Happy End of Summer....

Today I took the kids to a really nice craft show at the Topsfield Fair Grounds; it's put on by Castleberry Fairs - and I had taken them last Labor Day, but since we're otherwise obligated this Labor Day, today was the perfect time to go.

We had a great time - it's a dog friendly place so the kids get to pat tons of dogs which they love. We even got to see Brandy the Doberman, who we remembered from last year! She's a totally sweet girl who loves kids.

We also got to see some of our favorite vendors - as well as some new ones! And we bought lots of great things, so I'm going to give a shout out to some of my favorites from today, whom I highly recommend you try. Two of them I wrote about last year as well - with one new one that I am now loving and can't wait to buy more products from.

Support your local small businesses!!

1. Tyler's Sweet Revenge: These are by far the best jams we've ever had. We bought the Jalapeno, Heavenly (pears, strawberry, peach and pineapple....mmmm, heavenly is right!), and our very favorite of all -- Pumpkin Butter. I highly recommend you buy some online - you won't be disappointed. My son of course is just tickled because it's his name on the label.

2. La Diva Bella: Okay, she had me at "hello" with her tagline - "Because inside every woman is a Goddess.." Yes there is, Ms. Diva Bella. So anyway, I went by this booth on my way out when cash was low, so I scored at the clearance rack with yummy home made soaps for $1.00 each. Scents that I highly recommend are: Pumpkin Spice, Lavendar, Cape Ann Cottage (OMG, this one is my very favorite...) and Amber Romance. Yum....

3. Speaking of yumminess, my favorite of the day - is the same one from last year, and I swear I will find the time to have a party this year. Do You Adore Me is all custom handmade candles, creams, lotions, sprays and body butters. You can choose any of their premade scents -- or make your own! She mixes them right there on the spot, and it's custom as to how strong or how much of any scent you want. What a fantastic concept -- and they're so very reasonably priced. Talk about yummy....I bought a Hawaiian Ginger body cream and my hand smells so good even now, three hours later. I'm so having a house party this year, no more putting it off for lack of time!

So this was the beginning of my Labor Day weekend. Tomorrow, it's onto the North End for the Feast of St. Anthony. And then I'll be talking about a whole different kind of yummy....!

Yes, so going back to that torture concept....

Something just isn't clicking right in this case; there's forensic evidence to support foul play - yet the authorities won't call it a murder investigation. What is holding them back from doing that is really piquing my curiousity and frustrating me at the same time.

The bounty hunter that released her on bond is revoking it -- and rightfully so. I think he'd hoped to talk to her, "Texas Style" and get the truth from her; yet her defense attorney (I hate to think of them as the lowest forms of life, and yet.....) accepted the money but prevented access to his client.

So how does one get information out of an individual who refuses to cooperate with the authorities?

My God, even Susan Smith cracked after a couple of days -- and she's one of the most cold hearted women I've ever had the displeasure to know about.

What will it take to make Casey Anthony admit what happened to her daughter? And why isn't anyone actively doing anything to make it happen?

Doesn't Caylee deserve at least that much??

Time to talk a little ball....

Okay, this girl definitely has some thoughts about baseball today, and now seems the perfect time to express them. (Right before I dive into my sushi lunch...!)


1. Mark Kotsay/JD Drew. Pretty darn interchangeable it seems. Not a bad thing - though it seems that from what I've read about Kotsay, he's a bit more versatile as a utility player which is a good thing. Not that we need another first base option (we have Sean Casey who is great!) but I suppose incase there are other injuries abound in the field. I'm still banging the "we need pitching" drum.


2. What are the Yankees thinking? Clearly I'm unable to hear the game as it's happening today because I work in a building that doesn't support radio when not sitting by a window, and also because they block most websites functionality if they contain java, flash or any type of active control so I can't watch any "pitch by pitch". I did read that Kotsay just hit a double, which is great news. Now if I can only get a score.... But I digress.


My point to this blurb is that they're clearly struggling at this stage of the season, and while one should never give up...my heart breaks when I see a really talented player like Hideki Matsui (whom I love, love, love) limping!! If he's not ready to come back, why risk damaging him further?! And it sounds to me as if they're rushing Joba Chamerlain's rehab as well. I'm sorry, while I don't care for the kid's personality -- he's a talented pitcher. Why risk damaging him further?


Oh, one more thing....the only upside for me on not being able to watch today's game is that I don't have to feel physically ill every time Jason Giambi comes into camera view. (Shudder.)


3. Let's hope nice guys don't always finish last.... You know, I know that statistically we've seen a very solid comparison between the loss of #24 and the gain of #44. That is really good news, and he's seemingly a very nice guy who fit right in to the dyamic of the team. At least from the superficial view that we the fans get to see. But what this girl misses is the freespiritedness of certain players that we've been fortunate enough to see over the last few seasons. Getting glimpses of the comradery in the duggout, fun handshakes -- silly antics, and other fun things that really showed the silly side of this team. Did it all go with Manny? Was he the last of the bunch? No, maybe not...but we haven't seen much of that lately.


One of the main contrasts between the Sox and the Yankees (in my mind) over the last few years has been the team comraderie -- or lack thereof in New York. The Yankees, while full of some of the most dynamic talent ever assembled on one team, just can't seem to get it together to win. You have to ask yourself "why is that"? A very obvious point to me is the lack of cohesiveness amongst the players in the Yankees organization. To me, it's abundantly clear when seeing shots of the duggout - there's no playfulness, no joking. It's all individual groups (cliques?), and straighfaced. Granted, I don't watch the Yankee's on their own network so maybe NESN is just showing shots at inpportune times; but I have some friends who are staunch pinstripe supporters and even they agree that the "team" is far from that.


