Coffee Talk....

So, I was having a conversation w/ one of my co-workers today, while I was holding my Dunkin Donuts coffee cup. And he asked me what the difference is between Starbucks and Dunkins. I said that I thought that Starbucks coffee is awful; their "fou fou" drinks are great, but their coffee is like battery acid - it'll burn a hole in your stomach. Where as Dunkins doesn't do good "fou fou" coffee, their "average cup of joe" is pretty darn good. So he said "so you think Starbucks is pretentious, while Dunkins is "keeping it real". I was like, "yes, that's exactly how I see it!". Very interesting. He said he and his wife were sort of wondering what the deal was here in NE regarding coffee (they're from Arizona.)

Now, don't get me wrong - I'm a total "high maintenance" but "keeping it real" coffee drinker though. (how's that for a contradiction!?!) I used to be: In a large cup - a medium hazelnut, extra milk and 4 Splenda"; but since they've changed from flavored coffee to flavor shots, I do: In a large cup, a medium hazelnut, extra milk, 4 Splenda - and a shot of coconut". Hmmm. Sounds pretty darn pretentious, doesn't it? But I swear, the hazelnut flavor shot tastes like Starbucks Americana - like gah-bage. So you need the coconut to give it a little extra "umph" in the flavor department.

I do, however - indulge in Starbucks occasionally for my "fou fou" White Chocolate Mocha, or Iced Peppermint Mocha. However, when it comes to just the "average joe", I'm all about the Dunkins.

Just a little coffee talk for a sleepy rainy Tuesday!

I'm an Auntie Times Two! And Annabelle or Annabella? Or Anna At All..

At 4:40 this morning, my girlfriend Jennifer gave birth to her first child! She's been on bed rest in the hospital for three weeks now (incompetent cervix) - and gave birth in her 28th week. Very, very early....But fortunately, the miracles of modern medicine and the WONDERFUL Beth Israel Hospital NICU Unit will take great care of her little one, and I'm sure he'll be just perfect - I'm even willing to bet that they get to bring him home before his due date.

Eric Scott, born 8/28 - 2lbs 10 oz

AND...
My sister is due the day after my birthday (she's due September 18th) with her second, a little girl. Names floating around are either Morgan or Annabelle. Me personally - I prefer Morgan. But, not my choice to make. I think her husband wants the name Annabelle because no one else wants it. ;)

The name Annabella would be pretty, like Annabella Sciorra - but then I realized, no one calls Annabella Sciora "Annabella"...everyone says her name "Annabella Sciorra" like that's her first name, you know what I mean? Annabella and Annabelle are sort of awkward names, don't you think?

PS: Tyler picked out the colors for this post! :)

Calgon, take me away....

You ever have one of those days where you're just "blah". Despite the beautiful day it is outside, it's definitely cloudy and overcast for me today.

First off - my husband fell asleep last night at 8:15 after a day of fishing; so I preceded to drink 3/4 of a bottle of some very good Pinot Blanc... needless to say, I was pretty tired when I woke up! I had planned to give both kids baths (which I did) and get out the door bright and early this a.m., but the day took a more chaotic turn, which sort of stressed me out/pissed me off. Once the dust settled somewhat, I was left with a splitting headache. You know the kind - when your head is pounding as fast as your heart is because you're really irritated? Oh yeah, classic stress headache.

What's a good "pick me up"? I thought maybe some 'carte blanche' shopping at Homegoods! Well girls, let me tell you - not even that solved the headache. (Although I did find a really nice print for the wall behind my sofa - on clearance no less! That did make me feel good for about 30 seconds!)

I need to find a way to not let other people's negativity impact my day. What a waste of a gorgeous Saturday. So now I'm waiting to give the kids dinner, and put my daughter to bed (6pm, not that far away!) so that I can take a nice bath and soak the negative energy away....

Star of the Day...Who Could it Be?

Well, well, well. What an exciting morning it's been for me. :)

We had a Commander's Call this morning and this is where the Colonel briefs us on whats going on with the organization - also hails/farewells, awards and decorations, etc.

