Gone but not forgetting.

Slurping my cup of tea with a digestive DUNKable biscuit, I'm appreciating for, not the first, nor the last, my beautiful goodbye present from Northeastern University. The many kind words just edge me further towards trying to step out onto the plank and experience more. ....... 

 Note that quote: “Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.”- Dr Seuss 

See y'all Later!

Well that's that then.


My last day of Boston coming to an end. I'm currently sitting in the airport lounge in Boston Logan Intl Airport with my last Dunkin' slurping my freezing, and not so replenishing, frappacunio.
After avoiding a teary goodbye from my Kinross room and Apartment, saying a true 'see you later' to my Scottish girls, and a farewell to my closest American girly Michelle and her family, I'm now ready to go home.
Thankfully my suitcases were accepted onto the plane, and nicely enough the lady behind the desk didnt charge me eXXtra for my overweight bulging suitcase- a nice heavy RED alert tag was attached and off it went without more $$ required, thank you Aer Lingus.

It has been a great great great year!! (can we make sure the GREATs are emphasised a lot, since it truly was a great experience)  I have learned so very much which I will be able to take back to me to the Bonnie Island of Scotland, and of course take with me throughout my journey in life- anywhere I may find myself in the world.

Infront of me lies an overnight 6 hour flight, stopping in Ireland, to home. It has been one FULL year and a few days since I physically saw my family and friends, even the four legged ones- and I would be completely and utterly lying if I said I wasn't ready to go home.

Having said my goodbyes now for perhaps 3+ weeks, I'm ready to rekindle my life back home, connect and catch up with all those people who would like to, and probably lose my voice on multiple occasions from over talking and retelling my many wondrous stories about Boston and the United States of America.

To all those who I met this year, and to all those who helped make this full experience an amazing one, thank you- thank you, thank you!

I would love to come back and visit, sorry.. . I WILL BE BACK TO VISIT, so lets all keep in touch- let me know your bearings on the globe, and perhaps our paths shall intertwine once again to share smiles and laughter.

One last individual THANK YOU to of course, 'Northeastern University'- The creator of my journey, and helped me grow professionally and personally.

GoodBYE- Don't forget this name :)

Reflection

As I sit here and prep my thoughts for tomorrow, in my ‘Northeastern University’ red Tee and black shorts (so totally a diehard husky now) I cannot believe what day it is tomorrow.

Tomorrow, alas, is my final day within my Industrial Placement at Northeastern University.  I have had an incredible journey in the United States on placement, and could not have hoped that the year went any differently!  It will definitely be a ‘bitter sweet’ day with mixed emotions saying all of my goodbyes. I am so utterly excited to return home, after physically not seeing any family or friends since June 2012, and of course.. .. I am more than saddened by my time running out here in Boston.

It will be merely a see you later, farewell tomorrow- as, as always, c’est la vie. I knew I was going to have to go home after my 12 months were up, and I am embracing in the beauty that has been my rollercoaster of an experience in Boston throughout the times I have smiled, laughed, cried, shouted, screamed with happiness, and most importantly grew in knowledge and experience here within the Higher Institution.

This evening I managed to enjoy the Institute of Contemporary Art with my new ‘Boston babies’ the new international Co-ops, embracing our co-op positions for the 2013-2014 cycle of placement. It was a lovely night, to ease my mind whilst pondering around weird and wonderful sculptures and creations.. .. I should mention we also got FREE ‘Kickass Cupcakes’ en route home, a smile gets you a long way these days.. J

Lucky Charms

"Did you know: Northeastern's original mascot was a Siberian Husky named Mr. Husky who came to campus in 1927? In 2003, NU students voted to replace King Husky with Paws, our current Husky mascot. You can still find statues of King Husky around campus, including our lucky Husky in Ell Hall! Rub his nose and you'll have good luck for your exams!"

I will be most definitely heading into Ell Hall in the next few weeks to give this nose a propper good rub before heading back to Scotland!

Love & Laughter

Love is in the air baadaadaadadada, love is in the air! Chomping my way through chewy coconutterly good nanbreads at, ‘punjabs palace’ in Harvard ave myself and collegues met at an Indian restaurant to satisfy our craving for it during the week, Friday night. From Harvard ave, which is a really neat street in Brighton/Allston, offers all trendy people a grand night out dining and then onto wining with their range of bars and restaurants up and down the street- we went to a colleagues engagement gathering to celebrate the engagement of two wonderful love birds. I work with Nick, and have Zumbaaad with his now finance lovely Lane! It was a nice night of laughter and I even learnt a few new party games.. .. ….

