Autism speaks....more so now that in years gone by.

I have a nephew who is Autistic.
To be specific, he is on the spectrum - "highly functioning with Asperger like traits".

These days, who doesn't know someone who has a child with Autism?

It seems that in the past 10 to 12 years, there has been a surge in diagnosis of children who have Autistic related conditions of some sort - and they fortunately - aren't always as severe of a case, or rather they are more atypical than what they were say even 20 years ago.

Why is that?
I have my own theory on it --and it's not something I've yet seen discussed anywhere, lest not publicly.

I'd always believed that Autism is a genetic disorder, similar to Fragile X Syndrome - and I still think that in a percentage of cases, this is still true. There is a risk of siblings being born with autism, and typically seen more so in males. But I think there is more to this than meets the eye with regards to the huge increase and range of the spectrum that is being seen in the more recent times.

I also don't agree with the immunization theory; unfortunately, I think that is something that parents who are challenged by coming to grip with the diagnosis hang on to. It's very difficult to accept that your child isn't "perfect" or "normal" by everyone else's standards, so it's easier to blame something for that. I understand and can respect that, but don't necessarily subscribe to the theory.

I also don't agree with Miss Jenny McCarthy's suggestion that Autism can be "cured" with food. Either a person is autistic - or they aren't. Any child with a diet filled with sugar or unhealthy food is going to exhibit poor behavior; a child with a disability is no different. It's always a good decision as a parent to feed your children the best possible foods, balanced and nutritious - and you will definitely see a difference in their attention spans, hyperactivity, weight, and overall highs and lows in personality. But I don't believe that alone can eliminate a legitimate condition though it certainly doesn't hurt, and aids in the big picture. But I digress....

What I'd like to know, is if a study has been done on the parents of Autistic children - and the medicines they've taken over the years/months/weeks, prior to - and during - pregnancy. In this same 10 - 15 year span, the pharmeceutical companies have taken over the world, and most prevalently in regards to anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medicines. In these days, it seems that everyone is on some semblence of mood altering medication; why wouldn't anyone think that there may be a possibility of that impacting an unborn child. How would anyone know whether it had impacts or not, however many years or months prior to conception? How long does it stay in a person's system; what if they took them early in a pregnancy prior to confirmation of being pregnant? Does it impact a man's sperm, as other drugs such as steroids can?

I can tell you this much: I personally know more than 4 people with children diagnosed on the Autistic spectrum....and I know first hand that they all have taken some form of anti-anxiety or anti-depressant prior to pregnancy.

Is it any coincidence that Autistic children often have anxiety, depression, obssessive compulsive and bi-polar disorders that go hand in hand with Autism? I don't think so. If a person took a mood altering drug prior to pregnancy, it certainly makes sense to me that the unborn may suffer damage from that. But that's just my humble opinion - and certainly there is no scientific proof to back that up.

Then again, would there be any? Is that something that the pharmeceutical companies would want out? Think of all the potential drugs that might not get used....so they win two fold. They diagnose the mood altering meds for the adults -- and then they get the children. It's win-win for them.

(Wait, I did say I wasn't a conspiracy theorist, didn't I?)

What do you think? Do you know anyone who has children on the Spectrum? Have you ever thought about what causes it? I'd love to know other opinions that are out there.

The devil you know...versus the one you don't.

I awoke this morning to the news of our arch nemesis' death at the hands of our military.
I wonder if I'm alone in feeling....anti-climatic about it.
Almost as if it's come a tad too late.

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad he's gone.

Though I have to say, I'm not quite sure why they weren't able to do this a long time ago. But I'm not in the inner circles of our government, so I don't have insight as to why he wasn't killed sooner. Though I've never considered myself a conspiracy theorist - I have always believed that he was being kept alive for a reason - and that our government was not killing him for reasons unbeknownst to us.

(Dear Mr. Leader of Pakistan: Um, you're kidding me, right?)

And since we're on the topic of conspiracy theories, truthfully -- I'm shocked we have no photographs of said dead terrorist. I mean, we literally watched Saddam Hussein's death - and photographs of his corpse were circulated immediately. And yet....we have nothing of our dearly departed Bin Laden. Weird, right? Something about this just doesn't feel right....

