Now, I can relax. Finally.....

Well, sort of.

The closing went off - but not without hitches. Literally, at the time we were scheduled to close, it was "off"; I called the attorney to reschedule and he relented on some of the paperwork that he "had to have" and allowed us to close without the documents that were beyond our control in obtaining.

I still have some minor running around to do tomorrow before hosting a wine tasting tomorrow night at a dinner party -- but I think the majority of the chaos is done, for now anyway.

I don't know about you, but I'm exhausted.

(So tired, that I haven't even given much thought to the Ortiz debaucle which truly - surprises me. Clearly, I'm still naive because he was the one person I thought for sure wouldn't have used steroids. Aaagh. I'm an idiot -- and clearly, no one is clean in baseball.)

Fingers crossed, toes crossed....I'd cross my nose if I could!

So I'm thinking all this running around the last three weeks is going to payoff, finally.

We've got the closing scheduled for 3pm tomorrow. I've got a ton more running around to do because their attorney is making me jump through hoops, and truthfully - they're not necessary according to my attorney which I had to retain in all of this. Typically, I shouldn't have needed one but the bank attorney is creating "busy work" for the closing (direct quote from my attorney) -- which is a pain in this girl's mosquito bitten butt. In any event, at a minimum I can say that the ABCC was more than cooperative, even going so far as to avoiding my needing a trip into town and expediting the approval of my license to make the closing time. Very exciting!

So, today was my first yoga class back, and I've got another one tomorrow before I do what is hopefully my last day of running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Most of the process paperwork will be done and now I can concentrate on fun stuff, like picking out my artisanal cheeses and gourmet food.

Next week I'm hoping to take a little more time for me, somehow... a bit more yoga, maybe capitalize on that massage gift certificate I've got -- even if it's just enjoying a cup of coffee in between job interviews I'm lining up. It's been a hectic few weeks, and it will get even crazier as we get closer to opening, but this less frantic paced week coming up is going to be very warmly received.

I am woman, hear me roar....

Sweeping the floors. Making coffee. Running upstairs and laying out the kids clothes. Straightening the beds. Pouring milk into cereal bowls. Starting a load of laundry. Wiping the counters. Watching the Food Networks' Next Network Star on DVR. Lighting incense.

All done in a span of 90 seconds this a.m. No lie.

My son: Don't you ever sit down?
Me: Don't you know me by now?

So, I sit down and watch the rest of the show with him - he had a good point.
(We're both pretty excited for the finale next week actually. We're both pretty sure it's going to be Melissa, but my son likes Jeffrey, so....we may have to make a friendly wager.)

If that's all I accomplished in the span of a commercial break, one can only imagine all that I accomplished today. My head is spinning at all that I got done... even I am pretty impressed.

Thank God I'm taking a morning yoga class before the insanity starts all over again tomorrow!

Do mosquitos really serve a purpose????

Okay, so I know that all creatures on this Earth serve a purpose. There is a chain of life, natural selection - and the general balance.

But mosquitos? I'm not really feeling the love for them, nor understanding what their purpose in life is.

We had a lovely day today - at the pool with all the cousins and we're all completely sundrenched - but not so much so that we can't enjoy a day at our favorite beach tomorrow. It's unfortunate that we've had so few days like this all summer - it was really, picture perfect. But let me tell you, by 8:45 those little nasty bugs were all over the place, tiki lamps and citronella did nothing.

I literally have mosquito bites on my behind! I swear they were underneath the chair and diving up. It was the craziest thing! And what is their point??? To suck my blood -- there must be some other meaning for mosquitos to be on this earth other than to be food for bats, praying mantis and others. Because truly - that's not a good enough reason for this girl.

Mmmmkay. According to Wiki, Yahoo and other sites - they're also for population control because they carry communicable diseases that are deadly. Well isn't that just a happy little thought?

I'm all for extermination of the buggers. There's plenty of other bugs to go around for the creatures that eat them.
*she says, scratching....*

Cause it's "one, two, three strikes....you're out" at the old, ball game.

So it's been some time since I've really blogged about baseball.

