Things that make you go "hmmm...?"

Okay, I'm not going to lie - I feel like I'm getting old.

See, in the a.m., I might have a fabulous idea on what to do a blog post on...and then by night time when I actually stop to write it, I can't for the life of me remember what it might have been.
So I'm just going to rant today on a variety of topics, but mostly the same ol' same ol'.

1. Hate that I haven't been working out. At all. Not even a little. HATE IT.
2. Irritated that the people we're dealing with on trying to hammer out a lease negotiation on a new store in Boston are just drama filled and ridiculous. It's causing so much tension and friction. Completely unnecessarily, might I add.
3. Very excited... to be visiting NYC in the immediate future.
4. Saw the "Smurfs" movie with Princess Petunia, which was probably the last kid's movie I'd ever want to see; I didn't like them when I was a kid - but I have to tell you, it wasn't all that bad. Even I was singing their "la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, laaaaaaaa" by the night's end.
5. I made a Lime & Cilantro Corn Chowder tonight...and I'm not going to lie - it was rock the house good.
6.Beyond irritated that we haven't sold our house - but even more irritated that now the house that we really wanted previously and then fell apart - G wants again. I can't keep up sometimes.
7. I think I've become a Nag Champa addict. Truth that.
8. Not only do I need to work out to get back into shape - I really need to find center again. There's a certain clarity that yoga provides, that if you never practiced- you won't understand. It's amazing how things won't irritate you as much and perspective is better held. I definitely feel as if I need to find ME again. I'm feeling a little, underwhelmed with myself these days.
9. Music is not finding me these days. I don't know why? I think because I used to love to go to Newbury Comics at lunch and find myself a hidden gem acoustic artist; and now, I don't leave the store so much -- I don't have that need to "escape" really, and it sort of bums me out that I'm not jazzed on any one special. Adele was my latest/greatest - but I need to find someone else to feel my soul with. Suggestions on who to try - lay them on me, I'm all ears.
10. Despite all my grumblings tonight.....life is but a dream - and if you don't have any, you won't aspire to anything. Keep reaching, aiming and soaring. If life hands you lemons - you have to make lemonade. Sure it sounds kitchy, but it's true. And I'm living proof.... if you believe in yourself, others will believe in you too.

Happy Sunday...

1.) Today is officially reporting day for Catchers & Pitchers. And, speaking of Catchers....who knew that in the last issue of NorthShore Magazine (Feb/March), the one my store was mentioned it -- two pages over, was a picture of Jason?!? The two of us, featured in the same magazine just pages apart.... who'da thunk it?

2.) Bieber Fever? Well, this girl is going to have it for a two hour window with Princess Petunia today. We're going to see "Never say Never" today, and she can't wait. Me? Well, two hours of giggling little girls can't be a bad thing. Very, very cute.

3.) Mike's Pastry on Comcast Sportsnet? Seriously, two great things that taste great together - sports & sweets. I'm watching Nate Robinson at Mike's Pastry, which is actually quite funny because you can tell he's not a local guy. Just the way he annunciates the "North End" - his inflections are different. (Listen, I'm all about grammar and vocabulary and articulation. It's an interest of mine. Call me geeky, I know....)

4.) Come hell or high water.... this girl is going back to yoga on Tuesday morning. It's about flipping time. I'm getting back into the swing of things this week - yoga, then running a week from tomorrow. I hate having to stop during the holidays because you get into such a good groove, and in such great shape - and then you have to start all over again. But fortunately, muscle has memory - and it won't take long. The best part of it isn't so much how I look - but how I feel after. Happier because I feel healthier; cleaner because all those toxins are released; and just more peaceful within because I feel better overall. Endorphins, those are some pretty great things....

Before you've practiced, the theory is useless. After you've practiced, the theory is obvious...

So, I've decided that it's time to take care of me... I know I've mentioned a few times over the last month or so that I need to do it -but today was the start.

A yoga studio opened across the street from the store, and today I took my first class. What was so great too, was that it was the first yoga class I'd taken in quite some time that wasn't Power Ashtanga or Power Vinyasa; just a basic yoga class, with poses and minimal flow. I forgot how great it was to just work up to certain poses without the constant flow of vinyasa. Not that I don't love Vinyasa because I do -- but the change was nice.

