That's it - it's official.

I'm absolutely and completely addicted to Sons of Anarchy.

I just finished Season 3 -- great ending, solid season and I can't wait for Season 4. What's going to really be the downside to it, is that I'll have to wait a whole week in between episodes!

It's really hard when you've been spoiled by Netflix and Amazon on Demand.

Anyone have any other great show recommendations that I can watch multiple episodes at once?

What's going on....what's going on....Hey what's going on....

I'm really, really, really happy it's Friday.

I had a great run around the lake today after work. It was gorgeous outside - and it was the perfect way to de-stress from the week. Not that I had an overly stressful week, but just the normal day-to-day kinds of things that might make a girl need to exert some energy.

Love my little IPod Shuffle. It shuffles much better than my older IPod does; and I'm finding some songs that I forgot I had, that I love to run to. Songs like "Cowboy" by Kid Rock, "Somewhere in Time" Iron Maiden, "Slave for you" Britney Spears, "Magic Man" Heart, and "Metalingus" Alter Bridge - just to name a few. Sometimes slower songs like "Heat of the Moment" by Asia are great too, they keep me better paced at times. I definitely have an eclectic mix from Metallica to Christina Aguilera - and everything in between. It helps keep me motivated for sure.

Still a little stressed about the house situation. We have a showing tomorrow, so we shall see. I had just really hoped we'd have already had a closing date at this point.....even the kids are over the point of being sad about moving and excited about the new house; they're actually at a point where they're like "you mean we might NOT get that house?!?!". We're all sort of hanging with bated breath at this point.

And truthfully, I'm all set with keeping the house pristine all the time. I mean, I always do -- but it's stressful knowing that you have to keep it that way as opposed to just wanting to. I just want to be done with it, you know what I mean?

We have a wedding on Sunday...an afternoon affair so I didn't go crazy with the dress; it is adorable though, I really like it. I had it taken it a little since it was too big, so hopefully it will look cute. Now to find the right pair of shoes....well, that's what tomorrow is for.

Tonight is for watching the rest of the NFL Draft, Sons of Anarchy Season 2 finale (I thought I was going to watch it the other night but didn't....no spoilers please) and probably some baseball. My pillow is actually calling my name right now, truth be told. But I've got little people to attend to, so that isn't about to happen.

Have a fabulous weekend whatever you do - and I hope it is filled with laughter & love.

All our times have come, Here but now there gone, Seasons don't fear the reaper...

In our tireless effort of trying to find good, solid television - we realized that Netflix had FX's "Sons of Anarchy: Season 1" available. We'd heard really good things about it, and figured we'd give it a shot.

While it's not stunningly brilliant (at least not yet anyway) like "Dexter", it's definitely solid thus far. It's pretty witty, and one of the things I like about it is the continuity from episode to episode; it picks up where it leaves off, which is something that's sorely lacking in so many television shows that are on traditional network channels. Even "Rescue Me" which I love, and is on the same network - is choppy at times. But this is streamlined so you're always able to keep up with the storyline, and there's never a question of "how much time has gone by?" which you typically run into with series. It always seems like either days or weeks go by - or it's the opposite and a person will be in one scene and then the next scene they're with someone else and you have no idea how they got there.

Onto the characters....I have to say, it's been tough for me to adjust to seeing Ron Perlman as anything other than "Beast" from "Beauty & The Beast" that used to be on CBS years ago. (Yes, Google it - totally dating myself I know...), it does take some time to adjust to character development - especially in the first season. Katey Segal is amazing in this because her character has the most dimension and depth; and Charlie Hunnum is flipping adorable as he has this interesting mix of Brad Pitt & Heath Ledger, and equally his character is the "Good Boy/Bad Boy" type which is so very appealing.

It's my latest guilty pleasure....and if you haven't seen it, you should definitely check it out.

Stupid is, as stupid does....

As I predicted - not only do I have no voice today but I am sick, sick, sick.

This morning, I ended up staying home and in bed because I had a fever and really couldn't fathom getting up and showering for work. So I loaded myself up with Tylenol, Motrin & Sudafed, a Spicy V8 and a little brioche - and prepared to relax in bed before showering to start my day. I didn't even remember falling asleep.....

The last thing I do remember watching was "Kim & Kourtney take NYC".

Oh. My. God.

All I kept thinking was "seriously!?!?". Seriously. Here's the deal. I don't mind the show "Keeping up with the Kardashians" but I just can't see how a show featuring Kim & Kourtney and her absolute horrible excuse for a husband Scott - actually stays on the air. I can only listen to Kim & Kourtney's identical mannerisms and sing song-y voices with little emotion for so long before I want to chew my ears off. Kim, I don't mind...Kourtney, that's a different story. I can only take so much of her it seems.

That poor girl has a husband that is an absolute moron, and treats her horribly. Does she not see that?? Does she not care?? I was embarrassed for her...he's clearly a klingon living off the "famous for doing nothing" that his wife is famous for.

