Kindness of a Stranger, Pt.2

Last year, I wrote a post about the kindess of a stranger who took a liking to watching myself & my daughter eating dinner at a Chinese restaurant during one of our "girl's nights" - and paid for our dinner. Anonymously, quietly and with no strings attached. (I'd link to the post yet for some reason, I can't find it. But I digress...)


When we were in Manhattan, we were having breakfast and our private food delivery person extraordinaire (not sure for the appropo, political name for waitstaff would be? I like this one far better!) took a liking to Princess Petunia - and her little stuffed animal Connie, whom I don't think I've blogged about. Let's see exhibit "C" for Connie, shall we?

So, long story short - our lovely friend at the restaurant offered to send Princess Petunia a doll that she might use to replace Connie the Cow, who clearly has been very well loved. (And well travelled, might I add...)


And you know what?
He did.

Via FedEx today to the store, our kind and thoughtful benefactor sent us a doll for Princess Petunia to love.



And, she does.


So the moral to the story is this: sometimes, there is more kindness to be found in a stranger than in those who are in our day to day lives; it doesn't take much to make another person smile -- and I don't know who came up with the theory that New Yorkers are rude. Because every single one I've ever met who are legitimately from the Big Apple - are good people.

Maybe New Yorkers & Bostonian's aren't too different after all... ?

Que Sera, Sera...whatever will be -- will be.

I wish I could take credit for the following items - but I can't. Though I've been known to paraphrase them from time to time, and always have long before this email came into my inbox. They're pretty much common sense, but sometimes - we don't all take the time to actually utilize our own common sensability; either because we choose not to, or don't take the time to.

Life is a garden. Bloom where you are planted.
And enjoy the following. (I'm bolding my personal favorites. Be aware, there may be many!)

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, author of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more."

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick.. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else. 20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21... Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ''In five years, will this matter?"...
26. Always choose life.
27. Forgive everyone everything.
28. What other people think of you is none of your business...
29. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
31. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
32. Believe in miracles.
33. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
34. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
35. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
36. Your children get only one childhood.
37. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
38. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
39. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
40. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
41. The best is yet to come.
42. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
43. Yield.
44. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

She says she talks to angels....says they all know her name.

The situation with my Mother isn't really going well and unfortunately, I think we are going to be saying our final goodbyes in the very near future.

In an effort to be proactive regarding the visiting hours at my house, I called one of my girlfriends who has a catering business; I figured if I can determine in advance what I might need, it would be just a matter of making a phone call and that's one less detail to think about.

It's so funny, I know my girlfriend really well; granted, our lives are both insanely busy so we don't visit often but we talk on the phone at least once a month to catch up and say hi. Between her catering business and her family - and my store and my own family, both of us barely have time to breathe it seems. Anyway, my point being that as I was on the phone with her to plan some catering, she mentioned that she volunteers in her spare time (free time? I have no idea where this girl would squeeze free time in, she's flat out! But when it comes to certain things you make the time and that's the truth; sometimes socializing just doesn't place as high on the list as sharing yourself with others, but I digress....) at a hospice facility nearby, and if I needed any help possibly getting my Mom into such a facility she might be able to assist.

I was so touched and almost in awe of her selflessness. Volunteering and sharing of oneself is a gift - and no matter what field it's in -- it's a treasure to the recipient. But how often do you hear of people volunteering at hospice? The kindness and compassion that is in a person's heart, to spend time with people so that they don't have to be alone at a time that is less than comfortable and often scary - to me is amazing.

And truly, it's not a surprise to me that she would be the one to do this. She's truly that nice of a person, and one that I'm just honored to have in my life.

Friday's final thoughts....

Cultivate the garden within.

Live as though you are nobody. Live as though you are a glow of light, and you will see, that bliss that comes out of it. You cannot even compare to any other joy through any senses.

God regards with merciful eyes not what you are nor what you have been but what you wish you to be.

