Boston, MA

I thought I had seen some silly ideas for animals in my day, but Rent-A-Pet? This one brings the pet industry to an all-time record high (or low). Well, what do you expect from the land of diamond-studded collars and doggie treadmills? Hopefully, you won’t see this kind of silliness in Boston any time soon.

I don’t even have to go into the details about how bad an idea this is. Can you imagine the poor dog being shuffled around from person to person, not knowing which is his real home? Renting cars and furniture…yes, that makes sense. Renting pets at your leisure? Are our commitment issues that bad in this country? I’m not saying it’s a decision to rush into. Certainly, it took me over 7 years to get to a place in my life where I can commit to a dog, but come on…either you have time in your life for a dog, or you don’t!

People…people…here’s what you do. This is merely a suggestion, but it’s not that difficult…really. I have friend who wants a dog. So, I let her puppy-sit my little pooch whenever I have to go out of town. Seems an easy enough way to determine if she can handle the responsibility or not, right? Or how’s about volunteering at your local animal shelter. There are programs very similar to this one, only you don’t have to “pay” to bring companionship to an animal that could really use it.

Sheesh…talk about being afraid of commitment. What’s next? Full body tattoos that come off? Oh wait, they already have those.

rent a pet, FlexPetz, Flex Petz, dog, companionship, pets, commitment, adoption, foster

Boston is one of these unique cities whose population drops dramatically between June and August every year, particularly these last dog days of summer. Obviously, there’s the college student population that disappears, making the T (what we affectionately call the subway) a pleasure to ride again, especially on the B and E Green Lines, right where it emerges from underground. To add to that decrease however are also the number of residents who go away to summer homes/retreats on Cape Cod, New Hampshire or Maine to beat the sweltering humid heat. Then, there’s also the workers who get the office doldrums and the chances for relaxing in the sun are slipping away, so everyone tries to pack in their vacation time before summer is over.

This last month of August will see Boston as a veritable ghost town. It’s almost eerie to be able to drive around the Common without a crazy driver merging too close to you. Hitting all the green lights intersection after intersection in the Back Bay makes you scratch your head in puzzlement. Even the sidewalks have the occasional pedestrian walking their dog, tumbleweed and a sheet of newspaper lazily being blown about by the wind.

Hold on to that lonely feeling though. Once September 1st hits, only a measly month away, when the students come FLOODING back into town with their double-parked U-Haul trucks and parents’ SUVs packed to the hilt, you will pray for the return of these lazy, dreamy summer days.

Boston, summer, population, college students, moving, vacation

Weeeee!!! This is one of two times a year that I get goo-ga in Boston. Restaurant Week is when some of the finest dining establishments in and outside of the metro area offer lunch and dinner at the ridiculous prix fixe prices of $20.07 for lunch and $33.07 for dinner. So, from August 5-10 and August 12-17 (of course they wouldn’t offer such great prices on the weekend, silly), see which restaurants peak your interest. Reserve your table early though! Some of the 4-star restaurants are known to book weeks in advance, especially those along the Waterfront with great harbor views, like Aura and Meritage.  So, get ready, get set and EAT!!!

Boston, restaurant, Restaurant Week, prix fixe, food, drink, fine dining

You know it’s a slow news week when you come back from a trip and a death-predicting cat dominates the headlines. It’s not even a Boston story!  Well, I should be grateful for the inactivity (other than Lindsay Lohan), considering the day I came back from Asia last time was September 10, 2001.

First, I found the kitty story compassionate and a tribute to the sweet mysteries of life. Then, I thought too much on it and it started to creep me out, like that cat from Stephen King’s Cat’s Eye and the stories of cats who steal your breath. Hmmm…I wonder if any of the nurses found Oscar hovering a *little* too close to their patients’ mouths? *shudder*

cat, feline, death, grim reaper, hospice, hospital, Oscar, Providence, nursing home

Today’s post will be a quick one as I’m still reeling from my 2-week trip to Asia, but I thought I’d make some interesting personal observations comparing the cities of my home and my homeland.

Boston vs. Manila, Philippines: Right away, you notice that downtown Manila is crowded, polluted, has WORSE traffic than you can ever imagine in Boston and you have to deal with all types of vehicles…from man-powered bicycles with sidecars to the truly authentic Filipino jeepneys. HOWEVER, compared to Boston, Manila-ites use their horns for only 2 reasons - to let you know they are passing you and to warn bicycles or motorcycles that they are getting too close. Never have I heard a horn used in a malicious manner, even with getting cut off or merging a little TOO close (for my comfort anyway). It is truly easier going and friendlier there which is amazing to believe considering the traffic can be gridlocked even at midnight. BTW…taxi ride to Manila airport, I heard no horns. On the taxi back home from Logan, I heard four with two being because the taxi driver took, oh “3″ milliseconds instead of the allowed “1″ millisecond to go when the light turned green.

