apartyhappening

No, really?

2010-06-27T23:09:00.003-05:00

Seriously - late 2007 was my last post? A mere two and a half years later...gosh, so much has happened that I almost don't want to 'go there'.

Most recently, 'we' decided (really all the pressure was on Mom) it was time to have Dad be placed in a nursing home. Ouch. That just hurts to type even. It's not supposed to happen this way yet, it is. I'm watching the PBS special of Carole King and James Taylor's Live at the Troubadour concert special and hearing every song is making me weep. With each note, each lyric, I can trace it back to a memory somewhere in my past...and that always leads back to my parents. The two strong, loving, dedicated people that I think I truly believed would always be there - never changing, ever the same. Over the last few months, the realization that my dad is weakening, he's obviously changing - it's so hard to wrap my mind around. It just shouldn't happen this way.

Then what way, then? A horrific disease that makes every breath painful? An accident that steals him away? No, just some Parkinson's and kidney failure...thankfully, he's definitely still with us - mind, body, and spirit. It was just getting too tough on Mom to care for him day in day out. They say getting old isn't for sissies. Ain't it the truth.

My mom and I went through an OLD scrapbook over Father's Day weekend...one picture that I will always treasure is me at about 6 months old sitting in my dad's lap at Christmastime. He's tipping his head back, sipping the end of a cup of coffee. I'm looking straight up at him as if to say, 'hey, save some for me!' Oh to be that young again, sitting in his lap, having those strong arms hold me...knowing it was all going to be ok.

It will be ok. I trust that God knows where we are and what we're struggling with but boy, to take just an ounce of my mother's worry, fear, sadness away would help me sleep better. Two and a half years have passed yet it does truly feel at times like a lifetime. I can't promise but I hope to be back soon. Hope you're all doing well out there in Bloggerland!

Here comes 2008!

2007-12-14T11:09:00.000-05:00

Hi all,
Yes, a short 14 months have passed and low and behold, I return to blog! Things are going ok...but more importantly - how are you all? I'm going to try and catch up with some of you...hope you're all having a wonderful holiday season...take care and hey, pinksundrops - thanks for thinking of me :)
Peace to all...

Happy Day after Labor Day....

2006-09-05T21:52:00.000-05:00

Let's not focus on the past...yes, it's been five months and I'm sure most of you think I had crawled under a rock but really, I haven't - I promise.
Summer was SO BLISS...I saw Sheryl Crow and Dave Matthews at FENWAY. It was AMAZING...then I saw Bon Jovi at Gilette Stadium. THAT was incredible. Then a little surprise was Dixie Chicks tickets at the Garden...that was just plain ol' fun. It was my own personal summer concert series :)
My birthday celebrations were fantastic...pool parties, dinners to exotic restaurants, being taken out to lunch three times - just crazy times, I tell you!
I didn't just have a birthDAY - I had a birthMONTH...it was a kick. My IM message reads "Who has better friends than me?" Honestly, I am surrounded by such a wonderful group of friends and family...I'm just speechless about it.
Let's see...the 'new'job (can I call it new after being there over 6 months now?) is still GREAT...the work itself, the people I get to serve with, the students and community - I can't say enough about it all...
My family is doing ok...we went through a major transition this past July with my folks moving from the home they've known for the last 16 years to 'condo living' in a city closer to doctors, hospitals, etc...the hard part is that A) they left the coast to move into 'the city' and B) we all realize that this will most likely be the last place my parents will call their 'earthly home'. Just typing that hurts my heart.

But God is so good...all that is a little nutshell of some events of the past 5 months...I'll try and update more frequently and I SO want to hit your blogs and hear how you're doing!! Leave me a message and say 'hi' :)
Have a great Wednesday!

After Easter, after the Boston Marathon....

2006-04-18T08:26:00.000-05:00

here I am. People - it's been too long! I've missed you, really. I will try and catch you up on the 'goings-on' this week but I just had to post this really quick 'I'm doing great and have no time to type' post!
Honestly....I'm LOVING the new jobbiejob and am so enjoying connecting with my new colleagues.
Last tidbit before I leave you wanting more...does anyone remember me telling you about the co-worker at my last job? He's an older gent who is REALLY rough around the edges? To make a 'only God could change him' story short - he accepted Christ last week!!! If you think of it, he's having MAJOR surgery today so please pray for a speedy recovery! Praise God!
Hope you're doing well and enjoying spring...the Red Sox won yesterday so I definitely am!! :) July 18th I have tickets!! Woooohoooo!
More later!

February 2006

2006-02-10T20:23:00.000-05:00

Here it is...the last day at my now 'old' job. Yes, it's 8:20 pm and I'm still here! I can't just walk away from it - too many loose ends that I think I'm coming close to tying up.
Monday I begin again at a new place, new role, new people, new new new. Thankfully I enjoy newness. OK, I'm running on LITERAL emptiness right now so please don't hold these ramblings against me...
The *new* jobbiejob is pretty much what I was looking for....it incorporates the eventplanning piece I was hoping for...it's in a Christian environment that I'm looking forward to be apart of again...it's got some nice bennies...after 2 years of none, that's very nice...plus a vacation dealio that I like. I'm sure I'll be worked to the bone but hey, I'm used to it - I'm still at work at near 8:30pm people!!!
I'm overcommitted. There - I said it, typed it, thought it. If you know me - this is NO surprise to you. If you don't really know me...what do you think of us overcommitted types? How do you say NO and not regret it? Not think about what you're missing out on, who you're letting down, the guilt?
(Warned you that I'd ramble...)
Alrighty, need to wrap up folks...sorry so brief and SO inconsistent....maybe I've found a place where I don't OVERcommit?
Peace out blogfriends...

November 2005 - where'd you go?

2005-12-05T16:05:00.000-05:00

Hi all...just a quickie to let you know that I'm still here and am alive and well!!! I'm so sorry I haven't kept y'all uptodate with my goings on but it's just nuts. Some good nuts, some bad...speaking of bad nuts - anyone see Dane Cook's standup monologue on SNL last Saturday? One word for you - CASHEWS. (Emphasis on the 'EWWWW')
Let's see...my niece is expecting her 2nd baby in June :) Yes, that will make me a great aunt for the FIFTH TIME - whatever. It's just so incredible to think that the nieces and nephews who's diapers I changed, are changing the diapers of their own...
Another niece stayed over my place last night with a friend from the Rape Crisis center she works at up in VT. It was so good to see her in 'real time' and not just quickly squeezed in around holidays...
Saw 'White Christmas' the musical this weekend...with the snow we finally got, boy, am I in the CHRISTMAS MOOD! :)
I'm really just giving some details so the sweet blogger friends who have been wondering if the earth sucked me in know that I still kickin'! And no, Eddo, I haven't published your book...but I could have, (Darn why didn't I think of that!) please tell me you got it back from me!!!
Alrighty folks, I sense a new year's resolution coming on...love more dearly, follow Thee more nearly, blog to thee more clearly - day by day.
Peace out!

It's just been crazy, folks, crazy....

2005-10-18T16:15:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone, remember me?
I wouldn't blame you if you didn't - it's been ALMOST A WHOLE MONTH?!!!?? What the heck? To think my last entry was about the Lost premiere for this 2nd season!
Life has been truckin' right along...my sister's wedding was another truly blissful experience...so much to say about that-it was incredible.
My relationships are pretty much the same right now, too. A good friend just had some major surgery a couple weeks ago so I was pretty tied up with that. (Really can't go into details, sorry.) I've celebrated some friends birthdays and had so much fun. For one party we went to this place in Nashua, NH where you can brew your own beer, wine, etc...we had some nonalcohols with us (they choose not to drink) so we made root beer and orange creme soda - SO FUN!! We designed our own labels and it was a HOOT! For another friend we went to a U2 laser show - the whole show put to U2 music. Way neato and I think all birthday peeps enjoyed the restaurants I chose as well!!
I had a job interview with a 'staffing resource company' (that just sounds so official) so now they're going to try and help me find another jobbiejob...oh joy! Pampered Chef is picking up, too, which is great cuz I have so much fun at the shows...my buddy, 1Guy, his sister had her baby girl last week - she's so adorable, even at 10lbs!! (Yes, I meant that, she was 10 lbs and a few ounces!)
Sorry to nutshell the past month but I've got to scoot to meet up with my former roomie :) We've got quite a bit to debrief...
Post a comment or two and let me know how YOU'RE doing...or yell at me from your own blogs for not returning soon...I deserve it! Take care ~

OH YEAH!

2005-09-20T17:47:00.000-05:00

a new 'LOST' is on tomorrow night JUST in case you hadn't heard...anyone read any spoilers??? Who read the possibly madeup messageboard over on ABC's website that gave away all kinds of juicy tidbits??? Anybody?
My friend checked it the other day and they took it down...I read ABOUT the message board over on MSN's 'Slate' site...alright...really, I'm outta here. Go get 'lost' tomorrow night...(lame send off, I know)....

hmmm...look at the dates...

2005-09-20T17:41:00.000-05:00

Maybe I should play the lotto...my last post was on '02' and this one is '20'...doo doo doo doo...
Anywhos ~ how's everyone been? Life has been a bit of a rollercoaster lately. Thankfully nothing horrid - just the fall kicking off and me needing to get my act together! I'm trying to redo my apartment layout (aka - moving all my crap around!) finish details for sis's weekend wedding (oh, yeah, that would be THIS weekend!) and get my business (hee hee hee - that just sounds funny) off the ground...plus, look for a new jobbiejob seeing as 'my business' will take some time and $$$ before I'm rolling in $$$$ (ok, that is just plain ol' hilarious).
I feel as though I'm not making tons of sense here so I'm keeping it short. I'll blog post-wedding, of course. I'll give you all the blissful details...I chose the caterer so I can't wait to see how this all comes together!
Check back soon, blogfriends...have a great week!

You'd cry too...

2005-09-02T21:23:00.000-05:00

Just finished watching the NBC 'Concert for Hurricane Relief'...then 'Dateline' show to follow. I will refrain from commenting on Kayne West's commentary (it must have been PRETTY tense on that set after his speech - he wasn't around for the final number, I'm sure he was calling his business manager tossing those numbers around...) and I still can't get my mind around what is going on. I would have mentioned it in the earlier post from today but every time I truly stop and think about the devastation down along the Gulf coast, I can't help but cry.
It's more than the material destruction, obviously. The emotion is somewhat familar...on 9/11 there were those times when my thoughts about the pain and hurt people must have been feeling - those thought just suspended in midair...how do you go on? When I see people walking down a highway that's practically deserted...trying to get out of New Orleans...my thoughts almost tangibly enter the air about me and hang there...WHAT are these people going to do?
Yes, I pray...pray that those babies are finally getting the water they need - let alone the nutrition, clean diapers, to be with their whole family. My prayer is for each family ...families torn apart by Katrina and her aftermath, families still seeking...
My family sat around watching the concert tonight...then I heard it. My dad gasped at one particular shot of how completely wiped out Gulfport is and then it happened...he started to cry. Believe me, seeing my wonderful father well up and letting the tears roll down his cheeks; you'd cry, too.

***We are keeping you in our prayers, all those trying to cope with the impact of Katrina - we won't forget you either***

No, it's not...it can't be

2005-09-02T09:20:00.000-05:00

SEPTEMBER 2nd? Friday, no less? This week has been such a blur...I've barely been able to read my fav blogs this week, let alone comment on them! At work it's THE season for tenants moving out, moving in, moving all about...I feel a song coming on that I will repress.
Then I've got my sister's wedding fast approaching, my niece asked me to help with hers - go HERE and get a load of where she's getting hitched in June (anyone wanna come with me as my date?) and our Sunday School season is about to kick off at church. I've 'signed up' as our church's children's ministry director for this year to help give a little more structure to their already great ministry and I need to put some real work into it...this summer was wonderful but September's here and it's time to get down to business! :)
I'm leaving work early today (yippee!) to head to Maine once again. **in no way was that a complaint! I'm so excited to head up there again...not only to 'be home' but to throw my sister a miniBridal shower on Sunday. She has no idea, thinks we're just having brunch with her future mother & sister-in-laws to 'get to know them'...it should be very, very fun!
I'll leave you with a quick story about said MIL - R, my sister's fiance, has 'warned us' about his mom. "She's a little odd," was one thing he'd mentioned...he'd go on at other times about how she says ANYTHING that comes to mind - don't you love those people in your life that seemingly don't posess what I like to call 'The Tact Filter'?
Anywho...my sister is meeting her future MIL for the first time and things go fairly well - the MIL says some disparaging things about one of my aunts but my sis lets it roll...they're about to leave when the MIL leans over and asks my sister if she likes this certain Irish singer (can't remember his name right now - he's on PBS all the time). MIL hands my sister a CD of his and SAYS TO HER, "Maybe R will make love to you if you play this CD."
Oh joy. I really don't know what to say about that. Yikes.
I could be SO cheesy here and ask what you like playing when you....but,ah, NO.
Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend and I'll be back next week to blog about Maine weekend bliss. :)

Last weekend in August...

2005-08-26T13:35:00.000-05:00

and I'm Mainebound again! My sister and I have been chattin' up a storm this week and it's looking like quite a few of the wedding details are coming together...I'm bringing rough drafts of the ceremony & reception orders, the program, lists for both the bride & groom to accomplish...oh, the joys of event planning :)

I think what cracks me up about event planning is when people SO LISTEN TO YOUR OPINION...I mean, I worked with some people who, yes, they know and trust me, but at times I think I could suggest that they tie orange polkadotted ribbon around the guests' heads and they'd almost do it...ok, slight exaggeration there but I had to tell my sister that the song, 'At Last', wasn't probably the best song choice for her wedding. Why? you ask. (As you should - I LOVE THAT SONG.) Both bride and groom have been married before and I feel that song speaks more of that 'one love' that you've been waiting your whole life for that you've finally been blessed with 'at last'. She heard me out and agreed. They're going with 'From This Moment' which I think has the better message of 'from this point forward' - just the tone they're aiming to set. :) What do you think?

Tonight, before I head north, I'm going to a birthday party! It's for my friend's grandmother - she turns 90 years old today! Can you believe it? Another friend of ours turned 30 this week (Happy 30th, M!!!) and I was IMing with her earlier saying how weird it is to think when she was born, Gram was turning 60! Crazy.

Next time you tune in to 'apartyhappening' you'll hopefully see something new & improved! Eddo of PostedNote FAME(he hit 5,000 unique visitors to his site this month! Way to go!) created the most delectable template for us all to enjoy here! He's just an amazing guy!

Take care & I'll be reading you all soon!

This song is just so...

2005-08-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

hiphoppy. Natasha Bedingfield's 'These Words'...so am loving this song. I heard her perform it last week on Conan - she was great. I'm putting the lyrics here cuz, well, just cuz. :)

These words are my own
Threw some chords together
The combination D-E-F
It's who I am, it's what I do
And I was gonna lay it down for you
I try to focus my attention
But I feel so A-D-D
I need some help, some inspiration
(But it's not coming easily)
Whoah oh...

Trying to find the magic
Trying to write a classic
Don't you know, don't you know, don't you know?
Waste-bin full of paper
Clever rhymes, see you later

These words are my own
From my heart flow
I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you
There's no other way
To better say
I love you, I love you...

Read some byron, shelly and keats
Resited in over a Hip-Hop beat
I'm having trouble saying what I mean
With dead poets and drum machines
I know I had some studio time booked
But I couldn't find a killer hook
Now you're gonna raise the bar right up
Nothing I write is ever good enough

These words are my own
From my heart flow
I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you
There's no other way
To better say
I love you, I love you...

I'm getting off my stage
The curtains pull away
No hyper bowl to hide behind
My naked soul exposes
Whoah.. oh.. oh.. oh.. whoah.. oh..

Trying to find the magic
Trying to write a classic
Waste-bin full of paper
Clever rhymes, see you later

These words are my own
They're from my heart
I love you, I love you
That's all I got to say, can't think of a better way
And that's all I got to say
I love you, is that okay...

Natasha repeats the chorus a few more times than I have it here but you get the point.

I don't know about you but I get so jazzed when I find a song that so fits a moment or experience I've had. Like Gwen Stefani's 'Cool'....it's SO the story of me and an ex of mine. I really like the smooth sound to that song too - it's kinda how I wish all relationships could end if they needed to end - smoothly.

Now, I would so love to hear what song 'marks a moment' for you...if there's more than one song, all the better..
Have a wonderful Wednesday...

Where does a week go?

2005-08-23T10:50:00.000-05:00

I wish I knew. I think I got so caught up in extra-curricular activities and reading everyone else's blogs, I think I 'felt like' I had blogged. Last week was an odd one...every weeknight I ended up being 'out' till WAY too late - like not home till 1am-ish. Friday and Saturday evening, home by 11. Whatever.

So it's August 23 already...oh, I so don't like this time...right before Labor Day, feeling like summer is literally slipping through your fingers. I really don't like seeing summer pass by...don't get me wrong - I love autumn. LOVE IT. But come on, summer is more than a season. Summer is a state of mind.

My summers have always held such pivotal moments in my life. My first real kiss, first 'real' love (kiss & love not same guy), first horrid breakup, first real job, first family member's death. With summer coming to a close, I'm always wondering what could have happened or should have happened that didn't. It isn't a regretful pensive moment but more a 'ok, this hasn't happened yet - maybe it will this fall' kinda feeling. Alright, that's not an easy one to explain as it is so fully caught up in my emotional state right now :)

Some bloggers have been mentioning 'Blogger's Block' lately and I guess I'm jumping onto that bandwagon as well. For what seems like months now, I've just got quite a bit roaming around this mind of mine and I'm not really sure of how to get it all out on this monitor. I know I don't suffer from a seasonal change disorder but this time of year just holds a lot of memories for me, quite a bit of hope & dreams all tied up neatly with some angst. So, I'm just thinking through a bit o'stuff but am so grooving on reading your blogs...I may not always comment, oh, but I'm reading.

