Wrapping up the week...

1. So, at lunch today I picked up the tickets to the Celebrity Putt Putt for Monday. So excited.  And, I'm equally as excited about going out for sushi with my friend Michelle afterwards. There is a really amazing Japanese restaurant that has the best sushi outside of Boston, right in Middleton. So it will be fun to go there after for a quick bite and maybe some sake. The good thing (and bad thing) is that it's on a "school" night (code for "work") so not too much sake! Because sake can hit you like a brick wall, especially if it's good.

2. What's up with the calamity in the duggout last night? Here's the thing, I totally get the bench clearing. It's on the field, it's testosterone, and no one likes getting hit. I'm good with that. But in the duggout? Especially since I heard a clip of Youk on WAAF yesterday saying the nicest things about Manny. So I'm going to guess that everyone was just all fired up. If the rumors are true about Youk being upset that Manny didn't run right onto the field fast enough - I'd be pretty disappointed about that. Truly, who wants to get suspended - or maybe even injured over something like that? I'd think you'd want to have your potentially new and permanent DH to be as far away from that as possible, especially when he's prone to having hamstring issues. It's sort of like hockey: protect your goalie. Well, wouldn't you want to protect your pitchers and DH? Call me crazy, but there were plenty of guys on the field to take care of things. But that's just this girl's opinion...

3. After baseball, I promptly switched over to the Celtics game. I have to say, it was the first full length game I'd watched since 1987. Hard to believe, but while I enjoy basketball - if I have a choice between watching that and something else, I more than likely will pick something else. It's not my first choice for television programming. So to watch the game was actually a lot of fun. Partly because of all the history between these two teams, which I remember so very well. And partly because it's just exciting to watch Championship games. I'm not exactly sure what all the skepticism regarding Paul Pierce was about this morning. I'm sure he thought he tore his ACL, and I bet it felt like he did as well. I don't think he was faking, and I think it's just horrible for people to insinuate as such. I think there was more on his mind than pretending to be more injured than he was to stir a little drama. There's more than enough pressure on their shoulders right now than to manipulate a situation for effect.

4. I am absolutely horrified at the lack of humanity shown at a hit and run scene yesterday in Hartford. Not only did the driver not stop...nor did any other driver. And people literally just walked by the poor man. Afterwards a crowd gathered, and sure - people called "911"; but I'm sorry, how no one ran out to check on him is beyond me. As the chief of police had stated, there is "no moral compass" it seems. Such a horribly sad, sad state of today's society.

5. This weekend promises to be a hot one, and I am so looking forward to it. After tomorrow's final soccer game, I'm hoping to do nothing but hang out at the pool. Though I would love to go to the beach! That might be an option too. Truly, I just want to rest and relax. Tonight's thoughts of running the lake have been squashed as my sitter who said she was going to the Sox game next Friday, is really going tonight; so I probably won't be doing anything but hanging w. the kiddies. I might surprise them and take them someplace fun for dinner, but I am not quite set on where. Maybe a good pizza place... like Sal's. Who knows, wherever we end up - there we will be!

I am SUCH an idiot.

I'd been so looking forward to going to the Jason Varitek Celebrity
Putt-Putt on Monday with my friend Michelle. I'd been putting off
getting the tickets because I was caught up in the whole birthday party
planning and coordinating, etc... so I just figured I'd buy them the
following week.

Well, guess who forgot to order the tickets? I did. And it just dawned
on me today that it's taking place on Monday. For some reason, the last
week or so has just flown right by! I meant to order them on the 1st,
and clearly that date just blew right by me.

So, I frantically searched went to the website to order my tickets. The
link was still active to purchase spectator tickets - so I went to buy
them, and to my surprise - the link didn't work. So, I called the
contact number thinking it was a technical glitch since there was no
"sold out" message posted; I wasn't even able to finish my sentence
before the girl on the other end sort of huffed and said "sold out." I
said, "I'm sorry, I wasn't finished. What's sold out?" And she said
"what you're looking for". So I said, "oh, the Celebrity Putt Putt" -
and she said "yes, you're out of luck". Sigh...

I know I'm out of luck there chicky --- and hey, thanks for throwing the
salt into the wound about it.

On a grassroots level we say that man can touch more than he can grasp.

Today is the day that I am submitting the signatures to Town Hall.

All 208 of them.

I only need 200, but I figure just incase someone isn’t registered to vote – there needs to be a buffer.

I’d have been able to get more if I could’ve gotten out a bit more, and of course – wasn’t so shy.  You know, I have no problem collecting signatures on behalf of someone else, but if it’s for me that’s a different story.  I absolutely cringe at asking for help.  But I’m so thankful that I accepted the offers of those who asked to circulate the petitions for me because they truly made a difference.