I'm not all that jazzed up about this trade season because I don't know that there's anyone that I really would love to see on the team right now. I'm not convinced the Halladay is going anywhere this season, especially after announcing he's going to be a free agent in 2010. I personally don't see Bucholz being a long term Sox and had been thinking he's trade bait, however...I'm not sure that a deal for the pitcher is going to happen from the Nation now.

(Side tidbit, I literally left the store an hour ago --as I'm writing this, the phone rings and it's G telling me that Mark Kotsay just came in a few minutes ago and bought a lovely bottle of wine. Such a fun surprise for G working behind the counter...)

The only other person I think is a viable score is Victor Martinez; but I'm not entirely convinced hat is going to happen either. John Henry via Twitter - made reference to the fact of not expecting bombshell trades (not verbatim - it's something similar to that). Truth of the matter is, I don't know there's anyone out there that would cause a bombshell reaction of either coming to Boston - or being traded away. (Outside of course, the Captain for me -- whom I think we can assume is safe.)

I think after the whole Manny debaucle and the emotions of last year, just about everything else will now pale in comparison. At least for a little while...

Words and thoughts for Wednesday.....

1. I love, love, love Giada & Ina. I know I've said this many times before, but seriously - everything that they make just is so simple and yet so decadent and seemingly delicious. I wish I had the creativity to come up with the menus and recipes that they do, but I suppose that is what makes them "chefs" and myself - not. I do try though. As a matter of fact, I saw some old friends from elementary and high school today at a wake I attended, and my girlfriend said that she loved seeing my dinner ideas that I would post online; I thanked her, but told her sometimes I think they probably sound better than they taste. I am my own harshest critic, for sure. (Although I am thinking of coming up with a recipe blog, or maybe a recipe Twitter site.)

2. Speaking of said friends and the wake.... I am not typically the type of person to ask for help with anything. I don't know why; I'd be the first person to help anyone with anything - but yet I stifle myself on the smallest things. Anyway, one of the girls is an oncology nurse and so my aforementioned girlfriend insisted I ask her questions about my Mom. I'm glad that she did though, because she's more than willing to help out and get information - even a doctor's appointment if need be -- and I mentioned it to my mother who surprised me and said she'd take that offer up. So, I feel a little better now knowing that she might actually get a second opinion from someplace other than the Sunshine State. (No offense, my Floridian friends but truly Boston is where it's at for medicine - though as Nichole pointed out, there are other areas as well, but I'm a bit biased.)

3. I definitely need to go back to running, yoga and acupuncture. I'm feeling a bit stressed with the buildout, though I think I've gotten the bulk of the running around done and now I can focus on other things. But truly, not running or going to yoga sort of makes me feel blah. The endorphins from exercise are invalueable, never mind the fact that it makes me feel better overall. Yoga is as I always say -- a workout, and therapy -- all in one. So, I see my studio has added morning classes so I think next week I'm definitely capitalizing on those. And yes, I will be running next week as well. I don't care if I just run the lake first thing in the a.m. -- I am all set with not doing for me. The acupuncture, well - I think I'm just in need of an adjustment. The weather spiked a bit today and I think it sent me into borderline migraine territory; I've warded it off, but looking back it's been 7 months since my last treatment. It seems that I can go 6 months at a time before needing a tweaking - and when you don't have headaches any longer after a while even a minor one seems major because you aren't used to them anymore. So, it's a good thing not having headaches - but then also, a not so good thing.

4. Life is like a box of chocolates. Well if that wasn't a true statement from a fictional character, then I don't know what is! We never know what's in store, and in a blink of an eye - life can change. So laugh loudly, love fiercely, and live life to the fullest. Make lemonade from life's lemons, because you can always find the upside of down if you look. Embrace the unexpected because sometimes - the greatest surprises can be found in the least likely of places.

It's kinz krazy!

I think I should own stock in Ganz.
Truly.

My kiddies are obsessed with WebKinz. To make things even more difficult as a parent, there's nary a store you can go into that doesn't have a WebKinz or two to sell.
Case in point....

Canobie Lake, we're at the gift shop just poking around to see if maybe I wanted to get my Princess Petunia a puka shell bracelet or something - when out of nowhere she starts shrieking "The Sherbat is here! The Sherbat is here!"

Sherbat?!? What the heck is a Sherbat?

