Let's hear it for the girls....

So, Saturday night was a ton of fun - and unfortunately - it was far too short! Definitely a great night of laughs (and good food!), and I can't wait to see everyone again.

We don't all have the time for our monthly potlucks anymore - but to keep it just yearly, is not enough. So hopefully we'll be able to do smaller events - even if it's with smaller groups - through out the year.

There are few things better in life than having good friends. While we can't choose our family - we have the luxury of choosing our circle, and I'm blessed for those who travel within mine.

Hey there, hi there, ho there - you're as welcome as can be!

Clearly, I've given the blog a face lift.

I was bored. You know, I go through these phases where I feel like the site looks stagnant - and while there aren't any templates that are exactly the way I'd like to have my place - at least I've got the opportunity to freshen up every now and again.

Oh - American Idol update: So, as much as I loved, loved, loved Simon Cowell - the truth is, I didn't miss him these last two nights. I mean, maybe in the future I will - but for now, I'm good with Steven Tyler & Jennifer Lopez as replacements. Sure it's all fuzzy fuzzy right now, but first off - Jennifer is stunning. STUNNING. And, she's seemingly genuinely nice. Love her. Steven Tyler on the other hand - is already making lacivious comments which I wondered how someone who's practically had little girls throwing themselves on him his whole life would be in a role of judgement. That aside - he's just a riot. And, they are no joke -- its not like Ellen DeGeneres as a judge, who has zero insight in the music industry. These two are the real deal - and I have respect for them as artists in the industry, so why wouldn't they be fantastic judges.

Speaking of theatrics and talent...tomorrow, I'm taking my son T on an audition. It seems that Mr. Mark Wahlberg is making yet another Boston based film and there is a casting call for boys his age. He is beyond excited - and I have to keep reminding him that truly, they may just look at him - ask a question or two - and then he may never hear from them again. Or....maybe he will. It's a experience none the less, and that in of itself is fun.

Tomorrow night....it's the "gathering of the girls". For those of you who have been reading regularly - you know that myself and my best girlfriends used to meet monthly and have themed potlucks; well - life has gotten in everyone's way and so now some of us might meet in smaller groups throughout the year - but all 14 of us get together at Christmas. The girl who always hosts in December had surgery so we've postponed until tomorrow night. Guaranteed to be a night full of laughs and I should have some fun pictures to share.

Speaking of pictures - I've got some great ones of the Pat's game that we'd all like to forget about. I'll share them, once the disappointment fades a little bit more.

Besides, pitchers & catchers report for Spring Training on Valentine's Day....the best Valentine's Day gift ever.

In the meantime, life goes on....
However you're spending your weekend, I hope it's filled with laughter and love.

Me, I'm a part of your circle of friends....

What would you do if you had a friend who's loyalty you questioned?
Would you address it.... or would you just let it go.

Keep it tucked in the back of your mind for future use...Change your expectations of that relationship -- but not completely cut them off? Decide it's better to have them in your life, even if on the peripheral - than not at all.

Sometimes people do things, say things, act out - in ways different than they used to, or different than we'd ever expect them to. Sometimes, a good person will do a not so great thing. Does it mean they don't have good character? Or does it mean that sometimes we never know how we will react in a given situation, or when exposed to certain elements or even changes in our lives.

Is it better to have a friend disappoint you, but stay in your life.... than to not have them there at all...? How important is loyalty in a friendship? Is it mutually exclusive with trust or are they two separate animals.

Or is loyalty just too demanding of a word.....

SURPRISE!!!

Somehow, G managed to surprise me for my big "40". It's not officially until Friday, but he kept hyping up a big present he had planned for me on the 18th of September, and "not to make any plans" for that day.....when in reality, he had a huge surprise party planned for me last night!

I wasn't just surprised...I was shocked. Stunned. Never saw it coming - not even a little.

Everyone from my best girlfriend in the world whom I never get to see....to my fabulous girlfriends (aka the "Aunties"), all our family -- even my Dad who flew in yesterday morning. (that's him peeking in the background.)

I don't have any photos of the actual surprise - these are just a few from my camera once the shock wore off. Definitely was a fabulous way to start this new year in my life. G's right, he keeps saying I had a tough year -- and you know what, he's right - I did. So this was without doubt a step in the right direction for change in the best way.

Goodbye Earl....

