Rainy Saturday in Newport
Greetings from Newport! 
It’s a rainy, blustery, gray day in Newport, but I’m so happy to just be here. The weekend that we spend in Newport each October is easily my favorite of the entire year. I look forward to it so much.
Our time in Newport is always very relaxing, but for some reason, we always end up celebrating (or just discussing) a major life change when we are here. For instance, last year, I seriously considered becoming a personal trainer, the year before, Mal told his parents that he wanted to propose to me, and the year before that I accepted a job at HSPH. It’s very bizarre how things have worked out over the years. And this year was no different! 
Mal and I did some celebrating!
(I’m obviously NOT pregnant!)
Congrats to me! 
To celebrate, Mal treated me to dinner at Thai Cuisine on Thames Street.
To start, I ordered a glass of white wine. Unfortunately, it was much too sweet for my liking, so I barely drank any of it. Mal ordered a Landshark beer, which he thought was a local brew, but it actually came from Florida.
For dinner, I ordered two appetizers as my entree. I love ordering many small dishes. I love the variety!
I ordered pan-fried dumplings.
And the Organic Green Salad, which was simple mixed green vegetables served with a spicy Thai peanut butter sauce. I loved the peanut sauce and ended up dipping everything into it!
Mal ordered the Pad Thai. Of course, I ended up stealing a few bites. It was delicious!!!
For dessert, I had a fortune cookie.
I liked my fortune:
“The secret of staying young is good health and lying about your age.”
So true, right?!
Once we finished dinner, Mal and I headed next door to listen to some live music.
Mal and I LOVED the cover artist, Andre Arsenault. He was so talented and he played everything– Jason Mraz, DMB, Tom Petty, OAR, KT Tunstall, Bob Seger, Beastie Boys, Sublime, and even Snoop. His repertoire was impressive!
I continued the celebration with another beer.
Sorry that I can’t tell you guys what the celebration quite yet. I still have some more details to work out, but I promise you will know soon!
Tags: Andre Arsenault, Newport, Thai Cuisine
Beth — October 3, 2009 @ 8:15 am
I love Newport! When we lived in Boston we used to go there often – haven’t been since we moved almost 3 years ago. Ever been to The Black Pearl? Easily our favorite restaurant in Newport – best Clam Chowder ever!!!
MelissaNibbles — October 3, 2009 @ 8:17 am
I love Newport in the fall. It’s less crowded and the scenery is beautiful. You guys should do the cliff walk if it stops raining.
Can’t wait to hear the news!
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is — October 3, 2009 @ 8:18 am
Can’t wait to hear!!
Joy — October 3, 2009 @ 8:21 am
I hope the rest of the weekend is as much fun and I can not wait to hear your news
Diana — October 3, 2009 @ 8:25 am
Looking forward to hear what the celebration’s all about! I’m glad you’re having fun.
christie, honoring health — October 3, 2009 @ 8:26 am
Can’t wait to hear what you were celebrating, so many awesome things happening in blogland these days!!
Deb — October 3, 2009 @ 8:27 am
Now that’s just MEAN!! Let us in on the news!!!!
Meghann — October 3, 2009 @ 8:29 am
I know what it is!!!
CONGRATS!!!! You soooo inspired me to do the same thing.
Kirsten — October 3, 2009 @ 8:30 am
I love Newport – I lived there for the summer in 2003 and its always fun to go back. Congrats on whatever the news is!
Liesl — October 3, 2009 @ 8:35 am
Oh my goodnes…I cannot wait to hear your exciting news! Whatever it is, you deserve it!
Meghan — October 3, 2009 @ 8:36 am
Love Newport! We attended the food and wine festival last weekend there, and I think I am running the Half marathon there in two weeks. . . Can’t wait to hear your good news! I am due for some of my own soon.
Meg C. — October 3, 2009 @ 8:38 am
book deal?
Sarah R — October 3, 2009 @ 8:45 am
Ahh!! What is it? Whatever it is, congrats
Melissa — October 3, 2009 @ 8:50 am
A rainy weekend in Newport is still fabulous. Enjoy some downtime. We recommend Puerini’s – an old favorite. And stop by the Newport Preservation Society – my DH designed the garden there!
Morgan @ Life After Bagels — October 3, 2009 @ 8:56 am
Hmmmmm, not pregnant, what is it?!?!?
Bree — October 3, 2009 @ 8:57 am
Congrats on whatever you’re celebrating! Glad you are having a great time.
Jocelyn — October 3, 2009 @ 8:57 am
lol its great that you are celebrating but I wish you could say why!
Meghan@traveleatlove — October 3, 2009 @ 8:59 am
P.S. if you aren’t too freezing go to Cold Fusion gelato and have the chocolate curry or olive oil gelato! A must visit on most trips to Newport!
Allison — October 3, 2009 @ 9:18 am
Newport’s soo fun! I’m jealous… of the Jack’s Pumpkin beer too. haha… have fun!
Rebecca — October 3, 2009 @ 9:26 am
Can’t wait to find out what you’re celebrating!! Have a great weekend!
VeggieGirl — October 3, 2009 @ 9:36 am
Haha cute fortune words
skinnyrunner — October 3, 2009 @ 9:44 am
looks like a fun relaxing weekend minus the weather! whats the secret??? i want to know!!!!
skinnyrunner — October 3, 2009 @ 9:44 am
looks like a fun relaxing weekend minus the weather! whats the secret??? i want to know!!!
Emily — October 3, 2009 @ 9:46 am
Hey Tina! I’m glad that you’re having a good time! I can’t wait to hear about your surprise!
Brittany — October 3, 2009 @ 9:59 am
Tina! I can’t wait to hear about your exciting news. I have a few guesses- I’m thinking that it’s something career related!!
