Going to the Chapel (Kelly and Jason version)
Storytime! I first met my friend Kelly way back in middle school. We knew each other because we had gym class together, but Kelly was a year older than me. Because a grade can sometimes be quite a barrier to communication, we didn’t start chatting regularly until our 5th period band practice. I don’t remember exactly when it happened, but because Kelly and I both played the flute, we started sitting next to each other. When Kelly moved up to the 9th grade, much to my disappointment, she left me alone with our music stand. Luckily, my nerdy 8th grade self was in the accelerated science program, and Kelly and I spent many hours together learning all about geology and meteorology from “Mr Box o Rocks.” Throughout high school, we continued our friendship, growing closer and closer. Years later, we have shared so much more than a few pieces of sheet music. From the laughter of “board cake” and Bon Jovi concerts to the tears of break-ups and bad hair, Kelly has remained one of my best friends. We have traveled together to NYC, Florida and Hawaii, and our friendship has even withstood several “fights” involving maps. In my blog, you’ll often hear me refer to my friends as Pioneers. Kelly was there the night the phrase “Pioneer Girls” were born and is PG #1. Kelly is one of my best friends, and I’m so honored that she asked me to be one of her bridesmaids when she married her husband Jason. From the very first text I got after their first date, I had a feeling that he maybe the one for Kelly 
Ok, enough with the sappy walk down memory lane, and time for some pictures! 
As you probably can tell, this is going to be one of my favorite blog posts. Although I’ll never be able to capture all of the emotions of this special day, I hope this post shows what a beautiful wedding Kelly and Jason had. Unfortunately, due to bridesmaids duties, I wasn’t able to take photos of the actual ceremony and parts of the reception. Check out Emily’s blog to see quite a few more pictures from all the wedding festivities. She owns one of those big bad paparazzi cameras so the pics are pretty awesome:)
The Wedding
After a long day of testing, driving, rehearsing, dining and reception prepping, I woke up bright and early the next morning ready for wedding festivities. I picked Kelly up and headed over to Michael’s diner for a pre-wedding breakfast and hair party with Kelly, Emily, Vicki and I.
Kelly and her congrats balloon
I was running late (surprise, surprise), so Em and Vicki brought me an iced coffee (dark roast, black, and delicious)
Emily!
Kelly!
Michael and Vicki!
Michael whipped up perhaps one of the tastiest omelets I’ve ever had.
After breakfast, we headed next door to get our hair done. Here’s the soon to be Mrs. Peruzzi outside of the hair salon.
After spending way more time than I thought was possible on Kelly and my hair (Em has some photos of my 80′s soap star hair on her blog) and a make-up session, we headed over to the Coddingtons to get dressed. We got Kelly into the dress fairly quickly, and thanks to quite a bit of dress tape that thing was not moving anytime soon.
Kelly all dressed, ready, and waiting
Love this picture
Vicki, me, Kelly, Lisa, and Emily before the wedding
Bridesmaids after the wedding ceremony
Mr and Mrs Peruzzi!
Such a beautiful day for a wedding. Couldn’t get a picture of the church without the stupid power lines
Tailgating outside the reception before Kelly and Jason arrived
Bridal party drinking out of our classy champagne glasses. You’ll notice that we’re only hanging on to the top half.
The guy at the store only sold us tops. No bottoms.
Vicki keeping it classy
Em and I doing the same
My placecard
My beautiful flowers. Thanks Emily for being so crafty!
With all the craziness at the reception, I didn’t get a chance to take a picture of my dinner. I did manage to get a picture of my salad.
Wedding favor
Love this picture of Emily at the reception
The cake that our super talented Emily made
Kelly after they cut the cake
Jason after the cake cutting
Jason taking off the Giants garter I worked so hard to put on
The photographer had an idea
It worked fairly well with Kelly. Sorry for dropping you Jason!
After all was said and done, I had a fantastic time at the wedding. Even if I still have a bruise from the unidentified dancing relative who accidentally kicked me while busting a move, the wedding was awesome! Congrats Kelly and Jason!!!
Love is in the air
As I mentioned in my previous post, one of the most exciting events that happened over the past few weeks was Kelly and Jason’s wedding. After my last written test of the year (still had a lab practical left to go), I headed home just in time to make my hair appointment. After a quick cut and style, Em, Vicki, and I met up and made our way over to the church in Canajoharie. The actual rehearsal went well. We worked out a few kinks and practiced walking mega slow. The rehearsal dinner was at a cute Italian restaurant called Mercato’s.
