Land that I love...

So, I don't get to blog surf much - but when I do, one of my very first stops is to Suldog. He's over there in the Guest List, and you should check him out if you haven't already. Anyway, last night I had a few minutes to surf and he had this great post about 100 things he loves about America. Fun, right?

I felt compelled to play along, natch.

Some are specific, some are more vague - and while some may not be American exclusive per se - they're still on my list. Let's play, shall we...? I have to be honest, I can't come up with 100 for tonight, but I can do 50 anyway.
(By the way, if you do a list - please feel free to share yours with me!)

1. Apple Pie. Though not my personal first choice of pie - it is pretty darn spectacular if made right, particularly with a little caramel melted in. Just sayin'...
2. Baseball. Really, need I say more?
3. The freedom to say what we want, sing what we want, write what we want and protest when we choose to.
4. Our Government. Listen, it's not perfect - but it's ours. Besides, I can say things about my dysfunctional family members, but God help the other person who calls my family dysfunctional. You hear me clucking big chicken?
5. The generosity of the American people. It's seemingly never ending, isn't it?
6. Our hard-ass reputation. I'm sorry, other countries might dislike us (bla, bla, whine whine) - but who do they come running to when they're in trouble. I don't think it's France.... just sayin'.
7. We drive on the RIGHT side of the road.
8. English. Listen - I love, love, love foreign languages - but let's be honest, English is just easier to understand. There's nothing gutteral, it doesn't take fancy tongue movements, there's nothing muffled about it.
9. Hollywood. Really, there's nothing like the allure of the beautiful people.
10. NYC. Is there a city other than Boston that's more fun than NYC?
11. Boston. Beacause this is where it all begin.... we are the history, the tradition, the guts and the glory. We are the heart & sould of America. Because I "love that dirty water"....

12. Elvis. Sure, England had the Beatles - but we had the King.
13. The American Dream. This is the land of opportunity. It's all yours if you just apply yourself and try. You don't get nothing for nothing... but you can have it all if you work hard.
14. The American Spirit. Oh yes, there is such a thing. And it is inherent within us all. "Live free or die" is more than a state motto - it's a mindset.
15. Southern Cooking. Truly - does it get any better than fried chicken, grits, collard greens and sweet potato pie? Um, I don't think so...!
16. Key West. Does this really need explaining?
17. TV Culture. From Fonzie, to The Jeffersons - The Brady Bunch to Seinfeld and everything in between - our television culture rocks. Sure it bombs from time to time as well, but seriously - we've had some great tv.
18. FoodTV. Speaking of TV, we've got some kickin' master chefs to show us how it's done.
19. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Thank God for that little creation.
20. Doritos. Second best creation on Earth.
21. Stupid Celebrities. Seriously, you've gotta love them. Especially with fabulous soundbites like "Crack is whack!".
22. Patriotic Songs. We have tons of them! And they're all really pretty great; I don't know about anyone else, but I still get a little faklempt post 9-11 at times listening to them.
23. Sept 11th. Yes, it was horrible and tragic -- but we own it. It's ours, and I've chosen to embrace it. It's our day to mourn the losses, and celebrate the fact that we will never, ever, ever allow something like that to happen to us again. Own the tragedy - and take the power away from the beast. Yippie ki-yay Mo'Fo. Just sayin'...
24. BBQ. From Missouri, to Texas -- we've got the best BBQ foods around!
25. Folk music. Peter Paul & Mary, Joanie Mitchell, Joan Collins, Joan Baez...the list goes on and on from the more traditional to newer contemporary folk-ish. It's one of my personal favorite genres, and it doesn't get more Americana than that.
26. Doo Wop Diners. Maybe there are some elsewhere, but I'm thinking that's a little gem that's probably all ours.
27. McDonalds & Burger King. Sure - it's bad for us, but seriously - it still tastes pretty darn good even though we pay for it later after we eat it. And those two bad boys certainly have taken over the world...



28. Cheesy Reality TV. Okay - we may not have created it, but wow - we've certainly done well with it. Jersey Shore is living proof that only in America are people happy being famous for being idiots.

29. Friends. I know I said Television Culture earlier - but where else does a TV show create a hair style that rocked the world like the "Rachel" did? And so many mannerisms that we've all embraced? Friends is truly a standout.

