Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack....

It's beginning to look alot like baseball.
Sunday is not only one of the best candy days in the world (if you're into candy....I'm not, but that's just not how I roll...), but it's opening day at Fenway.

Though ample tickets are still available, I will not be attending. I will however, be attending Patriots Day's game -- and I'm on a mission as I write this to find great tickets! (Self proclaimed ticket snob that I am. Guilty as charged.) My girlfriend and I annually attend this game and I'm psyched we're not breaking the tradition, even though she's coming back from Italy the day before. (Insert my sigh of open envy HERE.) We start out having breakfast (except for last season, that day got a little messed up and we were rushing around....but we'll fix that this year!) outside of the park, and then we go to the game -and then walk along the marathon finish line to watch everyone get ready to cross. It's really so much fun, and both my girlfriend and I have crazy and busy lives - we know at a minimum we'll see each other on that day, if not any other before Christmas.

So, my Boston Magazine came today and they did a nice little piece on the Captain and why it's so easy for everyone to just love having him on the team. I have to say, I'm a little sad to think that everyone thinks it's his last season. Truly, if Tim Wakefield can still be in the rotation, why wouldn't we keep the Captain for just one more year.....?

Just sayin'....

Monday, March 29, 2010

A few "mom" tidbits....

Okay, so as I write this - there are 13 eight year old boys in my house (yes, 13!!!) right now for a Wrestlemania party. One can only imagine the noise factor and banging that I can hear as they are yelling and jumping (jumping?!?!) on my third floor, otherwise known as "Mantown". I am not overseeing this event however. G is handling this one on his own. It was his idea, after all.....

Shopping with my kids a few weeks back we were at a store that had coloring books. So, I said to each of my kids that they could pick out a new book; my son picked out a Bible coloring book. (enter incredibly puzzled look HERE.) I said "honey, you want a bible coloring book?!? do you even know what a bible is?" (Okay, I've got to admit we're a spiritual house moreso than a religious one. My kids know about religion but don't study it per se....) My son promptly responds with " Of course I know what the bible is... it's that book the Pilgrims read when they landed in Plymouth". (am I a bad Mom? No, but I wrestle with teaching them about religion and must get them into at minimum a Unitarian Sunday School, I admit... CLEARLY!)

So tonight, is the Chronicle episode that will feature yours truly. While my Princess Petunia is banned to the downstairs living room with me (no girls allowed at this Wrestlemania party, and truthfully, this girl is quite pleased with that one!) I said "hey, do you want to watch the show I'm going to be on with me later?" to which she smartly replies "No." And I said "why not?" and she says "I see you in person, what do I want to see you on tv for?". (Hmmph. I'll remember that the next time you have a concert, missy...) Interesting how girls can sometimes be so.....snarky. Of course, I know that she's going to be be excited to see me on television, but truly. throw your Mom a crumb!

Princess Petunia has always been high strung and challenging; my son not so much. He has been lately though. Since when do kids think they can think for themselves?? I know I didn't try to think for myself at this age -- let alone be bossy. I'm thinking that after this Wrestling party, I'm going to have to lay the smack down a bit myself -- because this girl thinks that overindulgence is not good for kids -- and that's something that I don't subscribe to at all. G on the other hand, is all about overindulgence so we need to find that happy medium in the future.

But all in all, I've got great kids. They're only young for such a short time, I love the fact that my time with them is so appreciated. They genuinely love hanging out with me and that's something that I know isn't going to last forever. Some parents already have their kids over scheduled and so involved in activities that they have no time for their family. I love that we haven't done that to them; we haven't done that to us as a family. I'm not saying it's wrong -- I'm just saying that it's not right for us.

And I love how and who we are.


Friday, March 26, 2010

Why I love my job....

Well, some of the reasons anyway.


Sunday, we're having a fundraiser for Dana Farber Cancer Institute. In conjunction with a local Boot Camp, we're sponsoring a shopping day where 10% of our sales from Sunday will be donated to DFCI . I love that I'm now in a capacity to give back in so many ways -- even more than what I do on a personal level.

Monday, is the airing of the Chronicle special...!! Exciting, scary, fun, all at the same time.



