What's going on....what's going on....Hey what's going on....

I'm really, really, really happy it's Friday.

I had a great run around the lake today after work. It was gorgeous outside - and it was the perfect way to de-stress from the week. Not that I had an overly stressful week, but just the normal day-to-day kinds of things that might make a girl need to exert some energy.

Love my little IPod Shuffle. It shuffles much better than my older IPod does; and I'm finding some songs that I forgot I had, that I love to run to. Songs like "Cowboy" by Kid Rock, "Somewhere in Time" Iron Maiden, "Slave for you" Britney Spears, "Magic Man" Heart, and "Metalingus" Alter Bridge - just to name a few. Sometimes slower songs like "Heat of the Moment" by Asia are great too, they keep me better paced at times. I definitely have an eclectic mix from Metallica to Christina Aguilera - and everything in between. It helps keep me motivated for sure.

Still a little stressed about the house situation. We have a showing tomorrow, so we shall see. I had just really hoped we'd have already had a closing date at this point.....even the kids are over the point of being sad about moving and excited about the new house; they're actually at a point where they're like "you mean we might NOT get that house?!?!". We're all sort of hanging with bated breath at this point.

And truthfully, I'm all set with keeping the house pristine all the time. I mean, I always do -- but it's stressful knowing that you have to keep it that way as opposed to just wanting to. I just want to be done with it, you know what I mean?

We have a wedding on Sunday...an afternoon affair so I didn't go crazy with the dress; it is adorable though, I really like it. I had it taken it a little since it was too big, so hopefully it will look cute. Now to find the right pair of shoes....well, that's what tomorrow is for.

Tonight is for watching the rest of the NFL Draft, Sons of Anarchy Season 2 finale (I thought I was going to watch it the other night but didn't....no spoilers please) and probably some baseball. My pillow is actually calling my name right now, truth be told. But I've got little people to attend to, so that isn't about to happen.

Have a fabulous weekend whatever you do - and I hope it is filled with laughter & love.

I wanna talk about me...wanna talk about I, wanna talk about number one - oh me, oh my

1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?
How excited I am to have my hair highlighted on Thursday.

2. How much cash do you have on you?
In my wallet, $5. But I have access to more, I just didn't grab it today.

3. What’s a word that rhymes with DOOR?
Whore. (Stop, did I say that aloud?) I meant Roar. Sorry, just read an article that irritated me.

4. Favorite planet?
Earth rules -- and I'm ready to kick any martian's ass who says otherwise.

5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone?
My sister

6. What is your favorite ring tone on your phone?
I actually don't have a ring tone. Blackberry is lame that way. Looking forward to the Droid. or the IPhone - one of the two is coming in July. Oh yeah baby....

7. What shirt are you wearing?
A really old Champion sweatshirt

8. Do you label yourself?
Nah. I don't like to paint myself with just one brush....

9. Name the brand of the shoes you’re currently wearing?
At the moment I'm wearing socks. But prior to that, New Balance cross trainers.

10. Bright or Dark Room?
It depends. I love a dark room for sleeping, but nothing's better than a beautifully lit room, abundant with natural light.

11. What do you think about the person who took this survey before you?
I got this off a random website so I don't know anyone else who's taken it. Random...

12. What does your watch look like?
I have some beautiful watches but don't tend to wear them.

13. What were you doing at midnight last night?
Zzzzz.....

14. What did your last text message you received on your cell say?
"Are we still on for running the lake tomorrow? 3:30ish?"

15. Where is your nearest 7-11?
I have no clue. Outside of Boston proper, I don't know where there are any?

16. What's a word that you say a lot?
Clearly.....

17. Who told you he/she loved you last?
Princess Petunia (She also told me she hated me last. Does that count??)

18. Last furry thing you touched?
Brandy

19. How many drugs have you done in the last three days?
1, Amoxicillan for this lingering sinus thing.

20. How many rolls of film do you need developed?
People still develop film? Who knew....

21. Favorite age you have been so far?
I've got to say that I've had great years. I think 29 was a great age...but so was 35.

