Goodnight sweetheart, well..it's time to go....

Though I'm not happy about it - not one bit.
I'm really quite sad.
To quote Dustin Pedroia - "heartbroken" over the fact that the Skipper felt it's time to leave the Nation.

I wish that he could just take a few weeks off to cool down, rethink things and maybe change his mind; but it doesn't look like that's going to happen.

He didn't want to leave the door open.

Maybe he's heartbroken - in a different way.

Like I said - the club has become more reminiscent of the Yankees team that I'd write about over the last few years. Little to no team - just a bunch of overpaid players who believe their own press clippings.

Are they all like that? Of course not.
But is there a group that are? Hell yeah - and they made it abunduntly clear over the past season. The heart and soul that has always been the Red Sox was just not there this year.

And that is so very sad...on so many levels.
And it's trickling from the top down, with the departure of probably their best Manager in a long, long time.

Winning....

Hopefully today was the beginning of the season for the Sox. They needed this win badly, for a variety of reasons -- but they aren't entirely out of the woods yet. They absolutely need better starting pitching. And dare I say it at risk of sounding prejudiced - better catching. I know Salty is going to get there, and offensively he's seemingly good; but his defense is less than stellar at the moment. And this is the big leagues baby, I just don't think this team can afford to spoon feed a catcher. It hasn't worked in the past, I don't know how it can work now. I suppose that I'd have rather seen a more seasoned catcher, that's all.


It was really a fun day today - the first time I was able to watch the Opening Day game while I was at work. Gone are the days of listening to it on the radio. Love it.


Usually whenever the military jets do a fly by for Gillette or Fenway, we see them over our house; today we saw them over the store. We heard the rumbling, and ran to the window where we saw them fly overhead. Pretty cool. Actually - when I ran to Starbucks to get a coffee, I ran into one of my customers who showed me this on her cell phone - and she promtply posted it onto YouTube as well. Good times...


On the downside today, Princess Petunia has some bizarre random virus; she woke up at 4am with a slight fever and stomache ache - but fell back asleep and woke up fine. She looked flipping adorable actually -- it was Red Sox day and she was in a vintage Johnny Damon jersey with pig tails and feeling fine. So off to school she went.....but after school, mild fever reared it's ugly head and she napped. She's up now and feeling better, actually eating - but still looks so tired. Hopefully a good night sleep will do her some good.


In the meantime, this girl is snuggled up on the sofa with the Princess Petunia...sipping on a glass of wine and enjoying all the postgame online chatter. Tonight is going to be low key, just like this - without even a game plan for dinner. And you know what, I sort of like it that way for a change. I'd love a cheap Chinese food night, but we will have to see what the majority rule is.


Happy to be home. Happy to be with the family. Guess I'm "winning" too, today.

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

No, it's not Christmas.
But it's pretty darn close!

It's Valentine's Weekend -- which means it's the official beginning of Baseball season.

Pitchers & Catchers (and a particular Catcher...) report, and it's Red Sox all day - and all night on sports television from now until hopefully, October.

Ah yes, football - you were fun, and I enjoyed you. But move over, because baseball is back in town.

You Are Baseball Games

You like old fashioned things. You're one of those people who values tradition. You enjoy a slow pace of life. You believe that life is all about enjoying every moment. You love the changing of the seasons, and you look forward to what each season brings. You are smart and a bit obsessive. You become very immersed in your interests.

What Part of Spring Are You?

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.

Yes Rebecca, there IS a Santa Claus....

And this girl just got her present early....

http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/mlb/news/story?id=5876068&campaign=rss&source=MLBHeadlines

I could go on and on about why I think this was a smart decision; but rather than get into the guts of it all, I'd rather bask in the glory.

What else to chat about....let's see.
I did get a great hair cut today - I needed it badly. My hair was too long, too blah. It was the perfect pick me up on an otherwise drab day. Until of course, I got the aforementioned news.

Tomorrow is the night that we are decorating the tree at home, and the kids are psyched. It's report card night - and to reward good grades, we always order out. So we'll be listening to music, decorating the tree - enjoying some takeout and for dessert: pumpkin and gingerbread donuts for all. I love, love, love Fridays - and especially when they're filled with happiness and laughter. There's no better way to end a week....

An early request for Christmas....

Dear Santa,
I don't ask for much....truly, I don't.
But please, please, please...let the Red Sox keep Jason on for what will probably be a final year.

Listen...
He's more valueable to us - then to anyone else at this point. He's a leader, a mentor - and if he is our "back up" catcher, then my God - does it get any better than that?!

C'mon.
Give a girl just one last year of Summer time with the Captain.

If I go crazy then would you still call me Superman....

Last night I was supposed to go to the Celebrity Putt Putt run by none other than the Captain. Unfortunately, I did not attend.

(I wonder how well he was able to do mini golf given the latest diagnosis?)

Who knew that his Kryptonite would be a foul ball.
(Sighs.)