Emily and Vicki at dinner
Vicki and I
My giant plate full of bread, salad, pasta, chicken and shrimp. Yum
I may have had seconds of the shrimp and pasta dish
Kelly and Jason gave a few gifts to members of the bridal party and family members. I got a beautiful new Vera Bradley bag and these cute pink shades to wear the following day.
Em, Kelly, Vicki and I after dinner
The happy couple
The wedding was going to be held at the Charter House in Fort Plain. After the rehearsal a bunch of us headed over the restaurant to help set up for the next day.
The “paparazzi” (aka Em and her camera)
Michael striking a pose
At the Charter House bar
Michael and Kelly
Still don’t know how I feel about the Shrimp….
Mmm Tequila sunrise
We eventually did actually do some setting up. Here’s Em and Vicki carrying boxes
Kelly put Vicki and I in charge of alphabetizing and organizing the place cards. She knew we’re both pretty OCD
Restaurant almost set up!
Kelly and Emily rushing around putting the finishing touches on the tables.
After a long day, I finally headed home to get some sleep before the big day…
Mamma Mia
So much for me being on top of the blog! Since my last post, sooooo much has happened. The highlights include successfully completing my first year of med school and the first wedding of the 2010 season. Once again, it’s time for me to play bog catch up!
Mothers Day
Since I was pretty busy with school, mom came out to Syracuse to spend the day with me. We started off the morning with a lovely breakfast at Stella’s Diner.
As Richard put it, “Upstate NY is where reliable, consistent weather goes to die.” That’s snow falling from the sky and snow on the cars…in MAY!
Mom and I. They gave ever mom a pink carnation and a chocolate dipped strawberry.
Portions are HUGE at Stella’s. I had a veggie scramble with hash browns and whole wheat toast.
We spent the rest of the day shopping and watching Lifetime movies. We also whipped up a batch of Michele’s Mango Salsa. It was super relaxing and an excellent study break/work break for the both of us.
After mom headed home, I found some unopened mail from the day before. After going through 6 items of junk mail, I almost made the mistake of throwing away this little bit of goodness. I don’t know if i should be proud or extremely embarrassed that I have hit the gold level at Starbucks…
One sweet world, around a star is spinning…
I just got back from a fantastic evening at the Museum of Science and Technology down in armory square. After a year of of comedy nights, coffeehouse performances, and Sunday morning brunches, Upstate’s CAGB had it’s end of the year event at the museum. Not only did the we get to roam through all the exhibits, but we also got to take in a show at the planetarium and the IMAX theater. The movie was called Wild Ocean, and although I heard some mixed reviews from my classmates, I very much enjoyed it. Ever since the marine bio class I took back at Colgate, I’ve had a thing for any type of ocean documentary. I even own the entire Blue Planet collection. Anyway…It was a great night and as always, I brought my camera along
One of the best parts of the night was definitely the desserts. The event was catered by Sweet Endings.
Mini cheese cakes, mini cupcakes and mini cannolis.
The three I picked…mmm they were delicious
Cake on stick!
Tara opted for a tasty looking raspberry tart.
Andrea, Anna’s friend Sarah, and Anna.
Me, Tara, and Justin.
Erica enjoying a mini cupcake.
Inside the museum.
One of my “candid” shots
Tara making a new friend and working on some type of puzzle.
Andrea posing with the giant heart.
Erica inside the heart.
More science museum fun!
As many of you may know, I LOVE scaled down miniatures. Yes it’s weird thing to enjoy, but does anyone remember my trip to Miniature World ? Canada’s “Greatest Little Show on Earth?” I can’t get enough of the stuff! Little did I know, the museum had a special exhibit devoted to miniature temples and towers. How exciting!
St. Patrick’s Cathedral…made out of toothpicks!
Friends checking out the toothpick masterpieces.
I loved little King Kong on the Empire State building.
Notre Dame
Grand Mosque
On the fifth day of May…
¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo! Even though most of my day was spent studying, I did get a chance to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. It was such a beautiful day in Syracuse. I have a confession. I didn’t actually get a chance to cook today. Tara, Andrea and I went to Taco Bell. Not the most authentic Mexican food, but then again, it’s Syracuse. I had two of the fresco ranchero chicken soft tacos. Technically it’s fast food, but it’s o so tasty. Since I didn’t actually make anything today, to commemorate the holiday I thought I would highlight some of the Mexican food I made this past weekend.
Found this spicy taco seasoning at Wegman’s. Good, but could have been a little spicier.
I love Garden of Eatin’ chips, and I’e been wanting to try their taco shells.