I knew he was going to be a dud. For us anyway...
Listen, we live in New England; we don't get hurricanes -- we get snow storms. Seriously....you can never believe the hype.

Last night, I went out with three of my girlfriends for dinner and had so much fun! I very rarely go out because life is just too hectic right now, and so it was really great to get out and just laugh -- alot. We went right from work too, so the best part was - home before 9pm, and not completely exhausted today... yippee!

I had really anticipated a quiet and sleepy rainy day today with the kiddies; instead, we've got a gloriously beautifuly day and so I think we're going to go to one of the largest fairs in MA for this weekend. How can we not? Besides, I've not been to yoga since before vacation -and I'll be starting back this week, so why not over indulge just a little more with yummy fair food? Sure it's horrible for me, but what the heck.

However you spend your day today, enjoy! May the sun be shining, and your heart happy - and enjoy.

Happy Days are here again....

I love Fridays.
Who doesn't, right?

But today's a really nice one. I'm totally digging the rain; the kids and I are on the sofa right now, watching "The Tooth Fairy" in front of a fire (yes, it's gorgeously tropical still, but they wanted a fire and it just looks like a good fireplace kind of night!) while they have a nice hot cocoa, and this girl - a glass of wine. (Dinner: Marinated pork loin, salad w/ lettuce fresh from the garden, and corn with fresh basil. Can't wait - the house smells delicious!)

I got a text from a good friend of mine who also happens to be the best yoga teacher in the world. Truly - the best. Around these parts anyway! I don't get to go to her studio that often anymore because of my work hours, but I'll be going tomorrow morning. (Yay!) I was supposed to go tonight, but it didn't work out - and, she's going to come to the new studio that I go to on Tuesday with me, which is so very cool. I just love her, and have truly missed her - so to get to see her again is a great thing, despite the fact that it didn't go as I'd planned for today.

I'm really quite fortunate. I mean, I've got a beautiful family - but in addition to that, I'm surrounded by good people; I've got friends who are just genuinely good people.

And that's just one of the many reasons why I'm loving Friday today; it's a good day to reflect upon the week, and life in general.

She says she talks to angels....says they all know her name.

The situation with my Mother isn't really going well and unfortunately, I think we are going to be saying our final goodbyes in the very near future.

In an effort to be proactive regarding the visiting hours at my house, I called one of my girlfriends who has a catering business; I figured if I can determine in advance what I might need, it would be just a matter of making a phone call and that's one less detail to think about.

It's so funny, I know my girlfriend really well; granted, our lives are both insanely busy so we don't visit often but we talk on the phone at least once a month to catch up and say hi. Between her catering business and her family - and my store and my own family, both of us barely have time to breathe it seems. Anyway, my point being that as I was on the phone with her to plan some catering, she mentioned that she volunteers in her spare time (free time? I have no idea where this girl would squeeze free time in, she's flat out! But when it comes to certain things you make the time and that's the truth; sometimes socializing just doesn't place as high on the list as sharing yourself with others, but I digress....) at a hospice facility nearby, and if I needed any help possibly getting my Mom into such a facility she might be able to assist.

I was so touched and almost in awe of her selflessness. Volunteering and sharing of oneself is a gift - and no matter what field it's in -- it's a treasure to the recipient. But how often do you hear of people volunteering at hospice? The kindness and compassion that is in a person's heart, to spend time with people so that they don't have to be alone at a time that is less than comfortable and often scary - to me is amazing.

And truly, it's not a surprise to me that she would be the one to do this. She's truly that nice of a person, and one that I'm just honored to have in my life.

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'....

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.

Letters of the day....

1. Dear "Concerned Citizens", it's enough already.....I've started receiving "disapproving" letters at the store..... it's so wild. The city we opened in used to be dry, and there apparently is a large community of reformed alcoholics that live there. Well, for the last three weeks I've recieved letters from "concerned" members of the community that are almost all identical in style, format and verbiage. It's interesting because I wonder what they expect from writing them. Do they think that we'd suddenly stop selling alcohol? I'm sorry but I don't think that's going to happen. I have actually written back to each one so far; nicely, and politely of course - because I think it's important that they feel they're opinion is respected - but also in a way to kindly let them know that we are responsible business owners and that we are aren't new at this. I think it's a good thing because it makes them feel their issues are addressed -- and I feel better because I'm addressing it.