I guess what I'm saying bottomline, is that I hope the Sox -- while all a bunch of seemingly nice guys -- don't lose that spark between them that gave us the fans - a glimpse into their world as a team, with a genuine enjoyment of the game.

Birthdays and dragonflies...

I wish I had a camera on me at the moment.

I had to leave work early today because my sitter wasn't feeling well -- and I know she wasn't feeling well because she's never, ever asked me to come home. So I came home about an hour early which afforded me the opportunity to help my son with his homework, and make his lunch for tomorrow - as well as lay out his clothes for the day -- which are tasks I don't get to do before dinnertime.

Anyway, I'm sitting on my front porch at the moment watching my daughter catch dragonflies -- her favorite bug in the world. I think she loves them even more than butterflies. They're friendly too - some of them anyway. If she's lucky enough to find one that will allow her to hold it, that makes her day. So, she's singing to them and trying to get them to land on her or at a minimum let her pick them up.

We've got a few red, green and blue ones today; we haven't had that many this summer. I took my hanging flowers down and geranium planters when we refinished our front farmer's porch this summer; and though I believe they are bug eaters - they love love love geraniums. We've had huge ones, in bright greens and blues and yellows usually.

Since I started writing, there's 4 of them that have been swirling around us - and one of them keeps landing on her hand! She's really in her glory. I'm off to get the camcorder...!

Tonight I'm taking my sister out for birthday to her favorite restaurant for dinner and a little accapella. I'm looking forward to it, we should have a nice time. It's just going to be myself, her best friend and her. The last time she and I went out was the night of the Beckett Bowl and we decided that night that we wanted to try to get together once a month for dinner so we're right on schedule. Good thing for birthdays!

So, the restaurant we're going to is one that she used to work at which is one of the reasons why she loves it. For me -- it's about that they serve Pizzeria Regina Pizza there, and I just may indulge in a slice for funsies. I haven't had Pizzeria Regina in years...now that's a pizza.

There's an idea! When we go to the feast in the North End on Sunday - that may just have to be one of our stops!

Hey, can I get some Sake with that Sake?

I am completely addicted to sushi.

I obsess over it sometimes. If I have it in my head that I'm in the mood, then nothing will make me get over it, unless I have some.

I’m always looking for new and different places to get really great sushi – and I find myself surprised at places that I thought were supposed to be fantastic – but really are just okay.

So, I thought I’d share a list of my favorite tried and true places.
(These are not listed in any particular order – just by how they come to mind. )

1. All Seasons Table Restaurant, Malden: The owner of this restaurant also owns Sato in Stoneham, but this location is outstanding. All of their food is fantastic, and the sushi -- was incredible. I can't say enough about everything that this restaurant serves.

2. Ginger, Bedford: Ginger is very quaint and great for eat in. Their luncheon specials are nicely priced and the sushi is always very good tasting. They have the best Spicy Tuna rolls that I have yet to find. The staff isn't always very friendly, but who cares - I'm not there to see them anyway. It's a fun quick lunch.

3. Asiana Bistro, Bedford: With Ginger on vacation from the end of July - Labor Day, my friend Michelle and I have been "jonesing" for sushi lunch. We got takeout from Asiana the other day and were pleasantly surprised; the pricing for take out lunches is fantastic -- their combinations are great and have ample food -- they don't skimp. The downside is that their Spicy Tuna doesn't live up to Ginger's, but they have amazing spicy mayo which in my opinion makes up for that. Oh, and their flying fish roe which is a fun accent to any sushi -- was too fishy.

4. China Cuisine, North Reading: Okay, this place doesn't look like much on the outside but it's quite nice inside. Their chinese food was always very good so when they added a sushi bar - imagine this girl's excitement! And the sushi is very, very, very good. Reasonably priced (though no dinners...) but I have to say that their Hamachi rolls are the best I've had -- and truthfully their Sake (salmon) nigiri has been the most buttery salmon I've tasted anywhere. They have a wonderful sushi chef, that is for sure. They're happy to customize something as well. Oh - and now here, they're flying fish roe is not fishy - it's rather sweet and compliments any roll wonderfully.

5. Sushi Island, Wakefield: Probably the priciest of the bunch, but it's very good. It's difficult to order takeout there because they don't speak English on the phone well - but in person, it's a fantastic place to dine in.

6. Blue Fin, Middleton: I think pricewise this is tied with Sushi Island; they have the most creative combinations of sushi I've ever had -- and they are unbelievably delicious. Their sweet crab is to die for. I don't mean "crab stick" which we all know is imitation -- I mean the real deal crab. Unbelievable. They even have a sirloin sushi that is amazing. Even better, are their kids meals! Well priced, good portions and the food is super fresh tasting. My kids always ask to go their. They get fresh fruit with their meal, and a little taste of sushi. (I've got really cool kids when it comes to eating. They're up for anything!)

So this is in a nutshell probably my favorite go-to places for sushi.
Recommendations? Anyone....?

Show me the money....