Such a disappointment, not only for the Sox and the Nation - but for him as well.
This was such a great opportunity for him to be able to get some good play in regular rotation.

Needless to say - this girl is very, very sad to not have him in the lineup at all this summer.

Very, very sad indeed.....

Thoughts of the day....

1. Loving the fact that the Captain is back to full time employment. Call me crazy, but I'd say that the team looks far more cohesive and solid with him behind the plate. So this girl is not sad that Victor has a bruised toe.

2. I can't believe that Christina cancelled her tour! So, last night I was this close to buying 5th row seats and now I'm glad I waited. Though I'm incredibly disappointed, I'm hoping that she reschedules closer to my birthday. I could use a little fun celebration....
2a. And now, no midweek jaunt to Mohegan Sun? No fun or pampering...? Say it isn't so!

3. I'm getting a new SUV tomorrow! I've never had a NEW vehicle; I've always had used or certified pre-owned and they rocked. But this time it's a brand spanking new one - and to have lowered my payment by $50.oo a month, does it get any better than that? It's Black Sapphire, and it's gorgeous. So exciting.

4. It's Memorial Day weekend, and rumor has it -- no rain! That only happens in these parts every couple of years, so it's pretty exciting. I'm gardening on Saturday, getting that postage stamp of a garden is getting some love this weekend and I can't wait. Tomatoes, and onions and garlic - oh my!

Six degrees of separation....

Let me paint a little picture for you....

My aunt who was staying with me lives in the Central Florida area. She had offered for me to come and stay with her when I graudated high school so that I could potentially attend Florida state schools as a resident -- an offer I didn't take her up on.

So, the other night as we were sitting watching the Sox game -- she asks "Is Jason Varitek playing tonight?" to which I reply rather sadly "no...the "other guy" is playing". So she says "I remember when he was little and they went to the Little League World Series. He's really a hero in the town." (Insert my absolute dumbfounded look here. My aunt continues...) "A went to school with him, they're in the same grade." A is my cousin, and oh my God - he knows him?!?! Even if only by brushing by him in the hallways in school.

I was this close to possibly being the love of his life!
If only I took up my aunts offer....
*sigh*.

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.)

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.

Tuesdsay's Thoughts....

1. Yesterday was the first Red Sox game on Patriots Day that I have not attended in 5 years. And you know what - I think it's the first one they lost in about that much time? I don't want to say it's because I wasn't there, but.... ah, but I kid. They may have lost some of those games but truthfully I don't remember.

2. And sadly enough, yesterday was the first time in about 10 years that I wasn't at the Marathon. I love, love, love going to the Boston Marathon. It's amazing, and awe inspiring and I am sad that I wasn't able to go. It was for no reason other than my girlfriend who I usually go with had to cancel this year, and I just didn't have anyone else to go with. There's always next year I suppose, right....?

3. Today is "Girl's Day". It's school vacation week and so today I'm taking Princess Petunia out and about. We're supposed to be picking my Mom up and having lunch with her, assuming she's feeling up to going - and then I'm just not sure where we'll end up. When you're soon to be 6 years old - the world is your oyster! I'm hoping that she picks something like getting our toesies done, because Mommy could use a good pedicure as well -- but truthfully, even if she just wants to hang out at the park, it's all good.

4. Saturday is the Yoga Marathon to benefit the Jimmy Fund. Okay, so it's been since September since I've hit the mat -- but I'm doing it anyway. It's a tradition, I've been doing it since the inception and I refuse to miss it. Sure I'll be crazy sore afterwards, but it's for a fantastic cause and truly.... it will be worth it.
4a. I need to find center again. Jumping into the marathon will help me as well. Yoga is such an amazing balance for life - it provides a physical workout like no other, but it also provides an emotional balance. I don't know how to explain it other than it's like putting life back into perspective. There is nothing about the yoga class that does that for you -- as far as preachings, or conversations; it all comes from within.

It's a dual purposed activity and one that I have to make time for in my life, because I know that I truly feel better as a whole when I practice.

Thank God for DVR.....

And, TGIF might I add....

So, I'm catching up on American Idol which I missed this week due to a life of busy-ness (as opposed to business), and while I know the judges used their save (truly, I'm dissapointed because while "Big Mike" is talented, I don't know that I think he'd be worth the save. )I don't think he could win it all, truthfully - but hey, that's just my opinion. I just wish the radio station that gave the info away warned me about the spoiler alert so I could change the channel!)

Tonight is going to be a fantastic dinner now that my detox is over. I have to be honest and say that I didn't omit all protein this week -- I ended up having fish with dinner at night which really dissapoints me so next week I'll do it again, but the right way. I still felt great, but it's just not the same, you know what I mean? So tonight I'm going to indulge just a bit....country style ribs, salad with rice & shrimp, grilled asparagus -- and a delicious glass of wine. All while watching Tim Wakefield pitch for the Sox, and snuggled in pajamas. Seriously, call me crazy -- call me old, but that sounds like a perfect Friday night!