I'm not saying he isn't dead; I'm just saying that maybe it didn't happen quite the way or at the time we were informed.

It was amazing to watch NYC celebrate....they deserve that, they need it -- they were devasted beyond anything that we can comprehend.

But to see the college kids in Boston "partying" until 3am about it sort of made me scratch my head a bit. The average college student was 10 years old at the time of the tragedy. I'm not really sure about the actual emotion of the news versus the wanting to celebrate something....jump onto some sort of bandwagon -- or as one student quipped on tv, not wanting to "miss the best party of the year". Hmmm. Not exactly my emotion about it, but - okay.

So here's the thing. Were we better off with a weak, sickly, poorly funded and not as well "staffed" Al Quieda with Osama in charge; someone who has hidden in the shadows for years and once a year like TuPac Shakur seemingly comes out with a new "tape" for us to see and prove he's still around. Or are we better off now with a potentially angry and possibly now hungry-- leader that we have yet to see if he has the ability to recruit other angry people for the cause.

I just don't know.

Lyrically speaking....

When in the springtime of the year
When the trees are crowned with leaves
When the ash and oak, and the birch and yew
Are dressed in ribbons fair

When owls call the breathless moon
In the blue veil of the night
The shadows of the trees appear
Amidst the lantern light

We've been rambling all the night
And some time of this day
Now returning back again
we bring a garland gay

Who will go down to those shady groves
And summon the shadows there
And tie a ribbon on those sheltering arms
In the springtime of the year

The songs of birds seem to fill the wood
That when the fiddler plays
All their voices can be heard
Long past their woodland days

And so they linked their hands and danced
Round in circles and in rows
And so the journey of the night descends
When all the shades are gone

"A garland gay we bring you here
And at your door we stand
It is a sprout well budded out
The work of Our Lord's hand"



Reflect on the value of inner versus outer wealth; in our world, there is a new awareness of our inner life and its worth. - Dalai Lama

Tuesday's Thoughts....

1. Cupcake Wars. Love it. Love it. Latest television "must see". But outside of the fact of loving the show just because I love to see the flavor combinations (Lord knows, anyone who knows me knows I can't bake myself! Though I do try...) and I love seeing how beautiful the cupcakes often come out -- but it's all about the camera angles and the snarky host! It's hysterical, the camera shots always seem to show everyone snickering at the person who's being critiqued, and you know it's all shots weaved in out of context. Like, I'm sure that the competitors aren't so cut throat that they'd gloat in front of another contestant, you know what I mean? So it's really funny to see the facial expressions, and really - the host looks like he can't be any more pleased to deliver the bad news. All in all, it's just a fun show to watch for both culinary and entertainment reasons.


2. American Idol. Seriously, have I mentioned enough how much I love, love, love Jennifer Lopez? I just want to pick her up and put her in my pocket and keep her with me so when I'm feeling down she and I can have a good heart to heart and I feel better again. Love her. Is it bad to want to be her? Okay, well how about just look like her? No? Hmmm. Okay. Moving on...


2a. Steven Tyler. Okay - does he look 63? I don't think so...he looks fantastic and really he's another one I just love. He's so exuberant and pure in his admiration for talent in these kids - how can you not enjoy him? The funny thing is, that when I see him - I think of "Don't wanna miss a thing" Aerosmith. "Janie's got a Gun" Aerosmith. But today, when I heard my all time favorite Aerosmith song "Season of Wither", the visual I get is of a very different Steven Tyler. It's hard to imagine that he's that same person. He led one hell of a life ...and I think right now - he's very grateful to have survived to be where he is today.


3. Christopher Gribble. Why is he being kept alive? I'm sorry, 23 hours a day in seclusion in a maximum security prison is just not punishment enough. If NH doesn't support the death penalty for this heinous crime - then how about General Population in a maximum security prison? Come on, it's survival of the fittest....and if he isnt' fit, then.... oh well. I do however, feel badly for his parents. I don't know his family dynamic, but if they're anything relatively normal - they must be beyond heartbroken to know that their at one time beautiful baby - could do something so horribly wrong.


