Enough time has passed - I can post these now.

Best seats ever...for what turned out to be one of the worst games, ever....

Pre-game happiness: Pats/Jets

Yup. We sat THAT close.

Sure, the game blew.... and the Jets fans were obnoxious - but I still had a great time and would go all over again. Listen, it's a 50/50 chance when you go to a sporting event - and unfortunately....the odds weren't with us this time.

I hope the Steelers win today.

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.

....Well that didn't turn out as planned......

So the Pats game as we all know now....sucked.
For lack of a better term.

But the experience of sitting RIGHT behind the bench was fantastic! Well worth it.....

Dinner at Davio's -- delicious.

The hotel?
Well....

We were surrounded by annoyingly loud and obnoxious Jets fans, so......
We drove home.

Sure, it was a complete waste of money but... for the peace and quiet it was worth it.
Tough enough to sleep after that type of a loss.
But to be up all night because of drunk neighbors that are only separated from you by a hotel wall...would be worse.

Despite the shallacking....I've got great pictures.
I'll post them soon....

What is....

Pats/Jets game. 1st row sideline, Patriots side. Post game Dinner at Davio's. Room overlooking Gillette Stadium.

Best. Husband. Ever.

Oh yeah baby.....
Get ready for the pictures.

Dear Rex Ryan:

Um... you might want to take that foot out of your mouth, please.

(Oh wait, you like that. Or is it your wife? I can't keep up - the chaos and drama is changing daily with you. Sorry.....)

Not only do you sound like a complete idiot, trying to appease Peyton Manning after making yourself look foolish for ripping him apart -- you then turn around and insult Tom Brady.

Come on now Rex... your wins this season weren't "stunning". It wasn't like they were blow outs, or with precision like performance. Not to say a win isn't a win - but let's be honest. Mark Sanchez isn't in even close to the same category as Tom Brady, or your new crush - Peyton.

All show no go -- can only carry you so far.

Let's see what this weekend holds, shall we....

Dumbass.

Friday's Thoughts....

1. Turkey's on! So, being a guest on Thanksgiving doesn't afford you leftovers...so what's on my menu for tonight? You guessed it - Turkey. In the oven roasting as we speak. Funny thing is - I don't love turkey on Thanksgiving, as a matter of fact - I didn't even eat any yesterday. I was too full from all the past beforehand. But today, I'm all over it. And I've got the most delicious lemon herbed butter under the skin....this girl just can't wait to eat.

2. Did I mention how much fun the Patriot's game was? Oh My God. Loved it. We met Robert Kraft afterwards --who was incredibly nice...and we almost bought tickets to the upcoming Jets game - but there's NO availability at Patriots Place. And there's no way we'd drive home after an 8pm game.

3. Insanely busy weekend! Big birthday bash for G tomorrow night so I'm running all over the place tomorrow beforehand. Was supposed to be a surprise but a certain family member (brother in law) blew that, so...whatever. Tomorrow there's also a food show that I need to make an appearance at with the kiddies. Sunday is the metamorphosis of the store to holiday....then it's a girls shopping day for myself, Princess Petunia and my sister and niece. Which means that my own tree is going to have to wait until a week from tonight because this girl is going to be exhausted Sunday night.

Good times...good times.

Today I took the kids to the Boston Super Mega Fest today in Framingham. I have to say - it was pretty fun! Nice and tame, in comparison to ComicCon (I've never attended, but heard all about today from some interesting types who are clearly "hard core" into this scene...) which is not. I had to break the news to my innocent 9 year old - much to his dismay, that the ComicCon show would be inappropriate for such tender years. But today's show, was fun for all.

I was very excited, but not in that "crazy comic book cult fan stalker way" (no offense to anyone reading) to meet one of my two favorite characters from "True Blood". Love, love, love the character Pam. Love her! And the actress, Kristin Bauer who portrays her is quite lovely in contrast - which makes me enjoy the character that much more...