Exercising the due process of local government is something that we are all entitled to do and an effort that I’m actually quite excited and proud to be a part of.   

Sometimes even when you have what you want - you still don't like it.

Today I moved offices, and I am so glad it’s over.  I’m feeling much happier in my new, and for the moment dust-free environment.  Well, that is just that the dust hasn’t settled yet!  Once that happens, it will be a different story. 
But at least there were no bug carcasses in this new place so here’s hoping!

Truly it’s a decent space.   Even bigger than I really need.  I don’t have that much stuff to occupy a big space, but it’s really nice to have room anyway.

Today for lunch, I had sushi.  I was beyond happy to have it.  And typically I love the sushi from this little restaurant but you know – today I just wasn’t loving it.  The Hamachi had different taste to it; and the salmon rolls were a little more petite than I thought.  Sushi’s relatively petite to begin with and so to have it downsized – or seem to be downsized, not fun.

I was supposed to run the lake tonight but the “heat index” is supposedly not good (whatever) so we’ll see how that goes.  Its not as if I’ve never run outdoors before and truly – when the sun goes down at 7, it will be much cooler.  I’m a little cranky because I was sort of lectured about running tonight and I think that sort of put me in a bad mood overall. 

So maybe the sushi wasn’t so bad after all…..it’s just my perspective for the day that’s off.

I told Bill that if they move my desk one more time, then, then I'm quitting, I'm going to quit. And, and I told Don too, because they've moved my desk four times already this year, and I used to be over by the window, and I could see the squirrels...

Ah yes, it’s moving day once again in the office.  Seems like we go through this, oh – I don’t know -  every 9 months or so.

The upside to this move, is that our spaces will not be an open bullpen environment as it is now; we will have privacy walls and actual enclosed cubicles, which is a relatively good thing.

The downside, is that we are moving in to space with minimal windows (we have beautiful sunny windows where we are now) and it’s freezing.  When I tell you cold, I mean subzero freezing.  The building (which has been deemed “unfit “ by OSHA and is supposedly at some point being torn down and rebuilt, surely not to be inhabitated by us – but I digress…) has a heating/cooling system that is horribly ineffective.  And the area in which we’re moving to, was literally 60 degrees last week.  Fortunately, one of my friends in work and I will be sharing a space heater between our two areas.   Seriously, I wear a blanket around me sometimes as it is, my lips turn blue – my hands and knuckles turn blue.  It gets cold!  And while I often hear the cracks of “maybe you should get some body fat and then you won’t be so cold” – I assure you, that has nothing to do with it.   I’m fit, not scrawny – and it’s that flipping cold here in work.

So, as I forgot that it was moving day – I didn’t really dress appropriately for it.  So, I”ll be donning my rubber gloves and I wish I had an apron with me to keep my clothes protected from the disgustingly dirty, dusty – and (hold the gag reflex) buggy crap that will be flying around in the air as we do this.  Yes, I said buggy.  Truly, the amount of dead bugs I find just absolutely horrifies me.  I often cringe if I think about what might possibly fit into my little coffee cup’s plastic opening.  I would never, ever in a million years dream of drinking coffee from an open mug in this place.  (Eww.  I think I might have just thrown up in my mouth a little!!)

This is the United States Government I work for people.  Your tax dollars go towards just about everything but providing the government’s employees with clean and healthy workplaces.  I’m often jealous when I go into a commercial business’ ladies room.  Oh – and commercial offices, in general are more often than not – spectacular in comparison.  If you think you’ve got it bad where you work, imagine something about 100 times worse and there’s my work environment.  Feeling better now?   I’ve got to say that government workspaces are definitely the worst I have seen.

On that note, wish me luck as I break out the barrage of cleaning products that I’ve got stored  away for my own private stash – oh - and if anyone has a gas mask I can borrow, maybe a little Raid -- I’d be forever in your debt…!

Aujourd'hui est mon petit girl' jour de considérant des !

Ah yes, its the long awaited recital day. Today my little Fia Mia will be a dancing duck.

I can not wait.



I have to take pictures before we leave, and of course "back stage" since we aren't allowed to take photographs during the show. Poor little chicky has had a cold all week though and so her little top lip is all chapped. But that's okay, nothing a little lip balm can't fix.



And then after this Saturday, I do believe I have on Saturday left of soccer -- and then we are back on track for Saturday adventures. It's been some time since the kiddies and I have been able to get up and go do fun things, so I think we're all really looking forward to it. Though truthfully, it's also the beginning of birthday season in our family, and so many a Saturday now through August will be filled with parties.



