Latest to arrive onto my list of "favorite foods"....

Okay, I have to preface this by saying that I'm not traditionally a soup kind of girl.  I'm more of a stew, or chowder person -- preferring something hearty and substantial in my bowl, rather than broth and a few paltry vegetables and pieces of chicken.  Not to say that I don't love my mother's home made chicken soup - because I do; but it's just not something I like to eat unless I'm sick.  But chili, beef stew, corn chowder, clam chowder -- now those are meals.

Recently, I tried a soup that I'd heard is not only amazingly good for you -- but that it was delicious as well.  Again, me thinking that soups are not my "cup of tea" - I often turned my nose up at the kiosk at Whole Foods when browsing for something to warm me up on a chilly day.  Then one day I said to myself, "…let's give this one a try".  I did - and ever since, I've been absolutely addicted to it. 

Say hello to my new best friend, Lentil Soup. http://search.foodnetwork.com/food/recipe/lentil+soup/search.do?searchString=lentil+soup&site=food&searchType=Recipe. (Um, yes I devoured a whole 14 oz. of it for lunch and then washed it down with some fresh pineapple. Yum.)  Lentil soup can be plain, as she was today….she can be beefed up, by adding a little sausage and tomatoes; or she can pretend to be beefed up (otherwise known as tomboy style) by adding spices such as cumin, and cilantro to make it taste more like a chili.  Especially if you puree portions of it to give a thicker consistency. Seriously -- to die for.

A bowl of lentil soup and some really good roasted asparagus with a hint of EVOO, lemon and garlic - how's that for a delicious and healthy dinner?
Okay, so it's not a thick porterhouse and mashed potatoes but seriously -- as Campbells would say -- "Mmmm good".

Fit to be tied...and other random thoughts for the day!

1.  Continuing on my rant regarding my company from yesterday….I walked in this morning to a lovely email that sort of spoke to me as if I was a child.  I wrote back a very firm but polite email stating that I really did not appreciate being spoken to in that manner, and that we could continue the conversation offline via phone call.  Have yet to hear back, but I'm sure that I will.  My initial email was a little scathing, and was going to end in the tone of "you can take your hours and….."  But - I scaled back of course knowing full well that I'm not that kind of person.  But it felt great to write it out anyway.  Be that as it may - I did circulate my resume to 5 companies.  Three of them on base, two of them off.  We'll see...

2.  I'm beyond horrified at the story out of Austria regarding the father who kidnapped and impregnated his daughter 7 times over 24 years.   I'm sorry, he's not going to be put to death, why?  Oh, and here's the best part:  he's facing 15 years in prison.  15 years?!?!  Well, here's my suggestion for the Austrian Prison Society or whomever they are.  Put this psycho in a cell with a really big guy who likes men for 15 years.  And let him be raped, shackled and deprived of sunlight for those 15 years. Over and over again. Oh, and starved too please.   That has got to be one of the most horrific cases of torture I've ever heard of!  And it happened in the basement of his own home!!  Clearly, his wife -- not the brightest bulb in the box.  I'm sorry, but if anyone ever said to me "don't go down in the basement, ever"…hello!  I'd be down in the basement the first chance I got!!!  Curiosity killed the cat remember?  I don't care how bossy this guy was -- wouldn't you wonder what he was hiding?  Seriously.  People scare and horrify me, not just with their ghastly treatment of one another  - but with their sheer stupidity.

3.  The Red Sox Flu has really taken it's toll.  I'm sorry, but am I the only one to think that Jason has lost a tremendous amount of weight?  He was thinner looking this season anyway but now he really looks thin in the face.  This weather certainly isn't going to help if they end up playing tonight and not getting rain delayed.

4.  I watched "Knocked Up" last night - I'd never seen it before.  It was pretty flipping funny.  I was horrified by some of it, but seriously - the girl who plays Katherine Heigl's boss was a flipping riot.  It was an okay movie - had some really decent laugh out loud portions - but didn't quite live up to the hype I'd heard.  I really like her as an actress though and I can't wait to see "27 Dresses" at some point in my lifetime.

5.  This Saturday is the day I'll be participating in the 108 Sun Salutations for the Jimmy Fund.  I can not wait - and truthfully, it is just the island of concentration and dedication that I'm really in need of.  Best of all - it's for one of the best causes around.  I'm going after work today for some well needed good karma - because truthfully, whatever good vibes I had going this morning, all got sucked away.  Must.  Find.  Center.

Monday, Monday...can't trust that day!

Today's title could also be "People are strange..."

Today was interesting to say the least. And, expensive....
First off, last night I made the discovery that my tire was beyond flat, beyond repair - and in need of a replacement. And my front brakes that out of the blue started to grind a tad during the week, became unbearable over the weekend. Makes me shudder to think that I drove the kids around in that condition. Note to automobile makers: You have lights that go off for everything under the sun in your vehicles. Please, please, please -create a light that goes on when your brake fluid is low, or your pads are in need of replacement. Seriously, could not feel it until they were grinding. WTF! So, $586.00 later I have new brake pads, rotors, and a new tire.

Spent a portion of the day at one of Boston's finest hospitals - Mass General. G pulled his back and was in need of some medical attention. I was lucky enough to sit next to one of Boston's most colorful characters -- a self proclaimed drug addict named Michael. I assure you, I didn't want to sit next to the poor soul. But it was a busy afternoon in the waiting room. Michael yelled, dozed off, snored...woke up and yelled, dozed off, snored. I was seriously feeling dirty just sitting next to him, as if some of his craziness was going to rub off onto me. He clearly just needed a place to sleep and it seems as if MGH Walk In Care is the place he chooses to lay his head. The staff seemed to know him well - and he certainly didn't take a number to be seen!

