Tuesday, March 31, 2009

How do you fight stupidity?

frickin frack - 1 definition - A variation on 'What the fuck?' as said by Alice Piezsecki on The L Word.

These are my sentiments regarding the office these days. However, despite the insane environment and bureaucracy that is just rampant in here and was never more prevalent than yesterday -- today's rant only has to do with more websites that they are now blocking.

I should be careful, since it's only been about 6 months that they reallowed Blogger in the editing mode. I can't view blogs, but I can at least write my own without having to email it in! "They" (the mysterious Big Brother who watches us) go back and forth between allowing cached views via Google , or restricting them; and that's relatively hit or miss. Right now we're in hit mode....tomorrow, maybe not.

However, as of today, the newest trend of sites that are blocked are sites that have the word "yoga" in the URL. Yoga. Seriously?! What's the logic behind that one? I understand why they block social networking sites, porn, alcoholic beverage sites, gaming sites -- and as ridiculous as it is - even Pop3 email sites such as AOL. But yoga? I don't Google yoga that often, so imagine my surprise when I went to go on my studio's website to find out for sure what time class was tonight (and it's 6pm as I thought!) - only to find that it's been filtered.

Oh, and now webmail is blocked. Which is insane - it's not any different than a regular website, so there's no security parameter that would call for that. Sometimes, we have to use external email to transfer data because not everything is able to be carried on our mail due to size constraints -never mind the lack of stability the network has.

It seems that more and more websites or rather, content of websites are being filtered for foolish reasons. For example, stock photography and design sites are blocked. Well, if you're a designer (as I am) and need to find images -- how should one do that? "They" certainly don't buy cd's for you to peruse, so the web is a tool of necessity. Interestingly enough, even Microsoft and development sites are blocked so that when it comes time for patches and updates -- our own help desk can't access the data they need. They have to do it elsewhere, download it - and bring it in. Can you imagine?!?

At some point, at this rate -- access to the internet itself will be prohibited. Which is beyond ridiculous because we as a society have become so tightly dependent upon it. We don't use paper, or books any longer -- we can find all that we need electronically. Assuming of course, that we're allowed to.

Isn't this a violation of one of my amendment rights? Because this feels more like censorship than ensuring a productive work environment. I'm all for security and controls from cyber threats....but seriously. Enough already.

Flipping politics.
This frickin' frackin' place drives me crazy.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Monday Musings.....

As I sit here drinking my Starbucks Peppermint Mocha (with skim, no whipped - naturally), it occurred to me that while this coffee and the fruit cup I got completely hit the spot today as I'm freezing from the dreariness -- it was pretty pricey. $7.00 for a cup of coffee and about 1/8th of a pound of fruit. That's a good gig the 'Bucks has going on.

Which brings me to my thoughts for today...

1. Always go with your gut when it comes to your body. Yes, I am suffering a slight setback with my knee. Slight is the key word which I'm very happy about. He said it's only about 2-3 weeks off course for me. Seems I had this loud crack in my knee about 10 days ago now, and since then my gait has been off; I've encountered lots of discomfort and swelling -- and the swelling has been as bad as presurgery. I was very nervous about it, actually -- and Saturday was the worst it's been. So very swollen and bruised looking. However, I went to a candlelight yoga session Saturday night, convinced that I was going to overcome. Fortunately -- and oddly enough -- the swelling went down by almost half by the time class was over. So, seeing that I was relieved that it wasn't a tendon or ligament issue -- which the doctor confirmed today. Turns out it's scar tissue that broke and floated into a part of my knee that it doesn't belong in. So my knee is revolting. He said if I can add more yoga to my PT regimen it will help break it down sooner and more efficiently - and that this is a minor setback not to be concerned. So it was win/win for me. My feeling that something wasn't right was confirmed, but not serious -- and I get encouraged to do more yoga. (As if I ever needed any encouragement in that area!)

