So exciting...

I am now the proud owner of a laptop!
Who'da thunk it?   Best Buy was practically giving away these Toshiba Satellites - and for $299.00 - how could I refuse?  Sure I have to upgrade the RAM a bit to be able to add what I want on the system and still have it function well - Vista is a big system "whore", but it's so well worth it.

One would think that since I'm sort of a techie-geek type that I'd have had one ages ago; but I love, love, love my desktop computer and just didn't see the need to have an additional computer.  Didn't see the need?  Was I on crack?  It is so much fun to be able to be anywhere - and surf the internet, or get email. 

I feel like Dr. Seuss:  "I can take it on a train…I can take it on a plane….I can use it on a bus, I can use it without fuss….I can take it in my car, I can take it to a bar….I can use my laptop here, I can use my laptop there…I can use my laptop everywhere and anywhere!!"

What I don't love about it is the Vista operating system (um, thanks a million Dad for helping me reinstall the wireless card, fixing my router, helping me restore the system!).  (It's always good to have a computer genius in your family.)  What should've only taken 10 minutes -- took 6 hours due to the aforementioned issues I ran into.  Oh, and word for the wise -- disconnect your 2.4 MHZ cordless phones when setting up your wireless connection -- if you keep it too close to the machine, or the phone rings -- you'll completely screw up your DNS pointers in your router.  Yes, that was a fun one to troubleshoot.

So I've ordered my skin - and naturally, it's the Red Sox home jersey.  If only I could personalize it with a name…..
Hmmm…..  Whomever would this girl pick???  
(*tongue in cheek, sarcastic…clearly the choice is obvious!)

Prayer v. Medicine -- should be a non issue.

If you are a grown adult, and you choose to pray to your God to heal you if you have an illness, than fine. Do as you see fit. But if you have a child, who is a minor -- and legally unable to make their own decisions on behalf of themeselves, you have no business putting your own personal and religious beliefs in front of the well being of your child.

In the news, we have the story about young Madeleine Neumann. A young diabetic girl who was clearly going into a shock of some sort that was killing her, and yet her parents chose to not have her see a doctor -- but to pray for her healing instead. And they "believed she would recover". The girls' immediate family (e.g. aunts, etc) and other friends had been trying to convince the parents to take her to a doctor for over a week --with no success. They called 911, from their own homes - as well as the family's home for the paramedics to come in and take over but at that point it was too late. This to me, is just inexcusable.

As a parent you have to put your own wants, needs and desires aside for the well being of your children. This includes your own personal belief in your God. While you may have the faith that God will heal -- do not deprive your children of the necessities of life needed, most especially if there is a medical situation involved!

God will not educate your child, do not deprive them of school. God will not feed your child; do not deprive them of food. God will not clothe your child -- please don't let your child walk around without clothes on their back. God will not provide a roof over your head -- please ensure that you are able to sustain safety and shelter for your child. And most of all, God will not heal your sick child; do not let your child die because of your blind faith. Your child has blind faith in YOU, to be their protector and their shepherd. They do not understand the ramificiation or politics of religion and what God can or can not do based upon a particular school of thought.

While we all teach our children points of views on what we believe -- do not sacrifice your own child's well being based upon your own selfish ideaology. And I'm sorry, I find it selfish to deprive a child of medical necessities and the right to live -- and then hide behind religion in justifying the reason.

What's on this girl's mind today....

1.  American Idol:  I'm sorry, but I love David Cook.  I'd pay to buy his album today (oops, dating myself -- I mean CD).  I'd see him in concert today.  If he isn't in the top 2, then it would absolutely be a crying shame.  He is just that hot.  (Not hot as in "Jason Varitek hot"…but hot as in talented.  Just wanted to clarify…)

2.  Speaking of Jason Varitek:  How much fun was it to wake up the last two days and watch/listen to baseball!  That being said, I'm so glad that the Japan trip is over and that the Sox are making their way back East - slowly, but surely.  We all know that the pitching seems to be struggling a bit, but it's still early.  And not everyone is hitting well at the moment either, so… I'm looking forward to the season opener at home so that at least the games that are being travelled for the remainder of the month, are in our own time zone!

3.  Ommmm…. I still haven't been able to get my schedule regulated to be able to take class more than once a week, but I think I've got it now where I can go at least twice.  We've got that Jimmy Fund Fundraiser of 108 Sun Salutations coming up the first weekend in May. I was in really good shape last September when we did it the first time; now, not so much.  But I'll get there…a few weeks of consistent classes and I should be good.  It's not that I'm not in decent shape in general, it's just where I've been running and only lifting lightly - my upper body strength for long term endurance isn't where it should be.  Three hours and a few hundred push ups with Warrior 1 & 2 arms is not an easy undertaking by any stretch….

4.  Must have a Sephora run soon.  I am out of my Lip Fusion, and so badly want to get more of my new very favorite mascara: "Texas Lash" by Cargo.  They also have a blush I want, the shade is "Prague".  I'm very particular about my blush shade and that looks like it might be perfect to use.  I wear very little makeup - no face makeup outside of blush, and just a little mascara and gloss.  I prefer a natural look, you know? But I've got to be honest - I just feel happy when I walk in there.  And so a little dose of perfume scents, bright flourescent lights (though, those I don't love) and fun glittery cosmetics that I would never wear myself, yet love to look at it -- is so up my alley at the moment.

Just one of those days....

It was an odd day in work...all sorts of personality type issues bubbling up, which doesn't happen very often - so when it does, it's really strange.

I've noticed something recently that is just so odd, and yet speaks volumes about 1. spammers, and 2. men. I get a ton of spam mail at my store account - I mean insane amounts of spam. And 98% of it is geared towards mens, um...virility, and drive and size. It's not even porn spam, it's all Viagra, Cialis (sp.) and size "enhancement".