30. Seinfeld. Seriously needs no explanation and just goes with the above.

31. Dollar Stores. How cool are they in a pinch sometimes? Truly, fun for a Mom with two young children. Where else can a parent give their child a pick of two things, come out without spending a ton of money - and have the kids feel like Kings & Queens?

32. Fantastic Stand Up Comedians. Call me crazy, but I've yet to see anyone funny from another country. Throw a name out there if I'm wrong.

33. Twitter. Love it for business use - and you got it, created right here in the USA.

34. Superman. The strongest man on Earth, who's all about Truth, Justice and the American Way. He's from another planet who happened to land in good ol' Kansas. Does it get any better than that?

35. Great ethnic neighborhoods. Little Italy, Little Chinatown, Koreatown, The French Quarter, etc... because we are America, we've got these great little neighborhood sections in all of our major cities to allow us to embrace not only what might be our own heritages - but other people's as well.

36. Boxing. I don't know if it started here in America, but it definitely is part of our roots with immigration.

37. New England Boiled Dinner. Thank you to the Irish Immigrants for introducing us to the Corn Beef & Cabbage feast.

38. Square Dancing, Line Dancing and the like. Remember when everyone square danced? I didn't - but my parents did! And I loved, loved, loved the skirts. So twirly and fun!

39. The 4th of July. It's all red, white & blue - and all about us!

40. The ball drop on New Years Eve. Sure, that might not be inherently ours -but the world watches ours!

41. Budweiser. Not my personal favorite - but it's definitely a warm, fuzzy American product. Or well, it used to be - before a Belgian company bought it.

42. American Airlines. Definitely one of my favorite airlines.

43. Cabot, Jasper Hills, Cowgirl Creamery. We have some freakin' delicious cheeses, just to name a few!

44. Starbucks. Probably not the best coffee in the world in comparison to some other countries, but for "fast food" coffee -- it's pretty good. Pretty, pretty good.

45. Christmas Tree Shops. I just love a bargain -- don't you?

46. Yankee Candle. The best smelling candles ever.... !!!

47. The Pledge of Allegiance. I love it the way it is - in it's original form. We are one Nation, under God (I don't care what you name your God - it's still a God), indivisible (when push comes to shove), with Liberty & Justice for all.

48. The Stars & Stripes. Forever....

49. The Statue of Liberty, and all that she stands for. "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free."

50. The Declaration of Independence. "Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness"....

You know you're getting old when....

You suddenly have acid reflux -- when you've never, ever - ever - had it before.
(And just what causes it, anyway???)

You no longer can have anything less than 7 hours sleep.
(Where did the days go of working on practically fumes?)

Sure, there are probably more signs - but for now, these are the only ones that are making sure they rear their ugly little heads just to reinforce the fact that in a few short months, I will be departing my Thirty-Somethings.

I may not be happy about it. But I will hold my head up high.

So long as I don't have this reflux thing going on. Truly, it's a pain in my.... throat.

I care not so much what I am in the opinion of others as what I am in my own...

The only real failure in life is the failure to try.

We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.

If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it, I know I can achieve it.

There is no swagger as danerous as over-confidence. Embrace humility.

Life is like a game of cards. Reliability is the ace, industry the king, politeness the queen, thrift the jack. Commonsense is playing to best advantage the cards you draw. And every day, as the game proceeds, you will find the ace, king, queen, jack in your hand and opportunity to use them.

Once you accept the fact that you’re not perfect, then you develop some confidence.

I'd be safe and warm, if I was in LA....

Eh, who needs LA when you have New England?

It was an absolutely picture perfect summer day today.
We've been spoiled this year, we've literally had a gorgeous season - but today, it was perfection. So much so, that after work, we took the kids on a jaunt to the beach.

It felt so great to walk along the coast, with the wind blowing and the sun shining....it was low tide and so there were tons of hermit crabs, and clams and periwinkles everywhere. It's so very fun to check out the tide pools and see the whole little worlds floating around in them.

There are few things better than a gorgeous day, the summer sun, the salt air -- and a kickin' Bloody Mary with dinner.

Definitely a great way to begin the week!

Happy Days are here again....

I love Fridays.
Who doesn't, right?