And seriously -- look at just a fraction of the fun stuff I get to bring in and sell to people. Truly, does this not look just delicious?!?! Trust me -- it all is. And I love, love, love to share it with everyone.


And then of course -- there's the wine.....
(anyone know what Jason happens to like? anyone....?)

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Tuesday's Thoughts.....

Courtesy of Dawn & Nichole -- a little somethin' somethin' for today!

1. What movie villain scared you as a child?
Hmmm. I don't know if he's a villian per se - but the monster from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer - the Abominable Snow Monster, scared me to death! I used to have recurring nightmares about him.

2. Name 3 things you can't do without lately:
My Champagne & Strawberries body cream, my hair straightener, and a ponytail holder.

3. Do you take vitamins?
I should, and yet.....

4. How much of your family history do you know?
We can't trace back past my grandparents, so unfortunately - not alot. Records were destroyed during WWII, and those that weren't ruined, are over in Eastern Europe. I'd need a professional genealogist to assist me. Mucho Deniros.

5. What everyday thing do you find utterly magical?
My children. Their innocence and zest for the simplest of things always makes me appreciate them, their perspective -- and their ability to renew mine.

6. What color is your couch?
Taupe

7. How many phone numbers do you still know by heart?
So funny, I was just talking about this today! Ones that I had to know prior to having caller ID - I know well. Those that I've only recently learned.....not so much. Truly, it feels like dozens!!

8. What is the best way to beat the Summer heat?
The pool/beach/central air.

9. What website do you spend the most time on?
Google.

10. How many songs are on your iPod?
Roughly, 550

11. Have you ever flown first class?
Yes, it used to be the only way I flew; but that was when I worked two jobs and one of them was for an airline. Those were the days.... first class to the West Coast rocked.

12. Do you read the comments others have left on a blog or Facebook post before you?
I do. Sure, why not?

13. What is the furthest trip you've ever taken by car?
I think it was Vermont? I always wanted to road trip but never got around to. Hopefully, this summer it will be Hershey Park PA, but we shall see.

14. What is the oldest item in your freezer?
Probably the ice cubes! Food doesn't last long in my freezer.

15. When do you iron: all at once after doing your laundry? On an as-needed basis? Never?
I try to buy items that don't require ironing. I can iron, but I can be impatient about it. I'd much rather pay for it to be pressed at the cleaners.

16. What color are your toenails usually?
Typically a dark burgundy, but they are actually a bit on the pink-orange side at the moment. Maybe that's Mango?

17. When did you last see fireworks?
Do the liquid fireworks at Jordan's Furniture count? Because if so -- then tonight. Otherwise, it would have been the 4th of July!

18. What do you love most about where you currently live?
It's Boston baby....what's there not to love?!?!?!

19. What makes you follow a particular blog?
Good, intelligent writing. Posts that make me think. (I'm with you Nichole). Also a feeling of being able to relate on some level.

20. Have you ever seen a Broadway show?
Yes!!! Both musical and theatrical.... love, love, love it.

Monday, March 22, 2010

It's all about the music and the laughter.....

So, I'm here watching "This is It", the Michael Jackson movie. Seriously, I'm loving it. The kids are freestyling in the living room trying to imitate him, they're loving the songs - and truthfully, so am I. It's still rather surreal to me that he's gone. And for those of you who haven't seen this movie -- the concept of him being weak, sick or frail prior to his death -- is completely false. He looks great (well, as great as someone with that much cosmetic work to their face can look!) and definitely healthy; at least relatively. He doesn't seem lethargic, or drugged out - and his voice sounded fantastic live. One of the most interesting things that jumped out at me the most from the first glances was the fact that he wasn't wearing his glove. I can't remember the last time I saw his hands bare.

Okay, a few months back I wrote a post about how much I loved Kirstie Alley's "Fat Actress" show and how sad I was that it had been cancelled. Well, someone finally heard my cry! Yes, she's back....and on A&E. "Big Life" looks like it's going to be in the same vein and I can't wait to watch it! It premiered last night and it is the game plan for tonight's television enjoyment.

I wonder if she's still obsessed with Kid Rock....?