Ah yes, well actually - it's a Bat WebKinz but the kids decided if they ever bought one they'd name it Sherbat. (In typical "Viva Pinata" fashion. If you don't know what "Viva Pinata" is, well - that's a whole other story. Give it a Google....)

So naturally with it being her birthday, G caved in and let her buy one. Which meant my son had to have one too, birthday or otherwise - it would've been total anarchy. (Yes, you deal with two kids after a long day in the sun with lots of sugar...) You think that either one of them bought this "Sherbat"? Oh no. She bought a lamb, and he bought a frog.

Today, I come home from an exhausting day of working the new store issues (one bright spot being a very quick spicy tuna roll at my favorite sushi restaurant with one of my favorite friends), to discover that they purchased a mountain goat and a golden retriever, respectively.

I think this brings the count they each have to something like 15?
And seriously - the decor the kids put on their rooms online for these animals are nothing short of spectacular. Fortunately, just about the only website I have unblocked for their use is the WebKinz site - and truth be told - the games are educational and good for them.

Sure, it's a crazy gimmick and a fabulous way to get parents to spend an insane amount of money on stuffed animals (which, my son hates to have me call them. He says they're "friends". He's sensitive....) but it's a small price to make them happy. Thinking about today's society and the types of toys that are out there, truly - if it's a little furry creature that makes them happy then I guess I'm all for it.

Red tape... double sided tape...sticky electrical tape...flypaper...superglue on a piece of paper... whatever sticks!!

I would think that after working for the federal government for 16 years, I'd be well schooled in the lesson of bureacracy; mmmmyeah -not so much actually. Because it still came as a total and complete surprise to me that even after we went to the individual departments in city hall weeks ago to find out the processes we need to go through and do them all in the proper order -- no one gave us the right information. Or that there is no transparency between the departments. Or that there is any clarity in any one department regarding policy.

Seriously?!? Seriously....!!

Even more fun, is finding out that the government didn't submit a piece of paperwork correctly so our application is postponed from being approved this week. Which means the closing for Thursday could potentially be postponed. Which means the cooler which really needs to be ordered can't be ordered yet because I am no way fronting that large of an amount of money; oh no, the bank is going to pay that one. (I'm a little skeptical of the timliness on the fund allocation so they can front that rather than my chasing them on it.) But I'm going to play the role of optomist in thinking we can still close if I can get the ABCC to put on paper that there is nothing short of the commission stamping the paperwork to prevent us receiving the license. (Insert deep sigh HERE.) Oh, did I mention this little detail of the bank's attorney requiring paper work that three attorneys thus far have deemed to be "over the top and unnecessary" for this kind of a closing and yet..... so, add attorney bill to the ever changing budget. (Insert additional deep sigh HERE.)

Okay, so what's the good news?
Well.

I got my Blackberry Tour today. And, I'm totally digging it. Tomorrow will be the test, I've got a heavily scheduled day and I'm curious to see the functionality of the calendaring.

Also....our landlord in Boston, made the first honest and seemingly legitimate reach out to us in regards to buying the building. (Where was he 6 months ago??? We wouldn't have necessarily done this business thing just yet; it could've waited until we settled the building. Everything happens for a reason though, right?) Well, good news is -- we can start the lines of communication and keep them in progress until we're ready to do it. That would be the most optimal situation and so I'm going to be courting him into being reasonable in pricing over the next few months.

Am I having fun yet??
You betcha.

Sunkissed, happy, and birthdays...

Another fantastic weekend that I'm sad to see end.

Today is my Princess Petunia's 5th birthday. She was born 5 weeks early, and her actual delivery time was 9:04 a.m., and as we were downstairs this morning - opening her gifts from yesterday's party, we happened to glance at the clock at just that time. So with presents in hand, and all of us together - we rung in the exact moment she turned 5 years old.

We had her party yesterday and I'm so glad we didn't postpone due to the weather forecasts leading up to the night before. It was absolutely gorgeous outside yesterday - a perfect day for a pool party.

Today, we took her on yet another picture perfect day - to Canobie Lake Park. We really love it there. I'm not so much of a ride person -- actually, I don't like amusement rides at all. Not even a little; but I love walking around - the grounds are beautiful, the park is so clean, the food is relatively decent for what it is -- and watching the kids is a blast in of itself.