Best of all is that I can take classes 3-4 days a week because the schedule fits my working schedule. So, I'm excited to get back into that groove again. It's amazing how centered you become, how much perspective you gain....and how unbelievable you feel once you practice. It's funny how something like exercise can do that to you, but it's more than just the exercise. It's the letting go and balance of it all. Sounds crazy, I know....but trust me, it's the real deal.

Namaste.

Get into the groove.....

So, I don't want to say anything but..... it seems like those "intangibles" of Jason's that weren't "so important" last season, are looking pretty darn important these days -- aren't they? Funny to hear sports radio today talking about it. I don't want to say "I told you so", but......

Okay, so I'm getting ready to run the Mother's Day 3.5 mile race. I've only run 3.5 miles outside a couple of times this Spring, but I've been running at minimum a mile per night on the treadmill. It's not a lot, but enough to keep my juices flowing so I'll be all set for the race. I can totally run 3.5 -4 miles outside not a problem without any preparation, but given the fact that I've got all these sore muscles from the Yoga Marathon, it seems to make sense to keep moving while the body is feeling it. I've also started lifting again (just lightly, mostly for sculpting) and I am going back to yoga classes at night once a week. I've really been doing nothing for me and I need to get back to doing a little something good that's not for me as a Mom -- but for me as a person. (Seriously, don't you want to shake me and say "get a hobby!" Well, I would if I had free time! Yoga and running are my hobbies! ) Partly the reason why I only run 1 mile at home is because it's something that I can squeeze in under 10 minutes! Once I'm home from the store - I'm Mom, and just because I'm not the only grown up home doesn't mean my day ends. Oh no, it just begins....

So I'm trying to get into a new rhythm of energizing, and it's starting with this. Hopefully, this is just the beginning.

(Oh, and a quick postscript: try spamming now my little solicitious friends...just try.)

Yoga is bodily gospel. ~Reaven Fields

Today is the 108 Sun Salutation Fundraiser for the Jimmy Fund.
It's an amazing practice -- three hours long -- with the presence and focus being on the cause.

Sun Salutations or Surya Namaskara is a dynamic asana sequence of 12 postures performed as one continuous flow. Sri K. Pattabhi Jois calls 108 sun salutations a yoga mala, after the garland of prayer beads. There are 108 beads on every strand. Each completed sequence becomes a bead of the mala; therefore, every mala calls for 108 sun salutations. Regardless of the meaning of 108 it is important to remember that a yoga mala is a form of meditation and like the prayer beads, each sequence should be practiced with sincerity, devotion and full attention.

(If you practice, then you'll appreciate that we do one full Surya Namaskara A and B to be one complete Sun Salutation.)


Why 108? Well....

• A Harshad number is 108
(harshad in sanskrit means
great joy)
• 108 energy lines join to
form the heart chakra
• With 54 letters in the
sanskrit alphabet each
has masculine and
feminine equals 108
• 1 stands for higher truth
0 for emptiness
8 for infinity

Whatever you're doing today, enjoy; but take a moment to step back and thinmk about those who might be struggling or suffering today - and send some positive energy and good thoughts their way.

Namaste....

Who let the dogs out....who let the dogs out....

So, it was quite the game last night....
Welcome to Boston, New York. Last night is just a little sample of how we roll....
(Though truly, Beckett was off. Really off....)

I've got some fantastic pictures from Easter that I have yet to download but must share. I can't stand how cute the kids were - -and we had a picture perfect day. It was gorgeous outside. We ended up on Saturday going to our favorite ice cream place and having lunch, playing mini golf and being incredibly indulgent in everything we ate.

Speaking of indulgences, yesterday was my last day of doing so. Today, I started my detox and I had my first run since September. Pretty good, 3.25 miles in 36 minutes. I'm not going for time so much as I am endurance, but I felt great -- no breathing issues or side stiches, just some minor tweaking in my knee (the one that didn't have surgery -- not sure what that's all about!) and I was euphoric after, which is sort of the high that you chase when you run. I do need to get myself fitted for good running sneakers - I have yet to do that and I do believe I'm going to do that tomorrow. It's a nice slow week for me at the store this week, so I should be able to catch up on little errands I haven't had the opportunity to do.

It's almost impossible to be in anything but a good mood these next few days. Fantastic weather is on the agenda, baseball is back in season -- and so to wake up and see sunny skies makes everything seem happy and shiny. It even makes my headaches tolerable -- and just a reminder that I need to go back to acupuncture. Yoga is on the agenda this week as well....and maybe, a new lip gloss too.

