ve been feeling the ice cold German sweet wines since moving into the intense heat of NC summers. The table ordered nachos, bruschetta, and sweet potato fries with blue cheese. I felt it was too early to take out the camera around co-workers, so I enjoyed the appetizers undocumented. The nachos were fabulous because the chips were the thick, crusty kind (I think that means they were fried?). I observed that others only had one drink, so I sipped my water after one glass and headed home to find Matt making plans for yet another outing. So I changed clothes and headed back to the same bar for a birthday dinner with some of Matt’s new friends.

I hydrated and then ordered the same riesling! Given that I’d already eaten, I ordered a small salad of pecans, blue cheese, and oranges. It actually was kind of blah. I think it was because I didn’t care for the dressing….

And then we celebrated the birth of a new friend! Not sure what this was, but it was mousse-like and the bite I had was delish.

I left Matt at the bar because I’ve got to get to bed. Yall know I don’t do well with waking up early and I need to squeeze in a workout tomorrow morning or it won’t happen. Night!