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Lyrically speaking....or maybe not.

Sometimes we fall down and can’t get back up
We’re hiding behind skin that’s too tough
How come we don’t say I love you enough
Till it’s to late, it’s not too late

Our hearts are hungry for a food that won’t come
We could make a feast from these crumbs
And we’re all staring down the barrel of a gun
So if your life flashed before you
What would you wish you would’ve done

Yeah… gotta start
Lookin at the hand of the time we’ve been given here
This is all we got and we gotta start pickin it
Every second counts on a clock that’s tickin’
Gotta live like we’re dying

We only got
86 400 seconds in a day to
Turn it all around or throw it all away
We gotta tell ‘em that we love ‘em
While we got the chance to say
Gotta live like we’re dying

And if your plane fell out of the skies
Who would you call with your last goodbyes
Should be so careful who we live out our lives
So when we long for absolution
There’ll be no one on the line

Yeah… gotta start
Lookin at the hand of the time we’ve been given here
This is all we got and we gotta start pickin it
Every second counts on a clock that’s tickin’
Gotta live like we’re dying

We only got
86 400 seconds in a day to
Turn it all around or throw it all away
We gotta tell ‘em that we love ‘em
While we got the chance to say
Gotta live like we’re dying

We never know a good thing till it’s gone
You never see a crash until it’s head on
All those people right when we’re dead wrong
You never know a good thing till it’s gone

Gotta live....like we're dying.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

So, here's a thought....

I got an automated phone call from our school's superintendent asking parents to attend a Cyber-bullying meeting. It seems that some of the middle school and high school kids set up a page to specifically target a particular student and a teacher -and so the school wants the parents to be aware of what is happening in the cyber universe. Kudos to the school system for getting involved and being pro-active in this type of activity. Unfortunately, they have to be in this day and age given the cruelty that has led to unfortunate teenage deaths.

However.... my school of thought on this topic is......
What the heck are middle school and even high school kids doing on Facebook?!!?

Call me crazy, but I just don't think social media is meant for children. Engines such as MySpace and Facebook, are practically obsessions for mature, non-bullying adults (oh, and trust me - it seems like there's lots of adult drama out there as well, but generally speaking....), so why would anyone think it's okay for a child to be able to spend their time on these sites?

Don't children have better things to do than sit on a website? Shouldn't they be out and socializing in "real life" than in the virtual one? Isn't there more for kids to do than be busybodies? Shouldn't we be teaching our children to be kind, compassionate, hardworking, and socially adept? Between cell phones and social networking -- there is no space between people anymore. You can't "cool off" after an argument; there is no "I"ll see you tomorrow" and actually look forward to seeing someone because there is that incessant texting, or Instant Messaging. How healthy do we really think that is for young people? Because this girl thinks not so much.

Truthfully, I think our responsiblity as parents has to start with us - as parents. Lead by example -- our children will have the same concepts of what is acceptable behaviour based upon what they see at home; children learn what the live. That means no texting at the dinner table; being able to watch television together as a famly without the laptop being on and constantly checking Facebook notifications; showing our children that life is about living - and not constantly being driven by the social networking circle --which is truly not very social at all.

There is a time and a place for everything; and truthfully, with bad there is also good. Social networking does have it's place in society, and holds value when used in the right context -- but it's not meant for children; monitoring their pages is a laughable attempt at control -- you can't monitor the places that they post, or the things that they say outside of their page. But by not allowing them to run rampant online -- they may think twice about their behaviour in general. There's a bravado when hiding behind a lap top -- not so much in person. Force them to be accountable for their actions in person, and most importantly -- to be a person -- rather than an icon or photo or status update on a page. Teach them to be defined by their actions - not by how many "friends" they have online.

Bullying will always be a problem; it always has been. Sometimes, there are just mean kids. But Cyber-bullying, in my opinion -- is completely a byproduct of lazy parenting.

That my friends, is what has to be fixed otherwise it will never, ever end.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

"Yeah, man, it means love, respect, community... and the dollars too. The package. The kwan..."

Last night, I had a moment.

