Mmmkay. I'm a little bored with all the snow. Just sayin'...

And, I'm a little bit frustrated that I have yet to start yoga because it seems every week we have a blizzard or two - which means the kids don't go to school, or I get 8 trucks in one day.

And the poor little kiddies are thinking that they'll either go into late June - or even worse, make up time on a Saturday. (Hmmm. School on Saturdays? Mommy might get some shopping time in....might not be such a bad idea after all! Oh, I'm only kidding...I wouldn't really want to see the kiddies go on the weekend.)

In other late breaking news, we just finished having a family dinner watching the WWE Royal Rumble - and wow, what a disappointment the end result was. Any of you wrestling fans out there will appreciate what I'm saying; and for me, I was quiet disappointed that Edge did not make an appearance. But it was a good show otherwise, and the kiddies certainly enjoyed seeing some of their favorites - and a few favorite formerly retired surprises - show up and join in on the fun .

The house we looked at two weeks ago, we really love and hope that we are going to be able to secure a buyer for our home so we can purchase it. It's one of those "timing will be everything" kind of deals, so fingers crossed. In the meantime, Saturday was our 7 year anniversary living in our home now. Funny little tidbit: this is the longest G and I have ever lived in a house. We typically end up moving/selling in 3 years.

But this house we're hoping for now....that would be the last house. At least until we got old enough to want to downsize. Though truthfully - I don't know if I'll ever want to do that. I will always want a large, family home that I can have my children and someday grandchildren - congregate in whenever they want.

He likes me...he really, really likes me!

Or at least Facebook would like me to believe so.

If any of you are connected with the social media nightmare Facebook -- then you'll understand what I mean. So, I log on quickly this morning because I got a message that a girlfriend tagged me in an email; when I get to my home page, there's a prompt of "people you may know", or "find friends" - and guess who's on there...? It says Jason Varitek. I know, right?!?!?

So, I click on the picture for the profile and immediately realize it's not him....which isn't really all that tough to do.

But seriously - it was the weirdest thing to see on my page.

Stupid Facebook... you'd think at least they'd do something for verification of authenticity so at least the next time they suggest I know someone -- I might really want to! Not to suggest that he wouldn't want to be my friend on Facebook, of course....

Hmmph! (She says, flipping her hair....)

Okay, so maybe I'm a bit bored with all this snow.

Yup. We got another foot of snow.

Last storm, my town was touted as having received the "jackpot" with the most snow at like 24.9" or something. Then we got another 12" yesterday; so, my daughter and I went out and I was trying to get her to go sledding down our yard - and I stepped into what used to be my front lawn -- and it was up to my mid thigh!

Today, the kids called me in work to tell me that my daughter got stuck in a snowbank today!! Literally sunk in - and couldn't get out - I swear to God. I guess with the warm air and sunshine today the snow got heavy and she sunk in up to her chest. My son had to climb in and pull her out... my sitter didn't have ski pants, so my son ran in and got his and pulled her out. No easy feat, trust me - Princess Petunia is rapidly approaching his height and weight! It's funny how girls spring up so much younger than boys do typically....

I'm convinced that Spring is right around the corner. We're almost there - if we can just get to March 1st, it will be all good.

Think positive things - and they happen.
Isn't that the "Secret" to life?

Alright, well maybe we can't wish Spring upon us....but it certainly doesn't hurt anyone to try.

Warning: The following is a tear jerker....

So, I happened to receive a newsletter from Boston Children's Hospital today. I am on their list because 1.) We donate to them yearly, and 2.) My children go there when/if God forbid there is ever anything wrong that requires more than the local ER can provide.

It is absolutely amazing and devastating at the same time how modern medicine can save lives - yet still can't for some. The headline of the story read: "10 year old's heart saves life of an 8 year old". Naturally, I had to read.

Wow.