2. Dear Mariah Carey, I do believe that G and I are going to see you on Saturday! Very exciting... There are a few people that I think are worth paying crazy money to go sit front row-ish to see, and she is one of them. Of course, my girl Christina Aguilera is another....if only she would tour!

3. Dear Celebrities, what the flip are you thinking? So, I'm watching Celebrity Rehab and just blown away by it. I mean, I love this show - and it's not the first time I've seen it -- but truly, it's so disturbing to see people who had the world in the palm of their hands and just blew it..... ugh. I mean, it's one thing when it's a sad scenario to be a drug addict because maybe you had a horrible life and had no little or chances in life; but when you're a freaking celebrity?!? And you fall into drug addiction because you could....??? C'mon.

4. Dear Mr. President, you are such the eloquent speaker. However, I couldn't help but feel like calling you "President Santa Claus" during your speech. Money for everyone!!! Listen, I'm all about making life easier, but truly - let's be realistic about it. I did however, enjoy portions of it - your charisma is fabulous -- but sometimes the beauty of how you say things overshadows what you're actually saying. It's sort of like the art of telling someone to go to hell in such a way that they actually thank you - and then ask for the directions.

5. Dear Friends, Family & Anyone who knows me, I am not a perfect person. I've never professed to be -- I am and will forever be a work in progress. And I'm proud to say that. I am who I am, and though I know that I always have things about me I can work on - we still shouldn't lose the core of who we are. I've tried very hard over the years to choose my battles, and that has a lot to do with realizing the things I can and can not change. This includes how other people live their lives. Embracing that makes life so much easier.

I feel pretty....oh so pretty....

And yet, I'm so very sad.

I spent the day with one of my girlfriends and we visited the oh-so-shiny happy place, Sephora.
Except.... I find out that my very favorite mascara, is no longer being carried by them.
Excuse me??

Do they know how long it took me to find the perfect mascara?
And now, I dont' even know where to find it!

So, I settled on this one. Shu Uemura which does seem to be fabulous based upon what I tried today, but the truth will come out tomorrow when I use it on fresh lashes.

Additionally, I found a new perfume I love love love... BVLGARI Omnia is one of my very favorites (thank you ever so much J), and Hanae Mori is always my first choice -- but BVLGARI Crystalline might have to be the Springtime parfum of choice.

Oh, and I did get myself a brand spanking new bottle of Lip Fusion...
It's that perfect sheer yet matte shine that I'm entirely addicted to.

Sometimes it's just fun being a girl.

Things I'm looking forward to in the very near future....

A massage. Hot power yoga (Namaste). Shopping for fun things, like mascara and lip gloss and boots. Going to a grown up movie. Having time to catch lunch with some of my friends of whom I miss dearly. Going to a Red Sox game. Running a 5k. Going to NYC and seeing a play.

What are you looking forward to?

Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock...

So, this weekend I got out for a few hours -- and went to the annual La Femme Nikitas ornament swap. (Wow, I haven't referred to us as that for some time now!) We used to get together monthly, but now - with everyone's lives being so busy - we're almost lucky if we can do once a year! There was no way, no matter how lousy I felt that I couldn't make it. And, I'm glad I was able to because it was a good time, as always.

I have more photos, but I haven't downloaded them yet - and this one hit the email circuit today, so... maybe I'll share more later.

"Auld acquaintences" are often the best ones.... and they should never, ever be forgotten. No matter how busy life might get at times. Always make time -- even if it's only one day a year. Because at some point in the future -- we'll all be on the same page, and have plenty of time to do all the dinner parties and movie nights we'd like -- without limitations.

Black Friday....Happy Friday!

You know what the only bummer to not cooking on Thanksgiving is?
Not having leftovers.

I could totally go for a yummy turkey sandwich right now.
Instead, I'll settle for take out - because I don't have the ambition or motivation to cook at the moment. I was supposed to be attending a family engagement party tonight with the kids but I worked late - am tired, and they're exhausted still from last night and being out late - so to get them ready just isn't that appealing to me at the moment. So, takeout and snuggling up with the kiddies it will be.