It just amazes me how people become independently wealthy for literally nothing. And don't have to have any brains to back them up either.

You take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and there you have the Facts of Life...

What 80's child didn't love "The Facts of Life" back in the day? While I didn't love the episodes when they were older and in college (even back then I wasn't a huge Clooney fan, nothing personal George...) I did love their high school days. There was a character for everyone -- there was at least one persoality that you could relate to. The character I related to the most was Jo. Though we had entirely different upbringings, and I wans't nearly as much of a tomboy as she was - I completely identified with the awkward, feeling "out of place" or not exactly fitting in feelings - and the tough exterior, pretending not to care. She also was very protective and loyal, another why she was my favorite. I also thought that she was the prettiest. (Girls are funny - we can like you or dislike you based strictly on your appearance. Catty, I know but there it is.) But while she wasn't the "girly girl" pretty like "Blair" (the actress who played her is gorgeous... Blair just wasn't my favorite character.), I thought she had this really pretty look of dark hair and light eyes and this great sensitivity that just made her so likeable. I actually didn't watch too much television as a teenager -- I was more about the music. But this show was definitely one that I made time for, and to this day if there's an old re-run on, I just can't help but watch it.

There's something to be said about a glass half full. About knowing when to say when.

Okay, so now I know why I've been musically deprived....sort of.

Last night I caught up where I left off on Grey's Anatomy for Season 6.
Oh. My. God.

The finale.... absolutely insane.

So, not only am I beyond excited to watch Season 7 (no spoilers please!) - I'm also thrilled to hear music I've missed out on. Some of my favorite artists I discovered via Grey's, so truly - not watching explains some of the musical doldrums I've been in. Never mind the fact that now I'm not at work near a Newbury Comics where I can run in real quick for a music fix.

That aside....I miss my "friends". McDreamy, McSteamy, McWhiney (Merideth..at times) and everyone else.

Thank you, thank you, thank you Netflix.
You may be my new crush.

(Now if there only was a station that played Jason "On Demand", this girl would be in heaven!)

A moment like this...some people wait a lifetime....

I'm so excited - it's American Idol time....
Not sure how I'm going to love Steven Tyler & JLo as judges - but we shall see.
Stay tuned....

Fall back, spring ahead...

I don't know about you -but I am really, really happy about turning the clocks back.
Couldn't we all use an extra hour of sleep...?

So, I just got through watching the debut of "Walking Dead" on AMC.
Not so sure what all the hype is about.

Outside of spectacular makeup - the plot seems like it can only go so far... I mean, it's like Michael Jackson's "Thriller" on endless loop. There's only so much ammunition in the world available, and where 99% of the population is going to require a bullet to the brain - I'm not so sure our heroes can really survive.

I get this was a comic book....but can it really have a surviviable plot line?
Only time will tell....

Seen it? Thoughts?

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 .

Nobody puts baby in the corner....

So, I'm watching "Dancing with the Stars", which I've never really watched from opening episode through to finale - and I'm rather enjoying it right now.

I have to say - when I see Jennifer Grey, it blows me away. She looks nothing like she used to! If it wasn't for the twinkle in her eyes, one would never know that it was her. I just dont' understand how someone can alter their face so dramatically. And the funny thing is that she looks good in photographs, but on the show - not so much. Her skin looks... waxen almost.

I think she gets the sympathy vote for this round, because of the whole "Patrick Swayze/Dirty Dancing" connection; and she can definitely dance. But will she take it all....?

Only time will tell.....

I wanna do bad things with you....

Well my friends, we are back in Bon Tempe and it is craziness.

True Blood started again tonight...and I can't be any more excited. (Well, until Dexter starts again - but that's a story for a different day!) I knew that Werewolves were going to be in the storyline, and even better - the show is using real wolves, not animatronics - which makes it that much more fun. Pam is back to being wicked, and Eric is starting to hit the dark side again which is great; I love love love when he's being dark rather than sappy over the annoyingly hokey Sookie.

Sunday night is back for "Must See TV" in this girl's house!!!
I'm almost giddy...

It's all about the music and the laughter.....

So, I'm here watching "This is It", the Michael Jackson movie. Seriously, I'm loving it. The kids are freestyling in the living room trying to imitate him, they're loving the songs - and truthfully, so am I. It's still rather surreal to me that he's gone. And for those of you who haven't seen this movie -- the concept of him being weak, sick or frail prior to his death -- is completely false. He looks great (well, as great as someone with that much cosmetic work to their face can look!) and definitely healthy; at least relatively. He doesn't seem lethargic, or drugged out - and his voice sounded fantastic live. One of the most interesting things that jumped out at me the most from the first glances was the fact that he wasn't wearing his glove. I can't remember the last time I saw his hands bare.

Okay, a few months back I wrote a post about how much I loved Kirstie Alley's "Fat Actress" show and how sad I was that it had been cancelled. Well, someone finally heard my cry! Yes, she's back....and on A&E. "Big Life" looks like it's going to be in the same vein and I can't wait to watch it! It premiered last night and it is the game plan for tonight's television enjoyment.