22. Your worst enemy?
Myself.

23. What is your current desktop picture?
The "I'm Just a Girl" Family in NYC having breakfast

24. What was the last thing you said to someone?
"This television show is really fresh, huh?"

25. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to fly what would it be?
With a million dollars, I can afford to fly whenever I want....and stay dry and warm with a drink in hand. I think the whole super power thing is probably over rated. Just sayin'....

26. Do you like someone?
I like everyone. :) Oh, do you mean a boy? Well aside from G - then Jason, but of course. And I am finding myself having a little crush on Charlie Hunnum. But my SIL loves him and she called him first so....

27. The last song you listened to?
"Someone Like You" by Adele - it was on as I turned my car off actually.

28. What time of day were you born?
1:00 a.m.

29. What’s your favorite number?
22

30. Where did you live in 1987?
In the ghetto, otherwise known as Malden

31. Are you jealous of anyone?
I'm openly envious of some good things - but I try really hard not to be jealous. I've got a pretty darn good gig for my life - I don't really need to be jealous of anyone else's life.

32. Is anyone jealous of you?
I hope not; if so, they need to seriously take a good hard look at themselves because really - have you met me? I couldn't be any more ordinary....

33. Where were you when 9/11 happened?
Hanscom Air Force Base -- where I worked.

34. What do you do when vending machines steal your money?
Probably drop some serious curse words under my breath.

35. Do you consider yourself kind?
Yes, I think so.

36. If you had to get a tattoo, where would it be?
Bikini line. It would be for ME -- not for YOU.

37. If you could be fluent in any other language, what would it be?
French

38. Would you move for the person you loved?
Absolutely. To quote Meat Loaf "I would do anything for love...."

39. Are you touchy feely?
To a certain extent. Depends on who it is and what the circumstance is.

40. What’s your life motto?
It is, what it is....so embrace it. (Also, "what I am is what I am - are you what you are - or what?" Thank you Miss Edie Brickell....)

41. Name three things that you have on you at all times?
Lip Gloss, Keys, Wallet

42. What’s your favourite town/city?
Ahhhh, Boston you're my home.

43. What was the last thing you paid for with cash?
My Starbucks this morning.

44. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper and mailed it?
I try to handwrite letters whenever I write to someone. It's just so much more sincere....

45. Can you change the oil on a car?
Me, personally? No. But I can drive to Jiffy Lube.

46. Your first love: what is the last thing you heard about him/her?
Actually, nothing? Not recently anyway. I think about 4 years ago I heard he had a second child.

47. How far back do you know about your ancestry?
I can only go as far back as my great grandparents on either side.

48. The last time you dressed fancy, what did you wear and why did you dress fancy?
It was for a wedding....and I wore this really fun dress - and actually I have a wedding this Sunday and must find another fun little number.

49. Does anything hurt on your body right now?
Fortunately - no.

50. Have you been burned by love?
Like a moth to a flame.... haven't we all?

Monday Mashup....

1. Today was my first run after my first run two weeks ago. Fortunately, my sinus infection is gone and today was the first time I was able to run. And I felt great! 3.5 miles in 37 minutes - not bad considering, roughly a 10 minute mile. I'm not running the lake tomorrow, I'm going to do the 3.5 mile course of the race my town does every year, just to shake it up a bit. Hopefully my time will improve a little bit more each day. I used to do a 9 minute mile comfortably, and under than if I was in a race - so I'd like to get back to that again. In time, it will happen....

2. I am so overdue for a pick me up. Thursday I have an appointment for a highlight, and I need it badly. Just a little pick me up for Spring. We have a wedding on Sunday and I have yet to find a dress for it, but maybe a little pick me up of my hair will inspire me to find a fun Spring dress. Everything I have is either for winter or summer - nothing in between.

3. Can't wait for Christina's new show tomorrow. "The Voice" debuts tomorrow and it sounds like a really fun concept. I'm hopeful that this show will be a good boost to her struggling persona - and hopefully I will get to see her sing a little. Love, love, love her.