2. I don't know how a company can be so shortsighted. I found out on Friday that my daughter's Pre-K is closing on 19 June. The company that sponsors the Children's Center has deemed that it's not effective enough as a recruiting tool to keep it any longer. Mind you - this is the most fabulous children's center and private kindergarten I have ever seen. And while my daughter will be attending public kindergarten and wasn't going to be attending during the summer -- it's still such a shock to hear. All of those children will now have to be relocated; parents will need to find new arrangements -- the public schools will now have an influx of students; and how about all of the teachers and staff? The last thing this economy needs are more unemployed people added to the statistics. This company was providing not only a valueable resource to our community - but to those who attended. The facility is gorgeous - the staff is tremendous - and truly, a positive environment for all those involved. To tell the director to "sell things piecemeal if need be" is horrifying. Why not charge rent and allow the school to be a separate entity? Increase tuition if need be? They didn't even allow that option, which is such a sin. I now plan on taking my daughter out earlier than expected because I think seeing the demise of the school, and the heartbreak of the staff is something I want to spare her from.

3. There is sometimes unmistakable evil that lies within some souls. I don't think I've ever been more convinced of this than now. The story of the young monster (dare I call him "man") who killed his two sisters, decapitating one of them is unspeakable. I cannot venture to guess what he thought he was accomplishing, or why he would do something so horrific to a family member, let alone a child. It turns my stomach, and death by 4 rounds of police gun fire was far too kind of a death, in my opinion.

4. Sometimes it's the simple things to make the day seem happier. Tonight its family movie night - and we're taking the kids to see "Monsters v. Aliens", complete with dinner out after.

If that's not a great way to start the week.... I don’t know what is.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Please come to Boston for the Springtime....

It's Friday, and I'm feeling fabulous.
(Well, not entirely fabulous - my knee is bothering me -- but that is going to be a story for Monday I believe...stay tuned!)

I have a surprise birthday party to attend tonight....so a little fun, grown up time is always good for a "pick me up".

And I'm sorry -- but if you live in Boston -- have you been outside yet today?
Talk about fabulous!
It's gorgeous outside....

I've always been more of an early Summer kind of girl than early Spring; early Spring tends to be muddy and dirty with all the sand leftover from the winter getting wet from the rain. But today is picture perfect, with a hint of Summer in the air....and just the thing to lift anyone's spirits.

Then of course tomorrow is the Spring Soiree at Chez I'm Just a Girl....and Sunday - we're going to a Train & Toy/Hobby Show with the kids. (Somewhere in all of this, I really need to do laundry...but, ugh -- that's just a downer, so I'm not going to think of that at the moment. )

All I want to think about for the moment is walking out the door, to my car....driving with the windows down, sunroof open -- and with some great music in my ears.

Truly a fantastic way to start the weekend.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Un Soiree de Printemps…

I am quite excited for this weekend.
I've got some girls coming over on Saturday for a Spring brunch; it's a small, intimate group of friends that cross over different areas of my life -- and it's helped me discover that I need a much bigger house. I would have loved to have opened it up to all of my girlfriends; but I just don't have the room. So, I kept it small and intimate; and each time I host one of these, I invite different girlfriends which is always a lot of fun.

In my dream house, we'd be eating outdoors in a covered gazebo or lovely outdoor covered patio amongst the birds.... (it is a Spring brunch, after all....).
Should the weather be inclement -- we'd be eating indoors in my graciously sized dining room, that seats 24 comfortably. Or buffet style, that would allow for more than 24 to visit and eat indoors comfortably.
(I really need a house geared towards entertainment.)
At the same time, I do truly enjoy small and intimate.

That aside, we'll be indoors in my house (which really is very nice, I shouldn't be complaining) at my dining room that seats 10-12.
Two of my girlfriends had birthdays this week.... so, I'm definitely getting birthday cake for them -- and they aren't expecting it so that will be fun.