And so, since I try to only post on Saturday if I have a fun survey, the following is a cute little test I took in honor of the events today:

What Kind Of Dance Are You? My Result: Dance Your Heart Out

You Never Think Otherwise. You Always Have Fun, And Never Have Regrets! Take What Kind Of Dance Are You? Find more quizzes at Quibblo.com

She moves in simple curves..she speaks in simple words

Reconnection is such a good thing. And I’ve had a lot of it in the past 24 hours; between the wake last night and a few emails and phone calls I’ve received this morning that were unexpected – it’s been a rather warm and fuzzy morning for me. It’s similar to the feeling you have when you wear your favorite pajamas, or receive a good hug -- you feel safe and secure. A nice feeling to have on a Friday – any day actually. But a really great way to end the week.

Me, I'm a part of your circle of friends
and we notice you don't come around

Me, I think it all depends
on you touching ground with us.
But, I quit. I give up.
Nothing's good enough for anybody else
it seems.
And I quit. I give up.
Nothing's good enough for anybody else
it seems.

And being alone
is the best way to be.
When I'm by myself it's
the best way to be.
When I'm all alone it's
the best way to be.
When I'm by myself
nobody else can say goodbye.

Everything is temporary anyway.
When the streets are wet --
the color slip into the sky.
But I don't know why that means you and I are
- that means you and....
I quit -- I give up.
Nothin's good enough for anybody else it seems.
But I quit. I give up.
Nothing's good enough for anybody else it seems.

And being alone
is the best way to be.
When I'm by myself it's
the best way to be.
When I'm all alone it's
the best way to be.
When I'm by myself
nobody else can say...

Me, I'm a part of your circle of friends
and we notice you don't come around.

Felt like being home again...

I just got back from the wake. I'd have liked to have stayed longer but then timing for my sitter just wouldn't permit.

I was so nervous on my way there; Sherry's always been so fragile, I was almost afraid to see how she would be. And I was so pleased to see how strong she was. And I was even more pleased to see the tremendous turnout. Hundreds of people, which is so important for the family I think.

It was so good to see her family again. Growing up, they were a second family to me practically - I was at their house constantly. Seeing her brother and sister, her aunts and uncles, mother and father -- it was like old times once again, after the initial tears. But nothing felt as good as seeing Sherry. It has been just far too long...for both myself and her - and with her and her family. Times haven't been easy and the waters haven't been smooth - but sometimes the positive that comes out of tragedy is that it puts life into perspective. Life is just too short.

I'm so tired. It's the first time I cried in years. It felt so good to hug her. And I so wish I could've stayed until the end of the night to be able to talk with her after the crowd subsides...but that will have to wait until a quieter time.

Thank you so much to everyone who sent well wishes and was kind enough to donate. The family seems to be doing well despite all of this, and I am just so thrilled to see the outpouring from everyone for their sake. That is what they need most the next few weeks.

Thank you again.

Next up in the merry go round of life....

So last week’s excitement was the birthday party. This week – it’s the little girl’s first dance recital. And she is going to be a dancing duck!

I can’t wait. She’s going to be so flipping cute and of course – I’ll post a photo or two. How can I resist?

But up to that point, I’ve got quite the busy schedule. Today we have pictures so its full costume and makeup. Thursday is dress rehearsal –again, full costume and makeup. Then Saturday is the recital – and in between it all is soccer and baseball. Whew. I’m tired just typing it!

Anyway, so this morning I was listening to Kid Rock’s latest song, “All summer long”. I’ve got to tell you that I thought initially it was a little cheesy and commercial for the Kid; I love his music because it’s so gritty and raw usually and this one’s so…pop-ish. But, I really listened to the lyrics this a.m. and realized that I love it despite the fact that it’s so sing-songy. It’s literally the summer of 1989 for me! I wasn’t 17, I was 18 – but it was totally a great summer for my high school sweetheart and I – and seriously, whenever I hear “Sweet Home Alabama” or anything by Lynard Skynard or the Allman Brothers – I totally think back to that summer and how we all hung out at the park and Duffy’s house, cooking on the grill and just loving life.

While it wasn’t Northern Michigan, there was definitely a lot of the same thing going on in the North Shore of MA. And everytime I hear that song now, I’ll smile and think about those days. Because we had a lot of fun, and tons of laughs…and I wouldn’t have changed those times for anything in the world.

Small towns...big memorials

I just got back from the Memorial Day parade held here in town. One of the things I love about this town is that they do so much on the holidays - and seemingly so much more so on Memorial Day & 4th of July.