 The following morning I earned some dollars at the garment district having a semi spring/summer clean of a lot, A LOT, of clothes which I don’t want to take back to Scotland, then giggled my ribs around at the AMC movie theater through seeing the Hangover 3 with molly.

Sunday brought a new location to my check list, I visited the sowa markets with Alana, Michelle and her delightful family. The markets are interesting, so many wonderful stalls and with the gorgeous weather that day I could have happily pondered about for the full day looking at pretty trinkets, and vintage peculiars.

 

After a stop at pret a manger (keeping it European) I headed to the airport to meet out new international coop from Scotland at logan airport. It was so thrilling to welcome a new face into Boston, and of course into her new life and journey ahead of her!

Fire and Ice-Chinese

Bonding with friends, bonding with food.

Best of both worlds.. . I guess. I really should make a point to ask if we can relax in a park with a salad, or some kiwis and melons- I should stop accepting foody invitations out around America, as scrummy as they are. … I don’t really want to be rolling back to Scotland in a few weeks!

Fire and Ice on Monday, with friends and Katies Scottish cousins- having never been here before, I found it a true treat.. getting to pick what I wanted to eat and watch it get fried and frazzled to a great taste right in front of me. Being the smiley person I am, the chef ended up giving me a free ‘toy’ since he asked if I was getting a happy meal.

Wednesday I enjoyed the company of my American girly, Michelle! Hearing her stories from London and Iceland, we talked for as long as we could, and caught up on stories and past movements in our busy lives with a Chinese, of course.

Thursday brought in the annual Scooperbow,l event in Boston- which I enjoyed with the Admissions Team.  The working day ended and we all headed to the Boston Scooperbowl madness beside Government Centre. 10$ which went to charity, and onwards we went to a melting death by chocolate chip mint ice-cream and dozens of freezing frosty flavors.  I unfortunately had a bit too much fun, and ended the even with terribly sticky hands, getting to feisty in the lines for the icecream.  If you are in Boston around this even in June, I would highly recommend going to it- not eating prior to going AND thanks to a colleague, bringing ready salted chips (crisps) with you, to mix and match your taste buds to manage to eat even MORE icecream.. Challenge accepted, right?  Go and have an Nicecream time, trying to eat as much icecream as possible- its for a good cause.. afterall.. .

Rockport is Rocky

Rocks, rocks and more rocks. It truly is a grand name for a little coastal location, arriving into Rockport after a pleasant 1 hour jaunt on the commuter rail for a mere 10$, we definitely saw some rocks!

Thankfully the town is small and quant which allowed a refresher from the Boston (however lovely it is) surroundings. Sunbathing on mammoth rocks, chitchattering about Scotland and Boston comparisons with Katie, Molly and Katies cousin from Scotland Gillian. Girly day out. I’m pretty sure it was a cracking sight to see, as not only were we lying down we were locking ourselves in interesting angles which the rocks slanted at… a new experience, whilst topping up my pale skin with some Vit D.

After Indiana jones’ing it around the rocky coast, we swayed from one rocky beach to another, with a tad more sand and sunbathed on new terrain, sand. Exploring the area afterwards I really got to see that this small village relied heavily on the tourists that flocked in and out of it weekly. A many of native American shops and arts and crafts shops, highlighted the long road like a colorful ribbon curving out and down towards a glorious coastal scene, Rockport.

 

 

 

SummesterSTARTS

Today was the first Wednesday on campus which the summer event started- Summester. Run by a few of the on campus clubs and societies, a lot of freebies are given out, music played and BEN and Jerrys Icecream scooped to students, for anyone who is patient enough to line up.

I received this cool banner which they personalised in your preference of colour or script, and made it up for you whilst waiting with your scrumptious tasty icecream. Today I melted over triple chocolate brownie flavours- which was just what I was needing this afternoon, a deligthful chocolate KICK!

Like sand through the hourglass.

BOY does time fly. I have been so occupied with exploring and experiencing and developing over in the U.S that everything has just crept up and over my diary pages.

I plan to update a lot in the next few days, from my days in NYC seeing the real Picasso and Pablo art work, NJ for my American Mothers Day weekend, my travels from L.A to Colorado-Las Vegas- Yosemite National park finishing out in San Francisco and then down to Miami for the long weekend.

Coming soooooooooooon.

