Weekend Roundup....

Seriously, this weekend went by far too quickly. It's Sunday already and I have yet to have a decent cup of coffee all weekend. Can you imagine? I don't have any Keurig in the house that isn't Mocha Latte - and for instant, I only have Taster's Choice Robust which is not nearly as good as the original. But if that's the worst problem of my weekend, I'm doing okay.

So, nothing new on the house front - we still have yet to find anything. Time is a ticking on the offer we have, otherwise it's rental time. And G flip flops on his thoughts on that - sometimes he figures no biggie - then other days he says "no way." Although....I did get an email from an aquaintance of mine who has a beautiful home on one of my favorite streets in our town - and she's thinking about selling. So we may take a look at the house this week, she's going to get back to me on Monday. She's a realtor herself, so I tend to think that if she didn't already have a place in mind, she wouldn't have raised my hopes and sent the email - right? Her house is actually right next door to a house we looked at three years ago that we really loved - but someone beat us to the offer. So, I'm cautiously - cautiously - optomistic. I'm really hoping to get in and see the inside, though truthfully - even if it needed work, I wouldn't care just to be in that neighborhood.

Today, the kiddies and I are heading to visit cousins who are also our best friends. They have a crazy amount of cats - like 9 or something? So the kids are besides themselves with excitement to see them and play with the little furry felines -- I think that 4 of them are kittens actually. I swear, they aren't crazy - they have a huge house, you'd never know there are that many animals there. Though this girl would not love the cat box situation that must be going on. Ugh, that would be impossible I think. I have two cats and their cat box is enough to keep up with.

I had my 1 year "thank you party" at the store last week - and we had a fantastic turnout. I was beyond touched at the response because there were many different fundraisers going on that night, so to have such a strong turnout at my little store - was great! We got some really nice publicity out of it and everyone had a great time. It was a nice little glow to end the week on - though I was crazy tired on Friday, I'm not going to lie.

And on that note, this girl is off to go enjoy the rest of the day! Because it's back to the grind tomorrow....

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?

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.

Onwards and upwards....

So, yesterday I found the perfect spot for an even further North Shore location for another store location. At our favorite beach spot, an unbelievable space is available. It's incredibly tempting not to go for it - the location is practically turnkey, and it could be open in under a month; but.... it's probably not smart to do so just yet. It's difficult to be in two places at once, and this location is so out of the way. Maybe a year from now it could work but now probably isnt the best timing. But you know how I am -- and the wheels are always spinning.

I'm really exhausted at the moment. On top of my Mom's funeral this past Friday, it seems I've caught a cold. It started with G and seemed to have run it's course through everyone here - and I'm still battling it myself. It's just making me very tired, and of course the stress of the last few weeks hasn't helped any.

One of the best things of this past week was getting to spend time with one of my aunts who stayed at my house. I haven't spent more than a day with her since I was little because she moved when I was so young. It was really very pleasant having her with us -- and the kids truly enjoyed her company. Princess Petunia was very sad when we dropped her off at the airport tonight. We're hoping to persuade her to come visit this Christmas....

Now is definitely a time for me to get back to yoga. It wasn't plausible the last few weeks but now I truly could use finding center and balance.

Now more than ever......

Upside down...you turn me inside out, and round...round...

So, today was quite the rollercoaster kind of day.
I should've gone to yoga and de-toxified......but it was late, and I instead ate Chinese food and had a glass of wine.

It started off okay... and then it sort of hit a bump.
The location I opened my store in, was a dry town previously - meaning no alcohol. Well, someone wrote to the paper and complained about having a store such as mine in town - and got City Hall involved by calling them out publicly; so, I had the Liquor Commission come by today to inform me that they're going to address the complainant and that while they feel I've got the gourmet aspect down well -- I should bring even more items in to keep people like him quiet.

Mmmkay. I always thought majority ruled, but I guess that squeaky wheel wins more often than not. And trust me when I tell you, I've got lots of gourmet going on in there. I add new food weekly, so I'm not at all concerned about that. It's just frustrating that I bring commerce to the community and run a great business - and I've got to worry about someone who's admittedly never stepped foot into my shop, and their opinions? Interesting.