I went shopping this a.m. before heading into the shop to get my holiday store decorations. I was very pleased with what I got at very reasonable prices! The store is going to look beautiful...at least I hope so. How it looks in my mind on how I want to set it up will hopefully come to fruition on Sunday morning. Later that day, we will be transforming our house to the Christmas mood as well, by setting up the tree. It's one of my most favorite days of the year. Pumpkin donuts, hot cocoa, cookies, holiday music and lots of ornaments. Truly - does it get much better than that?

The only thing about this year that I'm sorry I've missed is the Midnight Wretham run. However, I've already decided that I'm not going to work the day after Thanksgiving next year so that I can be sure to enjoy my dinner, and then head on down for a night filled of happy, happy shopping!

I don't know about any of you - but this girl is happy, thankful and tired.
Have a fabulous, frivolous, black Friday -- and may you be graced with spectacular sales!

Charlie Brown: We've got ANOTHER holiday to worry about. It seems Thanksgiving Day is upon us.

(Poor Charlie Brown. Always feeling on the downside of up...)

I'm thankful that I'm not cooking on Thanksgiving. Though truthfully, I enjoy cooking so much that despite the fact that I'm going to be working morning, noon and night tomorrow -- part of me still wishes I was making dinner.

That being said, I don't know that I'll get to post prior to the big day; so I'm presenting my list of what I'm thankful for at the present. Outside of the first one -- they're in no particular order of meaning.

1. Always thankful for the health of my family and friends. That above all means more than anything else.
2. For the fact that despite this economy, business is doing well. Opening a new business is always such a gamble, and so I'm thankful that we're able to pay the bills. Leaving my job was a big decision, and I'm very pleased that right now anyway -- it was a risk worth taking.
3. My children are constant souces of inspiration - and frustration. I mean that in the best possible way, because I'm thankful that they challenge me. In some ways, it allows me to think out of the box in my parenting, and enables me to continually try to be a better parent. While it may be a dictatorship in my house, I've learned that there is more than one way to skin (insert you favorite hunting creature HERE.) And for that, I'm very, very thankful.
4. I'm thankful that my mother's health seems to be settled down. That one's sort of separate from the first one. It wasn't a good year.
5. I've got a fantastic support system of friends. For that, I'm beyond thankful.
6. I'm thankful for my husband and children. So many people go through this life alone; and that's okay - sometimes that's out of a person's control; but I'm thankful that I have a family to enjoy life with.
7. I'm thankful that Jason Varitek will once again wear a Red Sox uniform. (C'mon...you know I had to squeeze a Jason reference in somewhere!!)

I hope that however you celebrate Thanksgiving - and with whomever - your day is filled with laughter, friendship and love.

And the stalkerazzi photos are in.....

Well, some of them anyway! (That's me with my hair up, not to be confused with the oh-so glamorous B in front of me! She's a rock star. I, am not... )




That's us with the cast after the show.
Definitely a great night!

Baby cried the day they took the big top....down.

I am exhausted today.
Completely wiped out.

Partly because I had a really great but busy week; and partly because I was up way past my bedtime going out with my girlfriends last night. It was a much needed and long overdue time out, and when I tell you there were tons of laughs - it was really good medicine. (Note to self: How do you know when you're getting old? When coming home at 11:30 is "way past your bedtime" and you're "exhausted" the next morning.)

We went and saw a show called "Girls Night Out". It was sort of like an ongoing Saturday night skit but with everyone in the audience singing and dancing along to all girl anthems like "I Will Survive", "It's Raining Men"....and of course, my favorite -- the epitome of any thirty somethings childhood, singing in front of the mirror with a hairbrush to the classic Melissa Manchester song, "Don't Cry Out Loud". (Yes, I think I totally cracked my girlfriends up with that one...) Seriously, I think we all could audition for this show and do our own version of it - it just looked like a blast! Except of course -- they all can sing incredibly. I can't answer for anyone else but me, and truly - I don't think anyone wants to hear me sing anyplace outside of karaoke with the most minimal of expectations!

I've had this laryngitis thing going on for about 3 weeks now -- well, after last night, I really have no voice. (Of course in my head, I've got this totally hot Demi Moore thing going on so I'm embracing the raspiness. Though I'm sure it's really not quite that fabulous sounding.....)

Pictures will follow shortly....the stalkerazzi was there in full swing. (Code for lots of picture taking by the some of the girls -- even shots of us with the cast.)

It's the most wonderful time of the year.....