But today's a really nice one. I'm totally digging the rain; the kids and I are on the sofa right now, watching "The Tooth Fairy" in front of a fire (yes, it's gorgeously tropical still, but they wanted a fire and it just looks like a good fireplace kind of night!) while they have a nice hot cocoa, and this girl - a glass of wine. (Dinner: Marinated pork loin, salad w/ lettuce fresh from the garden, and corn with fresh basil. Can't wait - the house smells delicious!)

I got a text from a good friend of mine who also happens to be the best yoga teacher in the world. Truly - the best. Around these parts anyway! I don't get to go to her studio that often anymore because of my work hours, but I'll be going tomorrow morning. (Yay!) I was supposed to go tonight, but it didn't work out - and, she's going to come to the new studio that I go to on Tuesday with me, which is so very cool. I just love her, and have truly missed her - so to get to see her again is a great thing, despite the fact that it didn't go as I'd planned for today.

I'm really quite fortunate. I mean, I've got a beautiful family - but in addition to that, I'm surrounded by good people; I've got friends who are just genuinely good people.

And that's just one of the many reasons why I'm loving Friday today; it's a good day to reflect upon the week, and life in general.

Herbacious!

There is nothing like using fresh herbs when you cook.

I mean, dried herbs are a necessity in the house -but they don't nearly represent as well as fresh.

And fresh from the supermarket is definitely better; but nothing, and I mean nothing comes close to the fabulous taste of herbs freshly picked from your own garden, or herb planter.

Tonight, I'm making a very simple chop suey; but to add the fresh basil and golden oregano truly just makes it come to life.

And it really tastes like summer... !

People are people so why should it be, you and I should get along so awfully...

Have you ever known anyone who really believes it's "all about them"?

Have you ever known people who were so insecure about themselves, they genuinely can't like anyone else?

Have you ever known people who don't like certain personality traits of their own, so they reflect them onto other people without any true rationale or basis for the accusation?

Jealousy. Resentment. Insecurity. Negativity.
All wasted emotions.
Who has time for it? And more importantly - ugh, the energy?!?!

Life is too short - and truly, if you can't be happy in your own skin then you can't be happy with anyone else.

I much prefer to subscribe to the Ghandi perspective: "Be the change you want to see in the world". I am not perfect, but I'm okay with not having to be either. And so long as I am a good person, then that's one step in the right direction. I rather like being a work in progress - there's so much to learn in life.

At the same time, I'm not easily influenced by others; I believe in who I am as a person, and so I don't need to be validated by someone else's approval; I'm usually pretty good about not judging others until they've given me a reason to make a decision about who they are as a person. I know that not everyone else is like that - and it can be a struggle sometimes.

Life isn't easy. We all won't always get along; and we all won't always like each other's points of views. But we all need to respect one another, when we're feeling good about ourselves -- and when we're having moments of insecurity.

We are in control of our own destiny - and there is no one else responsible for our own successeses or mistakes in life -- than ourselves.

It's your birthday....Happy Birthday....

Six years ago today, Princess Petunia arrived.

And it was literally 6 years - today. Meaning, it was a Monday that she was born.

I'd been in labor all day the day previous; contractions were 7 minutes apart consistently - but nothing incredibly uncomfortable. I spent the day at a girlfriends' house for a bbq/potluck, and stayed off my feet most of the day.

Around 2am I woke up, because I had a dream that I was giving birth. Those contractions were now back labor and much more intense; still 7 minutes apart, but definitely more substantial. I actually drove myself to the hospital at 3:30am, because our son was sleeping and I didn't want to wake him up so I told G I'd call. I thought for sure since I was 5 weeks early, they'd keep my contractions at bay.

By 5:45, they were 2 minutes apart and my doctor said "How quickly can G get here, because we're taking her now". Now?!?! Now. I'd had complications that required me to have a C section and it could have been rather traumatic had nature taken it's course and natural style birthing took place, so when I tell you my doctor didn't wait - I'm not kidding. They were already under way in trying to get to her by the time G arrived in the operating room in scrubs.

She was born at 9:04 a.m., and I was out of the operating room by 11. Being a preemie, she was decent size and initally they thought she might need to go to neonatal; but the neonatologist initially told me no, she was 5lb 7 oz and well within normal weight. But due to the Csection, they changed their mind because she had fluid in her lungs - so off to neonatal she went. I got to see her afterwards, but didn't get to hold her in my arms until after 9pm that night when she was able to come out and come in my room.