Case in point: as I was feeling less than happy with the aforementioned conversation, I recieve a fantastic phone call from the Chamber of Commerce telling me that this month's edition of Boston Magazine gives us a fantastic little plug! How exciting!

So, in the past month - the store has been featured on Chronicle, WBZ Radio's Connoiseur Corner, WDIS AM Fairness Doctrine, the Boston Globe's Bargain Bins -- and now Boston Magazine. I couldn't be any more fortunate in the media department, truly.

I went to visit my Mother afterwards, and had an.....interesting visit. I'm not going to comment more on it, other than to say it was a good visit -- but an emotional one; and I hadn't been prepared for that. She looks fantastic, you truly wouldn't think her prognosis is what it is. It's almost mindblowing at times....

Anyway, needless to say - I'm tired, and while I should have gone straight to the studio for an intensely hot class, I opted for the easy way out complete with a glass of wine.

Truthfully, I don't know which one would help me sleep better tonight.
But tomorrow, is another day.....

"Yeah, man, it means love, respect, community... and the dollars too. The package. The kwan..."

Last night, I had a moment.

At the store, we had a tasting of steak tips & country style ribs - along with some beer. All from local companies - and I called it a "Shop Fresh, Shop Local" tasting. It was delicious! And, rather well publicized within all the social media networks.

I stayed a little later than usual because I hadn't quite anticipated the rush of people and I had three people on and my being there was definitely a benefit, which is something I love to do. Working a night shift is always fun because it's typically busier than the days anyway, and we all know my love for chatting with people.

While I was there, I took a moment and stepped back to take it in: Michael Buble music playing, the lights glowing, the store full of people smiling and laughing.....and I had such a surge of self contentment and pride. It was fantastic!

But a customer made a comment that truly was the icing on the cake. She stated how much she loved the store, how happy she and all her friends were that we were there -- how much we prettied up the shopping area, how great it was for the city and how much everyone has positive feedback and then she said "look - see how many people are here, you're really bringing the community together!"

Though I kept my cool on the outside and of course was graciously appreciative...
I was completely beaming inside.

I always knew I was capable of great things.
But to actually do it...is pretty awesome.

Charlie Brown: We've got ANOTHER holiday to worry about. It seems Thanksgiving Day is upon us.

(Poor Charlie Brown. Always feeling on the downside of up...)

I'm thankful that I'm not cooking on Thanksgiving. Though truthfully, I enjoy cooking so much that despite the fact that I'm going to be working morning, noon and night tomorrow -- part of me still wishes I was making dinner.

That being said, I don't know that I'll get to post prior to the big day; so I'm presenting my list of what I'm thankful for at the present. Outside of the first one -- they're in no particular order of meaning.

1. Always thankful for the health of my family and friends. That above all means more than anything else.
2. For the fact that despite this economy, business is doing well. Opening a new business is always such a gamble, and so I'm thankful that we're able to pay the bills. Leaving my job was a big decision, and I'm very pleased that right now anyway -- it was a risk worth taking.
3. My children are constant souces of inspiration - and frustration. I mean that in the best possible way, because I'm thankful that they challenge me. In some ways, it allows me to think out of the box in my parenting, and enables me to continually try to be a better parent. While it may be a dictatorship in my house, I've learned that there is more than one way to skin (insert you favorite hunting creature HERE.) And for that, I'm very, very thankful.
4. I'm thankful that my mother's health seems to be settled down. That one's sort of separate from the first one. It wasn't a good year.
5. I've got a fantastic support system of friends. For that, I'm beyond thankful.
6. I'm thankful for my husband and children. So many people go through this life alone; and that's okay - sometimes that's out of a person's control; but I'm thankful that I have a family to enjoy life with.
7. I'm thankful that Jason Varitek will once again wear a Red Sox uniform. (C'mon...you know I had to squeeze a Jason reference in somewhere!!)

I hope that however you celebrate Thanksgiving - and with whomever - your day is filled with laughter, friendship and love.

Friday's final thoughts....

*She sighs as she rests her tired toesies on the sofa*

Yes. I wore heels again today. I know, I know....I'm a glutton for punishment.

So it's Friday, and it's Halloween weekend -- and I've got a swirl of thoughts going around in my head and I figure I might as well set them free. Let's get started, shall we...?