I don't care if we hit 90 degrees tomorrow -- it will be "indian summer" from here on in. It is most definitely the beginning of my very favorite time of year.

I'm sitting here in my Snuggie, and waiting for it to get just a bit darker before I light the first fire of the season in my fireplace. Chicken is roasting in the oven with fresh garlic, marsala and orange sauce....the house just smells like home, happiness and harvest. I've even picked up a fresh turkey to make for tomorrow's dinner because it's supposed to be a rainy and cool day again and what's better than roasting turkey on just a random day - rather than on Thanksgiving?

This weekend, it's a lazy Friday night for us just relaxing and unwinding from a relatively stressful week. Tomorrow we're picking up one of my nephews for a sleepover, and then we've got my son's first travel soccer game. He's really excited to be playing another community and it's a home game for us which is great. Afterwards, we'll come home and the kids will play - I'll pop in the turkey and maybe even bake a pumpkin pie. (Oh yeah baby.....) Sunday, we have my niece's 4th birthday party so that will be a great day too; all leading up to the big Monday night football game. I'll have to think of something delicious to make for dinner that night too. What's football, without good eating? That would be just wrong.

Autumn to me is all about good food, good sports, fantastic smells and lots of color. It's the smell of crisp air, sultry smoke, sweet apples, warm pies and savory pumpkin; it's the sound of leaves crunching underneath your feet and the sight of bright sunflowers and fiery leaves. The fall is just a "feel good", warm and fuzzy time of year.

And this girl is so very happy that it's here.
Have a fabulous weekend!

You had a bad day....you had a bad day.

Yup. That would be this girl.

(First off, let me preface this post by stating that I'm writing this from inside the new shop. Yesterday Verizon came in and set up FIOS for TV/internet and phone; everything was tested except for internet so I brought my laptop with me to test it before I go home today, and it is Suh-weet. Uber fast.)

So this a.m. -- first thing, trying to get out the door - my battery is dead. Seems that one of my darling kiddies didn't shut their door all the way (Princess Petunia, not to name names....) and since I hadn't used my vehicle since Saturday afternoon - I didn't realize this until, well.... you guessed it - after G left for work. So, being resourceful (and not having AAA), I called a tow company who came down and charged my truck for me. My sitter was nice enough to loan me her car during the wait so I could meet my 9am interview this morning.

If that wasn't a chaotic enough start, I called my girlfriend to see if she wanted to meet me for a quick sushi lunch. As I'm pulling into the lot, there's some debris or something in the road which causes a loud "BANG" and I feel like I've hit a horse or something. I pull into the parking lot and look at my tire to see while there isn't a hole per se -- there's a chunk of rubber missing and my rim is hacked up - I truly can't drive on it any longer. Fortunately there's a Midas right next store so I stop in and figure I'll have the tire replaced while I eat. Mmmmm,yeah. Not happening - they don't carry Michelin tires. So, I figure - okay, I'll buy a new one at the place he recommends one town over. But before I leave, I ask him to put on my spare - and save us a few bucks for now; yeah, that's not happening either. The spare - is flat. (Feel like yelling out "WTF"? God knows I did.)

So, off I went and got a new tire - $250 later.
*sighs.*

Tonight we have our planning board meeting and seriously, it has got to go far better than the day has so far.

It's those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer....

And around these parts, it seems like we can't get enough of them. Seriously, I'm so all set with rain. And to emphasize that point, the kiddies and I are spending the afternoon at my girlfriend's pool; my daughter is spending the night with her - which is a fun thing for both her and us! Tonight while she's having a camp out with my girlfriend, we're going to take my son someplace and we'll have a little one and one time with him. My girlfriend says she wants to take my son another weekend, and when she does, we'll have a little one on one time with my daughter. She's really so good to my kiddies.

So, in honor of the lovely leisurely Saturday we're going to have -- I'm kicking it "I'm Just A Girl" old school and posting my Saturday survey.

1. Are you taller than your mom?
No, I'm the shortest in the family at 5'1. (I prefer to say I'm "petite".)

2. Do you have a favorite type of pen?
I love, love, love Sharpies. They make my handwriting look pretty.

3. Look at your planner for October 14, what are you doing?
I'm not booked out that far. Ask me about September 14th and that's a different story.