If you follow the link to see the article, (and I think you should, it's truly a beautiful story) just be prepared that they show you photographs of the young boy; for me as both a parent in general - and as a parent of a little boy the same age - it was very difficult to make it through with dry eyes.

As a parent, I can't imagine the devastation and loss for one family; but on the flip side - I can't imagine the pain & anguish of the other family who's daughter was the fortunate recipient. Life is sometimes somber and cruel...but I firmly believe that we're all placed here on Earth for a reason. And that little boy was clearly meant to be the angel for another; but even that positive and rose colored bright light can never, ever diminish the family's loss.

Dear Mr President....

So, I'm watching the State of the Union right now.

I have to tell you, he's a fabulous speaker. Magnaminous, eloquent, and inspirational. I love listening to his speeches because you can't help but gravitate to him and feel warm and safe.

However, I do disagree with many of his policies; he's far too liberal for my taste.
But as a person, how can one not enjoy him.

Politics becomes so personal - because it's about things we care deeply about.
But we should be able to take the hostility and resentment towards the individual who holds the office and eliminate it; because when the day is done - it's just their job. Whether we agree or disagree with the angles that they take - you have to hope that their vision is with the best of intent for our country.

And how can you hold that against someone, on a personal level?
I, for one - can't do that.

Let's hear it for the girls....

So, Saturday night was a ton of fun - and unfortunately - it was far too short! Definitely a great night of laughs (and good food!), and I can't wait to see everyone again.

We don't all have the time for our monthly potlucks anymore - but to keep it just yearly, is not enough. So hopefully we'll be able to do smaller events - even if it's with smaller groups - through out the year.

There are few things better in life than having good friends. While we can't choose our family - we have the luxury of choosing our circle, and I'm blessed for those who travel within mine.

Enough time has passed - I can post these now.

Best seats ever...for what turned out to be one of the worst games, ever....

Pre-game happiness: Pats/Jets

Yup. We sat THAT close.

Sure, the game blew.... and the Jets fans were obnoxious - but I still had a great time and would go all over again. Listen, it's a 50/50 chance when you go to a sporting event - and unfortunately....the odds weren't with us this time.

I hope the Steelers win today.

Right now.....

Borrowed courtesy of Dawn! If you use it - let me know!

Outside my window: Snow, snow...and more snow.

I am thinking: That my kids are suspiciously quiet at the moment....ah yes, it's video game captivation.

I am thankful for: The health of my family and the stability of our lives.


From the kitchen: I can smell the cranberry cider candle that is burning. And it smells good....

I am wearing: yoga pants & a under armour stretchy shirt.

I am creating: A path in life that hopefully will be one of example for my children.

I am going: To my girlfriend's house tonight to spend time with some of my best friends.

I am reading: Nothing. I don't have the time, and I have yet to find something that catches my interest. Make suggestions, please!!

I am hoping: that the house we're going to look at tomorrow is a good fit - and one that isn't in a rush to sell just yet. This is not the time of year to put a house on the market.

I am hearing: noises from my children...of course the quiet wouldn't last forever.

Around the house: I have lots of photographs of our family. I love, love, love candid shots in a home.

One of my favorite things: The smell of food cooking in the oven. Nothing says "home" like a delicious meal cooking.


I don't understand: Why people just can't do their job. It seems like no one ever does things right the first time....

I wish: Cancer would go away.

A few plans for the rest of the week: I have two wine tastings I'm hosting during the week - and then one at a black tie affair a week from tonight. At least that one I get to dress up for!

A picture to share... Myself & my little cousin who was my flower girl at my wedding! Hard to believe that she was 4 then - and now she's 18!

Hey there, hi there, ho there - you're as welcome as can be!

Clearly, I've given the blog a face lift.

I was bored. You know, I go through these phases where I feel like the site looks stagnant - and while there aren't any templates that are exactly the way I'd like to have my place - at least I've got the opportunity to freshen up every now and again.