My son marched with his soccer team, and they always "pull up the rear" - so my daughter and I got to watch the whole thing from the end of the parade location where we waited. It was great to see how much the Shriners do for the parade and the community. It's a great way too, to explain to the younger kids like my daughter what this is all about and how important it is to celebrate all of your heroes -- soldiers, as well as fireman and policemen.



We're off to go poolside, and I can't wait. I'm so ghostly white, which truly I'll be all summer since I don't like to age before my time and wrinkle; but that's what sunless tanner is for! I won't be swimming myself - the water's far too cold but nothing will keep the kids out. And if nothing else, it will help wash all the pollen that's surely making all of us sneeze -- go away.

You do the math....

Okay. So this birthday party for my son has gotten a little out of hand.

Foodwise, it's always out of hand... but that's the fun part for me. I love cooking.

Le menu du jour: Marinated chicken tenders, quarter pounder hot dogs, super thick .75 lb hamburgers, spicy turkey burgers, sausages (hot & sweet), baked ziti, lasagna, chili, cole slaw, potato salad, regular salad. Then of course, there's the desserts.

Of course, owning a wine shop - a dozen plus white wines of varying styles (some of my very favorites!) as well as about a half a dozen reds will be available. Truly, most reds don't move all that well - even at a bbq when the food really does it justice. But most people just drink what they know they like and most crowds gravitate to white. It's all set up "tasting" style so people can try what they like before they take a glass.

Curious Creatures will be making an appearance today, so aside from the bouncy house/slide/obstacle course combination, the kids will get to indulge in meeting animals from all walks of life; between that and the wiffle ball games, the bubbles, sidewalk chalk, big wheels, and everything else that's escaping me at the moment.

Did I mention that my son is only 7?

Well, we had to invite his whole first grade class -- and their families, so I had to think of something to keep the 25+ kids we might have here happy and occupied. 10 of them are coming w. their respective siblings, plus the cousins and other friends we have coming - so this is probably going to be one of the biggest parties to date.

Wish me luck. Me & my Williams Sonoma apron are in for the long haul today....

All I can say is "wow"....

For two very good reasons.

The first one being the results from American Idol last night.  For once, I was not dissapointed with the final two - and I was so very happy and pleased to see that David Cook took it all.  I really thought that David Archuletta was going to win, and though I would've been happy, I wouldn't have been nearly as happy as I was with the decision as it stood.  He is so, so good.  And I can't wait to buy his cd when it comes out.  It really goes to show that nice guys don't always finish last….

And the second reason, which is truly the most important one -- is that today is my 7th year anniversary of being a Mom.   That's right, seven years ago today my little peanut butter cup came into the world.  Yes, I gave my little guy the nickname Peanut Butter Cup because naturally, they are my favorite things in the world and so that was a perfectly fitting nickname for the little boy who was so tiny that he seemed like he fit in the palm of my hand.   It's absolutely a treasure to have a child, and what they offer to us is so much bigger than what we offer to them.  While we try to give them the love, support, confidence and guidance they need to become strong, capable and kind human beings; they bring to us endless amounts of joy, excitement, and a renewed view of life.  We get to see things as we saw them once but yet didn't fully understand.  We get to relive innocence and unwavering, unconditional love; something that I think once we leave the warmth and comfort of our own parents we don't see again until the time comes and we have children of our own.  The investment into our children is far less significant than what we receive in return.  I can not think of anything I would want in life more than being a Mother to my children.  And until you experience this for yourself…you will never fully understand it. 

So I shake my head in amazement and say "wow" and "thank you" to my son.  Because though it is his birthday, it's truly me who has received the gift.

Oh what a night....

Was it the magic of the full moon?
Was it the stars were aligned just right?

Or was it just that Jon Lester has worked his ass off trying to improve his getting ahead of the pitch count this season?

Who'da thunk that a random Monday night in May, during interleague play - we'd get to witness a no hitter?   And - a record breaking night for my boy Jason - might I add?  (Sigh...love him!!! J ust incase anyone was wondering…)  It was a great win - a great team effort and a tremendous accomplishment overall.

It was an absolutely great game to watch.

Tonight will be interesting, with rookie Justin Masterson pitching.  My goodness he's tall - on record as 6'6.  I mean, I knew pitchers were taller - but I guess I just never realized how tall pitchers generally seem to be!  But then again, when you're only 5'1 like I am (clearly, just an inch over dwarf status.  No, not really but I'm pretty flipping petite) - everyone seems tall.  After the first few inches requiring me to look up in the sky towards someone -- who counts any more! 

Carbs, not carbonara!

I'm absolutely obsessing over spaghetti today. 

