You're not the boss of me now...

Bully
n., pl., -lies. , v. -ing

1. A person who is habitually cruel or overbearing, especially to smaller or weaker people.

2.a blustering, quarrelsome, overbearing person who habitually badgers and intimidates smaller or weaker people.

3. Bullying is abusive treatment, the use of force or coercion to affect others,[2] particularly when habitual and involving an imbalance of power.

Almost over....

So, I'm happy to say that the holiday season is almost over.
I'm really looking forward to the end of the work day tomorrow....it's been a fantastic holiday season for business - but truth be told, I'm tired at this point. And very ready to enjoy a little downtime.

I've not taken a day off since August - and prior to that, hadn't taken one since the previous July. I've yet to make a Wrentham run this year (try to conceal your surprise! it's total shock and awe to me when I think about it....), I've barely been consistent with yoga - and I never got that massage I needed. Actually, I need to get back to acupuncture because my headaches are becoming worse and worse again.

Needless to say, I've neglected myself once again. But that's okay -- in due time, I'll get to spoil myself a bit. I plan on taking a day off in January for a little Wrentham Therapy; and I'd like to get to the mall now that the holiday insanity is over to capitalize on all those excellent gift cards I received for my birthday.

And I will be back to yoga (after a good pedicure, of course....) and acupuncture.

Tomorrow I'll post my yearly toast to the new year - and then of course, my resolutions shortly thereafter; and suffice to say there will be a bit more things about me in them this year!

Just breathe....

So, I've been MIA for a day or two because this is the height of my busy season.
But have no fear, I will be back shortly.

I'm just too tired to have anything fun or witty to say.

And I FORGOT to DVR the Captain on the Today show!?!?! If anyone knows if it's on YouTube or has a link - could you please share?

This girl would forever be in your debt.....

A message to my friend who's got a "sticky" sense of humor....

Karma's a bitch.
And so am I....

What goes around comes around...
....and I will get you my pretty.

Just another manic Monday....

....and so, the aforementioned offer has been placed.
We're counter offering - and then we have to find something, relatively quickly it would seem.
Otherwise - we give them their deposit back.
Stay tuned.....

I am crazy tired these days. I think it's the whole change of seasons and it getting darker earlier - it makes me feel just wiped by 8pm. Of course, it's now 10 and though I'm exhausted - I can't shut my mind down just yet to be able to go to sleep. So, I write...

Tomorrow is the actual one year anniversary of the second store and my official career change. Amazing how on one hand it feels like it was yesterday - and yet, I feel like I've done this forever. It's funny how that works....

Also tomorrow, an appraiser is coming to give me an estimate on fixing the door that was literally gouged last week. I don't know of any good body shops - so if any of you who know me, have any recommendations for a good one - please feel free to share! I would hate to just Google one, when I could go on a tried and true referral. Word of mouth is what keeps the economy going and helps the small businesses.... pass it on!

Amazing how time flies...

So my one year anniversary of the store being open is next month! I can't believe it's already here - and yet at the same time, I feel like I've done this my whole life. I'm planning a huge "Thank You" celebration for the customers; rather than it being a "happy anniversary to me", it's more of a "thank you" for them. We're giving out free champagne, wine, and food. How fun, right? If you're local and you know me in real life - shoot me a message and I'll tell you when it is so you too can partake in the fun!

A year ago, I didn't think the store would ever be complete; from the painters not showing up - to the racks not being finished - to the health department not being clear on my requirements and springing last minute expensive plumbing requirements, it was pretty stressful. It was fun, but really stressful; at the same time, what an incredible learning experience! I could build another store with my eyes closed.

And dare I say....that just might happen?

Would that be boring....or just one boring life....

The other night, I started reading some of my older posts from the first year I started blogging.

What I found most interesting is that without having an office environment in my day to day life -- my life has so much less to rant about. Which is a great thing - but at the same time, makes me feel relatively boring in comparison.

I mean, don't get me wrong - I could rant plenty about staffing or customers -- but I actually like them so it's not really worth the rant. I have total satisfaction with my job, I generally like my staff -- and I truly love my customers. Love sounds like a strange word, but I have regulars that I look forward to seeing every day. Some are little loco and funny; others are just great people -and it feels like my circle of friends has increased with some of them.

So I apologize if I've been less than entertaining this year; at the same time, despite some not so great events in life - I'm pretty happy. And I don't think that necesarily equates to boring...

Why I love my job....

Well, some of the reasons anyway.


Sunday, we're having a fundraiser for Dana Farber Cancer Institute. In conjunction with a local Boot Camp, we're sponsoring a shopping day where 10% of our sales from Sunday will be donated to DFCI . I love that I'm now in a capacity to give back in so many ways -- even more than what I do on a personal level.