First of all - do these people really think that there are people out there who say "hey, that's EXACTLY the thing I've been looking for! I'm going to open this email up and sign right up!" Seriously! If you're of delicate mind, be forewarned -- the following is going to be a sampling of the subjects of the emails I've just deleted:

"Don't get hard without it".
"buy now Viagra (Sildenafil) 100mg x 60 pills US $ 2.17 Per Pill"
"take her to love heaven"
"low prices on enlargement"
"she told me that you need more inches - we can help"
"enlargement and thickening - is it right for you?"

These are the "cleaner" ones I've received. It just makes me wonder what the fixation is regarding male performance and size! Is there nothing else to lure people into opening their 3k email?

おはようの赤い硫素化合物の国家!

Or, in plain English:  Good Morning Red Sox Nation!
(If that's inaccurate Japanese, blame Bablefish!!)

Since I'm fighting a cold, I wasn't able to get up in time to watch the pre-game festivities.  But I did manage to open my eyes and turn on the television just in time to watch Jason up at bat in the second inning.  I'll tell you, it's pretty difficult to get ready for work and stay focused without spending too much time watching the game.  But I managed to get on the road at normal time and listen on my way in.

I probably looked ridiculous on the highway to whomever was driving next to me, because when Manny hit a double, and we tied the game -- I was practically dancing in my seat.  No, seriously - I was doing the cabbage patch and singing "yes! oh yeah -- oh yeah".  I'm sure if anyone saw they either a.) knew what I was talking about because they were listening to, or b.) got a great laugh at my expense!   By the time I parked and got in -- we had scored with Brandon Moss' single.  Win or lose -- today is going to be a really good day because you know what?  It's opening day!

And because it's opening day, and an early one at that -- I'll keep my comments about the pitching thus far, to myself.  I'm hoping that NESN replays the game tonight so I can watch the whole thing, because listening to it on the radio is good, but so not the same as watching it.

Even better, my girlfriend Lynne and I are working on getting tickets for the Patriots Day game.  A little breakfast, some Bloody Mary's in Boston….an early morning game…and then walking around and watching the marathon finish up.  If the weather cooperates that day, then this girl will be a very happy one on 21 April!  

(PS.  As I'm about to send this, we're in the 9th with Lowell, Moss & Jason up -- and we're down 1. As I said - win or lose, the sun is shining and life is good!!)

She put the lime in the coconut, and drank them both up...

Seemingly, this light and oh so yummy food has been on my mind the last 36 hours.
I had an amazing shrimp and coconut tempura at this unbelievable pan-asian restaurant Saturday night.  I don't even eat tempura regularly because I’m not a big fried food kind of girl - but this was absolutely "out of control good".  And since the menu was preselected, it was a  "when in Rome" scenario.  But I'm glad that I ate it because it was... wonderful.  (How many descriptive and positive adjectives could I fit in this post?  Stay tuned to find out, because I'm still writing!)

Which brings me to a delicious dessert I had on Easter.  While I've always admittedly been a big fan of Ina Garten aka "Barefoot Contessa", I have to say that I've absolutely fallen in love with one of her boxed mixes: Creamy Coconut Cupcakes.  First off, let me just say that if you love macaroons -- then you will love, love, love this recipe.   While they don't taste exactly like a macaroon - they have a heavy, chewy density that a macaroon has.  This is a cupcake with substance!!  And the cream cheese frosting with the coconut is in a phrase, "to die for".   The box only makes 10 cupcakes and trust me when I tell you, they are going to be the best 10 cupcakes you've had in a long time if either you make them -- or you're the recipient of someone having made them for you!

And then today, in the funny little emails that go around in work - one of them had a list of 10 different foods/fruit to choose from - with each one being supposedly symbolic of a personality type.  So the way that works is that you pick a fruit and then scroll to the bottom and see if it fits your personality.  Seeing coconut on the list -- naturally, that is what I selected!   And funny enough, it was pretty spot on to me! 

So here is my personality based upon my affection for coconut:

  COCONUT - The coconut is a serious, very thoughtful and contemplative person. Though you enjoy socializing, you are particular

  about the company you keep. You tend to be stubborn but not necessarily foolhardy. Shrewd, quick-witted and alert, you ensure that you are right

  on top of any given scenario, especially at work. You need a partner with brains, and while passion is important it certainly isn't everything for you.

Senior year and graduation all rolled into one...

So, I got a phone call earlier this week from someone who I was pretty good friends with in high school - and whom I've kept in touch with throughout the years, sometimes through phone calls and business transactions; other times just through Christmas cards. Anyway, I get this call and the bottom line of it is that he wants me to help him plan our reunion this year. Me?!? Aaggh. Truthfully, a few years ago I'd have jumped at that chance - I just don't really have the time to dedicate to it right now. But of course, he had to throw in the "C'mon, you're Ms. Popular and know everyone, you're so good at this...you know you want to..." how could a girl refuse? (Postscript to this story... I gracefully bowed out. I have a crazy, hectic and insanely busy life. I just didn't have the time to help out unfortunately. Though I was flattered for the asking...)

Which got me thinking about high school. So much fun it was - and yet if I could do it all over again, I think I'd do it differently. Same friends and all that, but I'd have definitely challenged myself so much more. I was friends with everyone in high school, I was very "anti-clique" so I was friend with everyone from the metal heads and "burnouts" to the jocks and "popular" groups. I myself, was a metalhead cheerleader which sort of made the bouncing between all the groups pretty easy. Plus the fact that I really just genuinely liked everyone and wanted to be friends with everyone anyway. I intentionally kept my intimate circle of friends small and varied - with my large circle of acquaintances crossing all "social circles",if you will.