I'm not exactly sure why either.  I sort of had a touch of food poisoning yesterday, I got really really sick after eating something - and while I'm feeling much better today, I still haven't ventured into eating anything terribly heavy.  I'm going to go running in a few minutes after I leave, and so I'm sort of obsessing over having a nice bowl of angelhair or spaghettini with red sauce for dinner tonight.   Not tough to crack the code - my body must be craving carbs.

It's quite a busy week ahead for me.  Tonight is I believe the only  night that I don't have something going on with either baseball, soccer, or party planning.   I'm really looking forward to Saturday, I've yet to peek at the extended weather report just yet; I've got the tent ordered and ready for delivery but I'm just keeping those fingers crossed for no rain.  Cold, we can do.  Rain, we don't want. 

I tried Tresca in the North End the other night for dinner.  It was very, very good.  But…. (putting on my unofficial food critic hat here)  the menu was very creative, taste combination wise; but servings are very petite for the pricing.  The atmosphere was lovely, the service was decent.  And the wine list was absolutely tremendous.  Phe-nomenal.  I'm glad I went once, but I wasn't bowled over - and not really sure that I'd actually go again when looking for someplace to eat while in the North End.  

Just my humble opinion…

C'est la vie...

Ah yes. Birthday season is upon us....which means it's also the beginning of my semi-annual rants regarding the lack of courtesy people have with regards to responding to invitations.

For those of you whom have heard this before - my apologies. Feel free to browse through the archives to last year, I'm sure I've got something similar to what I'm about to say now.

Birthday parties at my house are no joke. They're all out bashes. They're almost as much for the grownups as they are for the kids. Every year, the party generally ranges from 60-70 people. This means I cook up a storm. I'm cooking throughout the whole event, grillmaster extraordinaire, thank you very much. This year, I cut back on the amount of invitations to my friends, because my son invited his whole first grade class - which means potentially 19 children and their families. Again, trying to keep myself to the 60-80 person range, give or take a few.

We may actually end up with far less, due to the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend. But who the heck knows since only ten people have RSVPd thus far. So, even though I know I'm making enough food for 100 people, it would be lovely to not have to if I'm only going to have 45 people. At least have a ball park figure to base on for silly things, like favors for the kids, or seating.

Funny thing is, I've had people say to me, "if it looks like the weather won't be good, we'll be there. Otherwise we may go away..". I get that. At the same time, it sort of rings with a tone of "if we have nothing better to do...". I know that isn't truly the case, after all - it's a long holiday weekend, as opposed to just a random Saturday. But it doesn't help the party planning any!

So off to the soccer field we're going now. I just baked a tremendously heavy tray of lasagna, and baked ziti; thinking ahead to freeze so that I can just warm it up on Saturday. I love when I'm ahead of the game, and my goal is to not be running around like crazy on Friday other than to just get my food at the Restaurant Depot.

What do they say about the best laid plans??

I want more, impossible to ignore...they'll come true, impossible not to do.

It's funny how here I am, a thirty something mother of two - and yet I still hang onto the dream of being an a film actress.

Opportunities in Boston are so much more available now than when I was younger; before, casting was at a minimum around here.  You absolutely had to be NYC or LA based.  Now, not so much.  You can truly be a working actor in Boston if you play your cards right.  And now all this opportunity is around, and I don't always  have the time to go out and audition on most calls. 

I just found out last night, that Bruce Willis and crew were in my town -- and not just in my town, but literally across the street from me in the dune filming stunts a few weeks back.  How I did not know this was going on, is beyond me.  And so while I'm listed with just about all of the casting agencies in town, the timing just never seems to work for me lately.   Casting calls are tough, if you've never been on one - it's so very different from a specific audition.  I've been to some that you wait hours to be seen; and others you just sort of pop in and register.

And then, I read about some local girls get cast as "friends" to Kate in movies like "Bride Wars" - I look at them and think "jeesh, that so could've been me!"  If I'd only been able to attend the casting call for extras, one never knows what might have happened.

I've said it before and I'll say it again.  You can take the girl away from the dream, but you can't take the dream away from the girl.

And you just never know what lies ahead in life.

It's Wednesday....and so many things to say today!

1.  Are they together or aren't they?  Jessica Simpson and Tony Romo - on or off.  Clearly, this is the burning topic on everyone's mind today.  Between them and Jennifer Aniston and John Mayer - I don't know how the world will function properly without the critical minute-to-minute updates on their relationship status.  And here I was wondering whether they've found survivors in China…or who murdered an innocent family in Utah.  Not that I don't love a little bit of fluff now and again - does it really require CNN Breaking news alerts on whether The Cowboys Quarterback & The Blonde Bombshell are together or not?