I've neglected myself quite a bit over these last few months, and I think this week it's time that I show myself a little love.

And that is how this girl is going to roll.

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!

Feeling ambitious -- setting goals.

The beginning of the year is when I really try to get organized. Sometimes, especially in a year such as the one that just left -- when life is very hectic towards the end, it's hard to clean house so to speak, and reorganize. I can't function when things aren't organized; and the funny thing is that I'm not nearly as organized as I need to be/want to be but I've learned that sometimes you just have to step back. It's okay.... though I still cringe when the "junk drawer" in the kitchen is a disaster just a day after I've organized it. My cabinets aren't nearly as organized as I want them to be -- I have the overwhelming want to have my house look like something out of "Real Simple". But the reality of it is that -- well, it can't. I have two children who are anything but organized, a husband who has no concept of tidiness though he's exceptionally organized -- and we actually live in this house. We use it, eat/play/live in it -- it's not staged for a magazine.
These are the things I grapple with.

Anyway, so I've given a little thought to my resolutions for this year; they're always very manageable, attainable goals. I've always felt it unrealistic to set exorbitant goals on things that may not get done in a probable manner. So I set a few, short and realistic goals and if I keep them (which I typically do....sometimes) then that's great. If not -- well, they're not earthshattering so that's okay as well.

So I now present to you this girl's list of resolutions for 2010:

1. Go to the doctor. Yes, I'm overdue for a general physical and with the recent turn of events with my mother and the big C -- her prognosis while better than the day before Christmas Eve is still not as good as we'd hoped it would be; and there's always the possibility for genetic and hereditary passing of it so...for my own piece of mind, it's probably best to be proactive on the medical curve.

2. Back to yoga and running. That needs no explanation.

3. Get back to reading. G got for Christmas a book that's piquing my interest and so I think I'm going to start it. It's Tim Donaghy's Blowing the Whistle. I don't know what I'll read after that one, but at least I'm interested in reading it. I'd even like to get back into a book club if I can find the time.

That might be it -- for now anyway. I'm always working on improving myself -- and I will forever be a work in progress. But for now, in the short term - these are the goals I'm setting for myself for this year, and I think I should be able to keep them.

What are your goals for this upcoming year?

Everybody's working for the weekend.....

1. Can’t read my, can’t read my, no he can’t read my Poker Face…. My God, I don’t think I’ve had a song completely take me over like this song has! I can’t get it out of my head….and I really love it. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the radio station plays it like 13 times during the work day. But it’s a must download for my IPod on Saturday, along with other newer songs that I’ve been remiss in adding. And it’s a necessity for the weekend!

2. Why is music a necessity, Rebecca? Well, because I’ve decided that I am going to run the Mothers’ Day Road Race that I participated in last year. It was my goal to be able to run that race post surgery – and even though it’s a week earlier than I had thought it would be – I’m definitely capable of doing it. I think with the music to pace me properly, I will be just fine. And – I’m going to have a running partner this time. All these races I’ve done, I run alone; but I’ve been running with a co worker of mine who lives around the corner from me – so she and I are going to run it together. I don’t expect to beat my time from last year – or even match it, quite honestly – this time, it’s just about completion. Didn’t I say the bitch is back?

3. I’m all about the weekend…and it’s sunny and beautiful out. After all the rain, this is a spectacular way to start the weekend – and one with out soccer might I add, which is a nice bonus surprise. Don’t get me wrong, I love soccer with the kids – but I really would like to go get my hanging plants for the porch and just have fun with the kiddies hanging out. Tonight we have a family birthday party to go to – so after work I’ll be making chicken wings to bring with us; then tomorrow hopefully just us having a fabulous day in what I’m hoping will be beautiful weather. Fingers crossed….

4. It’s all about being Mom. So, the kids have informed me that they want to take me to Canobie Lake for Mother’s Day. (hmm, wondering if they have confused Mother’s Day with Kid’s Day?? Kidding…) I told them whatever they want to do to celebrate is perfectly fine with me, so long as we have a great day. I’m not fussy. My only request is that I get the 7-11a.m time frame to do my running thing. The rest of the day – is theirs.