4. The House. Okay, so I've decided to not want this house we love so badly. Because it seems once I stop caring, things fall into place better. So while we have it under agreement - and the house they want still is available, we still don't have a buyer. So now, I don't really care if we find one... if it's meant to be, it will be -- and there's really nothing I can do to change that. It's only a house - and we have a perfectly fine house. It just would be really, really, really great to be in a neighborhood with other kids. Time will tell....and it's really just out of my control.

Today's post is brought to you by the letter "R" and the number "1".

Respect.

re·spect   /rɪˈspɛkt/ [ri-spekt]
–noun
esteem for or a sense of the worth or excellence of a person, a personal quality or ability, or something considered as a manifestation of a personal quality or ability.

Something you should always have for others. From the way you speak to them - to the way you behave towards them - to the way you carry yourself in front of others who may be impressionable.

And most importantly - have it for yourself.

Wondering.....

How many times will I repeat the following phrase, before it actually is done: "Sit right, face forward, feet under the table - use your utensils!".

If I tell you what I mean, write you instructions AND draw you a diagram - at what point is what I say not clear. And will you ever tell me....??

Just curious....what part of "no", actually means "yes"?

Manners. Live them, love them, use them. At what point did manners not become important with EVERYONE - not just strangers.

Why there isn't a license out there for people to use computers. Seriously....

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday's Thoughts...

1. Josh Duhamel looks just like Joran Van Der Sloot. Seriously - are they brothers from another Mother? Last night, we were watcing "Ramona & Beezus" which he was in - and I couldn't help but notice the stunning resemblence. Looks like perfect casting to me should a movie be made in the future...
.

One's cute - the other's crazy. You know they say everyone has a twin....

2. I'm a total Maxxinista. Okay, what girl doesn't love to find fabulous things at a fraction of the price? I'm oh-so-thankful to have found a new perfume this past week at an incredible discount: Betsy Johnson. Love, love, love it! I got a gift set at typically the cost when buying online at a discount shop, but even lower and with no shipping or handling. I love the immediate gratification of shopping. And I just don't get to do it that often... I will make Wrentham soon...I will! (Maybe if I keep telling myself that, it will happen...)

3. Note to self: No more bacon wrapped filet. Okay, so the last two days I was doing a quick detox - no meat protein, etc., just fruits, veggies & broths. Tonight, I decided to have steak because I was making it for Gene and I was really tired today so I figured I could use the iron boost. I wasn't tired from my diet - I was tired from being up at 3a.m. and not being able to sleep - and having a busy day today with trucks, etc. So since I don't need to diet or anything I figured I'd join him in a nice piece of bacon wrapped filet mignon. Mmmkay, really not feeling so great right now - and I should know better. Pork is something I sometimes have issues with....

4. I've developed a new found appreciation for "Family Ties". We have a new cable channel called "The Hub" and they play great, family friendly television shows. We have been watching at least two episodes of "Family Ties" a night - and while I loved it as a kid, I really love it as an adult. Really great writing and they all had such comedic timing...I enjoyed the show because of the stories as a child, but as an adult I appreciate them on a completely different level.

5. The Captains. The Sox won't go after Jeter, just as the Yankees won't go after Jason. Come on now.... I get that a paycheck is a paycheck, but I've got to believe that not everyone is like Johnny Damon. The rivalry between the two clubs runs too deep for the two Captains to swap locations.

Don't let the sun go down on me...

I don't know about you, but I'm all set with the sun setting at 4pm.
It's exhausting! I walk out the door at the end of the day and even if I wasn't tired before I get into my car, I am the minute I sit down. It's too early to be pitch black!

What if we didn't turn the clock back? Wouldn't the sun naturally rise earlier and set later?
Couldn't we just leave things alone?
Wouldn't that be organic, in the truest sense?
Just throwing it out there....

Freedom has a taste to those who fight and almost die, that the protected will never know.

War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself.
--John Stewart Mill--

Never give in--never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.
--Winston Churchill--

Be convinced that to be happy means to be free and that to be free means to be brave. Therefore do not take lightly the perils of war.
--Thucydides--

People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.
--George Orwell--

Freedom isn't free.
--Anonymous--

Knowledge is power....

I got T's MCAS scores in the mail today, finally.
Very happy and excited to see them....he did very, very well.