"The critical ingredient is getting off your butt and doing something. It's as simple as that. A lot of people have ideas, but there are few who decide to do something about them now. Not tomorrow. Not next week. But today. The true entrepreneur is a doer, not a dreamer." - Nolan Bushnell, founder of Atari and Chuck E. Cheese's

"The important thing is not being afraid to take a chance. Remember, the greatest failure is to not try. Once you find something you love to do, be the best at doing it." - Debbi Fields, founder of Mrs. Fields Cookies

"An entrepreneur tends to bite off a little more than he can chew hoping he'll quickly learn how to chew it. - Roy Ash, co-founder of Litton Industries

"Don't hold yourself back from success....If you are scared that you might not be capable of doing something, then you won't be capable to do it. Throw caution to the wind and give it your all --- see if you just can't make it happen!" -- Rebecca, I'm just a Girl

And to think, all this time I thought I was a "rose colored" kinda girl....

Who knew?

You See the World Through Yellow Colored Glasses

You live your life with optimism. You remain happy through the bad times, and your outlook remains bright. You judge all interactions through the lens of hope. You try to see the best in people, and you give them the benefit of the doubt. You face challenges with a spirit of adventure. Things are what they are, so you might as well make the best of them. You see love as the utmost expression of personal joy. You tend to be attracted to lively, friendly people. At your worst, you are a bit petty and jealous. You want to be everyone's shining star. You are happiest when you're daydreaming or thinking up fresh ideas.

What Color Glasses Do You See the World Through?

TGIF....!

This morning, before I left for work - I caught the tail end of "Reverse the Curse" - the updated version from 2004 after we won the World Series. It still gets me choked up watching the Yankees series. And of course, winning the World Series. Every single player contributed to making that magic happen. It was truly something awesome to see...definitely a great way to start the weekend.

I know I raved about Jason Mraz - and his latest cd is awesome, though I much prefer his acoustic versions of songs. That being said, I did pick up the latest Gavin Degraw cd - and I love, love, love it. My favorite tracks: Cheated on Me, and Young Love. I was absolutely addicted to his first cd (acoustic version) the same way --I played it incessently. I still play it in work from time to time. I think I had it in my SUV for a year before I could bear to part with it from my commute. Anyhow - this latest cd is amazing from the first song to the last. The only two I don't care for are Next to Me, and Relative. But who knows, they may grow on me...

What's cooking this weekend? Let's see....tomorrow my sister and I are heading out to a flea market with the kids, and then with the weather projected to be so warm - for a little swimming afterwards at her mother in law's pool. Sunday, I have a baby shower for my sitter to go to - and after that, not really sure what's in the game plan. It's the last weekend before school starts, so I'm sure we'll do something fun.

My final thought for this gorgeous Friday afternoon is this....
"Anyone who proposes to do good must not expect people to roll stones out of his way, but must accept his lot calmly if they even roll a few more upon it."- Albert Schweitzer

It's a sunshine day....

It probably couldn't be any more picture perfect outside.
And here I am...indoors. Sigh.

That's okay -- tonight this girl is going on a shopping extravaganza. A very chi-chi store is having a blowout clearance sale at their warehouse -- which, who knew -- is literally at the end of my street! So myself and my friend Michelle are going to see if we can't find some fun things to spruce up our wardrobe. Special thanks to Glitter for passing along the info....she's always on the inside track of these kinds of things.

After that, a sushi dinner will be in order. Much needed, and long overdue... (Too bad you can't join us Ms. G..)

After all the indecisiveness of the last few weeks and the cycles of three -- it seems that life is settling down and moving towards the right direction. I'm going to refrain from divulging too much more, for the time being.

However, it is definitely a sunny day today - in more ways than one.

God Bless the beasts....and the children.

I believe in the practice of using torture when it comes to finding out information.

This may sound like a harsh tactic -- but hear me out first.

I believe in my heart of hearts, that someone needs to torture Casey Anthony to find out what happened to her daughter. If you inflict enough pain on this woman -- the truth will come out. Forget a hot shower, and a pedicure as a bounty hunter seems to think will work -- because unless that's code for "cruel and unusual punishment" -- I don't think any true information is going to come out.

This is a girl who clearly has no conscience; she's had no culpability or accountability in her life thus far -- and will continue to lead authorities in circles because she knows that she can.

I'm so haunted by this case, and it literally makes my stomach hurt when I watch the news updates of the story unfolding. And while it would be easy for me to turn a blind eye to it all, there's something about little Caylee's face that is just drawing me in. I don't know if it's because there's something about her that is reminding me of my own daughter -- or just the innate sense of wanting to protect her somehow.

In the beginning when this case was first publicized, I really felt that there were enough pieces to the puzzle to think that she'd be alive. My gut felt that maybe the mother had a drug problem, had a debt to pay and said "here, take my kid...". I almost thought it was possible that Caylee might have been sold into the black market -- which while a horrible thing to endure -- at the same time, I thought was better than the alternative. Even while it's been so long that she's been missing -- with no traces of a body to support murder -- and no clear cut evidence (that has been released to the media anyway) that there was a dead body in the car, it almost seemed plausible to think (hope, wish) that maybe she's in another country someplace.

But the truth is, my heart sank the other night when I heard that clothes and a backpack were found in a wooded area.

For a second I rationalized this information, and thought "this would make sense. They'd change her into new unrecognizable clothing..." and I also thought that maybe it would make sense as to why Casey Anthony, her clearly demented mother -- would not be showing signs of grief. If she truly has a reason to believe that her daughter is alive - then that would explain why she's so, unemotional over it all. She's coming across as annoyed - even irritated by everyone trying to find out what the truth is. Of course she'd have to explain why she sold her daughter, but maybe in her twisted mind that's more of an issue than if (God forbid) she was actually dead.

I've seen more emotion come out of heinous child abusers who have killed their children than out of this woman. And none of the details add up. The grandparents are either simply in denial that their daughter is capable of wrong doing -- or it's the exact opposite. My gut tells me that they know their daughter is very capable of doing wrong things, but maybe are in denial that it would go so far as murder.