1. Who doesn't love Halloween? Seriously. It's so much fun, even if you don't get dressed up it's a blast watching all the kids in their creative costumes. Today at the store - I blew threw 1800 pieces of candy to all the kids who came in to trick or treat at the local businesses and I was blown away by the creativity of some costumes. Loved them.

2. My daughter's costume however - is the most creative of all. I've come to realize just how artistic my little Princess Petunia is these days. Both of my kids are very imaginative and creative - both very artistic -- but she can make something out of nothing. She'll take a juice box that's empty and poke pencils in it, hang things from it - and come up with a brand new creation. So this year, she came up with her own costume idea: A rainy day. (I'd prefer sunshower, but she ixnayed Mommy's idea...). It's her favorite yellow rain slicker with a duck head for a hood, her yellow umbrella with light blue strands of plastic hanging from it to look like rain -- and slickers. Seriously, how cute and out of the box?!?! Love her...

3. Two weeks into the store and it's abundantly clear that staff needs to be rotated. Some, while maybe wine savvy just aren't cut out for retail. At least not fast paced retail.... and if anyone knows G, then they know he's a bull in a china shop on speed. He's got NO patience for anyone not working at his level, and while I'm high speed low drag myself, I've got a little more patience in that arena than he does. So, I've got to rework the scheduling a bit to see how we can't get more snazziness on weekends than we do at the moment. Love everyone there, but the speed isn't quite there... Ahhh, but such is the life in retail.

4. I'm convinced I won't be able to recharge any time soon. Running, yoga, massages, retail therapy...any or all of the above are more than likely a vision in the not so near future. But that's okay, after the holidays it will be appreciated and valued that much more because I'll really, really, really enjoy it....

Really.... !

Cream coloured ponies and crisp apple strudel, Door bells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles...

Key Lime Tea Cookies. "To Die For" dips - any variety. A very good and emollient hand cream, just lightly scented. Really good chinese food, like the kind I grew up on. Cinnamon Toast scented candles. A fabulously delicious Zinfandel, say "Sin Zin". The feeling of my floors when they've just been washed. The smell of my daughter's hair after a day outdoors. Seeing, touching, feeling when I shop. A perfectly made Spicy Tuna roll. Feeling proud and accomplished. Anything pumpkin. A dinner made by anyone else but me - for me. Watching home videos of my children. Spending time with my friends who are working with me. Missing yoga and running, but knowing I'll get back to it. A strong, deep tissue massage. Living life, laughing and loving every moment of it -- the good, the bad and everything in between.

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.....

Pretty things....pretty things...everyone loves pretty things....

You know what this girl needs?
A good Sephora visit.
My long, lost happy place.

Actually - the downtown community where I opened the store -- really could benefit from a cute little cosmetic and perfume boutique, ala Beauty Mark. That would make a fortune....

If I was to open a second business, unrelated to what I already do -- that is what I'd do.
How fun would that be?

I'd call it Pretty Things.
(Who doesn't love pretty things?)

This girl is always full of ideas.
One just never knows....

If a picture paints a thousand words....

Be the master of your own destiny. If you do your research, and take risks that are calculated - anything is possible.



Opening day....

Every day is another day to have a good day....

And unfortunately, while the day before yesterday -- or yesterday -- wasn't one of them -- today is a far better day.

I got some of my Italian specialty items and cured meats and panini rolls -- my pastas and such. As well as the fun cheese mixes, and spreads/salsas and other fabulous goods. What was even better than that - was the reaction I got from two people today when I loaded the frozen pasta. I have pumpkin ravioli which they both expressed that a local specialty shop sells for more than double mine. Love to hear that kind of thing.

Friday, the cheese is coming!! I'm beside myself over that. And of course, the fresh olives and stuffed cherry peppers that I can't wait to display. How to keep myself from snacking all the time is the issue....

Displaying everything is going to be the most challenging aspect - and the most argued thus far -- but it will all come together beautifully. I'm sure of it. My mother in law is an amazingly talented designer and so for her to stage the store with me and some of the people who are helping out and retail oriented -- is really going to be fun.