Afterwards, we enjoyed a delicious and filling lunch at Minado in Natick....one of our very favorite places to go to on a Saturday afternoon.

Tomorrow... it's up early to do holiday ordering and then....the Patriots game! I'd not mentioned this sooner because I wasn't supposed to be going. I got G for his birthday two really unbelievable seats about 25 rows up from the field - for the Colt's game. Oh, and a stadium view room so he could stay and relax and enjoy his attendance at Patriots Place and all that it brings - without the pressures and struggles of traffic. This of course meant he could bring one of his friends, or his brother - whomever. Well, even though he was supposed to go with his brother - he twisted my arm -- and I'll be joining him instead. I've never been to a game so I'm pretty psyched. He & I were hoping to do this together for our 10th anniversary but never got around to it....and this wasn't meant to be a gift where I was a part of it -- so the coordination to pull it off is a bit crazy -- but I'm glad that we're going to be going together.

So while this weekend is incredibly busy - its going to be fun -- and it all has been rather unexpected. Sometimes, those are the best times -- the plans that were never really made at all, but just sort of happened....

I see my Marianne, walking away.....

Okay, I have to admit - my knee jerk reaction to the trade rumors of Randy Moss was "Are you kidding me?!?! Say it isn't so!". But now that I've had some time to digest it....I'm okay with it now. Do I love the idea? No. Do I think he's worth the money he's asking -- yes. Do I understand that the Patriots don't like controversy and he spoke out of school in week one -- yes. Do I think the Patriots are as strong of a team without him -- no. But do I think that he should be able to control and manipulate the organization to get what he wants -- no.

The biggest dissapointment for me in this - is that we got no immediate gratification in return; we got a third round draft pick.

All good things come to those who wait my friend....look at Tom Brady, whom they didn't sign until the first week of regular season. Maybe, had he quietly expressed his wanting to stay - had he quietly negotiated in within the organization rather than in the court of public opinon (ala Manny Ramirez) he may have been pleasantly happy with a contract.

I get that there is concern regarding a walk out and a lack of paycheck; but I think it becomes a matter of not what you say - but how you say it. And I think unfortunately, Randy Moss handled himself rather unprofessionally in a business situation - and so now, he's in a position to play with a team who's a contender - but with no potential future, which initially was what he was looking for. He wanted a long term contract - and with this trade, he's only got the rest of this contract year....so did he really get what he wanted? Outside of just being out of New England.

It is what it is -- and it's over and done. Time to focus on the here and the now...no receiver over 5'9, and a really very soft defense.

Is that going to be enough to win, one game at a time?

Monday Mashup....

1. Music keeps me tapping my fingers....so, we all know how much I love, love, love music. Well - I discontinued my Sirius in the car, and activated it for the business. I am beyond excited because it's so hard to keep up with Ipod playlists and preventing it all from sounding so stale. Now, I can have any music that fits my mood! It's like Burger King - I can have it my way!

2. Wicked Good! Anyone see the play Wicked? I've heard great things about it, and even better is that G has become friends with someone in production who may give us tickets to see the show.

3. I'd take a loss to anyone....and I mean ANYONE, except for those blowhards the Jets. Watching Rex Ryan yesterday, I think I threw up in my mouth a little. So frustrating to watch because they didn't have to lose that game. I think it was a bad choice if the main motivation was to make Randy Moss feel the love....

What's up with me Wednesday....

1. Reading a book with low expectations is fabulous. So, I'm a quarter deep into Dan Brown's "Angels & Demons". And I am lovin' it... I got it on uberclearance ($3.99) at Barnes & Noble and since I'd heard so much negative press about it, I figured - what the heck. Can I just tell you - it's really good so far. Not sure why no one liked it because truthfully - while I loved, loved, loved "The Davinci Code" - the ending left me cold; it was anticlimatic. So I'm happily enjoying this one, piece by piece.