Then to top it all off, I hardly ever take time off for "emergency" types of things. I generally am in work every day unless I'm very sick, and even then, I dont' stay out when I should. So, I'm out today, clearly unexpectedly - and I get this rather reproachful email from my new company stating I need to either use vacation or make up the hours before the end of the week. Seriously? What am I -- five? I've been working there for 16 years my friends - this company is the new kid on the block, not me. I think I know what I have to do. I read the email and was like "Are you for real?!?". Seriously, step off. I STILL don't haven my medical cards, and I've been employed since March 17th with them -- never mind the fact that I got ripped on benefits.This girl is THIS close to walking away from it all....

Not my usual sunny self today... eh, must be the rain

Needles and Pins....

So, I've mentioned this before but today I'm taking an active stance towards doing something about my headaches.   This is the third day that I've had a borderline migraine - and I know that this week anyway -- it's all related to the barometric pressure; but it is so not fun to deal with.  Headaches for me, come in different shapes and sizes, depending on the cause.  This week, it's been like a white hot searing pain that shoots from the rear quadrant of my head on the right side, to over my eye.  Often, making me say "Ow" aloud, uncontrollably.  I feel as if I'm suffering from Turrets when that happens.  (So not a funny joke, but seriously - the reaction to the discomfort makes my response almost involuntary!)

I suffer from migraines pretty regularly, but I have noticed that since I stopped running and taking yoga as frequently as I used to - they've increased in frequency.  Which sort of makes sense since I'm not releasing the toxins in my system as frequently either.  See, the downside to always working out and eating well, is that when you stray from it - your body is much more sensitive to the "bad stuff"-- and you really feel the affects afterwards.

I'm a little nervous about acupuncture, only because I have such issues about needles.  But I believe in acupuncture as a treatment - I know plenty of people who go and love it.  I just don't want to be so tense that it's counterproductive for me.  But as soon as I hit "send" and email this post in, I am calling the woman that my yoga instructor (and friend) recommended to me.  It's got to be done.  It's got to be tried.  And I'm hoping it works…

This weekend is looking very busy!  I'm hoping to take 100 minutes of yoga tonight after work -- but not before I run.  It's been some time and I need to get back in that groove, so working out and yoga are on tonight's agenda.  Then hopefully my headache will have subsided some and I can enjoy and relax with the kids.  Tomorrow is baseball, bright and early - fortunately no dance this week -- but then right to the soccer field.   We'll be on the move from 10 - 6 tomorrow.  Oh - and I just remembered, we have dinner plans for after soccer as well.  Japanese steak house with my son's friend and his parents.    Sunday, maybe a little Canobie Lake Park action - weather permitting of course.

Whew.  I'm tired already, and the weekend hasn't even started!  No, maybe that's this flipping headache talking. 

I know, I know… I'm off to call "Ms. Natalia" now!!

Talk about a flashback!

I just got back from taking my son to a birthday party at Rollerworld.

It was pretty much the same -- dark, dirty, and crazy loud. But wow, was it a sensory overload bringing me back to the days when rollerskating was THE thing to do! All I could hear in my head while the lights were flashing was "Funkytown" by LIPPS, Inc. That song was the epitome of the rollerskating craze.

It also occurred to me that so many kids really don't know how to skate! My own son, now 7 - had his first rollerskaing experience today. Which put him in the majority it seemed. Funny to think, considering when I was 7 years old, I was rollerskating up and down HUGE hills in my neighborhood. When I would wipe out - I'd take pieces of flesh off! I'd be bleeding, but that didn't stop me...as I got older, I tried imitating axle jumps because you know, I was convinced that I was going to be in the Olympics for Rollerskating; as if there ever was truly such an event.

But nowadays, kids don't have the accessibility to play outdoors for hours on end unsupervised. Truthfully, a child gets their best form of playtime that isn't in a group sport - in a time frame that best suits the adult who's supervising them. It's not like when I was little when we'd go out and just play...unsupervised in a fenced yard, or quiet street.

I think I'm going to take both my kids to a rollerskating rink soon - and I'll be able to skate around with them as well. And though it might be Fergie or someone else singing in the background, you can be sure that this girl will be hearing "Born to Be Alive" in her head the whole time....

McDreamy, McSteamy, McYummy!

I'm almost beside myself with excitement.

In just over 24 hours, I will be reunited with my long lost friends from Seattle Grace. I can hardly wait! At risk of sounding absolutely ridiculous -- I've got some serious issues with this "Derek & Rose" dating business. While I'm not a huge fan of Meredith's at the moment either - I still think that he & she belong together -- not this Rose chick. Seriously, who does she think she is? They share one little kiss- and she's making snarky remarks like she owns him? Hmmph. I think not.

And I'm loving that Dr. Hahn (though she's irritating as well, but I think it's because I can't get past the whole "it puts the lotion in the basket" flashbacks from "Silence of the Lambs" out of my head) is constantly putting McSteamy (what IS his real name on the show anyway?) and Christina in their respective places.

Not sure how I feel about George (who I love, love, love!) and Lexie hooking up - but we shall see. Only time will tell how the tangled webs they weave will end up.

So, just for the record - any of you out there who know me in "real life", please - don't even think about calling me during the show! I know, I've got DVR but honestly - - I just won't be able to tear myself away...

Serious lack of attention today....

I have no interest for work today.  Zero.  Of course this might have something to do with the fact that I'm entirely under utilized and not challenged.  As I've mentioned previously, I have no patience for complacency -- most especially when it's me who's being complacent.  I like to be busy, and I'm at my best when I'm feeling as if I've accomplished something.  Not everyone feels that way - and many are willing to just coast through life.  Not this girl…!