Have a fabu Tuesday...my grandfather would have been 104 years old today if he'd lived this long. Wow. Take care ~

Wedded bliss...

2005-08-16T10:00:00.000-05:00

I hope. This past Saturday evening (oh yeah, the HOTTEST day of the summer thus far in MA) was yet another wedding for me to attend. Me and 1Guy went together as it was the daughter of a family that we're still connected to even after some moves and church changes...it was this family's eldest daughter. The bride is turning 19 next month.

Yes, you read that correctly - she's not even 19 yet. Amazing. I am not going to judge this couple's relationship or question whether or not these two youngins should have gotten hitched - I'm not mom or dad and I know they've walked them through this decision. I don't think college was in the plans for either one of them so this must have seemed like the next logical step.

It was just SO interesting to experience this wedding as compared to my former roomies almost two months ago (!!) and then as I help prepare for my sister's 2nd marriage next month. It's like there's this tangible 'maturity' to each relationship. Saturday night there were these two youngins marrying and it all seemed so innocent and pure. Fresh out with no regrets, no relational baggage they're carrying (at least no heavy suitcases, maybe just some small overnight bags), I'm pretty sure the bride was wearing white because she traditionally could...and so on.

For my best friend and her now-hubby there was still some innocence there but hey, being in your mid-30's, the baggage weight definitely goes up. Life experience in general has molded your world perspective quite a bit and your thoughts, hopes, dreams about what your marriage will look like is OBVIOUSLY different than a 18 year-old's. Then jump ahead another 20 years, have grown children, survive the death of a spouse, and there's my sister and her husband-to-be.

I just had this all running through my mind this weekend and it's actually helped me process why I'm still in this 'season of singleness' (why do I not like that phrase?) yet again. He knows the whens, the ifs, the whos so much better than I do...I don't know about you but I can almost sense when I'm about to literally pick up the reigns in my life again and try and 'take over'. Because there are still those areas that I need to re-release to the Lord I've had to be reminded again of just how amazingly in control God is over my life and to LET HIM have that control...to trust Him with it.

Why can't I just do it once and be done with it? Life would be SO much easier. My ex emailed me yesterday (we have some mutual friends going through a rough time and he was asking about them) and he said how he was praying 'that all goes well as they negotiate this earthly pilgrimage we're called to'. This earthly pilgrimage...reminds me of one of my favorite Steven Curtis Chapman songs, "Not Home Yet". I'm not 'home' yet and so look forward to that day when I will be looking my Lord & Savior in the face, realizing truly & completely what His love for me is all about...until then, I will strive to live my life seeking after that truth daily. I hope as I 'negotiate my earthly pilgrimage' that His love will spill over onto those I meet and am traveling with...

Thanks for reading my ramblings...I've just had a lot going on up in this head o'mine and needed to get some of it out. :) Take care!

You know the nagging feeling...

2005-08-10T13:30:00.000-05:00

that today is a special day for someone you know but can't remember? I get to work and it hits me! My friend's sister turns 18 today!!! Happy Birthday J!! When my friend's mom and this younger sis first came to the church I was ministering at J was a mere 11 years old...she got the lead in the annual Christmas children's production that I used to direct that year, too. What a kick...now she's off to college in a couple of weeks...weird.

So this past weekend was even more of a kick. The celebrations went off beautifully and my sister and I (and the new hub-to-be!) sat down and ironed out a vast majority of the details...I'm planning to head back up to Maine and nail down the rest in another week or two. It's going to be so sweet...a small ceremony & catered reception in my sister's huge backyard. I think my brother-in-law would be very happy so many friends & family members are going to be there surrounding my sister with their well wishes and love. I'm welling up just thinking about it - stop making me cry! ;)

It was just another incredible weekend at home with my family...one sis is hitting the big '50' tomorrow so we celebrated that as well. An older sis made a FABULOUS collage of pics for the sis hitting 50 - scary to think that of about 85% of the pics, I wasn't even alive yet! It's so surreal sometimes to think about how my family was over 20 years in existence then I came along! On Sunday some family friends went to church with us that were visiting from Alaska (how cool). They had helped my parents start a church, oh, a good 17 years before I was born. I had 'met' these friends when I was two. Didn't really remember that (my 1st memory is about 3 months later at my eldest sister's wedding) so felt like I knew these people so well due to my parents' telling me about them since I really CAN remember!

Anywho-we had lunch at my parents' home after church and it was great to catch up...kids in college, in ministry, getting married, etc. When they met me they couldn't believe I was A & C's 'youngest' - it was all just a tad trippy. At one point I completely forgot I was 35...I felt like 15 all over again with my life entirely out there in front of me. On my way home Sunday night - back down to Boston, I revisited that feeling.

Being unmarried & with no dependents (that I'd call my actual 'children' ;) ), in a transitiony job, & still pondering what my life is meant to be 'all about' - I guess whatever life I have left here, it is still all out there in front of me. I mean, yes, I realize I'm 'as old' as I am and have made certain decisions that have landed me here but I was getting kinda jazzed about the 'where I am right now' deal.

I really can't focus on the not being married & not having the house-full of munchkins running around (I know, grass is ALWAYS greener, etcetcetc) because there's not too much I can do about that right now. I've gone down many a road to try and change that situation but after this last relationship...I'm done driving. My hands are quite literally off the steering wheel in that realm. (I know, they shouldn't have 'been on the wheel' to begin with...) Seeing how blissfully happy my sister is as she approaches marriage once again...yes, I want that but boy, I'm so not going to force it. I do not want to be the woman that's out there every weekend trying to 'find him'. Not that I think I can just sit back and honestly expect that knock at my door from Mr. Right, but for the here & now, I'm very content with just waiting a bit. I trust God and really, that's all I need - my faith in God Who knows exactly how He made me.

Didn't really plan for this post to head in this direction...I only wanted to dwell on the bliss of being 'home' this past weekend...oh, yeah, and to share that 'The Dukes of Hazard' was pretty funny. Saw it last night & felt like it paid just a lil homage to the TV show (ohhowIlovedJohnSchneider!!!) but Johnny & Seann William were easy on the eyes and a hoot to watch. Whatever Jessica did to get her bod looking like it did (and does?) - wow. She does look amazing in the flick & she really wasn't too bad actingwise. (code for 'she doesn't have too many lines!)

Gotta go sip some of my moonshine! Have a great Wednesday, y'all!

The post below was going to be 'Spotted Dick, anyone?' but...

2005-08-04T15:55:00.000-05:00

if anyone read Eddo's post from yesterday, I didn't want them getting the wrong idea about my post today. :)
Go here if you want to read about 'another' kind of spotted dick. Ewww.
August 3rd's post-ewwww.

Funny kid story...

2005-08-04T15:50:00.000-05:00

When I was in Texas last summer visiting a girlfriend of mine (and her hubby and 2 ADORABLE girls) I went with my now ex so that he could meet them. This friend is precious to me and it was important that she meet the guy who I thought at the time was 'the one'.

In case you hadn't caught on or you're reading this blog for the 1st time, my ex is a Brit by way of Nigeria. Long story but I'm trying to tell you he's black. Key point of info for the story you're about to read.

My friend was a little concerned about how her eldest, let's name her Janey, would respond to meeting J for the 1st time...being from CA and now in Texas, they hadn't had many opportunities to mix with a lot of people from other nationalities. Bottomline - what would Janey, this INCREDIBLY precocious 4 year-old say when she met J???

Everything was fine...Janey took to J like cream to coffee. Really it was wonderful...bedtime rolls around and Janey wants me to read her her bedtime stories. So we go in and begin reading and then J sticks his head in and says he's going to bed - still trying to get over his jetlag. I kiss him goodnight and then turn back to Janey to begin our final book.

Janey looks at me and says, "Aunt Adrianne? Can I ask you a question?"
"Of course, Janey - what is it?"
"Um, does your friend, J, well, is his bottom brown, too?"

By the grace of God I did not fall off her bed laughing my head off.

Instead I kept my composure and answered her by saying, "Well, Janey, you know how you're all one color all over? That's what J's skin is like...all one color all over." :)

Like that wasn't enough to keep me chuckling all night...I come out of Janey's room to let mom and dad know it's time for kisses and prayers. Once that's all wrapped up, we end up in the living room where I'm greeted by some Spotted Dick. Yes, that's an actual dish in Great Britain - go here for a great explanation of what it is.yumyum,spotted dick

My friends had thrown a 'Britain-themed' party back in CA and still had a can of SD left so they put it out for me to enjoy and obviously get a laugh out of...well, little did they know HOW funny it would be once I told them their daughter had asked about J's spotted bottom! That's how I initially told them...no, just joking...oh, it was just hilarious. It feels like it loosing some of it's hilarity here but trust me. I know funny and THAT was funny.

Thanks to 'Fresh Catering' for the inspiration for today's post...that was one of the highlights of that trip - Janey memories always make me smile. Hope you're smiling now too....

It's done...

2005-08-03T12:10:00.000-05:00

Today I broke off my middle fingernail - WAY past the cuticle. There wasn't so much pain as utter shock & disbelief. I'm so saddened by losing a nail and I'm really not sure why...it's not like I'm some scary diva that needs her nails looking perfect 24/7...I just like uniformity, I guess.
When I was in Jr.High we had this 'Miss Manners' course thing at my church that a bunch of my friends and I took. Hilarious now that I think about it...one of the many things that stayed with me was the whole 'If one nail breaks, you should trim the rest so that they are all similiar in length.' I try and uphold this truth as though God Himself told me this.

Oh, Happy August!

2005-08-02T13:33:00.000-05:00

Hi folks...
I am exhausted...I can barely find the keys to type this, I'm so tired. The past four days have just been wonderful. Really, some of the best moments I'll treasure for a long, long time kinda days...

Friday night some friends and I saw 'Must Love Dogs'. Johnnie boy still HAS IT. That's all I can muster at this moment - too tired to elaborate for fear I'll get TOO excited. ;)

Saturday was another slice of birthday bliss. I'm telling you - I LOVE MY FRIENDS but I usually 'know' the extent they'll go for birthday celebrations. Boy, sure didn't call this one - nope. To make an absolutely incredible story just a little shorter, they all surprised me with a boat ride to George's Island (off the coast of Boston) where we had a fabulous BBQ - with Hilltop meats no less! (Peeps from around here know the Hilltop reference) It was yet another GORGEOUS day out and the time we all had to just relax, eat, enjoy...seriously made my eyes water.

Remember the 'Friends' episode where Rachel wanted to celebrate Emma's 1st birthday a certain way and it seemed like it sure wasn't going to happen that way? Then at the end, with everyone around Emma just loving on her, Rachel gets all teary eyed because what was happening WAS exactly what she had wanted? Yeah, that's how I felt Saturday...just everyone I love there with me and we could all just enjoy the moment, know what I mean? Nothing too crazy (however some of my friends had to carry a BUTTLOAD of stuff with them - like an entire bag of charcoal? Do my friends rock or WHAT???), nothing too costly, just time spent together...my best friend and her hubby even BROUGHT A CAKE - I'm still not sure how that badboy made it over...

We eventually made our way back to Boston and hung out at Fanueil Hall...it was so beautiful out so we just walked around, got ice cream, coffee, etc. Once we were hanging in the 'middle section' of the hall, some friends went over to the musician (VERY James Taylorie) with his sound system all hooked up and ready and asked him to sing 'Happy Birthday' to me - hilarious. If you've never had a couple hundred people you don't know sing that to you while you're celebrating your birthday - really, try and get that done. Absolutely hilarious.

Sunday was great, too...after church we helped our youth pastor and his family move into their new home - a wonderful home that's nice and spacious for them! Then I had a 'date' with a friend's daughter - we saw "Madagascar" - great flick. C. & I had a super time catching up and joking around - she's 6 and is a HOOT. Seriously, I love C. and her family...you know those people God allows into your life and you would do almost anything for them? Yeah, this family is that to me.

So Monday rolls around ALL TOO SOON. I was up and out of my humble abode around 5 AM. Ouch - that was a toughie and as I was on my way to 'Black Rock Country Club' in Hingham, I thought I wasn't going to make it. But there was a golf tournament to be volunteered at and thank God I went - my friend who heads up the volunteer group said that 20 people backed out as of the day before. Well they missed out - it was an incredible day...this organization raised over $100,000.00 from the auction last week (yeah-what was my guess? Like $75K???) and they were pretty sure yesterday's event would raise at least that much...how great. To think of the children's charities and hospitals that will benefit..just great.

Some highlights from the day...the Farrelly brothers were there. Yes, of 'Something About Mary', 'Dumb & Dumber', and 'Fever Pitch' fame...what a hoot. Tim & Johnny were there, Mayor Menino (of Boston) golfed, Mike Meyers came, too. Then there was Dwight Evans, Jim Lonborg (SUCH A GREAT GUY), Jerry Moses, Ken Hodges (had dinner with him and almost wet myself he was so funny) - just had such a great time - doesn't even feel like 'work' - not at all.

Oh, and by the way - ILOVETODDENGLISH. Love him. And who usually goes to this event? Oh yeah, Mr. 'I'm such a fabulous chef' English himself. He owns four different types of restaurants and has them scattered all over Boston with some in DC and Seattle. Got to chat with him and I didn't faint or say anything horrifically embarrassing! Yeah me!

Honestly, it was a fantastic day - the weather ended up being perfect, everyone was in good mood and we sang 'Happy Birthday' - no, not to me - to Tim Wakefield who's 39 today (well, they said that but I'm not sure if they were joking or not?) So Happy Birthday, Tim, and here's to the 'year of FABULOUS birthdays....

Take care of yourselves :)

Pitching In For Kids!

2005-07-28T14:15:00.000-05:00

This is the name of one of the charities that Johnny Damon and Tim Wakefield (of the Boston Red Sox, in case you weren't sure...) support. Tonight is their big celebrity auction at the Comedy Connection in Boston and I'm going...it's my 3rd or 4th year helping out. A good friend of mine's mother really sets this bad boy up...it's a load of work that I don't think she gets enough credit for but that's another topic...

Last year I met Derek Lowe - I know he's no longer a BoSox but come on. That guy seriously had it going on...cute and all watching him play but meeting him up close and in person - there was a moment when I seriously had to walk away. I refuse to pull a 'Paris Hilton' here but boy, he was...ahhh...very good looking.

This year I have no idea who'll be there. I've met Mike Timlin before (love him) and a bunch of other guys...can't remember all their names here. Monday will be the actual celeb golf tournament that they all head out for...that's fun, too. Seeing as my friend's mom runs this shindig, she always gives me 'fun jobs' :)

Gotta leave work early to get to the CC tonight so that's all for now...I'll try and update you tomorrow if I saw anybody tonight! Have a good one...

Word choice...

2005-07-26T14:50:00.000-05:00

always intrigues me. Whether it's what a person is saying/answering or how they are wording a question, it just fascinates me. I honestly don't think people realize how much they say about themselves with the words they choose.

I had a boyfriend once who used to always make a 'judgement call' of sorts by how people asked questions...did the person dig a little deeper or go for the obvious question when in a given situation? He was a pretty intense guy...

My mom always pounded into us how ignorant people sounded when they swore. To this day, I completely agree with that sentiment. Now, I say this, but hey, I have to admit, I can be ignorant. But when I do swear, boy, do I hear my mom's voice telling me exactly what I sound like.

My sister emailed this morning - the one getting remarried. I have honestly made peace with it all. I mean, thanks to some prayer, sharing with friends, and even comments made by you, the blogfriends I've been blessed with...I trust she's making a good decision & am honestly happy about it.

What triggered this post, though, was her word choice for the subject line of this morning's email. 'Happy at last...' was what she wrote. Gosh, I am so female sometimes it hurts. I can take that phrase and read into it just about 4,378 meanings.

But I don't want to...I just had the most amazing birthday celebration weekend (which started Thursday evening, JR!)with friends that have seen me through literally - the best and worst points of my life...here a muchloved sister of mine is experiencing such a bright joy after going through an incredibly dark time...I am going to join in that sunshiney time with her...I think I need a good dose of it.

Here's to you finding your good dose of sunshine, too. Take care...

The year of the good birthday...

2005-07-25T10:10:00.000-05:00

No, make that 'The year of the GREAT birthday'...

Maybe it's the whole 'what you appreciate changes as you age' or that I'm realizing what really makes me tick...but this birthday was my absolute favorite...

Growing up birthdays were 'important' in a sense...I mean, they certainly weren't overlooked or forgotten in any sense of those words. There were years when I actually had a 'party' and then, as I got into high school, had some surprises thrown at me that still make me laugh when I remember them. (I have some incredible friends...really, I do.)

This year, though, the entire day was just amazing...amazing in that it held everything I love about life.

I got up around 7 ish and did some things around my place. My former roomie isn't quite fully moved out yet so I packed up a few things for her and packed it in my car seeing as she and hubby invited me over for a 'Birthday Breakfast' :) On the way over, I stopped and got some beach toys for our other girlfriends' kiddos. Got to their place and had a yummy breakfast, chatted it up some with B, P's hubby (love this guy - so kind & thoughtful - just what P needs) Then B said he'd take care of the cleanup so we could hit the road!

P & I made our way down to CT on one of the most goregous summer days I can remember! It was perfect weather...we get to this little lake/camping area that my girlfriend, D, and her family stay at. We spend the afternoon on the shore of this lake and have the best time...kids had a blast! There was this 25ft slide that the three of us went down - in honor of my 35th! Just flippin' hilarious. So fun, we went down a couple more times, too!