2. Keeping on my rant regarding Mercedes drivers. Seriously -- today, two people almost killed me on the road. Both of them, Mercedes drivers. The first one was on 93 South; flying up on my left and swerving in front of me without so much as a look in the mirror was a surprisingly young kid driving his sedan. I only know he was a kid because he pulled up on my left so tight to me, I looked over to see who the flip was edging in my lane; and all I kept thinking was he must be from Andover and Daddy bought it for him. Truly - a baby. And the other one was right in front of my store -- at the light in front of me, I turn green before him and start making my turn and he SLAMS on the gas to make his turn, barely letting me finish mine. Entitlement is obnoxious. It's only a car logo on your hood - and it's not made of gold. Get over yourselves...

3. Double yoga days rock. Today I did an amazingly strong and hot class; this afternoon - a much easier but good class. I am going to sleep like a baby tonight...

4. It's Patriots Pre Season night! I'm curious to know if we'll see Welker on the field at all; it would be nice, even if for only one play. I know the game is only good for one quarter - but I like seeing the back up quarterbacks. It's always good to see the rookies compete for spots too. I enjoy it anyway.

5. Nothing ventured -- nothing gained. There are always opportunities for a third store; but sometimes, things come in multiples. There's one strong contender in the running at the moment.... but its too soon for me to spill the beans on it. But would be pretty sweet....pretty, pretty sweet.
5.

Be careful what you wish for 'cause you just might get it....

So, while I'm beyond psyched over the last two wins the Sox pulled out -- let me digress for just a moment: How's about those 9 steals, 9 walks and 2 pass balls?
Clearly, Martinez is not the "second coming" as it seems some people would've liked to think.

Even on Jason's worst day.....there was never that kind of a statistic.
Wakefield pitching, or otherwise.

So to all those drum banging "get rid of 'Tek, he's old..." naysayers my question is:
How do you like him now?

Listen, I'm no one - but if you ask me, you can fix some of the struggles the Sox are facing at the moment pretty easily. Put Martinez as DH until Ortiz can get back on track - and put Jason back behind the plate. Seems like a "no brainer" to me!

Just sayin'....

(I know I'm a little behind the curve on Sox talk, but I just don't have the time to blog as readily as I used to!)

Here's another little tidbit to be excited about: Wes Welker already running patterns?? Did I hear that correctly? Holy Healing Batman.... !!! I'm so looking forward to watching the draft and seeing what moves the Pats make, because they truly need to make some big ones.

'Tis healthy to be sick sometimes.”

So, pneumonia is a funny thing.
It doesn't go away too readily.

Think I need to go visit the doctor once again. It's crept back....I can feel it. Of course the fact that I can't stop coughing is a great indicator as well. Pneumonia coughs and discomfort is totally different than traditional bronchial. If you've ever had it - you know exactly what I mean.

Of course, it doesn't help that I've been not having much sleep lately - either due to scheduling, working or social events - or watching that really sad football game last night.

All I can say is that our defense is in a world of hurt. They made many mistakes, and not applying ANY pressure to Brees was just one of them. And this isn't any new topic either -- it's been a weak spot on that team for a few years now. I don't know how quickly it's going to get any better either. Did I hear rumors of salary cap disappearing next year...? Wonder how that impacts the stability of our fabulous home team and it's key players.

Well isn't that just something to think about.....

That one got me.....right....(gasp)....here......

Okay, so last night's football game sucked.
There's no other way to say it.

The Colts didn't beat us, so much as we lost. And now that the day is over, and Bill Belichick has done his press circuit for the day - it's been talked to death. But I'm still going to give my two cents on it.

Personally, I thought going for it on the 4th with 2 yards was a good call -- to me, it seemed like the best choice to make the win. Of course, knowing the possibility of what not making the conversion as well (which unfortunately came to fruition) -- it still seemed like a viable option. Not only was the defense clearly exhausted but to gain two yards surely isn't the impossible. That being said -- had I realized they had no timeouts left, maybe I would've felt differently; I thought they had one left which obviously - they didn't. Additionally, I really thought that it was our fabulous (but in my opinion clearly irritated) quarterback who really insisted on going for it -- it seemed like he plead his case to Belichick who in the end said "ok".