So, he's doing the awards, when all of a sudden - my name is mentioned! And I'm asked to come to stand in front of everyone. ME? I mean, I know I'm well respected and thought of as a "go to" person, but the people that I work with are AMAZING. They're doing real important work: like installing security at base perimeters in Iraq, or developing lethal and non lethal weapons to defeat terrorism. I'm just a Web Applications Program Manager & Strategic Marketing Manager.

It's pretty cool; I never expect to win because what I do is so small in comparison to what most people do around here; and I'm not even FT!! But they also sort of recognized that I do the work of two people in less than FT, which made me feel pretty darn good.

I got $200 in American Express Gift Cheques, and I'm getting a monetary bonus in my check as well.

I'm thinking it's time for a well deserved Spa Day! Anyone know any place good to recommend?
:)

Back to the 80's - 1988 to be exact!

You know what, I love blog borrowing. :) Found this over at Ms. Pink & Green Girl's site. Fun Fun!

Bold the ones you actually like. And strikethrough the ones you loathe. Or if you can't strikethrough (like I'm struggling with)fade them out). Italicize the ones you consider to be guilty pleasures. You can find your own year at Music Outfitters .

Gotta love the 80s. When else would Whitesnake, Debbie Gibson, and Samantha Fox all be cool?
1. Faith, George Michael
2. Need You Tonight, INXS
3. Got My Mind Set On You, George Harrison
4. Never Gonna Give You Up, Rick Astley
5. Sweet Child O' Mine, Guns N' Roses
6. So Emotional, Whitney Houston
7. Heaven Is A Place On Earth, Belinda Carlisle
8. Could've Been, Tiffany
9. Hands To Heaven, Breathe
10. Roll With It, Steve Winwood
11. One More Try, George Michael
12. Wishing Well, Terence Trent d'Arby
13. Anything For You, Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine
14. The Flame, Cheap Trick
15. Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car, Billy Ocean
16. Seasons Change, Expose
17. Is This Love, Whitesnake
18. Wild, Wild West, Escape Club
19. Pour Some Sugar On Me, Def Leppard
20. I'll Always Love You, Taylor Dayne
21. Man In The Mirror, Michael Jackson
22. Shake Your Love, Debbie Gibson
23. Simply Irresistible, Robert Palmer
24. Hold On To The Nights, Richard Marx
25. Hungry Eyes, Eric Carnen
26. Shattered Dreams, Johnny Hates Jazz
27. Father Figure, George Michael
28. Naughty Girls (Need Love Too), Samantha Fox
29. A Groovy Kind Of Love, Phil Collins
30. Love Bites, Def Leppard
31. Endless Summer Nights, Richard Marx
32. Foolish Beat, Debbie Gibson
33. Where Do Broken Hearts Go, Whitney Houston
34. Angel, Aerosmith
35. Hazy Shade Of Winter, Bangles
36. The Way You Make Me Feel, Michael Jackson
37. Don't Worry, Be Happy, Bobby McFerrin
38. Make Me Lose Control, Eric Carnen
39. Red Red Wine, UB40
40. She's Like The Wind, Patric Swayze
41. Bad Medicine, Bon Jovi
42. Kokomo, Beach Boys
43. I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That, Elton John
44. Together Forever, Rick Astley
45. Monkey, George Michael
46. Devil Inside, INXS
47. Should've Known Better, Richard Marx
48. I Don't Wanna Live Without Your Love, Chicago
49. The Loco-Motion, Kylie Minogue
50. What Have I Done To Deserve This?, Pet Shop Boys and Dusty Springfield
51. Make It Real, Jets - NICOLE! hahahaha.
52. What's On Your Mind, Information Society
53. Tell It To My Heart, Taylor Dayne
54. Out Of The Blue, Debbie Gibson
55. Don't You Want Me, Jody Watley
56. Desire, U2
57. I Get Weak, Belinda Carlisle 5
58. Sign Your Name, Terence Trent d'Arby
59. I Want To Be Your Man, Roger
60. Girlfriend, Pebbles
61. Dirty Diana, Michael Jackson
62. 1-2-3, Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine
63. Mercedes Boy, Pebbles
64. Perfect World, Huey Lewis and the News
65. New Sensation, INXS
66. Catch Me (I'm Falling), Pretty Poison
67. If It Isn't Love, New Edition
68. Rocket 2 U, Jets
69. One Good Woman, Peter Cetera
70. Don't Be Cruel, Cheap Trick
71. Candle In The Wind, Elton John
72. Everything Your Heart Desires, Daryl Hall and John Oates
73. Say You Will , Foreigner
74. I Want Her, Keith Sweat
75. Pink Cadillac, Natalie Cole
76. Fast Car, Tracy Chapman
77. Electric Blue, Icehouse
78. The Valley Road, Bruce Hornsby and The Range
79. Don't Be Cruel, Bobby Brown
80. Always On My Mind, Pet Shop Boys
81. Piano In The Dark, Brenda Russell Featuring Joe Esposito
82. When It's Love, Van Halen
83. Don't Shed A Tear, Paul Carrack
84. We'll Be Together, Sting
85. I Hate Myself For Loving You, Joan Jett and The Blackhearts
86. I Don't Want To Live Without You, Foreigner
87. Nite And Day, Al B. Sure
88. Don't You Know What The Night Can Do, Steve Winwood
89. One Moment In Time, Whitney Houston
90. Can't Stay Away From You, Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine
91. Kissing A Fool, George Michael
92. Cherry Bomb, John Cougar Mellancamp
93. I Still Believe, Brenda K. Starr
94. I Found Someone, Cher
95. Never Tear Us Apart, INXS
96. Valerie, Steve Windwood
97. Just Like Paradise, David Lee Roth
98. Nothin' But A Good Time, Poison
99. Wait, White Lion
100. Prove Your Love, Taylor Dayne

