The Hunger Games - I've Been Sucked In

Yes, it's happened. Like many, I've started reading "The Hunger Games" or, more correctly, "The Hunger Games Trilogy" by Susan Collins. Unsurprisingly, I like it. Well enough that is.

I won't go into a synopsis of what it's about (it's up to you to read it or not) but the main characters are likable, the plot line is interesting and the action is fast paced. The main premise of the book is that the United States as we know it is destroyed and a new civilization has taken its place. Not exactly a novel idea but certainly intriguing. Susan Collin's writing is not brilliant but OK for the teenage audience she is targeting.

As for the violence, it is violence. As Collin's herself has said "It is about war." That said, I don't feel it's more violent than other books/movies in the past. "Star Wars" was certainly violent. "Planet of the Apes" wasn't G rated. Overall, I didn't find the violence to be off-putting. "The Hunger Games" is a quick, easy, interesting read and I definitely recommend it. It would be a great beach read. As for the movie, I can't wait to see it.

So go on, indulge, enjoy and then move on.

What the &%$#$* am I Going to Write About!

I'm back after an extremely long hiatus. Why? Simply put this blog has bothered me for a long time. More succinctly, what the hell am I going to write about? I don't have any overarching passions more like a lot of little ones. I don't want to simply chronicle my life or constantly write about my ideas and opinions. Of course, I want some of that but I feel that by only focusing on those types of things this blog would be too general. Lack focus and therefore depth.

Sooo, my new idea is to have theme days. For example, I love to read so every week I'll have a post about -- "Hey what are you reading right now?" I also love to travel so a weekly blog about that (maybe more than a weekly blog.) Sadly with travel I cannot do it as often as I would like so this theme will be about not only where I've been but (optimistically) where I'm going to go. I also want a weekly post about just beautiful things. Things that I saw, smelled, touched that were beautiful and made me happy. I think this post will be on Fridays. Kind of a nice way to get the weekend started.

So in summary, I sincerely apologize for my recent blogging break and promise there will be more and better coming this way. Stay tuned.

Manicures and Massages

Had my nails done at Lauren's Nails on Charles Street. Nice establishment, clean and there's usually never a wait. As the woman was finishing my nails she asked if I would like a 5 minute massage. Since my neck has been bothering me it sounded like a good idea. Wrong. Am I the only one in the world who think massages suck? They HURT. Those peitie Asian woman nead your flesh until it feels like it will turn black and blue. Then, the more they massage the more it hurts and the more my muscles tighten up. This leads them to telling me I'm very tense and that I need more massaging. Not good.

Annoying Things in Beacon Hill

Have any of you ever noticed that people in Beacon Hill walk in the street all the time? Everyone does it - older people, students, mothers with strollers - just about everybody. To a certain extent I understand why. Beacon Hill sidewalks are narrow. They are frequently lined with trash or other debris. That said, they can be navigated. Maybe you can't walk and talk to your three BFFs while doing it but it can be done. I think in Beacon Hill it's time we faced the reality that sidewalks are for walking and streets are for driving cars. It's that way for a reason - because it's safer. So fellow neighbors and visitors please get out of the streets and please, please, please if I'm driving in a car don't give me a pissed off look when I come by and you need to get on the sidewalk. After all, that's exactly why the sidewalk is there.

Morning Walks, The Cliff Walk, Newport, RI

While I do adore the city of Boston my family is lucky enough to have a second home in Middletown, RI. Here we can escape the fast pace of city life and relax. Below are some pictures of where I take my morning walks -- on the Cliff Walk in Newport.

My First Time

My first post. Must say it's a bit more daunting than I thought. What to say, how to say it and, perhaps most importantly, saying it right.

This is a blog about my life in Boston. While I will discuss all things Boston I'll also tell you about my life, my job and my kids.