4. Have I mentioned how much I need to go shopping? Truly, I do. I have no fun summer shoes, and while I have a ton of summer clothes they're mostly for the office - relatively dressy. I'm still trying to find the right mix of things for every day (well, days that I'm not unloading trucks...). I still have yet to take a day and do some fun shopping and hopefully I will make the time to do it this summmer. Because this girl is need of some retail therapy....oh, yeah....

5. The "I'm just a girl" kids. Just a shot of us from Easter... we had a lovely day, and I have to tell you that Princess Petunia's dress was just stunning - and the picture truly does it no justice. A big, beautiful dress that I hope she has the opportunity to wear at least one more time.

“It always looks darkest just before it gets totally black.”

*Sigh*

So, what's the latest on the house front?
Well, we had a showing today and I'm waiting on bated breath to hear if they liked it. And, I have another showing on Tuesday morning.

There was a person interested from last weekend, but he's waiting for his wife to come in from out of state to see it, and truthfully we'd hoped that today was his second showing - but it wasn't.

And yesterday I got an email from the owner of the house we have under agreement. The house she wants got an offer on it, and she said she is not selling if that house falls through.

(Insert a really loud and frustrated "AAAAAAAAAAGH here. Maybe a little "WTF" too.)

See, we had an offer on our house this past fall....and then she called and asked if we were interested in her house, and we said yes. Then, she changed her mind and we ended up passing on the sale of our house because all of the houses we liked went under agreement before we could get into them, her house was not an option - it was almost Christmas, the middle of the school year - and I really couldn't see uprooting the kids for an undetermined time; believe it or not, but as of now there STILL aren't any houses that have come on the market that we'd move into, so technically we could still be in a rental! BUT....

In January, she reached out to us again and we verbally agreed that in the Spring she'd sell to us and we'd buy it - she'd had her eye on a house that was coming on the market, but they would'nt take her offer unless her house was under agreement. She did say that in retrospect she could've rented when we had the first offer, but....we all know that didn't happen. So long story short -- we put her house under agreement last month officially - and put our house on the market.

I got an email yesterday saying that the house she likes has an offer coming in and if it goes under she's not going to sell. (See the aforementioned groaning.)

But, but, but.... she's downsizing. And she has no children. And she's not committed to the area - she's leaving for another city, actually. Didn't she say she could rent?!

Well, it is what it is. If this house falls through, as disappointing as it will be --we will rent. Because the summer is coming up which isn't such a disruptive time for the kids, and a house will come through that we love. Everything happens for a reason -- and I've just got to hang my hat onto that.

Something in the way she moves....

So, it's quickly approaching the one year anniversary of my Mother's passing.

Her last few months, she was up in Boston receiving treatment - and spent a good amount of time with me at the store. When I was growing up, she never was much of a drinker - as a matter of fact, I rarely saw my parents take a drink - so when they did, it was sort of a shock for me to see. That being said, once she was diagnosed she sort of indulged in drinking with us at dinner, and sampling with me at the store when my reps would come in.

There were a few wines that were her favorites, and she tended to like lightly oaked Chardonnay.

In the time since she passed, whenever odd things would happen - like wines jumping out of the racks, we would laugh and say it's my Mom visiting.

Yesterday and today, several times - Chardonnays just flew out of the racks. Today, one of them fell so hard that a bottle broke; trust me - wine bottles don't break as easily as you'd think.

The truth of the matter is - because of the way the racks are built, I'm sure some of the more oddly shaped bottles just get jostled and moved because of all the stocking I've done in the last 48 hours to ramp up for Easter. Some of them get pushed forward and then all it takes is a little shake from the back of the rack where another wine might be stocked, to get things moving and shaking and the next thing you know - bottles will fall.