You can search the whole universe and not find a single being more worthy of love than yourself. Since each and every person is so precious to themselves, let the self-respecting harm no other being.

When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds; your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive, and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be

Yoga is bodily gospel. ~Reaven Fields

Today is the 108 Sun Salutation Fundraiser for the Jimmy Fund.
It's an amazing practice -- three hours long -- with the presence and focus being on the cause.

Sun Salutations or Surya Namaskara is a dynamic asana sequence of 12 postures performed as one continuous flow. Sri K. Pattabhi Jois calls 108 sun salutations a yoga mala, after the garland of prayer beads. There are 108 beads on every strand. Each completed sequence becomes a bead of the mala; therefore, every mala calls for 108 sun salutations. Regardless of the meaning of 108 it is important to remember that a yoga mala is a form of meditation and like the prayer beads, each sequence should be practiced with sincerity, devotion and full attention.

(If you practice, then you'll appreciate that we do one full Surya Namaskara A and B to be one complete Sun Salutation.)


Why 108? Well....

• A Harshad number is 108
(harshad in sanskrit means
great joy)
• 108 energy lines join to
form the heart chakra
• With 54 letters in the
sanskrit alphabet each
has masculine and
feminine equals 108
• 1 stands for higher truth
0 for emptiness
8 for infinity

Whatever you're doing today, enjoy; but take a moment to step back and thinmk about those who might be struggling or suffering today - and send some positive energy and good thoughts their way.

Namaste....

Top 10, part deux...

So, I'm not very good at these kinds of lists truthfully. It's hard to determine categories for things that happen in any person's life, you know what I mean? So I think it's best for me to just have a final Top 10 of things that happened or had impact in this girl's life in 2009. Good, bad or otherwise.

Again, not in any meaningful order -- just how they come to me.

10. Leaving my job. Wow, had I dreamed of when that day would come but nothing prepared me for the reality of it. It wasn't a bad thing -- it was a great thing, but still a little sad. Of course that lasted oh, about a minute. I don't miss it a bit -- being in business for myself and being my own boss is beyond gratifying. Having friends and family work side by side with me is a great thing; I often get tinges of sentimentality when I see things that have to do with the Air Force or the base -- but other than that....nada. I loved my job and I truly made the best of things, but I was beyond frustrated knowing I was capable of doing great things and was held back because I wasn't in the Government proper.

9. My knee surgery. That was one of the coolest things I've ever experienced. I mean, you are awake for CSections and that's pretty interesting but it's not nearly the same thing as actually getting to watch what's happening inside your knee surgically. Definitely one of the more fun things that happened this year. Sounds kind of silly I know - but it alleviated my discomfort and was educational and fun at the same time.

8. Finding out my Mother has Cancer. The news itself of her having the disease wasn't all that shocking, only because it is so rampant. What was shocking, was the poor care (in my opinion) that she had received up to this point. Finally, she is going to Dana Farber -- tomorrow actually, and I am going with my parents -- to get what we hope/wish/pray will be a diagnosis (finally!!!) and hopefully a better prognosis than what she received in Florida.

7. Being hardworking, diligent and patient. While this was a difficult year for everyone on so many levels -- it was a good year for us with business. Patience and hard work, with a sprinkle of due diligence really paid off in allowing us to launch a new business. I have to say that over the last year prior to this opportunity I had been so frustrated; we came so close so many times, but timing can be everything and truly while luck only goes so far -- it's all about the work that goes into it.

6. Spending time with my family. Sounds mundane and not necessarily listworthy - but the truth of the matter is -- that it is. This summer while I was not able to take any time off because of the buildout, I still was on a more flexible schedule than being at work and was able to spend a few days with the family at Water Country, Canobie Lake Park, etc. Even just staying at home later in the morning before heading off to the store site -- it was far more enjoyable of a way to start my day than stressing over traffic and what time I might arrive in the office. Again, it's tied to being my own boss -- and while I'm incredibly busy at times, it offers me a luxury of time with my family that I haven't been able to enjoy before.