Monday, is the airing of the Chronicle special...!! Exciting, scary, fun, all at the same time.



And seriously -- look at just a fraction of the fun stuff I get to bring in and sell to people. Truly, does this not look just delicious?!?! Trust me -- it all is. And I love, love, love to share it with everyone.


And then of course -- there's the wine.....
(anyone know what Jason happens to like? anyone....?)

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.

Life is a Cabernet....

I have to say - though I live in a city that has some of the most fabulous restaurants - I rarely get to eat at any of them. When you've got small children and a lack of sitter availability, well....you do the math.

One of the nicer perks of being in the alcoholic beverage industry, is being invited to wine dinners and/or portfolio reviews. They're often held at some of the finer restaurants or hotels in Boston which makes it that much more appealing to try and attend. We don't typically go to the reviews because we're the kind of store that the reps bring the portfolios to us (Duckhorn tasting tomorrow by the way... how fun!); but there are often opportunities where you get to sample wine from some of the more relevant and prevalent players in the industry. Today, was one of those days.

I don't often leave the store during the week; it's my job, and I love being there - plus I feel as if things won't be the way I want them to be if I'm not there. I know, it's something I've got to get over, but we're a new store and so I think it's critical that I'm a constant. Anyway, today I made an exception and attended a luncheon that was at Abe & Louies. I was really impressed with the premises, and though I found a few minor glitches in my food (ahi tuna that wasn't fully thawed, but.... absolutely delicious!), I was really impressed with the menu and how it tasted. Perfectly proportioned as well -- it looked tres petite and yet, was quite satisfying.

The wine was Silver Oak, and we tasted out their Twomey line as well as their oh-so-famous Alexander Valley & Napa Cabernets. My personal favorite-- the Napa Cab. It was really, really good. I won't bore you with the details of it, but trust me. To die for if you're a Cab enthusiast.

I have to say, for a Monday.....today wasn't half bad!!

Reason # 145679 as to why I love, love, love my job....

I had no idea that people would just give me food.
Literally.

Vendors drop me off food to "audition" to see if it's something I'd like to carry in my store.
!!!!!!!!!

How fun is that? I love it. I mean, I sample everything anyway - and I prefer to keep business small and local - but there are so many companies that I'm unaware of, and to have them solicit me is fantastic....and delicious!

Today, was Italian Cookie audition day.
Yum.

Last week - was fresh, homemade pasta day.
Yum.

What will tomorrow be......?

Its beginning to look alot like Christmas.....

Just thought I'd share a few shots of the new shop -- Christmas style...

Not the greatest pictures - but you get the idea.

It looks so beautiful inside -- it's worth every bruise I have on my body.

You might be wondering why I have bruises? Well, you can't see them in the photos - but there are about 250 snowflakes that were individually placed on all my windows, and I had squeeze between the windows and my racks which is only a 10" wide opening -- in order to do so. Oh, and there is wood framing that I had to balance on and lay against in order to place the snowflakes on the whole glass, not just the top portion. Did I mention it took almost two hours to do those gorgeous snowflakes? They look so spectacular, I'll do it again despite the discomfort.

Oh, and for the record - I got over my fear of ladders pretty quickly.

Now to get my house transformed.....

That will be this weekend.

Stewie (at airport): I require a window seat and an inflight Happy Meal, and no pickles! God help you if I find pickles!

Does anyone do their job any more?
Anyone?
Ever...?

Get this, and please - someone correct me if my expectations were too high.

I ordered my labels for the store, on October 8th.
A simple order; 1 gold label squared, 1 gold label oval, 1 clear label oval.
All black ink.

I was told they'd be ready and in my store the day after I opened -- the 20th.
So, on the 24th when I hadn't received them I called the company and they said that I had been misinformed, and that they would be at my location until the 28th of October.

So, on the 28th when they didn't arrive - I called. Just to find out that they claimed they were awaiting a proof approval from me via email. Yet, I never recieved a proof. Oh yes, I asked for one - but when I didn't receive it, I didn't think much of it and truthfully I had far too much on my plate to open so I didn't think about the proof. I bring up that little fact to the rep from the company and he says "oh, I see they emailed it to...." and the email he says -- is wrong. Mmmyeah, that could be an issue. So, I said give them the correct email and have them send it ASAP. Which they did......

To my surprise (why was I surprised? I'm wondering this now....) I receive a proof of three labels that are of my other store in Boston -- not the new store. All the info is wrong, there's artwork on it -- I just wanted plain, black text. So, I write them back and tell them unfortunately the proofs are all wrong and that I hope they have my order. So, I call customer service who reiterates the order I want over the phone -- and then proceeds to tell me that it's not THAT art department who would do my labels - it's the OTHER one (like I know the difference? I'm the customer, what do I know..?!?!) and then he apologizes and sends my order to the OTHER department. I receive the proof via email and they look terrible - so my being the background of designer - I relaid out the label and sent it back. I approved the proof, and asked for when they could be sent.