But in the meantime, onwards and upwards and hopefully in very short order - this stressful time will be behind me. It didn't have to be so stressful, and I wish it wasn't....but hey - it is, what it is.

Time to move on.....

Brought to you today by the letters "F" and "U".

What is:

Stressed, stressed and more stressed.
Angry. Frustrated. Disappointed. Saddened and unfortunately, not surprised.

Drama. Chaos. Tension.
Irritating, irritated, irritable.

Unnecessary.
**************
What should be:

Stress, stressed and more stressed.
Teamwork. Communication. Respect. Dignified conversation.
No drama. No Chaos. No Tension.

Grown up.

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!!!

We have so much time, and so little to do - strike that! Reverse it.

Okay, so I'm feeling a little overwhelmed.
It's a good thing, but still.... of the 8 components that run this business, I'm responsible for 6 of them. Eventually, it may be all 8 - but for now, even the 6 is enough enough to make anyone's head spin.

I very rarely dream, and even more rarer is it for me to remember them; but while I don't remember my dream per se from last night, I know my teeth were cracking and falling out. (eewww.) According to the dream dictionaries it basically means that it can be representational of subconscience feelings of insecurity about undertakings.

I think if there wasn't such anticipation regarding our opening, it wouldn't matter so much -- but to be the first real wine shop in a previously dry community -- there's definitely anticipation and expectations. I'm sure we'll meet them, it's really just feeling that our processes are ironed out that hangs over my head.

Speaking of expectations... please tell me that wasn't the Captain's last regular season game in uniform this past weekend?!?! I haven't been able to keep up on my sporting news with all of this, but I did see him tip his cap and he received a standing ovation which truly, got me a little faklempt thinking this was it. Say it isn't so!!!

Actually, we were offered playoff tickets right on the first baseline for this weekend and I'm so disappointed we aren't able to take them. We were supposed to have been at Foxboro for this past Sunday's game actually - but as a result of the timing of the opening... no such anniversary soiree is happening. That's okay... it's a small time in life to sacrifice.

So that's where my head is at today. We're potentially two weeks out from opening, and there's so much to do to get ready yet we are so close.

So close....

Sparse. sporadic.... Saturday

So, while I'm trying to stay diligent on my blogging - with the new store getting ready for opening, I must admit - it's going to be difficult. But I will try to not miss more than a day or so; partly because it's a therapeutic and fun thing for me -- and I don't have much fun these days (only temporarily, I know...) -- and partly because I really want to share the excitement and tribulations of opening the store.

We received our first wine shipment yesterday -- 80 cases. That's alot to receive in one day. But, that was the largest and they'll get smaller each time until we're full - which is great. I placed my first food order yesterday, and this week I'll be pulling the trigger on the other ones I have lined up so that we can start getting the store merchandised - and most importantly, everything into the register properly. My last food shipment will be the fresh cheese and frozen products; they've got a different shelf life so it's important to do them last, and quite honestly - they're a breeze to merchandise.

I do want to share one tip with everyone -- and to no one's surprise, it's a cleaning tip. I bought some of those Mr Clean Magic Erasers; I'd seen them but figured - seriously, what can that do that I can't with a little Fantastic and a nice cloth? Let me tell you -- it's awesome. I went over my walls with it this morning and I was most definitely impressed at how it cleaned without ruining the finish, and with such little effort. When you have tan hallways and little hands in your house, you'd be amazed at how dirty the walls get -- and I was equally amazed at how easily it cleaned and almost made the paint look brighter! Love them - and if you haven't tried them yet yourself, I highly recommend that you do.

So that is my personal endorsement for this rainy and yet very comfortable Saturday afternoon. Our soccer game was cancelled (clearly!) and we have a birthday party to attend today, but it was a last minute invite and truly - this girl doesn't feel up to going to a party at the moment, but who knows - maybe that will change.

Life is but a dream....

I'm going to give a peek at the new store.

I'd been toying with doing a blog, and showing the progression - but I've been trying to keep an element of surprise to the whole effort.

The windows have been covered up - and will stay that way, until the weekend prior to opening.

You see, we're going to be the first liquor store to open in a previously dry community; there's another store that is going up as well - but they're 3 miles or so down the road from us and not anywhere near the center, so we are truly in the heart of it all. And so I'm hesitant to let too much of the cat out of the bag, however....