Then we got to D's home, showered, got ready for dinner...I have to say, I like clothes and all but I found this FABULOUS skirt...black with purple, Indian stitching and silver accent. Iloveit. SO did P & D...in fact, we all looked pretty hot...so we made our way to this restaurant in Hartford called 'Hot Tomatoes' that was incredible. It was such great summer weather, we ate outside on the patio. For our food selections, I had this amazing pork chop dish (and I am usually not a pork chop eater) that came with asparagus and twice baked sweet potatoes! D got a great lobster dish and P got a chicken saltimbocca yummy dish...for my birthday dessert, I had to get their tiramisu and am I glad I did! Cheesecake and a funky blueberry & nectar crisp was tried by the others and we loved it all.

When one of the hosts came by with the check, he said my dessert was on the house and that he wanted us to come by the bar for a drink when we wanted to. So we stayed and talked and got caught up on nearly everything...it was fantastic. As we began to make our way out, that host caught us and lead us to the bar where we all got a free drink...so fun. I will definitely hit this place again and will reccommend it anyone!

For my birthday gift the girls got me an Italian charm bracelet...it came with four charms - an Icthus, my birthstone, a bday cake, and the charm 'FRIEND' on it. It is so adorable...it was just the sweetest birthday celebration I can remember. The day was just wonderful - not only did I feel 'celebrated' but we all had such a great time together.

My posse here will take me out this Saturday so my birthday celebration is getting stretched out...just the way I like it ;) Yesterday I went through my mail and received a bunch more cards...I feel loved :)

That's all for now. Caught 'Cinderella Man' Friday night - a GREAT flick if you haven't seen it already. Take care & Happy Monday!

About last night...

2005-07-22T14:16:00.000-05:00

ok - how many cheesy posts have started with that title? Sorry, but I really wanted to share 'about last night'...

I had a wonderful time with my girl, JR. She took me out to dinner for my birthday at Margarita's - a yummy Mexican restaurant that has great - you guessed it - margaritas. I'm usually the driver when I'm out with my posse but seeing as she was driving, I had a few...our waitress reminded both of us of someone we know but we couldn't remember to save our lives...AND the waitress gave us some advice in choosing our tequila. Fabulous.

JR brought pics, conversation flowed, I laughed so stinkin' hard, then we went for dessert after...not.home.til.12:30ish. 'Day Before Birthday-Girl' is a lil'tired today! But again, it was so worth it...thanks JR - I love spending time with you!
PLUS she gave me some fun handcreme and a great CD - Mindy Smith, ever heard of her?

Tonight, I'm not sure what's up but tomorrow I'm heading to CT with the new bride to see one of the bridesmaids for a little birthdayshindig for me:)Happyhappyjoyjoy...I really love just celebrating in general. The fact that we're celebrating me? Oh, like the cherry on the top of the sundae...and I love cherries.

So peeps...have a great weekend doing whatever you're doing...have a wonderful July 23rd...I know I will due to super friends and family I'm blessed with :)

oh - ps. Received a bday card from my bro - and it reads:
"Boogers are like birthdays...the more you have the harder it is to breathe."
You've really got to love brothers, don't you?

Boy, do I need to get this off my chest...

2005-07-21T11:45:00.000-05:00

I've only told my BF because I needed to share the shock and awe of it all...but I'm sitting on it for a few days before I tell the rest of my posse cuz it just needs to sink in a little.......

I honestly can't remember right now if I blogged about this a few weeks ago but when I was home for the blissful Fourth of July weekend, my sister went on a date. This is the sister that lost her husband last March '04 to cancer. The guy she went with is great - I've known him for quite a while...he lost his wife to cancer on the 1 yr anniversary of my bro-in-law's death. (It's coming back to me, I'm pretty sure I blogged this - sorry for the repeat)

Well, I've been calling home fairly regularly to check in on Dad and Mom's been giving me the updates....R came over for dinner, my sis and R went to church together last Sunday, and so on...this past weekend Mom tells me the R brought up marriage already but that my sis wanted to take it slowly. (Phew, I thought and so did my mom.)

So, my wonderful mother calls me at the CRACK OF DAWN this morning - woke me out of a dead sleep because I stayed up way tooooo late last night organizing - to wish me a Happy Birthday! I freaked slightly because I thought for a moment my mom had lost it - the 'big day' isn't until Saturday - but then she told me she feared she wouldn't catch me on my birthday, knowing me. Hee hee hee, my mom really does know me BEST OF ALL.

Anywho...she then proceeds to update me on everyone...which leads to her telling me that my sister is engaged to R and they're planning a November wedding.

I can't believe I typed that as calmly as I did. No caps even. Yeah me.

This isn't a shotgun wedding, my sister is going to be 53 in December - no prego worries there. Their first date was July 2nd. Nineteen days ago. Now, they've known each other for years and of course, the argument of 'life being short' certainly rings true for these two people - I just hope this is a Godly decision...for both of them. They really aren't two crazy nuts just going on a whim (even though if I were you, I so wouldn't believe that last line, either.) I think it's more that neither one of them have ever - and I mean ever - really known life without a spouse.

For me, never having had a spouse - I can only guess that that must be, well, a lot of things - none of which are pleasant to them. I'm so torn over this...I'm happy for my sister...really, I am. The last 2-3 years of her marriage to my bro-in-law wasn't so much 'marriage' as it was caretaker and patient. It, as you can imagine, was the most difficult thing she's ever experienced and I want her to have the companionship I know she's been longing for for quite awhile now...

But it's the idea of feeling like I'm being 'forced to' let go of my bro-in-law...I know I don't have to, I have the memories, he'll always be in our hearts, etc etc etc...I don't downplay any of that. For my sister to so quickly 'jump into' this next phase of her life feels like some of those memories are being jerked around for me and it stinks. At least for right now, as I am trying to process it all, it stinks.

Who knows, maybe there's even more there than I care to admit...am I jealous? Could be. Am I hurting for my nephew who tells his mom that he's fine with her decision but wonder if he really is? (He's 23, big boy, can make his own decision.) I ultimately trust God to guide and direction them and I know I sincerely am happy for her. I just gotta go with it...she wants my help in planning the family shindig...how could I not help! :)

Well, thanks again Blog Friends, for letting me purge this all over you. Any thoughts, advice, jokes? ;) Take care y'all!

Just three days away...

2005-07-20T11:23:00.000-05:00

till July 23rd. It's that infamous day where I honestly believe when it hits - summer's over. August is like a speed race to the end of this blissful season...

About thirty-five years ago, there was this couple who had seven children. The youngest was about to turn seven the following month. Well, actually, now their youngest was two weeks late in arriving. The mother's due date for their eighth child was around July 7-8. "It's probably another girl, but I can never be sure," she told her family and friends. This was because of their seven children, only one was a boy.

The wee hours of the 23rd finally came and she went into labor! The older siblings watched the younger ones as the mom and dad made their way to the hospital. As she laid there waiting for her doctor to come and deliver her baby (like he had all the others) she kept getting excuses as to why he hadn't gotten there yet. "Oh, he's in traffic," to "He's with another patient, he'll be right here" was all she kept hearing. As she started going into the heavy pushing and he still wasn't there, another doctor showed up.

Now she had other things on her mind - like giving birth! Her baby was half way down the birth canal when they lost the heartbeat. 'Mrs. Smith, we have to do an emergency C-section right now!' There was no time to wait - they put her under and before she knew it, she was coming out of anesthesia. The nurse gave her her baby to hold...her seventh daughter.

Knowing this would be her last, she gave her youngest sister's name as the middle name for this daughter...for a first name, though, she still hadn't decided. Her husband had a couple ideas but none really stuck with them. At last she thought of it. "'Adrianne' is a pretty name," she thought and so the baby was named.

Two weeks after my arrival, my mom brought me in for the check-up with the doctor that was supposed to be the one delivering me. As we walked into his office, my mom couldn't wait to ask where he was back on the 23rd.

"Well, Mrs. Smith, I apologize for not being there for Adrianne's birth. I was in the hospital, though, just two floors down. I was in the cafeteria with some colleagues and heard the page. I got up to leave and, boom! I had a mild heart attack right then and there. I'm doing ok, just came back in today to start seeing some patients."

At the time, my mom had been pretty surprised by that story. I, however, when told the story, wasn't. Seeing as how these were the events at the kickoff to my life, it helped explain a lot of what's happened since...

This Saturday marks the 35th anniversary of my mom's only C-section (I quite literally 'broke the mold'), her doctor's first mild heart attack (not sure if he'd had any others), and our family coming to a 'completion' of sorts (My eldest sister had her first child three years later so that didn't last long.). I could never thank my parents enough for all they've done for me in those 35 years...and for the example they started to set for my siblings when they married 57 years ago. I love you both very much...

A few sidenotes:
1. OK, thinking summer's over after my birthday is a tad self-centered. When I was growing up I honestly felt that way.
2. My mom's name isn't "Mrs. Smith" - changed it to protect the innocent. She would HOWL if she knew this story was on the WORLD WIDE web.
3. The doctors and nurses kept the truth from my mom because they didn't want to upset her and as traumatic as the delivery was, good thing they didn't tell her.
4. I've had a zillion people ask about where my name came from - we're not French, we're not Catholic (oh, yeah, there was a line of Popes named 'Adrian'), and my parents don't have a thing for the 'Adriatic Sea'...but even MORE IMPORTANT - I was born prior to the 'Rocky' movies - like a good six years before the first one came out!
5. I have sisters that are identical twins - rarely does anyone in my family confuse them. The sister one up from me - yeah, she's 7 years older, MUCH shorter than I and we have COMPLETELY different personalities. Her name is Andrea and we're MIXED up 98% of the time in my family. Hilarious.

Happy Early Birthday to me :) Have a great Wednesday folks!

I think I'm onto something here...

2005-07-20T10:30:00.000-05:00

I read this article this morning and I think it's 'me'...my style, I mean. I've always wanted a home where there's quiet & peace found...maybe this is it.

Wabi-sabi ~ the Japanese art of imperfect beauty

I'm so not into 'art deco' or having the streamliniest of furniture...other than it's ties to 'Zen' and/or Buddhist philosophy, I appreciate the connection to the 'spiritual' in our homes...it's not just about stuff.

Any thoughts? Ever heard of this? Let me know...

Weekend update...

2005-07-18T13:35:00.000-05:00

Friday night I napped after work - how lame am I (it was only for 20 minutes!)? Ran some errands to get ready for Saturday. "What was Saturday?" you ask. It was the day we FINALLY celebrated a couple of our friends birthdays. Both were back in May and one we used as the 'cover' for the surprise bridal shower I threw for my former roomie (She was AOK with postponing it). I just felt bad it took so long to get to celebrating!
Well, the day was so stinkin' fun. We headed to Cambridge and went on the Charles River boat cruise...an hour of cruising along the river, hearing some interesting factoids, just relaxing...it was great. I love being on the water - even a river in Cambridge :)
Then we headed over a GREAT tapas restaurant on the Cambridge/Somerville line. My former roomie and I went there almost ten years ago for another friend's birthday so it was very nostalgic going back - and very fun - and very yummy! The sangria this place serves is fabulous...dessert was scooting over to one of our favorite ice cream places. We hung out there for over an hour, different peeps in our group of ten hanging out and catching up with each other...so fun. My former roomie and her new hubby came & for some, it was the first time seeing them since the wedding. Just so much fun - just what I needed after the day I had on Friday!
I'm really very thankful for it all...I get to plan these birthday celebrations and was thrilled with the weather more than cooperated...1 Guy and I went jeeping after, too. We had a good talk...I let him have it about this woman he's 'seeing' kinda. Yeah - too long to tell here. But the talk still didn't take away from the great time we had hanging out. (It's like getting mad at my brother - I get over it quickly!)
Sunday was good, too...got some stuff done at home, cried when I watched Extreme Home Makeover (hadn't seen it yet - the one with the autistic child and deaf parents - I bawled.) Eventually made my way to sleepland...
Hope your Monday is going well ~ who followed my advice and loved on someone this weekend? Later...

Reason # 49 why I miss being in a relationship...

2005-07-18T13:18:00.000-05:00

Having him scratch my back whenever necessary...I was in a 'Pier 1' yesterday and they had backscratchers on sale. I SOOOO should have bought one. I think my tan is fading and I need to moisturize my back more. Well, that brings on it's own issues as well...more reasons why God intended man and woman to be together :)

A tough day...

2005-07-15T12:53:00.000-05:00

You know what it's like when you hear one sad, horrible piece of news? You sit there, let it begin to soak in, try to muster the intelligence and compassion to say something 'appropriate', then....then what? I try to think immediately of a prayer for that person and situation, knowing God already knows my heart and how my heart, let alone His, is breaking for them...there's some comfort right there.

This morning I got an email and it just started the tears aflowin'. All of a sudden, it's like I allowed separate events all meet up in my heart - all at once.

There's this computertech company that services our computer system here at work - a bunch of really sweet, funny guys. (not geeky at ALL.) A few months ago, one of 'em, Jamie, was here and, as he was checking my computer, flat out asks me, 'A, are you a Christian?' I won't say it shocked me but for a second all I could think was,'Hmm, why's he asking?' I then said, 'Yeah, I am...why do ask?' He said he could tell something was 'up' because of the sites I visit (thank God!). We began a talk about our faith and he shared with me that his fiance was fighting cancer - again. They're keeping the faith that she'll defeat it but know that she's in the Best Hands if she doesn't.

This morning's email was from Jamie's boss letting some business contacts know that Michelle passed away on Monday. He said Jamie asked if he'd pass on the word. Instantly every emotion I felt last March ('04) when I found out Danny had died came rambling back at me...my heart is just broken for him.

I also found out that a couple I care deeply for miscarried their second baby last week. There was some difficulty after the procedure but she'd doing a bit better physically today. A few days ago, I found out my dad had knee surgery complications. He's improving each day as well but it's taken a toll on my mom...I guess all three situations just 'hit' and I broke.

That kind of breaking where all you can do is pray. I'll be heading home in a few weekends to spend some time with my folks and I call almost every day to check in but other than that, I just feel helpless...prayer and the passing of healing time is all that can really happen right now...for Jamie, for my friends, for my parents.

Life truly is an amazing thing...again I'm reminded how precious every moment is. I hope you can take some time this weekend to just allow yourself to appreciate even just one of the people in your life that makes your life as wonderful as it truly is...with all the stress, all the responsibility, all the blessings & joys. Love on someone this weekend then come back and tell me about it...

Take care of yourselves and hope to blog more soon...peace to you & yours.

Thanks so much...

2005-07-11T12:00:00.000-05:00

If you haven't read 'em yet my last post got some FANTASTIC comments. It certainly goes to prove that with a bit of evil, there is always Good(God) to overpower it. The question is, will the good (believers) be brave enough to do so! From the comments left, I think so...just brillant thoughts and I honestly pray 'anonymous' comes back to check it out.

Had a pretty 'fast weekend' - started out with seeing 'Batman Begins' with a friend of mine. We drooled over Christian Bale and, seeing he was on the IMAX hugo screen - we had a lot to drool over ;) Good flick, fyi. I got up Saturday morning and had barely rubbed the sleep out of my eyes when 1 Guy (remember him?) calls and asks if I want to get some breakfast...he was paying so, why not? (I'm sure many single women are saying a quiet 'amen' to that...) Seriously though, he had had an odd week of sorts...went on a road trip with a friend of ours (a guy), an 'online girlfriend' he has, and her son. Trouble erupted btw the friend and the online girlfriend. Honestly, even too much for me to blog right now - he needed a listening ear plus I think he was missing his ogf - she had just flown out that morning.

So after our talk over scrambled eggs (he uses WAY TOO MUCH KETCHUP - anyone agree with me on this?) we went shopping in a nearby mall, then I hit the tanning booth, showered, and hit a movie with 1 Guy - yeah, he needed company. So we watched 'Bewitched'. All I can say is that I love Will Ferrell. Never saw 'Anchorman' and from what some peeps have told me, I'm glad. But when he's in a role like this one - I could just hug him, he makes me laugh so hard! Then I met up with another friend of mine, had dinner, watched 'Fantastic Four' ***I hadn't seen a movie in WEEKS and thought I'd personally help the sagging movie ticket sales this weekend. If you check, best ticket sales in MONTHS - you're welcome, Hollywood.

Anywho...M & I go to pick up our other friend who was returning from Ecuador! One of two mission teams from our church got back safe and sound Saturday evening - only 2 hours late. I brought my friend back home because her pup wouldn't have made it that long then I returned to the fabulous Logan airport (pls. note sarcasm here.) and picked up my buddy. It was great to see her and hear about the 12 day adventure...she and another good friend had a terrific time and I was glad they were safe and not sick :)

Sunday was a GLORIOUS day all around...church was such a blessing, got some work done, had ice cream with some of my wonderful friends, then hit home :) Sleep was very good!

And now I'm back to the grind...oh joy. I'm praying about what is next workwise. I'm hoping something comes together by the end of the summer - I'd appreciate your prayers, too.

Hope you all have a great Monday! Take care...

So, any thoughts on this comment?

2005-07-08T11:55:00.000-05:00

Here is someone's comment about my post from yesterday:
"Anonymous said...
Prayer is the greatest weapon??
Come on, WAKE UP!
Religion IS the reason for all this!
GOD is responsible and GOD doesn't even exist outside of ignorant human minds.
Death to ALL MUSLIMS! That's the answer."

I'm thankful that God is ultimately in control and knows exactly what is going on!
The sadness I feel continues when I read a perspective like this. What a horrible way to live...wishing death on certain groups of people? This person wants me to 'WAKE UP'? Wow...well, anonymous, you may not appreciate it, but I'll be praying for you, too.

How do I make this a permanent part of my blog?

2005-07-08T11:50:00.000-05:00

The attack on London..