Boston vs. Tokyo, Japan: I used the railway system a lot more in Japan, so I can’t really comment on vehicular traffic, but comparing their subway system vs. the T, the famed Japanese efficiency was witnessed. I saw a lot of people “merging” in ticket lines (”cutting” is more what we could call here in Boston), but no one complained, no one raised voices or even cared that they were cut. It made me realize that if someone cuts you in line, so what? You didn’t get to the ticket machine 20 seconds earlier. Is that such a big crimp in your day?

Conversely, waiting in line for a lunch buffet, 3 middle-aged Japanese ladies inadvertently cut in line, not realizing the start of the line was a few feet behind them. When they realized it from seeing us being ushered in, they immediately realized their mistake, actually bowed to us, stepped out of line and proceeded to the back. Now, would that have happened in Boston or any other American city?

Boston, Manila, Tokyo, Philippines, Japan, jeepney

If you’re like me, it’s tough to go out and enjoy a nice dinner during the summer while your faithful dog sits at home waiting for you to return. As a general rule, most restaurants don’t allow pets…some silly rule about hygiene, sanitation or something like that. (They obviously never met my P-boy who’s the CLEANEST puppy on earth!) Oh well, here are some restaurants with outdoor dining areas who would welcome your lovable canine!

1. Kinsale Pub and Restaurant at Government Center

2. Joe’s American Bar and Grill in the Back Bay

3. Salty Dog Seafood Grill and Bar in Faneuil Hall

4. Tremont 647

5. Taberna de Haro in Brookline

6. Cambridge Brewing Company in Kendall Square

In general, a lot of other casual eating establishments, if they have outdoor or sidewalk seating, will allow dogs (provided they are well-behaved) such as Au Bon Pain, Starbucks, outside the Prudential’s Food Court, etc. So, don’t feel bad anymore, take your beloved pet out not just for a walk, but a meal too!

pet friendly, Boston, dogs allowed, restaurants, canine, outdoor dining

When the drive-thru window just isn’t fast enough… Carbecue, come to Boston!!!! Please?!?!

Carbecue, barbecue, car grilling, tailgating

That wasn’t too hard, was it? Here are the answers to Monday’s post in case you didn’t get them all!

Answers:

1. 365 Days in a Year.

2. 18 Holes on a Golf Course.

3. 50 Stars on the American Flag.

4. 12 Months on a Calendar.

5. 7 Continents of the Earth.

6. 3 Feet in a Yard.

7. 9 Players on a Baseball Field.

8. 9 Planets of the Solar System (including Pluto).

9. 7 Wonders of the Ancient World.

10. 6 Degrees of Separation.

11. 30 Days in September, April, June and November.

12. 8 Islands of Hawaii.

13. 7 Colors of the Rainbow.

14. 100 Pennies in a Dollar.

15. 16 Numbers on a Master Card.

16. 8 Notes in an Octave.

17. 206 Bones in the Human Body.

18. 7 Deadly Sins.

19. 102 Floors of the Empire State Building.

20. 3 Licks to the Center of a Tootsie Pop.

Since I’m away on vacation and will probably be doing some puzzles on the plane, like crosswords or word searches. Here’s a little bit of word fun to keep you occupied as well! It’s pretty obvious. Try to use the numbers to help you fill in the missing words. Here’s a little hint as to how to complete the phrases…7 Days in a Week. See, easy huh? Look for the answers in two days!

1. 365 D_____ in a Y_____.

2. 18 H_____ on a G_____ C____.

3. 50 S_____ on the A_____ F_____.

4. 12 M_____ on a C_____.

5. 7 C_______ of the E_____.

6. 3 F_____ in a Y_____.

7. 9 P_____ on a B_____ F_____.

8. 9 P_____ of the S_____ S_____ (including P_____).

9. 7 W_____ of the A_____ W_____.

10. 6 D_____of S_____.

11. 30 D_____ in S_____, A_____, J_____ and N_____.

12. 8 I_____ of H_____.

13. 7 C_____ of the R_____.

14. 100 P_____ in a D_____.

15. 16 N_____ on a M_____ C_____.

16. 8 N_____ in an O_____.

17. 206 B_____ in the H_____ B_____.

18. 7 D_____ S_____.

19. 102 F_____ of the E_____ S_____ B_____.

20. 3 L_____ to the C_____ of a T______ P_____.

I will be on vacation for the next two weeks, but through the magical world that is known as the Internet, I will still be able to post, just not as frequently. Hope everyone is having a great summer so far. I know I will…since I’ll be sipping mai tais and kamikazes in a luxury hotel bar very soon!

