Hi, I'm Rebecca, and I'm addicted to....

Reality television?!?!
No, not really.

But I AM enjoying a lot of guilty pleasure television.

I love, love, love MobWives.
I started watching it via On Demand, not realizing that the second season was starting; I started watching because my other guilty pleasure "Housewives of Beverly Hills" was taking a break between episodes, so I needed something to watch and the title caught my eye.  Well, hooked I was -- and literally, the day I finished the last episode I was happy to see a promo on VH1 that the second season was starting the following night!

Love my girl Drita.  She's someone I think I'd have really liked in "real life" if she was a Boston girl.  She's tough, but she's real.  There's no BS to her, no flies on her - and I just really, really like her.  She's basically the only reason why I watch the show.  She's probably the most "normal" of the bunch - though truly, are any of us really and honestly "normal"? 

Define normal and let's see if we can actually find someone who fits that bill.

Things that make you go "hmm???"

When did people start thinking it's okay to talk about another person that is in the room - as if they're not?  Especially when it's not positive conversation?

I'm not sure what kind of a difference one exit makes, but it blows me away the difference in the aggression of drivers just one exit further North on 93 from where I lived before.  It's like Russian Roulette pulling onto the highway now.  And road ragers....like nothing I'd ever seen before.  I swear I've almost been wiped out twice in the last week.

What part of no -- means yes?

A little bit of this....a little bit of that....

Yesterday I saw the first grown up movie I've seen in a long time.  And while it wasn't my first choice, it ended up being a very good choice.  "My week with Marilyn" was a very well done movie, and Michelle Williams gave the best portrayal of Marilyn Monroe that I have ever seen.   It was sort of like when watching "Walk the Line"...while Joaquim Phoenix doesn't neccessarily look exactly like Johnny Cash, he personafied him so well that at times, you could find yourself saying "my God, that's Johnny Cash!".  That's how good she was in this movie.  She really looked like her, and played her so incredibly well.  I definitely recommend it, and it was a refreshing change from the always overdone action movie, or contrived suspense thriller - or mindless "girl wants boy, girl loses boy, girl gets boy" romance movie.

So, we got our new washer and dryer today.  The LG HE front loaders in Cherry Red.  Oh yeah baby... I'm washing my first load in it as I type and I'm curious to see how clean the clothes look, smell and feel.  It's so weird because you barely see any water when it's washing!  And I'm dying to see how quiet the dryer is.  Thankfully, as soon as I finish this post, it should be ready to be switched over and I can see just how good it actually is.

I wonder why it is that my daughter just never seems to fall asleep easily at night?  Or wake up readily in the morning?  I suppose with two kids one of them was going to have a tough time with bedtime....why not her? 

I'm trying to grow my nails out on their own again.  No, I didn't write it as a resolution, I know....but I'm doing it anyway.   It's working thus far, I hope I can sustain from making a mess of them.  I hate being a slave to to acrylic manicures.

Today was day two for the kiddies in their new school - and they still love it.  We're feeling good about our decision to change school districts and we're pretty happy with what we're seeing thus far from not only our kids - but their feedback and impressions.  They've been warmly received and have made friends already - and that was our biggest concern.  We knew they were going to a better school system so education isn't the concern, outside of their following the rules with homework.  Social changes were the big concern and so it's great to hear that they're getting off on the right feet!
It definitely makes us feel better after they're dropped off in the morning!

Winning isn't everything....but wanting to win is.

So it's time to think of the New Year's Resolutions.  I don't have too many, but I am hoping to stick to them.

I always set attainable goals - and truly, they're actually things that I typically do anyway, but often lose sight of throughout the year.  So it's a good time to regroup and try to stay on track with them.  And then I always throw in something new.  It's good to shake it up - and it's always good to have something new to strive for.   It's all about personal growth -- these resolutions aren't just promises we make to ourselves for the sake of doing it; they're truly little self motivation goals to get us to feel better about ourselves.  We want to be better organized so we feel better after a long day at work....we want to lose weight so that we feel better when we see our reflections in the mirror.  We want to be comfortable in our skin, and there is always something that we can work on to improve ourselves and make that happen.

So without further adieu, here are my goals for the upcoming year.  Some will be followed, some unfortunately may not due to a lack of time.  But they are on my radar and I hope to accomplish them at least some of the time....