I found this fun High School themed survey, and since it is Saturday and all....I present to you, the "I'm Just a Girl's High School Experience in Retrospect". Sort of, anyway!

*****************
1. Did you date someone from your school? I didn't date much in high school, I was always "one of the guys". I had lots of unrequited crushes!! I did eventually have a high school sweetheart though, we dated all of senior year and a few years after graduation.
2. Did you win anything in Seniors' Who's Who? Hmm, we didn't have anything like that.
3. What kind of car did you drive? I didn't have my license until I was 22. I DID get into a car accident on my permit at 16 1/2 in my friend Renee's car. It traumatized me clearly since it was many years later that I got my license!
4. It's Friday night...where are you? Pre-Senior year, probably no where but home. Strict parents. Senior year? Maybe the studio for rehearsals? Or Waites' Mount. Maybe Blueberry Hill. But I almost always had to be home for 10.
5. Were you a party animal? No. I didn't drink at all. I went to parties, but didn't drink until after high school - and again, had to be home by 10, 11 if it was like a "special" occasion.
6. Were you considered a flirt? I don't know? If I flirted with someone, it meant I wasn't into them; because I'm really shy around someone I do find attractive. Have always been that way. But I can flirt with the best of 'em if I'm comfortable.
7. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir? Band in Jr. High School - I played the glauckenspiel. But not high school. I was a cheerleader and in the Drama Club.
8. Were you a nerd? Um, no. Although I'm definitely a geek today! :)
9. Did you get suspended/expelled? hahaha, I lived in detention. I was in detention so much I'd go to school at 5am to cut my hours down. I was the queen of cutting class! But my assistant principal was a doll and knew I was a good kid...just a little bored. Never, ever suspended or expelled. Absolutely not.
10. Can you sing the fight song? We had a fight song?
11. Who were your favorite teachers? My favorite teachers weren't for high school believe it or not. In high school, I'd say Mr. Benotti my Assistant Principal (who passed away, unfortunately) and Ms. Gonsalves, my Media Technology teacher.
12. Where did you sit during lunch? It all depended...no particular "spot".
13. What was your school's full name? Malden High School
14. School mascot? Golden Tornados
15. Homecoming court? I was not in the court, though I had secretly hoped to be.
16. If you could go back and do it again, would you? Absolutely. High school was a great time in my life.
17. What do you remember most about graduation? That it took so long to get to my name...and that it took even longer to get through the rest!
18. Where did you go senior skip day? You know, I don't remember? I know we went somewhere. We started off at Duffy's that much I'm sure of.
19 Have you gained weight since then? About 5 lbs? But I've had two kids so I'm entitled.
20. Who was your Senior prom date? My high school sweetheart. :)
21. Are you planning on going to your reunion? Looks like I've been roped into planning it!
22. Who was your home room teacher? OMG, I can't remember one of them! Not one! How sad is that?!?!
23. Who will repost? I don't know but if you do - let me know!
24. Did you play any sports? Yes, but not organized. I'm more athletic now than I was then...
25. Do you still talk to people from school? Not usually, but I'm thinking I will be shortly!
26. What year did you graduate? 198-something!!! ;)

Here comes Peter Cottontail...hoppin' down the bunny trail!

And this girl has yet to buy Easter goodies for the kiddies to find on Easter morning.  But I'm working on it….!

I've got a relatively busy weekend lined up, and so that's put a kink in my shopping time.  Tonight, I'm having dinner with some girls to celebrate my friend Michelle's 30th birthday.  We're going to a Japanese steak house which is always a lot of fun with a group.  I'm so sorry to say I forgot to bring my camera with me to work; I'd hoped to get some great shots, but no such luck…could be because I've got yet another rip-roaring headache that's clouding my thoughts!  Nothing a little alcohol can't fix hopefully - because nothing else is working thus far.  Hello tequila….this girl might be calling your name tonight.   And, since I'm not a big drinker by nature - one drink just might do the trick!

Then tomorrow night, I have a surprise birthday party at yet another Japanese restaurant.  Clearly, in honor of the Red Sox I'm having a Japanese themed weekend!  (No, honestly - I didn't plan it that way, it really just worked out that way!!)   So tomorrow afternoon will be fun time w. the kiddies, with some cooking and baking for Easter - and then a little celebrating in the evening.  It's been some time since I've had grown up time on both weekend nights and I am so ready for it.

Sunday morning will be the best part of the weekend though.  I can't wait to videotape the kids trying to eat as much candy as they can before breakfast!  I've gotten smarter about how many jellybeans or chocolates I place in each egg that they find.  The big chocolates and such go in the basket and they know they can't open any of those until later on; but the special eggs the Easter Bunny hides, well -- those are sort of fair game.  Hey, it's one day a year that I let them eat candy  before breakfast!  I don't do candy in the Christmas stockings, so…

You know what really the best part is?  My son still believes.  Even when he sees "the Easter Bunny" someplace, he rationalizes that the real Easter Bunny is a real live bunny and that the ones we see out are his "helpers".  And that folks, is one he came up with all by himself.  That is a child who enjoys the belief.    Clearly that apple didn't fall too far from the tree…

Turning Japanese, I think I'm turning Japansese - I really think so!

So, Red Sox Nation is very proud of their team today....very proud.
Not only did they unite for something they believed in, and which quite honestly was not a fair situation -- they did it in a manner that was classy and respectful, which is just one of the many reasons this organization and group of players so very special. 

(I'm sorry, but I must gush for just a second about Jason.  Did you see him on television interviewing about the boycott?  Be still my beating heart!!!!!)

That being said…it is going to be so exciting to see the response in Japan to their arrival and the games -- though the impact on how it will affect the season when they return is going to be interesting.  Such a long road trip… and so much travel.  Of course, I'm not regurgitating anything new here - everyone clearly feels the same way.  But it certainly is an exciting time none the less, and an experience that not everyone gets to have, so….