I've been very unimpressed with music lately.  There have not been any new songs that have really made me say "wow, I'm loving this".   I'm not sure why, but it seems that music is very cyclical, and sometimes there's such great new music I don't know what to listen to first; and then other times, such as now - there seems to be a drying of the well.   So, if anyone has any musical recommendations that you think might excite me, please feel free to pass them along.  I'd be most appreciative.

Yesterday's game was a lot of fun, great seats - about 18 rows behind home plate.  So funny, I was sitting directly behind Dennis Drinkwater - you know, the guy who's behind home plate on just about every single home game played.  Of course, I was 18 rows behind him - but still.  It was so funny!  And, he really does look a lot like Robert Redford.  The only downside to yesterday's game -- I was in such amazing seats, and yet neither Jason nor Manny played.  I was beyond bummed.  Jason, Jason, where for art thou, Jason? 

Watching the marathon was very inspiring.  Some of these folks made it look so easy, I was thinking "I could totally do that!".  *Note to self:  No, you really could not.*  However, it did certainly make me miss running a bit - and I'm back on the track tomorrow.  I should be back up to speed in time to run the Mother's Day race with no problem.  We walked just shy of 3 miles from Fenway back to my car on the Hill, and so that helped burn off the most delicious breakfast had at the Paramount.  Whole Grain Texas Style French Toast with Fresh Fruit.  Oh yeah……. Sort of makes me hungry just thinking about it.

And on that note, I think I need to get up from my seat and go for a walk outside to clear my head.  Without my keys nearby of course, otherwise I just couldn't promise that I'd make it back to my desk…

Take me out to the ball game...

So today is the much anticipated (for me anyway!) Red Sox game. Who cares if it's not sunny out? The sun will be shining wherever this girl is at today, that's how happy I am to be going. Not only am I just looking forward to the game, but truly - I haven't had a day off from being "mom" in a while. A little time with one of my friends is sorely overdue...

And speaking of sore...my daughter climbed into bed at 3 this morning and I was promptly pushed to the very edge of my bed. My neck is the sorest I think it's ever been! Clearly a sign that not only do I need to work out more (I'm almost embarrassed to admit that it's been a month since I ran! Hmmm. Mother's Day is how long away? Will I be able to run 3.5 miles by then? But I digress... ), I most definitely slept on "the wrong side of the bed".

So those Bloody Mary's I've been obsessing about, will more than likely do the trick this morning. I think they're just what the doctor would've ordered.

Hopefully, I'll have some pics to add to this post later today - or maybe tomorrow.
Hey - and if you're at Fenway today - maybe I'll see ya!

Childhood memories, food style....

I made the kids lunch a little while ago - and I made them something that is so simple, so very 1970's - and something that immediately made me think of my own Saturday afternoons growing up. It made me happy to make it for them (though it's relatively politically incorrect to eat these days, it's still a classic favorite of mine), and even better - they were happy to eat it. So, while I try to keep my Saturday posts related to surveys, I found one that fit perfectly.

"Top 5 Favorite Food of your Childhood Memories".
(Keep in mind, these foods aren't necessarily my favorite foods, but they are tied to some of my favorite times in my childhood. Make sense?)

1. Today, I made my kids one of the simplest sandwiches ever. Egg Salad, with potato chips and a pickle. As I was peeling the eggs, I was standing by the sink with the window open and the smell of the eggs along with the fresh air brought me right back to being young and my my mother making me one of those sandwiches for lunch. It was something she made almost exclusively only in Summer, (at least that's how my mind remembers it!) and so to feel the breeze and smell the mingling air with the fresh eggs - it just made me warm and fuzzy.

2. I love, love, love tuna fish sandwiches from my childhood. My dad and my mom both made them, but both incredibly differently. My mom made it the "classic way", light mayo - maybe a little relish or pickles mixed in. My dad, made it almost like a dip. Truthfully, if I told you what was in it - you wouldn't eat it, but the funny thing about it is that I serve it now today myself and if I don't tell anyone what it is - they don't have a clue. I serve it at parties with chips. Sorry, can't reveal the secret recipe..!

3. Chocolate pudding pie is another instant "happy childhood" memory trigger. Who am I kidding - even plain chocolate pudding does it for me. Funny thing is, though I love instant - I still have a vague memory of being with my mother and we were making the pudding on top of the stove, and I just couldn't wait for it to cool. I still even remember the smell of it cooking...Anyway, whether it's in a cup - or layered in a graham cracker crust with whipped cream, that is a very shiny happy memory of being small.

4. Comfort food in general works for me. It's funny, my mom and my dad both cook well - but both very different styles. My dad always made "fancy" foods - which I think I picked up from him. The ability to make something edible out of practically nothing is a gift. My mom made "classic" type dishes that were fantastic -- her home made macaroni and cheese was awesome. Coffee rolls, Beef Stew, and Spaghetti Sauce and Pot Roast were my favorites. As a matter of fact, with regards to Beef Stew and Pot Roast, I still use the same recipes - because truthfully, it's just not as good any other way.

5. Green Slime Pie, aka a variation of Key Lime - is something I've blogged about before. It was my Auntie Saralee's recipe, and a family favorite that we all looked forward to on Thanksgiving. She passed away over 20 years ago now, and I never had it again - most of us hadn't. But last Thanksgiving, my cousin David (her son) made it from her original recipe and brought it over for dessert. It tasted exactly like I remembered it, and the best thing about it was that it brought me back to a time when our family was all together.