No reply.
I call Customer service, and express my interest in overnight delivery at their expense because this is just ridiculous - and they agree and say they'll get back to me.

They never get back to me.
Funny thing is, I receive yet ANOTHER proof the following day for me to approve. Of course I respond and say I already approved the day before, what am I receiving this for? So I get an email back saying it was an error, not to worry.

Except.... I never heard back about the express shipping. So, I call customer service on Monday to ask about it, and I get told that the labels were expected to ship on the 19th of November. You can imagine my response.... (You've GOT to be kidding me?!!?!?!)

Needless to say, I got my labels today. Oh yes, I got them.
But......
They're wrong.

Wrong color ink. Wrong spacing on one of them. And one that should be clear, is gold.

Seriously?!??!!
Was I setting the bar that high?

Whistle while you work....

Can I just tell you -- even when I know I have a long day ahead of me (though, I just found out that tomorrow is not nearly the day I envisioned it to be...) I don't mind.

Customer service is something I love..... and to have the immediate gratification of seeing people's faces light up when they walk in the door, is invalueable. To be able to give advice and suggestions - and have people come back and say they loved what I suggested -- is beyond exciting.

And they physical labor of it isn't so terrible either; it's like going to the gym without actually having the time to do so. Is the result the same? No, of couse not - but it sure beats sitting down all day.

I have job satisfaction now.
And I love that.

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......

I am woman, hear me roar....

Sweeping the floors. Making coffee. Running upstairs and laying out the kids clothes. Straightening the beds. Pouring milk into cereal bowls. Starting a load of laundry. Wiping the counters. Watching the Food Networks' Next Network Star on DVR. Lighting incense.

All done in a span of 90 seconds this a.m. No lie.

My son: Don't you ever sit down?
Me: Don't you know me by now?

So, I sit down and watch the rest of the show with him - he had a good point.
(We're both pretty excited for the finale next week actually. We're both pretty sure it's going to be Melissa, but my son likes Jeffrey, so....we may have to make a friendly wager.)

If that's all I accomplished in the span of a commercial break, one can only imagine all that I accomplished today. My head is spinning at all that I got done... even I am pretty impressed.

Thank God I'm taking a morning yoga class before the insanity starts all over again tomorrow!

Wonderings of Wednesday.....

I worked in the Boston store today - and let me tell you, though we were indoors -- it was great to actually see the sunshine outside through the windows!

1. What a change in the landscape of Boston sports radio. With WBCN now going to an all sports platform, I learned that WEEI is going to be going through all sorts of major changes. We met with a sales rep from WEEI for some pricing on radio spots to promote the new store, and we heard that Felger is leaving the station! I'm sure many more changes will be happening as well, but that sort of surprised me. And -- Mix 98.5 is going to be moving to 104.1, and vice versa. How's that for a change of scenery?

2. Justin Masterson walked by the store today. Funny thing is, he's not super recognizable. He looks very different outside of uniform, as opposed to someone like Paps or Mike Lowell who is noticeable everywhere. I thought that was an interesting observation.

3. Last night we did not watch the All Star Game much. (Shocking, I know...) And truthfully, I'm glad I didn't because I think it's rude that Joe Maddon didn't let Wake throw even one pitch. Seriously, what are the chances of the guy being selected to go again -- it was down right mean actually.

4. We did however, watch an amazing movie. We watched Schindler's List -- which I only saw once when it first came out. We happened to see it was starting and it just lures you in to watch. It's a sad commentary of that time in humanity, but what a fabulous movie. Of course, the ending when you see the actual survivors gets me every time -- but the truth of the matter is, despite the darkness of the subject matter, how often do you see a movie that truly evokes emotion? There have been plenty of movies about the Holocaust and key people involved (Valkyrie being one that had potential to be excellent and was just okay....) that fall rather flat in their delivery and content. But Schindlers List was absolutely outstanding.

5. While yesterday was a little sad and unsettling for me -- today was the exact opposite. Yeah, I got over that pretty quickly. I'm sure it will come and go, but I had a great time at the store - and I've got so much work ahead of me to get ready for the second store -- and still so much to learn, I'm looking forward to the challenge of learning. I've been yearning for the challenge of learning so working is actually fun for me.

I'm a crazy girl, I know....

"you are but mortal woman. Time is now to be dreaded - since once he put that mark upon your throat."

Okay, so I was planning on chatting today about True Blood and last night’s episode – but this tidbit from my morning is just too good to not mention. It’s rather fitting for the vein of today’s topic, and yet just wrong on so many levels.

