Friday, February 26, 2010

A bottle of red, a bottle of white....

I could use both right about now.
It's been a tough week. And it's not quite over yet.

On the Mom front - still no news on whether the chemo is working, but there were some side effects from the chemo the doctor was concerned about so my mother was admitted for some hydration, heart monitoring and blood transfusions. That in of itself isn't so bad; the waiting for the update on whether the chemo is working is frustrating - and then there's my Mom's perspective in general that is always draining.

Princess Petunia is down and out (albeit, very briefly given antibiotics are amazing in their quick effect on little bodies) with the oh-so-rampant strep virus. I got a call yesterday a.m. that she was complaining of a sore throat and with so many cases showing up in her school yesterday the nurse erred on the side of caution and called me. Good thing she did -- as she tested positive. My pediatrician actually came to the store and visited me today to discuss her (and buy a bottle of wine for he & his wife to have at dinner, truth be told) and he was surprised the result came back so quickly - but good thing it did, because she's already rebounding after just one dose.

So, I'm planning on having a nice glass of wine with dinner tonight. Menu at Chez "I'm just a girl" is oven roasted chicken cacciatore. I've got the fire place going, and I'm ready for a nice and hopefully quiet evening though one never knows.

If I had a jacuzzi, I'd totally be in it right now. That's one of the many things I wish my house had. It could totally be a "calgon, take me away" kind of night.....

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Get into the groove.....

So this is my last week of really eating horribly.
I typically eat healthy, but truly the last three weeks I've been incredibly over the top indulgent eating things that are really not only not great for me -- but in abundance!

Starting Monday, I'm doing my oh-so-yummy and healthy vegan detox. I almost can't wait -- because it makes me feel so energized, and I'm always eating so I'm really never hungry. It's really a "feel good pick me up" which is perfect for this inbetween and relatively blah time of year.

And then, there's yoga.... back to class next week. I found three classes that fit in my schedule for this time of year which is more than enough for me to feel great again. I feel strong right now anyway just because of what I do physically on a daily basis -but to get back into working out is what I need psychologically, you know what I mean? I've got to start running again too, and then of course -- there's that 175 mile bike race that I might be doing.

But until next week....there's lots of indulgences to be had!

Monday, February 22, 2010

Life is a Cabernet....

I have to say - though I live in a city that has some of the most fabulous restaurants - I rarely get to eat at any of them. When you've got small children and a lack of sitter availability, well....you do the math.

One of the nicer perks of being in the alcoholic beverage industry, is being invited to wine dinners and/or portfolio reviews. They're often held at some of the finer restaurants or hotels in Boston which makes it that much more appealing to try and attend. We don't typically go to the reviews because we're the kind of store that the reps bring the portfolios to us (Duckhorn tasting tomorrow by the way... how fun!); but there are often opportunities where you get to sample wine from some of the more relevant and prevalent players in the industry. Today, was one of those days.

I don't often leave the store during the week; it's my job, and I love being there - plus I feel as if things won't be the way I want them to be if I'm not there. I know, it's something I've got to get over, but we're a new store and so I think it's critical that I'm a constant. Anyway, today I made an exception and attended a luncheon that was at Abe & Louies. I was really impressed with the premises, and though I found a few minor glitches in my food (ahi tuna that wasn't fully thawed, but.... absolutely delicious!), I was really impressed with the menu and how it tasted. Perfectly proportioned as well -- it looked tres petite and yet, was quite satisfying.

The wine was Silver Oak, and we tasted out their Twomey line as well as their oh-so-famous Alexander Valley & Napa Cabernets. My personal favorite-- the Napa Cab. It was really, really good. I won't bore you with the details of it, but trust me. To die for if you're a Cab enthusiast.

I have to say, for a Monday.....today wasn't half bad!!

Friday, February 19, 2010

Happy Friday to me.....

Just a little postscript to yesterday's post.

