Great Reads for June!

I'm the kind of person that is always diverting my attention to the Barnes and Nobles bookshelves.  I excitedly stare at the New York Times Best Sellers asking myself "when am I going to have find in my schedule to read all of these?"  I buy books when I don't need them.  I let them fill my bookshelves, nightstands, and purses because I have peace of mind that they are there waiting for me to have time to read them.  I'm like a compulsive shopper, but for books.  Anyways, I'm always looking for recommendations from my friends so I wanted to use this blog as a way to let others know what I'm reading and hopefully you all can give me a few of your favorites also!

I recently finished the book 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks' (by Rebacca Skloot) and while I am in no way a literary critic, I would definitely recommend this read!

I was actually only on the 5th chapter when a woman sitting next to me on the plane asked me what I thought of the book so far.  I told her that honestly, I couldn't put it down!  She proceeded to tell me that she tried reading it twice for a book club, but ended up retiring to her bookshelf indefinitely.  So warning: this read may not fit everyone's liking.

Initially, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks sparked my interest because I had heard of the cell line HeLa (immortal human cells that are still alive and multiplying today) referenced in basic biology courses throughout college.  What I never knew is where they came from - who the woman was the donated these cells and were they voluntarily given or taken without consent?  This book explores EVERYTHING - from Henrietta's upbringings to her family's present day struggles (unable to bring recognition to the woman whose cells helped develop for example, the polio vaccine).  While some parts could be quite depressing, I liked how the chapters toggled between what was happening in the Lack's family and then, chronologically, the events in cell research and how Henrietta's cells were ultimately revolutionizing modern medicine.

My move to Boston!

Well, I have officially been a Boston resident for two weeks now.  Words cannot express how much I adore this city.  And my job.  And my new friends.  And just... everything.  I'm not sure how to even start, so maybe I can let my pictures tell the story!

Once I arrived on Sunday night, I was lucky enough to score Red Sox tickets.  For those of you who have been to this field, it is an experience like none other!

Walking into Fenway 

(Might I add that I walked there from my apartment - love that you can actually do that so easily here!)

View from our seats.  Such a small stadium! (and such crazy die-hard fans...)

Visit to the Gardens, which I've now done multiple times.  GOR-GEOUS.

HAD to eat at the Cheers bar.  And then confessed I had never seen the show.

Headed to the oldest restaurant and bar in Boston (...and maybe the county)

My internship - Children's Hospital Boston (nice new banner!)

My neighborhood!

Jenny's Last Swing Before the Ring!

Sweet Home Alabama.  :)  I'm back in Birmingham for the time being so that I can pack for my 11 weeks in Boston.  Any female that packs for an extensive time away probably knows exactly what I'm thinking: HOW does one fit all clothing/suits/shoes/etc in two suitcases?  Well, I still don't have the answer...and while I'm procrastinating I thought I'd give some updates on my time back in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Most notably, on May 14, 2011 we celebrated my friend Jenny's BACHELORETTE PARTY!  We celebrated by going to a Brewer Game at Miller Park.  Everything was set to go to tailgate and celebrate before going into the game, but mother nature (typical wisconsin) had a completely different plan for us. Standing outside in the freezing rain was pretty much unbearable.

I've become so warm-blooded I couldn't even go outside.

Once we got inside though, we had a pretty great time at TGI Fridays.

(see our super cute shirts nicki made!)

Even though I came out $80 poorer* it was still a great way to celebrate Jenny's upcoming nuptials and spend time with the girls.

*After TGI Fridays, I thought it would be a fantastic idea to go out and buy everything Sausage Racing related at the Team Store - hat, socks, stuffed doll, magnets, silly straws... I had to stop myself before I bought the titletown belt.

LOVE LOVE LOVE OPI.

That's right, I'm posting a blog about nail polish.

Had a mani-pedi sister day and am officially OB. SESSED. with this new OPI collection.

Disclaimer***New nail-polish collections usually have the same effect on me as say, christmas morning.

L.O.V.E my diamond nail treatment!!!!

(I DIE.)

Something Borrowed

I have had so much to say in the past two days!  Thankfully blogger is back up and running (I was starting to have panic attacks/early hot flashes/social media withdrawal).

First: 

Last night my girlfriend Kristi and I FINALLY went to see the movie 'Something Borrowed' !!!!

We actually both started reading the Emily Giffin series back in undergrad together and were instantly HOOKED.  (We even gave each other the books for graduation presents.)  So yes, we were ecstatic when we heard the novel 'Something Borrowed' was going to become a movie!  All in all, I LOVED how the movie complimented the book.  

....AND for anyone looking for a great chick-lit novel, definitely read these other Emily Giffin novels (the characters are often in someway related even though it's not the same story-line).

Bridal Shower

I'm back in Wisconsin!  Now why would I come back up here when it's nearly 90 degrees in Birmingham and I could be getting my tan on by the pool during my two weeks off?  A bridal shower of course, and I couldn't have been more excited!  One of my best friends from undergrad, Jenny Palmersheim, is GETTING MARRIED!  So, with the help of her AWESOME maid of honor Nicki, we hosted a Bridal Shower at her mom's house in West Allis on Saturday, May 7th.  It was so much fun getting back, seeing the girls and finally being able to do things all wedding related (which I'm obsessed with).

Amber, Nicki and I the night before the shower.  

*I'm in the background burning rice crispy treats.

**My sole successful contribution: 'zesting' an orange

Jenny's lovely floral arrangements 

THANK YOU PAM!  They looked great!

Picture of the bridesmaids!

Hello!

I am completely NEW to this world of blogging....and I'm a little surprised that I didn't start one sooner considering my obsession with everything social media related.  So why start a blog now?  Well, currently my life is taking me in a number of directions AND providing a few adventures along the way.  I just finished my first year of graduate school at UAB (whew!), survived a year in Alabama (hey y'all, roll tide!) and am preparing to move to BAH-STON for a summer internship at Children's Hospital Boston (hello BostonMed anyone? ABC, pick me!).  In between traveling, exploring the city and procrastinating on my residency applications, I’m going to do my best to update this site OFTEN.  I also hope that this can be an outlet for others to keep in touch, along with providing a few laughs.  :)