Turkey blue corn crunchy tacos! Mmm…
On Saturday, Tara had a space age themed party. Unfortunately, I didn’t get many pictures from the night 
I crafted up some sparkly antennas, made Michele’s Mango Salsa, and called it “Moon-go salsa.” I know, I know…I’m super cheesy. Regardless, if you’ve never tried it, you’re missing out. It’s delicious! Mich mixes mangos, red and green peppers, cilantro, red onion and lime juice. So simple, but so good The recipe actually makes quite a bit, and I had some left over. On sunday night I made myself a veggie taco salad with Garden of Eatin’ blue corn chips, spinach, cheddar cheese, and tomato.
The mango salsa is a perfect salad topper!
And on that note, I’ll leave you with an email I got earlier this evening:
The story of Cinco de Mayo (according to Dr. D, my neuroscience professor)
Most people don’t know that back in 1912, Hellman’s mayonnaise was manufactured in England. In fact, the Titanic was carrying 12,000 cases of the condiment scheduled for delivery to Vera Cruz, Mexico, which was the next port of call for the great ship after it’s stop in New York. This would have been the largest shipment of mayonnaise ever delivered to Mexico…..But, as we know….the great ship did not make it to New York. The ship hit an iceberg and sank….and the cargo was lost forever. The people of Mexico, who were crazy about mayonnaise and were eagerly awaiting its delivery, were disconsolate at the loss…..Their anguish was so great that they declared a National Day of Mourning which is still observed to this day. The National Day of Morning occurs each year on May 5th and is known as…of course….as Sinko de Mayo (English spelling).
Bottle of red, bottle of white…
After the Unit 9 exam, Andrea and Anna and I decided a day of wine tasting was definitely in order. On Saturday, the three of us hopped in my car and headed out towards Cayuga Lake. Even though my GPS took us on the more scenic route, I loved the drive. Not only did I get to see many many cows, but we drove through several adorable little towns that I never visited before.
The first stop on our mini wine tour was the Long Point Winery.
Inside the tasting room.
Tasting counter.
Some of the wines on hand.
A tasty merlot.
I loved this sangiovese that I tried, and yes it was only $2 to try 6 wines. Excellent deal! I ended up buying a bottle of their Pinot Grigio (2009).
Andrea and Anna looking lovely and enjoying some wine.
The woman behind the counter was kind enough to take a picture…twice
Anna and Andrea “frolicking” through the fields.
We stopped the Pumpkin Hill Bistro for lunch. I loved this place and the country style that it had.
The menu was on a painted clipboard. Very different, but it worked and added to the cute country feel of the restaurant.
I had the “East meets West” wrap with applesauce.
A blend of curried chicken salad with moroccan chutney in a wheat pita.
For dessert the three of us split the “Pumpkin Hill Dirt Pudding”
Anna, me and Andrea and the dessert menu which was on that rolling pin in front of me. Again, so different, but adorable.
The absolute only thing i didn’t like about this place was the creepy cloth man in the bathroom. I don’t know if you can tell, but it was very large and seated directly next to the toilet. Didn’t like the feeling of the weird clothe person watching me while I used the bathroom
Andrea and Anna enjoying the sunshine.
Next up was the Montezuma Winery. This place had several fruity wines that I was a VERY big fan of.
I loved the Cranberry bog and the Raspberry Melomel (a super sweet honey wine) AND I got a bottle of each:). I also very much enjoyed the Pear Perfection and the Midnight flight, a sparkling blueberry wine.
All and all, it was a lovely day, and I’m so excited I finally got to try some of the fantastic wines the Finger Lakes region has to offer:)
Let the good times roll
Although I spend the vast majority of my time in a setting that looks much like the picture below (a desk at the library), I still managed to have quite a few good times this past semester. Here are a few highlights:
First off, thank you Renate for the lovely new pencil case. My friends think smart things
I splurged and bought myself a new vera for school since my other one was not looking so hot. Let’s just say a highlighter staged a revolt in my bag and my bag was not the winner of the fight
Puccini!
To celebrate the return of my favorite TV show, I had a lost themed party. Here is my Lost themed cup-Kates with palm trees on the island and a plane crashing in the water.
Tara brought a Dharma Initiative cherry chocolate cake, that we had with coffee ice cream Jenny brought.
I put my punch bowl to good use with “Down the Hatch” punch.
We also had John Latkes and Sweet and Sawyer chicken. Bethan brought Sun Chips and 7 layer dip (with Jake cheese).
Tom got crafty and made a 6 pack of Dharma Initiative beer.