That wasn't the only gaff of the game though -- I think there's far too much focus on that one play. It was just the icing on the cake -- but let's be honest -the main reason they lost the game was that one drive where the Colts scored in under a minute. You can't go soft on any team with a lead, let alone the Colts and that is bigger than any judgement on whether to punt or not.

It's absolutely amazing how quickly people bash decisions. Had the call gone our way -- it would've been heralded as ballsy and brilliant. Yet it's so easy to be Monday morning quarterback.

Seriously, if that was anyone of you -- with only two yards to get first down -- and if you make it - the game is won, wouldn't you take that chance? Sometimes you have to take a gamble on yourself, and a coach took a gamble on his team.

And really now, who wouldn't gamble on the Patriots?

Friday's Final Thoughts....

As I sit here with a glass of Malbec and waiting to make grilled calamari and chopped salad for dinner - I'm completely and entirely exhausted. Today didn't exactly go as planned -- rather than having huge gaps of time between items and errands throughout the day - I was back to back with errands and visitors and appointments. Not a bad thing - but made it so that I wasn't able to do a favor for a friend, which really bummed me out. I don't like not being able to help someone, you know what I mean?

So, my weekend is also jam packed but in a good way and hopefully a relatively relaxing one.

And the store - which will be completed being painted tomorrow looks flipping fantastic. Seriously, I'm loving the color and even more - loving some of the artistry that's going to be done on the walls when the paint is done. So exciting...

What are this girl's thoughts for the day.... well, they are as follows:

1. I did not watch the season opener of Grey's Anatomy. So no spoilers, please. I DVR'd it so I can fast forward through commercials tonight -- I'm already pretty convinced that George is going to die, so that's not going to be a huge shocker - but I do miss my friends at Seattle Grace and hope that there's more to the debut than that.

2. I did however, watch "The Changeling". I have developed a whole new appreciation for the talent of Angelina Jolie. It was quite refreshing to see her in a role that showed her as a vulnerable character rather than a tough, action figure one. I'm really just about all set with her being a brooding, dark, sexy, tough girl. It's a little played out, just sayin'...

The movie was done very tastefully as well, since it didn't focus on the gruesome aspect of the crimes - and more on her and what changes she was responsible for in LA during that time as a result of losing her son.

3. How much fun was Sean Casey up in the booth with Don Orsillo? Seriously, I think they should have him on all the time. I was laughing the whole time - he is so animated and his stories are pretty funny, or maybe it's just his translation of them that's so fun - but I loved it. Funny sidenote to that -- which I mentioned here before -- is that my son sat next to him at a WWE event last year. Speaking of which, my son will be attending once again next week - and one only knows who he will end up sitting next to this time. I'm so sad because I was supposed to go with them this time but my son invited a friend to go, so.... Mommy's out of luck it seems.

4. I miss Jason. Ugh, everyone is all over the Victor Martinez bandwagon. Yeah, yeah.. I know. I don't want to hear it.

5. Busy busy weekend for the girl. We have our first "away" game in travel soccer tomorrow morning, then off to the store to pay the painter. Next up is a family reunion - and fortunately, tomorrow night as far as I know - there are no plans. Sunday, I'm running a 5k in the morning and then we're going for a family dinner and watching the Patriots.

And then we start all over again on Monday.
But that's a big week.
Huge.

Random Thoughts for Tuesday....

1. How's about them Pats? You know, if that was a mediocre Tom Brady -- I'll take it. At first, I thought maybe we didn't win the game so much as Buffalo lost it; but that's not really a true statement I don't think. While the Patriots seemed "off" the first half, the Bills were off the second half (or undisciplined, your call on the choice of words...) and so that was one hell of a win. It was the craziest game ever, or at least it felt that way. A win, is a win - and for the first game in a year for #12 - it was definitely a glimpse into how great they can be if they can work out some of the kinks by week 5 or 6.