So lots of love and kisses to my Princess Petunia -- no longer my "baby" baby... but who will always be my baby.

*yaawwwnnn*

As I sit here watching my boy Jason walk for the second time tonight, and have a glass of wine - I can honestly say I am beat. Mentally and physically.

I've done more these last three days than I think I've done in three years.
(Okay, that's a slight exaggeration, but only a slight one.)

I think next week while just as busy - will be a bit more manageable. Especially with the help of my friend Crackberry - I mean, Blackberry. I checked out the Tour and it looks fabulous. It should definitely help keep me organized and focused.

Tomorrow is the Princess Petunia's 5th birthday party! Fingers crossed, the updated weather forecast will be accurate and so long as it's not raining, the day will be good.

Stay tuned for pictures!

Because I'm all about the scents.....

I found a new room freshener that I love. The packaging is lousy, but it's not meant to be out on display in your living room anywhere, truly. It's meant to be tucked away, sprayed -- and then hidden once again so no one knows how you got your house to smell so good.

At Lowe's today, I was browsing through the cleaning product section because you can really get great pricing on cleaning products there (and truthfully I was there for some cabinetry, but I just can't avoid the cleaning aisle. It's a compulsion.) and the scented Glade oils are something I was out of and can't pass up on. (Lavendar & Vanilla, and Vanilla are the typical scents flowing through the house when it's not wintertime.)

So, this not so pretty yellow can of spray catches my eye; and of course - I have to spray it and try it. It's perfectly yummy. Think oranges, pineapple and a hint of vanilla. It's like a tropical drink for goodness sake -- it smells like a tropical creamsicle tastes! I had to have it - bought myself two and one for the store. (Oh, and for the record -- I didn't pay the price that particular link suggests. I paid about 1/3 of that price - don't know what they're thinking!)

Anyway - if you're looking for a fresh new scent for your car, home or office - and my description totally sets your taste and scent buds watering, then you must get yourself some. I highly recommend it.

Besides, have I ever steered anyone wrong with a recommendation?!?
I didn't think so.

Wonderings of Wednesday.....

I worked in the Boston store today - and let me tell you, though we were indoors -- it was great to actually see the sunshine outside through the windows!

1. What a change in the landscape of Boston sports radio. With WBCN now going to an all sports platform, I learned that WEEI is going to be going through all sorts of major changes. We met with a sales rep from WEEI for some pricing on radio spots to promote the new store, and we heard that Felger is leaving the station! I'm sure many more changes will be happening as well, but that sort of surprised me. And -- Mix 98.5 is going to be moving to 104.1, and vice versa. How's that for a change of scenery?

2. Justin Masterson walked by the store today. Funny thing is, he's not super recognizable. He looks very different outside of uniform, as opposed to someone like Paps or Mike Lowell who is noticeable everywhere. I thought that was an interesting observation.

3. Last night we did not watch the All Star Game much. (Shocking, I know...) And truthfully, I'm glad I didn't because I think it's rude that Joe Maddon didn't let Wake throw even one pitch. Seriously, what are the chances of the guy being selected to go again -- it was down right mean actually.

4. We did however, watch an amazing movie. We watched Schindler's List -- which I only saw once when it first came out. We happened to see it was starting and it just lures you in to watch. It's a sad commentary of that time in humanity, but what a fabulous movie. Of course, the ending when you see the actual survivors gets me every time -- but the truth of the matter is, despite the darkness of the subject matter, how often do you see a movie that truly evokes emotion? There have been plenty of movies about the Holocaust and key people involved (Valkyrie being one that had potential to be excellent and was just okay....) that fall rather flat in their delivery and content. But Schindlers List was absolutely outstanding.

5. While yesterday was a little sad and unsettling for me -- today was the exact opposite. Yeah, I got over that pretty quickly. I'm sure it will come and go, but I had a great time at the store - and I've got so much work ahead of me to get ready for the second store -- and still so much to learn, I'm looking forward to the challenge of learning. I've been yearning for the challenge of learning so working is actually fun for me.

I'm a crazy girl, I know....

Goodnight sweetheart, well it's time to go....I hate to leave you, but I really must say -- Goodnight, sweetheart, goodnight.