4. What color are your toenails usually?
"Its a Doozy says Suzi" or "Suzi says Da". Today they're "Midnight in Moscow". Clearly, I love the Russian Collection from OPI

5. What was the last thing you highlighted?
I highlighted some items on an invoice two days ago.

6. What color are the curtains in your bedroom?
I dont have curtains. Sure it's lousy at 6 a.m. but I love a bright room. Throw the blankets over your head, and truly - if I'm that tired, nothing's waking me up.

7. What color are the seats in your car?
Tan leather

8. Have you ever had a black and white cat?
Yes, little Miss Meritage (often called Bordeaux) at the store. She's black and white.

9. What is the last thing you put a stamp on?
An envelope

10. Do you know anyone who lives in Wyoming?
No, but I wish I did. I always wanted to go on a dude ranch in Jackson Hole.

11. Why did you withdraw cash from the ATM the last time?
I haven't used an ATM in years -- who needs to when you have Debit accessibility.

12. Who is the last baby that you held?
I think it was my nephew Jacob.

13. Can you spell well?
Exceptionally well, truth be told. (though I'm not spell checking, so I hope there aren't typos in this!)

14. Do you like Cinnamon toothpaste?
Eh, it's okay. A little too much sugar to make my mouth feel clean.

15. What kind of car were you driving 2 years ago?
Same one that I'm driving now.

16. Pick one: Miami Hurricanes or Florida Gators?
Seriously?!?! Don't you know I'm from Boston!?!?

17. Last time you went to Six Flags?
Never. I am so not an amusement park kind of girl.

18. Favorite lunching place
Any place that has fantastic sushi.

19. Closest thing to you that is yellow?
A picture my daughter drew with a highlighter this a.m.

20. Last person you gave a business card?
Hmm. I think it might have been the ABCC inspector.

21. Who is the last person you wrote a check to?
My sitter.

22. Closest framed picture to you?
Princess Petunia's Pre-K shot.

23. Last time you had someone cook for you?
My MIL.

24. Have you ever been to the moon?
Seriously?? Seriously.

25. How many emails do you get in your inbox daily (excluding spam)?
Maybe 4-5 legitimate ones on an average day; depends on if I'm working on a particular project though, there could be more.

26. Last time you received flowers?
One of my girlfriends gave me a pretty planted gerber daisy at the brunch I threw this spring.

28. Do you play air guitar?
Nope.

29. Has anyone ever proposed to you?
But of course... G.

30. Do you take anything in your coffee?
If it's at Dunkins - it's a medium hazelnut/coconut, skim milk and 3 splenda. If it's Starbucks, it's a Hazelnut Cafe Americana with room. Or, it's a Clover brew.

31. Do you have any Willow Tree figurines?
No, unfortunately. I give them as gifts, but have yet to ever receive one myself.

32. What is/was your high school's mascot
A blue and gold lion.

33. Last person you spoke to from high school?
Jenn

34. Last time you used hand sanitizer?
When don't I use one???

35. Would you like to learn to play the drums?
I don't have a burning desire to do so... but I think I could pick it up easily.

36. what color are the blinds in your living room?
Off white pleated blinds.

38. Last thing you read in the newspaper?
About the Victor Martinez acquisition by the Sox.

39. What was the last pageant you attended?
The one I was in, back in what - 1988.

40. What is the last place you bought pizza from?
The place that brought the 12 pizzas for Princess Petunia's birthday party.

41. Have you ever worn a crown?
Queens don't need crowns to flaunt their royalty.

42. What is the last thing you stapled?
Paperwork for the bank.

43. Did you ever drink clear Pepsi?
No, and truly - it sounds disgusting!

44. Are you ticklish?
Absolutely.

45. Last time you saw fireworks?
This past 4th of July

46. Last time you had a Krispy Kreme doughnut?
My first, last and only was about 6 years ago? I was less than impressed.

47. Who is the last person that left you a message & you actually returned?
Nancy

48. Last time you parked under a carport?
Never

49. Do you have a black dog?
No

50. Can you give one reason why David Caruso is allowed to keep acting?
Seriously? I'd rather know why Speidi is such a phenom and why they keep showing up in the magazines.

51. Are you an aunt or uncle?
Yes, I'm an auntie.

52. Who has the prettiest eyes that you know of?
I think everyone has beautiful eyes. They're the windows to the soul.