Menu du jour will be....
Scrambled Eggs
Bacon
Irish Bangers
Baby Spinach, Bacon and Cave Aged Gruyere Quiche (Oh. My.... that should taste fabulous, can't wait.)
Spiral Ham w. brown sugar & pineapple
Fusili w/ shrimp & rosemary
Green & white asparagus decorated w/ edible flowers. (Think Spring!)
Salad w. almonds & blueberries
Fruit salad
Coffee Rolls
.....and of course, Mimosas.

Did I mention that I love to cook?

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

And the grapefruit moon, one star shining, is all that I can see...

I ran out at lunch today and picked up some sushi, and some fruit to enjoy at my desk.
(Hi, I'm Rebecca and clearly - I'm addicted to sushi.)

The fruit was a small container of Del Monte Fruit Naturals, Ruby Red Grapefruit.
Can I just tell you?
I love, love, love grapefruit.

And yet - it's probably been, oh - about 30 years since I've eaten it. I think I had it so much as a child - and didn't always love it back then because often it can be too tart - that I must've blocked it out my wants and desires for food as an adult. So all these years, I've cold shouldered something that I clearly enjoy.

I don't know what inspired me to buy it; outside of the fact that it just looked appealing. I'm typically a pineapple kind of girl, but today -- I mixed it up.

Taking that first taste today, brought me back to being about 7 years old in my kitchen on Porter Street. My Dad had cut me a half of grapefruit and we were sitting at the table all of us (must've been a Sunday) and I'm wrestling with trying to scoop out the fruit with a spoon; I glance over and see my Dad who's not only eaten the fruit, but drinking the juice from the empty half he's got. And that's all I remember, but it was a very vivid glimpse back into my childhood.

And to think -- that all started with a bite of fruit....
The mind is a very powerful thing.

Monday, March 23, 2009

"Cheese has always been a food that both sophisticated and simple humans love.”

So the Sushi Soiree weekend didn't come to full fruition.
But my God did I eat. I ate like I'd never seen food before.

Friday night - I was supposed to go for sushi & shoe shopping to celebrate a girlfriend's birthday. But....she had a borderline anaphylactic reaction to some allergy medicine she was on, and the poor thing not only looked awful, but felt even worse. So we rescheduled to this evening, which I inturn, have postponed - due to the fact that I think I have a sinus infection - and feel lousy in the morning, and even worse at night. But I'll get to that in a bit...

Anyway - I stayed home Friday, and G ended up ordering me a prosciutto & roasted pepper sub from AJ's which was okay. Not sure why TV Diner has raved out of their minds about it, I think the subs and calzones are just okay; but then again - Summer Shack is like their "golden child" and I'm rather unimpressed with them as well, so... look at the source, right? I mean, AJ's is good -- but I can think of a few places better. Just sayin'...

Saturday, another girlfriend came over - and we took the kids to Minado in Natick for lunch. She'd never been - and my kids and I love, love, love it there. The best sushi and Japanese cuisine buffet anywhere. She stayed the night, and we watched chick flicks which was a ton of fun. Of course we were stuffed from lunch and didn't feel like eating a big dinner, so me and my brilliant ideas thinks...."what goes best on chick flick movie night? Insane snack food." So I run out, and get all the fixing's for home made guacamole, 7 layer dip, salsa -- oh, and this amazing Pumpkin flavored cheese with wheat crackers. I swear, it was like eating Pumpkin Cheesecake. To die for....

Here's the thing, I can resist peanut butter -- but I have zero tolerance with any cheese products. Needless to say, I was congested and barely able to breathe - with a buzz from some good Sauvignon Blanc, as well as my overdose on sodium.

Sunday afternoon - we took the kids to brunch; hello, banana stuffed French toast (no whipped), homefries, sausage and two eggs over easy. And then I wonder how I put on 7 lbs. since the surgery? Right....