Movements in Miami

Our first morning, and first view of Miami Beach

After a ridiculous early morning rise, and flagging down a very fancy taxi we were jetsetting down south for a weekend of heat heat heat. Miami was our destination, relaxing was our aspiration. A Cuban breakfast, but of course, to start our weekend just one block from the beach, we checked into your lovely Hostel in North Miami Beach and awaited the arrival of my Scottish come Texas friends!  Sarah, a friend and student from Scotland at my University also on the same Industrial Placement Program as I- but working within a different industry in Texas met myself and Molly in Miami with her younger sister, Laura! Learn by doing. 

This whole weekend was again short but so sweet- I managed to relax and enjoy catching up with missed friendships, and most importantly GET SOME SUNSHINE! Viewing South Miami Beach was a treat, the historic art deco district, which spans far is beautiful.  All of the buildings seem like they should be picked up and placed in a different scenic landscape. We shopped (more like window shopped) the Kardashians boutique clothes shop, DASH and rollerbladed down the boardwalk! Can I let everyone into a mammoth secret, rollerblading is not as easy as it looks, I assumed I would be a pro (almost pro) with the knowledge of ice skating but I ended up only knowing how to go forward, and unable to stop. Luckily, or perhaps unluckily I flew down a hill within the boardwalk and CATAPULTED myself into a large green bush out of the bath, crash landing and stopped by objects= superrrrrrrrb.

In true tourist travels, we wondered the areas and stumbled up on memorials and landmarks in Miami, and ended our last night of the four day journey over in Downtown Miami at a scrumptious Chinese restaurant beside the harbor. Walking straight up the Ocean Drive strip was interesting, full of Cubans and holidays goers enjoying the sun and sangrias crowded by these magnificent buildings. It felt like I was in the game Grand Theft Auto walking up the grassy areas beside the beach with all of the public walking past. .. . You see, you believe.



It was a late night chatting, and saying our goodbyes before an early morning rise to fly back up to BOS on the Monday.

A marvelous long weekend enjoying the sights of Miami, I even think I tanned slightly!

South Miami Beach

3rd day on the beach

Smiles with Smores

It was nearing the end of the Katies cousins visiting time with us in Boston. We had planned a BBQ night with Anthony to thank him for treating us to our Mardi Gras evening, and a belated birthday treat!  Of course, then, a great eXXcuse for a BBQ! After finishing work we enjoyed burgers at their plenty, and sMOOREs for the 2nd time.

Eating into the chewy warm marshmallow, brought back the memories of Trek, sitting in the Grand Canyon camp site telling stories and eating smores.. . a different experience tonight but again- a grand one!
So happy to have had a pleasant foody night, with pleasant fabulous friends!

 

Pamered with Puppy Love

Travelling sleepy eyed I boarded the commuter rail to Attleboro for a hairy happy day with loving Labradors! Tricia, a colleague and friend on the International Admissions team welcomed me at the Attleboro stop to her humble abode. I spent the afternoon enjoying a movie and soaking up marvelous amounts of puppy love.
We walked around a park with the dogs and Tricia, just before a thunderstorm started as I left the town that night.  It was a great evening with Tricia and her prince and princess puppies- the whole reason was to help her start packing, although time wise and the amount we chatted, not much packing actually took place.. .. I look forward to hearing about her moving stories, and hope her new house is approved by her little babies (the doggies!)


 

Trek America- Western Wonder

Below is an itinerary of an AWESOME 10 day adventure around the west coast. After leaving my DuBows in New Jersey, I flew to L.A. and had an incredible journey across California, Nevada and Arizona whilst meeting the best people I could have travelled with.

If you visit my other page, up above, you will find my blog of the travel, I figured it was too good just to note on small things.
I will miss you TREKKERS, it was amazing!!


Day 1-2: San Francisco & Yosemite National Park
Set off, bidding San Francisco a reluctant farewell, to head east through California's gold country, where in 1848, the finding of a single nugget triggered a stampede of gold-seekers known as the 49'ers. Then, a scenic drive into the Yosemite National Park region and a chance to hike or bike, through the extraordinary landscape of glacier-carved granite monoliths and spectacular waterfalls. Once inside Yosemite, keep your eyes peeled for black bears. Coyote roam freely as well and when the sun goes down, their howling often echoes amidst pines and sequoias. Admit it, this is what clicks the spirit of the great outdoors up a notch or two.
Accommodation: Camping included

• Day 3-4: Las Vegas

  Next, Las Vegas - the greatest show on earth! The Strip, the shows, the casinos, the clubs; Sin City's glitziest and brashest spots are sure to impress as you cruise the Las Vegas Boulevard on an included limo ride! Hop onto one of the world's highest thrill rides at Vegas' Stratosphere and it won't just be your head that's spinning.And if that's not enough, take a helicopter flight down The Strip or just gamble the night away in one of the world class casinos.
  Accommodation: 2 en-route hotel nights paid locally