I've got the Babysitter BLUES

Wow. What a week.........

So, my sitter who I ADORE - total Nana - called me in a panic on Tuesday, she suddenly fell ill. I mean, really ill. When I came home, (because of course I left work immediately) she looked awful. Poor thing. I wanted to drive her home, but she wouldnt' let me - she thought she'd be okay. Long story short: She's in the hospital w/ pneumonia. Poor thing. So now, I've been scrambling to find someone to fill in. Now - I go through an agency, so they provide "backup" as needed - and I'm a total nervous nellie, like I won't leave my kids with just anyone. I don't want a babysitter - I want a caretaker. BIG DIFFERENCE.

So, initally, I knew I was going to need someone this week to fill in for her on Thurs & Fri because she had doctors appointments set up, unrelated of course to the pneumonia. I figured, short term, no big deal. Now I'm needing someone upwards of possibly a month, as my sitter is 62, and you don't want to rush recovery with pneumonia, you know?

So, my selections narrowed down because the fillins for this week were mostly people who's "families" were on vacation. I have this very nice girl, from the same area as me growing up - and we know some of the same people. She's very friendly, warm and outgoing. ONLY DOWNSIDE: She brings her son w. her. He's a very nice little boy too - I just think that having a 4 & 5 year old together and watching a 1 yr. old is a lot. But I'm sure it will be fine. She's very nice.....

I'm neurotic aren't I?

All Things Good Must Come to an End....

Last night was the series finale of "Six Feet Under". I was very sad, as I've grown to LOVE these quirky, absurd, but very real characters. And I'm not exactly sure why the critics panned this last season - esp. the finale. I thought it was one of the most uniquely done finales I've ever seen! I won't ruin it, for those of you who missed it and need to watch it On Demand - but it's definitely something that's never been done on television before. Loved it. Most finales are so disappointing (e.g. Seinfeld, Cheers). But this one was really creative and just good. Anyway. I'm still a little blah this morning, but I'm sure it will pass quickly!