Which brings us back to today, which is the actual birthday of my girlfriend from Friday - whom I've cancelled with for tonight. Well, turns out - her lunch plans cancelled so I said "lets meet quick for lunch at least!". We initially opted for Panera - but then this sign "Sakura" caught her eye. It's a fast food, yet made fresh Japanese restaurant in the Woburn Mall. (I know what you're thinking, "mall sushi?!?!". Trust me, we both thought the same thing; but it was cheap and we were short on time, so mall sushi it was.) We're both pretty picky about sushi, and we were not at all impressed with what we saw (or the rude woman at the counter, but I digress....) but yet we were both very pleasantly surprised at how good the sushi was. It was better than good - it was actually, very good. And exceptionally inexpensive, might I add. Which allowed for a light, healthy and inexpensive lunch.

And even though my eyes hurt, and my sinuses are pounding -- I am going to venture into my first session of jogging tonight. Must get back into the physical routine of life again -- and say goodbye to those extra 7 lbs. which I'm oh-so-aware of. I think my surgery is far enough behind me to slowly get back into the running groove -- and today is the day I am starting. Besides, getting the blood circulating through my system might not hurt this sinus thing I've got going on as well.

Here's hoping, anyway....

Thursday, March 19, 2009

"I want pancakes!! You people understand every language except English! Yo quiero pancakes! Donnez-moi pancakes! Click-click-bloody-click pancakes!!!"

I'm working from home today, because that cold I mentioned yesterday - is kicking my butt. I've had a fever since I got home last night - and while my fever is lower today, I still thought since I had one, it was the smarter decision to stay home. I've got a busy weekend ahead of me, and would like to put this silly sickness in the rear view already.

So, I've been watching Food TV since 8 a.m. which is generally my channel of choice.
Did you know that Food Network doesn't show actual shows until 10am? It's informercials -- and that was incredibly disappointing. But anyway....I was able to catch up with my old friend Emeril -- whom I don't get to watch very often any more because my schedule conflicts with his. Clearly my people and his people need to talk and synch calendars. I get so many great recipes from him, so I'm glad we got to catch up. "Bam!" -- I needed that today.

But I have to say... as much as I'm sure she's a lovely person in real life -- I just can't stand Paula Deen. "YA'LL", (ugh!) she's always screaming that and it makes me want to reach out and slap her through the television.

Her recipes are amazing, and everything looks fabulous -- but I just can't stand to listen to her long enough to actually watch a whole show. Today, I was only able to stomach paying attention to the last half of her "Breakfast in Bed" episode, and she made these delicious looking Gruyere and Spinach puffs, as well as Dutch pancakes. I don't know about "YA'LL" but I could never eat puffs and pancakes. That would be far too filling for me. Besides, I'm truly all about the meats with breakfast -- bacon, sausages, hash -- throw a few eggs in there, and I'm good. I've never really been a bread or cake kind of girl. I mean, I like pancakes - enough to take a bite or two - but I very rarely eat a whole pancake myself. Just not my thing. There are exceptions to the rule though: I love French Toast. I swear, I could eat a loaf of bread if it's made in a pan. Baked French Toast, which is something I make Christmas morning generally -- eh, I'm only good for a piece, if that.

So now I'm watching Giada "I need bangs" DeLaurentis making a very interesting combination of savory and sweet gnocchi. It sounds fabulous.

Fortunately, I'm not cooking tonight. I made delicious Delmonico steak last night for dinner - or at least I think it was delicious because I couldn't taste it. I couldn't even eat. Actually, I've had very little outside of popsicles for the last 12 hours or so; and tonight is the kickoff of what is going to be my "Weekend of Sushi".

But more on that later.....

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

This is my story, and I'm sticking to it....!

