SURPRISE!!!

Somehow, G managed to surprise me for my big "40". It's not officially until Friday, but he kept hyping up a big present he had planned for me on the 18th of September, and "not to make any plans" for that day.....when in reality, he had a huge surprise party planned for me last night!

I wasn't just surprised...I was shocked. Stunned. Never saw it coming - not even a little.

Everyone from my best girlfriend in the world whom I never get to see....to my fabulous girlfriends (aka the "Aunties"), all our family -- even my Dad who flew in yesterday morning. (that's him peeking in the background.)

I don't have any photos of the actual surprise - these are just a few from my camera once the shock wore off. Definitely was a fabulous way to start this new year in my life. G's right, he keeps saying I had a tough year -- and you know what, he's right - I did. So this was without doubt a step in the right direction for change in the best way.

Land that I love...

So, I don't get to blog surf much - but when I do, one of my very first stops is to Suldog. He's over there in the Guest List, and you should check him out if you haven't already. Anyway, last night I had a few minutes to surf and he had this great post about 100 things he loves about America. Fun, right?

I felt compelled to play along, natch.

Some are specific, some are more vague - and while some may not be American exclusive per se - they're still on my list. Let's play, shall we...? I have to be honest, I can't come up with 100 for tonight, but I can do 50 anyway.
(By the way, if you do a list - please feel free to share yours with me!)

1. Apple Pie. Though not my personal first choice of pie - it is pretty darn spectacular if made right, particularly with a little caramel melted in. Just sayin'...
2. Baseball. Really, need I say more?
3. The freedom to say what we want, sing what we want, write what we want and protest when we choose to.
4. Our Government. Listen, it's not perfect - but it's ours. Besides, I can say things about my dysfunctional family members, but God help the other person who calls my family dysfunctional. You hear me clucking big chicken?
5. The generosity of the American people. It's seemingly never ending, isn't it?
6. Our hard-ass reputation. I'm sorry, other countries might dislike us (bla, bla, whine whine) - but who do they come running to when they're in trouble. I don't think it's France.... just sayin'.
7. We drive on the RIGHT side of the road.
8. English. Listen - I love, love, love foreign languages - but let's be honest, English is just easier to understand. There's nothing gutteral, it doesn't take fancy tongue movements, there's nothing muffled about it.
9. Hollywood. Really, there's nothing like the allure of the beautiful people.
10. NYC. Is there a city other than Boston that's more fun than NYC?
11. Boston. Beacause this is where it all begin.... we are the history, the tradition, the guts and the glory. We are the heart & sould of America. Because I "love that dirty water"....

12. Elvis. Sure, England had the Beatles - but we had the King.
13. The American Dream. This is the land of opportunity. It's all yours if you just apply yourself and try. You don't get nothing for nothing... but you can have it all if you work hard.
14. The American Spirit. Oh yes, there is such a thing. And it is inherent within us all. "Live free or die" is more than a state motto - it's a mindset.
15. Southern Cooking. Truly - does it get any better than fried chicken, grits, collard greens and sweet potato pie? Um, I don't think so...!
16. Key West. Does this really need explaining?
17. TV Culture. From Fonzie, to The Jeffersons - The Brady Bunch to Seinfeld and everything in between - our television culture rocks. Sure it bombs from time to time as well, but seriously - we've had some great tv.
18. FoodTV. Speaking of TV, we've got some kickin' master chefs to show us how it's done.
19. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Thank God for that little creation.
20. Doritos. Second best creation on Earth.
21. Stupid Celebrities. Seriously, you've gotta love them. Especially with fabulous soundbites like "Crack is whack!".
22. Patriotic Songs. We have tons of them! And they're all really pretty great; I don't know about anyone else, but I still get a little faklempt post 9-11 at times listening to them.
23. Sept 11th. Yes, it was horrible and tragic -- but we own it. It's ours, and I've chosen to embrace it. It's our day to mourn the losses, and celebrate the fact that we will never, ever, ever allow something like that to happen to us again. Own the tragedy - and take the power away from the beast. Yippie ki-yay Mo'Fo. Just sayin'...
24. BBQ. From Missouri, to Texas -- we've got the best BBQ foods around!
25. Folk music. Peter Paul & Mary, Joanie Mitchell, Joan Collins, Joan Baez...the list goes on and on from the more traditional to newer contemporary folk-ish. It's one of my personal favorite genres, and it doesn't get more Americana than that.
26. Doo Wop Diners. Maybe there are some elsewhere, but I'm thinking that's a little gem that's probably all ours.
27. McDonalds & Burger King. Sure - it's bad for us, but seriously - it still tastes pretty darn good even though we pay for it later after we eat it. And those two bad boys certainly have taken over the world...