5. Having to adjust to the fact that my children think on their own. Let me tell you - that's a tough one. Trying to parent firmly, discipline strongly and not be too stifling is a tightrope I've had to walk on all this year for the first time. Princess Petunia was the first one to challenge -- and her boldness has encouraged her brother to express himself as well. This has been a huge event this year in my life and while it was a change that I knew would come -- I still wasn't quite prepared for when it happened.

4. Abandoning Dunkin Donuts forever. I have completely transitioned to Starbucks. After spending probably hundreds of dollars in coffee that tasted so horrible that I threw it away -- I finally smartened up and actually spend only an extra .25 for a cup of coffee that I enjoy every single time. It feels like a monkey is off my back -- truly. How crazy is that? Discovering that I can really enjoy a cup of coffee consistently -- that's a huge happening in this girl's life after months of being disappointed by Dunks.

3. Achieving many of the goals I'd set for myself. I ran the 5K sooner than anticipated; I did a yoga marathon even sooner post-surgery. I continually worked on accepting the things I could not change and actively worked on changing the things that I could - that needed changing. And some things were just fine the way they were.

2. Seeing a Broadway play front row. Wow, did that spoil me forever. G and I going to see David Mamet's "Speed the Plow" at the Barrymore --with Jeremy Piven and cast practically sweating on us -- was amazing. So impressive, that we're thinking of going back and seeing the aforementioned director's new production of "Race" at that same theatre in the next few weeks. It was an event that truly had an impact on me as far as spending quality time with G, appreciating and loving NYC -- and throughly appreciating theatre even more than I already did. It made me long for what I might have done at one time... but at the same time appreciate the choices I made in not pursuing that career as fully as I could've. Because if I had -- I wouldn't be here today. And I'm pretty happy where I'm at....

1. Proving that I'm capable of doing great things. Listen, I knew I could do it -- but let's be honest there were plenty who had their doubts. Building the store was a fun, frustrating, stressful and yet enjoyable process. Our new store is something I'd always hoped it would be...and yet at the same time, I look back at G and I and think "wow, who'd have thought that two kids from nothing and nowhere would do all this...." But again, it just shows what a little hard work, good common business sense and a drive to succeed can get you. Sure it's only in it's infancy, but it's off to a good start -- and I'm so very proud. Aside from my children who are my greatest accomplishments in life -- it's up there on things to be proud of. Some people go through their whole life and don't have much to show for it -- and that's okay; there's nothing wrong with that. But we have built goodwill with a brand; we have actually made history in a community.

And how awesome is that?!?!?

Let it snow, let it snow....let it snow!

1. It was so nice to wake up to the snow today. I left the house early to go to the supermarket -- why go before the storm, when you can go during? C'mon, I'm a New Englander -- what's a little snow?!? So, I went and did the bulk of my holiday menu shopping done - with the exception of the lobster for the bisque because truthfully, I don't want to make it that far ahead. I did however make the lasagna today and promptly froze it. Funny enough - every time I've done that, you know - made it ahead and froze it, people seem to like it better than when I make it fresh. Works for me, one less thing for me to have to do that day.

2. So, Tiger may have gotten his wish. Okay, so I may have mentioned on a sports blog that Tiger is probably praying that a celebrity died or there was some major tragedy to take the spotlight of off him for a change; while Brittany Murphy is by no means Heath Ledger-ish or Michael Jackson-like, she is a celebrity none the less and tragic with a death at 32. There's the breathing room he was praying for.
2a. Brittany Murphy was really only 32?!?! Was she like, 12 in Clueless? I guess she was only 22, but I certainly thought she was closer to 36. Funny how in La La land the ages seem younger and younger. Does anyone ever grow up?