5. Big week next week….lots of things going on. Big changes possibly. Big news hopefully. Big, big, big!!! Stay tuned….

"We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses."-- Abraham Lincoln

1. Rosemary, is an entirely underrated herb I think. I love using Rosemary – it’s got a fine line between too much and not enough, but if you hit it just right – it’s spectacular. I use it in everything, so much so that I think in fact this season – I will add it to my garden herbs. I don’t generally plant it, but I use it so much that I definitely am going to this season. Cilantro is another underrated herb, in my opinon. It’s not just for guacamole or salsa – there are so many fabulous ways to use it – and that is an herb that is a constant in my garden.
2. Speaking of gardening….I don’t generally plant flowers. I’m a vegetable garden kind of girl. However, the kids picked out some morning glory seeds, and so we’ll be planting them on Saturday. I think I’m going to pick up a trellis so that we can train them up it. They’re pretty excited about it, and so am I actually. I wish I had the room to do a wildflower garden, but I barely have room as it is for my postage stamp garden, so… you take what you can get, right?
3. I really like the town that I live in. This morning, our police department sent a global message to the residents via telephone – informing us that a rash of car break ins had been resolved. This sort of gives you an idea of the amount of severe crime that happens where I live. I mean, there’s definitely some crime – everyplace has it; but as a city girl originally, I find our town to be exceptionally quiet. Of course, my Dad used to be a cop – and so living in the city and having a scanner in your house – you grew up knowing about everything that happened, and I assure you – it wasn’t always good. I can only imagine the calls on the scanner in my neck of the woods now… and I’m not about to mock them, because I think it’s a good thing.
4. As I was thinking about how much I like my town on my drive in to work... I noticed the high school has a crashed up car on it’s front lawn to remind kids about drinking and driving. Again, in the city – there was not much outreach to us as kids. Sure, we had police officers come in during elementary school, and once in high school to go over drugs with us -- but there was none of the real community involvement that I see where my kids are growing up. It’s not overwhelming or overbearing – and it’s not about drugs per se; it’s just an interaction with the kids in general, by all types of public officials. It’s real clear to me that this community cares about it’s youth, and I love that about it. Though I won’t be a “townie” – my kids will be, and I’m happy about that for them.
5. Thank God for muscle memory. I’m going to yoga tonight, and it will have been my third time this week. It’s amazing how quickly your body bounces back into shape – and in such short time, my arms look pretty decent again – considering I haven’t really lifted much. I’m starting to run on the outdoor track next week – which will be my first run in three weeks; I’m hoping the time I’ve given my knee to relax a bit, and build some quad strength with yoga will get me past that half mile mark. Running on a springy outdoor track is far better than on the treadmill, so here’s hoping….

Besides, I've got a wedding coming up the third weekend in May - and I'm wearing a hot little number to it, so.... there's inspiration for me to push through the pain if need be.

I'm sick and tired... of being sick and tired...

This has got to have been the worst cold and flu season on record, ever.
At least in this girl’s life.

I’m sick…again. Again?!?!
One would think, after the three hour yoga marathon on Saturday, in a 130 degree room – doing 108 Sun A & Sun B Salutations in addition to other vinyasas (do the math on how many pushups that constitutes, my triceps are alive!) – I would be as healthy as a horse! One would think…

It hit me like a brick wall yesterday after dinner. I’ve been fighting this since Friday, and around 4:30 in the afternoon – I lost the battle. (But not before eating a nice slice of the prettiest Easter cake I’ve seen….yum.)
Really, I’m sick of being sick.

So tonight, after my son’s soccer practice I am going to high tail it to the clinic around the corner from me and see the doctor who I’m sure is going to say I need an antibiotic of some sort. I’ve been going back and forth with this since the weekend I had my knee scoped. Nine weeks ago already. Um, hello… clearly, I’m not going to be able to fight this one off on my own, but I’ve given it one hell of a shot.

I’m almost glad the Sox are in Oakland playing a night game. I don’t have it in me today to stay up and try to watch them; and truthfully, it might be some additional good medicine to wake up in the morning and learn of a victory needed in the Nation.

Life is like a box of chocolates...you never know what you're gonna get....

(Unless you intentionally go for the squared pieces. Those are caramels -- my fave. Just sayin...')

Jon Lester’s performance last night is exactly why I don’t believe in pre-season predictions.
One never knows…..