• Day 5: Grand Canyon National Park

  Leaving Las Vegas, explore America's premier National Park, and find out why it is called the Grand Canyon. The grandest canyon of them all can challenge your head for heights too. Keep your feet firmly on the ground or swoop above it all on an optional helicopter flight. One thing's for sure though, this place looks incredible from any angle, especially walking along the rim at sunset.
  Accommodation: Camping included

• Day 6: Colorado River

  Prepare to be wowed by vast swathes of Arizona's cactus studded desert and take a refreshing dip in the Colorado River. Enjoy one last blast on your final evening together, before striking out for the Californian coast.
  Accommodation: Camping included

• Day 7: Los Angeles

  Fresh from nature's most dramatic sets, you've stepped right into Movieland itself, we'll tour Los Angeles' famous Hollywood Boulevard and then you can star in your own snapshots in and around the city's iconic sights.

Glad for the Grads

(http://www.northeastern.edu/news/2013/05/commencement2013/)

An early 5am rise was completely worth being able to witness the sights and celebrations which took place today.  Northeastern University really knows how to host an event, volunteering my time at the TD Gardens, I worked alongside a mighty team of Northeastern professionals who also had volunteered their time to work behind and on the scenes of the 2013 commencement.  After a quick business breakfast we shuffled together and were given our priorities for the morning, I was working alongside a respected procurement colleague Mr. M.McNamara within the seating sections for NU staff and relations. It was a great task to have, as it allowed McMahon and McNamara to view the convocation in excellent birds eye positions.  The TD Gardens roared with student’s laughter, and parent’s glee mixed with tears of happiness when everyone started pouring down the aisles, with decorated caps and gowns everywhere I was in awe at the event taking place in front of me.  Being able to hear key speaker, Jim Yong Kim, president of the World Bank Group, speech and sigh at his hiccup of calling us Northwestern University, which I might add was very well recovered, it was a morning I won’t forget- witnessing an American Graduation.

 

After the graduating seniors received their certificate awards for their efforts, I met with friends on campus to congratulate them all on their superb successes and fruitful futures! It was then onwards to dinner with my close friend Michelle and her family and friends. Having the opportunity to be involved in such an emotional evening, I was very touched to be invited, and I could not be more proud of my clever cookie friend, Michelle! 

  

Congrats Huskies!!!

"Northeastern University welcomed students, university leadership, faculty, staff, family and friends to celebrate its 111th commencement on Friday, May 3, 2013 at TD Garden. Graduating seniors were lauded for their remarkable academic achievements and unique global experiences.

The uni­ver­sity presented hon­orary degrees to an accom­plished group of influ­en­tial leaders, as well as one that rec­og­nizes the first respon­ders and law enforce­ment per­sonnel who acted with extra­or­di­nary courage, com­pas­sion, and resolve fol­lowing the tragic Boston Marathon bombings." To watch the FULL commencement please see the youtube recording: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3uORGuT6eo 

She Said Yes!!

Is this not just beautiful?!

If Northeastern was not great enough, working the Welcome Weekend I even managed to see a love story blossom. SHE EVEN SAID YES.

LETS GO HUSKIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wise Words

I enjoy blogging. I enjoy reflecting. I enjoy sharing my experiences.

I would not pass by an opportunity to be able to share my year experience on an industrial placement, in America within Higher Education.
This week my small profile which has been created on the www.studentsonplacement.co.uk website has went live!!
Its quite exciting, I hope others students in the United Kingdom (and worldwide) read and become even more eager to venture into an industrial placement to experience the gains and growths that I myself have.

Please visit my profile and read on some of my reflections from my time so far in my industrial placement: http://studentsonplacement.co.uk/placement_profile_info.php?profile_ID=3


Any comments or advise is greatly welcomed (and appreciated) to: nicolemcmahon@ outlook. com

Thank you!!!

Coincidentally, speaking on reflecting I worked at the Welcome Day today for Admitted Students on Northeasterns Campus. It was a bright sunny beaming day, all round! I thoroughly enjoy meeting new prospective Huskies and their families, along with alumni and faculty/staff across campus on these days.  Every event I work on campus is so enlightening, seeing students start their paths to fruitful futures and hope they all entail down a mighty marvelous road within NU, its exciting to wonder which, if not all, are going to be the leaders of the future, creators of the next big thing, speakers of the next generational movements- anything they want to be, believe and they will achieve, with the help, support and cozy community around them at Northeastern!