2005-07-07T13:40:00.000-05:00

is just so unbelievable. I'm a bit thrown by all this. Before leaving for work this morning I caught the clip of Tony Blair speaking while still in Scotland with the leaders at the G8 summit standing behind him - it just made an impact on me.
9/11 was unimaginable - it still is. But to have walked through that and know that this attack, like others that have followed 9/11, are tragically effecting lives...my heart just breaks.
Due to my last relationship, I've visited London quite a few times and have many friends and acquaintance there. Prayer is obviously the greatest weapon I have right now but I did contact my ex to ask him to let me know once he hears anything. We're still emailing so I felt comfortable asking...and he knows how much I care about the mutual friends we had and his family.
The eery thing is - his sister is getting married and it may very well be this week -if J and I were still together, we'd be there - in the heart of London. Wow. The things you remember when tragedy strikes.
Sorry this is so rambly...my thoughts are pretty much all over the place. But my heart is in London right now...hoping for the healing that is needed now more than ever.
I love this Colossians 3 passage:
"12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Amen.

Science fun!

2005-07-06T12:05:00.000-05:00

Hey, you so gotta check this out!

Let me know how it goes!

OK, the TEASEBLOG will give something up!

2005-07-06T11:25:00.000-05:00

So I was listening to Kiss 108, the hip radio station here in Boston. It was early/mid May and the final episodes of 'LOST' were on...the DJ (Matty of Matty in the Morning, for all you locals) asked the question about Sayid (Naveen Andrews, great actor - was in 'Bride & Prejudice') - to nutshell it, how could he hook up with Shannon when he was ohsoinlove with the woman he was going to find in LA? Well, on a TOTAL whim, I try calling in to give my 2 cents.
(Background to this. I SOOOO wasn't going to get hooked on this show. I watch too much TV as is. ER, Alias & 24 are my shows. LikeIneedanother. Well, a girlfriend of mine would tell me what was happening on Lost and hey, Matthew Fox is, well, foxy, so, she got me into it. This show rocks. Alas, I could call into the radio show and comment.)
As you might have guessed, I got through and was chatting it up with Matty. Of course, he was calling me 'Julie' because I didn't want to give my real name. I had just called in and tried to win Celtics tickets like the week before and I have a pretty memorable name. Partially due to a movie that's had WAY TOO many sequels as well as a song named it (it's by the group 'The Calling'). Now what woman doesn't want a song named after her? I would LOVE it IF the song had a decent message. No, no, the one I get is about the woman named my name (although spelled differently!)that rips the heart out of the guy singing and basically tears his heart apart with the stilletos she's wearing. Yeah, nice.
So back to rationalizing why I gave a false name - I didn't want to hear the song and I figured I'd be on for about two seconds so - just call me Julie. Boy, was I wrong. Matty and I get talking and realize we're long lost TV buds. We watch the same shows, feel the same about certain plot twists...at one point I answered a question they all had about something on Lost and the producer in the background is yelling, 'We love Julie, we love Julie....'. I honestly had to stop and think, Hey - who's this Julie chiming in on my airtime??? Oh please.
So after almost 10 - yes TEN - minutes of airtime bonding...Matty says, 'So Julie, how white are your teeth?' Knowing they've been doing a monthlong promo for this cosmetic dentistry place in Boston, I say, 'Well, Matty, they could always be whiter!' Hence the $500.00 gift certificate to this dental office. I thought of using it before the wedding but I didn't want people to be blinded by the whiteness. I am going to try and use it this summer though...my teeth aren't bad but like I said, could always be whiter!
Ok - there's the story...my friends & family all freaked on me because they claim I always win stuff...I don't ALWAYS win...just a free ticket here, a trip for four to Florida there...I'm just blessed :)
Wedding details to come...I'm heading to the new couple's pad tonight for dinner - I'm their first official guest! And Eddo, we're having Mexican!!! Have a great Wednesday people!

I haven't forgotten...

2005-07-01T11:01:00.000-05:00

Wedding details and the teeth whittening gift certificate story is still yet to come....

and then she let out an audible sigh.....

2005-07-01T11:00:00.000-05:00

Oh how relieved I am...the tux shop came through for us, my friends...after an incredible week of playing voicemail tag, the district manager FINALLY called me at work this morning and he basically did everything I wanted him to. I can honestly let out a definite sigh of relief knowing this was all taken care of before the bride and groom return from their honeymoon! Groomsmen who were charged incorrectly are getting a refund, one groomsman who was charged DOUBLE is getting a hefty refund and the groom (who initially wanted to pay for his so that the price for his groomsmens' tuxes would be less) is getting his for free. The DM is also sending me gift certificates for the guys for future rentals and/or purchases! I tell ya - it's all about the polite, squeeky wheel getting the grease....
'Classic Tux' is the store, btw - everything would have gone beautifully, I'm sure, if it hadn't been for the fact that the manager of the particular store that we worked with hadn't QUIT just days before the wedding. Oh well, the groom got his for free and people are being refunded...I can sleep easy now. Anyone need help getting things straightened out with a vendor? Give me a buzz...if you're from the Boston area - Hank Philipi Ryan would like me to work for her! (Channel seven news shout out!)

So last night I went over to the new bride & grooms' pad...made sure all their gifts were laid out, made sure I brought mine over!!, then I laid out a new table cloth and matching napkins for their dining room table...got a couple cutesy items from Crate & Barrel (LOVE THAT PLACE) for a festive Fourth of July centerpiece...and left a little 'welcome home' note...stocked their fridge and got 'em some snacks so they don't have to rush out to the grocery store when they return...it was fun. Like a surprise waiting to happen!

Yes, it's all so sweet of me and all that (cuz I'm sure that's what you're thinking ;) ) but if you knew these two - you'd be doing something similar for them, I'm sure as well. The bride is the epitomy of kindness and sweet friendness and the groom is so thoughtful - I'm so glad they found each other. Again, another audible sigh....

I honestly don't want to jump from all that sweet emotion to the 'what about me' tiraid that can happen for us singles after SUCH A GREAT WEDDING...it's more 'what about my incredible single friends??" (mostly female - did you hear me Eddo?)! I have some of the BEST women friends that are unattached...not even seeing someone! Personally, God's really done a work in me over the last six months (especially since my last relationship) and I'm in that 'ok contented' place again where I'm in no rush to 'get back out there' and date...but some of my friends, well, I don't know. I mean, they're waiting on God, too, and not doing anything TOO insane to 'find Mr. Right' (or Mr. Right Now) - oh, I don't know...it's not like they're not living their lives to the fullest, making sure they're making the most of every day or anything...it's just when you know someone's heart's desire and from a purely human standpoint you think that desire is not getting fulfilled...my heart just aches for them. But God knows them way better than I do and ultimately I trust God to fulfill the desires He created in them. Yeah, this patience lesson never really gets easier, does it?

See what happens when I 'find the time' to come back and blog? You get it all my friends...all the gushing emotions, the raw crud that needs releasing, the - ok, I'll dial it down a notch. Here's hoping everyone has a great Fourth of July - I'm heading to the homeland till Tuesday - I can't stinkin' wait. Maine is supposed to have the best weekend weather...I'll be thinking of you all as me and my peeps are out having lobsters by the ocean on Monday! Hope you all see some kind of firework display this weekend :) Peace out!

Ahhhh....

2005-06-29T12:25:00.000-05:00

Yes, I survived 'The Wedding Like None Other' week! I will post all the glorious details of it when I have a minute to think - thanks for all your prayers and encouraging emails. I'm trying to play 'catch up' at work (it's the end of the month craziness) plus my car broke down this morning and I'm beginning my one-woman smear campaign on the tux store we used this weekend. (I won't give out the name yet in case they rectify the situation to my liking.) Life just keeps on truckin' along...

I guess this all goes to prove life really is about having the right attitude. When my car broke down this am (during the AM commute on a pretty busy highway no less!) all I could think was THANK GOD it didn't happen in the midst of the all the wonderfulness of last week! Seriously, thank God. AND (some of you better be sitting down for this doozy...) I finally got a cell phone. Another 'thank God' for that one too...I know, I know, 'way to join the 21st century' and all that. :)Ok, so I'm here - NOW the party can start!

(Tux store update - the CFO of the store just called me and gave me the cell # of the CEO. She assured me that 'Bill' would want to know firsthand what shook down. I'll fill you in on how it's all taken care of...nothing adversing effected the wedding itself - now it's more the principal of it all!)

What a lameo I am!

2005-06-15T15:45:00.000-05:00

I don't even want to look at when the last time I posted was....life is just too dang nutty over here. I'll get into it all soon - promise. Still processing some and still getting the final wedding details DONE. Oh dear Lord...apart from the calm & peace I experience during my fabu fake & bake tan time(please, no health concern comments ;) ) EVERYTHING else is just plain CRAZY! Most of the time is fun crazy but there are those moments when I think my mind has just up and left me.

For instance - if you've either been living in New England or heard about it on the news - we just got through some CRAZY hot weather - like, lift my arm and sweat a gallon - I know, gross. So during this almost heatwave (yes, in early June NO LESS!) I come home to a small man-made lake under my kitchen sink. Oh my! Something was aleakin' and by the literal grace of God I had a bucket under where the pipe just happened to be leaking! So, after almost breaking my wrist getting the 'HOT' water valve turned off, plumberman came yesterday and fixed that bad boy - yes, after taking about three days worth of dirty dishes (all well rinsed but dirty still) and boxing them up so he could 'get to the sink' Oh please.

Last night I met my roomie's future in-laws. She had met them last August when she and her fiance, B, flew to Sri Lanka to meet them. I had known both B and his sister, P, when we were all in college together so finally meeting Amma & Appa (Tamil for mom and dad, fyi) was such a delight - people, they are the CUTEST Sri Lankan couple I have ever met. I'd say cutest ever but my own folks rank higher ;)
Anywho - they brought gifts (of course) and I was thanked over and over for sending both Amma and P an invite to the bridal shower last month. Obviously they couldn't make it but both were so appreciative of the theme -'East Marries West' - P really loved that Sri Lanka got the 'shout out' in the theme. :) Anyone need any theme ideas? Give me a holler.

So we had a great time and I just couldn't stop smiling....in previous posts I've written why I love wedding so stinkin' much. Last night was why. When two peoples loved ones - family, friends, precious people, come together to celebrate these important relationships and ultimately the relationship that the new couple is 'embarking on' - I could seriously start crying it's just so moving to me. I told some friends recently that I am in SERIOUS Gush Mode - I'm gushing everywhere on everything, it's scary. Unless I'm cracking the whip on the bride ;) I'm gushing.

Alrighty, gotta cut this bad boy off...I haven't forgotten about the GC story - it's coming...it involves a local radio station, the TV show 'LOST' and how I don't like the song 'Adrienne' by the Calling....yes, I am a tease - there. I admitted it.
Peace.

Please remind me...

2005-06-03T11:00:00.000-05:00

I keep forgetting to tell you about how I won a $500 gc to get my teeth whitened. Yeah, not everything is SO cruddy :)

Hello Bloggin' friends...

2005-06-03T10:45:00.000-05:00

Time waits for no man, woman, or child...seriously, it's crazy that it's taken me this long to post. No excuses - life's just been nutty. Thanks to those of you trying to hunt me down...I've tried to visit your blogs and have done some quick reads...OD - way to go with the writing, Beth - how's your mom?, Sque - I'm still reeling over the latest developments in your life, Amanda - I'll send you corn bread mixes!! At least I think that's what you asked for....gotta go check again...girl from FL - I couldn't even bring myself to comment on how absolutely amazing the pics of your trip were...just beautiful. Speaking of trips - people, go check out some pics of Eddo's trip to Hawaii - just blissfully fun!

And of course there's my life. What's going on you ask? This is where I'd like to create my fantasy life and lead you all to believe things are just PEACHY keen. In the bigger picture, yeah, things are fine. Right now I'm just feeling a tad, well, cruddy. My folks can't make it to my best friend's wedding this month due to my dad's doctor telling him that it's time for that knee replacement surgery he's been putting off. When you ask? Oh, just TWO FLIPPIN' days before the wedding. My mom is so bummed and my dad feels bad but hey, the doctor says it's time, it's time. My dad has probably been in nutty pain over this but didn't want to go through the whole ordeal. Well, now that bone is hitting bone - he's kind of GOT TO. I know you'll keep daddio in your prayers on the 23rd. I appreciate it.

Then I move to a VERY INTENSE email dialogue, long distance phone call, get all the crap out in the open, sort of confrontation situation with a friend of mine. Honestly, I'd rehash it all here but I feel like I have already with my roomie 100 times. To bottomline it - we all have different sensitivities and areas we need to grow in. I'm thankful to have friends who will call me on the carpet (I hate rug burns.) and then also hear me out. It was hard stuff to say and then to also hear, but thank God, we got through and like I told my friend, I'm grateful that she cared enough to 'hang on' through it - we've both grown from it and our relationship is stronger for it. Boy, it sucked going through it though. :)

The wedding. As much as I love planning and preparing for events such as these, I'm tired of living it EVERY BLESSED MOMENT. I didn't get into it all at the time due to time constraints but the week right before my BF's SURPRISE shower was a living hell. I don't really want to tell 'her story' but she was very confused, tired, and was considering seriously postponing the wedding. (Just to alay all your fears - she's not doubting marrying her fiance' - it was more her just feeling overwhelmed by everything - all's well now.) I had to maintain this 'strong, everything's going to be ok' attitude and keep telling her that I would support whatever decision she made while FREAKING out because the shower was 72, then 48, then...X hours away! She ended up having a terrific conversation with a mentor of ours (a former pastor's wife of ours who so ROCKS!) She helped her lay out all that was buzzing around in ways I couldn't - kinda being too close to the situation, if you know what I mean. It was tough - she wanted the shower to be kept a surprise but if her talktimes hadn't gone as well as they had, I would have told her about the shower because it could have wigged her out pretty bad with that (quite literally) 'thrown at her' as well. Like my previous mini-post told you, it was a wonderful shower and am so glad we were able to go through with it, surprise and all. :) It was more living under that stress that almost broke me. But it didn't!

Here's a fun one to toss out there - ('fun' is being used sarcastically here, Sque, please know that) The day before his wedding one of my ex's calls me and asks (after some polite convo) if we could get together for coffee or dinner this week. YES - THIS WEEK - granted he and his now wife are postponing a honeymoon til Christmas - Hawaii, even, Eddo! - but come on - two days after your wedding and you want to go out with your EX? Please - let me go! He even joked on the phone that he considers me his 'second wife'- anything happens to the first, he's got my number. I really need to shut that boy down.

There's more (which will come later) but I think the kicker was this morning's email from the most recent ex. Yeah, he tells me that he's even more convinced that our break up was 'right' due to the fact that he's seeing some else now that he's very blessed by. Fabulous. So I emailed him back, being the strong, confident woman I am and told him A) God had honestly revealed that to me before our break up - that I should feel NO guilt over his moving from England to Seattle, WA because he wasn't doing it 'for me' (making the move to the States, that is) - it was truly for himself because he'd meet someone more suited for him there. B)That I'm happy for him and pray God's blessings over him. Yes, I meant that. Even though he couldn't take hearing me say that I didn't love him enough to marry him and decided he was going to say that I lied to him about a medical condition I have (nothing serious, can explain later) so he couldn't stay with me, I really want him to be happy. He's a good guy - but not a good one for me.

So yeah - I guess looking back part of the reason I hadn't blogged was probably because I had such crud to blog. Not that I think I need to post all happy smiley stuff - not at all - but there was just A LOT of crud I think I needed to get through a little before letting it all loose here :) The last bit is still rolling around in my heart and mind so I'd appreciate prayers concerning that. Thanks guys.

I haven't touched on the jobfront (yuck), the ministry front (yippee!), wonderful time with my family over Memorial Day (time in Maine is ALWAYS good for me!) and some other super things happenning...I'll try to soon! :) Hope this finds you doing ok, great even and if it doesn't - that's ok, too! Take care of your bad selves. Peace out.

Liar, liar, boy, were my pants on fire!

2005-05-24T00:15:00.000-05:00

In the last three weeks I have told so many lies to cover my tracks, it's downright WRONG. My roomie/bestfriend/bride.to.be wanted the shower to be a surprise. Well, she got it. She was TOTALLY surprised...to the point where she ended up wearing OVERALLS. It was hilarious. Here's a shot of the day...Bride & her maid and matrons
Anyway, with all the details, lies, and quilt that needed finishing, there just wasn't time to blog! I've got a few stories to share now, though, so I'll be back bloggin' in no time...
It's been good visiting your sites, sad to see OD go ( :( ), and boy, I need to get some things off my chest so, yeah, I'll be back soon.
Have a great day and if you're out here in New England - don't let the rain get you down! :)

Happy Friday...

2005-05-13T15:30:00.000-05:00

Thanks for all the computer advice - I'm close to making a decision...what does anyone think of Dell's Inspiron 700M? That's what I have in my virtual 'cart' right now but am waiting for the shower to 'happen' next week before I lay out that much cash :)
Sorry this is so short but I'm off for another funfilled, wedding/shower errand filled weekend! Oh, for those interested, here's the dress I'll be picking up tomorrow for next month's wedding! THE DRESS It's truly 'fabu' isn't it! ;0
Last night we went for the 'taste testing' at the county club where the reception's going to be - very fun, very yummy, and very free. I love that! :) White zin anyone? Oh, yeah, I had mine!
Tonight I'm off to a charity auction and then tomorrow I have graduation parties and drive-in movies! (oh, AFTER all the errands.) I'm looking forward to a peaceful Sunday morning at church!
Seeing as it's looking like all the squares are going to be in by TOMORROW (!!!) on Sunday after church, I'm working on getting the quilt put together - CAN'T wait!
I'll let you know how it looks next week!
I'm off ladies and gents - wish me well as I try to finish up all the shower details this weekend! Take care!!

Oh, you computer gurus!

