Harvard, History and MGH

Our stay at the Clarendon was excellent. It is a 5 story brownstone in South Boston. I had originally chosen it because of the excellent recommendations on Google and was glad I did. Our room was on the ground level, was fairly spacious and even offered a balcony presumably to use when the weather is more accommodating.

We ventured to breakfast around 0900 and sat with a couple from NYC. Conversation was initially sparse and it made breakfast somewhat awkward. According to a Boston statute bed and breakfasts are not permitted to serve warm breakfasts so we filled ourselves with toast, yogurt, cheese, hard boiled eggs, OJ and milk.

Finally around 1000 we headed out toward our first stop, Harvard. We found the subway to be extremely easy to navigate as each train has a color and the directions is distinguished by the final destination. Brandi, ever fascinated by subways, was happy to learn that it was the oldest subway system in the United States. Harvard square was a bustling place. We stopped in to purchase some souvenirs at The Coop which we could not determine if it is pronounced as one syllable with a short o or with two syllables and a long o.

Brandi made a quick stop at the information booth to garner directions to The Concord Museum and the Old Manse. When the guy at the information booth said that he had never heard of either, I knew something was wrong. Brandi handed him the list of destinations her friend Ange had given us for things to do in the Boston area and was then informed that she was mistaking Cambridge for Concord. (Brandi's note: I know. I'm an idiot. Blame it on the hormones.)

Walking around the university, Brandi and I both remarked at the dorky nature of the students there, and many reminded her of some of her debate students—pretentious and wearing khakis. None-the-less the university was remarkable because of its history. We saw the house that George Washington called his first headquarters and Longfellow eventually lived. Many of the buildings were built in the 1700’s.

Our next destination was the Freedom trail. We started off by seeing where George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin went to primary school. At this point we were both a bit hungry and decided to stop into a little pub called The Hub Pub. Lunch was unremarkable and before continuing Brandi decided to stop in the restroom. As I waited by the door, I heard a voice from behind asking if my name is Garrett. Always an unsettling question, I answered that I am. She informed me that Brandi was in the restroom and was crying that that she was bleeding. As we rushed down the stairs, I feared the worst. The waitress told me that no one else was in the women’s rest room, not that it would have slowed me down. As I opened the door on the stall there was a great deal of blood. I was reminded of the Vietnam scene in Forest Gump when he comes upon the wounded Bubba who was doing his best to hold in his intestines, exclaiming “Oh no, Bubba.”

I spent a few moments trying to decide whether to call an ambulance or if a taxi would be best. Brandi called out that she would prefer a taxi and I asked the waitress to call us a cab and find out the nearest hospital. Shortly she returned and let me know that the taxi was on the way and that the nearest hospital is MGH (Massachusetts General Hospital). The bartender waited outside for the taxi, and it wasn’t but a few moments until the taxi arrived. When we told him the destination and saw Brandi sobbing he spared no mercy on the accelerator.

Within 10 minutes we were pulling up to the emergency doors. An attendant asked if we needed a wheelchair, declining we ran into the hospital. Brandi started walking aimlessly around the hospital and I ushered her toward the Emergency check-in. (Brandi's note: I was not "aimless." I saw a sign that said PATIENT ADMISSIONS and walked toward it. I was completely oblivious to the fact that the big red EMERGENCY sign was in the other direction.) Despite the area being packed the nurse retrieved Brandi a wheelchair and bypassed all the elderly complaining of shortness of breath. I spent most of my time trying to calm Brandi and take her focus off the problem, all the while I could not help noticing her blood soaked jeans.

Soon we found ourselves in the ultrasound room. Shortly we were greeted with our first good news and a very happy image. We saw our baby moving around. It warmed both of our hearts to learn that the heartbeat was 179. It was moving its arms and turned and gave us a clear view of its feet. Even the ultrasound technician exclaimed that she had never seen the baby’s feet from this angle before. Next we were taken back to the ICU and Brandi was examined several more times. At this point we learned that Brandi had two subchorionic hematomas. We learned that these are not uncommon but could be dangerous to the baby. The bleeding had ceased and we were ....--G

Brandi's note: Garrett finished here and asked me to complete the draft...

The hematomas are little tears in the placenta. Mine are small. One is 1 cm and the other is 2 cm. Apparently, the baby is oblivious to them. These happen fairly often and can take several roads. Most likely, they'll heal. They can also simply clot. Unfortunately, they can also increase or multiply resulting in a miscarriage. The doctors seemed simultaneously relieved and saddened with the news, wishing they could tell us something more positive.