At the store, we had a tasting of steak tips & country style ribs - along with some beer. All from local companies - and I called it a "Shop Fresh, Shop Local" tasting. It was delicious! And, rather well publicized within all the social media networks.

I stayed a little later than usual because I hadn't quite anticipated the rush of people and I had three people on and my being there was definitely a benefit, which is something I love to do. Working a night shift is always fun because it's typically busier than the days anyway, and we all know my love for chatting with people.

While I was there, I took a moment and stepped back to take it in: Michael Buble music playing, the lights glowing, the store full of people smiling and laughing.....and I had such a surge of self contentment and pride. It was fantastic!

But a customer made a comment that truly was the icing on the cake. She stated how much she loved the store, how happy she and all her friends were that we were there -- how much we prettied up the shopping area, how great it was for the city and how much everyone has positive feedback and then she said "look - see how many people are here, you're really bringing the community together!"

Though I kept my cool on the outside and of course was graciously appreciative...
I was completely beaming inside.

I always knew I was capable of great things.
But to actually do it...is pretty awesome.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

And so I cry sometimes when I'm lying in bed, just to get it all out - what' s in my head; and I'm feeling a little peculiar....

Yesterday was a fun little day. A busy one, but nice because not one - but two of my girlfriends from my old job on base came by to visit me! Not at the same time either - one came, and we had a quick lunch which was great since I barely ever eat lunch any more. And then later that day, my other girlfriend stopped in and said hello. It was so fun and almost like the "old days" in a way. Without the frustration and/or disappointment of the job, of course.....

Very exciting to be so close to baseball season...! Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack, I don't care if I ever get back! (Sending out happy thoughts and positive vibes to Jason's family, with the news of his father fighting an illness right now. I can certainly relate to that....)

I'm a little surprised at the contestants that were sent home from American Idol tonight; they were so not who I thought deserved to go. The girls are so impressive, but the one boy who I really thought had a fantastically unique voice - was sent home. That, was a travesty because I think the talent of the boys pales in comparison --and my personal pick at this junction of the competition -- is Boston's own Siobhan. Love everything about her....

I'm hoping to get back to yoga next week; my cold is dissipating. I'm so thankful this one was fierce and quick, rather than long and lingering.

The weekend is coming, and you know -- I really am looking forward to it. I love the downtime that the weekend brings me, and while I love to work hard - I like to play hard too. My Princess Petunia can be very trying these days, but I so enjoy my Mom time with her and my son. There's nothing like it, and when the kiddies grow up and are fantastic little people -- then the personality struggles of the kids -- and trials of being a parent, will be worth their weight in gold. It's work and fun at the same time -- it's truly the toughest job you'll ever love.

Tuesday, March 09, 2010

The transparency is disturbing....

So, here's what I want to know.....

Is anyone else picking up on the absolute and complete assasination attempt that is going on towards Toyota?

Is it a coincidence that our President, is Chief CEO and stock holder of General Motors? I think not.

What also isn't a coincidence, nor does it take a rocket scientist to figure out -- is what is probably the most disturbing plan of propaganda to come out of this administration. The attempts to destroy the reputation of the number one imported vehicle in the country -- possibly the world -- is just so disturbing. The blatantly transparent effort to sway the American consumers to lose faith in that company and therefore opt to shop, oh I don't know.... American? Not to say that I don't agree with shopping American for vehicles if thats what you choose, but let's be honest -- Toyota is probably the most sound vehicle of any country's make -- on the market today.

People may briefly opt to shop elsewhere -- but I assure you, that won't last long.

It's unfortunate that so little about our Executive in Chief being in such a position of power at one of the most poorly managed American companies has been expressed in the media.

But alas....the public is nothing more than confused sheep following a very fickle shepherd.

Monday, March 08, 2010

You like me...you really, really like me!

Let's Oscar chat - shall we?