2005-05-11T10:19:00.000-05:00

Here's a question for you...
I'm in SERIOUS need of a new personal computer. I'm thinking laptop because of my need for portability but could do the desktop thing too.
Any suggestions? I know you'll ask, 'Well, what do you need it for?' and it's primarily for the Pampered Chef program (not a huge deal) that I need to run and for basic word processing...I really don't need to much in way of design/graphic capabilities.
(no snide comments about my lameo blog and how, actually, I do!)
Thanks....I'm trying to get some opinions before I cough up the nice chunk of change I'll need for this purchase.
BTW-yeah, never bought my own computer before. Yes, I realize this is 2005 but I've never NEEDED to - had one given to me, used others, etc...I got by. No longer - I need a new one that's my very own :) thanks for any tips.

Opps...BP is after me!

2005-05-11T10:11:00.000-05:00

I've received a 'wristslap' from the BlogPatrol and I deserve it. Kinda. Blogger was wiggin' on me the last time I tried to post and I honestly didn't have the time to wait so...I apologize - will y'all ever forgive me?
I've also got this allergies/sinuses/cough/alloverfeellikepoo deal going on...the surprise shower is next SATURDAY and I.don't.have.time.for.this. AT ALL. On top of the partyplans, I've also spearheaded a memory quilt for my chum. She's going to FREAK out when she sees it. She so thinks I've got too much going on to do THAT too but, knowing how much she so sincerely wants one - how can I not? (Deal with boundry issues later)
The quilt is coming along nicely....I'm waiting for four more squares of this 20 square masterpiece. Two are in the mail, one is getting re-ironed on (FABU pic from the cruise nine of us took together getting ironed on to one square.) and one is MIA BUT I already have a backup sqaure if I need it. Knowing how much P is going to WEEP tears of joy and appreciation makes all the covert ops I've been juggling these last weeks worth it. :)
If you are reading this and thinking 'what the hay is she talking about' - think of a quilt and how it is usually made up of various (or very similar) blocks or squares. A memory quilt is when individuals design, create, sewn, put together in a VARIETY of ways one simple square (ours are each 12.5" big). The square you design should exemplify something of your personal connect to the person the quilt is for. Then some poor shmuk puts the badboy all together. In this case it's me and my quilting buddy, K. She is FABU and made staying up till midnight last Saturday SO worth it.
See? Everyone should get a memory quilt...they are seriously incredible...for me it goes back to the whole idea of each person taking TIME to think of what they'll do, then taking TIME to actually create the square. It truly is a gift of themselves presented to this person :) Bliss.
So my life is pretty much wrapped up in guests lists, menu options, centerpieces, favors...I love it. I'll share more once I can attribute the TIME I should to you wonderful bloggers out there...I hate to just give you scraps. ;)

Another tidbit before I go...Thursday night P and her fiance' invited me and 1 Guy to the 'taste-testing meal' at the country club where they're having the reception...it's a little thank you from the club. I'll let you know if 1 Guy and I chat about anything important. He told me the night of Cinco De Mayo that the woman that he was 'friends with'told me she wanted more and he doesn't. (I had told him WAY earlier that I knew that was her agenda but does he listen? No.) He asked me about my ex and if we're keeping in touch (no, not really) and that was that. Things are ok right now so we'll see how Thursday night goes :) Seeing as this club has 'membership rules' we have to get all guzzied up for it...no jeans! Heeheehee...
take care!

Announcement #2

2005-05-05T14:40:00.000-05:00

Some of you have asked about my dream job and what's up with it. I so wish I could answer you...right now it's all still in limbo due to the fact that the trustee board really has no idea what they want the person in this position to do. This has made it incredibly hard on my friend who would be my wouldbe boss - he has to juggle two jobs. In all this waiting I've been doing, instead of utter frustration, I really believe this is God. I truly think He's allowing this to happen because a better, more 'God choice' is on the horizon. I don't want to settle for just a 'good choice'.
Thanks to all who have been asking, via email, IM, etc...I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate it. :)

Happy Cinco De Mayo to all! It's the 143rd anniversary of the Mexican's freedom from the French! Tonight will be the first time I go and celebrate it! I even have one of my friends (actually 2 Guy) coming to pick me up which means I'll let myself have a drink! Here's to a Cuervo for everyone! Anyone out there NOT like Mexican food? I purposely didn't have lunch today so I'll have an appetite for yummies tonight!

ps - 1 Guy is coming with us tonight...alcohol has gotten me into trouble before, please pray I don't let it interfere tonight! Thanks.

People, I have an announcement to make...

2005-05-05T14:30:00.000-05:00

SAMIRA'S BACK! This wonderful bloggess is responsible for inspiring me to start my own personal blog and after a month's hiatus, SHE'S BACK...I'm so happy. Honestly, she is one of those writer's who is so real, so sincere - at least she definitely comes across that way. So, go give her a 'welcome back' shoutout if you haven't already!

I've been tagged....TWICE!

2005-05-05T10:00:00.000-05:00

Alrighty then...here I go...
I’ve been tagged by Beth & Sque'd, who was tagged by…who knows? I'm supposed to pick 5 of these to finish the sentence, add more ideas if I want to and then tag 3 more people, who do the same thing. Got it? The kicker for me is I got tagged twice so I'm doing the TEN and picking the SIX - prepare yourselves!

If I could be a scientist...
If I could be a farmer...
If I could be a gardener...
If I could be an architect...
If I could be a mother...I would love my children with everything that's in me, even on those 'they just threw up on me, just yelled nasty things at me, came home with piercings' days :)
If I could be a psychologist...
If I could be a hot air balloon owner...would offer guys a free ride if they showed me the ring they were going to use to propose to their girlfriend in my hot air balloon...up, up, and away in my beautiful balloon :)
If I could be an athlete...
If I could be a lawyer...
If I could be a movie star...I'd focus on charity work coming out my wazooli.
If I could be a professor...
If I could be a writer...
If I could be a radio DJ...I'd play the coolest tunes around.
If I could be a bonnie pirate...
If I could be a service member...
If I could be a photographer...I would travel the world taking shots of people in all kinds of outta the way places. I would seriously love this.
If I could be a philanthropist...
If I could be a rap artist...
If I could be a child actor...
If I could be a secret agent...
If I could be a comedian/comedienne...
If I could be a priest...
If I could be a radio announcer...
If I could be a phlebotomist...
If I could be a pet store owner...
If I could be a computer programmer...
If I could be a police officer...
If I could be a politician...
If I could be an underwater basket weaver - I'd teach classes for free then donate the baskets I made to charity!
If I could be a nurse...
If I could be a forensic pathologist...
If I could be a TV show writer...I would write for the show '24'. Just the idea of being around that table of writers creating that show - fabu!
If I could be a dictator of a small country...
If I could be a news reporter...
If I could be a teacher...
If I could be an innkeeper...
If I could be a backup dancer...you wouldn't notice the 'main act' I was backing up.
If I could be a midget stripper...
If I could be a TV-Chat Show host...
If I could be an actor...
If I could be a judge...
If I could be a Jedi...I would use my Jedi mindtricks for good only. And also to corner George Clooney for a weekend - all good, trust me.
If I could be a mob boss...
If I could be a movie reviewer...I would SO be honest about how good/crappy a flick REALLY was.
If I could be a monkeys uncle...
If I could be a computer nerd...
If I could be Willy Wanka...

So here's who I'm ataggin' - Mel, Pink, Amanda, Eddo, Tash, and DD. Anyone else wantin' to be tagged? Let me know - I'll tag away! :)

Last note - who got 'sucked in' and watched the Primetime Live deal last night? I so did and want to hear what peeps think...please comment :) Take care!

Want a laugh?

2005-05-03T09:25:00.000-05:00

Oh please, do yourself a favor and go read this post...
Booty flies!
The post carries its own disclaimer so read that before the rest but I was in tears by the end...I haven't had such a great laugh in a while!
ok...I was tagged so I gotta work on that today! :) Anyone looking to be tagged?

Where to start...

2005-05-02T16:05:00.000-05:00

about my weekend....let's see. Friday night was spent with a girlfriend of mine who is - well, she's just SUCH a terrific person. I helped get her and her hubby of NINE years together back when we were all in college. We just go way back together and I love her to pieces. It's this friend's mom who I wrote about here - Bets. This Mother's Day is going to be a tough one. :(
So, after just venting and sharing and getting it all out there over a yummy dinner and a brief cruise about town, we ended up at a 24 hour Dunkin Donuts (little shout out to the DDs of New England - anyone outside of this area, you don't know what you're missing ;) ) We talked even more and I finally got home around 1:30am.

Did.not.want.to.get.up.on.Saturday. So I lounged around a bit and read more of 'True Believer', the latest Nicholas Sparks book. I will not apologize for loving this man's writing like I do. Love him - I'll have to blog more on the why.
Finally I'm up and out on a rainy crappy day but I'm meeting M2 for, um, more coffee (issues here?) to talk about where we're both at vocationally, spiritually, etc. I think I'm going to put an ad on 'The Knot' website and M2 is gonna help me. Then I go to the salon.
I love my hairdresser. She's so stinkin' real and SOOOO tells me like it is. I know I can ask her something and she'll be flat out honest. The last time we dished it was right before I broke up with the ex. She helped me see the situation for what it was. This time, I was getting some advice on how to wear 'the do' for the 'big day' next month (yikes, the wedding is NEXT month??) and then she worked her magic. I've started parting my hair on the OTHER side and I'm kinda liking it...

Saturday night - off to celebrate M's birthday...fun. We hung out at the local 'Outback' and had a delicious dinner then over to M2's house to hang some more, watch a movie, talk. We more or less just talked. IT just feels like life gets so busy and we don't find the time to just connect and hear how each other is doing...so we did. Around midnight and after watching a couple of skits of Hillary Swank on SNL, my roomie and I headed home.

I didn't feel 'great' on Sunday morning so I actually considered not going to church...unless I have a temperature of 125 and am turning a shade of fuchsia, I go to church. So, I get ready and make it there. Boy, am I glad I did. R (our teaching elder) had a message I needed to hear (we're studing the book of Acts right now) and then one of the young men going on one of our summer missions trips gave a testimony that again, I needed to hear and act on. Sunday afternoon I turned domestic to get ready for M, M2, and P to come on over and put P's wedding invites together! We got it all done in about 2 hours! Enough time to talk SOME more and watch Desperate Housewives...ok,ok,ok - it's not the best show in the world but I honestly want to know the deal with Mary Alice/Angela/friend to those other wacko ladies...

Now my Monday workday is almost over...thank goodness. I'm heading to the gym and I think my roomie and I are squeezing in '24' later! Wooohooo - peace out.

Update #1

2005-05-02T16:02:00.000-05:00

I so appreciate comments from you guys out there. I think most of all because it helps me think through issues from a variety of perspectives and other angles than I necessarily have access to. So thanks. Here's an 'update of sorts' to my last post:

What's going on between me and 1 Guy? First off, 1 Guy is not gay - honestly. I've had big time crushes on some who were on or who moved on over to the other side. Did he blush? Kinda...I mean, whenever I go down that road, it makes him slightly uncomfortable. Robin - oh, please don't think I'm a tease or that I'm purposely leading him on. We've had RDTs before and they really didn't solve anything. I think that's because we've had them when one of us was seeing, dating, or obviously interested in someone else. Timing really is everything, isn't it? So I might take your suggestion sooner than later - to clear the air. :)

Early on I told him I didn't think anything could happen because he reminded me of an ex from quite awhile ago. I've known him for almost ten years - it'll be ten this September. We both joke about how we know each other too well. Could that be or do you think it's just an excuse (either his or mine)?

Which leads me to my next 'how many times have I heard this'question for you fabulous bloggers out there...do you think one man and one woman can be platonic friends? 1 Guy and I are very good friends...we're honest with each other, hold each other accountable, care for each other. I think Eddo asked if I was into him...I know at times I've seriously considered it...when I was VERY serious with my last beau, 1 Guy was pretty bummed that I may be heading to jolly ol' England to be closer to my-now-ex. One of the 'cons' on my pro-con list was that I wouldn't see 1 Guy anymore. :( (OK, getting this lame 'feels like the storyline of the TV show "JAG" although 1 Guy hasn't lost his father during his military service.)

By now, if you've reached this point of this post, let me try to convince you that I'm not loopy. My bottomline gut feeling is that we are two people of opposite gender that have become like brother and sister. I do love 1 Guy dearly but don't think we're marriage material. Neither one of us is wanting a 'make out' friend - wait. 1 Guy might actually want that but I know I don't. I'm looking for something lasting...something God-honoring.

So with that - I leave those two questions for you fabulous bloggers out there - comment, people, comment! :) Thanks.

I've wondered about this before...

2005-04-29T12:45:00.000-05:00

I was over at Dating Dummy's site
and he brought up the question (nutshelling it here) about what do singles think when they see someone they're interested in with someone of the opposite gender? If I'm attracted to a guy and he's with a girl - do I approach, do I assume he's taken and therefore off the market?
Do go and read the comments there - very interesting dialogue going on...
Which leads me to my post today...I'm in a 'group' of friends that's usually about 4 women, 1 Guy (give or take the # of both genders) and I love to watch how people perceive what's going on with us. Is the '1 Guy' gay or are the 4 women desperate for this 1 guy? People SO don't realize how much nonverbal communication goes on...
When it's just me and the 1 Guy, people ALWAYS think we're together. Because I am a great female wingman (tooting of person horn here), I don't want to hinder his possibilities so I always give the 'oh, no, we're not...' explanation. The only kicker to the situation is that 1 Guy feels that I respond in such a way that he sometimes is offended. 'Why do you say we're not together like us being together is almost a bad thing?' It has often left me wondering why this freaks him out so.
I think there are two ways you could go with this. First, he wishes we were together and hearing me flat out saying we're not, hurts his feeling. I so don't think this is the reason.
The second & more believable route is that he thinks I'm saying 'We're not together' like, 'HEEEELLL NO I'm not with him and sister, you wouldn't want to be either.' I HONESTLY don't say it like that at all - really, I don't. So to stroke his ego, I've played the part a little - like when we're in a restaurant and waitperson asks if my boyfriend liked the dessert and I say, 'Oh yes, especially when I fed it to him'...I only do this when I know the waitperson is someone 1 Guy wouldn't be attracted to ;)
So, this is my thought-provoking question of the day...which route do you think it is?
ps - Eddo, 1 Guy is who I saw Hitch with - we howled at it!

Blog Patrol, will you ever forgive me..

2005-04-27T15:22:00.000-05:00

My goodness, it's already Wednesday and I haven't posted since Sunday...where have the last three days gone?
I've been trying to get some stuff done at the humble abode...oh, to dust and vacuum? To clear out my winter clothes and bring out all kinds of fun, springy items??? Last night a chunk of the evening was spent three-way calling the other bridemaids and filling 'em in on the shower event coming up in less than four weeks - YIKES!
So, it's hump day and now I have to head out and get all psyched up for a PC party that I'm having tomorrow night...if you checked out GFF site today - I just haven't been in the blogging mood lately either so I apologize...I'll aim for something a tad more hip & happening tomorrow....or Friday....;) Peace.
oh, yeah - go give HUGS galore to Sque Pleasegonow. Thanks.

I think I feel...

2005-04-24T17:30:00.000-05:00

violated! Yes, I think I've received a number of 'spam comments' - yikes! What is a girl to do? Any advice?
I also feel very very very sad that it's almost Monday all over again...I had such a great weekend...I so wish I could host a party all the time - if it were possible, I would! I've become one of those scary 'Pampered Chef' consultants in my lifelong search of constant 'partydom'.
No, I really just signed up for my consultantship because my roomie and I share quite a bit of PC 'property'(ok, I have to 'sell' for a second here - it's great stuff, really. If you ever get the opportunity - their stoneware line is fantastic!) So, with roomie moving out in TWO MONTHS FROM TOMORROW (slight freak out typing that) to divy the loot up, I joined up so I get loads free and we can each have one of what we got - got it?
(Crazy post, crazy post, crazy post.......)
Back to my weekend - my roomie's brother came down for the weekend - oh so fun. Tears to my eyes fun. A bunch of us went out to dinner Friday night then we went to see 'The Interpreter' with Sean and Nicole. Won't say much cuz many may not have seen it yet. Yes, I typed 'yet' because you really should see it - I really liked it. Suspense, kept you guessing, liked it, liked it a lot! And BTW - Sean's getting ollllllder...as much as I like Robin Wright Penn, I'll always remember his babyface married to Madonna...nutty.
Saturday we worked out, went to lunch (yummy Mexican that my roomie's fiance paid for, no less!) then went to the tux store for fittings. Hilfrigginlarious. My roomie's brother was a riot...pretended to be a runway model the whole time and being the lanky TALL boy he is, his pants and shirt were initially WAYYYYY too short so it made it all the more funny. Again, tears to my eyes funny.
Then we had a surprise birthday party to go to for a friend of mine who I can't imagine life without. She's a mentor, a role model, a sounding board, a friend who hears me whenever I need it most. Knowing all that, I try to be careful cuz her time is precious as she's married, with three great kids who I love dearly. Her hubby is marrying my roomie and her fiance and it will be an amazing ceremony for so many reasons (blog on that later)...anyway...the party was so fun. Saw some peeps I hadn't for awhile...from my old church. Ouch...it was ok but boy, I was reminded of how very content I am at my new church. :)
Then today at my new church, we had a potluck after service...just fun ALL THE WAY AROUND...I've mailed out the invites to my roomie's SURPRISE bridal shower and now I'm off to do laundry (which I like to do -scary, I know) SO...have a great night, everyone...and try to really enjoy tomorrow as I will. I promise :) Take care...

Another shoutout to blogdom...