But I'd like to think that isn't the case. I'd rather think that it's my Mother's way of letting me know that she's still here with me, and hanging around the store during my busy time - trying to be a part of it all, even if it's by making a mess with broken wine. I'd rather think that her energy is still with me, and that she's watching us all....taking it all in, and hopefully really enjoying the glass of wine that she probably has in her hand.

I hope that's how it really is anyway.

I'd like to teach the world to sing, in perfect harmony...

Undisturbed calmness of mind is attained by cultivating friendliness toward the happy, compassion for the unhappy, delight in the virtuous, and indifference toward the wicked.

Knowing others is intelligence. Knowing yourself is true wisdom.

The mind is everything; what you think, you become.

Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?"
Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God; your playing small doesn't serve the world.

Abcdefghjklmopqrstuvwxyz....

When I was little, I had a Sesame Street album - and on it was a song called "Abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz", but it was pronounced like it was a Polish name. I'll see if I can phonetically lay it out so you can understand how Big Bird sang it: (ab-Kah-def-ghee-jeckly-monooqueer-stu-witses)

Can you believe I still remember the whole song?
No worries, I won't break into song for you.

However, I am going to do a fun little game where I will write down a positive word that comes to mind with each letter of the alphabet. If you decide to do it yourself, let me know!

A: Agreeable
B: Beautiful
C: Cherished
D: Dutiful
E: Excellent
F: Free-Spirited
G: Gregarious
H: Happiness
I: Idealistic
J: Joyful
K: Kindness
L: Loyal
M: Magnificent
N: Nurturing
O: Overjoyed
P: Pleasant
Q: Quintessential
R: Righteous
S: Sensitive
T: Thoughtful
U: Unwavering
V: Vivacious
W: Woman
X: (MMkay, struggling on this one, might have to pass....)
Y: Ying & Yang
Z: Zest

Letters from a Nut.....

Dear Amoxicillan: When do you think you'll start to work? My ear is still sore and blocked, my sinuses are still so irritated that my head feels like it's going to blow of my shoulders from the pressure. Do you think it might be any time soon? I know that the few times my children have needed you, it was seemingly one dose (and a small one at that) and they were back to normal again. But me....well, I'm taking you in a really high dosage and honestly -- you're not rocking my world. Think you might kick in any time soon? I'd really appreciate it....

Dear Netflix: Let's play a little game, shall we? I say a phrase and you tell me what comes to mind: Parental Controls. Listen, it's bad enough that Family Guy is on Comcast and rated PG so I can't block it -- but seriously, can't you come up with some way for me to be able to prevent little minds from being exposed to a world that they just don't need to be exposed to? Today, Family Guy...tomorrow, God only knows. I mean, don't get me wrong -- this girl love, love, loves Family Guy -- but I'm not 3ft tall and under the age of 10. You feel me?

Dear Crazy Person: Hahahahahahahhahahahahahhaaa... Seriously, you are out of your ever loving crazy mind. I get such a kick out of you. It's unfortunate that you aren't happy, but wow - you provide enough entertainment for a life time. Smile...you just never know who's watching.

Say it isn't so....

Today I finally saw the doctor because I knew something wasn't right. By the end of the day today after gymnastics and basketball - and a relatively chaotic play date for the kids - I had a sneaking suspicion of what was wrong with me.

Can you believe I'm 40 years old - and I have an ear infection?
Oh. AND a sinus infection.
Lovely.

Nothing a good healthy daily dose of Amoxicillan can't fix. And at least I should hopefully get a good night's sleep - so long as my ear and throat starts to feel better.

These are a few of my favorite things....

Iced cold pineapple. Lavendar & vanilla. Freshly cut cilantro. A very aged Gouda. Sugared plum candles. Soft fuzzy pajamas. Conversation with a good friend. A good Sonoma Chardonnay. Hearing my children's laughter. Smoked salmon and cream cheese. The cool night air with a hint of smoke. The soft tickle of facial hair. Warm socks fresh from the dryer. A house full of love and laughter.

All our times have come, Here but now there gone, Seasons don't fear the reaper...