I've always had mixed feelings regarding the MCAS; it's hypocritical in so many ways, and truly is nothing more than the school's way of proving to the government that they are of a certain standing educationally.

At the same time -- because the schools feel pressure to have their children perform at a certain level, they are teaching children at a higher level, because now of course - they're being judged on the performance of the children. The downside, naturally - is that children can feel pressured to learn things a certain way that may not feel natural; they may feel a pressure to succeed, and an expectation that kids as young as 8 or 9 typically hadn't needed to feel previously. Or possibly shouldn't feel at all...period. But, there's an upside as well. Most kids are able to perform at the level of expectations - even exceeding those expectations. And so it seems that kids are learning things earlier and earlier - yet they aren't necessarily feeling pressured because they're like sponges and are capable of the work.

This isn't to say that is the case for every child; there are always kids who learn differently, or maybe don't test well in general. There are children with special needs and IEPs, and yet they are still expected to perform at that same level as children without those limitations - and how is that fair?

So while I'm happy and pleased to see that my little guy did so very well - I'll be just as happy if they do away with the MCAS as rumors have been suggesting. So long as it doesn't compromise the caliber of work that is being done, I don't mind the expectations falling a little shorter so that it's fair all the way around.

Remember me to one who lives there...she once was a true love of mine

Soft sheets warm from the dryer. The sound of rain pounding on the street and the roof when all else is quiet. Peppermint oil. The sweet song of a violin. Herbs picked fresh from the garden. The first bite of a crisp apple. Nag Champa. Sweat from a strong workout. Blue Vanilla slush. The number 33. Greek yogurt drizzled with good local honey. My children's hair. Sunshine on my shoulders. Laughter. Sweet dreams. Givenchy Pi. Nostalgic music. A cold glass of peppermint water.

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!

Teach your children well.....

Last night, our local Fox news channel did an expose on whether children are being de-sensitized to overtly mature media at either the checkout stands in the local markets, in music videos or on the internet.

As most of you who follow my blogging already know - I've addressed those very subjects as recently as last week regarding music -- and last October regarding the checkout counter at the supermarket. I've also made it quite clear that I don't feel teenagers belong on any social networking sites. (Feel free to seach my blog on said topics and you'll see my arguements much clearer on each subject.)

Here's the only gripe I have with the piece that was done: while the parents who complained had every right to do so -- they were quick to place blame on the outlets upon which these items are found; yet they did not discuss their own efforts to prevent the access from taking place.

Mentioning how the internet has "roulette chat" rooms where children accidentally stumbled upon an adult site while researching homework was one issue that surprised me. Not that the sites are there -- but where are the filters placed upon the home computer so that these "accidents" can't happen?

Listen, I can't control how supermarkets position the more mature magazines or how musicians write their songs. I'm not trying to keep my children in a bubble, however I am trying to keep their innocence in mature subjects for as long as I can. My children are 9 and 6 -- this should not be an unrealistic goal. And while I can not control what they do outside of my own home as they get older and are able to venture alone to their friend's homes -- I absolutely can control what goes in my home.

There are firewalls that can be placed upon a computer that prevent access to any site that is even remotely inappropriate. The one I use is so strict - that just about everything is locked down. If they even attempt to go to a site - even accidentally - that is inappropriate, the site is blocked. My children then ask me about the site they want to go on. I review it - and then if I choose to allow it, I can unblock for increments of time so that it's not a blanket permission access. Best of all -- it's a free utility. It costed me nothing but my time and effort.

I've never felt that my children should be allowed to go on the internet for social aspects; but with WebKinz and third grade requirements -- they're on it more than I'd have preferred -- so I made absolutely sure that they can't go where I don't want them to. Curiousity is perfectly healthy and normal as well, but that doesn't mean I have to condone it by feigning ignorance and leaving my computer vulnerable to access, and my children exposed.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I'm banging the lazy parenting drum. If you don't want your child to be exposed to certain things -- block them. There are parental blocks on cable and that includes music videos; block the age group you feel is appropriate leveling. Sure, some things you might allow might be blocked too - but you can unlock by individual choice at the appropriate time. Same goes for the internet; don't complain about what's out there -- lock the whole thing down and you won't have that issue about them seeing anything inappropriate.