I recently had that pumpkin spice ale and loved it. Great way to celebrate!
angieinatlanta — October 3, 2009 @ 10:00 am
Ah! I’m dying to know what your life change is!
Are you quitting your job to become a full-time blogger and writer!?
Steph — October 3, 2009 @ 10:00 am
oh newport! my best friend goes to salve regina so i’m there about every other weekend, such a great spot. can’t way to find out what you’re celebrating.
kay (eating machine) — October 3, 2009 @ 10:22 am
that looks like a fun spot for a trip… i need to start having an annual trip somewhere!
Shannon — October 3, 2009 @ 10:27 am
If he’s after a local beer, Mal should have some Newport Storm! Their Hurricane Amber is fantastic, and it should be on tap at a bunch of places…
Tina — October 3, 2009 @ 10:30 am
Excited to hear the good news!
That pad thai looks so good. I’ve been craving some for weeks!
Madeline @ Greens and Jeans — October 3, 2009 @ 10:33 am
I LOVE thai cuisine! Next time you guys are down there you should go to the Newport Storm brewery for their Friday tours. Nothing like free good beer!
MB — October 3, 2009 @ 10:57 am
Newport looks great, even in the rain. It’s raining in Boston too. ;(
Oh, the suspense …. I can’t wait to hear the good news.
Kel — October 3, 2009 @ 10:59 am
Whatever your news – congrats! I admire you for chasing your dreams!
Shannon, Tropical Eats — October 3, 2009 @ 11:06 am
Can’t wait to hear the secret new!! woowoo! Secrets are so exciting
That fortune in your cookie is probably the best one i’ve ever seen lol. Have a great weekend!
Shion (Shi's Eating) — October 3, 2009 @ 11:43 am
Tina, you’re killing us with the suspense!
Food Makes Fun Fuel — October 3, 2009 @ 11:50 am
Looks like fun. Like everyone else, you’ve got me curious now, haha
Melissa — October 3, 2009 @ 12:02 pm
Have you ever gone to Sakonnet Vineyard? It’s not too far from Newport and it’s my favorite stop on the RI Wine Trail.
Enjoy the Taste of RI…can’t wait to hear about your news!
Lynn (The Actors Diet) — October 3, 2009 @ 12:30 pm
i love revisiting places annually and reflecting on change….my hubby and i used to do that all the time with going to cape cod off season. now that we’re on the west coast, though, we have to find another place!
Jenna — October 3, 2009 @ 12:45 pm
looks like a fun date night with the hubby! but what is the celebration?
jenna
Jacqueline — October 3, 2009 @ 1:10 pm
Awe come on! Lol! You got me
Can’t wait to hear about what your celebrating. Enjoy your weekend!
Kristen — October 3, 2009 @ 1:17 pm
Oh I absolutely love Newport. Growing up, good family friends owned a bed and breakfast there so we would spend at least 2 weeks a year there. My boyfriend is actually from Rhode Island, about 30 minutes from Newport. It’s such a wonderful area. Enjoy!
Lee — October 3, 2009 @ 1:21 pm
Congratulations on something!
Erin — October 3, 2009 @ 2:07 pm
Yay Newport! Such fun memories there – glad you’re able to have another celebration in a great spot! My sister’s best friend does tours at Newport Storm. Their blueberry beer is delicious!
Can’t wait to find out the secret
Ris — October 3, 2009 @ 2:46 pm
Yum – I love thai – and that fortune is too funny! Enjoy Newport, and congrats on whatever you’re celebrating!
Laura @ Backstage Pass to Health & Happiness — October 3, 2009 @ 4:10 pm
LOL the guitar guy even played Snoop Dogg. Love it. It’s pretty much my favorite thing when people cover him because it’s so tounge-in-cheek.
VERY INTERESTING about this secret life change to celebrate! Hope that it’s incredible and that you have a great time this weekend.
~Laura
Backstage Pass to Health & Happiness
LauraMKE.blogspot.com
Lauren — October 3, 2009 @ 4:54 pm
Looks like fun, Tina! I love Newport. I also really like your sweater, great color!
Have a wonderful weekend!
intheskinny — October 3, 2009 @ 5:18 pm
like the teaser!
Lizzy — October 3, 2009 @ 5:53 pm
Ah the suspense!
It looks like you and Mal are having so much fun!
Paige@ Running Around Normal — October 3, 2009 @ 8:16 pm
What a fun time! That beer looks so good. Can’t wait to hear what you were celebrating. Congrats!
Caroline — October 3, 2009 @ 10:05 pm
the suspense is killing me! looks like you guys are having a blast in newport despite the weather. sometimes it’s just nice to have a change of scenery and get out for a change!
Kat (Kat's Daily Plate) — October 3, 2009 @ 11:54 pm
Oooooh, the suspense! I can’t wait to hear more about it.. Congrats, whatever great news it is!!
Sarah — October 6, 2009 @ 8:41 am
That is too funny! You should almost expect something to be happening with you guys around this time every year
Hopefully it will always be good news. Glad you had a good trip 
Lynda — March 4, 2010 @ 4:38 pm
Hi, I’m new to your blog and coming out of my newbie lurking phase hehe. Congratulations on whatever you were celebrating!! LOVE your blog, I look forward to it every day. I’m curious about what the foodstuffs were in the little bowl next to your dumplings, they looked like crap-like crinkle cut fries or something LOL. Loved the fortune!!
Lynda — March 4, 2010 @ 4:39 pm
oops…hahahhaha I just realized this was an old post!! so embarressing LOL
Nate — March 6, 2010 @ 9:47 am
brother for murphy?