So, it’s been quite some time since I’ve had a headache; my last acupuncture visit was in January, about 3 weeks before my surgery – and the last headache up to that point I’d had was in early December. I can’t rave enough about acupuncture. It has literally worked wonders and changed my life. That being said, the down side to it (unfortunately, every upside has a downside…ying and yang) is that when I do get a head ache – wow. They hurt. I almost forgot what they feel like. The last one I had, was small -- playing “peekaboo” with me for a day. This one I’ve got now well, it’s a bit stronger. It came on last night, and it’s just hanging on to me today. I’m going to go on a limb and guess that it’s weather related, given the sudden drop and then sudden lift in temperature over the past 36 hours or so. Seasonal or not, it’s definitely time to schedule another appointment.

Last night I made a valiant effort to complete a mile run. I’m still sitting at a half mile – but I’m being so cautious and smart about it all. (Shameless pat on the back.) I know myself well enough to acknowledge I tend to push myself, and I certainly do not want to do any damage to my knee, so I will continue to run every other day and stop when my knee starts to alert me that it’s “had enough”. Besides, what am I thinking – it’s only been 9 weeks since my surgery, running is a big deal on the knee. Look at Mike Lowell – he still can’t run well and his surgery was well before mine. Granted, it was hip surgery - and not the same thing at all, but it’s still surgery and structural and impacting none the less.

Saturday is my annual effort at the 108 Sun Salutations for the Jimmy Fund. I’m really looking forward to it. Three hours of a seriously intense workout – and for a fantastic cause. And then, Sunday – I get to enjoy Easter dinner guilt free, right? I am not hosting this year --I will be a guest and I’m looking forward to it. I am not sure what I’ll be bringing yet….

Lingering in the back of my mind is the business venture…..we’re at a point with financing and it’s weighing heavy on my mind given the state of the economy. Banks don’t want to lend to businesses, despite the fact that the SBA is backing 90% of the loans; the banks just aren’t underwriting them. Our present business is almost owned outright – and the balance of the loan is so small. Adding the costs of the new business to the existing loan is the only route we can go on because no one wants to lend to a “startup” – and the business can clearly sustain the new loan balance. But again – banks don’t want to underwrite loans these days, period. So, fingers crossed….I should have more information on that relatively soon.

And then there’s the Sox game this afternoon. I’m almost glad that I can’t see it – since Dice K is pitching and he is so frustrating to watch; but I’m thankful for the radio at my desk. It’s been years since I’ve sat in a building that got reception and being able to listen to the game puts a whole new light on being stuck in the office.

Speaking of which – this girl is off to get a spring in her step with some fresh air and a run to Whole Foods.

Thoughts for Tuesday....

1. Swing…batter, batter, batter, swing! Who’s excited to watch the Sox today? I am! Oh, and I’m sorry…..did the Yankee’s CC Sabathia not do well in their season opener? Hmmm….. I think I made a little prediction about that a few months back, no? Yes, I’m pretty sure I did. Now, I am not a fan of season predictions because there is just far too much baseball to be played – I don’t think it’s possible to make them with any accuracy as there are far too many intangibles and unforeseen possibilities; that being said, I won’t be too terribly disappointed if my very pre-season prediction comes to fruition. I’m not going to regurgitate it here for fear of jinxing the Sox (it’s all about karma, baby) – if you choose to see it, feel free to search the baseball posts.

2. So, I have to say I laughed aloud when I read the story about the Canadian woman who chose to support jihadists all over the world… and ventured to Afghanistan to support “the cause”, only to be kidnapped by those she chose to support – and then plead to her native government (whom she’s so eloquently trashed) and beg to pay the ransom money to release her so she’s not beheaded. "I need somebody to help me," she pleaded on the most recent video. "My government — the Canadian government, the Pakistan government — I want to go home." Hmmm. Yeah, I’m thinking she can take one for the team. I never thought I wouldn’t be compassionate but you know, 9/11 changed everything for me. Sorry, but like I said – it’s all about karma, baby. They were your toys – you wound them up – now, you can play with them.

3. There is a reason why I don’t read the news. Sandra Cantu’s body was discovered inside of a suitcase in a pond. Haleigh Cummings is still missing. Caylee Anthony’s mother is a monster. A psychopath lunatic in Gardener MA stabs her 2 year old 100 times and then tries to strangle her. I find that I can’t even get to the business section without having gruesome tales of abuse on young children being thrown in my face. It’s horrifying, disturbing and saddening. What is this world coming to? And then people wonder why good parents are so over protective of their children these days……

4. I can run like the wind blows….well, that would be Forrest Gump, not me. However, I did have a successful run last night. I made it to a half mile before I felt a tweak in my knee – and I was smart, rather than run through it, I stopped. Yesterday’s half mile, may be tomorrow’s mile. I’m sensing a comeback …..