1. Princess Petunia and I had a fabulous Girls Night. She got her nails done, bought some fun little gatzy's at the Dollar Store (truly, the place is a parent's dream for inexpensive toys that make the kids feel like they hit the jackpot.), we went out for sushi -- and topped it off with the acquisition of Big Top Cupcake. Pictures will follow from tomorrow's baking experiment with that creative set.

2. Really, who cares about Tiger Woods? Not this girl. He cheated on his wife, he's not a perfect person, and he's not the idol everyone imagined he was. He was a wolf in sheeps clothing. So not Earth shattering. Get over it and move on....


3. And finally, the Captain. As always, coming into training camp in fantastic shape.


Check it out....




*sighs*

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Thursdays Thoughts....

1. Why is taking so long for the state of Florida to prosecute Casey Anthony? It's obnoxiously disturbing to hear each new revelation and see her phony crocodile tears at the hearing. I caught just a few moments of Nancy Grace last night and it made my stomach turn. There is no way this woman is innocent and I can't possibly understand why it's taking so long for the case to go to trial. I am all for ensuring that the case is air tight so there is no way she won't be convicted; but truly, this is ridiculous.

2. Hello Spring Training! Thankfully, it's that time of year again which means it's almost "All Red Sox, All The Time" on NESN. The other night, I caught a tail end piece of an interview with the Captain which was fun.... speaking of the "C", I do believe he'll be catching more than 30 games this season; I think that would be a smart decision as well, but time will tell as to how the organization utilizes him.

3. I just found out tomorrow is going to be a Girl's Night for the Princess Petunia & myself. How fun! I don't know what we're going to do.... maybe a little shopping, or a little sushi...or both! Oh, the fun she and I can have.

4. A week from today we find out how my Mom's chemo is working. She's been staying with me since Christmas for this round of chemo and my gut says it's working, because I tend to think if it was progressing given her last prognosis -- we'd have some indication by now. But we shall see....

5. "One day at a time--this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering.”

Really, Doesn't that just say it all?

Monday, February 15, 2010

A little flour, a little butter, and a lot of sugar....

Okay, so I admit I have yet another television obsession.
Baking shows on both Food TV & TLC.

Cake Boss. Ultimate Cake-off. Ace of Cakes. Food Network Challenges.
I can't not watch them when they're on, and I'm able to actually take a few minutes to sit down and relax.

Let's be honest, the only channel I really watch is Food Network anyway -- and though it's on at the store constantly though I don't get to actually watch the shows; I do get to glance up now and then and look at what is being made, but it's not the same as being able to just sit down and enjoy.

But there's something about the baking shows that I just love. Maybe it's because it's something that I don't think I could ever actually do myself? Or maybe it's just the sheer artistry that is the end result that reels me in; but whatever it is -- I'm definitely hooked.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Jour de Valentines heureux à vous !

However you celebrate this weekend, with your significant other - or your friends -- be sure to enjoy! It's not just a "Hallmark"holiday -- it's a great way to just take a moment and let someone you know you think they're great.




You Are a Content Valentine



While you don't put all your hope in Valentine's Day, you do think of as a holiday to spark some romance.

You prefer a holiday that's romantic, cozy, and very intimate. You don't need your partner to pull out all the stops... just a few stops.



The most important thing about Valentine's Day is who you spend it with. You could make a fast food dinner special.

That's not to say you don't want to be wined and dined a little by your Valentine. You just aren't looking for a whirlwind trip or an expensive gift.








You Are Snickers



Nutty and gooey - you always satisfy.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

It's Thursday's Thinking....

1. I want that job. So, how's about that snowstorm eh? DC, huge. Boston - non existant. And I knew it was going to happen that way and yet it amazed me that the schools all cancelled. Truly, the night before I saw Fox 25's lead weatherman chatting with other weather trackers and at about 8:45 they were pretty convinced the storm was too far south for anyone other than the Cape to get any substance; but the schools had already cancelled long before the 10pm broadcast so truly -- what could they say? They couldn't retract the forecast at that point, right? Schools don't cancel their cancellations.