28. Cheesy Reality TV. Okay - we may not have created it, but wow - we've certainly done well with it. Jersey Shore is living proof that only in America are people happy being famous for being idiots.

29. Friends. I know I said Television Culture earlier - but where else does a TV show create a hair style that rocked the world like the "Rachel" did? And so many mannerisms that we've all embraced? Friends is truly a standout.

30. Seinfeld. Seriously needs no explanation and just goes with the above.

31. Dollar Stores. How cool are they in a pinch sometimes? Truly, fun for a Mom with two young children. Where else can a parent give their child a pick of two things, come out without spending a ton of money - and have the kids feel like Kings & Queens?

32. Fantastic Stand Up Comedians. Call me crazy, but I've yet to see anyone funny from another country. Throw a name out there if I'm wrong.

33. Twitter. Love it for business use - and you got it, created right here in the USA.

34. Superman. The strongest man on Earth, who's all about Truth, Justice and the American Way. He's from another planet who happened to land in good ol' Kansas. Does it get any better than that?

35. Great ethnic neighborhoods. Little Italy, Little Chinatown, Koreatown, The French Quarter, etc... because we are America, we've got these great little neighborhood sections in all of our major cities to allow us to embrace not only what might be our own heritages - but other people's as well.

36. Boxing. I don't know if it started here in America, but it definitely is part of our roots with immigration.

37. New England Boiled Dinner. Thank you to the Irish Immigrants for introducing us to the Corn Beef & Cabbage feast.

38. Square Dancing, Line Dancing and the like. Remember when everyone square danced? I didn't - but my parents did! And I loved, loved, loved the skirts. So twirly and fun!

39. The 4th of July. It's all red, white & blue - and all about us!

40. The ball drop on New Years Eve. Sure, that might not be inherently ours -but the world watches ours!

41. Budweiser. Not my personal favorite - but it's definitely a warm, fuzzy American product. Or well, it used to be - before a Belgian company bought it.

42. American Airlines. Definitely one of my favorite airlines.

43. Cabot, Jasper Hills, Cowgirl Creamery. We have some freakin' delicious cheeses, just to name a few!

44. Starbucks. Probably not the best coffee in the world in comparison to some other countries, but for "fast food" coffee -- it's pretty good. Pretty, pretty good.

45. Christmas Tree Shops. I just love a bargain -- don't you?

46. Yankee Candle. The best smelling candles ever.... !!!

47. The Pledge of Allegiance. I love it the way it is - in it's original form. We are one Nation, under God (I don't care what you name your God - it's still a God), indivisible (when push comes to shove), with Liberty & Justice for all.

48. The Stars & Stripes. Forever....

49. The Statue of Liberty, and all that she stands for. "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free."

50. The Declaration of Independence. "Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness"....

It's your birthday....Happy Birthday....

Six years ago today, Princess Petunia arrived.

And it was literally 6 years - today. Meaning, it was a Monday that she was born.

I'd been in labor all day the day previous; contractions were 7 minutes apart consistently - but nothing incredibly uncomfortable. I spent the day at a girlfriends' house for a bbq/potluck, and stayed off my feet most of the day.

Around 2am I woke up, because I had a dream that I was giving birth. Those contractions were now back labor and much more intense; still 7 minutes apart, but definitely more substantial. I actually drove myself to the hospital at 3:30am, because our son was sleeping and I didn't want to wake him up so I told G I'd call. I thought for sure since I was 5 weeks early, they'd keep my contractions at bay.