All I know is that I firmly believe if this young woman is tortured enough (and truthfully, I don't think it would take much to break her) -- she will come clean about where her daughter is.

My heart absolutely aches for this little girl. And while I know that the ending is not going to end up a happy one -- there's still a little flicker of hope inside of me, holding out for one.

Postive Thinking....

Be joyful, just because you can.
Generously give of yourself just because it's your own special way to make a difference.

Smile...it is so easy and pleasant to do.

Follow your dreams just because they call so vividly and persistently to you.

Always speak the truth just because you understand its far-reaching power.
Act with integrity just because it keeps you on the path to true fulfillment.

Offer a kind word just because it can have such a positive impact.

Life can be quite complex....but it doesn't have to be complicated.

Monday Musings....

So, today I was home unexpectedly; my sitter called in for today.

What surprised me more than that, is the fact that I can't use sick time! I called in sick to my company and was honest that my sitter called in; I have to make up the time because they won't let me use sick time. Which is interesting - maybe other companies work that way as well - but I've never been told I can't use sick unless I'm personally sick myself. Every company I've ever worked for either had combined vacation/sick time, it was just time off -- or, if you were sick and didn't have the time to use, you used vacation - and vice versa. So, had I lied and said I wasn't feeling well, I could've used the sick time I've earned. How is it that works as a benefit? Having someone monitor the usage of your earned time? Interesting. I wonder if there would also be a determination as to just how sick I am before it would be considered valid enough of a reason not to come in. Okay...I'm sorry -- I'm getting catty now. Good thing I haven't mentioned that my sitter is 8 months pregnant. What the heck would I do if she couldn't come in? However it is, I'm just glad that I am going to be self employed at some point.

Speaking of sitters... I've received not one response to my ad looking for part time after school help. I'm wondering at what point should I be in panic mode....

So, seeing as it was gorgeous out today -- a day at Water Country it was. I'd never been before, and wow -- it was quite impressive. My public restroom issues aside, it's quite clean. And fun! And as far as the food goes -- it was pretty darn good. However, I didn't realize that they allow coolers and such because Canobie Lake doesn't, so I assumed the same for here -- and yet they do. So next time we go -- this girl is packing a feast. It was so hot today, some of the awesome peaches we picked this weekend would've been so good.

Ah yes, the tomato and corn festival at our favorite farm was cancelled.....seems they were flooded with all the rain from last week. We were crushed. However...not only did I find a beautiful farm in Amesbury to go peach, nectarine, blueberry and raspberry picking -- but I found a new farm to go to in Sherbourne next weekend for a tomato and corn festival. Fingers crossed for beautiful weather this Saturday....

So now this girl is very tired...very tan....and looking forward to the lasagna that's cooking in the oven at the moment. Thank goodness for no-boil lasagna pasta. It makes life that much easier when you're wanting some good ol' fashioned comfort food.

All that and a bag of chips...

I have to say, I've made something for dinner tonight that is so flipping good - I wanted to share it with the blogosphere. But first...

Today was the shopping extravaganza at Wrentham. I managed to hold back somehow, and only bought two things for myself: these great Ugg Flip Flops for a mere $25.00; and a perfume by BVULGARI that my cousin turned me onto this past fall which I love, love, love. And, to have only paid $32.00 for the eau du parfum is quite the score. There was a Coach bag there that was not just calling but screaming my name. $208 with 40% off...but I will wait until my October jaunt back to buy a bag I think. That will be a birthday gift to myself, possibly.

You just never know who'll you see when shopping, and I ran into Glitter and Flutter! We texted and chatted for a few minutes before parting ways so that they could finish their shopping - and we could finish ours.

Okay, the dinner recipe.
I'm calling it "Turkamole". It's a turkey salad with a twist -- and it is so yummy.

I had made a 15lb turkey on Thursday and had leftovers that I needed to use. So I had a good amount of meat left to use. So start with using left over turkey meat....

Shred it with a fork and knife, but keep it chunky. Season it however you like. (I used salt, pepper and garlic powder. Fresh garlic would be too overpowering for this meal.) Chop one small white or vidalia onion and mix in. Take a few grape tomatoes, however many you like - and slice in half. Mix them in. Taste and season again if needed. Then, take fresh cilantro and mix in. (I like a lot of cilantro - do it to taste) Take two avacados and chop them up so they're chunky. Douse them with fresh lime juice. Mix into the turkey mix. Take 1 TSP of Lemonaise, and blend well. Squirt lime juice over the top - and then refrigerate.

Serve ontop of a heap of lettuce that has salsa lightly over it.

It was awesome. Truly.

Weekend in New England....

I am so ready for the weekend. And even more ready for the plans I've got lined up.
Starting with this afternoon. I've got an "early release day" today -- and a much needed and long overdue French Manicure that is calling my name.

Afterwards, I have to pick the kiddies up at the Loop and while I'm waiting - I may have to peek around at a few shops. But I must be good because there is time for shopping later in the weekend. I think I'll surprise the kids and take them for dinner someplace, maybe eat outdoors if it's nice out. Then tonight, it's all sorts of paperwork "stuff" for me...

Tomorrow is the much anticipated Tomato & Corn Festival at our favorite farm. The kids are hanging on every word the weather reporters are saying. So fingers crossed that the rain will avoid the Concord area tomorrow afternoon.

And then I'm praying the weather avoids the Fenway area tomorrow night, as it's two Sox tickets that are sitting in this girl's hot little hands....

