Gymnastics, Adventures, Playoffs, Oh My!

All I have to say about this week is WOW!

Wow in a good way. This was probably one of the best weeks I've had so far in Boston. Granted, I've only been here for four weeks, but still the best one.

It started with a Monday filled with turning in stories and getting my story packages together for editing. A sigh of relief came after that busy day, but then my focus went into finding a story for the following week. Luckily, I sent out some emails to the coaches and athletic directors the week before and I received many story ideas I could potentially work on.

I had a couple ideas going into the week and my editor helped me focus it down to two. I really wish I could tell you what those stories were about, but I guess you'll have to read them this upcoming Friday. I don't want to ruin the secret.

It started Tuesday when I went to Braintree to learn more about the history behind some of their athletic programs. It was great to talk to some of the older coaches that knew the history behind Braintree athletics.

Wednesday was a rest day to figure out my plan for interviews on Thursday. It was also a day to email more coaches to gain more story ideas. If there's one thing I learned from my Iowa State professors and the people at the Iowa State Daily, it's never bad to have too many story ideas. I'm planning on writing all of these ideas down and the next spring co-op reporter can get them to start off their time at the Globe.

Thursday was a long day. It started at 2:30 p.m. when I drove out to Scituate High School for a couple interviews. After an hour and a half of interviews, I traveled to cover an event where I was able to write my first lead for the high school round-up. I was excited to have the opportunity to write a second angle type story for the weekday paper.

I didn't get done covering my event and writing my story until 9 or 9:30 p.m. and had a 30 minute car ride to get back to the Boston Globe. I was surprised that there wasn't any traffic. My wish finally came true. A time in Boston where there wasn't stop and go traffic for miles and miles.

I had the day on Friday to go do whatever I wanted as long as I was at work by 4:30. It started on a positive note hearing that my aunt was healthy and was discharged from the hospital. My prayers were answered and hopefully she continues to get back to 100 percent in the coming weeks.

After hearing about the exciting news, I decided to go to Samuel Adams Brewery and take a tour around the brewery. Don't worry auntie, I had one for you too! All I can say is unbelievable! If you visit Boston, you need to check it out because it's great beer, great people and great atmosphere. After a few hours at home, I took off for work and did my shift on the sports desk.

On Saturday morning, I woke up to my Twitter blowing up with likes, retweets and direct messages regarding my story on Marshfield's boys track team. All of it was positive feedback and comments on the story, which made my morning even better. If you haven't checked out the article, here's the link to view it.

http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/south/2017/01/20/one-tradition-one-team-one-goal/AJIkbJFa3cN8oLtyIKhR9I/story.html

Saturday afternoon and evening was my time to explore the city. This week it led me to the North End part of Boston as I did the Freedom Trail tour. I wasn't sure going into the tour if I would enjoy it because I'm not a big history guy, but I thought it was interesting and fun to learn about the parts of Boston that played big roles in this historic city.

Our tour guide showed us everything from the Old North Church to the Boston Massacre sight to the graveyard that holds some of the most famous people in our country like Sam Adams, John Hancock and Paul Revere. The tour ended in an area that resembled a 1800's city with cobblestone sidewalks and streets with taverns, pubs and farmer's markets surrounding the area.

Then, it was exploring for Brian. There was a couple stops at the taverns and pubs and some shopping at the important shops. Ghirardelli's and the Boston Red Sox pro shop. Once it became darker out, the night life turned on and there was street dancers and singers with some great crowds of people.

After eating by the Harbor, I decided to head back home and relax after a busy day. While walking to my train station, I heard a fainted "cha-ching" sound. I looked to my left to see hotels that I wasn't allowed to go into. Just kidding, I just didn't want to break anything in the front area. The hotels weren't event the best part as expensive cars parked in front of these hotels. At that moment, I really wished I could be a valet worker, so I could say I've been able to drive some of these types of cars.

Unfortunately, I was only able to stand and stare at the cars. Let's just say I'll be making my way back to that area in the future because it was a fun night with plenty of things to do. When it becomes a little warmer in the spring and summer, that place will be a blast because you got patios and the harbor in the 70's and 80's.

I was able to take Sunday to write my stories for Monday and, luckily, I finished before the New England Patriots game. This gave me the opportunity to go downtown and experience another playoff atmosphere. I was debating back and forth about going out, but I'm glad I decided to go because the environment was incredible.

I'm just really glad the Patriots won because I couldn't imagine being downtown after a playoff loss. Now, it's Super Bowl time and I know I'll definitely be up in Boston for that game. Just have to wait for a Pro Bowl.

Now, I start another week of work and I'm excited to make it better than last week. My goal every week is make my stories more interesting to the community and have better writing than the previous week. I'm continuing to improve, but no one is perfect, so I'll keep learning. As for this week's story, that's undetermined. I'll be discussing it with my editor tomorrow and starting to work on that this upcoming week.

I'm also excited about this weekend because it's my brother's birthday. Unfortunately, I won't be there to celebrate, but we'll celebrate at Fenway Park when he makes a visit.

Well, that concludes my week of work, but I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend. Let's make this week count! As for the quote of this week, it comes from my findings on Monday of last week. I was going through some quotes to give me inspiration or some feedback for the upcoming week and I stubbled upon it. Hopefully it can inspire you as much as it inspired me! Enjoy the week and talk to you next weekend!

"Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence."

- Vince Lombardi