1.  Back to my yoga mat.  Twice to three times a week - no excuses without injury.
2.  Back to running in the spring - but until then, the elliptical, three times a week.
3.  Complete the Spartan Race in August.
4.  Start a small book club to meet at my house monthly. I need to read more, and I'm completely overwhelmed on what to pick when I go to Barnes and Noble. ( My house because a.) it takes the pressure off everyone else, and b.) I don't always have time to go to other people's houses, but I always have time to have people here! )
5.  Practice more patience

It's just another New Year's Eve...another night like all the rest. But when we're through, this New Year's Eve -will be the best.

A toast to the year that has just passed - and a welcome to the one rolling in....

Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.”

Prior to raising my glass this year, I gave some thought and reflection to the year gone by.
It was better than the previous year...but hopefully not as wonderful as the one to come.

Alot was accomplished, both personally and professionally - though this year, I prefer to have less balls juggling at once.

On a personal level, continuing my journey of self awareness, my own personal spirtuality, and the constant growth as a parent are the key goals to this upcoming year.  While I'm always growing as a parent, my own interests and goals waned a bit.  I put them on the back burner and I think everyone suffered as a result.  My patience level is lower, my optomism waned (yes, even me with the rose colored glasses felt frustrated and less than optomistic from time to time) and I felt less than energized overall.  So to focus on a little more time for me to find center and balance is win-win for all.

Life is a journey, not a destination; and that couldn't be any more true.
I love the journey that I'm on - even when it doesn't exactly go the way I'd hoped at times.  And every day is another day to have a good day.

The same goes for the new year.
It's a clean slate, a fresh start and a new time.
And while we get a new chance each morning, there's something about the psychology of a new year that makes us feel as if we can accomplish anything.

And I raise my glass tonight to celebrate not only my own goals - but yours as well.

Please, celebrate me home....

Yes, I've been most remiss in posting - I apologize.

It has been insanely busy in this girl's life the past month.
I can't wait for New Year's Day because I'm just cooking all day - but in a way that's different than Christmas; it's a "lay around in pajamas and don't do anything else" kind of day.  I haven't had a day where I didn't need to go anywhere at all, since early November.  I've earned New Year's Day , God damn it.

Last night I took Princess Petunia to The Nutcracker.  It was a total surprise and she loved it - and in a time and place when maybe kids can be a bit overindulged, to see her happy and excited made me feel so good.  Not only that I was able to surprise her- but that she was so gracious and appreciative of it.  It sounds silly to say that she wouldn't be, but truth be told - today's kids get so much more than we did growing up, it's almost difficult to get kids to be excited about anything. So truly, last night was gratifying on so many levels.

Christmas dinner was wonderful; I love, love, love my new kitchen.  The functionality and flow is perfect.  And while it doesn't have a double wall oven - I did get from my father a rotisserie oven which has officially won the "my favorite gift of the year" award.  We roasted the Chateaubriand and it came out unbelievable.  And allowed for the ham to be in the oven, so that everything was timed perfectly.  I had 15 for dinner and truly, you never would've known it because the kitchen is set in such a way that I can cook, clean and put things away, without anyone even noticing.  Sounds crazy, right?  I know! 

Tomorrow is New Years Eve - and what is to be the end of the chaos for this girl.  Had we not moved, it wouldn't have been quite so stressful; truthfully, this holiday season ran incredibly smoothly at the store.  Everything went just right, I ordered enough without over ordering -and even stocking the inventory, I managed to come up with a system that made finding our back stock quick, easy and convenient.

I have to say, this was a great holiday season overall - both personally and professionally.

Tomorrow, will be the toast to the New Year....and a farewell to this one.
And a quiet night on the horizon.....

It's the most wonderful time of the year.....

And the most tiring one for this girl.

Can't wait for this weekend!
Truthfully I am so behind the eight ball.

Tomorrow night, it's Christmas shopping for G and food shopping for the holiday dinner.
Last minute gifts for company coming....

So little to do.  So much time.
Wait, scratch that --- reverse it.

It's mistletoe and falling snow...

Well, maybe not falling snow.
It's "Christmas in California" here in Boston, and this girl really just doesn't mind it.  Not one bit.

So, I took a tub in the jacuzzi in my MBR tonight for the first time.
Dear God - I love it. 

While I'd prefer more jets in the tub - preferably on my back - it's a keeper for now.

Did I mention that we have a hot tub in our backyard?
That's running at the moment?

We do.
But....it's just a tad too cold for me to take a chance on using it just yet. 
Maybe if I can convince G to use it with me.

We shall see.... !

Tastefully simple....simply tasteful.

It was a really nice weekend.....