Sunday, I will have to contain my happiness and excitement as I hear the angels choir when we arrive at our final destination for this weekend: the Wrentham Outlets. (Insert the angels singing HERE.) School shopping is upon us, and places like The Childrens Place, Carters and Gap Kids are beckoning me.

Places like Ann Taylor, Williams-Sonoma and Coach are beckoning me as well, but you know how it goes -- Moms always come last on the shopping list...

You must...love...me....

It's official. Jason Varitek is leaving his wife for me. I knew I'd win his heart!
Kidding.....

Truthfully, I have mixed feelings about the announcement that came out this morning regarding (be still my beating heart...) Jason Varitek filing for divorce.

Maybe the stress of this happening is what's had him looking so thin most of this season. He just hasn't looked right since being sick with the flu back in April.

Of course, this is really a very sad situation and I'm not really all that happy about it. No one likes to see a marriage end and a family split apart. He has three little girls, and this has got to be devastating for them. And who knows what the true circumstances are that are surrounding the situation.

But that being said -- I hope that the rumors I've alluded to previously aren't true. Though even if they are - rebound girls are just that, rebounds. I hope he takes time to reflect, think about his family....and then, when he's ready -- come looking for me!

(Just kidding....sigh.)

Meet my latest obsession...

And wouldn’t you know – his name is Jason.
It's not him personally that I'm so obsessed with though - it's his music.

I’ve been struggling to find some music that really excites me – and I found some about a month ago. And now, I’m completely addicted. Check out Jason Mraz. If you’ve already been a fan and I’m just catching on now – jeesh, you should’ve said something to me! I’ve been in the musical dumps lately. But he has ignited that excitement that I get when I find good music. Some people take drugs to get a high. I don’t take drugs, so I don’t know what a true high feels like; but I do know that I feel completely euphoric when I’m listening to really good music.

Good music to me isn’t just a melody; it’s got to be great lyrics too. Anyone can write a catchy riff to stay in your head, but to me - the song has to evoke emotion. I don't care what emotion it is, but it's got make me feel something. It's not what you say as much as how you say it. As Eddie Wilson in “Eddie & the Cruisers” once said: “Words and music…they need each other”.

Do yourself a favor – check him out. See if you don’t fall in love too….

"I'm Yours" - Jason Mraz

Well you done done me and you bet I felt it
I tried to be chill but you're so hot that I melted
I fell right through the cracks
and now I'm trying to get back
Before the cool done run out
I'll be giving it my bestest
Nothing's going to stop me but divine intervention
I reckon it's again my turn to win some or learn some

I won't hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait, I'm yours

Well open up your mind and see like me
Open up your plans and damn you're free
Look into your heart and you'll find love love love love
Listen to the music of the moment people dance and sing
We're just one big family
And It's our God-forsaken right to be loved love loved love loved

So I won't hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait I'm sure
There's no need to complicate
Our time is short
This is our fate, I'm yours

Scooch closer dear
and i will nibble your ear

I've been spending way too long checking my tongue in the mirror
And bending over backwards just to try to see it clearer
My breath fogged up the glass
And so I drew a new face and laughed
I guess what i be saying is there ain't no better reason
To rid yourself of vanity and just go with the seasons
It's what we aim to do
Our name is our virtue

I won't hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait I'm sure
There's no need to complicate
Our time is short
this is our fate, I'm yours

Well no no, well open up your mind and see like me
Open up your plans and damn you're free
Look into your heart and you'll find the sky is yours
Listen to the music of the moment come and dance with me
A lá one big family (2nd time: A lá happy family; 3rd time: A lá peaceful melody)
It's your God-forsaken right to be loved love love love

I won't hesitate no more, no more
It cannot wait, I'm sure
There's no need to complicate
Our time is short
This is our fate, I'm yours

No please, don't complicate
Our time is short
This is our fate, I'm yours

No please, don't hesitate
no more, no more
It cannot wait
The sky is yours!

Baseball is a passion that bonds and divides all those who know it...

As well all know, I do enjoy sports overall – and I am rather enthusiastic about baseball. So while I’m not a great “stats-slinger” kind of gal – I do have very definite thoughts on the sport, and more specifically – the Red Sox. Last week sometime, I was asked to post on a fellow blogger’s baseball blog -- Tommy B. He’s right over there on my blog roll, so if you’re looking for some fun ball banter, pop on over! There’s a little something for everyone there.

Which brings me to today’s musings.

1. Look at all these rumors…. Stories flying around all over Red Sox Nation. Hottest rumor I heard this morning was that one of the “big three” in the Front Office would be moving on this year. We know Theo’s contract Is up, but how’s about the possibility of Lucchino moving on to work with Frank McCourt? In Manny drama, in addition to the investigation that he intentionally forced the Sox into a trade – I heard scufflings about some suggesting that if (and that’s a huge “IF” at the moment) the Sox were to win the World Series – that Manny wouldn’t be invited to attend a ring ceremony. Now that’s one rumor that I certainly think is not true. I highly doubt that the Red Sox organization would do such a thing. That would be poor taste. And of course while I try to disregard the gossipy rumors, I’ve heard over the last few weeks from different sources (including one inside Fenway, though honestly I don’t know the reliability of) some very disappointing news regarding my very favorite person in all of the MLB, my dear Captain. They can’t possibly be true, because let’s be honest -- we all know the truth of the matter is that he loves me! (come on, give a girl a break would you?)