Oh - American Idol update: So, as much as I loved, loved, loved Simon Cowell - the truth is, I didn't miss him these last two nights. I mean, maybe in the future I will - but for now, I'm good with Steven Tyler & Jennifer Lopez as replacements. Sure it's all fuzzy fuzzy right now, but first off - Jennifer is stunning. STUNNING. And, she's seemingly genuinely nice. Love her. Steven Tyler on the other hand - is already making lacivious comments which I wondered how someone who's practically had little girls throwing themselves on him his whole life would be in a role of judgement. That aside - he's just a riot. And, they are no joke -- its not like Ellen DeGeneres as a judge, who has zero insight in the music industry. These two are the real deal - and I have respect for them as artists in the industry, so why wouldn't they be fantastic judges.

Speaking of theatrics and talent...tomorrow, I'm taking my son T on an audition. It seems that Mr. Mark Wahlberg is making yet another Boston based film and there is a casting call for boys his age. He is beyond excited - and I have to keep reminding him that truly, they may just look at him - ask a question or two - and then he may never hear from them again. Or....maybe he will. It's a experience none the less, and that in of itself is fun.

Tomorrow night....it's the "gathering of the girls". For those of you who have been reading regularly - you know that myself and my best girlfriends used to meet monthly and have themed potlucks; well - life has gotten in everyone's way and so now some of us might meet in smaller groups throughout the year - but all 14 of us get together at Christmas. The girl who always hosts in December had surgery so we've postponed until tomorrow night. Guaranteed to be a night full of laughs and I should have some fun pictures to share.

Speaking of pictures - I've got some great ones of the Pat's game that we'd all like to forget about. I'll share them, once the disappointment fades a little bit more.

Besides, pitchers & catchers report for Spring Training on Valentine's Day....the best Valentine's Day gift ever.

In the meantime, life goes on....
However you're spending your weekend, I hope it's filled with laughter and love.

What happened to Blogrolling?

So, about 2 months ago - I realized that my blogrolling group (aka "The Guest List") was empty. Every link was gone!

And then, upon further investigation - I discovered Blogrolling was no more.
So sad.

So now - I no longer have any of the links that I'd had saved - and I don't necessarily know how to find people because finding blogs by name doesn't necessarily make it that easy to find them.

Therefore - I'm reaching out to you.
Yes -- you.

If you were on my guest list previously - please list your blog so I can add it to my links. If you weren't, but you visit and would like me to reciprocate - please, let me know.

I'm so very sad that some of my near and dear are gone - and I can't necessarily find them.
And to find new reads - well, that's always fun as well.

I hate that I can't check in on some of my faves....

A moment like this...some people wait a lifetime....

I'm so excited - it's American Idol time....
Not sure how I'm going to love Steven Tyler & JLo as judges - but we shall see.
Stay tuned....

"Adventures are never fun while you're having them."

Yesterday I saw "Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader".
Can I just tell you -- I love, love, love these movies.

While I didn't see the second one (though I will this week - thank you "On Demand"), it wasn't difficult to pick up on where it left off.

Not only do I love the fact that the children learn strength from within and while there's action - it's not gratuitious or violent; but what I truly love is the religious parallel that is so very present. The subtlety of it is what makes it so powerful.

Aslan is the most magnificent animated creature; and his character is the one that moves me to tears. Interestingly enough, that's more than likely the effect he's supposed to have - given the symbolism he represents. But I think the fact that he's so realistic looking, and is so stunning - and with Liam Neeson's voice -- he's just so powerful -- and yet such a small part of this particular movie.

It was a fantastic take....and I hope that this isn't the last movie from this series of books. There are 7 in the collection, and if they are done in the same manner as the previous three - I look forward to each and every one.

....Well that didn't turn out as planned......

So the Pats game as we all know now....sucked.
For lack of a better term.

But the experience of sitting RIGHT behind the bench was fantastic! Well worth it.....

Dinner at Davio's -- delicious.

The hotel?
Well....