Saturday, my son spent the day with one of his friends - and the rest of us went to a huge craft show in New Hampshire where we bought a beautiful vintage sleigh that's decorated and has lights - as well as a coordinating ice skate to hang from it.  It looks so pretty on my front door - I've wanted one for so long, it was pretty darn exciting for me to get it.  And we had fun in general, just admiring the artisan gifts - and of course, we couldn't help but purchasing some.

Then after, we picked up my son and had dinner at our latest favorite Asian fusian restaurant where we indulged in a little Thai, Japanese and Korean - all in one meal.

Today, we had a basketball game in Gloucester early in the morning and it was such a fun way to start the day!  My son is newer to the sport - and most of his teammates are 3 years into it - and they're so supportive of him.  He really started to come out and feel confident today; he even shot twice, and though he missed, he was pretty darn proud of himself.  They're undefeated so far this season, and let me tell you - this is a really good team.  Even better is that he boys are such good kids, they cheer him on and have really good comraderie.  It's awesome to see.

Then we came home, got ready for some football....I put a pork roast w/ sausage stuffing in the oven, got some pickies together - and then Princess Petunia and I decided to play makeovers.  I put makeup on her and did her hair....and she did mine.  Oh, but were we fabulous!   It was so much fun... truly.

Then, we had company for dinner....and some hard core Monopoly competitions.....and now that we're home alone, it's Christmas special time before bedtime for the kiddies.

Just a good weekend.... I'm really sorry to see it end.
Hopefully just one of many more to come.

'Tis the season to be jolly....

How can it be that Christmas is so close?
Two and a half weeks?  Say it isn't so....

And me without my menu planned.

One of the things I've discovered is that my new wall oven is much smaller than my previous traditional gas oven.  Which will definitely pose a dilemma while cooking. 
I barely can fit a ham!  And I know this, because I made one this past weekend.

Truthfully, I don't even know who's coming for dinner this year.  No clue as to how many people may grace our table.  I know at minimum I definitely have 11, but not sure if we will have more.

I'm thinking I'm going to keep it simple.

Typical shrimp appetizers...for a soup, I may do lobster bisque or a potato leek vichyssoise (which I may choose to serve cold as it's intended, rather than warm.  I have to think on that one....), lobster raviolis in a vodka cream sauce, and then ham & tenderloin with asparagus and roasted potatoes.

I think if I cook the ham and roast a bit early, then while they're resting I can finish the side dishes and that should all work.  I'm even going to simplify it more by not making my own ham; the one I made last year was horrible.  It tasted disgusting - I don't know what was wrong with it.  But even though the one I made this past weekend was fantastic, I think I'm going to do a Honey of a Ham.  They are flawlessly delicious.  (Not to be confused with magically delicious, which honestly it's such a perfect piece of meat one could think there may be some magic involved.  But I digress....)

I still feel like it's all coming so quickly.....

Lyrically speaking....

Mr. Bring Me Down
Well ya like to bring me down, don't ya
But I ain't laying down
Baby I ain't going down
Can't nobody tell me how it's gonna be
Nobody's gonna make a fool out of me
Baby, you should know that I lead --  not follow

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas....

It's funny - you don't notice the imperfections on the Christmas tree quite so much as when you see it in a photograph. 

But that's okay.  This year, a long time tradition was a first time in the new house.

My typical ornaments aren't on; and we have some beautiful new ornaments that were shared with us from my Aunt, and so we have some new ornaments to look at and admire this year.

Decorating the tree is always fun because not only is it a fun thing to do -- but it gives us the opportunity to think of our friends and family while we do it - because most of our ornaments are either from friends and family, or they're ornaments we picked out together as a family.

This year was a little more chaotic than usual; my son had a friend over and even though it was a different time than usual it still was a fun night, hopefully for all.

It's the kickoff to the holiday season here in the I'm Just a Girl household.
Officially.

The trouble ain't that there is too many fools, but that the lightning ain't distributed right. ~Mark Twain

Sometimes, you just gotta laugh.
It can be difficult to not let things get under your skin - but it's always best to just let it roll.

Hem your blessings with thankfulness so they don't unravel

I am thankful for so much in my life....

My beautiful family.
My businesses that seem to be doing well - thankfully, because we certainly work very hard!
My friends who are my extended family.
My extended family - who are also my friends.

The different people I meet each day, who all have a story - and many who have touched my lives though they truly have no idea that they did.

My upcoming move which is almost ready to take place.

I am beyond thankful that my husband is amazing in areas that I lack in.

I am thankful that my children are healthy - and I hope that they are additionally happy.

And I am thankful to be alive.
I like my life....and I am blessed and thankful every day for all that I have.  If not for those around me, I would have nothing, and I never lose sight of that.