2.  Speaking of fluff…that's the perfect segue to my little whine about how I'm entirely out of my favorite things.  Must get ASAP:  MAC LipGloss in Cushy White; The Body Shop Body Butter in Brazil Nut as well as Almond;  and most importantly, I desperately need fun new shoes for spring!!  DSW and/or Burlington Coat Factory are clearly calling my name.  As is Ms. Ann Taylor - she and I have not had a visit in quite sometime and I assure you -- it's looong overdue.

3.  Matt Walsh is an idiot.  As is the management and editorial staff at the Boston Herald.  I smell "slander and libel" in the air.   'Nuff said.  

4.  So the last few games of for the Sox have been frustrating.  Here's the thing…there must be something going on in the background as far as a player/pitcher that might be available that the trade rumors haven't picked up on yet.  Because we're not all that strong in middle relief ourselves - to let Tavarez go right now…?  I'm not sure what the thought process is on that, but clearly time will tell in what…roughly 8 days?   Games where we come back from behind and win - are always a good thing.  Games where we come back and lose….not so good.

5.  Speaking of the Sox, I'm very excited to attend the upcoming Celebrity mini golf tournament hosted by none other than….the Captain, Jason Varitek.  I don't know if anyone would remember from my posting last year that a friend of mine attended and got pictures taken with him and had a great time.  So, this year - one of my friends and I are planning on attending - and then promptly enjoying a lovely sushi dinner at a wonderful restaurant closeby afterwards.    I'm so excited, it should be so much fun - and again, charity towards a fantastic cause - which really is the most important thing about going.  (Okay, it's tied with the fact that he's going to be there, I've gotta be honest.) 

6.  And lastly, the weather report is not looking that good for this weekend which may really put a damper on my gardening efforts.  I plan on getting those tomato plants into the ground a week early so as not to conflict with the birthday party weekend I the following Memorial weekend.  Two birthday parties, one for my son - the other for my nephew (both born on the same day which is pretty cool) - and then the Memorial Day parade on Monday, in which my son will be marching with either his baseball or his soccer team.  I haven't presented that little dilemma to him yet.  But I digress….so this evening I'll be off to buy my hanging petunias and the such for the porch, and eyeball the plants to see how sturdy they look before committing them to the ground this weekend.    Tomatoes, Squash, Peppers & Eggplant -- along with basil, chives, and cilantro will be on my shopping list.  Anyone see any hearty looking plants in their travels in the North shore area or Metro West areas of Boston….do tell!   I usually go to Erics in Reading or Boston Flower Market in North Reading -- but am always open to suggestions….

Lyrically speaking, of course...

If I could throw this
Lifeless lifeline to the wind
Leave this heart of clay
See you walk, walk away
Into the night
And through the rain
Into the half-light
And through the flame …

You electrify my life
Lets conspire to re-ignite
All the souls that would die just to feel alive
But I'll never let you go
If you promise not to fade away
Never fade away…

Our hopes and expectations
Black holes and revelations….

Sometimes it's hard to know where I stand,
It's hard to know where I am,
Well maybe it's a puzzle I don't understand.
Sometimes I get the feeling that I'm
stranded in the wrong time
where love is just a lyric in a children's rhyme…

If you walkaway, walkaway
I will walkaway, walkaway...I will follow…

May love lie around you
Good fortunes surround you
You know where to turn to
When you need a friend

There is a season, turn turn....

I am pretty sore today - but in that "oh, I feel good" kind of sore.

Yesterday's race was so much fun.  It was just over a 5K -- 3.5 miles.  The course was not terribly easy, there were two or three hills -- and running up the hill isn't the issue for me; it's running down the hill.  You can't run fast going down a hill, because you will be absolutely exhausted at the end of it.  So you have to sort of work harder to slow yourself down so at the end, when you are on flat ground again, you can have that surge to move forward.   It was actually funny in a way to see people flying down the hill, because I ended up passing some of them as they ended up having to walk for a few minutes.  I definitely feel the difference between running a hilly course than a flat one.  It's interesting, even my neck and shoulders are sore because I think I was working a little harder and was a little more tensed up as a result.  But it's all good - and like I said, it's that soreness that's actually the high I chase after a good workout.  And the route was beautiful.  I went through areas of Melrose and Malden that I hadn't been through since I was a young child -and it was so pretty.

I kept my pace, registering at 10.05 minute miles.  I might have done better time had it been a flat course, but I wasn't running to win!  I couldn't imagine that -- the person who won was averaging something like 6 minute miles.  That's just craziness!   No, I'm perfectly content with my timing and my ability to run the whole thing without walking or stopping.  Besides, I was running for a great cause -- Melrose Alliance Against Violence (http://www.melroserunningclub.com/mrfw/2008/mrfw-info.shtml), and that was really the most important thing.