How great it must be to have someone pick out your clothes, do your hair, do your makeup - you reap the benefits of being a quasi-celebrity (you know, fun events and never needing restaurant reservations) and you get to guess at what you think might happen? And you still get paid when you're wrong. I so want that job.


2. Different prices? That's a ripoff... So today I had to stop and get gas and when I pulled up to the pump I saw two different Regulars. One price for cash - one for credit. What's that all about? I don't go to stores and get charged differently for cash items versus credit items. Imagine if I sold wine at prices dependant upon how the person paid? What kind of a gig is that? And at the prices these days - how many people actually fill their tank with cash -- unless of course they're driving a 4 cylindar. At minimum, most of us use debit cards -- so why penalize us for not carrying a Chicago bankroll every time we leave the house? I totally thought that was craziness - and I think it's rude. Pick one price, and stick with it. Jeesh....


3. Je veux voir un bon film ce week-end. Tonight we're watching "The Blind Side" and I'd really, really, really like to see "Julie & Julia" this weekend. I've heard some great things about that movie and I just want to snuggle up with a blanket and a glass of wine and watch it. Will that actually get to happen? Who knows - but it's what I'd like to do!

Saturday, February 06, 2010

Marcia, Marcia....Marcia!

Or "Jennifer, Jennifer, Jennifer".

Can I just tell you -- I love love love Jennifer Aniston. I think it's because I feel like I can relate to her; it's as if I know her. I don't mean that in a crazy, stalkerish way -- I mean it in the respect that she comes across as being, well.... so normal. Like she could be one of my friends...she could be me. And while I have no idea as to how she really is as a person in real life, every one of her characters seem to have a general likeability about them that makes me feel as if she's not acting but just being herself. Although I do think that if I knew her in real life we'd be fabulous friends.... we could do yoga, eat aruyevedic and enjoy good wine. Just sayin'...

She must have not only nerves of steel - but a psyche of one as well. I can't even begin to imagine what it would be like to have my whole life played out in the tabloids. I mean, it's one thing to rise above and just ignore, but when everyone is just talking about your love life, who you're dating - who you're divorcing -- it's got to be excruciatingly difficult to take the high road all the time. The poor girl married the most amazing man (or so he seemed at the time...at least the most amazing man to look at), to become one half of a divinly gorgeous golden couple; and at the same time, was unable to have a slice of privacy during what is an incredibly traumatic time at being horribly mistreated publicly by that very same person. It's hard enough for us regular people to deal with rejection from a partner in a relationship -- imagine having it on every television, radio and print publication?!?!?! Ugh, and of course the media just frenzies on it. Her ex's current partner I lost respect for; in the beginning I tried to give the benefit of the doubt to a certain extent, because one never really knows what happened....but once the admitted preying upon and digs were being announced in interviews, that all went out the window. So very disturbing. I find it appalling that this poor girl just can't get away from her ex husband publicly! "Jennifer, 5 years after the divorce..." "Jen won't take Brad back"... ugh. Like it isn't hard enough to have your heart broken -- you have to relive it daily everywhere you look?

All I can say is this:



Jennifer, you are a lovely and beautiful and strong woman. You know that it's all about karma....what goes around comes around, and it's a-coming. You can relinquish the guilt by forgiving, but that can't stop the forces of nature and karma can be a big ol' bitch. You've clearly surrounded yourself with a fantastic support system and you are a force to be reckoned with. I don't envy you -- yet at the same time, I suppose I do a bit. At a minimum, I wish I could grab a 'bucks and do yoga with you... I do think we'd probably be great friends.



Oh, and by the way -- if you want me to kick Angelina's "you know what", I will. I think I can take her.... Kidding. (Not really. I really do think I can take her.....)

Friday, February 05, 2010

Finally....Friday.

So this is one week I'm happy to see over. It wasn't a bad week per se, but it was definitely a hectic and relatively stressful one.