My cheekbones were in pain from smiling at all of the wonderful happenings on campus today; the CPS students graduating, a proposal from the graduating students, the bright and dusty colorful celebration of the annual holi amongst students on the centennial common, the bright fresh families that floated through our welcoming open doors and a whole day working with colleagues who, tremendously, make every day a happy one. (even at weekends)

Marathon Monday

After hearing the awful news from this afternoons explosions during Boston’s most famous marathon, it saddens me to type that I was so thankful and happy to have missed the manic madness during the marathon.  Having planned this weekend so far back, we had clashed dates with many events such as the Husky Ambassador gala and marathon Monday. I would have been lying if I said once this realization hit before the weekend I wasn’t upset at the event clashes, but as I sit here on thus back to Boston full of best wishes and hope for the injured, I am so glad to have spent a crazily cheery weekend away from Beantown.

Sadly I’ll remember this day of missing the marathon with my thoughts of fear for friends that could have been injured in the explosions which occurred at the final of the Boston marathon, on Boylston street right in the city center. Its terrible news, which no one ever wants to read and my thoughts go out to everyone who experienced the trauma today, and to the families who have lost their loved ones.

In west Philadelphia born and raised.

Sitting emotionally and physically exhausted, unsure whether I should be gleefully smiling with happiness, or gleefully crying with pain I slumped in my Bolt bus chair heading to PHILADELPHIA. After a slight time confusion, we ran late rather than organized and early to our 1015am bus. Running from the T station to the bus station, carrying my weekend bags I had a harsh realization that the time spent in the gym clearly isn’t enough. Hahaha. Ok exaggeration over, we made the bus by the skin of our teeth and YAY onwards to Philly we go.

After a surprisingly pleasant ride through the states we arrived to a warm welcome at the train station by Mollys ‘uncle’. We sat that night catching up and meeting each another, over a grand meal thanks to Lisa Tay-funs wife.  Sunday we became the happy little tourist under tour guide Lisa’s wings, after an absolute incredible breakfast, croissants, pancakes, sausages, bagels, and tea …. .after all breakfast is the most important meal of the day… .. We managed to see rocky balboa statue, the line of flags, many sculptures, tried a Philly cheesesteak, and touristed together around Philadelphia on one of the nicest days so far of America 2013. We ended the evening in an Italian restaurant Maggianos wining and dining with new friends we then carried on the conversations with monster strawberries and delights back at home, spoiled.

Monday started off not as early with another mighty marvelous meal. Stealing Lisa’s omelet recipe as they were fabulously fluffy and full of flavor! We packed our gear and headed back into the city for a last few hours of sightseeing. We managed to make it down to the magic garden, boy were they magic. Walking down to the garden you are teased by small murals in the ghetto areas walls and side of buildings. Once you were there it was incredible! I really enjoyed seeing all of the art splodged and splatted around Philly, it makes the streets a lot more interesting.

Walking back up with promenade/river, we chilled with coffee before boarding our bus back to BOSTON!

Bon voyage!!

Beaunos springbreak, we all shouted at our French friend Roman as he entered the room. Surprise going away celebrations are the best.  Spending the night dancing to country music, laughing at ridiculous things, enjoying an inside BBQ since the weather decided to turn-  we all shared our time with Roman before he begins to count down his days,for travels in Europe before starring his summer coop.

Inspirational.

Tonight I had the pleasure of accompanying my very good friend Michelle to her awards ceremony in frost lounge.  Tonight on campus was the northeastern university scholarship awards, certificates, recommending speeches and congrats are given to all incredible outgoing students on campus.  These students have participated in the most events, researches, charity raisers, show exceptionally high dedication to tasks and determination to improve and better not only their selves but people around them also, inspirational young adults.  Listening to all of the achievements was an inexperience I won’t forget, as it truly is a reminder to me to really reach goals and push boundaries. Being an absolute proud friend I watched and clapped enthusiastically as Michelle received one of the top two awards possible of this academic year. You go girrrrl, I’ll take note of your movements and question when you actually have time to ever sleep! Such an involved incredible female!

Invitations and Indigo

Today I received this wondrous invitation in work.

 

I had to sadly decline the invitation to the End of the Years Gala, hosted by the Husky Ambassador Program Organization on campus.  This event is going to be a great event, I'm sure, to have all of the talented students together in one room, razzleing and dazzling each another with their outfit choices.  This would have been my opportunity to play American proms, but alas I have other plans.  This upcoming weekend myself and the Scots are traveling down to Philedelphia for a funfilled weekend of touristing it up and catching up and meeting a new friend! I cannot wait, love traveling and exploring as you learn and see so much of the world.