2005-04-21T09:35:00.000-05:00

Can I just say how amazing you guys are....I could list you all but hopefully you know...over the last couple days I've been so blessed by some 'virtual friends' with their openness, encouragement, faithfulness, oh, I could on. And those of you that answered my 'close to God' post - how great. Just wanted to love on you all a little...I'll try to visit your blogs and thank you individually :)

So I got the pseudo final word on my 'dream job'. I say pseudo because they are hiring me but we don't know exactly for what or for how long. Can I just say - welcome to my crazy world. I'm supposed to meet with my buddy (my wouldbeboss) soon and I'm basically asking for SOMETHING to be carved in stone. I'm not used to this ... for most of my 'career' I've been in fulltime ministry with the emphasis on serving...not really looking out for me - God's got my back so I don't need to worry, right? Well, I think God's allowed me some time to process (hence waiting for almost two months to hear about the school's decision to hire me!) and He's helped me realize that there is truly 'more to this life' (a little SCC reference here) than 'slaving away' at my place of employment. I'm getting the vibe that they (the place that's 'hiring' me) are expecting me to do the job of 4-5 people...I've been there, certainly done it. Don't know if I want to go back.

Please pray for a godly, timely decision on my part...I trust God's going to 'show me the way' to go but I'm sure you know what I mean when you feel those doubts creep in and the path is obscured with shadows and obstacles we put there ourselves.

Thanks guys...you're fabulous! Have a super Thursday!

A New Pope Elected!

2005-04-19T11:33:00.000-05:00

The white smoke was up and the bells were ringing about fifteen minutes ago! Now we're waiting to hear who it is!

Now here's your question...

2005-04-19T11:29:00.000-05:00

From my last post....A professor in a class I took in seminary once asked, "What is something you do that while you're doing it, makes you feel close to God?"
I'd love to hear your answers....let me know :)

Come on...it's not Tuesday already, is it?

2005-04-19T10:59:00.000-05:00

Crazy how fast time is aflyin'...finally purchase the good ol' bridesmaid dress this weekend AND finalized plans for the infamous bridal shower on May 21st - the theme you ask? (I know you're dying for this...) "East Marries West" - my Vermonter roomie is gettin' hitched to my buddy from Sri Lanka. (In case you wondered - his family back home is fine. Their home was flooded from the tsunami but thankfully no one they knew had died or suffered terribly. Thank God.)
So...knowing that not too many of my roomie's family and even some friends that'll be there, really don't know a lot about the great country of Sri Lanka...the theme is to help lay out some info on B's homeland. I'm all about the games (aim to not make them cheesey but help pass the time) - one will focus on trivia about Sri Lanka and Vermont (from sheets that will be at the tables as guests arrive and eat). Another game is 'Couples Trivia' and then I have a 'table team' game where the peeps try and figure out a "Wedding Words Scramble"...
The other bridesmaids (all out of state and seeing as I'm MOH anyway, this puppy is my responsibility for the most part) have literally wigged on me saying that I should drop all other possible vocations and go directly into event planning. I think this particular wedding at this particular point in my life and really pushed that point to the forefront of my thinking...
As much as I thought the job at my alma mater was my 'dream job' - I don't want to fundraise. Eek. I was to plan - I was born to plan events - seriously. A professor in a class I took in seminary once asked, "What is something you do that while you're doing it, makes you feel close to God?" The prof said obvious answers like prayer and singing worship songs are ok but really think about your talents, the blessings God's given you, etc.....for me - it's event planning. The whole concept of pulling together details so that a group of people can celebrate and truly enjoy a milestone moment - I tell ya - it soooo jazzes me.
OK OK OK time is still flying and I need to get back to the task at hand....printing out the cute poem I wrote to put on the favors - little spice jars (didn't most spices come from Southeast Asia???). In fact, did you know that cinnamon was originally found in Sri Lanka?
There's your trivia tidbit for the day! Take care!

What a game...

2005-04-15T09:57:00.000-05:00

Seriously. Last night's Red Sox game was terrific for a zillion reasons. Not only did we win (!!!) but the entire atmosphere where we were sitting was incredible...we were right behind third plate (could practically reach out and touch ARod-not that I'd want to! AND during the almostbrawl with the fan and Sheffield, Jason Varitek was on third waiting patiently - LOVE him!) and everyone around us was just having such a good time. Laughing, some were drinking but not too much, and just, well, enjoying two great teams play their hearts out.
At one point everyone was a little fearful Terry Francona was going to have a heartattack over the lame umpire's calls but things worked out ok...and Fenway - don't even get me started! Seeing the World Championship banner hanging proudly AND to see Doug Flutie pull up to Fenway and get out to say hi to some fans...fabulous. (He caught a foul ball last night, too!) Just a great night all around :) GO RED SOX!!
I came up with a TV/radio show concept, too...I think I may even pursue how to get the idea out there! I'll let you know how that goes.
Happy Friday everyone!

Hi there....haven't seen you in awhile!

2005-04-14T14:27:00.000-05:00

So sorry it's taken me so long to get on back here! It's just been quite a week...right now I'm slightly miffed that my boss didn't go with two particular perspective tenants...I just had that feeling that they'd make great tenants but for a whole list of reasons (all because of the current tenant - it has NOTHING to do with this cute couple I like) it didn't work out. So in my slightly passive/agressive way, I returned their deposit with a letter that read how sorry I was that it ended up this way. :( Oh well...I hope they find an even nicer place with a lower rent!
On to better news...my gf M called me Tuesday night to let me know we're going to the RED SOX game tonight!! Oh, I seriously can't wait...I used to live 5 minutes away from Notre Dame in IN and as much as that place certainly has it's own mystique to it - Fenway Park is in a league of it's own (pun intended). I watched most of last night's game :( , part of Monday's :) and tonight I'll be behind third base....maybe I'll catch a pop fly ball....woooohooo!
To continue my RS rampage....anyone see Fever Pitch? For those of you outside the greater Boston area, I'm not surprised but in the off chance you did...I loved it. It's hysterical and the scary part is - I KNOW PEOPLE LIKE JIMMY FALLON'S CHARACTER....it's almost as though they can commit to the Red Sox but nothing else. I told you - scary.
Anyone want to debrief Fever Pitch - let me know :) and did you know that in the original movie Colin Firth (SERIOUSLY LOVE HIM, married though he is) played the British bloke who had a certain fondness for English football (our soccer). Need to rent that bad boy....
Gotta scoot out to get to Fenway - oh it's sunny out, not toooo warm but I can deal. More tomorrow...take care!

TADA! My 100 things list...

2005-04-08T17:10:00.000-05:00

Here it is - 100 about me.
1) Love the number 23
2) Have a need to nickname and or abbreviate most everyone/thing
3) The eighth child in my fam - only one brother in the brood
4) 92% of the time I love being the baby
5) 8% of the time it REALLY ROTS
6) See how good I am at math? Honestly love it.
7) Taught English, History, and Bible to middle school students - love those subjects, too.
8) LOVED school. Every aspect of it - loved it.
9) Won 'Most School Spirit' in Jr & Sr High
10) Won MSS in Jr High because on 'School Colors Day' (it was blue & gold) I wore over 200 items with those colors in them, an item could be anything wearable - hat, jewelry, shirts, skirts.
11) I was just a TAD unstable in Jr. High
12) I won 'Most Friendly' in high school, too.
13) I'm an extrovert.
14) I like times when I'm introverted, too.
15) Love meeting people.
16) Love hearing people's stories.
17) Like waiting for a train to take me somewhere.
18) Don't like waiting on hold on the phone. Someone talk to me!!
19) Love planning events.
20) Especially weddings.
21) Have a wonderful group of friends from various points in my life.
22) I've had three serious relationships - all practically altarbound but didn't quite get there. Thank God. ;)
23) I like the number 88 too.
24) Have started running at the gym and am really coming to like it.
25) I'm on hold right now.
26) Grew up in the wonderful state Maine.
27) Moved to Massachusetts (good state but not as GREAT as Maine)
28) My roomie for the last nine.five years is getting married in June. God help me.
29) By help I mean, this girl can't plan an event to save her life. God help me cuz I do.
30) I've been in thirteen weddings. All a blast!
31) I taught in the traditional classroom for four years.
32) I was a children's ministry director for six years - some of my best & worst memories are during that time period.
33) You gotta love the Celtics.
34) In fact, all Boston sports teams rock.
35) My age this July...woohoo!
36) I've met Johnny Damon, Tim Wakefield, Keith Foulke and Mike Timlin of the Boston Red Sox.
37) I've also met Tom Brady of the NE Patriots. He's even better looking in person.
38) I've won a trip for four to Florida - my three closest college buds and I went the year we all turned 30. It was such an incredible time.
39) The year each of my sibligs turn '40' we have a big ol' party for the person. Love on 'em, embarrass 'em, etc.
40) By the time I turn '40', my siblings will probably have forgotten ;)
41) The age my mom was when she birthed me.
42) I was my mom's ONLY C-section (out of seven, one was a set of twins).
43) They lost my heartbeat as I was trying to come out naturally.
44) My mom found out she was pregnant with me while on a cruise with my dad.
45) So I tell people I've been on three cruises. One while I was a senior in high school, one a couple of years ago, and the 'original one'. :)
46) I've lived in four different states at some point - ME, MA, NH, IN.
47) My most embarrassing moment occurred when I was the 'torchbearer' for our National Honor Society induction ceremony in high school. Ask me about it later...
48) I'm a Jill of All Trades, Missus of None. :)
49) Am I done yet? I'd like to think I'm a patient person but this list could be proving me wrong.
50) We're half way there...thanks for reading. I like to nuture a 'garden of gratitude' in my life.
51) The reason I think this is taking me a short lifetime to accomplish is because I'm putting too much info in just one item. Figures.
52) I'm much better at answering questions about me than offering these little tidbits.
53) I'm a TOTAL list maker.
54) I just emailed my roomie and her fiance' 'the ultimate wedding to do list' that I came up with for them.
55) I love checking the things OFF the list that I've accomplished.
56) The age of my eldest sibling this year.
57) How many years my parents have been married. :)
58) I love my folks...they are the cutest little shruggie couple you'd ever want to meet - with slight New England accents. OOOOO, I love 'em.
59) Love to quilt although I haven't done a ton of it.
60) Scrapbooking is SUCH a fun thing for me to do - again, want to. No, NEED to do more of it...I have photos coming out of places I know not of.
61) Would seriously love to meet some blogger friends. Seriously.
62) Met a guy online and we dated longdistantly for two years.
63) He is an aerospace engineer - brainac.
64) He's from England and on one trip to see him over my birthday, he brought me to Rome as my present.
65) That trip rocked. Although seeing so much of St. Peter's over this last week has made my heart hurt for more than just the passing of the Pope. :(
66) My life is a true testimony of God's faithfulness in even the smallest of things.
Thank God.
67) I honestly have no idea where I'd be today with my personal relationship with Christ.
68) I've known Him since I was six.
69) Reading posts about how God has worked in someone's life or made Himself real to the person makes me cry - good tears, though.
70) Oh yeah, I'm a weeper - and a very scary looking one at that. Red eyes, runny nose...ek.
71) I'm a woman of extremes...I've been told that I've been located due to my contagious laugh..hee hee hee.
'72) The year my eldest sib & sister was married - her wedding is my first memory.
73) One of my most difficult memories was when my brother and my SIL had to decide whether or not to take my nephew off life support on my birthday. My nephew Matthew was seven days old at the time. They eventually did and he went to be with Jesus shortly after. I turned ten that year.
74) The year I became an aunt.
75) I have fourteen nieces and nephews, one grandnephew, and two grandnieces.
77) Holidays and celebrations are a BIG deal in my family - purely due to the number involved!
78) I loved Barbies, stuffed animals, and Star Wars stuff when I was a kid.
79) Star Wars was the first movie I ever saw - my sister R brought me.
80) I've only had two crushes in my life. One in high school and one in college.
81) Because of my height (ONLY 5'11") people used to think I was a good 4-5 years older than I was.
82) Love eighties music.
83) Got an 80's trivia game for Christmas. A hoot.
84) The year I won that scarybutt award for having so many dang blue and gold items on my bod.
85) Trees have always been a theme in my life...the big ol' oak outside my old home....the trees on the campus where I went to school, the visions people had of me comparing me to the oak that is mentioned in the Psalms 1:3...'And (s)he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his(her) fruit in his(her) season; his(her) leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever (s)he doeth shall prosper.'
86) I've been a member of three churches over my lifetime.
87) I love the church I attend now - it's nondenominational. Funny - being raised baptist and having attended an A/G church for the last ten years...to end up at a non-denom makes me chuckle.
88) The year I graduated high school - the school where our 'mascot' was a trojan. Yes, made rivalry games a great place to find a condom. Fabulous.
89) All my sibs graduated from there except the eldest. When my guidance counselor met me he asked me if I was the last of the bunch. When I told him as far as I knew I was, he said he wished there were more. (Sweet man.)
90) I was in the top ten of my highschool - yippee!
91) I got my BS degree in college. BS can stand for a lot of things I always told my mother.
'92) Year I graduated college - broke up with the guy I thought I'd marry and met the 2nd one I thought I was gonna get hitched to.
'93) Moved to Indiana and was a nanny for an absolutely wonderful family. I am blessed to have been a part of their lives.
'94) Began teaching.
'95) Found out about my BIL's brain tumor and came back to New England.
96) As much as I thought I loved high school, I loved college even more. My relationship with Christ truly became my own and I wasn't riding on my parents' coattails anymore.
'97) Fell in love with the guy from college all over again.
'98) Broke his heart and told him we couldn't get married. We were on very different pages spiritually and neither one of us could settle.
99) As much as I think my heart is broken beyond repair, God is always there to carry it, hold it, and ultimately heal it like no one else can.
100) WOW - there it is. My last one...I hope this list brought a smile to your face as I believe that's one of the reasons God made me...I like to be a joydeliverer! :)

Again, thanks for reading...it took me LONG enough to get this badboy done, can't imagine the time it took for you to read it! There really is something to this 100 list that is like a rite of passage in blogdom. I'll hold my head up a little higher now that I've done mine!
If I'm not a regular commenter on your site, please put your 100 list link in my comments. I would seriously LOVE to read it!
Have a great weekend everyone....

Rough day or what?

2005-04-06T15:29:00.000-05:00

If you're reading my site today and saying, 'Ah she DID NOT have these posts yesterday!' that's cuz I didn't. I thought I had posted with I had 'saved as draft'. Opps. It's been a week.
At least we're on hump day & I LOVE Thursdays. Peaceout.

What a day...

2005-04-06T15:00:00.000-05:00

I got the call. My buddy at the school where I interviewed for a job (dream job, seriously wanted it) called and he gave me the 411 on it. I'm still the #1 applicant but the 'higher ups' have decided to retool the position. Oh please. All I'm asking is for the simple, 'yes it's yours' or 'no it's not'. Instead I have to consider a six month contract where both parties are feel to see how things go. If in that time I decide nay, nay then I'm done in six months. If they find someone better suited for the position while I'm there, again, I'm done.

If in six months, it's bliss for both, then I'm in like flynn. What to do? Part of me wants to say, no. I won't use vulgarities...my mom's voice is ringing in my ears...a part of me wants to say, thanks but no thanks (know I'm thinking something much worse.) Then another part of me says, what the heck? Why not? I really don't have much to lose. The job I have now is not the one I want to 'hold on to' forever. If it works at the school - yippee. If not, I'd have to find one in six months. Yikes.

Any thoughts? Feel free to comment, in fact, please do.
To top it off, the blogmeister you got me going in this realm posted today that she's going to decide by May 1st if she's still in this mad world with us. I certainly hope Samira hangs on - even if for the monthly update! Anywho...I must wrap up, leave work and go to the gym. THAT will make me feel better...I certainly hope it does.

I honestly think extreme emotions are better to feel than that middle BLAH place that I'm in right now. Look at me - who am I to complain! No, really, I know I need to vent and get it out there but I really have nothing to whine about...thanks for reading and leave me your advice or thoughts :) Take care out there...

"All Things New" yet we still age...

2005-04-05T16:00:00.000-05:00

Some have requested a 'review' of sorts of the Steven Curtis Chapman concert...in a word - fabulous. I seriously adore the man. He's so focused and fun, and his music!Oh, are there really words for it?

To begin with, the traffic leaving the Boston area was horrific! We completely missed Casting Crowns (I was seriously bummed about that - if you don't have their CD - go now and get it!) but when we walked in Steven was up on stage doing a little acoustic with his bandmates...seeing as he has SO many hits, he can't do 'em ALL during his set so he did a couple songs with CC then some on his own. Then he introduced Chris Tomlin and we had an amazing time of worship - Chris's music is terrific. I hadn't realized all he's written...

Right before the intermission they focus on where God has brought Steven and his wife MaryBeth. They have had their lives turned upside down these last 3-4 years as they have adopted 3 ADORABLE girls from China (three separate adoptions and the girls are something like 5,3,almost 2 now). They have one ministry for helping people adopt kids and another organization that helps families on the financial side of it. It's just great. (FYI - he and his wife have three biological kids too...in fact, it was his eldest, Emily, who encouraged them to consider adoption - it's AN INCREDIBLE story of how they listened to their child and believed God was using her to clue them into something so lifechanging...just beautiful)

Steven comes out after intermission to the title track of the CD, the tour's name - "ALL THINGS NEW". In a spiritual sense, that's exactly what happens when we come to know Christ in a personal relationship. I guess what struck me partway thru the concert was the fact that we are aging. Physically, I don't see much on me getting 'newer'! I mean, my posse and I have been to SCC's concerts for well over ten years now. Steven, as good as he looks, is getting older too. It's just crazy. Honestly, where does time go? I have very specific memories that coincide with some of Steven's songs...it's just that list of memories is getting longer and longer - it just blows me away...time seriously waits for no man or woman.