In our tireless effort of trying to find good, solid television - we realized that Netflix had FX's "Sons of Anarchy: Season 1" available. We'd heard really good things about it, and figured we'd give it a shot.

While it's not stunningly brilliant (at least not yet anyway) like "Dexter", it's definitely solid thus far. It's pretty witty, and one of the things I like about it is the continuity from episode to episode; it picks up where it leaves off, which is something that's sorely lacking in so many television shows that are on traditional network channels. Even "Rescue Me" which I love, and is on the same network - is choppy at times. But this is streamlined so you're always able to keep up with the storyline, and there's never a question of "how much time has gone by?" which you typically run into with series. It always seems like either days or weeks go by - or it's the opposite and a person will be in one scene and then the next scene they're with someone else and you have no idea how they got there.

Onto the characters....I have to say, it's been tough for me to adjust to seeing Ron Perlman as anything other than "Beast" from "Beauty & The Beast" that used to be on CBS years ago. (Yes, Google it - totally dating myself I know...), it does take some time to adjust to character development - especially in the first season. Katey Segal is amazing in this because her character has the most dimension and depth; and Charlie Hunnum is flipping adorable as he has this interesting mix of Brad Pitt & Heath Ledger, and equally his character is the "Good Boy/Bad Boy" type which is so very appealing.

It's my latest guilty pleasure....and if you haven't seen it, you should definitely check it out.

Stupid is, as stupid does....

As I predicted - not only do I have no voice today but I am sick, sick, sick.

This morning, I ended up staying home and in bed because I had a fever and really couldn't fathom getting up and showering for work. So I loaded myself up with Tylenol, Motrin & Sudafed, a Spicy V8 and a little brioche - and prepared to relax in bed before showering to start my day. I didn't even remember falling asleep.....

The last thing I do remember watching was "Kim & Kourtney take NYC".

Oh. My. God.

All I kept thinking was "seriously!?!?". Seriously. Here's the deal. I don't mind the show "Keeping up with the Kardashians" but I just can't see how a show featuring Kim & Kourtney and her absolute horrible excuse for a husband Scott - actually stays on the air. I can only listen to Kim & Kourtney's identical mannerisms and sing song-y voices with little emotion for so long before I want to chew my ears off. Kim, I don't mind...Kourtney, that's a different story. I can only take so much of her it seems.

That poor girl has a husband that is an absolute moron, and treats her horribly. Does she not see that?? Does she not care?? I was embarrassed for her...he's clearly a klingon living off the "famous for doing nothing" that his wife is famous for.

It just amazes me how people become independently wealthy for literally nothing. And don't have to have any brains to back them up either.

Plop, plop, fizz, fizz...oh what a relief it is.

So I'll be shocked if I have a voice come tomorrow.


Yesterday when I woke up feeling congested with a sore throat, clearly was an indicator of the cold that was coming on. I have no tonsils, so I don't really get sore throats per se; I get more like sore sinus passages that run down the back and sides of your throat. It started on my right side yesterday, moved to the center overnight and this morning and is now on the left side. Slight fever today, completely congested in my chest, blech.

And we all know how I get once I get congested in my chest. Laryngitis, or at a minimum - my Demi Moore voice comes out. Which of course I don't mind one bit. It's kind of fun.

But as long as I feel okay, I don't mind. I can deal with congestion and a cold, it's the fever that's the worst because it just makes you feel weird; but if the fever goes away then I don't mind it so much. Truthfully, I wish I had been able to run today. Sometimes a good run will just help you clear all that junk in your system. Or it can work against you.....but I'd like to think it would've made me feel better.

Cinderella always knows that the secret lies in the shoes....

Today was my first outdoor run in a long, long time. Six months anyway.


I didn't do too badly; 3.5 miles in 38 minutes, and I walked only about a half mile of it. I probably would've made better time; my breathing was fine and I didn't feel sore or anything, but I woke up this morning with a semi sore throat and a little congestion - and with the wind this morning, I actually had an earache while I was running. As warm as it was today, it was still rather cold this morning and so I was really uncomfortable at some points of the run. But I worked it out and finished.