By 5:45, they were 2 minutes apart and my doctor said "How quickly can G get here, because we're taking her now". Now?!?! Now. I'd had complications that required me to have a C section and it could have been rather traumatic had nature taken it's course and natural style birthing took place, so when I tell you my doctor didn't wait - I'm not kidding. They were already under way in trying to get to her by the time G arrived in the operating room in scrubs.

She was born at 9:04 a.m., and I was out of the operating room by 11. Being a preemie, she was decent size and initally they thought she might need to go to neonatal; but the neonatologist initially told me no, she was 5lb 7 oz and well within normal weight. But due to the Csection, they changed their mind because she had fluid in her lungs - so off to neonatal she went. I got to see her afterwards, but didn't get to hold her in my arms until after 9pm that night when she was able to come out and come in my room.

She's had a twinkle in her eye since the day she was born....it's still there, and she's full of sugar and spice -- and a whole lot of sass. She's fiesty and spunky...but sensitive and thoughtful. She's got an incredible amount of wittiness for someone so young, and loves to laugh.

(that's her on the left!)

Happy Birthday, Princess Petunia.

I always have been, and always will be "Overjoyed" with you.

Time in New England, takes me away....

It was really just a lovely, lovely weekend for this girl.
Truly.

Yesterday, the kiddies had a birthday pool party to go to and we had lots of fun; I'm friendly with the boy's mom and her family - and we just had such a nice time. Then, I went and worked at the Boston store which is such a switch for me! It was funny trying to get acclaimated to where all the wines are and how the register works because it's all so different from my store; but it was really fun to see different walks of life because it's such a tourist area, it's just so different from where I am day to day.

Afterwards, G and I had dinner at Monica's in the North End. It was pretty good; the service was a little slow, but it was a booming and beautiful Saturday night so needless to say - the place was packed wall to wall. But it was good; a little pricey given the quantities, but the flavors were good.

Today, we went to Fanueil Hall and really just had so much fun. The only downside to the day was that the Brown Derby Deli was no where near as good as I remembered it being. I had a deli pickle that was horrible and the corned beef sandwich was less than impressive; but everything else we ate was rocking! Besides, even bad food being eaten outdoors at Fanueil can't be all that bad, right?

So a funny thing happened; last year when we took T for his birthday, he was picked to help out a street theatre duo. He was beyond pleased and loved it. Well, today that very same group was there, and.......you got it! Out of all the people standing around there, they picked him again!! He couldn't have been any happier. It was so much fun, watching him ham it up being the center of attention with everyone calling his name. Seriously, there are few things that make me smile more than seeing my children shine.

All in all, it was a fun and laid back weekend - and one that I'm sad to see come to an end. This is the last weekend my Dad will be here with us, he's going to stay with my sister before heading back to Florida. It's been nice having him here with us - and I know the kids are going to be sad to see him go.

But one never knows what the future holds.

Drove my Chevy to the levee....but the levee was dry.

So what I find so frustrating is that while I'm laying in bed at night - a million things I want to blog about run through my head. And yet, when the time comes for me to actually write something, they all escape my mind. Bizarre, and annoying all at the same time. Especially since some of them have been pretty good rants! Must write down notes.....

In any event, since clearly my mind is vacant at the moment from anything of value to say - I thought I'd share some photographs of happy events that have taken place over the last 4 weeks or so. Basically just some candid photos of the kiddies & I at family gatherings; and truthfully, pictures are worth a thousand words so - no need for me to ramble tonight, right?

(I'm in the middle w/ my friend S & my Princess Petunia)

The "I'm just a girl" kiddies...

My son's birthday dinner...

Princess Petunia's ear piercing yesterday! She didn't even flinch...

Mary Mary Quite Contrary....How does your garden grow?

I'm almost done with my garden.