2. Speaking of Jason….he’s the next focus of attention regarding contract talks amidst the media circles in town. I’m sorry, if I’ve said it once – I’ve said it a million times – he’s too valueable to this team to let go. What he brings to the Sox is intangible. If he’s not slugging – that shouldn’t be that big of an issue, keep him in the “8” spot. It’s his catching, leadership, and defense that round off everything else. Oh, and with Scott Borass being under so much scrutiny these days, negotiating may very well be in the favor of the Red Sox organization. Rumor has it that he’ll be looking for another four years. Will he get it? I don’t know. I don’t know if that’s even true….but if I was a gambling girl, I’d say the Sox give him at least two – with options.

3. Have I not been beating the “Clay Buchholz isn’t ready” drum all season long? It’s really hard when the shoes you have to fill are your own! Throwing a no hitter your first time out is almost unheard of, plus everyone then expects you to be solid, at a minimum – if not great – from there on in. It’s going to be fun tonight to watch “the new kid” Charlie Zink pitch. It’s always fun to watch a knuckleballer and a new guy at that. But back to pitching for a minute – our lineup is good, but we have no real dominating threat at bat outside of Papi. Everyone is strikeable. Not that Manny wasn’t – but again, might I ask whom else would you see step up at 0-2 with 2 outs and think “oh yeah, we can get a run out of this…it’s possible”. I know the end was coming eventually – I just wish it wasn’t this season, especially where our pitching is seemingly…struggling at times – and most definitely lacking middle relief. Hitting wins games….pitching wins games. It’s ying and yang. You can’t be great at just one of them – there has to be a good balance of both.

4. Okay, off topic of baseball and a quick Patriots thought…did anyone else notice how visibly disappointed Brady looked at his backup? He and Cassell didn’t even speak when the rookie came off the field and Matt Gutierrez went on. Now THAT was painful to watch. Sack. Sack. Sack. Oh – he’s got the ball? Sack. The only bright light was Kevin O’Connell who actually did something with the ball and made things happen.


Football is definitely one of the best parts of fall….that and of course, post-season baseball.

Postscript: Shortly after I posted, the Sox announce the pickup of Paul Byrd. A decent and much needed addition to the rotation.

She's a yummy mummy....!

Seriously, the paparazzi (or the stalkerazzi as they should aptly be called) need to back off my girl Lisa Marie.

First off -- she's not her father. Though she's been gifted with stunning looks that are haunting with familiarity, the comparison should quite honestly - end there.

She's pregnant at 40, which is a miracle all within itself given the difficulties many women have with conception. This does not mean that she's going to eat herself into oblivion. And I think the media tends to lose sight that while her tragic father did have a love for food, he also had a love for drugs and alcohol which also contributed to his less than flattering shape towards the end of his otherwise seemingly charmed life.

Lisa Marie Presley, while opting for a little bit more of an open life than she had prior to the scandalous marriage she engaged in to Michael Jackson -- has managed to lead a relatively normal life despite the celebrity and insanity that she grew up with and has always been surrounded by. She slowly lets the media in -- and what do they do? What they always do...try to tear her apart. This is what they do to everyone. Sweetheart one day....overweight and overindulgent the next.

I applaud Lisa Marie for posing for this photo. It's tasteful, and beautiful - and I don't blame her for standing up for herself. No one who lives under the microscope of scrutiny should have to succumb to mean and nasty things that are said about them just because those of us who don't have that life feel that it's "par for the course".

Because you know what -- it's not.

Hi, I'm Rebecca - and I'm a saltaholic....

I write this with great disgust. Well, and a little bit of a bad taste in my mouth.

I just devoured a whole bag of Sweet and Spicy Chili Doritos. Along with a few glasses of a very nice White Bordeaux, might I add.


I couldn't resist. They were calling my name!
"Rebecca....you've never had us before.....give us a try....."

And so on the dark side I walked.
(My god, they're like the Devil.)


This is why it's not good to eat healthy all the time.

At the same time, tomorrow I'll feel so much better as I think I'm going to do a "veggie" week. That whole detox that I should've done last week but didn't?

It shall be a week of fresh veggies and fruits -both raw and roasted. Of course the fruits won't be roasted. Although, now that I'm thinking about it - that might not be entirely true. I am always roasting pears and apples and even oranges with my food. I might mix a little veggie/fruit medley for funsies.

And by Friday, this absolutely disgusting feeling I have will be gone...gone....gone!


(For the record, these aren't that good. I'd take classic Doritos over these anyday....)

Badger hates Society, and invitations, and dinner, and all that sort of thing.

Blogging is a funny world, people come and go. Although I have to say that the bulk of people who are on my blogroll I’ve been in contact with since my first venture into the “blogosphere”. I don’t get to blogsurf as often as I’d like, and so I don’t often get to contribute to other’s worlds as much as I’d like to. But lately I’ve been able to get “out and about” a bit more, and have been able to pop in and visit some of my favorite people.

McSwain is one of my first finds and favorite reads. There are some people on my blog roll that I love because I can relate to them, or we are going through similar life experiences – or maybe it’s that we’ve got common interests. And then there are some that it’s a little of all of the above and then some. But most of all, McSwain has a perspective on life and just says things in such a way that after I read almost all of her posts I find myself saying “I just love her.”

So I’m going to use the meme she posted on her blog yesterday. She didn’t tag anyone but did throw the invitation out there, so I’m graciously accepting it.

Four things you should know about me before inviting me to your house:

1. If you’re inviting me for dinner – I make a terrible guest in the respect of I don’t like to sit there and have you do all the work. There are a very few people that I will go to their homes and not jump right on in (although I do always ask if I can help anyway…) because they’re as much of a control freak about their kitchen as I am! But I just can’t sit there and be waited on by a friend. I truly enjoy helping in the kitchen and cleaning up afterwards. I’ve been known to not only help there but take over the cleanup duty -- including the pots and pans. If you insist that I don’t help than I won’t overstep, but I truly don’t feel comfortable not lending a hand.