Food and music definitely equate to happiness for this girl.
What foods trigger your memories of childhood?

What a day....

It is fabulous outside.  Fab-u-lous.  This is just a picture perfect day to end the week.  In honor of this gorgeous day, the girls and I have opted to order sushi and though we'd love to eat outdoors - alas, indoors we must stay.  Working lunch today…

But, I do have some thoughts to seal the week.  And they are as follows:

1.  Hitting vs. Pitching.  Clearly, there's some issues going on with aim lately.  Here's this girl's perspective on it - with the caveat that I am not a professional in the baseball industry, nor do I ever profess be an expert -- but it seems to me that there is a difference between a pitcher losing control of their pitch and clipping someone; and clearly trying to take a person's head off.  Which, not only is incredibly immature --it's dangerous.  A person could be killed with a fast ball to the head.  At a minimum, severely injured (Um, hello - everyone remembers Tony Conigliaro, just to name one?)  There's a difference between a pitch clipping someone's arm, back, ankle -- and them having to duck or twist their face out of the way.  Grow up - man up - and just play the game.

2.  Polygamy is wrong.  I don't care how glamourized "Big Love" has made it -- and I myself love that show -- it's is sick, twisted and wrong.  I get that the show puts a modern spin on the concept, but let's be honest - it is, what it is.  I heard people on talk radio this a.m. almost defending the latest group and questioning whether the children should be taken away or not.  One called had the audacity to say it was wrong taking the children away from their mothers in that group because women have "the innate will to nurture their children".  Seriously?!?!   Has this person (yes, he was a man) read the newspapers about all the horrific crimes against children that have been done at the hands of their own Mother?  Rape, Prostitution, Drug Abuse, Physical Abuse/Torture, and Murder.  Right here in MA -- not in some other state, and no religion is involved in it.  Please, don't stick your head in the sand about the abuses towards women and children hidden beneath the veil of religion.  Polygamy is heinous and abusive and illegal.  And there's no two ways about it.

3.  Rain Rain Go Away…. So, as I've mentioned before I'm going to Monday's Red Sox game and can't wait.  My friend Lynne and I are planning to jaunt around town for breakfast and then hit the field before watching the marathon finish up.  So, I'm cautiously optomistic about the weather.  I don't care if it's cloudy…I can bundle up - but please, please, this girl is begging for no rain!

4.  And last, but not least…  it's a beautiful day outside, supposed to be a gorgeous weekend.  If you aren't having the best of days today - or even if you are - here's a thought to hopefully at a minimum, bring a smile to your face.

"Open your eyes to the beauty around you.  Open your mind to the wonders of life.  Open your heart to those who love you.  And always, always be true to yourself."

Ooh, my aching back...

So, lesson learned for the day is as follows: Do not ever, ever, take yoga at any place other than a yoga studio. (With the exception of the YMCA, who usually has pretty decent classes and instructors.)

Case in point: Today, my friend Michelle and I decided to take a lunchtime "yoga" class at the gym on base. As we're trying to prepare for the upcoming Jimmy Fund Fundraiser of 108 Sun Salutations, we thought we'd squeeze in a little extra time on the mat since we're looking at 2 weeks before the marathon takes place.

We should've been tipped off by the temperature of the room. While we knew it wasn't hot, we figured room temperature. Okay, when I say it was freezing - I'm not kidding. I was wearing long yoga pants and a long sleeved yoga shirt over my tankini - and I was blue, shivering, and seriously - my nose was starting to run. A little counterproductive when you're doing yoga. The second indicator was that not one Sun Salutation was done; poses were being done that are usually done at the mid to end of a session - and on muscles that hadn't been worked on yet. If your familiar with yoga, picture this: Half frog, or Pigeon - done without doing even so much as one Warrior 1, Lunge, or Half moon? Going from stretching your wrists to literally, half pigeon. WTF? And, freezing cold to boot.

It's so potentially damaging to be that cold and work some of the twists -- but we were troopers and weren't going to walk out, right? So, we went along with it all..and what ended up happening? Michelle pulled her groin, and I've got spasms in my back that I can feel are from the twists we did. I can not wait for tomorrow's class where I can hopefully work this all out, because seriously - the glass of wine and hot shower I took didn't do a thing.

So, this girl's advice to any of you out there who have thought about trying yoga is this: Please, please, please take it at a yoga studio. Trust me when I tell you, you will be very thankful that you did.

The Power of the People....

So, now - an update on the latest and greatest regarding my business venture.

A petition is being circulated around town, in an effort to collect the signatures of 200 registered voters in town - to request a Special Town Meeting.  I sent an email today to the editor of the town paper who had written a nice article on the efforts a few weeks back.  I'm hoping that at a minimum -- he and his staff will show their support with signatures; a blurb in the paper about contacting me if interested in signing wouldn't hurt either. 

I've been very fortunate that in the realm of being Soccer Mom, Dance Mom - and well, just the general chatterbox that I am -- I've met some very friendly and outgoing people who have offered to not only sign - but take copies of the petitions to their neighborhoods and get their neighbors and other circles of friends involved by signing.  Between myself, and these other people who are being gracious in their support -- there's a real possibility that obtaining 200 signatures in a very short period of time, is not inconceivable.

The building itself is being permitted for construction at the moment, and by the time the paperwork and licenses are all filed -- the estimated occupancy date for this is Dec 08.  Which is perfect because truly, if the store couldn't open by August - then it makes sense to start in January.  To open at the height of the holidays would be operational suicide.  The letter of intent to lease has been issued -- the terms of the lease relatively straightforward with minimal to iron out outside of design specifications -- life is looking pretty good with that right now.