Today I came home and planted my postage stamp area and so now all I have left is a pot or two. (Postage Stamp Garden, def.: A Postage Stamp survival vegetable garden is a small area that can produce a bounty of herbs and vegetables. Many gardeners complain that they are short on both time and garden space. A Postage Stamp garden solves both of these problems. And in today's economy it is important to have a sustainable vegetable garden, one that uses heirloom seeds for future planting. )

This weekend, I planted my large herb bowl that I'm keeping on my deck: Rosemary, Dill, Cilantro, Anise, Basil & Golden Oregano in one big planter. I also did a second large planter where I combined Romaine & Red Leaf Lettuces on one side, and Sugar Baby Watermelon on the other side.


This evening, I planted my tomatoes and eggplant (traditional & white), summer squash, endive, summer squash and cantaloupe.


Can I just tell you...it looks so pretty!


Tonight for dinner, I made cod and I used fresh dill and rosemary from the planter on it -- truly such a difference when you're using fresh herbs from the outside, rather than fresh from the supermarket. Such a difference in flavor.


What are you planting in your garden this season?

A few "mom" tidbits....

Okay, so as I write this - there are 13 eight year old boys in my house (yes, 13!!!) right now for a Wrestlemania party. One can only imagine the noise factor and banging that I can hear as they are yelling and jumping (jumping?!?!) on my third floor, otherwise known as "Mantown". I am not overseeing this event however. G is handling this one on his own. It was his idea, after all.....

Shopping with my kids a few weeks back we were at a store that had coloring books. So, I said to each of my kids that they could pick out a new book; my son picked out a Bible coloring book. (enter incredibly puzzled look HERE.) I said "honey, you want a bible coloring book?!? do you even know what a bible is?" (Okay, I've got to admit we're a spiritual house moreso than a religious one. My kids know about religion but don't study it per se....) My son promptly responds with " Of course I know what the bible is... it's that book the Pilgrims read when they landed in Plymouth". (am I a bad Mom? No, but I wrestle with teaching them about religion and must get them into at minimum a Unitarian Sunday School, I admit... CLEARLY!)

So tonight, is the Chronicle episode that will feature yours truly. While my Princess Petunia is banned to the downstairs living room with me (no girls allowed at this Wrestlemania party, and truthfully, this girl is quite pleased with that one!) I said "hey, do you want to watch the show I'm going to be on with me later?" to which she smartly replies "No." And I said "why not?" and she says "I see you in person, what do I want to see you on tv for?". (Hmmph. I'll remember that the next time you have a concert, missy...) Interesting how girls can sometimes be so.....snarky. Of course, I know that she's going to be be excited to see me on television, but truly. throw your Mom a crumb!

Princess Petunia has always been high strung and challenging; my son not so much. He has been lately though. Since when do kids think they can think for themselves?? I know I didn't try to think for myself at this age -- let alone be bossy. I'm thinking that after this Wrestling party, I'm going to have to lay the smack down a bit myself -- because this girl thinks that overindulgence is not good for kids -- and that's something that I don't subscribe to at all. G on the other hand, is all about overindulgence so we need to find that happy medium in the future.

But all in all, I've got great kids. They're only young for such a short time, I love the fact that my time with them is so appreciated. They genuinely love hanging out with me and that's something that I know isn't going to last forever. Some parents already have their kids over scheduled and so involved in activities that they have no time for their family. I love that we haven't done that to them; we haven't done that to us as a family. I'm not saying it's wrong -- I'm just saying that it's not right for us.

And I love how and who we are.

Why I love my job....

Well, some of the reasons anyway.


Sunday, we're having a fundraiser for Dana Farber Cancer Institute. In conjunction with a local Boot Camp, we're sponsoring a shopping day where 10% of our sales from Sunday will be donated to DFCI . I love that I'm now in a capacity to give back in so many ways -- even more than what I do on a personal level.

Monday, is the airing of the Chronicle special...!! Exciting, scary, fun, all at the same time.



And seriously -- look at just a fraction of the fun stuff I get to bring in and sell to people. Truly, does this not look just delicious?!?! Trust me -- it all is. And I love, love, love to share it with everyone.


And then of course -- there's the wine.....
(anyone know what Jason happens to like? anyone....?)

"Yeah, man, it means love, respect, community... and the dollars too. The package. The kwan..."