I wonder if she's still obsessed with Kid Rock....?

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.

So exciting!!!

So, yesterday I got a phone call from the television show Chronicle asking if they could come and interview me on a piece they're doing on wine.

(Could they come to my store?!?!?
Shhaaa....yeah!)

Would you believe that in the two hours they spent in my store -- only 2 customers came in? I couldn't believe it. That has never, ever happened in the short history of the shop. I was beside myself over it, what are the chances?!! It was okay though, we had enough flow to keep it interesting.

And now, I'm pretty tired. Exhausted, actually. It was such an adrenalin rush, and then when it was over - I was drained. Sounds silly, but of course I was nervous a bit. I have the best poker face when it comes to these things but trust me..... the butterflies were there.

I'm crazy excited to see it but at the same time -- scared to watch. No one really likes the way they look or sound, right? And while I know I'm really good talking to people it was very difficult to shake the feeling of having to be just perfect while on camera - and I'm afraid I'm going to come off as contrived -- or maybe not having answered the questions properly! Did I roll my eyes too much; did I purse my lips too much so that those silly little lines around my lips are obnoxiously visible; the only thing I know for sure is that I did not talk with my hands -- those I kept in my apron! I just hope that I don't look absolutely ridiculous. He said I was a great interview - but wow, I didn't feel like I was.

This was a huge and fantastic opportunity for the store and truly -- it was so much fun.
I am so ready to unwind with a delicious dinner, and a nice glass of wine.

There are definitely worse jobs to be had.

A little flour, a little butter, and a lot of sugar....

Okay, so I admit I have yet another television obsession.
Baking shows on both Food TV & TLC.

Cake Boss. Ultimate Cake-off. Ace of Cakes. Food Network Challenges.
I can't not watch them when they're on, and I'm able to actually take a few minutes to sit down and relax.

Let's be honest, the only channel I really watch is Food Network anyway -- and though it's on at the store constantly though I don't get to actually watch the shows; I do get to glance up now and then and look at what is being made, but it's not the same as being able to just sit down and enjoy.

But there's something about the baking shows that I just love. Maybe it's because it's something that I don't think I could ever actually do myself? Or maybe it's just the sheer artistry that is the end result that reels me in; but whatever it is -- I'm definitely hooked.

Music keeps me snapping my fingers, music keeps me tapping my toes....

Oh yeah baby... it's back.
And in Boston.

It's American Idol..... and I'm sorry, but I love love love this show.
Though I'm not really digging the concept of Ellen Degeneres.

Listen, I love her -- she's one of the few comedians (or is it "comedienne". Actually, I think it is. But, would she prefer "comedian" for the whole non-gender point. Things that make you go "hmmm"....but, I digress.) that can make me laugh until I cry. But is she for Idol? I get that she thinks that she's got a pulse on the general consensus of what America likes, but that wasn't Paula's role....Paula while not the most talented singer in the world definitely knows the business and has an ear for talent. But just being the warm fuzzy wasn't her only role, not by a long shot.

I have a great ear for music and talent. Without doubt.
But should I be the third "judge" on American Idol?
No, I think not.
(though, I would love the gig!)

America votes by phone, so really -- why do we need Ellen there? Shouldn't it truly be someone better suited?

Just sayin'.

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...!

Today's original post has been postponed due to....

....the most amazing television I have ever seen. Ever.
Last night's season finale of Dexter was....phenomenal. The most fantastic television ending of a season, in the history of television. I challenge someone to come up with a better, more thought out and provoking season finale.

I kind of got a feeling about the ending right before it happened - but I thought it would be a cliff hanger for next season. I did not see the exact scenario and the way it ended -- coming.

Absolutely unbelievable. Every season so far I think "they can't get better than this, can they?" and this season is no different. Truly, I don't know how they can.

If you don't watch this show - you have to get the first season, and start watching.
Trust me, you'll be glad that you did.

"Where is the orderly, controlled, effective Dexter? How did I lose him?"

Best show ever -- Dexter, on Showtime.
Hands down.

If you haven't seen it -- I highly recommend you do. Start with Season 1, and I guarantee it will lure you in. Every episode I think "how can it get better than this?!?!" and yet - every episode, every season -- it does. The character quirks, the storylines, the monologues and character development are all outstanding.

Imagine.... who ever thought that a show about a serial killer could illicit compassion and even affection towards a character with the kinds of traits that are reprehensible? It sort of puts into perspective the fact that life isn't black and white....there are always shades of gray.

Silent night...holy night.

So, my friends at Seattle Grace are celebrating their Christmas dinner tonight.
What happened to Thanksgiving??
They skipped right over it.

Does this mean that they're already going on holiday hiatus?
Say it isn't so!

This season has surely made up for last season which was.....less than what I had anticipated.
But this season?
Both story lines -- and musical selections -- rock.

But still I wonder.....what happened to Thanksgiving?!?!