Let's share, shall we?

I got a well needed and deserved pedicure and fill. Love those OPI colors and their names. I usualy can identify a color on a random person. It's funny, I'll be at a store, see a woman next to me - or working the register - and I'll be like "Is that Mother of Road Rose", or "That's International Date Line" isn't it? What a great marketing scheme they have. So, for those of you who do your nails frequently, you'll recognize some of my favorites: International Date Line, Vampire State Building, Russian to a Party, I'm not Really a Waitress, Belize It or Not....You get the picture. So, I got Berry Berry Broadway on my toes - very pretty. But I let a girl talk me out of a french manicure and tried something I've never worn before, nor ever will again: Italian Love Affair. Think "baby pink but not sheer". Might have been pretty if there were only two coats of it on, but the nail tech went a little crazy and thought she'd give me three. Eeew. Think I'm going back for a change! I'm all about the girly girly - and I love pink, just not on my nails. :)

Are you more...

01) Into going somewhere for your vacation or into chilling out at home (or even doing stuff around the home) for vacation?
02) The sharpest knife in the drawer or the shiniest spoon in the drawer?
03) Furtive or transparent?
04) Earth or Air?
05) A citizen of the universe or a hermit unto the island of You?
06) Believing that the Oscars are the best measure of an actor's ability or believing that the People's Choice Awards are the best measure of an actor's ability?
07) Wishing you were older or wishing you were younger?
08) A nervous pooper or a "Hey, if I'm in the bathroom, I'm perfectly okay with pooping no matter what" pooper?
09) Apt to be the judge or apt to be the jailor?
10) Likely to see a movie because Bruce Willis is in it or likely to see a movie because Tom Cruise is in it?

My answers:
1. As much as going away is fun, it's waaay more relaxing to just stay home. No unpacking to do!
2. Sharpest Knife
3. I'd like to think I was furtive; I might truly be transparent though
4. Earth
5. Citizen of the Universe
6. I think it's all BS actually
7. I'm okay with where I'm at...
8. Nervous - who wants to hear any of that?!?!?!
9. Judge
10. Tom Cruise. He irritates me, but I usually like his selections.

Q&A Courtesy of Scratching the Itch

I saw "Four Brothers" last night. Save your money and wait til it's on video. Go see "Wedding Crashers " instead. I haven't seen it yet, but heard it's really hysterical. I love Marky Mark (I'm from Boston, I can still call him that!) so "Four Brothers" is okay. But I really enjoy Vince Vaughn, so I don't see how "Wedding Crashers" can't be funny. Plus, Owen Wilson was a riot in "Meet the Parents!".

I always say "I am my own husband!"

Well, I took a fun little test, thought I'd share the results with you. I'm a very strong, independent type woman, and I'm always saying "I am my own husband" because aside from taking out the trash - I do it all myself. Never ask for help - and I'd never get it anyway! Love my husband, but... I know his limitations! So.

"What Gender is your Brain" is the test.
My results:
"Your Brain is 60.00% Female, 40.00% Male
Your brain is a healthy mix of male and female. You are both sensitive and savvy. Rational and reasonable, you tend to keep level headed. But you also tend to wear your heart on your sleeve."

You know how you hear a song and it just won't leave you? "Behind These Hazel Eyes" is doing it for me today. Being a green eyed girl, I sort of feel like I relate to it, not in this relationship of course, but alas....I've "been there, done that" with regards to that song. Want a real laugh? I always think Jennifer Aniston hears that song and totally has that has her "break up song" to Brad. :)

Calling Sarah Bernhardt....

So yesterday was a good day.... First thing in the a.m., I went to register for an extra part in "The Departed". Very fun! I'm hoping it will be a good scene with Leonardo, since Mark Wahlberg and Matt Damon are already finished w/ their filming. Even if it's not - the opportunity to have Marty Scorsese say "hey you, stand over there" is potentially "once in a lifetime" for me, and I would pay endless amounts of money for that to happen. So keep your fingers crossed that it's a good visibility scene! I keep auditioning and holding onto my dream of being an accomplished actress, yet - I love the stability and normalcy of my every day life that I only hang on the perimeter fringes of what I could possibly do.