We were both really impressed with our doctors and the staff. Not only did they move us quickly, but they were also kind. In addition to Garrett's expert calming effect in times of crisis, I was blessed to have a nurse attach herself to me at the beginning. Her name was Lorraine and she had the ability to make me focus simply on her smile and kind words. The ER doc was an enthusiastic younger guy named Dr. Wasfry. The OB was Dr. Moran whose demeanor totally reminded us of our friend Colleen, which made it all a bit easier. Later, a nice nurse who called me Mrs. Bartleby, Bartney, and everything else under the sun besides my name answered my request for a pair of clean pants. When she brought me new medium sized men's sweatpants I asked if we paid now or if they were added to the bill. She just laughed. "We usually give these to the drunks that piss themselves. I'd much rather give them to you!"

After six hours of food deprivation--well I was deprived of food and by Garrett's standards so was he even though he finished off an entire bag of beef jerkey and two protein bars in the ICU--they finally released us. Dr. Wasfry lived in the area and printed off a map of a favorite and nearby Italian restaurant: Artu. We got to see a bit of Beacon Hill on our short walk, and the food was delicious. Our waitress was adorable and managed to visit like old friends with all the people dining in the 26 seat restaurant. She informed Garrett that her cousin made up the dish he was eating, and we learned that it was mostly a family business.

We found our way back to the B&B via the nearby Red Line. The bed was soooo comfy.

Boston Day One

We began our journey to Boston early on Saturday morning with a 0515 wakeup call. After waiting briefly in the train depot in Park Ridge, we headed toward Penn Station to catch the 0803 Amtrak Express to Boston. I found the train ride to be surprisingly enjoyable despite sitting across from two very giggly fourteen-year-old girls. The train followed the coast, and I found it very relaxing looking out toward the harbors and the ocean. I passed my time listening to audiobooks while enjoying the scenery. Brandi read and slept. As far as I am concerned, the journey seemed to fly by.

Leaving the train station we were greeted with 25 degree, bone chilling air. As we walked toward what we thought to be our destination. In hind sight I know my mistake.... --G

Brandi's note: Garrett left off the previous draft and asked me to finish it, so....
In hindsight, the mistake was that he entered 198 West Brookline Avenue instead of 198 West Brookline Street into his Blackberry to give us directions to our B&B Clarendon Square. As a result, we wandered the city for an hour and a half with Garrett toting his backpack and my small suitcase. They had assured us it was a five minute walk from the train station, so we were both a bit suspicious about our direction. I was exhausted and must have looked about to drop because Garrett ordered me into a Starbuck's when we finally reached our "destination" and the street numbers jumped from 196 to 200 and it was decidedly not in the neighborhood of Victorian townhouses we expected. Garrett clicked away on his Blackberry in search of the proper location. We exited the building and returned for him to click away some more. I was hungry and tired, so I leaned over and interrupted two guys who were listing off the traits they desired in a man. They were very helpful and soon figured out that we meant to be in the South End. Yes. And that we were decidedly far away from it. They told us where a taxi stand was and we were at the B&B in fifteen minutes.

Once there we were shown to our lower level room that opened out to its own terrace. It was all decorated with an Asian theme.

The innkeeper showed us a map and made dining recommendations in the area. After just a short walk we arrived at The Garden of Eden and enjoyed lots of food. Due to our long walk earlier in the day, I was totally exhausted and climbed into bed for the rest of the afternoon--a precursor to the untouristy weekend we were about to have. Garrett spent a lot of time updating his music list.

That night we attempted to eat at a French restaurant called Aquataine but they were packed. However, the host called their sister restaurant Metropolis Cafe across the street and got us in. We luckily walked past a line of waiting people and were immediately seated. The food was divine.

Saturday, February 9, 2008

Much to our disappointment, we did not go on any adventure this weekend. Why didn't anyone tell us that this pregnancy gig could cause bad side effects similar to a hangover? A 24 hour headache is not fun--especially without medication.

Instead of gallivanting around the countryside, we caught up on old movies:

The Postman--better than we expected
Lethal Weapon 1 & 2--"okay, okay, okay"--gotta love 'em
Cars--worse than we expected
The Wedding Singer--"Take off my Van Halen shirt or you'll jinx the band!"
Epic Movie--Why do we watch these and why do we laugh?