She's had a twinkle in her eye since the day she was born....it's still there, and she's full of sugar and spice -- and a whole lot of sass. She's fiesty and spunky...but sensitive and thoughtful. She's got an incredible amount of wittiness for someone so young, and loves to laugh.

(that's her on the left!)

Happy Birthday, Princess Petunia.

I always have been, and always will be "Overjoyed" with you.

"Hang onto your husbands girls...."

(Quote from Nicole Kidman's character in "Practical Magic" as she walked into her hometown's PTA meeting that her sister was sponsoring...cute movie with some great lines.)

So, I interrupt my weekend to post this letter:

Dear Women at the Pool Club today -
I don't want your husbands. Not sure if you noticed, but I'm clearly pushing the envelope on 30's- no spring chicken here; obviously married - did you not see the ring that was gleaming brightly in the sun? I practically blinded myself at times today! A mother of two kids - and was not really dressed in a revealing manner that would have prompted you to continually stare me down all day today. (Code for "I don't own a bikini, I'm in surf shorts and a tank for God's sake!) It was rather awkward at times, seeing as I was alone with no one to talk to when the kids were off doing their own thing, and I couldn't help but notice your glares as I had to look in your direction from time to time.

Yeah, thanks for that. Good times.
Aren't we women supposed to stick together? Ah, well - I guess you didn't get that memo.

Making your way in the world today, takes everything you got....

Say it with me....
"Ahhh. It's Friday...."

I am really looking forward to my day with the kids tomorrow. I have not a clue what we'll do; but I do know that Princess Petunia's birthday party is Sunday, and it's not quite the all out soiree I usually do --- so I'm well ahead of schedule with supplies and being ready. I'm actually pretty much done. I'm having it at my mother in law's because she has a pool - and so I go very minimal with both guests and food so as not to inconvenience her much. When it's at my home, it's an event -- a full blown affair, complete with a hundred guests and food that's cooking until the wee hours of the night. But this time it will be easy -- pizza, salad, fruit salad, pasta salad and cake. Besides, Princess Petunia's birthday is notoriously and insanely hot - and not always condusive for eating a heavy meal. So it's all good...

She decided at the last minute to switch from a "Littlest Pet Shop" party to a Scooby Doo party. So we went to the party store tonight to pick out all our supplies, and she had so much fun. It should be a good time - and as always pictures will follow.

However you plan on spending your weekend, I hope it is filled with love and laughter - surrounded by those who mean the most to you.

7 things I hate about you....

Well, actually 10.
So, I figured I'd do a Top 10 for this week - and I've decided it's going to be personality traits that are crazy annoying. Something different for a change, right?

Of course there may be more than 10 -- and these aren't in any ranking order -- but they're the list for today. Feel free to add any of yours that I may have left out!

1. Arrogance: Truly, if you really think you're all that...God love you. You're probably the only one who does.

2. Mean Spirited: Seriously, isn't life too short to be hurtful towards someone else? If you don't like someone, that's cool - but you don't have to add insult to injury by being callous. Next time, think before you speak, and think about how you might feel if someone was mean to you. (Oh, and for the record, the ol' "I wouldn't care" excuse, is pure BS. No one is ice cold. No one....)

4. Ignorance: I'm not talking one level of ignorance -- I mean all levels. Prejudice is ignorant; inconsideration of others -- ignorant.

5. Self Importance: Listen, if you consistenly tell me how important you are -- chances are, you really aren't that important. Because if you were, you wouldn't have to continually point it out.

6. Entitlement: Really?! Because you shouldn't have to work, and work hard to get ahead in life? But yet everyone else does... hmm. Let me tell you, we all start at the bottom and work our way up. Sometimes, we even get knocked down - and have to start all over again. No one just hands you anything in life my friend....you get nothing for nothing.

7. Jealousy: If you're that busy worrying about what someone else has, or someone else does with their life, then clearly you're not living your own. Like I said, life is too short. Find happiness in yourself, and be grounded in your own successes -- and you won't even think about anyone else. And when you do - you will be happy for them, not unhappy.