3. Tonight is a marathon wrapping night. Hopefully I have wine in the house because this girl is tired and would love to have a nice glass of wine while wrapping. I don't have a choice -- I have no time between now and Christmas to get it done, so tonight it is.

4. My parents are coming tomorrow. I haven't seen them in almost two years -- and as I mentioned previously in posts over the summer, my Mother is sick and is finally going to see doctors at Dana Farber next week. Finally.

Well, that's about it for now. I'm off to ensure no little people are up so I can get crack-a-lacking.

Hi-ho, Hi-ho....it's wrapping I will go....
(whistles off into the distance.....fade to black.)

Two thumbs up and 5 stars.....

Let me preface this review by stating that I am not, in the slightest -- a Jim Carrey fan.
I am, however - a huge fan of Gary Oldman, and Robert Zemeckis.

"A Christmas Carol" is by far, the most artistically spectacular movie I've ever seen. The animation is second to none; similar to the "Polar Express" - the technology used in this film was so far beyond where "Polar Express" left off -- it's mindblowing. There are some moments that even in extreme closeups you question whether it's actors or animation that you're looking at.

The adaptation is pretty true to the Dickens story; there's some embellishment of sorts but for the most part it's almost the way I remember the book. Lets face it, England in the 1840s is rather dark and Dickens isn't the shiniest and happiest of authors -- but the magic of Zemeckis brings you right there and for a few moments in time you forget that you're in a theatre, and it's the new millenium.

My only real critique is that there's little interaction between Scrooge and Crotchet; I seem to remember a bit more detail into their relationship so that the connection to he and Little Tim made more sense than it did in the movie. I found that I needed to explain why he was so interested in that family, because to younger children who haven't read the classic yet - there was no true obvious tie between the two people; so I felt that the one glimpse we had of them working together was really outlined as an obvious assumption to those of us who grew up with the story all of these years.

Definitely not a movie for those under 8; Princess Petunia is no shrinking violet and at 5 1/2 - she was definitely startled and scared at times. She stuck it out, but as I said - Dickens isn't shiny and happy so even the prettiest of scenes are dark for little ones. That being said, this is absolutely a fabulous family movie -- and seriously, a great date night film.

We might even go see it again!

Break it...to me, gently.....

Yesterday, it happened.
The beginning of the end…..
And, I’m pretty lucky -- because he let me down easy.
Not everyone gets the news broken so nicely to them.
It doesn’t make it any easier to swallow though.

At the end of my son’s soccer game, as we were walking back from the field to the Snack Shack where I was going to buy him whatever he wanted because he played so hard out there…I had my arm around his shoulder. And then as we were talking and walking, instinctively I grabbed his hand and he grabbed mine. Up ahead, a friend of his was walking – and my son yells out, “Hey Chris!”. Chris stops, looks at my son – glances at me, kind of smiles – and then waves.

My son waits a moment, and says to me “Um, so... you know – maybe you don’t need to hold my hand at the Soccer field anymore…” Immediately, I turn red --and I let his hand go, and said in my cheeriest voice, “Oh, I’m sorry! I don’t mean to embarrass you, I understand”…and he said “Well, in a parking lot, or the in the mall – it’s okay, but on the soccer field, I think I might look like a baby.” So I said, “Oh, absolutely – I totally understand.”

I had “that moment” with him, where suddenly I wasn’t his world. And though while I'm still "the best mom ever", I can't be everything at all times to him. He's my baby -- yet, not my baby any longer.

You know what really struck me the most – was that he was so nice to me about it. I know for fact, that the conversations don't generally go that nicely. I have many a "Mom" friend that has told me stories about their children being a little more -- disdainful in their growing up moments. I am well aware that our own moment could have gone in an entirely different manner. But, that whole interaction is my son in a nutshell…concerned about other's feelings; so he wanted to let me know that it was okay still, but just not everywhere.

So, a few minutes later – I thanked him.