We have choices to make as parents of people who want to grow up and be happy, healthy and productive in society. Make the choice to be an involved parent - maybe even strict by today's standards -- and I'm sure your children will thank you for it in the long run.

Behind these hazel eyes....

(Well, my eyes are green but - you get the point.)

So, I'm going to go on a limb and make myself sound "old" with this post.
Yet it's relevant and "in my face" so to speak, so I can't resist.

I'm a huge music afficianado -- all genres, all artists -- and if you didn't already know that about me, well now you do.

Growing up, the stigma regarding music was "hidden messages" in heavy metal songs - specifically those by Ozzy Osbourne and songs such as "Suicide Solution". There was concern that the song wasn't about alcoholism, but contained subliminal messages that if the album was played backwards, might inspire young minds to end their lives. (Seriously??!!?? Seriously!!!) And so I, being a complete lyrical fantatic used to love to analyze all the lyrics to songs and point out to people how songs by groups such as Metallica, Megadeth, Ozzy and the like weren't about dark topics -- sort of "don't let the loud guitar riffs fool you". (Hello, as if "Master of Puppets" wasn't the best anti-drug song ever?!?!)

But today...well, who needs stigmas and fears? Songs are blatantly overt in their sexual overtones, as well as discussions about drinking and partying. Listen - I love the songs myself, but where I struggle is that there are very few songs that my children can listen to without feeling like "oh, shoot - do they really understand what they're singing?" It's unrealistic to keep them away from it, nor do I really feel that I should; but at the same time, at risk of sounding like a prude -- I wonder how to manage what they hear.

At one point, they knew they couldn't listen to "I kissed a girl" by Katy Perry; though I told them it was because my son is too young to think about kissing girls at this tender age. But who doesn't love Kesha's catchy tunes - and to have them singing about "getting drunk", "touching junk" (um, who wants to explain what that means? I just told them it means their belongings, like purses, wallets, etc....) or having the "police shut them down". To their tender minds, when the police come it's to save you -- not get you in trouble.

So, as a Mom who's trying to maintain the innocence of her children but yet not stifle them -- I'm running into a bit of an obstacle. Let alone the fact that I'm all about expression in it's purest form of music; but just wondering at what point will music become entirely inappropriate for children under a particular age?

And equally as important --how sad would that be.....?

You like me...you really, really like me!

Let's Oscar chat - shall we?

The best: Demi Moore in all of her insanely fit and gorgeous glory. Talk about looking timeless... no wonder that cougar nabbed such a young husband! I'd marry her for God's sake. Helen Mirren -- in a word -- stunning. She is the epitome of graceful aging. Favorite dresses of the evening: Demi, Rachel McAdams, Sandra Bullock. Kate Winslet and Penelope Cruz. Don't get me wrong, there were others but those were showstoppers for me. I loved the very smart yet sexy long hair styles that were on alot of people - including some of those I just mentioned. I really enjoyed Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin as hosts; not too over the top, not harsh and mean as some hosts can be to their audience members and for the first time the hosts were genuinely funny. Loved them. Sandra Bullock's acceptance speech -- was fabulous. I love her anyway -- I totally want to be best friends with her. I guess in a nutshell, the show as a whole was done well this year. I had no regrets staying up until midnight to watch every single moment of it. What I do know, is that next year -- I'm so having a Pajamas Oscar party at Chez "I'm Just a Girl"; complete with champagne of course!

The worst: Farrah Fawcett being left off the memorial presentation. Ouch, that one hurt me - one can't imagine how her family and friends must've felt. Sarah Jessica Parker's horribly orange skin and bad hair style. Ugh, what was her stylist thinking??!?! I did not at all like the beehive updo's some women wore - there's something elegant up an updo, but most of them I saw looked like old women with straggly hairs sticking out everywhere. When someone like JLo has her hair up and slicked back she is stunning. Last night....not so much. Just sayin'..... Kristen Stewart is continuing to be on my radar as the "least talented person in Hollywood". She was less than impressive yet again last night. While I was beyond thrilled that Mo'nique won her award, I was not equally as impressed with her relatively angry and bitter acceptance.