Last night, I had a moment.

At the store, we had a tasting of steak tips & country style ribs - along with some beer. All from local companies - and I called it a "Shop Fresh, Shop Local" tasting. It was delicious! And, rather well publicized within all the social media networks.

I stayed a little later than usual because I hadn't quite anticipated the rush of people and I had three people on and my being there was definitely a benefit, which is something I love to do. Working a night shift is always fun because it's typically busier than the days anyway, and we all know my love for chatting with people.

While I was there, I took a moment and stepped back to take it in: Michael Buble music playing, the lights glowing, the store full of people smiling and laughing.....and I had such a surge of self contentment and pride. It was fantastic!

But a customer made a comment that truly was the icing on the cake. She stated how much she loved the store, how happy she and all her friends were that we were there -- how much we prettied up the shopping area, how great it was for the city and how much everyone has positive feedback and then she said "look - see how many people are here, you're really bringing the community together!"

Though I kept my cool on the outside and of course was graciously appreciative...
I was completely beaming inside.

I always knew I was capable of great things.
But to actually do it...is pretty awesome.

Letters of the day....

1. Dear "Concerned Citizens", it's enough already.....I've started receiving "disapproving" letters at the store..... it's so wild. The city we opened in used to be dry, and there apparently is a large community of reformed alcoholics that live there. Well, for the last three weeks I've recieved letters from "concerned" members of the community that are almost all identical in style, format and verbiage. It's interesting because I wonder what they expect from writing them. Do they think that we'd suddenly stop selling alcohol? I'm sorry but I don't think that's going to happen. I have actually written back to each one so far; nicely, and politely of course - because I think it's important that they feel they're opinion is respected - but also in a way to kindly let them know that we are responsible business owners and that we are aren't new at this. I think it's a good thing because it makes them feel their issues are addressed -- and I feel better because I'm addressing it.

2. Dear Mariah Carey, I do believe that G and I are going to see you on Saturday! Very exciting... There are a few people that I think are worth paying crazy money to go sit front row-ish to see, and she is one of them. Of course, my girl Christina Aguilera is another....if only she would tour!

3. Dear Celebrities, what the flip are you thinking? So, I'm watching Celebrity Rehab and just blown away by it. I mean, I love this show - and it's not the first time I've seen it -- but truly, it's so disturbing to see people who had the world in the palm of their hands and just blew it..... ugh. I mean, it's one thing when it's a sad scenario to be a drug addict because maybe you had a horrible life and had no little or chances in life; but when you're a freaking celebrity?!? And you fall into drug addiction because you could....??? C'mon.

4. Dear Mr. President, you are such the eloquent speaker. However, I couldn't help but feel like calling you "President Santa Claus" during your speech. Money for everyone!!! Listen, I'm all about making life easier, but truly - let's be realistic about it. I did however, enjoy portions of it - your charisma is fabulous -- but sometimes the beauty of how you say things overshadows what you're actually saying. It's sort of like the art of telling someone to go to hell in such a way that they actually thank you - and then ask for the directions.

5. Dear Friends, Family & Anyone who knows me, I am not a perfect person. I've never professed to be -- I am and will forever be a work in progress. And I'm proud to say that. I am who I am, and though I know that I always have things about me I can work on - we still shouldn't lose the core of who we are. I've tried very hard over the years to choose my battles, and that has a lot to do with realizing the things I can and can not change. This includes how other people live their lives. Embracing that makes life so much easier.

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?!?!?

It's true that little girls grow up so much quicker than little boys...

So, those of you who read my blog regularly may recall this past summer when my son told me that it was time for him not to hold my hand at the soccer field. He was kind, sweet and sensitive to my feelings about it. And, truth be told -- he still holds my hand on the soccer field occasionally.

My daughter on the other hand....
Not quite so old, not quite so gentle....not quite so sensitive to my feelings about it.

Every morning, I drop her off at school and before she walks down the hall I, (like all the other mothers) say "give me a hug and a kiss - have a great day!". She tends to be hesitant about it -- good with a hug, not so great with a kiss. Well, yesterday when I said it - she whispered to me when I leaned in for my kiss "why do you always have to embarrass me?".