Tonight is going to be a very quiet and relaxing one.... the kiddies are going to bed early, and I'm going to indulge in Chinese food for my third night this week (crazy, I know!). I have leftovers, and while I'm not typically a leftover kinda girl -- I don't feel up to cooking, so leftovers it is. Along with a delicious Sancerre, my night is going to consist of relaxing on the sofa and potentially indulging in a good movie. If I can stay awake that long...I'm pretty darn tired.

Tomorrow, if the kids are both feeling okay (Princess Petunia has had strep & a bronchial infection, ugh....and my Son is fighting a cold & cough) then we'll be going to our favorite farm for a Pancake Breakfast tomorrow. Of course, there are errands to run and foodshopping to be done. I did promise them we'd get that Big Top Cupcake maker and so that's on the agenda as well.

Superbowl Sunday, we're having a "feast" - as the kids like to call it. One of those Big Top cakes is going to be all purple to cheer on the Saints. And of course, there will be food.... so it's good times this weekend. Relaxing, yet busy - and good times none the less.

And then Monday, we start all over again.

Live well, laugh hard, love fiercely and enjoy yourself this weekend.

Thursday, February 04, 2010

Lyrically speaking...

Well we dig our heels in
And wonder who's gonna win...
Who is gonna win it or wear it out
I change the lock on the door
Or learn how to take a little more
I can outrun all of the devils there
But never the doubt
Try not to throw all your money into 20/20 vision
For the world won't wait on politics or indecision...

Tuesday, February 02, 2010

Reason # 145679 as to why I love, love, love my job....

I had no idea that people would just give me food.
Literally.

Vendors drop me off food to "audition" to see if it's something I'd like to carry in my store.
!!!!!!!!!

How fun is that? I love it. I mean, I sample everything anyway - and I prefer to keep business small and local - but there are so many companies that I'm unaware of, and to have them solicit me is fantastic....and delicious!

Today, was Italian Cookie audition day.
Yum.

Last week - was fresh, homemade pasta day.
Yum.

What will tomorrow be......?

Monday, February 01, 2010

Life is just a fantasy, can you live this fantasy life.....

(What ever happened to Aldo Nova? They were sooo good back in the day!)

It's just 22 short days until Pitchers and (ahem) Catchers report!
Thank goodness. It's been a long, long, long offseason.
Speaking of off seasons.....

How fun is it going to be to watch the Superbowl this year and not be overly emotionally invested into it!! It's going to be great to watch the game and root for the Saints. I do believe a little Superbowl Party is going to be on the agenda for this girl. Nothing crazy, just a little food - maybe a ham, some chili... you know how it is.

On another note, yet sports related -- I'm very happy to see Curt Schilling is back to blogging at his old blog rather than WEEI. I accidentally discovered that this evening, and I tend to enjoy the political blogs so it will be fun to go back to reading that again regularly.

Today I went and got my lungs re-xrayed (hmmm, not really a word but whatever....) and I am happy to find out that while I still have a bit of a cough - the pneumonia is gone. I still would've liked to have been put on an antibiotic; not that I'm a big advocate of taking medicines, but I'm not convinced that albuterol is going to make this go away. I'm not asthmatic for goodness sake. But suddenly I sound like I'm a smoker! And I'm a runner - not a smoker.... jeesh!

Speaking of athletics -- yesterday my SIL asked if I'd like to do a 175 mile bike run for MS. Of course I said yes! So now I'm off to find a good road bike -- anyone have suggestions? I've got a stationary bike at home to start my training with inside - but in roughly a month we'll start training outdoors so this girl needs to find a lightweight bike. Nothing crazy - I don't know that I"ll be riding very often after this; and I might even buy used. But brands to try - would be a welcome suggestion.

So, I've got a bike run to prep for and of course.... I'm going to start running again. Which reminds me, yesterday was the one year anniversary of having my knee fixed!

Amazing how quickly time flies.....