Busy as a Bee

by Alaina on April 27, 2012 · 6 comments

This past week at work has been super busy. I’ve been working mostly 10-6 shifts which cut right in the middle of my day. Yesterday even started an 8-day stretch until I get some more time off. And on day’s I’m not working, I’m at the house helping out David.

The other day was spent working on the foundation and things are really coming along nicely! Next Monday we’re expecting our building materials to be delivered.

Oh and speaking of being “busy as a bee”:

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David and I have bees! There’s about 20,000 total in the two hives. I would love to make get some honey next year; David wants mead. I’m sure we’ll both be happy.

This past Tuesday was my interview and I can safely say that it went very well! I met with the HR manager and the manager of the department that I’m going for. I’m hoping to hear from them again soon. Between that, and waiting for the train to take me to Shirley, I stopped at Starbucks for a non-fat misto with sugar free vanilla.

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The other night after our 10 hour day at the house, David and I finally made it over to Anna’s Taqueria for dinner. I’ve been to all the other burrito places in Boston (Boloco, Qdoba, Chipotle, even Felipe’s) but never Anna’s. I’ve heard such good things. And good they were! Unfortunately the picture does not do it justice. I was too impatient to take a really good photo.

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I had the taco with pork, salsa and lettuce. It was so good! The pork tasted so fresh and it was just….yum. So good.

Yesterday, I made my way into work early because I had to stop at the Prudential Center and pick up my prize from the trade show! Apparently I won the Vera Bradley package which was a bag, umbrella and ID holder.

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On my way out, I stopped at Pinkberry because I was craving something sweet. Funny thing, this location finally had salted caramel, which I had wanted to try, but I wasn’t in the mood for it; I really wanted something sweet. Insert blood orange frozen yogurt.

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This really hit the spot, in all the right places. Winking smile I topped it with coconut, toasted almonds and chocolate shavings. So delicious!

Along with this busy schedule, I’ve just found it tough to incorporate working out and running. Working out at the house is a workout itself, that’s for sure, and I have been getting in a few short runs (1-2 miles each). It’s certainly not due to any laziness, but more the lack of being able to schedule it into my already busy week. I need to work on that. If it’s on the schedule, then it’s just another part of my routine.

How do you manage to balance a busy week? I love writing thing down in my planner. It helps make me feel so much more organized.

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GBCA Trade Show 2012

by Alaina on April 24, 2012 · 4 comments

Last night was the best night to be a concierge in Boston. It was the 17th Annual Trade Show at the Park Plaza castle. Vendors from around the city display their shows/foods/tours for the upcoming year.

A few of the vendors:

  • Enterprise
  • Dollar
  • Fenway Bark
  • Tresca
  • Columbus Restaurant Group
  • Super Tours
  • Rolling River Massage
  • Broadway Across America
  • McCormick & Schmick’s
  • Skipjack’s
  • Plimouth Plantation
  • Four Burgers – Feeling the Four Burger love! He knows my blog! I inhaled this burger so fast that I didn’t even take a picture. They have the most delicious burgers.

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  • Museum of Science
  • Cape Air
  • And soooooooo many more

I perused the room, making sure to check out as many vendors as possible. I came home with a bag full of flyers, brochures and samples. I didn’t eat as much this year, but I made sure to sample some of my favorites.

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Harpoon UFO to start the night off right.

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The best beef sliders, from Mooo. I have these every year.

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Some delicious cheese samples from a restaurant that I unfortunately can’t remember! My favorite was the aged gouda (cheese on the left with the orange color). It tasted like maple.

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Meatballs from my favorite Italian restaurant, Limoncello! And a delicious Spanish wine being offered by the City Wine Tours booth.

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The drink in the forefront is called the Jungle Juice from the new Hilton restaurant Nix Mate. If the food is as good as this drink, I’ll have to check it out!

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A pear vodka from Post 390. Maybe it was just me, but it didn’t taste too much like pear, more like licorice. Not my favorite.

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Perfect ending to the trade show was the Ben and Jerry’s Raspberry Frozen Greek Yogurt with Chocolate Chips!! Finally had a taste of it and it was delicious; so creamy and tangy.

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After the show, my Fairmont colleagues and I headed over to Tico for some drinks at the bar. I asked them to mix together ginger beer, gin and lime. It’s seriously my new favorite drink combination. A bit sweet but oh so refreshing.

After last night, I was so glad to have today off. I’m waiting to head to my interview and then it’s off to do some work on the house.

Have you ever been to a trade show/conference? What’s your favorite part? In addition to enjoying the food and drink, I love getting together with the concierge community. Smile

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Sunday Stuff

by Alaina on April 22, 2012 · 2 comments

-Happy Earth Day!! I posted some tips on being sustainable on Our Handmade House blog! At work today, I printed up a flyer and passed them out in the cafeteria. A little can really go a long way, if we all do our part. Smile

-Spring is in full bloom in Copley Square. Couldn’t resist photographing the tulips.

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After the last few days of beautiful weather, it’s now raining. Please bring back the sun!

-I’m so excited that the Healthy Living Summit is coming back to Boston this summer! I am determined to get a ticket this year.

-Tomorrow is the GBCA Trade Show!! It’s the best time of the year and I’m so excited for the bags o’ goodies that I’ll come home with.

-The Bruins beat the Capitals today so they are going to game 7!!

-Last Wednesday I spent all day working on the house with David. I was moving concrete blocks, shoveling, picking up, bending down…and I am happy to say that my lower back gave me little to no problems at all. I had a touch of soreness that night, but not to the extent that I would usually have. Looks like my back is getting stronger! Smile

-For some reason, I get the urge to bake when it’s really hot out. Last week I made these muffins but instead of berries, I used frozen cherries. So good.

-You know that job that I didn’t get at my hotel? Well, the same position is open at our other property in Boston. I have an interview on Tuesday. Open-mouthed smile

How was your weekend? Have anything fun/interesting planned for the week?

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