1. A friend in work introduced me to a new tea, that is absolutely delicious. And given the fact that I've got yet another cold (third one in 6 weeks? What the heck is going on??) it feel so amazingly good right now. Truth be told, I'm guessing that it's delicious because my taste buds are very, very dull at the moment. It's Green Tea with Pomegranate. It's pink, which in of itself is fun -- and I think it seems to taste and smell delicious. The only downside is that there were some tea grains at the bottom of my cup which I didn't care for; I like nothing at the bottom of my cup. It spoils my drinking experience. If I've got a cup of instant coffee, I dread seeing grains at the top that didn't dissolve or melt. It's almost the equivalent for me, as getting a shell in my scrambled eggs. But I digress....

I'm also thinking that the reason why I've been so under the weather is partly due to the fact that this is the first time in 12, 13 years - that I haven't worked out. Even when I was pregnant with my kids, I was active -- but being less than active until just recently I think has done a number to my immune system. Good thing I'm going to try running again next week....

2. Speaking of immobility....yesterday was the first day with my normal fancy-schmancy uber high heels. We all know I'm traditionally a 3-4" heel kinda girl -- so it's been killing me to wear my Uggs or sneakers every day. Partly because - I have no pants that are tailored for a flat heel; and partly because well, I'm all about the fun shoe! It felt great....and today, I'm wearing heels again and the soreness my quad felt was worked out at physical therapy yesterday. Today was truly the first morning I woke up and completely forgot about my knee. It feels almost, normal. (Note to Lugo enthusiasts -- I don't see how he'll be back in 4 weeks. Even with 24 hour physical therapy, I'd be surprised to see him running and cutting angles in 4 weeks if he truly tore his meniscus. Just sayin'....)

3. Business plans are still moving along. The lease is being negotiated as we speak - though I don't think there's any real sticking points to it, so it's just a matter of the license being announced for competition, hopefully. Then, the games will begin!

4. All's quiet on the western front....life is relatively calm and quiet right now, and that's a great thing. The bedroom is re-arranged and the television has been hung; I've got a new comforter set coming in to give the room a face lift of sorts. I wasn't able to rearrange it as I’d wanted to a few months back, truly the knee prevented me from doing much of anything. But now, I just need a few décor items and that's it. It looks larger, there's better utilization of space -- and the room appears darker now in the morning because the windows are behind us, rather than on us. It makes it a bit harder to get up during the week, but great for trying to sleep past 6:30 on the weekend. (and I've gotta be honest - the large screen tv is pretty sweet.)

And this, is what's going on in this girl's world...for now.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

If it ain't broken.....please don't fix it!

So, I understand that the kids that run Facebook want to "own" what we put out there.
And while I disagree with it, whatever -- it is what it is. Once you place something on the internet for everyone to see, it's not really "yours" anymore anyway. I highly doubt anyone is going to use the photos of my family and I to make any money. They're not exactly professional stock photos. So, I can deal with that.

What I can't deal with -- is the new layout. It makes my head hurt everytime I open it. The font's too large -- I feel like everyone is yelling. There's no real clear dissemination of information on my Wall page versus my "Home" page. My status updates are no longer separated in style from the comments that people place on my Wall. The Home page is busy, confusing and hard to follow. Truthfully, I don't like seeing everyone's conversations; you only get to see pieces of them and then you want to see the rest - and truly, it's none of my business. If they wanted to include me in their conversations, they would!

It's become more like Twitter in a very ugly and inconvenient way -- which, note to the creators of Facebook -- I left Twitter because I don't like it's format, or the lack of personal, one-on-one interactivity. Facebook was a far better networking product. (Note the past tense.) Performance is down, notifications are sluggish at best -- and it's painful to look at it. Aesthetically speaking -- it's awful; and the usability has gone for relatively simple to mind boggling.

What was the point?
What the heck were they thinking?!?!

Monday, March 16, 2009

Moving at a million miles a day, in the outer spiral arm, at fourteen thousand miles an hour, of a galaxy we call the Milky Way...

I came into work this morning to find a book sitting on my desk: "The Ultimate Hitch Hiker's Guide: Five Complete Novels and One Story", by Douglas Adams.