5. And finally… that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. If it doesn’t happen – it wasn’t meant to be. Laugh a lot, and loudly. Love boldly. You are your greatest strength – don’t be your own worst enemy. Smile and let someone know you’re thinking of them…. Allow yourself to dream.

"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....

Beaming from ear to ear.....

I got an arthoscopic surgery date!!
Who would think that surgery would make a girl so happy?

I just got back from the orthopedic and after seeing my swollen knee, and playing with it some more (yes, it's singing to me right now) he could definitely feel the snapping inside and said "we need to fix this for you."

So, he explained that he was trying conservative treatment first but given how it's only gotten worse - he said "oh, I'm sorry but there's really no other alternative at this point..." and how MRI's aren't 100%, especially on the lateral side -- I was like "oh, thank you! -- thank you so much!". I think he may have thought I'd preferred to go a more holistic route if at all possible since I wouldn't take any pain medicines, and told him that I use acupuncture, etc.. especially since in the very beginning I'd said I'd prefer not to have surgery if it wasn't necessary.... but um, hell yeah if it is!!!!

On January 30th, my little knee is going to have three new scars in it.
And this girl can not wait.

So this whole knee injury is irritating me a bit.....

Both literally - and figuratively.

Physical therapy has been working, I definitely have better mobility and my knee straightens better but still locks and won't completely straighten. And it's still so sore to the touch in some places.

The therapist toggles back and forth between it being a torn meniscus, a strained meniscus, a bone bruise, and luxation of my patella - which he said he can feel a rub in my knee which goes with the meniscus, but also - the luxation when I use the bike.

All I know is -- I want it fixed. PT is doing good things as far as mobility but the discomfort -- so not close to going away. It keeps me up at night often because I can't sleep on my sides - the knees pressing together is uncomfortable. I can't lay on my back for long because my leg doesn't lay completely flat -- and if I lay on my stomach, the pressure on my knee face down is bothersome as well.

My follow up with the ortho is on the 18th, and I'm pretty sure that the therapist is going to recommend at minimum a scoping to see what's going on in there if this doesn't let up.

At this point, I'm good with that. Because it's entirely interfering in my life.

I miss yoga....sigh.

Update on the Knee...

Good news is - my ligaments and meniscus appear to be intact. Bad news is - that means what's seemingly wrong with my knee is not immediately fixable.

My MRI showed cartilage damage under my knee which is interesting because the doctor said MRI's generally don't show patella injuries well so to have it show up is rather telling. Plus of course, for him to actually feel the popping of my knee, as well as see the lack of mobility I have is always helpful.

Here's a fun term for you: Chondromalacia Patella. We think....

So before we think about going further, it's lots of anti-inflammatories and ice - as well as a rigorous PT routine to see how far we can go in 6 weeks before he determines what if anything we need to do next.

This also means less heel wearing for me. Damn it. I don't even own a pair of flats, outside of my sneakers or Uggs.
What's a girl to do?

Clearly, a little shoe shopping!

Thank God it's going to be a "bye" week...

For more reasons than the obvious...

Ugh. Not a great showing for the Pats. I can't remember the last time they looked that bad.

It's been a long time. And it's not entirely Matt Cassel's fault. The defense looked horrible. HORRIBLE. It was really not an enjoyable game to watch. I'm surprised they actually got one touchdown. There was no silver lining in the clouds today...


Other than the Red Sox win. And how Dice K managed to get out of the second or third inning with men on 1st and 3rd still blows me away. I can't believe he went 7 innings either. He is the most frustrating pitcher to watch. I don't care for him, at all.


However, the other reason why I'm happy that there's no game next Sunday is because man, do I eat when it's afternoon football Sundays. I ate so much that I think I need to binge and purge. Kidding - I enjoy food far too much to ever have an eating disorder, no matter how disgusting I feel at the moment. Besides, let's be honest - purging is far more disgusting than however I may feel at the moment. (No offense to any of my eating disorder friends...!)


Sundays, football and cooking go hand in hand for me. There were pickys all day -- between chips, and salsa and guacamole (that truly wasn't all that good...the avacado's weren't ripe enough), and cake...and baking pumpkin pie....and making a huge roast beef with roasted squash, sweet potatoes, and russets.


Thank God I'm going to start running again tomorrow - come hell or high water. Back into 5k mode once again.