We also caught up on taped shows:
Friday Night Lights--Go Panthers!
Project Runway--Does anyone else hate Sweet P?
Eli Stone--It shows promise.

Writers' strike begone!

Friday, February 8, 2008

Fool's Gold

It's cold in Jersey. Not so in the movie theater.

Fool's Gold, set in the Caribbean, was filmed in Australia. The screen offered us beautiful views of sparkling blue ocean with an adorable Kate Hudson and barely clothed Matthew McConaughey. (The fact that he always looks like he smells doesn't matter when he's out of nose range and he offers the world such outstanding muscle definition and a striking semblance to Paul Newman.) What's to complain about? Also, Donald Sutherland repeats his eccentric, wealthy father routine he mastered in Pride and Prejudice and Dirty Sexy Money. The movie previews promised entertainment akin to Romancing the Stone and it delivered. It had underwater action scenes, slapstick humor, and star chemistry.

Don't expect to be able to brag to your friends that you saw some intellectual movie like when you forced yourself to endure Atonement. This one hasn't received the rave reviews and won't earn any Oscar nominations, but if you want to escape for a few silly hours on a tropical vacation, this movie is for you.

It's much cheaper than a cruise.

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

A woman, a black man, an old man, and a Mormon all run for President of the United States... Instead of this being a set-up for a tasteless joke, it's real. America makes history today with several "firsts." Our country has been around a while, but it's finally happened where our candidates actually represent who we are. Perhaps it's the hormones, but I'm so proud to be an American right now.

Garrett and I live in a house divided--you know, like Maria Shriver and the Governator. Usually, it's not a big deal. However, it has caused quite a stir in the past. A few years ago, one of us aligned with his candidate and claimed that global warming didn't exist and was merely a scare tactic by an ill-informed candidate. Um, yeah. He denies it now and has seen the light, but we both know what really happened. Needless to say, for the preservation of our marriage we forbade political talk for the remainder of the election. During that election was one of the few times I'd wondered who I'd really married. (He's probably had more times than just then, but I know my views definitely infuriated him at that time.) Driving home from voting together, we initially refused to tell each other who we voted for. I'd secretly hoped he'd left the dark side and was simply too proud to admit it. He'd hoped the same.

This election is different, though. We seem to see all the candidates with fairly clear eyes. (Translate: we view them similarly and agree on many of the same points.) We still disagree on a lot of points, but we're able to discuss them.

When our baby is born, our nation will be in full-out campaign mode. This election can help make or break the country where our baby is raised. Decide which candidate shares your vision of what that country should be. Not into watching all the debates or lax in reading up on the candidates? Check out some of the online quizzes. Even if you don't make it to the polls today,please be sure to do it in November.

Sunday, February 3, 2008

The Giants won! Hooray!

Many of you know that Garrett and I limit our viewing of football games. We generally watch OU/TX, OU/OSU, and the Superbowl. He may feel an obligation to watch a few more during the year, but these three games are the only guarantees.

This year we had an even greater interest in the Superbowl since the Giants' stadium is right down the street. (Yeah, remember, the NY Giants actually play in New Jersey. Fuggedabout it.) Plus, the head coach lives in Park Ridge. So, we huddled around our little flatscreen--gee, we miss our big one--and settled in for the game.

We were not disappointed.


I, for one, think the commercials this year were definitely better than some in years past. The Rocky commercial with the Clydesdales and the dog was great. Those horses always pull at my heartstrings. Remember in college when they'd make their rounds in the Greek circle each year? Ah, memories.

As for the game... it rocked. Especially at the end when I really started paying attention.

There's something to be said for counting your chickens before they've hatched. When those Patriots started celebrating after that touchdown, I remembered our Okmulgee Bulldogs in high school. Even as underdogs, we always went in to win. And we usually did. Even with only a couple of minutes left on the clock. Shoot, that was plenty of time for a couple of touchdowns.

And the Giants knew it, too. But they didn't want to be greedy.

I think we may be a good luck charm around here.

Saturday, February 2, 2008

At Garrett’s suggestion, we went to Tiffany's in NYC today. Our tenth anniversary is coming soon, so I didn’t argue about it. Okay, I did a little because there are probably cheaper places to go. Of course, it didn’t take long for me to agree to his argument that it was an experience as well as an anniversary gift.