The best: Demi Moore in all of her insanely fit and gorgeous glory. Talk about looking timeless... no wonder that cougar nabbed such a young husband! I'd marry her for God's sake. Helen Mirren -- in a word -- stunning. She is the epitome of graceful aging. Favorite dresses of the evening: Demi, Rachel McAdams, Sandra Bullock. Kate Winslet and Penelope Cruz. Don't get me wrong, there were others but those were showstoppers for me. I loved the very smart yet sexy long hair styles that were on alot of people - including some of those I just mentioned. I really enjoyed Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin as hosts; not too over the top, not harsh and mean as some hosts can be to their audience members and for the first time the hosts were genuinely funny. Loved them. Sandra Bullock's acceptance speech -- was fabulous. I love her anyway -- I totally want to be best friends with her. I guess in a nutshell, the show as a whole was done well this year. I had no regrets staying up until midnight to watch every single moment of it. What I do know, is that next year -- I'm so having a Pajamas Oscar party at Chez "I'm Just a Girl"; complete with champagne of course!

The worst: Farrah Fawcett being left off the memorial presentation. Ouch, that one hurt me - one can't imagine how her family and friends must've felt. Sarah Jessica Parker's horribly orange skin and bad hair style. Ugh, what was her stylist thinking??!?! I did not at all like the beehive updo's some women wore - there's something elegant up an updo, but most of them I saw looked like old women with straggly hairs sticking out everywhere. When someone like JLo has her hair up and slicked back she is stunning. Last night....not so much. Just sayin'..... Kristen Stewart is continuing to be on my radar as the "least talented person in Hollywood". She was less than impressive yet again last night. While I was beyond thrilled that Mo'nique won her award, I was not equally as impressed with her relatively angry and bitter acceptance.

The best part of the Oscars for me -- is the opportunity to get a glimpse at some movies that I more than likely didn't get the chance to see during the year. And now, I've got some things that I'm actually excited about watching.

And if that's what I get from the show, outside of getting to play armchair fashion critic -- then truly, that's good enough for me!

Saturday, March 06, 2010

Typical... .

I wonder why I'd have to come down with a head cold on just about THE most beautiful weekend of the year?

*sniffles*

Thursday, March 04, 2010

So exciting!!!

So, yesterday I got a phone call from the television show Chronicle asking if they could come and interview me on a piece they're doing on wine.

(Could they come to my store?!?!?
Shhaaa....yeah!)

Would you believe that in the two hours they spent in my store -- only 2 customers came in? I couldn't believe it. That has never, ever happened in the short history of the shop. I was beside myself over it, what are the chances?!! It was okay though, we had enough flow to keep it interesting.

And now, I'm pretty tired. Exhausted, actually. It was such an adrenalin rush, and then when it was over - I was drained. Sounds silly, but of course I was nervous a bit. I have the best poker face when it comes to these things but trust me..... the butterflies were there.

I'm crazy excited to see it but at the same time -- scared to watch. No one really likes the way they look or sound, right? And while I know I'm really good talking to people it was very difficult to shake the feeling of having to be just perfect while on camera - and I'm afraid I'm going to come off as contrived -- or maybe not having answered the questions properly! Did I roll my eyes too much; did I purse my lips too much so that those silly little lines around my lips are obnoxiously visible; the only thing I know for sure is that I did not talk with my hands -- those I kept in my apron! I just hope that I don't look absolutely ridiculous. He said I was a great interview - but wow, I didn't feel like I was.

This was a huge and fantastic opportunity for the store and truly -- it was so much fun.
I am so ready to unwind with a delicious dinner, and a nice glass of wine.

There are definitely worse jobs to be had.

Monday, March 01, 2010

We stand on guard, for....thee....

So, can I just tell you....
I loved, loved, loved the Olympics closing ceremony.
Despite the fact that everyone so obviously lip synched their songs -- I really enjoyed it.

I get all mushy and sentimental in a "kumbiyah" way of the unity and beauty of the international peace the Olympics brings. I'm really sad to see them end and can't wait to see what Russia does for their hosting of events.

http://www.soundboard.com/sb/olympic_theme_song.aspx

Check out that link for a little post-olympic musical infusions. Some of the best and most beautiful Olympic theme songs ever.

I've got to ask one question though....
is all that Canada has to offer really only beavers, hockey, leaves, moose, and beer? The latter not being part of the closing ceremonies but the former all being on display in larger than life form. There's got to be more to them that....

Like pharmaceuticals...

Just sayin'....