Oh well. What's a girl to do, right? Sigh.......

Last night was a great karate/kickboxing night! I'm feeling it today. That's what I really enjoy about the karate - at the time it doesnt' feel like that tough of a work out, but I really feel it the next morning. :)

Happy Thursday.........

You CAN'T have it your way....

"Two all beef patties, special sauce lettuce cheese, pickles-onions-on-a-sesame-seed-bun...." Sure, sounds good now, doesn't it? Well let me clue you in on a little something: It's not going to feel good later!

Yesterday, Gene and I were sort of hanging out w. the kids, relaxing...and he says "you know what I'm in the mood for? Burger King!" and I'm like "you know what? I haven't eaten that in years... that sort of sounds good...". And off he goes, la la la. So he comes back with Whoppers and fries for us both. Cheeseburgers for the kiddies. So we're laughing, and joking at the table - sitting like a family out of a 1950's sitcom.

Now - flash forward about an hour later.
The kids: happy as clams, laughing, joking, playing.
G & I: grumpy, miserable, and bloated from all the sodium and god knows what else they contaminate their food with. I was so miserable - so "blah" I couldn't even go visiting. Hello! Me - not visit when I have the opportunity?

Moral of the story: Grownups who don't eat this food for years at a time, should not eat this food EVER. We've purified our systems to the point of where our bodies literally reject that gah-bage. Kids, on the other hand - they're just learning to eat, and don't mind it yet. Not bad for them as an occasional treat, especially for a little reward.

No, my friends - Burger King is wrong. You can't have it your way. Otherwise you could eat that food and feel WONDERFUL afterwards!

Kiiiii-yah!

Last night at karate - I found out the date of the tournament that Sensai wants us to compete at. Turns out it's on the same day as a wedding we have to go to. I'm hesitant to tell him that I won't be able to go to Michigan to compete because I know he really wants us to. Damnit, why can't there be a local competition!? Esp. since I'm truly looking forward to doing it. Well, I'm not going to say anything just yet, because if for some bizarre reason I CAN go - the other girls may not be able to make it, which means I would be competing solo as opposed to team. I think I'm alright with that, although it would be much more fun to do the team thing. I don't know. I think I'm leaning towards telling him I can't do this one but will definitely do the next one. Not exactly sure how he's going to react.... I mean, he's not mean or anything, it's not like he'd yell, but he'd be dissapointed. I hate feeling like I'm letting someone down, you know?

Anyway - I have no attention span for work today..............sigh.

That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!
TTFN!

"Mama's got the magic of Clorox2...."

Well, here's an interesting tidbit I thought I'd share: You know how when you buy a pretty bouquet of flowers, and put it in a clear glass vase - no matter what you do, the water turns colors, and often smells? No matter how frequently you clean the stems, etc. it happens. Well, here's a trick! Add a little bleach to the water, approximately 1 tablespoon. Not only does it keep the water clean, the flowers last a little longer - and it smells great too.

Ok - so, I haven't read Jennifer Aniston's interview in "W" yet, however I have heard tidbits. Poor, poor Jenn. She's still so in love with him. And I had completely blamed her for their break up initially. I'm still holding onto the hope that he'll come crawling back to her. And that she doesn't take him!

Just got through doing chest and triceps with my husband...oh yeah, I'm feeling it.

Another One Bites the Dust...

Last night I watched the "third from the last episode ever" of Six Feet Under on HBO. I love this show. It seems that all the shows I love go away far too early! First it was 90210 (don't laugh!), then it was Friends....now this. And of course, they keep threatening with "The Sopranos". What's a girl to do? I am just so done with reality shows, and the cable networks do such innovative programs, it's really dissapointing when a good show is completed. Has anyone seen "Fat Actress" from Showtime? It's Kirstie Alley's new show. Last season was the first season and I can't wait for the next one. I laughed so hard last season, I was crying some episodes (you know how I get when I'm hysterically laughing!!). Anyway. A busy girl like me has no time for junk TV, so I have to be selective about what I watch. Thank god for "On Demand"!