I received an inquiry this morning from a user in the field – and he said his name was “Tam”. So, after speaking with him, I asked him to send me an email so I could follow his inquiry up in writing and send him information; well, I get his email – and his name is not “Tam”.

It is Tampon.

Seriously.
Seriously?!?!
Who DOES that to a kid?!?!?
And what I want to know is – does it mean something different in any other language???

Moving on to my friends from Bon Temps.
I really am just not a fan of Sookie; I much prefer her darker counterparts. And I’m thrilled that her vamp boyfriend really laid into her last night for not using her head. Doesn’t she get that it’s eternal life or death for Vampires who break the laws? Her far too fabulous beau Bill has put his everlasting existence on the line for her over and over again and she is constantly nagging at him to be perfect. I do love her ability to hear thoughts though….

Because we never would've found out some info about our benevolent benefactor, the lovely Miss Maryanne. Isn't interesting to think she is the Devil? Or is she “a” devil/demon as opposed to the big “S”. I've got to tell you, whatever she is -- she totally cracks me up.

Lafayette is going to be a fabulous vampire. I am so looking forward to his return, he is going to rock that town. I don’t know who he is in “real life” but he’s a really good actor. He’s got that accent down perfectly, sort of the way Terrence Howard did in “The Best Man”.

"The Terror Twins", Eric and Pam – are absolutely hysterical. Who doesn't love a vampire who foils his hair?!? He doesn't even have a reflection to look at, so -- I find it rather ironic that his vanity lies so deep. The third one that was hanging around with them was fortunately killed off; he was vulgar and rude, and not nearly as interesting. I don’t think Eric & Pam get nearly enough screen time but there's something to be said about that; their sparse appearances with witty and satirical comments keep me longing for more.

I could do with less of Tara, though she is back in shape and quickly becoming another one of my arm role models once again. What’s sort of funny about that, is she’s so incredibly jacked and no one wonders how she gets that way? I mean, she clearly spends time at the gym and yet there’s never a mention about it at all. Just a little noted inconsistency – which speaking of, there are some definite timeline inconsistencies in that show. As well as the mere fact that so many people of paranormal capacity seem to flock and gravitate around the Bon Temps community and no one even blinks an eye at that.

But I’m not about to poke holes in the story line. I just enjoy being able to indulge in a little supernatural soap opera once a week and romanticize the vampire culture...the passion, the romance and of course, the tragedy of it all.

We are not meant to resolve all contradictions, but to live with them – and rise above them. – William Blake

As I mentioned earlier this week – this is not a healthy workplace.
I am really, really, really looking forward to being able to focus my energies full time to the new store.

I can’t get into specifics – nor would I anyway – but suffice to say that there is going to be a major change and/or changes happening in this organization that is going to cause a wake in the waters, and I do not want to be here for when it happens. It’s going to be ugly.

None of it has to do with me, but that’s besides the point. Just being aware of the situation is stressful enough.

I wish I had known the type of environment I was getting into beforehand.

Even though my stay may be temporary at this point, it doesn’t make it any easier to be here.

There is a desire deep within the soul which drives man from the seen to the unseen, to philosophy and to the divine...

I had a fantastic phone conversation this morning..

A few weeks back, on the advice of an acquaintance – I spoke with an architect who is well versed in the business of retail merchandising and architecture. He just wanted to do some insight and information sharing regarding a floor plan for the new store. He was a very nice gentleman, we spent some time on the phone chatting – and left it open to potentially working together at some point in the future.

He called a few days ago, and I missed his call. For whatever reason, Verizon can be less than timely on their voice messaging system – as a result, I didn’t receive a voice mail indicator or any new messages until this morning. So, upon hearing that he had a question for me – I returned his call.

It turns out that his wife is going through a career change, and is looking to get involved in an industry somewhat in line with some of the features I’m looking to incorporate into the new store. He said that after our initial phone conversation, he was impressed with my drive and obvious passion for what I want to do; that I had a strong sense of organization and clarity and he thought that his wife should meet me – that I could possibly help provide motivation, inspiration and insight, and mentor to a certain extent – would I mind speaking with her. Of course, my answer was "absolutely".

I was beyond flattered; it’s one thing for me to be excited about being in business – but to have someone feel that I could be inspiring to someone else – and have this come from a person who is unbiased, was such a positive and reaffirming thing for me! Sometimes it’s good to hear from someone who doesn’t already know you, or have affection towards you – send praise your way.

I’ve always enjoyed being a motivator for others – I’m exceptionally self motivated, and I do love to inspire others -- so I’m truly looking forward to meeting this person and hopefully getting her excited about the possibilities that she can create for herself.

(See, those rose colored glasses aren’t necessarily such a bad thing…. it's having a positive outlook that sometimes helps you see the "forest through the trees", rather than the big old trunk that's seems to be right in front of you.)