So now, the fate truly lies in the hands of my fellow residents.  Given the feedback we've received thus far -- I'm feeling cautiously optomistic.  One should never underestimate the power of people; besides, all great efforts started at the beginning, with grass roots….did they not?

Hank Steinbrenner: by his own protesting - "not stupid".

Call me crazy, but I think that the young, fair Hank is going to make quite a spectacle of himself in the next few years.

Interestingly enough, this is the quote from the incident regarding the David Ortiz jersey that was buried in a concrete slab by a member of Red Sox Nation (you know, the Nation that "doesn't exist" according to good ol' Hank….)  “I hope his co-workers kick the s--- out of him,” adding that the buried jersey was “a bunch of bull----.”    Well, my dear Hank -- if it was really just a bunch of droppings from a bull….why would you insist they jackhammer the jersey out?  And wish that injury befalls the worker?

Now you're going to sue him.  For what? What was that jersey hurting, anyway?  Red Sox Nation is something that "ESPN made up", right?  So what's the problem?  It's "Yankees Country" as you stated.  I think the quote even went on to say "pinstripes are everywhere".  Hmmm. 

 

Oh no Hank, you're not stupid.  You're out of your ever loving mind! 

"Caught" on Tape... And bragging about it!

I am absolutely outraged at the recent You Tube beating video and even more so at the parents of those involved.  What a disgrace that is.  I don't understand how the parents are defending their children, rather than discipling them!  To try to find loopholes, and say that it "wasn't as bad as it seems" screams out loud part of the problems that is wrong in this society.  As parents, we need to teach children to own their mistakes.  We all hope that our children are kind and gentle creatures, but the truth of the matter is - sometimes they aren't.  And they don't always have the best judgement - and when they don't, it's our job as parents to show them the error of their ways.  You don't make excuses for it!!  What those kids did is deplorable.  And whether they stood by and watched or physically lifted a hand is irrelevant.  They didn't stop it, and that's just as responsible of an action as if they hit that girl themselves.  There are people who have gone to jail for murder because they were there and didn’t stop it when they had the opportunity to do so.  What is wrong with the parents of these children?!?

The funny thing is, if they just own up to their actions - there might actually be some leniency shown towards them; but because there is such denial and strong sense of condoning these actions, I know I personally want to see them get convicted on all of the charges.  It is not right to teach children that it's okay to be involved in this kind of behaviour.  At all - on any level.

This is the frenzy for attention that the My Space / You Tube / Reality Show generation is growing up with.  How twisted is it for children today, rather than thinking about prom, or cheerleading, or sports and competitions, or even dating -- to be thinking of what sick and twisted idea can they come up with to become "celebrities" in the online environment.   Where does it end?  Or even worse -- where does it go from here?  

The internet has it's place -- and there are some wonderful benefits that come with it.  But I am one parent who will not allow my children to be "online" -- not even for Play House Disney.  I'm almost embarrassed because my son was the only child in his class that needed to be taught how to use a mouse -- but I'm sorry -- the computer is not a toy.  And at this stage of his life -- I do not find it appropriate for him to use.  This is not an environment that I want my children exposed to until they absolutely need to be.  There is no need for children to use a computer, and if they do - it should not be without parental supervision while they're on. That means in the room, looking over their shoulder.   My son is going to be 7, and I know that in the next year or so, his homework is going to be almost exclusively computer driven.  But I'm here to tell you, that this is one parent who will never - ever - allow my children to be unsupervised in the world wide web.

Aren't they potentially just as vulnerable from the comfort of their home on the internet, as they are roaming the streets alone and unattended?

In my opinion -- maybe even more so.

What a day....

Soccer was cancelled, which was odd considering it was practically 70 degrees today! I think I got a little tan while out at the soccer field with the kids this afternoon. Today was all up in the air..soccer was on - it was off. Soccer photos were on -they were off. Then they were on - but soccer itself was cancelled. So, after the photos - the kiddies and I hung out at the soccer field and park. It was gorgeous! We left just before the skies opened up and it poured outside. And now....screaming sunshine yet again.

Very exciting, tomorrow we're going to the shelter to adopt a cat! We have two cats/kittens at home, but we really need one for the wine shop. The store is in a brownstone, and though we use an exterminator monthly, there's clearly some tenants upstairs from us who aren't very clean, and so we've decided a cat will do the trick. So off to find a very friendly, people loving and fun to be around cat to live at the store. Since we're open 7 days a week - it's perfect. Our staff is excited - the customers are excited ( yes, they've been polled!) We've also come up with the perfect name for him/her: Bordeaux.

So now, the kiddies are freshly bathed...I'm sitting here frustrated with the Yankees being up at the top of the 6th....and waiting for my friend Nancy to come over later for a little takeout and maybe some Prosecco. I'm hoping to order from this restaurant close by that has sushi as well as chinese food. I'm such an addict, I know....

Happy Birthday to you...

To the one, the only…the Captain!
Sigh…..

Love him! ( Hopefully, the picture I'm attaching comes through in the post because where I'm emailing my post in - I'm not sure how Blogger supports embedded images? If not, I'm sure I'll insert it in here when I get home….)

Happy Happy Birthday wished from me….to him.

Seriously, this crush thing I have is pretty funny. Even I have to laugh at myself at times.

So simple. And so very true..

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies. Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;. Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight. Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow. Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough. Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God.
It was never between you and them anyway.

Swing Batter, Batter, Batter...Swing!

It's a good day in Red Sox Nation today. The sun is shining….it's gorgeous outside -- a picture perfect day for some action at Fenway.