2. I never arrive empty handed. If you’ve invited me over, I always bring something! Even if it’s just a cup of coffee….

3. I will admire your decorating. I love love love the way people put things in their home. Even something as simple as a tablecloth will catch my attention. I’m a “see-touch-feel” kinda girl, and if I like something that you’ve done I’m not shy about complimenting you on it and admiring it.

4. I’ll almost always take off my shoes. There are some exceptions to this rule, but generally speaking – I like when people take their shoes off when coming into mine, and so in return I immediately take off my shoes when I go into someone else’s. Don’t worry, I wouldn’t go with bare feet – I’ll have nice clean socks on. Not that my feet aren’t clean! But I also hate being barefoot, so…therein lies the problem.


So tell me --- what are four things I should know about you before coming to my house?

Captains Log: Star date, 08078

Okay so I'm not a real Captain but this is my gig, so...

Yes, I really did grow up on Star Trek and once considered myself to be a "trekkie". That is up until I saw "The Wrath of Khan". That movie to me was the ultimate Star Trek movie and I have yet to watch another one since. I even named my last Doberman on his AKC papers "Wrath of Khan". It was a Star Trek litter so clearly I couldn't resist.

Life as a Mom is never lacking dull moments.
Today I spent my day at Children's yet again with my daughter. All's well that ends well fortunately, and hopefully this will by my last visit to the Children's Hospital ER for a long, long time. This was my third visit in three weeks -- there's that "theory of threes" again.

As I was up at 3:30 this a.m. watching ESPN, I saw the announcement about Bret Favre being sent to the NY Jets. I hope the Jets fans start saying their "Hail Mary's" now - because they're sure to be seeing alot of them this season. Not sure that Chad Pennington would ever play back up but if he'd entertain the idea....might not be a bad pickup for the Pats.

You know what would be a good pick up for me?
A deep tissue massage and maybe a good dose of yoga.
Neither of which is going to be readily available to me I don't think.

So I'll take a good night's sleep during the interim.

But definitely something to look forward to...

Morning found us calmly unaware, Noon burned gold into our hair, At night, we swam at laughin' sea, When summer's gone, where will we be?

It’s funny how August, used to be the “dog days” of summer in New England. But in the past 20 some odd years that’s changed. August is now the immediate precursor to fall. The days almost instantly are cooler.

While it’s not cold out by any stretch, it’s definitely been cooler and damper these last few days than in the past few weeks. Surely a sign of things to come.

Even last night when indulging in ice cream at Dairy Queen – after a few bites, it felt too cold to be outside eating – and we hurried to the warmth of the car to finish up.

When I was little, those changes didn’t occur until September – and with the weather change came the beginning of school. Always springs of the politically incorrect term “Indian Summer” throughout the month and into October. But it was summer straight up to that point. Of course now, kids start school in August rather than September 8th as when I was younger – so it’s sort of an interesting migration of weather pattern. Coincidentally aligning with the beginning of the school year…

Thinking that tonight's a night for fuzzy pajamas and nice bowl of some sort of warm, tasty comfort food.

It's that theory of "three's" again.

I'm looking for a little clarity and definition and just when I think it's going to happen....more possibilities arrive on the horizon.

You know the old addage of "things always come in threes"...?

In a span of 5 hours yesterday:

1. The liquor license that's being negotiated has made a little headway. Still ugly, messy and in litigation -but moving forwards.

2. A retail space in the next town over that already has a built in freezer and cooler (though not a shop previously) is available in a beautiful location. Oh, and by the way -- ample liquor licenses available and the space is ready to go. So I've made an appointment to go look at it this afternoon after work. Because truly, I can't wait any longer on this lack of direction with regards to business. And I can build a shop there, the clientele would be there -- and I think it would be tres successful.

3. Just on a whim - I called on a fine wine shop that was advertised as being on the "north shore". Vague enough, right? Because I'm very specific about where I want to be, so this could've been anywhere from Gloucester to where I live. Well, come to find out -- it's that shop that we were supposed to pass papers on this past January! So...now they're with a broker, which is lousy - but still - the offer is being submitted in about an hour because one never knows. I believe that they have another offer on the table but the realtor has let us to believe that they're not sure how serious it is. So in the ring the hat is thrown....

Again -- opportunites abound....but still no lack of clarity for direction. I just want to focus on one thing, you know?

They also say "three times is a charm". And this would be our third dealing with the already existing shop.

So I'm really hoping that this is a sign that "three" is a good luck charm.

"Have some more chicken, have some more pie - it doesn't matter if it's boiled or fried - just eat it...."

I'm just not good at impulse control sometimes.
That's not entirely true, but honestly I felt that way this weekend.
I am in serious need of some detoxification.

Friday night, I went out for Mexican with one of my girlfriends -- and I swear, it was if I'd never seen food before. Two baskets of chips and salsa, guacamole live (which truthfully, I ate most of myself!) and ultimate fajitas. Which, we split - much to my dismay at first. When the plate came out I thought "hmm. I think we might need another one of those..." and while I did eat three fajitas completed loaded with everything under the sun -- we did actually have food left over so it was a good call to split. I never really get to go and eat Mexican so when I do -- it's like, another vulture spying roadkill moment.