So, I'll let you in on a little secret. All these years that I've been running, I've never once worn running sneakers. Truth. My favorite to run in are these cute pink and black New Balance sneakers that have zero support or cushioning. Back when I had my knee injury, my physical therapist was horrifed to see I was running in them - and she said she was shocked that I hadn't had other injuries prior. She begged me to get running sneakers post surgery -- which I planned on doing, but never did. Oh right, and I ran a 5k 5 weeks post surgery. Crazy, I know. But listen, I have to say, they're just comfortable - and besides, having never worn "running sneakers" I knew no better.


Well, the other day G was shopping and asked what I needed while he was out and I said "running sneakers". He runs and has a million pairs of good sneakers so I trusted him to pick out something for me. He got the Asics Gel Keyano 16, and I couldn't wait to try them out. (And yes, they're pink and very cute.)


So, back to my run. I have to say that the last time I ran outdoors my knee started to tweak, and my hips bothered me. (My hips?!? What's that all about....I'm so not getting old!). But not today! Not only did it feel like I was running on a cloud...but I feel fabulous even as I write now, 12 hours later. I love the way it felt so much, that I almost wanted to run again this afternoon; and had I brought them with me or clothes to change into, I think I would've.


Amazing what a difference a good pair of sneakers makes! And all of this time, I had no clue....

You take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and there you have the Facts of Life...

What 80's child didn't love "The Facts of Life" back in the day? While I didn't love the episodes when they were older and in college (even back then I wasn't a huge Clooney fan, nothing personal George...) I did love their high school days. There was a character for everyone -- there was at least one persoality that you could relate to. The character I related to the most was Jo. Though we had entirely different upbringings, and I wans't nearly as much of a tomboy as she was - I completely identified with the awkward, feeling "out of place" or not exactly fitting in feelings - and the tough exterior, pretending not to care. She also was very protective and loyal, another why she was my favorite. I also thought that she was the prettiest. (Girls are funny - we can like you or dislike you based strictly on your appearance. Catty, I know but there it is.) But while she wasn't the "girly girl" pretty like "Blair" (the actress who played her is gorgeous... Blair just wasn't my favorite character.), I thought she had this really pretty look of dark hair and light eyes and this great sensitivity that just made her so likeable. I actually didn't watch too much television as a teenager -- I was more about the music. But this show was definitely one that I made time for, and to this day if there's an old re-run on, I just can't help but watch it.

Winning....

Hopefully today was the beginning of the season for the Sox. They needed this win badly, for a variety of reasons -- but they aren't entirely out of the woods yet. They absolutely need better starting pitching. And dare I say it at risk of sounding prejudiced - better catching. I know Salty is going to get there, and offensively he's seemingly good; but his defense is less than stellar at the moment. And this is the big leagues baby, I just don't think this team can afford to spoon feed a catcher. It hasn't worked in the past, I don't know how it can work now. I suppose that I'd have rather seen a more seasoned catcher, that's all.


It was really a fun day today - the first time I was able to watch the Opening Day game while I was at work. Gone are the days of listening to it on the radio. Love it.


Usually whenever the military jets do a fly by for Gillette or Fenway, we see them over our house; today we saw them over the store. We heard the rumbling, and ran to the window where we saw them fly overhead. Pretty cool. Actually - when I ran to Starbucks to get a coffee, I ran into one of my customers who showed me this on her cell phone - and she promtply posted it onto YouTube as well. Good times...


On the downside today, Princess Petunia has some bizarre random virus; she woke up at 4am with a slight fever and stomache ache - but fell back asleep and woke up fine. She looked flipping adorable actually -- it was Red Sox day and she was in a vintage Johnny Damon jersey with pig tails and feeling fine. So off to school she went.....but after school, mild fever reared it's ugly head and she napped. She's up now and feeling better, actually eating - but still looks so tired. Hopefully a good night sleep will do her some good.