 

This past weekend I managed to climb the mammoth (in my eyes)((although it was only 500+ feet) mountain that is called the Great Blue Hill, within the Blue Hills Park south Boston.  After you make the 30 minute ride down via the T and a bus, you are entirely separated from the city and emerged into nature. I really do appreciate weekends where I mix it up a little, saying that most weekends I do different things.. .

Anyway, Katie, Safaa and myself enjoyed hiking up, down and round the forest taking in the amazing views looking back at Boston.  By then ending the evening in a quirky little Italian restaurant in Dorchester. I could honestly have sat on the antique cushioned chair all night. .. . I will definitely making a stop there again in future to chitter chatter with good friends and enjoy grande cappuccinos.

March Madness

As mentioned earlier I had participated in March Madness, it didn’t end well. Sadly as an optimistic scot I backed the royal, Dukes. Having left the game within the final four I was out. Throughout the game though I learned heaps. Having started the game amongst colleagues, I first thought the questions, how is your bracket looking, clearly meant a wall bracket and was it nailed in well, still up etc. I was wrong. American college basketball is the game and winning amongst 8 rounds is the goal. Wanting to win, if you do something may as well try and to it the best, I sat for three hours researching what a bracket was… what their ranks meant and why this was so great. It’s awesome watching your teams win, and lose as the banter which is generated between your team rivals is great. If only I could gloat with glory of being a Scottish girly winning against all the Americans, perhaps next year!

Your making my dreams come true!

Doooodooo do do dooooodoooodo do. FLASSSSHMOB.

It’s not every day you see a flash mob, and it’s especially not every day you get to be a dancer in a flash mob! Thanks to one of the hundreds of organizations on northeasterns campus, THEEEE (drum roll please) Husky Ambassadors, the crème de la crème of campus organizations, secretly planned a flash mob to razzle and dazzle visitors to the campus on Saturday morning.

Its surely something I can not only tick off my Boston to do list, but definitely off my bucket list.

This talented group of students are going to go places, if not in future flash mobs- definitely successful careers and achievements. Their drive, dedication and perceptions on life is truly inspirational and I am so happy to have been allowed to participate along with them all, and feel one with the pack. (LETS GO HUSKIES!)

… … Are you ready to gooooooooooo?!

SpringsAcoming!

Everyone loves a free lunch, today at preciously 11:55 I beamed out at the centennial common quad from my office window. It was Springfest BBQ time, and the celebrations for the student concert night had started from 11-2 on center campus. With my excitement I got the attention from my other colleagues and we headed together down to the Smokey tables for hot dogs and burgers.

After laughing hard at the image of some of the Admission counselor bravely squatting on a rodeo surf board, I met up with friends to sit on the sunny warm grass and enjoyed my lunch hour outside, sunfun(!!)

After work I headed to Sweet Cheeks Q, via a nice walk across the fens parks. Meeting Molly and her Marvelous family. Patting pulled pork and Texas toast into our mouths I enjoyed my early evening chatting about the Aitkens trip to NYC and future travel plans. Spending the late evening in Cambridge at the Havana club, we counted our dance steps out to ramba salsa.  This was the first time I had taken a salsa class, but I would recommend it to anyone thinking of doing so. 123..567. No fours are included in this beat, I spent the evening mantraaaa, cha cha and cha and by the end of the night tired and ecstatic at my hips don’t lie movements we headed home definitely planning on returning a future Thursday (april classes free, afterwards 5$ per class)

the grand finale.

Well, I maybe never got my lead role that I had possibly dreamt I had.. .. But the proof is in the pudding. At around 1:16 onwards my friends and I appear in the crowds!  It obviously isn't that clear as we were too great to be shown, at a better angle, and so with the little help from red circles- you can spot ourselves in the crowds!

I am so glad to have been able to experience Fenway Park, for free, after hours with little crowds.

Lets allll go to a baaaaaal game.. .. .

Burgers and Bread

Sitting in the T at the moment staring at my bag I’ve hauled along with me. Today is going to be a good day, I have cheesecake! Last night at sundown was the ending of Passover, my good friend Michelle being Jewish had lasted the whole week on matza bread and noodle pasta. At exactly 7:11pm we headed to the Cheesecake factory and filled our little stomachs with heaps of brown bread, burgers and fries. Sadly we could not finish it all, but gladly I thought I may as well get cheesecake for the road since it would be terrible, really, not to. I ended last night with my Scottish girls plus an extra one, Mollys’ little sister Jojo came over for a slumber party! (TV and Relaxing, yesplease)

lets get down to business..