Lights out....

Tonight I took my Dad to see the new house.
It was darker than I'd hoped it would be at 5:00 - and let me tell you, I learned a little somethin' somethin' about this new area as a result.

My street has no streetlights.
NONE.

And let me tell you.....it's a dark street.  Looks like we're going to have to invest in lots of outdoor lighting.  I've never seen a street without lights before?!? 

But you know what was amazing about it?

As I pulled up to the house, what came running out of my new yard and up my new driveway?
Three baby deer!!

The yard we have is really big and split into two sections; the grassy part of the yard goes right into the forest...we're surrounded by forest behind us, and actually on some parts of the street which is kind of interesting to see how there's this neighborhood carved into it.

The kids are excited because when I told them that, they realized that their bedroom windows overlook both the back and front of the house (T's room is over the grassy yard, Princess Petunia is over the front yard) and so at night, they stand a real chance of seeing little creatures when they look out their window.  How fun is that??

Seven days from today... just seven more days.

"If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?"

Only that in you which is me, can hear what I'm saying.

I am a part of all that I have met.

Losing an illusion makes you wiser than finding a truth.

There are some remedies worse than the disease.


Tomorrow always comes, and today is never yesterday..

Chippin' around - kick my brains around the floor, These are the days it never rains but it pours

Under pressure.

I had a dream last night that it was Thanksgiving Eve, and no one was in the store.  No one was in or shopping.  Anxiety dream?  Ya think?! . 

In 11 days, we'll have passed papers on our new house.

I think I'll feel better about the store, after this weekend when everyone who's taking furniture from us - comes and actually takes it from the house.  Then I'll feel more accomplished in the packing.  It might sound silly, to link work with my move -  but it goes hand in hand.  I am shopping at the store for one of our biggest nights of the year, and I am moving 4 days later.

Stocking the store up.  Breaking my house down.

"This is our last dance.
This is ourselves.
Under pressure."

Stewie: For the love of God, shake me! Shake me like a British nanny!

You know what?
I am beyond sick and tired of the news these days.

I've had it with hearing about pedophiles raping little boys - and those who did nothing to prevent it from happening. 

Enough with the Republican Presidential candidate who has sexual harrassment charges.

I'm all set with the lazy protestors who are taking their 1st Amendment right to protest, and making a complete and total mockery of their cause (or multiple causes, as it seems to have morphed into) by abusing it right to a hair below anarchy.

Done with the mother who drank too much and "blacked" out while her baby is now missing.

Make it stop...!
lalalalalalalalalalalala (she says, sticking her fingers in her ears....)

You know what I want to hear about, for once?

The woman or man who beat a Stage 4 Cancer - and their spouse who lovingly stood by their side through it all.

The child who went out of their way to help a neighbor who's elderly or sick.  Or maybe, helped another child.

The couple that celebrated their 40th or 50th Wedding Anniversary.

Or how about the people who aren't celebrities, who donate their time and effort to local charities, day in and day out.

I know that these stories are out there.  And yes, I know that they are "boring"....but my God, haven't we had enough horror to last us for a little while?  Wouldn't it be nice to turn on the news and have them say that there's nothing really going on to report? 

Or rather, they choose to take a night off from the bad things and maybe share some of the good things at the leadoff story in the broadcast, rather than the last 30 second segment on the 11:00 news?

Color me crazy, color me optomistic - color me bored.  I'm tired of the tragedy and disgrace that surrounds us, and I'm longing for silver lining in the dark clouds.  I want to hear the good in humanity, because we already are far too well aware of the bad.

Run to the hills...run for your life....

One of my SIL's asked if I'd be interested in doing a Spartan Race with her.  I wasn't sure what it was, but when she showed me the site, I said "absolutely!".

A sales rep of mine did Tough Mudder this past summer -and when I saw what that was, I thought I'd like to try it at some point. Put it on my bucket list, and think about it at some point down the road.  But, it seems that Spartan Races are similar, but in shorter increments; so this is a 3 mile course, as opposed to the 10 mile one - and there are far less life threatening obstacles (translated to "no running wet between live electrical lines") - but crazy physically challenging none the less.

I'm so excited!  She actually wants to do the 8 mile one at Killington -but that's in September so I think the shorter one in Amesbury in August would be a good precursor to that.  Sort of walking before running, or at least jogging towards a run.

I am such a goal oriented person and truly haven't had anything to work towards physically in so long.  The training for this is going to be crazy, but I figure between yoga and running - as well as maybe some weights, I should be okay. 

Good times...good times.