In light of this...I need to get off my duff and DO SOMETHING. The last couple weeks I have felt like I've just been waiting for something to happen. Well, fagetabowit...tonight I'm making some headway in some major planning I need to do for the next couple months - bridal shower, wedding stuff for my roomie, plans to head home some weekend soon, etc etc etc...life's just gonna pass me by IF I LET IT. Well, I'm not :)

All that & I need to squeeze in 'Alias'~woohoo!!!
(to finish the 'review' - am I tangentqueen or what? - Steven does a great job blending in the NEW fab songs with some of the major hits he didn't do during the acoustic set. Chris Tomlin does a duet with him on 'Speechless' - Steven sings some of the tunes from the 'love CD' he did for his wife - 'All About Love'. He even covered the Proclaimers hit he does on the CD '500 miles'. Just wonderful. Sitting in the 10th row (ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC SEATS) it felt like we were all just sitting around jamming together. Seeing as I know all the words and sang right along with the hundreds of other fans - hence the 'jam session'. Just a great night...the friends I was with - just more super memories with them as well!)

Bridal Show #2

2005-04-04T16:55:00.000-05:00

Sunday, April 3rd, 2005. Somehow I won another set of tickets for another bridal show this spring. This one had free chowder, cake, wine. Fabu. The only downside to the event was that my roomie and I didn't win anything in the raffle at the end.:(

This bridal show took place at a diamond store, too, so that was a little different. We looked at rings (yeah, my roomie STILL doesn't have an engagement ring yet - I REALLY can't go there) & wedding bands. She's really grooving on a Scott Key ring (GREAT ring designer, in case you haven't heard of him) and we got into this terrific talk with his representative. Yes, it even lead to a discussion of his love of the Boston and how he and Scott argue over the best baseball team - he for the RED SOX and Scott for the Yankees. Oh please, like there needs to be an agrument!

The fashion show was hysterical...my roomie and I had our own personal commentary the entire time. Some of the most beautiful & ugliest dresses I've ever seen were on that badboy runway! And the woman MCing - she could be the stand-in voice for the Wicked Witch of the West in 'The Wizard of Oz' ~ seriously!

All in all, it was ok...the OTHER show we went to back in January was a blast - it was HUGE and at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston. There was a little of everything there - vendors for almost anything you could imagine! I was slightly bummed due to the fact that there were no chocolate fountains!

Gotta run - I'm trying to pucnh out my '100 list'!

Pretty please.

2005-04-01T17:15:00.000-05:00

Fight Cancer. Please go here now.
I have so much to blog but out of honoring Cheryl and her family, all I can post today is a request for you to go to that site and post a comment. Please. And tell them Cookie sent you.
(The concert was incredible. Have a great weekend while we get SOAKED out in here in Boston!)

Speaking of heels...

2005-03-31T13:04:00.000-05:00

From one of the MANY posts from yesterday I mentioned my LOVE of heels. Well, I went out shopping for some summery shoes Tuesday night and found this FUN pair of black heely sandals that cross over the casual/slightly dressy line. LOVED THEM - bought them. The weather is again GORGEOUS out here in MA so I put them on this AM thinking how fun to wear these on March 31!! (btw - shoutout time to my buddy:Happy Birthday, Dave!!)
I put on this GREAT pair of sandals and found that one side of one of the sandals (for lack of a better phrase) TOTALLY RUBS ME THE WRONG WAY! It sticks out funny and I know would reallllly hurt after standing for tonight's concert (not to rub anything in - less than six hours from now!!)
So I must return them...I very anal about shoes fitting 'somewhat' decently. Cliff believed the secret to life was comfy shoes - I think there's an ounce of truth to that. Just an ounce. This just means I get to look for MORE shoes...fun!
PSD - It was Samira's post about the bridal show she went to that motivated me to start this badboy. Funny, huh? I'll SOOOO post about it ~ if my roomie and I are still speaking by then. Wow - wedding stress rots. Completely. Good thing I love her. ;)
I'm outtie - till tomorrow!
ps - I honesty did try those sandals on in the store - I think I was so anamored with how much I liked them, I didn't realize they fit funny. Scary, huh? Nothing like realizing the truth by the light of day!

I've never blogged so much at once in my life.

2005-03-30T15:57:00.000-05:00

Last blog for today - I promise.
I just had to let you know... I won more tickets to another FABU bridal show for me and my BF!!! It's a diamond place and among the fashion show, incredible door prizes, chowder & cake tasting - THERE'S EVEN A WINE TASTING. How can you even stand it! If I believed in the whole 'luck' thing - I'd tell you you could touch me and see if my luck would rub off! It's this Sunday so I'll tell you about it Monday - unless I'm still tasting the wine then!
ps - that wasn't a typo. Welcome to New England where having a 'chowder tasting' is acceptable. Hilarious. (Beth, I wanna know what bridesmaid dresses you liked from last Saturday???)

answers for OD :)

2005-03-30T15:55:00.000-05:00

How do I LOVE it when peeps leave me questions in the comment realm? Seriously, I appreciate knowing that when I'm answering someone's questions, at least someone is somehow appreciating my blog :)even if it's just to satisfy a curiosity. My responses will be in the parenthesis...
Here we go:
Yes, I am 5'11". So OD asks, What's your preference on heels? (I honestly love them.) Has the height ever been a problem with slightly shorter or more insecure guys? (yes and no - for most of the relationships, I've probably been the insecure one. In one relationship where we were 'both so sure' we were marriage bound, I realized after we had broken up that I had spent over a year and half standing in a literal kind of slouch as to make it look like P was taller than me. HOW LAME was that? It was after that breakup that I FULLY embraced the beauty of heels. Even if they do mess up our hip alignment and put too much pressure on our toesies...) Or do you only date taller men? (Actually most of my boyfriends have been shorter for the mere reason that my mother only wanted me to date, and eventually marry, and man that's like 6'8"! Not that she 'cursed me' with that desire of hers cuz I don't believe in that but whenever I bring home a shorterthanme guy, I look at my mom and say, 'See what you've done?')

BIL. What happened? Have you written about this before? (Seeing as I don't remember time before having my brother-in-law D in my life, I tend to drop the 'in-law' part when I talk about him. I don't think I've blogged here about him - I've commented about D on Samira's site - which is how PSD & I met btw - gosh, I could gush on this for awhile so I'll nutshell it here:

D was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in Feb. '95. On March 25, 2004, D went to be with Jesus, finally cancerfree. Those nine + years were an intense ride. God taught all of us quite a bit about Who He is and what exactly we're supposed to be doing down here...again, blogmaterial for another time. My sister and nephew are doing as well as can be expected. C -my sis - is an amazing woman. I truly admire her in so many ways and am so thankful that I've had her in my life to be such a godly example. My nephew, N, is the one I referred to as the next Bill Gates. He's 23 and is wonderful...simply wonderful.)

Parents in their late 70s and you are the youngest. How many sibs do you have and what's the age range (feel free not to answer that if I'm gettin too personal)? Are you all east coasters? (Let's see - There are seven girls and one boy. My brother is fifth in line so he was 'surrounded' growing up. Don't feel bad for him. He got the room by himself & all kinds of other stuff. ;) The eldest will be 56 in September and I'll be the ripe old age of 35 in July. #7 was seven when I came along so I was quite literally 'the surprise baby.' Yeah, such the surprise that when my mom was told by a cruise ship doctor that the 'rabbit died', she cried. I don't blame her - she was 40 at the time she found out. Back in 1970 and after having had SEVEN kiddos, I would have cried too. Funny how things work out - if I'm pregnant at 40 I'll be crying tears of thankfulness. Lastly, the location stats are like this: five sibs in Maine, I'm in MA, my bro's in CT, and one sister snuck out and is in FL. So, yes, we are all eastcoasters just ALL THE WAY DOWN THE COAST.:) )

Also curious how you know psd. (Did you catch that answer above?)

And about boring us...try. :) (HEY - WAKE UP! YOU'RE SNORING & THE BLOG IS OVER!)
Leave me a question - I dare you!

Talking through windows...

2005-03-30T14:50:00.000-05:00

It finally happened. You know all those times you're driving along in your car (this wouldn't apply to motorcycles, OD - at least I don't think so) and something happens that causes you to say something outloud about it. I try to avoid the expletives (with everything within me I try!) but I'll be known to say, "OK LADY WITH THE DEATH WISH!" or something like "BOOB WITH THE CELL PHONE!"

Anywho - today I'm leaving the parking lot of the plaza that has the closest post office near my office. I'm waiting third in line at the red light to exit. Now a little background - this is the WEIRDEST parking lot - it's a 'one way' lot. You enter, turn right and go around in a circle until you hit the exit (where you came in). Leave it to some New Englander that thought that genius traffic pattern up.

ANYWAY - remember, I'm waiting at the red light behind two other cars when a car enters AND TURNS LEFT! As she (sadly my female blog friends, it was she - giving women like us a bad name.) was approaching my vehicle (and by approaching I mean 2.5 centimeters away from me!) I flat out say, "You're going the wrong way. You're supposed to turn right." Now, if anyone read my comment on OD's site, today is ABSOLUTELY gorgeous in Boston so OF COURSE ALL OUR CAR WINDOWS ARE DOWN, seeing as it feels like the longest winter since 19whatever. Even though my music was ablarin' (so groovin' to the song 'Collide' by a guy from MAINE - woohoo!) the female driving freak HEARD ME!

I was mortified but not as mortified as she was. She looked at me so apologetically and so I, now aware that my words met her ears, say, "Yeah, you're supposed to go the other way or it's going to be a little tight." (said as nicely as possible.) Well the light goes green (thank God for little miracles) and I bolted. I checked in the rearview and she just stayed put until we all cleared out of her way - poor thing.

So there. It finally happened to me. I said something THINKING I was in my protective bubble when alas, my bubble was burst. Thank goodness there wasn't a road rage episode! :)

Pleasant Wednesday wishes....one more wakeup before SCC bliss. And btw - I won a concert prize pack from the radio station sponsoring the tour up in Portland - SWEET!
Anyone need a SCC CD? I'm thinking I'll have extras! Let me know!

Short & sweet...

2005-03-29T09:15:00.000-05:00

My Easter weekend was short & sweet (and not JUST because of the Easter candy!)...I haven't had that nice a weekend at home in quite awhile. Either I was struggling with my own personal crap or still wrestling with sadness over my brother-in-law's passing - it's just been strange.
But not this past weekend - it was the old comfortable, oh I'm at home and so happy visit...even though Friday was my ex's birthday as well as the one year anniversary of my BIL's death - the whole weekend was marked with very fun and memorable moments.
I'm sure at some point I'll bore you with the details but one specific highlight for me was Saturday morning. My folks take care of setting up the flowers at our church so they were off pretty early doing that....meanwhile I'm waking up with my cup o'joe and my aunt calls. This is the aunt I'm named for - my middle name. I'm my parent's youngest and this aunt is my mom's youngest sister - cute, huh? Actually, I think we're a lot alike. Yikes.
Auntie calls and we're on the phone forever...good thing is, I really enjoy her storytelling and her sense of humor...once we're done chatting, mom & dad get home and I go the beach for my first outdoor run. I've been running on a treadmill for the last couple months at the gym and found that I really love it! Due to a couple injuries while I was growing up, I wasn't the athletic type in hs although I wanted to be - at 5'11", I LOVED playing basketball. Anywho - I've now got this running bug and on the beach Saturday - I was jonesing.
I ran barefoot (stupid possibly but I can't do beaches with any kind of shoe apparel on)and although the ocean was EXTREMELY cold (yes, numbness set in for a bit) and my bra wasn't quite doing it's job as well as I'd hoped...I ran across the beach twice. (May sound impressive but you don't know the length of the beach! I'll keep actual distance to myself ;) ) It was great...I was really able to clear my head and let some things that had been bogging me down lately go. What a great way for me to 'kick off' springtime.
After a rousing Longaberger party with my mom and sisters (oh so another blog topic) that night my nephew came home to hang out with his WAY COOL aunt :) and we went 'up town' (yes, where my folks are in Maine now - it's a 20 minute drive to the nearest 'city') to get something to eat and find a flick to watch. (FYI - my nephew may very well be the next Bill Gates - he finishes school this summer - watch out BG!) We brought home 'Cellular' - not too bad a flick, so glad we rented it and didn't fork out major $ to see it ;) Overall, a great day.
Easter Sunday was memorable too...my sister and I cried some during the sermon - sometimes you just miss the person so much, even after a year it feels like yesterday and I know I can't begin to imagine what she's going through - we had a big ol' Sunday lunch together (only about 1/3 of the fam got together - about 15 of us-it was still fab) and just enjoyed each other's company.
I headed home Sunday evening and had to stop by a friend's house to drop off a recommendation letter for her daughter (love writing those, to 'brag on' a young person who deserves whatever it is I'm recommending them for) and my friend and I ended up talking for over three hours...it was just wonderful. I was tres tired yesterday (hence no blogging) but it was all worth it.
I've still got some doodoo to figure out but after this past weekend, I've been reminded yet again of Who is ultimately in control and in Whom my trust lies. I have so much to be grateful for...ok, anyone got any crackers for my cheese?
Have a super week...
ps - only two more wake-ups till SCC!!! :)

Wow - it's Friday already?

2005-03-25T15:17:00.000-05:00

Where did this week go? Gotta keep this short - heading to ME in an hour for my Easter weekend at home with the fam. Really looking forward to it - haven't been home since my breakup and my folks always say they need their 'baby fix'. God bless 'em - into their late 70's and still needing their baby!

Got back from Texas *safely* and boy, what a weekend - that deserves about ten blogs. PSD - the trip was a kind of 'last blast' for myself, my roomie, and our two best buds from college before my roomie gets hitched in June. It was fun, hard, uplifting, depressing, riproaring time - all at once! Again, it's blog worthy when I have more time!

OK - sorry about being the tangent queen that I am - all you who are changing blog sites - you know who you are....OD - love yours! The themes are a scream! And IslandGirl - how fun is your xanga site! I'm slightly envious....I think I need some SERIOUS help with mine...PSD got me started but boy, I've got a long way to go!
OK - I've got to scoot....maybe I'll even try to blog from Maine this weekend! Who knows? Have a blessed Easter, everyone! Take care...

ps - I'll respond about my 'blog personality' later - I was thinking the SAME thing the other day PSD!

What are blogger friends for?

2005-03-16T11:00:00.000-05:00

Thanks pinksundrops!! Here's my first attempt at posting a link!
I think this musician is the most amazingly gifted artist in the music realm. I love him as much as a single woman can ethically love a married man.
SCC
Love him, just love him! A bunch of us are going to his latest concert on the 31st - CAN'T WAIT.
OK - there, try that!
Heading to Texas tomorrow...have a great weekend, folks!

Help...and more help.

2005-03-15T18:38:00.000-05:00

I'm so blogworld dumb. How do you put links in your posts?
I've been checking out some peeps blogs and have been THOROUGHLY impressed... and not to mention the people out there not liking blogger right now (not surprised). People are so stinkin' creative; it's so fun to read & check up on this 'virtual family'.....
I just read a blog about the whole question about whether or not you tell your friends about your blog. Honestly, I'm the type of person who could never write something down and not be able to share with everyone - even my mom! So I guess that isn't the issue for me - 'OH, I wrote something horrid about so and so so HE CAN'T read my blog...' Nope, that's not me. (probably because my incredibly wise mother taught me to never put something in print that I wouldn't want 'getting out'!) It's more like I feel like this blog is my 'private space'...I'm a pretty open person so if I'm feeling something or going through something, I share it. I think where I'm going with this is, this virtual realm is for me to go a little deeper and not have my literal world here know about it....make sense?
Why do you blog?

Mondays....

2005-03-14T12:26:00.000-05:00

Yes, it's Monday BUT it's Monday of the week that I'm going to Texas! Thursday my two best buds are heading south to visit my third best bud in Granbury! Yippeeeeee!
I can't wait to leave all this behind and just enjoy my time with friends...it'll be hilarious and I'm sure I'll have something to blog about when I get back.
Anyone know anything about the Yellow Rose's General Granbury? I guess Saturday is a big ol' celebration of this guy and I'd love to hear from peeps about him if you know anything about him!
Lastly - I'm so bummed about the whole comment issue with Blogger but thanks to those who emailed your comments...you guys are just all so sweet! Have a great MONDAY!

My PSD Interview!!

2005-03-11T11:04:00.000-05:00

Yes, here they are...the answers you've all been waiting for :) Boy, PSD - these were great ??? and the best part in answering them were the many smiles that came to my face as I reflected over them...wooohooo! OK - here we go!
Questions for Adrianne:

1. What was your favorite wedding that you were in, and why?

Goodness, gracious this is tough. I honestly have loved every wedding I’ve been blessed to be a part of – all 13! My roomie’s will be 14 in June so that one could overtake the top spot but for now… It would have to be my girlfriend, Jennie’s wedding. This one was second in my literal year of ‘Four Weddings and A Funeral’ (Yes, I was in four weddings in one year and my great aunt died at 107 years of age. 1996 was a doozy of a year.) If you’ve read my blog about Ellen and Bets – Bets is Jennie’s mom and we just had such an incredible time not only kickin’ up our heels at the reception – but the whole process of preparing for the day was just fab. Jennie, her hubby, and I were all great friends in college and the entire day was a wonderful picture of those we love coming together to celebrate this terrific couple we want to support and encourage for the rest of our lives.
During the reception friends from college were meeting friends of Jennie’s childhood and the kicker was there were all these private jokes that has spread over both groups…the hilarity was when different peeps from both groups realized they were all laughing at the same thing…pantwettingly funny.
It breaks my heart when I hear of people who loose touch with those they had in their wedding parties…I’m in touch with most of those I’ve stood up with and I think that’s so important. I was there to witness something so meaningful – I want them to know I take that responsibility seriously J
(I could create a whole separate blog universe on my opinions/emotions/random thoughts on weddings – could you tell?)