I can't resist since Nichole asked.

It's just a tease; the store's not finished -- and there's still much more to do, but at least the guts are in.

The next time I show photos -- it will be stunning.
Truly stunning.

And I will show before, during and after photos to really capture the progression.

(And Nichole, now you have to come in and visit us next time!)

If I had a hammer....I'd hammer in the morning, I'd hammer in the evenings...all over this land

I feel like I've been beaten with a hammer, actually.

Yesterday, the store finally came together and it is gorgeous. The racks came in - -and they were custom built for us, based upon our requests -- so we had no idea what they'd actually look like until they were brought in. I was so happy, I swear - I could've done cartwheels in the aisle.

A lot was accomplished yesterday; the television was mounted on the wall and cable was finalized. I now have the flat screen television over my cheese counter playing FoodTV like I always dreamed I'd have. The racks are laid out exactly the way I envisioned and wanted them. My counter top was installed, and tomorrow the remaining refrigeration will be brought in.

Thursday, the register and security system will be finalized and hopefully - Friday we can start receiving our alcoholic product. Our food won't come in until right before opening (I don't dare say aloud the projected date, just in case...) but the orders are being finalized and tweaked.

It's funny, because yesterday was probably the happiest day to date since May; and yet I couldn't sleep at all last night. I had so much anxiety subconsciously - I kept dreaming that the store was empty and there wasn't enough food and people kept walking out.

I put alot of pressure upon myself sometimes.

I must indulge in my massage and a little "fun" before the store opens in a few short weeks. God knows, I deserve it!

Friday's Final Thoughts....

As I sit here with a glass of Malbec and waiting to make grilled calamari and chopped salad for dinner - I'm completely and entirely exhausted. Today didn't exactly go as planned -- rather than having huge gaps of time between items and errands throughout the day - I was back to back with errands and visitors and appointments. Not a bad thing - but made it so that I wasn't able to do a favor for a friend, which really bummed me out. I don't like not being able to help someone, you know what I mean?

So, my weekend is also jam packed but in a good way and hopefully a relatively relaxing one.

And the store - which will be completed being painted tomorrow looks flipping fantastic. Seriously, I'm loving the color and even more - loving some of the artistry that's going to be done on the walls when the paint is done. So exciting...

What are this girl's thoughts for the day.... well, they are as follows:

1. I did not watch the season opener of Grey's Anatomy. So no spoilers, please. I DVR'd it so I can fast forward through commercials tonight -- I'm already pretty convinced that George is going to die, so that's not going to be a huge shocker - but I do miss my friends at Seattle Grace and hope that there's more to the debut than that.

2. I did however, watch "The Changeling". I have developed a whole new appreciation for the talent of Angelina Jolie. It was quite refreshing to see her in a role that showed her as a vulnerable character rather than a tough, action figure one. I'm really just about all set with her being a brooding, dark, sexy, tough girl. It's a little played out, just sayin'...

The movie was done very tastefully as well, since it didn't focus on the gruesome aspect of the crimes - and more on her and what changes she was responsible for in LA during that time as a result of losing her son.

3. How much fun was Sean Casey up in the booth with Don Orsillo? Seriously, I think they should have him on all the time. I was laughing the whole time - he is so animated and his stories are pretty funny, or maybe it's just his translation of them that's so fun - but I loved it. Funny sidenote to that -- which I mentioned here before -- is that my son sat next to him at a WWE event last year. Speaking of which, my son will be attending once again next week - and one only knows who he will end up sitting next to this time. I'm so sad because I was supposed to go with them this time but my son invited a friend to go, so.... Mommy's out of luck it seems.

4. I miss Jason. Ugh, everyone is all over the Victor Martinez bandwagon. Yeah, yeah.. I know. I don't want to hear it.

5. Busy busy weekend for the girl. We have our first "away" game in travel soccer tomorrow morning, then off to the store to pay the painter. Next up is a family reunion - and fortunately, tomorrow night as far as I know - there are no plans. Sunday, I'm running a 5k in the morning and then we're going for a family dinner and watching the Patriots.

And then we start all over again on Monday.
But that's a big week.
Huge.