Why Boston?

            When I tell people I’m from Nebraska, I get two different responses somewhere along the lines of: “What did you just say?” and “Wow, that’s quite the distance.”  Normally, it’s followed by “Why Boston?” And then comes my spiel about how Boston was/is my dream city and I had the perfect opportunity to get here and just ran with it.  It’s really fun to turn the tables on the person though, and ask them, “What’s your favorite part of living in Boston?”  The most popular answer amongst people I have asked this question: “There’s SO much to do here!” They are RIGHT on the money.  From farmer’s markets to free fitness classes, and sporting events to sweet eats, my two weeks here have already been filled with so many adventures around the city.  Then I remember that I am actually a graduate student with lots of reading to do…the struggle is real folks.  I just want to see and do everything here!  I feel like a puppy who is over stimulated by either being around people, treats or Frisbees.  But then again, I’m probably just relating myself to my dog.  Good thing I have a decent amount of time to live in this awesome city.

Here’s how I spent my week around the city.  Don’t worry, I got all of my studying done between all of this. ;)

Fitness

            Boston is so centered on health and wellness.  The city is loaded with free fitness classes.  This week, I checked out a few different groups.  I went to two different workouts put on by The November Project.  You should check out their story here!  Their goal is to get people moving in the morning by providing really hard workouts…for $0.  This has helped to get hundreds of people fitter in Boston, as well as other participating cities.  More programs like these should be around in this world! Anywho, Monday was a 16-minute tabata that gave me my yearly dose of burpees.  Friday, was seriously, one of the hardest work-outs I have ever done.  Running + a SUPER steep ½ hill.  That’s all I’m going to say for that one.

100+ people at The November Project Monday morning

            When I was here for the marathon, I stopped into the local running store to just check it out.  I was instantly greeted and told about their group runs that they put on every Wednesday.  So, I decided to check it out this week, and I just absolutely loved it!  The path is around the Charles, which is just gorgeous at all times of the day.  I got to talking and running with two other fairly new girls to the group, which made the experience that much better.  Plus, there was champagne at the end of the run to celebrate the run’s 3-year anniversary.  I picked the right day to start these runs, I guess. ;)

Awesome view along the Charles River during the group run

            Finally, Saturday, I went to a yoga class in Copley Square with some classmates.  Ombe, an intregrative health center in Boston, put on the class.  My classmate, Amanda, works there, so that was how we got invited to this sesh.  The instructor rocked!  She challenged us with every move, which is what I really look forward to in a quality yoga session.

Morning yoga at Copley Square...so much green in Boston!

My classmates, Pam, Jenna, and Amanda after morning yoga

Sports

            Monday + extreme spontaneity = First Red Sox Game.  Here’s the story.  One of Sara’s friends, Caleb, contacted me Monday afternoon letting me know he was in Boston.  He mentioned going to a Red Sox game, so I obviously couldn’t say no to the chance.  We got tickets for $12.  TWELVE dollars, people!  It was such a steal for the seats we had.  I seriously don’t think there’s a bad seat in Fenway Park because we could see all of the action!  Another highlight of my night: getting a new Red Sox hat.  Now I am actually Boston-official.

Nice view of the game @ Fenway in the "Grand Stadium"

Caleb and I at the Red Sox Game...notice said hat

Sweet Eats

            Everyone should just prepare themselves for the excessive amount that I will talk about food.  There’s too much good food to be had in this world, and I’m going to find it.  And then eat it.  Moderation and a good relationship with food itself are what keep me in check.  But I digress…that will be for another post.

            Let’s see…so Monday, before the game, I was really in the mood for a burger.  Caleb and I decided to hit up Boston Burger Company.  Whoa.  Talk about serious flavor combinations/mash-ups.  Check out their menu, and you’ll know what I mean.  We ended up splitting two burgers, The Hot Mess and The King.  The King was a twist on the classic Elvis Presley sandwich and had bananas, bacon, peanut butter AND cinnamon sugar.  I love sweet + salty, so I totally digged this burger.  The Hot Mess was as it sounds – just full of random stuff plus sweet potato fries piled on juicy burger.  This burger called for two napkins.

Red meat filling for a month...but seriously, these burgers were delicious! (Hot Mess on left, King on right)

            The roommates and I have rightfully dedicated one night each week to cooking a meal together.  Thursday, we decided to take Janny’s new spiralizer for a whirl.  I whipped up some of Mom’s real good pasta sauce to put on top of the spiral zucchini noodles and BAM! Let dinner be served.  Go check out the entire experience over at Janny’s blog.  Plus, she has a super awesome camera (wink, wink, Mom and Dad), so the pictures of the night are flawless.

Zucchinis + Spiralizer = Zoodles = Veg on veg on veg

            After yoga on Saturday, we ventured to Flour Bakery, a renowned bakery in Boston.  Apparently, the owner had a Throwdown with Bobby Flay for her sticky buns, so it was even cooler going to this place (I am slightly obsessed with anything Food Network related).  However, I didn’t get a sticky bun.  I was really tempted by the spelt currant scone, but I was fortunate enough that my classmate, Amanda, let me snag a bite of her sticky bun.  Ooooh my, I basically regretted my choice of getting the scone, that’s how ooey, gooey, and delicious it was.  Next time.

The inside of flour...so colorful and immaculate

My very delicious scone, but it doesn't compare to...

...THIS.  All hail the sticky bun!

Farmer’s Markets

            I am so lucky that my school hosts a farmer’s market each week.  Since it’s right on campus, I was able to take a peak before my class.  I wasn’t able to get much due to having class right after, but I did get a perfectly green cucumber and the juiciest peach I’ve had in a awhile.  I can’t believe there are just a few short weeks until farmer’s markets retire for the wintertime.  Next week, I’ll have to take serious advantage of the local produce offerings and buy more.

Notice the orange raspberries...buying these babies next week!

Vegetable stand right on BU's campus.  Happy place.

            In other news, this kid turns 23 tomorrow!  If you see him around the UNMC campus, give him a BIG birthday hug and lots of love.  Happy Birthday Carl!! I wish I could be there to help celebrate!

I hope everyone had wonderful weekends.  (And GBR for beating Fresno state at 2:30am, Eastern time!).

Much love,

Shawn