I can't wait for opening day at Fenway.  I'm not sure when the first game I'll get to is, but - I'm thinking I'll need to fit some time in April into my schedule if I can.  I usually go to the Patriots Day game, which is usually mid-April.

In the meantime, I'll be living vicariously --  watching the games and eating sushi!

Domo Origato….  

C'mon get happy!

I've mentioned many times how I'm often told that I wear rose colored glasses. It's true, I do tend to see the positive that can come out of even the most adverse situations; but I've never quite understood why it's been said to me in an accusatory manner - as if I don't see the reality around me. That's not entirely true. Of course I see the reality of the negative side of life - or the situation that one may be in. It's that I choose not to dwell on it and work away from it, rather than letting it overtake the situation or my state of mind. I don't subscribe to "woe is me" - and quite honestly don't like to see others do that either.

So here are a few positive and encouraging thoughts that I whole heartedly subscribe to -- and thought I'd share them today.

**************************************

Fall in love again and again with each moment of your life. It is yours. Own it - and embrace it.

The wind blows, the sun shines, night falls, and some days bring brutal cold while others offer stifling heat. There is beauty, there is tragedy, and there is exquisite fulfillment along with bitter disappointment.

You have the unique, unmatched good fortune of being you, right here and right now. Take a brief moment to realize and remember who you truly are.

Life is whatever you can sincerely imagine it to be. Those possibilities that you conceive of, understand, and value are the ones you bring to life.

Every thought, every word, every action matters, and adds to the substance of your life. When all that you do faithfully expresses the person you are, life is filled with richness and meaning.

Working your way purposefully and persistently through life's challenges will create great and lasting value. With each difficulty you grow stronger and more capable.

Whatever happens, there is a way forward. Remember that...
Out of any circumstance, you can find a positive pathway. In any situation, there is the opportunity to create success.

It seems fair and reasonable to expect your problems to be solved by the people who caused them, but stop and think about it. Do you really wish to give those people who caused your problems any additional control over your life and your future?

Real success does not result from everything going perfectly. Real success comes when you're willing to move forward no matter what may happen.

Think of the best possible thing that you could accomplish today, and then ask yourself this. What would be even better?

Realize that the best is yet to come. Then get busy and make it happen.

America is clearly disillusioned....

So, I read this morning that the new Governor of New York and his wife publicly admitted to having extramarital affairs.

What is this country coming to???

Here's the thing. While I do not condone extramarital affairs, people in the United States have got to come to grips with letting go of this puritanical and utopian expectation of perfection that we have of our leadership. They are people, plain and simple. And people are not perfect. Period. It is unrealistic to expect human beings to walk the straight and narrow moral and ethical lines of life at all times. I know this is what we want….but let's be honest, it's unrealistic.

And most importantly, what a person does or doesn't do within the confines of their marriage is truly none of any one's business. It certainly should not be the measure to which we determine whether a person can or can not do their job in political office. Here's the thing -- leaders all over the world, as well as in our own Presidencies have been less than "faithful" to their respective spouses. This has been going on for centuries. Does that truly mean that they are not capable of being a good leader? No, I do not think so. While I don't think it's morally correct for them to cheat on their spouses -- it is not for me to place judgement upon them for that. Because none of us are perfect. Nor am I involved in their relationships to know the specifics of their day to day life. I think part of the fire that is fueling this is the lack of separation between state and religion - and I do tend to think that is where the lines have become very fuzzy in our political communities presently. (This is not the same as keeping "One nation, under God" in the pledge of Allegiance which I whole heartedly support.)

But the problem that seems to be upon us today with people like former Governor Spitzer - is that we have this "holier than thou" perspective of others, as did he in his judgement of others. Which is part of what led to his demise. And I tend to think that a lot of these politicians are suffering from "doth protest too loudly" which often leads to them being guilty of the very things that they're persecuting others of. Those who live in glass houses, should be sure that they have nothing to hide because the stones cast back are often boulders.

Truth be told - if someone truly was that "squeaky clean" as we want them to be, there more than certainly would be a witch hunt to find skeletons in their closet because we not only don't believe that they can be that good -- we don't want them to be either. We in this country thrive on the demise of others. We build people up, just to tear them down. We are poor little sheep that are following a fickle and disfunctional shepherd known as the media. And we frenzy over the misgivings and falling of others.

So here's my suggestion to America. Let your leaders be people, and stay out of their bedrooms. Worry about their thoughts and views on public issues and stop worrying about their personal moral compass. Worry about them doing things that are associated with their roles in office, and if they don't have their city/state/country's best interests at hand. Because there are very few people in life who truly talk the talk and walk the walk as well; life is complicated, and not always how we want it to be. No one is ever proud to say that there are problems in their marriage and so maybe they're seeking something elsewhere. And while I certainly don't condone seeking alternatives outside of the marriage and don't want this post to be construed that way -- I'm not wearing blinders to how life really is either.

And truthfully - the bottom line is -- it's really none of your business anyway.

Erin go Bragh...

I really enjoy St. Patrick's Day.
I'm not Irish, so it's not a heritage type of thing.  It's just fun in general.

While I've never been the "go out boozing" kind of girl, St. Patrick's day was never really a big bar day for me.  Though I did used to love it back in high school, and shortly thereafter.  My high school sweetheart was Irish, and had family in Southie so I did used to love going to the parade and sort of house hopping in the neighborhood.  Dangerous if you're not from there, but tons of fun if you're with people who are.

I love, love, love New England Boiled Dinner...and truly, on this day each year it tastes just so good!  I've got mine ordered and will pick it up on my way home to make for dinner tonight!  What's better than a little corned beef and cabbage with potatoes?  Since I only eat it once a year, I'd say that today nothing is better than that!

