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.

Dare I say it aloud....

....but as I write this, I'm watching history potentially be made.
The Boston Bruins are up 3-0 in game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals.
STANLEY CUP.

Let me paint this picture for you. It's been since 1972 since the Bruins brought Lord Stanley home. And it's been painful ever since.

But let's keep this in perspective, shall we?
This isn't Red Sox Painful....that was excruciating.
Bruins lack of winning anything is more.... annoying.

My initial career goal was to be a sportscaster, specifically hockey play by play. I even used to be a seasons ticket holder (I wish I could remember the section in the Gahhden, but I forget. Balcony seats anyway...), and I gave up buying into my share of the tickets in 1996. Not only could I not afford them any longer -but my interest in the sport had waned. Too many changes in the league, overexpansion, lack of proper direction with the team from management....yada yada yada. So when I tell you it's been years since I've held any interest in hockey, I'm not exaggerating.

And tonight as I sit here watching potentially history - and something that as a kid I would've absolutely gone out of my mind over - I feel, well.... lukewarm about it all.

I'm happy for the organization, happy for Boston, and if they win - it will be fantastic.
But honestly, I'm more excited at the prospect of October baseball - and dear God let there be football.

Happy Sunday...

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

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

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

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

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?

Musings for Monday....

Nothing can hit the spot like...... a good, old fasioned peanut butter and jelly or fluff sandwich. It's got to be incredibly soft bread, almost so soft that it will stick to the roof of your mouth. Few things will trigger the salivary glands quite so well as this. (And I know this because Princess Petunia was still hungry after finishing dinner, so she asked for a PB&F sandwich, and I snuck a little bit of it. I'm thinking skip my dinner and just eat that...!)

No matter how hard I try, I can't listen to the new sports station. Sometimes when WEEI is on commercial or they're talking about something that rather bores me, I flip to music. Occasionally, such as a day like today when I like hearing the post Superbowl chatter and Pre-Spring Training conversations - I'll bop on over to The Sports Hub. I swear to God, every time I do - I regret it. Listening to Toucher & Rich, I feel like my intelligence level has been brought down. Occasionally decent points are made, but more often than not I feel like I'm listening to the Bevis & Butthead of morning talk. Listen, I'm all about having fun - but I take my sports more seriously, and truth be told - these guys aren't the "experts" who's opinion I take seriously. But I try.... I try.

Dear Facebook: The answer is NO for the millionth time. NO I don't want to make you my homepage. NO I don't want you to auto-log me in. (Even though it's CONSTANTLY pre-selected every time I log in or out.) NO I don't want you to share my personal information with third party vendors. Dear God Facebook - I don't want you to take over the world - mine, or anyone else's. It's obnoxious....!

....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.

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....

Dear Sports Radio Talk Host...

Okay, so I was driving home today and listening to my favorite sports radio station when I heard them talking about Michael Vick and how he was punished for animal cruelty for a relatively long period of time in jail, whilst Ben Rothlisberger somehow managed to avoid losing more than 4 games for a violent crime against a woman because of no criminal charges being pressed.

So, the portion of the arguement sort of ticked me off (but I didn't have the luxury of time to call in and give them my opinion on) was that they couldn't understand the anger that people feel towards Michael Vick; they feel he comes from a Southern "culture" where dogfighting is acceptable, so it's not "really his fault". He's done his time - let him come back and do his job now.

This girl doesn't think it's quite that cut and dry.

First of all - dogfighting isn't a culture - it's a criminal offense. And he didn't just fight the dogs, he treated them in unthinkable and inhumane ways. Is that a culture? A criminal culture perhaps. There is a "culture" for those who buy snuff films - but that's illegal as well. Black Market Human Trafficking has a "culture" - again, illegal. How's about the prostitution "culture"...? I'd say that a "culture" in which people are involved that warrants arrest - isn't a culture at all. It's crime.

Second of all, while I appreciate and respect the fact that he went to jail - I don't necessarily agree that he should be entitled to get his job back. Listen, if you or I were in jail for a felony for any period of time, I'd bet you we could not get our jobs back. Depending on the felony - you may not be able to get a job in the same field you were in previously. So, why should an athlete who agrees to live by a certain code of conduct that is set forth by the NFL -- be allowed to have his job back after committing a criminal act? Isn't there a culpability to being a role model -maybe not by choice but by mere affiliation of the NFL - that should take precedence over the arguement of "he did his time". Isn't being a professional athlete a luxury - one that isn't always afforded to every person who considers himself a competitor? I'm not suggesting that one has to be out of sports entirely; but maybe one should be out of the role of star player. I'm sure there are lots of jobs open in other leagues, or in other capacities.

He only did his time, because he got caught......what if he hadn't?
Would he still be electrocuting and torturing animals today?
More than likely. It's his "culture"...right?

So what is the message that's being sent out to younger minds who listen to sports radio, or who are avid followers of football where crimes of violence seem to be happening more and more?

The message that this girl seems to be getting is that the torture and death of animals is acceptable (though scientifically proven to be first signs in psychotic & sociopathic behaviour), and that the molestation and or sexual abuse towards women is perfectly acceptable, so long as charges aren't pressed. Because you know, without charges - it must not have taken place, right?

Please.... spare me the good ol' boy network BS.
Because this girl just isn't buying into it.

On this day, I see clearly...everything has come to light

Today, I had my first WWE experience.

Seriously - it was so much fun!!

I never really watched wrestling until my son liked it - and now of course, I enjoy it as well. My son has gone to quite a few matches -but today was the first time that Princess Petunia and I went as well. It was really fun - and it's wild to see everyone up close and in person. If you think they look big on television - you really get the perspective of how large they truly are when you see them. (Of course, sitting in the second row makes it that much easier, but still....)

We all have our "favorites" - and mine has been Edge. It was so fun because he had a match, but then came out again in the end. It wasn't a televised match, just what they call a "house show" - but I don't think that makes much difference outside of less fireworks, drama and maybe shorter matches. It still was with all top performers and just a good time.

It might sound silly - but I have to tell you, if you've never watched, give it a shot.
It's really very fun .

And they're off....

We saw Secretariat tonight.
First off - I loved the cast. Diane Lane, she was good - but I love, love, love John Malkovich - as well as Nelsan Ellis (Lafayette from True Blood) - and of course, the star himself: Secretariat. Or at least the horses who portrayed him.

It's a Disney Movie, so it was a feel good movie which is great - I just wish Steven Spielberg had done it, because it could definitely have been a complete tear jerker, but in the happiest of ways as only he can do.

Of course, watching a based on fact movie waxes nostalgic on this girl - so I figured I'd share with everyone the most amazing footage of the actual Triple Crown victory, which is absolutely amazing to see.

Check it for yourself!

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.

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*.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Like pharmaceuticals...

Just sayin'....

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?

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...!

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?