Me: “Hey T, you know what – thanks for telling me about the whole hand thing in a nice way. Some kids aren’t that nice to their Mom when they get embarrassed a little. So really, thank you.”
T: “You aren’t sad, are you?”
Me: “No! I mean, well, yes a little but it’s part of you growing up – I’m proud of you for being thoughtful and kind when you said it to me. That really means alot. “
T: “Okay, as long as you aren’t sad.”

Of course, I was very sad….
But you know, I still get the parking lots – and busy places like the Mall.
What else could a Mom ask for?

I believe the children are our future.....

This morning on my commute to work, I switched from Sports to Music - not realizing that today was Mix 98.5's annual Radioathon for Children's Hospital.

I donate to two organizations throughout the year primarily: The Jimmy Fund, and Children's Hospital. There are other organizations that are smaller that I help out as well, but these are the two that are near and dear to me, for personal reasons.

Children's Hospital is one of those places that helps you believe in miracles & medicine -- all at one time. I can't say enough about this organization, and I would encourage any one who has children - or has children in their lives, be it nieces/nephews, godchildren, cousins, etc. - to consider making a contribution today.

We're all struggling, we have have difficult times to endure.....even $10 is a valueable contribution. If you can't -- then you can't. It's perfectly understandable.....

I just didn't want to let the opportunity of sharing the opportunity to participate go by.

Namaste....

Wisdom tells me I am nothing.
Love tells me I am everything.
And between the two, my life flows.....

If fifty million people say a foolish thing,
It is still a foolish thing.

Surrendering does not involve preparing for a soft landing.
It means landing on hard, ordinary ground on rocky, wild countryside.
Once we open ourselves, then we land on what is.

Whatever you do may seem insignificant, but it is most important that you do it.

To build character, do something for no other reason than it's difficulty.

Stop seeking....where is there to go?
Everything you seek is already inside you.

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a Partridge in a Pear Tree....

I have to say I'm feeling pretty good about this year's gift giving.

While we all are downscaling the amount of gifts we're giving this year -- as well as the amount of people we're giving to -- I have to say, I’m happy with the kinds of gifts I'm purchasing.
For example, G is incredibly difficult to buy for. What do you get the person who has everything? And yet.....I think I've done okay. I don't feel I picked things just to get something - which is often how I end up feeling (Especially last year after we agreed not to buy for one another and yet....there I was, rushing to make up for having stuck to my end of the bargain better than he had!)
I think the gifts I thought of are fun, and things he'll enjoy and get good use out of.

Same with the kids; this year, I think the gifts they're getting are ones that they really wanted and will use. It's funny, they write to Santa to express their wishes but somehow those ideas get lost in the sensory overload of walking into a toy store that can get to even the best of parents. (Raising hand, guiltily.)

So this week, is when I need to get wrapping. I haven't started yet, which isn't a good thing - but I think I'm going to do a lot of gift bag wrapping for things that aren't for the kids in an effort to make life easier. Seriously, I'm beginning to think they're the best invention ever.

I need to get focused on my holiday meal as well. I've decided to take out one of the courses this year -- the soup. I just can't think of a soup that excites me enough to make it - that would go well with my meal, other than a Sweet Potato bisque. It's just not exciting me at the moment....but who knows, that could change.

So the holiday menu at the "I'm just a girl" house this year will be as follows:

Shrimp Cocktail
Stuffed Scallops
Stuffed Italian Peppers
Caesar Salad
Lasagna
Spiral Ham
Turducken
Roasted Asparagus
Roasted Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes w/ Pecans and Marshmellow

I do believe that's the menu. Sides are subject to change, but the bulk of it is set in stone....

What will be on your holiday table?

Monday Mash Up!