And thank God the Patriots have an extra week to try to figure out how to fix their team.

Thoughts for Thursday.....

1. Clearly, I didn't get a Sox win for my birthday. (Or, a birthday wish from their Captain, but there's always next year....sigh.) While I've tried to remain cautiously optomistic that we could win the division -- I think it's time to accept and digest the fact that we are going to be playing the Angels. It's not to say that I don't think it's impossible to win against them -- I'm just suggesting that I'd have rather seen them not have to play them. Or I'd rather a 7 game series. Home field advantage would've been nice too. The month isn't over yet, but we all know that a tie with Tampa just isn't going to cut it, so...I'm hoping we can fix Byrd's tipping, have Mike Lowell not be completely incapacitated by that time, keep Papi's bat alive, have Wake's pitching straighten out, have middle relief be strong and effective should we need them, keep our Mr. October healthy - and a string of other things that are all a part of having the post season be a successful one!

2. I need to get back to working out quickly. I can't even begin to tell you how much of an impact not running or going to yoga has had on me! I haven't had the time since July to do it, between changes in work schedules, and my daughter going to school -- it's been impossible for me to find the time. The thing is I need to make the time. Not only because it's something I really enjoy - but because I feel such a difference since I've stopped. I've got less energy in the morning - I'm tired and draggy which is really not me at all. And truthfully, they're not only a hobby for me - but a part of my lifestyle. And so to have stopped is just killing me. I don't feel as happy as I normally am when I'm not working out. So, I think the one thing I need to do for myself is make the time to get back to yoga and running. And now with the cooler weather at night, it will be easier I think to squeeze a run in. In the summer it is so humid, that to run the lake at 3 in the afternoon was a killer. Sure, I did it - but running the lake on an 88 degree day isn't exactly an easy run. So this is really a good time to be able to get back into the swing of it.

3. I am so frustrated with this Casey Anthony drama. First of all, I do not agree at all with the protesters showing up at the Anthony home and harrassing her parents. Have some compassion people! I do, however agree with protesting about Casey, in general. I am hoping beyond hope that there is a reason as to why the police aren't pressuring her to speak -- nor why no one is pressuring her to look for her daughter or plead with the "kidnappers". This is one of the most disturbing cases I've heard about, and my heart breaks for little Caylee. Give me two days with Casey and I assure you, I'd get the information out of her....

4. This is fortunately my last week of uncertainty. Those plates I've been referring to should be all lined up in a row by tomorrow. A week off, but hey - that's okay. I've got choices, options, possibilities and potential. This is a good position to be in.

Will I end up with what I want?
I don't know. But I sure hope so....

Le Jour De la Mère!

Tonight, I don't have much planned. Yoga after work, and then just hanging out at home. Tomorrow, there's dance and then maybe soccer and baseball! I'm not sure what's going to happen because they're both at the same time, so I don't know if either gets played - which one we'll be at! Somewhere in between that I need to get birthday party favors and decorations because time is quickly encroaching on the 7th birthday of my little boy. Sigh…time goes by so fast. But more on that later….

This Sunday is Mother's Day. Which means, I also have to get Mother's Day cards. (Mom, if you're reading this - sorry, haven't had the chance to go shopping yet! It will be in the mail….) Add that to my list. That morning, my friend Jess and I are running that 3.5 mile road race I had mentioned before. It's for a great cause - fighting violence towards women - and so it's a good thing to start the day doing something nice for other women, as well as doing something good for ourselves in the process. And then the rest of the day, I'm looking forward to just being Mom. Hopefully with lots of little home made cards and things like that….! I love, love, love when the kids make me little notes and presents.

So, I'll end this week with random thoughts on motherhood and the like.

Be kind to the women in your life this weekend….!
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"To nourish children and raise them against odds is any time, any place, more valuable than to fix bolts in cars or design nuclear weapons." -- Marilyn French

"A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie." -- Tenneva Jordan

"At work, you think of the children you have left at home. At home, you think of the work you've left unfinished. Such a struggle is unleashed within yourself. Your heart is rent." -- Golda Meir

"Never marry a man who hates his mother, because he'll end up hating you." -- Jill Bennett (Ain't that the truth!)

"Becoming a mother makes you the mother of all children. From now on each wounded, abandoned, frightened child is yours. You live in the suffering mothers of every race and creed and weep with them. You long to comfort all who are desolate." -- Charlotte Gray