It's funny actually.
I've been waiting for this day for so long -- and now it's here and I feel rather sad.
It feels like I'm leaving home.

This is where I've spent most of my adult life; I've been working on base since I was 22, and while there have been offices that have been not the best - or companies that have come and gone -- the base itself and collegiate environment has always been the same -- and what I truly have enjoyed. Knowing that what I did actually meant something and had value to others whom I didn't necessarily see -- was always meaningful to me.

But like any good family, when you leave and spread your wings, you know that if need be - you can always come back. And I know that is true for me here.

And now, it's time to focus on the future....
Let the adventure begin.

Social Networking or Wasted space...?

I had a really great weekend. So good, that I really regretted waking up this morning to realize it had ended.

As I walked into my office on this "next to last day" of work, I was chatting with my fellow cubemates about their vacations and weekend, etc. One of my friends in the office mentioned that she knew I must've been busy because I hadn't been on FaceBook hardly at all over the last few weeks. (She had been on vacation last week, so she was wondering what I'd been up to.) This is partly true; but I also have sort of lost interest in FB over the past month or so. Partly because most of the people I wanted to reconnect with, I have and we get together and stay in touch pretty reguarly; but to quote G, it has rather "jumped the shark" for me. And, truthfully - it monopolized a lot of my time; time that I'd rather spend with my kids outdoors doing fun things - or just hanging out with them. No need for me to be on the laptop all the time. Actually, I plan on taking the advice of a friend of mine who purges his friend list regularly. It's nothing personal, but truly -- not everyone needs to be on the friend list. Those who I talk to regularly -- sure. Those I don't, well... we connected, we know we're happy and doing well in life -- is there really a need to know what I'm cooking for dinner or going to with my kids on a Saturday? We've spent 20 years without talking, it's okay to not know what "horoscope sign we should've been", etc... I've got a life to live, and I'll for being friendly, but not everyone has to know my every waking move -- you know what I mean?

So the question was posed from one of our co workers who's a bit older and while very technically savvy - probably a bit more inept socially; and was wondering the difference between Face Book vs. Twitter vs. Linked In. Social Networking versus Social Marketing. Is there a difference? Is it an overlap? Is there any value in it?

I told him that I look at it this way: Facebook, though I do have a page for my store -- is for me, almost exclusively personal. A great way to share pictures of my kids with my family, and connect with those I want to connect with. But the business page truly doesn't get a whole lot of activity because in all honesty - that isn't what Facebook is about.

Twitter, while I don't love it's interface -- is a relatively good business marketing tool. I use it for our existing business and for promoting our upcoming business and we've gotten really great followers -- people from Food Network even, which is pretty darn cool. Vineyards, Chefs and other food and wine afficionados follow so in that respect I like it. It's also great if you go out and about because most restaurants are now posting their daily specials via updates as well. Some of my favorites to follow are places such as Formaggio, Food Network chefs such as Tyler Florence & Giada DeLaurentiis -- as well as some local wine & food enthusiasts.

LinkedIn, while I suppose a decent employment outlet - is really technically challenged and outside of the messaging forums for interest groups, to me - is useless. I've used it for HR/employment purposes and basically for that type of networking; while I'll probably keep my account active, like FB - I think that it's a rolodex that at times can seem useless.

What are your thoughts on social engines and networking?
Love them? Hate them? Do you use them at all, and for what?

The Final Friday....

And yes -- the sun is shining!

It was hard getting motivated to get up and go to work today. Actually one of my co-workers asked me how I can sit in work, while the sun is out and it's gorgeous knowing that the "light at the end of the tunnel" is so close? It was tough, let me tell you -- it was tough.

I'm really looking forward to the weekend. We've got some fun things planned and great weather to enjoy it all in - starting with tonight. We're taking the kids to the beach for a jaunt around the rocks, a little kite flying possibly.....and then dinner on the beach at our favorite spot.

Tomorrow, the kiddies have a choice -- either we go on a hike and do a nature walk, go to our favorite farm with ice cream stand for lunch; or go to a more working farm for some exploration and hands on with the animals before meeting my girlfriend for a visit and swim in her pool.

Sunday, we have a family reunion to go to and it's an outdoor one - so thankfully, it's not going to be cancelled.