8. Manipulating: Let me break it down for you -- you can't always get what you want. Life isn't Burger King, you can't always have it your way. So trying to guilt others so that you can have the gain you want - is a little bit of all of the above numbers. I have one word for that: ewww.

9. Rude: Again, this rather encapsulates all of the above characteristics. It's like the "F" word; it can apply on so many levels.

10 Antagonistic: Riddle me this Batman -- if a person knows that someone doesn't like something -- why would they do it? For an example, if someone doesn't like the sound of nails across a chalkboard - theres always that one person that will make sure that they drag their nails across just to see the reaction of the person who hates it. Why? What's the fun in that? Are you their friend? This, I just never understand.

New York, New York big city of dreams.....

Can I just tell you -- I love, love, love NYC.

I love everything about it.
The grittiness, the hustle and bustle -- the fact that anyone and anything goes. I love the glamour, I love the lack of glamour at times. I love the ethnicity and reality of it all.

That being said, we saw Fences on Saturday.

Front row... hello Denzel & crew.

They were practically spitting on us, literally. He's a fabulously talented actor - and Viola Davis, in my opinion - stole the show. Of course her role was probably the most emotional of them all, and believe me - the show, was full of emotions. Laughter, surprise, sadness....it was all there. A-mazing. Probably the best theatrical performance we've seen. That being said, the downside to that, is that every other play we see will have some big old shoes to fill. Huge.

We stayed at the W - which, is trendy and fun -- but a tad too contemporary for this girl's taste. I prefer something a little more traditional and luxurious; however, their bed was amazingly comfortable. The room was great size and the view was pretty nice.

Dinner at the Bluefin, meh...Service, not so great. Food - really great. Reasonably priced too. But again, the style of the restaurant was a bit too contemporary for my taste; I don't love cafeteria style setup, or sterile seating. But that's just this girl's opinon. The seafood and sushi though - off the hook.

Seriously -- just so much fun.

And I can't wait to go back.

In New York..concrete jungle where dreams are made of - there's nothing you can't do

Tomorrow's the day!
G & I are attending "Fences" with Denzel Washington for his last evening performance of the run.

I've run into a few people who have seen it and they have been raving about it, so I'm really excited.

Well deserved, long overdue and it should hopefully be alot of fun.
Despite the predicted rain for tomorrow....

There's nothing wrong with walking along the streets and neighborhoods of Manhattan with an umbrella and a cup of coffee with the one you love.

I'd do it anyday.. in a New York minute.

God bless the beasts and the children....

Yet another missing child case that absolutely disturbs me.
This time, Kyron Horman.

Mind you, there is no proof that his step mother was involved - but unfortunately, there's no evidence to prove otherwise.

What I don't understand, is how one person can be so hurtful to another - much less a young, and incredibly innocent child. And why? What purpose does it serve?

The horror of the atrocities played upon the young and small who can't defend themselves - is appalling; even worse, at the hands of those whom they would naturally trust - their very parents or guardians.

And they unfortunately seem to be happening more and more these days....

Lyrically speaking, of course....

You change your mind like a girl changes clothes
Yeah, you PMS like a bitch -- I would know
And you always think, always speak cryptically
I should know that you're no good for me

'Cause you're hot and you're cold
You're yes and you're no
You're in and you're out
You're up and you're down

You're wrong when it's right
You're black and it's white
We fight, we break up
We kiss, we make up

You, you don't really wanna stay, no
But you, you don't really wanna go, oh

'Cause you're hot and you're cold ...

Won’t you step into the freezer, tease her with a tweezer....

Okay, so given the fact that it was so oppressive today - one wouldn't expect to hear me say I'm freezing; but I am!

Central air all day long in work, in and out of the walk in cooler to restock and organize - just to come home to central air in freeze. Sure, it could be worse - I could have no air conditioning, and I wouldn't be happy then either.

It's just that once I get a chill, until I shower - I can't shake the chill. That's what happens when you have low blood pressure, and low body weight. There are worse issues to have, true...but still, I am loving this weather! I can hang out in this all day long, preferably with a pool nearby.

We wait all winter long for weather like this....and then when we get it - we complain.
Us New Englanders are just never satisfied, are we?

Bork, Bork, Bork!