And of course….the ring ceremony!!

Unfortunately, I don't have a television here at work to watch - and the network is blocked from streaming media so I can't watch it via internet from any sites. So WEEI it is. Of course, everyone's wondering who would be throwing out the first pitch that would give us all "goosebumps" as Tom Werner has promised. And there's a surprise singer for "God Bless America". Neil Diamond, prehaps? That would be pretty awesome. Whitney Houston would be another one -- because while "crack is whack" -- her rendition of the Star Spangled Banner during the Superbowl was absolutely the best version of that song I've ever heard. But who knows what the management of the World Series Champions has up their sleeves? I'm willing to wager that it won't be the Dropkick Murphy's...

This is going to be a tough game today. Actually - this whole month is going to be incredibly difficult I think. Yesterday was the only off day until the 28th of April - and the lineup is pretty intense. I don’t think the Japan trip is an "excuse" for not winning -- but I do think it's a legitimate reason to expect fatigue, and maybe a not as strong start to the season as could be expected had Japan not been part of the equasion. And at risk of sounding pessimistic at this tender young beginning to the season….our pitching staff isn't the strongest at the moment.

But today is not the time to focus on the future -- there's always tonight for that.
Today is the time to revel in the opening of Fenway, the ceremony of the rings….and the magic that is Red Sox baseball.

America runs on it? Think again....

That's it. I'm done.
I'm officially boycotting Dunkin Donuts.

After having my third cup of coffee in the last 24 hours taste like soap -- and this being my 5th cup like that in the past couple of weeks -- seriously, I'm all set.

Here's the thing -- how tough is it to make a cup of coffee? What happened to the days when you could go to Dunkin Donuts and just order a Hazelnut coffee? And it always tasted good…you knew what you were getting and what to expect each time. Now, they use flavor shots which are terrible; the coffee is either burned, bitter, tastes like acid or soap -- and it never, ever comes out the same way twice. Take the long lines, and the often rude employees out of the equation - and focus strictly on product line -- Dunkin Donuts seriously better take a step back and evaluate their customer's reactions and feedback. Don't give me a gift card for more bad coffee if I complain. Change the flipping issue!!!

So for the management at Dunkin Donuts, my words are for you. Go back to your original coffee line. Forget trying to compete with Starbucks - you never needed to do that in the first place! Your cup of coffee was far better than Starbucks previously. Not today. I'd rather go through a McDonald's drive through to get a good cup of Hazelnut coffee than to have to wait in long lines, to order my jacked up Hazelnut/Coconut blend in an effort to make the coffee taste something that even sort of resembles a Hazelnut flavored coffee. And for the record, I've never had my coffee taste like soap at any other place that sells coffee either! (Hmm. I wonder if Rachel Ray's gotten a cup of coffee like I've gotten since she signed up as sponsor. Seriously, my coffee is never "yummo", or "quilicious" or whatever stupid words she makes up to describe the experience of drinking a Dunkin's coffee…)

Guess what Dunkin Donuts? You lost this girl to the Keurig coffeemaker on weekends -- and to Starbucks during the week. If I ever, get another Dunkin Donuts coffee again -- I assure you it will either be out of sheer desperation, and the lack of being able to get anything else. I've spent more than enough money on coffee that's been dumped out.

And I'm all done.

Spring Cleaning!

I don't know if it's because it's warmer out...maybe because I just love to clean, but I have been a cleaning fool this afternoon. Reorganizing things and the like. We all know that cleaning is one of my neurotic pasttimes, so this shouldn't really be overly shocking. As I was browsing through Walgreens at what fun new cleaning products might be available -- my eyes fell upon the NEW Halloway Quick Shine, as seen on television.

Suddenly, the commercial flashed before my eyes...to be able to have all of my floors be shiny as if they were still wet from being washed -- how could I refuse? Seems to me that is an $8 well spent. With my heart beating with excitement, I drove home and could not wait to get started. I even bought a new mop specifically for this product, and this product alone.

The photo above is what they say the floors look like using their product. Ok, the real deal is this.... while the floors are definitely shinier, they don't quite look like the photo above. Those photos were clearly taken while the floors were still wet. I used this on my tile floors, as well as my older hardwoods. Those are 10 years old, so the lacquer isn't as bright as my newer hardwood floors (those I didn't opt to do) - and they definitely look brighter, or at least smoother. My tile floors have a sheen to them as well. I used it twice on my hardwood -- probably only needed to use once, but thats okay. I also will put a second coat on my tile, just for funsies.

While it isn't exactly what the commercial brags that it is -- for $8, it's a decent enhancement and addition to my collection.

If you try it - let me know what you think.

What will tomorrow bring...?

Well for starters, this girl definitely is looking forward to yoga after work.  I need a little "om" to get my weekend off to a fantastic start.  Tough week this week; generally pretty busy in work with some fires to put out…midweek birthday parties, scrambling to try to find a babysitter for a wine party I'm hosting Saturday night. (My sitter that had been lined up cancelled…).  Actually, I have quite an interesting blog topic lined up about that very party, but I'm holding off until after the party to write it.   I don’t mean to be cryptic, but it's something that would be best served after the fact…

Tonight, sitting in front of my television watching the Sox with my laptop upon my lap (no pun intended) , I'll be mapping out the "curriculum" for Saturday, is the big game plan for this evening.  My friend Jess is supposed to pop by and have a drink and maybe some take out with the kiddies and I before hand.  Not a terrible way to spend a lousy Friday night…

Saturday was supposed to be the opening day for Soccer - but I tend to think that's going to be postponed due to weather.  Which is kind of a good thing since I've got the aforementioned party to get ready for.  And then Sunday -- well, there's really nothing on the agenda for that.  Depending on the weather, I'd love to do something outdoors…I dread to think of the mud, but - we'll see.  I'm sure we'll come up with something fun.