This weekend could potentially be pretty busy....soccer day tomorrow if the fields aren't closed due to flooding from todays rain, and a birthday party. Sunday, nothing planned yet though I have to say I have been craving to go to a really good brunch! And there are so few good places to go to, but I heard that there's a hotel near the favorite ice cream farm we attended last weekend has a brunch that is "to die for". I'm working that angle as an option for Sunday, so my fingers are crossed. Besides, I need to have some yummy food to burn off as I run Monday morning and do my detox all over again!

And then we'll start all over again on Monday......

However you're spending your weekend, may it be blessed with laughter and love....happiness and good fortune. Take time to stop and enjoy the flowers that are blossoming everywhere and enjoy the beauty of Spring.

Life moves pretty fast. You don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood....

Saturdays are my favorite days.

They're the "Mommy & Me" days with my kids and this particular Saturday is sparkling and beautiful! I haven't quite decided how we're going to spend the day just yet... We have to do a little Easter shopping, pass by my store for a few -- and then the day is ours.

So, I'm just finishing up my coffee before I drag myself into the shower as I'm feeling particularly lazy at the moment -- and then we should be off to some semblence of an adventure.

Have a beautiful Easter, and if you aren't celebrating -- then have a fabulous weekend in general. Every day is a gift, live in the moment, and enjoy those around you. It doesn't take a religious belief to appreciate your loved ones, or to just enjoy the beauty of the world around you....that kind of inspiration comes from within. If you have to dig a little deeper than usual to find it due to circumstances, that's fine -- but make sure that you do. It will be worth it, I promise.

(And after all that insightful appreciation -- be sure to catch the Red Sox season opener tomorrow night! Rumor has it that this girl might be attending the Yankees game on Wednesday...maybe.....!)

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.

Thursdays Thoughts....

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

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

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

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

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

Really, Doesn't that just say it all?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amazing how quickly time flies.....

Top 10.... the first of a few (I think!)

So, I thought I'd list a few of my Top 10's for this year.
The first one being the Top 10 Surprises of This Girl's Life for 2009.

Truly, not in any particular order because there wasn't any one surprise that stood out -- and they cover all topics, not just me per se -- and here they are:

1o. Finding out that my torn meniscus - was really a calcified infrapatella plica that was lodged in my knee joint & ACL! That was totally a surprise. But, a better surprise than it having been my ACL being torn, which was initially what he thought when he went in there.
9. The circus surrounding Tiger Woods. Truly -- does anyone really care? Not this girl. Moving on....
8. Manny & David Ortiz testing positive for steriods. I have to say -- yes, I was surprised about Manny -- and disappointed.
7. My daughter's PreK closing. That was a total shock and surprise and out of nowhere. Fortunately, she took it in stride.
6. Michael Jackson's passing. Truly, that was surprising, sad and almost surreal. The best thing about it though was the resurgence of his music -- my kids love him. Which is really fun to see.
5. The big discrimination case that got to Presidential Level from the Harvard Professor who I won't even dignify naming. Seriously -- are you kidding me?!?!! Wasted time on everyone's behalf. It was obnoxious.
4. President Obama receiving the Nobel Prize. Truly -- this girl thinks he should've politely declined with the caveat that he'd gladly receive after some time in office should they reconsider him next year.
3. I have not brought home one piece of cheese from my store. Seriously, my favorite thing in the world and I have yet to bring any home for myself to enjoy. Can you imagine??
2. Not signing Mark Texeira. For just a second, didn't we all just scratch our heads and say "huh?" Sure that was December '08 but the effect lingered into the new year.
1. The finale of this season's Dexter. I have three words for that one, and it's "Oh My God." 'Nuff said.


Sure, there may be more.... but this is the first list - and there may be crossover to come.
Tomorrow will be a new list of "Top 10" something or other...!

Been an angel all year, Santa baby -- so hurry down the chimney tonight.....

Tonight I got a phone call from my girlfriend KMD who told me that her husband was at Fenway today and saw Jason for a press op -- and so he went down and has some OUTSTANDING photos that he's going to email to me. I'll be more than happy to share them...

It's funny, sometimes I think "one of these days..." I'll look up - and he'll be standing in the store looking for advice for wine. Of course, that would be the funniest thing ever because he'd never know I was so silly about him -- I can totally pull off being indifferent. Actually, I got a call yesterday for a champagne delivery to an employee of a very prestigious Sports Marketing & Representation company in Boston (many Sox players are in their portfolio) and for a second I thought "what if...???" Ah, but no such luck. The Captain is not in their client list. Oh well.

Anyway -- there's a really great video of an interview with him on Boston.com. I just wish I could get past Heidi Watney in the background. I mean, she's a pretty girl -- but I truly don't love her as a sportscaster. Even during the interview -- it just didn't strike me as she was super interested, or paying attention. Maybe she has her own questions she was waiting to ask - but this girl just doesn't buy her as a bonafide sportscaster still.

Just sayin'....