It's a beautiful book, might I add. Bound leather, with soft fine paper and gold edges...you just don't see books made like this anymore, or at least it seems that way.

How did it come to appear on my desk, you might ask?
Well, on Friday - a co worker and I were discussing something work related, and he made a reference to something within this book as a joke; of course, I didn't catch on, and so he explained it to me; and then proceeded to unravel portions of the story, that were hysterical! I don't know if the stories themselves were that good, or his translation of it was - but I casually mentioned that I should pick up the book and read it. He just as casually mentioned that maybe he'd let me borrow his, which was a nice gesture - but not something I would ever hold him to.

And then - voila!
There it was this morning.

The timing couldn't be any better, as I'd been thumbing through a small pile of books I have at home that I have yet to read -- and feel uninspired to get to.
This however, has piqued my curiousity!...

If anyone out there has seen the movie (though I doubt it could compare to the literary version; nothing usually does!) or has read any of the books -- feel free to share your thoughts with this girl.

I'd love to know what you think!

Friday, March 13, 2009

When you believe in things that you dont understand, then you suffer...superstition aint the way...

It's Friday the 13th... (enter music from Psycho here).

And my question for today is...... what good luck will the day bring for you? Or rather, what good things are you going to bring unto yourself on this day? Make it a point to turn the negative - to a positive.
(Hence my personal quote to live by, courtesy of Miss Edie Brickell circa 1988 -- "I am filling in the negative space with positively everything...")

Listen, I'm as superstitious as the next person when it comes to baseball. But when it comes to life in general, I just don't believe the hype.

I welcome black cats to cross my path. (Actually, black cats are my favorite kind of cat in all the world. Especially the long haired variety.)

If there's a ladder in my way - I walk under it. I made a game out of stepping on cracks.... didn't hurt my mother's back one bit.

If a mirror drops and it's broken -- I look at it. (Now, if it broke as a result of my looking at it - then I think a call to the plastic surgeon might be in order, not the voodoo doctor, if you get my drift...)

I tempt fate....I laugh in the face of mystical tragedy.
Yet I embrace magic and the possibilities of the luck that we can create for ourselves.

So do something wild today and be carefree...we create our own karma, and if you don't live life to the fullest -- then you just aren't living at all.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

I lost myself in a familiar song....I closed my eyes and I slipped away

At lunch today, I went to one of my all time favorite stores -- one that I haven't been to in far too long: Newbury Comics.

I love everything about that place....the smell in there....finding eclectic artists that aren't the normal mainstream favorites.....the thought of being able to actually buy vinyl records again -- that is exciting. Though not what I was there for, I must confess.

Shopping for an eclectic mix for the store was my goal for today; and I think I succeeded. The collection I wanted to get was not instock, so I may have to start playing mixmaster at home and create my own selections. It's just finding the time to do so....

For myself, I did pick up two new samplings to add to my daily commute when I'm not listening to Sports radio or Sirius: Kelly Clarkson's new cd "All I ever wanted", and Rocco DeLuca & The Burden's "Mercy". I briefly scanned each of them, and came to the following conclusions:

Rocco DeLuca sounds like a watered down Coldplay meets Damien Rice meets U2. It's got a few songs that are intriguing me right now, but nothing that's hooked me into listening deeply -- certainly no notably strong lyrics. I'm not in a huge rush to listen to it on the way home today. This one may have to grow on me.

Kelly Clarkson is clearly going back to that commercial hit route that I think she's been so criticized for working away from. My favorite song on the cd thus far is the last one because it showcases her beautiful voice without over doubling it, as is done in many of the other tracks. One of the reasons why I love her music is because she has an outstanding voice; her earlier cd's really demonstrated that. This collection of songs seems to overproduce her voice at times, and I think the true talent of the instrument she has, gets lost within the production itself.