1. Yesterday's Patriot's game was unflipping believable. I couldn't pull myself away - and literally, you almost weren't able to because at one point it almost seemed as if whomever had possession was scoring. The defense clearly needs more work -- as do the safeties. Seriously, I think I hit harder than Brendan Merriweather -- which is disappointing because I'd really hoped he'd be a good follow on for when and if the time came for Rodney Harrison to retire. Not sure he's developing to be "that guy". And I'm sorry, I get that John Lynch is "old" but I'm thinking that experience and tenacity is needed in that position.

Matt Cassell -- wow. I (like many others) certainly am needing to be eating my words of the last few months. Clearly, players improve when given the ability to play -- but I don't know that anyone expected this. Is he Brady-like? No, I don't think so - but he is definitely coming into his own. See what happens when the expectations are low -- often you get surprised. It really shows you a person's character and fortitude when they are perceived as the underdog, are aware of that fact -- and then exceed all expectations. And on a chick note: he's cuter than Tom was in the beginning. Just think of the supermodels he's going to be getting once he gets his makeover...!

Final Patriots thought: Bill Belichick is an amazing coach. All you naysayers and cynics from last season who had nothing but negativity and jeers towards this team, that man and all their accomplishments -- hmmm. You think they're cheating now? Stick that in your pipe and smoke it! (As Alex & Rob like to say....!)

2. Sometimes, you just like what you like. Last week, I mentioned a song I love by Alter Bridge titled "Metalingus". Well today, I heard a song that is entirely in a different vein -- it's soft, acoustic and really melodic. I had no idea who it was performed by, but I felt as if I knew who was singing it - there was something familiar about the voice. Get this: it's called "Watch Over You" by none other than................ my boys Alter Bridge! Must. Buy. The CD.

3. Last night, the nicest thing happened. My daughter and I were having our sushi date and sitting behind us was a man eating dinner alone. I only know this because when his food came over, it smelled so good that I had to turn around to see what he got. That was when I noticed he was eating alone. Anyway, at the end of our dinner - my daughter was laughing and noticeably looking at this man. So I asked what she was laughing at and she came across the table and whispered into my ear "that man is making funny faces at me and making me laugh". So I turned around and he said "she's adorable, she's been entertaining me". So I thanked him and said that she can certainly be quite funny. So she and I finish eating...and he must've left. The waitresses came over to give me my bill and told me that my "friend" paid the tab. I said, "friend? I don't have any friends here.....?" when they told me the man behind me paid. I saw him up at the counter and said "oh, he shouldn't have done that!"....but he left before I could thank him and I wasn't about to leave my daughter at the table. But I know he heard my reaction because he looked back at us.

What's interesting is that my first thought was "Wow, how unbelievably thoughtful and kind". My second thought was "is he some crazy guy who'd be waiting for us in the parking lot". See how society has changed us from taking random acts of kindness at face value and reading into some sort of underlying bad motive?

But I brushed that secondary reaction away and stuck with my original gut feeling of "What a really nice guy. Such a kind thing to do...."

So where ever you are...whomever you are....thank you.
It was appreciated!

4. Jason, Jason -- where for art thou Jason..... please don't make me wait until Christmas Eve to determine whether I'll be happy or in mourning this upcoming season. "Rumor" has it a one year deal was offered, which rather surprises me considering I think we all thought that he's looking for better longevity, and probably not wanting to have to continually renegotiate as a one year deal would imply he'd need to do. All I can say is this, if our good Captain is in need of some career counseling advice, this girl is more than willing to lend an ear and offer kind words of advice!

Postive Thinking....

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

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

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

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

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

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

So simple. And so very true..

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some advice for a snowy, slushy Thursday...

Do one thing every day that scares you.


Don't be reckless with other people's hearts. Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.


Don't waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long and, in the end, it's only with yourself.


Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults. (If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.)


Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank statements.


Stretch.


Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary. Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself either. Your choices are half chance. So are everybody else's.


Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Don't be afraid of it or of what other people think of it. It's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.


Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your living room.


Do not read beauty magazines. They will only make you feel ugly.