In the meantime, this girl is snuggled up on the sofa with the Princess Petunia...sipping on a glass of wine and enjoying all the postgame online chatter. Tonight is going to be low key, just like this - without even a game plan for dinner. And you know what, I sort of like it that way for a change. I'd love a cheap Chinese food night, but we will have to see what the majority rule is.


Happy to be home. Happy to be with the family. Guess I'm "winning" too, today.

Lyrically speaking....

When in the springtime of the year
When the trees are crowned with leaves
When the ash and oak, and the birch and yew
Are dressed in ribbons fair

When owls call the breathless moon
In the blue veil of the night
The shadows of the trees appear
Amidst the lantern light

We've been rambling all the night
And some time of this day
Now returning back again
we bring a garland gay

Who will go down to those shady groves
And summon the shadows there
And tie a ribbon on those sheltering arms
In the springtime of the year

The songs of birds seem to fill the wood
That when the fiddler plays
All their voices can be heard
Long past their woodland days

And so they linked their hands and danced
Round in circles and in rows
And so the journey of the night descends
When all the shades are gone

"A garland gay we bring you here
And at your door we stand
It is a sprout well budded out
The work of Our Lord's hand"



Reflect on the value of inner versus outer wealth; in our world, there is a new awareness of our inner life and its worth. - Dalai Lama

Thoughts for Today....

1. Buffalo is delicious. I've never had it before, and I sell it. So, I try to cook with what I sell because if I love it- it makes it that much easier for me to convince someone else to try it. I sell game meat that is free range and organic from a very reputable company - and I brought it in because so many of my customers are chefs and mention that they make game meals; or they are just customers who have randomly mentioned that they eat game meat - and so I thought it would be a good fit. Turns out that it is, it sells very well. But I hadn't personally tried it all, and tonight I did. I grilled the steaks with sea salt, black pepper & garlic, drizzled with truffle balsamic reduction paired with a simple salad. It smelled fantastic but what surprised me the most was that it is reminiscent of lamb. I knew it would be gamey, and while I don't know what I was expecting, but I wasn't expecting that exactly.



2. While I know it's not exactly panic time....the Sox desperately need a win. If for nothing else but a change in psyche for them. And it's far too soon in the season to be so frustrated while watching them. While I know Jason is our backup catcher, truthfully Saltalamacchia doesn't look all that comfortable behind the plate - probably all the more reason why he needs to be there. At the same time, I felt so much better seeing Jason come in for last night's game and catching tonight as well. Now if Dice K doesn't screw it up, maybe we can get a win in the column.


3. No news on the house front... which is frustrating. We have an open house this weekend and someone requested information this week that one typically doesn't request unless they're contemplating putting an offer in. Trying not to care.....



4. Patience -- is it always a virtue? I try daily to keep my cool and patience when my kids push buttons; I try to remind myself that it is their job to test their boundaries with us on a regular basis. But sometimes I lose my temper and I feel so disappointed. It happens, and that's part of being a parent; but I hate bringing it to their level and yelling...really yelling. I'm the parent, right!? I shouldn't have to get that way! At the same time, sometimes it puts it all in perspective for them when I really raise my voice and get LOUD. I explained to my Princess Petunia (who was the culprit this evening) that no matter how much she meltsdown, or how angry she gets - that her parents are always her safe place and love her no matter what. And while it makes me feel good that she knows that, (and the hug after all the arguing solidifies that confidence) and my lack of patience was something she needed at that moment to put things in perspective - I still wish I didn't have to do that.

Parenting is a tough, tough job. And it's one that helps us continue to grow as adults because we're always learning from the experience. These little people are looking to us to show them what will be expected from them in life -- and the reward of them being happy, grounded and successful on a personal level -- is worth more than anything else in the world. If losing my patience on occasion is going to help them be good people in life, then I will gladly do it, many times a day if need be.

Meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow....

So, for the last few weeks I've been following the online persona of the new girl in Jason's life. (enter long silence HERE.)