2. I'm sick of shopping. Never thought I'd say those words, but yet.... here I am. I've been to Homegoods, TJMaxx and every other type of store you can think of for store fixtures, etc. -- and I'm tired of it. I'd love to go when I can actually buy something for my house or me. I know I whined a little about that last week, but the whine is still going.

3. Speaking of shopping and football....initially G and I were going to Wrentham Outlets for our anniversary, and spending the night at Patriots Place, topping it off with a Pat's game the next day. Unfortunately, due to the very, very, very expensive buildout - those plans are off. I'm trying to think of something low key and less expensive that we can do instead. Thinking.....

4. I'm really excited to make dinner tonight. Sounds crazy, I know -- but I'm making lobster ravioli with a seafood sauce, and a garden salad. I love to cook, and I happened to make a jaunt to Trader Joe's on my way home tonight where I picked up some fun things to cook with. Oh, and for the record, the wasabi peas that I'll be carrying in my store blow away the ones at TJ's. Just sayin....

5. I've been musically challenged lately. I've been downloading tons of fabulous acoustic and jazz music, but have yet to find anyone new. If anyone has any suggestions of some great artists to try in the coffeehouse or jazz genre, please feel free to pass them onto this girl!

Monday Mash Up!

1. Yesterday's Patriot's game was unflipping believable. I couldn't pull myself away - and literally, you almost weren't able to because at one point it almost seemed as if whomever had possession was scoring. The defense clearly needs more work -- as do the safeties. Seriously, I think I hit harder than Brendan Merriweather -- which is disappointing because I'd really hoped he'd be a good follow on for when and if the time came for Rodney Harrison to retire. Not sure he's developing to be "that guy". And I'm sorry, I get that John Lynch is "old" but I'm thinking that experience and tenacity is needed in that position.

Matt Cassell -- wow. I (like many others) certainly am needing to be eating my words of the last few months. Clearly, players improve when given the ability to play -- but I don't know that anyone expected this. Is he Brady-like? No, I don't think so - but he is definitely coming into his own. See what happens when the expectations are low -- often you get surprised. It really shows you a person's character and fortitude when they are perceived as the underdog, are aware of that fact -- and then exceed all expectations. And on a chick note: he's cuter than Tom was in the beginning. Just think of the supermodels he's going to be getting once he gets his makeover...!

Final Patriots thought: Bill Belichick is an amazing coach. All you naysayers and cynics from last season who had nothing but negativity and jeers towards this team, that man and all their accomplishments -- hmmm. You think they're cheating now? Stick that in your pipe and smoke it! (As Alex & Rob like to say....!)

2. Sometimes, you just like what you like. Last week, I mentioned a song I love by Alter Bridge titled "Metalingus". Well today, I heard a song that is entirely in a different vein -- it's soft, acoustic and really melodic. I had no idea who it was performed by, but I felt as if I knew who was singing it - there was something familiar about the voice. Get this: it's called "Watch Over You" by none other than................ my boys Alter Bridge! Must. Buy. The CD.

3. Last night, the nicest thing happened. My daughter and I were having our sushi date and sitting behind us was a man eating dinner alone. I only know this because when his food came over, it smelled so good that I had to turn around to see what he got. That was when I noticed he was eating alone. Anyway, at the end of our dinner - my daughter was laughing and noticeably looking at this man. So I asked what she was laughing at and she came across the table and whispered into my ear "that man is making funny faces at me and making me laugh". So I turned around and he said "she's adorable, she's been entertaining me". So I thanked him and said that she can certainly be quite funny. So she and I finish eating...and he must've left. The waitresses came over to give me my bill and told me that my "friend" paid the tab. I said, "friend? I don't have any friends here.....?" when they told me the man behind me paid. I saw him up at the counter and said "oh, he shouldn't have done that!"....but he left before I could thank him and I wasn't about to leave my daughter at the table. But I know he heard my reaction because he looked back at us.