The next most important thing of the day - was coming home to my own children, who had breakfast waiting for me - performed their own made up play that they'd been practicing while I was gone  -- and who snuggled in bed for a little while with me watching "America's Funniest Animals" before we had to get ready to go visiting for the rest of the day. 

Short story…as I was tucking my son into bed last night, I thanked him for making my day perfect - and told him that I'm the luckiest Mom in the world for having he and his sister in my life.  He answered me with "all parents say that though, don't they?  Who's really the luckiest parent in the world?".  So I said to him "you know what, we ALL are the luckiest parents.  Because all of our children make us feel incredibly special and blessed - and you all are individuals and so very special to each parent.  So it's really true that all parents are the luckiest parents in the world, at that very moment.  Even if it's all at once.  Does that make sense?"  And he said, "yes.  So, when I grow up and have a baby - I'll be the luckiest dad in the world?"  And I said, "you absolutely will be. "  So then he said, "That mean's you'll have to be the luckiest grandmother in the world then…!"  

(GRANDMOTHER?!!?!?!  OMG, who wants to think that far ahead!)

But when that day comes clearly, I will be the luckiest grandmother, ever. 

Le Jour De la Mère!

Tonight, I don't have much planned. Yoga after work, and then just hanging out at home. Tomorrow, there's dance and then maybe soccer and baseball! I'm not sure what's going to happen because they're both at the same time, so I don't know if either gets played - which one we'll be at! Somewhere in between that I need to get birthday party favors and decorations because time is quickly encroaching on the 7th birthday of my little boy. Sigh…time goes by so fast. But more on that later….

This Sunday is Mother's Day. Which means, I also have to get Mother's Day cards. (Mom, if you're reading this - sorry, haven't had the chance to go shopping yet! It will be in the mail….) Add that to my list. That morning, my friend Jess and I are running that 3.5 mile road race I had mentioned before. It's for a great cause - fighting violence towards women - and so it's a good thing to start the day doing something nice for other women, as well as doing something good for ourselves in the process. And then the rest of the day, I'm looking forward to just being Mom. Hopefully with lots of little home made cards and things like that….! I love, love, love when the kids make me little notes and presents.

So, I'll end this week with random thoughts on motherhood and the like.

Be kind to the women in your life this weekend….!
*********************************

"To nourish children and raise them against odds is any time, any place, more valuable than to fix bolts in cars or design nuclear weapons." -- Marilyn French

"A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie." -- Tenneva Jordan

"At work, you think of the children you have left at home. At home, you think of the work you've left unfinished. Such a struggle is unleashed within yourself. Your heart is rent." -- Golda Meir

"Never marry a man who hates his mother, because he'll end up hating you." -- Jill Bennett (Ain't that the truth!)

"Becoming a mother makes you the mother of all children. From now on each wounded, abandoned, frightened child is yours. You live in the suffering mothers of every race and creed and weep with them. You long to comfort all who are desolate." -- Charlotte Gray

Needles & Pins - Part 2

Yesterday was my first acunpuncture appointment for my headaches. I have to tell you, it was really -- really good!

Surprisingly, I wasn't at all nervous - and I think it's because I'm at a good place with my decision to do this. It's something I want to try, and so it's not as if I was dreading the situation. I was very relaxed, and the whole experience for me was a positive one.

I don't know if anyone out there reading this has had acupuncture before and can corroborate what I'm about to say, but I absolutely felt something special happen in my body with each needle. My body reacted to each and every one, and in a very positive way. Whether it was a relaxation of the muscles in that area, or a sensation in another area that was a direct result of that needle - I felt it. And yes, I did have one needle in my head, that truthfully - was my very favorite one. It had me feeling as if a gentle pressure was being applied to the top of my head and it felt so good. I am a very laid back and easy going person -- very low stress. That does not mean that I am not energetic and constantly on the go. I very rarely "relax" in the true sense of the word. Even when I have a massage, I never am so relaxed that I could fall asleep. Yoga and Savasana will do that if I take an evening class occasionally - but not to the point that I was yesterday. I was so completely relaxed, that I almost felt drunk. I felt like I couldn't speak properly. Must be all the good Qi (chee) running through me.

Whatever it was, I really enjoyed it. So, I'm beginning a series of preventative treatments and hopefully I'll see an improvement in either the amount, or the severity of the headaches I have.

Anyone have any acupuncture experiences they'd want to share?

Tres interesting....

I must confess, I have never been a big fan of John Mayer's music.  