We were surrounded by annoyingly loud and obnoxious Jets fans, so......
We drove home.

Sure, it was a complete waste of money but... for the peace and quiet it was worth it.
Tough enough to sleep after that type of a loss.
But to be up all night because of drunk neighbors that are only separated from you by a hotel wall...would be worse.

Despite the shallacking....I've got great pictures.
I'll post them soon....

What is....

Pats/Jets game. 1st row sideline, Patriots side. Post game Dinner at Davio's. Room overlooking Gillette Stadium.

Best. Husband. Ever.

Oh yeah baby.....
Get ready for the pictures.

It's Snow, not Armageddon....

We've got a prediction for a storm to bring 12-18" and my God, you'd think it was the flipping Apocolypse.

Fortunately, my trucks that were scheduled for Wednesday were proactive enough to reschedule deliveries for either tomorrow or Thursday....so "if" - and I say "if" because the weathermen are rarely accurate....I will be staying home Wednesday. (Listen, I have a right to be sarcastic; not only are they never accurate - this weekend they were insistent that we were getting at minimum 6". How's about 1/16th of an inch?? Seriously.) A snow day, if you will. And I will be cooking up a storm myself if that's the case.

Kiddies will have pancakes for breakfast.... and then we will be snacking all day long, while I bake pumpkin breads and make chili. Along with a few other goodies....

I love snow days; I don't often get to capitalize on them - so for once, I hope the weather men have their radars on straight.

Home Sweet Home....

I am so loving this weekend.

I took the tree down this morning and finally got my house back to "normal". (Listen, I've got 2 kids, a husband, a father visiting from out of town, a dog and two cats - define "normal". At least it looks "normal"...) It felt great to put everything away and see my den empty again. Not to say I don't love the Christmas tree and it's glow - because I do; and I miss the pretty lights (we kept them on every night right up until last night....), but it's time.

We had a birthday party down the street for Princess Petunia to attend, and when we came home it was Chinese food on the table - and the Jets/Colts game just about to start. I find it hard to believe I'm sitting here rooting for the Colts. (I actually think I may have thrown up in my mouth a little, just writing the words...!) But listen, the Colts suck because they're a great team -- the Jets, well - they just suck.

Tomorrow, there is nothing going on in this girl's world. I've got a pork roast marinating, and outside of a little laundry - I've got nothing to do but relax! My son is going over a friend's house - and my daughter will I'm sure, keep me quite busy.

So, I'm happy to report on this Saturday night that all is well in my corner of the world. I've got football, kids quiet and sleeping...my Yankee Candle "Christmas Eve" candle glowing - and some fabulously decadent Island Bakery Organic Chocolate Ginger cookies. If I can get a solid night's sleep, that would be a bonus.

If I was a cat, I think I would be purring.....

Dear Rex Ryan:

Um... you might want to take that foot out of your mouth, please.

(Oh wait, you like that. Or is it your wife? I can't keep up - the chaos and drama is changing daily with you. Sorry.....)

Not only do you sound like a complete idiot, trying to appease Peyton Manning after making yourself look foolish for ripping him apart -- you then turn around and insult Tom Brady.

Come on now Rex... your wins this season weren't "stunning". It wasn't like they were blow outs, or with precision like performance. Not to say a win isn't a win - but let's be honest. Mark Sanchez isn't in even close to the same category as Tom Brady, or your new crush - Peyton.

All show no go -- can only carry you so far.

Let's see what this weekend holds, shall we....

Dumbass.

Me, I'm a part of your circle of friends....

What would you do if you had a friend who's loyalty you questioned?
Would you address it.... or would you just let it go.

Keep it tucked in the back of your mind for future use...Change your expectations of that relationship -- but not completely cut them off? Decide it's better to have them in your life, even if on the peripheral - than not at all.