Get to know your parents. You never know when they'll be gone for good. Be nice to your siblings. They're your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.


Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle, because the older you get, the more you need the people who knew you when you were young.


Accept certain inalienable truths: Prices will rise. Politicians will philander. You, too, will get old. And when you do, you'll fantasize that when you were young, prices were reasonable, politicians were noble, and children respected their elders.

Joyeaux Noel...

I believe in magic and miracles…I believe in being kind to others. I believe that one small effort on my part can have a tremendous impact on someone else's day, quite possibly their life. I believe in the power of my words. I believe in the innocence of children, and the happiness of those who continually try to live their lives to the fullest. I believe in the beauty of the first snowfall, and the grace of the changing colors of the leaves in the fall. I believe in the spirit of Santa Claus -- and that he lives in every one of us. It isn't about the gift itself, but about the taking a moment to think of those who we love and showing them our appreciation for their existance in our lives.

I believe in love, hope and happiness. And I believe in all the beauty that comes with that perspective of life, because it is real. I see it in my day to day life -- and I hope that you see it in yours.

"Believe" - Josh Groban

Children sleeping, snow is softly falling
Dreams are calling like bells in the distance
We were dreamers not so long ago
But one by one we all had to grow up
When it seems the magic's slipped away
We find it all again on Christmas day

Believe in what your heart is saying
Hear the melody that's playing
There's no time to waste
There's so much to celebrate
Believe in what you feel inside
And give your dreams the wings to fly
You have everything you need
If you just believe

Trains move quickly to their journey's end
Destinations are where we begin again
Ships go sailing far across the sea
Trusting starlight to get where they need to be
When it seems that we have lost our way
We find ourselves again on Christmas day

Believe in what your heart is saying
Hear the melody that's playing
There's no time to waste
There's so much to celebrate
Believe in what you feel inside
And give your dreams the wings to fly
You have everything you need
If you just believe

Just believe

Funny thing happened to me yesterday....

I've been preoccupied it seems.

First time I noticed this was on Tuesday as I was in the vets office, picking up my cat from being declawed. I went to pay, and realized that I did not have my debit card on me. The last time I had remembered using it was when I got my hair cut -- two Fridays ago. So now I'm panicking as I call my bank to verify that no one has used it since that date. Fortunately, no one had - so easily enough we stopped that card and reissued another one. I left the card inside of the ATM machine within my branch. How stupid! I mean, I know that I'm not the first person to misplace their ATM card, but truly - how preoccupied was I that I couldn't remember to take it with me? I didn't think I had that much on my mind that day, but clearly I did.

Wednesday, I had a splitting headache that literally just spring upon me as I was driving home (and still have, truth be told). One minute I was fine, the next minute - raging headache. And I just wasn't in the mood to cook. I wanted something cool and refreshing…so I thought, "aaah. Sushi!". So when I got home, I grabbed my daughter and took her with me to what I thought was the closest Whole Foods. (Word to the wise, the Woburn store is REALLY in Winchester - so while Woburn is one town away - Winchester is not, and it took what felt like forever to get there!) Anyway. I get my food - and as I'm leaving, the carriage somehow cuts my pinky toe (I was wearing flip flops) and this teensy tiny nick on my pinky toe is bleeding like I've been amputated. So now my daughter is upset seeing me bleed, there's blood gushing -- I mean puddling in my flip flop - and I'm trying to get her and the groceries into my truck. Meanwhile, two people get out of their car and walk by me and say "Oh Miss, do you know you're bleeding?". In my head I'm thinking "hell yes I know I'm bleeding thank you!" but I politely smile and say "yes, I know, thank you - I'll look for a tissue after I load up my truck". So now I'm mortified on top of injured while my daughter is being uncooperative. Despite this, I put the carriage away - because I don't want to leave it in the middle of the lot even though I'm being completely grossed out.