Tiffany’s has several stories. Each one is filled with sparkles galore. One floor contains diamonds and gemstones, another is mostly silver, the top is china and baby things. Tourists, couples, girlfriends, family milled around. If you’re in NY, add it to your touristy list. The Tiffany diamond alone is worth the trip. It’s an enormous yellow diamond set with a diamond bird. It’s only been worn by two women, and one of them was Audrey Hepburn.

We eventually found our way to the counter with the Celebration rings. Anyone can celebrate events with different rings that stack on top of each other and create a thing of beauty. While waiting, a man in a suit came by with a tray of petit fours. Each one was traditional Tiffany’s baby blue with a little white bow of icing on top. They mimicked the gift box customers take home. They also tasted similar to our wedding cake, which I still think was exceptionally delicious for cake.

Melissa was our salesgirl and she went through a variety of rings and helped us figure out the one we wanted. She also wrote down additional ones we liked for future celebratory occasions. While paying, most people are offered champagne. Due to the pregnancy, Garrett joined me with sparkling water.

When we left, we held hands that clasped a little blue Tiffany& Co. bag that contained a little blue box with a white bow.

Garrett was right. It was a lovely experience.

New Jersey Observations

I have often stated that it is the subtle things that stand out with the most prominence when you travel. For example, while working in Australia sexual harassment, something taboo in an American office was fairly overt.

New Jersey is no exception.

In Oklahoma, for example, I was almost always the most aggressive driver on the road. My friends would comment and Brandi would spend most car rides clinging to the “oh shit” handle. However, here in New Jersey I often have the sensation I am driving like an old lady. Last week Brandi and I were driving through Connecticut on I-95 and I could just not keep up. My reflexes and nerves were just not sharp enough, and I would find my self pulling over into the slow lane to let people pass, something I thought would not occur for 50 more years.

Another example is culinary habits. Sushi, my favorite food, is not a mainstay in the diet of Oklahomans. I had only one friend who liked sushi and it was a joke around the office that I would eat “raw fish." Now contrast that with the office here. I have yet to meet anyone who turned up their nose to sushi; in fact, there are large groups who frequent a local restaurant in packs of 8-10 daily.

Also, if you ask any of my friends in Oklahoma, I am the most unusual eater they know. Not so in New Jersey. On my first day in the office, I was paired up with a really nice gentleman, who in addition to being vegetarian (which is not uncommon here) had a way of judging what he should eat by holding the food to his chest with his right arm outstretched. He would then get someone to pull down on his arm. If they successfully pulled his arm down he would not eat the food item. If the person could not pull his arm down he would eat it. His belief was that you body would tell you whether or not the particular food item was good for you by focusing strength in your arm. Of course he told me the name of this practice which I have promptly forgotten. --G

Friday, February 1, 2008

Pizzaria? Sure. Deli? Yep. Bagel shop? Easy. Donut shop? No problem. Diner? Everywhere.

But where can you find a bean burrito? Or those tostados that were so tasty on those late college nights? Nowhere.

We went to a mall tonight, which are prevalent in NJ as I’ve mentioned before. We passed up some nice restaurants in favor of the food court because I’ve been craving a bean burrito. Mushrooms have tasted good throughout the pregnancy, but a BEAN BURRITO was something that has lately appeared in my dreams. Loco? Si. Anyway, on the mall directory, Taco Bell was listed. We raced to the food court and I lost Garrett in the crowd as soon as he saw the sushi bar. But could I find Taco Bell? Nope. I saw several sandwich, two Chinese, one Japanese, one Thai, and one sushi. Unfortunately, the Taco Bell had CLOSED.

This should not have surprised us. At our grocery store, we can easily find a variety of rare foods. However, when we hunted for salsa or anything of the Mexican origin, we were at a loss. Finally, we found a teeny-tiny jar of salsa in the chips aisle.

While still disappointed from my dining experience, we dropped by that grocery store on the way home to pick up some milk. Apparently, our GPS needs to be updated because we witnessed a miracle on the way. A Taco Bell. Right down the street from the grocery store. Within walking distance of our apartment.

Oh yeah. Very bueno.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

We had an ultrasound tonight. It was much different than the last time we had an 8 week ultrasound. You could tell there was a little baby in there! Well, Garrett said it looked like a stuffed animal, and he was right—it looked a lot like a teddy bear. Immediately, we recognized little arms, little legs, little tummy, little heart, and big ol’ head. It was great to see that things were looking normal finally.