Day 42: Miracle of Science.

Being back at work today was a little bit of a shock to the system, I must admit.  This weekend's activities were well worth it. After working for almost 10 (maybe 11?) hours, I headed back, homeward bound, and learned that lots of my roommates' classmates (and one of my roommates) were in the coffee shop downstairs, studying for their final exam (given, incidentally, by my former adviser).  I stopped by to say hello, but I wanted no ice cream or coffee -- I needed some real food.  Luckily for us, the Miracle of Science is typically quiet on early week-nights (especially Mondays), and so I managed to wrangle two of them into joining me for a snack. They worked, and I caught up on some for-fun writing :).  The M.O.S. is a place I discovered early on -- even before moving here. My mom and I got burgers there when we were visiting the summer before I moved out. It was also a place a bunch of us went as first-years... with the tempting periodic-table-of-meat-and-awesome-things board and the cozy tables (yet industrial feel) it's definitely a Central Square classic.  And so nice to study/work there on quiet evenings! Two thumbs up.

Day 14: Johnson Paint Company

Today is Patriot's Day, a made-up Massachusetts holiday to give people a reason not to go to work on Marathon Day (probably also has something to do with all the streets in Boston being useless). My reasonable place of work in Cambridge did not close for the day, but in the end I worked very little today because I was studying for my exam. Thank goodness that's over.

However, the place of work of a friend of mine, located on Newbury St. in the heart of marathon mayhem, did have the day off. Combined with the fact that one of the owners of the store (Johnson Paint Company) ran the marathon, conditions were perfect for them to host a part on their roof deck -- and host a party they did. (I think they started before noon, even.)

I was able to join on the later side, and it was lovely. Johnson's is apparently the oldest store on Newbury St., and I only recently (i.e. within the last year or so) learned of its existence. Upstairs, there is an artist supplies department, and downstairs there is house paint, etc.

Happy Patriot's Day!

Day 13: Bloc 11

This past year I have finally felt like the pieces that make up my understanding of the jigsaw puzzle of Cambridge and surrounding cities have been clicking more rapidly. Not only can I navigate Harvard Square (for example), but I know how it connects with Fresh Pond, Inman, and Central. And recently, I'd say that I can add Union Square to the puzzle. I've been there several times, but mostly by car or perhaps even bike. Today I walked, and I must admit that I was shocked at how short a walk it was and a bit embarrassed at how rarely I get up there.

In particular, I was looking for a new coffee place that would be good for studying, and a friend reminded me of Bloc 11. I had been there before, but not in ages, and I didn't remember that they had (gasp!) outdoor seating. Since it has been so gorgeous, this made my day. It also turns out that their coffee is pretty good, too :).

Another thing learned today pre-studying was that at 3pm, it is nearly impossible to find lunch on a Sunday in between Central and Harvard - Cellar, Plough & Stars, Mass Ave cafe all out. However, People Republik will serve you -- but at that point you might as well just walk back the way you came (either Harvard or Central would do) because although People's Republik is a lovely place to enjoy a beverage, they haven't quite figured out how to accompany those with pub fare. Not hating, though, I promise.