So, I apologize off the bat that this post will most likely interest only about half the population reading this (the hairy half..ha!). A friend who lived in California raved about threading when she came back from a family visit, so I wanted to try it out here in Boston. While it has yet to catch up in popularity here on the East Coast (except for NYC), I thought it was a cool experience! Threading is just another way to get rid of facial hair, like shaving or waxing, but as you can probably tell by the name, it’s an Indian technique that uses a regular spool of thread to remove unwanted hair. The technician holds the thread in an interesting “cat’s cradle” type of configuration from her mouth to between her fingers and when the thread is twirled between her fingers, makes a cool rolling scissor effect that pulls the hair out from the root! I’ll be honest…I had my upper lip done (most women get their eyebrows done) and it kind of hurt. It’s a weird hurt though where it was so fast and light, I didn’t realize it hurt until tears were rolling down my face. Kind of like getting a tattoo done…more hurt/annoying vs. hurt/extreme pain. That’s my opinion.

Threading is better than shaving obviously in that when you pull the hair out from the root, it takes longer to grow back and the hair is finer. I think threading is also better than waxing because the wax can pull the top layer of skin off along with your hair. Not the best if you have thin, sensitive skin. Threading takes just a few minutes and is comparably inexpensive. I went to Leeba Salon located on Commonwealth Ave in Boston across from the Star Market and by Boston University’s West Campus. There seem to be other salons around the city that do threading too. My opinion? Definitely give it a try! I think I’ll do my eyebrows next!

threading, Boston, salon, waxing, eyebrows, tweezing

There’s nothing better to start off your lazy Sunday morning than to wander into Boston’s Chinatown and meet friends for dim sum, which is basically Chinese breakfast or brunch. I’d recommend China Pearl or my new favorite place, Hei La Moon. It’s a crazy time when you first get to the restaurant as it’s usually extraordinarily crowded. If you can make your way up to the podium, that’s already a good start. You give the hostess your party number, you’re given a number scribbled on a scrap of paper (like the ticket machine at the deli counter) and then get ready to wait. If you have a large number of people, chances are you’ll get to eat sooner and sit at your own table. If it’s just the two of you, then be prepared to be seated at a large table with other people or wait EVEN LONGER for your own private table. Just depends on how hungry you are and if you’re willing to wait for a table for two.

Then, once you’re seated and served your tea, food comes fast and furious. You see, the dim sum dishes are served in metal carts that the servers wheel around continuously. They can describe what’s in a dish and if you want, they’ll place on your table, stamp your bill and be on their way. In less than a minute, you can have your entire eating area covered with plates of crunchy eggrolls, damp steamers full of shumai (shrimp/pork dumplings), a tray of chicken feet (if you’re feeling brave), bowls of mini spareribs or *my personal favorite* taro root cake with hoisin sauce. (Be warned…it’s not an actual cake, but more like a less crunchy and taro vs. potato version of a hash brown). Then, wash all that food down with several cups of hot jasmine, oolong or again a *personal recommendation* chrysanthemum tea. First timers, if the hustle and bustle scares you, find a friend whose gone to dim sum before to help you figure things out. Heck…I’ll go with you if you want. I’m always up for some dim sum!

Boston, Chinatown, dim sum, China Pearl, Hei La Moon, yum cha, Chinese breakfast, Chinese brunch, shumai

One of the great things about summer is just hanging out in the backyard with friends and playing some relaxing games like frisbee and catch, right? Well, imagine doing that 100 times bigger and in Fenway Park! This Saturday, July 7th, those Life is Good guys are throwing their annual summer festival and you, your friends and your kids are invited, for just $20 per adult and $10 per child. Not only are there tons of activities, but great live music including the Gin Blossoms. All proceeds go to the Project Joy and Red Sox Foundation, so come on out to either pull up a beach chair, laze about and watch the activities or try your best to be crowned the World’s Greatest Backyard Athlete!

I had FINALLY made my way over to the new Popeye’s Chicken at 645 Beacon Street behind the Pizzeria Uno’s near Fenway Park. Well, kind of behind Uno’s. More like behind and then down to the basement. Now, I’ve lived in the South, so I was more than beyond THRILLED that Popeye’s was coming. (Although I remember over 5 years ago, there used to be a Popeye’s at the Framingham Plaza rest area on the Mass Pike because every time I went out of town, I made sure to get me some 3-piece meal dealy). I digress…

I stopped by Popeye’s just for take out. I knew the place is small, the dining area would be crowded and dismal-feeling. It actually was not crowded at all. I had planned my surgical strike well as the Red Sox game was still going on.

Let me just say if you are a fan of KFC, then Popeye’s is another option of greasy, proprietary blend of herbs and spices fried chicken goodness as finger-licking as you can get. The biscuits SURPASS those of KFC’s as all you’re tasting is pure buttery crispness. The dirty rice is a nice side when you are sick of coleslaw, mac and cheese or mashed potatoes with gravy. My ONLY complaint (Popeye’s big-wigs…please hear me on this) is that you MUST have sweet tea on the beverage menu!!! It’s not a true Popeye’s meal without it!

Popeye’s Chicken, KFC, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Boston fast food, sweet tea, fried chicken

Sorry everyone that there’s no “real” post on this holiday! I’m *not* going to be working and actually enjoying a day on the beach. How typically non-Bostonian of me! Hope your holiday is as relaxing and fun!