Who, Moi?

Here's a fun survey I found while blog surfing...My answers are listed!

1. When you look at yourself in the mirror, what's the first thing you look at? My skin...noticing new wrinkles every day!
2. How much cash do you have on you? None. Just came back from a birthday party.
3. What's a word that rhymes with "TEST"? BEST
4. Favorite flower: Callalily, Peonies, Gerber Daisy
5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone? Roseanne
6. What is your main ring tone on your phone? Canon in D
7. What is your favorite color: chocolate and plum
8. Do you "lable" yourself? Average, every day sane psycho supergoddess. You get the picture.
9. Name brand of your shoes currently wearing? Wearing socks!
10. Do you prefer bright or dark colors? Depends on where and what.
11. What did you have for breakfast? Don't do breakfast.
13. What were you doing at midnight last night? Snoozing
14. What did your last text message you received on your cell phone say? No one text messages me.
15. Do you ever click on "Pop Ups" or Banners? NEVER
16. What's an expression that you say a lot? "You think?", "Right..."
17. Who told you they loved you last? My son
18. Last furry thing you touched? My husband ;)
19. How many hours a week do you work? Between 32-40
20. How many rolls of film do you need to get developed? None;I got all caught up after my daughter's party!
21. Favourite age you have been so far? I've enjoyed them all....
22. Your worst enemy? Don't have one. Nemesis though --that's another story!
23. What is your current desk top picture? The kids on the grass
24. What was the last thing you said to someone?"I love you"
25. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to go back in time and fix all your mistakes which would you choose? No mistakes made - only lessons learned. I truly believe that.

I think I need a 12 step program...

I'm addicted to two things:
1. Tinkering with these templates, because I can't find one that I really LOVE; and the ones that I do really LOVE, aren't free. Which is really dissapointing. I may just break down and buy this one really pretty template I saw, but time will tell...

2. Lip Fusion. I can't stop putting it on! Not only am I completely addicted to the plumping feeling, I'm addicted to the sheer, yet matte shine it gives my lips. I feel like a supermodel with it on!! You need to try it, if you haven't already. But beware - you too could become obsessed.

Long time listener...first time caller!

Here I am braving into the world of blogging. Actually, I stumbled here accidentally. In my constant efforts to market my wine shop, I was searching for places to advertise - and I found a wine blog. Now - seeing that I'm also in the web industry, I'm feeling a bit like a dumbass for being so naive about it all. However.... So, I started searching blogs and reading all these random and obscure ramblings, and thought - "hey, I can totally do this!" I started off slowly, by creating a blog for my store (http://beaconhillwine.blogspot.com - for those of you interested!) and it's been fairly successful. And here I am, complete with my own personal spot in the world where I can rant, rave, dish, and brag about my children for those who care to listen and chime in. Since I'm so shy (NOT), I think this is a great way to sort of vent my inner thoughts and maybe inspire some of you to laugh.

A little more info: I have a husband who I think is a "hottie" - and two beautiful children who are the absolute lights of my life.

So come in - the water's warm! Hope you enjoy my ramblings and feel free to chime in. Please - no haters, only friendly postings. If you don't like it here - you're welcome to leave.

On that note, my rant for today is about "Million Dollar Baby". So I finally saw it. Being someone who enjoys to box, I thought there were some great tips on learning things, like hitting the speed bag. The movie itself I thought was just okay. Would not have been an Academy Award winner, if not for the last half hour. And, I also reiterated a fact that I already knew: I do not like Clint Eastwood as an actor. I just can't bond with him. Morgan Freeman was amazing - him, I would follow into a fire. He's just got that endearing, charming quality about him. Remember him from the Electric Company days? :)