Sometimes it feels that the music is like a person who tries too hard to fit in with the crowd. I don't like that -- I prefer genuity, purity and originality. But hey, that's just me.

Interestingly enough, the hype of this cd is that she worked with Katy Perry & Kara Dioguardi -- yet the songs I like best, are the ones that Kelly has written herself. Those seem to be the strongest lyrically, and with the exception of one of them -- they're less commercially driven in that typical "Avril Lavigne/Katy Perry/next hot young thing" kind of way. They're just good, and will be on the charts despite the lack of that desperate commercial sound that everyone seems to crave lately.

So if you're a Kelly Clarkson fan, the bottom line is this: the cd isn't as addictive as the first one was; it won't be the smash that the second one was....but it should definitely be better than the last one. Preliminarily speaking -- it's a one and a half thumbs up on the first listen.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Everybody strikes out nine times out of ten; but you got to step up to the plate son ‘cause every now and then...

So, I'm going to venture into the Fantasy World of Baseball this year. I'm pretty excited about this, because where I don't know much about football players or positions - and found the prospect of Fantasy Football a little overwhelming - I am thinking that this is going to be right up my alley.

I've already got players mapped out in my head....just hoping that I'm able to create somewhat of the team that I would like to.

Any expert Fantasy Managers out there, who want to lend this girl a hand -- please feel free!

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Feelin' Groovy....

I had a great day today. It didn't exactly start off that way...it had the makings of a not so great one -- but it somehow worked itself out.

My hair rocked today -- and we all know how important a good hair day is to a girl! I was busy at work -- really busy actually. (and again, we all know how I thrive on actually having some work to do). Being productive makes me feel happy, and with purpose. I don't know how people can be complacent in life. I just can't do it.
After work, I came home and got crackin' on a WebKinz party I promised the kids we'd have. ("Cracklin' Rosie make me smile...." sorry, for the interruption but that song just jumped into my head.) My children both have tons of these furry creatures...I swear, you name them - they've got it. Squirrels, dinosaurs, blue jays -- they're everywhere at Chez I'm Just a Girl. So...we looked on line, picked a fun craft and two recipes from WebKinz World -- and we went to work.

Behold the Wrinkle Pugcakes, before the oven...

.
and then after!


We made "Buckets of Bones" and Beagle Bagel Bites....
All in all --- this girl had a great day.
I'm beat, and looking forward to tomorrow!





Monday, March 09, 2009

Please come to Boston, for the Springtime...

Yeah, right. If it ever comes...
I'm not whining, really I'm not.
But this was us yesterday. Walking along the beach, playing in the tidepools - finding periwinkles and crabs.
And today?
Snow. Hail. Freezing rain.
Sigh.....
With more to come on Wednesday.
I stuck my fingers in my ears (la la la la, I'm not listening to you) watching the weather reports last night; I was convinced that it was far too warm for it to snow.
And then I remembered, that I live in New England - where we've been known to have snow and 70 degrees in the same day. We've had snow in May. We've had high 70's in December and January.
Anything and everything is possible around here.
After looking at it from that perspective, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Thursday, March 05, 2009

I believe the children are our future.....

This morning on my commute to work, I switched from Sports to Music - not realizing that today was Mix 98.5's annual Radioathon for Children's Hospital.

I donate to two organizations throughout the year primarily: The Jimmy Fund, and Children's Hospital. There are other organizations that are smaller that I help out as well, but these are the two that are near and dear to me, for personal reasons.

Children's Hospital is one of those places that helps you believe in miracles & medicine -- all at one time. I can't say enough about this organization, and I would encourage any one who has children - or has children in their lives, be it nieces/nephews, godchildren, cousins, etc. - to consider making a contribution today.

We're all struggling, we have have difficult times to endure.....even $10 is a valueable contribution. If you can't -- then you can't. It's perfectly understandable.....

I just didn't want to let the opportunity of sharing the opportunity to participate go by.

