"NO SOUP FOR YOU"

or is it Sandwich?

Yesterday I had, what I was anticipating to be one of the scariest and most intimidating experiences of my grown up life so far. However, it turned out to be one of the best and most entertaining things I have ever seen.

I was really hungry and didn't bring a lunch that day because I was bound and determined to try out one of the many great places to eat down town. I had heard about this place from Kristin a while ago called Al's State Street Cafe and even had one of their sandwiches during one of my visits. I remember loving the sandwich but also remembered Kristin telling me about how crazy it can be to get through the door. So, I googled it just so I would be prepared (I'm a dork I know).

Most people referred to Al's as the soup Nazi of sandwich shops which if you've seen Seinfeld you know that that means, make one wrong step and ... "NO SOUP FOR YOU!" Why would anyone want to subject themselves to complete humiliation like that? Well, because the sandwiches are so good of course!

After reading all of the instructions from all of the helpful Bostonians who were kind enough to post the rules, I sent myself whirling out of my comfort zone and walked over to the shop. The place was packed, not out the door yet, but almost. People in line were yelling their orders while the people behind the counter (there were like 20 people back there) were screaming, "NEXT!" It was complete and utter chaos!

The nice guy behind me, upon seeing my eyes bugging out of my head and realizing that this was my first time, took me under his wing and was very helpful. He even told me which sandwich was best. After being told the rules again for good measure and waiting for a total of about 2 minutes a worker behind the counter yelled, "NEXT" I wasn't even close to the counter but I was clearly the next person and was told not to hesitate. So, I shouted, "Small State Street Special" the guy smiled and nodded. Two minutes later I had my sandwich and was handing 5 bucks (over someones head) to the cashier. The cashier told me to have a nice day and gave me the cheesiest smile I think I have ever seen. I smiled back and quickly exited the shop before I was trampled.

(This is what I saw on my way back to the office.

I love how this old building where they first read the

declaration of Independence is almost hiding under the big buildings

but still holds its own)

I walked back to the office feeling triumphant. I literally couldn't wipe the smile off of my face, which thoroughly scared some people on the street judging by their reactions. And I just have to say, that sandwich was SO good!

The State Street Special in all it's glory!
Extra lean prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, basil and plum tomatoes, topped with just enough olive oil and balsamic vinegar...YUM!

Adventures in Boston

So, after a few months of preparation, stress and some serious thinking...I packed up my lovely apartment in Meridian and headed out to Boston. I have to say, it was harder than I thought it would be to leave.

Most of you already know but I stopped off in Pittsburgh on my way to Boston and had a blast with Shelly, James and Hailey. It was a great mini vacation in a really crazy place. I am here to confirm that Pittsburgh does have a million boarded up houses and pot holes in the streets and there are some grocery stores that you do not go to at night. However, the graffiti was always fun to look at as were the boarded up houses, that museums were So fun, the city was beautiful from up high, the Strip (like one big farmers market but better) was fantastic and the grave yard was unreal!!! I will post soon with pictures from that trip. In the mean time though I wanted to let you all know that I got to Boston and I am doing great!

The day I got in Kristin and Kenley had a little welcoming party for me which was such a fun surprise. Kristin had decorated the house, which Cora loved, and Kenley and Kristin got me a little welcome to Boston package with all the essentials for living here in Boston (hand sanitizer, an umbrella, a Boston magazine, wet ones wipes etc.)

Kristin even made me a Boston Cream Pie!!!

Kristin and Kenley were here with me for a few days and then ventured off to Utah for a little vacation. They showed me around a little and left me their car which I was so grateful for. So, I have been learning the "T" and the bus system, driving a little, and I have met the greatest people.

For those of you who don't believe that I am in fact driving out here...I attached the following picture. It really isn't as scary as I thought it would be. I know how to get most places that I would need to and I even drove to the airport and back. I haven't even been honked at yet!
Okay, now before you start thinking that I am a pro out here... here is a funny little story to assure you that I am not. I have to take a bus for about 20 minutes and then I have to walk for about 10 in order to get to church. After getting directions from my friend Ellen, I felt pretty good about it and being able to find it. We had a pretty good snow storm over the weekend but they keep things pretty cleared off out here, so I figured the sidewalks would be cleared and it would be okay to wear heels. Boy was I wrong! I walked out to the bus stop where there were heaping piles of snow built up right were I needed to step to get on the bus (see below). When I got on the bus and had to step into that the bus driver just sat there and laughed at me. I can't say that I blame him, everyone around me had on snow boots and here I was in tights and high heels!

After I got off the bus, I realized that only some of the sidewalks are cleared off here. Below is a path that I had to take which was pure ice. People had to pass me because I was sliding all over the place. I had to go super slow in order to put some serious thought into my next steps.

I did make it safely though and church was so great! The people out here are so nice and helpful. I even got a bunch of offers to be driven home. That is one mistake I will hopefully not be making again! I'll try to keep my blog better updated in the future.