Have a fabulous Friday -- and however you spend your weekend, make sure its with those you love and with lots of laughter.

Anticipation, it's making me wait....

"What if you knew that you could reach your goal by taking just one more step? Would you take that step?

At some point in the process of achievement, the final hurdle is reached. What a shame it would be to stop just short of that one last obstacle. Achievement does not require extraordinary ability. Achievement comes from ordinary abilities applied with extraordinary persistence.

You already know you can do what it takes. To reach any goal, simply do what it takes for as long as it takes.

It's really not that difficult to take just one step, to do just a single task, to make one bit of progress. And if you can do it once, you can do it again, and again, and again without much problem. " - Ralph Marston

There's so much that goes on consecutively with a buildout -- I had no idea, and it's rather frustrating that I can't control and orchestrate it all myself. It's driving G crazy too; we're both rather Type A's, though we specialize in different areas.

But it is exciting, and it is fun -- and I can't wait to dedicate my full attention to it. I accomplish as much as I can from my desk at work, but there's limitations with that.

I got my first shipment of fun entertainment/hostess items yesterday, and notification this morning of my first shipment of glasses being sent as well. I felt like a kid on Christmas morning when I saw the boxes. It took all I had not to open them immediately -- but I didn't. I waited, and just checked to make sure nothing was broken or missing.

It's starting to feel real now....

Tuesday's Thoughts....

1. What is up with the annoying pop up ads that Boston.com and Bostonherald.com have whenever you want to click on an article? Truly, if I wanted to solicit the advertisements, I’d click on the ads. It’s pretty irritating when I’m trying to read an article and a full screen Comcast ad takes over the page. Just sayin’…

2. So, I’m probably the only member of Red Sox Nation who wasn’t overly enamored with Nomar while he was here. But I do have to admit, watching him last night and his reaction to the crowd was very touching. I didn’t dislike him per se, it was more of a dislike of his disenchantment with being here; his diva-like personality at times and of course – his being injury prone. Injuries, I suppose you can’t do anything about – but personality is absolutely a choice. Sure, some may say that some of that had to do with age and maturity. That may be the case; but I know this much – it was definitely nice to see him gracious and happy in his interviews. I wasn’t at all surprised at his reception, it was sort of sad to hear that he was nervous. Boston is fiercely loyal, and though while at the time we were very ready for change at his position, there is no doubt about the contributions he had made while he was here.

3. The Tall Ships arrived into port this morning. I am really excited about this, and I am hoping to take the kids there this weekend, weather permitting of course. (yes, that dreaded rain is overtaking the forecast once again…*sighs*) I think it will be awesome for them to see, and something they will remember for quite some time to come.

4. Today is the Michael Jackson memorial and funeral. (As if anyone with a pulse didn’t know, it’s monopolizing all things “news”.) I wish I could see it, but unfortunately here at work just about everything is blocked so there’s no way for me to watch it. I would’ve liked to have DVR’d it but it would’ve taken up too much space in the memory so clearly, I will have to just watch the reviews. I have mixed feelings about it being such a public event at the Staples Center, and I suppose it’s because I’m not sure if it’s going to be a concert – or a tribute, a celebration of his artistry? I think I would prefer a more traditional type of memorial. But I’m sentimental like that.

I’ve heard quite the anti-MJ sentiment today on the airwaves today and truly – I think there’s been enough that has been said about him. Let the poor man be in peace at this point. If you don’t like him – then don’t watch it, and don’t listen to his music. No one is saying anything new or shedding additional light on the situation, so truly – enough is enough. He was childlike and odd; and yes, he brought a lot of his troubles onto himself. He is ultimately responsible for the tarnish of his reputation. But I’m sorry, he was acquitted; and the last time I knew – that meant “not guilty by a trial of peers.” (loosely translated, of course.)

The same old argument that he paid money to keep one person from pressing charges, to me – is irrelevant. As a parent – the mere fact that the family accepted it -- screams deception, dishonesty and extortion. I assure you, there is no amount of millions that would keep me quiet if my child was harmed in any way. Out of the thousands of children he impacted and spent time with – only two, and two with questionable motives and intentions – come forward? And none since his passing either? Was he eccentric and insecure? Yes. Was he unhappy? Absolutely. Was he sad, and lonely and tragic? Without a doubt. But if you can’t also acknowledge that he was an incredibly gifted artist who absolutely changed the world as a whole, as well as the world of music – then you’re clearly too high on your horse.