And so I leave you with this thought for today: 
"Whatever may happen, whatever condition may arise, you can adjust to it and make the most of it. Not only can you survive in the face of changing conditions, you can indeed prosper.

Circumstances are constantly changing, and even the changes are constantly changing. As you continue to adapt, and as those around you also adapt, positive new possibilities emerge and take root. It's difficult to know precisely what tomorrow will bring. Yet you can know with confidence that whatever tomorrow does offer, there will be a way for you to make the most of it. "

A little more than you ever needed to know about...moi!

The Alphabet
A
What's your age?:	Thirty- something
Do you like apples?:	Yes, especially Gala, Pink Lady & Granny Smith
Do you know anyone in the army?:	Yes; but I know more in the Air Force
What's your favorite amusement park?:	Canobie Lake Park...not a big ride kinda girl
What's your biggest achievement?:	My children.
B
Do you play baseball?:	No. But I'm a fan!!
Have you ever had your heart broken?:	Oh, absolutely - who hasn't?
Have you ever been to Baltimore?:	Yes, on layovers. Does that count?
Have a best friend? Who is he/she? Tell me all about him/her.:	I don't label my friends. Love them all.
What's your birthdate?:	9/17
C
What's your current mood?:	Tired.
What's your favorite color?:	Chocolate, Plum
Have you ever heard the song Camel Walk?:	No...?
Do you think Carlos Mencia is funny?:	No. I mean he is funny, but just not my preferred comic.
What's your favorite type of car?:	I don't think I have one really? I have a Lexus; would like to maybe try a BMW or Escalade maybe?
D
Do you enjoy starting drama?:	No. Can't be bothered with drama...
What's your favorite day of the week?:	Every day is a good day!
Has anyone close to you ever died?:	Unfortunately.
Have you ever been to Disney World or Disneyland?:	YES. Love it. Never to old to enjoy the magic...
Are your parents divorced?:	No.
E
Do you celebrate Earth Day?:	No. I know, I'm going to hell.
Who is your fave ex? Tell me about them.:	My high school sweetheart was just a doll. I always hope for great things in his life.
What was the name of the elementary school you went to?:	CW Holmes
What are the color of your eyes?:	Green.
What do you think of emo kids?:	Emo kids?? What's that?
F
Do you like your family?:	Sure, what's not to like?
Have you ever met someone famous?:	Yes. Many people. Many times.
What do you often fantasize about?:	Jason Varitek. Kidding. I don't know...security forthe future without worry.
Do you run fast?:	Pretty fast.
What's your favorite food?:	Too many to choose! I like GOOD food.
G
Do you go to a gym?:	Yes.
What's the last thing you felt guilty about?:	Knowing that a person was losing their job and they didn't know -but I did!
Do you ever just lay in the grass and watch the sky?:	If I had the time....
What's the last gift you gave?:	A gift card to the movies.
Are you gangsta?:	Fo'schnizzle. Right. Me? Gangstah (with the "h", I am from Boston after all)
H
Are you over-all happy person?:	ABSOLUTELY
What's the color of your hair?:	Blonde
What heritage do you have?:	Russian, Polish, Latvian, German. Aka: Mutt
What makes you hyper?:	Nothing. I'm pretty laid back.
What's your favorite holiday?:	Christmas
I
What's your favorite flavor of ice cream?:	Vanilla.
Do you consider yourself intelligent?:	Yes.
Are you addicted to the internet?:	I have moments of complete submersion...
Do you have an Ipod?:	Yes.
What's your ideal lover like?:	Jason Varitek. kidding....
J
What job do you want when you grow up?:	Oh right, because I'm not grown up yet! Still thinking...
What makes you jealous?:	Nothing really. I'm pretty secure in who I am.
Do you ever ask Jeeves anything?:	Nah.
Do you know what Joe Cartoon is?:	Nope.
Have you seen Jack *** the movie?:	Sad to say - yes. And some of it was horrifying - some hysterical.
K
Do you know karate?:	Why yes, actually I do!
Do you believe in karma?:	Absolutely.
Are you good at keeping secrets?:	I die with them.
Have you ever flown a kite?:	Yes. Only recently.
Have you ever killed anything?:	Not intentionally!!
L
What would you label yourself as?:	Hardworking, over achiever, underappreciated
Have you ever been through a labyrinth?:	No.
Have you ever swam in a lake?:	Yes.
Do you lie often?:	No.
Have you ever been in a limo?:	Yes.
M
What magazines do you read?:	Yoga Journal, Us, People, Boston Magazine, Sports Illustrated
Do you believe in magic?:	Absolutely.
Do you have a good memory?:	Sometimes - for some things.
Who all do you miss right now?:	Who all?? Who all? I'm sorry, not proper English, therefore, I aint answering. Ugh. Hate that.
What kind of music are you into?:	All of it. From Josh Groban to Metallica, and everything in between...
N
What's your middle name?:	If I tell you, I'll have to kill you.
Do you nap a lot?:	Never. Never have - never will.
Do you like your neighbors?:	Sure.
What all gets on your nerves?:	What all? What all? Poor grammar gets on my nerves!!!
What did you dream about last night?:	I can't remember actually
O
Do you have any obsessions?:	Jason Varitek. Kidding... I don't obsess over anything really.
Have you ever been to the ocean?:	Absolutely.
Who was the last person to offend you and why?:	Hmmm. I don't offend easy, truly. And I don't hold grudges either so...
Do you like the outdoors?:	Love it.
What do you think of Ozzy Osbourne?:	Used to love him. Now I think he's a shell of who he was.
P
What's the last pain you've felt?:	Hmmm. Gallstone attack a few weeks back. Not. Fun.
Do you have any pets?:	Yes. 1 dog, 2 cats -- 2 Betta fish.
Do you like taking pictures?:	Yes. Though I'm not good at it.
What do you like on your pizza?:	Cheese. Pepperoni.
Are you fond of the president?:	I'm not fond of any politicians really.
Q
What is your best quality?:	I think my undying optimism.
Do you like the band Queen?:	LOVE the band Queen.
Are you usually quiet?:	Depends on the where/when. Generally laid back. But love to laugh.
Are you calm when you take tests at school?:	I don't go to school, but I test well.
What's your favorite quote?:	"I'm filling in the negative space with positively everything"
R
What do you think of racism?:	Ugliness that needs to be eradicated.
What's your favorite radio station?:	92.9 BOS
Do you like the rain?:	In the summer...or at night
What's your relationship status?:	Je suis marie...
Do you enjoy reading?:	Love it. Which I had more time to do it
S
Do you know anyone with the name of a saint?:	Sure.
What's your favorite season?:	Autumn
Are you sensitive?:	No, not really. I sort of take life in stride.
What sports do you like?:	Yoga. Baseball. Boxing. Football.
Have you ever wished upon a star?:	Always
T
Do you have any special talents?:	I can make something out of nothing
Do you enjoy talking on the phone?:	Sure, I'm a girl!
Name your most recent favorite teacher and why.:	Considering I'm planning my 20th reunion - recent teacher is out of the question.
Do you enjoy thunder storms?:	Yes, love them
About how much T.V. do you watch a day?:	Hardly any. Maybe an hour or two at night
U
Whose your favorite uncle?:	Believe it or not - all my uncles passed away - all very young.
Do you consider yourself caring and understanding?:	I think I am..? I hope I am!
Do you believe in unicorns?:	No, but I make sure my daughter does...
Do you consider yourself unique?:	No two snowflakes are alike...no two people are the same
Do you like urbandictionary.com?:	Never been, fo shnizzle
V
Where's your favorite vacation spot?:	Key West or Caymen Islands
Do you enjoy Valentines Day?:	I do
Do you watch Vh1?:	Sometimes
Are you a vegetarian?:	No. Couldn't imagine giving up beef.
Are you a virgin?:	Hello, Mom to two...
W
Do you enjoy taking walks?:	Yes. Don't get to do it nearly enough.
What do the walls in your room look like?:	Plain.
What do you want right this second?:	Sushi
Have you ever swam with whales?:	No. I have with dolphins though.
Do you wish for world peace?:	I don't know if that's realistic.
X
Have you ever played a xlaphone?:	Okay. You mean xylophone? Yes.
Do you know anyone with xenophobia?:	No, not that I'm aware of
Are you talented at xyloglyphy (wood-carving)?:	No.
Have you ever had an x-ray?:	Yes.
Do you know anyone who has xanthocyanopsy (form of color-blindness)?:	I do actually.
Y
Do you yell when you're angry?:	YES
Is yellow a cool color?:	Depends on the shade..
Are you young at heart?:	Absolutely.
Are you a yankee?:	YANKEE? I'm a SOX FAN. Jeesh! But I do live in New England....
Who are you anyway?:	Who are YOU. I'm just a girl...
Z
Have you ever been zapped by lightening?:	No, fortunately
Arent zebras neato?:	Neato? Righto.
Has one of your zippers ever broke?:	I don't think so?
Whats your zodiac sign?:	Virgo
Whens the last time youve been to the zoo?:	This past autumn with the kiddies!
Take this survey Find more surveys Bzoink - The Original Survey Site