2. What is your favorite memory from college?

For the love of all things good & righteous…the kicker to this question is that my memory from college (yes, still exists!) is such a combination of the time period, the people, and the places…to pick just one out wouldn’t be fair to you, the reader! I was very fortunate to have had an absolute fabulous experience in college…my friends render me speechless they are so well, GREAT!
Here’s a quickie: By junior year my friend, D and I had not only firmly established our friendship but also the fact that the back row in our education classes were ‘ours’. When our junior year began we basically sucked P into this row cuz we thought P was the bees’ knees…so one day during an especially boring lecture I kept poking Matt, the guy in front of me with my pen. He was one of the few, the proud, the brave male ed. majors in our class. He was also hysterical and P had a bit of a crush on him. I was just buggin’ him cuz I was bored…so what does he do? After the 1,000th poke from me (and he knew it was from me) he makes this grand gesture of turning around, semi-standing, and says, ‘P! WILL YOU STOP POKING ME!’ just as a total joke. I almost fall out of my seat, as does D BUT…P is MORTIFIED…we know this because the girl can not handle any kind of attention (especially THAT kind) without turning the BRIGHTEST shade of red you have ever seen…I think she stayed that red for most of the day after that. Oddly enough, the professor never said anything nor did really, any of our classmates…it was like the four of us had this burst of laughter and redness and that was it.
(After rereading this, if I were you, I’d be thinking…wow – this is ALL you can remember? I’ll just have to blog about some other wonderful memories…J )

3. What kind of things does your 'dream job' involve, and, are you doing that?

I was going to wait to purge all about this dream job I’ve been hinting at but, what the hay – might as well spill….this college that my posse and I met at and loved so much…they’re searching for a new Director of Alumni & Parent Relations. Hello me. I would love to go back and give back to this college. I had many a life-changing experience there and to know I could contribute to that environment for future grads to have a similar experience AND to help alums recognize the place that helped them ‘get their start’ – oh, I could gush for awhile on this. Instead I’ll just say it would combine event planning (LOVE THIS) with a team of people I respect and treasure. Hopefully I’ll know the outcome of this by midApril.

4. Where would your 'dream house' be and what would it look like?

Maine is my homestate so I would love to go back someday to a house on the coast…but here’s a little insight into me that honestly, I’ve only figured out in the last year or two (during my last relationship). It is hard for me to decide something like what this question is asking solely on my own. Why you ask? It’s not that I’m indecisive – actually, not at all. It’s more that I have always believed that my future dream home will be occupied by more than just me and if that’s the case, my ‘dream home’ will only be dreamy if it’s based on the collective dreams of all the peeps living there….ie – my future hubby and me. Seeing as he’s not in my ‘viewfinder’ at the present moment the one thing I KNOW I would like to have is the whole wrap around porch… a veranda is a musthave.
(please note the quick jump over psychoanalyzing my latest insight into self – I so need to wait on that one.)

5. All your blogger friends are in town, you've got bundles of money, it's a night out on the town, where do you go and what do you do?

Could this be a self-serving question, PSD? Hee hee hee…
Alright, we’d start with a yummy meal at “The Top Of The Hub” which is located on the top of the Prudential Center in Boston. FAB views of our fair city, Boston, as well as some of Cambridge…the food is delish, too. I’d love to hit a ‘Boston Broadway’ show…just saw ‘The Lion King’ last month – it was terrific! Maybe Phantom would still be here, or The Blue Man group? Then we could head over to Charlestown near where Old Ironsides is to hit ‘Olives’ – an amazing Todd English restaurant that was actually visited by the winning women’s team on ‘The Apprentice’ last season. There are some clubs to visit too but I’m pretty much out of that realm, being the oldie goldie I am now J
If peeps were still here the next day, we’d HAVE to take a Duck Tour around the city, too! The Ducks go from land travel, right into the Charles River and back out again…gotta love those amphibious vehicles!
Hope y'all enjoy the reading! Have a great day!

Should I?

2005-03-09T18:49:00.000-05:00

OK...do you ever apologize for writing what you think is the longest, jumping all over the place, no one really understands blog? :)

It's not Thursday?

2005-03-09T18:02:00.000-05:00

Woke up this morning so thinking it was tomorrow...a private little yipee to myself - tomorrow's Friday! Then I realized it was only Wednesday...and remembered my mom always saying how my grandmother would say over & over - 'Stop wishing your life away!' Sorry grandma...;)
This past weekend a close friend of my parents passed away. She had suffered from Alzheimer’s for over 10 years now and her husband (in his mid 90's God bless him...) would visit her every day to make sure she had at least one decent meal. They had such a beautiful marriage. And I think of my parents - wow. This April will be their 57th anniversary and talk about a picture of commitment, trust, and love...I well up just thinking about it. As the youngest of the eight children they raised, I have been so very blessed to watch them live out that love.
Over these last few weeks of making sure people knew about the demise of my most recent relationship, encouraging them with the heartfelt 'really, I'm ok, it's a good thing' line, helping with the impending wedding of my best friend, hearing stories of married friends and the 'fun' they have in their marriages (and really - reading some of YOUR blogs out there - I love how honest you guys are when you talk about your spouse!) I stopped to think about the work and dedication it truly takes to make a marriage work. For my parents' friends - I'm sure when Mr. T married Mrs. T over 60 years ago, he wasn't thinking about the possibility of the role he took on these last 12-14 years. For my parents, did they ever imagine their life together when they hit their mid 70's? I guess I'm floundering in the realm of what 'love' is really all about...it's about the joys and 'fun' and trials at times but for me, I'm realizing more and more - it's about the long haul...through the mediocre times, through the 'you're really pissing me off times', through the 'you have no idea who I am anymore' times....
I'm not questioning if it's worth it - from all I've observed, I know it is. I just really wonder if it's out there for me...a good friend of mine said to me the other night that she really doubts my soulmate is out there because I'm such an amazing person. (REALLY not tooting my horn here - she just sees me as this independent, 'with it', all put together and still crazily fun person - don't you wanna get to know me?? ;) ) And I thought, gee, what if he's not? I know I'm not fooling any of you, yes, I've thought that before but I guess in the context of where my brain has been these last few weeks...what if I don't find that person who will wipe drool from my mouth if I'm diagnosed with ALS? What if I forget everyone and everything from my life, will I have that spouse who still visits me every day without fail? What if I never have sex? (so another blog)
I know there are others who don't marry....it's not like it's a plague or anything. But to try and think about life without that person who will (like in "Shall We Dance?" Susan Sarandon's character says) 'witnesses my life' as we experience it together...gee...I just have never really given any deep thought to that distinct possibility.
So it's not Thursday (yet) and I haven't found my soulmate (yet). I promise not to wish my life away and I also promise I won't toss out any lifelong dreams...I've seen too much and been looking forward to 'em for too long...I just let myself think outside those dreams every once in awhile...here's to Thursday!

Sunday nights...

2005-03-06T19:36:00.000-05:00

Goodness, it's been awhile since I was here! Sorry for taking so long...life has been the usual crazy time it tends to be. Wedding plans for my roomie are in high gear...as with most weddings the crud that goes on could be it's OWN blog so I'll keep that part brief: I love to plan weddings. Love to with all my heart. My dilemma is if someone realllllly doesn't enjoy planning it, let someone who does work it! I don't mean make all the decisions but I could be doing a heck of a lot more than I am so that frustrates me for my roomie...I think she feels like she needs to take it all on and well, I wish she wouldn't. Don't get me wrong - I've offered and she's taken me up on some things (ie - the last two Saturdays I've been exhausted from all the running around we've been doing) but hey, June will come and her day will be fabulous so I'll just keep focusing on that:)
Plans to hit Texas again are finalized. On what would have been my 'anniversary' with my ex (oh, how CHEESEY that sounds) my two best buds & I are flying down to the ol' Yellow Rose to see my third best bud. All college roomies getting together before my roomie's wedding...two are married with kids (all absolutely adorable, almost impossible to stand!) and then there's my roomie who is headed toward matrimonial bliss in a little over three months - and then there's me. Another relationship that just 'didn't work out'....not that I secretly longed for it to...when we ended it, boy, were we ever on the same page and both in agreement. It's just that I remember back to when we were finishing college and everyone thought that I would SO be the first down that blissful aisle...HA! My life has looked more like I'm running to avoid it! (ok, no psychotherapy here, I'm not trying to avoid it, really.) We just never know what our lives are going to end up looking like....for me, where I am now, was never in the initial set of cards I thought had been handed to me. But that's ok...meaning, I'm ok.
I was having an absolutely wonderful convo with a girlfriend of mine about how thankful I am for the super husbands my married girlfriends have. Honestly, I'm thrilled for them...I think because each man is so 'perfectly' suited for the woman he is married to...my friend (let's name her Kate) said how one of her married friends sometimes says (when she's ticked at her hubby) how Kate can have him. Kate replies, ah, no...I'd kill him. And it struck such a cord for us! That's it! When it's 'the one' for us, we may want to 'give him away for awhile' but we couldn't imagine life without him...when it's not right, murderous thoughts creep in...hee hee hee.
So it's Sunday night and this is what I tend to end up doing...letting my thoughts take me places that I don't always get to Monday - Friday...hope you have a blessed week and btw, I've opened up my comments to receive non-bloggers, so please, comment away! :) Take care!

You know, this blogging is fabulous...

2005-02-25T09:44:00.000-05:00

Hi all,
I got the sweetest email from another blogger...he just emailed me and asked where I was seeing as I hadn't blogged since Vday. I was really touched. Thanks for thinking of me!
Things out here in Boston are ok...my 'final' interview is set for next Wednesday and I'm pretty jazzed about it. My time here at the job I currently have is coming to a close and fast. I'm trying to maintain a good attitude but it's hard - it's hard when you know that something else is out there (here's that word again) 'waiting' for you.
I've also been up to my eyeballs preparing for my best friend's wedding. It'll be the 14th wedding I've been in over the course of my long 34 years of life...but my first as MOH!!! I honestly can't wait...I love this friend as though she was closer than a sister. I could not imagine these last nine years without her. Yes, this friend and I have been roomies for the last NINE years - if her wedding had been in September, we would have made a full 10. Anywho, I've got a zillion things cooking on that stove. Projects here, appointments there, a shower to put together!!! Thankfully my other absolute love is event planning - and weddings top that list of events! (More on how I'm dealing with my roomie getting married and leaving me high & dry later...hee, hee, hee.)
Back to my subject line...seriously...I hadn't blogged in years when I came across this blog by a person who was about to leave her home in Canada to start med school in Grenada. It was fabulous - people who commented on her blog were so supportive and the actual blog that Samira writes is just so real. I feel like I'm practically 'friends' with this person knowing full well, we may never meet. Then, after getting back into the blog realm...I realize that there WAS a blog I was a part of with some great friends of mine I met while in college. I've reconnected to that blog and it's just great - almost feels like the 'old times'. And this all leads me to what inspired me to write this blog...'ordinary dad', thanks for emailing me to check up on me. To think there's this 'vitual family', if you will, that's out there looking out for each other - it's just a beautiful thing. Hope all my 'brothers & sisters' have a wonderful weekend and, in case you wondering, I'm doing just fine....xoxox

Watch out for Cupid!

2005-02-14T10:00:00.000-05:00

Hey y'all....Happy Valentine's Day. Seeing as about a month ago, I ended a two-year relationship, I have mixed emotions today. Part of me feels like this day should be 'celebrated' and I should just keep it together, smile when people wish me Happy Valentine's Day and so on...then I think, do I just be honest with myself and with others and treat today like any other day? It's not that I'm a 'wallower' in self-pity - I'm not 'in love' right now so no one else should be happy - no, that's not me at all. It's just when I begin to think of past Valentine Days with my ex....well, I miss him.

It was one of those situations where we were great friends, had a good start to our relationship (a REALLY great start) then when it was time to decide if this was 'for the rest of our lives' - we realized it wasn't. And honestly, we were both 100% ok with that. We loved each other but not enough to make the 'final' deal go through. Wow, it continues to amaze me at just HOW OK I am with that...but, I still miss him.

Looking back, I can 'see' now how it would have been TRULY difficult if we had gotten married...you know, we'd invested a little over two years to this relationship, we knew each other pretty well and to bottomline it - we're both at an age where it's just 'TIME' to settle down. Oh, I type that and a little part of me WIGS out...if it's not right, no clock, no calendar, no nothing is going to make it right. There are just too many folks who 'fall into that line of thinking' and that freaks me out. It's not that I have these standards that are completely too high for any guy to meet or that I'm a commit-o-phobe.....but I do want to wait for my soulmate. There, I typed it. My ex wasn't the SM I've been holding out for...but, I still miss him.

OK, enough of my story spilling out all over...I'm sure there's more to process and go through on this one but not today. Today I'll be smiling when I see happy couples holding hands, older couples smooching, little ones eagerly handing out their Valentines to classmates. Love is such a blessing in the many forms it comes in. I am blessed and I still miss him.

Much love to you all....

First interview is over...

2005-02-09T10:14:00.000-05:00

So, I had my first interview this morning for my 'dream job'. The person I interviewed with is the person who's role I'd be stepping into - he's moving to another realm at the college. (The great thing is that I'd still be working with him, he's a good friend!) It looks positive right now that I may very well 'get the job' but I still have to get through the next interview which is in about two weeks...yikes.
This is the interview with all the higher-ups where I truly have to 'pitch myself'...oh boy. Any suggestions beyond 'be yourself'? Should I have notes? I'm being somewhat 'secretive' about the job in case some of you in blogworld know the school where I applied. As soon as I know about the decision, I'll spill it all.
I ask about notes because I know the 'higher-ups' want to know I've got a game plan as to where I want to take this role - the goals, the 'greater purpose in it all' - should I have something in front of me that I refer to? Just wondering what you think....
OK...gotta go, hope to hear from you all soon....

Waiting...

2005-02-07T17:16:00.000-05:00

Oh to wait...for anything, for anyone. To maintain balance in the waiting. To seek out opportunities while I wait....then the questions it brings up. Do I? Should I? To not focus too much on what I'm waiting for!
It truly is an amazing experience when I think about what I learn while I wait. I hope I learn patience. Trust. Oh, for my faith to grow.
For now, that's what I'm doing...waiting. Not just 'twiddling my thumbs' waiting but soul-searching, thought-provoking, inner-core waiting. It's a good thing.
What are you waiting for?

One trying week...

2005-01-30T16:18:00.000-05:00

The month of January 2005 is not one I'll forget soon. Not only did I end a relationship with a guy (let's name him Jason) I'd been dating for two years but I've had two funerals to attend in the last two days. I highly suggest never to do that.
It's not that I 'mind' funerals or have a fear of death or anything but I'm the type of person that can hit the 'nostalgia button' in a heartbeat and empathy is not a difficult realm for me to get lost in...one woman was in her mid-fifties and was an incredible example of loyality, dedication, and care for her family, church, and community. It was a horrid car accident that ended her life. My heart is torn apart for her husband and two sons. We were told this morning at church that she has been the Athletic Sports Booster Club chairperson for quite awhile. When the local high school's wrestling team was told about her death, not only were all the guys shocked - each member came to the service on Friday. Our church was packed out - Ellen would have been blown away by the attendance and the testamonies in her honor.
The second funeral was for the mother of one of my best friends' from college. Bets had been suffering from ALS for the last four years. Since December 2001, she was hospital bound. As dreadful as that sounds, you would never have known that by visiting with her. There was a light and vitality to her that no disease could touch. Knowing she is in such a much greater place right now gives us an enormous sense of peace. I hope someday to possess a tenth of the joy, hope, and love that Bets was known for...she was a magnificent woman. I loved Bets from the moment we met and my love for her will continue in my relationships with her eldest daughter and her family. My sadness lies in the fact that more people did not get the amazing opportunity to meet her and experience life with Bets.
Sorry for what seems like a 'downer' entry but it's times like these that make up the fabric of our lives' tapestries...each thread is woven in for a very specific reason. Each thread beautifies and strengthens and helps us get to the next part in it's fulfillment. The threads of Ellen and Bets both have made my tapestry much bolder, more breath-taking, more complete.

My, how time flies...

2005-01-26T11:11:00.000-05:00

You may have heard how this past weekend the Northeast was hit with quite the snowstorm! Well, it's snowing YET AGAIN! They're saying it's going to be another 6-10 inches on top of what we already have. Incredible. I won't complain even though it took me over 2 hours to get to work today - compared to a 'normal' 25 minute commute. Ugh.
Honestly, I really can't complain. I'm safe, warm, fed....and I applied to what I think could be my 'dream job.' Next week is my preliminary interview so I'll let you know how that goes.
My entries make me look like all I think about is work - oh, so not true! This June I'm going to be the MOH in my best friend's wedding. We've been roomies for the last 9.5 years. To top it off, I just ended a two-year relationship with a guy who, at one point, I thought was 'the one'. He wasn't.
So, I've got quite a few things going in my life besides work - but who doesn't! Feel free to comment...I'd love to hear from you!

Employment vs. Vocation

2005-01-20T16:45:00.000-05:00

Alrighty then - here's the deal. I'm in a job right now that is so just a job to me. This has never been the case before. In anything else I've ever done, there has always been this 'greater purpose' to it...now I am an office manager for a real estate management company. To say that I am in-between jobs is so cliche but that's how I feel right now. Any thoughts on this? I am in the process of applying for what would be a dream job of mine so keep me in your thoughts and prayers - thanks!

This is my first...

2005-01-19T16:24:00.000-05:00

I guess we all have to start somewhere and here's my start. I think this whole world of blogging is just amazing...I've only read a dozen or so of different blogs and I'm hooked so here I am kickin' off mine. More later....