Okay. So, I have to say I'm very, very, very surprised. She's not quite the person I'd have thought he would've attached himself to. Of course the caveat that I'm going to use for the following rant is that 1.) I don't know Jason personally, and 2.) I don't know this girl personally either. So the observations I'm making are based strictly upon 1.) the persona that she is putting out there and 2.) my perception of how I think he is, which of course is based on nothing other than...my perception.

I am shocked to see that he would be involved with someone who uses his name as if it was a clothing accessory. Seemingly a name dropper, flashy showy party type of person -- I rather thought he would err on the side of discretion for someone he wanted to be involved with. Someone who might keep their relationship special and private, rather than a party for everyone to go to. And a rather snarky party at that.

But then again - who's to say this person is someone serious in his life? Maybe she is just that -- a little fun, nothing too serious so no big deal. I mean, there's something refreshing about a girl who puts it all out there; at the same time, isn't there something to be said about having just a little decorum in your online personality? I might be a little too uptight about things, but I'm sorry -- I'm nobody, and I don't swear or say crass things online because you just don't know who's going to see it -- and, I'm not crass or vulgar anyway, but that's just me. But, if I was in the public eye by my own doing -- or by association, as in this case -- I'd be that much more careful with my words. Call it uptight - call it class, you choose.

I think one of the things that I love about him (aside from the obvious) is that he was married to his college girlfriend, and is Dad to three little girls. He's always been so very private and that to me just makes him seem so much more "normal" than some of these people who live the wild party life when they're "celebrity athletes". As much as I "love"him, I was really sad when I heard he was getting divorced; you don't want to see anyone who's got a family life have it fall apart -and I really hope he finds someone he can share his life with again.

Who knows - maybe that girl is it.
But my God, this girl really hopes that it isn't.

10 to 1

Tonight was my son's 2d Annual WWE Wrestlemania Viewing party. 10 ten year old boys -- and one soon to be 7 year old girl -- in one room watching the WWE. You can't even begin to imagine....
(It actually was a great night - and much better than last year. The boys have really grown up from 8&9 years of age to 9&10 years. Lucky for me!)

Listen, I love my Princess Petunia; she's sassy and artistic and sensitive - but I've got to tell you - wow, is she just crazy sometimes!!

Okay, here's the deal: she's got 6 boy cousins, and only 1 girl cousin who's much younger than she is -- well, actually she's only 10 months younger than her but she seems so much younger because Princess Petunia is a bit more precocious and is used to being around kids that are older; that being said, it makes for her to feel not only more than comfortable being in a room full of boys -- but she wants them to think she's "cool" so she goes overboard on calling attention to herself.


I've tried to advise her that they are going to like her best if she's just herself and that sometimes being quiet and more subdued is better than trying to be as loud and aggressive as they are; but she doesn't get it.

Of course, this could be because she's only going to be 7.


Still, I'd take a room full of 10 boys to a room full of 10 boys and 1 girl. Seriously.

I'm so excited...and I just can't hide it....

We are less than 30 minutes from the opening pitch! And dare I say it but the sun is actually starting to peek out a bit in my neck of the woods. Sort of bummed to see Saltimacchia warming up, but hey...he is the future, so I need to just accept it. (They just announced Youk! SOOO fun....!)

I'm going home and having a baseball party with the kiddies tonight. G and I aren't going to be indulging in the dinner fare but that's okay - the kids don't mind. It's Fenway Franks with the fixings, potato salad, pickles and....Cracker Jack. I should be home by the 3rd inning, and they are anxiously awaiting. Just wait til we have opening day at Fenway.... the feast will be on!

What's on tap for the weekend is fortunately nothing of too much pressure and just lots of fun. Gymnastics & Basketball...maybe a movie; and then Sunday, it's a rollerskating day with all my girlfriends and their kids. There's like 25 of us going and it should be a great time. Maybe we'll even get to squeeze a open house or showing in there somewhere.


I love when there's nothing much going on and we can just take our time and relax at home. As much as I love going places, there's no place like home....