What did I forget to bring with me, as I drove away?
My wallet. Sitting right in the top of the carriage………..but I didn't know that at the time.
Oh no. I discovered that yesterday morning on my way to work. In Burlington.
I realize that I must've left my wallet at home.

So I drive all the way home, to discover my wallet wasn't there.
(Insert wave of panic rushing through me, HERE. Oh and that headache that I thought was gone with the sushi? Returned.)

I very calmly call Whole Foods, where I'm pleased to discover that my wallet was graciously returned by a passerby who noticed I left it. So back up 128 to Burlington I drive - to go into Winchester to get my wallet before heading into work.

I'm not normally so scattered. But clearly, I'm a bit preoccupied as of late.
Must be that whole "not getting to see Jason" thing that's gone to my head.
Kidding….

Hope Springs Eternal....I hope so anyway!

I watched the American Idol special last night – and I have to tell you, it was heartbreaking at times. Hats off to the producers for trying to use the power of their show to do some good for others who truly need it. It’s so easy for most of us to not think about others who might not be as well off as we are. And of course, that is a relative term - but I'm speaking generally. In this MYSpace, ITunes, “reality” show watching, fast food eating, Banana Republic wearing, Coach Bag carrying society that we’re living in – I think it’s really important that the youth of today pay attention to the problems that maybe aren’t so near and dear to their hearts because they fortunately (or unfortunately?) haven’t been exposed to it. I hope it made some semblance of an impact on them.

Muscially speaking, I thought the performances were really quite good. Kelly Clarkson was excellent, as was Carrie Underwood. Rascal Flatts, and IL Divo I really enjoyed as well. The illusion of Celine Dion with Elvis was really very, very cool. I just kept wondering how they made it look like they were really together – it was so very well done. But my personal favorite, was Josh Groban. To hear him with the choir of children was what I bet it sounds like when Angels sing together. Sounds corny – I know. But his voice is just magical to me.

There’s no shame on hopping on the "giving" bandwagon.
It feels really good.
Really.

Free your mind...and the rest will follow.

Its funny how much disdain there seems to be towards thin people lately. There’s a whole “anti-size 0 “movement going on. I’ve seen the topic on other blogs, I hear it from other women - and of course, the media fuels the fire.

As a matter of fact, one of my local radio DJs was interviewing Heidi Klum last week and made some sort of off hand comment about her being a size 0 after having so many kids. To which she promptly replied that neither she, nor most of her supermodel acquaintances were size 0. Not that she should have to justify herself, but she seemed a little surprised by his comment. I was too - because it didn't quite come off as complimentary. Not sure if that was the intent or not.

I am a size 0.
I’m not a supermodel – nor am I sickly looking. I’m 5’1 – and I have a petite frame.

I am not Nicole Ritchie or Posh Spice thin; I’m fit and athletic – but I’m still a size 0. I can’t help it, this is just how I am.
I was 164 lbs when I gave birth to my son. Considering I’d been 100 lbs when I conceived him, that was a dramatic weight gain. When I was pregnant with a second child that I lost – I put on 25 lbs in the first 13 weeks. Some women put that on that amount over the term of their pregnancy! I put 54 lbs on when I had my daughter – and she was 5 weeks early! Did I lose all the weight immediately? No, of course not. But did I starve myself, or live an unhealthy lifestyle to try to get down to some silly clothing size? Of course not.

I worked out, modified my diet a little bit (sugar to splenda, cream to milk) and figured wherever my body wants to be is where it will be. And sure enough, I’m a small person by nature – here I am again. Like Gisele Bundchen (though not my favorite person lately) commented not too long ago, sometimes people are just genetically built a certain way.

I suppose it sounds trite considering the overwhelming amount of prejudiced placed upon people who are overweight in society – but I wholeheartedly disagree with that mindset as well.

We need to stop judging people based upon their appearances, be it weight or ethnicity; style or sexuality.
Live and let live. This is the concept that people need to embrace.
You just might see the world in a brighter light if you do.