Sometimes people do things, say things, act out - in ways different than they used to, or different than we'd ever expect them to. Sometimes, a good person will do a not so great thing. Does it mean they don't have good character? Or does it mean that sometimes we never know how we will react in a given situation, or when exposed to certain elements or even changes in our lives.

Is it better to have a friend disappoint you, but stay in your life.... than to not have them there at all...? How important is loyalty in a friendship? Is it mutually exclusive with trust or are they two separate animals.

Or is loyalty just too demanding of a word.....

Lyrically speaking, of course...

I've got money in my pockets
I like the color of my hair
I've got a friend who loves me
Got a house, I've got a car
I've got a good mother
And her voice is what keeps me here
Feet on ground, heart in hand
Facing forward be yourself...

It's only half past the point of no return
The tip of the iceberg, the sun before the burn
The thunder before lightning, the breath before the phrase
Have you ever felt this way?

Don't think too hard
Don't think too fast
Don't ever give away
What you can't take back...

Have you ever thrown a fist full of glitter in the air?
Have you ever looked fear in the face and said I just don't care?

Holy Resolutions Batman!

So, one of my resolutions was accomplished today. Well, one and a half - actually.

Not only did I take a half day today -- but I actually went to the movies!
G & I went to see "The Fighter".
Really a good movie; but wow - the buzz surrounding Christian Bale is no joke. He was fantastic.
And for those of us who are from the Boston area and are familiar with Dicky Ecklund & Micky Ward can truly appreciate the performance. Top notch, without doubt.

And then.....
after the kids went to bed, we watched "The Book of Eli". I love Denzel anyway, so I figured it would be good, but such a thoughtful and creative movie. I really enjoyed the premise and all the analogies and comparisons to the Catholic religion, as well as our own humanity and often times - lack thereof.

Two movies in one day.
Looks like I'm off to a good start, eh?

Keeps getting better....

Each year, of course I have resolutions -- as do most of us. And, I try really hard to stick to them - sometimes it works, and other times....well, not so much. But I think it's important to at least outline goals - and something personal to work towards, otherwise - there is no way to keep growing in life.

So, the following are my goals for the year 2011. Some, are rather superficial in the big scheme of things, but they're important for me; others are genuine improvements. So I'm just going to throw them all up in the air -- and we'll see what sticks!

1. More time for me. Whether it's reading a book (which I don't often do), going to a movie (which I never do!) or just taking a day to browse through the outlets (which I haven't done in over a year!) - I'm going to make the time -- even better, TAKE the time -- to do it. I deserve it, and truly - I'm self employed and can do it!

2. Run, Breathe, Salute. We all think about exercising the first of the year - but now is the time I actually have to try and get back in the swing of things again. Running, and definitely yoga. Now I can go back to going in the mornings and not have to feel guilty showing up at the store after 10; not that I had to feel guilty before, but I'm so flipping driven and responsible - and truth be told, I love my job. But I am going to get on a solid regiment to feel healthy and strong once again.
2a. Run a 5k - possibly a 10k.

3. Patience and better language. I am going to try really hard to be more patient at home - and try really hard to watch my words.

4. Better organization. Ah yes, this is one on my list every year - mostly because I always can stand for room to improve in this area in some aspect of my life, like laundry. I hate doing laundry, I'm not going to lie. So that's an area I could stand better organization on. I just bought myself a day planner so I'm better organized in scheduling; not that there's so much going on in life that I need one, but hey - it certainly doesn't hurt any.

5. Not be so compulsive about organization. Okay, so I can't breathe when the house isn't organized. It makes me feel suffocated when I see clutter in a drawer - especially if it's a drawer I've already organized; I am going to try to not be so frustrated when that happens because I live in a house with 3 other people who aren't the least bit organized. Or even tidy. Two of them are children, so I can let that slide - but the other one just acts like a child, and it drives me insane. I'm going to try to let that go.... I can't promise though.


And while there's probably more I can list - and there's definitely more I can improve upon, this is my first shot at the list.

What are you resolving to change this year?