*enter sound of heart breaking...HERE*

So, I made a sad face and said "give me a kiss and have a great day." Which she did.

This morning I asked her if I embarrassed her -- and she said no. So I asked why she would be embarrassed about saying goodbye to me -- all the other kids do it, and besides I'm a cool mom! I'm funny, and I'm friendly - I say hi to all the teachers and other parents; to which she replied she didn't know why she was embarrassed to kiss me, but she was.

Did I mention she's only 5?

I distinctly recall watching The Sopranos when I was pregnant with her, and seeing Meadow be miserable to her mother and I turned to G and said "I'm so not ready for this. I'm not ready to have a little girl who's destined to hate me".

I'm still not ready. And I don't know if I ever will be.....

What to do on a rainy Saturday.....

So, what to do on a rainy and lousy Saturday? Why not make a Gingerbread House?

Presenting the "I'm just a girl" kids and their 2009 creation of Chez Gingerbread:

Trick or treat... give me something good to eat!

So, I think one of the things I love about trick or treating with the kids - is that they don't like to do it for very long. After about a half hour, they would rather go back to my aunts house, and pass out the candy to other kids. I love hearing my son greet them, and then compliment them on their costumes! And my daughter who's too shy to really hand it out, hangs behind him and echos his words. Really, it's too cute.

Of course, they are really great about sacrificing all their Peanut Butter cups for Mom. It's too funny, if they have one - they give it to me - then I tell them no, they should keep it but they insist. How can I break their hearts and turn them down? Far be it for me to do that! So, I ingest a few, four, five -- okay, maybe six of them. Good stuff.

Here I present to you the "I'm just a girl" kids, Halloween style. We have the handsome Heavyweight Champion of the World; and the prettiest little Rainy Day Duck I've ever seen. (If I do say so myself... though I might be just a teensy bit biased.)

Happy Halloween!

Cream coloured ponies and crisp apple strudel, Door bells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles...

Key Lime Tea Cookies. "To Die For" dips - any variety. A very good and emollient hand cream, just lightly scented. Really good chinese food, like the kind I grew up on. Cinnamon Toast scented candles. A fabulously delicious Zinfandel, say "Sin Zin". The feeling of my floors when they've just been washed. The smell of my daughter's hair after a day outdoors. Seeing, touching, feeling when I shop. A perfectly made Spicy Tuna roll. Feeling proud and accomplished. Anything pumpkin. A dinner made by anyone else but me - for me. Watching home videos of my children. Spending time with my friends who are working with me. Missing yoga and running, but knowing I'll get back to it. A strong, deep tissue massage. Living life, laughing and loving every moment of it -- the good, the bad and everything in between.

Fridays Final Thoughts...

1. I've been so involved in business -- I've not been able to watch any sports! Well, I saw part of the Pats game, but seriously - since the Sox loss, I've yet to watch tv or listen to sports radio. Thank goodness for my Twitteratzi friends, otherwise I'd never know what was going on!! But even with them, I know what's going on in current sporting news -- not so much the baseball back office kind of "stuff". (Code for: what's the skinny on the Captain for next year?)

2. Tonight was our first Friday night - with minimal advertising. I have one word: wow. I don't know if it's because it's new - if it's because this was previously a dry town, or if this is going to be the norm, but we're doing numbers that resemble our Boston store. Insane.....

3. Did I mention we've got a ribbon cutting ceremony? Yup. Tuesday, we will have a photo op that will forever be chronicled within the history of the community. I am finding it hard to believe that me -- a girl from the ghetto on the North Shore (if you know me in real life - you know where we're from and totally get the joke! Not truly a ghetto, but still...) and a boy from the "Ville are responsible for this. See what a little ambition and elbow grease can get you...?