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Wednesday's potpourri...

1. I am back to the yoga mat today. After many months of being inactive and void of any type of physical activity, I am going to yoga today. I am beyond excited. Next week, I'll also do another week of my vegan detox to jump start my metabolism because while I can't run just yet - doing yoga is absolutely going to get me back into the swing of things, as well as strengthen me up so that running will be a possibility sooner - rather than later. At Whole Foods this afternoon to celebrate - I bought myself some Metromint Peppermint water (my very favorite!) -- and I caved (literally!) and indulged in a good chunk of cave aged Gruyere. (See, pun clearly intended.) I tasted a small sliver at the cheese counter and loved it. So while I roast my veggies & rice for dinner tonight (no, I'm not detoxing today just going to eat lighter tonight. Of course, the half of a chocolate chip cookie I just ate doesn't qualify....) I will indulge in this amazing cheese. Ommmm...yummmm.

2. I am still riveted to the Caylee Anthony case. I'm not exactly sure why the state isn't going forward with the death penalty for Casey Anthony; the only explanation I can come up with is that there would be a higher chance of conviction without the prospect of death; she's an attractive young girl and possibly they're thinking that people would be more forgiving of her based upon outward appearances, and it's reprehensible to think that a mother would do this to a child. (Let's be honest, people are more forgiving to attractive people than to those who aren't so easy on the eyes...that's partly why celebrities get away with such poor behaviour. But I digress....)It's inexcusable to me that she has shown little to no remorse over this; even Susan Smith who to me was previously one of the most heinous criminals in a crime of this kind -- showed emotion, remorse and regret. Hyperventilation, if truly her reaction - equals fear. It does not equate to grief.

3. I can't believe how quickly my kids are growing up. This week I have to register my daughter for kindergarten. She's going to be 5 - my son is going to be 8. Where does the time go? The days of my being the center of their universes....are slowly going to leave me. Those are the times that I'm not looking forward to, at all. Well, let me rephrase that; they'll never leave me....I just won't be the most important part of their lives. They'll have their friends, and other interests. Which is normal, and natural....and what we want for them to be -- happy and well rounded and adjusted. That doesn't mean I can't feel a little sad about it....

4. Stimulus plan, shimulus scam....My latest effort in the business startup is still moving right along, which is a good thing. A great thing, actually! I just wonder how President Santa Claus plans on helping good people, with excellent credit with their small businesses? Because I haven't heard much about that in the "stimulus" plan.

Just sayin'....

Monday, March 02, 2009

In like a lion -- out like a lamb?

Well, we at least know the first half is correct. And truthfully, I'm alright with this phrase, so long as someone can guarantee me that this is the last time we'll have to look at the white stuff this season.

Which brings me to Lent. Still struggling on what to sacrfice. Though truthfully, I've sacrificed enough over the last year that I'm thinking I deserve a little indulgence this season. Just sayin'....

So, I'm home being Domestic Supergoddess, doing what I do best on these days -- which is cooking. So far, I've made lemon poppy muffins - and sandwiches with hot cocoa made with milk for the kiddies after coming inside from playing. I've got home made chocolate chip cookie dough made so I can make cookies in a bit. I've got a beautiful rib eye roast marinating in the oven -- presliced, might I add. I scored this 6lb roast pre sliced at my local market. For a score of a price! Now, why is it when I want to make a roast during the holidays I have to pay through my nose for it? But I digress....I've got that marinated and waiting to be cooked, along with roasted potatoes, asparagus and salad.

Did I mention I like to cook on snow days?


Your Snow Test Says You're Independent



You feel like something good will happen to you in the next few months.



You have an amazingly strong work ethic. You are likely to be very successful in life.



You are an independent, individualistic person. You thrive when you're doing your own thing.



Your biggest worry in your life is your financial security. You think about money a lot.



When it comes time to relax, you always go the extra mile. You take relaxing as seriously as anything else in life.