I love wearing green. So putting in the effort to wear a fun, bright green color of clothing, which I don't often wear -- is sort of fun, no?  Fashion can be the best kind of fun when you're in your traditional hum-drum work week schedule.

I have green eyes, which I've always loved that they're different than most people's color -- and that is sort of special on St. Patrick's day!  I'm always "wearing my green", even when it's not St. Patrick's day!  And my eyes are always "smiling"….

And maybe best of all - it's a great excuse to be in a good mood and feel lucky!  Everyone can be Irish on St. Patrick's Day…everyone deserves a kiss, even if they aren't "Irish".  Who doesn't deserve that pot o'gold at the end of the rainbow today -- and maybe just have a little fun while they're looking for it?

Today's post is brought to you by the cold and wet letter "R"...

Here's a shock for you: It's rainy. Again....sigh.

Actually, in my neck of the woods it appears to be clearing up a bit and drying but it's still so cold and raw - totally put a damper on any fun outdoor activity I tried to plan with le kiddies for the afternoon.

So, what are we doing today on the always fun and exciting "Mommy, T & S Day". Well, truthfully - nothing. We just baked a strawberry cake that is cooling so that we can frost it and the kiddies can have a piece before dinner. How cool is Mom? The best, clearly. Well, they had a fantastic lunch of roasted chicken, mashed potatoes and corn; they've been playing really well together all day and so you know what -- I'll give them a lighter dinner instead of a big one and they'll have a yummy piece of cake and milk before dinner. I don't bend the rules often for them -- but you know what -- they deserve it sometimes.

Tomorrow, we're going to a brunch in town with the Easter Bunny! And then afterwards we might go on an Easter Egg hunt at this charming farm in NH. So, I suppose a down day isn't such a bad thing. I think it bothers me more than it bothers them. They get to play all day...take hot baths/showers, and watch their favorite movies. I end up feeling lazy, and bored. I just don't do well sitting at home and not doing anything. I'd much rather be out, even just driving around aimlessly in the car burning very expensive gas at 17 mpg.

I'm making a very fun Angel food and fresh fruit layered cake for Easter, and since I'm not hosting dinner this year I'll be making white and green roasted asparagus tossed with vanilla almonds to bring. I'd love to bring devilled eggs; not only are those the perfect snacks for showers and the like, they just sort of scream "Spring" to me. Maybe I will...

And so for now...this is me, signing off.
Until next time....

PS: OK - so, what's the best way to get Mom out of the house AND make the kiddies happy after eating a nice big piece of strawberry cake with milk? Go see "Horton hears a Who"! Woohoo, you hoo! ;) I'm very excited for this - who doesn't love Dr Seuss??

Sometimes people really exceed your expectations and do great things....

I watched a movie last night On Demand that I'd been wanting to see for some time:  "Gone Baby, Gone".

I knew nothing about the movie, outside of the obvious; it was filmed in Boston, directed by Ben Affleck, a Dennis Lehane book, and about a missing girl.  I knew it was Academy Award nominated and that Ed Harris and Morgan Freeman were in it -- two of my favorite actors.  (Ed Harris, looks fantastic with facial hair might I add.  But I digress….)  But that is really about as far as it goes regarding what the movie was about.  Normally people tend to give movies "away" or talk about the plot with little or no regard as to whom around them has or has not seen the film.  But this one, interestingly enough was kept relatively quiet.

Warning to those who haven't seen this yet:  This is not a happy, feel good movie.  This is not a "chick flick".  So do not get the girls together for chinese and chit chat and then sit together and watch it.  That being said - it's not a horrible depressing movie either. But it is gritty, and will create conversation - so it's a great choice to watch with someone you enjoy talking about decent subject matter and having engaging conversations with.

While I've enjoyed some movies in the past, very few of them make me feel any real emotions.  Even "Million Dollar Baby", while everyone raved about it - I didn't love.  "Crash" was probably the most recent fictional film that really moved me to the point of feel real emotions.  And then I watched this movie last night.  Ben Affleck - say what you want about him as an actor -- has definitely found his niche with directing.  This was a wonderfully done movie.  Absolutely wonderful.

And believe it or not - I didn't like the ending, at all.  Why?  Truthfully - because it didn't end the way I wanted it to.  Without giving too much of it away - it wasn't the ending it "could've been" which is what I really, really wanted to happen after all of the drama leading to that moment.  And while I get why it ended as it did -- it just had such an impact on me while watching.  Which made me love this movie.  It was all done so well, and then to have the emotional connection to it just really made it a top 10 movie for me.

I think Ben should forget his political aspirations and focus on directing.  What he did with "Gone Baby, Gone" I think far supercedes Clint Eastwood's "Mystic River" on all levels.  I'd have liked to seen how he might have done that movie as well. 

But that's just this girl's opinion…. 

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

I received a (dare I say) fantastic email from my town manager - who said that I made a very positive impression on the board - and not to give up!  He suggested I get the local media involved in helping me pursue the concept for the town, the more people that know - the better.  He said he's supportive of the idea, and not to give up.

YES!!!!!  I'm so very happy, and encouraged by that!  So even if the reality is another year away -- I do think that it will definitely happen.

That being said, I also inprocessed with my new company this morning, and that went very well also.  I feel much better about this transition than I did earlier this week -- and I think that life is good right now in that area. 

And yesterday, I had a meeting with my son's teacher to go over the report card for this semester.  His report card couldn't have been any better unless he was prodigy of some sort.  And I couldn't be much prouder after reading it -- and meeting with her.  She had nothing but glowing comments about him both academically and socially -- it was really just so awesome (and I'm not using that word loosely) to hear.  As a parent, we think our kids are nothing short of spectacular -- but I think we also can be harder on them at times as well; and to hear an unbiased -- but clearly in the position to be opinionated -- person give you such positive feedback about your child it's an unbelievable feeling. 