But I don’t think it's so much the fact that I don't care for the music itself--- I think it's more the fact that the radio stations literally glom onto anything he releases and play it so frequently that the very sound of the first chords ringing through the air make me want to run and hide.   The truth of the matter is, I think I do like his music - I know I enjoy his lyrics, at the very least -- and I think the real issue I have is not with him, but with the radio stations letting up on the airplay of his songs.  

I stumbled upon this realization when listening to "Say" on my ride in this morning. I hadn't heard it in a while because I'd been listening to sports radio for the last few days, and so I just sang along a bit.  It was like I had an epiphany….and I started doing a mental inventory of all of the songs I knew of his and what they lyrics were.  And then it became abundantly clear to me what the problem was.  So not the artist…or the art.  Just the delivery of it. 

Anyway. It's become public knowledge now that he's "dating"  (loosely used term, do people in Hollywood over the age of 15 really just date?  It seems like they all sort of sleep around, but hey - what do I know? ) one of my very favorite people in Hollywood (not literally, clearly Jennifer Aniston and I aren't friends in "real life", though I tend to think we might get along really well if we did know each other.  Even if the only common thread we had were hair and yoga…but I digress…!) I thought I'd do a little research and background study on Mr. Mayer.  Wouldn't you know - he has a blog?  Fancy that…   Naturally I checked it out.

Okay.  I've got to tell you, I really liked his posts, as few and far between as they are.   And if he's legitimately the laid back, low key kind of guy that he appears to be, then you know what - I might just end up digging him after all - on all levels.  Although, if he breaks my girl Jenn's heart… all bets are off!  

Check it out for yourself:
 http://www.johnmayer.com/blog/john/200805

Yogurt and Hakius: Who'da thunk it?

 Landscapes are gorgeous
 Blooms of soft whites, and pinks
Against green grass it is a magnificent sight. 

(eh, not sure if that's exactly a haiku, but you get the idea.)

It is absolutely perfect outside today.
Per.  Fect.  (Yes, that required being broken up into two words.  It's that nice outside.)

You know those yogurt commercials, that show the really trendy, 20/30-somethings going on and on about how their yogurt is so good, it's…."fill in the blanks"?  (Note, for the record that I love, love, love yogurt.  Especially plain, or vanilla.  Yummmm.  Moving on…)

"It's desert island good"…"it's not catching the bouqet good"…. etc.

Well, today is totally "walking the beach, drinking lemonade and eating an ice cream cone" kind of good.

Soft, smooth and creamy
Sunshine and light
Vanilla yogurt rocks.

If you live in the Boston area and aren't loving life today -- then either something is horribly wrong and clearly, I’m sorry for that…or -- you're just looking for a reason to be unhappy!

Pink-o De Me-oh

So, today when I got my nails done, I had a color dilemma. I have to tell you, with my being a rather plain Jane in that area - I'm traditionally either a classic French Manicure type, very neutral/natural type -- or, deep dark reds. Usually not a tough decision. But today...a dilemma ensued.

I found some fun and bright pinks that I just could not tear myself away from! It was either going to be a very fun and vibrant pink, such as "I'm India Mood for Love", or something a little more subdued as "Aphrodite's Pink Nightie" - but it was a little too shimmery. So, I ended up with the very Easter-eggish shade of "Got a Date To-Knight". Which, if I'm being completely honest -- I don't love. Clearly just a sign that I am too pale looking and need to have my sunless tanner start making it's appearance for the season. So, note to self: Please don't use pale, pale flat colors when not tan. Really, not a good look.

Moving on...

It's Cinco De Mayo! Totally a great opportunity to throw back a few Margaritas or in my case - Cervasas to celebrate the....hmmm. What are we celebrating again? Oh right - the independence of Mexico. Well, sort of. The troops from Spain didn't actually leave, despite the declaration of independence. Ah. And yes, us here in America eat drink and be merry to celebrate the independence of a country who's people we don't want here any longer?

Interesting, the irony. But I digress.....as I sip on my Cervasa.

Hasta manyana mi amiga/amigos.
GO SOX. (Same in all languages I do believe....)

Namaste...

Your Dosha is Pitta

You have a quick mind, a gift for persuasion, and a sharp sense of humor. You have both the drive and people skills to be a very successful leader. Argumentative and a bit stubborn, you have been known to be a little too set in your ways. But while you may be biased toward your own point of view, you are always honest, fair, and ethical. With friends: You are outgoing and open to anyone who might want to talk to you In love: You are picky but passionate To achieve more balance: Be less judgmental of those around you, and take cool walks in the moonlight.

What's Your Dosha?