What's interesting is that my first thought was "Wow, how unbelievably thoughtful and kind". My second thought was "is he some crazy guy who'd be waiting for us in the parking lot". See how society has changed us from taking random acts of kindness at face value and reading into some sort of underlying bad motive?

But I brushed that secondary reaction away and stuck with my original gut feeling of "What a really nice guy. Such a kind thing to do...."

So where ever you are...whomever you are....thank you.
It was appreciated!

4. Jason, Jason -- where for art thou Jason..... please don't make me wait until Christmas Eve to determine whether I'll be happy or in mourning this upcoming season. "Rumor" has it a one year deal was offered, which rather surprises me considering I think we all thought that he's looking for better longevity, and probably not wanting to have to continually renegotiate as a one year deal would imply he'd need to do. All I can say is this, if our good Captain is in need of some career counseling advice, this girl is more than willing to lend an ear and offer kind words of advice!

"Redirect the substantial energy of your frustration and turn it into positive, effective, unstoppable determination.”

1. Note to the jerk on 93 South this a.m. driving the black Mercedes: I'm sorry, but did you think I was sitting in the lane just for "funsies"? Clearly there was a huge truck in front of me that was stopped as well. But thanks for beeping your horn at me -- oh, and I suppose you figured it out when you tried to pass me, only to find yourself sitting behind the truck as well. Yes, I let you in front of me so that you too could enjoy the stalemate. Idiot....

2. So, I went to bed at halftime, just to wake up this morning to hear that my two favorite players -- Sammy "I am the man" Morris and Rodney Harrison -- are hurt? I've got three words for you...WTF!

3. You know that whole -- "I'm clearly not thrilled with the new job" I hinted at last week? Hmmm. Yeah. Multiply that by 10 today. I think I've got a big rant about that coming...and soon. It's not that there aren't upsides to it -- but seriously, I'm insanely overqualified for the work I'm doing. Know of any job openings you want to pass along? Think Web Based Program Management...or Creative services. I have done everything from Art Direction & Marketing to Technical Program Management.

4. Which brings me to my business venture.....sigh. There's a really good location that's in the midst of possibly being negotiated. But in this economy, the banks are so hesitant to invest in startups. Which is frustrating.

I get the economy isn't in good shape and I understand that lots of people are hurting; but at the same time -- here I am, working my butt off at a job I don't love because that's what you do when you have a family. Does anyone really think that I work at the location that I do because it's my career choice? Of course not! I'd clearly be working elsewhere and in a field I love. But sometimes boys and girls -- you just can't do that. If you have chosen to have a family, then you put them first.

My bills are all paid on time, my credit is outstanding -- I don't live beyond my means. And yet I almost feel as if I'm being penalized for that. I'm certainly not gaining any benefit....!

I know plenty of people who choose not to work in this economy, and who are struggling to live; and yet this was a conscious decision they've made. Meanwhile, as a result of them being overcredited to the hilt, and eating up all their equity to live off of -- they're unable to help themselves when times get tough. I'm trying not to be too harsh, because I do feel for them.

But at the same time....my home equity goes down as a result of everyone else falling into foreclosures and or succumbing to short sales. I struggle (potentially) with being approved for a business loan because others have proven to be too irresponsible with their debts. As a result, the equity I've built up can't be taken into account as fully as it should.

So tell me, what is the benefit for living life the way you're supposed to? Not having your house taken away? Seriously now -- there has got to be some reward for following the rules.

And yet, I'm really struggling to see what it might be.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes...

"Turn and face the strange...."

Today is my first day in the new office.
I'm cautiously optimistic. The people are nice -- there are only about 15 people in this office for the next month or so -- then we're moving to another building. And I'm the only girl - which is sort of funny. But, I am in the Web Apps department so truly - not a big surprise. Not to say that there aren't girls in this field, as it is I'm replacing a woman who held this position previously; but I think the ratio is far higher leaning towards men. Outside of the brief introductions this morning, everyone has pretty much left me to myself - which is perfectly fine.