Then, to add to it all -- my girlfriend had picked me up a Keurig coffeemaker over the weekend which I've been wanting forever.  It was on sale, she saw it - called me and picked it up.  Last night it arrived at my house and I had a delicious cup of perfectly brewed Hazelnut coffee last night that was….awesome.  And, just as good - is that the Keurig offers an empty cup filter so you can use grinds of whatever coffee you like, (say Dunkin's Hazelnut, or some other brand of organic Kona that might not be available in a "k" cup) and make the perfect cup of coffee with it!  Only downside to that is the cleaning of the filter but, so what - it's well worth it.

So, the sun is shining -- life is good, and I am going for a long overdue run after work today. 
Something I haven't done in about 10 days now.  And I should feel like a million bucks when I'm done.

"When it's to change, you've got to rearrange...who you are and what you're gonna be..."

So here in lies my dilemma for today.

I'm changing companies, and not sure of the effective date.  The contingent offer letter states the 17th; but yesterday I was verbally told that might not happen - it may be the 30th.  Which certainly makes it difficult for me to "give notice" though my current company is well aware that they're losing me.  They don't have a choice but to lose me - but if I don't give my notice officially, I'd hate to have them turn of my benefits and pay if the start date of the new contract has changed.  And though I've asked for clarification from my "new" company to be -- I've not received answer.  See the pickle I'm in?

Which has gotten me wanting to think about something more frivolous, say....American Idol.  I'd say the sports - but I'm not loving what's coming out of Spring Training at the moment with injuries and potentially pitchers not going to Japan (Hello Dice-K, yes - this whole "Japan" trip was about YOU.  What do you mean you're not going?!?!), so I'm going to stick with the very benign topic of television.  Here goes....

1.  American Idol:  Okay, I know I went on record before saying I thought David Archuletta would win, but I take that back.  David Cook is my choice at the moment.  Love, love, love him.  This year is just so talented, there are so many that I want to see make it to the end.  And while Christy Lee Cook has a pretty voice, last night's rendition of "Eight Days a Week" was beyond pitiful.  As Simon Cowell would say.."If I'm being completely honest…." , it sucked Christy.  Really bad….

2.  My latest Guilty Pleasure:  Family Guy.  Okay - I hated this show.  With a passion.  But I've grown to love it over the past few months.  And seriously, Stewie - who was my least favorite, has brought me over to the dark side and now I love him.  LOVE HIM.  "Tan is not a skin color, it's a life style…watch my tan walk Brian, did you see it?…".

3.  Escape to Chimp Eden:  First of all, this guy Eugene has to be the cutest animal person alive.  I have never, ever seen a good looking wildlife person on television!  They're all so "living in the jungle" weather worn.  But, take that aside - it's really a wonderful show that has become one of my favorites on Animal Planet.  Its won a spot on DVR rotation.

4.  Grey's Anatomy:  April can not come fast enough.  I need to know what's going on with my imaginary friends at Seattle Grace!!  And rumor has it that Addison is going to make a surprise appearance in an episode or two; smart to keep the waters in Seattle warm because truthfully, "Private Practice" was rather, er…painful.

5.  And finally…..clearly ideas for new shows come further and further between.  Though I haven't watched "New Amsterdam", it eerily reminds me of "Quantum Leap" which I did not care for at all; that stupid lie detector show on Fox is nauseating.  Again, I haven't watched it - wouldn't give up my precious time to do so.  "PussyCat Dolls: Girlalicious", ugh they couldn't have come up with a better name for it?  How cheesy!  And this batch of girls to me - don't seem nearly the caliber of the girls from last season. Thank god the writer's strike is over and some of the better television shows that had looked so promising at the beginning of the season - might actually come to fruition and live up to their expectations.

There is no road travelled worth travelling, that does not have a bump in it...

Okay.

So last night's meeting didn't go as I'd hoped.  It wasn't terrible - but I think it's going to be a more time consuming process to get this store opened in my town than previously thought.  Only because when there was a mention of the possibility of extending a beer and wine only license -- as opposed to the full package license -- it raised the concern about the voting from last year's election.  Which is entirely unrelated to my business -- I would not be a 7-11, or Pump n Pantry!  It would be a wine shop restricted from selling spirits.  Would it be the ideal license?  No.  But it would get it up and running and that's a great place to start.

But, it was quite evident that the majority of the board was willing to try to make things happen and work with us to figure a way ahead.  And even those who were opposed to the wine & beer license only were on board with the concept, just not that style of license. It might just end up being that I have to wait a year to get on the town's annual warrant, since we missed the deadline.  And if that's the case - then so be it.

And I'm not entirely convinced that something isn't going to come up sooner than that, which will go in my favor.
So, I'm not defeated.  Not by a long stretch.
I'm in recalculating mode.

What is keeping me going today....

How a man plays a game shows something of his character, how he loses shows all of it.
       - Anonymous

Don't ask for a light load, but rather ask for a strong back.
       - Anonymous

Adventure is worthwhile.
       -Amelia Earhart

To dare is to lose one's footing momentarily. To not dare is to lose oneself.
       - Soren Kierkegaard

Try not to become a man of success but rather to become a man of value.
       - Albert Einstein

(Natural Talent + Opportunity) Hard Work = Success
       - Michael Johnson

Rain, rain, go away...come again some other day!

So, since it's a perfectly cold and rainy Saturday, here are some fun little "blogthings" to sort of chase the rain away. Nothing too serious, and all about moi!

What These Tulips Say About You

You are very popular and universally admired. You are often hopelessly in love, and you connect to other people easily. You are a naturally cheerful and upbeat person. You have an amazing smile.

What Do The Flowers You Pick Say About You?