4. Busy weekend as always on the agenda - but wow, this is a different kind of busy. Tonight, the kids and I had a Taco Dinner night with my aunt; tomorrow, the kids and I will hang out - and then they have a play date with their cousins while I work for a few hours; then tomorrow night hopefully we'll just snuggle with a movie. Sunday, we have a birthday party for our Grandmother - and hopefully G and I will switch off watching the shop with the staff that day. Truly, Sunday staff is seasoned and capable with retail so I think they'll be okay. But we'll see....

It's been an interesting whirlwind of a week. Once we can get a decent amount of staff on per shift for end of the week - I think life will once again have a semblence of normalcy.

I think.....

If a picture paints a thousand words....

Be the master of your own destiny. If you do your research, and take risks that are calculated - anything is possible.



Opening day....

We have so much time, and so little to do - strike that! Reverse it.

Okay, so I'm feeling a little overwhelmed.
It's a good thing, but still.... of the 8 components that run this business, I'm responsible for 6 of them. Eventually, it may be all 8 - but for now, even the 6 is enough enough to make anyone's head spin.

I very rarely dream, and even more rarer is it for me to remember them; but while I don't remember my dream per se from last night, I know my teeth were cracking and falling out. (eewww.) According to the dream dictionaries it basically means that it can be representational of subconscience feelings of insecurity about undertakings.

I think if there wasn't such anticipation regarding our opening, it wouldn't matter so much -- but to be the first real wine shop in a previously dry community -- there's definitely anticipation and expectations. I'm sure we'll meet them, it's really just feeling that our processes are ironed out that hangs over my head.

Speaking of expectations... please tell me that wasn't the Captain's last regular season game in uniform this past weekend?!?! I haven't been able to keep up on my sporting news with all of this, but I did see him tip his cap and he received a standing ovation which truly, got me a little faklempt thinking this was it. Say it isn't so!!!

Actually, we were offered playoff tickets right on the first baseline for this weekend and I'm so disappointed we aren't able to take them. We were supposed to have been at Foxboro for this past Sunday's game actually - but as a result of the timing of the opening... no such anniversary soiree is happening. That's okay... it's a small time in life to sacrifice.

So that's where my head is at today. We're potentially two weeks out from opening, and there's so much to do to get ready yet we are so close.

So close....

Life is but a dream....

I'm going to give a peek at the new store.

I'd been toying with doing a blog, and showing the progression - but I've been trying to keep an element of surprise to the whole effort.

The windows have been covered up - and will stay that way, until the weekend prior to opening.

You see, we're going to be the first liquor store to open in a previously dry community; there's another store that is going up as well - but they're 3 miles or so down the road from us and not anywhere near the center, so we are truly in the heart of it all. And so I'm hesitant to let too much of the cat out of the bag, however....

I can't resist since Nichole asked.

It's just a tease; the store's not finished -- and there's still much more to do, but at least the guts are in.

The next time I show photos -- it will be stunning.
Truly stunning.

And I will show before, during and after photos to really capture the progression.

(And Nichole, now you have to come in and visit us next time!)

If I had a hammer....I'd hammer in the morning, I'd hammer in the evenings...all over this land

I feel like I've been beaten with a hammer, actually.

Yesterday, the store finally came together and it is gorgeous. The racks came in - -and they were custom built for us, based upon our requests -- so we had no idea what they'd actually look like until they were brought in. I was so happy, I swear - I could've done cartwheels in the aisle.

A lot was accomplished yesterday; the television was mounted on the wall and cable was finalized. I now have the flat screen television over my cheese counter playing FoodTV like I always dreamed I'd have. The racks are laid out exactly the way I envisioned and wanted them. My counter top was installed, and tomorrow the remaining refrigeration will be brought in.

Thursday, the register and security system will be finalized and hopefully - Friday we can start receiving our alcoholic product. Our food won't come in until right before opening (I don't dare say aloud the projected date, just in case...) but the orders are being finalized and tweaked.

It's funny, because yesterday was probably the happiest day to date since May; and yet I couldn't sleep at all last night. I had so much anxiety subconsciously - I kept dreaming that the store was empty and there wasn't enough food and people kept walking out.

I put alot of pressure upon myself sometimes.

I must indulge in my massage and a little "fun" before the store opens in a few short weeks. God knows, I deserve it!