Another super exciting event was attending the SU vs Villanova game at the carrier dome with 34,615 other fans.
Tara and I went all out with temporary face tattoos.
Tom and Colin enjoying the game.
Yet another highlight of this past semester was having Vicki come out to Syracuse. I love that she’s back in the country and we can now do weekends together again:)
St. Patty’s Day at Mully’s: Andrea, Anna, Christopher, Vicki, me and Tara.
Jenny, Justin and Bethan
Vick, me and Tara.
Mark and Sarah.
Another night out at Al’s. Mike, Tara, Erica, Matt and Christopher.
Christopher, Justin, Jenny and Jenny’s friend Christa.
I love the back nook at Al’s. Me, Tara, Erica, and Jenny’s other friend Brittney.
And the final highlight that I’ll mention was the day we took a study break from the library, walked outside and Syracuse looked like this. I can’t tell you how excited I was to see blue skies, sunshine and flowers. Summer is almost here!
Seasons of love
It’s that time of year again. Wedding season! This year is particularly busy for me. I have five weddings, and I’m in three of them. Between weddings, bachelorettes, showers and the half marathon, I will have 2 weekends where i don’t have something planned. Needless to say, it’s going to be a busy summer. This will be the first of many wedding related posts…
Wedding season officially kicked off for me with Sarah’s bridal shower in Rochester. The party at an adorable place called Edibles Restaurant and Bar.
Me, Anna, Tara, Sarah, Erica and Caitlyn
Enjoying our mimosas.
Chicken and pesto panini.
As I said, the restaurant was adorable.
In other weddings news, I have two of the three bridesmaids dresses in my possession. I actually had the dress for Hanley’s wedding out when I received her invitation. I just want to take a moment to show off her super crafty invite. First of all, it arrived in a box. You will also notice that the font is a David’s Bridal color called Pool. Yup, the invitations match the wedding colors:)
Upen opening the invitation, Hanley and her mom had attached a starfish and a sand dollar to EVERY invitation.
Hanley did an amazing job with these!
I’m going back to Colgate, to Colgate….
I love when friends come to Syracuse, and it was a particularly exciting visit when Renate came in February. Not only did we have a fantastic night out with Tom and Tara, but we drove out to Hamilton on Saturday with Andrea. For anyone who hasn’t seen Colgate before, I recommend clicking here and getting a proper tour. It’s a beautiful campus (#1 Most Beautiful in the country according to the Princeton Review), and my pictures definitely do not do it justice. I took lots of photos of places that have special meaning to me or changed drastically since graduation in 2006.
First off, they moved WRCU to the Coop! For all my Colgate friends, they had to push back the computer lab (it’s now called a media center).
Renate picked up a chicken Caesar wrap.
Inside the new Ho Science Center.
You know you’re a nerd when you’re upset because “all this quality study space and awesome geology museum wasn’t there when we graduated!!!”
I made Renate awkwardly pose so I would have more reasons to take pictures:)
They put step by Wynn! It’s about FrycN time!
Olin hall (my second home during senior year) and the Ho.
TriBeta mural
We stopped back in my old lab and Hoopes has kept up all lab groups photo and quote wall. We totally are an impressive group of students All four of us will be able to call ourselves doctors (eventually… )
Stopped by Frank (the dining hall). The froyo machine got a nice upgrade.
Renate and Andrea in front of the chapel.
New library is the most ridiculous improvement.
What’s this you ask. Why its a giant robot designed to retrieve books. You type in the book you want. Robot gets it.
New senior thesis study desks.
My two favorite places on campus. The view looking over Taylor lake from the Perrson steps. Adam and eve (our resident swans) we’re in storage for the winter.
Willow path. Even in the snow, it’s still pretty
Eat, drink and be merry
Way back in January, my best friend Emily turned 26. As she does every year, she planned a spectacular wine party to celebrate the occasion. Vicki and I drove out from New York to spend the weekend with her and Trevor in Worcester.
A place setting at the table.
Emily labelled corks to serve as name cards.
“Rah”
As you can see, there was plenty of wine for everyone.
Our fabulous hostess.
Vicki and I before the party began.
I wasn’t the only one taking pictures
Emily at work.
Smoked salmon and avocado cream cheese terrines.
Emily and Vicki.
Tarragon-roasted zucchini with goat cheese and black olives.
Party guests enjoying my favorite dish of the night.
Mmm red wine.
Ravioli di portobello with a gouda cheese sauce.
The picture is a little dark, but we had tiramisu for dessert.
Emily did an amazing job! Everything was made from scratch and absolutely delicious. Love you Em!