You Are Sudoku

You are simple, modern and elegant. You're not that difficult to figure out, but very few people truly get you. You approach the world with a pure logic that most people will never grasp.

What Kind of Puzzle Are You?

You Are Cumin

You are warm, unique, and pretty dominant. It's also pretty likely that you smoke or like fire. You are energetic and intense. You definitely stimulate people.

What Spice Are You?

Another week under wraps...

It's been quite an interesting week. 
Between my silly gallstone attack….contract changes….company changes happening maybe as soon as Tuesday….thinking about my meeting with the town on Monday….it's just been very busy.

This girl needs a good, hot yoga class after work today -and you know what?  That's exactly what I'm going to do.

I wish I could say I had some exciting things lined up for this weekend but I truly don't.  Yet another weather washout for Saturday which sort of puts a damper on the fun things I had planned for the day.  I'm thinking of seeing if we can do them on Sunday instead - again weather permitting.  Maple Sugaring is something I've always wanted to do - and something I think the kids would love, love, love!  Plus with fun hay rides and camp fires, hotdogs and all sorts of maple flavored foods - what's not to love?

Though you know what I'm really looking forward to doing?  Taking my class, going home and getting the kids dinner and ready for bed….and as ridiculous as it sounds, getting into my cozy clothes and just laying on the sofa doing nothing but watching television and wrapping myself in the aroma of sweet, warm fabric softner from the laundry I'll be folding. 

Boring?  Sure…but you know what -- it gives me a nice warm and fuzzy -- and I really could use that right about now!

It's a status update - and other fun ramblings...

1. Town Meeting: Just about 10 minutes after I posted my last post, I received a phone call from the Town Manager who was happy to inform me that the 10th of March was a perfect opportunity to present the issue about the license to the Board of Selectmen to get the ball rolling. I'm so excited! Since I'm so not shy about public speaking, I'm really looking forward to this as a way to hopefully network with more people in the community and have them on board and behind the idea of a new and fun business coming to town. Though he said I don't need to have any paperwork on hand, I'm going to prepare hand outs to give anyone and everyone who'd be interested in seeing them. C'mon now, a little shameless self promotion never hurt anyone right?

2. What is up with Jonathan Papelbon?!? Seriously, after reading some of his press comments I just shook my head. Listen, we all love the fact that he's a loose cannon at times. But I think the key is "at times" in that sentence. Seriously Paps -- you've got a ring, you're young - you've got the rest of your career to make a boat load of money -- relax and enjoy the ride!! Red Sox management and most certainly not Red Sox Nation wants to hear the complaining of being underpaid right now. Let the season begin and let's see what you're made of . Oh, and here's one for you...how about subscribing to the Randy Moss school of thought on 'intangibles'....

3. Am I the only person in the world who isn't riding on the Obama bandwagon? I'd really like to believe. And I'm always the optomist and I'm seeking a change, and a positive one at that. Yet somehow, I don't see Obama as being the change outside of the evidentally superficial kind. (Oh and for the record, I'm not a fan of my governor either whom clearly is a ghost writer for the Democratic candidate.) I just think that while he means well, I'm not feeling any sense of substance behind the words. I'm all about the cliches and catch phrases because I'm of course, the "Queen" of them - but I'm not entirely convinced that he can or will actually have the durability to straighten some situations out that we have here. And my concern primarily is that he's far too liberal for me on certain issues that I think he does have the ability to change. So, while every "profile" quiz I take has me split on issues between McCain and Clinton -- (yes, I think I'm truly Libertarian to an extent, hence my split partisan results) -- I'm going to have to say that if Obama is the candidate, then it's a done deal and I'm voting for McCain unequivocably. If Clinton is the ticket, then I'll have to really listen to the debates carefully, though preliminarily at this juncture I’m still leaning towards McCain.

4. Speaking of bandwagons that I don't ride on….I think I mentioned this before. I've got to be the only thirty something girl I know who just can't stomach Oprah. I think she's fake, and insincere - rather "holier than thou" and I have to say that I think her new show "The Gift" or whatever it's called - only further convinces me of that. Why is it that everyone that was picked for her show was "perfect"? Wouldn't the show be much more appealing to have people who aren't professional philanthropists go around selflessly helping others? That to me, would be far more intriguing than those who already dedicate their lives to helping others. Why do I want to watch angels do their work? I mean clearly, I love that there are angels doing their work - but wouldn't it be a better show to have average ordinary folks who wouldn't normally be angels -- become them -- and in essence, grow from the experience? While I do love her "favorite things" episodes, outside of that - I just can't bear to listen to her.

5. And to end things on a positive note….Things that are making me happy today, in no particular order:

The smell of the air today because it really just smells like Spring. Sushi of any kind. I could eat it morning, noon and night. Actually, I'm having it for dinner tonight as well as lunch tomorrow. Baseball season! Yoga, as often as possible. If I could do it daily, I would. Sweet Peppermint gum -- it's just the right kind of mint. My company didn't win it's contract bid here in the office, which means I'll be changing companies soon. It's the end of the day, and I'm going home….

Waiting on baited breath....

So, the saga with the future business prospect goes on.

It's all quite political between the local government and the state with regards to acquiring an additional license for the town. There's a town meeting on 10 March that I just found out about last week - that I am awaiting to hear word on as to whether the license issue can be proposed to go on the agenda for May's annual review. (Or something to that affect...)

Today, the Town Manager called me at the store - which of course, I'm not there. I missed his call by 1o minutes - and eagerly called him back, but alas...he was out of the office. His staff said they expected him back this afternoon so I'm hoping he'll return my call at some point this evening to let me know whether it's a go or not.

I think I'm going to need something like 50 signatures to have it approved to even be an item, but I don't think that will be too difficult to do.