The best part of the Oscars for me -- is the opportunity to get a glimpse at some movies that I more than likely didn't get the chance to see during the year. And now, I've got some things that I'm actually excited about watching.

And if that's what I get from the show, outside of getting to play armchair fashion critic -- then truly, that's good enough for me!

Fridays Final Thoughts...

1. I've been so involved in business -- I've not been able to watch any sports! Well, I saw part of the Pats game, but seriously - since the Sox loss, I've yet to watch tv or listen to sports radio. Thank goodness for my Twitteratzi friends, otherwise I'd never know what was going on!! But even with them, I know what's going on in current sporting news -- not so much the baseball back office kind of "stuff". (Code for: what's the skinny on the Captain for next year?)

2. Tonight was our first Friday night - with minimal advertising. I have one word: wow. I don't know if it's because it's new - if it's because this was previously a dry town, or if this is going to be the norm, but we're doing numbers that resemble our Boston store. Insane.....

3. Did I mention we've got a ribbon cutting ceremony? Yup. Tuesday, we will have a photo op that will forever be chronicled within the history of the community. I am finding it hard to believe that me -- a girl from the ghetto on the North Shore (if you know me in real life - you know where we're from and totally get the joke! Not truly a ghetto, but still...) and a boy from the "Ville are responsible for this. See what a little ambition and elbow grease can get you...?

4. Busy weekend as always on the agenda - but wow, this is a different kind of busy. Tonight, the kids and I had a Taco Dinner night with my aunt; tomorrow, the kids and I will hang out - and then they have a play date with their cousins while I work for a few hours; then tomorrow night hopefully we'll just snuggle with a movie. Sunday, we have a birthday party for our Grandmother - and hopefully G and I will switch off watching the shop with the staff that day. Truly, Sunday staff is seasoned and capable with retail so I think they'll be okay. But we'll see....

It's been an interesting whirlwind of a week. Once we can get a decent amount of staff on per shift for end of the week - I think life will once again have a semblence of normalcy.

I think.....

Holy Smokinoli...

It's already Thursday.
Wow.

Okay, let's see -- it's going to have to be a random thought kinda day.

1. I am psyched for the Sox game.... though truthfully, I don't know how much of it I'll actually get to see tonight; I may have to DVR and play catch-up tomorrow (or catch-er... kidding. The little Jason reference sounded funnier in my head. Clearly.... ) because God knows I'm not going to have time to listen to sports radio or watch NESN tomorrow.

2. Speaking of tomorrow.... it's a 10 year benchmark for me and the Mr. It's amazing how quickly time flies when you're having fun. Kids, houses, businesses.... can't imagine what the next 10 will bring! Hopefully just lots of health and happiness. We have nothing planned - with the store opening, there's really nothing we can do since we're so busy getting it ready. Tomorrow night (if I can get a sitter and truthfully, it's not looking very promising!) is going to be just he and I in the store, stocking. Maybe a glass of champagne while we're at it. Actually, that's not such a terrible way to spend it -- this store is after all, part of our life's venture.

3. I am absolutely loving the buildup and excitement towards our opening; I am however, hating the effect that touching all this cardboard is having on my hands. Must. Get. Gloves.

4. Have I mentioned how much I'm out of everything? Lotions, perfumes and the like. I am so out of touch with my hair as well. I have to make an appointment for a good cut and subtle highlight before the store opens. I really, really, really need a pick me up.

Really!!!

Stewie: Oh my God... It has finally happened, he has become so massive that he collapsed into himself like a neutron star.

Dear Jonathan Papelbon: Shut up and sit down. Better yet, zip it and perform. Try to get out of an inning in under 30 pitches, could you?

Here's the thing - maybe we're spoiled because we saw him at a point in his career where he was amazing. Maybe he was just so good back then, that we're being fooled because now he's just outstanding, which by earlier comparison - looks average.

Listen, he's made no bones that he's all about the Benjamin's and may not necessarily be with the Sox in the future -- so why would he be so concerned about the acquisiton of Wagner? The less than sincere back pedaling that was aired all day and night yesterday was laughable. The truth of the matter is that closers are a different breed; they're like fighter pilots -- crazy, edgy, out of their mind. Pitching wins games, wins championships. Any addition to the staff in any measure is a good one; self preservation, self promotion and all the selfishness should be to the side. There's no "I" in team -- didn't he learn that in Little League? (For the record, I can't think he's all too thrilled with Theo coming out and saying that he's not the "sharpest knife in the drawer".)