"I guess I fell into cooking." - Bobby Flay

I am basking in the after glow of the weekend.
I even have a bit of a sunkissed look which does not come from a bottle. I feel healthy, and alive after spending a fabulous weekend with friends and family.

So, I have to share my latest addiction: The Next Food Network Star.
Seriously, I can’t believe I have to wait a whole week for the next episode. I even have the kids hooked on it, they love it. I DVR’d last night’s episode so that my son could watch it tonight.

This was our conversation, yesterday morning:

T: “Why don’t you go on this show? You could do this.”
Me: “You think so? I don’t know if I cook that well…”
T: “Well, actually – don’t be sad, but - they might do better than you because they have all that great equipment. Look at their kitchen!”
Me: “Oh, no – the tv show gives them that kitchen to use”
T: “Oh, then you definitely should go on there! Can’t you go online and tell them you want to do it?”

Kids are the best.
Check him out, thinking his Mom stands a chance.
(For the record, I don’t have a bad kitchen --- but it’s by no means, the Iron Chef kind of kitchen, if you know what I mean. Clearly, my little guy has picked up on that….)

I ended up telling him that he and his sister are too young and I would never want to be away from them for any period of time to do something like that. Maybe when they’re older I’ll give it a shot.

Anyway - back to the show. I’m not really sure who will win. Nor is there anyone I really, really like at this point; there isn’t one of them that I actually would want to turn the television on and watch. The forerunner, Melissa – rather irritates me, and I’m not sure why. I love that she’s a Mom, and not in the industry – and she, like me – has all these “tried and true” types of tidbits from cooking in a home that one doesn’t typically get from a classically trained and unmarried kind of host. But yet... she doesn't do it for me. I think it might be that she reminds me too much of Rachel Ray....

I know what kind of a show I’d do if I could, but …. looks like I’ll have to wait before I give that a shot.

Besides, I’ve got a wine & gourmet food shop to open!

And I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free....

Happy Independence Day.

I am thankful that I live in a country where I can disagree with my politicians without fear of reprucussion; a country where it is encouraged to think as an individual and be all that I can be.

I am proud to be an American.
And for those who aren't because the politics might not always be popular, well....
You can always leave.

I will always pledge allegiance to my flag, under everyone's God (because, God is God after all..), with justice for all (unless they are a criminal; so long as they are legally here in the country to be qualified for the due process upon which this country is based. Otherwise, their justice can be in the form of an escort out of the territory lines. Though I absolutely have compassion towards those who may be here incorrectly but are doing their damndest to make a good life and become a citizen.)

Have a fantastic day!

Questions for today....

Can you be virtually waterlogged by the fact that it has rained for 4 weeks straight?
Just wonderin'....


Who's excited about the breaking news CNN just emailed about Kevin Jonas getting engaged?
(Does everyone even know who Kevin Jonas is? And seriously, does he warrant a breaking news flash?!?)

Is anyone else as happy as I am that the state is once again reconsidering the death penalty in special circumstance cases, such as abusive torture and death to children?

Wondering where the Varitek 'naysers are now....? It's been a little quiet in the bashing section.

How sad is it that people are making such a mockery out of Michael Jackson when he's not here to defend himself. And truly, if any of the stories are indeed true - then why isn't there any compassion towards a person who clearly was not happy with himself?


When will I make it back to yoga...?

Does anyone else avoid reading the Fox News website because they always seem to have the most disturbing articles in the Crime section? It's creepy to see the inhumanity.

Will my vegetables grow without the sun...? Isn't that against the basic concept of photosynthesis which is sort of what allows plants to grow? Just sayin...'

What questions are you pondering today.....?

The more things change, the more they stay the same....

So today was the day.
I gave my notice.

Happy. Excited. Cautious. Anxious. Eager. Relieved.
All of the above....running through my mind.

There was a possibility mentioned of my maybe staying on, in a different capacity potentially - on a telecommute basis, which I have to say -- would be fabulous.

We will see.

“Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely.”