Hoping to have good news to report tomorrow!

Who'd have thunk it?

So, get this.  I had a classic, textbook case of gallbladder attack yesterday. 
I'm still feeling the after affects of it today, but I'm much better in comparison.
I never, ever in a million years would've thought I'd have an issue with my gall bladder?
And yet yesterday it clearly stared me in the face.

I knew that this was different than a stomach flu, because the pain was so very different - it was on my right side and very sharp.  And then I had this very uncomfortable pain in my back, that radiated upwards to my shoulders.  Headache, fever, the whole throwing up thing…..I almost went to the hospital just because I was so uncomfortable, but I didn't have the energy to drive myself, and I didn't feel like calling for an abulance, so I just kept saying to myself "if I still feel like this in an hour, I'll call…"  Stubborn me, didn't call.  I couldn't lay on my back, I couldn't lay on my side - it was the weirdest thing I've ever encountered.  And it really hurt to breathe.  That was another thing that was so odd.  If I tried to take a deep breath, it hurt.  It almost felt like someone beat me on the back with a bat.  I couldn't sleep…I just sort of laid in bed and moaned….was miserable.  Let me tell you, this girl has an extremely high threshold for pain - so for me to be even contemplating calling an ambulance, you know I was not comfortable.

After my last of many visits to the porcelain god (which truly is the only thing that makes me want to wish I was dead!), I finally felt a weird pop in my back and felt relief enough to lay on my back and pass out.  It really was odd that it seemed like my back hurt almost more than my abdomen did.  About 8:30 last night when my fever broke, I finally felt better.  Well, at least well enough to get up and walk around to get a popsicle. 

I'm still really sore in my back/shoulders today, but hopefully that will subside.  I spoke to my sister around 6:30 last night (she works at the hospital) and she was like "You should totally come in and get a CT of your gallbladder done.  That's like textbook!".  But I was thinking - "what are they going to do?  Put me on IV?  They're not taking it out tonight, and certainly can't give me anything for comfort, I've waited this long -- I'll just ride it out". 

But I'm here to tell you that if I ever, ever have an instance of that again I will absolutely have the useless thing removed. 

O.M.G.

I dont' know how I'm even typing this post. I wouldn't be out of bed if it wasn't for the fact that my task lead wanted to know if I published my time sheet from last week - which I had. Now, had he checked before he called me, he'd have known and not awoken me from my fitful sleep. So I crawled to my PC, and booted it up - just to double check after I was insistent that I had. (I had.)

Some God awful stomach flu has gotten hold of me. My poor daughter walked in on me as I lunged from the shower to the toilet (I knew I was sick, but didn't know to what extent -- thought I'd try to get to work today..how's that for dedication?) and kneeled on the floor with my towel. I was like "(heave), Hi honey, I'm okay...(heave)...can you go in the other room now please? (heave)". As I crawled back into bed, and got dressed, I could hear my daughter yelling down to my son..."Mommy's sick...".

My son came in and told me he hopes I felt better...and when I went downstairs to talk to my sitter briefly, my daughter was like "Mommy, I'm making you a rainbow so you feel better - and then we're going out so you can sleep". She's on the downside of 3, heading into 4 and over the past few weeks I've come to the realization that 4 is going to be a good age. This, all in of itself is enough to make me feel just a little better.

I was out cold and didn't even hear them leave the house - until the timecard issue crept up. And now I'm trying to fall back to sleep but it's not working all that well. Maybe I need a good round of bathroom time to get me feeling sleepy again. Kidding.

So back to bed I'm going. (Heave...maybe I wasnt' kidding?!?!)

Saturday Survey Blahs...

So, I just got back from taking the kids to dance and for a run to Target (or Tar-jei, for those of you who like to add a little fancy schmancy to the name) and now we're home and I've got to tell you - I'm feeling a little, blah. I don't love this inbetween season of not exactly winter (despite the snow) and not exactly Spring. I'm not a big fan of mud truth be told. There's nothing really fun outdoorsy to do with the kids today -- and really nothing spectacular planned for indoors. Outdoor activities I was thinking of doing are postponed due to the wetness, and I just don't feel like walking around the mall. While I'd normally embrace this kind of lazy day, for some reason it's just bringing me down this afternoon. Tomorrow I believe is going to be a day of ice skating which I'm thoroughly looking forward to.

Today's Saturday Survey is 80's themed. Seeing as I'm still stuck in the 80's, this one I thought was perfectly appropo. Enjoy your weekend!
(And how about those Red Sox? Hello - did you see Jason's homerun?!?!)


1. Age on January 1st, 1980. -- I was 9 years old. Seems like just yesterday!
2. Favorite song of the 80’s. -- Way too many to list! Seriously!!!
3. Favorite rock band of the 80’s. -- Metallica, without a doubt. Then of course, Bon Jovi, Motley Crue (early Crue), Iron Maiden, Aerosmith. I was a rocker girl for sure.
4. Favorite dance/R&B band of the 80’s. -- Dance, it would probably be Expose or Cover Girls. For R&B, I was definitely always a Stevie Wonder fan. Yes, even that stupid "I just called to say I love you" had it's moment in the sun.
5. Best TV show of the 80’s. --Oh, another "too many". Who didn't love "Laverne & Shirley", "One Day at a Time", "Cheers", ?
6. Best male and female TV actors of the 80’s. - Hmmm. Truthfully I didn't really love the television actors. I was big into music and movies.
7. Favorite comedy movie of 80’s. -- Probably "Fast Times at Ridgemont High".
8. Favorite action/drama film of the 80’s. -- Loved, loved, loved "Coal Miner's Daughter".
9. Favorite personal event, social gathering or political event during the 1980’s. -- Personal events, my God - I had so much fun with my friends. But social/political event? Live Aid. Without a doubt.