Pinchpunchfirstofthemonth, April. Happy new month 'y'all'!

Wow. Time surely does fly when you are having fun, I cannot believe that I now only have three months left here on this side of the Atlantic. And, for anyone that has been around me in the past few days, they all surely know as I cannot keep myself from bringing up the sad news. Now, I shall just try and live every week like it is almost my last and make the most of being here, until moving home.

March truly was March madness, with visitors from Scotland, a weekend in NYC, a couple of TWENTY FIRST BIRTHDAYS, the real march madness bracket competitions, participating in my first ever flash mob, and lots of other crazy cramped activities in the available thirty days.

HAPPY APRIL FOOLS DAY. Nothing spectacularly foolish happened to me today, except when you went onto the northeastern website, their logo was flipped round the other way, which was rather foolish… ..

What can I look forward to in April: a weekend in Philadelphia next week, booking my travels to the west coast hopefully doing a trek America’ which takes groups round different routes to experience all of the places you really want to see, pour example I really want to go and see the grand canyons, the Yellowstone reservation park, Hollywood and other sunny west coast destinations and attractions. I hope to find a summer internship somewhere in the Uk for my three months gap before I start my big bad fourth year of my degree back at Glasgow Caledonian. We are also expecting the Brian Evans music video to be released this month, here’s hoping for some mug shots! Basically, making the most of now and taking every opportunity that I could try to grasp before it passes me by.

To fruitful futures and happy happenings….  … …… ..

Grilled in Greece

Walking down Boylston road from Cleveland circle we learned that a lot of cafes don’t open early on a Sunday, especially on Easter Sunday.  Finally arriving at Washington square chilly from the spring sunny fresh morning we enjoyed lavish grilled sandwiches in a Greek corner café called Athans. Topping up with fresh croissants and pastries we headed into downtown to relax amongst the sun glazed geese in the frog pond gardens. Saying goodbye to Rosalind that afternoon was a sad affair, watching best friends part once again for a few months.

Toasting bubbly, on the balcony as we watched the Boston skyline twinkle and sparkle off the sea. We finished our evening at Mollys parents Boston apartment, treated like v.i.ps we were given a banquet BBQ and champagne conversations whilst we watched Boston turn from day to night. Marveeeelous moments.

should I be getting paid for this?

SPRING 2013: Alumni and Friends Edition. Northeastern Magazine.

Its not every day you get a magazine delivered to your office door, with a sticky note directing you to a page quoting, 'Here you go, Miss Famous' Why thanking you very much operations, a colleague had seen myself and a friend in the new Alumni magazine, from the Beanpot 2013.
After seeing the picture, which is pretty AWESOME, I am so thrilled at the fact they picked us to go in the picture from the many many many pictures they probably had captured that night.

Another memory to take home to Scotland, along with the many many many other marvelous memories from Boston 2012-2013.

ladies who lunch.

More food and friends! Today at work we had cunningly planned a surprise for Katie in her office, with the courageous help from her lovely team and colleagues in International Coop.  Of course, Katie, being Katie, liking to have everything planned her way, organized lunch at a Sushi restaurant for her birthday that afternoon. Respecting her birthday wishes we all coordinated and diminished our genius planning and all met at Symphony sushi for a delightful and delicious lunch! HAPPY BIRYHDAY KATIE-CLAIRE MASHETER!!!!!

sugar, spice and everything nice.

More friendly faces arriving in Boston! The past two weeks we have welcomed Calvin (Mollys Scottish Boyfriend) and Rosalind (Katies Scottish bestfriend) in the name of celebrations for twenty first birthdays!! We had a birthday bash in the apartment on Saturday to bring friends together for Katie and Calvins 21^st. The following morning we met up with our Zumba friends at a nice brunching area in Brighton, to again celebrate another birthday. It is a really nice time for everyone to feel appreciated and enjoy your close ones around you, and to have fun! Might I mention that Katies mum and Rosalind got Katie the tastiest cake ever for her birthday and as her friend I got to enjoy so much of it. Everyone LOVESSSSSSS cake, well…. I do, love it, a lot.

60 State St.

What a treat work is. 