I wish I'd gone to culinary school.
Had I known that there was such a thing when I was a child - I might have pursued it. At the same time, I didn't really know how much I love to cook, until I was a quasi adult. When I moved out, I loved cooking. I wasn't really "allowed" in the kitchen as a child; sure, I was able to lick the bowl when making brownies or cake with my Mom, but actually having the freedom to cook in the kitchen alone was not a liberty given to me.

I remember my first culinary experience; I tried to make my mother breakfast in bed for either her birthday or mother's day -- and I fried some eggs. I was young - maybe 8, and unfortunately, the eggs were rotten. The whole house stunk from the smell; not my fault of course, but seriously -- after that effort I was completely forbidden from using the stove. I don't recall us ever having eggs go bad after that either, interestingly enough.

Anyway, cooking is something that definitely became a fascination of mine after the age of 18. And while I may not be an Iron Chef -- I certainly love to come up with my own creations and play with different recipe ideas.

This weekend, I made home made clam chowder that rocked - as well as spiral ham (that doesn't take much effort, outside of the glazes I make on my own);I also made a pretty yummy pasta tossed with chicken sausage, fresh herbs and lemon. and truly - there are few things I do that make me as happy as cooking for my family or friends.

Cooking and eating is purely social for me; if I lived alone, my life would be filled with Rice Krispies. But fortunately, I have a life full of people to cook for -- and if I had the time to attend Johnson and Wales at this juncture in my life, trust me when I tell you - I would.

First to fight for right and freedom, and to keep our honor clean...

What is the 4th of July all about.... aside from the obvious day of celebrating with barbecues, good friends and family?

It is the day that we celebrate our Declaration of Independence. The day that we reaffirm that "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness..."

America the Beautiful. America the Free. America the Brave.

All countries have their beauty and their charm; it will always be fun to visit other places, embrace other cultures and admire other's histories. But there is something special and sacred about being an American and having the passion that is inherent within us to stand up and fight for what we believe in. Whether we're defending as a nation on a global scale -- protecting the environment and nature -- or protecting our loved ones, on our own personal level.

The spirit and fire to be strong, independent and free to try anything and aspire to achieve anything in life is what makes us unique; it's what makes us Americans - and I for one am proud to be from forward thinking and strong willed stock, same as the originators of this amazing country.

"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

We are not a perfect nation; we are not perfect people - and our government is far from perfection. But we do not give up, we will always perservere -- and we will always keep reaching for improvements.

If I go crazy then would you still call me Superman....

Last night I was supposed to go to the Celebrity Putt Putt run by none other than the Captain. Unfortunately, I did not attend.

(I wonder how well he was able to do mini golf given the latest diagnosis?)

Who knew that his Kryptonite would be a foul ball.
(Sighs.)

Such a disappointment, not only for the Sox and the Nation - but for him as well.
This was such a great opportunity for him to be able to get some good play in regular rotation.

Needless to say - this girl is very, very sad to not have him in the lineup at all this summer.

Very, very sad indeed.....

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.

Passion, Grace and Fire...

I've been back to yoga for three weeks now - and I feel fantastic.

It's a different studio than I've practiced at; but I'm adjusting to each of the teacher's styles and learning their subtleties. The classes I attend seem to have the majority of people attending that requires practice to be less aggressive or as strong as I'm used to; but I'm enjoying it just the same. Besides, being able to take class 4 times a week rather than 2 - makes it all worth while.

It's amazing how quickly it readjusts and realigns your body; I'm sleeping better, and not having some of the twinges I've experienced from working so physically at the store. I can feel my strength coming back -- and that alone feels great.

If you have never practiced, I've said it before - and I'll say it again; I highly encourage you to try. No matter how old you are, what kinds of injuries you may have - there's nothing more restorative for your body and your soul.

Top 10 list for today

So, I'm thinking that each Monday unless I have something fabulous to say - I'll try posting a top 10 list. Could be any random topic, and I'm not sure how long it will last for; but I'm starting today. Feel free to add your own top 10 list if you so choose!

Top 10 Movies I could watch over, and over and over again:
(With the caveat that I may have forgotten one, or that the list might change from time to time! And this list does not reflect any order of preference.)

1. Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory. (And it has to be the original.)
2. The Cutting Edge (Toe Pick!)
3. The Usual Suspects (And like that "poof", he was gone...)
4. Meet the Parents (Really, you can milk anything?)
5. Back Draft (And you watched him dance with the animal....)
6. As Good as it Gets (When you first entered the restaurant, I thought you were handsome... and then, of course, you spoke...)
7. Primal Fear (There never was an Aaron, counselor. Come on, I thought you had it figured there at the end.)
8. A Few Good Men ("I strenuously object?" Is that how it works? Hm? "Objection." "Overruled." "Oh, no, no, no. No, I STRENUOUSLY object." "Oh. Well, if you strenuously object then I should take some time to reconsider.")
9. Legends of the Fall (I'll wait for you. However long it takes. I'll wait for you forever.)
10. The Godfather Saga (It's condensed, and in chronological order. LOVE it.)

Time in New England, takes me away....

It was really just a lovely, lovely weekend for this girl.
Truly.

Yesterday, the kiddies had a birthday pool party to go to and we had lots of fun; I'm friendly with the boy's mom and her family - and we just had such a nice time. Then, I went and worked at the Boston store which is such a switch for me! It was funny trying to get acclaimated to where all the wines are and how the register works because it's all so different from my store; but it was really fun to see different walks of life because it's such a tourist area, it's just so different from where I am day to day.

Afterwards, G and I had dinner at Monica's in the North End. It was pretty good; the service was a little slow, but it was a booming and beautiful Saturday night so needless to say - the place was packed wall to wall. But it was good; a little pricey given the quantities, but the flavors were good.

Today, we went to Fanueil Hall and really just had so much fun. The only downside to the day was that the Brown Derby Deli was no where near as good as I remembered it being. I had a deli pickle that was horrible and the corned beef sandwich was less than impressive; but everything else we ate was rocking! Besides, even bad food being eaten outdoors at Fanueil can't be all that bad, right?

So a funny thing happened; last year when we took T for his birthday, he was picked to help out a street theatre duo. He was beyond pleased and loved it. Well, today that very same group was there, and.......you got it! Out of all the people standing around there, they picked him again!! He couldn't have been any happier. It was so much fun, watching him ham it up being the center of attention with everyone calling his name. Seriously, there are few things that make me smile more than seeing my children shine.

All in all, it was a fun and laid back weekend - and one that I'm sad to see come to an end. This is the last weekend my Dad will be here with us, he's going to stay with my sister before heading back to Florida. It's been nice having him here with us - and I know the kids are going to be sad to see him go.

But one never knows what the future holds.

Start spreading the news....I'm leaving today....

Well, not literally.
But.....

I am going to NYC with G in the next few weeks because we scored tickets to see Denzel Washington in "Fences"! And.....best part is...... they're front and center! (!!!!!)

It's been a difficult year, between competing for the licenses for the business - the buildout, my Mom's illness and subsequent passing; we have earned -- we deserve -- a good 24 hours to ourselves with lots of good food and laughter - and that means without the pitter patter of little children. We don't do that often, it's been three years now since we went away for an evening and so now is the time.

Thinking about making a reservation for dinner at Bluefin; I've heard it's amazing. Anyone been there, well - please feel free to let me know your thoughts.

Funny thing is, we haven't left yet - and I feel guilty that we aren't taking the kids. It's amazing how being a Mom makes you feel bad sometimes doing something for yourself; so I think the only way to make up for that, is to plan a trip to Hershey Park this August.

Just sayin'.....

Que Sera, Sera...whatever will be -- will be.

I wish I could take credit for the following items - but I can't. Though I've been known to paraphrase them from time to time, and always have long before this email came into my inbox. They're pretty much common sense, but sometimes - we don't all take the time to actually utilize our own common sensability; either because we choose not to, or don't take the time to.

Life is a garden. Bloom where you are planted.
And enjoy the following. (I'm bolding my personal favorites. Be aware, there may be many!)

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, author of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more."

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick.. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else. 20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21... Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ''In five years, will this matter?"...
26. Always choose life.
27. Forgive everyone everything.
28. What other people think of you is none of your business...
29. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
31. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
32. Believe in miracles.
33. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
34. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
35. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
36. Your children get only one childhood.
37. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
38. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
39. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
40. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
41. The best is yet to come.
42. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
43. Yield.
44. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.