Dear Dunkin Donuts: I don't miss you at all. Not even a bit. So little do I miss your terrible tasting coffee -- that I don't even drink coffee during the day on the weekends unless I brew it in my Keurig. (I don't typically travel near a Starbucks on the weekends. Even though I do live in a town that has one, it's on the other side of town and truly -- I don't mind if I don't have one.) I am free from the frustration of wasting my money and though I've already professed my relief -- I felt it worthy to mention it once again.

Dear Wrentham Outlets: You -- I miss dearly. I'm so sorry I have yet to visit you during my "sort of unemployed" period of building the new store. I thought for sure I'd get to; but finances are tight right now and truly -- I can't do it just yet. But I will visit soon....oh yes. I will visit...soon.

Dear Employee at the Store: No offensive, we love you - but please, please -- when a celebrity comes in to shop, please do not announce to everyone in there that there is a celebrity in their midst. Truly, no one likes to feel like they are the center of attention unwittingly -- even, Hollywood celebrities. Trust me. People walk around discreetly and plain for a reason; so as not to attract attention to themselves. Oh, and for the record -- make sure their order is correct. Okay? Yes? Thanks......

Social Networking or Wasted space...?

I had a really great weekend. So good, that I really regretted waking up this morning to realize it had ended.

As I walked into my office on this "next to last day" of work, I was chatting with my fellow cubemates about their vacations and weekend, etc. One of my friends in the office mentioned that she knew I must've been busy because I hadn't been on FaceBook hardly at all over the last few weeks. (She had been on vacation last week, so she was wondering what I'd been up to.) This is partly true; but I also have sort of lost interest in FB over the past month or so. Partly because most of the people I wanted to reconnect with, I have and we get together and stay in touch pretty reguarly; but to quote G, it has rather "jumped the shark" for me. And, truthfully - it monopolized a lot of my time; time that I'd rather spend with my kids outdoors doing fun things - or just hanging out with them. No need for me to be on the laptop all the time. Actually, I plan on taking the advice of a friend of mine who purges his friend list regularly. It's nothing personal, but truly -- not everyone needs to be on the friend list. Those who I talk to regularly -- sure. Those I don't, well... we connected, we know we're happy and doing well in life -- is there really a need to know what I'm cooking for dinner or going to with my kids on a Saturday? We've spent 20 years without talking, it's okay to not know what "horoscope sign we should've been", etc... I've got a life to live, and I'll for being friendly, but not everyone has to know my every waking move -- you know what I mean?

So the question was posed from one of our co workers who's a bit older and while very technically savvy - probably a bit more inept socially; and was wondering the difference between Face Book vs. Twitter vs. Linked In. Social Networking versus Social Marketing. Is there a difference? Is it an overlap? Is there any value in it?

I told him that I look at it this way: Facebook, though I do have a page for my store -- is for me, almost exclusively personal. A great way to share pictures of my kids with my family, and connect with those I want to connect with. But the business page truly doesn't get a whole lot of activity because in all honesty - that isn't what Facebook is about.

Twitter, while I don't love it's interface -- is a relatively good business marketing tool. I use it for our existing business and for promoting our upcoming business and we've gotten really great followers -- people from Food Network even, which is pretty darn cool. Vineyards, Chefs and other food and wine afficionados follow so in that respect I like it. It's also great if you go out and about because most restaurants are now posting their daily specials via updates as well. Some of my favorites to follow are places such as Formaggio, Food Network chefs such as Tyler Florence & Giada DeLaurentiis -- as well as some local wine & food enthusiasts.

LinkedIn, while I suppose a decent employment outlet - is really technically challenged and outside of the messaging forums for interest groups, to me - is useless. I've used it for HR/employment purposes and basically for that type of networking; while I'll probably keep my account active, like FB - I think that it's a rolodex that at times can seem useless.

What are your thoughts on social engines and networking?
Love them? Hate them? Do you use them at all, and for what?