Most employees, I imagine frown when they have to work extra hours, especially at weekends. Today I was privileged enough to be able to be able to work in the 60 state 33 floor. 5 floors from the highest floor, once we were up in the function suite, my gosh were the views amazing! It truly was a lavish event, which surely impressed me if it didn’t impress our other guests. I enjoyed the evening working alongside my colleagues and hosting our guests, making sure everything ran smoothly and professionally. This was the tail end if our day, I had been working a 8-10pm shift, which sounds daunting, but it really wasn’t, that’s what happens when you enjoy the time you work! Throughout the day I helped coordinate the events, lead airport runs back and forward from campus, transporting our guests around Boston. And meeting and greeting all of the early birds that arrived BANG on 8am in the morning to start their day of events on and around famous.

Living the high life.. .. kind of.

Roll up, roll up

I should be getting paid for this about now, 9 months in Boston and touring my guests around the beautiful city.

Getting off the T at Hynes Convention Center we started our morning trail around Boston.

Our footstep travels today looked like this: Hynes-Copley Square-Newbury St-Boston PL- Back bay- Charles River Esplanade- The Hatch Shell- CHEERS bar LUNCH STOP!- Boston Public Gardens- Boston Commons- State Building- Government Center/Steaming Kettle!!- Faneuil Hall- The North End/Little Italy- Mikes Pastries- Boston Harbor- Aquarium- Financial district – China town- jumped the T to the reflecting pool- then home.

I can truthfully say I never used a map to guide Kelly around Boston, only my wee brain and past experiences in this beautiful seaside city, I’d call that a jolly good day and Kellie has now seen A LOT of Boston in under 12 hours- RESULT!

NYC take two

Saturday was a lovely morning, as I pumped it up at Zumba kickstarting my weekend to meeting a fellow friend and scot at Logan Airport Saturday Afternoon! Kellie, my old flat mate in Glasgow, class mate and really good friend took the flight over the Atlantic to visit us in our Boston Bubble for a week. We spent the Saturday evening catching up on our almost year apart since April 2012 and enjoyed lots of stories and laughs.

Sunday (early) morning arrived and we headed via the bus to New York City!! We turned on our tourist mode, as always whilst traveling, and enjoyed lots of the monumental sights that New York has to offer.

From 5^th Ave, Times Square, Central Park, ‘climbing’ the Empire State Building like King Kong and buying nuts from a street vendor. Sunday we trooped and trekked until we ended up in the CHICAGOOOO theatre enjoying a broadway show, getting razzled and dazzled. After our rushed broadways show, we went to a favourite of mine (I’ve only been once before but its great) Ellens Stardust Diner, here the waiting staff sing to you whilst you eat- as they all inspire to work on Broadway one day. This was the place where I was sang to last year for my 20^th Birthday- how time really does fly!!

My subway experience to our International Hostel at night was not a horrific one, our sub had actually seemed to be updated and I had expected to see garbage and graffiti everywhere, boy had google set me up wrongly.

Eating croissants and bagels for breakfast we all had an ok night sleep in the hostel, the hostel itself was great though one lady who shared our 12 bunked dorm room, well, she wasn’t the friendliest of characters.. Shall we say.

Onwards to MONDAY in the big APPLE! On Monday we headed south Manhattan to board the free foot bridge to Long Island. Passing the Liberty statue, you really get to experience the size of it, to be honest I maybe thought it was going to be HUGE! From all of the movies, I guess. A sight to see none the less, which we did!- CHECK! Heading further south to Brookline Bridge, walking down Wall Street and snapping shots of the Manhattan Bridge. Picnic’ing in a NYC park we rested our tootsies before walking all the way back up North Manhattan through the Soho and garment districts. Slowly ending the two day adventure at ironically a Mcdonalds (my 2^nd one since being in America in 9 months) and back to Boston we bussed.

Florist Fingers

Pinchpunchfirstofthemonth, March! Happy new month everyone.

Today I foresee an easy peaceful night after the evening I have just had.  After work, Michelle and I headed down Huntington Ave to a nail bar, Rubys.  I have never, ever, ever, never had a pedicure before and boy’o boy was I in for a tickly treat.. . As all Americans right now know- its SPRING BREAK SOON, and in spring break style we went for a manicure and pedicure to prepp for the week of sunshine, seaside and sandiness lounging. I would like to sadly note now, that I didn’t get a spring break- I mean.. I could have took it off on my vacation days available, but as a team member we are at a very busy moment in the Admissions cycle and I’ll save those days off for May/June when its warmer!

The results of chatting, laughing, massaging, polishing, buffering, scrubbing and glossing was two happy girls all set and relaxed for a week ahead of them, be it in Florida or in an office. (please excuse the picture, it was taken in Starbucks, after a little extra indulgent time before home)