The company as well, seems to be very "do your own thing" type of mentality which is a good thing. They respect me as a professional, and treat me as such -- what more can a girl ask for? The company and the office seem very happy to have me here, and so how can I not enjoy the day thus far.

You know, it just didn't feel like it was in the cards for the Sox last night. I fell asleep at the beginning of the 11th, and unfortunately wasn't shocked to wake up and hear that they weren't able to make the sweep. It happens. Beckett was off the mark right from the start - not to say that the umpire's strike zone wasn't all over the map until the 6th inning it seemed -- but you could tell he was "off". And while taking nothing away from the Angels - they really ground out the win -- it just didn't feel like last night was "the night". I am hoping beyond hope that tonight starts off well because seriously, game 5 in CA is not where we want to see this series go.

The Patriots game was scary as well, into the 2d quarter. But fortunately by the time the 3rd quarter came around they seemed a bit more cohesive - and while that's always easier to do when you have a lead, it made it easier to watch the game. Matt Cassel looked better -- the offensive line looked better - but this quarterback of ours still has some growing to do.

Sammy Morris is my new favorite player I think, by the way. Just a little food for thought.

So, for today - life is better. I'm still sick - but feeling better. The new job is so far so good -- if I can get them to take this fluorescent light out from over my head that would be perfect!

We've got an unbelievably high pressure game to watch tonight that I cannot wait to see -- and I'm thinking that Lester is going to come up big tonight against Lackey.

So all in all, the thought for today is: Change is good.

"Oh look out, you rock n rollers..."

"I will always be a Patriot..."

If only more players felt that way about the teams on which they play.
Troy Brown is a class act, that's for sure.

There is a big problem amongst professional athletes, and the way in which they make decisions at times – and that problem is greed.

Manny Ramirez is a classic example of this obsession with the almighty dollar. He represents all that is wonderful and awesome about baseball – as well as what’s wrong not just with baseball, (um, hello salary cap!) but with the mindset of professional athletes in general. Mind you this is just a general perspective, and not every player fits in that mold however a vast majority of them do.

We all want to receive our worth in life. Whether we are in a “regular” job, or are a professional athlete playing sports for a living. However, when you are paid hundreds of thousands of dollars – upwards to millions of dollars – to play a sport, it seems that the appreciation level of actually being in the career field of your choice falls to the wayside after a period of time. The appreciation for playing for a team that values your efforts often goes behind the potential monetary amount that a person feels that they are “entitled” to, just because they think that they deserve it.

Or maybe it’s because their agents whisper into their ears that they’re "worth it."

It’s not that I think a player should always stick with a team forever; clearly personal growth is an issue, as well as a certain financial growth. I get that. What I don’t get, is that when a player is on a great team and has a good situation with a team where they’re valued, appreciated – and not underpaid – why is there the incessant need for “more”.

More what? Cars….houses….pieces of jewelry? After the first 5 million, who's counting? The majority of athletes started out like most of us – with humble beginnings. And they’ve been given the opportunity to live a life that most people only dream about, complete with an utterly insane amount of money for a paycheck. Money that your average American won't make in 5 years; some their entire lifetime. So where does the greed and need to be the "highest paid player" come from?

(And let's be honest. We've all seen teams with insanely high payrolls, with "the best" players fail.)

Yet, there are some players who get the value of where they are and what they have. And we’re fortunate to have a few of them in our own backyards. Those who give the “home team discount” because they know the benefits of being with an organization that is appreciative of your efforts, and who compensates in ways outside of just “The Benjamins.”

Money can’t buy you peace of mind. Money can’t buy you love of the game.

Maybe it's something as simple as going back to basics. Maybe, some of these guys need to revisit where they started, when it was all about the sport – rather than about the payday.

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.