I'm sure I'll keep everyone posted on the training, once I start. 
Post holiday season, but of course.
Listen, I'm crazy...but I'm not that crazy!

“ Laughter relaxes. And relaxation is spiritual.”

Triple Peppermint soap.  Almond Biscotti candles.  Icy cold sushi.  My yoga mat.  A strong backrub.  Anything by Ray Lamontagne.  Laughter.  Hugs & Kisses that aren't asked for.  Vanilla & Bergamot exfoliator.  A silky, big red wine.  Warm down comforters and cool sateen sheets. Peppermint Water. 

Supercalifragalisticexpialidoches....

Tonight was the Holiday Shopping Extravaganza at the store.
Considering it was pouring out - we had a fabulous turnout!

Had it not been raining - I think it might have been overwhelming, so it's all good.  It was a good precursor to the holiday.  And we had some delicious wine, as well as some equally delicious new food items that everyone seemed to love, so that makes me feel good to see how happy everyone was.

I love that the store is a destination...the type of place that people like to come to and spend time in.

Beaming with pride.... without doubt.
And now...without further adieu - I'm going to crash for the night.
Hard.

All parts of the human body get tired eventually - except the tongue.

I am supposed to be packing tonight.
Truthfully, I'm too tired to do it.

I wish there were people that could pack for you.
I mean, there are - they're called movers.  But my God they charge a fortune.
And I don't have a fortune to spend.

My problem is - time.
If I still had my desk job, then I could take a day or two off and get it done. 
But now...
Not so much.

It's one of the busiest times of the year at the store - and we are moving during it.
Did I mention that we had a meeting today to discuss our potential third store?
Clearly, I like have 30 million balls up in the air at once.

Listen, some of us thrive under pressure.
It's a pressure I place upon myself so obviously I know I can handle it.

I just hope my body can!
Well, at a minimum -- I'll be sleeping like a baby most nights for a long time to come....

Blinded by the light...

I have to ask this question....

What is up with all of the headlights in cars these days that are insanely bright?  It's like everyone is driving with their high beams on.  And they're not just regular headlights, oh no....they almost are a blue, so much so that I sometimes feel like there's a police officer behind me.  Are they LED?  Because I have a new car, (well, relatively new - it's a 2010) and my lights don't look like that.

Some of them aren't blue though - they're almost pink.
What is up with that?!?!

Someone, anyone....clue me in as to what the need is to be so bright and shiny?  I mean come on - they're lights for God's sake.  They weren't exactly dark to begin with.....

Living Vicariously....

Hi, My name is Rebecca - and I think I've become an official HGTV addict.
Well, as much as one can be given what little time I have to actually watch television.

Selling LA and Selling New York - are my MUST DVR shows.  I am blown away by the homes that are hidden in NYC - and the ones that are in abundance in LA.  I'm fascinated by what the dollar value buys you in different areas of the country.

Same to be said about House Hunters; I watch them all from the US episodes, to International - to the Dream Home.  The only one I don't love are the Vacation Home episdodes where a family picks their fantasy house.  I prefer the real life decision episodes when a person is making a serious investment financially.  G and I have been talking lately about how we should stay in this house we're buying "forever" (code for at least 15 years) but buy condos in different parts of the world we love like NYC, LA, and possibly even internationally - so we have investment properties and vacation places. So these shows are amazing for seeing how the dollar does or doesn't stretch.

My latest guilty pleasure:  Donna Decorates Dallas.  I love, love, love her design style.  At least on the episodes I've seen thus far.  I do think she tries a bit too hard to look young - she's a very well put together woman, who really does make ordinary spaces very....beautiful.   It's funny how on one hand she has these extravagant clients who clearly have no budget so she can just do whatever it takes to make the space come to life; but yet she shows how inexpensively things can be done when she's helping her daughter do her own space.   In some ways, she reminds me of my MIL - who also is a designer, and will show me the extravagant things a client needs or wants - and then show me less expensive ways to achieve a similar look.

What are your television "must sees"?

Crying, over you...

Okay, I'm either hormonal -- or just plain getting old.
I never cry...
But I got choked up like three different times watching "A Dolphin Tale" yesterday.

Really?!?!?
Really.

What a great movie - definitely a "feel good" kind of story, and even if you don't have kids to watch it with -  it's worth going to see it. 

Not an Academy Award winning plot clearly, but trust me when I tell you that you will walk out of the theatre feeling like it was money well spent; rather than walking out of a movie like "Black Swan", feeling disappointed and irritated.

Who doesn't love to feel happy?!?!