So, I may be entirely dating myself here but....

New Kids on the Block are back together! 
Hold on to your socks, you thirty something girls out there….the original Boy Band of the 80s and 90s is back!
Hot of the presses this morning was an article about the upcoming reunion of sorts with the five Boston boys.
Though I did my best to play as if I didn't pay them much mind when they first came out - by the summer I graduated high school, I had to admit that I dug them.

Yes, I have to say - Donnie Wahlberg was my favorite.  (My redhead fascination rearing it's head!!)   I loved, loved, loved his ripped/frayed jeans.  He was their "bad boy".  I never had the pleasure of meeting him though. 

I did meet Joey McIntyre one time at the Arsenal Mall in Watertown; my girlfriend and I were going in -- and he was leaving -- and she dated his older brother briefly, so we chatted and said hi.  That was pretty cool.

I also met Jordan Knight one time at Axis in Boston.  It was after one of the Kiss Concerts they (NKOTB) performed at -- and he was there with some of his entourage, hanging out.  He asked me to dance, and I had not quite "found my rythym" at that point -- and was not the dancer that I am today.  I was embarrassed, and admitted I couldn't dance - and he and one of his bodyguards ended up trying to teach me.  It was fun, we hung out for about 15 minutes or so - and that was it.   Clearly I didn't "wow" him with my amazing feet techniques.  Today, I can dance pretty well, but trust me when I tell you -- he dances unbelievably -- and that added to some of my intimidation.  That fact that he was Jordan Knight and absolutely beautiful in person didn't affect me; it was his unbelievable skills that sent me reeling inside with insecurity. 

I truly can't imagine them having a tour -- wouldn’t their voices have all deepened a bit more a this point?  Can Joey still sing "Please don't go girl"…?
This is going to be very interesting…..