Saturday, wasn't much better. After hitting the craft store with another girlfriend and the kids we went to lunch. Buffalo chicken tenders for an appetizer. Sure, I got a healthy salad for lunch but you know - the key lime pie I ate for dessert threw that all out the window.

But yesterday was the kicker. After going out for Japanse steak house dinner, where I not only had a lovely sushi roll for an appetizer and seared tuna with all the fixings for my meal -- later that night, while I wasn't hungry for dinner, I did manage to devour a whole box of Monterey Jack Cheezits. Not a few. Not a handful. The whole box.

Needless to say my sodium levels are probably through the roof. I'm sore to the touch today!

This is why I don't eat Doritos. I don't eat a few. I eat a bag.
Pizza? I don't eat a slice or two. I eat the whole damn thing. Sometimes two if I'm really hungry.

And it's not that I can't afford to do it, because truthfully I can.
It's just that I feel so lousy afterwards that it just truly isn't worth it.

Even when it's the right thing to do...it isn't always easy.

So tomorrow I have to have "the talk" with my sitter.
She's going out on maternity leave shortly, and so there's been some struggling with trying to decide what to do when she's out.

Hiring a FT temporary person is not only draining emotionally - it can be expensive too! If I go through the same agency that I used to find my sitter, it will cost me $1200 for a temporary person. If I go through Craig's List, sure it's free - but then I have to really be extra thorough on my choices. And it's not easy to find a temp....full time, no less.

Her mother in law has offered to watch them for me, but she's been less than reliable with regards to watching her own granddaughter who is at my house more often than she's not. (With no costbreak to me, might I add...).

Pre-kindergarten in my town is only part time, as are a few of the other private "pre-schools". So I thought that option was out. But....back in May, a friend referred us to a private preschool that I didn't even know was in town. It's a major industry in the town that has a preschool for it's employees, but also has limited availability for town residents. They have a preschool, a prekindergarten and a kindergarten. But I'm only interested in one year Pre-K. They didn't have any openings for FT at the time we inquired, but now.....they do.

And here's the thing. There's so much uncertainty in my life right now with regards to direction. My job - am I going to stay or not? The business -- will the liquor license come to fruition or not? And if so, then how long after would I be leaving to build and get ready to run the store? I'm not happy with my employment scenario....and now my childcare scenario is up in the air and if there's one area I refuse to have confusion in -- it's my kids.

My town has full time kindergarten and so I think this would be a great way to get her acclaimated to it. And to let this opportunity pass by is foolish. The timing actually works out well given that maternity is happening anyway...and truth be told, given the fact that my daughter has more often than not been a third child at home than the second that she really is -- I think there are some behavioural benefits to this as well.

I really like my sitter, she's a doll. I'm going to feel awful when I tell her, but the truth of the matter is - this is what's best for my family. But even wielding that as my sword, it isn't going to make it any easier....

I see both sides of the story...

Truly, I do. But that doesn't mean that I have to be happy about it.
Honestly, I was a little choked up when at 4:02 the airwaves were abuzz with the sketchy details. And then I was really irritated when I heard the details of it all unfold.

I wouldn't have made this trade.
I think that we can "call it a season" unless something dramatically improves with the pitching staff.

I'm not taking anything away from Jason Bay. He's a good ball player and has great stats -- and has youth. He's a nice guy, the clubhouse will love him. Okay, I get that. But in essence, straight up for Manny? And oh by the way -- we had to let two other guys go that while not working for us, still have value to obtain other people? So we let three people go to gain one. And what we really needed was a strong middle reliever and possibly another dark horse starter?

If I take my emotion out of it, and look at it from a purely business perspective -- I know that Manny's productivity is declining. It's not bad by any stretch - but it's not what it was a few years ago. So if we held onto him for another year -- and then tried to trade him, his value may be markedly less. As it is, due to his persona and tantrums - no one was chomping at the bit for him as it was. So what we can get for him today is better than what we may have gotten for him tomorrow. I get it.

And then of course there's the rumored talk behind closed doors of how the veterans told Theo that Manny has become unbearable throughout all of this. Then it definitely would make sense for management to make a move. Because the clubhouse guys are the ones that have to deal with him day in and day out.

At the same time, I'd have kept him - and used him for what we were paying him for. As a racehorse. He'd have had to play, especially if he was going to be trying to command a $100M contract for four years at some point as was the thinking . If he didn't perform -- bench him. That would certainly show him who was boss. Keeping Manny's bat in the lineup and trading for middle relief would've kept us in the race for this year. Which truthfully, I don't know that I think we've got the pieces to that puzzle now. Not because Manny was the key; but because we had other holes to plug. And I'm sorry, when you've got men on base and two outs -- who else do you want to see up at bat? 'Nuff said.

But I didn't have to work with the guy - so easy for me to say, right?

Here's the bigger issue in my mind. Every team around us has gotten better with this trade season. The Angels -- look so hot right now. The Yankees did exceptionally well I think, although I know last night's game didn't fare well for them -- just to name a few.

Listen, I'm not throwing in the towel by any stretch. It just doesn't look promising at the moment. And I'm just not convinced that this was the trade to have been made for this year.

I still love Manny. I loved every minute of "Manny being Manny" as a spectator. Sure it got ugly towards the end, and that's unfortunate. But I will absolutely unequivocably miss him in the lineup tonight and every night thereafter. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

On a sidenote.... I think I now have another reason as to why I don't love Heidi Watney. Yes, I still think she's not good at what she does, and yesterday's "on the fly" reporting really solidified that. But there's another reason that's floating around...and that will be a rant for another day. But be sure that it's coming...